bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Exploiting Structured Human Interactions to Enhance Sensing Accuracy in Cyber-physical Systems
Authors: Wang Hongwei , Gao Yunlong , Hu Shaohan , Wang Shiguang , Mancuso Renato , Kim Minje , Wu Poliang , Su Lu , Sha Lui , Abdelzaher Tarek
Published: July 2017

In this article, we describe a general methodology for enhancing sensing accuracy in cyber-physical systems that involve structured human interactions in noisy physical environment. We define structured human interactions as domain-specific workflow. A novel
workflow-aware sensing model
is proposed to jointly correct unreliable sensor data and keep track of states in a workflow. We also propose a new inference algorithm to handle cases with partially known states and objects as supervision. Our model is evaluated with extensive simulations. As a concrete application, we develop a novel log service called
Emergency Transcriber
, which can automatically document operational procedures followed by teams of first responders in emergency response scenarios. Evaluation shows that our system has significant improvement over commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) sensors and keeps track of workflow states with high accuracy in noisy physical environment.
Multi-Hypergraph Consistent Sparse Coding
Authors: Feng Xiaodong , Wu Sen , Zhou Wenjun
Published: July 2017

Sparse representation has been a powerful technique for modeling high-dimensional data. As an unsupervised technique to extract sparse representations, sparse coding encodes the original data into a new sparse code space and simultaneously learns a dictionary representing high-level semantics. Existing methods have considered local manifold within high-dimensional data using graph/hypergraph Laplacian regularization, and more from the manifold could be utilized to improve the performance. In this article, we propose to further regulate the sparse coding so that the learned sparse codes can well reconstruct the hypergraph structure. In particular, we add a novel hypergraph consistency regularization term (HC) by minimizing the reconstruction error of the hypergraph incidence or weight matrix. Moreover, we extend the HC term to multi-hypergraph consistent sparse coding (MultiCSC) and automatically select the optimal manifold structure under the multi-hypergraph learning framework. We show that the optimization of MultiCSC can be solved efficiently, and that several existing sparse coding methods can fit into the general framework of MultiCSC as special cases. As a case study, hypergraph incidence consistent sparse coding is applied to perform semi-auto image tagging, demonstrating the effectiveness of hypergraph consistency regulation. We perform further experiments using MultiCSC for image clustering, which outperforms a number of baselines.
P2P Lending Survey
Authors: Zhao Hongke , Ge Yong , Liu Qi , Wang Guifeng , Chen Enhong , Zhang Hefu
Published: July 2017

P2P lending is an emerging Internet-based application where individuals can directly borrow money from each other. The past decade has witnessed the rapid development and prevalence of online P2P lending platforms, examples of which include Prosper, LendingClub, and Kiva. Meanwhile, extensive research has been done that mainly focuses on the studies of platform mechanisms and transaction data. In this article, we provide a comprehensive survey on the research about P2P lending, which, to the best of our knowledge, is the first focused effort in this field. Specifically, we first provide a systematic taxonomy for P2P lending by summarizing different types of mainstream platforms and comparing their working mechanisms in detail. Then, we review and organize the recent advances on P2P lending from various perspectives (e.g., economics and sociology perspective, and data-driven perspective). Finally, we propose our opinions on the prospects of P2P lending and suggest some future research directions in this field. Meanwhile, throughout this paper, some analysis on real-world data collected from Prosper and Kiva are also conducted.
A Traffic Flow Approach to Early Detection of Gathering Events
Authors: Khezerlou Amin Vahedian , Zhou Xun , Li Lufan , Shafiq Zubair , Liu Alex X. , Zhang Fan
Published: July 2017

Given a spatial field and the traffic flow between neighboring locations, the early detection of gathering events (
edge
) problem aims to discover and localize a set of most likely gathering events. It is important for city planners to identify emerging gathering events that might cause public safety or sustainability concerns. However, it is challenging to solve the
edge
problem due to numerous candidate gathering footprints in a spatial field and the nontrivial task of balancing pattern quality and computational efficiency. Prior solutions to model the
edge
problem lack the ability to describe the dynamic flow of traffic and the potential gathering destinations because they rely on static or undirected footprints. In our recent work, we modeled the footprint of a gathering event as a Gathering Graph (G-Graph), where the root of the directed acyclic G-Graph is the potential destination and the directed edges represent the most likely paths traffic takes to move toward the destination. We also proposed an efficient algorithm called SmartEdge to discover the most likely nonoverlapping G-Graphs in the given spatial field. However, it is challenging to perform a systematic performance study of the proposed algorithm, due to unavailability of the ground truth of gathering events. In this article, we introduce an event simulation mechanism, which makes it possible to conduct a comprehensive performance study of the SmartEdge algorithm. We measure the quality of the detected patterns, in a systematic way, in terms of timeliness and location accuracy. The results show that, on average, the SmartEdge algorithm is able to detect patterns within a grid cell away (less than 500 meters) of the simulated events and detect patterns of the simulated events as early as 10 minutes prior to the first arrival to the gathering event.
Implementing High-performance Complex Matrix Multiplication via the 3m and 4m Methods
Authors: Van Zee Field G. , Smith Tyler M.
Published: July 2017

In this article, we explore the implementation of complex matrix multiplication. We begin by briefly identifying various challenges associated with the conventional approach, which calls for a carefully written kernel that implements complex arithmetic at the lowest possible level (i.e., assembly language). We then set out to develop a method of complex matrix multiplication that avoids the need for complex kernels altogether. This constraint promotes code reuse and portability within libraries such as Basic Linear Algebra Subprograms and BLAS-Like Library Instantiation Software (BLIS) and allows kernel developers to focus their efforts on fewer and simpler kernels. We develop two alternative approaches—one based on the 3
m
method and one that reflects the classic 4
m
formulation—each with multiple variants, all of which rely only on real matrix multiplication kernels. We discuss the performance characteristics of these “induced” methods and observe that the assembly-level method actually resides along the 4
m
spectrum of algorithmic variants. Implementations are developed within the BLIS framework, and testing on modern hardware confirms that while the less numerically stable 3
m
method yields the fastest runtimes, the more stable (and thus widely applicable) 4
m
method’s performance is somewhat limited due to implementation challenges that appear inherent in nature.
Turing's pre-war analog computers
Authors: Corry Leo
Published: July 2017

Turing's machines of 1936 were a purely mathematical notion, not an exploration of possible blueprints for physical calculators.
How adults ages 60+ are learning to code
Authors: Guo Philip
Published: July 2017

The
Communications
Web site, http://cacm.acm.org, features more than a dozen bloggers in the BLOG@CACM community. In each issue of
Communications
, we'll publish selected posts or excerpts.

twitter

Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/blogCACM

http://cacm.acm.org/blogs/blog-cacm

Philip Guo discusses his project studying older adults that have chosen to learn computer programming.
Hacker-proof coding
Authors: Shein Esther
Published: July 2017

Software verification helps find the faults, preventing hacks.
AI in contact centers
Authors: Kirkpatrick Keith
Published: July 2017

Artificial intelligence technologies are being deployed to improve the customer service experience.
Why virtual reality will transform a workplace near you
Authors: Kugler Logan
Published: July 2017

A clutch of companies are changing how work gets done---by using virtual reality and augmented reality technologies.
Turing's taxi
Authors: Clegg Brian
Published: July 2017

From the intersection of computational science and technological speculation, with boundaries limited only by our ability to imagine what could be.

Ride with an autonomous AI cab driver that might actually know too much about where it's going...
Prophets, seers, and pioneers
Authors: Anderson David P.
Published: July 2017

Reflections on historical prognostications for the future.
S-Shaped Connected Component for Nonlinear Fourth-Order Problem of Elastic Beam Equation
Authors: Wang Jinxiang , Ma Ruyun , Wen Jin
Published: July 2017

We investigate the existence of S-shaped connected component in the set of positive solutions of the fourth-order boundary value problem: u′′′′x=λhxfux, x∈(0,1),u(0)=u(1)=u′′0=u′′1=0, where λ>0 is a parameter, h∈C[0,1], and f∈C[0,∞) with f0≔lims→0⁡(f(s)/s)=∞. We develop a bifurcation approach to deal with this extreme situation by constructing a sequence of functions f[n] satisfying f[n]→f and (f[n])0→∞. By studying the auxiliary problems, we get a sequence of unbounded connected components C[n], and, then, we find an unbounded connected component C in the set of positive solutions of the fourth-order boundary value problem which satisfies 0,0∈C⊂lim⁡sup⁡C[n] and is S-shaped.
The Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasound in Assessment of Myometrial Invasion in Endometrial Cancer: Subjective Assessment versus Objective Techniques
Authors: Frühauf Filip , Zikan Michal , Semeradova Ivana , Dundr Pavel , Nemejcova Kristyna , Dusek Ladislav , Cibula David , Fischerova Daniela
Published: July 2017

The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of subjective ultrasound evaluation of myometrial invasion of endometrial cancer and to compare its accuracy to objective methods. All consecutive patients with histologically proven endometrial cancer, who underwent ultrasound evaluation followed by surgical staging between January 2009 and December 2011, were prospectively enrolled. Myometrial invasion was evaluated by subjective assessment using ultrasound (<50% or ≥50%) and calculated as deepest invasion/normal myometrium ratio (Gordon’s ratio) and as tumor/uterine anteroposterior diameter ratio (Karlsson’s ratio). Histological assessment from hysterectomy was considered the gold standard. Altogether 210 patients were prospectively included. Subjective assessment and two objective ratios were found to be statistically significant predictors of the myometrial invasion (AUC = 0.65, p value < 0.001). Subjective assessment was confirmed as the most reliable method to assess myometrial invasion (79.3% sensitivity, 73.2% specificity, and 75.7% overall accuracy). Deepest invasion/normal myometrium (Gordon’s) ratio (cut-off 0.5) reached 69.6% sensitivity, 65.9% specificity, and 67.3% overall accuracy. Tumor/uterine anteroposterior diameter (Karlsson’s) ratio with the same cut-off reached 56.3% sensitivity, 76.4% specificity, and 68.1% overall accuracy. The subjective ultrasound evaluation of myometrial invasion performed better than objective methods in nearly all measures but showed statistically significantly better outcomes only in case of sensitivity.
Experimental Results of Novel DoA Estimation Algorithms for Compact Reconfigurable Antennas
Authors: Paaso Henna , Hakkarainen Aki , Gulati Nikhil , Patron Damiano , Dandekar Kapil R. , Valkama Mikko , Mämmelä Aarne
Published: July 2017

Reconfigurable antenna systems have gained much attention for potential use in the next generation wireless systems. However, conventional direction-of-arrival (DoA) estimation algorithms for antenna arrays cannot be used directly in reconfigurable antennas due to different design of the antennas. In this paper, we present an adjacent pattern power ratio (APPR) algorithm for two-port composite right/left-handed (CRLH) reconfigurable leaky-wave antennas (LWAs). Additionally, we compare the performances of the APPR algorithm and LWA-based MUSIC algorithms. We study how the computational complexity and the performance of the algorithms depend on number of selected radiation patterns. In addition, we evaluate the performance of the APPR and MUSIC algorithms with numerical simulations as well as with real world indoor measurements having both line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight components. Our performance evaluations show that the DoA estimates are in a considerably good agreement with the real DoAs, especially with the APPR algorithm. In summary, the APPR and MUSIC algorithms for DoA estimation along with the planar and compact LWA layout can be a valuable solution to enhance the performance of the wireless communication in the next generation systems.
Evaluating the Dynamic Elastic Modulus of Concrete Using Shear-Wave Velocity Measurements
Authors: Lee Byung Jae , Kee Seong-Hoon , Oh Taekeun , Kim Yun-Yong
Published: July 2017

The objectives of this study are to investigate the relationship between static and dynamic elastic moduli determined using shear-wave velocity measurements and to demonstrate the practical potential of the shear-wave velocity method for in situ dynamic modulus evaluation. Three hundred 150 by 300 mm concrete cylinders were prepared from three different mixtures with target compressive strengths of 30, 35, and 40 MPa. Static and dynamic tests were performed at 4, 7, 14, and 28 days to evaluate the compressive strength and the static and dynamic moduli of the cylinders. The results obtained from the shear-wave velocity measurements were compared with dynamic moduli obtained from standard test methods (P-wave velocity measurements according to ASTM C597/C597M-16 and fundamental longitudinal and transverse resonance tests according to ASTM C215-14). The shear-wave velocity measured from cylinders showed excellent repeatability with a coefficient of variation (COV) less than 1%, which is as good as that of the standard test methods. The relationship between the dynamic elastic modulus based on shear-wave velocity and the chord elastic modulus according to ASTM C469/C469M was established. Furthermore, the best-fit line for the shear-wave velocity was also demonstrated to be effective for estimating compressive strength using an empirical relationship between compressive strength and static elastic modulus.
Oil Characterization and Lipids Class Composition of Pomegranate Seeds
Authors: Amri Zahra , Lazreg-Aref Houda , Mekni Manel , El-Gharbi Sinda , Dabbaghi Olfa , Mechri Beligh , Hammami Mohamed
Published: July 2017

This study aims to investigate the physicochemical characteristics, phenolics content, and oil composition of pomegranate oil seeds (PSO). Quality indices, pigments, phenolics content, and antioxidant activity were determined. PSO was fractioned into polar lipids: glycolipids (GL) and phospholipids (PL). Sterols profile and fatty acids composition of total lipids (TL), GL, and PL were determined by GC/FID. The free acidity, the peroxide value, and the specific extinction coefficients were, respectively, 1.69%, 3.42 in milliequivalents of active oxygen per kilogram of oil, 4.15, and 3.95. PSO is rich in phenols (93.42 mg/Kg) but poor in pigments. The sterols markers were β-sitosterol (77.94%), Δ5-avenasterol (7.45%), and campesterol (6.35%). Oil content was 12.2%, wherein 23.9% were GL and 24.35% were PL. TL were rich in unsaturated fatty acids (63.17%), while saturated fatty acids were more present in PL and GL (71.97% and 66.29%, resp.). Conjugated fatty acids were about 13.30%, 2.03%, and 4.91%, respectively, in TL, PL, and GL. The cis/trans ratio of TL, PL, and GL was, respectively, 49.82%, 42.91%, and 27.39%. Monounsaturated fatty acids were more bound in PL, whereas polyunsaturated fatty acids were more bound in GL. PSO is a good source of essential fatty acids, phenolics compounds, phytosterols, and lipid-soluble fractions.
Spectrophotometric Methods for Simultaneous Determination of Oxytetracycline HCl and Flunixin Meglumine in Their Veterinary Pharmaceutical Formulation
Authors: Merey Hanan A. , Abd-Elmonem Mahmmoud S. , Nazlawy Hagar N. , Zaazaa Hala E.
Published: July 2017

Four precise, accurate, selective, and sensitive UV-spectrophotometric methods were developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of a binary mixture of Oxytetracycline HCl (OXY) and Flunixin Meglumine (FLU). The first method, dual wavelength (DW), depends on measuring the difference in absorbance (ΔA 273.4–327 nm) for the determination of OXY where FLU is zero while FLU is determined at ΔA 251.7–275.7 nm. The second method, first-derivative spectrophotometric method (1D), depends on measuring the peak amplitude of the first derivative selectively at 377 and 266.7 nm for the determination of OXY and FLU, respectively. The third method, ratio difference method, depends on the difference in amplitudes of the ratio spectra at ΔP 286.5–324.8 nm and ΔP 249.6–286.3 nm for the determination of OXY and FLU, respectively. The fourth method, first derivative of ratio spectra method (1DD), depends on measuring the amplitude peak to peak of the first derivative of ratio spectra at 296.7 to 369 nm and 259.1 to 304.7 nm for the determination of OXY and FLU, respectively. Different factors affecting the applied spectrophotometric methods were studied. The proposed methods were validated according to ICH guidelines. Satisfactory results were obtained for determination of both drugs in laboratory prepared mixture and pharmaceutical dosage form. The developed methods are compared favourably with the official ones.
Estimation of Corrosion-Free Life for Concrete Containing Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag under a Chloride-Bearing Environment
Authors: Hong Sung In , Ann Ki Yong
Published: July 2017

The rate of chloride transport by diffusion in concrete containing ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) was mathematically estimated to predict the corrosion-free service life of concrete structures exposed to seawater environment. As a factor to corrosiveness of steel embedment, replacement ratio of GGBS was selected, accounting for 25 and 50% to total binder. As a result, it was found that an increase in the GGBS content resulted in an increase in the chloride binding capacity, which would give rise to a lower chloride diffusion rate, thereby reducing the risk of chloride-induced corrosion. When it comes to the sensitivity of parameters to service life, the effective diffusivity showed a marginal influence on serviceability, irrespective of GGBS contents while surface chloride content and critical threshold concentration revealed more crucial factors to long term chloride diffusion. As the GGBS replacement increased, the variation in service life has become less influential with changing parameters. Substantially, GGBS concrete at high replacement ratio enhanced the service life due to a combination of dense pore structure and enhanced chloride binding capacity.
Safety of Human Papillomavirus 9-Valent Vaccine: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials
Authors: Costa Ana Paula Ferreira , Cobucci Ricardo Ney Oliveira , da Silva Janine Medeiros , da Costa Lima Paulo Henrique , Giraldo Paulo César , Gonçalves Ana Katherine
Published: July 2017

Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) has been progressively implemented in most developed countries for approximately 10 years. In order to increase the protection of the vaccines, a 9-valent vaccine (HPV9) was developed, which provides protection against nine types of the virus. Studies evaluating its safety are rare. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis of three clinical trials assessing adverse effects on women randomly vaccinated with HPV9 or tetravalent vaccine (HPV4), with the objective of analyzing whether the HPV9 is as safe as HPV4. An electronic data search was performed through the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and SciELO databases. The studies selected 27,465 women who received one of the two vaccines. Pain (OR 1.72; 95% CI 1.62–1.82) and erythema (OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.21–1.36) occurred significantly more in the HPV9 group. However, there was no significant difference between the groups for the following adverse effects: headache (OR 1.07; 95% CI 0.99–1.15), dizziness (OR 1.09; 95% CI 0.93–1.27), and fatigue (OR 1.09; 95% CI 0.91–1.30), and the occurrence of serious events related to vaccination was similarly rare among those vaccinated. Therefore, our findings demonstrate that HPV9 in female patients is as safe as the tetravalent vaccine.
A Convex Optimization Model and Algorithm for Retinex
Authors: Zhao Qing-Nan , Huang Ting-Zhu , Zhao Xi-Le , Ma Tian-Hui , Cheng Ming-Hui
Published: July 2017

Retinex is a theory on simulating and explaining how human visual system perceives colors under different illumination conditions. The main contribution of this paper is to put forward a new convex optimization model for Retinex. Different from existing methods, the main idea is to rewrite a multiplicative form such that the illumination variable and the reflection variable are decoupled in spatial domain. The resulting objective function involves three terms including the Tikhonov regularization of the illumination component, the total variation regularization of the reciprocal of the reflection component, and the data‐fitting term among the input image, the illumination component, and the reciprocal of the reflection component. We develop an alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) to solve the convex optimization model. Numerical experiments demonstrate the advantages of the proposed model which can decompose an image into the illumination and the reflection components.
Classifying Aerosols Based on Fuzzy Clustering and Their Optical and Microphysical Properties Study in Beijing, China
Authors: Zhang Wenhao , Xu Hui , Zheng Fengjie
Published: July 2017

Classification of Beijing aerosol is carried out based on clustering optical properties obtained from three Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) sites. The fuzzy c-mean (FCM) clustering algorithm is used to classify fourteen-year (2001–2014) observations, totally of 6,732 records, into six aerosol types. They are identified as fine particle nonabsorbing, two kinds of fine particle moderately absorbing (fine-MA1 and fine-MA2), fine particle highly absorbing, polluted dust, and desert dust aerosol. These aerosol types exhibit obvious optical characteristics difference. While five of them show similarities with aerosol types identified elsewhere, the polluted dust aerosol has no comparable prototype. Then the membership degree, a significant parameter provided by fuzzy clustering, is used to analyze internal variation of optical properties of each aerosol type. Finally, temporal variations of aerosol types are investigated. The dominant aerosol types are polluted dust and desert dust in spring, fine particle nonabsorbing aerosol in summer, and fine particle highly absorbing aerosol in winter. The fine particle moderately absorbing aerosol occurs during the whole year. Optical properties of the six types can also be used for radiative forcing estimation and satellite aerosol retrieval. Additionally, methodology of this study can be applied to identify aerosol types on a global scale.
Influences of Hydraulic Fracturing on Fluid Flow and Mineralization at the Vein-Type Tungsten Deposits in Southern China
Authors: Liu Xiangchong , Xing Huilin , Zhang Dehui
Published: July 2017

Wolframite is the main ore mineral at the vein-type tungsten deposits in the Nanling Range, which is a world-class tungsten province. It is disputed how wolframite is precipitated at these deposits and no one has yet studied the links of the mechanical processes to fluid flow and mineralization. Finite element-based numerical experiments are used to investigate the influences of a hydraulic fracturing process on fluid flow and solubility of CO2and quartz. The fluids are aqueous NaCl solutions and fluid pressure is the only variable controlling solubility of CO2and quartz in the numerical experiments. Significant fluctuations of fluid pressure and high-velocity hydrothermal pulse are found once rock is fractured by high-pressure fluids. The fluid pressure drop induced by hydraulic fracturing could cause a 9% decrease of quartz solubility. This amount of quartz deposition may not cause a significant decrease in rock permeability. The fluid pressure decrease after hydraulic fracturing also reduces solubility of CO2by 36% and increases pH. Because an increase in pH would cause a major decrease in solubility of tungsten, the fluid pressure drop accompanying a hydraulic fracturing process facilitates wolframite precipitation. Our numerical experiments provide insight into the mechanisms precipitating wolframite at the tungsten deposits in the Nanling Range as well as other metals whose solubility is strongly dependent on pH.
Syntool: A Novel Region-Based Intolerance Score to Single Nucleotide Substitution for Synonymous Mutations Predictions Based on 123,136 Individuals
Authors: Zhang Tongda , Wu Yiran , Lan Zhangzhang , Shi Quan , Yang Ying , Guo Jian
Published: July 2017

Background. Synonymous mutation is the single nucleotide change that does not cause an amino acid change but can affect the rate and efficiency of translation. So recent increase in our knowledge has revealed a substantial contribution of synonymous mutations to human disease risk and other complex traits. Nevertheless, there are still rarely synonymous mutation prediction methods. Methods. Nonsynonymous and synonymous coding SNPs show similar likelihood and effect size of human disease association. Here we defined synonymous and missense variation as single nucleotide substitution variation. And then we evaluated the intolerance of genic transcripts to single nucleotide substitution variation based on gnomAD 123136 individuals. After regressing all variations on common variations, we defined residuals of regression model as every genomics region intolerance scores. Results. We constructed a total of 24799 nonoverlapped region-based intolerance score by their intolerance to single nucleotide substitution variation (Syntool). The results show that Syntool score can discriminate synonymous disease causing mutations in Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD Professional) and ClinVar database much better than others. Taken together, this study provides a novel prediction system for synonymous mutations, called Syntool, which could be helpful in identifying candidate synonymous disease causing mutations.
A Guide on Spectral Methods Applied to Discrete Data in One Dimension
Authors: Seilmayer Martin , Ratajczak Matthias
Published: July 2017

This paper provides an overview about the usage of the Fourier transform and its related methods and focuses on the subtleties to which the users must pay attention. Typical questions, which are often addressed to the data, will be discussed. Such a problem can be the origin of frequency or band limitation of the signal or the source of artifacts, when a Fourier transform is carried out. Another topic is the processing of fragmented data. Here, the Lomb-Scargle method will be explained with an illustrative example to deal with this special type of signal. Furthermore, the time-dependent spectral analysis, with which one can evaluate the point in time when a certain frequency appears in the signal, is of interest. The goal of this paper is to collect the important information about the common methods to give the reader a guide on how to use these for application on one-dimensional data. The introduced methods are supported by the spectral package, which has been published for the statistical environment R prior to this article.
Antifungal Activity of New Eugenol-Benzoxazole Hybrids against Candida spp.
Authors: Carvalho Larissa Incerti Santos de , Alvarenga Dalila Junqueira , Carmo Letícia Cruz Ferreira do , Oliveira Lucas Gomes de , Silva Naiara Chaves , Dias Amanda Latércia Tranches , Coelho Luiz Felipe Leomil , Souza Thiago Belarmino de , Dias Danielle Ferreira , Carvalho Diogo Teixeira
Published: July 2017

Eugenol is a natural allylphenol responsible for a wide range of biological activities, especially antimicrobial. Benzoxazoles are heterocycles with recognized antimicrobial activities. This paper describes the design, synthesis, and the biological results for benzoxazole type derivatives of eugenol as antifungal agents. The products were obtained in good yields by a four-step synthetic sequence involving aromatic nitration, nitroreduction, amide formation, and cycle condensation. They were evaluated against species of Candida spp. in microdilution assays, and four products (5a, 5b′, 5c, and 5d′) were about five times more active than eugenol against C. albicans and C. glabrata. Two of them (5b′ and 5d′) showed good activity against C. krusei, a species which is naturally resistant to fluconazole. Furthermore, the active products were more selective than eugenol against human blood cells, showing that they are interesting substances for further optimization.
Solitary Skull Metastasis as the First Presentation of a Metachronous Primary Lung Cancer in a Survivor from Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Altalhy Ali , Maghrabi Yazid , Almansouri Zuhoor , Baeesa Saleh S.
Published: July 2017

Skull metastasis from lung cancer is relatively common, yet the first presentation for this malignant disease is a rare occurrence. We herein report a case of a 54-year-old female, who had a good outcome following Whipple procedure for periampullary adenocarcinoma five years before her current presentation. During a routine follow-up, she was found to have a slowly progressive painless right parietal swelling. The systemic screening workup revealed no abdominal disease, but a solitary pulmonary nodule was identified. The presence of these two lesions raised the diagnosis of metastases from a previously treated pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent complete excision of the skull lesion and subsequent lung biopsy, both of which proved on histopathological examination to be consistent with a primary lung cancer. This case emphasizes the importance of imaging and histopathological correlation in the diagnosis of solitary skull metastases and their effect on the subsequent management.
Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Presenting as Pyrexia of Unknown Origin, Leukocytosis, and Microangiopathic Haemolytic Anemia
Authors: Terebelo Sima , Chen Iona
Published: July 2017

A 66-year-old woman presented to the Emergency Department with a florid sepsis-like picture, a two-week history of fever, relative hypotension with end organ ischemia (unexplained liver enzyme and troponin elevations), and nonspecific constitutional symptoms. She was initially found to have a urinary tract infection but, despite appropriate treatment, her fever persisted and her white blood cell count continued to rise. During her hospitalization the patient manifested leukocytosis to 47,000 WBC/μL, ESR 67 mm/hr (normal range 0–42 mm/hr), CRP 17.5 mg/dL (normal range 0.02–1.20 mg/dL), and microangiopathic haemolytic anemia, with declining haemoglobin and haematocrit. An infectious aetiology was not found despite extensive bacteriologic studies and radiographic imaging. The patient progressed to acute kidney injury with “active” urinary sediment and proteinuria. Kidney biopsy results and serological titres of myeloperoxidase positive perinuclear-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (MPO+ p-ANCA) led to a diagnosis of granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Immunosuppressive treatment with high dose methylprednisolone and rituximab led to resolution of the leukocytosis and return of the haemoglobin and haematocrit values toward normal without further signs of hemolysis.
Preliminary Data on the Interaction between Some Biometals and Oxidative Stress Status in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease Patients
Authors: Balmuș Ioana-Miruna , Strungaru Stefan-Adrian , Ciobica Alin , Nicoara Mircea-Nicusor , Dobrin Romeo , Plavan Gabriel , Ștefănescu Cristinel
Published: July 2017

Increased interest regarding the biometal mechanisms of action and the pathways in which they have regulatory roles was lately observed. Particularly, it was shown that biometal homeostasis dysregulation may lead to neurodegeneration including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson disease, or prion protein disease, since important molecular signaling mechanisms in brain functions implicate both oxidative stress and redox active biometals. Oxidative stress could be a result of a breakdown in metal‐ion homeostasis which leads to abnormal metal protein chelation. In our previous work, we reported a strong correlation between Alzheimer’s disease and oxidative stress. Consequently, the aim of the present work was to evaluate some of the biometals’ levels (magnesium, manganese, and iron), the specific activity of some antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase), and a common lipid peroxidation marker (malondialdehyde concentration), in mild cognitive impairment (n = 15) and Alzheimer’s disease (n = 15) patients, compared to age‐matched healthy subjects (n = 15). We found increased lipid peroxidation effects, low antioxidant defense, low magnesium and iron concentrations, and high manganese levels in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease patients, in a gradual manner. These data could be relevant for future association studies regarding the prediction of Alzheimer’s disease development risk or circling through stages by analyzing both active redox metals, oxidative stress markers, and the correlations in between.
Metabolomics Analysis for Defining Serum Biochemical Markers in Colorectal Cancer Patients with Qi Deficiency Syndrome or Yin Deficiency Syndrome
Authors: Tao Fangfang , Lü Ping , Xu Chunbo , Zheng Mengmeng , Liu Wenhong , Shen Minhe , Ruan Shanming
Published: July 2017

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of tumor‐associated death, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) classifies colorectal cancer into various subtypes mainly according to the symptomatic pattern identification (ZHENG). Here, we investigated the difference in metabolic profiles of serum by comparing colorectal cancer subjects with Nondeficiency (ND), Qi deficiency (QD), and Yin deficiency (YD). The ratio of subjects with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was higher in YD pattern, and the ratio of subjects with carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 (CA19‐9) was higher both in YD and in QD, compared with ND. As a result of metabolomics analysis, twenty‐five metabolites displayed differences between QD and ND, while twenty‐eight metabolites displayed differences between YD and ND. The downregulated metabolites in QD/ND and YD/ND mainly include carbohydrates and the upregulated metabolites mainly include amino acids and fatty acids, suggesting conversion obstruction of carbohydrates, fatty acids, and amino acids occurs in patients with QD and YD compared with ND. Our results demonstrate that colorectal cancer patients with QD or YD were associated with metabolic disorders and the variations of serum metabolic profiles may serve as potential biochemical markers for diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer patients displayed QD or YD patterns.
Pretreatment Serum Cystatin C Levels Predict Renal Function, but Not Tumor Characteristics, in Patients with Prostate Neoplasia
Authors: Yang Feilong , Li Dawei , Di Yu , Zhang Yongzhen , Zang Yuanwei , Ren Juchao , Yan Lei , Zhou Zunlin , Liu Hainan , Xu Zhonghua
Published: July 2017

To evaluate the role of Cystatin C (Cys-C) in tumorigenesis and progression of prostate cancer (PCa), we retrospectively collected the clinical information from the records of 492 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), 48 prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), and 173 PCa patients, whose disease was newly diagnosed and histologically confirmed. Pretreatment serum Cys-C levels were compared across the various groups and then analyzed to identify relationships, if any, with clinical and pathological characteristics of the PCa patient group. There were no significant differences in serum Cys-C levels among the three groups (P> 0.05). In PCa patients with normal SCr levels, patient age was correlated with serum Cys-C level (P≤ 0.001) but did not correlate with alkaline phosphatase (AKP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), prostate specific antigen (PSA), Gleason score, or bone metastasis status (P> 0.05). Age and SCr contributed in part to the variations in serum Cys-C levels of PCa patients (r= 0.356,P≤ 0.001;r= 0.520,P≤ 0.001). In conclusion, serum Cys-C levels predict renal function in patients with prostate neoplasia, but were not a biomarker for the development of prostate neoplasia, and were not correlated with the clinicopathological characteristics of PCa.
Enhancement of UV Radiation by Cloud Effect in NE of Brazil
Authors: Tiba Chigueru , Silva Leal Sérgio da
Published: July 2017

This paper reports a detailed analysis of ground-based measurements of cloud-enhanced global solar and UV radiation in NE Brazil in the city of Recife. It was found that (a) the phenomenon of UV enhancement, above clear sky model, is not uncommon and that it occurs on at least eight months; (b) the cumulative duration can reach 13 minutes; (c) there is a clear seasonal effect, and the probability of occurrence on a monthly basis shows two peaks, one in March and another in October; and (d) the most extreme UV radiation was 70.4 W/m2, approximately 6 W/m2 higher than the clear sky UV radiation. The extreme values should be taken into account in the study of effects related to the UV index and biological effects. Two statistical models also were elaborated, to estimate the UV solar radiation, in which the first is for all sky conditions and the second exclusively for situations where the global solar radiation is equal to or higher than 1367 W/m2, resulting from the enhancement effect caused by a particular configuration of the clouds. The statistical indicatives for both models presented, respectively, MBE% of 3.09 and 0.48% and RMSE% of 15.80 and 3.90%.
Changes of Blood Flux at BL21 and Points along BL Meridian Resulted from Acupuncture or Moxibustion: Case Cross Design Study
Authors: Wang Guangjun , Jia Shuyong , Li Hongyan , Wang Ze , Tian Yuying , Zhang Weibo
Published: July 2017

Acupuncture (Acup) and moxibustion (Moxi) are commonly used interventions in clinical practice. However, the difference between Acup and moxibustion mechanisms is unclear. In current study, blood perfusion responses resulted from Acup or Moxi at Weishu acupoint (BL21) and control points were explored, respectively. The time series of blood flux signals at BL21 and control points were transformed with Morlet wavelet, and the differences in each frequency interval were observed. The results suggested that acupoint response to different stimulation is a comprehensive process which related to all components of blood perfusion signals. Whereas the different response at control points was not observed, there has been significant difference coherence value between Acup and Moxi stimulation. The results suggested the influence of Acup and Moxi not only on the level of blood perfusion at local area; the intrinsic relevance after stimulation which can be evaluated by coherence analysis is also an appropriate index to distinguish different stimulations.
Histopathologic Differences between Jewish and Arab Population in Israel at First-Time Presentation with Bladder Cancer
Authors: Avitan Ofir , Bahouth Zaher , Halachmi Sarel , Shprits Sagi , Masarwa Ismail , Sabo Edmond , Moskovitz Boaz , Nativ Ofer
Published: July 2017

Background. Pathology of urothelial carcinoma may vary in different populations at diagnosis. Our aim was to evaluate the histopathologic differences between Jewish and Arab patients in Israel at first diagnosis of urothelial cancer. Patients and Methods. We retrospectively collected data of all patients with confirmed urothelial cancer, treated at our department between January 2010 and January 2015. We examined the distribution of the histopathologic data among the studied populations. To compare the categorical variables we used the Chi-Square Pearson test. Comparison of independent variables was made by Student’s t-test. P value below 0.05 was considered significant. Results. The study group included 413 patients, 345 Jews and 68 Arabs. The major differences were that Arab patients were younger (62.61 versus 68.55 years, P=0.001), had more aggressive tumors that were detected at a more advanced stage, and had also a higher rate of metastatic disease (7.4% versus 3.2%, P=0.05). Nonurothelial cell tumors were 2.3 times more prevalent in Arab population. Unlike Jewish population, Arab women had higher rate of invasive/metastatic disease compared with Arab men (40% versus 22.4%). Conclusion. At time of diagnosis the tumors were more aggressive in Arab patients, especially in Arab women. The reasons for those differences constitute a target for a separate research. These results should have an impact on prevention medicine and education of physicians treating mixed populations.
The Effects of Group-Based versus Individual-Based Tai Chi Training on Nonmotor Symptoms in Patients with Mild to Moderate Parkinson’s Disease: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial
Authors: Yang Jing Hui , Wang Ya Qun , Ye Sai Qing , Cheng You Gen , Chen Yu , Feng Xiao Zhen
Published: July 2017

Objective. To compare the effects of group-based and individual-based Tai Chi training on nonmotor symptoms in patients with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease. Design. Randomized controlled pilot study. Methods. 36 community-dwelling patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) were randomly assigned to either group-based training group (n=19) or individual-based group (n=17). Both groups received same content of Tai Chi training 3 times a week for 13 weeks. Participants were also asked to perform home exercises daily. The Non-Motor Symptoms Scale was used to assess global nonmotor symptoms change. Sleep quality, depression, and cognition were evaluated by Parkinson’s Disease Sleep Scale, Hamilton Depression Scale, and Beijing version-Montreal Cognitive Assessment, respectively. Home exercise compliance was recorded. Results. There was no significant difference between two groups at baseline. After 13 weeks, there were no statistical significance between two groups. However, the within-group effect was different. Participants in group-based and individual-based groups showed a significant improvement on global nonmotor symptoms (P<0.001, P=0.004) and sleep (P<0.001, P<0.001). But only group-based training patients presented a significant improvement in cognitive impairment compared with baseline (P=0.002, P-0.116). For depression, no group gained a significant improvement(P=0.123, P=0.170). Group-based participants had a higher home-exercise compliance rate (HeCR) than individual-based participants did (P=0.019), and HeCR showed a moderate correlation with MoCA-BJ and NMSS scores changes in this study. Conclusion. Group-based Tai Chi training is considered to be a more effective and a more labor-saving method in the clinical settings, and patients tend to have a higher compliance rate in their home exercise program. This study is registered with ChiCTR-IPR-17010388.
Influence of Human Papillomavirus Infection on the Natural History of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia 1: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Mingzhu , Yan Xiaolong , Zhang Mei , Li Xiaoju , Li Shugang , Jing Mingxia
Published: July 2017

Objective. To provide a scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 (CIN1). This study evaluated the impact of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection on the natural history of CIN1. Methods. Electronic databases of Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, CNKI, CBM, and Wanfang were searched in April 2016. The eligibility criteria were documented by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). We used the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) to assess study quality. Results. Thirty-eight studies out of 3,246 identified papers were eligible for inclusion. The risk of CIN1 progression (relative risk [RR]: 3.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.41–3.83; P<0.00001) and persistence (RR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.17–1.87; P=0.001) was higher in the HPV-positive group than HPV-negative group. Specifically, the risk of CIN1 progression (RR: 13.91; 95% CI: 3.46–55.90; P=0.000) was higher among persistent high-risk HPV-positive patients and the ratio of CIN1 regression (RR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.59–0.71; P<0.00001) was lower in the HPV-positive group than HPV-negative group. Conclusion. HPV infection resulted in an increased risk of CIN1 progression and decreased disease reversibility. Persistent high-risk HPV infection resulted in a further increased risk of CIN1 progression.
L-Theanine Administration Modulates the Absorption of Dietary Nutrients and Expression of Transporters and Receptors in the Intestinal Mucosa of Rats
Authors: Yan Qiongxian , Tong Haiou , Tang Shaoxun , Tan Zhiliang , Han Xuefeng , Zhou Chuanshe
Published: July 2017

L-theanine has various advantageous functions for human health; whether or not it could mediate the nutrients absorption is unknown yet. The effects of L-theanine on intestinal nutrients absorption were investigated using rats ingesting L-theanine solution (0, 50, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight) per day for two weeks. The decline of insulin secretion and glucose concentration in the serum was observed by L-theanine. Urea and high-density lipoprotein were also reduced by 50 mg/kg L-theanine. Jejunal and ileac basic amino acids transportersSLC7a1andSLC7a9, neutralSLC1a5andSLC16a10, and acidicSLC1a1expression were upregulated. The expression of intestinalSGLT3andGLUT5responsible for carbohydrates uptake andGPR120andFABP2associated with fatty acids transport were inhibited. These results indicated that L-theanine could inhibit the glucose uptake by downregulating the related gene expression in the small intestine of rats. Intestinal gene expression of transporters responding to amino acids absorption was stimulated by L-theanine administration.
Pro‐ and Antioxidant Functions of the Peroxisome‐Mitochondria Connection and Its Impact on Aging and Disease
Authors: Pascual-Ahuir Amparo , Manzanares-Estreder Sara , Proft Markus
Published: July 2017

Peroxisomes and mitochondria are the main intracellular sources for reactive oxygen species. At the same time, both organelles are critical for the maintenance of a healthy redox balance in the cell. Consequently, failure in the function of both organelles is causally linked to oxidative stress and accelerated aging. However, it has become clear that peroxisomes and mitochondria are much more intimately connected both physiologically and structurally. Both organelles share common fission components to dynamically respond to environmental cues, and the autophagic turnover of both peroxisomes and mitochondria is decisive for cellular homeostasis. Moreover, peroxisomes can physically associate with mitochondria via specific protein complexes. Therefore, the structural and functional connection of both organelles is a critical and dynamic feature in the regulation of oxidative metabolism, whose dynamic nature will be revealed in the future. In this review, we will focus on fundamental aspects of the peroxisome‐mitochondria interplay derived from simple models such as yeast and move onto discussing the impact of an impaired peroxisomal and mitochondrial homeostasis on ROS production, aging, and disease in humans.