bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiac output by pulse contour analysis does not match the increase measured by rebreathing during human spaceflight
Authors: Hughson Richard L. , Peterson Sean D. , Yee Nicholas J. , Greaves Danielle K.
Published: August 2017

Pulse contour analysis of the noninvasive finger arterial pressure waveform provides a convenient means to estimate cardiac output (Q̇). The method has been compared with standard methods under a range of conditions but never before during spaceflight. We compared pulse contour analysis with the Modelflow algorithm to estimates of Q̇ obtained by rebreathing during preflight baseline testing and during the final month of long-duration spaceflight in nine healthy male astronauts. By Modelflow analysis, stroke volume was greater in supine baseline than seated baseline or inflight. Heart rate was reduced in supine baseline so that there were no differences in Q̇ by Modelflow estimate between the supine (7.02 ± 1.31 l/min, means ± SD), seated (6.60 ± 1.95 l/min), or inflight (5.91 ± 1.15 l/min) conditions. In contrast, rebreathing estimates of Q̇ increased from seated baseline (4.76 ± 0.67 l/min) to inflight (7.00 ± 1.39 l/min, significant interaction effect of method and spaceflight, P < 0.001). Pulse contour analysis utilizes a three-element Windkessel model that incorporates parameters dependent on aortic pressure-area relationships that are assumed to represent the entire circulation. We propose that a large increase in vascular compliance in the splanchnic circulation invalidates the model under conditions of spaceflight. Future spaceflight research measuring cardiac function needs to consider this important limitation for assessing absolute values of Q̇ and stroke volume.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Noninvasive assessment of cardiac function during human spaceflight is an important tool to monitor astronaut health. This study demonstrated that pulse contour analysis of finger arterial blood pressure to estimate cardiac output failed to track the 46% increase measured by a rebreathing method. These results strongly suggest that alternative methods not dependent on pulse contour analysis are required to track cardiac function in spaceflight.
Notch Signaling in Development, Tissue Homeostasis, and Disease
Authors: Siebel Chris , Lendahl Urban
Published: August 2017

Notch signaling is an evolutionarily highly conserved signaling mechanism, but in contrast to signaling pathways such as Wnt, Sonic Hedgehog, and BMP/TGF-β, Notch signaling occurs via cell-cell communication, where transmembrane ligands on one cell activate transmembrane receptors on a juxtaposed cell. Originally discovered through mutations in Drosophila more than 100 yr ago, and with the first Notch gene cloned more than 30 yr ago, we are still gaining new insights into the broad effects of Notch signaling in organisms across the metazoan spectrum and its requirement for normal development of most organs in the body. In this review, we provide an overview of the Notch signaling mechanism at the molecular level and discuss how the pathway, which is architecturally quite simple, is able to engage in the control of cell fates in a broad variety of cell types. We discuss the current understanding of how Notch signaling can become derailed, either by direct mutations or by aberrant regulation, and the expanding spectrum of diseases and cancers that is a consequence of Notch dysregulation. Finally, we explore the emerging field of Notch in the control of tissue homeostasis, with examples from skin, liver, lung, intestine, and the vasculature.
Palmitoylethanolamide in the Treatment of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
Authors: Paladini Antonella , Varrassi Giustino , Bentivegna Giuseppe , Carletti Sandro , Piroli Alba , Coaccioli Stefano
Published: August 2017

Introduction. This observational study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide (um-PEA) (Normast®) administration, as add-on therapy for chronic pain, in the management of pain-resistant patients affected by failed back surgery syndrome. Methods. A total of 35 patients were treated with tapentadol (TPD) and pregabalin (PGB). One month after the start of standard treatment, um-PEA was added for the next two months. Pain was evaluated by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at the time of enrollment (T0) and after one (T1), two (T2), and three (T3) months. Results. After the first month with TDP + PGB treatment only, VAS score decreased significantly from 5.7±0.12 at the time of enrollment (T0) to 4.3 ± 0.11 (T1) (p<0.0001); however, it failed to provide significant subjective improvement in pain symptoms. Addition of um-PEA led to a further and significant decrease in pain intensity, reaching VAS scores of 2.7 ± 0.09 (T2) and 1.7 ± 0.11 (T3, end of treatment) (p<0.0001) without showing any side effects. Conclusions. This observational study provides evidence, albeit preliminary, for the efficacy and safety of um-PEA (Normast) as part of a multimodal therapeutic regimen in the treatment of pain-resistant patients suffering from failed back surgery syndrome.
Primary Pulmonary Lymphoma Presenting with Superior Vena Cava Syndrome in a Young Female
Authors: Salhan Divya , Verma Prakash , Naing Tun Win , Rehman Ebad Ur , Kandel Saroj , Enriquez Danillo , Quist Joseph , Schmidt Frances
Published: August 2017

Primary Pulmonary Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (PPDLBCL) is an extremely rare entity, which exhibits an aggressive behavior by compressing local blood vessels. It represents only 0.04% of all lymphoma cases and is extremely rare in young age. We present a case of a primary pulmonary lymphoma with superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) in a young female. 27-year-old African American female presented with fever, cough, and facial puffiness for 2 weeks and unintentional weight loss. Chest examination showed decreased breath sounds and dullness on percussion on right side. Labs were normal except for mild leukocytosis, high lactate, and lactate dehydrogenase. Chest X-ray showed a large right side infiltrate with pleural effusion but chest CT showed 10 × 14 × 16 cm mass in the right lung without hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. CT guided biopsy of the right lung mass was done and large B cell lymphoma was diagnosed. She received “involved field radiation” because of the bulky tumor size and superior vena cava involvement prior to R-CHOP to which she responded well. PPDLBCL should be considered as one of the differentials in a young patient with a large lung mass, which needs timely diagnosis and management.
The Role of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Cardiovascular Disease and Exercise
Authors: Hong Junyoung , Kim Kwangchan , Kim Jong-Hee , Park Yoonjung
Published: August 2017

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which is highly associated with cardiovascular disease, is triggered by a disturbance in ER function because of protein misfolding or an increase in protein secretion. Prolonged disruption of ER causes ER stress and activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) and leads to various diseases. Eukaryotic cells respond to ER stress via three major sensors that are bound to the ER membrane: activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), inositol-requiring protein 1α (IRE1α), and protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK). Chronic activation of ER stress causes damage in endothelial cells (EC) via apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress signaling pathways. The alleviation of ER stress has recently been accepted as a potential therapeutic target to treat cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. Exercise training is an effective nonpharmacological approach for preventing and alleviating cardiovascular disease. We here review the recent viewing of ER stress-mediated apoptosis and inflammation signaling pathways in cardiovascular disease and the role of exercise in ER stress-associated diseases.
Application of the Intuitionistic Fuzzy InterCriteria Analysis Method with Triples to a Neural Network Preprocessing Procedure
Authors: Sotirov Sotir , Atanassova Vassia , Sotirova Evdokia , Doukovska Lyubka , Bureva Veselina , Mavrov Deyan , Tomov Jivko
Published: August 2017

The approach of InterCriteria Analysis (ICA) was applied for the aim of reducing the set of variables on the input of a neural network, taking into account the fact that their large number increases the number of neurons in the network, thus making them unusable for hardware implementation. Here, for the first time, with the help of the ICA method, correlations between triples of the input parameters for training of the neural networks were obtained. In this case, we use the approach of ICA for data preprocessing, which may yield reduction of the total time for training the neural networks, hence, the time for the network’s processing of data and images.
Numerical Simulation of Barite Sag in Pipe and Annular Flow
Authors: Kabanda Patrick , Wang Mingbo
Published: August 2017

With the ever increasing global energy demand and diminishing petroleum reserves, current advances in drilling technology have resulted in numerous directional wells being drilled as operators strive to offset the ever-rising operating costs. In as much as deviated-well drilling allows drillers to exploit reservoir potential by penetrating the pay zone in a horizontal, rather than vertical, fashion, it also presents conditions under which the weighting agents can settle out of suspension. The present work is categorized into two parts. In the first part, governing equations were built inside a two-dimensional horizontal pipe geometry and the finite element method utilized to solve the equation-sets. In the second part, governing equations were built inside a three-dimensional horizontal annular geometry and the finite volume method utilized to solve the equation-sets. The results of the first part of the simulation are the solid concentration, mixture viscosity, and a prediction of the barite bed characteristics. For the second part, simulation results show that the highest occurrence of barite sag is at low annular velocities, nonrotating drill pipe, and eccentric drill pipe. The CFD approach in this study can be utilized as a research study tool in understanding and managing the barite sag problem.
CFD Analysis of a Decay Tank and a Siphon Breaker for an Innovative Integrated Passive Safety System for a Research Reactor
Authors: Lee Kwon-Yeong , Yoon Hyun-Gi , Park Dong Kyou
Published: August 2017

An innovative integrated passive safety system for a research reactor is proposed in this study to improve the safety of the research reactor. This integrated system has three functions in the facility as a decay tank, siphon breaker, and long-term cooling tank. This paper also deals with the process of designing and optimizing the decay tank and the siphon breaker of the integrated passive safety system. At first, the decay tank was designed and improved step by step, while considering the computational fluid dynamics analysis results. Consequently, we could satisfy the design requirements of the decay tank. In addition, the performance of a new type of siphon breaker that was installed in the final decay tank model was tested. We designed an 18-inch diameter siphon breaker at the top of the decay tank’s third section, and we could observe the breaking of the siphon that prevented the occurrence of a severe accident in the research reactor. By locating the siphon breaker at the third section of the decay tank, we could also use the coolant of the front three sections for long-term cooling of the research reactor.
Experimental Study and Application of Inorganic Solidified Foam Filling Material for Coal Mines
Authors: Wen Hu , Zhang Duo , Yu Zhijin , Zheng Xuezhao , Fan Shixing , Laiwang Bin
Published: August 2017

Spontaneous combustion of residual coal in a gob due to air leakage poses a major risk to mining safety. Building an airtight wall is an effective measure for controlling air leakage. A new type of inorganic solidified foam-filled material was developed and its physical and chemical properties were analyzed experimentally. The compressive strength of this material increased with the amount of sulphoaluminate cement. With an increasing water–cement ratio, the initial setting time was gradually extended while the final setting time firstly shortened and then extended. The change in compressive strength had the opposite tendency. Additionally, as the foam expansion ratio increased, the solidification time tended to decrease but the compressive strength remained approximately constant. With an increase in foam production, the solidification time increased and the compressive strength decreased exponentially. The results can be used to determine the optimal material ratios of inorganic solidified foam-filled material for coal mines, and filling technology for an airtight wall was designed. A field application of the new material demonstrated that it seals crossheadings tightly, leaves no fissures, suppresses air leakage to the gob, and narrows the width of the spontaneous combustion and heat accumulation zone.
Oral Chinese Herbal Medicine as an Adjuvant Treatment for Chemotherapy, or Radiotherapy, Induced Myelosuppression: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Hou Bonan , Liu Rui , Qin Zhen , Luo Dan , Wang Qi , Huang Shuiqing
Published: August 2017

Objective. Myelosuppression is a common side effect in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has shown promise in alleviating myelosuppression. Method. We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from seven databases without language restriction. We included RCTs in adults, in which hematological toxicity was measured according to WHO criteria and control group underwent chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy and the treatment group was given oral CHM. Results. We searched 1021 articles from the date of databases inception to October 7, 2016. We selected 14 articles for the final analysis. Pooled data showed that CHM significantly decreased the suppression rate of leukocytes, neutrophils, hemoglobin, and platelets compared with the control group, particularly in grade III‐IV toxicity (leukocytes: RR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.33–0.56; neutrophils: RR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.27–0.58; hemoglobin: RR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.18–0.61; platelets: RR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.39–0.95). Conclusions. CHM as an adjuvant can alleviate myelosuppression induced by chemotherapy or radiotherapy, reduce grade III‐IV toxicity, and maintain therapeutic dose and treatment cycle. However, due to heterogeneity and publication bias, the results should be interpreted with caution and validated by conducting strictly designed multicenter RCTs of high quality and large scale.
The Mechanical and Reaction Behavior of PTFE/Al/Fe2O3 under Impact and Quasi-Static Compression
Authors: Huang Jun-yi , Fang Xiang , Li Yu-chun , Feng Bin , Wang Huai-xi , Du Kai
Published: August 2017

Quasi-static compression and drop-weight test were used to characterize the mechanical and reaction behavior of PTFE/Al/Fe2O3 composites. Two kinds of PTFE/Al/Fe2O3 composites were prepared with different mass of PTFE, and the reaction phenomenon and stress-strain curves were recorded; the residuals after reaction were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that, under quasi-static compression condition, the strength of the materials is increased (from 37.1 Mpa to 77.2 Mpa) with the increase of PTFE, and the reaction phenomenon occurred only in materials with high PTFE content. XRD analysis showed that the reaction between Al and Fe2O3 was not triggered with identical experimental conditions. In drop-weight tests, PTFE/Al/Fe2O3 specimens with low PTFE content were found to be more insensitive by high-speed photography, and a High Temperature Metal Slag Spray (HTMSS) phenomenon was observed in both kinds of PTFE/Al/Fe2O3 composites, indicating the existence of thermite reaction, which was confirmed by XRD. In PTFE/Al/Fe2O3 system, the reaction between PTFE and Al precedes the reaction between Al and Fe2O3.
Effects of a Long-Acting Formulation of Octreotide on Patients with Portal Hypertension
Authors: Cui Pei-Jing , Yao Jing , Zhu Yin , Zhang Zheng-Yun , Yang Jun
Published: August 2017

Objective. This study aimed to determine whether the treatment of a long-acting formulation of octreotide (OCT-LAR) exerted a similar effect on improving the prognosis of patients with portal hypertension compared with placement of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPSs).Methods. A total of 24 patients with portal hypertension who underwent TIPS placement or OCT-LAR treatment from January 2010 to January 2015 were reviewed. Hemodynamic studies, biological values, live functions, and treatment complications before and during the treatment were evaluated.Results. Baseline clinical characteristics were similar between two groups. Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) was improved in OCT-LAR groups (15.9 ± 2.4 to 12.8 ± 1.6 mmHg). Both groups showed a slight decrease in endothelin-1 (ET-1) and urotensin II and a slight increase in oxide metabolite (NOx) concentrations with no significant difference. Aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase increased one week after TIPS placement when they improved in the OCT-LAR treatment group. The complications of OCT-LAR treatment were minor and transient. However, one patient who received TIPS placement presented procedure-related complications and required rehospitalization, and 2 patients had developed hepatic encephalopathy during the follow-up period.Conclusion. Prolonged administration of OCT-LAR exerted a virtually similar effect on improving hemodynamic parameters and liver function in patients with portal hypertension compared with placement of TIPS, with no apparent serious adverse effects.
Development of On-Road Exhaust Emission and Fuel Consumption Models for Motorcycles and Application through Traffic Microsimulation
Authors: Satiennam Thaned , Seedam Atthapol , Radpukdee Thana , Satiennam Wichuda , Pasangtiyo Warasak , Hashino Yoshihiko
Published: August 2017

This study developed on-road exhaust emission and fuel consumption models for application in traffic microsimulations to estimate motorcycle emissions and fuel consumption in an Asian developing city. The motorcycle onboard measurement system was developed to instantaneously measure and continuously record on-road driving data, including the speed-time profile, exhaust emissions, and fuel consumption per second. The test motorcycle was driven on roads around Khon Kaen City, Thailand, to collect on-road driving data during the morning peak hours for a total of 112 hours. The collected on-road driving data were applied to develop on-road exhaust emission and fuel consumption models using regression analysis. The models were developed with high correlations among the amount of exhaust emissions and fuel consumption and the instantaneous speed and acceleration rate. The developed models were applied with a traffic microsimulation to evaluate the exclusive zone for motorcycles stopping at a signalized intersection. The evaluation results reveal that it could improve the level of intersection service by decreasing travel times, delays, and queue lengths at intersections, as well as by reducing the fuel consumption and emissions of vehicles travelling through intersections compared with these values under the existing conditions.
Insular Biobjective Routing with Environmental Considerations for a Solid Waste Collection System in Southern Chile
Authors: Arango González Daniela S. , Olivares-Benitez Elias , Miranda Pablo A.
Published: August 2017

This paper presents a biobjective problem for a solid waste collection system in a set of islands in southern Chile. The first objective minimizes transportation cost and the second one reduces the environmental impact caused by the accumulation of solid waste at the collection points. To solve this problem, biobjective mixed integer linear programming is used. In the model, an itinerary scheme is considered for the visit to the islands. The model decides which collection points are visited per island, the collection pattern, and quantity of solid waste to be collected at each site. The quantity of solid waste is obtained dividing the solid waste generated in the island by the number of collection points selected in that same island and the frequency of visits. For this problem, we considered that the environmental impact function varies through the days during which solid waste is accumulated at each collection point. We present an instance based on real data for a set of islands in Chiloe and Palena regions in southern Chile, in which the deposit node is Dalcahue. We used the epsilon-constraint method and the weighted sum method to obtain the Pareto front, using commercial optimization software.
Dental Implant in the Canalis Sinuosus: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Arruda José Alcides , Silva Pedro , Silva Luciano , Álvares Pâmella , Silva Leni , Zavanelli Ricardo , Rodrigues Cleomar , Gerbi Marleny , Sobral Ana Paula , Silveira Marcia
Published: August 2017

The canalis sinuosus is a neurovascular canal, a branch of nerve of infraorbital canal, through which the anterior superior alveolar nerve passes and then leans medially in course between the nasal cavity and the maxillary sinus, reaching the premaxilla in the canine and incisor region. The purpose of this article is to report a case with the presence of canalis sinuosus, in order to alert and guide professionals and discuss the morphology of this anatomical variation avoiding trans- and postsurgical disorders in dental implants. A 51-year-old female was attended to in a radiology clinic, reporting paresthesia in the right upper lip region and painful symptomatology after the installation of an implant in the corresponding region. The case revealed the presence of canalis sinuosus in imaging exams. The knowledge of this anatomical variation is essential for professionals, because attention to this region prevents irreversible damage. Therefore, the use of imaging examinations is recommended during the planning stages and treatment and after surgery in patients undergoing surgery in this area.
Evolution of the Selenopotential Model and Its Effects on the Propagation Accuracy of Orbits around the Moon
Authors: Song Young-Joo , Kim Young-Rok , Bae Jonghee , Kim Bang-Yeop
Published: August 2017

The current work analyzes the effect of applying different selenopotential models to the propagation of a lunar orbiting spacecraft. A brief evolution history of the selenopotential model is first presented; then, four representative selenopotential models are selected for force modeling. Expected propagation errors are presented with respect to three different circular polar orbits around the Moon. As a result, an expected but rather significant number of orbit propagation errors are discovered. Compared to the solutions obtained using the GRAIL1500E model, the overall 3D propagation errors for a 4‐day period could reach up to several tens of kilometers (50 km altitude case with the GLGM2 model) and up to several hundreds of meters (50, 100, and 200 km altitude cases even with the GRAIL660B model). For each different orbiter’s altitude, the appropriate ranges of the degree and order of the gravitational harmonic coefficients are also suggested to yield the best propagation performances with respect to the performance obtained with the full harmonic coefficients using the GRAIL1500E model. The results of the current work are expected to serve as practical guidelines for the field of system budget analysis, mission design, mission operations, and the analysis of scientific results.
Accurate Maximum Power Point Tracking Algorithm Based on a Photovoltaic Device Model
Authors: Bahir Lhoussain El , Hassboun Touria
Published: August 2017

An accurate method is proposed to track the maximum power point of a photovoltaic module. The method is based on the analytical value of the maximum power point voltage, determined from a mathematical model of the photovoltaic panel. The method has the advantage of accuracy without any oscillations, as with certain conventional methods. The algorithm has also the ability to track accurately the maximum power point under variable atmospheric conditions and load changes. Experimental results are presented to show the effectiveness of the method. The implementation of the method needs an online measurement of irradiance, panel temperature, and panel current and voltage.
The Effect of Stress in the Density of States of Amorphous Carbon Films Determined by X-Ray Excited Auger Electron Spectroscopy
Authors: Barbieri P. F. , Marques F. C.
Published: August 2017

Amorphous carbon films can be prepared with a large variety of structure and have been used in a number of technological applications. Many of their properties have been determined, but very little is known concerning the effect of pressure on their properties. In this work we investigate the influence of pressure of graphite-like amorphous carbon films on the density of states (DOS) using X-ray Excited Auger Electron Spectroscopy (XAES) and the second derivate method of the XAES. The films were deposited by ion beam deposition and simultaneously bombarded with argon, which is responsible for the variation of the film stress, reaching extremely high values (4.5 GPa). Marked variations of the density of states of the pπ, pσ, sp, and s components were observed with increasing stress.
Early Onset Prosthetic Joint Infection and Bacteremia due toCampylobacter fetusSubspeciesfetus
Authors: Dumic Igor , Sengodan Mohan , Franson Joni J. , Zea Diego , Ramanan Poornima
Published: August 2017

Campylobacter fetusis a zoonotic pathogen that occasionally causes serious, relapsing, invasive disease, especially in immunocompromised hosts. We report a case of relapsingC. fetusdiarrheal illness in a 75-year-old woman which resulted in secondary bacteremia and seeding of the left knee prosthetic joint. Patient responded favorably to debridement and retention of prosthesis in addition to six weeks of meropenem followed by chronic oral doxycycline suppressive therapy.
Case-Control Pilot Study on Acute Diarrheal Disease in a Geographically Defined Pediatric Population in a Middle Income Country
Authors: Farfán-García Ana E. , Zhang Chengxian , Imdad Aamer , Arias-Guerrero Monica Y. , Sánchez-Alvarez Nayibe T. , Shah Rikhil , Iqbal Junaid , Tamborski Maria E. , Gómez-Duarte Oscar G.
Published: August 2017

Introduction.Acute diarrheal disease (ADD) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years of age. Understanding of the etiology of ADD is lacking in most low and middle income countries because reference laboratories detectlimited number of pathogens. The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility to conduct a comprehensive case-control study to survey diarrheal pathogens among children with and without moderate-to-severe ADD.Materials and Methods.Microbiology and molecular-based techniques were used to detect viral, bacterial, and parasitic enteropathogens. The study was conducted in Bucaramanga, Colombia, after Institutional Review Board approval was obtained.Results.Ninety children less than 5 years of age were recruited after a written informed consent was obtained from parents or guardians. Forty-five subjects served as cases with ADD and 45 as controls. Thirty-six subjects out of 90 (40.0%) were positive for at least one enteropathogen, that is, 20 (44.4%) cases and 16 (35.5%) controls.Conclusions.The three most common enteric pathogens were enteroaggregativeE. coli(10.0%),Norovirus(6.7%), andSalmonellaspp. (5.6%). TheE. colipathogens were 18.8% of all infections making them the most frequent pathogens. Half of ADD cases were negative for any pathogens.
High Contrast PET Imaging of GRPR Expression in Prostate Cancer Using Cobalt-Labeled Bombesin Antagonist RM26
Authors: Mitran Bogdan , Thisgaard Helge , Rosenström Ulrika , Dam Johan Hygum , Larhed Mats , Tolmachev Vladimir , Orlova Anna
Published: August 2017

High gastrin releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) expression is associated with numerous cancers including prostate and breast cancer. The aim of the current study was to develop a 55Co-labeled PET agent based on GRPR antagonist RM26 for visualization of GRPR-expressing tumors. Labeling with 57Co and 55Co, stability, binding specificity, and in vitro and in vivo characteristics of 57Co-NOTA-PEG2-RM26 were studied. NOTA-PEG2-RM26 was successfully radiolabeled with 57Co and 55Co with high yields and demonstrated high stability. The radiopeptide showed retained binding specificity to GRPR in vitro and in vivo. 57Co-NOTA-PEG2-RM26 biodistribution in mice was characterized by rapid clearance of radioactivity from blood and normal non-GRPR-expressing organs and low hepatic uptake. The clearance was predominantly renal with a low degree of radioactivity reabsorption. Tumor-to-blood ratios were approximately 200 (3 h pi) and 1000 (24 h pi). The favorable biodistribution of cobalt-labeled NOTA-PEG2-RM26 translated into high contrast preclinical PET/CT (using 55Co) and SPECT/CT (using 57Co) images of PC-3 xenografts. The initial biological results suggest that 55Co-NOTA-PEG2-RM26 is a promising tracer for PET visualization of GRPR-expressing tumors.
Tandem Solar Cells Based on Cu2O and c-Si Subcells in Parallel Configuration: Numerical Simulation
Authors: Mitroi Mihai Răzvan , Ninulescu Valerică , Fara Laurenţiu
Published: August 2017

A tandem solar cell consisting of a bottom c-Si high-efficiency subcell and a top low-cost Cu2O subcell in parallel configuration is evaluated for the first time by a use of an electrical model. A numerical simulation based on the single-diode model of the solar cell is performed. The numerical method determines both the model parameters and the parameters of the subcells and tandem from the maximization of output power. The simulations indicate a theoretical limit value of the tandem power conversion efficiency of 31.23% at 298 K. The influence of temperature on the maximum output power is analyzed. This tandem configuration allows a great potential for the development of a new generation of low-cost high-efficiency solar cells.
Effect of Aluminum Addition on the Microstructure, Tensile Properties, and Fractography of Cast Mg-Based Alloys
Authors: Abdelaziz M. H. , Paradis M. , Samuel A. M. , Doty H. W. , Samuel F. H.
Published: August 2017

The present study was performed on Mg-based alloys containing Zn and Mn. The alloys were cast in a permanent metallic mold preheated to 200°C and with a protective atmosphere of dry air, CO2, and SF6. Two main phases are observed in the as-cast condition: Mg-Al-Zn and Mn-Al intermetallics. The size and morphology of the Mg-Al-Zn phase are significantly affected by the concentration of Al. Tensile properties, using standard ASTM B-108 samples, are directly related to the size, morphology, and density of the existing phase particles. The alloy ductility is reduced with increase in the Al concentration, whereas the ultimate tensile strength and the yield strength are more or less stable. The fracture surface of the tested tensile bars is mostly ductile for low Al-containing alloys and tends to be brittle with the increase in Al content as evidenced by an increase in the density of cleavage ruptured areas.
Improvement of and Parameter Identification for the Bimodal Time-Varying Modified Kanai-Tajimi Power Spectral Model
Authors: Chen Huiguo , Zhong Ting , Liu Guocui , Ren Junru
Published: August 2017

Based on the Kanai-Tajimi power spectrum filtering method proposed by Du Xiuli et al., a genetic algorithm and a quadratic optimization identification technique are employed to improve the bimodal time-varying modified Kanai-Tajimi power spectral model and the parameter identification method proposed by Vlachos et al. Additionally, a method for modeling time-varying power spectrum parameters for ground motion is proposed. The 8244 Orion and Chi-Chi earthquake accelerograms are selected as examples for time-varying power spectral model parameter identification and ground motion simulations to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the improved bimodal time-varying modified Kanai-Tajimi power spectral model. The results of this study provide important references for designing ground motion inputs for seismic analyses of major engineering structures.
Segmentation of Left and Right Ventricles in Cardiac MRI Using Active Contours
Authors: Soomro Shafiullah , Akram Farhan , Munir Asad , Lee Chang Ha , Choi Kwang Nam
Published: August 2017

Segmentation of left and right ventricles plays a crucial role in quantitatively analyzing the global and regional information in the cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In MRI, the intensity inhomogeneity and weak or blurred object boundaries are the problems, which makes it difficult for the intensity-based segmentation methods to properly delineate the regions of interests (ROI). In this paper, a hybrid signed pressure force function (SPF) is proposed, which yields both local and global image fitted differences in an additive fashion. A characteristic term is also introduced in the SPF function to restrict the contour within the ROI. The overlapping dice index and Hausdorff-Distance metrics have been used over cardiac datasets for quantitative validation. Using 2009 LV MICCAI validation dataset, the proposed method yields DSC values of 0.95 and 0.97 for endocardial and epicardial contours, respectively. Using 2012 RV MICCAI dataset, for the endocardial region, the proposed method yields DSC values of 0.97 and 0.90 and HD values of 8.51 and 7.67 for ED and ES, respectively. For the epicardial region, it yields DSC values of 0.92 and 0.91 and HD values of 6.47 and 9.34 for ED and ES, respectively. Results show its robustness in the segmentation application of the cardiac MRI.
An Unsupervised Algorithm for Change Detection in Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Data Using Synthetically Fused Images and Derivative Spectral Profiles
Authors: Han Youkyung , Chang Anjin , Choi Seokkeun , Park Honglyun , Choi Jaewan
Published: August 2017

Multitemporal hyperspectral remote sensing data have the potential to detect altered areas on the earth’s surface. However, dissimilar radiometric and geometric properties between the multitemporal data due to the acquisition time or position of the sensors should be resolved to enable hyperspectral imagery for detecting changes in natural and human-impacted areas. In addition, data noise in the hyperspectral imagery spectrum decreases the change-detection accuracy when general change-detection algorithms are applied to hyperspectral images. To address these problems, we present an unsupervised change-detection algorithm based on statistical analyses of spectral profiles; the profiles are generated from a synthetic image fusion method for multitemporal hyperspectral images. This method aims to minimize the noise between the spectra corresponding to the locations of identical positions by increasing the change-detection rate and decreasing the false-alarm rate without reducing the dimensionality of the original hyperspectral data. Using a quantitative comparison of an actual dataset acquired by airborne hyperspectral sensors, we demonstrate that the proposed method provides superb change-detection results relative to the state-of-the-art unsupervised change-detection algorithms.
Risk Factors for Adverse Outcome for Elderly Patients undergoing Curative Oncological Resection for Gastrointestinal Malignancies
Authors: Lim Yukai K. , Jackson Christopher , Dauway Emilia L. , Richter Konrad Klaus
Published: August 2017

Background: The incidence of gastrointestinal cancer increases with age, with approximately 20% of these cases in people over 80 years of age. Due to pre-existing comorbidities, this onco-geriatric population often presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Methods: A systematic review of articles on PubMed was performed to determine the predictive ability of screening tools and their components regarding the occurrence of adverse outcomes in elderly onco-surgical patients with gastrointestinal malignancies. Results: Surgical procedures in this patient cohort, particularly complex resections, may result in increased morbidity and mortality. The decision to treat an elderly patient with curative intent requires sound clinical judgment based on knowledge, consideration of objective parameters, and experience. These patients could potentially be optimized for surgery with the improvement of nutritional and overall performance status as well as with stabilizing comorbidities. Conclusion: Various geriatric assessment and screening tools have been developed to identify risk factors to assist the surgeon and the interdisciplinary team in treatment planning, including the Frailty Assessment Score, Timed Up and Go test, nutritional status, and Activities of Daily Living test. It is important to emphasize that transparent and open communication between the treating surgeon and the patient is crucial in that the patient fully understands the implications of the treatment plan.
Amiloride Is Effective in the Management of Abiraterone-Induced Mineralocorticoid Excess Syndrome without Interfering with Its Antineoplastic Activity
Authors: Bedussi Francesca , Galli Diego , Fragni Martina , Valcamonico Francesca , Rossini Elisa , Dalla Volta Alberto , Vezzoli Sara , Roca Elisa , Ferrari Vittorio , Lazzari Barbara , Memo Maurizio , Sigala Sandra , Berruti Alfredo
Published: August 2017

Background: The administration of abiraterone acetate (abiraterone) leads to an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-driven increase in mineralocorticoid hormones, requiring glucocorticoid supplementation that may stimulate the growth of prostate cancer (PCa). Amiloride is a drug that selectively reduces the aldosterone-sensitive Na+/K+ exchange and could be effective in the management of mineralocorticoid excess syndrome (MCES). Methods: The efficacy of amiloride + hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) in the clinical management of abiraterone-induced MCES was assessed in 5 consecutive patients with castration-resistant PCa (CRPC). Then, using the in vitro experimental model of PCa cell lines, the possible effects of drugs usually used in the clinical management of CRPC patients on PCa cell viability were investigated. Results: Amiloride/HCT led to a complete disappearance of all clinical and biochemical signs of abiraterone-induced MCES in the 5 treated patients. The in vitro study showed that abiraterone treatment significantly decreased cell viability of both androgen receptor (AR)-expressing VCaP (vertebral-cancer of the prostate) and LNCaP (lymph node carcinoma of the prostate) cells, with no effect on AR-negative PC-3 cells. Prednisolone, spironolactone, and eplerenone increased LNCaP cell viability, while amiloride reduced it. The non-steroid aldosterone antagonist PF-03882845 did not modify PCa cell viability. Conclusions: The combination of amiloride/HCT was effective in the management of abiraterone-induced MCES. Amiloride did not negatively interfere with the abiraterone inhibition of PCa cell viability in vitro.
Colonic Ganglioneuroma: A Rare Finding during Colorectal Cancer Screening
Authors: Ofori Emmanuel , Ona Mel , Ramai Daryl , Huang Tiangui , Xiao Philip , Reddy Madhavi
Published: August 2017

Ganglioneuromas are very rare clinical entities, and their occurrence in the large bowel lays further emphasis on their rarity. Ganglioneuromas are benign tumors of undifferentiated neural crest cells. Their clinical presentation is mostly asymptomatic, and if any symptoms are present at all, they are usually nonspecific, with excellent prognosis. We report an asymptomatic, 65-year-old male with a solitary ascending colonic polyp found on screening colonoscopy. Histology revealed benign polypoid spindle-cell proliferation as well as S100 reactivity, consistent with ganglioneuroma. We report on the clinical presentation and discuss the origin, epidemiology, treatment, and management of this lesion.
Disturbances of Embodiment as Core Phenomena of Depression in Clinical Practice
Authors: Doerr-Zegers Otto , Irarrázaval Leonor , Mundt Adrian , Palette Virginie
Published: August 2017

This paper proposes a phenomenological approach to the diagnosis of depression, with the aim of overcoming the broadness and nonspecificity of the concept of major depressive disorder (MDD) in current systems of diagnostic classification of mental disorders. Firstly, we outline the methodological limitations of the current classification systems for the diagnosis of MDD. Secondly, we offer a conceptual differentiation between a “symptomatological” versus a “phenomenological” diagnosis of depression. Thirdly, we propose characteristic “disturbances of embodiment” as the fundamental phenomena of “core depression”, which manifest themselves in 3 dimensions: embodied self, embodied intentionality, and embodied time. A more useful diagnosis of depression may be achieved by describing the phenomena that constitute a core depression, in order to avoid the overdiagnosis of MDD and its negative consequences in clinical practice.
Observational Studies Requested by European Health Authorities: Governmental Interference or an Enhancement of Everyday Urological Practice? The Hexvix® Observational Patients Evaluation Study as an Example of What to Expect
Authors: Jacqmin Didier , Jichlinski Patrice , Molinier Laurent , de la Taille Alexandre , Irani Jacques , Malavaud Bernard
Published: August 2017

Objective: The Hexvix® Observational Patients Evaluation (HOPE) study was designed to determine the extent of distribution of the use of hexaminolevulinate in the diagnosis of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and assess patient and treatment characteristics associated with different endoscopic modalities and to address the French authorities' request for information on routine practices for NMIBC diagnosis and surveillance. Patients and Methods: A prospective, observational study in 30 centres in France with fluorescence endoscopy equipment available. All candidates for endoscopy with transurethral resection who gave their consent were eligible. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with an NMIBC diagnosis performed with hexaminolevulinate. Results: 506 patients were included: 252 (49.8%) diagnosed with hexaminolevulinate and 254 (50.2%) with white-light endoscopy alone. There were more patients with tumour recurrence, multiple lesions, lesions with a diameter <3 cm, stage Ta disease, and grade 1 lesions in the hexaminolevulinate group. The first quartile median recurrence-free survival time was 310 days in the hexaminolevulinate group and 144 days in the standard-endoscopy group (p = 0.0015). Conclusion: Hexaminolevulinate was in frequent use in France with specific patient and disease characteristics associated with its use. HOPE illustrates the type of data that can be gained in post-authorisation studies to address requests from European health authorities.
Functional Analysis of Mutations at Codon 127 of the SRY Gene Associated with 46,XY Complete Gonadal Dysgenesis
Authors: Tajouri Asma , Ben Gaied Dorsaf , Hizem Syrine , Boujelben Salma , Maazoul Faouzi , M'rad Ridha , Poulat Francis , Kharrat Maher
Published: August 2017

Complete gonadal dysgenesis (CGD) is characterized by an incomplete differentiation of the genital organs in a patient with a 46,XY karyotype. It is induced by mutations in the sex-determining region Y (SRY) gene which plays a key role in testis-determining pathways. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible pathogenic nature of a novel SRY mutation (p.Y127H) identified in a 46,XY female patient. To determine the effect of this mutation on SRY function, we studied its impact on DNA interaction by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Since tyrosine 127 is close to the C-terminal nuclear localization signal of SRY, we conducted HA-SRY protein expression to observe the impact of the mutation on the nuclear import function in transfected cells. Our results showed that the Y127H mutation nearly abolishes the DNA-binding capacity of SRY and strongly impairs the nuclear localization of the mutated protein. Together with a previously described mutation analyzed in parallel in this paper (p.Y127C), our results highlight this tyrosine residue as a crucial structural determinant of the high mobility group box domain. This is the first report to explain the molecular mechanism of the Y127H mutation causing sex reversal and gives new insights for clinical practice to benefit patients with disorders of sex development.
“Lanthanic Presentation” in First-Episode Psychosis Predicts Long Service Delay: The Challenge of Detecting Masked Psychosis
Authors: Kvig Erling Inge , Brinchmann Beate , Moe Cathrine , Nilssen Steinar , Larsen Tor Ketil , Sørgaard Knut
Published: August 2017

Background/Aims: Studies of pathways to care in first-episode psychosis have documented a substantial treatment delay occurring after patients enter mental health services. An initial presentation with neurotic rather than psychotic symptoms is common in first-episode psychosis. The term “lanthanic patient” has been used to refer to patients presenting with a reason for help-seeking that is unrelated to the underlying pathology. The aim of this study is to explore whether a lanthanic presentation is related to prolonged service delay. Methods: The sample comprises 62 patients with recent-onset psychosis. Data on sociodemographic, clinical, help-seeking, and pathway indicators were collected using a comprehensive, semistructured-interview schedule. Results: Service delay accounted for more than half of the overall treatment delay. An initially presenting complaint of neurotic symptoms was related to prolonged service delay. The effect remained after controlling for other potential risk factors of service delay. Conclusion: Anomalous experiences of pleasure, desire, or motivation are common in emerging psychosis. These difficulties are often misinterpreted as complaints of depression and anxiety by health professionals. The presence of such symptoms can introduce a focal vision on the part of health care professionals on the immediate presentation rather than the underlying psychopathology, leading to the underdetection of psychosis.
Epidemiology of Intracranial and Extracranial Large Artery Stenosis in a Population-Based Study of Stroke in the Middle East
Authors: Saber Hamidreza , Amiri Amin , Thrift Amanda G. , Stranges Saverio , Bavarsad Shahripour Reza , Farzadfard Mohammad T. , Mokhber Naghmeh , Behrouz Réza , Azarpazhooh Mahmoud Reza
Published: August 2017

Background: Intracranial large-artery disease (LAD) is a predominant vascular lesion found in patients with stroke of Asian, African, and Hispanic origin, whereas extracranial LAD is more prevalent among Caucasians. These patterns are not well-established in the Middle East. We aimed to characterize the incidence, risk factors, and long-term outcome of LAD strokes in a Middle-Eastern population. Methods: The Mashhad Stroke Incidence Study is a community-based study that prospectively ascertained all cases of stroke among the 450,229 inhabitants of Mashhad, Iran between 2006 and 2007. Ischemic strokes were classified according to the TOAST criteria. Duplex-ultrasonography (98.6%), MR-angiography (8.3%), CT-angiography (11%), and digital-subtraction angiography (9.7%) were performed to identify involvements. Vessels were considered stenotic when the lumen was occluded by >50%. Results: We identified 72 cases (15.99 per 100,000) of incident LAD strokes (mean age 67.6 ± 11.7). Overall, 77% had extracranial LAD (58% male, mean age 69.8 ± 10.3; 50 [89%] carotid vs. 6 [11%] vertebral artery), and the remaining 23% (56% male, mean age 60.2 ± 13.4; 69% anterior-circulation stenosis) had intracranial LAD strokes. We were unable to detect differences in case-fatality between extracranial (1-year: 28.6%; 5-year: 59.8%) and intracranial diseases (1-year: 18.8%; 5-year: 36.8%; log-rank; p = 0.1). Conclusion: Extracranial carotid stenosis represents the majority of LAD strokes in this population. Thus, public health strategies may best be developed in such a way that they are targeted toward the risk factors that contribute to extracranial stenosis.