bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ODIN
Authors: Ambrosin Moreno , Braca Paolo , Conti Mauro , Lazzeretti Riccardo
Published: October 2017

The large spread of sensors and smart devices in urban infrastructures are motivating research in the area of the Internet of Things (IoT) to develop new services and improve citizens’ quality of life. Sensors and smart devices generate large amounts of measurement data from sensing the environment, which is used to enable services such as control of power consumption or traffic density. To deal with such a large amount of information and provide accurate measurements, service providers can adopt information fusion, which given the decentralized nature of urban deployments can be performed by means of consensus algorithms. These algorithms allow distributed agents to (iteratively) compute linear functions on the exchanged data, and take decisions based on the outcome, without the need for the support of a central entity. However, the use of consensus algorithms raises several security concerns, especially when private or security critical information is involved in the computation.

In this article we propose ODIN, a novel algorithm allowing information fusion over encrypted data. ODIN is a privacy-preserving extension of the popular consensus gossip algorithm, which prevents distributed agents from having direct access to the data while they iteratively reach consensus; agents cannot access even the final consensus value but can only retrieve partial information (e.g., a binary decision). ODIN uses efficient additive obfuscation and proxy re-encryption during the update steps and garbled circuits to make final decisions on the obfuscated consensus. We discuss the security of our proposal and show its practicability and efficiency on real-world resource-constrained devices, developing a prototype implementation for Raspberry Pi devices.
Pay what you want as a pricing model for open access publishing?
Authors: Spann Martin , Stich Lucas , Schmidt Klaus M.
Published: October 2017

Analyzing the "Pay What You Want" business model for open access publishing.
Engaging the ethics of data science in practice
Authors: Barocas Solon , Boyd Danah
Published: October 2017

Seeking more common ground between data scientists and their critics.
Metabolic markers of protein maldigestion after a15N test meal in minipigs with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency
Authors: Mary Florence , Moesseler Anne , Khodorova Nadezda , Foucault-Simonin Angélique , Benamouzig Robert , Tomé Daniel , Gregory Peter Colin , Gaudichon Claire
Published: October 2017

The effect of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) on protein malabsorption is little documented, partly due to methodological barriers. We aimed to validate biomarkers of protein malabsorption using a15N test meal in a minipig model of PEI. Six pancreatic duct-ligated minipigs were used as a model of PEI and four nonoperated animals as a control. All animals were equipped with an ileocecal reentrant cannula. Minipigs were given a test meal containing [15N]casein. The PEI animals repeated the test three times, in the absence of any pancreatic enzymes, or after pancreatic substitution at two levels [ A or B: 7,500 or 75,000 (lipase) and 388 or 3881 (protease) FIP U]. Ileal chyme, urine, and blood were collected postprandially. Nitrogen and15N were measured in digestive and metabolic pools. We obtained a gradient of ileal protein digestibility from 29 ± 11% in PEI to 89 ± 6% in the controls and a dose- dependent response of enzymes. Insulin and gastric inhibitory polypeptide secretions were decreased by PEI, an effect that was counteracted with the enzymes at level B. The total recovery of15N in urinary urea and plasma proteins was 14 ± 5.1% in the control group and decreased to 5.5 ± 2.1% by PEI. It was dose dependently restored by the treatment. Both15N recovery in plasma and urine were correlated to protein digestibility. We confirm that the15N transfer in those pools is a sensitive marker of protein malabsorption. Nevertheless, an optimization of the test meal conditions would be necessary in the view of implementing a clinical test.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We designed an intervention study to create a gradient of ileal protein digestibility in minipigs with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and to validate reliable metabolic markers using a15N oral meal test.15N recovery in plasma proteins and to a higher extent in urine was sensitive to protein malabsorption. This test is minimally invasive and could be used to reveal protein malabsorption in patients.
12-Lipoxygenase and 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid regulate hypoxic angiogenesis and survival of pulmonary artery endothelial cells via PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Zhang Chen , Ma Cui , Yao Hongmin , Zhang Lixin , Yu Xiufeng , Liu Yumei , Shen Tingting , Zhang Linlin , Zhang Fengying , Chen Xinxin , Zhu Daling
Published: October 2017

Dysfunction and injury of endothelial cells play critical roles in pulmonary arterial hypertension, including aberrant proliferation, suppressed apoptosis, and excessive angiogenesis. The 12-lipoxygenase and 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid pathway, which has been considered as a crucial mediator, elevates pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary arterial pressure. However, the mechanisms underlying the bioactivity of 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid in pulmonary vasculature, especially in endothelial cells, are still elusive. Thus we aim to determine the key role of 12-lipoxygenase/12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid in angiogenesis and survival of pulmonary artery endothelial cells and ascertain the signaling pathways participating in the pathological process. Here we establish that hypoxia increases the formation of endogenous 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid through stimulation of 12-lipoxygenase. Furthermore, we put forward new information that 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid promotes endothelial cell migration and tube formation, whereas it inhibits the serum deprivation-induced apoptotic responses under hypoxia. Particularly, the regulatory effects of 12-lipoxygenase/12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid on pulmonary artery endothelial cells, at least in part, depend on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling activation. Taken together, these results may have significant implications for understanding of pulmonary hypertension and offer a potential therapeutic concept focusing on the 12-lipoxygenase/12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid signaling system.
Lithium induces aerobic glycolysis and glutaminolysis in collecting duct principal cells
Authors: Alsady Mohammad , de Groot Theun , Kortenoeven Marleen L. A. , Carmone Claudia , Neijman Kim , Bekkenkamp-Grovenstein Melissa , Engelke Udo , Wevers Ron , Baumgarten Ruben , Korstanje Ron , Deen Peter M. T.
Published: October 2017

Lithium, given to bipolar disorder patients, causes nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (Li-NDI), a urinary-concentrating defect. Li-NDI occurs due to downregulation of principal cell AQP2 expression, which coincides with principal cell proliferation. The metabolic effect of lithium on principal cells, however, is unknown and investigated here. In earlier studies, we showed that the carbonic anhydrase (CA) inhibitor acetazolamide attenuated Li-induced downregulation in mouse-collecting duct (mpkCCD) cells. Of the eight CAs present in mpkCCD cells, siRNA and drug treatments showed that downregulation of CA9 and to some extent CA12 attenuated Li-induced AQP2 downregulation. Moreover, lithium induced cell proliferation and increased the secretion of lactate. Lithium also increased urinary lactate levels in wild-type mice that developed Li-NDI but not in lithium-treated mice lacking ENaC, the principal cell entry site for lithium. Inhibition of aerobic glycolysis with 2-deoxyglucose (2DG) attenuated lithium-induced AQP2 downregulation in mpkCCD cells but did not attenuate Li-NDI in mice. Interestingly, NMR analysis demonstrated that lithium also increased the urinary succinate, fumarate, citrate, and NH4+levels, which were, in contrast to lactate, not decreased by 2DG. Together, our data reveal that lithium induces aerobic glycolysis and glutaminolysis in principal cells and that inhibition of aerobic glycolysis, but not the glutaminolysis, does not attenuate Li-NDI.
Muscle damage produced by isometric contractions in human elbow flexors
Authors: Allen Trevor J. , Jones Tyson , Tsay Anthony , Morgan David L. , Proske Uwe
Published: October 2017

Isometric exercise is often prescribed during rehabilitation from injury to maintain muscle condition and prevent disuse atrophy. However, such exercise can lead to muscle soreness and damage. Here we investigate which parameters of isometric contractions are responsible for the damage. Bouts of 30 repetitions of maximum voluntary contractions of elbow flexors in 38 subjects were carried out and peak force, soreness, and tenderness were measured before the exercise, immediately afterwards, at 2 h, and at 24 h postexercise. When one arm was held near the optimum angle for force generation (90°), the force it produced was greater by 28% than by the other arm held at a longer length (155°). However, despite the smaller contraction forces of the muscle held at the longer length, after the exercise it exhibited a greater fall in force that persisted out to 24 h (20% fall) and more delayed soreness than the muscle exercised at 90° (7% fall at 24 h). The result indicates a length dependence of the damage process for isometric contractions at maximum effort. In four additional experiments, evidence was provided that the damage occurred during the plateau of the contraction and not the rising or relaxation phases. The damage had a prompt onset and was cumulative, continuing for the duration of the contraction. We interpret our findings in terms of the nonuniform lengthening of sarcomeres during the plateau of the contractions and conclude that muscle damage from isometric exercise is minimized if carried out at lengths below the optimum, using half-maximum or smaller contractions.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Isometric exercise, where muscle contracts while the limb is held fixed, is often possible for individuals rehabilitating from injury and can help maintain muscle condition. Such exercise has been reported to cause some muscle damage and soreness. We confirm this and show that to minimize damage, exercising muscles should be held at shorter than the optimum length for force and carried out at half-maximum effort or less.
Mitochondria-targeted antioxidant therapy with MitoQ ameliorates aortic stiffening in old mice
Authors: Gioscia-Ryan Rachel A. , Battson Micah L. , Cuevas Lauren M. , Eng Jason S. , Murphy Michael P. , Seals Douglas R.
Published: October 2017

Aortic stiffening is a major independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, cognitive dysfunction, and other chronic disorders of aging. Mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species are a key source of arterial oxidative stress, which may contribute to arterial stiffening by promoting adverse structural changes—including collagen overabundance and elastin degradation—and enhancing inflammation, but the potential for mitochondria-targeted therapeutic strategies to ameliorate aortic stiffening with primary aging is unknown. We assessed aortic stiffness [pulse-wave velocity (aPWV)], ex vivo aortic intrinsic mechanical properties [elastic modulus (EM) of collagen and elastin regions], and aortic protein expression in young (~6 mo) and old (~27 mo) male C57BL/6 mice consuming normal drinking water (YC and OC) or water containing mitochondria-targeted antioxidant MitoQ (250 µM; YMQ and OMQ) for 4 wk. Both baseline and postintervention aPWV values were higher in OC vs. YC (post: 482 ± 21 vs. 420 ± 5 cm/s, P < 0.05). MitoQ had no effect in young mice but decreased aPWV in old mice (OMQ, 426 ± 20, P < 0.05 vs. OC). MitoQ did not affect age-associated increases in aortic collagen-region EM, collagen expression, or proinflammatory cytokine expression, but partially attenuated age-associated decreases in elastin region EM and elastin expression. Our results demonstrate that MitoQ reverses in vivo aortic stiffness in old mice and suggest that mitochondria-targeted antioxidants may represent a novel, promising therapeutic strategy for decreasing aortic stiffness with primary aging and, possibly, age-related clinical disorders in humans. The destiffening effects of MitoQ treatment may be at least partially mediated by attenuation/reversal of age-related aortic elastin degradation.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We show that 4 wk of treatment with the mitochondria-specific antioxidant MitoQ in mice completely reverses the age-associated elevation in aortic stiffness, assessed as aortic pulse-wave velocity. The destiffening effects of MitoQ treatment may be at least partially mediated by attenuation of age-related aortic elastin degradation. Our results suggest that mitochondria-targeted therapeutic strategies may hold promise for decreasing arterial stiffening with aging in humans, possibly decreasing the risk of many chronic age-related clinical disorders.
Potential for noninvasive assessment of lung inhomogeneity using highly precise, highly time-resolved measurements of gas exchange
Authors: Mountain James E. , Santer Peter , O’Neill David P. , Smith Nicholas M. J. , Ciaffoni Luca , Couper John H. , Ritchie Grant A. D. , Hancock Gus , Whiteley Jonathan P. , Robbins Peter A.
Published: October 2017

Inhomogeneity in the lung impairs gas exchange and can be an early marker of lung disease. We hypothesized that highly precise measurements of gas exchange contain sufficient information to quantify many aspects of the inhomogeneity noninvasively. Our aim was to explore whether one parameterization of lung inhomogeneity could both fit such data and provide reliable parameter estimates. A mathematical model of gas exchange in an inhomogeneous lung was developed, containing inhomogeneity parameters for compliance, vascular conductance, and dead space, all relative to lung volume. Inputs were respiratory flow, cardiac output, and the inspiratory and pulmonary arterial gas compositions. Outputs were expiratory and pulmonary venous gas compositions. All values were specified every 10 ms. Some parameters were set to physiologically plausible values. To estimate the remaining unknown parameters and inputs, the model was embedded within a nonlinear estimation routine to minimize the deviations between model and data for CO2, O2, and N2 flows during expiration. Three groups, each of six individuals, were studied: young (20–30 yr); old (70–80 yr); and patients with mild to moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Each participant undertook a 15-min measurement protocol six times. For all parameters reflecting inhomogeneity, highly significant differences were found between the three participant groups ( P < 0.001, ANOVA). Intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.96, 0.99, and 0.94 for the parameters reflecting inhomogeneity in deadspace, compliance, and vascular conductance, respectively. We conclude that, for the particular participants selected, highly repeatable estimates for parameters reflecting inhomogeneity could be obtained from noninvasive measurements of respiratory gas exchange.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study describes a new method, based on highly precise measures of gas exchange, that quantifies three distributions that are intrinsic to the lung. These distributions represent three fundamentally different types of inhomogeneity that together give rise to ventilation-perfusion mismatch and result in impaired gas exchange. The measurement technique has potentially broad clinical applicability because it is simple for both patient and operator, it does not involve ionizing radiation, and it is completely noninvasive.
In VitroAntifungal Activity of Hexahydropyrimidine Derivatives against the Causative Agents of Dermatomycosis
Authors: Martins Francislene J. , Caneschi César A. , Senra Mônica P. , Carvalho Gustavo S. G. , Silva Adilson D. da , Raposo Nádia R. B.
Published: October 2017

Nitrogenated heterocyclic compounds are present in both natural and synthetic drugs, and hexahydropyrimidine derivatives may prove to be efficient in treating dermatomycosis causing fungi. This study evaluated the antifungal activity of four hexahydropyrimidine derivatives against the dermatomycosis causing fungi. These derivatives were synthesized, characterized, and assessed in terms of their activity againstTrichophyton mentagrophytes,Microsporum canis,Microsporum gypseum,Trichophyton rubrum,Fusarium oxysporum, andEpidermophyton floccosumbetween concentrations 7.8 and 1,000 μg mL−1. Scanning electron micrographs were assessed for the active derivatives and reference drugs, and these micrographs revealed that new agents cause morphological changes in fungi. The derivatives HHP1, HHP3, and HHP4 revealed poor activity against the four fungal strains (MICs range 500–1000 μg mL−1). Compound HHP3 was found to be the best potential antifungal agent among those tested and was the most effective among all the active derivatives that caused morphological changes in the susceptible strains.
Solvability of Some Two-Point Fractional Boundary Value Problems under Barrier Strip Conditions
Authors: He Limei , Dong Xiaoyu , Bai Zhanbing , Chen Bo
Published: October 2017

Topological techniques are used to establish existence results for a class of fractional differential equations Dαx(t)=f(t,x(t),Dα-1x(t)), with one of the following boundary value conditions: x(0)=A and Dα-1x(1)=B or Dα-1x(0)=A and x(1)=B, where 1<α≤2 is a real number, Dαx(t) is the conformable fractional derivative, and f:[0,1]×R2→R is continuous. The main conditions on the nonlinear term f are sign conditions (i.e., the barrier strip conditions). The topological arguments are based on the topological transversality theorem.
AlternariaMycotoxins in Food and Feed: An Overview
Authors: Escrivá Laura , Oueslati Souheib , Font Guillermina , Manyes Lara
Published: October 2017

Alternariais one of the major mycotoxigenic fungal genera with more than 70 reported metabolites.Alternariamycotoxins showed notably toxicity, such as mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, induction of DNA strand break, sphingolipid metabolism disruption, or inhibition of enzymes activity and photophosphorylation. This review reports on the toxicity, stability, metabolism, current analytical methods, and prevalence ofAlternariamycotoxins in food and feed through the most recent published research. Half of the publications were focused on fruits, vegetables, and derived products—mainly tomato and apples—while cereals and cereal by-products represented 38%. The most studied compounds were alternariol, alternariol methyl ether, tentoxin, and tenuazonic acid, but altenuene, altertoxins (I, II, and III), and macrosporin have been gaining importance in recent years. Solid-liquid extraction (50%) with acetonitrile or ethyl acetate was the most common extraction methodology, followed by QuEChERS and dilution-direct injection (both 14%). High- and ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was the predominant determination technique (80%). The highest levels of alternariol and alternariol methyl ether were found in lentils, oilseeds, tomatoes, carrots, juices, wines, and cereals. Tenuazonic acid highest levels were detected in cereals followed by beer, while alternariol, alternariol methyl ether, tenuazonic acid, and tentoxin were found in legumes, nuts, and oilseeds.
Characterization and Analytical Separation of Fluorescent Carbon Nanodots
Authors: Hu Qin , Gong Xiaojuan , Liu Lizhen , Choi Martin M. F.
Published: October 2017

Carbon nanodots (C-dots) are recently discovered fluorescent carbon nanoparticles with typical sizes of <10 nm. The C-dots have been reported to have excellent photophysical and chemical characteristics. In recent years, the advances in the development and improvement in C-dots synthesis, characterization, and applications are burgeoning. In this review, we introduce the most commonly used techniques for the characterization of C-dots. The characterization techniques for C-dots are briefly classified, described, and illustrated with applied examples. In addition, the analytical separation methods for C-dots (including electrophoresis, chromatography, density gradient centrifugation, differential centrifugation, solvent extraction, and dialysis) are included and discussed according to their analytical characteristics. The review concludes with an outlook towards the future developments in the characterization and the analytical separation of C-dots. The comprehensive overview of the characterization and the analytical separation techniques will safeguard people to use each technique more wisely.
Stattic Enhances Radiosensitivity and Reduces Radio-Induced Migration and Invasion in HCC Cell Lines through an Apoptosis Pathway
Authors: Xu Gang , Zhu Lihua , Wang Yan , Shi Yawei , Gong Aihua , Wu Chaoyang
Published: October 2017

Purpose. Signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 3 (STAT3) is involved in tumorigenesis, development, and radioresistance of many solid tumors. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of stattic (an inhibitor of STAT3) on the radiosensitivity and radio-induced migration and invasion ability in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines. Methods. HCC cells were treated with stattic, and cell survival rate was analyzed through CCK-8 assay. Radiosensitivity was evaluated using cloning formation analysis; STAT3, p-STAT3, and apoptosis related proteins were detected by western blot. Radio-induced migration and invasion ability in HCC cells were analyzed by wound-healing assay and transwell test. Results. Stattic inhibits the expression of p-STAT3 and reduces cell survival in a dose-dependent manner in HCC cell lines, and the IC50 values for Hep G2, Bel-7402, and SMMC-7721 are 2.94 μM, 2.5 μM, and 5.1 μM, respectively. Cloning formation analysis shows that stattic enhances the radiosensitivity of HCC cells. Wound-healing assay and transwell test show that stattic inhibits radio-induced migration and invasion. Further study indicates that stattic promotes radio-induce apoptosis through regulating the expression of apoptosis related proteins in HCC cells. Conclusion. Stattic enhances radiosensitivity and reduces radio-induced migration and invasion ability in HCC cells probably through apoptosis pathway.
Dynamic Analysis and Circuit Design of a Novel Hyperchaotic System with Fractional-Order Terms
Authors: Lassoued Abir , Boubaker Olfa
Published: October 2017

A novel hyperchaotic system with fractional-order (FO) terms is designed. Its highly complex dynamics are investigated in terms of equilibrium points, Lyapunov spectrum, and attractor forms. It will be shown that the proposed system exhibits larger Lyapunov exponents than related hyperchaotic systems. Finally, to enhance its potential application, a related circuit is designed by using the MultiSIM Software. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the suggested circuit.
Dynamics of Immune Checkpoints, Immune System, and BCG in the Treatment of Superficial Bladder Cancer
Authors: Saad Farouk Tijjani , Hincal Evren , Kaymakamzade Bilgen
Published: October 2017

This paper aims to study the dynamics of immune suppressors/checkpoints, immune system, and BCG in the treatment of superficial bladder cancer. Programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) are some of the examples of immune suppressors/checkpoints. They are responsible for deactivating the immune system and enhancing immunological tolerance. Moreover, they categorically downregulate and suppress the immune system by preventing and blocking the activation of T-cells, which in turn decreases autoimmunity and enhances self-tolerance. In cancer immunotherapy, the immune checkpoints/suppressors prevent and block the immune cells from attacking, spreading, and killing the cancer cells, which leads to cancer growth and development. We formulate a mathematical model that studies three possible dynamics of the treatment and establish the effects of the immune checkpoints on the immune system and the treatment at large. Although the effect cannot be seen explicitly in the analysis of the model, we show it by numerical simulations.
Effective Range of Percutaneous Posterior Full-Endoscopic Paramedian Cervical Disc Herniation Discectomy and Indications for Patient Selection
Authors: Wen Hongquan , Wang Xin , Liao Wenbo , Kong Weijun , Qin Jianpu , Chen Xing , Lv Hai , Friis Thor
Published: October 2017

The objective was to investigate the effective and safe range of paramedian CDH by percutaneous posterior full-endoscopy cervical intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus resection (PPFECD) to provide a reference for indications and patient selection. Sixteen patients with CDH satisfied the inclusion criteria. Before surgery the patients underwent cervical spine MRI, and the distance between the dural sac and herniated disc was measured. An assessment was performed by MRI immediately after surgery, measuring the distance between dural sac and medial border of discectomy (DSMD). The preoperative average distance between the dural sac and peak of the herniated disc (DSPHD) was 3.87 ± 1.32 mm; preoperative average distance between dural sac and medial border of herniated disc (DSMHD) was 6.91 ± 1.21 mm and an average distance of postoperative DSMD was 5.41 ± 1.40 mm. Postoperative VAS of neck and shoulder pain was significantly decreased but JOA was significantly increased in each time point compared with preoperative ones. In summary, the effective range of PPFECD to treat paramedian CDH was 5.41 ± 1.40 mm, indicating that DSMHD and DSPHD were within 6.91 ± 1.21 mm and 3.87 ± 1.32 mm, respectively. PPFECD surgery is, therefore, a safe and effective treatment option for patients with partial paramedian cervical disc herniation.
Advanced Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma Treated with Pazopanib over Three Years
Authors: Shido Yoji , Matsuyama Yukihiro
Published: October 2017

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is a rare malignant tumor that generally occurs in adolescents and young adults. It progresses slowly, but lung and brain metastases often occur in the early phase of the clinical course, and chemotherapy has been reported as not being effective for ASPS. Pazopanib is a multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has been clinically available from November 2012 in Japan. This is a case report of a patient presented with multiple lung metastases and unresectable primary abdominal ASPS. We initially treated this patient by systemic chemotherapy with combination use of ifosfamide and doxorubicin. Stable disease was observed without any objective response. Then, we finally started to administrate pazopanib 800 mg/day. After 25 months of pazopanib administration, slight tumor reduction and a decrease of enhancement were observed. Objective responses were achieved for both the primary tumor and metastatic lung tumor; however, a newly developed brain metastasis was subsequently identified. Based on this case, pazopanib appears effective against ASPS, except for brain metastases. This case suggests that pazopanib may be useful as a first-line drug against unresectable ASPS and that longitudinal assessment of brain metastasis should be performed in similar cases.
A Joint Positioning and Attitude Solving Method for Shearer and Scraper Conveyor under Complex Conditions
Authors: Xie Jiacheng , Yang Zhaojian , Wang Xuewen , Wang Shuping , Zhang Qing
Published: October 2017

In a fully mechanized coal‐mining face, the positioning and attitude of the shearer and scraper conveyor are inaccurate. To overcome this problem, a joint positioning and attitude solving method that considers the effect of an uneven floor is proposed. In addition, the real‐time connection and coupling relationship between the two devices is analyzed. Two types of sensors, namely, the tilt sensor and strapdown inertial navigation system (SINS), are used to measure the shearer body pitch angle and the scraper conveyor shape, respectively. To improve the accuracy, two pieces of information are fused using the adaptive information fusion algorithm. It is observed that, using a marking strategy, the shearer body pitch angle can be reversely mapped to the real‐time shape of the scraper conveyor. Then, a virtual‐reality (VR) software that can visually simulate this entire operation process under different conditions is developed. Finally, experiments are conducted on a prototype experimental platform. The positioning error is found to be less than 0.38 times the middle trough length; moreover, no accumulated error is detected. This method can monitor the operation of the shearer and scraper conveyor in a highly dynamic and precise manner and provide strong technical support for safe and efficient operation of a fully mechanized coal‐mining face.
Theory of Nonlinear Guided Electromagnetic Waves in a Plane Two‐Layered Dielectric Waveguide
Authors: Kurseeva Valeria Yu. , Valovik Dmitry V.
Published: October 2017

Propagation of transverse electric electromagnetic waves in a homogeneous plane two‐layered dielectric waveguide filled with a nonlinear medium is considered. The original wave propagation problem is reduced to a nonlinear eigenvalue problem for an equation with discontinuous coefficients. The eigenvalues are propagation constants (PCs) of the guided waves that the waveguide supports. The existence of PCs that do not have linear counterparts and therefore cannot be found with any perturbation method is proven. PCs without linear counterparts correspond to a novel propagation regime that arises due to the nonlinearity. Numerical results are also presented; the comparison between linear and nonlinear cases is made.
Keeping an Open Mind: Cognitive Bias in the Evaluation of an Infant with Posterior-Lateral Rib Fractures
Authors: Johnson Katie , Derauf Donald Chris , Stetson Raymond , Galardy Paul , Homme Jason
Published: October 2017

A four-month-old former premature male is incidentally found to have posterior-lateral rib fractures during evaluation of a febrile illness. This finding led to the initiation of a workup for nonaccidental trauma. A thorough history and physical exam ultimately led to the diagnosis, which was not related to abuse. This case highlights a rare sequela of patent ductus arteriosus repair, cautions medical teams to remain aware of how cognitive bias can affect diagnostic decision-making, and emphasizes the importance of a thorough history, physical exam, and medical record review in cases of suspected nonaccidental trauma.
Toeplitz Matrices in the Problem of Semiscalar Equivalence of Second‐Order Polynomial Matrices
Authors: Shavarovskii B. Z.
Published: October 2017

We consider the problem of determining whether two polynomial matrices can be transformed to one another by left multiplying with some nonsingular numerical matrix and right multiplying by some invertible polynomial matrix. Thus the equivalence relation arises. This equivalence relation is known as semiscalar equivalence. Large difficulties in this problem arise already for 2‐by‐2 matrices. In this paper the semiscalar equivalence of polynomial matrices of second order is investigated. In particular, necessary and sufficient conditions are found for two matrices of second order being semiscalarly equivalent. The main result is stated in terms of determinants of Toeplitz matrices.
Experiment and Simulation Analysis on Noise Attenuation of Al/MF Cylindrical Shells
Authors: Li Bin , Li Jian , Yan Shilin , Yan Wenjie , He Xu
Published: October 2017

For the issue concerning internal noise reduction of Al-made cylindrical shell structure, the noise control method of laying melamine foam (MF) layer is adopted for in-shell noise attenuation experiments of Al and Al/MF cylindrical shells and corresponding internal noise response spectrograms are obtained. Based on the Virtual.Lab acoustics software, a finite element model is established for the analysis of noise in the Al/MF cylinder shell and numerical simulation computation is conducted for the acoustic mode and in-shell acoustic response; the correctness of the finite element model is verified via comparison with measured data. On this basis, influence rules of different MF laying rate and different laying thickness on acoustic cavity resonance response within the low and medium frequency range of 100–400 Hz are studied. It is indicated that noise reduction increases with MF laying rate, but the amplification decreases along with the rising of MF laying rate; noise reduction per unit thickness decreases with the increase of laying thickness, while noise reduction per unit area increases.
Intranodal Palisaded Myofibroblastoma in a Submandibular Lymph Node
Authors: Bouhajja Leila , Jouini Raja , Khayat Olfa , Koubâa Wafa , Mbarek Chiraz , Ben Brahim Ehsen , Chedly-Debbiche Achraf
Published: October 2017

Intranodal palisaded myofibroblastoma (IPM), also known as “intranodal hemorrhagic spindle cell tumor with amianthoid fibers,” is a rare benign mesenchymal tumor originating from smooth muscle cells and myofibroblasts, often with the presence of amianthoid fibers. Usually IPM affects inguinal lymph nodes, but three cases have been described in the submandibular and cervical lymph nodes. We report a new case of a 44-year-old women with submandibular mass. Cervical ultrasound showed a suspect right submandibular adenomegaly. The patient underwent an excision of the submandibular mass. Histological features of the tumor include an encapsulated fusocellular proliferation, with nuclear palisading, amianthoid fibers, hemosiderin pigment, and extravasated erythrocytes. In the light of these results, we made the diagnosis of IPM. No recurrence was found 5 years after surgery.
Analysis of Distributed Transmit Diversity with Outdated Diversity Weights
Authors: Amini Sahar , Choi Kwonhue , Na Dongjun
Published: October 2017

Distributed transmit diversity (DTD) technique that combines cooperative communications and diversity techniques is a suitable solution in 5th-generation (5G) systems. In this paper, we investigate the effect of receiver phase compensation (RPC) on the performance of DTD. We introduce new expressions for the average error rate of DTD in the presence of RPC. The derived expressions are useful for a large number of modulation schemes. We obtain further insights by comparing the RPC effect on DTD with different spatially correlated collocated transmit diversity (CTD). The new observations include the following: (1) In the case of feedback delay, the phase compensation (PC) is required on the receiver side in addition to the transmitter side. (2) In DTD with RPC, the system performance is improved by increasing the differences between the channel gain variances. However, this is the opposite of the case of DTD without RPC. (3) The correlated CTD is more sensitive to RPC than DTD. This sensitivity increases by enhancing the correlation between transmit (TX) antennas. (4) In the case where there is no delay for CTD or DTD, RPC does not affect the system’s performance.
Rotating Arm-Based Experimental Study on Droplet Behavior in the Shoulder Region of an Aircraft Aerodynamic Surface
Authors: Sor S. , García-Magariño A. , Velazquez A.
Published: October 2017

An experimental study has been performed on water droplet deformation in the shoulder region of an airfoil. The experiments have been carried out in a rotating arm facility 2.2 m long and able to rotate up to 400 rpm (90 m/s). A blunt airfoil model (chord length equal to 0.468 m) was placed at the end of the arm. A droplet generator was used to generate a stream of water droplets with an initial diameter of 1000 μm. An imaging system was set up to record the trajectories and deformations of the droplets in three different regions close to the airfoil shoulder. The base flow field was characterized using a particle image velocimetry system. The experiments show that droplet deformation results in the shoulder region of the airfoil are different from those pertaining to the leading edge region. In particular, droplets in the shoulder region tend to rotate to the direction of the incoming airfoil which generates an interference effect between the droplets that make up the stream. These differences have been quantified applying an existing theoretical model specifically developed for the leading edge region to the results obtained in the present study.
Results from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition Link Vitamin B6 Catabolism and Lung Cancer Risk
Authors: Zuo Hui , Ueland Per M. , Midttun Øivind , Vollset Stein E. , Tell Grethe S. , Theofylaktopoulou Despoina , Travis Ruth C. , Boutron-Ruault Marie-Christine , Fournier Agnès , Severi Gianluca , Kvaskoff Marina , Boeing Heiner , Bergmann Manuela M. , Fortner Renée T. , Kaaks Rudolf , Trichopoulou Antonia , Kotanidou Anastasia , Lagiou Pagona , Palli Domenico , Sieri Sabina , Panico Salvatore , Bueno-de-Mesquita H. Bas , Peeters Petra H. , Grankvist Kjell , Johansson Mikael , Agudo Antonio , Garcia Jose Ramon Quiros , Larranaga Nerea , Sanchez Maria-Jose , Chirlaque Maria Dolores , Ardanaz Eva , Chuang Shu-Chun , Gallo Valentina , Brennan Paul , Johansson Mattias , Ulvik Arve
Published: October 2017

Circulating pyridoxal-5′-phosphate (PLP) has been linked to lung cancer risk. The PAr index, defined as the ratio 4-pyridoxic acid/(pyridoxal + PLP), reflects increased vitamin B6 catabolism during inflammation. PAr has been defined as a marker of lung cancer risk in a prospective cohort study, but analysis of a larger numbers of cases are needed to deepen the significance of this study. Here, we conducted a nested case–control study within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC, n = 521,330), which included 892 incident lung cancer cases and 1,748 controls matched by center, gender, date of blood collection, and date of birth. The association of PAr with risk of lung cancer was evaluated by using conditional logistic regression. Study participants with elevated PAr experienced higher risk of lung cancer in a dose–response fashion, with a doubling in PAr levels associated with 52% higher odds of lung cancer after adjustment for tobacco smoking, serum cotinine levels, educational attainment, and BMI [OR, 1.52; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.27–1.81; P < 0.001]. Additional adjustment for intake of vegetables and fruits and physical activity did not materially affect risk association. The association of PAr with lung cancer risk was similar in both genders but slightly stronger in former smokers and in participants diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma. This study provides robust evidence that increased vitamin B6 catabolism is independently associated with a higher risk of future lung cancer.

Significance: This large cohort study firmly establishes an association between an index of vitamin B6 levels with lung cancer risk. Cancer Res; 78(1); 302–8. ©2017 AACR.
Perioperative Chemotherapie beim Magenkarzinom: Ältere Patienten können ebenso profitieren wie jüngere
Authors: Stahl Michael
Published: October 2017

Ziel: Gastroösophageale Karzinome treten häufiger bei älteren Patienten auf. Diese sind jedoch in den klinischen Studien, die die Grundlage der aktuellen Therapiestandards für die perioperative Chemotherapie bei lokal fortgeschrittener Erkrankung bilden, unterrepräsentiert. Dies führt zu Unsicherheit bei der Behand- lung älterer Patienten mit potenziell toxischen, aber wirksamen Therapieregimes. Methoden: Mithilfe einer prospektiv erstellten Datenbank beurteilten wir 63 Patienten ≥70 Jahre, die wegen eines lokal fortgeschrittenen gastroösophagealen Karzinoms eine periopera- tive Chemotherapie erhielten. Folgende Daten wurden erfasst: ECOG(Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group)-Performance-Status, Komorbiditätsindex, Body Mass Index, Chemotherapieschema, Toxizität, Dosisanpassungen, Operationsdatum, Anwendung adjuvanter Therapien, Datum der Krankheitsprogression und Todesdatum. Die Überlebensdauer wurde berechnet. Ergebnisse: Das mediane Alter lag bei 73 Jahren und 96,8% der Patienten erhielten ein Oxaliplatin-haltiges Therapieschema. Eine Dosisreduktion erfolgte bei 17,5% der Patienten und bei 7,9% der Patienten wurde die Therapie vorzeitig dauerhaft abgesetzt. 80% der Patienten wurden mit kurativer Zielsetzung operiert, doch nur 27,5% der resezierten Patienten begannen eine adjuvante Therapie. Eine starke histologische Regression war bei 21,6% der Patienten zu beobachten. Die mediane Überlebensdauer betrug 19,1 Monate. Bei Patienten, die operiert worden waren, und bei Patienten mit Dreifachtherapie zeigte sich eine signifikant verbesserte Überlebensdauer (p = 0,008 bzw. p = 0,004). Die Überlebensdauer von Patienten ≥75 Jahren fiel schlechter aus. Schlussfolgerung: Die perioperative Chemotherapie ist bei älteren Patienten mit gastroösophagealem Karzinom durchführbar und effektiv.
Targeted Resequencing of Putative Growth-Related Genes Using Whole Exome Sequencing in Patients with Severe Primary IGF-I Deficiency
Authors: Grosse Greta , Hilger Alina , Ludwig Michael , Reutter Heiko , Lorenzen Franziska , Even Gertrud , Holterhus Paul-Martin , Woelfle Joachim ,   German GHI Study Group
Published: October 2017

Background/Aims: To elucidate the genetic causes of severe primary insulin-like growth factor-I deficiency (SPIGFD) by systematic, targeted, next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based resequencing of growth-related genes. Methods: Clinical phenotyping followed by NGS in 17 families including 6 affected sib pairs. Results: We identified disease-causing, heterozygous, de novo variants in HRAS (p.Gly13Cys) and FAM111A (p.Arg569His) in 2 male patients with syndromic SPIGFD. A previously described homozygous GHR nonsense variant was detected in 2 siblings of a consanguineous family (p.Glu198*). Furthermore, we identified an inherited novel variant in the IGF2 gene (p.Arg156Cys) of a maternally imprinted gene in a less severely affected father and his affected daughter. We detected 2 other novel missense variants in SH2B1 and SOCS2, both were inherited from an unaffected parent. Conclusions: Screening of growth-related genes using NGS-based, large-scale, targeted resequencing identified disease-causing variants in HRAS, FAM111A, and GHR. Considering the increased risk of subjects with HRAS mutations for neoplasms, close clinical monitoring and a thorough discussion of the risk/benefit ratio of the treatment with recombinant IGF-I is mandatory. Segregation analysis proved to be critical in the interpretation of potential SPIGFD-associated gene variations.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach in a Case of Severe Post-Traumatic Hyphema with Subtotal Iridodialysis
Authors: Romanazzi Filippo , Morano Anna , Caccavale Antonio
Published: October 2017

Purpose: To report our diagnostic ultrasound-based approach and surgical strategy in a case of severe blunt trauma with complete hyphema, 270° iris disinsertion, and traumatic subluxated cataract. Case Report: A 70-year-old male was referred to our hospital for a blunt trauma in his right eye. A complete examination revealed visual acuity consisting in light perception, a complete hyphema, and an intraocular pressure of 45 mm Hg with moderate pain. Our diagnostic approached was ultrasound based with B-scan examination showing some vitreous hemorrhage and ultrasound biomicroscopy showing a large iris disinsertion of 270° with the iris entirely dislocated in the inferior sector of the anterior chamber. The patient was hospitalized and a systemic and topical treatment was started to lower intraocular pressure. Our surgery consisted in a single-step approach with removal of traumatic cataract with scleral fixation of an intraocular lens and iridoplasty. Conclusion: In our patient, the single-step surgery, supported by anterior and posterior ultrasound imaging, achieved a satisfactory anatomical and functional outcome.
Cardiac Mesenchymal Stem Cells Proliferate Early in the Ischemic Heart
Authors: Klopsch Christian , Skorska Anna , Ludwig Marion , Gaebel Ralf , Lemcke Heiko , Kleiner Gabriela , Beyer Martin , Vollmar Brigitte , David Robert , Steinhoff Gustav
Published: October 2017

Background/Purpose: Cardiac mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could stimulate cell-specific regenerative mechanisms after myocardial infarction (MI) depending on spatial origin, distribution, and niche regulation. We aimed at identifying and isolating tissue-specific cardiac MSCs that could contribute to regeneration. Methods: Following permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in rats (n = 16), early cardiac tissues and cardiac mononuclear cells (MNCs) were analyzed by immunohistology, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and flow cytometry, respectively. Early postischemic specific MSCs were purified by fluorescence-activated cell sorting, cultivated under standardized culture conditions, and tested for multipotent differentiation in functional identification kits. Results: Cardiac MSC niches were detected intramyocardially in cell clusters after MI and characterized by positive expression for vimentin, CD29, CD44, CD90, CD105, PDGFRα, and DDR2. Following myocardial ischemia, proliferation was induced early and proliferation density was approximately 11% in intramyocardial MSC clusters of the peri-infarction border zone. Cluster sizes increased by 157 and 64% in the peri-infarction and noninfarcted areas of infarcted hearts compared with noninfarcted hearts 24 h following MI, respectively. Coincidentally, flow cytometry analyses illustrated postischemic moderate enrichments of CD45–CD44+ and CD45–DDR2+ cardiac MNCs. We enabled isolation of early postischemic culturable cardiac CD45–CD44+DDR2+ MSCs that demonstrated typical clonogenicity with colony-forming unit-fibroblast formation as well as adipogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic differentiation. Conclusions: MI triggered early proliferation in specific cardiac MSC niches that were organized in intramyocardial clusters. Following targeted isolation, early postischemic cardiac CD45–CD44+DDR2+ MSCs exhibited typical characteristics with multipotent differentiation capacity and clonogenic expansion.