bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Loss of CCAAT‐enhancer‐binding protein alpha (CEBPA) is linked to poor prognosis in PTEN deleted and TMPRSS2:ERG fusion type prostate cancers
Authors: Minner Sarah , Lutz Jannes , Hube‐Magg Claudia , Kluth Martina , Simon Ronald , Höflmayer Doris , Burandt Eike , Tsourlakis Maria Christina , Sauter Guido , Büscheck Franziska , Wilczak Waldemar , Steurer Stefan , Schlomm Thorsten , Huland Hartwig , Graefen Markus , Haese Alexander , Heinzer Hans , Jacobsen Frank , Hinsch Andrea , Poos Alexandra , Oswald Marcus , Rippe Karsten , König Rainer , Schroeder Cornelia 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundThe transcription factor CCAAT‐enhancer‐binding protein alpha (CEBPA) is a crucial regulator of cell proliferation and differentiation. Expression levels of CEBPA have been suggested to be prognostic in various tumor types.MethodsHere, we analyzed the immunohistochemical expression of CEBPA in a tissue microarray containing more than 17 000 prostate cancer specimens with annotated clinical and molecular data including for example TMPRSS2:ERG fusion and PTEN deletion status.ResultsNormal prostate glands showed moderate to strong CEBPA staining, while CEBPA expression was frequently reduced (40%) or lost (30%) in prostate cancers. Absence of detectable CEBPA expression was markedly more frequent in ERG negative (45%) as compared to ERG positive cancers (20%, P < 0.0001). Reduced CEBPA expression was linked to unfavorable phenotype (P < 0.0001) and poor prognosis (P = 0.0008). Subgroup analyses revealed, that the prognostic value of CEBPA loss was entirely driven by tumors carrying both TMPRSS2:ERG fusions and PTEN deletions. In this subgroup, CEBPA loss was tightly linked to advanced tumor stage (P < 0.0001), high Gleason grade (P < 0.0001), positive nodal stage (0.0003), and early biochemical recurrence (P = 0.0007), while these associations were absent or markedly diminished in tumors with normal PTEN copy numbers and/or absence of ERG fusion.ConclusionsCEBPA is down regulated in about one third of prostate cancers, but the clinical impact of CEBPA loss is strictly limited to the subset of about 10% prostate cancers carrying both ERG fusion and deletions of the PTEN tumor suppressor. Our findings challenge the concept that prognostic molecular markers may be generally applicable to all prostate cancers.
Study of the mainstream cigarette smoke aerosols by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry coupled to laser/desorption and electrospray ionization – Additional insights on the heteroaromatic components
Authors: Kamissoko Adama , Carré Vincent , Schramm Sébastien , Aubriet Frédéric 
Published: November 2018

RationaleThe chemical composition of the particulate phase of cigarette smoke inhaled by the active smoker is still poorly known in spite of its importance from a health point of view. A non‐targeted approach is applied to cigarette smoke particles collected on a quartz filter to obtain an as complete as possible description of this complex mixture.MethodsA home‐made smoking machine including devices for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particle sampling was used. The validation of the cigarette smoking and cigarette smoke collection procedures was conducted by the quantification of some compounds by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The particles were investigated by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR‐MS) directly after their collection on quartz filters by laser/desorption ionization (LDI) or after extraction with CH2Cl2 by electrospray ionization (ESI).ResultsThe determination of the benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (from 2 to 35 μg/cigarette) and nicotine (0.68 ± 0.05 mg/cigarette) validated the used sampling method. The complementarity of the LDI and ESI sources for the cigarette smoke analysis was established. The ESI analyses evidenced polar compounds and components with a pyridine group and LDI ensured the detection of poly‐condensed heteroaromatic species. Finally, this methodology was employed to characterize particles from cigarettes with or without flavoring additives.ConclusionsSome insights into the composition of cigarette smoke inhaled by active smokers have been obtained. The ~1750 observed features revealed the huge complexity of cigarette smoke particles and the diversity of the possible associated health issues. Both heteroaromatic and highly oxygenated compounds produced by combustion and pyrolysis have been highlighted.
High‐order mismatched disturbance rejection control for small‐scale unmanned helicopter via continuous nonsingular terminal sliding‐mode approach
Authors: Fang Xing , Liu Fei 
Published: November 2018

SummaryIn this paper, the problem of finite‐time control for small‐scale unmanned helicopter system with high‐order mismatched disturbance is investigated via continuous nonsingular terminal sliding‐mode control approach. The key idea is to design a novel nonlinear dynamic sliding‐mode surface based on finite‐time disturbance observer. Then, the finite‐time convergence and chattering attenuation capability is guaranteed by the continuous nonsingular terminal sliding‐mode control law. Additionally, rigorous finite‐time stability analysis for the closed‐loop helicopter system is given by means of the Lyapunov theory. Finally, some simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness and predominant properties of the proposed control method for the small‐scale unmanned helicopter even in the presence of high‐order mismatched disturbance.
Concrete hyperheuristic framework for test case prioritization
Authors: Bian Yi , Li Zheng , Guo Junxia , Zhao Ruilian 
Published: November 2018

AbstractTest case prioritization (TCP), which aims to find the optimal test case execution sequences for specific testing objects, has been widely used in regression testing. A wide variety of search methodologies and algorithms have been proposed to optimize test case execution sequences, namely, search‐based TCP. However, different algorithms perform differently and have different implementation costs and specific situations where an algorithm usually performs with high effectiveness and efficiency. When facing a new testing scenario, it is actually difficult to decide which algorithm is suitable. In this paper, to address the algorithm selection problem for different test scenarios, a more generally applicable algorithm based on a hyperheuristic strategy is proposed for search‐based TCP. This includes a range of multiobjective algorithms with a variety of crossover strategies and a learning agent strategy to evaluate and select the appropriate algorithm execution sequence dynamically for different scenarios. The concrete hyperheuristic framework for multiobjective TCP is presented with an algorithm's repository in the low level and the learning agent strategy in the higher level. Experiments show that the proposed learning agent strategy can accurately evaluate algorithms in multiobjective problems and select the appropriate algorithm in each iteration.
A learning algorithm for optimizing continuous integration development and testing practice
Authors: Marijan Dusica , Gotlieb Arnaud , Liaaen Marius 
Published: November 2018

SummaryContinuous integration, at its core, includes a set of practices that aim to prevent and reduce the cost of software integration issues by merging working software copies often. Regression testing is considered a good practice in software development with continuous integration, which ensures that code changes are not negatively affecting software functionality. As, nowadays, software development is carried out iteratively, with small code increments continuously developed and regression tested, it is of critical importance that continuous regression testing is time efficient. However, in practice, regression testing is often long lasting and faces scalability problems as software grows larger or as software changes are made more frequently. One contributing factor to these issues is test redundancy, which causes the same software functionality being tested multiple times across a test suite. In large‐scale software, especially highly configurable software, redundancy in continuous regression testing can significantly grow the size of test suites and negatively affect the cost effectiveness of continuous integration. This paper presents a practical learning algorithm for optimizing continuous integration testing by reducing ineffective test redundancy in regression suites. The novelty of the algorithm lies in learning and predicting the fault‐detection effectiveness of continuous integration tests using historical test records and combining this information with coverage‐based redundancy metrics. The goal is to identify ineffective redundancy, which is maximally reduced in the resulting regression test suite, thus reducing test time and improving the performance of continuous integration. We apply and evaluate the algorithm in two industrial projects of continuous integration. The results show that the proposed algorithm can improve the efficiency of continuous integration practice in terms of decreasing test execution time by 38% on average compared to the industry practice of our case study and by 40% on average compared to the retest‐all approach. The results further demonstrate no significant reduction in fault‐detection effectiveness of continuous regression testing. This suggests that the proposed algorithm contributes to the state of the practice in the continuous integration development and testing of highly configurable systems.
Strengthening Surgery Strengthens Health Systems: A New Paradigm and Potential Pathway for Horizontal Development in Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries
Authors: Christie S. Ariane , Nwomeh Benedict C. , Krishnaswami Sanjay , Yang George P. , Holterman Ai‐Xuan L. , Charles Anthony , Jayaraman Sudha , Jawa Randeep S. , Rickard Jennifer , Swaroop Mamta , Ziad Sifri C. , Etoundi Mballa Georges Alain , Monono Martin Ekeke , Chichom Mefire Alain , Juillard Catherine 
Published: November 2018

AbstractGlobal health is transitioning toward a focus on building strong and sustainable health systems in developing countries; however, resources, funding, and agendas continue to concentrate on “vertical” (disease‐based) improvements in care. Surgical care in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) requires the development of health systems infrastructure and can be considered an indicator of overall system readiness. Improving surgical care provides a scalable gateway to strengthen health systems in multiple domains. In this position paper by the Society of University Surgeons’ Committee on Global Academic Surgery, we propose that health systems development appropriately falls within the purview of the academic surgeon. Partnerships between academic surgical institutions and societies from high‐income and resource‐constrained settings are needed to strengthen advocacy and funding efforts and support development of training and research in LMICs.
It’s one thing to rule them all and another thing to bind them
Authors: Tallant Jonathan , Baron Sam 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn this paper we offer a response to one argument in favour of Priority Monism, what Jonathan Schaffer calls the nomic argument for monism. We proceed in three stages. We begin by introducing Jonathan Schaffer’s Priority Monism and the nomic argument for that view. We then consider a response to the nomic argument that we presented in an earlier paper (Baron and Tallant in Philos Phenomenol Res 93:583–606, 2016). We show that this argument suffers from a flaw. We then go on to offer a different response to the nomic argument. The core idea is that the current laws of physics are not integrated in the manner that Schaffer requires to get the nomic argument for monism off the ground.
Fundamentals of fetal toxicity relevant to sevoflurane exposures during pregnancy
Authors: Chai Dongdong , Cheng Yanyong , Jiang Hong 
Published: November 2018

AbstractOver the last three decades, advances in medical and surgical techniques have proven life saving and life‐improving for young children. Consequently, early and repeated exposure to general anesthetics in childhood has increased. However, accumulating evidence suggests that general anesthetics may be neurotoxic in children. Of particular concern is the neurotoxicity fetuses may suffer from maternal exposure to sevoflurane during surgeries and fetal intervention procedures performed during the second trimester, as this can cause neurodevelopmental impairment in offspring. In this review we demonstrate that the pathology associated with fetal toxicity resulting from exposure to sevoflurane during pregnancy involves oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, neuroapoptosis, and alteration of synaptic properties. The mechanisms remain to be elucidated, but may include increased tau protein phosphorylation and abnormal methylation. These findings highlight the need for a global and comprehensive understanding of the potential neurotoxicity of anesthetic exposure in fetuses and its long‐term effects.
Heat alleviation studies on hypersonic re-entry vehicles
Authors: Khalid M. , Juhany K. A. 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTA numerical simulation has been carried out to investigate the effects of leading edge blowing upon heat alleviation on the surface of hypersonic vehicles. The initial phase of this work deals with the ability of the present CFD-based techniques to solve hypersonic flow field past blunt-nosed vehicles at hypersonic speeds. Towards this end, the authors selected three re-entry vehicles with published flow field data against which the present computed results could be measured. With increasing confidence on the numerical simulation techniques to accurately resolve the hypersonic flow, the boundary condition at the solid blunt surface was then equipped with the ability to blow the flow out of the solid boundary at a rate of at least 0.01–0.1 times the free stream (ρ∞u∞) mass flow rate. The numerical iterative procedure was then progressed until the flow at the surface matched this new ‘inviscid like’ boundary condition. The actual matching of the flow field at the ejection control surface was achieved by iterating the flow on the adjacent cells until the flow conformed to the conditions prescribed at the control surface. The conditions at the surface could be submitted as a ρ∞u∞at the surface or could be equipped as a simple static pressure condition providing the desired flow rate. The comparison between the present engineering approach and the experimental data presented in this study demonstrate its ability to solve complex problems in hypersonic.
Numerical study of uneven wall-heating effect for a one side rib-roughened cooling channel subject to rotation
Authors: Wang Z. , Corral R. 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTThis paper investigates the impact of the wall-heating conditions on the heat transfer performance of a rotating channel with one side smooth and one side roughened by 45° inclined ribs. Previous experimental and numerical studies for single-ribbed wall-heated channels showed that rotation has a significant negative impact on heat transfer performance. In order to investigate this uncommon behaviour, RANS simulations were conducted under three different wall-heating conditions in the present study: ribbed wall heated, all walls heated and adiabatic conditions. Numerical results show that the presence of uneven wall-heating conditions has a negligible impact on the stationary case, but it has a large influence on rotational cases, in both, the heat transfer and the flow field. The underlying reason is that in rotating cases, uneven heating results in different buoyancy effects on the trailing and leading walls of the channel that alter the main flow velocity profile. As a consequence, also secondary flows and heat transfer performance are affected.
An optical soft-sensor based shape sensing using a bio-inspired pattern recognition technique to realise fly-by-feel capability for intelligent aircraft operation
Authors: Basu M. , Ghorai S. K. 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTInformation regarding deformations in large and complex systems is necessary in the prediction of structural failures caused by un-natural flexural occurrences. Sensing systems which are used to predict shapes, in order to develop a global surface picture require high precision and lower time lag. In this work, a unique bio-inspired training mechanism for support vector regression is presented for shape sensing in structures mounted with Fiber Bragg Gratings. Experimental validation was carried out on a simply supported beam, loaded at different positions and an aircraft wing model for different types of bending. The resulting deflections at specified locations along the length of the beam and on both surfaces of the wing were interpreted from the wavelength shifts of the corresponding Fiber Bragg Gratings through the specially modified Support Vector Regression. The method has shown high accuracy, low computational requirements and enhanced prediction times. The proposed bio-inspired training method has also been compared with two conventional training methodologies.
Parental Rejection as a Predictor of Emotional Eating After Inpatient Weight Loss Treatment for Youngsters
Authors: Vandewalle Julie , Moens Ellen , Debeuf Taaike , Braet Caroline 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe main objective of the study was to examine the relationships between parental rejection, maladaptive emotion regulation strategies, and the emotional eating style of youngsters who finished an inpatient multidisciplinary weight loss treatment program and were back in their home environment.MethodParticipants were 52 youngsters (age 11–17 years) with an average percent over ideal BMI of 186.11% (SD= 27.54) before treatment and 136.37% (SD= 19.65) at a mean follow-up of 4 months. Participants completed questionnaires assessing maternal and paternal rejection, maladaptive emotion regulation strategies, and emotional eating. Data were analysed using bootstrapping procedure.ResultsMediation analyses showed that maladaptive emotion regulation partially mediated the association between maternal rejection and the youngsters’ emotional eating style. Paternal rejection was directly related to emotional eating.ConclusionThe results suggest that the family climate may have an impact on the eating style of the youngsters after weight loss treatment.
The policy consequences of cascade blindness
Authors: ELGA ADAM , OPPENHEIMER DANIEL M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractOne way to reduce waste and to make a system more robust is to allow its components to pool resources. For example, banks might insure each other or share a common capital reserve. Systems whose resources have been pooled in this way are highly prevalent in such diverse domains as finance, infrastructure, health care, emergency response and engineering. However, these systems have a combination of characteristics that leave them vulnerable to poor decision-making: non-linearity of risk; obvious rewards combined with hidden costs; and political and market incentives that encourage inadequate safety margins. Three studies demonstrate a tendency for managers of such systems to underestimate the probability of cascading failures. We describe a series of behaviorally based policy interventions to mitigate the resulting hazards.
Patient Predictors of Surgical Candidacy in Elective Spine Disorders
Authors: Yang Michael M.H. , St-Pierre Godefroy Hardy , DuPlessis Stephan 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe expansion of age-related degenerative spine pathologies has led to increased referrals to spine surgeons. However, the majority of patients referred for surgical consultation do not need surgery, leading to inefficient use of healthcare resources. This study aims to elucidate preoperative patient variables that are predictive of patients being offered spine surgery.MethodsWe conducted an observational cohort study on patients referred to our institution between May 2013 and January 2015. Patients completed a detailed preclinic questionnaire on items such as history of presenting illness, quality-of-life questionnaires, and past medical history. The primary end point was whether surgery was offered. A multivariable logistical regression using the random forest method was used to determine the odds of being offered surgery based on preoperative patient variables.ResultsAn analysis of 1194 patients found that preoperative patient variables that reduced the odds of surgery being offered include mild pain (odds ratio [OR] 0.37,p=0.008), normal walking distance (OR 0.51,p=0.007), and normal sitting tolerance (OR 0.58,p=0.01). Factors that increased the odds of surgery include radiculopathy (OR 2.0,p=0.001), patient’s belief that they should have surgery (OR 1.9,p=0.003), walking distance <50 ft (OR 1.9,p=0.01), relief of symptoms when bending forward (OR 1.7,p=0.008) and sitting (OR 1.6,p=0.009), works more slowly (OR 1.6p=0.01), aggravation of symptoms by Valsalva (OR 1.4,p=0.03), and pain affecting sitting/standing (OR 1.1,p=0.001).ConclusionsWe identified 11 preoperative variables that were predictive of whether patients were offered surgery, which are important factors to consider when screening outpatient spine referrals.
INTERNET USE AND PROTEST POLITICS IN SOUTH KOREA AND TAIWAN
Authors: Lee Shin Haeng , Fu King-wa 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis study examines the association between Internet use and protest politics in South Korea and Taiwan, using secondary data from the sixth wave (2010–14) of the World Values Survey. The data show that Internet use is positively associated with low-cost protest acts, like signing a petition. Internet use is also correlated with the willingness to consider higher-cost actions such as attending demonstrations and joining in boycotts. But it does not appear to consistently increase actual protests of this sort. Discussion is made to address comparable opportunity structures for protest politics in the two East Asian democracies, where the Internet is deeply integrated into the country's political landscape.