bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fertility outcome analysis after surgical management of tubal ectopic pregnancy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Li Jingwei , Jiang Kailei , Zhao Fujie
Published: September 2015

Objectives

To compare the subsequent fertility and risk of recurrence of an ectopic pregnancy (EP) in women who had had an EP, according to the type of surgical treatment they received—that is, salpingectomy, salpingostomy or tubal anastomosis.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was carried out between January 2003 and September 2011 of 618 patients admitted to hospital with tubal EP and who had received surgical treatment (salpingectomy, n=434; salpingostomy, n=112; and tube anastomosis, n=72). Main outcomes included the first intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) and recurrent EP.

Results

The crude IUP rates up to 24 months after surgery were 55.5% for salpingectomy, 50.9% for salpingostomy and 40.3% for tubal anastomosis treatments. In the multivariate-adjusted model, with the patients receiving salpingectomy as the reference group, HR for patients after salpingostomy and tubal anastomosis treatments for IUP were 0.912 (95% CI 0.762 to 2.017) and 0.619 (95% CI 0.328 to 0.927), respectively. The 2-year cumulative recurrent EP rates were found to be 8.1% for salpingectomy, 6.3% for salpingostomy and 16.7% for tubal anastomosis treatments. Taking the patients receiving salpingectomy as the reference group, the patients who received tubal anastomosis had a positively higher risk of recurrent EP (HR=2.280; 95% CI 1.121 to 4.636) in univariate analysis. Adjustment for other potential confounders only slightly attenuated the HR.

Conclusions

The patients with an EP receiving tubal anastomosis treatments appeared to have a lower 2-year rate of IUP and a higher risk of recurrent EP after adjustment for other potential risk factors.
Diet and physical activity for children's health: a qualitative study of Nepalese mothers’ perceptions
Authors: Oli Natalia , Vaidya Abhinav , Subedi Madhusudan , Eiben Gabriele , Krettek Alexandra
Published: September 2015

Objectives

Non-communicable diseases account for 50% of all deaths in Nepal and 25% result from cardiovascular diseases. Previous studies in Nepal indicate a high burden of behavioural cardiovascular risk factors, suggesting a low level of knowledge, attitude and practice/behaviour regarding cardiovascular health. The behavioural foundation for a healthy lifestyle begins in early childhood, when mothers play a key role in their children's lives. This qualitative study, conducted in a Nepalese peri-urban community, aimed to explore mothers’ perception of their children's diet and physical activity.

Design

We notated, tape-recorded and transcribed all data collected from six focus group discussions, and used qualitative content analysis for evaluation and interpretation.

Setting

The study was conducted in the Jhaukhel-Duwakot Health Demographic Surveillance Site in the Bhaktapur district of Nepal.

Participants

Local health workers helped recruit 61 women with children aged 5–10 years. We distributed participants among six different groups according to educational status.

Results

Although participants understood the importance of healthy food, they misunderstood its composition, perceiving it as unappetising and appropriate only for sick people. Furthermore, participants did not prioritise their children's physical activities. Moreover, mothers believed they had limited control over their children's dietary habits and physical activity. Finally, they opined that health educational programmes would help mothers and recommended various intervention strategies to increase knowledge regarding a healthy lifestyle.

Conclusions

Our data reveal that mothers of young children in a peri-urban community of Nepal lack adequate and accurate understanding about the impact of a healthy diet and physical activity. Therefore, to prevent future cardiovascular disease and other non-communicable diseases among children, Nepal needs health education programmes to improve mothers’ cardiovascular health knowledge, attitude and behaviour.
Comparison of the university hospital and county hospitals in western Sweden to identify potential weak links in the early chain of care for acute stroke: results of an observational study
Authors: Wireklint Sundström Birgitta , Herlitz Johan , Hansson Per Olof , Brink Peter
Published: September 2015

Objective

To identify weak links in the early chain of care for acute stroke.

Setting

9 emergency hospitals in western Sweden, each with a stroke unit, and the emergency medical services (EMS).

Participants

All patients hospitalised with a first and a final diagnosis of stroke−between 15 December 2010 and 15 April 2011. The university hospital in the city of Gothenburg was compared with 6 county hospitals.

Primary and secondary measures

(1) The system delay, that is, median delay time from call to the EMS until diagnosis was designated as the primary end point. Secondary end points were: (2) the system delay time from call to the EMS until arrival in a hospital ward, (3) the use of the EMS, (4) priority at the dispatch centre and (5) suspicion of stroke by the EMS nurse.

Results

In all, 1376 acute patients with stroke (median age 79 years; 49% women) were included. The median system delay from call to the EMS until (1) diagnosis (CT scan) and (2) arrival in a hospital ward was 3 h and 52 min and 4 h and 22 min, respectively. The system delay (1) was significantly shorter in county hospitals. (3) The study showed that 76% used the EMS (Gothenburg 71%; the county 79%; p<0.0001). (4) Priority 1 was given at the dispatch centre in 54% of cases. (5) Stroke was suspected in 65% of cases. A prenotification was sent in 32% (Gothenburg 52%; the county 20%; p<0.0001).

Conclusions

System delay is still long and only a small fraction of patients received thrombolysis. Three of four used the EMS (more frequent in the county). They were given the highest priority at the dispatch centre in half of the cases. Stroke was suspected in two-thirds of the cases, but a prenotification was seldom sent to the hospital.
Disparities in the completion of steps to kidney transplantation: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Traino Heather M , Nonterah Camilla W , Cyrus John W , Gillespie Avrum , Urbanski Megan , Adair-Kriz Michael
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Disparities in access to transplantation have been well documented. The extant literature, however, focuses largely on disparities and related barriers for African-American patients and none has used the steps to transplantation as a guiding framework. This review will catalogue disparities in the steps to transplantation as well as the barriers and facilitators to completion of each step identified in the extant literature. The results of the review will be used to generate recommendations for future research to improve equity in access to kidney transplantation.

Methods and analysis

Standard procedures will be used in the conduct of the review. Searches will be performed using the following electronic databases: PubMed/Medline, PsycINFO, CINHAL, EMBASE, Cochrane library and Web of Science. Reports of original research will be eligible for inclusion if they are published from 2005 to present, written or available in English language, performed in the USA, enrol adult participants (18 years of age or more), and employ descriptive or observational designs. Two authors will independently screen retrieved articles for inclusion. MaxQDA will be used for data analysis and management. All included reports will be coded for article characteristics; disparities identified; barriers and motivators of completion of steps to transplantation; and proposed solutions to disparities and barriers. Each report will be coded independently by two authors and discrepancies resolved by discussion among the full team. A qualitative approach to data analysis is planned. Risk of bias will be assessed using standard procedures.

Ethics and dissemination

The findings will provide crucial information on the current status of disparities in access to transplantation. PRISMA guidelines will be followed in reporting the results of the review. It is anticipated that these results will inform research which seeks to increase parity in access to transplantation.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42014015027.
Service availability and association betweenMutuellesand medical care usage for under-five children in rural Rwanda: a statistical analysis with repeated cross-sectional data
Authors: Mejía-Guevara Iván , Hill Kenneth , Subramanian S V , Lu Chunling
Published: September 2015

Objective

To compare the association betweenMutuelles enrolment and medical care utilisation among under-five rural children between 2005 and 2010; that is, before and after substantial improvements in service availability took place in rural areas.

Methods

We tracked the change in service availability between 2005 and 2010. Using the nationally representative population-based Rwanda Demographic and Health Surveys 2005 and 2010, we conducted a statistical analysis using multilevel logistic random-effects models. We includedMutuellesenrollees and uninsured children who had diarrhoea, cough or fever in the previous 2 weeks of the surveys. The final sample size was 4071 children.

Results

We observed a substantial increase in the availability of health facilities, medical staff and child health services from 2005 to 2010. In both years, under-five children withMutuelleswere more likely to use medical care than uninsured children. Children in 2010 had a higher probability of using medical care than their counterparts in 2005, regardless of the children's poverty orMutuellesstatus.Mutuellesenrollees in 2010 had the highest probability of using care among children in both years. The findings were robust to model specifications and estimation methods.

Conclusions

This study suggests the importance of strengthening service provision at the supply side in promoting equitable utilisation of childcare with prepayment schemes.
Comparing clinical quality indicators for asthma management in children with outcome measures used in randomised controlled trials: a protocol
Authors: Choong Miew Keen , Tsafnat Guy , Hibbert Peter , Runciman William B , Coiera Enrico
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Clinical quality indicators are necessary to monitor the performance of healthcare services. The development of indicators should, wherever possible, be based on research evidence to minimise the risk of bias which may be introduced during their development, because of logistic, ethical or financial constraints alone. The development of automated methods to identify the evidence base for candidate indicators should improve the process of indicator development. The objective of this study is to explore the relationship between clinical quality indicators for asthma management in children with outcome and process measurements extracted from randomised controlled clinical trial reports.

Methods and analysis

National-level indicators for asthma management in children will be extracted from the National Quality Measures Clearinghouse (NQMC) database and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) quality standards. Outcome measures will be extracted from published English language randomised controlled trial (RCT) reports for asthma management in children aged below 12 years. The two sets of measures will be compared to assess any overlap. The study will provide insights into the relationship between clinical quality indicators and measurements in RCTs. This study will also yield a list of measurements used in RCTs for asthma management in children, and will find RCT evidence for indicators used in practice.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not necessary because this study will not include patient data. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications.
The Deyo-Charlson and Elixhauser-van Walraven Comorbidity Indices as predictors of mortality in critically ill patients
Authors: Ladha Karim S , Zhao Kevin , Quraishi Sadeq A , Kurth Tobias , Eikermann Matthias , Kaafarani Haytham M A , Klein Eric N , Seethala Raghu , Lee Jarone
Published: September 2015

Objectives

Our primary objective was to compare the utility of the Deyo-Charlson Comorbidity Index (DCCI) and Elixhauser-van Walraven Comorbidity Index (EVCI) to predict mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

Setting

Observational study of 2 tertiary academic centres located in Boston, Massachusetts.

Participants

The study cohort consisted of 59 816 patients from admitted to 12 ICUs between January 2007 and December 2012.

Primary and secondary outcome

For the primary analysis, receiver operator characteristic curves were constructed for mortality at 30, 90, 180, and 365 days using the DCCI as well as EVCI, and the areas under the curve (AUCs) were compared. Subgroup analyses were performed within different types of ICUs. Logistic regression was used to add age, race and sex into the model to determine if there was any improvement in discrimination.

Results

At 30 days, the AUC for DCCI versus EVCI was 0.65 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.67) vs 0.66 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.66), p=0.02. Discrimination improved at 365 days for both indices (AUC for DCCI 0.72 (95% CI 0.71 to 0.72) vs AUC for EVCI 0.72 (95% CI 0.72 to 0.72), p=0.46). The DCCI and EVCI performed similarly across ICUs at all time points, with the exception of the neurosciences ICU, where the DCCI was superior to EVCI at all time points (1-year mortality: AUC 0.73 (95% CI 0.72 to 0.74) vs 0.68 (95% CI 0.67 to 0.70), p=0.005). The addition of basic demographic information did not change the results at any of the assessed time points.

Conclusions

The DCCI and EVCI were comparable at predicting mortality in critically ill patients. The predictive ability of both indices increased when assessing long-term outcomes. Addition of demographic data to both indices did not affect the predictive utility of these indices. Further studies are needed to validate our findings and to determine the utility of these indices in clinical practice.
Implementation of a quality improvement initiative to reduce daily chest radiographs in the intensive care unit
Authors: Sy Eric , Luong Michael , Quon Michael , Kim Young , Sharifi Sadra , Norena Monica , Wong Hubert , Ayas Najib , Leipsic Jonathon , Dodek Peter
Published: September 2015

Objective

To reduce the number of routine chest radiographs (CXRs) done in a tertiary care intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

Using a quality improvement approach, we measured the number of CXRs done per patient-day before (15 June 2010–15 June 2011) and after (15 June 2011–15 June 2012) a multipronged intervention in a 15-bed medical–surgical ICU in a 350-bed tertiary care teaching hospital. We studied a total of 1492 patients who were admitted to this ICU—738 patients during the preintervention period and 754 patients during the postintervention period. Interventions were education for the ICU house staff, developing indications for routine CXRs on the computer order-entry system, and visual posters/signage to remind ICU staff that there were no indications for routine, daily CXRs. The primary outcome was the number of CXRs per patient-day, but we also measured CTs of the chest, mechanical ventilator days, length of ICU stay and ICU and hospital mortality.

Results

There were 0.73 CXRs per patient-day done during the preintervention period and 0.54 CXRs per patient-day done during the postintervention period, a 26% reduction. There were no differences between the periods in age, sex or severity of illness (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score) of the patients, number of chest CTs, mechanical ventilator days, length of ICU stay and ICU or hospital mortality.

Conclusions

A quality improvement that includes education, reminders of appropriate indications and computerised decision support can decrease the number of routine CXRs in an ICU.
Objectively measured physical activity of young Canadian children using accelerometry
Authors: Borkhoff Cornelia M. , Heale Liane D. , Anderson Laura N. , Tremblay Mark S. , Maguire Jonathon L. , Parkin Patricia C. , Birken Catherine S.
Published: September 2015

The objective of the study was to describe objectively measured physical activity (PA) and sedentary time of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers and determine the proportion meeting Canadian age-specific PA guidelines. Ninety children (47 girls, 43 boys; mean age 32 (range, 4–70) months) attending scheduled health supervision visits and in the TARGet Kids! (The Applied Research Group for Kids) cohort wore an Actical accelerometer for 7 days. Participants with 4 or more valid days were included in the analysis. Time, in mean minutes per day (min/day), spent sedentary and in light PA, moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA), and total PA was determined using published cut-points; age groups were compared using ANOVA. Twenty-three percent of children <18 months (n = 28) and 76% of children aged 18–59 months (n = 45) met the guideline of 180 min/day of total PA; 13% of children ≥60 months (n = 17) met the guideline of 60 min/day of MVPA. Children <18 months spent more of their waking time per day engaged in sedentary behaviours (79%; ∼7.3 h) compared with children aged 18–59 months (63%; ∼6.6 h) and children ≥60 months (58%; ∼6.6 h). In conclusion, most children aged 18–59 months met the Canadian PA guidelines for children aged 0–4 years, whereas few younger than 18 months met the same guidelines. Only 13% of children ≥5 years met their age-specific PA guidelines. Further research is needed to develop, test, and implement effective strategies to promote PA and reduce sedentary behaviour in very young children.
Early initiation of low-level parenteral dextrose induces an accelerated diabetic phenotype in septic C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Singamsetty Srikanth , Shah Faraaz Ali , Guo Lanping , Watanabe Yoshio , McDonald Sherie , Sharma Rohit , Zhang Yingze , Alonso Laura C. , O’Donnell Christopher P. , McVerry Bryan J.
Published: September 2015

Development of hyperglycemia during sepsis is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Nutritional support is common practice in the intensive care unit, but the metabolic effects are not well understood. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of early low-level calorie provision on the development of hyperglycemia in a clinically relevant murine model of sepsis. C57BL/6J mice underwent femoral arterial and venous catheterization followed by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) or sham surgery and low-dose intravenous dextrose or saline infusion. Blood glucose, plasma insulin, and cytokines were measured after 24 h. Additional septic mice underwent hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps or received intravenous insulin concurrent with dextrose to determine whole-body insulin sensitivity and test the efficacy of insulin to reverse hyperglycemia. Neither dextrose infusion nor CLP alone induced hyperglycemia. Early initiation of low-level dextrose in septic mice produced a variable glycemic response: 49% maintained euglycemia (blood glucose < 200) and 27% developed severe hyperglycemia (blood glucose ≥ 600). Hyperglycemia was associated with increased inflammation and reduced insulin secretion and sensitivity compared with control mice or CLP mice maintaining euglycemia. Insulin prevented the progression to severe hyperglycemia but was ineffective in reestablishing glycemic control once hyperglycemia had developed. In conclusion, early initiation of clinically relevant low-level dextrose (∼20% daily caloric requirements) precipitated hyperglycemia akin to an acute diabetic phenotype in septic mice characterized by decreased insulin sensitivity, decreased insulin secretion, and an increased inflammatory response.
Comparison of sodium silicate and phosphate for controlling lead release from copper pipe rigs
Authors: Woszczynski Meghan , Bergese John , Payne Sarah Jane , Gagnon Graham A.
Published: September 2015

This study compared sodium silicate and zinc orthophosphate for their ability to decrease lead and copper release from pilot-scale premise plumbing in low alkalinity (<5 mg/L CaCO3) water. The study used pipe loops (to age the water) connected to copper pipe rigs. The copper pipe rigs were constructed using 50:50 lead:tin solder, which provided the only source of lead. Three different treatments were compared, using the same source water: phosphate (0.8 mg-PO4/L at pH 7.3), sodium silicate with pH control (18 mg-Si/L at pH 7.3), and sodium silicate (18 mg-Si/L at pH 6.3). Lead and copper levels (both total and dissolved) were measured following the copper pipe rig after two different stagnation times (24 h, 30 min). The phosphate treatment consistently resulted in significantly lower lead release compared to sodium silicate at the same pH of 7.3. The phosphate treated pipe rigs released 12 μg/L and 2 μg/L lead following the 24 h and 30 min stagnation times, respectively. The sodium silicate with pH control system released 46 μg/L and 6.7 μg/L lead following 24 h and 30 min stagnation time, respectively. The sodium silicate treated pipe rigs released 27.4 and 4.6 μg/L lead following the 24 h and 30 min stagnation time, respectively. The phosphate treatment also consistently released less copper than both the sodium silicate with pH control treatment and the sodium silicate treatment. However, more lead particles were observed in the phosphate treatment compared to either of the sodium silicate treatments. The difference in performance between the sodium silicate corrosion inhibitor at two different pH levels, suggests that the performance of sodium silicate could be further optimized.
Probing Higgs boson CP properties with tt̄H at the LHC and the 100 TeV pp collider
Authors: He Xiao-Gang , Li Guan-Nan , Zheng Ya-Juan
Published: September 2015

The Higgs boson [Formula: see text] has the largest coupling to the top quark [Formula: see text] among the standard model (SM) fermions. This is one of the ideal places to investigate new physics beyond SM. In this work, we study the potential of determining Higgs boson [Formula: see text] properties at the LHC and future 33 TeV and 100 TeV [Formula: see text] colliders by analyzing various operators formed from final states variables in [Formula: see text] production. The discrimination power from SM coupling is obtained with Higgs boson reconstructed from [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We find that [Formula: see text] process can provide more than [Formula: see text] discrimination power with [Formula: see text] integrated luminosity in a wide range of allowed Higgs to top couplings for the LHC, the 33 TeV and 100 TeV colliders. For [Formula: see text] the discrimination power will be below [Formula: see text] at the LHC, while for 33 TeV and 100 TeV colliders, more than [Formula: see text] sensitivity can be reached.
Collective rotation from ab initio theory
Authors: Caprio M. A. , Maris P. , Vary J. P. , Smith R.
Published: September 2015

Through ab initio approaches in nuclear theory, we may now seek to quantitatively understand the wealth of nuclear collective phenomena starting from the underlying internucleon interactions. No-core configuration interaction (NCCI) calculations for p-shell nuclei give rise to rotational bands, as evidenced by rotational patterns for excitation energies, electromagnetic moments and electromagnetic transitions. In this review, NCCI calculations of 7–9 Be are used to illustrate and explore ab initio rotational structure, and the resulting predictions for rotational band properties are compared with experiment. We highlight the robustness of ab initio rotational predictions across different choices for the internucleon interaction.
Using spectator distributions to measure the initial geometry fluctuation
Authors: Nasim Md.
Published: September 2015

A study of eccentricity (εn) fluctuations and its possible impact on final state momentum anisotropy (υn) for symmetric collisions are presented in the framework of Glauber model. Effect of fluctuations of nucleon's position on the initial geometry has been studied using a new method, where the difference between oppositely moving spectators is taken as a measurement of eccentricity fluctuations. This study shows that higher harmonics (n = 3, 4 and 5) of eccentricity are less sensitive to fluctuations in transverse plane compared to the 2nd harmonic. Position fluctuations in transverse plane will increase ε2 and hence possibly υ2 for the most central nucleus–nucleus collisions. For semi-central and peripheral collisions, the fluctuations have opposite effect, it decreases the eccentricity ε2. The fluctuation of initial geometry can be studied in collider experiments by studying the spectator distribution on the both sides of the beam.
Optimization-Based Whole-Body Control of a Series Elastic Humanoid Robot
Authors: Hopkins Michael A. , Leonessa Alexander , Lattimer Brian Y. , Hong Dennis W.
Published: September 2015

As whole-body control approaches begin to enter the mainstream of humanoid robotics research, there is a real need to address the challenges and pitfalls encountered in hardware implementations. This paper presents an optimization-based whole-body control framework enabling compliant locomotion on THOR, a 34 degree of freedom humanoid featuring force-controllable series elastic actuators (SEAs). Given desired momentum rates of change, end-effector accelerations, and joint accelerations from a high-level locomotion controller, joint torque setpoints are computed using an efficient quadratic program (QP) formulation designed to solve the floating-base inverse dynamics (ID). Constraints on the centroidal dynamics, frictional contact forces, and joint position/torque limits ensure admissibility of the optimized joint setpoints. The control approach is supported by an electromechanical design that relies on custom linear SEAs and embedded joint controllers to accurately regulate the internal and external forces computed by the whole-body QP. Push recovery and walking tests conducted using the THOR humanoid validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. In each case, balancing is achieved using a planning and control approach based on the time-varying divergent component of motion (DCM) implemented for the first time on hardware. We discuss practical considerations that led to the successful implementation of low-impedance whole-body control on our hardware system including the design of the robot’s high-level standing and stepping behaviors and low-level joint-space controllers. The paper concludes with an application of the presented approach for a humanoid firefighting demonstration onboard a decommissioned US Navy ship.
Fractional parts of Dedekind sums
Authors: Banks William D. , Shparlinski Igor E.
Published: September 2015

Using a recent improvement by Bettin and Chandee to a bound of Duke, Friedlander and Iwaniec [Bilinear forms with Kloosterman fractions, Invent. Math. 128 (1997) 23–43] on double exponential sums with Kloosterman fractions, we establish a uniformity of distribution result for the fractional parts of Dedekind sums [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] running over rather general sets. Our result extends earlier work of Myerson [Dedekind sums and uniform distribution, J. Number Theory 28 (1988) 233–239] and Vardi [A relation between Dedekind sums and Kloosterman sums, Duke Math. J. 55 (1987) 189–197]. Using different techniques, we also study the least denominator of the collection of Dedekind sums [Formula: see text] on average for [Formula: see text].
Actor Positioning with Minimal Movement in Wireless Sensor and Actor Networks
Authors: Kim Youngkyun , Jeon Changho
Published: September 2015

This paper proposes an algorithm that relocates actors to appropriate positions in order for them to act as cluster heads (CHs) with minimal movement in a clustered sensor network. The proposed algorithm assigns actors to target positions in the cluster center (CC). The CC is an area where the transmission ranges of a CH and its neighboring sensors are overlapped. The proposed algorithm first computes a CC in a cluster and then designates the closest point from an actor in the CC as a target position. At the target position, a relocated actor establishes direct links with all neighbors of a CH in order to substitute for the CH. The target position is located on the boundary of the CC, whereas the CH position is inside the region. Therefore, the actor reduces the movement distance required to become a CH when it moves to the target position rather than to the CH position. In the simulation, our proposed algorithm is compared with the existing algorithm that places the actor at the CH position. The results of the simulation show that our algorithm reduces the movement distance by 12.7% compared with that of contemporary scheme.
Semantic-Based Facial Image-Retrieval System with Aid of Adaptive Particle Swarm Optimization and Squared Euclidian Distance
Authors: Kalimuthu Manikandan , Krishnamurthi Ilango
Published: September 2015

The semantic-based facial image-retrieval system is concerned with the process of retrieving facial images based on the semantic information of query images and database images. The image-retrieval systems discussed in the literature have some drawbacks that degrade the performance of facial image retrieval. To reduce the drawbacks in the existing techniques, we propose an efficient semantic-based facial image-retrieval (SFIR) system using APSO and squared Euclidian distance (SED). The proposed technique consists of three stages: feature extraction, optimization, and image retrieval. Initially, the features are extracted from the database images. Low-level features (shape, color, and texture) and high-level features (face, mouth, nose, left eye, and right eye) are the two features used in the feature-extraction process. In the second stage, a semantic gap between these features is reduced by a well-known adaptive particle swarm optimization (APSO) technique. Afterward, a squared Euclidian distance (SED) measure will be utilized to retrieve the face images that have less distance with the query image. The proposed semantic-based facial image-retrieval (SFIR) system with APSO-SED will be implemented in working platform of MATLAB, and the performance will be analyzed.
Wall-to-Suspension Heat Transfer in a CFB Downcomer
Authors: Zhang Huili , Degrève Jan , Dewil Raf , Baeyens Jan
Published: September 2015

With the development of circulating fluidized beds (CFB) and dense upflow bubbling fluidized beds (UBFB) as chemical reactors, or in the capture and storage of solar or waste heat, the associated downcomer has been proposed as an additional heat transfer system. Whereas fundamental and applied research towards hydrodynamics has been carried out, few results have been reported on heat transfer in downcomers, even though it is an important element in their design and application. The wall-to-suspension heat transfer coefficient (HTC) was measured in the downcomer. The HTC increases linearly with the solids flux, till values of about 150 kg/m2 s. The increasing HTC with increasing solid circulation rate is reflected through a faster surface renewal by the downflow of the particle-gas suspension at the wall. The model predictions and experimental data are in very fair agreement, and the model expression can predict the influence of the dominant parameters of heat transfer geometry, solids circulation flow, and particle characteristics.
The Clinical Relevance of IL-17-Producing CD4+CD161+ Cell and Its Subpopulations in Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Li Linbo , He Jing , Zhu Lei , Yang Yuqin , Jin Yuebo , Jia Rulin , Liu Xu , Liu Yanying , Sun Xiaolin , Li Zhanguo
Published: September 2015

Objective. Th17 cells have been demonstrated to play an important role in the onset and development of primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS). In this study, we evaluated the expansion and clinical significance of circulating CD4+CD161+ T cell and its “effector” (CD4+CD25−CD161+ T cell) and “regulatory” (CD4+CD25+CD161+ T cell) subpopulations.Methods. Fifty-eight pSS patients and 16 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited in our study. The cell populations and intracellular IL-17 expression were analyzed by flow cytometry. The disease activity was evaluated by the EULAR-SS Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI). Autoantibodies were measured by ELISA or indirect immunofluorescence assay.Results. The CD161+ T cell fractions showed higher proportions of IL-17-producing cells. The frequencies of the overall CD4+CD161+ T cell population and its effector subset were positively correlated with disease activity parameters and more severe disease manifestations. A significant elevation of the CD4+CD25+CD161+ T cell subpopulation was observed in the peripheral blood of pSS patients compared to HCs and this subset showed decreased regulatory functions compared with the CD4+CD25+CD161− population.Conclusion. Circulating CD4+CD161+ T cell populations associated with pSS disease activity and severity. These cells might be involved in the development of pSS and could be potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of pSS.
Systemic Sarcoidosis Mimicking a Behavioural Variant of Frontotemporal Dementia
Authors: De Maindreville Anne , Bedos Line , Bakchine Serge
Published: September 2015

Among rare neurological manifestations, a progressive dementia may exceptionally be the revealing clinical feature of a sarcoidosis. Diagnosis may then be difficult, especially when systemic signs are missing or latent, with a risk of therapeutic delay. We report the first case of sarcoidosis mimicking a frontotemporal dementia. A 53-year-old man presented with a dementia clinically suggestive of frontotemporal dementia, progressing slowly for about 2 years. However, MRI revealed unusual aspects, mainly large areas of T2/FLAIR hypersignal within temporal regions and cerebellum, with nodular leptomeningeal and juxtacortical Gadolinium enhancement. The patient was finally diagnosed with a systemic sarcoidosis. We discuss the differential diagnosis based on MRI aspects and review the literature on the clinical, biological, and imaging features of sarcoidosis presenting with dementia. This case demonstrates that brain imaging remains mandatory in the exploration process of a patient with dementia. Although the patient presented with rather typical features of a behavioural variant of frontotemporal dementia, the MRI aspect was the key exploration that leaded to the diagnosis.
Interaction between Iron Oxide Nanoparticles and HepaRG Cells: A Preliminary In Vitro Evaluation
Authors: Helvenstein M. , Stanicki D. , Laurent S. , Blankert B.
Published: September 2015

Nowadays, the use of iron oxide nanoparticles is widespread to label cells for magnetic resonance imaging tracking. More recently, magnetic labeling provides promising new opportunities for tissue engineering by controlling and manipulating cells through the action of an external magnetic field. The present work describes nonspecific labeling of metabolically competent HepaRG hepatocytes with anionic iron oxide nanoparticles. An interaction was observed between nanoparticles and studied cells, which were easily attracted when exposed to a magnet. No cytotoxicity was detected in the hepatocytes after 24 hours of incubation with iron oxide nanoparticles. Impact on HepaRG metabolization activity was assessed. Although a slight decrease in the metabolite generation was observed after exposure to nanoparticles (2 mM in iron), the enzymatic capacity was maintained. These results pave the way for 3D cultures of magnetic labeled HepaRG cells by using a magnetic field.
Third Case ofStreptococcus suisInfection in Greece
Authors: Chatzopoulou Marianneta , Voulgaridou Ioanna , Papalas Dimitrios , Vasiliou Petros , Tsiakalou Maria
Published: September 2015

Streptococcus suisis a facultative anaerobic, Gram-positive coccus that can cause severe disease to both pigs and humans. Its zoonotic potential was first recognized in 1968 when the first human case of meningitis was reported in Denmark. Since then, over 1600 human cases have been reported worldwide, the vast majority of which originated in Southeast Asia, and, thus,S. suishas been fairly characterized as an emerging pathogen. Infection in humans presents most commonly as bacteremia and/or meningitis while less common clinical manifestations such as endocarditis and septic arthritis can occur.S. suisinfection is extremely uncommon in Greece and this is the third human case to be reported. Correct identification is of importance for optimization of antimicrobial treatment and epidemiological monitoring.
Traumatic Death due to Simultaneous Double Spine Fractures in Patient with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Yagi Mitsuru , Sato Shunsuke , Miyake Atsushi , Asazuma Takashi
Published: September 2015

The aim of this study is to report the rare occurrence of simultaneous double spine fractures in a patient with progressive ankylosing spondylitis (AS). An 82-year-old male with established AS had low-energy falls. He had sustained simultaneous double spine fractures and died. Plain radiographs of the cervical spine were unremarkable in detecting a cervical spine fracture in a patient with AS and a spinal cord injury following a fall. CT scan showed a displaced fracture at the C6/C7 with American Spinal Injury Association-A spinal cord injury and displaced fracture at L1. The cause of death was determined to be upper spinal cord injury caused by cervical spinal fracture and dislocation that were facilitated by spinal rigidity from AS. This case report illustrates the importance of obtaining a detailed medical history and thorough imaging study when investigating deaths, including nonfatal conditions, such as AS. Furthermore, it shows the value of entire spine CT scan in the evaluation of the mechanism, further spine fractures, and manner of death. Despite the occurrence of spine fracture in AS patients, simultaneous double or multiple spine fractures are extremely rare and can be missed. Care should be taken for the further spine fracture in the entire spine in patient with AS.
A Modularized Noise Analysis Method with Its Application in Readout Circuit Design
Authors: Wang Xiao , Shi Zelin , Xu Baoshu
Published: September 2015

A readout integrated circuit (ROIC) is a crucial part that determines the quality of imaging. In order to analyze the noise of a ROIC with distinct illustration of each noise source transferring, a modularized noise analysis method is proposed whose application is applied for a ROIC cell, where all the MOSFETs are optimized in subthreshold region, leading to the power dissipation 2.8 μW. The modularized noise analysis begins with the noise model built using transfer functions and afterwards presents the transfer process of noise in the form of matrix, through which we can describe the contribution of each noise source to the whole output noise clearly, besides optimizing the values of key components. The optimal noise performance is obtained under the limitation of layout area less than 30 μm × 30 μm, resulting in that the integration capacitor should be selected as 0.74 pF to achieve an optimal noise performance, the whole output noise reaching the minimum value at 74.1 μV. In the end transient simulations utilizing Verilog-A are carried out for comparisons. The results showing good agreement verify the feasibility of the method presented through matrix.
Ultrastructural Morphology of Sperm from Human Globozoospermia
Authors: Ricci Giuseppe , Andolfi Laura , Zabucchi Giuliano , Luppi Stefania , Boscolo Rita , Martinelli Monica , Zweyer Marina , Trevisan Elisa
Published: September 2015

Globozoospermia is a rare disorder characterized by the presence of sperm with round head, lacking acrosome. Coiling tail around the nucleus has been reported since early human studies, but no specific significance has conferred it. By contrast, studies on animal models suggest that coiling tail around the nucleus could represent a crucial step of defective spermatogenesis, resulting in round-headed sperm. No observations, so far, support the transfer of this hypothesis to human globozoospermia. The purpose of this work was to compare ultrastructural morphology of human and mouse model globozoospermic sperm. Sperm have been investigated by using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The images that we obtained show significant similarities to those described in GOPC knockout mice, an animal model of globozoospermia. By using this model as reference, we were able to identify the probable steps of the tail coiling process in human globozoospermia. Although we have no evidence that there is the same pathophysiology in man and knocked-out mouse, the similarities between these ultrastructural observations in human and those in the experimental model are very suggestive. This is the first demonstration of the existence of relevant morphological homologies between the tail coiling in animal model and human globozoospermia.
Space-Time Block Coding with Beamforming for Triple-Polarized Uniform Linear Array Systems
Authors: Su Xin , Chang Kyung Hi
Published: September 2015

Generally, space-time block coding (STBC) and beamforming (BF) gains cannot be obtained simultaneously because the former performs well under a low correlated MIMO channel, and the latter works efficiently in an environment with high correlation. However, array systems with antenna polarization have the potential to achieve gains with both techniques simultaneously because the cross-branch links in the system are usually uncorrelated. The cross-array links, on the other hand, can be highly correlated by setting the array element space equal to, or less than, a half-wavelength. This paper proposes a scheme to explore STBC and BF simultaneously via a triple-polarized uniform linear array (TPULA) system. The proposed scheme was verified based on the Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A) specification under a polarized MIMO (PMIMO) channel model, and therewith, the simulation results confirmed the validity of our proposed scheme.
Single Center Retrospective Analysis of Conventional and Radial TIG Catheters for Transradial Diagnostic Coronary Angiography
Authors: Vorpahl Marc , Koehler Till , Foerst Jason , Panagiotopoulos Spyridon , Schleiting Heinrich , Koss Klaus , Ziegler Gunda , Brinkmann Hilmar , Seyfarth Melchior , Tiroch Klaus
Published: September 2015

Current guidelines favor the radial approach for coronary angiography. Therefore, specialty radial diagnostic catheters were designed to engage both coronary arteries with a single device. However, it is unclear if single catheters are superior to conventional catheters. A retrospective analysis was performed of consecutive right radial coronary angiographies to determine catheter use, fluoroscopy time, radiation dosage, and consumption of contrast. Procedures were performed with a single TIG catheter or conventional catheters (CONV). Procedures with coronary artery bypass grafts or ventricular angiographies were excluded. 273 transradial procedures were performed successfully. 95 procedures were performed with CONV and 178 procedures with a TIG. Crossover to additional catheters was higher in TIG (15.2%) compared to CONV (5.3%,p=0.02). Fluoroscopy time was comparable between CONV and TIG, without crossover (2.2±1.2 min versus2.3±1.2 min; n.s.), however, greater in the case of crossover for CONV (5.8±0.7) and TIG (7.6±3.0;p=0.0001). Radiation dosage was similar in CONV and the TIG, without crossover (1419±1075, cGy∗cm2versus1690±1138; n.s.), however, greater for CONV (2374±620) and TIG (3733±2281,p=0.05) with crossover. Overall, the amount of contrast was greater in TIG (56±13 mL) versus CONV (48±3 mL;p=0.0003). CONV femoral catheters may be the primary choice for radial approach.
Palpable Penile Metastases: A Bizarre Presentation of Rectal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Cholin Liza , Perz Sarah , Mahmood Furman , Zafar Saleem
Published: September 2015

Metastasis to the penis is an uncommon occurrence, with only about 370 cases reported in the literature to date. The majority of the primary tumors are genitourinary in origin. We report on a patient with undiagnosed disseminated rectal adenocarcinoma, who first presented with lesions of the corporal bodies. A review of the literature indicates that corporeal metastasis as an initial presentation of malignancy is an extremely rare occurrence and carries a very poor prognosis.
Development of an Optimization Traffic Signal Cycle Length Model for Signalized Intersections in China
Authors: Wu Yao , Lu Jian , Chen Hong , Yang Haifei
Published: September 2015

The primary objective of this study is to develop an optimization traffic signal cycle length model for signalized intersections. Traffic data were collected from 50 signalized intersections in Xi’an city. Using comprehensive delay data, the optimization cycle length model is re-recalibrated to the Chinese traffic conditions based on the Webster delay model. The result showed that the optimization cycle length model takes vehicle delay time, pedestrian crossing time, and drivers’ anxiety into consideration. To evaluate the effects of the optimization cycle length model, three intersections were selected for a simulation. The delay time and queue length based on the optimization cycle length model and the TRRL model were compared. It was found that the delay times and queue lengths with the optimization cycle length model were significantly smaller than those with the TRRL model. The results suggested that the optimization traffic signal cycle length model was more optimal than the TRRL model.
QoE Perceptive Cross-Layer Energy Efficient Method for Mobile Video Devices
Authors: Lu Zhaoming , Zhang Hongchun , Chen Yawen , Shao Hua , Wen Xiangming
Published: September 2015

Over the last couple of years, video service distribution among smart phones and other mobile video devices is becoming increasingly popular in sensor networks. However, the huge energy consumption caused by video encoding and transmitting and the slowly evolving battery technologies become the major bottlenecks that hinder the development of video streaming services. Hence energy efficient video coding and transmitting solutions are required to be investigated. Yet, energy consumption reduction of mobile video devices will be accompanied with Quality of Experience (QoE) degradation of video applications. Such diverse tendency makes it difficult to encode and transmit video streams with less energy as well as better QoE. This paper analyzes the major energy consuming factors in mobile video devices. A specific energy consumption model concerning encoding bitrates and transmitting power level is built. Further, a noninvasive QoE perceptive model is adopted so that the energy efficiency problem becomes a cross-layer optimization problem. Chaos particle swarm optimization is used to solve this cross-layer optimization problem with fast convergence. By this method, energy consumption of mobile video device is minimized with acceptable QoE for video users. At last, Pareto front of energy and QoE is analyzed to certify the performance of our method.