bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stabilizing Integrators for Real-Time Physics
Authors: Dinev Dimitar , Liu Tiantian , Kavan Ladislav
Published: January 2018

We present a new time integration method featuring excellent stability and energy conservation properties, making it particularly suitable for real-time physics. The commonly used backward Euler method is stable but introduces artificial damping. Methods such as implicit midpoint do not suffer from artificial damping but are unstable in many common simulation scenarios. We propose an algorithm that blends between the implicit midpoint and forward/backward Euler integrators such that the resulting simulation is stable while introducing only minimal artificial damping. We achieve this by tracking the total energy of the simulated system, taking into account energy-changing events: damping and forcing. To facilitate real-time simulations, we propose a local/global solver, similar to Projective Dynamics, as an alternative to Newton’s method. Compared to the original Projective Dynamics, which is derived from backward Euler, our final method introduces much less numerical damping at the cost of minimal computing overhead. Stability guarantees of our method are derived from the stability of backward Euler, whose stability is a widely accepted empirical fact. However, to our knowledge, theoretical guarantees have so far only been proven for linear ODEs. We provide preliminary theoretical results proving the stability of backward Euler also for certain cases of nonlinear potential functions.
A Study on Garbage Collection Algorithms for Big Data Environments
Authors: Bruno Rodrigo , Ferreira Paulo
Published: January 2018

The need to process and store massive amounts of data—Big Data—is a reality. In areas such as scientific experiments, social networks management, credit card fraud detection, targeted advertisement, and financial analysis, massive amounts of information are generated and processed daily to extract valuable, summarized information. Due to its fast development cycle (i.e., less expensive to develop), mainly because of automatic memory management, and rich community resources, managed object-oriented programming languages (e.g., Java) are the first choice to develop Big Data platforms (e.g., Cassandra, Spark) on which such Big Data applications are executed.

However, automatic memory management comes at a cost. This cost is introduced by the garbage collector, which is responsible for collecting objects that are no longer being used. Although current (classic) garbage collection algorithms may be applicable to small-scale applications, these algorithms are not appropriate for large-scale Big Data environments, as they do not scale in terms of throughput and pause times.

In this work, current Big Data platforms and their memory profiles are studied to understand why classic algorithms (which are still the most commonly used) are not appropriate, and also to analyze recently proposed and relevant memory management algorithms, targeted to Big Data environments. The scalability of recent memory management algorithms is characterized in terms of throughput (improves the throughput of the application) and pause time (reduces the latency of the application) when compared to classic algorithms. The study is concluded by presenting a taxonomy of the described works and some open problems, with regard to Big Data memory management, that could be addressed in future works.
A toolkit for facilitating accessible design with blind people
Authors: Bennett Cynthia L.
Published: January 2018

This extended abstract outlines my dissertation work, to assemble a toolkit for facilitating accessible design workshops with blind people. I first exemplify how inclusive design strategies don't always provide accessible tools and techniques but instead focus on accessible end products. I continue with proposed activities beginning with an exploration of current making practice by blind people. I then propose distilling toolkit content by incorporating findings from blind makers into workshops where blind and sighted people, including industry designers, make together.
The deep learning Indaba report
Authors: Engelbrecht Herman
Published: January 2018

Given the focus on deep learning and machine learning, there is a need to address this problem of low participation of Africans in data science and artificial intelligence. The Deep Learning Indaba was thus born to stimulate the participation of Africans within the research and innovation landscape surrounding deep learning and machine learning. This column reports on the Deep Learning Indaba event, which consisted of a 5-day series of introductory lectures on Deep Learning, held from 10-15 September 2017, coupled with tutorial sessions where participants gained practical experience with deep learning software packages. The column also includes interviews with some of the organisers to learn more about the origin and future plans of the Deep Learning Indaba.
Interleukin-6 promotes a sustained loss of endothelial barrier function via Janus kinase-mediated STAT3 phosphorylation and de novo protein synthesis
Authors: Alsaffar Hiba , Martino Nina , Garrett Joshua P. , Adam Alejandro P.
Published: January 2018

Vascular leakage is a hallmark of the inflammatory response. Acute changes in endothelial permeability are due to posttranslational changes in intercellular adhesion and cytoskeleton proteins. However, little is known about the mechanisms leading to long-term changes in vascular permeability. Here, we show that interleukin-6 (IL-6) promotes an increase in endothelial monolayer permeability that lasts over 24 h and demonstrate that activation of Src and MEK/ERK pathways is required only for short-term increases in permeability, being dispensable after 2 h. In contrast, Janus kinase (JAK)-mediated STAT3 phosphorylation at Y705 (but not S727) and de novo synthesis of RNA and proteins are required for the sustained permeability increases. Loss of junctional localization of VE-cadherin and ZO-1 is evident several hours after the maximal IL-6 response, thus suggesting that these events are a consequence of IL-6 signaling, but not a cause of the increased permeability. Understanding the mechanisms involved in sustaining vascular permeability may prove crucial to allow us to directly target vascular leakage and minimize tissue damage, thus reducing the rates of mortality and chronic sequelae of excessive edema. Targeting endothelial-specific mechanisms regulating barrier function could provide a new therapeutic strategy to prevent vascular leakage while maintaining the immune response and other beneficial aspects of the inflammatory response that are required for bacterial clearance and tissue repair.
PEDF expression affects the oxidative and inflammatory state of choroidal endothelial cells
Authors: Farnoodian Mitra , Sorenson Christine M. , Sheibani Nader
Published: January 2018

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss among the elderly population, and is associated with severe macular degeneration and choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Although the pathogenesis of AMD is associated with choroidal dysfunction and CNV, the detailed underlying mechanisms remain unresolved. Altered production of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), a neuroprotective and antiangiogenic factor, contributes to CNV. Furthermore, exogenous PEDF mitigates angiogenesis in preclinical CNV models. How PEDF expression affects choroidal endothelial cell (ChEC) function is unknown. Here we isolated ChECs from PEDF+/+ and PEDF-deficient (PEDF−/−) mice and determined the impact of PEDF expression on the proangiogenic and pro-inflammatory properties of ChECs. We showed that PEDF expression significantly affects the proliferation, migration, adhesion, and oxidative and inflammatory state of ChECs. The PEDF−/− ChECs were, however, more sensitive to H2O2 challenge and exhibited increased rate of apoptosis and oxidative stress. We also observed a significant increase in production of cytokines with a primary role in inflammation and angiogenesis including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and osteopontin, and a reprograming of chemokines and cytokines expression profiles in PEDF−/− ChECs. Collectively, our results indicate that PEDF expression has a significant impact on oxidative and inflammatory properties of ChECs, whose alteration could contribute to pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases including exudative AMD.
Tamm-Horsfall protein/uromodulin deficiency elicits tubular compensatory responses leading to hypertension and hyperuricemia
Authors: Liu Yan , Goldfarb David S. , El-Achkar Tarek M. , Lieske John C. , Wu Xue-Ru
Published: January 2018

Expression of Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP or uromodulin) is highly restricted to the kidney thick ascending limb (TAL) of loop of Henle. Despite the unique location and recent association of THP gene mutations with hereditary uromodulin-associated kidney disease and THP single nucleotide polymorphisms with chronic kidney disease and hypertension, the physiological function(s) of THP and its pathological involvement remain incompletely understood. By studying age-dependent changes of THP knockout (KO) mice, we show here that young KO mice had significant salt and water wasting but were partially responsive to furosemide, due to decreased luminal translocation of Na-K-Cl cotransporter 2 (NKCC2) in the TAL. Aged THP KO mice were, however, markedly oliguric and unresponsive to furosemide, and their NKCC2 was localized primarily in the cytoplasm as evidenced by lipid raft floatation assay, cell fractionation, and confocal and immunoelectron microscopy. These aged KO mice responded to metolazone and acetazolamide, known to target distal and proximal tubules, respectively. They also had marked upregulation of renin in juxtaglomerular apparatus and serum, and they were hypertensive. Finally, the aged THP KO mice had significant upregulation of Na-coupled urate transporters Slc5a8 and Slc22a12 as well as sodium-hydrogen exchanger 3 (NHE3) in the proximal tubule and elevated serum uric acid and allantoin. Collectively, our results suggest that THP deficiency can cause progressive disturbances in renal functions via initially NKCC2 dysfunction and later compensatory responses, resulting in prolonged activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis and hyperuricemia.
ApoL1 renal risk variants induce aberrant THP-1 monocyte differentiation and increase eicosanoid production via enhanced expression of cyclooxygenase-2
Authors: Lee Hewang , Roshanravan Hila , Wang Ying , Okamoto Koji , Ryu Junghwa , Shrivastav Shashi , Qu Peng , Kopp Jeffrey B.
Published: January 2018

Apolipoprotein L1 ( ApoL1) genetic variants are strongly associated with kidney diseases. We investigated the role of ApoL1 variants in monocyte differentiation and eicosanoid production in macrophages, as activated tissue macrophages in kidney might contribute to kidney injury. In human monocyte THP-1 cells, transient overexpression of ApoL1 (G0, G1, G2) by transfection resulted in a 5- to 11-fold increase in CD14 and CD68 gene expression, similar to that seen with phorbol-12-myristate acetate treatment. All ApoL1 variants caused monocytes to differentiate into atypical M1 macrophages with marked increase in M1 markers CD80, TNF, IL1B, and IL6 and modest increase in the M2 marker CD163 compared with control cells. ApoL1-G1 transfection induced additional CD206 and TGFB1 expression, and ApoL1-G2 transfection induced additional CD204 and TGFB1 expression. Gene expression of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthase and thromboxane synthase and both gene and protein expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were increased by ApoL1-G1 and -G2 variants compared with -G0 transfection. Higher levels of PGE2 and thromboxane B2, a stable metabolite of thromboxane A2, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 were released into the supernatant of cultured THP-1 cells transfected with ApoL1-G1 and -G2, but not -G0. The increase in PGE2, thromboxane B2, and TGF-β1 was inhibited by COX-2-specific inhibitor CAY10404 but not by COX-1-specific inhibitor SC-560. These results demonstrate a novel role of ApoL1 variants in the regulation of monocyte differentiation and eicosanoid metabolism, which could modify the immune response and promote inflammatory signaling within the local targeted organs and tissues including the kidney.
Modulation of apolipoprotein L1-microRNA-193a axis prevents podocyte dedifferentiation in high-glucose milieu
Authors: Mishra Abheepsa , Ayasolla Kamesh , Kumar Vinod , Lan Xiqian , Vashistha Himanshu , Aslam Rukhsana , Hussain Ali , Chowdhary Sheetal , Marashi Shoshtari Shadafarin , Paliwal Nitpriya , Popik Waldemar , Saleem Moin A. , Malhotra Ashwani , Meggs Leonard G. , Skorecki Karl , Singhal Pravin C.
Published: January 2018

The loss of podocyte (PD) molecular phenotype is an important feature of diabetic podocytopathy. We hypothesized that high glucose (HG) induces dedifferentiation in differentiated podocytes (DPDs) through alterations in the apolipoprotein (APO) L1-microRNA (miR) 193a axis. HG-induced DPD dedifferentiation manifested in the form of downregulation of Wilms’ tumor 1 (WT1) and upregulation of paired box 2 (PAX2) expression. WT1-silenced DPDs displayed enhanced expression of PAX2. Immunoprecipitation of DPD cellular lysates with anti-WT1 antibody revealed formation of WT1 repressor complexes containing Polycomb group proteins, enhancer of zeste homolog 2, menin, and DNA methyltransferase (DNMT1), whereas silencing of either WT1 or DNMT1 disrupted this complex with enhanced expression of PAX2. HG-induced DPD dedifferentiation was associated with a higher expression of miR193a, whereas inhibition of miR193a prevented DPD dedifferentiation in HG milieu. HG downregulated DPD expression of APOL1. miR193a-overexpressing DPDs displayed downregulation of APOL1 and enhanced expression of dedifferentiating markers; conversely, silencing of miR193a enhanced the expression of APOL1 and preserved DPD phenotype. Moreover, stably APOL1G0-overexpressing DPDs displayed the enhanced expression of WT1 but attenuated expression of miR193a; nonetheless, silencing of APOL1 reversed these effects. Since silencing of APOL1 enhanced miR193a expression as well as dedifferentiation in DPDs, it appears that downregulation of APOL1 contributed to dedifferentiation of DPDs through enhanced miR193a expression in HG milieu. Vitamin D receptor agonist downregulated miR193a, upregulated APOL1 expression, and prevented dedifferentiation of DPDs in HG milieu. These findings suggest that modulation of the APOL1-miR193a axis carries a potential to preserve DPD molecular phenotype in HG milieu.
Renal Na-handling defect associated with PER1-dependent nondipping hypertension in male mice
Authors: Douma Lauren G. , Holzworth Meaghan R. , Solocinski Kristen , Masten Sarah H. , Miller Amber H. , Cheng Kit-Yan , Lynch I. Jeanette , Cain Brian D. , Wingo Charles S. , Gumz Michelle L.
Published: January 2018

Many physiological functions have a circadian rhythm, including blood pressure (BP). BP is highest during the active phase, whereas during the rest period, BP dips 10–20%. Patients that do not experience this dip at night are termed “nondippers.” Nondipping hypertension is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The mechanisms underlying nondipping hypertension are not understood. Without the circadian clock gene Per1, C57BL/6J mice develop nondipping hypertension on a high-salt diet plus mineralocorticoid treatment (HS/DOCP). Our laboratory has shown that PER1 regulates expression of several genes related to sodium (Na) transport in the kidney, including epithelial Na channel (ENaC) and Na chloride cotransporter (NCC). Urinary Na excretion also demonstrates a circadian pattern with a peak during active periods. We hypothesized that PER1 contributes to circadian regulation of BP via a renal Na-handling-dependent mechanism. Na-handling genes from the distal nephron were inappropriately regulated in KO mice on HS/DOCP. Additionally, the night/day ratio of Na urinary excretion by Per1 KO mice is decreased compared with WT (4 × vs. 7×, P < 0.001, n = 6 per group). Distal nephron-specific Per1 KO mice also show an inappropriate increase in expression of Na transporter genes αENaC and NCC. These results support the hypothesis that PER1 mediates control of circadian BP rhythms via the regulation of distal nephron Na transport genes. These findings have implications for the understanding of the etiology of nondipping hypertension and the subsequent development of novel therapies for this dangerous pathophysiological condition.
Electrophysiological correlates of incidentally learned expectations in human vision
Authors: Hall Michelle G. , Mattingley Jason B. , Dux Paul E.
Published: January 2018

The human visual system is remarkably sensitive to environmental regularities, which can facilitate behavioral performance when sensory events conform to past experience. The point at which prior knowledge is integrated during visual perception is unclear, particularly for incidentally learned associations. One possibility is that expectation shapes neural activity prospectively, in an anticipatory fashion, allowing prior knowledge to affect the earliest stages of sensory processing. Alternatively, cognitive processes underlying object recognition and conflict detection may be necessary precursors, constraining effects to later stages of processing. Here we used electroencephalography (EEG) to uncover neural activity that distinguishes between visual stimuli that match prior exposure and those that deviate from it. Participants identified visual targets that were associated with possible target locations; each location was associated with a high-probability target and a low-probability target. Alongside a behavioral cost for stimuli that had occurred infrequently at a cued location compared with those that had occurred frequently, we observed a focal modulation of the evoked EEG response at 250 ms after target onset. Relative to likely targets, unlikely targets evoked an enhanced negativity at midline frontal electrodes, and individual differences in the magnitude of this effect were correlated with the response time difference between likely and unlikely targets. In contrast, the evoked response at the latency of the P1, a correlate of early sensory processing, was indistinguishable for likely and unlikely targets. Together, these results point to postperceptual processes as a key stage at which experience modulates visual processing.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We combined electroencephalography with an incidental learning paradigm to investigate whether prior knowledge of environmental regularities modulates visual processing at early or late stages of sensory analysis. Our results reveal that modulations of neural activity arising at midlevel processing stages predict behavioral costs for unexpected stimuli rather than effects at early stages of sensory encoding.
The Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Food Products of Rhizophora stylosa Fruit (Coffee and Tea Mangrove)
Authors: Miranti Dewi Indah , Ichiura Hideaki , Ohtani Yoshito
Published: January 2018

The objective of this study is to investigate the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of coffee and tea mangrove (locally known in Indonesia) produced from the fruit of Rhizophora stylosa. Furthermore, three raw materials of coffee mangrove were also investigated to clarify their potencies. The crude extracts of five samples were subjected to antioxidant assay using DPPH. The results show that the extract of tea mangrove has the strongest activity; then, it was successfully fractionated using different polarity of solvents and yielded acetone and methanol fractions that had high antioxidant activity. The acetone fraction was purified and gave fractions A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, and A6, but only A2 and A3 indicated antioxidant activity and, therefore, they were subjected to further purification. Fractions A3 (caffeine) and A2 gave AS1 (N,N-dimethyl-L-alanine), AS2 (quercetin-3-O-galactopyranoside), AS3 (dodecanoic acid), and AS4 that had the similar 1H-NMR spectrometric results with AS2, while the methanol fraction did not exhibit clear peaks on the chromatogram by HPLC. Therefore, the precipitation method was conducted to purify this fraction, and the precipitate was analyzed by NMR spectra. The results from 1H and 13C NMR indicate that this fraction is a typical polymer of condensed tannins, containing procyanidin and prodelphinidin units.
Microspherical Particles of Solid Dispersion of Polyvinylpyrrolidone K29-32 for Inhalation Administration
Authors: Usmanova L. S. , Ziganshin M. A. , Rakipov I. T. , Lyadov N. M. , Klimovitskii A. E. , Mukhametzyanov T. A. , Gerasimov A. V.
Published: January 2018

Inhalation administration is a promising alternative to the invasive drug delivery methods. The particle size required for ideal drug aerosol preparation is between 1 and 3 μm. The application of microspherical particles of solid dispersions enhances bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs due to the solubilization. In the present work, the spray drying process of the production of microspherical particles of solid dispersions of polyvinylpyrrolidone K29-32 with model hydrophobic drug, phenacetin, was optimized using the results of DSC, PXRD, and viscometry. The diameter of the obtained particles is within 1–3 μm range. The Gibbs energy of dissolution in water was shown to be negative for the mixture with polymer/phenacetin mass ratio 5 : 1. We have demonstrated that the optimal size distribution for the inhalation administration is obtained for microspherical particles produced using spray caps with 7.0 μm hole size. The dissolution rates of phenacetin from the produced microspherical particles were faster than that of drug powder. As evidenced by powder X-ray diffraction data, phenacetin stayed in amorphous state for 4 months in microspherical particles of solid dispersions. According to the obtained results, strategic application of the spray drying process could be beneficial for the improvement of the pharmaceutical properties of model drug, phenacetin.
“Positive Regulation of RNA Metabolic Process” Ontology Group Highly Regulated in Porcine Oocytes Matured In Vitro: A Microarray Approach
Authors: Celichowski Piotr , Nawrocki Mariusz J. , Dyszkiewicz-Konwińska Marta , Jankowski Maurycy , Budna Joanna , Bryja Artur , Kranc Wiesława , Borys Sylwia , Knap Sandra , Ciesiółka Sylwia , Jeseta Michal , Piasecka-Stryczyńska Karolina , Khozmi Ronza , Bukowska Dorota , Antosik Paweł , Brüssow Klaus P. , Bruska Małgorzata , Nowicki Michał , Zabel Maciej , Kempisty Bartosz
Published: January 2018

The cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) growth and development during folliculogenesis and oogenesis are accompanied by changes involving synthesis and accumulation of large amount of RNA and proteins. In this study, the transcriptomic profile of genes involved in “oocytes RNA synthesis” in relation to in vitro maturation in pigs was investigated for the first time. The RNA was isolated from oocytes before and after in vitro maturation (IVM). Interactions between differentially expressed genes/proteins belonging to “positive regulation of RNA metabolic process” ontology group were investigated by STRING10 software. Using microarray assays, we found expression of 12258 porcine transcripts. Genes with fold change higher than 2 and with corrected p value lower than 0.05 were considered as differentially expressed. The ontology group “positive regulation of RNA metabolic process” involved differential expression of AR, INHBA, WWTR1, FOS, MEF2C, VEGFA, IKZF2, IHH, RORA, MAP3K1, NFAT5, SMARCA1, EGR1, EGR2, MITF, SMAD4, APP, and NR5A1 transcripts. Since all of the presented genes were downregulated after IVM, we suggested that they might be significantly involved in regulation of RNA synthesis before reaching oocyte MII stage. Higher expression of “RNA metabolic process” related genes before IVM indicated that they might be recognized as important markers and specific “transcriptomic fingerprint” of RNA template accumulation and storage for further porcine embryos growth and development.
Organic Boundary Location Based on Color-Texture of Visual Perception in Wireless Capsule Endoscopy Video
Authors: Wang Chengliang , Luo Zhuo , Liu Xiaoqi , Bai Jianying , Liao Guobin
Published: January 2018

This paper addresses the problem of automatically locating the boundary between the stomach and the small intestine (the pylorus) in wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) video. For efficient image segmentation, the color-saliency region detection (CSD) method is developed for obtaining the potentially valid region of the frame (VROF). To improve the accuracy of locating the pylorus, we design the Monitor-Judge model. On the one hand, the color-texture fusion feature of visual perception (CTVP) is constructed by grey level cooccurrence matrix (GLCM) feature from the maximum moments of the phase congruency covariance and hue-saturation histogram feature in HSI color space. On the other hand, support vector machine (SVM) classifier with the CTVP feature is utilized to locate the pylorus. The experimental results on 30 real WCE videos demonstrate that the proposed location method outperforms the related valuable techniques.
Traffic State Estimation Using Connected Vehicles and Stationary Detectors
Authors: Grumert Ellen F. , Tapani Andreas
Published: January 2018

Real-time traffic state estimation is of importance for efficient traffic management. This is especially the case for traffic management systems that require fast detection of changes in the traffic conditions in order to apply an effective control measure. In this paper, we propose a method for estimating the traffic state and speed and density, by using connected vehicles combined with stationary detectors. The aim is to allow fast and accurate estimation of changes in the traffic conditions. The proposed method does only require information about the speed and the position of connected vehicles and can make use of sparsely located stationary detectors to limit the dependence on the infrastructure equipment. An evaluation of the proposed method is carried out by microscopic traffic simulation. The traffic state estimated using the proposed method is compared to the true simulated traffic state. Further, the density estimates are compared to density estimates from one detector-based method, one combined method, and one connected-vehicle-based method. The results of the study show that the proposed method is a promising alternative for estimating the traffic state in traffic management applications.
Modelling and Experiment Based on a Navigation System for a Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgical Robot
Authors: Duan Xingguang , Gao Liang , Wang Yonggui , Li Jianxi , Li Haoyuan , Guo Yanjun
Published: January 2018

In view of the characteristics of high risk and high accuracy in cranio-maxillofacial surgery, we present a novel surgical robot system that can be used in a variety of surgeries. The surgical robot system can assist surgeons in completing biopsy of skull base lesions, radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the trigeminal ganglion, and radioactive particle implantation of skull base malignant tumors. This paper focuses on modelling and experimental analyses of the robot system based on navigation technology. Firstly, the transformation relationship between the subsystems is realized based on the quaternion and the iterative closest point registration algorithm. The hand-eye coordination model based on optical navigation is established to control the end effector of the robot moving to the target position along the planning path. The closed-loop control method, “kinematics + optics” hybrid motion control method, is presented to improve the positioning accuracy of the system. Secondly, the accuracy of the system model was tested by model experiments. And the feasibility of the closed-loop control method was verified by comparing the positioning accuracy before and after the application of the method. Finally, the skull model experiments were performed to evaluate the function of the surgical robot system. The results validate its feasibility and are consistent with the preoperative surgical planning.
Teach and Playback Training Device for Minimally Invasive Surgery
Authors: Garudeswaran Sriram , Cho Sohyung , Ohu Ikechukwu , Panahi Ali K.
Published: January 2018

Recent technological progress offers the opportunity to significantly transform conventional open surgical procedures in ways that allow minimally invasive surgery (MIS) to be accomplished by specific operative instruments’ entry into the body through key-sized holes rather than large incisions. Although MIS offers an opportunity for less trauma and quicker recovery, thereby reducing length of hospital stay and attendant costs, the complex nature of this procedure makes it difficult to master, not least because of the limited work area and constricted degree of freedom. Accordingly, this research seeks to design a Teach and Playback device that can aid surgical training by key-framing and then reproducing surgical motions. The result is an inexpensive and portable Teach and Playback laparoscopic training device that can record a trainer’s surgical motions and then play them back for trainees. Indeed, such a device could provide a training platform for surgical residents generally and would also be susceptible of many other applications for other robot-assisted tasks that might require complex motion training and control.
Energy Demand Forecasting: Combining Cointegration Analysis and Artificial Intelligence Algorithm
Authors: Huang Junbing , Tang Yuee , Chen Shuxing
Published: January 2018

Energy is vital for the sustainable development of China. Accurate forecasts of annual energy demand are essential to schedule energy supply and provide valuable suggestions for developing related industries. In the existing literature on energy use prediction, the artificial intelligence-based (AI-based) model has received considerable attention. However, few econometric and statistical evidences exist that can prove the reliability of the current AI-based model, an area that still needs to be addressed. In this study, a new energy demand forecasting framework is presented at first. On the basis of historical annual data of electricity usage over the period of 1985–2015, the coefficients of linear and quadratic forms of the AI-based model are optimized by combining an adaptive genetic algorithm and a cointegration analysis shown as an example. Prediction results of the proposed model indicate that the annual growth rate of electricity demand in China will slow down. However, China will continue to demand about 13 trillion kilowatt hours in 2030 because of population growth, economic growth, and urbanization. In addition, the model has greater accuracy and reliability compared with other single optimization methods.
Agranulocytosis Associated with Topiramate: A Case Report and Review of Published Cases
Authors: Lohani Saroj , Tachamo Niranjan , Nazir Salik , Donato Anthony
Published: January 2018

A 41-year-old female presented to the hospital with sore throat and shortness of breath. She was hypoxic with an oxygen saturation of 87% in room air. Physical examination revealed swollen uvula with exudates. She had been started on topiramate for treatment of migraine few months ago. The dose of topiramate was increased to 100 mg twice daily 2 weeks ago. Complete blood count revealed an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of 8 c/mm3. She was intubated and started on broad-spectrum antibiotics. She was transferred to our hospital on the fifth day of hospitalization. On arrival, her absolute neutrophil count was 10 c/mm3. Her agranulocytosis was attributed to topiramate after ruling out other possible causes. ANC improved after topiramate was stopped. ANC increased to 1000 after 5 days of stopping topiramate. We also reviewed published cases of topiramate-associated agranulocytosis. Agranulocytosis is a rare side effect of topiramate, and only 3 case reports have been published so far. In all cases, agranulocytosis developed after months of topiramate therapy and when dose was increased to 200 mg daily suggesting a dose-dependent effect. Next steps would be further research on the pathogenesis of agranulocytosis associated with topiramate and creation of registry for data synthesis.
A Time and Location Correlation Incentive Scheme for Deep Data Gathering in Crowdsourcing Networks
Authors: Ma Fulong , Liu Xiao , Liu Anfeng , Zhao Ming , Huang Changqin , Wang Tian
Published: January 2018

To tackle the issue in deep crowd sensing, a Time and Location Correlation Incentive (TLCI) scheme is proposed for deep data gathering in crowdsourcing networks. In TLCI scheme, a metric named “Quality of Information Satisfaction Degree” (QoISD) is to quantify how much collected sensing data can satisfy the application’s QoI requirements mainly in terms of data quantity and data coverage. Two incentive algorithms are proposed to satisfy QoISD with different view. The first algorithm is to ensure that the application gets the specified sensing data to maximize the QoISD. Thus, in the first incentive algorithm, the reward for data sensing is to maximize the QoISD. The second algorithm is to minimize the cost of the system while meeting the sensing data requirement and maximizing the QoISD. Thus, in the second incentive algorithm, the reward for data sensing is to maximize the QoISD per unit of reward. Finally, we compare our proposed scheme with existing schemes via extensive simulations. Extensive simulation results well justify the effectiveness of our scheme. The QoISD can be optimized by 81.92%, and the total cost can be reduced by 31.38%.
Vision Diagnostics and Treatment System for Children with Disabilities
Authors: Kasprowski Pawel , Harezlak Katarzyna
Published: January 2018

Vision plays a crucial role in children’s mental development. Therefore, early diagnosis of any vision disparities and implementation of a correct therapy is very important. However, carrying out such a procedure in case of young children and especially children with brain dysfunctions poses some limitations due to cooperation problems. The vision diagnostics and treatment (VisDaT) system presented in this paper is meant to help therapists in proper diagnosis and treatment involving such children. It utilizes a computer connected to two monitors and equipped with a specialized software. The main system components are as follows: an eye tracker recording child’s eye movements and a digital camera monitoring online child’s reactions. The system is equipped with a specialized software, which creates the opportunity to stimulate children’s vision with a dedicated stimulus and post hoc analyses of recorded sessions, which enable making decision as to the future treatment.
Association of Tongue Bacterial Flora and Subtypes of Liver‐Fire Hyperactivity Syndrome in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Luo Jie-wei , Lin Cong-huai , Zhu Yao-bin , Zheng Xing-yu , Wu Yong-xi , Chen Wei-wei , Yang Xiao
Published: January 2018

Structural changes in symbiotic human microorganisms can affect host phenotype. Liver‐fire hyperactivity syndrome (LFHS) presents as bitter taste, halitosis, xerostomia, odontalgia, and other oral symptoms. LFHS is associated with hypertension (EH). In this study, tongue flora was analyzed to further understand the intrinsic relationship between tongue flora and LFHS. Samples of tongue coating, from 16 patients with EH‐LFHS, 16 with EH‐non‐LFHS, and 16 controls, were obtained; then, 16S rRNA variable (V3‐V4) regions were amplified and sequenced by MiSeq PE300 Sequencing. Tag clustering and Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) abundance analysis were used to compare the OTU sequence with the 16S database. The species were classified, and diversity and structure of the bacterial flora were compared between the three groups. Alpha diversity analysis, including Observed Species index and Chao index, indicated significantly higher richness of species in patients with EH‐LFHS (p < 0.05). Higher phylogenetic diversity, in patients with EH‐non‐LFHS, indicates greater differences in evolutionary history than in patients with EH‐LFHS. Streptococcus, Rothia, Neisseria, and Sphingomonas were the most prevalent in patients with EH‐LFHS, differed from the other two groups. This indicates that richer bacterial diversity, and structure associated with EH‐LFHS, may affect the occurrence, development, and outcome of hypertension and syndrome subtypes recognized by TCM.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms are Common in Patients in Opioid Maintenance Treatment
Authors: Fiksdal Abel Kristine , Ravndal Edle , Clausen Thomas , Bramness Jørgen G.
Published: January 2018

Introduction and Aims: Knowledge of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms among patients in opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) is important for treatment optimization and yet limited. We investigated the prevalence of ADHD symptoms, and factors associated with high ADHD symptom burden in a group of Norwegian OMT patients. Methods: We interviewed individuals entering OMT across Norway in 2 steps between 2012 and 2016. ADHD symptoms were measured by the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS; n = 175). We compared 2 groups of individuals who scored above or below the clinical cutoff score. Mental distress was measured with the General Symptom Index (GSI) of the Hopkin’s Symptom Check-List-25. Results: A total of 33% of the OMT patients screened positively for ADHD on the ASRS. Participants who scored above the clinical cutoff were younger, and reported more severe substance use and mental distress. When controlling for other significant variables in a logistic regression analysis, scoring above cutoff on the ASRS was associated with higher GSI (OR 1.61; 95% CI 1.03–2.50) and use of stimulants (OR 2.55; 1.13–5.76). Conclusions: ADHD symptoms were common in these OMT patients. High ADHD symptom burden was associated with higher mental distress and use of stimulants. This underlines a need of more systematic focus on ADHD in OMT to plan treatment accordingly.
A Perfect sTORm: The Role of the Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) in Cerebrovascular Dysfunction of Alzheimer's Disease: A Mini-Review
Authors: Van Skike Candice E. , Galvan Veronica
Published: January 2018

Cerebrovascular dysfunction is detected prior to the onset of cognitive and histopathological changes in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Increasing evidence indicates a critical role of cerebrovascular dysfunction in the initiation and progression of AD. Recent studies identified the mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) as a critical effector of cerebrovascular dysfunction in AD. mTOR has a key role in the regulation of metabolism, but some mTOR-dependent mechanisms are uniquely specific to the regulation of cerebrovascular function. These include the regulation of cerebral blood flow, blood-brain barrier integrity and maintenance, neurovascular coupling, and cerebrovascular reactivity. This article examines the available evidence for a role of mTOR-driven cerebrovascular dysfunction in the pathogenesis of AD and of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) and highlights the therapeutic potential of targeting mTOR and/or specific downstream effectors for vasculoprotection in AD, VCID, and other age-associated neurological diseases with cerebrovascular etiology.
Crossing the Worm-Brain Barrier by Using Caenorhabditis elegans to Explore Fundamentals of Human Psychiatric Illness
Authors: Dwyer Donard S.
Published: January 2018

Endophenotypes and Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) represent recent efforts to deconvolute psychiatric illnesses into fundamental symptom clusters or biological markers more closely linked to genetic influences. By taking this one step farther, these biomarkers can be reduced to protophenotypes - endophenotypes conserved during evolution - with counterparts in lower organisms including Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila. Striking conservation in C. elegans of genes that increase the risk for mental illness bolsters the relevance of this model system for psychiatric research. Here, I review the characterization of several protophenotypes that are relevant for asociality, avolition/anhedonia, prepulse inhibition, and anorexia. Interestingly, the analogous behavioral defects in C. elegans are also corrected by psychotropic drugs used to treat the corresponding symptoms in man and/or are mediated by the same neurotransmitters. Overall, there is much we can learn about the complex human brain by studying simpler nervous systems directing evolutionarily conserved behaviors. The potential for generating important new insights from model organisms appears limitless when we begin to recognize the vestiges of evolution in ourselves.
Novel Reversible Model of Atherosclerosis and Regression Using Oligonucleotide Regulation of the LDL Receptor
Authors: Basu Debapriya , Hu Yunying , Huggins Lesley-Ann , Mullick Adam E. , Graham Mark J. , Wietecha Tomasz , Barnhart Shelley , Mogul Allison , Pfeiffer Katharina , Zirlik Andreas , Fisher Edward A. , Bornfeldt Karin E. , Willecke Florian , Goldberg Ira J.
Published: January 2018

Rationale:

Animal models have been used to explore factors that regulate atherosclerosis. More recently, they have been used to study the factors that promote loss of macrophages and reduction in lesion size after lowering of plasma cholesterol levels. However, current animal models of atherosclerosis regression require challenging surgeries, time-consuming breeding strategies, and methods that block liver lipoprotein secretion.

Objective:

We sought to develop a more direct or time-effective method to create and then reverse hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis via transient knockdown of the hepatic LDLR (low-density lipoprotein receptor) followed by its rapid restoration.

Methods and Results:

We used antisense oligonucleotides directed to LDLR mRNA to create hypercholesterolemia in wild-type C57BL/6 mice fed an atherogenic diet. This led to the development of lesions in the aortic root, aortic arch, and brachiocephalic artery. Use of a sense oligonucleotide replicating the targeted sequence region of the LDLR mRNA rapidly reduced circulating cholesterol levels because of recovery of hepatic LDLR expression. This led to a decrease in macrophages within the aortic root plaques and brachiocephalic artery, that is, regression of inflammatory cell content, after a period of 2 to 3 weeks.

Conclusions:

We have developed an inducible and reversible hepatic LDLR knockdown mouse model of atherosclerosis regression. Although cholesterol reduction decreased early en face lesions in the aortic arches, macrophage area was reduced in both early and late lesions within the aortic sinus after reversal of hypercholesterolemia. Our model circumvents many of the challenges associated with current mouse models of regression. The use of this technology will potentially expedite studies of atherosclerosis and regression without use of mice with genetic defects in lipid metabolism.
Serum Hepatocyte Growth Factor Is Probably Associated With 3-Month Prognosis of Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Zhu Zhengbao , Xu Tan , Guo Daoxia , Huangfu Xinfeng , Zhong Chongke , Yang Jingyuan , Wang Aili , Chen Chung-Shiuan , Peng Yanbo , Xu Tian , Wang Jinchao , Sun Yingxian , Peng Hao , Li Qunwei , Ju Zhong , Geng Deqin , Chen Jing , Zhang Yonghong , He Jiang
Published: January 2018

Background and Purpose—

Serum hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is positively associated with poor prognosis of heart failure and myocardial infarction, and it can also predict the risk of ischemic stroke in population. The goal of this study was to investigate the association between serum HGF and prognosis of ischemic stroke.

Methods—

A total of 3027 acute ischemic stroke patients were included in this post hoc analysis of the CATIS (China Antihypertensive Trial in Acute Ischemic Stroke). The primary outcome was composite outcome of death or major disability (modified Rankin Scale score ≥3) within 3 months.

Results—

After multivariate adjustment, elevated HGF levels were associated with an increased risk of primary outcome (odds ratio, 1.50; 95% confidence interval, 1.10–2.03;
P
trend
=0.015) when 2 extreme quartiles were compared. Each SD increase of log-transformed HGF was associated with 14% (95% confidence interval, 2%–27%) increased risk of primary outcome. Adding HGF quartiles to a model containing conventional risk factors improved the predictive power for primary outcome (net reclassification improvement: 17.50%,
P
<0.001; integrated discrimination index: 0.23%,
P
=0.022). The association between serum HGF and primary outcome could be modified by heparin pre-treatment (
P
interaction
=0.001), and a positive linear dose–response relationship between HGF and primary outcome was observed in patients without heparin pre-treatment (
P
linearity
<0.001) but not in those with heparin pre-treatment.

Conclusions—

Serum HGF levels were higher in the more severe stroke at baseline, and elevated HGF levels were probably associated with 3-month poor prognosis independently of stroke severity among ischemic stroke patients, especially in those without heparin pre-treatment. Further studies from other samples of ischemic stroke patients are needed to validate our findings.
Isoperla vjosae sp. n., a new species of the Isoperla tripartita group from Albania (Plecoptera: Perlodidae)
Authors: GRAF WOLFRAM , PAULS STEFFEN U. , VITECEK SIMON
Published: January 2018

In this contribution, we describe Isoperla vjosae sp. nov. from Albania. We characterize males, females, and larvae of the new species collected at the Vjosa River using morphological and molecular approaches. Isoperla vjosae sp.nov. is a member of the I. tripartita group, which is widely distributed in the Balkans. This new endemic species is being threatened by a proposed hydroelectric power dam on the Vjosa River impacting the type locality – a large, shifting gravel, low altitude River – an atypical habitat for larvae of the I. tripartita group. For the first time we use molecular tools to delineate Isoperla species from the Balkans.
The Role of Zonal Asymmetry in the Enhancement and Suppression of Sudden Stratospheric Warming Variability by the Madden–Julian Oscillation
Authors: Kang Wanying , Tziperman Eli
Published: January 2018

Sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) events influence the Arctic Oscillation and midlatitude extreme weather. Previous work showed the Arctic stratosphere to be influenced by the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) and that the SSW frequency increases with an increase of the MJO amplitude, expected in a warmer climate. It is shown here that the zonal asymmetry in both the background state and forcing plays a dominant role, leading to either enhancement or suppression of SSW events by MJO-like forcing. When applying a circumglobal MJO-like forcing in a dry dynamic core model, the MJO-forced waves can change the general circulation in three ways that affect the total vertical Eliassen–Palm flux in the Arctic stratosphere. First, weakening the zonal asymmetry of the tropospheric midlatitude jet, and therefore preventing the MJO-forced waves from propagating past the jet. Second, weakening the jet amplitude, reducing the waves generated in the midlatitudes, especially stationary waves, and therefore the upward-propagating planetary waves. Third, reducing the Arctic lower-stratospheric refractory index, which prevents waves from upward propagation. These effects stabilize the Arctic vortex and lower the SSW frequency. The longitudinal range to which the MJO-like forcing is limited plays an important role as well, and the strongest SSW frequency increase is seen when the MJO is located where it is observed in current climate. The SSW suppression effects are active when the MJO-like forcing is placed at different longitudinal locations. This study suggests that future trends in both the MJO amplitude and its longitudinal extent are important for predicting the Arctic stratosphere response.