bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intensity modulated radiation therapy versus three‐dimensional conformal radiation therapy for the treatment of high grade glioma: a dosimetric comparison
Authors: MacDonald Shannon M. , Ahmad Salahuddin , Kachris Stefanos , Vogds Betty J. , DeRouen Melissa , Gitttleman Alicia E. , DeWyngaert Keith , Vlachaki Maria T.
Published: February 2017

The present study compared the dosimetry of intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and three‐dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D‐CRT) techniques in patients treated for high‐grade glioma. A total of 20 patients underwent computed tomography treatment planning in conjunction with magnetic resonance imaging fusion. Prescription dose and normal‐tissue constraints were identical for the 3D‐CRT and IMRT plans. The prescribed dose was 59.4 Gy delivered at 1.8 Gy per fraction using 4 – 10 MV photons. Normal‐tissue dose constraints were 50 – 54 Gy for the optic chiasm and nerves, and 55 – 60 Gy for the brainstem.

The IMRT plan yielded superior target coverage as compared with the 3D‐CRT plan. Specifically, minimum and mean planning target volume cone down doses were 54.52 Gy and 61.74 Gy for IMRT and 50.56 Gy and 60.06 Gy for 3D‐CRT . The IMRT plan reduced the percent volume of brainstem receiving a dose greater than 45 Gy by 31% and the percent volume of brain receiving a dose greater than 18 Gy, 24 Gy, and 45 Gy by 10% , 14% , and 40% respectively. With IMRT, the percent volume of optic chiasm receiving more than 45 Gy was also reduced by 30.40% . As compared with 3D‐CRT, IMRT significantly increased the tumor control probability and lowered the normal‐tissue complication probability for brain and brainstem .

Intensity‐modulated radiation therapy improved target coverage and reduced radiation dose to the brain, brainstem, and optic chiasm. With the availability of new cancer imaging tools and more effective systemic agents, IMRT may be used to intensify tumor doses while minimizing toxicity, therefore potentially improving outcomes in patients with high‐grade glioma.

PACs number: 87.53 Tf
Does the risk of hospitalisation for ischaemic heart disease rise alreadybeforewidowhood?
Authors: Einiö Elina , Moustgaard Heta , Martikainen Pekka , Leinonen Taina
Published: February 2017

Background

The death of a spouse has been shown to increase mortality from various causes, including ischaemic heart disease. It is unclear, however, whether cardiac problems are already on the rise before widowhood.

Methods

Using longitudinal register data of Finnish widows-to-be aged 65 and over at baseline (N=19 185), we assessed the risk of hospitalisation for ischaemic heart disease 18 months before and after widowhood. Hospital admissions were derived from national hospital discharge registers between 1996 and 2002. Analyses used population-averaged and fixed-effects logistic models, the latter of which controlled for unobserved time-invariant characteristics, such as genetic susceptibility, personality and behavioural and medical history.

Results

For men, fixed-effects model revealed that hospitalisation for ischaemic heart disease increased twofold already 0–3 monthsprior tothe death of a spouse (OR=2.09, 95% CI 1.22 to 3.60), relative to the period of 15–18 months before widowhood. It stayed at a heightened level up to 6 months following bereavement (OR=2.15, 95% CI 1.07 to 4.30). Among women, the fixed-effects analysis detected no statistically significant increase in hospitalisation for ischaemic heart disease before or after widowhood.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that men are already vulnerable to cardiac problems before the death of a wife. Medical interventions and health counselling could be targeted to the husbands of terminally ill patients, in order to improve their cardiovascular health over the transition to widowhood.
Republished: Rete mirabile associated with pial arteriovenous fistula: imaging features with literature review
Authors: Mondel Prabath Kumar , Saraf Rashmi , Limaye Uday S
Published: February 2017

A rete mirabile is a vascular network of intercommunicating small arteries or arterioles that replace the definitive adult artery supplying the brain. It supplies the brain in lower mammals but is not seen in normal human embryological development. A 26-year-old man presented with worsening tinnitus that was interfering with his sleep. On CT and digital subtraction angiography he was found to have a temporal lobe pial arteriovenous fistula with bilateral carotid and vertebral rete mirabile. The patient was offered open surgical and endovascular treatment options for pial arteriovenous fistula but he refused both and opted for conservative medical management. At 6-month follow-up he continued to have pulsatile tinnitus but was otherwise neurologically normal. We present the first described association of rete mirabile with pial arteriovenous fistula and discuss its clinical presentation and imaging features, with a review of the literature for bilateral carotid and vertebral rete mirabile.
Validation of cerebral arteriovenous malformation hemodynamics assessed by DSA using quantitative magnetic resonance angiography: preliminary study
Authors: Shakur Sophia F , Brunozzi Denise , Hussein Ahmed E , Linninger Andreas , Hsu Chih-Yang , Charbel Fady T , Alaraj Ali
Published: February 2017

Background

The hemodynamic evaluation of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) using DSA has not been validated against true flow measurements.

Objective

To validate AVM hemodynamics assessed by DSA using quantitative magnetic resonance angiography (QMRA).

Materials and methods

Patients seen at our institution between 2007 and 2016 with a supratentorial AVM and DSA and QMRA obtained before any treatment were retrospectively reviewed. DSA assessment of AVM flow comprised AVM arterial-to-venous time (A-Vt) and iFlow transit time. A-Vt was defined as the difference between peak contrast intensity in the cavernous internal carotid artery and peak contrast intensity in the draining vein. iFlow transit times were determined using syngo iFlow software. A-Vt and iFlow transit times were correlated with total AVM flow measured using QMRA and AVM angioarchitectural and clinical features.

Results

33 patients (mean age 33 years) were included. Nine patients presented with hemorrhage. Mean AVM volume was 9.8 mL (range 0.3–57.7 mL). Both A-Vt (r=−0.47, p=0.01) and iFlow (r=−0.44, p=0.01) correlated significantly with total AVM flow. iFlow transit time was significantly shorter in patients who presented with seizure but A-Vt and iFlow did not vary with other AVM angioarchitectural features such as venous stenosis or hemorrhagic presentation.

Conclusions

A-Vt and iFlow transit times on DSA correlate with cerebral AVM flow measured using QMRA. Thus, these parameters may be used to indirectly estimate AVM flow before and after embolization during angiography in real time.
Republished: Nickel-associated delayed multiple white matter lesions after stent-assisted coil embolization of intracranial unruptured aneurysm
Authors: Park Hun Soo , Nakagawa Ichiro , Yokoyama Shohei , Wajima Daisuke , Wada Takeshi , Motoyama Yasushi , Kichikawa Kimihiko , Nakase Hiroyuki
Published: February 2017

Metal-induced encephalopathy after stent-assisted coil embolization is extremely rare. The present report describes two patients who presented with symptomatic intracranial parenchymal edematous lesions after stent-assisted coil embolization. A 64-year-old woman underwent stent-assisted coil embolization for a left internal carotid artery aneurysm; 21 days after the procedure she presented with right hand weakness and MRI revealed multifocal white matter lesions. Another woman aged 52 years underwent stent-assisted coil embolization for right vertebral artery aneurysm; 18 days after the procedure she presented with left-sided sensory disturbance and MRI demonstrated multiple white matter lesions. Treatment in both cases resulted in improvement of these lesions after steroid pulse therapy, and the patients had no associated morbidity 4 months after the procedures. Clinicians should monitor for neurologic symptoms and postoperative delayed radiologic parenchymal edematous changes associated with the metal allergic reaction after nitinol stent-assisted coil embolization.
Efficient Conversion Technique from Redundant Binary to NonRedundant Binary Representation
Authors: Barik Ranjan Kumar , Pradhan Manoranjan , Panda Rutuparna
Published: February 2017

Redundant Binary (RB) to Two’s Complement (TC) converter offers nonredundant representation. However, the sign bit of TC representation has to be handled using nonstandard hardware blocks. The concept of Inverted encoding of negative weighted bits (IEN) eliminates the need of sign extension and offers design only using predefined hardware blocks. NonRedundant Binary (NRB) representation refers to both conventional and IEN representations. The NRB representation is also useful considering problem related to shifting in Carry Save (CS) representation of a RB number. In this paper, we have proposed two new conversion circuits for RB to NRB representation. The proposed circuits of the RB to NRB converter are coded in Verilog Hardware Description language (HDL) and synthesized using the Encounter(R) RTL Compiler RC13.10 v13.10-s006_1 of Cadence tool considering ASIC platform. Considering 64 bits’ operand, the delay power product performances of proposed one-bit and two-bit computations offer improvement of almost 29.9% and 47%, respectively as compared to Carry-Look-Ahead (CLA). The proposed one-bit converter is also applied in the final stage of the Modified Redundant Binary Adder (MRBA). The 32-bit MRBA offers a delay improvement of 7.87% replacing conventional converter with proposed one-bit converter in same FPGA 4vfx12sf363-12 device.
An Adaptively Biased Capacitor-Less Low Dropout Regulator with Improved Transient Performance
Authors: Alapati Suresh , Patri Sreehari Rao , Prasad K. S. R. Krishna
Published: February 2017

A novel fully on-chip low dropout (LDO) linear regulator with a supply voltage of 1.6[Formula: see text]V, dropout voltage of 200[Formula: see text]mV and a quiescent current of 64.4[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]A is presented in this paper. The slew rate limitations of conventional low dropout regulator (LDR) employing folded cascode structure are overcome by fixed bias LDR (FB LDR) with the usage of recycled transistors of conventional LDR. The FB LDR with its limited input common mode range limits the transient response. The adaptive bias LDR (AB LDR) overcomes these limitations of FB LDR and further enhances the transient performance. However, fast rise and fall time demands of advanced digital technology demand the regulator to respond to corresponding fast load changes. These challenges are addressed by an additional fast reacting path. An undershoot of 89.95[Formula: see text]mV for a load current changes from 0[Formula: see text]mA to 100[Formula: see text]mA and an overshoot of 150.1[Formula: see text]mV for a current change of 100–0[Formula: see text]mA is observed for the adaptive bias transient enhanced LDR. The load regulation of 20.6[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]V/mA and power supply rejection (PSR) of [Formula: see text]47.8[Formula: see text]dB@ 10[Formula: see text]kHz is achieved due to the improved closed loop gain and bandwidth of LDR. The standard 180[Formula: see text]nm UMC CMOS process is employed.
On Approach to Increase Integration Rate of Double-Gate Heterotransistors
Authors: Pankratov E. L. , Bulaeva E. A.
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we introduce an approach to manufacture a field-effect heterotransistor with two gates. In the framework approach, we consider a heterostructure with required configuration, doping of required parts of the heterostructure by diffusion and/or ion implantation and optimization of annealing of dopant or radiation defects. The introduced approach of manufacturing a transistor gives us the possibility to decrease area of surface and thickness of the transistor. In this paper, we also introduce an approach to make prognosis of mass and heat transport with account variation of parameters of these processes in space in time and nonlinearity of these processes.
Modular pumps as programmable hydraulic batteries for microfluidic devices
Authors: Cummins Brian M. , Chinthapatla Rukesh , Lenin Balaji , Ligler Frances S. , Walker Glenn M.
Published: February 2017

Simple fluid pumps have been developed to improve microfluidic device portability, but they cannot be easily programmed, produce repeatable pumping performance, or generate complex flow profiles — key requirements for increasing the functionality of portable microdevices. We present a detachable, paper-based, “hydraulic battery” that can be connected to the outlet of a microfluidic channel to pump fluid at varying flow rates over time, including step changes, ramping flows, and oscillating flows.
Learning with mobile technologies
Authors: Philip Thomas M.
Published: February 2017

Considering the challenges, commitments, and quandaries.
Show Me You Care
Authors: Otterbacher Jahna , Ang Chee Siang , Litvak Marina , Atkins David
Published: February 2017

Linguistic mimicry, the adoption of another’s language patterns, is a subconscious behavior with pro-social benefits. However, some professions advocate its conscious use in empathic communication. This involves mutual mimicry; effective communicators mimic their interlocutors, who also mimic them back. Since mimicry has often been studied in face-to-face contexts, we ask whether individuals with empathic dispositions have unique communication styles and/or elicit mimicry in mediated communication on Facebook. Participants completed Davis’s Interpersonal Reactivity Index and provided access to Facebook activity. We confirm that dispositional empathy is correlated to the use of particular stylistic features. In addition, we identify four empathy profiles and find correlations to writing style. When a linguistic feature is used, this often “triggers” use by friends. However, the presence of particular features, rather than participant disposition, best predicts mimicry. This suggests that machine-human communications could be enhanced based on recently used features, without extensive user profiling.
Time, but faster
Authors: Schlossnagle Theo
Published: February 2017

A computing adventure about time through the looking glass.
Heterogeneous computing
Authors: Zahran Mohamed
Published: February 2017

Hardware and software perspectives.
From the BBC micro to micro:bit and beyond
Authors: Rogers Yvonne , Shum Venus , Marquardt Nic , Lechelt Susan , Johnson Rose , Baker Howard , Davies Matt
Published: February 2017

In this forum we celebrate research that helps to successfully bring the benefits of computing technologies to children, older adults, people with disabilities, and other populations that are often ignored in the design of mass-marketed products.
--- Juan Pablo Hourcade, Editor
The Design and Implementation of a Rekeying-Aware Encrypted Deduplication Storage System
Authors: Qin Chuan , Li Jingwei , Lee Patrick P. C.
Published: February 2017

Rekeying refers to an operation of replacing an existing key with a new key for encryption. It renews security protection to protect against key compromise and enable dynamic access control in cryptographic storage. However, it is non-trivial to realize efficient rekeying in encrypted deduplication storage systems, which use deterministic content-derived encryption keys to allow deduplication on ciphertexts. We design and implement a rekeying-aware encrypted deduplication (REED) storage system. REED builds on a deterministic version of all-or-nothing transform, such that it enables secure and lightweight rekeying, while preserving the deduplication capability. We propose two REED encryption schemes that trade between performance and security and extend REED for dynamic access control. We implement a REED prototype with various performance optimization techniques and demonstrate how we can exploit similarity to mitigate key generation overhead. Our trace-driven testbed evaluation shows that our REED prototype maintains high performance and storage efficiency.
From interactables to architectonic interaction
Authors: Wiberg Mikael
Published: February 2017

Interaction design is increasingly about embedding interactive technologies in our built environment; architecture is increasingly about the use of interactive technologies to reimagine and dynamically repurpose our built environment. This forum focuses on this intersection of interaction and architecture.
--- Mikael Wiberg, Editor
Financing the dark web
Authors: Kirkpatrick Keith
Published: February 2017

Cryptocurrencies are enabling illegal or immoral transactions in the dark corners of the Internet.
Supreme Court on design patent damages in
Samsung v. Apple
Authors: Samuelson Pamela
Published: February 2017

Considering influences leading to the recent U.S Supreme Court decision in a years-long case that Apple filed against Samsung over iPhone design infringement.
Civic media art and practice
Authors: Gordon Eric , D'Ignazio Catherine , Mugar Gabriel , Mihailidis Paul
Published: February 2017

Community + Culture features practitioner perspectives on designing technologies for and with communities. We highlight compelling projects and provocative points of view that speak to both community technology practice and the interaction design field as a whole. ---
Christopher A. Le Dantec, Editor
Non-free iterative differential modules
Authors: Maurischat Andreas
Published: February 2017

In [7] we established a Picard-Vessiot theory over differentially simple rings which may not be fields. Differential modules over such rings were proven to be locally free but don't have to be free as modules. In this article, we give a family of examples of non-free differential modules, and compute Picard-Vessiot rings as well as Galois groups for them.
Satisfiability checking and symbolic computation
Authors: Ábrahám E. , Abbott J. , Becker B. , Bigatti A. M. , Brain M. , Buchberger B. , Cimatti A. , Davenport J. H. , England M. , Fontaine P. , Forrest S. , Griggio A. , Kroening D. , Seiler W. M. , Sturm T.
Published: February 2017

Symbolic Computation
and
Satisfiability Checking
are viewed as individual research areas, but they share common interests in the development, implementation and application of decision procedures for arithmetic theories. Despite these commonalities, the two communities are currently only weakly connected. We introduce a new project SC
2
to build a joint community in this area, supported by a newly accepted EU (H2020-FETOPEN-CSA) project of the same name. We aim to strengthen the connection between these communities by creating common platforms, initiating interaction and exchange, identifying common challenges, and developing a common roadmap. This abstract and accompanying poster describes the motivation and aims for the project, and reports on the first activities.
Efficient detection of hessian matrix sparsity pattern
Authors: Carter Richard G. , Hossain Shahadat , Sultana Marzia
Published: February 2017

Evaluation of the Hessian matrix of a scalar function is a subproblem in many numerical optimization algorithms. For large-scale problems often the Hessian matrix is sparse and structured, and it is preferable to exploit such information when available. Using symmetry in the second derivative values of the components it is possible to detect the sparsity pattern of the Hessian via products of the Hessian matrix with specially chosen direction vectors. We use graph coloring methods and employ efficient sparse data structures to implement the sparsity pattern detection algorithms. Results from preliminary numerical testings are highly promising.
Fibonacci-mandelbrot polynomials and matrices
Authors: Chan Eunice Y. S. , Corless Robert M.
Published: February 2017

We explore a family of polynomials similar to the Mandelbrot polynomials called the Fibonacci-Mandelbrot polynomials defined by
q
0
(
z
) = 0,
q
1
(
z
) = 1, and

q
n

(
z
) =
zq

n
−1

q

n
−2

+ 1. We compute the roots of the Fibonacci-Mandelbrot polynomials using two methods. One method uses a recursively constructed matrix, where elements are 0, 1, or −1, whose eigenvalues are the roots of

q
n

(
z
). The other method uses a special-purpose homotopy continuation method, where the solution of the differential equation, [EQUATION], in which the initial condition are 0, and the roots of
q

n
−1

and
q

n
−2

, are also the roots of the Fibonacci-Mandelbrot polynomials.
Black box linear algebra
Authors: Eberly Wayne
Published: February 2017

Wiedemann's paper, introducing his algorithm for sparse and structured matrix computations over arbitrary fields, also presented a pair of matrix preconditioners for computations over small fields. The analysis of the second of these is extended here in order to provide more explicit statements of the expected number of nonzero entries in the matrices obtained as well as bounds on the probability that the matrices being considered have maximal rank. It is hoped that this will make Wiedemann's second preconditioner of more practical use.

This is part of ongoing work to establish that this matrix preconditioner can be used to bound the number of nontrivial nilpotent blocks in the Jordan normal form of a preconditioned matrix, in such a way that one can also sample uniformly from the null space of the originally given matrix. If successful this will result in a black box algorithm for the type of matrix computation required when using the number field sieve for integer factorization that is provably reliable (unlike some heuristics, presently in use) and --- by a small factor --- asymptotically more efficient than alternative provably reliable techniques that make use of other matrix preconditioners or require computations over field extensions.
Ellipsoids for contextual dynamic pricing
Authors: Cohen Maxime C. , Lobel Ilan , Leme Renato Paes
Published: February 2017

We study the dynamic pricing problem faced by a firm selling differentiated products. At each period, the firm receives a new product, which is described by a vector of features. The firm needs to choose prices, but it does not know a priori the market value of the different features. We first consider an algorithm that we call P
olytope
P
ricing
, but prove that it incurs worst-case regret that scales exponentially in the dimensionality of the feature space. We then consider a closely related algorithm, E
llipsoid
P
ricing
, and show it incurs low regret with regards to both the time horizon and the dimensionality of the feature space. For more details, we refer the reader to our full paper.
ERBB signaling attenuates proinflammatory activation of nonclassical monocytes
Authors: Ryzhov Sergey , Matafonov Anton , Galindo Cristi L. , Zhang Qinkun , Tran Truc-Linh , Lenihan Daniel J. , Lenneman Carrie Geisberg , Feoktistov Igor , Sawyer Douglas B.
Published: February 2017

Immune activation in chronic systolic heart failure (HF) correlates with disease severity and prognosis. Recombinant neuregulin-1 (rNRG-1) is being developed as a possible therapy for HF, based on the activation of ERBB receptors in cardiac cells. Work in animal models of HF led us to hypothesize that there may be direct effects of NRG-1 on immune system activation and inflammation. We investigated the expression of ERBB receptors and the effect of rNRG-1 isoform glial growth factor 2 (GGF2) in subpopulations of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PB MNCs) in subjects with HF. We found that human monocytes express both ERBB2 and ERBB3 receptors, with high interindividual variability among subjects. Monocyte surface ERBB3 and TNF-α mRNA expression were inversely correlated in subjects with HF but not in human subjects without HF. GGF2 activation of ERBB signaling ex vivo inhibited LPS-induced TNF-α production, specifically in the CD14lowCD16+population of monocytes in a phosphoinositide 3-kinase-dependent manner. GGF2 suppression of TNF-α correlated directly with the expression of ERBB3. In vivo, a single dose of intravenous GGF2 reduced TNF-α expression in PB MNCs of HF subjects participating in a phase I safety study of GGF2. These results support a role for ERBB3 signaling in the regulation of TNF-α production from CD14lowCD16+monocytes and a need for further investigation into the clinical significance of NRG-1/ERBB signaling as a modulator of immune system function.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study identified a novel role of neuregulin-1 (NRG-1)/ERBB signaling in the control of proinflammatory activation of monocytes. These results further improve our fundamental understanding of cardioprotective effects of NRG-1 in patients with heart failure.
Equations for O2and CO2solubilities in saline and plasma: combining temperature and density dependences
Authors: Christmas Kevin M. , Bassingthwaighte James B.
Published: February 2017

Solubilities of respiratory gasses in water, saline, and plasma decrease with rising temperatures and solute concentrations. Henry’s Law, C = α·P, states that the equilibrium concentration of a dissolved gas is solubility times partial pressure. Solubilities in the water of a solution depend on temperature and the content of other solutes. Blood temperatures may differ more than 20°C between skin and heart, and an erythrocyte will undergo that range as blood circulates. The concentrations of O2and CO2are the driving forces for diffusion, exchanges, and for reactions. We provide an equation for O2and CO2solubilities, α, that allows for continuous changes in temperature, T, and solution density, ρ, in dynamically changing states:[Formula: see text]

This two-exponential expression with a density scalar γ, and a density exponent β, accounts for solubility changes due to density changes of an aqueous solution. It fits experimental data on solubilities in water, saline, and plasma over temperatures from 20 to 40°C, and for plasma densities, ρsolup to 1.020 g/ml with ~0.3% error. The amounts of additional bound O2(to Hb) and CO2(bicarbonate and carbamino) depend on the concentrations in the local water space and the reaction parameters. During exercise, solubility changes are large; both ρsoland T change rapidly with spatial position and with time. In exercise hemoconcentration plasma, ρsolexceeds 1.02, whereas T may range over 20°C. The six parameters for O2and the six for CO2are constants, so solubilities are calculable continuously as T and ρsolchange.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Solubilities for oxygen and carbon dioxide are dependent on the density of the solution, on temperature, and on the partial pressure. We provide a brief equation suitable for hand calculators or mathematical modeling, accounting for these factors over a wide range of temperatures and solution densities for use in rapidly changing conditions, such as extreme exercise or osmotic transients, with better than 0.5% accuracy.
Pentoxifylline Regulates Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Expression and Protein Kinase A Phosphorylation in Radiation-Induced Lung Fibrosis
Authors: Lee Jong-Geol , Shim Sehwan , Kim Min-Jung , Myung Jae Kyung , Jang Won-Suk , Bae Chang-Hwan , Lee Sun-Joo , Kim Kyeong Min , Jin Young-Woo , Lee Seung-Sook , Park Sunhoo
Published: February 2017

Purpose. Radiation-induced lung fibrosis (RILF) is a serious late complication of radiotherapy. In vitro studies have demonstrated that pentoxifylline (PTX) has suppressing effects in extracellular matrix production in fibroblasts, while the antifibrotic action of PTX alone using clinical dose is yet unexplored.Materials and Methods. We used micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histopathological analysis to evaluate the antifibrotic effects of PTX in a rat model of RILF.Results. Micro-CT findings showed that lung density, volume loss, and mediastinal shift are significantly increased at 16 weeks after irradiation. Simultaneously, histological analysis demonstrated thickening of alveolar walls, destruction of alveolar structures, and excessive collagen deposition in the irradiated lung. PTX treatment effectively attenuated the fibrotic changes based on both micro-CT and histopathological analyses. Western analysis also revealed increased levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor- (PAI-) 1 and fibronectin (FN) and PTX treatment reduced expression of PAI-1 and FN by restoring protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylation but not TGF-β/Smad in both irradiated lung tissues and epithelial cells.Conclusions. Our results demonstrate the antifibrotic effect of PTX on radiation-induced lung fibrosis and its effect on modulation of PKA and PAI-1 expression as possible antifibrotic mechanisms.
Brincidofovir Use after Foscarnet Crystal Nephropathy in a Kidney Transplant Recipient with Multiresistant Cytomegalovirus Infection
Authors: Vial Romain , Zandotti Christine , Alain Sophie , Decourt Alexandre , Jourde-Chiche Noémie , Purgus Raj , Bornet Charleric , Daniel Laurent , Moal Valérie , Legris Tristan
Published: February 2017

Background. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) antiviral drug resistance constitutes an increasing challenge in transplantation. Foscarnet is usually proposed when resistance for ganciclovir is suspected, but its use is limited by its nephrotoxicity. Case Presentation. We report a case of multiresistant CMV disease in a kidney transplant recipient. Foscarnet was prescribed after ganciclovir treatment failure in a patient with two mutations in the UL97 viral gene. Foscarnet induced biopsy-proven kidney crystal precipitation that resulted in severe acute transplant failure and nephrotic syndrome. Despite a large decrease in immunosuppression, CMV disease was not controlled and a salvage therapy with Brincidofovir (BCV), which is an oral lipid conjugate of cidofovir with limited nephrotoxicity, was attempted. Clinical and virological remission was observed after a 21-day course of BCV, despite mild and reversible liver toxicity. However, a new relapse could not be effectively cured by BCV due to a new mutation in the UL54 gene, which is known to confer resistance to cidofovir. A new course of foscarnet finally resulted in prolonged CMV remission. Herein, we present a review of foscarnet nephropathy cases in solid-organ transplanted patients. Conclusions. This unique case highlights the potential benefit of BCV use during resistant CMV infection, although mutations in the UL54 gene may limit its therapeutic efficacy. These findings need to be confirmed in clinical trials.
An Investigation into the Relation between the Technique of Movement and Overload in Step Aerobics
Authors: Rutkowska-Kucharska Alicja , Wysocka Katarzyna , Winiarski Sławomir , Szpala Agnieszka , Sobera Małgorzata
Published: February 2017

The aim of this research was to determine the features of a step workout technique which may be related to motor system overloading in step aerobics. Subjects participating in the research were instructors (n=15) and students (n=15) without any prior experience in step aerobics. Kinematic and kinetic data was collected with the use of the BTS SMART system comprised of 6 calibrated video cameras and two Kistler force plates. The subjects’ task was to perform basic steps. The following variables were analyzed: vertical, anteroposterior, and mediolateral ground reaction forces; foot flexion and abduction and adduction angles; knee joint flexion angle; and trunk flexion angle in the sagittal plane. The angle of a foot adduction recorded for the instructors was significantly smaller than that of the students. The knee joint angle while stepping up was significantly higher for the instructors compared to that for the students. Our research confirmed that foot dorsal flexion and adduction performed while stepping up increased load on the ankle joint. Both small and large angles of knee flexion while stepping up and down resulted in knee joint injuries. A small trunk flexion angle in the entire cycle of step workout shut down dorsal muscles, which stopped suppressing the load put on the spine.
Collecting Big Data from Automotive ECUs beyond the CAN Bandwidth for Fault Visualization
Authors: Lee Jeong-Woo , Choi Ki-Yong , Lee Jung-Won
Published: February 2017

A hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) test is performed to verify the software functions mounted on automotive electronic control units (ECUs). However, the characteristics of HiL test limit the usage of common debugging techniques. Meanwhile, the logs of how the program uses memory can be utilized as debugging information collected by the controller area network (CAN). However, when the 32 KB memory is observed with 10 ms period, about 96% of the data on each cycle is lost, since the CAN only can transfer 1.25 KB of data at each cycle. Therefore, to overcome the above limitations, in this study, the memory is divided into multiple regions to transmit generated data via CAN. Next, the simulation is repeated for the each divided regions to obtain the different areas in each simulation. The collected data can be visualized as update information in each cycle and the cumulative number of updates. Through the proposed method, the ECU memory information during the HiL test was successfully collected using the CAN; the transmission is completed without any loss of data. In addition, the data was visualized in images containing the update information of the memory. These images contribute to shortening the debugging time for developers and testers.
Factors Associated with Treatment Delay among Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in Public and Private Health Facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Adenager Getinet Shewaseged , Alemseged Fessahaye , Asefa Henok , Gebremedhin Amanuel Tesfay
Published: February 2017

Background. Early detection and diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) and the timely commencement of antituberculosis (anti-TB) treatment are the parts of efficient tuberculosis prevention and control program. Delay in the commencement of anti-TB treatment worsens the prognosis and increases the risk of death and the chance of transmission in the community and among health care workers. Objective. To assess tuberculosis treatment delay and associated factors among pulmonary TB patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 10 public and 10 private health facilities that provide TB treatment. The data were collected from 425 newly registered pulmonary TB patients using pretested structured questionnaire from April to June 2012. Data were entered in EPI info version 3.5.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Findings. The median durations of a patient, health care system, and total treatment delays were 17, 9, and 35 days, respectively. Overall 179 (42.1%), 233 (54.8%), and 262 (61.6%) of patients experienced patient delay, health care system delay, and total treatment delay, respectively. Distance more than 2.5 km from TB treatment health facility [AOR = 1.6, 95% CI (1.1–2.5)] and the presence of TB-associated stigma [AOR = 2.1, 95% CI (1.3, 3.4)] indicate higher odds of patient delay, whereas, being unemployed, patients with the hemoptysis symptom complain indicated lower odds of health care system delay [AOR = 0.41, 95% CI (0.24, 0.70)] and [AOR = 0.61 (0.39, 0.94)], respectively. Conclusions. A significant proportion of clients experienced patient and health care system delay. Thus, there is a need for designing and implementing appropriate strategies to decrease the delays. Efforts to reduce delays should give focus on integrating prevention programs such as active case detection and expanding access to TB care.
Risk Factors for an Iatrogenic Mallory-Weiss Tear Requiring Bleeding Control during a Screening Upper Endoscopy
Authors: Na Shin , Ahn Ji Yong , Jung Kee Wook , Lee Jeong Hoon , Kim Do Hoon , Choi Kee Don , Song Ho June , Lee Gin Hyug , Jung Hwoon-Yong , Han Seungbong
Published: February 2017

Background and Aim. In some cases of iatrogenic Mallory-Weiss tears (MWTs), hemostasis is needed due to severe mucosal tearing with bleeding. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the risk factors for severe iatrogenic MWTs and the methods of endoscopic bleeding control. Materials and Methods. Between January 2008 and December 2012, 426,085 cases of screening upper endoscopy were performed at the Asan Medical Center. We retrospectively analyzed the risk factors for severe iatrogenic MWTs requiring an endoscopic procedure and the treatment modalities of bleeding control. Results. Iatrogenic MWTs occurred in 546 cases (0.13%) of screening upper endoscopy in 539 patients. Bleeding control due to severe bleeding was applied in 71 cases (13.0%), and rebleeding after initial bleeding control occurred in 1 case. Multivariate analysis showed that old age, a history of distal gastrectomy, and a less-experienced endoscopist (fewer than 2,237.5 endoscopic procedures at the time of the MWT) were associated with severe iatrogenic MWTs requiring an endoscopic procedure. Among 71 cases requiring bleeding control, a hemoclip was used in 81.7% (58 cases). Conclusions. Screening endoscopy procedures should be carefully performed when patients are in their old age and have a history of distal gastrectomy, particularly if the endoscopist is less experienced.
In Vitro Comparative Evaluation of Different Types of Impression Trays and Impression Materials on the Accuracy of Open Tray Implant Impressions: A Pilot Study
Authors: Gupta Sonam , Narayan Aparna Ichalangod , Balakrishnan Dhanasekar
Published: February 2017

Purpose. For a precise fit of multiple implant framework, having an accurate definitive cast is imperative. The present study evaluated dimensional accuracy of master casts obtained using different impression trays and materials with open tray impression technique.Materials and Methods. A machined aluminum reference model with four parallel implant analogues was fabricated. Forty implant level impressions were made. Eight groups (n=5) were tested using impression materials (polyether and vinylsiloxanether) and four types of impression trays, two being custom (self-cure acrylic and light cure acrylic) and two being stock (plastic and metal). The interimplant distances were measured on master casts using a coordinate measuring machine. The collected data was compared with a standard reference model and was statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA.Results. Statistically significant difference (p<0.05) was found between the two impression materials. However, the difference seen was small (36 μm) irrespective of the tray type used. No significant difference (p>0.05) was observed between varied stock and custom trays.Conclusions. The polyether impression material proved to be more accurate than vinylsiloxanether impression material. The rigid nonperforated stock trays, both plastic and metal, could be an alternative for custom trays for multi-implant impressions when used with medium viscosity impression materials.
An Interesting Property of a Class of Circulant Graphs
Authors: Mirafzal Seyed Morteza , Zafari Ali
Published: February 2017

Suppose thatΠ=Cay(Zn,Ω)andΛ=Cay(Zn,Ψm)are two Cayley graphs on the cyclic additive groupZn, wherenis an even integer,m=n/2+1,Ω=t∈Zn∣t  is  odd, andΨm=Ω∪{n/2}are the inverse-closed subsets ofZn-0. In this paper, it is shown thatΠis a distance-transitive graph, and, by this fact, we determine the adjacency matrix spectrum ofΠ. Finally, we show that ifn≥8andn/2is an even integer, then the adjacency matrix spectrum ofΛisn/2+11,1-n/21,1n-4/2,-1n/2(we write multiplicities as exponents).
Safety Profile of Liver FibroScan in Patients with Cardiac Pacemakers or Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators
Authors: Chan Yin , Pranke Stephanie , Rashidi Farid , Nosib Shravan , Worobetz Lawrence
Published: February 2017

Background. Emerging evidence suggests that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with coronary artery diseases and arrhythmias. The FibroScan (Echosens, France), a widely available, noninvasive device, is able to detect liver fibrosis and steatosis within this patient population. However, the FibroScan is currently contraindicated in patients with cardiac pacemakers (PM) or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD).Objective. To determine the safety profile of FibroScan testing in patients with PM or ICD.Methods. Consecutive outpatients undergoing routine device interrogations at a tertiary level teaching hospital underwent simultaneous liver stiffness measurements. PM or ICD performance data, device types, patient demographics, medical history, and previous laboratory and conventional liver imaging results were collected.Results. Analysis of 107 subjects with 33 different types of implanted cardiac devices, from 5 different companies (Medtronic, Sorin, ELA Medical, Boston Scientific, and St. Jude), did not demonstrate any adverse events as defined by abnormal device sensing/pacing or ICD firing. This population included high risk subjects undergoing active pacing (n=53) and with right pectoral PM placement (n=1). None of the subjects had any clinical signs of decompensated congestive heart failure or cirrhosis during the exam.Conclusion. TE with FibroScan can be safely performed in patients with PM or ICD.
Soluble IL6R Expressed by Myeloid Cells Reduces Tumor-Specific Th1 Differentiation and Drives Tumor Progression
Authors: Tsukamoto Hirotake , Fujieda Koji , Hirayama Masatoshi , Ikeda Tokunori , Yuno Akira , Matsumura Keiko , Fukuma Daiki , Araki Kimi , Mizuta Hiroshi , Nakayama Hideki , Senju Satoru , Nishimura Yasuharu
Published: February 2017

IL6 produced by tumor cells promotes their survival, conferring a poor prognosis in patients with cancer. IL6 also contributes to immunosuppression of CD4+ T cell–mediated antitumor effects. In this study, we focused on the impact of IL6 trans-signaling mediated by soluble IL6 receptors (sIL6R) expressed in tumor-bearing hosts. Higher levels of sIL6R circulating in blood were observed in tumor-bearing mice, whereas the systemic increase of sIL6R was not prominent in tumor-bearing mice with myeloid cell–specific conditional deletion of IL6R even when tumor cells produced sIL6R. Abundant sIL6R was released by CD11b+ cells from tumor-bearing mice but not tumor-free mice. Notably, IL6-mediated defects in Th1 differentiation, T-cell helper activity for tumor-specific CD8+ T cells, and downstream antitumor effects were rescued by myeloid-specific deletion of sIL6R. Expression of the T-cell transcription factor c-Maf was upregulated in CD4+ T cells primed in tumor-bearing mice in an IL6-dependent manner. Investigations with c-Maf loss-of-function T cells revealed that c-Maf activity was responsible for IL6/sIL6R-induced Th1 suppression and defective T-cell–mediated antitumor responses. In patients with cancer, myeloid cell–derived sIL6R was also possibly associated with Th1 suppression and c-Maf expression. Our results argued that increased expression of sIL6R from myeloid cells and subsequent c-Maf induction were adverse events for counteracting tumor-specific Th1 generation. Overall, this work provides a mechanistic rationale for sIL6R targeting to improve the efficacy of T-cell–mediated cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Res; 77(9); 2279–91. ©2017 AACR.
Validation of the German Version of the Commitment to Exercise Scale
Authors: Zeeck Almut , Schlegel Sabine , Giel Katrin E. , Junne Florian , Kopp Christine , Joos Andreas , Davis Caroline , Hartmann Armin
Published: February 2017

Pathological forms of exercising are a topic of debate in terms of classification, etiology, and treatment. Validated instruments are a precondition for research in this field. The aim of this study was to validate the German version of the Commitment to Exercise Scale (CES-de). A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using data from a large community sample (n = 571). In a second study, 100 eating disordered patients, 107 elite athletes and 100 individuals engaged in leisure time sporting activities were compared to assess discriminant validity and psychological correlates. A 1-factor solution showed the best fit to the data. The CES-de differentiated between the eating disordered group and individuals engaged in leisure time sporting activities, but not between those with an eating disorder and competitive athletes. The total score was significantly correlated with drive for thinness, perfectionism, and overall psychopathology. The CES-de can be considered a valid instrument for measuring problematic behavioral and attitudinal aspects of the commitment to exercise. The use of the CES-de total score is recommended. However, a more specific instrument should be used for athletes. A limitation of the study is that the samples were not stratified by age and gender.
Distinct Roles of Endothelial Dysfunction and Inflammation in Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stroke
Authors: Chung Jong-Won , Oh Mi Jeong , Cho Yeon Hee , Moon Gyeong Joon , Kim Gyeong-Moon , Chung Chin-Sang , Lee Kwang Ho , Bang Oh Young
Published: February 2017

Background/Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the differential roles of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation in intracranial atherosclerotic stroke (ICAS). Methods: We prospectively recruited 262 patients with acute cerebral infarcts caused by ICAS and 75 individuals with no history of stroke as controls. Markers of endothelial dysfunction (asymmetric dimethylarginine, ADMA) and inflammation (lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, Lp-PLA2) were measured. Acute ischemic lesions were measured in terms of their size, composition, and patterns. Subclinical microangiopathy (degree of leukoaraiosis) and macroangiopathy (presence/number of asymptomatic stenoses) were graded in each patient. Results: Compared to normal controls, serum levels of ADMA (0.69 ± 0.14 vs. 0.47 ± 0.10, p < 0.001) and Lp-PLA2 (138.1 ± 116.8 vs. 19.0 ± 58.0, p < 0.001) were elevated in patients with ICAS. A high ADMA serum level was associated with greater prevalence of preclinical microangiopathy and macroangiopathy. Contrastingly, an elevated serum Lp-PLA2 level was associated with larger ischemic lesions, a greater number of lesions, and a larger cortical pattern. Conclusions: Endothelial dysfunction and inflammation have distinct effects in ICAS patents; endothelial dysfunction is associated with the underlying micro- and macro-atherosclerotic burden, whereas inflammation is associated with acute infarct volume and pattern.
Spatial Poetics and the Politics of Imagination
Authors: Nielsen Thomas Rosendal
Published: February 2017

In May 2012, INHEPI—an international network of performance artists—produced a series of experiments with participatory performance. By evoking a range of recurrent spatial-imaginary models, their artistic practice facilitated a bridge between the dream of a postpolitical community and the political interruption of the tacit social structures of modern urban life.
Cognitive Differences Accounting for Cross-cultural Variation in Perceptions of Healthy Eating
Authors: Voytyuk Mariya , Hruschka Daniel
Published: February 2017

What counts as healthy eating varies both within and across cultures. While people often focus on specific foods and nutrients, the timing and style of eating (eating context) can also be an important consideration, and one that appears to vary across cultures. One possible explanation for this variation is differences in basic cognition, with holistic thinking in collectivist cultures favouring contextual factors. We assess this hypothesis by examining perceptions between two cultural groups that vary in collectivism. In study 1, we investigate whether residents of Ukraine place more importance on considerations of eating context than residents of the usa. In study 2, we test whether this between-country difference is due to the mediating effect of individual differences in collectivism. Ukrainian participants consistently placed more importance on context (Cohen’s d = 0.71–0.84; p < 0.01) and were more collectivist (Cohen’s d = 0.95, p < 0.001). A mediation analysis shows that collectivism significantly mediates the effect of nationality on context endorsement, and renders the effect of nationality non-significant (p > 0.05). These results suggest that the holistic pattern of attention might extend to the domain of nutrition and may account for some cross-cultural differences in perceptions of healthy eating. We briefly discuss the benefits of perception focused on the context of eating, such as decreased burden of self-regulation in a food-rich environment.