bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hitting with a BAM: Selective Killing by Lectin-Like Bacteriocins
Authors: Ghequire Maarten G. K. , Swings Toon , Michiels Jan , Buchanan Susan K. , De Mot René
Published: March 2018

Lectin-like bacteriocins (LlpAs) are secreted by proteobacteria and selectively kill strains of their own or related species, and they are composed of two B-lectin domains with divergent sequences. In
Pseudomonas
spp., initial binding of these antibacterial proteins to cells is mediated by the carboxy-terminal domain through
d
-rhamnose residues present in the common polysaccharide antigen of their lipopolysaccharide, whereas the amino-terminal domain accounts for strain selectivity of killing. Here, we show that spontaneous LlpA-resistant mutants carry mutations in one of three surface-exposed moieties of the essential β-barrel outer membrane protein insertase BamA, the core component of the BAM complex. Polymorphism of this loop in different
Pseudomonas
groups is linked to LlpA susceptibility, and targeted cells all share the same signature motif in this loop. Since heterologous expression of such a
bamA
gene confers LlpA susceptibility upon a resistant strain, BamA represents the primary bacteriocin selectivity determinant in pseudomonads. Contrary to modular bacteriocins that require uptake via the Tol or Ton system, parasitism of BamA as an LlpA receptor advocates a novel bacteriocin killing mechanism initiated by impairment of the BAM machinery.

IMPORTANCE
Bacteria secrete a variety of molecules to eliminate microbial rivals. Bacteriocins are a pivotal group of peptides and proteins that assist in this fight, specifically killing related bacteria. In Gram-negative bacteria, these antibacterial proteins often comprise distinct domains for initial binding to a target cell’s surface and subsequent killing via enzymatic or pore-forming activity. Here, we show that lectin-like bacteriocins, a family of bacteriocins that lack the prototypical modular toxin architecture, also stand out by parasitizing BamA, the core component of the outer membrane protein assembly machinery. A particular surface-exposed loop of BamA, critical for its function, serves as a key discriminant for cellular recognition, and polymorphisms in this loop determine whether a strain is susceptible or immune to a particular bacteriocin. These findings suggest a novel mechanism of contact-dependent killing that does not require cellular uptake. The evolutionary advantage of piracy of an essential cellular compound is highlighted by the observation that contact-dependent growth inhibition, a distinct antagonistic system, can equally take advantage of this receptor.
Seven Billion Microcosms: Evolution within Human Microbiomes
Authors: Lieberman Tami D.
Published: March 2018

Rational microbiome-based therapies may one day treat a wide range of diseases and promote wellness. Yet, we are still limited in our abilities to employ such therapies and to predict which bacterial strains have the potential to stably colonize a person.
Revival of Archaeal Methane Microbiology
Authors: Welte Cornelia U.
Published: March 2018

The methane concentration in the Earth’s atmosphere is rising, and, as methane is a potent greenhouse gas, it contributes considerably to climate change. It is produced by methanogenic archaea that thrive in anoxic habitats and can be oxidized by methane-oxidizing bacteria or archaea.
Prevalence and factors associated with the use of antibiotics in non-bloody diarrhoea in children under 5 years of age in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Auta Asa , Ogbonna Brian O , Adewuyi Emmanuel O , Adeloye Davies , Strickland-Hodge Barry
Published: March 2018

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence and determine the factors associated with the use of antibiotics in the management of non-bloody diarrhoea in children under 5 years of age in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Methods

We conducted a meta-analysis of demographic and health survey data sets from 30 countries in SSA. Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated using random effects model. Χ2 tests were employed to determine the factors associated with the antibiotic use.

Results

The pooled prevalence of antibiotic use among cases of non-bloody diarrhoea in children under 5 years of age was 23.1% (95% CI 19.5 to 26.7). The use of antibiotics in children with non-bloody diarrhoea in SSA was associated with (p<0.05) the source of care, place of residence, wealth index, maternal education and breastfeeding status.

Conclusion

We found an unacceptably high use of antibiotics to treat episodes of non-bloody diarrhoea in children under the age of 5 in SSA.
Efficacy of foot orthoses for the treatment of plantar heel pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rasenberg Nadine , Riel Henrik , Rathleff Michael S , Bierma-Zeinstra Sita M A , van Middelkoop Marienke
Published: March 2018

Background

Plantar heel pain (PHP) is common. Foot orthoses are often applied as treatment for PHP, even though there is little evidence to support this.

Objective

To investigate the effects of different orthoses on pain, function and self-reported recovery in patients with PHP and compare them with other conservative interventions.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, CINAHL and Google Scholar up to January 2017.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Randomised controlled trials comparing foot orthoses with a control (defined as no intervention, sham or other type of conservative treatment) reporting on pain, function or self-reported recovery in patients with PHP.

Results

Twenty studies investigating eight different types of foot orthoses were included in the review. Most studies were of high quality. Pooled data from six studies showed no difference between prefabricated orthoses and sham orthoses for pain at short term (mean difference (MD) of 0.26 (95% CI −0.09 to 0.60)). No difference was found between sham orthoses and custom orthoses for pain at short term (MD 0.22 (95% CI −0.05 to 0.50)), nor was there a difference between prefabricated orthoses and custom orthoses for pain at short term (MD 0.03 (95% CI −0.15 to 0.22)). For the majority of other interventions, no significant differences were found.

Conclusions

Foot orthoses are not superior for improving pain and function compared with sham or other conservative treatment in patients with PHP.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42015029659.
Existence of wormhole supported by the Einasto density profile
Authors: Sen Banashree
Published: March 2018

In this article, the existence of traversable wormhole in the outer and inner regions of the halos of galaxies using Einasto density profile has been investigated. We use Einasto density model, which is a 3D version of 2D Sérsic model (Dhar and Williams. M. Not. R. Astron. Soc. 405, 340 (2010). doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2966.2010.16446.x ). Two types of rotational velocity curve (one is a fifth degree polynomial and another is a constant) derived from experimental or observed data have been taken into account for describing the space–time of galactic halo comprising a traversable wormhole.
Control of glyphosate-resistant giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida L.) with premix of iodosulfuron/thiencarbazone applied alone or in tank mixtures in no-till corn (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Kaur Simranpreet , Jhala Amit J.
Published: March 2018

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of a new premix of iodosulfuron (6%)/thiencarbazone (45%) applied alone or tank-mixed with 2,4-D, dicamba, glyphosate, or metribuzin in the fall and (or) early spring followed by preemergence (PRE) and postemergence (POST) herbicide applications for control of glyphosate-resistant giant ragweed and their effect on corn yield. Field experiments were conducted in no-till corn fields infested with glyphosate-resistant giant ragweed (20–30 plants m−2) near Clay Center and McCool Junction, NE, in 2013 and 2014, respectively. A premix of iodosulfuron/thiencarbazone applied alone or in split applications in the fall and early spring controlled glyphosate-resistant giant ragweed <60% and resulted in a density of 14 giant ragweed plants m−2, which was comparable to the untreated control at 28 d after early spring treatment (DAEST). Metribuzin or 2,4-D applied alone resulted in <75% giant ragweed control at 28 DAEST; however, 2,4-D or dicamba tank-mixed with iodosulfuron/thiencarbazone provided ≥92% control. Treatments including 2,4-D or dicamba led to 85%–98% reduction in giant ragweed biomass at 28 DAEST. A follow-up application of a premix of isoxaflutole/thiencarbazone tank-mixed with atrazine applied PRE was not effective, although a POST application of tembotrione + atrazine resulted in >91% control at 28 d after postemergence treatment. The premix applied alone did not provide effective control of giant ragweed in corn primarily because lack of residual activity.
Optimal models in the yield analysis of new flax cultivars
Authors: Jia Gaofeng , Booker Helen M.
Published: March 2018

Multi-environment trials are conducted to evaluate the performance of cultivars. In a combined analysis, the mixed model is superior to an analysis of variance for evaluating and comparing cultivars and dealing with an unbalanced data structure. This study seeks to identify the optimal models using the Saskatchewan Variety Performance Group post-registration regional trial data for flax. Yield data were collected for 15 entries in post-registration tests conducted in Saskatchewan from 2007 to 2016 (except 2011) and 16 mixed models with homogeneous or heterogeneous residual errors were compared. A compound symmetry model with heterogeneous residual error (CSR) had the best fit, with a normal distribution of residuals and a mean of zero fitted to the trial data for each year. The compound symmetry model with homogeneous residual error (CS) and a model extending the CSR to higher dimensions (DIAGR) were the next best models in most cases. Five hundred random samples from a two-stage sampling method were produced to determine the optimal models suitable for various environments. The CSR model was superior to other models for 396 out of 500 samples (79.2%). The top three models, CSR, CS, and DIAGR, had higher statistical power and could be used to access the yield stability of the new flax cultivars. Optimal mixed models are recommended for future data analysis of new flax cultivars in regional tests.
On M-Equivalence and Strong M-Equivalence for Parikh Matrices
Authors: Poovanandran Ghajendran , Teh Wen Chean
Published: March 2018

The notion of strong [Formula: see text]-equivalence was introduced as an order-independent alternative to [Formula: see text]-equivalence for Parikh matrices. This paper further studies the notions of [Formula: see text]-equivalence and strong [Formula: see text]-equivalence. Certain structural properties of [Formula: see text]-equivalent ternary words are presented and then employed to (partially) characterize pairs of ternary words that are ME-equivalent (i.e. obtainable from one another by certain elementary transformations). Finally, a sound rewriting system in determining strong [Formula: see text]-equivalence is obtained for the ternary alphabet.
Electronic structure near Fermi level in few-layer films of FeSe
Authors: Mustre de León J. , Mulato-Gómez D. F.
Published: March 2018

The electronic density of states of one- and two-layer FeSe-thin films deposited on SrTiO3 was calculated using a Real Space Density Functional Theory method. This method has been previously used to calculate X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) and Resonant X-ray Inelastic Scattering (RIXS) in the system FeSe[Formula: see text]Te[Formula: see text], finding agreement with experimental spectra. In that system, we also found the same trend in the calculated density of states at the Fermi level and the behavior of T[Formula: see text] with varying Te content. In the present case, we find non-negligible contributions of Ti-3d states in the vicinity of the Fermi level, and qualitative differences in the density of states between calculations that assume antiferromagnetic order of the FeSe layers compared with those that assume non-magnetic order. In the magnetic-order calculation, we obtain the highest density of states for the one-layer system, compared with the two-layer or bulk FeSe. Such a trend does not correlate with the experimentally reported increase from T[Formula: see text]=8 K in bulk FeSe to T[Formula: see text]=65 K for one-layer FeSe, and absence of superconductivity in two-layer FeSe.
Correlation between charge-order state and next nearest-neighbor hopping in electron-doped cuprate superconductors
Authors: Mou Yingping , Feng Shiping
Published: March 2018

Within the framework of the t-t[Formula: see text]J model, the evolution of the charge-order state with the next nearest-neighbor (NN) hopping in the electron-doped cuprate superconductors is studied. It is shown that although the magnitude of the charge-order wave vector increases with the increase of the next NN hopping in the hole-doped case, the charge-order wave vector in the electron-doped side decreases with the increase of the next NN hopping, reflecting an asymmetric next NN hopping dependence of the charge-order state between the hole- and electron-doped cuprate superconductors.
The square-freeness of the offset equation to a rational planar curve, computed via resultants
Authors: Alcázar Juan Gerardo , Caravantes Jorge , Diaz–Toca Gema M.
Published: March 2018

It is well known [Algebraic properties of plane offset curves, Comput. Aided Geom. Des. 7 (1990) 101–127] that an implicit equation of the offset to a rational planar curve can be computed by removing the extraneous components of the resultant of two certain polynomials computed from the parametrization of the curve. Furthermore, it is also well known that the implicit equation provided by the nonextraneous component of this resultant has at most two irreducible factors [Algebraic analysis of offsets to hypersurfaces, Math. Z. 234 (2000) 697–719]. In this paper, we complete the algebraic description of this resultant by showing that the multiplicity of the factors corresponding to the offset can be computed in advance. In particular, when the parametrization is proper, i.e. when the curve is just traced once by the parametrization, we prove that any factor corresponding to a simple component of the offset has multiplicity 1, while the factor corresponding to the special component, if any, has multiplicity 2. Hence, if the parametrization is proper and there is no special component, the nonextraneous part of the resultant is square-free. In fact, this condition is proven to be also sufficient. Therefore, this result provides a simple test to check whether or not the offset of a given rational curve has a special component, and in turn, whether a given rational curve is the offset of another curve.
Structure of insertion property by powers
Authors: Cheon Jeoung Soo , Jin Hai-Lan , Jung Da Woon , Kim Hong Kee , Lee Yang , Park Sangwon , Ryu Sung Ju , Seo Yeonsook
Published: March 2018

This paper, concerns a class of rings which satisfies the Abelian property in relation to the insertion property at zero by powers and local finite. The concepts of Insertion of-Power-Factors-Property (PFP) and principal finite are introduced for the purpose, and the structures of IPFP, Abelian and locally (principally) finite rings are investigated in relation with several situations of matrix rings and polynomial rings. Moreover, the results obtained here are widely applied to various sorts of rings which have roles in the noncommutative ring theory.
Matrices and diagrams of cords on a punctured plane
Authors: Yaguchi Yoshiro
Published: March 2018

A cord is a simple curve on a punctured plane. We introduce diagrams which represent isotopy classes of cords. Using such diagrams, we prove that there is a one-to-one correspondence from the set of the isotopy classes of cords to a set of symmetric matrices whose components are non-negative integers, and we give necessary conditions for matrices to represent the isotopy classes of cords.
Rings additively generated by tripotents and nilpotents
Authors: Chen Huanyin , Abdolyousefi Marjan Sheibani
Published: March 2018

A ring [Formula: see text] is Zhou nil-clean if every element in [Formula: see text] is the sum of two tripotents and a nilpotent that commute. A ring [Formula: see text] is feebly clean if for any [Formula: see text] there exist two orthogonal idempotents [Formula: see text] and a unit [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text]. In this paper, Zhou nil-clean rings are further discussed with an emphasis on their relations with feebly clean rings. We prove that a ring [Formula: see text] is Zhou nil-clean if and only if [Formula: see text] is feebly clean, [Formula: see text] is nil and [Formula: see text] has exponent [Formula: see text] if and only if [Formula: see text] is weakly exchange, [Formula: see text] is nil and [Formula: see text] has exponent [Formula: see text]. New properties of Zhou rings are thereby obtained.
Theoretical assessment of the Ca2+ oscillations in the afferent arteriole smooth muscle cell of the rat kidney
Authors: Wei Ning , Layton Anita T.
Published: March 2018

The afferent arteriole (AA) of rat kidney exhibits the myogenic response, in which the vessel constricts in response to an elevation in blood pressure and dilates in response to a pressure reduction. Additionally, the AA exhibits spontaneous oscillations in vascular tone at physiological luminal pressures. These time-periodic oscillations stem from the dynamic exchange of Ca[Formula: see text] between the cytosol and the sarcoplasmic reticulum, coupled to the stimulation of Ca[Formula: see text]-activated potassium and chloride channels, and to the modulation of voltage-gated L-type Ca[Formula: see text] channels. The effects of physiological factors, including blood pressure and vasoactive substances, on AA vasomotion remain to be well characterized. In this paper, we analyze a mathematical model of Ca[Formula: see text] signaling in an AA smooth muscle cell. The model represents detailed transmembrane ionic transport, intracellular Ca[Formula: see text] dynamics as well as kinetics of nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide (O[Formula: see text]) formation, diffusion and reaction. NO is an important factor in the maintenance of blood pressure and O[Formula: see text] has been shown to contribute significantly to the functional alternations of blood vessels in hypertension. We perform a bifurcation analysis of the model equations to assess the effect of luminal pressure, NO and O[Formula: see text] on the behaviors of limit cycle oscillations.
Prediction of DNA sequences using adaptative neuro-fuzzy inference system
Authors: Mihi Assia , Boucenna Nourredine , Benmahammmed Kheir
Published: March 2018

Accurate prediction and detection of the DNA regions or their underlying structural patterns are constant difficulties for researchers. Feature extraction and functional classification of genomic sequences is an interesting area of research. Many computational techniques have already been applied including the artificial neural network (ANN), nonlinear model, spectrogram and statistical techniques. In this paper, some features are extracted from the wavelet coefficient and second set of features are extracted from the frequency of transition of nucleotides. These two features sets are examined. The purpose was to investigate the abilities of these parameters to predict critical segment in the DNA sequence. The neuro-fuzzy system was used for prediction. The performance of the neuro-fuzzy system was evaluated in terms of training performance and prediction accuracies. Two genomic sequences of the classes: prokaryotic and eukaryotic were used, as an example, (Escherichia coli) and (Caenorhabditis elegans) sequences were selected.
Exploration of uniform heat flux on the flow and heat transportation of ferrofluids along a smooth plate: Comparative investigation
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Hamid Muhammad , Mohyud Din Syed Tauseef , Waheed Asif , Wang Wei
Published: March 2018

The paper is devoted to a new extension in Gegenbauer wavelet method (GWM) to investigate the transfer of heat and MHD boundary-layer flow of ferrofluids beside a flat plate with velocity slip. A homogenous model study is conducted in which we assumed the heat transfer and forced convective flow of ferrofluids along a flat plate with a uniform wall heat flux. In the direction of transverse to plate, a magnetic field is imposed. Three various magnetic nanoparticle types including Mn–ZnFe2O4, CoFe2O4, Fe3O4are incorporated inside the base fluid. Two types of base fluids (water and kerosene) with bad thermal conductivity as compared to nanoparticles of solid magnetic have been assumed. The mathematical model is tackled via modified Gegenbauer wavelet method (MGWM). A simulation is accomplished for individual ferrofluid mixture by assuming the prevailing impacts of uniform and slip heat fluxes. The variation of heat transfers and skin friction were also observed at the surface of the plate and we analyzed the better heat transfer for every mixture. Kerosene-based magnetite (Fe3O4) delivers the better rate of heat transfer at wall due to its association with the kerosene-based Mn–Zn and cobalt ferrites. The slip velocity and magnetic field effects on the temperature, dimensionless velocity, rate of heat transfer and skin friction are examined for various magnetic nanoparticles inside the kerosene oil and water. We observed that the primary influence of magnetic field reduces the dimensionless surface temperature and accelerates the dimensionless velocity as compared to the hydrodynamic case, thus enhancing the rate of heat transfer and skin friction ferrofluids. Moreover, a detailed evaluation of outcomes obtained by MGWM, already published work and numerical RK-4 were found to be in excellent agreement. The error and convergence analysis are presented. Comparison of results, graphical plots, error and convergence analysis reveal the appropriateness of proposed method. The proposed algorithm can be extended for other nonlinear problems.
Study of the interactive effect of prey toxin and optimal foraging strategy on a predator–prey model
Authors: Li Ya
Published: March 2018

The optimal foraging theory predicts that predators choose prey with more net rate of energy intake and less energy costs if there are multiple food sources available. Toxins are found in many species in nature. Those toxins may be produced by prey as self-protection from predatory animals, or come from other sources such as pesticide residue. Therefore, it requires a balance between energy intake and toxicity damage. In order to study the interactive effect of prey toxin and optimal foraging strategy, we construct a predator–prey model with toxin-induced functional response and optimal foraging property. Dynamical analysis shows that the optimal strategy system presents more complex dynamical behavior than the fixed preference system. We conclude that optimal foraging strategy might play a key role in stabilizing or destabilizing the coexistence states of the species in the system, depending on the level of prey toxins.
New exact solutions of the reaction–diffusion equation with variable coefficients via the mathematical computation
Authors: Choi Jin Hyuk , Kim Hyunsoo
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we construct new exact solutions of the reaction–diffusion equation with time dependent variable coefficients by employing the mathematical computation via the Painlevé test. We describe the behaviors and their interactions of the obtained solutions under certain constraints and various variable coefficients.
Analytical approach to study a mathematical model of CD4+T-cells
Authors: Nazir Aqsa , Ahmed Naveed , Khan Umar , Mohyud-Din Syed Tauseef
Published: March 2018

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) emerged as one of the most serious health issues of the modern era. Till date, it challenges the scientists working in the fields related to its prevention, least spread and eradication. It affects not only the person suffering from it but also the communities and their economies. Mathematical modeling is one of the ways to explore the possibilities of prediction (and control) strategies for contagious deceases. In this paper, we have tried to extend the scope of a currently available prediction model for a continuous time span. For this purpose, an analytical investigation of the system of nonlinear differential equations, governing the HIV infection of CD4[Formula: see text]T-cells, is carried out. A new emerging analytical technique Optimal Variational Iteration Method (OVIM) has been used to obtain an analytical and convergent solution. Analytical solutions are continuous solutions that can be used to predict the phenomena without the involvement of interpolation or extrapolation errors. On the other hand, their use in the derived equations, depending upon solution itself, is far easier than the numerical solutions. We have presented the error analysis and the prediction curves graphically. Moreover, a comparison with traditional Variational Iteration is also provided. It is concluded that the traditional method fails to converge for the updated models which involve the delayed differential equations.
Sedimentary record of Early Permian deglaciation in southern Gondwana from the Falkland Islands
Authors: Horan Kate , Stone Philip , Crowhurst Simon J.
Published: March 2018

The deglaciation of southern Gondwana during the Early Permian was preceded by waxing and waning of the south polar ice sheet. The fluctuations in ice extent are recorded in the sedimentary record by strata separating thick deposits of glacial diamictite from post-glacial mudrock. These deposits span across all of the major Gondwana fragments, now recognized as South Africa, South America, India, Antarctica and Australia, and also occur on the Falklands and Ellsworth Mountains microplates created during break-up of the supercontinent in the Mesozoic. We present sedimentary evidence for the progression of deglaciation from the Falkland Islands microplate using a series of borehole core runs acquired during onshore mineral exploration. Glacial advance and retreat phases are inferred from the Hells Kitchen Member of the Port Sussex Formation; the rock succession that conformably overlies the main body of glacial diamictite known locally as the Fitzroy Tillite Formation. The pulsated nature of the transition to fully post-glacial conditions was accompanied by an intricate interplay of sedimentary processes, including soft sediment deformation, meltwater pulses and turbidity currents. The Falkland Islands core data lend insight into the evolving Early Permian environment and offer an unusually complete view of continental margin deglaciation preserved in the ancient sedimentary record.
Sensitive Detection of the Natural Killer Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity of Anti-CD20 Antibodies and Its Impairment by B-Cell Receptor Pathway Inhibitors
Authors: Hassenrück Floyd , Knödgen Eva , Göckeritz Elisa , Midda Safi Hasan , Vondey Verena , Neumann Lars , Herter Sylvia , Klein Christian , Hallek Michael , Krause Günter
Published: March 2018

The antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) of the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) rituximab and obinutuzumab against the cell line Raji and isolated CLL cells and its potential impairment by kinase inhibitors (KI) was determined via lactate dehydrogenase release or calcein retention, respectively, using genetically modified NK92 cells expressing CD16-176V as effector cells. Compared to peripheral blood mononuclear cells, recombinant effector cell lines showed substantial alloreactivity-related cytotoxicity without addition of mAbs but afforded determination of ADCC with reduced interassay variability. The cytotoxicity owing to alloreactivity was less susceptible to interference by KI than the ADCC of anti-CD20 mAbs, which was markedly diminished by ibrutinib, but not by idelalisib. Compared to rituximab, the ADCC of obinutuzumab against primary CLL cells showed approximately 30% higher efficacy and less interference with KI. Irreversible BTK inhibitors at a clinically relevant concentration of 1 μM only weakly impaired the ADCC of anti-CD20 mAbs, with less influence in combinations with obinutuzumab than with rituximab and by acalabrutinib than by ibrutinib or tirabrutinib. In summary, NK cell line-based assays permitted the sensitive detection of ADCC of therapeutic anti-CD20 mAbs against CLL cells and of the interference of KI with this important killing mechanism.
Concurrent Use of Herbal and Orthodox Medicines among Residents of Tamale, Northern Ghana, Who Patronize Hospitals and Herbal Clinics
Authors: Ameade Evans Paul Kwame , Ibrahim Mohammed , Ibrahim Halimatu-Sadia , Habib Rabiatu Hamisu , Gbedema Stephen Yao
Published: March 2018

Despite the development of more researched and formulated orthodox medicines, herbal medicines continue to be well patronized for persons across the world with some patrons concurrently using both forms, oblivious of the unwanted effects that may occur. Using a multistage sampling procedure, a semistructured questionnaire was used to collect data in April 2016 from 240 informants from three selected hospitals and three herbal clinics in Tamale, a city in northern Ghana. Using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, binary logistic regression was used to determine sociodemographic predictors of concurrent use of herbal and orthodox medicines. Orthodox medicines were the drug of choice for 54.2% and 49.2% of patrons of hospitals and herbal clinics, respectively. Also, 67.5% of herbal clinic patrons used orthodox medicines, while 25.0% of hospital attendees used herbal medications prior to their visit to the health facilities. Up to 17.9% of respondents concurrently used herbal and orthodox medicines for their prevailing ailment with age, less than 30 years being the only predictor of this habit (p = 0.015; 95% CI, 1.183–4.793; cOR = 2.4). All health professionals including those in herbal clinics should therefore be interested in the drug history of their clients.
The Value of MRI in Distinguishing Subtypes of Lipomatous Extremity Tumors Needs Reassessment in the Era of MDM2 and CDK4 Testing
Authors: Ryan Sean , Visgauss Julia , Kerr David , Helmkamp Joshua , Said Nicholas , Vinson Emily , O’Donnell Patrick , Li Xuechan , Jung Sin-Ho , Cardona Diana , Eward William , Brigman Brian
Published: March 2018

Introduction. Extremity lipomas and well-differentiated liposarcomas (WDLs) are difficult to distinguish on MR imaging. We sought to evaluate the accuracy of MRI interpretation using MDM2 amplification, via fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH), as the gold standard for pathologic diagnosis. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate the utility of a diagnostic formula proposed in the literature. Methods. We retrospectively collected 49 patients with lipomas or WDLs utilizing MDM2 for pathologic diagnosis. Four expert readers interpreted each patient’s MRI independently and provided a diagnosis. Additionally, a formula based on imaging characteristics (i.e. tumor depth, diameter, presence of septa, and internal cystic change) was used to predict the pathologic diagnosis. The accuracy and reliability of imaging-based diagnoses were then analyzed in comparison to the MDM2 pathologic diagnoses. Results. The accuracy of MRI readers was 73.5% (95% CI 61–86%) with substantial interobserver agreement (κ=0.7022). The formula had an accuracy of 71%, which was not significantly different from the readers (p=0.71). The formula and expert observers had similar sensitivity (83% versus 83%) and specificity (64.5% versus 67.7%; p=0.659) for detecting WDLs. Conclusion. The accuracy of both our readers and the formula suggests that MRI remains unreliable for distinguishing between lipoma and WDLs.
Apoptosis and Mobilization of Lymphocytes to Cardiac Tissue Is Associated with Myocardial Infarction in a Reperfused Porcine Model and Infarct Size in Post‐PCI Patients
Authors: Forteza Maria J. , Trapero Isabel , Hervas Arantxa , de Dios Elena , Ruiz-Sauri Amparo , Minana Gema , Bonanad Clara , Gómez Cristina , Oltra Ricardo , Rios-Navarro Cesar , Ketelhuth Daniel F. J. , Nunez Julio , Chorro Francisco J. , Bodi Vicente
Published: March 2018

ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is the most severe outcome of coronary artery disease. Despite rapid reperfusion of the artery, acute irrigation of the cardiac tissue is associated with increased inflammation. While innate immune response in STEMI is well described, an in‐depth characterization of adaptive immune cell dynamics and their potential role remains elusive. We performed a translational study using a controlled porcine reperfusion model of STEMI and the analysis of lymphocyte subsets in 116 STEMI patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In the animal model, a sharp drop in circulating T lymphocytes occurred within the first hours after reperfusion. Notably, increased apoptosis of circulating lymphocytes and infiltration of proinflammatory Th1 lymphocytes in the heart were observed 48 h after reperfusion. Similarly, in STEMI patients, a sharp drop in circulating T lymphocyte subsets occurred within the first 24 h post‐PCI. A cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) evaluation of these patients revealed an inverse association between 24 h circulating T lymphocyte numbers and infarction size at 1‐week and 6‐month post‐PCI. Our translational approach revealed striking changes in the circulating and tissue‐infiltrating T lymphocyte repertoire in response to ischemia‐reperfusion. These findings may help in developing new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for coronary diseases.
Proportional-Type Output Voltage-Tracking Controller for Interleaved DC/DC Boost Converter with Performance Recovery Property
Authors: Kim Seok-Kyoon
Published: March 2018

This paper proposes an offset-free proportional-type output voltage-tracking algorithm embedding the disturbance observers (DOBs) for the N-phase interleaved DC/DC boost converter through a systematical multivariable approach. The contributions of this article fall into two parts. The first one is to design the first-order nonlinear DOBs for exponentially estimating the disturbances caused by the model-plant mismatches. The second one is to prove that the proposed proportional-type controller equipped with the DOBs guarantees the performance recovery property as well as the offset-free property. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated through simulations and experiments using a 3-kW four-phase interleaved DC/DC boost converter, comparing the proposed and feedback linearizing (FL) methods.
Graph Sparse Nonnegative Matrix Factorization Algorithm Based on the Inertial Projection Neural Network
Authors: Dai Xiangguang , Li Chuandong , Xiang Biqun
Published: March 2018

We present a novel method, called graph sparse nonnegative matrix factorization, for dimensionality reduction. The affinity graph and sparse constraint are further taken into consideration in nonnegative matrix factorization and it is shown that the proposed matrix factorization method can respect the intrinsic graph structure and provide the sparse representation. Different from some existing traditional methods, the inertial neural network was developed, which can be used to optimize our proposed matrix factorization problem. By adopting one parameter in the neural network, the global optimal solution can be searched. Finally, simulations on numerical examples and clustering in real‐world data illustrate the effectiveness and performance of the proposed method.
Use and Conservation of Medicinal Plants by Indigenous People of Gozamin Wereda, East Gojjam Zone of Amhara Region, Ethiopia: An Ethnobotanical Approach
Authors: Amsalu Nigussie , Bezie Yilkal , Fentahun Mulugeta , Alemayehu Addisu , Amsalu Gashaw
Published: March 2018

An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants (MPs) used by the local community has been carried out from January 5, 2014, to February 15, 2015, in Gozamin Wereda of East Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia. The purpose of this study was to identify and document the use and conservation of MPs, along with indigenous knowledge of Gozamin community. Data were collected using semistructured interview, field observation, and focus group discussions. The collected data were assessed quantitatively using fidelity level, Jaccard’s Coefficient of Similarity, paired comparisons, direct matrix, and preference rankings. In total 93 MPs distributed under 51 families and 87 genera were identified and for each taxon a local name (Amharic) was documented. Asteraceae with 9 (9.68%) species and Solanaceae with 7 (7.53%) species were families represented by more species in the study area. Out of these MPs collected, 80 plant species were used for the treatment of human ailments, 24 species were used against livestock diseases, and 11 common plant species were listed in both cases. The most frequently used plant parts were the leaves followed by the roots. The major threats to MPs in the study area were agricultural expansion, overgrazing, fire wood collection, mining, and cutting down trees for construction and furniture. Therefore, there is a need for appropriate in situ and ex situ conservation measures.
Xuebijing Injection Combined with Antibiotics for the Treatment of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis in Liver Cirrhosis: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Han Dan , Wang Ran , Yu Yang , Sun Mingyu , Teschke Rolf , Romeiro Fernando Gomes , Mancuso Andrea , Song Tingxue , Peng Zhong , Han Bing , Zhou Xinmiao , Bao Wenchun , Li Qianqian , Zheng Kexin , Li Yingying , Bai Zhaohui , Guo Xiaozhong , Qi Xingshun
Published: March 2018

Background and Aim. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is one of the most common complications of liver cirrhosis. Antibiotics are the main treatment regimen of SBP. Traditional Chinese medicine Xuebijing injection has been used in such patients. Our study aimed to overview the efficacy of Xuebijing injection combined with antibiotics for the treatment of SBP. Method. We searched the PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, and Wanfang databases. The search items included “Xuebijing”, “peritonitis”, “liver cirrhosis”, and “random” to identify all relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the study quality. The odd ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by using a random‐effect model. Heterogeneity was also calculated. Results. A total of 9 RCTs were included. The study quality was unsatisfied. The overall (OR = 2.95, 95% CI = 1.97–4.42, p < 0.00001) and complete (OR = 2.18, 95% CI = 1.57–3.04, p < 0.00001) responses were significantly higher in the Xuebijing injection combined with antibiotics group than the antibiotics alone group. The incidence of cirrhosis related complications, including hepatic encephalopathy and hepatorenal syndrome, was lower in the Xuebijing injection combined with antibiotics group than the antibiotics alone group. No significant heterogeneity was observed among studies. Conclusion. Additional use of Xuebijing injection may improve the efficacy of antibiotics for the treatment of SBP in liver cirrhosis. However, due to a low level of current evidence, we did not establish any recommendation regarding the use of Xuebijing injection for the treatment of SBP.
Axis-Guided Vessel Segmentation Using a Self-Constructing Cascade-AdaBoost-SVM Classifier
Authors: Hu Xin , Cheng Yuanzhi , Ding Deqiong , Chu Dianhui
Published: March 2018

One major limiting factor that prevents the accurate delineation of vessel boundaries has been the presence of blurred boundaries and vessel-like structures. Overcoming this limitation is exactly what we are concerned about in this paper. We describe a very different segmentation method based on a cascade-AdaBoost-SVM classifier. This classifier works with a vessel axis + cross-section model, which constrains the classifier around the vessel. This has the potential to be both physiologically accurate and computationally effective. To further increase the segmentation accuracy, we organize the AdaBoost classifiers and the Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifiers in a cascade way. And we substitute the AdaBoost classifier with the SVM classifier under special circumstances to overcome the overfitting issue of the AdaBoost classifier. The performance of our method is evaluated on synthetic complex-structured datasets, where we obtain high overlap ratios, around 91%. We also validate the proposed method on one challenging case, segmentation of carotid arteries over real clinical datasets. The performance of our method is promising, since our method yields better results than two state-of-the-art methods on both synthetic datasets and real clinical datasets.
Patient-Specific Surgical Implants Made of 3D Printed PEEK: Material, Technology, and Scope of Surgical Application
Authors: Honigmann Philipp , Sharma Neha , Okolo Brando , Popp Uwe , Msallem Bilal , Thieringer Florian M.
Published: March 2018

Additive manufacturing (AM) is rapidly gaining acceptance in the healthcare sector. Three-dimensional (3D) virtual surgical planning, fabrication of anatomical models, and patient-specific implants (PSI) are well-established processes in the surgical fields. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has been used, mainly in the reconstructive surgeries as a reliable alternative to other alloplastic materials for the fabrication of PSI. Recently, it has become possible to fabricate PEEK PSI with Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technology. 3D printing of PEEK using FFF allows construction of almost any complex design geometry, which cannot be manufactured using other technologies. In this study, we fabricated various PEEK PSI by FFF 3D printer in an effort to check the feasibility of manufacturing PEEK with 3D printing. Based on these preliminary results, PEEK can be successfully used as an appropriate biomaterial to reconstruct the surgical defects in a “biomimetic” design.
A New Synergistic Forecasting Method for Short-Term Traffic Flow with Event-Triggered Strong Fluctuation
Authors: Huang Darong , Deng Zhenping , Mi Bo
Published: March 2018

Directing against the shortcoming of low accuracy in short-term traffic flow prediction caused by strong traffic flow fluctuation, a novel method for short-term traffic forecasting based on the combination of improved grey Verhulst prediction algorithm and first-order difference exponential smoothing is proposed. Firstly, we constructed an improved grey Verhulst prediction model by introducing the Markov chain to its traditional version. Then, based on an introduced dynamic weighting factor, the improved grey Verhulst prediction method, and the first-order difference exponential smoothing technique, the new method for short-term traffic forecasting is completed in an efficient way. Finally, experiment and analysis are carried out in the light of actual data gathered from strong fluctuation environment to verify the effectiveness and rationality of our proposed scheme.
Analytical Predictor-Corrector Guidance Algorithm Based on Drag Modulation Flight Control System for Mars Aerocapture
Authors: Peng Yu-ming , Xu Bo , Fang Bao-dong , Lei Han-lun
Published: March 2018

Aerocapture is one of the essential technologies for future large-scale space exploration missions, as it can significantly reduce the Δv and fuel requirement. The performance and robustness of two different aerocapture control methods are analyzed around Mars exploration, and then an analytic predictor-corrector guidance algorithm for drag modulation flight control system is proposed. A piecewise linear function between velocity and flight path angle is established by appropriate approximations and assumptions, and then the state at atmosphere interface can be predicted by an analytical method; therefore, aerocapture guidance can be realized by feedback control. Numerical simulation is used to evaluate performance and robustness of the algorithm. The simulation results show that the guidance algorithm is accurate and robust, which can effectively overcome the influence of atmospheric density error, aerodynamic parameter error, and initial state uncertainty.
Distribution and Identification of Sources of Heavy Metals in the Voghji River Basin Impacted by Mining Activities (Armenia)
Authors: Gabrielyan A. V. , Shahnazaryan G. A. , Minasyan S. H.
Published: March 2018

The objective of this research is to assess the distribution of heavy metals in the waters and sediments of the Voghji River and its tributaries impacted by mining activity and to reveal the real source of each of the heavy metals in the environment for assessing the pollution level of heavy metals. Voghji River with two main tributaries (Geghi and Norashenik) drain two mining regions. To identify distribution and pollution sources of heavy metals, the water and sediment samples were collected from eight sampling sites. The results of statistical analysis based on data sets of the period 2014–2016 showed that, after the influence of drainage water and wastewater of mining regions, heavy metal contents in the Voghji River basin dramatically increased. The waters of the Voghji River were highly polluted by Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Mo, Cd, and Pb. The relation of metals content was highly changed due to anthropogenic impact disturbing the geochemical balance of the Voghji River. The water quality based on only heavy metal contents in the source of the Voghji River belongs to “good” chemical status, and in the sources of Geghi and Norashenik Rivers it is “moderate.” The water quality of Voghji and Norashenik Rivers is sharply worsening after the influence of mining activity, becoming “bad” chemical status. The research revealed the pollution sources of each metal.
Successful Treatment of High-Level Aminoglycoside-Resistant Enterococcus faecalis Bacteremia in a Preterm Infant with Ampicillin and Cefotaxime
Authors: Tam Jennifer , Lee Santina J. , Shah Vibhuti , Morris Shaun K.
Published: March 2018

Enterococcal bloodstream infections are usually treated with single-agent antibiotics. In persistent infections, synergistic combination therapy is often required with a beta-lactam and an aminoglycoside antibiotic. High-level aminoglycoside-resistant (HLAR) enterococci are increasingly prevalent and preclude the use of this combination. The use of ampicillin with a third-generation cephalosporin to treat endovascular HLAR Enterococcus infections is becoming more established in the adult population; however, the literature on treatment of such infections in children remains scarce. We report a preterm neonate with persistent HLAR Enterococcus faecalis bacteremia from day of life 9 to 17 despite treatment with ampicillin and vancomycin. On day of life 17, antibiotic treatment was switched to ampicillin and cefotaxime, with subsequent clearance of blood cultures on day of life 20. To our knowledge, this is the first report illustrating the use of ampicillin and cefotaxime for an HLAR E. faecalis infection in a neonate.