bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of SSX-2 and SSX-4 Genes in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Chi S.N. , Cheung N.-K.V. , Cheung I.Y.
Published: January 2018

The SSX genes are members of the family of cancer/testis antigens that encode tumor-associated antigens recognizable by autologous cytolytic T lymphocytes. Their expression is common in tumors of diverse lineages and absent in normal tissues except testis and thyroid. In this study, sixty-seven neuroblastomas (NB) (12 stage 1, 13 stage 2, 12 stage 3, 12 stage 4S and 13 stage 4) were examined by RT-PCR and a sensitive chemiluminescent detection method for SSX-2 and SSX-4 expression. Seventy-two percent (13/18) of stage 4 NB expressed SSX-2 and 67% (12/18) expressed SSX-4. SSX-2 and SSX-4 positivity correlated with metastatic NB stage 4 (p=0.02 and p=0.006, respectively). Sensitivity experiments showed SSX-2 detection was one tumor cell in 106 normal cells, and one in 104 for SSX-4. All normal tissues (n=6), with the exception of testis, normal bone marrow (BM, n=12) and normal peripheral blood (PBL, n=10) were negative for SSX-2 and SSX-4 expression. Thirty-two BM and 14 PBL obtained from 35 stage 4 NB patients at 24 months from their diagnosis were evaluated for SSX-2 expression. Unlike another cancer/testis antigen, GAGE, only one BM sample was positive, and no prognostic utility could be established. Further investigation of SSX expression at other relevant time points is warranted.
Metabolic Effects of Single-Dose Pamidronate Administration in Prostate Cancer Patients with Bone Metastases
Authors: Berruti A. , Dogliotti L. , Tucci M. , Tarabuzzi R. , Guercio S. , Torta M. , Tampellini M. , Dovio A. , Poggio M. , Scarpa R.M. , Angeli A.
Published: January 2018

Background

Increased osteolysis usually accompanies sclerotic bone metastases from prostate cancer. This provides a rationale for the use of bisphosphonates to treat bone pain and prevent skeletal complications.

Methods

The fasting urinary levels of calcium, hydroxyproline (OHPRO), pyridinolines (PYD), deoxypyridinolines (DPYD), collagen cross-linked N-telopeptide (NTX) and the serum values of calcium, total alkaline phosphatase and relevant bone isoenzyme, bone gla protein (BGP), carboxy-telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were determined at baseline and on the 15th, 30th, 60th and 90th days after single-dose (90 mg) pamidronate administration in 35 consecutive prostate cancer patients with bone metastases. These biochemical indices and serum interleukin 6 (IL-6) were also measured after four days in the last consecutive 17 cases.

Results

PYD, DPYD and NTX showed a significant decrease lasting four weeks (p<0.01, <0.01 and <0.001, respectively). OHPRO and ICTP did not change significantly. The NTX decline was greater than that of PYD and DPYD (maximum percent decrease: −71.3, −23.1 and −28.2, respectively). Bone formation markers and serum calcium did not change significantly. Serum PTH showed a rapid initial increase followed by a slow decrease (p<0.001). DPYD and NTX patterns did not correlate with changes in bone pain. As observed in the last 17 cases, the maximum osteolysis inhibition after pamidronate occurred on the fourth day after drug infusion. Serum IL-6 levels showed a short-lived decrease preceded by a transient rise on the fourth day.

Conclusions

Pamidronate is able to induce a decrease in bone resorption without significantly influencing bone formation. The maximum decrease in bone resorption occurs very early. NTX is the most sensitive bone resorption marker in bisphosphonate therapy monitoring. Changes in IL-6 but not bone resorption markers may be useful in the prediction of symptomatic response.
Metalloproteinase-1, Metalloproteinase-7, and p53 Immunoexpression and their Correlation with Clinicopathological Prognostic Factors in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Nunes Benicio L.B.B.P. , Jucá Mário J. , Gomes Edmundo G.A. , Menezes Hunaldo L. , Costa Henrique O. , Matos Delcio , Saad Sarhan S.
Published: January 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to analyze the immunoexpression of metalloproteinase-1, metalloproteinase-7, and p53 in colorectal adenocarcinoma, and to correlate this with clinicopathological prognostic factors.

Material and methods

Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor tissue from 82 patients was analyzed by means of immunohistochemistry, using the streptavidin-biotin method and the tissue microarray technique. Protein tissue expression was correlated with the variables of the degree of cell differentiation, stage, relapse-free survival, recurrence, survival, and specific mortality.

Results

All of the tumors were positive for metalloproteinase-1, while 50 (61%) were positive for metalloproteinase-7, and 32 (39%) were negative for the latter. For p53, 70 (85.4%) of the tumors were positive and 12 (14.6%) were negative. Correlation of the marker expressions separately and in conjunction did not produce any statistically significant data.

Conclusion

The immunoexpression of metalloproteinase-1, metalloproteinase-7, and p53 did not correlate with recurrence, mortality, relapse-free survival, survival, degree of cell differentiation, or staging of colorectal cancer.
The synthesis of a segmented stair-climbing wheel
Authors: Mostyn Vladimir , Krys Vaclav , Kot Tomas , Bobovsky Zdenko , Novak Petr
Published: January 2018

The article describes the process of development of an essentially new wheel suitable both for moving on flat ground and for travelling on stairs. The stair-climbing wheel is composed of rotary circular segments arranged around a shared carrier with arms to form a complete circular profile of the wheel adapted for moving on flat ground; for travelling on stairs, individual segments are rotated by an appropriate angle to touch down tangentially on the stepping surface of the stairs. The dimensions of individual segments, the centre of rotation of individual segments and the angle of their partial turn have been chosen so that the length of the arc along which the circular segment rolls is equal to the length of the stepping surface of an average stair, and, at the same time, the circular segment touches down tangentially on the stepping surface while the wheel turns around the edge of the previous segment. Using the rotation angle of the turnable segments, the wheel can be adapted to the height of non-standard stairs. The segments can be inclined in both directions for bidirectional movement of the wheel up and down the stairs. An undercarriage equipped with these wheels can be used in the field of exploratory robots and for the transportation of persons and materials on stairs.
A PCA–CCA network for RGB-D object recognition
Authors: Sun Shiying , An Ning , Zhao Xiaoguang , Tan Min
Published: January 2018

Object recognition is one of the essential issues in computer vision and robotics. Recently, deep learning methods have achieved excellent performance in red-green-blue (RGB) object recognition. However, the introduction of depth information presents a new challenge: How can we exploit this RGB-D data to characterize an object more adequately? In this article, we propose a principal component analysis–canonical correlation analysis network for RGB-D object recognition. In this new method, two stages of cascaded filter layers are constructed and followed by binary hashing and block histograms. In the first layer, the network separately learns principal component analysis filters for RGB and depth. Then, in the second layer, canonical correlation analysis filters are learned jointly using the two modalities. In this way, the different characteristics of the RGB and depth modalities are considered by our network as well as the characteristics of the correlation between the two modalities. Experimental results on the most widely used RGB-D object data set show that the proposed method achieves an accuracy which is comparable to state-of-the-art methods. Moreover, our method has a simpler structure and is efficient even without graphics processing unit acceleration.
Cross-cultural differences in adult Theory of Mind abilities: A comparison of native-English speakers and native-Chinese speakers on the Self/Other Differentiation task
Authors: Bradford Elisabeth EF , Jentzsch Ines , Gomez Juan-Carlos , Chen Yulu , Zhang Da , Su Yanjie
Published: January 2018

Theory of Mind (ToM) refers to the ability to compute and attribute mental states to ourselves and other people. It is currently unclear whether ToM abilities are universal or whether they can be culturally influenced. To address this question, this research explored potential differences in engagement of ToM processes between two different cultures, Western (individualist) and Chinese (collectivist), using a sample of healthy adults. Participants completed a computerised false-belief task, in which they attributed beliefs to either themselves or another person, in a matched design, allowing direct comparison between “Self”- and “Other”-oriented conditions. Results revealed that both native-English speakers and native-Chinese individuals responded significantly faster to self-oriented than other-oriented questions. Results also showed that when a trial required a “perspective-shift,” participants from both cultures were slower to shift from Self-to-Other than from Other-to-Self. Results indicate that despite differences in collectivism scores, culture does not influence task performance, with similar results found for both Western and non-Western participants, suggesting core and potentially universal similarities in the ToM mechanism across these two cultures.
Evaluation of a mindfulness intervention for Paralympic leaders prior to the Paralympic Games
Authors: Lundqvist Carolina , Ståhl Linda , Kenttä Göran , Thulin Ulrika
Published: January 2018

This article presents an evaluation of the effectiveness of an applied mindfulness intervention for stress reduction delivered to Paralympic leaders prior to the Paralympic Games. The intervention group of Swedish Paralympic leaders ( n = 10) received a mindfulness intervention of eight web-based seminars, while a Norwegian reference group ( n = 6) received no intervention. Three assessments were performed for both samples: at baseline, post-intervention and six weeks post-intervention. The evaluation indicated intervention effects of higher psychological flexibility ( p = .03), less rumination ( p = .02) and lower perceived stress ( p = .001), and offers initial support for the applied usefulness of a web-based mindfulness training program as a supplement in stress-reduction programs for elite sport leaders. General challenges from an applied sport psychology perspective related to the implementation of mindfulness interventions in samples with experienced high levels of stress and perceived time-constraints are discussed.
Differential mRNA expression of inflammasome genes NLRP1 and NLRP3 in abdominal aneurysmal and occlusive aortic disease
Authors: Gonzalez-Hidalgo Carmen , De Haro Joaquin , Bleda Silvia , Cañibano Cristina , Michel Ignacio , Acin Francisco
Published: January 2018

NLRP1 and NLRP3 inflammasomes might differentially mediate the chronic inflammatory response in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and aortic occlusive disease (AOD). We measure differential relative gene expression of NLRP1 and NLRP3 inflammasomes in aortic tissues from 30 patients undergoing AAA open repair compared to aortic biopsies from 30 patients undergoing surgery to treat AOD. Aortic wall samples from autopsy without aortic disease were used as controls. NLRP3 was overexpressed in patients with AAA and AOD (RQ 1.185 ± 0.15, and 1.098 ± 0.05, respectively) compared to donors (RQ 1.001 ± 0.08) (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.2–4.3, p < 0.05 for AAA and OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1–3.8, p < 0.05 for AOD). NLRP1 gene expression was significantly upregulated in patients with AOD (RQ 1.197 ± 0.09). Meanwhile, NLRP1 was normal expressed in AAA (RQ 1.003 ± 0.07) as well as in autopsy aortic specimens (RQ 1.005 ± 0.11). Enhanced NLRP1 expression in AOD was even significant when compared to AAA (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2–3.3, p < 0.05) or controls (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.1–3.1, p < 0.05). According to our findings, NLRP3 could be involved in the common etiology of AAA and AOD, whereas NLRP1 appears to have a specific role in AOD development.
When myasthenia gravis is deemed refractory: clinical signposts and treatment strategies
Authors: Mantegazza Renato , Antozzi Carlo
Published: January 2018

The prognosis for patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) has improved significantly over the past half century, including substantial reductions in mortality and morbidity. However, approximately 10% of patients fails to respond adequately to current therapies and are considered treatment refractory, or treatment intolerant, and up to 80% have disease that fails to achieve complete stable remission. Although patients with autoantibodies to muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (anti-MuSK positive) are more likely to become treatment refractory than those with autoantibodies to the acetylcholine receptor (anti-AChR positive), each of these serotypes is substantially represented in the refractory MG population. Other risk factors for becoming treatment refractory include history of thymoma or thymectomy and female sex. A modified treatment algorithm for MG is proposed: patients who have disease that fails to respond to the stepwise approach to therapy, are treatment intolerant, or who require chronic rescue measures despite ongoing therapy, should be considered treatment refractory and emerging therapies should be considered. Three emerging monoclonal antibody-based therapies are discussed: the anti-B-cell agent rituximab; the terminal complement activation inhibitor eculizumab; and belimumab, which targets B-cell activating factor. Increased understanding of molecular pathophysiology and accurate antibody subtyping in MG should lead to the use of new therapeutic agents and successful management of treatment-refractory patients.
The Distribution of an Invasive Species, Clidemia hirta Along Roads and Trails in Endau Rompin National Park, Malaysia
Authors: Le Cao , Fukumori Kosuke , Hosaka Tetsuro , Numata Shinya , Hashim Mazlan , Kosaki Takashi
Published: January 2018

Invasive species pose a grave threat to many national parks. Construction of roads and trails for tourism may facilitate invasion of alien species. To understand the effect of road and trail construction on invasive species, we established six transects in three land-use types (forest interior and road or trail edges) in Endau Rompin National Park, Johor, Malaysia, where we measured the number of an invasive shrub, Clidemia hirta (Melastomataceae), canopy openness, and soil properties; compared the density of C. hirta between the three land-use types; and finally, identified soil and canopy variables affecting its abundance using generalized linear mixed models. C. hirta was found along the road and trail with density ranging from 0.0 m−2 to 33 m−2 (average: 3.8 m−2), but was not found in the forest interior. Generalized linear mixed models suggested that canopy openness and soil pH negatively affected the density of C. hirta along the road, as did total soil nitrogen along the trail. This suggests that C. hirta was more abundant along dark and nutrient-poor road and trail edges. The construction of narrow roads (2.0–3.8 m) and trails (0.5–2.0 m wide) at our site would be considered a relatively minor disturbance without intensive clear cuts, and C. hirta seemed to prefer habitats with such minor disturbances. In the tropical rainforests, the managers or conservationists of the national park should include consideration of the effects such as minor disturbances have on invasive species.
Quantitative DTI metrics in a canine model of Krabbe disease: comparisons versus age-matched controls across multiple ages
Authors: Li Jonathan Y , Middleton Dana M , Chen Steven , White Leonard , Corado Carley R , Vite Charles , Bradbury Allison , Provenzale James M
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare quantitative diffusion tensor imaging metrics in dogs affected with a model of Krabbe disease to age-matched normal controls. We hypothesized that fractional anisotropy would be decreased and radial diffusivity would be increased in the Krabbe dogs.

Methods

We used a highly reproducible region-of-interest interrogation technique to measure fractional anisotropy and radial diffusivity in three different white matter regions within the internal capsule and centrum semiovale in four Krabbe affected brains and three age-matched normal control brains.

Results

Despite all four Krabbe dogs manifesting pelvic limb paralysis at the time of death, age-dependent differences in DTI metrics were observed. In the 9, 12, and 14 week old Krabbe dogs, FA values unexpectedly increased and RD values decreased. FA values were generally higher and RD values generally lower in both regions of the internal capsule in the Krabbe brains during this period. FA values in the brain from the 16 week old Krabbe dog decreased and were lower than in control brains and RD values increased and were higher than in control brain.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that FA and RD in the internal capsule and centrum semiovale are affected differently at different ages, despite disease having progressed to pelvic limb paralysis in all dogs evaluated. In 9, 12, and 14 week old Krabbe dogs, higher FA values and lower RD values are seen in the internal capsule. However, in the 16 week old Krabbe dog, lower FA and higher RD values are seen, consistent with previous observations in Krabbe dogs, as well as observations in human Krabbe patients.
Effect of Grouping, Segmentation, and Vestibular Stimulation on the Autokinetic Effect
Authors: Ramachandran Vilayanur S. , Chunharas Chaipat , Croft Rachel , Batal Nader
Published: January 2018

We report some new observations on what could be regarded as the world’s simplest visual illusion—the autokinetic effect. When a single dim spot of light is viewed in a completely dark room, it moves vividly in random directions. During steady fixation, perhaps subtle eye movements cause the image to move and a failure to correct for this using eye movement command signals leads to motion perception. This is especially true because eye muscle fatigue can lead to miscalibration. However, if two dots are shown, they often move independently in different directions, which negate the eye movement theory. In addition, two lines defining a single cross sometimes uncouple and slide past each other and the fragments composing a hidden object move independently until they click in place and the whole object is perceived—implying that the illusion occurs relatively late in visual processing. Finally, the effect is modulated by vestibular stimulation; anchoring your sense of self may be a prerequisite for binding features into coherent objects.
A review of the new GLP-1 receptor agonist/basal insulin fixed-ratio combination products
Authors: Nuffer Wesley , Guesnier Ashley , Trujillo Jennifer M.
Published: January 2018

There have been several new treatment approaches established for the management of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes (T2D), with treatment guidelines listing both glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and basal insulin therapies as considerations for patients who have failed to control their blood glucose with oral antidiabetic agents. New studies have highlighted the importance of initiating combination therapy earlier in the T2D disease process to avoid clinical inertia and prevent the long-term complications arising from uncontrolled diabetes. Until recently, both GLP-1 RAs and basal insulin therapies were only available as single agents, but there are now two combination pen devices that deliver both a GLP-1 RA and basal insulin simultaneously. This article reviews the current clinical evidence evaluating the use of these combination GLP-1 RA/basal insulin preparations to treat T2D, presents both potential benefits as well as possible downsides with the use of these agents, and discusses the current place in therapy these products represent in the management of T2D.
The evolving role of traditional birth attendants in maternal health in post-conflict Africa: A qualitative study of Burundi and northern Uganda
Authors: Chi Primus Che , Urdal Henrik
Published: January 2018

Objectives:

Many conflict-affected countries are faced with an acute shortage of health care providers, including skilled birth attendants. As such, during conflicts traditional birth attendants have become the first point of call for many pregnant women, assisting them during pregnancy, labour and birth, and in the postpartum period. This study seeks to explore how the role of traditional birth attendants in maternal health, especially childbirth, has evolved in two post-conflict settings in sub-Saharan Africa (Burundi and northern Uganda) spanning the period of active warfare to the post-conflict era.

Methods:

A total of 63 individual semi-structured in-depth interviews and 8 focus group discussions were held with women of reproductive age, local health care providers and staff of non-governmental organisations working in the domain of maternal health who experienced the conflict, across urban, semi-urban and rural settings in Burundi and northern Uganda. Discussions focused on the role played by traditional birth attendants in maternal health, especially childbirth during the conflict and how the role has evolved in the post-conflict era. Transcripts from the interviews and focus group discussions were analysed by thematic analysis (framework approach).

Results:

Traditional birth attendants played a major role in childbirth-related activities in both Burundi and northern Uganda during the conflict, with some receiving training and delivery kits from the local health systems and non-governmental organisations to undertake deliveries. Following the end of the conflict, traditional birth attendants have been prohibited by the government from undertaking deliveries in both Burundi and northern Uganda. In Burundi, the traditional birth attendants have been integrated within the primary health care system, especially in rural areas, and re-assigned the role of ‘birth companions’. In this capacity they undertake maternal health promotion activities within their communities. In northern Uganda, on the other hand, traditional birth attendants have not been integrated within the local health system and still appear to undertake clandestine deliveries in some rural areas.

Conclusion:

The prominent role of traditional birth attendants in childbirth during the conflicts in Burundi and northern Uganda has been dwindling in the post-conflict era. Traditional birth attendants can still play an important role in facilitating facility and skilled attended births if appropriately integrated with the local health system.
Detection of the intention to grasp during reach movements
Authors: de Vries JC , van Ommeren AL , Prange-Lasonder GP , Rietman JS , Veltink PH
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Soft-robotic gloves have been developed to enhance grip to support stroke patients during daily life tasks. Studies showed that users perform tasks faster without the glove as compared to with the glove. It was investigated whether it is possible to detect grasp intention earlier than using force sensors to enhance the performance of the glove.

Methods

This was studied by distinguishing reach-to-grasp movements from reach movements without the intention to grasp, using minimal inertial sensing and machine learning. Both single-user and multi-user support vector machine classifiers were investigated. Data were gathered during an experiment with healthy subjects, in which they were asked to perform grasp and reach movements.

Results

Experimental results show a mean accuracy of 98.2% for single-user and of 91.4% for multi-user classification, both using only two sensors: one on the hand and one on the middle finger. Furthermore, it was found that using only 40% of the trial length, an accuracy of 85.3% was achieved, which would allow for an earlier prediction of grasp during the reach movement by 1200 ms.

Conclusions

Based on these promising results, further research will be done to investigate the possibility to use classification of the movements in stroke patients.
Looking Through Tinted Glasses: Depression and Social Anxiety Are Related to Both Interpretation Biases and Inflexible Negative Interpretations
Authors: Everaert Jonas , Bronstein Michael V. , Cannon Tyrone D. , Joormann Jutta
Published: January 2018

Interpretation bias is often theorized to play a critical role in depression and social anxiety. To date, it remains unknown how interpretation bias exerts its toxic effects. Interpretation inflexibility may be an important determinant of how distorted interpretations affect emotional well-being. This study investigated interpretation bias and inflexibility in relation to depression severity and social anxiety. Participants ( N = 212) completed a novel cognitive task that simultaneously measured bias and inflexibility in the interpretation of unfolding ambiguous situations. Depression severity was associated with increased negative and decreased positive interpretation biases. Social anxiety was associated with increased negative interpretation bias. Critically, both symptom types were related to reduced revision of negative interpretations by disconfirmatory positive information. These findings suggest that individuals with more severe depression or social anxiety make more biased and inflexible interpretations. Future work examining cognitive risk for depression and anxiety could benefit from examining both these factors.
Understanding Midwives’ Preferences for Providing Information About Newborn Bloodspot Screening
Authors: Wright Stuart James , Ulph Fiona , Lavender Tina , Dharni Nimarta , Payne Katherine
Published: January 2018

Background: Understanding preferences for information provision in the context of health care service provision is challenging because of the number of potential attributes that may influence preferences. This study aimed to identify midwives’ preferences for the process and outcomes of information provision in an expanded national newborn bloodspot screening program. Design: A sample of practicing midwives completed a hybrid-stated preference survey including a conjoint analysis (CA) and discrete choice experiment to quantify preferences for the types of, and way in which, information should be provided in a newborn bloodspot screening program. Six conjoint analysis questions captured the impact of different types of information on parents’ ability to make a decision, and 10 discrete choice experiment questions identified preferences for four process attributes (including parents’ ability to make a decision). Results: Midwives employed by the UK National Health Service (n = 134) completed the survey. All types of information content were perceived to improve parents’ ability to make a decision except for the possibility of false-positive results. Late pregnancy was seen to be the best time to provide information, followed by day 3 postbirth. Information before 20 weeks of pregnancy was viewed as reducing parents’ ability to make a decision. Midwives preferred information to be provided by an individual discussion and did not think parents should receive information on the Internet. Conclusion: A hybrid stated preference survey design identified that a wide variety of information should be provided to maximize parents’ ability to make a decision ideally provided late in pregnancy or on day 3 postbirth.
AHRRhypomethylation, lung function, lung function decline and respiratory symptoms
Authors: Kodal Jakob B. , Kobylecki Camilla J. , Vedel-Krogh Signe , Nordestgaard Børge G. , Bojesen Stig E.
Published: January 2018

Epigenome-wide association studies have shown a consistent association between smoking exposure and hypomethylation in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor (AHRR) gene (cg05575921). We tested the hypothesis thatAHRRhypomethylation is associated with low lung function, steeper lung function decline, and respiratory symptoms in the general population.

AHRRmethylation extent was measured in 9113 individuals from the 1991–1994 examination of the Copenhagen City Heart Study, using bisulfite-treated leukocyte DNA. Spirometry at the time of blood sampling was available for all individuals. Lung function was measured again for 4532 of these individuals in 2001–2003.

Cross-sectionally, a 10% lower methylation extent was associated with a 0.2 z-score (95% CI 0.1–0.2) lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) after multivariable adjustment including smoking. Hypomethylation was also associated with a lower z-score for both forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1/FVC. In prospective analyses, individuals in the lowestversushighest tertile of methylation extent had a steeper decline in FEV1/height3(p for examination×methylation interaction=0.003) and FVC/height3(p=0.01), but not FEV1/FVC (p=0.08). Multivariable-adjusted odds ratios per 10% lower methylation extent were 1.31 (95% CI 1.18–1.45) for chronic bronchitis and 1.21 (95% CI 1.13–1.30) for any respiratory symptoms.

AHRRhypomethylation was associated with low lung function, steeper lung function decline, and respiratory symptoms.
Window detection in facade images for risk assessment in tunneling
Authors: Neuhausen Marcel , Obel Markus , Martin Alexander , Mark Peter , König Markus
Published: January 2018

Background

Settlements induced by tunneling in inner urban areas can easily damage above ground structures. This already has to be considered in early planning of tunneling routes. Assessing the risk of damages to structures on hypothetical tunneling routes inflicted by such settlements beforehand enables routes’ comparability. Hereby, it facilitates the choice of the optimal tunneling route in terms of potential damages and of suitable countermeasures. Risk analyses of structures establishing the assessment obtain relevant data from various sources. Some data even has to be gathered manually. Virtual building models could ease this process and facilitate analyses for entire districts as they combine several required information in a single data set. Commonly, these are yet modelled very coarse. Relevant details like facade openings, which highly affect a structures stiffness, are not included.

Methods

In this paper, we propose a system which detects windows in facade images. This is used to subsequently enrich existing virtual building models allowing for a precise risk assessment. For this, we apply a sliding window detector which employs a cascaded classifier to obtain windows in images patches.

Results

Our system yields sufficient results on facade images of several countries showing its general applicability despite regional and architectural variation in the facades’ and windows’ appearance. In an ensuing case study, we assess the risk of damages to structures based on detections of our system using different analysis methods.

Conclusions

We contrast these results to assessments using manually gathered data. Hereby, we show that the detection rate of our proposed system is sufficient for a reliable estimation of a structure’s damage class.
Ammonia excretion and acid-base regulation in the American horseshoe crab,Limulus polyphemus
Authors: Hans Stephanie , Quijada-Rodriguez Alex R. , Allen Garett J. P. , Onken Horst , Treberg Jason R. , Weihrauch Dirk
Published: January 2018

Many studies have investigated ammonia excretion and acid-base regulation in aquatic arthropods, yet current knowledge of marine chelicerates is non-existent. In American horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus), book gills bear physiologically distinct regions: dorsal and ventral half-lamellae, and central mitochondria-rich (CMRA) and peripheral mitochondria-poor areas (PMPA). CMRA and ventral half-lamella exhibited characteristics important to ammonia excretion and/or acid-base regulation as supported by high expression levels of Rhesus-protein 1 (LpRh-1), cytoplasmic carbonic anhydrase (CA-2), and hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated K+ channel (HCN) compared to PMPA and dorsal half-lamella. The half-lamellae displayed remarkable differences; the ventral epithelium was ion-leaky whilst the dorsal counterpart possessed an exceptionally tight epithelium. LpRh-1 was more abundant than LpRh-2 in all investigated tissues, but LpRh-2 was more prevalent in the PMPA than CMRA. Ammonia influx associated with high ambient ammonia (HAA) treatment was counteracted by intact animals and complemented by upregulation of branchial CA-2, V-type H+-ATPase (HAT), HCN, and LpRh-1 mRNA expression. The dorsal epithelium demonstrated characteristics of active ammonia excretion, however, an influx was observed across the ventral epithelium due to the tissue's high ion conductance, although the influx rate was not proportionately high considering the ∼3-fold inwardly-directed ammonia gradient. Novel findings suggest a role for the coxal gland in excretion and maintaining hemolymph ammonia regulation under HAA. Hypercapnic exposure induced compensatory respiratory acidosis and partial metabolic depression. Functional differences between 2 halves of a branchial lamella may be physiologically beneficial in reducing backflow of waste products into adjacent lamellae, especially in fluctuating environments where ammonia levels can increase.
Malpighian tubules ofTrichoplusia ni: recycling ions via gap junctions and switching between secretion and reabsorption of Na+ and K+ in the distal ileac plexus
Authors: Kolosov Dennis , Piermarini Peter M. , O'Donnell Michael J.
Published: January 2018

The functional kidney in insects consists of the Malpighian tubules and hindgut. Malpighian tubules secrete ions and fluid aiding in hydromineral homeostasis, acid-base balance, and metabolic waste excretion. In many insects, including lepidopterans, the Malpighian tubule epithelium consists of principal cells (PCs) and secondary cells (SCs). The SCs in the Malpighian tubules of larvae of the lepidopteran Trichoplusia ni have been shown to reabsorb K+, transporting it in a direction opposite to that in the neighbouring PCs that secrete K+. One of the mechanisms that could enable such an arrangement is a gap junction (GJ)-based coupling of the two cell types. In the current study, we have immunolocalised GJ protein Innexin-2 to the PC-PC and SC-PC cell-cell borders. We have demonstrated that GJs in the SC-containing region of the Malpighian tubules enable Na+ and K+ reabsorption by the SCs. We also demonstrated that in ion-loaded animals PCs switch from Na+/K+ secretion to reabsorption, resulting in an ion-transporting phenotype similar to that of tubules with pharmacologically blocked GJs. Concomitantly, mRNA abundance encoding GJ proteins was downregulated. Finally, we observed that such PC-based reabsorption was only present in the distal ileac plexus connected to the rectal complex. We propose that this plasticity in the PC function in the distal ileac plexus is likely to be aimed at providing ion supply for the SC function in this segment of the tubule.
Recent advances in understanding evolution of the placenta: insights from transcriptomics
Authors: Carter Anthony M.
Published: January 2018

The mammalian placenta shows an extraordinary degree of variation in gross and fine structure, but this has been difficult to interpret in physiological terms. Transcriptomics offers a path to understanding how structure relates to function. This essay examines how studies of gene transcription can inform us about placental evolution in eutherian and marsupial mammals and more broadly about convergent evolution of viviparity and placentation in vertebrates. Thus far, the focus has been on the chorioallantoic placenta of eutherians at term, the reproductive strategies of eutherians and marsupials, and the decidual response of the uterus at implantation. Future work should address gene expression during early stages of placental development and endeavor to cover all major groups of mammals. Comparative studies across oviparous and viviparous vertebrates have centered on the chorioallantoic membrane and yolk sac. They point to the possibility of defining a set of genes that can be recruited to support commonalities in reproductive strategies. Further advances can be anticipated from single-cell transcriptomics if those techniques are applied to a range of placental structures and in species other than humans and mice.
Badges for sharing data and code at Biostatistics: an observational study
Authors: Rowhani-Farid Anisa , Barnett Adrian G.
Published: January 2018

Background:  Reproducible research includes sharing data and code.  The reproducibility policy at the journal Biostatistics rewards articles with badges for data and code sharing.  This study investigates the effect of badges at increasing reproducible research, specifically, data and code sharing, at Biostatistics.

Methods:  The setting of this observational study is the Biostatistics and Statistics in Medicine (control journal) online research archives.  The data consisted of 240 randomly sampled articles from 2006 to 2013 (30 articles per year) per journal, a total sample of 480 articles.  Data analyses included: plotting probability of data and code sharing by article submission date, and Bayesian logistic regression modelling to test for a difference in the probability of making data and code available after the introduction of badges at Biostatistics. 

Results:  The probability of data sharing was higher at Biostatistics than the control journal but the probability of code sharing was comparable for both journals.  The probability of data sharing increased by 3.5 times (95% credible interval: 1.4 to 7.4 times, p-value probability that sharing increased: 0.996) after badges were introduced at Biostatistics.  On an absolute scale, however, this difference was only a 7.3% increase in data sharing (95% CI: 2 to 14%, p-value: 0.996).  Badges did not have an impact on code sharing at the journal (mean increase: 1.1 times, 95% credible interval: 0.45 to 2.14 times, p-value probability that sharing increased: 0.549). 

Conclusions:  The effect of badges at Biostatistics was a 7.3% increase in the data sharing rate, 5 times less than the effect of badges on data sharing at Psychological Science (37.9% badge effect).  Though the effect of badges at Biostatistics did not impact code sharing, and was associated with only a moderate effect on data sharing, badges are an interesting step that journals are taking to incentivise and promote reproducible research.
Resolution of Spurious Immunonephelometric IgG Subclass Measurement Discrepancies by LC-MS/MS
Authors: van der Gugten Grace , DeMarco Mari L , Chen Luke Y C , Chin Alex , Carruthers Mollie , Holmes Daniel T , Mattman Andre
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

The Binding Site immunonephelometric (IN) IgG subclass reagents (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG, BSIN) are used for assessment of both immunodeficiency and IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD). In our laboratory, suspected analytic errors were noted in patients with increases in IgG4: The sum of the individual IgG subclasses was substantially greater than the measured total IgG concentrations (unlike samples with normal IgG4), and the IgG4 concentration was always less than the IgG2 concentration.

METHODS

We developed a tryptic digest LC-MS/MS method to quantify IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 in serum. Samples with IgG4 concentrations ranging from <0.03 g/L to 32 g/L were reanalyzed by LC-MS/MS, and a subset was also reanalyzed by Siemens IN (SIN) subclass measurements.

RESULTS

Multivariate linear regression identified 3 subclass tests with multiple predictors of the measured subclass concentration. For these 3 subclasses, the predominant predictors were (in terms of LC-MS/MS IgG subclass measurement coefficients) BSIN IgG1 = 0.89·IgG1 + 0.4·IgG4; BSIN IgG2 = 0.94·IgG4 + 0.89·IgG2; and SIN IgG2 = 0.72·IgG2 + 0.24·IgG4.

CONCLUSIONS

There is apparent IgG4 cross-reactivity with select IN subclass measurements affecting tests from both vendors tested. These findings can be explained either by direct cross-reactivity of the IN reagents with the IgG4 subclass or unique physicochemical properties of IgG4 that permit nonspecific binding of IgG4 heavy chain to other IgG immunoglobulin heavy chains. Irrespective of the mechanism, the observed intermethod discrepancies support the use of LC-MS/MS as the preferred method for measurement of IgG subclasses when testing patients with suspected IgG4-RD.
Pengembangan Paradigma Integrasi Ilmu: Harmonisasi Islam dan Sains dalam Pendidikan
Authors: Hidayat Fahri
Published: January 2018

Secularism that separates religion from mundane aspects, including science andknowledge, that appeared and applied in the West turned out to present themselves asa different face when applied in the Islamic world. In the West, secularism became areason for science breeding. Meanwhile, in the Islamic world, secularism actually triggerthe birth of science dichotomy that led to the neglect of science. In turn, the practiceof science dichotomy is precisely the cause of the deterioration of Islamic civilization.Muslim community has a different cultural history with the West. Historically, Islambecame the main driver of progress of science in the golden age. This is different withWestern history that marred by tensions between science and religion. Therefore, Islamiceducation should be developed in accordance with its integrative and nondichotomousculture. Therefore, religion and science in Islam is a unity. Epistemology of Islamiceducation is built by making sciences as part of its supporting pillars.
Empowerment of Santri in Reality and Recollection: Study in Pesantren Hubulo, Gorontalo
Authors: Idham Idham
Published: January 2018

This article is a summary of the result of the research about the empowerment of santri in Pondok Pesantren Hubulo (PP Hubulo) or Hubulo Islamic Boarding School in Gorontalo Province. The research questions are 1. what kind of empowerment of santri (student of Islamic boarding school) was implemented by PP Hubulo Gorontalo Province; 2. how were the prospect and challenge facing PP Hubulo Gorontalo Province in empowering its santri. The results of research showed that, 1) when empowerment was understood as how santri had power and strength, then actually all of the activities in PP Hubulo were the empowerment of santri. However, when empowerment was divided into two categories, namely soft skill and hard skill, then what existed in PP Hubulo was soft skill only, and 2) there were some factors being the obstacles in the empowerment of santri, among others was the unavailable time, where PP Hubulo used three curricula at the same time, not to mention the demands of national examination that cause the empowerment of santri’s hard skill became impossible to be implemented.
Integration of Islam and Science: Study of Two Science Pesantrens (Trensain) in Jombang and Sragen
Authors: Munadi Muhammad
Published: January 2018

This study reviewed about the implementation of integrating Islam and science in curriculum practice at two science Pesantrens both in Sragen and Jombang. The research method used in this study was documents study which focused on the detail curriculum existed in both Science Pesantrens (Trensain) Tebuireng Jombang and Sragen. The documents were taken from their Pesantren Web. Data analysis was conducted by using descriptive qualitative analysis. The result of the study shows that education in those Sragen and Jombang Science Pesantren (Trensain) is a form of creativity in the framework of integration of Islam and natural science. Further, it combines models between school institution and Pesantren. Their integration framework refers to normative power (Quran and Sunnah), philosophical power, strengthening the mastery of natural science, and power of foreign language mastery.
The Reformation of Pesantren Education System: The Study on Abdul Wahid Hasyim Thoughts the Perspective of Islamic Education Philosophy
Authors: Maragustam Maragustam
Published: January 2018

Islamic educational orientation of AWH life in the middle of the twentieth century is purely religious. While AWH already initiated educational reform for Pesantren (boarding schools) oriented on ideal hereafter and mundane pragmatic. Islamic education which was formerly monopolized by traditional educational institutions and the students who could not think freely were reviewed by AWH through encouraging his students to think more openly and free yet carry on proper obedient to the teachers. The analysis was conducted through data reduction, display, and data verification. According to AWH, human is perfect being consists of physical and spiritual components and homo educandus capable of thinking, feeling and reasoning spiritually. The perfectness can be achieved through education by developing the potential and thinking skills, physical skills strengthened by faith. Pesantren educational reformations are (1) the foundation of pesantren education are Ilahiyah verses (Al-Qur’an and Sunnah) and kauniyah (the evidence of God’s existence appeared in natural laws, the system of universe); (2) The purpose of pesantren education is to shape human to be virtuous being accompanied with developed thinking skills, piety to Allah, and equipped with life skills. This, is actually in accordance with contemporary educational thought which covers cognitive, affective, spiritual and psychomotor aspects; (3) the curriculum of pesantren education should balance between practical life and ideal life, that is between religious sciences and secular sciences; (4) the teaching methods applied in pesantren are traditional methods such as sorogan and bandongan, as well as modern methods such as experiment, tutorial, and mudzakarah (discussions nad seminars); (5) learning resources such as library constitutes the heart of scientific life in pesantren, which was distinctively remarkable in AWH’s era. Factors influencing AWH’s thoughts are his own personal learning, the burgeoning thoughts proliferating during his era, social-cultural environment, educational background, his own intelligence, and support from policy makers, particularly his own family.