bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Pipeline of Processing fMRI Data with Python Based on the Ecosystem NeuroDebian
Authors: Li Qiang , Xue Rong
Published: April 2019

In the neuroscience research field, specific for medical imaging analysis, how to mining more latent medical information from big medical data is significant for us to find the solution of diseases.  In this review, we focus on neuroimaging data that is functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) which non-invasive techniques, it already becomes popular tools in the clinical neuroscience and functional cognitive science research. After we get fMRI data, we actually have various software and computer programming that including open source and commercial,  it's very hard to choose the best software to analyze data. What's worse,  it would cause final result imbalance and unstable when we combine more than software together, so that's why we want to make a pipeline to analyze data. On the other hand, with the growing of machine learning, Python has already become one of very hot and popular computer programming. In addition, it is an open source and dynamic computer programming,  the communities, libraries and contributors fast increase in the recent year. Through this review, we hope that can make neuroimaging data analysis more easy, stable and uniform base the one platform system.
Simultaneous Evaluation of Communication Skills by Standardized Patients and Medical Evaluators
Authors: Fernández-Villacañas Miguel A. , Moreno-Cascales Matilde , Alemán-Belando Sergio , Matías-Sánchez Manuel , Flores-Funes Diego , Botella Carmen , Garcia-Estañ Joaquin
Published: April 2019

Background: The present study analyzes the evaluation of communication skills by standardized patients (SPs) and medical evaluators (Es) in an OSCE setting. Methods: The OSCE involved 189 sixth-year medical students, as well as 34 SPs and 63 Es. Communications skills were evaluated in 8 stations, simultaneously by SPs and Es. The SPs were actors who had been trained in the clinical case and who acted in accordance with a standardized script in a simulated clinical situation. The evaluators, also standardized, were Resident Doctors or staff Doctors from the Hospital Services involved. Results: The global scores awarded to students for communication skills were very similar in both groups, although the score awarded by Es was significantly higher, and a direct relationship was also observed between the mean scores awarded by both groups. Evaluators awarded significantly higher scores than SPs in 7 out of the 10 items on the checklist. Female medical students also scored significantly higher than their male counterparts in many items, including external appearance, listening, cordiality, optimism, interest, expression and empathy. Conclusions: Our data indicate that SPs and Es evaluated communication skills in a similar manner in an OSCE setting, a finding which suggests that health-related professionals can be used as an alternative to SPs, thus helping to lower economic costs. Our study also confirms a gender difference (in favor of women) in the evaluation of communications skills by both groups.Our data indicate that SPs and Es evaluated communication skills in a similar manner in an OSCE setting, a finding which suggests that health-related professionals can be used as an alternative to SPs, thus helping to lower economic costs. Our study also confirms a gender difference (in favor of women) in the evaluation of communications skills by both groups.
Performance Comparing and Analysis for Slot Allocation Model
Authors: Ye ZhiJian , Li YanWei , Bai JingTing , Zheng Xinxin
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the effect of weight setting of objectives on displacement and implementation difficulty in slot allocation model. A linear integer programming model including three kinds of evaluation objectives with different weight is designed to compare and analysis displacement and implementation difficulty in slot allocation model. The average difficulty is very sensitive to the average displacement. The difficulty of implementation can be significantly reduced by weight setting with a little increase of displacement. Movements list descent according to priority or not have great impact on displacement and implementation difficulty in slot allocation model. Capacity is a key factor affecting displacement and implementation difficulties. The difficulty index proposed in this work is very useful in identifying which slot allocation scheme is better for decision maker. Our research can promote regulator to upgrade slot allocation policies.
Particle Mass Oscillation through Tachyon Interaction
Authors: Nanni Luca
Published: April 2019

In this study, a novel theory to investigate the mass oscillation of particles is proposed. It has been proven that, at high-energy conditions, the fermion field described by Dirac’s Lagrangian interacts with the half-integer spin tachyon field with negative energy, causing the formation of composite particles whose mass depends on the total angular momentum. The proposed theory is based on a new interpretation of the Majorana equation for particles with arbitrary spin and shows that mass oscillation is a phenomenon in which the component of particle decay prevails over that of mixing mass states. Using the kinematic of Lemke for spacelike particle decay, we propose a mechanism able to explain the neutrino flavour change. The proposed mechanism is also investigated concerning the shape of its spectrum. Finally, the Lagrangian field of composite particles is formulated.
Cytokine Dependent Hematopoietic Cell Linker (CLNK) is Highly Elevated in Blood Transfusion Dependent Beta-Thalassemia Major Patients
Authors: Al-Hakeim Hussein Kadhem , Al-Mayali Hawraa Hussein , Maes Michael
Published: April 2019

Beta-thalassemia major (β-TM) is a severe form of thalassemia caused by mutations in the β-globin gene, resulting in partial or complete deficiency of β-globin chains. This deficiency results in oxidative stress, dyserythropoiesis, and chronic anemia. Cytokine dependent hematopoietic cell linker (CLNK) belongs to the adaptor protein family and has the capacity to interact with multiple signaling proteins thereby modulating signal transduction. The aim of the present study was to examine CLNK in sera of β-TM patients and examine its association with iron overload biomarkers. Sixty β-TM patients, aged 3–12 years old and undergoing blood transfusions, and 30 healthy control children were recruited and CLNK, ferritin and iron status parameters were measured. The results showed a significant increase (p < 0.001) in serum CLNK levels in β-TM patients as compared with normal controls. The increased levels of CLNK were significantly associated with increased ferritin levels. Increased CLNK levels in β-TM may be explained by reciprocal effects between immune signaling and immature erythrocytes, which, release soluble receptors and signaling molecules, including CLNK, in the blood.
Optimization of an Extended Microplate Assay for Generating Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli O157:H7, and Salmonella Biofilms and Enzymatic Recovery for Enumeration
Authors: Aryal Manish , Pranatharthiharan Preetty , Muriana Peter M.
Published: April 2019

Biofilms enable the persistence of pathogens in food processing environments. In order to inactivate these microorganisms, sanitizing agents are needed that are effective against pathogens entrapped in biofilms which are more difficult to inactivate than planktonic cells that are displaced and found on equipment surfaces. We examined conditions to develop, analyze, and enumerate robust biofilms of 3 different foodborne pathogens assisted by fluorescence adherence assay and enzymatic detachment. We compared 3 different isomeric forms of fluorescent substrates that are readily taken up by bacterial cells based on carboxy-fluorescein diacetate (5-CFDA, 5,6-CFDA, 5,6-CFDA,SE). Biofilm-forming strains of L. monocytogenes, E.coli O157:H7, and Salmonella serovars were detected using the chosen substrate in a microplate fluorescence assay define previously for use with Listeria. Adherence levels were determined by differences in relative fluorescence units (RFU). Multiple hydrolytic enzymes were examined for each representative pathogen for the most suitable enzyme for detachment and enumeration to confirm data obtained by fluorescence assay. Cultures were grown overnight in microplates, incubated, washed and replenished with fresh sterile growth medium; this cycle was repeated 7 times before used as ‘biofilms’. All treatments were performed in triplicate and compared by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to determine significant differences (p < 0.05). Analysis of 7-day biofilms by SEM indicated possible extracellular polysaccharide involvement with Salmonella and E. coli.
Maternal Ethnicity as Risk Factor for Miscarriage: Evidence from a Six-Year Period Cohort in a University Setting
Authors: Triunfo Stefania , Di Carlo Giulia , Cellana Alessandra , Masini Lucia , Danza Michelangela , Lanzone Antonio
Published: April 2019

In last decades, growing migration flows have modified the obstetric clinical care, requiring specific attention by health care systems. The aim was to describe the phenomenon focusing on miscarriage (pregnancy loss at <20 weeks). Patients admitted for care at miscarriage in a six-year period (2012-17) were revised. Miscarriage rates in all ethnic groups, dichotomized in early (within the first 12 weeks of gestation) and late (at <20 weeks) pregnancy loss. Associations between women's characteristics (age, parity, inter-pregnancy interval (IPI)) were explored to elucidate any differences. A total of 1,940 patients were included, segregated in early (n = 1769, 91.2%) and late (n = 171, 8.8%) pregnancy losses. Caucasian ethnicity was the most common (87.9%), leaving the minority groups to 12.1%. Maternal age was higher among Caucasians women than other subgroups, in contrast to Asiatic patients. Nulliparity was observed in 1045 (53.9%) patient, more widespread among Caucasian and Maghrebins. A positive obstetric history counting at least one miscarriage was frequent, ranging from 22.2% to 75%, in particular among Asiatic women, while the recurrence in Caucasians. In Afro-Carribeans the most relevant rate of late miscarriage was found. By multiple regression modelling, maternal age, nulliparity and Afro-Carribean were identified as determinants. Maternal ethnicity should be considered in the management of pregnancy losses in combination with already well-defined risk factors, including age at miscarriare and nulliparity.
Intraday Load Forecasts with Uncertainty
Authors: Kozak David , Holladay Scott , Fasshauer Gregory
Published: April 2019

We provide a comprehensive framework for forecasting five minute load using Gaussian processes with a positive definite kernel specifically designed for load forecasts. Gaussian processes are probabilistic, enabling us to draw samples from a posterior distribution and provide rigorous uncertainty estimates to complement the point forecast, an important benefit for forecast consumers. As part of the modeling process, we discuss various methods for dimension reduction and explore their use in effectively incorporating weather data to the load forecast. We provide guidance for every step of the modeling process, from model construction through optimization and model combination. We provide results on data from the PJMISO for various periods in 2018. The process is transparent, mathematically motivated, and reproducible. The resulting model provides a probability density of five-minute forecasts for 24 hours.
3-D Segmentation of Lung Nodules Using Hybrid Levelsets
Authors: Shakir Hina
Published: April 2019

Lung nodule segmentation in CT images and its subsequent volume analysis can help determinethe malignancy status of a lung nodule. While several efficient segmentation schemes have beenproposed, only a few studies evaluated the segmentation’s performance for large nodules. In thisresearch, we contribute a semi-automatic system which is capable of performing robust 3-D segmen-tations on both small and large nodules with good accuracy. The target CT volume is de-noisedwith an anisotropic diffusion filter and a region of interest is selected around the target nodule ona reference slice. The proposed model performs nodule segmentation by incorporating a mean in-tensity based threshold in Geodesic Active Contour model in level sets. We also devise an adaptivetechnique using image intensity histogram to estimate the desired mean intensity of the nodule.The proposed system is validated on both lung nodules and phantoms collected from publicly avail-able diverse databases. Quantitative and visual comparative analysis of the proposed work withthe Chan-Vese algorithm and statistic active contour model of 3D Slicer platform is also presented.The resulting mean spatial overlap between segmented nodules and reference nodules is 0.855, themean volume bias is 0.10±0.2 ml and the algorithm repeatability is 0.060 ml. The achieved resultssuggest that the proposed method can be used for volume estimations of small as well as large-sizednodules.
Annual Nationwide Eco-Efficiency Assessment of Japanese Municipalities Based on Environmental Impact and Gross Regional Product
Authors: Yamasaki Junya , Ikaga Toshiharu , Itsubo Norihiro
Published: April 2019

It is important for enterprises to decide their environmental policies after carefully examining their future paths based on the relationship between the environment and the economy. This study focused on Japanese minimum administrative divisions (municipalities) and attempted to quantify the annual environmental efficiency of production activities within each division according to the theory of life-cycle impact assessment (LCIA). This study leverages the assessment theory LIME2, which is an endpoint-type LCIA method developed in 2010 that integrates environmental loads for certain impact categories, such as global warming and land use into a simple indicator by monetary unit. First, annual environmental impact assessments were conducted for all Japanese municipalities based on statistical information that was reliable, verifiable, and comparable. Next, the environmental efficiency of productivity for each division was conceptualized by dividing the gross domestic product by the environmental damage amounts as calculated above. Assessment results for each municipality were placed on a map of Japan in order to visualize the regionality of each indicator. The findings revealed in this study will aid public administrators in their decision-making process with respect to environmental policies.
Toxin–Antitoxin Systems and Their Role in Maintaining the Pathogenic Potential of Causative Agents of Sapronoses
Authors: Andryukov Boris G. , Somova Larisa M. , Timchenko Nelli F. , Bynina Marina P. , Lyapun Irina N.
Published: April 2019

In interepidemic periods, a sapronoses typically employs a variety of mechanisms for maintaining viability of its causative agent in terrestrial parasitic systems, associated with different adaptive strategies utilized by its populations to survive. Unlike spore-forming bacteria, causative agents of sapronoses use resistant cell forms, which is a viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state, and persistence. Implementation of these strategies is conditioned by effects of various stress factors of the habitat and is characterized by decreased metabolism, alteration of the morphology and physiology of bacterial cell, and cessation of its replication. It is important that the resistant forms of cells retain virulence and, as favorable conditions come, turn back into the active vegetative form again. The discovery of the genetic modules of bacterial toxin–antitoxin systems in recent years has made it possible to identify a number of complicated regulatory molecular mechanisms responsible for maintaining the pathogenic potential of resistant forms of causative agents of natural-focus sapronoses in interepidemic periods.
Meta-Analysis of Cancer Triploidy: Whole-Genome Rearrangements in Male Human Tumours Are Characterised by XXY Karyotypes
Authors: Vainshelbaum Ninel M. , Zayakin Pawel , Kleina Regina , Erenpreisa Jekaterina
Published: April 2019

Triploidy in cancer is associated with poor prognosis but its origins remain unclear. Here, based on frequent X-chromosome doubling in male tumours we attempted to differentiate between a random chromosomal origin and whole-genome origin of cancer triploidy. In silico meta-analysis was performed on 15 male malignant and 5 benign tumour cohorts (2928 karyotypes) extracted from the Mitelman Database, comparing their modal chromosome numbers (ploidy) and combinations of sex chromosomes. Karyotype heterogeneity with a distinct near-triploid fraction was observed in all malignant tumour types, especially high in seminoma. For all tumour types, X-chromosome doubling, dominantly presented by XXY, strongly correlated with the near-triploid state (r≈0.9, p<0.001), negatively correlated with near-diploidy, and did not correlate with near-tetraploidy. The proportion of XX,-Y near-triploid karyotypes was variably increased in somatic tumours. A smaller near-triploid component with a doubled X-chromosome was also present in 3 of 5 benign tumour types, especially notable in colon adenoma. We conclude that doubling of the maternal genome followed by fusion with a paternal genome (similar to digyny) is likely responsible for the observed whole genome triploidy and may be causative for cancer initiation. The Y-chromosome may subsequently be lost due to secondary chromosome instability processes.
‘All I Ever Want to Eat is Pizza and Pasta’: Italian Food Temptations Associated with Adverse Perinatal Outcomes
Authors: Triunfo Stefania , Mayer Roberta , Danza Michelangela , Lanzone Antonio
Published: April 2019

Growing body of evidence endorse the hypothesis of a protective role played by the in-utero environment on a suitable fetal programming, mainly sustained by fitting maternal diet. Our purpose was to assess the linkage between maternal food intake and poor obstetric results, with a special focus on typical Italian food. A cross sectional study including delivering women was designed. A self-reported questionnaire about socio-demographic data, obstetric history, and food frequency intake during pregnancy was administrated. A composite of adverse perinatal outcomes (APO) was constructed. Statistically significant differences were found between APO and control group in smoking habit (9.7 vs. 3.2%, p=0.045) and BMI at delivery (27.9±4.9 vs. 26.9±3.9, p=0.003). Women complicated by any or more APOs reported increased rates of pasta (5.3± 3.6 vs.4.4±1.9 times per week, p<0.001) and pizza (1.9±3.4 vs. 1.1±0.6, p<0.001) intake, with lower consumption of vegetables (5.4±3.9 vs. 7.1±2.9, p<0.001). By logistic regression analysis and after adjustments for maternal age, ethnicity, SES, maternal BMI at delivery, excessive ingestion of pizza (aOR 1.676, 95%CI 1.199-2.343, p=0.033), but not pasta (aOR 1.077, 95%CI 0.950-1.211, p=0.244), was found associated with APO. Vegetable consumption showed a protective role in reducing APOs (aOR 0.897, 95%CI 0.818-0.985, p=0.022). Nutrition in pregnancy should minimalize pizza intakes.
Effect of Layering on Incremental Oil Recovery From Tertiary Polymer Flooding
Authors: Zhou Y.. , Muggeridge A. H. , Berg C. F. , King P..
Published: April 2019

It has been demonstrated in both laboratory measurements and field applications that tertiary polymer flooding can enhance oil recovery from heterogeneous reservoirs, primarily through macroscopic sweep (conformance). This study quantifies the effect of layering on tertiary polymer flooding as a function of layer-permeability contrast, the timing of polymer flooding, the oil/water-viscosity ratio, and the oil/polymer-viscosity ratio. This is achieved by analyzing the results from fine-grid numerical simulations of waterflooding and tertiary polymer flooding in simple layered models.

We find that there is a permeability contrast between the layers of the reservoir at which maximum incremental oil recovery is obtained, and this permeability contrast depends on the oil/water-viscosity ratio, polymer/water-viscosity ratio, and onset time for the polymer flood. Building on an earlier formulation that describes whether a displacement is understable or overstable, we present a linear correlation to estimate this permeability contrast. The accuracy of the newly proposed formulation is demonstrated by reproducing and predicting the permeability contrast from existing flow simulations and further flow simulations that have not been used to formulate the correlation.

This correlation will enable reservoir engineers to estimate the combination of permeability contrast, water/oil-viscosity ratio, and polymer/water-viscosity ratio that will give the maximum incremental oil recovery from tertiary polymer flooding in layered reservoirs regardless of the timing of the start of polymer flooding. This could be a useful screening tool to use before starting a full-scale simulation study of polymer flooding in each reservoir.
Single Trip Multizone Perforation and Gravel Pack STPP: Success Story and Lessons Learned in Malaysian Application
Authors: Rozlan M Rizwan , Che Hamat W Afiq , Ishak M Faizatulizuddin , Chin Jennie , Gil Joel , Tan Chun Khai , Arsat Maisara , Elshourbagi Saeid , Syed Abd Rahim Sy Puteh , Abg Ahmad Khairunnisa , Ismail A Luttphi , Nguyen Truong Son , Ahmad Pauzi A Faris , Md A Jabar M Zawawi , A Satar Afzan , Misron M Al
Published: April 2019

Objectives/Scope

Downhole sand exclusion is becoming an essential sandface completion concept for brown fields in Peninsular Malaysia Oil Fields as reservoir pressure declines and formation sand weakens with production and water breakthrough. Additionally, multi-stack reservoirs require good zonal isolation to prevent cross flow between reservoirs with different pressure regime and to ensure gas and water breakthrough is delayed as long as possible. As such, Cased Hole Gravel Pack (CHGP) is the preferred method in many Malaysian fields. However, a lot of marginal fields become uneconomic due to the high cost and complexity of CHGP. Therefore, reducing CHGP’s cost and time becomes vital to ensure that projects improve the economics while at the same time ensuring good productivity from the reservoir.

Methods, Procedures, Process

Traditionally, CHGP is performed zone-by-zone whereby the process of sump packer installation, perforation run, deburr run, gravel pack assembly installation and gravel pumping is repeated for each zone. In most cases, fluid loss pill which induces impairment of the formation is required. The paper will highlight on the Alternate Path System (APS) which enables single trip multiple-zone gravel packing whereby a repetitive process is only performed once. Gravel mixed continuously with low friction viscoelastic surfactant fluid allows for transportation to the lower zones via shunt-tubes attached to the screens even at extended shunt length. The APS system is then combined with Drill Stem Test (DST) and Tubing Conveyed Perforating (TCP) equipment to make a whole system of Single Trip Multizone Perforation and Pack (STPP)

Results, Observations, Conclusions

STPP technology was deployed in a campaign of four deviated and high temperature oil wells in a marginal field whereby the rig time saving was up to three days per well translating to almost USD 1 MM of cost saving which boosted project’s economics. Furthermore, STPP technique allows for gravel packing operation without fluid loss pill and less completion fluid loss in the formation which translates to better formation productivity and less impairment.

Novel/Additive Information

Premature setting of GP Packer in one of the wells due to rupture disc failure within STPP system is the first such occurrence in the world. A lesson learned on how to ensure that it will not be repeated will be shared with all attendees.
Impact of Umoyo mother-infant pair clinics on HIV-positive mothers’ social support, perceived stigma and 12-month retention of their HIV-exposed infants in PMTCT Care: Evidence from a cluster randomised control trial in Zambia
Authors: Phiri Sydney Chauwa , Mudhune Sandra , Prust Margaret L , Haimbe Prudence , Shakwelele Hilda , Chisenga Tina , Mubiana-Mbewe Mwangelwa , Mzumara Maureen , McCarthy Elizabeth , Prescott Marta R
Published: April 2019

Background Public health systems in resource constrained settings have a critical role to play in the elimination of vertical HIV transmission but are unable to carry out some of the promising interventions such as mother-to-mother peer support programs due to financial constraints. This study is an evaluation of a mother-infant-pair clinic called Umoyo, which was designed to be scalable in a public health system due to the relatively low costs required. Umoyo clinics dedicate a clinic day to provide services to only HIV-exposed-infants (HEIs) and their mothers. Such models are in operation with reported success in Zambia but have not been rigorously tested. Methods A cluster randomized trial including 28 facilities was conducted across two provinces of Zambia to investigate 12-month retention of HEIs in care. These were facilities that were offering prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) services and supported by the same implementing partner. Random allocation was achieved by use of the covariate constrained optimization technique. The primary outcome of interest was to establish whether Umoyo clinic days would improve 12-month retention of HEIs. Secondary outcomes included the impact of Umoyo clinics on social support and perceived HIV stigma among mothers. For each of the outcomes, a difference-in-difference analysis was conducted at the facility level using unweighted t-test. Results From 13 control and 11 intervention facilities, it was found that Umoyo clinics had no impact on 12-month retention of HEIs in the t-test (-11%; 99% CI: -40.1%, 17.2%). Regarding social support and stigma, the un-weighted t-test showed no impact though sensitivity tests showed that Umoyo had an impact on increasing social support and reducing perceived stigma from health care workers. Conclusion The Umoyo approach of having a dedicated clinic day for HEIs and their mothers did not improve retention of HEIs though there are indications that it can increase social support among mothers and reduce stigma. Without further support to the underlying health system, based on the evidence generated through this evaluation, the Umoyo clinic day approach on its own is not considered an effective intervention to increase retention of HIV-exposed infants.Trial Registration Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR201702001970148) Prospectively registered on January 13, 2017. URL https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=1970
MRI and MRV features of a patient with Heat Stroke: a case report
Authors: Cao Lizhi , Wang Juan , Gao Yaxuan , Liang Yumei , Yan Jinhua , Zhang Yunhai , Zhu Mingqin , Chen Jiafeng
Published: April 2019

Background

Heat stroke (HS) is a critical illness that can cause multiple organ dysfunction including damage to the central nervous system (CNS), which can be life-threatening in severe cases. The brain image lesions of HS patient with CNS damage has been rarely reported before and usually variable in different cases, causing confusing to doctors when encounter these patients in the clinic. Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare cause of stroke that mostly affects young people and children. The pathogenesis of brain damage caused by HS is complex, CVT may be involved in the pathogenesis of HS with CNS damage. In this manuscript, we report a case of HS with CVT with symmetrical lesions in the bilateral putamen,posterior limb of internal capsule,external capsule, insula lobe, and subcortical white matter inside the brain.

Case presentation

We introduced a 48-year-old man who suffered from HS in the hot summer. At the time of admission, he showed high body temperature, coma and shock. Later, he had laboratory evidence of rhabdomyolysis syndrome, acute kidney and liver damage, electrolyte imbalance, acid-base balance disorders, and high D-dimer levels. After several days of anti-shock treatment, his level of consciousness has improved but his vision has declined. The cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed symmetrical lesions of the bilateral posterior limb of internal capsule,putamen,external capsule and insula, and subcortical white matter, and cerebral magnetic resonance venography (MRV) showed the formation of deep cerebral venous thrombosis (DCVT). Therefore, the anti-coagulation treatment was given to patient. After timely clinical intervention, the symptom of the patient was gradually improved.

Conclusions

The case shows that HS can cause CVT. Therefore, we believe that when we need to identify the cerebral MRI findings of HS, early MRV can greatly help the diagnosis of the disease, and can effectively improve the prognosis.
Comparison of Laboratory Features of Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Neurosyphilis
Authors: wu yali , Wu Wenqing , Huang Yuming , Xu Dongmei
Published: April 2019

Background Neurosyphilis is a chronic sexually transmitted disease involving central nervous system caused by Treponema pallidum and can affect any part at any stage of infection. Neurosyphilis was categorized as asymptomatic neurosyphilis and symptomatic neurosyphilis, and symptomatic neurosyphilis is very dangerous to human beings and can cause organic damage. However, its characteristics are not very clear. In this paper, we want to compare the laboratory characteristics of the asymptomatic neurosyphilis and symptomatic neurosyphilis. Methods A total of 118 eligible patients in Beijing Ditan Hospital were enrolled in this retrospectively registered study between February 2017 and June 2018. The clinical data were analyzed retrospectively, including age, sex, standardized treatment, serum Alb, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) , platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), CRP, TRUST, as well as CSF TRUST, Alb, CSF WBCs, and CSF protein before treatment. Results Of the 118 patients, there were significant differences in age, serum TRUST, CSF TRUST, CSF protein, NLR, PLR,CSF-Alb/S-Alb and CRP between the two groups. According to multivariate regression analysis, CSF protein（OR1.051, 95%CI 1.015-1.088, P=0.005) and NLR (OR2.461, 95% CI1.321-4.584, P=0.005) were significantly associated to symptomatic neurosyphilis. Conclusions NLR and CSF protein levels should be taken into account as potential biomarkers of symptomatic neurosyphilis, especially NLR, as it is inexpensive parameters, noninvasive, and widely available, it can be used in clinical practice for prediction of symptomatic neurosyphilis.
The dynamics of a bubble cluster in a spherically symmetric acoustic field
Authors: Vakhitova N.K.
Published: April 2019

A bubble cluster formed by gas bubbles and located in the center of a spherical bulb filled with liquid under the influence of pressure oscillations excited on the bulb wall was considered. The problem was solved numerically using the well-known model of bubble medium dynamics. It is shown that quasiperiodic modes of bubble and cluster oscillations can be established in sufficiently strong acoustic fields.
Investigation of solutions of non-stationary Hele-Shaw problems by means of a numerical filtration
Authors: Zhitnikov V.P. , Zinnatullina O.R. , Fedorova G.I.
Published: April 2019

The problem on each time step is reduced to the solution of three boundary problems for definition of analytical functions of complex variable: conformal mapping of parametric variable region on the physical plane, Dirichlet's problem for determination of intensity of electric field and Riemann – Hilbert's problem for calculation of partial derivatives on time of coordinates of interelectrode space points. Approximation by spline functions is made, the algorithms of the solution of non-stationary problems differing from known by the accuracy and stability are described. Results of the numerical solution are represented.
Single-phase filtration in the porous medium saturated with anomalous thermoviscous liquid
Authors: Khizbullina S.F.
Published: April 2019

In work the single-phase filtration of anomalous thermoviscous liquid on an example of thermoreversible polymer gel, named МЕТКА, is simulated numerically. Features of a filtration liquid flow at her injection into porous medium are investigated. Characteristic distribution pictures of fields of temperature, viscosity and velocity vector components are constructed when using first-type and third-type boundary conditions.
Full Endoscopic Discectomy Using Transforaminal Endoscopic Spine System Technique: A Mini Review of Complications
Authors: Kapetanakis Stylianos , Chaniotakis Constantinos , Angoules Antonios G.
Published: April 2019

Background:

Full Endoscopic Discectomy (FED) is a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of Lumbar Disk Herniation (LDH) with increasing popularity among surgeons in the recent years. This alternative to conventional procedures surgical approach is generally a safe and efficient technique possessing many advantages such as less soft tissue trauma, preservation of dorsal musculature, and reduced perioperative morbidity and rapid recovery. However, FED is associated with a number of complications such as postoperative dysesthesia, nerve root injury, and dural tears.

Methods:

Α search of PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus electronic databases was used to revised the literature on complications of full endoscopic discectomy using transforaminal endoscopic spine system technique

Conclusion:

In this review complications associated with FED are analyzed, emphasizing on the potential beneficial role of Transforaminal Endoscopic Spine System (TESSYS) technique in reducing their frequency.
Role of Zno Nanoparticles in Enhancing the Antimicrobial Property of Nitrocellulose Lacquer Wood Finish
Authors: Shukla Shikhar , Kumar Shailendra , Nautiyal Ismita , V.S Kishan Kumar
Published: April 2019

Background:

Mould growth on coated wood products during shipment is the foremost
apprehension for most of the wood industries in India. Well finished wood products tend to get
deposited by staining moulds superficially in high humidity conditions during shipment. Though wood
disfiguring fungi (stain moulds) normally have no significant effect on the mechanical properties of
timber, they only affect the aesthetic appearance of the material without destructing the wood cell wall.
This causes a huge economic loss to the manufacturer due to disfigurement of the appearance of wood
products.

Methods:

The aim of this work is to test and enhance antimicrobial property of Nitrocellulose lacquer
wood finish to prevent mould deposition on coated wood products. The work was carried out to screen
and evaluate the antimicrobial activity of commercial Nitrocellulose lacquer. Several patents regarding
antimicrobial activity of nano metal oxides have been visited. In order to enhance the mould resistance
of this coating, its combinations with neem oil and ZnO nanoparticles were prepared and tested against
the growth of staining moulds: Aspergillus niger and Penicillium sp. on the wood substrate of Melia
dubia. The study was carried out for 500 hours under favorable conditions (Temperature and Relative
Humidity (RH)) for the mould growth. The growth was analysed on the basis of surface area affected
by stain moulds on coated wood samples.

Results:

The growth analysis data inferred that the ZnO nanoparticles had significant effect against the
growth of stain moulds. The presence of ZnO nanoparticles increased the mould growth resistance of
Nitrocellulose lacquer coating to a great extent compared to the ability of neem oil for the same. This
finding demonstrates the potential use of nano ZnO for increasing the effectiveness of NC lacquer
against mould growth without hampering its other properties.

Conclusion:

1 % nano ZnO concentration in Nitrocellulose lacquer wood coating increased its efficacy
against staining mould growth by 95 %.
HLA-B27 is a Risk Factor for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Suggestion for an Evidence-based Update
Authors: Ahmadi Seyyed Amir Yasin , Mohammadrezaei-Khorramabadi Reza , Abbaszadeh Saber , Rezaian Jafar , Shahsavar Farhad
Published: April 2019

Previously, the association of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 with ankylosing
spondylitis has been investigated as original and meta-analysis studies. However,
the association of HLA-B27 with rheumatoid arthritis is not currently investigated as a
meta-analysis. Hence, in this letter, a brief meta-analysis on this association will be performed.
Although there were some studies on the association of RA and HLA-B27, however,
there was not a pooled odds ratio reported in textbooks. Based on this brief metaanalysis,
number 2.687 can be reported as the odds ratio of this association. It shows that
this association is neither sensitive nor specific, but can be an idea for pharmacogenomics
and personalized medicine as a potential risk factor. Such other associations should be reported
numerically and updated in textbooks.
PAS-Code: Mobile access to the classified disease and drug databases in healthcare (Preprint)
Authors: Ahmed Zeeshan , Zeeshan Saman
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Innovative and smart systems are necessary to help improve the quality and transition of healthcare by studying heterogeneous healthcare and related data.

OBJECTIVE

Develop a mobile application with a comprehensive database for efficient management and access to International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and National Drug Code (NDC) for epidemiology, health management, clinical support, and scientific research.

METHODS

PAS-Code is an iOS app developed with Swift and PHP scripting that uses a MySQL server database, which includes over 80,000 ICDs maintained by the World Health Organization and over 123,000 NDCs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

RESULTS

PAS-Code enables users worldwide to install it on Apple mobile devices and search for medical classified codes, disease, drugs, and related information such as, signs and symptoms, abnormal findings, complaints, social circumstances, and external causes of injury.

CONCLUSIONS

PAS-Code will assist clinicians and researchers with efficient and quick mobile access to disease and drug classifications. PAS-Code is founded on the clinical and scientific premise to support healthcare and scientific data sharing.
A Novel Intelligent Scan Assistant System for Early Pregnancy Diagnosis by Ultrasound: Clinical Decision Support System Evaluation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Dhombres Ferdinand , Maurice Paul , Guilbaud Lucie , Franchinard Loriane , Dias Barbara , Charlet Jean , Blondiaux Eléonore , Khoshnood Babak , Jurkovic Davor , Jauniaux Eric , Jouannic Jean-Marie
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Early pregnancy ultrasound scans are usually performed by nonexpert examiners in obstetrics/gynecology (OB/GYN) emergency departments. Establishing the precise diagnosis of pregnancy location is key for appropriate management of early pregnancies, and experts are usually able to locate a pregnancy in the first scan. A decision-support system based on a semantic, expert-validated knowledge base may improve the diagnostic performance of nonexpert examiners for early pregnancy transvaginal ultrasound.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate a novel Intelligent Scan Assistant System for early pregnancy ultrasound to diagnose the pregnancy location and determine the image quality.

METHODS

Two trainees performed virtual transvaginal ultrasound examinations of early pregnancy cases with and without the system. The ultrasound images and reports were blindly reviewed by two experts using scoring methods. A diagnosis of pregnancy location and ultrasound image quality were compared between scans performed with and without the system.

RESULTS

Each trainee performed a virtual vaginal examination for all 32 cases with and without use of the system. The analysis of the 128 resulting scans showed higher quality of the images (quality score: +23%; P<.001), less images per scan (4.6 vs 6.3 [without the CDSS]; P<.001), and higher confidence in reporting conclusions (trust score: +20%; P<.001) with use of the system. Further, use of the system cost an additional 8 minutes per scan. We observed a correct diagnosis of pregnancy location in 39 (61%) and 52 (81%) of 64 scans in the nonassisted mode and assisted mode, respectively. Additionally, an exact diagnosis (with precise ectopic location) was made in 30 (47%) and 49 (73%) of the 64 scans without and with use of the system, respectively. These differences in diagnostic performance (+20% for correct location diagnosis and +30% for exact diagnosis) were both statistically significant (P=.002 and P<.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The Intelligent Scan Assistant System is based on an expert-validated knowledge base and demonstrates significant improvement in early pregnancy scanning, both in diagnostic performance (pregnancy location and precise diagnosis) and scan quality (selection of images, confidence, and image quality).
Determination of Personalized Asthma Triggers From Multimodal Sensing and a Mobile App: Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Venkataramanan Revathy , Thirunarayan Krishnaprasad , Jaimini Utkarshani , Kadariya Dipesh , Yip Hong Yung , Kalra Maninder , Sheth Amit
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary disease with multiple triggers. It can be managed by strict adherence to an asthma care plan and by avoiding these triggers. Clinicians cannot continuously monitor their patients’ environment and their adherence to an asthma care plan, which poses a significant challenge for asthma management.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, pediatric patients were continuously monitored using low-cost sensors to collect asthma-relevant information. The objective of this study was to assess whether kHealth kit, which contains low-cost sensors, can identify personalized triggers and provide actionable insights to clinicians for the development of a tailored asthma care plan.

METHODS

The kHealth asthma kit was developed to continuously track the symptoms of asthma in pediatric patients and monitor the patients’ environment and adherence to their care plan for either 1 or 3 months. The kit consists of an Android app–based questionnaire to collect information on asthma symptoms and medication intake, Fitbit to track sleep and activity, the Peak Flow meter to monitor lung functions, and Foobot to monitor indoor air quality. The data on the patient’s outdoor environment were collected using third-party Web services based on the patient’s zip code. To date, 107 patients consented to participate in the study and were recruited from the Dayton Children’s Hospital, of which 83 patients completed the study as instructed.

RESULTS

Patient-generated health data from the 83 patients who completed the study were included in the cohort-level analysis. Of the 19% (16/83) of patients deployed in spring, the symptoms of 63% (10/16) and 19% (3/16) of patients suggested pollen and particulate matter (PM2.5), respectively, to be their major asthma triggers. Of the 17% (14/83) of patients deployed in fall, symptoms of 29% (4/17) and 21% (3/17) of patients suggested pollen and PM2.5, respectively, to be their major triggers. Among the 28% (23/83) of patients deployed in winter, PM2.5 was identified as the major trigger for 83% (19/23) of patients. Similar correlations were not observed between asthma symptoms and factors such as ozone level, temperature, and humidity. Furthermore, 1 patient from each season was chosen to explain, in detail, his or her personalized triggers by observing temporal associations between triggers and asthma symptoms gathered using the kHealth asthma kit.

CONCLUSIONS

The continuous monitoring of pediatric asthma patients using the kHealth asthma kit generates insights on the relationship between their asthma symptoms and triggers across different seasons. This can ultimately inform personalized asthma management and intervention plans.
Cerpen Agama Apa yang Pantas Bagi Pohon- Pohon? Karya Eko Triono sebagai Media Kritik Alternatif terhadap Masyarakat Postmodernisme
Authors: Sastra Yulaika Ranu
Published: April 2019

Masyarakat modern saat ini telah mengalami perubahan secara signifikan baik dari segi pola pikir, maupun tingkah laku. Perubahan ini bertentangan dengan hakikatnya sebagai manusia modern. Pergeseran tatanan norma-norma tersebut memunculkan teori posmodernisme. Dari postmodernisme inilah bermunculan pula berbagai kritik terhadap manusia sebagai subjek kehidupan. Seiring berkembangnya zaman, beragam teori dan aliran sastra pun bermunculan untuk membedah karya. Karya sastra dikaitkan berdasarkan teori yang tepat agar maksud si penulis tersampaikan kepada pembaca melalui penafsir. Ada pun mata pisau untuk membedah cerita pendek Agama Apa yang Pantas bagi Pohon-Pohon? karya Eko Triono menggunakan pendekatan postmodernisme. Cerpen ini dipilih sebagai media kritik alternatif karena mewakili kehidupan manusia modern. Terdapat beberapa hasil terhadap penelitian postmodernisme dalam cerpen tersebut, yakni manusia posmodern mengesampingkan pemahaman agama sedini mungkin kepada anak, ketidaksiapan manusia postmodern menghadapi realita, masalah diri sendiri dengan orang lain dan masyarakat, manusia postmodern tidak lagi mengindahkan kedamaian, dan permasalahan percintaan masyarakat postmodern saat ini.
Wayang untuk Dalang Multi Level Usia Sebagai Wahana Pelestarian Seni Tradisional
Authors: Junaidi Junaidi , Suseno Bayu Aji , Aziz Abdul
Published: April 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melestarikan wayang tradisi melalui dalang berbagai usia. Wayang tradisi bersifat mono level dan diformat untuk dalang laki-laki dewasa, sehingga kurang sesuai dengan dalang multi level usia. Mengapa model wayang format multi usia dapat dijadikan sebagai wahana pelestarian wayang tradisional? Jawaban pertanyaan ini dapat diperoleh melalui perancangan model wayang berukuran fisik dan jiwa dalang berbagai level usia. Metode eksperimen digunakan untuk menciptakan wayang multi format, sedangkan pembahasannya berdasarkan teori struktur. Lima macam format boneka wayang kulit purwa dapat dihasilkan untuk diterapkan kepada dalang anak-anak, anak, remaja awal, remaja akhir, dan dewasa, yaitu: (1) Wayang kaper, untuk dalang tingat anak-anak; (2) Wayang kidangkencanan untuk dalang tingkat anak; (3) Wayang jaranan, untuk dalang tingkat remaja awal; (4) Wayang banthèngan, untuk dalang tingkat remaja akhir; dan (5) Wayang gajahan, untuk dalang tingkat dewasa. Kelima jenis wayang ini dapat dipakai sebagai wahana untuk pelestarian seni tradisional, karena memiliki kesesuaian format fisik dan jiwanya.
Implementation of Auteur Theory in The Butler (2013): Race-Relationship between Whites and Blacks
Authors: Wiraatmaja Triastama
Published: April 2019

The objectives of this study are to show the depiction of racism, which are followed by prejudice and discrimination towards black Americans based on context-relationship with The Butler (2013) during 1920s until 1960s. This article used a qualitative method with auteur theory, mise-en-scene and thick description. Based on The Butler (2013), this study show that racism, which were followed by prejudice and discrimination towards blacks, emerged caused by slavestereotyping which stressed blacks as inferior and whites that uphold white-supremacy concept, as superior. Apparently that through The Butler, Lee Daniels wants to highlight that actually public policies or government laws which regulate citizens’ civil rights and slavery are not adequate to restrain or eradicate racism towards blacks American.