bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural course of typical and atypical parenchymal solitary cysticercus granuloma of the brain: a 3-year prospective clinico-radiological study
Authors: Kumar Neeraj , Garg Ravindra Kumar , Malhotra Hardeep Singh , Gupta Rakesh Kumar , Verma Rajesh , Sharma Praveen Kumar
Published: December 2015

Objective

To evaluate the role of advanced magnetic resonance (MR) sequences (fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition (FIESTA), T2 star-weighted angiography (SWAN) and spoiled gradient recalled echo (SPGR)) in patients with single small enhancing computed tomography lesions and scolex demonstration in typical and atypical parenchymal neurocysticercosis.

Methods

In this study, 59 patients of new-onset seizures with single small enhancing computed tomography lesions of the brain were included. Along with routine MR sequences, advanced MR sequences, like SWAN, FIESTA, and pre and post-contrast SPGR, were performed. Follow-up MR studies focussing on the morphology of the lesions and demonstration of scolex were performed 6 monthly for 3 years.

Results

The majority of patients (62.7%) were men with partial seizure as the most common manifestation. On SPGR, contrast lesions were identified as either ‘typical’ (42, 71.2%) or ‘atypical’ (17, 28.8%). In the typical lesion group, SWAN and FIESTA sequences detected scolex in 30 (71.4%) and 32 (76.2%), respectively. The combination of SPGR-contrast, FIESTA and SWAN sequences detected scolex in 35 (83.3%) patients compared to 19 (45.2%) by routine sequences ( P < 0.001). In the atypical lesion group, SWAN and FIESTA sequences detected scolex in 15 (88.2%) and 16 (94.1%) patients, respectively. The combination of SPGR-contrast, FIESTA and SWAN sequences detected scolex in 16 (94.1%) patients compared to 10 (58.8%) by routine sequences ( P < 0.001). Follow-up showed greater resolution with lesser calcification in the typical group compared to the atypical group.

Conclusion

This study provides an insight into the natural course of typical and atypical solitary cysticercus granuloma lesions, and the utility of SPGR-contrast, FIESTA and SWAN MR sequences in scolex demonstration and identification of atypical lesions.
Targeting the leukemia–stroma interaction in acute myeloid leukemia: rationale and latest evidence
Authors: Rashidi Armin , DiPersio John F.
Published: December 2015

The concept of ‘niche’ has become a focus of attention in hematologic malignancies including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Similar to normal hematopoietic stem cells, AML cells interact both anatomically and functionally with the stroma within the marrow microenvironment. These interactions have a critical role in the development, progression, and relapse of AML. Chemotherapy resistance is another feature that is at least partially related to AML–stroma interactions. The evidence for safety and efficacy of agents targeting AML–niche interactions is currently limited to preclinical and early phase clinical studies. Examples include CXCR4 inhibitors, hypoxia-inducible agents, and adhesion molecule inhibitors. Agents that target AML–stroma interactions differ from mutation-specific approaches that tend to be limited due to within-individual and between-individual genetic heterogeneity. These agents may be used alone or as chemosensitizers in AML. This novel and rapidly advancing strategy is likely to become an important part of our armamentarium of anti-leukemia treatments in the near future.
Levothyroxine treatment of mild subclinical hypothyroidism: a review of potential risks and benefits
Authors: Javed Zeeshan , Sathyapalan Thozhukat
Published: December 2015

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is defined as elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) with normal levels of free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4). SCH is further classified into a milder condition with TSH levels between 4.0 and 10.0 milli-international units (mIU)/l (mild-SCH) and a severe form with TSH >10.0 mIU/l (severe-SCH). SCH is a common problem (prevalence is greater in women than men), which increases further with increasing age and TSH levels. Even though the risk of progression to overt hypothyroidism is higher in patients with severe-SCH, the risk is also significant in patients having mild-SCH; it has been suggested that every twofold rise in serum TSH would increase the risk from 1 to 4%, which further increases to 38% if thyroid antibodies are positive. Current data have shown increased cardiovascular risk in patients with mild-SCH and have demonstrated some benefits of levothyroxine treatment in reducing these events. However, evidence on the association of mild-SCH and musculoskeletal system, cognitive dysfunction, mood disorders, dyslipidaemia, diabetes and goitre is conflicting. Similarly, the discussion regarding the exact upper limit of normal for serum TSH remains controversial. The data have also shown increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in patient with mild-SCH, with some benefits of thyroxine treatment. The recent available guidelines related to management of patients with serum TSH <10 mIU/l have suggested decisions should be made taking into account the age of the patient, associated risk factors and comorbid conditions. This chronicle review assesses current evidence regarding the risks associated and the recommendations related to benefits of levothyroxine treatment in patients having mild-SCH.
Prosocial Behavior Mitigates the Negative Effects of Stress in Everyday Life
Authors: Raposa Elizabeth B. , Laws Holly B. , Ansell Emily B.
Published: December 2015

Recent theories of stress reactivity posit that, when stressed, individuals tend to seek out opportunities to affiliate with and nurture others to prevent or mitigate the negative effects of stress. However, few studies have tested empirically the role of prosocial behavior in reducing negative emotional responses to stress. The current analyses used daily diary data to investigate whether engaging in prosocial behavior buffered the negative effects of naturally occurring stressors on emotional well-being. Results showed that on a given day, prosocial behavior moderated the effects of stress on positive affect, negative affect, and overall mental health. Findings suggest that affiliative behavior may be an important component of coping with stress and indicate that engaging in prosocial behavior might be an effective strategy for reducing the impact of stress on emotional functioning.
Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction of the Elbow
Authors: Erickson Brandon J. , Chalmers Peter N. , Bush-Joseph Charles A. , Verma Nikhil N. , Romeo Anthony A.
Published: December 2015

Background:

Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR) is a common procedure in both professional and high-level athletes.

Purpose:

To determine the effect of technique and level of play with UCLR on return to sport (RTS).

Hypothesis:

When comparing different surgical techniques or preoperative level of sports participation, there is no difference in rate of RTS after UCLR.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A systematic review was registered with PROSPERO and performed following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines using 3 publicly available free databases. Therapeutic clinical outcome investigations reporting UCLR outcomes with level of evidence 1 through 4 were eligible for inclusion. All study, subject, and surgical technique demographics were analyzed and compared between continents and countries. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and 2-proportion 2-sample z-test calculators with α = .05 were used to compare RTS between level of play and technique.

Results:

Twenty studies (2019 patients/elbows; mean age, 22.13 ± 4 years; 97% male; mean follow-up, 39.9 ± 16.2 months) were included. The majority of patients were baseball players (94.5%), specifically pitchers (80%). The most common level of play was collegiate (44.6%). Palmaris longus (71.2%) and the American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI) technique (65.6%) were the most common graft choice and surgical technique, respectively. There was a pooled 86.2% RTS rate, and 90% of players scored excellent/good on the Conway-Jobe scale. RTS rates were higher among collegiate athletes (95.5%) than either high school (89.4%, P = .023) or professional athletes (86.4%, P < .0001). RTS rates were higher for the docking technique (97.0%, P = .001) and the ASMI technique (93.3%, P = .0034) than the Jobe technique (66.7%).

Conclusion:

UCLR is performed most commonly in collegiate athletes. Collegiate athletes have the highest RTS rate after UCLR of all levels of competition. The docking and ASMI techniques had higher RTS rates than the Jobe technique.
Evaluation of a Soft Skills Training Program
Authors: Charoensap-Kelly Piyawan , Broussard Lauren , Lindsly Mallory , Troy Megan
Published: December 2015

This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of a soft skills employee training program. We examined willingness to learn and delivery methods (face-to-face vs. online) and their associations with the training outcomes in terms of learning and behavioral change. Results showed that neither participants’ willingness to learn nor delivery methods affected comprehension. However, both variables had significant effects on the reported behavioral change. This training is effective in teaching employees how to “flex” their personal styles and to improve their relationships with each other. Implications for business and professional communication training and directions for future research are discussed in detail.
Murine allogeneic CD19 CAR T cells harbor potent antileukemic activity but have the potential to mediate lethal GVHD
Authors: Jacoby Elad , Yang Yinmeng , Qin Haiying , Chien Christopher D. , Kochenderfer James N. , Fry Terry J.
Published: December 2015

Key Points

Donor-derived allogeneic CAR T cells are functional and eradicate ALL. Allogeneic CD4+ CAR T cells can mediate acute GVHD but only when CD19+ leukemia is present.
Climate oscillations, glacial refugia, and dispersal ability: factors influencing the genetic structure of the least salmonfly, Pteronarcella badia (Plecoptera), in Western North America
Authors: Sproul John S. , Houston Derek D. , Nelson C. Riley , Evans R. Paul , Crandall Keith A. , Shiozawa Dennis K.
Published: December 2015

Background

Phylogeographic studies of aquatic insects provide valuable insights into mechanisms that shape the genetic structure of communities, yet studies that include broad geographic areas are uncommon for this group. We conducted a broad scale phylogeographic analysis of the least salmonfly Pteronarcella badia (Plecoptera) across western North America. We tested hypotheses related to mode of dispersal and the influence of historic climate oscillations on population genetic structure. In order to generate a larger mitochondrial data set, we used 454 sequencing to reconstruct the complete mitochondrial genome in the early stages of the project.

Results

Our analysis revealed high levels of population structure with several deeply divergent clades present across the sample area. Evidence from five mitochondrial genes and one nuclear locus identified a potentially cryptic lineage in the Pacific Northwest. Gene flow estimates and geographic clade distributions suggest that overland flight during the winged adult stage is an important dispersal mechanism for this taxon. We found evidence of multiple glacial refugia across the species distribution and signs of secondary contact within and among major clades.

Conclusions

This study provides a basis for future studies of aquatic insect phylogeography at the inter-basin scale in western North America. Our findings add to an understanding of the role of historical climate isolations in shaping assemblages of aquatic insects in this region. We identified several geographic areas that may have historical importance for other aquatic organisms with similar distributions and dispersal strategies as P. badia. This work adds to the ever-growing list of studies that highlight the potential of next-generation DNA sequencing in a phylogenetic context to improve molecular data sets from understudied groups.
Scaling hierarchical clustering and energy aware routing for sensor networks
Authors: Shah Mumtaz Ali , Abbas Ghulam , Dogar Abdul Basit , Halim Zahid
Published: December 2015

Energy efficiency in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is of a primary concern due to the limited energy capacity of sensor nodes. Since most power dissipation occurs in wireless communication, it becomes imperative to reduce the energy costs of communication by developing power efficient communication protocols. To that end, this paper presents scaling hierarchical power efficient clustering with energy aware routing (SHEAR), which offers a clustering based scalable topology control coupled with an energy aware path selection scheme. By selecting cluster heads based on the maximum local residual energy of neighboring nodes, the topology control of SHEAR distributes energy dissipation evenly among all clusters. Additionally, routes for packet flows are allocated such that the aggregate energy consumption along a chosen path is minimized while avoiding the nodes with low energy levels. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of SHEAR in attaining reasonably long-lived WSNs.
CD40 promotes MHC class II expression on adipose tissue macrophages and regulates adipose tissue CD4+ T cells with obesity
Authors: Morris David L , Oatmen Kelsie E , Mergian Taleen A , Cho Kae Won , DelProposto Jennifer L , Singer Kanakadurga , Evans-Molina Carmella , O’Rourke Robert W , Lumeng Carey N
Published: December 2015

Obesity activates both innate and adaptive immune responses in adipose tissue, but the mechanisms critical for regulating these responses remain unknown. CD40/CD40L signaling provides bidirectional costimulatory signals between antigen-presenting cells and CD4+ T cells, and CD40L expression is increased in obese humans. Therefore, we examined the contribution of CD40 to the progression of obesity-induced inflammation in mice. CD40 was highly expressed on adipose tissue macrophages in mice, and CD40/CD40L signaling promoted the expression of antigen-presenting cell markers in adipose tissue macrophages. When fed a high fat diet, Cd40-deficient mice had reduced accumulation of conventional CD4+ T cells (Tconv: CD3+CD4+Foxp3−) in visceral fat compared with wild-type mice. By contrast, the number of regulatory CD4+ T cells (Treg: CD3+CD4+Foxp3+) in lean and obese fat was similar between wild-type and knockout mice. Adipose tissue macrophage content and inflammatory gene expression in fat did not differ between obese wild-type and knockout mice; however, major histocompatibility complex class II and CD86 expression on adipose tissue macrophages was reduced in visceral fat from knockout mice. Similar results were observed in chimeric mice with hematopoietic Cd40-deficiency. Nonetheless, neither whole body nor hematopoietic disruption of CD40 ameliorated obesity-induced insulin resistance in mice. In human adipose tissue, CD40 expression was positively correlated with CD80 and CD86 expression in obese patients with type 2 diabetes. These findings indicate that CD40 signaling in adipose tissue macrophages regulates major histocompatibility complex class II and CD86 expression to control the expansion of CD4+ T cells; however, this is largely dispensable for the development of obesity-induced inflammation and insulin resistance in mice.
Germline deletion of huntingtin causes male infertility and arrested spermiogenesis in mice
Authors: Yan Jinting , Zhang Hui , Liu Yang , Zhao Feilong , Zhu Shu , Xie Chengmei , Tang Tie-Shan , Guo Caixia
Published: December 2015

Human Huntingtin (HTT), a Huntington's disease gene, is highly expressed in the mammalian brain and testis. Simultaneous knockout of mouse Huntingtin (Htt) in brain and testis impairs male fertility, providing evidence for a link between Htt and spermatogenesis; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. To understand better the function of Htt in spermatogenesis, we restricted the genetic deletion specifically to the germ cells using the Cre/loxP site-specific recombination strategy and found that the resulting mice manifested smaller testes, azoospermia and complete male infertility. Meiotic chromosome spread experiments showed that the process of meiosis was normal in the absence of Htt. Notably, we found that Htt-deficient round spermatids did not progress beyond step 3 during the post-meiotic phase, when round spermatids differentiate into mature spermatozoa. Using an iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomic assay, we found that knockout of Htt significantly altered the testis protein profile. The differentially expressed proteins exhibited a remarkable enrichment for proteins involved in translation regulation and DNA packaging, suggesting that Htt might play a role in spermatogenesis by regulating translation and DNA packaging in the testis.
Myo19 is an outer mitochondrial membrane motor and effector of starvation-induced filopodia
Authors: Shneyer Boris I. , Ušaj Marko , Henn Arnon
Published: December 2015

Mitochondria respond to environmental cues and stress conditions. Additionally, the disruption of the mitochondrial network dynamics and its distribution is implicated in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we reveal a new function for Myo19 in mitochondrial dynamics and localization during the cellular response to glucose starvation. Ectopically expressed Myo19 localized with mitochondria to the tips of starvation-induced filopodia. Corollary to this, RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown of Myo19 diminished filopodia formation without evident effects on the mitochondrial network. We analyzed the Myo19–mitochondria interaction, and demonstrated that Myo19 is uniquely anchored to the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) through a 30–45-residue motif, indicating that Myo19 is a stably attached OMM molecular motor. Our work reveals a new function for Myo19 in mitochondrial positioning under stress.
Activation of the IGF1 pathway mediates changes in cellular contractility and motility in single-suture craniosynostosis
Authors: Al-Rekabi Zeinab , Wheeler Marsha M. , Leonard Andrea , Fura Adriane M. , Juhlin Ilsa , Frazar Christopher , Smith Joshua D. , Park Sarah S. , Gustafson Jennifer A. , Clarke Christine M. , Cunningham Michael L. , Sniadecki Nathan J.
Published: December 2015

Insulin growth factor 1 (IGF1) is a major anabolic signal that is essential during skeletal development, cellular adhesion and migration. Recent transcriptomic studies have shown that there is an upregulation in IGF1 expression in calvarial osteoblasts derived from patients with single-suture craniosynostosis (SSC). Upregulation of the IGF1 signaling pathway is known to induce increased expression of a set of osteogenic markers that previously have been shown to be correlated with contractility and migration. Although the IGF1 signaling pathway has been implicated in SSC, a correlation between IGF1, contractility and migration has not yet been investigated. Here, we examined the effect of IGF1 activation in inducing cellular contractility and migration in SSC osteoblasts using micropost arrays and time-lapse microscopy. We observed that the contractile forces and migration speeds of SSC osteoblasts correlated with IGF1 expression. Moreover, both contractility and migration of SSC osteoblasts were directly affected by the interaction of IGF1 with IGF1 receptor (IGF1R). Our results suggest that IGF1 activity can provide valuable insight for phenotype–genotype correlation in SSC osteoblasts and might provide a target for therapeutic intervention.
Fast and precise targeting of single tumor cells in vivo by multimodal correlative microscopy
Authors: Karreman Matthia A. , Mercier Luc , Schieber Nicole L. , Solecki Gergely , Allio Guillaume , Winkler Frank , Ruthensteiner Bernhard , Goetz Jacky G. , Schwab Yannick
Published: December 2015

Intravital microscopy provides dynamic understanding of multiple cell biological processes, but its limited resolution has so far precluded structural analysis. Because it is difficult to capture rare and transient events, only few attempts were made to observe specific developmental and pathological processes in animal models by electron microscopy. The multimodal correlative approach that we propose here combines intravital microscopy, microscopic X-ray computed tomography and three-dimensional electron microscopy. It enables a rapid (c.a. 2 weeks) and accurate (< 5 µm) correlation of functional imaging to ultrastructural analysis of single cells in a relevant context. We demonstrate the power of our approach by capturing single tumor cells in the vasculature of the cerebral cortex and in subcutaneous tumors, providing unique insights into metastatic events. Providing a significantly improved throughput, our workflow enables multiple sampling, a prerequisite for making correlative imaging a relevant tool to study cell biology, in vivo. The versatility of this workflow allows envisioning broad applications in various fields of biological research such as cancer or developmental biology.
Reduced levels of protein recoding by A-to-I RNA editing in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Khermesh Khen , D'Erchia Anna Maria , Barak Michal , Annese Anita , Wachtel Chaim , Levanon Erez Y. , Picardi Ernesto , Eisenberg Eli
Published: December 2015

Adenosine to inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing, catalyzed by the ADAR enzyme family, acts on dsRNA structures within pre-mRNA molecules. Editing of the coding part of the mRNA may lead to recoding, amino acid substitution in the resulting protein, possibly modifying its biochemical and biophysical properties. Altered RNA editing patterns have been observed in various neurological pathologies. Here, we present a comprehensive study of recoding by RNA editing in Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of irreversible dementia. We have used a targeted resequencing approach supplemented by a microfluidic-based high-throughput PCR coupled with next-generation sequencing to accurately quantify A-to-I RNA editing levels in a preselected set of target sites, mostly located within the coding sequence of synaptic genes. Overall, editing levels decreased in AD patients’ brain tissues, mainly in the hippocampus and to a lesser degree in the temporal and frontal lobes. Differential RNA editing levels were observed in 35 target sites within 22 genes. These results may shed light on a possible association between the neurodegenerative processes typical for AD and deficient RNA editing.
Caring for gay men and lesbians in nursing homes in Ireland
Authors: MacGabhann Patricia
Published: December 2015

This article examines the literature relating to the attitudes of nurses currently practicing in nursing homes towards caring for gay men and lesbians in Ireland. Nurses' knowledge of and attitudes towards the sexuality of those in their care can potentially have an impact on the quality of care they deliver and the patient experience. There is a consensus in the literature regarding the expression of sexuality as a lifelong need and integral element of quality of life. Research to date focusing on the needs of older gay or lesbian individuals has been virtually non-existent, despite increases in life expectancy and increasing numbers of older people, and therefore older gay and lesbian people requiring nursing home care.
Teamwork and solidarity: improving health care for all
Authors: Blakey Emma
Published: December 2015

Emma Blakey considers one of most important lessons she learnt as a student nurse on placement, and explores how team work can influence patient care and how solidarity can change society
Deprivation of liberty safeguard deaths to be reported to the coroner
Authors: Griffith Richard
Published: December 2015

The Chief Coroner has issued guidance that all deaths where a person is subject to a deprivation of liberty safeguard or Court of Protection welfare order allowing a deprivation of liberty must be reported to the coroner and an inquest held. In this article the author considers the impact of the guidance.
Ureteric stent removal post cystectomy
Authors: Leach Diane
Published: December 2015

Aim:

The aim of this study was to develop a step-by-step guide to aid nurses in the safe removal of ureteric stents. Examination of the literature related to at what timespan after the operation the stents should be removed and whether antibiotic cover and/or precautionary investigations such as stentogram are necessary prior to stent removal.

Method:

A purpose-designed questionnaire was sent to consultants and stoma nurses to assess current practice regarding the removal of stents.

Results:

Findings show that opinion was divided on how long the stents should remain in situ postoperatively, whether or not a stentogram is necessary prior to stent removal to check for healing and evidence of anastomosis leak, and whether or not patients require prophylactic antibiotic cover.

Conclusion:

It is not currently possible to formulate a standard policy for the procedure of ureteric stent removal because consultants have varying ideas on their management. Therefore, further research on ureteric stent removal is required to ensure evidence-based practice.
Putting the heat back into winter
Authors: Francis-Pester Dawn
Published: December 2015

With the festivities over, it is easy to cocoon ourselves indoors until spring but a bonfire is a great reason to get outdoors to share heat, colour and food during the cold months.
Fruit & Veg: W is for Watercress…
Authors: Hammond Paula , Lillie Stephen
Published: December 2015

This month, we continue our extended adventure around the alphabetical vegetables and fruits of the world by taking a look at a surprising superfood, packed full of goodness.
The evaluation criteria
Authors: Martland Rebecca
Published: December 2015

In her second article on the Early Years Inspection Handbook, Rebecca Martland explores the first of the two key judgement areas and exactly what they mean for childminders.
Looking into the eye of the tiger
Authors: Garner Lynne
Published: December 2015

This is the last article in a series exploring the world of apex animals, their lifestyles, and their place in storytelling, helping to bring these animals a little closer to our children.
Research roundup: December 2015
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: December 2015

In brief

Off-label use of prescription medicines seems to increase the risk of adverse drug events, especially for unapproved indications that lack strong scientific evidence Adults with schizophrenia are about four times more likely to die than the general population, underscoring the importance of identifying and managing risk factors Prescribing and monitoring errors are common in primary care in the UK Daily vitamin D supplements can improve exercise performance and reduce blood pressure
UKMEC and safe clinical decision-making in contraception
Authors: Kraszewski Sarah
Published: December 2015

Clinicians practising in contraception should use the UK Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (UKMEC) to support safe and effective clinical decision-making. Health professionals rely on their intuition, knowledge and previous experience, but decisions should be supported by the use of evidence-based decision-making aids, such as the UKMEC, which categorize the risk of using particular methods of contraception in women with particular characteristics and medical conditions. The UKMEC are intended for use as a guide to safe contraceptive use but should not replace clinical judgement in individual situations, and the prescriber should refer the patient to a colleague with greater expertise, if necessary.
Effects of roadside dust pollution on fruit trees of miyyaghundi (Quetta) and ghanjdori (mastung), Pakistan
Authors: Ahmed Shehnaz Sher , Jabeen Rukhsana , Johar Saima , Hameed Mahjabeen , Irfan Shazia
Published: December 2015

The research was conducted to evaluate the effects of road side dust pollution on fruit trees of Miyyaghundi (Quetta) and Ghanjdori (Mastung), Pakistan. The data were collected from the two orchards near the road where the road construction was in process. The effect of road side dust was observed on the leaves of trees growing at the edges of orchards as compare to those trees growing in the center of orchards. The highest percentage of dust was observed on the leaves of Pyrus malus L. (apple) which was (1.05 g) grown at the edges of an orchard compared to those leaves growing in the center of an orchard. The lowest dust (0.08 g) was observed on the leaves of Prunus domestica L. (plum) that were away from the road. Closure of stomata was observed highly affecting the trees grown at the edges of orchards compared to the central ones. The highest mean for closed stomata was (419.3) recorded in P. malus, grown at the edges of an orchard and the lowest mean (75) was recorded in P. domestica. The fruit production was also observed, the highest mean was recorded in Apple (pyrus malus L.) before road construction in central trees of Miyyaghundi which was (200 kg). The lowest mean for fruit production was recorded in Apple (pyrus malus L.) trees grown at the edges of an orchard that was (15 kg).
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Following Tianeptine Dependence During Pregnancy
Authors: Bence Camille , Bonord Alexandre , Rebillard Camille , Vaast Pascal , Alexandre Charlotte , Jardri Renaud , Rolland Benjamin
Published: December 2015

Tianeptine, an atypical antidepressant, has been found to exhibit a potential for abuse. The use of therapeutic doses of tianeptine during pregnancy has never raised safety concerns. However, the impact of tianeptine abuse on the mother-child dyad has never been assessed. We report herein the case of a female patient who presented with dependence on tianeptine, with the use of >650 mg of the drug per day. She had 2 successive pregnancies with similar doses. The state of dependence remained unidentified throughout the first pregnancy, but just after delivery, her full-term newborn exhibited unexpected neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). The NAS was successfully treated with morphine, although both the mother’s and newborn’s urine drug screen was negative. The causality of tianeptine in inducing NAS was retrospectively assessed as “probable” by using a validated causality algorithm. During the second pregnancy, this patient sought addiction treatment and was admitted for residential detoxification treatment in her seventh month of pregnancy. Delivery occurred at full term with a low birth weight neonate. No further developmental insults or medical problems were subsequently identified in the 2 children. Maternal tianeptine dependence during pregnancy may induce a type of NAS that mimics opiate NAS. This finding appears to be consistent with a recent finding of the agonist action of tianeptine on the opiate μ-receptor.
Outcomes of Neonatal Bulbar Weakness
Authors: Baudon Jean-Jacques , Renault Francis , Flores-Guevara Roberto , Vazquez Marie-Paule
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Neonatal bulbar weakness (BW) has various etiologies and a broad prognostic range. We aimed to report outcomes in a large series of children with neonatal BW and explore the association of orofacial electrodiagnostic data with outcome.

METHODS:

We retrospectively reviewed the files of children who presented with facial, lingual, laryngeal, or pharyngeal weakness at birth and who underwent electrodiagnostic studies combining conventional needle electromyography (EMG) of orofacial muscles, blink responses, and EMG during bottle-feeding. Outcome measures included the need for prolonged respiratory assistance and enteral feeding, as well as sensorimotor and cognitive impairments.

RESULTS:

Of 175 patients, 73% had developmental disorders, 25% suffered from acquired brain damage, and 2% had no apparent underlying disorders. Motor or mental impairment was observed in 71%; death occurred in 16%. Outcomes were not significantly different when comparing developmental disorders versus acquired brain damage or neurogenic versus normal detection EMG. Abnormal blink responses were associated with higher frequencies of respiratory assistance (P = .03), gastrostomy (P = .025), and death (P = .009); moderate or severe oropharyngeal incoordinations were associated with higher frequencies of respiratory assistance (P = .006), prolonged enteral feeding (P < .0001), and gastrostomy (P = .0002).

CONCLUSIONS:

Orofacial electrodiagnostic studies provide supplementary information to help the pediatrician anticipate the management and prognosis of young infants with BW.
Élelmiszer-biztonsági jelentőségű baktériumok molekuláris detektálásának fejlesztése miniatürizált mikrofluidikai eszközök segítségével
Authors: Iván Kristóf , Maráz Anna
Published: December 2015

Detection and identification of food-borne pathogenic bacteria are key points for the assurance of microbiological food safety. Traditional culture-based methods are more and more replaced by or supplemented with nucleic acid based molecular techniques, targeting specific (preferably virulence) genes in the genomes. Internationally validated DNA amplification – most frequently real-time polymerase chain reaction – methods are applied by the food microbiological testing laboratories for routine analysis, which will result not only in shortening the time for results but they also improve the performance characteristics (e.g. sensitivity, specificity) of the methods. Beside numerous advantages of the polymerase chain reaction based techniques for routine microbiological analysis certain drawbacks have to be mentioned, such as the high cost of the equipment and reagents, as well as the risk of contamination of the laboratory environment by the polymerase chain reaction amplicons, which require construction of an isolated laboratory system. Lab-on-a-chip systems can integrate most of these laboratory processes within a miniaturized device that delivers the same specificity and reliability as the standard protocols. The benefits of miniaturized devices are: simple – often automated – use, small overall size, portability, sterility due to single use possibility. These miniaturized rapid diagnostic tests are being researched and developed at the best research centers around the globe implementing various sample preparation and molecular DNA amplification methods on-chip. In parallel, the aim of the authors’ research is to develop microfluidic Lab-on-a-chip devices for the detection and identification of food-borne pathogenic bacteria. Orv. Hetil., 2015, 156(51), 2082–2088.
Evaluation Measures for Partitioning based Aspect Mining Techniques
Authors: Czibula Gabriela , Cojocar Grigoreta Sofia , Czibula Istvan Gergely
Published: December 2015

Aspect mining is a research direction that tries to identify crosscutting concerns in already developed software systems, without using aspect oriented programming. The goal is to identify them and then to refactor them to aspects, to achieve a system that can be easily understood, maintained and modified. In this paper we propose two new evaluation measures for evaluating the results of partitioning based aspect mining techniques. A small example on how to compute them is provided. The applicability of these measures to different aspect mining techniques is also discussed.
Architecting Robotics and Automation Societies over Reusable Software Frameworks: the Case of the G++ Agent Platform
Authors: Guidi-Polanco Franco , Cubillos Claudio
Published: December 2015

This work presents a software framework that allows the implementation of societies made-up by autonomous collaborative devices. The framework is structured as a multi-layer reusable architecture, adopting the software agent as the design paradigm. In this paper, an overview of its main features is offered, and an example of its adoption in the design of a robot colony is provided.
Speed Control of a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine Powered by an Inverter Voltage Moment Approach
Authors: Khedri Jamel , Chaabane Mohamed , Souissi Mansour
Published: December 2015

In this paper, the method of moments is presented in order to synthesize controllers for current and speed of a Magnet Permanent Synchronous Machine (PMSM). The controller’s dynamics are chosen in respect with the time domain constraints, which have equality relationships between the moments of the closed-loop system and those of the reference model. The Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI) formalism is used for the controller synthesis. The proposed controller is applied for the speed tracking of a PMSM to illustrate the performances of the method.
An Optimal Task Scheduling Algorithm in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Dai Liang , Chang Yilin , Shen Zhong
Published: December 2015

Sensing tasks should be allocated and processed among sensor nodes in minimum times so that users can draw useful conclusions through analyzing sensed data. Furthermore, finishing sensing task faster will benefit energy saving, which is critical in system design of wireless sensor networks. To minimize the execution time (makespan) of a given task, an optimal task scheduling algorithm (OTSA-WSN) in a clustered wireless sensor network is proposed based on divisible load theory. The algorithm consists of two phases: intra-cluster task scheduling and inter-cluster task scheduling. Intra-cluster task scheduling deals with allocating different fractions of sensing tasks among sensor nodes in each cluster; inter-cluster task scheduling involves the assignment of sensing tasks among all clusters in multiple rounds to improve overlap of communication with computation. OTSA-WSN builds from eliminating transmission collisions and idle gaps between two successive data transmissions. By removing performance degradation caused by communication interference and idle, the reduced finish time and improved network resource utilization can be achieved. With the proposed algorithm, the optimal number of rounds and the most reasonable load allocation ratio on each node could be derived. Finally, simulation results are presented to demonstrate the impacts of different network parameters such as the number of clusters, computation/communication latency, and measurement/communication speed, on the number of rounds, makespan and energy consumption.
EECDA: Energy Efficient Clustering and Data Aggregation Protocol for Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Kumar Dilip , Aseri Trilok C. , Patel R.B.
Published: December 2015

In recent years, energy efficiency and data gathering is a major concern in many applications of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). One of the important issues in WSNs is how to save the energy consumption for prolonging the network lifetime. For this purpose, many novel innovative techniques are required to improve the energy efficiency and lifetime of the network. In this paper, we propose a novel Energy Efficient Clustering and Data Aggregation (EECDA) protocol for the heterogeneous WSNs which combines the ideas of energy efficient cluster based routing and data aggregation to achieve a better performance in terms of lifetime and stability. EECDA protocol includes a novel cluster head election technique and a path would be selected with maximum sum of energy residues for data transmission instead of the path with minimum energy consumption. Simulation results show that EECDA balances the energy consumption and prolongs the network lifetime by a factor of 51%, 35% and 10% when compared with Low-Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy (LEACH), Energy Efficient Hierarchical Clustering Algorithm (EEHCA) and Effective Data Gathering Algorithm (EDGA), respectively.
Load Balancing by Network Curvature Control
Authors: Lou Mingji , Jonckheere Edmond , Bonahon Francis , Krishnamachari Bhaskar , Baryshnikov Yuliy
Published: December 2015

The traditional heavy-tailed interpretation of congestion is challenged in this paper. A counter example shows that a network with uniform degree can have significant traffic congestion when the degree is larger than 6. A profound understanding of what causes congestion is reestablished, based on the network curvature theorem. A load balancing algorithm based on curvature control is presented with network applications.
Intelligent Management of the Cryptographic Keys
Authors: Moise Gabriela , Cangea Otilia
Published: December 2015

With the continuous development of the computers networks, new problems have been posed in the process of keys management in the cryptographic systems. The main element in the cryptographic technologies is the keys management, as the cryptographic algorithms are known, while the keys have to be either secret (for unauthorized users that do not need them), or public (for users that need them). With an efficient cryptographic keys management system and the existing encryption techniques, there may be implemented a proper security system in the informational systems of the organizations. The process of cryptographic keys management consists in the following operations: keys generation, distribution, update, revocation, storage, backup/ recovery, import and export, usage control, expiration, and destruction. The cryptographic keys management techniques depend on the type of the keys, i.e. symmetric or public. Nowadays, the efforts of the researches in the cryptographic keys management are focused on the standardization and interoperability of the keys management. In this paper, the authors analyze the existing keys management systems and standards available for the keys management techniques, emphasizing the advantages and disadvantages of different systems. They also propose a cryptographic keys management model based on the ideas and principles of the INTERRAP architecture (a conceptual model developed by Jőrg Műller for intelligent agents). Also, there are incorporated some intelligent techniques to manage emergency situations, such as keys losing or their improper usage.
Heuristic Algorithms for Solving the Generalized Vehicle Routing Problem
Authors: Pop Petrică Claudiu , Zelina Ioana , Lupşe Vasile , Sitar Corina Pop , Chira Camelia
Published: December 2015

The vehicle routing problem (VRP) is one of the most famous combinatorial optimization problems and has been intensively studied due to the many practical applications in the field of distribution, collection, logistics, etc. We study a generalization of the VRP called the generalized vehicle routing problem (GVRP) where given a partition of the nodes of the graph into node sets we want to find the optimal routes from the given depot to the number of predefined clusters which include exactly one node from each cluster. The purpose of this paper is to present heuristic algorithms to solve this problem approximately. We present constructive algorithms and local search algorithms for solving the generalized vehicle routing problem.
Human Intervention and Interface Design in Automation Systems
Authors: Ponsa Pere , Vilanova Ramón , Amante Beatriz
Published: December 2015

Human-Machine-Interfaces are with no doubt one of the constitutive parts of an automation system. However, it is not till recently that they have received appropriate attention. It is because of a major concern about aspects related to maintenance, safety, achieve operator awareness, etc has been gained. Even there are in the market software solutions that allow for the design of efficient and complex interaction systems, it is not widespread the use of a rational design of the overall interface system, especially for large scale systems where the monitoring and supervision systems may include hundreds of interfacing screens. It is on this respect hat this communication provides an example of such development also by showing how to include the automation level operational modes into the interfacing system. Another important aspect is how the human operator can enter the control loop in different ways, and such interaction needs to be considered as an integral part of the automation procedure as well as the communication of the automation device.In this paper the application of design and operational modes guidelines in automation are presented inside an educational flexible manufacturing system case study.
A New Linear Classifier Based on Combining Supervised and Unsupervised Techniques
Authors: State Luminiţa , Paraschiv-Munteanu Iuliana
Published: December 2015

The aim of the research reported in the paper is to obtain an alternative approach in using Support Vector Machine (SVM) in case of nonlinearly separable data based on using the k-means algorithm instead of the standard kernel based approach.
The SVM is a relatively new concept in machine learning and it was introduced by Vapnik in 1995. In designing a classifier, two main problems have to be solved, on one hand the option concerning a suitable structure and on the other hand the selection of an algorithm for parameter estimation.
The algorithm for parameter estimation performs the optimization of a convenable selected cost function with respect to the empirical risk which is directly related to the representativeness of the available learning sequence. The choice of the structure is made such that to maximize the generalization capacity, that is to assure good performance in classifying new data coming from the same classes. In solving these problems one has to establish a balance between the accuracy in encoding the learning sequence and the generalization capacities because usually the over-fitting prevents the minimization of the empirical risk.
Using Fixed Priority Pre-emptive Scheduling in Real-Time Systems
Authors: Zmaranda Doina , Gabor Gianina , Popescu Daniela Elena , Vancea Codruta , Vancea Florin
Published: December 2015

For real-time applications, task scheduling is a problem of paramount importance. Several scheduling algorithms were proposed in the literature, starting from static scheduling or cyclic executives which provide very deterministic yet inflexible behaviour, to the so called best-effort scheduling, which facilitates maximum run-time flexibility but allows only probabilistic predictions of run-time performance presenting a non-predictable and nondeterministic solution. Between these two extremes lies fixed priority scheduling algorithms, such as Rate Monotonic, that is not so efficient for real-time purposes but exhibits a predictable approach because scheduling is doing offline and guarantees regarding process deadlines could be obtained using appropriate analysis methods. This paper investigates the use of Rate Monotonic algorithm by making adjustments in order to make it more suitable for real-time applications. The factors that motivate the interest for fixed priority scheduling algorithms such Rate Monotonic when doing with real-time systems lies in its associated analysis that could be oriented in two directions: schedulability analysis and analysis of process interactions. The analyzing process is carried out using a previously implemented framework that allows modelling, simulation and schedulability analysis for a set of real-time system tasks, and some of the results obtained are presented.