bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contribution to stability analysis of power hardware‐in‐the‐loop simulators
Authors: Tremblay Olivier , Fortin‐Blanchette Handy , Gagnon Richard , Brissette Yves
Published: June 2017

This study establishes a new basis for understanding the stability of power hardware‐in‐the‐loop (PHIL) systems considering their hybrid (analogue/digital) nature. Such systems are known to have closed‐loop stability issues due to delays between the simulator and the power amplifier (PA). This work demonstrates that the conventional method for determining the stability criterion, which considers the system as a continuous model, is not appropriate. A new method of assessing the stability of a PHIL system based on discrete‐time impedance frequency responses is thus presented. Hydro‐Québec's Research Institute will use this innovative approach for the development of its own PHIL system, which will involve connecting the institute's real‐life experimental distribution test line to its large‐scale real‐time digital simulator through a 25‐kV, 10‐MVA PA. The validity of the new method is demonstrated for simulation models of a well‐known inductive system and of a distribution feeder connected to a large‐scale power system.
Modified ultrasound despeckling assessment index for the Field II simulated cyst image
Authors: Gungor Murat Alparslan , Karagoz Irfan
Published: June 2017

Various methods have been proposed to reduce speckle noise, which decreases image quality in ultrasound images. The Field II simulated cyst image consists of three classes and is used to compare a proposed despeckle filter with other well‐known filters. The ultrasound despeckling assessment index (USDSAI) is a metric used to evaluate the proposed despeckling filters for the cyst image. This metric should be used when different regions are properly defined. In this study, the authors first analysed the performance of USDSAI for the cyst image. Then, the authors modified the USDSAI by proposing a new metric for the background class of the cyst image and evaluated its performance. The results show that the authors’ proposed metric has better performance than USDSAI.
Hybrid WPT‐BDCT transform for high‐quality image compression
Authors: Thakur Vikrant Singh , Gupta Shubhrata , Thakur Kavita
Published: June 2017

The image compression performance of transform coders highly depends on the energy compaction (EC) capability of transforms. The popular transforms such as discrete cosine transform (DCT) and discrete wavelet transform (DWT) provide decent EC; however, their capability is not enough to deliver good quality image reconstruction for higher compression levels (CLs). In this study, the authors propose a new hybrid transform which is a fusion of wavelet packet transform (WPT) and block‐DCT (BDCT) transform to achieve high‐quality image compression. This new hybrid WPT‐BDCT transform is able to attain higher EC than the existing transforms. Further, the authors have found a new energy compaction index (ECI) to evaluate the energy compactness of the image transforms. The proposed hybrid transform has been extensively evaluated, based on proposed ECI parameter, the visual quality assessment of reconstructed images and with the standard image quality indexes peak‐signal‐to‐noise ratio and structural similarity index measure. It is reported that the proposed hybrid transform provides higher EC and outperforms the transforms namely DCT, DWT, WPT, multi‐wavelet transform and existing hybrid transforms for all the CLs.
Advantage of cooperative traffic light control algorithms
Authors: Blokpoel Robbin , Niebel Wolfgang
Published: June 2017

Contemporary traffic light control systems rely on sensors for detection of traffic which are costly in purchase, installation and maintenance. Emerging cooperative technology offers an attractive alternative where only one road side unit per intersection is required, instead of several infrastructure sensors per lane. However, studies showed that traffic control with cooperative detection requires a penetration rate of at least 20% to function effectively. To show the potential of cooperative traffic control, this study presents three algorithms: (i) the SWARM control algorithm, which is designed to work with very low penetration rates; (ii) an extension to the adaptive control algorithm, ImFlow, which uses cooperative data for enhanced queue modelling; and (iii) an ImFlow extension to stabilise green planning to enable green light optimal speed advice. The results from micro‐simulation show a 7.8% improvement for stops and delay time over traditional adaptive control for Swarm, and 14.9% for Cooperative ImFlow. Adding planning stabilisation reduced the average perceived change for end users from 9.0–2.3%, without performance loss for the overall traffic flow. This shows the large potential of cooperative traffic control.
Enhancing smart grid transient performance using storage device‐based MPC controller
Authors: Sultan Yara A. , Kaddah Sahar S. , Elhosseini Mostafa A.
Published: June 2017

Renewable energy sources (wind turbine and photovoltaic system) are connected to the smart grid to promote the grid power, but the output of these sources is changed due to the sunlight and wind speed variations. Power storage system has the ability to reduce variations in a power system. Battery energy storage system (BESS) and superconducting magnetic energy storage system (SMES) are good solutions for this problem. The storage unit is connected to a power system at the point of common coupling and is able to absorb/store both active and reactive powers from this system and inject them into the power system in the peak demand periods. A control strategy based on proportional–integrative–derivative (PID) and model predictive controller (MPC) are used to control (SMES/BESS) to enhance the transient performance of a smart grid. The proposed algorithm has been tested on standard IEEE 5‐bus system connected to wind turbine distributed generator, non‐linear loads, and storage device (BESS/SMES) to verify the superiority of the presented method. The simulation results show that the performance of SMES with PID is more efficient than BESS with PID, but they have nearly the same output when MPC control strategy is used.
ISAR geometry, signal model, and image processing algorithms
Authors: Lazarov Andon , Minchev Chavdar
Published: June 2017

Inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) technique provides high‐resolution images of observed moving objects. However, shadow‐occluded effects and noise, which results in lack of fractions of the object geometry, often corrupt ISAR images. To facilitate the image analysis and to solve the target identification problem in most practical applications additional image‐processing procedures are strongly required. The aim of the present research is based on ISAR geometry and signal modelling to develop procedures improving quality of images and extract the silhouette contour line of the ISAR image, the main geometric parameter in the target recognition process. The problem is solved in two main stages. First, ISAR geometric parameters are described and expressions for linear frequency modulated signal modelling and imaging are derived. Second, image‐processing algorithms for ISAR image improving and contour line extraction are developed. All stages of image‐processing and reconstructing algorithms are illustrated by results of numerical experiments.
Schistosomiasis in Children in the Philippines: Beyond Health Issues
Authors: Torres Mario , Luyon-Tabo Hazel , Salibay Steven , Cabanacan-Salibay Cristina
Published: June 2017

This article aims to discuss the issues about Schistosoma japonicum infection in the Philippines based on the research findings of previous studies. This includes reviews about the nature of schistosomiasis, with emphasis on its effects on children. The review also discusses the mode of transmission of the parasite, etiology, and epidemiology, and relates these factors to the persistence of S. japonicum as a major health problem in the Philippines. The efforts, preventive measures, and recommended actions of the government are also mentioned and have been taken into consideration in strengthening the eradication measures against S. japonicum. This review further analyzes the risk factors associated with the infected individuals. Some measures and practices that may contribute to the prevention of S. japonicum infection are highlighted.
Renal Toxicity Presenting with a Fracture in an HIV Positive Adolescent
Authors: Thoon Koh , Chao Sing , Wee Liang
Published: June 2017

Tenofovir is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor commonly used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in children and adolescents. We report a case of an HIV-positive adolescent male who had been treated with an antiretroviral regimen consisting of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) and lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) with a stable CD4 count. Two and a half years after starting tenofovir, he experienced a right third metatarsal shaft fracture after minor trauma, which was treated successfully with a cast. He was found to have osteopenia for which he was treated with oral phosphate and calcium/vitamin D supplementation. Three months later, he then presented with severe hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia, normal anion gap metabolic acidosis, glycosuria, and proteinuria, which were consistent with a diagnosis of acquired Fanconi's syndrome. Subsequently, his electrolyte abnormalities were corrected with replacement of potassium, phosphate, and bicarbonate (Shohl's solution). His antiretroviral regimen was switched to abacavir/lamivudine and raltegravir. Acquired Fanconi's syndrome is a known but uncommon adverse effect of treatment with tenofovir, and an awareness that it can cause osteopenia and present with fractures can alert the physician to manage and prevent this potentially serious side effect.
Trisomy 18 Pregnancies: Is there an Increased Maternal Risk?
Authors: Senz Kayli , Humphrey Whitney , Lee Vanessa , Caughey Aaron , Dotters-Katz Sarah
Published: June 2017

Objective Characterize the impact of a trisomy 18 (T18) fetus on maternal and obstetric outcomes in a cohort including T18-affected deliveries.

Study Design Retrospective cohort study of singleton deliveries in California from 2005 to 2008 using linked vital statistics and the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9) data to compare deliveries affected by T18 to those without known aneuploidy. Outcomes of interest included gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preterm delivery (PTD), preeclampsia, cesarean delivery (CD), and intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD). The χ2 and paired t-tests were used to compare the outcomes. Multiple logistic regression was used to further characterize these risks and control potential confounders.

Results Of 2,029,000 deliveries, 298 involved T18. Compared with unaffected deliveries, T18 was associated with GDM (10.7 vs. 6.5%, p = 0.003), PTD < 37 (40.6 vs. 9.9%, p < 0.001) and < 32 weeks (14.8 vs. 1.4%, p < 0.001), and cesarean section (56 vs. 30.2%, p < 0.001), but not preeclampsia. In adjusted analyses, T18 pregnancies were associated with an increased risk of PTD < 37 and < 32 weeks (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 5.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.29, 6.99; AOR: 10.4, 95% CI: 7.26, 14.8), and an increased odd of CD for primiparous and multiparous women (AOR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.48, 3.91; AOR: 5.42, 95% CI: 3.90, 7.53). Risk of GDM did not persist.

Conclusion Unlike trisomy 13 (T13), pregnancies complicated by fetal T18 did not appear to result in an increased risk of preeclampsia. However, there is an increased risk of a range of other obstetric complications.
Neurological Outcome at 30 Months of Age after Mild Hypothermia via Selective Head Cooling in Term Neonates with Perinatal Asphyxia Using Low-Cost CoolCap: A Single-Center Randomized Control Pilot Trial in India
Authors: Sarkar Nirmalya , Bhattacharya Mala , Basu Suprit , Sanyal Debashish , Chatterjee Anish , Aich Bholanath , Chatterjee Kaushani , Das Suman
Published: June 2017

The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness and safety of mild systemic hypothermia by selective head cooling in hospital born neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy using low-cost CoolCap. The primary outcome was to determine whether selective head cooling reduces neonatal mortality and neurodevelopmental delay (NDD) at > 30 months of age. The secondary outcome was to determine the serious adverse effects during selective head cooling such as thrombocytopenia requiring platelets transfusion, renal and hepatic dysfunction, bradycardia, hypoglycemia, and dyselectrolytemia (hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, and hypocalcemia). This is a single-center randomized control trial. The risk ratios, risk differences, and numbers needed to treat plus 95% confidence interval (CI) were measured. This study was done at the tertiary care perinatal center. Inborn neonates with ≥ 37 completed weeks of gestation with indicators of perinatal asphyxia and moderate to severe clinical encephalopathy were randomly allocated to hypothermia (n = 30) or standard care (n = 30) groups. The neonates were subjected to mild systemic hypothermia via selective head cooling using ice caps, the target rectal temperature being 34 to 35°C for 72 hours. Therapeutic hypothermia reduced the risk of death and NDD at ≥ 30 months of age: 6 of 30 infants (20%) in the hypothermia group and 18 of 30 infants (60%) in the control group died or had a NDD at ≥ 30 months (risk ratio: 0.33 [95% CI: 0.15–0.72]; p = 0 0.0015). The mortality rate decreased, and the survival rate free of any sensorineural disability increased. The benefits were statistically significant in moderately asphyxiated infants. Adverse effects of hypothermia were minimal. Selective head cooling with mild systemic hypothermia in term asphyxiated neonates is safe and inexpensive in low-resource setting. Hypothermia showed statistically significant reduction in mortality and NDD at ≥ 30 months of age when commenced within 6 hours of birth and was not associated with serious adverse effects. The Institutional Clinical Trial Registry number is CNMC/ETHI/317/P.
Necrotizing Enterocolitis Incidence, Characteristics, and Outcomes in Neonatal Down Syndrome Patients
Authors: Haque Urbee , Miao Yongjie , Backes Carl , Cua Clifford
Published: June 2017

Introduction Neonates with Down syndrome (nDS) have multiple medical issues that may place them at an increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The goal of this study was to determine the incidence, characteristics, and outcomes of nDS patients that developed NEC.

Methods Data from the Pediatric Health Information Systems database on all nDS were reviewed. Demographics, medical conditions, development of NEC, and mortality were recorded. Patients were divided into nDS patients who developed NEC (nDS-NEC) versus nDS patients who did not develop NEC (nDS-nNEC).

Results Incidence of NEC in nDS patients was 6.6% (381/5,737). Baseline demographic data indicated nDS-NEC patients were more likely to be born earlier, have a diagnosis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia, ventricular septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, Ebstein's anomaly, or a left-sided obstructive lesion versus nDS-nNEC patients. The odds ratio for death in the nDS-NEC patients was 2.5 (95% confidence interval, 1.8–3.3) versus the nDS-NEC patients.

Conclusion The incidence of NEC in nDS patients requiring admission to a children's hospital after birth is much higher than that reported for term infants. Baseline characteristics differ in nDS patients that may place them at a higher risk for NEC. nDS-NEC patients have an increased morbidity and a significantly higher mortality compared with the nDS-nNEC patients.
Wachstumsfaktorenkonzentration im Kulturüberstand von Keratozyten mit humanem Serum in vitro
Authors: Szentmáry Nóra , Stachon Tanja , Wu Ming-Feng , Bischoff Mona , Huber Manuela , Langenbucher Achim , Seitz Berthold
Published: June 2017

Hintergrund Die Anwendung von Serumaugentropfen (AS) stellt eine alternative Behandlungsmethode für therapieresistente korneale Epitheldefekte dar. Bei persistierenden Epitheldefekten könnten Zytokine, die von Keratozyten im Stroma produziert werden, eine entscheidende Rolle bei der epithelialen Wundheilung spielen. Ziel dieser Studie ist es, Transforming Growth Factor β1 (TGF-β1), Keratinocyte Growth Factor (KGF), Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) und Fibroblast Growth Factor basic (FGFb) im Kulturüberstand von Keratozyten mit humanem Serum (HS) in vitro zu untersuchen.

Material und Methoden Serumaugentropfen von 10 Patienten wurden nach der Standardmethode der LIONS Hornhautbank Saar-Lor-Lux präpariert und bei − 80 °C tiefgefroren. Primäre humane Keratozyten wurden durch enzymatische Behandlung mit Kollagenase A (1 mg/ml) aus humanen Korneoskleralscheiben isoliert (n = 1) und in DMEM/Hamʼs Kulturmedium, versetzt mit 5% fetalem Kälberserum (FCS), kultiviert. Für den Testansatz wurden die Keratozyten mit 15 oder 30% HS (in DMEM/F14 ohne FCS) inkubiert und nach 24 h die Konzentration von TGF-β1, KGF, HGF und FGFb mittels Enzyme-linked Immunoabsorbent Assay (ELISA) aus dem Kulturüberstand bestimmt. Als Kontrolle wurden 15 oder 30% HS ohne Keratozyten nach 24 h Inkubationszeit (unter den gleichen Bedingungen wie die Keratozyten) verwendet.

Ergebnisse Die HGF-Konzentration mit beiden HS-Konzentrationen war im Kulturüberstand von Keratozyten signifikant höher, im Vergleich zur HS-Kontrolle (ohne Keratozyten) nach 24 h Inkubationszeit (p < 0,01). Die FGFb-Konzentration war im Kulturüberstand mit 30% HS signifikant höher im Vergleich zur Kontrollgruppe ohne Keratozyten nach 24 Stunden Inkubationszeit (p < 0,01). Die TGF-β1- und KGF-Konzentrationen im Kulturüberstand blieben durch die Keratozyten unverändert.

Schlussfolgerungen Durch die Anwesenheit von Keratozyten steigt die Konzentration von HGF und FGFb im Kulturmedium mit humanem Serum innerhalb von 24 Stunden an. Diese Konzentrationsänderungen könnten die Wundheilung bei Epitheldefekten beeinflussen.
Sensible Neuronopathie – Fallberichte und Review
Authors: Buchner Helmut
Published: June 2017

Die sensible Neuronopathie ist klinisch gekennzeichnet durch Sensibilitätsstörungen dominant des Vibrations- und Lageempfindens, verursachend eine sensible Ataxie. Neurophysiologisch ist sie charakterisiert durch den Ausfall der sensiblen Nervenleitung bei normaler motorischer Neurografie. Neuropathologisch besteht eine Degeneration der Hinterstrangganglien. Eine „small fibre“ Neuropathie mit neuropathischen Schmerzen ist häufig. Neben hereditären und toxischen Ursachen sind Tumorerkrankungen (paraneoplastisch) und das Sjögren-Syndrom häufig, allerdings bleibt in rund der Hälfte aller Fälle die Ursache ungeklärt. Ist die Ursache behandelbar kann eine Verschlechterung verhindert werden und in wenigen Fällen kommt es zu Verbesserungen. An Fallberichten wird die sehr variable klinische Präsentation und der Verlauf der Erkrankung vorgestellt. Die Kriterien zur Differenzialdiagnose einer Polyneuropathie werden erklärt. Ein pragmatisches Vorgehen für die Suche nach der Ursache wird vorgeschlagen.
Temperature dependence of the anisotropy field of L1 FePt near the Curie temperature
Authors: Richter H. J. , Parker G. J.
Published: June 2017

Near the Curie temperature, the anisotropy field of magnetically uniaxial L10 FePt is expected to follow the scaling law (1 – T/Tc)β, where T is the temperature and Tc is the Curie temperature. In the literature, β values between 0.36 and 0.65 have been reported. Based on recording measurements and micromagnetic analysis, we show that only the values of β near the low end of the reported range are compatible with the data. We also conclude that thermally activated magnetization reversal at temperatures near Tc cannot be ignored, even at time scales smaller than 1 ns. We demonstrate that thermally activated magnetization reversal at temperatures close to Tc is well described by conventional theory with a frequency factor f0 of the order of 1012 Hz. It is reasoned that the unusually high value for f0 is a consequence of the temperature-induced reduction of the degree of alignment of the micro-spins within the grains.
Modeling gene regulation from paired expression and chromatin accessibility data
Authors: Duren Zhana , Chen Xi , Jiang Rui , Wang Yong , Wong Wing Hung
Published: June 2017

Significance

Chromatin plays a critical role in the regulation of gene expression. Interactions among chromatin regulators, sequence-specific transcription factors, and
cis
-regulatory sequence elements are the main driving forces shaping context-specific chromatin structure and gene expression. However, because of the large number of such interactions, direct data on them are often missing in most cellular contexts. The purpose of the present work is to show that, by modeling matched expression and accessibility data across diverse cellular contexts, it is possible to recover a significant portion of the information in the missing data on binding locations and chromatin states and to achieve accurate inference of gene regulatory relations.
DEIsoM: a hierarchical Bayesian model for identifying differentially expressed isoforms using biological replicates
Authors: Peng Hao , Yang Yifan , Zhe Shandian , Wang Jian , Gribskov Michael , Qi Yuan
Published: June 2017

Motivation

High-throughput mRNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) is a powerful tool for quantifying gene expression. Identification of transcript isoforms that are differentially expressed in different conditions, such as in patients and healthy subjects, can provide insights into the molecular basis of diseases. Current transcript quantification approaches, however, do not take advantage of the shared information in the biological replicates, potentially decreasing sensitivity and accuracy.

Results

We present a novel hierarchical Bayesian model called Differentially Expressed Isoform detection from Multiple biological replicates (DEIsoM) for identifying differentially expressed (DE) isoforms from multiple biological replicates representing two conditions, e.g. multiple samples from healthy and diseased subjects. DEIsoM first estimates isoform expression within each condition by (1) capturing common patterns from sample replicates while allowing individual differences, and (2) modeling the uncertainty introduced by ambiguous read mapping in each replicate. Specifically, we introduce a Dirichlet prior distribution to capture the common expression pattern of replicates from the same condition, and treat the isoform expression of individual replicates as samples from this distribution. Ambiguous read mapping is modeled as a multinomial distribution, and ambiguous reads are assigned to the most probable isoform in each replicate. Additionally, DEIsoM couples an efficient variational inference and a post-analysis method to improve the accuracy and speed of identification of DE isoforms over alternative methods. Application of DEIsoM to an hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) dataset identifies biologically relevant DE isoforms. The relevance of these genes/isoforms to HCC are supported by principal component analysis (PCA), read coverage visualization, and the biological literature.

Availability and implementation

The software is available at https://github.com/hao-peng/DEIsoM

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
National Study of Excellence and Innovation in Physical Therapist Education: Part 1—Design, Method, and Results
Authors: Jensen Gail M. , Nordstrom Terrence , Mostrom Elizabeth , Hack Laurita M. , Gwyer Janet
Published: June 2017

Background

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching commissioned the Preparation for the Professions Program, a qualitative study of professional education in 5 professions: medicine, nursing, law, engineering, and clergy. These studies identified curricular structures, instructional practices, assessment approaches, and environmental characteristics that support the preparation of professionals and led to educational reforms. The physical therapy profession has not had any in-depth, national investigation of physical therapist education since the Catherine Worthingham studies conducted more than 50 years ago.

Objectives

This research was a Carnegie-type study, investigating elements of excellence and innovation in academic and clinical physical therapist education in the United States.

Design

Five physical therapist education researchers from across the United States used a qualitative multiple-case study design.

Methods

Six academic and 5 clinical programs were selected for the study. The academic institutions and clinical agencies studied were diverse in size, institutional setting, geography, and role in residency education. Qualitative case studies were generated from review of artifacts, field observations, and interviews (individual and focus group), and they provided the data for the study.

Results

A conceptual framework grounded in 3 major dimensions was generated, with 8 supporting elements: (1) culture of excellence (shared beliefs and values, leadership and vision, drive for excellence, and partnerships), (2) praxis of learning (signature pedagogy, practice-based learning, creating adaptive learners, and professional formation), and (3) organizational structures and resources.

Conclusion

Building on the work of the Carnegie Foundation's Preparation for the Professions Program, a conceptual model was developed, representing the dimensions and elements of excellence in physical therapist education that is centered on the foundational importance of a nexus of linked and highly valued aims of being learner centered and patient centered in all learning environments, both academic and clinical.
Measuring the Sensitivity of Parameter Estimates to Estimation Moments*
Authors: Andrews Isaiah , Gentzkow Matthew , Shapiro Jesse M.
Published: June 2017

We propose a local measure of the relationship between parameter estimates and the moments of the data they depend on. Our measure can be computed at negligible cost even for complex structural models. We argue that reporting this measure can increase the transparency of structural estimates, making it easier for readers to predict the way violations of identifying assumptions would affect the results. When the key assumptions are orthogonality between error terms and excluded instruments, we show that our measure provides a natural extension of the omitted variables bias formula for nonlinear models. We illustrate with applications to published articles in several fields of economics.
Exosomes From Adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Protect the Myocardium Against Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Through Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Cui Xiaojun , He Zhangyou , Liang Zihao , Chen Zhenyi , Wang Haifeng , Zhang Jiankai
Published: June 2017

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their secreted exosomes exert a cardioprotective role in jeopardized myocardium. However, the specific effects and underlying mechanisms of exosomes derived from adipose-derived MSCs (ADMSCs) on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury remain largely unclear. In this study, ADMSC-derived exosomes (ADMSCs-ex) were administrated into the rats subjected to I/R injury and H9c2 cells exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). Consequently, administration of ADMSCs-ex significantly reduced I/R-induced myocardial infarction, accompanied with a decrease in serum levels of creatine kinase-myocardial band, lactate dehydrogenase, and cardiac troponin I (cTnI). Simultaneously, ADMSCs-ex dramatically antagonized I/R-induced myocardial apoptosis, along with the upregulation of Bcl-2 and downregulation of Bax, and inhibition of Caspase 3 activity in rat myocardium. Similarly, ADMSCs-ex significantly reduced cell apoptosis and the expression of Bax, but markedly increased cell viability and the expression of Bcl-2 and Cyclin D1 under H/R. Furthermore, ADMSCs-ex observably induced the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by attenuating I/R- and H/R-induced inhibition of Wnt3a, p-GSK-3β (Ser9), and β-catenin expression. Importantly, treatment with Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor XAV939 partly neutralized ADMSC-ex–induced antiapoptotic and prosurvival effects in H9c2 cells. In conclusion, we confirmed that ADMSCs-ex protect ischemic myocardium from I/R injury through the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Management of Corneal Scarring Secondary to Herpes Zoster Keratitis
Authors: Hassan Omar M. , Farooq Asim V. , Soin Ketki , Djalilian Ali R. , Hou Joshua H.
Published: June 2017

Purpose:

To review the management of visually significant corneal scarring secondary to herpes zoster keratitis (HZK).

Methods:

Literature review.

Results:

Management options for visually significant corneal scarring secondary to HZK include scleral contact lenses, photorefractive or phototherapeutic keratectomy, lamellar keratoplasty, penetrating keratoplasty, and keratoprosthesis. Many authors recommend tarsorrhaphy in at-risk patients at the time of corneal transplantation. Most published studies either did not mention or did not use systemic antivirals at the time of surgery. Longer quiescent periods before surgical intervention may be associated with increased rates of graft survival. Reports of HZK recurrence after live-attenuated vaccine administration suggest that risks and benefits of the vaccine should be carefully considered. Overall, the prognosis of surgical intervention for corneal scarring due to HZK relies on appropriate patient selection and measures to ensure ocular surface stability. There remains a serious risk of ocular surface instability and corneal melt in these patients. Unfortunately, there is a lack of prospective studies in this area to guide clinical management.

Conclusions:

Patients with visually significant corneal scarring secondary to HZK may have good outcomes with the appropriate medical and surgical considerations, particularly in the absence of active ocular surface disease and inflammation. Those with active disease may benefit from delaying surgical intervention until a satisfactory quiescent period has been achieved. Prospective studies, such as the proposed Zoster Eye Disease Study, are imperative for validating these principles and determining evidence-based management guidelines.
Comparison of Revision Rates of Anterior- and Posterior-Approach Ptosis Surgery: A Retrospective Review of 1519 Cases
Authors: Chou Eva , Liu Jun , Seaworth Cathleen , Furst Meredith , Amato Malena M. , Blaydon Sean M. , Durairaj Vikram D. , Nakra Tanuj , Shore John W.
Published: June 2017

Purpose:

To compare revision rates for ptosis surgery between posterior-approach and anterior-approach ptosis repair techniques.

Methods:

This is the retrospective, consecutive cohort study. All patients undergoing ptosis surgery at a high-volume oculofacial plastic surgery practice over a 4-year period. A retrospective chart review was conducted of all patients undergoing posterior-approach and anterior-approach ptosis surgery for all etiologies of ptosis between 2011 and 2014. Etiology of ptosis, concurrent oculofacial surgeries, revision, and complications were analyzed. The main outcome measure is the ptosis revision rate.

Results:

A total of 1519 patients were included in this study. The mean age was 63 ± 15.4 years. A total of 1056 (70%) of patients were female, 1451 (95%) had involutional ptosis, and 1129 (74.3%) had concurrent upper blepharoplasty. Five hundred thirteen (33.8%) underwent posterior-approach ptosis repair, and 1006 (66.2%) underwent anterior-approach ptosis repair. The degree of ptosis was greater in the anterior-approach ptosis repair group. The overall revision rate for all patients was 8.7%. Of the posterior group, 6.8% required ptosis revision; of the anterior group, 9.5% required revision surgery. The main reason for ptosis revision surgery was undercorrection of one or both eyelids. Concurrent brow lifting was associated with a decreased, but not statistically significant, rate of revision surgery. Patients who underwent unilateral ptosis surgery had a 5.1% rate of Hering’s phenomenon requiring ptosis repair in the contralateral eyelid. Multivariable logistic regression for predictive factors show that, when adjusted for gender and concurrent blepharoplasty, the revision rate in anterior-approach ptosis surgery is higher than posterior-approach ptosis surgery (odds ratio = 2.08; p = 0.002).

Conclusions:

The overall revision rate in patients undergoing ptosis repair via posterior-approach or anterior-approach techniques is 8.7%. There is a statistically higher rate of revision with anterior-approach ptosis repair.
Critical care ultrasonography in circulatory shock
Authors: Koster Geert , van der Horst Iwan C.C.
Published: June 2017

Purpose of review

The objective was to define the role of ultrasound in the diagnosis and the management of circulatory shock by critical appraisal of the literature.

Recent findings

Assessment of any patient's hemodynamic profile based on clinical examination can be sufficient in several cases, but many times unclarities remain. Arterial catheters and central venous lines are commonly used in critically ill patients for practical reasons, and offer an opportunity for advanced hemodynamic monitoring. Critical care ultrasonography may add to the understanding of the hemodynamic profile at hand. Improvements in ultrasound techniques, for example, smaller devices and improved image quality, may reduce limitations and increase its value as a complementary tool. Critical care ultrasonography has great potential to guide decisions in the management of shock, but operators should be aware of limitations and pitfalls as well. Current evidence comes from cohort studies with heterogeneous design and outcomes.

Use of ultrasonography for hemodynamic monitoring in critical care expands, probably because of absence of procedure-related adverse events. Easy applicability and the capacity of distinguishing different types of shock add to its increasing role, further supported by consensus statements promoting ultrasound as the preferred tool for diagnostics in circulatory shock.
Development of Nerve Fibre Diameter in Young Infants With Hirschsprung Disease
Authors: Janssen Lok Maarten , Rassouli‐Kirchmeier Roxana , Köster Nils , Kusters Benno , de Blaauw Ivo
Published: June 2017

Objectives:

Finding thickened nerve fibres is one of the key elements in the diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease (HD); however, its value at different ages remains uncertain. Nerve fibre diameters <40 μm can be observed in infants younger than 8 weeks, despite the presence of HD. The aim of this study was to identify a change in maximum nerve fibre diameter in HD patients, measured before and after 8 weeks of age.

Methods:

Nerve fibre diameter was retrospectively evaluated in tissue of 20 infants treated for definite HD. Rectal suction biopsies (RSBs) obtained within the first 8 weeks of life (T1) and resected bowel obtained during primary surgery at an average of 24.7 weeks (T2), were assessed. The 2 thickest nerve fibre diameter recordings at T1 and T2 were compared in each subject, to examine changes in nerve trunk diameter with increasing age.

Results:

In 13 cases (65%), nerve fibre diameters were ≥40 μm at T1 and T2. Six subjects (30%) had nerve trunk diameters <40 μm at T1; however, they experienced diameter increases to ≥40 μm by T2. Thus, at T2, 19 subjects (95%) had diameter recordings ≥40 μm. Nerve fibre diameter in the remaining case (5%) stayed consistent at <40 μm at T1 and T2, despite the presence of HD.

Conclusions:

After the first 8 weeks of life, nerve fibre measurements appear to be associated with HD. Measuring the 2 thickest nerve fibres can support typical HD diagnosis criteria beyond 8 weeks of age, but is not superior to histopathological confirmation of aganglionosis.
A Spiral of Transitions Leading to Broader Influence and Action
Authors: Benton David C.
Published: June 2017

This article describes lessons learned through a reflective analysis of job transitions experienced by a registered nurse from the time of entry into the profession until the current point where the nurse is engaged in state, national, and international policy development work. The centrality and symbiotic nature of the link between policy and practice and the importance of evidence and leadership have emerged as key aspects of the expanding spiral of influence traversed as a result of various career moves. At every stage, lessons have been learned. Some of these are professional in nature, but on occasion, the lessons have been more personal. The importance of mentors cannot be underestimated in terms of the support and guidance they offer but also the challenges they bring to existing patterns of thought and behavior.
Simulation-Based Assessment Identifies Longitudinal Changes in Cognitive Skills in an Anesthesiology Residency Training Program
Authors: Sidi Avner , Gravenstein Nikolaus , Vasilopoulos Terrie , Lampotang Samsun
Published: June 2017

Objectives

We describe observed improvements in nontechnical or “higher-order” deficiencies and cognitive performance skills in an anesthesia residency cohort for a 1-year time interval. Our main objectives were to evaluate higher-order, cognitive performance and to demonstrate that simulation can effectively serve as an assessment of cognitive skills and can help detect “higher-order” deficiencies, which are not as well identified through more traditional assessment tools. We hypothesized that simulation can identify longitudinal changes in cognitive skills and that cognitive performance deficiencies can then be remediated over time.

Methods

We used 50 scenarios evaluating 35 residents during 2 subsequent years, and 18 of those 35 residents were evaluated in both years (post graduate years 3 then 4) in the same or similar scenarios. Individual basic knowledge and cognitive performance during simulation-based scenarios were assessed using a 20- to 27-item scenario-specific checklist. Items were labeled as basic knowledge/technical (lower-order cognition) or advanced cognitive/nontechnical (higher-order cognition). Identical or similar scenarios were repeated annually by a subset of 18 residents during 2 successive academic years. For every scenario and item, we calculated group error scenario rate (frequency) and individual (resident) item success. Grouped individuals’ success rates are calculated as mean (SD), and item success grade and group error rates are calculated and presented as proportions. For all analyses, α level is 0.05.

Results

Overall PGY4 residents’ error rates were lower and success rates higher for the cognitive items compared with technical item performance in the operating room and resuscitation domains. In all 3 clinical domains, the cognitive error rate by PGY4 residents was fairly low (0.00–0.22) and the cognitive success rate by PGY4 residents was high (0.83–1.00) and significantly better compared with previous annual assessments (P < 0.05). Overall, there was an annual decrease in error rates for 2 years, primarily driven by decreases in cognitive errors. The most commonly observed cognitive error types remained anchoring, availability bias, premature closure, and confirmation bias.

Conclusions

Simulation-based assessments can highlight cognitive performance areas of relative strength, weakness, and progress in a resident or resident cohort. We believe that they can therefore be used to inform curriculum development including activities that require higher-level cognitive processing.
Fine-mapping the Favored Mutation in a Positive Selective Sweep
Authors: Akbari Ali , Vitti Joseph J. , Iranmehr Arya , Bakhtiari Mehrdad , Sabeti Pardis C. , Mirarab Siavash , Bafna Vineet
Published: June 2017

Methods to identify signatures of selective sweeps in population genomics data have been actively developed, but mostly do not identify the specific mutation favored by the selective sweep. We present a method, iSAFE, that uses a statistic derived solely from population genetics signals to pinpoint the favored mutation even when the signature of selection extends to 5Mbp. iSAFE was tested extensively on simulated data and in human populations from the 1000 Genomes Project, at 22 loci with previously characterized selective sweeps. For 14 of the 22 loci, iSAFE ranked the previously characterized candidate mutation among the 13 highest scoring (out of ∼ 21, 000 variants). Three loci did not show a strong signal. For the remaining loci, iSAFE identified previously unreported mutations as being favored. In these regions, all of which involve pigmentation related genes, iSAFE identified identical selected mutations in multiple non-African populations suggesting an out-of-Africa onset of selection. The iSAFE software can be downloaded fromhttps://github.com/alek0991/iSAFE.
Accurate and Fast feature selection workflow for high-dimensional omics data
Authors: Perez-Riverol Yasset , Kun Max , Vizcaíno Juan Antonio , Hitz Marc-Phillip , Audain Enrique
Published: June 2017

We are moving into the age of ‘Big Data’ in biomedical research and bioinformatics. This trend could be encapsulated in this simple formula: D = S × F, where the volume of data generated (D) increases in both dimensions: the number of samples (S) and the number of sample features (F). Frequently, a typical bioinformatics problem (e.g. classification) includes redundant and irrelevant features that can result, in the worst-case scenario, in false positive results. Then, Feature Selection (FS) constitutes an enormous challenge. Despite the number and diversity of algorithms available, the proper choice of an approach for facing a specific problem often falls in a ‘grey zone’. In this study, we select a subset of FS methods to develop an efficient workflow and an R package for bioinformatics machine learning problems. We cover relevant issues concerning FS, ranging from domain’s problems to algorithm solutions and computational tools. Finally, we use seven different proteomics and gene expression datasets to evaluate the workflow and guide the FS process.
Pathogen dependent phenotypic but no genetic correlation between sexual activity and 3 immunity in maleDrosophila melanogastersubjected to differential sexual selection
Authors: Syed Zeeshan Ali , Gupta Vanika , Samant Manas Arun , Dhiman Aatashi , Prasad Nagaraj Guru
Published: June 2017

The theory of trade-off suggest that limited resources should lead to trade-off in resource intensive traits such as immunity related and sexually selected traits in males. Alternatively, sexual exaggerations can also act as an honest indicator of underlying immunocompetence, leading to positive correlations between these traits. Several studies have addressed this question using experimental evolution. However, they have rarely used ecologically relevant pathogens and fitness measurement (e.g., measuring post-infection survivorship) to find correlations between sexual selection and immunity. Here we attempt to address this caveat by evolving populations ofDrosophila melanogasterunder differential sexual selection. After more than hundred generations, we infected virgin and mated males from each population with three pathogenic bacteria:Pseudomonas entomophila(Pe),Staphylococcus succinus(Ss) andProvidentia rettgeri(Pr). Fitness was measured as either post-infection survivorship (Pe and Ss) or bacterial clearance ability (Pr). Contrary to expectations, sexual selection had no evolutionary effect on male fitness against any of the pathogens. Moreover, mating had a beneficial effect against Pe and Pr, but no effect against Ss, suggesting pathogen specific phenotypic correlations between mating and immunity. Following these results, we discuss the significance of using ecologically relevant pathogens and quantifying host fitness while studying sexual selection-immunity correlations.
Advances and perspectives in tissue clearing using CLARITY
Authors: Reveles Jensen Kristian H. , Berg Rune W.
Published: June 2017

CLARITY is a tissue clearing method, which enables immunostaining and imaging of large volumes for 3Dreconstruction. The method was initially time-consuming, expensive and relied on electrophoresis to remove lipids to make the tissue transparent. Since then several improvements and simplifications have emerged, such as passive clearing (PACT) and methods to improve tissue staining. Here, we review advances and compare current applications with the aim of highlighting needed improvements as well as aiding selection of the specific protocol for use in future investigations.
pals-22, a member of an expandedC. elegansgene family, controls silencing of repetitive DNA
Authors: Leyva-Díaz Eduardo , Stefanakis Nikolaos , Carrera Inés , Glenwinkel Lori , Wang Guoqiang , Driscoll Monica , Hobert Oliver
Published: June 2017

Repetitive DNA sequences are subject to gene silencing in various animal species. Under specific circumstances repetitive DNA sequences can escape such silencing. For example, when exogenously added, extrachromosomal DNA sequences that are stably inherited in multicopy repetitive arrays in the nematodeC. elegansare frequently silenced in the germline, whereas such silencing often does not occur in the soma. This indicates that somatic cells might utilize factors that prevent repetitive DNA silencing. Indeed, such “anti-silencing” factors have been revealed through genetic screens that identified mutant loci in which repetitive transgenic arrays are aberrantly silenced in the soma. We describe here a novel locus,pals-22(forprotein containingALS2CR12 domain), required to prevent silencing of repetitive transgenes in neurons and other somatic tissue types.pals-22deficiency also severely impacts animal vigor and confers phenotypes reminiscent of accelerated aging. We find thatpals-22is a member of a large family of divergent genes (39 members), defined by the presence of an ALS2CR12 domain. While gene family members are highly divergent, they show striking patterns of genomic clustering. The family expansion appearsC. elegans-specific and has not occurred to the same extent in other nematode species. Previous transcriptome analysis has revealed that most of thepalsgenes are induced under stress conditions or upon infection by intracellular parasites. The transgene silencing phenotype observed upon loss of cytoplasmically localized PALS-22 protein depends on the biogenesis of small RNAs, since silencing is abolished in the RNAi defective mutantrde-4, suggesting thatpals-22might regulate RNAi dependent silencing in the cytoplasm of neurons and other tissues. We speculate that thepalsgene family may be part of a species-specific cellular defense mechanism.