bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Hyetographs for Drainage System Modeling
Authors: Wartalska Katarzyna , Kaźmierczak Bartosz , Nowakowska Monika , Kotowski Andrzej
Published: January 2020

Modeling the reliability of storm water drainage systems encounters a number of methodological difficulties, especially in the selection of a reliable rainfall scenario. Many methods for creating reference hyetographs are described in the literature. The aim of the work was the analysis of the shapes of local precipitation hyetographs and the verification of the reference shapes of rainfall hyetographs used for the drainage systems designing and modeling its operation in Poland (Euler type II and DVWK models). The research material was represented by historical records of rainfall data from the measuring station located in Jelenia Góra (Poland). Rainfall were grouped due to the similarity of physical features, using various methodologies: Huff, cluster analysis using the Ward and k-means methods. The k-means method proved to be especially useful for selecting precipitation in terms of shape hyetographs. The statistical analysis of the similarity of the rainfall hyetograph shapes was performed within the separated genetic clusters, based on the parameters of mass distributions and unevenness over time. The comparative analysis allowed for the positive verification of the Euler type II and DVWK models for the tested station.
Studi Deskriptif tentang Kemampuan Mengingat Anak Usia 5-6 Tahun di Taman Kanak-Kanak Plus Marhamah Parupuk Tabing Padang
Authors: Nanda Mega , Yetti Rivda
Published: January 2020

The reseacher looks at the ability to remember from several aspects that exist (taking note, accepting and producing). The research was motivated by the ability to remember children in the Kindergarten Plus Marhamah Parupuk Tabing Padang. The research used is descriptive research with a qualitative approach. To find out what the ability description is like remembering children aged 5-6 years in the Kindergarten Plus Marhamah Parupuk Tabing Padang. The subjects in thi study were children aged 5-6 year in class B1 of Marhamah Padang Kindergarten Plus. Informants from the study were the Marhamah Padang Kindergarten Plus teacher. Data collection techniques used in thi tudy are in the form of observation, interviews, and documentation. The data analyisis techniques follow Sugiyono’s steps, namely 1) data reduction; 2) data presentation; and 3) verification. The technique of validating the data in this study is in the form of a triangulation technique. The reults of thi study indicate that the aspect of ability to remember children aged 5-6 years in Kindergarten Plus Marhamah Parupuk Tabing Padang is well developed. 1) the enlightening aspect, it seems that children pay attention to the learning given by the teacher; 2) aspects of accepting, it seems that children can understand the contents of the leraning provided; 3) the aspect of producing, it is seen the the child is able to produce the work and explain the work to the teacher. The conclusion of this study is the ability to remember children aged 5-6 years in Kindergarten Plus Marhamah well developed seen through aspects of remembering (remembering, accepting, and producing)
Detection of Non-Helmet Riders and Extraction of License Plate Number using Yolo v2 and OCR Method
Authors:   UG student Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, Mysore., M. J.* Prajwal , K. B. Tejas ,   UG student, Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, Mysore., V. Varshad ,   UG student Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, Mysore., Murgod Mahesh M. ,   UG student, Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, Mysore., R. Shashidhar ,   Assistant Professr, Department of E&CE, JSS Science and Technology University, SJCE, Mysore, India
Published: January 2020

In current situation, we come across various problems in traffic regulations in India which can be solved with different ideas. Riding motorcycle/mopeds without wearing helmet is a traffic violation which has resulted in increase in number of accidents and deaths in India. Existing system monitors the traffic violations primarily through CCTV recordings, where the traffic police have to look into the frame where the traffic violation is happening, zoom into the license plate in case rider is not wearing helmet. But this requires lot of manpower and time as the traffic violations frequently and the number of people using motorcycles is increasing day-by-day. What if there is a system, which would automatically look for traffic violation of not wearing helmet while riding motorcycle/moped and if so, would automatically extract the vehicles’ license plate number. Recent research have successfully done this work based on CNN, R-CNN, LBP, HoG, HaaR features,etc. But these works are limited with respect to efficiency, accuracy or the speed with which object detection and classification is done. In this research work, a Non-Helmet Rider detection system is built which attempts to satisfy the automation of detecting the traffic violation of not wearing helmet and extracting the vehicles’ license plate number. The main principle involved is Object Detection using Deep Learning at three levels. The objects detected are person, motorcycle/moped at first level using YOLOv2, helmet at second level using YOLOv3, License plate at the last level using YOLOv2. Then the license plate registration number is extracted using OCR (Optical Character Recognition). All these techniques are subjected to predefined conditions and constraints, especially the license plate number extraction part. Since, this work takes video as its input, the speed of execution is crucial. We have used above said methodologies to build a holistic system for both helmet detection and license plate number extraction.
HOME VISIT FOR APPLYING FAMILY NURSING: A PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Putra Kusuma Wijaya Ridi
Published: January 2020

The paradigm shift from hospital-based care to community-based care lead role of health workers in Primary Health Care became an important part in improving public welfare through the field of health. A community nurse is required to be able to make approaches to the community, including conducting a home visit, in order to increase public awareness and concern for their health level.Keywords: Home visit, family empowering, family nursing
THE INFLUENCE OF KNOWLEDGE AND DISASTER WARNING AND THE PREPARATION OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN FACING EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI
Authors: Sari Ruri Maiseptya , Hanifah Hanifah , Giena Vike Pebri
Published: January 2020

Background: The school community's readiness to face disasters is still considered lacking in Indonesia. Schools as educational institutions are expected to provide an important role for disaster risk education, so students have the provision in dealing with disasters.Objective: This study aimed to identify the factors associated with the preparedness of high school students in dealing with the earthquake and tsunami disasters.Method: This study is analytic survey with cross sectional design. The population in this study were all high school students in Bengkulu City in 2018/2019 academic year. Two stages cluster sampling method have been used in this study. The researcher randomly chooses one high school that will be used as a research location, SMAN 2 Bengkulu City were selected as the result, then the researcher randomly chooses again to determine which class will be the sample, class of XI was chosen with a total of 340 students who spread across 11 classes. The researchers calculated the sample size by using the Slovin formula with the results of 220 respondents. The samples were selected by using proportional random sampling technique, and chosen based on the number of students in each class. Data collection in this study used an instrument in the form of a questionnaire adopted from LIPI consists 65 questions about knowledge and 10 questions about disaster warning and 36 questions about preparedness. The collected data is then processed and analyzed using computer program software and the data were analyzed by using univariate, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression statistical testsResult: The results of this study showed that preparedness of 220 respondents were obtained a mean of 23.57 with a standard deviation of 7.844, knowledge were obtained a mean value of 46.69 with a standard deviation of 8.229, attitudes were obtained a mean value of 60.01 with a standard deviation of 6.210, an emergency response plan were obtained a mean value of 14.95 with a standard deviation of 3.050, and disaster warning were obtained a mean value of 7.19 with a standard deviation of 2.408. Factors related to student preparedness in dealing with disasters were included the level of knowledge (p = 0.020), attitude (p = 0.280), emergency response plan (p = 0.000), disaster warning (p = 0.000).Conclusion: There is a relationship between the level of knowledge, and disaster warnings with disaster preparedness. The most dominant factor in disaster preparedness is disaster warnings.Â Key words: Preparedness, knowledge, disaster warning.
EFFECT OF ALOE VERA EXTRACT AND DISCHARGE PLANNING TO ACCELERATE WOUND HEALING OF OLDER ADULT HERNIA SURGERY PATIENTS
Authors: Toha Mukhammad , Sujarwadi Mokh , Zuhroidah Ida
Published: January 2020

Background: Older adult patients who underwent hernia surgery commonly get obstacles in the process of wound healing as a result of decline of body functions. Aloe vera which contains of anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and skin fibroblasts stimulator, can be used as adjunctive therapy in treating wounds.Objective: This study aimed to identify the effect of aloe vera extract and discharge planning to accelerate wound healing of older adult hernia surgery patients at dr. R. Soedarsono General Hospital, Pasuruan.Method: This study uses Quasi-Experimental with Static-group comparison approach. The population is all post-operative hernia patients aged 55-65 years at the operating room of dr. R. Soedarsono General Hospital, Pasuruan. The sample consists of 20 respondents taken according to the inclusion criteria. The independent variable is the treatment of wounds using aloe vera extract accompanied by discharge planning, while the dependent variable was the acceleration of wound healing especially inflammatory and proliferation phases. The data were collected through observation of macroscopic current wound care. Data were analyzed using nonparametric Mann Whitney test with significance level of < 0.05.Result: The results showed the effect of the treatment using aloe vera extract and discharge planning to accelerate wound healing of older adult hernia surgery patients, the inflammatory phase of healing occurs on the sixth day for inflammation, exudation, and edema (p = 0.022, p = 0.028, and p = 0.029, respectively). The proliferative phase occurs on day three with p = 0.015.Conclusion: This research indicates further research on the benefits of aloe vera and discharge planning for wound healing especially in older adult patients is required. Thus, a stronger basis for recommending aloe vera extract as complementary therapy for wound care is available.Â Key words: Aloe Vera, Discharge Planning, Surgical Wound, Older Adults Age.
THE EFFECT OF INFRARED RAY AND COUNSELING ON DIABETIC FOOT ULCER HEALING PROCESS
Authors: Sujarwadi Mokh , Toha Mukhammad , Huda Nurul
Published: January 2020

Background: Diabetic foot ulcer is one of the chronic complications of diabetes mellitus caused by neuropathy, angiopathy and decreased endurance. The risk of amputation in patient with diabetes mellitus fifteen times greater compared to non-diabetic. Various efforts on diabetic foot wound care have been carried out but the results are still far from satisfactory. Until now, infrared and counseling effect on wound healing in diabetic foot cannot be explained.Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of infrared ray and counseling on diabetic foot ulcer healing process.Method: The research design was quasi-experimental design with posttest control group design, the population in this study were patients with grade 3 diabetic foot wounds, blood sugar 100-200 g/ dl, BMI 18.5 to 24.9, aged 35-55 years. Large sample in this study as many as 20 were divided into two groups, the control random sampling. The collection of data for the dependent variable using the observation sheet after the tenth day of treatment, which consists of the rate of growth of granulation, ankle brachial index and capillary refill time. Furthermore, the data were processed using non-parametric statistical significance level < 0.05.Result: The results showed that the infrared and counseling effect on the growth of granulation with a significance level (p = 0.0003), infrared and counseling influence ankle brachial index (p = 0.024), infrared and counseling effect on capillary and counseling effect on capillary refill time (p = 0.024).Conclusion: It can be concluded from this study that applying infrared and counseling has any impact on healing in diabetic foot ulcer, on the growth of granulation and improved blood in diabetic foot ulcers.Â Key words: Infrared Ray, Counseling, Foot Ulcer Healing.
Influence of the local context on voting behavior in Czechia
Authors: Mikešová Renáta
Published: January 2020

There are significant differences in voting behavior among municipalities and regions in parliamentary elections in Czechia. In the following study we concentrate on the influence of local context on voting behavior. We studied 10 municipalities and regions with a specific voting behavior that does not correspond to the expected voting behavior – according to the socio-demographic characteristics of the population. Using qualitative data analysis (focus groups and in-depth interviews), we focused on causes of voting behavior that are difficult to reveal through quantitative methods. According to the analysis, the socio-economic structure of the inhabitants of the regions, together with the influence of family, family history, traditions, and experiences shaped by the historical development of the region, have significant impact on political socialization and voting behavior. Local politics and local politicians also have some influence. At the same time, there are noticable differences between individual municipalities and regions representing different party families.
STUDENT ASSESSMENT AND MISCONCEPTIONS OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS: A NOTION OF SHIFTING PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Nasution Mustafa Kamal
Published: January 2020

Photosynthesis topic is as a compulsory topic ineducation typically in the second year of secondary high school. There is perception of some students that the photosynthesis topic is difficult to learn by student. This paper will clarify questions such as what assessment does mean, what student misconceptions in photosynthesis are, how teachers deal with student misconceptions, and last, why do teachers, school and curriculum need to change perspective in assessment. Based on the discussion, there are some parts that need to be reaffirmed. The teachers should not just recognize assessment as a formal paper, but in term of perspective and classroom instruction. It should be actualized in teaching-learning that there is no judgement of right and wrong for students in leaning.  Thus, dealing with student conception could be difficult for the teacher. The principal way is the teacher needs to be clear on the topic’s planning and negotiate the meaning of all representations used in the classroom. Changing the type of assessments does not just simply mean changing teaching strategies or having appropriate types of assessment tool, but it could be a powerful source when it is integrated in the curriculum.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Its Potential for Point-Of-Care Testing
Authors: Maikala Rammohan V
Published: January 2020

Point-of-care or ‘near-patient’ testing has received attention in recent years for its usefulness in rapid and reliable delivery of healthcare to a patient in a variety of clinical settings. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)-derived optical biomarkers (e.g., tissue oxygen saturation) have been utilized to monitor tissue vascularity and oxygenation status continuously in normal and patient populations. Despite its ease of use and modest cost, the NIRS modality is still not at point-of-care use in the healthcare sector as extensively as other physiological modalities such as Pulse Oximetry. This short communication examines the case for point-of-care testing with two examples of FDA-approved NIRS systems, and discusses the feasibility and implementation of the NIRS modality as a point-of-care technology.
Discrete-Event Simulation of the Establishment of a Bare Beachhead for Long-Term Joint Logistics over the Shore (JLOTS) Operations
Authors: Burrell Marqus , Demarest Jeffrey , LaRue Sarah , Martinez Angelo , Meyer Wilson
Published: January 2020

The United States military uses Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) operations to move soldiers, vehicles, and equipment across the globe for military and humanitarian missions. These logistics operations can only be accomplished through cooperation between commanders in all services.  The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center is developing a tool to analyze a set of early entry alternatives to optimize mission effectives and efficiencies in order to facilitate assured mobility and freedom of movement. This program is currently being developed under the name Planning Logistics Analysis Network System (PLANS). PLANS comprehensively covers air, land, and sea transportation infrastructure, regions of avoidance, and more. This research addresses a gap in strategic and operational planning by modeling the establishment of JLOTS operations on bare beach environments. The West Point developed discrete event simulation will determine the amount of time it takes to prepare a beach to sustain JLOTS operations under varying environmental and operational conditions.
Analysis of a Vendor Managed Consignment Inventory System with Kan-ban Withdrawals and Payment Delays
Authors: Ramrakhyani Ravi Kumar , Tootooni Mohammad Samie , Nagarur Nagen
Published: January 2020

Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) System with Consignment Inventory (CI) policy is a solution for many supply chain leaders in a highly competitive market. In this paper, totally eight different inventory supply chain models are studied. The profit function of supplier and manufacturer in different environments are compared in order to show the profitability of the overall supply chain management system in a manufacturing industry with different time horizons. The inventory systems are applied on a supply chain consisting of a single supplier and a manufacturer. The main focus of this study is to analyze the effect of payment deferral and the time value of money in push and pull (Kanban) manufacturing systems when VMI-CI policy is applied.
Foreword by Guest Editor LTC James H. Schreiner, PhD, PMP, CPEM
Authors: Schreiner James
Published: January 2020

This special issue of the Industrial and Systems Engineering Review highlights top papers from the 2019 annual General Donald R. Keith memorial capstone conference held at the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY. Following careful review of 48 academic paper submissions, eight were selected for publication in this journal. Each paper incorporated features of systems or industrial engineering and presented detailed and reflective analysis in the topic. Three general bodies of knowledge in the papers include: systems engineering and decision analysis, modeling and simulation, and artificial intelligence
Systems Engineering and Decision Analysis topics included three unique contributions. The work of Flanick et al. examined adaptability in Hyper-Enabled Operator systems and recommended how each technology might address capability gaps for special operations forces. Wilby et al. employed a scalable predictive statistical model for decision support to significant work package prioritization for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers nationally significant inland waterway infrastructure. Contributions by Shi et al. employed value focused thinking and a robust cost model to enable decision quality for PM Cargo CH-47 technologies.
Modeling and Simulation works also included three unique contributions. Recognized as ‘best paper’ at the 2019 conference, work by Cooley et al. developed a senior leader engagement model using sparse K-means clustering techniques to greatly improve the planning and execution for AFRICOM leadership. Lovell et al. employed robust military simulation models to evaluate and propose solutions Soldier Search and Target Acquisition protocols. Work by Drake et al. employed vehicle Routing Problem simulation software to enhance United Health Services material handling challenges across NY State thus enabling quality optimization choices.
Finally, two unique contributions in artificial intelligence examined key text mining technologies. Shi et al. employed text mining and Latent Dirichlet Allocation modeling to derive insights through trends and clustering narratives on U.S. Army Officer Evaluation Reports and describe success. Similarly, text mining techniques by Senft et al. helped to examine and show similarities in success narratives across genders thus providing valuable insights for promotion boards.
Congratulation to the 2019 undergraduate scholars and all authors who provided valuable contributions through thoughtful and steadfast intellectual efforts to their fields of study!

LTC James H. Schreiner, PhD, PMP, CPEM
Director, Operations Research Center
Department of Systems Engineering
United States Military Academy
Mahan Hall, Bldg 752, Room 305
West Point, NY 10996, USA
james.schreiner@westpoint.edu
Utility to the Nation: An Investment Strategy for our Inland Waterways
Authors: Wilby Bridget , Asberry Jordan , Griffith-James Juwan , Houle Jason , Schreiner James
Published: January 2020

USACE Institute for Water Resources (IWR) supplies forward-looking research and analysis to the Civil Works program. IWR investigates navigation of inland waterways across the United States and collects data. The data produced by the Navigation Investment Model (NIM) is not extensively used as an institutionally accepted norm to facilitate evaluation and decision making of infrastructure work packages. This research will present a new method for assessing work packages using a Utility to the Region and Nation (U2RN) metric which complements existing heuristic approaches with predictive data analysis techniques. Application of the new methodology will show how prioritization of work packages would significantly change when using data, and when applying a Monte Carlo simulation to determine future states. This paper provides a framework for waterborne investment that can be applied to the entire inland waterway and deep-sea infrastructure.
Effect of Tibial Tunnel Dilation on Pullout Strength of Semitendinosus-Gracilis Graft in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Cain E Lyle , Phillips Barry B , Charlebois Steven J , Azar Frederick M
Published: January 2020

abstract

This biomechanical cadaver study evaluated the effect of tibial tunnel dilation on the pullout strength of semitendinosus and gracilis tendon grafts in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Fourteen grafts were harvested, and the anterior cruciate ligament was reconstructed in the tibial and femoral tunnels. All femoral tunnels were reamed to the diameter of the graft. In seven knees, the tibial tunnels were reamed to the diameter of the graft. In the remaining seven knees, the tibial tunnels were reamed 2 mm smaller than the diameter of the graft and then serially dilated to the graft size using cannulated smooth dilators. Mechanical testing to graft failure was conducted. All grafts failed by graft pullout from the tibial tunnel. However, mean peak load was significantly higher for the dilated tibial specimens (616±263 N) than for the reamed specimens (453±197 N) (P= .0025).
Estimating Visual Quality from Wavefront Aberration Measurements
Authors: Cheng Xu , Thibos Larry N , Bradley Arthur
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Root mean square (RMS) wavefront error may not be the best metric for predicting a patient's visual function; other metrics should be considered. We describe the most important metrics of optical quality, which are being investigated to predict vision quality and visual performance.

METHODS: Optical quality can be described in two different ways. Pupil plane metrics describe variability of the wavefront error at the pupillary plane (eg, RMS wavefront error). Image plane metrics describe the retinal image and do so for either a point source of light (eg, point-spread function [PSFl) or sinusoidal gratings (optical transfer function [OTFl). Visual quality metrics, however, must also consider neural processing and subjective perception.

RESULTS: Since vision is more sensitive to rays coming from the center of the pupil, "pupil fraction" appears to be a better predictor of visual acuity (r
p 2
= 0.50) than RMS error (r
p 2
= 0.13). However, image plane metrics, such as the visual Strehl ratio (r
p 2
= 0.62) and the volume between the optical transfer function and neural contrast sensitivity function (r
p 2
= 0.80) appear to be even better.

CONCLUSION: Visual perception is highly subjective and involves many aspects of image quality. A single metric to describe all aspects of image quality may be unrealistic. Nevertheless, improved visual quality metrics need further investigation and will likely involve preferential weighing of light passing through the central area of the pupil and/or incorporating neural factors into image quality computation. [J Refract Surg 2003;19: S579-S584]
Electromagnetic radiation and inertial forces
Authors: Elektronov Nasko , Kushev Zhivko
Published: January 2020

The influence of the Coriolis inertial force generated by the orbital and spin motions of distant objects on the electromagnetic radiation energies during the exchange of photons between such objects has been considered. A red or blue spectral shift occurrence in a passive observation
mode that is not associated with the Doppler effect or other known effects has also been shown. The relations found are used to calculate the spectral shifts for several nearby stars from our galaxy, as well as the spectral shifts of several galaxies. The results are close to the values currently
observed.
Study of Motives of Indian Strategic Alliances
Authors: Jumle Vihang Vivek , Bhattacharyya Som Sekhar
Published: January 2020

Strategic Alliances (SAs) have been formed by firms to attain strategic objectives which alone firms were unable to secure. Typically, firms formed SAs to gain market share or to seek innovation and research and development capabilities form the partnering firm. In the extant literature, market seeking SAs have been viewed as defensive while innovation and research and development capabilities seeking SAs as an aggressive strategy. In this research, the authors conducted a study of 165 strategic alliances cases in the Indian business scenario to study the motives of SAs. This study classified SAs formed by the top 50 firms listed on India's National Stock Exchange (NSE) (NIFTY50 index) into different categories. Inferences and findings have been drawn using content analysis of the available dataset. It was observed that, out of the 165 unique cases of SAs, a substantial number of SAs could be classified as ‘business alliances' focusing on the market seeking from the alliance partner.
Dynamics in Implementation of Public Private Partnerships
Authors: Baporikar Neeta
Published: January 2020

Governments all over the world play a crucial role in the development of infrastructure and the provision of basic services to the citizens. With increasing population, urbanization, other developmental needs, the governments' ability to address public needs through traditional means is severely constrained. Due to this, new approaches and forms are being sought after and one such is through contractual agreements with the private sector commonly referred to as a public-private partnership (PPP). A PPP is a contractual agreement involving the private sector in the delivery of public services. PPP formations are effected by government support, economic uncertainties, market readiness, and organizational factors. Adopting a mixed methods approach, the primary data was collected through questionnaires, interviews, and secondary data from published reports and documents the objective was to explore the dynamics in the implementation of PPP agreements with focus on Namibia and enhance the knowledge to enable the government and private entities in dealing well with these factors.
Does Contract Farming Enhance Income of Farmers? Evidence in Tea Production of Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Anh Tru
Published: January 2020

Purpose: The theme of effects of contract farming on income of farmers has been strongly debated by scholars in recent years, especially in developing countries. This article attempts to investigate the influence of contract farming on the income of farmers in tea production in Phu Tho province of Vietnam. Research Method: Primary data for the study is gathered by a cross-sectional survey on 358 tea farmers in five districts of Phu Tho province between March and June 2016. Propensity score matching is employed to assess effects of contract participation on income of tea farmers in Phu Tho province, Vietnam. Findings: Our results suggest that contract farming can have a minor positive impact on farmers’ incomes. The average income of contracted farmers is found to be higher than that of their counterparts by about US$720 per year. Due to this small difference of income, contract farming plays an important role in procuring leaf tea, stabilising prices of leaf tea and generating employment rather than enhancing income for tea farmers. Originality/value: The research contributes to the empirical work by providing an evidence on influences of contract farming on income of tea farmers as well as re-examining the importance of contract farming to improving livelihood of tea farmers in Phu Tho province, Vietnam.
Allergin-1 Immunoreceptor Suppresses House Dust Mite–Induced Allergic Airway Inflammation
Authors: Miki Haruka , Tahara-Hanaoka Satoko , Almeida Mariana Silva , Hitomi Kaori , Shibagaki Shohei , Kanemaru Kazumasa , Lin Yu-Hsien , Iwata Kanako , Miyake Shota , Shibayama Shiro , Sumida Takayuki , Shibuya Kazuko , Shibuya Akira
Published: January 2020

House dust mite (HDM) allergens are leading causes of allergic asthma characterized by Th2 responses. The lung-resident CD11b+ dendritic cells (DCs) play a key role in Th2 cell development in HDM-induced allergic asthma. However, the regulatory mechanism of HDM-induced CD11b+ DC activation remains incompletely understood. In this study, we demonstrate that mice deficient in an inhibitory immunoreceptor, Allergin-1, showed exacerbated HDM-induced airway eosinophilia and serum IgE elevation. By using bone marrow–chimeric mice that were sensitized with adoptively transferred HDM-stimulated wild-type or Allergin-1–deficient CD11b+ bone marrow–derived cultured DCs (BMDCs), followed by challenge with HDM, we show that Allergin-1 on the BMDCs suppressed HDM-induced allergic airway inflammation. We also show that Allergin-1 suppressed HDM-induced PGE2 production from CD11b+ BMDCs by inhibiting Syk tyrosine kinase activation through recruitment of SHP-1, subsequently leading to negative regulation of Th2 responses. These results suggest that Allergin-1 plays an important role in regulation of HDM-induced allergic airway inflammation.
Type II but Not Type I IFN Signaling Is Indispensable for TLR7-Promoted Development of Autoreactive B Cells and Systemic Autoimmunity
Authors: Chodisetti Sathi Babu , Fike Adam J. , Domeier Phillip P. , Singh Harinder , Choi Nicholas M. , Corradetti Chelsea , Kawasawa Yuka Imamura , Cooper Timothy K. , Caricchio Roberto , Rahman Ziaur S. M.
Published: January 2020

TLR7 is associated with development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Although TLRs are known to activate type I IFN (T1IFN) signaling, the role of T1IFN and IFN-γ signaling in differential regulation of TLR7-mediated Ab-forming cell (AFC) and germinal center (GC) responses, and SLE development has never been directly investigated. Using TLR7-induced and TLR7 overexpression models of SLE, we report in this study a previously unrecognized indispensable role of TLR7-induced IFN-γ signaling in promoting AFC and GC responses, leading to autoreactive B cell and SLE development. T1IFN signaling in contrast, only modestly contributed to autoimmune responses and the disease process in these mice. TLR7 ligand imiquimod treated IFN-γ reporter mice show that CD4+ effector T cells including follicular helper T (Tfh) cells are the major producers of TLR7-induced IFN-γ. Transcriptomic analysis of splenic tissues from imiquimod-treated autoimmune-prone B6.Sle1b mice sufficient and deficient for IFN-γR indicates that TLR7-induced IFN-γ activates multiple signaling pathways to regulate TLR7-promoted SLE. Conditional deletion of Ifngr1 gene in peripheral B cells further demonstrates that TLR7-driven autoimmune AFC, GC and Tfh responses and SLE development are dependent on IFN-γ signaling in B cells. Finally, we show crucial B cell-intrinsic roles of STAT1 and T-bet in TLR7-driven GC, Tfh and plasma cell differentiation. Altogether, we uncover a nonredundant role for IFN-γ and its downstream signaling molecules STAT1 and T-bet in B cells in promoting TLR7-driven AFC, GC, and SLE development whereas T1IFN signaling moderately contributes to these processes.
Therapeutic Targeting of Vasculature in the Premetastatic and Metastatic Niches Reduces Lung Metastasis
Authors: Ghouse Shanawaz M. , Vadrevu Surya K. , Manne Sasikanth , Reese Britney , Patel Jalpa , Patel Bhaumik , Silwal Ashok , Lodhi Niraj , Paterson Yvonne , Srivastava Sanjay K. , Karbowniczek Magdalena , Markiewski Maciej M.
Published: January 2020

In the metastasis-targeted organs, angiogenesis is essential for the progression of dormant micrometastases to rapidly growing and clinically overt lesions. However, we observed changes suggesting angiogenic switching in the mouse lungs prior to arrival of tumor cells (i.e., in the premetastatic niche) in the models of breast carcinoma. This angiogenic switching appears to be caused by myeloid-derived suppressor cells recruited to the premetastatic lungs through complement C5a receptor 1 signaling. These myeloid cells are known to secrete several proangiogenic factors in tumors, including IL-1β and matrix metalloproteinase-9, and we found upregulation of these genes in the premetastatic lungs. Blockade of C5a receptor 1 synergized with antiangiogenic Listeria monocytogenes–based vaccines to decrease the lung metastatic burden by reducing vascular density and improving antitumor immunity in the lungs. This was mediated even when growth of primary breast tumors was not affected by these treatments. This work provides initial evidence that angiogenesis contributes to the premetastatic niche in rapidly progressing cancers and that inhibiting this process through immunotherapy is beneficial for reducing or even preventing metastasis.
An interesting case of atypical venous thrombosis with low red blood cells
Authors: Chiariello Giuseppe , Cavallaro Raimondo , Covetti Giuseppe , Pisano Maria Carla Attilia , Schettini Antonella , D'Aniello Tiziana , Nappo Rossella , Aliberti Emilio , Iannuzzi Arcangelo
Published: January 2020

Sex: F Age: 65 years. Recent abdominal colic. Petechial-like manifestations with painful discolored skin lesions (suggestive of dermal veins thromboses) on the chest and abdomen. Blood levels of glucose, electrolytes, amylase, lipase, total protein, renal-function tests, the prothrombin time, the international normalized ratio, the partial-thromboplastin time and albumin were normal. Laboratory testing revealed hemolytic anemia: red cells 2.94×106/UL; hemoglobin 8.9 g/dL; lactate dehydrogenase 950 IU/L. Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis performed after the administration of intravenous contrast material, revealed a central filling defect in the hepatic veins and their branches that was compatible with acute thrombosis of the hepatic veins and their branches. It was suspected paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria for which flow cytometric analysis was requested.
Is MRI diffusion-weighted imaging a reliable tool for the diagnosis and posttherapeutic follow-up of extremity soft tissue neoplasms?
Authors: Moustafa Amr Farouk Ibrahim , Eldaly Mai Maher , Zeitoun Rania , Shokry Ahmed
Published: January 2020

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of using quantitative diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mapping in the initial diagnosis and post-therapeutic follow-up of extremity soft tissue masses. Patients and Methods: This study included 90 patients with extremity soft tissue masses. The DWI was obtained with 3 b values, including 0, 400, and 800 s/mm2. Calculation of the ADC value of the lesion was done by placing the region of interest (ROI) to include the largest area of the lesion. ADC values were compared with the histopathology. Eighteen patients had posttherapeutic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results: Benign masses, fibromatosis, and malignant soft tissue masses had mean ADC values of 1.18 ± 1.0191 × 10−3 mm2/s; 1.31 ± 0.245 × 10−3 mm2/sec; and 1.3 ± 0.7 × 10−3 mm2/s, respectively. Myxomatous malignant masses had an ADC value of 2.6 ± 0.55 × 10−3 mm2/s, while nonmyxomatous malignant masses had an ADC value of 1.1 ± 0.8 × 10−3 mm2/s. ADC cutoff value between benign and non-benign (including malignant and locally aggressive masses) was 0.6 × 10−3 mm2/sec with 98.3% sensitivity and 50% specificity (P = 0.5123). The statistical difference between malignant soft tissue masses (mean ADC 1.309 ± 0.723 × 10−3 mm2/s) and fibromatosis masses (mean ADC value 1.31 ± 0.245 × 10−3 mm2/s) using a comparative T-test proved to be of poor significance level (P value ~ 0.9757). Nine patients with soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) had pre and post-therapeutic MRI examinations showing a mean increase of the recorded ADC values by about 0.28 × 10−3 mm2/s in the post-therapy study as compared with the recorded initial pretreatment values. Analysis of the post-therapy follow-up studies of fibromatosis showed that lesions with favorable response to chemotherapy or radiotherapy (8/12) exhibited significantly lower ADC values than those showing progressive disease course. Conclusion: DWI with ADC mapping of extremity soft tissue tumors are so complicated that they alone may not be of much value in differentiating between benign and malignant tumors; however, it can be used as a tool for monitoring response to treatment.
Role of ADC values in assessing clinical response and identifying residual disease post-chemo radiation in uterine cervix cancer
Authors: Jajodia Ankush , Mahawar Vivek , Chaturvedi Arvind K , Rao Avinash , Singla Rishu , Mitra Swarupa , Goyal Sumit , Kesan Sikha , Pasricha Sunil , Maheshwari Udip , Tripathi Rupal , Koyyala Venkata Pradeep Babu
Published: January 2020

Objectives: To evaluate the role of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in assessing response after chemo-radiotherapy in cervix cancer and investigate the utility of ADC as a tool to identify residual disease, after the treatment completion. Methods: A prospective study was done in 100 patients with histopathologically proven cancer of uterine cervix who were classified as either complete response (CR) or residual disease posttreatment. MRI was done pretreatment and after 6 weeks post-treatment with chemo-radiation. 53 patients among the cohort also underwent a fluoro-deoxy glucose positron-emission computed tomography (FDG-PET CT). ADC values, change in ADC values, and metabolic activity obtained from FDG-PET CT were correlated with clinical outcome, and statistical analysis was done to determine the better tool for assessing response evaluation between ADC and PET-CT. Results: Residual lesions have notably lower ADC value than that of posttreatment changes. The mean ADC values of residual tumors: 1.26 ± 0.238 × 10−3 mm2/s and mean ADC values of lesions due to posttreatment changes: 1.540 ± 0.218 × 10−3 mm2/s (statistically significant difference between malignant and posttreatment lesions, P < 0.05). ADC has 67% sensitivity, 83% specificity, 35% positive predictive values (PPV), 95% negative predictive values (NPV), and 81% accuracy in differentiating residual disease from post treatment changes. PPV, NPV, sensitivity, and specificity with PET-CT were 93%, 89%, 98%, and 73%, respectively. PPV, NPV, sensitivity, and specificity of contrast MRI were 16%, 91%, 58%, and 59%, respectively. Conclusion: Diffusion imaging differentiates residual cervix malignancies from post treatment changes based on ADC values and can be a promising and evocative biomarker. Complimentary use of ADC and PET/CT may increase diagnostic confidence.
Prenatally diagnosed case of tricuspid valve dysplasia: A case report with review of the literature
Authors: Agarwal Prateek , Agarwal Rajesh
Published: January 2020

We present a case of fetal tricuspid valve dysplasia (TVD) and pulmonary atresia, diagnosed during a routine obstetric ultrasound scan. Serial fetal echocardiographic evaluations revealed progressively augmented prodigious thickening of the tricuspid valvular and subvalvular structures, which eventually extensively obliterated the right ventricle cavity. Thickened dysplastic valve displayed a “cotton-wool” appearance. Unusual configurations of three vessels in the three-vessel view were also observed on a consecutive gray scale and color Doppler scans. During pregnancy, the fetus exhibited satisfactory growth parameters, and complications of progressive hemodynamic compromise associated with TVD and pulmonary atresia such as grievous hydrops or arrhythmia did not develop till 39 weeks of gravidity.
Neonatal hypoxic encephalopathy: Correlation between post-cooling brain MRI findings and 2 years neurodevelopmental outcome
Authors: Mohammed Rusli Emilia Rosniza , Ismail Juriza , Wei Wong Saw , Ishak Shareena , Jaafar Rohana , Zaki Faizah Mohd
Published: January 2020

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain patterns among hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) babies who underwent post-cooling MRI brain as well as to correlate the post-cooling brain scoring with patient’s neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years. Subjects and Methods: It was a retrospective cross sectional study carried out at a tertiary university hospital. Record of patients diagnosed with neonatal HIE from 2007 until 2016 who completed 72 h of cooling therapy and had MRI brain within 2 weeks of life were included in this study. A new scoring system by Trivedi et al. that emphasizes on subcortical deep gray matter and posterior limb internal capsule injury were utilized upon MRI assessment, using TW, T2W, and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) sequences. Cumulative MRI brain score was obtained and graded as none, mild, moderate, and severe brain injury. The MRI brain scoring was then correlated with patient’s 2 years neurodevelopmental outcome using Fisher’s Exact Test. Results: A total of 23 patients were eligible of which 19 term neonates were included. 13% of these neonates (n = 3) had mild MRI brain injury grading with 52.2% (n = 12) moderate and 34.8% (n = 8) severe. There was no significant correlation seen between MRI brain grading and developmental outcome at 2 years old (P > 0.05). Conclusion: There was no significant correlation between neonatal MRI brain injury grading and 2 years neurodevelopmental outcome. Nevertheless, the new MRI brain scoring by Trivedi et al. is reproducible and comprehensive as it involves various important brain structures, assessed from different MRI sequences.
Interannual variability and trends of combustion aerosol and dust in major continental outflows revealed by MODIS retrievals and CAM5 simulations during 2003–2017
Authors: Yu Hongbin , Yang Yang , Wang Hailong , Tan Qian , Chin Mian , Levy Robert C. , Remer Lorraine A. , Smith Steven J. , Yuan Tianle , Shi Yingxi
Published: January 2020

Abstract. Emissions and long-range transport of mineral dust and
combustion-related aerosol from burning fossil fuels and biomass vary from
year to year, driven by the evolution of the economy and changes in
meteorological conditions and environmental regulations. This study offers
both satellite and model perspectives on the interannual variability and
possible trends of combustion aerosol and dust in major continental outflow
regions over the past 15 years (2003–2017). The decade-long record of
aerosol optical depth (AOD, denoted as τ), separately for combustion
aerosol (τc) and dust (τd), over global oceans is
derived from the Collection 6 aerosol products of the Moderate Resolution
Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) onboard both Terra and Aqua. These
MODIS Aqua datasets, complemented by aerosol source-tagged simulations using
the Community Atmospheric Model version 5 (CAM5), are then analyzed to
understand the interannual variability and potential trends of τc
and τd in the major continental outflows. Both MODIS and CAM5
consistently yield a similar decreasing trend of −0.017 to −0.020 per decade for τc over the North Atlantic Ocean and the
Mediterranean Sea that is attributable to reduced emissions from North
America and Europe, respectively. On the contrary, both MODIS and CAM5
display an increasing trend of +0.017 to +0.036 per decade for
τc over the tropical Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal, and the
Arabian Sea, which reflects the influence of increased anthropogenic
emissions from South Asia and the Middle East in the last 2 decades. Over the
northwestern Pacific Ocean, which is often affected by East Asian emissions of
pollution and dust, the MODIS retrievals show a decreasing trend of −0.021 per decade for τc and −0.012 per decade for τd, which is, however, not reproduced by the CAM5 model. In other outflow
regions strongly influenced by biomass burning smoke or dust, both MODIS
retrievals and CAM5 simulations show no statistically significant trends;
the MODIS-observed interannual variability is usually larger than that
of the CAM5 simulation.