bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arthroscopic Double-Row Transosseous Equivalent Rotator Cuff Repair with a Knotless Self-Reinforcing Technique
Authors: Mook William R. , Greenspoon Joshua A. , Millett Peter J.
Published: July 2016

Background:

Rotator cuff tears are a significant cause of shoulder morbidity. Surgical techniques for repair have evolved to optimize the biologic and mechanical variables critical to tendon healing. Double-row repairs have demonstrated superior biomechanical advantages to a single-row.

Methods:

The preferred technique for rotator cuff repair of the senior author was reviewed and described in a step by step fashion. The final construct is a knotless double row transosseous equivalent construct.

Results:

The described technique includes the advantages of a double-row construct while also offering self reinforcement, decreased risk of suture cut through, decreased risk of medial row overtensioning and tissue strangulation, improved vascularity, the efficiency of a knotless system, and no increased risk for subacromial impingement from the burden of suture knots.

Conclusion:

Arthroscopic knotless double row rotator cuff repair is a safe and effective method to repair rotator cuff tears.
Patch-Augmented Rotator Cuff Repair and Superior Capsule Reconstruction
Authors: Petri M. , Greenspoon J.A. , Moulton S.G. , Millett P.J.
Published: July 2016

Background:

Massive rotator cuff tears in active patients with minimal glenohumeral arthritis remain a particular challenge for the treating surgeon.

Methods:

A selective literature search was performed and personal surgical experiences are reported.

Results:

For patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears, a reverse shoulder arthroplasty or a tendon transfer are often performed. However, both procedures have rather high complication rates and debatable long-term results, particularly in younger patients. Therefore, patch-augmented rotator cuff repair or superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) have been recently developed as arthroscopically applicable treatment options, with promising biomechanical and early clinical results.

Conclusion:

For younger patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears wishing to avoid tendon transfers or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, both patch-augmentation and SCR represent treatment options that may delay the need for more invasive surgery.
Non-Operative Management of Rotator Cuff Tears
Authors: Petri M. , Ettinger M. , Brand S. , Stuebig T. , Krettek C. , Omar M.
Published: July 2016

Background:

The role of nonoperative management for rotator cuff tears remains a matter of debate. Clinical results reported in the literature mainly consist of level IV studies, oftentimes combining a mixed bag of tear sizes and configurations, and are contradictory to some extent.

Methods:

A selective literature search was performed and personal surgical experiences are reported.

Results:

Most studies show an overall success rate of around 75% for nonoperative treatment. However, the majority of studies also present a progression of tear size and fatty muscle infiltration over time, with however debatable clinical relevance for the patient. Suggested factors associated with progression of a rotator cuff tear are an age of 60 years or older, full-thickness tears, and fatty infiltration of the rotator cuff muscles at the time of initial diagnosis.

Conclusion:

Non-operative management is indicated for patients with lower functional demands and moderate symptoms, and/or of course for those refusing to have surgery.
Close routinely monitoring regarding development of tear size should be performed, especially in patients that remain symptomatic during nonoperative treatment.
To ensure judicious patient counseling, it has to be taken into account that 1) tears that are initially graded as reparable may become irreparable over time, and 2) results after secondary surgical therapy after failed nonoperative treatment are usually reported to be inferior to those who underwent primary tendon repair.
Párhuzamos technológiai és szervezeti innováció
Authors: Bőgel György , Krauth Péter
Published: July 2016

A számítógépes munkavégzés terjedésének köszönhetően az információs technológia fejlődése közvetlen és jelentős hatást gyakorol a vállalatok szervezeti-működési rendszerére. A technológiai és a szervezeti rendszerek fejlődésében megfigyelhető összefüggések és párhuzamosságok feltárásával számos kutatásiprogram foglalkozik, a jelen tanulmány is ezek körébe tartozik. A cikk első szakasza áttekintést ad az információs rendszerek fejlesztésénél használt szolgáltatásorientált architektúra (SOA) filozófiájáról és módszertanáról. A második szakasz bemutatja, hogy a vállalati szervezeti rendszerek fejlődésében hasonló irány figyelhető meg, vagyis a SOA-alapú gondolkodás egyáltalán nem áll messze a mai vállalatszervezési megoldásoktól. Végezetül a harmadik szakasz felvázolja a SOA-alapon működő vállalati szervezet működési modelljét, kitérve bevezetésének néhány fontosabb kérdésére is. Az eredmények alapvetően módszertani jellegűek, a szervezeti és az információs rendszer összehangolásának fontosságára, az abban rejlő lehetőségekre hívják fel a figyelmet. A cikk egy, a Magyar Posta Zrt. által kezdeményezett kutatásfejlesztési program első szakaszának lezárásaként készült. Journal of Economic Literature (JEL) kód: L14, L22, L86, M15
Nemzetközi felsőoktatási rangsorok – miért olyan jók a legjobbak?
Authors: Kiss Zsuzsanna
Published: July 2016

A tanulmány célja a nemzetközi felsőoktatási rangsorok összehasonlító elemzése. Az írás napjaink tudásgazdaságának átalakuló foglalkoztatási viszonyai közt az egyetemek szerepét, azok teljesítményétkívánja elemezni. Áttekintő képet próbál adni a globális felsőoktatási rangsorokról, azok módszertanáról, bemutatva készítésük előnyeit és nehézségeit, s javaslatokat fogalmaz meg a módszertanból adódótorzulások javítására. Részletes empirikus elemzést ad az országok ranglistákban elért eredményeiről, valamint három rangsor összehasonlításán keresztül teszteli azt a hipotézist, miszerint az angolanyanyelvű országok a módszertanból adódó sajátosságok miatt jobban teljesítenek, mert a kutatási eredmények mérésére használt adatbázisok elsősorban az angol nyelvű publikációkat és azok idézettségétveszik számításba, s a legrangosabb folyóiratok többsége is angol nyelvű. Journal of Economic Literature (JEL) kód: I21, P52
Az ügyfélcentrikus szervezeti kultúra fejlesztése: a Magyar Posta példája
Authors: Farkas Éva , Petrovics Mária
Published: July 2016

Esettanulmányunk egy szervezeti változásokkal, szervezeti innovációkkal foglalkozó kutatás keretei közé illeszkedik, a tudásigény megváltozását és a postai piac liberalizációja generálta változásokat vizsgálja a Magyar Posta Zrt-nél. A dolgozat elsősorban a hivatali szemlélet átalakulásának folyamatára, valamint az elvárt tudáskészlet összetételének módosulására koncentrál, illetve arra, milyen szervezeti változások segítették elő az ügyfélcentrikus szervezeti kultúra kialakulását. Az interjúk alapján azt mondhatjuk, hogy a „hivatalból szolgáltatóvá válás” folyamata a mai napig nem zárult le, viszont a munkavállalók körébenegyre inkább megfigyelhető az ügyfélcentrikus szemlélet. A vezetői szinteken egyelőre a hierarchia és a status quo megőrzésére több figyelmet fordítanak, mint a szervezeti kultúra új értékeinek képviseletére.

Journal of Economic Literature (JEL) kód: D23, M14
Feasibility and Outcomes of an Internet-Based Mindfulness Training Program: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kvillemo Pia , Brandberg Yvonne , Bränström Richard
Published: July 2016

Background

Interventions based on meditation and mindfulness techniques have been shown to reduce stress and increase psychological well-being in a wide variety of populations. Self-administrated Internet-based mindfulness training programs have the potential to be a convenient, cost-effective, easily disseminated, and accessible alternative to group-based programs.

Objective

This randomized controlled pilot trial with 90 university students in Stockholm, Sweden, explored the feasibility, usability, acceptability, and outcomes of an 8-week Internet-based mindfulness training program.

Methods

Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention (n=46) or an active control condition (n=44). Intervention participants were invited to an Internet-based 8-week mindfulness program, and control participants were invited to an Internet-based 4-week expressive writing program. The programs were automated apart from weekly reminders via email. Main outcomes in pre- and postassessments were psychological well-being and depression symptoms. To assess the participant’s experiences, those completing the full programs were asked to fill out an assessment questionnaire and 8 of the participants were interviewed using a semistructured interview guide. Descriptive and inferential statistics, as well as content analysis, were performed.

Results

In the mindfulness program, 28 out of 46 students (60%) completed the first week and 18 out of 46 (39%) completed the full program. In the expressive writing program, 35 out of 44 students (80%) completed the first week and 31 out of 44 (70%) completed the full program. There was no statistically significantly stronger intervention effect for the mindfulness intervention compared to the active control intervention. Those completing the mindfulness group reported high satisfaction with the program. Most of those interviewed were satisfied with the layout and technique and with the support provided by the study coordinators. More frequent contact with study coordinators was suggested as a way to improve program adherence and completion. Most participants considered the program to be meaningful and helpful but also challenging. The flexibility in performing the exercises at a suitable time and place was appreciated. A major difficulty was, however, finding enough time to practice.

Conclusions

The program was usable, acceptable, and showed potential for increasing psychological well-being for those completing it. However, additional modification of the program might be needed to increase retention and compliance.

ClinicalTrial

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02062762; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT0206276 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6j9I5SGJ4)
Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Inhibitors and Clinical Outcomes in Adult Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Badve Sunil V. , Pascoe Elaine M. , Burke Michael , Clayton Philip A. , Campbell Scott B. , Hawley Carmel M. , Lim Wai H. , McDonald Stephen P. , Wong Germaine , Johnson David W.
Published: July 2016

Background and objectives

Emerging evidence from recently published observational studies and an individual patient data meta–analysis shows that mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor use in kidney transplantation is associated with increased mortality. Therefore, all-cause mortality and allograft loss were compared between use and nonuse of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors in patients from Australia and New Zealand, where mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor use has been greater because of heightened skin cancer risk.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Our longitudinal cohort study included 9353 adult patients who underwent 9558 kidney transplants between January 1, 1996 and December 31, 2012 and had allograft survival ≥1 year. Risk factors for all-cause death and all–cause and death–censored allograft loss were analyzed by multivariable Cox regression using mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor as a time-varying covariate. Additional analyses evaluated mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor use at fixed time points of baseline and 1 year.

Results

Patients using mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors were more likely to be white and have a history of pretransplant cancer. Over a median follow-up of 7 years, 1416 (15%) patients died, and 2268 (24%) allografts were lost. There was a higher risk of all-cause mortality with time–varying mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor use (hazard ratio, 1.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.23 to 1.76) as well as in the fixed time model analyses comparing mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor use at baseline (hazard ratio, 1.54; 95% confidence interval, 1.22 to 1.93) and 1 year (hazard ratio, 1.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.32 to 2.01). Time–varying mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor use was associated with higher risk of death because of malignancy (hazard ratio, 1.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.09 to 1.71). There were no statistically significant differences in the risk of all–cause (hazard ratio, 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.85 to 1.12) and death–censored (hazard ratio, 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.69 to 1.03) allograft loss between the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor use and nonuse groups in the time-varying model as well as the fixed time models.

Conclusions

Mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor use was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality but not allograft loss.
Renal Survival in Patients with Collapsing Compared with Not Otherwise Specified FSGS
Authors: Laurin Louis-Philippe , Gasim Adil M. , Derebail Vimal K. , McGregor JulieAnne G. , Kidd Jason M. , Hogan Susan L. , Poulton Caroline J. , Detwiler Randal K. , Jennette J. Charles , Falk Ronald J. , Nachman Patrick H.
Published: July 2016

Background and objectives

Idiopathic collapsing FSGS has historically been associated with poor renal outcomes. Minimal clinical data exist on the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy. Our study sought to provide a comprehensive description of renal survival in patients with collapsing and not otherwise specified FSGS after controlling for factors affecting renal prognosis.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

We performed a retrospective analysis of an inception cohort study of patients diagnosed between 1989 and 2012. All potential patients with collapsing FSGS fulfilling the inclusion criteria were identified and compared with patients with not otherwise specified FSGS (approximately 1:2 ratio) on the basis of biopsy report and record availability. Time to ESRD was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

In total, 187 patients were studied (61 collapsing and 126 not otherwise specified), with a mean follow-up of 96 months. At baseline, patients with collapsing FSGS had higher median proteinuria (12.2 [5.6–14.8] versus 4.4 [2.3–8.1] g/d, respectively; P<0.001), lower median albuminemia (2.4 [1.9–3.0] versus 2.9 [1.8–3.7] g/dl, respectively; P=0.12), and lower median eGFR (48 [26–73] versus 60 [42–92] ml/min per 1.73 m2, respectively; P=0.01) than patients with not otherwise specified FSGS. The proportion of patients with remission of proteinuria was similar in patients with collapsing FSGS and patients with not otherwise specified FSGS (65.7% [23 of 35] versus 63.2% [72 of 114], respectively; P=0.84). The overall renal outcome (ESRD defined as eGFR<15 ml/min per 1.73 m2, dialysis, or transplantation) of patients with collapsing FSGS was not poorer than that of patients with not otherwise specified FSGS in multivariate analyses after adjusting for baseline characteristics and immunotherapy (hazard ratio, 1.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.92 to 3.45).

Conclusions

Compared with not otherwise specified FSGS, idiopathic collapsing FSGS presented with more severe nephrotic syndrome and lower eGFR but had a similar renal survival after controlling for exposure to immunosuppressive treatment. These results highlight the importance of early diagnosis and institution of immunosuppressive therapy in patients with collapsing FSGS.
I Do (Sort of): Tax Planning Strategies for Same-Sex Couples in Common-Law Marriage States after Marriage Equality
Authors: Masselli John J. , Runkel Blanca L.
Published: July 2016

The U.S. Supreme Court, in Obergefell v. Hodges, ruled that the fundamental right to marry is constitutionally guaranteed to same-sex couples. However, neither this decision nor subsequent Treasury regulations specifically address common-law marriage (currently allowed in 11 states), the majority of which previously required marriage to be between opposite-sex couples. After Obergefell ruled such requirements unconstitutional, nine of those states modified their common-law statutes to include same-sex couples. Because the federal government has long recognized common-law marriage, this paper discusses prospective and retroactive income and wealth-transfer tax planning opportunities for eligible, common-law married, same-sex couples that qualify to file as married filing jointly for the current tax year and any open tax year for which they would have been considered common-law married. This manuscript presents a legal discussion, along with a variety of examples and tax planning strategies for same-sex couples in common-law marriage states.
Estimating the Safety Effects of Intersection Sight Distance at Unsignalized Intersections
Authors: Himes Scott , Eccles Kim , Peach Kara , Monsere Christopher M. , Gates Timothy J.
Published: July 2016

A gap acceptance crash is one of the most common types of multivehicle crashes at unsignalized intersections. Drivers’ gap acceptance is influenced by the intersection sight distance (ISD). Before this research, the relationship between ISD and safety (measured by crash frequency) at unsignalized intersections was not quantified. To establish this relationship, crash, traffic, and geometric data were collected from 832 two-lane minor unsignalized intersection approaches in North Carolina, Ohio, and Washington State. These intersections represent a range of volumes and major road geometrics (two-lane and four-lane undivided and divided) in urban and rural areas. The sites were selected for data collection independent of historical crash frequency. The data collection included field-measured ISD using a standardized method and an exploratory measure of ISD quality. For analysis of the data, a cross-sectional study design was used to quantify the relationship between safety and ISD. The results suggest that target crashes and target fatal and injury crashes are associated with available ISD, and ISD quality is related to safety performance. Moreover, the results suggest that the impact of ISD on target crashes and target fatal and injury crashes varies as a function of the major and minor road traffic volumes.
Relationship Between Geometric Design Features and Performance
Authors: Coakley Richard , Storm Richard , Neuman Tim
Published: July 2016

The purpose of geometric design is to provide the necessary three-dimensional framework for a road or highway to address the identified problems by providing the appropriate level of mobility or safety improvements for the road users. Geometric design involves the application of tools, methods, dimensions, and criteria. Dimensional and other design standards and criteria are a means to an end. The end is transportation performance, including mobility, accessibility, safety, and state of good repair. Every phase, methodology, and model developed and applied to highway design and highway design criteria should be objectively related to one or more measures of transportation performance. The implications of this guiding principle are threefold. First, the mentality of the designer must shift from a dimensional-based approach to a performance-based approach. Second, the traditional philosophical approach to design has been to treat minimum design criteria as adequate to produce the performance desired. Third, in traditional design practice, the goal has been to meet these standards or criteria rather than specifically to provide a given level of service and safety. This paper discusses an approach to design that focuses on the performance of the facility rather than on traditional dimensional-based standards.
Tree Planting and Clearing Guidance with Consideration of Minimized Crash Risk
Authors: Carrigan Christine E. , Johnson T. Olaf , Ray Malcolm H.
Published: July 2016

Improvement projects are increasingly introducing landscape elements to add aesthetic appeal to the projects. Though effective for improving aesthetics, the introduction of trees on the roadside may increase the risk of fatal or incapacitating crashes. In general, the goal of roadside design is to minimize, in so far as is practical, the chance of fatal or incapacitating injury crashes on the roadside. It may not be possible to minimize that risk to the level implied in AASHTO’s Roadside Design Guide while capturing the benefits provided by trees, but it is still desirable to understand the risk presented by the presence of trees and balance that risk with the aesthetic benefits. The widely adopted benefit–cost methods currently used in the Roadside Design Guide present a significant challenge with respect to the consideration of trees. Many purported benefits of trees have not been or cannot be quantified in dollars; this lack makes the traditional unit of measurement (i.e., dollars) in a benefit–cost analysis unavailable. This paper presents a quantitative approach for assessing the risk of fatal and incapacitating injuries presented by various tree spacing and offsets. This approach can be applied to any roadway where tree planting or removal is being considered, to quantify the risk of the current and proposed tree locations such that informed decisions can be made about the risk introduced by trees and whether the risks outweigh the benefits.
Upper Bound of Abutment Scour in Laboratory and Field Data
Authors: Benedict Stephen T.
Published: July 2016

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the South Carolina Department of Transportation, conducted a field investigation of abutment scour in South Carolina and used those data to develop envelope curves that define the upper bound of abutment scour. To expand on this previous work, an additional cooperative investigation was initiated to combine the South Carolina data with abutment scour data from other sources and evaluate upper bound patterns with this larger data set. To facilitate this analysis, 446 laboratory and 331 field measurements of abutment scour were compiled into a digital database. This extensive database was used to evaluate the South Carolina abutment scour envelope curves and to develop additional envelope curves that reflected the upper bound of abutment scour depth for the laboratory and field data. The envelope curves provide simple but useful supplementary tools for assessing the potential maximum abutment scour depth in the field setting.
Concurrence of chromosome 6 chromothripsis and glioblastoma metastasis
Authors: Rennert Robert C. , Hoshide Reid R. , Signorelli Jason W. , Amaro Deirdre , Sack Jayson A. , Brennan Cameron W. , Chen Clark C.
Published: July 2016

The authors report an unusual case of a widely metastatic glioblastoma. DNA copy number microarray profile of the resected specimen revealed complex rearrangements found throughout chromosome 6, a phenomenon known as chromothripsis. Such chromothripsis pattern was not observed in 50 nonmetastatic glioblastoma specimens analyzed. Analysis of the 1000+ gliomas profiled by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data set revealed one case of chromosome 6 chromothripsis resembling the case described here. This TCGA patient died within 6 months of undergoing tumor resection. Implications of these findings are reviewed in the context of the current literature.
Environmental Pollution by Traffic Noise in the City of Colombo, Sri Lanka
Authors: Nagodawithana Nandika S. , Pathmeswaran Arunasalam , Pannila Ananda S. , Wickramasinghe Ananda R. , Sathiakumar Nalini
Published: July 2016

Traffic noise levels in most cities of the world are higher than the recommended levels. Exposure to high levels of noise may cause adverse health effects such as ischemic heart diseases and noise induced hearing loss. We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine road traffic noise levels at 60 selected locations in the city of Colombo, Sri Lanka. On randomly selected days we measured equivalent continuous sound pressure level (LAeq) for six hours during the day. From these measurements LAeq for eight hours were calculated and used as the average noise level of a particular location. LAeq (8 hrs) within Colombo ranged 76.6 to 84.0 dB; well above the Sri Lankan recommendation of 63.0 dB (an increase of 13.3 to 21.0 dB), and the WHO recommendation of 55.0 dB (an increase of 21.6 to 29.0 dB). These levels translate into increase of sound pressure level by 21.4 to 794.3 times above the recommendations on the logarithmic scale of dB. Thirty-eight of 60 locations recorded levels more than 80.0 dB. Road traffic noise levels in Colombo were well above the recommended levels. Though the increase in measured decibels might not appear to be too high, in reality this translates into an increase manifold times in the sound pressure level that reaches the ear.
Reverse Osmosis Desalination Performance Using Artificial Neural Network Approach with Optimization
Authors: Virapan S. , Saravanane R. , Murugaiyan V.
Published: July 2016

Reverse osmosis (RO) has found extensive usage in the fields of desalination and pollution control. The intention of the proposed work is to predict the thermal efficiency and average flux in RO process using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) with optimization process. These prediction processes initially optimize the network structure hidden layer and hidden neuron using different training algorithms and get the better network structure. For improving the prediction accuracy of RO in ANN process different optimization techniques are used. The optimal hidden layer and neuron attained in hybridization of GA and PSO technique based predict the parameters. From the results the ANN training algorithm predicts the error accuracy in LM and also in HA technique 75.2% and 89.25% respectively in this work compared to the GA and PSO techniques.
In vitro alterations of erythrocyte aggregation by action of Trichinella spiralis newborn larvae
Authors: de León Patricia Ponce , Martín Toderi , Horacio Castellini , Bibiana Riquelme
Published: July 2016

Possible changes in the erythrocyte membrane, by in vitro interaction with newborn larvae of T. spiralis (NL), were evaluated analyzing the alterations in erythrocyte aggregation by digital image analysis and laser transmission in a new optical chip aggregometer. NL were obtained from CBi mice infected with T. spiralis. RBCs samples from healthy donors where in vitro exposed to NL (concentration (3000 ± 500) larvae/mL) to assess its effect on RBC aggregation. Individual cell Coefficient ( C CA) and aggregation parameter (S) were calculated by digitally processing RBC aggregate images, indicating the amount and size of the erythrocyte aggregates present. Also, size distribution of aggregate was analyzed. Kinetic aggregation parameters (Amp750 and t1/2) were calculated with a new optical chip aggregometer. Results show significant alterations in erythrocyte aggregability due the in vitro action of T. spiralis larvae increasing incubation time. These results are possibly related to the loss of surface sialic acid as it is captured by NL. Obtained results suggest that NL could produce hemorheological alterations in the host, which could be related to thrombosis and anemia reported in some patients with trichinosis.
The effect of Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) on \textit{ex vivo} activation of human leukocytes
Authors: Basyreva Liliya Yu , Brodsky Ilya B. , Gusev Alexander A. , Zhapparova Olga N. , Mikhalchik Elena V. , Gusev Sergey A. , Shor Dana Ben-Ami , Dahan Shani , Blank Miri , Shoenfeld Yehuda
Published: July 2016

INTRODUCTION:

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been widely used to treat various conditions, including inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. IVIG has been shown to have a direct influence on neutrophils, eosinophils and lymphocytes. However, many aspects IVIG's effect on neutrophils activation still remain unknown.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the effect of IVIG on PMA-induced activation of neutrophils, with and without priming with TNF-α, in a series of in vitro experiments performed on whole blood.

RESULTS:

Our data coincided with well-known literature indicating that the effect of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) on human leukocytes includes activation of neutrophils, monocytes and eosinophils, increase of chemiluminescence (CL) and induction of netosis, resulting in assembly of traps. In presence of IVIG (10 mg/mL), CL was reduced by 25% in response to PMA compared to PMA-induced leukocyte activation without IVIG. Decreasing IVIG concentration to 1 mg/mL and below did not inhibit PMA-induced activation of CL. PMA-induced activation after TNF-α priming resulted in approximately 50% increase of amplitude of CL response to PMA. Moreover, maximum CL was reached by minute 5, which was more rapid than in the absence of TNF-α-priming(in this case maximum CL was reached by minute 15). The IVIG concentrations did not affect morphological changes of leukocytes after sequential addition of TNF-α and PMA. IVIG had no effect on leukocyte content and on PMA-induced CL of primed leukocytes. Addition of IVIG under TNF-α priming significantly increased the number of traps in the smears in response to PMA activation. Of note, such an increase in the number of traps was depended on the IVIG concentration in plasma.

CONCLUSION:

In conclusion, we suggest that IVIG is able to reduce the degradation of traps under priming with TNF-α. Moreover, IVIG might switch the activation of primed leukocytes to netosis.
Interior tomographic imaging of mouse heart in a carbon nanotube micro-CT
Authors: Gong Hao , Liu Rui , Yu Hengyong , Lu Jianping , Zhou Otto , Kan Lijuan , He Jia-Qiang , Cao Guohua
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND: The relatively high radiation dose from micro-CT is a cause for concern in preclinical research involving animal subjects. Interior region-of-interest (ROI) imaging was proposed for dose reduction, but has not been experimentally applied in micro-CT.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim is to implement interior ROI imaging in a carbon nanotube (CNT) x-ray source based micro-CT, and present the ROI image quality and radiation dose reduction for interior cardiac micro-CT imaging of a mouse heart in situ.

METHODS: An aperture collimator was mounted at the source-side to induce a small-sized cone beam (10 mm width) at the isocenter. Interior in situ micro-CT scans were conducted on a mouse carcass and several micro-CT phantoms. A GPU-accelerated hybrid iterative reconstruction algorithm was employed for volumetric image reconstruction. Radiation dose was measured for the same system operated at the interior and global micro-CT modes.

RESULTS: Visual inspection demonstrated comparable image quality between two scan modes. Quantitative evaluation demonstrated high structural similarity index (up to 0.9614) with improved contrast-noise-ratio (CNR) on interior micro-CT mode. Interior micro-CT mode yielded significant reduction (up to 83.9%) for dose length product (DLP).

CONCLUSIONS: This work demonstrates the applicability of using CNT x-ray source based interior micro-CT for preclinical imaging with significantly reduced radiation dose.
A simulation study investigating a Cherenkov material for use with the prompt gamma range verification in proton therapy
Authors: Lau Andy , Ahmad Salahuddin , Chen Yong
Published: July 2016

In vivo range verification methods will reveal information about the penetration depth into a patient for an incident proton beam. The prompt gamma (PG) method is a promising in vivo technique that has been shown to yield this range information by measuring the escaping MeV photons given a suitable detector system. The majority of current simulations investigating PG detectors utilize common scintillating materials ideal for photons within a low neutron background radiation field using complex geometries or novel designs. In this work we simulate a minimal detector system using a material ideal for MeV photon detection in the presence of a significant neutron field based on the Cherenkov phenomenon. The response of this selected material was quantified for the escaping particles commonly found in proton therapy applications and the feasibility of using the PG technique for this detector material was studied. Our simulations found that the majority of the range information can be determined by detecting photons emitted with a timing window less than ∼50 ns after the interaction of the proton beam with the water phantom and with an energy threshold focusing on the energy range of the de-excitation of 16O photons (∼6 MeV). The Cherenkov material investigated is able to collect these photons and estimate the range with timescales on the order of tens of nanoseconds as well as greatly suppress the signal due to neutron.
A mixed reality approach for stereo-tomographic quantification of lung nodules
Authors: Chen Mianyi , Kalra Mannudeep K. , Yun Wenbing , Cong Wenxiang , Yang Qingsong , Nguyen Terry , Wei Biao , Wang Ge
Published: July 2016

To reduce the radiation dose and the equipment cost associated with lung CT screening, in this paper we propose a mixed reality based nodule measurement method with an active shutter stereo imaging system. Without involving hundreds of projection views and subsequent image reconstruction, we generated two projections of an iteratively placed ellipsoidal volume in the field of view and merging these synthetic projections with two original CT projections. We then demonstrated the feasibility of measuring the position and size of a nodule by observing whether projections of an ellipsoidal volume and the nodule are overlapped from a human observer’s visual perception through the active shutter 3D vision glasses. The average errors of measured nodule parameters are less than 1 mm in the simulated experiment with 8 viewers. Hence, it could measure real nodules accurately in the experiments with physically measured projections.
An All-InkJet Printed Bending Actuator with Embedded Sensing Feature and an Electromagnetic Driving Mechanism
Authors: Andò Bruno , Marletta Vincenzo
Published: July 2016

Bending actuators are key elements in many application fields. This paper presents an InkJet Printed actuator embedding an electromagnetic driving mechanism and a resistive sensing strategy. The lateral actuation range of the device is in the order of few millimeters, while it can exert forces in the order up to 375 µN. A deep characterization of the device is presented which reveals good performance of the lab-scale prototype developed both in the static and dynamic regime. In particular, the responsivity is found to be a function of the magnetic field used to actuate the beam. Specifically, responsivities of 43.5 × 10−3 m/A, 28.3 × 10−3 m/A and 19.5 × 10−3 m/A have been estimated in the static condition in the case of magnetic fields of 98.8 mT, 70.6 mT and 37.1 mT, respectively, while at the resonance frequency of 4.1 Hz the responsivity is 51 × 10−3 m/A in case of a magnetic field of 37.1 mT.
Exploring Civil Drone Accidents and Incidents to Help Prevent Potential Air Disasters
Authors: Wild Graham , Murray John , Baxter Glenn
Published: July 2016

A recent alleged “drone” collision with a British Airways Airbus A320 at Heathrow Airport highlighted the need to understand civil Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) accidents and incidents (events). This understanding will facilitate improvements in safety by ensuring efforts are focused to reduce the greatest risks. One hundred and fifty two RPAS events were analyzed. The data was collected from a 10-year period (2006 to 2015). Results show that, in contrast to commercial air transportation (CAT), RPAS events have a significantly different distribution when categorized by occurrence type, phase of flight, and safety issue. Specifically, it was found that RPAS operations are more likely to experience (1) loss of control in-flight, (2) events during takeoff and in cruise, and (3) equipment problems. It was shown that technology issues, not human factors, are the key contributor in RPAS events. This is a significant finding, as it is contrary to the industry view which has held for the past quarter of a century that human factors are the key contributor (which is still the case for CAT). Regulators should therefore look at technologies and not focus solely on operators.
Oligodendrocyte Injury and Pathogenesis of HIV-1-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders
Authors: Liu Han , Xu Enquan , Liu Jianuo , Xiong Huangui
Published: July 2016

Oligodendrocytes wrap neuronal axons to form myelin, an insulating sheath which is essential for nervous impulse conduction along axons. Axonal myelination is highly regulated by neuronal and astrocytic signals and the maintenance of myelin sheaths is a very complex process. Oligodendrocyte damage can cause axonal demyelination and neuronal injury, leading to neurological disorders. Demyelination in the cerebrum may produce cognitive impairment in a variety of neurological disorders, including human immunodeficiency virus type one (HIV-1)-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Although the combined antiretroviral therapy has markedly reduced the incidence of HIV-1-associated dementia, a severe form of HAND, milder forms of HAND remain prevalent even when the peripheral viral load is well controlled. HAND manifests as a subcortical dementia with damage in the brain white matter (e.g., corpus callosum), which consists of myelinated axonal fibers. How HIV-1 brain infection causes myelin injury and resultant white matter damage is an interesting area of current HIV research. In this review, we tentatively address recent progress on oligodendrocyte dysregulation and HAND pathogenesis.
A Surface Photovoltage Study of Surface Defects on Co-Doped TiO2 Thin Films Deposited by Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Wafula Henry , Juma Albert , Sakwa Thomas , Musembi Robinson , Simiyu Justus
Published: July 2016

Surface photovoltage (SPV) spectroscopy is a powerful tool for studying electronic defects on semiconductor surfaces, at interfaces, and in bulk for a wide range of materials. Undoped and Cobalt-doped TiO2 (CTO) thin films were deposited on Crystalline Silicon (c-Si) and Flourine doped Tin oxide (SnO2:F) substrates by chemical spray pyrolysis at a substrate temperature of 400 °C. The concentration of the Co dopant in the films was determined by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry and ranged between 0 and 4.51 at %. The amplitude of the SPV signals increased proportionately with the amount of Co in the films, which was a result of the enhancement of the slow processes of charge separation and recombination. Photogenerated holes were trapped at the surface, slowing down the time response and relaxation of the samples. The surface states were effectively passivated by a thin In2S3 over-layer sprayed on top of the TiO2 and CTO films.
De Novo Assembly and Characterization of the Transcriptome of Grasshopper Shirakiacris shirakii
Authors: Qiu Zhongying , Liu Fei , Lu Huimeng , Yuan Hao , Zhang Qin , Huang Yuan
Published: July 2016

Background: The grasshopper Shirakiacris shirakii is an important agricultural pest and feeds mainly on gramineous plants, thereby causing economic damage to a wide range of crops. However, genomic information on this species is extremely limited thus far, and transcriptome data relevant to insecticide resistance and pest control are also not available. Methods: The transcriptome of S. shirakii was sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq platform, and we de novo assembled the transcriptome. Results: Its sequencing produced a total of 105,408,878 clean reads, and the de novo assembly revealed 74,657 unigenes with an average length of 680 bp and N50 of 1057 bp. A total of 28,173 unigenes were annotated for the NCBI non-redundant protein sequences (Nr), NCBI non-redundant nucleotide sequences (Nt), a manually-annotated and reviewed protein sequence database (Swiss-Prot), Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases. Based on the Nr annotation results, we manually identified 79 unigenes encoding cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s), 36 unigenes encoding carboxylesterases (CarEs) and 36 unigenes encoding glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) in S. shirakii. Core RNAi components relevant to miroRNA, siRNA and piRNA pathways, including Pasha, Loquacious, Argonaute-1, Argonaute-2, Argonaute-3, Zucchini, Aubergine, enhanced RNAi-1 and Piwi, were expressed in S. shirakii. We also identified five unigenes that were homologous to the Sid-1 gene. In addition, the analysis of differential gene expressions revealed that a total of 19,764 unigenes were up-regulated and 4185 unigenes were down-regulated in larvae. In total, we predicted 7504 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) from 74,657 unigenes. Conclusions: The comprehensive de novo transcriptomic data of S. shirakii will offer a series of valuable molecular resources for better studying insecticide resistance, RNAi and molecular marker discovery in the transcriptome.
Neuroprotective Effect of Salvianolic Acids against Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Hou Shuai , Zhao Ming-Ming , Shen Ping-Ping , Liu Xiu-Ping , Sun Yuan , Feng Jia-Chun
Published: July 2016

This study investigated the neuroprotective effect of salvianolic acids (SA) against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, and explored whether the neuroprotection was dependent on mitochondrial connexin43 (mtCx43) via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway. In vitro, we measured astrocyte apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, and also evaluated the morphology of astrocyte mitochondria with transmission electron microscopy. In vivo, we determined the cerebral infarction volume and measured superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Additionally, mtCx43, p-mtCx43, AKT, and p-AKT levels were determined. In vitro, we found that I/R injury induced apoptosis, decreased cell mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and damaged mitochondrial morphology in astrocytes. In vivo, we found that I/R injury resulted in a large cerebral infarction, decreased SOD activity, and increased MDA expression. Additionally, I/R injury reduced both the p-mtCx43/mtCx43 and p-AKT/AKT ratios. We reported that both in vivo and in vitro, SA ameliorated the detrimental outcomes of the I/R. Interestingly, co-administering an inhibitor of the PI3K/AKT pathway blunted the effects of SA. SA represents a potential treatment option for cerebral infarction by up-regulating mtCx43 through the PI3K/AKT pathway.
Hydration of Hybrid Alkaline Cement Containing a Very Large Proportion of Fly Ash: A Descriptive Model
Authors: Garcia-Lodeiro Inés , Donatello Shane , Fernández-Jiménez Ana , Palomo Ángel
Published: July 2016

In hybrid alkaline fly ash cements, a new generation of binders, hydration, is characterized by features found in both ordinary portland cement (OPC) hydration and the alkali activation of fly ash (AAFA). Hybrid alkaline fly ash cements typically have a high fly ash (70 wt % to 80 wt %) and low clinker (20 wt % to 30 wt %) content. The clinker component favors curing at ambient temperature. A hydration mechanism is proposed based on the authors’ research on these hybrid binders over the last five years. The mechanisms for OPC hydration and FA alkaline activation are summarized by way of reference. In hybrid systems, fly ash activity is visible at very early ages, when two types of gel are formed: C–S–H from the OPC and N–A–S–H from the fly ash. In their mutual presence, these gels tend to evolve, respectively, into C–A–S–H and (N,C)–A–S–H. The use of activators with different degrees of alkalinity has a direct impact on reaction kinetics but does not modify the main final products, a mixture of C–A–S–H and (N,C)–A–S–H gels. The proportion of each gel in the mix does, however, depend on the alkalinity generated in the medium.
Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Molecular Modelling of 2′-Hydroxychalcones as Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors
Authors: Sukumaran Sri , Chee Chin , Viswanathan Geetha , Buckle Michael , Othman Rozana , Abd. Rahman Noorsaadah , Chung Lip
Published: July 2016

A series of 2′-hydroxy- and 2′-hydroxy-4′,6′-dimethoxychalcones was synthesised and evaluated as inhibitors of human acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The majority of the compounds were found to show some activity, with the most active compounds having IC50 values of 40–85 µM. Higher activities were generally observed for compounds with methoxy substituents in the A ring and halogen substituents in the B ring. Kinetic studies on the most active compounds showed that they act as mixed-type inhibitors, in agreement with the results of molecular modelling studies, which suggested that they interact with residues in the peripheral anionic site and the gorge region of AChE.
Metabolic Responses of Bacterial Cells to Immobilization
Authors: Żur Joanna , Wojcieszyńska Danuta , Guzik Urszula
Published: July 2016

In recent years immobilized cells have commonly been used for various biotechnological applications, e.g., antibiotic production, soil bioremediation, biodegradation and biotransformation of xenobiotics in wastewater treatment plants. Although the literature data on the physiological changes and behaviour of cells in the immobilized state remain fragmentary, it is well documented that in natural settings microorganisms are mainly found in association with surfaces, which results in biofilm formation. Biofilms are characterized by genetic and physiological heterogeneity and the occurrence of altered microenvironments within the matrix. Microbial cells in communities display a variety of metabolic differences as compared to their free-living counterparts. Immobilization of bacteria can occur either as a natural phenomenon or as an artificial process. The majority of changes observed in immobilized cells result from protection provided by the supports. Knowledge about the main physiological responses occurring in immobilized cells may contribute to improving the efficiency of immobilization techniques. This paper reviews the main metabolic changes exhibited by immobilized bacterial cells, including growth rate, biodegradation capabilities, biocatalytic efficiency and plasmid stability.
Development of a Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm for Strain-Enhanced Quantum Cascade Lasers
Authors: Mueller David , Triplett Gregory
Published: July 2016

An automated design approach using an evolutionary algorithm for the development of quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) is presented. Our algorithmic approach merges computational intelligence techniques with the physics of device structures, representing a design methodology that reduces experimental effort and costs. The algorithm was developed to produce QCLs with a three-well, diagonal-transition active region and a five-well injector region. Specifically, we applied this technique to Al x Ga 1 - x As/In y Ga 1 - y As strained active region designs. The algorithmic approach is a non-dominated sorting method using four aggregate objectives: target wavelength, population inversion via longitudinal-optical (LO) phonon extraction, injector level coupling, and an optical gain metric. Analysis indicates that the most plausible device candidates are a result of the optical gain metric and a total aggregate of all objectives. However, design limitations exist in many of the resulting candidates, indicating need for additional objective criteria and parameter limits to improve the application of this and other evolutionary algorithm methods.