bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient-reported experience measure in sickle cell disease
Authors: Chakravorty Subarna , Tallett Amy , Witwicki Cara , Hay Harriet , Mkandawire Catherine , Ogundipe Avanelle , Ojeer Patrick , Whitaker Antonia , Thompson Jessica , Sizmur Stephen , Sathyamoorthy Ganesh , Warner John O
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To develop patient-reported experience measure surveys for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) to understand their healthcare and lived experience in the UK and for their use in future to inform healthcare service development.

Design

Picker methodology was used as follows: (1) qualitative scoping by focus group discussions; (2) questionnaire development through stakeholder consultations; (3) construct validation of questionnaires through cognitive testing; and (4) further assessment of construct validity by a nationwide pilot survey.

Setting

Patients with SCD and their carers were eligible. Focus group discussions took place in non-hospital settings, arranged out of hours. Cognitive testing took place in specialist sickle cell clinics. The pilot survey was available to UK participants only and was administered through web-based questionnaires, face-to face completion and in sickle cell community events.

Participants

Thirty-three patients and carers took part in the focus groups, 21 participants undertook cognitive testing and 722 respondents completed the pilot survey.

Results

Findings highlighted a widespread prevalence of poor knowledge about SCD among healthcare providers and the public. Poorer experience of care was present in the emergency setting compared with planned care, of which lack of timely provision of pain relief was of concern. Adolescents and young people reported significantly poorer experience of care in several domains compared with children or adults.

Conclusions

The new surveys functioned well, with good evidence of validity, and were accessible to the SCD patient population, supporting their future use in assessing patient experience to inform service delivery and improvements in care quality.
Long-term results of photodynamic therapy or ranibizumab for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in LAPTOP study
Authors: Miyamoto Noriko , Mandai Michiko , Oishi Akio , Nakai Shunichiro , Honda Shigeru , Hirashima Takafumi , Oh Hideyasu , Matsumoto Yoshiko , Uenishi Mamoru , Kurimoto Yasuo
Published: August 2018

Background/aim

We previously reported that ranibizumab performed better on visual prognosis than photodynamic therapy (PDT) in a Ranibizumab (Lucentis)AndPhotodynamicTherapyOnPolypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (LAPTOP) study. To determine if the first-choice treatment, either PDT or intravitreal ranibizumab, has a long-term effect in patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).

Methods

We reviewed medical records of patientsrandomised to either PDT (29 eyes) or ranibizumab (27 eyes) from July 2009 to June 2011 in LAPTOP study. Retreatment or switching to other treatments were at the investigator’s discretion after release from the 2-year LAPTOP study up to 5years. We evaluated visual acuity (VA), continuity of initial treatment, percentage of dry macula achievement and macular atrophy at 5 years.

Results

The logarithm of minimal angle of resolution VA was 0.56 in the PDT and 0.44 in the ranibizumab groups at baseline (p=0.101) and was 0.55 and 0.28 at 5years, respectively (p<0.05). More than 70% of the patients converted to aflibercept in following years. Achievement percentages of dry macula were 74% (PDT) and 63% (ranibizumab) at 5years, and macular atrophy was detected in 78% (PDT) and 60% (ranibizumab) with a mean area of 7.7 and 3.5 mm2, respectively (p=0.155).

Conclusions

The better VA in the initial ranibizumab group compared with the PDT group at 2 years was retained at the 5-year follow-up.
Achieving just outcomes: forensic evidence collection in emergency department sexual assault cases
Authors: Muldoon Katherine A , Drumm Allegra , Leach Tara , Heimerl Melissa , Sampsel Kari
Published: August 2018

Background

Achieving just outcomes in sexual assault cases is one of the most serious and complex problems facing the healthcare and justice systems. This study was designed to determine the prevalence and correlates of Sexual Assault Evidence Kit (SAEK) completion and release to police among sexual assault cases presenting to the ED.

Methods

Data for this retrospective study come from the Sexual Assault and Partner Abuse Care Programme (SAPACP) case registry (1 January to 31 December, 2015) at The Ottawa Hospital, a unique medical-forensic access point and the only facility offering SAEK collection in Ottawa. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were conducted using ORs, adjusted ORs (AORs) and 95% CIs.

Results

In 2015, 406 patients were seen by the SAPACP and 202 (77.1%) were eligible for a SAEK. Among eligible cases, 129 (63.9%) completed a SAEK and 60 (29.7%) released the SAEK to police for investigation. Youth cases (≤24 years) had the highest odds of completing a SAEK (AOR 2.23, 95% CI 1.18 to 4.23). Cases who were uncertain of the assailant (AOR 3.62, 95% CI 1.23 to 10.67) and assaults that occurred outdoors (AOR 3.14, 95% CI 1.08 to 9.09) were most likely to release the SAEK to police.

Conclusion

Even with access to specialised forensic evidence collection, many sexual assault survivors do not complete a SAEK, and even fewer release the evidence to police for investigation. The ED is a common entry points into the healthcare system, and this study has highlighted the need to strengthen services and reduce attrition along the health-justice continuum.
Segmental aortic stiffness in patients with bicuspid aortic valve compared with first-degree relatives
Authors: Goudot Guillaume , Mirault Tristan , Rossi Aude , Zarka Samuel , Albuisson Juliette , Achouh Paul , Pernot Mathieu , Messas Emmanuel
Published: August 2018

Aims

To compare the stiffness index in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) with first-degree relatives at each segment of the thoracic ascending aorta and to compare segmental analysis of aortic stiffness in association with BAV morphotype and function.

Methods

219 patients with BAV and 148 first-degree relatives (without BAV) were consecutively included at a reference centre for BAV. Ultrasound assessment of aortic and carotid stiffness was based on the variation of the segmental arterial diameters during the cardiac cycle and on blood pressure.

Results

Without adjustment, the ascending aorta of patients with BAV seemed stiffer at each segment compared with controls (stiffness index at the sinus of Valsalva: 17.0±10.9 vs 8.9±6.1, p<0.001; tubular aorta: 20.4±31.3 vs 12.7±4.8, p=0.04). However, after adjustment on aortic diameter and age, only the sinus of Valsalva remained stiffer (p<0.001), whereas the tubular aorta no longer differed (p=0.610). In patients with BAV, aortic diameters were not influenced by the valve morphotype, except for the arch, which was more dilated in the case of 1- Non coronary sinus-Right subtype of BAV : 36.1 vs 27.6 mm, p<0.001. Aortic regurgitation was associated with an increase in aortic diameters at the sinus of Valsalva (p<0.001) and the tubular aortic levels (p=0.04).

Conclusion

Stiffness increase at the sinus of Valsalva level is independent of aortic dilatation in patients with BAV, contrary to the classic relationship between stiffness and dilatation found on the other segments. The relationship between stiffness and clinical impact needs to be assessed at each aortic segment.
Avoidable mortality among parents whose children were placed in care in Sweden: a population-based study
Authors: Wall-Wieler Elizabeth , Vinnerljung Bo , Liu Can , Roos Leslie L , Hjern Anders
Published: August 2018

Background

Separation from one’s child can have significant consequences for parental health and well-being. We aimed to investigate whether parents whose children were placed in care had higher rates of avoidable mortality.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Swedish national registers. Mortality rates among parents whose children were placed in care between 1990 and 2012 (17 503 mothers, 18 298 fathers) were compared with a 1:5 matched cohort of parents whose children were not placed. We computed rate differences and HRs of all-cause and avoidable mortality.

Results

Among mothers, deaths due to preventable causes were 3.09 times greater (95% CI 2.24 to 4.26) and deaths due to amenable causes were 3.04 times greater (95% CI 2.03 to 4.57) for those whose children were placed in care. Among fathers, death due to preventable causes were 1.64 times greater (95% CI 1.32 to 2.02) and deaths due to amenable causes were 1.84 times greater (95% CI 1.33 to 2.55) for those whose children were placed in care. Avoidable mortality rates were higher among mothers whose children were young when placed in care and among parents whose children were all placed in care.

Conclusions

Parents who had a child placed in out-of-home care are at higher risk of avoidable mortality. Interventions targeting mothers who had a child aged less than 13 placed in care, and parents whose children were all placed in care could have the greatest impact in reducing avoidable mortality in this population.
Nursing and medical contribution to Defence Healthcare Engagement: initial experiences of the UK Defence Medical Services
Authors: Bowley Douglas M , Lamb D , Rumbold P , Hunt P , Kayani J , Sukhera A M
Published: August 2018

Introduction

The WHO Constitution enshrines ‘…the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental right of every human being.’ Strengthening delivery of health services confers benefits to individuals, families and communities, and can improve national and regional stability and security. In attempting to build international healthcare capability, UK Defence Medical Services (DMS) assets can contribute to the development of healthcare within overseas nations in a process that is known as Defence Healthcare Engagement (DHE).

Methods

In the first bespoke DMS DHE tasking, a team of 12 DMS nurses and doctors deployed to a 1000-bedded urban hospital in a partner nation and worked alongside indigenous healthcare workers (doctors, nurses and paramedical staff) during April and May 2016. The DMS nurses focused on nursing hygiene skills by demonstrations of best practice and DMS care standards, clinical leadership and female empowerment. A Quality Improvement Programme was initiated that centred on hand hygiene (HH) compliance before and after patient contact, and the introduction of peripheral cannula care and surveillance.

Results

After a brief induction on the ward, it was apparent that compliance with HH was poor. Peripheral cannulas were secured with adhesive zinc oxide tape and no active surveillance process (such as venous infusion phlebitis (VIP) scoring) was in place. After intensive education and training, initial week-long audits were undertaken and repeated after a further 2 weeks of training and coworking. In the second audit cycle, HH compliance had increased to 69% and VIP scoring compliance to 99%. In the final audit cycle, it was noted that nursing compliance with HH (75/98: 77%) was significantly higher than the doctors’ HH compliance (76/200: 38%); p<0.0001.

Conclusions

DHE is a long-term collaborative process based on the establishment and development of comprehensive relationships that can help transform indigenous healthcare services towards patient-centred systems with a focus on safety and quality of care. Short deployments to allow clinical immersion of UK healthcare workers within indigenous teams can have an immediate impact. Coworking is a powerful method of demonstrating standards of care and empowering staff to institute transformative change. A multidisciplinary group of Quality Improvement Champions has been identified and a Hospital Oversight Committee established, which will offer the prospect of longer term sustainability and development.
Primary blast lung injury simulator: a new computerised model
Authors: Haque Mainul , Das A , Scott T E , Bates D , Hardman J G
Published: August 2018

Mathematical modelling and computational simulation are becoming increasingly important tools in many fields of medicine where in vivo studies are expensive, difficult or impractical. This is particularly the case with primary blast lung injury, and in this paper, we give a brief overview of mathematical models before describing how we generated our blast lung injury simulator and describe some early results of its use.
Summer rainfall dissolved organic carbon, solute, and sediment fluxes in a small Arctic coastal catchment on Herschel Island (Yukon Territory, Canada)
Authors: Coch Caroline , Lamoureux Scott F. , Knoblauch Christian , Eischeid Isabell , Fritz Michael , Obu Jaroslav , Lantuit Hugues
Published: August 2018

Coastal ecosystems in the Arctic are affected by climate change. As summer rainfall frequency and intensity are projected to increase in the future, more organic matter, nutrients and sediment could be mobilized and transported into the coastal nearshore zones. However, knowledge of current processes and future changes is limited. We investigated streamflow dynamics and the impacts of summer rainfall on lateral fluxes in a small coastal catchment on Herschel Island in the western Canadian Arctic. For the summer monitoring periods of 2014–2016, mean dissolved organic matter flux over 17 days amounted to 82.7 ± 30.7 kg km−2 and mean total dissolved solids flux to 5252 ± 1224 kg km−2. Flux of suspended sediment was 7245 kg km−2 in 2015, and 369 kg km−2 in 2016. We found that 2.0% of suspended sediment was composed of particulate organic carbon. Data and hysteresis analysis suggest a limited supply of sediments; their interannual variability is most likely caused by short-lived localized disturbances. In contrast, our results imply that dissolved organic carbon is widely available throughout the catchment and exhibits positive linear relationship with runoff. We hypothesize that increased projected rainfall in the future will result in a similar increase of dissolved organic carbon fluxes.
Lithostratigraphy and sedimentary environment of the Precambrian Kushk Series of central Iran
Authors: Vaziri Seyed Hamid , Laflamme Marc
Published: August 2018

The Kushk Series is a distinctive late Ediacaran succession occurring in the Bafq and Behabad regions of central Iran that has yielded an extensive community of diverse Ediacara biota, including several Precambrian (Chuaria) and Ediacaran (Cloudina, Corumbella) index fossils. The Kushk Series reaches a thickness of up to 518 m and consists of shallow to deep subtidal deposits along a homoclinal carbonate ramp during a transgression–regression cycle. These deposits accumulated as part of an extensional rift basin complex resulting from the opening of the Proto–Paleotethys Ocean in northeastern Gondwana. Latest Ediacaran fossils occur in the deep-water calcareous marine shales and represent a thriving community at the dawn of animal life.
Climate-sensitive self-thinning trajectories of Chinese fir plantations in south China
Authors: Zhang Xiongqing , Lu Lele , Cao Quang V. , Duan Aiguo , Zhang Jianguo
Published: August 2018

The self-thinning rule is fundamental in regulating maximum stocking and constructing stand density management diagrams. Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.) is the most important tree species and widely distributed across subtropical China. Yet, our understanding of how the self-thinning line of Chinese fir relates to climate is limited. Longitudinal data from 48 plots distributed in Fujian, Jiangxi, Guangxi, and Sichuan provinces were used to describe self-thinning for Chinese fir in relation to climate through first-order autoregressive (AR(1)) and nonlinear mixed effects (NLME) models. Results showed that self-thinning lines had steeper slopes for Chinese fir growing in areas with larger annual precipitation and summer mean maximum temperature but flatter slopes with higher mean annual temperature, degree-days below 0 °C, and winter mean minimum temperature. Winter mean minimum temperature was the dominant climatic factor in shaping self-thinning lines, which suggests that temperature was the key climate driver that affects self-thinning of Chinese fir. In addition, differences of slopes for any two of the four sites were significant, except between the Guangxi and Sichuan sites. Our results will be useful for both the silvicultural practices and mitigation strategies of Chinese fir under climate change in south China.
Silencing non-SMC chromosome-associated polypeptide G inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Liu Kaikun , Li Yumin , Yu Bo , Wang Furong , Mi Taiyu , Zhao Yongxun
Published: August 2018

The present study was designed to investigate the significance of non–structural maintenance of chromosomes (non-SMC) chromosome-associated polypeptide G (NCAPG), a subunit of condensin complex I, in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). NCAPG protein expression in human HCC and paracancerous hepatic tissues were examined using immunohistochemistry, and NCAPG mRNA expression in HCC cell lines were quantified using quantitative RT–PCR. Lentivirus-mediated RNA interference was used to silence NCAPG in HCC cells. Cell proliferation was monitored by MTT assay. Cell colony-forming capacity was measured by colony formation assay. Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. The results showed that increased protein expression of NCAPG was found in HCC tissues compared with the matched paracancerous hepatic tissues. At the mRNA level, increased expression of NCAPG was found in HCC cells as opposed to the normal hepatocytes. Silencing of NCAPG in BEL-7404 and SMMC-7721 cells led to decreased cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. These changes were associated with increased mRNA expressions of P53, P27, and Bad, but decreased mRNA expression of EGFR, Akt, survivin, and JNK. NCAPG might play an oncogenic role in the development of liver cancer. Further studies to clarify its role and underlying mechanisms in the development of liver cancer are warranted.
Gravitational reduction of the wave function based on Bohmian quantum potential
Authors: Rahmani Faramarz , Golshani Mehdi , Jafari Ghadir
Published: August 2018

In objective gravitational reduction of the wave function of a quantum system, the classical limit of the system is obtained in terms of the objective properties of the system. On the other hand, in Bohmian quantum mechanics the usual criterion for getting classical limit is the vanishing of the quantum potential or the quantum force of the system, which suffers from the lack of an objective description. In this regard, we investigated the usual criterion of getting the classical limit of a free particle in Bohmian quantum mechanics. Then we argued how it is possible to have an objective gravitational classical limit related to the Bohmian mechanical concepts like quantum potential or quantum force. Also we derived a differential equation related to the wave function reduction. An interesting connection will be made between Bohmian mechanics and gravitational concepts.
Exact solutions of the Rosenau–Hyman equation, coupled KdV system and Burgers–Huxley equation using modified transformed rational function method
Authors: Sun Yong-Li , Ma Wen-Xiu , Yu Jian-Ping , Khalique Chaudry Masood
Published: August 2018

In this research, we study the exact solutions of the Rosenau–Hyman equation, the coupled KdV system and the Burgers–Huxley equation using modified transformed rational function method. In this paper, the simplest equation is the Bernoulli equation. We are not only obtain the exact solutions of the aforementioned equations and system but also give some geometric descriptions of obtained solutions. All can be illustrated vividly by the given graphs.
The Lateral Dynamics of a Nonsmooth Railway Wheelset Model
Authors: Zhang Tingting , True Hans , Dai Huanyun
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we investigate the lateral dynamics of a railway wheelset suspended under a moving car with linear springs and dry friction dampers. Both theoretical and numerical methods are used to complement each other. The car runs on an ideal, straight and perfect track with a constant speed. A nonlinear relation between the creepages and the creep forces is used in this paper. The nonsmoothness of this model is due to the dry friction dampers. The speed is selected as the bifurcation parameter. The one-dimensional bifurcation diagram, which gives a general view of the dynamics of the system, is presented. Both symmetric and asymmetric periodic motions, quasi-periodic motions and chaotic motions are found. In addition to bifurcations that can exist in both smooth and nonsmooth systems, a kind of sliding bifurcations that are unique to nonsmooth systems is found. Bifurcation diagrams, phase portraits, Poincaré sections and Lyapunov exponents are presented to ensure that no contradictory results are given. The influence of the conicity of the wheel tread on the Hopf bifurcation type is examined.
Local Bifurcations and Chaos in the Fractional Rössler System
Authors: Čermák Jan , Nechvátal Luděk
Published: August 2018

The paper discusses the fractional Rössler system and the dependence of its dynamics on some entry parameters. An explicit algorithm for a priori determination of fractional Hopf bifurcations is derived and scenarios documenting a route of the system from stability to chaos are performed with respect to a varying system’s fractional order as well as to a varying system’s coefficient. Contrary to the existing results, the searched values of the fractional Hopf bifurcations follow directly from a revealed analytical dependence between these two systems’ entries. Their various critical values are established and confirmed by numerical experiments demonstrating not only the loss of stability of an equilibrium point, but also other phenomena of transition to chaotic behavior. In addition, we suggest an active control method for synchronization of two chaotic fractional-order Rössler systems. Our theoretical analysis enables to synchronize them for any value of a free parameter under which the master system displays a chaotic behavior.
Transition Dynamics of Epileptic Seizures in the Coupled Thalamocortical Network Model
Authors: Cao Ying , He Xiaoyan , Hao Yuqing , Wang Qingyun
Published: August 2018

In this paper, based on the two-compartment unidirectionally coupled thalamocortical model network, we investigated the transition dynamics of epileptic seizures, by considering the inhibitory coupling strength from cortical inhibitory interneuronal (IN) population to excitatory pyramidal (PY) neuronal population as the key bifurcation parameter. The results show that in the single compartment thalamocortical model, inner-compartment inhibitory functions of IN can make the system transit from the absence seizures to the tonic oscillations. In the case of two-compartment coupled thalamocortical model network, the inter-compartment inhibitory coupling functions from the first compartment can drive the second compartment to more easily initiate the absence and tonic seizures at the lower inhibitory coupling strengths, respectively. Also, the driven functions can make the amplitudes of these seizures vary irregularly. Detailed investigations reveal that along with the various state transitions, the system consecutively undergoes Hopf bifurcations, fold of cycles bifurcations and torus bifurcations, respectively. In particular, the reinforcing inter-compartment inhibitory coupling function can induce the chaotic dynamics. We highlight the unidirectional coupling functions between two compartments which might give new insights into the propagation and evolution dynamics of epileptic seizures.
PrivacyCheck
Authors: Zaeem Razieh Nokhbeh , German Rachel L. , Barber K. Suzanne
Published: August 2018

Prior research shows that only a tiny percentage of users actually read the online privacy policies they implicitly agree to while using a website. Prior research also suggests that users ignore privacy policies because these policies are lengthy and, on average, require 2 years of college education to comprehend. We propose a novel technique that tackles this problem by automatically extracting summaries of online privacy policies. We use data mining models to analyze the text of privacy policies and answer 10 basic questions concerning the privacy and security of user data, what information is gathered from them, and how this information is used. In order to train the data mining models, we thoroughly study privacy policies of 400 companies (considering 10% of all listings on NYSE, Nasdaq, and AMEX stock markets) across industries. Our free Chrome browser extension, PrivacyCheck, utilizes the data mining models to summarize any HTML page that contains a privacy policy. PrivacyCheck stands out from currently available counterparts because it is readily applicable on
any
online privacy policy. Cross-validation results show that PrivacyCheck summaries are accurate 40% to 73% of the time. Over 400 independent Chrome users are currently using PrivacyCheck.
Active Animations of Reduced Deformable Models with Environment Interactions
Authors: Pan Zherong , Manocha Dinesh
Published: August 2018

We present an efficient spacetime optimization method to automatically generate animations for a general volumetric, elastically deformable body. Our approach can model the interactions between the body and the environment and automatically generate active animations. We model the frictional contact forces using contact invariant optimization and the fluid drag forces using a simplified model. To handle complex objects, we use a reduced deformable model and present a novel hybrid optimizer to search for the local minima efficiently. This allows us to use long-horizon motion planning to automatically generate animations such as walking, jumping, swimming, and rolling. We evaluate the approach on different shapes and animations, including deformable body navigation and combining with an open-loop controller for realtime forward simulation.
The Formation and Distribution of Modern Ooids on Great Bahama Bank
Authors: Harris Paul (Mitch) , Diaz Mara R. , Eberli Gregor P.
Published: August 2018

Great Bahama Bank (GBB) is the principal location of the formation and accumulation of ooids (concentrically coated, sand-size carbonate grains) in the world today, and as such has been the focus of studies on all aspects of ooids for more than half a century. Our view from a close look at this vast body of literature coupled with our continuing interests stresses that biological mechanisms (microbially mediated organomineralization) are very important in the formation of ooids, whereas the controlling factor for the distribution and size of ooid sand bodies is the physical energy. Mapping and coring studies of the modern ooid sand bodies on GBB provide insight into the rock record from different perspectives. An important consequence of the dual influence of ooid formation and distribution is that the geochemical signature of ooids is not in equilibrium with the seawater in which ooids form; therefore, extracting the paleophysical energy record from oolitic deposits is potentially more accurate than doing so for the paleochemical record.
How to Do a Systematic Review: A Best Practice Guide for Conducting and Reporting Narrative Reviews, Meta-Analyses, and Meta-Syntheses
Authors: Siddaway Andy P. , Wood Alex M. , Hedges Larry V.
Published: August 2018

Systematic reviews are characterized by a methodical and replicable methodology and presentation. They involve a comprehensive search to locate all relevant published and unpublished work on a subject; a systematic integration of search results; and a critique of the extent, nature, and quality of evidence in relation to a particular research question. The best reviews synthesize studies to draw broad theoretical conclusions about what a literature means, linking theory to evidence and evidence to theory. This guide describes how to plan, conduct, organize, and present a systematic review of quantitative (meta-analysis) or qualitative (narrative review, meta-synthesis) information. We outline core standards and principles and describe commonly encountered problems. Although this guide targets psychological scientists, its high level of abstraction makes it potentially relevant to any subject area or discipline. We argue that systematic reviews are a key methodology for clarifying whether and how research findings replicate and for explaining possible inconsistencies, and we call for researchers to conduct systematic reviews to help elucidate whether there is a replication crisis.
Role of miR-29 in mediating offspring lung phenotype in a rodent model of intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Chuang Tsai-Der , Sakurai Reiko , Gong Ming , Khorram Omid , Rehan Virender K.
Published: August 2018

Considerable epidemiological and experimental evidence supports the concept that the adult chronic lung disease (CLD), is due, at least in part, to aberrations in early lung development in response to an abnormal intrauterine environment; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. We used a well-established rat model of maternal undernutrition (MUN) during pregnancy that results in offspring intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and adult CLD to test the hypothesis that in response to MUN, excess maternal glucocorticoids (GCs) program offspring lung development to a CLD phenotype by altering microRNA (miR)-29 expression, which is a key miR in regulating extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition during development and injury-repair. At postnatal day 21 and 5 mo, compared with the control offspring lung, MUN offspring lung miR-29 expression was significantly decreased in conjunction with an elevated expression of multiple downstream target ECM proteins [collagen (COL)1A1, COL3A1, COL4A5, and elastin], at both mRNA and protein levels. Importantly, MUN-induced changes in miR-29 and target gene expressions were at least partially blocked in the lungs of offspring of MUN dams treated with metyrapone, a selective GC synthesis inhibitor. Furthermore, dexamethasone treatment of cultured fetal rat lung fibroblasts significantly induced miR-29 expression along with the suppression of target ECM proteins. These data, along with the previously known role of miR-29 in regulating ECM deposition in vascular tissue in the MUN offspring, suggest miR-29 to be a common mechanistic denominator for the vascular and pulmonary phenotypes in the IUGR offspring, providing a novel potential therapeutic target.
Small reductions in skin temperature after onset of a simulated hemorrhagic challenge improve tolerance in exercise heat-stressed individuals
Authors: Trotter Claire E. , Pizzey Faith K. , Batterson Philip M. , Jacobs Robert A. , Pearson James
Published: August 2018

We investigated whether small reductions in skin temperature 60 s after the onset of a simulated hemorrhagic challenge would improve tolerance to lower body negative pressure (LBNP) after exercise heat stress. Eleven healthy subjects completed two trials (High and Reduced). Subjects cycled at ~55% maximal oxygen uptake wearing a warm water-perfused suit until core temperatures increased by ~1.2°C before lying supine and undergoing LBNP to presyncope. LBNP tolerance was quantified as cumulative stress index (CSI; product of each LBNP level multiplied by time; mmHg·min). Skin temperature was similarly elevated from baseline before LBNP and remained elevated 60 s after the onset of LBNP in both High (37.72 ± 0.52°C) and Reduced (37.95 ± 0.54°C) trials (both P < 0.0001). At 60%CSI skin temperature remained elevated in the High trial (37.51 ± 0.56°C) but was reduced to 34.97 ± 0.72°C by the water-perfused suit in the Reduced trial ( P < 0.0001 between trials). Cutaneous vascular conductance was not different between trials [High: 1.57 ± 0.43 vs. Reduced: 1.39 ± 0.38 arbitrary units (AU)/mmHg; P = 0.367] before LBNP but decreased to 0.67 ± 0.19 AU/mmHg at 60%CSI in the Reduced trial while remaining unchanged in the High trial ( P = 0.002 between trials). CSI was higher in the Reduced (695 ± 386 mmHg·min) relative to the High (441 ± 290 mmHg·min; P = 0.023) trial. Mean arterial pressure was not different between trials at presyncope (High: 62 ± 10 vs. Reduced: 62 ± 9 mmHg; P = 0.958). Small reductions in skin temperature after the onset of a simulated hemorrhagic challenge improve LBNP tolerance after exercise heat stress. This may have important implications regarding treatment of an exercise heat-stressed individual (e.g., soldier) who has experienced a hemorrhagic injury.
Quality Assessment of Milling Pavement Surface Using 3D Line Laser Technology
Authors: Hui Bing , Guo Mu , Liu Xiaofang
Published: August 2018

To ensure that a regular milled surface texture provides good bonding without residual distress, a new specification of milling surface assessment has been established for quantitatively evaluating the milled surface quality. This research explores the possibility of using three-dimensional (3D) laser scanning technology to develop an algorithm to obtain a milled surface model that can measure evaluating indicators, milling depth and texture depth, and identify poorly milled areas. A case study was conducted by using a laser scanning vehicular system to collect 3D continuous pavement transverse profiles data in a 500 m long segment of Highway S107. The results show that the proposed method is very promising and can measure the milling depth and texture depth to effectively and quantitatively differentiate between good- (milling depth between 47 mm and 53 mm and texture depth exceeding 2 mm) and poor-quality work. Moreover, the poorly milled areas such as those with residual distress and unmilled areas that will lead to premature failure can also be identified using the proposed method. The proposed method can effectively support remilling work and ensure the quality of the overlay pavement.
An Overview on Image Registration Techniques for Cardiac Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Khalil Azira , Ng Siew-Cheok , Liew Yih Miin , Lai Khin Wee
Published: August 2018

Image registration has been used for a wide variety of tasks within cardiovascular imaging. This study aims to provide an overview of the existing image registration methods to assist researchers and impart valuable resource for studying the existing methods or developing new methods and evaluation strategies for cardiac image registration. For the cardiac diagnosis and treatment strategy, image registration and fusion can provide complementary information to the physician by using the integrated image from these two modalities. This review also contains a description of various imaging techniques to provide an appreciation of the problems associated with implementing image registration, particularly for cardiac pathology intervention and treatments.
The Association between Plasma Levels of Trimethylamine N-Oxide and the Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in Chinese Patients with or without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Dong Zengxiang , Liang Zhaoguang , Guo Meihua , Hu Shuang , Shen Zhaoqian , Hai Xin
Published: August 2018

Aim. Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) has been demonstrated as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Our objective was to determine the plasma levels of TMAO in Chinese coronary heart disease (CHD) patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods. A total of 132 control participants, 243 CHD patients, and 175 CHD patients with T2DM were enrolled. Plasma levels of TMAO in all patients were measured and analyzed. Results. The plasma levels of TMAO were significantly higher in CHD patients than in control subjects (3.08 ± 0.13 μM versus 1.49 ± 0.05 μM; P<0.01). In addition, plasma levels of TMAO were remarkably increased in CHD patients with T2DM compared with CHD patients (7.63 ± 0.97 μM versus 3.08 ± 0.13 μM; P<0.01). The receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the area under the curve of TMAO was 0.794 and 0.927 to predict CHD or CHD-T2DM patients (P<0.01). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that TMAO was an independent predictor in CHD patients with or without T2DM. The level of TMAO was correlated with high-sensitive troponin I (hs-TnI) and creatine kinase MB (CKMB). Conclusions. TMAO was an independent predictor of CHD in Chinese patients; moreover, the TMAO levels were highly associated with diabetes in CHD patients.
Selective Recognition of Myoglobin in Biological Samples Using Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-Based Affinity Traps
Authors: Keçili Rüstem
Published: August 2018

The current work demonstrates the design, characterization, and preparation of molecularly imprinted microspheres for the selective detection of myoglobin in serum samples. The suspension polymerization approach was applied for the preparation of myoglobin imprinted microspheres. For this purpose, N-methacryloylamino folic acid-Nd3+(MAFol- Nd3+) was chosen as the complex functional monomer. The optimization studies were performed changing the medium pH, temperature, and myoglobin concentration. pH 7.0 was determined as the optimum value where the prepared imprinted microspheres displayed maximum binding for myoglobin. The maximum binding capacity was achieved as 623 mgg−1. In addition, the selectivity studies were conducted. The results confirmed that the imprinted microspheres showed great selectivity towards myoglobin in the existence of hemoglobin, cytochrome c, and lysozyme which were chosen as potentially competing proteins.
Manifestation of Clinical Categories of Ocular Graft-versus-Host Disease
Authors: Qiu Yuan , Hong Jing , Peng Rongmei
Published: August 2018

This study aims at improving the understanding of the subjective symptoms and signs of two different clinical categories of ocular graft-versus-host disease. After reviewing and screening 193 posthematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients of Peking University Third Hospital, we enrolled 148 (21 acute ocular GVHD, 127 chronic ocular GVHD). Patients’ subjective symptoms, ocular parameters, and typical ocular signs were collected and evaluated at the same visit. Classic acute ocular GVHD patients had variable levels of conjunctival involvement but few had keratopathy; increased mucus secretion (21 of 21, 100.0%), red eye (19 of 21, 90.5%), and lacrimation (11 of 21, 52.4%) were the characteristic symptoms. The classic chronic ocular group had severe eye dryness and further corneal lesions, including filamentary keratitis, corneal ulcer, and corneal vascularization. Eye dryness (115 of 127, 90.6%), increased fibrous secretion (53 of 127, 41.7%), photophobia (50 of 127, 39.4%), and alacrimia (45 of 127, 35.4%) were the most common symptoms. Although 44.1% (56 of 127) of these patients had a history of acute ocular GVHD episodes, most were overlooked, so they did not receive stepwise evaluation and treatment. Management of ocular GVHD is very challenging and requires cooperation among disciplines.
A Cross-Hierarchical Scanning Method Based SP-4-WFRFT for Digital Communication Signals
Authors: Liu Fang
Published: August 2018

The fractional Fourier transform (FRFT) method has emerged in response to the demand for high-performance time-frequency processing technology. Next, the weighted fractional Fourier transform (WFRFT) method was developed, especially the single-parameter 4-weighted fractional Fourier transform (SP-4-WFRFT), which is most suitable for applications in digital communication systems. Therefore, in receiving systems, research on the scanning method of transformation order has also become the focus of research under the condition of unknown transformation order. However, in the process of inverse transformation, there are many problems, such as long scanning times and slow scanning speed. Thus, to improve the characteristics of a digital communication system based on SP-4-WFRFT, a cross-hierarchical scanning (CHS) method is established. A large number of test results show that the CHS method can achieve fast recovery of data and estimation of transformation order.
Lower Extremity Strength and Range of Motion in High School Cross-Country Runners
Authors: San Juan Jun G. , Suprak David N. , Roach Sean M. , Lyda Marc
Published: August 2018

Cross-country running is becoming an increasingly popular sport, with a significant participation noted at the high school level. The aim of this study was to compare gender and bilateral hip extension range of motion and hip and knee extension strength of high school cross-country runners. 31 participants volunteered from a local high school cross-country team (16 males and 15 females). The modified Thomas test was utilized to measure hip extension range of motion bilaterally using a digital inclinometer. In order to measure hip and knee isometric strengths, an isokinetic dynamometer was employed. A mixed model approach revealed a statistically significant difference in peak hip extension strength between genders but not the side. Male athletes demonstrated a 29.2 Nm/kg (P<0.05) greater force production than females during isometric hip extension strength testing. There were no significant differences in peak knee extension isometric strength, hip extension range of motion, and the ratio of peak hip and knee strength between genders and the dominant and nondominant leg. Female cross-country runners should focus on increasing hip extension strength to help maintain hip stability during running. This may be beneficial in decreasing the chances of experiencing patellofemoral pain in long-distance runners.
Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury: A Report of Three Cases in Which Surgeries Were Performed at Different Timings
Authors: Kawatani Yohei , Kurobe Hirotsugu , Nakamura Yoshitsugu , Suda Yuji , Hori Takaki
Published: August 2018

Introduction. Blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) is a critical condition. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is considered a surgical treatment for BTAI. Reports reveal that some patients benefit from conservative and delayed operation rather than emergency operative therapy. Here, we present three BTAI cases that were treated with TEVAR using different timings. Case Presentation. Case 1 involved a 49-year-old man injured in a car accident and who went into shock. After stabilization with Advanced Trauma Life Support in the emergency room, TEVAR was performed immediately. Case 2 involved a 69-year-old man who was injured after falling. His hemodynamic status was stable and enhanced computed tomography revealed intraluminal hematoma. He underwent TEVAR 15 days after the injury occurred, following conservative therapy. Case 3 involved a 60-year-old man who was injured in a car accident and presented BTAI with subarachnoid hemorrhage and diaphragm tear. A pseudoaneurysm was observed in the distal aortic arch. After open abdominal exploration, diaphragm repair, and observation for subarachnoid hemorrhage, TEVAR was performed 8 hours after arrival. All three patients survived. Conclusions. We treated BTAI successfully. We suggest that TEVAR is useful for BTAI. The timing of the operation and therapeutic option, including conservative therapy, should be decided for each patient.
Estimation of Eyelid Pressure Using a Blepharo-Tensiometer in Patients with Functional Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Authors: Kim Jinsoo , Lee Sang-Mok , Choi Youn Joo , Lee Min Joung
Published: August 2018

Purpose. To compare the eyelid pressure between patients with functional nasolacrimal duct obstruction (FNLDO) and normal controls using blepharo-tensiometer, and to evaluate the relationship between eyelid pressure and the outcomes of silicone intubation (SI) in patients with FNLDO. Study design. Prospective case-control study. Methods. We enrolled 36 eyes of 36 patients with suspected FNLDO who underwent SI and 36 healthy eyes of age-matched controls. One eye of each patient with FNLDO was randomly selected for analysis. The eyelid pressure was estimated using a blepharo-tensiometer and compared between the control and FNLDO groups. The relationship between eyelid pressure and clinical variables was analyzed. The outcomes of SI were assessed at 6 months after surgery using subjective and objective criteria. Results. The eyelid pressure was significantly lower in the FNLDO group than in the control group P=0.008. In the control group, the eyelid pressure was correlated with age P<0.001 and lower eyelid laxity P=0.016. In the FNLDO group, the eyelid pressure was only correlated with age P<0.001. The success rate of SI for FNLDO was 69.4% (25 of 36 eyes). The eyelid pressure was higher in the surgical success subgroup than in the failure subgroup, although the difference was not statistically significant P=0.08. Conclusions. Our results suggest that the eyelid pressure measured using a blepharo-tensiometer has a diagnostic value since it is decreased in patients with FNLDO. The role of eyelid pressure as a possible predictor of the outcomes of SI for FNLDO should be investigated in further studies. This trial is registered with KCT0002828.
Generalized Bell Numbers and Peirce Matrix via Pascal Matrix
Authors: Choi Eunmi
Published: August 2018

With the Stirling matrix S and the Pascal matrix T, we show that TkS (k≥0) satisfies a type of generalized Stirling recurrence. Then, by expressing the sum of components of each row of TkS as k-Bell number, we investigate properties of k-Bell numbers as well as k-Peirce matrix.
Novel Two-Dimensional Visualization Approaches for Multivariate Centroids of Clustering Algorithms
Authors: Doğan Yunus , Dalkılıç Feriştah , Birant Derya , Kut Recep Alp , Yılmaz Reyat
Published: August 2018

The dimensionality reduction and visualization problems associated with multivariate centroids obtained by clustering algorithms are addressed in this paper. Two approaches are used in the literature for the solution of such problems, specifically, the self-organizing map (SOM) approach and mapping selected two features manually (MS2Fs). In addition, principle component analysis (PCA) was evaluated as a component for solving this problem on supervised datasets. Each of these traditional approaches has drawbacks: if SOM runs with a small map size, all centroids are located contiguously rather than at their original distances according to the high-dimensional structure; MS2Fs is not an efficient method because it does not take features outside of the method into account, and lastly, PCA is a supervised method and loses the most valuable feature. In this study, five novel hybrid approaches were proposed to eliminate these drawbacks by using the quantum genetic algorithm (QGA) method and four feature selection methods, Pearson’s correlation, gain ratio, information gain, and relief methods. Experimental results demonstrate that, for 14 datasets of different sizes, the prediction accuracy of the proposed weighted clustering approaches is higher than the traditional K-means++ clustering approach. Furthermore, the proposed approach combined with K-means++ and QGA shows the most efficient placements of the centroids on a two-dimensional map for all the test datasets.