bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A functional electrical stimulation system for human walking inspired by reflexive control principles
Authors: Meng Lin , Porr Bernd , Macleod Catherine A , Gollee Henrik
Published: March 2017

This study presents an innovative multichannel functional electrical stimulation gait-assist system which employs a well-established purely reflexive control algorithm, previously tested in a series of bipedal walking robots. In these robots, ground contact information was used to activate motors in the legs, generating a gait cycle similar to that of humans. Rather than developing a sophisticated closed-loop functional electrical stimulation control strategy for stepping, we have instead utilised our simple reflexive model where muscle activation is induced through transfer functions which translate sensory signals, predominantly ground contact information, into motor actions. The functionality of the functional electrical stimulation system was tested by analysis of the gait function of seven healthy volunteers during functional electrical stimulation–assisted treadmill walking compared to unassisted walking. The results demonstrated that the system was successful in synchronising muscle activation throughout the gait cycle and was able to promote functional hip and ankle movements. Overall, the study demonstrates the potential of human-inspired robotic systems in the design of assistive devices for bipedal walking.
True Numerical Cognition in the Wild
Authors: Piantadosi Steven T. , Cantlon Jessica F.
Published: March 2017

Cognitive and neural research over the past few decades has produced sophisticated models of the representations and algorithms underlying numerical reasoning in humans and other animals. These models make precise predictions for how humans and other animals should behave when faced with quantitative decisions, yet primarily have been tested only in laboratory tasks. We used data from wild baboons’ troop movements recently reported by Strandburg-Peshkin, Farine, Couzin, and Crofoot (2015) to compare a variety of models of quantitative decision making. We found that the decisions made by these naturally behaving wild animals rely specifically on numerical representations that have key homologies with the psychophysics of human number representations. These findings provide important new data on the types of problems human numerical cognition was designed to solve and constitute the first robust evidence of true numerical reasoning in wild animals.
Methamphetamine and psychiatry: A story of the colourless substance of abuse
Authors: Suetani Shuichi , Reddan Jill , Anderson Carrick
Published: March 2017

Objective:

The current paper aims to provide an overview of methamphetamine in its historical context, integrated with a current understanding derived from animal studies and clinical experience.

Conclusion:

Despite over a century of clinical experience, methamphetamine remains a troublesome substance. There remains an urgent need at multiple levels from various sectors to combat this ongoing problem, and psychiatry has an essential role in this endeavour.
Emerging Role of Direct Oral Anticoagulants in the Management of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Tran Phu Ngoc , Tran Minh-Ha
Published: March 2017

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis (HITT) are rare but potentially limb- and life-threatening complications of heparin therapy. Continuation of heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin is contraindicated due to platelet activation in the presence of (heparin-dependent) HIT antibodies. Primary treatment options currently include argatroban, fondaparinux, or bivalirudin. However, the parenteral administration routes and interference of argatroban with traditional coagulation markers complicate management. The goal of this review is to assess the viability of direct oral anticoagulants as an alternative treatment option in patients with HIT/HITT. Their use in HIT/HITT is reasonable, given absent cross-reactivity preformed with HIT antibodies. Furthermore, their rapid onset of action and induction of effective anticoagulation provide a favorable basis for their use in this condition. Herein, we summarize 3 studies and 8 case reports comprising 56 patients in whom direct oral anticoagulants were used in the treatment of HIT/HITT.
Comparison of real-time PCR with fungal culture for the diagnosis of Microsporum canis dermatophytosis in shelter cats: a field study
Authors: Jacobson Linda S , McIntyre Lauren , Mykusz Jenny
Published: March 2017

Objectives

Fungal culture requires at least 14 days for a final result, compared with 1–3 days for PCR. The study compared a commercial real-time dermatophyte PCR panel with fungal culture in cats in a shelter setting for: (1) diagnosis of Microsporum canis infection; and (2) determination of mycological cure.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional, observational study of cats with suspicious skin lesions or suspected exposure to dermatophytosis. Hair samples were collected for fungal culture and PCR prior to treatment and at weekly intervals until two negative culture results were obtained.

Results

One hundred and thirty-two cats were included, of which 28 (21.2%) were culture positive and 104 (78.8%) culture-negative for M canis. PCR correctly identified all culture-positive cats and 92/104 culture negative cats; there were 12 false-positive PCR results. The sensitivity and specificity of PCR were 100% (95% confidence interval [CI] 87.7–100) and 88.5% (95% CI 80.7–93.9), respectively. Data from 17 cats were available for assessment of mycological cure. At the time of the first and second negative fungal cultures, 14/17 (82.4%) and 11/17 (64.7%) tested PCR positive, respectively.

Conclusions and relevance

PCR showed high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of M canis dermatophytosis compared with fungal culture, but was unreliable for identifying mycological cure. False-positive results were relatively common. There were no false-negative PCR results and a negative PCR test was a reliable finding in this study. The ability to rapidly diagnose or rule out dermatophytosis could be a valuable tool to increase life-saving capacity in animal shelters.
Exploring changes in distress among individuals with bleeding disorders: What is linked to improvements in distress?
Authors: Barry Vaughn , Lynch Mary Ellen , Tran Duc Q , Antun Ana , DeBalsi Anthony , Hicks Denise , Lasseter Francie , Mattis Shanna , Ribeiro Maria JA , Stein Sidney F , Kempton Christine L
Published: March 2017

Adults with chronic bleeding disorders report high distress, but it is unclear how distress varies over time. Patients rated their distress on a 10-point scale at two clinic visits. Of 83 patients, roughly one-quarter reported consistent no/low distress (29%), one-quarter reported consistent distress (22%), and half (49%) reported a change in distress of at least two points. Overall activity levels, depressive symptoms, and non-White race were significantly associated with worsening and consistent distress in adjusted analyses while improvements in activity levels and depressive symptoms during the study period were associated with distress improvement. Our results suggest that distress is modifiable.
Stiffness modelling of various types of atomic force microscopy cantilevers in 3D and validation of the models by finite element method
Authors: Korayem MH , Ghahnaviyeh SD , Saraee MB
Published: March 2017

In the manipulations of nanoparticles in different environments, the manipulation dynamics have to be modeled precisely and the critical force and time of manipulation have to be computed. A dynamic manipulation modeling can be performed two- or three-dimensionally; and a three-dimensional modeling process is obviously more exact and complicated. In order to precisely model, in three dimensions, the dynamics of a nano-manipulation is performed by an atomic force microscope, where the stiffness values of various atomic force microscope cantilevers need to be calculated and modeled correctly. The cantilevers of an atomic force microscope are classified into three general groups (rectangular, V-shaped, and dagger-shaped) and each of these types is used for the manipulation of nanoparticles with particular characteristics. Also, in addition to the important application of stiffness in the dynamic modeling of a manipulation process, this model is very much needed in computing the critical force and time of manipulation, which are the two key parameters in the first phase of a manipulation. Due to the importance of the three-dimensional stiffness modeling of atomic force microscope cantilevers, first, the three-dimensional stiffness values of rectangular, V-shaped, and dagger-shaped cantilevers have been determined. The extracted stiffness models have then been validated by means of the finite element method. The comparisons between the stiffness values along different directions for the three mentioned types of cantilevers indicate that the V-shaped cantilever has the highest lateral stiffness, the dagger-shaped cantilever has the least amount of normal stiffness, and the rectangular cantilever enjoys the highest torsional stiffness.
Bacterial infections in patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia: Comparison with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Wijers Christiaan DM , Chmiel James F , Gaston Benjamin M
Published: March 2017

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is an autosomal recessive disorder associated with severely impaired mucociliary clearance caused by defects in ciliary structure and function. Although recurrent bacterial infection of the respiratory tract is one of the major clinical features of this disease, PCD airway microbiology is understudied. Despite the differences in pathophysiology, assumptions about respiratory tract infections in patients with PCD are often extrapolated from cystic fibrosis (CF) airway microbiology. This review aims to summarize the current understanding of bacterial infections in patients with PCD, including infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Moraxella catarrhalis, as it relates to bacterial infections in patients with CF. Further, we will discuss current and potential future treatment strategies aimed at improving the care of patients with PCD suffering from recurring bacterial infections.
Research to Advance Undergraduate HRD Education: “Please Sir, I Want Some More”
Authors: Nimon Kim , Roberts Paul B.
Published: March 2017

The Problem

There is a dearth of research focusing on undergraduate human resource development (HRD) education. As a result, programs offering undergraduate degrees in HRD or degrees related to HRD may be making program decisions without the benefit of empirical research. Alternatively, programs may be conducting their own action research projects where the results may not be generalizable to other institutions.

The Solution

The present issue takes one small step forward related to filling the gap in undergraduate HRD education. The empirical articles in this issue are reviewed and synthesized to identify five opportunities for research that can inform education and practice.

The Stakeholders

The primary audience includes HRD scholars and scholar-practitioners, including master and doctorate students, interested in conducting research relevant to undergraduate HRD education. The secondary audience includes leaders of the field, including board members of the Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD), the AHRD Foundation, the University Council for Workforce and Human Resource Education (UCWHRE), program administrators, department chairs, associate deans, and deans.
Better Together? A Review of Evidence for Multi-Disciplinary Teams Responding to Physical and Sexual Child Abuse
Authors: Herbert James Leslie , Bromfield Leah
Published: March 2017

Multi-Disciplinary teams (MDTs) have often been presented as the key to dealing with a number of intractable problems associated with responding to allegations of physical and sexual child abuse. While these approaches have proliferated internationally, researchers have complained of the lack of a specific evidence base identifying the processes and structures supporting multi-disciplinary work and how these contribute to high-level outcomes. This systematic search of the literature aims to synthesize the existing state of knowledge on the effectiveness of MDTs. This review found that overall there is reasonable evidence to support the idea that MDTs are effective in improving criminal justice and mental health responses compared to standard agency practices. The next step toward developing a viable evidence base to inform these types of approaches seems to be to more clearly identify the mechanisms associated with effective MDTs in order to better inform how they are planned and implemented.
Giant Cell Tumor of the Metacarpal: Case Report
Authors: Lewallen Laura W. , Wagner Eric R. , Moran Steven L.
Published: March 2017

Background: Giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone is a benign, though locally aggressive tumor, classically described as an eccentric lytic lesion, often with cortical expansion and destruction. It typically involves the metaphysis or epiphysis of long bones in skeletally mature patients, with a slight female predominance. The incidence in the small bones of the hand has been reported to be 2% to 5%. Methods: Treatment options have evolved in recent years, and currently include intralesional curettage with or without adjuvant therapy, wide resection, and occasionally amputation. Results: In this report, we present a long-term follow-up (10 years) of a patient with GCT involving a metacarpal, who was initially reconstructed with a metacarpal head allograft, which was eventually revised to a metacarpophalangeal (MCP) total joint arthroplasty. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the only report of pyrocarbon being used for tumor reconstruction and the only report of late MCP allograft salvage.
Reconstruction of fiber Bragg grating strain profile used to monitor the stiffness degradation of the adhesive layer in carbon fiber–reinforced plastic single-lap joint
Authors: Chunsheng Song , Jiaxiang Zhang , Mo Yang , Erwei Shang , Jinguang Zhang
Published: March 2017

The adhesive-bonded joint of carbon fiber–reinforced plastic is one of the core components in aircraft structure design. It is an effective guarantee for the safety and reliability of the aerospace aircraft structure to use effective methods for monitoring and early warning of internal failure. In this article, the mapping relation model between the strain profiles of the adherend of the carbon fiber–reinforced plastic single-lap adhesive joint and the stiffness degradation evolution of adhesive layer was achieved by finite element software ABAQUS. The fiber Bragg grating was embedded in the adherend between the first and second layers at the end of the adhesive layer to calculate the reflection spectrum of fiber Bragg grating sensor region with improved T-matrix method for reconstruction of the adherend strain profile of fiber Bragg grating sensing area with the help of genetic algorithm. According to the reconstruction results, the maximum error between the ideal and reconstructed strain profile under different tension loads did not exceed 7.43%, showing a good coincidence degree. The monitoring method of the stiffness degradation evolution of adhesive layer of the carbon fiber–reinforced plastic single-lap joint based on the reconstruction of the adherend strain profile of fiber Bragg grating sensing area thus was figured out.
Numerical and experimental investigation of tank-type axial-flow pump device
Authors: Shi Lijian , Tang Fangping , Xie Rongsheng , Zhang Weipeng
Published: March 2017

By means of numerical simulation and experimental verification, this article investigates the hydraulic performance and pressure fluctuation of a tank-style axial-flow pump device. With orthogonal test, 16 schemes are designed concerning the different flow conditions of the inlet and outlet passages, and simulated calculations are done; then the non-steady numerical simulation of pressure fluctuation is carried out for the optimized pump device; a model test finally verifies the reliability of the simulated numerical values of the optimized scheme. The results show that using the orthogonal test, an optimized scheme of the inlet and outlet passages can be obtained; compared with the initial scheme, the optimized one reduces the hydraulic loss by 1.3 cm in the inlet passage and 7.96 cm in the outlet passage; numerical simulation witnesses the highest pump operating efficiency of 70.04%, efficiency of 66.82% with the design head of 1.36 m, and the corresponding flow of 34.31 m3/s; the model test verifies all the simulated values of the optimized scheme with the highest pump operating efficiency reaching 71.5% and the test efficiency arriving at about 64% when the design head is 1.36 m. Meanwhile, the highest pressure fluctuation appears at the entrance of the impeller; the main frequency of the impeller and guide vane pressure fluctuation is 5 Hz depending on the frequency of the blade. This study offers reference for similar pump station project.
Conversion relation of centrifugal pumps as hydraulic turbines based on the amplification coefficient
Authors: Shi Guangtai , Liu Xiaobing , Wang Zhengwei , Liu Yang
Published: March 2017

Most centrifugal pumps with low specific speed are designed using the method of increasing the flow rate; by this, each designer selects different flow rate amplification coefficients for the pumps. These different amplification coefficients lead to differences between the optimum conditions after amplification and the optimum design conditions, and thus, these factors lead to differences in the conversion coefficients of centrifugal pumps as hydraulic turbines. The conversion relation of the centrifugal pump as a hydraulic turbine based on the amplification coefficient was obtained through research, and this conversion relation can be used to the model selection of all hydraulic turbines.
A locally adaptive ensemble approach for data-driven prognostics of heterogeneous fleets
Authors: Al-Dahidi Sameer , Di Maio Francesco , Baraldi Piero , Zio Enrico
Published: March 2017

In this work, we consider the problem of predicting the remaining useful life of a piece of equipment, based on data collected from a heterogeneous fleet working under different operating conditions. When the equipment experiences variable operating conditions, individual data-driven prognostic models are not able to accurately predict the remaining useful life during the entire equipment life. The objective of this work is to develop an ensemble approach of different prognostic models for aggregating their remaining useful life predictions in an adaptive way, for good performance throughout the degradation progression. Two data-driven prognostic models are considered, a homogeneous discrete-time finite-state semi-Markov model and a fuzzy similarity–based model. The ensemble approach is based on a locally weighted strategy that aggregates the outcomes of the two prognostic models of the ensemble by assigning to each model a weight and a bias related to its local performance, that is, the accuracy in predicting the remaining useful life of patterns of a validation set similar to the one under study. The proposed approach is applied to a case study regarding a heterogeneous fleet of aluminum electrolytic capacitors used in electric vehicle powertrains. The results have shown that the proposed ensemble approach is able to provide more accurate remaining useful life predictions throughout the entire life of the equipment compared to an alternative ensemble approach and to each individual homogeneous discrete-time finite-state semi-Markov model and fuzzy similarity–based models.
Ssb1 and Ssb2 cooperate to regulate mouse hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells by resolving replicative stress
Authors: Shi Wei , Vu Therese , Boucher Didier , Biernacka Anna , Nde Jules , Pandita Raj K. , Straube Jasmin , Boyle Glen M. , Al-Ejeh Fares , Nag Purba , Jeffery Jessie , Harris Janelle L. , Bain Amanda L. , Grzelak Marta , Skrzypczak Magdalena , Mitra Abhishek , Dojer Norbert , Crosetto Nicola , Cloonan Nicole , Becherel Olivier J. , Finnie John , Skaar Jeffrey R. , Walkley Carl R. , Pandita Tej K. , Rowicka Maga , Ginalski Krzysztof , Lane Steven W. , Khanna Kum Kum
Published: March 2017

Key Points

Combined loss of Ssb1/Ssb2 induces rapid lethality due to replication stress–associated loss of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Functionally, loss of Ssb1/Ssb2 activates p53 and IFN pathways, causing enforced cell cycling in quiescent HSPCs and apoptotic cell loss.
Activation of the LMO2 oncogene through a somatically acquired neomorphic promoter in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Rahman Sunniyat , Magnussen Michael , León Theresa E. , Farah Nadine , Li Zhaodong , Abraham Brian J. , Alapi Krisztina Z. , Mitchell Rachel J. , Naughton Tom , Fielding Adele K. , Pizzey Arnold , Bustraan Sophia , Allen Christopher , Popa Teodora , Pike-Overzet Karin , Garcia-Perez Laura , Gale Rosemary E. , Linch David C. , Staal Frank J. T. , Young Richard A. , Look A. Thomas , Mansour Marc R.
Published: March 2017

Key Points

Recurrent intronic mutations that create probable MYB, ETS1, and RUNX1 binding sites occur at the LMO2 promoter in some T-ALL patients. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated disruption of the mutant MYB site in PF-382 cells markedly downregulates LMO2 expression.
Infiltration of effector regulatory T cells predicts poor prognosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified
Authors: Nakayama Shoko , Yokote Taiji , Akioka Toshikazu , Hiraoka Nobuya , Nishiwaki Uta , Miyoshi Takuji , Iwaki Kazuki , Takayama Ayami , Masuda Yuki , Hatooka Jun , Fujimoto Mayumi , Nishimura Yasuichiro , Tsuji Motomu
Published: March 2017

Key Points

In the patients with DLBCL, NOS, a high infiltration of FOXP3-positive cells in tumor was associated with a better prognosis. However, a high infiltration of FOXP3/CTLA-4 double-positive cells, which are eTregs, was associated with a worse prognosis.
Measuring Cochlear Duct Length – a historical analysis of methods and results
Authors: Koch Robert W. , Ladak Hanif M. , Elfarnawany Mai , Agrawal Sumit K.
Published: March 2017

Background

Cochlear Duct Length (CDL) has been an important measure for the development and advancement of cochlear implants. Emerging literature has shown CDL can be used in preoperative settings to select the proper sized electrode and develop customized frequency maps. In order to improve post-operative outcomes, and develop new electrode technologies, methods of measuring CDL must be validated to allow usage in the clinic.

Purpose

The purpose of this review is to assess the various techniques used to calculate CDL and provide the reader with enough information to make an informed decision on how to conduct future studies measuring the CDL.

Results

The methods to measure CDL, the modality used to capture images, and the location of the measurement have all changed as technology evolved. With recent popularity and advancement in computed tomography (CT) imaging in place of histologic sections, measurements of CDL have been focused at the lateral wall (LW) instead of the organ of Corti (OC), due to the inability of CT to view intracochlear structures. After analyzing results from methods such as directly measuring CDL from histology, indirectly reconstructing the shape of the cochlea, and determining CDL based on spiral coefficients, it was determined the three dimensional (3D) reconstruction method is the most reliable method to measure CDL. 3D reconstruction provides excellent visualization of the cochlea and avoids errors evident in other methods. Due to the number of varying methods with varying accuracies, certain guidelines must be followed in the future to allow direct comparison of CDL values between studies.

Conclusion

After summarizing and analyzing the interesting history of CDL measurements, the use of standardized guidelines and the importance of CDL for future cochlear implant developments is emphasized for future studies.
Neutrophils as active regulators of the immune system in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Shaul Merav E , Fridlender Zvi G
Published: March 2017

In recent years, the role of immune cells in tumor progression has been a matter of increasing interest. Neutrophils constitute an important portion of the immune cells infiltrating the tumor microenvironment. Traditionally viewed as the first line of defense against infections, it is now well accepted that neutrophils also have an important role in multiple aspects of cancer biology. Multiple and heterogeneous neutrophil subsets have been identified in tumors and in circulation. Evidence from many studies now supports the notion that tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) show functional plasticity driven by multiple factors present in the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we first concisely discuss the pro-tumor vs. anti-tumor nature of neutrophils in cancer, their functional plasticity, and the mechanisms that regulate neutrophil polarization. We then expand on the various crosstalks and mutual effects between TANs and other tumor-infiltrating immune cell types, emphasizing the active role of neutrophils as regulators of the immune system, promoting or inhibiting the establishment of a permissive tumor microenvironment. Finally, the possible modulation of cancer-related neutrophils by therapies directed toward immune checkpoints is discussed briefly.
Complex electrical conductivity changes associated with hydrous pyrolysis maturation of the Woodford Shale
Authors: Woodruff William F. , Lewan Michael D. , Revil André , Torres-Verdín Carlos
Published: March 2017

Hydrous closed-system pyrolysis experiments were performed on five pairs of chert cubes from the Woodford Shale aliquots under uniaxial confinement at various prescribed thermal maturities. These thermal maturities represent each of the phases of organic-matter (OM) catagenesis under hydrous conditions: immature kerogen at low thermal stress (125°C for 72 h), low and peak bitumen generation with increasing thermal stress (300°C and 330°C for 72 h), cracking of bitumen to oil and gas at higher thermal stresses (330°C and 360°C for 72 h), and cracking of some oil at the highest experimental conditions (400°C for 72 h). We measured the spectra of the complex electrical conductivity tensor (in the frequency range 10 mHz to 45 kHz) of these 10 aliquots to capture the effects of thermal maturation by hydrous pyrolysis. Results indicate that surface conduction of polar-rich bitumens has a significant effect on their complex electrical conductivity. The OM of a source rock is considered a negligible cause of cation-exchange capacity (CEC), whose parameters influence surface and quadrature conductivity components of the complex electrical conductivity tensor. Part of this CEC was reactivated during the hydrous closed-system pyrolysis experiments. The conspicuous absence of a decrease in electrical conductivity with bitumen and oil generation in the chert cubes recovered from the hydrous-pyrolysis experiments does not agree with the observed increases of well-log resistivity in the natural maturation of some source rocks. Contraction of OM at the contacts with mineral grains is considered a partial cause of this discrepancy, which occurs during the cooling of the experiments to room temperature when no mechanical compaction is applied. Mineral-grain supported rocks such as the chert we studied appear to be especially prone to such a phenomenon.
Fast-forward modeling of compressional arrival slowness logs in high-angle and horizontal wells
Authors: Huang Shan , Torres-Verdín Carlos
Published: March 2017

Compressional (P) and shear (S) sonic propagation modes are routinely measured with modern borehole acoustic logging instruments. Slownesses (inverse of velocity) of P- and S-modes provide information on compressional and shear slownesses of rock formations surrounding the wellbore, respectively. When a high-angle well penetrates horizontal thin layers, the layers function as waveguides for the propagation of sonic waves. Layer-trapped and borehole-guided waves interfere with each other, giving rise to abnormal amplitude variations and phase discontinuity in the time waveforms acquired at receivers. Consequently, waveforms measured across the receiver array often exhibit low semblance, which renders conventional waveform semblance-based processing techniques inadequate for reliable estimation of formation slowness. Instead of calculating waveform semblance, we invoke compressional first-arrival times to describe the propagation properties of the P-mode in high-angle and horizontal (HA/HZ) wells, and we derive P-arrival slownesses from the first-arrival times of the measured waveforms. Because the first-arrival time at a particular receiver is associated with the fastest P-wave, the P-arrival slowness log is much less affected by mode interference than the conventional log obtained using semblance-based processing techniques. Furthermore, numerical tests with high-angle wells indicate that compressional first arrivals are mainly associated with converted P-waves through deviated layers. Accordingly, we introduce a 1D layered simulation method to model P-mode first-arrival times in HA/HZ wells across thinly bedded formations. Synthetic examples confirm that P-arrival slowness logs obtained with our simulation method in HA/HZ wells agree to within 5% with logs obtained using 3D finite-difference simulations. In addition, because the new method simplifies the geometric complexity of the models from 3D to 1D, it saves 99% of CPU time compared with rigorous numerical simulations.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Depiction of Robert’s Uterus: A Rare Müllerian Duct Anomaly Presenting with Cyclical Pain in Young Menstruating Woman
Authors: Mittal Puneet , Gupta Ranjana , Mittal Amit , Taneja Arpit , Sekhon Preetparkash Singh , Gupta Sharad
Published: March 2017

Background: Robert’s uterus is a very rare müllerian duct anomaly which is characterised by septate uterus with obstruction of a one-sided cavity and formation of hematometra. Therefore, patients present with cyclical abdominal pain during menstruation along with normal menstrual flow.

Case Report: We present magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in a case of Robert’s uterus in a young woman.

Conclusions: Robert’s uterus is a very rare anomaly which can be very well characterized by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI can also show any associated hematometra and endometriomas complicating this condition and aid in the institution of appropriate management in such cases.
A Phase 2A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial of GM604 in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS Protocol GALS-001) and a single compassionate patient treatment (Protocol GALS-C)
Authors: Kindy Mark , Lupinacci Paul , Chau Raymond , Shum Tony , Ko Dorothy
Published: March 2017

Background

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that lacks effective treatment options. Genervon has discovered and developed GM604 (GM6) as a potential ALS therapy. GM6 has been modeled upon an insulin receptor tyrosine kinase binding motoneuronotrophic factor within the developing central nervous system.

Methods

This was a 2-center phase 2A, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial with 12 definite ALS patients diagnosed within 2 years of disease onset. Patients received 6 doses of GM604 or placebo, administered as slow IV bolus injections (3x/week, 2 consecutive weeks). Objectives were to assess the safety and efficacy of GM604 based on ALSFRS-R, FVC and selected biomarkers (TDP-43, Tau and SOD1, pNFH). This report also includes results of compassionate treatment protocol GALS-C for an advanced ALS patient.

Results

Definite ALS patients were randomized to one of two treatment groups (GM604, n = 8; placebo, n = 4). 2 of 8 GM604-treated patients exhibited mild rash, but otherwise adverse event frequency was similar in treated and placebo groups. GM604 slowed functional decline (ALSFRS-R) when compared to a historical control (P = 0.005). At one study site, a statistically significant difference between treatment and control groups was found when comparing changes in respiratory function (FVC) between baseline and week 12 (P = 0.027). GM604 decreased plasma levels of key ALS biomarkers relative to the placebo group (TDP-43, P = 0.008; Tau, P = 0.037; SOD1, P = 0.009). The advanced ALS patient in compassionate treatment demonstrated improved speech, oral fluid consumption, mouth suction with GM604 treatment and biomarker improvements.

Conclusions

We observed favorable shifts in ALS biomarkers and improved functional measures during the Phase 2A study as well as in an advanced ALS patient. Although a larger trial is needed to confirm these findings, the present data are encouraging and support GM604 as an ALS drug candidate.
A survey of working conditions within biomedical research in the United Kingdom
Authors: Riddiford Nick
Published: March 2017

Background: Many recent articles have presented a bleak view of career prospects in biomedical research in the US. Too many PhDs and postdocs are trained for too few research positions, creating a “holding-tank” of experienced senior postdocs who are unable to get a permanent position. Coupled with relatively low salaries and the high levels of pressure to publish in top-tier academic journals, this has created a toxic environment that is perhaps responsible for a recently observed decline in biomedical postdocs in the US, the so-called “postdocalypse”.

Methods: In order to address the gulf of information relating to working habits and attitudes of UK-based biomedical researchers, a survey was conducted and analysed to examine discrete profiles for three major career stages: the PhD, the postdoc and the principal investigator.

Results: Overall, the data presented here echoes trends observed in the US: Scientists in the UK feel disillusioned with academic research, due to the low chance of getting a permanent position and the long hours required at the bench. Also like the US, large numbers of researchers at each distinct career stage are considering leaving biomedical research altogether.

Conclusions: There are several systemic flaws in the academic scientific research machine – for example to continual overproduction of PhDs and the lack of stability in the early-mid stages of a research career - that are slowly being addressed in countries such as the US and Germany. This data suggests that similar flaws also exist in the UK, with a large proportion of respondents concerned about their future in research. To avoid lasting damage to the biomedical research agenda in the UK, addressing such concerns should be a major priority.
Environmental enrichment for the resting horse
Authors: Clarke Anna
Published: March 2017

Registered Veterinary Nurse Anna Clarke from Redwings Horse Sanctuary explores environmental enrichment based on experience from the charity's own equine hospital
A comparative analysis of the factors driving film cycles: Italian and American zombie film production, 1978–82
Authors: Platts Todd K.
Published: March 2017

This study shines light on the general factors involved in film cycle development and non-development through a focus on Dawn of the Dead’s (Romero, 1978/79) influence in the Italian and US film markets. Four factors, commercial success, sociopolitical events and broader social currents, supporting cultural phenomena and ephemera, and industrial compatibility, are comparatively assessed with respect to the Italian zombie cycle from 1978 to 1981 and the lack of an American cycle from the same period. The comparative approach advanced in the article properly historicizes the development of zombie cinema after one of its landmark films. Moreover, while the approach is applied to late 1970s/early 1980s zombie cinema, it offers a general analytic for future film cycle scholarship.
A study of students’ attitudes towards using ICT in a social constructivist environment
Authors: Silin Yang , Kwok David
Published: March 2017

This study aims to examine the factors that support or hinder students’ attitudes towards using information and communication technology (ICT) in problem-based learning (PBL) using the technology acceptance model (TAM) (Davis, 1989) among polytechnic students. A total of 737 first-year polytechnic students in Singapore participated in the cross-sectional survey study by completing a questionnaire (The assessment of attitude and intention to use ICT tools among polytechnic students), which gathered both quantitative and qualitative data. Based on the analysis of the quantitative data, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are found to be significantly and positively correlated with attitudes towards using ICT. Results from the analysis of the qualitative data suggest five major themes (engagement, communication, information gathering, collaboration and efficiency) on what students enjoyed most about using ICT. On the other hand, Internet connectivity, usability, technical issues and ICT competency are the four other themes that categorised the difficulties students faced using ICT. An important implication is to develop polytechnic lecturers’ competency in the use of ICT-enabled learning tools as a priority to enable them to successfully integrate ICT in their PBL lessons.
Towards an automatic classification system for supporting the development of critical reflective skills in L2 learning
Authors: Cheng Gary
Published: March 2017

This study aimed to develop an automatic classification system, namely ACTIVE, for generating immediate and individualised feedback on students’ reflective entries about their second language (L2) learning experiences. It also aimed to explore students’ attitudes towards using the system to support the development of their reflective skills in L2 learning. A total of 466 undergraduate students took part in the study. One hundred and twenty-seven participants were involved in the development phase, where their reflective entries were manually annotated according to a classification framework for critical reflection on L2 learning, and the annotated entries were then used to develop the ACTIVE system. The remaining participants were asked to generate automated feedback reports on their reflective entries for improvement by using the system. To solicit their views towards the system, the participants were administered an online questionnaire and some of them were also invited to attend a semi-structured interview. The overall results indicate that the classification accuracy of the system is comparable to that of human annotators. They also suggest that both teacher and machine feedback types have strengths and limitations, highlighting the need to further explore the use of multi-channel, multi-layer feedback in improving students’ reflective skills in L2 learning.
Eye tracking and early detection of confusion in digital learning environments: Proof of concept
Authors: Pachman Mariya , Arguel Amaël , Lockyer Lori , Kennedy Gregor , Lodge Jason
Published: March 2017

Research on incidence of and changes in confusion during complex learning and problem-solving calls for advanced methods of confusion detection in digital learning environments (DLEs). In this study we attempt to address this issue by investigating the use of multiple measures, including psychophysiological indicators and self-ratings, to detect confusion in DLEs. Participants were subjected to two intrinsically confusing insight problems in the form of visual digital puzzles. They were asked to solve problems while their eye trajectories were recorded and these data were triangulated with self-ratings of confusion and cued retrospective verbal reports. All participants had a significant increase in fixations on relevant (i.e., related to the solution) and not-relevant areas at an early stage of the problem-solving process. However, only fixations on not-relevant areas were positively correlated with confusion ratings. Moreover, participants who significantly solved the problem differed in their fixations duration on relevant and not-relevant areas from non-solvers. The importance of early detection of confusion and the affordances of emerging technologies for this purpose are discussed.
What Happens Online Stays Online? Segment-Specific Online and Offline Effects of Banner Advertisements
Authors: Lobschat Lara , Osinga Ernst C. , Reinartz Werner J.
Published: March 2017

Many firms are allocating increasing parts of their advertising budgets to banner advertising. Yet, for firms that predominantly sell offline, existing research provides little guidance on online advertising decisions. In this study, the authors analyze the impact of banner advertising on consumers’ online and offline behavior across multiple distinct campaigns for one focal firm, which predominantly sells through the offline channel. Results suggest that banner and TV advertising increase website visit incidence for consumers who have not visited the focal firm's website in the previous four weeks (nonrecent online consumers). For these consumers, banner and TV advertisements indirectly increase offline sales through website visits. For consumers who have visited the firm's website in the previous four weeks (recent online consumers), the authors find evidence for a cross-campaign, brand-building effect of banner advertising, and TV ads also directly affect offline purchases. Overall, the findings indicate that for firms that predominantly (or even exclusively) sell offline, banner advertising is most suitable to generate awareness for a firm's new products among nonrecent online consumers, and to build their brand(s) among recent online consumers.
Ghost Ads: Improving the Economics of Measuring Online Ad Effectiveness
Authors: Johnson Garrett A. , Lewis Randall A. , Nubbemeyer Elmar I.
Published: March 2017

To measure the effects of advertising, marketers must know how consumers would behave had they not seen the ads. The authors develop a methodology they call “ghost ads,” which facilitates this comparison by identifying the control group counterparts of the exposed consumers in a randomized experiment. The authors show that, relative to public service announcement and intent-to-treat A/B tests, ghost ads can reduce the cost of experimentation, improve measurement precision, deliver the relevant strategic baseline, and work with modern ad platforms that optimize ad delivery in real time. The authors also describe a variant, “predicted ghost ad” methodology, which is compatible with online display advertising platforms; their implementation records more than 100 million predicted ghost ads per day. The authors demonstrate the methodology with an online retailer's display retargeting campaign. They show novel evidence that retargeting can work: the ads lifted website visits by 17.2% and purchases by 10.5%. Compared with intent-to-treat and public service announcement experiments, advertisers can measure ad lift just as precisely while spending at least an order of magnitude less.
Longitudinal Changes in Component Processes of Working Memory
Authors: Rieckmann Anna , Pudas Sara , Nyberg Lars
Published: March 2017

Working memory (WM) entails maintenance and manipulation of information in the absence of sensory input. This study investigated the trajectories and neural basis of these component processes of WM functions in aging. Longitudinal human functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data are presented from 136 older individuals (55–80 years) who were scanned at baseline and again 4 years later. We obtained evidence that age-related changes in parietal and frontal components of the WM core network are dissociable in terms of their role in maintenance of perceptual representations and further manipulation of this information, respectively. Individual difference analyses in performance subgroups showed that only prefrontal changes in fMRI activation were accompanied by changes in performance, but parietal brain activity was related to study dropout. We discuss the results in terms of possible neurobiological causes underlying separable aging-related declines in inferior parietal cortex and lateral prefrontal cortex that differentially affect WM functions.
Functional and structural insight into properdin control of complement alternative pathway amplification
Authors: Pedersen Dennis V , Roumenina Lubka , Jensen Rasmus K , Gadeberg Trine AF , Marinozzi Chiara , Picard Capucine , Rybkine Tania , Thiel Steffen , Sørensen Uffe BS , Stover Cordula , Fremeaux‐Bacchi Veronique , Andersen Gregers R
Published: March 2017

Properdin (FP) is an essential positive regulator of the complement alternative pathway (AP) providing stabilization of the C3 and C5 convertases, but its oligomeric nature challenges structural analysis. We describe here a novel FP deficiency (E244K) caused by a single point mutation which results in a very low level of AP activity. Recombinant FP E244K is monomeric, fails to support bacteriolysis, and binds weakly to C3 products. We compare this to a monomeric unit excised from oligomeric FP, which is also dysfunctional in bacteriolysis but binds the AP proconvertase, C3 convertase, C3 products and partially stabilizes the convertase. The crystal structure of such a FP‐convertase complex suggests that the major contact between FP and the AP convertase is mediated by a single FP thrombospondin repeat and a small region in C3b. Small angle X‐ray scattering indicates that FP E244K is trapped in a compact conformation preventing its oligomerization. Our studies demonstrate an essential role of FP oligomerization in vivo while our monomers enable detailed structural insight paving the way for novel modulators of complement.
Data organization and preservation in the context of digital and networked media
Authors: Mičunović Miljana , Marčetić Hana , Krtalić Maja
Published: March 2017

This paper presents the results of a small scale survey on attitudes, habits and practices of Croatian working population in relation to digital curation of personal digital data. The survey was driven by the following research questions: What are the attitudes of working population towards organizing and safekeeping digital documents that they create in everyday life? To what extent is personal digital archiving among working population a planned activity or just a side-effect of generating content in the digital environment? How do they organize and preserve digital data and documents, both offline and online? What are their attitudes to digital afterlife and digital legacy? Data has been collected in the period from November 2015 to January 2016 through an online questionnaire distributed through online social networks and e-mails aiming to reach the employed population in the age group from 18 to 65 in Croatia. The analysis of the results shows detailed behaviour patterns when it comes to preservation practices as well as attitudes towards taking responsibility for safekeeping personal digital data and documents. The results are also discussed in the light of the implication that these issues may have on user studies and services in libraries and archives.
Social science research data curation
Authors: Sun Guangyuan , Khoo Christopher S.G
Published: March 2017

Data curation is attracting a growing interest in the library and information science community. The main purpose of data curation is to support data reuse. This paper discusses the issues of reusing quantitative social science data from three perspectives of searching and browsing for datasets, evaluating the reusability of datasets (including evaluating topical relevance, utility and data quality), and integrating datasets, by comparing dataset searching with online database searching. The paper also discusses using knowledge representation techniques of metadata and ontology, and a graphical visualization interface to support users in browsing, assessing and integrating datasets.