bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between IL-4 and IL-4R Polymorphisms and Periodontitis: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jia Xiao-Wei , Yuan Ya-Di , Yao Zhong-Xiong , Wu Chang-Jing , Chen Xiang , Chen Xue-Hong , Lin Ying-Mei , Meng Xiang-Yu , Zeng Xian-Tao , Shao Jun
Published: March 2017

Background. Previous studies have revealed that gene polymorphisms of inflammatory factors may influence the development or progression of periodontitis, a main cause of tooth loss in adults; however, due to limitations of individual studies, inconsistent findings were reported.Objective. To meta-analytically investigate the relationship between periodontitis and the Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and Interleukin-4 receptor (IL-4R) gene polymorphisms.Methods. Databases were searched for relevant case-control studies. After study selection based on the predefined selection criteria, methodological quality assessment and data extraction were conducted independently by two reviewers, before subsequent statistical analyses.Results. 37 studies involving 4,385 patients and 5,168 controls were included. All the studied IL-4 polymorphisms were not significantly associated with periodontitis, except the -33C/T (CT versus CC: OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.28–0.88) associated with reduced AgP susceptibility. Positive association was found between IL-4R Q551 polymorphism and periodontitis susceptibility in three genetic models (R versus Q: OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.14–2.22; QR versus QQ: OR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.21–2.80; RR + QR versus QQ: OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.22–2.72).Conclusions. A positive association exists between the IL-4R Q551R polymorphism and occurrence of CP. The IL-4 -33 CT genotype is negatively associated with the occurrence of AgP.
An Efficient Multiobjective Backtracking Search Algorithm for Single Machine Scheduling with Controllable Processing Times
Authors: Lu Chao , Gao Liang , Li Xinyu , Wang Qi , Liao Wei , Zhao Qingyao
Published: March 2017

The scheduling problem with controllable processing times (CPT) is one of the most important research topics in the scheduling field due to its widespread application. Because of the complexity of this problem, a majority of research mainly addressed single‐objective small scale problems. However, most practical problems are multiobjective and large scale issues. Multiobjective metaheuristics are very efficient in solving such problems. This paper studies a single machine scheduling problem with CPT for minimizing total tardiness and compression cost simultaneously. We aim to develop a new multiobjective discrete backtracking search algorithm (MODBSA) to solve this problem. To accommodate the characteristic of the problem, a solution representation is constructed by a permutation vector and an amount vector of compression processing times. Furthermore, two major improvement strategies named adaptive selection scheme and total cost reduction strategy are developed. The adaptive selection scheme is used to select a suitable population to enhance the search efficiency of MODBSA, and the total cost reduction strategy is developed to further improve the quality of solutions. For the assessment of MODBSA, MODBSA is compared with other algorithms including NSGA‐II, SPEA2, and PAES. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed MODBSA is a promising algorithm for such scheduling problem.
Molecular Pathways: Oncologic Pathways and Their Role in T-cell Exclusion and Immune Evasion—A New Role for the AXL Receptor Tyrosine Kinase
Authors: Aguilera Todd A. , Giaccia Amato J.
Published: March 2017

With the clinical impact of CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint therapies, widespread interest in cancer immunotherapy has been ignited. However, the rate and extent of clinical responses to approved therapies are limited and often nonexistent in many solid tumors. This is partially because immune checkpoint therapies are most effective against T-cell–inflamed tumors, and non–T-cell–inflamed or T-cell–excluded tumors remain a significant barrier. New strategies are needed to overcome immune resistance mechanisms that arise during tumor development, which result in T-cell exclusion. Approaches may need to be combined with conventional therapies such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and molecularly targeted therapy, and many clinical trials are ongoing. This review discusses the challenge of T-cell exclusion and innate oncologic pathways that contribute to this problem, including β-catenin, STAT3, NF-κB, PTEN, and AXL tyrosine kinase. The GAS6/AXL pathway is of interest immunologically, as its targeting can lead to greater antitumor immune responses after radiotherapy. In addition, several targeted therapies that are selective and nonselective for AXL are in preclinical and clinical development in acute myelogenous leukemia and renal cell cancer. There remains much to learn, but the future is bright for anti-AXL therapies, though effective combinations and their impact may not be realized for years to come. Clin Cancer Res; 23(12); 2928–33. ©2017 AACR.
Health-Related Quality of Life in Portuguese Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Rei Andreia , Rocha Marta , Pedroto Isabel
Published: March 2017

Introduction: Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection impacts multiple health and psychosocial dimensions and encompasses a significant overall burden as it progresses to advanced stages of hepatic disease. Aims: To evaluate for the first time health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of a subset of Portuguese adult patients with chronic hepatitis C using the Portuguese versions of generic, Short-Form 12 Health Survey (SF-12v2), and disease-specific, Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ), instruments; to assess psychometric properties of CLDQ, Portuguese version. Methods: HRQoL was evaluated in Portuguese adult outpatients with chronic hepatitis C attending the Hepatology Clinic at Centro Hospitalar do Porto, using SF-12v2 and CLDQ. This transversal study was conducted between April and October 2015. Results: Eighty outpatients with chronic hepatitis C were enrolled, with mean age 57 years (standard deviation 11), 67.5% male, all Caucasian, 76.3% diagnosed for >10 years, 66.3% with C virus genotype 1, 65.0% with hepatic cirrhosis (94.2% of which Child-Pugh A), and 46.3% under current antiviral treatment. For CLDQ internal consistency, Cronbach's α was 0.88; for construct validity, correlations ranged from 0.36 to 0.80 (p < 0.01). Mean CLDQ scores ranged from 4.25 (Worry) to 5.78 (Abdominal Symptoms). Lower scores were observed for Worry, Fatigue, and Emotional Function domains. Statistically significant differences were found in median values of Worry (CLDQ) and Role Emotional (SF-12) (p < 0.05) for “current antiviral treatment,” with higher scores for patients that concluded therapy. Conclusion: HRQoL was negatively affected in several domains in Portuguese patients with chronic hepatitis C; oral antiviral treatment correlated with better quality of life, assuring its benefits on this population; the CLDQ Portuguese version revealed adequate psychometric properties, and was useful in assessing quality of life in Portuguese HCV patients.
Predictors of Complications and Mortality in Patients with Self-Expanding Metallic Stents for the Palliation of Malignant Colonic Obstruction
Authors: Sousa Mafalda , Pinho Rolando , Proença Luísa , Silva Joana , Ponte Ana , Rodrigues Jaime , Carvalho João
Published: March 2017

Introduction: Self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) for palliative purposes in malignant colonic obstruction are an alternative to surgery that has gained popularity over time. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of patients submitted to SEMS for palliation of obstructing malignant colorectal cancer from 2005 to 2015 to evaluate predictive clinical factors for complications and mortality. Results: Forty-five patients with high rates of technical and clinical success were included (97.8 and 95.6%, respectively), with complications occurring in 17.8% (8.9% perforations, 4.4% obstructions, and 4.4% migrations). The length of the stenosis was superior in patients with complications (p = 0.01); 11.1% of patients had a re-intervention (2.2% surgery and 8.9% placement of another SEMS). Relief of obstruction without intervention was maintained until death in 77.8% of patients and in 81.4% of patients who had immediate clinical success. The mortality rate was 37.2% at 30 days, 56.5% at 60 days, and 87.5% at 1 year. There were no predictors of survival identified, including age, sex, tumor stage, metastasis, or complications of the procedure. Discussion and Conclusions: In this study, SEMS placement was associated with a high rate of technical and clinical success and a low rate of complications, being an option to palliate patients with obstructive neoplasia. The length of the stenosis was associated with a greater risk of complications. The majority of stent-related complications can be managed successfully without surgery.
The Opening of ATP-Sensitive K+ Channels Protects H9c2 Cardiac Cells Against the High Glucose-Induced Injury and Inflammation by Inhibiting the ROS-TLR4-Necroptosis Pathway
Authors: Liang Weijie , Chen Meiji , Zheng Dongdan , Li Jianhao , Song Mingcai , Zhang Wenzhu , Feng Jianqiang , Lan Jun
Published: March 2017

Background/Aims: Hyperglycemia activates multiple signaling molecules, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), receptor-interacting protein 3 (RIP3, a kinase promoting necroptosis), which mediate hyperglycemia-induced cardiac injury. This study explored whether inhibition of ROS-TLR4-necroptosis pathway contributed to the protection of ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channel opening against high glucose-induced cardiac injury and inflammation. Methods: H9c2 cardiac cells were treated with 35 mM glucose (HG) to establish a model of HG-induced insults. The expression of RIP3 and TLR4 were tested by western blot. Generation of ROS, cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and secretion of inflammatory cytokines were measured as injury indexes. Results: HG increased the expression of TLR4 and RIP3. Necrostatin-1 (Nec-1, an inhibitor of necroptosis) or TAK-242 (an inhibitor of TLR4) co-treatment attenuated HG-induced up-regulation of RIP3. Diazoxide (DZ, a mitochondrial KATP channel opener) or pinacidil (Pin, a non-selective KATP channel opener) or N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC, a ROS scavenger) pre-treatment blocked the up-regulation of TLR4 and RIP3. Furthermore, pre-treatment with DZ or Pin or NAC, or co-treatment with TAK-242 or Nec-1 attenuated HG-induced a decrease in cell viability, and increases in ROS generation, MMP loss and inflammatory cytokines secretion. However, 5-hydroxy decanoic acid (5-HD, a mitochondrial KATP channel blocker) or glibenclamide (Gli, a non-selective KATP channel blocker) pre-treatment did not aggravate HG-induced injury and inflammation. Conclusion: KATP channel opening protects H9c2 cells against HG-induced injury and inflammation by inhibiting ROS-TLR4-necroptosis pathway.
Insufficient Leaflet Remodeling in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Kagiyama Nobuyuki , Hayashida Akihiro , Toki Misako , Fukuda Shota , Ohara Minako , Hirohata Atsushi , Yamamoto Keizo , Isobe Mitsuaki , Yoshida Kiyoshi
Published: March 2017

Background—

The relationship between annular dilatation caused by atrial fibrillation (AF) and mitral regurgitation (MR) remains controversial. We hypothesized that the small ratio of total leaflet area/annulus area (TLA/AA), reflecting insufficient leaflet remodeling to annular dilatation, is a main component of MR in patients with AF.

Methods and Results—

Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic data of the mitral valve were analyzed in 28 AF patients with moderate or severe MR (MR group), age- and sex-matched 56 AF patients with mild or less MR (non-MR group), and 16 control subjects. AA was significantly greater in both the MR (645±126 mm
2
/m
2
,
P
<0.001) and non-MR groups (568±121 mm
2
/m
2
,
P
=0.001) compared with control subjects (444±108 mm
2
/m
2
). However, TLA/AA was significantly smaller in the MR (1.29±0.10,
P
<0.001), but not in the non-MR group (1.65±0.24,
P
>0.99), compared with control subjects (1.70±0.29). In linear regression analysis, TLA/AA was inversely associated with the effective regurgitant orifice (
r
=−0.73,
P
<0.001). The area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve of TLA/AA was significantly greater than that of AA (0.95 versus 0.72,
P
<0.001). Multivariable analysis revealed that small TLA/AA (
P
<0.001) was independently associated with significant MR, while AA was not (
P
=0.26).

Conclusions—

In patients with AF, insufficient leaflet remodeling to annular dilatation, rather than crude annular dilatation, was strongly associated with the severity of MR.
Platelet Reactivity and Clinical Outcomes After Coronary Artery Implantation of Drug-Eluting Stents in Subjects With Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Gupta Rajesh , Kirtane Ajay J. , Ozan M. Ozgu , Witzenbichler Bernhard , Rinaldi Michael J. , Metzger D. Christopher , Weisz Giora , Stuckey Thomas D. , Brodie Bruce R. , Mehran Roxana , Ben-Yehuda Ori , Stone Gregg W.
Published: March 2017

Background—

Patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) have high rates of adverse cardiovascular events after percutaneous coronary intervention and may additionally have heightened platelet reactivity. This study assessed the relationship between platelet reactivity and clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary interventions among subjects with and without PAD.

Methods and Results—

ADAPT-DES (Assessment of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy With Drug-Eluting Stents) was a prospective, multicenter registry of patients treated with coronary drug-eluting stents. Platelet reactivity was assessed by the VerifyNow point-of-care assay; high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HPR) was defined as P2Y12 reaction units >208. A propensity-adjusted multivariable analysis was performed to determine the relationship between PAD, platelet reactivity, and subsequent adverse events (definite or probable stent thrombosis, all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, and clinically relevant bleeding). Among 8582 patients, 10.2% had a history of PAD. Patients with PAD were older and more likely to have comorbid conditions; however, mean P2Y12 reaction units and HPR were not significantly different between PAD and no PAD groups. Patients with PAD had higher 2-year rates of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, and clinically relevant bleeding. Associations between HPR and adverse events were similar in PAD and no PAD groups, without evidence of interaction; however, adverse event rates were highest among subjects with both PAD and HPR. In a propensity-adjusted multivariable model, both PAD and HPR were independent predictors of myocardial infarction at 2 years.

Conclusions—

A history of PAD was associated with ischemic and bleeding outcomes 2 years after successful coronary drug-eluting stent implantation; however, these associations did not seem to be directly mediated by heightened platelet reactivity.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00638794.
Continuum of Renin-Independent Aldosteronism in Normotension
Authors: Baudrand Rene , Guarda Francisco J. , Fardella Carlos , Hundemer Gregory , Brown Jenifer , Williams Gordon , Vaidya Anand
Published: March 2017

Primary aldosteronism is a severe form of autonomous aldosteronism. Milder forms of autonomous and renin-independent aldosteronism may be common, even in normotension. We characterized aldosterone secretion in 210 normotensives who had suppressed plasma renin activity (<1.0 ng/mL per hour), completed an oral sodium suppression test, received an infusion of angiotensin II, and had measurements of blood pressure and renal plasma flow. Continuous associations between urinary aldosterone excretion rate, renin, and potassium handling were investigated. Severe autonomous aldosterone secretion that was consistent with confirmed primary aldosteronism was defined based on accepted criteria of an aldosterone excretion rate >12 μg/24 hours with urinary sodium excretion >200 mmol/24 hours. Across the population, there were strong and significant associations between higher aldosterone excretion rate and higher urinary potassium excretion, higher angiotensin II–stimulated aldosterone, and lower plasma renin activity, suggesting a continuum of renin-independent aldosteronism and mineralocorticoid receptor activity. Autonomous aldosterone secretion that fulfilled confirmatory criteria for primary aldosteronism was detected in 29 participants (14%). Normotensives with evidence suggestive of confirmed primary aldosteronism had higher 24-hour urinary aldosterone excretion rate (20.2±12.2 versus 6.2±2.9 μg/24 hours;
P
<0.001) as expected, but also higher angiotensin II–stimulated aldosterone (12.4±8.6 versus 6.6±4.3 ng/dL;
P
<0.001) and lower 24-hour urinary sodium-to-potassium excretion (2.69±0.65 versus 3.69±1.50 mmol/mmol;
P
=0.001); however, there were no differences in age, aldosterone-to-renin ratio, blood pressure, or renal plasma flow between the 2 groups. These findings indicate a continuum of renin-independent aldosteronism and mineralocorticoid receptor activity in normotension that ranges from subtle to overtly dysregulated and autonomous. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether this spectrum of autonomous aldosterone secretion contributes to hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
Updates on the genus Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae) in Santa Catarina, Brazil
Authors: HASSEMER GUSTAVO , DA SILVA OTÁVIO LUIS MARQUES , FUNEZ LUÍS ADRIANO , ERNST MADELEINE , CORDEIRO INÊS , RØNSTED NINA
Published: March 2017

This contribution presents updates to the knowledge of the species of Euphorbia that occur in Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil. More specifically, we here typify the names E. cyathophora, E. hirtella, E. paranensis and E. stenophylla, and present the first records of E. cyathophora, E. graminea, E. ophthalmica and E. thymifolia for Santa Catarina. Finally, we provide an updated identification key to all 30 species of Euphorbia that occur in Santa Catarina, including native, naturalised and cultivated species.
Validating the systematic placement of Eriosynaphe in the genus Ferula (Apiaceae: Scandiceae: Ferulinae) linked with the description of Ferula mikraskythiana sp. nov. from Romania
Authors: MÁTIS ATTILA , SZABÓ ANNA , LYSKOV DMITRY , SRAMKÓ GÁBOR , KUHN THOMAS , BĂDĂRĂU ALEXANDRU S. , BARTHA LÁSZLÓ
Published: March 2017

The genus Eriosynaphe had a peculiar taxonomic history by having been considered also as member of the genus Johrenia in addition to originally having been established in Ferula. It has traditionally been regarded as monotypic and no previous molecular study examined its phylogenetic position. Based on sequences of the nrDNA ITS region, here we show that Eriosynaphe is ‘deeply’ nested in one of the well supported and repeatedly recognised clades of Ferula, thus arguing for its return to the genus Ferula. Additionally, a new species, Ferula mikraskythiana endemic to the Dobrogea region of southeastern Romania is described in the present paper. This species, with its overall habit and mericarp structure, closely resembles Eriosynaphe longifolia though it differs from the latter by its much larger stature, the morphology of the leaf terminal lobes and a distinct phenology. Moreover, F. mikraskythiana is a narrow endemic to a region beyond (westward to) the wide distribution range of E. longifolia.
Characterization of the scope and magnitude of biotin interference in susceptible Roche Elecsys competitive and sandwich immunoassays
Authors: Trambas Christina , Lu Zhong , Yen Tina , Sikaris Ken
Published: March 2017

Background

Biotin interference is a significant problem to which at-risk laboratories must now be attuned. We sought to systematically characterize the nature of this interference in Roche immunoassays.

Methods

Known concentrations of biotin were titrated into serum samples and the effects on competitive and sandwich immunoassays were analysed. The maximum and minimum concentrations examined reflect those likely to be achieved in individuals on 5 to 10 mg supplements at the lower end, and 100 to 300 mg biotin at the high end.

Results

A high variability in biotin tolerance was observed. Some assays, such as troponin T, TSH and antithyroid antibodies, were extremely sensitive to the lower concentrations of biotin (15.6 and 31.3 ng/mL), whereas the majority of assays were relatively resistant. At concentrations ≥500 ng/mL, all assays showed significant interference from biotin but, again, the magnitude of the interference was variable. The more sensitive assays showed profound analytical bias at biotin concentrations that occur with high-dose therapy.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate high variability in biotin tolerance across Roche immunoassays. The shape of the dose–response curves provides more detailed information than the single manufacturer-quoted figure for biotin tolerance. Accordingly, these data may be used by laboratories for more accurate risk assessment in predicting the effects of biotin. Our data may also be extrapolated to guide timing of blood tests in patients on high-dose biotin therapy: it demonstrates the number of half-lives required to withhold biotin in order to decrease its concentration to below a given assay tolerance.
Student engagement, non-completion and pedagogy: Development of a measurement tool
Authors: Dulfer Nicky , Rice Suzanne , Clarke Kira
Published: March 2017

A significant body of research documents the negative consequences of dropping out of school for both the individual and society. In attempting to respond to the problem of early school leaving, schools and systems internationally have put in place a range of system-level and local responses such as mentoring, targeted additional career guidance and homework clubs. Unfortunately, these ‘add-ons’ often stop outside the classroom door, and do not consider the impact of teaching practices on students’ engagement in school and their decisions to remain or leave. This article reports on the development of instruments aimed at measuring four constructs that have been shown to be related to student engagement and school completion, namely competence, autonomy, relatedness and an appreciation of subject relevance. Analyses of data from a small sample of Year 9 students ( N = 48) in two Australian secondary schools indicated that, with some adjustments, the research instruments developed provided reliable and valid measures of the four constructs for use in large-scale research with students.
Uncommon criticism: Reading Ivan Vladislavić’s collected work as art criticism
Authors: O’Toole Sean William
Published: March 2017

Johannesburg author, essayist, and editor Ivan Vladislavić has a longstanding interest in art, an interest richly recorded in his literary corpus. Since publishing his debut work of fiction, Missing Persons (1989), Vladislavić has repeatedly dwelled on artworks in his fiction and non-fiction writing. His literary corpus is studded with descriptions of paintings, sculptures, photographs, ceremonial statues, murals, and other, more obscure pieces of urban flotsam given their own artistic agency in his fecund imagination. This article discusses his interest and entanglement in art from a threefold perspective: thematically, biographically, and theoretically. It argues that the art world has consistently functioned as a laboratory for the author to refine his thoughts, albeit as a literary writer, not an art critic. While Vladislavić does not identify as an art critic, this article argues that his writing on art and broader literary output represent a valuable critical resource and an important intervention in fervid and unresolved debates around the definition of art criticism. The article begins by identifying thematic constellations that recur throughout Vladislavić’s work, placing these in conversation with salient aspects of the author’s early professional biography. It concludes by proposing that Vladislavić’s oeuvre can be read as a historically mindful, crisis-orientated form of art criticism.
“The economies of repetition”: The market, the artistic, and the genocidal in Ivan Vladislavić’s “Curiouser”
Authors: Marais Sue
Published: March 2017

As a fictional response to a series of artworks by the Johannesburg artist, Joachim Schönfeldt, Ivan Vladislavić’s The Exploded View had unconventional origins. Though Vladislavić maintains that the links between Schönfeldt’s images and his own text are understated, certain motifs are obviously common to both. Moreover, if authenticity is one of Schönfeldt’s central themes, this is no less true of The Exploded View — and particularly of the story “Curiouser”, which features another (fictional) Johannesburg artist, Simeon Majara. The latter’s multi-media pieces not only raise uncomfortable questions about artistic originality and integrity, but also self-reflexively interrogate artistic representations of atrocity and the public’s consumption of such images. Intriguingly, however, while the fictional Majara’s installation on the Rwandan genocide, the “Nyanza Shrouds”, bears little relation to Schönfeldt’s work, it does implicitly set up a “conversation” with the Chilean artist Alfredo Jaar’s Rwanda Project (indeed, the similarity between Jaar and Majara’s names suggests a deliberately teasing cross-reference). In this article, I discuss the ways in which “Curiouser” engages with “the anxiety of influence” and the art world’s implicatedness in commodity capitalism. I also explore what Majara terms “the economies of repetition” in his own praxis, and his musings on the uncanny nexus between surplus and iteration in both genocidal and artistic contexts.
Self-Punishment Promotes Forgiveness in the Direct and Indirect Reciprocity Contexts
Authors: Zhu Ruida , Shen Xueyi , Tang Honghong , Ye Peixia , Wang Huagen , Mai Xiaoqin , Liu Chao
Published: March 2017

Most previous studies regarding self-punishment have focused on the correlation between moral emotion and self-punishment. Only a few studies have attempted to understand self-punishment from the perspective of seeking forgiveness, and no study has yet directly tested whether wrongdoers’ self-punishment promotes others to forgive the wrongdoers. In three studies, the participants judged the wrongdoers’ self-punishment behaviors following an unfair allocation and reported the extent to which they forgave the wrongdoers. The results demonstrated that self-punishment did promote forgiveness in both the direct (Studies 1 and 2) and indirect reciprocity (Study 3) contexts. Consistent with costly signaling theory, the costlier the self-punishment was, the stronger the effect it had on forgiveness. Moreover, communicative self-punishment had a better effect than silent self-punishment when the cost was relatively high in the direct-reciprocity studies. These findings can guide us regarding how to address a damaged relationship via self-punishment when compensation is not feasible or acceptable.
Reduced model of linear systems via Laguerre filters
Authors: El Anes Ameni , Bouzrara Kais , Ragot José
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we propose a technique to reduce the complexity of an existing (initial) model via the Laguerre filters. We present an analytical method for the parameter identification of the Fourier coefficients of the Laguerre model. This technique is based on the bilinear discrete transformation and in which the Fourier coefficients are expressed in recurrent form in terms of the Laguerre pole. This latter is estimated by an iterative technique, based on the Newton algorithm. This identification technique is after extended to the case of the ARX-Laguerre model and the MISO-ARX-Laguerre model and its performances are illustrated by numerical simulations.
Outcomes in Adult Sinonasal Rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Stepan Katelyn , Konuthula Neeraja , Khan Mohemmed , Parasher Arjun , Del Signore Anthony , Govindaraj Satish , Genden Eric , Iloreta Alfred
Published: March 2017

Objective

To describe patient demographics, histology, treatment modalities, and survival associated with adult sinonasal rhabdomyosarcoma.

Study Design

Retrospective review of a national database.

Setting

Tertiary medical center.

Subjects and Methods

Patient demographics, tumor histology, treatment modalities, and survival trends were examined for patients aged ≥18 years who were diagnosed with sinonasal rhabdomyosarcoma between 2004 and 2013 with the National Cancer Database. Kaplan‐Meier analysis and the log‐rank tests were performed to determine the unadjusted association between overall survival and various patient and disease characteristics.

Results

A total of 186 patients were identified; 5‐year overall survival was 28.4%. Over half of patients were between 18 and 35 years old at diagnosis (53.8%), which was associated with improved 5‐year overall survival over patients >35 years old (31.9% vs 24.4%, P =. 014). Alveolar sinonasal rhabdomyosarcoma was most common (66.7%). There was no statistical difference in 5‐year overall survival between alveolar and embryonal subtypes (30.5% vs 41.6%, P >. 05). Metastatic disease was present in 27.7% of patients and was associated with worse 5‐year overall survival (14.7% vs 33.9%, P <. 0001). The majority of patients were treated with chemotherapy with adjuvant radiation (49.5%). A quarter of patients were treated with surgery plus chemoradiation (25.8%).

Conclusion

We present the largest analysis of adult sinonasal rhabdomyosarcoma using a standardized national based database. Adult sinonasal rhabdomyosarcoma has a very poor prognosis independent of histologic subtype. The small number of surgical cases limits the ability of the analysis to accurately compare treatment with chemoradiation with and without surgery.
Inpatient Rounding Practices in Otolaryngology Residency Programs
Authors: Sokoya Mofiyinfolu , Judge Paul D. , Cabrera‐Muffly Cristina , Vila Peter M.
Published: March 2017

Inpatient rounding is an agelong tradition in the field of medicine. Among recent changes in health care, rounding is understudied as an area of research. The purpose of this study was to assess current methods of inpatient rounding in otolaryngology residency programs and assess satisfaction with current practices. Survey questions were designed by members of the resident committee of the Society of University Otolaryngologists. Surveys were sent to all 450 members, and we obtained a 32% response rate. Sixty‐four percent of attendings perform bedside rounds; 44% of subjects reported that attending physicians participate in rounds at least once a week; and 21% reported daily participation. When asked if attending participation in rounding is adequate, attendings did not have a strong opinion (mean = 3.8). There is a paucity of research on inpatient rounding, and future studies should examine specific practices with the goal of maximizing patient safety and resident education.
Nicotine disrupts safety learning by enhancing fear associated with a safety cue via the dorsal hippocampus
Authors: Connor David A , Kutlu Munir G , Gould Thomas J
Published: March 2017

Learned safety, a learning process in which a cue becomes associated with the absence of threat, is disrupted in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A bi-directional relationship exists between smoking and PTSD and one potential explanation is that nicotine-associated changes in cognition facilitate PTSD emotional dysregulation by disrupting safety associations. Therefore, we investigated whether nicotine would disrupt learned safety by enhancing fear associated with a safety cue. In the present study, C57BL/6 mice were administered acute or chronic nicotine and trained over three days in a differential backward trace conditioning paradigm consisting of five trials of a forward conditioned stimulus (CS)+ (Light) co-terminating with a footshock unconditioned stimulus followed by a backward CS– (Tone) presented 20 s after cessation of the unconditioned stimulus. Summation testing found that acute nicotine disrupted learned safety, but chronic nicotine had no effect. Another group of animals administered acute nicotine showed fear when presented with the backward CS (Light) alone, indicating the formation of a maladaptive fear association with the backward CS. Finally, we investigated the brain regions involved by administering nicotine directly into the dorsal hippocampus, ventral hippocampus, and prelimbic cortex. Infusion of nicotine into the dorsal hippocampus disrupted safety learning.
Designing planning and control interfaces to support user collaboration with flying robots
Authors: Szafir Daniel , Mutlu Bilge , Fong Terrence
Published: March 2017

Robots are becoming increasingly prevalent and are already providing assistance in a variety of activities, ranging from space exploration to domestic housework. Recent advances in the design of sensors, motors, and microelectromechanical systems have enabled the development of a new class of small aerial robots. These free-flying robots hold great promise in assisting humans by acting as mobile sensor platforms to collect data in areas that are difficult to access or infeasible to instrument. In this work, we explored the design of interfaces that support users in working with free-flying robots to accomplish tasks including inventory logistics and management, environmental data collection, and visual inspection. Extending prior work in control interfaces for ground robots, we conducted a formative study in order to identify key design requirements for free-flyer interfaces. We designed several realistic tasks for use in evaluating human–robot interaction within the context of indoor free-flyer operation. We implemented three prototype interfaces that each provide varying degrees of support in enabling remote users to work with a flying robot to plan, communicate goals, accomplish tasks, and respond to changes in a dynamic environment. An experimental evaluation of each interface found that the interface designed to support collaborative planning and replanning using an interactive timeline and three-dimensional spatial waypoints significantly improved users’ efficiency in accomplishing tasks, their ability to intervene in response to spontaneous changes in task demands, and their ratings of the robot as a teammate compared to interfaces that support low-level teleoperation or waypoint-based supervisory control. Our results demonstrate the utility of a data-driven design process and show the need for free-flyer interfaces to consider planning phases in addition to task execution. In addition, we demonstrate the importance of providing interface support for interrupting robot operations as unplanned events arise.
Robot@Home, a robotic dataset for semantic mapping of home environments
Authors: Ruiz-Sarmiento J.R. , Galindo C. , Gonzalez-Jimenez J.
Published: March 2017

This paper presents the Robot-at-Home dataset (Robot@Home), a collection of raw and processed sensory data from domestic settings aimed at serving as a benchmark for semantic mapping algorithms through the categorization of objects and/or rooms. The dataset contains 87,000+ time-stamped observations gathered by a mobile robot endowed with a rig of four RGB-D cameras and a 2D laser scanner. Raw observations have been processed to produce different outcomes also distributed with the dataset, including 3D reconstructions and 2D geometric maps of the inspected rooms, both annotated with the ground truth categories of the surveyed rooms and objects. The proposed dataset is particularly suited as a testbed for object and/or room categorization systems, but it can be also exploited for a variety of tasks, including robot localization, 3D map building, SLAM, and object segmentation. Robot@Home is publicly available for the research community at http://mapir.isa.uma.es/work/robot-at-home-dataset .
Intégration et transformation d’une figure de la danse classique par la danse coréenne – une analyse comparée de la Pirouette en dehors et du Hanbaldeuleodolgi basée sur la notation Laban
Authors: Shim Kyung-Eun , Bril Blandine
Published: March 2017

Due to cultural exchange between the West and Asia since the beginning of the 20th century, the Korean dance has integrated quite a few aspects of classical dance while transforming its figures. The transformation itself is what we are interested in. We focus on a central figure in classical ballet, la pirouette en dehors, which in the Korean dance is known as the Hanbaldeuleodolgi. Our research aims at understanding how is expressed in both cultures (France and Korea), a dance movement which comes under similar mechanical constraints (producing rotational forces) while displaying a unique aesthetic to each context. The detailed analysis of this figure is carried out based on the theory of Rudolf Laban.
Experimental and numerical simulation studies on heat transfer to calorimeters engulfed in diesel pool fires
Authors: Siddapureddy Sudheer , Prabhu SV
Published: March 2017

Characterization of heat transfer to calorimeters engulfed in pool fires is extremely important. To estimate the heat flux to the calorimeters, experiments are performed with horizontal stainless steel 304L pipes engulfed in diesel pool fires. The concept of adiabatic surface temperature is applied to predict the incident heat flux to horizontally oriented calorimeters engulfed in diesel pool fires. Plate thermometers are used to measure the adiabatic surface temperature for diesel pool fires. The estimated subsurface temperatures inside the steel pipes using the adiabatic surface temperature concept and the measured temperatures are in good agreement. Adiabatic surface temperature is also computed from fire simulations. The incident heat fluxes to the steel pipes engulfed in fire predicted from the simulations are found to be in good agreement with the experiments. The fire numerical code is validated against the 1 m pool fire experimental results of centerline temperature distribution and irradiances away from fire. A correlation is provided for the estimation of adiabatic surface temperature for large diesel pool fires. These results would provide an effective way for thermal test simulations.
Indigenizing military citizenship: remaking state responsibility and care towards Māori veterans’ health through the Treaty of Waitangi
Authors: Bryers-Brown Tarapuhi , Trundle Catherine
Published: March 2017

How does militarism reshape indigenous peoples’ relationships with settler states? In this article, we explore how military service both opens up and forecloses avenues for indigenous groups to claim new modes of responsibility, care and relationality from the state. Through a discussion of New Zealand Māori nuclear test veterans’ recent legal claims through the Waitangi Tribunal, we detail the range of ways that Māori veterans utilize and rework ethnic identity categories to encompass wider notions of citizenship, care and responsibility, and challenge neoliberal models of reparations. Claimants argue that their ongoing wellbeing sits at the centre of their partnership with the state, revealing how uneasily the Māori military body fits within mainstream logics of Treaty claim-making. Seeking healthcare and wellbeing here does not demand greater autonomy or independence, but requires ongoing interdependence, practices of care and attention to ongoing intergenerational obligations that, like radiation harm, have no clear endpoints.
A Case Report: Ovarian Sertoli-Leydig Cell Tumor With Hyperestrogenism and Endometrial Hyperplasia in a Postmenopausal Woman
Authors: Tsuzuki Yoko , Kikuchi Iwaho , Nojima Michio , Yoshida Koyo , Hashizume Akane , Tomita Shigeki
Published: March 2017

The patient was a 66-year-old woman, G2P2. The patient presented a chief complaint of irregular postmenopausal bleeding 1 month ago. A transvaginal ultrasonography showed that bilateral ovaries were not enlarged and uterine endometrium was thickened, measuring at 9 mm. As a result of endometrial curettage, the simple endometrial hyperplasia was revealed. A blood examination showed an elevated estradiol level of 67 pg/mL, an elevated level of testosterone 0.64 ng/mL, and a slightly suppressed follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level of 34.86 mIU/mL. We conducted laparoscopic hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy because the patient strongly suggested less invasive surgery. The result of pathological diagnosis was Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor (SLCT) in moderately differentiation. A blood examination after a month postoperatively revealed an elevated FSH level of 85.59 mIU/mL, depressed estradiol level of less than 10 pg/mL, and testosterone level of less than 0.03 ng/mL. There was no evidence of recurrence in the first year of follow-up.
Active CMV infection in two patients with multiple sclerosis treated with alemtuzumab
Authors: Clerico Marinella , De Mercanti Stefania , Artusi Carlo Alberto , Durelli Luca , Naismith Robert T
Published: March 2017

Alemtuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the surface molecule CD52, resulting in a rapid depletion of innate and adaptive immune cells. Infection rates in multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment trials were higher in alemtuzumab than in interferon beta–treated patients. We report two MS patients who developed cytomegalovirus disease within 1 month after the first 5-day cycle of alemtuzumab. Upon identification and appropriate treatment of the infection, each recovered completely. Neurologists should be aware of this serious but treatable complication.
Nudging down theft from insecure vehicles. A pilot study
Authors: Roach Jason , Weir Kevin , Phillips Paul , Gaskell Karen , Walton Miles
Published: March 2017

This report presents the preliminary findings of a pilot study to reduce thefts from cars committed against insecure vehicles, using the behavioural insights or ‘nudge approach’. The recipients of the ‘nudges’ were potential victims of theft from insecure vehicles living in high rate areas for this crime, where a bespoke leaflet campaign was developed to nudge vehicle owners into thinking more carefully when leaving their vehicles unattended, particularly when left on their driveways overnight. Although somewhat tentative at this stage, the preliminary findings indicate that the percentage of thefts committed against insecure vehicles in the two treatment areas was reduced significantly when compared with the two control group areas where no nudge interventions were introduced. This demonstrates that if appropriate nudges (grounded in psychological theory) are coupled with and delivered by appropriate messengers, the prosocial behavioural change can be encouraged which can lead to a reduction in criminal behaviour and opportunities for crime.
Utilizing low airflow strategies, including cylinder deactivation, to improve fuel efficiency and aftertreatment thermal management
Authors: Ramesh Aswin K , Shaver Gregory M , Allen Cody M , Nayyar Soumya , Gosala Dheeraj B , Caicedo Parra Dina , Koeberlein Edward , McCarthy James , Nielsen Doug
Published: March 2017

Approximately 30% of the fuel consumed during typical heavy-duty vehicle operation occurs at elevated speeds with low-to-moderate loads below 6.5 bar brake mean effective pressure. The fuel economy and aftertreatment thermal management of the engine at these conditions can be improved using conventional means as well as cylinder deactivation and intake valve closure modulation. Airflow reductions result in higher exhaust gas temperatures, which are beneficial for aftertreatment thermal management, and reduced pumping work, which improves fuel efficiency. Airflow reductions can be achieved through a reduction of displaced cylinder volume by using cylinder deactivation and through reduction of volumetric efficiency by using intake valve closure modulation. This paper shows that, depending on load, cylinder deactivation and intake valve closure modulation can be used to reduce the fuel consumption between 5% and 25%, increase the rate of warm-up of aftertreatment, maintain higher temperatures, or achieve active diesel particulate filter regeneration without requiring dosing of the diesel oxidation catalyst.
Prevalence of Sexual Aggression Victimization and Perpetration in Chile: A Systematic Review
Authors: Schuster Isabell , Krahé Barbara
Published: March 2017

Sexual aggression is a major public health issue worldwide, but most knowledge is derived from studies conducted in North America and Western Europe. Little research has been conducted on the prevalence of sexual aggression in developing countries, including Chile. This article presents the first systematic review of the evidence on the prevalence of sexual aggression victimization and perpetration among women and men in Chile. Furthermore, it reports differences in prevalence rates in relation to victim and perpetrator characteristics and victim–perpetrator relationships. A total of N = 28 studies were identified by a three-stage literature search, including the screening of academic databases, publications of Chilean institutions, and reference lists. A great heterogeneity was found for prevalence rates of sexual victimization, ranging between 1.0% and 51.9% for women and 0.4% and 48.0% for men. Only four studies provided perpetration rates, which varied between 0.8% and 26.8% for men and 0.0% and 16.5% for women. No consistent evidence emerged for differences in victimization rates in relation to victims’ gender, age, and education. Perpetrators were more likely to be persons known to the victim. Conceptual and methodological differences between the studies are discussed as reasons for the great variability in prevalence rates, and recommendations are provided for a more harmonized and gender-inclusive approach for future research on sexual aggression in Chile.
Measurement of the electric energy storage capacity in solar thermoelectric generators’ energy harvesting modules
Authors: Dias Pedro C , Morais Flávio JO , Duarte Luis FC , M França Maria Bernadete , Spengler Anderson W , Cabot Andreu
Published: March 2017

Reducing energy consumption is mandatory in self-powered sensor nodes of wireless sensor networks that obtain all their energy from the environment. In this direction, one first step to optimize the network is to accurately measure the total energy harvested, which will determine the power available for sensor consumption. We present here a technique based on an embedded circuit with an ultra-low-power microcontroller to accurately measure the efficiency of flat-panel solar thermoelectric generators operating with environmental temperature gradients. Experimental tests showed that when a voltage of 180 mV (best case in an environmental flat-panel solar thermoelectric generators) is applied to the input of the DC–DC converter, the proposed technique eliminates a measurement error of 33% when compared with the conventional single supercapacitor strategy.
A feature matching and fusion-based positive obstacle detection algorithm for field autonomous land vehicles
Authors: Wu Tao , Cui Huihai , Li Yan , Wang Wei , Lui Daxue , Shang Erke
Published: March 2017

Positive obstacles will cause damage to field robotics during traveling in field. Field autonomous land vehicle is a typical field robotic. This article presents a feature matching and fusion-based algorithm to detect obstacles using LiDARs for field autonomous land vehicles. There are three main contributions: (1) A novel setup method of compact LiDAR is introduced. This method improved the LiDAR data density and reduced the blind region of the LiDAR sensor. (2) A mathematical model is deduced under this new setup method. The ideal scan line is generated by using the deduced mathematical model. (3) Based on the proposed mathematical model, a feature matching and fusion (FMAF)-based algorithm is presented in this article, which is employed to detect obstacles. Experimental results show that the performance of the proposed algorithm is robust and stable, and the computing time is reduced by an order of two magnitudes by comparing with other exited algorithms. This algorithm has been perfectly applied to our autonomous land vehicle, which has won the champion in the challenge of Chinese “Overcome Danger 2014” ground unmanned vehicle.