bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Investors Perceive Marking-to-Model as Marking-to-Myth? Early Evidence from FAS 157 Disclosure
Authors: Kolev Kalin S.
Published: January 2019

Capitalizing on the disclosure mandated by FAS 157, I examine the equity market’s perception of the reliability of internally generated fair value estimates. For the sample of S&P 1,500 financial institutions for the first three quarters of 2008, I document a significantly positive association between stock price and fair values measured using unadjusted market prices (FAS 157 Level 1), other observable inputs (Level 2), and significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), with valuation coefficients generally increasing in the observability of the measurement inputs. Using the reconciliation of the change in Level 3 net assets, I then directly examine the periodic re-measurement of the fair value estimates and document a significantly positive association between Level 3 net gains and quarterly returns. This result manifests even among observations with thin capital cushion, poorer information environment, and weaker corporate governance. Collectively, the findings are consistent with the conjecture that investors perceive the management-provided, mark-to-model, fair value estimates sufficiently reliable to use in firm valuation and do not discard them as “markings-to-myth.”
Simulation of salt-cavity healing based on a micro–macro model of pressure solution
Authors: Shen Xianda , Arson Chloé
Published: January 2019

CO
2
storage in salt rock is simulated with the finite element method (FEM), assuming constant gas pressure. The initial state is determined by simulating cavity excavation with a continuum damage mechanics (CDM) model. A micro–macro healing mechanics model is proposed to understand the time-dependent behaviour of halite during the storage phase. Salt is viewed as an assembly of porous spherical inclusions that contain three orthogonal planes of discontinuity. Eshelby's self-consistent theory is employed to homogenize the distribution of stresses and strains of the inclusions at the scale of a representative elementary volume (REV). Pressure solution results in inclusion deformation, considered as eigenstrain, and in inclusion stiffness changes. The micro–macro healing model is calibrated against Spiers’ oedometer test results, with uniformly distributed contact plane orientations. FEM simulations show that independent of salt diffusion properties, healing is limited by stress redistributions that occur around the cavity during pressure solution. In standard geological storage conditions, the displacements at the cavity wall occur within the first 5 days of storage and the damage is reduced by only 2%. These conclusions still need to be confirmed by simulations that account for changes in gas temperature and pressure over time. For now, the proposed modelling framework can be applied to optimize crushed salt back-filling materials and can be extended to other self-healing materials.
Goal and Plan Recognition Design for Plan Libraries
Authors: Mirsky Reuth , Gal Kobi , Stern Roni , Kalech Meir
Published: January 2019

This article provides new techniques for optimizing domain design for goal and plan recognition using plan libraries. We define two new problems: Goal Recognition Design for Plan Libraries (GRD-PL) and Plan Recognition Design (PRD). Solving the GRD-PL helps to infer
which
goal the agent is trying to achieve, while solving PRD can help to infer
how
the agent is going to achieve its goal. For each problem, we define a worst-case distinctiveness measure that is an upper bound on the number of observations that are necessary to unambiguously recognize the agent’s goal or plan. This article studies the relationship between these measures, showing that the worst-case distinctiveness of GRD-PL is a lower bound of the worst-case plan distinctiveness of PRD and that they are equal under certain conditions. We provide two complete algorithms for minimizing the worst-case distinctiveness of plan libraries without reducing the agent’s ability to complete its goals: One is a brute-force search over all possible plans and one is a constraint-based search that identifies plans that are most difficult to distinguish in the domain. These algorithms are evaluated in three hierarchical plan recognition settings from the literature. We were able to reduce the worst-case distinctiveness of the domains using our approach, in some cases reaching 100% improvement within a predesignated time window. Our iterative algorithm outperforms the brute-force approach by an order of magnitude in terms of runtime.
Online Idea Management for Civic Engagement
Authors: Saldivar Jorge , Daniel Florian , Cernuzzi Luca , Casati Fabio
Published: January 2019

Idea Management (IM) has increasingly been adopted in the civic domain as a tool to engage the citizenry in processes oriented toward innovating plans, policies, and services. While Idea Management Systems (IMSs), the software systems that instrument IM, definitely help manage this practice, they require citizens to be committed to a separate virtual space for which they need to register, they must learn how to operate it, and they must return to it frequently. This article presents an approach that integrates IMS with today’s most popular digital spaces of participation, the social networking sites, thus enabling citizens to engage in IM processes using ordinary tools and without having to step outside their daily habits. Our goal is to reach out and pull into IM those large and demographically diverse sectors of the society that are already present and participating in social networking sites. Through a real case study of IM in the public sector that mixed both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, our proposal demonstrates a promising approach to reduce the barriers of participation. We conclude with an analysis of the strengths and limitations of our proposal.
Cultivating code literacy
Authors: Duin Ann Hill , Tham Jason Chew Kit
Published: January 2019

This experience report shares the story of course redesign for cultivating technological and code literacy. This redesign came about as a result of listening to advisory board members as well as responding to recent scholarship calling for more specifics on the teaching of component content management and content strategy. We begin with discussion of code literacy differentiation between code-as-language, code-as-tool, and code-as-structure. We then share detail about our advisory board engagement and the resulting advanced-level technical communication course in which, framed by technological literacy narratives, students produce a static HTML site for a client, develop a repository for this work (GitHub), use XML and the DITA standard for dynamic document delivery, and create a digital experience element to accompany the site. We document and analyze student narratives and online course discussions. We emphasize a more holistic approach to code literacy and that course redesign should be a collaborative endeavor with advisory board members and industry experts. Through these experiences, students gain requisite knowledge and practice so as to enter the technical communication community of practice.
Cochlear compound action potentials from high-level tone bursts originate from wide cochlear regions that are offset toward the most sensitive cochlear region
Authors: Lee C. , Guinan J. J. , Rutherford M. A. , Kaf W. A. , Kennedy K. M. , Buchman C. A. , Salt A. N. , Lichtenhan J. T.
Published: January 2019

Little is known about the spatial origins of auditory nerve (AN) compound action potentials (CAPs) evoked by moderate to intense sounds. We studied the spatial origins of AN CAPs evoked by 2- to 16-kHz tone bursts at several sound levels by slowly injecting kainic acid solution into the cochlear apex of anesthetized guinea pigs. As the solution flowed from apex to base, it sequentially reduced CAP responses from low- to high-frequency cochlear regions. The times at which CAPs were reduced, combined with the cochlear location traversed by the solution at that time, showed the cochlear origin of the removed CAP component. For low-level tone bursts, the CAP origin along the cochlea was centered at the characteristic frequency (CF). As sound level increased, the CAP center shifted basally for low-frequency tone bursts but apically for high-frequency tone bursts. The apical shift was surprising because it is opposite the shift expected from AN tuning curve and basilar membrane motion asymmetries. For almost all high-level tone bursts, CAP spatial origins extended over 2 octaves along the cochlea. Surprisingly, CAPs evoked by high-level low-frequency (including 2 kHz) tone bursts showed little CAP contribution from CF regions ≤ 2 kHz. Our results can be mostly explained by spectral splatter from the tone-burst rise times, excitation in AN tuning-curve “tails,” and asynchronous AN responses to high-level energy ≤ 2 kHz. This is the first time CAP origins have been identified by a spatially specific technique. Our results show the need for revising the interpretation of the cochlear origins of high-level CAPs-ABR wave 1.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Cochlear compound action potentials (CAPs) and auditory brain stem responses (ABRs) are routinely used in laboratories and clinics. They are typically interpreted as arising from the cochlear region tuned to the stimulus frequency. However, as sound level is increased, the cochlear origins of CAPs from tone bursts of all frequencies become very wide and their centers shift toward the most sensitive cochlear region. The standard interpretation of CAPs and ABRs from moderate to intense stimuli needs revision.
2-Deoxy-d-glucose reduces epileptiform activity by presynaptic mechanisms
Authors: Pan Yu-Zhen , Sutula Thomas P. , Rutecki Paul A.
Published: January 2019

2-Deoxy-d-glucose (2DG), a glucose analog that inhibits glycolysis, has acute and chronic antiepileptic effects. We evaluated 2DG’s acute effects on synaptic and membrane properties of CA3 pyramidal neurons in vitro. 2DG (10 mM) had no effects on spontaneously occurring postsynaptic currents (PSCs) in 3.5 mM extracellular potassium concentration ([K+]o). In 7.5 mM [K+]o, 2DG significantly reduced the frequency of epileptiform bursting and the charge carried by postsynaptic currents (PSCs) with a greater effect on inward excitatory compared with outward inhibitory charge (71% vs. 40%). In 7.5 mM [K+]o and bicuculline, 2DG reduced significantly the excitatory charge by 67% and decreased the frequency but not amplitude of excitatory PSCs between bursts. In 7.5 mM [K+]o, 2DG reduced pharmacologically isolated inhibitory PSC frequency without a change in amplitude. The frequency but not amplitude of inward miniature PSCs was reduced when 2DG was applied in 7.5 mM [K+]o before bath application of TTX, but there was no effect when 2DG was applied after TTX, indicating a use-dependent uptake of 2DG was required for its actions at a presynaptic locus. 2DG did not alter membrane properties of CA3 neurons except for reducing the slow afterhyperpolarization in 3.5 but not 7.5 mM [K+]o. The reduction in frequency of spontaneous and inward miniature PSCs in elevated [K+]o indicates a presynaptic mechanism of action. 2DG effects required use-dependent uptake and suggest an important role for glycolysis in neuronal metabolism and energetics in states of high neural activity as occur during abnormal network synchronization and seizures.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY 2-Deoxy-d-glucose (2DG) is a glycolytic inhibitor and suppresses epileptiform activity acutely and has chronic antiepileptic effects. The mechanisms of the acute effects are not well delineated. In this study, we show 2DG suppressed abnormal network epileptiform activity without effecting normal synaptic network activity or membrane properties. The effects appear to be use dependent and have a presynaptic locus of action. Inhibition of glycolysis is a novel presynaptic mechanism to limit abnormal neuronal network activity and seizures.
Impact of Deficiencies in Branched-Chain Fatty Acids and Staphyloxanthin inStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Braungardt Hannah , Singh Vineet K.
Published: January 2019

Staphylococcus aureusis a well-known human pathogen with the ability to cause mild superficial skin infections to serious deep-tissue infections, such as osteomyelitis, pneumonia, and infective endocarditis. A key toS. aureusinfections and its pathogenicity is its ability to survive in adverse environments, especially at lower temperatures, by regulation of its cell membrane. Branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) and staphyloxanthin have been shown to regulate membrane fluidity and staphylococcal virulence. This study was conducted with the hypothesis that the simultaneous lack of BCFAs and staphyloxanthin will have a far greater implication on environmental survival and virulence ofS. aureus. Lack of a functional branched-chainα-keto acid dehydrogenase (BKD) enzyme because of a mutation in thelpdAgene led to a decrease in the production of BCFAs, membrane fluidity, slower growth, and poorin vivosurvival ofS. aureus. A mutation in thecrtMgene eliminated the production of staphyloxanthin but it did not affect membrane BCFA levels, fluidity, growth, orin vivosurvival. AcrtM:lpdAdouble mutant showed much slower growth and attenuation compared to individual mutants. The results of this study suggest that simultaneous targeting of the BCFA and staphyloxanthin biosynthetic pathways can be a strategy to controlS. aureusinfections.
Association between Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness and Eye Fatigue
Authors: Ayaki Masahiko , Kuze Manami , Kondo Mineo , Tsubota Kazuo , Negishi Kazuno
Published: January 2019

Eye fatigue is a common health problem across all age groups. Herein, we explored the correlation between eye fatigue and thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (NFL). Included in the NFL are intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), which are associated with trigeminal pain. This retrospective cross-sectional study included outpatients with best-corrected visual acuity above 20/30 in both eyes and without dry eye, glaucoma, or retinal disease. A total of 1981 patients were initially enrolled and 377 patients were declared as eligible for the study analysis. We tested subjects for the presence of major ocular symptoms and measured thickness of ganglion cell complex (GCC) using optical coherence tomography. A total of 377 outpatients (46.4% men, mean age of 57.1 years) were enrolled for analysis, based on the interview-reported prevalence of six eye symptom, as follows: 31.5% for eye fatigue, 19.2% for blurring, 18.6% for dryness, 15.7% for photophobia, 13.5% for irritation, and 4.6% for pain. The macular GCC was significantly thicker in subjects with eye fatigue compared to the group not reporting eye fatigue (103.8 μm versus 100.3 μm, P = 0.014). Regression analysis identified eye fatigue (P = 0.026, β=0.122, adjusted for age and sex) and dryness (P =0.024, β=0.130) as significantly correlated with the macular GCC thickness, while the full macular thickness showed no significant correlation. In conclusions, eye fatigue and dryness were positively associated with thickness of the macular GCC. Nonvisual symptoms might therefore play a role in the development of eye fatigue.
SA Sorting: A Novel Sorting Technique for Large-Scale Data
Authors: Shabaz Mohammad , Kumar Ashok
Published: January 2019

Sorting is one of the operations on data structures used in a special situation. Sorting is defined as an arrangement of data or records in a particular logical order. A number of algorithms are developed for sorting the data. The reason behind developing these algorithms is to optimize the efficiency and complexity. The work on creating new sorting approaches is still going on. With the rise in the generation of big data, the concept of big number comes into existence. To sort thousands of records either sorted or unsorted, traditional sorting approaches can be used. In those cases, we can ignore the complexities as very minute difference exists in their execution time. But in case the data are very large, where execution time or processed time of billion or trillion of records is very large, we cannot ignore the complexity at this situation; therefore, an optimized sorting approach is required. Thus, SA sorting is one of the approaches developed to check sorted big numbers as it works better on sorted numbers than quick sort and many others. It can also be used to sort unsorted records as well.
Validation of Friction Model Parameters Identified Using the IHB Method Using Finite Element Method
Authors: Hadji Abdallah , Mureithi Njuki
Published: January 2019

A hybrid friction model was recently developed by Azizian and Mureithi (2013) to simulate the friction behavior of tube‐support interaction. However, identification and validation of the model parameters remains unresolved. In previous work, the friction model parameters were identified using the reverse harmonic method, where the following quantities were indirectly obtained by measuring the vibration response of a beam: friction force, sliding speed of the force of impact, and local displacement at the contact point. In the present work, the numerical simulation by the finite element method (FEM) of a beam clamped at one end and simply supported with the consideration of friction effect at the other is conducted. This beam is used to validate the inverse harmonic balance method and the parameters of the friction models identified previously. Two static friction models (the Coulomb model and Stribeck model) are tested. The two models produce friction forces of the correct order of magnitude compared to the friction force calculated using the inverse harmonic balance method. However, the models cannot accurately reproduce the beam response; the Stribeck friction model is shown to give the response closest to experiments. The results demonstrate some of the challenges associated with accurate friction model parameter identification using the inverse harmonic balance method. The present work is an intermediate step toward identification of the hybrid friction model parameters and, longer‐term, improved analysis of tube‐support dynamic behavior under the influence of friction.
Swarming Behaviors in Multiagent Systems with Nonlinear Dynamics and Aperiodically Intermittent Communication
Authors: Dai Anding , Liu Yicheng , Yi Dongyun , Xiong Peiying
Published: January 2019

This paper investigates the stability of a class of swarm model with nonlinear dynamics and aperiodically intermittent communication. Different from previous works, it assumes that the agents obtain information from the neighbors at a series of aperiodically time intervals. Moreover, nonlinear dynamics and time delay are considered. It finds that all agents in a swarm can reach cohesion within a finite time under discontinuous communication, where the upper bounds of cohesion depend on the parameters of the swarm model and communication time. A numerical example is given to demonstrate the validity of the theoretical results.
Automatic Detection of Hard Exudates in Color Retinal Images Using Dynamic Threshold and SVM Classification: Algorithm Development and Evaluation
Authors: Long Shengchun , Huang Xiaoxiao , Chen Zhiqing , Pardhan Shahina , Zheng Dingchang
Published: January 2019

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common causes of visual impairment. Automatic detection of hard exudates (HE) from retinal photographs is an important step for detection of DR. However, most of existing algorithms for HE detection are complex and inefficient. We have developed and evaluated an automatic retinal image processing algorithm for HE detection using dynamic threshold and fuzzy C-means clustering (FCM) followed by support vector machine (SVM) for classification. The proposed algorithm consisted of four main stages: (i) imaging preprocessing; (ii) localization of optic disc (OD); (iii) determination of candidate HE using dynamic threshold in combination with global threshold based on FCM; and (iv) extraction of eight texture features from the candidate HE region, which were then fed into an SVM classifier for automatic HE classification. The proposed algorithm was trained and cross-validated (10 fold) on a publicly available e-ophtha EX database (47 images) on pixel-level, achieving the overall average sensitivity, PPV, and F-score of 76.5%, 82.7%, and 76.7%. It was tested on another independent DIARETDB1 database (89 images) with the overall average sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 97.5%, 97.8%, and 97.7%, respectively. In summary, the satisfactory evaluation results on both retinal imaging databases demonstrated the effectiveness of our proposed algorithm for automatic HE detection, by using dynamic threshold and FCM followed by an SVM for classification.
Cell Therapy for Retinal Dystrophies: From Cell Suspension Formulation to Complex Retinal Tissue Bioengineering
Authors: Ben M’Barek Karim , Monville Christelle
Published: January 2019

Retinal degeneration is an irreversible phenomenon caused by various disease conditions including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP). During the course of these diseases, photoreceptors (PRs) are susceptible to degeneration due to their malfunctions or to a primary dysfunction of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Once lost, these cells could not be endogenously regenerated in humans, and cell therapy to replace the lost cells is one of the promising strategies to recover vision. Depending on the nature of the primary defect and the stage of the disease, RPE cells, PRs, or both might be transplanted to achieve therapeutic effects. We describe in this review the current knowledge and recent progress to develop such approaches. The different cell sources proposed for cell therapy including human pluripotent stem cells are presented with their advantages and limits. Another critical aspect described herein is the pharmaceutical formulation of the end product to be delivered into the eye of patients. Finally, we also outline the future research directions in order to develop a complex multilayered retinal tissue for end-stage patients.
Bolometric Properties of a Spin-Torque Diode Based on a Magnetic Tunnel Junction
Authors: Demin G. D. , Zvezdin K. A. , Popkov A. F.
Published: January 2019

Spin caloritronics opens up a wide range of potential applications, one of which can be the thermoelectric rectification of a microwave signal by spin-diode structures. The bolometric properties of a spin-torque diode based on a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) in the presence of a thermal gradient through a tunnel junction are discussed. Theoretical estimates of the static and dynamic components of the microwave sensitivity of the spin-torque diode, related to thermoelectric tunnel magneto-Seebeck effect and the thermal transfer of spin angular momentum in the MTJ under nonuniform heating, are presented. Despite the fact that the thermal contribution to the microwave sensitivity of the spin-torque diode is found to be relatively small in relation to the rectification effect related to the modulation of the MTJ resistance by a microwave spin-polarized current, nevertheless, the considered bolometric effect can be successfully utilized in some real-world microwave applications.
Transverse Vibration of a Moving Viscoelastic Hard Membrane Containing Scratches
Authors: Shao Mingyue , Wu Jimei , Wang Yan , Zhang Hongmei , Wu Qiumin
Published: January 2019

The transverse vibration and stability of a moving viscoelastic hard printing membrane containing scratches are investigated. Based on the viscoelastic differential constitutive relation, thin plate theory, and d’Alembert principle, the differential equation of a moving viscoelastic hard membrane with a straight scratch through the surface is derived by using the continuity condition of the scratches. The complex characteristic equation is obtained by using the differential quadrature method. The effects of the scratch depth and scratch position on the critical instability speed of the moving hard membrane were highlighted by solving the differential equation and numerical calculation, and the coupling effects of speed and scratch depth on vibration characteristics of the hard membrane are also analyzed. Numerical calculation results show that the hard membrane experiences divergence instability when the actual printing speed is v=23.2 m/s, and the membrane is stable when v<23.2 m/s. The theoretical guidance and method for scratches detection of the precision coated hard membrane are provided.
Rapid Identification of Nine Easily Confused Mineral Traditional Chinese Medicines Using Raman Spectroscopy Based on Support Vector Machine
Authors: Ming Jing , Chen Long , Cao Yan , Yu Chi , Huang Bi-Sheng , Chen Ke-Li
Published: January 2019

Mineral traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) are natural minerals, mineral processing products, and some fossils of animals or animal bones that can be used as medicines. Mineral TCMs are a characteristic part of TCMs and play a unique role in the development of TCMs. Mineral TCMs are usually identified according to their morphological properties such as shape, color, or smell, but it is difficult to separate TCMs that are similar in appearance or smell. In this study, the feasibility of using Raman spectroscopy combined with support vector machine (SVM) for rapid identification of nine easily confused mineral TCMs, i.e., borax, gypsum fibrosum, natrii sulfas exsiccatus, natrii sulfas, alumen, sal ammoniac, quartz, calcite, and yellow croaker otolith, was investigated. Initially, two methods, characteristic intensity data extraction and principal component analysis (PCA), were performed to reduce the dimensionality of spectral data. The identification model was subsequently built by the SVM algorithm. The 3-fold cross validation (3-CV) accuracy of the SVM model established based on extracting characteristic intensity data from spectra pretreated by first derivation was 98.61%, and the prediction accuracies of the training set and validation set were 100%. As for the PCA-SVM model, when the spectra pretreated by vector normalization and the number of principal components (NPC) is 7, the 3-CV accuracy and prediction accuracies all reached 100%. Both models have good performance and strong prediction capacity. These results demonstrate that Raman spectroscopy combined with a powerful SVM algorithm has great potential for providing an effective and accurate identification method for mineral TCMs.
Dimensionless Assessment Method of Landslide Dam Formation Caused by Tributary Debris Flow Events
Authors: Chen Kun-Ting , Chen Xiao-Qing , Hu Gui-Sheng , Kuo Yu-Shu , Huang Yan-Rong , Shieh Chjeng-Lun
Published: January 2019

In this study, we develop a dimensionless assessment method to evaluate landslide dam formation by considering the relationship between the run-out distance of a tributary debris flow and the width of the main stream, deposition thickness of the tributary debris flow, and the water depth of the main stream. Based on the theory of debris flow run-out distance and fan formation, landslide dam formation may result from a tributary debris flow as a result of two concurrent formation processes: (1) the run-out distance of the tributary debris flow must be greater than the width of the main stream, and (2) the minimum deposition thickness of the tributary debris flow must be higher than the in situ water depth of the main stream. At the confluence, one of four types of depositional scenarios may result: (1) the tributary debris flow enters into the main stream and forms a landslide dam; (2) the tributary debris flow enters into the main stream but overflow occurs, thus preventing complete blockage of the main stream; (3) the tributary debris flow enters into the main stream, does not reach the far bank, and sediment remains partially above the water elevation of the main stream; or (4) the tributary debris flow enters into the main stream, does not reach the far bank, and sediment is fully submerged in the main stream. This method was applied to the analysis of 11 tributary debris flow events during Typhoon Morakot, and the results indicate that the dimensionless assessment method can be used to estimate potential areas of landslide dam formation caused by tributary debris flows. Based on this method, government authorities can determine potential areas of landslide dam formation caused by debris flows and mitigate possible disasters accordingly through a properly prepared response plan, especially for early identification.
Active Ageing Level and Time Use of Elderly Persons in a Thai Suburban Community
Authors: Punyakaew Autchariya , Lersilp Suchitporn , Putthinoi Supawadee
Published: January 2019

Elderly populations are growing rapidly worldwide, thus enhancing an increasing need for their independent health care, productivity, and most importantly, balance of occupations. This research is aimed at investigating the active ageing levels and time use patterns of an elderly population attending the Community Elderly School in a suburban village of northern Thailand. These participants comprised 140 persons aged 60 years and older and were without cognitive deficits, based on the Mini-Mental State Examination. Active ageing levels and time use patterns were collected by following an interview-based questionnaire. The results showed that the level of active ageing was moderate (mean active ageing index (AAI) was 0.79). All of the participants used their time in varied activities, including the seven categories: basic activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, rest and sleep, education, work, leisure, and social participation. Furthermore, they spent most of their time resting and sleeping.
Rothia dentocariosa Endocarditis in an Unsuspecting Host: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Willner Stacy , Imam Zaid , Hader Ismail
Published: January 2019

Rothia dentocariosa, a gram-positive coccobacillus, is a commensal bacterium that is part of the oropharynx and respiratory tract. In the past, it was known to be a cause for periodontal disease, but in recent years, Rothia dentocariosa has been found to be the cause of several other infectious entities, of which endocarditis is the most predominant. We present the case of a healthy 62-year-old female who, after undergoing routine dental cleaning two months prior, developed subacute bacterial endocarditis of the mitral valve, with subsequent cerebral septic emboli causing an occipital hemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident, all secondary to Rothia dentocariosa.
The Dynamic Use of EGFR Mutation Analysis in Cell-Free DNA as a Follow-Up Biomarker during Different Treatment Lines in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Macías Mónica , Alegre Estibaliz , Alkorta-Aranburu Gorka , Patiño-García Ana , Mateos Beatriz , Andueza Maria P. , Gúrpide Alfonso , Lopez-Picazo Jose M. , Gil-Bazo Ignacio , Perez-Gracia Jose L. , González Álvaro
Published: January 2019

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutational testing in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is usually performed in tumor tissue, although cfDNA (cell-free DNA) could be an alternative. We evaluated EGFR mutations in cfDNA as a complementary tool in patients, who had already known EGFR mutations in tumor tissue and were treated with either EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) or chemotherapy. We obtained plasma samples from 21 advanced NSCLC patients with known EGFR tumor mutations, before and during therapy with EGFR-TKIs and/or chemotherapy. cfDNA was isolated and EGFR mutations were analyzed with the multiple targeted cobas EGFR Mutation Test v2. EGFR mutations were detected at baseline in cfDNA from 57% of patients. The semiquantitative index (SQI) significantly decreased from the baseline (median=11, IQR=9.5-13) to the best response (median=0, IQR=0-0, p<0.01), followed by a significant increase at progression (median=11, IQR=11-15, p<0.01) in patients treated with either EGFR-TKIs or chemotherapy. The SQI obtained with the cobas EGFR Mutation Test v2 did not correlate with the concentration in copies/mL determined by droplet digital PCR. Resistance mutation p.T790M was observed at progression in patients with either type of treatment. In conclusion, cfDNA multiple targeted EGFR mutation analysis is useful for treatment monitoring in tissue of EGFR-positive NSCLC patients independently of the drug received.
KeratoDetect: Keratoconus Detection Algorithm Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Lavric Alexandru , Valentin Popa
Published: January 2019

Keratoconus (KTC) is a noninflammatory disorder characterized by progressive thinning, corneal deformation, and scarring of the cornea. The pathological mechanisms of this condition have been investigated for a long time. In recent years, this disease has come to the attention of many research centers because the number of people diagnosed with keratoconus is on the rise. In this context, solutions that facilitate both the diagnostic and treatment options are quickly needed. The main contribution of this paper is the implementation of an algorithm that is able to determine whether an eye is affected or not by keratoconus. The KeratoDetect algorithm analyzes the corneal topography of the eye using a convolutional neural network (CNN) that is able to extract and learn the features of a keratoconus eye. The results show that the KeratoDetect algorithm ensures a high level of performance, obtaining an accuracy of 99.33% on the data test set. KeratoDetect can assist the ophthalmologist in rapid screening of its patients, thus reducing diagnostic errors and facilitating treatment.
Mucormycotic Osteomyelitis Involving the Maxilla: A Rare Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Arani Rajesh , Shareef S. N. H. Afsar , Khanam H. M. Khuthija
Published: January 2019

Osteomyelitis is an inflammatory process of bone and marrow contents. These changes in bone are primarily seen in soft tissue followed by calcified tissue. It is an opportunistic infection due to the complication of some other conditions rendering the host susceptible to disease. Consequences of this infection range from draining tract to malignant transformation. Various etiological factors are involved in origin of the disease; among them, fungal origin is rare. Specific feature in fungal osteomyelitis is the involvement of maxillary sinus with a complaint of sinusitis associated with diabetes mellitus. Here, we discuss a case of osteomyelitis with fungal infection involving the maxilla. The patient is under medication for the past five years due to diabetes.
Seismic Failure Pattern Prediction in a Historical Masonry Minaret under Different Earthquakes
Authors: Nohutcu Halil
Published: January 2019

Historical structures are the values that are of great importance to that country, showing the roots of a country, and must be passed on from generation to generation. This study attempts to make a contribution to this goal. Seismic damage pattern estimation in a historical brick masonry minaret under different ground motion levels is investigated by using updated finite element models based on ambient vibration data in this study. Imaret Mosque which was built in 1481 AD is selected for an application. Surveying measurement and material tests were conducted to obtain a 3D solid model and mechanical properties of the components of the minaret. Firstly, the initial 3D finite element model of the minaret was analyzed and numerical dynamic characteristics of the minaret were obtained. Then, ambient vibration tests as well as operational modal analysis were implemented in order to obtain the experimental dynamic characteristics of the minaret. The initial finite element model of the minaret was updated by using the experimental dynamic results. Lastly, linear and nonlinear time‐history analyses of the updated finite element model of the minaret were carried out using the acceleration records of two different level earthquakes that occurred in Turkey, in Afyon‐Dinar (1995) and Çay‐Sultandağı (2002). A concrete damage plasticity model is considered in the nonlinear analyses. The conducted analyses indicate that the compressive and tension stress results of the linear analyses are not as realistic as the nonlinear analysis results. According to the nonlinear analysis, the Çay‐Sultandağı earthquake would inflict limited damage on the minaret, whereas the Dinar earthquake would damage some parts of the elements in the transition segment of the minaret.
Microencapsulation ofβ-Carotene by Spray Drying: Effect of Wall Material Concentration and Drying Inlet Temperature
Authors: Corrêa-Filho Luiz C. , Lourenço Maria M. , Moldão-Martins Margarida , Alves Vítor D.
Published: January 2019

Carotenoids are a class of natural pigments found mainly in fruits and vegetables. Among them,β-carotene is regarded the most potent precursor of vitamin A. However, it is susceptible to oxidation upon exposure to oxygen, light, and heat, which can result in loss of colour, antioxidant activity, and vitamin activity. Thus, the objective of this work was to study the microencapsulation process ofβ-carotene by spray drying, using arabic gum as wall material, to protect it against adverse environmental conditions. This was carried out using the response surface methodology coupled to a central composite rotatable design, evaluating simultaneously the effect of drying air inlet temperature (110-200°C) and the wall material concentration (5-35%) on the drying yield, encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, and antioxidant activity. In addition, morphology and particles size distribution were evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy images have shown that the particles were microcapsules with a smooth surface when produced at the higher drying temperatures tested, most of them having a diameter lower than 10μm. The conditions that enabled obtaining simultaneously arabic gum microparticles with higherβ-carotene content, higher encapsulation efficiency, and higher drying yield were a wall material concentration of 11.9% and a drying inlet temperature of 173°C. The systematic approach used for the study ofβ-carotene microencapsulation process by spray drying using arabic gum may be easily applied for other core and wall materials.
Optimization of Base Location and Patrol Routes for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Border Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance
Authors: Liu Yao , Liu Zhong , Shi Jianmai , Wu Guohua , Chen Chao
Published: January 2019

The location-routing problem (LRP) of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in border patrol for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance is investigated, where the locations of UAV base stations and the UAV flying routes for visiting the targets in border area are jointly optimized. The capacity of the base station and the endurance of the UAV are considered. A binary integer programming model is developed to formulate the problem, and two heuristic algorithms combined with local search strategies are designed for solving the problem. The experiment design for simulating the distribution of stations and targets in border is proposed for generating random test instances. Also, an example based on the practical border in Guangxi is presented to illustrate the problem and the solution approach. The performance of the two algorithms is analysed and compared through randomly generated instances.
Catalytic β-Bromohydroxylation of Natural Terpenes: Useful Intermediates for the Synthesis of Terpenic Epoxides
Authors: Oubaassine Saadia , Köckritz Angela , Eckelt Reinhard , Martin Andreas , Ait Ali Mustapha , El Firdoussi Larbi
Published: January 2019

In a one-step procedure, various β-bromoalcohols were synthesized from natural terpenes in good to excellent yields. Using different catalysts, the reaction was carried out at room temperature, with H2O as nucleophile and N-bromosuccinimide as a bromine source under mild reaction conditions. The synthesized β-bromoalcohols were subsequently converted in situ to the corresponding epoxides in good yields.
Effects of Serum Cytochrome c on Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Tang Chengchun , Hou Jiantong , Yan Gaoliang , Qiao Yong , Wang Dong , Zhu Boqian , Liu Bo , Luo Erfei , Nawabi Abdul Qadir , Chen Long
Published: January 2019

Background and Aims. Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a relatively infrequent complication after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, little is known about the association between cytochrome c (cyt c) and increased risk of CIN. We conducted this study to explore the impact of serum cyt c on the occurrence of CIN. Methods. We prospectively examined cyt c levels before undergoing PCI in 240 patients with STEMI. The logistic regression was performed to identify the independent risk factors for the occurrence of CIN. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was employed to evaluate the predictive value of cyt c for the occurrence of CIN. Results. 29 patients (12.1%) had developed CIN after the PCI procedure. The cyt c levels at baseline were significantly higher in patients who developed CIN than those in non-CIN group (0.65±0.08 versus 0.58±0.1; P = 0.001). The multivariate logistic regression showed that cyt c was an independent risk factor for the occurrence of CIN (OR, 7.421; 95% CI, 6.471–20.741; P = 0.034) after adjusting for age, history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus, levels of creatinine, uric acid, and glucose. The ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of cyt c was 0.697 (95% CI, 0.611–0.783; P = 0.001), and cyt c > 0.605 ng/mL predicted CIN with sensitivity of 79.3% and specificity of 56.9%. Conclusion. Our results show that a higher cyt c level was significantly associated with the occurrence of CIN after PCI in STEMI patients. This study has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. The clinical trial registration number is ChiCTR1800019368.
Patient Perceptions of the Impact of Treatment (Surgery and Radiotherapy) for Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Hewitt Lauren , Powell Rachael , Zenginer Kaan , Coyle Catherine , Murray Helen , Cooper Lisa , Gregory Jonathan
Published: January 2019

Background and Objectives. Treatment for soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is challenging for patients. This study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of patients’ experiences of STS treatment, including whether the sequence of treatment (preoperative or postoperative radiotherapy) influences patient perceptions. Methods. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with nineteen patients who had been treated for STS with surgery and radiotherapy between 2011 and 2016. Topics discussed included perceptions of treatment, social support, and coping mechanisms. Qualitative, inductive, thematic analysis was conducted and structured using the Framework approach. Results. Treatment sequence itself did not appear to cause concern, but uncertainty regarding treatment and side effects could negatively impact participants. Social relationships and individual coping strategies influenced participants’ experiences of treatment. Conclusions. Participants’ perceptions of the treatment process varied; the experience was highly individual. It is important to ensure individual psychosocial and information needs are met. In particular, the removal of uncertainty regarding treatment is important in supporting patients undergoing treatment for soft tissue sarcoma.
Segmented Linear Regression Models for Assessing Change in Retrospective Studies in Healthcare
Authors: Valsamis Epaminondas Markos , Ricketts David , Husband Henry , Rogers Benedict Aristotle
Published: January 2019

Introduction. In retrospective studies, the effect of a given intervention is usually evaluated by using statistical tests to compare data from before and after the intervention. A problem with this approach is that the presence of underlying trends can lead to incorrect conclusions. This study aimed to develop a rigorous mathematical method to analyse temporal variation and overcome these limitations. Methods. We evaluated hip fracture outcomes (time to surgery, length of stay, and mortality) from a total of 2777 patients between April 2011 and September 2016, before and after the introduction of a dedicated hip fracture unit (HFU). We developed a novel modelling method that fits progressively more complex linear sections to the time series using least squares regression. The method was used to model the periods before implementation, after implementation, and of the whole study period, comparing goodness of fit using F-tests. Results. The proposed method offered reliable descriptions of the temporal evolution of the time series and augmented conclusions that were reached by mere group comparisons. Reductions in time to surgery, length of stay, and mortality rates that group comparisons would have credited to the hip fracture unit appeared to be due to unrelated underlying trends. Conclusion. Temporal analysis using segmented linear regression models can reveal secular trends and is a valuable tool to evaluate interventions in retrospective studies.
Sleeping Beauty Insertional Mutagenesis Reveals Important Genetic Drivers of Central Nervous System Embryonal Tumors
Authors: Beckmann Pauline J. , Larson Jon D. , Larsson Alex T. , Ostergaard Jason P. , Wagner Sandra , Rahrmann Eric P. , Shamsan Ghaidan A. , Otto George M. , Williams Rory L. , Wang Jun , Lee Catherine , Tschida Barbara R. , Das Paramita , Dubuc Adrian M. , Moriarity Branden S. , Picard Daniel , Wu Xiaochong , Rodriguez Fausto J. , Rosemarie Quincy , Krebs Ryan D. , Molan Amy M. , Demer Addison M. , Frees Michelle M. , Rizzardi Anthony E. , Schmechel Stephen C. , Eberhart Charles G. , Jenkins Robert B. , Wechsler-Reya Robert J. , Odde David J. , Huang Annie , Taylor Michael D. , Sarver Aaron L. , Largaespada David A.
Published: January 2019

Medulloblastoma and central nervous system primitive neuroectodermal tumors (CNS-PNET) are aggressive, poorly differentiated brain tumors with limited effective therapies. Using Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon mutagenesis, we identified novel genetic drivers of medulloblastoma and CNS-PNET. Cross-species gene expression analyses classified SB-driven tumors into distinct medulloblastoma and CNS-PNET subgroups, indicating they resemble human Sonic hedgehog and group 3 and 4 medulloblastoma and CNS neuroblastoma with FOXR2 activation. This represents the first genetically induced mouse model of CNS-PNET and a rare model of group 3 and 4 medulloblastoma. We identified several putative proto-oncogenes including Arhgap36, Megf10, and Foxr2. Genetic manipulation of these genes demonstrated a robust impact on tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo. We also determined that FOXR2 interacts with N-MYC, increases C-MYC protein stability, and activates FAK/SRC signaling. Altogether, our study identified several promising therapeutic targets in medulloblastoma and CNS-PNET.

Significance:

A transposon-induced mouse model identifies several novel genetic drivers and potential therapeutic targets in medulloblastoma and CNS-PNET.
Depression Stresses the Immune Response and Promotes Prostate Cancer Growth
Authors: Mohammadpour Hemn , Bucsek Mark J. , Hylander Bonnie L. , Repasky Elizabeth A.
Published: January 2019

Depression induces secretion of neuropeptide Y from prostate cancer cells, which, in turn, recruits myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) to the tumor; tumor cells and MDSCs secrete IL6, which activates STAT3 within cancer cells. Prostate cancer samples from depressed patients reveal a similar phenotype, suggesting new treatment strategies based upon blockade of β2-adrenergic receptors and/or neuropeptide Y.

See related article by Cheng et al., p. 2621