bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gold-free contacts on AlxGa1-xN/GaN high electron mobility transistor structure grown on a 200-mm diameter Si(111) substrate
Authors: Tham Wai Hoe , Ang Diing Shenp , Bera Lakshmi Kanta , Dolmanan Surani Bin , Bhat Thirumaleshwara N. , Kajen Rasanayagam S. , Tan Hui Ru , Teo Siew Lang , Tripathy Sudhiranjan
Published: June 2016

The authors report on the fabrication and characterization of low-temperature processed gold-free Ohmic contacts for AlxGa1−xN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs). The HEMT structure grown on a 200-mm diameter Si(111) substrate is used in this study. Using the Ti/Al/NiV metal stack scheme, the source/drain Ohmic contact optimization is accomplished through the variation of Ti/Al thickness ratio and thermal annealing conditions. For an optimized Ti/Al stack thickness (20/200 nm) annealed at 500 °C for 30 s with smooth contact surface morphology, a specific contact resistivity of ∼6.3 × 10−6 Ω cm2 is achieved. Furthermore, with gold-free Ni/Al gates, the fabricated HEMTs exhibit ION/IOFF ratio of ∼109 and a subthreshold swing of ∼71 mV/dec. The demonstrated gold-free contact schemes thus provide a solution toward the implementation of GaN-based HEMT process on a Si foundry platform.
Revisiting the Concept of Targeting Only Bacillus anthracis Toxins as a Treatment for Anthrax
Authors: Glinert Itai , Bar-David Elad , Sittner Assa , Weiss Shay , Schlomovitz Josef , Ben-Shmuel Amir , Mechaly Adva , Altboum Zeev , Kobiler David , Levy Haim
Published: June 2016

Protective antigen (PA)-based vaccines are effective in preventing the development of fatal anthrax disease both in humans and in relevant animal models. The
Bacillus anthracis
toxins lethal toxin (lethal factor [LF] plus PA) and edema toxin (edema factor [EF] plus PA) are essential for the establishment of the infection, as inactivation of these toxins results in attenuation of the pathogen. Since the toxins reach high toxemia levels at the bacteremic stages of the disease, the CDC's recommendations include combining antibiotic treatment with antitoxin (anti-PA) immunotherapy. We demonstrate here that while treatment with a highly potent neutralizing monoclonal antibody was highly efficient as postexposure prophylaxis treatment, it failed to protect rabbits with any detectable bacteremia (≥10 CFU/ml). In addition, we show that while PA vaccination was effective against a subcutaneous spore challenge, it failed to protect rabbits against systemic challenges (intravenous injection of vegetative bacteria) with the wild-type Vollum strain or a toxin-deficient mutant. To test the possibility that additional proteins, which are secreted by the bacteria under pathogenicity-stimulating conditions
in vitro
, may contribute to the vaccine's potency, we immunized rabbits with a secreted protein fraction from a toxin-null mutant. The antiserum raised against the secreted fraction reacts with the bacteria in an immunofluorescence assay. Immunization with the secreted protein fraction did not protect the rabbits against a systemic challenge with the fully pathogenic bacteria. Full protection was obtained only by a combined vaccination with PA and the secreted protein fraction. Therefore, these results indicate that an effective antiserum treatment in advanced stages of anthrax must include toxin-neutralizing antibodies in combination with antibodies against bacterial cell targets.
Perioperative risk factors for impaired neurodevelopment after cardiac surgery in early infancy
Authors: Gunn Julia K , Beca John , Hunt Rodney W , Goldsworthy Michelle , Brizard Christian P , Finucane Kirsten , Donath Susan , Shekerdemian Lara S
Published: June 2016

Objective

Historical cohort studies have reported adverse neurodevelopment following cardiac surgery during early infancy. Advances in surgical techniques and perioperative care have coincided with updating of neurodevelopmental assessment tools. We aimed to determine perioperative risk factors for impaired neurodevelopment at 2 years following surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD) in early infancy.

Design and patients

We undertook a prospective longitudinal study of 153 full-term infants undergoing surgery for CHD before 2 months of age. Infants were excluded if they had a genetic syndrome associated with neurodevelopmental impairment.

Outcome measures

Predefined perioperative parameters were recorded and infants were classified according to cardiac anatomy. At 2 years, survivors were assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-III.

Results

At 2 years, 130 children (98% of survivors) were assessed. Mean cognitive, language and motor scores were 93.4±13.6, 93.6±16.1 and 96.8±12.5 respectively (100±15 norm). Twenty (13%) died and 12 (9%) survivors had severe impairment (score <70), mostly language (8%). The lowest scores were in infants born with single ventricle physiology with obstruction to the pulmonary circulation who required a neonatal systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt. Additional risk factors for impairment included reduced gestational age, postoperative elevation of lactate or S100B and repeat cardiac surgery.

Conclusions

In the modern era of infant cardiac surgery and perioperative care, children continue to demonstrate neurodevelopmental delays. The use of updated assessment tools has revealed early language dysfunction and relative sparing of motor function. Ongoing follow-up is critical in this high-risk population.
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in a case of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia: a rare association
Authors: Hajra Adrija , Bandyopadhyay Dhrubajyoti
Published: June 2016

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a demyelinating disease that may occur in a postvaccination condition or as a parainfectious encephalomyelitis. It is almost always monophasic. The underlying pathogenesis of ADEM may include perivascular inflammation, oedema and demyelination in the central nervous system. We present a case of a 15-year-old girl who was diagnosed as having ADEM, as well as detected to be a follow-up case of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia on steroid treatment. She presented with progressive weakness of the right lower limb for the past 4 days. MRI showed multiple subcortical lesions of varying size showing hyperintensities in T2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR). The patient responded well to steroid therapy. No residual lesion was found on follow-up. Very few cases have been found with this rare association in the literature.
Low back pain after a dental procedure: a case ofStreptococcus viridansvertebral osteomyelitis
Authors: Nazir Salik , Lohani Saroj , Tachamo Niranjan , Rajagopalan Priya
Published: June 2016

Vertebral osteomyelitis due toStreptococcus viridansfollowing a dental procedure is a rarely reported phenomenon. We discuss the case of a 67-year-old immunocompetent woman who presented with low back pain of 3 weeks duration associated with subjective fever and chills. On admission, the MRI of the lumbar spine showed L5-S1 vertebral osteomyelitis with associated paravertebral and epidural abscesses. Subsequently, detailed history was retaken and the patient reported having had a maxillary tooth extraction followed by a dental implant 2 months prior to the onset of her symptoms. Blood and abscess fluid cultures grewS. viridans. Transthoracic echocardiogram showed no evidence of endocarditis. The patient was started on intravenous ceftriaxone but her treatment course was complicated by agranulocytosis requiring a switch to vancomycin. She required a total of 9 weeks of intravenous antibiotics for complete clinical cure.
Identifying improvements to complex pathways: evidence synthesis and stakeholder engagement in infant congenital heart disease
Authors: Crowe Sonya , Knowles Rachel , Wray Jo , Tregay Jenifer , Ridout Deborah A , Utley Martin , Franklin Rodney , Bull Catherine L , Brown Katherine L
Published: June 2016

Objectives

Many infants die in the year following discharge from hospital after surgical or catheter intervention for congenital heart disease (3–5% of discharged infants). There is considerable variability in the provision of care and support in this period, and some families experience barriers to care. We aimed to identify ways to improve discharge and postdischarge care for this patient group.

Design

A systematic evidence synthesis aligned with a process of eliciting the perspectives of families and professionals from community, primary, secondary and tertiary care.

Setting

UK.

Results

A set of evidence-informed recommendations for improving the discharge and postdischarge care of infants following intervention for congenital heart disease was produced. These address known challenges with current care processes and, recognising current resource constraints, are targeted at patient groups based on the number of patients affected and the level and nature of their risk of adverse 1-year outcome. The recommendations include: structured discharge documentation, discharging certain high-risk patients via their local hospital, enhanced surveillance for patients with certain (high-risk) cardiac diagnoses and an early warning tool for parents and community health professionals.

Conclusions

Our recommendations set out a comprehensive, system-wide approach for improving discharge and postdischarge services. This approach could be used to address challenges in delivering care for other patient populations that can fall through gaps between sectors and organisations.
Default options in advance directives: study protocol for a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Gabler Nicole B , Cooney Elizabeth , Small Dylan S , Troxel Andrea B , Arnold Robert M , White Douglas B , Angus Derek C , Loewenstein George , Volpp Kevin G , Bryce Cindy L , Halpern Scott D
Published: June 2016

Introduction

Although most seriously ill Americans wish to avoid burdensome and aggressive care at the end of life, such care is often provided unless patients or family members specifically request otherwise. Advance directives (ADs) were created to provide opportunities to set limits on aggressive care near life's end. This study tests the hypothesis that redesigning ADs such that comfort-oriented care is provided as the default, rather than requiring patients to actively choose it, will promote better patient-centred outcomes.

Methods and analysis

This multicentre trial randomises seriously ill adults to receive 1 of 3 different ADs: (1) a traditional AD that requires patients to actively choose their goals of care or preferences for specific interventions (eg, feeding tube insertion) or otherwise have their care guided by their surrogates and the prevailing societal default toward aggressive care; (2) an AD that defaults to life-extending care and receipt of life-sustaining interventions, enabling patients to opt out from such care; or (3) an AD that defaults to comfort care, enabling patients to opt into life-extending care. We seek to enrol 270 patients who return complete, legally valid ADs so as to generate sufficient power to detect differences in the primary outcome of hospital-free days (days alive and not in an acute care facility). Secondary outcomes include hospital and intensive care unit admissions, costs of care, hospice usage, decision conflict and satisfaction, quality of life, concordance of preferences with care received and bereavement outcomes for surrogates of patients who die.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Institutional Review Boards at all trial centres, and is guided by a data safety and monitoring board and an ethics advisory board. Study results will be disseminated using methods that describe the results in ways that key stakeholders can best understand and implement.

Trial registration number

NCT02017548; Pre-results.
When procedures meet practice in community pharmacies: qualitative insights from pharmacists and pharmacy support staff
Authors: Thomas Christian E L , Phipps Denham L , Ashcroft Darren M
Published: June 2016

Objectives

Our aim was to explore how members of community pharmacy staff perceive and experience the role of procedures within the workplace in community pharmacies.

Setting

Community pharmacies in England and Wales.

Participants

24 community pharmacy staff including pharmacists and pharmacy support staff were interviewed regarding their view of procedures in community pharmacy. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

3 main themes were identified. According to the ‘dissemination and creation of standard operating procedures’ theme, community pharmacy staff were required to follow a large amount of procedures as part of their work. At times, complying with all procedures was not possible. According to the ‘complying with procedures’ theme, there are several factors that influenced compliance with procedures, including work demands, the high workload and the social norm within the pharmacy. Lack of staff, pressure to hit targets and poor communication also affected how able staff felt to follow procedures. The third theme ‘procedural compliance versus using professional judgement’ highlighted tensions between the standardisation of practice and the professional autonomy of pharmacists. Pharmacists feared being unsupported by their employer for working outside of procedures, even when acting for patient benefit. Some support staff believed that strictly following procedures would keep patients and themselves safe. Dispensers described following the guidance of the pharmacist which sometimes meant working outside of procedures, but occasionally felt unable to voice concerns about not working to rule.

Conclusions

Organisational resilience in community pharmacy was apparent and findings from this study should help to inform policymakers and practitioners regarding factors likely to influence the implementation of procedures in community pharmacy settings. Future research should focus on exploring community pharmacy employees' intentions and attitudes towards rule-breaking behaviour and the impact this may have on patient safety.
Improving maternal confidence in neonatal care through a checklist intervention
Authors: Radenkovic Dina , Kotecha Shrinal , Patel Shreena , Lakhani Anjali , Reimann-Dubbers Katharina , Shah Shreya , Jafree Daniyal , Mitrasinovic Stefan , Whitten Melissa
Published: June 2016

Previous qualitative studies suggest a lack of maternal confidence in care of their newborn child upon discharge into the community. This observation was supported by discussion with healthcare professionals and mothers at University College London Hospital (UCLH), highlighting specific areas of concern, in particular identifying and managing common neonatal presentations. The aim of this study was to design and introduce a checklist, addressing concerns, to increase maternal confidence in care of their newborn child.

Based on market research, an 8-question checklist was designed, assessing maternal confidence in: feeding, jaundice, nappy care, rashes and dry skin, umbilical cord care, choking, bowel movements, and vomiting. Mothers were assessed as per the checklist, and received a score representative of their confidence in neonatal care. Mothers were followed up with a telephone call, and were assessed after a 7-day-period. Checklist scores before as compared to after the follow-up period were analysed. This process was repeated for three study cycles, with the placement of information posters on the ward prior to the second study cycle, and the stapling of the checklist to the mother's personal child health record (PCHR) prior to the third study cycle.

A total of 99 mothers on the Maternity Care Unit at UCLH were enrolled in the study, and 92 were contactable after a 7-day period. During all study cycles, a significant increase in median checklist score was observed after, as compared to before, the 7-day follow up period (p < 0.001). The median difference in checklist score from baseline was greatest for the third cycle.

These results suggest that introduction of a simple checklist can be successfully utilised to improve confidence of mothers in being able to care for their newborn child. Further investigation is indicated, but this intervention has the potential for routine application in postnatal care.
Genetic characterization of a red colour morph of Euphorbia esula subsp. esula (Euphorbiaceae) in the floodplains of the Saône (Eastern France)
Authors: Augé Matthew , Bon Marie-Claude , Hardion Laurent , Le Bourgeois Thomas , Sforza René F.H.
Published: June 2016

A new morph of leafy spurge, Euphorbia esula L., was discovered in the floodplains of the Val de Saône (VDS), France. In this region, this emerging weed shows two different morph colours: the common “green” variant and a rarer “red” variant. We compared the sequence data for the plastid trnT–trnF region among individuals of both morphs from the VDS, as well as other populations from Europe and North America, where this plant is invasive. In addition, we analysed the ploidy found among VDS individuals for both colours. Results showed that both morphs share two of the three chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) haplotypes found in the VDS and are both hexaploids (2n = 6x = 60). These results suggest that the red morph is only an environmental variant of E. esula subsp. esula. Our results indicate that leafy spurge infestations in this region form a genetically diverse structuring composed of three cpDNA haplotypes, two of which are shared by the two morphs.
Extracellular Potassium and Seizures: Excitation, Inhibition and the Role of Ih
Authors: Wang Lihua , Dufour Suzie , Valiante Taufik A. , Carlen Peter L.
Published: June 2016

Seizure activity leads to increases in extracellular potassium concentration ([K[Formula: see text]]o), which can result in changes in neuronal passive and active membrane properties as well as in population activities. In this study, we examined how extracellular potassium modulates seizure activities using an acute 4-AP induced seizure model in the neocortex, both in vivo and in vitro. Moderately elevated [K[Formula: see text]]o up to 9[Formula: see text]mM prolonged seizure durations and shortened interictal intervals as well as depolarized the neuronal resting membrane potential (RMP). However, when [K[Formula: see text]]o reached higher than 9[Formula: see text]mM, seizure like events (SLEs) were blocked and neurons went into a depolarization-blocked state. Spreading depression was never observed as the blockade of ictal events could be reversed within 1–2[Formula: see text]min after the raised [K[Formula: see text]]o was changed back to control levels. This concentration-dependent dual effect of [K[Formula: see text]]o was observed using in vivo and in vitro mouse brain preparations as well as in human neocortical tissue resected during epilepsy surgery. Blocking the Ih current, mediated by hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels, modulated the elevated [K[Formula: see text]]o influence on SLEs by promoting the high [K[Formula: see text]]o inhibitory actions. These results demonstrate biphasic actions of raised [K[Formula: see text]]o on neuronal excitability and seizure activity.
Pitfalls in Memory Consistency Modelling
Authors: Higham Lisa , Kawash Jalal
Published: June 2016

Five pitfalls or potential mistakes in memory consistency modelling are identified. Each pitfall can have dramatic impact on our ability to write correct and efficient programs, to determine the algorithmic capabilities or limitations of particular architectures, and to compare various systems. These potential problems are highlighted by illustrating each pitfall with examples from known consistency model definitions.
On Optimal Scheduling Algorithms for Well-Structured Workflows in the Cloud with Budget and Deadline Constraints
Authors: Wang Yang , Shi Wei , Kent Kenneth B.
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we consider optimal scheduling algorithms for scientific workows with two typical structures, fork&join and tree, on a set of provisioned (virtual) machines under budget and deadline constraints in cloud computing. First, given a total budget B, by leveraging a bi-step dynamic programming technique, we propose optimal algorithms in pseudo-polynomial time for both workows with minimum scheduling length as a goal. Our algorithms are efficient if the total budget B is polynomially bounded by the number of jobs in respective workows, which is usually the common case in practice. Second, we consider the dual of this optimization problem to minimize the cost when the deadline of the computation D is fixed. We change this problem into the standard multiple-choice knapsack problem via a parallel transformation.
A Path Construction Algorithm for Translation Validation Using PRES+ Models
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Soumyadip , Sarkar Dipankar , Mandal Chittaranjan , Banerjee Kunal , Duddu Krishnam Raju
Published: June 2016

Multi-core and multi-processor architectures have predominated the domain of embedded systems permitting easy mapping of concurrent applications to such architectures. The programs, in general, are subjected to significant optimizing and parallelizing transformations, automated and also human guided, before being mapped to an architecture. Modelling parallel behaviour and formally verifying that their functionality is preserved during synthesis are challenging tasks. Untimed PRES+ models are found to be suitable for the specification of parallel behaviour. Path cover oriented equivalence checking methods have been found to be quite effective for sequential behaviour. Path construction for parallel behaviour, however, is significantly more complex than that for sequential behaviour due to all possible interleavings of the parallel operations. Identification of the path covers depends upon choosing appropriate cut-points. In this paper, the need for introducing cut-points dynamically has been underlined and a mechanism to achieve this task is proposed. Details on how to construct a path cover using dynamic cut-points is presented.
Stability of a Beddington–DeAngelis type predator–prey model with trichotomous noises
Authors: Jin Yanfei , Niu Siyong
Published: June 2016

The stability analysis of a Beddington–DeAngelis (B–D) type predator–prey model driven by symmetric trichotomous noises is presented in this paper. Using the Shapiro–Loginov formula, the first-order and second-order solution moments of the system are obtained. The moment stability conditions of the B–D predator–prey model are given by using Routh–Hurwitz criterion. It is found that the stabilities of the first-order and second-order solution moments depend on the noise intensities and correlation time of noise. The first-order and second-order moments are stable when the correlation time of noise is increased. That is, the trichotomous noise plays a constructive role in stabilizing the solution moment with regard to Gaussian white noise. Finally, some numerical results are performed to support the theoretical analyses.
Synchronization of networked Jahn–Teller systems in SQUIDs
Authors: Gül Yusuf
Published: June 2016

We consider the nonlinear effects in a Jahn–Teller (JT) system of two coupled resonators interacting simultaneously with a flux qubit using coupled SQUIDs. A two-frequency description of JT system that inherits the networked structure of both nonlinear Josephson junctions and harmonic oscillators is employed to describe the synchronous structures in a multifrequency scheme. Eigenvalue spectrum is used to show the switch between the effective single mode and two mode configuration in terms of frequency difference. The Rabi supersplitting is investigated by the spectral response of JT systems in different coupling regimes. Second-order coherence functions are employed to investigate antibunching effects in resonator mode. Synchronous structure between correlations of privileged mode and qubit is obtained in localization–delocalization and photon blockade regime controlled by the population imbalance.
Semi-Supervised Classification by Particle Competition in Complex Network’s Edges
Authors: Urio Paulo Roberto , Verri Filipe Alves Neto , Zhao Liang
Published: June 2016

We present a biologically inspired model for transductive semi-supervised learning tasks. Specifically, this model consists of a set of particles that walk and compete in a complex network. From an input dataset, similarities between labeled and unlabeled data points derive a network representation. As particles walk the network, they compete to dominate the edges. Over the process, particles can become inactive, and, to compensate, labeled vertices will feed new particles to the system. Resulted from the model simulation, we analyze sets of edges arranged by their label dominance. Each set forms a subnetwork that is used to classify connected vertices. Our computer simulations on artificial and real datasets show that this technique can classify nonlinearly formed data and detect vertices of different classes in overlapping regions.
SURFACE CONDITIONING OF CARDIOVASCULAR 316L STAINLESS STEEL STENTS: A REVIEW
Authors: NAVARRO LUCILA , LUNA JULIO , RINTOUL IGNACIO
Published: June 2016

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide and 90% of coronary interventions consists in stenting procedures. Most of the implanted stents are made of AISI 316L stainless steel (SS). Excellent mechanical properties, biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, workability and statistically demonstrated medical efficiency are the reasons for the preference of 316L SS over any other material for stent manufacture. However, patients receiving 316L SS bare stents are reported with 15–20% of restenosis probability. The decrease of the restenosis probability is the driving force for a number of strategies for surface conditioning of 316L SS stents. This review reports the latest advances in coating, passivation and the generation of controlled topographies as strategies for increasing the corrosion resistance and reducing the ion release and restenosis probability on 316L SS stents. Undoubtedly, the future of technique is related to the elimination of interfaces with abrupt change of properties, the elimination of molecules and any other phase somehow linked to the metal substrate. And leaving the physical, chemical and topographical smart modification of the outer part of the 316L SS stent for enhancing the biocompatiblization with endothelial tissues.
Stochastic dynamics for inextensible fibers in a spatially semi-discrete setting
Authors: Lindner Felix , Marheineke Nicole , Stroot Holger , Vibe Alexander , Wegener Raimund
Published: June 2016

We investigate a spatially discrete surrogate model for the dynamics of a slender, elastic, inextensible fiber in turbulent flows. Deduced from a continuous space-time beam model for which no solution theory is available, it consists of a high-dimensional second order stochastic differential equation in time with a nonlinear algebraic constraint and an associated Lagrange multiplier term. We establish a suitable framework for the rigorous formulation and analysis of the semi-discrete model and prove existence and uniqueness of a global strong solution. The proof is based on an explicit representation of the Lagrange multiplier and on the observation that the obtained explicit drift term in the equation satisfies a one-sided linear growth condition on the constraint manifold. The theoretical analysis is complemented by numerical studies concerning the time discretization of our model. The performance of implicit Euler-type methods can be improved when using the explicit representation of the Lagrange multiplier to compute refined initial estimates for the Newton method applied in each time step.
C–C bond forming reactions catalyzed by chiral metalloporphyrins
Authors: Rybicka-Jasińska Katarzyna , Ciszewski Łukasz W. , Gryko Daniel T. , Gryko Dorota
Published: June 2016

Porphyrins are abundant in nature facilitating many enzymatic reactions by being present in the active sites of many enzymes. Consequently, over the years, a number of chiral metalloporphyrins have been synthesized and have proved efficient in catalyzing C–C bond forming reactions. Herein, we review the synthesis of chiral metalloporphyrins and their catalytic activity in cyclopropanation, cyclopropenation, and C–H insertion reactions.
A system for detection of cervical precancerous in field emission scanning electron microscope images using texture features
Authors: Jusman Yessi , Ng Siew-Cheok , Hasikin Khairunnisa , Kurnia Rahmadi , Abu Osman Noor Azuan , Teoh Kean Hooi
Published: June 2016

This study develops a novel cervical precancerous detection system by using texture analysis of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images. The processing scheme adopted in the proposed system focused on two steps. The first step was to enhance cervical cell FE-SEM images in order to show the precancerous characterization indicator. A problem arises from the question of how to extract features which characterize cervical precancerous cells. For the first step, a preprocessing technique called intensity transformation and morphological operation (ITMO) algorithm used to enhance the quality of images was proposed. The algorithm consisted of contrast stretching and morphological opening operations. The second step was to characterize the cervical cells to three classes, namely normal, low grade intra-epithelial squamous lesion (LSIL), and high grade intra-epithelial squamous lesion (HSIL). To differentiate between normal and precancerous cells of the cervical cell FE-SEM images, human papillomavirus (HPV) contained in the surface of cells were used as indicators. In this paper, we investigated the use of texture as a tool in determining precancerous cell images based on the observation that cell images have a distinct visual texture. Gray level co-occurrences matrix (GLCM) technique was used to extract the texture features. To confirm the system’s performance, the system was tested using 150 cervical cell FE-SEM images. The results showed that the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of the proposed system are 95.7%, 95.7% and 95.8%, respectively.
Portfolio Selection with Transaction Costs and Jump-Diffusion Asset Dynamics II: Economic Implications
Authors: Czerwonko Michal , Perrakis Stylianos
Published: June 2016

We derive allocation rules under isoelastic utility for a mixed jump-diffusion process in a two-asset portfolio selection problem with finite horizon in the presence of proportional transaction costs; we allow cash dividends on the risky asset. The allocation shifts toward the riskless asset relative to diffusion in varying degrees depending on parameter values. It is sensitive to the proportion of the jump component to total volatility, but also to the expected amplitude for a given proportion. The shift becomes small when the relative risk aversion increases, but it becomes major when the solvency constraint is active in the presence of jumps. We derive utility losses and risk premia due to jumps under realistic parameter values, and show that even when the no transaction region is very similar between pure diffusion and the mixed process the latter corresponds to lower utility because of higher portfolio restructuring costs.
Urban Vegetation and Air Pollution Mitigation: Some Issues from India
Authors: ANAMIKA Avni , PRADEEP Chaudhry
Published: June 2016

Urban greenery generates significant ecosystem services and contributes to improving environmental quality, quality of life, and sustainable urban development. Research on various aspects of urban forestry such as carbon sequestration, removing air pollutants, reducing noise, providing recreational amenity benefits is in infancy stage in India. This paper reviews some significant studies in the field of air pollution removal by urban vegetation in developed and developing countries including India. Some issues related to development and research in the field of urban greenery and future management strategies to be adopted in India have been discussed in the paper.
Bidirectional Crosstalk between C5a Receptors and the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Macrophages and Monocytes
Authors: Haggadone Mikel D. , Grailer Jamison J. , Fattahi Fatemeh , Zetoune Firas S. , Ward Peter A.
Published: June 2016

C5a is an inflammatory mediator generated by complement activation that positively regulates various arms of immune defense, including Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling. The NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is activated by pathogen products and cellular/tissue damage products and is a major contributor of IL-1β. In this study, we investigate whether C5a modulates lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in myeloid cells. Appearance of plasma IL-1βduring endotoxemia was reduced inC5aR1-/-mice when compared to wild-type mice. In vitro, C5a significantly enhanced LPS-induced production of IL-1βin bone marrow Ly6C-high inflammatory monocytes, accompanied by augmented intracellular pro-IL-1βexpression. This effect was abolished during p38 blockade by SB 203580 and in the absence of C5aR1. Conversely, C5a suppressed LPS-induced macrophage production of IL-1β, which was accompanied by attenuated levels of pro-IL-1β, NLRP3, and caspase-1 expression. C5a’s suppressive effects were negated during phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibition by wortmannin but were largely preserved in the absence of C5aR1. Thus, C5a bidirectionally amplifies TLR4-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation in monocytes while suppressing this pathway in macrophages. However, as C5aR1 deficiency attenuates the IL-1βresponse to LPS challenge in vivo, our results suggest overall that C5a augments physiologic inflammasome responses.
Subboiling Moist Heat Favors the Selection of Enteric PathogenClostridium difficilePCR Ribotype 078 Spores in Food
Authors: Rodriguez-Palacios Alexander , Ilic Sanja , LeJeune Jeffrey T.
Published: June 2016

Emerging enteric pathogens could have not only more antibiotic resistance or virulence traits; they could also have increased resistance to heat. We quantified the effects of minimum recommended cooking and higher temperatures, individually on a collection ofC. difficileisolates and on the survival probability of a mixture of emergingC. difficilestrains. While minimum recommended cooking time/temperature combinations (63–71°C) allowed concurrently tested strains to survive, higher subboiling temperatures reproducibly favored the selection of newly emergingC. difficilePCR ribotype 078. Survival ratios for “ribotypes 078” :  “other ribotypes” (n=49 : 45 isolates) from the mid-2000s increased from 1 : 1 and 0.7 : 1 at 85°C (for 5 and 10 minutes, resp.) to 2.3 : 1 and 3 : 1 with heating at 96°C (for 5 and 10 minutes, resp.) indicating an interaction effect between the heating temperature and survival ofC. difficilegenotypes. In multistrain heating experiments, with PCR ribotypes 027 and 078 from 2004 and reference type strain ATCC 9689 banked in the 1970s, multinomial logistic regression (P<0.01) revealed PCR ribotype 078 was the most resistant to increasing lethal heat treatments. Thermal processes (during cooking or disinfection) may contribute to the selection of emergent specific virulent strains ofC. difficile. Despite growing understanding of the role of cooking on human evolution, little is known about the role of cooking temperatures on the selection and evolution of enteric pathogens, especially spore-forming bacteria.
Utility of Lymphoblastoid Cell Lines for Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Generation
Authors: Kumar Satish , Curran Joanne E. , Glahn David C. , Blangero John
Published: June 2016

A large number of EBV immortalized LCLs have been generated and maintained in genetic/epidemiological studies as a perpetual source of DNA and as a surrogate in vitro cell model. Recent successes in reprograming LCLs into iPSCs have paved the way for generating more relevant in vitro disease models using this existing bioresource. However, the overall reprogramming efficiency and success rate remain poor and very little is known about the mechanistic changes that take place at the transcriptome and cellular functional level during LCL‐to‐iPSC reprogramming. Here, we report a new optimized LCL‐to‐iPSC reprogramming protocol using episomal plasmids encoding pluripotency transcription factors and mouse p53DD (p53 carboxy‐terminal dominant‐negative fragment) and commercially available reprogramming media. We achieved a consistently high reprogramming efficiency and 100% success rate using this optimized protocol. Further, we investigated the transcriptional changes in mRNA and miRNA levels, using FC‐abs ≥ 2.0 and FDR ≤ 0.05 cutoffs; 5,228 mRNAs and 77 miRNAs were differentially expressed during LCL‐to‐iPSC reprogramming. The functional enrichment analysis of the upregulated genes and activation of human pluripotency pathways in the reprogrammed iPSCs showed that the generated iPSCs possess transcriptional and functional profiles very similar to those of human ESCs.
Deviations between Contract Sums and Final Accounts: The Case of Capital Projects in Ghana
Authors: Offei-Nyako Kofi , Ohene Tham Leslie Cyprian , Bediako Mark , Adobor Charles Dela , Oduro Asamoah Richard
Published: June 2016

Cost estimation is particularly difficult, often leading to considerable deviations. For capital projects, especially transport infrastructure projects, deviations hover around an average of 28% of the estimated cost. There are several factors that cause these deviations between the final accounts and the contract sum. How these factors combine to cause deviations between the contract sum and the final account in recent times has been of great concern to construction managers and researchers alike. This study sought to identify the significant factors that result in deviations between contract sums and the final accounts of capital projects. Using a sample size of 45, comprising contractors, consultants, and clients, the factors identified using Relative Important Indices were “price fluctuations,” “late material delivery,” “changes in the scope of work,” “fluctuations in the market demand,” and “changes in design.” Using Kendall’s coefficient of concordance, a coefficient p value of 0.068 was obtained. As such, the null hypothesis was rejected as there was a level of agreement among the respondents. Again, based on a significance test run, 26 out of the 40 identified factors used for the analysis were seen to be significant in influencing the deviations between contract sums and final accounts figures.
Dynamic Changes in Local Protein Synthetic Machinery in Regenerating Central Nervous System Axons after Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Sachdeva Rahul , Farrell Kaitlin , McMullen Mary-Katharine , Twiss Jeffery L. , Houle John D.
Published: June 2016

Intra-axonal localization of mRNAs and protein synthesis machinery (PSM) endows neurons with the capacity to generate proteins locally, allowing precise spatiotemporal regulation of the axonal response to extracellular stimuli. A number of studies suggest that this local translation is a promising target to enhance the regenerative capacity of damaged axons. Using a model of central nervous system (CNS) axons regenerating into intraspinal peripheral nerve grafts (PNGs) we established that adult regenerating CNS axons contain several different mRNAs and protein synthetic machinery (PSM) components in vivo. After lower thoracic level spinal cord transection, ascending sensory axons regenerate into intraspinal PNGs but axon growth is stalled when they reach the distal end of the PNG (3 versus 7 weeks after grafting, resp.). By immunofluorescence with optical sectioning of axons by confocal microscopy, the total and phosphorylated forms of PSMs are significantly lower in stalled compared with actively regenerating axons. Reinjury of these stalled axons increased axonal localization of the PSM proteins, indicative of possible priming for a subcellular response to axotomy. These results suggest that axons downregulate protein synthetic capacity as they cease growing, yet they retain the ability to upregulate PSM after a second injury.
Effects of Substrate Temperature on the Corrosion Behaviour of Nanochromium Coatings Deposited by Direct Current Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Ren Yanjie , Chen Jian , Chen Yaqing , Chen Jianlin , Qiu Wei
Published: June 2016

Nanochromium coatings were deposited on 316L stainless steel bipolar plates of a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) by a direct current magnetron sputtering technique. The effect of substrate temperature on the corrosion resistance of nanochromium coatings was investigated. The corrosion performance of the bare and chromium-coated steel in a simulated environment of PEMFC (0.5 M H2SO4+ 2 ppm F−) was studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, polarisation, and open circuit potential measurements. The results showed that the corrosion rates of two nanochromium coatings deposited at 300°C and 500°C were lower than those of uncoated steel by more than one order of magnitude. Electrochemical impedance spectra of both nanochromium coatings exhibited distinct characteristics in corrosive solution. The nanochromium coating deposited at 500°C showed superior stability in the corrosive solution.
Photoinduced C-C Cross-Coupling of Aryl Chlorides and Inert Arenes
Authors: Wang Lele , Qiu Wenzhao , Shao Hongge , Yuan Rusheng
Published: June 2016

Here we report a facile, efficient, and catalyst-free method to realize C-C cross-coupling of aryl chlorides and inert arenes under UV light irradiation. The aryl radical upon homolytic cleavage of C-Cl bond initiated the nucleophilic substitution reaction with inert arenes to give biaryl products. This mild reaction mode can also be applied to other synthetic reactions, such as the construction of C-N bonds and trifluoromethylated compounds.
New Parameter for In-Office Dental Bleaching
Authors: Presoto Cristina Dupim , Bortolatto Janaina Freitas , Carvalho Priscila Petrucelli Freire de , Trevisan Tamara Carolina , Floros Michael Christopher , Junior Osmir Batista de Oliveira
Published: June 2016

Dental bleaching is considered a conservative and biologically safe treatment for discolored teeth. Despite this, one of the major undesirable effects of bleaching is dentin sensitivity which may occur during and after treatment. To address these sensitivity issues, new dental bleaching preparations with lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) have recently been introduced to the market. This paper presents a clinical case report of a 20-year-old female patient admitted to the Araraquara Dental School, UNESP, Brazil. The patient underwent dental bleaching using one of the new products with reduced hydrogen peroxide concentration, Lase Peroxide Lite 6%, a 6% H2O2gel containing titanium oxide nanoparticles doped with nitrogen (6% H2O2/N-doped TiO2).
Impact on the Quality of Life When Living Close to a Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant
Authors: Vantarakis A. , Paparrodopoulos S. , Kokkinos P. , Vantarakis G. , Fragou K. , Detorakis I.
Published: June 2016

The objective of the study was to investigate the impact on the quality of life of people living close to a municipal wastewater treatment plant. A case control study, including 235 inhabitants living within a 500 m radius by a municipal wastewater treatment plant (cases) and 97 inhabitants living in a different area (controls), was conducted. A standardized questionnaire was self-completed by the participants which examined the general health perception and the overall life satisfaction. Also, the concentration of airborne pathogenic microorganisms in aerosol samples collected around the wastewater treatment plant was investigated. Significant risk for symptoms such as headache, unusual tiredness, and concentration difficulties was recorded and an increased possibility for respiratory and skin diseases was reported. A high rate of the cases being irritable and moody was noticed. Significantly higher gastrointestinal symptoms were also reported among the cases in relation to the controls. The prevalence of pathogenic airborne microorganisms originating from the wastewater treatment plant was reported in high numbers in sampling points close to the wastewater treatment plant. More analytical epidemiological investigations are needed to determine the cause as well as the burden of the diseases to inhabitants living surrounding the wastewater treatment plant.
Minimally Invasive Surgery for the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Karcz W. Konrad , von Braun William
Published: June 2016

Background: Reduction in operative trauma along with an improvement in endoscopic access has undoubtedly occupied surgical minds for at least the past 3 decades. It is not at all surprising that minimally invasive colon surgery has come a long way since the first laparoscopic appendectomy by Semm in 1981. It is common knowledge that the recent developments in video and robotic technologies have significantly furthered advancements in laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery. This has led to the overall acceptance of the treatment of benign colorectal pathology via the endoscopic route. Malignant disease, however, is still primarily treated by conventional approaches. Methods and Results: This review article is based on a literature search pertaining to advances in minimally invasive colorectal surgery for the treatment of malignant pathology, as well as on personal experience in the field over the same period of time. Our search was limited to level I and II clinical papers only, according to the evidence-based medicine guidelines. We attempted to present our unbiased view on the subject relying only on the evidence available. Conclusion: Focusing on advances in colorectal minimally invasive surgery, it has to be stated that there are still a number of unanswered questions regarding the surgical management of malignant diseases with this approach. These questions do not only relate to the area of boundaries set for the use of minimally invasive techniques in this field but also to the exact modality best suited to the treatment of every particular case whilst maintaining state-of-the-art oncological principles.
Amniotic Fluid-Soluble Form of Triggering Receptors Expressed on Myeloid Cells: A Physiologic Constituent at Term
Authors: Prearo Moço Natália , Fernandes Martin Laura , Ribeiro de Andrade Ramos Bruna , Paupério Soares de Camargo Rodrigo , Gomes Pereira Sarmento Stephanno , Fernandes Karayna Gil , Chiaratto Filho Dionísio , Amante Miot Hélio , Guimarães da Silva Márcia
Published: June 2016

Background: Triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) are innate immune receptors that mediate inflammatory response. In recent times, the role of these receptors has become the focus of several studies in the gestational context. Evaluation of soluble TREM-1 concentration in normal pregnancy is scarce, and no data are available on the levels of this receptor in the last weeks of normal pregnancy. Method: Amniotic fluid (AF) samples were obtained from 77 patients in the last weeks of normal pregnancy during cesarean section, and the soluble form of TREM-1 (sTREM-1) levels determined using specific sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results: sTREM-1 was detectable in all AF samples, and its levels did not vary in the last weeks of third trimester pregnancy. There was no correlation between sTREM-1 levels in AF and advancing gestational age. Conclusion: sTREM-1 is a physiologic constituent of AF and its levels are not temporally regulated in pregnancies at term.