bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevated Ratio of Th17 Cell-Derived Th1 Cells (CD161+Th1 Cells) to CD161+Th17 Cells in Peripheral Blood of Early-Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Kotake Shigeru , Nanke Yuki , Yago Toru , Kawamoto Manabu , Kobashigawa Tsuyoshi , Yamanaka Hisashi
Published: March 2016

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the destruction of articular cartilage and bone with elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines. It has been reported that IL-17 and Th17 cells play important roles in the pathogenesis of RA. Recently, plasticity in helper T cells has been demonstrated; Th17 cells can convert to Th1 cells. It remains to be elucidated whether this conversion occurs in the early phase of RA. Here, we tried to identify Th17 cells, Th1 cells, and Th17 cell-derived Th1 cells (CD161+Th1 cells) in the peripheral blood of early-onset RA patients. We also evaluated the effect of methotrexate on the ratio of Th17 cells in early-onset RA patients. The ratio of Th17 cell-derived Th1 cells to CD161+Th17 cells was elevated in the peripheral blood of early-onset RA patients. In addition, MTX reduced the ratio of Th17 cells but not Th1 cells. These findings suggest that IL-17 and Th17 play important roles in the early phase of RA; thus, anti-IL-17 antibodies should be administered to patients with RA in the early phase.
Differential Methylation of Genomic Regions Associated with Heteroblasty Detected by M&M Algorithm in the Nonmodel SpeciesEucalyptus globulusLabill.
Authors: Hasbún Rodrigo , Iturra Carolina , Bravo Soraya , Rebolledo-Jaramillo Boris , Valledor Luis
Published: March 2016

Epigenetic regulation plays important biological roles in plants, including timing of flowering and endosperm development. Little is known about the mechanisms controlling heterochrony (the change in the timing or rate of developmental events during ontogeny) inEucalyptus globulus. DNA methylation has been proposed as a potential heterochrony regulatory mechanism in model species, but its role during the vegetative phase inE. globulushas not been explored. In order to investigate the molecular mechanisms governing heterochrony inE. globulus, we have developed a workflow aimed at generating high-resolution hypermethylome and hypomethylome maps that have been tested in two stages of vegetative growth phase: juvenile (6-month leaves) and adult (30-month leaves). We used the M&M algorithm, a computational approach that integrates MeDIP-seq and MRE-seq data, to identify differentially methylated regions (DMRs). Thousands of DMRs between juvenile and adult leaves ofE. globuluswere found. Although further investigations are required to define the loci associated with heterochrony/heteroblasty that are regulated by DNA methylation, these results suggest that locus-specific methylation could be major regulators of vegetative phase change. This information can support future conservation programs, for example, selecting the best methylomes for a determinate environment in a restoration project.
Urothelial Carcinoma Recurrence in an Ileal Neobladder Nine Years after Primary Surgery with Muir-Torre Syndrome
Authors: Cherbanyk Floryn , Prod’homme Marc , Pezzetta Edgardo , Chevaux Bernard , Anaye Anass , Boillat Jean-Joseph
Published: March 2016

We report a patient who presented with a urothelial carcinoma recurrence developed nine years after radical cystoprostatectomy, related to Muir-Torre syndrome.
Prognostic Factors on the Graft‐versus‐Host Disease‐Free and Relapse‐Free Survival after Adult Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Liu Yao-Chung , Chien Sheng-Hsuan , Fan Nai-Wen , Hu Ming-Hung , Gau Jyh-Pyng , Liu Chia-Jen , Yu Yuan-Bin , Hsiao Liang-Tsai , Chiou Tzeon-Jye , Tzeng Cheng-Hwai , Chen Po-Min , Liu Jin-Hwang
Published: March 2016

The cure of hematologic disorders by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is often associated with major complications resulting in poor outcome, including graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD), relapse, and death. A novel composite endpoint of GVHD‐free/relapse‐free survival (GRFS) in which events include grades 3‐4 acute GVHD, chronic GVHD requiring systemic therapy, relapse, or death is censored to completely characterize the survival without mortality or ongoing morbidity. In this regard, studies attempting to identify the prognostic factors of GRFS are quite scarce. Thus, we reviewed 377 adult patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT between 2003 and 2013. The 1‐ and 2‐year GRFS were 40.8% and 36.5%, respectively, significantly worse than overall survival and disease‐free survival (log‐rank p < 0.001). European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) risk score > 2 (p < 0.001) and hematologic malignancy (p = 0.033) were poor prognostic factors for 1‐year GRFS. For 2‐year GRFS, EBMT risk score > 2 (p < 0.001), being male (p = 0.028), and hematologic malignancy (p = 0.010) were significant for poor outcome. The events between 1‐year GRFS and 2‐year GRFS predominantly increased in relapsed patients. With prognostic factors of GRFS, we could evaluate the probability of real recovery following HSCT without ongoing morbidity.
Hesitant Cloud Model and Its Application in the Risk Assessment of “The Twenty-First Century Maritime Silk Road”
Authors: Yang Lizhi , Zhang Ren , Hou Taiping , Hao Zhinan , Liu Jun
Published: March 2016

The evaluation of human environment risk is lacking quantitative data, while the qualitative knowledge cannot be easily quantified and synthesized. Furthermore, sometimes the experts are not well acknowledged with the whole indicator system or cannot reach an agreement on the comments. The conventional evaluation methods are not competent to solve the above aporia effectively. Thus the quantization of the human environment risk becomes a conundrum. The compatibility cloud model theory can set up a conversion model between the qualitative knowledge and quantitative value, which provides technique approaches to evaluating the risk of human environment. However, the hesitant opinion of experts stemming from the missing knowledge of the whole system or the branching opinions cannot be well solved by the traditional compatibility cloud model theory. Therefore, this paper brings in the theory of hesitant fuzzy set, combining with the cloud model theory, to try to construct a hesitant cloud model to achieve the quantitative assessment of human environment risk. And at last an experiment evaluation on the risk of maritime silk road is carried out.
Vibration Suppression for Improving the Estimation of Kinematic Parameters on Industrial Robots
Authors: Elvira-Ortiz David Alejandro , Romero-Troncoso Rene de Jesus , Jaen-Cuellar Arturo Yosimar , Morales-Velazquez Luis , Osornio-Rios Roque Alfredo
Published: March 2016

Vibration is a phenomenon that is present on every industrial system such as CNC machines and industrial robots. Moreover, sensors used to estimate angular position of a joint in an industrial robot are severely affected by vibrations and lead to wrong estimations. This paper proposes a methodology for improving the estimation of kinematic parameters on industrial robots through a proper suppression of the vibration components present on signals acquired from two primary sensors: accelerometer and gyroscope. A Kalman filter is responsible for the filtering of spurious vibration. Additionally, a sensor fusion technique is used to merge information from both sensors and improve the results obtained using each sensor separately. The methodology is implemented in a proprietary hardware signal processor and tested in an ABB IRB 140 industrial robot, first by analyzing the motion profile of only one joint and then by estimating the path tracking of two welding tasks: one rectangular and another one circular. Results from this work prove that the sensor fusion technique accompanied by proper suppression of vibrations delivers better estimation than other proposed techniques.
Adjacent Infrared Multitarget Detection Using Robust Background Estimation
Authors: Kim Sungho , Kim Kyung-Tae
Published: March 2016

Small target detection is very important for infrared search and track (IRST) problems. Grouped targets are difficult to detect using the conventional constant false alarm rate (CFAR) detection method. In this study, a novel multitarget detection method was developed to identify adjacent or closely spaced small infrared targets. The neighboring targets decrease the signal-to-clutter ratio in hysteresis threshold-based constant false alarm rate (H-CFAR) detection, which leads to poor detection performance in cluttered environments. The proposed adjacent target rejection-based robust background estimation can reduce the effects of the neighboring targets and enhance the small multitarget detection performance in infrared images by increasing the signal-to-clutter ratio. The experimental results of the synthetic and real adjacent target sequences showed that the proposed method produces an upgraded detection rate with the same false alarm rate compared to the recent target detection methods (H-CFAR, Top-hat, and TDLMS).
In Vitro Differentiation of First Trimester Human Umbilical Cord Perivascular Cells into Contracting Cardiomyocyte‐Like Cells
Authors: Szaraz Peter , Librach Matthew , Maghen Leila , Iqbal Farwah , Barretto Tanya A. , Kenigsberg Shlomit , Gauthier-Fisher Andrée , Librach Clifford L.
Published: March 2016

Myocardial infarction (MI) causes an extensive loss of heart muscle cells and leads to congestive heart disease (CAD), the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Mesenchymal stromal cell‐ (MSC‐) based cell therapy is a promising option to replace invasive interventions. However the optimal cell type providing significant cardiac regeneration after MI is yet to be found. The aim of our study was to investigate the cardiomyogenic differentiation potential of first trimester human umbilical cord perivascular cells (FTM HUCPVCs), a novel, young source of immunoprivileged mesenchymal stromal cells. Based on the expression of cardiomyocyte markers (cTnT, MYH6, SIRPA, and CX43) FTM and term HUCPVCs achieved significantly increased cardiomyogenic differentiation compared to bone marrow MSCs, while their immunogenicity remained significantly lower as indicated by HLA‐A and HLA‐G expression and susceptibility to T cell mediated cytotoxicity. When applying aggregate‐based differentiation, FTM HUCPVCs showed increased aggregate formation potential and generated contracting cells within 1 week of coculture, making them the first MSC type with this ability. Our results indicate that young FTM HUCPVCs have superior cardiomyogenic potential coupled with beneficial immunogenic properties when compared to MSCs of older tissue sources, suggesting that in vitro predifferentiation could be a potential strategy to increase their effectiveness in vivo.
Clinical Associations of Biallelic and MonoallelicTNFRSF13BVariants in Italian Primary Antibody Deficiency Syndromes
Authors: Pulvirenti Federica , Zuntini Roberta , Milito Cinzia , Specchia Fernando , Spadaro Giuseppe , Danieli Maria Giovanna , Pession Andrea , Quinti Isabella , Ferrari Simona
Published: March 2016

We assessed the prevalence ofTNFRSF13Bmutations and the clinical correlates in an Italian cohort of 189 CVID, 67 IgAD patients, and 330 healthy controls to substantiate the role of TACI genetic testing in diagnostic workup. We found that 11% of CVID and 13% of IgAD carried at least one mutatedTNFRSF13Ballele. Seven per cent of CVID had monoallelic-mutations and 4% had biallelic-mutations. The frequency of C104R monoallelic-mutations was not higher than that found in healthy controls. Biallelic-mutations were exclusively found in CVID. CVID patients carrying monoallelic-mutations had an increased prevalence of lymphadenopathy, granulomata, and autoimmune cytopenias. CVID carrying biallelic-mutations had a low prevalence of autoimmunity in comparison with TACI wild-type CVID. Moreover, biallelic-mutated CVID had higher frequency of switched memory B-cells and higher IgM and IgA antibodies to polysaccharide antigens than TACI wild-type and monoallelic-mutated CVID. TACI-mutated IgAD patients had only monoallelic-mutations and did not display clinical difference from IgAD wild-type patients. In conclusion,TNFRSF13Bgenetic screening of antibody deficiencies may allow the identification of mutational patterns. However, as with counseling for risk assessment, geneticists should be aware that the interpretation of genetic testing for TACI mutations is difficult and the potential impact on clinical management is still limited.
S3 Dorsal Root Ganglion/Nerve Root Stimulation for Refractory Postsurgical Perineal Pain: Technical Aspects of Anchorless Sacral Transforaminal Lead Placement
Authors: Zuidema X. , Breel J. , Wille F.
Published: March 2016

Chronic perineal pain limits patients in physical and sexual activities, leading to social and psychological distress. In most cases, this pain develops after surgery in the urogenital area or as a consequence of trauma. Neuromodulation is one of the options in chronic postsurgical perineal pain treatment. We present a case of refractory perineal pain after right sided surgical resection of a Bartholin’s cyst which was treated with third sacral nerve root/dorsal root ganglion stimulation using the transforaminal approach. We describe a new anchorless lead placement technique using a unique curved lead delivery sheath. We postulate that this new posterior foraminal technique of lead placement is simple, safe, and reversible and may lower the occurrence of lead related complications.
Bioactive Components of Chinese Propolis Water Extract on Antitumor Activity and Quality Control
Authors: Xuan Hongzhuan , Wang Yuehua , Li Aifeng , Fu Chongluo , Wang Yuanjun , Peng Wenjun
Published: March 2016

To understand the material basis of antitumor activity of Chinese propolis water extract (CPWE), we developed a simple and efficient method using macroporous absorptive resin coupled with preparative high performance liquid chromatography and separated and purified eleven chemical components (caffeic acid, ferulic acid, isoferulic acid, 3,4‐dimethoxycinnamic acid, pinobanksin, caffeic acid benzyl ester, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, apigenin, pinocembrin, chrysin, and galangin) from CPWE; then we tested the antitumor activities of these eleven components using different human tumor cell lines (MCF‐7, MDA‐MB‐231, HeLa, and A549). Furthermore, cell migration, procaspase 3 level, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) of effective components from CPWE were investigated. Our data showed that antitumor activities of the eleven components from CPWE were different from each other. CPWE and its effective components induced apoptosis by inhibiting tumor cell migration, activating caspase 3, and promoting ROS production. It can be deduced that the antitumor effects of propolis did not depend on a single component, and there must exist “bioactive components,” which also provides a new idea for Chinese propolis quality control.
Inhibition of Nucleotide Synthesis Targets Brain Tumor Stem Cells in a Subset of Glioblastoma
Authors: Laks Dan R. , Ta Lisa , Crisman Thomas J. , Gao Fuying , Coppola Giovanni , Radu Caius G. , Nathanson David A. , Kornblum Harley I.
Published: March 2016

Inhibition of both the de novo (DNP) and salvage (NSP) pathways of nucleoside synthesis has been demonstrated to impair leukemia cells. We endeavored to determine whether this approach would be efficacious in glioblastoma. To diminish nucleoside biosynthesis, we utilized compound DI-39, which selectively targets NSP, in combination with thymidine (dT), which selectively targets DNP. We employed in vitro and ex vivo models to determine the effects of pretreatment with dT + DI-39 on brain tumor stem cells (BTSC). Here, we demonstrate that this combinatorial therapy elicits a differential response across a spectrum of human patient–derived glioblastoma cultures. As determined by apoptotic markers, most cultures were relatively resistant to treatment, although a subset was highly sensitive. Sensitivity was unrelated to S-phase delay and to DNA damage induced by treatment. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that response across cultures was associated with the transcription factor PAX3 (associated with resistance) and with canonical pathways, including the nucleotide excision repair pathway, PTEN (associated with resistance), PI3K/AKT (associated with sensitivity), and ErbB2-ErbB3. Our in vitro assays demonstrated that, in sensitive cultures, clonal sphere formation was reduced upon removal from pretreatment. In contrast, in a resistant culture, clonal sphere formation was slightly increased upon removal from pretreatment. Moreover, in an intracranial xenograft model, pretreatment of a sensitive culture caused significantly smaller and fewer tumors. In a resistant culture, tumors were equivalent irrespective of pretreatment. These results indicate that, in the subset of sensitive glioblastoma, BTSCs are targeted by inhibition of pyrimidine synthesis. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(6); 1271–8. ©2016 AACR.
Gene Signature in Sessile Serrated Polyps Identifies Colon Cancer Subtype
Authors: Kanth Priyanka , Bronner Mary P. , Boucher Kenneth M. , Burt Randall W. , Neklason Deborah W. , Hagedorn Curt H. , Delker Don A.
Published: March 2016

Sessile serrated colon adenoma/polyps (SSA/P) are found during routine screening colonoscopy and may account for 20% to 30% of colon cancers. However, differentiating SSA/Ps from hyperplastic polyps (HP) with little risk of cancer is challenging and complementary molecular markers are needed. In addition, the molecular mechanisms of colon cancer development from SSA/Ps are poorly understood. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was performed on 21 SSA/Ps, 10 HPs, 10 adenomas, 21 uninvolved colon, and 20 control colon specimens. Differential expression and leave-one-out cross-validation methods were used to define a unique gene signature of SSA/Ps. Our SSA/P gene signature was evaluated in colon cancer RNA-Seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to identify a subtype of colon cancers that may develop from SSA/Ps. A total of 1,422 differentially expressed genes were found in SSA/Ps relative to controls. Serrated polyposis syndrome (n = 12) and sporadic SSA/Ps (n = 9) exhibited almost complete (96%) gene overlap. A 51-gene panel in SSA/P showed similar expression in a subset of TCGA colon cancers with high microsatellite instability. A smaller 7-gene panel showed high sensitivity and specificity in identifying BRAF-mutant, CpG island methylator phenotype high, and MLH1-silenced colon cancers. We describe a unique gene signature in SSA/Ps that identifies a subset of colon cancers likely to develop through the serrated pathway. These gene panels may be utilized for improved differentiation of SSA/Ps from HPs and provide insights into novel molecular pathways altered in colon cancer arising from the serrated pathway. Cancer Prev Res; 9(6); 456–65. ©2016 AACR.
Body Mass Index Predicts Progression of Mild Cognitive Impairment to Dementia
Authors: Cova Ilaria , Clerici Francesca , Maggiore Laura , Pomati Simone , Cucumo Valentina , Ghiretti Roberta , Galimberti Daniela , Scarpini Elio , Mariani Claudio , Caracciolo Barbara
Published: March 2016

Aims: To examine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and progression to dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Materials and Methods: Two hundred and twenty-eight MCI subjects (mean age 74.04 ± 6.94 years; 57% female) from a memory clinic were followed for 2.40 ± 1.58 years. Baseline height and weight were used to calculate the BMI. The main outcome was progression to dementia (DSM-IV criteria) and AD (NINCDS-ADRDA criteria). Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the longitudinal association of BMI with dementia and AD, adjusting for a comprehensive set of covariates, including vascular risk factors/diseases and neuroimaging profiles. Results: Out of 228 subjects with MCI, 117 (51.3%) progressed to dementia. Eighty-nine (76%) of the incident dementia cases had AD. In both unadjusted and multi-adjusted models, a higher BMI was associated with a reduced risk of dementia (multi-adjusted HR 0.9; 95% CI 0.8-0.9) and AD (multi-adjusted HR 0.9; 95% CI 0.8-0.9). Being underweight increased the risk of all types of dementia (multi-adjusted HR 2.5; 95% CI 1.2-5.1) but was not specifically associated with AD (multi-adjusted HR 2.2; 95% CI 0.9-5.3). Conclusions: BMI predicted progression of MCI to dementia and AD. In particular, a higher BMI was associated with a lower risk of dementia and AD, and underweight was associated with a higher risk of dementia. BMI assessment may improve the prognostic accuracy of MCI in clinical practice.
Endometriosis and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Mu Fan , Rich-Edwards Janet , Rimm Eric B. , Spiegelman Donna , Missmer Stacey A.
Published: March 2016

Background—

Endometriosis is a prevalent gynecologic disease associated with systemic chronic inflammation, heightened oxidative stress, and atherogenic lipid profile that may increase women’s risk for coronary heart disease (CHD).

Methods and Results—

We examined the prospective association between laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis and subsequent CHD among 116 430 women in the Nurses’ Health Study II (1989–2009). Participants with a history of heart disease and stroke were excluded. When compared with women without endometriosis, women with laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis had a higher risk of myocardial infarction (relative risk, 1.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.17–1.98), angiographically confirmed angina (1.91; 1.59–2.29), coronary artery bypass graft surgery/coronary angioplasty procedure/stent (1.35; 1.08–1.69), or any of these CHD end points combined (1.62; 1.39–1.89), independent of potential demographic, anthropometric, family history, reproductive, and lifestyle confounders. Relative risk for the combined CHD end point was highest among women aged ≤40 years (3.08; 2.02–4.70) and decreased as age increased (40< age ≤50 years, 1.65; 1.35–2.02; 50< age ≤55 years, 1.44; 1.07–1.94; and age >55 years, 0.98; 0.56–1.72;
P
value, test for heterogeneity=0.001). Having had a hysterectomy/oophorectomy was associated with higher risk of combined CHD compared with not having had a hysterectomy/oophorectomy (1.51; 1.34–1.71). A percentage of 42 of the association between endometriosis and CHD could be explained by greater frequency of hysterectomy/oophorectomy and earlier age at surgery after endometriosis diagnosis.

Conclusions—

In this large, prospective cohort, laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis was associated with increased risk of CHD. The association was strongest among young women. Hysterectomy/oophorectomy was associated with higher risk of CHD and could partially explain the association between endometriosis and CHD.
Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Morphological Processing in Visual Word Recognition
Authors: Cavalli Eddy , Colé Pascale , Badier Jean-Michel , Zielinski Christelle , Chanoine Valérie , Ziegler Johannes C.
Published: March 2016

The spatiotemporal dynamics of morphological, orthographic, and semantic processing were investigated in a primed lexical decision task in French using magnetoencephalography (MEG). The goal was to investigate orthographic and semantic contributions to morphological priming and compare these effects with pure orthographic and semantic priming. The time course of these effects was analyzed in anatomically defined ROIs that were selected according to previous MEG and fMRI findings. The results showed that morphological processing was not localized in one specific area but distributed over a vast network that involved left inferior temporal gyrus, left superior temporal gyrus, left inferior frontal gyrus, and left orbitofrontal gyrus. Second, all morphological effects were specific, that is, in none of the ROIs could morphology effects be explained by pure orthographic or pure semantic overlap. Third, the ventral route was sensitive to both the orthographic and semantic “part” of the morphological priming effect in the M350 time window. Fourth, the earliest effects of morphology occurred in left superior temporal gyrus around 250 msec and reflected the semantic contribution to morphological facilitation. Together then, the present results show that morphological processing is not just an emergent property of processing form or meaning and that semantic contributions to morphological facilitation can occur as early as 250 msec in the left superior temporal gyrus.
Frontal Monitoring and Parietal Evidence: Mechanisms of Error Correction
Authors: Navarro-Cebrian Ana , Knight Robert T. , Kayser Andrew S.
Published: March 2016

When we respond to a stimulus, our decisions are based not only on external stimuli but also on our ongoing performance. If the response deviates from our goals, monitoring and decision-making brain areas interact so that future behavior may change. By taking advantage of natural variation in error salience, as measured by the RT taken to correct an error (RTEC), here we argue that an evidence accumulation framework provides a potential underlying mechanism for this variable process of error identification and correction, as evidenced by covariation of frontal monitoring and parietal decision-making processes. We study two early EEG signals linked to monitoring within medial PFC—the error-related negativity (ERN) and frontocentral theta activity—and a third EEG signal, the error positivity (Pe), that is thought to share the same parietal substrates as a signal (the P3b) proposed to reflect evidence accumulation. As predicted, our data show that on slow RTEC trials, frontal monitoring resources are less strongly employed, and the latency of the Pe is longer. Critically, the speed of the RTEC also covaries with the magnitude of subsequent neural (intertrial alpha power) and behavioral (post-error slowing) adjustments following the correction. These results are synthesized to describe a timing diagram for adaptive decision-making after errors and support a potential evidence accumulation mechanism in which error signaling is followed by rapid behavioral adjustments.
The manifold use of pounding stone tools by wild capuchin monkeys of Serra da Capivara National Park, Brazil
Authors: Falótico Tiago , Ottoni Eduardo B.
Published: March 2016

The use of pounding stone tools (PSTs) is a customary behaviour in several wild populations of capuchin monkeys; most of these monkeys use PSTs primarily to open hard palm nuts. Here, we describe the use of PSTs in two not previously studied groups of capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) in Serra da Capivara National Park (SCNP), northeastern Brazil, and compare them to other groups and populations. Capuchins from SCNP are one of the only known population that habitually use PSTs for several purposes other than nut processing, including cracking seeds and fruits, breaking and/or enlarging holes in tree trunks or rocks, and pulverizing pebbles. Moreover, they use PSTs sequentially with probe stick tools to access hidden prey. The average size of PSTs was larger than the average locally available stones, suggesting active choice. The two groups exhibited more diversity in the use of PSTs than any other known population to date.
Factors Controlling Stratocumulus Cloud Lifetime over Coastal Land
Authors: Ghonima Mohamed S. , Heus Thijs , Norris Joel R. , Kleissl Jan
Published: March 2016

The breakup of stratocumulus clouds over coastal land areas is studied using a combination of large-eddy simulations (LESs) and mixed-layer models (MLMs) with a focus on mechanisms regulating the timing of the breakup. In contrast with stratocumulus over ocean, strong sensible heat flux over land prevents the cloud layer from decoupling during day. As the cloud thins during day, turbulence generated by surface flux becomes larger than turbulence generated by longwave cooling across the cloud layer. To capture this shift in turbulence generation in the MLM, an existing entrainment parameterization is extended. The MLM is able to mimic cloud evolution for a variety of Bowen ratios, but only after this modification of the entrainment parameterization. Cloud lifetime depends on a combination of the cloud-top entrainment flux, the Bowen ratio of the surface, and the strength of advection of cool ocean air by the sea breeze. For dry land surface conditions, the authors’ MLM suggests a breakup time a few hours after sunrise. For relatively wet land surface conditions, the cloud layer briefly breaks into partly cloudy conditions during midday, and the stratocumulus cloud reforms in the evening.
Prediction and Ensemble Forecast Verification of Hail in the Supercell Storms of 20 May 2013
Authors: Snook Nathan , Jung Youngsun , Brotzge Jerald , Putnam Bryan , Xue Ming
Published: March 2016

Despite recent advances in storm-scale ensemble NWP, short-term (0–90 min) explicit forecasts of severe hail remain a major challenge as a result of the fast evolution and short time scales of hail-producing convective storms and the substantial uncertainty associated with the microphysical representation of hail. In this study, 0–90-min ensemble hail forecasts for the supercell storms of 20 May 2013 over central Oklahoma are examined and verified, with the goals of 1) evaluating ensemble forecast performance, 2) comparing the advantages and limitations of different forecast fields potentially suitable for the prediction of hail and severe hail in a Warn-on-Forecast setting, and 3) evaluating the use of dual-polarization radar observations for hail forecast validation. To address the challenges of hail prediction and to produce skillful forecasts, the ensemble uses a two-moment microphysics scheme that explicitly predicts a hail-like rimed-ice category and is run with a grid spacing of 500 m. Radar reflectivity factor and radial velocity, along with surface observations, are assimilated every 5 min for 1 h as the storms were developing to maturity, followed by a 90-min ensemble forecast. Several methods of hail prediction and hail forecast verification are then examined, including the prediction of the maximum hail size compared to Storm Prediction Center (SPC) and Meteorological Phenomena Identification Near the Ground (mPING) hail observations, and verification of model data against single- and dual-polarization radar-derived fields including hydrometeor classification algorithm (HCA) output and the maximum estimated size of hail (MESH). The 0–90-min ensemble hail predictions are found to be marginally to moderately skillful depending on the verification method used.
Determining the Static Characteristics of Pneumatic Muscles
Authors: Takosoglu Jakub Emanuel , Laski Pawel Andrzej , Blasiak Slawomir , Bracha Gabriel , Pietrala Dawid
Published: March 2016

This paper discusses a test stand and methods used to determine static—isobaric, isotonic and isometric—characteristics of two pneumatic muscles: a Festo Fluidic Muscle MAS and a Shadow Air Muscle. The data obtained from the experiments were applied to analytically determine the equations of static characteristics of the pneumatic muscles. The equations were then employed to obtain simulated static characteristics. The experimental characteristics were compared with the simulated ones.
Measurement of Electrical Conditions of Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Soylu Emel , Bayir Raif
Published: March 2016

Batteries are used in a wide area, from mobile phones to electric vehicles. Batteries are used in electric cars, satellites and space systems, communications systems, defense systems, renewable energy sources, and many different application areas. Condition monitoring of batteries and storing measurement data are very important issues. Manufacturers, researchers, maintenance services, and so on use special software and database for viewing and saving measurement data. It is important to measure the data with high accuracy, view with graphs, and save these data systematically. In this study, software is developed and a database is designed to monitor the battery conditions online. This software is developed in C# programming language, and SQL Server is used as database. Current, voltage, resistance, power, temperature of the battery, and ambient temperature are measurement values. Some battery experiments take very long time and someone should wait near the test system to prevent dangers such as explosion and fire. A wide variety of electrical battery experiments can be done without waiting next to the test system with the proposed software and database.
Metabolic Syndrome and Periodontal Disease Progression in Men
Authors: Kaye E.K. , Chen N. , Cabral H.J. , Vokonas P. , Garcia R.I.
Published: March 2016

Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of 3 or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease, is associated with periodontal disease, but few studies have been prospective in design. This study’s aim was to determine whether metabolic syndrome predicts tooth loss and worsening of periodontal disease in a cohort of 760 men in the Department of Veterans Affairs Dental Longitudinal Study and Normative Aging Study who were followed up to 33 y from 1981 to 2013. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured with a standard mercury sphygmomanometer. Waist circumference was measured in units of 0.1 cm following a normal expiration. Fasting blood samples were measured in duplicate for glucose, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein. Calibrated periodontists served as dental examiners. Periodontal outcome events on each tooth were defined as progression to predefined threshold levels of probing pocket depth (≥5 mm), clinical attachment loss (≥5 mm), mobility (≥0.5 mm), and alveolar bone loss (≥40% of the distance from the cementoenamel junction to the root apex, on radiographs). Hazards ratios (95% confidence intervals) of tooth loss or a periodontitis event were estimated from tooth-level extended Cox proportional hazards regression models that accounted for clustering of teeth within individuals and used time-dependent status of metabolic syndrome. Covariates included age, education, smoking status, plaque level, and initial level of the appropriate periodontal disease measure. Metabolic syndrome as defined by the International Diabetes Federation increased the hazards of tooth loss (1.39; 1.08 to 1.79), pocket depth ≥5 mm (1.37; 1.14 to 1.65), clinical attachment loss ≥5 mm (1.19; 1.00 to 1.41), alveolar bone loss ≥40% (1.25; 1.00 to 1.56), and tooth mobility ≥0.5 mm (1.43; 1.07 to 1.89). The number of positive metabolic syndrome conditions was also associated with each of these outcomes. These findings suggest that the metabolic disturbances that comprise the metabolic syndrome may play a role in the development or worsening of periodontitis.
Older people’s experiences of giving and receiving empathy in relation to middle adolescents in rural South Africa
Authors: Roos Vera , Wheeler Anri
Published: March 2016

Viewed in the context of an older-growing population, pressure on health-care and social (family and community) resources, and a perceived changed intergenerational ‘care contract’, relationships are often the only avenue open to address the care needs of both older and younger generations in economically deprived environments. This study explored how empathy manifested in the care experiences of older people (8 women and 1 man, aged between 60 and 85 years) in relation to middle adolescents (aged 16 years and younger). Empathy is proposed as an essential quality that can benefit care in any relationship, and indications of this were obtained by applying the Mmogo-method®, a projective visual data collection method. Textual data were analysed thematically, and visual data were analysed using Roos and Redelinghuys’ method of analysis. Findings indicated that older people viewed the relational interactions from a self-centred perspective and in a linear manner, referred to mid-adolescents in judgemental terms, and expressed conditional acceptance of these younger people. The findings indicated the antithesis (the opposite) of empathy, with the implication that older people might not give or elicit empathy in relation to younger people, particularly when the latter reach independence and exercise their autonomy. A lack of giving and receiving empathy holds serious implications for the future care needs of older people.
Aerosolized Silver Nanoparticles in the Rat Lung and Pulmonary Responses over Time
Authors: Silva Rona M. , Anderson Donald S. , Peake Janice , Edwards Patricia C. , Patchin Esther S. , Guo Ting , Gordon Terry , Chen Lung Chi , Sun Xiaolin , Van Winkle Laura S. , Pinkerton Kent E.
Published: March 2016

Silver nanoparticle (Ag NP) production methods are being developed and refined to produce more uniform Ag NPs through chemical reactions involving silver salt solutions, solvents, and capping agents to control particle formation. These chemical reactants are often present as contaminants and/or coatings on the Ag NPs, which could alter their interactions in vivo. To determine pulmonary effects of citrate-coated Ag NPs, Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed once nose-only to aerosolized Ag NPs (20 nm [C20] or 110 nm [C110] Ag NPs) for 6 hr. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissues were obtained at 1, 7, 21, and 56 days postexposure for analyses. Inhalation of Ag NPs, versus citrate buffer control, produced significant inflammatory and cytotoxic responses that were measured in BALF cells and supernatant. At day 7, total cells, protein, and lactate dehydrogenase were significantly elevated in BALF, and peak histopathology was noted after C20 or C110 exposure versus control. At day 21, BALF polymorphonuclear cells and tissue inflammation were significantly greater after C20 versus C110 exposure. By day 56, inflammation was resolved in Ag NP–exposed animals. Overall, results suggest delayed, short-lived inflammatory and cytotoxic effects following C20 or C110 inhalation and potential for greater responses following C20 exposure.
The Pursuit of Otolaryngology Subspecialty Fellowships
Authors: Wilson Meghan N. , Vila Peter M. , Cohen David S. , Carter John M. , Lawlor Claire M. , Davis Kara S. , Raol Nikhila P.
Published: March 2016

Objectives

To examine otolaryngology resident interest in subspecialty fellowship training and factors affecting interest over time and over the course of residency training

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study of anonymous online survey data.

Setting

Residents and fellows registered as members‐in‐training through the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.

Subjects and Methods

Data regarding fellowship interest and influencing factors, including demographics, were extracted from the Section for Residents and Fellows Annual Survey response database from 2008 to 2014.

Results

Over 6 years, there were 2422 resident and fellow responses to the survey. Senior residents showed a statistically significant decrease in fellowship interest compared with junior residents, with 79% of those in postgraduate year (PGY) 1, 73% in PGY‐2 and PGY‐3, and 64% in PGY‐4 and PGY‐5 planning to pursue subspecialty training (P <. 0001). Educational debt, age, and intended practice setting significantly predicted interest in fellowship training. Sex was not predictive. The most important factors cited by residents in choosing a subspecialty were consistently type of surgical cases and nature of clinical problems.

Conclusions

In this study, interest in pursuing fellowship training decreased with increased residency training. This decision is multifactorial in nature and also influenced by age, educational debt, and intended practice setting.
Survival and Prognosis for Malignant Tumors of Odontogenic Origin
Authors: Agarwal Sunil , Mark Jonathan , Xie Changchun , Ghulam Enas , Patil Yash
Published: March 2016

Objective

Determine survival and factors affecting survival for patients with malignant tumors of odontogenic origin.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis of the National Cancer Institute’s SEER database (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results).

Setting

Tertiary medical center.

Subjects and Methods

All cases of malignant tumors of odontogenic origin were extracted from the SEER database for the period of 1973 to 2011. Demographic, tumor‐specific, and survival data were tabulated and Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis conducted according to histopathologic results. Cox regression analysis stratified for histopathology was conducted to determine factors that influenced survival.

Results

A total of 308 cases of malignant tumors with odontogenic origin were analyzed. Malignant ameloblastoma accounted for 59.7% of cases, followed by malignant odontogenic tumor (35.4%; including odontogenic carcinoma, odontogenic sarcoma, primary intraosseous carcinoma, and ameloblastic carcinoma) and ameloblastic fibrosarcoma (2.9%). The overall mean and median were 229 and 227 months, respectively, while the 5‐year survival rate was 81% for the entire cohort. Malignant ameloblastoma exhibited the best mean survival (237 months), whereas malignant odontogenic tumor (139 months) and ameloblastic fibrosarcoma (42 months) had lower mean survival rates. Younger age, surgery with adjuvant radiation, and smaller tumor size were found to improve survival.

Conclusions

Significantly different survival can be expected depending on individual tumor histopathology, tumor size, age at diagnosis, and treatment modality.
Peritonsillar Abscess
Authors: Klug Tejs Ehlers , Rusan Maria , Fuursted Kurt , Ovesen Therese
Published: March 2016

Objective

To review the literature concerning the 2 primary hypotheses put forth to explain the pathogenesis of peritonsillar abscess: “the acute tonsillitis hypothesis” (peritonsillar abscess is a complication of acute tonsillitis) and “the Weber gland hypothesis” (peritonsillar abscess is an infection of Weber’s glands).

Data Sources

PubMed, EMBASE.

Review Methods

Data supporting or negating one hypothesis or the other were elicited from the literature.

Conclusions

Several findings support the acute tonsillitis hypothesis. First, the 2 main pathogens in peritonsillar abscess have been recovered from pus aspirates and bilateral tonsillar tissues with high concordance rates, suggesting that both tonsils are infected in patients with peritonsillar abscess. Second, studies report signs of acute tonsillitis in the days prior to and at the time of peritonsillar abscess. Third, antibiotic treatment reduces the risk of abscess development in patients with acute tonsillitis. However, some findings suggest involvement of the Weber’s glands in peritonsillar abscess pathogenesis. First, high amylase levels have been found in peritonsillar pus. Second, the majority of peritonsillar abscesses are located at the superior tonsillar pole in proximity of the Weber’s glands. We propose a unified hypothesis whereby bacteria initially infect the tonsillar mucosa and spread via the salivary duct system to the peritonsillar space, where an abscess is formed.

Implications for Practice

Our findings support the rationale for antibiotic treatment of patients with severe acute tonsillitis to reduce the risk of abscess development. Improved understanding of peritonsillar abscess pathogenesis is important for the development of efficient prevention strategies.
Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Counseling in Pediatric Training
Authors: Gnagi Sharon H. , Gnagi Forrest T. , Schraff Scott A. , Hinni Michael L.
Published: March 2016

Objective

Demonstrate the need for increased education regarding otolaryngology‐related manifestations of human papillomavirus (HPV). Highlight a need to incorporate otolaryngology‐related manifestations of HPV in vaccine counseling.

Study Design

Survey.

Setting

Tertiary care academic children’s hospital.

Subjects

Pediatric residents, fellows, and staff.

Methods

An online survey was made available regarding HPV education and vaccination.

Results

Participants (N = 348) initiated the survey representing 28.4%, 25.6%, and 19.0% postgraduate year 1, 2, and 3 residents, respectively, as well as 17.5% chief residents/fellows and 9.5% attendings. Participants rated their prior education as none or fair regarding recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (63.8%) and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (68.3%). In contrast, 60.6% and 70.9% rated their education on genital warts and cervical cancer correspondingly as good or excellent. When asked what was routinely discussed during HPV vaccine counseling, 63.3% reported “never” discussing recurrent respiratory papillomatosis and 52.9% “never” discussing oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. A range from 92.7% to 95.5% responded that there was a need for increased education regarding HPV and its role in recurrent respiratory papillomatosis and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Conclusions

Increased education about HPV and its otolaryngology‐related manifestations should be undertaken to increase provider, patient, and parent awareness of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. We propose that discussing the risks of otolaryngology‐related disease be routinely included in HPV vaccination counseling.
Oxygen availability and spreading depolarizations provide complementary prognostic information in neuromonitoring of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients
Authors: Winkler Maren KL , Dengler Nora , Hecht Nils , Hartings Jed A , Kang Eun J , Major Sebastian , Martus Peter , Vajkoczy Peter , Woitzik Johannes , Dreier Jens P
Published: March 2016

Multimodal neuromonitoring in neurocritical care increasingly includes electrocorticography to measure epileptic events and spreading depolarizations. Spreading depolarization causes spreading depression of activity (=isoelectricity) in electrically active tissue. If the depression is long-lasting, further spreading depolarizations occur in still isoelectric tissue where no activity can be suppressed. Such spreading depolarizations are termed isoelectric and are assumed to indicate energy compromise. However, experimental and clinical recordings suggest that long-lasting spreading depolarization-induced depression and isoelectric spreading depolarizations are often recorded outside of the actual ischemic zones, allowing the remote diagnosis of delayed cerebral ischemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Here, we analyzed simultaneous electrocorticography and tissue partial pressure of oxygen recording in 33 aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients. Multiple regression showed that both peak total depression duration per recording day and mean baseline tissue partial pressure of oxygen were independent predictors of outcome. Moreover, tissue partial pressure of oxygen preceding spreading depolarization was similar and differences in tissue partial pressure of oxygen responses to spreading depolarization were only subtle between isoelectric spreading depolarizations and spreading depressions. This further supports that, similar to clustering of spreading depolarizations, long spreading depolarization-induced periods of isoelectricity are useful to detect energy compromise remotely, which is valuable because the exact location of future developing pathology is unknown at the time when the neurosurgeon implants recording devices.