bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Noise exposure and auditory thresholds of German airline pilots: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Müller Reinhard , Schneider Joachim
Published: May 2017

Objective

The cockpit workplace of airline pilots is a noisy environment. This study examines the hearing thresholds of pilots with respect to ambient noise and communication sound.

Methods

The hearing of 487 German pilots was analysed by audiometry in the frequency range of 125 Hz–16 kHz in varying age groups. Cockpit noise (free-field) data and communication sound (acoustic manikin) measurements were evaluated.

Results

The ambient noise levels in cockpits were found to be between 74 and 80 dB(A), and the sound pressure levels under the headset were found to be between 84 and 88 dB(A).

The left–right threshold differences at 3, 4 and 6 kHz show evidence of impaired hearing at the left ear, which worsens by age.

In the age groups <40/≥40 years the mean differences at 3 kHz are 2/3 dB, at 4 kHz 2/4 dB and at 6 kHz 1/6 dB.

In the pilot group which used mostly the left ear for communication tasks (43 of 45 are in the older age group) the mean difference at 3 kHz is 6 dB, at 4 kHz 7 dB and at 6 kHz 10 dB. The pilots who used the headset only at the right ear also show worse hearing at the left ear of 2 dB at 3 kHz, 3 dB at 4 kHz and at 6 kHz. The frequency-corrected exposure levels under the headset are 7–11 dB(A) higher than the ambient noise with an averaged signal-to-noise ratio for communication of about 10 dB(A).

Conclusions

The left ear seems to be more susceptible to hearing loss than the right ear. Active noise reduction systems allow for a reduced sound level for the communication signal below the upper exposure action value of 85 dB(A) and allow for a more relaxed working environment for pilots.
Higher exercise intensity delays postexercise recovery of impedance-derived cardiac sympathetic activity
Authors: Michael Scott , Jay Ollie , Graham Kenneth S. , Davis Glen M.
Published: May 2017

Systolic time intervals (STIs) provide noninvasive insights into cardiac sympathetic neural activity (cSNA). As the effect of exercise intensity on postexercise STI recovery is unclear, this study investigated the STI recovery profile after different exercise intensities. Eleven healthy males cycled for 8 min at 3 separate intensities: LOW (40%–45%), MOD (75%–80%), and HIGH (90%–95%) of heart-rate (HR) reserve. Bio-impedance cardiography was used to assess STIs – primarily pre-ejection period (PEP; inversely correlated with cSNA), as well as left ventricular ejection time (LVET) and PEP:LVET – during 10 min seated recovery immediately postexercise. Heart-rate variability (HRV), i.e., natural-logarithm of root mean square of successive differences (Ln-RMSSD), was calculated as an index of cardiac parasympathetic neural activity (cPNA). Higher preceding exercise intensity elicited a slower recovery of HR and Ln-RMSSD (p < 0.001), and these measures did not return to baseline by 10 min following any intensity (p ≤ 0.009). Recovery of STIs was also slower following higher intensity exercise (p ≤ 0.002). By 30 s postexercise, higher preceding intensity resulted in a lower PEP (98 ± 14 ms, 75 ± 6 ms, 66 ± 5 ms for LOW, MOD, and HIGH, respectively, p < 0.001). PEP recovered to baseline (143 ± 11 ms) by 5 min following LOW (139 ± 13 ms, p = 0.590) and by 10 min following MOD (145 ± 17 ms, p = 0.602), but was still suppressed at 10 min following HIGH (123 ± 21 ms, p = 0.012). Higher preceding exercise intensity attenuated the recovery of indices for cSNA (from STIs) and cPNA (from HRV) in a graded dose–response fashion. While exercise intensity must be considered, acute recovery may be a valuable period during which to concurrently monitor these noninvasive indices, to identify potentially abnormal cardiac autonomic responses.
Property evaluations of hydrocarbon fuels under supercritical conditions based on cubic equation of state
Authors: Li Haohan , Wu Yong , Zeng Xiaojun , Wang Xiaohan , Zhao Daiqing
Published: May 2017

Thermophysical properties, such as density, specific heat, viscosity and thermal conductivity, vary sharply near critical point. To evaluate these properties of hydrocarbons accurately is crucial to the further research of fuel system. Comparison was made by the calculating program based on four widely used equations of state (EoS), and results indicated that calculations based on the Peng–Robinson (PR) equation of state achieve better prediction accuracy among the four equations of state. Due to the small computational amount and high accuracy, the evaluation method proposed in this paper can be implemented into practical application for the design of fuel system.
Inequivalence between gravitational mass and energy due to quantum effects at microscopic and macroscopic levels
Authors: Lebed Andrei G.
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we review recent theoretical results, demonstrating breakdown of the equivalence between active and passive gravitational masses and energy due to quantum effects in general relativity. In particular, we discuss the simplest composite quantum body — a hydrogen atom — and define its gravitational masses operators. Using Gedanken experiment, we show that the famous Einstein’s equation, [Formula: see text], is broken with small probability for passive gravitational mass of the atom. It is important that the expectation values of both active and passive gravitational masses satisfy the above-mentioned equation for stationary quantum states. Nevertheless, we stress that, for quantum superpositions of stationary states in a hydrogen atom, where the expectation values of energy are constant, the expectation values of the masses oscillate in time and, thus, break the Einstein’s equation. We briefly discuss experimental possibility to observe the above-mentioned time-dependent oscillations. In this review, we also improve several drawbacks of the original pioneering works.
Cross-Calibration of RGB and Thermal Cameras with a LIDAR for RGB-Depth-Thermal Mapping
Authors: Krishnan Aravindhan K , Saripalli Srikanth
Published: May 2017

We present a method for calibrating the extrinsic parameters between a RGB camera, a thermal camera, and a LIDAR. The calibration procedure we use is common to both the RGB and thermal cameras. The extrinsic calibration procedure assumes that the cameras are geometrically calibrated. To aid the geometric calibration of the thermal camera, we use a calibration target made of black-and-white melamine that looks like a checkerboard pattern in the thermal and RGB images. For the extrinsic calibration, we place a circular calibration target in the common field of view of the cameras and the LIDAR and compute the extrinsic parameters by minimizing an objective function that aligns the edges of the circular target in the LIDAR to its corresponding edges in the RGB and thermal images. We illustrate the convexity of the objective function and discuss the convergence of the algorithm. We then identify the various sources of coloring errors (after cross-calibration) as (a) noise in the LIDAR points, (b) error in the intrinsic parameters of the camera, (c) error in the translation parameters between the LIDAR and the camera and (d) error in the rotation parameters between the LIDAR and the camera. We analyze the contribution of these errors with respect to the coloring of a 3D point. We illustrate that these errors are related to the depth of the 3D point considered — with errors (a), (b), and (c) being inversely proportional to the depth, and error (d) being directly proportional to the depth.
Future directions in reservoir modelling: new tools and ‘fit-for-purpose’ workflows
Authors: Bentley Mark , Ringrose Philip
Published: May 2017

Reservoir modelling tools can be invaluable for integrating knowledge and for supporting strategic oil field decisions. The pertinent issue is the capability of the modelling toolbox to achieve the required support: does modelling generate insights into the characterization of the subsurface, does it increase or decrease our working efficiency and does it help or hinder us in decision-making? In this respect, we see two directions emerging in reservoir modelling and simulation. One surrounds software technology development and a move towards a grid-independent world. This is a current research issue but some of the components required to complete a new workflow are already in place and tools for certain specific applications may not be far away. The other involves a change in approach to model design. This involves a move away from big, detailed ‘life-cycle’ models to more nimble workflows involving multi-models (either multi-scale or multi-concept) which may or not include full-field modelling exercises. A distinction between ‘resource models’ and ‘decision models’ helps crystallize this, is a positive step towards achieving ‘fit-for-purpose’ models, and is a change of model design strategy which can be achieved immediately.
An improved procedure for pre-drill calculation of fracture pressure
Authors: Lahann Richard W. , Swarbrick Richard E.
Published: May 2017

Pre-drill modelling of fracture pressure (FP) is an essential part of well planning, reserve estimation and evaluation of the potential for inducing seismicity as the result of fluid injection. Estimation of stress ratio or Poisson's ratio values or compaction state with depth is required in frequently used FP models. A new method to estimate FP is proposed which is based on Leak Off (LOT) and pore fluid pressure (Pp) data from offset wells and vertical stress (
S
v
)–depth relationships. LOT/
S
v
ratios observed in intervals of offset wells that are normally pressured (hydrostatic) are used to define an expected FP/
S
v
ratio for hydrostatic Pp conditions for all depths. Typical FP/
S
v
ratios for hydrostatic conditions derived using LOT data range from 0.81 to 0.89. Observed LOT values associated with Pp greater than hydrostatic (overpressured) in offset wells are used to quantify the rate of increase in FP with increasing overpressure (OP). The expected FP for hydrostatic conditions is compared with observed LOT values from depths where the pore fluid is overpressured and a relationship of increased FP, relative to the expected FP for hydrostatic conditions (residual FP (FPr)) with increasing OP is defined. The FPr:OP ratio typically ranges from 0.24 to 0.43. Fracture pressure models developed by this procedure may be used to predict FP for wells in different water depths and with Pp conditions different from those in the offset wells. The use of the model is demonstrated in three case studies taken from different geological settings: the Scotian shelf (offshore Nova Scotia), offshore Central Gulf of Mexico and the chalk interval from the Central North Sea.
State of stress in exhumed basins and implications for fluid flow: insights from the Illizi Basin, Algeria
Authors: English Joseph M. , Finkbeiner Thomas , English Kara L. , Cherif Rachida Yahia
Published: May 2017

The petroleum prospectivity of an exhumed basin is largely dependent on the ability of pre-existing traps to retain oil and gas volumes during and after the exhumation event. Although faults may act as lateral seals in petroleum traps, they may start to become hydraulically conductive again and enable fluid flow and hydrocarbon leakage during fault reactivation. We constrain the present day
in situ
stresses of the exhumed Illizi Basin in Algeria and demonstrate that the primary north–south and NW–SE (vertical strike-slip) fault systems in the study area are close to critical stress (i.e. an incipient state of shear failure). By contrast, the overpressured and unexhumed Berkine Basin and Hassi Messaoud areas to the north do not appear to be characterized by critical stress conditions. We present conceptual models of stress evolution and demonstrate that a sedimentary basin with benign
in situ
stresses at maximum burial may change to being characterized by critical stress conditions on existing fault systems during exhumation. These models are supportive of the idea that the breaching of a closed, overpressured system during exhumation of the Illizi Basin may have been a driving mechanism for the regional updip flow of high-salinity formation water within the Ordovician reservoirs during Eocene–Miocene time. This work also has implications for petroleum exploration in exhumed basins. Fault-bounded traps with faults oriented at a high angle to the maximum principal horizontal stress direction in strike-slip or normal faulting stress regimes are more likely to have retained hydrocarbons in exhumed basins than fault-bounded traps with faults that are more optimally oriented for shear failure and therefore have a greater propensity to become critically stressed during exhumation.
Preserving Smart Sink-Location Privacy with Delay Guaranteed Routing Scheme for WSNs
Authors: Liu Anfeng , Liu Xiao , Tang Zhipeng , Yang Laurence T. , Shao Zili
Published: May 2017

A Semi Random Circle routing for mobile Sink joint Ray Routing for data (SRCRR) scheme is proposed for preserving sink-location privacy with a delay guaranteed. In the SRCRR scheme, the data are directionally routed along ray paths and stored at intermediate nodes probabilistically. The Sink moves in a semirandom circular pattern to collect data from the local nodes occasionally, which guarantees that the data will be collected with an acceptable delay and prevents attackers from predicting their locations and movements. The experimental results indicate that the performance of the SRCRR scheme is better than that of the previous schemes.
Budget-Driven Scheduling of Scientific Workflows in IaaS Clouds with Fine-Grained Billing Periods
Authors: Rodriguez Maria A. , Buyya Rajkumar
Published: May 2017

With the advent of cloud computing and the availability of data collected from increasingly powerful scientific instruments, workflows have become a prevailing mean to achieve significant scientific advances at an increased pace. Scheduling algorithms are crucial in enabling the efficient automation of these large-scale workflows, and considerable effort has been made to develop novel heuristics tailored for the cloud resource model. The majority of these algorithms focus on coarse-grained billing periods that are much larger than the average execution time of individual tasks. Instead, our work focuses on emerging finer-grained pricing schemes (e.g., per-minute billing) that provide users with more flexibility and the ability to reduce the inherent wastage that results from coarser-grained ones. We propose a scheduling algorithm whose objective is to optimize a workflow’s execution time under a budget constraint; quality of service requirement that has been overlooked in favor of optimizing cost under a deadline constraint. Our proposal addresses fundamental challenges of clouds such as resource elasticity, abundance, and heterogeneity, as well as resource performance variation and virtual machine provisioning delays. The simulation results demonstrate our algorithm’s responsiveness to environmental uncertainties and its ability to generate high-quality schedules that comply with the budget constraint while achieving faster execution times when compared to state-of-the-art algorithms.
Automatic Model Generation for Gate-Level Circuit PDES with Reverse Computation
Authors: Gonsiorowski Elsa , Lapre Justin M. , Carothers Christopher D.
Published: May 2017

Gate-level circuit simulation is an important step in the design and validation of complex circuits. This step of the process relies on existing libraries for gate specifications. We start with a generic gate model for Rensselaer’s Optimistic Simulation System, a parallel discrete-event simulation framework. This generic model encompasses all functionality needed by optimistic simulation using reverse computation. We then describe a parser system that uses a standardized gate library to create a specific model for simulation. The generated model is composed of several functions, including those needed for an accurate model of timing behavior. To quantify the improvements that an automatically generated model can have over a hand written model, we compare two gate library models: an automatically generated
lsi
-10
k
library model and a previously investigated, handwritten, simplified
gtech
library model. We conclude that the automatically generated model is a more accurate model of actual hardware. In comparison to previous results, we find that the automatically generated model is able to achieve better optimistic simulation performance when measured against conservative simulation. To test the automatically generated model, we evaluate the performance of a simulation of a full-scale OpenSPARC T2 processor model. This model consists of nearly 6 million LPs. We achieve a peak performance of 1.63 million events per second during a conservative simulation. To understand the relatively weaker performance of optimistic simulation, we investigate hot spots of event activity and visually identify a workload imbalance.
An FPGA-Based Architecture for High-Speed Compressed Signal Reconstruction
Authors: Huang Guoxian , Wang Lei
Published: May 2017

Compressive Sensing (CS) is an emerging research area that allows efficient signal acquisition under the sub-Nyquist rate while still promising reliable data recovery. However, practical applications of CS in hardware platforms are limited as signal reconstruction is still challenging due to its high computational complexity, especially for autonomous real-time signal recovery. In this article, we propose an algorithmic transformation technique referred to as
Matrix Inversion Bypass
(MIB) to improve the signal recovery efficiency of the Orthogonal Matching Pursuit (OMP)-based CS reconstruction. The basic idea of MIB is to decouple the computations of intermediate signal estimates and matrix inversions, thereby enabling parallel processing of these two time-consuming operations in the OMP algorithm. The proposed MIB naturally leads to a parallel architecture for high-speed dedicated hardware implementations. An FPGA-based implementation is developed with the optimized structure aimed at the efficient utilization of hardware resources while realizing high-speed signal recovery. The proposed architecture can perform the signal recovery at up to 1.4 × faster than the OMP-based implementation using almost the same hardware resources.
Scaling Mobile Network Capacity Aggressively with QuickC
Authors: Misra Rakesh , Gudipati Aditya , Katti Sachin
Published: May 2017

The global demand for mobile data is proliferating. In the last five years, the volume of data carried by mobile networks around the world has increased eighteen-fold, from 0.4 exabytes/month in 2011 to 7.2 exabytes/month in 2016 [1]. With mobile video and apps increasing in popularity, richer forms of content like augmented and virtual reality taking the world by storm, and mobile Internet of Things devices like smart wearables and connected cars set to pervade our daily lives, this proliferation in demand is projected to continue at least through the next decade if not beyond. How will mobile access networks scale their capacity to meet this proliferating demand.
MobileInsight
Authors: Li Yuanjie , Peng Chunyi , Yuan Zengwen , Deng Haotian , Li Jiayao , Wang Tao
Published: May 2017

MobileInsight is a software tool that collects, analyzes and exploits runtime, fine-grained cellular network information over commodity phones. It is our first step to help developers and researchers understand the closed, large-scale cellular network system. It exposes the below-IP protocol messages to the user space, provides protocol analysis, and offers APIs for mobile applications to obtain low-level network information. We have built showcases to illustrate how MobileInsight can be applied to cellular network research.
The Nexus Between Nutrition and Early Childhood Development
Authors: Alderman Harold , Fernald Lia
Published: May 2017

This article looks at both nutrition and early childhood stimulation interventions as part of an integrated life cycle approach to development. We build on recent systematic reviews of child development, which are comprehensive in regard to what is currently known about outcomes reported in key studies. We then focus particularly on implementation, scaling, and economic returns, drawing mainly on experience in low- and middle-income countries where undernutrition and poor child development remain significant public health challenges with implications across the life course.
Apigenin ameliorates streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats via MAPK-NF-κB-TNF-α and TGF-β1-MAPK-fibronectin pathways
Authors: Malik Salma , Suchal Kapil , Khan Sana Irfan , Bhatia Jagriti , Kishore Kamal , Dinda Amit Kumar , Arya Dharamvir Singh
Published: May 2017

Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a microvascular complication of diabetes, has emerged as an important health problem worldwide. There is strong evidence to suggest that oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis play a pivotal role in the progression of DN. Apigenin has been shown to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, antifibrotic, as well as antidiabetic properties. Hence, we evaluated whether apigenin halts the development and progression of DN in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Male albino Wistar rats were divided into control, diabetic control, and apigenin treatment groups (5–20 mg/kg po, respectively), apigenin per se (20 mg/kg po), and ramipril treatment group (2 mg/kg po). A single injection of STZ (55 mg/kg ip) was administered to all of the groups except control and per se groups to induce type 1 diabetes mellitus. Rats with fasting blood glucose >250 mg/dl were included in the study and randomized to different groups. Thereafter, the protocol was continued for 8 mo in all of the groups. Apigenin (20 mg/kg) treatment attenuated renal dysfunction, oxidative stress, and fibrosis (decreased transforming growth factor-β1, fibronectin, and type IV collagen) in the diabetic rats. It also significantly prevented MAPK activation, which inhibited inflammation (reduced TNF-α, IL-6, and NF-κB expression) and apoptosis (increased expression of Bcl-2 and decreased Bax and caspase-3). Furthermore, histopathological examination demonstrated reduced inflammation, collagen deposition, and glomerulosclerosis in the renal tissue. In addition, all of these changes were comparable with those produced by ramipril. Hence, apigenin ameliorated renal damage due to DN by suppressing oxidative stress and fibrosis and by inhibiting MAPK pathway.
Diverse effects of stimulus history in waking mouse auditory cortex
Authors: Phillips Elizabeth A. K. , Schreiner Christoph E. , Hasenstaub Andrea R.
Published: May 2017

Behavioral and neural responses to auditory stimuli are profoundly influenced by recent sounds, yet how this occurs is not known. Here, the authors show in the auditory cortex of awake mice that the quality of history-dependent effects is diverse and related to cell type, response latency, firing rates, and receptive field bandwidth. In a cortical model, differences in excitatory-inhibitory balance can produce this diversity, providing the cortex with multiple ways of representing temporally complex information.
Tumor-Related Exosomes Contribute to Tumor-Promoting Microenvironment: An Immunological Perspective
Authors: Chen Wuzhen , Jiang Jingxin , Xia Wenjie , Huang Jian
Published: May 2017

Exosomes are a kind of cell-released membrane-form structures which contain proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. These vesicular organelles play a key role in intercellular communication. Numerous experiments demonstrated that tumor-related exosomes (TEXs) can induce immune surveillance in the microenvironment in vivo and in vitro. They can interfere with the maturation of DC cells, impair NK cell activation, induce myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and educate macrophages into protumor phenotype. They can also selectively induce effector T cell apoptosis via Fas/FasL interaction and enhance regulatory T cell proliferation and function by releasing TGF-β. In this review, we focus on the TEX-induced immunosuppression and microenvironment change. Based on the truth that TEXs play crucial roles in suppressing the immune system, studies on modification of exosomes as immunotherapy strategies will also be discussed.
Imaging and Management of Incidental Renal Lesions
Authors: Mazziotti Silvio , Cicero Giuseppe , D’Angelo Tommaso , Marino Maria Adele , Visalli Carmela , Salamone Ignazio , Ascenti Giorgio , Blandino Alfredo
Published: May 2017

The increased use of imaging modalities in the last years has led to a greater incidence in depicting abdominal incidental lesions. In particular, “incidentalomas” of the kidney are discovered in asymptomatic patients or patients who suffer from diseases not directly related to the kidneys. The aim of this paper is to provide the radiologist with a useful guide to recognize and classify the main incidental renal findings with the purpose of establishing the correct management. First we describe the so-called “pseudotumors” which are important to recognize in order to avoid a misdiagnosis. Afterwards we categorize true renal lesions into cystic and solid types, reporting radiological signs helpful in differentiating between benign and malignant nature.
Correlation of IOP with Corneal Acoustic Impedance in Porcine Eye Model
Authors: Zhang Jun , Zhang Yi , Li Yang , Chen Ruimin , Shung K. Kirk , Richter Grace , Zhou Qifa
Published: May 2017

Purpose. The aim of this study is to correlate the intraocular pressure (IOP) change with the acoustic impedance of the cornea, in order to propose a noncontact and noninvasive method for IOP monitoring.Methods and Materials. A highly focused transducer (frequency 47-MHz; bandwidth 62%) was made to measure the echo from the anterior and posterior surfaces of intact porcine eyes, respectively. A multilayered transmission and reflection model was used to calculate the acoustic impedance. The linear relationship between acoustic impedance and intraocular pressure was analyzed by statistical method.Result.During pressure elevation from 10 mm Hg to 50 mm Hg, the mean acoustic impedance of the posterior cornea increased from 1.5393 to 1.5698 MRayl, which showed a strong linear correlation (R=0.9849;P=0.0022). Meanwhile, the mean value of the anterior cornea increased from 1.5399 to 1.5519 MRayl, and a less significant correlation was observed (R=0.7378;P=0.0025).Conclusion. This study revealed a linear correlation between intraocular pressure and acoustic impedance of the cornea, thus demonstrating a potentially important method to noninvasively measure the intraocular pressure in vivo.
Thermoelectric Properties of a Single Crystalline Ag2Te Nanowire
Authors: Lee Sunghun , Shin Ho Sun , Song Jae Yong , Jung Myung-Hwa
Published: May 2017

Silver chalcogenides have received much attention in potential thermoelectric materials research because of high carrier mobility and low effective mass. Among them, in Ag2Te, it was reported that the phase transition from monoclinic to cubic phase occurs at relatively low temperatures, so that extensive research for effective application using this material has been aroused. In this work, we investigated how 1-dimensional nanostructure affects the thermoelectric properties through as-synthesized single crystalline Ag2Te nanowires. Adopting well-defined thermoelectric MEMS device structure and transferring an individual Ag2Te nanowire, we measure electrical resistance and Seebeck coefficient as a function of temperature. When the phase changes from monoclinic to cubic, the resistance increases, while absolute Seebeck coefficient value decreases. These results are compared with previous reports for Ag2Te bulk and film, suggesting the increased density of states of the carriers due to nanowire structure.
The Complexity of Zoonotic Filariasis Episystem and Its Consequences: A Multidisciplinary View
Authors: Simón Fernando , González-Miguel Javier , Diosdado Alicia , Gómez Paula Josefina , Morchón Rodrigo , Kartashev Vladimir
Published: May 2017

Vector-borne transmitted helminthic zoonosis affects the health and economy of both developing and developed countries. The concept of episystem includes the set of biological, environmental, and epidemiological elements of these diseases in defined geographic and temporal scales. Dirofilariasis caused by different species of the genusDirofilariais a disease affecting domestic and wild canines and felines and man, transmitted by different species of culicid mosquitoes. This complexity is increased becauseDirofilariaspecies harbor intracellular symbiontWolbachiabacteriae, which play a key role in the embryogenesis and development of dirofilariae and in the inflammatory pathology of the disease. In addition, the vector transmission makes the dirofilariasis susceptible to the influence of the climate and its variations. The present review addresses the analysis of dirofilariasis from the point of view of the episystem, analyzing the complex network of interactions established between biological components, climate, and factors related to human activity, as well as the different problems they pose. The progress of knowledge on human and animal dirofilariasis is largely due to the multidisciplinary approach. Nevertheless, different aspects of the disease need to continue being investigated and cooperation between countries and specialists involved should be intensified.
Aortic Arch Calcification as a Predictor of Repeated Arteriovenous Fistula Failure within 1-Year in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Yap Yit-Sheung , Ting Kai-Ting , Chi Wen-Che , Lin Cheng-Hao , Liu Yi-Chun , Kuo Po-Lin , Chuang Wan-Long
Published: May 2017

Objectives. The aim of the study was to identify the factors associated with repeated arteriovenous fistula (AVF) failure within 1-year, especially the impact of aortic arch calcification (AAC) on patency of AVF.Materials and Methods. We retrospectively assessed chest radiography in hemodialysis patients who had undergone initial AVF. The extent of AAC was categorized into four grades (0–3). The association between AAC grade, other clinical variables, and repeated failure of AVF was then analyzed by binary logistic regression analysis.Results. This study included 284 patients (158 males, mean age61.7±13.1years). Patients with higher AAC grade were older, had more frequently diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease, had lower diastolic blood pressure, and had higher corrected calcium and lower intact parathyroid hormone levels. In multivariate analysis, the presence of higher AAC grade (odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 2.98 (1.43–6.23);p=0.004), lower mean corrected calcium (p=0.017), and mean serum albumin level (p=0.008) were associated with repeated failure of AVF.Conclusions. The presence of higher AAC grade, lower mean corrected calcium and mean serum albumin level were independently associated with repeated AVF failure within 1 year in hemodialysis patients.
Identification of Risks and Estimation of Flood Storage in Ponds
Authors: Liu Jianwei , Zhang Can
Published: May 2017

The article demonstrates methods for identification and assessment of risks for efficient utilization and storage of floodwater, which can be utilized in middle and lower reaches of rivers. Firstly, the methods of analytic hierarchy process and principal component analysis were proposed, which can identify the main risk factors and associated losses during the storage of floodwater in ponds. The major factors of risk include uncertainty of benefit losses, uncertainty of calculation methods and parameters, long‐term rainfall‐runoff forecasting errors, scheduling decision, and implementation. Next, a two‐dimensional estimation model used to get the risk rate of flood storage in ponds during different stages of flood including scenarios with and without control measures is developed. The identified risk factors were applied on an event of rainfall (200 mm) to evaluate the risk of flood storage in Cile pond. To conclude, the laws of risk in terms of space and time are demonstrated as follows: (1) in spatial dimension, the risk involved will be higher if flood storage capacity is great, and, (2) in temporal dimension, the risk involved will be higher if storage occurred earlier than anticipated. This article further concludes that if flood storage is greater, the risk loss associated with control measures will obviously be smaller than that without control measures.
Antioxidant Properties of Popular Turmeric(Curcuma longa)Varieties from Bangladesh
Authors: Tanvir E. M. , Hossen Md. Sakib , Hossain Md. Fuad , Afroz Rizwana , Gan Siew Hua , Khalil Md. Ibrahim , Karim Nurul
Published: May 2017

We investigated the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of different forms (local names:muraandchora) of turmeric(Curcuma longa)from the Khulna and Chittagong divisions of Bangladesh for their antioxidant properties and polyphenol, flavonoid, tannin, and ascorbic acid contents. The antioxidant activity was determined using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical-scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) values. The ethanolic extract of Chittagong’s mura contained the highest concentrations of polyphenols (16.07%), flavonoids (9.66%), and ascorbic acid (0.09 mg/100 g) and chora resulted in high yields (17.39%). The ethanolic extract of Khulna’s mura showed a higher DPPH radical-scavenging activity with the lowest 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) (1.08 μg/mL), while Khulna’s chora had the highest FRAP value (4204.46±74.48 μM Fe[II]per 100 g). Overall, the ethanolic extract had higher antioxidant properties than those in the aqueous extract. However, the tannin concentration was lower in the ethanolic extract. We conclude that the turmeric varieties investigated in this study are useful sources of natural antioxidants, which confer significant protection against free radical damage.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Improves Hepatic Glucose Metabolism Involving Down-Regulation of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B in Obese Rats
Authors: Mu Song , Liu Jiayu , Guo Wei , Zhang Shuping , Xiao Xiaoqiu , Wang Zhihong , Zhang Jun
Published: May 2017

Objective: This study was initiated to investigate the effects of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery on hepatic glucose metabolism and hepatic expression of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) in obese rats. Methods: Body weight, glucose, intraperitoneal glucose, insulin, and pyruvate tolerance tests were performed pre- and postoperatively, and plasma lipid, insulin and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) were measured. The mRNA levels of G6Pase, Pepck, Gsk-3β and Gys-2, and the expression levels of PTP1B mRNA, protein, and other components of the insulin signaling pathway were measured by using RT-PCR and western blotting. The intracellular localization of PTP1B and hepatic glycogen deposition was also observed. Results: RYGB surgery-treated rats showed persistent weight loss, significantly improved glucose tolerance, pyruvate tolerance, and dyslipidemia, as well as increased insulin sensitivity, hepatic glycogen deposition and increased plasma GLP-1 in obese rats. RT-PCR analyses showed Pepck, G6Pase, and Gsk-3β mRNA to be significantly decreased, and Gys-2 mRNA to be significantly increased in liver tissue in the RYGB group (p < 0.05 vs. high-fat diet (HFD) or HFD + sham group); in addition, the expression of PTP1B were significantly decreased and insulin signaling were improved in the RYGB group (p < 0.05 vs. HFD or HFD + sham group). Conclusion: RYGB can improve hepatic glucose metabolism and down-regulate PTP1B in obese rats. An increased circulating GLP-1 concentration may be correlated with the effects following RYGB in obese rats.
Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in Adults with Intraocular Involvement: Clinicopathologic Features of 3 Cases
Authors: Vizcaino M. Adelita , Eberhart Charles G. , Rodriguez Fausto J.
Published: May 2017

Background/Aims: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an infrequent inflammatory multisystemic syndrome. Only rare cases with ophthalmic involvement describing their pathologic features have been previously reported. Methods: We report 3 cases of adult-onset HLH with bilateral ocular involvement and describe their clinicopathologic features. Results: Three adult males - 2 with a history of viral infection - developed persistent fever, fatigue, bone marrow abnormalities, and irreversible multiorgan failure. Visual impairment was also documented in 2 cases. Complete autopsies were performed. Ophthalmic pathology demonstrated a bilateral histiocytic infiltrate with scant lymphocytes affecting the uvea. Focal extension to the retina, optic nerve, and trabecular meshwork were also identified, as well as hemophagocytosis in 1 case. Macrophages showed strong immunoreactivity for CD163 antibody and lacked BRAF p.V600E mutant protein. Conclusion: HLH is an unusual disorder associated with several systemic conditions. Histologic features in the eye are poorly documented, with prior reports restricted to children. Our 3 adult cases are reported using updated criteria and, despite the difference in age, show changes similar to those observed in the pediatric population.
Genomic Investigation of Balanced Chromosomal Rearrangements in Patients with Abnormal Phenotypes
Authors: Simioni Milena , Artiguenave François , Meyer Vincent , Sgardioli Ilária C. , Viguetti-Campos Nilma L. , Lopes Monlleó Isabella , Maciel-Guerra Andréa T. , Steiner Carlos E. , Gil-da-Silva-Lopes Vera L.
Published: May 2017

Balanced chromosomal rearrangements (BCR) are associated with abnormal phenotypes in approximately 6% of balanced translocations and 9.4% of balanced inversions. Abnormal phenotypes can be caused by disruption of genes at the breakpoints, deletions, or positional effects. Conventional cytogenetic techniques have a limited resolution and do not enable a thorough genetic investigation. Molecular techniques applied to BCR carriers can contribute to the characterization of this type of chromosomal rearrangement and to the phenotype-genotype correlation. Fifteen individuals among 35 with abnormal phenotypes and BCR were selected for further investigation by molecular techniques. Chromosomal rearrangements involved 11 reciprocal translocations, 3 inversions, and 1 balanced insertion. Array genomic hybridization (AGH) was performed and genomic imbalances were detected in 20% of the cases, 1 at a rearrangement breakpoint and 2 further breakpoints in other chromosomes. Alterations were further confirmed by FISH and associated with the phenotype of the carriers. In the analyzed cases not showing genomic imbalances by AGH, next-generation sequencing (NGS), using whole genome libraries, prepared following the Illumina TruSeq DNA PCR-Free protocol (Illumina®) and then sequenced on an Illumina HiSEQ 2000 as 150-bp paired-end reads, was done. The NGS results suggested breakpoints in 7 cases that were similar or near those estimated by karyotyping. The genes overlapping 6 breakpoint regions were analyzed. Follow-up of BCR carriers would improve the knowledge about these chromosomal rearrangements and their consequences.
Effectiveness of Endoscopic Hemostasis with Soft Coagulation for Non-Variceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding over a 12-Year Period
Authors: Yamaguchi Daisuke , Sakata Yasuhisa , Yoshida Hisako , Furukawa Naoko E. , Tsuruoka Nanae , Higuchi Toru , Watanabe Akira , Shimoda Ryo , Tsunada Seiji , Iwakiri Ryuichi , Fujimoto Kazuma
Published: May 2017

Background/Aims: In this study, investigations were carried out to ascertain whether soft coagulation hemostasis for non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) has ever been performed in a time-dependent manner. Methods: Medical records of 502 patients who had undergone emergency endoscopic hemostasis for non-variceal UGIB from 2003 to 2014 were checked and the modalities were used to achieve hemostasis compared between the first period from 2003 to 2008 (197 patients) and the second period from 2009 to 2014 (305 patients). Results: Endoscopic hemostasis was successfully achieved in 96.0% of study patients. Peptic ulcers were the main cause of bleeding (89.4%). Endoscopic hemostasis was performed by soft coagulation significantly more frequently during the second (71.1%) than the first period (11.7%; p < 0.001). Endoscopic hemostasis was mainly achieved by trainees during the second period (76.1%); these trainees comprised a significantly greater proportion of endoscopists than during the first period (56.3%; p < 0.001). Endoscopic-related complications did not differ between the 2 periods. The only risk factor for rebleeding after hemostasis was Helicobacter pylori infection; the use of soft coagulation and the fact that endoscopists were just trainees were not risk factors. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that using soft coagulation to achieve endoscopic hemostasis for non-variceal UGIB is safe and effective, even when it is performed by trainees.
New records of Rickettsia bellii-infected ticks in Brazil
Authors: Costa Francisco Borges , Barbieri Amália Regina , Szabó Matias pablo Juan , Ramos Vanessa Nascimento , Piovezan Ubiratan , Labruna Marcelo Bahia
Published: May 2017

O presente trabalho investigou a ocorrência de infecção por Rickettsia em carrapatos coletados em animais selvagens de duas áreas do Brasil. Carrapatos da espécie Amblyomma dubitatum foram coletados de uma capivara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) no município de Guarda-Mor, Minas Gerais, enquanto exemplares da espécie Amblyomma pseudoconcolor foram coletados de um tatu-peba (Euphractus sexcinctus) do município de Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul. Tentativas para isolar Rickettsia em cultura de células Vero foram realizadas com um exemplar de A. dubitatum e um de A. pseudoconcolor, que foram previamente positivos no teste de hemolinfa com estruturas semelhantes a Rickettsia visualizadas em seus hemócitos. Rickettsia foram isoladas com sucesso em culturas de células Vero a partir das duas espécies de carrapatos. Os dois isolados foram identificados como Rickettsia bellii, uma vez que suas sequências parciais do gene gltA foram 99,9-100%, idênticas a sequências de R. bellii do GenBank. Embora haja vários relatos anteriores de R. bellii infectando A. dubitatum, este é o primeiro relato em A. pseudoconcolor, aumentando para 25 o número de espécies de carrapatos infectadas por R. bellii no continente americano.
HUMAN PARASITISM BY Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (ACARI: IXODIDAE) IN MATO GROSSO DO SUL, WEST-CENTRAL BRAZIL
Authors: Acosta Igor Cunha Lima , Martins Thiago Fernandes , Labruna Marcelo Bahia
Published: May 2017

O parasitismo humano pelo carrapato marrom do cão, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s. l.), um importante parasita para a saúde pública e veterinária, é raramente relatado no continente americano. Este trabalho relata o registro de um macho de R. sanguineus s. l. parasitando um humano na cidade de Campo Grande, estado do Mato Grosso do Sul, no Centro-Oeste do Brasil. Essa observação é relevante para a saúde pública, uma vez que os carrapatos desse complexo são conhecidos como vetores de riquétsias do grupo da febre maculosa para cães e humanos.
Abnormal Global Longitudinal Strain Predicts Future Deterioration of Left Ventricular Function in Heart Failure Patients With a Recovered Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Authors: Adamo Luigi , Perry Andrew , Novak Eric , Makan Majesh , Lindman Brian R. , Mann Douglas L.
Published: May 2017

Background—

Patients with recovery of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) remain at risk for future deterioration of LVEF. However, there are no tools to risk stratify these patients. We hypothesized that global longitudinal strain (GLS) could predict sustained recovery within this population.

Methods and Results—

We retrospectively identified 96 patients with a reduced LVEF <50% (screening echocardiogram), whose LVEF had increased by at least 10% and normalized (>50%) on evidence-based medical therapies (baseline echocardiogram). We examined absolute GLS on the baseline echocardiogram in relation to changes in LVEF on a follow-up echocardiogram. Patients with recovered LVEF had a wide range of GLS. The GLS on the baseline study correlated with the LVEF at the time of follow-up (
r
=0.33;
P
<0.001). The likelihood of having an LVEF >50% on follow-up increased by 24% for each point increase in absolute GLS on the baseline study (odds ratio, 1.24;
P
=0.001). An abnormal GLS (≤16%) at baseline had a sensitivity of 88%, a specificity of 46%, and an accuracy of 0.67 (
P
<0.001) as a predictor of a decrease in LVEF >5% during follow-up. A normal GLS (>16%) on the baseline study had a sensitivity of 47%, a specificity of 83%, and an accuracy of 0.65 (
P
=0.002) for predicting a stable LVEF (−5% to 5%) on follow-up.

Conclusions—

In patients with a recovered LVEF, an abnormal GLS predicts the likelihood of having a decreased LVEF during follow-up, whereas a normal GLS predicts the likelihood of stable LVEF during recovery.
Determination of the Lowest-Energy States for the Model Distribution of Trained Restricted Boltzmann Machines Using a 1000 Qubit D-Wave 2X Quantum Computer
Authors: Koshka Yaroslav , Perera Dilina , Hall Spencer , Novotny M. A.
Published: May 2017

The possibility of using a quantum computer D-Wave 2X with more than 1000 qubits to determine the global minimum of the energy landscape of trained restricted Boltzmann machines is investigated. In order to overcome the problem of limited interconnectivity in the D-Wave architecture, the proposed RBM embedding combines multiple qubits to represent a particular RBM unit. The results for the lowest-energy (the ground state) and some of the higher-energy states found by the D-Wave 2X were compared with those of the classical simulated annealing (SA) algorithm. In many cases, the D-Wave machine successfully found the same RBM lowest-energy state as that found by SA. In some examples, the D-Wave machine returned a state corresponding to one of the higher-energy local minima found by SA. The inherently nonperfect embedding of the RBM into the Chimera lattice explored in this work (i.e., multiple qubits combined into a single RBM unit were found not to be guaranteed to be all aligned) and the existence of small, persistent biases in the D-Wave hardware may cause a discrepancy between the D-Wave and the SA results. In some of the investigated cases, introduction of a small bias field into the energy function or optimization of the chain-strength parameter in the D-Wave embedding successfully addressed difficulties of the particular RBM embedding. With further development of the D-Wave hardware, the approach will be suitable for much larger numbers of RBM units.
Effect of Phase Response Curve Shape and Synaptic Driving Force on Synchronization of Coupled Neuronal Oscillators
Authors: Dodla Ramana , Wilson Charles J.
Published: May 2017

The role of the phase response curve (PRC) shape on the synchrony of synaptically coupled oscillating neurons is examined. If the PRC is independent of the phase, because of the synaptic form of the coupling, synchrony is found to be stable for both excitatory and inhibitory coupling at all rates, whereas the antisynchrony becomes stable at low rates. A faster synaptic rise helps extend the stability of antisynchrony to higher rates. If the PRC is not constant but has a profile like that of a leaky integrate-and-fire model, then, in contrast to the earlier reports that did not include the voltage effects, mutual excitation could lead to stable synchrony provided the synaptic reversal potential is below the voltage level the neuron would have reached in the absence of the interaction and threshold reset. This level is controlled by the applied current and the leakage parameters. Such synchrony is contingent on significant phase response (that would result, for example, by a sharp PRC jump) occurring during the synaptic rising phase. The rising phase, however, does not contribute significantly if it occurs before the voltage spike reaches its peak. Then a stable near-synchronous state can still exist between type 1 PRC neurons if the PRC shows a left skewness in its shape. These results are examined comprehensively using perfect integrate-and-fire, leaky integrate-and-fire, and skewed PRC shapes under the assumption of the weakly coupled oscillator theory applied to synaptically coupled neuron models.