bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetization Analysis by Spin-Polarized Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Kohashi Teruo
Published: February 2018

Spin-polarized scanning electron microscopy (spin SEM) is a method for observing magnetic-domain structures by detecting the spin polarization of secondary electrons. It has several unique abilities such as detection of full magnetization orientation and high-spatial-resolution measurement. Several spin-SEM experiments have demonstrated that it is a promising method for studying various types of magnetic materials and devices. This review paper presents several spin-SEM observations to demonstrate the capability and potential of spin SEM.
Development and Application of a Fuzzy Control System for a Lead-Acid Battery Bank Connected to a DC Microgrid
Authors: Martínez Juan José , Padilla-Medina José Alfredo , Cano-Andrade Sergio , Sancen Agustín , Prado Juan , Barranco Alejandro I.
Published: February 2018

This study presents the development and application of a fuzzy control system (FCS) for the control of the charge and discharge process for a bank of batteries connected to a DC microgrid (DC-MG). The DC-MG runs on a maximum power of 1 kW with a 190 V DC bus using two photovoltaic systems of 0.6 kW each, a 1 kW bidirectional DC-AC converter to interconnect the DC-MG with the grid, a bank of 115 Ah to 120 V lead-acid batteries, and a general management system used to define the operating status of the FCS. This FCS uses a multiplexed fuzzy controller, normalizing the controller’s inputs and outputs in each operating status. The design of the fuzzy controller is based on a Mamdani inference system with AND-type fuzzy rules. The input and output variables have two trapezoidal membership functions and three triangular membership functions. LabVIEW and the NI myRIO-1900 embedded design device were used to implement the FCS. Results show the stability of the DC bus of the microgrid when the bank of batteries is in the charging and discharging process, with the bus stabilized in a range of 190 V ± 5%, thus demonstrating short response times to perturbations considering the microgrid’s response dynamics.
Double Guided Surgery in All-on-4® Concept: When Ostectomy Is Needed
Authors: Tonellini Gabriele , Saez Vigo Raquel , Novelli Giorgio
Published: February 2018

Background. The rehabilitation of edentulous jaws with guided and flapless surgery applied to the All-on-4 concepts is a predictable treatment with a high implant and prosthetic survival rates, but there are several contraindications for this technique like when bone reduction is needed due to a high smile line in the maxilla or when there is an irregular or thin bone crest. Purpose. To report a technique with double guided surgery for bone reduction and implant placement with the All-on-4 concept. Materials and Methods. 7 patients were included in the study. Guided implant planning was performed using CBCT, and the virtual templates were created with three dedicated software. Custom surgical templates were made for the ostectomy and for implants positioning. Results. 28 implants were placed using a double bone-supported surgical guide. The mean angular errors between the preoperative-planned implant and the postoperative-placed implant were 2.155° ± 2.03°; the mean distance errors between the planned and the placed implants were 0.763 mm ± 0.55 mm on the shoulder implant and 0.570 mm ± 0.40 mm on the apex implant. Conclusions. The results of our study indicate that this treatment is predictable with an excellent survival rate allowing excellent results even when bone reduction is mandatory.
A Heuristic Model for Supporting Users’ Decision-Making in Privacy Disclosure for Recommendation
Authors: Wu Hongchen , Zhang Huaxiang , Cui Lizhen , Wang Xinjun
Published: February 2018

Privacy issues have become a major concern in the web of resource sharing, and users often have difficulty managing their information disclosure in the context of high-quality experiences from social media and Internet of Things. Recent studies have shown that users’ disclosure decisions may be influenced by heuristics from the crowds, leading to inconsistency in the disclosure volumes and reduction of the prediction accuracy. Therefore, an analysis of why this influence occurs and how to optimize the user experience is highly important. We propose a novel heuristic model that defines the data structures of items and participants in social media, utilizes a modified decision-tree classifier that can predict participants’ disclosures, and puts forward a correlation analysis for detecting disclosure inconsistences. The heuristic model is applied to real-time dataset to evaluate the behavioral effects. Decision-tree classifier and correlation analysis indeed prove that some participants’ behaviors in information disclosures became decreasingly correlated during item requesting. Participants can be “persuaded” to change their disclosure behaviors, and the users’ answers to the mildly sensitive items tend to be more variable and less predictable. Using this approach, recommender systems in social media can thus know the users better and provide service with higher prediction accuracy.
Healthcare Providers’ Recommendations for Physical Activity among US Arthritis Population: A Cross-Sectional Analysis by Race/Ethnicity
Authors: Austin Shamly , Saag Kenneth G. , Pisu Maria
Published: February 2018

Introduction. We examined racial/ethnic disparities in healthcare providers’ recommendations for physical activity among individuals with arthritis and evaluated this association among groups of individuals who adhered to physical activity guidelines and those who did not. Methods. With a cross-sectional design based on Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, we analyzed individuals with self-reported physician-diagnosed arthritis, ≥18 years of age (n = 83,376). Outcome variable was healthcare providers’ recommendations for physical activity. Race/ethnicity was categorized as African American, Hispanic, and White. Associations were examined using multivariate logistic regression. Results. African Americans (Adjusted OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.55–0.79) and Hispanics (Adjusted OR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.56–0.83) were less likely to receive providers’ recommendations. Conclusions. Although the importance of physical activity to improve health outcomes for adults with arthritis, as well as providers’ influence on individuals’ behavior change, is well established, providers are less likely to recommend physical activity to minorities. Further studies are required to identify the causes for this quality-of-care issue.
Regulation of Spontaneous Contractions in Intact Rat Bladder Strips and the Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Wang Mingshuai , Xing Nianzeng , Wu Liyang , Huang Wen-Chu , Xu Zhenqun , Liu Guiming
Published: February 2018

Enhanced spontaneous contractions are associated with overactive bladder. Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species might contribute to enhanced spontaneous contractions. We investigated the regulation of spontaneous contractions and the effects of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in intact rat bladder strips. The spontaneous contractions were measured using a tissue bath system. The vehicle or the specific activators/blockers were applied and followed by the application of 0.003 g% H2O2. The basal tension, amplitude, and frequency of spontaneous contractions were quantified. Nisoldipine and bisindolylmaleimide 1 had no effects on spontaneous contractions. SKF96365 and Y27632 decreased basal tension and amplitude. Ryanodine slightly increased frequency. Both iberiotoxin and NS-1619 increased amplitude. Apamin reduced frequency but increased amplitude. NS-309 inhibited both the amplitude and frequency. The basal tension and amplitude increased when H2O2was applied. Pretreatment with NS-309 inhibited H2O2-elicited augmented amplitude and frequency, while pretreatment with Y-27632 inhibited the augmented basal tension. The combined application of NS-309 and Y27632 almost eliminated spontaneous contractions and its augmentation induced by H2O2. In conclusion, Ca2+influx, Rho kinase activation, and SK channel inactivation play important roles in spontaneous contractions in intact bladder strips, whereas only latter two mechanisms may be involved in H2O2-elicited increased spontaneous contractions.
IoT‐B&B: Edge‐Based NFV for IoT Devices with CPE Crowdsourcing
Authors: Zhu He , Huang Changcheng
Published: February 2018

For embracing the ubiquitous Internet‐of‐Things (IoT) devices, edge computing and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) have been enabled in branch offices and homes in the form of virtual Customer‐Premises Equipment (vCPE). A Service Provider (SP) deploys vCPE instances as Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) on top of generic physical Customer‐Premises Equipment (pCPE) to ease administration. Upon a usage surge of IoT devices at a certain part of the network, vCPU, memory, and other resource limitations of a single pCPE node make it difficult to add new services handling the high demand. In this paper, we present IoT‐B&B, a novel architecture featuring resource sharing of pCPE nodes. When a pCPE node has sharable resources available, the SP will utilize its free resources as a “bed‐and‐breakfast” place to deploy vCPE instances in need. A placement algorithm is also presented to assign vCPE instances to a cost‐efficient pCPE node. By keeping vCPE instances at the network edge, their costs of hosting are reduced. Meanwhile, the transmission latencies are maintained at acceptable levels for processing real‐time data burst from IoT devices. The traffic load to the remote, centralized cloud can be substantially reduced.
Kidney Stone Disease: An Update on Current Concepts
Authors: Alelign Tilahun , Petros Beyene
Published: February 2018

Kidney stone disease is a crystal concretion formed usually within the kidneys. It is an increasing urological disorder of human health, affecting about 12% of the world population. It has been associated with an increased risk of end-stage renal failure. The etiology of kidney stone is multifactorial. The most common type of kidney stone is calcium oxalate formed at Randall’s plaque on the renal papillary surfaces. The mechanism of stone formation is a complex process which results from several physicochemical events including supersaturation, nucleation, growth, aggregation, and retention of urinary stone constituents within tubular cells. These steps are modulated by an imbalance between factors that promote or inhibit urinary crystallization. It is also noted that cellular injury promotes retention of particles on renal papillary surfaces. The exposure of renal epithelial cells to oxalate causes a signaling cascade which leads to apoptosis by p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. Currently, there is no satisfactory drug to cure and/or prevent kidney stone recurrences. Thus, further understanding of the pathophysiology of kidney stone formation is a research area to manage urolithiasis using new drugs. Therefore, this review has intended to provide a compiled up-to-date information on kidney stone etiology, pathogenesis, and prevention approaches.
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography to Distinguish Changes of Choroidal Neovascularization after Anti-VEGF Therapy: Monthly Loading Dose versus Pro Re Nata Regimen
Authors: Miere Alexandra , Oubraham Hassiba , Amoroso Francesca , Butori Pauline , Astroz Polina , Semoun Oudy , Bruyere Elsa , Pedinielli Alexandre , Addou-Regnard Manar , Jung Camille , Cohen Salomon Y. , Souied Eric H.
Published: February 2018

Purpose. To compare the qualitative and quantitative choroidal neovascularization (CNV) changes after antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy in treatment-naïve and treated eyes with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods. Consecutive patients with neovascular AMD underwent multimodal imaging, including OCTA (AngioPlex, CIRRUS HD-OCT model 5000; Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc., Dublin, OH) at baseline and at three monthly follow-up visits. Treatment-naive AMD patients undergoing anti-VEGF loading phase were included in group A, while treated patients were included in group B. Qualitative and quantitative OCTA analyses were performed on outer retina to choriocapillaris (ORCC) slab. CNV size was measured using a free image analysis software (ImageJ, open-source imaging processing software, 2.0.0). Results. Twenty-five eyes of 25 patients were enrolled in our study (mean age 78.32 ± 6.8 years): 13 treatment-naïve eyes in group A and 12 treated eyes in group B. While qualitative analysis revealed no significant differences from baseline to follow-up in the two groups, quantitative analysis showed in group A a significant decrease in lesion area (P=0.023); in group B, no significant change in the lesion area was observed during anti-VEGF therapy (P=0.93). Conclusion. Treatment-naïve and treated eyes with CNV secondary to neovascular AMD respond differently to anti-VEGF therapy. This should be taken into account when using OCTA for CNV follow-up or planning therapeutic strategies.
Electromagnetic Bridge Energy Harvester Utilizing Bridge’s Vibrations and Ambient Wind for Wireless Sensor Node Application
Authors: Khan Farid Ullah , Iqbal Muhammad
Published: February 2018

This paper presents novel electromagnetic bridge energy harvesters (BEHs) utilizing bridge vibrations and ambient wind surges to power wireless sensor nodes used for bridges’ health monitoring. The developed BEHs are cantilever-type and are comprised of a wound coil, permanent magnet, an airfoil, cantilever beam, and a support. Harvesters are characterized in-lab under different vibration levels and are subjected to variable speed air surges. The harvesters exhibit multiresonant frequencies; prototype I has resonant frequencies of 3.6, 14.9, and 17.6 Hz. However, 7.6, 33, and 45 Hz are the resonant frequencies for prototype II. Under vibration testing, prototype I produced a maximum voltage of 206 mV and an optimum power of 354.51 μW at a frequency of 3.6 Hz and 0.4g acceleration. However, at a frequency of 7.6 Hz and 0.6g acceleration, prototype II showed the capability of generating a maximum voltage of 430 mV and an optimum power of 2214.32 μW. Moreover, when BEHs are characterized under variable speed air surges, prototype I generated a load voltage of 19 mV and a power of 7.84 μW at an air speed of 9 m/s; however, 22 mV and 9.14 μW load voltage and power, respectively, are developed by prototype II at 6 m/s air speed.
Ropinirole and Pramipexole Promote Structural Plasticity in Human iPSC-Derived Dopaminergic Neurons via BDNF and mTOR Signaling
Authors: Collo Ginetta , Cavalleri Laura , Bono Federica , Mora Cristina , Fedele Stefania , Invernizzi Roberto William , Gennarelli Massimo , Piovani Giovanna , Kunath Tilo , Millan Mark J. , Merlo Pich Emilio , Spano PierFranco
Published: February 2018

The antiparkinsonian ropinirole and pramipexole are D3 receptor- (D3R-) preferring dopaminergic (DA) agonists used as adjunctive therapeutics for the treatment resistant depression (TRD). While the exact antidepressant mechanism of action remains uncertain, a role for D3R in the restoration of impaired neuroplasticity occurring in TRD has been proposed. Since D3R agonists are highly expressed on DA neurons in humans, we studied the effect of ropinirole and pramipexole on structural plasticity using a translational model of human-inducible pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Two hiPSC clones from healthy donors were differentiated into midbrain DA neurons. Ropinirole and pramipexole produced dose-dependent increases of dendritic arborization and soma size after 3 days of culture, effects antagonized by the selective D3R antagonists SB277011-A and S33084 and by the mTOR pathway kinase inhibitors LY294002 and rapamycin. All treatments were also effective in attenuating the D3R-dependent increase of p70S6-kinase phosphorylation. Immunoneutralisation of BDNF, inhibition of TrkB receptors, and blockade of MEK-ERK signaling likewise prevented ropinirole-induced structural plasticity, suggesting a critical interaction between BDNF and D3R signaling pathways. The highly similar profiles of data acquired with DA neurons derived from two hiPSC clones underpin their reliability for characterization of pharmacological agents acting via dopaminergic mechanisms.
Nonmetric Correction of Lens Distortion Based on Entropy Measure
Authors: Chen Tianfei , Sun Lijun , Zhang Qiuwen , Wu Xiang , Wu Defeng
Published: February 2018

In the real vision system, lens always inevitably contains nonlinear distortion, which leads to geometric distortion of digital image, so it must be corrected. In this paper, a nonmetric correction algorithm for lens distortion based on entropy measure is proposed. The algorithm uses the imaging characteristics of the space line in the ideal perspective model, and the distortion entropy is defined to measure the degree of lens distortion. For distortion curves with different distribution, the calculation dimension of distortion entropy measure is uniform, which can reduce the influence of curve inhomogeneity. On this basis, the modified distortion entropy measure with normalized weight is put forward to enhance the capability of noise suppression, and the distortion correction performance of the traditional interior point optimization algorithm, basic artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm, and Gbest-guided artificial bee colony (GABC) algorithm is compared and analyzed. The simulation experiments demonstrate that the correction performance of GABC to optimize the modified distortion entropy measure with normalized weight is best, and it has strong robustness to noise. Finally, the actual image distortion correction examples verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Fibrin Clot Strength in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Measured by Thrombelastography
Authors: Maatman Benjamin T. , Schmeisser Glen , Kreutz Rolf P.
Published: February 2018

Background. Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) exhibit increased risk of recurrent myocardial infarction. Maximal clot strength measured by thrombelastography (TEG) is a risk factor for recurrent ischemic events. We hypothesized that diabetic subjects exhibit increased fibrin clot strength in platelet-poor plasma and that glycemic control correlates with maximal fibrin clot strength. Methods. We collected plasma samples from subjects with known or suspected coronary artery disease undergoing cardiac catheterization (n=354). We measured kaolin-activated TEG in platelet-poor citrate plasma. Time to fibrin formation (R), clot formation time (K), and maximal fibrin clot strength (MA) were recorded. Results. Plasma fibrin MA was increased among subjects with DM (n=152) as compared to non-DM (n=202) (37.0 ± 8 versus 34.1 ± 8 mm; p<0.001). Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (ρ=0.22; p=0.001) and fibrinogen (ρ=0.29; p<0.001) correlated with fibrin MA. In multivariable regression analysis, DM remained significantly associated with plasma MA after adjustment for fibrinogen level (p=0.003). Conclusions. Subjects with diabetes mellitus exhibit increased maximal fibrin clot strength measured by TEG in platelet-poor plasma.
CLOCK 3111T/C Variant Correlates with Motor Fluctuation and Sleep Disorders in Chinese Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Lou Fan , Li Ming , Luo Xiaoguang , Ren Yan
Published: February 2018

Background. The clock genes controlling biological rhythm play an important role in the pathophysiology of aging. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is an association between a variant of the circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (CLOCK) gene and circadian dysfunction of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods. Six hundred and forty-six cases of Parkinson’s disease from consecutive outpatients and inpatients ward from our hospital were included in this study. Kompetitive allele-specific PCR was used to determine the frequency distribution of genotypes and alleles. The examinations for the PD group were assessed in person in order to evaluate motor symptoms, cognitive function, sleep, and depression, including the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17). Results. Motor fluctuation (P<0.001) and sleep disorders (P=0.007) were significantly different between the two groups. These correlations persisted after adjusting for confounding risk factors by further binary logistic regression analysis, suggesting that the CLOCK 3111T/C variant was associated with motor fluctuation (OR = 1.080, P<0.001) and a subjective sleep disorder (OR = 1.130, P=0.037). Conclusion. The CLOCK 3111T/C variant can be an independent risk factor for motor fluctuation and sleep disorder in Parkinson’s disease.
Honey and Diabetes: The Importance of Natural Simple Sugars in Diet for Preventing and Treating Different Type of Diabetes
Authors: Bobiş Otilia , Dezmirean Daniel S. , Moise Adela Ramona
Published: February 2018

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder with multifactorial and heterogeneous etiologies. Two types of diabetes are common among humans: type 1 diabetes that occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys insulin and type 2 diabetes, the most common form, that may be caused by several factors, the most important being lifestyle, but also may be determined by different genes. Honey was used in folk medicine for a long time, but the health benefits were explained in the last decades, when the scientific world was concerned in testing and thus explaining the benefits of honey. Different studies demonstrate the hypoglycemic effect of honey, but the mechanism of this effect remains unclear. This review presents the experimental studies completed in the recent years, which support honey as a novel antidiabetic agent that might be of potential significance for the management of diabetes and its complications and also highlights the potential impacts and future perspectives on the use of honey as an antidiabetic agent.
Double-Blind Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial Demonstrating Serum Cholesterol Lowering Efficacy of a Smoothie Drink with Added Plant Stanol Esters in an Indonesian Population
Authors: Lestiani Lanny , Chandra Dian Novita , Laitinen Kirsi , Ambarwati Fransisca Diah , Kuusisto Päivi , Lukito Widjaja
Published: February 2018

Indonesians have a high intake of saturated fats, a key contributing dietary factor to elevated blood cholesterol concentrations. We investigated the cholesterol lowering efficacy of a smoothie drink with 2 grams of plant stanols as esters to lower serum total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations in hypercholesterolemic Indonesian adults. The double-blind randomized placebo controlled parallel design study involved 99 subjects. Fifty subjects received control drink and dietary advice, and 49 subjects received intervention drink (Nutrive Benecol®) and dietary advice. Baseline, midline (week 2), and endline (week 4) assessments were undertaken for clinical, anthropometric, and biochemical variables. Compared to control, the smoothie drink with plant stanols reduced serum LDL-cholesterol concentration by 7.6% (p<0.05) and 9.0% (p<0.05) in two and four weeks, respectively. Serum total cholesterol was reduced by 5.7% (p<0.05 compared to control) in two weeks, and no further reduction was detected after four weeks (5.6%). Compared to baseline habitual diet, LDL-cholesterol was reduced by 9.3% (p<0.05) and 9.8% (p<0.05) in the plant stanol ester group in two and four weeks, respectively. We conclude that consumption of smoothie drink with added plant stanol esters effectively reduces serum total and LDL-cholesterol of hypercholesterolemic Indonesian subjects already in two weeks. Trial is registered as NCT02316808.
Clinical Significance of Hemostatic Parameters in the Prediction for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Pan Lianlian , Ye Yali , Wo Mingyi , Bao Danni , Zhu Fengjiao , Cheng Maoliang , Ni Xiuwen , Fei Xianming
Published: February 2018

It would be important to predict type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and diabetic nephropathy (DN). This study was aimed at evaluating the predicting significance of hemostatic parameters for T2DM and DN. Plasma coagulation and hematologic parameters before treatment were measured in 297 T2DM patients. The risk factors and their predicting power were evaluated. T2DM patients without complications exhibited significantly different activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), platelet (PLT), and D-dimer (D-D) levels compared with controls (P<0.01). Fibrinogen (FIB), PLT, and D-D increased in DN patients compared with those without complications (P<0.001). Both aPTT and PLT were the independent risk factors for T2DM (OR: 1.320 and 1.211, P<0.01, resp.), and FIB and PLT were the independent risk factors for DN (OR: 1.611 and 1.194, P<0.01, resp.). The area under ROC curve (AUC) of aPTT and PLT was 0.592 and 0.647, respectively, with low sensitivity in predicting T2DM. AUC of FIB was 0.874 with high sensitivity (85%) and specificity (76%) for DN, and that of PLT was 0.564, with sensitivity (60%) and specificity (89%) based on the cutoff values of 3.15 g/L and 245 × 109/L, respectively. This study suggests that hemostatic parameters have a low predicting value for T2DM, whereas fibrinogen is a powerful predictor for DN.
Evaluation of Carbonation Effects on Cement‐Solidified Contaminated Soil Used in Road Subgrade
Authors: Zhou Yundong , Pan Lingling , Tang Qiang , Zhang Yu , Yang Na , Lu Cong
Published: February 2018

Cement solidification/stabilization is widely used towards contaminated soil since it has a low price and significant improvement for the structural capacity of soil. To increase the usage of the solidified matrix, cement‐solidified contaminated soil was used as road subgrade material. In this study, carbonation effect that reflected the durability on strength characteristics of cement‐solidified contaminated soil and the settlement of pavement were evaluated through experimental and numerical analysis, respectively. According to results, compressive strengths of specimens with 1% Pb(II) under carbonation and standard curing range from 0.44 MPa to 1.17 MPa and 0.14 MPa to 2.67 MPa, respectively. The relatively low strengths were attributed to immobilization of heavy metal, which consumed part of SiO2, Al2O3, and CaO components in the cement or kaolin and reduced the hydration and pozzolanic reaction materials. This phenomenon further decreased the strength of solidified soils. The carbonation depth of 1% Cu(II) or Zn(II) contaminated soils was 18 mm, which significantly increased with the increase of curing time and contamination concentration. Furthermore, the finite element calculation results showed that surface settlements decreased with the increase of modulus of subgrade and the distance away from the center. At the center, the pavement settlement was proportional to the level of traffic load.
Critical Roles of IL-33/ST2 Pathway in Neurological Disorders
Authors: Abd Rachman Isnadi Mohammad Faruq , Chin Voon Kin , Abd Majid Roslaini , Lee Tze Yan , Atmadini Abdullah Maizaton , Bello Omenesa Ramatu , Osamah Ibraheem Zaid , Basir Rusliza
Published: February 2018

Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is an IL-1 family member, which exhibits both pro- and anti-inflammatory properties solely based on the type of the disease itself. Generally, IL-33 is expressed by both endothelial and epithelial cells and mediates its function based on the interaction with various receptors, mainly with ST2 variants. IL-33 is a potent inducer for the Th2 immune response which includes defence mechanism in brain diseases. Thus, in this paper, we review the biological features of IL-33 and the critical roles of IL-33/ST2 pathway in selected neurological disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and malaria infection to discuss the involvement of IL-33/ST2 pathway during these brain diseases and its potential as future immunotherapeutic agents or for intervention purposes.
Attitude Determination Algorithms through Accelerometers, GNSS Sensors, and Gravity Vector Estimator
Authors: de Celis Raúl , Cadarso Luis
Published: February 2018

Aircraft and spacecraft navigation precision is dependent on the measurement system for position and attitude determination. Rotation of an aircraft can be determined measuring two vectors in two different reference systems. Velocity vector can be determined in the inertial reference frame from a GNSS-based sensor and by integrating the acceleration measurements in the body reference frame. Estimating gravity vector in both reference frames, and combining with velocity vector, determines rotation of the body. A new approach for gravity vector estimations is presented and employed in an attitude determination algorithm. Nonlinear simulations demonstrate that using directly the positioning and velocity outputs of GNSS sensors and strap-down accelerometers, aircraft attitude determination is precise, especially in ballistic projectiles, to substitute precise attitude determination devices, usually expensive and forced to bear high solicitations as for instance G forces.
An Electronic Architecture for Multipurpose Artificial Noses
Authors: Gongora Andres , Monroy Javier , Gonzalez-Jimenez Javier
Published: February 2018

This paper deals with the design of an electronic device aimed at the detection and characterization of volatile chemical substances, that is, an electronic nose (e-nose). We pursue the development of a versatile, multipurpose e-nose that can be employed for a wide variety of applications, can integrate heterogeneous sensing technologies, and can offer a mechanism to be customized for different requirements. To that end, we contribute with a fully configurable and decentralized e-nose architecture based on self-contained and intelligent sensor boards (i.e., modules). This design allows for the integration not only of heterogeneous gas sensor technologies, like MOX and AEC sensors, but also of other components, such as GPS or Bluetooth, for a total of up to 127 individual modules. We describe an implementation of a fully operative prototype as an illustrative example of its potential for sensor networks, mobile robotics, and wearable technologies, each using different combinations of sensors.
Waveguide-Based Antenna Arrays for 5G Networks
Authors: Sodré Arismar Cerqueira , da Costa Igor Feliciano , dos Santos Renan Alves , Filgueiras Hugo Rodrigues Dias , Spadoti Danilo Henrique
Published: February 2018

This work reports the development of two high-performance waveguide-based antenna arrays for 5G cellular networks, operating in the underutilized millimetre wave (mm-wave) frequency spectrum. Two different scenarios of mm-wave communications are proposed for illustrating the applicability of the proposed arrays, which provide specific radiation patterns, namely, 12 dBi gain omnidirectional coverage in the 28 GHz band and dual-band sectorial coverage using the 28 and 38 GHz bands with gain up to 15.6 dBi. Numerical and experimental results of the array reflection coefficient, radiation pattern, and gain have been shown in an excellent agreement.
Cell Transplantation for Spinal Cord Injury: Tumorigenicity of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells
Authors: Deng Junhao , Zhang Yiling , Xie Yong , Zhang Licheng , Tang Peifu
Published: February 2018

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is an intractable and worldwide difficult medical challenge with limited treatments. Neural stem/progenitor cell (NS/PC) transplantation derived from fetal tissues or embryonic stem cells (ESCs) has demonstrated therapeutic effects via replacement of lost neurons and severed axons and creation of permissive microenvironment to promote repair of spinal cord and axon regeneration but causes ethnical concerns and immunological rejections as well. Thus, the implementation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which can be generated from adult somatic cells and differentiated into NS/PCs, provides an effective alternation in the treatment of SCI. However, as researches further deepen, there is accumulating evidence that the use of iPSC-derived NS/PCs shows mounting concerns of safety, especially the tumorigenicity. This review discusses the tumorigenicity of iPSC-derived NS/PCs focusing on the two different routes of tumorigenicity (teratomas and true tumors) and underlying mechanisms behind them, as well as possible solutions to circumvent them.
Proteolytic Remodeling of Perineuronal Nets: Effects on Synaptic Plasticity and Neuronal Population Dynamics
Authors: Lorenzo Bozzelli P. , Alaiyed Seham , Kim Eunyoung , Villapol Sonia , Conant Katherine
Published: February 2018

The perineuronal net (PNN) represents a lattice-like structure that is prominently expressed along the soma and proximal dendrites of parvalbumin- (PV-) positive interneurons in varied brain regions including the cortex and hippocampus. It is thus apposed to sites at which PV neurons receive synaptic input. Emerging evidence suggests that changes in PNN integrity may affect glutamatergic input to PV interneurons, a population that is critical for the expression of synchronous neuronal population discharges that occur with gamma oscillations and sharp-wave ripples. The present review is focused on the composition of PNNs, posttranslation modulation of PNN components by sulfation and proteolysis, PNN alterations in disease, and potential effects of PNN remodeling on neuronal plasticity at the single-cell and population level.
Stimulating the Healthy Brain to Investigate Neural Correlates of Motor Preparation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Neige Cécilia , Massé-Alarie Hugo , Mercier Catherine
Published: February 2018

Objective. Noninvasive brain stimulation techniques can be used to selectively increase or decrease the excitability of a cortical region, providing a unique opportunity to assess the causal contribution of that region to the process being assessed. The objective of this paper is to systematically examine studies investigating changes in reaction time induced by noninvasive brain stimulation in healthy participants during movement preparation. Methods. A systematic review of the literature was performed in the PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Web of science databases. A combination of keywords related to motor preparation, associated behavioral outcomes, and noninvasive brain stimulation methods was used. Results. Twenty-seven studies were included, and systematic data extraction and quality assessment were performed. Reaction time results were transformed in standardised mean difference and graphically pooled in forest plots depending on the targeted cortical area and the type of stimulation. Conclusions. Despite methodological heterogeneity among studies, results support a functional implication of five cortical regions (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, posterior parietal cortex, supplementary motor area, dorsal premotor cortex, and primary motor cortex), integrated into a frontoparietal network, in various components of motor preparation ranging from attentional to motor aspects.
RAPD PCR Profile, Antibiotic Resistance, Prevalence of armA Gene, and Detection of KPC Enzyme in Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates
Authors: Saadatian Farivar Arezoo , Nowroozi Jamileh , Eslami Gita , Sabokbar Azar
Published: February 2018

The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated from hospitals shows the limitation of recent antibiotics used for bacterial eradication. In this study, 81 K. pneumoniae isolates were collected from three hospitals in Tehran. Antibiotic susceptibility test showed the highest rates of resistance to cefotaxim (85.5%) and ceftazidime (78.3%), and the lowest rates of resistance were detected for colistin (16.9%), streptomycin (16.8%), and chloroamphenicol (21.7%). Eleven different resistance patterns were observed. Sixty-six out of 81 isolates (81.5%) were found to be multidrug resistant (MDR), and 35.8% of them belonged to A3 resistance pattern. 7.4% and 66.7% were KPC enzyme and armA gene positive, respectively. RAPD PCR assay of these bacteria showed 5 clusters, 16 single types, and 14 common types, and there was not any correlation between genetic patterns of the isolates and presence of resistance agents. Simultaneous detection of resistance-creating agents could be an important challenge for combination therapy of MDR K. pneumoniae-caused infections.
36H: A Novel Potent Inhibitor for Antimelanogenesis
Authors: Lin Li-Ching , Chen Chung-Yi , Kuo Chia-Hung , Lin Yun-Sheng , Hwang Byeong Hee , Wang Tina Kaiting , Kuo Yueh-Hsiung , Wang Hui-Min David
Published: February 2018

N‐Hydroxycinnamoylphenalkylamides (36H) exhibited both antioxidation and antityrosinase abilities. The compound was studied for its antioxidative properties, using a 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazul‐ (DPPH‐) scavenging test, a ferric ion‐reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) assessment, and a metal‐chelating power assay. The results showed that 36H had antioxidative capabilities in the DPPH‐scavenging and ferric‐reducing power examinations but the chelating power assay did not demonstrate antioxidative capability. 36H was also measured for tyrosinase inhibitory activity applying various species platforms, including in vitro mushroom, B16F10 mouse melanoma, and human melanocyte cells. In terms of in vitro mushroom tyrosinase suppression, 36H restrained the melanogenesis processes. It is assumed that 36H blocked the tyrosinase active site as a competitive inhibitor for mushroom tyrosinase, hence not decreasing the human normal melanocyte cellular viability. A quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and western blot discovered that 36H downregulated melanogenesis‐related RNA and proteins, including pigment production (MITF, tyrosinase, TRP‐1, and TRP‐2), melanosome maturation (Rab27a), and melanosome transportation (Myo5a, MLPH and Mreg). Overall, 36H displayed the biofunctions of antioxidation and melanin suppression, so there was a possibility for its application as a food additive or a skin‐whitening agent.
A Case of Cushing’s Syndrome due to Ectopic Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Secretion from Esthesioneuroblastoma with Long Term Follow-Up after Resection
Authors: Matheny Leslee N. , Sarkar Sudipa , Shi Hanyuan , Hu Jiun-Ruey , Harmsen Hannah , Abel Ty W. , Jagasia Shubhada M. , Bao Shichun
Published: February 2018

We present a case of a 52-year-old male who developed Cushing’s Syndrome due to ectopic adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) secretion from a large esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) of the nasal sinuses. The patient initially presented with polyuria, polydipsia, weakness, and confusion. Computed tomography scan of the head and magnetic resonance imaging showed a 7 cm skull base mass centered in the right cribriform plate without sella involvement. Work-up revealed ACTH-dependent hypercortisolemia, which did not suppress appropriately after high-dose dexamethasone. Subsequent imaging of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis did not reveal other possible ectopic sources of ACTH secretion besides the ENB. His hospital course was complicated by severe hypokalemia and hyperglycemia before successful surgical resection of the tumor, the biopsy of which showed ENB. Postoperatively, his ACTH level dropped below the limit of detection. In the ensuing 4 months, he underwent adjuvant chemoradiation with carboplatin and docetaxel with good response and resolution of hypokalemia and hyperglycemia, with no sign of recurrence as of 30 months postoperatively. His endogenous cortisol production is rising but has not completely recovered.
Evaluation of Cerebral White Matter in Prelingually Deaf Children Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Authors: Park Kye Hoon , Chung Won-Ho , Kwon Hunki , Lee Jong-Min
Published: February 2018

This study compared white matter development in prelingually deaf and normal-hearing children using a tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) method. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was performed in 21 prelingually deaf (DEAF group) and 20 normal-hearing (HEAR group) subjects aged from 1.7 to 7.7 years. Using TBSS, we evaluated the regions of significant difference in fractional anisotropy (FA) between the groups. Correlations between FA values and age in each group were also analyzed using voxel-wise correlation analyses on the TBSS skeleton. Lower FA values of the white matter tract of Heschl’s gyrus, the inferior frontooccipital fasciculus, the uncinate fasciculus, the superior longitudinal fasciculus, and the forceps major were evident in the DEAF group compared with those in the HEAR group below 4 years of age, while the difference was not significant in older subjects. We also found that age-related development of the white matter tracts may continue until 8 years of age in deaf children. These results imply that development of the cerebral white matter tracts is delayed in prelingually deaf children.
Astrocytes and the Warning Signs of Intracerebral Hemorrhagic Stroke
Authors: Scimemi Annalisa
Published: February 2018

Two decades into the two thousands, intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke (ICH) continues to reap lives across the globe. In the US, nearly 12,000 people suffer from ICH every year. Half of them survive, but many are left with permanent physical and cognitive disabilities, the severity of which depends on the location and broadness of the brain region affected by the hemorrhage. The ongoing efforts to identify risk factors for hemorrhagic stroke have been instrumental for the development of new medical practices to prevent, aid the recovery and reduce the risk of recurring ICH. Recent efforts approach the study of ICH from a different angle, providing information on how we can limit brain damage by manipulating astrocyte receptors. These results provide a novel understanding of how astrocytes contribute to brain injury and recovery from small ICH. Here, we discuss current knowledge on the risk factors and molecular pathology of ICH and the functional properties of astrocytes and their role in ICH. Last, we discuss candidate astrocyte receptors that may prove to be valuable therapeutic targets to treat ICH. Together, these findings provide basic and clinical scientists useful information for the future development of strategies to improve the detection of small ICH, limit brain damage, and prevent the onset of more severe episodes of brain hemorrhage.
Transcriptome Analysis of the Thymus in Short-Term Calorie-Restricted Mice Using RNA-seq
Authors: Omeroğlu Ulu Zehra , Ulu Salih , Dogan Soner , Guvenc Tuna Bilge , Ozdemir Ozgenturk Nehir
Published: February 2018

Calorie restriction (CR), which is a factor that expands lifespan and an important player in immune response, is an effective protective method against cancer development. Thymus, which plays a critical role in the development of the immune system, reacts to nutrition deficiency quickly. RNA-seq-based transcriptome sequencing was performed to thymus tissues of MMTV-TGF-α mice subjected to ad libitum (AL), chronic calorie restriction (CCR), and intermittent calorie restriction (ICR) diets in this study. Three cDNA libraries were sequenced using Illumina HiSeq™ 4000 to produce 100 base pair-end reads. On average, 105 million clean reads were mapped and in total 6091 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified (p<0.05). These DEGs were clustered into Gene Ontology (GO) categories. The expression pattern revealed by RNA-seq was validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) analysis of four important genes, which are leptin, ghrelin, Igf1, and adinopectin. RNA-seq data has been deposited in NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE95371). We report the use of RNA sequencing to find DEGs that are affected by different feeding regimes in the thymus.
Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Probable REM Behavior Disorder in Thai Parkinson’s Disease Patients
Authors: Gomutbutra Patama , Kanjanaratanakorn Kittika , Tiyapun Nantaporn
Published: February 2018

Background. Previous studies have shown that Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients who have REM behavior disorder (PD with RBD) might be a PD subtype since they have different symptom clusters and disease trajectories from PD without RBD. Objective. To study the prevalence of PD with pRBD and to compare the clinical characteristics with PD without pRBD. The feasibility of clinical interview of items adopted from the Mayo Sleep Questionnaire was also to be determined. Methods. A total of 140 Parkinson's patients visiting neurological clinics during January to December 2016 were enrolled in this study. “Probable RBD (pRBD)” was defined as present when the patient answered “yes” to a question adapted from the first Mayo Sleep Questionnaire (MSQ). The demographic data, motor symptoms, and nonmotor symptoms were obtained. Results. The prevalence of pRBD among this study’s PD patients was 48.5% (68 out of the total of 140). The median onset of RBD before PD diagnosis was 5 years (range: 0–11 years). By comparison of PD with pRBD and PD without pRBD, this study showed significant difference in the levodopa equivalent dose (742 mg/day versus 566 mg/day; p<0.01), prevalence of symptomatic orthostatic hypotension (35.3% versus 8.3%; p<0.01). The multivariable analysis found that pRBD is independently associated with orthostatic hypotension (OR = 5.02, p<0.01). Conclusion. The findings regarding prevalence and main clinical features of PD with pRBD in this study were similar to those of a previous study of PD with polysomnogram- (PSG-) proven RBD. This study hypothesized that interviewing by adopted MSQ may be a cost-effective tool for screening RBD. Further studies with direct comparison are needed.
Phenolic Acid Content and Antioxidant Properties of Extruded Corn Snacks Enriched with Kale
Authors: Kasprzak Kamila , Oniszczuk Tomasz , Wójtowicz Agnieszka , Waksmundzka-Hajnos Monika , Olech Marta , Nowak Renata , Polak Renata , Oniszczuk Anna
Published: February 2018

Prohealth food contains specific components which have positive influence on the health and well-being of the consumer. An important position among bioactive compounds occurs for polyphenols. Many results have indicated that an increased intake of phenolic compounds may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. The objective of the study was production of extruded corn snacks with addition (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8%) of kale (Brassica oleraceaL. var.sabellica)—a polyphenol-rich plant. Afterwards, high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) and antioxidant activity analyses of snack extracts were performed. In the corn snacks enriched with kale, fifteen phenolic acids were indicated. These were protocatechuic, 4-OH-benzoic, vanillic,trans-caffeic,cis-caffeic,trans-p-coumaric,cis-p-coumaric,trans-ferulic,cis-ferulic, salicylic, gentisic, syringic, 3-OH-cinnamic,trans-sinapic, andcis-sinapic acids. Both the qualitative and quantitative content of polyphenols increased with the addition ofB. oleracea. Data from spectrophotometric analyses of the samples showed high DPPH radical scavenging potential of snacks enriched with 4, 6, and 8% of kale. Snacks enriched with kale contain high level of phenolic acids and, therefore, have great potential to make a valuable source of natural antioxidants. High-temperature short-time extrusion-cooking process had no negative impact on polyphenol’s activity.