bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability-Guaranteed Multiple Cartesian Degrees of Freedom Variable Impedance Control of Hydraulic Manipulators
Authors: Koivumäki Janne , Mattila Jouni
Published: November 2016

Hydraulic manipulators can provide a great power-to-weight ratio compared to their electrical counterparts. However, their closed-loop control is challenging due to their highly nonlinear dynamic behavior. In contact tasks, which are essential for hydraulic manipulators, a need for rigorously addressed manipulator dynamics is substantial. This is because contact dynamics between the manipulator and its environment can be drastic and one identified reason for unstable system behavior is that the manipulator dynamics are not considered rigorously.

This paper proposes a novel variable impedance control method. While the proposed variable impedance law (external control for the manipulator) is generic, it has been developed especially to improve the Cartesian free-space position-tracking accuracy in force-sensorless contact force control with hydraulic manipulators. With the proposed method, the manipulator can be made stiff in free-space motions (enabling accurate free-space position tracking) and compliant in constrained motions. To address the manipulator’s highly nonlinear dynamic behavior, the manipulator’s internal control is designed on the virtual decomposition control (VDC), which has been proven to perform the state-of-the-art control in hydraulic robotic systems. The rigorous stability proof for the proposed method is provided, covering both free-space and constrained motions. The experiments demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method.
Reconstructing focused ion beam current density profile by iterative simulation methodology
Authors: Chang Eddie , Toula Kevin , Ray Valery
Published: November 2016

The authors present a simulation-based methodology for reconstructing the focused ion beam current density profile using sputtering and implantation information available from transmission electron microscopy images of single beam-width lines created using a Ga+ beam on SiO2 substrate. A bi-Gaussian distribution for the ion beam was assumed. Ga+ implantation in fused silica substrate was iteratively simulated sweeping through beams of varying parameters using srim monte carlo software. The resulting lateral distribution and density of the implanted Ga were visualized and compared to the experimental implanted Ga distribution on the cross-section of a physically sputtered line. Beam simulation parameters resulting in a close match between simulated and experimental Ga+ implantation were accepted as describing the primary ion beam. The authors apply the current density distribution of reconstructed beam profile to analyze single beam-width line profiles etched with XeF2 precursor and deposited with W(CO)6 precursor. Results indicate that XeF2 gas assisted etching and W(CO)6 deposition processes were enhanced in the peripheral regions of the Ga+ ion beam which are characterized by low current densities on the order of 1.0 ×10−4 pA/nm2. A similar simulation methodology as presented here can presumably be applied to reconstruct beam current density profiles and applied to characterize gas-assisted processes for arbitrary combinations of primary ion species and gaseous precursors with suitable substrates. This methodology is directly applicable to development of industrial processes using focused ion beams for modification of semiconductor, microelectromechanical systems, microfluidic, and photonics devices.
Gene Function Analysis in the Ubiquitous Human Commensal and Pathogen
Malassezia
Genus
Authors: Ianiri Giuseppe , Averette Anna F. , Kingsbury Joanne M. , Heitman Joseph , Idnurm Alexander
Published: November 2016

The genus
Malassezia
includes 14 species that are found on the skin of humans and animals and are associated with a number of diseases. Recent genome sequencing projects have defined the gene content of all 14 species; however, to date, genetic manipulation has not been possible for any species within this genus. Here, we develop and then optimize molecular tools for the transformation of
Malassezia furfur
and
Malassezia sympodialis
using
Agrobacterium tumefaciens
delivery of transfer DNA (T-DNA) molecules. These T-DNAs can insert randomly into the genome. In the case of
M. furfur
, targeted gene replacements were also achieved via homologous recombination, enabling deletion of the
ADE2
gene for purine biosynthesis and of the
LAC2
gene predicted to be involved in melanin biosynthesis. Hence, the introduction of exogenous DNA and direct gene manipulation are feasible in
Malassezia
species.

IMPORTANCE
Species in the genus
Malassezia
are a defining component of the microbiome of the surface of mammals. They are also associated with a wide range of skin disease symptoms. Many species are difficult to culture
in vitro
, and although genome sequences are available for the species in this genus, it has not been possible to assess gene function to date. In this study, we pursued a series of possible transformation methods and identified one that allows the introduction of DNA into two species of
Malassezia
, including the ability to make targeted integrations into the genome such that genes can be deleted. This research opens a new direction in terms of now being able to analyze gene functions in this little understood genus. These tools will contribute to define the mechanisms that lead to the commensalism and pathogenicity in this group of obligate fungi that are predominant on the skin of mammals.
Medium-chain acyl-Coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD): a cause of severe hypoglycaemia in an apparently well child
Authors: Maduemem Kene Ebuka
Published: November 2016

Medium-chain acyl-Coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD) is a disorder of fatty acid β oxidation inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. The enzyme is useful in hepatic ketogenesis, a major source of energy once hepatic glycogen stores become depleted during prolonged fasting. It is a cause of hypoketotic hypoglycaemia in a previously well child. MCADD is not part of newborn screening in Ireland; children are likely to be missed if routine hypoglycaemic screen is not instituted when blood glucose level is below 2.6 mmol/L. This is a case of an otherwise healthy 23-month-old baby girl who presented with severe hypoglycaemia with some initial diagnostic dilemma.
Utilisation of anti-TNF levels in a UK tertiary IBD centre
Authors: Johnston E L , Warner B D , Digby-Bell J L , Unsworth N , Anderson S , Sanderson J D , Arkir Z , Irving P M
Published: November 2016

Objective

To ascertain how anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) drug and anti-drug antibody levels testing is used in a ‘real-world’ setting to optimise inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment.

Design

Retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected patient data.

Setting

Tertiary IBD centre in London, UK.

Patients

All patients at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals on anti-TNF who had levels measured between the start of testing in 2012 and October 2014.

Interventions

Anti-TNF drug and anti-drug antibody levels as part of routine monitoring.

Main outcome measures

Indication for measuring levels and changes in management made as a result of the levels.

Results

330 infliximab levels were carried out in 199 patients and 143 adalimumab levels were carried out in 103 patients. Levels were primarily done in those with evidence of loss of response; 37% of infliximab levels and 52% of adalimumab levels. Levels resulted in a change in management in 26% of patients in infliximab group and 25% of patients in adalimumab group; however, this was greater in those with loss of response, 62% and 61% respectively. Anti-drug antibodies were detected in 7% of patients.

Conclusions

Our early experience has demonstrated that measuring anti-TNF drug and anti-drug antibody levels can be useful in the optimisation of IBD management. In an increasing number of patients, particularly those with evidence of loss of response, it allows early decisions to be made regarding changing therapy. It also offers the potential for significant cost-saving by preventing pointless dose escalation in the context of therapeutic levels or when high-level anti-drug antibodies are present.
‘Repeat abortion’, a phrase to be avoided? Qualitative insights into labelling and stigma
Authors: Hoggart Lesley , Newton Victoria Louise , Bury Louise
Published: November 2016

Background

In recent years there has been growing international interest in identifying risk factors associated with ‘repeat abortion’, and developing public health initiatives that might reduce the rate. This article draws on a research study looking at young women's abortion experience in England and Wales. The study was commissioned with a specific focus on women who had undergone more than one abortion. We examine what may influence women's post-abortion reproductive behaviour, in addition to exploring abortion-related stigma, in the light of participants' own narratives.

Study design

Mixed-methods research study: a quantitative survey of 430 women aged 16–24 years, and in-depth qualitative interviews with 36 women who had undergone one or more abortions. This article focuses on the qualitative data from two subsets of young women: those we interviewed twice (n=17) and those who had experienced more than one unintended/unwanted pregnancy (n=15).

Results

The qualitative research findings demonstrate the complexity of women's contraceptive histories and reproductive lives, and thus the inherent difficulty of establishing causal patterns for more than one abortion, beyond the obvious observation that contraception was not used, or not used effectively. Women who had experienced more than one abortion did, however, express intensified abortion shame.

Conclusions

This article argues that categorising women who have an abortion in different ways depending on previous episodes is not helpful. It may also be damaging, and generate increased stigma, for women who have more than one abortion.
Variable MR and pathologic patterns of hemorrhage after iodinated contrast infusion in MCA occlusion/reperfusion model
Authors: Morales Humberto , Lu Aigang , Kurosawa Yuko , Clark Joseph F , Tomsick Thomas
Published: November 2016

Objective

To examine the hypothesis that IA reperfusion with iso-osmolar iodixanol, low-osmolar iopamidol, or saline causes different effects on MR signal changes and pathologic cut-brain section related to hemorrhagic transformation (HT) or iodinated radiographic contrast media (IRCM) deposition.

Methods

Infarct was induced in 30 rats by middle cerebral artery suture occlusion. Reperfusion was performed after 5 hours with iso-osmolar iodixanol (n=9), low-osmolar iopamidol (n=12) or saline (n=9). MR images were obtained immediately after reperfusion and rats were sacrificed at 24 hours. Hypointense areas within the infarction on T2-weighted (T2-WI) or gradient echo (GRE) images were recorded and compared with HT on pathology. Fisher's exact test was used for proportions, and receiver operator curve analysis to evaluate MRI discrimination of hemorrhage.

Results

Two types of HT were noted on pathology: confluent >0.2 mm petechial hemorrhage (PeH, 78%) or well-defined ≤0.2 mm hemorrhagic focus (HF, 22%). PeH was least common in the iodixanol subgroup (p<0.02). HF was more common in the IRCM group. Hypointense areas on T2-WI but not on GRE were significantly more common in the IRCM group (p<0.05). Hypointense areas on T2-WI and GRE discriminated HT (area under the curve: 0.714, p<0.002).

Conclusions

IRCM and saline induced different MRI signal and pathologic patterns in our sample. We postulate that T2 hypointensity with no GRE hypointensity might be associated with IRCM deposition; and decreased frequency of PeH after iodixanol infusion and the presence of HF almost exclusively in the IRCM group might represent a direct/indirect effect of contrast infusion/deposition in the brain parenchyma after reperfusion. Our results support previous observations in IMS III and are hypothesis generating.
A REACTION–DIFFUSION MODEL FOR THE CONTROL OF CHOLERA EPIDEMIC
Authors: MISRA A. K. , GUPTA ALOK
Published: November 2016

Understanding the spatio-temporal dynamics of cholera outbreaks may help in devising more effective control procedures. In this paper, we have considered a reaction–diffusion system for biological control of cholera epidemic. Firstly, we have focused on temporal evolution of cholera in a region and its control using lytic bacteriophage in the aquatic reservoirs. Then, we have explored the effect of spatial dispersion of populations on the disease dynamics. We have observed the onset of sustained oscillations via Hopf-bifurcation for the endemic state of temporal system. This onset of fluctuations in populations depends upon the phage adsorption rate. But in the spatially extended setting, all the populations stabilize i.e., the spatio-temporal distribution of all the populations becomes uniform. Some numerical computations have been done to verify analytical results.
Techniques to identify and temporally correlate calcium transients between multiple regions of interest in vertebrate neural circuits
Authors: Sorensen Julian , Wiklendt Lukasz , Hibberd Tim , Costa Marcello , Spencer Nick J.
Published: November 2016

Calcium imaging is commonly used to record dynamic changes in excitability from axons or cell bodies in the nervous system of vertebrates. These recordings often reveal discrete calcium transients that have variable amplitudes, durations, and rates of rise and decay, all of which can arise from an unstable or “noisy” baseline. This often leads to considerable ambiguity about how to discriminate and quantify calcium transients. We describe an analytical methodology that objectively identifies multiple calcium transients from multiple recording sites and quantifies the degree of temporal synchrony between each event. The methodology consists of multiple steps. The first step involves baselining, to either preserve the underlying shape of calcium transients or remove unwanted frequency components and transform the peaks of calcium transients into more easily detectable patterns. The second step is the application of at least one of two different spike detection algorithms, one based on a gradient estimate and the other on template matching. The third step is the quantification of synchrony between pairs of recordings using at least one of two time lag correlation measures. The fourth step is the identification of statistically significant coincident firing patterns. This allows discrimination of neuronal firing patterns between different sites that appear to occur simultaneously and that statistically could not be attributed to chance. The analytical methods we have demonstrated can be applied not only to calcium imaging but also to many other physiological recordings, where discrimination and temporal correlation of biological signals from multiple sites is required, particularly when arising from unstable baselines, with variable signal-to-noise ratios.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Dynamic imaging of intracellular calcium is commonly used to record changes in excitability in central and peripheral neurons. We describe a novel analytical methodology that objectively discriminates calcium transients from low signal-to-noise recordings from multiple sites and quantifies the degree of temporal synchrony between events. These new methods can be applied not only to calcium imaging but also to many other physiological recordings where discrimination and temporal correlation of biological signals from multiple sites is required.
Preventive Effect of Salicylate and Pyridoxamine on Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Abouzed Tarek Kamal , Munesue Seiichi , Harashima Ai , Masuo Yusuke , Kato Yukio , Khailo Khaled , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Yamamoto Yasuhiko
Published: November 2016

Objective. Diabetic nephropathy is a life-threatening complication in patients with long-standing diabetes. Hemodynamic, inflammatory, and metabolic factors are considered as developmental factors for diabetic nephropathy. In this study, we evaluated whether pharmacological interventions with salicylate, compared to pyridoxamine, could prevent diabetic nephropathy in mice. Methods. Male mice overexpressing inducible nitric oxide synthase in pancreatic β-cells were employed as a diabetic model. Salicylate (3 g/kg diet) or pyridoxamine (1 g/L drinking water; ~200 mg/kg/day) was given for 16 weeks to assess the development of diabetic nephropathy. Treatment with long-acting insulin (Levemir 2 units/kg twice a day) was used as a control. Results. Although higher blood glucose levels were not significantly affected by pyridoxamine, early to late stage indices of nephropathy were attenuated, including kidney enlargement, albuminuria, and increased serum creatinine, glomerulosclerosis, and inflammatory and profibrotic gene expressions. Salicylate showed beneficial effects on diabetic nephropathy similar to those of pyridoxamine, which include lowering blood glucose levels and inhibiting macrophage infiltration into the kidneys. Attenuation of macrophage infiltration into the kidneys and upregulation of antiglycating enzyme glyoxalase 1 gene expression were found only in the salicylate treatment group. Conclusions. Treatment with salicylate and pyridoxamine could prevent the development of diabetic nephropathy in mice and, therefore, would be a potentially useful therapeutic strategy against kidney problems in patients with diabetes.
Operating System Concepts for Reconfigurable Computing: Review and Survey
Authors: Eckert Marcel , Meyer Dominik , Haase Jan , Klauer Bernd
Published: November 2016

One of the key future challenges for reconfigurable computing is to enable higher design productivity and a more easy way to use reconfigurable computing systems for users that are unfamiliar with the underlying concepts. One way of doing this is to provide standardization and abstraction, usually supported and enforced by an operating system. This article gives historical review and a summary on ideas and key concepts to include reconfigurable computing aspects in operating systems. The article also presents an overview on published and available operating systems targeting the area of reconfigurable computing. The purpose of this article is to identify and summarize common patterns among those systems that can be seen as de facto standard. Furthermore, open problems, not covered by these already available systems, are identified.
Postoperative Complications of Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy versus Open Total Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer in a Meta-Analysis of High-Quality Case-Controlled Studies
Authors: Inokuchi Mikito , Otsuki Sho , Ogawa Norihito , Tanioka Toshiro , Okuno Keisuke , Gokita Kentaro , Kawano Tatsuyuki , Kojima Kazuyuki
Published: November 2016

Background. Some meta-analyses of case-controlled studies (CCSs) have shown that laparoscopic or laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy (LTG) had some short-term advantages over open total gastrectomy (OTG). However, postoperative complications differed somewhat among the meta-analyses, and some CCSs included in the meta-analyses had mismatched factors between LTG and OTG. Methods. CCSs comparing postoperative complications between LTG and OTG were identified in PubMed and Embase. Studies matched for patients’ status, tumor stage, and the extents of lymph-node dissection were included. Outcomes of interest, such as anastomotic, other intra-abdominal, wound, and pulmonary complications, were evaluated in a meta-analysis performed using Review Manager version 5.3 software. Result. This meta-analysis included a total of 2,560 patients (LTG, 1,073 patients; OTG, 1,487 patients) from 15 CCSs. Wound complications were significantly less frequent in LTG than in OTG (n = 2,430; odds ratio [OR] 0.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.29–0.85, P=0.01, I2 = 0%, and OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.17–0.52, P<0.0001, I2 = 0%). However, the incidence of anastomotic complications was slightly but not significantly higher in LTG than in OTG (n = 2,560; OR 1.44, 95% CI 0.96–2.16, P=0.08, I2 = 0%). Conclusion. LTG was associated with a lower incidence of wound-related postoperative complications than was OTG in this meta-analysis of CCSs; however, some concern remains about anastomotic problems associated with LTG.
Platelets miRNA as a Prediction Marker of Thrombotic Episodes
Authors: Bijak Michal , Dzieciol Malgorzata , Rywaniak Joanna , Saluk Joanna , Zielinska Marzenna
Published: November 2016

The blood platelets are crucial for the coagulation physiology to maintain haemostatic balance and are involved in various pathologies such as atherosclerosis and thrombosis. The studies of recent years have shown that anucleated platelets are able to succeed protein synthesis. Additionally, mRNA translation in blood platelets is regulated by miRNA molecules. Recent works postulate the possibility of using miRNAs as biomarkers of atherosclerosis and ischemic episodes. This review article describes clinical studies that presented blood platelets miRNAs expression profile changes in different thrombotic states, which suggest use of these molecules as predictive biomarkers.
Limbal Stem Cells from Aged Donors Are a Suitable Source for Clinical Application
Authors: Nieto-Nicolau Nuria , Martínez-Conesa Eva M. , Casaroli-Marano Ricardo P.
Published: November 2016

Limbal stem cells (LSC) are the progenitor cells that maintain the transparency of the cornea. Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) leads to corneal opacity, inflammation, scarring, and blindness. A clinical approach to treat this condition consists in LSC transplantation (LSCT) after ex vivo expansion of LSC. In unilateral LSCD, an autologous transplant is possible, but cases of bilateral LSCD require allogenic LSCT. Cadaveric donors represent the most important source of LSC allografts for treatment of bilateral LSCD when living relative donors are not available. To evaluate the suitability of aged cadaveric donors for LSCT, we compared three pools of LSC from donors of different ages (<60 years, 60–75 years, and >75 years). We evaluated graft quality in terms of percent of p63‐positive (p63+) cells by immunofluorescence, colony forming efficiency, and mRNA and protein expression of p63, PAX6, Wnt7a, E‐cadherin, and cytokeratin (CK) 12, CK3, and CK19. The results showed that LSC cultures from aged donors can express ≥3% of p63+ cells—considered as the minimum value for predicting favorable clinical outcomes after LSCT—suggesting that these cells could be a suitable source of LSC for transplantation. Our results also indicate the need to evaluate LSC graft quality criteria for each donor.
A New Efficient Algorithm for the 2D WLP-FDTD Method Based on Domain Decomposition Technique
Authors: Xu Bo-Ao , Duan Yan-Tao , Chen Bin , Yi Yun , Luo Kang
Published: November 2016

This letter introduces a new efficient algorithm for the two-dimensional weighted Laguerre polynomials finite difference time-domain (WLP-FDTD) method based on domain decomposition scheme. By using the domain decomposition finite difference technique, the whole computational domain is decomposed into several subdomains. The conventional WLP-FDTD and the efficient WLP-FDTD methods are, respectively, used to eliminate the splitting error and speed up the calculation in different subdomains. A joint calculation scheme is presented to reduce the amount of calculation. Through our work, the iteration is not essential to obtain the accurate results. Numerical example indicates that the efficiency and accuracy are improved compared with the efficient WLP-FDTD method.
Rhinosporidiosis: A Rare Cause of Proptosis and an Imaging Dilemma for Sinonasal Masses
Authors: Dey Amit Kumar , Sharma Rajaram , Mittal Kartik , Kumar Puneeth , Murumkar Vivek , Mitkar Sumit , Hira Priya
Published: November 2016

Background.Rhinosporidiosis is a common disease entity in tropical countries; however, it can be encountered in other parts of the world as well due to increasing medical tourism. It may mimic other more malignant and vigorous pathologies of the involved part.Case Report.We present a case of a 36-year-old male presenting with proptosis due to involvement of nasolacrimal duct which is rare. We will discuss typical CT and MRI features of the disease which were present in the case.Conclusion.For a surgeon and a radiologist, this is a necessary differential to be kept in mind for sinonasal masses. CT and MRI are invaluable investigations. However, FNAC is confirmatory. Both clinical and radiological aspects are required to reach correct diagnosis.
Photooxidation of Toluene: Correlation of Noble Metal Loading on Titania and Activation Energy
Authors: ur Rashid Haroon , Sadiq Mohammad , Abid Zia Muhammad , Sadiq Saima , Sohail Ahmad M. , Aman Razia , Humayun Muhammad , Ali Rahmat
Published: November 2016

A series of platinum and palladium supported on titania catalysts were prepared by wet impregnation method with the Pt or Pd loading varying in the range of 0.1–1.2 weight percent. The catalysts were characterized by SEM, EDX, XRF, XRD, FT-IR, and BET surface area analysis. The catalysts were tested for their efficiency in the liquid phase solvent-free photooxidation of toluene to benzyl alcohol and benzaldehyde in the presence of molecular oxygen. The effect of noble metal contents on the activation energy was studied. Activation energy was found to be in a reciprocal relation to the platinum or palladium content of the catalyst. The percent conversion of toluene was observed to increase in response to an increase in the metal loading on titania. The apparent quantum yield, however, was independent of the platinum or palladium content of the catalyst.
Concomitant Prevalence of Low Serum Diamine Oxidase Activity and Carbohydrate Malabsorption
Authors: Enko Dietmar , Meinitzer Andreas , Mangge Harald , Kriegshäuser Gernot , Halwachs-Baumann Gabriele , Reininghaus Eva Z. , Bengesser Susanne A. , Schnedl Wolfgang J.
Published: November 2016

The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the concomitant prevalence rates for lactose malabsorption (LM), fructose malabsorption (FM), and histamine intolerance (HI) in patients with so far unexplained gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. A total of 439 outpatients, who presented unclear abdominal discomfort, underwent lactose (50 g) and fructose (25 g) hydrogen (H2) breath tests. Additionally, serum diamine oxidase (DAO) measurements were performed. Individuals with low serum DAO activity (<10 U/mL), GI symptoms, and response to histamine-free diet were diagnosed with HI. Of all 439 patients, 341 (77.7%) were found with 7 various GI conditions. In total, 94 (21.4%), 31 (7.1%), and 100 (22.8%) individuals presented LM, FM, or HI only, whereas 116 (26.4%) patients showed an overlap of GI entities investigated here. Interestingly, 89 out of 241 (36.9%) individuals with carbohydrate malabsorption were also diagnosed with HI (LM + HI: 52 [11.8%], FM + HI: 23 [5.2%], and LM + FM + HI 14 [3.2%] individuals). In conclusion different combinations of LM, FM, and HI are present in individuals with unclear abdominal discomfort/pain. In clinical practice we suggest testing for LM, FM, and additional HI in the diagnostic work-up of these patients. Depending on these various diagnoses possible, patients should get an individualized dietary advice.
A Tokenization-Based Communication Architecture for HCE-Enabled NFC Services
Authors: Ozdenizci Busra , Ok Kerem , Coskun Vedat
Published: November 2016

Following the announcement of Host Card Emulation (HCE) technology, card emulation mode based Near Field Communication (NFC) services have gained further appreciation as an enabler of the Cloud-based Secure Element (SE) concept. A comprehensive and complete architecture with a centralized and feasible business model for diverse HCE-based NFC services will be highly appreciated, particularly by Service Providers and users. To satisfy the need in this new emerging research area, a Tokenization-based communication architecture for HCE-based NFC services is presented in this paper. Our architecture proposes Two-Phased Tokenization to enable the identity management of both user and Service Provider. NFC Smartphone users can store, manage, and make use of their sensitive data on the Cloud for NFC services; Service Providers can also provide diverse card emulation NFC services easily through the proposed architecture. In this paper, we initially present the Two-Phased Tokenization model and then validate the proposed architecture by providing a case study on access control. We further evaluate the usability aspect in terms of an authentication scheme. We then discuss the ecosystem and business model comprised of the proposed architecture and emphasize the contributions to ecosystem actors. Finally, suggestions are provided for data protection in transit and at rest.
Lumbar Herniation of Kidney following Iliac Crest Bone Harvest
Authors: Willcox Michael Justin
Published: November 2016

The iliac crest is a popular source for autogenous bone harvesting, but the process is rife with complications. This case report presents a patient that experienced incisional lumbar herniation of her kidney following an iliac crest bone harvesting procedure. A discussion is included on the underappreciated complications of this procedure and recommendations for improving outcomes with more thorough evaluation and documentation.
Factors Affecting Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting of Healthcare Professionals and Their Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice towards ADR Reporting in Nekemte Town, West Ethiopia
Authors: Gurmesa Lense Temesgen , Dedefo Mohammed Gebre
Published: November 2016

Background. Adverse drug reactions are global problems of major concern. Adverse drug reaction reporting helps the drug monitoring system to detect the unwanted effects of those drugs which are already in the market. Aims. To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of health care professionals working in Nekemte town towards adverse drug reaction reporting. Methods and Materials. A cross-sectional study design was conducted on a total of 133 health care professionals by interview to assess their knowledge, attitude, and practice using structured questionnaire. Results. Of the total respondents, only 64 (48.2%), 56 (42.1%), and 13 (9.8%) health care professionals have correctly answered the knowledge, attitude, and practice assessment questions, respectively. Lack of awareness and knowledge on what, when, and to whom to report adverse drug reactions and lack of commitments of health care professionals were identified as the major discouraging factors against adverse drug reaction reporting. Conclusion. This study has revealed that the knowledge, attitude, and practice of the health care professionals working in Nekemte town towards spontaneous adverse drug reaction reporting were low that we would like to recommend the concerned bodies to strive on the improvement of the knowledge, attitude, and practice status of health care professionals.
Influence of Concentration and Electrodeposition Time on the Electrochemical Supercapacitor Performance of Poly(3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene)/Graphene Oxide Hybrid Material
Authors: Azman Nur Hawa Nabilah , Lim Hong Ngee , Sulaiman Yusran
Published: November 2016

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/graphene oxide (PEDOT/GO) composites with wrinkled paper-like sheets morphology were electropolymerized potentiostatically at 1.2 V with different electrodeposition times (1–30 min) and various concentrations of GO (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mg/mL). The electrochemical properties of PEDOT/GO composites as an electrode material for supercapacitor were investigated using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD). The CV results revealed that PEDOT/GO containing 1.0 mg/mL GO and electropolymerized for 10 minutes exhibited the highest specific capacitance (157.17 F/g). This optimum PEDOT/GO was found to have energy and power density of 18.24 W/kg and 496.64 Wh/kg, respectively, at 1.0 A/g current density. The resistance of charge transfer obtained for PEDOT/GO is very low (13.10 Ω) compared to PEDOT (638.98 Ω), proving that PEDOT/GO has a good supercapacitive performance due to the synergistic effect of the high conductivity of PEDOT and large surface area of GO.
Rare Site of Ectopic Pregnancy in a Patient with Bicornuate Uterus
Authors: Shehata Ayman , El Namoury Mohamed , Heider Mostafa
Published: November 2016

Ectopic pregnancy occurs in about 1-2% in normal cycles but in IVF cycles the rate jumps to 4%. No definite cause for ectopic pregnancy was detected, but many risk factors were described as abnormal tube, pelvic infection, or surgery. In this case report we found 2 abnormalities in eight-year infertile woman; the first abnormality was bicornuate uterus and the second abnormality was the site of ectopic pregnancy which was in between the two horns of uterus. ‎This is the only case reported with primary abdominal pregnancy with bicornuate uterus and both healthy ovaries and tubes.‎ The case was unstable and managed by laparotomy and repair of ectopic site after enucleation of sac using Vicryl 2/0. The case was discharged 24 hours after operation in good health.
Deferoxamine Suppresses Collagen Cleavage and Protease, Cytokine, and COL10A1 Expression and Upregulates AMPK and Krebs Cycle Genes in Human Osteoarthritic Cartilage
Authors: Tchetina Elena V. , Markova Galina A. , Poole A. Robin , Zukor David J. , Antoniou John , Makarov Sergey A. , Kuzin Aleksandr N.
Published: November 2016

This study reports the effects of the iron chelator deferoxamine (DFO) on collagen cleavage, inflammation, and chondrocyte hypertrophy in relation to energy metabolism-related gene expression in osteoarthritic (OA) articular cartilage. Full-depth explants of human OA knee articular cartilage from arthroplasty were cultured with exogenous DFO (1–50 μM). Type II collagen cleavage and phospho-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (pAMPK) concentrations were measured using ELISAs. Gene expression studies employed real-time PCR and included AMPK analyses in PBMCs. In OA explants collagen cleavage was frequently downregulated by 10–50 μM DFO. PCR analysis of 7 OA patient cartilages revealed that 10 μM DFO suppressed expression of MMP-1, MMP-13, IL-1β, and TNFαand a marker of chondrocyte hypertrophy, COL10A1. No changes were observed in the expression of glycolysis-related genes. In contrast, expressions of genes associated with the mitochondrial Krebs cycle (TCA), AMPK, HIF1α, and COL2A1 were upregulated. AMPK gene expression was reduced in OA cartilage and increased in PBMCs from the same patients compared to healthy controls. Our studies demonstrate that DFO is capable of suppressing excessive collagenase-mediated type II collagen cleavage in OA cartilage and reversing phenotypic changes. The concomitant upregulation of proanabolic TCA-related gene expressions points to a potential for availability of energy generating substrates required for matrix repair by end-stage OA chondrocytes. This might normally be prevented by high whole-body energy requirements indicated by elevated AMPK expression in PBMCs of OA patients.
Clinical and Preclinical Cognitive Function Improvement after Oral Treatment of a Botanical Composition Composed of Extracts fromScutellaria baicalensisandAcacia catechu
Authors: Yimam Mesfin , Burnett Bruce P. , Brownell Lidia , Jia Qi
Published: November 2016

Dementia and cognitive impairment have become the major concerns worldwide due to a significantly aging population, increasing life span and lack of effective pharmacotherapy. In light of limited pharmaceutical drug choices and the socioeconomic implications of these conditions, the search for safe and effective alternatives from natural sources has gained many attractions within the medical food and dietary supplement industry. Two polyphenol extracts derived from roots ofScutellaria baicalensisand heartwoods ofAcacia catechucontaining free-B-ring flavonoids and flavans, respectively, were combined into a proprietary blend called UP326. A similar bioflavonoid composition, UP446, has been reported with modulation of pathways related to systemic inflammation. To test the effect of UP326 on memory and learning, a radial arm water maze (RAWM) and contextual fear conditioning (CF) were utilized in aged F344 rats fed with UP326 at doses of 3, 7, and 34 mg/kg for 11 weeks. The 7 and 34 mg/kg dosage groups had significantly fewer errors than aged vehicle control animals and their performance was equivalent to young animal controls. In a separate human clinical trial, test subjects orally given 300 mg of UP326 BID for 30 days showed marked improvement in speed and accuracy of processing complex information in computer tasks and reduced their standard deviation of performance compared to baseline and the placebo group. This data suggest that UP326 may help maintain memory, sustain speed of processing, and reduce the number or memory errors as we age.
Lamotrigine Reduces Inflammatory Response and Ameliorates Executive Function Deterioration in an Alzheimer’s-Like Mouse Model
Authors: Wang Kexin , Fernandez-Escobar Alejandro , Han Shuhong , Zhu Ping , Wang Jun-Hui , Sun Yu
Published: November 2016

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been described in the literature, to be associated with impairment of executive function which develops early in the course of disease, and an effective treatment for this clinical feature remains elusive. Preclinical studies have implied that lamotrigine, an antiepileptic agent, could be a potential treatment for executive dysfunction in AD patients. Although there have been promising results in previous studies with lamotrigine, executive function has never been measured using animal models. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of lamotrigine on executive function and determine whether lamotrigine can attenuate inflammatory response in an AD mouse model. Nontransgenic and transgenic mice were treated with lamotrigine (0 or 30 mg/kg/day) in a standard laboratory chow diet starting at 3 months of age. After 6 months of continuous lamotrigine administration, there was a marked improvement in executive function and a significant attenuation in the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. These results suggest that lamotrigine could ameliorate executive dysfunction and brain inflammatory response in the mouse model of AD and early lamotrigine intervention may be a promising therapeutic strategy for AD.
Impact of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease on Long-Term Outcome in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Zhang Ming , Cheng Yun-Jiu , Zheng Wei-ping , Liu Guang-Hui , Chen Huai-Sheng , Ning Yu , Zhao Xin , Su Li-Xiao , Liu Li-juan
Published: November 2016

Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between COPD and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebral events (MACCE) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Methods. 2,362 patients who underwent PCI were included in this study. Subjects were divided into 2 groups: with COPD (n=233) and without COPD (n= 2,129). Cox proportional hazards models were analyzed to determine the effect of COPD on the incidence of MACCE.Results. The patients with COPD were older (P<0.0001) and were more likely to be current smokers (P=0.02) and have had hypertension (P=0.02) and diabetes mellitus (P=0.01). Prevalence of serious cardiovascular comorbidity was higher in the patients with COPD, including a history of MI (P=0.02) and HF (P<0.0001). Compared with non-COPD group, the COPD group showed a higher risk of all-cause death (hazard ratio (HR): 2.45,P<0.0001), cardiac death (HR: 2.53,P=0.0002), MI (HR: 1.387,P=0.027), and HF (HR: 2.25,P<0.0001).Conclusions. Patients with CAD and concomitant COPD are associated with a higher incidence of MACCE (all-cause death, cardiac death, MI, and HF) compared to patients without COPD. The patients with a history of COPD have higher in-hospital and long-term mortality rates than those without COPD after PCI.
Changing States of Multistage Process Chains
Authors: Wuest Thorsten , Irgens Christopher , Thoben Klaus-Dieter
Published: November 2016

Generally, a process describes a change of state of some kind (state transformation). This state change occurs from an initial state to a concluding state. Here, the authors take a step back and take a holistic look at generic processes and process sequences from a state perspective. The novel perspective this concept introduces is that the processes and their parameters are not the priority; they are rather included in the analysis by implication. A supervised machine learning based feature ranking method is used to identify and rank relevant state characteristics and thereby the processes’ inter- and intrarelationships. This is elaborated with simplified examples of possible applications from different domains to make the theoretical concept and results more feasible for readers from varying domains. The presented concept allows for a holistic description and analysis of complex, multistage processes sequences. This stands especially true for process chains where interrelations between processes and states, processes and processes, or states and states are not fully understood, thus where there is a lack of knowledge regarding causations, in dynamic, complex, and high-dimensional environments.
IWKNN: An Effective Bluetooth Positioning Method Based on Isomap and WKNN
Authors: Wang Qi , Feng Yingying , Zhang Xiangde , Sun Yanrui , Lu Xiaojun
Published: November 2016

Recently, Bluetooth-based indoor positioning has become a hot research topic. However, the instability of Bluetooth RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) promotes a huge challenge in localization accuracy. To improve the localization accuracy, this paper measures the distance of RSSI vectors on their low-dimensional manifold and proposes a novel positioning method IWKNN (Isomap-based Weighted K-Nearest Neighbor). The proposed method firstly uses Isomap to generate low-dimensional embedding for RSSI vectors. Then, the distance of two given RSSI vectors is measured by Euclidean distance of their low-dimensional embeddings. Finally, the position is calculated by WKNN. Experiment indicates that the proposed approach is more robust and accurate.
Influence of Binasal and Uninasal Inhalations of Essential Oil ofAbies koreanaTwigs on Electroencephalographic Activity of Human
Authors: Seo Min , Sowndhararajan Kandhasamy , Kim Songmun
Published: November 2016

Objectives. The present work investigates the effect of essential oil from the twigs ofAbies koreanaon electroencephalographic (EEG) activity of human brain in order to understand the influence of binasal and uninasal inhalations.Methods. To accomplish this study, the essential oil from the twigs ofA. koreana(AEO) was isolated by steam distillation and the EEG readings were recorded using QEEG-8 system from 8 grounding electrodes according to the International 10-20 System.Results. D-Limonene (25.29%), bornyl acetate (19.31%), camphene (12.48%),α-pinene (11.88%),β-pinene (6.45%), and eudesm-7(11)-en-ol (5.38%) were the major components in the essential oil. In the EEG study, the absolute alpha (left frontal and right parietal) and absolute fast alpha (right parietal) values significantly increased during the binasal inhalation of AEO. In the uninasal inhalation, absolute beta and theta values decreased significantly, especially in the right frontal and left and right parietal regions. The results revealed that the AEO produced different EEG power spectrum changes according to the nostril difference.Conclusion. The changes in EEG values due to the inhalation of AEO may contribute to the enhancement of relaxation (binasal inhalation) and alertness/attention (right uninasal inhalation) states of brain which could be used in aromatherapy treatments.
Effects of Lipoic Acid Supplementation on Activities of Cyclooxygenases and Levels of Prostaglandins E2and F2αMetabolites, in the Offspring of Rats with Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes
Authors: Al-Matubsi Hisham Y. , Oriquat Ghaleb A. , Abu-Samak Mahmoud , Al Hanbali Othman A. , Salim Maher D.
Published: November 2016

Background.Our aim was to evaluate the protective effect of lipoic acid (LA) on fetal outcome of diabetic mothers.Methods.Diabetes was induced in female rats using streptozotocin and rats were made pregnant. Pregnant control (group 1;n=9; and group 2;n=7) or pregnant diabetic (group 3;n=10; and group 4;n=8) rats were treated daily with either LA (groups 2 and 4) or vehicle (groups 1 and 3) between gestational days 0 and 15. On day 15 of gestation, the fetuses, placentas, and membranes were dissected, examined morphologically, and then homogenized, to measure cyclooxygenase (COX) activities and metabolisms of prostaglandin (PG) E2(PGEM) and PGF2α(PGFM) levels. The level of total glutathione was measured in the maternal liver and plasma and in all fetuses.Results.Supplementation of diabetic rats with LA was found to significantly (p<0.05) reduce resorption rates in diabetic rats and led to a significant (p<0.05) increase in liver, plasma, and fetuses total glutathione from LA-TD rats as compared to those from V-TD. Decreased levels of PGEM and elevated levels of PGFM in the fetuses, placentas, and membranes were characteristic of experimental diabetic gestation associated with malformation. The levels of PGEM in malformed fetuses from LA-TD mothers was significantly (p<0.05) higher than those in malformed fetuses from V-TD rats.Conclusions.LA treatment did not completely prevent the occurrence of malformations. Thus, other factors may be involved in the pathogenesis of the diabetes-induced congenital malformations.
Heat and Mass Transfer on Squeezing Unsteady MHD Nanofluid Flow between Parallel Plates with Slip Velocity Effect
Authors: Singh Khilap , Rawat Sawan K. , Kumar Manoj
Published: November 2016

Heat and mass transfer behavior of unsteady flow of squeezing nanofluids between two parallel plates in the sight of uniform magnetic field with slip velocity effect is investigated. The governing equations representing fluid flow have been transformed into nonlinear ordinary differential equations using similarity transformation. The equations thus obtained have been solved numerically using Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg method with shooting technique. Effects on the behavior of velocity, temperature, and concentration for various values of relevant parameters are illustrated graphically. The skin-friction coefficient and heat and mass transfer rate are also tabulated for various governing parameters. The results indicate that, for nanofluid flow, the rates of heat and mass transfer are inversely proportional to nanoparticle volume fraction and magnetic parameter. The rate of mass transfer increases with increasing values of Schmidt number and squeeze number.
Clinically Meaningful Use of Blood Tumor Markers in Oncology
Authors: Holdenrieder Stefan , Pagliaro Lance , Morgenstern David , Dayyani Farshid
Published: November 2016

Before the introduction of modern imaging techniques and the recent developments in molecular diagnosis, tumor markers (TMs) were among the few available diagnostic tools for the management of cancer patients. Easily obtained from serum or plasma samples, TMs are minimally invasive and convenient, and the associated costs are low. Single TMs were traditionally used but these have come under scrutiny due to their low sensitivity and specificity when used, for example, in a screening setting. However, recent research has shown superior performance using a combination of multiple TMs as a panel for assessment, or as part of validated algorithms that also incorporate other clinical factors. In addition, newer TMs have been discovered that have an increased sensitivity and specificity profile for defined malignancies. The aim of this review is to provide a concise overview of the appropriate uses of both traditional and newer TMs and their roles in diagnosis, prognosis, and the monitoring of patients in current clinical practice. We also look at the future direction of TMs and their integration with other diagnostic modalities and other emerging serum based biomarkers, such as circulating nucleic acids, to ultimately advance diagnostic performance and improve patient management.