bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The N Terminus of Human Cytomegalovirus Glycoprotein O Is Important for Binding to the Cellular Receptor PDGFRα
Authors: Stegmann Cora , Rothemund Franziska , Laib Sampaio Kerstin , Adler Barbara , Sinzger Christian
Published: March 2019

The human cytomegalovirus is a highly prevalent pathogen that can cause severe disease in immunocompromised hosts. Currently used drugs successfully target the viral replication within the host cell, but their use is restricted due to side effects and the development of resistance. An alternative approach is the inhibition of virus entry, for which understanding the details of the initial virus-cell interaction is desirable. As binding of the viral gH/gL/gO complex to the cellular PDGFRα drives infection of fibroblasts, this is a potential target for inhibition of infection. Our mutational mapping approach suggests the N terminus as the receptor binding portion of the protein. The respective mutants were partially resistant to inhibition by PDGFRα-Fc but also attenuated for infection of fibroblasts, indicating that such mutations have little if any benefit for the virus. These findings highlight the potential of targeting the interaction of gH/gL/gO with PDGFRα for therapeutic inhibition of HCMV.
Herpes Simplex Virus 2 in Autonomic Ganglia: Evidence for Spontaneous Reactivation
Authors: Pieknik Julianna R. , Bertke Andrea S. , Krause Philip R.
Published: March 2019

HSV-2 is a ubiquitous important human pathogen that causes recurrent infections for the life of its host. We hypothesized that the autonomic ganglia have important roles in viral reactivation, and this study sought to determine whether this is correct in the clinically relevant guinea pig vaginal infection model. Our findings indicate that sympathetic ganglia are sources of reactivating virus, helping explain how the virus causes lifelong recurrent disease.
Glu-108 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rad51 Is Critical for DNA Damage-Induced Nuclear Function
Authors: Suhane Tanvi , Bindumadhavan Vijayalakshmi , Fangaria Nupur , Nair Achuthsankar S. , Tabassum Wahida , Muley Poorvaja , Bhattacharyya Mrinal K. , Bhattacharyya Sunanda
Published: March 2019

Rad51-mediated homologous recombination is the major mechanism for repairing DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair in cancer cells. Thus, regulating Rad51 activity could be an attractive target. The sequential assembly and disassembly of Rad51 to the broken DNA ends depend on reversible protein-protein interactions. Here, we discovered that a dynamic interaction with molecular chaperone Hsp90 is one such regulatory event that governs the recruitment of Rad51 onto the damaged DNA. We uncovered that Rad51 associates with Hsp90, and upon DNA damage, this complex dissociates to facilitate the loading of Rad51 onto broken DNA. In a mutant where such dissociation is incomplete, the occupancy of Rad51 at the broken DNA is partial, which results in inefficient DNA repair. Thus, it is reasonable to propose that any small molecule that may alter the dynamics of the Rad51-Hsp90 interaction is likely to impact DSB repair in cancer cells.
Meaning making And Generativity In Children and Young people with Life limiting conditions (MAGICYL)
Authors: Watts Lucy , Rodriguez Alison , Tatterton Michael , McSherry Wilfred , Smith Joanna
Published: March 2019

EBN engages readers through a range of Online social media activities to debate issues important to nurses and nursing. EBN Opinion papers highlight and expand on these debates.
Alternative splicing and ACMG-AMP-2015-based classification of PALB2 genetic variants: an ENIGMA report
Authors: Lopez-Perolio Irene , Leman Raphaël , Behar Raquel , Lattimore Vanessa , Pearson John F , Castéra Laurent , Martins Alexandra , Vaur Dominique , Goardon Nicolas , Davy Grégoire , Garre Pilar , García-Barberán Vanesa , Llovet Patricia , Pérez-Segura Pedro , Díaz-Rubio Eduardo , Caldés Trinidad , Hruska Kathleen S , Hsuan Vickie , Wu Sitao , Pesaran Tina , Karam Rachid , Vallon-Christersson Johan , Borg Ake , Investigators kConFab , Valenzuela-Palomo Alberto , Velasco Eladio A , Southey Melissa , Vreeswijk Maaike P G , Devilee Peter , Kvist Anders , Spurdle Amanda B , Walker Logan C , Krieger Sophie , de la Hoya Miguel
Published: March 2019

Background

PALB2 monoallelic loss-of-function germ-line variants confer a breast cancer risk comparable to the average BRCA2 pathogenic variant. Recommendations for risk reduction strategies in carriers are similar. Elaborating robust criteria to identify loss-of-function variants in PALB2—without incurring overprediction—is thus of paramount clinical relevance. Towards this aim, we have performed a comprehensive characterisation of alternative splicing in PALB2, analysing its relevance for the classification of truncating and splice site variants according to the 2015 American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics-Association for Molecular Pathology guidelines.

Methods

Alternative splicing was characterised in RNAs extracted from blood, breast and fimbriae/ovary-related human specimens (n=112). RNAseq, RT-PCR/CE and CloneSeq experiments were performed by five contributing laboratories. Centralised revision/curation was performed to assure high-quality annotations. Additional splicing analyses were performed in PALB2 c.212–1G>A, c.1684+1G>A, c.2748+2T>G, c.3113+5G>A, c.3350+1G>A, c.3350+4A>C and c.3350+5G>A carriers. The impact of the findings on PVS1 status was evaluated for truncating and splice site variant.

Results

We identified 88 naturally occurring alternative splicing events (81 newly described), including 4 in-frame events predicted relevant to evaluate PVS1 status of splice site variants. We did not identify tissue-specific alternate gene transcripts in breast or ovarian-related samples, supporting the clinical relevance of blood-based splicing studies.

Conclusions

PVS1 is not necessarily warranted for splice site variants targeting four PALB2 acceptor sites (exons 2, 5, 7 and 10). As a result, rare variants at these splice sites cannot be assumed pathogenic/likely pathogenic without further evidences. Our study puts a warning in up to five PALB2 genetic variants that are currently reported as pathogenic/likely pathogenic in ClinVar.
Experimental and numerical studies for estimating coefficient of discharge of side compound weir
Authors: Ansari Mujib Ahmad , Hussain Ajmal , Shariq Ali , Alam Fakre
Published: March 2019

A sharp-crested side compound weir is a flow diversion structure provided on one or both side walls of a channel to divert water from the main channel. Compound sharp-crested weirs are widely used in irrigation, hydraulics, and environmental engineering. This article presents results of experimental and numerical studies conducted on sharp-crested side compound weirs in open channels. Owing to the complex mechanism of flow through a side compound weir it is difficult to establish a regression model to accurately predict the coefficient of discharge (Cd). In this study, an alternative approach to the conventional regression modelling in the form of artificial neural network (ANN) has been used to predict the values of Cd. A network architecture with trained values of connection weights and biases is recommended to predict Cd. The input to ANN model consists of grouped parameters pertaining to the ratio of weighted crest height to the length of the side compound weir ([Formula: see text]), the ratio of upstream depth to length of the side compound weir (Y1/L), and upstream Froude number (F1). The results of the ANN model applied herein were found to be superior to those obtained through regression modelling by previous researchers. The sensitivity analysis of the ANN model shows that [Formula: see text] is the most important parameter for the estimation of Cd; followed by Y1/L and F1.
Lack of influence of estrogen on myosin phosphorylation and post-tetanic potentiation in muscles from young adult C57BL mice
Authors: Fillion Melissa , Tiidus Peter M. , Vandenboom Rene
Published: March 2019

Estrogen influences myosin phosphorylation and post-tetanic potentiation in murine fast muscle. We tested the hypothesis that this influence is mediated by estrogen effects on skeletal myosin light chain kinase (skMLCK) activity. To this end, extensor digitorum longus muscles from female wildtype and skMLCK-absent (skMLCK−/−) mice were grouped as follows: ovariectomized with estrogen (E+), ovariectomized without estrogen (E–), sham surgery, and intact baseline. At 8 weeks of age, the ovariectomized groups were ovariectomized followed by implantation of either a 0.1 mg 17β-estradiol (E+) or placebo pellet (E–). Two weeks later, muscles were isolated and suspended in vitro (25° C) for determination of regulatory light chain phosphorylation and post-tetanic potentiation. Regulatory light chain phosphorylation was not different across conditions within either genotype although wildtype values were significantly greater than skMLCK−/−values. Consistent with this, the potentiation of concentric twitch force was similar between E+ and E– groups within each genotype but wildtype values were greater than skMLCK−/−values. However, unaltered estradiol levels following ovariectomy, likely due to previously underappreciated confounds of mouse age, development, and growth during estrogen supplementation, prevented direct testing of the hypothesis. Future studies should note the importance of estrous cycles and continuing physiological developments of young adult mice when working with ovarian hormones.
Bounds on higher derivative f(R,□R,T) models from energy conditions
Authors: Ilyas M. , Yousaf Z. , Bhatti M. Z.
Published: March 2019

This paper studies the viable regions of some cosmic models in a higher derivative [Formula: see text] theory with the help of energy conditions (where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are the Ricci scalar, d’Alembert’s operator and trace of energy–momentum tensor, respectively). For this purpose, we assume a flat Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker metric which is assumed to be filled with perfect fluid configurations. We take two distinct realistic models that might be helpful to explore stable regimes of cosmological solutions. After taking some numerical values of cosmic parameters, like crackle, snap, jerk (etc.) as well as viable constraints from energy conditions, the viable zones for the under observed [Formula: see text] models are examined.
A study of pilgrim dark energy model in Brans–Dicke theory
Authors: Sharif M. , Shah Syed Asif Ali
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we study the behavior of non-interacting and interacting pilgrim dark energy (DE) for non-flat FRW model in Brans–Dicke (BD) theory. We consider the future event horizon as well as logarithmic form of BD scalar field [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is the scale factor. We evaluate some well-known cosmological parameters such as equation of state as well as deceleration parameter and [Formula: see text] plane as well as statefinder parameters. We discuss graphical behavior of these parameters through pilgrim DE parameter [Formula: see text] for both non-interacting as well as interacting case with interacting parameter [Formula: see text]. It is found that the equation of state parameter gives consistent results with the current cosmic behavior while the deceleration parameter represents transition from decelerated to accelerated phase. The cosmological planes represent different DE regions. Finally, we discuss stability of the model through squared speed of sound in both cases.
Analysis of fusion excitation functions of reactions 6He +209Bi and 7Li +209Bi around Coulomb barrier
Authors: Rani Neha , Singh Pardeep , Kumar Ravinder , Kumar Rajiv , Kharab Rajesh
Published: March 2019

Here, we have studied the sensitivity of fusion excitation functions of reactions induced by weakly bound projectiles [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] on [Formula: see text] target on nuclear potential parameters and on number of partial waves. The Kemble version of WKB approximation and Hill–Wheeler formula has been used to predict the fusion transmission probability below and above the Coulomb barrier, respectively, and the optimum values for radius (r0) = 1.17 fm, diffuseness (a) = 0.5 fm and for partial waves (l) = up to 60 are proposed. The coupled channel calculations have also been performed and it is found that the matching between data and predictions have been enhanced on inclusion of coupling effects. Further, the breakup effects are also taken into account through the dynamic polarization potential (DPP) approach. It further improves matching between data and predictions.
The manipulation of the physical properties of some typical zinc-blende semiconductors by the electric field
Authors: Li Yan-Li , Dong Hao-Yu , Hu San-Lue , Li Jia-Ning , Liu Meng-Qi , Yao Zi-Hang
Published: March 2019

In this research, we regulate the band gaps of some typical zinc-blende semiconductors by applying an external electric field. The variation of the geometric structures and the band gaps of AlP, AlAs, AlSb, GaP, GaAs, ZnO, ZnSe and ZnTe have been studied. We also calculated the stability, density of states, band structures and the charge distribution by the first-principles method based on density functional theory. Moreover, the giant Stark effect coefficients have also been analyzed in detail. From our results, we find that the magnitude and the direction of the electric field has a significant regulation effect on the band gaps and the electronic structures of AlP, AlAs, AlSb, GaP, GaAs, ZnO, ZnSe and ZnTe, which induces a phase transition from semiconductor to metal beyond a certain electric field. Therefore, we can regulate the physical properties of this type of semiconductors by tuning the magnitude and the direction of the electric field. This is very important for practical applications in nanoelectronic devices.
Analyzing the entanglement properties of graph states with generalized concurrence
Authors: Akhound Ahmad , Haddadi Saeed , Motlagh Mohammad Ali Chaman
Published: March 2019

We propose a new classification for the entanglement in graph states based on generalized concurrence. The numerical results indicate that the eight different three-qubit graph states in three categories, 64 four-qubit graph states in five categories and 1024 five-qubit graph states in 10 classes. We also compare this classification with equivalence classes of these graph states under local complementation (LC) operator, and the obtained result suggests that classification by generalized concurrence is not in contradiction with the LC-rule. Furthermore, our results suggest that the generalized concurrence is a suitable measure of entanglement for multi-qubit graph states.
Trace form associated to cyclic number fields of ramified odd prime degree
Authors: Araujo Robson R. , Chagas Ana C. M. M. , Andrade Antonio A. , Nóbrega Neto Trajano P.
Published: March 2019

In this work, we computate the trace form [Formula: see text] associated to a cyclic number field [Formula: see text] of odd prime degree [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] ramified in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] belongs to the ring of integers of [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, we use this trace form to calculate the expression of the center density of algebraic lattices constructed via the Minkowski embedding from some ideals in the ring of integers of [Formula: see text].
In vitrointeraction and computational studies of glycosylated photosensitizers with plasma proteins
Authors: Samaroo Diana , Zahran Mai , Wills Andrew C. , Guevara Johnny , Tatonetti Alexandra
Published: March 2019

A series of glycosylated photosensitizers (porphyrin, chlorin, and isobacteriochlorin) in the presence of plasma proteins: bovine serum albumin (BSA) and human serum albumin (HSA), were investigated in a buffer at pH 7.4, using ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies. Due to the excitation of the tryptophan residue of BSA and HSA, its fluorescence emission was monitored around 340 nm. During each titration experiment and with each addition of the corresponding glycosylated photosensitizer, there was a concentration-dependent quenching of the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA and HSA. Using Stern–Volmer and double logarithmic plots we determined that fluorescence quenching was static for all molecules. We calculated the average binding constant for BSA and HSA for each porphyrin-type compound. To support our experimental studies, computational molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were used to identify the binding sites and binding poses of the each of the glycosylated photosensitizers onto BSA and HSA. The three compounds are binding to the Hemin site located in the subdomain IB of BSA forming strong interactions with Trp134, while they are binding to the subdomain IIA of HSA close to the Sudlow’s site I, and interacting with Trp214.
The Modeling of Interval-Valued Time Series: A Method Based on Fuzzy Set Theory and Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Zhou Wei , Shan Dan , Yang Jianhua , Lu Wei
Published: March 2019

Interval-valued time series (ITS) are interval-valued data that are collected in chronological order. The modeling of ITS is an ongoing issue in domain of time series analysis. This paper presents a new modeling method of ITS based on the synergy of fuzzy set theory and artificial neural networks. The proposed method involves the construction of collection of fuzzy sets describing characteristics of amplitude of ITS, the expression and reconstruction mechanism of ITS and the emergence of model of ITS based on artificial neural network (ANN). The resulting model of ITS not only supports the linguistic output but also the numeric output in interval format. A series of experimental studies is reported for two publicly available financial datasets showing different dynamic characteristics. Experimental results clearly show that the constructed ITS model has the better performance on the linguistic and numeric level.
To study moderating role of ownership structure on R&D expenditure policies on accounting performance and market value
Authors: Ostadhashemi Ali , Fadaei Nejad Muhammad Esmaeil
Published: March 2019

There is possible to develop plans and programs of firms in future via increasing R&D programs and policies and this issue can have effect on financial performance and market value of firms. Based on the argument, the present research tries to study the moderating role of ownership structure on R&D expenditure policies on accounting performance and market value of firms. For this purpose, two approaches including investmentizing R&D expenditures and R&D intensity were used to measure R&D policy. The research hypotheses were analyzed using a sample with 73 firms listed on Tehran Stock Exchange from 2011 to 2015 using multivariate regression model based on panel data technique. The results of the research indicated that there is a positive significant relationship between investmentizing R&D expenditures with performance and market value of firms and also there is a positive relationship between R&D intensity with performance and market value of firms. Finally, it was determined that institutional ownership of firms can the effect of R&D intensity on performance and market value of firms sustain negatively.
Optimal dynamic reinsurance with common shock dependence and state-dependent risk aversion
Authors: Zhang Caibin , Liang Zhibin , Yuen Kam Chuen
Published: March 2019

This paper studies an optimal dynamic proportional reinsurance in a risk model with two dependent classes of insurance business. Under the criterion of maximizing the mean–variance utility of the terminal wealth with state-dependent risk aversion, we formulate the time-inconsistent problem within a game theoretic framework. By the technique of stochastic control theory, explicit expressions of the optimal results are derived not only for diffusion risk model but also for compound Poisson risk model. Furthermore, the similar problem with constant risk aversion is studied as well. Finally, some numerical examples are presented to show the impact of model parameters on the optimal strategies for both compound Poisson and diffusion cases.
A stochastic control approach to managed futures portfolios
Authors: Leung Tim , Yan Raphael
Published: March 2019

We study a stochastic control approach to managed futures portfolios. Building on the (Schwartz, 1997) stochastic convenience yield model for commodity prices, we formulate a utility maximization problem for dynamically trading a single-maturity futures or multiple futures contracts over a finite horizon. By analyzing the associated Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman (HJB) equation, we solve the investor’s utility maximization problem explicitly and derive the optimal dynamic trading strategies in closed form. We provide numerical examples and illustrate the optimal trading strategies using WTI crude oil futures data.
Myostatin regulates pituitary development and hepatic IGF1
Authors: Czaja Wioletta , Nakamura Yukiko K. , Li Naisi , Eldridge Jennifer A. , DeAvila David M. , Thompson Thomas B. , Rodgers Buel D.
Published: March 2019

Circulating myostatin-attenuating agents are being developed to treat muscle-wasting disease despite their potential to produce serious off-target effects, as myostatin/activin receptors are widely distributed among many nonmuscle tissues. Our studies suggest that the myokine not only inhibits striated muscle growth but also regulates pituitary development and growth hormone (GH) action in the liver. Using a novel myostatin-null label-retaining model (Jekyll mice), we determined that the heterogeneous pool of pituitary stem, transit-amplifying, and progenitor cells in Jekyll mice depletes more rapidly after birth than the pool in wild-type mice. This correlated with increased levels of GH, prolactin, and the cells that secrete these hormones, somatotropes and lactotropes, respectively, in Jekyll pituitaries. Recombinant myostatin also stimulated GH release and gene expression in pituitary cell cultures although inhibiting prolactin release. In primary hepatocytes, recombinant myostatin blocked GH-stimulated expression of two key mediators of growth, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)1 and the acid labile subunit and increased expression of an inhibitor, IGF-binding protein-1. The significance of these findings was demonstrated by smaller muscle fiber size in a model lacking myostatin and liver IGF1 expression (LID-o-Mighty mice) compared with that in myostatin-null (Mighty) mice. These data together suggest that myostatin may regulate pituitary development and function and that its inhibitory actions in muscle may be partly mediated by attenuating GH action in the liver. They also suggest that circulating pharmacological inhibitors of myostatin could produce unintended consequences in these and possibly other tissues.
Long-Term Natural Course of Pathologic Myopia in Chinese Patients
Authors: Chen Minjie , Yu Manrong , Dai Jinhui , Chu Renyuan
Published: March 2019

Purpose. To investigate the natural progression in Chinese patients with pathological myopia (PM) and its associated factors. Methods. The medical records of 28 patients with PM (worse than −6 diopter), including 31 eyes of 21 children and 12 eyes of 7 adults, were studied. All of the patients underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination at least twice over 3-year period, including the measurement of refractive error (shown as spherical equivalent, SE), axial length (AL), intraocular pressure, visual acuity (uncorrected visual acuity, UCVA, and best-corrected visual acuity, BCVA), and dilated fundus examination. Results. The median AL of adults increased significantly from 29.8 mm to 31.43 mm over 5.4 years follow-up (P=0.0037), accompanied with the median SE progressing significantly from −16.4 D to −18.94 D (P=0.0005). Similarly, the median AL of children increased significantly from 26.13 mm to 27.81 mm over 3.9 years (P=0.0001). However, the improvements of UCVA and BCVA in children were significant (P=0.0304, 0.0001), and they had a negative correlation with age (P=0.0010, 0.0005). Also, UCVA and BCVA in children with bilateral PM were significantly better than those with unilateral PM (P=0.0385, 0.0210). Conclusions. Fundus degenerations in children with pathological myopia may lead its way since the age of 10 years. Besides, children with bilateral pathological myopia can have parallel development in visual acuity.
Dynamic Expression Pattern of SERPINA1 Gene from Duck (Anas platyrhynchos)
Authors: Gu Tiantian , Wu Ningzhao , Zhang Yang , Huang Yu , Du Jinping , Lu Lizhi , Wu Xinsheng , Xu Qi , Chen Guohong
Published: March 2019

SERPINA1 is a member of serine protease inhibitors and is increasingly considered to be a regulator of innate immunity in human and animals. However, the expression and function of SERPINA1 gene in immune defense against viral infection remain unknown in ducks. The full-lengthdu SERPINA1cDNA sequence was obtained using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). It contained 1457 nucleotide, including 47-bp 5’ UTR, 135-bp 3’ UTR, and 1275-bp open reading frame (ORF), and encodes a 424-amino acid protein. Then, the tissue expression profile of du SERPINA1 gene was determined. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (real-time qPCR) analysis revealed that duSERPINA1mRNA is ubiquitous in various tissues, but higher expression levels were observed in lung and liver tissues. In addition, the expression pattern was investigated when the ducklings were challenged with duck hepatitis virus 1(DHV-1) and polyriboinosinic polyribocytidylic acid (poly I:C). After DHV-1 injection or poly I:C treatment, duSERPINA1mRNA was up-regulated in the liver and kidney tissues. However, the peak time in two tissues was not consistent. In kidney, the expression lever ofSERPINA1increased immediately after the treatment while in liver tissue it kept steady until 12 h post-infection. Our results indicate that SERPINA1 has an active role in the antiviral response, and thus improve our understanding of the role of this protein.
Comparison of Oceansat-2 Scatterometer Wind Data with Global Moored Buoys and ASCAT Observation
Authors: Yang Jungang , Zhang Jie
Published: March 2019

The Oceansat-2 satellite was launched on 23 September 2009 by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). In this study, the historic archived OSCAT wind vectors are compared with the global moored buoys’ wind observations, including the U.S. National Data Buoy Center (NDBC), the Tropical Atmosphere Ocean (TAO), the Pilot Research Moored Array in the Tropical Atlantic (PIRATA), the Research Moored Array for African-Asian-Australian Monsoon Analysis and Prediction (RAMA), and Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT) wind data in the same period of OSCAT by calculating the statistical parameters, namely, the root mean square error (RMSE), bias (mean of residuals), and correlation coefficient (R) between the collocated data. The comparisons with the global moored buoys show that the OSCAT wind vectors are consistent with buoys’ wind measurements. The average errors of the OSCAT wind vectors are 1.20 m/s and 17.7°. The analysis of the OSCAT wind vector errors at different buoy wind speeds in bins of 1 m/s indicates that the accuracy of the OSCAT wind speed first increases and then decreases with the increasing wind speed. The comparisons of OSCAT wind vectors and ASCAT wind vectors show that the average RMSEs of their differences are 1.27 m/s and 20.17°. In general, the accuracies of the OSCAT wind vectors satisfy the general scatterometer’s mission requirement and are consistent with ASCAT wind data. OSCAT wind vectors can be used in the global change study by the combination with other scatterometer data.
Case Report of Rare Type Submucosal Polyp–Angiolipofibroma of Sigmoid Colon
Authors: Aye Khin San , Zan Aung Khine , Tin Myo Thet , Aye Than Than
Published: March 2019

Most of the colonic submucosal mesenchymal polyps are benign tumors. They are formed by more than one type of mesenchymal tissue. The diagnosis of angiolipofibroma depends on the histological findings with the proliferation of vascular, fatty, and fibrous connective tissues. Majority of angiolipofibromas are arising in the kidney and have rare presentation as extra renal region. Here we report a case of 58-year-old female patient with angiolipofibroma of sigmoid colon (8.5 cm x 4 cm size) which was treated successfully with surgical resection. The clinical presentation, operative procedure, pathological features, and medical literature review are presented.
On Variable-Universe Fuzzy Control for Drive Chain of Front-End Speed Regulated Wind Generator
Authors: Li Hongwei , Ren Kaide , Dong Haiying , Li Shuaibing
Published: March 2019

The rapid development of wind generation technology has boosted types of the new topology wind turbines. Among the recently invented new wind turbines, the front-end speed regulated (FSR) wind turbine has attracted a lot of attention. Unlike conventional wind turbine, the speed regulation of the FSR machines is realized by adjusting the guide vane angle of a hydraulic torque converter, which is converterless and much more grid-friendly as the electrically excited synchronous generator (EESG) is also adopted. Therefore, the drive chain control of the wind turbine owns the top priority. To ensure that the FSR wind turbine performs as a general synchronous generator, this paper firstly modeled the drive chain and then proposed to use the variable-universe fuzzy approach for the drive chain control. It helps the wind generator operate in a synchronous speed and outperform other types of wind turbines. The multipopulation genetic algorithm (MPGA) is adopted to intelligently optimize the parameters of the expansion factor of the designed variable-universe fuzzy controller (VUFC). The optimized VUFC is applied to the speed control of the drive chain of the FSR wind turbine, which effectively solves the contradiction between the low precision of the fuzzy controller and the number of rules in the fuzzy control and the control accuracy. Finally, the main shaft speed of the FSR wind turbine can reach a steady-state value around 1500 rpm. The response time of the results derived using VUFC, compared with that derived from a neural network controller, is only less than 0.5 second and there is no overshoot. The case study with the real machine parameter verifies the effectiveness of the proposal and results compared with conventional neural network controller, proving its outperformance.
Upbeat: Augmented Reality-Guided Dancing for Prosthetic Rehabilitation of Upper Limb Amputees
Authors: Melero Marina , Hou Annie , Cheng Emily , Tayade Amogh , Lee Sing Chun , Unberath Mathias , Navab Nassir
Published: March 2019

Unsuccessful rehabilitation therapy is a widespread issue amongst modern day amputees. Of the estimated 10 million amputees worldwide, 3 million of whom are upper limb amputees, a large majority are discontent and experience rejection with their current prosthesis during activities of daily living (ADL). Here we introduce Upbeat, an augmented reality (AR) dance game designed to improve rehabilitation therapies in upper limb amputees. In Upbeat, the patient is instructed to follow a virtual dance instructor, performing choreographed dance movements containing hand gestures involved in upper limb rehabilitation therapy. The patient’s position is then tracked using a Microsoft Kinect sensor while the hand gestures are analyzed using EMG data collected from a Myo Armband. Additionally, a gamified score is calculated based on how many gestures and movements were correctly performed. Upon completion of the game, a diagnostic summary of the results is shown in the form of a graph summarizing the collected EMG data, as well as with a video displaying an augmented visualization of the patient’s upper arm muscle activity during gameplay. By gamifying the rehabilitation process, Upbeat has the potential to improve therapy on upper limb amputees by enabling the start of rehabilitation immediately after trauma, providing personalized feedback which professionals can utilize to accurately assess patient’s progress, and increasing patient excitement, therefore increasing patient willingness to complete rehabilitation. This paper is concerned with the description and evaluation of our prototypic implementation of Upbeat that will serve as the basis for conducting clinical studies to evaluate its impact on rehabilitation.
Liver Flukes Egg Infection and Associated Risk Factors in White Fulani Cattle Slaughtered in Wukari, Southern Taraba State, Nigeria
Authors: Shinggu P. A. , Olufemi O. T. , Nwuku J. A. , Baba-Onoja E. B. T. , Iyawa P. D.
Published: March 2019

Fasciola, Fascioloides, and Dicrocoelium cause liver fluke diseases in ruminants and are of zoonotic and economic importance. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of liver fluke egg infection in White Fulani Cattle slaughtered in Wukari Cattle market abattoir in Wukari, Taraba State. A total of 262 gallbladders were collected and their contents were analyzed for the presence of eggs of liver flukes using sedimentation technique. Descriptive analysis was done using SPSS version 20 for window and Pearson’s Chi-Square (χ2) was used to evaluate the association between variables. Fasciola and Dicrocoelium eggs were encountered. Only 74 (28.2%) samples were positive for Fasciola egg and 211 (80.5%) for Dicrocoelium. The prevalence of liver fluke infection revealed 25% and 28.6% Fasciola eggs for male and female animals, respectively, while lancet fluke had 83.3% for male and 80.3% for female. Fasciola eggs were recovered in 20.8% of animals aged less 3 years (<3yrs) and 29.9% was recorded in animals 3 years and above (≥ 3yrs) while 81.3% for animals ≥ 3yrs and 77.1% for animals <3yrs were recorded for Dicrocoelium eggs. The body condition score-based prevalence for Fasciola yielded 38.1%, 26.8%, and 14% for poor, average, and good, respectively, while Dicrocoelium yielded 85.7%, 79.3%, and 85.7%. There was a significant difference between the body condition scores for fasciolosis. Only 59% harboured single infection with eggs of Dicrocoelium (P< 0.05) while 6.9% harboured Fasciola eggs. Mixed infection associating Fasciola and Dicrocoelium was observed in 21.4% of the sample cattle. Liver fluke infections: fasciolosis and dicrocoeliosis occur among White Fulani cattle in Wukari and these infections are associated with the body condition score of the animals. This greatly affects the cattle production. There is a need to institute adequate control programmes complemented with good well-planned management practices in any production system involving cattle in Wukari.
Comorbidity of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency and Sickle Cell Disease Exert Significant Effect on RBC Indices
Authors: Antwi-Baffour Samuel , Adjei Jonathan Kofi , Forson Peter Owadee , Akakpo Stephen , Kyeremeh Ransford , Seidu Mahmood Abdulai
Published: March 2019

Background. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) converts glucose-6-phosphate into 6-phosphogluconate in the pentose phosphate pathway and protects red blood cells (RBCs) from oxidative damage. Their deficiency therefore makes RBCs prone to haemolysis. Sickle cell disease (SCD) on the other hand is a hereditary blood disorder in which there is a single nucleotide substitution in the codon for amino acid 6 substituting glutamic acid with valine. SCD patients are prone to haemolysis due to the shape of their red blood cells and if they are deficient in G6PD, the haemolysis may escalate. Reported studies have indicated variations in the prevalence of G6PD deficiency in SCD patients and as such further work is required. The aim of this study was therefore to estimate the incidence of G-6-PD deficiency among SCD patients and to determine its impact on their RBC parameters as a measure of incidence of anaemia.Methods. A total of 120 clinically diagnosed SCD patients of genotypes HbSS and HbSC were recruited into the study. About 5ml of blood was collected via venipuncture from each patient and used to run G6PD, full blood count, and haemoglobin (Hb) electrophoresis tests. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 and Graphpad prism.Result. G6PD deficiency was detected in 43 (35.83%) of the participants made up of 16 (13.33%) males and 27 (22.50%) females of whom 17 (14.17%) had partial deficiency and 10 (8.33%) full deficiency. Statiscally significant differences p=0.036 and p=0.038 were established between the Hb concentration of the participants having a G6PD deficiency and those with normal G6PD activity for males and females, respectively.Conclusion. From the results obtained, it implies that G6PD deficiency may increase the severity of anaemia in SCD patients. There is therefore the need to screen all SCD patients for G6PD deficiency to ensure that their condition is not exacerbated during treatment.
Change of Anesthesia Management for a Patient Undergoing CABG by an Incidental Finding of a Genetic Variant Associated with Malignant Hyperthermia
Authors: Creech Trey B. , Zhang Li
Published: March 2019

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a rare life-threatening hypermetabolic muscular disorder with a high mortality rate. Three genes, RYR1, CACNA1S, and STAC3, have been associated with MH susceptibility. Multiple genetic variants have been identified in these three genes. Some of those variants were pathogenic, but many others are yet to be tested. Such uncertainty can make it challenging for anesthesia providers as there is currently no anesthesia guideline for each genetic variant in patients who have neither clinical nor family history of MH. With the increasing popularity of whole exome sequencing, anesthesia providers will likely face such challenges more often as many patients may have genetic variations of unknown clinical significance in their RYR1, CACNA1S, or STAC3 genes. Here we describe change of anesthesia management for a patient who had an incidental finding of a genetic variant in RYR1 gene undergoing an elective coronary artery bypass surgery.
Sandstone Dynamical Characteristics Influenced by Water‐Rock Interaction of Bank Slope
Authors: Deng Huafeng , Zhang Yinchai , Zhi Yongyan , Duan Lingling , Li Jianlin , Sun Xushu , Xu Xiaoliang
Published: March 2019

During the long‐term reservoir operation, the seismic capability and dynamic response characteristics of the bank slope are of great importance to its safety evaluation content. Aimed at typical bank slopes, considering reservoir water level fluctuation and soaking‐air drying cyclic interaction, an experiment has been designed and conducted. In addition, the cyclic loading test with different stress amplitudes was carried out in different water‐rock cycles. The laboratory results indicate that (1) during the immersion‐air dry circulation process, the damping ratio and damping coefficient of sandstone gradually increased while the dynamic elastic modulus decreased. It is obvious that the dynamic elastic modulus of sandstone decreases dramatically during the immersion‐air dry circulation process, especially in the first six periods. Also, its variation curve fits with the logarithmic curve. (2) When the cyclic load stress amplitude increases from 10 MPa to 35 MPa, the damping ratio and coefficient of the rock sample gradually decreased while dynamic elastic modulus increased. each dynamic parameter shows a more obvious variation trend when the stress amplitude is lower than 25 MPa. (3) During the water‐rock interaction process, the closely knit microstructure of rock gradually becomes loose and porous, which resulted in the degradation of macroscopic physical and mechanical properties of sandstone. (4) In the analysis of the seismic response of the bank slope, the actual water‐rock interaction process and the seismic level of the bank slope should be more considered. To find out further accurate reflection in the earthquake resistance and dynamic response of the bank slope, it is necessary to select the reasonable dynamic parameter to carry out seismic research.
Procurement Strategy with Backup Sourcing under Stochastic Supply Risk
Authors: Zhang Yixin , Wang Xifu
Published: March 2019

Supply risk can have a negative impact on a manufacturer’s performance. Backup sourcing is one of the most commonly used strategies to mitigate the adverse consequences of supply risks. In this paper, we study a procurement strategy with backup sourcing when a manufacturer faces stochastic supply risk and demand. The optimal decisions of the players involved are investigated theoretically using the game theoretic framework, and the impacts of the key parameters, such as wholesale prices and the risk probability, are assessed numerically under supply information symmetry and asymmetry. The results illustrate that the reservation price provided by the backup supplier varies greatly under different information‐sharing conditions. Reservation quantity is negatively correlated with the reservation price, which is affected by the risk probability, wholesale prices, and marginal cost of the backup supplier. We also show that given the same wholesale prices, the potential supply risk has a substantial impact on the manufacturer’s expected profit, and the performance of the manufacturer under asymmetrical supply information is not always better than that under symmetrical information. In addition, we also discuss the impact of wholesale prices on reservation price and participants’ profits based on numerical examples. The research enriches the understanding of a procurement strategy under stochastic supply risk, and the conclusions have certain management significance.
Epidural Analgesia for Severe Chest Trauma: An Analysis of Current Practice on the Efficacy and Safety
Authors: Peek Jesse , Beks Reinier B. , Kingma B. Feike , Marsman Marije , Ruurda Jelle P. , Houwert Roderick M. , Leenen Loek P. H. , Hietbrink Falco , de Jong Mirjam B.
Published: March 2019

Background. Adequate pain control is essential in the treatment of patients with traumatic rib fractures. Although epidural analgesia is recommended in international guidelines, the use remains debatable and is not undisputed. The aim of this study was to describe the efficacy and safety of epidural analgesia in patients with multiple traumatic rib fractures.Methods. A retrospective cohort study was performed. Patients with ≥3 rib fractures following blunt chest trauma who received epidural analgesia between January 2015 and January 2018 were included. The main outcome parameters were the success rate of epidural analgesia and the incidence of medication-related side effects and catheter-related complications.Results. A total of 76 patients were included. Epidural analgesia was successful in a total of 45 patients (59%), including 22 patients without and in 23 patients with an additional analgesic intervention. In 14 patients (18%), epidural analgesia was terminated early without intervention due to insufficient sensory blockade (n=4), medication-related side effects (n=4), and catheter-related complications (n=6). In 17 patients (22%), the epidural catheter was removed after one or multiple additional interventions due to insufficient pain control. Minor epidural-related complications or side effects were encountered in 36 patients (47%). One patient had a major complication (opioid intoxication).Conclusion. Epidural analgesia was successful in 59% of patients; however, 30% needed additional analgesic interventions. As about half of the patients had epidural-related complications, it remains debatable whether epidural analgesia is a sufficient treatment modality in patients with multiple rib fractures.
Characteristics of Mammographic Breast Density and Associated Factors for Chinese Women: Results from an Automated Measurement
Authors: Li Tong , Tang Lichen , Gandomkar Ziba , Heard Rob , Mello-Thoms Claudia , Xiao Qin , Gu Yajia , Di Genhong , Nickson Carolyn , Shao Zhimin , Brennan Patrick
Published: March 2019

Background. Characteristics of mammographic density for Chinese women are understudied. This study aims to identify factors associated with mammographic density in China using a quantitative method.Methods. Mammographic density was measured for a total of 1071 (84 with and 987 without breast cancer) women using an automatic algorithm AutoDensity. Pearson tests examined relationships between density and continuous variables and t-tests compared differences of mean density values between groupings of categorical variables. Linear models were built using multiple regression.Results. Percentage density and dense area were positively associated with each other for cancer-free (r=0.487, p<0.001) and cancer groups (r=0.446, p<0.001), respectively. For women without breast cancer, weight and BMI (p<0.001) were found to be negatively associated (r=-0.237, r=-0.272) with percentage density whereas they were found to be positively associated (r=0.110, r=0.099) with dense area; age at mammography was found to be associated with percentage density (r=-0.202, p<0.001) and dense area (r=-0.086, p<0.001) but did not add any prediction within multivariate models; lower percentage density was found within women with secondary education background or below compared to women with tertiary education. For women with breast cancer, percentage density demonstrated similar relationships with that of cancer-free women whilst breast area was the only factor associated with dense area (r=0.739, p<0.001).Conclusion. This is the first time that mammographic density was measured by a quantitative method for women in China and identified associations should be useful to health policy makers who are responsible for introducing effective models of breast cancer prevention and diagnosis.
Septic Pulmonary Embolism Secondary to Klebsiella pneumoniae Epididymitis: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ojeda Gómez Juan Sebastián Alonso , Carrillo Bayona Jorge Alberto , Morales Cifuentes Laura Cristina
Published: March 2019

Background. Septic pulmonary embolism (SPE) is defined as the occurrence of septic thrombi in the pulmonary circulation. We report a case of SPE secondary to K. pneumoniae epididymitis. Case Presentation. A 74-year-old male with a history of diabetes mellitus experienced SPE secondary to epididymitis, with isolation of K. pneumoniae in blood and presence of lung nodules, with a chest computed tomography showing the halo and reversed halo signs. Discussion. SPE is characterized by the presence of septic thrombi in the pulmonary circulation coming from an extrapulmonary infective focus. SPE secondary to K. pneumoniae epididymitis is an uncommon condition that is characterized by the presence of multiple bilateral nodules of peripheral distribution. Conclusion. SPE is an unusual complication of acute epididymitis. Suspicion of SPE should be considered in patients with a diagnosis of epididymitis, respiratory symptoms, and multiple nodules in chest imaging assessments.