bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classification of Computed Tomography Images in Different Slice Positions Using Deep Learning
Authors: Sugimori Hiroyuki
Published: July 2018

This study aimed at elucidating the relationship between the number of computed tomography (CT) images, including data concerning the accuracy of models and contrast enhancement for classifying the images. We enrolled 1539 patients who underwent contrast or noncontrast CT imaging, followed by dividing the CT imaging dataset for creating classification models into 10 classes for brain, neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvis with contrast-enhanced and plain imaging. The number of images prepared in each class were 100, 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, 9000, and 10,000. Accordingly, the names of datasets were defined as 0.1K, 0.5K, 1K, 2K, 3K, 4K, 5K, 6K, 7K, 8K, 9K, and 10K, respectively. We subsequently created and evaluated the models and compared the convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture between AlexNet and GoogLeNet. The time required for training models of AlexNet was lesser than that for GoogLeNet. The best overall accuracy for the classification of 10 classes was 0.721 with the 10K dataset of GoogLeNet. Furthermore, the best overall accuracy for the classification of the slice position without contrast media was 0.862 with the 2K dataset of AlexNet.
Numerical Low-Back Booster Analysis on a 6-Year-Old Infant during a Frontal Crash Test
Authors: Cruz-Jaramillo I. L. , Torres-San-Miguel C. R. , Cortes-Vásquez O. , Martínez-Sáez L.
Published: July 2018

This work studies descriptively the Head Injury Criterion (HIC) and Chest Severity Index (CSI), with a finite element model of the Hybrid III dummy type, for six-year-old subjects in a frontal vehicular collision, using the low-back booster (LBB) passive safety system. The vehicle seats and the passive safety systems were modelled in CAD (computer aided design) software. Then, the elements were analysed by the finite element method (FEM) in LS-DYNA® software. The boundary conditions were established for each study, according to the regulations established by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS), following the FMVSS 213 standard. The numerical simulations were performed during an interval of 120 ms and recording results every 1 ms. In order to analyse the efficiency of the system, the restraint performance of the LBB system is compared with the restraint configuration of the vehicle safety belt (VSB) only. The obtained injury criteria with the LBB system shows its ability to protect children in a frontal collision. The analyses allow obtaining the deceleration values to which the dummy head and chest was subjected. Of the studies herein performed, Study I: VSB obtained a HIC36 of 730.4 and CSI of 315.5, while Study II: LBB obtained a HIC36 of 554.3 and CSI of 281.9. The outcome shows that the restraint efficiency of each studied case differs. Used materials, the attachment system of the LBB, and the belt restraint system properly placed over the infant trunk are the main factors reducing the injury criteria rate.
Method of Spare Parts Prediction Models Evaluation Based on Grey Comprehensive Correlation Degree and Association Rules Mining: A Case Study in Aviation
Authors: Wang Jun , Pan Xing , Wang Ligeng , Wei Wei
Published: July 2018

Probability of spare parts sufficiency is crucial in the process of the normal operation of businesses, especially for the airline company. However, higher support sufficiency could inevitably lead to the increase of inventory cost of spare parts and restrict a company’s efficiency. Therefore, it is important for businesses to reduce material cost on the premise of normal operation in order to accurately predict spare parts requirements based on reasonable models. The purpose of this paper is to solve problems with the evaluation of spare parts prediction models and to improve efficiency of company. Firstly, this paper summarizes a series of prediction models of spare parts requirements and applies the grey comprehensive correlation degree to rank the models. Secondly, the method of association rules mining is used to discover the association relationships between the types of spare parts and the prediction models. Finally, a case study in aviation is given to demonstrate the feasibility of the methodology, and optimal prediction models are recommended for aircraft spare parts. In accordance with the association relationships, the applicable prediction model can be provided in terms of different types of spare parts. This model will greatly enhance the work efficiency of spare parts prediction and improve the prediction tasks for the aircraft companies.
Assessment of Atrial Conduction Times in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Çanga Yiğit , Emre Ayşe , Yüksel Gülbün Asuman , Karataş Mehmet Baran , Yelgeç Nizamettin Selçuk , Gürkan Ufuk , Çalık Ali Nazmi , Tireli Hülya , Terzi Sait
Published: July 2018

Background. An increased risk of ischemic stroke has been reported in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Atrial fibrillation (AF) is strongly associated with ischemic stroke. Prolonged atrial electromechanical delay (EMD) is an independent predictor for the development of AF. Aims. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the atrial conduction parameters in patients with PD and to assess their relation with the severity of PD. Study design. We prospectively enrolled 51 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed PD and 31 age- and sex-matched non-PD subjects. Methods. To assess atrial electromechanical coupling (PA), the time intervals from the onset of p wave on ECG to the late diastolic wave at the septal (PAs) and lateral (PAl) mitral annulus and lateral tricuspid annulus (PAt) were measured on Tissue Doppler Echocardiography (TDE). The difference between PAs-PAl, PAs-PAt, and PAl-PAt were defined as left intra-atrial, right intra-atrial, and interatrial EMD, respectively. P-wave dispersion (PWD) was calculated from the 12-lead ECG. Results. PWD, PAs, PAl, and PAt durations were significantly prolonged in the PD group (all p<0.001). Interatrial, right, and left intra-atrial EMD were also significantly longer in PD patients (p<0.001, p<0.001 and p=0.002, resp.). There were significant positive correlations between disease severity (UPDRS score) and PWD (r=0.34, p=0.041), left intra-atrial (r=0.39, p=0.005), and interatrial EMD (r=0.35, p=0.012). By multivariate analysis, PWD (OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.02–1.25; p=0.017), LA volume index (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.02–1.37; p=0.021), left intra-atrial (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.01–1.24; p=0.041), and interatrial EMD (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01–1.16; p=0.026) were found as independent predictors of PD. Conclusion. Atrial conduction times were longer and correlated with the severity of disease in PD patients. Prolonged inter- and intra-atrial-EMD intervals were also found as independent correlates of PD. These findings may suggest an increased predisposition to atrial fibrillation in PD.
The Impact of Artesunate-Amodiaquine on Schistosoma mansoni Infection among Children Infected by Plasmodium in Rural Area of Lemfu, Kongo Central, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Mbanzulu Kennedy Makola , Zanga Josué Kikana , Mukendi Jean Pierre Kambala , Mbaya Ntita Felly , Matangila Junior Rika , Muhindo Hypolite Mavoko , Mpoyi Wa Mpoyi Sylvain , Aloni Michel Ntetani , Wumba Roger
Published: July 2018

Background. Malaria and schistosomiasis remain life-threatening public health problems in sub-Saharan Africa. The infection pattern related to age indicates that preschool and school-age children are at the highest risk of malaria and schistosomiasis. Both parasitic infections, separately or combined, may have negative impacts on the haemoglobin concentration levels. The existing data revealed that artemisinin derivatives commonly used to cure malaria present also in antischistosomal activities. The current study investigated the impact of Artesunate-Amodiaquine (AS-AQ) on schistosomiasis when administered to treat malaria in rural area of Lemfu, DRC. Methodology. A prospective longitudinal study including 171 coinfected children screened for anaemia, Schistosoma mansoni, and Plasmodium falciparum infections. The egg reduction rate and haemoglobin concentration were assessed four weeks after the treatment with AS-AQ, of all coinfected children of this series. Results. One hundred and twenty-five (74.4%) out of 168 coinfected children treated and present during the assessment were found stool negative for S. mansoni eggs. Out of 43 (25.6%) children who remained positives, 37 (22%) showed a partial reduction of eggs amount, and no reduction was noted in 3.6% of coinfected. The mean of haemoglobin concentration and the prevalence of anaemia were, respectively, 10.74±1.5g/dl , 11.2±1.3g/dl, and 64.8%, 51.8%, respectively, before and after treatment, p<0.001. Conclusion. The AS-AQ commonly used against Plasmodium allowed curing S. mansoni in coinfected children and increasing the Hb level. For the future, the randomized and multicentric clinical trials are needed for a better understanding of the effectiveness of AS-AQ against Schistosoma spp. The trial registration number was 3487183.
Cryptic Diversity in the Neotropical Gecko GenusPhyllopezusPeters, 1878 (Reptilia: Squamata: Phyllodactylidae): A New Species from Paraguay
Authors: Cacciali Pier , Lotzkat Sebastian , Gamble Tony , Köhler Gunther
Published: July 2018

The gecko genusPhyllopezusis distributed mainly along South America’s “Dry Diagonal” (Caatinga, Cerrado, and Chaco). The genus has been the subject of recent taxonomic analyses and includes four described species and seven candidate species referred to here asPhyllopezus pollicarissensu lato. In Paraguay,Phyllopezusis known from the Chaco and Cerrado where it is abundant, and also from a small isolated population from a rocky hill formation named “Cordillera de Los Altos” (Los Altos mountain range). Here we analyzed genetic samples from across its range, including new samples from Paraguay, using DNA barcoding analysis of the mitochondrial 16S gene and phylogenetic analyses using both Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood methods. We found genetic and morphological differences among geckos from the Los Altos mountain range and the remainingPhyllopezuspopulations. Using both molecular and morphological evidence we describe a newPhyllopezusspecies, sister toP. przewalskii. Genetic differentiation among described and putativePhyllopezusspecies is greater than their morphological differences, which likely accounts for these cryptic taxa remaining undescribed for so long.
A Nonparametric Method for Automatic Denoising of Microseismic Data
Authors: Peng Pingan , Wang Liguan
Published: July 2018

Noise suppression or signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) enhancement is often desired for better processing results from a microseismic dataset. In this paper, we proposed a nonparametric automatic denoising algorithm for microseismic data. The method consists of three major steps: (1) applying a two‐step AIC algorithm to pick P‐wave arrival; (2) subtracting the noise power spectrum from the signal power spectrum; (3) recovering the microseismic signal by inverse Fourier transform. The proposed method is tested on synthetic datasets with different signal types and SNRs, as well as field datasets. The results of the proposed method are compared against ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) and wavelet denoising methods, which shows the effectiveness of the method for denoising and improving the SNR of microseismic data.
High-Voltage Electric Field-Assisted Thawing of Frozen Tofu: Effect of Process Parameters and Electrode Configuration
Authors: Ding Changjiang , Ni Jiabao , Song Zhiqing , Gao Zhiwei , Deng Shilong , Xu Jing , Wang Guoqing , Bai Yu
Published: July 2018

Applying high-voltage electric field (HVEF) to some food materials has been shown to increase the thawing rate. To investigate the effect of process parameters and electrode configuration in high-voltage electric field system, we took the frozen tofu as the research object and investigated the influence of the different voltages, electrode configuration, and electrode distances on thawing process. The thawing time, center temperatures, and loss rate of samples were measured. The results showed that the thawing time of frozen tofu decreases with the increase of voltage and the thawing time has a great relevance with configuration and distance of electrodes. The electric parameters have a major effect on thawing loss and thawing time when center temperatures of frozen tofu are from −2°C to 0°C. This work provides clues and experimental basis for the further application of high-voltage electric field thawing technology.
VANSec: Attack-Resistant VANET Security Algorithm in Terms of Trust Computation Error and Normalized Routing Overhead
Authors: Ahmed Sheeraz , Rehman Mujeeb Ur , Ishtiaq Atif , Khan Sarmadullah , Ali Armughan , Begum Shabana
Published: July 2018

VANET is an application and subclass of MANETs, a quickly maturing, promising, and emerging technology these days. VANETs establish communication among vehicles (V2V) and roadside infrastructure (V2I). As vehicles move with high speed, hence environment and topology change with time. There is no optimum routing protocol which ensures full-pledge on-time delivery of data to destination nodes, and an absolutely optimum scheme design for flawless packet exchange is still a challenging task. In VANETs, accurate and on-time delivery of fundamental safety alert messages (FSAMs) is highly important to withstand against maliciously inserted security threats affectively. In this paper, we have presented a new security-aware routing technique called VANSec. The presented scheme is more immune and resistive against different kinds of attacks and thwarts malicious node penetration attempts to the entire network. It is basically based on trust management approach. The aim of the scheme is to identify malicious data and false nodes. The simulation results of VANSec are compared with already existing techniques called trust and LT in terms of trust computation error (TCE), end-to-end delay (EED), average link duration (ALD), and normalized routing overhead (NRO). In terms of TCE, VANSec is 11.6% and 7.3% efficient than LT and trust, respectively, while from EED comparison we found VANSec to be 57.6% more efficient than trust and 5.2% more efficient than LT. Similarly, in terms of ALD, VANSec provides 29.7% and 7.8% more stable link duration than trust and LT do, respectively, and in terms of NRO, VANSec protocol has 27.5% and 14% lesser load than that of trust and LT, respectively.
Validating a HACCP System for the Production of Vegetable Shito
Authors: Ackah Nina Bernice , Baidoo Elvis Alfred , Appiah Alexander Henry Kwadwo
Published: July 2018

Vegetable shito is a novel pepper sauce product developed to cater for the needs of vegetarians. Due to its increasing popularity, it is prudent to assure its safety through the implementation of a quality management system for its production. This work was aimed at developing and validating a HACCP system for the production of vegetable shito. The HACCP system was successfully developed and validated to ensure that critical limits established for the critical control points were adequate to eliminate identified hazards. Validation was done through microbial challenge testing, and results obtained indicated that the HACCP plan developed will be effective in controlling and eliminating microbial hazards related to the vegetable shito. With such a quality management system in place, vegetable shito producers would be able to produce shito products which are safe and have a stable shelf life.
Dual-Frequency Circularly Polarized Truncated Square Aperture Patch Antenna with Slant Strip and L-Shaped Slot for WLAN Applications
Authors: Niyamanon Sorana , Senathong Rewat , Phongcharoenpanich Chuwong
Published: July 2018

This research proposes a dual-frequency circularly polarized truncated square aperture patch antenna with slant stripline and L-shaped slot for WLAN applications. In the antenna design, the parameters were optimized and the WLAN-enabled dual-frequency (2.4 and 5.8 GHz) antenna was realized. Simulations were subsequently carried out for the impedance bandwidth (S11) < −10 dB, axial ratio (AR) ≤ 3 dB, optimal gain, and bidirectional radiation pattern. To validate, an antenna prototype was fabricated and the experiments were undertaken. The simulated and experimental results are in good agreement. In essence, the proposed WLAN-enabled dual-frequency circularly polarized antenna is most suited for applications in the vertically and horizontally elongated areas, including in the tunnel, train carriage, and buildings.
A Low-Light Image Enhancement Method Based on Image Degradation Model and Pure Pixel Ratio Prior
Authors: Gu Zhenfei , Chen Can , Zhang Dengyin
Published: July 2018

Images captured in low-light conditions are prone to suffer from low visibility, which may further degrade the performance of most computational photography and computer vision applications. In this paper, we propose a low-light image degradation model derived from the atmospheric scattering model, which is simple but effective and robust. Then, we present a physically valid image prior named pure pixel ratio prior, which is a statistical regularity of extensive nature clear images. Based on the proposed model and the image prior, a corresponding low-light image enhancement method is also presented. In this method, we first segment the input image into scenes according to the brightness similarity and utilize a high-efficiency scene-based transmission estimation strategy rather than the traditional per-pixel fashion. Next, we refine the rough transmission map, by using a total variation smooth operator, and obtain the enhanced image accordingly. Experiments on a number of challenging nature low-light images verify the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed model, and the corresponding method can show its superiority over several state of the arts.
Protective Effect of Rosamultin against H2O2‐Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in H9c2 Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Zhang Ling , Liu Yang , Li Jian Yu , Li Ling Zhi , Zhang Yong Liang , Gong Hai Ying , Cui Ying
Published: July 2018

Rosamultin is one of the main active compounds isolated from Potentilla anserina L., which belongs to a triterpene compound. Few studies have examined the effect of rosamultin on oxidative stress and its molecular mechanism. The aim of this present study was to elucidate the protective effect of rosamultin on H2O2‐induced oxidative damage and apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyocytes and its mechanism. The results showed that the pretreatment of rosamultin not only increased cell viability but also reduced the release of LDH and CK. Rosamultin inhibited a H2O2‐induced decrease in SOD, CAT, and GSH‐Px activities and an increase in MDA content. Meanwhile, ROS level, intracellular (Ca2+) fluorescence intensity, and apoptosis rate in the rosamultin pretreated group were markedly decreased compared with the model group. Rosamultin pretreatment significantly reversed the morphological changes and attenuated H2O2‐induced apoptosis. Western blot analysis showed that rosamultin enhanced the expression of Bcl‐2 and pCryAB and downregulated the expression of Bax, Cyt‐c, Caspase‐3, and Caspase‐9 expression. Additionally, rosamultin might activate PI3K/Akt signal pathways and CryAB relative factors. Therefore, we suggest that rosamultin could have the potential for treating H2O2‐induced oxidative stress injury through its antioxidant and antiapoptosis effect.
Evaluation of Threshold Values for Root Canal Filling Voids in Micro-CT and Nano-CT Images
Authors: Orhan Kaan , Jacobs Reinhilde , Celikten Berkan , Huang Yan , de Faria Vasconcelos Karla , Nicolielo Laura Ferreira Pinheiro , Buyuksungur Arda , Van Dessel Jeroen
Published: July 2018

While several materials and techniques have been used to assess the quality of root canal fillings in micro-CT images, the lack of standardization in scanning protocols has produced conflicting results. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine a cutoff voxel size value for the assessment of root canal filling voids in micro-CT and nano-CT images. Twenty freshly extracted mandibular central incisors were used. Root canals were prepared with nickel titanium files to an ISO size 40/0.06 taper and then filled with a single cone (40/0.06 taper) and AH Plus sealer. The teeth were scanned with different voxel sizes with either micro-CT (5.2, 8.1, 11.2, and 16.73 μm) or nano-CT (1.5 and 5.0 μm) equipment. Images were reconstructed and analyzed with the NRecon and CTAn software. Void proportion and void volume were calculated for each tooth in the apical, middle, and coronal thirds of the root canal. Kruskal-Wallis and post hoc Mann–Whitney U tests were performed with a significance level of 5%. In micro-CT images, significantly different results were detected among the tested voxel sizes for void proportion and void volume, whereas no such differences were found in nano-CT images (p>0.05). Micro-CT images showed higher void numbers over the entire root length, with statistically significant differences between the voxel size of 16.73 μm and the other sizes (p<0.05). The values of the different nano-CT voxel sizes did not significantly differ from those of the micro-CT (5.2, 8.1, and 11.2 μm), except for the voxel size of 16.73 μm (p<0.05). All tested voxel sizes enabled the detection of root canal filling voids except for the voxel size of 16.73 μm. Bearing in mind the limitations of this study, it seems that a voxel size of 11.2 μm can be used as a reliable cutoff value for the assessment of root canal filling voids in micro-CT imaging.
Phase I Study of Seviteronel, a Selective CYP17 Lyase and Androgen Receptor Inhibitor, in Men with Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Gupta Shilpa , Nordquist Luke T. , Fleming Mark T. , Berry William R. , Zhang Jingsong , Ervin Sharon L. , Eisner Joel R. , Baskin-Bey Edwina S. , Shore Neal D.
Published: July 2018

Purpose: Seviteronel (INO-464) is a selective cytochrome P450c17a (CYP17) 17,20-lyase (lyase) and androgen receptor (AR) inhibitor with antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo. This open-label phase I clinical study evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and activity of once-daily seviteronel in male chemotherapy-naïve subjects with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).

Patients and Methods: Seviteronel was administered at 600 mg once daily with dose titration (DT) and in modified 3 + 3 dose escalation once-daily cohorts at 600, 750, and 900 mg without DT. The primary objectives of this study were to establish safety, tolerability, and the MTD of seviteronel in chemotherapy-naïve subjects with or without prior treatment with FDA-approved CRPC treatments, abiraterone acetate (AA), and enzalutamide. Secondary objectives were to assess pharmacokinetics, PSA, tumor response, and endocrine results.

Results: Twenty-one subjects were enrolled. No dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) were observed through 750 mg once daily. Most treatment-emergent adverse events (AE) reported at grade 1–2. The most commonly reported AEs were fatigue (71%), dizziness (52%), blurred vision (38%), and dysgeusia (33%), with most AEs improving after dose reduction or dose interruption.

Conclusions: Once-daily seviteronel was generally well tolerated in this phase I study of men with CRPC, a majority of which had progressed on prior AA or enzalutamide, or both. Of the doses evaluated, 600 mg once daily was chosen as the recommended phase II dose for future studies in subjects with CRPC. Clin Cancer Res; 24(21); 5225–32. ©2018 AACR.
Intraductal Papilloma Without Atypia on Image- Guided Breast Biopsy: Upgrade Rates to Carcinoma at Surgical Excision
Authors: Leithner Doris , Kaltenbach Benjamin , Hödl Petra , Möbus Volker , Brandenbusch Volker , Falk Stephan , Park Clara , Vogl Thomas J. , Müller-Schimpfle Markus
Published: July 2018

Background: The management of intraductal papilloma without atypia (IDP) in breast needle biopsy remains controversial. This study investigates the upgrade rate of IDP to carcinoma and clinical and radiologic features predictive of an upgrade. Methods: Patients with a diagnosis of IDP on image-guided (mammography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging) core needle or vacuum-assisted biopsy and surgical excision of this lesion at a certified breast center between 2007 and 2017 were included in this institutional review board-approved retrospective study. Appropriate statistical tests were performed to assess clinical and radiologic characteristics associated with an upgrade to malignancy at excision. Results: For 60 women with 62 surgically removed IDPs, the upgrade rate to malignancy was 16.1% (10 upgrades, 4 invasive ductal carcinoma, 6 ductal carcinoma in situ). IDPs with upgrade to carcinoma showed a significantly greater distance to the nipple (63.5 vs. 36.8 mm; p = 0.012). No significant associations were found between upgrade to carcinoma and age, menopausal status, lesion size, microcalcifications, BI-RADS descriptors, initial BI-RADS category, and biopsy modality. Conclusion: The upgrade rate at excision for IDPs diagnosed with needle biopsy was higher than expected according to some guideline recommendations. Observation only might not be appropriate for all patients with IDP, particularly for those with peripheral IDP.
Effects of Three Months of Aerobic Endurance Training on Motor Cortical Excitability in Schizophrenia Patients and Healthy Subjects
Authors:   Roeh, Malchow Berend , Levold Katrin , Labusga Marcin , Keller-Varady Katriona , Schneider-Axmann Thomas , Wobrock Thomas , Schmitt Andrea , Falkai Peter , Hasan Alkomiet
Published: July 2018

Background: Aerobic endurance training has been discussed to induce brain plasticity and improve cognitive functions in healthy subjects and patients with neuropsychiatric disorders. For schizophrenia, a motor cortical inhibitory deficit has been established as one aspect of impaired plasticity, especially involving impairments in GABAergic interneuron networks, but the possibility to restore these deficits via exercise-induced plasticity has not been evaluated yet. Methods: 17 schizophrenia patients and 16 matched healthy controls underwent 3 months of aerobic endurance training (30 min, 3 times a week) on bicycle ergometers. After 6 weeks, computer-assisted cognitive remediation training (30 min, 2 times a week) was added. Transcranial magnetic stimulation of the left and right hemispheres was performed at baseline and at the end of the intervention. We evaluated the intensity to induce a motor-evoked potential of 1 mV (S1mV), the resting motor threshold (RMT), the cortical silent period (CSP) at an intensity of 120 and 150% of the individual RMT, short-latency interval intracortical inhibition (3 ms), and intracortical facilitation (7 and 15 ms). Depending on the variable and hemisphere, follow-up data was available for 7–15 schizophrenia patients and for 10–12 healthy controls. Results: Repeated measures ANOVA revealed no significant time × group interactions for any of the analyzed variables. A significant increase in S1mV and CSP duration at 150% RMT of the left hemisphere could be observed in both groups over time. Conclusion: Regular ergometer training over 3 months increases motor cortical inhibition as displayed by an increase in CSP. The increase in S1mV may also indicate a higher degree of inhibition after the intervention. We could not establish a difference between schizophrenia patients and healthy controls. Due to the limited sample size, our results have to be considered as preliminary and need to be replicated in future trials.
Organization of the Orexin/Hypocretin System in the Brain of Holostean Fishes: Assessment of Possible Relationships with Monoamines and Neuropeptide Y
Authors: Lozano Daniel , González Agustín , López Jesús M.
Published: July 2018

Holosteans form a small group of actinopterygian fishes considered the sister group of teleosts. Despite this proximity to the biggest group of vertebrates, relatively few studies have been conducted to investigate the organization of the central nervous system of this group of fishes. In this study, the neuroanatomical distribution of orexin/hypocretin-like immunoreactive (OX-ir) cell bodies and fibers was analyzed in the brain of 3 representative species of the 2 orders of extant holosteans, the spotted gar Lepisosteus oculatus, the Florida gar Lepisosteus platyrhincus, and the bowfin Amia calva. Antibodies against orexin-A (OXA) and orexin-B (OXB) were used, which labeled the same cells and fibers throughout the brain. In addition, double immunohistofluorescence was performed for the simultaneous detection of OXA and OXB with tyrosine hydroxylase, serotonin, and neuropeptide Y (NPY), in an attempt to localize the orexinergic structures precisely and study the possible interactions between these neuroactive substances. The pattern of distribution of OX-ir cells in the 3 species was largely similar, showing labeled cells in the preoptic area (POA), and the tuberal and retrotuberal hypothalamic regions, with only subtle differences between species in the density of labeled cells. OX-ir fibers were found in all main brain subdivisions of the 3 species, mostly in the ventral subpallial areas, POA, hypothalamus, posterior tubercle, thalamus, and mesencephalic tectum. Different densities of orexinergic fibers were observed in relation to catecholaminergic and serotoninergic cell groups, as well as an absence of colocalization between orexins and NPY in the same hypothalamic neurons. The comparison of these results with those obtained in other vertebrates highlights a constant pattern of distribution of this system of neurotransmission among different groups of actinopterygian fishes, especially in teleosts. Conserved features shared by all vertebrates studied were also observed, such as the presence of OX-ir cells in the basal hypothalamus, reflecting the preserved functions of these neuropeptides over the course of evolution.
Safety and Feasibility of Balloon-Assisted Embolization with Onyx of Brain Arteriovenous Malformations Revisited: Personal Experience with the Scepter XC Balloon Microcatheter
Authors: Jagadeesan Bharathi D. , Grande Andrew W. , Tummala Ramachandra P.
Published: July 2018

Background/Objective: Compliant dual-lumen balloon microcatheters have been used to perform balloon-assisted embolization (BAE) of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) with ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (Onyx). However, vessel rupture and microcatheter retention have been reported from BAE using these microcatheters. Using an extra-compliant balloon microcatheter (Scepter XC; Microvention, Tustin, CA, USA) could help avoid pial vessel rupture during BAE. We herein report our experience using this balloon microcatheter for BAE. Methods: This retrospective study included patients who underwent BAE of brain AVMs at our institution between June 2012 and March 2017. Results: The extra-compliant Scepter XC balloon microcatheter was used for BAE of brain AVMs in 23 patients aged 44.3 ± 16.7 years (range 0–65 years). A total of 40 intracranial vessels (39 pial arteries and 1 pial vein) were catheterized and embolized during 30 separate sessions. In all instances, the balloon microcatheter could be successfully advanced to the AVM nidus. A mean volume of 2.4 ± 1.7 mL (range 0.65–4.6 mL) of Onyx was injected per session. There were no instances of vessel rupture, microcatheter retention, or stroke. Conclusion: Utilization of the extra-compliant balloon microcatheter results in safe and effective BAE, which adds to the growing experience with BAE for AVM treatment.
Sensitization to Aeroallergens in Patients with Primary Immunodeficiencies
Authors: Segundo Gesmar R.S. , Canabrava Laura Carneiro Matoso Nunes
Published: July 2018

Background: Primary immunodeficiencies (PID) are a heterogeneous group of diseases that cause alterations in the immune system, leading to the increased susceptibility to infections, autoimmune diseases, and malignancies. The aim was to evaluate the presence of clinical manifestations and diagnoses of asthma, rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis in patients diagnosed with PID, and correlate these with allergen sensitization verified by skin prick testing (SPT). Material and Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive, and observational study was conducted from February 2015 to February 2016. We performed a medical report analysis and SPT for aeroallergens in patients with a PID diagnosis. Results: Thirty-one patients with a PID diagnosis were included. The mean age of the participants was 15.41 years. From the 31 patients, 28 had symptoms suggestive of allergic disease (asthma, rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis) and only 7 presented positive SPT for at least 1 aeroallergen. Conclusion: The frequency of allergenic sensitization in the group of patients with PID and symptoms suggestive of asthma, rhinitis, or atopic dermatitis is lower than that found in the general population, probably due the impairment of IgE formation secondary to their immunologic alterations.
Identification of a Panel of MiRNAs as Positive Regulators of Insulin Release in Pancreatic Β-Cells
Authors: Lang Hongmei , Xiang Yang , Lin Ning , Ai Zhihua , You Zhiqing , Xiao Jie , Liu Dan , Yang Yongjian
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a novel class of small RNAs that participate in a variety of biological processes. Although miRNAs have been linked to insulin synthesis and glucose homeostasis, their role in the targeting of mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), a negative modulator of insulin secretion, remains unclear. Methods: miRNA levels were determined by real-time quantitative PCR analysis using TaqMan probes, and insulin secretion from isolated islets was quantified by ELISA. Effects of miRNAs on UCP2 expression were checked with a luciferase assay and western blotting analysis. Results: An overall change in a set of miRNAs was discovered, with miR-15a, miR-424, miR-497, and miR-185 coinciding with insulin levels in islets maintained under high-glucose conditions. Moreover, experiments in MIN6 cells illustrated that miR-15a, miR-424, miR-497, and miR-185 positively regulated insulin biosynthesis by co-inhibiting UCP2 expression. Furthermore, the four miRNAs were found to post-transcriptionally repress UCP2 expression by directly targeting the 3’UTR of UCP2 mRNA. Conclusions: Thus, our results shed further light on the regulatory network in β-cells consisting of miRNAs, UCP2, and insulin and provide novel therapeutic targets for diabetes.
Novos enunciadores da publicidade: perfis fictícios no branded content da cerveja Antarctica
Authors: Azevedo Sandro Tôrres de , Alves Daniele De Castro , Vasconcelos Mariana Ayres Tavares
Published: July 2018

Neste trabalho, analisamos as interações estabelecidas na página do perfil fictício Marcelão da BOA, personagem do conjunto de webséries “Coisa boa gera coisa boa”, promovido pela marca de cerveja Antarctica como parte integrante de sua corrente ação de branded content. Para tanto, recuperamos conceitos afeitos à relação entre ciberpublicidade e prossumidores, bem como revisamos algumas perspectivas sobre o branded content. Assim, procuramos investigar as trocas discursivas entre marca e consumidores sob o prisma dos regimes de interação dados pelo ferramental teórico da sociossemiótica.
O perfume do mundo: consumo de experiências de marca pelo olfato
Authors: Atem Guilherme Nery , Abreu Fernanda Ferreira de
Published: July 2018

Este trabalho enfoca a análise das relações entre consumo de experiências e o sentido humano do olfato. Nosso objetivo principal é mapear o que se tem produzido sobre tal relação a partir de diferentes recortes disciplinares. Só recentemente as ciências humanas e sociais, em geral, e o marketing e a publicidade, em particular, vêm se interessando pelo olfato. Daí trazermos esta discussão, com uma pesquisa de caráter exploratório, seguindo as principais formulações teóricas e complementando-a com exemplos de casos em pontos de venda, mais especificamente.
Pintura de paisagens amazônicas: o design vernacular em Mosqueiro (PA)
Authors: Pereira Natália Cristina Rodrigues , Amorim Célia Regina Trindade Chagas
Published: July 2018

A experiência comunicacional e estética na Amazônia chamada de design vernacular faz parte das reflexões deste artigo. Trata-se de desenhos de letras, ilustrações e paisagens pintados à mão que, baseados na cultura popular, objetivam suprir as necessidades comunicacionais do comércio informal onde se originam. Parte-se da seguinte inquietação: De que forma o design vernacular, na sua modalidade paisagística, expressa a cultura amazônica? Exploram-se os conceitos de mediação e midiatização, e como estes influenciam as pinturas locais. A pesquisa se apoiou em Martín-Barbero, Hepp, Hjarvard, Trindade e Perez, Martino, dentre outros.
Juventude e consumo de notícias: comportamento geracional e hábitos culturais
Authors: Felix Carla Baiense , Mendes Larissa de Morais Ribeiro , Fontes Helen Pinto de Britto
Published: July 2018

Este artigo apresenta os resultados da pesquisa “Juventude, produção e consumo de notícias: novas dinâmicas, usos e apropriações”. Analisamos os hábitos de 100 jovens entre 18 e 23 anos, pertencentes a dois grupos distintos: alunos do curso de Comunicação Social-Jornalismo, da Universidade Federal Fluminense, e estudantes do Pré-Universitário Popular. A análise buscou identificar a relação entre dados demográficos, hábitos de consumo e percepções, num ambiente marcado pela proliferação de conteúdos e dispositivos midiáticos. A especificidade da proposta está na investigação das formas de apropriação e consumo das notícias, um conceito, aliás, em transição, como analisamos. Buscou-se, ainda, estabelecer diferenças entre os comportamentos e crenças desse grupo etário, no que diz respeito à mídia, e dos demais extratos da população, mapeando o que seria um comportamento geracional.
Fotografia e saudade: três considerações sobre a perda
Authors: Oliveira Michel de
Published: July 2018

O artigo discute a relação entre fotografia e saudade, a fim de observar como a imagem fixa mantém conexões com esse complexo sentimento. Para aprofundar a questão, apresenta apontamentos sobre as perdas que envolvem a fotografia: dos entes queridos que não mais existem – imortalizados nos retratos –, da materialidade da imagem e da vocação mnemônica atribuída aos registros da câmera. A partir desse exercício de reflexão, é possível depreender que a fotografia, em suas diversas fases e usos sociais, ainda preserva sua vocação elegíaca, a suscitar saudades.
Estudos culturais e estudos descoloniais: diálogos e rupturas na construção de uma pesquisa de recepção
Authors: Nascimento Fernanda
Published: July 2018

Este artigo discute a possibilidade de construção de uma pesquisa de recepção por meio da articulação entre os estudos culturais e os estudos descoloniais. A partir da constatação de que os estudos de recepção estão intrinsecamente relacionados aos estudos culturais e que esta última tradição de estudos tem recebido críticas por autores descoloniais, propõe-se a construção de uma pesquisa de recepção inspirada nos estudos descoloniais.
Análise das interações entre sociedade e organização nas mídias sociais: um estudo da campanha “Papo de Mulher para Mulher” da loja Marisa
Authors: Oliveira Anne Cristine Ferraz de , Andrelo Roseane
Published: July 2018

O artigo analisa a campanha “Papo de mulher para mulher” da loja Marisa e os comentários publicados nas mídias sociais, trabalhando na perspectiva do sistema de resposta social de José Luiz Braga. O objetivo principal do estudo é compreender como ocorre a construção do discurso de diversidade da Marisa a partir da análise das interações entre sociedade e organização, levantando pistas que levem à compreensão de como ocorre a comunicação organizacional voltada à diversidade e evidenciando as respostas sociais do público diante do discurso da loja no âmbito das mídias sociais. Constatou-se que o discurso de diversidade empregado pela organização não condiz com suas práticas e que grande parte dos leitores que comentaram na postagem tem posicionamento desfavorável à campanha, visto que não perceberam a representatividade de diferentes mulheres.
Specific Afferent Renal Denervation Prevents Reduction in Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase Within the Paraventricular Nucleus in Rats With Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Zheng Hong , Katsurada Kenichi , Liu Xuefei , Knuepfer Mark M. , Patel Kaushik P.
Published: July 2018

Renal denervation (RDN) has been shown to restore endogenous neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and reduce sympathetic drive during chronic heart failure (CHF). The purpose of the present study was to assess the contribution of afferent renal nerves to the nNOS-mediated sympathetic outflow within the PVN in rats with CHF. CHF was induced in rats by ligation of the left coronary artery. Four weeks after surgery, selective afferent RDN (A-RDN) was performed by bilateral perivascular application of capsaicin on the renal arteries. Seven days after intervention, nNOS protein expression, nNOS immunostaining signaling, and diaphorase-positive stained cells were significantly decreased in the PVN of CHF rats, changes that were reversed by A-RDN. A-RDN reduced basal lumbar sympathetic nerve activity in rats with CHF (8.5%±0.5% versus 17.0%±1.2% of max). Microinjection of nNOS inhibitor L-NMMA (L-N
G
-monomethyl arginine citrate) into the PVN produced a blunted increase in lumbar sympathetic nerve activity in rats with CHF. This response was significantly improved after A-RDN (Δ lumbar sympathetic nerve activity: 25.7%±2.4% versus 11.2%±0.9%). Resting afferent renal nerves activity was substantially increased in CHF compared with sham rats (56.3%±2.4% versus 33.0%±4.7%). These results suggest that intact afferent renal nerves contribute to the reduction of nNOS in the PVN. A-RDN restores nNOS and thus attenuates the sympathoexcitation. Also, resting afferent renal nerves activity is elevated in CHF rats, which may highlight a crucial neural mechanism arising from the kidney in the maintenance of enhanced sympathetic drive in CHF.
Prognostic Value of Hepatorenal Function By Modified Model for End‐stage Liver Disease (MELD) Score in Patients Undergoing Tricuspid Annuloplasty
Authors: Chen Yan , Liu Ying‐Xian , Seto Wai‐Kay , Wu Mei‐Zhen , Yu Yu‐Juan , Lam Yui‐Ming , Au Wing‐Kuk , Chan Daniel , Sit Ko‐Yung , Ho Lai‐Ming , Tse Hung‐Fat , Yiu Kai‐Hang
Published: July 2018

Background

The Model for End‐stage Liver Disease excluding international normalized ratio (
MELD
‐
XI
) score and the modified
MELD
score with albumin replacing international normalized ratio (MELD‐Albumin) score, which reflect both liver and renal function, have been reported as predictors of adverse events in liver and heart disease. Nonetheless, their prognostic value in patients undergoing tricuspid annuloplasty has not been addressed.

Methods and Results

A total of 394 patients who underwent tricuspid annuloplasty were evaluated. Baseline clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic parameters were recorded. Adverse outcome was defined as the occurrence of heart failure requiring admission or all‐cause mortality. Patients who underwent tricuspid annuloplasty had a high prevalence of preoperative hepatorenal dysfunction that was more common in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation than those with mild to moderate tricuspid regurgitation. The
MELD
‐
XI
and
MELD
‐Albumin scores were excellent predictors of 1‐year adverse outcome (area under the curve: 0.69 and 0.75, respectively). Kaplan–Meier survival curve demonstrated that a high score on
MELD
‐
XI
(≥12.0) and
MELD
‐Albumin (≥10.7) was associated with an increased risk of adverse events. During a median follow‐up of 40 months, both
MELD
‐
XI
and
MELD
‐Albumin scores were significantly associated with adverse outcome, even after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Significant improvement of hepatorenal function at 1 year postoperation was noted only in patients who had no adverse events, not in those who experienced an adverse outcome.

Conclusions

Both
MELD
‐
XI
score and
MELD
‐Albumin score can provide useful information to predict adverse outcome in patients undergoing tricuspid annuloplasty. The present study supports monitoring of modified
MELD
score to improve preoperative risk stratification of these patients.
Neural Encoding of Attended Continuous Speech under Different Types of Interference
Authors: Olguin Andrea , Bekinschtein Tristan A. , Bozic Mirjana
Published: July 2018

We examined how attention modulates the neural encoding of continuous speech under different types of interference. In an EEG experiment, participants attended to a narrative in English while ignoring a competing stream in the other ear. Four different types of interference were presented to the unattended ear: a different English narrative, a narrative in a language unknown to the listener (Spanish), a well-matched nonlinguistic acoustic interference (Musical Rain), and no interference. Neural encoding of attended and unattended signals was assessed by calculating cross-correlations between their respective envelopes and the EEG recordings. Findings revealed more robust neural encoding for the attended envelopes compared with the ignored ones. Critically, however, the type of the interfering stream significantly modulated this process, with the fully intelligible distractor (English) causing the strongest encoding of both attended and unattended streams and latest dissociation between them and nonintelligible distractors causing weaker encoding and early dissociation between attended and unattended streams. The results were consistent over the time course of the spoken narrative. These findings suggest that attended and unattended information can be differentiated at different depths of processing analysis, with the locus of selective attention determined by the nature of the competing stream. They provide strong support to flexible accounts of auditory selective attention.
Difficulty of Reaching Respondents and Nonresponse Bias: Evidence from Large Government Surveys
Authors: Heffetz Ori , Reeves Daniel B.
Published: July 2018

How high is unemployment? How low is labor force participation? Is obesity more prevalent among men? How large are household expenditures? We study the sources of the relevant official statistics—the Current Population Survey, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, and the Consumer Expenditure Survey—and find that the answers depend on whether we look at easy- or at difficult-to-reach respondents, measured by the number of call and visit attempts made by interviewers. A challenge to the (conditionally-)random-nonresponse assumption, these findings empirically substantiate the theoretical warning against making population-wide estimates from surveys with low response rates.
The Market for High-Quality Medicine: Retail Chain Entry and Drug Quality in India
Authors: Bennett Daniel , Yin Wesley
Published: July 2018

This study examines the effect of chain store entry on drug quality and prices in India. In contrast to prevailing mom-and-pop pharmacies, chains exploit scale economies in distribution and signaling to offer high-quality drugs at lower cost. We show that chain entry leads to a 5% improvement in drug quality and a 2% decrease in prices at incumbent retailers. Effects are larger for locally distributed drug brands but do not depend on consumer SES. Our findings suggest that in markets with asymmetric information, organizational technologies such as chains can play an important role translating market expansion into higher quality.