bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electromagnetic fluctuation spectra of collective oscillations in magnetized Maxwellian equal mass plasmas for low-frequency waves
Authors: Vafin S. , Schlickeiser R. , Yoon P. H.
Published: May 2016

Recently, the general electromagnetic fluctuation theory for magnetized plasmas has been used to study the steady-state fluctuation spectra and the total intensity of low-frequency collective weakly damped modes for parallel wave vectors in Maxwellian plasmas. Now, we address the same question with respect to an arbitrary direction of the wave-vector. Here, we analyze this problem for equal mass plasmas. These plasmas are a very good tool to study various plasma phenomena, as they considerably facilitate the theoretical consideration and at the same time provide with their clear physical picture. Finally, we compare our results in the limiting case of parallel wave vectors with the previous study.
Electronic resonant tunneling on graphene superlattice heterostructures with a tunable graphene layer
Authors: Zhang Shan , Cui Liyong , Liu Fen , Lu Guang , Du Lei , Liu Yiping , Du Guiqiang
Published: May 2016

We have theoretically investigated the electronic resonant tunneling effect in graphene superlattice heterostructures, where a tunable graphene layer is inserted between two different superlattices. It is found that a complete tunneling state appears inside the enlarged forbidden gap of the heterostructure by changing the thickness of the inserted graphene layer and the transmittance of the tunneling state depends on the thickness of the inserted layer. Furthermore, the frequency of the tunneling state changes with the thickness of the inserted graphene layer but it always located in the little overlapped forbidden gap of two graphene superlattices. Therefore, both a perfect tunneling state and an ultrawide forbidden gap are realized in such heterostrutures. Since maximum probability densities of the perfect tunneling state are highly localized near the interface between the inserted graphene layer and one graphene superlattice, it can be named as an interface-like state. Such structures are important to fabricate high-Q narrowband electron wave filters.
A population study of respiratory rehospitalisation in very preterm infants in the first 3 years of life
Authors: Hong Timothy , Bolisetty Srinivas , Bajuk Barbara , Abdel‐Latif Mohamed , Oei Julee , Jaffe Adam , Lui Kei
Published: May 2016

Aim

Very premature infants consume healthcare resources following discharge from neonatal intensive care units (NICU). This study aimed to evaluate the burden of respiratory related rehospitalisation within the first 3 years post discharge in very premature infants in an Australian population.

Methods

Rehospitalisation of a 4‐year cohort of NICU survivors, born less than 32 weeks gestation, was derived from data linkage of three state‐wide databases including NSW Neonatal Intensive Care Units' Data Collection, Admitted Patient Data Collection and the Death Registry. Rehospitalisation diagnoses were determined by ICD‐10 AM codes.

Results

Of the 2939 survivors, 525 (18%) had bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and 261 BPD infants (50%) were discharged on home oxygen. Almost two‐third (1860, 63%) of the survivors are required rehospitalisation, respiratory causes, including 394 respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)‐related, accounted for 2668 (48%) of the 5599 rehospitalisations. Significantly more home oxygen BPD survivors had respiratory (70%) and RSV‐related (22%) rehospitalisations than the BPD infants not needing home oxygen (58% and 18%, respectively), and the survivors without BPD had the lowest rates (32% and 10%, P < 0.001). Most respiratory (61%) and RSV‐related (74%) rehospitalisations occurred during the first 12 months post discharge. No RSV‐related fatality occurred. Amongst the total 17 562 hospital days, respiratory and RSV‐related admissions accounted for 10 905 (62%) and 3031 (17.2%) days. In multivariable logistic analyses, home oxygen and maternal indigenous status were independently associated with high (3 or more) respiratory and RSV rehospitalisation rates.

Conclusions

Respiratory rehospitalisations are common in very premature survivors. Home oxygen and indigenous status are significant risk factors for respiratory and RSV‐related rehospitalisations.
Outcomes of oesophageal atresia and tracheo‐oesophageal fistula repair
Authors: Roberts Kiera , Karpelowsky Jonathan , Fitzgerald Dominic A , Soundappan Soundappan SV
Published: May 2016

Oesophageal atresia and tracheo‐oesophageal fistula are congenital anomalies of the oesophagus requiring surgical repair in infancy, either by open or thoracoscopic approach. Although mortality rates associated with this procedure are low, children may go on to have complications throughout childhood and into adulthood, most commonly related to ongoing gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms. This review outlines the early, mid and long‐term outcomes for these children in terms of quality of life and incidence of symptoms.
A Closer Look at the Diffuse and Localised Necking of A Metallic Thin Sheet: Evolution of the Two Bands Pattern
Authors: Bao C. , Francois M. , Le Joncour L.
Published: May 2016

Plastic strain localisation in a sheet specimen was monitored by electronic speckle pattern interferometry during uniaxial tensile tests. The experiments were carried on in the diffuse and localised necking stages until fracture. A kinematic model, which is independent of material characteristics, was used to describe the whole strain rate field with two crossing localisation bands inclined with respect to the tensile direction. Then, the physical features of localisation, such as the width of the two bands, their inclination angles and their maximum strain rates are identified by least‐square from the displacements fields and their evolutions are followed from the onset of diffuse necking up to the failure. In particular, the effect of the average strain rate is considered and bandwidth evolution is analysed in detail.

It was found that:

The band structure appears early, as soon as diffuse necking starts;

The separation, in terms of strain rate or bandwidth, of the two bands corresponds to the transition between diffuse and localised necking. The localised necking stage can be divided into two sub‐stages: in the first one, the two bands continue to evolve but at different rates, and in the second one, one of the bands stabilises. The transition between the two sub‐stages is influenced by the crossbeam velocity;

The inclination of the band leading to fracture remains quite stable, while the other rotates towards a situation perpendicular to the tensile direction;

The band width decreases exponentially versus the maximum local strain. The two bands follow the same evolution path, but one of them progressively lags behind the other until it stops deforming.

Although the average strain rate was only varied by a factor two, it was found that, when the strain rate increases, the two bands stay together longer and thus that the onset of localised necking is delayed.
Pronoun deletion in Hong Kong English and Colloquial Singaporean English
Authors: SCHRÖTER VERENA , KORTMANN BERND
Published: May 2016

The question how substrate features and extralinguistic conditions interact in shaping contact varieties is an ongoing debate in the study of world Englishes. The present study tries to describe substrate influence by identifying an areally marked morphosyntactic feature, subject pronoun deletion, and comparing its occurrence and structural conditioning in two closely related varieties of English in Southeast Asia. Our results show that even in the typologically similar linguistic habitats of Hong Kong and Singapore, the different degrees of nativisation are reflected in the frequency and distribution of null subjects in the two relevant local varieties.
Iterative metal artifact reduction for x‐ray computed tomography using unmatched projector/backprojector pairs
Authors: Zhang Hanming , Wang Linyuan , Li Lei , Cai Ailong , Hu Guoen , Yan Bin
Published: May 2016

Purpose:

Metal artifact reduction (MAR) is a major problem and a challenging issue in x‐ray computed tomography (CT) examinations. Iterative reconstruction from sinograms unaffected by metals shows promising potential in detail recovery. This reconstruction has been the subject of much research in recent years. However, conventional iterative reconstruction methods easily introduce new artifacts around metal implants because of incomplete data reconstruction and inconsistencies in practical data acquisition. Hence, this work aims at developing a method to suppress newly introduced artifacts and improve the image quality around metal implants for the iterative MAR scheme.

Methods:

The proposed method consists of two steps based on the general iterative MAR framework. An uncorrected image is initially reconstructed, and the corresponding metal trace is obtained. The iterative reconstruction method is then used to reconstruct images from the unaffected sinogram. In the reconstruction step of this work, an iterative strategy utilizing unmatched projector/backprojector pairs is used. A ramp filter is introduced into the back‐projection procedure to restrain the inconsistency components in low frequencies and generate more reliable images of the regions around metals. Furthermore, a constrained total variation (TV) minimization model is also incorporated to enhance efficiency. The proposed strategy is implemented based on an iterative FBP and an alternating direction minimization (ADM) scheme, respectively. The developed algorithms are referred to as “iFBP‐TV” and “TV‐FADM,” respectively. Two projection‐completion‐based MAR methods and three iterative MAR methods are performed simultaneously for comparison.

Results:

The proposed method performs reasonably on both simulation and real CT‐scanned datasets. This approach could reduce streak metal artifacts effectively and avoid the mentioned effects in the vicinity of the metals. The improvements are evaluated by inspecting regions of interest and by comparing the root‐mean‐square errors, normalized mean absolute distance, and universal quality index metrics of the images. Both iFBP‐TV and TV‐FADM methods outperform other counterparts in all cases. Unlike the conventional iterative methods, the proposed strategy utilizing unmatched projector/backprojector pairs shows excellent performance in detail preservation and prevention of the introduction of new artifacts.

Conclusions:

Qualitative and quantitative evaluations of experimental results indicate that the developed method outperforms classical MAR algorithms in suppressing streak artifacts and preserving the edge structural information of the object. In particular, structures lying close to metals can be gradually recovered because of the reduction of artifacts caused by inconsistency effects.
Assessing Problem-Based Learning in a Software Engineering Curriculum Using Bloom’s Taxonomy and the IEEE Software Engineering Body of Knowledge
Authors: Dolog Peter , Thomsen Lone Leth , Thomsen Bent
Published: May 2016

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) has often been seen as an all-or-nothing approach, difficult to apply in traditional curricula based on traditional lectured courses with exercise and lab sessions. Aalborg University has since its creation in 1974 practiced PBL in all subjects, including computer science and software engineering, following a model that has become known as the Aalborg Model. Following a strategic decision in 2009, the Aalborg Model has been reshaped. We first report on the software engineering program as it was in the old Aalborg Model. We analyze the programme wrt competence levels according to Bloom’s taxonomy and compare it with the expected skills and competencies for an engineer passing a general software engineering 4-year program with an additional 4 years of experience as defined in the IEEE Software Engineering Body of Knowledge (SWEBOK) [Abran et al. 2004]. We also compare with the Graduate Software Engineering 2009 Curriculum Guidelines for Graduate Degree Programmes in Software Engineering (GSwE2009) [Pyster 2009]. We then describe the new curriculum and draw some preliminary conclusions based on analyzing the curriculum according to Bloom’s taxonomy and the results of running the program for 2 years. As the new program is structured to be compliant with the Bologna Process and thus presents all activities in multipla of 5 European Credit Transfer System points, we envision that elements of the program could be used in more traditional curricula. This should be especially easy for programs also complying with the Bologna Process.
Activity Dynamics in Collaboration Networks
Authors: Walk Simon , Helic Denis , Geigl Florian , Strohmaier Markus
Published: May 2016

Many online collaboration networks struggle to gain user activity and become self-sustaining due to the ramp-up problem or dwindling activity within the system. Prominent examples include online encyclopedias such as (Semantic) MediaWikis, Question and Answering portals such as StackOverflow, and many others. Only a small fraction of these systems manage to reach self-sustaining activity, a level of activity that prevents the system from reverting to a nonactive state. In this article, we model and analyze activity dynamics in synthetic and empirical collaboration networks. Our approach is based on two opposing and well-studied principles: (i) without incentives, users tend to lose interest to contribute and thus, systems become inactive, and (ii) people are susceptible to actions taken by their peers (social or peer influence). With the activity dynamics model that we introduce in this article we can represent typical situations of such collaboration networks. For example, activity in a collaborative network, without external impulses or investments, will vanish over time, eventually rendering the system inactive. However, by appropriately manipulating the activity dynamics and/or the underlying collaboration networks, we can jump-start a previously inactive system and advance it toward an active state. To be able to do so, we first describe our model and its underlying mechanisms. We then provide illustrative examples of empirical datasets and characterize the barrier that has to be breached by a system before it can become self-sustaining in terms of critical mass and activity dynamics. Additionally, we expand on this empirical illustration and introduce a new metricp—theActivity Momentum—to assess the activity robustness of collaboration networks.
Families and Mobile Devices in Museums
Authors: Rennick-egglestone S. , Brundell P. , Koleva B. , Benford S. , Roussou M. , Chaffardon C.
Published: May 2016

This article presents an observational study of eight families engaging with a bespoke tablet experience produced for a space science centre. It documents the various ways in which family members orientate themselves to the usage of technology in this environment, with a particular focus on the work done to manage the tablet and facilitate the engagement of younger children with the narrative of the experience. These findings are considered in the broader context of the need to design experiences that cater to engagement by families as a whole. We conclude by motivating the need for technologies that are robust in light of regular disengagement and by family members, and which provide functionality to directly support facilitation work.
Gender and Performance in Computer Science
Authors: Wagner Isabel
Published: May 2016

The term
gender gap
refers to the significant underrepresentation of females in many subjects. In Computer Science, the gender gap exists at all career levels. In this article, we study whether there is a performance gap in addition to the gender gap. To answer this question, we analyzed statistical data on student performance in Computer Science from 129 universities in the United Kingdom covering the years 2002 to 2013. We find that male students were awarded significantly more first-class degrees than female students. We evaluate four other subjects—Subjects Allied to Medicine, Business & Administrative Studies, Mathematical Sciences, and Engineering & Technology—and find that they do not exhibit this performance gap. From this finding, we review explanations for the gender and performance gaps, as well as potential solutions to eliminate the gaps. Most solutions do not require major institutional change and could thus be implemented easily.
Enhanced Detection and Sizing of the HTT CAG Repeat Expansion in Huntington Disease Using an Improved Triplet-Primed PCR Assay
Authors: Zhao Mingjue , Lee Caroline G. , Law Hai-Yang , Chong Samuel S.
Published: May 2016

Background: Accurate determination of the CAG repeat number is crucial for diagnostic and predictive testing for Huntington disease (HD). Current PCR-based assays can accurately size up to ∼110 HTT CAG repeats. Objective: To develop an improved assay capable of detecting larger CAG repeat expansions. Methods: A triplet-primed PCR (TP-PCR) assay was optimized and validated on 14 HD reference DNAs, including a sample carrying a large expansion of ∼180 CAG repeats. Results: All 14 HD reference samples showed 100% concordance with the previously verified allele sizes. For alleles under 45 CAGs, identical repeat sizes were obtained, while alleles larger than 46 CAGs were sized to within ±1 CAG. The improved TP-PCR assay successfully detected the ∼180 CAG repeat allele in an affected sample. Conclusion: This method extends the detection limit of large expanded alleles to at least ∼175-180 CAG repeats, thus reducing the likelihood of requiring Southern blot analysis for any HD-affected sample.
Dronedarone and Amiodarone Induce Dyslipidemia and Thyroid Dysfunction in Rats
Authors: Jiang Li-Qin , Chen Shan-Jiang , Xu Jian-Jiang , Ran Zhang , Ying Wang , Zhao Sheng-Gang
Published: May 2016

Background/Aims: Amiodarone, a thyroid hormone-like molecule, can induce dyslipidemia and thyroid dysfunction. However, the effects of dronedarone on lipid metabolism and of both dronedarone and amiodarone on thyroid function and lipid metabolism remain unknown. Methods: Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (10 in each group): normal control (NC), amiodarone-treated (AMT), dronedarone-treated (DRT), rats treated with amiodarone combined with polyene phosphatidylcholine (AC), and rats treated with dronedarone combined with polyene phosphatidylcholine (DC). Rats were given amiodarone (120 mg/kg/d), dronedarone (120 mg/kg/d), and polyene phosphatidylcholine (200 mg/kg/d) for 13 weeks. At the end of weeks 4, 8, 12, and 13, plasma-free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) were determined. At the end of this protocol, rats were sacrificed and the thyroid glands were isolated, weighed, and examined histopathologically. The protein expression of Bcl-2 was measured by immunochemical staining. The mRNA expression of thyroglobulin (Tg), type-1 deiodinase (D1), and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Compared with the NC group, FT3 and FT4 levels in the DRT and DC groups significantly increased at week 4 but declined thereafter. The AMT and AC groups had lower FT3 levels but comparable FT4 levels. The levels of TG, LDL-c, and HDL-c in the NC group were lower than those in the other groups whereas the LDL-c/HDL-c ratio was lowest in the AMT group. Bcl-2 expression significantly increased in the DRT group. The mRNA expression of Tg increased whereas the mRNA expression of D1 decreased. Dronedarone induced hyperthyroidism at the early stage and hypothyroidism at the late stage whereas amiodarone only caused hypothyroidism. Conclusion: Both dronedarone and amiodarone can induce dyslipidemia and increase the levels of TC, LDL-c, and HDL-c, and these effects may be associated with thyroid dysfunction.
Combination Therapy of Nifedipine and Sulphonylureas Exhibits a Mutual Antagonistic Effect on the Endothelial Cell Dysfunction Induced by Hyperglycemia Linked to Vascular Disease
Authors: Wang Li-Ping , Jiang Yu , Yang Hong , Peng Cheng , Zhang Chuan , Tao Xia , Xie He-Hui
Published: May 2016

Background/Aims: By inducing severe endothelial impairment, hypertension and diabetes are two leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Hypertensive patients with concomitant diabetes must take both antihypertensive and hypoglycaemic medications, for which there is a lack of experimental and clinical guidelines. This study aimed to examine the interaction between these two types of medication on the endothelial cell function. Methods: The effect of antihypertensive (nifedipine and irbesartan) and anti-diabetic (metformin and glibenclamide/glimepiride) drugs on human umbilical vein cells (HUVECs) function was examined using a modified Boyden chamber assay. The intracellular NO and O2- levels of HUVECs were detected through flow cytometry. Results: Our findings showed that nifedipine/sulphonylurea monotherapy significantly attenuated high glucose-induced (33 mM) HUVECs migration incapacity, while combination therapy of nifedipine and glibenclamide/glimepiride showed no protective effect. Both nifedipine/metformin monotherapy and combined therapy significantly mitigated the migration incapacity induced by high glucose in HUVECs. Combined with either metformin or sulphonylureas, irbesartan therapy was able to attenuate the high glucose-induced migration incapacity of HUVECs. Nifedipine monotherapy decreased the O2- levels and increased the NO levels in in vitro-cultured HUVECs treated with high glucose. However, the combination therapy of nifedipine and glibenclamide increased the O2- levels and decreased the NO levels compared to the nifedipine monotherapeutic group. Conclusion: The nifedipine and glibenclamide/glimepiride combination exerted a mutual antagonistic effect on the protection from high glucose-induced impairment in endothelial cells, which might be partially attributed to the increased O2- level and decreased NO level. These results imply that calcium channel blockers + sulphonylurea combination therapy warrants further attention in patients suffering from both hypertension and diabetes.
Cytopathology of Hepatobiliary-Related Actinomycosis
Authors: Xing Juan , Rodriguez Erika F. , Monaco Sara E. , Pantanowitz Liron
Published: May 2016

Background: The clinical diagnosis of hepatobiliary-related actinomycosis can be challenging owing to its rarity and variable presentation. Moreover, actinomycotic pseudotumors may mimic malignancy and result in unnecessary surgical resection. Herein, we present the clinical and cytopathological features of 3 cases with hepatobiliary-related actinomycosis. Cases: The first patient was a 73-year-old man who presented with an exophytic liver lesion. The second patient was a 78-year-old woman who presented with a biliary stricture. The third patient was an 88-year-old woman with a right flank mass extending to the liver. The aspirate smears in these 3 cases demonstrated ‘cotton ball' clusters of filamentous microorganisms and abscesses. The cell blocks of 2 of the patients showed sulfur granules with peripheral filamentous microorganisms positive with a Gram stain but negative with an acid fast stain, consistent with Actinomyces species. All patients were elderly and shared a past surgical history of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Conclusion: These cases demonstrate the complementary role of cytology in the diagnosis of hepatobiliary actinomycosis. A cytologic diagnosis of actinomycosis is minimally invasive and quick. It can prompt proper culture medium selection and avoid unnecessary or extensive surgery. Based on our experience, laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be a precipitating factor for the subsequent development of hepatobiliary-related actinomycosis.
Another Piece of the Puzzle of Podocyte B7-1 Expression: Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Novelli Rubina , Gagliardini Elena , Ruggiero Barbara , Benigni Ariela , Remuzzi Giuseppe
Published: May 2016

Background/Aims: Lupus nephritis (LN) is a frequent complication and a major predictor of poor prognosis of systemic lupus erythematosus. Immune complex deposition and T cell infiltration are crucial events in LN pathogenesis. B7-1 (CD80), normally expressed by antigen-presenting cells, is one of the major co-stimulators of T-cell activation through the binding with its counter-receptors CD28 and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4. Unexpectedly, B7-1 induction was described at the podocyte level in patients affected by different renal diseases, including LN. These observations suggested a novel exciting function for B7-1 as a biomarker of podocyte injury, and hence that B7-1 inhibitory drugs could serve as podocyte-targeted treatment of intractable renal diseases. However, subsequent studies hardly questioned the reliability of B7-1 detection assays and the therapeutic efficacy of B7-1 blockade in proteinuric patients, casting doubts on B7-1 expression by podocytes. Here, we thoroughly investigated whether B7-1 was indeed expressed by podocytes in LN, before even considering employing B7-1 blockade in patients with severe manifestations of LN and unfavourable prognosis. Methods: Applying different immunohistochemical assays with 4 primary antibodies, we analysed kidney biopsies from 42 LN patients at different stages of the disease, and from NZB/NZW mice, an LN model. Results: B7-1 was not induced in podocytes in human and murine LN; instead its expression was confined to infiltrating inflammatory cells. Conclusion: B7-1 is not expressed by podocytes in LN. A renoprotective effect of B7-1 blockade in LN patients cannot be ruled out but, if confirmed, cannot be the result of an effect on podocyte B7-1.
Influência dos fatores sexuais e etários sobre a proteína total, fração albumina e atividade sérica de aspartato-aminotransferase e gama-glutamiltransferase de ovinos da raça Santa Inês
Authors: Meira Jr Enoch Brandão de Souza , Rizzo Huber , Benesi Fernando José , Gregory Lilian
Published: May 2016

O presente estudo estabelece valores de referência dos teores séricos de proteínas totais, albumina, AST e GGT em ovinos da raça santa Inês e avalia a interferência de fatores sexuais e etários sobre estas variáveis. Foram colhidas amostras de sangue de 161 ovelhas. O resultado encontrado para os valores padrões séricos foram 5,86 + 0,96 g/dL para proteínas totais, 2,33+0,43 g/dL para albumina, 63,25+27,52 U/L para AST e 28,45+14,53 U/L para GGT. A análise dos resultados permite afirmar que os valores referentes à concentração sérica de albumina e à atividade sérica de AST sofrem influência de fatores sexuais e etários, e os valores referentes à atividade sérica de GGT sofrem influência somente de fatores etários. Não foram encontradas influências dos fatores sexuais e etários para os outros parâmetros estudados.
Linear Additive Impacts of Arctic Sea Ice Reduction and La Niña on the Northern Hemisphere Winter Climate
Authors: Han Zhe , Li Shuanglin , Liu Jiping , Gao Yongqi , Zhao Ping
Published: May 2016

Both Arctic sea ice loss and La Niña events can result in cold conditions in midlatitude Eurasia in winter. Since the two forcings sometimes occur simultaneously, determining whether they are independent of each other is undertaken first. The result suggests an overall independence. Considering possible interactions between them, their coordinated impacts on the Northern Hemisphere winter climate are then investigated based on observational data analyses, historical simulation analyses from one coupled model (MPI-ESM-LR) contributing to CMIP5, and atmospheric general circulation model sensitive experiments in ECHAM5. The results show that the impacts of the two forcings are overall linearly accumulated. In comparison with one single forcing, there is intensified cooling response in midlatitude Eurasia along with northern warmer–southern cooler dipolar temperature responses over North America. Despite the additive linearity, additive nonlinearity between the two forcings is identifiable. The nonlinearity causes midlatitude Eurasian cooling weakened by one-tenth to one-fifth as much as their individual impacts in combination. The underlying mechanisms for the weak additive nonlinearity are finally explored by transient adjustment AGCM runs with one single forcing or both the forcings switched on suddenly. The day-to-day evolution of responses suggests that the additive nonlinearity may arise initially from the forced wave dynamics and then be amplified because of the involvement of transient eddy feedbacks.
Development of a Low-Cost, Noninvasive, Portable Visual Speech Recognition Program
Authors: Kohlberg Gavriel D. , Gal Ya’akov (Kobi) , Lalwani Anil K.
Published: May 2016

Objectives:

Loss of speech following tracheostomy and laryngectomy severely limits communication to simple gestures and facial expressions that are largely ineffective. To facilitate communication in these patients, we seek to develop a low-cost, noninvasive, portable, and simple visual speech recognition program (VSRP) to convert articulatory facial movements into speech.

Methods:

A Microsoft Kinect–based VSRP was developed to capture spatial coordinates of lip movements and translate them into speech. The articulatory speech movements associated with 12 sentences were used to train an artificial neural network classifier. The accuracy of the classifier was then evaluated on a separate, previously unseen set of articulatory speech movements.

Results:

The VSRP was successfully implemented and tested in 5 subjects. It achieved an accuracy rate of 77.2% (65.0%-87.6% for the 5 speakers) on a 12-sentence data set. The mean time to classify an individual sentence was 2.03 milliseconds (1.91-2.16).

Conclusion:

We have demonstrated the feasibility of a low-cost, noninvasive, portable VSRP based on Kinect to accurately predict speech from articulation movements in clinically trivial time. This VSRP could be used as a novel communication device for aphonic patients.
Session V: Dentin-Predentin Complex and Its Permeability — W.R. Cotton, Chairman
Authors: Thomas H.F.
Published: May 2016

This paper provides an anatomical overview of the dentin-predentin complex and its permeability. An unique anatomical feature of this complex is the presence of dentinal tubules which extend peripherally from the odontoblast-predentin junction throughout the thickness of the tissue. The permeability of dentin is a consequence of the presence of these tubules. Thus, this review concentrates on the anatomy of dentinal tubules and, in particular, on those studies which in the last decade have increased our knowledge of this anatomy. The structure, size, and number of dentinal tubules and the relationship of these features to the permeability of the tissue are discussed. This is followed by a description of the contents of dentinal tubules, with particular emphasis being paid to the literature concerning the extent of the odontoblast process.
Dentin-Predentin Complex and Its Permeability: Physiologic Overviwe
Authors: Pashley DH.
Published: May 2016

The major channels for solute diffusion across dentin are the dentinal tubules. Since dentin permeation is proportional to the product of tubule number and diameter, both of which increase as the tubules converge on the pulp, we find that dentin permeability increases rapidly as the pulp chamber is approached. The presence of a smear layer of cutting debris on top of cut dentin decreases dentin permeability, especially when permeability is measured by fluid filtration. Further, intratubular material — such as mineral deposits, collagen fibrils, proteoglycan linings, bacteria, etc. — can greatly reduce dentin permeability. Although the presence of irregular or irritation dentin has been thought to greatly reduce dentin permeability, recent in vivo experiments in dogs indicate that the dentin permeability of freshly cut cavities prepared in sound dentin falls very rapidly (i.e., 50-60% in the first six hours) before any histologic changes can be detected, either in the pulp or the dentin. When dogs were depleted of their plasma fibrinogen, this rapid decline in dentin permeability following cavity preparation failed to take place. The results implicate leakage of plasma proteins from the underlying pulpal vessels. The proteins subsequently permeate the tubules, where they are either adsorbed to the tubule walls or physically trapped in such a way as to reduce dentin permeability.
A Preliminary Study of the Effects of a Comprehensive Teaching Program, Based on Questioning, to Improve Tactical Actions in Young Footballers
Authors: Práxedes Alba , Moreno Alberto , Sevil Javier , García-González Luis , Del Villar Fernando
Published: May 2016

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of a comprehensive teaching program, based on questioning on decision making, and execution in football. The intervention program, based on teaching games for understanding model and including the application of questioning in a context of modified games, was applied during 21 training sessions. A quasi-experimental study with a prepost design with 18 male football players ( M = 10.7 year, SD = 0.6) was developed over 18 weeks. Participants were divided into experimental group ( n = 9) and control group ( n = 9). A total of 1532 actions were observed (1120 passes and 412 dribbling). Results showed that after applying the intervention program, the players in the experimental group showed better decision making in the pass and dribbling actions, and better execution in the pass action, compared with the players from the control group. These results suggest that the application of questioning in a context of modified games must be taken into account to promote tactical training in young footballers and to improve their tactical behavior.
Validation of the Japanese Version of the Body Vigilance Scale
Authors: Saigo Tatsuo , Takebayashi Yoshitake , Tayama Jun , Bernick Peter J. , Schmidt Norman B. , Shirabe Susumu , Sakano Yuji
Published: May 2016

The Body Vigilance Scale is a self-report measure of attention to bodily sensations. The measure was translated into Japanese and its reliability, validity, and factor structure were verified. Participants comprised 286 university students (age: 19 ± 1 years). All participants were administered the scale, along with several indices of anxiety (i.e., Anxiety Sensitivity Index, Short Health Anxiety Inventory Illness Likelihood Scale, Social Interaction Anxiety Scale, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). The Japanese version of the Body Vigilance Scale exhibited a unidimensional factor structure and strong internal consistency. Construct validity was demonstrated by significant correlations with the above measures. Results suggest that the Japanese version of the scale is a reliable, valid tool for measuring body vigilance in Japanese university students.
Review on recent trend of solar photovoltaic technology
Authors: Gul Mehreen , Kotak Yash , Muneer Tariq
Published: May 2016

Solar photovoltaic technology is one of the renewable technologies, which has a potential to shape a clean, reliable, scalable and affordable electricity system for the future. This article provides a comprehensive review of solar photovoltaic technology in terms of photovoltaic materials efficiency and globally leading countries. Based on past years review and photovoltaic installations in the year 2014, the major five leading countries identified are China, Japan, USA, Germany and UK. These five countries altogether accounted for 80% of photovoltaic installations in 2014. The article also discusses the driving policies, funding and Research and Development activities: to gauge the reasons behind the success of the leading countries. Finally, this article reviews the photovoltaic cost analysis in terms of the photovoltaic module cost, balance of system cost and project cost with the help of listed 98 globally installed projects.
Experimental provocation of ‘ice-cream headache’ by ice cubes and ice water
Authors: Mages Stephan , Hensel Ole , Zierz Antonia Maria , Kraya Torsten , Zierz Stephan
Published: May 2016

Background

There are various studies on experimentally provoked ‘ice-cream headache’ or ‘headache attributed to ingestion or inhalation of a cold stimulus’ (HICS) using different provocation protocols. The aim of this study was to compare two provocation protocols.

Methods

Ice cubes pressed to the palate and fast ingestion of ice water were used to provoke HICS and clinical features were compared.

Results

The ice-water stimulus provoked HICS significantly more often than the ice-cube stimulus (9/77 vs. 39/77). Ice-water-provoked HICS had a significantly shorter latency (median 15 s, range 4–97 s vs. median 68 s, range 27–96 s). There was no difference in pain localisation. Character after ice-cube stimulation was predominantly described as pressing and after ice-water stimulation as stabbing. A second HICS followed in 10/39 (26%) of the headaches provoked by ice water. Lacrimation occurred significantly more often in volunteers with than in those without HICS.

Discussion

HICS provoked by ice water was more frequent, had a shorter latency, different pain character and higher pain intensity than HICS provoked by ice cubes. The finding of two subsequent HICS attacks in the same volunteers supports the notion that two types of HICS exist. Lacrimation during HICS indicates involvement of the trigeminal-autonomic reflex.
Headache in military service members with a history of mild traumatic brain injury: A cohort study of diagnosis and classification
Authors: Finkel Alan G , Yerry Juanita A , Klaric John S , Ivins Brian J , Scher Ann , Choi Young S
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Headaches after concussion are highly prevalent, relatively persistent and are being treated like primary headaches, especially migraine.

Methods

We studied all new patients seen between August 2008 and December 2009 assessed by a civilian headache specialist at the TBI Center at Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, NC. We report sample demographics, injuries and headache characteristics, including time from injury to headache onset, detailed descriptions and International Classification of Headache Disorders second edition primary headache diagnosis type.

Results

A total of 95 soldiers reported 166 headaches. The most common injury cited was a blast (53.7%). Most subjects (76.8%) recalled the onset of any headache within 7 days of injury. The most commonly diagnosed headache was a continuous type with migraine features ( n = 31 (18.7%)), followed by chronic migraine (type 1.5.1, n = 14 (8.4%)), migraine with aura (type 1.2.1, n = 10 (6.0%)), hemicrania continua (type 4.7, n = 12 (7.2%)), chronic cluster (type 3.1.2, n = 6 (3.6%)) and headaches not otherwise classifiable (type 14.1, n = 5 (3.0%)) also present. The most clinically important was a continuous headache with migraine features.

Conclusion

We present a series of patients seen in a military treatment facility for headache diagnosis after concussion in whom we found migraine, as well as uncommon primary headache types, at frequencies that were much higher than expected.
Serum L-arginine and dimethylarginine levels in migraine patients with brain white matter lesions
Authors: Erdélyi-Bótor Szilvia , Komáromy Hedvig , Kamson David Olayinka , Kovács Norbert , Perlaki Gábor , Orsi Gergely , Molnár Tihamér , Illes Zsolt , Nagy Lajos , Kéki Sándor , Deli Gabriella , Bosnyák Edit , Trauninger Anita , Pfund Zoltán
Published: May 2016

Background/Aim

Migraine is a risk factor for the formation of silent brain white matter lesions (WMLs) that are possibly ischemic in nature. Although dysfunction of the L-arginine/nitric oxide (NO) pathway has been associated with oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in migraine, its role in WML development has not been specifically investigated. Thus, this prospective study aimed to measure the serum concentrations of the NO substrate L-arginine, the NO synthase inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), and the L-arginine transport regulator symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) in migraine patients in a headache-free period.

Methods

All participants underwent MR imaging to assess for the presence of WMLs on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery imaging. Altogether 109 migraine patients (43 with lesions, 66 without lesions) and 46 control individuals were studied. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to quantify L-arginine, ADMA and SDMA serum concentrations. Migraine characteristics were investigated, and participants were screened for risk factors that can lead to elevated serum ADMA levels independent of migraine.

Results

Migraine patients and controls did not differ in regard to vascular risk factors. Migraineurs with WMLs had a longer disease duration ( p < 0.001) and a higher number of lifetime headache attacks ( p = 0.005) than lesion-free patients. Higher L-arginine serum levels were found in both migraine subgroups compared to controls ( p < 0.001). Migraine patients with WMLs showed higher ADMA concentrations than lesion-free patients and controls ( p < 0.001, for both). In migraineurs, the presence of WMLs, aura and increasing age proved to be significant predictors of increased ADMA levels ( p = 0.008, 0.047 and 0.012, respectively). SDMA serum levels of lesional migraineurs were higher than in nonlesional patients ( p < 0.001). The presence of lesions and increasing age indicated an increased SDMA level ( p = 0.017 and 0.001, respectively). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that ADMA level ( p = 0.006), increasing age ( p = 0.017) and the total number of lifetime migraine attacks ( p = 0.026) were associated with an increased likelihood of exhibiting WMLs. There was no significant effect of age on ADMA and SDMA concentrations in controls.

Conclusions

Elevated ADMA levels may impact the pathogenesis of migraine-related WMLs by influencing cerebrovascular autoregulation and vasomotor reactivity. Higher SDMA concentrations may indirectly influence NO synthesis by reducing substrate availability. Elevated L-arginine serum levels might reflect an increased demand for NO synthesis.
Allocation of solid waste collection bins and route optimisation using geographical information system: A case study of Dhanbad City, India
Authors: Khan D , Samadder SR
Published: May 2016

Collection of municipal solid waste is one of the most important elements of municipal waste management and requires maximum fund allocated for waste management. The cost of collection and transportation can be reduced in comparison with the present scenario if the solid waste collection bins are located at suitable places so that the collection routes become minimum. This study presents a suitable solid waste collection bin allocation method at appropriate places with uniform distance and easily accessible location so that the collection vehicle routes become minimum for the city Dhanbad, India. The network analyst tool set available in ArcGIS was used to find the optimised route for solid waste collection considering all the required parameters for solid waste collection efficiently. These parameters include the positions of solid waste collection bins, the road network, the population density, waste collection schedules, truck capacities and their characteristics. The present study also demonstrates the significant cost reductions that can be obtained compared with the current practices in the study area. The vehicle routing problem solver tool of ArcGIS was used to identify the cost-effective scenario for waste collection, to estimate its running costs and to simulate its application considering both travel time and travel distance simultaneously.
Fast, Free, and Targeted
Authors: Shatz Itamar
Published: May 2016

Recruiting participants is a necessary step in many studies. With the advent of online research techniques, scientists are looking for new places where participants can be recruited online, in order to overcome the limitations of current sources and avoid the issues associated with sample overuse. The social media website “Reddit” is a potential source for recruitment, as it allows for free and rapid data collection from large samples, while enabling researchers to target specific populations when needed. The ability to recruit for free is especially important because it enables students and early career researchers, for whom even low recruitment costs can be prohibitive, to benefit from the opportunity of conducting research that they otherwise would not be able to. The current article therefore aims to bring this prospective, untapped resource to the attention of the research community. The article discusses current online recruitment sources and their limitations, provides an overview of Reddit, validates its use for research purposes, examines participation data from previous studies which recruited through Reddit, highlights its advantages and limitations as a participant pool, and suggests guidelines that can improve recruitment and retention rates for scientists looking to use Reddit for their research.
Incorporating a Drug Information Consult into a Pharmacy Practice Course to Build Literature Search and Evaluation Skills Through a 3-Stage Model
Authors: Wittman Deborah , Kovera Craig , Sullivan Maureen , Rumore Martha M.
Published: May 2016

Objective:

Pharmacy students need to be equipped with skills to research and evaluate literature to effectively apply evidence-based medicine (EBM) in practice. To prepare them, a 3-stage approach to writing a drug information consult (3sDIC) was incorporated into a pharmacy course. The primary objective was to assess students’ abilities to retrieve and analyze literature pursuant to a drug information consult. Secondary objectives were to examine feasibility of faculty participation and continuation of the assignment.

Design:

Ninety students were given a clinical scenario about a patient. The assignment consisted of 3 stages incorporating use of the Population, Intervention, Comparison intervention, Outcome (PICO) method and modified systematic approach (MSA) for stage 1, evaluation of primary literature to write a draft for stage 2, and stage 3, the final consult. All 3 stages were reviewed and graded by faculty.

Assessment:

All students completed the 3sDIC, with no grade failures. The rubric employed by faculty was effective, providing students the opportunity to improve the consult. The 3sDIC was found to be feasible with adequate faculty support.

Conclusion:

The 3sDIC, although not a substitute for a complete drug information course, demonstrated a streamlined approach for Pharmacy year 2 (P2) students to acquire and develop drug information skills.
An Online Educational Program Improves Pediatric Oncology Nurses’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Spiritual Care Competence
Authors: Petersen Cheryl L. , Callahan Margaret Faut , McCarthy Donna O. , Hughes Ronda G. , White-Traut Rosemary , Bansal Naveen K.
Published: May 2016

This study evaluated the potential impact of an online spiritual care educational program on pediatric nurses’ attitudes toward and knowledge of spiritual care and their competence to provide spiritual care to children with cancer at the end of life. It was hypothesized that the intervention would increase nurses’ positive attitudes toward and knowledge of spiritual care and increase nurses’ level of perceived spiritual care competence. A positive correlation was expected between change in nurses’ perceived attitudes toward and knowledge of spiritual care and change in nurses’ perceived spiritual care competence. A prospective, longitudinal design was employed, and analyses included one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance, linear regression, and partial correlation. Statistically significant differences were found in nurses’ attitudes toward and knowledge of spiritual care and nurses’ perceived spiritual care competence. There was a positive relationship between change scores in nurses’ attitudes toward and knowledge of spiritual care and nurses’ spiritual care competence. Online spiritual care educational programs may exert a lasting impact on nurses’ attitudes toward and knowledge of spiritual care and their competence to provide spiritual care to children with cancer at the end of life. Additional studies are required to evaluate the direct effects of educational interventions patient outcomes.