bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of outcome and interventional complication rate in patients with acute stroke treated with mechanical thrombectomy with and without bridging thrombolysis
Authors: Weber Ralph , Nordmeyer Hannes , Hadisurya Jeffrie , Heddier Markus , Stauder Michael , Stracke Paul , Berger Klaus , Chapot Rene
Published: February 2016

Background

No randomized trial has investigated the effect of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) alone in patients with acute stroke. There are conflicting results as to whether prior intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) facilitates subsequent MT, and data in patients treated with MT alone owing to contraindications to IVT are limited.

Objective

To compare consecutive patients treated with MT alone or with preceding IVT in a large tertiary neurointerventional center, with special emphasis on contraindications to IVT.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 283 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with MT in a tertiary neurovascular center over 14 months. Data on characteristics of periprocedural times, recanalization rate, complications, and long-term functional outcome were collected prospectively.

Results

Information on prior IVT and functional outcome was available in 250 patients. Mean (SD) follow-up period was 5.7 (5.1) months and 105 (42%) patients received both IVT and MT. No significant differences were found in successful recanalization rates (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 2b/3, 73.8% vs 73.1, p=0.952), complication rates, and long-term favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0–2, 35.2% vs 40%, p=0.444) between patients receiving MT plus IVT and those receiving MT alone. A favorable outcome in patients directly treated with MT alone who were eligible for IVT was achieved in 48.2%. Thrombectomy was safe and resulted in a favorable outcome in 32% of patients with absolute contraindications to IVT.

Conclusions

Preceding use of IVT was not an independent predictor of favorable outcome in patients with acute stroke treated with MT and complication rates did not differ whether or not IVT was used. MT is safe and achieved a favorable outcome in one-third of patients with stroke ineligible for IVT.
Relations between basalts and adakitic–felsic intrusive bodies in a soft-substrate environment: the South Ouessant Visean basin in the Variscan belt, Armorican Massif, France
Authors: Caroff Martial , Le Gall Bernard , Authemayou Christine , Bussien Grosjean Denise , Labry Cyrill , Guillong Marcel
Published: February 2016

The metasedimentary and magmatic terranes in the southern part of the Ouessant Island (Western Brittany, France) are the offshore prolongation of the Léon Variscan metamorphic domain. They mainly consist of micaschists and subordinate amphibolitic lenses (meta-pillow lavas and volcaniclastic successions) cut by a swarm of trondhjemite sills, together with a large porphyritic monzogranite body, newly dated at 336 Ma, and later syeno-leucogranitic intrusions. A large spectrum of fluidal peperites, including spectacular “fiamme”-bearing breccias, is observable at the contact between metasediments and most of the intrusives. The coexistence of amphibolitized basalts, adakitic trondhjemites, and peraluminous granites in the inferred South Ouessant basin is assigned to a variety of deep subcontemporaneous processes, including asthenospheric partial melting, high-pressure fractionation in lithospheric reservoirs (or partial remelting of deep crystallized mafic intrusions), and continental crust melting. Implications of these new results are discussed in the Visean basinal framework of the Armorican Massif, formed at an early stage of the Variscan orogeny.
Exploring optimal walleye exploitation rates for northern Wisconsin Ceded Territory lakes using a hierarchical Bayesian age-structured model
Authors: Tsehaye Iyob , Roth Brian M. , Sass Greg G.
Published: February 2016

We assessed population dynamics of walleye (Sander vitreus) in multiple Ceded Territory lakes, which support recreational and tribal fisheries, using a hierarchical Bayesian age-structured model. We used distributions of parameter estimates to develop a dynamic simulation model to forecast performances of walleye fisheries across these lakes under alternative recreational and tribal fishing scenarios. Application of a hierarchical approach allowed us to obtain more accurate estimates of stock–recruitment relationships, natural mortality, maturity and selectivity schedules, and growth parameters for individual lakes, especially for those with relatively uninformative data, and to characterize their variability among lakes. Using standing spawning stock biomass, recreational and tribal harvest, and probability of population collapse as performance metrics, our simulations suggest that northern Wisconsin walleye populations can sustain a regional optimal exploitation rate of about 20% on average given the existing recreational and tribal gear selectivities. However, lake-specific optimal exploitation rates may be higher or lower depending on estimated lake productivities, suggesting that effective management of the Ceded Territory walleye fisheries should account for variability in population dynamics among lakes.
Evaluation of aminocyclopyrachlor applied aloneand in combination with registered herbicides for crop tolerance and weed control in wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.)
Authors: White Scott N. , Boyd Nathan S. , Van Acker Rene C.
Published: February 2016

The pyrimidine herbicide aminocyclopyrachlor was evaluated for crop tolerance and weed control in wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Aiton). Preemergence applications of aminocyclopyrachlor at a rate of 50 g a.i. ha−1 did not reduce aboveground blueberry biomass, yield potential, or final yield, and this rate appears safe for use in wild blueberry. Preemergence applications of aminocyclopyrachlor at a rate of 100 g a.i. ha−1 reduced aboveground blueberry biomass, but yield potential and final yield were only reduced significantly at application rates of 200 and 400 g a.i. ha−1. Preemergence applications of aminocyclopyrachlor at a rate of 100 g a.i. ha−1 effectively suppressed Euthamia graminifolia (L.) Nutt., and further evaluation of aminocyclopyrachlor to identify safe application timings and rates in wild blueberry is warranted. Aminocyclopyrachlor applied as a directed spot spray provided good control of several herbaceous and woody perennial weeds, and this use pattern could provide an alternative management option for many perennial weeds in wild blueberry.
Sequential transforms associated with Gaussian processes on function space
Authors: Chang Seung Jun , Chung Hyun Soo , Choi Jae Gil
Published: February 2016

We define two generalized sequential transforms on the function space [Formula: see text]. In order to find the essential structure of the generalized sequential transforms we first investigate the relationships between the generalized analytic [Formula: see text]-Feynman integral and the generalized [Formula: see text]-function space integral. We then establish the existences of our sequential transforms on [Formula: see text]. One of these sequential transforms identifies the generalized analytic [Formula: see text]-Fourier–Feynman transform and the other transform plays a role as an inverse transform of the generalized analytic [Formula: see text]-Fourier–Feynman transform.
ULTRASOUND B-MODE DESCRIPTORS AND THEIR ASSOCIATION TO AGE AND AUTOMATED IMT AND IMT VARIABILITY
Authors: MEIBURGER KRISTEN M. , ROSATI SAMANTA , BALESTRA GABRIELLA , ACHARYA U. RAJENDRA , MOLINARI FILIPPO
Published: February 2016

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the association between four simple B-mode image descriptors and age, to further assess the association between the descriptors and automated intima-media thickness (IMT) and intima-media thickness variability (IMTV) measurements, and finally analyze the predictive value of the B-mode image descriptors. A database of 1774 images of the carotid artery is used to manually calculate the contrast and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) between the (i) intima-media complex and lumen, and (ii) adventitial wall layer and intima-media complex. A subset of 200 images is then used to automatically measure the IMT and IMTV parameters with a previously developed algorithm. Correlation studies and logistic regression analysis are then performed. The contrast and SNR between the intima-media complex and lumen (contrastIM and SNRIM) are 112.691[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]247.427 and 19.542[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]6.236, respectively; whereas between the adventitial wall layer and intima-media complex the parameters (contrastADV and SNRADV) are found to be 1.684[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]1.182 and 32.859[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]10.766, respectively. Pearson’s rho is significantly different from zero considering the contrastIM and the SNRADV descriptors when tested for the association with age. The automated IMT and IMTV measurements are 0.796[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]0.152[Formula: see text]mm and 0.096[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]0.044[Formula: see text]mm, respectively. Testing the association with the IMT and IMTV measurements yielded Pearson’s rho values which are significantly different from zero except in the case of contrastIM for the IMTV measurement. The logistic regression results showed the IMTV measurement and the SNR descriptor between the intima-media complex and the lumen has a significant predictive value. Considering the association between the IMT and IMTV, the B-mode image descriptors showed a strong and statistically significant association. Moreover, the SNR between the intima-media complex and lumen is found to be a predictive variable in demonstrating its effectiveness as an image descriptor.
Managing Telecommunications for Development: An Analysis of Intellectual Capital in Nigerian Telecommunication Industry
Authors: Suraj Olunifesi Adekunle
Published: February 2016

The study examines the role of intellectual capital (IC) management in explaining the mismatch between performances of the Nigerian telecommunications industry’s annual growth rate (16.3%) and that of the nation’s economic average growth rate (4.3%) over the last two decades (1986–2010). Through a previously published research instrument, data were collected from 320 managers from 29 telecommunication companies using stratified random sampling technique. The major findings of the study as highlighted by the regression analysis (Partial Least Square techniques) of the data, revealed that the sampled telecommunication companies lack the organisational know-how and communication aptitude to leverage their embedded organisational knowledge (Structural capital) into business performance ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) notwithstanding their knowledge creation and retention strategies. Hence, Knowledge utilisation rather than knowledge creation appears the main challenge of the industry which has made it perform below expectation despite the industry’s tremendous infrastructural investment. The study thereby recommends that policy makers and telecommunication managers should begin to analyse the economic impact and contribution of IC in the sector as a means of boosting the sector’s corporate business performance in the overall aim of accelerating the nation’s economic development. Moreover, as a way of addressing this obvious managerial inadequacy, the study recommends the position of Chief Knowledge Officer to be saddled with responsibility of effectively leveraging knowledge generated in the industry for optimum organisational performance and national development.
Building Resource Adaptive Software Systems (BRASS)
Authors: Hughes Jeffrey , Sparks Cassandra , Stoughton Alley , Parikh Rinku , Reuther Albert , Jagannathan Suresh
Published: February 2016

As modern software systems continue inexorably to increase in complexity and capability, users have become accustomed to periodic cycles of updating and upgrading to avoid obsolescence---if at some cost in terms of frustration. In the case of the U.S. military, having access to well-functioning software systems and underlying content is critical to national security, but updates are no less problematic than among civilian users and often demand considerable time and expense. To address these challenges, DARPA has announced a new four-year research project to investigate the fundamental computational and algorithmic requirements necessary for software systems and data to remain robust and functional in excess of 100 years. The Building Resource Adaptive Software Systems, or BRASS, program seeks to realize foundational advances in the design and implementation of long-lived software systems that can dynamically adapt to changes in the resources they depend upon and environments in which they operate. [1] MIT Lincoln Laboratory will provide the test framework and evaluation of proposed software tools in support of this revolutionary vision
Improved GUI Testing using Task Parallel Library
Authors: Öztürk Muhammed Maruf , Zengin Ahmet
Published: February 2016

While performing a software engineering project, testing is one of the effort intensive activity accounting for up to 50% of total software development cost. To reduce this cost, parallel execution of test cases is a preferred way for developers. Task Parallel Library (TPL) is a powerful and scalable library providing a wide range of methods while facilitating test harnesses. Here, we propose a novel algorithm P-GUI, thereby using TPL. Results of experiment designed on 10 web pages show that proposed algorithm achieved a speedup of 1.4 on average
Key Software Metrics and its Impact on each other for Software Development Projects
Authors: Bhardwaj Mridul , Rana Ajay
Published: February 2016

Every software development project is unique and different from repeatable manufacturing process. Each software project share different challenges related to technology, people and timelines. If every project is unique, how project manager can estimate project in a consistent way by applying his past experience. One of the major challenges faced by the project manager is to identify the key software metrics to control and monitor the project execution. Each software development project may be unique but share some common metric that can be used to control and monitor the project execution. These metrics are software size, effort, project duration and productivity. These metrics tells project manager about what to deliver (size), how it was delivered in past (productivity) and how long will it take to deliver with current team capability (time and effort). In this paper, we explain the relationship among these key metrics and how they statistically impact each other. These relationships have been derived based on the data published in book "Practical Software Estimation" by International Software Benchmarking Group. This paper also explains how these metrics can be used in predicting the total number of defects. Study suggests that out of the four key software metrics software size significantly impact the other three metrics (project effort, duration and productivity). Productivity does not significantly depend on the software size but it represents the nonlinear relationship with software size and maximum team size, hence, it is recommended not to have a very big team size as it might impact the overall productivity. Total project duration only depends on the software size and it does not depend on the maximum team size. It implies that we cannot reduce project duration by increasing the team size. This fact is contrary to the perception that we can reduce the project duration by increasing the project team size. We can conclude that software size is the important metrics and a significant effort must be put during project initiation phases to estimate the project size. As software size will help in estimating the project duration and project efforts so error in estimating the software size will have significant impact on the accuracy of project duration and effort. All these key metrics must be re-calibrated during the project development life cycle
A Study of Relationship between Performance, Temperament and Personality of a Software Programmer
Authors: Gulati Jayati , Bhardwaj Priya , Suri Bharti , Lather Anu Singh
Published: February 2016

This paper focuses on finding the relationship between the performance, temperament and personality of a software programmer. The rationale behind conducting this study is to find out if personality influences the performance of software engineering students. We conducted a survey of 66 students pursuing engineering to find out their personality traits and its relationship with their programming abilities. The personality test used was Goldberg's IPIP (International Personality Item Pool) and Keirsey Temperament Sorter. The results showed that IPIP test personality traits of extroversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability and intellect are not significantly correlated with performance of the respondents. However, on temperament dimension it was found that there was a significant correlation between "Guardian" temperament and high performance which indicates that these respondents had sensing and judging type of temperament
Transcriptional Responses to the Auxin Hormone
Authors: Weijers Dolf , Wagner Doris
Published: February 2016

Auxin is arguably the most important signaling molecule in plants, and the last few decades have seen remarkable breakthroughs in understanding its production, transport, and perception. Recent investigations have focused on transcriptional responses to auxin, providing novel insight into the functions of the domains of key transcription regulators in responses to the hormonal cue and prominently implicating chromatin regulation in these responses. In addition, studies are beginning to identify direct targets of the auxin-responsive transcription factors that underlie auxin modulation of development. Mechanisms to tune the response to different auxin levels are emerging, as are first insights into how this single hormone can trigger diverse responses. Key unanswered questions center on the mechanism for auxin-directed transcriptional repression and the identity of additional determinants of auxin response specificity. Much of what has been learned in model plants holds true in other species, including the earliest land plants.
Autoantigens as Partners in Initiation and Propagation of Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Rosen Antony , Casciola-Rosen Livia
Published: February 2016

Systemic autoimmune diseases are characterized by specific targeting of a limited group of ubiquitously expressed autoantigens by the immune system. This review examines the mechanisms underlying their selection as immune targets. Initiation of autoimmune responses likely reflects the presentation of antigens with a distinct structure not previously encountered by the immune system, in a proimmune context (injury, malignancy, or infection). Causes of modified structure include somatic mutation and posttranslational modifications (including citrullination and proteolysis). Many autoantigens are components of multimolecular complexes, and some of the other components may provide adjuvant activity. Propagation of autoimmune responses appears to reflect a bidirectional interaction between the immune response and the target tissues in a mutually reinforcing cycle: Immune effector pathways generate additional autoantigen, which feeds further immune response. We propose that this resonance may be a critical principle underlying disease propagation, with specific autoantigens functioning as the hubs around which amplification occurs.
Galectins and Immune Responses—Just How Do They Do Those Things They Do?
Authors: Thiemann Sandra , Baum Linda G.
Published: February 2016

Galectins are a family of mammalian carbohydrate-binding proteins expressed by many cell types. Galectins can function intracellularly and can also be secreted to bind to cell surface glycoconjugate counterreceptors. Some galectins are made by immune cells, whereas other galectins are secreted by different cell types, such as endothelial or epithelial cells, and bind to immune cells to regulate immune responses. Galectin binding to a single glycan ligand is a low-affinity interaction, but the multivalency of galectins and the glycan ligands presented on cell surface glycoproteins results in high-avidity binding that can reversibly scaffold or cluster these glycoproteins. Galectin binding to a specific glycoprotein counterreceptor is regulated in part by the repertoire of glycosyltransferase enzymes (which make the glycan ligands) expressed by that cell, and the effect of galectin binding results from clustering or retention of specific glycoprotein counterreceptors bearing these specific ligands.
Recent Advances in Superhard Materials
Authors: Zhao Zhisheng , Xu Bo , Tian Yongjun
Published: February 2016

In superhard materials research, two topics are of central focus. One is to understand hardness microscopically and to establish hardness models with atomic parameters, which can be used to guide the design or prediction of novel superhard crystals. The other is to synthesize superhard materials with enhanced comprehensive performance (i.e., hardness, fracture toughness, and thermal stability), with the ambition of achieving materials harder than natural diamond. In this review, we present recent developments in both areas. The microscopic hardness models of covalent single crystals are introduced and further generalized to polycrystalline materials. Current research progress in novel superhard materials and nanostructuring approaches for high-performance superhard materials are discussed. We also clarify a long-standing controversy about the criterion for performing a reliable indentation hardness measurement.
Material Evaluation by Infrared Thermography
Authors: Holland Stephen D. , Reusser Ricky S.
Published: February 2016

Infrared thermography uses the temperature-imaging capability of modern thermal cameras to characterize materials and detect flaws. An energy source—whether a pulse of light from a laser or flash lamp, an induction coil, or some other source—induces heat flow in a material, and the resulting temperature patterns are imaged with the thermal camera. In flash thermography, the most widely used form of quantitative thermography, a pulse of light is used as the energy source, and then the surface cooldown is imaged with the thermal camera. Calculations based on an elementary theory of 1D heat conduction can determine thickness (or, equivalently, thermal diffusivity), and nonuniformity in the cooldown will identify defects. This article reviews the methods, approaches, and models of thermography. It focuses on illustrating and identifying the materials, thicknesses, and flaw conditions under which thermography is an effective material characterization technique.
Learner Control and e-Learning: Taking Stock and Moving Forward
Authors: Brown Kenneth G. , Howardson Garett , Fisher Sandra L.
Published: February 2016

Research has historically adopted one of two views toward learner discretion in training: Learner discretion is controlled by training characteristics (i.e., the instruction-centric view), or learner discretion is a substantive learning process, the understanding of which is essential to developing more effective training (i.e., the learner-centric view). More recently, training scholars have followed the general trend in scientific psychology toward increasingly nuanced and interactionist views of individual behavior. That is, the effectiveness of providing learner discretion is a joint and interactive function of both instruction-centric and learner-centric processes. Taken together, learner-centric, instruction-centric, and interactionist-centric processes propose a constellation of constructs necessary to understand learner control. Here we review the diverse literatures examining learner-control-related constructs and derive specific practical recommendations for designing e-learning. These recommendations follow from the interactionist perspective of learning in modern work environments.
Origins of Bladder Cancer
Authors: Czerniak Bogdan , Dinney Colin , McConkey David
Published: February 2016

Bladder cancer, one of the most frequently occurring human cancers, develops via two tracks referred to as papillary and nonpapillary that correspond to clinically different forms of the disease. Most bladder cancers are chemically induced, with tobacco smoking being the leading risk factor. Recent advances in bladder cancer research have enhanced our understanding of the origin of this disease from urothelial progenitor cells via field effects along papillary/luminal and nonpapillary/basal pathways. Evident from the outset of the disease, the diversity of the luminal and basal pathways, together with cell lineage tracing studies, postulates the origin of molecularly distinct subtypes from different uroprogenitor cells. The molecular mechanisms initiating field effects involve a new class of genes referred to as forerunner (FR) genes that generally map around major tumor suppressors such as RB1. These genes are silenced, predominantly by hypermethylation and less frequently by mutations, and drive the expansion of intraurothelial preneoplastic cells. Different FR genes are involved in various molecular subtypes of bladder cancer and they sensitize the uroprogenitor cells to the development of luminal and basal bladder cancers in animal models. In human bladder cancer, luminal and basal forms have dissimilar clinical behavior and response to conventional and targeted chemotherapeutic manipulations. These new research developments hold the promise of expanding our armamentarium of diagnostic and treatment options for patients with bladder cancer and improving our ability to select patients most likely to respond to a specific therapy.
Dendritic Spine Pathology in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Herms Jochen , Dorostkar Mario M.
Published: February 2016

Substantial progress has been made toward understanding the neuropathology, genetic origins, and epidemiology of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease; tauopathies, such as frontotemporal dementia; α-synucleinopathies, such as Parkinson's disease or dementia with Lewy bodies; Huntington's disease; and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with dementia, as well as prion diseases. Recent evidence has implicated dendritic spine dysfunction as an important substrate of the pathogenesis of dementia in these disorders. Dendritic spines are specialized structures, extending from the neuronal processes, on which excitatory synaptic contacts are formed, and the loss of dendritic spines correlates with the loss of synaptic function. We review the literature that has implicated direct or indirect structural alterations at dendritic spines in the pathogenesis of major neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on those that lead to dementias such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases, as well as frontotemporal dementia and prion diseases. We stress the importance of in vivo studies in animal models.
Mechanisms of Disease: Pemphigus and Bullous Pemphigoid
Authors: Hammers Christoph M. , Stanley John R.
Published: February 2016

Pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid are autoantibody-mediated blistering skin diseases. In pemphigus, keratinocytes in epidermis and mucous membranes lose cell-cell adhesion, and in pemphigoid, the basal keratinocytes lose adhesion to the basement membrane. Pemphigus lesions are mediated directly by the autoantibodies, whereas the autoantibodies in pemphigoid fix complement and mediate inflammation. In both diseases, the autoantigens have been cloned and characterized; pemphigus antigens are desmogleins (cell adhesion molecules in desmosomes), and pemphigoid antigens are found in hemidesmosomes (which mediate adhesion to the basement membrane). This knowledge has enabled diagnostic testing for these diseases by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and dissection of various pathophysiological mechanisms, including direct inhibition of cell adhesion, antibody-induced internalization of antigen, and cell signaling. Understanding these mechanisms of disease has led to rational targeted therapeutic strategies.
Disorders of Vascular Permeability
Authors: Park-Windhol Cindy , D'Amore Patricia A.
Published: February 2016

The endothelial barrier maintains vascular and tissue homeostasis and modulates many physiological processes, such as angiogenesis. Vascular barrier integrity can be disrupted by a variety of soluble permeability factors, and changes in barrier function can exacerbate tissue damage during disease progression. Understanding endothelial barrier function is critical for vascular homeostasis. Many of the signaling pathways promoting vascular permeability can also be triggered during disease, resulting in prolonged or uncontrolled vascular leak. It is believed that recovery of the normal vasculature requires diminishing this hyperpermeable state. Although the molecular mechanisms governing vascular leak have been studied over the last few decades, recent advances have identified new therapeutic targets that have begun to show preclinical and clinical promise. These approaches have been successfully applied to an increasing number of disease conditions. New perspectives regarding how vascular leak impacts the progression of various diseases are highlighted in this review.
Multiband Printed Loop Mobile Phone Antenna for LTE/WWAN/GNSS Application
Authors: Xu Yuan , Zhou Hao-Miao
Published: February 2016

A multiband printed loop mobile phone antenna for LTE/WWAN/GNSS application is presented. It covers seven communication bands (VSWR < 3) and GNSS band (VSWR < 1.5). The so-called GNSS (global navigation satellite system) band includes COMPASS, GALILEO, GPS, and GLONASS. From the analysis of the structure, the coupled-fed antenna mainly consists of three parts: the feeding strip, shorted strip, and U-shaped parasitic coupling strip. The proposed antenna works in three resonant modes, respectively, at 860 MHz (0.25λ), 1620 MHz (0.5λ), and 2620 MHz (1λ). A solution is provided, by which the navigation antenna can be integrated into the communication main antenna to save space. The antenna not only can work in GSM850/900/1800/1900/UMTS2100/LTE2300/2500 bands but also covers the world’s four major navigation systems. Moreover, the proposed antenna can be easily printed on the circuit board without loading any lumped element and only occupies a small volume of 18 × 32 × 3 mm3, which is suitable for smartphone application. In addition, the redundant design of multinavigation system is quite favorable for the elimination of errors or shadow area caused by single navigation system, especially for outdoor investigation, national security, and so on.
A Case of Thanatophoric Dysplasia Type I with Fetal Hydrops in the First Trimester
Authors: Calongos Giannina , Hori Masateru , Ogino Mai , Sawai Hideaki
Published: February 2016

During a routine prenatal exam, a 36-year-old female in her third pregnancy was diagnosed with fetal hydrops at 11 weeks of gestation. The pregnancy was monitored with periodic ultrasounds; however, spontaneous resolution was not observed. Amniotic fluid examination at 16 weeks of gestation showed a normal karyotype; however, macrocephaly, a narrow thorax, and shortening of the long bones were observed on ultrasonography. With the strong suspicion of a fetal skeletal disease, specifically thanatophoric dysplasia (TD), and after extensive genetic counseling, termination of the pregnancy was performed per the parents’ wishes with mechanical cervical dilation and gemeprost (PGE1) administration. Following delivery, the fetus was found to have macrocephaly, a narrow bell-shaped thorax, and a protuberant abdomen, as well as curved long bones, H-shaped platyspondyly, and curved clavicles on skeletal radiography. As a result, the fetus was diagnosed with TD type I. This case illustrates that although TD is a rare disease, an accurate prenatal diagnosis can be made with the use of ultrasonography.
Neisseria lactamicaCausing a Lung Cavity and Skin Rash in a Renal Transplant Patient: First Report from India
Authors: Changal Khalid Hamid , Raina Adnan , Altaf Sheikh Shoaib
Published: February 2016

Neisseria lactamica, a commensal, has been very rarely reported to cause diseases in immunocompromised hosts. In medical literature, there is only one report of a cavitatory lung lesion caused by it. The patient was a kidney transplant recipient.Neisseria lactamicawas found to be the cause of his pulmonary cavity and a desquamating rash on feet. With the rapidly spreading medical advance, more and more patients are getting organ transplants, so the population of immunocompromised people is on the rise. We expect more sinister and less expected organisms to cause diseases in patients who have organ transplants.
Impact of Severe Obesity and Weight Loss on Systolic Left Ventricular Function and Morphology: Assessment by 2-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography
Authors: Karimian Sevda , Stein Jürgen , Bauer Boris , Teupe Claudius
Published: February 2016

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of heart failure. Little is known about the impact of dietary changes on the cardiac sequelae in obese patients. Twenty-one obese subjects underwent a 12-week low calorie fasting phase of a formula diet. Transthoracic two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography was performed to obtain systolic left ventricular strain before and after weight loss. Body mass index decreased significantly from38.6±6.2to31.5±5.3 kg/m2, and the total percentage fat loss was 19%. Weight reduction was associated with a reduction in blood pressure and heart rate. Left ventricular longitudinal global peak systolic strain was in the lower normal range (−18.7±3.2%) before weight loss and was unchanged (−18.8±2.4%) after 12 weeks on diet with substantial weight loss. Also, no significant change in global radial strain after weight loss was noted (41.1±22.0versus43.9±23.3,p=0.09). Left atrial and ventricular dimensions were in normal range before fasting and remained unchanged after weight loss. In our study obesity was associated with normal systolic left ventricular function. A 12-week low calorie diet with successful weight loss can reduce blood pressure and heart rate. Systolic left ventricular function and morphology were not affected by rapid weight reduction.
GEN-27, a Newly Synthetic Isoflavonoid, Inhibits the Proliferation of Colon Cancer Cells in Inflammation Microenvironment by Suppressing NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Wang Yajing , Lu Ping , Zhang Weifeng , Du Qianming , Tang Jingjing , Wang Hong , Lu Jinrong , Hu Rong
Published: February 2016

Nonresolving inflammation is one of the consistent features of the tumor microenvironment in the intestine and plays a critical role in the initiation and development of colon cancer. Here we reported the inhibitory effects of GEN-27, a new derivative of genistein, on the inflammation-related colon cancer cell proliferation and delineated the mechanism of its action. The results indicated that GEN-27 inhibited the proliferation of human colon tumor HCT116 cells stimulated by culture supernatants of LPS-induced human monocytes THP-1 cells and significantly decreased LPS-induced secretion of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and interleukin-1βin THP-1 cells. The HCT116 cell proliferation elicited by THP-1-conditioned medium could be blocked by the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA). Further mechanistic study revealed that GEN-27 remarkably inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and phosphorylation of IκB and IKKα/βin both HCT116 and THP-1 cells. In addition, GEN-27 markedly suppressed the HCT116 cell proliferation stimulated by IL-1βtreatment, which was dependent on the inhibition of NF-κB/p65 nuclear localization, as verified by p65 overexpression and BAY 11-7082, an NF-κB inhibitor. Taken together, our findings established that GEN-27 modulated NF-κB signaling pathway involved in inflammation-induced cancer cells proliferation and therefore could be a potential chemopreventive agent against inflammation-associated colon cancer.
Pittsburgh as a High Risk Population: The Potential Savings of a Personalized Dental Care Plan
Authors: Ng Andrew J. , Vieira Alexandre R.
Published: February 2016

Objectives. Little evidence exists for the current standard of two annual preventative care visits. The purpose of this study was investigate this claim by modeling the potential savings of implementing a personalized care plan for high risk individuals in the Pittsburgh region.Methods. Using radiographs from 39 patients in the University of Pittsburgh Dental Registry and DNA Repository database, two models were created to analyse the direct savings of implementing a more aggressive preventative treatment plan and to view the longitudinal cost of increased annual yearly visits.Results. There is a significant decrease (p<0.001) between original and modeled treatment cost when treatment severity is reduced. In addition, there is a significant decrease in adult lifetime treatment cost (p<0.001) for up to four annual visits.Conclusions. Patients in high risk populations may see significant cost benefits in treatment cost when a personalized care plan, or higher annual preventative care visits, is implemented.
Topological Properties of Large-Scale Cortical Networks Based on Multiple Morphological Features in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Li Qiongling , Li Xinwei , Wang Xuetong , Li Yuxia , Li Kuncheng , Yu Yang , Yin Changhao , Li Shuyu , Han Ying
Published: February 2016

Previous studies have demonstrated that amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) has disrupted properties of large-scale cortical networks based on cortical thickness and gray matter volume. However, it is largely unknown whether the topological properties of cortical networks based on geometric measures (i.e., sulcal depth, curvature, and metric distortion) change in aMCI patients compared with normal controls because these geometric features of cerebral cortex may be related to its intrinsic connectivity. Here, we compare properties in cortical networks constructed by six different morphological features in 36 aMCI participants and 36 normal controls. Six cortical features (3 volumetric and 3 geometric features) were extracted for each participant, and brain abnormities in aMCI were identified by cortical network based on graph theory method. All the cortical networks showed small-world properties. Regions showing significant differences mainly located in the medial temporal lobe and supramarginal and right inferior parietal lobe. In addition, we also found that the cortical networks constructed by cortical thickness and sulcal depth showed significant differences between the two groups. Our results indicated that geometric measure (i.e., sulcal depth) can be used to construct network to discriminate individuals with aMCI from controls besides volumetric measures.
Histological Features and Biocompatibility of Bone and Soft Tissue Substitutes in the Atrophic Alveolar Ridge Reconstruction
Authors: Maiorana Carlo , Beretta Mario , Rancitelli Davide , Grossi Giovanni Battista , Cicciù Marco , Herford Alan Scott
Published: February 2016

The reconstruction of the atrophic alveolar ridges for implant placement is today a common procedure in dentistry daily practice. The surgical reconstruction provides for the optimization of the supporting bone for the implants and a restoration of the amount of keratinized gingiva for esthetic and functional reasons. In the past, tissue regeneration has been performed with autogenous bone and free gingival or connective tissue grafts. Nowadays, bone substitutes and specific collagen matrix allow for a complete restoration of the atrophic ridge without invasive harvesting procedures. A maxillary reconstruction of an atrophic ridge by means of tissue substitutes and its histological features are then presented.
Polymer-Ceramic Bionanocomposites for Dental Application
Authors: Lee Jung-Hwan , Kim Hae-Won , Seo Seog-Jin
Published: February 2016

Multiphasic bionanocomposites have been highlighted in the biotechnology field since they have offered mechanical flexibility during operation. This interest has been increased mainly through polymer/ceramic/metal manipulation techniques and modifications in formulation. Recently, a number of studies on bionanocomposites have been examined due to their favorable mechanical properties and cellular activities when compared to the neat polymers or polymer blends. This paper critically reviews recent applications of bionanocomposites for regeneration of pulp-dentin complex, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone, and substitute of enamel in dentistry.
Intravesical Botulinum Toxin for Persistent Autonomic Dysreflexia in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Lockwood Gina , Durkee Charles , Groth Travis
Published: February 2016

Introduction. We present a novel case of persistent autonomic dysreflexia in a pediatric spinal cord injury patient treated successfully with intravesical botulinum toxin.Study Design. A retrospective chart review of one patient seen at the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin from 2006 to 2012 was performed.Results. A pediatric spinal cord injury patient with known neurogenic bladder presented with severe hypertension consistent with autonomic dysreflexia. His symptoms and hypertension did not improve with conservative measures, and he necessitated ICU admission and antihypertensive drips. He was taken to the operating room for intravesical botulinum toxin for refractory bladder spasms. Following this, his symptoms abated, and he was weaned off IV antihypertensives and returned to his baseline state. His symptoms were improved for greater than six months.Conclusions. There are few treatment options for the management of refractory autonomic dysreflexia. Intravesical botulinum toxin has never been reported for this use. Dedicated research is warranted to assess its efficacy, as it was used successfully to abort autonomic dysreflexia in this patient.
How Extended Is Wernicke’s Area? Meta-Analytic Connectivity Study of BA20 and Integrative Proposal
Authors: Ardila Alfredo , Bernal Byron , Rosselli Monica
Published: February 2016

Understanding the functions of different brain areas has represented a major endeavor of contemporary neurosciences. The purpose of this paper was to pinpoint the connectivity of Brodmann area 20 (BA20) (inferior temporal gyrus, fusiform gyrus) in language tasks. A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the language network in which BA20 is involved. The DataBase of Brainmap was used; 11 papers corresponding to 12 experimental conditions with a total of 207 subjects were included in this analysis. Our results demonstrated seven clusters of activation including other temporal lobe areas (BA3, BA21), the insula, and the prefrontal cortex; minor clusters in the cingulate gyrus and the occipital lobe were observed; however, the volumes of all the activation clusters were small. Our results suggest that regardless of BA20 having certain participation in language processes it cannot be considered as a core language processing area (Wernicke’s area); nonetheless, it could be regarded as kind of language processing marginal area, participating in “extended Wernicke’s area” or simply “Wernicke’s system.” It is suggested that “core Wernicke’s area” roughly corresponds to BA21, BA22, BA41, and BA42, while a “language associations area” roughly corresponds to BA20, BA37, BA38, BA39, and BA40 (“extended Wernicke’s area” or “Wernicke’s system”).
Tendency to Ingest Foreign Bodies in Mentally Retarded Patients: A Case with Ileal Perforation Caused by the Ingestion of a Teaspoon
Authors: Yıldız İhsan , Koca Yavuz Savaş , Avşar Gökhan , Barut İbrahim
Published: February 2016

Introduction. Unintentional foreign body ingestion commonly occurs accidentally in children aged between 3 months and 6 years and at advanced ages or results from psychiatric disorders such as hallucination in patients with mental retardation. Most of the ingested foreign bodies are naturally discharged from the body but some of them may require surgical intervention.Presentation of Case. A 29-year-old mentally retarded female patient was admitted to the emergency service with a two-day history of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Physical examination revealed abdominal tenderness, defense, and rebound on palpation. Radiological examination revealed diffuse air-fluid levels and a radiopaque impression of a metal object in the right upper quadrant. The metal teaspoon causing ileal perforation was extracted by emergency laparotomy. On postoperative day 7, the patient was uneventfully discharged following a psychiatric consultation.Discussion. Foreign body ingestion can occur intentionally in children at developing ages and old-age patients, or adults and prisoners, whereas it may occur unintentionally in patients with mental retardation due to hallucination. However, repeated foreign body ingestion is very rare in individuals other than mentally retarded patients.Conclusion. Mentally retarded patients should be kept under close surveillance by surgeons and psychiatrists due to their tendency to ingest foreign bodies.
Apoptosis through Death Receptors in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy-Associated Hippocampal Sclerosis
Authors: Teocchi Marcelo Ananias , D’Souza-Li Lília
Published: February 2016

Seizure models have demonstrated that neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration are preponderant characteristics of epilepsy. Considering the lack of clinical studies, our aim is to investigate the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis in pharmacoresistant temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) associated with hippocampal sclerosis (HS) patients, TLE(HS). By a specific death receptor-mediated apoptosis array plate, 31 upregulated targets were revealed in the sclerotic hippocampus from TLE(HS) patients. Amongst them are the encoding genes for ligands (FASLG,TNF,andTNFSF10) and death receptors (FAS,TNFRSF1A,TNFRSF10A,andTNFRSF10B). In addition, we evaluated the hippocampal relative mRNA expression of the two TNF receptors,TNFRSF1AandTNFRSF1B, in patients, being both upregulated (n=14;P<0.01andP<0.04, resp.) when compared to thepost mortemcontrol group (n=4). Our results have clearly suggested that three different death receptor apoptotic systems may be associated with the maintenance and progression of TLE-associated HS: (1) TNF-TNFRSF1A, (2) FASLG-FAS, and (3) TNFSF10-TNFRSF10A/B. Their effects on epilepsy are still scarcely comprehended. Our study points out to TNF and TNF receptor superfamily pathways as important targets for pharmacological studies regarding the benefits of an anti-inflammatory therapy in these patients.