bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multimodal Magnetic-Plasmonic Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Stafford Shelley , Serrano Garcia Raquel , Gun’ko Yurii
Published: January 2018

Magnetic plasmonic nanomaterials are of great interest in the field of biomedicine due to their vast number of potential applications, for example, in molecular imaging, photothermal therapy, magnetic hyperthermia and as drug delivery vehicles. The multimodal nature of these nanoparticles means that they are potentially ideal theranostic agents—i.e., they can be used both as therapeutic and diagnostic tools. This review details progress in the field of magnetic-plasmonic nanomaterials over the past ten years, focusing on significant developments that have been made and outlining the future work that still needs to be done in this fast emerging area. The review describes the main synthetic approaches to each type of magnetic plasmonic nanomaterial and the potential biomedical applications of these hybrid nanomaterials.
Effect of Thin Cement-Based Renders on the Structural Response of Masonry Wall Panels
Authors: Corradi Marco , Sisti Romina , Borri Antonio
Published: January 2018

URM (Unreinforced Masonry) historic buildings can be generally arranged into three categories: adobe, brick and stone masonry. However, a common feature of URM structures is typically the low mechanical properties of the masonry material, especially in terms of shear strength. URM buildings are not amenable to seismic analysis, and the relatively low strength of stone and brickwork masonry often requires expensive and invasive retrofitting intervention. Hard, intractable stones broke artificially or naturally into random shapes were often used for construction in many parts of Europe and constitute the main material of historic buildings. Thin, cement or lime-based renders are often employed to protect masonry construction, but these are frequently ignored in analysis and design. This paper shows how standard, thin, cement-based renderings can highly enhance the lateral load-capacity and shear stiffness of wall panels. An experimental campaign was carried out on-site to assess the effect of cement-based renders. In detail, compression and shear tests were conducted on twelve full-scale wall panels up to failure, and comparisons are presented to study the effect of cement-based renders on the structural behavior of stone and brickwork masonry panels.
Intraperitoneal Administration of Oxygen/Ozone to Rats Reduces the Pancreatic Damage Induced by Streptozotocin
Authors: Siniscalco Dario , Trotta Maria , Brigida Anna , Maisto Rosa , Luongo Margherita , Ferraraccio Franca , D’Amico Michele , Di Filippo Clara
Published: January 2018

Background: The rat model of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced pancreatic damage was used to examine whether a systemic oxygen/ozone mixture could be beneficial for the pancreas by reducing the machinery of the local detrimental mediators released by STZ. Results: The results showed that oxygen/ozone administration (150 µg/Kg i.p.) for ten days in STZ rats increased the endogenous glutathione-s-transferase (GST) enzyme and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) into the pancreatic tissue, together with reduction of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and PARP-1 compared to STZ rats receiving O2 only. Interestingly, these changes resulted in higher levels of serum insulin and leptin, and pancreatic glucagon immunostaining. Consequently, glucose metabolism improved as evidenced by the monitoring of glycemia throughout. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that systemic administration of oxygen/ozone reduces the machinery of detrimental mediators released by STZ into the pancreas with less local damage and better functionality.
Development of a Catalytic Fuel Processor for a 10 kW Combined Heat and Power System: Experimental and Modeling Analysis of the Steam Reforming Unit
Authors: Beretta Alessandra , Groppi Gianpiero , Ribani Chiara , Fares Giuseppe , Tregambe Carlo
Published: January 2018

In this work, we address the development of a combined heat and power unit for residential applications, fed by natural gas, air and H2O; focus is on the design of the first catalytic stage of the fuel processor, that is the steam reforming unit. A commercial catalyst was tested at the laboratory scale, under kinetically controlled conditions in order to derive information on the reaction kinetics and support the basic engineering of the full scale reactor. Analogous tests after long term steam reforming ageing were then performed to quantify the evolution of the catalyst activity under real operating conditions and estimate a lumped deactivation factor. A modelling analysis was performed to predict the expected performance of the fuel processor at varying input parameters and catalyst activity profiles. It was verified that at a space velocity below 5000 Nl/kgcat/h, the reactor output is fully controlled by the thermodynamics at 650 °C, which guarantees the best operability and efficiency of the whole fuel processor.
A Data Set of Human Body Movements for Physical Rehabilitation Exercises
Authors: Vakanski Aleksandar , Jun Hyung-pil , Paul David , Baker Russell
Published: January 2018

The article presents University of Idaho-Physical Rehabilitation Movement Data (UI-PRMD), a publically available data set of movements related to common exercises performed by patients in physical rehabilitation programs. For the data collection, 10 healthy subjects performed 10 repetitions of different physical therapy movements with a Vicon optical tracker and a Microsoft Kinect sensor used for the motion capturing. The data are in a format that includes positions and angles of full-body joints. The objective of the data set is to provide a basis for mathematical modeling of therapy movements, as well as for establishing performance metrics for evaluation of patient consistency in executing the prescribed rehabilitation exercises.
Laboratory Experiment of Blind Adaptive Array with Subcarrier Transmission Power Assignment in Spectrum Superposing Scenarios
Authors: So Hideya , Maruta Kazuki , Suzaki Kouhei
Published: January 2018

This paper experimentally validates the basic feasibility of our proposed blind adaptive array (BAA) with subcarrier transmission power assignment (STPA) scheme using a prototype. The proposed STPA-BAA enables spectrum superposing without any channel state information between two different wireless communication systems: employing STPA-BAA to the secondary system, inter-system interference from/to the primary system can be suppressed. Exploiting the characteristics of constant modulus algorithm (CMA) and power inversion (PI), the secondary transmitter provides two levels of power density for each subcarrier: high and low levels. It enables the secondary receiver to suppress interference with almost the same level of the desired signal. It is also effective in reducing interference to the primary receiver that has no interference suppression function. This paper conducts laboratory experiments of spectrum superposition in two multicarrier systems by wired setup. Though the practical performance of STPA-BAA is limited due to the quantization level or dynamic range of the transceiver, effectiveness of the proposed scheme is confirmed.
Hydration of Magnesium Carbonate in a Thermal Energy Storage Process and Its Heating Application Design
Authors: Erlund Rickard , Zevenhoven Ron
Published: January 2018

First ideas of applications design using magnesium (hydro) carbonates mixed with silica gel for day/night and seasonal thermal energy storage are presented. The application implies using solar (or another) heat source for heating up the thermal energy storage (dehydration) unit during daytime or summertime, of which energy can be discharged (hydration) during night-time or winter. The applications can be used in small houses or bigger buildings. Experimental data are presented, determining and analysing kinetics and operating temperatures for the applications. In this paper the focus is on the hydration part of the process, which is the more challenging part, considering conversion and kinetics. Various operating temperatures for both the reactor and the water (storage) tank are tested and the favourable temperatures are presented and discussed. Applications both using ground heat for water vapour generation and using water vapour from indoor air are presented. The thermal energy storage system with mixed nesquehonite (NQ) and silica gel (SG) can use both low (25–50%) and high (75%) relative humidity (RH) air for hydration. The hydration at 40% RH gives a thermal storage capacity of 0.32 MJ/kg while 75% RH gives a capacity of 0.68 MJ/kg.
Ionically Paired Layer-by-Layer Hydrogels: Water and Polyelectrolyte Uptake Controlled by Deposition Time
Authors: Selin Victor , Ankner John , Sukhishvili Svetlana
Published: January 2018

Despite intense recent interest in weakly bound nonlinear (“exponential”) multilayers, the underlying structure-property relationships of these films are still poorly understood. This study explores the effect of time used for deposition of individual layers of nonlinearly growing layer-by-layer (LbL) films composed of poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) and quaternized poly-2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (QPC) on film internal structure, swelling, and stability in salt solution, as well as the rate of penetration of invading polyelectrolyte chains. Thicknesses of dry and swollen films were measured by spectroscopic ellipsometry, film internal structure—by neutron reflectometry (NR), and degree of PMAA ionization—by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results suggest that longer deposition times resulted in thicker films with higher degrees of swelling (up to swelling ratio as high as 4 compared to dry film thickness) and stronger film intermixing. The stronger intermixed films were more swollen in water, exhibited lower stability in salt solutions, and supported a faster penetration rate of invading polyelectrolyte chains. These results can be useful in designing polyelectrolyte nanoassemblies for biomedical applications, such as drug delivery coatings for medical implants or tissue engineering matrices.
Characterization of Translationally Controlled Tumour Protein from the Sea Anemone Anemonia viridis and Transcriptome Wide Identification of Cnidarian Homologues
Authors: Nicosia Aldo , Bennici Carmelo , Biondo Girolama , Costa Salvatore , Di Natale Marilena , Masullo Tiziana , Monastero Calogera , Ragusa Maria , Tagliavia Marcello , Cuttitta Angela
Published: January 2018

Gene family encoding translationally controlled tumour protein (TCTP) is defined as highly conserved among organisms; however, there is limited knowledge of non-bilateria. In this study, the first TCTP homologue from anthozoan was characterised in the Mediterranean Sea anemone, Anemonia viridis. The release of the genome sequence of Acropora digitifera, Exaiptasia pallida, Nematostella vectensis and Hydra vulgaris enabled a comprehensive study of the molecular evolution of TCTP family among cnidarians. A comparison among TCTP members from Cnidaria and Bilateria showed conserved intron exon organization, evolutionary conserved TCTP signatures and 3D protein structure. The pattern of mRNA expression profile was also defined in A. viridis. These analyses revealed a constitutive mRNA expression especially in tissues with active proliferation. Additionally, the transcriptional profile of A. viridis TCTP (AvTCTP) after challenges with different abiotic/biotic stresses showed induction by extreme temperatures, heavy metals exposure and immune stimulation. These results suggest the involvement of AvTCTP in the sea anemone defensome taking part in environmental stress and immune responses.
Evaluation of Controlled Release Urea on the Dynamics of Nitrate, Ammonium, and Its Nitrogen Release in Black Soils of Northeast China
Authors: Tong Xin , He Xueqin , Duan Hongwei , Han Lujia , Huang Guangqun
Published: January 2018

Controlled release urea (CRU) is considered to enhance crop yields while alleviating negative environmental problems caused by the hazardous gas emissions that are associated with high concentrations of ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3−) in black soils. Short-term effects of sulfur-coated urea (SCU) and polyurethane-coated urea (PCU), compared with conventional urea, on NO3− and NH4+ in black soils were studied through the buried bag experiment conducted in an artificial climate chamber. We also investigated nitrogen (N) release kinetics of CRU and correlations between the cumulative N release rate and concentrations of NO3− and NH4+. CRU can reduce concentrations of NO3− and NH4+, and PCU was more effective in maintaining lower soil NO3−/NH4+ ratios than SCU and U. Parabolic equation could describe the kinetics of NO3− and NH4+ treated with PCU. The Elovich equation could describe the kinetics of NO3− and NH4+ treated with SCU. The binary linear regression model was established to predict N release from PCU because of significant correlations between the cumulative N release rate and concentrations of NO3− and NH4+. These results provided a methodology and data support for characterizing and predicting the N release from PCU in black soils.
Update on the Impact of Omega 3 Fatty Acids on Inflammation, Insulin Resistance and Sarcopenia: A Review
Authors: Buoite Stella Alex , Gortan Cappellari Gianluca , Barazzoni Rocco , Zanetti Michela
Published: January 2018

Elderly and patients affected by chronic diseases face a high risk of muscle loss and impaired physical function. Omega 3 fatty acids (FA) attenuate inflammation and age-associated muscle loss, prevent systemic insulin resistance and improve plasma lipids, potentially impacting on sarcopenia. This paper aims to review recent randomized clinical studies assessing the effects a chronic omega 3 FA supplementation on inflammatory and metabolic profile during conditions characterized by sarcopenia (aging, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, chronic renal failure). A comprehensive search of three online databases was performed to identify eligible trials published between 2012 and 2017. A total of 36 studies met inclusion criteria. Omega 3 FA yielded mixed results on plasma triglycerides in the elderly and no effects in renal patients. No changes in systemic insulin resistance were observed. Inflammation markers did not benefit from omega 3 FA in insulin resistant and in renal subjects while decreasing in obese and elderly. Muscle related parameters improved in elderly and in renal patients. In conclusion, in aging- and in chronic disease-associated sarcopenia omega 3 FA are promising independently of associated anabolic stimuli or of anti-inflammatory effects. The evidence for improved glucose metabolism in insulin resistant and in chronic inflammatory states is less solid.
Quantitative Assessment of Antimicrobial Activity of PLGA Films Loaded with 4-Hexylresorcinol
Authors: Kemme Michael , Heinzel-Wieland Regina
Published: January 2018

Profound screening and evaluation methods for biocide-releasing polymer films are crucial for predicting applicability and therapeutic outcome of these drug delivery systems. For this purpose, we developed an agar overlay assay embedding biopolymer composite films in a seeded microbial lawn. By combining this approach with model-dependent analysis for agar diffusion, antimicrobial potency of the entrapped drug can be calculated in terms of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). Thus, the topical antiseptic 4-hexylresorcinol (4-HR) was incorporated into poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) films at different loadings up to 3.7 mg/cm2 surface area through a solvent casting technique. The antimicrobial activity of 4-HR released from these composite films was assessed against a panel of Gram-negative and Gram–positive bacteria, yeasts and filamentous fungi by the proposed assay. All the microbial strains tested were susceptible to PLGA-4-HR films with MIC values down to 0.4% (w/w). The presented approach serves as a reliable method in screening and quantifying the antimicrobial activity of polymer composite films. Moreover, 4-HR-loaded PLGA films are a promising biomaterial that may find future application in the biomedical and packaging sector.
Image-Guided Cancer Nanomedicine
Authors: Kim Dong-Hyun
Published: January 2018

Multifunctional nanoparticles with superior imaging properties and therapeutic effects have been extensively developed for the nanomedicine. However, tumor-intrinsic barriers and tumor heterogeneity have resulted in low in vivo therapeutic efficacy. The poor in vivo targeting efficiency in passive and active targeting of nano-therapeutics along with the toxicity of nanoparticles has been a major problem in nanomedicine. Recently, image-guided nanomedicine, which can deliver nanoparticles locally using non-invasive imaging and interventional oncology techniques, has been paid attention as a new opportunity of nanomedicine. This short review will discuss the existing challenges in nanomedicine and describe the prospects for future image-guided nanomedicine.
Nanoporous Polymers Based on Liquid Crystals
Authors: Lugger Jody , Mulder Dirk , Sijbesma Rint , Schenning Albert
Published: January 2018

In the present review, we discuss recent advances in the field of nanoporous networks based on polymerisable liquid crystals. The field has matured in the last decade, yielding polymers having 1D, 2D, and 3D channels with pore sizes on the nanometer scale. Next to the current progress, some of the future challenges are presented, with the integration of nanoporous membranes in functional devices considered as the biggest challenge.
Comparative Effect of Self- or Dual-Curing on Polymerization Kinetics and Mechanical Properties in a Novel, Dental-Resin-Based Composite with Alkaline Filler
Authors: Ilie Nicoleta
Published: January 2018

Dental bulk-fill restorations with resin-composites (RBC) are increasing in popularity, but doubts concerning insufficient curing in depth still disconcert clinicians. An alternative might be offered by modern dual-cured RBCs, which additionally provide bioactive properties. This study assessed the impact of additional light-curing on polymerization kinetics, the degree of conversion (DC) and mechanical properties of a novel, dual-cured RBC with alkaline fillers. Since the bioactivity of a material often implies a release of compounds, the mechanical stability in simulated clinical environments was also evaluated. Polymerization kinetics and DC were assessed at 2- and 4-mm specimen depths in real-time up to one hour (n = 6). Incident and transmitted irradiance and radiant exposure were recorded at 2- and 4-mm depths. Micro-mechanical profiles (n = 6) were assessed in 100-µm steps along 6-mm deep specimens at 24 h post-polymerization. Flexural strength and modulus (n = 10) were determined up to three months of immersion in neutral (6.8) and acidic (4) pH conditions. DC variation in time was best described by a sigmoidal function (R2 > 0.98), revealing a retarded (3.4 ± 0.4 min) initiation in C=C double bond conversion in self-cured versus dual-cured specimens. The setting reaction kinetic was identical at 2- and 4-mm depths for the self-cure mode. For the dual-cure mode, polymerization initiated at 2-mm depth instantly with light-irradiation, while being retarded (0.8 min) at 4-mm depth. The material behaves similarly, irrespective of curing mode or depth, later than 11 min after mixing. Flexural strength and modulus was comparable to regular RBCs and maintained up to three months in both neutral and acidic conditions. Additional light-curing initially accelerates the polymerization kinetic and might help shorten the restauration procedure by hardening the material on demand, however with no effect on the final properties.
Precipitation Stages and Reaction Kinetics of AlMgSi Alloys during the Artificial Aging Process Monitored by In-Situ Electrical Resistivity Measurement Method
Authors: He Hong , Zhang Long , Li Shikang , Wu Xiaodong , Zhang Hui , Li Luoxing
Published: January 2018

The precipitation process and reaction kinetics during artificial aging, precipitate microstructure, and mechanical properties after aging of AlMgSi alloys were investigated employing in-situ electrical resistivity measurement, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) observation, and tensile test methods. Three aging stages in sequence, namely formation of GP zones, transition from GP zones to β″ phase, transition from β″ to β′ phase, and coarsening of both phases, were clearly distinguished by the variation of the resistivity. It was discussed together with the mechanical properties and precipitate morphology evolution. Fast formation of GP zones and β″ phase leads to an obvious decrease of the resistivity and increase of the mechanical strength. The formation of β″ phase in the second stage, which contributes to the peak aging strength, has much higher reaction kinetics than reactions in the other two stages. All of these stages finished faster with higher reaction kinetics under higher temperatures, due to higher atom diffusion capacity. The results proved that the in-situ electrical resistivity method, as proposed in the current study, is a simple, effective, and convenient technique for real-time monitoring of the precipitation process of AlMgSi alloys. Its further application for industrial production and scientific research is also evaluated.
Calcitriol Supplementation Causes Decreases in Tumorigenic Proteins and Different Proteomic and Metabolomic Signatures in Right versus Left-Sided Colon Cancer
Authors: Schroll Monica , Ludwig Katelyn , Bauer Kerry , Hummon Amanda
Published: January 2018

Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem worldwide. In particular, it is an issue in the Northern Hemisphere where UVB radiation does not penetrate the atmosphere as readily. There is a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. Furthermore, there is strong evidence that cancer of the ascending (right side) colon is different from cancer of the descending (left side) colon in terms of prognosis, tumor differentiation, and polyp type, as well as at the molecular level. Right-side tumors have elevated Wnt signaling and are more likely to relapse, whereas left-side tumors have reduced expression of tumor suppressor genes. This study seeks to understand both the proteomic and metabolomic changes resulting from treatment of the active metabolite of vitamin D, calcitriol, in right-sided and left-sided colon cancer. Our results show that left-sided colon cancer treated with calcitriol has a substantially greater number of changes in both the proteome and the metabolome than right-sided colon cancer. We found that calcitriol treatment in both right-sided and left-sided colon cancer causes a downregulation of ribosomal protein L37 and protein S100A10. Both of these proteins are heavily involved in tumorigenesis, suggesting a possible mechanism for the correlation between low vitamin D levels and colon cancer.
Evaluation of an Accelerated Workflow for Surveillance of ESBL (CTX-M)-Producing Escherichia coli Using Amplicon-Based Next-Generation Sequencing and Automated Analysis
Authors: Peker Nilay , Rossen John , Deurenberg Ruud , Langereis Paula , Raangs Erwin , Kluytmans Jan , Friedrich Alexander , Veenemans Jacobien , Sinha Bhanu
Published: January 2018

Outbreak management of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing pathogens requires rapid and accurate diagnosis. However, conventional screening is slow and labor-intensive. The vast majority of the screened samples are negative and detection of non-outbreak-related resistant micro-organisms often complicates outbreak management. In a CTX-M-15-producing Escherichia coli outbreak, 149 fecal samples and rectal eSwabs were collected by a cross-sectional survey in a Dutch nursing home. Samples were processed by routine diagnostic methods. Retrospectively, ESBL-producing bacteria and resistance genes were detected directly from eSwab medium by an accelerated workflow without prior enrichment cultures by an amplicon-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) method, and culture. A total of 27 (18.1%) samples were positive in either test. Sensitivity for CTX-M detection was 96.3% for the phenotypic method and 85.2% for the NGS method, and the specificity was 100% for both methods, as confirmed by micro-array. This resulted in a positive predictive value (PPV) of 100% for both methods, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 99.2% and 96.8% for the phenotypic method and the NGS method, respectively. Time to result was four days and 14 h for the phenotypic method and the NGS method, respectively. In conclusion, the sensitivity without enrichment shows promising results for further use of amplicon-based NGS for screening during outbreaks.
Influence of Chitosan Treatment on Surrogate Serum Markers of Cholesterol Metabolism in Obese Subjects
Authors: Lütjohann Dieter , Marinova Milka , Wolter Karsten , Willinek Winfried , Bitterlich Norman , Coenen Martin , Coch Christoph , Stellaard Frans
Published: January 2018

Chitosan treatment results in significantly lower serum low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations. To assess the working mechanisms of chitosan, we measured serum surrogate markers of cholesterol absorption (campesterol, sitosterol, cholestanol), synthesis (lathosterol, lanosterol, desmosterol), and degradation to bile acids (7α-hydroxy-cholesterol, 27-hydroxy-cholesterol), corrected for cholesterol concentration (R_sterols). Over 12 weeks, 116 obese subjects (Body Mass Index, BMI 31.7, range 28.1–38.9 kg/m2) were studied under chitosan (n = 61) and placebo treatments (n = 55). The participants were briefly educated regarding improvement of nutrition quality and energy expenditure. Daily chitosan intake was 3200 mg. Serum LDL cholesterol concentration decreased significantly more (p = 0.0252) under chitosan (−8.67 ± 18.18 mg/dL, 5.6%) than under placebo treatment (−1.00 ± 24.22 mg/dL, 0.9%). This reduction was not associated with the expected greater decreases in markers of cholesterol absorption under chitosan treatment. Also, increases in markers of cholesterol synthesis and bile acid synthesis under chitosan treatment were not any greater than under placebo treatment. In conclusion, a significant selective reduction of serum LDL cholesterol under chitosan treatment is neither associated with a reduction of serum surrogate markers of cholesterol absorption, nor with increases of markers for cholesterol and bile acid synthesis.
Gold Nanospheres Dispersed Light Responsive Epoxy Vitrimers
Authors: Wang Zhenhua , Li Zhen , Wei Yen , Ji Yan
Published: January 2018

Vitrimers represent a new class of smart materials. They are covalently crosslinked like thermosets, yet they can be reprocessed like thermoplastics. The underlying mechanism is the rapid exchange reactions which form new bonds while breaking the old ones. So far, heating is the most widely used stimulus to activate the exchange reaction. Compared to heating, light not only is much more convenient to achieve remote and regional control, but can also offer fast healing. Gold nanospheres are excellent photothermal agents, but they are difficult to disperse into vitrimers as they easily aggregate. In this paper, we use polydopamine to prepare gold nanospheres. The resultant polydopamine-coated gold nanospheres (GNS) can be well dispersed into epoxy vitrimers, endowing epoxy vitrimers with light responsivity. The composites can be reshaped permanently and temporarily with light at different intensity. Efficient surface patterning and healing are also demonstrated.
Double Weight-Based SAR and Infrared Sensor Fusion for Automatic Ground Target Recognition with Deep Learning
Authors: Kim Sungho , Song Woo-Jin , Kim So-Hyun
Published: January 2018

This paper presents a novel double weight-based synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and infrared (IR) sensor fusion method (DW-SIF) for automatic ground target recognition (ATR). IR-based ATR can provide accurate recognition because of its high image resolution but it is affected by the weather conditions. On the other hand, SAR-based ATR shows a low recognition rate due to the noisy low resolution but can provide consistent performance regardless of the weather conditions. The fusion of an active sensor (SAR) and a passive sensor (IR) can lead to upgraded performance. This paper proposes a doubly weighted neural network fusion scheme at the decision level. The first weight ( α ) can measure the offline sensor confidence per target category based on the classification rate for an evaluation set. The second weight ( β ) can measure the online sensor reliability based on the score distribution for a test target image. The LeNet architecture-based deep convolution network (14 layers) is used as an individual classifier. Doubly weighted sensor scores are fused by two types of fusion schemes, such as the sum-based linear fusion scheme ( α β -sum) and neural network-based nonlinear fusion scheme ( α β -NN). The experimental results confirmed the proposed linear fusion method ( α β -sum) to have the best performance among the linear fusion schemes available (SAR-CNN, IR-CNN, α -sum, β -sum, α β -sum, and Bayesian fusion). In addition, the proposed nonlinear fusion method ( α β -NN) showed superior target recognition performance to linear fusion on the OKTAL-SE-based synthetic database.
A Bibliometric Analysis and Visualization of Medical Big Data Research
Authors: Liao Huchang , Tang Ming , Luo Li , Li Chunyang , Chiclana Francisco , Zeng Xiao-Jun
Published: January 2018

With the rapid development of “Internet plus”, medical care has entered the era of big data. However, there is little research on medical big data (MBD) from the perspectives of bibliometrics and visualization. The substantive research on the basic aspects of MBD itself is also rare. This study aims to explore the current status of medical big data through visualization analysis on the journal papers related to MBD. We analyze a total of 988 references which were downloaded from the Science Citation Index Expanded and the Social Science Citation Index databases from Web of Science and the time span was defined as “all years”. The GraphPad Prism 5, VOSviewer and CiteSpace softwares are used for analysis. Many results concerning the annual trends, the top players in terms of journal and institute levels, the citations and H-index in terms of country level, the keywords distribution, the highly cited papers, the co-authorship status and the most influential journals and authors are presented in this paper. This study points out the development status and trends on MBD. It can help people in the medical profession to get comprehensive understanding on the state of the art of MBD. It also has reference values for the research and application of the MBD visualization methods.
An Algorithm for Data Hiding in Radiographic Images and ePHI/R Application
Authors: Rashid Aqsa , Salamat Nadeem , Prasath V.
Published: January 2018

Telemedicine is the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for clinical health care from a distance. The exchange of radiographic images and electronic patient health information/records (ePHI/R) for diagnostic purposes has the risk of confidentiality, ownership identity, and authenticity. In this paper, a data hiding technique for ePHI/R is proposed. The color information in the cover image is used for key generation, and stego-images are produced with ideal case. As a result, the whole stego-system is perfectly secure. This method includes the features of watermarking and steganography techniques. The method is applied to radiographic images. For the radiographic images, this method resembles watermarking, which is an ePHI/R data system. Experiments show promising results for the application of this method to radiographic images in ePHI/R for both transmission and storage purpose.
Phylogenetic Analysis and Characterization of a Sporadic Isolate of Equine Influenza A H3N8 from an Unvaccinated Horse in 2015
Authors: Sreenivasan Chithra , Jandhyala Sunayana , Luo Sisi , Hause Ben , Thomas Milton , Knudsen David , Leslie-Steen Pamela , Clement Travis , Reedy Stephanie , Chambers Thomas , Christopher-Hennings Jane , Nelson Eric , Wang Dan , Kaushik Radhey , Li Feng
Published: January 2018

Equine influenza, caused by the H3N8 subtype, is a highly contagious respiratory disease affecting equid populations worldwide and has led to serious epidemics and transboundary pandemics. This study describes the phylogenetic characterization and replication kinetics of recently-isolated H3N8 virus from a nasal swab obtained from a sporadic case of natural infection in an unvaccinated horse from Montana, USA. The nasal swab tested positive for equine influenza by Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Further, the whole genome sequencing of the virus confirmed that it was the H3N8 subtype and was designated as A/equine/Montana/9564-1/2015 (H3N8). A BLASTn search revealed that the polymerase basic protein 1 (PB1), polymerase acidic (PA), hemagglutinin (HA), nucleoprotein (NP), and matrix (M) segments of this H3N8 isolate shared the highest percentage identity to A/equine/Tennessee/29A/2014 (H3N8) and the polymerase basic protein 2 (PB2), neuraminidase (NA), and non-structural protein (NS) segments to A/equine/Malaysia/M201/2015 (H3N8). Phylogenetic characterization of individual gene segments, using currently available H3N8 viral genomes, of both equine and canine origin, further established that A/equine/Montana/9564-1/2015 belonged to the Florida Clade 1 viruses. Interestingly, replication kinetics of this H3N8 virus, using airway derived primary cells from multiple species, such as equine, swine, bovine, and human lung epithelial cells, demonstrated appreciable titers, when compared to Madin–Darby canine kidney epithelial cells. These findings indicate the broad host spectrum of this virus isolate and suggest the potential for cross-species transmissibility.
miR-143 Inhibits Cell Proliferation of Gastric Cancer Cells Through Targeting GATA6
Authors: Guoping Mao , Ran Liu , Yanru Qin
Published: January 2018

Recent studies have suggested that the dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) plays a critical role in the progression of human cancers, including gastric cancer (GC). miR-143 had been reported to function as a tumor suppressor in GC. However, the exact molecular mechanism of how miR-143
participates in GC progression remains to be determined. In this present study, we revealed that the expression of miR-143 was significantly downregulated in human GC tissues and cell lines compared with normal tissues and a normal gastric epithelium cell line. In addition, upregulation of
the expression of miR-143 in a GC cell line inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell cycle arrested in the G0/G1 phase. Furthermore, GATA6 was identified as a direct target of miR-143 in GC using the luciferase reporter assay. Upregulation of miR-143 inhibited the
expression of GATA6 in GC cell lines. Moreover, the overexpression of GATA6 could attenuate the effect of miR-143 on cell proliferation in the GC cell lines. Collectively, these data indicated that miR-143 plays a tumor suppressor role partly through regulating the expression of GATA6 in GC.
Therefore, targeting miR-143 may be a novel therapeutic method for GC.
Silencing of E3 Ubiquitin Ligase RNF8 Enhances Ionizing Radiation Sensitivity of Medulloblastoma Cells by Promoting the Deubiquitination of PCNA
Authors: Li Fei , Liu Bin , Zhou Xiaolan , Xu Quan
Published: January 2018

DNA damage response induced by ionizing radiation (IR) is an important event involved in the sensitivity and efficiency of radiotherapy in human medulloblastoma. RNF8 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase and has key roles in the process of DNA damage and repair. Our study aimed to evaluate the
effect of RNF8 in the DNA damage repair induced by IR exposure in medulloblastoma cells. We found that the levels of RNF8 were significantly upregulated by γ-ray irradiation in a dose-dependent manner in medulloblastoma cells and colocalized with γ-H2AX, a sensitive marker of DNA
double-strand breaks induced by γ-ray radiation. RNF8 knockdown was observed to enhance the sensitivity of IR in medulloblastoma cells, as evaluated by reduced cell survival. The apoptosis and cell cycle arrest of medulloblastoma cells were dramatically increased by RNF8 suppression
after IR treatment. Furthermore, RNF8 inhibition did not affect the protein levels of BRCA1, a crucial protein involved in IR-induced DNA damage repair, but significantly decreased the recruitment of BRCA1 and increased the level of γ-H2AX at DNA damage sites compared to the control.
A significant increase in OTM was observed in medulloblastoma cells treated by RNF8 shRNA after exposure to IR, indicating the effect of RNF8 on DNA damage and repair. Additionally, PCNA, a major target for ubiquitin modification during DNA damage response, was found to be monoubiquitinated
by E3 ligase RNF8 and might contribute to the low radiosensitivity in medulloblastoma cells. Altogether, our findings may provide RNF8 as a novel target for the improvement of radiotherapy in medulloblastoma.
MicroRNA-511 Inhibits Cellular Proliferation and Invasion in Colorectal Cancer by Directly Targeting Hepatoma-Derived Growth Factor
Authors: He Saifei , Wang Guangdong , Ni Jing , Zhuang Juhua , Zhuang Suiliang , Wang Guoyu , Ye Ying , Xia Wei
Published: January 2018

Dysregulated microRNA (miRNA) expression is involved in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer (CRC) through the regulation of various important physiological events. Hence, miRNAs may be used as effective targets for CRC treatment; however, this hypothesis warrants further
investigation. miRNA-511 (miR-511) plays vital roles in the progression of different tumor types. However, the expression, exact role, and the mechanisms underlying the regulation of colorectal carcinogenesis and progression by miR-511 remain poorly understood. This study presents that miR-511
expression was decreased in CRC tissues and cell lines compared with that in adjacent nonneoplastic tissues and normal human colon epithelium cell lines, respectively. The enforced expression of miR-511 in CRC cells significantly reduced cell proliferation and invasion. Hepatoma-derived growth
factor (HDGF) was mechanically validated as a direct target of miR-511 in CRC. Furthermore, miR-511 was negatively associated with HDGF in CRC tissues. The restored HDGF expression can abrogate the tumor-suppressive roles of miR-511 in CRC cells. More importantly, miR-511 overexpression suppressed
the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in CRC. These results suggest that miR-511 can potentially serve as a therapeutic target for the therapy of patients with CRC.
La soif de position
Authors: Devillers Christian
Published: January 2018

« À fleur de peau » : dans cet article qui s’appuie sur son approche spécifique du corps dans la psychothérapie, Christian Devillers nous propose de « rencontrer la sensibilité infime, intime » pour comprendre ce qu’il nomme la « soif de position » et la façon dont la perception de soi inscrite au niveau corporel est sollicitée chaque fois que notre existence ou la reconnaissance de notre existence est ébranlée. Il décrit comment la sensation d’exister émerge du processus complexe d’interaction dès la période prénatale. Elle n’est pas une construction mentale mais une expérience traversée à partir des organes proprioceptifs et sensoriels. Ses mots gagnent à être écoutés avec tous nos sens. Christian fait des liens entre différentes approches du développement et les concepts d’AT, en particulier le protocole, les positions de vie et les signes de reconnaissance. M.M.
L’analyse de groupe : un héritage difficile
Authors: Diet Anne-Lise
Published: January 2018

L’analyse de groupe est le legs scientifique le plus complexe de Jean Claude Rouchy, difficile à mettre en œuvre et hautement dépendant de la conception qu’il avait de la psychanalyse elle-même, très sensiblement en rupture avec les préconisations de la doxa psychanalytique de l’ ipa . Il y ajoutait, outre l’apport de W.R. Bion, celui de M. Torok. Ce sont les modifications techniques liées à sa conception de l’analyse de groupe, qui sont ici soulignées.
Psychanalyse groupale métissée ou « hybride », de l’interculturel au transculturel dans le(s) groupe(s) en Nouvelle-Calédonie
Authors: Thibouville Grégoire
Published: January 2018

Les dimensions interculturelles et transculturelles font partie intrinsèque des situations groupales en Nouvelle-Calédonie. C’est ainsi que s’est imposée la nécessité de penser à plusieurs à une pratique transculturelle dans, par et pour le groupe. Il s’agit de discuter sur la mise en place d’un espace trans-culturel intermédiaire ( etci ) qui constitue un dispositif groupal alternatif de verbalisation, d’écoute et d’analyses croisées pour l’élaboration des traces traumatiques par et avec le groupe et ses participants. Écrire et penser à plusieurs, c’est une occasion pour comprendre le processus de métissage en psychanalyse de groupe, puisque le clinicien groupal est poussé à essayer de modéliser son cadre de compréhension des phénomènes psychiques en groupe interculturel, à travers l’émergence d’une ethnopsychanalyse groupale via une analyse de groupe « hybride ».
Nos héritages et leurs traces dans le corps-équipe
Authors: Nazir Karine
Published: January 2018

Les échanges dans un groupe et entre des individus font remonter à la surface des éléments de la vie psychique et de « l’identité culturelle » de chacun. Les expériences, à partir des années 1970, de Jean Claude Rouchy et de ses collègues, nous permettent de comprendre la présence d’enjeux interculturels. De ces travaux, je propose de travailler le concept d’incorporat culturel. Un élément très éclairant sur les manifestations somatiques et les actes dans la dynamique d’un groupe. À partir de ma pratique, au sein d’un lieu de vie, en psychiatrie de secteur, j’aimerai comprendre les moments complexes que l’équipe traverse. Il s’agit, dans le travail avec l’équipe, de créer un dispositif de travail et d’analyser les dimensions inter/transculturelles au sein du groupe-équipe. Ainsi se saisir d’éléments pour créer un dispositif permettant que les tensions dans l’équipe deviennent, au fil des générations, des objets de travail enrichissants et précieux.
Maillage transdisciplinaire et fonction contenante : clinique de la violence à l’adolescence
Authors: Dobrzynski Anne-Claire , Ciccone Albert
Published: January 2018

Cet article présente les effets d’un dispositif de rencontre transdisciplinaire dans l’accompagnement des adolescents commettant des agirs violents. Ces adolescents ont subi une double faillite de la fonction contenante dans les liens primaires et souffrent d’une faillite de la fonction de la groupalité psychique. À travers l’agir violent, produit et producteur de leur errance subjective, ces adolescents expulsent des fragments de subjectivité brute. La méthodo-logie transdisciplinaire, adossée à la pensée complexe du sociologue Edgar Morin, permet de constituer un maillage contenant pour et surtout avec ces adolescents. La situation de Dorothée illustre l’effet subjectivant des rencontres transdisciplinaires en tout petit groupe. L’article montre comment l’approche clinique reposant sur une telle posture instaure un portage psychique groupal pour ces sujets et relance le processus de subjectivation.
Cave Fill in the Črnotiče Quarry, SW Slovenia: Palaeomagnetic, Mineralogical and Geochemical Study
Authors: Bosák Pavel , Mihevc Andrej , Pruner Petr , Venhodová Daniela , Langrová Anna
Published: January 2018

V kamnolomu Črnotiče je bila izkopana s sedimenti in sigo z zapolnjena jama. Analiziran je bil 1,75 m visok del zapolnitve. Profil je sestavljen iz pasovite karbonatne kamnine z interkalacijami rdečih ilovic. Te so se odložile na erozijsko/korozijsko površino starejše, že močno prekristaljene sige. Pasovita in laminirana karbonatna kamnina profila je sestavljena iz prekristaljenega kalcilutita ter je podobna sladkovodnemu apnencu. Značilna laminiranost nakazuje nastanek iz bogatih organskih filmov. Rdeče ilovice sestavljajo kremen, smektit, vermikulit, gibbsit, pM kaolinit, goethit, atanas, rutil, haematit, kalcit, sljude in glinenec. Vsebujejo tudi pelete z več Mn hidroksioksidov. Rdeče ilovice so ostanki preperevanja, odloženi v z vodo zasičenem okolju. Za v profilu vzete vzorce so značilne srednje do visoke vrednosti Jn kar je posledica velike količine železovih mineralov. Srednja paleomagnetna smer je za skupino normalnih paleomagnetnih polaritet enaka D = 10.6°; I = 55.0°, za skupino reverznih polaritet pa D = 173.0°; I = -31.3°. Zgornji del profila kaže reverzno paleomagnetno smer, ki jo prekinjata dve normalni magnetozoni. Sodeč po razporeditvi posameznih magnetozon sklepamo, da je vrh najvišje normalno polarizirane cone primerljiv z dogodkom Olduvai (1.76/1.79 Ma) kot najmlajšo možnostjo, ostali del profila pa je lahko le starejši.A fossil cave, filled with cave sediments was open in the Črnotiče Quarry. An about 1.75 m high section was analysed. Profile consists of banded carbonate rocks intercalated by red clays which was deposited on corroded/ eroded surface of older speleothems. Banded and laminated carbonate rocks are composed of recrystallized calcilutite resemble freshwater limestones. Characteristics of lamination could indicate its origin from organic-rich films. Red clays are composed of quartz, smectite, vermiculite, gibbsite, pM kaolinite, goethite, anatase, rutile, haematite, calcite, micas and feldspar. They contain pellets with Mn hydroxyoxides. That red clays are weathering products redeposited in water-saturated environment. Samples are characterised by intermediate up to high magnetic values of Jn which is caused by the presence of high amount of Fe-minerals. Mean palaeomagnetic directions are for the group of normal palaeomagnetic polarity equal to D = 10.6°; I = 55.0°, and for the group of reverse polarity than D = 173.0°; I = -31.3°. The top part of the profile shows reverse palaeomagnetic direction interrupted by two normal magnetised zones. According to the arrangement of individual magnetozones we assume, that the top of the highest normal polarised magnetozone could be correlated with the Olduvai event (1.76/1.79 Ma) as the youngest possibility, and therefore the rest of profile must be older.
Unroofed Caves and Recognising them in Karst Relief (Discoveries during Motorway Construction at Kozina, South Slovenia)
Authors: Knez Martin , Slabe Tadej
Published: January 2018

Jame brez stropa so bile stare jame, ki so zaradi znižanja kraškega površja razkrite. Posebno pozornost so nam na to pomembno, tudi površinsko kraško obliko osredotočila zemeljska dela pri gradnji avtocest na Krasu.Unroofed caves are old caves which have appeared due to the lowering of karst relief. Groundwork for motorway construction on Kras has brought our attention to this important surface form of karst relief.