bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of NACHRI children’s hospital designation on outcome in pediatric malignant brain tumors
Authors: Donoho Daniel A. , Wen Timothy , Liu Jonathan , Zarabi Hosniya , Christian Eisha , Cen Steven , Zada Gabriel , McComb J. Gordon , Krieger Mark D. , Mack William J. , Attenello Frank J.
Published: June 2017

OBJECTIVE

Although current pediatric neurosurgery guidelines encourage the treatment of pediatric malignant brain tumors at specialized centers such as pediatric hospitals, there are limited data in support of this recommendation. Previous studies suggest that children treated by higher-volume surgeons and higher-volume hospitals may have better outcomes, but the effect of treatment at dedicated children’s hospitals has not been investigated.

METHODS

The authors analyzed the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID) from 2000–2009 and included all patients undergoing a craniotomy for malignant pediatric brain tumors based on ICD-9-CM codes. They investigated the effects of patient demographics, tumor location, admission type, and hospital factors on rates of routine discharge and mortality.

RESULTS

From 2000 through 2009, 83.6% of patients had routine discharges, and the in-hospital mortality rate was 1.3%. In multivariate analysis, compared with children treated at an institution designated as a pediatric hospital by NACHRI (National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions), children receiving treatment at a pediatric unit within an adult hospital (OR 0.5, p < 0.01) or a general hospital without a designated pediatric unit (OR 0.4, p < 0.01) were less likely to have routine discharges. Treatment at a large hospital (> 400 beds; OR 1.8, p = 0.02) and treatment at a teaching hospital (OR 1.7, p = 0.02) were independently associated with greater likelihood of routine discharge. However, patients transferred between facilities had a significantly decreased likelihood of routine discharge (OR 0.5, p < 0.01) and an increased likelihood of mortality (OR 5.0, p < 0.01). Procedural volume was not associated with rate of routine discharge or mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings may have implications for planning systems of care for pediatric patients with malignant brain tumors. The authors hope to motivate future research into the specific factors that may lead to improved outcomes at designated pediatric hospitals.
Cerebrospinal fluid outflow resistance as a diagnostic marker of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leakage
Authors: Beck Jürgen , Fung Christian , Ulrich Christian T. , Fiechter Michael , Fichtner Jens , Mattle Heinrich P. , Mono Marie-Luise , Meier Niklaus , Mordasini Pasquale , Z’Graggen Werner J. , Gralla Jan , Raabe Andreas
Published: June 2017

OBJECTIVE

Spinal CSF leakage causes spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). The aim of this study was to characterize CSF dynamics via lumbar infusion testing in patients with and without proven spinal CSF leakage in order to explore possible discriminators for the presence of an open CSF leak.

METHODS

This analysis included all patients with suspected SIH who were treated at the authors’ institution between January 2012 and February 2015. The gold standard for “proven” CSF leakage is considered to be extrathecal contrast accumulation after intrathecal contrast injection. To characterize CSF dynamics, the authors performed computerized lumbar infusion testing to measure lumbar pressure at baseline (opening pressure) and at plateau, as well as pulse amplitude, CSF outflow resistance (RCSF), craniospinal elastance, and pressure-volume index.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients underwent clinical imaging and lumbar infusion testing and were included in the final analysis. A comparison of the 14 patients with proven CSF leakage with the 17 patients without leakage showed a statistically significantly lower lumbar opening pressure (p < 0.001), plateau pressure (p < 0.001), and RCSF (p < 0.001) in the group with leakage. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for an RCSF cutoff of ≤ 5 mm Hg/(ml/min) were 0.86, 1.0, 1.0, and 0.89 (area under the curve of 0.96), respectively. The median pressure-volume index was higher (p = 0.003), and baseline (p = 0.017) and plateau (p < 0.001) pulse amplitudes were lower in patients with a proven leak.

CONCLUSIONS

Lumbar infusion testing captures a distinct pattern of CSF dynamics associated with spinal CSF leakage. RCSF assessed by computerized lumbar infusion testing has an excellent diagnostic accuracy and is more accurate than evaluating the lumbar opening pressure. The authors suggest inclusion of RCSF in the diagnostic criteria for SIH.
Pediatric abusive head trauma and stroke
Authors: Khan Nickalus R. , Fraser Brittany D. , Nguyen Vincent , Moore Kenneth , Boop Scott , Vaughn Brandy N. , Klimo Paul
Published: June 2017

OBJECTIVE

Despite established risk factors, abusive head trauma (AHT) continues to plague our communities. Cerebrovascular accident (CVA), depicted as areas of hypodensity on CT scans or diffusion restriction on MR images, is a well-known consequence of AHT, but its etiology remains elusive. The authors hypothesize that a CVA, in isolation or in conjunction with other intracranial injuries, compounds the severity of a child’s injury, which in turn leads to greater health care utilization, including surgical services, and an increased risk of death.

METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective observational study to evaluate data obtained in all children with AHT who presented to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital (LBCH) from January 2009 through August 2016. Demographic, hospital course, radiological, cost, and readmission information was collected. Children with one or more CVA were compared with those without a CVA.

RESULTS

The authors identified 282 children with AHT, of whom 79 (28%) had one or more CVA. Compared with individuals without a CVA, children with a stroke were of similar overall age (6 months), sex (61% male), and race (56% African-American) and had similar insurance status (81% public). Just under half of all children with a stroke (38/79, 48%) were between 1–6 months of age. Thirty-five stroke patients (44%) had a Grade II injury, and 44 (56%) had a Grade III injury. The majority of stroke cases were bilateral (78%), multifocal (85%), associated with an overlying subdural hematoma (86%), and were watershed/hypoperfusion in morphology (73%). Thirty-six children (46%) had a hemispheric stroke. There were a total of 48 neurosurgical procedures performed on 28 stroke patients. Overall median hospital length of stay (11 vs 3 days), total hospital charges ($13.8 vs $6.6 million), and mean charges per patient ($174,700 vs $32,500) were significantly higher in the stroke cohort as a whole, as well as by injury grade (II and III). Twenty children in the stroke cohort (25%) died as a direct result of their AHT, whereas only 2 children in the nonstroke cohort died (1%). There was a 30% readmission rate within the first 180-day postinjury period for patients in the stroke cohort, and of these, approximately 50% required additional neurosurgical intervention(s).

CONCLUSIONS

One or more strokes in a child with AHT indicate a particularly severe injury. These children have longer hospital stays, greater hospital charges, and a greater likelihood of needing a neurosurgical intervention (i.e., bedside procedure or surgery). Stroke is such an important predictor of health care utilization and outcome that it warrants a subcategory for both Grade II and Grade III injuries. It should be noted that the word “stroke” or “CVA” should not automatically imply arterial compromise in this population.
Increased Proliferation as Independent Predictor of Disease Recurrence in Initial Stage pTa Urothelial Bladder Cancer
Authors: Breyer Johannes , Shalekenov Sanzhar , Aziz Atiqullah , van Rhijn Bastiaan W.G. , Bründl Johannes , Lausenmeyer Eva , Schäfer Julius , Denzinger Stefan , Giedl Christian , Burger Maximilian , Hartmann Arndt , Evert Matthias , Otto Wolfgang
Published: June 2017

Objectives:

To investigate the predictive impact of the proliferation biomarker Ki-67 on the clinical course of patients with initial stage pTa urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB).

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed all patients treated by transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TUR-B) for UCB between 1992–2004 in a single-center. Disease recurrence (≥pTa UCB) and absent tumor in histopathology, assessed by TUR-B with a non-malignant result for endoscopic suspect bladder lesion displayed endpoints. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue blocks was performed with an immunostainer using a primary antibody for Ki-67. Semiquantitative evaluation of Ki-67 was performed by three reviewers. Increased proliferation was defined with a cut-off value of ≥50%. Uni- and multivariable binary regression analyses were applied to address prediction of disease recurrence.

Results:

215 patients (84% male, median age 69 years at first diagnosis) were evaluable and included to the study. 89 patients stayed disease-free (41%), 126 patients showed recurrence (59%). Recurrence rates of patients with Ki-67 expression <10%, 10–24%, 25–49% and ≥50% were 14.8% vs. 30.8% vs. 63.9% and 80.7%, respectively ( p < 0.001). In Kaplan-Meier analysis patients with increased proliferation ≥50% showed a statistically significant worse 10-year recurrence-free survival (19% vs. 57%, p < 0.001). Multivariable regression analysis revealed instillation treatment ( p = 0.001) and high proliferation of Ki-67 ( p < 0.001) to be independent predictors of recurrence in stage pTa UCB.

Conclusions:

High proliferation with Ki-67 expression ≥50% was strongly associated with worse recurrence-free survival in patients with initial stage pTa UCB. Stage pTa UCB patients with increased Ki-67 expression should undergo a strictly follow-up regime comparable to stage pT1 bladder carcinoma, while at least patients with Ki-67 expression <10% might be feasible for more liberate follow-up regime after evaluation of our data in randomized, prospective and multicenter studies.
Data Science and symbolic AI: Synergies, challenges and opportunities
Authors: Hoehndorf Robert , Queralt-Rosinach Núria
Published: June 2017

Symbolic approaches to Artificial Intelligence (AI) represent things within a domain of knowledge through physical symbols, combine symbols into symbol expressions, and manipulate symbols and symbol expressions through inference processes. While a large part of Data Science relies on statistics and applies statistical approaches to AI, there is an increasing potential for successfully applying symbolic approaches as well. Symbolic representations and symbolic inference are close to human cognitive representations and therefore comprehensible and interpretable; they are widely used to represent data and metadata, and their specific semantic content must be taken into account for analysis of such information; and human communication largely relies on symbols, making symbolic representations a crucial part in the analysis of natural language. Here we discuss the role symbolic representations and inference can play in Data Science, highlight the research challenges from the perspective of the data scientist, and argue that symbolic methods should become a crucial component of the data scientists’ toolbox.
Multiphysics field analysis and evolutionary optimization: Design of an electro-thermo-elastic microactuator
Authors: Di Barba Paolo , Liu Bo , Mognaschi Maria Evelina , Venini Paolo , Wiak Slawomir
Published: June 2017

In the paper, the optimization of an electro-thermo-elastic microactuator is proposed. In particular, the maximum temperature of the actuator is to be minimized, while the total displacement is to be maximized. For solving this problem, the Adaptive Gaussian Process-Assisted Differential Evolution AGDEMO method is applied.
Effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields on histomorphometry and osteocalcin in disuse osteoporosis rats
Authors: Li Baolin , Bi Jiaqi , Li Wei , Huang Sainan , Zhang Shuangli , Zhao Jian’gang , Meng Qinggang , Fei Jianfeng
Published: June 2017

OBJECTIVE:

Bone histomorphometry and the concentration of the serum osteocalcin expression were observed in disuse osteoporosis (DOP) rats in order to explore the mechanism of pulsed electromagnetic fields in treating DOP.

METHODS:

Female SD rats, weighing 250 [Formula: see text] 280 g, were randomly divided into 4 groups: a control group and three experimental groups. The right hindlimbs of all the rats were immobilized by tibia-tail fixation, except for those in the INT group. The ALN group rats were given an alendronate sodium (1 mg kg[Formula: see text] d[Formula: see text]) treatment, and the rats in the PEMF group received PEMF irradiation. Bone histomorphometry and the concentration of serum osteocalcin expression were detected in 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks.

RESULTS:

Four weeks after modeling, as compared with the DOP group, the %Tb-Ar and Tb-N in the ALN group were increased, and the difference was significant ([Formula: see text] 0.05 or [Formula: see text] 0.01). At 8 weeks, as compared with the DOP group, the %Tb-Ar and Tb-N in the ALN group and the PEMF group both increased, and there was a significant difference ([Formula: see text] 0.05 or [Formula: see text] 0.01). At 12 weeks, as compared with the DOP group, the BGP serum concentration of the ALN group was reduced, and there was a statistical difference ([Formula: see text] 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

Pulse electromagnetic field with drug can prevent disuse osteoporosis by changing the bone microstructure. In the long run, PEMF improves the mechanical performance of biological structures better than alendronate sodium does. PEMF may influence the process of bone remodeling by promoting the level of osteocalcin.
Study on the control of variable resistance for isokinetic muscle training system
Authors: Wang Lan , Zhang Zhenyuan , Yu Yi , Chen Guangwei
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND:

Isokinetic muscle strength training is presently the most advanced method of muscle strength training. However, the existing control schemes of the training equipment are usually limited to the structure of the brake.

OBJECTIVE:

In order to solve this problem, this paper presents a solution to an isokinetic system based on the force control of a DC servomotor.

METHODS:

A new fuzzy impedance nonlinear controller is designed by analyzing the relevant requirements of isokinetic motion. A series of force tracking comparison experiments between a fuzzy PI controller and a classical PI controller are studied. In addition, some strength training experiments employing different driving forces and target speeds are also conducted.

RESULTS:

The results demonstrate the effectiveness of this fuzzy impedance force tracking control strategy.

CONCLUSION:

Using the aforementioned methods, a comprehensive motion algorithm was designed.
Reflex-mediated dynamic neuromuscular stabilization in stroke patients: EMG processing and ultrasound imaging
Authors: Yoon Hyun S. , You Joshua (Sung) H.
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND:

Postural core instability is associated with poor dynamic balance and a high risk of serious falls. Both neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) and dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) core stabilization exercises have been used to improve core stability, but the outcomes of these treatments remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE:

This study was undertaken to examine the therapeutic effects of NDT and DNS core stabilization exercises on muscular activity, core stability, and core muscle thickness.

METHODS:

Ten participants (5 healthy adults; 5 hemiparetic stroke patients) were recruited. Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to determine core muscle activity of the transversus abdominis/internal oblique (TrA/IO), external oblique (EO), and rectus abdominis (RA) muscles. Ultrasound imaging was used to measure transversus abdominals/internal oblique (TrA/IO) thickness, and a pressure biofeedback unit (PBU) was used to measure core stability during the DNS and NDT core exercise conditions. Data are reported as median and range and were compared using nonparametric Mann – Whitney U test and Wilcoxon signed rank test at [Formula: see text] 0.05.

RESULTS:

Both healthy and hemiparetic stroke groups showed greater median EMG amplitude in the TrA/IO muscles, core stability, and muscle thickness values during the DNS exercise condition than during the NDT core exercise condition, respectively ([Formula: see text] 0.05). However, the relative changes in the EMG amplitude, core stability, and muscle thickness values were greater during the DNS exercise condition than during the NDT core exercise condition in the hemiparetic stroke patient group ([Formula: see text] 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our novel results provide the first clinical evidence that DNS is more effective than NDT in both healthy and hemiparetic stroke subjects to provide superior deep core muscle activation, core stabilization, and muscle thickness. Moreover, such advantageous therapeutic benefits of the DNS core stabilization exercise over the NDT exercise were more apparent in the hemiparetis stroke patients than normal controls.
Objective research on tongue manifestation of patients with eczema
Authors: Yu Zhifeng , Zhang Haifang , Fu Linjie , Lu Xiaozuo
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND:

Tongue observation often depends on subjective judgment, it is necessary to establish an objective and quantifiable standard for tongue observation.

OBJECTIVE:

To discuss the features of tongue manifestation of patients who suffered from eczema with different types and to reveal the clinical significance of the tongue images.

METHODS:

Two hundred patients with eczema were recruited and divided into three groups according to the diagnostic criteria. Acute group had 47 patients, subacute group had 82 patients, and chronic group had 71 patients. The computerized tongue image digital analysis device was used to detect tongue parameters. The L[Formula: see text]a[Formula: see text]b[Formula: see text] color model was applied to classify tongue parameters quantitatively.

RESULTS:

For parameters such as tongue color, tongue shape, color of tongue coating, and thickness or thinness of tongue coating, there was a significant difference among acute group, subacute group and chronic group ([Formula: see text] 0.05). For Lab values of both tongue and tongue coating, there was statistical significance among the above types of eczema ([Formula: see text] 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

Tongue images can reflect some features of eczema, and different types of eczema may be related to the changes of tongue images. The computerized tongue image digital analysis device can reflect the tongue characteristics of patients with eczema objectively.
Magnetic stimulation at acupoints relieves mental fatigue: An Event Related Potential (P300) study
Authors: Yang Shuo , Qiao Yanyun , Wang Lei , Hao Pengru
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND:

Mental fatigue caused by continuous cognitive tasks represents one of the most worrying modern health problems. Event Related Potential (ERP) P300 is thought to be associated with cognitive function.

OBJECTIVE:

This study aimed at characterizing the neural activity correlated with the attentional processes and exploring a novelty method which combine the magnetic stimulation and acupoint to relieve mental fatigue caused by continuous cognitive tasks.

METHODS:

P300 (P3a and P3b) were extracted at three points: when subjects felt relaxed, at the point of mental fatigue, and after the subjects were stimulated at acupoints. The amplitudes and latencies of P3a and P3b were analyzed statistically.

RESULTS:

Among the four features (P3a amplitude, P3a latency, P3b amplitude, and P3b latency), only P3b amplitude was found to have a significant difference between the resting state and the mental fatigue state. And P3b amplitude significantly increased after magnetic stimulation at the acupoints.

CONCLUSIONS:

Subjects experiencing mental fatigue demonstrated a significant decrease in P3b amplitude in the parietal region, suggesting attenuation of resource allocation for selective attention. P3b amplitude significantly increased after magnetic stimulation at acupoints indicating that this strategy can be used to improve selective attention and relieve mental fatigue.
A method and system to simulate human electrophysiological activity
Authors: Ding Xiang , Liu Wenli , Zhang Jiyan , Zhao Liangliang
Published: June 2017

Accurate electrophysiological diagnosis relies on high precision and well calibrated instruments. A method to simulate the human electrophysiological activity is proposed and a simulation system is developed, as a calibration tool for electrophysiological inspectors. The system performance is tested by calibrating the amplitude and the latency of a commercial visual electrophysiological instrument. Several typical simulating signals are tested. The minimum amplitude of the simulating signal can be lower than 1 [Formula: see text]V. Measurement errors and uncertainties are calculated. The traceability of the measurement results to metrological standards is also demonstrated. It is proved by experimental results that the system can generate simulating signals with different waveforms and variable parameters and it can be used to simulate the human visual electrophysiological activities. With simple modifications to the simulation system, it can also be used to calibrate other electrophysiological inspectors.
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation recognition based on multi-scale Rényi entropy of ECG
Authors: Xin Yi , Zhao Yizhang , Mu Yuanhui , Li Qin , Shi Caicheng
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND:

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common type of arrhythmia disease, which has a high morbidity and can lead to some serious complications. The ability to detect and in turn prevent AF is extremely significant to the patient and clinician.

OBJECTIVE:

Using ECG to detect AF and develop a robust and effective algorithm is the primary objective of this study.

METHODS:

Some studies show that after AF occurs, the regulatory mechanism of vagus nerve and sympathetic nerve will change. Each R-R interval will be absolutely unequal. After studying the physiological mechanism of AF, we will calculate the Rényi entropy of the wavelet coefficients of heart rate variability (HRV) in order to measure the complexity of PAF signals, as well as extract the multi-scale features of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF).

RESULTS:

The data used in this study is obtained from MIT-BIH PAF Prediction Challenge Database and the correct rate in classifying PAF patients from normal persons is 92.48%.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results of this experiment proved that AF could be detected by using this method and, in turn, provide opinions for clinical diagnosis.
The collagen microstructural changes of rat menisci and tibiofemoral cartilages under the influence of mechanical loading: An in vitro wear test of whole joints
Authors: Cai Haoliuyang , Hao Zhixiu , Xiao Liying , Wan Chao , Tong Lingying
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND:

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is suggested to be induced by multi-factors, and mechanical environment is regarded as a risky factor.

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the effect of isolated mechanical factor on cartilage.

METHODS:

An active wear test system was designed to perform parameters-controlled in vitro wear tests on rat knee joints with specific load magnitude, flexion-extension angle, and movement frequency. Six hind limbs of 9-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats, with an additional spring on the medial side, were worn by using the custom-designed apparatus. Researchers observed both the menisci and tibial cartilages of these hind limbs using multiphoton laser scanning microscopy to analyze the change of the collagen microstructure caused by wear.

RESULTS:

Collagen microstructure of both the medial and lateral meniscus became disordered under cyclic load. Some tissues on the surface of the medial tibial cartilage were removed and the middle layer of the medial compartment displayed cracks. On the contrary, the lateral tibial cartilage was intact.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results implied that cyclic load caused menisci microstructure disarrangement prior to tibial cartilage damage and the collagen structure of mid-layer tibial cartilage failed before that of the superficial layer under the kinematics adopted in the study.
Measuring the 3D motion space of the human ankle
Authors: Xiao Jinzhuang , Zhang Yunchao , Zhao Shuai , Wang Hongrui
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND:

The 3D motion space of the human ankle is an important area of study in medicine. The 3D motion space can provide significant information for establishing more reasonable rehabilitation procedures and standards of ankle injury care.

OBJECTIVE:

This study aims to measure the 3D motion space of the human ankle and to use mathematical methods to quantify it.

METHODS:

A motion capturing system was used to simultaneously capture the 3D coordinates of points marked on the foot, and convert these coordinate values into rotation angles through trigonometric functions and vectors. The mathematical expression of the ankle’s motion space was obtained by screening, arranging, and fitting the converted data.

RESULTS:

The mathematical expression of the 3D motion space of the participants was obtained. We statistically analyzed the data and learned that, in terms of 3D motion space, the right foot is more flexible than the left foot and the female foot is more flexible than the male foot.

CONCLUSIONS:

The adduction and abduction rotation ranges are affected by the plantar flexion or dorsal flexure rotation angles. This relationship can be expressed mathematically, which is significant in the study of the ankle joint.
Grouped fuzzy SVM with EM-based partition of sample space for clustered microcalcification detection
Authors: Wang Huiya , Feng Jun , Wang Hongyu
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND:

Detection of clustered microcalcification (MC) from mammograms plays essential roles in computer-aided diagnosis for early stage breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE:

To tackle problems associated with the diversity of data structures of MC lesions and the variability of normal breast tissues, multi-pattern sample space learning is required.

METHODS:

In this paper, a novel grouped fuzzy Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm with sample space partition based on Expectation-Maximization (EM) (called G-FSVM) is proposed for clustered MC detection. The diversified pattern of training data is partitioned into several groups based on EM algorithm. Then a series of fuzzy SVM are integrated for classification with each group of samples from the MC lesions and normal breast tissues.

RESULTS:

From DDSM database, a total of 1,064 suspicious regions are selected from 239 mammography, and the measurement of Accuracy, True Positive Rate (TPR), False Positive Rate (FPR) and EVL [Formula: see text] TPR* [Formula: see text] are 0.82, 0.78, 0.14 and 0.72, respectively.

CONCLUSION:

The proposed method incorporates the merits of fuzzy SVM and multi-pattern sample space learning, decomposing the MC detection problem into serial simple two-class classification. Experimental results from synthetic data and DDSM database demonstrate that our integrated classification framework reduces the false positive rate significantly while maintaining the true positive rate.
An automatic glioma grading method based on multi-feature extraction and fusion
Authors: Zhan Tianming , Feng Piaopiao , Hong Xunning , Lu Zhenyu , Xiao Liang , Zhang Yudong
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND:

An accurate assessment of tumor malignancy grade in the preoperative situation is important for clinical management. However, the manual grading of gliomas from MRIs is both a tiresome and time consuming task for radiologists. Thus, it is a priority to design an automatic and effective computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) tool to assist radiologists in grading gliomas.

OBJECTIVE:

To design an automatic computer-aided diagnosis for grading gliomas using multi-sequence magnetic resonance imaging.

METHODS:

The proposed method consists of two steps: (1) the features of high and low grade gliomas are extracted from multi-sequence magnetic resonance images, and (2) then, a KNN classifier is trained to grade the gliomas. In the feature extraction step, the intensity, volume, and local binary patterns (LBP) of the gliomas are extracted, and PCA is used to reduce the data dimension.

RESULTS:

The proposed "Intensity-Volume-LBP-PCA-KNN" method is validated on the MICCAI 2015 BraTS challenge dataset, and an average grade accuracy of 87.59% is obtained.

CONCLUSIONS:

The proposed method is an effective method for automatically grading gliomas and can be applied to real situations.
Analysis of SAR distribution in human head of antenna used in wireless power transform based on magnetic resonance
Authors: Gong Feixiang , Wei Zhiqiang , Cong Yanping , Chi Haokun , Yin Bo , Sun Mingui
Published: June 2017

In this paper, a novel wireless power transfer antenna system was designed for human head implantable devices. The antenna system used the structure of three plates and four coils and operated at low frequencies to transfer power via near field. In order to verify the electromagnetic radiation safety on the human head, the electromagnetic intensity and specific absorption rate (SAR) were studied by finite-difference-time-domain (FDTD) method. A three-layer model of human head including skin, bone and brain tissues was constructed. The transmitting and receiving antenna were set outside and inside the model. The local and average SAR were simulated at the resonance frequency of 18.67 MHz in two situations, in one scenario both transmitting and receiving coil worked, while in the other scenario only the transmitting coil worked. The results showed that the maximum of 10 g SAR average value of human thoracic were 0.142 W/kg and 0.148 W/kg, respectively, both were lower than the international safety standards for human body of the ICNIRP and FCC, which verified the safety of the human body in wireless power transmission based on magnetic coupling resonance.
Multi-Objective Optimization of Voltage-Stability Based on Congestion Management for Integrating Wind Power into the Electricity Market
Authors: Choi Jin-Woo , Kim Mun-Kyeom
Published: June 2017

This paper proposes voltage-stability based on congestion management (CM) for electricity market environments and considers the incorporation of wind farms into systems as well. A probabilistic voltage-stability constrained optimal power flow (P-VSCOPF) is formulated to maximize both social welfare and voltage stability. To reflect the probabilistic influence of CM in the presence of wind farms on voltage stability, Monte Carlo simulations (MCS) are used to analyze both the system load and the wind speed from their probability distribution functions. A multi-objective particle-swarm optimization (MOPSO) algorithm is implemented to solve the P-VSCOPF problem. A contingency analysis based on the voltage stability index (VSI) for line outages is employed to find the vulnerable line of congestion in power systems. The congestion distribution factor (CDF) is also used to find the optimal location of a wind farm in CM. The optimal pricing expression, which is obtained, with respect to preserving voltage stability, by calculating both the locational marginal prices (LMPs) and the nodal congestion prices (NCPs), is demonstrated in terms of congestion solutions. Simultaneously, the voltage stability margin (VSM) is considered within the CM framework. The proposed approach is implemented on a modified IEEE 24-bus system, and the results obtained are compared with the results of other optimal power flow methods.
Electrophysiological Indices of Audiovisual Speech Perception in the Broader Autism Phenotype
Authors: Irwin Julia , Avery Trey , Turcios Jacqueline , Brancazio Lawrence , Cook Barbara , Landi Nicole
Published: June 2017

When a speaker talks, the consequences of this can both be heard (audio) and seen (visual). A novel visual phonemic restoration task was used to assess behavioral discrimination and neural signatures (event-related potentials, or ERP) of audiovisual processing in typically developing children with a range of social and communicative skills assessed using the social responsiveness scale, a measure of traits associated with autism. An auditory oddball design presented two types of stimuli to the listener, a clear exemplar of an auditory consonant–vowel syllable /ba/ (the more frequently occurring standard stimulus), and a syllable in which the auditory cues for the consonant were substantially weakened, creating a stimulus which is more like /a/ (the infrequently presented deviant stimulus). All speech tokens were paired with a face producing /ba/ or a face with a pixelated mouth containing motion but no visual speech. In this paradigm, the visual /ba/ should cause the auditory /a/ to be perceived as /ba/, creating an attenuated oddball response; in contrast, a pixelated video (without articulatory information) should not have this effect. Behaviorally, participants showed visual phonemic restoration (reduced accuracy in detecting deviant /a/) in the presence of a speaking face. In addition, ERPs were observed in both an early time window (N100) and a later time window (P300) that were sensitive to speech context (/ba/ or /a/) and modulated by face context (speaking face with visible articulation or with pixelated mouth). Specifically, the oddball responses for the N100 and P300 were attenuated in the presence of a face producing /ba/ relative to a pixelated face, representing a possible neural correlate of the phonemic restoration effect. Notably, those individuals with more traits associated with autism (yet still in the non-clinical range) had smaller P300 responses overall, regardless of face context, suggesting generally reduced phonemic discrimination.
Toward a Multifactorial Conception of the Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome and Persistent Chronic Tic Disorder
Authors: Lavoie Marc , O’Connor Kieron
Published: June 2017

Despite recent giant leaps in understanding Gilles de la Tourette’s syndrome (now Tourette Disorder in the DSM 5), accurate multi-modal description, rigorous assessment procedures, and the improvement of evidence-based treatment currently pose a considerable challenge. In this context, the current special edition aims to elaborate three important dimensions in Tourette Disorder. Firstly, the effective characterization and etiological basis of the disorder are reviewed, since such characterization impacts accurate assessment. Secondly, subsequent articles cover the comprehensive evaluation and assessment of tic disorders, essential for treatment planning. Thirdly, the final group of articles propose novel and innovative treatment strategies for pharmacologically and behaviorally reducing tic frequency. In the current editorial address, two main issues seem crucial to the development of interventions for Tourette disorder. Primarily, integrating new technology in treatments, while supporting cognitive and behavioral recovery through learning self-controlled strategies. Additionally, the dissemination of study results to frontline resources, needs streamlining and empirically validated treatments for tic disorders should be the subject of knowledge translation to community organizations and be more widely available to the public.
Activated Carbon, Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene: Materials and Composites for Advanced Water Purification
Authors: Sweetman Martin , May Steve , Mebberson Nick , Pendleton Phillip , Vasilev Krasimir , Plush Sally , Hayball John
Published: June 2017

To ensure the availability of clean water for humans into the future, efficient and cost-effective water purification technology will be required. The rapidly decreasing quality of water and the growing global demand for this scarce resource has driven the pursuit of high-performance purification materials, particularly for application as point-of-use devices. This review will introduce the main types of natural and artificial contaminants that are present in water and the challenges associated with their effective removal. The efficiency and performance of recently developed materials for water purification, with a focus on activated carbon, carbon nanotubes and graphene will be discussed. The recent advances in water purification using these materials is reviewed and their applicability as point-of-use water purification systems discussed.
The CeOX and MnOX Nanocrystals Supported on TiO2–Graphene Oxide Catalysts and Their Selective Catalytic Reduction Properties at Low Temperature
Authors: Tong Zhensong , Lu Xining , Song Cunyi
Published: June 2017

A series of 9%CeOx–MnOx/TiO2–GO nanocomposites with different molar ratios of Ce/Mn were synthesized by the sol-gel and ultrasonic impregnation methods and characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), N2 adsorption (BET) analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT–IR). The results showed that various valences of Ce and Mn oxides were uniformly distributed on the surface of TiO2–GO multilayered supports. The coexistence of various valences of Ce and Mn oxides can improve the redox performance of the catalyst. With the introduction of Ce, the amount of MnO2 and non-stoichiometric MnOx/Mn, the total oxygen and chemisorbed oxygen content, and the electron transfer ability of the catalyst increased significantly. When the molar ratio of Ce/Mn was 0.3, the catalysts exhibited high selective catalytic reduction activity (more than 99% at 180 °C) and N2 selectivity. The presence of hydrophilic groups on the surface of the GO was considered as the critical factor influencing the H2O resistance of the catalyst. Due to the pre-sulfuring process of GO, serious sulfation of the active component can be prevented, and the catalyst exhibited excellent SO2 resistance.
An Entropy-Based Generalized Gamma Distribution for Flood Frequency Analysis
Authors: Chen Lu , Singh Vijay , Xiong Feng
Published: June 2017

Flood frequency analysis (FFA) is needed for the design of water engineering and hydraulic structures. The choice of an appropriate frequency distribution is one of the most important issues in FFA. A key problem in FFA is that no single distribution has been accepted as a global standard. The common practice is to try some candidate distributions and select the one best fitting the data, based on a goodness of fit criterion. However, this practice entails much calculation. Sometimes generalized distributions, which can specialize into several simpler distributions, are fitted, for they may provide a better fit to data. Therefore, the generalized gamma (GG) distribution was employed for FFA in this study. The principle of maximum entropy (POME) was used to estimate GG parameters. Monte Carlo simulation was carried out to evaluate the performance of the GG distribution and to compare with widely used distributions. Finally, the T-year design flood was calculated using the GG and compared with that with other distributions. Results show that the GG distribution is either superior or comparable to other distributions.
Application of Entropy Generation to Improve Heat Transfer of Heat Sinks in Electric Machines
Authors: Eger Toni , Bol Thomas , Thanu Ayothi , Daróczy László , Janiga Gábor , Schroth Rüdiger , Thévenin Dominique
Published: June 2017

To intensify heat transfer within the complex three-dimensional flow field found in technical devices, all relevant transport phenomena have to be taken into account. In this work, a generic procedure based on a detailed analysis of entropy generation is developed to improve heat sinks found in electric machines. It enables a simultaneous consideration of temperature and velocity distributions, lumped into a single, scalar value, which can be used to directly identify regions with a high potential for heat transfer improvement. By analyzing the resulting entropy fields, it is demonstrated that the improved design obtained by this procedure is noticeably better, compared to those obtained with a classical analysis considering separately temperature and velocity distributions. This opens the door for an efficient, computer-based optimization of heat transfer in real applications.
Extracellular Vesicles in Hematological Malignancies: From Biology to Therapy
Authors: Caivano Antonella , La Rocca Francesco , Laurenzana Ilaria , Trino Stefania , De Luca Luciana , Lamorte Daniela , Del Vecchio Luigi , Musto Pellegrino
Published: June 2017

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a heterogeneous group of particles, between 15 nanometers and 10 microns in diameter, released by almost all cell types in physiological and pathological conditions, including tumors. EVs have recently emerged as particularly interesting informative vehicles, so that they could be considered a true “cell biopsy”. Indeed, EV cargo, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, generally reflects the nature and status of the origin cells. In some cases, EVs are enriched of peculiar molecular cargo, thus suggesting at least a degree of specific cellular packaging. EVs are identified as important and critical players in intercellular communications in short and long distance interplays. Here, we examine the physiological role of EVs and their activity in cross-talk between bone marrow microenvironment and neoplastic cells in hematological malignancies (HMs). In these diseases, HM EVs can modify tumor and bone marrow microenvironment, making the latter “stronger” in supporting malignancy, inducing drug resistance, and suppressing the immune system. Moreover, EVs are abundant in biologic fluids and protect their molecular cargo against degradation. For these and other “natural” characteristics, EVs could be potential biomarkers in a context of HM liquid biopsy and therapeutic tools. These aspects will be also analyzed in this review.
An Enhanced Algorithm for Concurrent Recognition of Rail Tracks and Power Cables from Terrestrial and Airborne LiDAR Point Clouds
Authors: Arastounia Mostafa
Published: June 2017

This study proposes an enhanced algorithm that outperforms the methods developed by the author’s earlier contributions for the recognition of railroad assets from LiDAR point clouds. The algorithm is improved by: (1) making it applicable to railroads with any slope; (2) employing Eigen decomposition for the rail seed point selection that makes it independent of the rails’ dimensions; and (3) developing a computationally efficient fully data-driven method (simultaneous identification of rail tracks and contact cables) that is able to process poorly sampled datasets with complicated configurations. The upgraded algorithm is applied to two datasets with quite different point sampling and complexity. First dataset is scanned by a terrestrial system and contains three million points covering 630 m of an inter-city railroad corridor. It presents a simple configuration with nonintersecting straight rail tracks and cables. Second dataset includes 80 m of a complex urban railroad environment comprising curved and merging rail tracks and intersecting cables. It is scanned from an airborne platform and contains 165,000 points. The results indicate that all objects of interest are identified and the average recognition precision and accuracy of both datasets at the point cloud level are greater than 95%.
A Study of 11-[3H]-Tetrodotoxin Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion (ADME) in Adult Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Hong Bihong , Chen Hui , Han Jiacai , Xie Quanling , He Jianlin , Bai Kaikai , Dong Yanming , Yi Ruizao
Published: June 2017

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a powerful sodium channel blocker that in low doses can safely relieve severe pain. Studying the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) of TTX is challenging given the extremely low lethal dose. We conducted radiolabeled ADME studies in Sprague-Dawley rats. After a single dose of 6 μg/(16 μCi/kg) 11-[3H]TTX, pharmacokinetics of plasma total radioactivity were similar in male and female rats. Maximum radioactivity (5.56 ng Eq./mL) was reached in 10 min. [3H]TTX was below detection in plasma after 24 h. The area under the curve from 0 to 8 h was 5.89 h·ng Eq./mL; mean residence time was 1.62 h and t½ was 2.31 h. Bile secretion accounted for 0.43% and approximately 51% of the dose was recovered in the urine, the predominant route of elimination. Approximately 69% was recovered, suggesting that hydrogen tritium exchange in rats produced tritiated water excreted in breath and saliva. Average total radioactivity in the stomach, lungs, kidney and intestines was higher than plasma concentrations. Metabolite analysis of plasma, urine and feces samples demonstrated oxidized TTX, the only identified metabolite. In conclusion, TTX was rapidly absorbed and excreted in rats, a standard preclinical model used to guide the design of clinical trials.
Cyanobacterial Toxins of the Laurentian Great Lakes, Their Toxicological Effects, and Numerical Limits in Drinking Water
Authors: Miller Todd , Beversdorf Lucas , Weirich Chelsea , Bartlett Sarah
Published: June 2017

Cyanobacteria are ubiquitous phototrophic bacteria that inhabit diverse environments across the planet. Seasonally, they dominate many eutrophic lakes impacted by excess nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) forming dense accumulations of biomass known as cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms or cyanoHABs. Their dominance in eutrophic lakes is attributed to a variety of unique adaptations including N and P concentrating mechanisms, N2 fixation, colony formation that inhibits predation, vertical movement via gas vesicles, and the production of toxic or otherwise bioactive molecules. While some of these molecules have been explored for their medicinal benefits, others are potent toxins harmful to humans, animals, and other wildlife known as cyanotoxins. In humans these cyanotoxins affect various tissues, including the liver, central and peripheral nervous system, kidneys, and reproductive organs among others. They induce acute effects at low doses in the parts-per-billion range and some are tumor promoters linked to chronic diseases such as liver and colorectal cancer. The occurrence of cyanoHABs and cyanotoxins in lakes presents challenges for maintaining safe recreational aquatic environments and the production of potable drinking water. CyanoHABs are a growing problem in the North American (Laurentian) Great Lakes basin. This review summarizes information on the occurrence of cyanoHABs in the Great Lakes, toxicological effects of cyanotoxins, and appropriate numerical limits on cyanotoxins in finished drinking water.
Enrichment of Animal Diets with Essential Oils—A Great Perspective on Improving Animal Performance and Quality Characteristics of the Derived Products
Authors: Simitzis Panagiotis E.
Published: June 2017

Food industry operates in a competitive market and is continually facing challenges to retain or even increase its market share. Consistent high-quality animal products are required to maintain consumer confidence and consumption. Enrichment of foods with bioactive compounds such as the essential oils appears to improve quality characteristics of the derived products and protects consumers against oxidation and bacterial spoilage effects. Synthetic additives are nowadays questioned due to their suspected carcinogenic potential, and therefore extensive research has been undertaken to identify safe and efficient alternatives. Aromatic plants and their respective essential oils belong to natural products and are generally used in pig, poultry, rabbit and ruminant nutrition. The inclusion of essential oils in livestock diets is nowadays becoming a common practice, since dietary supplementation has been proven a simple and convenient strategy to effectively inhibit the oxidative reactions or microbial spoilage at their localized sites. A wide range of essential oils contain bioactive compounds that have the potential to act as multifunctional feed supplements for animals including effects on growth performance, digestive system, pathogenic bacterial growth and lipid oxidation. However, further studies are needed to clarify their exact action and establish their regular use in animal production.