bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bayesian network movement model
Authors: Züfle Andreas
Published: December 2016

To unify and integrate various types, resolutions, and levels of uncertainty of user location data, we employ a Bayesian learning approach, which allows to iteratively add new knowledge to refine a model describing the motion of an object in space and time. By explicitly modelling uncertainty, we maintain a notion of data reliability, such that the confidence of any query and mining results can be assessed. Based on this motion model for individual users, we present our algorithms for estimating the continuous location of users based on sparse observations. Our approach uses a global traffic model using a Markov-chain as an apriori-model, which is learned from all available historic trajectory data. Starting from this apriori-model, we use observations of individual users to adapt this model, using a forward backward approach to add new knowledge to the model. This yields as user-specific aposteriori-model, which captures information of their observation, and uses the apriori-knowledge to model the error and uncertainty in-between these observations. As verified by our empirical study on real trajectory data, this model allows to predict the location of objects in-between discrete observation much more accurate than competing approaches, thus significantly reducing the uncertainty in spatio-temporal data.
Impacts of Petroleum-Derived Pollutants on Fish Development
Authors: Cherr Gary N. , Fairbairn Elise , Whitehead Andrew
Published: December 2016

The teleost fish embryo is particularly sensitive to petroleum hydrocarbons (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PAHs) at two distinct stages of development. The first is early during cleavage stages when PAHs alter normal signaling associated with establishment of the dorsal-ventral axis. This disruption involves the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and results in hyperdorsalized embryos that do not survive to hatching. The second, more sensitive period is during heart development, when oil and PAHs cause abnormal development of the heart as well as cardiac edema and arrhythmia. Even at extremely low levels (ng/L), PAHs cause subtle edema and altered contractility and heart rate, which impair swimming performance. Some PAHs are extremely phototoxic, such that exposures to trace concentrations result in severe membrane damage and mortality in sunlight. The developing fish embryo is a sensitive indicator of petroleum constituents in the environment, and healthy populations of fish likely require limited PAH exposure during development.
Sticky-Sphere Clusters
Authors: Holmes-Cerfon Miranda
Published: December 2016

Nano- and microscale particles, such as colloids, commonly interact over ranges much shorter than their diameters, so it is natural to treat them as “sticky,” interacting only when they touch exactly. The lowest-energy states, free energies, and dynamics of a collection of n particles can be calculated in the sticky limit of a deep, narrow interaction potential. This article surveys the theory of the sticky limit, explains the correspondence between theory and experiments on colloidal clusters, and outlines areas where the sticky limit may bring new insight.
Complement Dysregulation and Disease: Insights from Contemporary Genetics
Authors: Liszewski M. Kathryn , Java Anuja , Schramm Elizabeth C. , Atkinson John P.
Published: December 2016

The vertebrate complement system consists of sequentially interacting proteins that provide for a rapid and powerful host defense. Nearly 60 proteins comprise three activation pathways (classical, alternative, and lectin) and a terminal cytolytic pathway common to all. Attesting to its potency, nearly half of the system's components are engaged in its regulation. An emerging theme over the past decade is that variations in these inhibitors predispose to two scourges of modern humans. One, occurring most often in childhood, is a rare but deadly thrombomicroangiopathy called atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. The other, age-related macular degeneration, is the most common form of blindness in the elderly. Their seemingly unrelated clinical presentations and pathologies share the common theme of overactivity of the complement system's alternative pathway. This review summarizes insights gained from contemporary genetics for understanding how dysregulation of this powerful innate immune system leads to these human diseases.
Emerging Concepts and Technologies for the Discovery of Microorganisms Involved in Human Disease
Authors: Bullman Susan , Meyerson Matthew , Kostic Aleksandar D.
Published: December 2016

Established infectious agents continue to be a major cause of human morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, the causative agent remains unknown for a wide range of diseases; many of these are suspected to be attributable to yet undiscovered microorganisms. The advent of unbiased high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics has enabled rapid identification and molecular characterization of known and novel infectious agents in human disease. An exciting era of microbe discovery, now under way, holds great promise for the improvement of global health via the development of antimicrobial therapies, vaccination strategies, targeted public health measures, and probiotic-based preventions and therapies. Here, we review the history of pathogen discovery, discuss improvements and clinical applications for the detection of microbially associated diseases, and explore the challenges and strategies for establishing causation in human disease.
Engineering Therapeutic T Cells: From Synthetic Biology to Clinical Trials
Authors: Esensten Jonathan H. , Bluestone Jeffrey A. , Lim Wendell A.
Published: December 2016

Engineered T cells are currently in clinical trials to treat patients with cancer, solid organ transplants, and autoimmune diseases. However, the field is still in its infancy. The design, and manufacturing, of T cell therapies is not standardized and is performed mostly in academic settings by competing groups. Reliable methods to define dose and pharmacokinetics of T cell therapies need to be developed. As of mid-2016, there are no US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved T cell therapeutics on the market, and FDA regulations are only slowly adapting to the new technologies. Further development of engineered T cell therapies requires advances in immunology, synthetic biology, manufacturing processes, and government regulation. In this review, we outline some of these challenges and discuss the contributions that pathologists can make to this emerging field.
The Microscope as a Tool for Disease Discovery—A Personal Voyage
Authors: Jaffe Elaine S.
Published: December 2016

This review reflects the trajectory of my career in hematopathology, and my personal reflections on scientific advances in the field. During the course of more than 40 years, the approach to classification of hematological malignancies has evolved from descriptive approaches, based on either cytological or clinical features, to a modern approach, which incorporates cutting-edge technologies. My philosophy has focused on defining individual diseases, an approach that can best lead to an understanding of molecular pathogenesis. To quote Carolus Linnaeus ( 1 , p. 19), the father of taxonomy, “The first step in wisdom is to know the things themselves; this notion consists in having a true idea of the objects; objects are distinguished and known by classifying them methodically and giving them appropriate names. Therefore, classification and name-giving will be the foundation of our science.”
Senescence in COPD and Its Comorbidities
Authors: Barnes Peter J.
Published: December 2016

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is regarded as a disease of accelerated lung aging. This affliction shows all of the hallmarks of aging, including telomere shortening, cellular senescence, activation of PI3 kinase-mTOR signaling, impaired autophagy, mitochondrial dysfunction, stem cell exhaustion, epigenetic changes, abnormal microRNA profiles, immunosenescence, and a low-grade chronic inflammation (inflammaging). Many of these pathways are driven by chronic exogenous and endogenous oxidative stress. There is also a reduction in antiaging molecules, such as sirtuins and Klotho, which further accelerate the aging process. COPD is associated with several comorbidities (multimorbidity), such as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, that share the same pathways of accelerated aging. Understanding these mechanisms has helped identify several novel therapeutic targets, and several drugs and dietary interventions are now in development to treat multimorbidity.
Macrophages and the Recovery from Acute and Chronic Inflammation
Authors: Hamidzadeh Kajal , Christensen Stephen M. , Dalby Elizabeth , Chandrasekaran Prabha , Mosser David M.
Published: December 2016

In recent years, researchers have devoted much attention to the diverse roles of macrophages and their contributions to tissue development, wound healing, and angiogenesis. What should not be lost in the discussions regarding the diverse biology of these cells is that when perturbed, macrophages are the primary contributors to potentially pathological inflammatory processes. Macrophages stand poised to rapidly produce large amounts of inflammatory cytokines in response to danger signals. The production of these cytokines can initiate a cascade of inflammatory mediator release that can lead to wholesale tissue destruction. The destructive inflammatory capability of macrophages is amplified by exposure to exogenous interferon-γ, which prolongs and heightens inflammatory responses. In simple terms, macrophages can thus be viewed as incendiary devices with hair triggers waiting to detonate. We have begun to ask questions about how these cells can be regulated to mitigate the collateral destruction associated with macrophage activation.
Prior lactation reduces future diabetic risk through sustained postweaning effects on insulin sensitivity
Authors: Bajaj Harpreet , Ye Chang , Hanley Anthony J. , Connelly Philip W. , Sermer Mathew , Zinman Bernard , Retnakaran Ravi
Published: December 2016

Breastfeeding for ≥12 mo is recommended for optimal infant nutrition but may hold maternal benefits as well. Indeed, lactation has been associated with lower long-term risk of diabetes in the mother, but the mechanism by which it imparts sustained postweaning effects on glucose tolerance remains unclear. In this context, we postulated that lactation could potentially induce postweaning beneficial effects on glucose tolerance by modifying the natural history of insulin sensitivity and/or pancreatic β-cell function over time. Thus, in this study, we evaluated the relationships between duration of lactation [≤3 mo ( n = 70), 3–12 mo ( n = 140), and ≥12 mo ( n = 120)] and trajectories of insulin sensitivity/resistance, β-cell function, and glycemia over the first 3 yr postpartum in a cohort of 330 women comprising the full spectrum of glucose tolerance in pregnancy, who underwent serial metabolic characterization, including oral glucose tolerance tests, at 3 mo, 1 yr, and 3 yr postpartum. The prevalence of dysglycemia (pre-diabetes/diabetes) at 3 yr postpartum was lower in women who breastfed for ≥12 mo (12.5%) than in those who breastfed for ≤3 mo (21.4%) or for 3–12 mo (25.7%)(overall P = 0.028). On logistic regression analysis, lactation for ≥12 mo independently predicted a lower likelihood of prediabetes/diabetes at 3 yr postpartum (OR = 0.37, 95% CI 0.18–0.78, P = 0.009). Notably, lactation for ≥12 mo predicted lesser worsening of insulin sensitivity/resistance ( P < 0.0001), fasting glucose ( P < 0.0001), and 2-h glucose ( P = 0.011) over 3 yr compared with lactation ≤3 mo but no differences in β-cell function ( P ≥ 0.37). It has thus emerged that adherence to current breastfeeding recommendations reduces future diabetic risk through sustained postweaning effects on insulin sensitivity/resistance but not β-cell function.
A New Fast Nonsingular Terminal Sliding Mode Control for a Class of Second-Order Uncertain Systems
Authors: Xin Linjie , Wang Qinglin , Li Yuan
Published: December 2016

This paper considers the robust and adaptive nonsingular terminal sliding mode (NTSM) control for a class of second-order uncertain systems. First, a new fast NTSM was proposed which had global fast convergence rate in the sliding phase. Then, a new form of robust NTSM controller was designed to handle a wider class of second-order uncertain systems. Moreover, an exponential-decline switching gain was introduced for chattering suppression. After that, a double sliding surfaces control scheme was constructed to combine the NTSM control with the adaptive technique. The benefit is that a strict demonstration can be given for the stagnation problem in the stability analysis of NTSM. Finally, a case study for tracking control of a variable-length pendulum was performed to verify the proposed controllers.
Spinal Tuberculosis and Cold Abscess without Known Primary Disease: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Patel Rima , Gannamani Vedavyas , Shay Emily , Alcid David
Published: December 2016

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is uncommon but not rare. Bone and joint involvement constitute about 10% of extrapulmonary TB cases, with the spine being the most frequently affected site. Spinal TB patients typically present with back pain but other constitutional or pulmonary symptoms may be absent, rendering the diagnosis difficult. This case explores challenges in the diagnosis of spinal TB. We report a case of a 39-year-old woman presenting with vague back swelling for many years. Imaging revealed osteomyelitis of the spine but initial studies and cultures were negative for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The diagnosis was confirmed weeks later when cultures demonstrated Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Considering the severe complications of untreated spinal TB including paraplegia and need for surgical intervention, high suspicion is critical in early diagnosis.
The Early Effect of Carotid Artery Stenting on Antioxidant Capacity and Oxidative Stress in Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis
Authors: Michalak Slawomir , Ambrosius Wojciech , Wysocka Ewa , Dziarmaga Mieczyslaw , Juszkat Robert , Wykretowicz Andrzej , Kozubski Wojciech
Published: December 2016

The treatment of carotid artery stenosis is associated with the risk of complications, which may include stroke after carotid artery stenting (CAS) and myocardial infarction after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). The imbalance between prooxidative mechanisms and antioxidant capacity creates a milieu of factors, which may increase the risk of complications after endovascular procedures. We have examined 43 consecutive patients with carotid artery stenosis. Sera were analyzed for the activity of paraoxonase (PON) and arylesterase (ARE), sulfhydryl groups (SG), malondialdehyde (MDA), and conjugated dienes (CD) concentrations by means of spectrophotometric methods before and next day after CAS. We have found lowered PON (P = 0.0032), increase in ARE activity (P = 0.0058), and decrease in sulfhydryl groups concentration (P = 0.0267). No effect on absolute MDA and CD concentrations was observed. The degree of carotid artery stenosis correlated negatively with PON/ARE ratio after CAS (rS = −0.507, P = 0.0268). To conclude, CAS influences both enzymatic (differently, PON and ARE activity) and nonenzymatic antioxidant defense. Females are more susceptible to lipid peroxidation after CAS. PON/ARE ratio after CAS correlated with the degree of carotid artery stenosis. The changes (deltas) in ARE activity, SG, and MDA concentrations correlated with the severity of neurological deficit and disability.
Modeling Multioperator Multi-UAV Operator Attention Allocation Problem Based on Maximizing the Global Reward
Authors: Wu Yuhang , Huang Zhonghua , Li Yinlin , Wang Zhiqi
Published: December 2016

This paper focuses on the attention allocation problem (AAP) in modeling multioperator multi-UAV (MOMU), with the operator model and task properties taken into consideration. The model of MOMU operator AAP based on maximizing the global reward is established and used to allocate tasks to all operators as well as set work time and rest time to each task simultaneously for operators. The proposed model is validated in Matlab simulation environment, using the immune algorithm and dynamic programming algorithm to evaluate the performance of the model in terms of the reward value with regard to the work time, rest time, and task allocation. The result shows that the total reward of the proposed model is larger than the one obtained from previously published methods using local maximization and the total reward of our method has an exponent-like relation with the task arrival rate. The proposed model can improve the operators’ task processing efficiency in the MOMU command and control scenarios.
Scedosporiosis in a Combined Kidney and Liver Transplant Recipient: A Case Report of Possible Transmission from a Near-Drowning Donor
Authors: Leek Rachael , Aldag Erika , Nadeem Iram , Gunabushanam Vikraman , Sahajpal Ajay , Kramer David J. , Walsh Thomas J.
Published: December 2016

Scedosporium spp. are saprobic fungi that cause serious infections in immunocompromised hosts and in near-drowning victims. Solid organ transplant recipients are at increased risk of scedosporiosis as they require aggressive immunosuppression to prevent allograft rejection. We present a case of disseminated Scedosporium apiospermum infection occurring in the recipient of a combined kidney and liver transplantation whose organs were donated by a near-drowning victim and review the literature of scedosporiosis in solid organ transplantation.
Postpartum Visit Attendance Increases the Use of Modern Contraceptives
Authors: Masho Saba W. , Cha Susan , Charles RaShel , McGee Elizabeth , Karjane Nicole , Hines Linda , Kornstein Susan G.
Published: December 2016

Background. Delays in postpartum contraceptive use may increase risk for unintended or rapid repeat pregnancies. The postpartum care visit (PPCV) is a good opportunity for women to discuss family planning options with their health care providers. This study examined the association between PPCV attendance and modern contraceptive use using data from a managed care organization. Methods. Claims and demographic and administrative data came from a nonprofit managed care organization in Virginia (2008–2012). Information on the most recent delivery for mothers with singleton births was analyzed (N = 24,619). Routine PPCV (yes, no) and modern contraceptive use were both dichotomized. Descriptive analyses provided percentages, frequencies, and means. Multiple logistic regression was conducted and ORs and 95% CIs were calculated. Results. More than half of the women did not attend their PPCV (50.8%) and 86.9% had no modern contraceptive use. After controlling for the effects of confounders, women with PPCV were 50% more likely to use modern contraceptive methods than women with no PPCV (OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.31, 1.72). Conclusions. These findings highlight the importance of PPCV in improving modern contraceptive use and guide health care policy in the effort of reducing unintended pregnancy rates.
Experimental Study on Hygrothermal Deformation of External Thermal Insulation Cladding Systems with Glazed Hollow Bead
Authors: Xiong Houren , Xu Jinming , Liu Yuanzhen , Wang Shimeng
Published: December 2016

This research analyzes the thermal and strain behavior of external thermal insulation cladding systems (ETICS) with Glazed Hollow Beads (GHB) thermal insulation mortar under hygrothermal cycles weather test in order to measure its durability under extreme weather (i.e., sunlight and rain). Thermometers and strain gauges are placed into different wall layers to gather thermal and strain data and another instrument measures the crack dimensions after every 4 cycles. The results showed that the finishing coat shrank at early stage (elastic deformation) and then the finishing coat tends to expand and become damaged at later stage (plastic deformation). The deformation of insulation layer is similar to that of the finishing coat but its variation amplitude is smaller. Deformation of substrate expanded with heat and contracted with cold due to the small temperature variation. The length and width of cracks on the finishing coat grew as the experiment progressed but with a decreasing growth rate and the cracks stopped growing around 70 cycles.
Cuckoo Search Algorithm with Hybrid Factor Using Dimensional Distance
Authors: Lin Yaohua , Zhang Cuiping , Liang Zhong
Published: December 2016

This paper proposes a hybrid factor strategy for cuckoo search algorithm by combining constant factor and varied factor. The constant factor is used to the dimensions of each solution which are closer to the corresponding dimensions of the best solution, while the varied factor using a random or a chaotic sequence is utilized to farer dimensions. For each solution, the dimension whose distance to the corresponding one of the best solution is shorter than mean distance of all dimensional distances will be regarded as the closer one, otherwise as the farer one. A suit of 20 benchmark functions are employed to verify the performance of the proposed strategy, and the results show the improvement in effectiveness and efficiency of the hybridization.
Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells Generated with Tofacitinib Ameliorate Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis through Modulation of Th17/Treg Balance
Authors: Zhou Yan , Leng Xiao , Luo Shasha , Su Zhiwei , Luo Xingyan , Guo Huijie , Mo Chunfen , Zou Qiang , Liu Yang , Wang Yantang
Published: December 2016

It is well known that dendritic cells (DCs) play a pivotal role in triggering self-specific responses. Conversely, tolerogenic DCs (tolDCs), a specialized subset, induce tolerance and negatively regulate autoreactive responses. Tofacitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor developed by Pfizer for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, is probable to be a promising candidate for inducing tolDCs. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of tolDCs induced by tofacitinib in a myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein- (MOG-) specific experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model and to investigate their effects on Th17/Treg balance in the animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Our results revealed that tofacitinib-treated DCs maintained a steady semimature phenotype with a low level of proinflammatory cytokines and costimulatory molecules. DCs treated by tofacitinib also induced antigen-specific T cells hyporesponsiveness in a concentration-dependent manner. Upon intravenous injection into EAE mice, MOG pulsed tolDCs significantly dampened disease activity, and adoptive cell therapy (ACT) disturbed Th17/Treg balance with a remarkable decrease of Th1/Th17 cells and an increase in regulatory T cells (Tregs). Overall, DCs modified by tofacitinib exhibited a typical tolerogenic phenotype, and the antigen-specific tolDCs may represent a new avenue of research for the development of future clinical treatments for MS.
Challenges of Longevity: Safety of Vaginal and Laparoscopic Urogynecological Procedures in Septuagenarians and Older Patients
Authors: Joukhadar R. , Wöckel A. , Herr D. , Paulus V. , Radosa J. , Hamza A. , Solomayer E. , Baum S.
Published: December 2016

Introduction. Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and urinary incontinence (UI) have increasing prevalence in the elderly population. The aim of this study was to compare the comorbidities of these procedures between <70 y/o and ≥70 y/o patients.Materials and Methods. In our retrospective study over a period of 2.5 years, 407 patients had received an urogynecological procedure. All patients with POP were treated by reconstructive surgery. Complications were reported using the standardized classification of Clavien-Dindo (CD). The study can be assigned to stage 2b Exploration IDEAL (Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment, Long-term study)-system of surgical innovation.Results. Operation time, blood loss, and intraoperative complications have not been more frequent in the elderly, whereas hospital stay was significantly longer in ≥70 y/o patients. Regarding postoperative complications, we noticed that ≥70 y/o patients had an almost threefold risk to develop mild early postoperative complications compared to younger patients (OR: 2.86; 95% CI: 1.76–4.66). On the contrary, major complications were not more frequent. No case of life-threatening complication or the need for blood transfusion was reported.Conclusion. After urogynecological procedures, septuagenarians and older patients are more likely to develop mild postoperative complications but not more intraoperative or severe postoperative complications compared to younger patients.
The “Pearls” of Multidisciplinary Team: Conquering the Uncommon Rosette Rash
Authors: Verma Nitin , Pickles Charles , Khan Muhammad Amjad
Published: December 2016

Linear IgA disease of childhood (LAD) also known as chronic bullous disease of childhood is an autoimmune disease with IgA deposition at the basement membrane zone leading to a vesiculobullous rash. It has a clinical appearance which frequently is described as resembling “strings of pearls” or rosette-like. Diagnosis is usually clinical but sometimes biopsy is required. Dapsone is widely considered to be the first line therapy in the treatment of LAD. A 5-year-old girl presented with 4-day history of a widespread painful rash and pyrexia. The rash transformed into painful blisters. A recent contact with chickenpox was present. She remained apyrexial but hemodynamically stable and was treated as chickenpox patient with secondary infection. Due to persistent symptoms after repeated attendance she was reviewed by Dermatology team and diagnosed with linear IgA disease also known as chronic bullous disease of childhood. This was based on the presence of blistering rash with rosette appearance and string of pearl lesions. The clinical features of LAD can be difficult to distinguish from more common skin infections. Benefiting from the experience of other multidisciplinary teams can sometimes be a game changer and can lead to the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Basket-Type Catheters: Diagnostic Pitfalls Caused by Deformation and Limited Coverage
Authors: Oesterlein Tobias , Frisch Daniel , Loewe Axel , Seemann Gunnar , Schmitt Claus , Dössel Olaf , Luik Armin
Published: December 2016

Whole-chamber mapping using a 64-pole basket catheter (BC) has become a featured approach for the analysis of excitation patterns during atrial fibrillation. A flexible catheter design avoids perforation but may lead to spline bunching and influence coverage. We aim to quantify the catheter deformation and endocardial coverage in clinical situations and study the effect of catheter size and electrode arrangement using an in silico basket model. Atrial coverage and spline separation were evaluated quantitatively in an ensemble of clinical measurements. A computational model of the BC was implemented including an algorithm to adapt its shape to the atrial anatomy. Two clinically relevant mapping positions in each atrium were assessed in both clinical and simulated data. The simulation environment allowed varying both BC size and electrode arrangement. Results showed that interspline distances of more than 20 mm are common, leading to a coverage of less than 50% of the left atrial (LA) surface. In an ideal in silico scenario with variable catheter designs, a maximum coverage of 65% could be reached. As spline bunching and insufficient coverage can hardly be avoided, this has to be taken into account for interpretation of excitation patterns and development of new panoramic mapping techniques.
Delay Tolerance in Underwater Wireless Communications: A Routing Perspective
Authors: Bouk Safdar Hussain , Ahmed Syed Hassan , Kim Dongkyun
Published: December 2016

Similar to terrestrial networks, underwater wireless networks (UWNs) also aid several critical tasks including coastal surveillance, underwater pollution detection, and other maritime applications. Currently, once underwater sensor nodes are deployed at different levels of the sea, it is nearly impossible or very expensive to reconfigure the hardware, for example, battery. Taking this issue into account, considerable amount of research has been carried out to ensure minimum energy costs and reliable communication between underwater nodes and base stations. As a result, several different network protocols were proposed for UWN, including MAC, PHY, transport, and routing. Recently, a new paradigm was introduced claiming that the intermittent nature of acoustic channel and signal resulted in designing delay tolerant routing schemes for the UWN, known as an underwater delay tolerant network. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive survey of underwater routing protocols with emphasis on the limitations, challenges, and future open issues in the context of delay tolerant network routing.
Method of Individual Adjustment for 3D CT Analysis: Linear Measurement
Authors: Kim Dong Kyu , Choi Dong Hun , Lee Jeong Woo , Yang Jung Dug , Chung Ho Yun , Cho Byung Chae , Choi Kang Young
Published: December 2016

Introduction. We aim to regularize measurement values in three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) reconstructed images for higher-precision 3D analysis, focusing on length-based 3D cephalometric examinations.Methods. We measure the linear distances between points on different skull models using Vernier calipers (real values). We use 10 differently tilted CT scans for 3D CT reconstruction of the models and measure the same linear distances from the picture archiving and communication system (PACS). In both cases, each measurement is performed three times by three doctors, yielding nine measurements. The real values are compared with the PACS values. Each PACS measurement is revised based on the display field of view (DFOV) values and compared with the real values.Results. The real values and the PACS measurement changes according to tilt value have no significant correlations (p>0.05). However, significant correlations appear between the real values and DFOV-adjusted PACS measurements (p<0.001). Hence, we obtain a correlation expression that can yield real physical values from PACS measurements. The DFOV value intervals for various age groups are also verified.Conclusion. Precise confirmation of individual preoperative length and precise analysis of postoperative improvements through 3D analysis is possible, which is helpful for facial-bone-surgery symmetry correction.
Cartilage Delamination Flap Mimicking a Torn Medial Meniscus
Authors: Jonathan Gan Zhi-Wei , Bin Abd Razak Hamid Rahmatullah , Amit Kanta Mitra
Published: December 2016

We report a case of a chondral delamination lesion due to medial parapatellar plica friction syndrome involving the medial femoral condyle. This mimicked a torn medial meniscus in clinical and radiological presentation. Arthroscopy revealed a chondral delamination flap, which was debrided. Diagnosis of chondral lesions in the knee can be challenging. Clinical examination and MRI have good accuracy for diagnosis and should be used in tandem. Early diagnosis and treatment of chondral lesions are important to prevent progression to early osteoarthritis.
Role of Private Enterprise in Cancer Control in Low to Middle Income Countries
Authors: Nwogu Chukwumere E. , Mahoney Martin , Okoye Ifeoma , Ejiogu Kenneth , George Saby , Dy Grace , Jimoh Mutiu , Salako Omolola , Ilegbune Oge , Chugani Bindiya , Ezeome Emmanuel , Popoola Abiodun O. , Michalek Arthur M.
Published: December 2016

Background. About 65% of cancer deaths globally occur in low to middle income countries (LMICs) where prioritization and allocation of resources to cancer care are often quite poor. In the absence of governmental focus on this problem, public-private partnerships may be an avenue to provide effective cancer control. Methods. This manuscript highlights the establishment of a nongovernmental organization (NGO) to stimulate the development of partnerships between oncology professionals, private enterprise, and academic institutions, both locally and internationally. Examples of capacity building, grant support, establishment of collaborative networks, and the development of a facility to provide clinical care are highlighted. Results. Collaborations were established between oncology professionals at academic institutions in the US and Nigeria. Cancer control workshops were conducted in Nigeria with grant support from the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). A monthly tumor board conference was established at LASUTH in Lagos, and further capacity building is underway with grant support from the United States NCI. An outpatient, privately funded oncology clinic in Lagos has been launched. Conclusion. In LMICs, effective partnership between public and private institutions can lead to tangible strides in cancer control. The use of creative healthcare financing models can also support positive change.
Assessing the Structure of the Ways of Coping Questionnaire in Fibromyalgia Patients Using Common Factor Analytic Approaches
Authors: Van Liew Charles , Santoro Maya S. , Edwards Larissa , Kang Jeremy , Cronan Terry A.
Published: December 2016

The Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ) is a widely used measure of coping processes. Despite its use in a variety of populations, there has been concern about the stability and structure of the WCQ across different populations. This study examines the factor structure of the WCQ in a large sample of individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia. The participants were 501 adults (478 women) who were part of a larger intervention study. Participants completed the WCQ at their 6-month assessment. Foundational factoring approaches were performed on the data (i.e., maximum likelihood factoring [MLF], iterative principal factoring [IPF], principal axis factoring (PAF), and principal components factoring [PCF]) with oblique oblimin rotation. Various criteria were evaluated to determine the number of factors to be extracted, including Kaiser’s rule, Scree plot visual analysis, 5 and 10% unique variance explained, 70 and 80% communal variance explained, and Horn’s parallel analysis (PA). It was concluded that the 4-factor PAF solution was the preferable solution, based on PA extraction and the fact that this solution minimizes nonvocality and multivocality. The present study highlights the need for more research focused on defining the limits of the WCQ and the degree to which population-specific and context-specific subscale adjustments are needed.
Assessment of the Relationship between Diabetic Retinopathy and Nailfold Capillaries in Type 2 Diabetics with a Noninvasive Method: Nailfold Videocapillaroscopy
Authors: Uyar Seyit , Balkarlı Ayşe , Erol Muhammet Kazım , Yeşil Bayram , Tokuç Abdullah , Durmaz Doğan , Görar Süheyla , Çekin Ayhan Hilmi
Published: December 2016

Background and Objectives. Nailfold capillaroscopy is an easy and noninvasive technique used to investigate dermal microvasculature. Traditional investigations of vascularity do not detect changes until they are well-established in type 2 diabetics. The objective of the current study was to evaluate nailfold capillaries in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and to determine the association of retinopathy with changes in the nailfold capillaries.Materials and Methods. Capillaroscopic findings by nailfold capillaroscopy and fundoscopic examinations were assessed in 216 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 101 healthy controls included in this prospective study.Results. Retinopathy was detected in 43.05% of diabetic patients (n=93). Capillaroscopic findings including tortuosity (p<0.001), bushy capillary (p<0.001), neoformation (p<0.001), bizarre capillary (p<0.001), microhemorrhage (p=0.001), capillary ectasia (p=0.002), and aneurysm (p=0.004) were significantly higher in diabetic group than control group. In logistic regression analysis, only tortuosity was shown significant (OR, 2.16;p=0.036). There was also a significant relation between diabetes duration and most of the capillaroscopic findings.Conclusion. Capillaroscopic changes were found to be correlated with diabetic retinopathy, in particular with longer disease duration in our study. Capillaroscopic imaging could be a useful new technique for assessment of diabetic microvascular changes.
LSOT: A Lightweight Self-Organized Trust Model in VANETs
Authors: Liu Zhiquan , Ma Jianfeng , Jiang Zhongyuan , Zhu Hui , Miao Yinbin
Published: December 2016

With the advances in automobile industry and wireless communication technology, Vehicular Ad hoc Networks (VANETs) have attracted the attention of a large number of researchers. Trust management plays an important role in VANETs. However, it is still at the preliminary stage and the existing trust models cannot entirely conform to the characteristics of VANETs. This work proposes a novel Lightweight Self-Organized Trust (LSOT) model which contains trust certificate-based and recommendation-based trust evaluations. Both the supernodes and trusted third parties are not needed in our model. In addition, we comprehensively consider three factor weights to ease the collusion attack in trust certificate-based trust evaluation, and we utilize the testing interaction method to build and maintain the trust network and propose a maximum local trust (MLT) algorithm to identify trustworthy recommenders in recommendation-based trust evaluation. Furthermore, a fully distributed VANET scenario is deployed based on the famous Advogato dataset and a series of simulations and analysis are conducted. The results illustrate that our LSOT model significantly outperforms the excellent experience-based trust (EBT) and Lightweight Cross-domain Trust (LCT) models in terms of evaluation performance and robustness against the collusion attack.
Optimized Finite Difference Formulas for Accurate High Frequency Components
Authors: Kindelan Manuel , Moscoso Miguel , Gonzalez-Rodriguez Pedro
Published: December 2016

We present a method to obtain optimal finite difference formulas which maximize their frequency range of validity. The optimization is based on the idea of keeping an error of interest (dispersion, phase, or group velocities errors) below a given threshold for a wavenumber interval as large as possible. To find the weights of these optimal finite difference formulas we solve a system of nonlinear equations. Furthermore, we give compact formulas for the optimal weights as function of the error bound. Several numerical experiments illustrate the performance of the obtained finite difference formulas compared to the standard ones.
A Novel Method to Determine the Local Stability of the n-Species Lotka-Volterra System with Multiple Delays
Authors: Chen Xiao-Ping , Liu Hao
Published: December 2016

The n-species Lotka-Volterra system with discrete delays is considered. The local asymptotic stability of positive equilibrium is investigated based on a contour integral method. The main purpose of this paper is to propose a new and general algorithm to study the local asymptotic stability of the positive equilibrium for then-dimensional Lotka-Volterra system. Some numerical experiments are carried out to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Perpendicular Giant Magnetoresistance and Magnetic Properties of Co/Cu Nanowire Arrays Affected by Period Number and Copper Layer Thickness
Authors: Han Juan , Qin Xiufang , Quan Zhiyong , Wang Lanfang , Xu Xiaohong
Published: December 2016

One-dimensional magnetic nanowires have attracted much attention in the last decades due to their unique physical properties and potential applications in magnetic recording and spintronics. In this work, ordered arrays of Co/Cu multilayered nanowires which can be exploited to develop magnetoresistive sensors were successfully prepared using porous anodic alumina (PAA) templates. The structure and morphology of the multilayered nanowire arrays were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The nanowire arrays are highly ordered and the average diameter is about 50 nm, which is controlled by the pore diameter of the PAA templates. The influences of period number and Cu layer thickness on the magnetic and the giant magnetoresistance (GMR) properties were investigated. The coercivity and remanence ratio increase first and then gradually tend to be stable with the increase of period number and the Cu layer thickness, while the GMR ratio increases first and then decreases with the increase of the period number accompanied by an oscillatory behavior of GMR as the Cu layer thickness changes, which are ascribed to the spin dependence electron scattering in the multilayers. The optimum GMR of −13% appears at Co (50 nm)/Cu (5 nm) with 200 deposition cycles in our experimental conditions.
Structural Characterization and Mechanical Properties of a Titanium Nitride-Based Nanolayer Prepared by Nitrogen Ion Implantation on a Titanium Alloy
Authors: Vlcak Petr , Sepitka Josef , Drahokoupil Jan , Horazdovsky Tomas , Tolde Zdenek
Published: December 2016

A functionalized surface nanolayer less than 200 nm in thickness was prepared by nitrogen ion implantation at fluences of 2·1017, 4·1017, and 6·1017 cm-2 and at an accelerating voltage of 90 kV on the Ti6Al4V alloy. The evolution of the surface mechanical properties and the structural mechanism of the hardening were investigated. X-ray diffraction showed a great number of αTi+N interstitial nitrogen atoms and finely dispersed TiN precipitates in the modified surface nanolayer. The functionalized surface nanolayer on the sample with applied fluence of 2·1017 cm-2 had a predominant amount of αTi+N of about 45 wt% with minority TiN compound up to 20 wt%. The TiN content increased dramatically with increasing fluence of the implanted nitrogen. Nanoindentation investigations found that the indentation hardness improved up to 408% and that the reduced elastic modulus was increased up to 140%. The main hardening mechanism varied with the nitrogen concentration. Nitrogen ion implantation at low fluence of 2·1017 cm-2 led to a functionalized surface nanolayer in which the hardening was mainly caused by the microstrain due to the large amount of interstitially located nitrogen. Applied fluences of 4·1017 and 6·1017 cm-2 increased the content of TiN compounds, which became the predominant hardening mechanism.
Glutathione Peroxidase-1 Suppresses the Unfolded Protein Response upon Cigarette Smoke Exposure
Authors: Geraghty Patrick , Baumlin Nathalie , Salathe Matthias A. , Foronjy Robert F. , D’Armiento Jeanine M.
Published: December 2016

Oxidative stress provokes endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced unfolded protein response (UPR) in the lungs of chronic obstructive pulmonary (COPD) subjects. The antioxidant, glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPx-1), counters oxidative stress induced by cigarette smoke exposure. Here, we investigate whether GPx-1 expression deters the UPR following exposure to cigarette smoke. Expression of ER stress markers was investigated in fully differentiated normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells isolated from nonsmoking, smoking, and COPD donors and redifferentiated at the air liquid interface. NHBE cells from COPD donors expressed heightened ATF4, XBP1, GRP78, GRP94, EDEM1, and CHOP compared to cells from nonsmoking donors. These changes coincided with reduced GPx-1 expression. Reintroduction of GPx-1 into NHBE cells isolated from COPD donors reduced the UPR. To determine whether the loss of GPx-1 expression has a direct impact on these ER stress markers during smoke exposure,Gpx-1−/−mice were exposed to cigarette smoke for 1 year. Loss ofGpx-1expression enhanced cigarette smoke-induced ER stress and apoptosis. Equally, induction of ER stress with tunicamycin enhanced antioxidant expression in mouse precision-cut lung slices. Smoke inhalation also exacerbated the UPR response during respiratory syncytial virus infection. Therefore, ER stress may be an antioxidant-related pathophysiological event in COPD.
Colorectal Cancer Associated with Streptococcus anginosus Bacteremia and Liver Abscesses
Authors: Masood Umair , Sharma Anuj , Lowe Dhruv , Khan Rashad , Manocha Divey
Published: December 2016

Streptococcus anginosus is part of the normal flora of the human gastrointestinal tract. Their ability to cause abscesses is very unique and sets them apart from the rest of the streptococci groups. While an association of group D streptococcus bacteremia and endocarditis with colorectal carcinoma is well established, S. anginosus infections are rarely implicated with colonic malignancy. We present a case of a 62-year-old male who presented to the hospital with fatigue and generalized abdominal pain. Computed tomography of the abdomen revealed multiple liver abscesses and rectal thickening. Blood cultures were found to grow S. anginosus bacteria. Colonoscopy revealed a rectal mass which was later confirmed to be rectal adenocarcinoma. This case presents an association between S. anginosus bacteremia and presence of colorectal cancer which has been highlighted in only a few case reports in literature. This should prompt clinicians to screen for colorectal cancer in patients with S. anginosus bacteremia.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Enhanced Bcl-2 Expression Promote Liver Recovery in a Rat Model of Hepatic Cirrhosis
Authors: Jin Shizhu , Li Hulun , Han Mingzi , Ruan Mengting , Liu Zishuai , Zhang Feifei , Zhang Chunwei , Choi Yongsub , Liu Bingrong
Published: December 2016

Background/Aims: Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation has emerged as an option for the treatment of chronic hepatic cirrhosis, while its therapeutic efficacy could be improved. The bcl-2 gene is anti-apoptotic and can help cell survival and proliferation. Therefore, we explored whether transplanted MSCs with enhanced bcl-2 expression may be beneficial in the treatment of experimental cirrhosis in rats. Methods: MSCs were isolated from rat bone marrow, expanded in vitro and transfected with adeno-associated virus (AAV) engineered the bcl-2 gene (AAV-bcl-2). Rats with cirrhosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) were treated with AAV-bcl-2 infected BMSCs-AAV-bcl-2, with the cells traced in vivo post transplantation. Liver pathology and function were evaluated 7, 14, 21, and 28 days post transplantation, respectively. Results: On day 7 post transplantation, the infused AAV-bcl-2 had integrated into the hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) that expressed albumin (ALB), Cytokeratin 18 (CK18), and hepatocytes nuclear factor 4a (HNF4a). On day 28 post transplantation, rats in the cirrhosis + BMSCs-AAV-bcl-2 group showed the most dense HLCs, highest mRNA and protein levels of ALB, CK18, and HNF4a, compared to the other groups. Their liver function recovered most rapidly in 4 week observation, while histological sign of cirrhosis remained at the end of this period. Conclusion: BMSCs over expressing bcl-2 gene showed better survival, and enhanced the differentiation into hepatocytes-like cells, and appeared to promote the recovery of liver function in rats with experimental cirrhosis.