bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of point‐of‐care thoracic ultrasound and NT‐proBNP for the diagnosis of congestive heart failure in cats with respiratory distress
Authors: Ward Jessica L. , Lisciandro Gregory R. , Ware Wendy A. , Viall Austin K. , Aona Brent D. , Kurtz Kari A. , Reina‐Doreste Yamir , DeFrancesco Teresa C.
Published: September 2018

Background

The diagnosis of congestive heart failure (CHF) in cats is challenging. Point‐of‐care (POC) thoracic ultrasound and NT‐proBNP testing are emerging tools that may aid in diagnosis.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of POC lung ultrasound (LUS), focused cardiac ultrasound (FCU), and NT‐proBNP in predicting a final diagnosis of CHF.

Animals

Fifty‐one cats in respiratory distress.

Methods

Blood NT‐proBNP, LUS, and FCU evaluating left atrial (LA) size and presence of pericardial effusion (PCEFF) were performed in all cats. Lung ultrasound findings including pleural effusion (PLEFF), number of B‐lines, and sub‐pleural abnormalities were noted. Medical records were evaluated for final diagnosis.

Results

Thirty‐three of 51 (65%) cats were diagnosed with CHF. Lung ultrasound and blood NT‐proBNP were significant predictors of CHF in a multivariate model. The LUS criterion that maximized accuracy for CHF diagnosis was presence of >1 site strongly positive for B‐lines (>3 B‐lines per site), resulting in sensitivity of 78.8%, specificity of 83.3%, and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.833. Subjective LA enlargement was 97.0% sensitive and 100% specific for CHF (AUC 0.985). Presence of PCEFF also was 100% specific, but only 60.6% sensitive, for CHF (AUC 0.803). A positive blood NT‐proBNP test was 93.9% sensitive and 72.2% specific for the diagnosis of CHF (AUC 0.831).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Point‐of‐care diagnostic techniques of LUS, FCU, and NT‐proBNP are useful to diagnose CHF in cats with respiratory distress.
Variability of serum concentrations of cystatin C and urinary retinol‐binding protein, neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin, immunoglobulin G, and C‐reactive protein in dogs
Authors: Liu D.J.X. , Meyer E. , Broeckx B.J.G. , Daminet S. , Delanghe J.R. , Stock E. , Bogaerts E. , Hesta M. , Vanderperren K.
Published: September 2018

Background

Markers of kidney dysfunction and damage have potential to detect chronic kidney disease (CKD) in early stages. However, data on long‐term variation of these markers in healthy dogs is lacking and is crucial for the interpretation of results.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine temporal variations of serum cystatin C (sCysC) and urinary retinol‐binding protein (uRBP), neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (uNGAL), immunoglobulin G (uIgG), and C‐reactive protein (uCRP) in healthy dogs.

Animals

Eight clinically healthy adult Beagles were evaluated.

Methods

Longitudinal observational study. Serum cystatin C was determined by particle‐enhanced nephelometric immunoassay. Urinary retinol‐binding protein, uNGAL, uIgG and uCRP were determined by ELISA and concentrations were indexed to urinary creatinine. Within‐ and between‐dog variance components (VC) and within‐dog coefficients of variation (CV) were determined from blood and urine collected at eight time points over 1.5 years.

Results

Urinary C‐reactive protein (uCRP) concentrations were consistently below the detection limit (5.28 ng/mL). Mean ± within‐dog standard deviation for sCysC, uRBP/c, uNGAL/c and uIgG/c was 0.15 ± 0.01 mg/L, 0.09 ± 0.03 mg/g, 2.32 ± 2.03 μg/g and 12.47 ± 10.98 mg/g, respectively. Within‐dog CV for sCysC, uRBP/c, uNGAL/c and uIgG/c was 8.1%, 33.7%, 87.2% and 88.1%, respectively.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Serum cystatin C, uRBP/c, uNGAL/c and uIgG/c exhibit a wide range of long‐term within‐dog variability. Researchers and veterinarians might need to take this into account when interpreting their results. To assess their diagnostic and predictive ability, future studies need to establish reference ranges for healthy dogs and dogs with CKD.
Is there a “complementary feeding cultural core” in rural Kenya? Results from ethnographic research in five counties
Authors: Thuita Faith M. , Pelto Gretel H. , Musinguzi Enock , Armar‐Klemesu Margaret
Published: September 2018

This investigation used data from focused ethnographic studies in five rural counties in Kenya to determine whether the concept of “special foods for infants and young children” exists in the different ethnic groups in these areas as an identifiable component of cultural beliefs and knowledge, as well as in practice, and whether they can be characterized as a “complementary feeding cultural core.” The concept of “cultural core foods” refers to the set of foods that have a central role in diets of a population and, as a consequence, also have significant social and emotional components. We used the ethnographic cognitive mapping technique of “free listing” and a qualitative 24‐hr recall of infants and young children (IYC) intake, with probing, to obtain data on caregivers' beliefs and behaviours. The results show that an IYC cultural food core can be identified in all of the counties. A related finding that supports the argument for an “IYC cultural core” with respect to appropriate foods for IYC is the clear cognitive consensus within sites about its content, although in practice, food insecurity and food shortage constrain household abilities to put their beliefs into practice. We conclude that interventions to improve IYC feeding in rural Kenya that build on the concept of “IYC cultural core foods” will be congruent with basic cultural ideas about managing IYC feeding and could take advantage of this cultural feature.
Proteolysis of ToxR is controlled by cysteine‐thiol redox state and bile salts in Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Lembke Mareike , Pennetzdorfer Nina , Tutz Sarah , Koller Michael , Vorkapic Dina , Zhu Jun , Schild Stefan , Reidl Joachim
Published: September 2018

In Vibrio cholerae, virulence gene expression is regulated by a transmembrane‐localized transcription factor complex designated as ToxRS. ToxR harbours two cysteines in the periplasmic domain that can form inter‐ and intramolecular disulfide bonds. In this study, we investigated the σE‐dependent inner membrane proteolysis of ToxR, which occurs via the periplasmic‐localized proteases DegS and DegP. Both proteases respond to the redox state of the two cysteine thiol groups of ToxR. Interestingly, in the presence of sodium deoxycholate, ToxR proteolysis is blocked independently of ToxS, whereas ToxR activation by bile salts requires ToxS function. From these data, we identified at least two levels of control for ToxR activation by sodiumdeoxycholate. First, bile inhibits ToxR degradation under starvation and alkaline pH or under conditions in which DegPS responds to the reduced disulfide bonds of ToxR. The second level links bile to ToxRS complex formation and further activation of its transcription factor activity. Overall, our data suggest a comprehensive bile sensory function for the ToxRS complex during host colonization.
Effects of drought and fire on resprouting capacity of 52 temperate Australian perennial native grasses
Authors: Moore Nicholas A. , Camac James S. , Morgan John W.
Published: September 2018

It remains uncertain how perennial grasses with different photosynthetic pathways respond to fire, and how this response varies with stress at the time of burning. Resprouting after fire was examined in relation to experimentally manipulated pre‐fire watering frequencies. We asked the following questions: are there response differences to fire between C3 and C4 grasses? And, how does post‐fire resprouting vary with pre‐fire drought stress?

Fifty‐two perennial Australian grasses (37 genera, 13 tribes) were studied. Three watering frequencies were applied to simulate increasing drought. Pre‐fire tiller number, tiller density, specific leaf area and leaf dry matter content were measured as explanatory variables to assess response.

Most species (90%) and individuals (79%) resprouted following experimental burning. C4 grasses had higher probabilities of surviving fire relative to C3 grasses. Responses were not related to phylogeny or tribe. High leaf dry matter content reduced the probability of dying, but also reduced the re‐emergence of tillers.

Post‐fire tiller number increased with increasing drought, regardless of photosynthetic type, suggesting that drought plays a role in the ability of grasses to recover after fire. This has implications for understanding the persistence of species in landscapes where fire management is practiced.
SND1 expression in breast cancer tumors is associated with poor prognosis
Authors: Gu Xi , Xue Jinqi , Ai Liping , Sun Lisha , Zhu Xudong , Wang Yulun , Liu Caigang
Published: September 2018

Staphylococcal nuclease domain‐containing 1 (SND1) expression is crucial for breast cancer metastasis; however, the clinical implications of SND1 expression in breast cancer remain unclear. This study investigated the relationship of SND1 protein expression both with metastasis and the prognoses of 144 breast cancer patients over a 10‐year follow‐up. Chi‐square tests revealed that the percentages of positive SND1 expression in breast cancer tumors were significantly associated with larger tumor size (>2 cm, P = 0.043), higher clinical TNM stage (P = 0.003), and positive lymph node metastasis (P = 0.001). Breast cancer patients with positive SND1 expression had a significantly shorter overall survival and disease‐free survival than those with negative SND1 expression (P < 0.01). Multiple Cox regression analysis indicated that SND1 expression is an independent risk factor for shorter disease‐free survival (hazard ratio = 1.97, P = 0.014). The percentages of SND1 expression in metastatic breast cancers were significantly higher than that in primary tumors in 30 patients with advanced breast cancer (P = 0.016). Therefore, SND1 protein expression is significantly associated with breast cancer metastasis and may serve as a biomarker for prognosis of breast cancer patients.
Zinc finger nuclease‐mediated targeting of multiple transgenes to an endogenous soybean genomic locus via non‐homologous end joining
Authors: Bonawitz Nicholas D. , Ainley W. Michael , Itaya Asuka , Chennareddy Sivarama R. , Cicak Tobias , Effinger Katherine , Jiang Ke , Mall Tejinder Kumar , Marri Pradeep Reddy , Samuel J. Pon , Sardesai Nagesh , Simpson Matthew , Folkerts Otto , Sarria Rodrigo , Webb Steven R. , Gonzalez Delkin O. , Simmonds Daina H. , Pareddy Dayakar R.
Published: September 2018

Emerging genome editing technologies hold great promise for the improvement of agricultural crops. Several related genome editing methods currently in development utilize engineered, sequence‐specific endonucleases to generate DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) at user‐specified genomic loci. These DSBs subsequently result in small insertions/deletions (indels), base substitutions or incorporation of exogenous donor sequences at the target site, depending on the application. Targeted mutagenesis in soybean (Glycine max) via non‐homologous end joining (NHEJ)‐mediated repair of such DSBs has been previously demonstrated with multiple nucleases, as has homology‐directed repair (HDR)‐mediated integration of a single transgene into target endogenous soybean loci using CRISPR/Cas9. Here we report targeted integration of multiple transgenes into a single soybean locus using a zinc finger nuclease (ZFN). First, we demonstrate targeted integration of biolistically delivered DNA via either HDR or NHEJ to the FATTY ACID DESATURASE 2‐1a (FAD2‐1a) locus of embryogenic cells in tissue culture. We then describe ZFN‐ and NHEJ‐mediated, targeted integration of two different multigene donors to the FAD2‐1a locus of immature embryos. The largest donor delivered was 16.2 kb, carried four transgenes, and was successfully transmitted to T1 progeny of mature targeted plants obtained via somatic embryogenesis. The insertions in most plants with a targeted, 7.1 kb, NHEJ‐integrated donor were perfect or near‐perfect, demonstrating that NHEJ is a viable alternative to HDR for gene targeting in soybean. Taken together, these results show that ZFNs can be used to generate fertile transgenic soybean plants with NHEJ‐mediated targeted insertions of multigene donors at an endogenous genomic locus.
Resequencing core accessions of a pedigree identifies derivation of genomic segments and key agronomic trait loci during cotton improvement
Authors: Ma Xiongfeng , Wang Zhenyu , Li Wei , Zhang Yuzhou , Zhou Xiaojian , Liu Yangai , Ren Zhongying , Pei Xiaoyu , Zhou Kehai , Zhang Wensheng , He Kunlun , Zhang Fei , Liu Junfang , Ma Wenyu , Xiao Guanghui , Yang Daigang
Published: September 2018

Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is the world's largest source of natural fibre and dominates the global textile industry. Hybrid cotton varieties exhibit strong heterosis that confers high fibre yields, yet the genome‐wide effects of artificial selection that have influenced Upland cotton during its breeding history are poorly understood. Here, we resequenced Upland cotton genomes and constructed a variation map of an intact breeding pedigree comprising seven elite and 19 backbone parents. Compared to wild accessions, the 26 pedigree accessions underwent strong artificial selection during domestication that has resulted in reduced genetic diversity but stronger linkage disequilibrium and higher extents of selective sweeps. In contrast to the backbone parents, the elite parents have acquired significantly improved agronomic traits, with an especially pronounced increase in the lint percentage. Notably, identify by descent (IBD) tracking revealed that the elite parents inherited abundant beneficial trait segments and loci from the backbone parents and our combined analyses led to the identification of a core genomic segment which was inherited in the elite lines from the parents Zhong 7263 and Ejing 1 and that was strongly associated with lint percentage. Additionally, SNP correlation analysis of this core segment showed that a non‐synonymous SNP (A‐to‐G) site in a gene encoding the cell wall‐associated receptor‐like kinase 3 (GhWAKL3) protein was highly correlated with increased lint percentage. Our results substantially increase the valuable genomics resources available for future genetic and functional genomics studies of cotton and reveal insights that will facilitate yield increases in the molecular breeding of cotton.
Bad company: Microenvironmentally mediated resistance to targeted therapy in melanoma
Authors: Almeida Filipe V. , Douglass Stephen M. , Fane Mitchell E. , Weeraratna Ashani T.
Published: September 2018

This review will focus on the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in the development of drug resistance in melanoma. Resistance to mitogen‐activated protein kinase inhibitors (MAPKi) in melanoma is observed months after treatment, a phenomenon that is often attributed to the incredible plasticity of melanoma cells but may also depend on the TME. The TME is unique in its cellular composition—it contains fibroblasts, immune cells, endothelial cells, adipocytes, and among others. In addition, the TME provides “non‐homeostatic” levels of oxygen, nutrients (hypoxia and metabolic stress), and extracellular matrix proteins, creating a pro‐tumorigenic niche that drives resistance to MAPKi treatment. In this review, we will focus on how changes in the tumor microenvironment regulate MAPKi resistance.
Effect of target spot on soybean yield and factors affecting this relationship
Authors: Edwards Molina J. P. , Paul P. A. , Amorim L. , da Silva L. H. C. P. , Siqueri F. V. , Borges E. P. , Campos H. D. , Venancio W. S. , Meyer M. C. , Martins M. C. , Balardin R. S. , Carlin V. J. , Grigolli J. F. J. , Belufi L. M. de R. , Nunes Junior J. , Godoy C. V.
Published: September 2018

The lack of robust estimates of soybean yield losses due to target spot led to this study. The objective was to determine whether soybean yield at stage R8 (W, expressed as kg ha−1) was related to target spot severity at soybean stage R5–R6 (S, expressed as %) and to identify variables that could affect this relationship. Plot‐level estimates of mean disease severity and yield from 41 selected Uniform Fungicide Trials carried out in Brazil during 2012–2016 growing seasons were used to estimate linear regression coefficients for the relationship between yield and target spot severity through random‐coefficient mixed effects model analysis. The overall estimated mean regression intercept and slope were  = 3564 kg ha−1 (disease‐free yield) and  = −17.1 kg ha−1 %−1 (W decrease per percent increase in S), respectively. The model was then refitted with different covariates to determine their effects on model parameters. β0 was influenced by baseline yield (less than or greater than 3300 kg ha−1) and β1 was affected by yield response to fungicide treatments. Estimated yield loss at 50% target spot severity ranged from 8% to 42%. Cultivar also had a significant effect on the magnitude of yield reduction due to target spot, which ranged from 11% to 42%, depending on the cultivar.
Nicotine modulates human brain plasticity via calcium‐dependent mechanisms
Authors: Grundey Jessica , Barlay Jerick , Batsikadze Giorgi , Kuo Min‐Fang , Paulus Walter , Nitsche Michael
Published: September 2018

Key points

Nicotine (NIC) modulates cognition and memory function by targeting the nicotinic ACh receptor and releasing different transmitter systems postsynaptically.

With both NIC‐generated mechanisms, calcium influx and calcium permeability can be regulated, which is a key requirement for the induction of long‐term potentiation, comprising the physiological basis of learning and memory function.

We attempt to unmask the underlying mechanism of nicotinic effects on anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)‐induced long‐term potentiation‐like plasticity based on the hypothesis of calcium‐dependency.

Abolished tDCS‐induced neuroplasticity as a result of NIC administration is reversed by calcium channel blockade with flunarizine in a dose‐dependent manner.

The results of the present study suggest that there is a dose determination of NIC/NIC agonists in therapeutical settings when treating cognitive dysfunction, which partially explains the heterogeneous results on cognition observed in subjects in different experimental settings.

Nicotine (NIC) modulates neuroplasticity and improves cognitive performance in animals and humans mainly by increased calcium permeability and modulation of diverse transmitter systems. NIC administration impairs calcium‐dependent plasticity induced by non‐invasive brain stimulation with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in non‐smoking participants probably as a result of intracellular calcium overflow. To test this hypothesis, we analysed the effect of calcium channel blockade with flunarizine (FLU) on anodal tDCS‐induced cortical excitability changes in healthy non‐smokers under NIC. We applied anodal tDCS combined with NIC patch and FLU at three different doses (2.5, 5 and 10 mg) or with placebo medication. NIC abolished anodal tDCS‐induced neuroplasticity. Under medium dosage (but not under low and high dosage) of FLU combined with NIC, plasticity was re‐established. For FLU alone, the lowest dosage weakened long‐term potentiation (LTP)‐like plasticity, whereas the highest dosage again abolished tDCS‐induced plasticity. The medium dosage turned LTP‐like plasticity in long‐term depression‐like plasticity. The results of the present study suggest a key role of calcium influx and calcium levels in nicotinic effects on LTP‐like plasticity in humans. This knowledge might be relevant for the development of new therapeutic strategies in cognitive dysfunction.
Natural killer/T-cell lymphoma and secondary haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in pregnancy
Authors: Neistadt Barbara , Carrubba Aakriti , Zaretksy Michael V
Published: September 2018

Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare and potentially fatal disorder. It is challenging to diagnose due to its rarity and variation in clinical presentation, laboratory abnormalities and underlying aetiologies. A reproductive-aged woman, gravida 2 para 1001 at 27 weeks gestation presented with fever, hypotension and subacute upper respiratory infection. She delivered a male infant by caesarean section secondary to fetal distress. Subsequently, she was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma and secondary HLH. Despite management with supportive care and multiple chemotherapeutic agents, she ultimately died of multiorgan failure. Patients with HLH secondary to malignancy have a particularly poor prognosis. This case highlights the importance of considering secondary HLH in the differential diagnosis of a patient with fever, pancytopenia and systemic symptoms of unclear aetiology in pregnancy.
Periocular contact dermatitis with use of topical voriconazole 1% in mycotic keratitis
Authors: Sahay Pranita , Asif Mohamed Ibrahime , Maharana Prafulla Kumar , Titiyal Jeewan S
Published: September 2018

We present two cases of culture-proven fungal keratitis on natamycin treatment which developed periocular erythema, oedema, burning sensation and pruritus within 48 hours of the addition of topical voriconazole. On clinical examination, periocular erythema with induration was noted. A diagnosis of orbital cellulitis was suspected, but the absence of pain and tenderness refuted the diagnosis on clinical grounds. A dermatology consultation was sought, and a diagnosis of periocular contact dermatitis with voriconazole was made. A skin patch test was performed with the same medication; however, it was negative. Topical voriconazole therapy was withdrawn, and the patient was prescribed cold compresses and oral antihistamine medication, to which they responded well.
An advance care plan decision support video before major surgery: a patient- and family-centred approach
Authors: Isenberg Sarina R , Crossnohere Norah L , Patel Manali I , Conca-Cheng Alison , Bridges John F P , Swoboda Sandy M , Smith Thomas J , Pawlik Timothy M , Weiss Matthew , Volandes Angelo E , Schuster Anne , Miller Judith A , Pastorini Carolyn , Roter Debra L , Aslakson Rebecca A
Published: September 2018

Objective

Video-based advanc care planning (ACP) tools have been studied in varied medical contexts; however, none have been developed for patients undergoing major surgery. Using a patient- and family-centredness approach, our objective was to implement human-centred design (HCD) to develop an ACP decision support video for patients and their family members when preparing for major surgery.

Design and methods

The study investigators partnered with surgical patients and their family members, surgeons and other health professionals to design an ACP decision support video using key HCD principles. Adapting Maguire’s HCD stages from computer science to the surgical context, while also incorporating Elwynet al’s specifications for patient-oriented decision support tool development, we used a six-stage HCD process to develop the video: (1) plan HCD process; (2) specify where video will be used; (3) specify user and organisational requirements; (4) produce and test prototypes; (5) carry out user-based assessment; (6) field test with end users.

Results

Over 450 stakeholders were engaged in the development process contributing to setting objectives, applying for funding, providing feedback on the storyboard and iterations of the decision tool video. Throughout the HCD process, stakeholders’ opinions were compiled and conflicting approaches negotiated resulting in a tool that addressed stakeholders’ concerns.

Conclusions

Our patient- and family-centred approach using HCD facilitated discussion and the ability to elicit and balance sometimes competing viewpoints. The early engagement of users and stakeholders throughout the development process may help to ensure tools address the stated needs of these individuals.

Trial registration number

NCT02489799.
Predicting poor compliance with follow-up and intrauterine contraception services after medical termination of pregnancy
Authors: Pohjoranta Elina , Mentula Maarit , Suhonen Satu P , Heikinheimo Oskari
Published: September 2018

Background

Attendance at post-abortion follow-up visits is poor, but little is known about factors affecting it.

Objective

To assess the factors associated with non-compliance with post-abortion services and to evaluate differences in rates of attendance and intrauterine device (IUD) insertion according to the type of service provision.

Methods

605 women undergoing a first trimester medical termination of pregnancy (MTOP) and planning to use intrauterine contraception were randomised into two groups. Women in the intervention group (n=306) were booked to have IUD insertion 1–4 weeks after the MTOP at the hospital providing the abortion, while women in the control group (n=299) were advised to contact their primary healthcare (PHC) centre for follow-up and IUD insertion.

Results

In the intervention group, 21 (6.9%) women failed to attend the follow-up visit, whereas in the control group 67 (22.4%) women did not contact the PHC to schedule a follow-up (p<0.001). In both groups, non-attendance was associated with history of previous pregnancy and abortion. Not having an IUD inserted within 3 months was significantly more common in the control group (73.6% (n=220)) than in the intervention group (9.2% (n=28), p<0.001). In the intervention group, predictive factors for not having an IUD inserted were anxiety, history of pregnancy and abortion. However, we identified no significant predictive factors in the control group.

Conclusions

Factors predicting low compliance with post-MTOP follow-up are few. Comprehensive provision of abortion care and post-abortion services seems beneficial for minimising the loss to follow-up and delay in initiation of effective contraception.

Trial registration number

NCT01223521; Results.
Electronic cigarette explosion and burn injuries, US Emergency Departments 2015–2017
Authors: Rossheim Matthew E , Livingston Melvin D , Soule Eric K , Zeraye Helen A , Thombs Dennis L
Published: September 2018

Background

Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) battery failure can result in explosions and burn injuries. Previous attempts to quantify these events has been limited to compilations of case studies, federal agency reports and media reports. Although e-cigarette explosions and burn injuries are thought to be rare, current surveillance methods likely underestimate actual occurrences.

Methods

Analyses were conducted on cross-sectional data from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). A keyword search of case narrative text was used to identify e-cigarette-related explosion and burn injuries presenting to US emergency departments from 2015 to 2017. Sampling weights were applied to make conservative national incidence estimates.

Results

From 2015 to 2017, there were an estimated 2035 e-cigarette explosion and burn injuries presenting to US hospital emergency departments (95% CI 1107 to 2964).

Conclusions

There are more e-cigarette explosion and burn injuries in the USA than estimated in the past reports. Improved surveillance of e-cigarette injuries and regulation of e-cigarette devices is urgently needed. NEISS could be a valuable resource for e-cigarette injury surveillance.
Aging-Aware Task Scheduling for Mesh-Based Network-on-Chips Under Aging Effect
Authors: Tu Jinbin , Yang Tianhao , Yin Lu , Xie Shuangyu , Xu Ruitao , Sun Jin
Published: September 2018

The aging effect induced by negative bias temperature instability (NBTI) is a universal issue existing in electronic equipments. NBTI aging effect can increase the path delay of network-on-chip (NoC) device, resulting in the decreased frequency of processor core and in turn its performance degradation. Under this circumstance, aging-aware task scheduling becomes a complex and challenging problem in advanced multicore systems. This paper presents an aging-aware scheduling method that incorporates NBTI aging effect into the task scheduling framework for mesh-based NoCs. The proposed method relies on a NBTI aging model to evaluate the degradation of core’s operating frequency to establish the task scheduling model under aging effect. Taking into account core performance degradation and the communication overheads among cores, we develop a meta-heuristic scheduling strategy based on particle swarm optimization algorithm to minimize the total execution time of all tasks. Experimental results show that the schedule obtained by the aging-aware algorithm has shorter completion time and higher throughput compared with the nonaging-aware case. On average, the makespan can be reduced by 13.55% and the throughput can be increased by 21.73% for a variety of benchmark applications.
SCALING PROPERTIES OF FIRST RETURN TIME ON WEIGHTED TRANSFRACTALS (1,3)-FLOWERS
Authors: DAI MEIFENG , CHI HUIJIA , WU XIANBIN , ZONG YUE , FENG WENJING , SU WEIYI
Published: September 2018

Complex networks are omnipresent in science and in our real life, and have been the focus of intense interest. It is vital to research the impact of their characters on the dynamic progress occurring on complex networks for weight-dependent walk. In this paper, we first consider the weight-dependent walk on one kind of transfractal (or fractal) which is named the weighted transfractal [Formula: see text]-flowers. And we pay attention to the first return time (FRT). We mainly calculate the mean and variance of FRT for a prescribed hub (i.e. the most concerned nodes) in virtue of exact probability generating function and its properties. Then, we obtain the mean and the secondary moment of the first return time. Finally, using the relationship among the variance, mean and the secondary moment, we obtain the variance of FRT and the scaling properties of the mean and variance of FRT on weighted transfractals [Formula: see text]-flowers.
Power Profiling of Context Aware Systems: A Contemporary Analysis and Framework for Power Conservation
Authors: Mahmud Umar , Hussain Shariq , Yang Shunkun
Published: September 2018

With the advent of smart, inexpensive devices and a highly connected world, a need for smart service discovery, delivery, and adaptation has appeared. This interconnection is composed of sensors within devices or placed externally in the surrounding environment. Our research addresses this need through a context aware system, which adapts to the users’ context. Given that the devices are mobile and battery operated, the main challenge in a context awareness approach is power conservation. The devices are composed of small sensors that consume power in the order of a few mW. However, their consumptions increase manifold during data processing. There is a need to conserve power while delivering the requisite functionality of the context aware system. Therefore, this feature is termed as ‘power awareness.’ In this paper, we describe different power awareness techniques and compare them in terms of their conservation effectiveness. In addition, based on the investigations and comparison of the results, a power aware framework is proposed for a context aware system.
Serious Hypokalemia Associated with Abiraterone Acetate in Patients with Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Yamamoto Yutaka , Akashi Yasunori , Minami Takahumi , Nozawa Masahiro , Kiba Keisuke , Yoshikawa Motokiyo , Hirayama Akihide , Uemura Hirotsugu
Published: September 2018

Introduction. The treatment strategy for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) has changed with the approval of several new agents. In 2011, abiraterone acetate was approved for the treatment of metastatic CRPC; however abiraterone is known to cause mineralocorticoid excess syndrome characterized by hypokalemia, fluid retention, and hypertension. We experienced two cases of grade 4 hypokalemia associated with abiraterone treatment. Case Presentation. Case 1: a 71-year-old male with metastatic CRPC presented with convulsive seizures two weeks after receiving abiraterone plus prednisone. The serum potassium level was 2.1mEq/l. We determined that convulsive seizure was caused by hypokalemia associated with abiraterone. Case 2: a 68-year-old male with metastatic CRPC presented with severe lethargy one month after receiving abiraterone plus prednisone. The serum potassium level was 1.7mEq/l and we concluded that severe lethargy was caused by hypokalemia associated with abiraterone. They were treated with potassium supplementation and increased prednisone following withdrawal of abiraterone. Discussion. The two patients had been on glucocorticoid therapy before abiraterone therapy. Prolonged administration of exogenous glucocorticoid can lead adrenocortical insufficiency and consequently reduce endogenous glucocorticoid production. This situation may increase the risk of abiraterone-induced mineralocorticoid excess. To reduce the risk of abiraterone-induced hypokalemia, evaluation of adrenocortical insufficiency is required.
Complex Variable Solutions for Forces and Displacements of Circular Lined Tunnels
Authors: Han Xingbo , Xia Yongxu , Wang Xing , Chai Lunlei
Published: September 2018

A complex variable method for solving the forces and displacements of circular lined tunnels is presented. Complex potentials for the stresses and displacements are expressed in the term of series expression. The undetermined coefficients of the complex potentials are obtained according to the stress boundary conditions along the lining inner surface and the displacement and surface traction boundary condition along the lining and rock-mass interface. Solutions for the stresses and displacements of the tunnel lining and rock-mass are then established by applying Muskhekishvili’s complex variable method. In addition, forces solutions for linings are presented based on the tangential stress at the two boundaries. Examples are finally established to reveal the applicability and accuracy of the proposed method. The effects of the degrees from the tunnel crown to the invert, coefficient of the lateral earth pressure, and distance from the rock-mass to the interface on the regulations of the lining forces and rock-mass stresses are also thoroughly investigated.
Unexpected Complication Ten Years after Initial Treatment: Long-Term Report and Fate of a Maxillary Premolar Rehabilitation
Authors: Augusti Davide , Augusti Gabriele
Published: September 2018

Full-coverage restorations represent a well-known rehabilitation strategy for compromised posterior teeth; in the last years, new ceramic materials like zirconia have been introduced and widely adopted for the prosthetic management of molar and premolar areas. A long-term follow-up of a maxillary premolar rehabilitation using a veneered zirconia crown is presented; after ten years of uneventful clinical service of the tooth-restoration complex, a serious complication—namely, a vertical root fracture (VRF)—occurred. An extended time lapse (9 years) between the end of restorative procedures and development of symptoms due to VRF has been observed. On the other hand, a complete functional and esthetic integrity of the zirconia crown (without chippings or crack development) is documented along the follow-up period. Due to periodontal breakdown and severity of fracture, the premolar was extracted. The illustrations of our late failure, aetiological factors, and available data on the literature regarding VRF are addressed. Patients and clinicians should be aware of potential occurrences of some long-term, serious complications when dealing with previously treated and/or structurally weakened teeth. The development of a VRF might be unexpected and might occur many years after the end of tooth rehabilitation, despite adoption of contemporary restorative protocols and techniques.
Design and Ground Verification of Space Station Manipulator Control Method for Orbital Replacement Unit Changeout
Authors: Hu Bingshan , Chen Feng , Han Liangliang , Chen Huanlong , Yu Hongliu
Published: September 2018

Chinese space station has been in construction phase, and it will be launched around 2020. Lots of orbital replacement units (ORUs) are installed on the space station, and they need to be replaced on orbit by a manipulator. In view of above application requirements, the control method for ORU changeout is designed and verified in this paper. Based on the analysis of the ORU changeout task flow, requirements of space station manipulator’s control algorithms are presented. The open loop path planning algorithm, close loop path planning algorithm based on visual feedback, and impedance control algorithm are researched. To verify the ORU changeout task flow and corresponding control algorithms, a ground experiment platform is designed, which includes a 6-DOF manipulator with a camera and a force/torque sensor, an end effector with clamp/release and screwing function, ORU module, and ORU store. At last, the task flow and control algorithms are verified on the test platform. Through the research, it is found that the ORU changeout task flow designed in this paper is reasonable and feasible, and the control method can be used to control a manipulator to complete the ORU changeout task.
New Approaches to Treat Osteoarthritis with Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Shah Kiran , Zhao Ashley G. , Sumer Huseyin
Published: September 2018

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common chronic health problems in the world that causes disability and chronic pain with reduced mobility and is a progressive degenerative disease in weight-bearing joints such as the knee. The pathology of the joint resulting from OA includes loss of cartilage volume and cartilage lesions leading to inflammation of the articular joint structures; its incidence and progression are associated with a variety of risk factors. Most of the current treatments focus on symptom management such as physical and occupational therapies, pharmacological intervention for pain management, and surgical intervention with limited success and do not address nor halt the progression of the disease. In this review, we will describe the current treatment options for OA and the exciting new translational medical research currently underway utilising mesenchymal stem cells for OA therapy.
Particle Motion around Charged Black Holes in Generalized Dilaton-Axion Gravity
Authors: Sarkar Susmita , Rahaman Farook , Radinschi Irina , Grammenos Theophanes , Chakraborty Joydeep
Published: September 2018

The behaviour of massive and massless test particles around asymptotically flat and spherically symmetric, charged black holes in the context of generalized dilaton-axion gravity in four dimensions is studied. All the possible motions are investigated by calculating and plotting the corresponding effective potential for the massless and massive particles as well. Further, the motion of massive (charged or uncharged) test particles in the gravitational field of charged black holes in generalized dilaton-axion gravity for the cases of static and nonstatic equilibrium is investigated by applying the Hamilton-Jacobi approach.
The Characterization of Generalized Jordan Centralizers on Triangular Algebras
Authors: Chen Quanyuan , Fang Xiaochun , Li Changjing
Published: September 2018

In this paper, it is shown that ifT=Tri(A,M,B)is a triangular algebra andϕis an additive operator onTsuch that(m+n+k+l)ϕ(T2)-(mϕ(T)T+nTϕ(T)+kϕ(I)T2+lT2ϕ(I))∈FIfor anyT∈T, thenϕis a centralizer. It follows that an(m,n)-Jordan centralizer on a triangular algebra is a centralizer.
The Well-Posedness of the Solutions Based on the L1 Initial Value Condition
Authors: Zhan Huashui , Zhou Zhen
Published: September 2018

The non-Newtonian polytropic filtration equation ut=div(a(x)|∇um|p-2∇um) is considered. Only if u0(x)∈L1(Ω), the well-posedness of solutions is studied. If the diffusion coefficient is degenerate on the boundary, then stability of the weak solutions is proved only depending upon the initial value conditions.
Prognostic Value and Therapeutic Perspectives of Coronary CT Angiography: A Literature Review
Authors: Carità Patrizia , Guaricci Andrea Igoren , Muscogiuri Giuseppe , Carrabba Nazario , Pontone Gianluca
Published: September 2018

Coronary stenosis severity is both a powerful and a still debated predictor of prognosis in coronary artery disease. Coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) has emerged as a noninvasive technique that enables anatomic visualization of coronary artery disease (CAD). CCTA with newer applications, plaque characterization and physiologic/functional evaluation, allows a comprehensive diagnostic and prognostic assessment of otherwise low-intermediate subjects for primary prevention. CCTA measures the overall plaque burden, differentiates plaque subtypes, and identifies high-risk plaque with good reproducibility. Research in this field may also advance towards an era of personalized risk prediction and individualized medical therapy. It has been demonstrated that statins may delay plaque progression and change some plaque features. The potential effects on plaque modifications induced by other medical therapies have also been investigated. Although it is not currently possible to recommend routinely serial scans to monitor the therapeutic efficacy of medical interventions, the plaque modulation, as a part of risk modification, appears a feasible strategy. In this review we summarize the current evidence regarding vulnerable plaque and effects of lipid lowering therapy on morphological features of CAD. We also discuss the potential ability of CCTA to characterize coronary atherosclerosis, stratify prognosis of asymptomatic subjects, and guide medical therapy.
Analysis of Coal Swelling Deformation Caused by Carbon Dioxide Adsorption Based on X-Ray Computed Tomography
Authors: Nie Xiangrong , Chen Junbin , Cao Yi , Gong Diguang , Deng Hao
Published: September 2018

The geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide by coal beds leads to the swelling deformation of coal. In order to investigate the swelling deformation characteristics at the microscopic scale, X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning technology was used. X-ray CT scanning technology detects the internal structure, deformation, and porosity of coal at different gas pressures. Results show that swelling deformation is nonuniform, which is caused by the heterogeneity of the coal structure. Through quantitative measurement of the distance between fractures and pseudocolor processing of CT images, we observed that fractures gradually close with the increase of adsorption pressure. As adsorption pressure increases, the porosity of coal decreases, and the density of coal increases.
Dynamical Variety of Shapes in Financial Multifractality
Authors: Drożdż Stanisław , Kowalski Rafał , Oświȩcimka Paweł , Rak Rafał , Gȩbarowski Robert
Published: September 2018

The concept of multifractality offers a powerful formal tool to filter out a multitude of the most relevant characteristics of complex time series. The related studies thus far presented in the scientific literature typically limit themselves to evaluation of whether a time series is multifractal, and width of the resulting singularity spectrum is considered a measure of the degree of complexity involved. However, the character of the complexity of time series generated by the natural processes usually appears much more intricate than such a bare statement can reflect. As an example, based on the long‐term records of the S&P500 and NASDAQ—the two world‐leading stock market indices—the present study shows that they indeed develop the multifractal features, but these features evolve through a variety of shapes, most often strongly asymmetric, whose changes typically are correlated with the historically most significant events experienced by the world economy. Relating at the same time the index multifractal singularity spectra to those of the component stocks that form this index reflects the varying degree of correlations involved among the stocks.
Sustainable Highway Design: Disentangling the Effects of Geometric‐Related and Traffic‐Related Factors on Urban Highway Traffic Emissions
Authors: Bing Xue , Wei Quanlun , Lu Jian , Li Chaoyang , Zhang Yi
Published: September 2018

Reducing highway traffic emissions, which is a major part of China′s total transportation‐related emissions, is a key to China′s sustainable development. However, the effects of geometric‐related and traffic‐related factors on highway traffic emissions are rarely studied in China. Employing data collected from Cao′an Highway in Shanghai, China, and Traffic Software Integrated System (TSIS) as a simulation tool, this paper analyzed the effects of three geometric‐related factors and one traffic‐related factor on three traffic emissions (HC, CO, and NOx). The geometric‐related factors are lane width, number of vehicle lanes, and intersection lane configuration, and the traffic‐related factor is free‐flow speed. The results indicated that (1) widening the lane width may cause the increase of CO emissions, (2) increasing the number of vehicle lanes may result in the decrease of all three emissions, (3) intersection lane configuration has significant influence on traffic emissions, and (4) the average speed of 23‐24 mph is associated with the lowest traffic emissions. The research findings will facilitate the understanding on effects of various factors on highway traffic emissions and provide insights for policy‐makers, scholars, and engineers into the improvement of sustainable highway design and management.
Recurrent Nausea and Vomiting in a Pregnant Woman with Chronic Marijuana Use
Authors: Kim Hyunyoung G. , Moon Jeremiah , Dixon Heather , Tullar Paul
Published: September 2018

Background. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is a condition characterized by chronic cannabis use and cyclic episodes of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, relieved by compulsive bathing. The syndrome is likely to be underdiagnosed in pregnant women due to its similarity with hyperemesis gravidarum in the presentation. Case. We report a 20-year-old pregnant woman with multiple admissions for recurrent nausea and vomiting who was observed to be taking frequent hot showers. Without other identifiable causes, she was diagnosed with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome and managed with antiemetics and abstinence. Conclusion. Abstinence from cannabis use is highly recommended in pregnant women due to its potential harm in fetal development and stimulation of intractable nausea and vomiting. Recognizing the symptoms and proper history taking prompt early diagnosis, allowing timely and adequate treatment.
Orlicz-Aleksandrov-Fenchel Inequality for Orlicz Multiple Mixed Volumes
Authors: Zhao Chang-Jian
Published: September 2018

Our main aim is to generalize the classical mixed volumeV(K1,…,Kn)and Aleksandrov-Fenchel inequality to the Orlicz space. In the framework of Orlicz-Brunn-Minkowski theory, we introduce a new affine geometric quantity by calculating the Orlicz first-order variation of the mixed volume and call itOrlicz multiple mixed volumeof convex bodiesK1,…,Kn, andLn, denoted byVφ(K1,…,Kn,Ln), which involves(n+1)convex bodies inRn. The fundamental notions and conclusions of the mixed volume and Aleksandrov-Fenchel inequality are extended to an Orlicz setting. The related concepts and inequalities ofLp-multiple mixed volumeVp(K1,…,Kn,Ln)are also derived. The Orlicz-Aleksandrov-Fenchel inequality in special cases yieldsLp-Aleksandrov-Fenchel inequality, Orlicz-Minkowski inequality, and Orlicz isoperimetric type inequalities. As application, a new Orlicz-Brunn-Minkowski inequality for Orlicz harmonic addition is established, which implies Orlicz-Brunn-Minkowski inequalities for the volumes and quermassintegrals.