bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Switched-Impedance Control of Surgical Robots in Teleoperated Beating-Heart Surgery
Authors: Cheng Lingbo , Tavakoli Mahdi
Published: March 2018

A novel switched-impedance control method is proposed and implemented for telerobotic beating-heart surgery. Differing from cardiopulmonary-bypass-based arrested-heart surgery, beating-heart surgery creates challenges for the human operator (surgeon) due to the heart’s fast motions and, in the case of a teleoperated surgical robot, the oscillatory haptic feedback to the operator. This paper designs two switched reference impedance models for the master and slave robots to achieve both motion compensation and nonoscillatory force feedback during slave–heart interaction. By changing the parameters of the impedance models, different performances for both robots are obtained: (a) when the slave robot does not make contact with the beating heart, the slave robot closely follows the motion of the master robot as in a regular teleoperation system, (b) when contact occurs, the slave robot automatically compensates for the fast motions of the beating heart while the human operator perceives the nonoscillatory component of the slave–heart interaction forces, creating the feeling of making contact with an idle heart for the human operator. The proposed method is validated through simulations and experiments.
Cyclic Motion Control for Programmable Bevel-Tip Needles to Reduce Tissue Deformation
Authors: Matheson Eloise , Secoli Riccardo , Burrows Christopher , Leibinger Alexander , Rodriguez y Baena Ferdinando
Published: March 2018

Robotic-assisted steered needles aim to accurately control the deflection of the flexible needle’s tip to achieve accurate path following. In doing so, they can decrease trauma to the patient, by avoiding sensitive regions while increasing placement accuracy. This class of needle presents more complicated kinematics compared to straight needles, which can be exploited to produce specific motion profiles via careful controller design and tuning. Motion profiles can be optimized to minimize certain conditions such as maximum tissue deformation and target migration, which was the goal of the formalized cyclic, low-level controller for a Programmable Bevel-tip Needle (PBN) presented in this work. PBNs are composed of a number of interlocked segments that are able to slide with respect to one another. Producing a controlled, desired offset of the tip geometry leads to the corresponding desired curvature of the PBN, and hence desired path trajectory of the system. Here, we propose a cyclical actuation strategy, where the tip configuration is achieved over a number of reciprocal motion cycles, which we hypothesize will reduce tissue deformation during the insertion process. A series of in vitro, planar needle insertion experiments are performed in order to compare the cyclic controller performance with the previously used direct push controller, in terms of targeting accuracy and tissue deformation. It is found that there is no significant difference between the target tracking performance of the controllers, but a significant decrease in axial tissue deformation when using the cyclic controller.
Geochronological constraint on the Cambrian Chengjiang biota, South China
Authors: Yang Chuan , Li Xian-Hua , Zhu Maoyan , Condon Daniel J. , Chen Junyuan
Published: March 2018

The Cambrian Chengjiang biota of South China provides compelling fossil evidence for the rapid appearance of metazoan phyla in Earth history (the ‘Cambrian explosion’). However, the timing of the Chengjiang biota is poorly constrained owing to lack of datable rock materials within the Maotianshan Shale that yields the fossils. Here we integrate secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and chemical ablation isotope dilution thermal ionization mass spectrometry (CA-ID-TIMS) U–Pb analyses of detrital zircons from the Maotianshan Shale to provide high-precision geochronological constraint on the Chengjiang biota. The youngest group of SIMS U–Pb detrital zircon dates yields an age peak at 520 Ma. Six zircons from this group are further dated by the CA-ID-TIMS U–Pb technique, but suggesting that they were not formed from a single zircon growth event. Thereby neither the age peak nor the weighted mean age defined by the youngest SIMS U–Pb dates could represent the maximum depositional age of the Maotianshan Shale. Instead, the youngest CA-ID-TIMS U–Pb date, 518.03 ± 0.69/0.71 Ma (2
σ
, analytical uncertainty/incorporates U–Pb tracer calibration uncertainty), provides the first robust maximum age of the Chengjiang biota. This new geochronological constraint on the Chengjiang biota indicates that the Cambrian explosion reached its major phase around 518.03 ± 0.69/0.71 Ma, demonstrating a protracted process (>22 myr) for the Cambrian explosion.

Supplementary material:
SIMS and CA-ID-TIMS zircon U–Pb data are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4024849
Reservoir architecture model of the Nieuwerkerk Formation (Early Cretaceous, West Netherlands Basin): diachronous development of sand-prone fluvial deposits
Authors: Vondrak A. G. , Donselaar M. E. , Munsterman D. K.
Published: March 2018

The sand-prone fluvial Delft Sandstone Member of the Nieuwerkerk Formation is the main target for geothermal exploitation in the West Netherlands Basin. Uncertainty reduction in the modelling of permeability heterogeneity and connectivity of the sandstone reservoir units is of prime importance in the low-profit geothermal energy market. Lithostratigraphic correlation of the Delft Sandstone Member dates back to the 1970s, and considers the fluvial deposits as Valanginian (140–134 Ma) in age and synchronously deposited throughout the basin.

Analysis of newly-acquired palynological data, in combination with well-log correlation and seismic interpretation, enabled the construction of a sequence-stratigraphic framework for the Nieuwerkerk Formation, in which the fluvial sandstones were deposited in a much wider age range than previously believed, from Late Ryazanian to Valanginian (142–134 Ma). The depocentre of fluvial deposition shifted in time from NE to SW across the width of the basin. This diachronous development resulted in a discontinuous spatial arrangement of fluvial sandstones. The new reservoir architecture model will aid in the well placement of geothermal doublets and the assessment of interference risk of adjacent geothermal projects.
Tectonostratigraphy of a rift basin affected by salt tectonics: synrift Middle Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous Dutch Central Graben, Terschelling Basin and neighbouring platforms, Dutch offshore
Authors: Bouroullec R. , Verreussel R. M. C. H. , Geel C. R. , de Bruin G. , Zijp M. H. A. A. , Kőrösi D. , Munsterman D. K. , Janssen N. M. M. , Kerstholt-Boegehold S. J.
Published: March 2018

The Middle Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous in the eastern Dutch offshore provides excellent examples of sand-rich sediments that locally accumulated in the vicinity of rift basin margins affected by salt tectonics. These types of deposits are often geographically restricted and difficult to identify, but can be valuable targets for hydrocarbon exploration. The distribution, thickness and preservation potential of fluvio-lacustrine, shallow- and deep-marine sediments is discussed to provide new insights into the regional and local tectonostratigraphy of the Dutch Central Graben, the Terschelling Basin and their neighbouring platforms. New sedimentological, geochemical, biostratigraphic, stratigraphic and structural information have been analysed and integrated into a new tectonostratigraphic model for the Callovian Lower Graben Formation, Oxfordian Middle and Upper Graben formations, Early–Middle Volgian Terschelling Sandstone and Noordvaarder members, and the Late Volgian–Early Ryazanian Scruff Greensand Formation. It is demonstrated that salt withdrawal at the basin axis was the primary control on the generation of high accommodation during the Callovian–Early Kimmeridgian. Incised valleys developed on the platforms providing lateral sediment input. During the Late Kimmeridgian–Ryazanian salt migration shifted laterally towards the basin margins, providing accommodation adjacent to active salt bodies and deposition of overthickened sandy strata.
Stepwise basin evolution of the Middle Jurassic–Early Cretaceous rift phase in the Central Graben area of Denmark, Germany and The Netherlands
Authors: Verreussel R. M. C. H. , Bouroullec R. , Munsterman D. K. , Dybkjær K. , Geel C. R. , Houben A. J. P. , Johannessen P. N. , Kerstholt-Boegehold S. J.
Published: March 2018

This paper presents the results of a cross-border study of the Middle Jurassic–Early Cretaceous rift phase in the Danish–German–Dutch Central Graben area. Based on long-distance correlations of palynologically interpreted wells, a stepwise basin evolution pattern was determined. Four phases are defined and described as tectonostratigraphic mega-sequences (TMS). The TMS are governed by changes in the tectonic regime. TMS-1 reflects the onset of rifting, triggered by regional east–west extension. Rift climax was reached during TMS-1, reflected by thick mudstone accumulations. TMS-2 reflects a change in the tectonic regime from east–west to NE–SW extension. NW–SE-trending normal faults became active during this phase, switching the depocentres from the graben axis into adjacent basins. TMS-3 displays divergent basin development. In the Dutch Central Graben area, it is characterized by a basal unconformity and widespread sandstone deposition, indicating continued salt and fault activity. Organic-rich mudstone deposition prevails in the Danish and German Central Graben area, indicating sediment starvation and water-mass stratification. With TMS-4 the rift phase ended, reflected by regionally uniform mudstone deposition. The basin evolution model presented here coherently places the lithostratigraphic units occurring in a stratigraphic framework and provides a valuable basis for hydrocarbon exploration activities in the region.
Tectonic control on the Early Cretaceous Bentheim Sandstone sediments in the Schoonebeek oil field, The Netherlands
Authors: Vis Geert-Jan , Smoor Willem D. , Rutten Kees W. , de Jager Jan , Mijnlieff Harmen F.
Published: March 2018

The reservoir rock of the Schoonebeek oil field is formed by the sandstones of the Bentheim Sandstone Member. The sedimentology and depositional environment of this sandstone have been extensively studied, but the relationship between the geometry of the sandstone and tectonic activity in the Schoonebeek area remains poorly understood. 355 boreholes and two three-dimensional (3D) seismic surveys were used to study this relationship. An eroded zone in the west of the field and an area where the original depositional thickness is still intact were identified. Using the ezValidator software package it can be seen that uplift of a local anticline played an important role in the erosion of the sandstone. Deposition of the sands of the Bentheim Sandstone Member and the overlying Vlieland Sandstone and Claystone formations occurred on an unstable changing palaeotopography, whereby the instability was probably driven by halokinetic movement of the underlying Late Permian Zechstein salt. Syndepositional tectonic movements affected local thickness variations in the Bentheim Sandstone Member in the west of the field, leading to westwards thinning.
Tectonic inheritance, structure reactivation and lithospheric strength: the relevance of geological history
Authors: Şengör A. M. C. , Lom Nalan , Sağdıç Nurbike G.
Published: March 2018

Tectonic inheritance and structure reactivation have been of interest to geologists since it was noticed in the mid-nineteenth century that younger structures in an area tend to follow the direction of older structures. Three kinds of relationship may exist between these older and younger structures: younger structures may follow the older ones and repeat their function; younger structures may follow older ones, but function in the opposite sense to the older ones; and younger structures bear no relation to the older ones. These are named, respectively, resurrected, replacement and revolutionary structures. We present three examples, on three different scales, of tectonic inheritance and structure reactivation: Mesozoic and Cenozoic Europe on a continental scale; the US Rockies on a regional scale; and the Albula Pass in the Swiss Alps on an outcrop scale. We conclude that structure reactivation on a crustal scale occurs when the protective armour of the mantle lithosphere is removed and that, in such cases, resurrected and replacement structures form. In cratons with thick lithospheric roots, structure reactivation hardly ever occurs and when, in rare cases, it does occur, it commonly generates revolutionary structures. There can be no unique model for lithospheric strength.
Proving PACELC
Authors: Golab Wojciech
Published: March 2018

Scalable distributed systems face inherent trade-offs arising from the relatively high cost of exchanging information between computing nodes. Brewer's CAP (Consistency, Availability, Partition-Tolerance) principle states that when communication becomes impossible between isolated parts of the system (i.e., the network is partitioned), then the system must give up either safety (i.e., sometimes return an incorrect result) or liveness (i.e., sometimes fail to produce a result). Abadi generalized Brewer's principle by defining the PACELC (if Partition then Availability or Consistency, Else Latency or Consistency) formulation, which captures the ob- servation that the trade-off between safety and liveness is often made in practice even while the network is reliable. Building on Gilbert and Lynch's formal proof of the CAP principle, this paper presents a formal treatment of Abadi's formulation and connects this result to a body of prior work on latency bounds for distributed objects.
Serial Femtosecond Crystallography of G Protein–Coupled Receptors
Authors: Stauch Benjamin , Cherezov Vadim
Published: March 2018

G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent a large superfamily of membrane proteins that mediate cell signaling and regulate a variety of physiological processes in the human body. Structure-function studies of this superfamily were enabled a decade ago by multiple breakthroughs in technology that included receptor stabilization, crystallization in a membrane environment, and microcrystallography. The recent emergence of X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) has further accelerated structural studies of GPCRs and other challenging proteins by overcoming radiation damage and providing access to high-resolution structures and dynamics using micrometer-sized crystals. Here, we summarize key technology advancements and major milestones of GPCR research using XFELs and provide a brief outlook on future developments in the field.
Classification of Alzheimer’s and MCI Patients from Semantically Parcelled PET Images: A Comparison between AV45 and FDG-PET
Authors: Nozadi Seyed Hossein , Kadoury Samuel ,   The Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: March 2018

Early identification of dementia in the early or late stages of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is crucial for a timely diagnosis and slowing down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Positron emission tomography (PET) is considered a highly powerful diagnostic biomarker, but few approaches investigated the efficacy of focusing on localized PET-active areas for classification purposes. In this work, we propose a pipeline using learned features from semantically labelled PET images to perform group classification. A deformable multimodal PET-MRI registration method is employed to fuse an annotated MNI template to each patient-specific PET scan, generating a fully labelled volume from which 10 common regions of interest used for AD diagnosis are extracted. The method was evaluated on 660 subjects from the ADNI database, yielding a classification accuracy of 91.2% for AD versus NC when using random forests combining features from cross-sectional and follow-up exams. A considerable improvement in the early versus late MCI classification accuracy was achieved using FDG-PET compared to the AV-45 compound, yielding a 72.5% rate. The pipeline demonstrates the potential of exploiting longitudinal multiregion PET features to improve cognitive assessment.
Evaluation of Risk Factors Affecting Substance Use among Tenth-Grade Students
Authors: Öztaş Dilek , Kalyon Aydan , Ertuğrul Ayşin , Gündoğdu Çetin , Balcıoğlu Hüseyin , Sağlan Yasemin , Bilge Uğur , Karahan Sevilay
Published: March 2018

Aim. The aim of this study is to detect the prevalence of substance use among tenth-grade students; their thoughts, attitudes, behaviors, and tendencies towards substance use; and risk factors of substance use in tenth-grade students in general. Methods. This study is descriptive and cross-sectional conducted between April and May 2016. Research population consists of tenth-grade students in 2015-2016 school year in the city of Ordu. Since the study involved all tenth-grade students, no sampling was done. Questions on substance use were prepared by Ordu Public Health Directorate and the authors by making use of European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) study questions, AMATEM’s “Drugs and Addiction Youth Survey” study conducted on May 1996, and scientific studies conducted previously on similar subjects. Results. 9825 tenth-grade students in 88 schools from 19 counties in the city of Ordu were included in the study. 8714 of the students participated in the survey. Being male, being over the age of 15, mother and father being separated, living with relatives, being in low income, negative feelings about school, perception of being unsuccessful in school, failing a year, absenteeism, and not being content with life are the risk factors for substance use. Conclusions. The tendency of illegal substance use becoming more and more prevalent especially among youth requires the development of new treatment strategies.
Heavy Sterile Neutrino in Dark Matter Searches
Authors: Divari Paraskevi C. , Vergados John D.
Published: March 2018

Sterile neutrinos are possible dark matter candidates. We examine here possible detection mechanisms, assuming that the neutrino has a mass of about 50 keV and couples to the ordinary neutrino. Even though this neutrino is quite heavy, it is nonrelativistic with a maximum kinetic energy of 0.1 eV. Thus new experimental techniques are required for its detection. We estimate the expected event rate in the following cases: (i) measuring electron recoil in the case of materials with very low electron binding; (ii) low temperature crystal bolometers; (iii) spin induced atomic excitations at very low temperatures, leading to a characteristic photon spectrum; (iv) observation of resonances in antineutrino absorption by a nucleus undergoing electron capture; (v) neutrino induced electron events beyond the end point energy of beta decaying systems, for example, in the tritium decay studied by KATRIN.
Association of Optic Neuritis with CYP4F2 Gene Single Nucleotide Polymorphism and IL-17A Concentration
Authors: Banevicius Mantas , Vilkeviciute Alvita , Glebauskiene Brigita , Kriauciuniene Loresa , Liutkeviciene Rasa
Published: March 2018

Background. The aetiology and pathophysiology of optic neuritis (ON) is not absolutely clear but genetic and inflammatory factors may be also involved in its development. The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of CYP4F2 (rs1558139) and serum levels of IL-17A on ON development. Materials and Methods. Forty patients with ON and 164 control subjects were evaluated. Patients were divided by gender, also ON patients were divided into two subgroups: ON with and without multiple sclerosis (MS). CYP4F2 rs1558139 was genotyped using real-time PCR. Serum IL-17A levels were measured using ELISA IL-17A kits. Results. We found that A/A genotype of CYP4F2 rs1558139 was statistically significantly more frequent in men with ON and MS than in women: 57.1% versus 0%, p=0.009. Also, allele A was statistically significantly more frequent in men with ON and MS than in women: 71.4% versus 37.5%, p=0.044. Serum levels of IL-17A were higher in ON group than in control group: (median, IQR): 20.55 pg/ml, 30.66 pg/ml versus 8.97 pg/ml, 6.24 pg/ml, p<0.001. Conclusion. The higher IL-17A levels were found to be associated with ON, while allele A at rs1558139 was associated only with ON with MS in male patients.
The Effects of Antimicrobial Peptide Nal-P-113 on Inhibiting Periodontal Pathogens and Improving Periodontal Status
Authors: Wang Hongyan , Ai Lisi , Zhang Yu , Cheng Jyawei , Yu Huiyuan , Li Chen , Zhang Dongmei , Pan Yaping , Lin Li
Published: March 2018

Periodontal disease consists of chronic gingival inflammation characterized by both degradation of the periodontal connective tissue and alveolar bone loss. Drug therapy is used as an auxiliary treatment method in severe chronic periodontitis, aggressive periodontitis, and periodontitis-associated systemic disease. Nal-P-113, a modified antimicrobial peptide, specifically replaces the histidine residues of P-113 with the bulky amino acidβ-naphthylalanine, and our previous studies have verified that this novel peptide is not toxic to the human body within a certain concentration range. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Nal-P-113 on periodontal pathogens and periodontal status in clinical studies. In a split-mouth clinical trial, the pocket depth and bleeding index values tended to decrease in the experimental group compared with those in the control group. SEM results verified that Nal-P-113 restrained the maturation of plaque. Based on real-time polymerase chain reaction, the levels ofFusobacterium nucleatum,Streptococcus gordonii,Treponema denticola,andPorphyromonas gingivalisin subgingival plaque were decreased when the subjects were given Nal-P-113. Bacterial growth curve analysis and a biofilm susceptibility assay verified that Nal-P-113 at a concentration of 20 μg/mL restrained the growth ofS. gordonii,F. nucleatum,andP. gingivalisand biofilm formation. Therefore, Nal-P-113 effectively reduces periodontal pathogens and ameliorates periodontal status.
The Potential of Angiogenin as a Serum Biomarker for Diseases: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yu Dongdong , Cai Yikai , Zhou Wei , Sheng Jinghao , Xu Zhengping
Published: March 2018

Background. Angiogenin (ANG) is a multifunctional angiogenic protein that participates in both normal development and diseases. Abnormal serum ANG levels are commonly reported in various diseases. However, whether ANG can serve as a diagnostic or prognostic marker for different diseases remains a matter of debate.Methods. Here, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature utilizing PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus search engines to identify all publications comparing plasma or serum ANG levels between patients with different diseases and healthy controls, as were studies evaluating circulating ANG levels in healthy populations, pregnant women, or other demographic populations.Results. This study demonstrated that the serum ANG concentration in healthy populations was 336.14 ± 142.83 ng/ml and remained relatively stable in different populations and regions. We noted no significant differences in serum ANG levels between patients and healthy controls, except in cases in which patients suffered from cancer or cardiovascular diseases. The serum ANG concentrations were significantly higher in patients who developed colorectal cancer, acute myeloid leukemia, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes, and heart failure than those in healthy controls.Conclusion. ANG has the potential of being a serum biomarker for cancers and cardiovascular diseases.
Diabetic Ephrin-B2-Stimulated Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Enhance Poststroke Recovery in Mice
Authors: Hilal Rose , Poittevin Marine , Pasteur-Rousseau Adrien , Cogo Adrien , Mangin Gabrielle , Chevauché Marie , Ziat Yasmine , Vilar José , Launay Jean-Marie , Gautier Jean-François , Broquères-You Dong , Levy Bernard I. , Merkulova-Rainon Tatyana , Kubis Nathalie
Published: March 2018

Clinical trials of cell therapy in stroke favor autologous cell transplantation. To date, feasibility studies have used bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells, but harvesting bone marrow cells is invasive thus complicating bedside treatment. We investigated the therapeutic potential of peripheral blood-derived mononuclear cells (PB-MNC) harvested from diabetic patients and stimulated by ephrin-B2 (PB-MNC+) (500,000 cells), injected intravenously 18–24 hours after induced cerebral ischemia in mice. Infarct volume, neurological deficit, neurogenesis, angiogenesis, and inflammation were investigated as were the potential mechanisms of PB-MNC+ cells in poststroke neurorepair. At D3, infarct volume was reduced by 60% and 49% compared to unstimulated PB-MNC and PBS-treated mice, respectively. Compared to PBS, injection of PB-MNC+ increased cell proliferation in the peri-infarct area and the subventricular zone, decreased microglia/macrophage cell density, and upregulated TGF-βexpression. At D14, microvessel density was decreased and functional recovery was enhanced compared to PBS-treated mice, whereas plasma levels of BDNF, a major regulator of neuroplasticity, were increased in mice treated with PB-MNC+ compared to the other two groups. Cell transcriptional analysis showed that ephrin-B2 induced phenotype switching of PB-MNC by upregulating genes controlling cell proliferation, inflammation, and angiogenesis, as confirmed by adhesion and Matrigel assays.Conclusions. This feasibility study suggests that PB-MNC+ transplantation poststroke could be a promising approach but warrants further investigation. If confirmed, this rapid, noninvasive bedside cell therapy strategy could be applied to stroke patients at the acute phase.
Reconstruction of the Adult Hemifacial Microsomia Patient with Temporomandibular Joint Total Joint Prosthesis and Orthognathic Surgery
Authors: Cascone Piero , Vellone Valentino , Ramieri Valerio , Basile Emanuela , Tarsitano Achille , Marchetti Claudio
Published: March 2018

Background. HFM patients’ reconstruction has always been a challenge for maxillofacial surgeons, and numerous reconstructive techniques have been described. Surgical treatment depends on the patient’s age and contemplates Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) reconstruction in conjunction with orthognathic surgery, usually necessary following completion of growth to maximize the functional and esthetic results. Distraction osteogenesis had gained popularity as valid alternative in growing patients, but the two primary methods to reconstruct the TMJs involve the use of autogenous, using free or microvascular bone grafts, or alloplastic graft, but there is no widely accepted method. Methods. The increasing use of temporomandibular prosthesis for temporomandibular problems has led us to use them even in HFM. A case of female nongrowing patients with HFM type IIb treated with temporomandibular prosthesis in an all-in-one protocol is presented. Results. Incisal opening, measured with BioPAK system (Bioresearch Inc., Milwaukee, USA), was 21.4 mm in the presurgical period and 32.2 mm after all-in-one procedure, for an increase of 50.5%. Excursive movement to the right side was 2.2 mm in the presurgical period and was 1.5 mm after surgery, for a decrease of 31.8%. Left excursion movement changed from 5 mm to 6.1 mm, for an increase of 22.0%. Conclusions. The TMJ Concepts patient-fitted TJP in conjunction with orthognathic surgery for TMJ and jaw reconstruction is a valid option for patients with HFM.
Mycobacterium tuberculosisProtein Rv3841 Activates Dendritic Cells and Contributes to a T Helper 1 Immune Response
Authors: Choi Seunga , Choi Han-Gyu , Shin Ki-Won , Back Yong Woo , Park Hye-Soo , Lee Jae Hwi , Kim Hwa-Jung
Published: March 2018

The attenuated vaccineMycobacterium bovisBCG (Bacille Calmette Guerin) has limited protective efficacy against TB. The development of more effective TB vaccines has focused on the mycobacterial antigens that cause strong T helper 1 (Th1) responses. Mtb protein Rv3841 (bacterioferritin B; BfrB) is known to play a crucial role in the growth of Mtb. Nonetheless, it is unclear whether Rv3841 can induce protective immunity against Mtb. Here, we studied the action of Rv3841 in maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) and its engagement in the development of T-cell immunity. We found that Rv3841 functionally activated DCs by upregulating costimulatory molecules and increased secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. Activation of DCs by Rv3841 was mediated by Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), followed by triggering of mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-κB signaling pathways. In addition, Rv3841-matured DCs effectively proliferated and polarized Th1 immune response of naïve CD4+and CD8+T-cells. Moreover, Rv3841 specifically caused the expansion of CD4+CD44highCD62LlowT-cells from Mtb-infected mice; besides, the T-cells activated by Rv3841-matured DCs inhibited intracellular mycobacterial growth. Our data suggest that Rv3841 induces DC maturation and protective immune responses, a finding that may provide candidate of effective TB vaccines.
On the Global Dynamics of a Vector-Borne Disease Model with Age of Vaccination
Authors: Ouaro Stanislas , Traoré Ali
Published: March 2018

We study a vector-borne disease with age of vaccination. A nonlinear incidence rate including mass action and saturating incidence as special cases is considered. The global dynamics of the equilibria are investigated and we show that if the basic reproduction number is less than 1, then the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable; that is, the disease dies out, while if the basic reproduction number is larger than 1, then the endemic equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable, which means that the disease persists in the population. Using the basic reproduction number, we derive a vaccination coverage rate that is required for disease control and elimination.
A Mathematical Method for Determining Optimal Quantity of Backfill Materials Used for Grounding Resistance Reduction
Authors: Trifunovic Jovan
Published: March 2018

During installation of grounding system, which represents a significant part of any electrical power system, various backfill materials are used for grounding resistance reduction. The general mathematical method for determining an optimal quantity of backfill materials used for grounding resistance reduction, based on the mathematical tools, 3D FEM modeling, numerical analysis of the obtained results, and the “knee” of the curve concept, as well as on the engineering analysis based on the designer’s experience, is developed and offered in this paper. The proposed method has been tested by applying it to a square loop enveloped by a backfill material and buried in a 2-layer soil. The results obtained by the presented method showed a good correlation with the experimentally obtained data from literature. The proposed method can help the designers to avoid the saturation areas in order to maximize efficiency of backfill material usage.
Relationship between Isometric Muscle Force and Fractal Dimension of Surface Electromyogram
Authors: Beretta-Piccoli Matteo , Boccia Gennaro , Ponti Tessa , Clijsen Ron , Barbero Marco , Cescon Corrado
Published: March 2018

The relationship between fractal dimension of the surface electromyogram (sEMG) and the intensity of muscle contraction is still controversial in simulated and experimental conditions. To support the use of fractal analysis to investigate myoelectric fatigue, it is crucial to establish the interdependence between fractal dimension and muscle contraction intensity. We analyzed the behavior of fractal dimension, conduction velocity, mean frequency, and average rectified value in twenty-eight volunteers at nine levels of isometric force. sEMG was obtained using bidimensional arrays in the biceps brachii muscle. The values of fractal dimension and mean frequency increased with force unless a plateau was reached at 30% maximal voluntary contraction. Overall, our findings suggest that, above a certain level of force, the use of fractal dimension to evaluate the myoelectric manifestations of fatigue may be considered, regardless of muscle contraction intensity.
Renal Evaluation in Common Variable Immunodeficiency
Authors: Capistrano Giovany Gomes , Meneses Gdayllon Cavalcante , de Oliveira Neves Fernanda Macedo , de Almeida Leitão Renata , Martins Alice Maria Costa , Libório Alexandre Braga
Published: March 2018

Introduction. Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) comprises a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by impaired antibody production. Kidney involvement in CVID is described in isolated and sporadic case reports. The objective of this study was to study the renal function pattern in CVID patients through glomerular and tubular function tests.Methods. Study of 12 patients with CVID diagnosis and 12 healthy control individuals. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), fractional excretion of sodium (FENa+) and potassium (FEK+), urinary concentration, and acidification capacity were measured. In addition, microalbuminuria and urinary monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) were evaluated as markers of selectivity of the glomerular barrier and inflammation, respectively.Results. In relation to glomerular markers, all CVID patients had normal GFR (>90 mL/min/1.73 m2), and microalbuminuria and urinary MCP-1 levels were also similar to those of controls. Interestingly, CVID patients had reduced urinary concentration capacity, as demonstrated by lowerU/POsmratio, when compared to controls. Also, while all control subjects achieved a urinary pH less than 5.3, no CVID patients showed a decrease in urinary pH to such levels in response to acid loading with CaCl2, characterizing impaired urinary acidification capacity.Conclusion. Patients showed a trend towards an elevated prevalence of tubular dysfunction, mainly related to urinary acidification and concentration capacities.
Temporal Trends in Gestational Diabetes Prevalence, Treatment, and Outcomes at Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, between 2004 and 2016
Authors: Ovesen Per Glud , Fuglsang Jens , Andersen Mette Bisgaard , Wolff Charlotte , Petersen Olav Bjørn , David McIntyre H.
Published: March 2018

Background. The prevalence of gestational diabetes (GDM) is increasing worldwide. The most important risk of GDM in pregnancy is excessive fetal growth, increasing the risk of complications during delivery as well as long-term complications like obesity and diabetes in both the mother and the offspring. Method. All women with GDM who delivered a singleton between 2004 and 2016 were included. The treatment of GDM patients sought to achieve normal blood glucose levels, primarily by diet and exercise. If the glycemic targets were not reached, insulin therapy was initiated. Birth weight and birth weight Z-score was calculated corrected for gender and gestational age at delivery. Results. The study included 1910 women. The number of GDM women increased significantly each year over the course of the study, as did the proportion requiring insulin therapy. Birth weight and birth weight Z-score fell significantly over the years largely due to a decrease in large for gestational age frequency from 29% to around 19%. Conclusion. During the last 13 years, the number of women diagnosed with GDM has increased. Furthermore, the proportion of GDM women receiving insulin treatment has increased. The birth weight in diet-treated women has been virtually normal for the last 5 years of the reported period.
The Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on the Cognitive Functions in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Study
Authors: Cruz Gonzalez Pablo , Fong Kenneth N. K. , Brown Ted
Published: March 2018

Objective. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate whether the use of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex could boost the effects of a cognitive stimulation (CS) programme using a tablet on five older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).Method.A single-subject study of A-B-C-A design was used. After the baseline with the administration of CS (phase A), a sham treatment with CS was applied (B). Following the withdrawal of sham treatment, tDCS was introduced in combination with CS (C). Finally, phase A was replicated a second time.Results.tDCS had a significant effect on processing speed, selective attention, and planning ability tasks in terms of performance and completion time.Conclusion.tDCS appears to have a positive impact on some cognitive components in CS in persons with MCI. Further study on its long-term effects and generalization of power to daily activities is warranted.
Mechanisms and Management of Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Garber Ari , Frakes Catherine , Arora Zubin , Chahal Prabhleen
Published: March 2018

Acute pancreatitis represents a disorder characterized by acute necroinflammatory changes of the pancreas and is histologically characterized by acinar cell destruction. Diagnosed clinically with the Revised Atlanta Criteria, and with alcohol and cholelithiasis/choledocholithiasis as the two most prominent antecedents, acute pancreatitis ranks first amongst gastrointestinal diagnoses requiring admission and 21st amongst all diagnoses requiring hospitalization with estimated costs approximating 2.6 billion dollars annually. Complications arising from acute pancreatitis follow a progression from pancreatic/peripancreatic fluid collections to pseudocysts and from pancreatic/peripancreatic necrosis to walled-off necrosis that typically occur over the course of a 4-week interval. Treatment relies heavily on fluid resuscitation and nutrition with advanced endoscopic techniques and cholecystectomy utilized in the setting of gallstone pancreatitis. When necessity dictates a drainage procedure (persistent abdominal pain, gastric or duodenal outlet obstruction, biliary obstruction, and infection), an endoscopic ultrasound with advanced endoscopic techniques and technology rather than surgical intervention is increasingly being utilized to manage symptomatic pseudocysts and walled-off pancreatic necrosis by performing a cystogastrostomy.
The Bone Black Pigment Identification by Noninvasive, In Situ Infrared Reflection Spectroscopy
Authors: Daveri Alessia , Malagodi Marco , Vagnini Manuela
Published: March 2018

Two real case studies, an oil painting on woven paper and a cycle of mural paintings, have been presented to validate the use of infrared reflection spectroscopy as suitable technique for the identification of bone black pigment. By the use of the sharp weak band at 2013 cm−1, it has been possible to distinguish animal carbon-based blacks by a noninvasive method. Finally, an attempt for an eventual assignment for the widely used sharp band at 2013 cm−1 is discussed.
The Investigation and Management of Adenomyosis in Women Who Wish to Improve or Preserve Fertility
Authors: Li Jin-Jiao , Chung Jacqueline P. W. , Wang Sha , Li Tin-Chiu , Duan Hua
Published: March 2018

The management of adenomyosis remains a great challenge to practicing gynaecologists. Until recently, hysterectomy has been the only definitive treatment in women who have completed child bearing. A number of nonsurgical and minimally invasive, fertility-sparing surgical treatment options have recently been developed. This review focuses on three aspects of management, namely, (1) newly introduced nonsurgical treatments; (2) management strategies of reproductive failures associated with adenomyosis; and (3) surgical approaches to the management of cystic adenomyoma.
Thyroid-Associated Orbitopathy and Biomarkers: Where We Are and What We Can Hope for the Future
Authors: Turck Natacha , Eperon Simone , De Los Angeles Gracia Maria , Obéric Aurélie , Hamédani Mehrad
Published: March 2018

Background. Thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO) is the most common autoimmune disease of the orbit. It occurs more often in patients presenting with hyperthyroidism, characteristic of Graves’ disease, but may be associated with hypothyroidism or euthyroidism. The diagnosis of TAO is based on clinical orbital features, radiological criteria, and the potential association with thyroid disease. To date, there is no specific marker of the orbital disease, making the early diagnosis difficult, especially if the orbital involvement precedes the thyroid dysfunction.Summary. The goal of this review is to present the disease and combine the available data in the literature concerning investigation of TAO biomarkers.Conclusions. Despite the progress done in the understanding of TAO disease, some important pieces are still missing. Typically, for the future, major efforts have to be done in the discovery of new biomarkers, validation of the suspected candidates on multicenter cohorts with standardized methodologies, and establishment of their clinical performances on the specific clinical application fields in order to improve not only the management of the TAO patients but also the therapeutic options and follow-up.
Phase Distribution for Subcooled Flow Boiling in an Inclined Circular Tube
Authors: Bao Wei , Xu JianJun , Xie TianZhou , Chen BingDe , Huang YanPing , Xing DianChuan
Published: March 2018

An experimental investigation of phase distribution for subcooled flow boiling in an inclined circular tube (i.d. 24 mm) was conducted in this paper. The local interfacial parameters were measured by a double-sensor optical fiber probe, and the measurements were performed on three different directions in the inclined tube cross section. The experiment shows that the phase distribution under the inclined condition is different from the phase distribution under the vertical condition. The profiles skewed highly for 90° and 45° direction in the tube cross section, whereas the profile was also symmetrical at 0° direction. These results can be explained by the fact that buoyancy caused the bubbles to move toward the top of the tube cross section under inclined condition. In addition, the typical distributions were also influenced by the inclination angles.
Towards Sustainable Self‐Compacting Concrete: Effect of Recycled Slag Coarse Aggregate on the Fresh Properties of SCC
Authors: Qasrawi Hisham
Published: March 2018

Steel industry results in accumulation of steel slag wastes causing severe environmental problems. These wastes can be recycled and replace natural aggregates resulting in sustainable green concrete. In this research, natural aggregates in self‐compacting concrete (SCC) are replaced, wholly or partly, by steel slag coarse aggregates that were produced by crushing by‐product boulders obtained from the steel industry. Fresh properties, (workability, stability, bleeding, air content, and fresh density) are the crucial ones that affect the final properties of SCC. Therefore, it becomes important to evaluate the impact of SSA on the fresh properties of SCC mixes. The properties that are studied include stability, flowability, blocking, segregation, and bleeding. Furthermore, air content and fresh density are measured. In order to evaluate the impact of SSA on SCC properties, several testing methods are employed. Slump flow, V‐funnel, column segregation, sieve segregation, segregation probe, U‐shaped box, and VSI tests have been used in the study. The results show that it is possible to produce SCC using steel slag aggregate. Hence, green sustainable SCC can be produced. The results show that the fresh properties become sensitive for SSA replacement ratios exceeding 50%.
Reducing Smartwatch Users’ Distraction with Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Lee Jemin , Kwon Jinse , Kim Hyungshin
Published: March 2018

Smartwatches provide a useful feature whereby users can be directly aware of incoming notifications by vibration. However, such prompt awareness causes high distractions to users. To remedy the distraction problem, we propose an intelligent notification management for smartwatch users. The goal of our management system is not only to reduce the annoying notifications but also to provide the important notifications that users will swiftly react to. To analyze how to respond to the notifications daily, we have collected 20,353 in-the-wild notifications. Subsequently, we trained the convolutional neural network models to classify important notifications according to the users’ contexts. Finally, the proposed management allows important notifications to be forwarded to a smartwatch. As experiment results show, the proposed method can reduce the number of unwanted notifications on smartwatches by up to 81%.
Honey Antibacterial Effect Boosting Using Origanum vulgare L. Essential Oil
Authors: Imtara Hamada , Elamine Youssef , Lyoussi Badiâa
Published: March 2018

The appearance of new bacterial strains which cause pathogenic diseases and which are resistant to the most used antibiotics requires probing new antibacterial agents sources. Therefore, the main aim of the present work was to follow the antibacterial activity of honey samples from Palestine and Morocco, after the combination with Origanum vulgare L. essential oil, and figure out whether the honey physicochemical parameters and geographic origin influence the final activity. The results of this study showed good geographical discrimination between the Palestinians and Moroccan honey samples. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activities showed a significant correlation with honey color, melanoidins, and phenolic and flavonoids contents. Furthermore, the possible effect of honey physicochemical parameters on the gained antimicrobial activities was assessed using the principal component analysis (PCA). Some parameters showed a promising effect and seem to be important in the process of honey samples selection. Namely, melanoidins content, phenolic content, electrical conductivity, and mineral content were shown to be positively influencing the gained antibacterial activity after the combination with essential oil against the tested strains, although a significant negative correlation was seen with the FIC only in the case of Escherichia coli (ATB: 57).
Safety of Intravenous Immunoglobulin (Tegeline®), Administered at Home in Patients with Autoimmune Disease: Results of a French Study
Authors: Hachulla Eric , Le Masson Gwendal , Solé Guilhem , Hamidou Mohamed , Desnuelle Claude , Azulay Jean-Philippe , Besson Gérard , Swiader Laure , Abad Sébastien , Antoine Jean-Christophe , Bouhour Françoise , Créange Alain , Grenouillet Marike , Magy Laurent , Marcel Sébastien , Paquet Jean-Michel , Rouhart François , Ziegler François , Mathis Stéphane , Gauthier-Darnis Marc , Puget Sophie
Published: March 2018

The efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) in patients with autoimmune diseases (AID) has been known for several decades. Majority of these patients received IVIg in hospital. A retrospective study was conducted in 22 centers in France to evaluate the feasibility of the administration of Tegeline, an IVIg from LFB Biomedicaments, and assess its safety at home, compared to in hospital, in patients with AID. The included patients were at least 18 years old, suffering from AID, and treated with at least 1 cycle of Tegeline at home after receiving 3 consecutive cycles of hospital-based treatment with Tegeline at a dose between 1 and 2 g/kg/cycle. Forty-six patients with AID, in most cases immune-mediated neuropathies, received a total of 138 cycles of Tegeline in hospital and then 323 at home. Forty-five drug-related adverse events occurred in 17 patients who received their cycles at home compared to 24 adverse events in hospital in 15 patients. Serious adverse events occurred in 3 patients during home treatment, but they were not life-threatening and did not lead to discontinuation of Tegeline. Forty-five patients continued their treatment with Tegeline at home or in hospital; 39 (84.8%) were still receiving home treatment at the end of the study. In conclusion, the study demonstrates the good safety profile of Tegeline administered at home at high doses in patients with AID who are eligible for home administration of Tegeline.