bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perinatal Factors Affecting Coagulation Parameters at Birth in Preterm and Term Neonates: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Go Hayato , Ohto Hitoshi , Nollet Kenneth E. , Kashiwabara Nozomi , Ogasawara Kei , Chishiki Mina , Miyazaki Kyohei , Sato Kenichi , Sato Maki , Kawasaki Yukihiko , Momoi Nobuo , Hosoya Mitsuaki
Published: January 2019

To date, few studies have investigated whether perinatal factors affect coagulation parameters at birth in preterm and term neonates. We retrospectively investigated coagulation factors on day 1 in 609 consecutive neonates admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit between January 2010 and December 2017. We measured coagulation factors on day 1 using peripheral blood samples. Multivariate analysis revealed that prothrombin time–international normalized ratio correlated with intraventricular hemorrhage (p = 0.000; β = 0.180) and placental abruption (PA; p = 0.000; β = 0.142). Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) correlated with birth weight (BW; p = 0.000; β =  − 0.217), gestational age (GA; p = 0.000; β =  − 0.282), and PA (p = 0.000; β = 0.181). Fibrinogen concentration was associated with respiratory distress syndrome (p = 0.007; β =  − 0.114), pregnancy-induced hypertension (p = 0.000; β =  − 0.141), and Apgar score at 1 minute (p = 0.043; β = 0.147). Furthermore, the level of d-dimer inversely correlated with Apgar score at 5 minutes (p = 0.049). Finally, antithrombin III levels positively correlated with GA (p = 0.000) and BW (p = 0.000). Thus, maternal and neonatal complications affect coagulation parameters in preterm and term neonates.
Management of Patients with Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Carotid Artery Disease: Update on Anti-Thrombotic Therapy
Authors: Pastori Daniele , Eikelboom John , Anand Sonia , Patel Manesh , Tanguay Jean-Francois , Ricco Jean-Baptiste , Debus Eike , Mazzolai Lucia , Bauersachs Rupert , Verhamme Peter , Bosch Jackie , Nikol Sigrid , Nehler Mark , Aboyans Victor , Violi Francesco
Published: January 2019

The most common causes of ischaemic stroke are represented by carotid artery atherosclerotic disease (CAAD) and atrial fibrillation. While oral anticoagulants substantially reduce the incidence of thromboembolic stroke (< 1%/year), the rate of ischaemic stroke and other cardiovascular disease events in patients with CAAD remains high, ranging from 8.4 to 18.1 events per 100 patient-years. Similar to any other atherosclerotic disease, anti-thrombotic therapies are proposed for CAAD to reduce stroke and other cardiovascular events. The 2017 European Society of Cardiology (ESC)/European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) guidelines recommend for patients with asymptomatic CAAD ≥60% the use of aspirin 75 to 100 mg once daily or clopidogrel 75 mg once daily at the exception of patient at very high bleeding risk. For patients with symptomatic CAAD ≥50%, the use of aspirin 75 to 100 mg once daily or clopidogrel 75 mg once daily is recommended. New perspectives for anti-thrombotic therapy for the treatment of patients with CAAD come from the novel dual pathway strategy combining a low-dose anticoagulant (i.e. rivaroxaban) and aspirin that may help reduce long-term ischaemic complications in patients with CAAD. This review summarizes current evidence and recommendations for the anti-thrombotic management of patients with symptomatic or asymptomatic CAAD or those undergoing carotid revascularization.
Optimal sizing of grid-tied hybrid renewable energy systems considering inverter to PV ratio—A case study
Authors: Nurunnabi Md. , Roy Naruttam Kumar , Pota Hemanshu Roy
Published: January 2019

In this paper, a techno-economic optimum configuration process is assessed for hybrid power systems in terms of different generation capacities. It will provide a basis for the configuration of a practical microgrid. Initially, the actual power demand in a particular university area, namely, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology in Bangladesh, is measured, and then, the process of designing the optimized model is demonstrated with an initial choice of various parameters and constraints. Its inputs are climate data, electrical loads, technical and economic parameters of the equipment used for generation, sensitivity variables, grid parameters, and project economics and constraints. The best mix of solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind power is determined considering the most profitable size of the PV's inverter for different plants. The optimization results obtained through HOMER show that a specific PV panel does not need an inverter of the same capacity and a smaller one results in a lower investment. The analysis has been carried out by considering annual increase rates of both the load and the grid power price, which makes the result more realistic. The optimal size and control strategy are determined based on the net present cost, levelized cost of energy, increased rates of load and grid price, renewable fraction, and greenhouse gas emissions. A comparative analysis between the fixed and variable data for load and cost demonstrates that an optimal inverter-PV ratio, with the best mix of PV and wind energy, provides an optimum solution for all models. An economically viable plant size of 1.5 MW for the considered case is achieved.
Probing Andreev reflection reach in semiconductor-superconductor hybrids by Aharonov-Bohm effect
Authors: Nowak M. P. , Wójcik P.
Published: January 2019

Recent development in the fabrication of hybrid nanostructures allows for the creation of quantum interferometers that combine semiconductor and superconductor materials. We show that in those nanostructures, the joint phenomena of the Aharonov-Bohm effect and Andreev reflections can be used to determine the length on which the electron is retro-reflected as a hole. We propose to exploit this feature for probing the quasiparticle coherence length in semiconductor-superconductor hybrids by a magnetoconductance measurement.
Scanning tunneling microscopy study of PTCDI on Sn/Si(111)-23×23
Authors: Emanuelsson C. , Soldemo M. A. , Johansson L. S. O. , Zhang H. M.
Published: January 2019

Perylene tetracarboxylic diimide molecules were evaporated onto a Sn/Si(111)-23×23 surface and studied using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and low energy electron diffraction. At low coverages, single molecules are locked into specific adsorption geometries, which are investigated in detail using high resolution STM. The electronic structure of these individual molecules was studied using bias dependent STM images. The molecules form 1D rows that become more common with increasing coverages. Possible intermolecular O⋯H interactions within the rows have been identified. At around half of a monolayer (ML), the rows of molecules interact with each other and form a commensurate 43×23 reconstruction. In a complete monolayer, several structures emerge as molecules fill in the space between the 43×23 stripes. Possible intermolecular interactions within the 1 ML structures have been discussed. At coverages above 1 ML, the growth is characterized by island growth, where the molecules are arranged according to the canted structure within the layers.
Multi-dimensional nanocomposites for stretchable thermoelectric applications
Authors: Kim Jun Yeob , Oh Jin Young , Lee Tae Il
Published: January 2019

Wearable power sources should be stretchable to provide continuous electricity to devices. In spite of significant progress in the field of wearable electronics, the development of stretchable power sources is still challenging. In this study, we developed a high-performance stretchable thermoelectric generator using multi-dimensional nanocomposites. The thermoelectric power of the metal dichalcogenide (TMD) nanosheet-based active film was significantly enhanced by adding highly conducting single wall carbon nanotubes (one-dimensional material) bridging the multi-stacked TMD nanosheets, which improved the electrical conductivity and morphological stability of the active film, thus increasing its thermoelectric power factor (47 μW/K2 m). The wrinkles on the nanocomposite film rendered it geometrically stretchable. The wrinkled nanocomposite showed significantly improved thermoelectric properties and excellent strain resistance because of the slipping of the TMD nanosheets as a lubricant to release the strain applied to the wrinkles during stretching.
Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Based Chemiluminescence Method for Detection of Nitrofurans
Authors: Zhang Xin-Ying , Liu Ju-Xiang , Jiang Zu-Qiang , Wang Jian-Ping
Published: January 2019

In this study, a molecularly imprinted polymer capable of simultaneously recognising seven nitrofurans is synthesised. The polymer particles coated the wells of a conventional 96-well microplate as the recognition element. After sample loading, the analytes were absorbed and a highly sensitive imidazole-enhanced bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl) oxalate–H2O2 system was added to excite light emission. After optimisation of several parameters, the chemiluminescence method was used to determine the seven nitrofurans in animal feeds. Results showed that the method achieved ultrahigh sensitivity for the seven drugs with limits of detection of 5–12pgmL−1, and one assay was finished within 10min. In addition, the polymer-coated plate could be reused five times. The recoveries from the standard fortified blank feed samples were in the range of 74.8–97.4%. From a comparison with a high performance liquid chromatography method, the molecularly imprinted polymer based chemiluminescence method could be used as a simple, rapid, sensitive, and recyclable tool to monitor the abuse of nitrofurans in animal feeds.
Genetic variation in
Authors: Smissen Rob D. , Ford Kerry A. , Champion Paul D. , Heenan Peter B.
Published: January 2019

While examining herbarium specimens of Trithuria inconspicua Cheeseman, we observed differences in the stigmatic hairs among plants from New Zealand’s North and South Islands. This motivated us to assess genetic and morphological variation within this species and its sister T. filamentosa Rodway from Tasmania. Samples were collected from lakes in the three disjunct geographic areas where the two species occur. Genetic variation in both species was assessed with simple sequence-repeat (SSR, microsatellite) markers and analyses of genetic distances. We also compared the morphology of northern and southern New Zealand T. inconspicua using fresh material. Samples of each species clustered together in a minimum evolution tree built from genetic distances. Trithuria filamentosa had more genetic diversity than did T. inconspicua. Within T. inconspicua, plants from lakes in the North Island and the South Island formed discrete genetic groups diagnosable by subtle morphological differences. Low levels of heterozygosity in both species are consistent with a high level of selfing, as suggested for other co-sexual Trithuria species, but unusual for a putative apomict. On the basis of genetic and morphological variation, we propose recognition of the northern New Zealand and southern New Zealand lineages of T. inconspicua at subspecies rank.
Thermodynamically reversible paths of the first fusion intermediate reveal an important role for membrane anchors of fusion proteins
Authors: Smirnova Yuliya G. , Risselada Herre Jelger , Müller Marcus
Published: January 2019

Significance

The isolated transmembrane domains (TMDs) of fusion proteins such as SNARE molecules drastically lower the free energy of both the stalk barrier and metastable stalk, which is not trivially explained by molecular shape arguments. The here-demonstrated methodology may have far-reaching applications in the fields of medicine and pharmacology because it enables screening and rational design of novel fusion inhibitors and accelerators.
Transparency and reflection
Authors: Boyle Matthew
Published: January 2019

Much recent work on self-knowledge has been inspired by the idea that the ‘transparency’ of questions about our own mental states to questions about the non-mental world holds the key to understanding how privileged self-knowledge is possible. I critically discuss some prominent recent accounts of such transparency, and argue for a Sartrean interpretation of the phenomenon, on which this knowledge is explained by our capacity to transform an implicit or ‘non-positional’ self-awareness into reflective, ‘positional’ self-knowledge.
Numerical simulation for homogeneous–heterogeneous reactions and Newtonian heating in the silver-water nanofluid flow past a nonlinear stretched cylinder
Authors: Suleman Muhammad , Ramzan Muhammad , Ahmad Shafiq , Lu Dianchen
Published: January 2019

The present exploration aims to deliberate silver-water nanofluid flow with homogeneous–heterogeneous reactions and magnetic field impacts past a nonlinear stretched cylinder. The novelty of the presented work is enhanced with the addition of Newtonian heating, heat generation/absorption, viscous dissipation, nonlinear thermal radiation and joule heating effects. The numerical solution is established via Shooting technique for the system of ordinary differential equations with high nonlinearity. The influences of miscellaneous parameters including nanoparticles volume fraction

0.0
≤
ϕ
≤
0.3

,

magnetic parameter

1.0
≤
Μ
≤
4.0

,

nonlinearity exponent

1.0
≤
n
≤
5.0

,

curvature parameter

0.0
≤
γ
≤
0.4

,

conjugate parameter

0.4
≤
λ
≤
0.7

,

heat generation/absorption parameter

(
0.2
≤

E

c

≤
0.8
)
,

radiation parameter

0.7
≤
K
*

≤
1.0

,

Eckert number

(
0.1
≤

E

c

≤
0.7
)
,

strength of homogeneous reaction

0.1
≤

κ

1

≤
1.8

,

strength of heterogeneous reaction

0.1
≤

κ

2

≤
1.8

and Schmidt number

(
3.0
≤

S

c

≤
4.5
)

on axial velocity, temperature profile, local Nusselt number, and skin friction coefficient are discussed via graphical illustrations and numerically erected tabulated values. It is examined that the velocity field diminishes while the temperature profile enhances for mounting values of the magnetic parameter. An excellent concurrence is achieved when our obtained numerical calculations are compared with an already published paper in limiting case; hence dependable results are being presented.
On the Treatment of Heteroscedasticity in Crop Yield Data
Authors: Ker Alan P , Tolhurst Tor N
Published: January 2019

In empirical applications with crop yield data, conditioning for heteroscedasticity is both important and challenging. It is important because the scale of the distribution can markedly influence the results, and challenging because statistical tests for the common heteroscedasticity assumptions (constant or proportional variance) often lead to ambiguous conclusions. Alternatively, Harri et al. (2011) proposed a methodology that estimates the degree of heteroscedasticity, removing the need to make a specific assumption. Such approaches assume that volatility changes are symmetric (identical) across tails of the yield distribution. We propose a generalization to the Harri et al. (2011) methodology, which allows asymmetry between the tails, akin to the generalization of GARCH to AGARCH. Using U.S. county level yield data from 1951–2017, we find evidence of asymmetry in corn and soybean, but not wheat. Moreover, the asymmetry takes a particular form—increasing volatility in the lower tail. To investigate economic significance, we consider the effect of imposing symmetric heteroscedasticity in rating crop insurance contracts, as currently done by the USDA's Risk Management Agency in rating their Area Risk Protection products. We find that relaxing the symmetry assumption leads to economically and statistically significant rents. Our results suggest that the Risk Management Agency and others should consider the possibly asymmetric nature of heteroscedasticity in crop yield data.
PROSSTT: probabilistic simulation of single-cell RNA-seq data for complex differentiation processes
Authors: Papadopoulos Nikolaos , Gonzalo Parra R , Söding Johannes
Published: January 2019

Cellular lineage trees can be derived from single-cell RNA sequencing snapshots of differentiating cells. Currently, only datasets with simple topologies are available. To test and further develop tools for lineage tree reconstruction, we need test datasets with known complex topologies. PROSSTT can simulate scRNA-seq datasets for differentiation processes with lineage trees of any desired complexity, noise level, noise model and size. PROSSTT also provides scripts to quantify the quality of predicted lineage trees.

Availability and implementation

https://github.com/soedinglab/prosstt.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
ConvSCCS: convolutional self-controlled case series model for lagged adverse event detection
Authors: Morel Maryan , Bacry Emmanuel , Gaïffas Stéphane , Guilloux Agathe , Leroy Fanny
Published: January 2019

With the increased availability of large electronic health records databases comes the chance of enhancing health risks screening. Most post-marketing detection of adverse drug reaction (ADR) relies on physicians’ spontaneous reports, leading to under-reporting. To take up this challenge, we develop a scalable model to estimate the effect of multiple longitudinal features (drug exposures) on a rare longitudinal outcome. Our procedure is based on a conditional Poisson regression model also known as self-controlled case series (SCCS). To overcome the need of precise risk periods specification, we model the intensity of outcomes using a convolution between exposures and step functions, which are penalized using a combination of group-Lasso and total-variation. Up to our knowledge, this is the first SCCS model with flexible intensity able to handle multiple longitudinal features in a single model. We show that this approach improves the state-of-the-art in terms of mean absolute error and computation time for the estimation of relative risks on simulated data. We apply this method on an ADR detection problem, using a cohort of diabetic patients extracted from the large French national health insurance database (SNIIRAM), a claims database containing medical reimbursements of more than 53 million people. This work has been done in the context of a research partnership between Ecole Polytechnique and CNAMTS (in charge of SNIIRAM).
Dopamine depletion alters macroscopic network dynamics in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Shine James M , Bell Peter T , Matar Elie , Poldrack Russell A , Lewis Simon J G , Halliday Glenda M , O’Callaghan Claire
Published: January 2019

Using a dynamic graph theoretical approach, Shine et al. show that individuals with Parkinson’s disease demonstrate heightened network-level integration during the ‘Off’ state that is inversely correlated with motor symptom severity. Network-level integration relates to two measures of neurocognitive reserve, suggesting a protective function for ‘Off’ state integration.
Clinical and Microbiologic Variables Predictive of Orthopedic Complications Following Staphylococcus aureus Acute Hematogenous Osteoarticular Infections in Children
Authors: McNeil J Chase , Vallejo Jesus G , Kok Eric Y , Sommer Lauren M , Hultén Kristina G , Kaplan Sheldon L
Published: January 2019

Background

Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of acute hematogenous osteoarticular infections (AHOAIs) in children. The risk factors for the development of orthopedic complications (OC) after AHOAI are poorly understood. We sought to describe clinical and microbiologic variables present on the index admission that may predict OC in S. aureus AHOAI.

Methods

Staphylococcus aureus AHOAI cases were identified from 2011–2017 at Texas Children’s Hospital and reviewed for the development of OC. OC included chronic osteomyelitis, growth arrest, avascular necrosis, chronic dislocation, and pathologic fracture. All S. aureus isolates were characterized by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and agr group.

Results

A total of 286 cases were examined of which 27 patients (9.4%) developed OC. Patients who developed OC more often had infection with an agr group III organism (P = .04), bacteremia (P = .04), delayed source control (P < .001), ≥2 surgical procedures (P < .001), intensive care unit admission (P = .09), and fever >4 days after admission (P = .008). There was no association with OC and patient age, methicillin resistance, or choice/route of antibiotics. In multivariable analyses of OC, infection with agr group III S. aureus, prolonged fever, and delayed source control remained statistically significant.

Conclusions

OC develop following S. aureus AHOAI in 9.4% of cases. Although the development of OC is likely multifactorial, agr group III organisms, prolonged fever, and delayed source control are independently associated with OC. Moreover, early aggressive surgical source control may be beneficial in children with S. aureus AHOAI.
Haplotype-phased genome and evolution of phytonutrient pathways of tetraploid blueberry
Authors: Colle Marivi , Leisner Courtney P , Wai Ching Man , Ou Shujun , Bird Kevin A , Wang Jie , Wisecaver Jennifer H , Yocca Alan E , Alger Elizabeth I , Tang Haibao , Xiong Zhiyong , Callow Pete , Ben-Zvi Gil , Brodt Avital , Baruch Kobi , Swale Thomas , Shiue Lily , Song Guo-qing , Childs Kevin L , Schilmiller Anthony , Vorsa Nicholi , Buell C Robin , VanBuren Robert , Jiang Ning , Edger Patrick P
Published: January 2019

Background

Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) has long been consumed for its unique flavor and composition of health-promoting phytonutrients. However, breeding efforts to improve fruit quality in blueberry have been greatly hampered by the lack of adequate genomic resources and a limited understanding of the underlying genetics encoding key traits. The genome of highbush blueberry has been particularly challenging to assemble due, in large part, to its polyploid nature and genome size.

Findings

Here, we present a chromosome-scale and haplotype-phased genome assembly of the cultivar “Draper,” which has the highest antioxidant levels among a diversity panel of 71 cultivars and 13 wild Vaccinium species. We leveraged this genome, combined with gene expression and metabolite data measured across fruit development, to identify candidate genes involved in the biosynthesis of important phytonutrients among other metabolites associated with superior fruit quality. Genome-wide analyses revealed that both polyploidy and tandem gene duplications modified various pathways involved in the biosynthesis of key phytonutrients. Furthermore, gene expression analyses hint at the presence of a spatial-temporal specific dominantly expressed subgenome including during fruit development.

Conclusions

These findings and the reference genome will serve as a valuable resource to guide future genome-enabled breeding of important agronomic traits in highbush blueberry.
Comparing conceptual frameworks for a fish community MSY (FCMSY) using management strategy evaluation—an example from the North Sea
Authors: Thorpe Robert B , De Oliveira José A A
Published: January 2019

Maximum sustainable yield (MSY) is a well-established concept that is mandated by legislation, and has a clear theoretical meaning in terms of a single stock. However, its definition is problematic in a multispecies setting, which makes it more difficult to apply the MSY principle. In this study of the North Sea fish community, we consider several possible MSY candidates, and evaluate them in terms of their ability to produce optimum long-term yield whilst avoiding unacceptable risk of stock impairment. We perform this evaluation with an ensemble of size-structured models using a management strategy evaluation approach, in which harvest control rules (HCRs) are used to determine levels of fishing as a function of the proposed MSY target and stock status, taking account of recruitment and model parameter uncertainties. We find that HCRs of the type considered here are always useful in the scenarios we tested, as they reduce overfishing risk much more than average long-term yield. This is independent of the precise form of the HCR, so it is more important to implement one rigorously than obsess over the rule details. For a lax definition of overfishing, which accepts relatively severe stock depletion (B < 10% B0), and using HCRs, risks are “low” across all strategies, and the Nash equilibrium is the best performing MSY approach considered here. For more stringent definitions of “at risk” (e.g. likelihood of B < 20% of B0), the application of HCRs can allow a range of alternative formulations of MSY. Thus, the definition of MSY may be sensitive to judgements about acceptable levels of risk, and consistent application of a sensible management framework may be more important than developing the best possible theoretical definition of MSY.
STAP-2 positively regulates FcεRI-mediated basophil activation and basophil-dependent allergic inflammatory reactions
Authors: Kashiwakura Jun-ichi , Yamashita Shinsuke , Yoshihara Mari , Inui Kyosuke , Saitoh Kodai , Sekine Yuichi , Muromoto Ryuta , Kitai Yuichi , Oritani Kenji , Matsuda Tadashi
Published: January 2019

Basophils are an important cell type in the regulation of Th2 immune responses. Recently, we revealed that signal-transducing adaptor protein-2 (STAP-2) negatively regulates mast cell activation via FcεRI. However, the role of STAP-2 in basophil maturation and activation remained unclear. In this study, we demonstrated the normal development of basophils in STAP-2-deficient (STAP-2−/−) mice. We also demonstrated in vitro normal basophil differentiation and FcεRI expression in STAP-2−/− mice, suggesting that STAP-2 is dispensable for basophil maturation. Using bone marrow-derived cultured basophils (BMBs), we showed that degranulation and cytokine production of STAP-2−/− BMBs were lower than those of wild-type (WT) BMBs upon stimulation with IgE/Ag. In accordance with the reduction of degranulation and cytokine production, phosphorylation of several signal molecules such as Lyn, PLC-γ2 and Erk was reduced in STAP-2−/− BMBs after stimulation via FcεRI. Finally, it was observed that IgE-dependent chronic allergic inflammation of STAP-2−/− mice was significantly inhibited compared with WT mice. Taken together, we conclude that STAP-2 is an adaptor molecule that positively regulates FcεRI-mediated basophil activation and basophil-dependent allergic inflammatory reactions.
An investigation of single-domain and multidomain medication and adverse drug event relation extraction from electronic health record notes using advanced deep learning models
Authors: Li Fei , Yu Hong
Published: January 2019

Objective

We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of advanced deep learning models (eg, capsule network [CapNet], adversarial training [ADV]) for single-domain and multidomain relation extraction from electronic health record (EHR) notes.

Materials and Methods

We built multiple deep learning models with increased complexity, namely a multilayer perceptron (MLP) model and a CapNet model for single-domain relation extraction and fully shared (FS), shared-private (SP), and adversarial training (ADV) modes for multidomain relation extraction. Our models were evaluated in 2 ways: first, we compared our models using our expert-annotated cancer (the MADE1.0 corpus) and cardio corpora; second, we compared our models with the systems in the MADE1.0 and i2b2 challenges.

Results

Multidomain models outperform single-domain models by 0.7%-1.4% in F1 (t test P < .05), but the results of FS, SP, and ADV modes are mixed. Our results show that the MLP model generally outperforms the CapNet model by 0.1%-1.0% in F1. In the comparisons with other systems, the CapNet model achieves the state-of-the-art result (87.2% in F1) in the cancer corpus and the MLP model generally outperforms MedEx in the cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and i2b2 corpora.

Conclusions

Our MLP or CapNet model generally outperforms other state-of-the-art systems in medication and adverse drug event relation extraction. Multidomain models perform better than single-domain models. However, neither the SP nor the ADV mode can always outperform the FS mode significantly. Moreover, the CapNet model is not superior to the MLP model for our corpora.
Automatic white-box testing of first-order logic ontologies
Authors: Álvez Javier , Hermo Montserrat , Lucio Paqui , Rigau German
Published: January 2019

Formal ontologies are axiomatizations in a logic-based formalism. The development of formal ontologies is generating considerable research on the use of automated reasoning techniques and tools that help in ontology engineering. One of the main aims is to refine and to improve axiomatizations for enabling automated reasoning tools to efficiently infer reliable information. Defects in the axiomatization cannot only cause wrong inferences, but can also hinder the inference of expected information, either by increasing the computational cost of or even preventing the inference. In this paper, we introduce a novel, fully automatic white-box testing framework for first-order logic (FOL) ontologies. Our methodology is based on the detection of inference-based redundancies in the given axiomatization. The application of the proposed testing method is fully automatic since (i) the automated generation of tests is guided only by the syntax of axioms and (ii) the evaluation of tests is performed by automated theorem provers (ATPs). Our proposal enables the detection of defects and serves to certify the grade of suitability—for reasoning purposes—of every axiom. We formally define the set of tests that are (automatically) generated from any axiom and prove that every test is logically related to redundancies in the axiom from which the test has been generated. We have implemented our method and used this implementation to automatically detect several non-trivial defects that were hidden in various FOL ontologies. Throughout the paper we provide illustrative examples of these defects, explain how they were found and how each proof—given by an ATP—provides useful hints on the nature of each defect. Additionally, by correcting all the detected defects, we have obtained an improved version of one of the tested ontologies: Adimen-SUMO.
Neurotrauma From Border Wall Jumping: 6 Years at the Mexican–American Border Wall
Authors: Ramey Wyatt L , Walter Christina M , Zeller Jeffrey , Dumont Travis M , Lemole G Michael , Hurlbert R John
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

The border between the United States (US) and Mexico is an international boundary spanning 3000 km, where unauthorized crossings occur regularly. We examine patterns of neurotrauma, health care utilization, and financial costs at our level 1 trauma center incurred by patients from wall-jumping into the US.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the clinical and socioeconomic consequences from neurotrauma as a result of jumping over the US–Mexico border wall.

METHODS

Medical records of patients at (Banner University of Arizona Medical Center - Tucson) were retrospectively reviewed from January 2012 through December 2017. Demographics, clinical status, radiographic findings, treatment, length of stay, and financial data were analyzed for all patients suffering neurotrauma during that time.

RESULTS

Over 6 yr, 64 patients sustained cranial or spinal injuries directly from jumping or falling onto US soil from the border wall. Fifty (78%) suffered spinal injuries, 15 (23%) experienced cranial injury, and 1 patient had both. Total medical charges were available in 36 patients and summed $3.6 M, of which 22% was reimbursed, an amount significantly lower than expected from more conventional trauma. Neurotrauma steadily declined over the 6-yr observation period, dropping in 2017 to 6% of rates observed in 2012.

CONCLUSION

In the Southern US, neurotrauma from unauthorized border crossings occurs commonly as a result of wall-jumping. These injuries represent a clinical and costly extreme of border-related trauma, and future efforts from both sides of the border wall are needed to decrease the detrimental impacts felt both by immigrants and surrounding health care systems.
Can Removing Tar Information From Cigarette Packages Reduce Smokers’ Misconceptions About Low-Tar Cigarettes? An Experiment From One of the World’s Lowest Tar Yield Markets, South Korea
Authors: Paek Hye-Jin , Dewhirst Timothy , Hove Thomas
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Despite regulations that forbid cigarette packages from displaying messages such as “mild,” “low-tar,” and “light,” many smokers still have misperceptions about “light” or “low-tar” cigarettes. One reason may be that tar amount displays continue to be permitted. This study examines whether removing tar delivery information from packaging reduces consumer misperceptions about “low-tar” cigarettes.

Methods

An online experiment was conducted in South Korea among 531 smokers who were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: with and without tar information on cigarette packages. Participants evaluated which type of cigarette was mildest, least harmful, easiest for nonsmokers to start smoking, and easiest for smokers to quit.

Results

Ten out of 12 chi-square tests showed that people judged the lowest reported tar delivery cigarette to be the mildest (p < .01), least harmful (p < .05), easiest to start (p < .05), and easiest to quit (p < .05)—less so in the “no-tar” condition than the “tar” condition. A higher level of misbeliefs about supposed low-tar cigarettes were found in the “tar” condition compared to the “no-tar” condition for all three brands (t = 5.85, 4.07, 3.82, respectively, p < .001). Regression analyses showed that the “no-tar” condition negatively predicted the level of misbeliefs after controlling for demographic and smoking-related variables (B [SE] = −.72 (.12), −.50 (.12), −.48 (.13), respectively, p < .001).

Conclusions

Banning reported tar deliveries from cigarette packages is likely to reduce smokers’ misconceptions about “low-tar” cigarettes. When reported tar deliveries are absent, smokers have inconsistent judgments about differently packaged cigarettes.

Implications

When cigarette packages depict lower reported tar number deliveries, participants erroneously perceive them to be less harmful than packages displaying higher tar numbers. These misperceptions of harm may prompt smokers who might otherwise attempt to quit smoking to instead consume cigarettes with lower tar deliveries due to the mistaken belief that they will reduce their risk.
Management of Intracranial Pressure Part II
Authors: Sacco Tara L. , Davis Jenna Gonillo
Published: January 2019

Pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions are available to treat patients who experience serious elevations in intracranial pressure (ICP). In some cases, patients may experience ICP that is refractory to treatment. Significant negative effects on cerebral blood flow, tissue oxygenation, and cerebral metabolism occur as a result of intracranial hypertension, leading to secondary brain injury. In part 2 of this series, nonpharmacologic interventions for ICP and ICP refractory to treatment are discussed. Interventions include neurologic monitoring (bedside assessment and multimodal monitoring), ventilatory support, fluid and electrolyte maintenance, targeted temperature management, and surgical intervention. Technology is always evolving, and the focus of multimodal monitoring here includes devices to monitor ICP, brain tissue oxygen tension, and cerebral blood flow and cerebral microdialysis monitors. Nursing care of these patients includes perspicacious assessment and integration of data, monitoring ventilatory and hemodynamic functioning, and appropriate patient positioning. Nurses must collaborate with the interprofessional care team to ensure favorable patient outcomes while utilizing an evidence-based guideline for the management of ICP.
Gap Analysis to Identify Clinical Education Needs of Aeromedical Evacuation Clinicians
Authors: De Jong Marla J. , Dukes Susan F. , Losekamp Tiffany
Published: January 2019

Background

The Air Force has unique challenges in ensuring clinical proficiency for en route care clinicians. These challenges pertain to existing care environments, training opportunities, and the spectrum of training needed to care for patients with polytrauma and complicated medical conditions while being transported between medical treatment facilities.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to identify the clinical education needs of students entering the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine Flight Nurse (FN) or Aeromedical Evacuation Technician (AET) course and Air Force FNs and AETs assigned to active duty aeromedical evacuation units.

Method

We recruited 198 students enrolled in the FN or AET course and 103 active duty FN and AET aircrew members and conducted a gap analysis to identify the clinical education needs of Air Force FNs and AETs.

Results

Training gaps were identified for active duty Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard FNs and AETs. The greatest learning needs included use of the portable therapeutic liquid oxygen unit, manual resuscitators, and negative pressure wound therapy systems, and care of special populations such as patients with a burn injury or mental health disorder.

Conclusions

Results of the gap analysis can be used to select and develop educational and simulation training scenarios designed to foster clinical competence.
Effectiveness comparisons of acupuncture for premature ejaculation
Authors: Dai Hengheng , Li Haisong , Wang Jisheng , Bao Binghao , Yan Yubing , Wang Bin , Sun Song
Published: January 2019

Background:

As one of the common male sexual dysfunction diseases, the treatment effect of premature ejaculation is often difficult to guarantee. In China, there are many randomized clinical trials that confirm that acupuncture has a good therapeutic effect on premature ejaculation. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for premature ejaculation from intravaginal ejaculation latency (IELT), premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT), Arab premature ejaculation index (AIPE), and premature ejaculation index (IPE).

Methods:

We will use PubMed, EMBASE, Nursing and Related Health Literature Cumulative Index, Joint and Supplemental Drug Database, Cochrane Center Controlled Trials Registry (CENTRAL), China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM) and China Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), The Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), and Wanfang Database conduct systematic searches until October 31, 2018. At the same time, manually search for gray documents, including unpublished meeting articles. The primary outcome included intravaginal ejaculation latency (IELT). Secondary outcomes were premature ejaculation diagnostic tools (PEDT), Arab premature ejaculation index (AIPE), and premature ejaculation index (IPE). The quality and evidence that the risk of inclusion of the BiB tool will be assessed will be assessed on a scale.

Results:

This study will generate a comprehensive review of current evidence of acupuncture for premature ejaculation.

Conclusion:

The study will provide updated evidence to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for premature ejaculation.

Ethics and Communication:

Because this research is based on a meta-analysis of published research, ethical recognition and patient consent are unnecessary.

Agreement registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42018111661.
Mobile thoracic schwannoma combined with intraosseous schwannomas
Authors: Jia Shunjie , Zheng Wenbiao , Ruan Jianwei , Chen Tao , Huang Yang , Guan Junhui
Published: January 2019

Rationale:

Mobile schwannomas have been rarely reported in the lumbar and thoracic spine. These entities are usually intradural extramedullary involving less than 3 vertebrae. Here, we present a rare case of thoracic schwannoma moving over 4 vertebral levels from the primary site combined with intraosseous schwannomas.

Patient concerns:

A 64-year-old woman presented with back pain for several months.

Diagnoses:

Preoperative computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed 2 intraosseous tumors at the T7 and T8 levels and an intradural extramedullary tumor at the T5-6 levels.

Interventions:

The patient underwent a surgical resection of the intraosseous tumors at the T7 and T8 levels, and the tumor at the T5-6 levels was not found. Postoperative MRI showed that the intradural extramedullary tumor had moved to the T3-4 levels. Subsequently, the patient developed gait disturbance and numbness on bilateral lower limbs. During the second operation, we found the tumor at the T1-2 levels. Eventually, the tumor was completely removed.

Outcomes:

Histopathological examination showed schwannomas. After a 3-month follow-up, the symptoms were significantly relieved, and there was no clinical or radiological recurrence.

Lessons:

The clinicians should be aware of the coincidence of intraosseous schwannomas and mobile schwannoma. Careful preoperative MRIs are essential for early diagnosis of mobile tumors. Intraoperative localization of the mobile tumor is imperative to prevent unnecessary laminotomy.
Compound heterozygous mutations in PARK2 causing early-onset Parkinson disease
Authors: Fang Yu-Qing , Mao Fei , Zhu Mei-Jia , Li Xiu-Hua
Published: January 2019

Rationale:

Parkinson disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative movement disorder characterized by resting tremor, muscular rigidity, bradykinesia, and so on. Genetics has been regarded as an important role in the development of PD. PARK2, an autosomal recessive gene, is the most common one referring to early-onset Parkinson disease (EOPD). Strangely, only a single heterozygous mutation in PARK2 was found in a small minority of patients with PD, which has been reported quite rarely and is difficult to explain.

Patient concerns:

We described a case of 36-year-old male patient, complaining of progressive tremor for 10 years. He 1st presented uncontrolled resting tremor of his left arm. Besides, he also had trouble in completing fine motor tasks such as writing and buttoning. Six years later, tremor of the ipsilateral leg gradually occurred. On neurologic examinations, pronounced parkinsonian symptoms were noted, including resting tremor, body bradykinesia, and hypomimia. The positron emission tomography-computed tomography showed the distribution of dopamine transporter in both putamens decreased obviously. No family history was indentified. He came to hospital because his disease aggravated in the past 4 months.

Diagnosis:

This patient was diagnosed with PD according to the movement disorder society clinical diagnostic criteria for PD.

Interventions and outcomes:

With regard to the sequencing of this patient, a heterozygous point mutation of G403C in PARK2 was detected, which was inherited from his unaffected mother, leading to an amino acid alternation of glycine to arginine. Furthermore, deletion mutation of exon 6 in PARK2 was also found in this patient, which was inherited from his normal father. He accepted madopar and benzhexol and showed stable efficacy. To our knowledge, it is the 1st case report to explain the synergistic action of both heterozygous pathogenic point mutation in PARK2 and deletion mutation of exon 6 leading to EOPD.

Lessons:

Compound heterozygous mutations in PARK2 with point mutation of G403C and deletion mutation of exon 6 might contribute to the development of EOPD.
High preoperative C-reactive protein level is a risk factor for acute exacerbation of interstitial lung disease after non-pulmonary surgery
Authors: Takao Shun , Masuda Takeshi , Yamaguchi Kakuhiro , Sakamoto Shinjiro , Horimasu Yasushi , Nakashima Taku , Miyamoto Shintaro , Iwamoto Hiroshi , Fujitaka Kazunori , Hamada Hironobu , Hattori Noboru
Published: January 2019

Several studies have investigated the incidence of and risk factors for acute exacerbation (AE) in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) after lung resection surgery. However, the incidence and risk factors for AE-ILD after non-pulmonary surgery are not known. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of and risk factors for AE-ILD after non-pulmonary surgery.

Eighty patients who were diagnosed with ILD on preoperative chest computed tomography (CT) imaging and underwent non-pulmonary surgery under general anesthesia at Hiroshima University Hospital between September 2011 and September 2017 were enrolled. We retrospectively compared the preoperative patient characteristics, laboratory findings, and factors associated with anesthetic management between the patients who developed AE-ILD and those who did not.

The incidence of AE-ILD after non-pulmonary surgery was 6.3% and the mortality rate was 80%. Univariate logistic analysis showed that a usual interstitial pneumonia pattern on computed tomography, a high C-reactive protein (CRP) level, a long operating time, high blood loss, and blood transfusion during surgery were significant risk factors for AE-ILD. In multivariate analysis, only a high CRP level (odds ratio 2.556, 95% confidence interval 1.110–5.889, P = .028) was identified as an independent risk factor for AE-ILD after non-pulmonary surgery.

The risk of AE-ILD should be kept in mind in patients with ILD and a high CRP level before non-pulmonary surgery. These patients should also be monitored carefully for development of AE-ILD after surgery.
Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor mimicking type II neurofibromatosis
Authors: Shen Zhipeng , Wang Ning , Shi Wujie , Zhang Peiliang , Weng Jianbin , Zeng Hanhai
Published: January 2019

Rationale:

Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images of atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) often present heterogeneous signals of various cells without remarkable features of the disease. We describe a unique case of atypical brain MRI images presenting as an type II neurofibromatosis and explore some diagnostic hints.

Patient concerns:

A 1-year-and-7-month-old boy admitted to our department with a 7-day history of drowsiness and 2-day history of emesis, and his presenting complaint was repeated vomit. On physical examination, he had drowsiness, positive sun set sign, slow light reflection, high muscular tension of limbs and 55 cm head circumference. MRI presented masses of bilateral auditory nerve distribution area, the fourth ventricle and right frontal lobe, obstructive hydrocephalus, and amplified cisterna magna. Particularly, dumbbell shape tumor in left cerebellopontine angle area and the fourth ventricle showed iso- or hypo-intensity on T1-weighted image and mix-intensity on T2-weighted image with irregular frontier, obvious mutual high and low signal on T2-weighted image, and growing along cerebrospinal fluid pathway.

Diagnosis:

The diagnosis of type II neurofibromatosis (NF-II) was considered pre-operatively. After surgery, postoperative histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of ATRT.

Interventions:

After ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt, no evidence of tumor was inspected in cerebrospinal fluid, and enhancement MRI showed heterogeneous contrast signal on dumbbell shape tumor. We executed an incomplete microsurgery for dumbbell shape lesion in left auditory nerve distribution area and the fourth ventricle for differential diagnosis and facilitating further treatment.

Outcomes:

The patient did not recover well postoperatively and suffered from severe pulmonary infection. Refusing further intervention in view of poor prognosis of ATRT, the patient was transferred to another hospital for rehabilitation care. The patient died from progressive tumor and respiratory failure after 2 months.

Lessons:

The diagnosis of ATRT can be challenging, in our case due to the disturbance of bilateral auditory nerve distribution area tumors. Under MRI, Irregular frontier, obvious mutual high and low signal on T2-weighted image, growing along cerebrospinal fluid pathway, and heterogeneous contrast enhancement should lead the clinician to strongly consider ATRT.