bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The first formulation of image-based stereotactic principles: the forgotten work of Gaston Contremoulins
Authors: Giller Cole A. , Mornet Patrick , Moreau Jean-François
Published: February 2017

Although image-based human stereotaxis began with Spiegel and Wycis in 1947, the major principles of radiographic stereotaxis were formulated 50 years earlier by the French scientific photographer Gaston Contremoulins. In 1897, frustrated by the high morbidity of bullet extraction from the brain, the Parisian surgeon Charles Rémy asked Contremoulins to devise a method for bullet localization using the then new technology of x-rays. In doing so, Contremoulins conceived of many of the modern principles of stereotaxis, including the use of a reference frame, radiopaque fiducials for registration, images to locate the target in relation to the frame, phantom devices to locate the target in relation to the fiducial marks, and the use of an adjustable pointer to guide the surgical approach.

Contremoulins' ideas did not emerge from science or medicine, but instead were inspired by his training in the fine arts. Had he been a physician instead of an artist, he might have never discovered his extraordinary methods.

Contremoulins' “compass” and its variants enjoyed great success during World War I, but were abandoned by 1920 for simpler methods. Although Contremoulins was one of the most eminent radiographers in France, he was not a physician, and his personality was uncompromising. By 1940, both he and his methods were forgotten. It was not until 1988 that he was rediscovered by Moreau while reviewing the history of French radiology, and chronicled by Mornet in his extensive biography.

The authors examine Contremoulins' stereotactic methods in historical context, describe the details of his devices, relate his discoveries to his training in the fine arts, and discuss how his prescient formulation of stereotaxis was forgotten for more than half a century.
Risk of failure in pediatric ventriculoperitoneal shunts placed after abdominal surgery
Authors: Burks Joshua D. , Conner Andrew K. , Briggs Robert G. , Glenn Chad A. , Bonney Phillip A. , Cheema Ahmed A. , Chen Sixia , Gross Naina L. , Mapstone Timothy B.
Published: February 2017

OBJECTIVE

Experience has led us to suspect an association between shunt malfunction and recent abdominal surgery, yet information about this potential relationship has not been explored in the literature. The authors compared shunt survival in patients who underwent abdominal surgery to shunt survival in our general pediatric shunt population to determine whether such a relationship exists.

METHODS

The authors performed a retrospective review of all cases in which pediatric patients underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt operations at their institution during a 7-year period. Survival time in shunt operations that followed abdominal surgery was compared with survival time of shunt operations in patients with no history of abdominal surgery. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors associated with failure.

RESULTS

A total of 141 patients who underwent 468 shunt operations during the period of study were included; 107 of these 141 patients had no history of abdominal surgery and 34 had undergone a shunt operation after abdominal surgery. Shunt surgery performed more than 2 weeks after abdominal surgery was not associated with time to shunt failure (p = 0.86). Shunt surgery performed within 2 weeks after abdominal surgery was associated with time to failure (adjusted HR 3.6, 95% CI 1.3–9.6).

CONCLUSIONS

Undergoing shunt surgery shortly after abdominal surgery appears to be associated with shorter shunt survival. When possible, some patients may benefit from shunt placement utilizing alternative termini.
Brainstem arteriovenous malformations: lesion characteristics and treatment outcomes
Authors: Madhugiri Venkatesh S. , Teo Mario K. C. , Vavao Joli , Bell-Stephens Teresa , Steinberg Gary K.
Published: February 2017

OBJECTIVE

Brainstem arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare lesions that are difficult to diagnose and treat. They are often more aggressive in their behavior when compared with their supratentorial counterparts. The consequence of a brainstem hemorrhage is often devastating, and many patients are in poor neurological status at presentation. The authors examine the factors associated with angiographically confirmed cure and those affecting management outcomes for these complex lesions.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of data gathered from the prospectively maintained Stanford AVM database. Lesions were grouped based on their location in the brainstem (medulla, pons, or midbrain) and the quadrant they occupied. Angiographic cure was dichotomized as completely obliterated or not, and functional outcome was dichotomized as either independent or not independent at last follow-up.

RESULTS

Over a 23-year period, 39 lesions were treated. Of these, 3 were located in the medulla, 14 in the pons, and 22 in the midbrain. At presentation, 92% of the patients had hemorrhage, and only 43.6% were functionally independent. Surgery resulted in the best radiographic cure rates, with a morbidity rate of 12.5%. In all, 53% of patients either improved or remained stable after surgery. Absence of residual nidus and female sex correlated with better outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Brainstem AVMs usually present with hemorrhage. Surgery offers the best chance of cure, either in isolation or in combination with other modalities as appropriate.
Cloudy, increasingly FAIR; revisiting the FAIR Data guiding principles for the European Open Science Cloud
Authors: Mons Barend , Neylon Cameron , Velterop Jan , Dumontier Michel , da Silva Santos Luiz Olavo Bonino , Wilkinson Mark D.
Published: February 2017

The FAIR Data Principles propose that all scholarly output should be Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable. As a set of guiding principles, expressing only the kinds of behaviours that researchers should expect from contemporary data resources, how the FAIR principles should manifest in reality was largely open to interpretation. As support for the Principles has spread, so has the breadth of these interpretations. In observing this creeping spread of interpretation, several of the original authors felt it was now appropriate to revisit the Principles, to clarify both what FAIRness is, and is not.
Prometheus: Analyzing WebInject-based information stealers
Authors: Continella Andrea , Carminati Michele , Polino Mario , Lanzi Andrea , Zanero Stefano , Maggi Federico
Published: February 2017

Nowadays Information stealers are reaching high levels of sophistication. The number of families and variants observed increased exponentially in the last years. Furthermore, these trojans are sold on underground markets along with automatic frameworks that include web-based administration panels, builders and customization procedures. From a technical point of view such malware is equipped with a functionality, called WebInject, that exploits API hooking techniques to intercept all sensitive data in a browser context and modify web pages on infected hosts.

In this paper we propose Prometheus, an automatic system that is able to analyze trojans that base their attack technique on DOM modifications. Prometheus is able to identify the injection operations performed by malware, and generate signatures based on the injection behavior. Furthermore, it is able to extract the WebInject targets by using memory forensic techniques.

We evaluated Prometheus against real-world, online websites and a dataset of distinct variants of financial trojans. In our experiments we show that our approach correctly recognizes known variants of WebInject-based malware and successfully extracts the WebInject targets.
Virtual and augmented reality in the treatment of phantom limb pain: A literature review
Authors: Dunn Justin , Yeo Elizabeth , Moghaddampour Parisah , Chau Brian , Humbert Sarah
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND: Phantom limb pain (PLP), the perception of discomfort in a limb no longer present, commonly occurs following amputation. A variety of interventions have been employed for PLP, including mirror therapy. Virtual Reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) mirror therapy treatments have also been utilized and have the potential to provide an even greater immersive experience for the amputee. However, there is not currently a consensus on the efficacy of VR and AR therapy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review is to evaluate and summarize the current research on the effect of immersive VR and AR in the treatment of PLP.

METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted utilizing PubMed and Google Scholar in order to collect all available studies concerning the use of VR and/or AR in the treatment of PLP using the search terms “virtual reality,” “augmented reality,” and “phantom limb pain.” Eight studies in total were evaluated, with six of those reporting quantitative data and the other two reporting qualitative findings.

RESULTS: All studies located were of low-level evidence. Each noted improved pain with VR and AR treatment for phantom limb pain, through quantitative or qualitative reporting. Additionally, adverse effects were limited only to simulator sickness occurring in one trial for one patient.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite the positive findings, all of the studies were confined purely to case studies and case report series. No studies of higher evidence have been conducted, thus considerably limiting the strength of the findings. As such, the current use of VR and AR for PLP management, while attractive due to the increasing levels of immersion, customizable environments, and decreasing cost, is yet to be fully proven and continues to need further research with higher quality studies to fully explore its benefits.
Metabolite Profiling for Leaf Senescence in Barley Reveals Decreases in Amino Acids and Glycolysis Intermediates
Authors: Avila-Ospina Liliana , Clément Gilles , Masclaux-Daubresse Céline
Published: February 2017

Leaf senescence is a long developmental phase important for plant performance and nutrient management. Cell constituents are recycled in old leaves to provide nutrients that are redistributed to the sink organs. Up to now, metabolomic changes during leaf senescence have been mainly studied in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana L.). The metabolite profiling conducted in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) during primary leaf senescence under two nitrate regimes and in flag leaf shows that amino acids, hexose, sucrose and glycolysis intermediates decrease during senescence, while minor carbohydrates accumulate. Tricarboxylic acid (TCA) compounds changed with senescence only in primary leaves. The senescence-related metabolite changes in the flag leaf were globally similar to those observed in primary leaves. The effect of senescence on the metabolite changes of barley leaves was similar to that previously described in Arabidopsis except for sugars and glycolysis compounds. This suggests a different role of sugars in the control of leaf senescence in Arabidopsis and in barley.
Comparative Interactions of Dihydroquinazolin Derivatives with Human Serum Albumin Observed via Multiple Spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Yi , Zhu Meiqing , Liu Jia , Na Risong , Liu Feng , Wu Xiangwei , Fan Shisuo , Wang Zhen , Pan Dandan , Tang Jun , Li Qing , Hua Rimao , Liu Shangzhong
Published: February 2017

The interactions of dihydroquinazolines with human serum albumin (HSA) were studied in pH 7.4 aqueous solution via fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic techniques. In this work, 6-chloro-1-(3,3-dimethyl-butanoyl)-2(un)substitutedphenyl-2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one (PDQL) derivatives were designed and synthesized to study the impact of five similar substituents (methyl, methoxy, cyano, trifluoromethyl and isopropyl) on the interactions between PDQL and HSA using a comparative methodology. The results revealed that PDQL quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of HSA through a static quenching process. Displacement experiments with site-specific markers revealed that PDQL binds to HSA at site II (subdomain IIIA) and that there may be only one binding site for PDQL on HSA. The thermodynamic parameters indicated that hydrophobic interactions mainly drove the interactions between PDQL and HSA. The substitution using five similar groups in the benzene ring could increase the interactions between PDQL and HSA to some extent through the van der Waals force or hydrogen bond effects in the proper temperature range. Isopropyl substitution could particularly enhance the binding affinity, as observed via comparative studies
Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation of the Long-Term Health of Tunnel Structures
Authors: Wang Bo , Mo Chencong , He Chuan , Yan Qixiang
Published: February 2017

A tunnel is a coupled system of the surrounding rock and the supporting structure. The health status of a tunnel structure is complex and is influenced by various factors. In addition, these factors are coupled and interacted with each other, which calls for the linguistic description of the tunnel safety level. In this paper, we describe the health status of a highway tunnel structure in terms of four levels: safe; basically safe; potentially unsafe and unsafe. Based on the analysis of the safety characteristics of the tunnel structure and its proposed safety level, this research develops a multi-level fuzzy synthetic evaluation model for the long-term safety evaluation system of a tunnel structure. The Cang Ling Tunnel, which has embedded sensors to measure the stress values of the secondary lining and the contact pressure, is used as an example to study the proposed method. The results show that the structure of the entire Cang Ling Tunnel is in almost a safe condition under the current conditions, which is consistent with the actual operational situation.
Small Prizes Increased Plain Milk and Vegetable Selection by Elementary School Children without Adversely Affecting Total Milk Purchase
Authors: Emerson Megan , Hudgens Michelle , Barnes Allison , Hiller Elizabeth , Robison Debora , Kipp Roger , Bradshaw Ursula , Siegel Robert
Published: February 2017

(1) Background: Pediatric obesity continues to be a major public health issue. Poor food selection in the school cafeteria is a risk factor. Chocolate or strawberry flavored milk is favored by the majority of elementary school students. Previous health promotion efforts have led to increased selection of plain milk, but may compromise total milk purchased. In our study, we examined the effectiveness of small prizes as incentives to improve healthy food and beverage selection by elementary school students; (2) Methods: In a small Midwestern school district, small prizes were given to elementary school students who selected a “Power Plate” (PP), the healthful combination of a plain milk, a fruit, a vegetable and an entrée with whole grain over two academic school years; (3) Results: PP selection increased from 0.05 per student to 0.19, a 271% increase (p < 0.001). All healthful foods had increased selection with plain milk having the greatest increase, 0.098 per student to 0.255, a 159% increase (p < 0.001); (4) Total milk purchased increased modestly from 0.916 to 0.956 per student (p = 0.000331). Conclusion: Giving small prizes as a reward for healthful food selection substantially improves healthful food selection and the effect is sustainable over two academic years.
Improved CO Oxidation Activity of 3DOM Pr-Doped Ceria Catalysts: Something Other Than an Ordered Macroporous Structure
Authors: Davó-Quiñonero Arantxa , González-Mira Jorge , Such-Basañez Ion , Juan-Juan Jerónimo , Lozano-Castelló Dolores , Bueno-López Agustín
Published: February 2017

It is demonstrated that the synthesis procedure for preparing three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) Pr-doped ceria catalysts using a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) template not only affects the porous structure, but also the chemistry of the ceria surface. The PMMA template does not affect the crystalline features (type of phases, crystallite size, and cell parameter) of Pr-doped ceria, Ce and Pr location into the particles, and the bulk reduction of the Ce-Pr mixed oxide catalysts. On the contrary, the utilization of the PMMA template improves both the porosity and surface redox properties. 3DOM Ce-Pr mixed oxide catalysts combine micro, meso, and macropores, the most area being in the macropore range, while a reference unshaped catalyst presents poor porosity in all ranges. However, the catalyzed CO oxidation rates do not correlate with the surface area of the catalysts (neither micro nor meso/macro). The Ce-Pr-3DOM catalyst also presents improved surface reducibility with regards to the counterpart reference material prepared without the template, and improved redox behavior under reaction conditions; that is, it has a higher area and this area is reduced and reoxidized more easily. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis evidences that this is mainly attributed to praseodymium cations, which accomplish redox cycles more easily than cerium cations.
Microstructural Changes of Al Hot-Dipped P91 Steel during High-Temperature Oxidation
Authors: Abro Muhammad , Lee Dong
Published: February 2017

The 9Cr-1Mo steel (ASTM P91) was hot-dip aluminized, and its microstructural changes during oxidation were studied. Before oxidation, the coating consisted of (Al-rich topcoat containing a small amount of Al5Fe2 and Al13Fe4)/(Al13Fe4-rich, Al13Fe4-containing alloy layer)/(Al5Fe2 alloy layer containing a small amount of Al9Cr4 precipitates), from the surface. During oxidation at 700–900 °C for 20–100 h, Al diffused inward and the substrate elements migrated outward to broaden and soften the coating, and also to transform (high Al)-Fe intermetallics to (low Al)-Fe intermetallics. The phases in the coating progressively transformed during oxidation as follows; (Al-rich topcoat)/(Al5Fe2–rich, Al13Fe4-containing alloy layer)/(Al5Fe2 alloy layer)→(α-Al2O3 scale)/(Al13Fe4–rich, Al5Fe2-containing layer)/(Al5Fe2 layer)/(AlFe interlayer)→(α-Al2O3 scale)/(AlFe–rich, Al5Fe2-containing layer)/(AlFe layer)/(AlFe3 layer))→((α-Al2O3, Fe2O3)-mixed scale)/(AlFe3 layer)/(Fe(Al) layer) from the surface. As the oxidation progressed, the scale changed from α-Al2O3 to the (α-Al2O3, Fe2O3)-mixture, which provided the necessary oxidation resistance.
Damping Optimization of Hard-Coating Thin Plate by the Modified Modal Strain Energy Method
Authors: Sun Wei , Liu Rong
Published: February 2017

Due to the medium and small damping characteristics of the hard coating compared with viscoelastic materials, the classical modal strain energy (CMSE) method cannot be applied to the prediction of damping characteristics of hard-coating composite structure directly. In this study, the CMSE method was modified in order to be suitable for this calculation, and then the damping optimization of the hard-coating thin plate was carried out. First, the solution formula of modified modal strain energy (MMSE) method was derived and the relevant calculation procedure was proposed. Then, based on the principle that depositing the hard coating on the locations where modal strain energy is higher, the damping optimization method and procedure were presented. Next, a cantilever thin plate coated with Mg-Al hard coating was taken as an example to demonstrate the solution of the modal damping parameters for the composite plate. Finally, the optimization of coating location was studied according to the proposed method for the cantilever thin plate, and the effect of the coating area on the damping characteristics of hard-coating plate was also discussed.
Maximum Safety Regenerative Power Tracking for DC Traction Power Systems
Authors: Du Guifu , Zhang Dongliang , Li Guoxin , Hu Yihua , Liu Yang , Wang Chonglin , Liu Jianhua
Published: February 2017

Direct current (DC) traction power systems are widely used in metro transport systems, with running rails usually being used as return conductors. When traction current flows through the running rails, a potential voltage known as “rail potential” is generated between the rails and ground. Currently, abnormal rises of rail potential exist in many railway lines during the operation of railway systems. Excessively high rail potentials pose a threat to human life and to devices connected to the rails. In this paper, the effect of regenerative power distribution on rail potential is analyzed. Maximum safety regenerative power tracking is proposed for the control of maximum absolute rail potential and energy consumption during the operation of DC traction power systems. The dwell time of multiple trains at each station and the trigger voltage of the regenerative energy absorbing device (READ) are optimized based on an improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to manage the distribution of regenerative power. In this way, the maximum absolute rail potential and energy consumption of DC traction power systems can be reduced. The operation data of Guangzhou Metro Line 2 are used in the simulations, and the results show that the scheme can reduce the maximum absolute rail potential and energy consumption effectively and guarantee the safety in energy saving of DC traction power systems.
Multi-Objective Optimization for Energy Performance Improvement of Residential Buildings: A Comparative Study
Authors: Li Kangji , Pan Lei , Xue Wenping , Jiang Hui , Mao Hanping
Published: February 2017

Numerous conflicting criteria exist in building design optimization, such as energy consumption, greenhouse gas emission and indoor thermal performance. Different simulation-based optimization strategies and various optimization algorithms have been developed. A few of them are analyzed and compared in solving building design problems. This paper presents an efficient optimization framework to facilitate optimization designs with the aid of commercial simulation software and MATLAB. The performances of three optimization strategies, including the proposed approach, GenOpt method and artificial neural network (ANN) method, are investigated using a case study of a simple building energy model. Results show that the proposed optimization framework has competitive performances compared with the GenOpt method. Further, in another practical case, four popular multi-objective algorithms, e.g., the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II), multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO), the multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) and multi-objective differential evolution (MODE), are realized using the propose optimization framework and compared with three criteria. Results indicate that MODE achieves close-to-optimal solutions with the best diversity and execution time. An uncompetitive result is achieved by the MOPSO in this case study.
Anhydrous Ammonia Pretreatment of Corn Stover and Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Glucan from Pretreated Corn Stover
Authors: Yang Minliang , Zhang Weitao , Rosentrater Kurt
Published: February 2017

As a promising alternative of fossil fuel, ethanol has been widely used. In recent years, much attention has been devoted to bioethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass. In previous research, it is found that the pretreatment method named low-moisture anhydrous ammonia (LMAA) has the advantage of high conversion efficiency and less washing requirements. The purpose of this study was to explore the optimal conditions by employing the LMAA pretreatment method. Corn stover was treated under three levels of moisture content: 20, 50, 80 w.b.% (wet basis), and three levels of particle size: <0.09, 0.09–2, >2 mm; it was also ammoniated with a loading rate of 0.1g NH3/g biomass (dry matter). Ammoniated corn stover was then subjected to different pretreatment times (24, 96, 168 h) and temperatures (20, 75, 130 °C). After pretreatment, compositional analysis and enzymatic digestibility were conducted to determine the highest glucose yield. As a result, the highest glucose yield was obtained under the condition of 96 h and 75 °C with 50 w.b.% and 0.09–2 mm of corn stover. The main findings of this study could improve the efficiency of bioethanol production processing in the near future.
The Intra-S Checkpoint Responses to DNA Damage
Authors: Iyer Divya , Rhind Nicholas
Published: February 2017

Faithful duplication of the genome is a challenge because DNA is susceptible to damage by a number of intrinsic and extrinsic genotoxins, such as free radicals and UV light. Cells activate the intra-S checkpoint in response to damage during S phase to protect genomic integrity and ensure replication fidelity. The checkpoint prevents genomic instability mainly by regulating origin firing, fork progression, and transcription of G1/S genes in response to DNA damage. Several studies hint that regulation of forks is perhaps the most critical function of the intra-S checkpoint. However, the exact role of the checkpoint at replication forks has remained elusive and controversial. Is the checkpoint required for fork stability, or fork restart, or to prevent fork reversal or fork collapse, or activate repair at replication forks? What are the factors that the checkpoint targets at stalled replication forks? In this review, we will discuss the various pathways activated by the intra-S checkpoint in response to damage to prevent genomic instability.
Immune-Mediated Therapies for Liver Cancer
Authors: Aravalli Rajagopal , Steer Clifford
Published: February 2017

In recent years, immunotherapy has gained renewed interest as an alternative therapeutic approach for solid tumors. Its premise is based on harnessing the power of the host immune system to destroy tumor cells. Development of immune-mediated therapies, such as vaccines, adoptive transfer of autologous immune cells, and stimulation of host immunity by targeting tumor-evasive mechanisms have advanced cancer immunotherapy. In addition, studies on innate immunity and mechanisms of immune evasion have enhanced our understanding on the immunology of liver cancer. Preclinical and clinical studies with immune-mediated therapies have shown potential benefits in patients with liver cancer. In this review, we summarize current knowledge and recent developments in tumor immunology by focusing on two main primary liver cancers: hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma.
MicroRNA Expression Profile Identifies High Grade, Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Tumors at Elevated Risk to Progress to an Invasive Phenotype
Authors: Lenherr Sara , Tsai Sheaumei , Silva Neto Brasil , Sullivan Travis , Cimmino Cara , Logvinenko Tanya , Gee Jason , Huang Wei , Libertino John , Summerhayes Ian , Rieger-Christ Kimberly
Published: February 2017

The objective of this study was to identify a panel of microRNAs (miRNAs) differentially expressed in high-grade non-muscle invasive (NMI; TaG3–T1G3) urothelial carcinoma that progress to muscle-invasive disease compared to those that remain non-muscle invasive, whether recurrence happens or not. Eighty-nine high-grade NMI urothelial carcinoma lesions were identified and total RNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded tissue. Patients were categorized as either having a non-muscle invasive lesion with no evidence of progression over a 3-year period or as having a similar lesion showing progression to muscle invasion over the same period. In addition, comparison of miRNA expression levels between patients with and without prior intravesical therapy was performed. Total RNA was pooled for microarray analysis in each group (non-progressors and progressors), and qRT-PCR of individual samples validated differential expression between non-progressive and progressive lesions. MiR-32-5p, -224-5p, and -412-3p were associated with cancer-specific survival. Downregulation of miR-203a-3p and miR-205-5p were significantly linked to progression in non-muscle invasive bladder tumors. These miRNAs include those implicated in epithelial mesenchymal transition, previously identified as members of a panel characterizing transition from the non-invasive to invasive phenotype in bladder tumors. Furthermore, we were able to identify specific miRNAs that are linked to postoperative outcome in patients with high grade NMI urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) that progressed to muscle-invasive (MI) disease.
Electronic Cigarette Use and Smoking Abstinence in Japan: A Cross-Sectional Study of Quitting Methods
Authors: Hirano Tomoyasu , Tabuchi Takahiro , Nakahara Rika , Kunugita Naoki , Mochizuki-Kobayashi Yumiko
Published: February 2017

The benefit of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in smoking cessation remains controversial. Recently, e-cigarettes have been gaining popularity in Japan, without evidence of efficacy on quitting cigarettes. We conducted an online survey to collect information on tobacco use, difficulties in smoking cessation, socio-demographic factors, and health-related factors in Japan. Among the total participants (n = 9055), 798 eligible persons aged 20–69 years who smoked within the previous five years were analyzed to assess the relationship between the outcome of smoking cessation and quitting methods used, including e-cigarettes, smoking cessation therapy, and unassisted. E-cigarette use was negatively associated with smoking cessation (odds ratio (OR) = 0.632; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.414–0.964) after adjusting for gender, age, health-related factors, and other quitting methods. Conversely, smoking cessation therapy (i.e., varenicline) was significantly associated with smoking cessation (OR = 1.885; 95% CI = 1.018–3.492) in the same model. For effective smoking cessation, e-cigarette use appears to have low efficacy among smokers in Japan. Allowing for the fact that this study is limited by its cross-sectional design, follow-up studies are needed to assess the prospective association between e-cigarette use and smoking cessation.
A Review of Gaucher Disease Pathophysiology, Clinical Presentation and Treatments
Authors: Stirnemann Jérôme , Belmatoug Nadia , Camou Fabrice , Serratrice Christine , Froissart Roseline , Caillaud Catherine , Levade Thierry , Astudillo Leonardo , Serratrice Jacques , Brassier Anaïs , Rose Christian , Billette de Villemeur Thierry , Berger Marc
Published: February 2017

Gaucher disease (GD, ORPHA355) is a rare, autosomal recessive genetic disorder. It is caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme, glucocerebrosidase, which leads to an accumulation of its substrate, glucosylceramide, in macrophages. In the general population, its incidence is approximately 1/40,000 to 1/60,000 births, rising to 1/800 in Ashkenazi Jews. The main cause of the cytopenia, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, and bone lesions associated with the disease is considered to be the infiltration of the bone marrow, spleen, and liver by Gaucher cells. Type-1 Gaucher disease, which affects the majority of patients (90% in Europe and USA, but less in other regions), is characterized by effects on the viscera, whereas types 2 and 3 are also associated with neurological impairment, either severe in type 2 or variable in type 3. A diagnosis of GD can be confirmed by demonstrating the deficiency of acid glucocerebrosidase activity in leukocytes. Mutations in the GBA1 gene should be identified as they may be of prognostic value in some cases. Patients with type-1 GD—but also carriers of GBA1 mutation—have been found to be predisposed to developing Parkinson’s disease, and the risk of neoplasia associated with the disease is still subject to discussion. Disease-specific treatment consists of intravenous enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) using one of the currently available molecules (imiglucerase, velaglucerase, or taliglucerase). Orally administered inhibitors of glucosylceramide biosynthesis can also be used (miglustat or eliglustat).
Patients’ Admissions in Intensive Care Units: A Clustering Overview
Authors: Ribeiro Ana , Portela Filipe , Santos Manuel , Abelha António , Machado José , Rua Fernando
Published: February 2017

Intensive care is a critical area of medicine having a multidisciplinary nature requiring all types of healthcare professionals. Given the critical environment of intensive care units (ICUs), the need to use information technologies, like decision support systems, to improve healthcare services and ICU management is evident. It is proven that unplanned and prolonged admission to the ICU is not only prejudicial to a patient's health, but also such a situation implies a readjustment of ICU resources, including beds, doctors, nurses, financial resources, among others. By discovering the common characteristics of the admitted patients, it is possible to improve these outcomes. In this study clustering techniques were applied to data collected from admitted patients in an intensive care unit. The best results presented a silhouette of 1, with a distance to centroids of 6.2 × 10−17 and a Davies–Bouldin index of −0.652.
A Quick Overview of Compact Air-Cooled Heat Sinks Applicable for Electronic Cooling—Recent Progress
Authors: Wang Chi-Chuan
Published: February 2017

This study provides an overview regarding enhancement of an air-cooled heat sink applicable for electronic cooling subject to cross-flow forced convection. Some novel designs and associated problems in air-cooled heat sinks are discussed, including the drawback of adding surfaces, utilization of porous surfaces such as metal foam or carbon foam, problems and suitable applicable range of highly interrupted surfaces (louver or slit) and longitudinal vortex generator. Though the metal foam may accommodate significant surface area, it is comparatively ineffective for air-cooling application due to its much lower fin efficiency, and this shortcoming can be improved by integrating with solid fin. For highly dense fin spacing (e.g., <1.0 mm), cannelure or grooved surface may be a better choice, and fin structure with periodic contraction and expansion may not be suitable for it introduces additional pressure drop penalty. The partial bypass concept, which manipulates a larger temperature difference at the trailing part of heat sink, can be implemented to significantly reduce the pressure drop. Through some certain niche operation, t the thermal resistance of the partial bypass heat sink may be superior to the conventional heat sink. The trapezoid fin surface featuring easier manufacturing and a smaller weight is shown to have competitive performance against traditional rectangular fin geometry. The IPFM (Interleaved Parallelogram Fin Module) design which combines two different geometrical fins with the odd number fins being rectangular shape, and parallelogram shape in even fin numbers, shows 8%–12% less surface than conventional design but still offers a lower thermal resistance than the conventional rectangular heat sink in lower flowrate operation. The cross-cut design shows appreciable improvements as compared to the conventional plate fin design especially in high velocity regime and the single cross-cut heat sinks are superior to multiple cross-cut heat sinks.
Characterizing Islandscapes: Conceptual and Methodological Challenges Exemplified in the Mediterranean
Authors: Vogiatzakis Ioannis , Zomeni Maria , Mannion A.
Published: February 2017

Islands across the world have evolved at the interface between land and sea, thus comprising landscapes and seascapes. Many islands have also been influenced by anthropogenic factors, which have given rise to mosaics of anthromes (sensu Ellis and Ramankutty). These elements of landscapes, seascapes, and cultural impacts in varied proportions, generate unique environments which merit a unique term: islandscapes. The use of the term islandscape is advocated as the only term which encompasses all of the constituent components of an island, in a holistic manner. The aim of the paper is to evaluate the applicability of existing landscape and seascape character assessment methodologies in an island context, and to propose a methodological framework for mapping the space which defines the term ‘islandscape’. The challenges and opportunities stemming from the use of the term are exemplified with reference to the Mediterranean islands.
Fretting Corrosion Behavior of Experimental Ti-20Cr Compared to Titanium
Authors: Sawada Tomofumi , Schille Christine , Almadani Atif , Geis-Gerstorfer Jürgen
Published: February 2017

Experimental cast titanium alloys containing 20 mass% chromium (Ti-20Cr) show preferable mechanical properties and a good corrosion resistance. This study evaluated the fretting corrosion behavior of Ti-20Cr. Ti-20Cr (n = 4) and commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti, n = 6) disk specimens were used. The fretting corrosion test was performed by electrochemical corrosion at 0.3 V in 0.9% saline solution and mechanical damage using 10 scratching cycles with three different scratching speeds (10–40 mm/s) at 10 N. After testing, the activation peak, repassivation time and surface morphology of each specimen were analyzed. The differences between the results were tested by parametric tests (α = 0.05). The average activation peaks were significantly higher in CP-Ti than in Ti-20Cr (p < 0.01), except at 20 mm/s. In the series of scratching speeds, faster scratching speeds showed higher activation peaks. The maximum activation peaks were also higher in CP-Ti. Slight differences in the repassivation time were observed between the materials at every scratching speed; faster scratching speeds showed shorter repassivation times in both materials (p < 0.05). CP-Ti showed severe damage and significantly higher wear depth than Ti-20Cr (p < 0.05). In conclusion, adding chromium to titanium reduced surface damage and improved the fretting corrosion resistance.
Rust Formation Mechanism on Low Alloy Steels after Exposure Test in High Cl− and High SOx Environmen
Authors: Nishimura Toshiyasu
Published: February 2017

Exposure tests were performed on low alloy steels in high Cl− and high SOx environment, and the structure of the rust were analyzed by TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) and Raman Spectroscopy. In the exposure test site, the concentrations of Cl− and SOx were found to be high, which caused the corrosion of the steels. The conventional weathering steel (SMA: 0.6% Cr-0.4% Cu-Fe) showed higher corrosion resistance as compared to the carbon steel (SM), and Ni bearing steel exhibited the highest one. Raman spectroscopy showed that the inner rust of Ni bearing steel was mainly composed of α-FeOOH and spinel oxides. On the other hand, SMA contained β- and γ-FeOOH in inner rust, which increased the corrosion. TEM showed that nano-scale complex iron oxides containing Ni or Cr were formed in the rust on the low alloy steels, which suppressed the corrosion of steels in high Cl− and high SOx environment.
Perception, Planning, Control, and Coordination for Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Pendleton Scott , Andersen Hans , Du Xinxin , Shen Xiaotong , Meghjani Malika , Eng You , Rus Daniela , Ang Marcelo
Published: February 2017

Autonomous vehicles are expected to play a key role in the future of urban transportation systems, as they offer potential for additional safety, increased productivity, greater accessibility, better road efﬁciency, and positive impact on the environment. Research in autonomous systems has seen dramatic advances in recent years, due to the increases in available computing power and reduced cost in sensing and computing technologies, resulting in maturing technological readiness level of fully autonomous vehicles. The objective of this paper is to provide a general overview of the recent developments in the realm of autonomous vehicle software systems. Fundamental components of autonomous vehicle software are reviewed, and recent developments in each area are discussed.
Brevianamides and Mycophenolic Acid Derivatives from the Deep-Sea-Derived Fungus Penicillium brevicompactum DFFSCS025
Authors: Xu Xinya , Zhang Xiaoyong , Nong Xuhua , Wang Jie , Qi Shuhua
Published: February 2017

Four new compounds (1–4), including two brevianamides and two mycochromenic acid derivatives along with six known compounds were isolated from the deep-sea-derived fungus Penicillium brevicompactum DFFSCS025. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. Moreover, the absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were determined by quantum chemical calculations of the electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Compound 9 showed moderate cytotoxicity against human colon cancer HCT116 cell line with IC50 value of 15.6 μM. In addition, 3 and 5 had significant antifouling activity against Bugula neritina larval settlement with EC50 values of 13.7 and 22.6 μM, respectively. The NMR data of 6, 8, and 9 were assigned for the first time.
DFT Investigation of the Effects of Coexisting Cations and Complexing Reagents on Ni(II) Adsorption by a Polyvinylidene Fluoride-Type Chelating Membrane Bearing Poly(Amino Phosphonic Acid) Groups
Authors: Wang Xiuli , Song Laizhou , Tian Caili , He Jun , Wang Shuaijie , Wang Jinbo , Li Chunyu
Published: February 2017

A polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-type chelating membrane bearing poly(amino phosphonic acid) groups, denoted as ethylenediamine tetra(methylene phosphonic acid) (EDTMPA)-tetrabutyl orthotitanate (TBOT)/PVDF, was employed to remove Ni(II) from the aqueous solution. The effects of coexisting Ca(II), Pb(II), citrate, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) on the Ni(II) adsorption by this chelating membrane were revealed using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Pb(II) showed a more detrimental effect than Ca(II) on the Ni(II) uptake; EDTA interfered with the capture of Ni(II) more remarkably than citrate and NTA. The results derived from DFT calculations were consistent with the experimental data. Ni(II) and Pb(II) showed more excellent affinity to the EDTMPA-TBOT/PVDF membrane than Ca(II). The stabilities between Ni(II) and the [EDTMPA-TBOT]7− chelating ligand of the membrane and those between Ni(II) and the three aforementioned complexing reagents followed the sequence: [Ni(II)-(EDTMPA-TBOT)]5− > Ni(II)-EDTA > Ni(II)-NTA > Ni(II)-citrate. The complexation between Ni(II) and the chelating membrane was prominent with the presence of citrate, NTA and EDTA.
Use of Spent Zeolite Sorbents for the Preparation of Lightweight Aggregates Differing in Microstructure
Authors: Franus Wojciech , Jozefaciuk Grzegorz , Bandura Lidia , Franus Małgorzata
Published: February 2017

Lightweight aggregates (LWAs) made by sintering beidellitic clay deposits at high temperatures, with and without the addition of spent zeolitic sorbents (clinoptilolitic tuff and Na-P1 made from fly ash) containing diesel oil, were investigated. Mineral composition of the aggregates determined by X-ray diffraction was highly uniformized in respect of the initial composition of the substrates. The microstructure of the LWAs, which were studied with a combination of mercury porosimetry, microtomography, nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms and scanning electron microscopy, was markedly modified by the spent zeolites, which diminished bulk densities, increased porosities and pore radii. The addition of zeolites decreased water absorption and the compressive strength of the LWAs. The spent Na-P1 had a greater effect on the LWAs’ structure than the clinoptilolite.
Comparison of the Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide versus Ethanol Extracts from Leaves of Perilla frutescens Britt. Radiation Mutant
Authors: Jin Chang , Park Han , So Yangkang , Nam Bomi , Han Sung , Kim Jin-Baek
Published: February 2017

In this study, we aimed to compare supercritical carbon dioxide extraction and ethanol extraction for isoegomaketone (IK) content in perilla leaf extracts and to identify the optimal method. We measured the IK concentration using HPLC and inflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells from the extracts. The IK concentration was 10-fold higher in perilla leaf extracts by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (SFE) compared with that in perilla leaf extracts by ethanol extraction (EE). When the extracts were treated in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells at 25 μg/mL, the SFE inhibited the expression of inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleutkin-6 (IL-6), interferon-β (IFN-β), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) to a much greater extent compared with EE. Taken together, supercritical carbon dioxide extraction is considered the optimal process for obtaining high IK content and anti-inflammatory activities in leaf extracts from the P. frutescens Britt. radiation mutant.
In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of a Three-Dimensional Porous Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Scaffold for Bone Regeneration
Authors: Tanaka Manabu , Sato Yoshinori , Zhang Mei , Haniu Hisao , Okamoto Masanori , Aoki Kaoru , Takizawa Takashi , Yoshida Kazushige , Sobajima Atsushi , Kamanaka Takayuki , Kato Hiroyuki , Saito Naoto
Published: February 2017

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have attracted a great deal of attention for the biological and medical science fields because of their characteristic physical and biological properties. In this study, we investigated the capacity of the 3D porous CNT scaffold (CNT porous block; CNTp) for bone regenerative medicine. Surface observations using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), crystal depositions on the surface of CNTps immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF), and evaluations of protein adsorption and controlled releasing were conducted to assess physical properties. The cell proliferation and cell morphology were observed using SEM and fluorescent microscopy. CNTps were implanted into critical-size mouse calvarial defects and evaluated for their osteoconductive ability and in vivo controlled release of recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2). Interconnected porous HA ceramics (IP-CHAs) were used for comparison. CNTps have multiporous structures with interporous connections with networks of multiwalled CNTs. Crystals containing calcium and phosphate were deposited in CNTps and on the surface of the CNT networks by immersing CNTps in SBF. CNTps adsorbed more significantly and released protein more gradually than IP-CHAs. Preosteoblasts seeded onto CNTps filled pores with stretched actin filaments and filopodia. Compared with IP-CHAs, CNTps showed significantly higher cell proliferation, better osteoconduction, and more bone generation with rhBMP-2. In this study, CNTps demonstrated good osteoconductive ability, cell attachment and proliferation capacity, and growth factor retaining ability. CNTps have the potential not only as artificial bones for the treatment of bone defects, but also as scaffolds for regenerative medicine using tissue engineering approaches.