bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Hierarchical Fuzzy System for Quality Assessment of Semantic Web Application as a Service
Authors: Baliyan Niyati , Kumar Sandeep
Published: February 2016

Semantic Web enabled applications are becoming popular due to the presence of their machine comprehensible description, which makes them easily sharable across machines. If such applications are deployed as services to the user through the Cloud, they can facilitate transparency and reusability. There exist no attributes, metrics, or models for monitoring the quality of such applications. In the current work, a hierarchical fuzzy system for quality assessment of Semantic Web based applications delivered as services on the Cloud, is proposed. The quality attributes proposed herein have been validated through the standard IEEE-1061 validation framework. Experimental results reveal that the proposed hierarchical fuzzy system handles the multiplicity of quality attributes, and can be used for the relative ranking of Semantic Web applications available as services
Variability for Qualities in Software Architecture
Authors: Alebrahim Azadeh , Faßbender Stephan , Filipczyk Martin , Goedicke Michael , Heisel Maritta , Zdun Uwe
Published: February 2016

Variability is a key factor of most systems. While there are many works covering variability in functionality, there is a research gap regarding variability in software qualities. There is an obvious imbalance between the importance of variability in the context of quality attributes, and the intensity of research in this area. To improve this situation, the First International Workshop on VAri- ability for QUalIties in SofTware Architecture (VAQUITA) was held jointly with ECSA 2015 in Cavtat/Dubrovnik, Croatia as a one-day workshop. The goal of VAQUITA was to investigate and stimulate the discourse about the matter of variability, qualities, and software architectures. The workshop featured three research paper presentations, one keynote talk, and two working group discussions. In this workshop report, we summarize the keynote talk and the presented papers. Additionally, we present the results of the working group discussions
Staying Tight: Plasmodesmal Membrane Contact Sites and the Control of Cell-to-Cell Connectivity in Plants
Authors: Tilsner Jens , Nicolas William , Rosado Abel , Bayer Emmanuelle M.
Published: February 2016

Multicellularity differs in plants and animals in that the cytoplasm, plasma membrane, and endomembrane of plants are connected between cells through plasmodesmal pores. Plasmodesmata (PDs) are essential for plant life and serve as conduits for the transport of proteins, small RNAs, hormones, and metabolites during developmental and defense signaling. They are also the only pathways available for viruses to spread within plant hosts. The membrane organization of PDs is unique, characterized by the close apposition of the endoplasmic reticulum and the plasma membrane and spoke-like filamentous structures linking the two membranes, which define PDs as membrane contact sites (MCSs). This specialized membrane arrangement is likely critical for PD function. Here, we review how PDs govern developmental and defensive signaling in plants, compare them with other types of MCSs, and discuss in detail the potential functional significance of the MCS nature of PDs.
Follicular Helper T Cells
Authors: Vinuesa Carola G. , Linterman Michelle A. , Yu Di , MacLennan Ian C.M.
Published: February 2016

Although T cell help for B cells was described several decades ago, it was the identification of CXCR5 expression by B follicular helper T (Tfh) cells and the subsequent discovery of their dependence on BCL6 that led to the recognition of Tfh cells as an independent helper subset and accelerated the pace of discovery. More than 20 transcription factors, together with RNA-binding proteins and microRNAs, control the expression of chemotactic receptors and molecules important for the function and homeostasis of Tfh cells. Tfh cells prime B cells to initiate extrafollicular and germinal center antibody responses and are crucial for affinity maturation and maintenance of humoral memory. In addition to the roles that Tfh cells have in antimicrobial defense, in cancer, and as HIV reservoirs, regulation of these cells is critical to prevent autoimmunity. The realization that follicular T cells are heterogeneous, comprising helper and regulatory subsets, has raised questions regarding a possible division of labor in germinal center B cell selection and elimination.
Genetics and Pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Liu Ta-Chiang , Stappenbeck Thaddeus S.
Published: February 2016

We are currently in an exciting time when our understanding of genetic underpinnings of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has undergone a revolution, based in large part on novel genotyping and sequencing technologies. With >160 susceptible loci identified for IBD, the goal is now to understand at a fundamental level the function of these susceptibility alleles. Determining the clinical relevance of how these susceptible genes shape the development of IBD is also a high priority. The main challenge is to understand how the environment and microbiome play a role in triggering disease in genetically susceptible individuals, as the interactions may be complex. To advance the field, novel in vitro and mouse models that are designed to interrogate complex genetics and functionally test hypotheses are needed. Ultimately, the goal of genetics studies will be to translate genetics to patients with IBD and improve their care.
Early Recognition of Foreign Body Aspiration as the Cause of Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Kashif Muhammad , Talib Hashmi Hafiz Rizwan , Khaja Misbahuddin
Published: February 2016

Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is uncommon in the adult population but can be a life-threatening condition. Clinical manifestations vary according to the degree of airway obstruction, and, in some cases, making the correct diagnosis requires a high level of clinical suspicion combined with a detailed history and exam. Sudden cardiac arrest after FBA may occur secondary to asphyxiation. We present a 48-year-old male with no history of cardiac disease brought to the emergency department after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The patient was resuscitated after 15 minutes of cardiac arrest. He was initially managed with therapeutic hypothermia (TH). Subsequent history suggested FBA as a possible etiology of the cardiac arrest, and fiberoptic bronchoscopy demonstrated a piece of meat and bone lodged in the left main stem bronchus. The foreign body was removed with the bronchoscope and the patient clinically improved with full neurological recovery. Therapeutic hypothermia following cardiac arrest due to asphyxia has been reported to have high mortality and poor neurological outcomes. This case highlights the importance of early identification of FBA causing cardiac arrest, and we report a positive neurological outcome for postresuscitation therapeutic hypothermia following cardiac arrest due to asphyxia.
User Adaptive Text Predictor for Mentally Disabled Huntington’s Patients
Authors: Gelšvartas Julius , Simutis Rimvydas , Maskeliūnas Rytis
Published: February 2016

This paper describes in detail the design of the specialized text predictor for patients with Huntington’s disease. The main aim of the specialized text predictor is to improve the text input rate by limiting the phrases that the user can type in. We show that such specialized predictor can significantly improve text input rate compared to a standard general purpose text predictor. Specialized text predictor, however, makes it more difficult for the user to express his own ideas. We further improved the text predictor by using the sematic database to extract synonym, hypernym, and hyponym terms for the words that are not present in the training data of the specialized text predictor. This data can then be used to compute reasonable predictions for words that are originally not known to the text predictor.
CO2Capture by Carbon Aerogel–Potassium Carbonate Nanocomposites
Authors: Yang Guang , Luo Hongchao , Ohba Tomonori , Kanoh Hirofumi
Published: February 2016

Recently, various composites for reducing CO2emissions have been extensively studied. Because of their high sorption capacity and low cost, alkali metal carbonates are recognized as a potential candidate to capture CO2from flue gas under moist conditions. However, undesirable effects and characteristics such as high regeneration temperatures or the formation of byproducts lead to high energy costs associated with the desorption process and impede the application of these materials. In this study, we focused on the regeneration temperature of carbon aerogel–potassium carbonate (CA–KC) nanocomposites, where KC nanocrystals were formed in the mesopores of the CAs. We observed that the nanopore size of the original CA plays an important role in decreasing the regeneration temperature and in enhancing the CO2capture capacity. In particular, 7CA–KC, which was prepared from a CA with 7 nm pores, exhibited excellent performance, reducing the desorption temperature to 380 K and exhibiting a high CO2capture capacity of 13.0 mmol/g-K2CO3, which is higher than the theoretical value for K2CO3under moist conditions.
Aspects of Moduli Stabilization in Type IIB String Theory
Authors: Khalil Shaaban , Moursy Ahmad , Nassar Ali
Published: February 2016

We review moduli stabilization in type IIB string theory compactification with fluxes. We focus on KKLT and Large Volume Scenario (LVS). We show that the predicted soft SUSY breaking terms in KKLT model are not phenomenological viable. In LVS, the following result for scalar mass, gaugino mass, and trilinear term is obtained:m0=m1/2=-A0=m3/2, which may account for Higgs mass limit ifm3/2~O(1.5) TeV. However, in this case, the relic abundance of the lightest neutralino cannot be consistent with the measured limits. We also study the cosmological consequences of moduli stabilization in both models. In particular, the associated inflation models such as racetrack inflation and Kähler inflation are analyzed. Finally, the problem of moduli destabilization and the effect of string moduli backreaction on the inflation models are discussed.
Reproductive Pathological Changes Associated with Experimental SubchronicCorynebacterium pseudotuberculosisInfection in Nonpregnant Boer Does
Authors: Othman A. M. , Abba Y. , Jesse F. F. A. , Ilyasu Y. M. , Saharee A. A. , Haron A. W. , Zamri-Saad M. , Lila M. A. M.
Published: February 2016

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosiscauses caseous lymphadenitis (CLA), which is a contagious and chronic disease in sheep and goats. In order to assess the histopathological changes observed in the reproductive organs of nonpregnant does infected with the bacteria, 20 apparently healthy adult Boer does were divided into four inoculation groups, intradermal, intranasal, oral, and control, consisting of five goats each. Excluding the control group, which was unexposed, other does were inoculated with 107 CFU/1 mL of liveC. pseudotuberculosisthrough the various routes stated above.Thirty days after infection, the ovaries, uterus, and iliac lymph nodes were collected for bacterial recovery and molecular detection, as well as histopathological examination. The mean changes in necrosis, congestion, inflammatory cell infiltration, and oedema varied in severity among the ovaries, uterus, and iliac lymph nodes following different inoculation routes. Overall, the intranasal route of inoculation showed more severe (p<0.05) lesions in all the organs examined. The findings of this study have shown thatC. pseudotuberculosiscould predispose to infertility resulting from pathological lesions in the uterus and ovaries of does.
Risk Factors for Hypogonadism in Male Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Zheng Rendong , Cao Lin , Cao Wen , Chu Xiaoqiu , Hu Yongxin , Zhang Huifeng , Xu Juan , Sun Hongping , Bao Weiping , Liu Kemian , Liu Chao
Published: February 2016

Background. Male hypogonadism is an endocrine disease characterized by low levels of serum testosterone and is closely related to the development of diabetes. The purpose of the present study was to observe the risk factors for hypogonadism in male patients with type 2 diabetes.Methods. A total of 213 patients with type 2 diabetes were enrolled and divided into a low total testosterone (TT) group (=75) and a normal TT group (=138). The patients’ blood glucose, blood lipids, serum insulin, and sex hormones were measured. The correlations between the patients’ metabolic index and sex hormone levels were analyzed.Results. Compared with the normal TT group, body mass index (BMI), fasting insulin (FINS), and HOMA insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) levels were significantly higher, but the luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were significantly lower in the low TT group (p<0.05). Correlation analyses found that TT was negatively correlated with BMI, waist circumference (WC), FINS, and HOMA-IR. TT was positively correlated with LH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).Conclusions. Several risk factors of diabetes associated closely with hypogonadism. BMI, metabolic syndrome (MS), HOMA-IR, and LH are independent risk factors for hypogonadism in male patients with type 2 diabetes.
A Multicast-Traffic-Oriented Energy-Saving Algorithm with a Hybrid Sleep Mode for EPONs
Authors: Zhang Lincong , Guo Lei , Liu Yejun , Wei Kefeng , Hou Weigang
Published: February 2016

High energy consumption in Ethernet Passive Optical Networks (EPONs) has caused intense research on energy-saving methods in recent years. The most common method for EPON energy saving is to cause optical network units (ONUs) to sleep which are idle or low loaded. With the popularity of multimedia applications, the ONUs carry not only unicast traffic but also more and more multicast traffic. However, existing studies mainly focus on ONUs that support only unicast traffic. The many differences between multicast traffic and unicast traffic make it necessary to design novel energy-saving methods. This paper proposes a multicast-traffic-oriented energy-saving algorithm for EPONs, called the energy-saving algorithm for multicast traffic (ESMT). To save as much energy as possible, the proposed algorithm uses a hybrid sleep mode (composed of a deep sleep state and an independent sleep mode) in which not only can ONU enter a deep sleep state, but also the ONU transmitter and receiver can sleep independently. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm, which is oriented to multicast traffic in EPONs, is more energy efficient than other algorithms.
Improved Vegetation Profiles with GOCI Imagery Using Optimized BRDF Composite
Authors: Kim Sang-il , Ahn Do-Seob , Han Kyung-Soo , Yeom Jong-Min
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this study was to optimize a composite method for the Geostationary Ocean Color Imager (GOCI), which is the first geostationary ocean color sensor in the world. Before interpreting the sensitivity of each composite with ground measurements, we evaluated the accuracy of bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) performance by comparing modeled surface reflectance from BRDF simulation with GOCI-measured surface reflectance according to composite period. The root mean square error values for modeled and measured surface reflectance showed reasonable accuracy for all of composite days since each BRDF composite period includes at least seven cloud-free angular sampling for all BRDF performances. Also, GOCI-BRDF-adjusted NDVIs with four different composite periods were compared with field-observation NDVI and we interpreted the sensitivity of temporal crop dynamics of GOCI-BRDF-adjusted NDVIs. The results showed that vegetation index seasonal profiles appeared similar to vegetation growth curves in both field observations from crop scans and GOCI normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data. Finally, we showed that a 12-day composite period was optimal in terms of BRDF simulation accuracy, surface coverage, and real-time sensitivity.
Improved Indium-Free Transparent ZnO/Metal/ZnO Electrode through a Statistical Experimental Design Method
Authors: Chen Pang Shiu , Peng Cheng-Hsiung , Chang Yu-Wei , Lin Tzu Wei , Lee S. W.
Published: February 2016

ZnO/Ag/ZnO (ZAZ) and ZnO/Cu/ZnO (ZCZ) were prepared. The dependence of crystalline, electrical, and optical properties for the multilayer on the postdeposition annealing (PDA) was studied. After PDA of 300°C for 20 min, the diffusion of Cu in ZnO occurs; this result is responsible for the increasing resistance of the annealed ZCZ. Ag with a thickness of 10 nm was deposited upon ZnO. The interface of ZnO and Ag is clearly revealed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The crystalline of ZnO and Ag films in the ZAZ with a sheet resistance (Rs) down to 4.17 Ω/sq. The ZAZ layer shows a better thermal stability (up to 400°C) than that of the ZCZ ones. The PDA degraded slightly the optical transmittance and increases the conductivity of ZAZ layer. The figure of merit (FOM) is applied to analysis of the ZAZ layer. The PDA can enhance the FOM of the ZAZ with Ag thickness >8 nm. The resultingRsand the transmittance ZAZ layers were analyzed by the Taguchi method to obtain the appropriate parameters. The optimized ZAZ has been verified with aRsof 2.3 Ω/sq, a high transmittance (71%), and the optimal FOM of 1.41 × 10−2 Ω−1.
Influence of Fiber Content on Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Woven Kenaf Reinforced PVB Film Produced Using a Hot Press Technique
Authors: Salman Suhad D. , Leman Z. , Sultan M. T. H. , Ishak M. R. , Cardona F.
Published: February 2016

This work addresses the results of experimental investigation carried out on mechanical and morphological properties of plain woven kenaf fiber reinforced PVB film which was prepared by hot press technique. The composites were prepared with various fiber contents: 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60% (by weight), with the processing parameters 165°C, 20 min, and at a pressure of 8 MPa applied on the material. Tensile, flexural, and Charpy impact properties were studied as well as morphological properties of impact fracture surface. With the increase in kenaf fibers content up to 40%, the PVB composites have shown lower tensile and flexural strength accompanied with reduction in the ultimate strain of the composite. The results showed that impact properties were affected in markedly different ways by using various kenaf contents and decrease with the increase in kenaf fiber content up to 40%; however, high impact strength was observed even with 40% kenaf fiber content. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy for impact samples was utilised to demonstrate the different failures in the fracture surfaces for various kenaf fibers contents.
Cable Crosstalk Suppression in Resistive Sensor Array with 2-Wire S-NSDE-EP Method
Authors: Wu JianFeng , Wang Lei
Published: February 2016

With long flexible cables connected to the 1-wire setting non-scanned-driving-electrode equipotential (S-NSDE-EP) circuit, the resistive sensor array modules got flexibility in robotic operations but suffered from the crosstalk problem caused by wire resistances and contacted resistances of the cables. Firstly, we designed a new S-NSDE-EP circuit using two wires for every driving-electrode and every sampling-electrode to reduce the crosstalk caused by the connected cables in the 2D networked resistive sensor array. Then, an equivalent resistance expression of the element being tested (EBT) for this circuit was analytically derived. Then, the 1-wire S-NSDE-EP circuit and the 2-wire S-NSDE-EP circuit were evaluated by simulations. The simulation results show that the 2-wire S-NSDE-EP circuit, though it requires a large number of wires, can greatly reduce the crosstalk error caused by wire resistances and contacted resistances of the cables in the 2D networked resistive sensor array.
Quality Assessment of Artemether-Lumefantrine Samples and Artemether Injections Sold in the Cape Coast Metropolis
Authors: Prah James , Ameyaw Elvis Ofori , Afoakwah Richmond , Fiawoyife Patrick , Oppong-Danquah Ernest , Boampong Johnson Nyarko
Published: February 2016

Most prescribers and patients in Ghana now opt for the relatively expensive artemether/lumefantrine rather than artesunate-amodiaquine due to undesirable side effects in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria. The study sought to determine the existence of substandard and/or counterfeit artemether-lumefantrine tablets and suspension as well as artemether injection on the market in Cape Coast. Six brands of artemether-lumefantrine tablets, two brands of artemether-lumefantrine suspensions, and two brands of artemether injections were purchased from pharmacies in Cape Coast for the study. The mechanical properties of the tablets were evaluated. The samples were then analyzed for the content of active ingredients using High Performance Liquid Chromatography with a variable wavelength detector. None of the samples was found to be counterfeit. However, the artemether content of the samples was variable (93.22%−104.70% of stated content by manufacturer). The lumefantrine content of the artemether/lumefantrine samples was also variable (98.70%–111.87%). Seven of the artemether-lumefantrine brands passed whilst one failed the International Pharmacopoeia content requirements. All brands of artemether injections sampled met the International Pharmacopoeia content requirement. The presence of a substandard artemether-lumefantrine suspension in the market should alert regulatory bodies to be more vigilant and totally flush out counterfeit and substandard drugs from the Ghanaian market.
Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis and Its Association with Adrenal Insufficiency: Assessment with the Low-Dose ACTH Stimulation Test
Authors: Rodríguez-Gutiérrez René , Rendon Adrian , Barrera-Sánchez Maximiliano , Carlos-Reyna Kevin Erick Gabriel , Álvarez-Villalobos Neri Alejandro , González-Saldivar Gloria , González-González José Gerardo
Published: February 2016

Background. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a major public health care concern that affects the life of millions of people around the world. The association of tuberculosis and adrenal insufficiency is well known; however, it is thought to be less prevalent every time. A spike in TB incidence and a lack of evidence of this association in patients with MDR-TB call for reassessment of an illness (adrenal dysfunction) that if not diagnosed could seriously jeopardize patients’ health.Objective. To determine the prevalence of adrenocortical insufficiency in patients with MDR-TB using the low-dose (1 μg) ACTH stimulation test at baseline and at 6–12 months of follow-up after antituberculosis treatment and culture conversion.Methods. A total of 48 men or women, aged ≥18 years (HIV-negative patients diagnosed with pulmonary MDR-TB) were included in this prospective observational study. Blood samples for serum cortisol were taken at baseline and 30 and 60 minutes after 1 μg ACTH stimulation at our tertiary level university hospital before and after antituberculosis treatment.Results. Forty-seven percent of subjects had primary MDR-TB; 43.8% had type 2 diabetes; none were HIV-positive. We found at enrollment 2 cases (4.2%) of adrenal insufficiency taking 500 nmol/L as the standard cutoff point value and 4 cases (8.3%) alternatively, using 550 nmol/L. After antituberculosis intensive phase drug-treatment and a negative mycobacterial culture (10.2±3.6months) adrenocortical function was restored in all cases.Conclusions. In patients with MDR-TB, using the low-dose ACTH stimulation test, a low prevalence of mild adrenal insufficiency was observed. After antituberculosis treatment adrenal function was restored in all cases. Given the increasing and worrying epidemic of MDR-TB these findings have important clinical implications that may help clinicians and patients make better decisions when deciding to test for adrenocortical dysfunction or treat insufficient stimulated cortisol levels in the setting of MDR-TB.
XOR-FREE Implementation of Convolutional Encoder for Reconfigurable Hardware
Authors: Purohit Gaurav , Raju Kota Solomon , Chaubey Vinod Kumar
Published: February 2016

This paper presents a novel XOR-FREE algorithm to implement the convolutional encoder using reconfigurable hardware. The approach completely removes the XOR processing of a chosen nonsystematic, feedforward generator polynomial of larger constraint length. The hardware (HW) implementation of new architecture uses Lookup Table (LUT) for storing the parity bits. The design implements architectural reconfigurability by modifying the generator polynomial of the same constraint length and code rate to reduce the design complexity. The proposed architecture reduces the dynamic power up to 30% and improves the hardware cost and propagation delay up to 20% and 32%, respectively. The performance of the proposed architecture is validated in MATLAB Simulink and tested on Zynq-7 series FPGA.
Colonic Mucosal Epigenome and Microbiome Development in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Harris R. Alan , Shah Rajesh , Hollister Emily B. , Tronstad Rune Rose , Hovdenak Nils , Szigeti Reka , Versalovic James , Kellermayer Richard
Published: February 2016

Epigenetic and microbiome changes during pediatric development have been implicated as important elements in the developmental origins of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), which are linked to early onset colorectal cancer (CRC). Colonic mucosal samples from 22 control children between 3.5 and 17.5 years of age were studied by Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChips and, in 10 cases, by 454 pyrosequencing of the bacterial16S rRNAgene. Intercalating age-specific DNA methylation and microbiome changes were identified, which may have significant translational relevance in the developmental origins of IBD and CRC.
Probing into the Interaction of Nicotine and Bovine Submaxillary Mucin: NMR, Fluorescence, and FTIR Approaches
Authors: Liao Xiaoxiang , Yuan Dalin , Tang Jianguo , Yang Hongqin , Liang Bing , Cheng Qiang , Li Hui
Published: February 2016

Nicotine, the important component of cigarette products, may have an impact on the oral environment after inhalation. The research of interaction between nicotine and bovine submaxillary mucin (BSM) contributes to understand the binding mechanism of nicotine and BSM, and the effects of nicotine on the structure and function of the mucin. NMR data demonstrated that the interaction between nicotine and BSM did exist, and it was pyrrolidyl ring of nicotine playing the major role in the binding. The quenching mechanisms of nicotine and BSM in different pH were different: for acidic environment, the quenching was dynamic; while it became static in the alkaline circumstance. Synchronous fluorescence spectra indicated that nicotine had effect on the microenvironment of the Trp rather than Tyr residue. Meanwhile, the impact of nicotine on the conformation of BSM was also confirmed by 3D fluorescence and FTIR spectra.
Does Hamulotomy during Palatoplasty Have Any Effect on Hearing Ability in Nonsyndromic Cleft Palate Patients? A Prospective, Single Blind, Comparative Study
Authors: Jain Anuj , Nimonkar Pranali , Bhola Nitin , Borle Rajiv , Jadhav Anendd , Sharma Shishir , Oswal Shrenik
Published: February 2016

The primary goal of palatoplasty is to achieve a tension-free palatal closure ensuring no postoperative complications. Many surgeons fracture the pterygoid hamulus to minimize tension during palatoplasty. However, this maneuver gained criticism by some authors on the grounds that it may lead to Eustachian Tube dysfunction. Our study intended to figure out the relationship of hamulus fracture with the postoperative state of middle ear in cleft palate children. Fifty consecutive cleft palate patients with an age range of 10 months to 5 years were recruited. All the patients were assigned to either hamulotomy or nonhamulotomy group preoperatively. The patients were subjected to otoscopic examination and auditory function evaluation by brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA) preoperatively and 1 month and 6 months postoperatively. Otoscopy revealed that the difference in the improvement of middle ear status in both groups was statistically insignificant. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the BERA outcomes of the fracture and nonfracture populations. Complication rate in both groups was also statistically not significant. It can be concluded that hamulotomy does not have any effect on the hearing ability in cleft palate population, so hamulotomy can be performed for tension-free closure during palatoplasty.
US and CT of the Liver after Electric Shock
Authors: Sofić Amela , Bešlić Nermina , Efendić Alma , Čarovac Aladin , Šabanović Jusuf , Jahić Elma , Bukvić Melika , Krakonja Fikreta , Kupusović Jana
Published: February 2016

Liver injuries caused by high voltage electricity are rare and result in high mortality and morbidity. They are produced by the resistance to the passage of electrical current through the tissue, which creates heat that leads to coagulation necrosis and rupture of the cell membrane. We present a case of an electrical injury to the liver, diagnosed by ultrasound and CT in a 39-year-old man who presented with skin burns on his right hand and right hemiabdomen. Injuries occurred after the contact with 220 kV high voltage electricity.
Natural Killer Cell–Based Immunotherapy in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Lessons for the Future
Authors: Muntasell Aura , López-Botet Miguel
Published: February 2016

The article by Curti and colleagues highlights the potential of natural killer (NK) cell–based adoptive cellular immunotherapy in oncology, currently boosted by advances in the knowledge on NK cell biology and in their ex vivo GMP manipulation. Several issues deserve attention to fully achieve the translation of these advances to the clinic. Clin Cancer Res; 22(8); 1831–3. ©2016 AACR.

See related article by Curti et al., p. 1914
Intracochlear Drug Injections through the Round Window Membrane: Measures to Improve Drug Retention
Authors: Plontke Stefan K. , Hartsock Jared J. , Gill Ruth M. , Salt Alec N.
Published: February 2016

The goal of this study was to develop an appropriate methodology to apply drugs quantitatively to the perilymph of the ear. Intratympanic applications of drugs to the inner ear often result in variable drug levels in the perilymph and can only be used for molecules that readily permeate the round window (RW) membrane. Direct intracochlear and intralabyrinthine application procedures for drugs, genes or cell-based therapies bypass the tight boundaries at the RW, oval window, otic capsule and the blood-labyrinth barrier. However, perforations can release inner ear pressure, allowing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to enter through the cochlear aqueduct, displacing the injected drug solution into the middle ear. Two markers, fluorescein or fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled dextran, were used to quantify how much of an injected substance was retained in the cochlear perilymph following an intracochlear injection. We evaluated whether procedures to mitigate fluid leaks improved marker retention in perilymph. Almost all procedures to reduce volume efflux, including the use of gel for internal sealing and glue for external sealing of the injection site, resulted in improved retention of the marker in perilymph. Adhesive on the RW membrane effectively prevented leaks but also influenced fluid exchange between CSF and perilymph. We conclude that drugs can be delivered to the ear in a consistent, quantitative manner using intracochlear injections if care is taken to control the fluid leaks that result from cochlear perforation.
The Glasgow Prognostic Score Predicts Response to Chemotherapy in Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Wang Dexing , Duan Li , Tu Zhiquan , Yan Fei , Zhang Cuicui , Li Xu , Cao Yuzhu , Wen Hongsheng
Published: February 2016

Purpose: Breast cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer death in women worldwide. The Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), a cumulative prognostic score based on C-reactive protein and albumin, indicates the presence of a systemic inflammatory response. The GPS has been adopted as a powerful prognostic tool for patients with various types of malignant tumors, including breast cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the value of the GPS in predicting the response and toxicity in breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. Patients and Methods: Patients with metastatic breast cancers in a progressive stage for consideration of chemotherapy were eligible. The clinical characteristics and demographics were recorded. The GPS was calculated before the onset of chemotherapy. Data on the response to chemotherapy and progression-free survival (PFS) were also collected. Objective tumor responses were evaluated according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). Toxicities were graded according to National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTC) version 3.0 throughout therapy. Results: In total, 106 breast cancer patients were recruited. The GPS was associated with the response rate (p = 0.05), the clinical benefit rate (p = 0.03), and PFS (p = 0.005). The GPS was the only independent predictor of PFS (p = 0.005). The GPS was significantly associated with neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anorexia, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, and mucositis (p = 0.05-0.001). Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that GPS assessment is associated with poor clinical outcomes and severe chemotherapy-related toxicities in patients with metastatic breast cancer who have undergone chemotherapy, without any specific indication regarding the type of chemotherapy applied.
Sedation during Minimal Invasive Surfactant Therapy in Preterm Infants
Authors: Dekker Janneke , Lopriore Enrico , Rijken Monique , Rijntjes-Jacobs Esther , Smits-Wintjens Vivianne , te Pas Arjan
Published: February 2016

Background: There is no data available whether sedation should be given during minimally invasive surfactant therapy (MIST). Objective: To compare the level of comfort of preterm infants receiving sedation versus no sedation for MIST. Methods: A retrospective study of preterm infants receiving MIST was performed in Leiden University Medical Center in 2014. Sedation (propofol 1 mg/kg) was optional and left to the discretion of the caregiver. Standardized COMFORTneo scores were compared, and COMFORTneo <14 was considered comfortable. Basic characteristics and complications were noted. Results: In 38 infants receiving MIST, 23 received propofol and 15 were not sedated. Mean (SD) gestational age [29 (2) vs. 29 (3) weeks] and birth weight [1,312 (483) vs. 1,469 (588) g] were not different. Median (IQR) COMFORTneo was not different between the groups before [11 (9-15) vs. 10 (8-12)] and after MIST [10 (8-12) vs. 9 (8-10)], but lower in the sedated group during MIST [12 (9-17) vs. 20 (15-23)] with more often COMFORTneo <14 (56 vs. 11%). Duration of MIST [2 (2-4) vs. 3 (2-7) min] and occurrence of bradycardia (13 vs. 33%) and hypotension (21 vs. 18%) were not different. Although not significant, intubation occurred more often in the sedated group (during MIST: 9 vs. 0%, <24 h after MIST: 26 vs. 13%). During MIST, oxygen saturation <80% lasted longer in the sedated group [3 (2-4) vs. 1 (0-2) min], and nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation was applied more (100 vs. 33%). Conclusions: Preterm infants receiving MIST were more comfortable when sedation was given, but needed ventilation more often. A randomized controlled trial is warranted to test whether the benefit of sedation outweighs the risks of complications.
Schizo-Obsessive Disorder: A Brief Report of Neuroimaging Findings
Authors: Attademo Luigi , Bernardini Francesco , Quartesan Roberto
Published: February 2016

Background: The term ‘schizo-obsessive disorder' was coined to describe schizophrenia (SCZ) patients who are also affected by obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) or also meet the criteria for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Several studies have investigated the clinical and epidemiological features of OCS/OCD in SCZ, but the neuroimaging literature is sparse. The aim of this brief report is to describe some of the most important neuroimaging findings regarding schizo-obsessive disorder. Methods: A literature search of the PubMed electronic database was conducted up to July 25, 2015. Search terms included ‘schizo-obsessive' combined with the names of specific neuroimaging techniques. Results: Neuroimaging studies suggest that there may be a specific pattern of neuroanatomic dysfunction in schizo-obsessive patients, but the number of studies is limited and conclusions are preliminary because reports are of an exploratory nature. Conclusions: Further neurobiological research is needed to definitely determine whether schizo-obsessive disorder might have unique neuroanatomical and functional alterations.
Understanding the Aortic Isthmus Doppler Profile and Its Changes with Gestational Age Using a Lumped Model of the Fetal Circulation
Authors: Garcia-Canadilla Patricia , Crispi Fatima , Cruz-Lemini Monica , Valenzuela-Alcaraz Brenda , Rudenick Paula A. , Gratacos Eduard , Bijnens Bart H.
Published: February 2016

Objective: The aortic isthmus (AoI) blood flow has a characteristic shape with a small end-systolic notch observed during the third trimester of pregnancy. However, what causes the appearance of this notch is not fully understood. We used a lumped model of the fetal circulation to study the possible factors causing the end-systolic notch and the changes of AoI flow through gestation. Methods: A validation of the model was performed by fitting patient-specific data from two normal fetuses. Then, different parametric analyses were performed to evaluate the major determinants of the appearance of the end-systolic notch. The changes in the AoI flow profile through gestation were assessed. Results: Our model allows to simulate the AoI waveform. The delay in the onset of ejection together with the longer ejection duration of the right ventricle are the most relevant factors in the origin of the notch. It appears around 25 weeks of gestation and becomes more pronounced with advancing gestation. Discussion: We demonstrated that the end-systolic notch on the AoI flow occurs mainly as a result of a delayed and longer ejection of the right ventricle. Our findings improve the understanding of hemodynamic changes in the fetal circulation and the interpretation of clinical imaging.
Treatment Modification in Young Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Scharl Anton , Salterberg Annette , Untch Michael , Liedtke Cornelia , Stickeler Elmar , Papathemelis Thomas
Published: February 2016

Patients not older than 40 years are referred to as young patients. These women benefit from chemo-, endocrine and anti-HER2 therapy to a similar degree as older women. Surgery and radiation therapy also follow the same recommendations. This manuscript deals with the following topics that need special consideration in young women: endocrine therapy and ovarian suppression; fertility protection and family planning; and genetic counselling. There is an on-going debate on whether tamoxifen is sufficient as an endocrine treatment in young patients with endocrine-responsive tumours or whether suppression of ovarian function in combination with tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitor should be preferred. Recent data suggest a benefit from ovarian suppression plus exemestane in women of 35 years or younger with high-risk breast cancer. However, increased side effects bear the risk of lesser compliance, which eventually results in higher mortality. Child bearing is nowadays frequently postponed to the 4th decade of life, thereby increasing the number of women who have not yet finished their reproductive desires when diagnosed with breast cancer. These patients are in urgent need of counselling for fertility protection. Breast cancer diagnosis at young age is an indication for a possible mutation in breast cancer susceptibility genes. This has an impact on the cancer risk of the whole family, especially the offspring. Drugs that are specifically targeted to cancer cells with genetic alterations that impair DNA repair are already entering the arsenal of oncologists.
Sex and Race/Ethnicity–Related Disparities in Care and Outcomes After Hospitalization for Coronary Artery Disease Among Older Adults
Authors: Li Shanshan , Fonarow Gregg C. , Mukamal Kenneth J. , Liang Li , Schulte Phillip J. , Smith Eric E. , DeVore Adam , Hernandez Adrian F. , Peterson Eric D. , Bhatt Deepak L.
Published: February 2016

Background—

It is unclear to what extent cardiovascular health disparities exist and can be modified among sexes, racial/ethnic groups, and geographic regions in US hospitals.

Methods and Results—

We conducted a cohort study of 49 358 patients aged 65 years and older, admitted to 366 US hospitals from 2003 to 2009 as part of the Get With The Guidelines—Coronary Artery Disease registry linked with Medicare inpatient data. We examined mortality disparities of sex, race/ethnicity, and geographic region with 3-year mortality. The mediator was defined as receiving optimal quality of care. Logistic regression with generalized estimating equations and mediation analysis were used. Compared with men, women were less likely to receive optimal care (odds ratio=0.92; 95% confidence interval: 0.88–0.95;
P
<0.0001) and more likely to have higher mortality if they received suboptimal care (odds ratio=1.25; 95% confidence interval: 1.00–1.55;
P
=0.05,
P
for interaction=0.04). Approximately 69% of the sex disparity may potentially be reduced by providing optimal quality of care to women. Quality of care did not differ across racial/ethnic groups or geographic regions. Blacks were more likely to die than whites (odds ratio=1.33; 95% confidence interval: 1.21–1.46;
P
<0.0001), and this disparity persisted regardless of the quality of care received.

Conclusions—

Women were less likely than men to receive optimal care at discharge. The observed sex disparity in mortality could potentially be reduced by providing equitable and optimal care. In contrast, the higher mortality observed in black patients could not be accounted for by differences in the quality of care measured in this study.
Prognostic Effect of the Nocturnal Blood Pressure Fall in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Salles Gil F. , Reboldi Gianpaolo , Fagard Robert H. , Cardoso Claudia R.L. , Pierdomenico Sante D. , Verdecchia Paolo , Eguchi Kazuo , Kario Kazuomi , Hoshide Satoshi , Polonia Jorge , de la Sierra Alejandro , Hermida Ramon C. , Dolan Eamon , O’Brien Eoin , Roush George C.
Published: February 2016

The prognostic importance of the nocturnal systolic blood pressure (SBP) fall, adjusted for average 24-hour SBP levels, is unclear. The Ambulatory Blood Pressure Collaboration in Patients With Hypertension (ABC-H) examined this issue in a meta-analysis of 17 312 hypertensives from 3 continents. Risks were computed for the systolic night-to-day ratio and for different dipping patterns (extreme, reduced, and reverse dippers) relative to normal dippers. ABC-H investigators provided multivariate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs), with and without adjustment for 24-hour SBP, for total cardiovascular events (CVEs), coronary events, strokes, cardiovascular mortality, and total mortality. Average 24-hour SBP varied from 131 to 140 mm Hg and systolic night-to-day ratio from 0.88 to 0.93. There were 1769 total CVEs, 916 coronary events, 698 strokes, 450 cardiovascular deaths, and 903 total deaths. After adjustment for 24-hour SBP, the systolic night-to-day ratio predicted all outcomes: from a 1-SD increase, summary HRs were 1.12 to 1.23. Reverse dipping also predicted all end points: HRs were 1.57 to 1.89. Reduced dippers, relative to normal dippers, had a significant 27% higher risk for total CVEs. Risks for extreme dippers were significantly influenced by antihypertensive treatment (
P
<0.001): untreated patients had increased risk of total CVEs (HR, 1.92), whereas treated patients had borderline lower risk (HR, 0.72) than normal dippers. For CVEs, heterogeneity was low for systolic night-to-day ratio and reverse/reduced dipping and moderate for extreme dippers. Quality of included studies was moderate to high, and publication bias was undetectable. In conclusion, in this largest meta-analysis of hypertensive patients, the nocturnal BP fall provided substantial prognostic information, independent of 24-hour SBP levels.
“The Foundation of the Old Testament”
Authors: McGraw Ryan M.
Published: February 2016

John Owen was one of the most significant theologians in British history. He exemplifies British Reformed orthodox theology at its height. The relationship between exegesis and theology in Reformed orthodoxy is often a neglected topic in secondary literature. This article examines Owen’s exegesis of Genesis 3:15 in its international historical context to demonstrate the close relationship between theology and exegesis in the Reformed tradition. This analysis will better enable historians to reassess common misconceptions of Reformed orthodoxy and to equip theologians to draw potentially from Owen and others as a historical model for doing theology.
Was There an Altar or a Temple in the Sacred Precinct on Mt. Gerizim?
Authors: Pummer Reinhard
Published: February 2016

After the recent excavations by Itzhak Magen on the main summit of Mount Gerizim it has become clear that the Samari(t)an sanctuary stood within a sacred precinct in the Persian and Hellenistic times. So far, no direct evidence of the nature of the sanctuary has been unearthed. The excavator and many contemporary scholars assume it was a temple building. However, some scholars question the accuracy of this assumption and believe that the sanctuary more likely was an altar. This paper reviews both the arguments that speak for an altar and those that speak for a walled and roofed temple.
Textphilologische Überlegungen zu Commodian, Carmen apologeticum 449f.
Authors: Schubert Christoph
Published: February 2016

The feeling that traditional textual philology has largely solved its tasks has become prevalent in classical scholarship. This contribution argues the case for recognising the ongoing necessity of textual-philological work. This necessity is demonstrated by way of discussing a textually and interpretatively difficult passage from the poet Commodian, Carmen apologeticum 449f. In contrast to the opinion hitherto put forward that Commodian quotes freely from Psalm 109, a literal quotation from John 20,17 can be ascertained. This renders the conjecture ascende for transmitted ascendo dispensable, is consistent with the author’s usual quotational practice of actually quoting literally after explicitly introducing a quotation, and, through the quotation selected, seamlessly assimilates into the author’s modalistic-docetic theology. Within the context of the same verses, the variant prophet< ia> should be considered, apart from the conjecture prophet< ae>, in order to heal the corrupt propheti.
Best Protection Against Eviction?
Authors: Fick Sarah , Vols Michel
Published: February 2016

This study focuses on two legal instruments that grant robust protection against eviction: the European Convention on Human Rights (echr) and the South African Constitution (sa Constitution). It compares the protection offered by these two instruments to ascertain which of these instruments offer the most comprehensive protection to unlawful occupiers. This is done so as to determine whether and to what extent these instruments should adopt the protections and approaches offered by the other. It is concluded that, although prima facie the instruments offer similar protection, the implementation of the protections under the sa Constitution offers greater protection. While this can be justified by the socio-economic realities in South Africa, some recommendations regarding the implementation of protections under the echr are made.