bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of recurrent aneurysms using the Woven EndoBridge (WEB): anatomical and clinical results
Authors: Gawlitza Matthias , Soize Sebastien , Januel Anne-Christine , Mihalea Cristian , Metaxas Georgios-Emmanouil , Cognard Christophe , Pierot Laurent
Published: October 2017

Background

The safety and efficacy of the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) for the treatment of naïve intracranial aneurysms has been confirmed.

Purpose

To analyze the safety and efficacy of the WEB in the treatment of recurrent aneurysms.

Methods

Anatomical and clinical results in consecutive patients with a recurrent aneurysm, who were treated using the WEB device in two French neurointerventional centers, were evaluated.

Results

Seventeen patients with 17 aneurysms were included. Treatment was feasible in 16 patients. In seven patients (41.2%), ancillary devices were used. Permanent morbidity due to a thromboembolic complication occurred in one patient (5.9%). There was no mortality. Follow-up angiographic studies were available for 15 patients after a mean of 12.1±6.1 months. Rates of complete occlusion, neck remnant, and aneurysm remnant were 33.3%, 40.0%, and 26.7%, respectively.

Conclusions

Treatment of recurrent aneurysms using the WEB device may be reasonably safe and effective.
Impact of considering non-occupational radiation exposure on the association between occupational dose and solid cancer among French nuclear workers
Authors: Fournier Lucie , Cléro Enora , Samson Eric , Caër-Lorho Sylvaine , Laurier Dominique , Leuraud Klervi
Published: October 2017

Objectives

The French nuclear worker cohort allows for the assessment of cancer risk associated with occupational radiation exposure, but workers are also exposed to medical and environmental radiation which can be of the same order of magnitude. This study aims to examine the impact of non-occupational radiation exposures on the dose-risk analysis between occupational radiation exposure and cancer mortality.

Methods

The cohort included workers employed before 1995 for at least one year by CEA, AREVA NC or EDF and badge-monitored for external radiation exposure. Monitoring results were used to calculate occupational individual doses. Scenarios of work-related X-ray and environmental exposures were simulated. Poisson regression was used to quantify associations between occupational exposure and cancer mortality adjusting for non-occupational radiation exposure.

Results

The mean cumulative dose of external occupational radiation was 18.4 mSv among 59 004 workers. Depending on the hypotheses made, the mean cumulative work-related X-ray dose varied between 3.1 and 9.2 mSv and the mean cumulative environmental dose was around 130 mSv. The unadjusted excess relative rate of cancer per Sievert (ERR/Sv) was 0.34 (90% CI −0.44 to 1.24). Adjusting for environmental radiation exposure did not substantially modify this risk coefficient, but it was attenuated by medical exposure (ERR/Sv point estimate between 0.15 and 0.23).

Conclusions

Occupational radiation risk estimates were lower when adjusted for work-related X-ray exposures. Environmental exposures had a very slight impact on the occupational exposure risk estimates. In any scenario of non-occupational exposure considered, a positive but insignificant excess cancer risk associated with occupational exposure was observed.
Industrial hog farming is associated with altered circulating immunological markers
Authors: Hofmann Jonathan N , Shiels Meredith S , Friesen Melissa C , Kemp Troy J , Chaturvedi Anil K , Lynch Charles F , Parks Christine G , Pinto Ligia A , Hildesheim Allan , Alavanja Michael C R , Beane Freeman Laura E
Published: October 2017

Objectives

The previously observed inverse association between hog farming and risk of lung cancer in the Agricultural Health Study (AHS) has been attributed to endotoxin exposure, the levels of which are particularly high in industrial hog confinement facilities. We conducted an investigation to explore the potential biological mechanisms underlying this association, as well as other immunological changes associated with hog farming.

Methods

Serum immune marker levels were measured using a multiplexed bead-based assay in 61 active hog farmers and 61 controls matched on age, phlebotomy date and raising cattle. Both groups comprised non-smoking male AHS participants from Iowa. We compared natural log-transformed marker levels between hog farmers and controls using multivariate linear regression models.

Results

Circulating levels of macrophage-derived chemokine (CCL22), a chemokine previously implicated in lung carcinogenesis, were reduced among hog farmers (17% decrease; 95% CI −28% to −4%), in particular for those with the largest operations (>6000 hogs: 26% decrease; 95% CI −39% to −10%; ptrend=0.002). We also found that hog farmers had elevated levels of other immune markers, including macrophage inflammatory protein-3 alpha (MIP-3A/CCL20; 111% increase, 95% CI 19% to 273%), basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2; 93% increase, 95% CI 10% to 240%) and soluble interleukin-4 receptor (12% increase, 95% CI 1% to 25%), with particularly strong associations for MIP-3A/CCL20 and FGF-2 in winter.

Conclusions

These results provide insights into potential immunomodulatory mechanisms through which endotoxin or other exposures associated with hog farming may influence lung cancer risk, and warrant further investigation with more detailed bioaerosol exposure assessment.
International management platform for children’s interstitial lung disease (chILD-EU)
Authors: Griese Matthias , Seidl Elias , Hengst Meike , Reu Simone , Rock Hans , Anthony Gisela , Kiper Nural , Emiralioğlu Nagehan , Snijders Deborah , Goldbeck Lutz , Leidl Reiner , Ley-Zaporozhan Julia , Krüger-Stollfuss Ingrid , Kammer Birgit , Wesselak Traudl , Eismann Claudia , Schams Andrea , Neuner Doerthe , MacLean Morag , Nicholson Andrew G , Lauren McCann , Clement Annick , Epaud Ralph , de Blic Jacques , Ashworth Michael , Aurora Paul , Calder Alistair , Wetzke Martin , Kappler Matthias , Cunningham Steve , Schwerk Nicolaus , Bush Andy
Published: October 2017

Background

Children’s interstitial lung diseases (chILD) cover many rare entities, frequently not diagnosed or studied in detail. There is a great need for specialised advice and for internationally agreed subclassification of entities collected in a register.

Our objective was to implement an international management platform with independent multidisciplinary review of cases at presentation for long-term follow-up and to test if this would allow for more accurate diagnosis. Also, quality and reproducibility of a diagnostic subclassification system were assessed using a collection of 25 complex chILD cases.

Methods

A web-based chILD management platform with a registry and biobank was successfully designed and implemented.

Results

Over a 3-year period, 575 patients were included for observation spanning a wide spectrum of chILD. In 346 patients, multidisciplinary reviews were completed by teams at five international sites (Munich 51%, London 12%, Hannover 31%, Ankara 1% and Paris 5%). In 13%, the diagnosis reached by the referring team was not confirmed by peer review. Among these, the diagnosis initially given was wrong (27%), imprecise (50%) or significant information was added (23%).

The ability of nine expert clinicians to subcategorise the final diagnosis into the chILD-EU register classification had an overall exact inter-rater agreement of 59% on first assessment and after training, 64%. Only 10% of the ‘wrong’ answers resulted in allocation to an incorrect category. Subcategorisation proved useful but training is needed for optimal implementation.

Conclusions

We have shown that chILD-EU has generated a platform to help the clinical assessment of chILD.

Trial registration number

Results, NCT02852928.
Cellular characteristics of keratin 19‐positive canine hepatocellular tumours explain its aggressive behaviour
Authors: van Sprundel Renee G , van den Ingh Ted SGAM , Schotanus Baukje A , van Wolferen Monique E , Penning Louis C , Rothuizen Jan , Spee Bart
Published: October 2017

The expression of the hepatic progenitor cell marker keratin 19 (K19) in canine hepatocellular carcinomas is linked with a poor prognosis. To better understand this aggressive behaviour, K19‐positive hepatocellular carcinomas (n=5) and K19‐negative hepatocellular adenomas (n=6) were immunohistochemically stained for proteins involved in malignant tumour development. The K19‐positive carcinomas showed marked positivity for platelet‐derived growth factor receptor alpha polypeptide (PDGFRα), laminin, integrin beta‐1/CD29, B‐cell‐specific Moloney murine leukaemia virus Integration site 1, glypican‐3 (GPC‐3) and prominin‐1/CD133, in contrast with K19‐negative hepatocellular adenomas. Conversely, neurofibromatosis type 2 was highly expressed in the hepatocellular adenomas in contrast with the hepatocellular carcinomas. This expression pattern is clearly in line with the observed aggressive behaviour. The presence of the malignancy markers PDGFRα and GPC‐3 might make it possible to develop specific strategies to intervene in tumour growth and to devise novel serological tests and personalised treatment methods for canine hepatocellular carcinomas.
Chronic administration of ellagic acid improved the cognition in middle-aged overweight men
Authors: Liu Ying , Yu Shuyi , Wang Fen , Yu Haitao , Li Xueli , Dong Wanru , Lin Ruichao , Liu Qingshan
Published: October 2017

This study aimed to investigate if ellagic acid has beneficial effects on cognitive deficits in middle-aged overweight individuals and to propose a possible mechanism. A total of 150 middle-aged male participants, including 76 normal-weight and 74 overweight men, aged between 45 to 55 years, were recruited for this study. Both normal-weight and overweight participants were administered either 50 mg ellagic acid or placebo cellulose daily for 12 weeks. Blood lipids, peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and saliva cortisol were assessed on the last day of the procedure to investigate the effects induced by ellagic acid. The results revealed that ellagic acid treatment improved the levels of blood lipid metabolism with a 4.7% decline in total cholesterol, 7.3% decline in triglycerides, 26.5% increase in high-density lipoprotein, and 6.5% decline in low-density lipoprotein. Additionally, ellagic acid increased plasma BDNF by 21.2% in the overweight group and showed no effects on normal-weight participants. Moreover, the increased saliva cortisol level in overweight individuals was inhibited by 22.7% in a 12-week ellagic acid treatment. Also, compared with placebo, overweight individuals who consumed ellagic acid showed enhanced cognitive function as measured by the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report showing that ellagic acid prevents cognitive deficits through normalization of lipid metabolism, increase in plasma BDNF level, and reduction of saliva cortisol concentration. These results indicate that ellagic acid has a potential to restore cognitive performance related to mild age-related declines.
Capsaicin, the pungent principle of peppers, ameliorates alcohol-induced acute liver injury in mice via modulation of matrix metalloproteinases
Authors: Koneru Meghana , Sahu Bidya Dhar , Mir Salma Mukhtar , Ravuri Halley Gora , Kuncha Madhusudana , Mahesh Kumar Jerald , Kilari Eswar Kumar , Sistla Ramakrishna
Published: October 2017

Alcohol, the most common cause for hepatic injury, may further deteriorate the hepatic tissue when left unattended. Capsaicin, the pungent principle of chilli peppers, possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is a proven dietary antioxidant in various ailments. However, its role in alcohol-induced hepatic injury is unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of capsaicin on the hepatic tissue of mice treated with alcohol. Acute liver injury was induced in mice by oral gavage of 5 doses of 10 mL/kg of 50% ethyl alcohol at an interval of 12 h. The tissue antioxidant levels along with the mitochondrial functional parameters and matrix metalloproteinase levels were evaluated in the hepatic tissues of mice following alcohol challenge. The results showed that alcohol intake significantly attenuated the hepatic antioxidant levels and mitochondrial function. These changes were accompanied by enhanced serum hepatic injury markers and matrix metalloproteinases. However, capsaicin treatment (10 and 20 mg/kg, oral) throughout the experimental period caused a drastic improvement in the hepatic tissue of the alcohol-treated mice, reflected by the normalization of hepatic enzyme and protein levels along with restored histological alterations. These results indicate that capsaicin, as a dietary intervention, may prevent alcohol-induced acute liver injury.
Major Currency ETFs and Their Associated Spot and Futures Rates
Authors: Padungsaksawasdi Chaiyuth , Parhizgari Ali
Published: October 2017

To find a substitute vehicle for a direct investment in currencies, we study the behaviors of six major currency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and their respective spot and futures markets prior to and during the financial crisis of 2008. Our findings indicate that currency ETFs are near-perfect substitutes for a direct investment in currencies. We observe statistically significant differences in market behavior from the non-crisis subperiod to the crisis subperiod. Notwithstanding these differences, the price discovery of both the spot and the futures currency markets relative to their associated ETFs is overwhelming, consistent, and, to a large extent, similar. Under more stable conditions, the spot and the futures currency markets possess more dominant informational positions relative to their corresponding ETF markets.
A NOVEL CABLE-PULLEY UNDERACTUATED LOWER LIMB EXOSKELETON FOR HUMAN LOAD-CARRYING WALKING
Authors: LIU YANG , GAO YONGSHENG , ZHU YANHE
Published: October 2017

Wearable lower limb exoskeleton has comprehensive applications such as load-carrying augmentation, walking assistance, and rehabilitation training by using many active actuators in the joints to reduce the metabolic cost generally. The traditional fully actuated exoskeleton is bulky and requires large energy consumption, and the passive exoskeleton is difficult to provide effective power assistance. To achieve both small number of actuators and good assisting performance, this paper proposes a cable-pulley underactuated principle-based lower limb exoskeleton. The exoskeleton dynamics was modeled and the human-exoskeleton hybrid model was analyzed via ADAMS and LifeMOD to provide an evaluation method for power assistance. By exploiting the control strategy and utilizing the synergies of torque and power assistance, the hip joint and the knee joint can be actuated by a single cable simultaneously. Moreover, the human-exoskeleton co-simulation method was utilized to verify the assisting performance and control effect. In this simulation, the upper toque peak and power required by human are obviously reduced by power assistance and the joint angle curves without exoskeleton are in accordance with the joint angle curves with exoskeleton almost. In conclusion, the designed exoskeleton is compatible with human motion and feasible to provide effective power assistance in load-carrying walking.
HOW TO ENHANCE PATENT COMMERCIALISATION? AN ANALYSIS OF PATENT AGGREGATORS IN EUROPE
Authors: GALIAKHMETOV RUSLAN , GIURI PAOLA , MUNARI FEDERICO
Published: October 2017

In this study, we investigate the phenomenon of patent aggregators, entities that license or acquire patents from third parties with the goal of commercialising them through sale, licensing, enforcement, or the creation of new patent-based companies. We classify patent aggregators into four distinct types according to the following two main dimensions: the level of value added to a technology and the aggressiveness of their commercialisation strategy. We then construct a comprehensive map of patent aggregators established in Europe and analyse four case studies in greater depth. We discuss and compare characteristics of patent aggregators, their patent aggregation and commercialisation strategies, their main barriers and key success factors. Our findings lead to several policy and managerial recommendations.
PARTICIPATION MOTIVES, MORAL DISENGAGEMENT, AND UNETHICAL BEHAVIOUR IN IDEA COMPETITIONS
Authors: SCHEINER CHRISTIAN W. , BACCARELLA CHRISTIAN V. , BESSANT JOHN , VOIGT KAI-INGO
Published: October 2017

Idea competitions are becoming increasingly used as a resource for supporting the front end and downstream acceleration of innovation. But unethical behaviour of participants in such competitions can be detrimental, both for the organiser and for the motivation of the participating community. We assume that unethical behaviour can be explained by examining personal motives for participation and their influence on moral disengagement (MD) in which people are able to disengage from the self-regulatory process that normally impedes individuals from acting in a way inconsistent with their own moral standards. We hypothesise that monetary motives as representative for extrinsic motives for participation are positively related to MD while hedonic motives as representative of intrinsic motives are negatively related to MD. Our findings offer support for the positive relationship between MD and the tendency to make unethical decisions. Moreover, our results confirm a negative relationship between hedonic benefits and unethical behaviour. In addition, MD mediates the relationship between participants’ motivation for hedonic benefits and the tendency to make unethical decisions.
Applicability of Benford’s Law to Compliance Assessment of Self-Reported Wastewater Treatment Plant Discharge Data
Authors: Beiglou Pouyan Hatami Bahman , Gibbs Carole , Rivers Louie , Adhikari Umesh , Mitchell Jade
Published: October 2017

The United States (U.S.) environmental regulatory system relies heavily on self-reports to assess compliance among regulated facilities. However, the regulatory agencies have expressed concerns regarding the potential for fraud in self-reports and suggested that the likelihood of detection in the federal and state enforcement processes is low. In this paper, we apply Benford’s Law to three years of self-reported discharge parameters from wastewater treatment plant facilities in one U.S. state. We conclude that Benford’s Law alone may not be a reliable method for detecting potential data mishandling for individual facility–parameter combinations, but may provide information about the types of parameters most likely to be fraudulently reported and types of facilities most likely to do so. From a regulatory perspective, this information may help to prioritise potential fraud risks in self reporting and better direct limited resources.
A Hybrid Method for Transverse Vibration of Multi-Span Functionally Graded Material Pipes Conveying Fluid with Various Volume Fraction Laws
Authors: Deng Jiaquan , Liu Yongshou , Liu Wei
Published: October 2017

Both functionally graded materials (FGMs) and fluid-conveying pipes have wide applications in engineering communities. In this paper, the transverse vibration and stability of multi-span viscoelastic FGM pipes conveying fluid are investigated. Volume fraction laws including power law, sigmoid law and exponential law are introduced to describe the variations of material properties in FGM pipes. A hybrid method which combines reverberation-ray matrix method and wave propagation method is developed to calculate the natural frequencies, and the results determined by present method are compared with the existing results in literature. Then, a comparative study is performed to investigate the effects of fluid velocity, volume fraction laws and internal damping on transverse vibration and stability of the FGM pipes conveying fluid. The results demonstrate that the present method has high precision in dynamic analysis of multi-span pipes conveying fluid. It is also found that natural frequencies of FGM pipes can be adjusted by devising the volume fractions laws. This particular feature can be tailored to fulfill the special applications in engineering.
A New Inverse Analysis Method for Identifying the Elastic Properties of Thin Films Considering Thickness and Substrate Effects Simultaneously
Authors: Chakroun Nadia , Tekaya Aymen , Belhadjsalah Hedi , Benameur Tarek
Published: October 2017

This paper presents an innovative methodology for the measurement of the mechanical properties of thin films. The purpose is to identify the elastic properties of thin film materials considering the effects of thickness and substrate simultaneously. The new approach is based on the Dimensional Analysis Method (DAM) and the Finite Element Method (FEM) to develop the model’s explicit form. Using the reverse analysis method, numerical indentation tests were carried out to obtain the Young’s modulus of the film. Therefore, the identified film modulus was completely consistent with the input modulus, which ensures the reliability and the effectiveness of the proposed method. Moreover, a case study of TiN nanocoating deposited on Zr-Based Metallic Glasses was considered to validate the proposed model. This model is useful for thin film materials and can be used in different technological applications.
Free Vibration Analysis of an Axially Travelling Web with Intermediate Elastic Supports
Authors: Ma Liang , Chen Jiankui , Tang Wei , Yin Zhouping
Published: October 2017

The transverse vibration of axially travelling web may lead to poor quality of product in roll-to-roll manufacture, especially for the web with long span, which is usually installed with some elastic supports intermediately. This paper presents a mechanical model for predicting the dynamic behaviors of axially travelling web with intermediate elastic supports. Both of the axial movement and intermediate support are considered in this proposed model. The web is modeled as a thin plate and the elastic supports are modeled as monaxial springs. The derived equations of in-plane motion are linear and uncoupled with the transverse motion, whereas the equation of transverse motion is nonlinear and coupled with the in-plane motions. The Galerkin method is used to discretize the governing equations and compute natural frequencies. The numerical results agree well with the finite element results for the natural frequencies. The dynamic responses of the web are computed by employing the generalized-[Formula: see text] time integration method. A single intermediate elastic support case as well as multiple supports case are considered in this paper. The effects of the support position and stiffness on the natural frequency, stability and dynamic response of the travelling web are discussed.
Planning Option for African Renaissance: An Appraisal of Paradigm Shift to Neo-Mercantile Planning. Reflections from Nigeria
Authors: OKEKE Donald Chiuba
Published: October 2017

The neoliberal planning theory, the subject of the paper, is derived from the policy substantiation of the neoliberal development ideology. The theory is built on participatory principles in the context of market force ruled by informality. This planning perspective has had the potential to sustain the imperial space economy associated with Africa since the mid-19th century. Neoliberal planning theory is regarded as a theory that seriously questions its planning cognate purports as it indicates the outlook for contemporary planning initiatives, perspectives and frameworks. This paper argues that this trend is potentially antithetical to the rhetoric of African renaissance and postulates a change in development ideology as an entry point for appropriate planning option for Africa.
Hydrodynamic Interactions Among Bubbles, Drops, and Particles in Non-Newtonian Liquids
Authors: Zenit R. , Feng J.J.
Published: October 2017

The understanding of hydrodynamic forces around particles, drops, or bubbles moving in Newtonian liquids is modestly mature. It is possible to obtain predictions of the attractive–repulsive interaction for moving ensembles of dispersed particulate objects. There is a certain intuition of what the effects of viscous, inertial, and surface tension forces should be. When the liquid is non-Newtonian, this intuition is gone. In this review, we summarize recent efforts at gaining fundamental understanding of hydrodynamic interactions in non-Newtonian liquids. Due to the complexity of the problem, most investigations rely on experimental observations. However, computations of non-Newtonian fluid flow have made increasingly significant contributions to our understanding of particle, drop, and bubble interactions. We focus on gravity-driven flows: rise or sedimentation of single spheroidal objects, pairs, and dispersions. We identify the effects of two main rheological attributes—viscoelasticity and shear-dependent viscosity—on the interaction and potential aggregation of particles, drops, and bubbles. We end by highlighting the open questions in the subject and by suggesting future directions toward the fundamental physics as well as applications.
Particle Segregation in Dense Granular Flows
Authors: Gray John Mark Nicholas Timm
Published: October 2017

Granular materials composed of particles with differing grain sizes, densities, shapes, or surface properties may experience unexpected segregation during flow. This review focuses on kinetic sieving and squeeze expulsion, whose combined effect produces the dominant gravity-driven segregation mechanism in dense sheared flows. Shallow granular avalanches that form at the surface of more complex industrial flows such as heaps, silos, and rotating drums provide ideal conditions for particles to separate, with large particles rising to the surface and small particles percolating down to the base. When this is combined with erosion and deposition, amazing patterns can form in the underlying substrate. Gravity-driven segregation and velocity shear induce differential lateral transport, which may be thought of as a secondary segregation mechanism. This allows larger particles to accumulate at flow fronts, and if they are more frictional than the fine grains, they can feedback on the bulk flow, causing flow fingering, levee formation, and longer runout of geophysical mass flows.
Assessing Language Revitalization: Methods and Priorities
Authors: O'Grady William
Published: October 2017

With the rapid growth of interest in language revitalization and the development of hundreds of programs around the world, there is now a recognized need for ways to assess progress and identify problems. The primary objectives of this review are to outline the form that assessments of oral proficiency can take and to illustrate ways in which revitalization programs can begin to monitor their progress, by means of a combination of holistic appraisals of fluency and techniques that target individual features of language.
Introduction to the Theme “New Approaches for Studying Drug and Toxicant Action: Applications to Drug Discovery and Development”
Authors: Insel Paul A. , Amara Susan G. , Blaschke Terrence F. , Meyer Urs A.
Published: October 2017

The theme “New Approaches for Studying Drug and Toxicant Action: Applications to Drug Discovery and Development” links 13 articles in this volume of the Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology (ARPT). The engaging prefatory articles by Arthur Cho and Robert Lefkowitz set the stage for this theme and for the reviews that insightfully describe new approaches that advance research and discovery in pharmacology and toxicology. Examples include the progress being made in developing Organs-on-Chips/microphysiological systems and human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cells to aid in understanding cell and tissue pharmacokinetics, action, and toxicity; the recognition of the importance of circadian rhythm, the microbiome, and epigenetics in drug and toxicant responses; and the application of results from new types of patient-derived information to create personalized/precision medicine, including therapeutics for pain, which may perhaps provide help in dealing with the opioid epidemic in the United States. Such new information energizes discovery efforts in pharmacology and toxicology that seek to improve the efficacy and safety of drugs in patients and to minimize the consequences of exposure to toxins.
A Case of Nivolumab-Induced Severe Mononeuropathy Multiplex and Rhabdomyolysis
Authors: Sakai Katsuya , Mochizuki Hitoshi , Mochida Kosuke , Shiomi Kazutaka , Amano Masahiro , Nakazato Masamitsu
Published: October 2017

We report an 81-year-old man with multiple liver metastases after tumorectomy for primary mediastinal malignant melanoma, who experienced limb weakness and sensory disturbance after nivolumab monotherapy. He was diagnosed with nivolumab-induced mononeuropathy multiplex and rhabdomyolysis based on serologic examination, muscle biopsy, magnetic resonance imaging of the limbs, and a nerve conduction study. A course of intravenous methylprednisolone (mPSL) was initiated at 1 g/day for 3 days. After that, oral prednisolone (PSL) was started at 1 mg/kg/day and gradually tapered. Limb muscle strength improved, but when PSL was reduced to 0.3 mg/kg/day, the weakness recurred, and a nerve conduction study showed exacerbation of mononeuropathy multiplex. The patient was again administered intravenous mPSL (0.5 g/day for 3 days) followed by oral PSL at 0.5 mg/kg/day, and his neurological symptoms improved. Nivolumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, is used for the treatment of advanced melanoma and other cancers and causes various immune-related adverse events (irAEs). However, neurological irAEs related to nivolumab are rare. Furthermore, there are no reports of simultaneous nerve and muscle impairment. Unexpected irAEs affecting various organs should be recognized and treated appropriately.
Effective Generation of Milliwatt-Level Sub-Terahertz Wave for Nonlinear Response Measurement of Two-Dimensional Material by Optical Heterodyne Technique
Authors: Chen Shuqing , Xie Zhiqiang , Liu Junmin , He Yanliang , Cai Yao , Zhang Xiaoke , Xiao Jiangnan , Li Ying , Fan Dianyuan
Published: October 2017

By using optical heterodyne technique, we demonstrated the stable emission of sub-terahertz wave with the frequency ranging from 88 GHz to 101 GHz, which can operate as microwave source for nonlinear response measurement system. Mutual frequency beating of two well-separated sideband signals at a 0.1 THz photo-detector (PD) allows for the generation of sub-terahertz signal. Based on this approach, we have achieved the radiation of 0.1 THz wave with power up to 4 mW. By transmittance measurement, two-dimensional nanomaterial topological insulator (TI: Bi2Te3) shows saturable absorption behaviors with normalized modulation depth of 47% at 0.1 THz. Our results show that optical heterodyne technique could be developed as an effective microwave source generation for nonlinear measurement at sub-terahertz, even terahertz band.
Plasma Fibulin-3 as a Potential Biomarker for Patients with Asbestos-Related Diseases in the Han Population
Authors: Jiang Zhaoqiang , Ying Shibo , Shen Wei , He Xianglei , Chen Junqiang , Xia Hailing , Yu Min , Xiao Yun , Feng Lingfang , Zhu Lijin , Ju Li , Guo Xinnian , Zhang Yixiao , Shen Jia-Wei , Tong Yan , Zhang Xing , Lou Jianlin
Published: October 2017

Fibulin-3 has been reported as a potential biomarker for mesothelioma. However, little is known about the diagnostic efficacies of fibulin-3 for asbestos-related diseases (ARDs) in China. This study was to investigate the utility of fibulin-3 for asbestos exposure and ARDs. A total of 430 subjects were recruited from Southeast China, including healthy individuals, asbestos-exposed (AE) individuals, and patients with pleural plaques (PP), asbestosis, and malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Plasma fibulin-3 was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Linear regression analyses were applied to explore the influencing factors of fibulin-3. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine the cutoff values. The median fibulin-3 level of subjects in the mesothelioma group was higher than that in other groups. Subjects in the asbestosis group had higher median fibulin-3 level than those in the control group. A higher fibulin-3 level was found in the group with ≥10 years of asbestos exposure as compared with control groups. The AUCs of fibulin-3 for distinguishing MPM subjects from control, AE, PP, and asbestosis subjects were 0.92, 0.88, 0.90, and 0.81, respectively. Our study provided evidence that fibulin-3 could be a potential biomarker for the early screening of MPM, but not of other nonmalignant ARDs in Chinese populations.
The Utility of the Bering Sea and East Asia Rules in Long-Range Forecasting
Authors: Renken Joseph S. , Herman Joshua J. , Bradshaw Travis R. , Market Patrick S. , Lupo Anthony R.
Published: October 2017

Using the National Center for Atmospheric Research/National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCAR/NCEP) reanalyses and the daily Pacific North American (PNA) index values from the Climate Prediction Center from 1 January 1950 to 31 December 2016, the utility of the Bering Sea Rule (BSR) and the East Asia Rule (EAR) for making forecasts in the two-to-four-week time frame for the central USA region is examined. It is demonstrated using autocorrelation and Fourier transforms that there may be a degree of predictability in this time frame using the PNA, another teleconnection index, or some variation of them. Neither the BSR nor EAR based forecasts showed skill over climatology in the traditional sense, but using signal detection techniques these indexes were skillful at predicting the onset of anomalous temperature conditions (greater than two standard deviations) in the central USA. The BSR generally produced better results that the EAR and formulae for each index are proposed. Three case studies demonstrate the efficacy of these indexes for forecasting temperatures in the central USA. Then, it is proposed that the success of these indexes is likely due to a strong, quasistationary, and persistent Rossby wave train in the Pacific teleconnection region.
Visual Localization by Place Recognition Based on Multifeature (D-λLBP++HOG)
Authors: Qiao Yongliang , Zhang Zhao
Published: October 2017

Visual localization is widely used in the autonomous navigation system and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). This paper presents a visual localization method based on multifeature fusion and disparity information using stereo images. We integrate disparity information into complete center-symmetric local binary patterns (CSLBP) to obtain a robust global image description (D-CSLBP). In order to represent the scene in depth, multifeature fusion of D-CSLBP and HOG features provides valuable information and permits decreasing the effect of some typical problems in place recognition such as perceptual aliasing. It improves visual recognition performance by taking advantage of depth, texture, and shape information. In addition, for real-time visual localization, local sensitive hashing method (LSH) was used to compress the high-dimensional multifeature into binary vectors. It can thus speed up the process of image matching. To show its effectiveness, the proposed method is tested and evaluated using real datasets acquired in outdoor environments. Given the obtained results, our approach allows more effective visual localization compared with the state-of-the-art method FAB-MAP.
Health Indicators of US Older Adults Who Received or Did Not Receive Meals Funded by the Older Americans Act
Authors: Vieira Edgar R. , Vaccaro Joan A. , Zarini Gustavo G. , Huffman Fatma G.
Published: October 2017

Background. The Older Americans Act (OAA) requires that nutrition programs provide meals and related nutrition services that promote health and help manage chronic diseases. The purpose of this study was to compare health status, food security, functional limitations, and chronic diseases of older adults who received or did not receive OAA meals using data from a representative sample of US adults.Methods. Data were from the National Health and Nutrition Surveys 2011–2014 for 2,392 older adults ≥ 65 years of age, including 187 Mexican Americans, 212 other Hispanics, 521 non-Hispanic Blacks, 219 non-Hispanic Asians, and 1253 non-Hispanic Whites.Results. Those receiving OAA meals had higher percent of food insecurity and functional disabilities. Adjusting for potential confounders, adults who received OAA meals had higher odds of emphysema (OR = 2.02; 1.05, 3.89) and lower odds of good-to-excellent health (OR = 0.52; 0.36, 0.77). Women and minorities had poorer health status compared to non-Hispanic Whites.Conclusion. A higher proportion of older adults who received nutritional services reported poorer health as compared to older adults who do not participate in these services. Future studies should assess nutritional adequacy for older adults who participate in nutritional programs comparing sex and race/ethnicity.
A Reliable and Reproducible Model for Assessing the Effect of Different Concentrations of α-Solanine on Rat Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Ordóñez-Vásquez Adriana , Jaramillo-Gómez Lorenza , Duran-Correa Camilo , Escamilla-García Erandi , De la Garza-Ramos Myriam Angélica , Suárez-Obando Fernando
Published: October 2017

Αlpha-solanine (α-solanine) is a glycoalkaloid present in potato (Solanum tuberosum). It has been of particular interest because of its toxicity and potential teratogenic effects that include abnormalities of the central nervous system, such as exencephaly, encephalocele, and anophthalmia. Various types of cell culture have been used as experimental models to determine the effect of α-solanine on cell physiology. The morphological changes in the mesenchymal stem cell upon exposure to α-solanine have not been established. This study aimed to describe a reliable and reproducible model for assessing the structural changes induced by exposure of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to different concentrations of α-solanine for 24 h. The results demonstrate that nonlethal concentrations of α-solanine (2–6 μM) changed the morphology of the cells, including an increase in the number of nucleoli, suggesting elevated protein synthesis, and the formation of spicules. In addition, treatment with α-solanine reduced the number of adherent cells and the formation of colonies in culture. Immunophenotypic characterization and staining of MSCs are proposed as a reproducible method that allows description of cells exposed to the glycoalkaloid, α-solanine.
Selective Screening Strategies for Gestational Diabetes: A Prospective Cohort Observational Study
Authors: Adam Sumaiya , Rheeder Paul
Published: October 2017

Aim. We aimed to develop a prediction model for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes and to evaluate the performance of published prediction tools on our population. Methods. We conducted a cohort study on nondiabetic women < 26 weeks gestation at a level 1 clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa. At recruitment, participants completed a questionnaire and random basal glucose and HbA1c were evaluated. A 75 g 2-hour OGTT was scheduled between 24–28 weeks gestation, as per FIGO guidelines. A score was derived using multivariate logistic regression. Published scoring systems were tested by deriving ROC curves. Results. In 554 women, RBG, BMI, and previous baby ≥ 4000 g were significant risk factors included for GDM, which were used to derive a nomogram-based score. The logistic regression model for prediction of GDM had R2 0.143, Somer’s Dxy rank correlation 0.407, and Harrell’s c-score 0.703. HbA1c did not improve predictive value of the nomogram at any threshold (e.g,. at probability > 10%, 25.6% of cases were detected without the HbA1c, and 25.8% of cases would have been detected with the HbA1c). The 9 published scoring systems performed poorly. Conclusion. We propose a nomogram-based score that can be used at first antenatal visit to identify women at high risk of GDM.
Turnout Fault Diagnosis through Dynamic Time Warping and Signal Normalization
Authors: Huang Shize , Zhang Fan , Yu Rongjie , Chen Wei , Hu Fei , Dong Decun
Published: October 2017

Turnout is one key fundamental infrastructure in the railway signal system, which has great influence on the safety of railway systems. Currently, turnout fault diagnoses are conducted manually in China; engineers are obliged to observe the signals and make problem solving decisions. Thus, the accuracies of fault diagnoses totally depend on the engineers’ experience although massive data are produced in real time by the turnout microcomputer-based monitoring systems. This paper aims to develop an intelligent diagnosis method for railway turnout through Dynamic Time Warping (DTW). We firstly extract the features of normal turnout operation current curve and normalize the collected turnout current curves. Then, five typical fault reference curves are ascertained through the microcomputer-based monitoring system, and DTW is used to identify the turnout current curve fault through test data. The analysis results based on the similarity data indicate that the analyzed five turnout fault types can be diagnosed automatically with 100% accuracy. Finally, the benefits of the proposed method and future research directions were discussed.
Clinical and Genetic Review of Hereditary Acral Reticulate Pigmentary Disorders
Authors: Alshaikh H. , Alsaif F. , Aldukhi S.
Published: October 2017

Reticulated pigmentation is a unique pigmentary change caused by a heterogeneous group of hereditary and acquired disorders. This pigmentation is characterized by a mottled appearance, with lesions that vary in size and pigmentary content. This review discusses the hereditary group of the reticulated pigmentation disorders, such as dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria, dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria, and reticulate acropigmentation of Kitamura. The clinical presentation and histopathological features often overlap, making diagnosis difficult. However, each of these hereditary conditions possesses a unique genetic mutation, and genetic analysis is thus more useful in the diagnosis of these conditions. This article delivers an update regarding the clinical features, detailed histopathological description, and genetic information concerning hereditary reticulate pigmentary disorders and aims to provide useful background for use by clinical dermatologists and histopathologists when approaching this group of hereditary disorders.
Caffeoylquinic Acid-Rich Extract ofAster glehniF. Schmidt Ameliorates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver through the Regulation of PPARδand Adiponectin in ApoE KO Mice
Authors: Lee Yong-Jik , Jang Yoo-Na , Han Yoon-Mi , Kim Hyun-Min , Jeong Jong-Min , Son Min Jeoung , Jin Chang Bae , Kim Hyoung Ja , Seo Hong Seog
Published: October 2017

Aster glehniis well known for its therapeutic properties. This study was performed to investigate the effects ofA. glehnion nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in atherosclerotic condition, by determining the levels of biomarkers related to lipid metabolism and inflammation in serum, liver, and adipose tissue. Body and abdominal adipose tissue weights and serum triglyceride level decreased in all groups treated withA. glehni. Serum adiponectin concentration and protein levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorδ, 5′ adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, superoxide dismutase, and PPARγcoactivator 1-alpha in liver tissues increased in the groups treated withA. glehni. Conversely, protein levels of ATP citrate lyase, fatty acid synthase, tumor necrosis factorα, and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase and the concentrations of interleukin 6 and reactive oxygen species decreased uponA. glehni. Triglyceride concentration in the liver was lower in mice treated withA. glehnithan in control mice. Lipid accumulation in HepG2 and 3T3-L1 cells decreased uponA. glehnitreatment; this effect was suppressed in the presence of the PPARδantagonist, GSK0660. Our findings suggest thatA. glehniextracts may ameliorate NAFLD through regulation of PPARδ, adiponectin, and the related subgenes.
Evaluation of Resins for Stereolithographic 3D-Printed Surgical Guides: The Response of L929 Cells and Human Gingival Fibroblasts
Authors: Kurzmann Christoph , Janjić Klara , Shokoohi-Tabrizi Hassan , Edelmayer Michael , Pensch Manuela , Moritz Andreas , Agis Hermann
Published: October 2017

Additive manufacturing is becoming increasingly important in dentistry for the production of surgical guides. The development of cost-effective desktop stereolithography (SLA) printing systems and the corresponding resins makes this novel technique accessible to dental offices and dental laboratories. The aim of the study was to reveal the response of soft tissue cells to Clear and Dental SG resins used in desktop SLA printing systems at different stages of processing. Cell activity of L929 cells and gingival fibroblasts (GF) in response to the materials was examined in indirect and direct monolayer culture models and a direct spheroid culture model based on MTT, resazurin-based toxicity assays, and live-dead staining. Overall we found that the impact of Clear and Dental SG resins on L929 and GF depends on the processing stage of the materials. Liquid Clear resin induced a stronger reduction of cell activity compared to Dental SG resin. Printing and postcuring reduced the impact on cell activity and viability. As in-house 3D printing for surgical guides is getting integrated in the digital workflow, our data suggest that careful adherence to processing guidelines—especially postcuring—is of clinical relevance.
Involvement of Mitochondrial Disorders in Septic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Durand Arthur , Duburcq Thibault , Dekeyser Thibault , Neviere Remi , Howsam Michael , Favory Raphael , Preau Sebastien
Published: October 2017

Sepsis is defined as a life‐threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. It remains a leading cause of death worldwide, despite the development of various therapeutic strategies. Cardiac dysfunction, also referred to as septic cardiomyopathy, is a frequent and well‐described complication of sepsis and associated with worse clinical outcomes. Recent research has increased our understanding of the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathophysiology of septic cardiomyopathy. The purpose of this review is to present this evidence as a coherent whole and to highlight future research directions.
Geofluid Systems of Koryaksky-Avachinsky Volcanoes (Kamchatka, Russia)
Authors: Kiryukhin A. , Lavrushin V. , Kiryukhin P. , Voronin P.
Published: October 2017

The Koryaksky-Avachinsky volcanogenic basin, which has an area of 2530 km2, is located 25 km from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky City and includes five Quaternary volcanoes (two of which, Avachinsky (2750 masl) and Koryaksky (3456 masl), are active), and is located within a depression that has formed atop Cretaceous basement rocks. Magma injection zones (dikes and chamber-like shapes) are defined by plane-oriented clusters of local earthquakes that occur during volcanic activity (mostly in 2008–2011) below Koryaksky and Avachinsky volcanoes at depths ranging from −4.0 to −2.0 km and +1.0 to +2.0 km, respectively. Water isotopic (δD, δ18O) data indicate that these volcanoes act as recharge areas for their adjacent thermal mineral springs (Koryaksky Narzans, Isotovsky, and Pinachevsky) and the wells of the Bystrinsky and Elizovo aquifers. Carbon δ13С data in СО2 from CO2 springs in the northern foothills of Koryaksky Volcano reflect the magmatic origin of CO2. Carbon δ13С data in methane CH4 reservoirs penetrated by wells in the Neogene-Quaternary layer around Koryaksky and Avachinsky volcanoes indicate the thermobiogenic origin of methane. Thermal-hydrodynamic TOUGH2 conceptual modeling is used to determine what types of hydrogeologic boundaries and heat and mass sources are required to create the temperature, pressure, phase, and CO2 distributions observed within the given geological conditions of the Koryaksky-Avachinsky volcanic geofluid system.