bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cronobacter
spp
Authors: Blackwood Brian P. , Hunter Catherine J.
Published: May 2016

The
Cronobacter
group of pathogens, associated with severe and potentially life-threatening diseases, until recently were classified as a single species,
Enterobacter sakazakii
. The group was reclassified in 2007 into the genus
Cronobacter
as a member of the
Enterobacteriaceae
. This chapter outlines the history behind the epidemiology, analyzes how our understanding of these bacteria has evolved, and highlights the clinical significance the
Cronobacter
spp. have for neonatal and elderly patient populations and treatment of the associated infections.
Chikungunya Virus: Current Perspectives on a Reemerging Virus
Authors: Morrison Clayton R. , Plante Kenneth S. , Heise Mark T.
Published: May 2016

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne alphavirus in the familyTogaviridaethat causes outbreaks of debilitating acute and chronic arthralgia in humans. Although historically associated with localized outbreaks in Africa and Asia, recent epidemics in the Indian Ocean region and the Americas have led to the recognition that CHIKV is capable of moving into previously unaffected areas and causing significant levels of human suffering. The severity of CHIKV rheumatic disease, which can severely impact life quality of infected individuals for weeks, months, or even years, combined with the explosive nature of CHIKV outbreaks and its demonstrated ability to quickly spread into new regions, has led to renewed interest in developing strategies for the prevention or treatment of CHIKV-induced disease. Therefore, this chapter briefly discusses the biology of CHIKV and the factors contributing to CHIKV dissemination, while also discussing the pathogenesis of CHIKV-induced disease and summarizing the status of efforts to develop safe and effective therapies and vaccines against CHIKV and related viruses.
Sociomicrobiology and Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Xavier Joao B.
Published: May 2016

The study of microbial pathogenesis has been primarily a reductionist science since Koch’s principles. Reductionist approaches are essential to identify the causal agents of infectious disease, their molecular mechanisms of action, and potential drug targets, and much of medicine’s success in the treatment of infectious disease stems from that approach. But many bacteria-caused diseases cannot be explained by a single bacterium. Several aspects of bacterial pathogenesis will benefit from a more holistic approach that takes into account social interaction among bacteria of the same species and between species in consortia such as the human microbiome. The emerging discipline of sociomicrobiology provides a framework to dissect microbial interactions in single and multi-species communities without compromising mechanistic detail. The study of bacterial pathogenesis can benefit greatly from incorporating concepts from other disciplines such as social evolution theory and microbial ecology, where communities, their interactions with hosts, and with the environment play key roles.
Hyperimmunoglobulinaemia D syndrome: a rare cause of prolonged fever and treatment with anti-interleukin 1 agent
Authors: Aygun Deniz , Sahin Sezgin , Cokugras Haluk , Kasapcopur Ozgur
Published: May 2016

Hyperimmunoglobulinaemia D syndrome (HIDS) is an autosomal recessive, autoinflammatory disease that is characterised with intermittent febrile episodes, cervical lymphadenopathy, rashes, arthritis and gastrointestinal symptoms associated with synovial or serosal inflammation. HIDS is caused by mutations in the gene encoding mevalonate kinase enzyme. The febrile attacks usually start in early childhood and triggered by stress or vaccinations. We report a case of 16-month-old boy who had episodes of recurrent fever accompanied by maculopapular rash and lymphadenopathy. He was diagnosed as HIDS and he had heterozygote mutation of mevalonate kinase gene.
Idiopathic spinal cord herniation of the cervical cord: unusual cause of proximal muscle weakness in upper limbs
Authors: Rajapakse Dilina , Mapara Leah , Maniharan Sathiyaseelan
Published: May 2016

Idiopathic spinal cord herniation (ISCH) is a recognised rare cause of progressive and potentially curable myelopathy. Around 170 cases have been described in the literature, all to be found between the T2 and T8 vertebrae. We report a case of ISCH in the cervical region. A 23-year-old man with no history of trauma presented with a 6-year history of bilateral mild resting hand tremor and left scapular pain radiating to the left arm for a duration of 8 months. Nerve conduction studies showed some denervation changes of the upper limbs and bulbar regions. MRI of the spine showed anterior midline herniation of the spinal cord at the level of C7 vertebra with an associated collection of cerebrospinal fluid in the extradural space in the cervical region. Owing to the non-progressive nature of symptoms, currently the patient is managed conservatively.
Effectiveness of budesonide MMX (Cortiment) for the treatment of mild-to-moderate active ulcerative colitis: study protocol for a prospective multicentre observational cohort study
Authors: Danese Silvio , Hart Ailsa , Dignass Axel , Louis Edouard , D'Haens Geert , Dotan Iris , Rogler Gerhard , D'Agay Laurence , Iannacone Claudio , Peyrin-Biroulet Laurent
Published: May 2016

Introduction

A study has been developed to assess the use and effectiveness of budesonide MMX for mild-to-moderate active ulcerative colitis (UC) in routine clinical practice.

Methods and analysis

A prospective, multicentre, observational, cohort study of 300 patients prescribed budesonide MMX for the treatment of mild-to-moderate active UC will be conducted in Europe, Israel and Canada. Patients will be treated with budesonide MMX9 mg daily for induction of remission for ≤8 weeks. Data on effectiveness, including patient-reported outcomes, tolerability and use will be recorded at the end of treatment and at ≥2 weeks after. The primary outcome (improvement ≥3 point in the clinical subscores of the UC Disease Activity Index score at the end of treatment) will be compared in: patients who receive budesonide MMX added to mesalazine >2 weeks after increased/optimised mesalazine dose for the treatment of flare (late add-on); patients who receive budesonide MMX added to mesalazine ≤2 weeks since mesalazine increased/optimised for the treatment of flare, or without mesalazine dose modification (early add-on); and patients who receive budesonide MMX as monotherapy for the treatment of flare (mono). Propensity scoring will be used to minimise bias and confounding inherent in observational studies.

Ethics and dissemination

First ethical approval: Ethikkommission der Ärztekammer Hamburg (12/22/2015). The results will be published in full.

Discussion

Completion of primary data collection is expected in December 2017. Our results will provide further evidence on the effectiveness of budesonide MMX to support clinicians in their daily practice and inform therapeutic guidelines.

Trial registration number

NCT02586259.
Tunnelled haemodialysis catheter and haemodialysis outcomes: a retrospective cohort study in Zagreb, Croatia
Authors: Pašara Vedran , Maksimović Bojana , Gunjača Mihaela , Mihovilović Karlo , Lončar Andrea , Kudumija Boris , Žabić Igor , Knotek Mladen
Published: May 2016

Objectives

Studies have reported that the tunnelled dialysis catheter (TDC) is associated with inferior haemodialysis (HD) patient survival, in comparison with arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Since many cofactors may also affect survival of HD patients, it is unclear whether the greater risk for survival arises from TDC per se,or from associated conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine, in a multivariate analysis, the long-term outcome of HD patients, with respect to vascular access (VA).

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Participants

This retrospective cohort study included all 156 patients with a TDC admitted at University Hospital Merkur, from 2010 to 2012. The control group consisted of 97 patients dialysed via AVF. The groups were matched according to dialysis unit and time of VA placement. The site of choice for the placement of the TDC was the right jugular vein. Kaplan-Meier analysis with log-rank test was used to assess patient survival. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to determine independent variables associated with patient survival.

Primary outcome measures

Patient survival with respect to VA.

Results

The cumulative 1-year survival of patients who were dialysed exclusively via TDC was 86.4% and of those who were dialysed exclusively via AVF, survival was 97.1% (p=0.002). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, male sex and older age were independently negatively associated with the survival of HD patients, while shorter HD vintage before the creation of the observed VA, hypertensive renal disease and glomerulonephritis were positively associated with survival. TDC was an independent risk factor for survival of HD patients (HR 23.0, 95% CI 6.2 to 85.3).

Conclusion

TDC may be an independent negative risk factor for HD patient survival.
Perceptions of coping with non-disease-related life stress for women with osteoarthritis: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Harris Melissa L , Byles Julie E , Townsend Natalie , Loxton Deborah
Published: May 2016

Objective

Coping with arthritis-related stress has been extensively studied. However, limited evidence exists regarding coping with stress extraneous to the disease (life stress). This study explored life stress and coping in a subset of older women with osteoarthritis from a larger longitudinal study.

Setting

An Australian regional university.

Design

This qualitative study involved semistructured telephone interviews. Potential participants were mailed a letter of invitation/participant information statement by the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH). Invitations were sent out in small batches (primarily 10). Interviews were conducted until data saturation was achieved using a systematic process (n=19). Digitally recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and deidentified. Data were thematically analysed.

Participants

Women who indicated being diagnosed or treated for arthritis in the previous 3 years in the fifth survey of the ALSWH (conducted in 2007) provided the sampling frame. Potential participants were randomly sampled by a blinded data manager using a random number generator.

Results

Coping with life stress involved both attitudinal coping processes developed early in life (ie, stoicism) and transient cognitive and support-based responses. Women also described a dualistic process involving a reduction in the ability to cope with ongoing stress over time, coupled with personal growth.

Conclusions

This is the first study to examine how individuals cope with non-arthritis-related stress. The findings add to the current understanding of stress and coping, and have implications regarding the prevention of arthritis in women. Importantly, this study highlighted the potential detrimental impact of persistent coping patterns developed early in life. Public health campaigns aimed at stress mitigation and facilitation of adaptive coping mechanisms in childhood and adolescence may assist with arthritis prevention.
Changes in poisonings among adolescents in the UK between 1992 and 2012: a population based cohort study
Authors: Tyrrell Edward G , Orton Elizabeth , Tata Laila J
Published: May 2016

Background

Poisonings are a common cause of morbidity and mortality among adolescents. Yet surveillance data indicating current incidence rates (IRs) and time trends are lacking, making policy development and service planning difficult. We utilised population based primary care data to estimate adolescent poisoning rates according to intent across the UK.

Methods

A cohort study of 1 311 021 adolescents aged 10–17 years, between 1992 and 2012, was conducted using routine primary care data from The Health Improvement Network. IRs and adjusted IRRs with 95% CIs were calculated for all poisonings, intentional, unintentional, unknown intent and alcohol related poisonings, by age, sex, calendar time and socioeconomic deprivation.

Results

Overall poisoning incidence increased by 27% from the period 1992–1996 to 2007–2012, with the largest increases in intentional poisonings among females aged 16–17 years (IR 391.4/100 000 person years (PY), CI 328.9 to 465.7 for age 17 years in 1992–1996; 767.0/100 000 PY, CI 719.5 to 817.7 in 2007–2012) and alcohol related poisonings in females aged 15–16 years (IR 65.7/100 000 PY, CI 43.3 to 99.8 rising to 130.0/100 000 PY, CI 110.0 to 150.0 for age 15 years). A strong socioeconomic gradient for all poisonings persisted over time, with higher rates among the more deprived (IRR 2.63, CI 2.41 to 2.88 for the most vs least deprived quintile in 2007–2012).

Conclusions

Adolescent poisonings, especially intentional poisonings, have increased substantially over time and remain associated with health inequalities. Social and psychological support for adolescents should be targeted at more deprived communities, and child and adolescent mental health and alcohol support service provision should be commissioned to reflect the changing need.
Quantifying the influence of salinity and temperature on the population dynamics of a marine ectoparasite
Authors: Groner Maya L. , McEwan Gregor F. , Rees Erin E. , Gettinby George , Revie Crawford W.
Published: May 2016

Sea lice are common ectoparasites of farmed and wild salmonids and can cause substantial morbidity and mortality in their hosts. While sea lice infections are common in estuarine areas with variable salinity, the effects of salinity on population dynamics are poorly understood. We used existing literature to parameterize salinity-dependent logistic mortality curves for different life stages of sea lice. We then used population matrix models to characterize the effects of temperature and salinity on sea louse population growth. Our models showed that low salinity decreases survival, while low temperature retards sea louse development. In contrast with the linear effects of temperature on sea louse development, salinity has a nonlinear effect on sea louse survival; values below 20 psu cause mortality, while values above 20 psu have little effect on survival. Simulations showed that sea louse population growth can be greatest in zones that are intermediate between estuarine and oceanic. In these cases population growth is not limited by the low salinities found in more estuarine sites or the low temperatures found in more oceanic sites.
Microbiome profiling of drinking water in relation to incidence of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Forbes Jessica D. , Van Domselaar Gary , Sargent Michael , Green Chris , Springthorpe Susan , Krause Denis O. , Bernstein Charles N.
Published: May 2016

The etiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is unknown; current research is focused on determining environmental factors. One consideration is drinking water: water systems harbour considerable microbial diversity, with bacterial concentrations estimated at 106–108 cells/L. Perhaps differences in microbial ecology of water sources may impact differential incidence rates of IBD. Regions of Manitoba were geographically mapped according to incidence rates of IBD and identified as high (HIA) or low (LIA) incidence areas. Bulk water, filter material, and pipe wall samples were collected from public buildings in different jurisdictions and their population structure analyzed using 16S rDNA sequencing. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria were observed significantly less frequently (P = 0.02) in HIA versus LIA. The abundance of Proteobacteria was also found to vary according to water treatment distribution networks. Gammaproteobacteria was the most abundant class of bacteria and was observed more frequently (P = 0.006) in LIA. At the genus level, microbes found to associate with HIA include Bradyrhizobium (P = 0.02) and Pseudomonas (P = 0.02). Particular microbes were found to associate with LIA or HIA, based on sample location and (or) type. This work lays out a basis for further studies exploring water as a potential environmental source for IBD triggers.
Atomic structure calculations and study of line intensity ratio for Kr XXIV
Authors: Goyal Arun , Singh Narendra , Aggarwal Sunny , Singh A.K. , Mohan Man
Published: May 2016

In this work, we provide a detailed and elaborate theoretical study of atomic data along with plasma parameters for Kr XXIV. We have computed energy levels, lifetimes, and wave-function compositions for the lowest 148 fine-structure levels by implementing the multi-configuration Dirac–Fock method with the addition of quantum electrodynamics as well as Breit corrections. We have also given the radiative data among 148 levels for electric dipole (E1) transition, which lie in the extreme ultraviolet range. We have compared our calculated results with NIST and other theoretical results available in the literature and attain a good agreement. Because of the unavailability of sufficient and complete data for higher excited levels for Kr XXIV in the literature, a similar calculation has also been compiled using fully relativistic flexible atomic code (FAC) to access the credibility and integrity of our results. On the other hand, we have also presented the line intensity ratio and plasma parameters for optically thin plasma, which are not published anywhere in the literature, and we believe that our presented results may be advantageous in plasma modeling and astrophysical and fusion plasma research applications.
Stress Detection Using Wearable Physiological and Sociometric Sensors
Authors: Mozos Oscar Martinez , Sandulescu Virginia , Andrews Sally , Ellis David , Bellotto Nicola , Dobrescu Radu , Ferrandez Jose Manuel
Published: May 2016

Stress remains a significant social problem for individuals in modern societies. This paper presents a machine learning approach for the automatic detection of stress of people in a social situation by combining two sensor systems that capture physiological and social responses. We compare the performance using different classifiers including support vector machine, AdaBoost, and [Formula: see text]-nearest neighbor. Our experimental results show that by combining the measurements from both sensor systems, we could accurately discriminate between stressful and neutral situations during a controlled Trier social stress test (TSST). Moreover, this paper assesses the discriminative ability of each sensor modality individually and considers their suitability for real-time stress detection. Finally, we present an study of the most discriminative features for stress detection.
Quantum breathers in XXZ ferromagnetic chains with on-site easy-plane anisotropy
Authors: Tang Bing , Li De-Jun
Published: May 2016

The existence and properties of quantum breathers in a one-dimensional XXZ ferromagnetic Heisenberg spin chain with single-ion easy-plane anisotropy are investigated analytically in the Hartree approximation. We show that the system can support the appearance of quantum breathers, and discuss their existence conditions and properties. In addition, our results show that, for quantum breathers in this system, both the corresponding energy and magnetic moment are quantized.
Double plasmon induced transparency in disk and nanobars coupled nanosystems and its application to plasmonic resonance sensing
Authors: Chen Fang , Yao Duanzheng
Published: May 2016

We demonstrate the realization of plasmon induced transparency (PIT) in a nanostructure composed of silver nanobars and a silver nanodisk. The optical properties of the planar metamaterials have been investigated theoretically in the paper. The classical coupled harmonic oscillator model demonstrates the PIT phenomenon in a nanodisk–nanobar system. Additionally, double PIT response is observed when two nanobars are located in proximity to the silver nanodisk. The PIT window wavelength and bandwidths can be efficiently tuned by controlling the geometric parameters such as the lengths of nanobars and the coupling distances between the nanodisk and nanobars. Moreover, the transparency window shows highly sensitive response to the refractive index of the environmental medium. A high figure of merit up to 15.5 of the asymmetrical system for refractive index sensing is achieved. The tunability of the PIT may have potential application on slow light and highly integrated optical circuits.
Disciplinary thinking, computational doing
Authors: Barr Valerie
Published: May 2016

This paper describes a 10-year multi-pronged project to introduce students campus-wide to computing, increase enrollments in the computer science department, and change the demographics of students in the introductory computer science courses. The Union College Computer Science (CS) department has changed curricula at the introductory and intermediate levels, and worked with two dozen faculty from 15 disciplines who incorporated computing into their courses. The percentage of women in the introductory CS course has increased from 10% to an average of 37% when measured over a multi-year period.
N
-Detection Test Sets for Circuits with Multiple Independent Scan Chains
Authors: Pomeranz Irith
Published: May 2016

In a circuit with multiple independent scan chains, it is possible to operate groups of scan chains independently in functional or shift mode. This design-for-testability approach can be used to increase the quality of a test set. This article describes an
N
-detection test generation procedure for increasing the quality of a transition fault test set in such a circuit. The procedure uses the possibility of applying the same test, with the scan chains operating in different modes, to increase the numbers of detections without increasing the number of tests that need to be generated or stored on a tester. This results in reduced input storage requirements compared with a conventional
N
-detection test set and an increased number of applied tests. The increased quality of the test set is verified by its bridging fault coverage.
Using turing's craft codelab to support CS1 students as they learn to program
Authors: Barr Valerie , Trytten Deborah
Published: May 2016

This experiential paper focuses on CodeLab, a tool for improving student learning in CS1. We introduce the basic features of CodeLab, both from the student and instructor side, discuss the use of CodeLab at two different types of institutions, and compare CodeLab to other interactive programming tutor products (CodingBat, Problets, zyBooks, and Python Tutor) that we have used in the last academic year.
β2-Adrenergic agonists attenuate organic dust-induced lung inflammation
Authors: Romberger Debra J. , Heires Art J. , Nordgren Tara M. , Poole Jill A. , Toews Myron L. , West William W. , Wyatt Todd A.
Published: May 2016

Agricultural dust exposure results in significant lung inflammation, and individuals working in concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are at risk for chronic airway inflammatory diseases. Exposure of bronchial epithelial cells to aqueous extracts of hog CAFO dusts (HDE) leads to inflammatory cytokine production that is driven by protein kinase C (PKC) activation. cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA)-activating agents can inhibit PKC activation in epithelial cells, leading to reduced inflammatory cytokine production following HDE exposure. β2-Adrenergic receptor agonists (β2-agonists) activate PKA, and we hypothesized that β2-agonists would beneficially impact HDE-induced adverse airway inflammatory consequences. Bronchial epithelial cells were cultured with the short-acting β2-agonist salbutamol or the long-acting β2-agonist salmeterol prior to stimulation with HDE. β2-Agonist treatment significantly increased PKA activation and significantly decreased HDE-stimulated IL-6 and IL-8 production in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Salbutamol treatment significantly reduced HDE-induced intracellular adhesion molecule-1 expression and neutrophil adhesion to epithelial cells. Using an established intranasal inhalation exposure model, we found that salbutamol pretreatment reduced airway neutrophil influx and IL-6, TNF-α, CXCL1, and CXCL2 release in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid following a one-time exposure to HDE. Likewise, when mice were pretreated daily with salbutamol prior to HDE exposure for 3 wk, HDE-induced neutrophil influx and inflammatory mediator production were also reduced. The severity of HDE-induced lung pathology in mice repetitively exposed to HDE for 3 wk was also decreased with daily salbutamol pretreatment. Together, these results support the need for future clinical investigations to evaluate the utility of β2-agonist therapies in the treatment of airway inflammation associated with CAFO dust exposure.
An Accelerated Test Method of Simultaneous Carbonation and Chloride Ion Ingress: Durability of Silica Fume Concrete in Severe Environments
Authors: Ghahari S. A. , Ramezanianpour A. M. , Ramezanianpour A. A. , Esmaeili M.
Published: May 2016

The effects of simultaneous carbonation and chloride ion attack on mechanical characteristics and durability of concrete containing silica fume have been investigated through an accelerated test method. Specimens containing different amounts of silica fume were maintained in an apparatus in which carbon dioxide pressure and concentration and relative humidity were kept constant, and wetting and drying cycles in saline water were applied. Surface resistivity, sorptivity, CO2consumption, and carbonation and chloride ion ingress depths measurements were taken. Phase change due to carbonation and chloride ion attack was monitored by XRD analysis, and microstructures and interfacial transition zones were studied by implementing SEM as well as mercury intrusion porosimetry. It was expected to have a synergistic effect in the tidal zone where simultaneous carbonation and chloride ion attack happen. However, the observed reduced surface resistivity, compared to specimens maintained in CO2gas, could be due to the moisture that is available near the surface, hindering CO2from penetrating into the pores of the specimens. Moreover, the porosity analysis of the specimens showed that the sample containing silica fume cured in the tidal zone had 50.1% less total porosity than the plain cement paste cured in the same condition.
A Novel Hepatocellular Carcinoma Image Classification Method Based on Voting Ranking Random Forests
Authors: Xia Bingbing , Jiang Huiyan , Liu Huiling , Yi Dehui
Published: May 2016

This paper proposed a novel voting ranking random forests (VRRF) method for solving hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) image classification problem. Firstly, in preprocessing stage, this paper used bilateral filtering for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) pathological images. Next, this paper segmented the bilateral filtering processed image and got three different kinds of images, which include single binary cell image, single minimum exterior rectangle cell image, and single cell image with a size ofn⁎n. After that, this paper defined atypia features which include auxiliary circularity, amendment circularity, and cell symmetry. Besides, this paper extracted some shape features, fractal dimension features, and several gray features like Local Binary Patterns (LBP) feature, Gray Level Cooccurrence Matrix (GLCM) feature, and Tamura features. Finally, this paper proposed a HCC image classification model based on random forests and further optimized the model by voting ranking method. The experiment results showed that the proposed features combined with VRRF method have a good performance in HCC image classification problem.
A Hybrid Energy Efficient Protocol for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Ray Niranjan Kumar , Turuk Ashok Kumar
Published: May 2016

We proposed an energy conservation technique called Location Based Topology Control with Sleep Scheduling for ad hoc networks. It uses the feature of both topology control approach and power management approach. Like the topology control approach, it attempts to reduce the transmission power of a node, which is determined from its neighborhood location information. A node goes to sleep state based on the traffic condition as that of power management approach. In the proposed scheme, a node goes to sleep state only when its absence does not create local partition in its neighborhood. We preformed extensive simulation to compare the proposed scheme with existing ones. Simulation results show that the energy consumption is lower with increase in the network lifetime and higher throughput in the proposed scheme.
Algorithm for Target Recognition Based on Interval-Valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets with Grey Correlation
Authors: Huang Xuan , Guo Lihong , Li Jiang , Yu Yang
Published: May 2016

In order to improve exact recognition ratios for aerial targets, this paper presents a novel algorithm for target recognition based on interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets with grey correlation. Drawbacks of some previously proposed methods are analyzed, and then a novel algorithm is presented. Recognition matrix of an aerial target is established first. Every entry associated with the matrix is an interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy number, which is composed of interval-valued membership and nonmembership, representing the relation of the target to one category in terms of one characteristic parameter. Then grey correlation theory is used to analyze the recognition matrix to obtain the grey correlation degree of this unknown target to every category. 200 sets of target recognition data are used to compare the proposed algorithm with traditional methods. Experimental results verify that the correct recognition ratio can be up to 99.5% that satisfies the expectations, which shows the proposed algorithm can solve the target recognition problems better. The proposed algorithm can be used to solve the uncertain inference problems, such as target recognition, threat assessment, and decision making.
Progressive Dyspnea in a 40-Year-Old Man Caused by Giant Mediastinal Thymolipoma
Authors: Vaziri Mohammad , Rad Kamelia
Published: May 2016

Thymolipomas are rare tumors of the anterior mediastinum containing both thymic stroma and an abundance of fat. We present a 40-year-old man with no underlying disease who presented with cough and progressive dyspnea. Clinical evaluation revealed a giant mass of lipid density filling almost the entire left hemithorax with mediastinal shift. Total excision of the 40×33×8 cm mass weighing 4 kg was performed via a left thoracotomy and the histopathologic diagnosis of the mass was reported as thymolipoma. The patient remains alive and disease-free, twelve months after the intervention.
A Support Vector Machine Classification of Thyroid Bioptic Specimens Using MALDI-MSI Data
Authors: Galli Manuel , Zoppis Italo , De Sio Gabriele , Chinello Clizia , Pagni Fabio , Magni Fulvio , Mauri Giancarlo
Published: May 2016

Biomarkers able to characterise and predict multifactorial diseases are still one of the most important targets for all the “omics” investigations. In this context, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionisation-Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MALDI-MSI) has gained considerable attention in recent years, but it also led to a huge amount of complex data to be elaborated and interpreted. For this reason, computational and machine learning procedures for biomarker discovery are important tools to consider, both to reduce data dimension and to provide predictive markers for specific diseases. For instance, the availability of protein and genetic markers to support thyroid lesion diagnoses would impact deeply on society due to the high presence of undetermined reports (THY3) that are generally treated as malignant patients. In this paper we show how an accurate classification of thyroid bioptic specimens can be obtained through the application of a state-of-the-art machine learning approach (i.e., Support Vector Machines) on MALDI-MSI data, together with a particular wrapper feature selection algorithm (i.e., recursive feature elimination). The model is able to provide an accurate discriminatory capability using only 20 out of 144 features, resulting in an increase of the model performances, reliability, and computational efficiency. Finally, tissue areas rather than average proteomic profiles are classified, highlighting potential discriminating areas of clinical interest.
A Stream Processing System for Multisource Heterogeneous Sensor Data
Authors: Hu Liang , Sun Rui , Wang Feng , Fei Xiuhong , Zhao Kuo
Published: May 2016

With the rapid development of the Internet of Things (IoT), a variety of sensor data are generated around everyone’s life. New research perspective regarding the streaming sensor data processing of the IoT has been raised as a hot research topic that is precisely the theme of this paper. Our study serves to provide guidance regarding the practical aspects of the IoT. Such guidance is rarely mentioned in the current research in which the focus has been more on theory and less on issues describing how to set up a practical system. In our study, we employ numerous open source projects to establish a distributed real time system to process streaming data of the IoT. Two urgent issues have been solved in our study that are (1) multisource heterogeneous sensor data integration and (2) processing streaming sensor data in real time manner with low latency. Furthermore, we set up a real time system to process streaming heterogeneous sensor data from multiple sources with low latency. Our tests are performed using field test data derived from environmental monitoring sensor data collected from indoor environment for system validation. The results show that our proposed system is valid and efficient for multisource heterogeneous sensor data integration and streaming data processing in real time manner.
Early Posttransplant Isolated v1 Lesion Does Not Need to Be Treated and Does Not Lead to Increased Fibrosis
Authors: Moinuddin Irfan , Thajudeen Bijin , Sussman Amy , Madhrira Machaiah , Bracamonte Erika , Popovtzer Mordecai , Kadambi Pradeep V.
Published: May 2016

Acute vascular rejection (AVR) is characterized by intimal arteritis in addition to tubulitis and interstitial inflammation. It is associated with a poorer prognosis compared to tubulointerstitial rejection (AIR) and AVR is associated with a higher rate of graft loss than AIR. The prognosis and treatment of arteritis without tubulitis and interstitial inflammation (isolated v1 lesion) are still controversial. We report a case of a patient who had a biopsy of the kidney allograft for evaluation of slow graft function. The biopsy revealed an isolated v1 lesion. However, we chose not to augment immunosuppression. The patient’s kidney allograft function improved over time with close monitoring. Repeat biopsy a year later showed no evidence of endothelialitis and relatively unchanged fibrosis and no other abnormalities. Although it is suggested that most cases of isolated v1 lesions will respond to corticosteroids or T cell depleting therapies, some cases will improve with conservative management. Further studies are needed to determine which cases could be managed conservatively.
Plasmon-Exciton Resonant Energy Transfer: Across Scales Hybrid Systems
Authors: El Kabbash Mohamed , Rahimi Rashed Alireza , Sreekanth Kandammathe Valiyaveedu , De Luca Antonio , Infusino Melissa , Strangi Giuseppe
Published: May 2016

The presence of an excitonic element in close proximity of a plasmonic nanostructure, under certain conditions, may lead to a nonradiative resonant energy transfer known as Exciton Plasmon Resonant Energy Transfer (EPRET) process. The exciton-plasmon coupling and dynamics have been intensely studied in the last decade; still many relevant aspects need more in-depth studies. Understanding such phenomenon is not only important from fundamental viewpoint, but also essential to unlock many promising applications. In this review we investigate the plasmon-exciton resonant energy transfer in different hybrid systems at the nano- and mesoscales, in order to gain further understanding of such processes across scales and pave the way towards active plasmonic devices.
The Microbiota Determines Susceptibility to Experimental Autoimmune Uveoretinitis
Authors: Heissigerova Jarmila , Seidler Stangova Petra , Klimova Aneta , Svozilkova Petra , Hrncir Tomas , Stepankova Renata , Kverka Miloslav , Tlaskalova-Hogenova Helena , Forrester John V.
Published: May 2016

The microbiota is a crucial modulator of the immune system. Here, we evaluated how its absence or reduction modifies the inflammatory response in the murine model of experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU). We induced EAU in germ-free (GF) or conventionally housed (CV) mice and in CV mice treated with a combination of broad-spectrum antibiotics either from the day of EAU induction or from one week prior to induction of disease. The severity of the inflammation was assessed by fundus biomicroscopy or by histology, including immunohistology. The immunophenotyping of T cells in local and distant lymph nodes was performed by flow cytometry. We found that GF mice and mice where the microbiota was reduced one week before EAU induction were protected from severe autoimmune inflammation. GF mice had lower numbers of infiltrating macrophages and significantly less T cell infiltration in the retina than CV mice with EAU. GF mice also had reduced numbers of IFN-γand IL-17-producing T cells and increased numbers of regulatory T cells in the eye-draining lymph nodes. These data suggest that the presence of microbiota during autoantigen recognition regulates the inflammatory response by influencing the adaptive immune response.
Cavity-Backed Angled-Dipole Antennas for Millimeter-Wave Wireless Applications
Authors: Ta Son Xuat , Park Ikmo
Published: May 2016

A cavity-backed angled-dipole antenna is proposed for millimeter-wave wireless applications. The angled-dipole radiator is built on both sides of an RT/Duroid 5880 substrate (εr=2.2) and fed by a parallel-plate transmission line. The cavity-backed reflector is utilized to improve the radiation characteristics of the angled dipole, such as gain, back-radiation, symmetric pattern, and similar 3 dB beamwidth in theE- andH-planes. The design, with a cavity aperture of0.5λ28-GHz×0.5λ28-GHz, results in aS11<-10 dB bandwidth of 26.7–30.6 GHz, a gain of 6.6–8.0 dB, and a similar 3 dB beamwidth of approximately 70° for both theE- andH-planes. Eight-element linear arrays with the proposed antenna having a center-to-center spacing of 5.6 mm(0.52λ28-GHz)are characterized, fabricated, and measured. By applying nonuniform power distribution across excitations, the array achieves a scan angle up to 40° and a sidelobe level below −15 dB.
IA2P: Intrusion-Tolerant Malicious Data Injection Attack Analysis and Processing in Traffic Flow Data Collection Based on VANETs
Authors: Ding Nan , Tan Guozhen , Zhang Wei
Published: May 2016

Several studies investigating data validity and security against malicious data injection attacks in vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) have focused on trust establishment based on cryptology. However, the current researching suffers from two problems: (P1) it is difficult to distinguish an authorized attacker from other participators; (P2) the large scale of the system and high mobility set up an obstacle in key distribution with a security-based approach. In this paper, we develop a data-centric trust mechanism based on traffic flow theory expanding the notion of trust from intrusion-rejecting to intrusion-tolerant. First, we use catastrophe theory to describe traffic flow according to noncontinuous, catastrophic characteristics. Next, we propose an intrusion-tolerant security algorithm to protect traffic flow data collection in VANETs from malicious data injection attacks, that is, IA2P, without any security codes or authentication. Finally, we simulate two kinds of malicious data injection attack scenarios and evaluate IA2P based on real traffic flow data from Zhongshan Road in Dalian, China, over 24 hours. Evaluation results show that our method can achieve a 94% recognition rate in the majority of cases.
Local Integral Estimates for Quasilinear Equations with Measure Data
Authors: Tian Qiaoyu , Zhang Shengzhi , Xu Yonglin , Mu Jia
Published: May 2016

Local integral estimates as well as local nonexistence results for a class of quasilinear equations-Δpu=σP(u)+ωforp>1and Hessian equationsFk-u=σP(u)+ωwere established, whereσis a nonnegative locally integrable function or, more generally, a locally finite measure,ωis a positive Radon measure, andP(u)~exp⁡αuβwithα>0andβ≥1orP(u)=up-1.
Worries of Pregnant Women: Testing the Farsi Cambridge Worry Scale
Authors: Mortazavi Forough , Akaberi Arash
Published: May 2016

Pregnancy adds many sources of concerns to women’s daily life worries. Excessive worry can affect maternal physiological and psychological state that influences the pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this study was to validate the Cambridge Worry Scale (CWS) in a sample of Iranian pregnant women. After translation of the CWS, ten experts evaluated the items and added six items to the 17-item scale. In a descriptive cross-sectional study, 405 of pregnant women booked for prenatal care completed the Farsi CWS. We split the sample randomly. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted on the first half of the sample to disclose the factorial structure of the 23-item scale. The results of the EFA on the Farsi CWS indicated four factors altogether explained 51.5% of variances. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was done on the second half of the sample. The results of the CFA showed that the model fit our data (chi-square/df = 2.02, RMSEA = 0.071, SRMR = 0.071, CFI = 0.95, and NNFI = 0.94). Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the Farsi CWS was 0.883. The Farsi CWS is a reliable and valid instrument for understanding common pregnancy worries in the third trimester of pregnancy in Iranian women.
Changes in Angiotensin Receptor Distribution and in Aortic Morphology Are Associated with Blood Pressure Control in Aged Metabolic Syndrome Rats
Authors: Guarner-Lans Verónica , Soria-Castro Elizabeth , Torrico-Lavayen Rocío , Patrón-Soberano Araceli , Carvajal-Aguilera Karla G. , Castrejón-Tellez Vicente , Rubio-Ruiz María Esther
Published: May 2016

The role of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in blood pressure regulation in MS during aging is unknown. It participates in metabolic syndrome (MS) and aging regulating vascular tone and remodeling. RAS might participate in a compensatory mechanism decreasing blood pressure and allowing MS rats to reach 18 months of age and it might form part of therapeutical procedures to ameliorate MS. We studied histological changes and distribution of RAS receptors in aortas of MS aged rats. Electron microscopy images showed premature aging in MS since the increased fibrosis, enlarged endothelium, and invasion of this layer by muscle cells that was present in control 18-month-old aortas were also found in 6-month-old aortas from MS rats. AT1, AT2, and Mas receptors mediate the effects of Ang II and Ang 1-7, respectively. Fluorescence from AT2 decreased with age in control and MS aortas, while fluorescence of AT1 increased in aortas from MS rats at 6 months and diminished during aging. Mas expression increased in MS rats and remained unchanged in control rats. In conclusion, there is premature aging in the aortas from MS rats and the elevated expression of Mas receptor might contribute to decrease blood pressure during aging in MS.
Advances in the Treatment of Ischemic Diseases by Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Li Shujing , Wang Xianyun , Li Jing , Zhang Jun , Zhang Fan , Hu Jie , Qi Yixin , Yan Baoyong , Li Quanhai
Published: May 2016

Ischemic diseases are a group of diseases, including ischemic cerebrovascular disease, ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM), and diabetic foot as well as other diseases which are becoming a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the whole world. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used to treat a variety of ischemic diseases in animal models and clinical trials. Lots of recent publications demonstrated that MSCs therapy was safe and relieved symptoms in patients of ischemic disease. However, many factors could influence therapeutic efficacy including route of delivery, MSCs’ survival and residential rate in vivo, timing of transplantation, particular microenvironment, and patient’s clinical condition. In this review, the current status, therapeutic potential, and the detailed factors of MSCs‐based therapeutics for ischemic cerebrovascular disease, ICM, and diabetic foot are presented and discussed. We think that MSCs transplantation would constitute an ideal option for patients with ischemic diseases.
Methanol and Butanol Extracts of Paeonia lutea Leaves Repress Metastasis of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Mukudai Yoshiki , Zhang Meilin , Shiogama Sunao , Kondo Seiji , Ito Chihiro , Motohashi Hiromi , Kato Kosuke , Fujii Miharu , Shintani Satoru , Shigemori Hideyuki , Yazawa Kazunaga , Shirota Tatsuo
Published: May 2016

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common cancers of the head and neck region worldwide and is generally treated surgically in combination with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. However, anticancer agents have numerous serious side effects, and alternative, less toxic agents that are effective as chemotherapeutics for SCC are required. The Paeoniaceae family is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. We examined methanol and butanol extracts of Paeonia lutea (P. lutea) leaves for their potential as an anticancer agent. Both extracts decreased the proliferation of SCC cells, induced apoptotic cell death, and modulated migration, adhesion, chemotaxis, and haptotaxis in an extracellular matrix‐ (ECM‐) dependent manner due to altered expression of several integrin subunits. Subsequently, SCC cells were subcutaneously transplanted into athymic nude mice; the extracts reduced the metastasis of SCC cells but had little effect on the volume of the primary tumor or survival or body weight of the mice. The results suggest that the extracts may hold promise for preventing cancer metastasis.
Precession Azimuth Sensing with Low-Noise Molecular Electronics Angular Sensors
Authors: Zaitsev Dmitry L. , Agafonov Vadim M. , Egorov Egor V. , Antonov Alexander N. , Krishtop Vladimir G.
Published: May 2016

This paper describes the use of MET-based low-noise angular motion sensors to precisely determine azimuth direction in a dynamic-scheme method of measuring the Earth’s rotational velocity vector. The scheme includes sensor installation on a rotating platform so that it could scan the space and seek for the position of the highest Earth’s rotation vector projection on its axis. This method is very efficient provided a low-noise sensor is used. A low-cost angular sensor based on MET (molecular electronic transduction) technology has been used. The sensors of this kind were originally developed for seismic activity monitoring and are well known for very good noise performance and high sensitivity. This approach, combined with the use of special signal processing algorithms, allowed reaching the accuracy of 0.2°, while the measurement time was less than 100 seconds.