bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuous negative abdominal pressure: mechanism of action and comparison with prone position
Authors: Yoshida Takeshi , Engelberts Doreen , Otulakowski Gail , Katira Bhushan , Ferguson Niall D. , Brochard Laurent , Amato Marcelo B. P. , Kavanagh Brian P.
Published: March 2018

We recently reported that continuous negative abdominal pressure (CNAP) could recruit dorsal atelectasis in experimental lung injury and that oxygenation improved at different transpulmonary pressure values compared with increases in airway pressure (Yoshida T, Engelberts D, Otulakowski G, Katira BH, Post M, Ferguson ND, Brochard L, Amato MBP, Kavanagh BP. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 197: 534–537, 2018). The mechanism of recruitment with CNAP is uncertain, and its impact compared with a commonly proposed alternative approach to recruitment, prone positioning, is not known. We hypothesized that CNAP recruits lung by decreasing the vertical pleural pressure (Ppl) gradient (i.e., difference between dependent and nondependent Ppl), thought to be one mechanism of action of prone positioning. An established porcine model of lung injury (surfactant depletion followed by ventilator-induced lung injury) was used. CNAP was applied using a plexiglass chamber that completely enclosed the abdomen at a constant negative pressure (−5 cmH2O). Lungs were recruited to maximal positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP; 25 cmH2O) and deflated in steps of PEEP (2 cmH2O, 10 min each). CNAP lowered the Ppl in dependent but not in nondependent lung, and therefore, in contrast to PEEP, it narrowed the vertical Ppl gradient. CNAP increased respiratory system compliance and oxygenation and appeared to selectively displace the posterior diaphragm caudad (computerized tomography images). Compared with prone position without CNAP, CNAP in the supine position was associated with higher arterial partial pressure of oxygen and compliance, as well as greater homogeneity of ventilation. The mechanism of action of CNAP appears to be via selective narrowing of the vertical gradient of Ppl. CNAP appears to offer physiological advantages over prone positioning.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Continuous negative abdominal pressure reduces the vertical gradient in (dependent vs. nondependent) pleural pressure and increases oxygenation and lung compliance; it is more effective than prone positioning at comparable levels of positive end-expiratory pressure.
Development of Pavement Distress Deterioration Prediction Models for Urban Road Network Using Genetic Programming
Authors: Chopra Tanuj , Parida Manoranjan , Kwatra Naveen , Chopra Palika
Published: March 2018

The objective of the present study is to develop models to predict the deterioration of pavement distress of the urban road network. Genetic programming (GP) has been used to develop five models for the prediction of pavement distress: Model 1 for the cracking progression, Model 2 for the ravelling progression, Model 3 for the pothole progression, Model 4 for the rutting progression, and Model 5 for the roughness progression. The data have been collected from the roads of Patiala City, Punjab, India; during the years 2012–2015, the network of 16 roads have been selected for the data collection purposes. The data have been divided into two sets, that is, training dataset (data collected during the years 2012 and 2013) and validation dataset (data collected during the years 2014 and 2015). The two fitness functions have been used for the evaluation of the models, that is, coefficient of determination (R2) and root mean square error (RMSE), and it is inferred that GP models predict with high accuracy for pavement distress and help the decision makers for adequate and timely fund allocations for preservation of the urban road network.
A Novel Image Authentication with Tamper Localization and Self-Recovery in Encrypted Domain Based on Compressive Sensing
Authors: Zhang Rui , Xiao Di , Chang Yanting
Published: March 2018

This paper proposes a novel tamper detection, localization, and recovery scheme for encrypted images with Discrete Wavelet Transformation (DWT) and Compressive Sensing (CS). The original image is first transformed into DWT domain and divided into important part, that is, low-frequency part, and unimportant part, that is, high-frequency part. For low-frequency part contains the main information of image, traditional chaotic encryption is employed. Then, high-frequency part is encrypted with CS to vacate space for watermark. The scheme takes the processed original image content as watermark, from which the characteristic digest values are generated. Comparing with the existing image authentication algorithms, the proposed scheme can realize not only tamper detection and localization but also tamper recovery. Moreover, tamper recovery is based on block division and the recovery accuracy varies with the contents that are possibly tampered. If either the watermark or low-frequency part is tampered, the recovery accuracy is 100%. The experimental results show that the scheme can not only distinguish the type of tamper and find the tampered blocks but also recover the main information of the original image. With great robustness and security, the scheme can adequately meet the need of secure image transmission under unreliable conditions.
Natural Killer Cells from Malignant Pleural Effusion Are Endowed with a Decidual-Like Proangiogenic Polarization
Authors: Bosi Annalisa , Zanellato Silvia , Bassani Barbara , Albini Adriana , Musco Alessandra , Cattoni Maria , Desio Matteo , Nardecchia Elisa , D’Urso Davide Giuseppe , Imperatori Andrea , Dominioni Lorenzo , Noonan Douglas M. , Mortara Lorenzo , Bruno Antonino
Published: March 2018

Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial in tumor recognition and eradication, but their activity is impaired in cancer patients, becoming poorly cytotoxic. A particular type of NK cells, from the decidua, has low cytotoxicity and shows proangiogenic functions. We investigated whether NK cells from peripheral blood (PB) and pleural effusions of patients develop decidual-like NK phenotype and whether exposure to IL-2 can restore their killing ability in the presence of pleural fluids. NK cells from pleural effusion of patients with inflammatory conditions (iPE, n = 18), primary tumor (ptPE, n = 18), and metastatic tumor (tmPE, n = 27) acquired the CD56brightCD16− phenotype. NK cells from both ptPE and tmPE showed increased expression for the CD49a and CD69 decidual-like (dNK) markers and decreased levels of the CD57 maturation marker. NK from all the PE analyzed showed impaired degranulation capability and reduced perforin release. PE-NK cells efficiently responded to IL-2 stimulation in vitro. Addition of TGFβ or cell-free pleural fluid to IL-2 in the culture medium abrogated NK cell CD107a and IFNγ expression even in healthy donors (n = 14) NK. We found that tmPE-NK cells produce VEGF and support the formation of capillary-like structures in endothelial cells. Our results suggest that the PE tumor microenvironment can shape NK cell polarization towards a low cytotoxic, decidual-like, highly proangiogenic phenotype and that IL-2 treatment is not sufficient to limit this process.
A Glitch-Free Novel DET-FF in 22 nm CMOS for Low-Power Application
Authors: Singar Sumitra , Joshi N. K. , Ghosh P. K.
Published: March 2018

Dual edge triggered (DET) techniques are most liked choice for the researchers in the field of digital VLSI design because of its high-performance and low-power consumption standard. Dual edge triggered techniques give the similar throughput at half of the clock frequency as compared to the single edge triggered (SET) techniques. Dual edge triggered techniques can reduce the 50% power consumption and increase the total system power savings. The low-power glitch-free novel dual edge triggered flip-flop (DET-FF) design is proposed in this paper. Still now, existing DET-FF designs are constructed by using either C-element circuit or 1P-2N structure or 2P-1N structure, but the proposed novel design is designed by using the combination of C-element circuit and 2P-1N structure. In this design, if any glitch affects one of the structures, then it is nullified by the other structure. To control the input loading, the two circuits are merged to share the transistors connected to the input. In the proposed design, we have used an internal dual feedback structure. The proposed design reduces the delay and power consumption and increases the speed and efficiency of the system.
ERP and Behavioral Effects of Physical and Cognitive Training on Working Memory in Aging: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Gajewski Patrick D. , Falkenstein Michael
Published: March 2018

Working memory (WM) performance decreases with age. A promising method to improve WM is physical or cognitive training. The present randomized controlled study is aimed at evaluating the effects of different training methods on WM. A sample of 141 healthy older adults (mean age 70 years) was assigned to one of four groups: physical training, cognitive training, a social control group, and a no-contact control group. The participants trained for four months. Before and after the training, n-back task during an EEG recording was applied. The results show that cognitive training enhanced the target detection rate in the 2-back task. This was corroborated by an increased number of repeated digits in the backward digit-span test but not in other memory tests. The improvement of WM was supported by an increased P3a prior to a correct target and an increased P3b both in nontarget and target trials. No ERP effects in the physical and no-contact control groups were found, while a reduction of P3a and P3b was found in the social control group. Thus, cognitive training enhances frontal and parietal processing related to the maintenance of a stored stimulus for subsequent matching with an upcoming stimulus and increases allocation of cognitive resources. These results indicate that multidomain cognitive training may increase WM capacity and neuronal activity in older age.
Sleep Mechanism of Base Station Based on Minimum Energy Cost
Authors: Han Dongsheng , Zheng Bing , Chen Zhixiong
Published: March 2018

Deploying dense network is a promising technique of fifth‐generation communication to meet the challenge of soaring demand from explosive growth of mobile users. However, this technique obviously increases the power consumption, thereby indirectly causing heavy financial burden on mobile network operators and CO2 emission, which is considered as a major threat to the environment. In consideration of energy storage device, self‐discharge effect, and preventing repeated switch (PRS) mechanism, a comprehensive power management model for wireless communication system in smart grid is investigated in this study from the power consumption and economic cost aspects. Two base sleep mechanisms, namely, energy cost first (ECF) algorithm and power consumption first (PCF) algorithm, are proposed. The ECF algorithm focuses on the minimum cost of system operation by selecting the low‐cost energy scheme. Meanwhile, the PCF algorithm considers the minimum power consumption first and then optimizes the cost. Compared with conventional scheme, simulation results show that the two proposed algorithms can decrease the energy cost of communication base system significantly. Setting an energy storage device can further stabilize the energy cost, while the switching frequency can be reduced to a large extent when combined with the PRS mechanism.
Developmental Pathways Pervade Stem Cell Responses to Evolving Extracellular Matrices of 3D Bioprinted Microenvironments
Authors: Tran Quyen A. , Ajeti Visar , Freeman Brian T. , Campagnola Paul J. , Ogle Brenda M.
Published: March 2018

Developmental studies and 3Din vitromodel systems show that the production and engagement of extracellular matrix (ECM) often precede stem cell differentiation. Yet, unclear is how the ECM triggers signaling events in sequence to accommodate multistep process characteristic of differentiation. Here, we employ transcriptome profiling and advanced imaging to delineate the specificity of ECM engagement to particular differentiation pathways and to determine whether specificity in this context is a function of long-term ECM remodeling. To this end, human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were cultured in 3D bioprinted prisms created from ECM proteins and associated controls. We found that exogenous ECM provided in 3D microenvironments at early time points impacts on the composition of microenvironments at later time points and that each evolving 3D microenvironment is uniquely poised to promote stem cell differentiation. Moreover, 2D cultures undergo minimal ECM remodeling and are ill-equipped to stimulate pathways associated with development.
Exercise Prevents Diaphragm Wasting Induced by Cigarette Smoke through Modulation of Antioxidant Genes and Metalloproteinases
Authors: Vieira Ramos Gracielle , Choqueta de Toledo-Arruda Alessandra , Maria Pinheiro-Dardis Clara , Liyoko Suehiro Camila , Luiz de Russo Thiago , Vieira Rodolfo Paula , Arruda Martins Milton , Salvini Tania Fátima , Durigan João Luiz Quagliotti
Published: March 2018

Background. The present study aimed to analyze the effects of physical training on an antioxidant canonical pathway and metalloproteinases activity in diaphragm muscle in a model of cigarette smoke-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods. Male mice were randomized into control, smoke, exercise, and exercise + smoke groups, which were maintained in trial period of 24 weeks. Gene expression of kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1; nuclear factor erythroid-2 like 2; and heme-oxygenase1 by polymerase chain reaction was performed. Metalloproteinases 2 and 9 activities were analyzed by zymography. Exercise capacity was evaluated by treadmill exercise test before and after the protocol. Results. Aerobic training inhibited diaphragm muscle wasting induced by cigarette smoke exposure. This inhibition was associated with improved aerobic capacity in those animals that were submitted to 24 weeks of aerobic training, when compared to the control and smoke groups, which were not submitted to training. The aerobic training also downregulated the increase of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and upregulated antioxidant genes, such as nuclear factor erythroid-2 like 2 (NRF2) and heme-oxygenase1 (HMOX1), in exercise + smoke group compared to smoke group. Conclusions. Treadmill aerobic training protects diaphragm muscle wasting induced by cigarette smoke exposure involving upregulation of antioxidant genes and downregulation of matrix metalloproteinases.
A Sun Path Observation System Based on Augment Reality and Mobile Learning
Authors: Tarng Wernhuar , Ou Kuo-Liang , Lu Yun-Chen , Shih Yi-Syuan , Liou Hsin-Hun
Published: March 2018

This study uses the augmented reality technology and sensor functions of GPS, electronic compass, and three-axis accelerometer on mobile devices to develop a Sun path observation system for applications in astronomy education. The orientation and elevation of the Sun can be calculated by the system according to the user’s location and local time to simulate the Sun path. When holding the mobile device toward the sky, the screen will show the virtual Sun at the same position as that of the real Sun. The user can record the Sun path and the data of observation date, time, longitude, and latitude using the celestial hemisphere and the pole shadow on the system. By setting different observation times and locations, it can be seen that the Sun path changes with seasons and latitudes. The system provides contextual awareness of the Sun path concepts, and it can convert the observation data into organized and meaningful astronomical knowledge to enable combination of situated learning with spatial cognition. The system can solve the problem of being not able to record the Sun path due to a bad weather or topographical restrictions, and therefore it is helpful for elementary students when conducting observations. A teaching experiment has been conducted to analyze the learning achievement of students after using the system, and the results show that it is more effective than traditional teaching aids. The questionnaire results also reveal that the system is easy to operate and useful in recording the Sun path data. Therefore, it is an effective tool for astronomy education in elementary schools.
The Influence of Media Treatments on Color Changes, Dimensional Stability, and Cracking Behavior of Bamboo Scrimber
Authors: Li Jingpeng , Chen Yuhe , Xu Jun , Ren Danjing , Yu Hui , Guo Fan , Wu Zaixing
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of media treatments on color changes, dimensional stability, and cracking behavior of bamboo scrimber, which has many applications in construction. The bamboo scrimber specimens comprised bamboo bundles with a low molecular weight phenol formaldehyde resin which were manufactured via a cold-in and cold-out hot-pressing process. Small clear specimens were sampled and treated under ten different conditions: water immersion at 25°C, 63°C, and 100°C; oil immersion at 100°C and 150°C; air drying at 63°C, 100°C, and 150°C; and infrared drying at 100°C and 150°C. Then, tests were conducted to determine the color changes, dimensional stability, and cracking behavior of the bamboo scrimbers. The results showed that the bamboo scrimber specimens became darker after all treatment conditions, especially the oil treatments and infrared drying. The color of the oil-treated bamboo scrimbers was found to be more homogenous than the others. The dimensional stability of the bamboo scrimbers was more or less influenced by the water treatments, air drying, and infrared drying, and the oil-treated bamboo scrimbers were relatively stable. Moreover, during the 4-hour treatments, cracks were found in the bamboo scrimbers after air drying at 150°C or infrared drying at 100°C or 150°C.
Modeling of Scattering Cross Section for Mineral Aerosol with a Gaussian Beam
Authors: Zheng Wenbin , Tang Hong
Published: March 2018

Based on the generalized Lorenz Mie theory (GLMT), the scattering cross section of mineral aerosol within the Gaussian beam is investigated, and an appropriate modeling of the scattering cross sections for the real mineral aerosols including the feldspar, quartz, and red clay is proposed. In this modeling, the spheroid shape is applied to represent the real nonspherical mineral aerosol, and these nonspherical particles are randomly distributed within the Gaussian beam region. Meanwhile, the Monte Carlo statistical estimate method is used to determine the distributed positions of these random nonspherical particles. Moreover, a method for the nonspherical particles is proposed to represent the scattering cross section of the real mineral aerosols. In addition, the T matrix method is also used to calculate the scattering cross sections of the spheroid particles in order to compare the scattering properties between the plane wave and the Gaussian wave. Simulation results indicate that fairly reasonable results of the scattering cross sections for the mineral aerosols can be obtained with this proposed method, and it can provide a reliable and efficient approach to reproduce the scattering cross sections of the real randomly distributed mineral aerosols illuminated by the Gaussian beam.
A Low-Cost Vehicle Anti-Theft System Using Obsolete Smartphone
Authors: Liu Bang , Liu Nianbo , Chen Guihai , Dai Xili , Liu Ming
Published: March 2018

In modern society, vehicle theft has become an increasing problem to the general public. Deploying onboard anti-theft systems could relieve this problem, but it often requires extra investment for vehicle owners. In this paper, we propose the idea of PhoneInside, which does not need a special device but leverages an obsolete smartphone to build a low-cost vehicle anti-theft system. After being fixed in the vehicle body with a car charger, the smartphone can detect vehicle movement and adaptively use GPS, cellular/WiFi localization, and dead reckoning to locate the vehicle during driving. Especially, a novel Velocity-Aware Dead Reckoning (VA-DR) method is presented, which utilizes map knowledge and vehicle’s turns at road curves and intersections to estimate velocity for trajectory computation. Compared to traditional dead reckoning, it reduces accumulated errors and achieves great improvement in localization accuracy. Furthermore, based on the learning of the driving history, our system can establish individual mobility model for a vehicle and distinguish abnormal driving behaviors by a Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) network. With the help of ad hoc authentication, the system can identify vehicle theft and send out timely alarming and tracking messages for rapid recovery. The realistic experiments running on Android smartphones prove that our system can detect vehicle theft effectively and locate a stolen vehicle accurately, with average errors less than the sight range.
Patient with Marfan Syndrome and a Novel Variant in FBN1 Presenting with Bilateral Popliteal Artery Aneurysm
Authors: Mohammad Ahmed , Helmi Haytham , Atwal Paldeep S.
Published: March 2018

We present a 43-year-old man with aortic root dilation, mitral valve prolapse, and marfanoid appearance, who presented with acute onset left leg pain. He underwent a Doppler ultrasound that revealed left popliteal artery aneurysm with thrombus. CT angiogram showed bilateral popliteal artery aneurysms. After repairing of his left popliteal artery aneurysm, he was sent for genetic evaluation. He was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome (MFS) based on the revised Ghent criteria and then underwent FBN1 sequencing and deletion/duplication analysis, which detected a novel pathogenic variant in gene FBN1, denoted by c.5872 T>A (p.Cys1958Ser). MFS is a connective tissue disorder with an autosomal dominant inheritance due to pathogenic variants in FBN1 that encodes Fibrillin-1, a major element of the extracellular matrix, and connective tissue throughout the body. MFS involves multiple systems, most commonly the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and visual systems. In our case we present a rare finding of bilateral popliteal artery aneurysms in a male patient with MFS.
Low Speed Longitudinal Control Algorithms for Automated Vehicles in Simulation and Real Platforms
Authors: Marcano Mauricio , Matute José A. , Lattarulo Ray , Martí Enrique , Pérez Joshué
Published: March 2018

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) acting over throttle and brake are already available in level 2 automated vehicles. In order to increase the level of automation new systems need to be tested in an extensive set of complex scenarios, ensuring safety under all circumstances. Validation of these systems using real vehicles presents important drawbacks: the time needed to drive millions of kilometers, the risk associated with some situations, and the high cost involved. Simulation platforms emerge as a feasible solution. Therefore, robust and reliable virtual environments to test automated driving maneuvers and control techniques are needed. In that sense, this paper presents a use case where three longitudinal low speed control techniques are designed, tuned, and validated using an in‐house simulation framework and later applied in a real vehicle. Control algorithms include a classical PID, an adaptive network fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), and a Model Predictive Control (MPC). The simulated dynamics are calculated using a multibody vehicle model. In addition, longitudinal actuators of a Renault Twizy are characterized through empirical tests. A comparative analysis of results between simulated and real platform shows the effectiveness of the proposed framework for designing and validating longitudinal controllers for real automated vehicles.
Expression Characterization of Six Genes Possibly Involved in Gonad Development for Stellate Sturgeon Individuals (Acipenser stellatus, Pallas 1771)
Authors: Burcea Alexandru , Popa Gina-Oana , Florescu (Gune) Iulia Elena , Maereanu Marilena , Dudu Andreea , Georgescu Sergiu Emil , Costache Marieta
Published: March 2018

Nowadays, in sturgeon’s aquaculture, there is a necessity for sex identification at early stages in order to increase the efficiency of this commercial activity. The basis for a correct identification is studying the different factors that influence the gonad development. The research has been directed towards molecular methods that have been employed with various degrees of success in identifying genes with different expression patterns between male and female sturgeons during their development stages. For the purpose of understanding the sexual development of 4-year-old stellate sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus) individuals, we have selected six genes (foxl2, cyp17a1, ar, dmrt1, sox9, and star). We analysed the gene expression of the selected genes for gonads, anal fin, liver, body kidney, and white muscle. The cyp17a1, ar, dmrt1, and sox9 genes have a significant higher expression in male gonads than in female gonads, while the data shows no significant differences in the expression of the investigated genes in the other organs. We investigate these genes to shed light on aquaculture sturgeon sexual development.
Whole Genome Sequencing of Greater Amberjack (Seriola dumerili) for SNP Identification on Aligned Scaffolds and Genome Structural Variation Analysis Using Parallel Resequencing
Authors: Araki Kazuo , Aokic Jun-ya , Kawase Junya , Hamada Kazuhisa , Ozaki Akiyuki , Fujimoto Hiroshi , Yamamoto Ikki , Usuki Hironori
Published: March 2018

Greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) is distributed in tropical and temperate waters worldwide and is an important aquaculture fish. We carried out de novo sequencing of the greater amberjack genome to construct a reference genome sequence to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for breeding amberjack by marker-assisted or gene-assisted selection as well as to identify functional genes for biological traits. We obtained 200 times coverage and constructed a high-quality genome assembly using next generation sequencing technology. The assembled sequences were aligned onto a yellowtail (Seriola quinqueradiata) radiation hybrid (RH) physical map by sequence homology. A total of 215 of the longest amberjack sequences, with a total length of 622.8 Mbp (92% of the total length of the genome scaffolds), were lined up on the yellowtail RH map. We resequenced the whole genomes of 20 greater amberjacks and mapped the resulting sequences onto the reference genome sequence. About 186,000 nonredundant SNPs were successfully ordered on the reference genome. Further, we found differences in the genome structural variations between two greater amberjack populations using BreakDancer. We also analyzed the greater amberjack transcriptome and mapped the annotated sequences onto the reference genome sequence.
The Use of Waste Maroon Marble Powder and Iron Oxide Pigment in the Production of Coloured Self‐Compacting Concrete
Authors: Uysal Mucteba
Published: March 2018

This work covers some workability, mechanical, and durability properties of coloured self‐compacting concrete (SCC) containing maroon marble powder and iron oxide pigment. Pigments with varying amounts were used to produce coloured SCC. For this purpose, ten different series were prepared of which two of the series were pigment free that one of them was the colour of white SCC including limestone powder and the other one was the colour of maroon SCC including maroon marble powder. The other series were containing pigments with varying amounts. The water to binder ratio remained constant for all the series at 0.42. Slump flow, T50 time, V‐funnel, and L‐box tests were used to determine the workability of coloured SCC. The hardened properties that were determined included density, water absorption, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), compressive strength, abrasion resistance, and impermeability. As workability, experimental results showed that coloured SCC could be obtained by using maroon marble powder and when iron oxide pigment used in amounts less than 6%. The addition of pigment notably increased the water absorption of SCC series. The use of smaller quantities of pigment caused slight increase in compressive strength. Higher pigment content also provided decreases in abrasive resistance, and after exposure to abrasion, mass losses were within the range of 0.89%–2.12% and the abrasion depths were within the range of 0.9 mm–2.1 mm. Among the varying amounts of pigmented series, M1 series which contains 1% pigment showed the best performance, and the findings indicated that it is possible to successfully utilize maroon marble powder and lower amounts of pigments in producing coloured SCC.
A Bibliometric Review on Risk Management and Building Information Modeling for International Construction
Authors: Ganbat Tsenguun , Chong Heap-Yih , Liao Pin-Chao , Wu You-Di
Published: March 2018

International construction is complicated and involves high risks. However, with the development of technological innovation, Building Information Modeling (BIM) emerged and seems to be able to address certain risks. To understand BIM applications in risk management for international construction, a state‐of‐the‐art review is required. Therefore, this paper aims to identify the research trends and opportunities for risk management in BIM‐enabled international construction by reviewing 526 peer‐reviewed journal articles for the years 2007–2017. Thus five steps of bibliometric analysis were conducted based on the proposed frameworks of BIM risk management in international construction (BIM‐RM‐INTL). The results show that the popularization of BIM not only attracts all stakeholders’ interests but also brings some risks. For example, financial factors are hard to detect and control through BIM, information loss during transmission stands out, and BIM has no unified standards and regulations for international construction. The research has mapped existing research results and their relationships for future risk management in BIM‐enabled international construction.
Proposing New Methods to Estimate the Safety Level in Different Parts of Freeway Interchanges
Authors: Behbahani Hamid , Hosseini Sayyed Mohsen , Taherkhani Alireza , Asadi Hemin , Samerei Seyed Alireza
Published: March 2018

Since attention to the safety of traffic facilities including freeway interchanges has been increased during recent years, accident prediction models are being developed. Simulation‐based surrogate safety measures (SSMs) have been used in the absence of real collision data. But, obtaining different outputs from different SSMs as safety indicators had led to a complexity of using them as the collision avoidance system basis. Additionally, applying SSM requires trajectory data which can be hardly obtained from video processing or calibrated microsimulations. Estimating safety level in different parts of freeway interchanges through a new proposed method was considered in this paper. Fuzzy logic was applied to combine the outputs of different SSMs, and an index called no‐collision potential index (NCPI) was defined. 13608 calibrated simulations were conducted on different ramps, weaving, merge, and diverge areas with different geometrical and traffic characteristics, and NCPI was determined for every case. The geometrical and traffic characteristics formed input data of two safety estimator models developed by Artificial Neural Network and Particle Swarm Optimization. Ten freeway interchanges were investigated to calibrate the simulations and to ensure the validity of the fuzzy method and accuracy of the models. Results showed an appropriate and accurate development of the models.
Current Progress in the Rejuvenation of Aging Stem/Progenitor Cells for Improving the Therapeutic Effectiveness of Myocardial Repair
Authors: Kaur Gurleen , Cai Chuanxi
Published: March 2018

Ischemic heart disease affects a majority of people, especially elderly patients. Recent studies have utilized autologous adult stem/progenitor cells as a treatment option to heal cardiac tissue after myocardial infarction. However, donor cells from aging patients are more likely to be in a senescent stage. Rejuvenation is required to reverse the damage levied by aging and promote a youthful phenotype. This review aims to discuss current strategies that are effective in rejuvenating aging cardiac stem cells and represent novel therapeutic methods to treat the aging heart. Recent literature mainly focuses on three approaches that aim to reverse cardiac aging: genetic modification, pharmaceutical administration, and optimization of extracellular factors. In vitro genetic modification can be used to overexpress or knock down certain genes and allow for reversal of the aging phenotype. Pharmaceutical administration is another approach that allows for manipulation of signaling pathways related to cell proliferation and cell senescence. Since the stem cell niche can contribute to the age-related decline in stem cell function, rejuvenation strategies also include optimization of extracellular factors. Overall, improving the intrinsic properties of aging stem cells as well as the surrounding environment allows these cells to adopt a phenotype similar to their younger counterparts.
Amyloid Deposits and Idiopathic Normal-Pressure Hydrocephalus: An 18F-Florbetaben Study
Authors: Kang Kyunghun , Yoon Uicheul , Hong Jinwoo , Jeong Shin Young , Ko Pan-Woo , Lee Sang-Woo , Lee Ho-Won
Published: March 2018

Background: The first aim of our study was to determine whether cortical 18F-florbetaben retention was different between healthy controls and idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (INPH) patients. Our second aim was to investigate whether there were any relationships between 18F-florbetaben retention and either hippocampal volume or clinical symptoms in INPH patients. Methods: Seventeen patients diagnosed with INPH and 8 healthy controls underwent studies with magnetic resonance imaging and 18F-florbetaben positron emission tomography imaging. Results: Automated region-of-interest analysis showed significant increases in 18F-florbetaben uptake in several brain regions in INPH patients compared to control subjects, with especially remarkable increases in the frontal (bilateral), parietal (bilateral), and occipital (bilateral) cortices. In the INPH group, right hippocampal volume was found to be negatively correlated with right frontal 18F-florbetaben retention. Korean-Mini Mental State Examination scores negatively correlated with right occipital 18F-florbetaben retention. Higher 18F-florbetaben retention correlated significantly with a higher Clinical Dementia Rating Scale score in the right occipital cortex. Conclusions: Our results indicate that INPH might be a disease exhibiting a characteristic pattern of cortical 18F-florbetaben retention. 18F-florbetaben retention in the frontal cortex may be related to hippocampal neuronal degeneration. Our findings may also help us understand the potential pathophysiology of cognitive impairments associated with INPH.
Exercise-Induced Change in Plasma IL-12p70 Is Linked to Migraine Prevention and Anxiolytic Effects in Treatment-Naïve Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Oliveira Arão Belitardo , Bachi Andre Luis Lacerda , Ribeiro Reinaldo Teixeira , Mello Marco Túlio , Vaisberg Mauro , Peres Mario Fernando Prieto
Published: March 2018

Objective: To conduct a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of a 12-week aerobic exercise program for migraine prevention, plasma cytokines concentrations (TNF-α, interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-12p70), and anxiety in women with migraine. Methods: Women with episodic migraine (ICHD-II), aged between 20 and 50 years, who had never taken any prophylactic medication, and were physically inactive in the past 12 months were recruited from the university’s hospital and a tertiary headache clinic between March 2012 and March 2015. Migraine attacks were recorded in headache diaries, cytokines were quantified by flow cytometry, and anxiety was assessed by the 7-item General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale. Blood sampling and psychometric interviews were undertaken on headache-free days. Results: Twenty participants ([mean ± SD] age 33.8 ± 10.5; BMI 26 ± 5.2) were randomly assigned and received intervention (“trained”: n = 10) or entered on a waitlist (“inactive”: n = 10). There were no differences between groups regarding patients’ characteristics and baseline data. Days with migraine (p = 0.001), IL-12p70 levels (p = 0.036), and GAD-7 score (p = 0.034) were significantly reduced in the trained group after the intervention period, but there were no significant changes in these variables in the inactive group. There was no change in the levels of the other cytokines in either group. There were positive correlations between a reduction in IL-12p70 level and a reduction in the number of days with migraine (R2 = 0.19, p = 0.045), and GAD-7 score (R2 = 0.53, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The clinical and psychological therapeutic effects of aerobic exercise in treatment-naïve women with migraine may involve the downregulation of IL-12p70.
Unusual Case of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease Associated with SAPHO Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Hasegawa Miyuki , Fukutomi Akira , Jinno Akiko , Fujita Kyoko , Kamei Motohiro
Published: March 2018

A 66-year-old Japanese woman who was diagnosed with synovitis-acne-pustulosis-hyperostosis-osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome presented with bilateral blurred vision 4 months prior to visiting our hospital. She had visited a local ophthalmology clinic first. She was diagnosed with conjunctivitis and was prescribed antibacterial eye drops. The symptoms persisted in spite of treatment. She was then referred to our hospital. At her initial visit, the visual acuities were 0.6 in both eyes. A slit-lamp examination revealed bilateral shallow anterior chamber, and intraocular pressures of 18 mm Hg in the right eye and 16 mm Hg in the left eye. There were no cells in the anterior chamber. Fundus examination revealed bilateral annular choroidal detachment and serous retinal detachment. Fluorescein angiography showed leakage of dye from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and indocyanine green angiography showed focal choroidal hypoperfusion. Optical coherence tomography showed wavy RPE line and blurry thick choroid. Systemic investigation by the physician demonstrated bilateral pleural effusions of unknown origin. The patient had a past history of breast cancer; however, no metastasis was identified via malignant cells through cytology, laboratory findings, radiographs, CT, and MRI. After the diagnosis of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease was made, the patient was treated with local and systemic steroid including high-dose intravenous corticosteroids, and 150 mg of cyclosporine per day. Seventy days after the second high-dose of intravenous corticosteroids, these medications brought a complete resolution of both choroidal and retinal detachment. VKH disease associated with SAPHO syndrome is rare. The combination of immunosuppressive drug and steroid might be helpful for severe cases of VKH disease.
Impact of Implementing 100% Rapid Review as a Quality Control Tool in Cervical Cytology
Authors: Magalhães Juliana Cristina , Ázara Cinara Zago Silveira , Tavares Sulene Brito do Nascimento , Manrique Edna Joana Claudio , Amaral Rita Goreti
Published: March 2018

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the impact of implementing 100% rapid review (100% RR) as a quality control tool in cervical smear cytology. Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted in which cytology findings, false-negative results, and quality indicators were evaluated. The variables were analyzed in 2004, the year in which 100% RR was implemented, and again in 2013, i.e., 10 years on. Results: Detection of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) increased from 0.90% in 2004 to 2.47% in 2013 by routine screening. Detection of atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC-H) increased from 13.33% in 2004 to 36.27% in 2013 by 100% RR. Detection of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) increased from 0.64% in 2004 to 4.29% in 2013 by routine screening, and increased from 0% in 2004 to 19.61% in 2013 by 100% RR. There was a significant increase (p = 0.00001) in the identification of false-negative results of ASC-US, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, ASC-H, HSIL, and atypical glandular cells. All quality indicators had increased in 2013 when compared to 2004 results. Conclusions: Ten years after the implementation of the 100% RR method, improvements were found in the detection of atypia and precursor lesions and in quality indicators.
FcγRIIIA Negatively Impacts Humoral Immune Responses but Not Overall Lung Inflammation in an Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Asthma Mouse Model
Authors: Zhou Pingping , Wu Tongqian , Jin Xiaoqian , Li Jing , Yan Haijian , Zhou Ling , Huang Yali , Wang Jun , Zhou Haiyan , Zhu Xiaoping , Zou Xiang , Fang Yu
Published: March 2018

Background: Fcγ receptors (FcγR) play substantial immune regulatory roles both positively and negatively in pathophysiological processes including allergy and asthma. Compared with FcγRIIB which is classically defined as an inhibitory receptor, mouse FcγRIIIA and its functional human homologue FcγRIIA have been assumed to be activating receptors. However, evidence demonstrating inhibitory regulation by mouse FcγRIIIA has recently been emerging. Objective: To dissect the contributory roles of mouse FcγRIIIA (human FcγRIIA) in parallel with FcγRIIB in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mouse model of asthma and to preliminarily assess the correlation of the respective FcγR with circulating IgE levels in human asthma patients. Methods: Wild-type, FcγRIIB–/–, and FcγRIIIA–/– mice were used in an OVA-induced asthma model followed by assessment of the allergic pathology focused on the lung tissues. Expression levels of FcγRIIB, FcγRIIA, and FcγRIIIA on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) together with the circulating IgE levels in the serum from patients with allergic asthma were analysed. Results: Although enhanced humoral immune responses typically represented by augmented OVA-specific IgG and IgE levels in serum were observed in the absence of FcγRIIIA in the mouse asthma model, no overall regulation by FcγRIIIA, especially in terms of those parameters measuring lung tissue inflammation, was recorded. As expected, in the absence of FcγRIIB, augmented immune responses measured as serum antibody levels as well as those in various regulatory pathways in this mouse asthma model were observed. The expression levels of human FcγRIIB but not FcγRIIA were negatively correlated with serum levels of IgE in human asthma patients. Conclusion: We did not find major evidence demonstrating an immune inhibitory role of mouse FcγRIIIA in this OVA-induced mouse asthma model. As asthma is a complex disease and the immune regulatory responses involve sophisticated components and pathways, the exact roles of FcγRIIIA as well as its human functional homologue FcγRIIA in asthma still await further clarification using other mouse asthma models as well as clinical studies.
Membrane-Associated Kaposi Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Glycoprotein B Promotes Cell Adhesion and Inhibits Migration of Cells via Upregulating IL-1β and TNF-α
Authors: Hussein Hosni A.M. , Abdel-Raouf Usama M. , Akula Shaw M.
Published: March 2018

Objectives: Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) glycoprotein B (gB) is expressed on the viral envelope as well as on the cytoplasmic membrane of infected cells. In the current study, we aimed to decipher the impact of membrane-associated gB on adhesion and migration of cells via modulating the expression of cytokines. Methods: A combination of polymerase chain reaction array, cell adhesion assay, and wound-healing migration assay was conducted to study the influence of the gB-induced cytokines on cell adhesion and migration. Results: Membrane-associated gB was demonstrated to significantly upregulate the expression of IL-1β and TNF-α. Elevated levels of these cytokines were observed in conditioned medium (CM) collected from gB-expressing cells (gB-CM) compared to CM collected from untransfected cells or cells transfected with empty vector. KSHV gB-induced IL-1β and TNF-α play a role in the ability of gB-CM to mediate cell adhesion while inhibiting migration. Conclusion: Our results provide novel evidence that demonstrates full-length gB expressed on cell membrane to mediate adhesion and inhibit migration of cells not only by autocrine mechanism mediated by RGD-based interactions [Hussein et al.: BMC Cancer 2016; 16: 148], but also by paracrine mechanism mediated by gB-induced IL-1β and TNF-α.
Robert Wartenberg, MD (1887–1956)
Authors: Pearce John M.S.
Published: March 2018

Modern technologies have, to some degree, replaced the careful elicitation of neurological physical signs. Many 20th century texts and monographs were devoted to such clinical phenomena. Foremost among them were the assiduous writings of Robert Wartenberg who fled Hitler to enhance Neurology in San Francisco. His work and influences are outlined here.
Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in Hungarian Children and Adolescents
Authors: Jakab Andrea Emese , Hidvégi Erzsébet Valéria , Illyés Miklós , Cziráki Attila , Bereczki Csaba
Published: March 2018

Background/Aims: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents is increasing worldwide, and this condition is a risk factor for cardiovascular mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity among the 3–18-year-old population in Szolnok City and the surrounding areas. Methods: Anthropometric data from healthy, white individuals recruited from nursery, elementary, and secondary schools were used to assess the prevalence of obesity and overweight in Szolnok City and the surrounding area, Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok county, Hungary. Healthy subjects numbering 6,824 (54% boys) were included; overweight and obesity were defined according to the relevant guidelines. Results: Overweight individuals constituted 13.4% of the population and 6.6% were obese. The total prevalence was higher in boys (21.6%) than in girls (18.1%). The peak of the prevalence was observed at age 10 in both sexes (boys 33%, girls 27%) followed by a gradual decrease, which was more significant in the case of girls. Conclusions: On the basis of the recent Hungarian data, we have not detected any changes in overweight and obesity in the age group 3–9 years and we have found a significant decrease in the age group 7–14 years. Prevention of overweight and obesity in early childhood is essential.
Dolphin Talk: Considerations on Bioacoustics as an Interdisciplinary Pedagogical Resource from Elementary to High School
Authors: Magalhães Nadja Simão
Published: March 2018

Neste trabalho propomos recursos para o ensino de acústica para os ensinos fundamental e médio baseados em vocalizações de animais coletadas a partir de pesquisas científicas. A proposta focaliza em recursos bibliográficos e computacionais, visando possibilitar interações entre diversas disciplinas escolares através de um ensino de física contextualizado. Além disso, ela pretende favorecer o diálogo dos ensinos médio e fundamental com o ensino superior, onde se originam e transitam aquelas pesquisas. Deste modo, universidades e institutos de pesquisa poderiam dispor de oportunidades de realizarem atividades de extensão junto ao meio escolar, enquanto que este poderia se beneficiar tendo contato mais próximo com recursos associados a investigações científicas.