bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro evaluation of square and surgeon's knots in large gauge suture
Authors: Gillen Alex M. , Munsterman Amelia S. , Farag Ramsis , Coleridge Matthew O. D. , Hanson R. Reid
Published: February 2017

Objective

To investigate the strength and size of surgeon's and square knots for starting and ending continuous suture lines using large gauge suture.

Study Design

In vitro mechanical study.

Study Population

Knotted suture.

Methods

Surgeon's and square knots were tested using 2 and 3 USP polyglactin 910 and 2 USP polydioxanone under linear tension on a universal testing machine. Failure mode and knot holding capacity (KHC) were recorded, and relative knot security (RKS) was calculated as a percentage of KHC. Comparisons were made between number of throws, suture size, suture type, and knot types. Knot volume and weight were assessed by a digital micrometer and balance, respectively.

Results

There were no significant differences in KHC (P = .295), RKS (P = .307), volume (P = .128), or weight (P = .310) between square and surgeon's knots at the start or end of suture lines with the same number of throws and suture type. A minimum of 6 throws were required for start knots and 7 throws at end knots to prevent unraveling. Knots tied with 3 polyglactin 910 were strongest (P < .001) and 2 polyglactin 910 produced knots with higher KHC and RKS than 2 polydioxanone (P < .001).

Conclusion

No consistent differences were detected between knots types tied with the same suture material; however, number of throws affected KHC and RKS up to 6 throws in start or 7 throws in end knots. The configuration of square and surgeon's knots performed at the end of a continuous line alters their KHC, supporting the use of additional throws for knot security.
The Effects of Safety Climate on Safety Performance: An Evidence in a Malaysian-Based Electric Electronic and Manufacturing Plant
Authors: Mat Jusoh Nurul Hidayu , Panatik Siti Aisyah
Published: February 2017

The current paper aimed at investigating the effects of each dimension of safety climate on safety performance in a Malaysian-based electric and electronic manufacturing plant. The study was carried out as a non-experimental type research which employed questionnaire as the method of collecting data. A total of 313 production workers from a Malaysian-based electric and electronic manufacturing plant participated in the study. The obtained data were analyzed using simple linear regression analysis. The findings of the study demonstrated that each dimension of safety climate played a significant influence on safety performance.
The Influence of Guests’ Social Interaction on the Hostel Experience: A Conceptual Framework
Authors: Rashid-Radha Jasmine Zea Raziah Radha , Lockwood Andrew , Nolan-Davis Eimear-Marie
Published: February 2017

Social interaction among fellow travellers forms a significant component of the authentic backpacking experience. Hostel accommodation have been purposely designed to provide the kind of environment that fosters communication and interaction between backpackers. Hostel guests have typically been provided with dormitory-type rooms, shared washrooms, kitchen and living areas, thus offering less privacy but more opportunity for social interaction. Few studies to date have fully investigated how social interaction among customers actually enhance or damage the service experience. Therefore, building on previous studies on servicescapes, co-creation and backpacker tourism, a conceptual framework is developed to examine how the hostel environment could be manipulated to influence guests’ social interaction, and consequently their evaluation of the hostel service experience.
A Review of Valuation Impact on Property Tax
Authors: Idowu Atilola Moses , Kamarudin Norhaya , Achu Kamalahasan , Solomon Ibisola Abayomi
Published: February 2017

Property taxation is universal, it is hard to find a country which does not levy a tax on its landed property. The best tax policy in the world is worth little if it cannot be implemented effectively. The level of tax yield of property has been below the expected tax yield due to assessment issue. The function of valuation is to ensure fair assessment of property owners. This paper examines the taxonomy of property tax with a view to understanding it composition and review the impact of valuation accuracy on property tax from existing literature. The study reveals the impact of valuation on property tax, indicating the effects of valuation accuracy on the amount of tax payable or receivable as the case may be. Valuation impact can be viewed as being accurate or inaccurate. When it is accurate the cost is low for the tax administration, low rate of avoidance and evasion, and provision and maintenance of municipal services, but the reverse is the case when it is inaccurate. The study recommends that tax authorities should engage qualified professionals in the assessment of property tax and that regulatory bodies should organise periodic training for their members
A Review of Approaches to Construct Social Discount Rate
Authors: Chua Ai-Jiun , Choong Weng-Wai
Published: February 2017

There is increasing concern on how public projects are being evaluated especially for public projects that bring impacts towards the economic, social and environmental of the nation in the long-term, for example infrastructural, environmental protection, energy efficiency, healthcare, education expenditures and others. Thus, the federal government and state government recommend project assessors to adopt cost-benefit analysis for major infrastructure and social investment as well as for regulatory initiatives. Cost benefit analysis has been widely used as a tool to enable stakeholders to make a better decision for projects by systematically comparing the social costs and benefits with the emphasis on valuing them in monetary term. One of the most significant parameters for cost benefit analysis is the social discount rate. It is a rate that used to convert the future social costs and benefits into present value. However, there is a long-time debate on how to construct appropriate social discount rate. Literature reveals that there are various popular approaches to construct social discount rate, such as Social Time Preference (STP) approach, Social Opportunity Cost of Capital (SOC), and Shadow Price of Capital (SPC). The selection of approaches is a significant process to construct an appropriate social discount rate for the project. In this paper, author examines theoretical for each approach and procedures to construct social discount rate. A framework will be developed to guide the assessor in selecting the approaches to construct social discount rate. This paper intends to review social discount rate construction approaches and the pros and cons of each approach. The paper would provide insight to assessor in selecting the approach in construction social discount rate.
Invoking and Supporting Engineering Student Mathematical Thnking in Informal Cooperative Learning Classroom
Authors: Baharun Sabariah , Mohammad Yusof Yudariah , Abdul Rahman Roselainy , Ismail Zaleha
Published: February 2017

Through our experience in teaching mathematics to engineering undergraduates, we found that students had numerous difficulties with the mathematics learned. Although our students have demonstrated the ability to answer standard or routine questions, there were still some inconsistencies between their ability to answer questions and their understanding of the concepts and the mathematical procedures they were using. In previous work, we had highlighted the importance of mathematical thinking and adopted suitable approaches in teaching and learning of engineering mathematics. However, innovative strategies were deemed necessary to assist students in their learning. In this paper, we will share how we transform our teaching practice to facilitate the development of students’ ability in understanding the various mathematical concepts, in reconstructing them as parts of a whole through cooperative learning. The approach allows them to develop efficient strategies in constructing new knowledge and be empowered with more successful ways of thinking about mathematics and solving problems. Here, we will share our experience in translating some of the theories into classroom practice through informal cooperative learning environment. Data were gathered through our own reflections, classroom observation, and interviews with the students. We will bring to light the findings on the students’ ability to solve problems related to the topics learned and discuss the implications for effective mathematics teaching and learning of prospective engineers.
Inside the Mind: Using Neuroimaging to Understand Moral Product Preference Judgments Involving Sustainability
Authors: Goucher-Lambert Kosa , Moss Jarrod , Cagan Jonathan
Published: February 2017

Trying to decide whether to purchase a sustainable product often puts decision makers in a difficult situation, especially if the more sustainable option provides less desirable features or costs a premium. This paper theorizes that adding sustainability as a variable during product choice evaluations create decisions that are moral choice scenarios, where benefit to society is weighed against personal gain. From an engineering design perspective, modeling user preferences in this context can be extremely difficult. While several methods exist to assist researchers in eliciting consumer preferences, the vast majority relies upon conscious input from the potential consumers themselves. More critically, these methods do not afford researchers the ability to understand the cognitive mechanisms underlying what someone may be feeling or thinking while these preference judgments are being made. In this work, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is used to investigate the neural processes behind multi-attribute product preference judgments. In particular, this work centers on uncovering unique features of sustainable preference judgments: preference judgments that involve products for which the environmental impact is a known quantity. This work builds upon earlier work that investigated how preference judgments are altered in the context of sustainability. A deeper look at participant decision making at the time of judgment is examined using neuroimaging with the goal of providing actionable insights for designers and product developers.
Intrapartum ultrasound - an integrated approach for best prognosis
Authors: Iliescu Dominic Gabriel , Dragusin Roxana Cristina , Cernea Daniela , Patru Ciprian Laurentiu , Florea Maria , Tudorache Stefania
Published: February 2017

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The tip of the thrombos-is-berg
Authors: Hulbert Monica L.
Published: February 2017

A high risk of venous thromboembolic events is just one of the challenges faced by people with malignant brain tumors.
Resveratrol for Alzheimer’s disease?
Authors: Martin Ian
Published: February 2017

Resveratrol modulates β-amyloid levels and inflammatory markers in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
Blunting CHIKV infection by keeping T cells in check
Authors: Gasque Philippe , Jaffar-Bandjee Marie Christine
Published: February 2017

Modulating the host immune response ameliorates arthritic disease in mice infected with chikungunya virus (Miner
et al
. and Teo
et al
.).
Pumpkinseed sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus) from littoral and limnetic habitats differ in stress responsiveness independent of environmental complexity and presence of conspecifics
Authors: Belanger C.B. , Peiman K.S. , Vera-Chang M.N. , Moon T.W. , Cooke S.J.
Published: February 2017

In the face of a changing world, there has been increasing interest in the behavioural and physiological responses of wild animals to stressors. Many factors can influence stress responsiveness, but two that have not been extensively studied during the stress-induced phase are environmental complexity and the presence of conspecifics. Using wild pumpkinseed sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus (L., 1758)) collected from limnetic and littoral sites, we tested whether glucose and cortisol were affected by environmental complexity and the density of conspecifics during the period of maximum response following a standardized air stressor. Overall, environmental complexity and conspecific density did not have a significant effect on maximum stress. However, in the environmental complexity experiment, fish collected from the littoral site had significantly higher concentrations of maximum glucose and cortisol, and tended to have higher glucose and cortisol responsiveness, than limnetic fish. This indicates that although the collection site did not affect a fish’s baseline values, intraspecific variation in site use is associated with divergent sensitivity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–interrenal axis to stressors. The importance of capture location on maximal response from stressors represents a potential sampling bias and source of variation, and may be even more pronounced in species that are habitat specialists.
Dynamics of polystyrene beads linking to DNA molecules under single optical tweezers: A numerical study using full normalized Langevin equation
Authors: Trung Thai Dinh , Kien Bui Xuan , Tung Nguyen Thanh , Quy Ho Quang
Published: February 2017

The dynamics of a polystyrene bead linking to a [Formula: see text]-phage deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecule under single optical tweezers using CW laser beam is analyzed by the full normalized Langevin equation with elastic and Brownian forces. The obtained results show that the stable time and stable position of polystyrene bead depend on its beginning position, laser beam waist, and laser beam power. The oscillation of polystyrene beads at stable position is observed with different parameters of optical tweezers. Finally, the conditions to stabilize the bead and to stretch the [Formula: see text]-phage DNA by single laser beam optical tweezers are discussed.
One-pot synthesis of manganese porphyrin covalently functionalized graphene oxide for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Li Xia , Li Kezhen , Wang Dandan , Huang Jie , Zhang Chunyong , Du Yukou , Yang Ping
Published: February 2017

In this paper, graphene oxide (GO) sheets covalently functionalized with (5,10,15,20-tetraphenyl) porphinato manganese(III) (MnTPP) has been successfully synthesized and tested as a photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution from water under UV-vis light irradiation. The obtained sample was systematically characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-vis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy. The results show that the MnTPP moiety has been successfully grafted on the graphene oxide surface to form MnTPP modified GO (GO-MnTPP). The fluorescence quenching and photocurrent enhancement of GO-MnTPP confirm that the rapid electrons transfer from photoexcited the MnTPP moiety to the GO sheets. The platinized GO-MnTPP exhibits enhanced photocatalytic activity for water reduction to produce hydrogen. Moreover, with the assistance of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), the photocatalytic activity is further improved because of aggregation prevention of the GO-MnTPP nanocomposite. This study provides a facile method to build porphyrin-graphene-based photocatalysts for solar energy conversion.
On a variant of Pillai’s problem
Authors: Chim Kwok Chi , Pink István , Ziegler Volker
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we find all integers [Formula: see text] having at least two representations as a difference between a Fibonacci number and a Tribonacci number.
Autonomous oscillatory shape change of DEA induced by the charge–discharge process under a constant voltage
Authors: Tamagawa Hirohisa , Kakihana Masaki , Sasaki Minoru
Published: February 2017

Despite the promising characteristics of Dielectric Elastomel Actuator (DEA) as a practical soft actuator, the need of high voltage for its operation prevents the successful fabrication of a practical DEA, that is, the high voltage generation takes a bulky and costly power supply. Induction of complex shape change motion of DEA such as oscillatory shape change takes even a more bulky and costly multipurpose power supply. It is a serious practical issue to be overcome. In our latest study, however, we could build a simple DEA system which exhibited a relatively complex and autonomous oscillatory shape change merely under a constant voltage, though the voltage needed was high. This successful outcome must broaden the potential usefulness of DEA as a practical soft actuator.
ICE: A Scalable, Low-Cost FPGA-Based Telescope Signal Processing and Networking System
Authors: Bandura K. , Bender A. N. , Cliche J. F. , de Haan T. , Dobbs M. A. , Gilbert A. J. , Griffin S. , Hsyu G. , Ittah D. , Parra J. Mena , Montgomery J. , Pinsonneault-Marotte T. , Siegel S. , Smecher G. , Tang Q. Y. , Vanderlinde K. , Whitehorn N.
Published: February 2017

We present an overview of the ‘ICE’ hardware and software framework that implements large arrays of interconnected field-programmable gate array (FPGA)-based data acquisition, signal processing and networking nodes economically. The system was conceived for application to radio, millimeter and sub-millimeter telescope readout systems that have requirements beyond typical off-the-shelf processing systems, such as careful control of interference signals produced by the digital electronics, and clocking of all elements in the system from a single precise observatory-derived oscillator. A new generation of telescopes operating at these frequency bands and designed with a vastly increased emphasis on digital signal processing to support their detector multiplexing technology or high-bandwidth correlators — data rates exceeding a terabyte per second — are becoming common. The ICE system is built around a custom FPGA motherboard that makes use of an Xilinx Kintex-7 FPGA and ARM-based co-processor. The system is specialized for specific applications through software, firmware and custom mezzanine daughter boards that interface to the FPGA through the industry-standard FPGA mezzanine card (FMC) specifications. For high density applications, the motherboards are packaged in 16-slot crates with ICE backplanes that implement a low-cost passive full-mesh network between the motherboards in a crate, allow high bandwidth interconnection between crates and enable data offload to a computer cluster. A Python-based control software library automatically detects and operates the hardware in the array. Examples of specific telescope applications of the ICE framework are presented, namely the frequency-multiplexed bolometer readout systems used for the South Pole Telescope (SPT) and Simons Array and the digitizer, F-engine, and networking engine for the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME) and Hydrogen Intensity and Real-time Analysis eXperiment (HIRAX) radio interferometers.
The AARTFAAC All-Sky Monitor: System Design and Implementation
Authors: Prasad Peeyush , Huizinga Folkert , Kooistra Eric , van der Schuur Daniel , Gunst Andre , Romein John , Kuiack Mark , Molenaar Gijs , Rowlinson Antonia , Swinbank John D. , Wijers Ralph A. M. J.
Published: February 2017

The Amsterdam–ASTRON Radio Transients Facility and Analysis Center (AARTFAAC) all-sky monitor is a sensitive, real-time transient detector based on the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR). It generates images of the low frequency radio sky with spatial resolution of tens of arcmin, MHz bandwidths, and a time cadence of a few seconds, while simultaneously but independently observing with LOFAR. The image timeseries is then monitored for short and bright radio transients. On detection of a transient, a low latency trigger will be generated for LOFAR, which can interrupt its schedule to carry out follow-up observations of the trigger location at high sensitivity and resolutions. In this paper, we describe our heterogeneous, hierarchical design to manage the 259[Formula: see text]Gbps raw data rate and large scale computing to produce real-time images with minimum latency. We discuss the implementation of the instrumentation, its performance and scalability.
Component-Based Approach for Prototyping of Tai Chi-Based Physical Therapy Game and Its Performance Evaluations
Authors: Okada Yoshihiro , Ogata Takayuki , Matsuguma Hiroyuki
Published: February 2017

This article treats a component-based approach for the prototyping of Tai Chi-based physical therapy games. The research group of the authors has already proposed a component-based three-dimensional (3D) software development system called
IntelligentBox
. One of the application fields of
IntelligentBox
is the development of 3D games. In this article, the authors validate the availability of
IntelligentBox
for the prototype development of Tai Chi-based physical therapy games that require several functionalities, for example, body action input, sound play, movie play, and so on. For them,
IntelligentBox
has already supported a video-based motion input, a motion capture system input, a data-glove input, and so on. Also, physical therapy games need fine-tuning, according to each of the rehabilitants, because their physical disability levels differ. Therefore, therapists have to frequently change many parameters such as a body action speed, difficulty levels of body actions, and so on. For this point, the component-based approach is significant. To validate this, the authors have been developing physical therapy games using
IntelligentBox
and they have just developed a practical Tai Chi-based dance game as one of the physical therapy games. In this article, the authors explain how easily such a game can be developed using
IntelligentBox
. The authors also explain new functionalities of several components of
IntelligentBox
extended for this development. In addition, this article shows the results of the performance evaluations to indicate that the developed game practically can be used as a physical therapy game. The authors also propose another framework enables network collaboration of the developed “Tai Chi” game.
Integrating I/Os in Cloudsim for Performance and Energy Estimation
Authors: Ouarnoughi Hamza , Boukhobza Jalil , Singhoff Frank , Rubini Stéphane
Published: February 2017

This article presents an extension of the IaaS Cloud simulator CloudSim. This extension takes into account the processing of i/o workload generated by virtual machines within a data center, and evaluates the overall performance and energy consumption. Indeed, according to state-of-the-art mstudies, storage systems energy consumption may account for as much as 40% in a data center. So, we modified the time computation model of CloudSim to consider i/o operations. Additionally, we designed several models of storage system devices including Hard Disk Drives and Solid-State Drives. We also modeled cpu utilization to compute the energy consumptions related to i/o request processing. This was achieved through machine learning techniques. Our storage system extensions have been evaluated using video encoding traces. The simulation results show that a significant amount of energy, around 25%, is consumed due to i/o workload execution. This corroborates the soundness of our CloudSim extensions.
Student perceptions and learning outcomes of blended learning in a massive first-year core physiology for allied health subjects
Authors: Page Janelle , Meehan-Andrews Terri , Weerakkody Nivan , Hughes Diane L. , Rathner Joseph A.
Published: February 2017

Evidence shows that factors contributing to success in physiology education for allied health students at universities include not only their high school achievement and background but also factors such as confidence with their teachers and quality of their learning experience, justifying intensive and continued survey of students’ perceptions of their learning experience. Here we report data covering a 3-yr period in a physiology subject that has been redesigned for blended and online presentation. Consistent with previous reports, we show that when we undertook a blended mode of delivery, students demonstrated better grades than traditional modes of teaching; however the absence of didactic teaching in this subject resulted in lower grades overall. Students have very strong positive attitudes to weekly quizzes (80% positive approval) but report ambivalent attitudes to online self-directed learning (61% negative perception), even though they had 2-h weekly facilitated workshops. Overwhelmingly, students who undertook the subject in a self-directed online learning mode requested more face-to-face-teaching (70% of comments). From these data, we suggest that there is a quantifiable benefit to didactic teaching in the blended teaching mode that is not reproduced in online self-directed learning, even when face-to-face guided inquiry-based learning is embedded in the subject.
Glucose metabolism from mouth to muscle: a student experiment to teach glucose metabolism during exercise and rest
Authors: Engeroff Tobias , Fleckenstein Johannes , Banzer Winfried
Published: February 2017

We developed an experiment to help students understand basic regulation of postabsorptive and postprandial glucose metabolism and the availability of energy sources for physical activity in the fed and fasted state. Within a practical session, teams of two or three students (1 subject and 1 or 2 investigators) performed one of three different trials: 1) inactive, in which subjects ingested a glucose solution (75 g in 300 ml of water) and rested in the seated position until the end of the trial; 2) prior activity, in which the subject performed 15 min of walking before glucose ingestion and a subsequent resting phase; and 3) postactivity, in which the subject ingested glucose solution, walked (15 min), and rested afterwards. Glucose levels were drawn before trials (fasting value), immediately after glucose ingestion (0 min), and 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min thereafter. Students analyzed glucose values and worked on 12 tasks. Students evaluated the usefulness of the experiment; 54.2% of students found the experiment useful to enable them to gain a further understanding of the learning objectives and to clarify items, and 44.1% indicated that the experiment was necessary to enable them to understand the learning objectives. For 6.8% the experiment was not necessary but helpful to check what they had learned, and 3.4% found that the experiment was not necessary. The present article shows the great value of experiments within practical courses to help students gain knowledge of energy metabolism. Using an active learning strategy, students outworked complex physiological tasks and improved beneficial communication and interaction between students with different skill sets and problem-solving strategies.
“Nutraceuticals” in relation to human skeletal muscle and exercise
Authors: Deane Colleen S. , Wilkinson Daniel J. , Phillips Bethan E. , Smith Kenneth , Etheridge Timothy , Atherton Philip J.
Published: February 2017

Skeletal muscles have a fundamental role in locomotion and whole body metabolism, with muscle mass and quality being linked to improved health and even lifespan. Optimizing nutrition in combination with exercise is considered an established, effective ergogenic practice for athletic performance. Importantly, exercise and nutritional approaches also remain arguably the most effective countermeasure for muscle dysfunction associated with aging and numerous clinical conditions, e.g., cancer cachexia, COPD, and organ failure, via engendering favorable adaptations such as increased muscle mass and oxidative capacity. Therefore, it is important to consider the effects of established and novel effectors of muscle mass, function, and metabolism in relation to nutrition and exercise. To address this gap, in this review, we detail existing evidence surrounding the efficacy of a nonexhaustive list of macronutrient, micronutrient, and “nutraceutical” compounds alone and in combination with exercise in relation to skeletal muscle mass, metabolism (protein and fuel), and exercise performance (i.e., strength and endurance capacity). It has long been established that macronutrients have specific roles and impact upon protein metabolism and exercise performance, (i.e., protein positively influences muscle mass and protein metabolism), whereas carbohydrate and fat intakes can influence fuel metabolism and exercise performance. Regarding novel nutraceuticals, we show that the following ones in particular may have effects in relation to 1) muscle mass/protein metabolism: leucine, hydroxyl β-methylbutyrate, creatine, vitamin-D, ursolic acid, and phosphatidic acid; and 2) exercise performance: (i.e., strength or endurance capacity): hydroxyl β-methylbutyrate, carnitine, creatine, nitrates, and β-alanine.
Gravity dependence of the effect of optokinetic stimulation on the subjective visual vertical
Authors: Ward Bryan K. , Bockisch Christopher J. , Caramia Nicoletta , Bertolini Giovanni , Tarnutzer Alexander Andrea
Published: February 2017

Accurate and precise estimates of direction of gravity are essential for spatial orientation. According to Bayesian theory, multisensory vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive input is centrally integrated in a weighted fashion based on the reliability of the component sensory signals. For otolithic input, a decreasing signal-to-noise ratio was demonstrated with increasing roll angle. We hypothesized that the weights of vestibular (otolithic) and extravestibular (visual/proprioceptive) sensors are roll-angle dependent and predicted an increased weight of extravestibular cues with increasing roll angle, potentially following the Bayesian hypothesis. To probe this concept, the subjective visual vertical (SVV) was assessed in different roll positions (≤ ± 120°, steps = 30°, n = 10) with/without presenting an optokinetic stimulus (velocity = ± 60°/s). The optokinetic stimulus biased the SVV toward the direction of stimulus rotation for roll angles ≥ ± 30° ( P < 0.005). Offsets grew from 3.9 ± 1.8° (upright) to 22.1 ± 11.8° (±120° roll tilt, P < 0.001). Trial-to-trial variability increased with roll angle, demonstrating a nonsignificant increase when providing optokinetic stimulation. Variability and optokinetic bias were correlated ( R2 = 0.71, slope = 0.71, 95% confidence interval = 0.57–0.86). An optimal-observer model combining an optokinetic bias with vestibular input reproduced measured errors closely. These findings support the hypothesis of a weighted multisensory integration when estimating direction of gravity with optokinetic stimulation. Visual input was weighted more when vestibular input became less reliable, i.e., at larger roll-tilt angles. However, according to Bayesian theory, the variability of combined cues is always lower than the variability of each source cue. If the observed increase in variability, although nonsignificant, is true, either it must depend on an additional source of variability, added after SVV computation, or it would conflict with the Bayesian hypothesis.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Applying a rotating optokinetic stimulus while recording the subjective visual vertical in different whole body roll angles, we noted the optokinetic-induced bias to correlate with the roll angle. These findings allow the hypothesis that the established optimal weighting of single-sensory cues depending on their reliability to estimate direction of gravity could be extended to a bias caused by visual self-motion stimuli.
Microcircuit formation following transplantation of mouse embryonic stem cell-derived neurons in peripheral nerve
Authors: Magown Philippe , Rafuse Victor F. , Brownstone Robert M.
Published: February 2017

Motoneurons derived from embryonic stem cells can be transplanted in the tibial nerve, where they extend axons to functionally innervate target muscle. Here, we studied spontaneous muscle contractions in these grafts 3 mo following transplantation. One-half of the transplanted grafts generated rhythmic muscle contractions of variable patterns, either spontaneously or in response to brief electrical stimulation. Activity generated by transplanted embryonic stem cell-derived neurons was driven by glutamate and was modulated by muscarinic and GABAergic/glycinergic transmission. Furthermore, rhythmicity was promoted by the same transmitter combination that evokes rhythmic locomotor activity in spinal cord circuits. These results demonstrate that there is a degree of self-assembly of microcircuits in these peripheral grafts involving embryonic stem cell-derived motoneurons and interneurons. Such spontaneous activity is reminiscent of embryonic circuit development in which spontaneous activity is essential for proper connectivity and function and may be necessary for the grafts to form functional connections with muscle.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This manuscript demonstrates that, following peripheral transplantation of neurons derived from embryonic stem cells, the grafts are spontaneously active. The activity is produced and modulated by a number of transmitter systems, indicating that there is a degree of self-assembly of circuits in the grafts.
Associations of Adenovirus Genotypes in Korean Acute Gastroenteritis Patients with Respiratory Symptoms and Intussusception
Authors: Kim Jae-Seok , Lee Su Kyung , Ko Dae-Hyun , Hyun Jungwon , Kim Han-Sung , Song Wonkeun , Kim Hyun Soo
Published: February 2017

Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) cause a wide range of diseases, including respiratory infections and gastroenteritis, and have more than 65 genotypes. To investigate the current genotypes of circulating HAdV strains, we performed molecular genotyping of HAdVs in the stool from patients with acute gastroenteritis and tried to determine their associations with clinical symptoms. From June 2014 to May 2016, 3,901 fecal samples were tested for an AdV antigen, and 254 samples (6.5%) yielded positive results. Genotyping using PCR and sequencing of the capsid hexon gene was performed for 236 AdV antigen-positive fecal specimens. HAdV-41, of species F, was the most prevalent genotype (60.6%), followed by HAdV-2 of species C (13.8%). Other genotypes, including HAdV-3, HAdV-1, HAdV-5, HAdV-6, HAdV-31, HAdV-40, HAdV-12, and HAdV-55, were also detected. Overall, 119 patients (50.4%) showed concomitant respiratory symptoms, and 32 patients (13.6%) were diagnosed with intussusception. HAdV-1 and HAdV-31 were significantly associated with intussusception (P<0.05). Our results demonstrate the recent changes in trends of circulating AdV genotypes associated with gastroenteritis in Korea, which should be of value for improving the diagnosis and developing new detection, treatment, and prevention strategies for broad application in clinical laboratories.
Expression Analysis of Hairpin RNA CarryingSugarcane mosaic virus(SCMV) Derived Sequences and Transgenic Resistance Development in a Model Rice Plant
Authors: Akbar Sehrish , Tahir Muhammad , Wang Ming-Bo , Liu Qing
Published: February 2017

Developing transgenic resistance in monocotyledonous crops against pathogens remains a challenging area of research.Sugarcane mosaic virus(SCMV) is a serious pathogen of many monocotyledonous crops including sugarcane. The objective of present study was to analyze transgenic expression of hairpin RNA (hpRNA), targeting simultaneouslyCP(Coat Protein) andHc-Pro(helper component-proteinase) genes of SCMV, in a model rice plant. Conserved nucleotide sequences, exclusive for DAG (Aspartic acid-Alanine-Glycine) and KITC (Lycine-Isoleucine-Threonine-Cysteine) motifs, derived from SCMVCPandHc-Progenes, respectively, were fused together and assembled into the hpRNA cassette under maize ubiquitin promoter to form Ubi-hpCP:Hc-Pro construct. The same CP:Hc-Pro sequence was fused with theβ-glucuronidase gene (GUS) at the 3′ end under CaMV 35S promoter to develop 35S-GUS:CP:Hc-Pro served as a target reporter gene construct. When delivered into rice callus tissues by particle bombardment, the Ubi-hpCP:Hc-Pro construct induced strong silencing of 35S-GUS:CP:Hc-Pro. Transgenic rice plants, containing Ubi-hpCP:Hc-Pro construct, expressed high level of 21–24 nt small interfering RNAs, which induced specific suppression against GUS:CP:Hc-Pro delivered by particle bombardment and conferred strong resistance to mechanically inoculated SCMV. It is concluded that fusion hpRNA approach is an affordable method for developing resistance against SCMV in model rice plant and it could confer SCMV resistance when transformed into sugarcane.
Impact of ELKa, the Electronic Device for Prandial Insulin Dose Calculation, on Metabolic Control in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kowalska Agnieszka , Piechowiak Katarzyna , Ramotowska Anna , Szypowska Agnieszka
Published: February 2017

Background. The ELKa system is composed of computer software, with a database of nutrients, and a dedicated USB kitchen scale. It was designed to automatize the everyday calculations of food exchanges and prandial insulin doses. Aim. To investigate the influence of the ELKa on metabolic control in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Methods. A randomized, parallel, open-label clinical trial involved 106 patients aged <18 years with T1DM, HbA1C≤10%, undergoing intensive insulin therapy, allocated to the intervention group, who used the ELKa (n=53), or the control group (n=53), who used conventional calculation methods. Results. After the 26-week follow-up, the intention-to-treat analysis showed no differences to all endpoints. In per protocol analysis, 22/53 (41.5%) patients reporting ELKa usage for >50% of meals achieved lower HbA1C levels (P=0.002), lower basal insulin amounts (P=0.049), and lower intrasubject standard deviation of blood glucose levels (P=0.023) in comparison with the control. Moreover, in the intervention group, significant reduction of HbA1C level, by 0.55% point (P=0.002), was noted. No intergroup differences were found in the hypoglycemic episodes, BMI-SDS, bolus insulin dosage, and total daily insulin dosage. Conclusions. The ELKa system improves metabolic control in children with T1DM under regular usage. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02194517.
Serological Screening Suggests Extensive Presence ofMycoplasma gallisepticumandMycoplasma synoviaein Backyard Chickens in Southern Mozambique
Authors: Messa Júnior Augusto , Taunde Paula , Zandamela Ana Felicidade , Junior Alberto Pondja , Chilundo Abel , Costa Rosa , Bila Custódio Gabriel
Published: February 2017

A total of 459 serum samples from unvaccinated backyard chickens originating from 4 villages in Mandlakazi district, Southern Mozambique, were tested for the presence ofMycoplasma gallisepticumandMycoplasma synoviaeantibodies through commercial enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay [ELISA] kits. Anti-MG and anti-MS antibodies were detected in all villages surveyed and the overall seroprevalence was 48.8% [95% CI 39.1–57.8] and 84.5% [95% CI 76.8–90.4], respectively. The risk of being seropositive for both diseases was higher [P<0.05] in Chidenguele village than other villages. It is concluded that MG and MS serum antibodies are present in backyard chickens.
Origin-Destination Estimation Using Probe Vehicle Trajectory and Link Counts
Authors: Yang Xianfeng , Lu Yang , Hao Wei
Published: February 2017

This paper presents two origin-destination flow estimation models using sampled GPS positions of probe vehicles and link flow counts. The first model, named as SPP model (scaled probe OD as prior OD), uses scaled probe vehicle OD matrix as prior OD matrix and applies conventional generalized least squares (GLS) framework to conduct OD correction using link counts; the second model, PRA model (probe ratio assignment), is an extension of SPP in which the observed link probe ratios are also included as additional information in the OD estimation process. For both models, the study explored a new way to construct assignment matrices directly from sampled probe trajectories to avoid sophisticated traffic assignment process. Then, for performance evaluation, a comprehensive numerical experiment was conducted using simulation dataset. The results showed that when the distribution of probe vehicle ratios is homogeneous among different OD pairs, both proposed models achieved similar degree of improvement compared with the prior OD pattern. However, under the case that the distribution of probe vehicle ratios is heterogeneous across different OD pairs, PRA model achieved more significant reduction on OD flow estimations compared with SPP model. Grounded on both theoretical derivations and empirical tests, the study provided in-depth discussions regarding the strengths and challenges of probe vehicle based OD estimation models.
3D Curvelet-Based Segmentation and Quantification of Drusen in Optical Coherence Tomography Images
Authors: Esmaeili M. , Dehnavi A. M. , Rabbani H.
Published: February 2017

Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) is a widely used interferometric diagnostic technique in ophthalmology that provides novel in vivo information of depth-resolved inner and outer retinal structures. This imaging modality can assist clinicians in monitoring the progression of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) by providing high-resolution visualization of drusen. Quantitative tools for assessing drusen volume that are indicative of AMD progression may lead to appropriate metrics for selecting treatment protocols. To address this need, a fully automated algorithm was developed to segment drusen area and volume from SD-OCT images. The proposed algorithm consists of three parts: (1) preprocessing, which includes creating binary mask and removing possible highly reflective posterior hyaloid that is used in accurate detection of inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) junction layer and Bruch’s membrane (BM) retinal layers; (2) coarse segmentation, in which 3D curvelet transform and graph theory are employed to get the possible candidate drusenoid regions; (3) fine segmentation, in which morphological operators are used to remove falsely extracted elongated structures and get the refined segmentation results. The proposed method was evaluated in 20 publically available volumetric scans acquired by using Bioptigen spectral-domain ophthalmic imaging system. The average true positive and false positive volume fractions (TPVF and FPVF) for the segmentation of drusenoid regions were found to be 89.15% ± 3.76 and 0.17% ± .18%, respectively.
Investigation on Reinforced Mechanism of Fiber Reinforced Asphalt Concrete Based on Micromechanical Modeling
Authors: Gao Ying , Guo Qinglin , Guo Yanhua , Wu Pingchuan , Meng Wenqing , Jia Tongye
Published: February 2017

Short fibers have been widely used to prepare the fiber reinforced asphalt concrete (FRAC). However, internal interactions between fiber and other phases of asphalt concrete are unclear although experimental methods have been used to design the FRAC successfully. In this paper, numerical method was used to investigate the reinforced mechanism of FRAC from microperspective. 2D micromechanical model of FRAC was established based on Monte Carlo theory. Effects of fiber length and content on stress state of asphalt mortar, effective modulus, and viscoelastic deformation of asphalt concrete were investigated. Indirect tensile stiffness modulus (ITSM) test and uniaxial creep test were carried out to verify the numerical results. Results show that maximum stress of asphalt mortar is lower compared to the control concrete when the fiber length is longer than 12 mm. Fiber reduces the stress level of asphalt mortar significantly. Fiber length has no significant influence on the effective modulus of asphalt concrete. Fiber length and content both have notable impacts on the viscoelastic performance of FRAC. Fiber length should be given more attention in the future design of FRAC except the content.
Urinary Sodium Concentration Is an Independent Predictor of All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality in a Type 2 Diabetes Cohort Population
Authors: Saulnier Pierre-Jean , Gand Elise , Ragot Stéphanie , Bankir Lise , Piguel Xavier , Fumeron Frédéric , Rigalleau Vincent , Halimi Jean-Michel , Marechaud Richard , Roussel Ronan , Hadjadj Samy , Study group SURDIAGENE
Published: February 2017

Objective.Sodium intake is associated with cardiovascular outcomes. However, no study has specifically reported an association between cardiovascular mortality and urinary sodium concentration (UNa). We examined the association ofUNawith mortality in a cohort of type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients.Methods. Patients were followed for all-cause death and cardiovascular death. BaselineUNawas measured from second morning spot urinary sample. We used Cox proportional hazard models to identify independent predictors of mortality. Improvement in prediction of mortality by the addition ofUNato a model including known risk factors was assessed by the relative integrated discrimination improvement (rIDI) index.Results. Participants (n=1,439) were followed for a median of 5.7 years, during which 254 cardiovascular deaths and 429 all-cause deaths were recorded.UNaindependently predicted all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. An increase of one standard deviation ofUNawas associated with a decrease of 21% of all-cause mortality and 22% of cardiovascular mortality.UNaimproved all-cause and cardiovascular mortality prediction beyond identified risk factors (rIDI = 2.8%,P=0.04and rIDI = 4.6%,P=0.02, resp.).Conclusions. In T2D,UNawas an independent predictor of mortality (low concentration is associated with increased risk) and improved modestly its prediction in addition to traditional risk factors.
Construction of Multilevel Structure for Avian Influenza Virus System Based on Granular Computing
Authors: Li Yang , Liang Qi-Hao , Sun Meng-Meng , Tang Xu-Qing , Zhu Ping
Published: February 2017

Exploring the genetic structure of influenza viruses attracts the attention in the field of molecular ecology and medical genetics, whose epidemics cause morbidity and mortality worldwide. The rapid variations in RNA strand and changes of protein structure of the virus result in low-accuracy subtyping identification and make it difficult to develop effective drugs and vaccine. This paper constructs the evolutionary structure of avian influenza virus system considering both hemagglutinin and neuraminidase protein fragments. An optimization model was established to determine the rational granularity of the virus system for exploring the intrinsic relationship among the subtypes based on the fuzzy hierarchical evaluation index. Thus, an algorithm was presented to extract the rational structure. Furthermore, to reduce the systematic and computational complexity, the granular signatures of virus system were identified based on the coarse-grained idea and then its performance was evaluated through a designed classifier. The results showed that the obtained virus signatures could approximate and reflect the whole avian influenza virus system, indicating that the proposed method could identify the effective virus signatures. Once a new molecular virus is detected, it is efficient to identify the homologous virus hierarchically.