bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A forecasting tool for prediction of epileptic seizures using a machine learning approach
Authors: Asharindavida Fayas , Shamim Hossain M. , Thacham Azeemsha , Khammari Hedi , Ahmed Irfan , Alraddady Fahad , Masud Mehedi
Published: December 2018

ECG and EEG signals are very helpful in the early diagnosis of epileptic seizures. The research focuses on analysis of ECG and EEG signals applying a deep learning technique to study early prediction of epileptic seizure. Signal processing methods like Empirical Mode Decomposition, spectral analysis, and statistical methods were used. The algorithms were implemented in MATLAB, and the EEG and ECG data were collected from Physiobank and EPILEPSIAE databases. In the window‐based analysis of low‐frequency spectral area of EEG signals, 78.5% of the cases displayed a significant change as the windows progressed and the onset of seizure was approached. The spectral area of IMF components indicated a possible seizure prediction in 68.9% of the analyzed cases. Considering signals from individual EEG electrodes, the least percentage of seizure prediction was indicated by signals from T4 and F4 electrodes (52.3% and 40.7%, respectively, for spectral peaks and 23.8% and 29.6%, respectively, for spectral area). The results of regression analysis show that prediction of seizures can be possible around 20‐30 minutes prior to the actual occurrence of seizures.
Paddlewheel Complexes with Azulenes: Electronic Interaction between Metal Centers and Equatorial Ligands
Authors: Tsuchiya Takahiro , Umemura Reiya , Kaminaga Mutsumi , Kushida Shunsuke , Ohkubo Kei , Noro Shin‐Ichiro , Mazaki Yasuhiro
Published: December 2018

Rhodium dinuclear complexes (1‐3) with azulene moieties as equatorial ligands were obtained by reacting Rh2(OAc)4 with guaiazulene‐2‐carboxylic acid, azulene‐2‐carboxylic acid, and azulene‐1‐carboxylic acid, respectively. The molecular structures in their crystalline states were determined by X‐ray diffraction to be 1 ⋅ (H2O)2, 1 ⋅ (MeCN)2, 2 ⋅ (MeCN)2, and 3 ⋅ (DMF)2, which were coordinated with the crystallization solvent at the axial positions. Among these, the crystal packing of 1 ⋅ (H2O)2, 1 ⋅ (MeCN)2, and 3 ⋅ (DMF)2 revealed the formation of one‐dimensional stacked chains nearly along the axial direction and of two‐dimensional stacked sheets along the equatorial direction. In addition, it was found that 1 ⋅ (H2O)2 contained cavities that could adsorb CO2, thereby inducing structural changes. Furthermore, redox measurements revealed the stepwise one‐electron redox behaviors of these complexes, indicating the intramolecular interactions between the azulene units. In addition, transient absorption measurements suggested the presence of an ultrafast intersystem crossing caused by the heavy‐atom effect of rhodium, and an extended lifetime of the triplet state due to the energy migration among the azulene ligands.
Codeword Authenticated Key Exchange (CAKE) light weight secure routing protocol for WSN
Authors: Mehra Pawan Singh , Doja Mohammad Najmud , Alam Bashir
Published: December 2018

Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is developing rapidly and used extensively in various critical applications like military, health, environment etc. Sometimes, the WSN is indiscriminately deployed in unattended hostile terrains such as border or remote region where besides energy efficiency, security is another important issue to be addressed. The adversary can have unauthorised access which can lead to tampering, modification, interception, eavesdropping etc. With the intention of improving the energy efficacy of WSN, clustering methods are developed, but dynamic behaviour of sensor nodes with limited storage and processing makes security a more challenging problem as resource intensive security solutions are not feasible in practical scenario. Key management is capable of addressing this problem by protecting the network from different attacks. In this paper, a highly secure Codeword Authenticated Key Exchange (CAKE) protocol is proposed which is based on one‐way hashing with one time password and codeword authentication. BAN logic and Random Oracle Model are used for formal proof, and AVISPA tool is used for simulating the proposed work. CAKE is compared with other existing mutual authentication schemes which depicts significant reduction in computational time and energy consumption. The proposed protocol preserves Confidentiality, Integrity, and mutual authentication and can counter several attacks like offline guessing attack, replay attack, Dos attack, impersonation attack etc. and preserve perfect forward secrecy making the protocol suitable for various WSN applications.
Colleges can grow their own leaders
Authors: Gay Judith L. , Tobia Susan J.
Published: December 2018

Concern about the pipeline for leadership positions in community colleges has been a major factor in community colleges creating their own programs on leadership development since the early 2000s. These programs are often identified as “Grow Your Own” programs. The concern about the leadership pipeline was one factor when the Community College of Philadelphia started a leadership development program in 2002.
Provide values‐based training for successful academic leadership at your institution
Authors: Oates Karen , Shachter Amy
Published: December 2018

In October 2018, Success 4 Higher Education teamed with the National Center for Science and Civic Engagement to present the first Values‐Based Academic Leadership Institute hosted at Broward College. Thirty‐eight campus leaders from institutions across the United States, as well as one international campus, spent two days developing conceptual and practical foundations for their work as leaders.
Combine the best of for‐profit, nonprofit education for stellar online programming
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: December 2018

Beth Rubin, Ph.D., has worked in adult and online education at both nonprofit and for‐profit institutions. In her current role as dean of adult and online education at Campbell University, Rubin is in a unique position to have learned from the best of both worlds, and tries to bring that philosophy to her current work. “I've done adult and online learning at a range of both for‐profits and nonprofits, which gives me a different experience base and perspective,” Rubin said.
Does urbanization cause stress in wild birds during development? Insights from feather corticosterone levels in juvenile house sparrows (Passer domesticus)
Authors: Beaugeard Erika , Brischoux François , Henry Pierre‐Yves , Parenteau Charline , Trouvé Colette , Angelier Frédéric
Published: December 2018

Urban landscapes are associated with abiotic and biotic environmental changes that may result in potential stressors for wild vertebrates. Urban exploiters have physiological, morphological, and behavioral adaptations to live in cities. However, there is increasing evidence that urban exploiters themselves can suffer from urban conditions, especially during specific life‐history stages. We looked for a link between the degree of urbanization and the level of developmental stress in an urban exploiter (the house sparrow, Passer domesticus), which has recently been declining in multiple European cities (e.g., London, UK). Specifically, we conducted a large‐scale study and sampled juvenile sparrows in 11 urban and rural sites to evaluate their feather corticosterone (CORT) levels. We found that juvenile feather CORT levels were positively correlated with the degree of urbanization, supporting the idea that developing house sparrows may suffer from urban environmental conditions. However, we did not find any correlation between juvenile feather CORT levels and body size, mass, or body condition. This suggests either that the growth and condition of urban sparrows are not impacted by elevated developmental CORT levels, or that urban sparrows may compensate for developmental constraints once they have left the nest. Although feather CORT levels were not correlated with baseline CORT levels, we found that feather CORT levels were slightly and positively correlated with the CORT stress response in juveniles. This suggests that urban developmental conditions may potentially have long‐lasting effects on stress physiology and stress sensitivity in this urban exploiter.
Protected Hematite Nanorod Arrays with Molecular Complex Co‐Catalyst for Efficient and Stable Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation
Authors: Chen Xiangyan , Fu Yanming , Kong Tingting , Shang Yi , Niu Fujun , Diao Zhidan , Shen Shaohua
Published: December 2018

Herein, a hybrid structure of hematite (α‐Fe2O3) nanorod arrays is designed, with surface catalyzed by Co molecular complex (Co(dca)2, dca: dicyanamide) and then protected by TiO2 thin overlayer, for efficient and stable photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation. The obtained α‐Fe2O3/Co(dca)2/TiO2 hybrid nanorod arrays show much improved and stabilized PEC performance as compared to the pristine, and even the Co(dca)2 or TiO2 modified α‐Fe2O3, with a photocurrent density of 0.35 mA cm–2 obtained at 1.23 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), and an incident photon‐to‐current conversion efficiency (IPCE) reaching 16 % at 400 nm at 1.6 V vs. RHE. It has been demonstrated that the adsorbed Co(dca)2 molecular complex could effectively promote the interface charge transfer process and accelerate the water oxidation reaction kinetics, meanwhile the atomic layer deposited TiO2 overlayer could passivate the surface defects of α‐Fe2O3 and suppress the surface charge carrier recombination. Moreover, the TiO2 overlayer could effectively protect Co(dca)2 from detaching from the α‐Fe2O3 surface and thus stabilize the PEC activity for water oxidation reaction. The present study provides some available thoughts and methods for rational design of highly efficient photoelectrodes for water splitting from the perspective of the surface and interface engineered charge carrier transfer and water oxidation processes.
Continuous Photocatalysis Based on Layer‐by‐Layer Assembly of Separation‐Free TiO2/Reduced Graphene Oxide Film Catalysts with Increased Charge Transfer and Active Site
Authors: Zhang Di , Zhang Xu , Sun Quan , Zheng Shengliang , Hao Juanyuan , Wang You
Published: December 2018

Although photodegradation is the most widely studied method for the purification of water, the challenges for the post‐separation of catalysts from water make the technique unsuitable for practical applications. In this study, separation‐free TiO2/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) multilayer films were first prepared through layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assembly of TiO2 and graphene oxide (GO) on quartz slides, followed by a reduction of the assembled GO to rGO. For a proof‐of‐concept demonstration of novel continuous photocatalysis with potential for scaled‐up production, these quartz slides with TiO2/rGO film catalysts were further assembled into slide arrays in a home‐made rectangular quartz reactor and a model pollutant Rhodamine B (RhB) solution was circularly pumped over the slide surface under UV irradiation. It was found that the as‐prepared TiO2/rGO film catalysts show excellent enhanced photocatalytic activity for this pumping‐based continuous photocatalysis, with a photodegradation rate constant of 2.6 × 10–2 min–1 exceeding the corresponding TiO2/GO and TiO2 (TiO2/PSS) samples by a factor of 11.3 and 13, respectively. The enhanced performance is attributed to the formation of Ti–O–C bonds in film catalysts bridging TiO2 and rGO to enable efficient charge separation and transfer, the Ti–O–C bond bridged electron transfer leading to increase in ·O2– active sites on the rGO surface, and the porous‐like multilayer structure. The recycling experiments showed the film catalysts are stable and could be reused with the same efficiency for at least 8 cycles.
Base‐Promoted Oxidative C(sp3)–S Bond Cross‐Coupling of Inactive Fluorenes and Thiols for the Synthesis of 9‐Monothiolated Fluorenes
Authors: Liu Yafeng , Yuan Xinglong , Su Kexin , Tian Yuan , Chen Baohua
Published: December 2018

The highly efficient and selective C(sp3)–S bond cross‐coupling method for the synthesis of 9‐thiolated fluorenes through a direct thiolation at 9‐C(sp3)–H of fluorenes with thiols is described. This reaction occurs at ambient conditions and shows good tolerance of functional groups including arylthiols and alkylthiols. A wide range of products is obtained in moderate to good yields. Besides, the reaction of benzothiophenol and fluorine generates unexpected 9‐benzylidene‐9H‐fluorene by eliminating hydrogen sulfide.
Earthquake‐induced damage detection and localization in masonry structures using smart bricks and Kriging strain reconstruction: A numerical study
Authors: García‐Macías Enrique , Ubertini Filippo
Published: December 2018

The intrinsic vulnerability of masonry structures to seismic events makes structural health monitoring of the utmost importance for the conservation of the built heritage. The development of piezoresistive bricks, also termed smart bricks, is an innovative technology recently proposed by the authors for the monitoring of such structures. Smart bricks exhibit measurable variations in their electrical properties when subjected to external loads or, alternatively, strain self‐sensing capabilities. Therefore, the deployment of a network of smart bricks into a masonry structure confers self‐diagnostic properties to the host structure. In this light, this paper presents a theoretical investigation on the application of smart bricks to full‐scale masonry structures for seismic assessment. This includes the study of the convenience of providing electrical isolation conditions to the sensors, as well as the effectiveness of smart bricks when installed into either new constructions or in pre‐existing structures. Secondly, numerical results are presented on the seismic analysis of a three‐dimensional masonry building equipped with a network of smart bricks. Finally, in order to map the strain field throughout the structure exploiting the outputs of a limited number of sensors, an interpolation‐based strain reconstruction approach is proposed.
Honey bee colony-level exposure and effects in realistic landscapes: An application of BEEHAVE simulating clothianidin residues in corn pollen
Authors: Schmolke Amelie , Abi-Akar Farah , Hinarejos Silvia
Published: December 2018

Discerning potential effects of insecticides on honey bee colonies in field studies conducted under realistic conditions can be challenging because of concurrent interactions with other environmental conditions. Honey bee colony models can control exposures and other environmental factors, as well as assess links among pollen and nectar residues in the landscape, their influx into the colony, and the resulting exposures and effects on bees at different developmental stages. We extended the colony model BEEHAVE to represent exposure to the insecticide clothianidin via residues in pollen from treated cornfields set in real agricultural landscapes in the US Midwest. We assessed their potential risks to honey bee colonies over a 1-yr cycle. Clothianidin effects on colony strength were only observed if unrealistically high residue levels in the pollen were simulated. The landscape composition significantly impacted the collection of pollen (residue exposure) from the cornfields, resulting in higher colony-level effects in landscapes with lower proportions of semi-natural land. The application of the extended BEEHAVE model with a pollen exposure-effects module provides a case study for the application of a mechanistic honey bee colony model in pesticide risk assessment integrating the impact of a range of landscape compositions. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:423–435. © 2018 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.

Abstract

Overview of pollen exposure-effects module added to BEEHAVE.
Infigratinib Mediates Vascular Normalization, Impairs Metastasis, and Improves Chemotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Huynh Hung , Lee Liek Yeow , Goh Kah Yong , Ong Richard , Hao Huai‐Xiang , Huang Alan , Wang Youzhen , Graus Porta Diana , Chow Pierce , Chung Alexander
Published: December 2018

The fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling cascade is a key signaling pathway in hepatocarcinogenesis. We report high FGF receptor (FGFR) expression in 17.7% (11 of 62) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) models. Infigratinib, a pan‐FGFR inhibitor, potently suppresses the growth of high‐FGFR‐expressing and sorafenib‐resistant HCCs. Infigratinib inhibits FGFR signaling and its downstream targets, cell proliferation, the angiogenic rescue program, hypoxia, invasion, and metastasis. Infigratinib also induces apoptosis and vessel normalization and improves the overall survival of mice bearing FGFR‐driven HCCs. Infigratinib acts in synergy with the microtubule‐depolymerizing drug vinorelbine to promote apoptosis, suppress tumor growth, and improve the overall survival of mice. Increased expression levels of FGFR‐2 and FGFR‐3 through gene amplification correlate with treatment response and may serve as potential biomarkers for patient selection. Conclusion: Treatments with Infigratinib alone or in combination with vinorelbine may be effective in a subset of patients with HCC with FGFR‐driven tumors.
Long‐term use of low‐dose aspirin for cancer prevention: A 10‐year population cohort study in Hong Kong
Authors: Tsoi Kelvin K.F. , Ho Jason M.W. , Chan Felix C.H. , Sung Joseph J.Y.
Published: December 2018

Aspirin, commonly used for prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, has been found to possess protective effects against cancer development in the Western populations. Such effects among Asian populations remain uncertain. The objective of this study is to investigate the use of aspirin on prevention of different cancers among Chinese users. This population‐based study utilized database from the Hong Kong Hospital Authority; adults with aspirin prescription for at least 6 months between 2000 and 2004 were included and followed up until 2013. Aspirin users were age‐sex matched with non‐aspirin users at a 1:2 ratio. Incidences of cancer were the primary outcome measured by relative risk (RR). A total of 204,170 aspirin users and 408,339 non‐aspirin users were included, with the mean age 67.5 years, 7.7 years average duration of aspirin prescription and 80 mg as the median dose of aspirin. Cancer incidences were found in 26,929 (13.2%) aspirin users and 70,755 (17.3%) non‐aspirin users. Compared with patients who had not been prescribed aspirin, aspirin usage led to significant reduction of cancers in liver (RR: 0.49), stomach (RR: 0.42), colorectum (RR: 0.71), lung (RR: 0.65), pancreas (RR: 0.54), oesophagus (RR: 0.59) and leukaemia (RR: 0.67). There was no demonstrable reduction of kidney cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer and multiple myeloma in association with the usage of aspirin. Risk of breast cancer was shown to marginally increase (RR: 1.14) with aspirin usage. This study demonstrated that the long‐term use of low‐dose aspirin is associated with the reduction in risk of various cancers but not for breast cancer. Further investigation is needed before promoting aspirin as a primary chemoprotective agent.
Utilization of a multidisciplinary team to reduce the rate of hospital readmissions in high‐risk heart failure patients at a community teaching hospital: The pharmacist's role in transitions of care
Authors: Thurston Maria M. , Liao Tze‐chun Vivian , Lim Tanna , Pounds Teresa , Moye‐Dickerson Pamela M.
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Since the implementation of the Hospital Readmission Reduction Program, health systems have been working to reduce hospital readmission rates of patients with heart failure (HF). Of these efforts, the interventions with a multidisciplinary, multicomponent approach have lowered readmission rates as well as improved patient care, patient adherence, and patient outcomes.

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to determine if the addition of a pharmacist to the Transitional Care Team (TCT) would decrease the number of high‐risk HF patients readmitted to the hospital before 30 days. Secondarily, this study assessed the change in self‐reported medication adherence.

Methods

This study was conducted at a community teaching hospital. A retrospective chart review was performed to identify HF patients who were at high risk for readmission admitted to the hospital from May 2012 to October 2013, as the historical control group. The intervention group included high‐risk patients with HF admitted from May 2014 to October 2015, who received the pharmacist‐led intervention during hospitalization and postdischarge. The pharmacist‐led intervention comprised five components: medication reconciliation, medication cost/formulary review, medication discharge counseling, providing and educating patients regarding self‐monitoring resources and postdischarge telephone follow‐up. The 8‐item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale was used to measure patients' self‐reported medication adherence at baseline, then 30 days after discharge.

Results

The pharmacist‐led intervention assisted in decreasing the readmission rate from 33.7% in the historical control group to 21.3% in the intervention group with a relative risk reduction of 0.696 (confidence interval: 0.488‐0.994). There was also a significant improvement in self‐reported patient medication adherence scores.

Conclusion

The addition of a pharmacist to the TCT that managed HF patients was associated with a decrease in the readmission rate for patients who were at high risk of readmission and improved self‐reported patient medication adherence.
miR‐222/GAS5 is involved in DNA damage and cytotoxic effects induced by temozolomide in T98G cell line
Authors: Huang Haoyu , Jiang Ran , Lian Zhenwei , Zhang Wenjuan , Hu Zuqing , Hu Dalin
Published: December 2018

Temozolomide (TMZ), a therapeutic DNA alkylator that can cause lethal DNA damage in cancer cells, is widely used for the standard chemotherapy against glioblastoma. However, long‐term treatment with TMZ often causes drug resistance and poor prognosis, the mechanism of which remains largely unclear. This study aimed to investigate the possible role of miR‐222/GAS5 axis on DNA damage and cytotoxic effects induced by TMZ in glioblastoma cells (T98G). Data suggest that the DNA comet tail length of T98G is positively correlated with the levels of miR‐222 (R2 = 0.9808, P < 0.05), and negatively correlated with the levels of GAS5 (R2 = 0.8903, P < 0.05). The optical density value of T98G is negatively correlated with the levels of miR‐222 (R2 = 0.7848, P < 0.05), and positively correlated with the levels of GAS5 (R2 = 0.6886, P < 0.05). Furthermore, comet tail length and optical density value are negatively and positively correlated with the levels of O‐6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase, respectively (R2 = 0.8462, P < 0.05; R2 = 0.7018, P < 0.05). In conclusion, miR‐222/GAS5 is involved in DNA damage and cytotoxic effects induced by TMZ, which means that miR‐222/GAS5 may have great potential of being used as a biomarker for screening of chemotherapeutic alkylators.
AdoMet triggers apoptosis in head and neck squamous cancer by inducing ER stress and potentiates cell sensitivity to cisplatin
Authors: Mosca Laura , Pagano Martina , Ilisso Concetta Paola , Cave Donatella Delle , Desiderio Vincenzo , Mele Luigi , Caraglia Michele , Cacciapuoti Giovanna , Porcelli Marina
Published: December 2018

S‐Adenosyl‐l‐methionine (AdoMet) is a naturally and widely occurring sulfonium compound that plays a primary role in cell metabolism and acts as the principal methyl donor in many methylation reactions. AdoMet also exhibits antiproliferative and proapoptotic activities in different cancer cells. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects exerted by AdoMet have only been partially studied. In the current study, we evaluated the antiproliferative effect of AdoMet on Cal‐33 oral and JHU‐SCC‐011 laryngeal squamous cancer cells to define the underlying mechanisms. We demonstrated that AdoMet induced apoptosis in Cal‐33 and JHU‐SCC‐011 cells, involving a caspase‐dependent mechanism paralleled by an increased Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio. Moreover, we showed, for the first time, that AdoMet induced ER‐stress in Cal‐33 cells and activated the unfolded protein response, which can be responsible for apoptosis induction through the activation of CHOP and JNK. In addition, AdoMet‐induced ER‐stress was followed by autophagy with a consistent increase in the levels of the autophagic marker LC3B‐II, which was indeed potentiated by the autophago‐lysosome inhibitor chloroquine. As both escape from apoptosis and decreased activation of JNK are mechanisms of resistance to cisplatin (cDPP), an agent usually used in cancer therapy, we have evaluated the effects of AdoMet in combination with cDPP on Cal‐33 cells. Our data showed that the combined treatment resulted in a strong synergism in inhibiting cell proliferation and in enhancing apoptosis via intrinsic mechanism. These results demonstrate that AdoMet has ER‐stress‐mediated antiproliferative activity and synergizes with cDDP on cell growth inhibition, thus providing the basis for its use in new anticancer strategies.
Intraspecific variation in spermoderm pattern of tribe Acacieae (Mimosoideae) using scanning electron microscopy techniques
Authors: Alam Fakhre , Ahmad Mushtaq , Zafar Muhammad , Shinwari Muhammad I. , Luqman Muhammad , Novruz Novruzov E. , Sultana Shazia , Ullah Farhat , Ahmad Manzoor
Published: December 2018

Current research carried out in Pakistan is the first report on spermoderm ornamentation of eight species of tribe Acacieae (Mimosoidae) by using scanning electron microscopic techniques representing two genera, Fedherbia and Acacia were examined. Different spermoderm ornamentation were observed, described and discussed for their taxonomic importance. Seeds surfaces of the studied tribe possess novel variations in macro and micro morphology. Great variations were observed in both qualitative and quantitative characters of seeds. Seeds shape was oblong, ovate to elliptical and spermoderm ornamentation was levigate, rugose, polygonal and discoid, colliculate, and papillose type. These variations in the spermoderm ornamentation can be used as an aid in identification and classification of the members of tribe Acacieae.
Plasmodium life cycle stage classification based quantification of malaria parasitaemia in thin blood smears
Authors: Abbas Naveed , Saba Tanzila , Rehman Amjad , Mehmood Zahid , kolivand Hoshang , Uddin Mueen , Anjum Adeel
Published: December 2018

Visual inspection for the quantification of malaria parasitaemiain (MP) and classification of life cycle stage are hard and time taking. Even though, automated techniques for the quantification of MP and their classification are reported in the literature. However, either reported techniques are imperfect or cannot deal with special issues such as anemia and hemoglobinopathies due to clumps of red blood cells (RBCs). The focus of the current work is to examine the thin blood smear microscopic images stained with Giemsa by digital image processing techniques, grading MP on independent factors (RBCs morphology) and classification of its life cycle stage. For the classification of the life cycle of malaria parasite the k‐nearest neighbor, Naïve Bayes and multi‐class support vector machine are employed for classification based on histograms of oriented gradients and local binary pattern features. The proposed methodology is based on inductive technique, segment malaria parasites through the adaptive machine learning techniques. The quantification accuracy of RBCs is enhanced; RBCs clumps are split by analysis of concavity regions for focal points. Further, classification of infected and non‐infected RBCs has been made to grade MP precisely. The training and testing of the proposed approach on benchmark dataset with respect to ground truth data, yield 96.75% MP sensitivity and 94.59% specificity. Additionally, the proposed approach addresses the process with independent factors (RBCs morphology). Finally, it is an economical solution for MP grading in immense testing.
Adaptive tuning piecewise cubic Hermite interpolation with Wiener filter in wavelet domain for scanning electron microscope images
Authors: Yeap Zhi Xuan , Sim Kok Swee , Tso Chih Ping
Published: December 2018

Image processing is introduced to remove or reduce the noise and unwanted signal that deteriorate the quality of an image. Here, a single level two‐dimensional wavelet transform is applied to the image in order to obtain the wavelet transform sub‐band signal of an image. An estimation technique to predict the noise variance in an image is proposed, which is then fed into a Wiener filter to filter away the noise from the sub‐band of the image. The proposed filter is called adaptive tuning piecewise cubic Hermite interpolation with Wiener filter in the wavelet domain. The performance of this filter is compared with four existing filters: median filter, Gaussian smoothing filter, two level wavelet transform with Wiener filter and adaptive noise Wiener filter. Based on the results, the adaptive tuning piecewise cubic Hermite interpolation with Wiener filter in wavelet domain has better performance than the other four methods.
A programmable microscopic stage: Design and development
Authors: Dinesh Jackson Samuel R. , Rajesh Kanna B.
Published: December 2018

Microscopes have become a significant part of pathological study. Currently, motorized microscopes are enabled with horizontal and vertical movements, with the facility of fast response in acquiring images or videos from the slide. During microbial screening, viewing the specimen needs following a directional path viz., zig‐zag, inward spiral, meander, and so forth. Even though the motorized movements are built‐in, human intervention is required while screening. This leads to time delay in the scanning process and may leave some portions of the specimen unattended. In this proposed system, a programmable framework to define the scanning direction for the specimen and a firmware to control the microscopic stage is implemented, to enable customization of the scanning pattern without any human intervention during complete course of screening. The user can define the customized scanning pattern using two‐dimensional (2D) graphics drawing primitives. The final drawing is converted into preparatory codes through a micro‐computer numeric controlled software, which extracts the address information relating to the movement and direction of the stage. These X, Y directional information are fed into the machine control unit for activating the linear driving system, which has servo drives and motors to power the spindle for precise microscopic stage movement. The proposed system is cost effective and reduces the reliance on technicians in examining the whole slide. The system is also portable and can be attached to any conventional or fluorescence microscope. Some pre‐defined scanning patterns have been tested for the stage movements and validated in this work.
Frontline Science: A reduction in DHA-derived mediators in male obesity contributes toward defects in select B cell subsets and circulating antibody
Authors: Crouch Miranda J , Kosaraju Rasagna , Guesdon William , Armstrong Michael , Reisdorph Nichole , Jain Raghav , Fenton Jenifer , Shaikh Saame Raza
Published: December 2018

Obesity dysregulates B cell populations, which contributes toward poor immunological outcomes. We previously reported that differing B cell subsets are lowered in the bone marrow of obese male mice. Here, we focused on how lipid metabolites synthesized from docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) known as specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs) influence specific B cell populations in obese male mice. Metabololipidomics revealed that splenic SPM precursors 14-hydroxydocosahexaenoic acid (14-HDHA), 17-hydroxydocosahexaenoic acid (17-HDHA), and downstream protectin DX (PDX) were decreased in obese male C57BL/6J mice. Simultaneous administration of these mediators to obese mice rescued major decrements in bone marrow B cells, modest impairments in the spleen, and circulating IgG2c, which is pro-inflammatory in obesity. In vitro studies with B cells, flow cytometry experiments with ALOX5−/− mice, and lipidomic analyses revealed the lowering of 14-HDHA/17-HDHA/PDX and dysregulation of B cell populations in obesity was driven indirectly via B cell extrinsic mechanisms. Notably, the lowering of lipid mediators was associated with an increase in the abundance of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have a high affinity for SPM-generating enzymes. Subsequent experiments revealed female obese mice generally maintained the levels of SPM precursors, B cell subsets, and antibody levels. Finally, obese human females had increased circulating plasma cells accompanied by ex vivo B cell TNFα and IL-10 secretion. Collectively, the data demonstrate that DHA-derived mediators of the SPM pathway control the number of B cell subsets and pro-inflammatory antibody levels in obese male but not female mice through a defect that is extrinsic to B cells.
Deep learning in radiology: An overview of the concepts and a survey of the state of the art with focus on MRI
Authors: Mazurowski Maciej A. , Buda Mateusz , Saha Ashirbani , Bashir Mustafa R.
Published: December 2018

Deep learning is a branch of artificial intelligence where networks of simple interconnected units are used to extract patterns from data in order to solve complex problems. Deep‐learning algorithms have shown groundbreaking performance in a variety of sophisticated tasks, especially those related to images. They have often matched or exceeded human performance. Since the medical field of radiology mainly relies on extracting useful information from images, it is a very natural application area for deep learning, and research in this area has rapidly grown in recent years. In this article, we discuss the general context of radiology and opportunities for application of deep‐learning algorithms. We also introduce basic concepts of deep learning, including convolutional neural networks. Then, we present a survey of the research in deep learning applied to radiology. We organize the studies by the types of specific tasks that they attempt to solve and review a broad range of deep‐learning algorithms being utilized. Finally, we briefly discuss opportunities and challenges for incorporating deep learning in the radiology practice of the future.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:939–954.
Evaluation of the antiviral potential of the soluble forms of glycoprotein D receptors on ocular herpes caused by HSV‐1 and HSV‐2 infections in a transgenic mouse model
Authors: Fujimoto Yoshikazu , Hikita Shin‐ichi , Takeda Keiko , Ozaki Kinuyo , Inoue Hideya , Takakuwa Hiroki , Sonoda Koh‐hei , Ono Etsuro
Published: December 2018

Ocular herpes, caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) and type 2 (HSV‐2) infections, remains an important corneal disease, which may result in loss of vision. Because the frequency of acyclovir resistance in HSV has increased, novel antiviral agents are needed for therapeutic approaches to ocular herpes. Several studies have demonstrated that fusion proteins containing entire ectodomain of HSV glycoprotein D receptors, including herpesvirus entry mediator A (HVEM), nectin‐1 and nectin‐2, and the Fc portion of human IgG (HVEMIg, nectin‐1Ig, and nectin‐2Ig, respectively), can exert antiviral effects in vitro and in vivo. Here, to evaluate the antiviral potential of HVEMIg, nectin‐1Ig, and nectin‐2Ig against ocular infections with HSV, transgenic mice expressing these fusion proteins were ocularly inoculated with HSV‐1 and HSV‐2. Transgenic mouse lines expressing HVEMIg and nectin‐1Ig showed marked resistance to ocular herpes; on the other hand, mouse lines expressing nectin‐2Ig did not. Furthermore, to investigate the therapeutic effects of nectin‐1Ig, which can neutralize HSVs in vitro against ocular disease, transgenic mouse serum containing nectin‐1Ig was dropped into the eyes of wild‐type mice after HSV infection. Reduction of severe symptoms could be observed in mice treated with nectin‐1Ig serum. These results warrant further study of soluble HVEM and nectin‐1 products as preventive and therapeutic agents against ocular herpes caused by HSV‐1 and HSV‐2 infections, especially nectin‐1Ig as a new eye drop.
Rhyolitic and dacitic component of the Askja 1875 tephra in southern and central Finland: first step towards a Finnish tephrochronology
Authors: Kalliokoski Maarit , Wastegård Stefan , Saarinen Timo
Published: December 2018

Tephra from Icelandic volcanic eruptions is frequently dispersed to northern Europe, but so far tephra has not been detected in Finnish sedimentary records. We report the first finding of a cryptotephra layer in southern and central Finland. Sediment samples from five lakes and 10 peatlands, most of them located in the tephra fallout zone of the Hekla 1947 eruption, were investigated for the presence of cryptotephra to assess the potential for tephrochronology in Finland. Tephra shards were extracted from their host matrix and electron probe microanalysis was conducted on single shards for geochemical characterization. Our results confirm the presence of Askja 1875 tephra in Finland, thus extending the known dispersal area of the Askja 1875 tephra eastwards. Most of the shards are rhyolitic, but a minor concentration of tephra with dacitic composition forms a narrow dispersal zone extending from Sweden to southern Finland. This zone possibly represents the main dispersal axis of the tephra in the distal area. Our results suggest that Finnish environmental research could benefit greatly from adding tephrochronology to the array of dating methods commonly used. Additionally, the absence of Hekla 1947 tephra in the previously inferred fall‐out zone is an important result indicating the complexity of tephra deposition and preservation.
Sustainability reporting practices in India: A study of selected conglomerates
Authors: Poddar Anushree , Narula Sapna A.
Published: December 2018

The evolutionary trends exhibit journey of companies toward sustainability of the major conglomerates, offering a learning for other smaller companies. This article investigates the sustainability reporting practices of selected Indian conglomerates based on the Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI) guidelines. The cases have been selected on the basis of data on market capitalization (based on Bombay Stock Exchange database) and number of reporting years (based on GRI Disclosure database). The study reveals characteristics and trends of reporting practices and also traces the path of sustainability journey in terms of evolution and advancement. A comparison of reporting on economic, environmental, and social indicators has been made and the results of the cases have also been also presented in a cumulative manner. The study opens new vistas for further researchers in understanding the process of sustainability reporting in India and is also helpful for practitioners foraying into writing sustainability reports.
Can linking executive compensation to sustainability performance lead to a sustainable business model? Evidence of implementation from enterprises around the world
Authors: Nigam Nirjhar , Benetti Cristiane , Mbarek Sondes
Published: December 2018

Making top executives accountable for their companies' sustainability performance demonstrates the seriousness of those companies' efforts to combat adverse environmental impacts caused by business practices and become sustainable corporate citizens. Corporations' sustainability goals should be reflected in top executives' remuneration and not merely in reports. Linking executive compensation with a company's sustainability goals may result in a better model for sustainable corporate health. Decision makers (CEO, CFO) that fail to support the mission of sustainability are unlikely to frame optimum policies for their companies.
Validation of the eighth edition AJCC staging system in early T1 to T2 oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Murthy Samskruthi , Low Tsu‐Hui (Hubert) , Subramaniam Narayana , Balasubramanian Deepak , Sivakumaran Vidhyadharan , Anand Adharsh , Vijayan Smitha Nalumackal , Nambiar Ajit , Thankappan Krishnakumar , Iyer Subramania
Published: December 2018

Background

To validate the newly proposed American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) eighth edition staging in early T1 and T2 oral cavity cancers and its effect in predicting tumour control.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of treatment outcomes of 441 T1 to T2 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Overall survival (OS), disease‐specific survival (DSS), and tumour control were calculated and compared between the AJCC 7 and 8 staging systems.

Results

The 5‐year OS was 78% and 61% for T1 and T2 tumours, respetively (P < 0.001) (AJCC 7) vs 87% and 67% (P < 0.001) (AJCC 8). The 5‐year DSS was 78% and 61% for T1 and T2, respectively (P < 0.001) (AJCC 7) vs 89% and 71% (P < 0.001) (AJCC 8). For stages I and II tumours the 5‐year OS was 81% and 76%, respectively (P < 0.302) (AJCC 7) vs 87% and 73% (P < 0.017) (AJCC 8). The 5‐year DSS was 83% and 82% (P < 0.222) vs 89% and 77% (P < 0.016). With the AJCC eighth edition the 5‐year local, regional, and distant control rates for T1 vs T2 tumours were 85% vs 74% (P = 0.003), 95% vs 77% (P = 0.001), and 95% vs 80% (P = 0.014), respectively.

Conclusion

The AJCC 8th staging system provided for more accurate prediction of OS, DSS, and disease control in early oral cavity cancers.
Destination competitiveness from a tourist perspective: A case of the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Reisinger Yvette , Michael Noela , Hayes John P.
Published: December 2018

The main purpose of this study is to determine the major factors that influence destination competitiveness from the tourist perspective. The focus is on tourism competitiveness of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A convenience sample of 218 international tourists was surveyed. A hierarchical regression analysis was used to test the effects of destination resources, infrastructure and support services, human resources, and business environment on the UAE tourism competitiveness. The results show that destination infrastructure and support services, followed by destination resources, had the highest significant effect on the UAE's tourism competitiveness as perceived by tourists.
Clinical value of transoral robotic surgery: Nationwide results from the first 5 years of adoption
Authors: Li Hong , Torabi Sina J. , Park Henry S. , Yarbrough Wendell G. , Mehra Saral , Choi Rachel , Judson Benjamin L.
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To compare long‐term oncologic outcomes and adjuvant therapies for patients treated with transoral robotic surgery (TORS), nonrobotic surgery, or transoral laser microsurgery (TLM).

Study Design

A retrospective analysis of the National Cancer Database (2010–2014).

Methods

Patients with clinical tumor (T)1 and T2 oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC) were classified into those receiving TORS versus nonrobotic surgery versus TLM. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were conducted with chi‐square tests; Kaplan‐Meier log‐rank test; and Cox multivariate, logistic regression, and multinomial regression modeling.

Results

We identified 2,224 OPSCC TORS patients; 6,697 nonrobotic surgery patients; and 333 TLM patients. The majority of patients were white males with a mean age of approximately 59 years. No significant difference was noted between the cohorts in tumor stage; however, TORS patients were more likely to have nodal (N)1 to N3 disease than nonrobotic surgery and TLM patients, respectively (69.8% vs. 62.0% vs. 59.7%, P < 0.001).

TORS was associated with a lower likelihood of positive margins when compared to nonrobotic surgery, although not TLM (nonrobotic surgery: hazard ratio [HR] 1.51, P < 0.001, TLM: HR 1.13, P = 0.582). TORS was associated with lower likelihood of postsurgical chemoradiotherapy (TLM: HR 2.07, P < 0.001, nonrobotic surgery: 1.65, P < 0.001) but not adjuvant radiotherapy alone (TLM: HR 1.06, P = 0.569, nonrobotic surgery: 0.96, P = 0.655). On multivariate Cox analysis of overall survival, the use of TORS was not associated with increased survival (TLM: HR 1.31, P = 0.233, nonrobotic surgery: HR 1.12, P < 0.303).

Conclusion

The advantages of TORS for early‐stage OPSCC may be a lower likelihood of postsurgical positive margins and subsequent need for adjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

Level of Evidence

NA

Laryngoscope, 129:1844–1855, 2019
Nanoantenna arrays as diode‐less rectifiers for energy harvesting in mid‐infrared band
Authors: Chekini Amir , Sheikhaei Samad , Neshat Mohammad
Published: December 2018

Unlike the solar energy, infrared radiation from black bodies around us is always available. In this paper, a novel energy harvesting device is proposed for absorption of the infrared radiation from hot objects around us at temperatures beyond 300 K, in the vicinity of 10 μm wavelength, or from the Earth itself. Electron field emission from sharp edges in vacuum, based on Fowler‐Nordheim (FN) theory, is proposed as a means of rectification. A large number of nanoantennas are placed in an array to achieve high electric field, required for FN electron emission. The issue of wave spatial coherence is discussed in the paper, and it is shown that the device can operate with small affection. Using the proposed device, the MIM/MIIM diode, which is usually used for rectification and has a very low efficiency, is avoided and therefore efficiency is highly improved. A planar spiral series nanoantenna array (SSNA) is designed, as an example, to demonstrate the concept. Bowtie and cross bowtie antenna geometries are considered and their performances are compared.
Prevalence and impact of lower urinary tract symptoms: Results of the epic survey in Egypt
Authors: Mourad Sherif , Shokeir Ahmed , Ayoub Nadim , Ibrahim Mohey , Reynolds Nikolai , Donde Shaantanu , Hassan Tarek
Published: December 2018

Aims

To estimate the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), including overactive bladder (OAB), and urinary incontinence (UI), in Egypt and the impact on patients’ quality of life.

Methods

A population‐based, cross‐sectional survey (EPIC) was conducted with a random sample of adults aged ≥18 years. Prevalence estimates were based on 2002 International Continence Society definitions.

Results

A total of 3600 adult men and women participated in the survey; 86% of them experienced ≥1 LUTS: storage symptoms were more frequently reported (75%) than voiding (52%) or postmicturition (42%) symptoms. The most prevalent storage symptom was nocturia (defined as ≥1 time per night) in 70% of the population. UI was reported by 21% (mixed UI [MUI]: 9%; stress UI [SUI]: 4%; urgency UI [UUI]: 5%; other UI: 3%), and 30% met criteria for OAB. Despite the high prevalence of LUTS, few individuals with UUI, MUI, SUI, or OAB took prescription medicine (12%) or consulted a healthcare professional about their symptoms (23%).

Conclusion

High prevalence rates of LUTS and OAB were found in adult men and women in Egypt, although low healthcare utilization and low prescription medication use for symptoms were observed.