bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prospective study of removing solar lentigines in Asians using a novel dual‐wavelength and dual‐pulse width picosecond laser
Authors: Negishi Kei , Akita Hirotaka , Matsunaga Yukiko 
Published: April 2018

ObjectivesQuality‐switched (QS) lasers are known to be an effective treatment for removing solar lentigines, however, high incidence of post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a concern in darker skin types. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a dual‐wavelength and dual‐pulse width picosecond Nd:YAG laser for removing solar lentigines in Asians.MethodsThis was a prospective, IRB‐approved study. Twenty cases with solar lentigines on the face were enrolled for treatment and evaluated at 1‐ and 3‐month after the final treatment. Results were assessed by blinded evaluators using a 5‐grade percentage improvement scale and Melanin index (MI) measured by a reflectance spectrophotometer. A patient self‐assessment questionnaire was also administered using a 5‐grade improvement scale. Additional treatment was performed if the improvement was less than 75% or the lentigo partially remained after 4 weeks. Histological evaluation was performed to compare the differences between the current picosecond laser and a QS Nd:YAG laser 532‐nm using light and electron microscopy.ResultsForty‐three lesions in 20 females, skin type III or IV, age 53.7 ± 9.75 were treated and evaluated. The laser setting was: 532‐nm, 750 picoseconds, average fluence of 0.35 ± 0.06 J/cm [2] using a spot size of 3 or 4 mm. Forty lesions (93.02%) achieved over 75% clearance with a single treatment and the other three lesions (6.98%) needed two treatments. PIH occurred only in 4.65% of lesions. The average score of the blinded evaluators’ assessment was 4.77 and 4.58 on a 5‐grade percentage improvement scale. The patients’ self‐assessment rating was 4.76 and 4.67 on a 5‐grade scale at 1‐ and 3‐month follow‐up, respectively. The improvement rate of relative MI (MI in the lesion minus that of the normal area) was 77.60 ± 36.27% and 76.93 ± 20.95% at 1‐and 3‐month follow‐up. Histology showed vacuolar formation by both lasers in the epidermis that were different sizes between lasers. Electron microscopy showed destruction of melanosomes with surrounding tissue damage with the QS laser and without particular damage with the picosecond laser.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study using a picosecond Nd:YAG laser 532‐nm for removing solar lentigines in darker skin types that includes histological evaluation. Although there are many options to treat solar lentigines, our results suggest that picosecond laser with preferable endpoint determination can be a safer and more effective treatment over conventional treatments in Asian patients. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:851–858, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Overestimation of cardiac lactate production caused by liver metabolism of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate
Authors: Wespi Patrick , Steinhauser Jonas , Kwiatkowski Grzegorz , Kozerke Sebastian 
Published: April 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this work was to study the contribution of liver [1‐13C]lactate to the lactate signal detected in the heart following injection of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate.MethodsA slice‐selective saturation scheme was incorporated into a hybrid metabolic imaging and spectroscopy approach to selectively presaturate lactate in the liver. Imaging and slice‐selective spectroscopy of [1‐13C]pyruvate and its downstream metabolites were sequentially interleaved in the same experiment with optional presaturation of liver [1‐13C]lactate. Six healthy rats were measured, and metabolic data in the heart acquired with and without presaturation of liver lactate were compared.ResultsWhen using liver lactate presaturation, a statistically significant reduction of the lactate/pyruvate ratio was observed in the spectroscopic data of the left ventricle (0.18 ± 0.03 versus 0.24 ± 0.04; p < .05) as well as in the imaging data of the blood pool (0.05 ± 0.01 versus 0.11 ± 0.01; p < .05). No significant difference in myocardial lactate was observed when using myocardium only as the region of interest in the imaging data (0.08 ± 0.01 versus 0.11 ± 0.02; p = .2).ConclusionLiver metabolism leads to statistically significant overestimation of cardiac lactate production in slice‐selective or nonselective spectroscopic experiments. Therefore, metabolic imaging is preferred over spectroscopy to separate left‐ventricular compartments within the slice and hence avoid contamination of cardiac lactate signals. Alternatively, presaturation pulses should be used in combination with spectroscopy approaches.
Crystal structure of the trimeric N‐terminal domain of ciliate Euplotes octocarinatus centrin binding with calcium ions
Authors: Wang Wenming , Zhao Yaqin , Wang Hongfei , Yang Bingsheng 
Published: April 2018

AbstractCentrin is a member of the EF‐hand superfamily of calcium‐binding proteins, a highly conserved eukaryotic protein that binds to Ca2+. Its self‐assembly plays a causative role in the fiber contraction that is associated with the cell division cycle and ciliogenesis. In this study, the crystal structure of N‐terminal domain of ciliate Euplotes octocarinatus centrin (N‐EoCen) was determined by using the selenomethionine single‐wavelength anomalous dispersion method. The protein molecules formed homotrimers. Every protomer had two putative Ca2+ ion‐binding sites I and II, protomer A, and C bound one Ca2+ ion, while protomer B bound two Ca2+ ions. A novel binding site III was observed and the Ca2+ ion was located at the center of the homotrimer. Several hydrogen bonds, electrostatic, and hydrophobic interactions between the protomers contributed to the formation of the oligomer. Structural studies provided insight into the foundation for centrin aggregation and the roles of calcium ions.
Prostatic stromal inflammation is associated with bladder outlet obstruction in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Inamura So , Ito Hideaki , Shinagawa Tomochika , Tsutsumiuchi Manami , Taga Minekatsu , Kobayashi Motohiro , Yokoyama Osamu 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundBenign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common urologic disease in older men. Prostatic inflammation research has focused on the magnitude of inflammation; its location has received little attention. We investigated whether the anatomic location of prostatic inflammation is related to the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), measured subjectively and objectively.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed hematoxylin+eosin‐stained tissue specimens from 179 BPH patients who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). Chronic prostatic inflammation was assessed by the grade (lymphocyte density), extent (lymphocyte distribution), and location of inflammation. Each inflammation‐finding type was evaluated in relation to these clinical parameters: age, prostate volume, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) value, body mass index (BMI), the frequency of acute urinary retention (AUR) episodes, the international prostatic symptom score (IPSS), and urodynamic study results.ResultsThe magnitude and extent of inflammation were not associated with any clinical parameters. We classified the BPH patients into stromal (n = 72) versus non‐stromal (n = 105) groups based on their inflammation's dominant location. The stromal group's prostatic volume was significantly larger than the non‐stromal group's (63.8 vs 53.8 mL; P = 0.032). AUR episodes were more significantly frequent in the stromal group (36.1% vs 11.4%; P = 0.006). Between‐group differences in storage parameters (ie, maximum cystometric capacity) in the urodynamic study were not significantly different. Voiding parameters differed significantly between the stromal and non‐stromal groups: maximum detrusor pressure (maxPdet) (116.8 vs 94.5 cmH2O, P = 0.014), Pdet at the maximum flow rate (Qmax) (95.8 vs 75.4 cmH2O, P = 0.014), and the bladder outlet obstruction index (BOOI) (78.5 vs 56.3, P = 0.014). The stromal group's Qmax was significantly lower than the non‐stromal group's (7.3 vs 9.8 mL/s, P = 0.004).ConclusionsThe location of inflammation in the prostate might be an important factor affecting the severity of LUTS, especially voiding dysfunction.
VSSI median control chart with estimated parameters and measurement errors
Authors: Cheng Xiao‐Bin , Wang Fu‐Kwun 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAn adaptive control chart called Shewhart
chart with variable sample size and sampling interval (VSSI) is quicker than Shewhart
chart,
chart with variable sample size (VSS), and
chart with variable sampling interval (VSI) in detecting the mean shifts of a normal process. In practice, the effects of measurement errors on control charts should be included. In this study, we present an VSSI median control chart with estimated parameters in the presence of measurement errors for a normal process. The average time to signal (ATS) is computed by using the Markov chain approach. The results show that the VSSI median control chart performs better than the Shewhart median, VSS median, and VSI median control charts in terms of ATS. The design parameters of the proposed chart are provided. Two examples are used to illustrate the application of the proposed control chart.
Fault diagnosis for satellite sensors and actuators using nonlinear geometric approach and adaptive observers
Authors: Baldi P. , Blanke M. , Castaldi P. , Mimmo N. , Simani S. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryThis paper presents a novel scheme for diagnosis of faults affecting sensors that measure the satellite attitude, body angular velocity, flywheel spin rates, and defects in control torques from reaction wheel motors. The proposed methodology uses adaptive observers to provide fault estimates that aid detection, isolation, and estimation of possible actuator and sensor faults. The adaptive observers do not need a priori information about fault internal models. A nonlinear geometric approach is used to avoid that aerodynamic disturbance torques have unwanted influence on the fault estimates. An augmented high‐fidelity spacecraft model is exploited during design and validation to replicate faults. This simulation model includes disturbance torques as experienced in low Earth orbits. This paper includes an analysis to assess robustness properties of the method with respect to parameter uncertainties and disturbances. The results document the efficacy of the suggested methodology.
Robust adaptive algorithm for nonlinear systems with unknown measurement noise and uncertain parameters by variational Bayesian inference
Authors: Yu Xingkai , Li Jianxun , Xu Jian 
Published: April 2018

SummaryThis paper studies an adaptive algorithm for the estimation problem of nonlinear systems with unknown or missing measurement noise and uncertain parameters using variational Bayesian (VB) inference. We combine VB inference with the Monte Carlo sampling technique to settle this problem. There are many cases of missing information, and because of the difficulty in obtaining the analytical results, the existing control methods for uncertain systems lack generality. We present a set of nonlinear recursive adaptive filtering algorithms that address the unknown parameters and probability density function. The proposed algorithms yield a separable variational approximation of the joint posterior distribution of noise parameters with uncertain parameters and states on each step separately. Estimation convergence and robustness against disturbances are guaranteed. A convergence result for VB inference is presented. Extensive simulation examples are provided to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed algorithms.
Event‐triggered constrained control of positive systems with input saturation
Authors: Yin Yanyan , Lin Zongli , Liu Yanqing , Teo Kok Lay 
Published: April 2018

SummaryThis paper addresses the problem of event‐triggered stabilization for positive systems subject to input saturation, where the state variables are in the nonnegative orthant. An event‐triggered linear state feedback law is constructed. By expressing the saturated linear state feedback law on a convex hull of a group of auxiliary linear feedback laws, we establish conditions under which the closed‐loop system is asymptotically stable with a given set contained in the domain of attraction. On the basis of these conditions, the problem of designing the feedback gain and the event‐triggering strategy for attaining the largest domain of attraction is formulated and solved as an optimization problem with linear matrix inequality constraints. The problem of designing the feedback gain and the event‐triggering strategy for achieving fast transience response with a guaranteed size of the domain of attraction is also formulated and solved as an linear matrix inequality problem. The effectiveness of these results is then illustrated by numerical simulation.
Evaluating indices of lipid and protein content in lesser snow and Ross's geese during spring migration
Authors: Fowler Drew N. , Kuechle Kyle J. , Woodall Brendan A. , Vrtiska Mark P. , Webb Elisabeth B. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTAssessing nutrient stores in avian species is important for understanding the extent to which body condition influences success or failure in life‐history events. We evaluated predictive models using morphometric characteristics to estimate total body lipids (TBL) and total body protein (TBP), based on traditional proximate analyses, in spring migrating lesser snow geese (Anser caerulescens caerulescens) and Ross's geese (A. rossii). We also compared performance of our lipid model with a previously derived predictive equation for TBL developed for nesting lesser snow geese. We used external and internal measurements on 612 lesser snow and 125 Ross's geese collected during spring migration in 2015 and 2016 within the Central and Mississippi flyways to derive and evaluate predictive models. Using a validation data set, our best performing lipid model for snow geese better predicted TBL (root mean square error [RMSE] of 23.56) compared with a model derived from nesting individuals (RMSE = 48.60), suggesting the importance of season‐specific models for accurate lipid estimation. Models that included body mass and abdominal fat deposit best predicted TBL determined by proximate analysis in both species (lesser snow goose, R2 = 0.87, RMSE = 23.56: Ross's geese, R2 = 0.89, RMSE = 13.75). Models incorporating a combination of external structural measurements in addition to internal muscle and body mass best predicted protein values (R2 = 0.85, RMSE = 19.39 and R2 = 0.85, RMSE = 7.65, lesser snow and Ross's geese, respectively), but protein models including only body mass and body size were also competitive and provided extended utility to our equations for field applications. Therefore, our models indicated the importance of specimen dissection and measurement of the abdominal fat pad to provide the most accurate lipid estimates and provide alternative dissection‐free methods for estimating protein. Published 2018. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Sp(4) gauge theory on the lattice: towards SU(4)/Sp(4) composite Higgs (and beyond)
Authors: Bennett Ed , Hong Deog Ki , Lee Jong-Wan , Lin C.-J. David , Lucini Biagio , Piai Maurizio , Vadacchino Davide 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

The Sp(4) gauge theory with two Dirac fundamental flavours provides a candidate for the microscopic origin of composite-Higgs models based on the SU(4)/Sp(4) coset. We employ a combination of two different, complementary strategies for the numerical lattice calculations, based on the Hybrid Monte Carlo and on the Heat Bath algorithms. We perform pure Yang-Mills, quenched computations and exploratory studies with dynamical Wilson fermions.
We present the first results in the literature for the spectrum of glueballs of the pure Sp(4) Yang-Mills theory, an EFT framework for the interpretation of the masses and decay constants of the lightest pion, vector and axial-vector mesons, and a preliminary calculation of the latter in the quenched approximation. We show the first numerical evidence of a bulk phase transition in the lattice theory with dynamical Wilson fermions, and perform the technical steps necessary to set up future investigations of the mesonic spectrum of the full theory.
Using phytostabilisation to conserve threatened endemic species in southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Boisson Sylvain , Séleck Maxime , Le Stradic Soizig , Collignon Julien , Garin Olivier , Malaisse François , Shutcha Mylor Ngoy , Mahy Grégory 
Published: April 2018

AbstractOutcrops in the southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are recognized as some of the largest copper–cobalt orebodies in the world. They support a unique vegetation with nearly 600 metallophytes that include rare and endemic species. Mineral exploitation has increased considerably in the region since the 1900s, affecting both environmental and public health. Phytostabilisation of polluted areas represents an opportunity to decrease the bioavailability of heavy metals in the highly polluted soils that result from ore extraction. Such a technique has been successfully implemented near Lubumbashi with the grass Microchloa altera. However, long‐term maintenance requires a good understanding of interspecific relationships, such as competition and facilitation. This study tested the establishment success of four herbaceous species from the Katangan Copperbelt by assessing the potential role of Microchloa altera as a nurse species. Two annual and two perennial species were sown in an experiment designed to study the influence of soil amendment and vegetation cover on seedling emergence, growth, and survival. These variables were monitored during the vegetation growing season as well as resprouting success for perennials. Microchloa altera showed a distinct effect on the emergence and survival of annual and perennial species and negatively affected the growth of individuals belonging to both groups of species.
DESIGNING AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS AND AGRIBUSINESS UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
Authors: GILLESPIE JEFFREY M. , BAMPASIDOU MARIA 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAgricultural economics and agribusiness (AEAB) programs offer their graduates unique exposure to agricultural markets, policy, and production systems, which differentiates them from business programs. Despite the advantages associated with AEAB degrees, a significant challenge universities and AEAB graduates face is a general lack of recognition of what agricultural economics is and what an agricultural economist does. Using data collected from U.S. 1862 and 1890 land grant universities, we stress the importance of designing effective AEAB curricula based on enrollment trends, the desired attributes of graduates, and the current structure of AEAB undergraduate programs.
Communicable Disease Surveillance Systems in Disasters: Application of the Input, Process, Product, and Outcome Framework for Performance Assessment
Authors: Babaie Javad , Ardalan Ali , Vatandoost Hasan , Goya Mohammad Mahdi , Akbarisari Ali 
Published: April 2018

AbstractObjectiveOne of the most important measures following disasters is setting up a communicable disease surveillance system (CDSS). This study aimed to develop indicators to assess the performance of CDSSs in disasters.MethodIn this 3-phase study, firstly a qualitative study was conducted through in-depth, semistructured interviews with experts on health in disasters and emergencies, health services managers, and communicable diseases center specialists. The interviews were analyzed, and CDSS performance assessment (PA) indicators were extracted. The appropriateness of these indicators was examined through a questionnaire administered to experts and heads of communicable diseases departments of medical sciences universities. Finally, the designed indicators were weighted using the analytic hierarchy process approach and Expert Choice software.ResultsIn this study, 51 indicators were designed, of which 10 were related to the input (19.61%), 17 to the process (33.33%), 13 to the product (25.49%), and 11 to the outcome (21.57%). In weighting, the maximum score was that of input (49.1), and the scores of the process, product, and outcome were 31.4, 12.7, and 6.8, respectively.ConclusionThrough 3 different phases, PA indicators for 4 phases of a chain of results were developed. The authors believe that these PA indicators can assess the system’s performance and its achievements in response to disasters. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:158–164)
The Impact of Isolation on Healthcare Worker Contact and Compliance With Infection Control Practices in Nursing Homes
Authors: Pineles Lisa , Petruccelli Chris , Perencevich Eli N. , Roghmann Mary-Claire , Gupta Kalpana , Cadena Jose , Baracco Gio , Pfeiffer Christopher D. , Forrest Graeme , Bradley Suzanne F. , Crnich Chris , Reisinger Heather , Morgan Daniel J. 
Published: April 2018

OBJECTIVETo directly observe healthcare workers in a nursing home setting to measure frequency and duration of resident contact and infection prevention behavior as a factor of isolation practiceDESIGNObservational studySETTING AND PARTICIPANTSHealthcare workers in 8 VA nursing homes in Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Washington, and TexasMETHODSOver a 15-month period, trained research staff without clinical responsibilities on the units observed nursing home resident room activity for 15–30-minute intervals. Observers recorded time of entry and exit, isolation status, visitor type (staff, visitor, etc), hand hygiene, use of gloves and gowns, and activities performed in the room when visible.RESULTSA total of 999 hours of observation were conducted across 8 VA nursing homes during which 4,325 visits were observed. Residents in isolation received an average of 4.73 visits per hour of observation compared with 4.21 for nonisolation residents (P<.01), a 12.4% increase in visits for residents in isolation. Residents in isolation received an average of 3.53 resident care activities per hour of observation, compared with 2.46 for residents not in isolation (P<.01). For residents in isolation, compliance was 34% for gowns and 58% for gloves. Healthcare worker hand hygiene compliance was 45% versus 44% (P=.79) on entry and 66% versus 55% (P<.01) on exit for isolation and nonisolation rooms, respectively.CONCLUSIONSHealthcare workers visited residents in isolation more frequently, likely because they required greater assistance. Compliance with gowns and gloves for isolation was limited in the nursing home setting. Adherence to hand hygiene also was less than optimal, regardless of isolation status of residents.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:683–687
False-Positive Tuberculin Skin Test Results Among Low-Risk Healthcare Workers Following Implementation of Fifty-Dose Vials of Purified Protein Derivative
Authors: Collins Jeffrey M. , Hunter Mary , Gordon Wanda , Kempker Russell R. , Blumberg Henry M. , Ray Susan M. 
Published: April 2018

Following large declines in tuberculosis transmission the United States, large-scale screening programs targeting low-risk healthcare workers are increasingly a source of false-positive results. We report a large cluster of presumed false-positive tuberculin skin test results in healthcare workers following a change to 50-dose vials of Tubersol tuberculin.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:750–752