bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Novel Input–Output Linearization Minimum Sliding Mode Error Feedback Control for Synchronization of FitzHugh–Nagumo Neurons
Authors: Cao Lu , Chen Xiaoqian 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
A novel input–output linearization minimum sliding mode error feedback control (I/OMSMEFC) is proposed for the synchronization between two uncoupled FitzHugh–Nagumo (FHN) neurons with different ionic currents and external electrical stimulations. To estimate and offset the system uncertainties and external disturbances, the concept of equivalent control error is introduced, which is the key to utilization of I/OMSMEFC. A cost function is formulated on the basis of the principle of minimum sliding mode covariance constraint; then the equivalent control error is estimated and fed back. It is shown that the proposed I/OMSMEFC can compensate various kinds of system uncertainties and external disturbances. Meanwhile, it can reduce the steady-state error more than the conventional sliding mode control (SMC). In addition, the sliding mode after the I/OMSMEFC will tend to be the ideal SMC, resulting in improved control performance and quantity. Sufficient conditions are given based on the Lyapunov stability theorem and numerical simulations are performed to verify the effectiveness of presented I/OMSMEFC for the chaotic synchronization accurately.
Effects of birth weight and growth on childhood wheezing disorders: findings from the Born in Bradford Cohort
Authors: Mebrahtu Teumzghi F , Feltbower Richard G , Parslow Roger C 
Published: November 2015

ObjectivesTo examine the effects of birth weight and childhood growth on childhood wheezing disorders. We hypothesised that low birth weight and fast growth during early age would increase the risk of wheezing disorders.SettingObservational secondary analysis of data from the Born in Bradford cohort.ParticipantsAll children who were born at the Bradford Royal Infirmary hospital between March 2007 and December 2010 were eligible for the study. A total of 13 734 and 1598 children participated in the analyses of the effects of birth weight and growth on wheezing disorders, respectively.Primary and secondary outcome measuresWheezing disorders diagnosis (diagnosed as asthma or had wheezing symptom) during the ages of 0–7 years were the primary outcome measures. Diagnosis of asthma and occurrence of wheezing during the same period were secondary outcome measures. Birth weight was classified as normal (2.5–4.0 kg), low (<2.5 kg) and high (>4.0 kg). Growth mixture models were used to drive growth pattern outcomes which were classified as ‘normal’, ‘fast’ and ‘slow’ growth based on their velocities between birth and 36 months.ResultsThe adjusted relative risks (RRs) of wheezing disorders diagnosis for the low and high birthweight children were 1.29 (95% CI 1.12 to 1.50; p=0.001) and 0.91 (95% CI 0.79 to 1.04; p=0.17), respectively. The adjusted RRs of wheezing disorders diagnosis were 1.30 (95% CI 0.56 to 3.06; p=0.54) and 0.60 (95% CI 0.16 to 2.18; p=0.44), respectively, for the ‘fast’ and ‘slow’ growth as compared with the ‘normal’ growth.ConclusionsLow birth weight is associated with an increased risk of wheezing disorders; however, there is a weak evidence that suggests high birthweight children have a reduced risk in this birth cohort. Low birth weight coupled with a slower growth until 3 months and a sharp growth between 3 and 12 months has an increased risk of wheezing disorders diagnosis.
Effect of hemodynamics on outcome of subtotally occluded paraclinoid aneurysms after stent-assisted coil embolization
Authors: Liu Jian , Jing Linkai , Wang Chao , Paliwal Nikhil , Wang Shengzhang , Zhang Ying , Xiang Jianping , Siddiqui Adnan H , Meng Hui , Yang Xinjian 
Published: November 2015

BackgroundEndovascular treatment of paraclinoid aneurysms is preferred in clinical practice. Flow alterations caused by stents and coils may affect treatment outcome.ObjectiveTo assess hemodynamic changes following stent-assisted coil embolization (SACE) in subtotally embolized paraclinoid aneurysms with residual necks that were predisposed to recanalization.MethodsWe studied 27 paraclinoid aneurysms (seven recanalized and 20 stable) treated with coils and Enterprise stents. Computational fluid dynamic simulations were performed on patient-specific aneurysm geometries using virtual stenting and porous media technology.ResultsAfter stent placement in 27 cases, aneurysm flow velocity decreased significantly, the reduction gradually increasing from the neck plane (11.9%), to the residual neck (12.3%), to the aneurysm dome (16.3%). Subsequent coil embolization was performed after stent placement and the hemodynamic factors decreased further and significantly at all aneurysm regions except the neck plane. In a comparison of recanalized and stable cases, univariate analysis showed no significant differences in any parameter before treatment. After stent-assisted coiling, only the reduction in area-averaged velocity at the neck plane differed significantly between recanalized (8.1%) and stable cases (20.5%) (p=0.016).ConclusionsAneurysm flow velocity can be significantly decreased by stent placement and coil embolization. However, hemodynamics at the aneurysm neck plane is less sensitive to coils. Significant reduction in flow velocity at the neck plane may be an important factor in preventing recanalization of paraclinoid aneurysms after subtotal SACE.
On Gromov’s conjecture for totally non-spin manifolds
Authors: Bolotov Dmitry , Dranishnikov Alexander 
Published: November 2015

Gromov’s conjecture states that for a closed [Formula: see text]-manifold [Formula: see text] with positive scalar curvature, the macroscopic dimension of its universal covering [Formula: see text] satisfies the inequality [Formula: see text] [9]. We prove that for totally non-spin [Formula: see text]-manifolds, the inequality [Formula: see text] implies the inequality [Formula: see text]. This implication together with the main result of [6] allows us to prove Gromov’s conjecture for totally non-spin [Formula: see text]-manifolds whose fundamental group is a virtual duality group with [Formula: see text]. In the case of virtually abelian groups, we reduce Gromov’s conjecture for totally non-spin manifolds to the problem whether [Formula: see text]. This problem can be further reduced to the [Formula: see text]-stability conjecture for manifolds with free abelian fundamental groups.
Mahālakṣmī
Authors: Rastelli Marion 
Published: November 2015

The paper examines a narrative transmitted in chapter 49 of the Ahirbudhnyasaṃhitā, a South Indian Pāñcarātra text from the 13th century. This narrative provides an example of how the goddess Lakṣmī and her worship were integrated into Vaiṣṇava traditions.
In the theological sections of the Ahirbudhnyasaṃhitā, Lakṣmī has a clearly defined role as Viṣṇu’s consort and as the śakti that becomes active in order to create the world for him. In the narrative in chapter 49, however, traces are visible of Mahālakṣmī being conceived as a supreme, independent goddess. An attempt has been made to obscure this through a eulogy (stotra) to the goddess depicting her as mighty but nevertheless subordinate to Viṣṇu, and by the narrative being placed in a set of five individual stories about kings which describe the sudarśanamantra as an effective means in cases of peril.
Visual-Somatosensory Integration in Older Adults: Links to Sensory Functioning
Authors: Dumas Kristina , Holtzer Roee , Mahoney Jeannette R. 
Published: November 2015

Research investigating multisensory integration (MSI) processes in aging is scarce, but converging evidence for larger behavioral MSI effects in older compared to younger adults exists. The current study employed a three-prong approach to determine whether inherent age-related sensory processing declines were associated with larger (i.e., worse) visual-somatosensory (VS) reaction time (RT) facilitation effects. Non-demented older adults (; mean age = 77 years; 55% female) without any medical or psychiatric conditions were included. Participants were instructed to make speeded foot-pedal responses as soon as they detected visual, somatosensory, or VS stimulation. Visual acuity was assessed using the Snellen test while somatosensory sensitivity was determined using vibration thresholds. The aims of the current study were to: (1) replicate a reliable MSI effect; (2) investigate the effect of unisensory functioning on VS RT facilitation; and (3) determine whether sensory functioning combination groups manifested differential MSI effects. Results revealed a significant VS RT facilitation effect that was influenced by somatosensory sensitivity but not visual acuity. That is, older adults with poor somatosensory sensitivity demonstrated significantly larger MSI effects than those with intact somatosensory sensitivity. Additionally, a significant interaction between stimulus condition and sensory functioning group suggested that the group with poor visual acuity and poor somatosensory functioning demonstrated the largest MSI effect compared to the other groups. In summary, the current study reveals that worse somatosensory functioning is associated with larger MSI effects in older adults. To our knowledge, this is first study to identify potential mechanisms behind increased RT facilitation in aging.
Oxymetazoline Applied Topically to the Nasal Mucosa Decreases Trans-Mucosal Nitrous Oxide Exchange for the Middle Ear
Authors: Teixeira Miriam S. , Alper Cuneyt M. , Martin Brian S. , Helal Narmin , Doyle Brendan M. Cullen , Doyle William J. 
Published: November 2015

Objective: Determine if the middle ear (ME) trans-mucosal nitrous oxide (N2O) gas exchange rate can be pharmacologically modulated by the nasal application of a vasoconstrictor. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, crossover study, 20 adults received a nasal spray challenge containing either oxymetazoline or saline (placebo). At each session, subjects were fitted with a non-rebreathing mask and breathed room air for 20 minutes, 50% N2O:50% O2 for 20 minutes, and 100% O2 for 10 minutes. Throughout, heart rate, blood pressure (BP), and blood O2 saturation were monitored, and bilateral ME pressure was recorded by tympanometry every minute. The primary outcome measure was the slope of the ME pressure-time function for the experimental period, a direct measure of the transMEM N2O exchange constant. The effects of treatment, session, and period on the measured vital signs and of treatment, session, disease history, and ear on the ME pressure-time slopes were evaluated for statistical significance using repeated measures ANOVAs. Results: The analysis documented a significant effect of period on O2 saturation (N2O > room air, P = .03) and of treatment on blood pressure (oxymetazoline > placebo, P < .02) and the ME pressure-time slope (placebo > oxymetazoline, P = .05). Conclusion: The exchange rate across the ME mucosa of inert gases can be decreased by topical treatment of the nasal mucosa with oxymetazoline.
A Controlled, Randomized Clinical Study on the Impact of Treatment on Antral Mucociliary Clearance
Authors: Bizaki Argyro J. , Numminen Jura , Taulu Rami , Rautiainen Markus 
Published: November 2015

Objectives: To find out the effect of minimal invasive sinus surgery and balloon sinuplasty on mucociliary clearance and compare different methods of measuring mucociliary clearance. Methods: Twenty-nine patients with chronic rhinosinusitis were randomized in 2 operative groups (uncinectomy or balloon sinuplasty). Before and 6 months after the treatment, patients filled out a quality of life questionnaire (Sino Nasal Outcome Test-22 [SNOT-22]), and mucociliary clearance was measured with endoscope and gamma camera after 0.03 ml of saccharine, methylene-blue dye, and human albumin labeled with Tc99m was introduced to the bottom of maxillary sinuses. Results: In uncinectomy group, SNOT-22 score decreased, but treatment had no effect on mucociliary clearance. Based on saccharine test, smoking was associated with worse mucociliary clearance (r = 0.618, P < .05). Methylene blue test results associated with saccharine test (r = 0.434, P < .05) and Tc99m-labeled tracer technique (r = 0.261, P = .039) separately. Conclusion: Treatment positively affects patients’ quality of life; however, it has no effect on mucociliary clearance. There was a statistically significant correlation between the Tc99m-labeled tracer technique and the methylene blue technique. The saccharine technique was even less accurate, but it can be useful in clinical practice because it is a quick, easy, and safe technique.
Glottic Cancer
Authors: Zeitels Steven M. 
Published: November 2015

Objective: Conventional wisdom is that the overwhelming majority of glottic cancer patients have a smoking history. However, in recent years observations suggested that an increasing number of glottic cancer patients had never been smokers. Therefore, an investigation was done examining the incidence of having a smoking history in a recent cohort of glottic cancer patients. Method: Retrospective review of 100 patients with glottic cancer to determine those reporting never having smoked. Results: Thirty-one of 100 did not have a smoking history. Clinical observations of those cases revealed that the disease morphology tended to be exophytic, papillary, and very vascular, often resembling recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). Remarkably, 2 of 31 were initially treated elsewhere assuming they had RRP and underwent 5 cidofovir injections. Both presented with advanced cancer, and the disease growth markedly accelerated coincident with the injections. Conclusions: Observations herein provide new insights that glottic cancer may be an evolving disease in which smoking is less exclusive, not unlike HPV-induced pharynx cancer. Similar to RRP, the angiogenic papillary disease morphology is well suited for voice-preserving angiolytic KTP laser treatment. Given the resemblance of some glottic cancers to RRP, great care should be taken when using cidofovir for papillary glottic neoplasms.
Visual processing in migraine
Authors: O'Hare Louise , Hibbard Paul B 
Published: November 2015

Background Migraine is a common neurological condition that often involves differences in visual processing. These sensory processing differences provide important information about the underlying causes of the condition, and for the development of treatments. Review of psychophysical literature Psychophysical experiments have shown consistent impairments in contrast sensitivity, orientation acuity, and the perception of global form and motion. They have also established that the addition of task-irrelevant visual noise has a greater effect, and that surround suppression, masking and adaptation are all stronger in migraine. Theoretical signal processing model We propose utilising an established model of visual processing, based on signal processing theory, to account for the behavioural differences seen in migraine. This has the advantage of precision and clarity, and generating clear, falsifiable predictions. Conclusion Increased effects of noise and differences in excitation and inhibition can account for the differences in migraine visual perception. Consolidating existing research and creating a unified, defined theoretical account is needed to better understand the disorder.
SUNCT syndrome: A cohort of 15 Portuguese patients
Authors: Cação Gonçalo , Correia Fernando Dias , Pereira-Monteiro José 
Published: November 2015

Background In this paper, we describe a cohort of patients with short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT), a rare trigeminal autonomic headache, managed in the outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital. Methods Patients were identified through review of individual records between January 1, 2008 and June 30, 2014. Results Fifteen patients were identified (eight males:seven females), with mean age at onset of 49.7 years, mean number of attacks per day of 7.5 and mean attack duration of 54.6 seconds. Pain was mostly orbital, periorbital or temporal. Cranial autonomic signs/symptoms were universally present; one patient reported ipsilateral epistaxis. Two symptomatic cases were identified and treated surgically. Most patients responded to lamotrigine, one to topiramate and another to eslicarbazepine. Conclusion Our case series is among the largest reported, with findings similar to others already published, but the first to report epistaxis during SUNCT attack and response to eslicarbazepine.
Mechanical influence of tissue culture plates and extracellular matrix on mesenchymal stem cell behavior: A topical review
Authors: Tatullo Marco , Marrelli Massimo , Falisi Giovanni , Rastelli Claudio , Palmieri Francesca , Gargari Marco , Zavan Barbara , Paduano Francesco , Benagiano Vincenzo 
Published: November 2015

Tissue engineering applications need a continuous development of new biomaterials able to generate an ideal cell–extracellular matrix interaction. The stem cell fate is regulated by several factors, such as growth factors or transcription factors. The most recent literature has reported several publications able to demonstrate that environmental factors also contribute to the regulation of stem cell behavior, leading to the opinion that the environment plays the major role in the cell differentiation. The interaction between mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and extracellular environment has been widely described, and it has a crucial role in regulating the cell phenotype. In our laboratory (Tecnologica Research Institute, Crotone, Italy), we have recently studied how several physical factors influence the distribution and the morphology of MSCs isolated from dental pulp, and how they are able to regulate stem cell differentiation. Mechanical and geometrical factors are only a small part of the environmental factors able to influence stem cell behavior, however, this influence should be properly known: in fact, this assumption must be clearly considered during those studies involving MSCs; furthermore, these interactions should be considered as an important bias that involves an high number of studies on the MSCs, since in worldwide laboratories the scientists mostly use tissue culture plates for their experiments.
In Vivo Evaluation of the Potential of High-Frequency Ultrasound for Arthroscopic Examination of the Shoulder Joint
Authors: Puhakka Jani , Afara Isaac O. , Paatela Teemu , Sormaala Markus J. , Timonen Matti A. , Virén Tuomas , Jurvelin Jukka S. , Töyräs Juha , Kiviranta Ilkka 
Published: November 2015

Objective Accurate arthroscopic evaluation of cartilage lesions could significantly improve the outcome of repair surgery. In this study, we investigated for the first time the potential of intra-articular ultrasound as an arthroscopic tool for grading cartilage defects in the human shoulder joint in vivo and compared the outcome to results from arthroscopic evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging findings. Design A total of 26 sites from 9 patients undergoing routine shoulder arthroscopy were quantitatively evaluated with a clinical intravascular (40MHz) ultrasound imaging system, using the regular arthroscopy portals. Reflection coefficient ( R), integrated reflection coefficient ( IRC), apparent integrated backscattering ( AIB), and ultrasound roughness index ( URI) were calculated, and high-resolution ultrasound images were obtained per site. Each site was visually graded according to the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) system. “Ultrasound scores” corresponding to the ICRS system were determined from the ultrasound images. Magnetic resonance imaging was conducted and cartilage integrity at each site was classified into 5 grades (0 = normal, 4 = severely abnormal) by a radiologist. Results R and IRC were lower at sites with damaged cartilage surface ( P = 0.033 and P = 0.043, respectively) and correlated with arthroscopic ICRS grades ( rs = −0.444, P = 0.023 and rs = −0.426, P = 0.03, respectively). Arthroscopic ICRS grades and ultrasound scores were significantly correlated (rs = 0.472, P = 0.015), but no significant correlation was found between magnetic resonance imaging data and other parameters. Conclusion The results suggest that ultrasound arthroscopy could facilitate quantitative clinical appraisal of articular cartilage integrity in the shoulder joint and provide information on cartilage lesion depth and severity for quantitative diagnostics in surgery.
Skilled migrants and labour market integration: how important is the selection process?
Authors: van de Ven Justin , Voitchovsky Sarah 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Although many OECD countries use skilled migration to boost economic performance, there is surprisingly little direct empirical evidence concerning what effects historical initiatives in this area have had. This study estimates the effects of Australia’s recent shift toward a ‘hybrid approach’ for managing economic migration, which increased the requirements for (supply-driven) independent skilled migrants at the same time that (demand-driven) employer-sponsored migration was expanded. We find that this combination of policy adjustments substantively improved short-term employment outcomes amongst skilled migrants six months after taking up permanent residency.
A new model for non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae middle ear infection in the Junbo mutant mouse
Authors: Hood Derek , Moxon Richard , Purnell Tom , Richter Caroline , Williams Debbie , Azar Ali , Crompton Michael , Wells Sara , Fray Martin , Brown Steve D. M. , Cheeseman Michael T. 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACT
Acute otitis media, inflammation of the middle ear, is the most common bacterial infection in children and, as a consequence, is the most common reason for antimicrobial prescription to this age group. There is currently no effective vaccine for the principal pathogen involved, non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi). The most frequently used and widely accepted experimental animal model of middle ear infection is in chinchillas, but mice and gerbils have also been used. We have established a robust model of middle ear infection by NTHi in the Junbo mouse, a mutant mouse line that spontaneously develops chronic middle ear inflammation in specific pathogen-free conditions. The heterozygote Junbo mouse (Jbo/+) bears a mutation in a gene (Evi1, also known as Mecom) that plays a role in host innate immune regulation; pre-existing middle ear inflammation promotes NTHi middle ear infection. A single intranasal inoculation with NTHi produces high rates (up to 90%) of middle ear infection and bacterial titres (104-105 colony-forming units/µl) in bulla fluids. Bacteria are cleared from the majority of middle ears between day 21 and 35 post-inoculation but remain in approximately 20% of middle ears at least up to day 56 post-infection. The expression of Toll-like receptor-dependent response cytokine genes is elevated in the middle ear of the Jbo/+ mouse following NTHi infection. The translational potential of the Junbo model for studying antimicrobial intervention regimens was shown using a 3 day course of azithromycin to clear NTHi infection, and its potential use in vaccine development studies was shown by demonstrating protection in mice immunized with killed homologous, but not heterologous, NTHi bacteria.