bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Jordanian primary healthcare practitioner in cancer control
Authors: Obeidat Nour A. , Hawari Feras I. , Habashneh Malek A. , Shihab Rawan A.
Published: March 2017

Aim

To measure the knowledge, perceptions, and practices of Jordanian primary healthcare practitioners (PHCPs) (physicians, nurses, midwives, and nurse aids) employed in Jordanian Ministry of Health (MoH) primary health clinics with respect to counseling on cancer (cancer screening, the signs and symptoms of cancer, and referral for specialized care).

Background

Integration of oncology services within primary care is a means of enhancing cancer early detection, and requires involvement of skilled. In the Middle East, little is known about PHCPs’ potential to be providers of such services.

Methods

A questionnaire measuring PHCP perceptions and practices related to counseling on cancer screening and diagnosis was distributed to PHCPs across MoH clinics covering the main regions of Jordan.

Findings

A total of 322 practitioners responded (75.1% response). Across most activities involving cancer detection, no more than 30% reported performing activities. Roughly half of PHCPs expressed discomfort at providing cancer-related counseling and at least 43% of non-physicians expressed limited confidence in cancer-related counseling. Confidence was a consistent predictor of provision of counseling and confidence in turn was associated with having greater knowledge, having positive a valuation of counseling, and being a physician. Results reveal points where educational efforts can strengthen PHCPs’ provision of cancer control-related services.
Critics Assail White House Proposal for Steep Cuts to EPA
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: March 2017

Even EPA administrator Scott Pruitt, a longtime critic of the agency, said that he disagrees with the White House about some of the planned cuts.
Necklace-like NiO-CuO Heterogeneous Composite Hollow Nanostructure: Preparation, Formation Mechanism and Structure Control
Authors: Xu Shao Hui , Fei Guang Tao , Ouyang Hao Miao , Shang Guo Liang , Gao Xu Dong , Zhang Li De
Published: March 2017

Composite hollow nanostructure composed by transition metal oxides are promising materials in electrochemistry, catalyst chemistry and material science. In this contribution, necklace-like NiO-CuO heterogeneous composite hollow nanostructures were synthesized by annealing Ni/Cu superlattice nanowires in air. Two kinds of morphologies including CuO nanotube linked core-shell structures and CuO nanotube linked hollow structures were obtained. The structure can be tuned easily by adjusting the relative length of Cu segments in Ni/Cu superlattice nanowires and the annealing temperature. The relative diffusion amount of Cu to Ni segments was proved to be the key factor to influence the annealed sample morphology. The formation mechanism was discussed in detail based on Kirkendal effect and high temperature oxidation of alloy. We demonstrated that hollow structure or core-shell structure is related to whether the oxidation exists only in external sites or co-exists in external and internal sites during annealing.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG supernatant enhance neonatal resistance to systemic Escherichia coli K1 infection by accelerating development of intestinal defense
Authors: He Xiaolong , Zeng Qing , Puthiyakunnon Santhosh , Zeng Zhijie , Yang Weijun , Qiu Jiawen , Du Lei , Boddu Swapna , Wu Tongwei , Cai Danxian , Huang Sheng-He , Cao Hong
Published: March 2017

The objective of this study was to determine whether Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG culture supernatant (LCS) has a preventive effect against gut-derived systemic neonatal Escherichia coli (E. coli) K1 infection. The preventive effects were evaluated in human colonic carcinoma cell line Caco-2 and neonatal rat models. Our in vitro results showed that LCS could block adhesion, invasion and translocation of E. coli K1 to Caco-2 monolayer via up-regulating mucin production and maintaining intestinal integrity. In vivo experiments revealed that pre-treatment with LCS significantly decrease susceptibility of neonatal rats to oral E. coli K1 infection as reflected by reduced bacterial intestinal colonization, translocation, dissemination and systemic infections. Further, we found that LCS treated neonatal rats have higher intestinal expressions of Ki67, MUC2, ZO-1, IgA, mucin and lower barrier permeability than those in untreated rats. These results indicated that LCS could enhance neonatal resistance to systemic E. coli K1 infection via promoting maturation of neonatal intestinal defense. In conclusions, our findings suggested that LCS has a prophylactic effect against systemic E. coli K1 infection in neonates. Future studies aimed at identifying the specific active ingredients in LCS will be helpful in developing effective pharmacological strategies for preventing neonatal E. coli K1 infection.
Laser irradiated fluorescent perfluorocarbon microparticles in 2-D and 3-D breast cancer cell models
Authors: Niu Chengcheng , Wang Long , Wang Zhigang , Xu Yan , Hu Yihe , Peng Qinghai
Published: March 2017

Perfluorocarbon (PFC) droplets were studied as new generation ultrasound contrast agents via acoustic or optical droplet vaporization (ADV or ODV). Little is known about the ODV irradiated vaporization mechanisms of PFC-microparticle complexs and the stability of the new bubbles produced. In this study, fluorescent perfluorohexane (PFH) poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) particles were used as a model to study the process of particle vaporization and bubble stability following excitation in two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) cell models. We observed localization of the fluorescent agent on the microparticle coating material initially and after vaporization under fluorescence microscopy. Furthermore, the stability and growth dynamics of the newly created bubbles were observed for 11 min following vaporization. The particles were co-cultured with 2-D cells to form 3-D spheroids and could be vaporized even when encapsulated within the spheroids via laser irradiation, which provides an effective basis for further work.
Identification of candidate diagnostic serum biomarkers for Kawasaki disease using proteomic analysis
Authors: Kimura Yayoi , Yanagimachi Masakatsu , Ino Yoko , Aketagawa Mao , Matsuo Michie , Okayama Akiko , Shimizu Hiroyuki , Oba Kunihiro , Morioka Ichiro , Imagawa Tomoyuki , Kaneko Tetsuji , Yokota Shumpei , Hirano Hisashi , Mori Masaaki
Published: March 2017

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic vasculitis and childhood febrile disease that can lead to cardiovascular complications. The diagnosis of KD depends on its clinical features, and thus it is sometimes difficult to make a definitive diagnosis. In order to identify diagnostic serum biomarkers for KD, we explored serum KD-related proteins, which differentially expressed during the acute and recovery phases of two patients by mass spectrometry (MS). We identified a total of 1,879 proteins by MS-based proteomic analysis. The levels of three of these proteins, namely lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein (LRG1), and angiotensinogen (AGT), were higher in acute phase patients. In contrast, the level of retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) was decreased. To confirm the usefulness of these proteins as biomarkers, we analyzed a total of 270 samples, including those collected from 55 patients with acute phase KD, by using western blot analysis and microarray enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Over the course of this experiment, we determined that the expression level of these proteins changes specifically in the acute phase of KD, rather than the recovery phase of KD or other febrile illness. Thus, LRG1 could be used as biomarkers to facilitate KD diagnosis based on clinical features.
A Bayesian Target Predictor Method based on Molecular Pairing Energies estimation
Authors: Oliver Antoni , Canals Vincent , Rosselló Josep L.
Published: March 2017

Virtual screening (VS) is applied in the early drug discovery phases for the quick inspection of huge molecular databases to identify those compounds that most likely bind to a given drug target. In this context, there is the necessity of the use of compact molecular models for database screening and precise target prediction in reasonable times. In this work we present a new compact energy-based model that is tested for its application to Virtual Screening and target prediction. The model can be used to quickly identify active compounds in huge databases based on the estimation of the molecule’s pairing energies. The greatest molecular polar regions along with its geometrical distribution are considered by using a short set of smart energy vectors. The model is tested using similarity searches within the Directory of Useful Decoys (DUD) database. The results obtained are considerably better than previously published models. As a Target prediction methodology we propose the use of a Bayesian Classifier that uses a combination of different active compounds to build an energy-dependent probability distribution function for each target.
Single-Molecule Counting of Point Mutations by Transient DNA Binding
Authors: Su Xin , Li Lidan , Wang Shanshan , Hao Dandan , Wang Lei , Yu Changyuan
Published: March 2017

High-confidence detection of point mutations is important for disease diagnosis and clinical practice. Hybridization probes are extensively used, but are hindered by their poor single-nucleotide selectivity. Shortening the length of DNA hybridization probes weakens the stability of the probe-target duplex, leading to transient binding between complementary sequences. The kinetics of probe-target binding events are highly dependent on the number of complementary base pairs. Here, we present a single-molecule assay for point mutation detection based on transient DNA binding and use of total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. Statistical analysis of single-molecule kinetics enabled us to effectively discriminate between wild type DNA sequences and single-nucleotide variants at the single-molecule level. A higher single-nucleotide discrimination is achieved than in our previous work by optimizing the assay conditions, which is guided by statistical modeling of kinetics with a gamma distribution. The KRAS c.34 A mutation can be clearly differentiated from the wild type sequence (KRAS c.34 G) at a relative abundance as low as 0.01% mutant to WT. To demonstrate the feasibility of this method for analysis of clinically relevant biological samples, we used this technology to detect mutations in single-stranded DNA generated from asymmetric RT-PCR of mRNA from two cancer cell lines.
Highly-Exposed HIV-1 seronegative Female Commercial Sex Workers sustain in their genital mucosa increased frequencies of tolerogenic myeloid and regulatory T-cells
Authors: Thibodeau V. , Fourcade L. , Labbé A.-C. , Alary M. , Guédou F. , Poudrier J. , Roger M.
Published: March 2017

We and others have shown that HIV-1 highly-exposed seronegative (HESN) female commercial sex workers (CSWs) maintain low genital inflammatory conditions to prevent HIV infection. HIV-1 interacts with toll-like receptors (TLR)-7/8 to induce interferon (IFN)-α, an important antiviral and immunomodulatory cytokine, which act together with interleukin (IL)-10, human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G and immunoglobulin-like transcript (ILT)-4 to initiate a “tolerogenic/regulatory” anti-inflammatory loop. In view of further unravelling elements associated with natural immunity to HIV-1, we have characterised TLR-7, IFN-α, IL-10, HLA-G and ILT-4 expression profiles in the genital tract of female CSWs and HIV-1-uninfected non-CSWs from Benin. Endocervical myeloid HLA-DR+ cells from HESN CSWs expressed higher levels of IFN-α, TLR-7, IL-10 and HLA-G than those from both HIV-1-infected CSWs and HIV-1-uninfected non-CSWs. Further characterization of the endocervical myeloid HLA-DR+ cells in HESN CSWs revealed a population of “tolerogenic” CD103+ CD14+ CD11c+ myeloid cells expressing high levels of IFN-α and IL-10. Concomitantly, HESN CSWs had higher frequencies of endocervical regulatory CD4+ T-cells when compared to those from the two other groups of women. These novel findings provide strong evidence to support the implication of tolerogenic myeloid cells expressing high levels of antiviral molecules in shaping the genital mucosal immune response to prevent HIV infection.
Gilbert damping in CoFeB/GaAs(001) film with enhanced in-plane uniaxial magnetic anisotropy
Authors: Tu H. Q. , Liu B. , Huang D. W. , Ruan X. Z. , You B. , Huang Z. C. , Zhai Y. , Gao Y. , Wang J. , Wei L. J. , Yuan Y. , Xu Y. B. , Du J.
Published: March 2017

A 3.5 nm amorphous CoFeB film was sputtered on GaAs (001) wafer substrate without applying magnetic field during deposition, and a significant in-plane uniaxial magnetic anisotropy (UMA) field (Hu) of about 300 Oe could be achieved. To precisely determine the intrinsic Gilbert damping constant (α) of this film, both ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) and time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect (TRMOKE) techniques were utilized. With good fitting of the dynamic spectra of FMR and TRMOKE, α is calculated to be 0.010 and 0.013, respectively. Obviously, the latter is 30% larger than the former, which is due to the transient heating effect during the TRMOKE measurement. In comparison with ordinary amorphous CoFeB films with negligible magnetic anisotropies, α is enhanced significantly in the CoFeB/GaAs(001) film, which may be mainly resulted from the enhanced spin-orbit coupling induced by the CoFeB/GaAs interface. However, the significant in-plane UMA plays minor role in the enhancement of α.
Lower and upper bounds for the linear arrangement problem on interval graphs
Authors: Quilliot Alain , Rebaine Djamal , Toussaint Hélène
Published: March 2017

We deal here with theLinear Arrangement Problem(LAP) onintervalgraphs, any interval graph being given here together with its representation as theintersectiongraph of some collection of intervals, and so with relatedprecedenceandinclusionrelations. We first propose a lower boundLB, which happens to be tight in the case ofunit intervalgraphs. Next, we introduce the restriction PCLAP of LAP which is obtained by requiring any feasible solution of LAP to be consistent with theprecedencerelation, and prove that PCLAP can be solved in polynomial time. Finally, we show both theoretically and experimentally that PCLAP solutions are a good approximation for LAP onintervalgraphs.
Bitemporal Postoperative Hemorrhage Following Pterional Craniotomy for the Treatment of an Internal Carotid Aneurysm
Authors: Welling Leonardo , Welling Mariana , Figueiredo Eberval
Published: March 2017

Introduction Postoperative hemorrhage is a well-known complication after intracranial surgeries. It usually occurs at the site of the operation; however, there are many reports of cerebellar hemorrhage following supratentorial craniotomies. Despite that, there are only three cases of multiple postoperative supratentorial hemorrhages (distant from the site of the operation) following aneurysm clipping in the current literature.

Case Report A 52-year-old previously healthy woman underwent a left pterional craniotomy for the clipping of an unruptured aneurysm. The surgery was performed without any intraoperative rupture or other occurrences. On the follow-up computed tomography (CT) scan performed 24h after surgery, bilateral posterior temporal lobe hematomas were identified, and they had no relation to the surgical site. The patient developed symptomatic vasospasm, with right-sided hemiparesis. This complication was treated conservatively, and the outcome was good.

Conclusions Intracerebral hemorrhage far from the site of the craniotomy is an infrequent complication after neurosurgical procedures, especially in vascular neurosurgery. The present report warns of the occurrence of this entity even in asymptomatic patients.
Transmission scattering problem via a DtN map
Authors: Lee Kuo-Ming
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we consider the scattering problem of time-harmonic waves from a penetrable obstacle. A Dirichlet-to-Neumann map is defined to convert this problem into an exterior boundary value problem which mimics an impedance problem. This process reduces the size of the problem and thus enables an elegant treatment of the scattering problem.
Operating Room Fires in Oculoplastic Surgery
Authors: Maamari Robi N. , Custer Philip L.
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

This study was performed to characterize the frequency, causes, and possible risk factors of operating room (OR) fires experienced by members of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Methods:

An online questionnaire was distributed to American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery members, collecting data on surgical fires experienced by respondents throughout their careers. In addition, the questionnaire investigated viewpoints on OR fire safety, current practice patterns with oxygen delivery and surgical device usage, and management of patients referred after previous surgical fire exposure.

Results:

There were 258 participants in the survey. Eighty-three surgeons (32.2%) experienced at least 1 surgical fire in their careers. Most OR fires occurred during monitored sedation cases with oxygen delivered by nasal cannula underneath drapes completely covering the head and use of a monopolar or battery-operated device. Patient hair and skin were the most common fuel sources, and most of the injuries were limited to singing of facial hair. Regarding current practice patterns, monopolar, bipolar, and battery-powered disposable devices were the most frequently used electrosurgery and electrocautery tools. Patients seen after an OR fire with another surgeon generally experienced more severe burns requiring hospitalization and subsequent procedures.

Conclusions:

Many oculoplastic surgeons have experienced OR fires during their careers. Certain surgical and anesthetic techniques, particularly the delivery of supplemental oxygen underneath surgical drapes and the use of monopolar electrosurgery and battery-powered electrocautery, may be associated with increased fire risk. While most of the reported OR fires did not result in significant patient injury, caution must be taken to prevent these potentially devastating events.
The Use of Mathematical Models of Chlamydia Transmission to Address Public Health Policy Questions: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rönn Minttu M. , Wolf Emory E. , Chesson Harrell , Menzies Nicolas A. , Galer Kara , Gorwitz Rachel , Gift Thomas , Hsu Katherine , Salomon Joshua A.
Published: March 2017

Background

Mathematical models of chlamydia transmission can help inform disease control policy decisions when direct empirical evaluation of alternatives is impractical. We reviewed published chlamydia models to understand the range of approaches used for policy analyses and how the studies have responded to developments in the field.

Methods

We performed a literature review by searching Medline and Google Scholar (up to October 2015) to identify publications describing dynamic chlamydia transmission models used to address public health policy questions. We extracted information on modeling methodology, interventions, and key findings.

Results

We identified 47 publications (including two model comparison studies), which reported collectively on 29 distinct mathematical models. Nine models were individual-based, and 20 were deterministic compartmental models. The earliest studies evaluated the benefits of national-level screening programs and predicted potentially large benefits from increased screening. Subsequent trials and further modeling analyses suggested the impact might have been overestimated. Partner notification has been increasingly evaluated in mathematical modeling, whereas behavioral interventions have received relatively limited attention.

Conclusions

Our review provides an overview of chlamydia transmission models and gives a perspective on how mathematical modeling has responded to increasing empirical evidence and addressed policy questions related to prevention of chlamydia infection and sequelae.
Unusual Case of Suicide With a Modified Trap Gun
Authors: Vadysinghe Amal , Dassanayake Prasanna , Wickramasinghe Medhani
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Trap gun is an illegal, locally manufactured gun with a basic trip system used to hunt wild animals.

Case Report

The body of a 28-year-old man was found in the jungle in supine position with both legs apart. A trap gun was between the legs pointing toward the cranial side of the body. It had 2 free wires that were not connected together. There was no evidence of foul play.

The body had a single-entry wound (2.5-cm diameter) in the anterior chest, with blackening, burning, and tattooing. Six metal particles and nylon clothing material were embedded into soft tissue. No exit wound was found. Toxicology analysis reported an alcohol level of 72 mg/dL. The cause of death was multiple shrapnel injury to the chest at close to intermediate range by a single discharge from a trap gun. Circumstance was concluded as suicide.

Ballistic and firearm experts opined that an illegal, manually operated, battery-powered ignition device was used to ignite the gun powder.

Conclusion

We report the first case of suicide by a modified trap gun in literature.
Finding analytic stationary solutions to the chemical master equation by gluing state spaces at one or two states recursively
Authors: Meng X. Flora , Baetica Ania-Ariadna , Singhad Vipul , Murray Richard M.
Published: March 2017

Noise is often indispensable to key cellular activities, such as gene expression, necessitating the use of stochastic models to capture its dynamics. The chemical master equation (CME) is a commonly used stochastic model that describes how the probability distribution of a chemically reacting system varies with time. Knowing analytic solutions to the CME can have benefits, such as expediting simulations of multiscale biochemical reaction networks and aiding the design of distributional responses. However, analytic solutions are rarely known. A recent method of computing analytic stationary solutions relies on gluing simple state spaces together recursively at one or two states. We explore the capabilities of this method and introduce algorithms to derive analytic stationary solutions to the CME. We first formally characterise state spaces that can be constructed by performing single-state gluing of paths, cycles or both sequentially. We then study stochastic biochemical reaction networks that consist of reversible, elementary reactions with two-dimensional state spaces. We also discuss extending the method to infinite state spaces and designing stationary distributions that satisfy user-specified constraints. Finally, we illustrate the aforementioned ideas using examples that include two interconnected transcriptional components and chemical reactions with two-dimensional state spaces.

Subject Areas

Systems biology, synthetic biology, biomathematics, bioengineering
Aperiodic neural activity is a better predictor of schizophrenia than neural oscillations
Authors: Peterson Erik J. , Rosen Burke Q. , Belger Aysenil , Voytek Bradley , Campbell Alana M.
Published: March 2017

Diagnosis and symptom severity in schizophrenia are associated with irregularities across neural oscillatory frequency bands, including theta, alpha, beta, and gamma. However, electroencephalographic signals consist of both periodic and aperiodic activity characterized by the (1/fX) shape in the power spectrum. In this paper we investigated oscillatory and aperiodic activity differences between patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls during a target detection task. Separation into periodic and aperiodic components revealed that the steepness of the power spectrum better predicted group status than traditional band-limited oscillatory power in a classification analysis. Aperiodic activity also outperformed the predictions made using participants’ behavioral responses. Additionally, the differences in aperiodic activity were highly consistent across all electrodes. In sum, compared to oscillations the aperiodic activity appears to be a more accurate and more robust way to differentiate patients with schizophrenia from healthy controls.

Significance statement

Understanding the neurobiological origins of schizophrenia and identifying reliable and consistent biomarkers are of critical importance to improving treatment of that disease. Numerous studies have reported disruptions to neural oscillations in patients with schizophrenia. This has, in part, led to schizophrenia being characterized as a disease of disrupted neural coordination, reflected by changes in frequency band power. We report however that changes in the aperiodic signal can also predict clinical status. Unlike band-limited power though, aperiodic activity predicts status better than participants’ own behavioral performance and acts as a consistent predictor across all electrodes. Alterations in the aperiodic signal are consistent with well-established inhibitory neuron dysfunctions associated with schizophrenia, allowing for a direct link between noninvasive EEG and chronic, widespread, neurobiological deficits.
SV2: Accurate Structural Variation Genotyping andDe NovoMutation Detection from Whole Genomes
Authors: Antaki Danny , Brandler William M , Sebat Jonathan
Published: March 2017

Motivation

Structural Variation (SV) detection from short-read whole genome sequencing is error prone, presenting significant challenges for population or family-based studies of disease.

Results

Here we describe SV2, a machine-learning algorithm for genotyping deletions and duplications from paired-end sequencing data. SV2can rapidly integrate variant calls from multiple structural variant discovery algorithms into a unified call set with high genotyping accuracy and capability to detect de novo mutations.

Availability and Implementation

SV2is freely available on GitHub (https://github.com/dantaki/SV2)
Identification of a novelRASD1somatic mutation in aUSP8-mutated corticotroph adenoma
Authors: Uzilov Andrew V. , Cheesman Khadeen C. , Fink Marc Y. , Newman Leah C. , Pandya Chetanya , Lalazar Yelena , Hefti Marco , Fowkes Mary , Deikus Gintaras , Lau Chun Yee , Moe Aye S. , Kinoshita Yayoi , Kasai Yumi , Zweig Micol , Gupta Arpeta , Starcevic Daniela , Mahajan Milind , Schadt Eric E. , Post Kalmon D. , Donovan Michael J. , Sebra Robert , Chen Rong , Geer Eliza B.
Published: March 2017

Cushing's disease (CD) is caused by pituitary corticotroph adenomas that secrete excess adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). In these tumors, somatic mutations in the geneUSP8have been identified as recurrent and pathogenic and are the sole known molecular driver for CD. Although other somatic mutations were reported in these studies, their contribution to the pathogenesis of CD remains unexplored. No molecular drivers have been established for a large proportion of CD cases and tumor heterogeneity has not yet been investigated using genomics methods. Also, even inUSP8-mutant tumors, a possibility may exist of additional contributing mutations, following a paradigm from other neoplasm types where multiple somatic alterations contribute to neoplastic transformation. The current study utilizes whole-exome discovery sequencing on the Illumina platform, followed by targeted amplicon-validation sequencing on the Pacific Biosciences platform, to interrogate the somatic mutation landscape in a corticotroph adenoma resected from a CD patient. In thisUSP8-mutated tumor, we identified an interesting somatic mutation in the geneRASD1, which is a component of the corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor signaling system. This finding may provide insight into a novel mechanism involving loss of feedback control to the corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor and subsequent deregulation of ACTH production in corticotroph tumors.
A semantic web services discovery approach based on a mobile agent using metadata
Authors: Ben Seghir Nadia , Kazar Okba , Rezeg Khaled , Bourekkache Samir
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The success of web services involved the adoption of this technology by different service providers through the web, which increased the number of web services, as a result making their discovery a tedious task. The UDDI standard has been proposed for web service publication and discovery. However, it lacks sufficient semantic description in the content of web services, which makes it difficult to find and compose suitable web services during the analysis, search, and matching processes. In addition, few works on semantic web services discovery take into account the user’s profile. The purpose of this paper is to optimize the web services discovery by reducing the search space and increasing the number of relevant services.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose a new approach for the semantic web services discovery based on the mobile agent, user profile and metadata catalog. In the approach, each user can be described by a profile which is represented in two dimensions: personal dimension and preferences dimension. The description of web service is based on two levels: metadata catalog and WSDL.

Findings

First, the semantic web services discovery reduces the number of relevant services through the application of matching algorithm “semantic match”. The result of this first matching restricts the search space at the level of UDDI registry, which allows the users to have good results for the “functional match”. Second, the use of mobile agents as a communication entity reduces the traffic on the network and the quantity of exchanged information. Finally, the integration of user profile in the service discovery process facilitates the expression of the user needs and makes intelligible the selected service.

Originality/value

To the best knowledge of the authors, this is the first attempt at implementing the mobile agent technology with the semantic web service technology.
Distributed emitter parameter refinement based on maximum likelihood
Authors: Xu Xin
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Emitter parameter estimation via signal sorting is crucial for communication, electronic reconnaissance and radar intelligence analysis. However, due to problems of transmitter circuit, environmental noises and certain unknown interference sources, the estimated emitter parameter measurements are still inaccurate and biased. As a result, it is indispensable to further refine the parameter values. Though the benchmark clustering algorithms are assumed to be capable of inferring the true parameter values by discovering cluster centers, the high computational and communication cost makes them difficult to adapt for distributed learning on massive measurement data. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, the author brings forward a distributed emitter parameter refinement method based on maximum likelihood. The author’s method is able to infer the underlying true parameter values from the huge measurement data efficiently in a distributed working mode.

Findings

Experimental results on a series of synthetic data indicate the effectiveness and efficiency of the author’s method when compared against the benchmark clustering methods.

Originality/value

With the refined parameter values, the complex stochastic parameter patterns could be discovered and the emitters could be identified by merging observations of consistent parameter values together. Actually, the author is in the process of applying her distributed parameter refinement method for PRI parameter pattern discovery and emitter identification. The superior performance ensures its wide application in both civil and military fields.
Analysing customer behaviour in mobile app usage
Authors: Chen Qianling , Zhang Min , Zhao Xiande
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Big data produced by mobile apps contains valuable knowledge about customers and markets and have been viewed as productive resources. The purpose of this paper is to propose a multiple methods approach to elicit intelligence and value from big data by analysing the customer behaviour in mobile app usage.

Design/methodology/approach

The big data analytical approach is developed using three data mining techniques: RFM(recency, frequency, monetary) analysis, link analysis, and association rule learning. The authors then conduct a case study to apply this approach to analyse the transaction data extracted from a mobile app.

Findings

This approach can identify high value and mass customers, and understand their patterns and preferences in using the functions of the mobile app. Such knowledge enables the developer to capture the behaviour of large pools of customers and to improve products and services by mixing and matching the functions and offering personalised promotions and marketing information.

Originality/value

The approach used in this study balances complexity with usability, thus facilitating corporate use of big data in making product improvement and customisation decisions. The approach allows developers to gain insights into customer behaviour and function usage preferences by analysing big data. The identified associations between functions can also help developers improve existing, and design new, products and services to satisfy customers’ unfulfilled requirements.
A little help from my friends: how purchasing gains influence in complex business-to-business services: the case of legal
Authors: Tate Wendy L. , Ellram Lisa M. , Schmelzle Ulrich
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to develop an understanding of how purchasing can become meaningfully involved in complex business-to-business service purchases.

Design/methodology/approach

A single in-depth case study method of an exemplar organization was applied to better understand the purchasing function’s role in adding to the value proposition in complex, non-traditional business-to-business service purchases.

Findings

Powerful allies or advocates can mediate purchasing involvement in service procurement. However, once the involvement is initiated, purchasing must make a positive contribution with respect to the specific needs and expectations of the budget owner to retain its influence.

Research limitations/implications

This research extends institutional theory to show how powerful allies or advocates can mediate purchasing involvement in the complex services spend.

Practical implications

This study describes the potential impact of purchasing’s involvement in complex services spend and highlights the opportunities for purchasing managers to improve supplier management and drive out additional costs.

Originality/value

For the business practitioner, this research provides evidence regarding how individual functions can gain influence in the organization. A conceptual model describes the meaningful involvement of purchasing in complex business-to-business service purchases.
Selecting the reliable supplier by using the advisor agents
Authors: Majd Elham , Balakrishnan Vimala , Godazgar Vahid
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to enhance the successful interaction between buyers and suppliers who use intelligent agents by presenting a computational model to detect the most reliable supplier agent according to advice of an advisor agent.

Design/methodology/approach

In this case, the authors study the most representative models in agent environments. According to these analysis criteria, a computational model was presented to compute the reliability of supplier agents and then select the most reliable one. To evaluate the proposed method, the experimentation was carried out in two stages. First, the average accuracy of model in computing the reliability was evaluated by comparing a random selection method. Second, the performance of the model in detecting the most reliable supplier was evaluated in an agent environment by applying trust network game as a simulator.

Findings

The experimental results revealed that the proposed method can detect the most reliable supplier accurately in both consistent and oscillating agent environments.

Originality/value

The authors believe that the proposed model will be beneficial to enhance the fulfillment of purchasing between buyers and suppliers.
A new model for measuring salesperson lifetime value
Authors: Farías Pablo , Torres Eduardo , Mora Cortez Roberto
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new salesperson valuation model. This paper presents a calculation method for estimating both the individual lifetime value of a salesperson and the sales force equity.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper supported by a case study.

Findings

The authors contribute to the literature by operationalizing the salesperson lifetime value concept and introducing new important aspects in comparison with previous discussions, including peer effect, recruitment/hiring cost and termination costs.

Originality/value

This manuscript theoretically and practically contributes to personnel value management in the organization and sales force financial control. The authors introduce peer effects, hiring/recruitment costs and termination costs, which are missing as a set in previous research. In addition, this paper offers a simple but robust model to practitioners’ use.
Healthcare leaders’ views on successful quality improvement initiatives and context
Authors: Barson Stuart , Doolan-Noble Fiona , Gray Jonathon , Gauld Robin
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the contextual factors contributing to the sustainability of healthcare quality improvement (QI) initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

Themes from semi-structured interviews with international healthcare leaders are compared with Kaplan and Provostet al.’s (2012) model for understanding success in quality (MUSIQ). Critical success factors within these themes are shown in detail.

Findings

The interviews provide a rich source of information on critical success factors. The themes largely correspond with MUSIQ, reinforcing its robustness. An important factor emerging from the interviews was the importance of engagement with patients and families in QI, and this needs consideration in seeking to understand context in QI.

Research limitations/implications

Interview participants represent a limited set of western countries and health systems. Their experiences may not hold true in other settings.

Practical implications

The detail on critical success factors provides QI practitioners with guidance on designing and implementing sustainable initiatives.

Originality/value

Including consideration of contextual factors for engagement with patients and families in frameworks for context in QI appears to be an original idea that will add value to such frameworks. Researchers in patient engagement are starting to address contextual factors and connections should be made with this work.
“PAY IT FORWARD” AND HIGHER EDUCATION SUBSIDIES: A MEDIAN VOTER MODEL
Authors: Delaney Jennifer A. , Dharmapala Dhammika
Published: March 2017

Since 2012, at least 24 states have considered legislation on Pay It Forward (PIF) models of higher education finance (which enable students to pay the price of college upon departure from an institution, as opposed to paying upfront tuition). This paper proposes a theoretical model of PIF policies within a framework in which voters belonging to different income groups vote over the level of subsidies to higher education. We analyze the impact of two types of potential PIF policies—a deferred tuition approach and an income share approach—on college access and on voting equilibria over subsidy levels. The results show that college access is enhanced by PIF policies. The equilibrium level of subsidies depends crucially on the pattern of income distribution, in particular on the relationship between mean income and the income of the median income group, and on whether higher education widens or narrows the distribution of income. We show that the equilibrium level of subsidies to higher education will not necessarily decline under PIF, and may increase in some circumstances due to changes in college access for low‐income groups. (JEL I22, I23)
FRAX and mandibular sparse trabeculation as fracture predictors: a longitudinal study from 1980 to 2002
Authors: Sundh Valter , Hange Dominique , Ahlqwist Margareta , Hakeberg Magnus , Lissner Lauren , Jonasson Grethe
Published: March 2017

The fracture assessment tool (FRAX) is widely used for predicting fractures, but better methods are needed. The aim of this study was to determine whether visual assessments of mandibular trabecular bone could improve FRAX predictions. Three age‐cohorts of women were examined twice – 499 women in 1980/1981 and 412 women in 1992/1993; 397 participated in both examinations. Information on 10‐yr fracture events was available, and bone trabeculation was assessed in radiographs as ‘dense’, ‘mixed’, or ‘sparse’. Fracture assessment tool values, without bone mineral density (BMD), were calculated twice. Both sparse trabeculation and FRAX >15% were associated with a twofold higher risk for future fracture in the younger group and with a three‐ to fourfold higher risk for future fracture in the older group. For those with both FRAX >15% and sparse trabeculation, the relative risk (RR) for a fracture in the next 10 yr was 5.9 (95% CI: 3.5–9.8) in the younger group and 22.7 (95% CI: 5.6–92) in the older group. If either FRAX >15% or sparse trabeculation was present, the RR was 2.6 (95% CI: 1.7–4.1) in the younger group and 15.7 (95% CI: 3.9–6.4) in the older group. We concluded that FRAX >15%, without BMD measurements, was an effective fracture predictor, and mandibular sparse trabeculation had a substantial additive effect. Together, FRAX plus mandibular sparse trabeculation predicts major osteoporotic fractures to approximately the same extent as does FRAX with BMD measurements.
Numerical simulation of prestrain history effect on ductile crack growth in mismatched welded joints
Authors: Song W. , Liu X. , Berto F. , Xu J. , Fang H.
Published: March 2017

Pipe reeling may lead to plastic pre‐deformation (prestrain) around existing cracks in components; therefore, investigating whether this process accelerates or counteracts ductile crack growth, especially for strength mismatched welded joints, is warranted. This study focused on the effect of prestrain history on ductile crack growth in mismatched welded joints. A single‐edge‐notched tension specimen was selected for numerical study, and the crack was assumed to have existed before a prestrain history was applied. Crack growth resistance curves for plane strain and mode I crack growth under large‐scale yielding conditions have been computed using the complete Gurson model. Meanwhile, symmetrical and non‐symmetrical prestrain cycle modes with different loading levels were applied to the overmatched specimens. The outcome demonstrated that the mismatch ratio (the ratio between the yield stress of the weld metal and base metal) showed a significant effect on fracture resistance regardless of the stage at which the prestrain cycle loading was located. By contrast, the processing of the crack growth was weakened by the increase of prestrain values, and the symmetrical prestrain cycle resulted in greater plastic damage than the non‐symmetrical prestrain cycle did. However, the initial crack length had a non‐significant effect on the ductile fracture considering the prestrain and mismatch effects.
Diabetes mellitus not an unfavorable factor on the prognosis of hepatitis C virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yoshida Naoki , Midorikawa Yutaka , Higaki Tokio , Nakayama Hisashi , Tsuji Shingo , Matsuoka Shunichi , Ishihara Hisamitsu , Moriyama Mitsuhiko , Takayama Tadatoshi
Published: March 2017

Aim

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a potential risk factor for hepatocarcinogenesis, especially in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We aimed to elucidate whether DM influences the surgical outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Our patients were routinely controlled to keep urinary glucose excretion to less than 3.0 g/day before surgery, and the serum glucose level under 200 mg/dL after surgery. The surgical outcomes and postoperative complications of 112 patients with HCV‐related HCC with DM (DM group) were compared to those of 112 propensity‐matched patients without DM (non‐DM group).

Results

After a median follow‐up of 3.2 years (range, 0.2–11.3 years), the median overall (5.2 years; 95% confidence interval, 3.8–6.5 years) and recurrence‐free survival (2.2 years; 1.7–2.9 years) in the DM group were not significantly different from those (6.3 years; 5.4–7.1 years, P = 0.337; and 2.2 years; 1.7–3.6 years, P = 0.613) in the non‐DM group. The independent factors related to overall survival were the background liver (hazard ratio, 2.06; 95% confidence interval, 1.27–3.39, P = 0.014) and tumor differentiation grade (2.07; 1.14–4.05, P = 0.015). Thirty‐two patients (28.5%) in the DM group and 32 patients (28.5%) in the non‐DM group had morbidities after operation, with no significant difference between the groups (P = 1.000). Furthermore, postoperative control status of DM did not affect the prognostic outcome.

Conclusion

Diabetes mellitus does not affect the surgical outcomes of patients with HCV‐related HCC, and it is not an unfavorable factor when selecting candidates for liver resection of HCC.
Managing sleep problems using non-prescription medications and the role of community pharmacists: older adults’ perspectives
Authors: Abraham Olufunmilola , Schleiden Loren J , Brothers Amanda L , Albert Steven M
Published: March 2017

Objectives

To examine older adults’ perspectives regarding managing sleep problems through selection and use of non-prescription sleep aids, and the role of pharmacists.

Methods

Telephone interviews were conducted from May to June 2015 with 116 individuals aged ≥60 years in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Participants reported in a previous survey to have used at least one non-prescription sleep aid in the past 30 days and were willing to participate in a follow-up interview. Interview guides were designed to elicit perspectives of sleep problems, selection and use of non-prescription sleep aids, and consultation with healthcare professionals. Interview transcripts underwent content analysis.

Key findings

Four themes emerged as follows: experiences with sleep problems, selection of non-prescription sleep aids, non-prescription sleep aid use and interactions with healthcare professionals. Over half of participants reported using a non-prescription sleep aid for >1 year, were satisfied with its use and perceived it improved sleep quality. Participants commonly used an antihistamine-only sleep aid; 36% of participants self-recommended their sleep aid; and 16% of participants consulted healthcare professionals. Few participants read medication dosage labels (22%), side effects or warnings (19%), and many reported they disregarded directions. Participants did not typically consult pharmacists about sleep problems (65%) but perceived that they could assist with medication concerns.

Conclusions

Although most participants had favourable perceptions of non-prescription sleep aids, older adults may be inappropriately using non-prescription sleep aids to self-manage sleep problems by frequently disregarding medication labels and directions for safe use. Also, few older adults are discussing their sleep aid selection and use with pharmacists.