bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large sensitivity in land carbon storage due to geographical and temporal variation in the thermal response of photosynthetic capacity
Authors: Mercado Lina M. , Medlyn Belinda E. , Huntingford Chris , Oliver Rebecca J. , Clark Douglas B. , Sitch Stephen , Zelazowski Przemyslaw , Kattge Jens , Harper Anna B. , Cox Peter M.
Published: April 2018

Plant temperature responses vary geographically, reflecting thermally contrasting habitats and long‐term species adaptations to their climate of origin. Plants also can acclimate to fast temporal changes in temperature regime to mitigate stress. Although plant photosynthetic responses are known to acclimate to temperature, many global models used to predict future vegetation and climate–carbon interactions do not include this process.

We quantify the global and regional impacts of biogeographical variability and thermal acclimation of temperature response of photosynthetic capacity on the terrestrial carbon (C) cycle between 1860 and 2100 within a coupled climate–carbon cycle model, that emulates 22 global climate models.

Results indicate that inclusion of biogeographical variation in photosynthetic temperature response is most important for present‐day and future C uptake, with increasing importance of thermal acclimation under future warming. Accounting for both effects narrows the range of predictions of the simulated global land C storage in 2100 across climate projections (29% and 43% globally and in the tropics, respectively).

Contrary to earlier studies, our results suggest that thermal acclimation of photosynthetic capacity makes tropical and temperate C less vulnerable to warming, but reduces the warming‐induced C uptake in the boreal region under elevated CO2.
Evolutionary history of HOMEODOMAIN LEUCINE ZIPPER transcription factors during plant transition to land
Authors: Romani Facundo , Reinheimer Renata , Florent Stevie N. , Bowman John L. , Moreno Javier E.
Published: April 2018

Plant transition to land required several regulatory adaptations. The mechanisms behind these changes remain unknown. Since the evolution of transcription factors (TFs) families accompanied this transition, we studied the HOMEODOMAIN LEUCINE ZIPPER (HDZ) TF family known to control key developmental and environmental responses.

We performed a phylogenetic and bioinformatics analysis of HDZ genes using transcriptomic and genomic datasets from a wide range of Viridiplantae species.

We found evidence for the existence of HDZ genes in chlorophytes and early‐divergent charophytes identifying several HDZ members belonging to the four known classes (I–IV). Furthermore, we inferred a progressive incorporation of auxiliary motifs. Interestingly, most of the structural features were already present in ancient lineages. Our phylogenetic analysis inferred that the origin of classes I, III, and IV is monophyletic in land plants in respect to charophytes. However, class IIHDZ genes have two conserved lineages in charophytes and mosses that differ in the CPSCE motif.

Our results indicate that the HDZ family was already present in green algae. Later, the HDZ family expanded accompanying critical plant traits. Once on land, the HDZ family experienced multiple duplication events that promoted fundamental neo‐ and subfunctionalizations for terrestrial life.
Postoperative pain management in children: Guidance from the pain committee of the European Society for Paediatric Anaesthesiology (ESPA Pain Management Ladder Initiative)
Authors: Vittinghoff Maria , Lönnqvist Per‐Arne , Mossetti Valeria , Heschl Stefan , Simic Dusica , Colovic Vesna , Dmytriiev Dmytro , Hölzle Martin , Zielinska Marzena , Kubica‐Cielinska Anna , Lorraine‐Lichtenstein Elizabeth , Budić Ivana , Karisik Marijana , Maria Belen De Josè , Smedile Francesco , Morton Neil S.
Published: April 2018

The main remit of the European Society for Paediatric Anaesthesiology (ESPA) Pain Committee is to improve the quality of pain management in children. The ESPA Pain Management Ladder is a clinical practice advisory based upon expert consensus to help to ensure a basic standard of perioperative pain management for all children. Further steps are suggested to improve pain management once a basic standard has been achieved. The guidance is grouped by the type of surgical procedure and layered to suggest basic, intermediate, and advanced pain management methods. The committee members are aware that there are marked differences in financial and personal resources in different institutions and countries and also considerable variations in the availability of analgesic drugs across Europe. We recommend that the guidance should be used as a framework to guide best practice.
Apocrine hidrocystoma on the genitalia of a 9‐year‐old girl
Authors: Matsuyama Takashi , Yahagi Eiichiro , Mabuchi Tomotaka
Published: April 2018

Apocrine hidrocystomas are mostly found on the cheeks and eyelids but also on the scalp and neck. The age distribution is from 30 to 70 years old. We report a case of an apocrine hidrocystoma on the genitalia of a 9‐year‐old girl.
A case of extensive acquired progressive lymphangioma
Authors: Larkin Sydney C. , Wentworth Ashley B. , Lehman Julia S. , Tollefson Megha M.
Published: April 2018

Acquired progressive lymphangioma (benign lymphangioendothelioma) is a rare lymphatic anomaly of unclear pathogenesis. Excision is generally advised for local disease, although other therapies have been tried. This report describes a unique case of extensive acquired progressive lymphangioma involving the abdomen, genitalia, and lower extremity of a 1‐year‐old boy. Rapid progression and multisite involvement required exploration of nonsurgical options for management.
Chromhidrosis due to exogenous oxidizing heavy metals: Clinical and laboratory findings
Authors: Erdol Sahin , Karakaya Sabahattin , Saglam Halil , Tarim Omer
Published: April 2018

Background/Objectives

Chromhidrosis is a rare condition of which there are only a few case reports in the literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical, laboratory, and possible environmental factors in 13 patients with chromhidrosis to elucidate causative agents.

Methods

Data were obtained from the medical records of 13 patients with colored sweating between October 2015 and November 2016 (7 infants <1 year of age, 5 adults, 1 adolescent).

Results

Physical examination was normal in all patients. Nine of 12 had high calculated serum free copper (75%). Urine glutamine was measured in 13 patients and was high in 11 (84.6%). Ten patients drank natural mineral water from Uludag Mountain, and two were exposed to an intrauterine device containing copper. One patient (8%) was not exposed to Uludag Mountain natural water or an intrauterine device.

Conclusion

We propose that chronic exposure to water or devices that contain high amounts of heavy metal and ammonium may contribute to CH.
Idiopathic facial aseptic granuloma—A diagnostic challenge in pediatric dermatology
Authors: Borok Jenna , Holmes Ralph , Dohil Magdalene
Published: April 2018

Idiopathic facial aseptic granuloma is a distinct, benign lesion that presents in very young children and is characterized by a painless facial nodule that usually appears on the cheek. It is typically characterized by a prolonged course but heals spontaneously or in response to antibiotic treatment. The challenge is to diagnose this entity correctly, ideally based on clinical acumen, to avoid surgical intervention with facial sutures and the resultant scarring and unnecessary treatment interventions. In this article, we discuss three cases of idiopathic facial aseptic granuloma to raise awareness and highlight the diagnostic challenges and possible link to childhood rosacea.
Characteristics of deposits and pump exchange in the Berlin Heart EXCOR ventricular assist device: Experience with 67 cases
Authors: Maeda Katsuhide , Almond Christopher , Hollander Seth A. , Rosenthal David N. , Kaufman Beth , Gowen Maryalice M. , Murray Jenna , Shuttleworth Paul , Reinhartz Olaf
Published: April 2018

Pump exchanges are frequently required in the Berlin Heart EXCOR VAD. We intended to describe the characteristics of pump deposits in a larger patient series and evaluate if changes in our exchange procedure over time have led to increased complications. We reviewed all EXCOR pump exchanges in our institution from July 2004 to October 2014. We gathered data on size and location of pump deposits and exchange procedures. EXCOR devices were implanted in 38 children. Support was LVAD only in 22, BiVAD in 13, and SVAD in 3 cases. Sixty‐seven pumps were exchanged. The incidence of pump exchanges per month was higher for smaller pumps and for RVADs vs LVADs. Indications were visible pump deposit in 55, stroke without visible deposit in 5, incorporation of membrane oxygenator in 3, pump size change in 2, and sepsis in 1 case, respectively. Deposits were located in the outflow valve in 73%, inflow valve in 22%, pump body in 3%, and outflow cannula in 3%. EXCOR pumps are predominantly exchanged for deposits, which are most frequently located in the outflow valves. The procedure is now carried out without sedation at the bedside. No major complications were observed during exchanges.
Successful treatment of chronic norovirus gastroenteritis with nitazoxanide in a pediatric kidney transplant recipient
Authors: Haubrich Kathryn , Gantt Soren , Blydt‐Hansen Tom
Published: April 2018

Uncontrolled studies suggest a benefit of nitazoxanide for the treatment of norovirus gastroenteritis in immunocompromised individuals. Here, we report the use of nitazoxanide in a 13‐year‐old male kidney transplant recipient who developed intractable norovirus gastroenteritis. Reduction of immunosuppression was not possible due to refractory TCMR. Administration of oral immunoglobulin and switching from tacrolimus to sirolimus failed to produce a meaningful clinical response. Treatment with a 14‐day course of nitazoxanide resulted in prompt resolution of diarrhea as well as clearance of norovirus from the stool despite intense immunosuppression. Nitazoxanide may be considered as an option for the treatment of intractable norovirus gastroenteritis in pediatric transplant patients when reduced immunosuppression is not feasible or other treatment options have failed. Further studies to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of nitazoxanide in immunocompromised children are needed.
What about cultural ecosystems? Opportunities for cultural considerations in the “International Standards for the Practice of Ecological Restoration”
Authors: Evans Nicole M. , Davis Mark A.
Published: April 2018

The Society for Ecological Restoration's 2016 (SER) “International Standards for the Practice of Ecological Restoration” is a living document intended to guide restoration projects “anywhere in the world.” Given its intended global scope and in hopes of informing future editions, this document is critically assessed in light of the role people have played in ecosystems around the world. We argue that the Standards has an underlying nature–culture dichotomization that limits its applicability; in qualifying what it calls “cultural ecosystems” for rehabilitation, rather than restoration, the Standards privileges colonial visions of ecological restoration. We also discuss the Standards' representation of the ecological impacts and practices of indigenous groups. Whereas the Standards claims that preindustrial cultural ecosystems exist in states similar to unmodified areas, many historians, anthropologists, and paleoecologists would point out that preindustrial people sometimes had massive environmental impacts through agriculture, hydrological engineering, over‐hunting, living in dense urban environments, transporting species, burning on a scale capable of changing the climate, and other practices. Furthermore, the Standards does not discuss how the cultural goals of indigenous groups fit into the overall picture of ecological restoration. Future drafts of the Standards should more accurately frame the diverse roles people play in nature, and create global standards that account for the validity of cultural goals for ecological restoration.
Uncertain liability and stagnating CCS deployment in the European Union: Is it the Member States’ turn?
Authors: Weber Viktor
Published: April 2018

Even though the European Union (EU) decided to promote carbon capture and storage (CCS) and it enacted a directive eight years ago to speed up the safe deployment of this technology, there is no functioning project yet in the EU. While this is a well‐understood technology with an important emission reduction potential, it requires a legal regime which affords sufficient certainty to operators about their potential liabilities. However, the European legal framework is perceived as achieving the opposite effect. The operator's liability is uncertain both in temporal and financial terms. This article considers that after the 2015 review of the CCS Directive, it is clear that at least a part in overcoming the industry's difficulties is more Member State action in the form of pragmatic interpretation and tailor‐made agreements, as it is the case in the ROAD project. Subsequently, certain technical and financial issues related to European CCS are analysed with a view to facilitate its deployment.
Projecting the Arena of Inclusion: The Case of South Korea in Pursuing a Phased Inclusive Growth Process
Authors: Wong Chan‐Yuan , Lee Keun
Published: April 2018

South Korea created a mechanism that fuels inclusive growth, a process that coevolves economic growth and social well‐being. This study attempts to elaborate on the context and preconditions for development that would manifest salience policy implications for moving up the industrial value chain and attain inclusive growth. We contend against the view of simplified growth cum equity that is used to elucidate the success of Korea's socioeconomic development (economic miracles). Our findings informed us that there were intense measures taken throughout different phases of Korea's industrial development. In addition, we observed in many occasions intense negotiations between the state, firms, and civil society for social welfare and a better working environment. This led to a pursuit for inclusive growth in the post catching‐up phase that blended together many inclusive agendas, realizing growth that coevolved industrial upgrading and social welfare. This article seeks to explain how Korea populated its arena of inclusion in the process of pursuing rapid industrialization. The overview of different phases of development provides normative principles that are useful as a guide for other economies which aspire to attain similar development.
Agenda‐Setting at the Energy‐Water Nexus: Constructing and Maintaining a Policy Monopoly in U.S. Hydraulic Fracturing Regulation
Authors: Baka Jennifer , Neville Kate J. , Weinthal Erika , Bakker Karen
Published: April 2018

Despite calls to increase federal oversight of hydraulic fracturing (HF), the U.S. Congress has maintained a regulatory system in which environmental regulatory authority is devolved to the states. We argue that this system is characterized by a long‐standing “policy monopoly”: a form of stability in policy agenda‐setting in which a specific manner of framing and regulating a policy issue becomes hegemonic. Integrating theories on agenda‐setting and environmental discourse analysis, we develop a nuanced conceptualization of policy monopoly that emphasizes the significance of regulatory history, public perceptions, industry–government relations, and environmental “storylines.” We evaluate how a policy monopoly in U.S. HF regulation has been constructed and maintained through a historical analysis of oil and gas regulation and a discourse analysis of eleven select congressional energy committee hearings. This research extends scholarship on agenda‐setting by better illuminating the importance of political economic and geographic factors shaping regulatory agendas and outcomes.
Maximising platelet availability by delaying cold storage
Authors: Wood B. , Johnson L. , Hyland R. A. , Marks D. C.
Published: April 2018

Background and Objectives

Cold‐stored platelets may be an alternative to conventional room temperature (RT) storage. However, cold‐stored platelets are cleared more rapidly from circulation, reducing their suitability for prophylactic transfusion. To minimise wastage, it may be beneficial to store platelets conventionally until near expiry (4 days) for prophylactic use, transferring them to refrigerated storage to facilitate an extended shelf life, reserving the platelets for the treatment of acute bleeding.

Materials and Methods

Two ABO‐matched buffy‐coat‐derived platelets (30% plasma/70% SSP+) were pooled and split to produce matched pairs (n = 8 pairs). One unit was stored at 2‐6°C without agitation (day 1 postcollection; cold); the second unit was stored at 20‐24°C with constant agitation until day 4 then stored at 2–6°C thereafter (delayed‐cold). All units were tested for in vitro quality periodically over 21 days.

Results

During storage, cold and delayed‐cold platelets maintained a similar platelet count. While pH and HSR were significantly higher in delayed‐cold platelets, other metabolic markers, including lactate production and glucose consumption, did not differ significantly. Furthermore, surface expression of phosphatidylserine and CD62P, release of soluble CD62P and microparticles were not significantly different, suggesting similar activation profiles. Aggregation responses of delayed‐cold platelets followed the same trend as cold platelets once transferred to cold storage, gradually declining over the storage period.

Conclusion

The metabolic and activation profile of delayed‐cold platelets was similar to cold‐stored platelets. These data suggest that transferring platelets to refrigerated storage when near expiry may be a viable option for maximising platelet inventories.
Plant growth inhibitory activity and active substances with allelopathic potential of cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) rhizome
Authors: Suzuki Masahiko , Tominaga Tohru , Ohno Osamu , Iwasaki Arihiro , Suenaga Kiyotake , Kato‐Noguchi Hisashi
Published: April 2018

Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica [L.] Raeusch.) is a perennial rhizomatous grass that belongs to the Poaceae and is widely distributed in tropical, subtropical and temperate regions over the world. The grass is strongly invasive and is suggested to have allelopathic potential. However, limited information is available on allelopathic substances in cogongrass rhizomes. Therefore, the allelopathic potential and substances in cogongrass rhizomes were investigated. The extracts of cogongrass rhizomes inhibited the root and shoot growth of barnyard grass, ryegrass, timothy, cress, lettuce and alfalfa. After bioassay‐guided separations of the extracts, four growth inhibitory substances, 5‐methoxyflavone, 5,2′‐dimethoxyflavone, methyl caffeate and abscisic acid, were isolated. 5‐Methoxyflavone, 5,2′‐dimethoxyflavone and methyl caffeate significantly inhibited the root and shoot growth of cress at concentrations of ≥0.03–0.3 m mol L−1 and their concentrations required for 50% growth inhibition were 0.079–0.24, 0.23–1.1 and 0.59–0.88 m mol L−1, respectively. The other isolated substance, abscisic acid, has been reported to have strong growth inhibitory activity. Its concentrations required for 50% growth inhibition on cress were 0.31–0.61 μ mol L−1. The present study suggests that cogongrass rhizomes might have allelopathic potential and that those four substances might contribute to that potential.
Morphology and luminescence of photo-electrochemically synthesized porous silicon: Influence of varying current density
Authors: Thahe Asad , Bakhtiar Hazri , Bidin Noriah , Hassan Zainuriah , Talib Zainal Abidin , Basheer Uday , Abubakar Dauda , Mat Salim Muhammad Aizi , Abdallah Qaeed Motahher , Alqaraghuli Hasan
Published: April 2018

Achieving high quality porous silicon (PSi) materials with desired porosity remains challenging. Three good qualities of PSi samples are prepared by Photo electro-chemically etching a piece of n-type Si inside the solution of 20 M HF, 10 M C2H5OH and 10 M H2O2 at fixed etching time duration (30 min) and varying current density (15 mA/cm2, 30 mA/cm2 and 45 mA/cm2). As-prepared sample morphologies are characterized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The gravimetric method is used to estimate the thickness and porosity of the prepared samples. Current density (etching time) dependent morphologies, electronic bandgap and room temperature photoluminescence (PL) properties of such PSi nanostructures are evaluated. These PSi structures revealed enhanced rectifying characteristics with increasing current density.
An n-th section line search in conjugate gradient method for small-scale unconstrained optimization
Authors: Fakhri Muhammad Imza , Mohd Ali Mohd Rivaie , Jusoh Ibrahim
Published: April 2018

Conjugate Gradient (CG) methods are well-known method for solving unconstrained optimization problem and popular for its low memory requirement. A lot of researches and efforts have been done in order to improve the efficiency of this CG method. In this paper, a new inexact line search is proposed based on Bisection line search. Initially, Bisection method is the easiest method to solve root of a function. Thus, it is an ideal method to employ in CG method. This new modification is named n-th section. In a nutshell, this proposed method is promising and more efficient compared to the original Bisection line search.
Conversion of chicken viscera into protein hydrolysate for palatant production
Authors: Khir Anuar Muhammad Afiq , Narashid Nur Husna Haron , Md Salleh Madihah , Yahya Adibah
Published: April 2018

Flavor and aroma cannot be separated in food industries. The manipulation of the ingredients to increase the taste has started since early civilization. Common example of the earliest application of ingredients to increase the savory taste of the food is soy sauce production. The process of digging out the aroma and flavor includes frying, stewing, grilling as well as fermenting. Nowadays, much complex savory system in food can be achieved through several processes such as Maillard reaction and protein hydrolysate production. The food produced will not only be tasty but healthy. This concept was first focusing on human food production. However, the increasing number of pet owner for about 10% annually since 2008 as reported by US Pet Owner Society demands the same concept to be implemented in pet food industries. Since most pet owners considered their pets as part of their family, the pet food source from 4D (dead, dying, disable and diseased) animals are unacceptable. Therefore, the pet food industries are competing with human food industries to get the clean source of meat for food as well for flavor production. An alternative to overcome this is by utilizing the viscera of the slaughtered chicken for palatant or flavor production. Aside from meat, bones and feathers, viscera are also abundantly being considered as waste and were not fully utilized. They are rich in protein. The protein can be recovered using suitable process and later turned into a value-added product such as flavor. There is a study available for converting the protein waste into protein hydrolysate via chemical and physical technique. However, only few reports are available for the conversion process via indigenous microbes and enzymes. It is believed that the indigenous microbes and enzymes (protease, peptinase) can be utilized for protein hydrolysate production which will later can be utilized as palatant. The palatant produced should have Sulphur-based aroma compound such as 2-methyl-3-furanthiol and 2-furfuryl-thiol which serve as precursors for chicken aroma.
Stability of fractional order parabolic partial differential equations using discretised backstepping method
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad Zaini , Hanan Ibtisam Kamil , Fadhel Fadhel Subhi
Published: April 2018

This paper focuses on the application of backstepping control scheme for fractional order partial differential equations (FPDEs) of order with . Therefore to obtain highly accurate approximations for this derivative is of great importance. Here the discretised approach for the space variable is used to transform the FPDEs into a system of differential equations. These approximations arise mainly from the Caputo definition and the Grünwald-Letnikov definition. A Lyapunov function is defined at each stage and the negativity of an overall Lyapunov function is ensured by proper selection of the control law. Illustrative example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
On the approximation of the concentration parameter for von Mises distribution
Authors: Moslim Nor Hafizah , Zubairi Yong Zulina , Hussin Abdul Ghapor , Hassan Siti Fatimah , Mohamad Yunus Rossita
Published: April 2018

The von Mises distribution is the ‘natural’ analogue on the circle of the Normal distribution on the real line and is widely used to describe circular variables. The distribution has two parameters, namely mean direction,  and concentration parameter, κ. Solutions to the parameters, however, cannot be derived in the closed form. Noting the relationship of the κ to the size of sample, we examine the asymptotic normal behavior of the parameter. The simulation study is carried out and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test is used to test the goodness of fit for three level of significance values. The study suggests that as sample size and concentration parameter increase, the percentage of samples follow the normality assumption increase.
Potential of plotting positions for intensity-duration-frequency curves with short rainfall records
Authors: Ariff Noratiqah Mohd , Jemain Abdul Aziz , Bakar Mohd Aftar Abu
Published: April 2018

Intensity-duration-frequency (IDF) curves represent the relationship between storm intensity, storm duration and return period. The IDF curves available are mostly done by fitting series of annual maximum rainfall intensity to parametric distributions. However, the length of annual rainfall records, especially for small scaled data, are not always enough. Rainfall records of less than 50 years are usually deemed insufficient to unequivocally identify the probability distribution of the annual rainfall. Thus, this study introduces an alternative approach that replaces the need for parametric fitting by using empirical distribution based on plotting positions to represent annual maximum rainfall series. Subsequently, these plotting positions are used to build IDF curves. The IDF curves found are then compared to the IDF curves yielded from the parametric GEV distribution which is a common basis for IDF curves. This study indicates that IDF curves obtained using plotting positions are similar to IDF curves found using GEV distribution for storm events. Hence, researchers could model and subsequently build IDF curves for annual rainfall records of less than 50 years by using plotting positions and avoid any probability distribution fitting of insufficient data.
Some numerical methods for solving geodesic active contour model on image segmentation process
Authors: Mustaffa Maizatul Nadirah , Alias Norma , Mustapha Faridah
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we present an edge-based image segmentation technique using modified geodesic active contour model to detect the desired objects from an image. The stopping function of the proposed model has been modified from the usual geodesic active contour model. The modified geodesic active contour model is discretized using finite difference method based on the central difference formula. Then, some numerical methods such as RBGS and Jacobi methods are used for solving the linear system of equation. The accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm have been illustrated by applied to different images and some numerical methods.
Approximate analytical solution of the MHD Powell-Eyring fluid flow near accelerated plate
Authors: Elniel Fawzia Mansour , Abdul Aziz Zainal , Salah Faisal , Mustafa Shaymaa
Published: April 2018

In this article, the non-linear equation of unsteady flow of Powell-Eyring fluid is solved by using Adomian Decomposition Method (ADM). The fluid is assumed to be flowing under the effect of magnetic field. The model is developed for the case of constant accelerated plate. Sensitivity analysis is performed to show the effects of material parameters on the velocity profile and shear stress at the wall. The results confirmed the suitability of ADM in solving nonlinear equations.
Forecasting model for crude oil price with structural break
Authors: Mohd Noh Norshela , Bahar Arifah , Zainuddin Zaitul Marlizawati
Published: April 2018

Nowadays, in unstable economic environment, oil refining company is facing fluctuating crude oil price that causes unstable profit margin. Fluctuating crude oil price leads to difficulty in forecasting raw material procurement. Inaccurate forecast leads to inefficient decision making in optimizing refining company profit margin. In order to overcome an inaccurate in forecasting raw material procurement, an appropriate study of forecasting model is needed. Thus the objective of this study is to model fluctuating crude oil price based on geometric Brownian motion and mean reverting Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process and also to forecast fluctuating crude oil price with structural break. In modeling crude oil price, the information on whether the structural break exists is very crucial due to the long memory property might be camouflaged by the existence of the structural break. In this study, we employed long memory test to West Texas Intermediate (WTI) daily data from 2nd January 1986 to 31st August 2016 using log periodogram regression of Geweke and Porter-Hudak (1983). Bai and Perron test was applied to find break date. The result indicates that crude oil price is characterized by structural breaks. With the assumption that future price is affected by today’s price, we modeled and forecasted crude oil price using geometric Brownian motion and mean reverting Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process for 14 days, 30 days and 6 months. Results showed that forecasting crude oil price is highly accurate for short term with geometric Brownian motion compared to mean reverting Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process.
Modeling and estimation on long memory stochastic volatility for index prices of FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
Authors: Chen Kho Chia , Bahar Arifah , Ting Chee-Ming , Abd Rahman Haliza
Published: April 2018

Long memory and volatility have been used to measure risks associated with persistence in financial data sets. However, the persistence in volatility cannot be easily captured because some mathematical models are not able to detect these properties. To overcome this shortfall, this study develops a procedure to construct long-memory stochastic volatility (LMSV) model by using fractional Ornstein-Uhlenbeck (fOU) process in financial time series to evaluate the degree of persistence property of the data. Procedures for constructing the LMSV model and the estimation methods were applied to the real daily index prices of FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI over a period of 20 years. The least square estimator (LSE) and quadratic generalised variations (QGV) methods were used to estimate the drift and diffusion coefficient of the volatility process respectively. The long memory parameter was estimated by the detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) method. The findings show that the volatility of the index prices exhibited a long memory process but the returns of the index prices did not show strong persistence properties. The root mean square errors (RMSE) obtained from various methods indicated that the performances of the model and estimators in describing returns of the index prices were good.
Mathematical modelling of controlled release fertilizer
Authors: Irfan Sayed Ameenuddin , Razali Radzuan
Published: April 2018

Controlled release fertilizers (CRFs) are essential for sustainable agriculture system. CRFs are designed to maintain the constant optimum release rate of nutrients from the coated granule. This increase the plant uptake of nutrients hence reduces the soil pollution and decreases the crop expenditure. In the literature, the maximum studies have been done by considering the molecular diffusion as the only phenomenon responsible for nutrient release from CRFs. The molecular diffusion model is solved mostly by using the variable separable methods and Laplace transform as well as finite difference methods by different researchers. The release of NPK (nutrient) depends on both molecular diffusions which are expressed by Fick’s second law of diffusion and ionic diffusion, due to the electrolytic behavior of NPK in the soil. In this work, an analytical solution is presented. The obtained solution helps to find the effect of granule coating thickness, nutrient release rate, pH of the soil and temperature of the soil on the nutrient release profiles.
Simulation of AH flows and deformation of DMD in a 3D AC
Authors: Ismail Zuhaila , Jiann Lim Yeou , Ahmad Jamali Sabaruddin , Fitt Alistair
Published: April 2018

This paper presents the interaction between the aqueous humour (AH) flows and the deformation of Descemet membrane detachment (DMD) in a 3D anterior chamber (AC). Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) method is used to model the problem. Finite element method using COMSOL Multiphysics software is adopted to solve the governing equations for the AH flows and the deformation of DMD. The fluid flow behaviour and the deformation of the detached Descemet membrane are analysed in order to comprehend the progression of the DMD in the AC due to the AH flows and vice versa. The re-attachment or re-detachment of the DMD is significantly affected by the AH flows. Advance treatment for the DMD can be developed based on a better understanding of the interaction between the AH flows and the DMD.
Brainwave biomarkers of brain activity, physiology and biomechanics in cycling performance
Authors: Zainuddin Nurul Farha , Omar Abdul Hafidz , Zulkapri Izwyn , Jamaludin Mohd Najeb , Miswan Mohd Syafiq
Published: April 2018

Generally, in sports performance, the relationship between movement science and physiological function has been conducted integrating neuronal mechanism over the past decades. However, understanding those interaction between neural network and motor performance comprehensively in achieving optimal performance is still lacking, mainly in cycling. The purpose of this study was to discuss the issues in neuroscience related to brain activity, physiology and biomechanics in achieving optimal performance in cycling. As sports technology improves, more objective measurement can be demonstrated in solving specific issue in cycling, with optimization of performance as the main focus. In this review, the focus on brain activity will be based on the evaluation of the alpha and beta brainwaves as well as the alpha/beta ratio since they are biomarkers of EEG specifically related to cycling performance. Further in-depth understanding of the mechanism and interaction between brain activity, physiology and biomechanics in competitive cycling were acquired and discussed. Moreover, the biomarkers of brain activity related to cycling performance from previous studies were clearly identified and discussed and recommendations to be incorporated in future research were proposed.
The effect to flow rate characteristic on biodegradation of bone scaffold
Authors: Basri Hasan , Nasution Jimmy Deswidawansyah , Syahrom Ardiyansyah , Sulong Mohd Ayub , Md. Saad Amir Putra , Prakoso Akbar Teguh , Aminin Faisal
Published: April 2018

This paper proposes an improved modeling approach for bone scaffolds biodegradation. In this study, the numerical analysis procedure and computer-based simulation were performed for the bone scaffolds with varying porosities in determining the wall shear stresses and the permeabilities along with their influences on the scaffolds biodegradation process while the bio-fluids flow through within followed with the change in the flow rates. Based on the experimental study by immersion testing from 0 to 72 hours of the time period, the specimens with different morphologies of the commercial bone scaffolds were collected into three groups samples of 30%, 41%, and 55% porosities. As the representative of the cancellous bone morphology, the morphological degradation was observed by using 3-D CAD scaffold models based on microcomputed tomography images. By applying the boundary conditions to the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and the fluid-structure interaction (FSI) models, the wall shear stresses within the scaffolds due to fluid flow rates variation had been simulated and determined before and after degradation. The increase of fluid flow rates tends to raise the pressure drop for scaffold models with porosities lower than 50% before degradation. As the porosities increases, the pressure drop decreases with an increase in permeability within the scaffold. The flow rates have significant effects on scaffolds with higher pressure drops by introducing the wall shear stresses with the highest values and lower permeability. These findings indicate the importance of using accurate computational models to estimate shear stress and determine experimental conditions in perfusion bioreactors for tissue engineering more accurate results will be achieved to indicate the natural distributions of fluid flow velocity, wall shear stress, and pressure.
On bonded indian and uniformly parallel insertion systems and their generative power
Authors: Yosman Ahmad Firdaus , Holzer Markus , Truthe Bianca , Wan Heng Fong , Turaev Sherzod
Published: April 2018

Insertion is an operation in formal language theory that generalizes the operation of concatenation of words, where its variants allow the operation in different ways. Parallel insertion is a variant of insertion that simultaneously adds words between all letters of a word and also at the right and left extremities. In previous research, restrictions on the applicability have been imposed leading to so-called bonded insertion systems with a sequential and a parallel variant.  Motivated by the atomic behavior of chemical compounds in the process of chemical bonding, the generative power of bonded insertion systems has been investigated where a language hierarchy was obtained. In this paper, we introduce new variants of bonded parallel insertion systems, namely bonded Indian parallel insertion systems and bonded uniformly parallel insertion systems. We present some results regarding the generative power of these new systems and a language hierarchy.
Older adults’ experiences of patient involvement in transitional care: a qualitative systematic review protocol
Authors: Høy Bente , Ludvigsen Mette Spliid
Published: April 2018

Review question/objective:

The objective of this review is to identify and synthesize older adult's experiences of patient involvement in transitional care between hospital and home. The purpose is to build theory to inform future research and clinical practice.

The review will specifically address the following research questions:

What preference and meaning do older adults ascribe to patient involvement in transitional care between hospital and home?

What challenges, facilitators and outcomes do older adults experience in transitional care between hospital and home?

How do older adults experience their capacity and performance of patient involvement in transitional care between hospital and home?

How do older adults experience their level of patient involvement in transitional care between hospital and home?
A second Palaearctic species of the genus Wettina Piersig, 1892 based on morphological and molecular data (Acari, Hydrachnidia: Wettinidae)
Authors: Pešić Vladimir , Smit Harry
Published: April 2018

The water mite genus Wettina has a Holarctic distribution and includes only one known species from the Palaearctic, i.e. W. podagrica (Koch, 1837). This species has been considered as a rhitrobiontic and crenophilous species. In the present study we used morphological data and DNA barcoding to describe a new species of the genus, W. lacustris sp. nov. from the glacial Biogradsko Lake in northern Montenegro. The level of COI differentiation between lake population of Wettina lacustris sp. nov. and stream and spring populations of W. podagrica from Western Europe (The Netherlands) was 8.4%. It is likely that Wettina lacustris sp. nov. is more widely distributed in the Palaearctic.
Morphological ontogeny of Melanozetes stagnatilis (Acari, Oribatida, Melanozetidae)
Authors: Seniczak Anna , Seniczak Stanisław
Published: April 2018

The morphological ontogeny of Melanozetes stagnatilis (Hull, 1914) is described and illustrated. The juveniles of this species have a humeral organ and a humeral macrosclerite, bearing seta c1, which occur in most species of Sphaerozetinae (Ceratozetidae), but also have well-developed lamellae, without the translamella, which is unique in Sphaerozetinae. The juveniles have a gastronotal shield, with seven pairs of setae in the larva (d-, l-series and h1), and 10 pairs in the nymphs (d-, l-, h-series and p1), and setae p2 and p3 are inserted on a large ventral macrosclerite. The legs of juveniles and adult are stocky, with large and flattened femora I and II, having a large ventral carina. The adult of M. stagnatilis has well-developed lamellae, with a translamella, and 14 pairs of notogastral setae, but the number of porose areas varies from six to eight, which is unique in Melanozetes Hull, 1916.
Identification of four heat shock protein genes and their expression in response to thermal stress in two strains of Neoseiulus barkeri (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
Authors: Xu Ya Jing , Liu Lei , Yang Yang , Wang Xian , Tian Chuan Bei , Lee Ya Ying , Chen Han-Qiu , Liu Huai
Published: April 2018

To explore the effects of heat shock proteins in the conventional strain (CS) and high temperature-adapted strain (HTAS) of Neoseiulus barkeri, we cloned and characterized the cDNA of the NbHsp40, NbHsp60, NbHsp70, and NbHsp90 genes and examined changes in expression levels with short-term exposure to heat or cold stress. All four of the genes showed highly conserved amino acid sequences and high homology to Galendromus occidentalis and N. cucumeris. Phylogenetic analysis of NbHsps indicated a high consistency with the known genes of model insects. These results demonstrate variations in the sensitivity of NbHsps to heat or cold stress; i.e., the expression of NbHsp60 did not change with the application of heat and cold stress, NbHsp90 and NbHsp40 were upregulated at high temperature compared to that at low temperature responses, and the expression of NbHsp70 increased with both heat and cold stress. Hsp expression also differed between the two strains: The application of a 40°C heat shock resulted in a decrease in the expression of NbHsp40/70/90 in the CS within 1–2 h, but increased in the HTAS strain in 2 h. However, exposure to cold stress (0 °C and 5 °C) did not result in distinct changes in the expression of NbHsps in the CS, but a significant decrease in the HTAS. The expression of NbHsps further demonstrates that the HTAS has been acclimated to high temperatures. The results also determine that heat acclimation decreases cold tolerance in HTAS mites. This study reveals differences in the characteristics of heat and cold tolerance between the two strains of N. barkeri and provides useful information for future commercialization of N. barkeri for pest biological control, particularly the HTAS. Furthermore, it also describes high heat tolerance in HTAS at the molecular level.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Pneumococcal Extracellular Vesicles on Cellular and Humoral Host Defenses
Authors: Codemo Mario , Muschiol Sandra , Iovino Federico , Nannapaneni Priyanka , Plant Laura , Wai Sun Nyunt , Henriques-Normark Birgitta
Published: April 2018

Gram-positive bacteria, including the major respiratory pathogen
Streptococcus pneumoniae
, were recently shown to produce extracellular vesicles (EVs) that likely originate from the plasma membrane and are released into the extracellular environment. EVs may function as cargo for many bacterial proteins, however, their involvement in cellular processes and their interactions with the innate immune system are poorly understood. Here, EVs from pneumococci were characterized and their immunomodulatory effects investigated. Pneumococcal EVs were protruding from the bacterial surface and released into the medium as 25 to 250 nm lipid stained vesicles containing a large number of cytosolic, membrane, and surface-associated proteins. The cytosolic pore-forming toxin pneumolysin was significantly enriched in EVs compared to a total bacterial lysate but was not required for EV formation. Pneumococcal EVs were internalized into A549 lung epithelial cells and human monocyte-derived dendritic cells and induced proinflammatory cytokine responses irrespective of pneumolysin content. EVs from encapsulated pneumococci were recognized by serum proteins, resulting in C3b deposition and formation of C5b-9 membrane attack complexes as well as factor H recruitment, depending on the presence of the choline binding protein PspC. Addition of EVs to human serum decreased opsonophagocytic killing of encapsulated pneumococci. Our data suggest that EVs may act in an immunomodulatory manner by allowing delivery of vesicle-associated proteins and other macromolecules into host cells. In addition, EVs expose targets for complement factors in serum, promoting pneumococcal evasion of humoral host defense.

IMPORTANCE
Streptococcus pneumoniae
is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide, being the major cause of milder respiratory tract infections such as otitis and sinusitis and of severe infections such as community-acquired pneumonia, with or without septicemia, and meningitis. More knowledge is needed on how pneumococci interact with the host, deliver virulence factors, and activate immune defenses. Here we show that pneumococci form extracellular vesicles that emanate from the plasma membrane and contain virulence properties, including enrichment of pneumolysin. We found that pneumococcal vesicles can be internalized into epithelial and dendritic cells and bind complement proteins, thereby promoting pneumococcal evasion of complement-mediated opsonophagocytosis. They also induce pneumolysin-independent proinflammatory responses. We suggest that these vesicles can function as a mechanism for delivery of pneumococcal proteins and other immunomodulatory components into host cells and help pneumococci to avoid complement deposition and phagocytosis-mediated killing, thereby possibly contributing to the symptoms found in pneumococcal infections.