bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY PRICE INDEXES AND THE SYSTEM OF NATIONAL ACCOUNTS
Authors: Diewert W. Erwin , Fox Kevin J. , Shimizu Chihiro
Published: July 2015

This paper studies the problems associated with the construction of price indexes for commercial properties that could be used in the System of National Accounts (SNA). Property price indexes are required for the stocks of commercial properties in the Balance Sheets of the country. Related service price indexes for the land and structure input components of a commercial property are required in the Production Accounts of the country if the Multifactor Productivity of the Commercial Property Industry is calculated as part of the SNA. The paper reviews existing methods for constructing an overall Commercial Property Price Index (CPPI) and concludes that most methods are biased (due to their neglect of depreciation) and more importantly, not able to provide separate land and structure subindexes. A class of hedonic regression models that is not subject to these problems is discussed.
The Effect of Surface Treatments on the Bond Strength Between CAD/CAM Blocks and Composite Resin
Authors: Duzyol Mustafa , Sagsoz Omer , Polat Sagsoz Nurdan , Akgul Nilgun , Yildiz Mehmet
Published: July 2015

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the microtensile bond strength of three computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) blocks repaired with composite resin using three surface treatment techniques.

Methods and Materials

Three different CAD/CAM blocks were used in this study: (1) Lithium disilicate, (2) feldspar ceramic, and (3) resin nano ceramic. All groups were further divided into four subgroups according to surface treatment: control, roughened with bur (B); roughened with bur and 5% Hydrofluoric acid (HF); roughened with bur and sandblasting (HF); and roughened with bur and CoJet (C). After surface treatments on each group, a silane and bonding agent were applied, and ceramics were repaired with a nano‐hybrid composite. Then, the repaired ceramics were cut with a low‐speed diamond saw for microtensile bond testing. Microtensile bond tests for 40 specimens per subgroup were carried out with a universal testing machine. The data were analyzed with ANOVA, Tukey's, and LSD at the 95% significance level.

Results

Mean bond strengths (MPa) of subgroups B, HF, S, and C were: 0, 29.8, 0, 23.3 for lithium disilicate ceramic; 26.4, 22.3, 22.4, 22 for feldspar ceramic; 54.8, 25.3, 42.1, 25.7 for resin nano ceramic. For subgroups B and S of lithium disilicate ceramics, bonding failed during specimen preparation. No significant differences were observed among all CoJet groups. In subgroups B and S, resin nano ceramics showed the highest bond strength. In feldspar groups, subgroup B showed higher bond strength than the other subgroups.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that lithium disilicate porcelain blocks required etching for repairing with composite material. Surface treatments did not increase the bond strength in feldspar ceramic groups and reduced the bond strength in resin nano ceramic groups.
Pathologic Manifestations on Surgical Biopsy and Their Correlation with Clinical Indices in Dogs with Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease
Authors: Lee J. , Mizuno M. , Mizuno T. , Harada K. , Uechi M.
Published: July 2015

Background

Evaluation of myocardial function is clinically challenging in dogs with degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD). Although myocardial dysfunction is caused by pathologic degeneration, histopathologic progression is poorly understood.

Objectives

To characterize myocardial and pulmonary pathologic changes according to severity in dogs with naturally occurring DMVD, and to investigate whether or not pathologic degeneration is reflected by traditional clinical indices.

Animals

One hundred and seventeen dogs with naturally occurring DMVD.

Methods

Prospective observational study. Biopsied left atrium (LA), left ventricle (LV), and lung were evaluated histologically, and an attempt was made to correlate pathologic findings with clinical indices.

Results

Severe myocardial changes were observed in all International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council classes. In the lung, heart failure cell levels were significantly increased in class III patients (P < .0001). In a paired comparison, the LA showed significantly more severe degeneration than the LV, including myocardial fatty replacement, immune cell infiltration, and interstitial fibrosis (P < .0001). In contrast, myocardial cells were more hypertrophied in the LV than in the LA (P < .0001). Left ventricular end‐diastolic dimension (LVEDd) was associated with fatty replacement (P = .033, R2 = 0.584) and myocardial vacuolization (P = .003, R2 = 0.588) in the LA.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

In DMVD, although severe pathologic changes may be evident even in early stages, there may be pathologic discrepancy between the LA and the LV. Myocardial degeneration may be reflected by clinical indices such as LVEDd and EF.
Treatment of neonatal fungal infective endocarditis with recombinant tissue plasminogen: activator in a low birth weight infant case report and review of the literature
Authors: Babayigit Aslan , Cebeci Burcu , Buyukkale Gokhan , Yılmaz Semerci Seda , Bornaun Helen , Oztarhan Kazim , Gokce Muge , Cetinkaya Merih
Published: July 2015

With advances in medical sciences, an increase in survival rates of low birth weight; increased incidence in use of catheter and antibiotics, and total parenteral nutrition are reported, therefore, the rate of fungal infections in late and very late onset neonatal sepsis have increased. Although fungal endocarditis rarely occur in newborns, it has a high morbidity and mortality. Antifungal therapy is often insufficient in cases who develop fungal endocarditis and surgical treatment is not preferred due to its difficulty and high mortality. Herein, fungal endocarditis in a preterm newborn treated with single‐dose recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in addition to antifungal therapy is presented and relevant literature has been reviewed. The vegetation completely disappeared following treatment and no complication was observed.
Critical illness trajectory for patients, families and nurses – a literature review
Authors: Page Pamela
Published: July 2015

Background

In the 21st century, we are starting to discover and understand the longer term sequelae of critical illness from both patient's and family members' perspectives. The consequential effects on physical and psychological function and the social landscape are being slowing realized. We are beginning to understand the long‐term legacy of critical care, with survivorship possibly the greatest challenge within the critical care setting.

Aim

To draw together research that has appraised the experience of surviving critical illness from the holistic, triadic perspectives of survivor, relative and critical care nurse. In doing so, knowledge of the complexities of the critical care trajectory is enhanced. Search Strategy: Using Medline; Assia; CINAHL Plus; SCOPUS; Web of knowledge searches from 2000 to 2015 were conducted utilizing the terms ‘critical care’; ‘intensive care’, ITU; patient*; relative*; family member*; experience*; nurse*, and trajectory. Relevant exclusion criteria were applied to provide a generalist adult critical care perspective.

Results

Following a process of constant comparative analysis of the literature and thematic synthesis, seven themes were highlighted. Facing mortality, critical junctures, physiological sequelae, psychological sequelae, family presence, beyond meeting the needs of family members and technology versus humanity were all emergent themes.

Conclusion

As humans, we do not live an isolated life; we are interdependent upon each other. This inclusive review of literature has highlighted the lacunae and areas of dissonance both in the literature and in clinical practice in relation to the critical care trajectory as experienced by survivors of critical illness and their families.

Relevance to clinical practice

Critical care nurses can and should play a role in preparing and supporting patients and families beyond the critical care unit. In turn, Registered Nurses needed to be supported to fulfil this important role in enabling the process of moving patients and their families from surviving to thriving (survivorship).
Epigenetic potential of resveratrol and analogs in preclinical models of prostate cancer
Authors: Kumar Avinash , Dhar Swati , Rimando Agnes M. , Lage Janice M. , Lewin Jack R. , Zhang Xu , Levenson Anait S.
Published: July 2015

Lifestyle, particularly diet, is a risk factor for prostate cancer. Dietary polyphenols such as resveratrol possess anticancer properties and therefore have chemopreventive and therapeutic potential. Resveratrol has pleiotropic effects, exerting its biological activity through multiple pathways and targets, including those associated with cancer. Numerous studies have demonstrated the anticancer effects of resveratrol and, to a lesser extent, its analogs, in tissue culture, while in vivo observations are limited. Here, we provide a concise summary of our results on epigenetic mechanisms of resveratrol and analogs mediated through regulation of chromatin modifier metastasis‐associated protein 1 (MTA1) and microRNAs (miRNAs), and highlight the anticancer effects of these compounds in preclinical models of prostate cancer. We suggest that the identified stilbene responsive mechanism–based biomarkers, such as MTA1 and oncogenic miRNAs, may become indicative of treatment efficacy in prostate cancer. Resveratrol analogs with better bioavailability, conferring superior pharmacological potencies and greater anticancer effects, may become stronger candidates for clinical development.
INCOME INEQUALITY IN THE URBAN AND RURAL SECTORS OF THE NORTHEAST REGION OF BRAZIL
Authors: Santos Vladimir Faria dos , Vieira Wilson da Cruz
Published: July 2015

In this study, we conduct an analysis of the main determinants of personal income inequality in both urban and rural areas of the Northeast region of Brazil. An earnings equation was estimated and the Shapley value was used in its decomposition. The results show that education and worker experience are the most relevant variables to explain the high index of inequality in earnings in both the rural and urban areas of the Northeast region of Brazil. Moreover, discrimination in the labor market is also an important factor to explain the concentration of income in the rural sector.
Cotton polyamine oxidase is required for spermine and camalexin signalling in the defence response to Verticillium dahliae
Authors: Mo Huijuan , Wang Xingfen , Zhang Yan , Zhang Guiyin , Zhang Jinfa , Ma Zhiying
Published: July 2015

Verticillium dahliae is a destructive, soil‐borne fungal pathogen that causes vascular wilt disease in many economically important crops worldwide. A polyamine oxidase (PAO) gene was identified and cloned by screening suppression subtractive hybridisation and cDNA libraries of cotton genotypes tolerant to Verticillium wilt and was induced early and strongly by inoculation with V. dahliae and application of plant hormone. Recombinant cotton polyamine oxidase (GhPAO) was found to catalyse the conversion of spermine (Spm) to spermidine (Spd) in vitro. Constitutive expression of GhPAO in Arabidopsis thaliana produced improved resistance to V. dahliae and maintained putrescine, Spd and Spm at high levels. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), salicylic acid and camalexin (a phytoalexin) levels were distinctly increased in GhPAO‐overexpressing Arabidopsis plants during V. dahliae infection when compared with wild‐type plants, and Spm and camalexin efficiently inhibited growth of V. dahliae in vitro. Spermine promoted the accumulation of camalexin by inducing the expression of mitogen‐activated protein kinases and cytochrome P450 proteins in Arabidopsis and cotton plants. The three polyamines all showed higher accumulation in tolerant cotton cultivars than in susceptible cotton cultivars after inoculation with V. dahliae. GhPAO silencing in cotton significantly reduced the Spd level and increased the Spm level, leading to enhanced susceptibility to infection by V. dahliae, and the levels of H2O2 and camalexin were distinctly lower in GhPAO‐silenced cotton plants after V. dahliae infection. Together, these results suggest that GhPAO contributes to resistance of the plant against V. dahliae through the mediation of Spm and camalexin signalling.
A retrospective analysis of environmental risk factors for the diagnosis of deep stromal abscess in 390 horses in North Central Florida from 1991 to 2013
Authors: Proietto Laura R. , Plummer Caryn E. , Maxwell Kathleen M. , Lamb Kenneth E. , Brooks Dennis E.
Published: July 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this investigation was to identify potential environmental risk factors for the diagnosis of equine deep stromal abscesses (DSA) in the subtropical climate at the University of Florida Veterinary Medical Center (UFVMC).

Methods

Cases included were selected from the UFVMC medical record and imaging database, and included all cases of equine DSA diagnosed during the period from December 1991 to December 2013 in patients residing in north central Florida. Patient date of diagnosis and atmospheric data was obtained for north central Florida for the corresponding time period. Univariate and multivariate general linear models were generated testing effects and interactions between environmental conditions.

Results

When year, sulfur dioxide (SO2) and wind were analyzed in the presence of each other, a one‐mile per hour increase in wind (P = 0.005) significantly increased the number of DSA cases by 1.63 cases per year. When the influence of temperature was evaluated in conjunction with year and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), the number of cases decreased by 0.1534 per year for every degree increase in temperature (°C) (P = 0.039).

Conclusions

Wind speed is the first significant atmospheric risk factor to be identified for DSA formation in the horse. The importance of environmental variance in the incidence of DSA indicates that the pathogenesis of DSA formation may be multifactorial, interdependent and provides support in some horses for the micropuncture hypothesis of DSA formation related to the involvement of environmental conditions causing precorneal tear film and epithelial damage.
Penetration depth of corneal cross‐linking with riboflavin and UV‐A (CXL) in horses and rabbits
Authors: Gallhoefer Nicolin S. , Spiess Bernhard M. , Guscetti Franco , Hilbe Monika , Hartnack Sonja , Hafezi Farhad , Pot Simon A.
Published: July 2015

Objective

CXL penetration depth is an important variable influencing clinical treatment effect and safety. The purposes of this study were to determine the penetration depth of CXL in rabbit and equine corneas in epithelium‐on and epithelium‐off procedures and to assess an ex vivo fluorescent biomarker staining assay for objective assessment of CXL penetration depth.

Procedures

CXL treatment was performed according to a standardized protocol on 21 and 17 rabbit eyes and on 12 and 10 equine eyes with and without debridement, respectively. Control corneas were treated similarly, but not exposed to CXL. Hemicorneas were stained with either phalloidin and DAPI to visualize intracellular F‐actin and nuclei, or with hematoxylin and eosin. Loss of actin staining was measured and compared between groups.

Results

Epithelium‐off CXL caused a median actin cytoskeleton loss with a demarcation at 274 μm in rabbits and 173 μm in horses. In non‐CXL‐treated controls, we observed a median actin cytoskeleton loss with a demarcation at 134 μm in rabbits and 149 μm in horses. No effect was detected in the epithelium‐on procedure.

Conclusions

CXL penetration depth, as determined by a novel ex vivo fluorescent assay, shows clear differences between species. A distinct effect was observed following epithelium‐off CXL treatment in the anterior stroma of rabbits, but no different effect was observed in horses in comparison with nontreated controls. Different protocols need to be established to effectively treat equine patients with infectious corneal disease.
Coho salmon escapement and trends in migration timing to a data-poor river: estimates from a Bayesian hierarchical model
Authors: Walsworth Timothy E. , Schindler Daniel E.
Published: July 2015

Data to inform fisheries management are often limited in remote or low economic value fisheries. Here, we use a Bayesian hierarchical modeling structure and two alternative migration timing models to estimate the annual escapement of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) to the Chignik River (Alaska, USA) in years with little data, borrowing information from data-rich years to inform parameter estimates. Additionally, we examined trends in peak migration timing between 1922 and 2013 and relative to environmental conditions. Our analyses show that annual escapement estimates are prone to substantial errors unless daily escapement is enumerated for at least 7 days after peak migration date. Finally, peak migration date was negatively correlated with the strength of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation in May–August, and increased over time, though the significance of these associations was dependent on the specific form of the migration timing model used. The modeling approach we present here is easily adaptable to similar situations where data from alternative periods of time or spatial locations can be used to objectively inform local parameter estimates of population characteristics.
Sol–gel synthesis ofNa0.4K0.6Ca4Nb5O17microwave ceramics
Authors: Muhammad Raz , Iqbal Yaseen , Rambo Carlos Renato
Published: July 2015

The sol–gel method was developed to synthesize A5B5O17-type Na0.4K0.6Ca4Nb5O17layered perovskite ceramics, using NaNO3, KNO3, CaNO3⋅4 H2O and NbCl5precursors. Samples were calcined at 950°C and sintered at 1200–1350°C. The phase and microstructural analyses of samples were carried out using X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electron microscope. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed single phase monoclinic symmetry, within the detection limit of in-house XRD facility. Microstructural analysis shows ~ 10 μ m elongated rod-like grains. The microwave dielectric properties of the sintered composition at 1300°C were: relative permittivity (εr) = 42, quality factor (Q × f0) = 8270 GHz and temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) = -10.1 ppm/°C.
Validity of 12-Month Falls Recall in Community-Dwelling Older Women Participating in a Clinical Trial
Authors: Sanders Kerrie M. , Stuart Amanda L. , Scott David , Kotowicz Mark A. , Nicholson Geoff C.
Published: July 2015

Objectives. To compare 12-month falls recall with falls reported prospectively on daily falls calendars in a clinical trial of women aged ≥70 years.Methods. 2,096 community-dwelling women at high risk of falls and/or fracture completed a daily falls calendar and standardised interviews when falls were recorded, for 12 months. Data were compared to a 12-month falls recall question that categorised falls status as “no falls,” “a few times,” “several,” and “regular” falls.Results. 898 (43%) participants reported a fall on daily falls calendars of whom 692 (77%) recalled fall(s) at 12 months. Participants who did not recall a fall were older (median 79.3 years versus 77.8 years,P=0.028). Smaller proportions of fallers who sustained an injury or accessed health care failed to recall a fall (allP<0.04). Among participants who recalled “no fall,” 85% reported zero falls on daily calendars. Few women selected falls categories of “several times” or “regular” (4.1% and 0.4%, resp.) and the sensitivity of these categories was low (30% to 33%). Simply categorising participants into fallers or nonfallers had 77% sensitivity and 94% specificity.Conclusion. For studies where intensive ascertainment of falls is not feasible, 12-month falls recall questions with fewer responses may be an acceptable alternative.
A Study on Development of Engine Fault Diagnostic System
Authors: Kim Hwa-seon , Jang Seong-jin , Jang Jong-wook
Published: July 2015

This study implemented a mobile diagnosing system that provides user-centered interfaces for more precisely estimating and diagnosing engine conditions through communications with the self-developed ECU only for industrial CRDI engine use. For the implemented system, a new protocol was designed and applied based on OBD-II standard to receive engine data values of the developed ECU. The designed protocol consists of a message structure to request data transmission from a smartphone to ECU and a response message structure for ECU to send data to a smartphone. It transmits 31 pieces of engine condition information simultaneously and sends the trouble diagnostic code. Because the diagnostic system enables real-time communication through modules, the engine condition information can be checked at any time. Thus, because when troubles take place on the engine, users can check them right away, quick response and resolution are possible, and stable system management can be expected.
Gene Coexpression and Evolutionary Conservation Analysis of the Human Preimplantation Embryos
Authors: Liu Tiancheng , Yu Lin , Ding Guohui , Wang Zhen , Liu Lei , Li Hong , Li Yixue
Published: July 2015

Evolutionary developmental biology (EVO-DEVO) tries to decode evolutionary constraints on the stages of embryonic development. Two models—the “funnel-like” model and the “hourglass” model—have been proposed by investigators to illustrate the fluctuation of selective pressure on these stages. However, selective indices of stages corresponding to mammalian preimplantation embryonic development (PED) were undetected in previous studies. Based on single cell RNA sequencing of stages during human PED, we used coexpression method to identify gene modules activated in each of these stages. Through measuring the evolutionary indices of gene modules belonging to each stage, we observed change pattern of selective constraints on PED for the first time. The selective pressure decreases from the zygote stage to the 4-cell stage and increases at the 8-cell stage and then decreases again from 8-cell stage to the late blastocyst stages. Previous EVO-DEVO studies concerning the whole embryo development neglected the fluctuation of selective pressure in these earlier stages, and the fluctuation was potentially correlated with events of earlier stages, such as zygote genome activation (ZGA). Such oscillation in an earlier stage would further affect models of the evolutionary constraints on whole embryo development. Therefore, these earlier stages should be measured intensively in future EVO-DEVO studies.
Convergence Theorems of Common Elements for Pseudocontractive Mappings and Monotone Mappings
Authors: Jeong Jae Ug
Published: July 2015

An algorithm for treating pseudocontractive mappings and monotone mappings is proposed. Convergence analysis of algorithm is investigated in the framework of Hilbert spaces.
Efficient Heuristic Algorithm for Scheduling Two-Stage Hybrid Flowshop with Sequence-Dependent Setup Times
Authors: Lee Geun-Cheol , Hong Jung Man , Choi Seong-Hoon
Published: July 2015

We propose an efficient heuristic algorithm for two-stage hybrid flowshop scheduling with sequence-dependent setup times. In the past, metaheuristic approaches, which usually need long time, have been mostly used for the problem. In this study, due to practical reasons of the application that we consider, we need to obtain the solution of the problem within a reasonably short computational time, even for large-sized problems. In this study, we devise the proposed algorithm as a hybrid of two methods, that is, the beam search and NEH method, and we compare the performances with other existing local search methods. The results of the computational experiments show that the proposed algorithm solves the problems in a relatively shorter computation time, while the scheduling performances are superior to the existing methods.
Sarco-Osteoporosis: Prevalence and Association with Frailty in Chinese Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Wang Yan-Jiao , Wang Yi , Zhan Jun-Kun , Tang Zhi-Yong , He Jie-Yu , Tan Pan , Deng Hui-Qian , Huang Wu , Liu You-Shuo
Published: July 2015

The aim was to apply AWGS criteria to estimate the prevalence of sarco-osteoporosis and investigate its relationship with frailty, in a sample of 316 community-dwelling Chinese older people. Regression analysis was performed using frailty as the dependent variable. The results showed that the prevalence rate of sarco-osteoporosis was 10.4% in older men and 15.1% in older women. ≧80 years old (OR 4.8; 95% CI, 3.05–10.76;P=0.027), women (OR 2.6; 95% CI, 1.18–2.76;P=0.036), and higher level of comorbidity (OR 3.71; 95% CI, 1.61–10.43;P=0.021) were independently associated with the likelihood of being sarco-osteoporosis. In the frail group, sarco-osteoporosis occurred in 26.3% of men, in 38.5% of women, and in lower proportion in the prefrail (13.6% of men; 16.2% of women) and nonfrail group (1.6% of men; 1.9% of women) (P<0.05, resp.). Furthermore, the likelihood of being frail/prefrail was substantially higher in the presence of sarco-osteoporosis (OR 4.16; 95% CI, 2.17–17.65;P=0.019in men; and OR 4.67; 95% CI, 2.42–18.86;P=0.007in women). The results indicate that patients with sarco-osteoporosis are more likely to be ≧80 yrs with higher burden of comorbidities and to have frailty/prefrailty, especially for women.
The Genetic Profile from HLA and Non-HLA Loci Allows Identification of Atypical Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Fabregat Matias , Fernandez Mariana , Javiel Gerardo , Vitarella Graciela , Mimbacas Adriana
Published: July 2015

The complex diagnosis and treatment of diabetes highlight the need for markers to define how to monitor patients correctly during the course of their disease. Different studies demonstrate the existence of patients who cannot be clearly classified. We have previously shown that it is possible to differentiate “atypical diabetic patients” based on genotyping the HLA. In this work we show that the analysis of non-HLA related to type 1 diabetes in theINS-VNTR, SNP rs689, and rs3842753 improves the identification of these patients. We genotyped 913 individuals comprising controls from the general population and “classic” and “atypical” diabetic patients. We compared the distribution of these loci and analyzed linkage disequilibrium. The haplotype was in LD for all the SNPs that were evaluated. Regarding their association with the disease, the haplotype IAC was associated with type 1 (odds 2.60, 1.82–3.72, CI 95%) and “atypical diabetes” (odds 1.50, 1.01–2.23, CI 95%), whereas we did not observe an association with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, our results confirm that atypical diabetes is a different entity of the disease where the patient presents with a genetic background of T1D and a T2D phenotype, findings that are likely to be relevant for patient diagnosis and management in the clinic.
Effect Analysis of Vehicle System Parameters on Dynamic Response of Pavement
Authors: Xia Rong-xia , Li Jin-hui , He Jie , Shi Deng-feng
Published: July 2015

In order to study the damage of a semirigid pavement under vehicle loads with varied parameters, the random dynamic loads applied on the pavement by a running vehicle were computed with two degrees of freedom, quarter-vehicle model, and then a three-dimensional finite element analysis model of semirigid asphalt pavement was established. With the peak stress index of each pavement layer, the effect of varied vehicle parameters on pavement response was studied. The results indicated that the stress wave frequency of each pavement layer was similar to that of the dynamic random load, and, with increased pavement depth, the wave effect decreased. The pavement response increased with increased suspension stiffness and tire stiffness and decreased with increased suspension damping and tire damping. Furthermore, compared to the stiffness, the response variation induced by the damping was orders of magnitude lower. Compared with the traditional time response analysis method, the peak response analysis of the pavement structure was more scientific, rational, and intuitive, which could be useful for the study of vehicle-pavement interaction and road damage.
Single-Machine Group Scheduling Problems with Variable Job Processing Times
Authors: Ji Ping , Li Lin
Published: July 2015

This paper considers two resource constrained single-machine group scheduling problems. These problems involve variable job processing times (general position-dependent learning effects and deteriorating jobs); that is, the processing time of a job is defined by the function that involves its starting time and position in the group, and groups’ setup time is a positive strictly decreasing continuous function of the amount of consumed resource. Polynomial time algorithms are proposed to optimally solve the makespan minimization problem under the constraint that the total resource consumption does not exceed a given limit and the total resource consumption minimization problem under the constraint that the makespan does not exceed a given limit, respectively.
An Efficient Hybrid Algorithm for Multiobjective Optimization Problems with Upper and Lower Bounds in Engineering
Authors: Yang Guang , Xu Tao , Li Xiang , Xiu Haohua , Xu Tianshuang
Published: July 2015

Generally, the inconvenience of establishing the mathematical optimization models directly and the conflicts of preventing simultaneous optimization among several objectives lead to the difficulty of obtaining the optimal solution of a practical engineering problem with several objectives. So in this paper, a generate-first-choose-later method is proposed to solve the multiobjective engineering optimization problems, which can set the number of Pareto solutions and optimize repeatedly until the satisfactory results are obtained. Based on Frisch’s method, Newton method, and weighed sum method, an efficient hybrid algorithm for multiobjective optimization models with upper and lower bounds and inequality constraints has been proposed, which is especially suitable for the practical engineering problems based on surrogate models. The generate-first-choose-later method with this hybrid algorithm can calculate the Pareto optimal set, show the Pareto front, and provide multiple designs for multiobjective engineering problems fast and accurately. Numerical examples demonstrate the effectiveness and high efficiency of the hybrid algorithm. In order to prove that the generate-first-choose-later method is rapid and suitable for solving practical engineering problems, an optimization problem for crash box of vehicle has been handled well.
Swertianlarin, an Herbal Agent Derived fromSwertia mussotiiFranch, Attenuates Liver Injury, Inflammation, and Cholestasis in Common Bile Duct-Ligated Rats
Authors: Zhang Liangjun , Cheng Ying , Du Xiaohuang , Chen Sheng , Feng Xinchan , Gao Yu , Li Shaoxue , Liu Li , Yang Mei , Chen Lei , Peng Zhihong , Yang Yong , Luo Weizao , Wang Rongquan , Chen Wensheng , Chai Jin
Published: July 2015

Swertianlarin is an herbal agent abundantly distributed inSwertia mussotiiFranch, a Chinese traditional herb used for treatment of jaundice. To study the therapeutic effect of swertianlarin on cholestasis, liver injury, serum proinflammatory cytokines, and bile salt concentrations were measured by comparing rats treated with swertianlarin 100 mg/kg/d or saline for 3, 7, or 14 days after bile duct ligation (BDL). Serum alanine aminotransferase (ATL) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were significantly decreased in BDL rats treated with swertianlarin for 14 days (P<0.05). The reduced liver injury in BDL rats by swertianlarin treatment for 14 days was further confirmed by liver histopathology. Levels of serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) were decreased by swertianlarin in BDL rats for 3 and 7 days (P<0.05). Moreover, reductions in serum interleukins IL-1βand IL-6 levels were also observed in BDL rats treated with swertianlarin (P<0.05). In addition, most of serum toxic bile salt concentrations (e.g., chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) and deoxycholic acid (DCA)) in cholestatic rats were decreased by swertianlarin (P<0.05). In conclusion, the data suggest that swertianlarin derived fromSwertia mussotiiFranch attenuates liver injury, inflammation, and cholestasis in bile duct-ligated rats.
Tinnitus Suppression by Intracochlear Electrical Stimulation in Single-Sided Deafness: A Prospective Clinical Trial - Part I
Authors: Arts Remo A.G.J. , George Erwin L.J. , Griessner Andreas , Zierhofer Clemens , Stokroos Robert J.
Published: July 2015

Cochlear implantation is a viable treatment option for tinnitus, but the underlying mechanism is yet unclear. Is the tinnitus suppression due to the reversal of the assumed maladaptive neuroplasticity or is it the shift in attention from the tinnitus to environmental sounds and therefore a reduced awareness that reduces tinnitus perception? In this prospective trial, 10 patients with single-sided deafness were fitted with a cochlear implant to investigate the effect of looped intracochlear electrical stimulation (i.e. stimulation that does not encode environmental sounds) on tinnitus, in an effort to find optimal stimulation parameters. Variables under investigation were: amplitude (perceived stimulus loudness), anatomical location inside the cochlea (electrode/electrodes), amplitude modulation, polarity (cathodic/anodic first biphasic stimulation) and stimulation rate. The results suggest that tinnitus can be reduced with looped electrical stimulation, in some cases even with inaudible stimuli. The optimal stimuli for tinnitus suppression appear to be subject specific. However, medium-to-loud stimuli suppress tinnitus significantly better than soft stimuli, which partly can be explained by the masking effect. Although the long-term effects on tinnitus would still have to be investigated and will be described in part II, intracochlear electrical stimulation seems a potential treatment option for tinnitus in this population.
Temperament and Risk for Exercise Dependence: Results of a Pilot Study in Female Patients with Eating Disorders Compared to Elite Athletes
Authors: Müller Astrid , Claes Laurence , Wos Katharina , Kerling Arno , Wünsch-Leiteritz Wally , Cook Brian , de Zwaan Martina
Published: July 2015

Background: The present pilot study investigated the relationship between temperament and the risk for exercise dependence (EXD). Sampling and Methods: A total of 32 female patients with eating disorders (potentially at risk for secondary EXD) and 29 female elite athletes without eating disturbances (potentially at risk for primary EXD) answered the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q), the Exercise Dependence Scale-German version (EDS-G), the Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System (BIS/BAS) scales, and the effortful control subscale of the Adult Temperament Questionnaire (ATQ-EC). Results: There were significant positive correlations of the EDS-G with the BIS in women with an eating disorder and with the BAS in elite athletes. No significant association was found between the EDS-G and effortful control. Conclusions: The results indicate that the risk for EXD is associated with avoidance tendencies in women with eating disorders and with approach tendencies in elite athletes. Implications for secondary and primary EXD are discussed.
How Bert Foer Became Fashionable
Authors: Lawsky David
Published: July 2015

Bert Foer started the American Antitrust Institute in 1997 to give consumers a voice in antitrust, when advocacy was dominated by businesses. AAI was first regarded as out of date and marginal, but Bert Foer has established it today as a voice respected by media, competition agencies, and consumer groups. The biggest problem for AAI in the long run is funding, but it remains reluctant to take money that might be seen as compromising its independence.
On the Inefficiencies of Efficiency as the Single-minded Goal of Antitrust
Authors: Foer Albert
Published: July 2015

This article provides a skeptical look at the role of “efficiency” in antitrust analysis. It begins by discussing how various types of efficiency may be in conflict, such that the concept is actually less scientific or useful than often thought. The article asks, What economic considerations are excluded from today’s antitrust analysis? This leads to a discussion of political, social, and non-efficiency economic values; externalities; and three types of inefficiencies that may be caused by the single-minded hunt for efficiencies: X-inefficiency; diseconomies of scale, scope, and coordination; and the “too-big-to-fail” problem. Finally, the article describes some challenges facing reform proposals, including problems of prediction and quantification. The conclusion argues that the efficiency goal is fraught with problems and that a broader concept needs to take into account inefficiencies as well as efficiencies.
A Systematic Review of Family Meeting Tools in Palliative and Intensive Care Settings
Authors: Singer Adam E. , Ash Tayla , Ochotorena Claudia , Lorenz Karl A. , Chong Kelly , Shreve Scott T. , Ahluwalia Sangeeta C.
Published: July 2015

Purpose:

Family meetings can be challenging, requiring a range of skills and participation. We sought to identify tools available to aid the conduct of family meetings in palliative, hospice, and intensive care unit settings.

Methods:

We systematically reviewed PubMed for articles describing family meeting tools and abstracted information on tool type, usage, and content.

Results:

We identified 16 articles containing 23 tools in 7 categories: meeting guide (n = 8), meeting planner (n = 5), documentation template (n = 4), meeting strategies (n = 2), decision aid/screener (n = 2), family checklist (n = 1), and training module (n = 1). We found considerable variation across tools in usage and content and a lack of tools supporting family engagement.

Conclusion:

There is need to standardize family meeting tools and develop tools to help family members effectively engage in the process.
Elementary Education Teachers' Beliefs about Essential Supports Needed to Successfully Include Students with Developmental Disabilities Who Engage in Challenging Behaviors
Authors: Lohrmann Sharon , Bambara Linda M.
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this qualitative interview study was to describe the perspectives of elementary teachers about what supports were needed by them to successfully include a student with challenging behaviors in their general education classroom using positive practices. Fourteen general education teachers participated, each having had the experience of including a student with developmental disabilities who engaged in challenging behavior in their classroom. To gather data on the teachers' perceptions, participants discussed their experiences in a series of three separate in-depth interviews spaced at approximately 1-week intervals. The findings from the current study suggest that two levels of support were needed by the teachers to successfully include students with challenging behaviors in their classrooms. The first level is a school-wide culture of support where an articulated school vision for inclusion, in-class support, and a collegial atmosphere are present. The second level is situation specific, where individualized supports are provided in response to emerging teacher needs. In addition, teachers describe how student reputations, experience, and training contribute to their initial feelings of apprehension or confidence.
Molten pool behaviour and weld forming mechanism of tandem narrow gap vertical GMAW
Authors: Cai X. Y. , Lin S. B. , Fan C. L. , Yang C. L. , Zhang W. , Wang Y. W.
Published: July 2015

A tandem gas metal arc welding system was utilised for narrow gap welding in vertical down position. In the welding process, the two pulses are asynchronous and two arcs worked in the same molten pool. The molten pool forming process was investigated, and the results suggest that an asymmetric pool was generated, which resulted in the asymmetry of the weld bead. This condition could be improved by decreasing the distance between the two wires. The forces acting on the molten pool and the droplet were analysed. It is pointed out that, in vertical welding with low welding speed, more fusion metal flows down to the head of the molten pool due to the gravity, which leads to the reduction of the penetration depth. Based on the results, a multilayer welding was conducted with a high welding speed and a close distance between two wires, and a high quality weld was acquired.
Maximization of Nonconcave Utility Functions in Discrete-Time Financial Market Models
Authors: Carassus Laurence , Rásonyi Miklós
Published: July 2015

This paper investigates the problem of maximizing expected terminal utility in a (generically incomplete) discrete-time financial market model with finite time horizon. By contrast to the standard setting, a possibly nonconcave utility function U is considered, with domain of definition equal to the whole real line. Simple conditions are presented that guarantee the existence of an optimal strategy for the problem. In particular, the asymptotic elasticity of U plays a decisive role: Existence can be shown when it is strictly greater at −∞ than at +∞.
Anterior parasternal approach for creation of a pericardial window
Authors: Altman E , Rutsky O , Shturman A , Yampolsky Y , Atar S
Published: July 2015

Introduction

The optimal method for creation of a pericardial window (PW) is still controversial and it remains a surgical challenge, mainly in obese patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel approach that has not been described previously, for creation of a PW in patients with symptomatic, chronic, large pericardial effusion.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed the records of 30 patients (14 men, 16 women) who underwent a PW procedure between 2001 and 2011. The mean age was 63 years (standard deviation [SD]: 17 years, median: 60 years, range: 27–90 years) and the mean body mass index was 34kg/m 2 (SD: 2kg/m 2 ). The operation was performed through a curvilinear parasternal approach, 6–8cm in length, followed by a mini-thoracotomy between ribs 4 and 5. Discharged patients were followed up clinically.

Results

The mean operative time was 73 minutes (SD: 21 minutes) and a median of 658ml (range: 300–1,500ml) of fluid was evacuated. The main aetiologies were idiopathic in 17 patients (57%) and malignant in 9 (30%). Seven patients (23%) died in hospital owing to underlying malignancy. Postoperative complications included mild renal failure (20%), respiratory failure (20%), pneumonia (13%), atrial fibrillation (10%) and atelectasis (6%). There were no wound infections. The median length of stay following the procedure was 8 days. In a median follow-up period of 3.8 years, 16 patients with non-malignant effusion were free of recurrence of pericardial effusion.

Conclusions

The anterior parasternal approach for creation of a PW is simple, safe and efficacious, and results in long-term symptomatic improvement, specifically in patients with non-malignant effusions. This approach may be more appealing in obese patients.
Acute appendicitis in the developing world is a morbid disease
Authors: Kong VY , Sartorius B , Clarke DL
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Acute appendicitis in the developing world has a markedly different disease profile to that in the developed world.

Methods

A retrospective study was undertaken over a four-year period at a university hospital in South Africa to review the disease spectrum and the clinical outcome of acute appendicitis.

Results

A total of 1,004 patients (54% male, median age: 18 years) with intraoperatively confirmed appendicitis were reviewed. Over half (56%) were from the urban district within the city of Pietermaritzburg and the remaining 44% were from the rural health district. The median duration of illness from onset to definitive care was 4 days. Sixty per cent of appendices were perforated and associated with intra-abdominal contamination. Forty per cent of patients required reoperation to control intra-abdominal sepsis. Ten per cent required admission to the intensive care unit. The median overall length of hospital stay was 5 days. The mortality rate was 1%. Rural patients had a longer median duration of illness (3 vs 5 days, p<0.001) as well as a more advanced disease profile associated with perforation and severe intra-abdominal sepsis (19% vs 71%, p<0.001). Female patients had a longer median duration of illness (3 vs 4 days, p<0.001), were more likely to present with severe intra-abdominal sepsis (31% vs 54%, p<0.001) and were more likely to require a laparotomy (50% vs 73%, p<0.001). The total cost of managing the entire cohort of 1,004 patients over the 4-year period was £2,060,972.

Conclusions

Acute appendicitis in South Africa is a serious disease associated with significant morbidity. Late presentation is common. Female and rural patients have the worst clinical outcomes, with significant cost to the health system.
Outcomes following Boerhaave’ syndrome
Authors: Connelly CL , Lamb PJ , Paterson-Brown S
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Boerhaave’s syndrome is associated with high mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to assess outcome following treatment in a specialist upper gastrointestinal surgical unit.

Methods

Patients were identified from a prospectively collected database (Lothian Surgical Audit) and their records reviewed. Primary outcomes were mortality and serious morbidity. Secondary outcomes included time to theatre, operation undertaken and length of hospital stay.

Results

Twenty patients with Boerhaave’s syndrome were identified between 1997 and 2011. Four patients (20%) died in hospital. The mean time to theatre from symptom onset was 2.4 days. This was 7.3 days in the patients who died compared with 1.5 days in survivors. Five patients underwent primary repair of rupture, eleven underwent direct closure over a T-tube and one rupture was irreparable. Three patients were managed non-operatively and all survived. Outcomes were similar for the different surgical groups. There was one death following primary closure (20%) and two after T-tube drainage (18%). The mean length of hospital stay was 35.7 days after T-tube drainage and 20.5 days after primary repair. The 3 patients with small, self-contained leaks had a mean length of stay of 5.7 days.

Conclusions

Aggressive surgical management with direct repair is associated with good survival in patients with Boerhaave’s syndrome. Delayed time to theatre is associated with increased mortality. Patients with small, contained leaks without signs of sepsis can be managed non-operatively with a good outcome.
3D Printing: a clinician’s experience
Authors: Gerrand Craig
Published: July 2015

The convergence of digital technologies in imaging, surgical navigation and additive layer manufacturing has opened up new possibilities for surgeons in many fields. One of these is the reconstruction of major bone defects after the resection of primary bone tumours.
The changing face of paediatric cholecystectomy
Authors: Niyogi A , Jeeneea R , Mehta N , Jones MO
Published: July 2015

If gallstone disease is on the increase in children, what does this mean for paediatric surgeons?