bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simple solutions for square and rectangular cofferdam seepage problems
Authors: Madanayaka Thushara Asela , Sivakugan Nagaratnam
Published: July 2018

Cofferdams are widely used temporary structures at construction sites. Two of the main parameters required in designing a cofferdam are the flow rate and exit hydraulic gradient at the bottom of the excavation. Commonly, these two parameters are evaluated by using two-dimensional (2D) ground water flow models. However, when the flow pattern is three-dimensional (3D), such as flow into the square or rectangular cofferdams, predictions by the 2D models underestimate the flow rate and exit gradients considerably. Therefore, it is necessary to incorporate the 3D flow effect through a correction factor. It is shown that treating a square cofferdam as a circular one of the same width or treating a rectangular cofferdam as a 2D double-walled cofferdam significantly underestimates the flow rate. In this study, simple expressions are developed and validated for accurately estimating the flow rate and exit hydraulic gradient values of square and rectangular cofferdams, based on hundreds of finite element simulations in both 2D and 3D. It is suggested that the expressions given in the Canadian foundation engineering manual be improved.
New bis 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives: syntheses, characterizations, computational studies, and antioxidant activities
Authors: Ünver Yasemin , Gökce Halil , Bektaş Ersan , Çelik Fatih , Değirmencioğlu İsmail
Published: July 2018

In this study, two new bis oxadiazole derivatives (2a and 2b) were synthesized. The new compounds were characterized by elemental analyses, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectral studies and were tested for their antioxidant activity. According to the results, it was observed that the synthesized compounds (2a and 2b) had a very high activity in both 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) tests. The approximate geometries of the compounds 2a and 2b were prepared with GaussView5 visualization program. The optimized molecular geometric parameters, vibrational wavenumbers, UV–vis parameters, and HOMO–LUMO simulations were computed using Gaussian 09W program. The computations were performed at 6-311++G(d,p) basis set using the B3LYP functional in density functional theory (DFT) method. The harmonic vibrational wavenumbers computed in gas phase were scaled with 0.958 (1700–4000 cm−1) and 0.983 (0–1700 cm−1) for the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level. To calculated the UV–vis spectroscopic parameters with TD-DFT method, the compounds 2a and 2b were optimized in DMF and DMSO solvents using the integral equation formalism polarizable continuum model (IEFPCM) method at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level. The HOMO, LUMO, and UV–vis analyses were studied to interpret intramolecular charge transfers.
A concise asymmetric synthesis of (−)-trans-aerangis lactone
Authors: Pandey Rachana , Prakash Ranjana
Published: July 2018

A concise stereoselective approach to functionalized δ-lactone skeleton from monosilylated ethylene glycol as a starting material and its application to the asymmetric total synthesis of (−)-trans-aerangis lactone have been demonstrated. The synthesis utilizes the organocatalyzed MacMillan’s cross aldol reaction as a key step.
A dam passage performance standard model for American shad
Authors: Stich Daniel S. , Sheehan Timothy F. , Zydlewski Joseph D.
Published: July 2018

Objectives for recovery of alosines commonly involve improving fish passage at dams during migration. However, a quantitative basis for dam passage performance standards is largely absent. We describe development of a stochastic life-history-based simulation model for American shad, Alosa sapidissima, to estimate effects of dam passage and migratory delay on abundance, spatial distribution of spawning adults, and demographic structuring in space and time. We used the Penobscot River, Maine, USA, as a case study to examine sensitivity of modeled population metrics and probability of achieving specific management goals to inputs. Spawner abundance and percentage of repeat spawners were most sensitive to survival and migration delay at dams, marine survival, and temperature cues for migratory events. Recovery objectives related to abundance and spatial distribution of spawners were achievable under multiple scenarios, but high rates of upstream and downstream passage were necessary. The simulation indicated trade-offs between upstream and downstream passage efficacy whereby increased downstream passage was required to maintain or increase population abundance in conjunction with increased upstream passage. This model provides a quantitative support tool for managers to inform ecologically based decisions about a suite of management scenarios to facilitate recovery and sustainability of diadromous fish populations.
Estimation of the capture efficiency and abundance of Atlantic sea scallops (Placopecten magellanicus) from paired photographic–dredge tows using hierarchical models
Authors: Miller Timothy J. , Hart Deborah R. , Hopkins Karen , Vine Norman H. , Taylor Richard , York Amber D. , Gallager Scott M.
Published: July 2018

The efficiency of survey gear is an important measure that can be used to estimate the absolute scale of populations in assessment models. We develop a general hierarchical model for estimating the efficiency of a New Bedford-style sea scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) survey dredge from paired dredge and Habcam camera system tows. Habcam data for each tow consist of multiple images that give information on within-tow variability of scallop density. The model accounts for these multiple observations as well as the possibility of differences between the true densities in dredge and Habcam pairs due to the pairs not covering exactly the same ground. We fit several models with alternative assumptions to observations on Atlantic sea scallops and compare the relative performance using Akaike’s information criterion. The best performing model estimated higher dredge efficiency on fine substrates than on coarse ones (approximately 0.40 and 0.27, respectively). Our results inform the scale of annual abundance estimates from dredge surveys and reduce uncertainty in the sea scallop stock assessments.
Volume and surface nonlocality terms in the neutron–nucleus elastic scattering using the velocity-dependent optical potential
Authors: Hasan M.F.
Published: July 2018

In this work, we tested the effect of adding a volume term to the surface term in our modified optical potential in the case of elastic neutron scattering of spin-zero 40Ca nucleus in the incident energy range between 30–50 MeV. This is achieved in two steps. First, we fit our theoretical elastic angular distribution scattering using the surface term in our velocity-dependent optical potential concerning the experimental data. Then, we adjust our theoretical elastic angular distribution scattering with the experimental data after adding the volume term into our velocity-dependent optical potential. The second step is comparing the two fits and noticing the effect of adding a volume term to the surface term. Clearly, the modified optical potential using the volume term resulted in excellent fits to the experimental data, most notably the pronounced large angle, backscattering minima, which depend sensitively on the incident energies and which have long been associated with nonlocalities. We assume the nonlocality to be due to interaction between the incident neutrons and the nucleons inside the target.
Non-decreasable extremal Beltrami differentials of non-landslide type
Authors: Yao Guowu
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we deform a uniquely-extremal Beltrami differential into different non-decreasable Beltrami differentials, and then construct non-unique extremal Beltrami differentials such that they are both non-landslide and non-decreasable.
Image Edge Detection Based on Neutrosophic Set Approach Combined with Chan–Vese Algorithm
Authors: Sert Eser , Alkan Ahmet
Published: July 2018

Since edge detection is a field of study used by various disciplines, it is of vital importance to calculate it accuretly. In addition, an edge detection algorithm may be involved in many image processing phases. A recent and contemporary approach, neutrosophy is based on neutrosophic logic, neutrosophic probability, neutrosophic set and neutrosophic statistics. This method yields better results compared to various other optimization methods. Neutrosophic Set (NS) is based on the origin, nature and scope of neutralities. In NS, problems are separated into true, false and indeterminacy subsets. It helps solve indeterminate situations effectively. It has recently been used in the field of image processing as indeterminate situations are also encountered in this field. Chan–Vese (CV) model is one of the successful region-based segmentation methods. The present study proposes a new NS-based edge detection method using CV algorithm. The proposed method combines the philosophical view of NS with successful segmentation characteristics of CV model. Obtained edge detection results are compared with different edge detection methods. The performances of each method are analyzed by using Figure of Merit (FOM) and Peak Signal-To-Noise Ratio (PSNR). The results suggest that the proposed method displays a better performance assessment compared to the used well-known methods.
Crossing number bounds in knot mosaics
Authors: Howards Hugh , Kobin Andrew
Published: July 2018

Knot mosaics are used to model physical quantum states. The mosaic number of a knot is the smallest integer [Formula: see text] such that the knot can be represented as a knot [Formula: see text]-mosaic. In this paper, we establish an upper bound for the crossing number of a knot in terms of the mosaic number. Given an [Formula: see text]-mosaic and any knot [Formula: see text] that is represented on the mosaic, its crossing number [Formula: see text] is bounded above by [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text] is odd, and by [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text] is even. In the process, we develop a useful new tool called the mosaic complement.
THE ROLE OF THE APPROPRIABILITY MECHANISMS FOR THE INNOVATIVE SUCCESS OF PORTUGUESE SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
Authors: PAULA FÁBIO DE OLIVEIRA , DA SILVA JORGE FERREIRA
Published: July 2018

This study investigates the role of formal and informal appropriability mechanisms to appropriate revenues from innovation in several sectors. This relationship depends on factors such as sector, type of product or service, firm’s characteristics, etc. The set of appropriability mechanisms used by a firm depends on their availability and on the firm’s appropriability strategy. An empirical test using a sample of 2,122 Portuguese SMEs from four different sectors of the 2012 Community Innovation Survey indicated that for manufacturing; water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities; and wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles; informal appropriability mechanisms, such as lead-time and complexity, are more effective for converting product innovation into financial performance in the short term. On its turn, for extractive sectors (Mining and Quarrying), formal mechanisms (e.g., patents) are better to protect product innovation and informal mechanisms are more effective to protect process innovation.
Assessing Citizens’ Demands for Improving the Urban Environment
Authors: SHAFIEE-MASULEH Seyedeh-Samira , SHAFIEE MASOULEH Seyed Reza
Published: July 2018

The main purpose of the research is to provide a better basis for programs seeking to promote responsible citizen participation in urban development plans and projects. The research is based on a survey of 400 citizens in Anzali, a city with a population of approximately 116,000. In the spring of 2014, data collection was carried out in seven streets functioning as geographical clusters. Survey respondents were selected using convenience sampling. This study is an applied and descriptive survey research. However, the researchers are not satisfied with mere expression of the opinions, demands and suggestions of citizens. They go further to interpret the data and explain and justify them. In order to do that, they provide a convincing argument through searching among the literature and theoretical discussions and make conclusions. The research reveals that if users are properly consulted about municipal decisions, plans and activities, they can make specific and meaningful suggestions for improving the quality of the spaces. On the other hand, the status quo must be changed in order to provide opportunities for place management. In this regard, people should be trained to nurture a sense of responsibility towards the place so that they can become managers of the place.
From Chicago to China and India: Studying the City in the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Ren Xuefei
Published: July 2018

Since the last quarter of the twentieth century, cities in the Global South have seen extraordinary growth, with China and India as the epicenters of urbanization. This essay critically assesses the state of the field of global urban studies and focuses particularly on the scholarship relating to urban China and India. The essay identifies three dominant paradigms in the scholarship: the global city thesis, neoliberalism, and postcolonialism. In contrast to US urban sociology, which is often preoccupied with the question of how neighborhood effects reproduce inequality, global urban studies account for a much wider array of urban processes, such as global urban networks, social polarization, and the transformation of the built environment. This essay points out the disconnect between US urban sociology and global urban studies and proposes a comparative approach as a way to bridge the divide.
The Organization and Operation of Inferior Temporal Cortex
Authors: Conway Bevil R.
Published: July 2018

Inferior temporal cortex (IT) is a key part of the ventral visual pathway implicated in object, face, and scene perception. But how does IT work? Here, I describe an organizational scheme that marries form and function and provides a framework for future research. The scheme consists of a series of stages arranged along the posterior-anterior axis of IT, defined by anatomical connections and functional responses. Each stage comprises a complement of subregions that have a systematic spatial relationship. The organization of each stage is governed by an eccentricity template, and corresponding eccentricity representations across stages are interconnected. Foveal representations take on a role in high-acuity object vision (including face recognition); intermediate representations compute other aspects of object vision such as behavioral valence (using color and surface cues); and peripheral representations encode information about scenes. This multistage, parallel-processing model invokes an innately determined organization refined by visual experience that is consistent with principles of cortical development. The model is also consistent with principles of evolution, which suggest that visual cortex expanded through replication of retinotopic areas. Finally, the model predicts that the most extensively studied network within IT—the face patches—is not unique but rather one manifestation of a canonical set of operations that reveal general principles of how IT works.
Preclinical Evaluation of [18F]LCATD as a PET Tracer to Study Drug-Drug Interactions Caused by Inhibition of Hepatic Transporters
Authors: Testa Andrea , Dall’Angelo Sergio , Mingarelli Marco , Augello Andrea , Schweiger Lutz , Welch Andrew , Elmore Charles S. , Dawson Dana , Sharma Pradeep , Zanda Matteo
Published: July 2018

The bile acid analogue [18F]LCATD (LithoCholic Acid Triazole Derivative) is transported in vitro by hepatic uptake transporters such as OATP1B1 and NTCP and efflux transporter BSEP. In this in vivo “proof of principle” study, we tested if [18F]LCATD may be used to evaluate drug-drug interactions (DDIs) caused by inhibition of liver transporters. Hepatic clearance of [18F]LCATD in rats was significantly modified upon coadministration of rifamycin SV or sodium fusidate, which are known to inhibit clinically relevant uptake transporters (OATP1B1, NTCP) and canalicular hepatic transporters (BSEP) in humans. Treatment with rifamycin SV (total dose 62.5 mg·Kg−1) reduced the maximum radioactivity of [18F]LCATD recorded in the liver from 14.2 ± 0.8% to 10.2 ± 0.9% and delayed t_max by 90 seconds relative to control rats. AUCliver 0–5 min, AUCbile 0–10 min and hepatic uptake clearance CLuptake,in vivo of rifamycin SV treated rats were significantly reduced, whereas AUCliver 0–30 min was higher than in control rats. Administration of sodium fusidate (30 mg·Kg−1) inhibited the liver uptake of [18F]LCATD, although to a lesser extent, reducing the maximum radioactivity in the liver to 11.5 ± 0.3%. These preliminary results indicate that [18F]LCATD may be a good candidate for future applications as an investigational tracer to evaluate altered hepatobiliary excretion as a result of drug-induced inhibition of hepatic transporters.
Measuring Tumor Metabolism in Pediatric Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma Using Hyperpolarized Carbon-13 MR Metabolic Imaging
Authors: Autry Adam W. , Hashizume Rintaro , James C. David , Larson Peder E. Z. , Vigneron Daniel B. , Park Ilwoo
Published: July 2018

Objective. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of using hyperpolarized carbon-13 (13C) metabolic imaging with [1-13C]-labeled pyruvate for evaluating real-time in vivo metabolism of orthotopic diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) xenografts. Materials and Methods. 3D 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) data were acquired on a 3T scanner from 8 rats that had been implanted with human-derived DIPG cells in the brainstem and 5 healthy controls, following injection of 2.5 mL (100 mM) hyperpolarized [1-13C]-pyruvate. Results. Anatomical images from DIPG-bearing rats characteristically exhibited T2-hyperintensity throughout the cerebellum and pons that was not accompanied by contrast enhancement. Evaluation of real-time in vivo13C spectroscopic data revealed ratios of lactate-to-pyruvate (p<0.002), lactate-to-total carbon (p<0.002), and normalized lactate (p<0.002) that were significantly higher in T2 lesions harboring tumor relative to corresponding values of healthy normal brain. Elevated levels of lactate in lesions demonstrated a distinct metabolic profile that was associated with infiltrative, viable tumor recapitulating the histopathology of pediatric DIPG. Conclusions. Results from this study characterized pyruvate and lactate metabolism in orthotopic DIPG xenografts and suggest that hyperpolarized 13C MRSI may serve as a noninvasive imaging technique for in vivo monitoring of biochemical processes in patients with DIPG.
The Role of18F-FDG PET/CT in Multiple Myeloma Staging according to IMPeTUs: Comparison of the Durie–Salmon Plus and Other Staging Systems
Authors: Deng Shengming , Zhang Bin , Zhou Yeye , Xu Xin , Li Jihui , Sang Shibiao , Zhang Wei
Published: July 2018

We aimed at comparing the Durie–Salmon Plus (DS Plus) staging system based on Italian Myeloma criteria for PET USe (IMPeTUs) with other two staging systems in predicting prognosis of patients with all stages of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM). A total of 33 MM patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. The variation between the DS Plus classification and Durie–Salmon staging system (DSS) or Revised International Staging System (RISS) classification was assessed. When staged by the DSS, patients in stage I and stage II did not reach the median overall survival (OS), and the median OS was 33 months for stage III (p=0.3621). When staged by the DS Plus, patients in stage I did not reach the median OS of stage I, and the median OS for stages II and III was 38 and nine months, respectively (p=0.0064). When staged by the RISS, patients in stage I did not reach the median OS, and the median OS was 33 and 16 months for stage II and stage III, respectively (p=0.0319). The concordances between two staging systems were 0.07 (DS Plus versus DSS) and 0.37 (DS Plus versus RISS), respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that DS Plus stage III (HR: 11.539,p=0.021) and the Deauville score of bone marrow ≥4 (HR: 3.487,p=0.031) were independent prognostic factors associated with OS. Both the DS Plus based on IMPeTUs and RISS possessed a better potential in characterizing and stratifying MM patients compared with the DSS. Moreover, DS Plus stage III and the Deauville score of bone marrow ≥4 were reliable prognostic factors in newly diagnosed MM patients.
Reexamination of Solvothermal Synthesis of Layered Carbon Nitride
Authors: Kojima Yohei , Ohfuji Hiroaki
Published: July 2018

“Graphitic carbon nitride” synthesized by the solvothermal reaction between cyanuric chloride (C3N3Cl3) and sodium amide (NaNH2), which was one of the most common methods reported so far, was carefully examined by several analytical techniques for its chemical and structural characteristics. The chemical quantification by the electron microprobe and combustion methods showed that the product synthesized has a significant amount of hydrogen with a composition C3N5H3. Moreover, we found by FT-IR and IR-Raman measurements that the product consists mainly of stacked s-triazine units on the basis of the structural framework of cyanuric chloride, suggesting that s-triazine-based carbon nitride is more stable than heptazine-based one under a mild temperature condition (~200°C). The present study clearly demonstrates that hydrogen-free, pure graphitic C3N4 cannot be produced by the present solvothermal reaction proposed by the earlier study.
Therapeutic Targeting of TFE3/IRS-1/PI3K/mTOR Axis in Translocation Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Damayanti Nur P. , Budka Justin A. , Khella Heba W.Z , Ferris Mary W. , Ku Sheng Yu , Kauffman Eric , Wood Anthony C. , Ahmed Khunsha , Chintala Venkata Nithinsai , Adelaiye-Ogala Remi , Elbanna May , Orillion Ashley , Chintala Sreenivasulu , Kao Chinghai , Linehan W. Marston , Yousef George M. , Hollenhorst Peter C. , Pili Roberto
Published: July 2018

Purpose:

Translocation renal cell carcinoma (tRCC) represents a rare subtype of kidney cancer associated with various TFE3, TFEB, or MITF gene fusions that are not responsive to standard treatments for RCC. Therefore, the identification of new therapeutic targets represents an unmet need for this disease.

Experimental Design:

We have established and characterized a tRCC patient-derived xenograft, RP-R07, as a novel preclinical model for drug development by using next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. We then assessed the therapeutic potential of inhibiting the identified pathway using in vitro and in vivo models.

Results:

The presence of a SFPQ-TFE3 fusion [t(X;1) (p11.2; p34)] with chromosomal break-points was identified by RNA-seq and validated by RT-PCR. TFE3 chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by deep sequencing analysis indicated a strong enrichment for the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Consistently, miRNA microarray analysis also identified PI3K/AKT/mTOR as a highly enriched pathway in RP-R07. Upregulation of PI3/AKT/mTOR pathway in additional TFE3–tRCC models was confirmed by significantly higher expression of phospho-S6 (P < 0.0001) and phospho-4EBP1 (P < 0.0001) in established tRCC cell lines compared with clear cell RCC cells. Simultaneous vertical targeting of both PI3K/AKT and mTOR axis provided a greater antiproliferative effect both in vitro (P < 0.0001) and in vivo (P < 0.01) compared with single-node inhibition. Knockdown of TFE3 in RP-R07 resulted in decreased expression of IRS-1 and inhibited cell proliferation.

Conclusions:

These results identify TFE3/IRS-1/PI3K/AKT/mTOR as a potential dysregulated pathway in TFE3–tRCC, and suggest a therapeutic potential of vertical inhibition of this axis by using a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor for patients with TFE3–tRCC.
Nomenclatural notes on Eugenia with closed calyces: Calycorectes O.Berg and Mitranthes O.Berg (Myrtaceae)
Authors: GIARETTA AUGUSTO , LUCAS EVE , SOUZA MARCELO DA COSTA , MAZINE FIORELLA FERNANDA , SANO PAULO TAKEO
Published: July 2018

This study incorporates results of the latest phylogenetic framework to support nomenclatural adjustment in Eugenia, including to its circumscription with regard to the genera Calycorectes and Mitranthes. Five synonyms, two new names and one new combination in Eugenia are provided; a pre-existing name for a Eugenia section is re-established.
Using “Local Climate Zones” to Detect Urban Heat Island on Two Small Cities in Alabama
Authors: Chieppa Jeff , Bush Austin , Mitra Chandana
Published: July 2018

Classifying “urban” and “rural” environments is a challenge in understanding urban climate, specifically urban heat islands (UHIs). Stewart and Oke developed the “local climate zone” (LCZ) classification system to clarify these distinctions using 17 unique groups. This system has been applied to many areas around the world, but few studies have attempted to utilize them to detect UHI effects in smaller cities. Our aim was to use the LCZ classification system 1) to detect UHI in two small cities in Alabama and 2) to determine whether similar zones experienced similar intensity or magnitude of UHIs. For 1 week, we monitored hourly temperature in two cities, in four zones: compact low-rise, open low-rise, dense forests, and water. We found that urban zones were often warmer for overall, daytime, and nighttime temperatures relative to rural zones (from −0.1° to 2.8°C). In addition, we found that temperatures between cities in similar zones were not very similar, indicating that the LCZ system does not predict UHI intensity equally in places with similar background climates. We found that the LCZ classification system was easy to use, and we recognize its potential as a tool for urban ecologists and urban planners.
Book Review: Arundhati Virmani, Political Aesthetics: Culture, Critique, and the Everyday
Authors: Kaul Suvir
Published: July 2018

Arundhati Virmani, Political Aesthetics: Culture, Critique, and the Everyday, New York: Routledge, 2016, 214 pp.
Intelligent manufacturing impact of vocational high school education through industrial-academic cooperation plan
Authors: Yen Jung-Nan , Chen Hsin-Hung , Chen Long-Hui , Hsu Hsiang-Chen , Lee Yu-Chen
Published: July 2018

The rapid advancement of information and communication technology enhances the global outsourcing semiconductor assembly and testing industry to transform into intelligent factories, in which outstanding technicians can take adaptive behaviours in the manufacturing process. However, the vocational education nowadays encounters several challenges including “learning-application gap” and “impact of low fertility rate,” and thus fails to provide sufficient manpower for intelligent manufacturing. To tackle the issue of manpower shortage, this research presented and adopted segmentation and targeting methods, especially in combination with the subsequent peer experiences model with the learning process of “intelligent simulation training system.” Parametric studies have been conducted on the “Industrial-Academic Cooperation Plan” featuring work-integrated learning to solve the predicaments mentioned above. The research demonstrated that the model of taking the learning process of intelligent simulation training system as variable for subsequent peer experiences could be used to conquer the problem of “learning-application gap.” Moreover, the research results showed the electronics department using this model in case study enjoyed an enrolment rate 24% higher than that of other electronics departments of private university in the same period. Obviously, this “Industrial-Academic Cooperation Plan” which adopts the marketing management methods “segmentation” and “targeting” is different from “offering education for everyone”; instead, it is the research results that implement “the enrolment mode with adaptive guidance” that provides the outsourcing semiconductor assembly and testing industry with quality and steady workforce required to introduce intelligent manufacturing into factories.
Understanding female migrant child labor within a cumulative risk framework: The case for combined interventions in Ghana
Authors: Bermudez Laura Gauer , Bahar Ozge Sensoy , Dako-Gyeke Mavis , Boateng Alice , Ibrahim Abdallah , Ssewamala Fred M , McKay Mary
Published: July 2018

North-to-south migration has been a persistent trend in Ghana. Yet the migrating population has recently shifted to become predominantly female and younger, with a significant increase in rural adolescent girls seeking employment in urban and peri-urban areas. For adolescents without strong networks of social and financial support, this practice can jeopardize their physical and mental health, putting them at risk of sexual victimization and economic exploitation. Building upon the work of cumulative risk and ecological systems theorists, this article examines the case of female adolescent load bearers (Kayayei) in Ghana, highlighting the need to develop and evaluate multi-component prevention efforts.
Revisiting the canons of psychiatry: Teaching the fundamentals of CATIE, STAR*D, and STEP-BD to family medicine residents
Authors: Brazill Kevin P , Warnick Stephen , White Christopher
Published: July 2018

Family medicine physicians are often the first providers to encounter and identify mental illness in their patients. Having a solid understanding of three landmark studies—Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE), Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D), and Systemic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder (STEP-BD)—can significantly improve a family medicine physician’s approach to mental illness and treatment choices, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Each of these studies has generated dozens of publications and consolidating the fundamentals of each one is essential for a resident to retain and implement findings in a real-world setting when treating patients with schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder. When presented at the 38th Forum for Behavioral Science in Family Medicine in Chicago, IL, in September 2017, learners answered pre- and post-presentation questions about the treatment and guidelines pertaining to the three studies. Discussion leaders—physicians double-boarded in family medicine and psychiatry—presented key findings, clinical guidelines generated from each study, and updates since their respective publications. At the conclusion of the talk, participants received access to a slide deck and one-page summary for use in teaching at their home residency programs. Here, we present a framework for teaching family medicine residents three important canons of psychiatry with the goal of better management of three commonly encountered mental illnesses in the primary care setting.
Prediction of postoperative lung function in lung cancer patients using perfusion scintigraphy
Authors: Yoo Ik Dong , Im Jooyeon Jamie , Chung Yong-An , Choi Eun Kyung , Oh Jin Kyung , Lee Sang-Hoon
Published: July 2018

Background

Predicting postoperative lung function is critical in lung cancer patients. Perfusion scintigraphy has been used to estimate postoperative function after lung resection.

Purpose

To evaluate the usefulness of the posterior oblique method in relation to other conventional processing methods for predicting postoperative lung function using lung perfusion scintigraphy.

Material and Methods

Fifty-five patients with non-small-cell lung cancer who underwent lobectomy were enrolled. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) values were obtained from preoperative and postoperative pulmonary function tests. After performing lung perfusion scintigraphy, predicted FEV1 values were calculated using the segment, conventional, posterior, and posterior oblique methods. Postoperative FEV1 values were compared with predicted FEV1 values.

Results

The mean value of the preoperative FEV1 was 2.29 L and that of the postoperative FEV1 was 1.89 L. The mean values of the predicted postoperative FEV1 values for the segment, conventional, posterior, and posterior oblique were 1.83 L, 1.94 L, 1.88 L, and 1.89 L, respectively. Between the observed and predicted FEV1 values, there was a strong correlation without significant difference except for conventional method. Bland–Altman analysis showed that segment and posterior methods underestimated the FEV1, whereas conventional and posterior oblique methods overestimated the FEV1.

Conclusion

Predictions with each processing method of lung perfusion scintigraphy showed nearly similar results to the actual postoperative lung function. The posterior oblique method of lung perfusion scintigraphy showed a very small difference to such an extent as to be equal to the observed FEV1, implying that this method may be applied for predicting postoperative lung function in lung cancer patients.
Cost-of-Delay Studies for Freeway Closures Caused by Northridge Earthquake
Authors: Wesemann Larry , Hamilton Tijana , Tabaie Steve , Bare Gerald
Published: July 2018

On January 17, 1994, the Northridge earthquake in California destroyed structures on four important freeways in the Los Angeles basin. Closure to travel on these damaged freeways had significant local, regional, and statewide impacts for general travel, as well as for commuter and commodities movement. Initial research indicated that the four route closures on the I-5, I-10, CA-14, and CA-118 freeways had significant ramifications on the local and state economies on the order of millions of dollars per day. With this in mind, the state of California set up high-incentive reconstruction contracts that paid private contractors significant bonuses for early reopenings of damaged routes. Further research conducted as part of the comprehensive transportation recovery evaluation justified those bonus clauses and indicated that the quantifiable (direct) transportation-related costs associated with the travel disruption and delay on the four damaged routes combined in the Los Angeles basin exceeded $1.6 million per day. The methodology used to calculate the cost-of-delay estimates for each route was based on detailed counts, surveys, and travel time (delay) data collected during the reconstruction periods, as well as computer simulation and adopted costing techniques. The geographic and systemwide extent of the impacts of closures was simulated through travel demand assignments on EMME/2 modeled highway networks that were modified to represent the earthquake-damaged system. When the economic analysis is broadened to include indirect costs associated with trip elimination, areawide disruption to shipping, or loss of jobs caused by the earthquake emergency, a much higher transportation-related cost to the California economy can be calculated.
Estimated Construction Period Impact of Widening State Highway 21 in Caldwell, Texas
Authors: Wildenthal Marie T. , Buffington Jesse L.
Published: July 2018

Documented are the during- and after-construction effects of widening a highway. Between 1991 and 1993, a 3.75 km (2.33 mi) section of State Highway (TX-21) in Caldwell, Texas, a town of 3,000, was widened for a continuous two-way left-turn lane with curbs and gutters. Data collected during and after construction include information about the abutting businesses' estimation of the impact of construction on their businesses profits and property values and on the traffic volumes, travel times, and accident rates of the highway. The number of most businesses' usable parking spaces, customers per day, and full-time and part-time employees decreased slightly during construction. Most business managers thought that sales decreased. Reported sales figures showed a 5 percent decrease, which was less severe than the business managers had estimated. Appraised abutting property values fell between 1990 and 1992, while land values increased. Construction expenditures in Texas totaled $6.095 million. The Texas input-output model estimates the impact of these expenditures to be $22.5 million in additional output and 364 jobs for the statewide economy, including $7.5 million in additional output and 121 jobs for the Caldwell economy. The benefit-cost ratio was 1.71—that is, the motorists are receiving $1.71 in benefits for every dollar spent on the project.
Residential Noise Damage Costs Caused by Motor Vehicles
Authors: Haling Daniel , Cohen Harry
Published: July 2018

An estimate of noise damage costs caused by motor vehicles has been performed. The damage calculation is based on the reduction of property values caused by vehicle noise emissions. Noise emission models are used to determine the noise levels emitted by various vehicle types, dependent on speed, volume of traffic on the roadway, and type of housing development that surrounds the roadway. The cost estimation illustrates the large variation in noise damage caused by different vehicle types, operating conditions, and location of the roadway in relation to residential areas.
Operationalizing Concepts of Equity for Public Project Investments
Authors: Khisty C. Jotin
Published: July 2018

Decisions for evaluating public project investment most frequently use benefit-cost analysis. The procedure rests on the assumption that an efficient alternative should be selected that maximizes the net aggregate benefits to society as a whole. However, this selection results in projects that invariably provide different levels of benefits to members of a community, thus contravening the principles of equity or distributive justice. Six strategies for dealing with the problem of distributive justice are explored and examined and then applied in a common setting to a public project where several efficient alternatives are proposed. While this research is not prompted by the desire to proclaim a winner from among the strategies, it is evident that some strategies make heroic attempts to reduce inequity. Issues connected with obtaining public consensus are also briefly mentioned.
Preparation of solid acid catalysts from waste biomass and their application for microwave-assisted biodiesel production from waste palm oil
Authors: Thushari Indika , Babel Sandhya
Published: July 2018

Waste utilization is essential and challenging. Utilization of wastes gives environmental, economic, and social benefits. In this study, inexpensive, sulfonated solid acid catalysts were successfully prepared from palm empty fruit bunch (PEFB), coconut meal residue (CMR), and coconut coir husk (CH) waste by a simple protocol. It was found that prepared PEFB–BCS–SO3H, CMR–BCS–SO3H, and CH–BCS–SO3H catalysts have 4.79, 3.75, and 2.80 mmol g-1 acid density and 739.0, 89.77, and 61.49 m2 g-1 surface areas, respectively. Further, the presence of active functional groups on the surface of the catalysts was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Thermal stability of the catalysts was found below 150°C. Results show that biodiesel yield increases with increasing reaction time and methanol loading, when using microwave heating for biodiesel production from waste palm oil (WPO) and prepared catalysts. A maximum biodiesel yield of 95.5% was obtained by PEFB–BCS–SO3H in 60 minutes using 20:1 methanol:oil (molar ratio) at 70°C. CMR–BCS–SO3H and CH–BCS–SO3H obtained 88.7 and 88.5% biodiesel yields in 60 minutes, using 20:1 and 16:1 methanol:oil (molar ratio), at 70 and 110°C, respectively. Even though, the activity of the catalysts decreased during reuse, these are still of interest as the waste biomass of PEFB, CMR, and CH can be used for catalyst preparation and microwave-assisted biodiesel production from WPO.
A novel gene-set association test based on variance-gamma distribution
Authors: Chen Zhongxue , Liu Qingzhong , Wang Kai
Published: July 2018

Several gene- or set-based association tests have been proposed recently in the literature. Powerful statistical approaches are still highly desirable in this area. In this paper we propose a novel statistical association test, which uses information of the burden component and its complement from the genotypes. This new test statistic has a simple null distribution, which is a special and simplified variance-gamma distribution, and its p-value can be easily calculated. Through a comprehensive simulation study, we show that the new test can control type I error rate and has superior detecting power compared with some popular existing methods. We also apply the new approach to a real data set; the results demonstrate that this test is promising.
The Enlightenment’s connections to two US accounting-based regulatory models
Authors: Collier Deirdre M , Miranti Paul J
Published: July 2018

Enlightenment ideals relating to individual and group autonomy versus state power have long shaped socioeconomic ordering in the Western world. This article explores how competing Enlightenment ideologies influenced the development of two different accounting-based regulatory models in the United States, the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Both commissions experimented with both models with different outcomes. The ICC, formed in 1887, ultimately followed a Hamiltonian approach involving direct intervention of the federal government to regulate the monopoly power of railroads. Almost half of a century later, after the 1929 Crash, the SEC was formed to re-establish public confidence in the nation’s financial markets. That resulted in reducing investors’ risk perceptions by assuring greater transactional transparency and probity. The SEC settled upon a Jeffersonian approach, which supported the delegation of responsibility for the application of accounting knowledge in regulation to professional groups rather than government officials. This approach characterized the emergent bureaucracy of the United States’ fast-expanding national executive state.
A unique schedule of palonosetron, ondansetron, and dexamethasone for the prevention of delayed nausea and vomiting in patients receiving myeloablative chemotherapy
Authors: LaPorte J , Leone K , Zhang X , Holland K , Morris L , Bashey A , Solh M , Solomon S
Published: July 2018

Myeloablative chemotherapy administered prior to autologous stem cell transplantation (auto-SCT) is associated with a significant amount of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). We conducted a phase II trial to assess the safety, efficacy, and impact on quality of life when palonosetron (PAL) 0.25 mg combined with dexamethasone were given on the final or only day of myeloablative chemotherapy for auto-SCT. The primary end point of this study was the incidence of achieving a delayed CINV complete response defined as no emetic episode and no use of rescue medications during the 24–120 h period post chemotherapy. Eighty-five patients were enrolled in the study and received PAL. A delayed CINV complete response was achieved in 15% of patients. A multivariate analysis demonstrated no associated differences between age, gender, diagnosis, or regimen. By day 5 after PAL, the mean nausea severity was 0.91 ± 2.45 vs. 0.09 ± 1.58 at baseline (p = 0.012). Quality of life measurements demonstrated similar quality of life between baseline and day 3. By day 6 however, nausea alone had a statistically significant impact on quality of life. In our study, PAL controlled nausea severity and sustained quality of life, but further strategies are needed to control delayed CINV associated with the auto-SCT process.
Improved abrasion resistance of textile fabrics due to polymer coatings
Authors: Wortmann Martin , Frese Natalie , Hes Lubos , Gölzhäuser Armin , Moritzer Elmar , Ehrmann Andrea
Published: July 2018

Textile fabrics are often subject to abrasion, starting from exposed parts of garments to a variety of technical textiles. Abrasion protection by usual coatings, however, can significantly decrease the water vapor transport through a fabric which is often not desired, especially in the case of garments. In our paper, we report on an approach to combine increased abrasion resistance with sufficient water vapor transport properties. For this, different polymers (poly(methyl methacrylate), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or amorphous polyamides) were coated on cotton and polyester woven fabrics. The results of abrasion tests against sandpaper show significantly increased abrasion resistance. The absolute evaporation resistance, measured by a Permetest testing device, was only slightly increased up to values still acceptable for typical garments. Images of all coatings by helium ion microscopy deliver an explanation for the measuring results. Polymer coatings on the polyester fabric resulted in a slight reduction of the hydrophobicity, while coating the cotton fabric severely increased the contact angles of the originally superhydrophilic material.
Classification of Alzheimer’s Disease Stages: An Approach Using PCA-Based Algorithm
Authors: Ahmad Fayyaz , Dar Waqar Mahmood
Published: July 2018

Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) allows individuals and their health managers to manage healthier medication. We proposed an approach for classification of AD stages, with respect to principal component analysis (PCA)-based algorithm. The PCA has been extensively applied as the most auspicious face-recognition algorithm. For the proposed algorithm, 100 images of 10 children were transformed for feature extraction and covariance matrix was constructed to obtain eigenvalues. The eigenvector provided a useful framework for face recognition. For the classification of AD stages, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data were obtained from Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database. Hippocampus is one of the most affected regions by AD. Thus, we selected clusters of voxels from the “hippocampus” of AD screening stage (mild cognitive impairment), AD stage 1, AD stage 2, and AD stage 3. By using eigenvectors corresponding to maximum eigenvalues of fMRI data, the purposed algorithm classified the voxels of AD stages effectively.
Decreased apolipoprotein A4 and increased complement component 3 as potential markers for papillary thyroid carcinoma: A proteomic study
Authors: Farrokhi Yekta Reyhaneh , Arefi Oskouie Afsaneh , Rezaei Tavirani Mostafa , Mohajeri-Tehrani Mohammad R. , Soroush Ahmad R.
Published: July 2018

Background:

Thyroid carcinomas have comprised the fastest rising incidence of cancer in the past decade. Currently, the diagnosis of thyroid tumors is performed by the fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) method, which still holds some challenges and limitations, mostly in discriminating malignant and benign lesions. Therefore, the development of molecular markers to distinguish between these lesion types are in progress.

Methods:

A 2D-PAGE separation of proteins was performed followed by tandem mass spectrometry with the aim of discovering potential serum protein markers for papillary thyroid carcinoma and multinodular goiter. Protein–protein interaction network analysis revealed the most important pathways involved in the progression of papillary thyroid cancer. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method was used to confirm a part of the results.

Results:

The significantly altered proteins included C3, C4A, GC, HP, TTR, APOA4, APOH, ORM2, KRT10, AHSG, IGKV3-20, and IGKC. We also confirmed that increased complement component 3 and decreased apolipoprotein A4 occurred in papillary thyroid cancer. Network investigations demonstrated that complement activation cascades and PPAR signaling might play a role in the pathogenesis of thyroid cancer.

Conclusion:

The results demonstrated that serum proteomics could serve as a viable method for proposing novel potential markers for thyroid tumors. Surely, further research must be performed in larger cohorts to validate the results.