bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electroosmotic flow and ionic conductance in a pH-regulated rectangular nanochannel
Authors: Sadeghi Morteza , Saidi Mohammad Hassan , Sadeghi Arman
Published: June 2017

Infinite series solutions are obtained for electrical potential, electroosmotic velocity, ionic conductance, and surface physicochemical properties of long pH-regulated rectangular nanochannels of low surface potential utilizing the double finite Fourier transform method. Closed form expressions are also obtained for channels of large height to width ratio for which the depthwise variations vanish. Neglecting the Stern layer impact, the effects of EDL (Electric Double Layer) overlap, multiple ionic species, and association/dissociation reactions on the surface are all taken into account. Moreover, finite-element-based numerical simulations are conducted to account for the end effects as well as to validate the analytical solutions. We show that, with the exception of the migratory ionic conductivity, all the physicochemical parameters are strong functions of the channel aspect ratio. Accordingly, a slit geometry is not a good representative of a rectangular channel when the width is comparable to the height. It is also observed that the distribution of the electrical potential is not uniform over the surface of a charge-regulated channel. In addition, unlike ordinary channels for which an increase in the background salt concentration is always accompanied by higher flow rates, quite the opposite may be true for a pH-regulated duct at higher salt concentrations.
Development of multi-channel apparatus for electron-atom Compton scattering to study the momentum distribution of atoms in a molecule
Authors: Yamazaki Masakazu , Hosono Masaki , Tang Yaguo , Takahashi Masahiko
Published: June 2017

We have developed multi-channel apparatus for electron-atom Compton scattering to study the momentum distribution of atoms in a molecule. It combines the features of both a spherical electron energy analyzer and a large-area position sensitive detector, thereby having an ability to cover almost completely the azimuthal angle range available for quasi-elastic electron Rutherford backscattering at an angle of 135°. Details and performance of the apparatus are reported, together with experimental results measured for Xe and CH4 at an incident electron energy of 2 keV. In particular, it is shown that the instrumental sensitivity is remarkably high, which has increased the signal count rate by nearly three orders of magnitude compared to existing setups. This technical progress would be useful for advancing atomic momentum spectroscopy studies.
A novel sensor for two-degree-of-freedom motion measurement of linear nanopositioning stage using knife edge displacement sensing technique
Authors: Zolfaghari Abolfazl , Jeon Seongkyul , Stepanick Christopher K. , Lee ChaBum
Published: June 2017

This paper presents a novel method for measuring two-degree-of-freedom (DOF) motion of flexure-based nanopositioning systems based on optical knife-edge sensing (OKES) technology, which utilizes the interference of two superimposed waves: a geometrical wave from the primary source of light and a boundary diffraction wave from the secondary source. This technique allows for two-DOF motion measurement of the linear and pitch motions of nanopositioning systems. Two capacitive sensors (CSs) are used for a baseline comparison with the proposed sensor by simultaneously measuring the motions of the nanopositioning system. The experimental results show that the proposed sensor closely agrees with the fundamental linear motion of the CS. However, the two-DOF OKES technology was shown to be approximately three times more sensitive to the pitch motion than the CS. The discrepancy in the two sensor outputs is discussed in terms of measuring principle, linearity, bandwidth, control effectiveness, and resolution.
Relativistic Ka-band backward-wave oscillators with stable phase
Authors: Rostov V. V. , Gunin A. V. , Romanchenko I. V. , Pedos M. S. , Rukin S. N. , Sharypov K. A. , Shunailov S. A. , Shpak V. G. , Ul'masculov M. R. , Yalandin M. I.
Published: June 2017

Time-domain analysis of Ka-band rf signals was applied to compare the phase stability of excitation of powerful quasi-stationary and superradiance backward-wave oscillators (BWO) driven by relativistic high-current electron beam (∼500 keV, ∼4 kA). It was revealed that if the rise rate of the voltage applied to explosive electron emission cathode approaches to 1 MV/ns, then the radiation phase is linked to the voltage front region with a maximum time derivative. Besides, at all other conditions being equal, superradiance BWO demonstrates less rf phase standard deviation from pulse to pulse, as compared to a quasi-stationary one—below one picosecond on a time scale.
Population monitoring of an endemic macropod, the quokka (Setonix brachyurus), in the northern jarrah forest, Western Australia
Authors: Dundas Shannon J. , Adams Peter J. , Fleming Patricia A.
Published: June 2017

Monitoring populations of threatened species plays a part in continued conservation and contributes to assessment of how effective management actions are. We estimated population indices and studied cohort demographics of mainland populations of quokkas (Setonix brachyurus) at 14 sites across the northern jarrah forest. One site is currently monitored through annual trapping, seven were intensively surveyed a decade previously, while six sites had no previous monitoring. Across the 14 study sites, no quokkas were detected at one site and the other population estimates ranged from 5 to 25 adults. Most females (86% of capture events) carried a pouch young or were lactating (indicating a young at foot). Quokka populations at the eight previously-surveyed sites showed variable population changes. We discuss likely contributing factors, including broad-scale fox baiting and fire. Comparative studies of native species over time are important; however, such comparison has limited capacity to explain population changes without comparable methods or where relevant contributing factors (e.g. predator numbers, habitat change) have not likewise been monitored. The threat of changing climate in the northern jarrah forest (where increasing temperatures and greater frequency of drought have been witnessed over the last decades) and implications for control of fire regimes increases the urgency for an updated review of quokka populations to guide appropriate management actions.
A Potentiometric Sensor for pH Monitoring with an Integrated Electrochromic Readout on Paper
Authors: Chow Edith , Liana Devi D. , Raguse Burkhard , Gooding J. Justin
Published: June 2017

Paper-based potentiometric pH sensors allow multiple measurements to be recorded in a cost-effective manner but usually in combination with an external display unit. In this work, a potentiometric pH sensor is integrated with an electrochromic readout system all on paper. The potentiometric pH sensor is based on electropolymerised aniline on a conductive gold nanoparticle film working electrode. The voltage output of the sensor is amplified using an operational amplifier and generated across an electrochromic readout system. The readout system comprises four segments of electrochromic Prussian blue/polyaniline on conductive gold nanoparticle films connected by graphite resistive separators. The colour of each segment is dependent on the voltage output from the potentiometric sensor and can be used to determine the pH range of a sample or whether the sample pH falls outside a critical value. This type of integrated paper device can be used for multiple measurements and also be applied to the development of other types of potentiometric sensors.
Population-genomic inference of the strength and timing of selection against gene flow
Authors: Aeschbacher Simon , Selby Jessica P. , Willis John H. , Coop Graham
Published: June 2017

Significance

Selection against maladaptive gene flow drives local adaptation and speciation. We present an approach to quantify the genome-wide aggregate signal of such selection. We show that the product of the density of loci under selection times their selection coefficient forms a compound parameter that can be estimated from genome-wide polymorphism and recombination data. In addition, we can infer the timing of selection and the neutral baseline migration rate. Applications to
Mimulus guttatus
on the population and species level show evidence for selection maintaining locally adapted populations and a species barrier despite recent introgression. Our approach takes background selection into account and is applicable to the growing number of genomic datasets that include samples from multiple populations experiencing divergent selection.
Evaluation of the comprehensive palatability of Japanese sake paired with dishes by multiple regression analysis based on subdomains
Authors: Nakamura Ryo , Nakano Kumiko , Tamura Hiroyasu , Mizunuma Masaki , Fushiki Tohru , Hirata Dai
Published: June 2017

Many factors contribute to palatability. In order to evaluate the palatability of Japanese alcohol sake paired with certain dishes by integrating multiple factors, here we applied an evaluation method previously reported for palatability of cheese by multiple regression analysis based on 3 subdomain factors (rewarding, cultural, and informational). We asked 94 Japanese participants/subjects to evaluate the palatability of sake (1st evaluation/E1 for the first cup, 2nd/E2 and 3rd/E3 for the palatability with aftertaste/afterglow of certain dishes) and to respond to a questionnaire related to 3 subdomains. In E1, 3 factors were extracted by a factor analysis, and the subsequent multiple regression analyses indicated that the palatability of sake was interpreted by mainly the rewarding. Further, the results of attribution-dissections in E1 indicated that 2 factors (rewarding and informational) contributed to the palatability. Finally, our results indicated that the palatability of sake was influenced by the dish eaten just before drinking.
Impaired spliceosomal UsnRNP assembly leads to Sm mRNA down-regulation and Sm protein degradation
Authors: Prusty Archana Bairavasundaram , Meduri Rajyalakshmi , Prusty Bhupesh Kumar , Vanselow Jens , Schlosser Andreas , Fischer Utz
Published: June 2017

Specialized assembly factors facilitate the formation of many macromolecular complexes in vivo. The formation of Sm core structures of spliceosomal U-rich small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles (UsnRNPs) requires assembly factors united in protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) and survival motor neuron (SMN) complexes. We demonstrate that perturbations of this assembly machinery trigger complex cellular responses that prevent aggregation of unassembled Sm proteins. Inactivation of the SMN complex results in the initial tailback of Sm proteins on the PRMT5 complex, followed by down-regulation of their encoding mRNAs. In contrast, reduction of pICln, a PRMT5 complex subunit, leads to the retention of newly synthesized Sm proteins on ribosomes and their subsequent lysosomal degradation. Overexpression of Sm proteins under these conditions results in a surplus of Sm proteins over pICln, promoting their aggregation. Our studies identify an elaborate safeguarding system that prevents individual Sm proteins from aggregating, contributing to cellular UsnRNP homeostasis.
Sources of Primary Inoculum of Botrytis cinerea and Their Impact on Fungicide Resistance Development in Commercial Strawberry Fields
Authors: Oliveira Michelle Souza , Amiri Achour , Zuniga Adrian I. , Peres Natalia A.
Published: June 2017

Strawberry transplants produced in nurseries across Canada, northern United States, and California are shipped annually to other strawberry-growing regions, including Florida. Botrytis cinerea, the causal agent of gray mold, causes latent infections on transplants which are suggested as a potential source of primary inoculum in strawberry fields. In this study, we investigated the survival of B. cinerea isolates over the summer in Florida, the presence of B. cinerea in transplants from 14 nurseries from Canada and the United States in 2011, 2012, and 2013, and the sensitivity of nursery population to several botryticides. Botrytis cinerea was detected on dead strawberry plants sampled from commercial strawberry fields between March and June but not in July and August, suggesting that the fungus does not over-summer in strawberry fields in Florida. Nursery transplants surveyed in 2011, 2012, and 2013 showed B. cinerea incidences of 20 to 37, 20 to 83, and 2.5 to 92.5%, respectively. In total, 409 isolates were tested for sensitivity to pyraclostrobin, boscalid, pyrimethanil, fenhexamid, iprodione, penthiopyrad, fluopyram, and fludioxonil. Overall, respective resistance frequencies were 91.7, 79.3, 33.2, 20.7, 2.4, 0.2, 0.2, and 0.0%. A majority of isolates tested were resistant to either 3 or 4 fungicides simultaneously. These findings reinforce the need for an integrated approach between strawberry nurseries and production fields to improve gray mold management and mitigate future risks of resistance development in B. cinerea.
A Constructive Reframing of Student Roles and Systems Learning in Medical Education Using a Communities of Practice Lens
Authors: Gonzalo Jed D. , Thompson Britta M. , Haidet Paul , Mann Karen , Wolpaw Daniel R.
Published: June 2017

Health systems are in the midst of a transformation that is being driven by a variety of forces. This has important implications for medical educators because clinical practice environments play a key role in learning and professional development, and evolving health systems are beginning to demand that providers have “systems-ready” knowledge, attitudes, and skills. Such implications provide a clear mandate for medical schools to modify their goals and prepare physicians to practice flexibly within teams and effectively contribute to the improvement of health care delivery. In this context, the concepts of value-added medical education, authentic student roles, and health systems science are emerging as increasingly important. In this Article, the authors use a lens informed by communities of practice theory to explore these three concepts, examining the implications that the communities of practice theory has in the constructive reframing of educational practices—particularly common student roles and experiences—and charting future directions for medical education that better align with the needs of the health care system. The authors apply several key features of the communities of practice theory to current experiential roles for students, then propose a new approach to students’ clinical experiences—value-added clinical systems learning roles—that provides students with opportunities to make meaningful contributions to patient care while learning health systems science at the patient and population level. Finally, the authors discuss implications for professional role formation and anticipated challenges to the design and implementation of value-added clinical systems learning roles.
Effect of Baseline Anxiety and Depression Symptoms on Selected Outcomes Following Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Authors: Cullen Kate , Talbot Daniel , Gillmor Julie , McGrath Colin , O'Donnell Rory , Baily-Scanlan Maria , Broderick Julie
Published: June 2017

Purpose:

Anxiety and depression are prevalent comorbidities in people with chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs). This study sought to quantify the influence of varying degrees of anxiety and depression on functional performance and disease impact in a population with CRDs following pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) intervention.

Methods:

The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test (CAT) were assessed pre- and post-PR. Participants were categorized into 3 groups (None, Probable, and Present) based on their level of anxiety and depression. Functional performance and disease impact outcomes were compared pre- and post-PR.

Results:

Patients consisted of a total of 134 program completers (72 males, 62 females; mean age = 67.8 years). Significant improvements in functional performance with regard to 6MWT scores were observed across all groups postintervention (P < .05). The Present group, in both the anxiety and depression domains, failed to reach a minimally clinically important difference postintervention. The Probable and Present groups achieved a significant improvement in CAT scores postintervention (P < .05).

Conclusions:

This study showed that symptoms of anxiety and depression in people with CRDs were significantly related to lower exercise tolerance levels and higher levels of disease impact. People with increased levels of anxiety and depression have the potential to significantly improve disease impact outcomes post-PR. The results demonstrated that the detection and treatment of anxiety and depression symptoms in people with CRDs are likely to be clinically important.
A CASE OF INTRAVESICAL BACILLUS CALMETTE–GUERIN–RELATED ENDOPHTHALMITIS AND RETINITIS CONFIRMED WITH RETINAL BIOPSY
Authors: Huggins Alison , Adam Murtaza , Ehmann David , Eagle Ralph C. , Malloy Barry , Garg Sunir J.
Published: June 2017

Purpose:

To present a rare case of bilateral endogenous chorioretinitis and unilateral endophthalmitis due to Mycobacterium bovis in a patient who received intravesical bacillus Calmette–Guerin (BCG) treatment.

Methods:

We present a case of a single male patient with bilateral endogenous chorioretinitis due to Mycobacterium bovis in a patient who received intravesical BCG, an attenuated strain of M. bovis widely used to treat superficial bladder cancer. The patient underwent intravitreal tap, vitrectomy, and chorioretinal biopsy with histologic examination.

Results:

The patient presented with a visual acuity of light perception in the right eye and 20/25 in the left eye. Examination of the right eye revealed dense vitreous haze, whereas the left eye demonstrated multifocal, yellow, round subretinal pigment epithelial lesions in the macula. The patient underwent a vitreous tap with injection of antibiotics and was admitted to the hospital for empiric systemic antibacterial and antifungal treatment along with an endogenous endophthalmitis workup. His systemic evaluation and vitreous tap did not identify a causal organism, and the eyes failed to improve on empiric therapies. He underwent pars plana vitrectomy and retinal biopsy of the right eye that revealed vitreal and infiltrative retinal acid-fast bacilli. Cultures confirmed M. bovis to be susceptible to ethambutol, rifampin, and isoniazid. After starting antimycobacterials, his vision improved to finger counting in the right eye, and his vision and appearance of the lesions remained stable in the left eye at postoperative month one.

Conclusion:

Intravesical BCG stimulates a local cell-mediated response that destroys malignant cells. It is generally well tolerated, although it rarely can result in secondary systemic infection. Intravesical BCG-related endophthalmitis is rare and should be considered in the setting of ocular inflammation in patients with a history of bladder cancer who may not disclose previous treatment with BCG.
Adaptation of New Colombian Food-based Complementary Feeding Recommendations Using Linear Programming
Authors: Tharrey Marion , Olaya Gilma A. , Fewtrell Mary , Ferguson Elaine
Published: June 2017

Objective:

The aim of the study was to use linear programming (LP) analyses to adapt New Complementary Feeding Guidelines (NCFg) designed for infants aged 6 to 12 months living in poor socioeconomic circumstances in Bogota to ensure dietary adequacy for young children aged 12 to 23 months.

Design:

A secondary data analysis was performed using dietary and anthropometric data collected from 12-month-old infants (n = 72) participating in a randomized controlled trial. LP analyses were performed to identify nutrients whose requirements were difficult to achieve using local foods as consumed; and to test and compare the NCFg and alternative food-based recommendations (FBRs) on the basis of dietary adequacy, for 11 micronutrients, at the population level.

Results:

Thiamine recommended nutrient intakes for these young children could not be achieved given local foods as consumed. NCFg focusing only on meat, fruits, vegetables, and breast milk ensured dietary adequacy at the population level for only 4 micronutrients, increasing to 8 of 11 modelled micronutrients when the FBRs promoted legumes, dairy, vitamin A–rich vegetables, and chicken giblets. None of the FBRs tested ensured population-level dietary adequacy for thiamine, niacin, and iron unless a fortified infant food was recommended.

Conclusions:

The present study demonstrated the value of using LP to adapt NCFg for a different age group than the one for which they were designed. Our analyses suggest that to ensure dietary adequacy for 12- to 23-month olds these adaptations should include legumes, dairy products, vitamin A–rich vegetables, organ meat, and a fortified food.
Breathlessness in the primary care setting
Authors: Baxter Noel
Published: June 2017

Purpose of review

Breathlessness is a high-volume problem with 10% of adults experiencing the symptom daily placing a heavy burden on the health and wider economy. As it worsens, they enter the specialist and hospital-based symptom services where costs quickly escalate and people may find themselves in a place not of their choosing. For many, their care will be delivered by a disease or organ specialist and can find themselves passing between physicians without coordination for symptom support. General practitioners (GPs) will be familiar with this scenario and can often feel out of their depth. Recent advances in our thinking about breathlessness symptom management can offer opportunities and a sense of hope when the GP is faced with this situation.

Recent findings

Original research, reviews and other findings over the last 12–18 months that pertain to the value that general practice and the wider primary care system can add, include opportunities to help people recognize they have a problem that can be treated. We present systems that support decisions made by primary healthcare professionals and an increasingly strong case that a solution is required in primary care for an ageing and frail population where breathlessness will be common.

Primary care practitioners and leaders must start to realize the importance of recognizing and acting early in the life course of the person with breathlessness because its impact is enormous. They will need to work closely with public health colleagues and learn from specialists who have been doing this work usually with people near to the end of life translating the skills and knowledge further upstream to allow people to live well and remain near home and in their communities.
Genome sequence variation in the constricta strain dramatically alters the protein interaction and localization map of Potato yellow dwarf virus
Authors: Jang Chanyong , Wang Renyuan , Wells Joseph , Leon Fabian , Farman Mark , Hammond John , Goodin Michael M.
Published: June 2017

The genome sequence of the constricta strain of Potato yellow dwarf virus (CYDV) was determined to be 12 792 nt long and organized into seven ORFs with the gene order 3′-N-X-P-Y-M-G-L-5′, which encodes the nucleocapsid, phospho, movement, matrix, glyco, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase proteins, respectively, except for X, which is of unknown function. Cloned ORFs for each gene, except L, were used to construct a protein interaction and localization map (PILM) for this virus, which shares greater than 80 % amino acid similarity in all ORFs except X and P with the sanguinolenta strain of this species (SYDV). Protein localization patterns and interactions unique to each viral strain were identified, resulting in strain-specific PILMs. Localization of CYDV and SYDV proteins in virus-infected cells mapped subcellular loci likely to be sites of replication, morphogenesis and movement.
The effects of ownership structure on likelihood of financial distress: an empirical evidence
Authors: Udin Shahab , Khan Muhammad Arshad , Javid Attiya Yasmin
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of corporate governance proxies by ownership structure on the likelihood of firms’ financial distress for a sample of 146 Pakistani public-limited companies listed at the Karachi Stock Exchange over the period of 2003-2012.

Design/methodology/approach

The dynamic generalized method of moments (GMM) estimator and panel logistic regression (PLR) are used to determine the impact of corporate governance on the financial distress. The ownership structure is used as a determinant of corporate governance, while the AltmanZ-score is utilized as an indicator of financial distress, as it measures financial distress inversely. The smaller the values of theZ-score, the higher will be the risk of financial distress.

Findings

The authors find insignificant impact of ownership structure on firms’ likelihood of financial distress based on the dynamic GMM method. However, the PLR results indicate that foreign shareholdings have a significant negative association with firms’ likelihood of financial distress, in the case of Pakistan. An evidence of a negative and insignificant relationship between institutional ownership and financial distress was observed, which indicates the passive role of institutional investors in Pakistan. The results also reveal a positive and significant relationship between insider’s ownership and likelihood of financial distress. This finding is consistent with the entrenchment hypothesis which predicts that insiders are more aligned with their self-interest than outside shareholders’ interest when their shareholding increases in the business. Furthermore, the results also reveal insignificant association between government shareholdings and the probability of financial distress. The reason could be the social welfare objective of the government entities rather than profit maximization.

Practical implications

The findings of this study provide more insight to corporate managers and investors about the association between the quality of corporate governance and the degree of financial distress, with respect to Pakistani firms. Furthermore, this study contributes to the existing literature by adding new evidence from developing countries like Pakistan which are helpful for regulatory bodies and policymakers in the formulation of long-term corporate governance strategies to manage the financial distress. It is well established that strengthening the quality of corporate governance practices enhances the efficiency of capital markets and reduces the probability of financial distress.

Originality/value

The study extends the body of existing literature on corporate governance and the likelihood of financial distress with reference to Pakistan. The results suggest that policymakers may pay special attention to the quality of corporate governance, specifically ownership structure, while predicting corporate financial distress.
Corporate governance and greenhouse gas disclosure: a mixed-methods approach
Authors: Chithambo Lyton , Tauringana Venancio
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether four corporate governance mechanisms (board size, non-executive directors, ownership concentration and directors’ share ownership) influence the extent of greenhouse gas (GHG) disclosure.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a mixed-methods approach based on a sample of 62 FTSE 1,000 firms. Firstly, the authors surveyed the senior management of 62 UK-listed firms in the FTSE 1,000 index to determine whether the corporate governance mechanisms influence their GHG disclosure decisions. Secondly, the authors used ordinary least squares (OLS) regression to model the relationship between the corporate governance mechanisms and GHG disclosure scores of the 62 firms.

Findings

The survey and OLS regression results both suggest that corporate governance mechanisms (board size and NEDs) do not influence GHG disclosures. However, the results of the two approaches differ, in that the survey results suggest that corporate governance mechanisms (ownership concentration and directors’ share ownership) do not influence the extent of GHG disclosure, while the opposite is true with the OLS regression results.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size of 62 firms is small which could affect the generalisability of the study. The mixed results mean that more mixed-methods approach is needed to improve the understanding of the role of corporate governance in GHG disclosures.

Originality/value

The use of mixed-methods to examine whether corporate governance mechanisms determine the extent of GHG voluntary disclosure provides additional insights not provided in prior studies.
How transformational leadership supports knowledge sharing
Authors: Le Phong Ba , Lei Hui
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to clarify the influences of transformational leadership (TL), aspects of justice and trust on knowledge sharing (KS) process after assessing the controlling role of individuals’ education and gender.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equations modeling (SEM) has been applied to evaluate the degree of influence that each variable has on the others through using data collected from 353 respondents of 56 large manufacturing and service firms.

Findings

The results show that distributive justice, procedural justice and trust in leadership play mediating roles in the relationship between TL and KS behavior. TL and procedural justice have more significant effects on knowledge collecting, while trust in the leader and distributive justice have more significant effects on knowledge donating.

Research limitations/implications

Future research can investigate how personal characteristics (e.g. educational level and work experience) may play moderating roles in the relationships between TL and KS processes.

Practical implications

From a practical perspective, the study brings a deeper understanding for directors and managers about the necessary factors to encourage and promote KS behavior in the organization.

Originality/value

The study findings provide a theoretical basis that can be used to analyze the relationships between TL, aspects of justice, trust and the KS process.
Alternative Kriging-HDMR optimization method with expected improvement sampling strategy
Authors: Li Enying , Ye Fan , Wang Hu
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of study is to overcome the error estimation of standard deviation derived from Expected improvement (EI) criterion. Compared with other popular methods, a quantitative model assessment and analysis tool, termed high-dimensional model representation (HDMR), is suggested to be integrated with an EI-assisted sampling strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

To predict standard deviation directly, Kriging is imported. Furthermore, to compensate for the underestimation of error in the Kriging predictor, a Pareto frontier (PF)-EI (PFEI) criterion is also suggested. Compared with other surrogate-assisted optimization methods, the distinctive characteristic of HDMR is to disclose the correlations among component functions. If only low correlation terms are considered, the number of function evaluations for HDMR grows only polynomially with the number of input variables and correlative terms.

Findings

To validate the suggested method, various nonlinear and high-dimensional mathematical functions are tested. The results show the suggested method is potential for solving complicated real engineering problems.

Originality/value

In this study, the authors hope to integrate superiorities of PFEI and HDMR to improve optimization performance.
Characteristics of innovation orientations in construction companies
Authors: Yusof Nor’Aini , Lai Kong Seng , Mustafa Kamal Ernawati
Published: June 2017

Purpose

An organisation’s performance tends to be associated with its innovativeness. However, innovation remains challenging in the construction industry, partially due to the complex nature of this industry. Nevertheless, innovation orientations (i.e. creation and adoption) shed new light on innovation in the construction industry. These orientations are similar but not entirely identical. Although most studies do not discuss these orientations in any detail, this study aims to classify the characteristics of the innovation orientations and determines the state of innovation among construction companies in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey questionnaire was mailed to 1,230 construction companies in Malaysia. Descriptive analysis was used to examine the respondents’ profiles, and factor analysis was used to classify the innovation orientation characteristics. A paired samplest-test was used to determine the state of innovation among the construction companies.

Findings

Innovation creation reflects a pioneer’s efforts and involves being a market explorer that tolerates risk and is research and development (R&D)-oriented, whereas innovation adoption involves being a creative imitator, a market follower and a safe player. Construction companies in Malaysia are innovation adoption–oriented.

Research limitations/implications

This study uses quantitative methods only; therefore, the findings are statistically oriented. The small sample size makes generalisation challenging, so this study reflects only the built environment of the developing country of Malaysia.

Originality/value

This study classifies the characteristics of innovation creation and innovation adoption with respect to the innovation orientation of construction companies in Malaysia.
Managing occupational stress of professionals in large construction projects
Authors: De Silva Nayanthara , Samanmali Rasika , De Silva Harsha Lal
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Occupational stress among professionals in construction industry is increasing considerably due to faster economic development projects in many developing countries. Reportedly, construction professionals are the third most affected group after miners and police officers. Hence, the study aims to explore profession-specific occupational stressors, their impact on professional and the prevention strategies in place at an organizational level. The study is further focused to identify specific prevention strategies that can be implemented at the organizational level.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire-based survey was performed among construction professionals such as project managers, engineers and quantity surveyors involved in large construction projects to identify occupational stress causing factors pertinent to construction professionals, their impact and occupational stress prevention strategies. Stress prevention strategies at primary, secondary and tertiary levels were analyzed to establish the stress prevention framework for large organizations.

Findings

Eleven occupational stress causing factors were identified to be significant in creating negative impact at work. Further, 13 resultant impacts of negative stress were recognized. Three primary prevention strategies, three secondary prevention strategies and a tertiary prevention approach were identified using a factor analysis to manage these occupational stresses at the organizational level.

Originality/value

Impact of occupational stress on construction professionals that may cause poor performance of the industry can be controlled by effectively managing and controlling the negative stresses.
Pyoderma gangrenosum and underlying diseases in Japanese patients: A regional long‐term study
Authors: Inoue Sae , Furuta Jun‐ichi , Fujisawa Yasuhiro , Onizawa Saori , Ito Shusaku , Sakiyama Masayuki , Kobayashi Keiko , Kanou Toshiyuki , Iijima Shigeruko , Ohi Tsunao , Okubo Chimaki , Moriyama Yoshihiro , Okiyama Naoko , Fujimoto Manabu
Published: June 2017

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown cause that presents as an inflammatory and ulcerative disorder of the skin. PG is often associated with an underlying systemic disease. However, the frequencies of the underlying diseases are unclear in Japanese patients. In this retrospective, observational study, all patients diagnosed with PG who visited dermatology departments of nine regional hospitals in and around Ibaraki Prefecture were collected from 1982 to 2011 or 2014. The diagnoses of PG were based on the characteristic clinical and histological appearances and ruling out of infection. Sixty‐two PG patients, including 29 males and 33 females, were identified. The ages of onset were 16–89 years, and the mean age was 50.2 years. Fifty (80%) of the 62 patients presented with an ulcerative PG, and the lower leg was the most common site (74%). Forty‐six (74%) PG patients had underlying diseases. The most frequent was ulcerative colitis (32%), followed by myelodysplastic syndrome (11%), rheumatoid arthritis (6%) and aortitis syndrome (5%). For treatment, 54 cases (87%) received systemic corticosteroids and 10 received additional treatment with cyclosporin. There was no significant correlation between underlying diseases and response to the initial treatment. Multivariate analysis revealed that the number of affected sites negatively correlated with successful initial treatment. Fifteen (24%) of the 62 cases relapsed. In conclusion, ulcerative colitis and hematological disorders were frequently associated with PG while approximately a quarter of the cases were idiopathic.
Association of recent gay‐related stressful events and emotional distress with suicidal behaviors over 12 months in Chinese men who have sex with men
Authors: Yu Liya , Li Yanxia , Liu Li , Li Shuang , Na Jun , An Xiaoxia , Zhou Yan , Gu Yuan , Bi Xuejuan , Mu Huijuan , Zhang Rui , Dong Wen , Pan Guowei
Published: June 2017

Introduction

The study was designed to assess the association of gay‐related stressful events (GRSEs) and emotional distress with suicidal behaviors over a 12‐month period in Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM).

Methods

A total of 807 MSM were recruited using a respondent‐driven sampling method from 4 cities in northeastern China. The GRSEs were measured using the Gay‐related Stressful Life Events Scale, depression using the Self‐rating Depression Scale, and anxiety using the Self‐rating Anxiety Scale.

Results

A total of 26.0% of study participants experienced GRSEs during the 3 months, and their average Self‐rating Depression Scale and Self‐rating Anxiety Scale scores were significantly lower than the national norms. Over a 12‐month period, the prevalence of suicidal ideation, plan, and attempt was 9.7%, 4.0%, and 3.0%, respectively, each of which is at least 3 to 4 times greater than that of male adults in the general population of China. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that GRSEs significantly increased the risk of suicidal ideation (odds ratio [OR] = 2.3, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4‐3.7) and plan (OR = 2.8, 95% CI, 1.3‐6.0). Depressive symptoms significantly increased the risk of suicidal ideation (OR = 3.5, 95% CI, 2.1‐5.8), plan (OR = 4.4, 95% CI, 2.0‐9.6), and attempt (OR = 5.6, 95% CI, 21.94.8). Anxiety symptoms (OR = 3.4, 95% CI, 1.4‐8.4) and cohabitation with a same sex partner (OR = 3.0, 95% CI, 1.2‐7.9) significantly increased the risk of suicide attempt.

Discussion

More efforts to reduce GRSE are worth investigating as a strategy to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors in Chinese MSM.
Enucleation of solid pseudopapillary tumor with a preoperative nasopancreatic drainage stent in a child
Authors: Tanaka Keiichiro , Misawa Takeyuki , Haruki Koichiro , Saito Ryota , Gocho Takeshi , Akiba Tadashi
Published: June 2017

Solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) is a rare pancreatic tumor with low‐grade malignancy in children. A complete surgical resection can achieve a favorable prognosis. Although several reports have indicated that enucleation is considered a safe and effective treatment, the most significant complication is injury to the main pancreatic duct. The usefulness and safety of tumor enucleation after preoperative placement of an endoscopic nasopancreatic drainage stent (NPDS) has recently been reported. We present the case of SPT in a 10‐year‐old girl. To avoid and detect injury to the main pancreatic duct during operation, an NPDS was endoscopically placed before laparotomy. The patient underwent a complete enucleation of the tumor with the guidance of an NPDS. Our case is the first report of a successful enucleation of an SPT with a preoperative placement of an NPDS. This procedure may lead to safe enucleation of a pancreatic tumor with low malignancy, such as SPT, in children.
A phase I trial of PRN1008, a novel reversible covalent inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase, in healthy volunteers
Authors: Smith Patrick F. , Krishnarajah Janakan , Nunn Philip A. , Hill Ron J. , Karr Dane , Tam D. , Masjedizadeh Mohammad , Funk Jens O. , Gourlay Steve G.
Published: June 2017

Aim

To evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics of PRN1008, a novel Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, in healthy volunteers, and thus determine the dose range for future clinical studies.

Methods

This was a two‐part randomized, placebo controlled study in healthy volunteers using a liquid formulation. Part I was a single ascending dose design with dose levels of 50–1200 mg (n = 6 active, two placebos per cohort); Part II was a multiple ascending dose design, with dose regimens ranging from 300 to 900 mg daily, either four times or twice daily for 10 days. Plasma pharmacokinetics, adverse events, vital signs, electrocardiograms and laboratory parameters were assessed. BTK occupancy in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was evaluated as a marker of target engagement.

Results

PRN1008 was rapidly absorbed following oral administration, and was safe and well tolerated in all dose regimens evaluated in both single and multiple doses. PRN1008 demonstrated a large volume of distribution, and a half‐life of approximately 3–4 h. BTK occupancy of >90% was observed within 4 h after dosing in both single and multiple dose regimens, and was closely linked to maximum plasma concentration. BTK occupancy decay was slow (–1.6% h–1), and occupancy was sustained despite drug concentrations being undetectable. No severe or serious adverse events occurred, and the most common adverse events were gastrointestinal in nature.

Conclusions

PRN1008 was safe and well‐tolerated following oral administration, and achieved high, sustained levels of BTK occupancy in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
Comparison of serum vaspin levels and vaspin expression in adipose tissue and smooth muscle tissue in pregnant women with and without gestational diabetes
Authors: Tang Yuping , Qiao Ping , Qu Xiaoxian , Bao Yirong , Li Yuhong , Liao Yini , Ying Hao
Published: June 2017

Objective

Vaspin is associated with metabolic parameters and insulin resistance. However, the expression of vaspin in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has not been fully explored, and the contribution of vaspin to the biological mechanisms underlying GDM remains unclear. This study aimed to compare circulating vaspin levels and its expression in different insulin target tissues including subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), VAT and smooth muscle tissue (SMT) in pregnant women with and without GDM.

Design

A total of 37 women with GDM (GDM group) and 37 normal pregnant women (control group) were selected. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FINS) and serum vaspin levels were quantified at term, and homeostasis model of assessment2‐insulin resistance (HOMA2‐IR) values were calculated. RT‐qPCR and Western blotting were used to measure mRNA and protein levels of vaspin in VAT, SAT and SMT of 15 GDM women and normal pregnant women.

Results

In the GDM group, serum vaspin concentrations were significantly higher than in the control group. Serum vaspin levels were positively correlated with HOMA2‐IR in the GDM group but not in the control group. In the GDM group, vaspin mRNA and protein expression levels in SAT and VAT were both significantly higher than in controls, but no difference was found in SMT. Moreover, relative mRNA but not protein expression levels of vaspin in SAT were highest among the three tissues in both groups.

Conclusions

Circulating vaspin levels and expression of vaspin in SAT and VAT were higher in GDM women than in normal pregnant women. However, the specific role of vaspin from SAT and VAT in the pathogenesis of GDM needs further study.
Resolution of donor non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease following liver transplantation
Authors: Posner Andrew D. , Sultan Samuel T. , Zaghloul Norann A. , Twaddell William S. , Bruno David A. , Hanish Steven I. , Hutson William R. , Hebert Laci , Barth Rolf N. , LaMattina John C.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Transplant surgeons conventionally select against livers displaying high degrees (>30%) of macrosteatosis (MaS), out of concern for primary non‐function or severe graft dysfunction. As such, there is relatively limited experience with such livers, and the natural history remains incompletely characterized. We present our experience of transplanted livers with high degrees of MaS and microsteatosis (MiS), with a focus on the histopathologic and clinical outcomes.

Methods

Twenty‐nine cases were identified with liver biopsies available from both the donor and the corresponding liver transplant recipient. Donor liver biopsies displayed either MaS or MiS ≥15%, while all recipients received postoperative liver biopsies for cause.

Results

The mean donor MaS and MiS were 15.6% (range 0%‐60%) and 41.3% (7.5%‐97.5%), respectively. MaS decreased significantly from donor (M=15.6%) to recipient postoperative biopsies (M=0.86%), P<.001. Similarly, MiS decreased significantly from donor biopsies (M=41.3%) to recipient postoperative biopsies (M=1.8%), P<.001. At a median of 68 days postoperatively (range 4‐384), full resolution of MaS and MiS was observed in 27 of 29 recipients.

Conclusions

High degrees of MaS and MiS in donor livers resolve in recipients following liver transplantation. Further insight into the mechanisms responsible for treating fatty liver diseases could translate into therapeutic targets.
Pill testing or drug checking in Australia: Acceptability of service design features
Authors: Barratt Monica J. , Bruno Raimondo , Ezard Nadine , Ritter Alison
Published: June 2017

Introduction and Aims. This study aimed to determine design features of a drug‐checking service that would be feasible, attractive and likely to be used by Australian festival and nightlife attendees. Design and Methods. Web survey of 851 Australians reporting use of psychostimulants and/or hallucinogens and attendance at licensed venues past midnight and/or festivals in the past year (70% male; median age 23 years). Results. A drug‐checking service located at festivals or clubs would be used by 94%; a fixed‐site service external to such events by 85%. Most (80%) were willing to wait an hour for their result. Almost all (94%) would not use a service if there was a possibility of arrest, and a majority (64%) would not use a service that did not provide individual feedback of results. Drug‐checking results were only slightly more attractive if they provided comprehensive quantitative results compared with qualitative results of key ingredients. Most (93%) were willing to pay up to $5, and 68% up to $10, per test. One‐third (33%) reported willingness to donate a whole dose for testing: they were more likely to be male, younger, less experienced, use drugs more frequently and attend venues/festivals less frequently. Discussion and Conclusions. In this sample, festival‐ or club‐based drug‐checking services with low wait times and low cost appear broadly attractive under conditions of legal amnesty and individualised feedback. Quantitative analysis of ecstasy pills requiring surrender of a whole pill may appeal to a minority in Australia where pills are more expensive than elsewhere. [Barratt MJ, Bruno R, Ezard N, Ritter A. Pill testing or drug checking in Australia: Acceptability of service design features. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;00:000‐000]