bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased efficiency in biomimetic Lewis acid–base pair catalyzed monoacylation of diols by acyl phosphate monoesters
Authors: Li Yuyang , Kluger Ronald
Published: September 2017

Acyl phosphate monoesters are biomimetic acylation reagents that require coordination to metal ions to react with cis-diol substrates in water. With lanthanide catalysts, outcomes are compromised by (1) the competitive lanthanide-promoted hydrolysis of the acyl phosphate reagents as well as by (2) the high affinity of lanthanum ions for the phosphate monoester by-product. Based on analysis of the mechanism of the process, optimizing reaction conditions can selectively inhibit the lanthanum-promoted hydrolysis of acyl phosphate monoesters. Furthermore, using zinc salts and lead salts in place of lanthanides enhances the reactivity of the reactants and causes less complexation of the metal ion with the by-products.
Online Single Machine Scheduling to Minimize the Maximum Starting Time
Authors: Lu Lingfa , Zhang Liqi
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we consider the online single machine scheduling problem to minimize the maximum starting time of the jobs. For the non-preemptive model, we show that there is no determined or randomized online algorithm with a bounded competitive ratio. For the preemption-resume model, we show that the well-known SRPT rule yields an optimal schedule. For the preemption-restart model, we show that any determined online algorithm has a competitive ratio of at least 2 and present an online algorithm with the best-possible competitive ratio of 2.
Bunker diesel viscosity is dramatically reduced by electrorheological treatment
Authors: Du Enpeng , Xu X. , Huang K. , Tang H. , Tao R.
Published: September 2017

Bunker diesel is an important fuel for heavy duty engines, such as navy ships. It is different from the Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel which is used for highway system vehicles, which has high level sulfur. The Department of Defense (DOD) testified in September 2006 that its energy use represents about 1.2% of total U.S. energy use, of which marine diesel fuel accounts for 13%, that is, 16 million barrels of oil. The Navy spent $900 million for fuel for its ships and aircraft. For fossil-fueled Navy ships, reducing energy use can reduce fuel costs, increase cruising range, increasing its survivability by reducing emissions of hot exhaust gasses. If applied to a significant number of ships, an increase in cruising range might permit a reduction in Navy costs for fuel-related force structure and infrastructure. The flow rate of bunker diesel can be increased 30% by electric field treatment, that is, by reducing the viscosity at least 50%. This could lead to significant cost savings and increase cruising range.
Searching for Cerebrovascular Disease Optimal Treatment Recommendations Applying Partially Observable Markov Decision Processes
Authors: Victorio-Meza Hermilo , Mejía-Lavalle Manuel , Martínez Rebollar Alicia , Ortega Andrés Blanco , Lagunas Obdulia Pichardo , Sidorov Grigori
Published: September 2017

Partially observable Markov decision processes (POMDPs) are mathematical models for the planning of action sequences under conditions of uncertainty. Uncertainty in POMDPs is manifested in two ways: uncertainty in the perception of model states and uncertainty in the effects of actions on states. The diagnosis and treatment of cerebral vascular diseases (CVD) present this double condition of uncertainty, so we think that POMDP is the most suitable method to model them. In this paper, we propose a model of CVD that is based on observations obtained from neuroimaging studies such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance and ultrasound. The model is designed as a POMDP because the health status of the patient is not directly observable, and only can be deduced, with some probability, from the observations in the cerebral images. The components of the model (states, observations, actions, etc.) were defined based on specialized literature. A diagnosis of the patient’s health status is made and the most appropriate action for the recovery of health is recommended after introducing the observations when operating the model. Consultation of the probable state of health of the patient and alternative actions is also allowed.
Several Generalized Interval-Valued 2-Tuple Linguistic Interval Distance Measures and Their Application
Authors: Meng Fanyong , Yuan Yige , Chen Xiaohong
Published: September 2017

Interval-valued linguistic variables are efficient tools to express the decision makers’ uncertain qualitative judgments. Considering the application of interval-valued linguistic variables, this paper proposes an interval distance measure, which is then used to define interval-valued linguistic interval distance measures by combining the 2-tuple linguistic representation model. To reflect the interactions between elements in a set, three correlative interval distance measures on intervalvalued linguistic variables are proposed. Meanwhile, several models designed to obtain the optimal weighting vector are constructed. After that, an approach to pattern recognition and to multi-attribute decision making with interval-valued linguistic information is developed. Meanwhile, associated examples are offered to demonstrate the concrete application of the proposed procedure.
TUNGSTEN OXIDES FORMATION ON THE INTERFACE OF THE CEMENTED CARBIDE AND THE INCONEL 182 OVERLAYS AT ELEVATED TEMPERATURE UP TO 800∘C
Authors: WANG CHENGDONG , MING WEIWEI , CHEN MING
Published: September 2017

Inconel 182 overlays is well known as a promising filler material, depositing on the surface of the critical components in nuclear power plants, light water reactor and petrochemical devices. As the deposited surface is usually non-uniform and irregular, the relative anti-impact cemented carbide tool is required. As the cemented carbide cannot withstand high temperature, the tungsten oxides are prone to form at elevated temperature, resulting in catastrophic tool failure. However, few literature reveals the tungsten oxides formation on the interface of the cemented carbide and Inconel 182 overlays at elevated temperature. Therefore, this study investigates the tungsten oxides formation on the interface of the cemented carbide (as well as its TiAlN or TiN coating for comparison) and the Inconel 182 overlays at elevated temperature up to 800∘C. The results show that the tungsten oxides WO[Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]) are WO2, WO[Formula: see text], WO[Formula: see text] and WO3. They are formed by oxidation or reduction reactions at different combinations of the temperature and the atom percentage of oxygen.
ENHANCED FIRE RETARDANCY BY USING LARGE SURFACE AREA OF POLYALUMINUM HYDROXIDE ON SILICA SPHERES
Authors: KONG HA-SUNG , KIM BYOUNG-JU , KANG KWANG-SUN
Published: September 2017

Fire retardancy was greatly enhanced by using large surface area of polyaluminum hydroxide (PAH) attaching on the surface of uniform size silica spheres. The PAH was synthesized on the surface of silica spheres by simple hydrolysis and condensation reaction using KOH or NH4OH as a catalyst. Although partial segregation between silica spheres and PAH was observed when KOH was used as a catalyst, there was no such segregation was observed when NH4OH was used as a catalyst. Characteristic absorption peaks of Al–OH and Si–O–Al were detected by FTIR spectra after completely washing silica spheres. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) images show large amount of long chain of PAH. Various amounts of PAH were attached on the surface of silica spheres and mixed with cellulose acetate for testing fire retardancy. The fire retardancy was greatly enhanced by increasing the amount of PAH and proved by FESEM images.
Free white noise flows
Authors: Accardi Luigi , Ayed Wided
Published: September 2017

We extend to free white noise Heisenberg equations the proof of the equivalence between (non-Hamiltonian) stochastic differential equations and Hamiltonian white noise equations.

This gives in particular, the microscopic structure of the maps defining free white noise stochastic flows in terms of the free white noise derivations defining them.
Effect of Geometrical Parameters on the Performance of Linear Motor for a Stirling Cooler
Authors: Rajesh V. R. , Biju T. K.
Published: September 2017

Stirling coolers are becoming more popular in the area of remote sensing and space applications because of their inherent characteristics, viz., long life, high reliability, less weight, etc. In order to have a good onboard performance, the selection of the compressor drive system is crucial. The current development is to replace the conventional crank-driven compressor with a linear motor-driven compressor. Linear motors are simple devices in which axial forces are generated by current flowing in a magnetic field. This paper explores the possibility of employing various combinations of components and their materials for the design of linear drive system. The analysis includes material selection, electromagnetic design and comparison of different configurations in order to meet the stringent operating requirements of the cooler. The compactness of the Stirling cooler is influenced by the available permanent magnet dimensions, the coil winding and the shape of the outer core. Various material combinations were simulated and compared before finalizing the motor geometry. The effect of an increase in magnet height on the flux density of the air gap was studied and the magnetic saturation levels of the inner and outer core were analyzed. The influence of radial air gap on the thrust force was compared for the different configurations. The present study helps in choosing a linear motor with appropriate materials and geometry in the development of a Stirling cooler.
Taking the Pulse of US College Campuses with Location-Based Anonymous Mobile Apps
Authors: Wu Yanqiu , Minkus Tehila , Ross Keith W.
Published: September 2017

We deploy GPS hacking in conjunction with location-based mobile apps to passively survey users in targeted geographical regions. Specifically, we investigate surveying students at different college campuses with Yik Yak, an anonymous mobile app that is popular on US college campuses. In addition to being campus centric, Yik Yak’s anonymity allows students to express themselves candidly without self-censorship.

We collect nearly 1.6 million Yik Yak messages (“yaks”) from a diverse set of 45 college campuses in the United States. We use natural language processing to determine the sentiment (positive, negative, or neutral) of all of the yaks. We employ supervised machine learning to predict the gender of the authors of the yaks and then analyze how sentiment differs among the two genders on college campuses. We also use supervised machine learning to classify all the yaks into nine topics and then investigate which topics are most popular throughout the US and how topic popularity varies on the different campuses. The results in this article provide significant insight into how campus culture and student’s thinking varies among US colleges and universities.
TensorBeat
Authors: Wang Xuyu , Yang Chao , Mao Shiwen
Published: September 2017

Breathing signal monitoring can provide important clues for health problems. Compared to existing techniques that require wearable devices and special equipment, a more desirable approach is to provide contact-free and long-term breathing rate monitoring by exploiting wireless signals. In this article, we propose TensorBeat, a system to employ channel state information (CSI) phase difference data to intelligently estimate breathing rates for multiple persons with commodity WiFi devices. The main idea is to leverage the tensor decomposition technique to handle the CSI phase difference data. The proposed TensorBeat scheme first obtains CSI phase difference data between pairs of antennas at the WiFi receiver to create CSI tensors. Then canonical polyadic (CP) decomposition is applied to obtain the desired breathing signals. A stable signal matching algorithm is developed to identify the decomposed signal pairs, and a peak detection method is applied to estimate the breathing rates for multiple persons. Our experimental study shows that TensorBeat can achieve high accuracy under different environments for multiperson breathing rate monitoring.
Semantic Optimization in Tractable Classes of Conjunctive Queries
Authors: Barceló Pablo , Pieris Andreas , Romero Miguel
Published: September 2017

This paper reports on recent advances in semantic query optimization. We focus on the core class of conjunctive queries (CQs). Since CQ evaluation is NP-complete, a long line of research has concentrated on identifying fragments of CQs that can be efficiently evaluated. One of the most general such restrictions corresponds to bounded generalized hypertreewidth, which extends the notion of acyclicity. Here we discuss the problem of reformulating a CQ into one of bounded generalized hypertreewidth. Furthermore, we study whether knowing that such a reformulation exists alleviates the cost of CQ evaluation. In case a CQ cannot be reformulated as one of bounded generalized hypertreewidth, we discuss how it can be approximated in an optimal way. All the above issues are examined both for the constraint-free case, and the case where constraints, in fact, tuple-generating and equality-generating dependencies, are present
A Survey of Traditional and MapReduceBased Spatial Query Processing Approaches
Authors: Singh Hari , Bawa Seema
Published: September 2017

Various indexing methods of spatial data have come out after rigorous efforts put by many researchers for fast processing of spatial queries. Parallelizing spatial index building and query processing have become very popular for improving efficiency. The MapReduce framework provides a modern way of parallel processing. A MapReduce-based works for spatial queries consider the existing traditional spatial indexing for building spatial indexes in parallel. The majority of the spatial indexes implemented in MapReduce use R-Tree and its variants. Therefore, R-Tree and its variantbased traditional spatial indexes are thoroughly surveyed in the paper. The objective is to search for still less explored spatial indexing approaches, having the potential for parallelism in MapReduce. The review work also provides a detailed survey of MapReduce-based spatial query processing approaches - hierarchical indexed and packed key-value storage based spatial dataset. Both approaches use different data partitioning strategies for distributing data among cluster nodes and managing the partitioned dataset through different indexing. Finally, a number of parameters are selected for comparison and analysis of all the existing approaches in the literature.
Report from the third workshop on Algorithms and Systems for MapReduce and Beyond (BeyondMR'16)
Authors: Afrati Foto N. , Hidders Jan , Ré Christopher , Sroka Jacek , Ullman Jeffrey
Published: September 2017

This report summarizes the presentations and discussions of the third workshop on Algorithms and Systems for MapReduce and Beyond (BeyondMR'16). The BeyondMR workshop was held in conjunction with the 2016 SIGMOD conference in San Francisco, California, USA on July 1, 2016. The goal of the workshop was to bring together researchers and practitioners to explore algorithms, computational models, architectures, languages and interfaces for systems that need largescale parallelization and systems designed to support efficient parallelization and fault tolerance. These include specialized programming and data-management systems based on MapReduce and extensions, graph processing systems, data-intensive workflow and dataflow systems. The program featured two very well attended invited talks by Ion Stoica from AMPLab, University of California Berkeley and Carlos Guestrin from the University of Washington.
Common Pitfalls in Training and Evaluating Recommender Systems
Authors: Chen Hung-Hsuan , Chung Chu-An , Huang Hsin-Chien , Tsui Wen
Published: September 2017

This paper formally presents four common pitfalls in training and evaluating recommendation algorithms for information systems. Specifically, we show that it could be problematic to separate the server logs into training and test data for model generation and model evaluation if the training and the test data are selected improperly. In addition, we show that click through rate { a common metric to measure and compare the performance of different recommendation algorithms -- may not be a good measurement of profitability { the income a recommendation module brings to a website. Moreover, we demonstrate that evaluating recommendation revenue may not be a straightforward task as it first looks. Unfortunately, these pitfalls appeared in many previous studies on recommender systems and information systems. We explicitly explain these problems and propose methods to address them. We conducted experiments to support our claims. Finally, we review previous papers and competitions that may suffer from these problems.
Postchallenge hyperglycemia in subjects with low body weight: implication for small glucose volume
Authors: Sakuma Takahiro , Yamashita Koh , Miyakoshi Takahiro , Shimodaira Masanori , Yokota Naokazu , Sato Yuka , Hirabayashi Kazuko , Koike Hideo , Yamauchi Keishi , Shimbo Takuro , Aizawa Toru
Published: September 2017

A hypothesis that postchallenge hyperglycemia in subjects with low body weight (BW) may be due, in part, to small glucose volume (GV) was tested. We studied 11,411 nondiabetic subjects with a mean BW of 63.3 kg; 5,282 of them were followed for a mean of 5.3 yr. In another group of 1,537 nondiabetic subjects, insulin sensitivity, secretion, and a product of the two (index of whole body insulin action) were determined. Corrected 2 h-plasma glucose (2hPGcorr) during a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test in subjects with BW ≤ 59 kg was calculated as 2hPGcorr = δPG2h · ECW/[16.1 (males) or 15.3 (females)] + fasting PG (FPG), where δPG2h is plasma glucose increment in 2 h; ECW is extracellular water (surrogate of GV); FPG is fasting plasma glucose; and 16.1 and 15.3 are ECW of men and women, respectively, with BW = 59 kg. Multivariate analyses for BW with adjustment for age, sex, and percent body fat were undertaken. BW was, across its entire range, positively correlated with FPG ( P < 0.01). Whereas BW was correlated with 2hPG and δPG in a skewed J-shape, with inflections at around 60 kg ( P for nonlinearity < 0.01 for each). Nonetheless, in those with BW ≤ 59 kg, insulin sensitivity, secretion, and action were unattenuated, and incident diabetes was less compared with heavier counterparts. BW was linearly correlated with 2hPGcorr, i.e., the J-shape correlation was mitigated by the correction. In conclusion, postchallenge hyperglycemia in low BW subjects is in part due to small GV rather than impaired glucose metabolism.
An Atypical Porencephalic Cyst Manifesting as a Simple Partial Seizure: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Al Thafar Abdulaziz Ibrahim , Al Rashed Abdullatif Sami , Al Matar Bayan Abdullah , Al-Sharydah Abdulaziz Mohammad , Al-Abdulwahhab Abdulrahman Hamad , Al-Suhibani Sari Saleh
Published: September 2017

Background. Porencephaly is an extremely rare neurological disease characterized by the presence of solitary or multiple degenerative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cavities within the brain parenchyma. Case Report. We describe a case involving a 23-year-old male who presented with involuntary movements of the left upper limb of 6 months’ duration. A diagnosis of porencephaly was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Conclusion. The rarity of occurrence and atypical presentation of such a lesion present a challenge to clinicians. Little is known about the pathogenesis and appropriate management of porencephaly. Further studies of the implications of porencephaly for neurodevelopment and behavior are needed.
The Angiogenic Potential of DPSCs and SCAPs in an In Vivo Model of Dental Pulp Regeneration
Authors: Hilkens Petra , Bronckaers Annelies , Ratajczak Jessica , Gervois Pascal , Wolfs Esther , Lambrichts Ivo
Published: September 2017

Adequate vascularization, a restricting factor for the survival of engineered tissues, is often promoted by the addition of stem cells or the appropriate angiogenic growth factors. In this study, human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs) were applied in an in vivo model of dental pulp regeneration in order to compare their regenerative potential and confirm their previously demonstrated paracrine angiogenic properties. 3D-printed hydroxyapatite scaffolds containing DPSCs and/or SCAPs were subcutaneously transplanted into immunocompromised mice. After twelve weeks, histological and ultrastructural analysis demonstrated the regeneration of vascularized pulp-like tissue as well as mineralized tissue formation in all stem cell constructs. Despite the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor in vitro, the stem cell constructs did not display a higher vascularization rate in comparison to control conditions. Similar results were found after eight weeks, which suggests both osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation of the transplanted stem cells and the promotion of angiogenesis in this particular setting. In conclusion, this is the first study to demonstrate the successful formation of vascularized pulp-like tissue in 3D-printed scaffolds containing dental stem cells, emphasizing the promising role of this approach in dental tissue engineering.
IVC Measurements in Critically Ill Patients with Acute Renal Failure
Authors: Jambeih Rami , Keddissi Jean I. , Youness Houssein A.
Published: September 2017

Objective. To determine whether the inferior vena cava (IVC) measurement by bedside ultrasound (US-IVC) predicts improvement in renal function in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). Design. Prospective observational study. Setting. Medical intensive care unit. Patients. 33 patients with AKI were included. Intervention. US-IVC was done on admission. The patients’ management was done by the primary teams, who were unaware of the US-IVC findings. Two groups of patients were identified. Group 1 included patients who were managed in concordance with their US-IVC (potential volume responders who had a positive fluid balance at 48 h after admission and potential volume nonresponders who had an even or negative fluid balance at 48 hours after admission). Group 2 included patients in whom the fluid management was discordant with their US-IVC. Measurements and Main Results. At 48 hours, Group 1 patients had a greater improvement in creatinine [85% versus 31%, p=0.0002], creatinine clearance (78±93% versus 8±64%, p=0.002), and urine output (0.86±0.54 versus 0.45±0.36 ml/Kg/h, p=0.03). Conclusion. In critically ill patients with AKI, concurrence of fluid therapy with IVC predicted fluid management, as assessed by bedside ultrasound, was associated with improved renal function at 48 hours. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT02064244.
Kinetic Hydration Heat Modeling for High-Performance Concrete Containing Limestone Powder
Authors: Wang Xiao-Yong
Published: September 2017

Limestone powder is increasingly used in producing high-performance concrete in the modern concrete industry. Limestone powder blended concrete has many advantages, such as increasing the early-age strength, reducing the setting time, improving the workability, and reducing the heat of hydration. This study presents a kinetic model for modeling the hydration heat of limestone blended concrete. First, an improved hydration model is proposed which considers the dilution effect and nucleation effect due to limestone powder addition. A degree of hydration is calculated using this improved hydration model. Second, hydration heat is calculated using the degree of hydration. The effects of water to binder ratio and limestone replacement ratio on hydration heat are clarified. Third, the temperature history and temperature distribution of hardening limestone blended concrete are calculated by combining hydration model with finite element method. The analysis results generally agree with experimental results of high-performance concrete with various mixing proportions.
Triple Cultures Increase the Diagnostic Sensitivity of Mycobacterial Tuberculosis Empyema
Authors: Ong Kingsfield , Rajapaksha Keerthi , Ong Chin Siang , Fazuludeen Ali Akbar , Ahmed Aneez Dokeu Basheer
Published: September 2017

Background. There is a continuous debate on the appropriate diagnostic approach and surgical management of mycobacterial empyema, with widely varied diagnostic practices and surgical outcomes. The aim of this study is to highlight the diagnostic approach and clinical features of patients who required surgical intervention for mycobacterial empyema.Methods. We performed a 5-year retrospective cohort study of all patients with mycobacterial empyema requiring surgery in a single institution from November 2009 to November 2014.Results. Eighteen patients (15 males and 3 females, median age 48.5 years) required surgery. Seventeen patients required decortication via posterolateral thoracotomy and one patient underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery drainage and pleural debridement. Prolonged air leak was the commonest surgical complication (50%,n=9). 94.4% (n=17) had necrotizing granulomatous inflammation on histological examination. The sensitivity of mycobacterium smear and culture ranged between 12.5% and 75% for pleural tissue, sputum, and pleural fluid individually. The combination of all 3 samples increased the diagnostic yield to 100%.Conclusion. With the implementation of pleural tissue culture at surgery, the novel combination of sputum, pleural fluid, and pleural tissue culture provides excellent diagnostic yield.
2-Way k-Means as a Model for Microbiome Samples
Authors: Jackson Weston J. , Agarwal Ipsita , Pe’er Itsik
Published: September 2017

Motivation. Microbiome sequencing allows defining clusters of samples with shared composition. However, this paradigm poorly accounts for samples whose composition is a mixture of cluster-characterizing ones and which therefore lie in between them in the cluster space. This paper addresses unsupervised learning of 2-way clusters. It defines a mixture model that allows 2-way cluster assignment and describes a variant of generalized k-means for learning such a model. We demonstrate applicability to microbial 16S rDNA sequencing data from the Human Vaginal Microbiome Project.
Repurposing Lesogaberan to Promote Human Islet Cell Survival andβ-Cell Replication
Authors: Tian Jide , Dang Hoa , Hu Angela , Xu Willem , Kaufman Daniel L.
Published: September 2017

The activation ofβ-cell’s A- and B-type gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABAA-Rs and GABAB-Rs) can promote their survival and replication, and the activation ofα-cell GABAA-Rs promotes their conversion intoβ-cells. However, GABA and the most clinically applicable GABA-R ligands may be suboptimal for the long-term treatment of diabetes due to their pharmacological properties or potential side-effects on the central nervous system (CNS). Lesogaberan (AZD3355) is a peripherally restricted high-affinity GABAB-R-specific agonist, originally developed for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that appears to be safe for human use. This study tested the hypothesis that lesogaberan could be repurposed to promote human islet cell survival andβ-cell replication.Treatment with lesogaberan significantly enhanced replication of human islet cellsin vitro, which was abrogated by a GABAB-R antagonist. Immunohistochemical analysis of human islets that were grafted into immune-deficient mice revealed that oral treatment with lesogaberan promoted humanβ-cell replication and islet cell survivalin vivoas effectively as GABA (which activates both GABAA-Rs and GABAB-Rs), perhaps because of its more favorable pharmacokinetics. Lesogaberan may be a promising drug candidate for clinical studies of diabetes intervention and islet transplantation.
Urinary Exosomal MicroRNA Profiling in Incipient Type 2 Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Xie Yijun , Jia Yijie , Cuihua Xie , Hu Fang , Xue Meng , Xue Yaoming
Published: September 2017

Background. Albuminuria is an early sign but not a strong predictor of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Owing to their high stability, urinary exosomal miRNAs can be useful predictors of the progression of early-stage DKD to renal failure; fluid biopsies are ideal for detecting abnormalities in these miRNAs. The aim of this study was to identify novel differentially expressed miRNAs as urine biomarkers for type 2 DKD by comparing between patients of type 2 diabetes (T2D) with and without macroalbuminuria. Methods. Ten patients with T2D, including five who had no renal disease and five with macroalbuminuria (DKD G1-2A3), were selected for this study. Exosome- (UExo-) derived miRNA profiles were used to identify candidate biomarkers, a subset of which was verified using quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Results. A total of 496 UExo-derived miRNA species were found to be differentially expressed (>2-fold) in patients with DKD, compared to those with T2D. A validation analysis revealed that three miRNAs (miR-362-3p, miR-877-3p, and miR-150-5p) were upregulated and one (miR-15a-5p) was downregulated. These miRNAs might regulate DKD through p53, mTOR, and AMPK pathways. Conclusions. In conclusion, UExo-derived miRNAs were altered in type 2 DKD. MiR-362-3p, miR-877-3p, miR-150-5p, and miR-15a-5p might be novel biomarkers for incipient DKD.
A Novel Highly Accurate Finite-Element Family
Authors: Bernardini Giovanni , Cetta Fabio , Morino Luigi
Published: September 2017

A novel Nth order finite element for interior acoustics and structural dynamics is presented, with N arbitrarily large. The element is based upon a three-dimensional extension of the Coons patch technique, which combines high-order Lagrange and Hermite interpolation schemes. Numerical applications are presented, which include the evaluation of the natural frequencies and modes of vibration of (1) air inside a cavity (interior acoustics) and (2) finite-thickness beams and plates (structural dynamics). The numerical results presented are assessed through a comparison with analytical and numerical results. They show that the proposed methodology is highly accurate. The main advantages however are (1) its flexibility in obtaining different level of accuracy (p-convergence) simply by increasing the number of nodes, as one would do for h-convergence, (2) the applicability to arbitrarily complex configurations, and (3) the ability to treat beam- and shell-like structures as three-dimensional small-thickness elements.
Prevalence of Intestinal Helminths Infestation in Children Attending Princess Marie Louise Children’s Hospital in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Mirisho Robert , Neizer Margaret L. , Sarfo Bismark
Published: September 2017

The deworming exercise program does not cover all children who are not in school. This study determined the prevalence and species type of helminth infestation and associated factors among children attending Princess Marie Louise Children’s Hospital in Accra, Ghana. Children (225) below the age of 10 who have not taken antihelminthic drugs prior to the study period were recruited between May and June 2015. Children or guardians were interviewed using structured questionnaires and fresh stools were collected and processed for helminths species identification using microscopy. Data were analyzed using Stata version 12. Overall helminths infestation prevalence was 17.33% (39/225). The identified species were hookworm (10.22% (23/225)) and Ascaris lumbricoides (7.11% (16/225)). No double infestation was observed. Significant associations were observed between infestation and age group beyond 4 years (48 months) (aOR = 16.72, 95% CI 1.00–279.72), place of residence (aOR = 7.35, 95% CI 1.68–32.11), washing hands after using toilet (0.04, 95% CI 0.01–0.20), and dirt on fingernails of children (7.96, 95% CI 1.73–36.65). This study demonstrates high prevalence of helminths parasites, hookworm, and Ascaris lumbricoides in children attending PMLCH. Deworming exercise should be extended to children hospitals in developing countries.
Factors Affecting Unscheduled Return Visits to the Emergency Department among Minor Head Injury Patients
Authors: Wang Kuo-Cheng , Chaou Chung-Hsien , Liu Peng-Huei , Chien Cheng-Yu , Lee Ching-Hsing
Published: September 2017

Study Objectives. Differences between returning and non-returning minor head injury (MHI) emergency department (ED) patients, between the characteristics of the first visit and revisit, and between admitted and nonadmitted returning patients were investigated. Methods. This was a retrospective study. All discharged ED patients with ICD-9 codes 850.0 to 850.9, 920, and 959.01 in 2013 were enrolled. Patients’ demographic data, vital signs, Glasgow Coma Scale, ED diagnosis, length of stay, triage levels, ED examinations performed, and comorbidities were recorded for analysis. Results. A total of 2,815 patients were enrolled. Of 57 (2%) patients who revisited the ED, 47 (82%) were discharged from the ED and ten (18%) were admitted to the hospital. Patients who returned to the ED were older, and they exhibited more comorbidities. Those who presented with vomiting, triage level of 1 or 2, and GCS score of <15 and who received more blood tests during their first visit were more likely to be admitted when they returned to the ED. Conclusions. Discharging MHI patients who are older or exhibit comorbidities only when symptoms and concerns are relieved completely, providing clear discharge instructions, and arranging timely clinical follow-ups may help reduce such patients’ return rate.
The Advances of Laparoscopic Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Huh Yeon-Ju , Lee Joo-Ho
Published: September 2017

Laparoscopic gastrectomy is evolving. With the increasing expertise and experience of oncologic surgeons in the minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer, the indication for laparoscopic gastrectomy is expanding to advanced cases. Many studies have demonstrated the benefits of minimally invasive surgery, including reduced risk of surgery-related injury, reduced blood loss, less pain, and earlier recovery. In order to establish concrete evidence for the suitability of minimal invasive surgery for gastric cancer, many multicenter RCTs, comparing the short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic versus open surgery, are in progress. Advances in laparoscopic gastrectomy are moving toward increasingly minimally invasive approaches that enable the improvement of the quality of life of patients, without compromising on oncologic safety.
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing for Sex Chromosome Aneuploidy in Routine Clinical Practice
Authors: Kornman Louise , Palma-Dias Ricardo , Nisbet Debbie , Scott Fergus , Menezes Melody , da Silva Costa Fabricio , McLennan Andrew
Published: September 2017

Objectives: To assess the accuracy of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for sex chromosome aneuploidy (SCA) in routine clinical practice and to review counselling and sonographic issues arising in SCA cases. Methods: Three specialist Australian obstetric ultrasound and prenatal diagnosis practices offering NIPT after 10 weeks' gestation participated in this study. NIPT was reported for chromosomes 21, 18, 13, X, and Y. Results: NIPT screening was performed in 5,267 singleton pregnancies. The odds of being affected given a positive screening result (OAPR) was lowest for SCAs, most notably for monosomy X (20%). Fewer women underwent invasive prenatal testing when counselled regarding a high risk for SCA (65.5%) compared with those who had a high risk for another aneuploidy (85%). The positive screening rate of NIPT including SCA was 2.3%, but 1.2% if only the autosomal trisomies were included in the panel. Conclusion: The addition of SCA testing to NIPT doubles the positive screening rate. The OAPR for SCAs (most notably for monosomy X) is reduced compared with the autosomal trisomies. Clinicians need a more extensive discussion with women prior to the inclusion of the X and Y chromosomes in the NIPT panel, given the complexity in counselling regarding further management and the additional anxiety that these abnormal results may cause. A benefit of sex chromosome analysis is an improvement in antenatal diagnosis of some disorders of sexual development.
Validation of Asarum rosei B.T.Sinn
Authors: SINN BRANDON T.
Published: September 2017

It has come to my attention that the designation of the holotype in the protologue of Asarum rosei B.T.Sinn (Sinn, 2017) has been perceived by some to be ambiguous, and thus in conflict with Article 40.2 of the Code (McNeill et al. 2012). Here I validate the name by providing an unambiguous designation for the type.
New nomenclatural combinations in Pyankovia (Chenopodiaceae)
Authors: MOSYAKIN SERGEI L. , ROALSON ERIC H.
Published: September 2017

Three new combinations are proposed in the genus Pyankovia (Chenopodiaceae), of which one at the section level, Pyankovia sect. Brachyphylla comb. nov., and two at the species level, P. affinis comb. nov. and P. roborowskii comb. nov.
On the recent designation of a neotype for the taxon Calotes versicolor (Daudin, 1802) (Reptilia: Agamidae)
Authors: CHAITANYA R. , GIRI VARAD B. , DEEPAK V.
Published: September 2017

Calotes versicolor (Daudin, 1802) is a widespread species of agamid lizard found commonly in the Indian subcontinent and the Indo-Chinese region with a complicated taxonomic history (Uetz & Hosek, 2016). The type locality of this species has been debatable (Smith, 1935, Amarasinghe et al. 2009) and the recent designation of a neotype from Pondicherry by Gowande et al. (2016) though much warranted, introduces additional complications that impede a thorough taxonomic resolution of this species complex.
A taxonomic review of the Indian species of the genus Eumenes Latreille (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae)
Authors: KUMAR GIRISH P. , CARPENTER JAMES M. , CASTRO LEOPOLDO , SURESHAN PAVITTU M.
Published: September 2017

A taxonomic review of the Indian species of the genus Eumenes Latreille with a key to species is provided. The species Eumenes pomiformis (Fabricius, 1781) is recorded here for the first time from India, while E. affinissimus de Saussure, 1852, E. pomiformis (Fabricius, 1781) and E. persimilis Giordani Soika, 1960 are recorded from Pakistan. The reported distributions of seven species within India are augmented.
Student Teaching Seminars: Ideas for a Collaborative and Meaningful Culminating Experience
Authors: Councill Kimberly H. , Baumgartner Christopher M.
Published: September 2017

The student teaching seminar is a crucial component in the final course work of the music education curriculum, though research that examines the structure and content of this important course is minimal. In this article, we provide in-depth descriptions of sample seminar activities, assessments, resources, and suggestions for creating a meaningful experience through collaboration with cooperating teachers.
Witty divas, nice mothers and tough girls in a sexist world: experiences and strategies of female influencers in online political debates
Authors: Vochocová Lenka
Published: September 2017

The aim of this article is to explain the reasons behind the persisting gender gap in online political communication by examining the experience of women who are among the most visible and active participants in the online discussions on political issues. Data gathered through in-depth interviews reveal that women employ specific strategies to succeed in this environment and to deal with sexist ad hominem assaults – they either emphasize qualities traditionally considered feminine and act as ‘witty divas’ or ‘nice mothers’ or accommodate to the masculine character of the environment by adopting a ‘tough approach’. Some of them even experiment with masculine profiles. These strategies seem to reproduce the traditional patriarchal binary frame and show that even influential women strategically subordinate themselves to the rules of the male-dominated participatory sphere.
Lingual Tonsillectomy for Pediatric Persistent Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Rivero Alexander , Durr Megan
Published: September 2017

Objective

To determine the role of lingual tonsillectomy (LT) in pediatric patients with persistent obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (T&A).

Data Sources

PubMed, OVID‐MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central from 2006 to 2017.

Review Methods

Inclusion criteria included English‐language studies containing original data on LT in pediatric patients with persistent OSA. Exclusion criteria included case reports and studies without outcome measures. Two investigators independently reviewed all manuscripts and performed quality assessment using validated tools. Meta‐analysis was performed.

Results

Of the 866 abstracts identified, 5 studies met inclusion criteria. All studies were case series (level of evidence 4). Outcome measures included apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI), minimum oxygen saturation (minSaO2), comorbidity status, and adverse events. Qualitatively, all studies demonstrated reduction in AHI and increase in minSaO2 after LT. Comorbidities may not affect the success of LT for lingual tonsil hypertrophy (LTH). LT had similar adverse event rates as T&A. Meta‐analysis was performed on 4 studies. LT showed a mean change in reduction of AHI and increase of minSaO2 of −6.64 (95% CI, −8.63 to −4.65) and 4.17 (95% CI, 1.25‐7.08), respectively. The overall success rate, defined as postoperative AHI <5, was 52%.

Conclusion

LT for LTH can be a safe and effective adjunct surgery for persistent OSA in patients after T&A. LT may reduce AHI and increase minSaO2, though complete resolution of OSA is rare. Given the limited number of patients studied, no formal recommendations can be made for the routine use of LT for LTH in persistent pediatric OSA.
Association between Asthma and Chronic Rhinosinusitis Severity in the Context of Asthma Control
Authors: Campbell Adam P. , Phillips Katie M. , Hoehle Lloyd P. , Gaudin Robert A. , Caradonna David S. , Gray Stacey T. , Sedaghat Ahmad R.
Published: September 2017

Objective

Comorbid asthma is associated with decreased quality of life (QOL) in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). It is unclear whether this association is independent of the patients’ clinical asthma status. We therefore sought to determine if asthma is associated with lower QOL in CRS, independent of asthma control.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional cohort study of 350 patients with CRS.

Setting

Tertiary academic rhinology clinic.

Subjects and Methods

In total, 350 participants with CRS were recruited and 28.3% were asthmatic. CRS‐specific QOL was measured using the 22‐item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22). Asthma control was assessed with the Asthma Control Test (ACT). General health‐related QOL was assessed with the EuroQoL 5‐dimensional general health‐related quality of life survey visual analog scale (EQ‐5D VAS). Associations were sought between SNOT‐22 and EQ‐5D VAS (dependent variables) and asthma (independent variable), while controlling for ACT. ACT score for patients with CRS without asthma was set at 25 (indicating completely controlled, asymptomatic asthma).

Results

Comorbid asthma was associated with SNOT‐22 (β = 11.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.2‐17.3; P <. 001) and EQ‐5D VAS (β = −6.2; 95% CI, −11.2 to −1.3; P =. 014). After controlling for ACT, asthma was no longer associated with SNOT‐22 (P =. 147) or EQ‐5D VAS (P =. 994). Instead, ACT score was associated with SNOT‐22 (β = −2.1; 95% CI, −3.2 to −1.1; P <. 001) and EQ‐5D VAS (β = 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1 to 3.0; P <. 001). ACT score completely drove the association between asthma and worse QOL.

Conclusion

Comorbid asthma is not necessarily reflective of decreased QOL in CRS. The association of comorbid asthma with lower QOL in CRS is related to the clinical status (eg, control) of asthma.
Costs and benefits of different methods of esophagectomy for esophageal cancer
Authors: Yanasoot Alongkorn , Yolsuriyanwong Kamtorn , Ruangsin Sakchai , Laohawiriyakamol Supparerk , Sunpaweravong Somkiat
Published: September 2017

Background

A minimally invasive approach to esophagectomy is being used increasingly, but concerns remain regarding the feasibility, safety, cost, and outcomes. We performed an analysis of the costs and benefits of minimally invasive, hybrid, and open esophagectomy approaches for esophageal cancer surgery.

Methods

The data of 83 consecutive patients who underwent a McKeown’s esophagectomy at Prince of Songkla University Hospital between January 2008 and December 2014 were analyzed. Open esophagectomy was performed in 54 patients, minimally invasive esophagectomy in 13, and hybrid esophagectomy in 16. There were no differences in patient characteristics among the 3 groups Minimally invasive esophagectomy was undertaken via a thoracoscopic-laparoscopic approach, hybrid esophagectomy via a thoracoscopic-laparotomy approach, and open esophagectomy by a thoracotomy-laparotomy approach.

Results

Minimally invasive esophagectomy required a longer operative time than hybrid or open esophagectomy ( p = 0.02), but these patients reported less postoperative pain ( p = 0.01). There were no significant differences in blood loss, intensive care unit stay, hospital stay, or postoperative complications among the 3 groups. Minimally invasive esophagectomy incurred higher operative and surgical material costs than hybrid or open esophagectomy ( p = 0.01), but there were no significant differences in inpatient care and total hospital costs.

Conclusion

Minimally invasive esophagectomy resulted in the least postoperative pain but the greatest operative cost and longest operative time. Open esophagectomy was associated with the lowest operative cost and shortest operative time but the most postoperative pain. Hybrid esophagectomy had a shorter learning curve while sharing the advantages of minimally invasive esophagectomy.
Beta-thalassemia in the paediatric cardiac surgery setting - a case report and literature review
Authors: Richardson Rebecca , Issitt Richard , Crook Richard
Published: September 2017

Beta (β)-thalassemia is a blood disorder with an incidence of 1 in 100,000.1 This case report outlines a patient with β-thalassemia requiring cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and the measures taken to ensure an uneventful procedure.
The reluctant Europeans: British novelists and the common market
Authors: Hammond Andrew
Published: September 2017

Despite Britain’s long-standing reputation as a ‘reluctant European’, little research has been done on the treatment of the European Union in cultural production. This essay analyses responses to integration in British fiction of the second half of the twentieth century. Drawing on cultural materialist theory, the essay finds the same mixture of indifference and hostility that marked public discourse and argues that such responses were moulded by the Euroscepticism current amongst governmental and media elites. As illustrated by the work of Nancy Mitford, John Berger, Elizabeth Wilson, Tim Parks and others, engagement increased between the Treaty of Rome and the turn of the twenty-first century, although ideological commitment to ‘Project Europe’ remained largely absent.
Julius Caesar across borders: The ethos of the American republic
Authors: Schupak Esther
Published: September 2017

In order to endow the newborn American state with legitimacy, the founders of the country sought a connection to the ancient Roman republican past. William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar has an honoured place in the creation of that American democratic ethos. While performances during the colonial and post-revolutionary periods may have been rare, this play was frequently taught at that time, usually in excerpted format. While Shakespeare's text is ambiguous ideologically, balanced between libertarian and conservative monarchical elements, these excerpts constructed an unabashedly republican drama whose purpose was to advocate for democracy, infusing the patriotic ethos of the republic into American youth and immigrants.