bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transition from a dedicated to a non-dedicated, ward-based pharmacist antimicrobial stewardship programme model in a non-academic hospital and its impact on length of stay of patients admitted with pneumonia: a prospective observational study
Authors: DiDiodato Giulio , McAthur Leslie
Published: December 2017

Pharmacists play an integral role in antimicrobial stewardship (AS). Some AS programmes employ dedicated pharmacists, sometimes with infectious diseases (ID) training, while others employ ward-based pharmacists. The role and impact of both are under investigation. This study compares the length of stay (LOS) of patients admitted to hospital with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) after the implementation of an AS programme initially led by a dedicated ID-trained pharmacist, and then transitioned to a ward-based pharmacist. Starting 1 April 2013, all adult patients admitted with CAP were prospectively reviewed by the AS programme. The control period (phase 0) lasted 3 months. Thereafter, AS was implemented in each of four medicine wards at 2-month intervals in a staggered fashion. During this period (phase 1), an ID-trained pharmacist and physician performed daily prospective audit and feedback. After 24 months, ward-based pharmacists assumed this AS role (phase 2). Over the 36-month study period, 1125 patients with CAP were entered into the AS database, with 518 and 247 patients receiving an AS audit and feedback in phases 1 and 2, respectively. The acceptance rate for AS recommendations was similar for phases 1 and 2, each exceeding 82%. After accounting for secular trends, the overall reduction in LOS was 19.4% (95% CI 1.4% to 40.5%). There was no difference in LOS between phases 1 and 2. This study demonstrated that an AS audit and feedback intervention reduced the median LOS in patients with CAP by approximately 0.5 days regardless of pharmacist model. However, fewer patients were exposed to the AS intervention in phase 2, suggesting dedicated AS pharmacists may be necessary to realise the full benefits of AS.
Oral contraceptives modulate the muscle metaboreflex in healthy young women
Authors: Parmar Hanna R. , Sears Jasmin , Molgat-Seon Yannick , McCulloch Cara L. , McCracken Laura A. , Brown Courtney V. , Sheel A. William , Dominelli Paolo B.
Published: December 2017

There are known sex differences in blood pressure regulation. The differences are related to ovarian hormones that influence β-adrenergic receptors and the transduction of muscle sympathetic nerve activity. Oral contraceptives (OC) modulate the ovarian hormonal profile in women and therefore may alter the cardiovascular response. We questioned if OC would alter the absolute pressor response to static exercise and influence the day-to-day variability of the response. Healthy men (n = 11) and women (n = 19) completed a familiarization day and 2 experimental testing days. Women were divided into those taking (W-OC, n = 10) and not taking (W-NC, n = 9) OC. Each experimental testing day involved isometric handgripping exercise, at 30% of maximal force, followed by circulatory occlusion to isolate the metaboreflex. Experimental days in men were 7–14 days apart. The first experimental testing in W-OC occurred 2–7 days after the start of the active phase of their OC. Women not taking OC were tested during the early and late follicular phase of the menstrual cycle as determined by commercial ovulation monitor. The increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) during exercise was significantly lower in W-NC (95 ± 4 mm Hg) compared with men (114 ± 4 mm Hg) and W-OC (111 ± 3 mm Hg) (P < 0.05), with the differences preserved during circulatory occlusion. The rise in MAP was significantly correlated between the 2 testing days in men (r = 0.72, P < 0.01) and W-OC (r = 0.77, P < 0.05), but not in W-NC (r = 0.17, P = 0.67), indicating greater day-to-day variation in W-NC. In conclusion, OC modulate the exercise pressor response in women and minimize day-to-day variability in the exercise metaboreflex.
Role of catechins on ET-1-induced stimulation of PLD and NADPH oxidase activities in pulmonary smooth muscle cells: determination of the probable mechanism by molecular docking studies
Authors: Chakraborti Sajal , Sarkar Jaganmay , Bhuyan Rajabrata , Chakraborti Tapati
Published: December 2017

The treatment of human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells with ET-1 stimulates the activity of PLD and NADPH oxidase, but this stimulation is inhibited by pretreatment with bosentan (ET-1 receptor antagonist), FIPI (PLD inhibitor), apocynin (NADPH oxidase inhibitor), and EGCG and ECG (catechins having a galloyl group), but not EGC and EC (catechins devoid of a galloyl group). Herein, using molecular docking analyses based on our biochemical studies, we determined the probable mechanism by which the catechins containing a galloyl group inhibit the stimulation of PLD activity induced by ET-1. The ET-1-induced stimulation of PLD activity was inhibited by SecinH3 (inhibitor of cytohesin). Arf6 and cytohesin-1 are associated in the cell membrane, which is not inhibited by the catechins during ET-1 treatment of the cells. However, EGCG and ECG inhibited the binding of GTPγS with Arf6, even in the presence of cytohesin-1. The molecular docking analyses revealed that the catechins containing a galloyl group (EGCG and ECG) with cytohesin-1–Arf6GDP, but not the catechins without a galloyl group (EGC and EC), prevent GDP–GTP exchange in Arf6, which seems to be an important mechanism for inhibiting the activation of PLD induced by ET-1, and subsequently increases the activity of NADPH oxidase.
Jack pine becomes more vulnerable to cavitation with increasing latitudes under doubled CO2 concentration
Authors: Newaz Md. Shah , Dang Qing-Lai , Man Rongzhou
Published: December 2017

Trees may migrate northward in response to climate change and become exposed to new photoperiod and soil moisture regimes. This study assessed the impacts of photoperiod and its interaction with soil moisture and carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]) on the hydraulic conductivity in jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) and its vulnerability to xylem embolism. Seedlings were exposed to 400 vs. 950 μmol·mol−1 [CO2], 60%–70% vs. 30%–40% (of field capacity) soil moisture, and photoperiods of seed origin and 5° and 10° north of seed origin in greenhouses. Cavitation vulnerability curves were measured for determining the xylem pressure at which 50% hydraulic conductivity was lost (ΨPLC50). It was found that elevated [CO2] significantly increased hydraulic conductivity, whereas low soil moisture decreased it. Under elevated [CO2], the xylem became progressively more vulnerable to embolism with changes in photoperiod regime from the seed origin to 10° north of the seed origin, as indicated by the progressively less negative ΨPLC50. However, no such a trend was detected under the ambient [CO2]. The results suggest that the species may become less resistant to drought as the atmospheric [CO2] increases, hindering the northward migration or seed transfers. Even within its current natural distribution range, trees near its northern boundary of the range may be more vulnerable to embolism as the atmospheric [CO2] increases even without any change in moisture conditions.
Linking management practices with range health in northern temperate pastures
Authors: Pyle Lysandra , Hall Linda M. , Bork Edward W.
Published: December 2017

Little information exists on the management and range health (RH) of northern temperate pastures, where health is defined as the ability to sustain ecosystem function. We surveyed 102 pastures for RH and their associated managers during 2012–2013 across central Alberta, Canada. Pastures were generally diverse mixes of introduced grasses and contained few legumes, despite most (55%) being seeded to legumes. The majority of pastures were healthy (mean RH score = 78.8% ± 1.3%), with 2.9% having scores <50%. Criteria reducing scores were noxious weeds, bare soil, and evidence of erosion. Most pastures had a reported history of cultivation (75.5%), with those previously cultivated and seeded to introduced forage having greater stocking rates [6.18 ± 0.91 animal-unit-months (AUM) ha−1] compared with those lacking cultivation (2.14 ± 2.91 AUM ha−1). Farms with horses or mixed livestock tended to practice year-round continuous grazing and supplemental hay feeding. Stocking rates on continuous and rotationally grazed pastures were similar regardless of grazing season, with the highest stocking on pastures used year-round (19.54 ± 2.03 AUM ha−1) or throughout the dormant season (20.29 ± 3.10 AUM ha−1). Use of management inputs was variable, with manuring and harrowing common and fertilizing, over-seeding, and aerating infrequent. Herbicide use was reported on 15.7% of pastures, despite 83.3% containing noxious weeds. Use of prescribed fire was rare, although 36.3% of pastures had evidence of fire. Industrial disturbances were reported on 48.3% of pastures. Overall, these results indicate that these pastures experience complex management and the limited decline in RH is due to high stocking under year-long grazing.
Three-dimensional representations of braid groups associated with some finite complex reflection groups
Authors: Haraoka Yoshishige , Matsumura Toshiya
Published: December 2017

We study the rigidity of three-dimensional representations of braid groups associated with finite primitive irreducible complex reflection groups in [Formula: see text]. In many cases, we show the rigidity. For rigid representations, we give explicit forms of the representations, which turns out to be the monodromy representations of uniformization equations of Saito–Kato–Sekiguchi [Uniformization systems of equations with singularities along the discriminant sets of complex reflection groups of rank three, Kyushu J. Math. 68 (2014) 181–221; On the uniformization of complements of discriminant loci, RIMS Kokyuroku 287 (1977) 117–137]. Invariant Hermitian forms are also studied.
Limited static and dynamic delivering capacity allocations in scale-free networks
Authors: Haddou N. Ben , Ez-Zahraouy H. , Rachadi A.
Published: December 2017

In traffic networks, it is quite important to assign proper packet delivering capacities to the routers with minimum cost. In this respect, many allocation models based on static and dynamic properties have been proposed. In this paper, we are interested in the impact of limiting the packet delivering capacities already allocated to the routers; each node is assigned a packet delivering capacity limited by the maximal capacity [Formula: see text] of the routers. To study the limitation effect, we use two basic delivering capacity allocation models; static delivering capacity allocation (SDCA) and dynamic delivering capacity allocation (DDCA). In the SDCA, the capacity allocated is proportional to the node degree, and for DDCA, it is proportional to its queue length. We have studied and compared the limitation of both allocation models under the shortest path (SP) routing strategy as well as the efficient path (EP) routing protocol. In the SP case, we noted a similarity in the results; the network capacity increases with increasing [Formula: see text]. For the EP scheme, the network capacity stops increasing for relatively small packet delivering capability limit [Formula: see text] for both allocation strategies. However, it reaches high values under the limited DDCA before the saturation. We also find that in the DDCA case, the network capacity remains constant when the traffic information available to each router was updated after long period times [Formula: see text].
A Parallel Local Search Algorithm for Clustering Large Biological Networks
Authors: Coccimiglio Gaetano , Choudhury Salimur
Published: December 2017

Clustering is an effective technique that can be used to analyze and extract useful information from large biological networks. Popular clustering solutions often require user input for several algorithm options that can seem very arbitrary without experimentation. These algorithms can provide good results in a reasonable time period but they are not above improvements. We present a local search based clustering algorithm free of such required input that can be used to improve the cluster quality of a set of given clusters taken from any existing algorithm or clusters produced via any arbitrary assignment. We implement this local search using a modern GPU based approach to allow for efficient runtime. The proposed algorithm shows promising results for improving the quality of clusters. With already high quality input clusters we can achieve cluster rating improvements upto to 33%.
Fast detection of the fuzzy communities based on leader-driven algorithm
Authors: Fang Changjian , Mu Dejun , Deng Zhenghong , Hu Jun , Yi Chen-He
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we present the leader-driven algorithm (LDA) for learning community structure in networks. The algorithm allows one to find overlapping clusters in a network, an important aspect of real networks, especially social networks. The algorithm requires no input parameters and learns the number of clusters naturally from the network. It accomplishes this using leadership centrality in a clever manner. It identifies local minima of leadership centrality as followers which belong only to one cluster, and the remaining nodes are leaders which connect clusters. In this way, the number of clusters can be learned using only the network structure. The LDA is also an extremely fast algorithm, having runtime linear in the network size. Thus, this algorithm can be used to efficiently cluster extremely large networks.
Quotient groups of IA-automorphisms of a free group of rank 3
Authors: Metaftsis V. , Papistas A. I. , Sevaslidou I.
Published: December 2017

We prove that, for any positive integer [Formula: see text], the quotient group [Formula: see text] of the lower central series of the McCool group [Formula: see text] is isomorphic to two copies of the quotient group [Formula: see text] of the lower central series of a free group [Formula: see text] of rank [Formula: see text] as [Formula: see text]-modules. Furthermore, we give a necessary and sufficient condition whether the associated graded Lie algebra [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is naturally embedded into the Johnson Lie algebra [Formula: see text] of the IA-automorphisms of [Formula: see text].
Closability of quadratic forms associated to invariant probability measures of SPDEs
Authors: Röckner Michael , Wang Feng-Yu
Published: December 2017

By using the integration by parts formula of a Markov operator, the closability of quadratic forms associated to the corresponding invariant probability measure is proved. The general result is applied to the study of semilinear SPDEs, infinite-dimensional stochastic Hamiltonian systems, and semilinear SPDEs with delay.
Kernel differential subgraph reveals dynamic changes in biomolecular networks
Authors: Xie Jiang , Lu Dongfang , Li Jiaxin , Wang Jiao , Zhang Yong , Li Yanhui , Nie Qing
Published: December 2017

Many major diseases, including various types of cancer, are increasingly threatening human health. However, the mechanisms of the dynamic processes underlying these diseases remain ambiguous. From the holistic perspective of systems science, complex biological networks can reveal biological phenomena. Changes among networks in different states influence the direction of living organisms. The identification of the kernel differential subgraph (KDS) that leads to drastic changes is critical. The existing studies contribute to the identification of a KDS in networks with the same nodes; however, networks in different states involve the disappearance of some nodes or the appearance of some new nodes. In this paper, we propose a new topology-based KDS (TKDS) method to explore the core module from gene regulatory networks with different nodes in this process. For the common nodes, the TKDS method considers the differential value (D-value) of the topological change. For the different nodes, TKDS identifies the most similar gene pairs and computes the D-value. Hence, TKDS discovers the essential KDS, which considers the relationships between the same nodes as well as different nodes. After applying this method to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we identified 30 genes that are most likely related to NSCLC and extracted the KDSs in both the cancer and normal states. Two significance functional modules were revealed, and gene ontology (GO) analyses and literature mining indicated that the KDSs are essential to the processes in NSCLC. In addition, compared with existing methods, TKDS provides a unique perspective in identifying particular genes and KDSs related to NSCLC. Moreover, TKDS has the potential to predict other critical disease-related genes and modules.
Global solutions of quasilinear wave-Klein–Gordon system in two-space dimension: Technical tools
Authors: Ma Yue
Published: December 2017

In this paper and its successor, we make an application of the hyperboloidal foliation method in [Formula: see text] space-time dimension. After the establishment of some technical tools in this paper, we will prove further the global existence of small regular solution to a class of hyperbolic system composed by a wave equation and a Klein–Gordon equation with null couplings. Our method belongs to vector field method and, more precisely, is a combination of the normal form and the hyperboloidal foliation method.
Global solutions of quasilinear wave-Klein–Gordon system in two-space dimension: Completion of the proof
Authors: Ma Yue
Published: December 2017

Based on the first part, we give a complete proof of the global existence of small regular solutions to a type of quasilinear wave-Klein–Gordon system with null couplings in [Formula: see text] space-time dimension.
On measures of accretion and dissipation for solutions of the Camassa–Holm equation
Authors: Jamróz Grzegorz
Published: December 2017

We investigate the measures of dissipation and accretion related to the weak solutions of the Camassa–Holm equation. Demonstrating certain novel properties of nonunique characteristics, we prove a new representation formula for these measures and conclude about their structural features, such as the fact that they are singular with respect to the Lebesgue measure. We apply these results to gain new insights into the structure of weak solutions, proving in particular that measures of accretion vanish for dissipative solutions of the Camassa–Holm equation.
The exponential diophantine equation xy + yx = z2 via a generalization of the Ankeny–Artin–Chowla conjecture
Authors: Yang Hai , Fu Ruiqin
Published: December 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be a positive integer which is not a square. Further, let [Formula: see text] be the least positive integer solution of the Pell equation [Formula: see text], and let [Formula: see text] denote the class number of binary quadratic primitive forms of discriminant [Formula: see text]. If [Formula: see text] satisfies [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] is called an exceptional number. In this paper, under the assumption that there have no exceptional numbers, we prove that the equation [Formula: see text] has no positive integer solutions [Formula: see text] satisfy [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
Hankel-type determinants for some combinatorial sequences
Authors: Zhu Bao-Xuan , Sun Zhi-Wei
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we confirm several conjectures of Sun on Hankel-type determinants for some combinatorial sequences including Franel numbers, Domb numbers and Apéry numbers. For any nonnegative integer [Formula: see text], define [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] For [Formula: see text], we show that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are positive odd integers, and [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are always integers.
Fine Selmer groups, Heegner points and anticyclotomic ℤp-extensions
Authors: Matar Ahmed
Published: December 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be an elliptic curve, [Formula: see text] a prime and [Formula: see text] the anticyclotomic [Formula: see text]-extension of a quadratic imaginary field [Formula: see text] satisfying the Heegner hypothesis. In this paper, we make a conjecture about the fine Selmer group over [Formula: see text]. We also make a conjecture about the structure of the module of Heegner points in [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is the union of the completions of the fields [Formula: see text] at a prime of [Formula: see text] above [Formula: see text]. We prove that these conjectures are equivalent. When [Formula: see text] has supersingular reduction at [Formula: see text] we also show that these conjectures are equivalent to the conjecture in our earlier work. Assuming these conjectures when [Formula: see text] has supersingular reduction at [Formula: see text], we prove various results about the structure of the Selmer group over [Formula: see text].
Finding almost squares VI
Authors: Chan Tsz Ho
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we continue the study of almost squares and extend the result of the author’s fourth paper in the series to almost squares with closer factors. We prove that almost all intervals [Formula: see text] contain a [Formula: see text]-almost square for any [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
Subconvexity for a double Dirichlet series and non-vanishing of L-functions
Authors: Dahl Alexander
Published: December 2017

We study a double Dirichlet series of the form [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are quadratic Dirichlet characters with prime conductors [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] respectively. A functional equation group isomorphic to the dihedral group of order 6 continues the function meromorphically to [Formula: see text]. The developed theory is used to prove an upper bound for the smallest positive integer [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] does not vanish. Additionally, a convexity bound at the central point is established to be [Formula: see text] and a subconvexity bound of [Formula: see text] is proven. An application of bounds at the central point to the non-vanishing problem is also discussed.
Experimental investigation and finite element simulation of AISI 304 during electro discharge machining
Authors: Bhaumik Munmun , Maity Kalipada
Published: December 2017

In this paper, a two-dimensional axisymmetric thermal model using finite element method (FEM) has been established for predicting the temperature distribution profile on the work piece during electro discharge machining (EDM) and obtained material removal rate (MRR) from the temperature isotherm. For prediction of MRR, the model utilizes some important features viz. size and shape of the heat source (Gaussian heat distribution), thermal properties of workpiece, amount of heat distribution among the dielectric fluid, workpiece and tool, material flushing efficiency and pulse off/on time, etc. ANSYS software was used for developing the thermal model for the single spark operation. For this investigation, AISI 304 stainless steel and tungsten carbide was used as workpiece and electrode material, respectively. A comparison study has been carried out for theoretical and experimental MRR for the effect of each process parameter viz. gap voltage, pulse on time and peak current. The temperature distribution along the radial and depth direction of the workpiece has been reported. The model was validated by comparing the theoretical MRR with the experimental MRR and found a good correlation between them.
Chebyshev multidomain pseudospectral method to solve cardiac wave equations with rotational anisotropy
Authors: Rodríguez-Padilla Jairo , Olmos-Liceaga Daniel
Published: December 2017

The implementation of numerical methods to solve and study equations for cardiac wave propagation in realistic geometries is very costly, in terms of computational resources. The aim of this work is to show the improvement that can be obtained with Chebyshev polynomials-based methods over the classical finite difference schemes to obtain numerical solutions of cardiac models. To this end, we present a Chebyshev multidomain (CMD) Pseudospectral method to solve a simple two variable cardiac models on three-dimensional anisotropic media and we show the usefulness of the method over the traditional finite differences scheme widely used in the literature.
The influence of temperature and density on the microscopic structure and dynamics of long polymer chains: Molecular dynamics and dissipative particle dynamics modeling
Authors: Lemaalem M. , Derouiche A. , EL Fassi S. , Ridouane H.
Published: December 2017

Long polymer chains that mainly exhibit thermoplastic properties are recognized to demonstrate excellent thermal and mechanical features at the molecular level. For the purpose of facilitating its study, we present the results of a coarse-grained Molecular Dynamics (MD) and Dissipative Particle Dynamics (DPD) simulations under the Canonical ensemble (NVT) conditions. For each simulation method, the structure, static and dynamic properties were analyzed, with particular emphasis on the influence of density and temperature on the equilibrium of the polymer. We find, after correcting the Soft Repulsive Potential (SRP) parameters used in DPD method, that both simulation methods describe the polymer physics with the same accuracy. This proves that the DPD method can simplify the polymer simulation and can reproduce with the same precision the equilibrium obtained in the MD simulation.
Thermal inertia variations from gully and mass-wasting activity in Gasa crater, Mars
Authors: Harrison Tanya N. , Tornabene Livio L. , Osinski Gordon R. , Conway Susan J.
Published: December 2017

Gasa crater has been the most active site observed on Mars to date, making it of particular interest for studying the process(es) behind gully formation and activity. In this study, we investigate whether differences in thermal inertia across different segments of gully systems, combined with morphological and colour observations with High-Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE), can provide some constraints on the physical characteristics associated with recent activity within gullies in Gasa. We also investigate thermophysical differences between slopes in Gasa dominated by gully activity compared to those predominantly modified by dry mass-wasting processes. We find that Gasa crater exhibits clear variations in thermal inertia across its walls, controlled by the material properties and the types of dominant mass movement processes occurring on each wall. The youthful gully-fan lobes display thermal inertia values
c.
20–40 J m
−2
K
−1
s
−1/2
higher than adjacent older eroded and dust-covered lobes. The talus aprons from mass wasting in Gasa have thermal inertia values
c.
60–80 J m
−2
K
−1
s
−1/2
higher than gully aprons. The results of this study thus suggest that thermal imaging can inform us on surface change detection on Mars.
Stand-Alone Containment Analysis of the Phébus FPT Tests with the ASTEC and the MELCOR Codes: The FPT-0 Test
Authors: Gonfiotti Bruno , Paci Sandro
Published: December 2017

The integral Phébus tests were probably one of the most important experimental campaigns performed to investigate the progression of severe accidents in light water reactors. In these tests, the degradation of a PWR fuel bundle was investigated employing different control rod materials and burn-up levels in strongly or weakly oxidizing conditions. From the results of such tests, numerical codes such as ASTEC and MELCOR have been developed to describe the evolution of a severe accident. After the termination of the experimental Phébus campaign, these two codes were furthermore expanded. Therefore, the aim of the present work is to reanalyze the first Phébus test (FPT-0) employing the updated ASTEC and MELCOR versions to ensure that the new improvements introduced in such codes allow also a better prediction of these Phébus tests. The analysis focuses on the stand-alone containment aspects of this test, and the paper summarizes the main thermal-hydraulic results and presents different sensitivity analyses carried out on the aerosols and fission products behavior. This paper is part of a series of publications covering the four executed Phébus tests employing a solid PWR fuel bundle: FPT-0, FPT-1, FPT-2, and FPT-3.
The Optimal Intervention Time of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Ameliorating Cardiac Fibrosis Induced by Viral Myocarditis: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Mice
Authors: Wu Tingting , Xie Yuan , Huang Jing , Li Ping , Wang Xuliang , Yan Yaoyao , Xia Tianhe , Li Lei , Zhu Feng , Li Hao , Wu Rongzhou
Published: December 2017

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have recently been introduced to treat cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction and dilated cardiomyopathy. Nevertheless, there are few researches focused on the application of BMSCs in treating viral myocarditis, not to mention its optimal intervention timer potential mechanisms. In our study, we concentrated on finding an optimal time window to perform BMSCs treatment in a murine model of myocarditis induced by coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3). On the 1st day, 3rd day, 7th day, and 14th day after BALB/c mice were infected by CVB3, we intravenously injected equivalent BMSCs into the treatment groups. With a 28-day follow-up after inoculation, we found that the ventricular function was significantly improved in the BMSCs treatment group and cardiac fibrosis markedly ameliorated, especially when BMSCs were injected between 1 and 2 weeks after CVB3 inoculation. Furthermore, we demonstrated that after BMSCs treatment, the expressions of TGF-β, col1α1, and col3α1 were significantly decreased. Therefore, we conclude that BMSCs may have a potential to improve CVB3-induced myocarditis by ameliorating cardiac fibrosis through the inhibition of TGF-β expression.
An Electromechanical Pendulum Robot Arm in Action: Dynamics and Control
Authors: Notué Kadjie A. , Nwagoum Tuwa P. R. , Woafo Paul
Published: December 2017

The authors numerically investigate the dynamics and control of an electromechanical robot arm consisting of a pendulum coupled to an electrical circuit via an electromagnetic mechanism. The analysis of the dynamical behavior of the electromechanical device powered by a sinusoidal power source is carried out when the effects of the loads on the arm are neglected. It is found that the device exhibits period-n T oscillations and high amplitude oscillations when the electric current is at its smallest value. The specific case which considers the effects of the impulsive contact force caused by an external load mass pushed by the arm is also studied. It is found that the amplitude of the impulse force generates several behaviors such as jump of amplitude and distortions of the mechanical vibration and electrical signal. For more efficient functioning of the device, both piezoelectric and adaptive backstepping controls are applied on the system. It is found that the control strategies are able to mitigate the signal distortion and restore the dynamical behavior to its normal state or reduce the effects of perturbations such as a short time variation of one component or when the robot system is subject to noises.
Fluorine-19 Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Positron Emission Tomography of Tumor-Associated Macrophages and Tumor Metabolism
Authors: Shin Soo Hyun , Park Sang Hyun , Kang Se Hun , Kim Seung Won , Kim Minsun , Kim Daehong
Published: December 2017

The presence of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is significantly associated with poor prognosis of tumors. Currently, magnetic resonance imaging- (MRI-) based TAM imaging methods that use nanoparticles such as superparamagnetic iron oxide and perfluorocarbon nanoemulsions are available for quantitative monitoring of TAM burden in tumors. However, whether MRI-based measurements of TAMs can be used as prognostic markers has not been evaluated yet. In this study, we used positron emission tomography (PET) with 18F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG) as a radioactive tracer and fluorine-19- (19F-) MRI for imaging mouse breast cancer models to determine any association between TAM infiltration and tumor metabolism. Perfluorocarbon nanoemulsions were intravenously administered to track and quantify TAM infiltration using a 7T MR scanner. To analyze glucose uptake in tumors, 18F-FDG-PET images were acquired immediately after 19F-MRI. Coregistered 18F-FDG-PET and 19F-MR images enabled comparison of spatial patterns of glucose uptake and TAM distribution in tumors. 19F-MR signal intensities from tumors exhibited a strong inverse correlation with 18F-FDG uptake while having a significant positive correlation with tumor growth from days 2 to 7. These results show that combination of 19F-MRI and 18F-FDG-PET can improve our understanding of the relationship between TAM and tumor microenvironment.
Effect of Voluntary Wheel Running on Striatal Dopamine Level and Neurocognitive Behaviors after Molar Loss in Rats
Authors: Zhang Linlin , Feng Yi , Ji Wenliang , Liu Jianzhang , Liu Kun
Published: December 2017

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of voluntary wheel running on striatal dopamine level and behavior of cognition and emotion in molar loss rats. Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were enrolled in this study and randomly divided into following 4 groups: control group (C group), molar loss group (ML group), 1-week physical exercise before molar loss group (1W-ML group), and 4-week physical exercise before molar loss group (4W-ML group). The rats both in 4W-ML and 1W-ML groups were placed in the voluntary running wheel in order to exercise for 4 weeks and 1 week, respectively. Then, the rats in 4W-ML, 1W-M, and ML groups received bilateral molar loss operation. After 10 days, striatal dopamine level was detected by in vivo microdialysis coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and electrochemical detection. All the rats received behavior test after microdialysis detection. The behavior tests including passive avoidance test were used to assess cognition and elevated plus maze test for emotion. The results indicated that voluntary wheel running promoted striatal dopamine level in rats of molar loss. Behavioral data indicated that voluntary wheel running promoted cognition and emotion recovery after molar loss. Therefore, we concluded physical exercise significantly improved the neurocognitive behaviors and increased the striatal dopamine level after molar loss in rats.
Characteristics of Inpatient Hypertension Cases and Factors Associated with Admission Outcomes in Ashanti Region, Ghana: An Analytic Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nuamah Kenneth , Affran Bonful Harriet , Danso Yeboah Joseph , Antwi Amankwaah Ebenezer , Boakye Daniel , Kwame Owusu Samuel , Aduako Owusu Adwoa , Amponsah Freddie , Adomako-Boateng Fred , Nang-Beifubah Alexis , Gyapong Margaret , Ofosu Anthony , Garshong Bertha , Ansah Evelyn K.
Published: December 2017

Background. Hypertension remains a cause of morbidity and mortality in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. It has been featured in the top ten causes of OPD attendance, admissions, and deaths since 2012. We investigated the sociodemographic characteristics and spatial distribution of inpatient hypertensives and factors associated with their admission outcomes. Methods. A 2014 line list of 1715 inpatient HPT cases aged ≥25 years was used for the cross-sectional analytic study. Accounting for clustering, all analyses were performed using the “svy” command in Stata. Frequencies, Chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis were used in the analysis. Arc view Geographic Information System (ArcGIS) was used to map the density of cases by place of residence and reporting hospital. Results. Mean age of cases was 58 (S.D 0.0068). Females constituted 67.6% of the cases. Age, gender, and NHIS status were significantly associated with admission outcomes. Cases were clustered in the regional capital and bordering districts. However, low case densities were recorded in the latter. Conclusion. Increasing NHIS access can potentially impact positively on hypertension admission outcomes. Health educational campaigns targeting men are recommended to address hypertension-related issues.
Thyroid Isthmus Length and Iodine Turnover as Predictors of Successful Radioactive Iodine Therapy in Patients with Graves’ Disease
Authors: Park Se Hee , Hwang Sena , Han Seunghee , Shin Dong Yeob , Lee Eun Jig
Published: December 2017

Radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy is an effective treatment option for Graves’ disease. However, predicting treatment failures after RAI therapy remains controversial. The objective of this study was to investigate the factors associated with the success rate of RAI therapy for treatment of Graves’ hyperthyroidism. Thyroid functional outcome, pre-RAI ultrasonographic features, and clinical parameters were evaluated retrospectively in 98 patients followed up for at least 12 months after RAI (mean RAI dose was 11.7 ± 1.8 mCi). Hypothyroidism was achieved in 59 patients (60.2%), and euthyroidism in 16 patients (16.3%), while 23 patients (23.5%) remained hyperthyroid. Age, sex, body mass index, pre-RAI thyroid function, or thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin levels were not associated with treatment outcome. Length of thyroid isthmus (p=0.028) and 2- to 24-hour iodine uptake ratios (p=0.002) were significantly associated with treatment failure, which was defined as a persistent hyperthyroid status after RAI therapy. Patients with a longer isthmus had a higher risk of remaining hyperthyroid, with a threshold for isthmus length of 5.2 mm, with a sensitivity of 69.6% and specificity of 70.3% for treatment success. Measuring the length of the thyroid isthmus can be a simple and useful way to predict RAI treatment outcome.
A Potential Density Gradient Dependent Analysis Scheme for Ocean Multiscale Data Assimilation
Authors: Fu Hongli , Yang Jinkun , Li Wei , Wu Xinrong , Han Guijun , Xie Yuanfu , Zhang Shaoqing , Zhang Xuefeng , Cao Yingzhi , Zhang Xiaoshuang
Published: December 2017

This study addresses how to maintain oceanic mixing along potential density surface in ocean data assimilation (ODA). It is well known that the oceanic mixing across the potential density surface is much weaker than that along the potential density surface. However, traditional ODA schemes allow the mixing across the potential density surface and thus may result in extra assimilation errors. Here, a new ODA scheme that uses potential density gradient information of the model background to rescale observational adjustment is designed to improve the quality of assimilation. The new scheme has been tested using a regional ocean model within a multiscale 3-dimensional variational framework. Results show that the new scheme effectively prevents the excessive unphysical projection of observational information in the direction across potential density surface and thus improves assimilation quality greatly. Forecast experiments also show that the new scheme significantly improves the model forecast skills through providing more dynamically consistent initial conditions
How Virtue Was Born
Authors: Nowak Martin A. , Sigmund Karl
Published: December 2017

This paper summarizes the Opening Lecture of the European Forum Alpbach 2017 in Tyrol/Austria (https://www.alpbach.org/de/). It deals with the evolution of cooperation throughout the history of life on Earth, and in particular human cooperation based on partnership. It emphasizes the role of institutions providing incentives for cooperation, and the role of praise and blame in guiding our actions. This helps for a better understanding of the social contract, based on evolutionary biology and psychology.
Alicaforsen, an Antisense Inhibitor of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1, in the Treatment for Left-Sided Ulcerative Colitis and Ulcerative Proctitis
Authors: Greuter Thomas , Vavricka Stephan R. , Biedermann Luc , Pilz Julia , Borovicka Jan , Seibold Frank , Sauter Bernhard , Rogler Gerhard
Published: December 2017

Background: Data on the efficacy of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 antisense oligonucleotide alicaforsen in ulcerative colitis (UC) is inconsistent. Methods: All patients, who had received at least one dose of alicaforsen, were analyzed retrospectively. Alicaforsen’s efficacy was assessed in patients treated for left-sided UC and proctitis by comparing clinical and (if applicable) endoscopic disease activity before/after treatment. Results: Twelve patients were treated for left-sided UC or proctitis. Eleven patients received a 6-week course of a once-daily 240 mg alicaforsen enema formulation. In 1 patient, treatment was discontinued, because it was found to be inefficient. Disease activity measured by the partial Mayo score and 6-point symptom score was significantly reduced after treatment (6.0 vs. 2.4, p = 0.011 and 3.7 vs. 1.4, p = 0.008). Faecal calprotectin showed a trend towards reduction (484.4 vs. 179.5 μg/g, p = 0.063). Clinical improvement was achieved in 10 patients (83.3%). In 7 patients, a relapse occurred (70%). Median duration of clinical improvement was 18.0 weeks (range 1–112). Three patients showed an ongoing improvement of >9 months. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions: A 6-week course of alicaforsen seemed to be safe and efficacious in inducing clinical improvement in patients with left-sided UC and proctitis. Prolonged clinical improvement was observed in many but not all patients.
A ribeirinidade amazônica: algumas reflexões
Authors: Rente Neto Francisco , Furtado Lourdes Gonçalves
Published: December 2017

Este artigo é o resultado de uma pesquisa bibliográfica realizada através do Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi (MPEG) e financiada pelo Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq). O enfoque foi dado ao estudo do conceito de ribeirinidade enquanto categoria de análise cultural do modo de vida dos povos ribeirinhos da Amazônia, através da identificação, reflexão e análise de alguns dos elementos que correspondem à expressão cultural dos grupos que habitam às margens dos rios na região Amazônica.
Entre sexo, ajuda e programa: experiências e dilemas da sexualidade no contexto dos bares de alterne em Lisboa
Authors: Dolabella Lira Turrer
Published: December 2017

Este artigo trata de vivências de brasileiras no contexto dos bares dealterne em Lisboa, focando especialmente os usos instrumentais da sexualidade.Bares de alterne são estabelecimentos direcionados ao público masculino ondeo trabalho das mulheres é entreter os clientes e induzi-los ao consumo. Partireide dois episódios do campo que apresentam, de maneiras diferentes, a primeiraexperiência de duas mulheres com o envolvimento entre dinheiro e sexo. Oprimeiro trata de um relato gravado que traz um discurso elaborado, reflexivo edotado de continuidade e coerência. O segundo, recolhido através da observaçãoparticipante, apresenta uma sequência de eventos que marcam uma súbitaruptura com o que era considerado normalidade pela interlocutora e a ameaçaidentitária diante da possibilidade de vir a se definir como “puta”. Nesse sentido,discuto ainda como o uso de narrativas biográficas serve como um complementoimportante à observação em campo na construção do trabalho etnográfico.
Amizades muito hierárquicas: direitos e emoções nas relações entre domésticas e patroas.
Authors: Gomes Fabio de Medina da Silva
Published: December 2017

No presente artigo utilizei o método de observação direta, visandoentender os discursos sobre as emoções e o trabalho doméstico remunerado emNiterói, com atenção especial no papel do judiciário na administração de conflitosentre empregadores e trabalhadoras domésticas. O trabalho de campo realizadoinclui observação de 37 audiências e entrevistas. Além das inter-relações entrefato e norma, foi explorada a questão da dádiva-retribuição nesse tipo específicode contrato. Por fim, o campo trouxe questões de gênero. Pretende-se, assim,buscar uma compreensão ampla sobre a retórica das emoções nesse tipo de relaçãona cidade de Niterói.
Foucault (parcialmente) vindicado no Brasil central: sexualidade como um dos fundamentos da vida
Authors: Lea Vanessa Rosemary
Published: December 2017

Ao se conviver com os Mebengokre (também conhecidos como Kayapó, de língua Jê), a presença da sexualidade permea todo o ambiente. É um dos assuntos favoritos das conversas e uma das fontes preferidas de prazer. Noentanto, já em meados da década de 1990, os homens censuraram minhas conversas com as mulheres sobre sexualidade, designando-as como “fofoca” – inútil para fomentar projetos ou obter empregos. Em um curso para formação de professores bilíngues, em 2009, fui censurada novamente, desta vez por introduzir a questão da homossexualidade, sob a alegação de ser este um assunto de “branco”. A sexualidade Mebengokre já suscitou questões fantasiosas, como a figura da “especialista sexual paga”, algo que reverberou na literatura internacional. Após meio século de referências esparsas a respeito da sexualidade Mebengokre, permanece a indagação sobre a possibilidade de abordá-la fora da perspectiva do exotismo.
Leituras antropológicas sobre a arte kadiwéu
Authors: Duran Maria Raquel da Cruz
Published: December 2017

Neste artigo, propomo-nos a entender como as análises da arte kadiwéuelaboradas por Guido Boggiani, Claude Lévi-Strauss e Darcy Ribeiro dialogam com duas vertentes teóricas da antropologia e com a minha própria experiência etnográfica, realizada entre as mulheres artistas kadiwéu da aldeia Alves de Barros, município de Porto Murtinho-MS. Partindo da compreensão do dualismo existente entre a arte como sistema de comunicação e a arte como agência, e servindo-nos das contribuições dos autores supracitados e dos meus apontamentos etnográficos, pretendemos desenvolver um estudo da arte kadiwéu.
Mulheres ciumentas, homens enfeitiçados: contribuições Ticuna para as reflexões sobre gênero e violência
Authors: Magalhães Aline Moreira
Published: December 2017

Este artigo percorre dados etnográficos concernentes às conexões entrepráticas e expectativas sexuais, e a modalidade de violência e regulação socialda feitiçaria. Neste contexto, um homem obrigar a mulher em ato sexual nãoconstituía injúria coletiva ou motivo para punição. Não obstante, as mulherespoderiam matá-los via enfeitiçamento, caso insatisfeitas com as inabilidades masculinas,sejam sexuais ou vinculadas às atividades cotidianas. A sugestão de queestavam enfeitiçados era propagada por comentários dedicados a fomentar suspeitassobre a promiscuidade das mulheres, que denotava a “vontade de se livrar”dos homens com os quais coabitavam. Enfoca-se, neste sentido, as fronteirasentre possibilidades/práticas sexuais e relações políticas, tais como entretecidasentre homens e mulheres Ticuna, que tangenciam, por sua vez, as formas organizativasdesta etnia em favor de seus objetivos e sua existência coletiva.
O próprio do desejo: a emergência da diferença extensiva entre os viventes (Aikewara, Pará)
Authors: Calheiros Orlando
Published: December 2017

Para os Aikewara, povo Tupi-Guarani do sudeste do Pará, todo corpotem o seu caminho (apé), algo que lhe é próprio, que o define de uma maneiraprofunda. Homem (akuma’é), ou mulher (kusó) é aquele que caminha enquantotal, que percorre o caminho que é próprio desse tipo de corpo. Contudo, o caminhoé menos um destino do que uma trilha que pouco a pouco se inscreve noseio da floresta, como diziam os próprios Aikewara: o caminho de um corpo nãoestá dado e por isso mesmo pode ser desviado. O que se passa, portanto, quandoum homem se desvia do caminho que lhe era próprio e “avança” como mulher?Isto é, o que acontece quando este se comporta como uma mulher? Com efeito,a finalidade deste texto é apresentar ao leitor o esboço de uma ontologia na qual,para todos os fins, um corpo pode vir a se tornar outro, em que um homem podevir a se tornar efetivamente uma mulher e vice-versa. Para tanto, tomamos comoexemplo a leitura que a filosofia aikewara faz do desejo.