bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Platelet transfusions and mortality in necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Patel Ravi M. , Josephson Cassandra D. , Shenvi Neeta , Maheshwari Akhil , Easley Kirk A. , Stowell Sean , Sola‐Visner Martha , Ferrer‐Marin Francisca
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Prior studies have suggested an association between platelet transfusions (PTXs) and worse outcomes among infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), potentially mediated by proinflammatory factors released by platelets. However, the effects of storage on platelet proinflammatory factor release and the confounding role of illness severity on NEC outcomes have not been determined.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

First, neuropeptide Y (a potent splanchnic vasoconstrictor released by platelets) was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in fresh frozen plasma and in the supernatant of leukoreduced apheresis‐derived platelets at different times during storage. Next, we evaluated the relationship between PTX rates and death in a multicenter cohort of very‐low‐birth‐weight infants with NEC, adjusting for illness severity.

RESULTS

Neuropeptide Y levels increased over time in the supernatant of leukoreduced apheresis‐derived platelets and were 4.4‐fold and 8.9‐fold higher than in fresh frozen plasma on Days 2 and 3 of storage, respectively (p < 0.001). Among 598 very‐low‐birth‐weight infants, 44 developed NEC. In unadjusted analysis, PTX rate was 30.3 (95% confidence interval [CI], 11.5–80.1) per 100 infant‐days among infants who died, compared to 6.0 (95% CI, 3.2–11.2) among survivors (incidence rate ratio, 5.1; 95% CI, 1.6–16.2; p = 0.006). In multivariable analysis, there was no association between PTX rate and mortality (incidence rate ratio, 3.0; 95% CI, 0.6–15.0; p = 0.18), although estimation was imprecise.

CONCLUSION

Proinflammatory mediators accumulate in platelet suspensions during storage. Although PTX rates were not associated with increased mortality among infants with NEC in our study, our estimates suggest the potential for such an association that needs evaluation in larger studies.
The effect of red blood cell transfusion on iron metabolism in critically ill patients
Authors: Boshuizen Margit , van Hezel Maike E. , van Manen Lisa , Straat Marleen , Somsen Yvemarie B.O. , Spoelstra‐de Man Angelique M.E. , Blumberg Neil , van Bruggen Robin , Juffermans Nicole P.
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Anemia of inflammation (AI) has a high prevalence in critically ill patients. In AI, iron metabolism is altered, as high levels of inflammation‐induced hepcidin reduce the amount of iron available for erythropoiesis. AI is treated with red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. The effect of RBC transfusion on iron metabolism during inflammatory processes in adults is unknown. We investigated the effect of RBC transfusion on iron metabolism in critically ill patients.

METHODS

In a prospective cohort study in 61 critically ill patients who received 1 RBC unit, levels of iron variables were determined before, directly after, and 24 hours after transfusion in septic and nonseptic patients.

RESULTS

Serum iron levels were low and increased after transfusion (p = 0.02). However, RBC transfusion had no effect on transferrin saturation (p = 0.14) and ferritin levels (p = 0.74). Hepcidin levels increased after RBC transfusion (p = 0.01), while interleukin‐6 levels decreased (p = 0.03). In septic patients, RBC transfusion induced a decrease in haptoglobin levels compared to baseline, which did not occur in nonseptic patients (p = 0.01). The effect of RBC transfusion on other iron variables did not differ between septic and nonseptic patients.

CONCLUSION

Transfusion of a RBC unit transiently increases serum iron levels in intensive care unit patients. The increase in hepcidin levels after transfusion can further decrease iron release from intracellular storage making it available for erythropoiesis. RBC transfusion is associated with a decrease in haptoglobin levels in septic compared to nonseptic patients, but did not affect other markers of hemolysis.
Synthesis and Characteristics of Carbon Nanotube Using Plasma Arc Discharge
Authors: Mohamed Sultan Suhana , Azahurin Nurul Syazwani , Mohamad Azam
Published: December 2018

Carbon nanoparticles (CNP) were synthesized in arc plasma discharge using a simple, low-cost and toxic-free precursor gas. The structural and electrical characteristics were examined. The diameter and the height of the grown CNP was 28.5 μm and  316.7 μm , respectively. SEM image showed existence of a high density and uniform nanostructures within the cylindrical bulk CNP tube. The average diameter of the nanoparticles is 600 nm. The electrical characteristics revealed  low resistance with R = 7.23 mΩ with Cu electrodes.  In addition, the device exhibited a   high conductivity of 6.8 x 105 Scm-1. These results indicate the potential of CNP material for power device applications.
Improved Analysis of DVR Performance for Voltage Sag Mitigation
Authors: Abdul Razak Hannah Naqiah , Mat Said Dalila , Ahmad Nasarudin
Published: December 2018

Dynamic Voltage Restorer (DVR) provides the most reliable solution to the voltage quality problem in power distribution system from the effectiveness of DVR performance for voltage sag mitigation. As a custom power device, DVR offers the best solution to three phase power system in order to improve the power quality issue as the magnitude and phase of the voltage is added during the sags occurrence to restore the load condition to compensate the voltage sags. The suitable controller, Proportional-Integral (PI) Controller is used along with the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)-based control scheme to calculate the exact error and generate the missing voltage to be injected to the three-phase power system through injection transformers. Simulation results of various fault types using MATLAB/SIMULINK are shown in this paper to demonstrate the successful compensation of voltage sags by mitigation technique using Dynamic Voltage Restorer in three-phase power distribution.
Evaluation of Wind Energy Potential for Power Generation in some Coastal Cities in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Udoakah Ye-Obong , Ikafia Ubong
Published: December 2018

The wind potential of three coastal sites, Ibeno (Latitude 4° 33' 54.2"N & Longitude 8° 4' 21.3"E), Oron (Latitude 4°48'26.53"N & Longitude 8°14'15.74"E) and Okobo (Latitude 4°41'48.48"N & Longitude 8°15'23.23"E) in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria was investigated. Using data obtained from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron for Ibeno, Okobo and Oron respectively for a period of five years (2012-2016), a statistical analysis was performed. Using empirical method, the overall average Weibull distribution parameters in terms of k and c, mean power density and mean wind speed were determined for the three locations to be 3.29, 4.74 & 4.11, 7.72, 6.54 & 6.40 m/s, 344.68, 236.10 & 185.18 w/m2 and 8.24, 7.26 & 6.70 m/s respectively for Ibeno, Oron and Okobo. The results indicate that all the locations had a wind speed range higher than the 5-6 m/s recommended for electricity generation and a wind density value greater than 100 W/m2. Resulting from the analysis, the overall annual energy production was projected to be 15.23, 10.45 & 8.19 GW for Ibeno, Oron and Okobo respectively, leading to the conclusion that the three cities located along the coastal lines of Akwa Ibom, would be viable for commercial wind power production.
Parameter Estimation for a Model of Ionizing Radiation Effects on Targeted Cells using Genetic Algorithm and Pattern Search Method
Authors: Rashid Hamizah , Mohd Siam Fuaada , Maan Normah , W Abd Rahman Wan Nordiana
Published: December 2018

A mechanistic model has been used to explain the effect of radiation. The model consists of parameters which represent the biological process following ionizing radiation. The parameters in the model are estimated using local and global optimization algorithms. The aim of this study is to compare the efficiency between local and global optimization method, which is Pattern Search and Genetic Algorithm respectively. Experimental data from the cell survival of irradiated HeLa cell line is used to find the minimum value of the sum of squared error (SSE) between experimental data and simulation data from the model. The performance of both methods are compared based on the computational time and the value of the objective function, SSE. The optimization process is carried out by using the built-in function in MATLAB software. The parameter estimation results show that genetic algorithm is more superior than pattern search for this problem.
The Mechanization of the Comrade Matrix Approach in Determining the GCD of Orthogonal Polynomials
Authors: Isa Siti Nor Asiah , Aris Nor’aini , Mohd Puzi Shazirawati , Hoe Yeak Su
Published: December 2018

This paper revisits the comrade matrix approach in finding the greatest common divisor (GCD) of two orthogonal polynomials. The present work investigates on the applications of the QR decomposition with iterative refinement (QRIR) to solve certain systems of linear equations which is generated from the comrade matrix. Besides iterative refinement, an alternative approach of improving the conditioning behavior of the coefficient matrix by normalizing its columns is also considered. As expected the results reveal that QRIR is able to improve the solutions given by QR decomposition while the normalization of the matrix entries do improves the conditioning behavior of the coefficient matrix leading to a good approximate solutions of the GCD.
Scenario Based Two-Stage Stochastic Programming Approach for the Midterm Production Planning of Oil Refinery
Authors: Mohd Noh Norshela , Bahar Arifah , Zainuddin Zaitul Marlizawati
Published: December 2018

Recently, oil refining industry is facing with lower profit margin due to uncertainty. This causes oil refinery to include stochastic optimization in making a decision to maximize the profit. In the past, deterministic linear programming approach is widely used in oil refinery optimization problems. However, due to volatility and unpredictability of oil prices in the past ten years, deterministic model might not be able to predict the reality of the situation as it does not take into account the uncertainties thus, leads to non-optimal solution. Therefore, this study will develop two-stage stochastic linear programming for the midterm production planning of oil refinery to handle oil price volatility. Geometric Brownian motion (GBM) is used to describe uncertainties in crude oil price, petroleum product prices, and demand for petroleum products. This model generates the future realization of the price and demands with scenario tree based on the statistical specification of GBM using method of moment as input to the stochastic programming. The model developed in this paper was tested for Malaysia oil refinery data. The result of stochastic approach indicates that the model gives better prediction of profit margin.
VARX and GSTARX Models for Forecasting Currency Inflow and Outflow with Multiple Calendar Variations Effect
Authors: Suhartono Suhartono , Gazali Muhammad Munawir , Prastyo Dedy Dwi
Published: December 2018

VARX and GSTARX models are an extension of Vector Autoregressive (VAR) and Generalized Space-Time Autoregressive (GSTAR) models. These models include exogenous variable to increase the forecast accuracy. The objective of this research is to develop and compare the forecast accuracy of VARX and GSTARX models in predicting currency inflow and outflow in Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, and East Nusa Tenggara that contain multiple calendar variations effects. The exogenous variables that are used in this research are holidays in those three locations, i.e. EidFitr, Galungan, and Nyepi. The proposed VARX and GSTARX models are evaluated through simulation studies on the data that contain trend, seasonality, and multiple calendar variations representing the occurrence of EidFitr, Galungan, and Nyepi. The criteria for selecting the best forecasting model is Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). The results of a simulation study show that VARX and GSTARX models provide similar forecast accuracy. Furthermore, the results of currency inflow and outflow data in Bali,West Nusa Tenggara, and East Nusa Tenggara show that the best model for forecasting inflow and outflow in these three locations are VARX and GSTARX (with uniform weight) model, respectively. Both models show that currency inflow and outflow in Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, and East Nusa Tenggara have a relationship in space and time, and contain trends, seasonality and multiple calendar variations.
Micro and Macro Determinants of Delisting and Liquidity in Indonesian Stock Market: A Time-Dependent Covariate of Survival Cox Approach
Authors: Prastyo Dedy Dwi , Rucy Yurike Nurmala , Sigalingging Advendos D.C. , Suhartono Suhartono , Fam Soo-Fen
Published: December 2018

Coxmodel is popular in survival analysis. In the case of time-varying covariate; several subject-specific attributes possibly to change more frequently than others. This paper deals with that issue. This study aims to analyze survival data with time-varying covariate using a time-dependent covariate Cox model. The two case studies employed in this work are (1) delisting time of companies from IDX and (2) delisting time of company from LQ45 (liquidity index). The survival time is the time until a company is delisted from IDX or LQ45. The determinants are eighteen quarterly financial ratios and two macroeconomics indicators, i.e., the Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) and BI interest rate that changes more frequent. The empirical results show that JCI is significant for both delisting and liquidity whereas BI rate is significant only for liquidity. The significant firm-specific financial ratios vary for delisting and liquidity.
On the Comparison of Deep Learning Neural Network and Binary Logistic Regression for Classifying the Acceptance Status of Bidikmisi Scholarship Applicants in East Java
Authors: Cahyani Nita , Fithriasari Kartika , Irhamah Irhamah , Iriawan Nur
Published: December 2018

Neural Network and Binary Logistic Regression are modern and classical data mining analysis tools that can be used to classify data on Bidikmisi scholarship acceptance in East Java Province, Indonesia. One form of Neural Network model available for various applications is the Resilient Backpropagation Neural Network (Resilient BPNN). This study aims to compare the performance of the Resilient BPNN method as a Deep Learning Neural Network and Binary Logistic Regression method in determining the classification of Bidikmisi scholarship acceptance in East Java Province. After preprocessing data and dividing them into two parts, i.e. sets of testing and training data, with 10-foldcross-validation procedure, the Resilient BPNN and Binary Logistic Regression methods are implemented. The result shows that Resilient BPNN with two hidden layers is the best platformnetwork model. The classificationG-mean resulted by these both methods is that Resilient BPNN with two hidden layers is more representative with better performance than Binary Logistic Regression. The Resilient BPNN is recommended to be used topredict acceptance of Bidikmisi applicants yearly.
Linking Twitter Sentiment Knowledge with Infrastructure Development
Authors: Reyhana Zakya , Fithriasari Kartika , Atok Moh. , Iriawan Nur
Published: December 2018

Sentiment analysis is related to the automatic extraction of positive or negative opinions from the text. It is a special text mining application. It is important to classify implicit contents from citizen’s tweet using sentiment analysis. This research aimed to find out the opinion of infrastructure that sustained urban development in Surabaya, Indonesia’s second largest city. The procedures of text mining analysis were the data undergoes some preprocessing first, such as removing the link, retweet (RT), username, punctuation, digits, stopwords, case folding, and tokenizing. Then, the opinion was classified into positive and negative comments. Classification methods used in this research were support vector machine (SVM) and neural network (NN). The result of this research showed that NN classification method was better than SVM.
Frequency Model of Credit Payment using Bayesian Geometric Regression and Bayesian Mixture Geometric Regression
Authors: Ayuputri Ikacipta Mega , Iriawan Nur , Oktaviana Pratnya Paramitha
Published: December 2018

In distributing funds to customers as credit, multi-finance companies have two necessary risks, i.e. prepayment risk, and default risk. The default risk can be minimized by determining the factors that affect the survival of customers to make credit payment, in terms of frequency of credit payments by customers that are distributed geometry. The proposed modelling is using Bayesian Geometric Regression and Bayesian Mixture Geometric Regression. The best model of this research is modelling using Bayesian Geometric Regression method because it has lower DIC values than Bayesian Mixture Geometric Regression. Modelling using Bayesian Geometric Regression show the significant variables are marital status, down payment, installment length, length of stay, and insurance.
An Analytic Valuation of a Deposit Insurance
Authors: Putri Endah RM , Tjahjono Venansius R , Utomo Daryono B
Published: December 2018

A deposit insurance is a measure to protect bank’s depositors fully or partly from the risk of losses caused by the banks failure to pay its debts when due. If the bank does not meet the payment since the asset value of the bank is less than debt, the guarantor will do the payment and take over the bank’s assets. The role of the guarantor is considered as a deposit insurance. Similar mechanism of the insurance to the European put option model, motivates the use of a Black-Scholes model in the valuation. The deposit insurance model is solved using a Fourier transform method analytically. Numerical results based on the solution confirms the results obtained by previous research. Also, some behaviours of the deposit insurance premium due to interest rate, volatility, and deposit-to-asset value ratio are presented.
Optimal Control of Lipid Extraction Model on Microalgae Using Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) and Pontryagin Maximum Principle (PMP) Methods
Authors: Mardlijah Mardlijah , Ilmayasinta Nur , Hanafi Lukman , Sanjaya Suharmadi
Published: December 2018

Algae are good plants as raw materials for biodiesel. Chlorella Vulgaris is one of the most economical algae to produce biodiesel since it is rich in carbohydrates, require no special care, and easy to grow. Algae oil for biodiesel production is obtained through fairly long processes, one of which is the lipid extraction. Mathematical model can be used to obtain optimal results. The optimal control theory itself is concerned with the analysis of controlled dynamic systems, in which a system is directed from configurations given to some desire target by minimizing or maximizing some criteria. In this study, LQR formulation has the advantages of easy to analyze and implementation. In comparison, optimum control is performed using the PMP method, to obtain the best control of the dynamic system from the initial state to the end, i.e by maximizing the objective function. This method is a better method than the LQR method. Optimal control is performed in order to optimize the yield of lipid concentration in the solvent flow (Cs), in the microalgae particles (Cp), and minimizing the volume of solvent (v). From the simulation, it is found that the PMP method is more optimal in this system compared to the LQR method.
Mechanistic Model of Radiation-Induced Bystander Effects to Cells using Structured Population Approach
Authors: Mohd Siam Fuaada , Nasir Muhamad Hanis
Published: December 2018

In irradiation process, instead of traverse on the targeted cells, there is side effect happens to non-targeted cells. The targeted cells that had been irradiated with ionizing radiation emits damaging signal molecules to the surrounding and then, damage the bystander cells. The type of damage considered in this work is the number of double-strand breaks (DSBs) of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in cell’s nucleus. By using mathematical approach, a mechanistic model that can describe this phenomenon is developed based on a structured population approach. Then, the accuracy of the model is validated by its ability to match the experimental data. The Particle Swarm (PS) optimization is employed for the data fitting procedure. PS optimization searches the parameter value that minimize the errors between the model simulation data and experimental data. It is obtained that the mathematical modelling proposed in this paper is strongly in line with the experimental data.
Estimation of Rainfall Curve by using Functional Data Analysis and Ordinary Kriging Approach
Authors: Hamdan Muhammad Fauzee , Jemain Abdul Aziz , Syed Jamaludin Shariffah Suhaila
Published: December 2018

Rainfall is an interesting phenomenon to investigate since it is directly related to all aspects of life on earth. One of the important studies is to investigate and understand the rainfall patterns that occur throughout the year. To identify the pattern, it requires a rainfall curve to represent daily observation of rainfall received during the year. Functional data analysis methods are capable to convert discrete data intoa function that can represent the rainfall curve and as a result, try to describe the hidden patterns of the rainfall. This study focused on the distribution of daily rainfall amount using functional data analysis. Fourier basis functions are used for periodic rainfall data. Generalized cross-validation showed 123 basis functions were sufficient to describe the pattern of daily rainfall amount. North and west areas of the peninsula show a significant bimodal pattern with the curve decline between two peaks at the mid-year. Meanwhile,the east shows uni-modal patterns that reached a peak in the last three months. Southern areas show more uniform trends throughout the year. Finally, the functional spatial method is introduced to overcome the problem of estimating the rainfall curve in the locations with no data recorded. We use a leave one out cross-validation as a verification method to compare between the real curve and the predicted curve. We used coefficient of basis functions to get the predicted curve. It was foundthatthe methods ofspatial prediction can match up with the existing spatial prediction methods in terms of accuracy,but it is better as the new approach provides a simpler calculation.
Transcritical Flow Over a Bump using Forced Korteweg-de Vries Equation
Authors: David Vincent Daniel , Bahar Arifah , Abdul Aziz Zainal
Published: December 2018

The flow of water over an obstacle is a fundamental problem in fluid mechanics. Transcritical flow means the wave phenomenon near the exact criticality. The transcritical flow cannot be handled by linear solutions as the energy is unable to propagate away from the obstacle. Thus, it is important to carry out a study to identify suitable model to analyse the transcritical flow. The aim of this study is to analyse the transcritical flow over a bump as localized obstacles where the bump consequently generates upstream and downstream flows. Nonlinear shallow water forced Korteweg-de Vries (fKdV) model is used to analyse the flow over the bump. This theoretical model, containing forcing functions represents bottom topography is considered as the simplified model to describe water flows over a bump. The effect of water dispersion over the forcing region is investigated using the fKdV model. Homotopy Analysis Method (HAM) is used to solve this theoretical fKdV model. The HAM solution which is chosen with a special choice of }-value describes the physical flow of waves and the significance of dispersion over abump is elaborated.
A Rainbow Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting System for Intelligent Tire Monitoring Applications
Authors: Esmaeeli Roja , Aliniagerdroudbari Haniph , Hashemi Seyed Reza , Nazari Ashkan , Alhadri Muapper , Zakri Waleed , Mohammed Abdul Haq , Batur Celal , Farhad Siamak
Published: December 2018

Intelligent tires can be used in autonomous vehicles to insure the vehicle safety by monitoring the tire and tire-road conditions using sensors embedded on the tire. These sensors and their wireless communication systems need to be powered by energy sources such as batteries or energy harvesters. The deflection of tires during rotation is an available and reliable source of energy for electric power generation using piezoelectric energy harvesters to feed tire self-powered sensors and their wireless communication systems. The aim of this study is to design, analyze, and optimize a rainbow-shaped piezoelectric energy harvester mounted on the inner layer of a pneumatic tire for providing enough power for microelectronics devices required for monitoring intelligent tires. It is shown that the designed piezoelectric energy harvester can generate sufficient voltage, power, and energy required for a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) with high data transmission speed or three TPMSs with average data transmission speed. The effect of the vehicle speed on the voltage and electric energy generated by the designed piezoelectric is also studied. The geometry and the circuit load resistance of the piezoelectric energy harvester are optimized in order to increase the energy harvesting efficiency. It is shown that the optimized rainbow piezoelectric energy harvester can reach the highest power generation among all the strain-based energy harvesters that partially cover the inner layer of the tire.
Transfection and colonization of Tetranychus truncatus Wolbachia strain wTtru in cell lines of the mosquito Aedes albopictus
Authors: Xia Xue , Peng Chang-Wu , Lu Yi-Jia , Zheng Xiao-Ying , Hong Xiao-Yue
Published: December 2018

Wolbachia are endosymbiotic bacteria that commonly infect arthropods and cause reproductive manipulations in hosts. Artificial transfection is one of the best methods for the study of Wolbachia-induced reproductive manipulations and its application in production practice. However, the low success rate of artificial transfection laid burden for investigation. The success rate of artificial transfection of Wolbachia between closely related hosts is usually higher than distant hosts, but the mechanism of transfection is unknown. In our study, the wTtru strain (supergroup B) infecting the Arachnida Tetranychus truncatus was transfected into the Aedes albopictus cell line (native-infected with wAlB strain from supergroup B). The wTtru strain was quantified and localized in the cell line to observe dynamic changes after transfection. A phylogenetic analysis of the relationship between the wTtru strain and the wAlB strain showed that the wTtru (ST=278) strain belonged to supergroup B and was closely related to the mosquitoes native Wolbachia wAlbB (ST=464), so we speculate that successful transfection was related to the Wolbachia strain, and furthermore, Wolbachia strain may be more important than host relationship. Our results provide a factual basis for studying artificial transfection of Wolbachia, and show that Wolbachia transfection between distant hosts can be achieved.
A review of histiostomatid mites associated with scolytine bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), with a description of Histiostoma shiramba sp. n. (Acari: Histiostomatidae) from galleries of the Sakhalin-fir bark beetle Polygraphus proximus
Authors: Klimov Pavel B. , Khaustov A.A.
Published: December 2018

Associations of scolytine bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) and histiostomatid mites (Acari: Histiostomatidae) are reviewed. Histiostomatids are associated with a total of 62 described species of bark beetles in 31 countries of the world, except for South America and Antarctica (262 non-redundant records). Non-accidental records include 21 mite species in the genus Histiostoma and 5 species in the Bonomoia/Probonomoia generic complex. The biological role of histiostomatids associated with bark beetles is largely unknown and needs further investigation. Available observations suggest that histiostomatids living in bark beetle galleries may feed on different fungi, including those pathogenic to the tree host and/or may serve as food supplement for developing bark beetle larvae (e.g., the fungal genus Ophiostoma). However, based on their mouthpart morphology, instead of feeding on fungi directly, histiostomatids may reduce fungal population sizes by releasing fungicides produced by their opisthonotal glands. Both feeding and phoretic stages of the mites commonly vector considerable numbers of fungal spores or conidia, including those of phloem-infesting, blue stain fungi (e.g., Ophiostoma, Ceratocystis, and Alternaria). Here we describe all developmental stages of a new species of the genus Histiostoma, belonging to the piceae-species group that includes many mite species associated with bark beetles. The new species, Histiostoma shiramba sp. n., was found in the galleries of the Sakhalin-fir bark beetle, Polygraphus proximus, an invasive pest that is quickly spreading outside of its native range in the Eastern Palaearctic, causing large-scale destruction of fir forests. We emend the following names (nom. emend.) to agree in gender with the generic name Histiostoma (gender neuter): Histiostoma capillatum, H. conjunctum, H. hungaricum, H. indetonsum, H. irinum, H. longisetum, H. margaritatum, H. medium, H. ovale, H. pannonicum, H. serratum, H. sordidum, H. spinosum, H. sylvestre, H. varium, H. virginianum. The name Histiostoma scheucheri is emended to Histiostoma scheucherae.
Influence of multiscale and curved structures on the migration of stem cells
Authors: Belaud Vanessa , Petithory Tatiana , Ponche Arnaud , Mauclair Cyril , Donnet Christophe , Pieuchot Laurent , Benayoun Stephane , Anselme Karine
Published: December 2018

Understanding how topographical cues can control cell behavior is a major fundamental question which is of particular interest for implant design. Recent findings show that cell-scale curvature, as well as nanoscale topography, can affect different aspects of cell migration. However, the correlation between specific curvature radii and cell behavior, as well as the combinatorial effect of nanoscale topography and cell-scale curvature, has not yet been investigated. Herein, the authors employ a new femtosecond laser ablation method to generate multiscale topographical patterns directly on titanium surfaces. The process allows us to produce microgrooves of specific curvature imprinted with oriented nanotopographical features called Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS). The authors show that curved grooves stimulate the stem cell migration speed in comparison to flat or linear grooves. The fastest velocities are observed on 75 μm curvature radius, whereas cells migrating on 125 μm curvatures exhibit a lower speed similar to the ones migrating on straight lines. Double replicas of these grooves allow us to mask the LIPSS while keeping identical the cell-scale pattern, therefore permitting to uncouple the effect of nanoscale and microscale topographies. The authors found that the presence of nanoscale topographies improves the reading of microgrooves curvature by cells. Altogether, this work shows that the combination of specific curvatures together with nanopatterning can control the velocity of migrating stem cells and promote the use of femtosecond laser ablation in the context of surface implant design.
Plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition of cobalt nitride with cobalt amidinate
Authors: Fan Qipeng , Sang Lijun , Jiang Derong , Yang Lizhen , Zhang Haibao , Chen Qiang , Liu Zhongwei
Published: December 2018

Cobalt nitride (Co3Nx) thin films were deposited via the technique of plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (ALD) at low temperatures down to 100 °C, using bis(N,N′-di-iso-propylacetamidinato)cobalt(II) [Co(ipr2AMD)2] and NH3 plasma. Saturation curves demonstrate that the deposition processes follow the ideal self-limiting ALD fashion with a growth rate of 0.075 nm/cycle. The x in the nominal formula of Co3Nx is approximately 0.78, and the films are demonstrated polycrystalline with a hexagonal Co3N crystal structure. This process can deposit a pure, smooth, and highly conformal Co3Nx film in trenches with 20:1 aspect ratio, which can be extended to the deposition of other metal nitrides at low temperature.
Sprint Interval Training and the School Curriculum: Benefits Upon Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Physical Activity Profiles, and Cardiometabolic Risk Profiles of Healthy Adolescents
Authors: Martin-Smith Rhona , Buchan Duncan S. , Baker Julien S. , Macdonald Mhairi J. , Sculthorpe Nicholas F. , Easton Chris , Knox Allan , Grace Fergal M.
Published: December 2018

Background: This study examined the impact of a 4-week school-based sprint interval training program on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), daily physical activity (PA) behavior, and cardiometabolic risk (CMR) outcomes in adolescents. Methods: A total of 56 adolescents (22 females) were allocated to either an intervention (n = 22; 17.0 [0.3] y) or control group (n = 30; 16.8 [0.5] y). Intervention group performed 5 to 6, 30 second “all out” running sprints, interspersed with 30-second rest intervals, 3 times per week, for 4 consecutive weeks, whereas control group performed their normal physical education lessons. CRF was estimated from the 20-m multistage fitness test and PA behavior was determined using accelerometry. Fasting blood samples were obtained to measure biochemical markers of CMR. Results: Significant group × time interactions were observed for CRF (5.03 [1.66 to 8.40]; P < .001; d = 0.95), sedentary time (136.15 [91.91 to 180.39]; P = .004; d = 1.8), moderate PA (57.20 [32.17 to 82.23]; P < .001; d = 1.5), vigorous PA (5.40 [4.22 to 6.57]; P < .001; d = 1.2), fasting insulin (0.37 [−0.48 to 1.21]; P = .01; d = 1.0), homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (0.26 [0.15 to 0.42]; P < .001; d = 0.9), and clustered CMR score (0.22 [−0.05 to 0.68]; P < .001; d = 10.63). Conclusion: Findings of this study indicate that 4 weeks of school-based sprint interval training improves CRF, improves PA profiles, and maintains CMR in adolescents during the school term.
Unique complication of laparoscopic adjustable gastric band? A misplaced band encircling the abdominal aorta
Authors: Sahloul Mohamed , Bowley Douglas , Richardson Martin
Published: December 2018

In the recent past, laparoscopic adjustable gastric bands (LAGBs) have been used extensively in bariatric surgery. Despite questionable long-term efficacy, they are generally safe and reversible. We report a possibly unique presentation of a potential hazard of the insertion technique; a misplaced LAGB encircling the abdominal aorta, which was confirmed radiologically and on operative removal of the gastric band. This is a dramatic complication of LAGB, representing an important anatomical hazard for gastric band insertion.
Understanding ‘missed appointments’ for pills and injectables: a mixed methods study in Senegal
Authors: Cavallaro Francesca L , Duclos Diane , Cresswell Jenny A , Faye Sylvain , Macleod David , Faye Adama , Lynch Caroline A
Published: December 2018

Introduction

High discontinuation rates of contraceptive methods have been documented in sub-Saharan Africa. However, little is known about gaps within individual episodes of method use, despite their implications for unintended pregnancies. The objective of this mixed methods study was to examine the prevalence of, and explore the factors contributing to, delays in repeat appointments for pills and injectables in Senegal.

Methods

First, we constructed a longitudinal data set of women’s contraceptive consultations using routine records from 67 facilities in Senegal. Consultations for pills and injectables were classified as on time, delayed or with unknown delay status based on time since previous appointment. We described the prevalence of delayed appointments and used backward stepwise regression to build a mixed-effects model to investigate risk factors for delay. Second, we conducted workshops with family planning (FP) providers, and indepth interviews and focus group discussions with women of reproductive age, to explore factors contributing to delays.

Results

Almost one-third (30%) of appointments for pills and injectables were delayed, resulting in risk of pregnancy. Previous delay, pill use, lower educational level, higher parity, third and subsequent visits, and Islamic faith were independently predictive of delays (p<0.04 for all). Although women’s ‘forgetfulness’ was initially mentioned as the main reason for delays by women and providers, examining the routines around appointment attendance revealed broader contextual barriers to timely refills—particularly widespread covert use, illiteracy, financial cost of FP services and limited availability of FP services.

Conclusion

Delays in obtaining repeat pills and injections are common among contraceptive users in Senegal, exposing women to unintended pregnancies. Strategies to reduce such delays should move beyond a narrow focus on individual women to consider contraceptive behaviour within the broader socioeconomic and health systems context. In particular, effective interventions addressing low acceptability of contraception and appointment reminder strategies in high illiteracy contexts are needed.
HealthPathways implementation in a New Zealand health region: a qualitative study using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research
Authors: Stokes Tim , Tumilty Emma , Doolan-Noble Fiona , Gauld Robin
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To explore the process of implementation of an online health information web-based portal and referral system (HealthPathways) using implementation science theory: the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Setting

Southern Health Region of New Zealand (Otago and Southland).

Participants

Key Informants (providers and planners of healthcare) (n=10) who were either involved in the process of implementing HealthPathways or who were intended end-users of HealthPathways.

Methods

Semistructured interviews were undertaken. A deductive thematic analysis using CFIR was conducted using the framework method.

Results

CFIR postulates that for an intervention to be implemented successfully, account must be taken of the intervention’s core components and the adaptable periphery. The core component of HealthPathways—the web portal and referral system that contains a large number of localised clinical care pathways—had been addressed well by the product developers. Little attention had, however, been paid to addressing the adaptable periphery (adaptable elements, structures and systems related to HealthPathways and the organisation into which it was being implemented); it was seen as sufficient just to deliver the web portal and referral system and the set of clinical care pathways as developed to effect successful implementation. In terms of CFIR’s ‘inner setting’ corporate and professional cultures, the implementation climate and readiness for implementation were not properly addressed during implementation. There were also multiple failures of the implementation process (eg, lack of planning and engagement with clinicians). As a consequence, implementation of HealthPathways was highly problematic.

Conclusions

The use of CFIR has furthered our understanding of the factors needed for the successful implementation of a complex health intervention (HealthPathways) in the New Zealand health system. Those charged with implementing complex health interventions should always consider the local context within which they will be implemented and tailor their implementation strategy to address these.
Diagnosis of amyloid neuropathy
Authors: Kapoor Mahima , Rossor Alexander M , Jaunmuktane Zane , Lunn Michael P T , Reilly Mary M
Published: December 2018

Systemic amyloidosis can be hereditary or acquired. The autosomal dominant hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis and the acquired light-chain amyloidosis, the result of a plasma cell dyscrasia, are multisystem disorders with cardiovascular, autonomic and peripheral nerve involvement. There are numerous investigational modalities available to diagnose systemic amyloidosis and to assess the extent of organ involvement, but it is frequently misdiagnosed due to its heterogeneous clinical presentations and misleading investigation findings. An accurate and timely diagnosis of amyloid neuropathy can greatly impact on the outcomes for patients, especially as there will soon be new gene-silencing treatments for hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis.
Spectrum of injuries resulting from gunshot wounds in car hijacking: a South African experience
Authors: Kong Victor , Weale Ross , Blodgett Joanna , Bruce John , Laing Grant , Clarke Damian
Published: December 2018

Background

Car hijacking, known as “carjacking”, is a form of aggravated robbery of a vehicle from the driver frequently involving firearm and is common in South Africa. There is, however, little literature on the spectrum of injuries sustained by victims of car hijacking. The study aimed to describe the spectrum of gunshot wound-related (GSW) injuries and review our experience of management of victims of car hijacking in our trauma center based in South Africa.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted during an 8-year period from January 2010 to January 2018 on all patients who presented with any form of GSW after a car hijacking incident.

Results

During the 8-year study period, a total of 101 patients were identified. Seventy-four percent were male (75 of 101) and the mean age was 34 years. The mean time from injury to arrival at our trauma center was 7 hours (rural district: 10 hours, urban district: 4 hours; p<0.001). Seventy-five percent (76 of 101) of all patients sustained GSWs to multiple body regions, whereas the remaining 25% (25 of 101) were confined to a single body region. The most common region involved was the chest (48 cases), followed by the abdomen (46 cases) and neck (34 cases). Sixty-three of the 101 (62%) patients required one or more operative interventions. The most common procedure was laparotomy (28 cases), followed by vascular (20 cases) and neck (14) exploration. Eighteen percent (18 of 101) of all patients required intensive care unit admission. The mean length of hospital stay was 7 days. The overall morbidity was 13% (16 of 101) and the overall mortality was 18% (18 of 101).

Discussion

The spectrum of injuries from GSW related to car hijacking commonly involves close range GSWs to multiple body regions. Torso trauma is common and a substantial proportion of victims require major operative interventions. The mortality from these injuries is significant.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Neurological signs due to hypoadrenocorticism in two dogs
Authors: Santifort Koen M , Kooistra Hans S , Mandigers Paul JJ
Published: December 2018

Primary hypoadrenocorticism, also known as Addison’s disease and nicknamed ‘the great pretender’, is a rare disease in dogs and has been sporadically documented in cats. Documented cases of confirmed hypoadrenocorticism as a cause of neurological signs are limited. This report describes two cases of hypoadrenocorticism primarily referred for neurological signs. In case 1, neurological signs consisted of generalised neuromuscular weakness/paresis. The very noticeable tetraparesis (paraparesis most apparent) in case 2 is an example of the generalised paresis that may be a consequence of hypoadrenocorticism. Both cases responded to treatment for hypoadrenocorticism with resolution of neurological signs. In conclusion, hypoadrenocorticism should be considered a differential diagnosis for dogs presented with neurological signs of (generalised neuromuscular) weakness/paresis (manifesting as a ‘wobbly gait’ which is easily confused with ataxia), especially when signs are long‐standing or vaguely defined.
Analysis of the Spatial Vibration of Nonprismatic Arches by Means of Recurrence Relations for the Coefficients of the Chebyshev Series Expansion of the Solution
Authors: Ruta P. , Meissner M.
Published: December 2018

The problem of spatial vibrations, both aperiodically forced and free vibrations, of an arch with an arbitrary distribution of material and geometric parameters is considered. Approximation with Chebyshev series was used to solve a conjugated system of partial differential equations describing the problem. The system of differential equations was solved using an algorithm generating a recursive infinite system of equations, developed by S. Paszkowski in “Numerical applications of Chebyshev polynomials” (in Polish), Warsaw PWN, 1975. Since the coefficients of the obtained system of equations are defined by closed analytical formulas they can be directly used to solve any nonprismatic arch, without it being necessary to solve again the considered problem. The algorithm is highly accurate; i.e., already at a small approximation base it yields results agreeing with exact analytical solutions (obviously for problems in the case of which such solutions can be derived). In order to demonstrate this the eigenfrequencies and eigenvectors obtained for a circular prismatic arch were compared with their precise values determined from the exact analytical solutions. The results yielded by the proposed method were also compared with the results obtained by other methods and by other authors. As an illustration, the proposed method was used to solve a more complex problem, i.e., the problem of the free and aperiodically forced vibrations of a nonprismatic arch with its axis described by a catenary curve. In the example the effect of the lack of cross-sectional symmetry of the arch on the form of the system’s spatial free and forced vibrations was analysed.
Numerical Study on Diffusion of Chloride and Induced Rebar Corrosion by Two-Dimensional Multiscale Approach
Authors: Tu Xi , Di Jin , Pang Cunjun , Xu Xiaoqing
Published: December 2018

Modeling approach for mesoscopic model of concrete depicting mass transportation and physicochemical reaction is important since there is growing demand for accuracy and computational efficiency of numerical simulation. Mesoscopic numerical simulation considering binder, aggregate, and interfacial transition zone (ITZ) generally produces huge number of DOFs, which is inapplicable for full structure. In this paper, a two-dimensional multiscale approach describing three-phase structure of concrete was discussed numerically. An effective approach generating random aggregate in polygon based on checking centroid distance and intersection of line segment was introduced. Moreover, ITZ elements were built by parallel expanding the edge of aggregates on inner side. By combining mesoscopic model including full-graded aggregate and macroscopic model, cases related to diffusivity and width of ITZ, volume fraction, and grade of aggregate were studied regarding the consideration of multiscale compensation. Result clearly showed that larger analysis model in multiscale model expanded the diffusion space of chloride ion and decreased chloride content in front of rebar. Finally, this paper addressed some noteworthy conclusions about the chloride distribution and rebar corrosion regarding the configuration of rebar diameter, concrete cover, and exposure period.