bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accelerated Hypofractionated Radiotherapy Versus Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for the Treatment of Stage I Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer—A Single Institution Experience With Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Karasawa Katsuyuki , Hayakawa Sara , Machitori Yumiko , Shibata Yukiko , Ogawa Hiroaki , Ito Kei , Shimizuguchi Takuya , Kawamoto Terufumi , Nihei Keiji
Published: October 2018

Purpose:

Although stereotactic body radiation therapy is one of the standard treatments for stage I nonsmall cell lung cancer, in the case of central tumors it carries the risk of severe adverse events for serial organs. Accelerated hypofractionated radiotherapy is considered a reasonable alternative to treat central tumors. We have been treating central tumors with accelerated hypofractionated radiotherapy using a 75 Gy/25 fr/5 weeks regimen, and we compared the results with those of stereotactic body radiation therapy using 48 Gy/4 fr/1 week.

Methods:

Patients with central tumors and/or unfit for 1-hour fixation were candidates for accelerated hypofractionated radiotherapy. Based on the proximity to the biologically effective dose at 10 Gy, above accelerated hypofractionated radiotherapy regimen was adopted.

Results:

From October 2003 to December 2010, 159 patients, who received either accelerated hypofractionated radiotherapy (103 cases) or stereotactic body radiation therapy (56 cases), were included in the analysis. In the accelerated hypofractionated radiotherapy group, 40 (39%) cases were central tumors, whereas all cases were peripheral tumors in the stereotactic body radiation therapy group. Overall 5-year local control and survival rates were 81.9% (95% confidence interval 73.6%-90.1%) and 46.5% (95% confidence interval 36.7%-56.2%), respectively for the accelerated hypofractionated radiotherapy group, and 75.4% (95% confidence interval 63.0%-87.8%) and 44.6% (95% confidence interval 31.6%-57.7%), respectively for the stereotactic body radiation therapy group (n.s.). Among central tumors, ultracentral tumors (21 cases) and the remaining central tumors (19 cases) were similar in both local control and survival. On multivariate analysis, hazard ratios for accelerated hypofractionated radiotherapy versus stereotactic body radiation therapy were <1 for both local control and survival. Pulmonary toxicity was similar in both groups. No serial organ toxicity was observed for central tumors.

Conclusions:

Accelerated hypofractionated radiotherapy with a 75 Gy/25 fr/5 weeks regimen is promising in that it can obtain similar local control and survival results to stereotactic body radiation therapy, and it can control both central and peripheral tumors without any serial organ toxicities. Based on these results, prospective multicenter trials are worth conducting, especially for ultracentral tumors.
Dynamic and adaptive multi-path routing algorithm based on software-defined network
Authors: Jiawei Wu , Xiuquan Qiao , Guoshun Nan
Published: October 2018

Recently, there has been a surge of the video services over the Internet. However, service providers still have difficulties in providing high-quality video streaming due to the problem of scheduling efficiency and the wide fluctuations of end-to-end delays in the existing multi-path algorithms. To solve these two problems affecting video transmission quality, networks are expected to have the capability of dynamically managing the network nodes for satisfying quality-of-service requirements, which is a challenging issue for media streaming applications. Against this changing network landscape, this article proposes a dynamic and adaptive multi-path routing algorithm under three constraints (packet loss, time delay, and bandwidth) that are based on software-defined network for centralized routing computations and real-time network state updating in multimedia applications. Compared with related multi-path routing proposals, dynamic and adaptive multi-path routing makes efficient use of the latest global network state information achieved by the OpenFlow controller and calculates the optimal routes dynamically according to the real-time status information of the link. Moreover, our proposed algorithm can significantly reduce the computational overhead of the controller while completing a fine-grained flow balance. Experimental results show that dynamic and adaptive multi-path routing significantly outperforms other existing scheduling approaches in achieving a 35%–70% improvement in quality-of-service.
Turbulent wind characteristics in typhoon Hagupit based on field measurements
Authors: Li Lixiao , Xiao Yiqing , Zhou Haijun , Xing Feng , Song Lili
Published: October 2018

Wind loads are the dominant loads for large-scale buildings and structures in tropical cyclone-prone regions; however, wind characteristics in tropical cyclones are still far from being understood. In this study, wind characteristics concerned in engineering applications, for example, wind attack angle, friction velocity, drag coefficient, turbulence intensity, integral scale, gust factor, and peak factor, were carefully investigated based on field measurements in typhoon Hagupit and were compared with measurements in typhoon Maemi and three hurricanes in literatures. The results show that drag coefficient increases with mean wind speeds at low levels and then decreases gradually at wind speed greater than 22.45 m/s in typhoon Hagupit over sea surface; turbulence intensities in front-side eyewall region are greater than those in back-side eyewall regions both in typhoons and hurricanes; the ratio between longitudinal integral scale and lateral integral scale, [Formula: see text], is scattered, but the ratio between longitudinal integral scale and vertical integral scale, [Formula: see text], is closer both in typhoons and hurricanes; the gust factor in typhoon Hagupit is 1.25 over open sea surface and 1.42 over open flat terrain; the peak factor is about 2.4.
Agentification of the Internet of Things: A systematic literature review
Authors: Pico-Valencia Pablo , Holgado-Terriza Juan A
Published: October 2018

The Internet of Things is aimed at controlling the physical real world using a global network of heterogeneous smart objects that are interconnected through the Internet. Nonetheless, this emergent paradigm still poses challenges in terms of intelligence, autonomy, security, privacy, and interoperability, all of which must be overcome in order for this approach to be consolidated. The integration of Internet of Things with agent technologies has been proposed as an alternative. In this article, we present a general overview of the main preliminary models, theoretical and experimental studies, and applications currently proposed to carry out the agentification of the Internet of Things through modeling smart objects and networks of Internet of Things objects using software agents. Furthermore, we present an analysis of the main strengths, opportunities, weaknesses, and threats of this approach in terms of computational intelligence. Finally, we discuss the main challenges that must be overcome in order for the agentification process of the Internet of Things to become a consolidated paradigm to build cognitive Internet of Things applications.
Channel state information–based multi-level fingerprinting for indoor localization with deep learning
Authors: Li Tao , Wang Hai , Shao Yuan , Niu Qiang
Published: October 2018

With the rapid growth of indoor positioning requirements without equipment and the convenience of channel state information acquisition, the research on indoor fingerprint positioning based on channel state information is increasingly valued. In this article, a multi-level fingerprinting approach is proposed, which is composed of two-level methods: the first layer is achieved by deep learning and the second layer is implemented by the optimal subcarriers filtering method. This method using channel state information is termed multi-level fingerprinting with deep learning. Deep neural networks are applied in the deep learning of the first layer of multi-level fingerprinting with deep learning, which includes two phases: an offline training phase and an online localization phase. In the offline training phase, deep neural networks are used to train the optimal weights. In the online localization phase, the top five closest positions to the location position are obtained through forward propagation. The second layer optimizes the results of the first layer through the optimal subcarriers filtering method. Under the accuracy of 0.6 m, the positioning accuracy of two common environments has reached, respectively, 96% and 93.9%. The evaluation results show that the positioning accuracy of this method is better than the method based on received signal strength, and it is better than the support vector machine method, which is also slightly improved compared with the deep learning method.
Electronic Cigarettes: Impact on Lung Function and Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide Among Healthy Adults
Authors: Meo Sultan Ayoub , Ansary Muhammad Abdullah , Barayan Fahad Rayan , Almusallam Abdulaziz Sulaiman , Almehaid Abdulrahman Muteb , Alarifi Nawaf Saad , Alsohaibani Thamer Abdulnasir , Zia Inam
Published: October 2018

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are rapidly becoming an alternative form of nicotine consumption worldwide and a disruptive element in the global health diplomacy. This study aimed to investigate the impact of e-cigarettes on lung function and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) among young healthy male adults. Sixty apparently healthy male volunteers were recruited and divided into two groups. Group 1 (e-cigarette-exposed group) consisted of 30 males who were daily e-cigarette users (age 27.07 ± 6.00 [mean ± SD] years). Group 2 (control group) consisted of 30 males who were not e-cigarette users (age 25.90 ± 7.72 [mean ± SD] years). Both groups were neither current nor former traditional tobacco users. Age, ethnicity, height, weight, and socioeconomic status were considered using a matched design to investigate the impact of e-cigarette use on lung function and FeNO. The lung function test parameters that were found to be significantly decreased in e-cigarette users compared to their control group were forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced expiratory ratio (FEV1/FVC), forced expiratory flow—25% (FEF25%), forced expiratory flow—50% (FEF50%), forced expiratory flow—75% (FEF75%), forced expiratory flow—25%–75% (FEF25%–75%), and forced expiratory flow—75%–85% (FEF75%–85%). FeNO was also decreased in e-cigarette users, but it did not reach the level of significance. The use of e-cigarettes significantly impaired various lung function parameters and the pattern of impairment exhibited a peripheral obstructive airway involvement. These findings have a general message for the global health community on the potential harm of e-cigarettes on lung function.
A study of outcomes in conservatively managed patients with large abdominal aortic aneurysms deemed unfit for surgical repair
Authors: Elmallah Ahmed , Elnagar Mohamed , Bambury Niamh , Ahmed Zeeshan , Dowdall Joseph , Mehigan Denis , Sheehan Stephen , Barry Mary
Published: October 2018

Background

The current advancement and increasing use of diagnostic imaging has led to increased detection of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Many of these patients are unfit for elective AAA surgery.

Aim

To investigate the outcome of conservative management of unfit patients with large AAA (>5.5 cm) who are turned down for elective surgical intervention.

Patients and methods

Between January 2006 and April 2017, 457 patients presented with AAA >5.5 cm. Seventy-six patients (M: F 54:22) were deemed unfit for elective repair. Mean age was 79.8 years (range 64–96). Mean AAA size was 60.22 mm (55–83).

Results

Forty-nine of the 76 patients (64%) had died by April 2017. Fifteen (19.7%) patients died directly because of their aneurysm rupture. A further 34 (44.7%) patients died from non-aneurysm-related causes.

Conclusion

Patients with large AAA deemed unfit for elective surgery have an overall poor prognosis and die mainly from other causes than AAA. Surgical intervention when rupture occurs results in poor survival.
Othering the European Union through constructing moral panics over ‘im/migrant(s)’ in the coverage of migration in three British newspapers, 2011–2016
Authors: Tong Jingrong , Zuo Landong
Published: October 2018

The article offers a corpus-driven computer-assisted analysis of newspaper language immediately surrounding ‘im/migrant(s)’ in the Guardian, the Daily Telegraph and the Sun and their Sunday publications between 2011 and 23 June 2016. Drawing on moral panic and social representations theories, the study reveals that the newspapers increasingly ‘othered’ the European Union (EU) through constructing moral panics over ‘illegal’/‘EU’ ‘im/migrant(s)’ prior to the referendum, despite noticeable differences across them. It confirms that the EU was imagined as the origin and conduit of migrants entering the UK, especially by the two right-wing newspapers, constructing an antagonism between Britain and the EU, with implications for understanding the role of news media in shaping and signifying public discourses about Brexit. The conventional stigmatising norms labelling ‘immigrants’ have been adopted and extended to associate the object of the EU with the moral panics over ‘immigrants’, which reflects the changes in social representations of ‘immigrants’ and ‘the EU’.
A multidisciplinary review of triphalangeal thumb
Authors: Potuijt Jacob W. P. , Galjaard Robert-Jan H. , van der Spek Peter J. , van Nieuwenhoven Christianne A. , Ahituv Nadav , Oberg Kerby C. , Hovius Steven E. R.
Published: October 2018

Despite being a rare congenital limb anomaly, triphalangeal thumb is a subject of research in various scientific fields, providing new insights in clinical research and evolutionary biology. The findings of triphalangeal thumb can be predictive for other congenital anomalies as part of an underlying syndrome. Furthermore, triphalangeal thumb is still being used as a model in molecular genetics to study gene regulation by long-range regulatory elements. We present a review that summarizes a number of scientifically relevant topics that involve the triphalangeal thumb phenotype. Future initiatives involving multidisciplinary teams collaborating in the field of triphalangeal thumb research can lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms of this condition as well as other congenital upper limb anomalies.
Community readiness assessment for disseminating evidence-based physical activity programs to older adults in Changsha, China: a case for Enhance®Fitness
Authors: Liu Minhui , Zhang Xi , Xiao Jinnan , Ge Feng , Tang Siyuan , Belza Basia
Published: October 2018

Physical activity (PA) has declined in China due to urbanization in the past two decades. Evidence-based programs are good approaches to promote PA, but are limited in China. Adopting existing programs can be a viable option. Prior to that, readiness assessment is needed. This study aimed to assess community readiness levels for disseminating evidence-based PA programs to older adults in Changsha, China. In-person interviews were conducted with 33 participants of five districts in Changsha to assess the community readiness level in five dimensions: community knowledge of efforts, community climate, community knowledge about the issue, leadership and resources. Data was transcribed, reviewed and compared with an anchored rating scale to provide a stage of readiness score ranging from 1 (no awareness) to 9 (high level of community ownership). Participants included 14 community staff, 13 older adults, four community leaders and three health professionals. The top three barriers to disseminating PA programs were lack of appropriate locations, funding and instructors. The top three resources were availability of indoor space, chairs and loudspeakers. Community leadership was the highest-rated readiness dimension (3.3 out of 9) followed by community climate (3.2), community knowledge of efforts (3.1) and resources (2.8); knowledge about the issue scored the lowest (2.7). The overall community stage readiness score of Changsha was 3.0 out of 9. The stage of readiness for communities in Changsha, China is ‘vague awareness’. Developing strategies to improve community readiness levels may increase evidence-based PA program dissemination in Changsha, China.
Habermas, Islam, and theorizing the “Other”
Authors: Sheedy Matt
Published: October 2018

Over the last twenty years, Jürgen Habermas has been at the forefront of debates involving religion in the public sphere. In the wake of 9/11 he has responded to the problems of terrorism, “radical Islam,” and the so-called Muslim question in Europe, attempting to align these issue with his broader theories of deliberative democracy and postsecularism. Although Habermas aims for an inclusive model of deliberation in the public sphere, I argue that his reliance on macro theories of secularization and modernization reproduce an ideal of secular liberal democracy as the standard by which to think about various “Others,” including Muslims. As a result, I claim that he ends up reproducing a soft variety of the “clash of civilizations” thesis by failing to account for the complexity of Muslim identities. In conclusion, I look at alternative models that are better able to historicize and contextualize “Islam” in the past and present, and point to significant gaps that must be filled if his proposals are to be taken seriously.
Effects of dexmedetomidine on renal function in patients with septic shock
Authors: Chen Lvlin , Lan Ying , Zhu Jun-Cheng , He Yan
Published: October 2018

This study was to observe the effects of dexmedetomidine against acute kidney injury in patients with septic shock. A prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in which 80 patients with septic shock admitted in Department of Critical Care Medicine of the Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University from June 2015 to January 2017 were divided into experimental group and control group. The patients in both groups received basic treatment for septic shock, and the patients in the experimental group were given intravenous injection of dexmedetomidine, maintained with 0.1–0.2 µg kg−1 h−1 for 5 days. In both groups, the changes in the levels of interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, serum creatinine (SCr), cystatin C (Cys C), and β2-microglobulin (β2-MG) were determined before treatment and 1, 3, and 5 days after treatment. At 5 days after treatment, Cys C, β2-MG, and SCr were significantly decreased in both groups ( P < 0.05), and the degree of decrease in the experimental group was more obvious ( P < 0.05). At 1, 3, and 5 days after treatment, IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly decreased in both groups ( P < 0.05) and the degree of decrease in the experimental group was more obvious ( P < 0.05). Dexmedetomidine has certain renal protective effect in patients with septic shock, and its mechanism is possibly related to the regulation and improvement of uncontrolled inflammatory response.
Elevated Th22 cells correlated with Th17 cells in patients with high liver stiffness in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Su Si-Biao , Chen Wen , Huang Fei-Fei , Zhang Jian-Feng
Published: October 2018

The aims of this article are to investigate the effects of Th22 and Th17 cells and plasma cytokines in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and to examine the correlation between Th22 and Th17 cells levels and disease progression. Blood samples from 70 patients with NAFLD and 26 healthy controls (HCs) were collected. Flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis were performed. ELISA revealed interleukin (IL)-22 plasma level in FibroScan subgroup patients was 2.2-fold higher than that in the HCs ( P < 0.01), body mass index (BMI) subgroup patients were 2.3-fold higher than HCs ( P < 0.01), IL-17A plasma level was 5.6-fold higher in FibroScan subgroup patients than that in the HCs ( P < 0.01), and 5.8-fold higher in BMI subgroup than HCs ( P < 0.01). Flow cytometry revealed median proportions of Th22 cells in FibroScan group was greater than that in the HCs (3.85% vs 0.86%; P < 0.001). Similar results were obtained for Th17 cells (6.36% vs 0.9%; P < 0.001). The liver stiffness measurement value was highly correlated with the proportion of Th17 and Th22 cells and moderately correlated with the plasma level of IL-17A, IL-22, and the BMI value. In conclusion, the elevated proportions of Th17 and Th22 cells were significantly correlated with the degree of liver cirrhosis in NAFLD patients. They may play an inflammatory and immune response role in progression from nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) or fibrosis.
Identifying Stress Landscapes in Boston Neighborhoods
Authors: Conyersm F. Garrett , Langevin Helene M , Badger Gary J , Mehta Darshan H
Published: October 2018

Background

Chronic stress plays a role in the development of health disparities. However, the relationship between neighborhood stressors and stress-related health problems and behaviors is unknown. In the city of Boston, Massachusetts, 3 neighborhoods, while within a 3 mile radius, have widely divergent life expectancies. This work aims to investigate and compare perceived neighborhood-level stressors, stress-related negative behaviors, and stress-related health problems in these neighborhoods.

Methods

Three hundred twenty-six participants were surveyed from the neighborhoods. Participants were asked to rate (1) 27 neighborhood stressors, (2) 16 stress-related negative behaviors, and (3) 13 stress-related health problems using a 1 to 5 Likert-type scale. Differences in responses between neighborhoods were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis and χ2 tests.

Results

The highest neighborhood stressors overall were related to finance, unequal treatment, and unsafe bike/pedestrian access. The highest stress-related health problems were related to substance abuse and obesity, and the largest stress-related behaviors were related to poor diet, intolerance, and aggressive driving. There were significant differences across neighborhoods ( P < .05) for 18 of the 27 neighborhood stressors, 8 of the 10 stress-related health problems, and 12 of the 15 stress-related behaviors.

Conclusions

There is marked contrast in stress landscapes between the 3 neighborhoods in Boston despite their geographical proximity. This finding potentially serves as an explanation for the drastic differences in health outcomes, even though these neighborhoods are equidistant from academic medical centers. Strategies for improving the health of individuals should incorporate the unique stressors at the neighborhood level. Further research is needed to investigate how specifically neighborhood stressors influence the health of residents, thereby informing what policy interventions might be useful.
Thoughts as Unexpected Intruders: Context, Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms, and the Sense of Agency Over Thoughts
Authors: Fradkin Isaac , Eitam Baruch , Strauss Asher Y. , Huppert Jonathan D.
Published: October 2018

Obsessions are commonly described as intrusive, ego-dystonic, and coming out of nowhere. This might reflect an experience of a low sense of agency (SoA; i.e., the experience of being the source of one’s own thoughts). In this study, we investigated the relationship between obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms and the SoA over thoughts. Participants were told that subliminal auditory primes (actually sham) can insert thoughts into their minds, and their experiences of inserted thoughts were collected online. The results of three experiments showed reduced SoA over thoughts in individuals with subclinical OC symptoms, regardless of the valence of the thoughts. Several potential confounding factors (e.g., suppression, vigilance, general anxiety) were ruled out. The experience of inserted thoughts was related to experiencing thoughts as “out of context,” which partially explained reduced SoA in participants with high levels of OC symptoms. These experiments highlight the importance of focusing on the low-level, contextual, and phenomenological characteristics of intrusive thoughts in addition to their content and appraisals.
Vertebral Body Lavage Reduces Hemodynamic Response to Vertebral Body Augmentation With PMMA
Authors: Albers Christoph E. , Schott Philipp M. , Ahmad Sufian S. , Benneker Lorin M. , Nieuwkamp Nadine , Hoppe Sven
Published: October 2018

Study Design:

Retrospective comparative study.

Objectives:

To assess the effect of vertebral body lavage (VBL) on (1) systemic blood pressure, (2) heart rate, and (3) oxygen saturation following cement augmentation procedures for acute vertebral compression fractures (VCFs).

Methods:

A total of 145 consecutive patients undergoing cement augmentation for acute VCF (mean age 74 ± 12 years, age range 42-96 years; 70% female; 475 levels treated) were allocated to the “lavage group” (n = 61 patients; VBL prior to cement application) and to the “control group” (n = 84 patients, no VBL). Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate, and oxygen saturation were monitored immediately prior and 3 minutes after cement injection. Logistic regression analysis was performed with ΔMAP ≥10 mm Hg before and after cement injection as the dependent outcome variable and demographic, radiographic, and procedural factors as independent variables.

Results:

MAP decreased by mean 3 ± 7.3 mm Hg before and after cement injection in the “lavage group” and 9 ± 10.5 mmHg in the control group ( P < .001). There were no significant differences in terms of heart rate and oxygen saturation before and after cement application within each group, or between the 2 groups. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed VBL as an independent factor influencing MAP (adjusted odds ratio: 3.49 [confidence interval, 1.16-10.50], P = .03).

Conclusion:

VBL prior to cement augmentation procedures reduces the hemodynamic response, most likely resulting from decreased amounts of bone marrow substance displaced into the circulation thereby decreasing the risk of pulmonary fat embolism syndrome.
Dramatic response of intravenous lidocaine in a patient with status like SUNA
Authors: Chowdhury Debashish , Duggal Ashish , Koul Arun , Gupta Ankur
Published: October 2018

Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) and short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with cranial autonomic symptoms (SUNA) are rare primary headaches that can sometimes present with a status like pattern which can be highly disabling. Intravenous (IV) lidocaine has been reported to be useful in status like SUNCT but its use in status like SUNA remains unexplored. We report a patient of episodic SUNA who despite on multiple conventional drugs had status like presentation. He had an excellent sustained response to IV lidocaine. Relevant literature on treatment of status like SUNCT/SUNA is briefly reviewed. IV lidocaine can be a very useful treatment for status like SUNA.
Histone Modifications: Epigenetic Mediators of Environmental Exposure Memory
Authors: Camacho Jessica , Allard Patrick
Published: October 2018

How organisms retain a memory of ancestral environmental exposure is a phenomenon that is still poorly understood. Recently published work by our group and others, regarding environmentally induced transgenerational effects, have identified an array of mechanisms, with a particular focus on histone modifications, that shed some light on the underlying epigenetic processes driving long-term generational effects.
The Impact of a Community Pharmacy Diabetes Self-Management Education Program on Diabetes Distress
Authors: Machen Morgan L. , Borden Hamilton C. , Hohmeier Kenneth C.
Published: October 2018

Background: Negative psychosocial implications stemming from the presence of diabetes, known as diabetes distress, place people with diabetes at twice the likelihood of having clinical depression than those who do not have the disease. While many community pharmacies have incorporated diabetes self-management education (DSME) programs into their practices, there are no known studies that evaluate the impact that this model may have on diabetes distress. Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact that a community pharmacy DSME program has on diabetes distress. Methods: Retrospective chart review for pre- and post-DSME Problem Areas in Diabetes scale scores, pertinent health history (type and duration of diabetes, A1C, and medications), and demographic information (age, gender) of patients who completed Blount Discount Pharmacy’s DSME program. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Of the 17 charts that were reviewed, there was an overall decrease in Problem Areas in Diabetes scale scores from baseline ( P = .029). Greater reduction was observed in patients with a long-standing history of diabetes compared with those who were diagnosed with diabetes within the previous 12 months of DSME. Conclusions: The findings suggest that a community pharmacy DSME program may reduce diabetes distress and warrant future study.
Epidermoid Cyst of the Testis: Sonographic Characteristic Appearance
Authors: Ghazle Hamad , Apeland Tracy
Published: October 2018

Intratesticular epidermoid cysts are rare, benign, well-defined, and solitary keratinized intratesticular lesions. They usually present as a painless, discrete, and firm swollen area before being diagnosed. Preoperative diagnosis of epidermoid cysts is often difficult. Sonography is a useful imaging modality in the preoperative assessment of testicular lesions. Although it is difficult to distinguish epidermoid cysts from germ cell tumors, certain sonographic characteristics such as the classical “onion-peel” appearance, the negative tumor markers, and the underlying symptoms should raise the suspicion of epidermoid cysts.
Under Pressure
Authors: van Oorschot Kim E. , Sengupta Kishore , Van Wassenhove Luk N.
Published: October 2018

The iterative cycles used in agile software development create a series of deadlines for project teams. We investigate the optimal iteration length under behavioral conditions for agile software projects. Based on system dynamics simulation, we argue that both very long (as in sequential development) and very short (monthly) iterative cycles create huge and disruptive fluctuations in schedule pressure experienced by the team. These lead to poor performance in terms of quality, as well as costs and time compared with optimal iterative cycles of two to three months. The monthly cycles used in many agile practices might be too short to ensure optimal performance.
How the hummingbird wingbeat is tuned for efficient hovering
Authors: Ingersoll Rivers , Lentink David
Published: October 2018

Both hummingbirds and insects flap their wings to hover. Some insects, like fruit flies, improve efficiency by lifting their body weight equally over the upstroke and downstroke, while utilizing elastic recoil during stroke reversal. It is unclear whether hummingbirds converged on a similar elastic storage solution, because of asymmetries in their lift generation and specialized flight muscle apparatus. The muscles are activated a quarter of a stroke earlier than in larger birds, and contract superfast, which cannot be explained by previous stroke-averaged analyses. We measured the aerodynamic force and kinematics of Anna's hummingbirds to resolve wing torque and power within the wingbeat. Comparing these wingbeat-resolved aerodynamic weight support measurements with those of fruit flies, hawk moths and a generalist bird, the parrotlet, we found that hummingbirds have about the same low induced power losses as the two insects, lower than that of the generalist bird in slow hovering flight. Previous analyses emphasized how bird flight muscles have to overcome wing drag midstroke. We found that high wing inertia revises this for hummingbirds – the pectoralis has to coordinate upstroke to downstroke reversal while the supracoracoideus coordinates downstroke to upstroke reversal. Our mechanistic analysis aligns with all previous muscle recordings and shows how early activation helps furnish elastic recoil through stroke reversal to stay within the physiological limits of muscles. Our findings thus support Weis-Fogh's hypothesis that flies and hummingbirds have converged on a mechanically efficient wingbeat to meet the high energetic demands of hovering flight. These insights can help improve the efficiency of flapping robots.
Glucocorticoid-temperature association is shaped by foraging costs in individual zebra finches
Authors: Jimeno Blanca , Hau Michaela , Verhulst Simon
Published: October 2018

Glucocorticoid (GC) levels vary with environmental conditions, but the functional interpretation of GC variation remains contentious. A primary function is thought to be metabolic, mobilizing body reserves to match energetic demands. This view is supported by temperature-dependent GC levels, although reports of this effect show unexplained heterogeneity. We hypothesised that the temperature effect on GC concentrations will depend on food availability through its effect on the energy spent to gather the food needed for thermoregulation. We tested this hypothesis in zebra finches living in outdoor aviaries with manipulated foraging conditions (i.e. easy vs. hard), by relating within-individual differences in baseline GCs between consecutive years to differences in ambient temperature. In agreement with our hypothesis, we found the GC-temperature association to be significantly steeper in the hard foraging environment. This supports the metabolic explanation of GC variation, underlining the importance of accounting for variation in energy expenditure when interpreting GC variation.
MicroRNAs regulate survival in oxygen-deprived environments
Authors: English Simon G. , Hadj-Moussa Hanane , Storey Kenneth B.
Published: October 2018

Some animals must endure prolonged periods of oxygen deprivation to survive. One such extreme model is the Northern Crayfish (Orconectes virilis), that regularly survives year-round hypoxic and anoxic stresses in its warm stagnant summer waters and in its cold, ice-locked winter waters. To elucidate the molecular underpinnings of anoxia-resistance in this natural model, we surveyed the expression profiles of 76 highly-conserved microRNAs in crayfish hepatopancreas and tail muscle from normoxic, acute 2hr anoxia, and chronic 20hr anoxia exposures. MicroRNAs are known to regulate a diverse array of cellular functions required for environmental stress adaptations, and here we explore their role in anoxia tolerance. The tissue-specific anoxia responses observed herein, with 22 anoxia-responsive microRNAs in hepatopancreas and only 4 changing microRNAs in muscle, suggest that microRNAs facilitate a reprioritization of resources to preserve crucial organ functions. Bioinformatic microRNA target enrichment analysis predicted that the anoxia-downregulated microRNAs in hepatopancreas targeted hippo-signalling, suggesting that cell proliferation and apoptotic signalling are highly regulated in this liver-like organ during anoxia. Compellingly, miR-125-5p, miR-33-5p, and miR-190-5p, all known to target the master regulator of oxygen deprivation responses HIF1 (Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1), were anoxia-downregulated in hepatopancreas. The anoxia-increased transcript levels of the oxygen dependent subunit HIF1α, highlight a potential critical role for miRNA-HIF targeting in facilitating a successful anoxia response. Studying the cytoprotective mechanisms in place to protect against the challenges associated with surviving in oxygen-poor environments is critical to elucidating microRNAs’ vast and substantial role in the regulation of metabolism and stress in aquatic invertebrates.
Design of Silver-Based Controlled Nanostructures for Plasmonic Catalysis under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Verma Priyanka , Kuwahara Yasutaka , Mori Kohsuke , Yamashita Hiromi
Published: October 2018

Recent years have marked substantial research interest in the design and development of photocatalyst materials for the conversion of solar to chemical energy. In this brief account, we present some of the recent research on silver-based plasmonic nanocatalysts supported on silica for their preparative techniques, characterization and efficient catalysis under visible light irradiation conditions. Ag nanoparticles (NPs) which can be prepared with different color and morphology, are explored for possible enhancement effects in catalytic performance activities under visible light irradiation. A number of combinations of Ag with other catalytically active metal NPs is studied for exploring the plasmonic enhancement activities. Ag NPs combined with single site Ti-oxide moiety is studied for the enhanced hydrogen production activity attributing to the Ag plasmonic effect under UV-vis light irradiation. The account is further elaborated by citing some recently reported works, plausible mechanism of enhancements, conclusions and outlook. We expect that the present account will provide insights into the design and investigation of catalytic performances in the visible light driven plasmon-mediated chemical reactions.
Layered Titanates (Na2Ti3O7 and Cs2Ti5O11) as Very High Capacity Adsorbents of Cadmium(II)
Authors: Sirinakorn Thipwipa (Tip) , Bureekaew Sareeya , Ogawa Makoto
Published: October 2018

A layered cesium titanate (Cs2Ti5O11) and a layered sodium titanate (Na2Ti3O7) were used to concentrate Cd(II) ion from aqueous solution. The reaction of aqueous solutions of cadmium(II) acetate with the cesium titanate was examined at room temperature under varied pH. An H type adsorption isotherm was obtained, indicating strong interactions between Cd(II) and the titanate. For the reaction of the sodium titanate with aqueous solutions of cadmium(II) acetate, the formation of cadmium carbonate was observed in addition to the ion exchange of Na2Ti3O7 with Cd(II). The maximum amounts of the collected Cd(II) were 1.28 mmol/g Cs2Ti5O11 and 1.16 mmol/g Na2Ti3O7, which were superior to the values (0.08–0.39 mmol/g adsorbent) reported for other inorganic ion exchangers such as clay minerals and zeolites.
The Implementation and Outcomes of Exercise Is Medicine on Campus
Authors: Wilson Oliver William Albert , Bhuiyan Nishat , Papalia Zack , Bopp Melissa
Published: October 2018

Widespread implementation of Exercise Is Medicine® on Campus (EIM-OC) has the potential to address college student physical inactivity; however, limited research has comprehensively assessed how EIM-OC is operationalized at campuses.

Purpose

This study aimed to assess EIM-OC implementation and outcomes at various academic institutions.

Methods

A survey was developed in consultation with key EIM-OC stakeholders and administered online among EIM-OC representatives. Data collected included institutional information; promotion, education, and healthcare system integration; partnerships; challenges; and goals. Descriptive statistics were used to explore institution characteristics and other variables. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify the dominant themes and subthemes in qualitative data collected from open-ended questions.

Results

Forty-one responses were received from a diverse group of academic institutions ranging in size (<10,000 to >50,000 students) and type (public and private). Campus recreation departments, campus health providers, and student organizations/clubs emerged as the most important partners. Student involvement was critical to the success of many EIM-OC programs, with students involved in a range of roles from promotion (n = 20), leadership/organization/planning (n = 18), education (n = 16), implementation (n = 14), and data collection (n = 10). Implementing the physical activity vital sign emerged as a common challenge, with many institutions having no protocol in place for arranging a follow-up between students and physical fitness professionals after referral acceptances, and no protocol existing for referral declinations. Finally, social media was underused, with no social media platforms used by over a third of programs.

Conclusion

EIM-OC programs at various institutions experienced similar challenges. This research will serve to inform and improve on the implementation and outcomes of EIM-OC programs and ultimately contribute to helping academic institutions increase the physical activity of students and their local communities.
Evaluation of outcomes from an evidence-based programme for mothers and babies
Authors: Cameron Janet , Shepherd Anna Louise
Published: October 2018

This article describes the development and testing of an 8-week group-based intervention for mothers and babies in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. The components of the intervention were evidence-based and included baby massage, baby yoga, video feedback and information on infant brain development. Mothers were encouraged to reflect on how they were brought up and the impact that had on their own parenting. The study compared 33 mother–baby intervention dyads with a control group of 33 dyads. The pre- and post-intervention measures included video-recorded play interactions and questionnaires about mothers' positive feelings towards their babies and overall mental health. The results showed no differences between the groups after intervention and no improvement in either group. This article considers how and why evidence-based techniques might have failed to produce evidence of change.
Gender Gap in Science Achievement for Jordanian Students in PISA2015
Authors: Ababneh Emad G. , Abdel-Samad Manal M.
Published: October 2018

The gender gap in achievement is one of the main challenges that face the educational system in Jordan. Since 1989, educational reform plans have attempted to reduce gender gap in achievement. However, the gender gap in science achievement according to PISA 2015 was higher than that of other participating countries. This study aimed to show the trends, and determine the factors associated with the gender gap in science achievement. The data were obtained from 7267 students, who participated in PISA 2015. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression methods were used, for which the results showed that the gap became wider with the same direction since 2006. In addition to that, the study findings suggested that environmental awareness, and sense of belonging to school are the most important factors associated with gender gap among other personal factors.
Investigating Childhood Fears During Preschool Period in Terms of Child, Mother and Teacher Opinions
Authors: Onder Alev , Ilci-Kusmus Gulsen , Cengiz Ozge
Published: October 2018

In this study, it is aimed to discover childhood fears of 60-72-month-old children through the opinions of preschool children, preschool teachers and mothers. Study group of the investigation consists of 52 participants; 18 children aged 60-72 months, 16 teachers and 18 mothers with preschool children, in Istanbul. An “Interview Form” which consists of 9 questions, was developed by the researchers. According to the findings, there are not significant differences in fear types among preschool children in different socioeconomic levels. In general, the most common fear types among all children are animals, robbery, natural events and nightmares. According to the mothers in lower and middle socioeconomic levels, children are mostly afraid of the dark and loneliness and to the mothers from upper socioeconomic level, they are afraid of strangers and unfamiliar settings, animals and loneliness. According to the teachers working in lower socioeconomic level schools, children are mostly afraid of animals; to the teachers from middle socioeconomic level schools, children are mostly afraid of the dark, strangers and unfamiliar settings; and according to the teachers working in high socioeconomic level schools, children are mostly afraid of separation, strangers and unfamiliar settings and loneliness.
Genetic diversity of Falcataria moluccana and its relationship to the resistance of gall rust disease
Authors: LELANA NEO ENDRA , WIYONO SURYO , GIYANTO GIYANTO , SIREGAR ISKANDAR Z.
Published: October 2018

Lelana Ne, Wiyono S, Giyanto, Siregar IZ. 2018. Genetic diversity of Falcataria moluccana and its relationship to the resistance of gall rust disease. Biodiversitas 19: 12-17. The use of cultivars that are resistant to a particular disease is one strategy that could mitigate the incidence of gall rust disease on Falcataria moluccana. Previous studies on the genetic diversity of F. moluccana did not attempt to link that genetic diversity to gall rust disease resistance. This research was carried out using RAPD analysis to determine the preliminary information on the association between different markers and the resistance to gall rust disease. The analysis evaluated a total of 20 pairs of healthy and infected F. moluccana trees that were classified based on their disease severity level. The RAPD primers used in this study were as follows: OPA-05, OPA-08, OPA-10, OPA-13, OPA-18, OPB-07, OPD-13, OPF-02, and OPG-05. The results showed that each RAPD primer produced a varying number of polymorphic bands, ranging from 3 to 12 bands, with a total of 80 polymorphic bands. Despite the number of loci analyzed, however, no specific polymorphic bands were found that could distinguish between healthy and diseased trees. This was supported by principal component analysis, which showed that healthy and diseased populations were not distributed separately. The structure analysis also showed that the healthy and diseased populations were not different.
Optimization of Somatic Embryogenesis Induction of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)
Authors: Susanti Idha , Suharsono Suharsono , Widyastuti Utut , Siregar Ulfah Juniarti , Tjahjoleksono Aris
Published: October 2018

The embryogenesis (SE) has important role for genetic engineering of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz). However, the success of SE induction depend on plant growth regulator s (PGR)s and treatment enriched in induction media.  This experiment tried to induce callus formation of cassava from several in vitro explants: immature leaf, apical bud, and internode; and to develop somatic embryogenesis of cassava in several media enriched with tyrosine and copper sulphate (CuSO4) added into media enrich with picloram as treatment.  Different response of explants source to callus induction treatment from those three varieties in callus induction as well as friable callus formation were found in this experiment. The best medium to induce varied with variety; MS media supplemented 12 mg/L picloram + 0.5 mg/L CuSO4 was the best for “Adira 4” and  half MS and half GD media supplemented 12 mg/L picloram + 100 mg/L tyrosine for “Malang 6”.  All treatments resulted somatic embryo which developed indirectly and in morphologically normal somatic embryos
Molecular Detection of Resistance To Bacterial Leaf Blight on Conde Indonesian Rice Variety
Authors: Fatimah Fatimah , Prasetiyono Joko , Polosoro Aqwin , Baroya Mushlihatun
Published: October 2018

Rice bacterial leaf blight (BLB) disease caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) affected grain yield and decreasing rice production in rice growing countries. Conde, Indonesian rice variety, exhibits high resistance to most of the Indonesian races of (BLB) and has been used in Indonesia for cultivated rice. This study was aimed to conduct the molecular detection between proximal markers in chromosome 6 and relative expression of Conde rice variety compare to IRBB7 in Xa7 region. The population screening, BLB evaluation and molecular detection around the Xa7 region were conducted. The results showed from the collection of individual recombinants between resistant and susceptible parents narrow the region containing the BTBPOZ domain. The sequence alignment of Xa7LD37 in two resistant and three susceptible cultivars demonstrated a perfect association. The sequence alignment in exon region of Loc_Os06g46240 in Nipponbare, IRBB7, and IR64 identified indel/SNPs in this region leading to nucleotide substitution and frameshift resulting in amino acid change between resistant and susceptible cultivars. It was predicted that Conde revealed the similar gene action with Xa7 gene for BLB that encodes a BTB POZ domain.