bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of Condensate Generated During Direct Metal Laser Sintering
Authors: Chandra Achinadka Jagadish
Published: February 2018

DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering), an additive manufacturing technology, is increasingly becoming popular to build intricate high quality functional parts & rapid prototypes. DMLS technology uses a high intensity laser to build components layer by layer, directly from metal powder. CAD data is directly converted to part without the need for tooling. It is possible to build internal features and passages that are not possible in conventional manufacturing routes.

The process generates significant amount of condensate due to vaporization and suction applied to build chamber. Typically as much as 30% of the weight of powder ends up as condensate. The condensate so generated cannot be directly recycled. This results in significant reduction in profitability and process efficiency.

This study pertains to 18% Ni Maraging Steel grade C300, which commonly used in DMLS process. Maraging Steel is used extensively to build functional parts by DMLS process especially for Tool and Die applications.

In the present study chemistry, particle size distribution & morphology of the condensate was studied & compared with the powder. Parts were built using condensate and chemical, physical, mechanical, microstructure and XRD studies were done. These properties were compared with properties of parts built using fresh powder.

No difficulty was encountered in building parts using condensate. However, hardness and tensile properties were found to be inferior, thus it is not possible to recycle the condensate directly.

Present research investigates the cause of difference in these properties.
Design and Analysis of a Marine Current Turbine
Authors: Karthikeyan T. , Avital E. J. , Venkatesan N. , Samad A.
Published: February 2018

Ocean stores a huge amount of energy and ocean current energy can be a viable source in future. In this article, an axial marine current turbine has been optimized to enhance its power coefficient through numerical modeling. The blade pitch-angle and number of blades are the design parameters chosen for the analysis to find the optimal design. A commercial code for CFD simulations with in-house optimization code was used for the analysis. It was found that, changing the blade pitch-angle and reducing the number of blades can improve the turbine’s coefficient of power. This is due to increase in lift and reduction of losses caused by turbulence near the downstream of the turbine. The article presents flow-simulation difficulties and characteristic curves to identify the differences between the actual and optimized turbine. The detailed flow physics is discussed and pictured in the post processed plots.
Coaching and Coach Education in Botswana
Authors: Tshube Tshepang , Hanrahan Stephanie J.
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this paper is to present the status of coaching in Botswana, particularly key developments in policies and practice. In addressing this purpose, authors referred to the National Sport and Recreation Policy, the Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC), the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC), and National Reports. The authors first give a brief overview of Botswana’s geo-political, cultural, and economic status. Following the contextualization of Botswana sports, the authors present available coach education programs and BNSC and BNOC plans regarding the development of coaches in Botswana. Topics include qualification, remuneration, and recruitment of coaches. In conclusion, the authors provide suggestions such as the development and implementation of coaches’ certification program and research.
Genetic Polymorphisms in Cytokine Genes in Colombian Patients with Ocular Toxoplasmosis
Authors: Naranjo-Galvis C. A. , de-la-Torre A. , Mantilla-Muriel L. E. , Beltrán-Angarita L. , Elcoroaristizabal-Martín X. , McLeod R. , Alliey-Rodriguez N. , Begeman I. J. , López de Mesa C. , Gómez-Marín J. E. , Sepúlveda-Arias J. C.
Published: February 2018

Toxoplasmosis is caused by infection with the protozoan parasiteToxoplasma gondii, which has the capacity to infect all warm-blooded animals worldwide. Toxoplasmosis is a major cause of visual defects in the Colombian population; however, the association between genetic polymorphisms in cytokine genes and susceptibility to ocular toxoplasmosis has not been studied in this population. This work evaluates the associations between polymorphisms in genes coding for the cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (rs1799964, rs1800629, rs1799724, rs1800630, and rs361525), interleukin 1β (IL-1β) (rs16944, rs1143634, and rs1143627), IL-1α (rs1800587), gamma interferon (IFN-γ) (rs2430561), and IL-10 (rs1800896 and rs1800871) and the presence of ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) in a sample of a Colombian population (61 patients with OT and 116 healthy controls). Genotyping was performed with the “dideoxynucleotide (ddNTP) primer extension” technique. Functional-effect predictions of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were done by using FuncPred. A polymorphism in the IL-10 gene promoter (−1082G/A) was significantly more prevalent in OT patients than in controls (P= 1.93e−08; odds ratio [OR] = 5.27e+03; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.18 to 8.739; Bonferroni correction [BONF] = 3.48e−07). In contrast, haplotype “AG” of the IL-10 gene promoter polymorphisms (rs1800896 and rs1800871) was present at a lower frequency in OT patients (P= 7e−04; OR = 0.10; 95% CI = 0.03 to 0.35). The +874A/T polymorphism of IFN-γ was associated with OT (P= 3.37e−05; OR = 4.2; 95% CI = 2.478 to 7.12; BONF = 6.07e−04). Haplotype “GAG” of the IL-1β gene promoter polymorphisms (rs1143634, rs1143627, and rs16944) appeared to be significantly associated with OT (P= 0.0494). The IL-10, IFN-γ, and IL-1β polymorphisms influence the development of OT in the Colombian population.
Nonspecific CD8
+
T Cells and Dendritic Cells/Macrophages Participate in Formation of CD8
+
T Cell-Mediated Clusters against Malaria Liver-Stage Infection
Authors: Akbari Masoud , Kimura Kazumi , Bayarsaikhan Ganchimeg , Kimura Daisuke , Miyakoda Mana , Juriasingani Smriti , Yuda Masao , Amino Rogerio , Yui Katsuyuki
Published: February 2018

CD8
+
T cells are the major effector cells that protect against malaria liver-stage infection, forming clusters around
Plasmodium
-infected hepatocytes and eliminating parasites after a prolonged interaction with these hepatocytes. We aimed to investigate the roles of specific and nonspecific CD8
+
T cells in cluster formation and protective immunity. To this end, we used
Plasmodium berghei
ANKA expressing ovalbumin as well as CD8
+
T cells from transgenic mice expressing a T cell receptor specific for ovalbumin (OT-I) and CD8
+
T cells specific for an unrelated antigen, respectively. While antigen-specific CD8
+
T cells were essential for cluster formation, both antigen-specific and nonspecific CD8
+
T cells joined the clusters. However, nonspecific CD8
+
T cells did not significantly contribute to protective immunity. In the livers of infected mice, specific CD8
+
T cells expressed high levels of CD25, compatible with a local, activated effector phenotype.
In vivo
imaging of the liver revealed that specific CD8
+
T cells interact with CD11c
+
cells around infected hepatocytes. The depletion of CD11c
+
cells virtually eliminated the clusters in the liver, leading to a significant decrease in protection. These experiments reveal an essential role of hepatic CD11c
+
dendritic cells and presumably macrophages in the formation of CD8
+
T cell clusters around
Plasmodium
-infected hepatocytes. Once cluster formation is triggered by parasite-specific CD8
+
T cells, specific and unrelated activated CD8
+
T cells join the clusters in a chemokine- and dendritic cell-dependent manner. Nonspecific CD8
+
T cells seem to play a limited role in protective immunity against
Plasmodium
parasites.
Species Identification and Delineation of Pathogenic Mucorales by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Shao Jin , Wan Zhe , Li Ruoyu , Yu Jin
Published: February 2018

This study aimed to validate the effectiveness of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS)-based identification of filamentous fungi of the order Mucorales. A total of 111 isolates covering six genera preserved at the Research Center for Medical Mycology of Peking University were selected for MALDI-TOF MS analysis. We emphasized the study of 23 strains of
Mucor irregularis
predominantly isolated from patients in China. We first used the Bruker Filamentous Fungi library (v1.0) to identify all 111 isolates. To increase the identification rate, we created a compensatory in-house database, the Beijing Medical University (BMU) database, using 13 reference strains covering 6 species, including
M. irregularis
,
Mucor hiemalis
,
Mucor racemosus
,
Cunninghamella bertholletiae
,
Cunninghamella phaeospora
, and
Cunninghamella echinulata
. All 111 isolates were then identified by MALDI-TOF MS using a combination of the Bruker library and BMU database. MALDI-TOF MS identified 55 (49.5%) and 74 (66.7%) isolates at the species and genus levels, respectively, using the Bruker Filamentous Fungi library v1.0 alone. A combination of the Bruker library and BMU database allowed MALDI-TOF MS to identify 90 (81.1%) and 111 (100%) isolates at the species and genus levels, respectively, with a significantly increased accuracy rate. MALDI-TOF MS poorly identified Mucorales when the Bruker library was used alone due to its lack of some fungal species. In contrast, this technique perfectly identified
M. irregularis
after main spectrum profiles (MSPs) of relevant reference strains were added to the Bruker library. With an expanded Bruker library, MALDI-TOF MS is an effective tool for the identification of pathogenic Mucorales.
Clinicoserological factors associated with response to steroid treatment and recurrence in patients with IgG4-related ophthalmic disease
Authors: Hong Ji Wook , Kang Sunah , Song Min Kyung , Ahn Chan Joo , Sa Ho-Seok
Published: February 2018

Purpose

To investigate the factors associated with response to steroid treatment and recurrence in patients with IgG4-related ophthalmic disease (ROD).

Methods

Twenty-eight patients with biopsy-proven IgG4-ROD treated between March 2010 and January 2017 were included in this retrospective study. Clinical features, serum IgG4 levels, systemic involvement, treatments and treatment outcome, factors associated with response to treatment and recurrence were assessed.

Result

Thirteen men and 15 women (mean age 50.8 years) were evaluated over mean follow-up period of 27.3 months. Elevated serum IgG4 levels (>1.35 g/L) and systemic disease were noted in 9 (32%) and 18 patients (64%), respectively. The lacrimal gland was involved in all patients, and 22 patients (78.6%) had bilateral involvement. Most patients (82%) responded well to systemic steroids, but 12 (43%) relapsed after the initial steroid treatment, requiring additional therapies to achieve remission. Complete response to initial steroid treatment was associated with elevated serum IgG4 levels before treatment (P=0.001) and bilateral orbital involvement (P=0.050). Recurrence was associated with elevated serum IgG4 levels before treatment (P=0.007), lower dose (P=0.057) and shorter duration of initial steroids (P=0.042). Patients with recurrence eventually required significantly more steroids than those without recurrence (P=0.011).

Conclusions

Patients with IgG4-ROD responded well to systemic steroid treatment, but recurrence was common, particularly among those with elevated serum IgG4 levels and shorter duration of initial steroid treatment. Low-dose maintenance treatment with systemic steroids should be considered to avoid recurrence in patients with elevated serum IgG4 levels.
Detailed systematic analysis of recruitment strategies in randomised controlled trials in patients with an unscheduled admission to hospital
Authors: Rowlands Ceri , Rooshenas Leila , Fairhurst Katherine , Rees Jonathan , Gamble Carrol , Blazeby Jane M
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To examine the design and findings of recruitment studies in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving patients with an unscheduled hospital admission (UHA), to consider how to optimise recruitment in future RCTs of this nature.

Design

Studies within the ORRCA database (Online Resource for Recruitment Research in Clinical TriAls;www.orrca.org.uk) that reported on recruitment to RCTs involving UHAs in patients >18 years were included. Extracted data included trial clinical details, and the rationale and main findings of the recruitment study.

Results

Of 3114 articles populating ORRCA, 39 recruitment studies were eligible, focusing on 68 real and 13 hypothetical host RCTs. Four studies were prospectively planned investigations of recruitment interventions, one of which was a nested RCT. Most recruitment papers were reports of recruitment experiences from one or more ‘real’ RCTs (n=24) or studies using hypothetical RCTs (n=11). Rationales for conducting recruitment studies included limited time for informed consent (IC) and patients being too unwell to provide IC. Methods to optimise recruitment included providing patients with trial information in the prehospital setting, technology to allow recruiters to cover multiple sites, screening logs to uncover recruitment barriers, and verbal rather than written information and consent.

Conclusion

There is a paucity of high-quality research into recruitment in RCTs involving UHAs with only one nested randomised study evaluating a recruitment intervention. Among the remaining studies, methods to optimise recruitment focused on how to improve information provision in the prehospital setting and use of screening logs. Future research in this setting should focus on the prospective evaluation of the well-developed interventions to optimise recruitment.
Perceptions, experiences and expectations of physicians regarding the role of pharmacists in low-income and middle-income countries: the case of Tehran hospital settings
Authors: Alipour Fatemeh , Peiravian Farzad , Mehralian Gholamhossein
Published: February 2018

Objective

Pharmacists play a pivotal role in the health continuum, and the perceptions and expectations of physicians towards pharmacists have been reported as a key factor in the interprofessional relationship. This study aimed to elicit the perceptions and expectations of physicians towards the role of pharmacists in hospitals to clarify the level of interaction between physicians and pharmacists in hospital settings.

Design

A cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted to collect data in 2016.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out at 20 large government hospitals in Tehran Province. Data was collected using a questionnaire consisting of four sections. It includes a section on demographic profile and three sections to measure the perceptions of physicians towards pharmacists, the expectations of physicians and their experiences with pharmacists, respectively.

Results

More than two-thirds of physicians (67.2%) agreed that pharmacists were a reliable source of general drug information. The majority of physicians (90.6%) expected pharmacists to advise their patients about the dose and administration of their medications. Almost half of the physicians (51.6%) agreed that they were usually informed by pharmacists regarding potential problems in their prescriptions. Both senior and junior residents had the view that pharmacists would inform them if any potential problems with their prescriptions were discovered (P=0.04).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that physicians had positive view on pharmacists’ clinically defined roles and also accepted pharmacists as a valuable source of general drug information. However, the perceptions and expectations of physicians towards pharmacists did not match their real experience. Therefore, improving the awareness of physicians about the benefits of interprofessional collaboration with pharmacists seems to be a key step towards the implementation of pharmaceutical care practices in Iran.
What’s the headline on your mind right now? How reflection guides simulation-based faculty development in a master class
Authors: Kolbe Michaela , Rudolph Jenny W
Published: February 2018

Introduction

The demand for highly skilled simulation-based healthcare educators (SBEs) is growing. SBEs charged with developing other SBEs need to be able to model and conduct high-quality feedback conversations and ‘debrief the debriefing’. Direct, non-threatening feedback is one of the strongest predictors of improved performance in health professions education. However, it is a difficult skill to develop. Developing SBEs who can coach and support other SBEs is an important part of the faculty development pipeline. Yet we know little about how they get better at skilled feedback and the ability to reflect on it. There is scant evidence about their thoughts, feelings and dilemmas about this advanced learning process. To address this gap, we examined advanced SBE’s subjective experience as they grappled with challenges in a 4-day advanced SBE course. Their reflections will help target faculty development efforts.

Methods

Using a repeated, identical free-writing task, we asked “What is the headline for what is on your mind right now?”

Results

A five-theme mosaic of self-guiding reflections emerged: (1) metacognitions about one’s learning process, (2) evaluations of sessions or tools, (3) notes to self, (4) anticipations of applying the new skills in the future, and (5) tolerating the tension between pleasant and unpleasant emotions.

Conclusions

The results extend simulation-based education science by advocating the motivational role of noting inconsistencies between one’s intention and impact and the central role of self-regulation, emotion, and experiencing feedback and debriefing from multiple perspectives for improving advanced skills of SBEs. Recommendations for faculty development are discussed.
Diaphragmatic flutter
Authors: Walton Dean , Bonello Michael , Steiger Malcolm
Published: February 2018

A 78-year-old woman presented with involuntary movements of her abdomen, which started after a right hemispheric stroke. She had irregular, variable, hyperkinetic predominantly right-sided abdominal wall movements. MR scan of brain confirmed a recent infarct in the right occipitotemporal lobe and the right cerebellum. Diaphragmatic fluoroscopy confirmed high-frequency flutter as the cause of her abdominal movements and confirmed the diagnosis of van Leeuwenhoek’s disease. Anthonie van Leeuwenhoek first described this condition in 1723 and had the condition himself. He was a Dutch businessman who is often acknowledged as the first microscopist and microbiologist. He disagreed with his physician who attributed his ailment as being of cardiac origin. Diaphragmatic flutter is a rare disorder that requires a high index of suspicion with symptoms including abnormal abdominal wall movements, dyspnoea and respiratory distress. Despite medical treatment, the patient was still highly symptomatic, so she is currently being considered for a phrenic nerve crush.
Quercetin suppresses the chymotrypsin-like activity of proteasome via inhibition of MEK1/ERK1/2 signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells
Authors: Ding Youming , Chen Xiaoyan , Wang Bin , Yu Bin , Ge Jianhui , Shi Xiaokang
Published: February 2018

The proteasomal system is a promising target for cancer treatment. Quercetin (Que), a flavonoid compound with antitumor ability, displays the inhibitory effect on proteasome activity. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are ill defined. The present study found that Que treatment significantly reduced the chymotrypsin-like protease activity of proteasome whereas the trypsin- and caspase-like protease activities remained unchanged in HepG2 cancer cells, along with activation of p38 MAPK and JNK and reduction of ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Que-reduced proteasome activity could not be reverted by inhibition of p38 MAPK and JNK signaling pathway. In addition, MEK1 overexpression or knockdown upregulated or downregulated the chymotrypsin-like protease activity of proteasome, respectively. Both Que and MEK1/ERK1/2 inhibitor attenuated the expression levels of proteasome β subunits. These results indicate that Que-induced suppression of MEK1/ERK1/2 signaling and subsequent reduction of proteasome β subunits is responsible for its inhibitory impacts on proteasome activity.
Schramm–Loewner evolution of the accessible perimeter of isoheight lines of correlated landscapes
Authors: Posé N. , Schrenk K. J. , Araújo N. A. M. , Herrmann H. J.
Published: February 2018

Real landscapes exhibit long-range height–height correlations, which are quantified by the Hurst exponent [Formula: see text]. We give evidence that for negative [Formula: see text], in spite of the long-range nature of correlations, the statistics of the accessible perimeter of isoheight lines is compatible with Schramm–Loewner evolution curves and therefore can be mapped to random walks, their fractal dimension determining the diffusion constant. Analytic results are recovered for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and a conjecture is proposed for the values in between. By contrast, for positive [Formula: see text], we find that the random walk is not Markovian but strongly correlated in time. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Covariant fields on anti-de Sitter spacetimes
Authors: Cotăescu Ion I.
Published: February 2018

The covariant free fields of any spin on anti-de Sitter (AdS) spacetimes are studied, pointing out that these transform under isometries according to covariant representations (CRs) of the AdS isometry group, induced by those of the Lorentz group. Applying the method of ladder operators, it is shown that the CRs with unique spin are equivalent with discrete unitary irreducible representations (UIRs) of positive energy of the universal covering group of the isometry one. The action of the Casimir operators is studied finding how the weights of these representations (reps.) may depend on the mass and spin of the covariant field. The conclusion is that on AdS spacetime, one cannot formulate a universal mass condition as in special relativity.
Investigation of dielectric behavior of the PVC/BaTiO3composite in low-frequencies
Authors: Berrag A. , Belkhiat S. , Madani L.
Published: February 2018

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is widely used as insulator in electrical engineering especially as cable insulation sheaths. In order to improve the dielectric properties, polymers are mixed with ceramics. In this paper, PVC composites with different weight percentages 2 wt.%, 5 wt.%, 8 wt.% and 10 wt.% were prepared and investigated. Loss index ([Formula: see text]) and dielectric constant ([Formula: see text]) have been measured using an impedance analyzer RLC. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) have been used as characterization techniques. The incorporation of BaTiO3does not modify the crystallinity and the morphology of the PVC but reduces the space charges, therefore the dielectric losses. The frequency response analysis has been followed in the frequency ranges (20–140 Hz and 115–1 MHz). Relaxation frequencies have been evaluated in each frequency range. Experimental measurements have been validated using Cole–Cole’s model. Experimental results show well that BaTiO3as a filler improves the dielectric properties of PVC.
A wideband CMOS single-ended low noise amplifier employing negative resistance technique
Authors: Guo Benqing , Chen Hongpeng , Wang Xuebing , Chen Jun , Li Yueyue , Jin Haiyan , Yang Yongjun
Published: February 2018

A wideband common-gate CMOS low noise amplifier with negative resistance technique is proposed. A novel single-ended negative resistance structure is employed to improve gain and noise of the LNA. The inductor resonating is adopted at the input stage and load stage to meet wideband matching and compensate gain roll-off at higher frequencies. Implemented in a 0.18 [Formula: see text]m CMOS technology, the proposed LNA demonstrates in simulations a maximal gain of 16.4 dB across the 3 dB bandwidth of 0.2–3 GHz. The in-band noise figure of 3.4–4.7 dB is obtained while the IIP3 of 5.3–6.8 dBm and IIP2 of 12.5–17.2 dBm are post-simulated in the designed frequency band. The LNA core consumes a power dissipation of 3.8 mW under a 1.5 V power supply.
Surface plasmon resonance fiber optic biosensor-based graphene and photonic crystal
Authors: Tong Kai , Guo Jia , Dang Peng , Wang Meiyu , Wang Fucheng , Zhang Yungang , Wang Meiting
Published: February 2018

A new sensor — transverse electric (TE) polarized excite surface plasmon resonance (SPR) fiber optic biosensor is proposed. The graphene is the plasma layer. The transfer matrix method and the finite difference time domain method are applied to conduct the numerical simulation of the four layers (fiber core/photonic crystals/graphene/sample) of fiber optic biosensor. The results show that the relationship between refractive index and resonant wavelength is linear and the sensitivity of the fiber optic biosensor reaches 1942 nm/RIU.
Global Fixed Priority Scheduling with Constructing Execution Dependency in Multiprocessor Real-Time Systems
Authors: Han Meiling , Zhang Tianyu , Lin Yuhan , Feng Zhiwei , Deng Qingxu
Published: February 2018

The increasing demands for processor performance are driving system designers to adopt multiprocessors. In this paper, we study global fixed priority scheduling in multiprocessor real-time systems and introduce a technique for improving the schedulability. The key idea is to construct execution dependency for selected tasks to leverage slack time and reduce the interference between high-priority and low-priority tasks. Thus, more lower-priority tasks are enabled to be scheduled. Further, we provide a response time analysis method which takes the execution constraint of tasks into consideration. Extensive simulation results indicate that the proposed approach outperforms existing work in terms of acceptance ratio.
On the Glucose SAT Solver
Authors: Audemard Gilles , Simon Laurent
Published: February 2018

The set of novelties introduced with the SAT solver Glucose is now considered as a standard for practical SAT solving. In this paper, we review the different strategies and technologies added in Glucose over the years. We detail each technique and discuss its impact on the final performances reached by Glucose. We also come back on one of the main developments of the solver over the very last years: its efficient parallelization. We extensively tested different versions of Glucose and Syrup (its parallel version) on all the benchmarks since 2011. By including, as a reference, the SAT solver Lingeling (and its parallel version Plingeling), we show that Glucose and Syrup are significantly faster than other solvers, even if they can solve fewer instances.
Preparation, structure, and electrochemistry of porphyrinato titanium (IV) benzenedithiolates with a trithiole ring, a dithiin ring, and two 2-cyanoethylthio groups
Authors: Kimura Takeshi , Muraoka Yusuke , Amano Kaori , Fujio Toshiyuki , Nishikawa Takao , Nakahodo Tsukasa , Fujihara Hisashi
Published: February 2018

The reaction of tetra([Formula: see text]-tolyl)porphyrinato titanium (IV) oxide (2) with 4,7-diethyl-5,6-dimercaptobenzo[1,2,3] trithiole (3a) produced the corresponding titanium (IV) complex, tetra([Formula: see text]-tolyl)porphyrinato titanium (IV) trithiolobenzenedithiolate (4a), fused with a trithiole ring. Related compounds 4b and 4c were prepared by a similar reaction of 2 with 5,8-diethyl-6,7-dimercaptobenzo[1,4]dithiin (3b) and 3,6-diethyl-4,5-dimercapto-1,2-bis(2-cyanoethylthio)benzene (3c). The structure of 4b was determined by X-ray crystallography. Compound 4c was further treated with cesium hydroxide to produce the corresponding dithiolate anion 4c2S, which was deposited on the gold electrode. The electrochemical property of the gold electrode was determined by cyclic voltammetry. The structure of simplified model compound 4b[Formula: see text] was optimized using the DFT method with the Gaussian 09 program. The optimized structure was utilized to calculate the NMR chemical shifts, the HOMO and LUMO energy levels, and the electronic transition in the absorption spectrum.
Exploring the Impact of Optimum Stimulation Level on Individual Perceptions of IT Innovations
Authors: Gu Rui , Jiang Zhenhui (Jack) , Oh Lih-Bin , Wang Kanliang
Published: February 2018

Given that IT innovations and their components as well as their characteristics can all be viewed as a stimulus, optimum stimulation level (OSL), a general personality trait that characterizes individuals' general need for stimulation, is a pertinent and important theoretical construct to information systems (IS) research. Despite its significance, OSL has remained seldom studied in the IS discipline. Its impact on individuals' responses in the interaction with IT innovations continues to be largely underexplored. Drawing on OSL theory, this study theorizes the positive effect of OSL on individuals' perceived ease of use (PEOU) and perceived usefulness (PU) of IT innovations. Leveraging the trait hierarchical model and building upon the literature on technology acceptance model (TAM), personal innovativeness in information technology (PIIT), computer self-efficacy (CSE), and OSL theory, this study further theorizes the mediating effects of IT domain-specific traits, namely, PIIT and CSE, on the effect of OSL on PEOU and PU. Analysis of survey data on 383 social networking site users validates the theorized relationships. This study contributes to IS research on personality traits and adds to the trait hierarchical model by theorizing and empirically validating the nomological network of OSL with PIIT and CSE. Moreover, it contributes to the literature on IT adoption and use by linking OSL to TAM constructs. It also advances OSL research by uncovering the influence mechanisms of OSL on PEOU and PU. Furthermore, this study provides a holistic understanding of the relationships among PIIT, CSE, and PEOU.
An Ideology of IT Occupational Culture
Authors: Jacks Tim , Palvia Prashant , Iyer Lakshmi , Sarala Riikka , Daynes Sarah
Published: February 2018

Many have conjectured that people in the IT occupation are different from non-IT business users and that such differences can lead to negative organizational outcomes. This study investigates how to measure these differences by developing a new, expanded theoretical framework of IT occupational culture (ITOC). This framework includes: Artifacts, Values, and Tacit Assumptions. Values form the core of any culture, and a cohesive set of cultural values is termed an "ideology." Using a mixed methodology, research was conducted in two parts to develop and measure an ideology of ITOC. A qualitative investigation based on interview data provided evidence of six core values in the ideology: Autonomy in Decision-Making, Structure in Environment, Precision in Communication, Innovation in Technology, Reverence for Technical Knowledge, and Enjoyment at the Workplace (ASPIRE). The quantitative investigation sought to validate the values and ultimately reduced the number of values to five based on factor analysis of survey data: Autonomy in Decision-Making, Structure/Precision, Innovation in Technology, Reverence for Technical Knowledge, and Enjoyment at the Workplace. IT respondents rated these values significantly higher than non-IT business personnel. Our findings have implications for practitioners and researchers and can provide a path to bridge the gap between IT and business users.
Genetics of Natural Killer Cells in Human Health, Disease, and Survival
Authors: Parham Peter , Guethlein Lisbeth A.
Published: February 2018

Natural killer (NK) cells have vital functions in human immunity and reproduction. In the innate and adaptive immune responses to infection, particularly by viruses, NK cells respond by secreting inflammatory cytokines and killing infected cells. In reproduction, NK cells are critical for genesis of the placenta, the organ that controls the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the growing fetus. Controlling NK cell functions are interactions of HLA class I with inhibitory NK cell receptors. First evolved was the conserved interaction of HLA-E with CD94:NKG2A; later established were diverse interactions of HLA-A, -B, and -C with killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors. Characterizing the latter interactions is rapid evolution, which distinguishes human populations and all species of higher primate. Driving this evolution are the different and competing selections imposed by pathogens on NK cell–mediated immunity and by the constraints of human reproduction on NK cell–mediated placentation. Promoting rapid evolution is independent segregation of polymorphic receptors and ligands throughout human populations.
Water transport and homeostasis as a major function of erythrocytes
Authors: Sugie Joseph , Intaglietta Marcos , Sung Lanping Amy
Published: February 2018

Erythrocytes have long been known to change volumes and shapes in response to different salt concentrations. Aquaporin-1 (AQP1) was discovered in their membranes more than 20 yr ago. The physiological roles of volume changes and AQP1 expression, however, have remained unclear. We propose that rapid water exchange through AQP1 coupled with large capacity for volume change may allow erythrocytes to play an important role in water regulation. In this study, we showed that erythrocytes in situ gradually reduced their volumes by 39% in response to the hyperosmotic corticomedullary gradient within mouse kidneys. AQP1 knockout (KO) erythrocytes, however, displayed only minimal reduction. Constructing a microfluidic device resembling capillary flow with an extracellular fluorescent reporter demonstrated that water exchanges between erythrocytes and their hypotonic or hypertonic surroundings in vitro reached steady state in ~60 ms. AQP1 KO erythrocytes, however, did not show significant change. To simulate the water transport in circulation, we built basic units consisting of three compartments (i.e., erythrocyte, plasma, and interstitial fluid) using Kedem-Katchalsky equations for membrane transport, and connected multiple units to account for the blood flow. These simulations agreed with experimental results. Importantly, volume-changing erythrocytes in capillaries always “increase” the osmotic gradient between plasma and interstitial fluid, making them function as “micropumps” to speed up the regulation of local osmolarity. Trillions of these micropumps, mobile throughout the body, may further contribute to water homeostasis. These insights suggest that the enhanced exchange of water, in addition to O2and CO2, may well be the third major function of erythrocytes.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Physiological roles of erythrocyte volume change and aquaporin-1 were proposed and investigated here. We conclude that fast water transport by aquaporin-1 coupled with large volume-change capacity allows erythrocytes to enhance water exchange with local tissues. Furthermore, their huge number and mobility allow them to contribute to body water homeostasis.
Questionnaire-Based Survey on Gastrointestinal Bleeding and Management of Antithrombotic Agents during Endoscopy Among Asian Countries
Authors: Tsuruoka Nanae , Iwakiri Ryuichi , Sakata Yasuhisa , Fujimoto Kazuma , Kamiya Takeshi , Joh Takashi , Tokunaga Kengo , Takahashi Shin’ichi , Kinoshita Yoshikazu , Uchiyama Kazuhiko , Naito Yuji , Nagahara Akihito , Watanabe Toshio , Chan Francis K. L. , Hahm Ki-Baik , Kachintorn Udom , Fock Kwong Ming , Syam Ari Fahrial , Rani Abdul Aziz , Sollano Jose D. , Zhu Qi
Published: February 2018

Objective: Guidelines on the management of antithrombotic therapy for endoscopic procedures vary among countries. Differences in the management of antithrombotic agents for endoscopic procedures between Western and Eastern countries have already been reported. However, no study has investigated the differences among Asian countries. The aim of this study was to examine the differences in the etiology of gastrointestinal bleeding and management of antithrombotic agents during endoscopic procedures between Japan and other Asian countries (OAC). Methods: Questionnaires regarding gastrointestinal bleeding in clinical practice and management of antithrombotic agents during endoscopy were distributed to members of the International Gastroenterology Consensus Symposium Study Group. We analyzed the questionnaire answers and compared the results between Japan and OAC. Results: The cause of and treatment methods for gastrointestinal bleeding differed between Japan and OAC. In Japan, the trend was to continue drugs at the time of biopsy and endoscopic therapy. Even in cases of discontinuation, the drug withdrawal period was as short as <3 days. Thrombotic complications caused by the withdrawal of antithrombotic agents were observed more frequently in Japan (34.78%) than in OAC (22.46%; p = 0.016). Conclusion: Due to differences in guidelines and complications associated with discontinuation of drugs, the antithrombotic withdrawal period in Japan tended to be shorter than that in OAC.
Acute Pancreatitis Associated with Ixazomib in a Multiple Myeloma Patient
Authors: Steiner Raphael E. , Orlowski Robert Z. , Lee Hans C.
Published: February 2018

Background: Acute pancreatitis is an uncommon complication of anti-myeloma agents. Ixazomib is a first-in-class oral proteasome inhibitor to receive regulatory approval for the treatment of multiple myeloma. This case report describes the first case of ixazomib-associated pancreatitis. Case Presentation: An 80-year-old female with relapsed multiple myeloma presented with severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and acute renal failure 3 weeks after starting ixazomib and dexamethasone for disease progression. An extensive workup revealed acute pancreatitis without a definitive cause. Her condition improved with supportive measures and the discontinutation of ixazomib. The latter was suspected as the probable etiology of the patient's acute pancreatitis, given no clear alternative causes and the temporal relationship between initiating ixazomib and the development of her symptoms. Conclusions: Practitioners should include acute pancreatitis as part of their differential diagnosis in patients on ixazomib treatment who present with gastrointestinal symptoms.
Pipeline Flex Embolization of Flow-Related Aneurysms Associated with Arteriovenous Malformations: A Case Report
Authors: Beaty Narlin B. , Campos Jessica K. , Colby Geoffrey P. , Lin Li-Mei , Bender Matthew T. , Xu Risheng , Coon Alexander L.
Published: February 2018

Background: An estimated 0.1% of the population harbors brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Diagnosis and workup of AVMs include thorough evaluation for characterization of AVM angioarchitecture and careful assessment for concomitant aneurysms. The presence of coexisting aneurysms is associated with an increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage, with a published risk of 7% per year compared to patients with AVMs alone with a risk of 3%. Comprehensive AVM management requires recognition of concomitant aneurysms and prioritizes treatment strategies to mitigate the aggregate risk of intracranial hemorrhage associated with AVM rupture in patients with coexisting aneurysms. Endovascular treatment of these flow-related aneurysms can offer a cure, while avoiding open surgery. Successful flow-diverting embolization techniques, efficacy, and outcomes have been previously described for a variety of aneurysm types and locations. However, use of a flow diverter has not been previously described for the treatment of high-flow aneurysms on AVM-feeding vessels. Case Presentation: We report 2 cases of large AVMs within eloquent cortex associated with flow-related aneurysms in patients presenting initially with suspected intracerebral hemorrhage secondary to AVM rupture. Discussion: No consensus currently exists to guide treatment of intracranial aneurysms associated with AVMs. Surgical management addressed AVM embolization initially, as the vasculopathology with the highest rupture risk. Subsequently, Pipeline embolization of the associated aneurysms with adequate antiplatelet treatment was performed before scheduled radiosurgery to decrease the risk of AVM rupture or rebleed. This represents a novel and promising use of the Pipeline Embolization Device. Additional cases and longer follow-up will be needed to further assess the efficacy of this technique.
Functional Neuroanatomy of Secondary Self-Injurious Behavior
Authors: Peeters Sophie , Skoch Jesse , Holt Hiromi , Mubita Lynn , Choudhary Eileen A. , Vadivelu Kavan P. , Gilbert Donald L. , Wu Steve W. , Keebaugh Alaine C. , Air Ellen , Vadivelu Sudhakar
Published: February 2018

Background: Secondary self-injurious behavior (SSIB) is underreported and predominantly not associated with suicide. In both adults and children, SSIB can cause intractable self-harm and is associated with a variety of clinical disorders, particularly those involving dysfunctional motor control. Methods: We performed a literature review evaluating the clinical efficacy of deep-brain stimulation (DBS) as modulating SSIB observations and review current progress in preclinical SSIB animal studies. Results: Neuromodulation is an effective therapeutic option for several movement disorders. Interestingly, this approach is emerging as a potentially effective treatment for movement disorder-associated SSIB (secondary); however, it is important to understand the neuroanatomy, clinical appraisal, and outcome data when considering surgical therapy for SSIB. Conclusion: The current review examines the literature encompassing animal models and human case studies while identifying existing hypotheses from cytoarchitectonic-based targeting to neurotransmitter-based pathways. This review also highlights the need for awareness of an underrecognized pathology that may be amenable to DBS.
Intradialytic Hypotension as an Independent Risk Factor for Long-Term Mortality in Maintaining Hemodialysis Patients: A 5-Year Follow-Up Cohort Study
Authors: Yu Jinbo , Liu Zhonghua , Shen Bo , Teng Jie , Zou Jianzhou , Ding Xiaoqiang
Published: February 2018

Aims: This study aimed to assess risk factors of intradialytic hypotension (IDH) and the association of prognosis and IDH among maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Methods: Among 293 patients, 117 were identified with IDH (more than 4 hypotensive events during 3 months). The association between IDH and survival was evaluated. Results: The incidence of IDH was 39.9%. Age, ultrafiltration rate, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), albumin, β2-microglobulin (β2MG), and aortic root inside diameter (AoRD) were independently associated with IDH. During the 5-year follow-up, 84 patients died with a mortality rate 5.2 per 100 person-year. IDH-prone patients had a higher all-cause mortality rate. IDH and left ventricular mass index were independent risk factors for death (HR 1.655, 95% CI 1.061–2.580; HR 1.008, 95% CI 1.001–1.016). Conclusion: IDH is an independent risk factor for long-term mortality in MHD patients. Patients with older age, high ultrafiltration rate, high level of serum NT-proBNP and β2MG, hypoalbuminemia, and shorter AoRD are at high risk of IDH.
Cytomegalovirus Glycoprotein B Genotype Distribution in Italian Transplant Patients
Authors: Ciotti Marco , Cella Eleonora , Rittà Massimo , Ciccozzi Massimo , Cavallo Rossana , Perno Carlo Federico , Costa Cristina
Published: February 2018

Background: The cytomegalovirus (CMV) UL55 gene encodes for a glycoprotein implicated in virus pathogenesis. Based on UL55 polymorphism, CMV has been divided into 4 genotypes. Previous studies investigated the possible role of genotypes in the clinical outcome of infection in different categories of patients; however, few data are available, particularly in the transplant setting and Italian case records. Methods: Phylogenetic analysis through a maximum likelihood tree was used to evaluate the prevalence and distribution of CMV genotypes in whole blood specimens from 47 transplant patients and investigate the relation with demographic and clinical features. Results: Overall, 40.4% of patients were classified as single genotype (12.8% gB1, 23.4% gB2, 4.2% gB3); mixed genotypes were detected in 59.6%. Genotype 4 was detected only in mixed cases. In comparison to single genotypes, mixed genotypes were more frequently associated with a higher duration of DNA viremia and higher peak viral load. Conclusions: Mixed infections seem to be prevalent in Italian transplant patients; it is likely that mixed infections are more difficult to control by immunological response in comparison to single genotype infections. In this context, the genetic profile of infecting viruses and relation to clinical outcome should be investigated, also taking into account the CMV-specific cellular immune response.
Oral Brush Liquid-Based Cytology: A Study of Concordance between a Cytotechnologist and a Cytopathologist
Authors: Pandey Pinki , Agarwal Savita , Ralli Megha , Dixit Alok , Singh Dheerendra
Published: February 2018

Objective: Oral cancer accounts for almost 40% of all cancers in the Indian subcontinent. Techniques like oral scrape cytology are helpful in early diagnosis of premalignant lesion and thus prevention of malignant transformation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of cytotechnologists in assessing the adequacy and preliminary diagnostic accuracy of oral brush liquid-based cytology. Study Design: 110 oral brush liquid-based cytology smears were prospectively screened by a cytotechnologist for adequacy assessment, and a preliminary diagnosis was recorded. Smears were subsequently studied by the reporting cytopathologist for the final diagnosis. The performance of the cytotechnologist in the assessment of adequacy and the preliminary diagnosis were compared with the final interpretation rendered by the cytopathologist. Results: There was no significant difference in adequacy assessment between both observers, and good concordance was observed in the identification of frankly malignant lesions; however, in premalignant cases, complete agreement in all the cases was not observed. Maximum numbers of discrepant cases were seen in high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, 4/17 were downgraded to low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and 2/17 to negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy, respectively. Conclusion: Trained cytotechnologists are capable of assessing the adequacy and identifying the malignancy in oral brush liquid-based cytology smears, and hence there is potential for them to perform initial screening of such cases.