bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexual dysfunctions and related variables with sexual function in patients who undergo dialysis for chronic renal failure
Authors: Keskin Gülseren , Babacan Gümüş Aysun , Taşdemir Yiğitoğlu Gülay
Published: July 2018

Aims and objectives

To evaluate personality characteristics and psychological symptoms believed to have an effect on the sexual functions and performances of patients undergoing dialysis treatment.

Background

Chronic renal failure is a life‐threatening condition which can often have a poor prognosis. The loss of vital kidney function and other complications can affect almost all age groups.

Design

A quantitative descriptive study.

Methods

The study sample included 225 patients selected randomly from patients who have undergone dialysis treatment for at least 3 months at a dialysis centre in a university hospital. In this study, the Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS), the Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI) and the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) were used.

Results

In the correlation test, made to investigate the relation between the patients’ sexual satisfaction and their personalities, a significant positive relation was found between the communication subscale of the GRISS and the Lie dimension of the EPI, and a significant negative relation was found between the Communication subscale of the GRISS and the Lie dimension of the EPI, and between the Vaginismus and Orgasm subscales of the GRISS and the Extroversion dimension of the EPI.

Conclusion

Results showed that sexual problems, in the areas of nonsensuality, anorgasmia, avoidance and communication, are associated with extroversion and psychological symptoms.

Relevance to clinical practice

Sexual health and the psychological well‐being of patients with renal failure is an important issue that should be considered in nursing practice. Nurses should take the psychological problems of patients and their relations with partners into account and consider these problems in a holistic manner within the framework of nursing practice. They would then be able to play an effective role in intervening at an early stage and would be better equipped to help and control the psychological and sexual problems that some patients may experience.
“Operating in the dark”: Nurses’ attempts to help patients and families manage the transition from oncology to comfort care
Authors: Canzona Mollie Rose , Love Deborah , Barrett Rolland , Henley Joanne , Bridges Sara , Koontz Adam , Nelson Sharon , Daya Serena
Published: July 2018

Aims and objectives

To investigate challenges nurses face when providing care for oncology patients transitioning from curative to palliative care and to identify educational and support opportunities for nurses.

Background

Communicating with oncology patients/families transitioning from curative treatments to care focused on comfort can be problematic for a variety of reasons. Research suggests discrepancies exist between physicians’ and patients’ perceptions of probable length of life. These disconnects can deepen suffering. Oncology and palliative care nurses are well positioned to facilitate this transition. However, they receive little formal instruction regarding these complex scenarios beyond what occurs through on‐the‐job training.

Methods

Twenty‐eight nurses working in oncology (n = 14) and palliative care (n = 14) settings participated. The constant comparative method was used to analyse the data.

Results

Four themes emerged that characterise oncology and palliative care nurses’ experiences: (a) coping with interprofessional communication errors during the transition, (b) responding to patient/family reactions to miscommunication about the goals of care, (c) navigating emotional connection to patients, and (d) adapting to sociocultural factors that influence information exchange.

Conclusions

This study supports previous research regarding challenges related to patient reactions, family relationships and emotional burden during end‐of‐life care. However, it adds to the literature by a providing a more in‐depth explication of interprofessional and patient–physician communication barriers that negatively impact care.

Relevance to clinical practice

Misunderstandings between patients, physicians and nurses have the potential to distress complicate nurses’ efforts to support patients and families. Nurses reported a problematic power dynamic that impedes their ability to facilitate communication between patient and physician or to offer insights that could enhance patient care. Medical education and continuing education initiatives are needed to build understanding across professional roles and specialties and to improve comfort discussing worsening prognosis and end‐of‐life issues.
Effects of oral administration of different dosages of carvacrol essential oils on intestinal barrier function in broilers
Authors: Liu ShuDong , Song MinHo , Yun Won , Lee JiHwan , Lee ChangHee , Kwak WooGi , Han NamSoo , Kim HyeunBum , Cho JinHo
Published: July 2018

Essential oils are widely used in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries, and many plant essential oils have shown that they have positive effects on broilers nutrition. This experiment was conducted to study the effects of orally administered different dosages of carvacrol essential oils on intestinal barrier function in broiler chickens. A total of eighty 28‐day‐old (1.28 ± 0.15 kg) ROSS 308 broilers were randomly allocated to four groups of 20 replicates each, with one chicken per replicate per cage, and all were fed with the same diet. Four experimental groups were orally administered 0, 200, 300 or 400 μl carvacrol essential oils at 18:00 hr every day during the 2‐week experimental period. As a result of which, the gene expression of the occludin, claudin‐1, claudin‐5, ZO‐1 and ZO‐2 in intestinal mucosa of small intestine (p < 0.05) and the goblet cell content in small intestine epithelium (p < 0.05) were significantly increased; test subjects with 300 or 400 μl carvacrol essential oils reduced the microbial counts of Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli in the intestines (p < 0.05); Essential oils administration also significantly increased activity of the sucrase (p < 0.05) and lactase (p < 0.05) in intestinal mucosa. In conclusion, the carvacrol essential oils have positive effects on growth performance and intestinal barriers function of broilers; those effects may be related to the dosage, as administration of 300 or 400 μl was more effective than that of 200 μl.
An early Oligocene fossil acorn, associated leaves and pollen of the ring‐cupped oaks (Quercus subg. Cyclobalanopsis) from Maoming Basin, South China
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Yan , Xu Sheng‐Lan , Han Meng , Jin Jian‐Hua
Published: July 2018

The ring‐cupped oaks (Quercus subg. Cyclobalanopsis) characterized by united and concentric ring‐cupped acorns, are mainly distributed in broad‐leaved evergreen forests in tropical and subtropical regions of East and Southeast Asia. Their geological history has been traced from the middle Eocene to Pleistocene. Most reports of the subgenus have been on the basis of leaves, whereas the acorns or cupules, more valuable evidence for the inter‐ and intrageneric classifications, have been relatively poorly documented. Here, we describe a new species, Quercus shangcunensis sp. nov., based on a ring‐cupped fossil acorn and pollen on the acorn, as well as Quercus sp. associated leaves, recovered from the early Oligocene Shangcun Formation of Maoming Basin, Guangdong Province, South China. The morphological and anatomical structures of these fossils confirm their attribution to the subg. Cyclobalanopsis. Quercus shangcunensis sp. nov. represents the world's first Oligocene fossil acorn and the earliest fossil acorn in China for the subgenus, indicating that the subg. Cyclobalanopsis arrived in the low latitude area of South China at least by the early Oligocene. Our fossil provides evidence that the subgenus was present in one of its modern distribution centers in the Oligocene, suggesting that the modern distribution patterns of the subg. Cyclobalanopsis most likely originated during or prior to the Oligocene.
Water associated with residential areas and tourist resorts is the key predictor of Asian tiger mosquito presence on a Mediterranean island
Authors: Sanz‐Aguilar A. , Rosselló R. , Bengoa M. , Ruiz‐Pérez M. , González‐Calleja M. , Barceló C. , Borrás D. , Paredes‐Esquivel C. , Miranda M. A. , Tavecchia G.
Published: July 2018

The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae), is a highly invasive species and a vector of several viruses of serious concern to public health. Investigating the habitat selection of this species at small to medium scales is essential to the planning of effective prevention and control campaigns. The present group considered detailed data for this species' presence/absence collected at 228 sites on Mallorca Island (Spain) in autumn 2015, 3 years after the first detection of the species on the island. Site occupancy models accounting for false negative detections and imperfect monitoring were used to evaluate the relationships between mosquito presence and habitat variables. In the study area, mosquito presence was negatively associated with altitude, probably as a result of greater human presence at low altitudes near the coast. Moreover, the presence of Ae. albopictus was positively associated with swimming pools as a result of associated gardens, plants and sources of fresh water. These two variables were combined to predict the presence of the species across the entire island.
Recurrence of native kidney disease after kidney transplantation
Authors: Yamamoto Izumi , Yamakawa Takafumi , Katsuma Ai , Kawabe Mayuko , Katsumata Haruki , Hamada Aki Mafune , Nakada Yasuyuki , Kobayashi Akimitsu , Yamamoto Hiroyasu , Yokoo Takashi
Published: July 2018

The extent of recurrence of original kidney disease after kidney transplantation has been underestimated for several reasons. First, the duration of observation varies among studies. Second, the criteria used to schedule protocol and episode biopsies differ among institutions. And third, diagnostic modalities used for early detection of recurrent original kidney disease also vary. Thus, rates of graft loss attributable to a recurrence of original kidney disease vary among institutions and are often underestimated. However, the recurrence of original disease is often thought to be less important than chronic rejection followed by loss of a functioning allograft. It is important to note that recent data have shown that in patients with certain limited primary kidney diseases (e.g., membranous proliferative glomerulonephritis [MPGN], IgA nephritis [IgAN], focal segmental glomerulonephritis [FSGS], and membranous nephropathy [MN]), the predominant (60%) cause of graft loss is the recurrence of original kidney disease. In addition, the rate of 5‐year graft survival in patients with recurrent original kidney disease averages 45%. Thus, research must address the recurrence of original kidney disease. Here we focus on this recurrence and discuss diagnoses, preventive strategies, treatments, and future research directions.
On the extraordinary winter flood episode over the North Atlantic Basin in 1936
Authors: Ballesteros‐Cánovas Juan Antonio , Stoffel Markus , Benito Gerardo , Rohrer Mario , Barriopedro David , García‐Herrera Ricardo , Beniston Martin , Brönnimann Stefan
Published: July 2018

In this study, we analyze the linkage between atmosphere and ocean modes and winter flood variability over the 20th century based on long‐term flow‐discharge series, historical archives, and tree‐ring records of past floods in the North Atlantic Basin (NAB). The most extreme winter floods occurred in 1936 and had strong impacts on either side of the Atlantic. We hypothesize that the joint effects of sea surface temperatures (SSTs) over the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the Arctic Oscillation (AO), which is closely related to the North Atlantic Oscillation, play a significant role when describing flood variability in North America and Europe since 1900. Statistical modeling supports the assumption that the response of flood anomalies over the NAB to AO phases is subsidiary of SST phases. Besides, we shed light on the extraordinarily winter flood of 1936 that was characterized by very high SSTs over both the Atlantic and Pacific (>98th percentile) and very low, negative values of AO (<1st percentile). This outstanding winter flood episode was most likely characterized by stratospheric polar vortex anomalies, which can usually be linked to an increased probability of storms in western and southwestern Europe and increased snowfall events in eastern North America. By assessing the flood anomalies over the NAB as a coupled AO and SST function, one could further the understanding of such large‐scale events and presumably improve anticipation of future extreme flood occurrences.
Inventory Decisions in the Presence of Strategic Customers: Theory and Behavioral Evidence
Authors: Zhang Yang , Mantin Benny , Wu Yaozhong
Published: July 2018

We consider the inventory decision of a retailer facing strategic customers. We develop a behavioral theory that accounts for reference dependence, which makes predictions on how the presence of strategic customers leverages retailer behavior. Specifically, the reference‐dependent retailer shall decrease her order quantity when there are more strategic customers in the population. As such, the conventional pull‐to‐center bias for newsvendor is generalized, since the presence of strategic customers may induce the retailer to pull her order further below the center even when the production cost is low. Furthermore, increasing proportion of strategic customers reduces the retailer's ordering bias under low cost, yet amplifies it when the cost is high. Our subsequent experiments find pull‐below‐center effect, validate the theoretical predictions, and establish the asymmetry of reference dependence with the estimated behavioral parameters. We also study extensions to our model and carry out robustness checks of our experimental results.
A cost–benefit evaluation of direct seeding with and without protector for two native tree species in a tropical rainforest
Authors: Prieto‐Rodao Elena , Ricker Martin , Siebe Christina
Published: July 2018

A priority in restoration research is to seek methods that reach high levels of plant establishment at the lowest possible cost. Here, we test how direct seeding works with and without a plastic protector that covers seeds and seedlings in an early‐successional rainforest in Veracruz (Mexico). Two native species, Calophyllum brasiliense (barí) and Vochysia guatemalensis (corpo), at three topographic positions, were used. Germination rates with and without the protector were 84 versus 79% for C. brasiliense, and 98 versus 89% for V. guatemalensis, respectively. The protector significantly improved the germination only of V. guatemalensis. Plant survivorship of V. guatemalensis 27 months after seeding was significantly higher with the protector (78%) than without it (46%). For C. brasiliense, there were no differences in survivorship after 22 months with (61%) and without (54%) protector. In both species, the protector had no effect on height growth, which was significantly larger for seedlings located at the toeslope position. We developed a cost–benefit model that provides a threshold value at which the investment for protectors is justified by a resulting higher survivorship: If 27 months after seeding a treelet of V. guatemalensis is worth at least 0.83 USD on our sites, then the effect of the protector is worth the cost of its implementation (for C. brasiliense, survivorship was statistically undistinguishable with and without protector). We suggest that direct seeding with a plastic protector could be a promising alternative for forest restoration with suitable tree species.
Garnet‐controlled very low velocities in the lower mantle transition zone at sites of mantle upwelling
Authors: Nagel Thorsten J. , Duesterhoeft Erik , Schiffer Christian
Published: July 2018

Deep mantle plumes and associated increased geotherms are expected to cause an upward deflection of the lower–upper mantle boundary and an overall thinning of the mantle transition zone between about 410 and 660 km depth. We use subsequent forward modelling of mineral assemblages, seismic velocities, and receiver functions to explain the common paucity of such observations in receiver function data. In the lower mantle transition zone, large horizontal differences in seismic velocities may result from temperature‐dependent assemblage variations. At this depth, primitive mantle compositions are dominated by majoritic garnet at high temperatures. Associated seismic velocities are expected to be much lower than for ringwoodite‐rich assemblages at undisturbed thermal conditions. Neglecting this ultralow‐velocity zone at upwelling sites can cause a miscalculation of the lower–upper mantle boundary on the order of 20 km.
Recurrent membranous nephropathy and acute cellular rejection in a patient treated with direct anti‐HCV therapy (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir)
Authors: Murakami Naoka , Ding Yanli , Cohen David J. , Chandraker Anil K. , Rennke Helmut G.
Published: July 2018

Direct‐acting antiviral agents (DAAs) are very effective therapy for chronic hepatitis C infection, and have revolutionized the treatment of hepatitis C in kidney allograft recipients. Although well tolerated in general, rare renal complications have been reported. We describe a case of recurrent membranous nephropathy and acute cellular rejection in a kidney allograft recipient after DAA (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir) therapy, whose allograft function had been stable for more than 30 years. The patient was presented with nephrotic range proteinuria with stable creatinine. The kidney allograft biopsy revealed recurrent membranous nephropathy with fine granular deposits of IgG1/IgG4 codominance and positive phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) staining. The patient was treated with pulse steroid and rituximab, leading to a decrease in proteinuria. As DAAs are more frequently used, physicians should be aware of immune‐related renal complications.
On the frequency domain formulation of the generalized sound extrapolation method
Authors: Zhong Siyang , Zhang Xin
Published: July 2018

A frequency domain formulation of the generalized sound extrapolation method is proposed. The Fourier transform is performed to the flow variables to prepare the source terms as the input of the sound extrapolation solver, and the inhomogeneous convected Helmholtz equation is solved using the Green's functions in the frequency domain. The proposed formulations are applied to typical aeroacoustics problems including two dimensional (2D) and three dimensional monopoles in uniform mean flows, flat plate-gust interaction noise and the sound produced by a co-flowing jet. The formulations can yield close agreements with the predictions by the time domain solution. Substantial time saving can be achieved compared with a time domain solver, as the estimation of emission/retarded time, which needs to conduct interpolation of the time sequence of the flow variables, is not required. Also, the computation in the 2D space is much easier since the Green's function is used directly. The results suggest that the frequency formulation can potentially be used for sound projection computation in aeroacoustics.
Histopathological Diagnosis of Prosthetic Joint Infection: Does a Threshold of 23 Neutrophils Do Better than Classification of the Periprosthetic Membrane in a Prospective Multicenter Study?
Authors: Bémer Pascale , Léger Julie , Milin Serge , Plouzeau Chloé , Valentin Anne Sophie , Stock Nathalie , Jolivet-Gougeon Anne , Moreau Anne , Corvec Stéphane , Quintin-Roue Isabelle , Tandé Didier , Héry-Arnaud Geneviève , Rousselet Marie-Christine , Lemarié Carole , Kempf Marie , Michenet Patrick , Bret Laurent , de Pinieux Gonzague , Burucoa Christophe ,   for the CRIOGO (Centre de Référence des Infections Ostéo-articulaires du Grand Ouest) Study Team J. Cottin P. Bizot P. Abgueguen V. Balan E. Stindel S. Ansart A. Greves S. Touchais F. Gouin D. Boutoille N. Asseray L. Happi J. Guinard F. Razanabola C. Mille L.E. Gayet G. Le Moal C. Thomas J.L. Polard C. Arvieux A. Meheut L. Bernard P Rosset G. Gras J. Druon K. Fèvre
Published: July 2018

No gold standard exists for histopathological diagnosis of a prosthetic joint infection (PJI). The historical criterion considers the presence of neutrophil infiltration upon examination of periprosthetic tissue.
CREATE Two-Year/Four-Year Faculty Workshops: A Focus on Practice, Reflection, and Novel Curricular Design Leads to Diverse Gains for Faculty at Two-Year and Four-Year Institutions
Authors: Hoskins Sally G. , Gottesman Alan J. , Kenyon Kristy L.
Published: July 2018

Improving STEM education through the propagation of highly effective teaching strategies is a major goal of national reform movements. CREATE (Consider, Read, Elucidate the hypotheses, Analyze and interpret the data, and Think of the next Experiment) is a transformative teaching and learning strategy grounded in evidence-based science pedagogy. CREATE courses promote both cognitive (e.g., critical thinking) and affective (e.g., attitudinal and epistemological) student gains in diverse settings. In this study, we look more deeply into the faculty development workshop used to disseminate CREATE pedagogy to instructors at two-year and four-year institutions. We hypothesized that an immersive experience would positively shift faculty participants’ views on teaching/learning, build their understanding of CREATE pedagogy and develop their confidence for course implementation. Internal and external assessments indicate that faculty participants did achieve gains within the timeframe of the CREATE workshop. We discuss the workshop training outcomes in the context of designing effective dissemination models for innovative practices.
The Microbiome and Metabolome of Preterm Infant Stool Are Personalized and Not Driven by Health Outcomes, Including Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Late-Onset Sepsis
Authors: Wandro Stephen , Osborne Stephanie , Enriquez Claudia , Bixby Christine , Arrieta Antonio , Whiteson Katrine
Published: July 2018

Preterm infants face health problems likely related to microbial exposures, including sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis. However, the role of the gut microbiome in preterm infant health is poorly understood. Microbial colonization differs from that of healthy term babies because it occurs in the NICU and is often perturbed by antibiotics. We measured bacterial compositions and metabolomic profiles of 77 fecal samples from 32 preterm infants to investigate the differences between microbiomes in health and disease. Rather than finding microbial signatures of disease, we found that both the preterm infant microbiome and the metabolome were personalized and that the preterm infant gut microbiome is enriched in microbes that commonly dominate in the presence of antibiotics. These results contribute to the growing knowledge of the preterm infant microbiome and emphasize that a personalized view will be important to disentangle the health consequences of the preterm infant microbiome.
Knowledge and attitudes of Australian general practitioners towards medicinal cannabis: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Karanges Emily A , Suraev Anastasia , Elias Natalie , Manocha Ramesh , McGregor Iain S
Published: July 2018

Objectives

To examine the knowledge and attitudes of Australian general practitioners (GP) towards medicinal cannabis, including patient demand, GP perceptions of therapeutic effects and potential harms, perceived knowledge and willingness to prescribe.

Design, setting and participants

A cross-sectional survey completed by 640 GPs (response rate=37%) attending multiple-topic educational seminars in five major Australian cities between August and November 2017.

Main outcome measures

Number of patients enquiring about medicinal cannabis, perceived knowledge of GPs, conditions where GPs perceived it to be beneficial, willingness to prescribe, preferred models of access, perceived adverse effects and safety relative to other prescription drugs.

Results

The majority of GPs (61.5%) reported one or more patient enquiries about medicinal cannabis in the last three months. Most felt that their own knowledge was inadequate and only 28.8% felt comfortable discussing medicinal cannabis with patients. Over half (56.5%) supported availability on prescription, with the preferred access model involving trained GPs prescribing independently of specialists. Support for use of medicinal cannabis was condition-specific, with strong support for use in cancer pain, palliative care and epilepsy, and much lower support for use in depression and anxiety.

Conclusions

The majority of GPs are supportive or neutral with regards to medicinal cannabis use. Our results highlight the need for improved training of GPs around medicinal cannabis, and the discrepancy between GP-preferred models of access and the current specialist-led models.
Multidimensional analyses reveal distinct immune microenvironment in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lim Chun Jye , Lee Yun Hua , Pan Lu , Lai Liyun , Chua Camillus , Wasser Martin , Lim Tony Kiat Hon , Yeong Joe , Toh Han Chong , Lee Ser Yee , Chan Chung Yip , Goh Brian KP , Chung Alexander , Heikenwälder Mathias , Ng Irene OL , Chow Pierce , Albani Salvatore , Chew Valerie
Published: July 2018

Background and aims

Chronic inflammation induced by chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, little is known about the immune landscape of HBV-related HCC and its influence on the design of effective cancer immunotherapeutics.

Methods

We interrogated the immune microenvironments of HBV-related HCC and non-viral-related HCC using immunohistochemistry and cytometry by time-of-flight (CyTOF). On identifying unique immune subsets enriched in HBV-related HCC, we further interrogated their phenotypes and functions using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and in vitro T-cell proliferation assays.

Results

In-depth interrogation of the immune landscapes showed that regulatory T cells (TREG) and CD8+ resident memory T cells (TRM) were enriched in HBV-related HCC, whereas Tim-3+CD8+ T cells and CD244+ natural killer cells were enriched in non-viral-related HCC. NGS of isolated TREG and TRM from HBV-related HCC and non-viral-related HCC identified distinct functional signatures associated with T-cell receptor signalling, T-cell costimulation, antigen presentation and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) signalling. TREG and TRM from HBV-related HCC expressed more PD-1 and were functionally more suppressive and exhausted than those from non-virus-related HCC. Furthermore, immunosuppression by PD-1+ TREG could be reversed with anti-PD-1 blockade. Using multiplexed tissue immunofluorescence, we further demonstrated that TREG and TRM contributed to overall patient survival: TREG were associated with a poor prognosis and TRM were associated with a good prognosis in HCC.

Conclusion

We have shown that the HBV-related HCC microenvironment is more immunosuppressive and exhausted than the non-viral-related HCC microenvironment. Such in-depth understanding has important implications in disease management and appropriate application of immunotherapeutics.
Physiological responses to partial-body cryotherapy performed during a concurrent strength and endurance session
Authors: Piras Alessandro , Campa Francesco , Toselli Stefania , Di Michele Rocco , Raffi Milena
Published: July 2018

This investigation examined the effect of partial-body cryostimulation (PBC) performed in the recovery time between a strength training and an interval running (IR) session. Nine rugby players (age, 23.7 ± 3.6 years; body mass index, 28.0 ± 2.6 kg·m−2) were randomly exposed to 2 different conditions: (i) PBC: 3 min at −160 °C, and (ii) passive recovery at 21 °C. We performed the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and recorded temperature and cardiac autonomic variables at 3 time points: at baseline, after strength training, and after 90 min of recovery. In addition, blood lactate concentration was measured 1 min before and 2.5 min after the IR. Heart rate (HR), energy cost, minute ventilation, oxygen uptake, and metabolic power were assessed during the IR. Homeostatic hydration status was affected by the execution of an intense strength training subsession. Then, after PBC, the BIA vector was restored close to normohydration status. Autonomic variables changed over time in both conditions, although the mean differences and effect sizes were greater in the PBC condition. During IR, HR was 3.5% lower after PBC, and the same result was observed for oxygen uptake (∼4.9% lower) and ventilation (∼6.5% lower). The energy cost measured after cryotherapy was ∼9.0% lower than after passive recovery. Cryotherapy enhances recovery after a single strength training session, and during subsequent IR, it shows a reduction in cardiorespiratory and metabolic parameters. PBC may be useful for those athletes who compete or train more than once in the same day, to improve recovery between successive training sessions or competitions.
Field emission properties of laser ablated multi-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Koinkar Pankaj , Ohsumi Yu , Kanazawa Makoto , Furube Akihiro , Gavhane Dnyaneshwar , More Mahendra A.
Published: July 2018

In the present study, the field emission properties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) treated with laser ablation have been investigated. The MWCNTs were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition method. The laser ablation treatment was performed in liquid medium for laser ablation time of 40 min and 60 min. The morphology of MWCNTs films was characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman spectroscopy. The results exhibit that the field emission properties of MWCNTs are dependent on the laser ablation time. The Raman spectra of laser-ablated MWCNTs clearly showed disorder and increase in graphitic content. The SEM and TEM results clearly revealed the separation of MWCNTs after laser ablation treatment. The field emission characteristics of the MWCNTs showed that the turn-on fields and current density are improved for the nanotubes treated with laser ablation. The enhancement in the field emission characteristics of MWCNTs is attributed to the disorder as well as the increase in the aspect ratio which causes more pathways for electron emission.
A study on the design for high-strength composites applied to the intermediate shaft
Authors: Cho Je-Hyoung , Yoon Sung-Won , Kim Tae-Yeob , Kim Myung-Hyun , Kim Yun-Hae
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this study is to determine the correct estimation of the concept design for high strength composites applied to the intermediate shaft of a ship. Recently, the application of composites has increased in the ship industry area for weight reduction and marine environmental protection. Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) has characteristics of high strength, high elasticity and high corrosion resistance. Therefore, it is a suitable material for reducing the weight of the ship. So, weight reduction and high fuel efficiency can be expected. However, little research has been carried out on the technology development of a composites shaft for ships. In this study, analysis is carried out on the application of a high-strength CFRP shaft.
An analysis of carbon fiber hull structure of a new underwater glider
Authors: Kang J. I. , Jeoung S. K. , Oh J. Y. , Choi H. S. , Kim Y. H. , Kim J. Y. , Yu S. H. , Cho H. K.
Published: July 2018

In this research, hull structure of Ray-type Underwater Glider (RUG) that could be a next generation unmanned vehicle was studied. RUG is capable of long-term operation at higher speeds than conventional cylindrical underwater gliders due to its ray shaped body composed of dual buoyancy engine. For long-term operation, it is necessary to develop a lightweight control housing and battery case. For this reason, the carbon fiber container was used to be lighter and stronger than duralumin used in the past. Through the stress and buckling analysis, it was shown that the container was able to withstand the pressure of 200 m which is the target water depth with the safety ratio of about 1.8 times. Using a carbon composite material, the mechanical strength can be maintained while reducing the weight of the pressure vessel by more than 40% compared with the high tensile aluminum material.
A method to reduce harmonic distortion of MEMS accelerometer
Authors: Wang Yi Hang , Yin Liang , Chen Dong Liang , Li Ling , Liu Xiao Wei
Published: July 2018

This paper recommends a method to reduce harmonic distortion of MEMS accelerometer. The fifth-order MEMS accelerometer interface circuit designed in this work used the Cascade-of-Integrators, Feedforward modulation structure. This paper analyzes and calculates the main sources of HD, the unstable problem brought by the vacuum encapsulation sensitive structure. The use of front-phase compensation and the increase in loop forward gain helps ensure the system’s stability as well as reduce the system harmonic distortion. Simulink is used to get the simulation results. After harmonic optimization, the third harmonic reached −141.83 dB, the Signal-to-Noise-and-Distortion-Ratio rose to 118.1 dB, the noise density is under 200 ng/Hz[Formula: see text], the effective number of bits rose up to 19.33 bits.
Finite generation of Lie derived powers of associative algebras
Authors: Alahmadi Adel , Alsulami Hamed
Published: July 2018

Let [Formula: see text] be an associative algebra over a field of characteristic [Formula: see text] that is generated by a finite collection of nilpotent elements. We prove that all Lie derived powers of [Formula: see text] are finitely generated Lie algebras.
EXPLAINING INFORMAL SECTOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN KOSOVO: AN INSTITUTIONALIST PERSPECTIVE
Authors: WILLIAMS COLIN C. , KRASNIQI BESNIK
Published: July 2018

Institutional theory has been widely used to explain entrepreneurship in the informal economy. A first wave of institutionalist theory argued that informal entrepreneurship resulted from formal institutional failures and a second wave that such entrepreneurship results from an asymmetry between the laws and regulations of formal institutions and the unwritten socially shared rules of informal institutions. This paper evaluates the validity of these two waves of institutionalist explanation and a new third wave of institutional theory explaining informal entrepreneurship in terms of a lack of both vertical and horizontal trust. Reporting data from a 2013 survey in Kosovo involving 500 face-to-face interviews with owners of small and medium-sized enterprises, 35.7 percent of sales are estimated to be unreported and a regression analyses reveals this is significantly higher among smaller and older firms, and firms owned by men. No significant association is found between formal institutional failings and the under-reporting of sales, but there is a statistically significant correlation between sales under-reporting and the level of vertical and horizontal trust. Taking account of the limitations of this single country study, the implications for theory and policy are then discussed.
Science-Based Innovation in China: A Case Study of Artemisinin from Laboratory to the Market
Authors: Qingzhi Zhang , Yacheng Yang , Yaoyuan Qi , Jiasu Lei
Published: July 2018

Science-based innovation emerged from novel and discontinuous innovations which provoked irreversible yet significant changes in science and technology. This research investigated the commercialization process of artemisinin, a typical science-based innovation in China. Due to her research involvement with artimisinin (qinghaosu), Tu Youyou received the 2011 Lasker Award in clinical medicine and the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine jointly with William C. Campbell and Satoshi Ōmura. In this paper, the authors reviewed the process of artemisinin’s innovation from labs in a research institute to its entrance into the market. Based on the research, we reached the following conclusions. First, during the process of science-based innovation, a “new technology platform” might be established and a series of applications might be invented. Second, the extensive cooperation among research institutions and companies played a vital role in the science-based innovation. Third, the science-based innovation emerged through multidisciplinary research teams as well as contacts among scientists with cross-fields expertise. Fourth, for science-based innovation, early research funding mainly relied on public funds. During the commercialization stage, corporate funding plays a major role. Fifth, a clear research objective, an overall planning, coordination, and the stability of policies were also important factors in the entire science-based innovation process.
In Vitro Antibacterial Interaction of Doripenem and Amikacin against Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates
Authors: Loho Tonny , Sukartini Ninik , Astrawinata Dalima A. W. , Immanuel Suzanna , Aulia Diana , Priatni Ika
Published: July 2018

Evaluation of the in vitro interaction of doripenem and amikacin against Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae was done by classifying them into four groups: doripenem and amikacin sensitive (DOR-S/AMK-S), doripenem sensitive and amikacin resistant (DOR-S/AMK-R), doripenem resistant and amikacin sensitive (DOR-R/AMK-S), and both doripenem and amikacin resistant (DOR-R/AMK-R). The MIC of each antibiotic and their combination was obtained using the Etest method. The fractional inhibitory concentration index was calculated to classify the results as synergistic, additive, indifferent, or antagonistic interaction. In the DOR-S/AMK-S class, 1 isolate of A. baumannii showed synergy and the other 5 showed additive results, 5 isolates of P. aeruginosa showed additive and 1 isolate showed indifferent result, and 2 isolates of K. pneumoniae showed additive and the other 4 showed indifferent results. In the DOR-S/AMK-R class, 3 isolates of A. baumannii showed additive and the other 3 showed indifferent results, 2 isolates of P. aeruginosa showed indifferent results, and 1 isolate of K. pneumoniae showed additive and the other 5 showed indifferent results. In the DOR-R/AMK-S class, 1 isolate of A. baumannii showed additive and the other 5 showed indifferent results, 1 isolate of P. aeruginosa showed additive and the other 5 showed indifferent results, and 4 isolates of K. pneumoniae showed additive and the other 2 showed indifferent results. In the DOR-R/AMK-R class, 6 isolates of A. baumannii showed indifferent results, 1 isolate of P. aeruginosa showed additive and the other 5 showed indifferent results, and 1 isolate of K. pneumoniae showed additive and the other 5 showed indifferent results. Synergy occurred in only 1 (1.5%) isolate. Additive interaction occurred in 24 (35.3%) isolates, and indifferent interaction occurred in 43 (63.2%) isolates. Doripenem sensitive combined with amikacin sensitive reduced MIC significantly in all bacterial isolates when compared to single MIC of each antibiotic.
Quantify the Pore Water Velocity Distribution by a Celerity Function
Authors: Shao Wei , Su Ye , Yang Zongji , Ma Xieyao , Langhammer Jakub
Published: July 2018

Celerity and velocity of subsurface flow in soil porous medium are intimately linked with tracer transport, while only few current studies focused on their relations. This study conducted theoretical analyses based on a pore bundle model, under which celerity in unsaturated flow is equivalent to maximum velocity. Furthermore, under 3 models Brooks-Corey model and unmodified and modified Mualem-van Genuchten models, we used a celerity function to derive breakthrough curves aiming to quantify the advective tracer transport for 5 typical soil textures. The results showed that the celerity under near-saturated conditions can be 5 up to 100 times larger than the saturated hydraulic conductivity, and a small volumetric fraction (<15%) of pores contributed more than half of the specific discharge. First arrival time and extensive tailing of the breakthrough curves were controlled by maximum velocity and velocity distribution, accordingly. As the kinematic ratio in the Brooks-Corey model remained constantly for each specific soil, we used it to quantify the ratio of maximum tracer velocity over average tracer velocity. We also found that a bimodal soil hydraulic function (for a dual-permeability model) may result in similar soil hydraulic conductivity functions for different parameter sets, but their celerities are different. The results showed that the proposed celerity function can assist in investigating subsurface flow and tracer transport, and the kinematic ratio could be used to predict the first arrival time of a conservative tracer.
Inversion Formula for a Radon-Type Transform Arising in Photoacoustic Tomography with Circular Integrating Detectors
Authors: Moon Sunghwan
Published: July 2018

This paper is devoted to a Radon-type transform arising in a version of Photoacoustic Tomography that uses integrating circular detectors. The Radon-type transform that arises can be decomposed into the known Radon-type transforms: the spherical Radon transform and the sectional Radon transform. An inversion formula is obtained by combining existing inversion formulas for the above two Radon-type transforms.
Research on Wheat Straw Application in the Preparation of Superplasticizer
Authors: Guo Yiping , Zhu Weiyong , Gao Ruqin , Li Guoting
Published: July 2018

Wheat straw was utilized in the preparation of polycarboxylate superplasticizer (PCS) to improve its performance as well as to reduce the production cost in this paper. The addition time and pretreatment time of wheat straw in the production of PCS were detected. Orthogonal experimental design was adopted to optimize the components of reactants, and the adding time of the initiator was also examined. The PCS produced with wheat straw in this paper kept a rather high water‐reducing rate. In addition, the results of some physical characteristics showed there were no obvious differences between the PCS produced with and without wheat straw, while the PCS produced with wheat straw had the longer time of coagulation. At the same time, infrared spectrum implied that the addition of wheat straw made the side chain more abundant and had little influence on the main chain of the large molecules.
Clinical Diagnostic Accuracy of Onychomycosis: A Multispecialty Comparison Study
Authors: Li David G. , Cohen Jeffrey M. , Mikailov Anar , Williams Ramone F. , Laga Alvaro C. , Mostaghimi Arash
Published: July 2018

Although onychomycosis can be diagnosed clinically, many guidelines still recommend pathologic confirmation of the diagnosis prior to initiation of systemic treatment. We retrospectively reviewed results from 541 toenail clippings (160 by dermatologists, 198 by podiatrists, and 183 by other provider types) sent to the Brigham and Women’s Department of Dermatopathology between January 2000 and December 2013 for confirmatory periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) testing of clinically diagnosed onychomycosis. Of these, 93 (58.1%), 125 (63.1%), and 71 (38.8%) were sent for confirmation of onychomycosis (as opposed to diagnosis of onychodystrophy) by dermatologists, podiatrists, and other provider types, respectively. Confirmatory PAS stains were positive in 70 (75.3%), 101 (80.8%), and 47 (66.2%) of samples ordered by dermatologists, podiatrists, and other providers, respectively. Our study demonstrates that clinical diagnosis of onychomycosis in the appropriate clinical setting is accurate across specialties. Further prospective investigation on the accuracy of clinical diagnosis of onychomycosis may be beneficial.
Serum Hepcidin Level as a Marker of Iron Status in Children with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Kałużna-Czyż Monika , Grzybowska-Chlebowczyk Urszula , Woś Halina , Więcek Sabina
Published: July 2018

Introduction. Iron deficiency is common in patients with cystic fibrosis. Conventional iron status markers are often abnormal in patients with CF, reflecting inflammation and/or infection, rather than actual iron stores. The aim was to evaluate serum hepcidin levels against selected iron status markers, assuming that hepcidin may be a more sensitive indicator of iron management in patients with active inflammation, such as those with CF.Material and Methods. 46 children with cystic fibrosis and 31 healthy controls were enrolled. Hepcidin concentration was evaluated, along with the following other blood assays: full blood count, Fe, ferritin, transferrin, TIBC, liver markers, and CRP.Results. Higher ferritin and CRP levels as well as lower TIBC levels significantly predicted hepcidin levels in the study group, control group, and the entire sample. There was no significant difference in hepcidin levels between the patients and controls. Children with exacerbations had significantly higher hepcidin levels than those with stable disease. These findings support the serum hepcidin level as useful in assessing iron status in children with cystic fibrosis. It may also be useful in early detection and monitoring of treatment of exacerbations.
Ozone Oxidation of Kraft Bamboo Pulp for Preparation of Nanofibrillated Cellulose
Authors: Liu Mingyou , Chen Xia , Tian Xiaofei
Published: July 2018

The influence of ozonation on the homogenization of Kraft bamboo pulp (KBP) for the production of nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) was studied. Using optimized conditions for ozonation, that is, pulp consistency 35%, ozone dosage 0.87% (v/w), and pH=2.5, the kappa number and viscosity of KBP decreased from 10.8 to 2.8 and from 1024 mL∙g−1 to 258 mL∙g−1, respectively, while the crystallinity and carboxylate content increased from 36.2% to 48% and 0.93 mmol/g to 1.26 mmol/g, respectively. The ozonation-treated KPB was used as the substrate for NFC preparation through homogenization. With a width of 10–20 nm and length≥250 nm, the prepared NFC had a high aspect ratio of length versus width. Ozonation can be used as an alternative approach to promote the efficient production of NFC from KBP.
CIP Method of Characteristics for the Solution of Tide Wave Equations
Authors: Nie Yafei , Fu Kai , Lv Xianqing
Published: July 2018

The CIP-MOC (Constrained Interpolation Profile/Method of Characteristics) is proposed to solve the tide wave equations with large time step size. The bottom topography and bottom friction, which are very important factor for the tidal wave model, are included to the equation of Riemann invariants as the source term. Numerical experiments demonstrate the good performance of the scheme. Compared to traditional semi-implicit (SI) finite difference scheme which is widely used in tidal wave simulation, CIP-MOC has better stability in simulating large gradient water surface change and has the ability to use much longer time step size under the premise of maintaining accuracy. Besides, numerical tests with reflective boundary conditions are carried out by CIP-MOC with large time step size and good results are obtained.