bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An intelligent query approach by integrating visual queries with full-text search
Authors: Shantharaju Pruthvi , Rubart Jessica
Published: July 2018

This research focuses on a combined query approach for handling structured and unstructured data. A Visual Query System (VQS) is usually developed for handling structured data. It enables end users to formulate queries through visual representations without the need of having knowledge of database and query languages. As an important branch of today's information retrieval technology, Full-Text Search (FTS) is an important approach for dealing with unstructured data. Hence, a hybrid system can be developed, which integrates a Visual Query System with a Full-Text Search engine and which acts as an intelligent search interface. A customized ranking algorithm can rank the results according to their relevance. This hybrid approach converts the natural language text queries and visual queries into a database query language, such as SQL. It can be adopted for different examples of data with a combination of structured and unstructured types to provide an efficient query interface solution. In particular, it can be integrated in web search engines to integrate structured data with unstructured data in the search interface.
Upcoming SIGWEB supported conferences
Authors: Samuel Hamman
Published: July 2018

The Special Interest Group on Hypertext and the Web, SIGWEB was created in 1989 to support the community participating in the annual ACM Hypertext Conference. Now in its third decade, SIGWEB has grown considerably and now sponsors seven annual conferences of different sizes and covering a wide range of topics. SIGWEB supports several specialized conferences, short courses, and workshops, as well as the Annual Hypertext Conference. SIGWEB sponsored conferences focus on timely topics in applied and computational hypertext and Web disciplines and provide a place for members and the entire applied Hypermedia and Web community to exchange ideas and to meet with and expand their network of colleagues. In this article, we provide a brief overview of SIGWEB sponsored conferences, in addition to events that are in cooperation with SIGWEB.
Spontaneous Ruptured Pyomyoma in a Nulligravid Female: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Read S. , Mullins J.
Published: July 2018

Introduction. Pyomyoma, or suppurative leiomyoma, is a rare complication of uterine fibroids. It occurs most commonly in the setting of pregnancy, the immediate postpartum period, or postmenopausal status. It may also arise after recent uterine instrumentation, after uterine artery embolization, or in immunocompromised patients. The most likely cause of pyomyoma is vascular compromise followed by bacterial seeding from direct, hematogenous, or lymphatic spread. Diagnosis is difficult, as the condition is rare, presents with vague symptoms, and is difficult to identify on imaging. Definitive diagnosis is only possible with surgery. Pathology shows a degenerating fibroid with hemorrhage, necrosis, cystic degeneration, and/or inflammatory change. Cultures of the pus contained within often show polymicrobial infection. Case Presentation. Our patient is a 24-year-old nulligravid female who presented with a surgical abdomen, fever, hypotension, and leukocytosis. She had no significant prior medical or surgical history, no history of uterine instrumentation, and no history of pelvic infection; she was not currently sexually active at the time of presentation. She was taken to the operating room, where she underwent diagnostic laparoscopy. This showed a ruptured pyomyoma originating in the left broad ligament. She then underwent laparoscopic myomectomy. She was transferred to the ICU intubated; she slowly recovered on IV antibiotics and was discharged home on postoperative day 10. Discussion. Pyomyoma is a rare condition and is even rarer in premenopausal patients without recent history of pregnancy or uterine instrumentation. This demonstrates an unusual case of spontaneous pyomyoma in the absence of risk factors, other than a history of known fibroids. Pyomyoma should be considered as a diagnosis in patients with sepsis, history of fibroids, and no other identifiable source of infection.
Ankle Kinematics and Temporal Gait Characteristics over the Duration of a 6-Minute Walk Test in People with Multiple Sclerosis Who Experience Foot Drop
Authors: van der Linden Marietta L. , Andreopoulou Georgia , Scopes Judy , Hooper Julie E. , Mercer Thomas H.
Published: July 2018

Foot drop is a common gait impairment in people with MS (pwMS) but in some foot drop may only occur after a period of prolonged walking and may be a sign of motor fatigability. The purpose of the study was to explore whether, for pwMS, an adapted six-minute walk test (6minWT) would result in an increase in foot drop as measured using electrogoniometry. Sagittal ankle kinematics were recorded for fifteen participants (10 females and 5 males, aged 37-64) with MS (EDSS 4-6) throughout the 6minWT. Ankle kinematics and temporal stride parameters were compared between the first and last 10 gait cycles of the 6minWT. Peak dorsiflexion in swing was significantly reduced at the end of the 6minWT compared to the start, with six of the fifteen participants having a decrease of two degrees or more. Statistically significant changes in temporal stride parameters suggested a decrease in walking speed. Our results suggest that with the protocol used in this study it is feasible to identify patients who experience increased foot drop as a result of a prolonged exercise task.
Strong Convergence of New Two-Step Viscosity Iterative Approximation Methods for Set-Valued Nonexpansive Mappings in CAT(0) Spaces
Authors: Xiong Ting-jian , Lan Heng-you
Published: July 2018

This paper is for the purpose of introducing and studying a class of new two-step viscosity iteration approximation methods for finding fixed points of set-valued nonexpansive mappings in CAT(0) spaces. By means of some properties and characteristic to CAT(0) space and using Cauchy-Schwarz inequality and Xu’s inequality, strong convergence theorems of the new two-step viscosity iterative process for set-valued nonexpansive and contraction operators in complete CAT(0) spaces are provided. The results of this paper improve and extend the corresponding main theorems in the literature.
Dynamics of Telomere Length and Telomerase Activity in the Human Fetal Liver at 5–12 Weeks of Gestation
Authors: Sorochynska Khrystyna , Sych Nataliia , Duda Alla , Kulebyakina Kateryna , Krasnienkov Dmytro , Vaiserman Alexander , Vatlitsov Denys
Published: July 2018

Fetal stem cell- (FSC-) based therapy is a promising treatment option for many diseases. The differentiation potential of FSCs is greater than that in adult stem cells, and they are more tissue-specific and have lower immunogenicity and better intrinsic homing than embryonic ones. Embryonic stem cells have higher proliferative potential than FSCs but can cause teratomas. Therefore, an evaluation of this potential represents an important biomedical challenge. Since regulation of telomere length (TL) is one mechanism governing cellular proliferation, TL is a useful surrogate marker for cell replicative potential. The prenatal dynamics of TL, however, has never been comprehensively studied. In the present study, dynamics of TL and telomerase activity in the human fetal liver during 5–12 weeks of gestation is examined. Both TL and telomerase activity were positively correlated with week of gestation. For both parameters studied, the trend to increase was evident up to 10th week of gestation. After that, they reached a plateau and remained stable. These findings indicate that telomerase activity remains high during the fetal stage, suggesting high replicative capacity of FSCs and their considerable potential for transplantation therapies. These findings, however, are preliminary only due to small sample size and require further evaluation.
Benzoyl Peroxide Inhibits Quorum Sensing and Biofilm Formation by Gardnerella vaginalis 14018
Authors: Algburi Ammar , Zehm Saskia , Netrebov Victoria , Weeks Richard , Zubovskiy Konstantin , Chikindas Michael L.
Published: July 2018

Infection recurrence and antibiotic resistance of bacterial vaginosis-associated pathogenic biofilms underline the need for novel and effective treatment strategies. In this study, we evaluated the antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and quorum sensing inhibitory effects of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid against Gardnerella vaginalis ATCC 14018, the predominant pathogen of bacterial vaginosis. While the highest tested concentrations of 250 and 125 μg/mL for both compounds were not sufficient in completely inhibiting the growth of G. vaginalis ATCC 14018, they did prevent biofilm formation by inhibiting the bacterial quorum sensing system in the pathogen. To our knowledge, this report is the first evidence that benzoyl peroxide can have a quorum sensing-mediated biofilm controlling effect, as demonstrated using subinhibitory concentrations of this compound in order to reduce the cost, dosage, and negative side effects associated with current antimicrobial treatments.
Diagnosis of Encephalopathy Based on Energies of EEG Subbands Using Discrete Wavelet Transform and Support Vector Machine
Authors: Jacob Jisu Elsa , Nair Gopakumar Kuttappan , Iype Thomas , Cherian Ajith
Published: July 2018

EEG analysis in the field of neurology is customarily done using frequency domain methods like fast Fourier transform. A complex biomedical signal such as EEG is best analysed using a time-frequency algorithm. Wavelet decomposition based analysis is a relatively novel area in EEG analysis and for extracting its subbands. This work aims at exploring the use of discrete wavelet transform for extracting EEG subbands in encephalopathy. The subband energies were then calculated and given as feature sets to SVM classifier for identifying cases of encephalopathy from normal healthy subjects. Out of various combinations of subband energies, energy of delta subband yielded highest performance parameters for SVM classifier with an accuracy of 90.4% in identifying encephalopathy cases.
Research into an Association between Anhedonia and Decreased REM Latency in Moderately to Severely Depressed Patients
Authors: Nizet Laurie , Montana Xavier , Lanquart Jean-Pol , Loas Gwenolé
Published: July 2018

Anhedonia stands as a core symptom and potential trait marker of major depressive disorder (MDD). The importance of rapid eye movement sleep latency (REML) as a biological marker of depression has previously and repeatedly been studied. The aim of this paper is to analyse the relationship between anhedonia and REML in moderately to severely depressed patients. The shortened Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-13) was chosen to assess depressive symptoms and, among them, more particularly, anhedonic symptoms. Two-way ANCOVA was used for statistical analyses. A significant association between anhedonic symptoms and REML was found when the number of sleep cycles (NCy) and the severity of depression were added as covariates. Our findings suggest that REML may be a useful variable to differentiate some diagnostic subtypes of depression related to anhedonia.
Lump Solutions to a (2+1)-Dimensional Fifth-Order KdV-Like Equation
Authors: Batwa Sumayah , Ma Wen-Xiu
Published: July 2018

A (2+1)-dimensional fifth-order KdV-like equation is introduced through a generalized bilinear equation with the prime number p=5. The new equation possesses the same bilinear form as the standard (2+1)-dimensional fifth-order KdV equation. By Maple symbolic computation, classes of lump solutions are constructed from a search for quadratic function solutions to the corresponding generalized bilinear equation. We get a set of free parameters in the resulting lump solutions, of which we can get a nonzero determinant condition ensuring analyticity and rational localization of the solutions. Particular classes of lump solutions with special choices of the free parameters are generated and plotted as illustrative examples.
Influence of Hot-Dip Galvanised Coating Morphology on the Adhesion of Organic Coatings Depending on the Zinc Bath Pb Content and the Postgalvanising Cooling Method
Authors: Nowicka-Nowak Marzena , Zubielewicz Małgorzata , Kania Henryk , Liberski Piotr , Sozańska Maria
Published: July 2018

Hot-dip galvanised coatings used either alone or with an organic coating (duplex system) constitute an effective anticorrosion protection. Adhesion between the coating and the zinc substrate plays a vital role in the durability of the duplex system. Conditions of the galvanising process and alloying additives incorporated into the zinc bath influence mechanical and protective properties as well as thickness, structure, and surface morphology of the zinc coatings. The influence of the surface morphology of zinc coatings on the adhesion of organic coatings was studied. The tests were carried out on zinc coatings produced in baths with varying Pb content and by employing various cooling methods after the galvanising process. It was noted that a rapid cooling in water produces zinc coatings with a fine-grain structure, more suitable for paint application compared to the air-cooled ones, with a spangle.
Effect of Chloride Ion on Free Nitrite Ion in Cement
Authors: Xing Xiangwei , Liu Junzhe , Dai Yanhua , Yang Mengna , Li Yushun
Published: July 2018

This was an experiment in which chloride was externally permeated into cement paste. The influence of Cl- on the content and distribution of free-form NO2- in the cement paste was researched using the chemical quantitative analysis method. The action mechanism was investigated by the micro-means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that the physical competitive adsorption of Cl- with NO2- on C-S-H and the chemical substitution of Cl- to NO2-AFm caused more free-form NO2- in the cement paste. In the cement paste with chloride salt erosion, the NO2- concentration in the erosion surface was the lowest, and the NO2- concentration reached the highest value at 10mm from the erosion surface. The concentration decreased gradually with the depth from the erosion surface.
Cognitive Assessment Test: Validation of a Short Cognitive Test for the Detection of Mild Cognitive Disorder
Authors: Estrada-Orozco Kelly , Bonilla-Vargas Kely , Cruz Francy , Mancera Oscar , Ruiz Miguel , Alvarez Laura , Pardo Rodrigo , Arboleda Humberto
Published: July 2018

Introduction.Cognitive disorders are a clinical and research challenge; in particular, the mild cognitive disorder (MiCD) requires diagnostic suspicion and tools with adequate performance for its detection. The objective of this study was the validation of a short cognitive test (CATest) for the detection of MiCD in population of 50 years or more.Methods.A diagnostic accuracy study was assembled and performed in a prospective cohort. A consecutive sample of 200 Colombian subjects who represented the whole spectrum of the condition of interest allowed us to reach the objective. Validity was determined by concurrent criteria. The cut points were determined by the ROC curves considering the best overall performance and accuracy of the test.Results.CATest was validated to detection of MiCD at a cut-off point of 18. As a result, scores lower than 18 classified the participants as MiCD. At this cut-off point, CATest showed sensitivity of 84.3% (CI 76 to 90.16), specificity of 71.4% (CI95% 61.8 to 79.43), positive predictive value of 75% ( 95% CI 66.79 to 82.42), and area under curve AUC 0.8518 (standard error SE 0.0265).Discussion.CATest has an adequate performance as a short cognitive test for the detection of MiCD. Its performance is superior to MiniMental and similar to Montreal Cognitive test (MoCA) according to the data reported in the literature. The advantages over other tests are the evaluation of all cognitive domains, time of application, and easy interpretation of results. CATest is a free use alternative for MiCD detection.
May-Thurner Syndrome as a Rare Cause of Paradoxical Embolism in a Patient with Patent Foramen Ovale
Authors: Zoltowska Dominika M. , Thind Guramrinder , Agrawal Yashwant , Gupta Vishal , Kalavakunta Jagadeesh Kumar
Published: July 2018

May-Thurner syndrome is an underrecognized anatomical variant that can lead to increased propensity for venous thrombosis in the lower extremities. We present a case of a 67-year-old female who presented with transient ischemic attack. Initial workup including CT scan of the head, MRI scan of the head, and magnetic resonance angiogram of the head and neck was unremarkable. A transthoracic echocardiogram with bubble study was also normal. Subsequently, a transesophageal echocardiogram was performed that revealed a patent foramen ovale with right-to-left shunt. Lower extremity duplex venous ultrasound showed no evidence of deep vein thrombosis. However, magnetic resonance venogram of the pelvis showed compression of the left common iliac vein just after its origin suggestive of May-Thurner syndrome. Hence, May-Thurner syndrome was recognized as the probable source of paradoxical embolism causing transient ischemic attack in this patient.
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Associated with Pazopanib
Authors: Syed Umer , Wahlberg Kramer J. , Douce Daniel R. , Sprague Julian R.
Published: July 2018

A 76-year-old male with metastatic renal carcinoma on day 24 of pazopanib was admitted with complaints of emesis, confusion, and hematuria. Laboratory testing showed acute kidney injury, hyperbilirubinemia, and thrombocytopenia. Scattered schistocytes were seen on peripheral smear, and he was diagnosed with thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). He was started on daily, one-volume plasma exchange with rapid improvement in thrombocytopenia. ADAMTS13 activity returned as undetectably low with no inhibitor detected. After cessation of plasmapheresis, repeat ADAMTS13 activity returned as normal. Unfortunately, his platelet count started to downtrend within four days after developing septicemia thought to be due to a catheter-associated infection. He was placed on comfort care measures after discussion with his family. An autopsy listed the major cause of death as metastatic renal cell carcinoma. According to two separate systematic reviews, there have been no cases of proven drug-induced TMA where decreased ADAMTS13 activity was the identified mechanism. While pazopanib is also associated with TMA, this unique case suggests a novel potential mechanism for TMA associated with pazopanib and brings forth “drug-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura” that quickly responds to plasmapheresis as a possible new diagnostic entity requiring prompt recognition and treatment.
Quantum Controlled Teleportation of Arbitrary Two-Qubit State via Entangled States
Authors: Shi Lei , Zhou Kaihang , Wei Jiahua , Zhu Yu , Zhu Qiuli
Published: July 2018

We put forward an efficient quantum controlled teleportation scheme, in which arbitrary two-qubit state is transmitted from the sender to the remote receiver via two entangled states under the control of the supervisor. In this paper, we use the combination of one two-qubit entangled state and one three-qubit entangled state as quantum channel for achieving the transmission of unknown quantum states. We present the concrete implementation processes of this scheme. Furthermore, we calculate the successful probability and the amount of classical information of our protocol.
Atypical Presentation of Lemierre’s Syndrome Causing Septic Shock and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Nemakayala Divyesh Reddy , P Rai Manoj , Kavuturu Shilpa , Rayamajhi Supratik
Published: July 2018

Lemierre’s disease is a rare but life-threatening condition characterized by an oropharyngeal infection complicating with thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and disseminated abscesses. We are presenting a case of a young female who initially presented with fevers, chills, sore throat, and swollen neck later developed progressively worsening shortness of breath along with sudden onset pleuritic chest pain. She then developed progressively worsening acute hypoxic respiratory failure requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. Interval chest X-ray showed worsening bilateral effusions. She also developed septic shock requiring pressors. Blood culture showed Fusobacterium, and antibiotics were changed accordingly following which there was a clinical improvement. The diagnosis of Lemierre’s syndrome was then established based on her presenting age and bilateral pulmonary empyema in the setting of septicemia with Fusobacterium.
Waypoint Position Optimization for Accurate Ground-Based Arrival Time Control of Aircraft
Authors: Takeichi Noboru
Published: July 2018

In the ground-based arrival time control operation, the measurement of the arrival time error and the speed advisory to cancel it are performed at specific waypoint(s). It is generally recognized that the arrival time accuracy depends on the accuracy of trajectory prediction and control and the availability of information about the aircraft intent. Additionally, the position of the waypoint also determines the arrival time accuracy. Therefore, in this study, the feasibility of waypoint position optimization to improve the arrival time accuracy of aircraft controlled by ground-based speed advisory and its effectiveness are discussed. The models of flight time uncertainty and the arrival time control window were developed using the actual track and numerical weather forecast data. An optimization problem was formulated that defined the arrival time uncertainty at the terminal point as the objective function and numerically solved using sequential quadratic programming. Through numerical investigations, the feasibility of the waypoint position optimization and its effectiveness were clearly demonstrated in comparison with uniform arrangement cases. It was also clarified that the advantage of the multiple waypoint application was enhanced when larger arrival time control windows were available.
Role of Machine Learning and Data Mining in Internet Security: Standing State with Future Directions
Authors: Ahmad Bilal , Jian Wang , Anwar Ali Zain
Published: July 2018

As time progresses with vast development of information technology, a large number of industries are more dependent on network connections for sensitive business trading and security matters. Communications and networks are highly vulnerable to threats because of increase in hacking. Personnel, governments, and armed classified networks are more exposed to difficulties, so the need of the hour is to install safety measures for network to prevent illegal modification, damage, or leakage of serious information. Intrusion detection, an important entity towards network security, has the ability to observe network activity as well as detect intrusions/attacks. This study highlights the developing research about the application of machine learning and data mining in Internet security. We provide background, enthusiasm, discussion of challenges, and recommendations for the application of ML/DM in the field of intrusion detection.
Intraocular Lymphoma or Infection? Subretinal Aspirate Confirms the Diagnosis
Authors: Saad A. , Salceanu S. O. , Oswal K. , Aboushrkh A. , Hamada D.
Published: July 2018

Purpose. To demonstrate the importance of subretinal biopsy to reach a diagnosis when vitreous biopsy is negative or inconclusive. Methods. A 54-year-old Caucasian gentleman presented with bilateral anterior uveitis at JCUH. He initially responded to topical steroids and dilating agents. Subsequently he developed bilateral panuveitis and cataract with poor response to treatment. Detailed workup had been done to rule out infectious etiology. A suspicion of lymphoma was considered and vitreous biopsy sample was taken from one eye, which was inconclusive. Then, to help with definitive diagnosis vitreous sample, subretinal aspirate and retinal biopsy were taken. Results. Subretinal aspirate revealed Aspergillus niger. Treatment was initiated accordingly. Conclusions. Subretinal aspirate and retinal biopsy can help with diagnosis of unusual clinical panuveitis like presentation.
Progress in Preparation and Modification of LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 Cathode Material for High Energy Density Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Xu Lipeng , Zhou Fei , Liu Bing , Zhou Haobing , Zhang Qichang , Kong Jizhou , Wang Qianzhi
Published: July 2018

Due to the advantages of high specific capacity, various temperatures, and low cost, layered LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 has become one of the potential cathode materials for lithium-ion battery. However, its application was limited by the high cation mixing degree and poor electric conductivity. In this paper, the influences of synthesis methods and modification such surface coating and doping materials on the electrochemical properties such as capacity, cycle stability, rate capability, and impedance of LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 cathode materials are reviewed and discussed. The confronting issues of LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 cathode materials have been pointed out, and the future development of its application is also prospected.
One-Year Follow-Up of Spa Treatment in Older Patients with Osteoarthritis: A Prospective, Single Group Study
Authors: Zwolińska Jolanta , Weres Aneta , Wyszyńska Justyna
Published: July 2018

Introduction. Few studies evaluated the effects of spa therapy on pain perception and quality of life in older people with osteoarthritis. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of spa therapy on quality of life and pain in patients aged 60 years and older with osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods. 70 patients with generalized osteoarthritis were enrolled in the study. Spa treatment lasted 3 weeks (15 days of treatment) and was applied during a session lasting 120 to 150 minutes a day. All the patients benefited from kinesiotherapy, physical agent modalities, massage, peloid therapy, hydrotherapy with mineral waters, and crenotherapy. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, the Laitinen scale, and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire were used to assess the condition of the patients. The examinations were performed three times: at the beginning of the spa treatment, after three months, and one year after the first examinations. Results. Statistically significant improvements were observed in pain (VAS) between consecutive assessments (p <.001). Laitinen scale also reported beneficial, statistically significant changes in the level of pain (p <.001). The WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire reported a statistically significant improvement in the domain of social relations in 2-3 and 1-3 periods (p = .025 and p = .011, resp.). A significant improvement was recorded in the domain of environment between 2-3 and 1-3 periods (p <.001). Conclusion. Spa treatment reduced the level of pain in majority of the patients in short- and long-term follow-up and contributed to improving the quality of life in the domain of social relations and environment. To confirm the results of this study, there is a need for a randomized controlled trial comparing spa treatment with usual care in the older population with osteoarthritis. Trial Registration Number. This trial was retrospectively registered on 3 January 2018 with NCT03388801.
Fagonia indica Repairs Hepatic Damage through Expression Regulation of Toll-Like Receptors in a Liver Injury Model
Authors: Azam Fareeha , Sheikh Nadeem , Ali Gibran , Tayyeb Asima
Published: July 2018

Fagonia indica is a traditionally used phytomedicine to cure hepatic ailments. However, efficient validation of its hepatoprotective effect and molecular mechanisms involved are not yet well established. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of Fagonia indica and to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the reversal of hepatic injury. The liver injury mouse model was established by thioacetamide followed by oral administration of plant extract. Serum biochemical and histological analyses were performed to assess the level of hepatic injury. Expression analysis of proinflammatory, hepatic, and immune regulatory genes was performed with RT-PCR. Results of serological and histological analyses described the restoration of normal liver function and architecture in mice treated with plant extract. In addition, altered expression of proinflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β) and hepatic (krt-18 and albumin) markers further strengthens the liver injury reversal effects of Fagonia indica. Furthermore, a significant expression regulation of innate immunity components such as toll-like receptors 4 and 9 and MyD-88 was observed suggesting an immune regulatory role of the plant in curing liver injury. In conclusion, the current study not only proposes Fagonia indica, a strong hepatoprotective candidate, but also recommends an immune regulatory toll-like receptor pathway as an important therapeutic target in liver diseases.
Power Optimized Single Relay Selection with an Improved Link-Adaptive-Regenerative Protocol
Authors: Li Jie , Bao Jianrong , Luan Shenji , Jiang Bin , Liu Chao
Published: July 2018

To improve the reliability and efficiency in cooperative communications, a power optimized single relay selection scheme is proposed by increasing the diversity effort with an improved link-adaptive-regenerative (ILAR) protocol. The protocol determines the forwarding power of a relay node by comparing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at both sides of the node; thus it improves the power efficiency. Moreover, it also proposes a single relay selection strategy to maximize the instantaneous SNR product, which ensures the approximate best channel link quality for good relay forwarding. And the system adjusts the forwarding power in real time and also selects the best relay node participated in the cooperative forwarding. In addition, the cooperation in the protocol is analyzed and the approximate expression of the bit-error-rate (BER) and the outage probability at high SNRs are also derived. Simulation results indicate that the BER and outage probability of the relay selection scheme by the ILAR protocol outperform other contrast schemes of current existing protocols. At BER of 10−2, the proposed scheme with ILAR protocol outperforms those of the decoded-and-forward (DF), the selected DF (SDF), and the amplify-and-forward (AF) protocols by 3.5, 3.5 and 7 dB, respectively. Moreover, the outage probability of the relay system decreases with the growth of the relay number. Therefore, the proposed relay selection scheme with ILAR strategies can be properly used in cooperative communications for good reliability and high power efficiency.
Reproducibility of Static and Dynamic Postural Control Measurement in Adolescent Athletes with Back Pain
Authors: Appiah-Dwomoh Edem Korkor , Müller Steffen , Mayer Frank
Published: July 2018

Static (one-legged stance) and dynamic (star excursion balance) postural control tests were performed by 14 adolescent athletes with and 17 without back pain to determine reproducibility. The total displacement, mediolateral and anterior-posterior displacements of the centre of pressure in mm for the static, and the normalized and composite reach distances for the dynamic tests were analysed. Intraclass correlation coefficients, 95% confidence intervals, and a Bland-Altman analysis were calculated for reproducibility. Intraclass correlation coefficients for subjects with (0.54 to 0.65), (0.61 to 0.69) and without (0.45 to 0.49), (0.52 to 0.60) back pain were obtained on the static test for right and left legs, respectively. Likewise, (0.79 to 0.88), (0.75 to 0.93) for subjects with and (0.61 to 0.82), (0.60 to 0.85) for those without back pain were obtained on the dynamic test for the right and left legs, respectively. Systematic bias was not observed between test and retest of subjects on both static and dynamic tests. The one-legged stance and star excursion balance tests have fair to excellent reliabilities on measures of postural control in adolescent athletes with and without back pain. They can be used as measures of postural control in adolescent athletes with and without back pain.
Evaluation of Nurses’ Knowledge Levels of Diabetic Foot Care Management
Authors: Kaya Zahide , Karaca Anita
Published: July 2018

Background. Nurses, important members of the diabetes treatment team, have an essential role in the prevention of diabetic foot problems and in the care and education of patients at risk of diabetic foot problems. Objective. The study evaluated the knowledge levels of nurses regarding diabetic foot care management and determined influencing factors. Methods. This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study. The research sample comprised 435 nurses who worked in a private hospital. The research data were collected using the “Nurse Information Form” and “Nurses’ Knowledge Level Form on Diabetic Foot Management”. Results. It was found that 66% of the nurses did not receive training in diabetic foot care, 80.9% did not educate patients with diabetic foot problems, and 77.5% did not perform foot examinations on diabetic patients. Conclusion. Nurses’ knowledge level scores regarding diabetic foot management are adequate, but this knowledge is not used during patient care. In order to facilitate nurses’ involvement in diabetic foot management, theoretical and practical training programs should be organized and nurses should be encouraged to participate in these programs.
Computational Optimization of Residual Power Series Algorithm for Certain Classes of Fuzzy Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Alaroud Mohammad , Al-Smadi Mohammed , Ahmad Rokiah Rozita , Salma Din Ummul Khair
Published: July 2018

This paper aims to present a novel optimization technique, the residual power series (RPS), for handling certain classes of fuzzy fractional differential equations of order 1<γ≤2 under strongly generalized differentiability. The proposed technique relies on generalized Taylor formula under Caputo sense aiming at extracting a supportive analytical solution in convergent series form. The RPS algorithm is significant and straightforward tool for creating a fractional power series solution without linearization, limitation on the problem’s nature, sort of classification, or perturbation. Some illustrative examples are provided to demonstrate the feasibility of the RPS scheme. The results obtained show that the scheme is simple and reliable and there is good agreement with exact solution.
“Minus 1” and Energy Costs Constants: Sectorial Implications
Authors: Bashmakov Igor , Myshak Anna
Published: July 2018

This paper provides empirical evidence and theoretical grounds to support the existence of energy cost constants, i.e., relatively stable energy costs to income ratios, not only country-wide, but also in major energy end-use sectors. These ratios are similar across different countries at different stages of economic development, but they also depend on the country-specific economy structure and legacy of previous long-standing energy pricing, taxes, and subsidies policies, which it takes time to shift from. The aggregated country-wide energy costs constant (range) is a linear combination of those for sectors weighted by the contributions of respective sectors’ income indicators to either gross output or GDP. Deviation of energy costs shares from the constrained range is possible but limited. The “rule of gravitation” goes: for the whole cycle real energy prices in each sector may grow only as much as energy intensity declines, and inversely promoting energy efficiency can be viewed as a policy, of which the environmental cobenefits will be undermined by rebound effects, unless it is accompanied by rising energy prices.
Inhibition Effect of Natural Pozzolan and Zinc Phosphate Baths on Reinforcing Steel Corrosion
Authors: al-Swaidani Aref M.
Published: July 2018

Zinc phosphate (ZnP) baths are widely used for increasing corrosion resistance and surface preparation for painting. Studies on exploiting these baths in the reinforced concrete (RC) are still in the early stages. This is probably due to the shortcomings, such as the alkaline instability and high porosity of the obtained coatings. Use of natural pozzolan (NP) as cement replacement is growing rapidly due to its economic, ecological, and technical benefits. The combined effect of using ZnP baths and NP-based cement on the resistance of concrete against damage caused by corrosion has been investigated. Four phosphating baths were prepared: ZnP, ZnP-Ni, ZnP-Cu, and ZnP-Mn. Steel specimens were phosphated at 55-60°C for 15 min. Concrete specimens were produced with four different levels of NP: 0% (control), 10 %, 20%, and 30%. The investigation was carried out using RC specimens where a constant anodic potential was impressed after 28 and 90 days of concrete curing. The electrochemical behavior of the coated steel has further been evaluated in chloride contaminated Ca(OH)2 saturated solution (CH-Cl) using the open circuit potential (OCP), the potentiodynamic polarization, and the polarization resistance with time. The bond strength between the coated steel and concrete has been evaluated by the pull-out test. Test results showed that concrete containing NP at higher replacement levels and steel specimens treated in bication baths exhibited corrosion initiation times several times longer than the control concrete with uncoated steel. In addition, the best corrosion performance was noted in the steel specimen treated in the ZnP-Cu bath. Its corrosion density was about twentyfold lower with respect to the bare steel, and its inhibition efficiency exceeded 95% in (CH-Cl) solution. In addition, its polarization resistance was about fifteenfold lower with respect to the bare steel. SEM, EDX, and XRD techniques have been employed, as well.
Stop fRETting the Target: Next-Generation RET Inhibitors Have Arrived
Authors: Iams Wade T. , Lovly Christine M.
Published: July 2018

Summary: BLU-667 is a next-generation RET inhibitor that maximizes on-target and minimizes off-target effects. It is an exemplar of genotype-driven drug development followed by multi-histology basket trial validation that is becoming a paradigm for precision oncology. Cancer Discov; 8(7); 797–9. ©2018 AACR.

See related article by Subbiah et al., p. 836.
Nasalisation in the Production of Iraqi Arabic Pharyngeals
Authors: Khattab Ghada , Al-Tamimi Jalal , Alsiraih Wasan
Published: July 2018

Aim:This paper presents the auditory and acoustic investigations of pharyngeal consonants in Iraqi Arabic (IA). While the contested place and manner of articulation of these sounds have been the subject of investigation in many studies, the focus here is novel: we set out to investigate the extent to which pharyngeals in IA are accompanied by auditory nasalisation and how widespread the effect is across oral and nasal contexts.Methods:Auditory and acoustic properties of nasalization, as produced by nine male speakers of IA, were investigated in target words with oral, nasal, and pharyngeal environments.Results:When combined with oral consonants, pharyngeals exhibit little or no nasalisation; however, when pharyngeal are combined with nasals, they exhibit various degrees of nasalisation, sometimes beyond what is found for a nasal environment alone. This is especially so for voiced pharyngeals, which display more nasalisation than their voiceless counterparts. A principle component analysis combining all the acoustic correlates examined demonstrates a definite contribution of pharyngeals to the presence of nasalisation.Conclusion:The epilaryngeal constriction and variability in the articulation of pharyngeals are thought to be responsible for the nasalisation effect and may act as potential drivers for sound change in IA pharyngeals.
Association between Polymorphisms of the DRD2 and ANKK1 Genes and Suicide Attempt: A Preliminary Case-Control Study in a Mexican Population
Authors: Genis-Mendoza Alma Delia , López-Narvaez María Lilia , Tovilla-Zárate Carlos Alfonso , Sarmiento Emmanuel , Chavez Adriana , Martinez-Magaña Jose Jaime , González-Castro Thelma Beatriz , Hernández-Díaz Yazmín , Juárez-Rojop Isela Esther , Ávila-Fernández Ángela , Nicolini Humberto
Published: July 2018

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the possible association of polymorphic variants of the DRD2 and ANKK1 genes with suicide attempt in a Mexican population. Methods: We conducted a case-control study in 289 subjects (166 suicide attempters and 123 healthy controls). We genotyped 2 polymorphisms of DRD2 (rs6275 and rs1799978) and 1 polymorphism of ANKK1 (rs1800497); then we analyzed the association between suicide attempt and these polymorphisms through genotypes, alleles, and inheritance models. Results: Individuals who carried the TT genotype of the rs1800497 showed a 3-fold risk of attempting suicide (OR = 3.01; 95% CI 1.56–5.81, p = 0.001) when evaluated through the recessive model. In an analysis stratified by gender, this risk factor remained present among females (OR = 2.81; 95% CI 1.37–5.75) as well as males (OR = 3.3; 95% CI 1.01–10.77). Conclusion: Our results suggest that the rs1800497 variant of the ANKK1 gene could increase the risk of suicide attempt in a Mexican population. However, further studies using larger samples are necessary to obtain more conclusive results.
Degenerated Keratinized Tumor Cells in Oropharyngeal Human Papilloma Virus-Associated Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Pitfall in p16 Immunostaining of Fine-Needle Aspiration Specimens
Authors: Wei Shuanzeng , Ehya Hormoz
Published: July 2018

Objective: High-risk human papilloma virus (HPV) testing should be performed on all patients with newly diagnosed oropharyngeal HPV-associated squamous cell carcinoma (OPHPVSCC), and p16 immunostaining can be used as a surrogate marker. Although in surgical pathology specimens p16 staining in > 70% of the tumor cells is considered a positive result, the interpretation in fine-needle aspiration (FNA) specimens has remained controversial. Study Design: FNA of neck lymph nodes and corresponding surgical specimens from 42 patients with OPHPVSCC were reviewed. Results: In FNA specimens, 38 cases (90.5%) had viable tumor cells, 32 (76.2%) had keratin debris, and 36 (85.7%) had degenerated keratinized tumor cells. Twenty-seven of 27 (100%) had positive p16 staining in > 70% of viable tumor cells, while the degenerated tumor cells were negative. Twenty of 24 (83.3%) primary OPHPVSCC exhibited focal degenerated keratinized tumor cells and/or keratin debris. Conclusions: This study showed that the majority of the OPHPVSCC metastases in lymph nodes had degenerated keratinized tumor cells and keratin debris. Many primary OPHPVSCC also demonstrated focal keratinization and/or degeneration. The degenerated tumor cells showed no immunoreactivity to p16. The same 70% cutoff used in histologic specimens should be applied in cytologic specimens, but only the viable tumor cells should be counted.
Novel ABCD1 Gene Mutation in Adrenomyeloneuropathy with Hypoplasia and Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum
Authors: Qiu Yusen , Xin Ling , Wang Yuyao , Yu Yanyan , Zou Keji , Zhou Qian , Chen Yunqing , Chen Shuyun , Zhu Min , Hong Daojun
Published: July 2018

Background: Adult adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) is caused by mutations in the ABCD1 gene. Some pure AMN patients develop cerebral demyelination late in life. However, hypoplasia and agenesis of the corpus callosum (CC) has never been reported in AMN patients. Objective: To describe a new clinical variant of AMN that is possibly caused by a novel ABCD1 gene mutation. Methods: A total of 10 members in an X-linked inherited family were examined. The age at onset, progression of disability, and clinical manifestations were collected. Blood tests of the index case were conducted in an academic hospital. Cerebral and spinal MRI was performed in 4 affected members using a Siemens 3.0-T or Hitachi 1.0-T MR scanner. Whole-exome sequencing was conducted in the index case, which was subsequently validated by Sanger sequencing in the family. Results: The patients displayed typical degenerative spastic paraparesis and peripheral sensorimotor neuropathy with some intrafamilial variations. In addition to neurological deficits, all male patients displayed alopecia since adolescence. Furthermore, an increase in plasma long-chain fatty acids was observed. Based on these presentations, adult AMN was diagnosed for the patients. Intriguingly, cerebral MRI showed multiple types of hypoplasia and agenesis of the CC including anterior remnant CC agenesis, truncated corpus and splenium, anterior remnant CC agenesis along with thin corpus and splenium. Whole-exome sequencing revealed a nonsense mutation (c.231G>A) which results in a truncated protein product (p.W77X) that might be nonfunctional. No other mutations associated with alopecia or hypoplasia and agenesis of the CC were identified in the exome-sequencing database. Conclusion: In addition to the typical symptoms such as spastic myelopathy, cognitive impairment, mixed neuropathy, and alopecia, AMN patients can also display hypoplasia and agenesis of the CC, which was not described in the other AMN patients reported before.
Revisitando a dramaturgia de Qorpo Santo em seu contexto original
Authors: Gonçalves Maria Clara
Published: July 2018

Este artigo visa apresentar algumas informações sobre o contexto cultural no qual se desenvolveu o escritor José Joaquim de Campos Leão Qorpo Santo (1829-1883), traçando uma correspondência entre a cena teatral gaúcha e sua dramaturgia. Os periódicos gaúchos oitocentistas são uma importante ferramenta para compreender quais espetáculos foram encenados em Porto Alegre e que juízos estéticos eram defendidos pelos letrados da época. Ao compreender o movimento teatral do contexto de Qorpo Santo, por meio de anúncios de espetáculos, críticas e crônicas, pode-se estabelecer uma nova leitura sobre a dramaturgia do escritor e assim analisar seu teatro alinhado ao seu ambiente histórico.
O quadro de Leyden – Uma reflexão sobre a ideia de encenação em Artaud
Authors: Amado René Marcelo Piazentin
Published: July 2018

Este artigo propõe uma reflexão acerca das ideias sobre encenação e sua relação com o texto dramático na obra de Antonin Artaud, a partir de seu olhar sobre o quadro As filhas de Loth de Lucas van den Leyden. Tendo como referencial as atuais discussões a respeito da teatralidade e dos postulados pós-dramáticos, o artigo também propõe um apontamento sobre o quanto o teatro contemporâneo é tributário do legado artaudiano.
O vídeo no trabalho de Marina Abramovic e a tentativa de escapar dos meios de comunicação: presença versus prática ascética
Authors: Queiroz Sheyna Teixeira
Published: July 2018

Este artigo trata de analisar a qualidade de presença em cena da artista-performer Marina Abramovic por meio de sua preparação corporal baseada no que ela chama de “práticas ascéticas”. A qualidade de presença e os conceitos que compõem essas práticas são revisadas na utilização do vídeo em seus trabalhos. Vídeo, performance ou videoperformance? Ao mesmo tempo que as práticas ascéticas determinam um modo de vida que escapa dos meios de comunicação atuais, o vídeo retém essas propriedades retornando às práticas de midiatização das estéticas artísticas. Dentre nossos principais objetivos estão a análise dos trabalhos de Marina, filmados e disponíveis na internet, e a análise da retrospectiva sobre a artista, realizada pelo MoMA, em 2010. Metodologicamente, utilizamos o acesso às plataformas digitais e revistas. Partimos de conceitos básicos, de suas contextualizações e complexidades, relacionando-os com suas obras de referência.
A pulsão performativa de Jaceguai: 50 anos de Roda Viva, 50 anos do “teatro agressivo”
Authors: Pecorelli Biagio
Published: July 2018

Assim como a encenação de O Rei da Vela, de Oswald de Andrade, pelo Teatro Oficina em 1967 representa um marco para o moderno teatro brasileiro, Roda Viva, escrita por Chico Buarque de Hollanda e encenada por José Celso Martinez Corrêa em 1968, constitui um capítulo fundamental para o estudo da performatividade brasileira nos palcos. Este artigo celebra os 50 anos de uma pulsão performativa de Jaceguai, apontando, com base em documentos jornalísticos da época, que aquilo que parte da crítica teatral chamou de “teatro agressivo” – em particular, o crítico Anatol Rosenfeld – era, no Brasil, um canto de nascimento de um novo campo disposto à análise: o da performance.