bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population growth and status of california sea lions
Authors: Laake Jeffrey L. , Lowry Mark S. , DeLong Robert L. , Melin Sharon R. , Carretta James V.
Published: January 2018

The California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) population in the United States has increased steadily since the early 1970s. The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (MMPA) established criteria for management of marine mammals based on the concept of managing populations within the optimal sustainable population (OSP), defined as a range of abundance from the maximum net productivity level (MNPL) to carrying capacity (K). Recent declines in California sea lion pup production and survival suggest that the population may have stopped growing, but the status of the population relative to OSP and MNPL is unknown. We used a time series of pup counts from 1975 to 2014 and a time series of mark‐release‐resight‐recovery data from 1987 to 2015 for survival estimates to numerically reconstruct the population and evaluate the current population status relative to OSP using a generalized logistic model. We demonstrated that the population size in 2014 was above MNPL and within its OSP range. However, we also showed that population growth can be dramatically decreased by increasing sea surface temperature associated with El Niño events or similar regional ocean temperature anomalies. In this analysis we developed a critical tool for management of California sea lions that provides a better understanding of the population dynamics and a scientific foundation upon which to base management decisions related to complex resource issues involving this species. Published 2018. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Reversible Semicrystalline Polymer as Actuators Driven by Organic Solvent Vapor
Authors: Hou Guohui , Wang Fengle , Qu Zhe , Cheng Zhiqiang , Zhang Yingchao , Cai Shisheng , Xie Tao , Feng Xue
Published: January 2018

A semicrystalline polymer actuator, which is responsive to solvent vapor with fast and large scale locomotion, is described. The thermoset semicrystalline polymer can be easily synthesized from crystallizable polyester segment poly (ε‐caprolactone) and isophorone diisocyanate trimer. Organic solvent vapor is used to induce the reversible swelling‐crystallization conversion of the crystallizable polyester segment, resulting in its expansion/shrinkage. The contraction of the polymer actuator (1 mm thick) needs only ≈4 s in room temperature. When exposed to air the polymer actuator can exhibit a fast self‐oscillation. Then, a soft crawler based on this polymer is demonstrated. Driven by organic solvent it walks rapidly and steadily. The microscope images show the fast swelling‐crystallization conversion that gives rise to reversible shape changes of the polymer.
Disulfide bond based polymeric drug carriers for cancer chemotherapy and relevant redox environments in mammals
Authors: Zhang Pei , Wu Jilian , Xiao Fengmei , Zhao Dujuan , Luan Yuxia
Published: January 2018

Increasing numbers of disulfide linkage‐employing polymeric drug carriers that utilize the reversible peculiarity of this unique covalent bond have been reported. The reduction‐sensitive disulfide bond is usually employed as a linkage between hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers, polymers and drugs, or as cross‐linkers in polymeric drug carriers. These polymeric drug carriers are designed to exploit the significant redox potential difference between the reducing intracellular environments and relatively oxidizing extracellular spaces. In addition, these drug carriers can release a considerable amount of anticancer drug in response to the reducing environment when they reach tumor tissues, effectively improving antitumor efficacy. This review focuses on various disulfide linkage‐employing polymeric drug carriers. Important redox thiol pools, including GSH/GSSG, Cys/CySS, and Trx1, as well as redox environments in mammals, will be introduced.
Stachyose Improves Inflammation through Modulating Gut Microbiota of High‐Fat Diet/Streptozotocin‐Induced Type 2 Diabetes in Rats
Authors: Liu Guimei , Bei Jia , Liang Li , Yu Guoyong , Li Lu , Li Quanhong
Published: January 2018

Scope

The present study is undertaken to assess the effects of stachyose (STS) on type 2 diabetes in rats and changes in the gut microbiota compared to metformin (MET).

Methods and results

The type 2 diabetic model is successfully established via a high‐fat diet /streptozotocin in Wistar rats, and STS or MET is administered for 4 weeks. Blood is collected to analyze biochemical parameters, pancreas for mRNA expression of related gene, and contents of colon for gut microbiota. STS or MET decreases serum LPS, mRNA expression of IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). In addition, STS and MET show a similar shifting of the structure of the gut microbiota and a selective enrichment of key species. At the genus level, STS shows selective enrichment of Phascolarctobacterium, Bilophila, Oscillospira, Turicibacter, and SMB5, but MET demonstrates a selective effect on Sutterella, Prevotella, 02d06, and rc4. The correlation analysis indicates that STS and MET decrease IL‐6 and TNF‐α and increase Akt/PI3K expression, which are relative to key species of gut microbiota.

Conclusion

STS decreases pancreatic mRNA expression of IL‐6 and TNF‐α via key species of gut microbiota. The mechanism of this effect is similar to that of MET.
Long‐term culture of undifferentiated spermatogonia isolated from immature and adult bovine testes
Authors: Suyatno  , Kitamura Yuka , Ikeda Shuntaro , Minami Naojiro , Yamada Masayasu , Imai Hiroshi
Published: January 2018

Undifferentiated spermatogonia eventually differentiate in the testis to produce haploid sperm. Within this cell population, there is a small number of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). SSCs are rare cells in the testis, and their cellular characteristics are poorly understood. Establishment of undifferentiated cell line would provide an indispensable tool for studying their biological nature and spermiogenesis/spermatogenesis in vitro. However, there have been few reports on the long‐term culture of undifferentiated spermatogonia in species other than rodents. Here, we report the derivation and long‐term in vitro culture of undifferentiated spermatogonia cell lines from immature and adult bovine testes. Cell lines from immature testes were maintained in serum‐free culture conditions in the presence of glial‐cell‐line‐derived neurotropic factor (GDNF) and bovine leukemia inhibitory factor (bLIF). These cell lines have embryonic stem (ES)‐like cell morphology, express pluripotent‐stem‐cell‐specific and germ‐cell‐specific markers at the protein and mRNA levels, and contributed to the inner cell mass (ICM) of embryos in the blastocyst stage. Meanwhile, cell lines established from adult testes were maintained in low‐serum media in the presence of 6‐bromoindirubin‐3′‐oxime (BIO). These cell lines have characteristics resembling those of previously reported male mouse germ cell lines as confirmed by their botryoidally aggregated morphology, as well as the expression of germ‐cell‐specific markers and pluripotent stem cell markers. These findings could be useful for the development of long‐term culture of undifferentiated spermatogonia, which could aid in conservation of species and improvement of livestock production through genome editing technology.
High frequency of MGUS in DSP
Authors: Abraham Alon , Barnett Carolina , Katzberg Hans D. , Lovblom Leif E. , Perkins Bruce A. , Bril Vera
Published: January 2018

Introduction: Monoclonal gammopathy has been reported in several polyneuropathies. In this study, we sought to explore the frequency and characteristics of monoclonal gammopathy in patients with diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSP). Methods: Patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM 1, DM 2) and controls without diabetes were evaluated between November 2008 and December 2013. Results: Fifty controls, 66 patients with DM 1, and 106 patients with DM 2 were included, with average ages of 43 ± 18, 45 ± 17, and 65 ± 10 years, respectively; the frequency of monoclonal gammopathy was 0%, 8%, and 15%, respectively. In patients with DSP, the frequency of monoclonal gammopathy increased to 14% in DM 1 and 21% in DM 2; the most common monoclonal proteins were immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG, respectively. Discussion: DSP might be associated with a high frequency of monoclonal gammopathy, with different characteristics in DM 1 and in DM 2. Muscle Nerve 57: 1018–1021, 2018
Validation of The Individualized Neuromuscular Quality of Life in Japanese patients with myotonic dystrophy
Authors: Fujino Haruo , Saito Toshio , Takahashi Masanori P. , Takada Hiroto , Nakayama Takahiro , Ogata Katsuhisa , Rose Michael R. , Imura Osamu , Matsumura Tsuyoshi
Published: January 2018

Introduction: The Individualized Neuromuscular Quality of Life (INQoL) is used to measure the quality of life (QoL) of patients with neuromuscular disease. We conducted this study to translate and validate the Japanese version of the INQoL in patients with myotonic dystrophy. Methods: Forward and backward translation, patient testing, and psychometric validation were performed. We used the 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36) and the modified Rankin scale for concurrent validation. Results: The Japanese INQoL was administered to 90 adult patients. The coefficients for internal consistency and test‐retest reliability were adequately high in most domains (Cronbach α 0.88–0.96 and intraclass coefficient 0.64–0.99). INQoL domains were moderately to strongly associated with relevant SF‐36 subscales (Spearman's ρ −0.23 to −0.74). Symptom severity, disease duration, employment status, and use of a ventilator influenced overall QoL. Discussion: The INQoL is a reliable and validated measure of QoL for Japanese patients with myotonic dystrophy. Muscle Nerve 58: 56–63, 2018
Risk factors for stress urinary incontinence recurrence after single‐incision sling
Authors: Palmieri Stefania , Frigerio Matteo , Spelzini Federico , Manodoro Stefano , Milani Rodolfo
Published: January 2018

Aims

The aim of the study was to identify in a pure stress urinary incontinence (SUI) population risk factors for recurrence after single‐incision slings (SIS).

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed women with complaints of SUI symptoms and urodynamically proven SUI. Exclusion criteria were recurrent SUI, overactive bladder syndrome/detrusor overactivity, preoperative postvoid residual >100 mL, reduced urethral mobility (<10° at the Q‐tip test), concomitant anterior prolapse >I stage and previous history of radical pelvic surgery. Objective cure rate was assessed with stress test.

Results

A total of 192 patients were analyzed. Objective cure rate was obtained in 86.5% of patients. According to univariate analysis, recurrences had higher prevalence of severe ICIQ‐SF score (≥18 points), higher prevalence of reduced urethral mobility (Qtip ≤30°), higher prevalence of low detrusor pressures during voiding phase (opening pressure <15 cmH2O, pressure at maximum flow <20 cmH2O, closing pressure <15 cmH2O), and higher prevalence of postoperative complications According to multivariate analysis ICIQ‐SF score ≥18 points (P = 0.02; OR = 2.7) and detrusor pressure at maximum flow <20 cmH2O (P < 0.01; OR = 3.6) resulted as independent risk factors for SUI recurrence (Table 3). A trend was found for urethral mobility ≤30° (P = 0.07; OR = 2.2).

Conclusions

Our study identifies SUI severity expressed with ICIQ‐SF scores and low detrusor pressure at maximum flow as independent risk factors for SUI recurrence after SIS implantation while only a trend was found for reduced urethral mobility. Therefore, preoperative assessment of symptoms and urodynamics evaluation may play a key role in improving preoperative counseling and tailoring surgical treatment.
Analytical fuel‐optimal impulsive reconfiguration of formation‐flying satellites: A revisit and new results
Authors: Li Jing
Published: January 2018

This paper investigates fuel‐optimal impulsive reconfiguration of formation‐ flying satellites near circular reference orbit. The author's previous work is extended to the in‐plane reconfiguration, as well as reconfigurations between different formation configurations. Analytical solutions are derived and their optimality is problem dependent. A novel kind of fuel‐optimal solutions, whose associated primer vector magnitude is identically equal to 1, has been obtained for reconfigurations with nonoptimal analytical solutions. Numerical examples are given to illustrate and validate the obtained results.
Comparing physical activity in individuals with overweight/obesity with and without binge eating disorder
Authors: Barber J. A. , Ivezaj V. , Barnes R. D.
Published: January 2018

Objective

Differential participation in physical activity (PA) may partially explain the health discrepancies between individuals with or without binge‐eating disorder (BED). Yet, little is known about the PA habits of individuals with overweight/obesity and how those patterns may differ based on BED status. PA patterns and exercise self‐efficacy were examined in individuals with overweight/obesity, with and without BED.

Design

Ninety‐seven participants with overweight/obesity self‐reported their PA via the Godin Leisure‐Time Questionnaire and the Paffenbarger PA Questionnaire. Exercise self‐efficacy was assessed with the Marcus 5‐item Exercise Self‐Efficacy scale. Based on the Eating Disorder Examination, 27.8% (n = 27) of the participants met BED criteria. Participants were primarily female (n = 75, 77.3%), on average 47.5 years old (standard deviation = 10.4), and predominantly White/Not Hispanic (n = 67, 69.1%) or African–American/Not Hispanic (n = 18, 18.6%).

Results

Hierarchical regressions, accounting for significant differences in body mass index between those with and without BED, showed that the Marcus 5‐item Exercise Self‐Efficacy Scale (but not BED status) was significantly related to PA. BED status also was unrelated to likelihood of reaching Centres for Disease Control PA guidelines, and 44.3% of all participants reported no participation in weekly sports/recreation activities.

Conclusions

Both groups participated in relatively little purposeful and moderate/strenuous PA. Exercise self‐efficacy may be important to assess and address among treatment seeking individuals with and without BED who struggle with excess weight.
Investigating the effect of surface composition and morphology on oil/water separation efficiency of sponges coated with polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Akhavan Mahdi , Hejazi Iman , Seyfi Javad , Ghiyasi Samira , Ghorashi Seyyed Saeed , Khonakdar Hossein Ali , Davachi Seyed Mohammad
Published: January 2018

As a worldwide challenge, the oil spillage has gained tremendous attention within the last few years. In this work, a facile method is proposed to fabricate sponges treated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and modified/unmodified silica nanoparticles exhibiting superhydrophobic and superoleophilic properties for enhanced oil/water separation. The main aim is to delineate the role of surface composition versus surface morphology by employing different formulations. Scanning electron microscopy results demonstrated that a rough structure, induced by formation of a packed assembly of nanoparticles, gives a major contribution to the obtained superhydrophobic behavior. It was also proved that the surface modification of silica nanoparticles might play an even more important role in attaining superhydrophobicity. Once a combination of PDMS and modified silica was used, different oil/water mixtures were efficiently separated. On the other hand, surface composition of the coating was found to be the major factor affecting wettability of sponges and their capability to separate water/oil mixtures. Therefore, results of this study can be used as a hint for designing more efficient sponge‐based systems modified with polymer nanocomposites for oil/water separation applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E431–E439, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
NeoGrowth silicon: A new high purity, low‐oxygen crystal growth technique for photovoltaic substrates
Authors: Stoddard Nathan , Russell Joshua , Hixson Earl C. , She Hui , Krause Andreas , Wolny Franziska , Bertoni Mariana , Naerland Tine Uberg , Sylla Lamine , von Ammon Wilfried
Published: January 2018

SolarWorld has developed a new entrant in the field of crystal growth for silicon photovoltaic substrates. The NeoGrowth technique is a contactless bulk crystal growth method for producing single crystal ingots. NeoGrowth material can be produced at a throughput on par with G5 multicrystalline silicon, but with p‐type as‐grown minority carrier lifetimes exceeding 600 microseconds for a 1.5‐ohm cm resistivity. The silicon has low oxygen, and light‐induced degradation is measured at 0.5% to 0.7% in passivated emitter rear contact–based modules. In the first report of results from this technique, p‐type resistivity can be managed within a range of 1.5 to 2.0 ohm cm over the entire ingot. Dislocation density is shown to be typically in the 104 to 105/cm2 range but can be managed down to even lower levels. After cell processing steps, minority carrier lifetime can exceed 1.5 milliseconds for p‐type material and cell efficiencies on industrial cells range up to 20.9%.
Molecular details of spontaneous insertion and interaction of HCV non‐structure 3 protease protein domain with PIP2‐containing membrane
Authors: Hung Huynh Minh , Hang Tran Dieu , Nguyen Minh Tho
Published: January 2018

Hepatitis C virus (HCV), known as the leading cause of liver cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, has been affecting more than 150 million people globally. The HCV non‐structure 3 (NS3) protease protein domain plays a key role in HCV replication and pathogenesis; and is currently a primary target for HCV antiviral therapy. Through unbiased molecular dynamics simulations which take advantage of the novel highly mobile membrane mimetic model, we constructed the membrane‐bound state of the protein domain at the atomic level. Our results indicated that protease domain of HCV NS3 protein can spontaneously bind and penetrate to an endoplasmic reticulum complex membrane containing phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate (PIP2). An amphipathic helix α0 and loop S1 show their anchoring role to keep the protein on the membrane surface. Proper orientation of the protein domain at membrane surface was identified through measuring tilt angles of two specific vectors, wherein residue R161 plays a crucial role in its final orientation. Remarkably, PIP2 molecules were observed to bind to three main sites of the protease domain via specific electrostatic contacts and hydrogen bonds. PIP2‐interaction determines the protein orientation at the membrane while both hydrophobic interplay and PIP2‐interaction can stabilize the NS3 ‐ membrane complex. Simulated results provide us with a detailed characterization of insertion, orientation and PIP2‐interaction of NS3 protease domain at membrane environment, thus enhancing our understanding of structural functions and mechanism for the association of HCV non‐structure 3 protein with respect to ER membranes.
Residue packing in globular and intrinsically disordered proteins
Authors: Aydinkal Rasim Murat , Bagci Elife Zerrin
Published: January 2018

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs)/regions do not have well‐defined secondary and tertiary structures, however, they are functional and it is critical to gain a deep understanding of their residue packing. The shape distributions methodology, which is usually utilized in pattern recognition, clustering, and classification studies in computer science, may be adopted to study the residue packing of the proteins. In this study, shape distributions of the globular proteins and IDPs were obtained to shed light on the residue packing of their structures. The shape feature that was used is the sphericity of tetrahedra obtained by Delaunay Tessellation of points of Cα coordinates. Then the sphericity probability distributions were compared by using Principal Component Analysis. This computational structural study shows that the set of IDPs constitute a more diverse set than the set of globular proteins in terms of the geometrical properties of their network structures.
Multiscale modeling of enzymes: QM‐cluster, QM/MM, and QM/MM/MD: A tutorial review
Authors: Ahmadi Shideh , Barrios Herrera Lizandra , Chehelamirani Morteza , Hostaš Jiří , Jalife Said , Salahub Dennis R.
Published: January 2018

Exemplars of the state of the art in modeling enzymes are reviewed through a selection of works from leading schools using QM‐only cluster models, QM/MM models and QM/MM/MD models. A computational protocol is proposed, intended to guide neophytes through the myriad of methodological choices that are necessary for the successful study of chemical reactions in the complex enzymatic environment.
A Comparative Analysis of the Roles Governors Play in Disaster Recovery
Authors: Smith Gavin , Sabbag Lea , Rohmer Ashton
Published: January 2018

This article examines the roles that governors play in disaster recovery, a topic that remains underemphasized in both the research and practice‐based literature. In order to more fully explore these roles, we interviewed former Governors James B. Hunt, Jr. (D‐NC) and Haley Barbour, (R‐MS), who were in office following Hurricanes Floyd (1999) and Katrina (2005) respectively—two events that represent the costliest disasters in the history of both states. Interview questions were framed across three dimensions of disaster recovery: The rules governing disaster assistance and the degree to which associated programs and policies address local needs, the timing of disaster assistance, and the level of horizontal and vertical integration across organizations that deliver disaster assistance. Additional questions focused on gubernatorial leadership and planning for recovery. Based on the findings, we posit a number of policy recommendations, next steps, and future areas of study.
Model‐assisted extended state observer and dynamic surface control–based trajectory tracking for quadrotors via output‐feedback mechanism
Authors: Shao Xingling , Liu Ning , Liu Jun , Wang Honglun
Published: January 2018

In this paper, an output‐feedback trajectory tracking controller for quadrotors is presented by integrating a model‐assisted extended state observer (ESO) with dynamic surface control. The quadrotor dynamics are described by translational and rotational loops with lumped disturbances to promote the hierarchical control design. Then, by exploiting the structural property of the quadrotor, a model information–assisted high‐order ESO that relies only on position measurements is designed to estimate not only the unmeasurable states but also the lumped disturbances in the rotational loop. In addition, to account for the problem of “explosion of complexity” inherent in hierarchical control, the output feedback–based trajectory tracking and attitude stabilization laws are respectively synthesized by utilizing dynamic surface control and the corresponding estimated signals provided by the ESO. The stability analysis is given, showing that the output‐feedback trajectory tracking controller can ensure the ultimate boundedness of all signals in the closed‐loop system and make the tracking errors arbitrarily small. Finally, flight simulations with respect to an 8‐shaped trajectory command are performed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme in obtaining the stable and accurate trajectory tracking using position measurements only.
Sensory navigation guide for visually impaired sea kayakers
Authors: Anthierens Cédric , Groux Didier , Hugel Vincent
Published: January 2018

At present, a visually impaired kayaker needs the assistance of a kayaker coach in charge of guiding him/her by using loud vocal instructions or a sound device during the sea ride. However, neither the coach nor the visually impaired kayaker feel at ease with such a guiding due to the amount of noise generated by the frequent vocal interactions. This paper describes a novel concept of sensory navigation guide meant to help kayakers with visual disabilities to practice sea kayaking in an autonomous way. The innovation here consists in providing kayakers with wristbands that automatically vibrate left or right, depending on the predefined trajectory to be followed. The main contributions of this work include an original navigation algorithm based on GPS feedback to track a corridor‐shaped path on the sea and the definition of specific metrics to analyze the performance of the kayakers along the ride. Experiments carried out on a population of 10 visually impaired kayakers and 10 sighted kayakers showed convincing results. A satisfaction survey confirmed that all participants acknowledged the added value of the system in terms of increased autonomy. Most of the visually impaired participants also enjoyed a greater sports entertainment experience thanks to this guiding system, which can be extended to other kinds of water sports.
Promotion time cure rate model with nonparametric form of covariate effects
Authors: Chen Tianlei , Du Pang
Published: January 2018

Survival data with a cured portion are commonly seen in clinical trials. Motivated from a biological interpretation of cancer metastasis, promotion time cure model is a popular alternative to the mixture cure rate model for analyzing such data. The existing promotion cure models all assume a restrictive parametric form of covariate effects, which can be incorrectly specified especially at the exploratory stage. In this paper, we propose a nonparametric approach to modeling the covariate effects under the framework of promotion time cure model. The covariate effect function is estimated by smoothing splines via the optimization of a penalized profile likelihood. Point‐wise interval estimates are also derived from the Bayesian interpretation of the penalized profile likelihood. Asymptotic convergence rates are established for the proposed estimates. Simulations show excellent performance of the proposed nonparametric method, which is then applied to a melanoma study.
A new class of actuator surface models for wind turbines
Authors: Yang Xiaolei , Sotiropoulos Fotis
Published: January 2018

Actuator line model has been widely used in wind turbine simulations. However, the standard actuator line model does not include a model for the turbine nacelle which can significantly impact turbine wake characteristics. Another disadvantage of the standard actuator line model is that more geometrical features of turbine blades cannot be resolved on a finer mesh. To alleviate these disadvantages of the standard model, we develop a new class of actuator surface models for turbine blades and nacelle to take into account more geometrical details of turbine blades and include the effect of turbine nacelle. The actuator surface model for nacelle is evaluated by simulating the flow over periodically placed nacelles. Both the actuator surface simulation and the wall‐resolved large‐eddy simulation are conducted. The comparison shows that the actuator surface model is able to give acceptable results especially at far wake locations on a very coarse mesh. It is noted that although this model is used for the turbine nacelle in this work, it is also applicable to other bluff bodies. The capability of the actuator surface model in predicting turbine wakes is assessed by simulating the flow over the MEXICO (Model experiments in Controlled Conditions) turbine and the hydrokinetic turbine of Kang, Yang, and Sotiropoulos (Journal of Fluid Mechanics 744 (2014): 376‐403). Comparisons of the computed results with measurements show that the proposed actuator surface model is able to predict the tip vortices, turbulence statistics, and meandering of turbine wake with good accuracy.
Big data analytics—A review of data‐mining models for small and medium enterprises in the transportation sector
Authors: Mohd Selamat Siti Aishah , Prakoonwit Simant , Sahandi Reza , Khan Wajid , Ramachandran Manoharan
Published: January 2018

The need for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to adopt data analytics has reached a critical point, given the surge of data implied by the advancement of technology. Despite data mining (DM) being widely used in the transportation sector, it is staggering to note that there are minimal research case studies being done on the application of DM by SMEs, specifically in the transportation sector. From the extensive review conducted, the three most common DM models used by large enterprises in the transportation sector are identified, namely “Knowledge Discovery in Database,” “Sample, Explore, Modify, Model and Assess” (SEMMA), and “CRoss Industry Standard Process for Data Mining” (CRISP‐DM). The same finding was revealed in the SMEs' context across the various industries. It was also uncovered that among the three models, CRISP‐DM had been widely applied commercially. However, despite CRISP‐DM being the de facto DM model in practice, a study carried out to assess the strengths and weakness of the models reveals that they have several limitations with respect to SMEs. This paper concludes that there is a critical need for a novel model to be developed in order to cater to the SMEs' prerequisite, especially so in the transportation sector context.

This article is categorized under:

Application Areas > Business and Industry

Application Areas > Industry Specific Applications
Trans‐acting translational regulatory RNA binding proteins
Authors: Harvey Robert F. , Smith Tom S. , Mulroney Thomas , Queiroz Rayner M. L. , Pizzinga Mariavittoria , Dezi Veronica , Villenueva Eneko , Ramakrishna Manasa , Lilley Kathryn S. , Willis Anne E.
Published: January 2018

The canonical molecular machinery required for global mRNA translation and its control has been well defined, with distinct sets of proteins involved in the processes of translation initiation, elongation and termination. Additionally, noncanonical, trans‐acting regulatory RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) are necessary to provide mRNA‐specific translation, and these interact with 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions and coding regions of mRNA to regulate ribosome recruitment and transit. Recently it has also been demonstrated that trans‐acting ribosomal proteins direct the translation of specific mRNAs. Importantly, it has been shown that subsets of RBPs often work in concert, forming distinct regulatory complexes upon different cellular perturbation, creating an RBP combinatorial code, which through the translation of specific subsets of mRNAs, dictate cell fate. With the development of new methodologies, a plethora of novel RNA binding proteins have recently been identified, although the function of many of these proteins within mRNA translation is unknown. In this review we will discuss these methodologies and their shortcomings when applied to the study of translation, which need to be addressed to enable a better understanding of trans‐acting translational regulatory proteins. Moreover, we discuss the protein domains that are responsible for RNA binding as well as the RNA motifs to which they bind, and the role of trans‐acting ribosomal proteins in directing the translation of specific mRNAs.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA–Protein Complexes

Translation > Translation Regulation

Translation > Translation Mechanisms
Short-term progression of cardiometabolic risk factors in relation to age at type 2 diabetes diagnosis: a longitudinal observational study of 100,606 individuals from the Swedish National Diabetes Register
Authors: Steinarsson Andri O. , Rawshani Araz , Gudbjörnsdottir Soffia , Franzén Stefan , Svensson Ann-Marie , Sattar Naveed
Published: January 2018

Aims/hypothesis

The reasons underlying a greater association of premature mortality with early-onset type 2 diabetes relative to late-onset disease are unclear. We evaluated the clinical characteristics at type 2 diabetes diagnosis and the broad trajectories in cardiometabolic risk factors over the initial years following diagnosis in relation to age at diagnosis.

Methods

Our cohort consisted of 100,606 individuals with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes enrolled in the Swedish National Diabetes Register from 2002 to 2012. The average follow-up time was 2.8 years. Analyses were performed using a linear mixed-effects model for continuous risk factors and a mixed generalised linear model with a logistic link function for dichotomous risk factors.

Results

The individuals diagnosed at the youngest age (18–44 years) were more often male and had the highest BMI (mean of 33.4 kg/m2) at diagnosis and during follow-up compared with all other groups (those diagnosed at 45–59 years, 60–74 years and ≥75 years; p < 0.05), being ~5 kg/m2 higher than the oldest group. Although HbA1c patterns were similar between all age groups, there was a difference of about 5 mmol/mol (0.45%) between the two groups at 8 years post-diagnosis (p < 0.05). Additionally, individuals diagnosed younger had ~0.7 mmol/l higher triacylglycerol, and ~0.2 mmol/l lower HDL-cholesterol levels at diagnosis relative to the oldest group. Such differences continued for several years post diagnosis. Yet, although more of these younger individuals were receiving oral glucose-lowering agents, other cardioprotective therapies were prescribed less often in this group. Differences in BMI, blood glucose and lipid levels remained with adjustment for potential confounders, including marital status, education and country of birth, and, where relevant, differential treatments by age, and in those with at least 5 years of follow-up.

Conclusions/interpretation

Individuals who develop type 2 diabetes at a younger age are more frequently obese, display a more adverse lipid profile, have higher HbA1c and a faster deterioration in glycaemic control compared with individuals who develop diabetes later in life. These differences largely remain for several years after diagnosis and support the notion that early-onset type 2 diabetes may be a more pathogenic condition than late-onset disease.
Early Versus Late Tracheostomy in Trauma Patients: A Propensity‐Matched Cohort Study of 5 Years’ Data at a Single Institution in Korea
Authors: Kang Byung Hee , Cho Jayun , Lee John Cook‐Jong , Jung Kyoungwon
Published: January 2018

Background

Although there have been many studies dealing with tracheostomy timing in trauma patients, the optimal timing is still being debated. This study aimed to compare outcomes between early tracheostomy (ET) and late tracheostomy (LT) in trauma populations to estimate the optimal timing of tracheostomy after intubation.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the 5 years’ data of trauma patients who underwent tracheostomy during their acute intensive care unit (ICU) stay. The cases were divided into two groups: ET was defined as tracheostomy performed within 7 days after intubation, and LT, after the seventh day. Propensity score matching was utilized using a 1‐to‐1 matching technique, and outcomes between two groups were compared.

Results

Among 236 enrolled patients, 76 met the criteria for ET and 160 were included for LT. Using propensity matching, 70 patients who met the criteria for ET were matched to 70 patients in the LT. Based on the comparison of outcomes after matching, ET showed significantly shorter values than LT in overall ventilator duration, length of stay at the ICU, and post‐tracheostomy ventilation duration. Furthermore, the incidence of pneumonia was significantly lower with ET than with LT, although the rate of postoperative complications showed no significant differences.

Conclusions

We suggest that ET should be considered in trauma patients needing prolonged mechanical ventilation. Also, we recommend that surgeons perform tracheostomy as early as within 7 days after intubation to not only reduce the ventilation and ICU days but also prevent pneumonia without worrying about an increase in postoperative complications.
Increased Positive Predictive Value for a Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism-Based Non-invasive Prenatal Test for the 22q11.2 Deletion
Authors: Ryan Allison , Iyengar Sushma , Demko Zachary
Published: January 2018

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) has expanded its coverage beyond the common aneuploidies to include subchromosomal abnormalities such as the 22q11.2 deletion through the analysis of cell-free DNA. We previously reported a positive predictive value (PPV) of 18% and false-positive rate (FPR) of 0.38% for a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based NIPT for fetal 22q11.2 deletion in a clinical cohort. Herein, we assess the performance of the test following methodology changes that include sequencing high-risk calls at high depth of read (HDOR) and raising the confidence threshold of the algorithm from 0.90 to 0.95. At the original confidence cut-off, a PPV of 42.3% upon reflex-sequencing of high-risk samples at a HDOR was reported. Raising the algorithm’s confidence threshold further increased the PPV to 52.4% and reduced the FPR to 0.07%, with no loss in test sensitivity. The PPV was 100% for high a priori risk cases, and 20% for low a priori risk cases. The improved assay performance documented with the updated methodology supports the efficacy of the SNP-based NIPT in the detection of fetal 22q11.2 deletion.
Predicting post‐breakup distress and growth in emerging adulthood: The roles of relationship satisfaction and emotion regulation
Authors: Norona Jerika C. , Scharf Miri , Welsh Deborah P. , Shulman Shmuel
Published: January 2018

With a sample of emerging adults (N = 110; 72% female) this brief report utilized self‐report measures to examine the role of relationship satisfaction and emotion regulation strategies assessed at age 20 in predicting breakup distress and posttraumatic growth three years later. Results showed that higher relationship satisfaction is associated with less future breakup distress. Emotion regulation explained the ways individuals cope with distress; cognitive appraisal (in contrast to emotional suppression) predicted higher growth after experiencing a breakup. Findings highlight the ways emotion regulation strategies can help emerging adults cope with relational stressors such as breakups.
Neutropenia as a Complication of Tumefactive Demyelinating Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Webb Kali , Osorio Marisa
Published: January 2018

Tumefactive demyelination is an aggressive, localized, generally solitary area of demyelination that often mimics a neoplasm. We present a case of a 13‐year‐old female patient who presented with sudden‐onset progressive hemiplegia and hemianopsia. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed tumefactive demyelination with partial rim of enhancement. During inpatient rehabilitation, she developed myalgias, rash, and abdominal and mouth pain with evidence for severe neutropenia. The neutropenia was determined to be a secondary complication of the tumefactive disease process. This scenario may be concerning in an inpatient rehabilitation setting, as patients share common areas, increasing the risk of acquired infection while neutropenic.

Level of Evidence

V
Diagnostics of the shape and orientation of a rock failure zone based on electrical measurements as an inverse problem of geophysics
Authors: Sirota D.Yu. , Ivanov V.V.
Published: January 2018

Exploration geophysics is concerned with the development of methods and techniques for remote search for mineral deposits, solution of various engineering and geological problems, mining monitoring, and diagnostics of zones of rock bursts and natural and technogenic tectonic earthquakes. In this paper, we consider the diagnostic problem of exploration geophysics related to the determination of the shape and inclination angle of a plane source of natural geoelectric field, which, under certain conditions, simulates a rock failure zone, e.g., during the preparation of rock bursts at the sites of developed mineral deposits. This approach may also be useful in determining the shape and size of ore shoots by electrical measurements on the ground surface. Evaluation of the parameters of a rock failure zone is required in the case of accumulation of multiple fractures having charges of the same sign before a catastrophic failure. This problem is formulated as a Fredholm–Urysohn integral equation of the first kind. The solution of the integral equation is sought using the Tikhonov regularization method of the second order.
Cutaneous Vascular Responses of the Hands and Feet to Cooling, Rewarming, and Hypoxia in Humans
Authors: Massey Heather C. , House James R. , Tipton Michael J.
Published: January 2018

Introduction

This study investigated skin vasomotor responses in the fingers and toes during cooling and rewarming with and without normobaric hypoxia.

Methods

Fourteen volunteers (8 males and 6 females) were exposed to gradual air cooling (mean±SD: −0.4±0.1oC·min−1) followed by rewarming (+0.5±0.1oC·min−1) while breathing normoxic air (FIO2 0.21 at 761±3 mm Hg) or hypoxic gas (FIO2 0.12, at 761±3 mm Hg, equivalent to ∼5000 m above sea level). Throughout the gradual cooling and rewarming phases, rectal temperature was measured, and skin temperatures and laser Doppler skin blood flow were measured on the thumb, little finger, and great and little toe pads.

Results

During gradual cooling, skin temperature but not deep body temperature decreased. No differences in cutaneous vascular conductance were found for the toes or thumb ( P=0.169 great toe; P=0.289 little toe; P=0.422 thumb). Cutaneous vascular conductance was reduced in the little finger to a greater extent at the same mean skin temperatures (34.5–33.5oC) in the hypoxic compared with normoxic conditions ( P=0.047). The onset of vasoconstriction and release of vasoconstriction in the thumb and little finger occurred at higher mean skin temperatures in hypoxia compared with normoxia ( P<0.05). The onset of vasoconstriction and release of vasoconstriction in the toes occurred at similar skin temperatures ( P=0.181 and P=0.132, respectively).

Conclusion

The earlier vasoconstrictor response and later release of vasoconstriction in the finger during hypoxic conditions may result in a greater dose of cold to that digit, taking longer to rewarm following the release of vasoconstriction.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): perspective of the general adult psychiatrist
Authors: Murray D. , Devitt P.
Published: January 2018

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with onset in childhood. In Ireland adult ADHD treatment is drifting in an ad hoc manner into general adult psychiatric services. We propose this process should be halted in favour of a delivering a carefully planned adult ADHD service.
THE HALPERN–LÄUCHLI THEOREM AT A MEASURABLE CARDINAL
Authors: DOBRINEN NATASHA , HATHAWAY DAN
Published: January 2018

Several variants of the Halpern–Läuchli Theorem for trees of uncountable height are investigated. Forκweakly compact, we prove that the various statements are all equivalent, and hence, the strong tree version holds for one tree on any weakly compact cardinal. For any finited≥ 2, we prove the consistency of the Halpern–Läuchli Theorem ondmany normalκ-trees at a measurable cardinalκ, given the consistency of aκ+d-strong cardinal. This follows from a more general consistency result at measurableκ, which includes the possibility of infinitely many trees, assuming partition relations which hold in models of AD.
ON THE DECIDABILITY OF THE THEORIES OF THE ARITHMETIC AND HYPERARITHMETIC DEGREES AS UPPERSEMILATTICES
Authors: BARNES JAMES S.
Published: January 2018

We establish the decidability of the${{\rm{\Sigma }}_2}$theory of both the arithmetic and hyperarithmetic degrees in the language of uppersemilattices, i.e., the language with ≤, 0 , and$\sqcup$. This is achieved by using Kumabe-Slaman forcing, along with other known results, to show given finite uppersemilattices${\cal M}$and${\cal N}$, where${\cal M}$is a subuppersemilattice of${\cal N}$, that every embedding of${\cal M}$into either degree structure extends to one of${\cal N}$iff${\cal N}$is an end-extension of${\cal M}$.
RETRACTIONS OF REVERSIBLE STRUCTURES
Authors: KURILIĆ MILOŠ S.
Published: January 2018

A relational structure is called reversible iff each bijective endomorphism (condensation) of that structure is an automorphism. We show that reversibility is an invariant of some forms of L∞ω −bi-interpretability, implying that the condensation monoids of structures are topologically isomorphic. Applying these results, we prove that, in particular, all orbits of ultrahomogeneous tournaments and reversible ultrahomogeneous m-uniform hypergraphs are reversible relations and that the same holds for the orbits of reversible ultrahomogeneous digraphs definable by formulas which are not R-negative.
The effect of imposed production measures on gas extraction induced seismic risk
Authors: Muntendam-Bos Annemarie G. , Roest Johannes P.A. , de Waal Hans A.
Published: January 2018

Shaking and damage in the province of Groningen, the Netherlands, resulting from production-induced seismicity has caused increased public anxiety. Since 2014, production offtake has been reduced stepwise by over 50% in an attempt to minimise production-induced seismicity. The earthquake catalogue, combined with comprehensive data of the changes in production offtake, shows a clear response of seismic activity following the production measures taken. Associated temporal variations in the proportionality between smaller- and larger-magnitude events (theb-value of the Gutenberg–Richter relation) are observed. Since production measures were imposed, theb-value has tended to increase, thus lowering the probability of a larger-magnitude event. The analysis also shows increases in activity rate andb-value prior to larger-magnitude events. Subsequently, the probability of a larger-magnitude event seems to be decreasing prior to the events occurring. This implies that for short-term earthquake prediction of hydrocarbon-production-induced seismicity, these types of analysis could be misleading. However, regional analysis is necessary to explain the observations in terms of rupture initiation. At present, each event felt still draws the interest of both public and press. As some clustering of events in both time and space is still observed, managing both the seismicity and the public perception provides a continuing challenge.
Development of statistical geomechanical models for forecasting seismicity induced by gas production from the Groningen field
Authors: Bourne Stephen J. , Oates Stephen J.
Published: January 2018

This paper reviews the evolution of a sequence of seismological models developed and implemented as part of a workflow for Probabilistic Seismic Hazard and Risk Assessment of the seismicity induced by gas production from the Groningen gas field. These are semi-empirical statistical geomechanical models derived from observations of production-induced seismicity, reservoir compaction and structure of the field itself. Initial versions of the seismological model were based on a characterisation of the seismicity in terms of its moment budget. Subsequent versions of the model were formulated in terms of seismic event rates, this change being driven in part by the reduction in variability of the model forecasts in this domain. Our approach makes use of the Epidemic Type After Shock model (ETAS) to characterise spatial and temporal clustering of earthquakes and has been extended to also incorporate the concentration of moment release on pre-existing faults and other reservoir topographic structures.