bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breather and rogue wave solutions of an extended nonlinear Schrödinger equation with higher-order odd and even terms
Authors: Su Dan , Yong Xuelin , Tian Yanjiao , Tian Jing
Published: September 2018

In this paper, an extended nonlinear Schrödinger equation with higher-order odd (third-order) and even (fourth-order) terms is investigated in detail. The equation for the one-dimensional magnetic systems is integrable and admits exact solutions. It is more accurate than the nonlinear Schrödinger equation in describing wave propagation in the ocean and optical fibers. First, the modulation instability of solutions is analyzed in the presence of small perturbation. Second, breather and rogue wave solutions of this equation are constructed via the modified Darboux transformation method. The effects of the higher-order terms are investigated graphically. Specially, the interactions between two breathers are studied by adjusting the spectral parameters and the collisions between breather and rogue waves are also discussed.
Averaged collision strength of Carbon Π ion of Druyvesteyn distribution in plasma
Authors: He Jian , Zhang Qingguo
Published: September 2018

Non-Maxwellian distribution has been found in laboratory and space plasma in recent years. In this paper, averaged collision strengths of Carbon [Formula: see text] ion 133.53 nm are calculated for Druyvesteyn distribution for the non-Maxwellian distribution, when temperatures vary from 10[Formula: see text] K to 10[Formula: see text] K. Results indicate that significant differences between the averaged collision strengths occur for the Druyvesteyn distribution and the Maxwellian distribution, furthermore, for the Maxwellian distribution and the Druyvesteyn distribution with any characterizing parameter x, the averaged collision strengths increase with increasing temperature, and the averaged collision strengths are close to those of the Maxwellian distribution when the characterizing parameter x is close to [Formula: see text]. This calculation is significant for non-Maxwellian plasma.
Influence of spatial distribution of molecule on the switching behavior: A first-principles study
Authors: Yang Jingjuan , Han Xiaoxiao , Yuan Peipei , Bian Baoan , Liao Bin
Published: September 2018

We perform first-principles calculations to investigate the electronic transport properties of chalcone and flavanone molecules sandwiched between graphene electrodes. These two molecules can be reversibly converted between open and closed states induced by pH, and the significant switching behaviors are observed. The currents and switching ratios are influenced by rotating molecules around the [Formula: see text] axis, which are discussed by the transmission eigenstates, electrostatic potential distributions and transmission spectra. The observed negative differential resistance effect is explained in chalcone configuration. The results suggest that spatial distributions of molecules will influence the performance of devices, indicating a potential application in future molecular circuits.
Discrete unit square cover problem
Authors: Basappa Manjanna , Das Gautam K.
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we consider the discrete unit square cover (DUSC) problem as follows: given a set [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] points and a set [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] axis-aligned unit squares in [Formula: see text], the objective is (i) to check whether the union of the squares in [Formula: see text] covers all the points in [Formula: see text], and (ii) if the answer is yes, then select a minimum cardinality subset [Formula: see text] such that each point in [Formula: see text] is covered by at least one square in [Formula: see text]. For the DUSC problem:

(i)we propose a [Formula: see text]-approximation algorithm, where [Formula: see text] is an integer parameter that defines a trade-off between the running time and the approximation factor of the algorithm. The running time of our proposed algorithm is [Formula: see text]. Our solution of the DUSC problem is based on a simple [Formula: see text]-approximation algorithm for the subproblem strip square cover (SSC) problem, where all the points in [Formula: see text] are lying within a horizontal strip of unit height.(ii)we also propose a 2-approximation algorithm, which runs in [Formula: see text] time. The 2-approximation algorithm is based on an algorithm for the subproblem SSC problem. The algorithm for the subproblem is developed using plane sweep and graph search traversal techniques. We also extend this algorithm to get 2-approximation result for the weighted DUSC problem where the squares are assigned weights, and the aim is to choose a subset [Formula: see text] such that each point in [Formula: see text] is covered by at least one square in [Formula: see text] and the sum of the weights of squares in [Formula: see text] is minimized.
The Role of BPIFA1 in Upper Airway Microbial Infections and Correlated Diseases
Authors: Tsou Yung-An , Tung Min-Che , Alexander Katherine A. , Chang Wen-Dien , Tsai Ming-Hsui , Chen Hsiao-Ling , Chen Chuan-Mu
Published: September 2018

The mucosa is part of the first line of immune defense against pathogen exposure in humans and prevents viral and bacterial infection of the soft palate, lungs, uvula, and nasal cavity that comprise the ear-nose-throat (ENT) region. Bactericidal/permeability-increasing fold containing family A, member 1 (BPIFA1) is a secretory protein found in human upper aerodigestive tract mucosa. This innate material is secreted in mucosal fluid or found in submucosal tissue in the human soft palate, lung, uvula, and nasal cavity. BPIFA1 is a critical component of the innate immune response that prevents upper airway diseases. This review will provide a brief introduction of the roles of BPIFA1 in the upper airway (with a focus on the nasal cavity, sinus, and middle ear), specifically its history, identification, distribution in various human tissues, function, and diagnostic value in various upper airway infectious diseases.
A New Tridimensional Insight into Geometric and Kinematic Characteristics of Masticatory Cycles in Participants with Normal Occlusion
Authors: Fuentes Ramón , Arias Alain , Lezcano María Florencia , Saravia Diego , Kuramochi Gisaku , Navarro Pablo , Dias Fernando José
Published: September 2018

The aim of this study was to analyze the general, geometric, and kinematic characteristics of the masticatory cycle’s movements in a tridimensional way, using a method developed by our study group to provide a new insight into the analysis of mandibular movements due to advancement in the potential of computational analysis. Ten individuals (20.1 ± 2.69 years), molar class I, without mandibular movement problems participated in this study. The movements of the masticatory cycles, frontal and sagittal mandibular border movements, were recorded using 3D electromagnetic articulography and processed with computational scripts developed by our research group. The number of chewing cycles, frequency (cycles/s), chewing cycle areas/mandibular border movements areas ratios, and the mouth opening and closing speeds on the 3D trajectory of the chewing cycle were compared. The cycles were divided and analyzed in thirds. The masticatory cycles showed high variation among the individuals (21.6 ± 9.4 cycles); the frequency (1.46 ± 0.21 cycles/s) revealed a moderate positive correlation (R = 0.52) with the number of cycles. The frontal area ratios between the cycle area and the mandibular border movement presented higher values in the first third (6.65%) of the masticatory cycles, and the ratios of sagittal areas were higher and more variable (first, 7.67%; second, 8.06%; and third, 10.04%) than the frontal view. The opening and closing mouth speeds were greater in the second third of the masticatory cycles (OS, 57.82 mm/s; CS, 58.34 mm/s) without a significant difference between the opening and closing movements when the same thirds were evaluated. Further studies are necessary to improve the understanding of the masticatory cycles regarding the standardization of parameters and their values.
PAPR Reduction Using Fireworks Search Optimization Algorithm in MIMO-OFDM Systems
Authors: Amhaimar Lahcen , Ahyoud Saida , Elyaakoubi Ali , Kaabal Abdelmoumen , Attari Kamal , Asselman Adel
Published: September 2018

The transceiver combination technology, of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) with multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), provides a viable alternative to enhance the quality of service and simultaneously to achieve high spectral efficiency and data rate for wireless mobile communication systems. However, the high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) is the main concern that should be taken into consideration in the MIMO-OFDM system. Partial transmit sequences (PTSs) is a promising scheme and straightforward method, able to achieve an effective PAPR reduction performance, but it requires an exhaustive search to find the optimum phase factors, which causes high computational complexity increased with the number of subblocks. In this paper, a reduced computational complexity PTS scheme is proposed, based on a novel swarm intelligence algorithm, called fireworks algorithm (FWA). Simulation results confirmed the adequacy and the effectiveness of the proposed method which can effectively reduce the computation complexity while keeping good PAPR reduction. Moreover, it turns out from the results that the proposed PTS scheme-based FWA clearly outperforms the hottest and most important evolutionary algorithm in the literature like simulated annealing (SA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), and genetic algorithm (GA).
Obesity-Linked Gut Microbiome Dysbiosis Associated with Derangements in Gut Permeability and Intestinal Cellular Homeostasis Independent of Diet
Authors: Nagpal Ravinder , Newman Tiffany M. , Wang Shaohua , Jain Shalini , Lovato James F. , Yadav Hariom
Published: September 2018

This study aimed to determine the association between non-high-fat diet-induced obesity- (non-DIO-) associated gut microbiome dysbiosis with gut abnormalities like cellular turnover of intestinal cells, tight junctions, and mucin formation that can impact gut permeability. We used leptin-deficient (Lepob/ob) mice in comparison to C57BL/6J control mice, which are fed on identical diets, and performed comparative and correlative analyses of gut microbiome composition, gut permeability, intestinal structural changes, tight junction-mucin formation, cellular turnover, and stemness genes. We found that obesity impacted cellular turnover of the intestine with increased cell death and cell survival/proliferation gene expression with enhanced stemness, which are associated with increased intestinal permeability, changes in villi/crypt length, and decreased expression of tight junctions and mucus synthesis genes along with dysbiotic gut microbiome signature. Obesity-induced gut microbiome dysbiosis is also associated with abnormal intestinal organoid formation characterized with decreased budding and higher stemness. Results suggest that non-DIO-associated gut microbiome dysbiosis is associated with changes in the intestinal cell death versus cell proliferation homeostasis and functions to control tight junctions and mucous synthesis-regulating gut permeability.
Rectangular Metric-Like Type Spaces and Related Fixed Points
Authors: Mlaiki N. , Abodayeh K. , Aydi H. , Abdeljawad T. , Abuloha M.
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we introduce the concept of a rectangular metric-like space, along with its topology, and we prove some fixed point theorems for different contraction types. We also introduce the concept of modified metric-like spaces and we prove some topological and convergence properties under the symmetric convergence. Some examples are given to illustrate the new introduced metric type spaces.
Multiferroic and Optical Properties of La0.05Li0.85NbO3 and LiNbO3 Nanocrystals
Authors: Díaz-Moreno Carlos A. , López Jorge A. , Ding Yu , Macias A. Hurtado , Li Chunqiang , Wicker Ryan B.
Published: September 2018

The chemistry and physics of surfaces is an increasingly important subject. The study of surfaces is the key of many important nanotechnological applications due to the understanding of phase transitions, electronic structure, and chemical bonding. In later years, exotic phenomena that jointly involve the magnetic and electrical conductivity properties have been discovered in oxides that contain magnetic ions. Moreover, the uses of magnetic oxides in electronic technology have become so important due to the miniaturization of devices and magnetic materials with dielectric properties or vice versa being required for inductors, information storage, thin films for high-density computer memories, microwave antireflection coatings, and permanent magnets for automobile ignitions among others. On the contrary, nanotechnology developments over 10 years or so have provided intensive studies in trying to combine properties such as ferroelectric, ferromagnetic, and optics in one single-phase nanoparticles or in composite thin films; this last effort has been recently known as multiferroic. Because of this, the resurgence of nanomaterials with multiferroic and optical properties is presented in this work of one single phase in lanthanum lithium niobate (La0.05Li0.85NbO3) and lithium niobate (LiNbO3) with ferromagnetic, ferroelectric, relaxor ferroelectricity, second harmonic generation, high-temperature ferromagnetic, and magnetoelectric properties.
Optimization of Risk and Return Using Fuzzy Multiobjective Linear Programming
Authors: Panwar Darsha , Jha Manoj , Srivastava Namita
Published: September 2018

Stock selection poses a challenge for both the investor and the finance researcher. In this paper, a hybrid approach is proposed for asset allocation, offering a combination of several methodologies for portfolio selection, such as investor topology, cluster analysis, and the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to facilitate ranking the assets and fuzzy multiobjective linear programming (FMOLP). This paper considers some important factors of stock, like relative strength index (RSI), coefficient of variation (CV), earnings yield (EY), and price to earnings growth ratio (PEG ratio), apart from the risk and return and stocks which are included within these same factors. Employing fuzzy multiobjective linear programming, optimization is performed using seven objective functions viz., return, risk, relative strength index (RSI), coefficient of variation (CV), earnings yield (EY), price to earnings growth ratio (PEG ratio), and AHP weighted score. The FMOLP transforms the multiobjective problem to a single objective problem using the “weighted adaptive approach” in which the weights are calculated by AHP or choices by the investors. The FMOLP model permits choices in solution.
Mechanical Design and Assessment of a Low-Cost 7-DOF Prosthetic Arm for Shoulder Disarticulation
Authors: Leal-Naranjo José-Alfredo , Miguel Christopher-René Torres-San , Ceccarelli Marco , Rostro-Gonzalez Horacio
Published: September 2018

This work presents the design of a low-cost prosthetic device for shoulder disarticulation. A proper design of the mechanisms has been addressed to obtain a prototype that presents 7 degrees of freedom. Shoulder movement is achieved by means of a spherical parallel manipulator, elbow movement is performed by a six-bar mechanism, and the wrist movement is implemented by a spherical parallel manipulator. A set of dynamic simulations was performed in order to assess the functionality of the design. The prototype was built using 3D printing techniques and implementing low-cost actuators. An experimental evaluation was carried out to characterize this device. The result of this work is a prototype that weighs 1350 g that is able to perform movements related to activities of daily living.
Improving Electric Vehicle Charging Station Efficiency through Pricing
Authors: Wolbertus Rick , Gerzon Bas
Published: September 2018

Recent studies show that charging stations are operated in an inefficient way. Due to the fact that electric vehicle (EV) drivers charge while they park, they tend to keep the charging station occupied while not charging. This prevents others from having access. This study is the first to investigate the effect of a pricing strategy to increase the efficient use of electric vehicle charging stations. We used a stated preference survey among EV drivers to investigate the effect of a time-based fee to reduce idle time at a charging station. We tested the effect of such a fee under different scenarios and we modelled the heterogeneity among respondents using a latent class discrete choice model. We find that a fee can be very effective in increasing the efficiency at a charging station but the response to the fee varies among EV drivers depending on their current behaviour and the level of parking pressure they experience near their home. From these findings we draw implications for policy makers and charging point operators who aim to optimize the use of electric vehicle charging stations.
Characterization of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Isolated from the Testis
Authors: De Chiara Letizia , Famulari Elvira Smeralda , Fagoonee Sharmila , van Daalen Saskia K. M. , Buttiglieri Stefano , Revelli Alberto , Tolosano Emanuela , Silengo Lorenzo , van Pelt Ans M. M. , Altruda Fiorella
Published: September 2018

Mesenchymal stem cells hold great promise for regenerative medicine as they can be easily isolated from different sources such as adipose tissue, bone marrow, and umbilical cord blood. Spontaneously arising pluripotent stem cells can be obtained in culture from murine spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), while the pluripotency of the human counterpart remains a matter of debate. Recent gene expression profiling studies have demonstrated that embryonic stem cell- (ESC-) like cells obtained from the human testis are indeed closer to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) than to pluripotent stem cells. Here, we confirm that colonies derived from human testicular cultures, with our isolation protocol, are of mesenchymal origin and do not arise from spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). The testis, thus, provides an important and accessible source of MSCs (tMSCs) that can be potentially used for nephrotoxicity testing in vitro. We further demonstrate, for the first time, that tMSCs are able to secrete microvesicles that could possibly be applied to the treatment of various chronic diseases, such as those affecting the kidney.
Scheme Exploration and Performance Analysis of 800‐Meter Superlarge Span Structure
Authors: Chen Deshen , Qian Hongliang , Wang Huajie , Wu Yue
Published: September 2018

Superlarge span structure is one of the important trends for future building development. Under the background of the 800‐meter superlarge span dome project proposed by China Construction Group, this paper focuses on the structural optimization and performance analysis of this superlarge span structure. The previous ideas of the superdome and the maximum span of existed spatial structures are reviewed, and some structural form selection principles are put forward which lay foundation for structural selection. The applicability of high‐strength steel and aluminum alloy is also discussed. It is demonstrated that the high‐strength steel and aluminum alloy contribute little to structural comprehensive performances. Then, considering the effects of grid division, members topological relation, and surface shape, six kinds of rigid systems are contrastively studied to determine the optimal scheme. The structural performances along with the increasing span are explored in detail. To further reduce the structural weight and improve mechanical performance, a new composite scheme and the cable‐stayed megastructure are proposed and studied. The research methods and performance analysis results can provide significant references for the following research on the superlarge span structure.
Experimental Study on the Tensile Properties of Rock‐Mortar Interface under Different Strain Rates
Authors: Wu Nan , Zhu Zhende , He Zhilei
Published: September 2018

In this paper, an experimental study was carried out on a rock‐mortar interface specimen under three different strain rates (10−6, 10−5, and 10−4  s−1) using the MTS322 electrohydraulic servo loading system, and a new constitutive relation function of fictitious crack model (FCM) according to the axial‐stress‐crack‐width curves of the rock‐mortar interface is established, because the traditional nonlinear softening function easily distorts, shakes, and so cannot describe the damage‐evolution process of the rock‐mortar interface accurately. Through the use of a precise servo actuator system and three extensometers measured axial‐stress‐crack‐width curves, it is shown that the rock‐mortar interface is very sensitive to the strain rate. The tensile strength increases with strain rate, the crack width decreases at the same time, and the axial‐stress‐crack‐width curves gradually evolve from a concave‐downward trend to a linear decreasing trend. At the same time, the new constitutive relation function can reflect the tensile strength, crack width, and the downward trend of the rock‐mortar interface more accurately.
Complexity Analysis of Prefabrication Contractors’ Dynamic Price Competition in Mega Projects with Different Competition Strategies
Authors: Zhu Jianbo , Shi Qianqian , Wu Peng , Sheng Zhaohan , Wang Xiangyu
Published: September 2018

This paper considers a repeated duopoly game of prefabrication contractors in mega infrastructure projects and assumes the contractors exhibit bounded rationality. Based on the theory of bifurcation of dynamical systems, a dynamic price competition model is constructed considering different competition strategies. Accordingly, the stability of the equilibrium point of the system is discussed considering different initial market capacities, and numerical simulation is performed. The results show the system has a unique equilibrium solution when initial capacity is high and the parameters meet certain conditions. The contractors’ price adjustment strategy has an important influence on system stability. However, an overly aggressive competition strategy is not conducive to system stability. Moreover, the system is sensitive to initial parameter values.
The Influence of Obesity on Puberty and Insulin Resistance in Mexican Children
Authors: Cardenas-Vargas Edith , Nava Jairo A. , Garza-Veloz Idalia , Torres-Castañeda Mayra C. , Galván-Tejada Carlos E. , Cid-Baez Miguel A. , Castañeda-Arteaga Rosa E. , Ortiz-Castro Yolanda , Trejo-Ortiz Perla M. , Araujo-Espino Roxana , Mollinedo-Montaño Fabiana E. , Muñoz-Torres Jose R. , Martinez-Fierro Margarita L.
Published: September 2018

Obesity is considered the main risk factor associated with the development of insulin resistance (IR). The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of obesity on puberty onset and IR in Mexican children. A total of 378 children (189 boys and 189 girls) aged 8–14 years participated in the study. IR was estimated using the homeostasis model assessment for IR (HOMA-IR). The mean fasting glucose (FG) and basal insulin levels were 82 mg/dl and 11.0 μIU/ml in boys and 77.3 mg/dl and 12.3 μIU/ml in girls (P<0.05). Subjects with obesity at Tanner stages II–V showed increased FG levels (P<0.05). In boys with obesity, there was a decrease in HOMA-IR in Tanner stage IV and differences in age between boys with normal weight and those with obesity in Tanner V, being older the boys with obesity. Obesity in children and adolescents was associated with higher HOMA-IR values. In boys with obesity, IR increased at the end of pubertal maturation, with a delay in puberty. These findings should be considered on the establishment of IR cutoff values for pubertal population in Mexico and in the establishment of strategies to prevent the health problems related to obesity.
A Study on Influence of Minivan Front-End Design and Impact Velocity on Pedestrian Thorax Kinematics and Injury Risk
Authors: Wang Fang , Yu Chao , Li Guibing , Han Yong , Wang Bingyu , Yang Jikuang , Lan Diandian
Published: September 2018

Thoracic injuries occur frequently in minivan-to-pedestrian impact accidents and can cause substantial fatalities. The present research work investigates the human thoracic responses and injury risks in minivan-to-pedestrian impacts, when changing the minivan front-end design and the impact velocity, by using computational biomechanics model. We employed three typical types of minivan model of different front-end designs that are quite popular in Chinese market and considered four impact velocities (20, 30, 40, and 50 km/h). The contact time of car to thorax region (CTCTR), thorax impact velocity, chest deformation, and thoracic injury risks were extracted for the investigation. The results indicate that the predicted pedestrian kinematics, injury responses, and thoracic injury risks are strongly affected by the variation of the minivan front-end design and impact velocity. The pedestrian thoracic injury risks increase with the increasing vehicle impact velocity. It is also revealed that the application of the extra front bumper is beneficial for reducing the thoracic injury risk, and a relatively flatter minivan front-end design gives rise to a higher thoracic injury risk. This study is expected to be served as theoretical references for pedestrian protection design of minivans.
Highly Active Low Cobalt Content-Based Bulk MoS2 Hydrodesulfurization Catalysts with a Unique Impact of H2S
Authors: Farag Hamdy , Embaby Abd-Alrahman , Kishida Masahiro , El-Hendawy Abdel-Nasser A. , Nasef Mohamed Mahmoud
Published: September 2018

A series of unsupported MoS2, Co9S8, and Co-promoted MoS2 catalysts have been synthesized by tuned impregnation and successive thermal annealing methods using a continuous flow of a mixture of H2 and H2S gases. The resulting catalysts were evaluated in terms of their activity and selectivity for the hydrodesulfurization of dibenzothiophene (DBT) both in the absence and the presence of H2S. The inclusion of Co onto MoS2 affected both the hydrogenation and direct desulfurization reactions, with the latter (production of biphenyl) being magnified to a much greater degree than the former. Interestingly, low cobalt/molybdenum ratio of ca. 0.05 of the catalyst exhibited outstanding promotion efficiency in the hydrodesulfurization reaction. However, as cobalt is added, the synergy effect drastically decreased. H2S in the reaction mixture led to a remarkable step up in the product from the direct desulfurization reaction route with the most notable increases occurring for the product from the hydrogenation reaction pathway. The HDS activity of such catalysts was much higher than that of the commercial CoMo/Al2O3. The promotion by H2S was discussed.
The Use of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields to Promote Bone Responses to Biomaterials In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Galli Carlo , Pedrazzi Giuseppe , Mattioli-Belmonte Monica , Guizzardi Stefano
Published: September 2018

Implantable biomaterials are extensively used to promote bone regeneration or support endosseous prosthesis in orthopedics and dentistry. Their use, however, would benefit from additional strategies to improve bone responses. Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMFs) have long been known to act on osteoblasts and bone, affecting their metabolism, in spite of our poor understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Hence, we have the hypothesis that PEMFs may also ameliorate cell responses to biomaterials, improving their growth, differentiation, and the expression of a mature phenotype and therefore increasing the tissue integration of the implanted devices and their clinical success. A broad range of settings used for PEMFs stimulation still represents a hurdle to better define treatment protocols and extensive research is needed to overcome this issue. The present review includes studies that investigated the effects of PEMFs on the response of bone cells to different classes of biomaterials and the reports that focused on in vivo investigations of biomaterials implanted in bone.
Concepts, Methods, and Performances of Particle Swarm Optimization, Backpropagation, and Neural Networks
Authors: Zajmi Leke , Ahmed Falah Y. H. , Jaharadak Adam Amril
Published: September 2018

With the advancement of Machine Learning, since its beginning and over the last years, a special attention has been given to the Artificial Neural Network. As an inspiration from natural selection of animal groups and human’s neural system, the Artificial Neural Network also known as Neural Networks has become the new computational power which is used for solving real world problems. Neural Networks alone as a concept involve various methods for achieving their success; thus, this review paper describes an overview of such methods called Particle Swarm Optimization, Backpropagation, and Neural Network itself, respectively. A brief explanation of the concepts, history, performances, advantages, and disadvantages is given, followed by the latest researches done on these methods. A description of solutions and applications on various industrial sectors such as Medicine or Information Technology has been provided. The last part briefly discusses the directions, current, and future challenges of Neural Networks towards achieving the highest success rate in solving real world problems.
Weibo Attention and Stock Market Performance: Some Empirical Evidence
Authors: Dong Minghua , Xiong Xiong , Li Xiao , Shen Dehua
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we employ Weibo Index as the proxy for investor attention and analyze the relationships between investor attention and stock market performance, i.e., trading volume, return, and volatility. The empirical results firstly show that Weibo attention is positively related to trading volume, intraday volatility, and return. Secondly, there exist bidirectional causal relationships between Weibo attention and stock market performance. Thirdly, we generally find that higher Weibo attention indicates higher correlation coefficients with the quantile regression analysis.
Candida: Platelet Interaction and Platelet Activity in vitro
Authors: Eberl Claudia , Speth Cornelia , Jacobsen Ilse D. , Hermann Martin , Hagleitner Magdalena , Deshmukh Hemalata , Ammann Christoph G. , Lass-Flörl Cornelia , Rambach Günter
Published: September 2018

Over the last 2 decades, platelets have been recognized as versatile players of innate immunity. The interaction of platelets with fungal pathogens and subsequent processes may critically influence the clinical outcome of invasive mycoses. Since the role of platelets in Candida infections is poorly characterized and controversially discussed, we studied interactions of human platelets with yeast cells, (pseudo-)hyphae, biofilms and secretory products of human pathogenic Candida species applying platelet rich plasma and a whole blood model. Incubation of Candida with platelets resulted in moderate mutual interaction with some variation between different species. The rate of platelets binding to ­Candida (pseudo-) hyphae and candidal biofilm was comparably low as that to the yeast form. Candida-derived secretory products did not affect platelet activity – neither stimulatory nor inhibitory. The small subset of platelets that bound to Candida morphotypes was consequently activated. However, this did not result in reduced growth or viability of the different Candida species. A whole blood model simulating in vivo conditions confirmed platelet activation in the subpopulation of Candida-bound platelets. Thus, the inability of platelets to efficiently react on Candida presence might favor fungal survival in the blood and contribute to high morbidity of Candida sepsis.
Predation Attacks on Wild Spider Monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi)
Authors: Busia Laura , Smith-Aguilar Sandra E. , Aureli Filippo , Schaffner Colleen M. , Ramos-Fernández Gabriel
Published: September 2018

We report 2 cases of predation on an adult and a subadult spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi) by a puma (Puma concolor) and an unidentified terrestrial predator at the natural protected area of Otoch Ma’ax yetel Kooh, in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Although spider monkeys are believed to experience overall low predation pressure compared to other primate species, our observations show that predation occurs in the study area and therefore behavioral strategies are likely to be in place to reduce predation risk. Our observations are further evidence that terrestrial predators are a threat for both young and full-grown spider monkeys.
Acute Kidney Injury and Chronic Kidney Disease in the Elderly and Polypharmacy
Authors: Formica Marco , Politano Paolo , Marazzi Federico , Tamagnone Michela , Serra Ilaria , Marengo Marita , Falconi Daniela , Gherzi Maurizio , Tattoli Fabio , Bottaro Chiara , Giuliano Danilo , Tibaldi Vittoria , Isaia Giovanni Carlo
Published: September 2018

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) incidence is reported to be 10 times higher in aged people. Related to their higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD), older patients are at high risk of toxic effects driven by drugs. Methods: The demographics, hospitalizations, visits to the Emergency Department, pharmacological therapy, and lab tests were analyzed in 71,588 individuals. Results: Data showed a higher prevalence of AKI as well as CKD in the elderly as compared to the younger group, with an associated very high mortality. A broad number of drugs was prescribed, ranging from 1 to 35, the majority being between 5 and 9 drugs. Conclusion: Elderly patients who developed AKI had a higher number of hospitalizations (underlying frailty), were more likely to progress to more severe stages of CKD and to be affected by other non-renal pathologies (associated comorbidities) and to be given heavier pharmacological prescriptions (polypharmacy).
Endoscopic Treatment of Early Barrett’s Adenocarcinoma and Dysplasia: Focus on Submucosal Cancer
Authors: Frei Nicola , Frei Remus , Semadeni Gian-Marco , Jochum Wolfram , Brand Stephan , Borovicka Jan
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims: Eradication of early Barrett’s neoplasia by endoscopic resection and radiofrequency ablation is safe and effective. In T1b adenocarcinoma, standard of care remains controversial. We investigated the therapeutic outcome between high-grade dysplasia (HGD)/mucosal adenocarcinoma and submucosal adenocarcinoma in Barrett’s patients. We hypothesised similar outcome in low-risk (LR) T1b compared to T1a/HGD. Methods: Patients with endoscopically treated Barrett’s esophagus were included in a Swiss tertiary center cohort study. Primary outcome parameter was complete eradication of early neoplasia. Secondary outcome parameters were recurrence-free survival and safety of endoscopic treatment. Results: Forty-eight patients (1 female) with median Barrett’s length C4M6 and mean age of 66 years were included. Complete endoscopic eradication of HGD/T1a was achieved in 33 out of 35 and in 11 out of 13 T1b adenocarcinoma. During a median follow-up of 41 (interquartile range 28–63) months no systemic recurrence was observed in endoscopically treated HGD/T1a and LR -T1b and one in a high-risk T1b adenocarcinoma after surgery. Local recurrences were amenable to surgical or endoscopic re-treatment. No lymphnode metastasis was detected in initial staging with esophageal endosonography/positron emission tomography-CT. Conclusion: Comparable endoscopic eradication and recurrence rate were observed in HGD/T1a and LR T1b adenocarcinoma. Carefully selected LR T1b cancer may receive endoscopic treatment in an expert center without any negative impact on recurrence.
Choroid Plexus Papilloma and Factor XIII Deficiency: Case Report
Authors: Aydin Ozturk Pinar , Sanri Omer , Yilmaz Adil , Arpa Abdurrahman , Ozturk Unal , Ceviz Adnan
Published: September 2018

Factor XIII deficiency is a rare hemorrhagic disorder that can cause spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage and bleeding after surgery. The diagnosis of factor XIII deficiency is difficult before surgical interventions, because coagulation parameters are normal in these patients. Important clinical findings are postsurgical bleeding and recurrent spontaneous intracranial hematomas. These findings should raise the clinical suspicion of factor XIII deficiency. Therefore, diagnosis of factor XIII deficiency is very important for neurologists and neurosurgeons in terms of reducing mortality and morbidity. We present an 8-month-old female patient who developed subdural hematoma after ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery but not bleeding after choroid plexus papilloma due to FXIII deficiency.
Clinical Utility of Extracorporeal Cytokine Hemoadsorption Therapy: A Literature Review
Authors: Bonavia Anthony , Groff Andrew , Karamchandani Kunal , Singbartl Kai
Published: September 2018

Cytokines play a critical role in coordinating and amplifying a host immune response to infection. The normal pattern of localized and systemic release of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines varies on the basis of the disease process. A dysregulated cytokine response can lead to a hyper-inflammatory condition called a cytokine storm. This is believed to contribute to the pathophysiology of sepsis and septic shock, a condition carrying high morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Extracorporeal cytokine hemoadsorption is an emerging technology utilized in the treatment of dysregulated inflammatory states such as sepsis, although there is a paucity of clinical evidence supporting its outcomes benefits. We assess the peer-reviewed literature relating to cytokine hemoadsorption in the context of sepsis and suggest areas of future research incorporating this novel technology.
Three Main Inducers of Alphacoronavirus Infection of Enterocytes: Sialic Acid, Proteases, and Low pH
Authors: Yuan Peng , Yang Zhou , Song Han , Wang Kai , Yang Yang , Xie Luyi , Huang Shilei , Liu Jia , Ran Lin , Song Zhenhui
Published: September 2018

Transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) are similar coronaviruses, causing diseases characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, and death from severe dehydration in piglets. Thus, they have caused huge losses to the swine-breeding industry worldwide. Nowadays, they are easily transmitted among the continents via vehicles, equipment, and cargo. Both viruses establish an infection in porcine enterocytes in the small intestine, and their spike (S) proteins play a key role in the virus-cell binding process under unfavorable conditions when the intestine with a low pH is filled with a thick layer of mucus and proteases. Sialic acid, proteases, and low pH are three main inducers of coronavirus infection. However, the details of how sialic acid and low pH affect virus binding to the host cell are not determined, and the functions of the proteases are unknown. This review emphasizes the role of three factors in the invasion of TGEV and PEDV into porcine enterocytes and offers more insights into Alphacoronavirus infection in the intestinal environment.
Serum Albumin at Start of Peritoneal Dialysis Predicts Long-Term Outcomes in Anhui Han Patients on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Jiang Jun , Wang Li-Hua , Fei Yun-Yun , Zhou Xiao-Wan , Peng Li , Lan Lei , Ren Wei
Published: September 2018

Objective: This study assessed the relationship between serum albumin (ALB) at start of peritoneal dialysis (PD) and long-term outcomes of continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) in Anhui Han patients. Methods: A total of 149 Anhui Han CAPD patients were enrolled in this study and followed up for 3 years. They were initially diagnosed with the end-stage renal disease and underwent surgical PD catheter placement from January 2009 to December 2013. According to serum ALB at start of PD, the patients were divided into two groups: low ALB group (ALB < 35 g/L) and high ALB group (ALB ≥35 g/L). Demographic, hematologic, biochemical, and dialysis-related data were collected. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and log-rank test were conducted to compare patient mortality, cardiovascular mortality and technique failure between the low ALB group and the high ALB group. Cox regression analysis was performed to analyze the risk factors, calculate the hazard ratio (HR), adjusted HR (AHR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The low ALB group showed a greater number of diabetes mellitus compared with the high ALB group. Patient mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and technique failure in the high ALB group were significantly lower than those in the low ALB group. In Cox regression analysis, serum ALB < 35 g/L was an independent predictor of patient mortality (AHR 3.043, 95% CI 1.085–8.536, p = 0.034), cardiovascular mortality (AHR 11.587, 95% CI 1.466–91.574, p = 0.020), and technique failure (AHR 3.148, 95% CI 1.603–6.182, p = 0.001) in CAPD patients after adjustment for sex, age, estimated glomerular filtration rate, primary renal disease, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease. Conclusions: In Anhui Han patients on CAPD, the levels of serum ALB at start of PD are inversely correlated with patient mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and technique failure, and the long-term outcomes of patients with hypoalbuminemia at start of PD are poor. To improve the long-term outcomes of Anhui Han CAPD patients, patients with hypoalbuminemia at start of PD should be closely monitored.
Detecção precoce de sofrimento psíquico versus patologização da primeira infância
Authors: Jerusalinsky Julieta
Published: September 2018

O artigo considera, diante das Leis nº 13.438 e nº 13.257, referentes ao Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente (ECA), a necessidade da articulação entre saúde mental e atenção básica para avançarmos na detecção precoce de sofrimento psíquico versus a patologização da primeira infância. Com isso pretende-se modificar a atual realidade do acompanhamento do desenvolvimento que, ao centrar-se em aspectos orgânicos, resta ,importância ao sofrimento psíquico do bebê, passando da “conduta expectante” a diagnósticos psicopatológicos fechados entre 3 e 6 anos de idade. Perde-se assim a chance da detecção (de 0 a 18 meses) e da intervenção precoce, pela qual muitas vezes é possível mudar o rumo da constituição psíquica.
Bronchodilator Use for Acute Chest Syndrome Among Large Pediatric Hospitals in North America
Authors: Kopel Lianne S. , Klings Elizabeth S. , Monuteaux Michael C. , Gaffin Jonathan M. , Heeney Matthew M. , Phipatanakul Wanda
Published: September 2018

The utility of bronchodilators to treat acute chest syndrome (ACS) in patients with sickle cell disease is unknown. Our objectives were to examine the variability in bronchodilator use for ACS among pediatric hospitals contributing to a large database and to examine the relationship between bronchodilator use and length of stay (LOS) and mortality. Between 2005 and 2011, bronchodilators were used during 6812/11 328 hospitalizations (60.1%) and use varied from 0.0% to 97.0% (median = 46.0%, interquartile range = 37.0% to 74.0%). Median LOS was 4 days, and interquartile range was 2 to 6 days. Bronchodilator use was associated with a 13.2% increase in LOS (95% confidence interval = 9.2% to 17.3%, P < .001). However, in the subgroup with asthma, bronchodilator use was associated with a 17.9% decrease in LOS (95% confidence interval = 1.7% to 31.4%, P = .03). There is wide variability in bronchodilator use for ACS, and it has variable association with LOS, depending on comorbid asthma. Prospective trials are needed to evaluate bronchodilators for ACS.
Systemic governance of sustainable agriculture: Implementing sustainable development goals and climate-friendly farming
Authors: Williams Jacqueline , Alter Theodore , Shrivastava Paul
Published: September 2018

Globally ‘sustainable agriculture’ is increasingly recognized as central to addressing many of our pressing environmental and social issues with current efforts towards ‘sustainable agriculture’ being pursued by numerous global institutions. Johan Rockström’s impactful address ‘Beyond the Anthropocene’ to the World Economic Forum in early 2017 (Rockström, 2017) emphasized the need for humanity to remain in the Holocene for our modern human survival, highlighting ‘sustainable agriculture’ and ‘sustainable forestry’ as fundamental prerequisites to succeed in our transformation to sustainability through planetary stewardship. It is unclear, however, what exactly ‘sustainable agriculture’ is or who will deliver this important public good for humanity. This commentary highlights the significant challenges and collaborative opportunities for developing systemic approaches of governance of ‘sustainable agriculture’ at the farm, nation and international level that could deliver at least six of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Financial Impact of Incentive Spirometry
Authors: Eltorai Adam E. M. , Baird Grayson L. , Pangborn Joshua , Eltorai Ashley Szabo , Antoci Valentin , Paquette Katherine , Connors Kevin , Barbaria Jacqueline , Smeals Kimberly J. , Riley Barbara , Patel Shyam A. , Agarwal Saurabh , Healey Terrance T. , Ventetuolo Corey E. , Sellke Frank W. , Daniels Alan H.
Published: September 2018

Despite largely unproven clinical effectiveness, incentive spirometry (IS) is widely used in an effort to reduce postoperative pulmonary complications. The objective of the study is to evaluate the financial impact of implementing IS. The amount of time nurses and RTs spend each day doing IS-related activities was assessed utilizing an online survey distributed to the relevant national nursing and respiratory therapists (RT) societies along with questionnaire that was prospectively collected every day for 4 weeks at a single 10-bed cardiothoracic surgery step-down unit. Cost of RT time to teach IS use to patients and cost of nurse time spent reeducating and reminding patients to use IS were used to calculate IS implementation cost estimates per patient. Per-patient cost of IS implementation ranged from $65.30 to $240.96 for a mean 9-day step-down stay. For the 566 patients who stayed in the 10-bed step-down in 2016, the total estimated cost of implementing IS ranged from $36 959.80 to $136 383.36. Using national survey workload data, per-patient cost of IS implementation costed $107.36 (95% confidence interval [CI], $97.88-$116.98) for a hospital stay of 4.5 days. For the 9.7 million inpatient surgeries performed annually in the United States, the total annual cost of implementing postoperative IS is estimated to be $1.04 billion (95% CI, $949.4 million-$1.13 billion). The cost of implementing IS is substantial. Further efficacy studies are necessary to determine whether the cost is justifiable.