bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting the voluntary use of internal audit: evidence from the UK
Authors: Ismael Hazem Ramadan , Roberts Clare
Published: March 2018

Purpose

This study aims to identify the factors that lead non-financial companies listed in the UK to use an internal audit function (IAF) as a monitoring mechanism. Although the use of an IAF in the UK is voluntary, no prior research has examined the drivers for using one.

Design/methodology/approach

Financial and non-financial data were collected from the annual reports of 332 UK non-financial companies listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) Main Market. Univariate tests and multivariate logistic regression tests were used to test the research hypotheses. A theoretical framework based on both agency theory and transaction cost economics (TCE) theory was used to explain the economic factors affecting the use of an IAF.

Findings

The study provides evidence that firm size, level of internal risks, agency problem between owners and managers and existence of an effective audit committee are associated with the existence of an IAF. Thus, the need to have strong internal control and risk management systems and to reduce both internal and external agency costs drives companies to have an IAF. These results suggest the importance of IAF as an internal corporate governance tool and the effectiveness of UK governance regulations in monitoring the effectiveness of internal control systems.

Practical implications

Given the importance of the IAF’s corporate governance role, the study provides some policy implications. Regulators should pay more attention to the issue of maintaining an IAF, especially by large companies, the relationship between the IAF and other governance parties, especially the audit committee, and the disclosure of more relevant information about the IAF’s characteristics and practices.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine the factors affecting the existence of the IAF within the UK’s distinctive regulatory approach of “comply or disclose reasons”. Furthermore, it provides a theoretical framework that explains how both the agency theory and TCE theory can interpret the adoption of internal audit.
Exploitative technological diversification, environmental contexts, and firm performance
Authors: Pan Xin , Chen Xuanjin , Ning Lutao
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Although technological diversification is often understood as an explorative activity, the authors argue that it can also be explained as exploitation. The purpose of this paper is to examine how exploitative technological diversification (ETD) affects firm performance and what factors may moderate this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consists of 1,569 Chinese listed firms with 7,555 observations from 2003 to 2014. Patent data were collected from the State Intellectual Property Office, while financial information was collected from the China Stock Market and Accounting Research database. The system generalised method of moments model was used for testing the hypotheses.

Findings

The empirical findings indicate that the relationship between ETD and firm performance is inversely U-shaped. Moreover, this relationship is negatively moderated by environmental munificence, which refers to the availability of resources in the environment where the firm operates, and positively moderated by environmental dynamism, which refers to the extent of volatility and unpredictable change in firms’ external environments.

Originality/value

Overlooking ETD limits applications of diversification logic and the precision of their predictions. This paper tries to fill this gap by empirically testing the relationship between ETD and financial performance.
Re-imagining marketing as societing
Authors: Kashif Muhammad , Fernando P.M.P. , Altaf Umair , Walsh John
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Marketing theory and practice is under severe criticism – socialists and the practitioners criticize marketing in its current form which calls for active efforts by marketers to reposition the discipline – making it beneficial to the masses. The Western world is thoroughly investigated based on the opinions of public regarding marketing as a discipline. However, studies which present a non-Western consumer’s attitudes toward the role of marketing in a society are scant. This purpose of this study is to encapsulate Pakistani consumers’ understandings and attitudes toward marketing with an emphasis on their perceptions of the ethicality and transformative power of the discipline.

Design/methodology/approach

A purposive convenience sample of 40 professionals with diverse non-marketing backgrounds and of the widest possible demographic profile participated in in-depth, unstructured interviews. The content analysis and grounded theory method were used for the analysis.

Findings

Marketing is appreciated for creating product awareness and, occasionally, combating social problems, but this positive image is clouded by severely criticizing it for promoting materialism, being irritatingly pervasive and pushy, as well as for using unethical and unfair practices.

Practical implications

The study offers a valuable insight into the discipline’s performative and social legitimation in a fast-growing Asian economy. The authors recommend paths for a positive repositioning of the discipline that will improve its public image and enhance its potential for being recognized as a force for positive social change.

Originality/value

Further to enhancing our understanding of consumer attitudes toward marketing, this paper’s value lies in it being the first ever exploration of the developing country perspective. Most importantly, it contributes to a debate that could enlighten the much-needed repositioning of marketing as a discipline to make it useful for masses.
An Internet of Things-Based Monitoring System for Shop-Floor Control
Authors: Mourtzis Dimitris , Milas Nikolaos , Vlachou Aikaterini
Published: March 2018

With the advent of the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0), manufacturing systems are transformed into digital ecosystems. In this transformation, the internet of things (IoT) and other emerging technologies pose a major role. To shift manufacturing companies toward IoT, smart sensor systems are required to connect their resources into the digital world. To address this issue, the proposed work presents a monitoring system for shop-floor control following the IoT paradigm. The proposed monitoring system consists of a data acquisition device (DAQ) capable of capturing quickly and efficiently the data from the machine tools, and transmits these data to a cloud gateway via a wireless sensor topology. The monitored data are transferred to a cloud server for further processing and visualization. The data transmission is performed in two levels, i.e., locally in the shop-floor using a star wireless sensor network (WSN) topology with a microcomputer gateway and from the microcomputer to Cloud using Internet protocols. The developed system follows the loT paradigm in terms of connecting the physical with the cyber world and offering integration capabilities with existing industrial systems. In addition, the open platform communication—unified architecture (OPC-UA) standard is employed to support the connectivity of the proposed monitoring system with other IT tools in an enterprise. The proposed monitoring system is validated in a laboratory as well as in machining and mold-making small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
A Framework for Automated Model Interface Coordination Using SysML
Authors: Bailey William C. , Che Judy , Tsou Poyu , Jennings Mark
Published: March 2018

Integrated vehicle simulation models are being increasingly used to improve engineering efficiency and reduce the number of real-world prototypes needed to understand vehicle attributes and subsystem interactions. Each domain within the vehicle must be represented by its own model developed with the appropriate operating ranges, behaviors, fidelity, and interfaces needed to interact appropriately with other domains in the vehicle. Planning and managing the development of these models across a large, multidisciplinary group of engineers can be a significant effort. In particular, carefully managing each model's interfaces is crucial to enabling the entire process; missing or inappropriately used signals can cause significant issues when many separate domain models are integrated into a single simulation. To help system engineers better manage these interfaces across a broad variety of applications, a SysML-based modeling approach is proposed to describe these models and their interfaces formally and completely. However, even with a consistent modeling approach, creating and managing interfaces across a large number of domains and applications can be a significant, error-prone task. To reduce the amount of manual modeling work required and help scale the process for complex models, an interface management framework is proposed to help automate the process of importing existing interfaces, routing and visualizing them, and exporting model templates for developers to use when creating new models. By automating this process, it becomes significantly easier to reuse models across simulation architectures (rather than creating new models from scratch) and frees up resources to create more accurate simulations throughout a system's design.
Nonlinear Responses of Inextensible Cantilever and Free–Free Beams Undergoing Large Deflections
Authors: McHugh Kevin , Dowell Earl
Published: March 2018

A theoretical and computational model has been developed for the nonlinear motion of an inextensible beam undergoing large deflections for cantilevered and free–free boundary conditions. The inextensibility condition was enforced through a Lagrange multiplier which acted as a constraint force. The Rayleigh–Ritz method was used by expanding the deflections and the constraint force in modal series. Lagrange's equations were used to derive the equations of motion of the system, and a fourth-order Runge–Kutta solver was used to solve them. Comparisons for the cantilevered beam were drawn to experimental and computational results previously published and show good agreement for responses to both static and dynamic point forces. Some physical insights into the cantilevered beam response at the first and second resonant modes were obtained. The free–free beam condition was investigated at the first and third resonant modes, and the nonlinearity (primarily inertia) was shown to shift the resonant frequency significantly from the linear natural frequency and lead to hysteresis in both modes.
Detecting Changes in Fiber Orientation in a Simulated Chopped Fiber Plate Using Curvature Mode Shapes
Authors: Meyer Janette J. , Adams Douglas E.
Published: March 2018

The use of chopped fibers in the manufacturing of carbon fiber composite parts is becoming more popular in order to reduce production costs, especially in the automotive, wind, and gas storage industries. The orientation of the fibers in a chopped fiber part is important because the material properties of the part depend upon it. Phenomena such as shear alignment can result in undesired material properties, and therefore, a method for detecting the presence of undesired fiber orientations is needed. In this paper, a metric based on a part's curvature mode shapes is developed to identify the presence and location of fibers whose orientation is different from that of a desired alignment. A proof-of-concept experimental analysis shows the effectiveness of the metric at locating a region in a carbon fiber laminate plate that has been modified by rotating the fibers 90 deg. A finite element model is also developed to validate the experimental results and explore other modification scenarios. In each case, the metric is effective in identifying areas in which fiber alignment changed relative to a baseline model. In one case, a change as small as 3 deg was identified.
A Uniaxial Testing Approach for Consistent Failure in Vascular Tissues
Authors: Sang Chao , Maiti Spandan , Fortunato Ronald N. , Kofler Julia , Robertson Anne M.
Published: March 2018

Although uniaxial tensile testing is commonly used to evaluate failure properties of vascular tissue, there is no established protocol for specimen shape or gripping method. Large percentages of specimens are reported to fail near the clamp and can potentially confound the studies, or, if discarded will result in sample waste. The objective of this study is to identify sample geometry and clamping conditions that can achieve consistent failure in the midregion of small arterial specimens, even for vessels from older individuals. Failure location was assessed in 17 dogbone specimens from human cerebral and sheep carotid arteries using soft inserts. For comparison with commonly used protocols, an additional 22 rectangular samples were tested using either sandpaper or foam tape inserts. Midsample failure was achieved in 94% of the dogbone specimens, while only 14% of the rectangular samples failed in the midregion, the other 86% failing close to the clamps. Additionally, we found midregion failure was more likely to be abrupt, caused by cracking or necking. In contrast, clamp failure was more likely to be gradual and included a delamination mode not seen in midregion failure. Hence, this work provides an approach that can be used to obtain consistent midspecimen failure, avoiding confounding clamp-related artifacts. Furthermore, with consistent midregion failure, studies can be designed to image the failure process in small vascular samples providing valuable quantitative information about changes to collagen and elastin structure during the failure process.
Study on Fracture Initiation Mechanisms of Hydraulic Refracturing Guided by Directional Boreholes
Authors: Guo Tiankui , Gong Facheng , Qu Zhanqing , Tian Xuxin , Liu Binyan
Published: March 2018

In order to generate a new fracture far away from the original fracture in refracturing and effectively enhancing productivity, the technology of hydraulic refracturing guided by directional boreholes was presented. The effects of induced stress generated by the original hydraulic fracture, fracturing fluid percolation effect, wellbore internal pressure, and in situ stress on stress field distribution around wellbore were considered to obtain a fracture initiation model of hydraulic refracturing guided by two directional boreholes. The variation of maximum principal stress (σmax) under different conditions was investigated. The researches show that the directional boreholes result in a “sudden change region” of maximum principal stress around wellbore, reflecting dual stresses effects from vertical wellbore and directional boreholes on the rock. The width of sudden change region decreases as the distance from wellbore increases. Due to sudden change region, the refracturing fracture tends to initiate around directional boreholes. Whether the new fracture initiates and propagates along directional boreholes depends on comprehensive effect of borehole azimuth, borehole diameter, borehole spacing, horizontal stress difference, height, and net pressure of original fracture. The specific initiation position can be calculated using the theoretical model proposed in this paper. Affected by induced stress of the original fracturing, the rock tends to be compressed during refracturing, i.e., increased fracturing pressure. Sensitivity analysis with “extended Fourier amplitude sensitivity test (EFAST)” method shows the initiation of new fracture is mainly controlled by directional boreholes parameters and has little relation with in situ stress and parameters of original fracture. The influence rank of each parameter is as follows: borehole diameter > borehole spacing > original fracture net stress > borehole azimuth > horizontal stress difference > original fracture height. During design of refracturing, in order to better play the role of directional boreholes, and create a new fracture far away from original fracture, the optimal design is conducted with measures of optimizing boreholes azimuth, increasing borehole diameter and reducing borehole spacing if conditions permit. The research provides the theoretical basis for hydraulic refracturing guided by directional boreholes, which is helpful for the design of fracturing construction programs.
Secondary Spontaneous Combustion Characteristics of Coal Based on Programed Temperature Experiments
Authors: Wang Gang , Liu Qiqi , Sun Lulu , Song Xiang , Du Wenzhou , Yan Daocheng , Wang Yue
Published: March 2018

In this report, the influence of pre-oxidation degree and ventilation flow on the parameters of spontaneous combustion of coal (temperature, gas concentration, and exothermic intensity) was studied in six sets of programed temperature experiments. The experimental results showed that the pre-oxidation exerted a positive effect on the spontaneous combustion parameters of coal in the early stage of coal-oxygen recombination reaction, but exerted an inhibitory effect in the later stage of coal-oxygen oxidation reaction. Air supply rate had a positive correlation with the initial oxidation of coal samples and 90 °C pre-oxidation spontaneous combustion parameters. Air supply rate had negative correlation with 140 °C pre-oxidation of coal samples. Meanwhile, secondary oxidation significantly reduced the characteristic temperature of coal. The critical temperature of each coal sample was 83.7 °C (coal sample 1-Y), 68.3 °C (coal sample 1-L), 69.6 °C (coal sample 1-G), 82.1 °C (Coal sample 2-Y), 70.4 °C (coal sample 2-L), and 70.0 °C (coal sample 2-G), and dry cracking temperature was 142.6 °C (coal sample 1-Y), 134.8 °C (coal sample 1-L), 136.2 °C (coal sample 1-G), 147.2 °C (coal sample 2-Y), 136.5 °C (coal sample 2-L), and 134.4 °C (coal sample 2-G). The curves of the characteristic parameters of primary and secondary oxidized coal showed exponential growth. And the oxidation process can be divided into three stages, the first stage (30 °C ∼ critical temperature), the second stage (critical temperature ∼ dry cracking temperature), and the third stage (over the dry temperature).
Gain-of-function mutations in the gene encoding the tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 induce hydrocephalus in a catalytically dependent manner
Authors: Zheng Hong , Yu Wen-Mei , Waclaw Ronald R. , Kontaridis Maria I. , Neel Benjamin G. , Qu Cheng-Kui
Published: March 2018

The catalytic activity of the phosphatase SHP2 is required for the proper development of ependymal cells in the mouse.
Bet 1: Can induced hypertension improve outcome following acute traumatic spinal cord injury?
Authors: Bertram-Ralph Elliott , Horner Daniel
Published: March 2018

A shortcut review was carried out to establish whether augmentation of blood pressure to a high mean arterial pressure (MAP) target in the early phase of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) could lead to improvements in morbidity or mortality. 23 directly relevant papers were found using the reported search strategy. Of these, two systematic reviews collated the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication; patient group studied; study type; relevant outcomes; results and study weaknesses of the best papers are tabulated. It is concluded that data from observational cohort studies support high MAP targets and avoidance of hypotension in the early stages of traumatic SCI, but there are insufficient trial data to support routine use as best practice. Given the intervention carries risk, induced hypertension requires careful consideration on a case-by-case basis.
Paradigm for diagnosing mycobacterial disease: direct detection and differentiation ofMycobacterium tuberculosiscomplex and non-tuberculous mycobacteria in clinical specimens using multiplex real-time PCR
Authors: Kim Jeong-Uk , Ryu Dae-Shick , Cha Choong-Hwan , Park Seon-Hee
Published: March 2018

Aims

Mycobacterium tuberculosisand non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are clinically different, and the rapid detection and differentiation ofM. tuberculosiscomplex (MTBC) and NTM is crucial for patient management and infection control. Given the slow growth of most pathogenic mycobacteria, nucleic acid amplification assays are excellent tools for direct identification of mycobacteria in clinical specimens. Recently, a multiplex real-time PCR assay was developed that can directly detect 20 mycobacterial species in clinical specimens. Here, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of the assay for diagnosing mycobacterial disease under routine laboratory conditions.

Methods

A total of 3334 specimens collected from 1437 patients suspected of tuberculosis infection were subjected to acid-fast bacilli staining, conventional culture and the multiplex real-time PCR assay. To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the assay, the overall diagnosis of tuberculosis was defined by positive culture plus medical history, and the 2007 American Thoracic Society and Infectious Disease Society of America diagnostic criteria for NTM disease were applied.

Results

The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 87.5%, 99.6%, 96.1% and 98.5%, respectively, for the detection of MTBC isolates and 53.3%, 99.9%, 95.2%, and 98.9%, respectively, for detecting NTM isolates.

Conclusions

Thus, the assay can correctly differentiate between MTBC and NTM isolates in clinical specimens and would be a useful tool for the rapid differentiation of tuberculosis and NTM disease, despite its limited sensitivity for the diagnosis of NTM disease.
Dissemination of results from medical student public health research training and factors associated with publication
Authors: Al-Busaidi Ibrahim Saleh , Tarr Gregory Patrick
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To examine factors associated with successful publications resulting from mandatory public health research training attachment, the Trainee Intern Health Care Evaluation (TIHE) projects, at the University of Otago, Dunedin School of Medicine, New Zealand.

Methods

A total of 227 TIHE projects completed during the period from January 1985 to December 2013 were included in the study. In February 2016, Medline and Google Scholar databases were searched independently by both authors for publications using predefined search criteria.

Results

Overall, 25 (11.1%) out of 227 projects resulted in 19 articles, 3 conference presentations/abstracts and 4 cited report abstracts. Nineteen (8.4%) projects resulted in 22 peer-reviewed journal publications, the majority of which were original articles (86.4%). The number of projects commissioned by a client was independently associated with the likelihood of publication, conference abstract or citation of the project report (OR 1.40; P<0.01, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.71). The number of authors and the number of non-student authors were positively associated with publication in higher impact journals, while student first-authored articles were more likely to be published in lower impact journals. Projects completed in more recent years were more likely to be published.

Conclusions

Mandatory medical student research experiences promote tangible research output. These findings may help to influence policy around the introduction of required medical school research and facilitate encouraging academic careers among medical students. Future research could focus on examining how different student-related, supervisor-related and programme-related factors influence publication rates from mandatory medical student research attachments.
Deformed exponentials and portfolio selection
Authors: Rodrigues Ana Flávia P. , Guerreiro Igor M. , Cavalcante Charles Casimiro
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we present a method for portfolio selection based on the consideration on deformed exponentials in order to generalize the methods based on the gaussianity of the returns in portfolio, such as the Markowitz model. The proposed method generalizes the idea of optimizing mean-variance and mean-divergence models and allows a more accurate behavior for situations where heavy-tails distributions are necessary to describe the returns in a given time instant, such as those observed in economic crises. Numerical results show the proposed method outperforms the Markowitz portfolio for the cumulated returns with a good convergence rate of the weights for the assets which are searched by means of a natural gradient algorithm.
∗-Ricci Soliton within the frame-work of Sasakian and (κ,μ)-contact manifold
Authors: Ghosh Amalendu , Patra Dhriti Sundar
Published: March 2018

We prove that if a Sasakian metric is a ∗-Ricci Soliton, then it is either positive Sasakian, or null-Sasakian. Next, we prove that if a complete Sasakian metric is an almost gradient ∗-Ricci Soliton, then it is positive-Sasakian and isometric to a unit sphere [Formula: see text]. Finally, we classify nontrivial ∗-Ricci Solitons on non-Sasakian [Formula: see text]-contact manifolds.
Omnipresent Economics: The Belt-and-Road-Initiative (BRI) Underpinning
Authors: Feng Da Hsuan , Liang Haiming
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we will discuss at length a founding theoretical underpinning for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which we term as “omnipresent economics.” We will also discuss how such economics could allow China to work with the United States, European nations, emergent nations as well as developing nations. We also discuss the recent trend of mobile payments in which China is now a leader, and predict how it may allow nations to flourish under such a system. Finally, we will discuss how such economics could render global economy stable.
Structural development of the northern Dutch offshore: Paleozoic to present
Authors: ter Borgh M. M. , Jaarsma B. , Rosendaal E. A.
Published: March 2018

We used new high-quality 2D and 3D seismic data covering the northern Dutch offshore to develop a structural framework for Paleozoic–recent times. Early Carboniferous extension was accommodated predominantly along WNW–ESE-trending faults, and was characterized by an alternation of highs and lows; in the northern Dutch offshore, the principal high coincides with the present-day Elbow Spit Platform. An Early Carboniferous low, the North Elbow Basin, is present north of this high in the A and B quadrants. Lower Carboniferous deposits have been preserved here and on the Elbow Spit Platform. Late Carboniferous–Early Rotliegend deformation is accommodated primarily along normal faults with a NE–SW trend. These faults commonly show no significant offset of Upper Rotliegend and younger units. Development of the Dutch Central Graben and Step Graben occurred during the Triassic–Early Cretaceous, primarily along north–south-trending faults, but reactivation of pre-existing faults as oblique-slip faults occurred as well. Associated with these north–south-trending faults was another, not previously described, family of WSW–ENE-trending dextral strike-slip faults which are proposed to represent transfer faults that accommodated strain partitioning.
Neuropharmacological Potential and Delivery Prospects of Thymoquinone for Neurological Disorders
Authors: Jakaria Md. , Cho Duk-Yeon , Ezazul Haque Md. , Karthivashan Govindarajan , Kim In-Su , Ganesan Palanivel , Choi Dong-Kug
Published: March 2018

Thymoquinone (TQ) is an active ingredient isolated from Nigella sativa and has various pharmacological activities, such as protection against oxidative stress, inflammation, and infections. In addition, it might be a potential neuropharmacological agent because it exhibits versatile potential for attenuating neurological impairments. It features greater beneficial effects in toxin‐induced neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity. In various models of neurological disorders, it demonstrates emergent functions, including safeguarding various neurodegenerative diseases and other neurological diseases, such as stroke, schizophrenia, and epilepsy. TQ also has potential effects in trauma mediating and chemical‐, radiation‐, and drug‐induced central nervous system injuries. Considering the pharmacokinetic limitations, research has concentrated on different TQ novel formulations and delivery systems. Here, we visualize the neuropharmacological potential, challenges, and delivery prospects of TQ, specifically focusing on neurological disorders along with its chemistry, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity.
Trueperella pyogenesandBrucella abortusCoinfection in a Dog and a Cat on a Dairy Farm in Egypt with Recurrent Cases of Mastitis and Abortion
Authors: Wareth Gamal , El-Diasty Mohamed , Melzer Falk , Murugaiyan Jayaseelan , Abdulmawjood Amir , Sprague Lisa D. , Neubauer Heinrich
Published: March 2018

Trueperella pyogeneswas isolated from a dog and a cat with a mixed infection withBrucella abortus. Both lived on a dairy cattle farm with a history of regular cases of abortion and mastitis. Identification of the bacteria was done by means of MALDI-TOF MS, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) based oncpn60, partial 16S rRNA sequencing, and growth on Loeffler Serum Medium. Isolation ofTrueperella pyogeneson the dairy farm highlights its neglected role in reproduction failure and draws attention to its effects in the dairy industry in Egypt. Diagnosis and control of abortion in Egypt should includeTrueperella pyogenesas one of possible causes of abortion.
Dentigerous Cystic Changes in the Follicles Associated with Radiographically Normal Impacted Mandibular Third Molars
Authors: Dongol Ashok , Sagtani Alok , Jaisani Mehul Rajesh , Singh Arpita , Shrestha Ashish , Pradhan Anju , Acharya Pradeep , Yadav Anjani Kumar , Yadav Ram Prasad , Mahat Arun Kumar , Maharjan Iccha Kumar , Pradhan Leeza
Published: March 2018

Objective. To assess the incidence of dentigerous cystic changes in the follicles of radiographically normal impacted mandibular third molars. Methods. One hundred and thirteen follicles obtained after surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars with radiolucency of less than 2.5 mm in the radiograph were sent for histopathologic evaluation to evaluate pathologic changes. Results. The incidence of dentigerous cystic changes observed was 15.9%, that is, 18 out of 113 patients (51 males and 62 females), with the maximum incidence of cystic changes seen in the follicular space size of 0.5 mm. The mean age of the patients included was 27.8 ± 8.1. The most common indication for extraction among the patients in this study was recurrent pericoronitis (95%). There were no statistically significant differences in occurrence of cystic changes based on age, gender, angulation, relation to ramus, depth, side of impaction, and follicle size (P>0.05). Conclusion. Dental follicles obtained from surgically removed impacted mandibular third molars should be submitted for histopathologic examination irrespective of the radiographic size of the follicle.
Valorizing Rice Straw and Its Anaerobically Digested Residues for Biochar to Remove Pb(II) from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Li Jinyang , Shen Fei , Yang Gang , Zhang Yanzong , Deng Shihuai , Zhang Jing , Zeng Yongmei , Luo Tao , Mei Zili
Published: March 2018

To seek a new path to valorize rice straw (RS) and its anaerobically digested residues (DRS), biochar production at different temperatures for removing Pb(II) from aqueous solution and its basic physicochemical characteristics for elucidating potentially adsorption mechanisms were investigated. Overall, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), ash, specific surface area (SA), micronutrient content, and aromaticity of RS biochars (RSBCs) and DRS biochars (DRSBCs) increased with the promoted pyrolysis temperature, and opposite trends were found on the yield, volatile matter, H, N, and O. Lower pH and K content but higher yield, carbon stability, and N and P content were achieved by DRSBCs. Consequently, DRSBCs exhibited lower Pb(II) removal, which was 0.15–0.35 of RSBCs. Maximum adsorption capacities of 276.3 and 90.5 mg·g−1 were achieved by RSBC and DRSBC, respectively, at 500°C. However, distinct mechanisms dominated Pb(II) removal, in which carbonates and carboxylates were responsible for RSBCs, and phosphate silicate precipitation and complexation with carboxylate groups controlled DRSBCs.
Modeling Chickenpox Dynamics with a Discrete Time Bayesian Stochastic Compartmental Model
Authors: Corberán-Vallet A. , Santonja F. J. , Jornet-Sanz M. , Villanueva R.-J.
Published: March 2018

We present a Bayesian stochastic susceptible‐exposed‐infectious‐recovered model in discrete time to understand chickenpox transmission in the Valencian Community, Spain. During the last decades, different strategies have been introduced in the routine immunization program in order to reduce the impact of this disease, which remains a public health’s great concern. Under this scenario, a model capable of explaining closely the dynamics of chickenpox under the different vaccination strategies is of utter importance to assess their effectiveness. The proposed model takes into account both heterogeneous mixing of individuals in the population and the inherent stochasticity in the transmission of the disease. As shown in a comparative study, these assumptions are fundamental to describe properly the evolution of the disease. The Bayesian analysis of the model allows us to calculate the posterior distribution of the model parameters and the posterior predictive distribution of chickenpox incidence, which facilitates the computation of point forecasts and prediction intervals.
Intramuscular (Infiltrating) Lipoma of the Floor of the Mouth
Authors: Joshua Ben-Zion , Bodner Lipa , Shaco-Levy Ruthy
Published: March 2018

Lipoma is a very common soft tissue neoplasm, but only infrequently found in the oral region. Intramuscular lipoma (IML) is a relatively common variant of lipoma. The most common site for IML is the large muscles of the extremities, and it is quite rare in the oral cavity. A case of IML affecting the floor of the mouth/tongue of a 42-year-old female is described. The patient presented with a 4 cm diameter yellow mass in the right side of the sublingual area. Axial and coronal magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated its infiltrating nature that can be distinguished from the ordinary well-encapsulated lesion. The lesion was excised with adequate surgical margins. Histopathologically, the lesion was composed of mature adipose tissue that infiltrated the muscle in a diffuse manner. No lipoblasts, atypical cells, or high mitotic index were found. There was no evidence of recurrence two years postoperatively. Review of the literature yielded that IML occurring in the sublingual region is extremely rare.
Accurate 3D Mapping Algorithm for Flexible Antennas
Authors: Asaly Saed , Ben-Moshe Boaz , Shvalb Nir
Published: March 2018

This work addresses the problem of performing an accurate 3D mapping of a flexible antenna surface. Consider a high-gain satellite flexible antenna; even a submillimeter change in the antenna surface may lead to a considerable loss in the antenna gain. Using a robotic subreflector, such changes can be compensated for. Yet, in order to perform such tuning, an accurate 3D mapping of the main antenna is required. This paper presents a general method for performing an accurate 3D mapping of marked surfaces such as satellite dish antennas. Motivated by the novel technology for nanosatellites with flexible high-gain antennas, we propose a new accurate mapping framework which requires a small-sized monocamera and known patterns on the antenna surface. The experimental result shows that the presented mapping method can detect changes up to 0.1-millimeter accuracy, while the camera is located 1 meter away from the dish, allowing an RF antenna optimization for Ka and Ku frequencies. Such optimization process can improve the gain of the flexible antennas and allow an adaptive beam shaping. The presented method is currently being implemented on a nanosatellite which is scheduled to be launched at the end of 2018.
Induction of NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation by Heme in Human Endothelial Cells
Authors: Erdei Judit , Tóth Andrea , Balogh Enikő , Nyakundi Benard Bogonko , Bányai Emese , Ryffel Bernhard , Paragh György , Cordero Mario D. , Jeney Viktória
Published: March 2018

Hemolytic or hemorrhagic episodes are often associated with inflammation even when infectious agents are absent suggesting that red blood cells (RBCs) release damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). DAMPs activate immune and nonimmune cells through pattern recognition receptors. Heme, released from RBCs, is a DAMP and induces IL‐1β production through the activation of the nucleotide‐binding domain and leucine‐rich repeat‐containing family and pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) in macrophages; however, other cellular targets of heme‐mediated inflammasome activation were not investigated. Because of their location, endothelial cells can be largely exposed to RBC‐derived DAMPs; therefore, we investigated whether heme and other hemoglobin‐ (Hb‐) derived species induce NLRP3 inflammasome activation in these cells. We found that heme upregulated NLRP3 expression and induced active IL‐1β production in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). LPS priming largely amplified the heme‐mediated production of IL‐1β. Heme administration into C57BL/6 mice induced caspase‐1 activation and cleavage of IL‐1β which was not observed in NLRP3−/− mice. Unfettered production of reactive oxygen species played a critical role in heme‐mediated NLRP3 activation. Activation of NLRP3 by heme required structural integrity of the heme molecule, as neither protoporphyrin IX nor iron‐induced IL‐1β production. Neither naive nor oxidized forms of Hb were able to induce IL‐1β production in HUVECs. Our results identified endothelial cells as a target of heme‐mediated NLRP3 activation that can contribute to the inflammation triggered by sterile hemolysis. Thus, understanding the characteristics and cellular counterparts of RBC‐derived DAMPs might allow us to identify new therapeutic targets for hemolytic diseases.
Timing of Frontal Plane Trunk Lean, Not Magnitude, Mediates Frontal Plane Knee Joint Loading in Patients with Moderate Medial Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Hálfdanardóttir Freyja , Ramsey Dan K. , Briem Kristín
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of trunk lean and contralateral hip abductor strength on the peak knee adduction moment (KAM) and rate of loading in persons with moderate medial knee osteoarthritis. Thirty-one males (17 with osteoarthritis, 14 controls) underwent 3-dimensional motion analysis, strength testing of hip abductors, and knee range of motion (ROM) measures, as well as completing the knee osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS). No differences were found between groups or limbs for gait cycle duration, but the osteoarthritis group had longer double-limb support during weight acceptance (p<0.001) and delayed frontal plane trunk motion towards the stance limb (p<0.01). This was reflected by a lower rate of loading for the osteoarthritis group compared to controls (p<0.001), whereas no differences were found for peak KAM. Trunk angle, contralateral hip abductor strength, and BMI explained the rate of loading at the involved knee (p<0.001), an association not found for the contralateral knee or control knees. Prolonged trunk lean over the stance limb may help lower peak KAM values. Rate of frontal plane knee joint loading may partly be mediated by the contralateral limb’s abductor strength, accentuating the importance of bilateral lower limb strength for persons with knee osteoarthritis.
Preparation of a New Borehole Sealing Material of Coal Seam Water Infusion
Authors: Wang Gang , Liu Hao , Luo Jianhong , Xu Hao , Liu Qiqi , Zhou Xiaohua , Hu Yanwei , Liu Xuelin
Published: March 2018

To improve the borehole sealing effect of coal seam water infusion, especially that of coal seam with low permeability and high rigidity, this study investigated the performance test optimization of two cement‐based sealing materials. The borehole sealing effect of this coal seam requires high‐pressure water infusion. Result shows that when the water‐cement ratio is 0.4 and the amount of fiber expansive agent is 10%, the new borehole sealing material displays microexpansion. In addition, the 1‐day compressive strength reaches 16 MPa. This result satisfies the material compressive strength requirement under 30 MPa high‐pressure water infusion. The sealing performance is also excellent. According to the scanning electron microscopy analysis of new borehole and traditional borehole sealing materials, the surface of new borehole sealing material shows no holes and possesses compactness. The sealing effect is superior to that of other traditional sealing materials. This effect can satisfy the sealing requirement of coal seam water infusion. The new borehole sealing material is considerably significant for the improvement of the water infusion effect.
The Impact of the Construction of Sponge Cities on the Surface Runoff in Watersheds, China
Authors: Dong Guoqiang , Weng Baisha , Qin Tianling , Yan Denghua , Wang Hao , Gong Boya , Bi Wuxia , Xing Ziqiang
Published: March 2018

In order to study the effect of the construction of the sponge cites on the process of urban water circulation in China, we analyzed the precipitation data from 756 stations across China between 1961 and 2011 and national land-use data in 2014. The spatial distribution characteristics of built-up area and amount of annual average runoff interception in sponge cities were explored in five different zonal scale levels. Assuming that the sponge cities have been built at the national-level construction land and the volume capture ratio of annual runoff is taken as 85%, the amount of annual average runoff interception in sponge cities is 988.58 × 108 m3 during 1961 to 2011 in China, where the annual precipitation is greater than or equal to 400 mm. The cities with more amount of annual average runoff interception are mostly distributed in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Pearl River Delta. As to the Haihe River Basin, the annual average amount of surface water resources is 135.69 × 108 m3 between 2005 and 2014, and the amount of annual average runoff interception is 219.58 × 108 m3 from 1961 to 2011. The construction of sponge cities has the greatest impact on the surface water resources in the Haihe River Basin. Taking 80%–85% as the volume capture ratio of annual runoff in sponge cities is not reasonable, which may lead to the irrational exploitation and utilization of regional water and soil resources.
Ingredients from Litsea garrettii as Potential Preventive Agents against Oxidative Insult and Inflammatory Response
Authors: Li Yan-Ru , Li Guo-Hui , Sun Lin , Li Lin , Liu Yue , Kong De-Gang , Wang Shu-Qi , Ren Dong-Mei , Wang Xiao-Ning , Lou Hong-Xiang , Shen Tao
Published: March 2018

Oxidative stress and inflammation undoubtedly contribute to the pathogenesis of many human diseases. The nuclear transcription factor erythroid 2‐related factor (Nrf2) and the nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) play central roles in regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation and thus are targets for developing agents against oxidative stress‐ and inflammation‐related diseases. Our previous study indicated that the EtOH extract of Litsea garrettii protected human bronchial epithelial cells against oxidative insult via the activation of Nrf2. In the present study, a systemic phytochemical investigation of L. garrettii led to the isolation of twenty‐one chemical ingredients, which were further evaluated for their inhibitions on oxidative stress and inflammation using NAD(P)H:quinone reductase (QR) assay and nitric oxide (NO) production assay. Of these ingredients, 3‐methoxy‐5‐pentyl‐phenol (MPP, 5) was identified as an Nrf2 activator and an NF‐κB inhibitor. Further studies demonstrated the following: (i) MPP upregulated the protein levels of Nrf2, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), and glutamate‐cysteine ligase regulatory subunit (GCLM); enhanced the nuclear translocation and stabilization of Nrf2; and inhibited arsenic [As(III)]‐induced oxidative insult in normal human lung epithelial Beas‐2B cells. And (ii) MPP suppressed the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB p65 subunit; inhibited the lipopolysaccharide‐ (LPS‐) stimulated increases of NF‐κB p65 subunit, COX‐2, iNOS, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β; and blocked the LPS‐induced biodegrade of IκB‐α in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. Taken together, MPP displayed potential preventive effects against inflammation‐ and oxidative stress‐related diseases.
Cotargeting BCL-2 and PI3K Induces BAX-Dependent Mitochondrial Apoptosis in AML Cells
Authors: Rahmani Mohamed , Nkwocha Jewel , Hawkins Elisa , Pei Xinyan , Parker Rebecca E. , Kmieciak Maciej , Leverson Joel D. , Sampath Deepak , Ferreira-Gonzalez Andrea , Grant Steven
Published: March 2018

Inhibitors targeting BCL-2 apoptotic proteins have significant potential for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML); however, complete responses are observed in only 20% of patients, suggesting that targeting BCL-2 alone is insufficient to yield durable responses. Here, we assessed the efficacy of coadministration of the PI3K/mTOR inhibitor GDC-0980 or the p110β-sparing PI3K inhibitor taselisib with the selective BCL-2 antagonist venetoclax in AML cells. Tetracycline-inducible downregulation of BCL-2 significantly sensitized MV4-11 and MOLM-13 AML cells to PI3K inhibition. Venetoclax/GDC-0980 coadministration induced rapid and pronounced BAX mitochondrial translocation, cytochrome c release, and apoptosis in various AML cell lines in association with AKT/mTOR inactivation and MCL-1 downregulation; ectopic expression of MCL-1 significantly protected cells from this regimen. Combined treatment was also effective against primary AML blasts from 17 patients, including those bearing various genetic abnormalities. Venetoclax/GDC-0980 markedly induced apoptosis in primitive CD34+/38−/123+ AML cell populations but not in normal hematopoietic progenitor CD34+ cells. The regimen was also active against AML cells displaying intrinsic or acquired venetoclax resistance or tumor microenvironment–associated resistance. Either combinatorial treatment markedly reduced AML growth and prolonged survival in a systemic AML xenograft mouse model and diminished AML growth in two patient-derived xenograft models. Venetoclax/GDC-0980 activity was partially diminished in BAK−/− cells and failed to induce apoptosis in BAX−/− and BAX−/−BAK−/− cells, whereas BIM−/− cells were fully sensitive. Similar results were observed with venetoclax alone in in vitro and in vivo systemic xenograft models. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that venetoclax/GDC-0980 exhibits potent anti-AML activity primarily through BAX and, to a lesser extent, BAK. These findings argue that dual BCL-2 and PI3K inhibition warrants further evaluation in AML.

Significance: Combined treatment with clinically relevant PI3K and BCL-2 inhibitors may prove effective in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. Cancer Res; 78(11); 3075–86. ©2018 AACR.