bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergency response facilities including primary and secondary prevention strategies across 79 professional football clubs in England
Authors: Malhotra Aneil , Dhutia Harshil , Gati Sabiha , Yeo Tee-Joo , Finnochiaro Gherardo , Keteepe-Arachi Tracey , Richards Thomas , Walker Mike , Birt Robin , Stuckey David , Robinson Laurence , Tome Maite , Beasley Ian , Papadakis Michael , Sharma Sanjay
Published: June 2017

Aim

To assess the emergency response planning and prevention strategies for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) across a wide range of professional football clubs in England.

Methods

A written survey was sent to all professional clubs in the English football league, namely the Premiership, Championship, League 1 and League 2. Outcomes included: (1) number of clubs performing cardiac screening and frequency of screening; (2) emergency planning and documentation; (3) automated external defibrillator (AED) training and availability; and (4) provision of emergency services at sporting venues.

Results

79 clubs (86%) responded to the survey. 100% clubs participated in cardiac screening. All clubs had AEDs available on match days and during training sessions. 100% Premiership clubs provided AED training to designated staff. In contrast, 30% of lower division clubs with AEDs available did not provide formal training. Most clubs (n=66; 83%) reported the existence of an emergency action plan for SCA but formal documentation was variable. All clubs in the Premiership and League 1 provided an ambulance equipped for medical emergencies on match days compared with 75% of clubs in the Championship and 66% in League 2.

Conclusions

The majority of football clubs in England have satisfactory prevention strategies and emergency response planning in line with European recommendations. Additional improvements such as increasing awareness of European guidelines for emergency planning, AED training and mentorship with financial support to lower division clubs are necessary to further enhance cardiovascular safety of athletes and spectators and close the gap between the highest and lower divisions.
Effect of dexmedetomidine in the prophylactic endoscopic injection sclerotherapy for oesophageal varices: a study protocol for prospective interventional study
Authors: Nishikawa Hiroki , Iwata Yoshinori , Ishii Akio , Enomoto Hirayuki , Yuri Yukihisa , Ishii Noriko , Miyamoto Yuho , Hasegawa Kunihiro , Nakano Chikage , Takata Ryo , Nishimura Takashi , Yoh Kazunori , Aizawa Nobuhiro , Sakai Yoshiyuki , Ikeda Naoto , Takashima Tomoyuki , Iijima Hiroko , Nishiguchi Shuhei
Published: June 2017

Background

Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a novel, highly selective α2-adrenoceptor agonist that elicits sedative, amnestic, sympatholytic and analgesic effects in patients. Several Japanese investigators have reported the clinical usefulness of DEX for sedation in endoscopic therapies for gastrointestinal malignancies; however, there have been limited data regarding the usefulness and safety of DEX for sedation during endoscopic procedures for oesophageal varices (OVs), such as endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS). In this prospective, single-arm interventional study, we aimed to elucidate these issues.

Methods

Patients who require two or more sessions of prophylactic EIS for the treatment of OVs will be enrolled in this prospective interventional study. EIS procedures include two methods: (1) sedation during endoscopic procedures will be performed using conventional methods (pentazocine (PNZ) and midazolam (MDZ)), and (2) sedation during endoscopic procedures will be performed using PNZ, low-dose MDZ and DEX. These two methods were randomly assigned in the first and second EIS. The effect and safety of these two procedures with respect to patient sedation are to be compared with the degree of sedation evaluated using the Bispectral Index monitoring system (Aspect Medical Systems, Norwood, Massachusetts, USA).

Ethics and dissemination

This study received approval from the Institutional Review Board at Hyogo College of Medicine (approval no. 2324). The authors are committed to publishing the study results as widely as possible in peer-reviewed journals, and to ensuring that appropriate recognition is provided to everyone who is working on this study.

Trial registration number

UMIN000026688; Pre-results.
Setting the research and implementation agenda for equitable access to surgical care in South Africa
Authors: Rayne Sarah , Burger Sule , Straten Stephanie Van , Biccard Bruce , Phaahla Mathume Joseph , Smith Martin
Published: June 2017

South Africa is an upper-middle-income country with widespread social and geographical inequality of surgical provision. The National Forum on Surgery and Anaesthesia in South Africa brought together various stakeholders, including government, societies, academic clinicians and the biomedical industry, to define the core strategy for a national surgical plan.

During the forum, presentations and breakaway workshops explored and reported the challenges and opportunities these stakeholders may have in sustaining and improving surgical provision in South Africa. We present the recommendations of these reports with a literature review and other recent reports from organisations involved in healthcare systems in South Africa.

We acknowledge the importance of access to safe and affordable surgery for all as a core component of healthcare provision for South Africa. The proposed core strategies for a South African National Surgical Plan to achieve these goals are the following. First, research will focus on high-quality interdisciplinary collaborative research and audit, which addresses the Global Surgery indices, adopts internationally consistent data points and focuses particularly on maternal mortality and the ‘Bellwether procedures’. Second, workforce and training must be tailored to the country’s specific surgical needs, based on a primary healthcare and district hospital model, which is supported by government and academic organisations. Third, the surgical infrastructure and service delivery needs to be strengthened by the district hospital. Finally, strong leadership with appropriate financial support by healthcare managers who partner with clinicians both locally and nationally is needed to achieve these objectives.
Prevalence of non-communicable disease risk factors in three sites across Papua New Guinea: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Rarau Patricia , Vengiau Gwendalyn , Gouda Hebe , Phuanukoonon Suparat , Kevau Isi H , Bullen Chris , Scragg Robert , Riley Ian , Marks Geoffrey , Umezaki Masahiro , Morita Ayako , Oldenburg Brian , McPake Barbara , Pulford Justin
Published: June 2017

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a culturally, environmentally and ethnically diverse country of 7.3 million people experiencing rapid economic development and social change. Such development is typically associated with an increase in non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors.

Aim

To establish the prevalence of NCD risk factors in three different regions across PNG in order to guide appropriate prevention and control measures.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was undertaken with randomly selected adults (15–65 years), stratified by age and sex recruited from the general population of integrated Health and Demographic Surveillance Sites in West Hiri (periurban), Asaro (rural highland) and Karkar Island (rural island), PNG. A modified WHO STEPS risk factor survey was administered along with anthropometric and biochemical measures on study participants.

Results

The prevalence of NCD risk factors was markedly different across the three sites. For example, the prevalences of current alcohol consumption at 43% (95% CI 35 to 52), stress at 46% (95% CI 40 to 52), obesity at 22% (95% CI 18 to 28), hypertension at 22% (95% CI 17 to 28), elevated levels of cholesterol at 24% (95% CI 19 to 29) and haemoglobin A1c at 34% (95% CI 29 to 41) were highest in West Hiri relative to the rural areas. However, central obesity at 90% (95% CI 86 to 93) and prehypertension at 55% (95% CI 42 to 62) were most common in Asaro whereas prevalences of smoking, physical inactivity and low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels at 52% (95% CI 45 to 59), 34% (95% CI 26 to 42) and 62% (95% CI 56 to 68), respectively, were highest in Karkar Island.

Conclusion

Adult residents in the three different communities are at high risk of developing NCDs, especially the West Hiri periurban population. There is an urgent need for appropriate multisectoral preventive interventions and improved health services. Improved monitoring and control of NCD risk factors is also needed in all regions across PNG.
Successful medical management of an epidural abscess in a dog
Authors: Romero‐Fernandez Nora , José‐López Roberto , Durand Alexane , Gutierrez‐Quintana Rodrigo
Published: June 2017

A seven‐month‐old entire male dobermann presented with acute onset neck pain and left thoracic limb lameness. The dog had a similar episode eight weeks before presentation that responded to meloxicam. A cervical spinal epidural abscess secondary to Staphylococcus pseudintermedius bacteraemia was diagnosed following investigations, including MRI of the cervical vertebral column and blood cultures. Treatment with cephalexin, gabapentin and meloxicam was started. The dog was doing clinically well one month later. A control MRI and radiographs of the cervical vertebral column showed evidence of discospondylitis and resolution of the primary lesion, therefore the treatment course with cephalexin was continued. Three months after initial presentation the clinical signs had resolved, radiographs showed improvement of the discospondylitis and antibiotics were stopped. Seven months later the dog continued doing well with no relapse.
Sedimentary exhalative origin for magnetite deposits of the New Jersey Highlands
Authors: Matt Peter , Powell Wayne , Volkert Richard , Gorring Matthew , Johnson Al
Published: June 2017

The New Jersey Highlands and contiguous Hudson (New York) Highlands host hundreds of small, worked-out magnetite mines, and the major zinc-oxide deposits of Franklin and Sterling Hill. The origin of the magnetite ore remains controversial. Two temporally distinct genetic models have been proposed for magnetite: (1) a pre-Ottawan, sedimentary exhalative model in which ores were deposited on the seafloor as precipitates from iron-enriched hydrothermal fluids; (2) a late-Ottawan, fluid alteration model in which the current mineral composition of ores was derived from Fe-rich, alkaline fluids, associated with late episodes of granitic plutonism (low-Ti Kiruna-type deposits), or in which deposits derived from metamorphogenic fluids circulating in a regional shear zone leached metals from host rocks and precipitated them in veins and faults. Detailed mapping of ore deposits and host rocks near Wanaque and Ringwood, New Jersey, and Warwick, New York, reveal that ore bodies are hosted by supracrustal rocks deposited in a back-arc basin. At Wanaque and Warwick, ores are strataform and stratabound. Discordant ore bodies at Ringwood are associated with a feeder zone, presumed to have intersected the paleosurface at a steep angle. Sharply layered quartz–diopside gneiss is spatially associated with ore at Wanaque and Warwick, and massive diopsidite is spatially associated with ore at all three locations. Diopsidite in these rocks is nonaluminous, iron enriched, and shares these characteristics with modern metalliferous sediments. Massive diopsidite and quartz–diopside gneiss are interpreted to be metamorphosed carbonate facies iron formation, and associated magnetite to be metamorphosed oxide-facies iron formation.
A longitudinal analysis of students’ motivational characteristics in introductory physics courses: Gender differences
Authors: Marshman Emily , Kalender Zeynep Y. , Schunn Christian , Nokes-Malach Timothy , Singh Chandralekha
Published: June 2017

The lack of diversity and the under-performance of underrepresented students in STEM courses have been the focus of researchers in the last decade. In particular, many hypotheses have been put forth for the reasons for the under-representation and under-performance of women in physics. Here, we present a framework for helping all students learn in science courses that takes into account four factors: (1) the characteristics of instruction and learning tools, (2) student characteristics, (3) implementation of instruction and learning tools, and (4) the students’ environments. While there has been much research on factor 1 (characteristics of instruction and learning tools), there has been less focus on factor 2 (students’ characteristics, and in particular, motivational factors). Here, we focus on the baseline characteristics of introductory physics students obtained from survey data to inform factor 2 of the framework. A longitudinal analysis of students’ motivational characteristics in two-semester introductory physics courses was performed by administering pre- and post-surveys that evaluated students’ self-efficacy, grit, fascination with physics, value associated with physics, intelligence mindset, and physics epistemology. We found that female students reported lower levels of self-efficacy, fascination, and value associated with physics, and held a more “fixed” view of intelligence in the context of physics compared to male students. Female students’ fascination and value associated with physics decreased significantly more than males’ after an introductory physics course sequence. In addition, females’ view of physics intelligence became more “fixed” compared to males’ by the end of an introductory physics course sequence. Grit was the only factor on which females reported averages that were equal to or higher than males throughout introductory physics courses. The findings inform the framework and have implications for the development and implementation of effective pedagogies and learning tools to help all students learn.
Proton distributions in dp dielectron production within Regge theory
Authors: Jerusalimov A. P. , Lykasov G. I.
Published: June 2017

The processes of dielectron production in deuteron–proton collisions at intermediate incident deuteron beam energies are analyzed in the spectator model within the one-pion exchange reggeized approach. We focus mainly on the momentum and angle distributions of the proton-spectator and the proton emitted in quasi-free NN processes at small angles in the laboratory frame. It is shown that the inclusion of many channels in quasi-free NN interaction allows us to describe the HADES data quite satisfactorily at incident deuteron kinetic energies of about 2.5 GeV.
Passively harmonic mode-locked fiber laser based on ReS2 saturable absorber
Authors: Lu Feifei
Published: June 2017

We demonstrate the generation of harmonic mode-locking (HML) in an erbium-doped fiber laser with a microfiber-based rhenium disulfide (ReS2) saturable absorber (SA). Taking advantages of both saturable absorption and large third-order nonlinear effect of ReS2, HML pulse with 318.5 MHz repetition rate can be obtained, corresponding to 168th harmonic of fundamental repetition frequency of 1.896 MHz. When the pump power is increased gradually, the pulse interval remains constant, while the output power increases linearly. At the pump power of 450 mW, the output power is [Formula: see text]12 mW. The proposed high-repetition-rate pulse lasers would attract considerable attention due to its potential applications in soliton communications and frequency combs.
A New Intelligent Jigsaw Puzzle Algorithm Base on Mixed Similarity and Symbol Matrix
Authors: Chen Lifang , Cao Dai , Liu Yuan
Published: June 2017

Jigsaw puzzle algorithm is important as it can be applied to many areas such as biology, image editing, archaeology and incomplete crime-scene reconstruction. But, still, some problems exist in the process of practical application, for example, when there are a large number of similar objects in the puzzle fragments, the error rate will reach 30%–50%. When some fragments are missing, most algorithms fail to restore the images accurately. When the number of fragments of the jigsaw puzzle is large, efficiency is reduced. During the intelligent puzzle, mainly the Sum of Squared Distance Scoring (SSD), Mahalanobis Gradient Compatibility (MGC) and other metrics are used to calculate the similarity between the fragments. On the basis of these two measures, we put forward some new methods: 1. MGC is one of the most effective measures, but using MGC to reassemble the puzzle can cause an error image every 30 or 50 times, so we combine the Jaccard and MGC metric measure to compute the similarity between the image fragments, and reassemble the puzzle with a greedy algorithm. This algorithm not only reduces the error rate, but can also maintain a high accuracy in the case of a large number of fragments of similar objects. 2. For the lack of fragmentation and low efficiency, this paper uses a new method of SSD measurement and mark matrix, it is general in the sense that it can handle puzzles of unknown size, with fragments of unknown orientation, and even puzzles with missing fragments. The algorithm does not require any preset conditions and is more practical in real life. Finally, experiments show that the algorithm proposed in this paper improves not only the accuracy but also the efficiency of the operation.
Valuative rings
Authors: Lucas Thomas G.
Published: June 2017

For a pair of commutative rings [Formula: see text] with the same identity, [Formula: see text] is said to be [Formula: see text]-valuative if for each nonzero [Formula: see text] at least one of the extensions [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] has no proper subrings. There are weak and strong versions: [Formula: see text] is weakly [Formula: see text]-valuative if for each pair [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text], at least one of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] has no proper intermediate rings; [Formula: see text] is strongly [Formula: see text]-valuative if for each nonzero [Formula: see text] at least one of the extensions [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] has no proper intermediate rings. Here, we consider the special case that [Formula: see text] is the total quotient ring. Examples are provided to show that even in this setting there are [Formula: see text]-weakly valuative rings that are not [Formula: see text]-valuative, and [Formula: see text]-valuative rings that are not strongly [Formula: see text]-valuative. In contrast, if [Formula: see text] is weakly additively regular, then it is weakly [Formula: see text]-valuative if and only if it is strongly [Formula: see text]-valuative.
Time-Triggered Scheduling of Mixed-Criticality Systems
Authors: Behera Lalatendu , Bhaduri Purandar
Published: June 2017

Real-time and embedded systems are moving from the traditional design paradigm to integration of multiple functionalities onto a single computing platform. Some of the functionalities are safety critical and subject to certification. The rest of the functionalities are nonsafety critical and do not need to be certified. Designing efficient scheduling algorithms which can be used to meet the certification requirement is challenging. Our research considers the time-triggered approach to scheduling of mixed-criticality jobs with two criticality levels. The first proposed algorithm for the time-triggered approach is based on the OCBP scheduling algorithm which finds a fixed-priority order of jobs. Based on this priority order, the existing algorithm constructs two scheduling tables S
LO
oc
and S
HI
oc
. The scheduler uses these tables to find a scheduling strategy. Another time-triggered algorithm called MCEDF was proposed as an improvement over the OCBP-based algorithm. Here we propose an algorithm which directly constructs two scheduling tables without using a priority order. Furthermore, we show that our algorithm schedules a strict superset of instances which can be scheduled by the OCBP-based algorithm as well as by MCEDF. We show that our algorithm outperforms both the OCBP-based algorithm and MCEDF in terms of the number of instances scheduled in a randomly generated set of instances. We generalize our algorithm for jobs with
m
criticality levels. Subsequently, we extend our algorithm to find scheduling tables for periodic and dependent jobs. Finally, we show that our algorithm is also applicable to mixed-criticality synchronous programs upon uniprocessor platforms and schedules a bigger set of instances than the existing algorithm.
How to improve your writing by standing on your head
Authors: Yaffe Philip
Published: June 2017

Newspapers provide the best examples of clear, concise writing you can find anywhere. Learning how journalists work their magic can help you write better, and it all begins with the "inverted pyramid."
John Leask Lumley: Whither Turbulence?
Authors: Leibovich Sidney , Warhaft Zellman
Published: June 2017

John Lumley's contributions to the theory, modeling, and experiments on turbulent flows played a seminal role in the advancement of our understanding of this subject in the second half of the twentieth century. We discuss John's career and his personal style, including his love and deep knowledge of vintage wine and vintage cars. His intellectual contributions range from abstract theory to applied engineering. Here we discuss some of his major advances, focusing on second-order modeling, proper orthogonal decomposition, path-breaking experiments, research on geophysical turbulence, and important contributions to the understanding of drag reduction. John Lumley was also an influential teacher whose books and films have molded generations of students. These and other aspects of his professional career are described.
Adapted Biotroph Manipulation of Plant Cell Ploidy
Authors: Wildermuth Mary C. , Steinwand Michael A. , McRae Amanda G. , Jaenisch Johan , Chandran Divya
Published: June 2017

Diverse plant biotrophs that establish a sustained site of nutrient acquisition induce localized host endoreduplication. Endoreduplication is a process by which cells successively replicate their genomes without mitosis, resulting in an increase in nuclear DNA ploidy. Elevated ploidy is associated with enhanced cell size, metabolic capacity, and the capacity to differentiate. Localized host endoreduplication induced by adapted plant biotrophs promotes biotroph colonization, development, and/or proliferation. When induced host endoreduplication is limited, biotroph growth and/or development are compromised. Herein, we examine a diverse set of plant-biotroph interactions to identify (a) common host components manipulated to promote induced host endoreduplication and (b) biotroph effectors that facilitate this induced host process. Shared mechanisms to promote host endoreduplication and development of nutrient exchange/feeding sites include manipulation centered on endocycle entry at the G2-M transition as well as yet undefined roles for differentiation regulators (e.g., CLE peptides) and pectin/cell wall modification.
Exhaled breath condensate biomarkers for the early diagnosis of lung cancer using proteomics
Authors: López-Sánchez Laura M. , Jurado-Gámez Bernabé , Feu-Collado Nuria , Valverde Araceli , Cañas Amanda , Fernández-Rueda José L. , Aranda Enrique , Rodríguez-Ariza Antonio
Published: June 2017

We explored whether the proteomic analysis of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) may provide biomarkers for noninvasive screening for the early detection of lung cancer (LC). EBC was collected from 192 individuals [49 control (C), 49 risk factor-smoking (S), 46 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and 48 LC]. With the use of liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry, 348 different proteins with a different pattern among the four groups were identified in EBC samples. Significantly more proteins were identified in the EBC from LC compared with other groups (C: 12.4 ± 1.3; S: 15.3 ± 1; COPD: 14 ± 1.6; LC: 24.2 ± 3.6; P = 0.0001). Furthermore, the average number of proteins identified per sample was significantly higher in LC patients, and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.8, indicating diagnostic value. Proteins frequently detected in EBC, such as dermcidin and hornerin, along with others much less frequently detected, such as hemoglobin and histones, were identified. Cytokeratins (KRTs) were the most abundant proteins in EBC samples, and levels of KRT6A, KRT6B, and KRT6C isoforms were significantly higher in samples from LC patients ( P = 0.0031, 0.0011, and 0.0009, respectively). Moreover, the amount of most KRTs in EBC samples from LC patients showed a significant positive correlation with tumor size. Finally, we used a random forest algorithm to generate a robust model using EBC protein data for the diagnosis of patients with LC where the area under the ROC curve obtained indicated a good classification (82%). Thus this study demonstrates that the proteomic analysis of EBC samples is an appropriated approach to develop biomarkers for the diagnosis of lung cancer.
Exercise training improves cardiac autonomic control, cardiac function, and arrhythmogenesis in rats with preserved-ejection fraction heart failure
Authors: Andrade David C. , Arce-Alvarez Alexis , Toledo Camilo , Díaz Hugo S. , Lucero Claudia , Schultz Harold D. , Marcus Noah J. , Del Rio Rodrigo
Published: June 2017

Chronic heart failure is characterized by autonomic imbalance, cardiac dysfunction, and arrhythmogenesis. It has been shown that exercise training (ExT) improves central nervous system oxidative stress, autonomic control, and cardiac function in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction; however, to date no comprehensive studies have addressed the effects of ExT, if any, on oxidative stress in brain stem cardiovascular areas, cardiac autonomic balance, arrhythmogenesis, and cardiac function in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We hypothesize that ExT reduces brain stem oxidative stress, improves cardiac autonomic control and cardiac function, and reduces arrhythmogenesis in HFpEF rats. Rats underwent sham treatment or volume overload to induce HFpEF. ExT (60 min/day, 25 m/min, 10% inclination) was performed for 6 wk starting at the second week after HFpEF induction. Rats were randomly allocated into Sham+sedentary (Sed) ( n = 8), Sham+ExT ( n = 6), HFpEF+Sed ( n = 8), and HFpEF+ExT ( n = 8) groups. Compared with the HFpEF+Sed condition, HFpEF+ExT rats displayed reduced NAD(P)H oxidase activity and oxidative stress in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), improved cardiac autonomic balance, and reduced arrhythmogenesis. Furthermore, a threefold improvement in cardiac function was observed in HFpEF+ExT rats. These novel findings suggest that moderate-intensity ExT is an effective means to attenuate the progression of HFpEF through improvement in RVLM redox state, cardiac autonomic control, and cardiac function.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY In the present study, we found that exercise reduced oxidative stress in key brain stem areas related to autonomic control, improved sympathovagal control of the heart, reduced cardiac arrhythmias, and delayed deterioration of cardiac function in rats with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Our results provide strong evidence for the therapeutic efficacy of exercise training in HFpEF.
Posttranslational Modification as a Critical Determinant of Cytoplasmic Innate Immune Recognition
Authors: Baker Paul J. , De Nardo Dominic , Moghaddas Fiona , Tran Le Son , Bachem Annabell , Nguyen Tan , Hayman Thomas , Tye Hazel , Vince James E. , Bedoui Sammy , Ferrero Richard L. , Masters Seth L.
Published: June 2017

Cell surface innate immune receptors can directly detect a variety of extracellular pathogens to which cytoplasmic innate immune sensors are rarely exposed. Instead, within the cytoplasm, the environment is rife with cellular machinery and signaling pathways that are indirectly perturbed by pathogenic microbes to activate intracellular sensors, such as pyrin, NLRP1, NLRP3, or NLRC4. Therefore, subtle changes in key intracellular processes such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and other pathways leading to posttranslational protein modification are key determinants of innate immune recognition in the cytoplasm. This concept is critical to establish the “guard hypothesis” whereby otherwise homeostatic pathways that keep innate immune sensors at bay are released in response to alterations in their posttranslational modification status. Originally identified in plants, evidence that a similar guardlike mechanism exists in humans has recently been identified, whereby a mutation that prevents phosphorylation of the innate immune sensor pyrin triggers a dominantly inherited autoinflammatory disease. It is also noteworthy that even when a cytoplasmic innate immune sensor has a direct ligand, such as bacterial peptidoglycan (NOD1 or NOD2), RNA (RIG-I or MDA5), or DNA (cGAS or IFI16), it can still be influenced by posttranslational modification to dramatically alter its response. Therefore, due to their existence in the cytoplasmic milieu, posttranslational modification is a key determinant of intracellular innate immune receptor functionality.
Random Forest-Based Approach for Maximum Power Point Tracking of Photovoltaic Systems Operating under Actual Environmental Conditions
Authors: Shareef Hussain , Mutlag Ammar Hussein , Mohamed Azah
Published: June 2017

Many maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms have been developed in recent years to maximize the produced PV energy. These algorithms are not sufficiently robust because of fast-changing environmental conditions, efficiency, accuracy at steady-state value, and dynamics of the tracking algorithm. Thus, this paper proposes a new random forest (RF) model to improve MPPT performance. The RF model has the ability to capture the nonlinear association of patterns between predictors, such as irradiance and temperature, to determine accurate maximum power point. A RF-based tracker is designed for 25 SolarTIFSTF-120P6 PV modules, with the capacity of 3 kW peak using two high-speed sensors. For this purpose, a complete PV system is modeled using 300,000 data samples and simulated using the MATLAB/SIMULINK package. The proposed RF-based MPPT is then tested under actual environmental conditions for 24 days to validate the accuracy and dynamic response. The response of the RF-based MPPT model is also compared with that of the artificial neural network and adaptive neurofuzzy inference system algorithms for further validation. The results show that the proposed MPPT technique gives significant improvement compared with that of other techniques. In addition, the RF model passes the Bland–Altman test, with more than 95 percent acceptability.
Which Factors Are Important for Successful Sentinel Node Navigation Surgery in Gastric Cancer Patients? Analysis from the SENORITA Prospective Multicenter Feasibility Quality Control Trial
Authors: An Ji Yeong , Min Jae Seok , Lee Young Joon , Jeong Sang Ho , Hur Hoon , Han Sang Uk , Hyung Woo Jin , Cho Gyu Seok , Jeong Gui Ae , Jeong Oh , Park Young Kyu , Jung Mi Ran , Park Ji Yeon , Kim Young Woo , Yoon Hong Man , Eom Bang Wool , Ryu Keun Won
Published: June 2017

Background. We investigated the results of quality control study prior to phase III trial of sentinel lymph node navigation surgery (SNNS). Methods. Data were reviewed from 108 patients enrolled in the feasibility study of laparoscopic sentinel basin dissection (SBD) in gastric cancer. Seven steps contain tracer injection at submucosa (step 1) and at four sites (step 2) by intraoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), leakage of tracer (step 3), injection within 3 minutes (step 4), identification of at least one sentinel basin (SB) (step 5), evaluation of sentinel basin nodes (SBNs) by frozen biopsy (step 6), and identification of at least five SBNs at back table and frozen sections (step 7). Results. Failure in step 7 (n=23) was the most common followed by step 3 (n=15) and step 6 (n=13). We did not find any differences of clinicopathological factors between success and failure group in steps 1~6. In step 7, body mass index (BMI) was only the significant factor. The success rate was 97.1% in patients with BMI  <  23 kg/m2 and 80.3% in those with BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2 (P=0.028). Conclusions. Lower BMI group showed higher success rate in step 7. Surgeons doing SNNS should be cautious when evaluating sufficient number of SBN in obese patients.
Performance and Vibration Analyses of Lift-Offset Helicopters
Authors: Go Jeong-In , Kim Do-Hyung , Park Jae-Sang
Published: June 2017

A validation study on the performance and vibration analyses of the XH-59A compound helicopter is conducted to establish techniques for the comprehensive analysis of lift-offset compound helicopters. This study considers the XH-59A lift-offset compound helicopter using a rigid coaxial rotor system as a verification model. CAMRAD II (Comprehensive Analytical Method of Rotorcraft Aerodynamics and Dynamics II), a comprehensive analysis code, is used as a tool for the performance, vibration, and loads analyses. A general free wake model, which is a more sophisticated wake model than other wake models, is used to obtain good results for the comprehensive analysis. Performance analyses of the XH-59A helicopter with and without auxiliary propulsion are conducted in various flight conditions. In addition, vibration analyses of the XH-59A compound helicopter configuration are conducted in the forward flight condition. The present comprehensive analysis results are in good agreement with the flight test and previous analyses. Therefore, techniques for the comprehensive analysis of lift-offset compound helicopters are appropriately established. Furthermore, the rotor lifts are calculated for the XH-59A lift-offset compound helicopter in the forward flight condition to investigate the airloads characteristics of the ABC™ (Advancing Blade Concept) rotor.
Mathematical Simulation of Transport Kinetics of Tumor-Imaging Radiopharmaceutical99mTc-MIBI
Authors: Shevtsova O. N. , Shevtsova V. K.
Published: June 2017

The proposed model describes in a quality way the process of tumor-imaging radiopharmaceuticalTc99m-MIBI distribution with taking into account radiopharmaceutical accumulation, elimination, and radioactive decay. The dependencies of concentration versus the time are analyzed. The model can be easily tested by the concentration data of the radioactive pharmaceuticals in the blood measured at early time point and late time point of the scanning, and the obtained data can be used for determination of the washout rate coefficient which is one of the existing oncology diagnostics methods.
Effects of Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase-1 Inhibition in a Neonatal Rodent Model of Hypoxic-Ischemic Injury
Authors: Klöfers Melanie , Kohaut Jules , Bendix Ivo , Herz Josephine , Boos Vinzenz , Felderhoff-Müser Ursula , Dzietko Mark
Published: June 2017

Background. Hypoxia ischemia (HI) to the developing brain occurs in 1–6 in 1000 live births. Large numbers of survivors have neurological long-term sequelae. However, mechanisms of recovery after HI are not understood and preventive measures or clinical treatments are not effective. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 is overactivated in response to ischemia. In neonatal mice HI activates PARP-1 but its role in perinatal brain injury remains uncertain. Objective. Aim of this study was to explore the effect of TES448 (PARP-1-inhibitor) and hypothermia after an ischemic insult. Design and Methods. 10-day-old Wistar rats underwent HI. TES448 was given 10 min, 3 hrs, and 6 hrs after hypoxia. Hypothermia was started 30 min after HI and brains were dissected at P12. Western blotting and histological staining were used to evaluate for degree of injury. Results. Protein expression of PARP-1 levels was diminished after TES448 treatment. Cresyl violet and TUNEL staining revealed decreased injury in male rat pups following TES448 and combined treatment. Female rats showed increased numbers of TUNEL-positive cells after combined therapy. TES448 inhibited microglia activation after hypoxic-ischemic injury. A cellular response including NeuN, Olig2, and MBP was not affected by PARP-1-inhibition. Conclusions. Inhibition of PARP-1 and hypothermia lead to an alteration of injury but this effect is sexually dimorphic.
Influence of the Wavelength Dependence of Birefringence in the Generation of Supercontinuum and Dispersive Wave in Fiber Optics
Authors: Herrera Rodrigo Acuna
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we perform numerical analysis about the influence of the wavelength dependence of birefringence (WDB) in the Supercontinuum (SC) and dispersive wave (DW) generation. We study different birefringence profiles such as constant, linear, and parabolic. We see that, for a linear and parabolic profile, the generation of SC practically does not change, while this does so when the constant value of the birefringence varies. Similar situation happens with the generation of dispersive waves. In addition, we observe that the broadband of the SC increases when the Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) is neglected for all WDB profiles.
The Generalized Twist for the Torsion of Piezoelectric Cylinders
Authors: Ecsedi István , Baksa Attila
Published: June 2017

In the classical theory of elasticity, Truesdell proposed the following problem: for an isotropic linearly elastic cylinder subject to end tractions equipollent to a torque T, define a functional τ(u) on Q such that T=Kτ(u), for each u∈Q, where Q is the set of all displacement fields that correspond to the solutions of the torsion problem and K depends only on the cross-section and the elastic properties of the considered cylinder. This problem has been solved by Day. In the present paper Truesdell’s problem is extended to the case of piezoelastic, monoclinic, and nonhomogeneous right cylinders.
Epidemiological Distribution and Subtype Analysis of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Syndromes and Symptoms Based on TCM Theories
Authors: Qiao Mingqi , Sun Peng , Wang Haijun , Wang Yang , Zhan Xianghong , Liu Hongqi , Wang Xiaoyun , Li Xia , Wang Xiaoru , Wu Jibiao , Wang Fushun
Published: June 2017

We performed an epidemiological investigation of subjects with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) to identify the clinical distribution of the major syndromes and symptoms. The pathogenesis of PMDD mainly involves the dysfunction of liver conveyance and dispersion. Excessive liver conveyance and dispersion are associated with liver-qi invasion syndrome, while insufficient liver conveyance and dispersion are expressed as liver-qi depression syndrome. Additionally, a nonconditional logistic regression was performed to analyze the symptomatic features of liver-qi invasion and liver-qi depression. As a result of this analysis, two subtypes of PMDD are proposed, namely, excessive liver conveyance and dispersion (liver-qi invasion syndrome) and insufficient liver conveyance and dispersion (liver-qi depression syndrome). Our findings provide an epidemiological foundation for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of PMDD based on the identification of different types.
Fractional Stochastic Differential Equations with Hilfer Fractional Derivative: Poisson Jumps and Optimal Control
Authors: Rihan Fathalla A. , Rajivganthi Chinnathambi , Muthukumar Palanisamy
Published: June 2017

In this work, we consider a class of fractional stochastic differential system with Hilfer fractional derivative and Poisson jumps in Hilbert space. We study the existence and uniqueness of mild solutions of such a class of fractional stochastic system, using successive approximation theory, stochastic analysis techniques, and fractional calculus. Further, we study the existence of optimal control pairs for the system, using general mild conditions of cost functional. Finally, we provide an example to illustrate the obtained results.
Study of Static Magnetic Properties of Transformer Oil Based Magnetic Fluids for Various Technical Applications Using Demagnetizing Field Correction
Authors: Marinica Oana Maria
Published: June 2017

Static magnetization data of eight transformer oil based magnetic fluid samples, with saturation magnetization ranging in a large interval from 9 kA/m to 90 kA/m, have been subjected to the demagnetizing field correction. Using the tabulated demagnetization factors and the differential magnetic susceptibility of the samples, the values of the radial magnetometric demagnetization factor were obtained in the particular case of VSM880 magnetometer. It was found that the demagnetizing field correction keeps the saturation magnetization values unchanged, but instead the initial magnetic susceptibility of the magnetic fluid samples varies widely. The mean magnetic diameter, obtained through magnetogranulometry from the measured data, is higher than that obtained from the corrected ones and the variation rate increases with the magnetic particle volume fraction growth.
Predictors of Wound Complications following Radiation and Surgical Resection of Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Authors: LeBrun Drake G. , Guttmann David M. , Shabason Jacob E. , Levin William P. , Kovach Stephen J. , Weber Kristy L.
Published: June 2017

Wound complications represent a major source of morbidity in patients undergoing radiation therapy (RT) and surgical resection of soft tissue sarcomas (STS). We investigated whether factors related to RT, surgery, patient comorbidities, and tumor histopathology predict the development of wound complications. An observational study of patients who underwent STS resection and RT was performed. The primary outcome was the occurrence of any wound complication up to four months postoperatively. Significant predictors of wound complications were identified using multivariable logistic regression. Sixty-five patients representing 67 cases of STS were identified. Median age was 59 years (range 22–90) and 34 (52%) patients were female. The rates of major wound complications and any wound complications were 21% and 33%, respectively. After adjusting for radiation timing, diabetes (OR 9.6; 95% CI 1.4–64.8; P=0.02), grade ≥2 radiation dermatitis (OR 4.8; 95% CI 1.2–19.2; P=0.03), and the use of 3D conformal RT (OR 4.6; 95% CI 1.1–20.0; P=0.04) were associated with an increased risk of any wound complication on multivariable analysis. These data suggest that radiation dermatitis and radiation modality are predictors of wound complications in patients with STS.
Discrete Waveform Relaxation Method for Linear Fractional Delay Differential-Algebraic Equations
Authors: Liu Hongliang , Fu Yayun , Li Bailing
Published: June 2017

Fractional order delay differential-algebraic equations have the characteristics of time lag and memory and constraint limit. These yield some difficulties in the theoretical analysis and numerical computation. In this paper, we are devoted to solving them by the waveform relaxation method. The corresponding convergence results are obtained, and some numerical examples show the efficiency of the method.
Statistical Downscaling of Temperature with the Random Forest Model
Authors: Pang Bo , Yue Jiajia , Zhao Gang , Xu Zongxue
Published: June 2017

The issues with downscaling the outputs of a global climate model (GCM) to a regional scale that are appropriate to hydrological impact studies are investigated using the random forest (RF) model, which has been shown to be superior for large dataset analysis and variable importance evaluation. The RF is proposed for downscaling daily mean temperature in the Pearl River basin in southern China. Four downscaling models were developed and validated by using the observed temperature series from 61 national stations and large-scale predictor variables derived from the National Center for Environmental Prediction–National Center for Atmospheric Research reanalysis dataset. The proposed RF downscaling model was compared to multiple linear regression, artificial neural network, and support vector machine models. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial correlation analysis (PAR) were used in the predictor selection for the other models for a comprehensive study. It was shown that the model efficiency of the RF model was higher than that of the other models according to five selected criteria. By evaluating the predictor importance, the RF could choose the best predictor combination without using PCA and PAR. The results indicate that the RF is a feasible tool for the statistical downscaling of temperature.
The Videofluorographic Swallowing Study in Rheumatologic Diseases: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Di Piazza Ambra , Vernuccio Federica , Costanzo Massimo , Scopelliti Laura , Picone Dario , Midiri Federico , Salvaggi Francesco , Cupido Francesco , Galia Massimo , Salerno Sergio , Lo Casto Antonio , Midiri Massimo , Lo Re Giuseppe , Lagalla Roberto
Published: June 2017

Autoimmune connective tissue diseases are a heterogeneous group of pathologies that affect about 10% of world population with chronic evolution in 20%–80%. Inflammation in autoimmune diseases may lead to serious damage to other organs including the gastrointestinal tract. Gastrointestinal tract involvement in these patients may also due to both a direct action of antibodies against organs and pharmacological therapies. Dysphagia is one of the most important symptom, and it is caused by failure of the swallowing function and may lead to aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, dehydration, weight loss, and airway obstruction. The videofluorographic swallowing study is a key diagnostic tool in the detection of swallowing disorders, allowing to make an early diagnosis and to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal and pulmonary complications. This technique helps to identify both functional and structural anomalies of the anatomic chain involved in swallowing function. The aim of this review is to systematically analyze the basis of the pathological involvement of the swallowing function for each rheumatological disease and to show the main features of the videofluorographic study that may be encountered in these patients.
60 GHz Modular Antenna Array Link Budget Estimation with WiGig Baseband and Millimeter-Wave Specific Attenuation
Authors: Kim Joongheon , Xian Liang , Sadri Ali S.
Published: June 2017

This paper provides practical 60 GHz link budget estimation results with IEEE 802.11ad standard-defined parameters and 60 GHz specific attenuation factors. In addition, the parameters from currently developing modular antenna arrays (MAAs) are adopted for estimating the actual link budgets of our 60 GHz integrated MAA platforms. Based on the practical link budget analysis results, we can estimate fundamental limits in terms of achievable data rates over 60 GHz millimeter-wave wireless links.
An Exercise Health Simulation Method Based on Integrated Human Thermophysiological Model
Authors: Jia Nan , Chen Xiaohui , Yu Liang , Wang Ruomei , Yang Kaixing , Luo Xiaonan
Published: June 2017

Research of healthy exercise has garnered a keen research for the past few years. It is known that participation in a regular exercise program can help improve various aspects of cardiovascular function and reduce the risk of suffering from illness. But some exercise accidents like dehydration, exertional heatstroke, and even sudden death need to be brought to attention. If these exercise accidents can be analyzed and predicted before they happened, it will be beneficial to alleviate or avoid disease or mortality. To achieve this objective, an exercise health simulation approach is proposed, in which an integrated human thermophysiological model consisting of human thermal regulation model and a nonlinear heart rate regulation model is reported. The human thermoregulatory mechanism as well as the heart rate response mechanism during exercise can be simulated. On the basis of the simulated physiological indicators, a fuzzy finite state machine is constructed to obtain the possible health transition sequence and predict the exercise health status. The experiment results show that our integrated exercise thermophysiological model can numerically simulate the thermal and physiological processes of the human body during exercise and the predicted exercise health transition sequence from finite state machine can be used in healthcare.