bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Customer-Centric Trust Evaluation Model for Personalized Service Selection
Authors: Zhang Junwei , Li Deyu , Fan Xiaoqin
Published: April 2018

Trust is a very important criterion when service customers select desired Web services from a cluster of Web services with the same function. Most existing trust models cannot effectively implement personalized service selection with regard to consumer preferences and expectations. This paper designs a novel trust management method based on peer-to-peer network and presents a customer-centric trust evaluation model for personalized service selection. The trust evaluation model firstly maintains consumer-to-consumer trust values that are calculated according to preference similarity between customers, secondly gathers ratings on services submitted by other consumers, then synthesizes customer-to-customer trust and these ratings to generate personalized consumer-to-service trust, and finally selects the desired services according to the expected trust levels presented by customers. This paper conducts some experiments to demonstrate the details of service selection. Experimental results show that this model has good applicability to implement personalized service selection. The proposed model well simulates the reality.
Detection of Heart Rate through a Wall Using UWB Impulse Radar
Authors: Cho Hui-Sup , Park Young-Jin
Published: April 2018

Measuring the physiological functions of the human body in a noncontact manner through walls is useful for healthcare, security, and surveillance. And radar technology can be used for this purpose. In this paper, a new method for detecting the human heartbeat using ultra wideband (UWB) impulse radar, which has advantages of low power consumption and harmlessness to human body, is proposed. The heart rate is extracted by processing the radar signal in the time domain and then using a principal component analysis of the time series data to indicate the phase variations that are caused by heartbeats. The experimental results show that a highly accurate detection of heart rate is possible with this method.
Adult Neural Stem Cells: Basic Research and Production Strategies for Neurorestorative Therapy
Authors: Samoilova E. M. , Kalsin V. A. , Kushnir N. M. , Chistyakov D. A. , Troitskiy A. V. , Baklaushev V. P.
Published: April 2018

Over many decades, constructing genetically and phenotypically stable lines of neural stem cells (NSC) for clinical purposes with the aim of restoring irreversibly lost functions of nervous tissue has been one of the major goals for multiple research groups. The unique ability of stem cells to maintain their own pluripotent state even in the adult body has made them into the choice object of study. With the development of the technology for induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and direct transdifferentiation of somatic cells into the desired cell type, the initial research approaches based on the use of allogeneic NSCs from embryonic or fetal nervous tissue are gradually becoming a thing of the past. This review deals with basic molecular mechanisms for maintaining the pluripotent state of embryonic/induced stem and reprogrammed somatic cells, as well as with currently existing reprogramming strategies. The focus is on performing direct reprogramming while bypassing the stage of iPSCs which is known for genetic instability and an increased risk of tumorigenesis. A detailed description of various protocols for obtaining reprogrammed neural cells used in the therapy of the nervous system pathology is also provided.
An Improved Niche Chaotic Genetic Algorithm for Low-Energy Clustering Problem in Large-Scale Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Tian Min , Zhou Jie , Lv Xin
Published: April 2018

Large-scale wireless sensor networks consist of a large number of tiny sensors that have sensing, computation, wireless communication, and free-infrastructure abilities. The low-energy clustering scheme is usually designed for large-scale wireless sensor networks to improve the communication energy efficiency. However, the low-energy clustering problem can be formulated as a nonlinear mixed integer combinatorial optimization problem. In this paper, we propose a low-energy clustering approach based on improved niche chaotic genetic algorithm (INCGA) for minimizing the communication energy consumption. We formulate our objective function to minimize the communication energy consumption under multiple constraints. Although suboptimal for LSWSN systems, simulation results show that the proposed INCGA algorithm allows to reduce the communication energy consumption with lower complexity compared to the QEA (quantum evolutionary algorithm) and PSO (particle swarm optimization) approaches.
Neuroblastoma Cell Lines Are Refractory to Genotoxic Drug-Mediated Induction of Ligands for NK Cell-Activating Receptors
Authors: Veneziani Irene , Brandetti Elisa , Ognibene Marzia , Pezzolo Annalisa , Pistoia Vito , Cifaldi Loredana
Published: April 2018

Neuroblastoma (NB), the most common extracranial solid tumor of childhood, causes death in almost 15% of children affected by cancer. Treatment of neuroblastoma is based on the combination of chemotherapy with other therapeutic interventions such as surgery, radiotherapy, use of differentiating agents, and immunotherapy. In particular, adoptive NK cell transfer is a new immune-therapeutic approach whose efficacy may be boosted by several anticancer agents able to induce the expression of ligands for NK cell-activating receptors, thus rendering cancer cells more susceptible to NK cell-mediated lysis. Here, we show that chemotherapeutic drugs commonly used for the treatment of NB such as cisplatin, topotecan, irinotecan, and etoposide are unable to induce the expression of activating ligands in a panel of NB cell lines. Consistently, cisplatin-treated NB cell lines were not more susceptible to NK cells than untreated cells. The refractoriness of NB cell lines to these drugs has been partially associated with the abnormal status of genes for ATM, ATR, Chk1, and Chk2, the major transducers of the DNA damage response (DDR), triggered by several anticancer agents and promoting different antitumor mechanisms including the expression of ligands for NK cell-activating receptors. Moreover, both the impaired production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in some NB cell lines and the transient p53 stabilization in response to our genotoxic drugs under our experimental conditions could contribute to inefficient induction of activating ligands. These data suggest that further investigations, exploiting molecular strategies aimed to potentiate the NK cell-mediated immunotherapy of NB, are warranted.
A Large Grade 5 Mobile Aortic Arch Atheromatous Plaque: Cause of Cerebrovascular Accident
Authors: Alvarez Chikezie , Aslam Hafiz Muhammad , Wallach Sara , Mustafa Muhammad U.
Published: April 2018

Aortic atheromas (aortic atheromatous plaques) are defined by an irregular thickening of the intima ≥2 mm, and a complex plaque is defined as a protruding atheroma ≥4 mm with or without an attached mobile component. Stroke incidence is approximately 25% in patients with mobile plaques of the aortic arch and 2% in patients with quiescent nonmobile plaques. Antiplatelet agents, oral anticoagulants, and statins have been suggested in the management of atheromas. We present an 80-year-old male, with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and chronic dysarthria, found to have an acute cerebrovascular accident (CVA) secondary to embolism from a large 12 mm aortic arch plaque, treated medically with oral antiplatelet therapy, anticoagulation, and statin therapy.
A Radiographic Evaluation of Missing of Permanent First Molars in a Group of Iranian Children and Adults: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Rezaie Mostafa , Ghapanchi Jannan , Haghnegahdar Abdolaziz , Khojastehpour Leila , Khorshidi Hooman , Heidari Heshmatollah
Published: April 2018

The missing of permanent first molars influences the occlusal status and dental health. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of missing first molar teeth in a selected population of Shiraz, Iran. Methods. A total of 2206 panoramic views of patients aged from 7 to 75 years old were inspected for missing of permanent first molars. Patients were categorized into five age groups: from 7 to 15, 16 to 30, 31 to 45, 46 to 60, and more than 60 years old. Data were categorized according to sex, age, and number of lost teeth using SPSS software. Results. No first molar was missing in 59.9% of the cases, 17.05% had lost one, 10.4% had lost two, 7.2% had lost three, and 5% were missing all four of their permanent first molars. The mandibular first molar was the most commonly lost tooth, and the left side in both jaws was more affected than the right side. There was a positive relation between age and missing first molar. Conclusions. A missing first molar is a common finding in southern Iran population. Due to the important role of permanent first molars in occlusion, more education and dental care is recommended to preserve these teeth.
Colonization and Spore Richness of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Araucaria Nursery Seedlings in Curitiba, Brazil
Authors: Vilcatoma-Medina Carlos , Kaschuk Glaciela , Zanette Flávio
Published: April 2018

Araucaria or Paraná pine [Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze, 1898] is an endangered timber tree species of Atlantic Forest that naturally forms symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The objective of this experiment was to evaluate AMF colonization and spore AMF richness in araucaria seedlings produced in nursery at the metropolitan region of Curitiba, Brazil, with the interest of identifying a taxonomical AMF group. For that, soil and fine roots of 6-month-, 1-year-, 2-year-, 3-year-, and 5-year-old araucaria seedlings were sampled and evaluated. Evaluations indicated that araucaria seedlings were well colonized by AMF (with rates varying from almost 50 to over 85%) and produced an abundant number of mycorrhizal spores (from 344 to 676 spores per seedling). Samples contained spores of the species Acaulospora scrobiculata, Dentiscutata heterogama, and Glomus spinuliferum and unidentified species of genera Gigaspora and Glomus. The Glomus genus was the most abundant kind of AMF spores found under nursery conditions. Therefore, the experiment evidenced that Glomus is a promising genus candidate for being used as AMF inoculant in production of araucaria seedlings.
Reproduction and Fertility Beliefs, Perceptions, and Attitudes in People Living with HIV
Authors: Mujumdar Vaidehi , Berman Doris , Schafer Katherine R.
Published: April 2018

People living with HIV (PLWH) have distinct needs when it comes to reproductive health, specifically regarding fertility, family planning, and pregnancy, and these needs are often complicated by HIV status. While there is ample research that focuses on reproductive health in PLWH through a quantitative lens, there is a lack of research using qualitative methods, namely, the narrative interview model. We searched PubMed and relevant abstracts to identify 72 articles published from 1997 to 2016 that described a qualitative framework for exploring the behaviors and perceptions regarding family planning, abortion, pregnancy, parenthood, fertility, and forced sterility in PLWH. The inclusion criteria initially showed 147 articles, which were further screened to exclude those that did not address fertility and family planning specifically. Our final sample of articles included articles related to qualitative research on reproductive attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of PLWH. Several of these articles were mixed-methods analyses, but our focus was on the qualitative portion only. Further qualitative works in this area will not only contribute to gaps quantitative research in the field cannot capture by design, but also inform clinical practice, policy, and interventions through systematic, in-depth evaluation.
Smooth Kernel Estimation of a Circular Density Function: A Connection to Orthogonal Polynomials on the Unit Circle
Authors: Chaubey Yogendra P.
Published: April 2018

The circular kernel density estimator, with the wrapped Cauchy kernel, is derived from the empirical version of Carathéodory function that is used in the literature on orthogonal polynomials on the unit circle. An equivalence between the resulting circular kernel density estimator, to Fourier series density estimator, has also been established. This adds further weight to the considerable role of the wrapped Cauchy distribution in circular statistics.
Multiple Soft Tissue Sarcomas in a Single Patient: An International Multicentre Review
Authors: Lex Johnathan R. , Aoude Ahmed , Stevenson Jonathan D. , Wunder Jay S. , Evans Scott , Ferguson Peter C. , Stavropoulos Nikolaos A. , Jeys Lee , Goulding Krista , Turcotte Robert E.
Published: April 2018

Developing multiple soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) is a rare process, sparsely reported in the literature to date. Little is known about the pattern of disease development or outcomes in these patients. Patients were identified from three tertiary orthopaedic oncology centres in Canada and the UK. Patients who developed multiple extremity STSs were collated retrospectively from prospective oncology databases. A literature review using MEDLINE was also performed. Six patients were identified in the case series from these three institutions, and five studies were identified from the literature review. Overall, 17 patients were identified with a median age of 51 years (range: 19 to 77). The prevalence of this manifestation in STS patients is 1 in 1225. The median disease-free interval between diagnoses was 2.3 years (range: 0 to 19 years). Most patients developed the secondary STS in a metachronous pattern, the remaining, synchronously. The median survival after the first sarcoma was 6 years, and it was 1.6 years after the second sarcoma. The 5-year overall survival rate was 83.3% and 50% following the first and second STS diagnoses, respectively. A diagnosis of two STSs does not confer a worse prognosis than the diagnosis of a single STS. Developing a second STS is a rare event with no identifiable histological pattern of occurrence. Presentation in a metachronous pattern is more common. A high degree of vigilance is required in patients with a previous STS both to detect both local recurrence and to identify new masses remote from the previous STS site. Acquiring an early histological diagnosis should be attempted.
Brief Clinical Report: Hypophosphatasia—Diagnostic Considerations and Treatment Outcomes in an Infant
Authors: Duffus Sara , Thrasher Bradly , Calikoglu Ali S.
Published: April 2018

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a rare, inherited metabolic bone disorder characterized by low serum alkaline phosphatase activity and impaired bone mineralization. Clinical manifestations and severity of symptoms vary widely in HPP, ranging from in utero death to isolated dental manifestations in adults. Treatment with enzyme replacement therapy has been reported to improve outcomes in perinatal, infantile, and childhood forms of HPP. Here, we present a case of a boy with poor linear growth, mild limb bowing, and radiographic rickets who was diagnosed with HPP before 6 months of age. Treatment with enzyme replacement therapy was initiated at 7 months of age, after which significant improvements in radiographic findings and linear growth were demonstrated. This case highlights several important challenges in the diagnosis, classification, and management of HPP.
Study of Temperature Coefficients for Parameters of Photovoltaic Cells
Authors: Cotfas Daniel Tudor , Cotfas Petru Adrian , Machidon Octavian Mihai
Published: April 2018

The temperature is one of the most important factors which affect the performance of the photovoltaic cells and panels along with the irradiance. The current voltage characteristics, I-V, are measured at different temperatures from 25°C to 87°C and at different illumination levels from 400 to 1000 W/m2, because there are locations where the upper limit of the photovoltaic cells working temperature exceeds 80°C. This study reports the influence of the temperature and the irradiance on the important parameters of four commercial photovoltaic cell types: monocrystalline silicon—mSi, polycrystalline silicon—pSi, amorphous silicon—aSi, and multijunction InGaP/InGaAs/Ge (Emcore). The absolute and normalized temperature coefficients are determined and compared with their values from the related literature. The variation of the absolute temperature coefficient function of the irradiance and its significance to accurately determine the important parameters of the photovoltaic cells are also presented. The analysis is made on different types of photovoltaics cells in order to understand the effects of technology on temperature coefficients. The comparison between the open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current was also performed, calculated using the temperature coefficients, determined, and measured, in various conditions. The measurements are realized using the SolarLab system, and the photovoltaic cell parameters are determined and compared using the LabVIEW software created for SolarLab system.
Hypoparathyroidism Causing Seizures: When Epilepsy Does Not Fit
Authors: Seedat Faheem , Daya Reyna , Bhana Sindeep A.
Published: April 2018

A 24-year-old man presented to the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital emergency department with recurrent seizures having previously been diagnosed with epilepsy from age 14. The biochemical investigations and brain imaging were suggestive of seizures secondary to hypocalcemia, and a diagnosis of idiopathic hypoparathyroidism was confirmed. After calcium and vitamin D replacement, the patient recovered well and is seizure free, and off antiepileptic therapy. This case highlights the occurrence of brain calcinosis in idiopathic hypoparathyroidism; the occurrence of acute symptomatic seizures due to provoking factors other than epilepsy; and the importance, in the correct clinical setting, of considering alternative, and sometimes treatable, causes of seizures other than epilepsy.
Cymbopogon citratusand NaNO2Behaviours in 3.5% NaCl-Immersed Steel-Reinforced Concrete: Implications for Eco-Friendly Corrosion Inhibitor Applications for Steel in Concrete
Authors: Okeniyi Joshua Olusegun , Popoola Abimbola Patricia Idowu , Okeniyi Elizabeth Toyin
Published: April 2018

This paper studies behaviours ofCymbopogon citratusleaf-extract and NaNO2, used as equal-mass admixture models, in 3.5% NaCl-immersed steel-reinforced concrete by nondestructive electrochemical methods and by compressive-strength improvement/reduction effects. Corrosion-rate, corrosion-current, and corrosion-potential constitute electrochemical test-techniques while compressive-strength effect investigations followed ASTM C29 and ASTM C33, in experiments using positive-controls for the electrochemical and compressive-strength studies. Analyses of the different electrochemical test-results mostly portrayed agreements on reinforcing-steel anticorrosion effects by the concentrations of natural plant and of chemical admixtures in the saline/marine simulating-environment and in the distilled H2O (electrochemical positive control) of steel-reinforced concrete immersions. These indicated that little amount (0.0833% cement for concrete-mixing) ofCymbopogon citratusleaf-extract was required for optimal inhibition efficiency,η= 99.35%, on reinforcing-steel corrosion, in the study. Results of compressive-strength change factor also indicated that the 0.0833%Cymbopogon citratusconcentration outperformed NaNO2admixture concentrations also in compressive-strength improvement effects on the NaCl-immersed steel-reinforced concrete. These established implications, from the study, on the suitability of the eco-friendlyCymbopogon citratusleaf-extract for replacing the also highly effective NaNO2inhibitor of steel-in-concrete corrosion in concrete designed for the saline/marine service-environment.
Organic Acids, Antioxidants, and Dietary Fiber of Mexican Blackberry(Rubus fruticosus)Residues cv. Tupy
Authors: Zafra-Rojas Quinatzin , Cruz-Cansino Nelly , Delgadillo-Ramírez Alma , Alanís-García Ernesto , Añorve-Morga Javier , Quintero-Lira Aurora , Castañeda-Ovando Araceli , Ramírez-Moreno Esther
Published: April 2018

Blackberry fruit processing generates residues comprised of peel, seeds, and pulp that are abundant in flavonoids, colorants, and organic acids. The objective of this study was to determine the organic acids, antioxidants, and dietary fiber content of blackberry residues and compare antioxidants and dietary fiber content of a prune-based commercial product. The ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP methodologies were used for antioxidant capacity. The blackberry residues exhibited a high amount of malic acid (5706.37 mg/100 g db), phenols (4016.43 mg GAE/100 g db), and anthocyanins content (364.53 mg/100 g db) compared with the commercial product. These compounds contributed to the antioxidant capacity (by ABTS) of both products but were 20 times higher in blackberry residues. The fruit residues were able to reduce iron (by FRAP) 4.4 times compared to the prune-based product. Total dietary fiber (44.26%) and functional properties as water retention capacity (2.94 g/g), swelling capacity (5.00 mL/g), and fat absorption capacity (1.98 mL/g) of blackberry residues were significantly higher than those of the commercial sample. The results demonstrated that, due to its antioxidant compounds and functional properties, the blackberry residue can be considered a source of components with potential benefit to human health.
Cutaneous Ciliated Cyst in an Unusual Location: Between Two Scapulas
Authors: Doğan Gül , İpek Hülya , Metin Mehmet , Özkayar Özgür , Afşarlar Çağatay E.
Published: April 2018

Cutaneous ciliated cyst is defined as a rare, painless lesion frequently encountered on the lower extremities of young girls after puberty. The cyst is surrounded by the columnar ciliary epithelium. Apart from the lower extremities of girls, they may be localized on the scalp, scapula, thumb, abdomen, umbilicus, thigh, heel, knee, and gluteal region. There are two theories to explain this localization. The first is that they are mullerian heterotrophy, while the other is that they are ciliated metaplasia of eccrine glands. In this paper, we described a cutaneous ciliated cyst, which was observed with a previously undescribed localization on the back of a 13-year-old female patient.
Silver Chloride Encapsulation-Induced Modifications of Raman Modes of Metallicity-Sorted Semiconducting Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Kharlamova M. V. , Kramberger C. , Mittelberger A. , Yanagi K. , Pichler T. , Eder D.
Published: April 2018

The internal channels of semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were filled with silver chloride. The filling was confirmed by high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy. The filling-induced modifications of Raman modes of SWCNTs were analyzed. The fitting of the radial breathing mode (RBM) and G-bands of Raman spectra of the pristine and filled nanotubes with individual components allowed analyzing in detail the influence of encapsulated silver chloride on the electronic properties of different diameter nanotubes. The analysis of the RBM-band allowed revealing the changes in resonance excitation conditions of SWCNTs upon filling. The analysis of the G-band allowed concluding about p-doping of nanotubes by incorporated silver chloride accompanied by charge transfer from nanotubes to the inserted salt.
An Enhanced GC/MS Procedure for the Identification of Proteins in Paint Microsamples
Authors: Fico D. , Margapoti E. , Pennetta A. , De Benedetto G. E.
Published: April 2018

The chemical characterization of materials used in works of art is extremely useful for gaining a better knowledge of the artistic heritage and to guarantee its preservation. A derivatization GC/MS procedure for the identification of proteins in a microsample from painted works of art has been optimized. The amino acid fraction is derivatized using anhydrous dimethylformamide (DMF) as solvent instead of pyridine (Py), commonly used to facilitate the reaction. Although pyridine is often considered a silylation catalyst, there are many instances in which silylation reactions actually are slower in pyridine than other solvents. In addition, pyridine also may have other undesirable effects such as the promotion of secondary products and other chromatographic anomalies. Using DMF, the formation of artifacts is limited and the derivatization yield of hydrophilic amino acids such as proline and hydroxyproline has improved, thus making the identification of organic paint media more straightforward. The method has been validated and successfully applied to identify the binder of the sample taken from the pictorial cycle of the 12th century monastery of Santa Maria delle Cerrate (Lecce, Italy), thus highlighting the use of eggs as a binding medium.
Synthesis and Pharmacological Valorization of Derivatives of 4-Phenyl-1,5-Benzodiazepin-2-One
Authors: Nguema Ongone Terence , Achour Redouane , El Ghoul Mostafa , El Ouasif Latifa , Taghzouti Khalid , El Jemli Meryem , Cherrah Yahia , Alaoui Katim , Zellou Amina
Published: April 2018

The objective of our work is to make a pharmacological study of molecules derived from 4-phenyl-1,5-benzodiazepin-2-one carrying long chains so that they have a structure similar to surfactants, with the benzodiazepine as a hydrophilic head and a carbon chain as a hydrophobic tail. First, we studied the acute toxicity of the above mentioned 4-phenyl-1,5-benzodiazepin-2-one derivatives. This study was conducted according to OECD 423 guidelines in female mice and revealed that these compounds are nontoxic. We then assessed the psychotropic effects of our products on the central nervous system (CNS). The results obtained show that 4-phenyl-1,5-benzodiazepin-2-one has no sedative effect at therapeutic doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg. On the other hand, its long-chain derivatives possess them. Moreover, all these products have no cataleptic and hypnotic effects at the doses studied. But at 100 mg/kg, these compounds all have the ability to significantly prolong the hypnotic effect of thiopental sodium.
Annular Bounds for the Zeros of a Polynomial
Authors: Gao Le , Govil N. K.
Published: April 2018

The problem of obtaining the smallest possible region containing all the zeros of a polynomial has been attracting more and more attention recently, and in this paper, we obtain several results providing the annular regions that contain all the zeros of a complex polynomial. Using MATLAB, we construct specific examples of polynomials and show that for these polynomials our results give sharper regions than those obtainable from some of the known results.
The Function of Ophiocordyceps sinensis in Airway Epithelial Cell Senescence in a Rat COPD Model
Authors: Ma Xiaohui , Jiao Xingai , Wu Jinxiang , Zhao Jiping , Xu Yurong , Liu Tian , Xu Jiawei , Yang Lei , Dong Liang
Published: April 2018

Ophiocordyceps sinensis (O. sinensis) seems to be able to alleviate airway epithelial cell senescence in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The objective of the study is to evaluate the effect of O. sinensis on airway epithelial senescence in the COPD model both in vitro and in vivo. We observed the expression of P16 and P21 in the airway epithelia of 30 patients with COPD. The optimal concentration of O. sinensis and exposure time of the cigarette smoke extract (CSE) were determined in vitro, and senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) and 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) were used to evaluate the senescence and proliferation of human bronchial epithelial (16HBE) cells pretreated with O. sinensis by staining kits. COPD model rats were treated with O. sinensis at various concentrations to determine the changes in P16 and P21 expression in airway epithelial tissues. It was found that the expression levels of P16 and P21 were higher in the airway epithelia of COPD patients than those in the control group based on immunohistochemical staining, real-time quantitative PCR, and western blotting. The CSE could induce 16HBE cell senescence, and O. sinensis could alleviate CSE-induced senescence and promote the proliferation of 16HBE cells. The expression levels of P16 and P21 were also higher in the airway epithelia of COPD model rats; however, the levels of P16 and P21 in the groups treated with all concentrations of O. sinensis were obviously lower than those in the COPD model group based on real-time quantitative PCR and western blotting. In conclusion, the CSE can induce airway epithelium senescence, and O. sinensis can inhibit CSE-induced cellular senescence, both in vitro and in vivo.
Assessment of Time to Hospital Encounter after an Initial Hospitalization for Heart Failure: Results from a Tertiary Medical Center
Authors: Shammas Nicolas W. , Kelly Ryan , Lemke Jon , Niwas Ram , Castro Sarah , Beuthin Christine , Carlson Jackie , Cox Marti , Shammas Gail A. , DeClerck Terri , Lenaghan Kathy , Arikat Sunny , Erickson Marcia
Published: April 2018

Background. Hospital inpatient readmissions for patients admitted initially with the primary diagnosis of heart failure (HF) can be as high as 20–25% within 30 days of discharge. This, however, does not include admissions for observations or emergency department (ED) visits within the same time frame and does not show a time-dependent hospital encounter following discharge after an index admission. We present data on time-dependent hospital encounter of HF patients discharged after an index admission for a primary diagnosis of HF. Methods. The study recruited patients from 2 hospitals within the same health system. 500 consecutive admissions with the ICD diagnosis of HF were reviewed by inclusion and exclusion screening criteria. The 166 eligible remaining patients were tracked for post hospital discharge encounters consisting of hospital admissions, observation stays, and ED visits. Only those with a primary diagnosis of heart failure were included. Demographics were recorded on all patients. Days until hospital inpatient readmissions or hospital encounters were displayed in Kaplan–Meier plots. Results. A total of 166 patients met inclusion criteria (mean age 79.3 years, males 54%). For the first 90 days following the index admission, there were a total of 287 follow-up visits (1.7 per patient), 1158 total hospitalization days (2.6 per visit, 7.0 per patient, and 8.6 per 100 days at risk), and 21 deaths (12.7%). At 30 days, 25% and 52% of patients had an inpatient readmission or a hospital encounter, respectively. The median time to inpatient readmission was 117 days and to hospital encounter was 27 days. Conclusion. Time-dependent excess days in acute care (unplanned inpatient admission, outpatient observation, and ED visit) rather than 30-day hospital inpatient readmission rate is a more realistic measure of the intensity of care required for HF patients after index admission.
Bidding Strategy of Virtual Power Plant with Energy Storage Power Station and Photovoltaic and Wind Power
Authors: Tan Zhongfu , Tan Qingkun , Wang Yuwei
Published: April 2018

For the virtual power plants containing energy storage power stations and photovoltaic and wind power, the output of PV and wind power is uncertain and virtual power plants must consider this uncertainty when they participate in the auction in the electricity market. In this context, this paper studies the bidding strategy of the virtual power plant with photovoltaic and wind power. Assuming that the upper and lower limits of the combined output of photovoltaic and wind power are stochastically variable, the fluctuation range of the day-ahead energy market and capacity price is stochastically variable. If the capacity of the storage station is large enough to stabilize the fluctuation of the output of the wind and photovoltaic power, virtual power plants can participate in the electricity market bidding. This paper constructs a robust optimization model of virtual power plant bidding strategy in the electricity market, which considers the cost of charge and discharge of energy storage power station and transmission congestion. The model proposed in this paper is solved by CPLEX; the example results show that the model is reasonable and the method is valid.
Impact of Cooperative Learning Approaches on Students’ Academic Achievement and Laboratory Proficiency in Biology Subject in Selected Rural Schools, Ethiopia
Authors: Molla Eyayu , Muche Meseret
Published: April 2018

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of cooperative learning methods on students’ academic achievement and laboratory proficiency in biology subject. Quasi-experimental control group interrupted time series design was employed. Data pertaining to these variables were collected from 369 students and 18 biology teachers in three schools. A series of biological tests and semistructured questionnaire were used to collect data. Multivariate analysis (two-way ANOVA) was used to analyze the test scores exposed by teaching methods, and semistructured questionnaire was administered to comprehend factors that hamper the successive execution of CL. Hence, multivariate analysis revealed that there was no significant (P>0.05) difference in the pretest score of the learner academic performance; however, there were significant differences (P<0.01) in the posttest results by teaching methods, but not by schools. Correspondingly, there were significant differences in the pretest P<0.05 and posttest (P<0.01) results of the students’ laboratory proficiency by teaching methods. The results exemplify that there was significant learning gain obtained via CLAD followed by cooperative discussion group (CDG). The result from the questionnaire survey showed that the number of students, lack of laboratory equipment, and so on hamper consecutive execution of CL.
Clinical Significance of Epidurography Contrast Patterns after Adhesiolysis during Lumbar Percutaneous Epidural Neuroplasty
Authors: Park Sang-Hyuk , Ji Gyu Yeul , Cho Pyung Goo , Shin Dong Ah , Yoon Young Sul , Kim Keung Nyun , Oh Chang Hyun
Published: April 2018

Background. The correlation between epidurography contrast patterns and the clinical outcomes of percutaneous epidural neuroplasty (PEN) remains unclear.Objective. To analyze the correlation between postadhesiolysis epidurography contrast patterns and the clinical outcomes of patients who undergo lumbar PEN.Design. This study is a retrospective analysis of 78 consecutive patients who underwent lumbar PEN between April 2012 and March 2013.Setting. The analysis was done in the university hospital center.Method. The clinical outcomes of all patients were assessed before and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after undergoing lumbar PEN. Specifically, the intensity of back and leg pain, quality of life, and procedural outcomes were evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12).Results. The VAS scores for back and leg pain, ODI score, and SF-12 score exhibited a significant improvement during the follow-up period (P<0.01versus preprocedural scores). At most follow-up time points, patients exhibiting extraforaminal contrast distributionn=22on postadhesiolysis epidurograms exhibited a similar improvement in VAS scores and a significantly better improvement in ODI and SF-12 scores compared with patients exhibiting intracanal contrast distributionn=56.Conclusion. Extraforaminal contrast distribution during lumbar PEN may be associated with better functional outcomes.
Radiofrequency Ablation versus Cryoablation in the Treatment of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hachem Ali H. , Marine Joseph E. , Tahboub Housam A. , Kamdar Sana , Kanjwal Shaffi , Soni Ronak , Kanjwal Khalil
Published: April 2018

Background. Pulmonary vein isolation is commonly performed using radiofrequency energy with cryoablation gaining acceptance. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials which compared radiofrequency versus cryoablation for patients with atrial fibrillation. Methods. A systematic search strategy identified both published and unpublished articles from inception to November 10, 2016, in multiple databases. The primary outcomes for this meta-analysis were long-term freedom from atrial fibrillation at 12-month follow-up and overall postoperative complication rates. For all included studies, the methodological quality was assessed through the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for risk of bias. Results. A total of 247 articles were identified with eight being included in this review as they satisfied the prespecified inclusion criteria. Overall, there was no significant difference in freedom from atrial fibrillation at ≥12-month follow-up between those receiving cryoballoon and radiofrequency ablation, respectively (OR = 0.98, CI = 0.67–1.43, I2 = 56%, p=0.90). Additionally, the secondary outcomes of duration of ablation, fluoroscopy time, and ablation time failed to reach significance. Cryoballoon ablation had significantly greater odds of postoperative phrenic nerve injury at 12-month follow-up. Conclusions. Our meta-analysis suggests that cryoballoon ablation provides comparable benefits with regard to freedom from atrial fibrillation at medium-term follow-up, fluoroscopy time, ablation time, operative duration, and overall complication rate in comparison to radiofrequency ablation.
A Study of the Impact of Underground Economy on Integral Tax Burden in the Proportional Growth Model under Uncertainty
Authors: Musayev Akif , Musayeva Aygun
Published: April 2018

Economic processes are naturally characterized by imprecise and uncertain relevant information. One of the main reasons is existence of an underground economy. However, in existing works, real-world imprecision and uncertainty of economic conditions are not taken into account. In this paper we consider a problem of calculation of a taxation base to assess tax burden for proportionally growing economy under uncertainty. In order to account for imprecision and uncertainty of economic processes, we use the theory of fuzzy sets. A fuzzy integral equation is used to identify an integral tax burden taking into account the contribution of the underground economy for a certain financial (tax) year. It is also assumed that dynamics of gross domestic product are modeled by fuzzy linear differential equation. An optimal value of tax burden is determined as a solution to the considered fuzzy integral equation. An example is provided to illustrate validity of the proposed study.
Store-Brand Production Arrangement Based on the Game Theory
Authors: Ma Weimin , Cheng Rong , Ke Hua , Zhang Jianguang
Published: April 2018

The increasing popularity of store brands is resulting in greater cannibalization of national brands. Thus, national-brand manufacturers are trying their best to confront this trend. At the same time, however, many leading national-brand manufacturers have become involved in the store-brand production of their counterpart retailers. We construct a game-theory-based framework to model the strategic interaction between a leading national-brand manufacturer and a retailer. Besides the national brand, the retailer also has an option for its own store brand to compete with the national brand head to head. There are two choices for the store-brand production available to the retailer: a fringe manufacturer with low production efficiency or alternatively the national-brand manufacturer with high efficiency. It is shown that, under certain conditions, there is a win-win situation for both the store-brand retailer and the national-brand manufacturer with the latter supplying the store brand. More interestingly, it is found that the national-brand manufacturer supplying the store brand may lead to a higher likelihood of the store brand introduction. Our study offers an explanation for why more and more national-brand manufacturers supply store brands.
Immediate Implant Placement by Interradicular Bone Drilling before Molar Extraction: Clinical Case Report with One-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Valenzuela Stuardo , Olivares José M. , Weiss Nicolás , Benadof Dafna
Published: April 2018

The placement of immediate implants in the posterior sector is a widespread procedure where the success and survival rates are similar to those of traditional protocols. It has several anatomical challenges, such as the presence of interradicular bone septa that hinder a correct three-dimensional positioning of the implant and may compromise primary stability and/or cause damage of neighboring structures. The aim of this article is to present the treatment and the one-year clinical follow-up of a patient who received immediate implant placement using an interradicular bone-drilling technique before the molar extraction.
Efficacy of Transarterial Chemoembolisation with or without Antiviral Therapy for Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Radical Hepatectomy
Authors: Zhu Yin , Cui Pei-Jing , Yao Jing , Zhang Zheng-Yun , Yang Jun
Published: April 2018

Objective. This study aimed at assessing the effects of transcatheter arterial chemoembolisation (TACE) and antiviral therapy on improving the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after radical hepatectomy.Methods. This study reviewed the data of 120 patients with HCC who received either radical hepatectomy alone (control group), radical hepatectomy with postoperative TACE (TACE group) or radical hepatectomy with combined postoperative TACE, and antiviral therapy (combined group) from January 2000 to May 2015. To reduce the impact of the possible biases on the conclusion of this study to the minimum, the cases with similar demographic and clinicopathological characteristics were collected and 40 cases were assigned into each group. Recurrence, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) rates were compared.Results. Median follow-up period was 54.26 ± 22.65 months with a range of 17–110 months. Recurrence after radical surgery was observed for 39 (97.5%) patients in the TACE group, 32 (80%) in the combined group, and 40 (100%) in the control group with median recurrence duration of 33, 43, and 16.5 months, respectively. Postoperative TACE with or without antiviral therapy significantly prolonged the DFS rate compared with radical hepatectomy alone (P=0.000). TACE combined with antiviral therapy significantly extended the DFS rate compared with TACE alone (P=0.008). Postoperative TACE with or without antiviral therapy also significantly prolonged the OS rate compared with radical hepatectomy alone (P=0.000). In addition, antiviral therapy combined with TACE significantly extended the 5-year OS rate of patients compared with individual TACE and radical hepatectomy (67.5% versus 55% and 2.5%;P=0.032).Conclusion. TACE is an appropriate therapy for HCC patients after radical hepatectomy. When combined with antiviral therapy, this treatment may further prolong the recurrence time and thus lead to high DFS and OS rates.
Mechanisms of Endogenous Neuroprotective Effects of Astrocytes in Brain Injury
Authors: Bylicky Michelle A. , Mueller Gregory P. , Day Regina M.
Published: April 2018

Astrocytes, once believed to serve only as “glue” for the structural support of neurons, have been demonstrated to serve critical functions for the maintenance and protection of neurons, especially under conditions of acute or chronic injury. There are at least seven distinct mechanisms by which astrocytes protect neurons from damage; these are (1) protection against glutamate toxicity, (2) protection against redox stress, (3) mediation of mitochondrial repair mechanisms, (4) protection against glucose‐induced metabolic stress, (5) protection against iron toxicity, (6) modulation of the immune response in the brain, and (7) maintenance of tissue homeostasis in the presence of DNA damage. Astrocytes support these critical functions through specialized responses to stress or toxic conditions. The detoxifying activities of astrocytes are essential for maintenance of the microenvironment surrounding neurons and in whole tissue homeostasis. Improved understanding of the mechanisms by which astrocytes protect the brain could lead to the development of novel targets for the development of neuroprotective strategies.
Older Adults’ Perceptions of Supporting Factors of Trust in a Robot Care Provider
Authors: Stuck Rachel E. , Rogers Wendy A.
Published: April 2018

The older adult population is increasing worldwide, leading to an increased need for care providers. An insufficient number of professional caregivers will lead to a demand for robot care providers to mitigate this need. Trust is an essential element for older adults and robot care providers to work effectively. Trust is context dependent. Therefore, we need to understand what older adults would need to trust robot care providers, in this specific home-care context. This mixed methods study explored what older adults, who currently receive assistance from caregivers, perceive as supporting trust in robot care providers within four common home-care tasks: bathing, transferring, medication assistance, and household tasks. Older adults reported three main dimensions that support trust: professional skills, personal traits, and communication. Each of these had subthemes including those identified in prior human-robot trust literature such as ability, reliability, and safety. In addition, new dimensions perceived to impact trust emerged such as the robot’s benevolence, the material of the robot, and the companionability of the robot. The results from this study demonstrate that the older adult-robot care provider context has unique dimensions related to trust that should be considered when designing robots for home-care tasks.
The Chronic Effect of Interval Training on Energy Intake: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Taylor Jenna , Keating Shelley E. , Holland David J. , Coombes Jeff S. , Leveritt Michael D.
Published: April 2018

Single bouts of acute exercise do not appear to increase subsequent energy intake (EI), even when energy deficit is large. However, studies have shown a compensatory effect on EI following chronic exercise, and it remains unclear whether this is affected by exercise intensity. We investigated the chronic effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and sprint interval training (SIT) on EI when compared with moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) or no exercise (CON). Databases were searched until 13 March 2017 for studies measuring EI in response to chronic exercise (≥4 weeks of duration) of a high-intensity interval nature. Meta-analysis was conducted for between-group comparisons on EI (kilojoules) and bodyweight (kg). Results showed large heterogeneity, and therefore, metaregression analyses were conducted. There were no significant differences in EI between HIIT/SIT versus MICT (P=0.282), HIIT/SIT versus CON (P=0.398), or MICT versus CON (P=0.329). Although bodyweight was significantly reduced after HIIT/SIT versus CON but not HIIT/SIT versus MICT (in studies measuring EI), this was not clinically meaningful (<2% mean difference). In conclusion, there is no compensatory increase in EI following a period of HIIT/SIT compared to MICT or no exercise. However, this review highlights important methodological considerations for future studies.