bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The diagnostic performance of novel torque technique for endoscopic ultrasound‐guided tissue acquisition in solid pancreatic lesions: A prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Park Se Woo , Lee Sang Soo , Song Tae Jun , Koh Dong Hee , Hyun Bomi , Chung Doocheol , Lee Jin , Shin Eun , Hong Seung‐Mo , Park Chan Hyuk
Published: August 2019

Background and Aim

Although several techniques for improved outcomes in endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided tissue acquisition have been reported, the reported diagnostic yield for pancreatic masses is not satisfactory. The effects of novel technique (torque method) on twisting the scope in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction during EUS‐fine needle biopsy (EUS‐FNB) are unknown. We compared the diagnostic yield of EUS‐FNB for pancreatic masses using the torque and standard techniques.

Methods

From April 20, 2017, to March 16, 2018, 124 consecutive patients with solid pancreatic mass who underwent EUS‐FNB using either the torque or standard technique were randomly assigned. Three passes were made with each technique, comprising 10 uniform to‐and‐fro movements on each pass with a 10‐mL syringe suction. The primary outcome was procurement rates of histologic cores, and the secondary outcomes were the diagnostic performance and technical failure.

Results

There were significant differences between the groups regarding the procurement rate of the histologic core and optimal quality core (standard vs torque: 87.1% [54/62] vs 98.4% [61/62], P = 0.038 and 79.0% [49/62] vs 93.5% [58/62], P = 0.037). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive values of EUS‐FNB were 85.45%, 100%, 100%, and 46.67%, respectively, for the standard technique and 96.49%, 100%, 100%, and 71.43%, respectively, for the torque technique. The diagnostic accuracies of the standard and torque techniques were 87.10% and 96.77%, respectively.

Conclusions

The torque technique for EUS‐FNB offered acceptable technical feasibility and superior diagnostic performance, including optimal histologic core procurement, compared with the standard technique.
Retinal ganglion cell topography and spatial resolution estimation in the Japanese tree frog Hyla japonica (Günther, 1859)
Authors: Pushchin Igor
Published: August 2019

Tree frogs are an interesting and diverse group of frogs. They display a number of unique adaptations to life in the arboreal environment. Vision plays a crucial role in their ecology. The topography of retinal ganglion cells (GCs) is closely related to a species’ visual behavior. Despite a large amount of research addressing GC topography in vertebrates, there is scarce data on this subject in tree frogs. I studied the topography of GCs in the retina of the Japanese tree frog Hyla japonica. The GC density distribution was locally fairly homogeneous, with spatial density increasing gradually from the dorsal and ventral periphery towards the equator. A moderately pronounced visual streak was found close to the equator in the dorsal hemiretina, with a distinct area retinae temporalis in the dorsotemporal quadrant potentially subserving binocular vision. The minimum GC density (mean ± SEM, n = 5) was 3060 ± 60 and the maximum 12 800 ± 170 cells/mm2. The total number of GCs was 292 ± 7 × 103. The theoretical anatomical spatial resolution estimated from GC densities and eye optics was lowest in the ventral periphery (ca. 0.9 and 1.3 cycles/degree in air and water, respectively) and highest in the area retinae temporalis (ca. 2.1 and 2.8 cycles/degree). The relatively high GC density and presence of specialized retinal regions in Hyla japonica are consistent with its highly visual behavior. The present findings contribute to our understanding of the relative role of common ancestry and environmental pressure in GC topography variation within Anura.
The Economic Sociology of Labour Law
Authors: Dukes Ruth
Published: August 2019

Drawing on the work of Max Weber, this article considers the utility of an approach to the study of labour law, which it calls the economic sociology of labour law (ESLL). It identifies the contract for work as the key legal institution in the field, and the primary focus of scholarly analysis. Characterizing the act of contracting for work as an example of what Weber called economic social action oriented to the legal order, it proposes that Weber's notion of the labour constitution be used to map the context within which contracting for work takes place. And it argues that, in comparison to traditional socio‐legal approaches, ESLL has the significant advantage of allowing for account to be taken of the individual and commercial, as well as the social and legal, elements of contracting for work.
Stepparental Support to Adult Children: The Diverging Roles of Stepmothers and Stepfathers
Authors: van Houdt Kirsten , Kalmijn Matthijs , Ivanova Katya
Published: August 2019

Objective

This study examines the support from stepparents to adult children and considers the role of the composition of the parent network, that is, the presence or absence of the biological mother or father.

Background

Going beyond previous research that compared the support provided by different types of parental households, this study provides deeper insights into adult stepfamily dynamics by considering support transfers on the stepparent–stepchild dyad level.

Method

The analyses were based on data from the Ouders en Kinderen in Nederland (Parents and Children in the Netherlands) survey, which was conducted among a stratified random sample of Dutch adults (aged 25–45) with stepparents reporting on support from each of their stepparents (N = 4,351) and biological parents (N = 5,460) separately.

Results

The results revealed different stories for stepmothers and stepfathers. Within‐child analyses showed that, controlled for the duration of coresidence, children received less types of support from their stepmother than from their biological mother, whereas among fathers, the stepfather provided more. When compared between children, stepmothers provided less types of support if their stepchild's biological mother was still alive, whereas stepfathers' support was unaffected by the biological father's presence. Stepparents of both genders provided less types of support if their partner (i.e., the child's biological parent) was deceased.

Conclusion

These findings articulate the central role of the biological mother in postseparation families and the ambiguous position of the stepmother and “widowed stepparents.”
Solitary fibrous tumour of the oral cavity: An update
Authors: Nunes Fernanda Bispo , Sant'Ana Maria Sissa Pereira , Silva André Myller Barbosa , Agostini Michelle , Silva Canedo Nathalie Henriques , de Andrade Bruno Augusto Benevenuto , Romañach Mário José , Corrêa Davi Lavareda , Tomasi Ramiro Alejandro , Radhakrishnan Raghu , Gomez Ricardo Santiago , de Sousa Silvia Ferreira , Brennan Peter A. , Fonseca Felipe Paiva
Published: August 2019

Background

Solitary fibrous tumour is an unusual neoplasm of the oral cavity that is sometimes not clinically distinguishable from other lesions. The purpose of the present study was to review the clinical, microscopic and molecular aspects of malignant and benign solitary fibrous tumour of the oral cavity currently available in literature.

Methods

For our review, an electronic search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, Ovid/MedLine, Web of science and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global database.

Results

A total of 74 publications reporting 150 cases were included. Oral solitary fibrous tumours are most frequently described as submucosal, well‐circumscribed, asymptomatic nodule, more prevalent in females in their fourth to fifth decades of life. Buccal mucosa is the most commonly affected site by the benign tumour variant, whereas the tongue is the most common location affected by the malignant form of the neoplasm. Most of the lesions were treated by conservative surgery. One recurrent malignant tumour and one metastasis are reported.

Conclusion

Asymptomatic normal‐coloured submucosal nodules located in the buccal mucosa and tongue in adult patients are suggestive of oral solitary fibrous tumour, but only a careful microscopic examination can differentiate benign from malignant variants and the use of immunohistochemistry (CD34, Bcl‐2, CD99 and STAT6), and cytogenetic studies (NAB2‐STAT6) contribute significantly to confirm the diagnosis of solitary fibrous tumour in difficult cases.
Development of a bioassay to assess resistance to Fusarium oxysporum (Schlecht.) in asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.)
Authors: Kathe Lena , Krämer Reiner , Budahn Holger , Pillen Klaus , Rabenstein Frank , Nothnagel Thomas
Published: August 2019

Fusarium oxysporum is one of the major pathogens causing root and crown rot in asparagus. Breeding of cultivars resistant to F. oxysporum would be the most efficient strategy for pathogen control. In this study, a bioassay was developed for screening seedling resistance. The non‐destructive bioassay comprises inoculation with a highly aggressive F. oxysporum isolate, incubation in a climate chamber and quantification of disease symptoms by a digital image analysing system and a PTA‐ELISA. This bioassay is simple to implement and demonstrated high reproducibility. Subsequently, it was used to determine the resistance behaviour of 16 asparagus genotypes to F. oxysporum. The asparagus cultivars revealed different levels of susceptibility, whereas the wild relative A. densiflorus was confirmed to be resistant.
Pharmacokinetics of mycophenolic acid and its effect on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells after oral administration of mycophenolate mofetil to healthy cats
Authors: Slovak Jennifer E. , Hwang Julianne K. , Rivera Sol M. , Villarino Nicolas F.
Published: August 2019

Background

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is an immunosuppressant used in human and veterinary medicine. Little pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic information on MMF is available in cats.

Objective

To evaluate the plasma disposition of mycophenolic acid (MPA) and assess its effect on total peripheral blood mononuclear cells and CD4+/CD8+ ratios after PO administration of MMF.

Animals

Healthy cats (n = 10).

Methods

Mycophenolate mofetil was administered at a dosage of 10 mg/kg q12h (n = 3), 15 mg/kg q12h (n = 3), and 15 mg/kg q8h (n = 4) for 7 days. Concentrations of MPA and derivatives were determined using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography. Flow cytometry was used to assess CD4+/CD8+ T‐cell ratios.

Results

All cats biotransformed MMF into MPA. Half of the cats (5/10) had adverse effects within 1 week of MMF administration. Area under the curve limit of quantification (AUC0‐LOQh) of MPA ranged from 1.27 to 2.03 hours·μg/mL and from 1.77 to 8.54 hours·μg/mL after the first and last PO dose of 10 mg/kg. The AUC0‐loqh of MPA ranged from 2.18 to 31 hours·μg/mL after the first dose of 15 mg/kg of MMF. Before the first dose of MMF, the average total number of PBMC ranged from 1.2 to 9.3 million/mL. At the last dose of MMF, the average total number of PBMC ranged from 3 to 5 million/mL.

Conclusion

Mycophenolic acid was detected in all cats. The dose 10 mg/kg given q12h for 1 week was tolerated (n = 3). The efficacy of MMF as an immunosuppressant and long‐term safety in cats of this dosage regimen is unknown.
Population pharmacokinetics for danofloxacin in the intestinal contents of healthy and infected chickens
Authors: Tian Erjie , Chen Chunli , Hu Wanjun , Miao Yusong , Muhammad Ishfaq , Zhang Qiaomei , Liu Yuhao , Xu Liang , Bao Jiaxin , Ding Liangjun , Li Jichang
Published: August 2019

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli could cause localized and systemic infection in the poultry, and danofloxacin is usually used to treat avian colibacillosis through oral administration. To promote prudent use of danofloxacin and reduce the emergence of drug‐resistant E. coli strains, it is necessary to understand the population pharmacokinetics (PopPK) of danofloxacin in chicken intestines. In this study, reversed‐phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection was used to detect the concentrations of danofloxacin in the contents of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of the healthy and infected chickens after single oral administration (5 mg/kg body weight). Then, the PopPK of danofloxacin in intestines were analyzed using NONMEM software. As a result, a two‐compartment PK model best described the time‐concentration profile of duodenal, jejunal, and ileal contents. Interestingly, absorption rate (Ka), distribution volume (V), and clearance (CL) for danofloxacin from duodenal, jejunal to ileal contents were sequentially decreased in the healthy chickens. However, the trend of Ka, V, and CL of danofloxacin was changed dramatically in the intestine of infected chickens. Ka and V of danofloxacin in the jejunum were higher than in the ileum and duodenum. Compared with healthy chickens, Ka and V of danofloxacin in the duodenum decreased significantly, while increased in jejunum, respectively. It has been noted that Ka decreased and V increased in the ileum of infected chickens. Besides, CL in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of infected chickens was, respectively, lower than those of healthy chickens. Interestingly, the relative bioavailability (F) of danofloxacin in the ileum was relatively higher in both healthy and infected chickens. In addition, F in the duodenal, jejunal, and ileal contents of infected chickens was respectively higher than healthy chickens. In summary, the PopPK for danofloxacin in infected chicken intestines was quite different from healthy chickens. The absorption, distribution, and clearance of danofloxacin in healthy chickens decreased from duodenum to jejunum and to ileum. Moreover, the pharmacokinetic characteristics in the intestine of infected chickens changed significantly, and the pharmacokinetic characteristics in the ileum can be used as a representative of all intestinal segments.
Association of abdominal aortic calcification estimated by plain radiography with outcomes in haemodialysis patients: A 6‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Zhu Xuying , Cai Hong , Zhu Minxia , Zhan Yaping , Che Miaolin , Lin Xinghui , Zhang Weiming , Ni Zhaohui
Published: August 2019

Aim

Vascular calcification has played a vital role in increasing the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality in maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) patients. This study is aimed at exploring the prognostic value of abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) estimated by plain lateral abdominal radiography in MHD patients.

Methods

Lateral abdominal radiography was used to determine the abdominal aortic calcification score (AACS). The serum level of fibroblast growth factor‐23 was tested by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Patients were divided into two groups: no or minor calcification group (AACS < 5) and moderate to severe calcification group (AACS ≥ 5). All patients were followed up to death or the end of the study (30 November 2016).

Results

A total of 114 patients were enrolled in this study, including 64 males (56.1%), and the mean age was 57.42 ± 13.48 years. Seventy‐six patients (66.7%) exhibited AAC. Independent predictors for moderate to severe calcification were older age (odds ratio (OR) 1.06 (1.02–1.10), P = 0.003), longer dialysis vintage (OR 1.01 (1.00–1.02), P = 0.039), presence of smoking (OR 3.01 (1.18–7.70), P = 0.021) and higher Log fibroblast growth factor‐23 serum levels (OR 2.83 (1.01–7.94), P = 0.048). During a median follow‐up of 6.0 (5.6, 6.1) years, 22 patients (19.3%) died of all‐cause death, and 17 cases (14.9%) died of CVD. Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed that patients in the moderate to severe calcification group had significantly higher all‐cause (28.3 vs 11.5%, P = 0.028) and CVD mortality (22.6 vs 8.2%, P = 0.035) than that in the no or minor calcification group. A multivariate Cox regression showed that AACS (hazard ratio 1.08 (1.01–1.15), P = 0.022) was an independent predictor of CVD mortality. Compared with the no or minor calcification group, the risk of CVD mortality was increased by a factor of 3.14 in patients in the moderate to severe calcification group (hazard ratio 3.14 (1.04–9.44), P = 0.042).

Conclusion

Our data suggest that AAC is prevalent in MHD patients and could provide potential predictive information for CVD mortality. Plain lateral abdominal radiography, which is simple and cheap and involves lower radiation, might represent an appropriate screening method for evaluating vascular calcification in daily clinical practice.
Social media affordances in entry‐level employees’ socialization: employee agency in the management of their professional impressions and vulnerability during early stages of socialization
Authors: Lee Sun Kyong , Kramer Michael W. , Guo Yijia
Published: August 2019

This study examined how entry‐level employees interacted with social media during three stages of organizational socialization. They navigated between four different media affordances (persistence, editability, visibility, and association) while experiencing them as both enabling and constraining in different socialization stages. Qualitative interview data analysis revealed during anticipatory socialization, job applicants realized visibility and persistence in relation to institutional and individualized socialization. During encounter, new employees managed personal and professional life boundaries carefully against the association and visibility affordances. Although some participants used both public and enterprise social media for obtaining job‐related information and understanding coworkers and company culture, during metamorphosis, most interviewees adopted passive information seeking strategies and experienced a paradoxical tension between the enabling and constraining affordances of social media. Findings are discussed with regards to employees’ exertion of agency in managing their professional impressions and coping with high levels of uncertainty and vulnerability during early stages of socialization.
Progranulin promotes diabetic fracture healing in mice with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Wei Jianlu , Zhang Lei , Ding Yuanjing , Liu Ronghan , Guo Yuqi , Hettinghouse Aubryanna , Buza John , De La Croix Jean , Li Xin , Einhorn Thomas A. , Liu Chuan‐ju
Published: August 2019

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease characterized by insulin deficiency, and patients with diabetes have an increased risk of bone fracture and significantly impaired fracture healing. Proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor‐alpha is significantly upregulated in diabetic fractures and is believed to underlie delayed fracture healing commonly observed in diabetes. Our previous genetic screen for the binding partners of progranulin (PGRN), a growth factor‐like molecule that induces chondrogenesis, led to the identification of tumor necrosis factor receptors (TNFRs) as the PGRN‐binding receptors. In this study, we employed several in vivo models to ascertain whether PGRN has therapeutic effects in diabetic fracture healing. Here, we report that deletion of PGRN significantly delayed bone fracture healing and aggravated inflammation in the fracture models of mice with T1DM. In contrast, recombinant PGRN effectively promoted diabetic fracture healing by inhibiting inflammation and enhancing chondrogenesis. In addition, both TNFR1 proinflammatory and TNFR2 anti‐inflammatory signaling pathways are involved in PGRN‐stimulated diabetic fracture healing. Collectively, these findings illuminate a novel understanding concerning the role of PGRN in diabetic fracture healing and may have an application in the development of novel therapeutic intervention strategies for diabetic and other types of impaired fracture healing.
miR‐611 promotes the proliferation, migration and invasion of tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells by targeting FOXN3
Authors: Chen Shuai , Zhang Jianyun , Sun Lisha , Li Xuefen , Bai Jiaying , Zhang Heyu , Li Tiejun
Published: August 2019

Objectives

The function of miR‐611 has not yet been reported. We aimed to investigate the effects of miR‐611 on tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) and the underlying mechanism.

Materials and Methods

The expression level of miR‐611 in TSCC tissues was measured using quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were examined by performing CCK‐8, IncuCyte and Transwell assays. Bioinformatics analyses and microarrays were used to screen for target genes, which were verified using a luciferase reporter assay, RT‐qPCR and Western blotting. The xenograft model was used to assess the effects of miR‐611 in vivo.

Results

miR‐611 was upregulated in TSCC tissues, which was significantly correlated with TNM stage and negatively associated with the overall survival of patients. In addition, upregulation of miR‐611 not only potentiated the proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of TSCC cells in vitro, but also promoted tumour growth in vivo. FOXN3 was identified as a candidate target gene of miR‐611 and subsequently verified. Finally, miR‐611 induced a malignant phenotype of TSCC, which was rescued by overexpression of FOXN3.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that miR‐611 is a novel therapeutic target for TSCC.
A conservative transnasal endoscopic and intraoral approach in a case of a maxillary dentigerous cyst
Authors: Consolo U. , Bellini P. , Mattioli F. , Lizio G.
Published: August 2019

The transoral approach for enucleation of a voluminous odontogenic lesion involving the maxillary sinus is considerably invasive and can cause irreversible damage to the ciliated mucosa with definitive loss of the normal bone morphology. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), which increases the patency of the osteomeatal complex (OMC), involves the use of a direct approach to the lesion, facilitating the drainage of secretions and improving the ventilation. Nevertheless, FESS cannot completely enucleate large odontogenic cystic lesions, particularly dentigerous cysts associated with dislocated teeth. Accordingly, a combined transnasal endoscopic and transoral approach is desirable. Here, we report the successful use of FESS combined with a conservative intraoral approach for the treatment of a voluminous dentigerous cyst that completely occupied the maxillary sinus. In a single surgery, FESS was used to enlarge OMC and open the cystic compartment into the nasal cavity, while an intraoral approach involving the removal of a bony lid from the anterolateral wall of the maxillary sinus facilitated minimal removal of the cystic wall associated with the dislocated tooth. The bony lid was repositioned and fixed with titanium plates. Computed tomography performed at 6 months showed that the original cystic compartment, which maintained communication with the nasal cavity through the enlarged OMC, was absent, and that the sinus had recovered its healthy morphology. Computed tomography at 27 months showed the maintenance of this status with no signs of recurrence. We recommend this approach to eradicate such pathology while preserving the sinus structure and function.
A rare case of purpuric rash caused by Saprochaete clavata in a pediatric patient with acute leukemia
Authors: Wee Lynette Wei Yi , Ling Hua Yen , Chong Chia Yin , Soe Mya Nwe , Koh Mark Jean Aan
Published: August 2019

We present a 13‐year‐old boy who developed invasive infection with Saprochaete clavata after induction chemotherapy for B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, complicated by fungemia, septic shock and acute renal, and liver failure. He developed purpuric papulonodules over bilateral upper and lower limbs, which also grew S clavata on fungal culture.
Outlier detection in contingency tables using decomposable graphical models
Authors: Lindskou Mads , Eriksen Poul Svante , Tvedebrink Torben
Published: August 2019

For high‐dimensional data, it is a tedious task to determine anomalies such as outliers. We present a novel outlier detection method for high‐dimensional contingency tables. We use the class of decomposable graphical models to model the relationship among the variables of interest, which can be depicted by an undirected graph called theinteraction graph. Given an interaction graph, we derive a closed‐form expression of the likelihood ratio test (LRT) statistic and an exact distribution for efficient simulation of the test statistic. An observation is declared an outlier if it deviates significantly from the approximated distribution of the test statistic under the null hypothesis. We demonstrate the use of the LRT outlier detection framework on genetic data modeled by Chow–Liu trees.
Parallelizing particle filters with butterfly interactions
Authors: Heine Kari , Whiteley Nick , Cemgil A.Taylan
Published: August 2019

The bootstrap particle filter (BPF) is the cornerstone of many algorithms used for solving generally intractable inference problems with hidden Markov models. The long‐term stability of the BPF arises from particle interactions that typically make parallel implementations of the BPF nontrivial. We propose a method whereby particle interaction is done in several stages. With the proposed method, full interaction can be accomplished even if we allow only pairwise communications between processing elements at each stage. We show that our method preserves the consistency and the long‐term stability of the BPF, although our analysis suggests that the constraints on the stagewise interactions introduce errors leading to a lower convergence rate than standard Monte Carlo. The proposed method also suggests a new, more flexible, adaptive resampling scheme, which, according to our numerical experiments, is the method of choice, displaying a notable gain in efficiency in certain parallel computing scenarios.
Exosomes: Revisiting their role as “garbage bags”
Authors: Vidal Michel
Published: August 2019

In recent years, the term “extracellular vesicle” (EV) has been used to define different types of vesicles released by various cells. It includes plasma membrane‐derived vesicles (ectosomes/microvesicles) and endosome‐derived vesicles (exosomes). Although it remains difficult to evaluate the compartment of origin of the two kinds of vesicles once released, it is critical to discriminate these vesicles because their mode of biogenesis is probably directly related to their physiologic function and/or to the physio‐pathologic state of the producing cell. The purpose of this review is to specifically consider exosome secretion and its consequences in terms of a material loss for producing cells, rather than on the effects of exosomes once they are taken up by recipient cells. I especially describe one putative basic function of exosomes, that is, to convey material out of cells for off‐site degradation by recipient cells. As illustrated by some examples, these components could be evacuated from cells for various reasons, for example, to promote “differentiation” or enhance homeostatic responses. This basic function might explain why so many diseases have made use of the exosomal pathway during pathogenesis.
2018 WTO Trade Policy Review of Malaysia
Authors: Okafor Luke Emeka , Teo Wing Leong
Published: August 2019

This paper presents an academic analysis and review of the recently completed WTO Trade Policy Review (TPR) of Malaysia, 2018. This includes suggesting policies that can help to promote Malaysia's international competitiveness. We show that the sharp decline in commodity prices that started in 2014 contributed in narrowing Malaysia's trade balance and current account balance as a share of GDP. The faster decline of exports as a share of GDP compared to imports accounted for most of the substantial reduction. Further, the collapse of commodity prices was accompanied by a sharp depreciation of Ringgit Malaysia. We also show that Malaysia is losing international attractiveness in terms of FDI inflows relative to its economic size. This is evidenced by the downward trend in Malaysia's FDI performance index since 1992. Further, international tourism has fallen on average since 2014, due largely to a drop in tourist arrivals from Singapore. Policymakers should introduce policies to enhance international competitiveness, such as reforming the education system to produce skilled workers and reducing reliance on low‐skilled foreign workers.
Description of a novel technique for surgical placement of gastrostomy tubes in dogs
Authors: Hlusko Katelyn C. , Hansen Sonya C. , Matz Brad M. , Bacek Lenore M. , Boothe Harry W. , Bellah Jamie R. , Tillson D. Michael
Published: August 2019

Background

Early enteral nutrition in dogs with critical illnesses, including septic peritonitis, has been shown to have a positive influence on patient outcome. Surgical placement of a gastrostomy tube (GT) is one option for providing early enteral nutrition. Complications, including premature tube removal or separation of the stomach from the body wall, can result in leakage of gastric contents into the abdominal cavity and subsequent peritonitis. A safe and reliable technique for the placement of a GT is desirable to minimize such complications.

Key Concepts

A modified method for surgical placement of a GT is described. A thoracic trocar catheter (TTC) with an attached Pezzer tube is inserted through a gastrotomy incision and exited through the left gastric body and body wall. A left‐sided tube gastropexy is performed using an interlocking box (ILB) pattern.

Significance

GT placement using a TTC is efficient, requiring minimal additional anesthesia time. The gastric defect created by the TTC conforms well with the Pezzer tube. As such, placement and utilization of the ILB suture pattern enables removal of the GT in the early postoperative period, if appropriate.
Synthesis and characterisation of LDH‐type anionic nanomaterials for the effective removal of doxycycline from aqueous media
Authors: Abdel Moaty S. A. , Mahmoud Rehab K. , Mohamed Nada A. , Gaber Yasser , Farghali Ahmed A. , Abdel Wahed Mahmoud S. M. , Younes Heba A.
Published: August 2019

In this work, the removal of a model antibiotic named ‘doxycycline’ by three‐layered double hydroxides (LDHs) such as Mg–Fe LDH, Mg–Al LDH and Mg–Al/MWCNT LDH was investigated. Almost full characterisation of the prepared LDHs before and after adsorption was conducted using X‐ray diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, zeta potential, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller used for detecting the surface area, high‐resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) and field emission scanning electron microscope. The effect of different factors on doxycycline adsorption capacity was investigated. The removal percentages of doxycycline were 80, 82 and 92% by Mg–Fe LDH, Mg–Al LDH and Mg–Al/MWCNT LDH, respectively. These results were attributed to the difference in the pore volume and geometry between the different LDHs. The isothermal and kinetic models of adsorption were also studied. The kinetics of adsorption were described by the second‐order equation with a better fit showed by a high R2 value. Mathematically, the Langmuir and Freundlich models best fitted the equilibrium data.
General Form of Domination Polynomial for Two Types of Graphs Associated to Dihedral Groups
Authors: Najmuddin Nabilah , Sarmin Nor Haniza , Erfanian Ahmad
Published: August 2019

A domination polynomial is a type of graph polynomial in which its coefficients represent the number of dominating sets in the graph. There are many researches being done on the domination polynomial of some common types of graphs but not yet for graphs associated to finite groups. Two types of graphs associated to finite groups are the conjugate graph and the conjugacy class graph. A graph of a group G is called a conjugate graph if the vertices are non-central elements of G and two distinct vertices are adjacent if they are conjugate to each other. Meanwhile, a conjugacy class graph of a group G is a graph in which its vertices are the non-central conjugacy classes of G and two distinct vertices are connected if and only if their class cardinalities are not coprime. The conjugate and conjugacy class graph of dihedral groups can be expressed generally as a union of complete graphs on some vertices. In this paper, the domination polynomials are computed for the conjugate and conjugacy class graphs of the dihedral groups.
Bounds on the Action Degree of Groups
Authors: Alrehaili S. , Beddani Charef
Published: August 2019

The commutativity degree is the probability that a pair of elements chosen randomly from a group commute. The concept of  commutativity degree has been widely discussed by several authors in many directions.  One of the important generalizations of commutativity degree is the probability that a random element from a finite group G fixes a random element from a non-empty set S that we call the action degree of groups. In this research, the concept of action degree is further studied where some inequalities and bounds on the action degree of finite groups are determined.  Moreover, a general relation between the action degree of a finite group G and a subgroup H is provided. Next, the action degree for the direct product of two finite groups is determined. Previously, the action degree was only deﬁned for ﬁnite groups, the action degree for ﬁnitely generated groups will be deﬁned in this research and some bounds on them are going to be determined.
g-Jitter Free Convection Flow of Nanofluid in The Three-Dimensional Stagnation Point Region
Authors: Ahmad Kamal Mohamad Hidayad , Ali Anati , Shafie Sharidan
Published: August 2019

The three dimensional free convection boundary layer flow near a stagnation point region is embedded in viscous nanofluid with the effect of g-jitter is studied in this paper. Copper (Cu) and aluminium oxide (Al2O3) types of water base nanofluid are cho- sen with the constant Prandtl number, Pr=6.2. Based on Tiwari-Das nanofluid model, the boundary layer equation used is converted into a non-dimensional form by adopting non- dimensional variables and is solved numerically by engaging an implicit finite-difference scheme known as Keller-box method. Behaviors of fluid flow such as skin friction and Nusset number are studied by the controlled parameters including oscillation frequency, amplitude of gravity modulation and nanoparticles volume fraction. The reduced skin friction and Nusset number are presented graphically and discussed for different values of principal curvatures ratio at the nodal point. The numerical results shows that, in- crement occurs in the values of Nusset number with the presence of solid nanoparticles together with the values of the skin friction. It is worth mentioning that for the plane stagnation point there is an absence of reduced skin friction along the y-direction where as for axisymmetric stagnation point, the reduced skin friction for both directions are the same. As nanoparticles volume fraction increased, the skin friction increased as well as the Nusset number. The results, indicated that skin frictions of copper are found higher than aluminium oxide.
Fast and Robust Parameter Estimation in the Application of Fuzzy Logistic Equations in Population Growth
Authors: Izzah Nor Atirah , Hoe Yeak Su , Maan Normah
Published: August 2019

In this paper, extended Runge-Kutta fourth order method for directly solving the fuzzy logistic problem is presented. The extended Runge-Kutta method has lower number of function evaluations, compared with the classical Runge-Kutta method. The numerical robustness of the method in parameter estimation is enhanced via error minimization in predicting growth rate and carrying capacity. The results of fuzzy logistic model with the estimated parameters have been compared with population growth data in Malaysia, which indicate that this method is more accurate that the data population. Numerical example is given to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed model. It is concluded that robust parameter estimation technique is efficient in modelling population growth.
On Estimate of Malaysian Mortality Rates Using Interpolation Methods
Authors: Ah Khaliludin Nur Idayu , Mohd Khalid Zarina , Abd. Rahman Haliza
Published: August 2019

Life table is a table that shows mortality experience of a nation. However, in Malaysia, the information in this table is provided in the five-year age groups (abridged) instead of every one-year age. Hence, this study aims to estimate the one-year age mortality rates from the abridged mortality rates using several interpolation methods. We applied Kostaki method and the Akima spline method to five sets of Malaysian group mortality rates ranging from period of 2012 to 2016. The results were then compared with the one-year mortality rates. We found that the method by Akima is the best method for the Malaysian mortality experience as it gives the least minimum of sum of square errors. The method does not only provide a good fit but also, shows a smooth mortality curve.
Thermal Radiation Effects on Heat and Mass Transfer of Magnetohydrodynamics Dusty Jeffrey Fluid past an Exponentially Stretching Sheet
Authors: Izani Siti Nur Haseela , Ali Anati
Published: August 2019

The heat and mass transfer of steady magnetohydrodynamics of dusty Jeffrey fluid past an exponentially stretching sheet in the presence of thermal radiation have been investigated. The main purpose of this study is to conduct a detailed analysis of flow behaviour of suspended dust particles in non-Newtonian fluid. The governing equations hav been converted into dimensionless form, and then solved numerically via the Keller-box method. The expression of Sherwood number, Nusselt number and skin friction have been evaluated, and then displayed in tabular forms. Velocity, temperature and concentration profiles are presented graphically. It is observed that large value of dust particles mass concentration parameter has reduced the flow velocity significantly. Increase in radiation parameter enhances the temperature, whereas the increment in Schmidt number parameter reduces the concentration.
Analysis of thermodynamic problems with the Lambert W function
Authors: Wang J. , Moniz N. J.
Published: August 2019

We present an analysis of two problems in thermodynamics in terms of the Lambert W function, including the mean-field approximation of the Ising model, and Bose–Einstein condensation. Both problems are well known to exhibit the critical behavior of phase transition. Standard treatment of the problems involves numerical or graphical solutions. Utilizing justified simplifying approximations, we find a closed-form mean-field solution for the Ising model in terms of the special W function. With the same special function, we present an analysis of Bose–Einstein condensation, allowing approximate quantitative determination of the dependence of the chemical potential on temperature without full numerical computation. The analysis helps to facilitate understanding and to gain insight on these processes involving phase transitions in a straightforward manner.
Illustrations of Maxwell's term and the four conservation laws of electromagnetism
Authors: Boyer Timothy H.
Published: August 2019

We illustrate the use of Maxwell's term in Ampere's law and also the conservation laws of electromagnetic theory. First, we outline the conservation laws for energy and linear momentum which often appear in textbooks of electromagnetism, and then we show how these conservation laws can be extended to the conservation law for angular momentum and to the relativistic conservation law involving the center of energy. Next we treat the traditional example of charging a parallel-plate capacitor but explore a number of energy-conservation aspects and variations which are not usually found in textbooks. Finally, we discuss the charging of spherical conductors where we can illustrate the use of Maxwell's term and can provide non-trivial examples of three of the four conservation laws.
Rattlebacks for the rest of us
Authors: Jones Simon , Hunt Hugh E. M.
Published: August 2019

Rattlebacks are semi-ellipsoidal tops that have a preferred direction of spin (i.e., a spin-bias). If spun in one direction, the rattleback will exhibit seemingly stable rotary motion. If spun in the other direction, the rattleback will being to wobble and subsequently reverse its spin direction. This behavior is often counter-intuitive for physics and engineering students when they first encounter a rattleback, because it appears to oppose the laws of conservation of momenta, thus this simple toy can be a motivator for further study. This paper develops an accurate dynamic model of a rattleback, in a manner accessible to undergraduate physics and engineering students, using concepts from introductory dynamics, calculus, and numerical methods classes. Starting with a simpler, 2D planar rocking semi-ellipse example, we discuss all necessary steps in detail, including computing the mass moment of inertia tensor, choice of reference frame, conservation of momenta equations, application of kinematic constraints, and accounting for slip via a Coulomb friction model. Basic numerical techniques like numerical derivatives and time-stepping algorithms are employed to predict the temporal response of the system. We also present a simple and intuitive explanation for the mechanism causing the spin-bias of the rattleback. It requires no equations and only a basic understanding of particle dynamics, and thus can be used to explain the intriguing rattleback behavior to students at any level of expertise.
Calculating fissility without Legendre polynomials: A walk in the woods
Authors: Pearson J. M.
Published: August 2019

The original estimate of the fissility of very heavy nuclei made by Meitner and Frisch can be derived without resorting to Rayleigh's theory of vibrating liquid drops and Legendre polynomials. A simple expression, familiar from the theory of the Wilson cloud chamber, suffices.
Temporal Dynamics of Varying Physical Loads on Speed and Accuracy of Cognitive Control
Authors: Finkenzeller Thomas , Würth Sabine , Doppelmayr Michael , Amesberger Günter
Published: August 2019

The present study examined the effect of 4 physical-load conditions on interference control throughout a period of 45 min. A sample of 52 sport students was assigned to either a no, a low, an alternating low to moderate, or a moderate physical-load condition. A modified Eriksen-flanker task was administered in the preexercise period, 7 times during the exercise, and twice after completing the exercise. Significant interaction effects of time and condition, and significant time effects within condition on the reaction time of congruent stimuli and errors on incongruent stimuli, suggest a specific in-task effect of the alternating low to moderate and moderate physical-load conditions. Thus, it was concluded that moderate physiological arousal influences interference control by an increase of information-processing speed in tasks that require less cognitive control (congruent condition), which is at the expense of accuracy in cognitively more demanding tasks (incongruent condition).
Erasable and recreatable two-dimensional electron gas at the heterointerface of SrTiO
3
and a water-dissolvable overlayer
Authors: Han Kun , Hu Kaige , Li Xiao , Huang Ke , Huang Zhen , Zeng Shengwei , Qi Dongchen , Ye Chen , Yang Jian , Xu Huan , Ariando Ariando , Yi Jiabao , Lü Weiming , Yan Shishen , Wang X. Renshaw
Published: August 2019

The erasable and recreatable 2D electron gas at SrTiO
3
-based heterointerface paves the way towards future novel electronics.
Regional and correlative sweat analysis using high-throughput microfluidic sensing patches toward decoding sweat
Authors: Nyein Hnin Yin Yin , Bariya Mallika , Kivimäki Liisa , Uusitalo Sanna , Liaw Tiffany Sun , Jansson Elina , Ahn Christine Heera , Hangasky John A. , Zhao Jiangqi , Lin Yuanjing , Happonen Tuomas , Chao Minghan , Liedert Christina , Zhao Yingbo , Tai Li-Chia , Hiltunen Jussi , Javey Ali
Published: August 2019

Sweat is used to examine fluid and electrolyte loss, ion correlations, and glucose dynamics in healthy and diabetic cohorts.
Ultrahigh thermal isolation across heterogeneously layered two-dimensional materials
Authors: Vaziri Sam , Yalon Eilam , Muñoz Rojo Miguel , Suryavanshi Saurabh V. , Zhang Huairuo , McClellan Connor J. , Bailey Connor S. , Smithe Kirby K. H. , Gabourie Alexander J. , Chen Victoria , Deshmukh Sanchit , Bendersky Leonid , Davydov Albert V. , Pop Eric
Published: August 2019

Demonstration of metamaterials with ultrahigh thermal resistance by phonon-level engineering of heterogeneous 2D monolayers.
Increased Clinical Specificity with Ultrasensitive Detection of Clostridioides difficile Toxins: Reduction of Overdiagnosis Compared to Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests
Authors: Sandlund Johanna , Estis Joel , Katzenbach Phoebe , Nolan Niamh , Hinson Kirstie , Herres Jennifer , Pero Troy , Peterson Gwyn , Schumaker Jeung-Mi , Stevig Craig , Warren Rhonda , West Tsubasa , Chow Siu-Kei
Published: August 2019

Clostridioides difficile
infection (CDI) is one of the most common health care-associated infections, resulting in significant morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. Diagnosis of CDI relies on the assessment of clinical presentation and laboratory tests. We evaluated the clinical performance of ultrasensitive single-molecule counting technology for detection of
C. difficile
toxins A and B.
Epstein-Barr Virus Infection Promotes Epithelial Cell Growth by Attenuating Differentiation-Dependent Exit from the Cell Cycle
Authors: Eichelberg Mark R. , Welch Rene , Guidry J. Tod , Ali Ahmed , Ohashi Makoto , Makielski Kathleen R. , McChesney Kyle , Van Sciver Nicholas , Lambert Paul F. , Keleș Sündüz , Kenney Shannon C. , Scott Rona S. , Johannsen Eric
Published: August 2019

Latent infection by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an early event in the development of EBV-associated carcinomas. In oral epithelial tissues, EBV establishes a lytic infection of differentiated epithelial cells to facilitate the spread of the virus to new hosts. Because of limitations in existing model systems, the effects of latent EBV infection on undifferentiated and differentiating epithelial cells are poorly understood. Here, we characterize latent infection of an hTERT-immortalized oral epithelial cell line (NOKs). We find that although EBV expresses a latency pattern similar to that seen in EBV-associated carcinomas, infection of undifferentiated NOKs results in differential expression of a small number of host genes. In differentiating NOKs, however, EBV has a more substantial effect, reducing the extent of differentiation and delaying the exit from the cell cycle. This effect may synergize with preexisting cellular abnormalities to prevent exit from the cell cycle, representing a critical step in the development of cancer.
Chitosan Films for Microfluidic Studies of Single Bacteria and Perspectives for Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing
Authors: Tréguier Julie , Bugnicourt Loic , Gay Guillaume , Diallo Mamoudou , Islam Salim Timo , Toro Alexandre , David Laurent , Théodoly Olivier , Sudre Guillaume , Mignot Tâm
Published: August 2019

Current microfluidic techniques are powerful to study bacteria and determine their response to antibiotic treatment, but they are currently limited by their complex manipulation. Chitosan films are fully biocompatible and could thus be a viable replacement for existing commercial devices that currently use polylysine. Thus, the low cost of chitosan slides and their simple implementation make them highly versatile for research as well as clinical use.