bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Questioning the microbial origin of automicrite in Ordovician calathid–demosponge carbonate mounds
Authors: Shen Yuefeng , Neuweiler Fritz
Published: May 2017

Calathid–demosponge carbonate mounds are a feature of Early to Middle Ordovician shallow‐marine carbonate depositional environments of tropical to subtropical palaeolatitudes. These mounds contain an important amount of autochthonous non‐skeletal microcrystalline calcium‐carbonate (automicrite) conventionally considered microbial in origin. Here, the automicrite of calathid–demosponge carbonate mounds (Tarim Basin, north‐west China) is broken down into five distinct fabrics: an in situ peloidal–spiculiferous fabric (AM‐1), an in situ peloidal fabric (AM‐2), an aphanitic–microtubular fabric (AM‐3), a minipeloidal fabric (AM‐4) and a laminoid–cerebroid fabric (AM‐5). Type AM‐1 occurs with AM‐2 being succeeded by an assemblage of AM‐3 and AM‐4. Types AM‐4 and AM‐5 are separated by an erosional disconformity. A good correlation of fluorescence and cathodoluminescence of automicrites indicates that induced and supported organomineralization produced automicrite, probably via the permineralization of non‐living organic substrates adsorbing dissolved metal–humate complexes. Using a spreadsheet with six parameters and 17 characters, AM‐1 to AM‐4 turn out to be non‐microbial in origin. Instead, these automicrites represent relics of calcified metazoan tissues, such as siliceous sponges, non‐spiculate sponges or the basal attachment structures of stalked invertebrates. Fabric AM‐5 is a microbial carbonate but is post‐mound in origin forming a drape within a reefal framework established by AM‐4. The five automicritic fabrics, individually or as an assemblage, are a common element of Ordovician calathid–demosponge carbonate mounds in general. The reassessment of the origins of these automicritic fabrics holds consequences for understanding of the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event in terms of community structure, reef ecology and reef evolution. Episodically, these fabrics are also present in other carbonate build‐ups stretching from the Neoproterozoic over the entire Phanerozoic Eon. The massive calcification of metazoan soft tissue (AM‐1 to AM‐4) characterizes episodes and conditions of enhanced marine calcification and might be of value to refine secular trends of pCO2, Ca concentration and Mg/Ca ratio at the scale of individual sedimentary basins.
Safety of acoustic separation in plastic devices for extracorporeal blood processing
Authors: Savage William J. , Burns John R. , Fiering Jason
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

Acoustic cell separation uses ultrasound waves to separate cells from plasma to perform plasmapheresis. Although the fundamental process has been studied for decades, no acoustic cell separation has been studied in a disposable plastic format suitable for clinical applications.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We developed a disposable, rectangular, polystyrene microchannel acoustic cell‐separation system and applied acoustic energy relevant for plasmapheresis. Fresh blood from healthy volunteers was exposed in vitro to acoustic energy in an open microfluidic circuit with and without ultrasound applied. Blood was tested for perturbations in red blood cells, platelets, and coagulation using clinical assays.

RESULTS

Red blood cell and platelet size parameters as well as coagulation activation all were within 3% of baseline values. P‐selectin expression on platelets increased by an average of 10.9% relative to baseline. Hemolysis increased with flow through the microfluidic channel, but percentage hemolysis remained below 0.3%.

CONCLUSION

Blood parameters in a single‐pass, microfluidic acoustic cell‐separation apparatus remained within normal limits. In vivo animal studies that model continuous separation in a physiologic environment are warranted.
What weighs more—low compliance with self‐deferral or minor medical procedures? Explaining the high rate of hepatitis C virus window‐period donations in Poland
Authors: Czerwinski Michal , Grabarczyk Piotr , Stepien Malgorzata , Kubicka‐Russel Dorota , Tkaczuk Katarzyna , Brojer Ewa , Rosinska Magdalena
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

Since the introduction of nucleic acid testing (NAT) for routine blood donor screening, hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA‐only detection rates reported from Poland have been higher than in most other European countries.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

To examine factors that likely contribute to these window‐period donations, we conducted a case‐control study among 47 recently HCV‐infected blood donors (cases), who gave blood between July 2002 and June 2014, and 141 controls matched by age, sex, and donation dates. Firth‐corrected, conditional logistic regression models were fitted to estimate adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Adjusted population‐attributable fractions were calculated based on the distribution of exposure among the cases.

RESULTS

On multivariate analysis, recent exposures in health care environments not routinely ascertained through predonation questionnaires were strongly associated with recently acquired HCV infection. These exposures included minor medical and dental procedures in the preceding 6 months (adjusted odds ratio, 5.77; 95 % confidence interval, 2.01‐18.53). However, based on the population‐attributable fraction, more important were behavioral deferrable risks that went unreported at the time of donation, such as high‐risk sexual behaviors in the preceding 6 months (population‐attributable fraction, 34%) or lifetime histories of drug use (population‐attributable fraction, 28%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study raises questions about the effectiveness of deferral policy in excluding high‐risk individuals. In addition, it provides further evidence supporting short, temporal deferrals for small medical procedures and dental treatments in Poland.
An elementary construction of monomial bases of modified quantum affine gln
Authors: Lai Chun‐Ju , Luo Li
Published: May 2017

In 1990 Beilinson, Lusztig and MacPherson provided a geometric realization of modified quantum and its canonical basis. A key step of their work is a construction of a monomial basis. Recently, Du and Fu provided an algebraic construction of the canonical basis for modified quantum affine , which among other results used an earlier construction of monomial bases using Ringel–Hall algebra of the cyclic quiver. In this paper, we give an elementary algebraic construction of a monomial basis for affine Schur algebras and modified quantum affine .
On a dynamical Mordell–Lang conjecture for coherent sheaves
Authors: Bell Jason P. , Satriano Matthew , Sierra Susan J.
Published: May 2017

We introduce a dynamical Mordell–Lang‐type conjecture for coherent sheaves. When the sheaves are structure sheaves of closed subschemes, our conjecture becomes a statement about unlikely intersections. We prove an analogue of this conjecture for affinoid spaces, which we then use to prove our conjecture in the case of surfaces. These results rely on a module‐theoretic variant of Strassman's theorem that we prove in the appendix.
Portomesenteric venous thrombosis complicated by a haemorrhagic shock: a rare complication of laparoscopic gastrectomy
Authors: Copelin Eddie , Cholankeril Rosann , Somasundar Ponnandai , Cholankeril George
Published: May 2017

Portomesenteric venous thrombosis is a rare complication reported in only a few cases involving laparoscopic bariatric surgery. We report a case of a 44-year-old woman who presented 14 days after recent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with the chief complaint of abdominal pain and associated nausea. Abdominal CT demonstrated thrombi in her superior mesenteric, portal and splenic veins. She was initiated on therapeutic heparin but developed haemorrhagic shock shortly afterwards. Subsequent CT angiogram failed to localise the source of her haemorrhage. Her haemodynamic instability improved following a 6-day intensive care unit stay requiring vasopressive agents and blood transfusions. Further hypercoagulable workup revealed that she was a heterozygous carrier of the prothrombin gene mutation, and thus started on lifelong oral anticoagulation.
Ichthyosis linearis circumflexa with bamboo hair: challenges in the diagnosis and management
Authors: Dev Tanvi , Raman Kumar Marwaha , Sethuraman Gomathy
Published: May 2017

A 15-year-old boy had persistent and refractory erythroderma since early childhood. His parents noticed polycyclic skin lesions and hair fragility around the age of 5 years. He was treated by a local untrained practitioner for more than 3 years without any significant improvement, and he developed weight gain, thinning of skin, muscle weakness and growth retardation. He was evaluated in 2015 and found to have iatrogenic Cushing’s disease with severe skeletal complications and pituitary-adrenal-gonadal suppression, which persisted despite gradual withdrawal of steroids.
Cost of elective percutaneous coronary intervention in Malaysia: a multicentre cross-sectional costing study
Authors: Lee Kun Yun , Ong Tiong Kiam , Low Ee Vien , Liow Siow Yen , Anchah Lawrence , Hamzah Syuhada , Liew Houng Bang , Ali Rosli Mohd , Ismail Omar , Ahmad Wan Azman Wan , Said Mas Ayu , Dahlui Maznah
Published: May 2017

Objectives

Limitations in the quality and access of cost data from low-income and middle-income countries constrain the implementation of economic evaluations. With the increasing prevalence of coronary artery disease in Malaysia, cost information is vital for cardiac service expansion. We aim to calculate the hospitalisation cost of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), using a data collection method customised to local setting of limited data availability.

Design

This is a cross-sectional costing study from the perspective of healthcare providers, using top-down approach, from January to June 2014. Cost items under each unit of analysis involved in the provision of PCI service were identified, valuated and calculated to produce unit cost estimates.

Setting

Five public cardiac centres participated. All the centres provide full-fledged cardiology services. They are also the tertiary referral centres of their respective regions.

Participants

The cost was calculated for elective PCI procedure in each centre. PCI conducted for urgent/emergent indication or for patients with shock and haemodynamic instability were excluded.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The outcome measures of interest were the unit costs at the two units of analysis, namely cardiac ward admission and cardiac catheterisation utilisation, which made up the total hospitalisation cost.

Results

The average hospitalisation cost ranged between RM11 471 (US$3186) and RM14 465 (US$4018). PCI consumables were the dominant cost item at all centres. The centre with daycare establishment recorded the lowest admission cost and total hospitalisation cost.

Conclusions

Comprehensive results from all centres enable comparison at the levels of cost items, unit of analysis and total costs. This generates important information on cost variations between centres, thus providing valuable guidance for service planning. Alternative procurement practices for PCI consumables may deliver cost reduction. For countries with limited data availability, costing method tailored based on country setting can be used for the purpose of economic evaluations.

Registration

Malaysian MOH Medical Research and Ethics Committee (ID: NMRR-13-1403-18234 IIR).
The repeated bout effect of traditional resistance exercises on running performance across 3 bouts
Authors: Doma Kenji , Schumann Moritz , Leicht Anthony Scott , Heilbronn Brian Edward , Damas Felipe , Burt Dean
Published: May 2017

This study investigated the repeated bout effect of 3 typical lower body resistance-training sessions on maximal and submaximal effort running performance. Twelve resistance-untrained men (age, 24 ± 4 years; height, 1.81 ± 0.10 m; body mass, 79.3 ± 10.9 kg; peak oxygen uptake, 48.2 ± 6.5 mL·kg−1·min−1; 6-repetition maximum squat, 71.7 ± 12.2 kg) undertook 3 bouts of resistance-training sessions at 6-repetitions maximum. Countermovement jump (CMJ), lower-body range of motion (ROM), muscle soreness, and creatine kinase (CK) were examined prior to and immediately, 24 h (T24), and 48 h (T48) after each resistance-training bout. Submaximal (i.e., below anaerobic threshold (AT)) and maximal (i.e., above AT) running performances were also conducted at T24 and T48. Most indirect muscle damage markers (i.e., CMJ, ROM, and muscle soreness) and submaximal running performance were significantly improved (P < 0.05; 1.9%) following the third resistance-training bout compared with the second bout. Whilst maximal running performance was also improved following the third bout (P < 0.05; 9.8%) compared with other bouts, the measures were still reduced by 12%–20% versus baseline. However, the increase in CK was attenuated following the second bout (P < 0.05) with no further protection following the third bout (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the initial bout induced the greatest change in CK; however, at least 2 bouts were required to produce protective effects on other indirect muscle damage markers and submaximal running performance measures. This suggests that submaximal running sessions should be avoided for at least 48 h after resistance training until the third bout, although a greater recovery period may be required for maximal running sessions.
Semi-analytical approach for time-dependent load–settlement response of a jacked pile in clay strata
Authors: Li Lin , Li Jingpei , Sun De’an , Gong Weibing
Published: May 2017

Mechanical behaviour of the soil around a jacked pile changes significantly during pile installation and subsequent consolidation. Hence, an axially loaded jacked pile exhibits apparent time-dependent bearing performance after pile installation. This paper presents a semi-analytical approach to predict the time-dependent bearing performance of an axially loaded jacked pile in saturated clay strata. The effects of pile installation and subsequent consolidation on the changes in mechanical properties of the surrounding soil are modeled by the cavity expansion theory and the radial consolidation theory, respectively. An exponential function–based load-transfer (t–z) curve is employed to describe the nonlinear behaviour of the pile–soil interface during pile loading. The evolutions of the three-dimensional strength and shear modulus of the surrounding soil are subsequently incorporated into the two model parameters of the proposed t–z curve to capture the time-dependent pile–soil interaction behaviour. The time-dependent elastic response of the soil outside the pile–soil interface is also considered in the proposed approach. With the proposed load-transfer curve, an incremental algorithm and a corresponding computational code are developed for assessing the time-dependent load–settlement response of a jacked pile. To verify the proposed semi-analytical approach, predictions of the time-dependent load–settlement curves are compared with the measured values from pile tests at two sites. The good agreement shows that the time-dependent bearing performance can be reasonably predicted by the proposed approach.
A contaminant DNA barcode sequence reveals a new red algal order, Corynodactylales (Nemaliophycidae, Florideophyceae)
Authors: Saunders Gary W. , Wadland Katelyn L. , Salomaki Eric D. , Lane Christopher E.
Published: May 2017

Routine DNA barcode surveys of red algae can occasionally yield contaminant sequences owing to the diverse epi/endo flora and fauna that can inhabit these species. Often discarded as nuisance data, further exploration in this study led to the discovery of an unusual red alga with a highly characteristic vegetative development in which the diminutive primary vegetative filaments are terminated by distinctive monosporangia. This entity is described here as Corynodactylus rejiciendus G.W. Saunders gen. et sp. nov. Generating genomic data from the host and associated epiphytic flora, and subsequently subtracting out genes of the former, facilitated a multigene phylogenetic analysis supporting recognition of Corynodactylaceae fam. nov. and Corynodactylales ord. nov. as a distant sister to the order Balliales in the subclass Nemaliophycidae.
Incorporating the effects of upstream ice jam releases in the prediction of flood levels in the Hay River delta, Canada
Authors: De Coste Michael , She Yuntong , Blackburn Julia
Published: May 2017

The town of Hay River, located in the Northwest Territories, Canada, is vulnerable to ice jam flooding occurring in the adjacent Hay River delta. The most extreme flooding events have occurred when ice jams in the channels of the delta were pushed downstream towards the mouth at Great Slave Lake. This movement has been linked to incoming waves from ice jam release in the upstream reaches of the Hay River. This study incorporated the effect of an upstream ice jam release wave into the prediction of ice jam caused flood levels in the delta by integrating three one-dimensional models. The method was validated with observed breakup events and then used to simulate various combinations of ice and water conditions in the river and the delta. Multiple linear regression analyses were applied to the results to develop a prediction tool for assessing ice jam flood risk.
The explicit construction of all dually flat Randers metrics
Authors: Liu Huaifu , Mo Xiaohuan
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we construct explicitly all dually flat Randers metrics by using the bijection between Randers metrics and their navigation representation.
Harmonic manifolds and embedded surfaces arising from a super regular tesselation
Authors: Brumfiel G. , Hilden H. , Lozano M. T. , Montesinos J. M. , Ramirez E. , Short H. , Tejada D. , Toro M.
Published: May 2017

The main result of this paper is the construction of two Hyperbolic manifolds, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], with several remarkable properties:

(1) Every closed orientable [Formula: see text]-manifold is homeomorphic to the quotient space of the action of a group of order [Formula: see text] on some covering space of [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text]. (2) [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are tesselated by 16 dodecahedra such that the pentagonal faces of the dodecahedra fit together in a certain way. (3) There are 12 closed non-orientable hyperbolic surfaces of Euler characteristic [Formula: see text] each of which is tesselated by regular right angled pentagons and embedded in [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text]. The union of the pentagonal faces of the tesselating dodecahedra equals the union of the 12 images of the embedded surfaces of Euler characteristic [Formula: see text].
Farey neighbors and hyperbolic Lorenz knots
Authors: Gomes Paulo , Franco Nuno , Silva Luís
Published: May 2017

Based on symbolic dynamics of Lorenz maps, we prove that, provided one conjecture due to Morton is true, then Lorenz knots associated to orbits of points in the renormalization intervals of Lorenz maps with reducible kneading invariant of type [Formula: see text], where the sequences [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are Farey neighbors verifying some conditions, are hyperbolic.
Classical link invariants from the framizations of the Iwahori–Hecke algebra and the Temperley–Lieb algebra of type A
Authors: Goundaroulis D. , Lambropoulou S.
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we first present the construction of the new 2-variable classical link invariants arising from the Yokonuma–Hecke algebras [Formula: see text], which are not topologically equivalent to the Homflypt polynomial. We then present the algebra [Formula: see text] which is the appropriate Temperley–Lieb analogue of [Formula: see text], as well as the related 1-variable classical link invariants, which in turn are not topologically equivalent to the Jones polynomial. Finally, we present the algebra of braids and ties which is related to the Yokonuma–Hecke algebra, and also its quotient, the partition Temperley–Lieb algebra [Formula: see text] and we prove an isomorphism of this algebra with a subalgebra of [Formula: see text].
Cut points: An invariant of virtual links
Authors: Dye Heather A.
Published: May 2017

Checkerboard framings are an extension of checkerboard colorings for virtual links. From checkerboard framings, we obtain an independent invariant of virtual links: the cut point number. Checkerboard framings and cut points can be used as a tool to extend other classical invariants to virtual links.
The palette numbers of torus knots
Authors: Hayashi Taiki , Nakamura Takuji , Nakanishi Yasutaka , Satoh Shin
Published: May 2017

For an effectively [Formula: see text]-colorable knot [Formula: see text], the palette number [Formula: see text] is the minimum number of distinct colors for all effective [Formula: see text]-colorings of [Formula: see text]. It is known that [Formula: see text] for any effectively [Formula: see text]-colorable knot [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we show that for any odd [Formula: see text] and effectively [Formula: see text]-colorable torus knot [Formula: see text] it holds that [Formula: see text] namely, any effectively [Formula: see text]-colorable torus knot has an effectively [Formula: see text]-colored diagram with [Formula: see text] colors.
Axially symmetric shear-free fluids in f(R,T) gravity
Authors: Noureen Ifra , Zubair M.
Published: May 2017

In this work, we have discussed the implications of shear-free condition on axially symmetric anisotropic gravitating objects in [Formula: see text] theory. Restricted axial symmetry ignoring rotation and reflection entries containing three independent metric functions is taken into account for establishment of instability range. Implementation of linear perturbation on constitutive modified dynamical equations yield evolution equation. This equation associates adiabatic index [Formula: see text] with material and dark source components of physical parameters defining stable and unstable regions in Newtonian (N) and post-Newtonian (pN) approximations. It is remarked that the axial system evolving under shear-free condition implicates high levels of stability in anisotropic environment.
A Method to Review Expert Recommendation Using Topic Relevance and Expert Relationship
Authors: Gao Shengxiang , Yu Zhengtao , Shi Linbin , Yan Xin , Song Haixia
Published: May 2017

In the process of recommending review experts to projects, in order to effectively make use of the relevance among topics and the relationship among experts, a new method is proposed for review expert recommendation using topic relevance and expert relationship. In this method, firstly, the relevance among topics and the relationships among experts are used to respectively construct the Markov network of topics and the Markov network of experts. Next, the maximum topic clique is extracted from the topic Markov network and the maximum expert clique is extracted from the expert Markov network; then, with the information of the two maximum cliques, the relevance between experts and projects is calculated. After that, according to the descending order of the relevant degree, the candidates are ranked. Finally, the experts, who are the top N to projects, are recommended. The experiments on five domain datasets are made and the results show that the proposed method can improve the effect of review expert recommendation, and the F-value increases by an average of 5% than without considering the relevance among topics and the relationship among experts.
Modeling Consumers’ Behavior in New Dual Banking Markets: The Case of Morocco
Authors: Aaminou Mohamed Wail , Aboulaich Rajae
Published: May 2017

This paper aims to model the impact of retail consumers’ behavior on a new banking dual market featuring both conventional and Islamic banking products. To build the model, we conduct an empirical qualitative and quantitative survey on Moroccan market consumers in order to appraise their preferences with regard to banking products’ attributes. Then, we use conjoint analysis method to determine the consumers’ decision function. We run market simulations on a Multi-Agents Simulation platform and analyze the results. Our findings indicate that in new dual markets, and under a range of assumptions, it is predicted that Islamic banks will face excess liquidity while conventional banks will be exposed to liquidity shortage.
Impact of Qualitative Characteristics on Market Equilibrium: Simulation with Agent-Based Modeling
Authors: Badraoui Safae , Bensaid Khalid , El Haloui Ahmed Mouad , Aboulaich Rajae
Published: May 2017

This paper involves developing financial utility function that considers compliance to a certain qualitative characteristic and studies the impact on market equilibrium prices, should this criterion be Sharia compliance, fair-trade, environmental, social and governance principles or other ethical aspect. The goal is to show that individual utility can depend on other parameters than wealth and risk aversion, that therefore influence equilibrium market prices. This has been done by examining a possible utility function that takes into account individual sensitivity to the criterion and the intrinsic quality of compliance of this parameter. In order to prove the effectiveness of the proposed utility function, a simulation is made using agent-based approach with NetLogo platform. Upon examination of the impact of these parameters, it becomes clear that compliance to a qualitative characteristic would impact individual utility, supply and demand and result in equilibrium prices. This research highlights the importance of ethical arguments on individual decision making and how markets behave to this.
On the Existence of Pareto Efficient Nash Equilibria in Discontinuous Games
Authors: Nessah Rabia , Parvulescu Raluca
Published: May 2017

This paper gives existence theorems of pure, Pareto efficient, Nash equilibrium in compact, convex and discontinuous games. These conditions are simple and straightforward to verify. Moreover, the present existence results neither imply nor are implied by the known results in the literature. The results are illustrated by several examples.
THERMAL IMAGING AS AN ADJUNCT TOOL FOR IDENTIFYING FETAL GROWTH – A PILOT STUDY
Authors: SAI DIVYA R. , YACIN S. MOHAMED , SELVARAJ KAMALA , SUDHARSAN NATTERI M.
Published: May 2017

Monitoring the fetal growth and diagnosing any possible abnormality plays a vital role in ensuring the healthy growth of a fetus. Certain health issues like Hyperthermia, Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM) and Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) has to be diagnosed early. A pilot study comprising of 27 pregnant and 2 non-pregnant subjects was conducted to check the effectiveness of Thermal imaging in predicting the fetal growth. The heat dissipated by the fetus to the maternal abdominal wall is acquired as a surface thermal distribution. These images were processed qualitatively and quantitatively for better understanding. There was a consistent higher thermal pattern for pregnant women. A more pronounced temperature pattern is notable in the umbilical region that correlates with gestation age. However, as thermal pattern varies with age, gestation period and BMI, it is advisable to track the same person and compare the images for better assessment. This pilot study justifies the need for more elaborate study in building a database for classification and interpretation of thermogram to detect fetal abnormality with reduced human interpretation.
EMERGENT DENSE SUBURBS IN A SCHELLING METAPOPULATION MODEL: A SIMULATION APPROACH
Authors: GARGIULO FLORIANA , GANDICA YERALI , CARLETTI TIMOTEO
Published: May 2017

The Schelling model describes the formation of spatially segregated clusters starting from individual preferences based on tolerance. To adapt this framework to an urban scenario, characterized by several individuals sharing very close physical spaces, we propose a metapopulation version of the Schelling model defined on the top of a regular lattice whose cells can be interpreted as a bunch of buildings or a district containing several agents. We assume the model to contain two kinds of agents relocating themselves if their individual utility is smaller than a tolerance threshold. While the results for large values of the tolerances respect the common sense, namely coexistence is the rule, for small values of the latter we obtain two non-trivial results: first we observe complete segregation inside the cells, second the population redistributes highly heterogeneously among the available places, despite the initial uniform distribution. The system thus converges toward a complex heterogeneous configuration after a long quasi-stationary transient period, during which the population remains in a well mixed phase. We identify three possible global spatial regimes according to the tolerance value: microscopic clusters with local coexistence of both kinds of agents, macroscopic clusters with local coexistence (hereafter called soft segregation) and macroscopic clusters with local segregation but homogeneous densities (hereafter called hard segregation).
The dimension of the Hilbert space of geometric quantization of vortices on a Riemann surface
Authors: Dey Rukmini , Ganguli Saibal
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we calculate the dimension of the Hilbert space of Kähler quantization of the moduli space of vortices on a Riemann surface. This dimension is given by the holomorphic Euler characteristic of the quantum line bundle.
Dynamical system of a SEIQV epidemic model with nonlinear generalized incidence rate arising in biology
Authors: Khan Muhammad Altaf , Khan Yasir , Khan Taj Wali , Islam Saeed
Published: May 2017

In this paper, a dynamical system of a SEIQV mathematical model with nonlinear generalized incidence arising in biology is investigated. The stability of the disease-free and endemic equilibrium is discussed. The basic reproduction number of the model is obtained. We found that the disease-free and endemic equilibrium is stable locally as well as globally asymptotically stable. For [Formula: see text], the disease-free equilibrium is stable both locally and globally and for [Formula: see text], the endemic equilibrium is stable globally asymptotically. Finally, some numerical results are presented.
Qualitative analysis of a predator–prey model with rapid evolution and piecewise constant arguments
Authors: Wang Lie
Published: May 2017

The qualitative analysis of a predator–prey model with rapid evolution and piecewise constant arguments is investigated in this work. The discrete model, which determines the dynamical behavior of the corresponding differential model, is achieved by calculation. First, the sufficient conditions for the existence and local stability of the equilibriums are concluded from the linearized stability theorem and latent root method. Second, the global stability of the equilibriums is discussed through the Poincaré–Bendixson theorem. Furthermore, it is proved that the system has at most one limit cycle. Third, by using the bifurcation theory it is found that the model can undergo the saddle-node bifurcation; the flip bifurcation; and the Neimark–Sacker bifurcation. From the qualitative analysis it can be found that the exponential growth rate and the ratio between the fast and slow timescales have profound influence on the dynamic behavior of the model. Finally, numerical examples carry out to justify the main results in this work.
Near-optimal algorithm to count occurrences of subsequences of a given length
Authors: Torres-Jimenez Jose , Izquierdo-Marquez Idelfonso , Ramirez-Acuna Daniel , Peralta Rene
Published: May 2017

For [Formula: see text], define [Formula: see text] as the set of integers [Formula: see text]. Given an integer [Formula: see text] and a string [Formula: see text] of length [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text], we count the number of times that each one of the [Formula: see text] distinct strings of length [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text] occurs as a subsequence of [Formula: see text]. Our algorithm makes only one scan of [Formula: see text] and solves the problem in time complexity [Formula: see text] and space complexity [Formula: see text]. These are very close to best possible.
An applied multi-agent system within the framework of a player-centered probabilistic computer game
Authors: Kuravsky L. S. , Popkov S. I. , Artemenkov S. L.
Published: May 2017

The probabilistic model to represent the behavior of an applied multi-agent system that introduces the interaction between a set of agents and Player has been developed within the framework of player-centered probabilistic computer games. The approach features are given with the aid of a game developed for testing cognitive abilities. The agent’s behavior is nondeterministic and therefore unpredictable from Player viewpoint. The system allows both coordinated and autonomous agent’s behavior that depends on availability of information about the presence and position of workable agents for each other. Agent’s behavior is determined with the aid of the algorithm that includes identification of the probabilistic model parameters using maximized objective functions representing individual and group probabilities for Player defeating. Both the model and algorithm ensure the behavior control for relevant applied multi-agent systems.
Secure workflow scheduling in cloud environment using modified particle swarm optimization with scout adaptation
Authors: Naidu P. Sanyasi , Bhagat Babita
Published: May 2017

In the distributed data-intensive computing environment, securely assigning tasks to appropriate machines is a big job scheduling problem. The complexity of this problem increases with the number of jobs and their job times. Several meta-heuristic algorithms including particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique and variable neighborhood particle swarm optimization (VNPSO) technique are employed to solve the problem to a certain extent. This paper proposes a modified PSO with scout adaptation (MPSO-SA) algorithm, which uses a cyclic term called mutation operator, to solve the job scheduling problem in the cloud environment. The comparative study between the proposed MPSO-SA scheduling mechanism and the conventional scheduling algorithms show that the proposed method decreases the probability of security risk on scheduling the jobs.
Optimal Trading with Online Parameter Revisions
Authors: Baradel N. , Bouchard B. , Dang N. M.
Published: May 2017

The aim of this paper is to explain how parameters adjustments can be integrated in the design or the control of automates of trading. Typically, we are interested in the online estimation of the market impacts generated by robots or single orders, and how they/the controller should react in an optimal way to the information generated by the observation of the realized impacts. This can be formulated as an optimal impulse control problem with unknown parameters, on which a prior is given. We explain how a mix of the classical Bayesian updating rule and of optimal control techniques allows one to derive the dynamic programming equation satisfied by the corresponding value function, from which the optimal policy can be inferred. We provide an example of convergent finite difference scheme and consider typical examples of applications.
A Numerical Investigation into the Effects of Overweight and Obesity on Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Wang Changjiang , Guo Yuan , Shi Junfen , Chen Weiyi
Published: May 2017

Overweight and obesity increase risks of knee osteoarthritis, which is a major cause of disability. Severe knee osteoarthritis can be treated by knee arthroplasty. Total knee arthroplasty has been used in overweight and obese patients; however, clinical reports showed that the outcome of this group of patients was not good as normal-weight patients. Two computer models were created in this paper to simulate the effect of excess loads on the distal femoral bone and contact pressures in total knee arthroplasty during a gait cycle. The numerical results showed increased stress in periprosthetic distal femoral bones and higher contact pressure on tibial polyethylene insert during the stance phase. Based on the computer simulation results and published research work, cementless total knee arthroplasty with thicker tibial polyethylene insert may be a better option for overweight patients.
Pinned Luminescence Emission and Absorbance Band from Ultrasmall Ball-Milled Cd0.3Zn0.7Se Nanocrystals
Authors: Muh’d Ibrahim Bagudo , Talib Zainal A. , Zainal Zulkarnain , Liew Josephine Ying Chi
Published: May 2017

We report the pinned absorbance and emission spectra of Cd0.3Zn0.7Se nanocrystals synthesized via mechanical alloying. The first emission peaks of Cd0.3Zn0.7Se nanocrystals milled for 5 and 10 h are observed at 3.36 eV, while the absorbance spectra of those milled for 10 and 20 h are observed at 4.47 eV. The emission peaks of nanocrystals milled for 5, 10, and 20 h have broad emissions centered at 2.90, 2.88, and 2.92 eV, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy histogram shows that each nanocrystal size distribution has a single population maxima of <2 nm. In addition, the center of each size distribution shifts toward the ultrasmall particles upon continuous milling. Particle sizes (d) of 0.73 nm are calculated from the first excitonic peaks of the pinned absorbance bands through the semiempirical sizing equation. The continuous reduction in particle sizes increases the surface-to-volume ratios of the nanocrystals. This increase eventually results in an increase in the surface states that translate into low photoluminescence intensity of pinned emission.
Atypical Lipomatous Tumor/Well-Differentiated Liposarcoma Developed in a Patient with Progressive Muscular Dystrophy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Miyagi Ryo , Nishisho Toshihiko , Takata Shinjiro , Shimatani Yoshimitsu , Toki Shunichi , Sairyo Koichi
Published: May 2017

Background.Atypical lipomatous tumor/well-differentiated liposarcoma (ALT/WDLS) is an intermediate or locally aggressive form of adipocytic soft tissue sarcoma. Muscular dystrophy (MD) is characterized by progressive muscle atrophy and its replacement by adipose and fibrous tissue. Recently, some authors have reported that MD genes are related to neoplastic formation, but there have been no detailed clinical reports of ALT associated with MD.Case Presentation.A 73-year-old woman with a diagnosis of limb-girdle MD visited our department for recurrence of a huge tumor in her left thigh. She had undergone resection of a lipoma at the same site more than 20 years earlier. Imaging studies revealed a lipomatous tumor in her left thigh. We performed marginal resection including the adjacent muscles. Histological diagnosis was atypical lipomatous tumor. The postoperative course was uneventful, with no recurrence at 36 months of follow-up.Conclusion.We encountered a huge atypical tumor in a patient with MD. This is the first detailed report to describe an association between ALT and MD. We hypothesize that degenerative changes occurring in adipose tissue during muscle atrophy can cause lipomatous neoplasms and moreover that the mutation of MD-related genes may lead to the proliferation of tumor cells or to malignancy.
The Effects of Melatonin on Elevated Liver Enzymes during Statin Treatment
Authors: Chojnacki Cezary , Błońska Aleksandra , Chojnacki Jan
Published: May 2017

Taking statins can cause increase in the level of aspartate and alanine aminotransferase. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of melatonin in counteracting the adverse hepatic events from statins. Methods. The research program included 60 patients (aged 47–65 years, 41 women and 19 men) with hyperlipidemia taking atorvastatin or rosuvastatin at a dose of 20–40 mg daily. The patients were randomly allocated in two groups. Group I (n=30) was recommended to take the same statin at a standardized daily dose of 20 mg together with melatonin at a dose of 2×5 mg. Group II (n=30) patients took statin with placebo at the same dose and time of the day. Follow-up laboratory tests (AST, ALT, GGT, and ALP) were evaluated after 2, 4, and 6 months of treatment. Results. In Group I the levels of all enzymes decreased after 6 months, particularly AST, 97,2±19,1 U/L versus 52,8±12,3 U/L (p<0,001); ALT, 87,4±15,6 U/L versus 49,8±14,5 U/L (p<0,001); and GGT, 84,1±14,8 U/L versus 59,6 U/L (p<0,001). Conclusion. Melatonin exerts a hepatoprotective effect in patients taking statins.
Central Venous Line Insertion Revealing Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return: Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Alzghoul Bashar , Innabi Ayoub , Chada Aditya , Tarawneh Ahmad R. , Kakkera Krishna , Khasawneh Khaled
Published: May 2017

Central venous line malposition is a well-known complication of line insertion. Rarely, it can be mal-positioned in an anomalous pulmonary vein. We present an unusual case of a 56-year-old woman that was found to have partial anomalous pulmonary venous return on central venous line insertion. In this report, we describe a systematic approach to diagnosis and management of this unusual situation.
Kinesiophobia, Pain, Muscle Functions, and Functional Performances among Older Persons with Low Back Pain
Authors: Ishak Nor Azizah , Zahari Zarina , Justine Maria
Published: May 2017

Objectives. This study aims (1) to determine the association between kinesiophobia and pain, muscle functions, and functional performances and (2) to determine whether kinesiophobia predicts pain, muscle functions, and functional performance among older persons with low back pain (LBP). Methods. This is a correlational study, involving 63 institutionalized older persons (age = 70.98±7.90 years) diagnosed with LBP. Anthropometric characteristics (BMI) and functional performances (lower limb function, balance and mobility, and hand grip strength) were measured. Muscle strength (abdominal and back muscle strength) was assessed using the Baseline® Mechanical Push/Pull Dynamometer, while muscle control (transverse abdominus and multifidus) was measured by using the Pressure Biofeedback Unit. The pain intensity and the level of kinesiophobia were measured using Numerical Rating Scale and Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, respectively. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficients and multivariate linear regressions. Results. No significant correlations were found between kinesiophobia and pain and muscle functions (all p>0.05). Kinesiophobia was significantly correlated with mobility and balance (p=0.038, r=0.263). Regressions analysis showed that kinesiophobia was a significant predictor of mobility and balance (p=0.038). Conclusion. We can conclude that kinesiophobia predicted mobility and balance in older persons with LBP. Kinesiophobia should be continuously assessed in clinical settings to recognize the obstacles that may affect patient’s compliance towards a rehabilitation program in older persons with LBP.
Heating Experiment of CNT Cementitious Composites with Single-Walled and Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Lee Heeyoung , Kang Donghoon , Song Young Min , Chung Wonseok
Published: May 2017

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are a primary nanomaterial that have outstanding physical and mechanical characteristics, and CNTs can be combined with cement-based materials to alter their heating characteristics. In this study, the types of CNTs used were multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Experiments were performed to determine the altered heating characteristics of the CNT cement mortars. The parameters of the experiment were CNT type, CNT content, curing age, and applied voltage. The results for the different CNT cement mortars indicate that mixing SWCNTs with water to produce CNT cement mortars was more effective for modifying the heating characteristics compared to mixing MWCNTs with water. In addition, field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) images supported the results found in the heating experiments.
Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Diffusion for Identification of Breast Malignant and Benign Tumors Using Chemometrics
Authors: Chen Fengnong , Chen Pulan , Hamid Muhammed Hamed , Zhang Juan
Published: May 2017

The aim of the paper is to identify the breast malignant and benign lesions using the features of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), perfusion fraction f, pseudodiffusion coefficient D⁎, and true diffusion coefficient D from intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM). There are 69 malignant cases (including 9 early malignant cases) and 35 benign breast cases who underwent diffusion-weighted MRI at 3.0 T with 8 b-values (0~1000 s/mm2). ADC and IVIM parameters were determined in lesions. The early malignant cases are used as advanced malignant and benign tumors, respectively, so as to assess the effectiveness on the result. A predictive model was constructed using Support Vector Machine Binary Classification (SVMBC, also known Support Vector Machine Discriminant Analysis (SVMDA)) and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLSDA) and compared the difference between them both. The D value and ADC provide accurate identification of malignant lesions with b=300, if early malignant tumor was considered as advanced malignant (cancer). The classification accuracy is 93.5% for cross-validation using SVMBC with ADC and tissue diffusivity only. The sensitivity and specificity are 100% and 87.0%, respectively, r2cv=0.8163, and root mean square error of cross-validation (RMSECV) is 0.043. ADC and IVIM provide quantitative measurement of tissue diffusivity for cellularity and are helpful with the method of SVMBC, getting comprehensive and complementary information for differentiation between benign and malignant breast lesions.
Assessing Heavy Metals Accumulation in the Leaves and Sediments of Urban Mangroves (Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh.) in Bahrain
Authors: Abou Seedo Kholoud , Abido Mohammad S. , Salih Ahmed A. , Abahussain Asma
Published: May 2017

Accumulation of 8 heavy metals (HM), Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn, was assessed in the leaves and sediments of gray mangrove (Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh.) at three sites along Tubli Bay using Inductive Coupled Plasma Analyzer. The results showed no significant differences in HM contents in the leaves of mangroves between the sites except for Mo and Zn. HM concentrations (mg L−1) in leaves were in the following order: Fe > Zn > Mn > Mo > Cu > Ni > Cr. Significant differences existed between sediment content of Tubli site and the other two sites with regard to Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn due to direct exposure of the site to wastewater outfalls. A general trend of decline in HM concentrations was noticeable from the top towards deeper sediment layers in all the sites of the study area. Concentration of HM in sediment was in the following order: Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Cr > Pb > Ni. HM concentration in sediments far exceeded the amount present in the leaves of the mangrove except for Ni. The amounts of HM in mangrove sediments were comparable to regional findings and fell within known sediment quality guidelines.
Evidence of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Autism: Biochemical Links, Genetic‐Based Associations, and Non‐Energy‐Related Mechanisms
Authors: Griffiths Keren K. , Levy Richard J.
Published: May 2017

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States, represents a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social interaction and communication as well as restricted and repetitive behavior. The underlying cause of autism is unknown and therapy is currently limited to targeting behavioral abnormalities. Emerging studies suggest a link between mitochondrial dysfunction and ASD. Here, we review the evidence demonstrating this potential connection. We focus specifically on biochemical links, genetic‐based associations, non‐energy related mechanisms, and novel therapeutic strategies.