bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reactive hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in systemic lupus Erythematosus-a case report and literature review
Authors: Saiful Tasnuva , Elahi Quadrat E , Karim Mostafil , Mostafi Mamun , Mia Abdul Ali
Published: January 2018

Introduction: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a syndrome of immune overstimulation. HLH commonly manifests as multiple organ failure without apparent physiological stress. Primary HLH relates to genetic defects, whereas secondary HLH is triggered by infection, malignancy, or autoimmune disease. This paper describes the features of a young female patient with systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) who presented HLHS as the initial clinical manifestation.Clinical observations: The patient had prolonged fever not associated to an infectious process and did not respond to broad-spectrum antibiotics.Discussion: The diagnosis of HLH secondary to SLE is complicated, because it has some features in common, but HLH is characterized by organomegaly, hyperferritinemia, hypofibrinogenemia, hypertriglyceridemia and cytopenia, a decrease in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, unlike SLE. An eight week induction therapy with dexamethasone, etoposide, and intrathecal methotrexate increases survival in primary HLH and virus-associated secondary HLH. However, no standardized regimen exists for autoimmune associated HLH. Some patients respond to steroid monotherapy, while refractory patients may require cyclosporin, cyclophosphamide, or tacrolimus.Conclusions: HS can be the initial manifestation of SLE and should be suspected in patients with organ enlargement, cytopenias, clotting disorders, liver disorders and prolonged fever unresponsive to antibiotics. Anakinra may be a treatment option in adult HS associated to SLE.Bangladesh J Medicine Jul 2017; 28(2) : 95-99
Dengue coinfection in a case of enteric fever: a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma
Authors: Islam AKM Monwarul , Islam Quazi Tarikul , Jesmin Humayra
Published: January 2018

Presence of coinfection may make the otherwise straightforward presentation, diagnosis and management of the either disease complicated. Dengue and enteric fever coinfection is uncommon, though as a single disease both are common in tropical countries. Here, coinfection by dengue and enteric fever has been described in a 14-year-old boy residing in the tropic. Diagnosis of dengue was suggested by positive serological tests, and Salmonella paratyphi A was isolated by blood culture. Presence of enteric fever presumably protracted the course of illness by dengue fever. The patient was managed successfully by intravenous ceftriaxone, along with supportive care. So, the physicians practicing in the endemic region should have high degree of suspicion while dealing with the febrile patients in clinical practice.Bangladesh J Medicine Jul 2017; 28(2) : 100-103
Restriction endonuclease analysis of the genomes of different isolates of chicken anemia virus amplified by polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Chowdhury SMZH , Omar AR , Ideris A , Bejo H , Jamaluddin AA
Published: January 2018

Four DNA fragments (fragments A, B, C and D) covering the whole genome of chicken anemia virus (CAV) were amplified enzymatically by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using four pairs of oligonucleotide primers. The DNA fragments were amplified from each of nine CAV isolates including eight Malaysian isolates and one European isolate (Cux-1). For all nine CAV isolates, fragment A (1518 bp) was digested with one restriction enzyme, Eco130I (StyI); fragment B (926 bp) with three enzymes, Eco130I (StyI), HpaII and MboI separately; fragment C (675 bp) with also three enzymes, BsuRI (HaeIII), HinfI, and HpaII separately; and the fragment D (552 bp) with one enzyme, EcoRI. Enzyme digested products of different fragments were separated by agarose gel or polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Each of the eightenzymatic reactions differentiated at least two isolates except the HpaII digestion of fragment C where no isolate was distinguished. The overall restriction endonuclease (RE) analysis separated four isolates (BL-1, BL- 2, BL-4 and BL-5) in one group and the rest five isolates (SMSC-1, SMSC-2, 3-1, BL-3 and Cux-1) were differentiated from each other and also from the group of four isolates, based on the number of restriction site differences and the fragments generated by different enzymatic digestions. The study revealed that RE analysis could be used to identify and differentiate CAV isolates based on the number of restriction site differences. The study showed that more isolates, even the isolates from the same poultry farm, could be differentiated with proper genomic diversity after RE analysis of more genome fragments compared to that of single genome fragment.SAARC J. Agri., 15(2): 1-18 (2017)
Willingness to pay a premium for produce at direct marketing outlets: an ordered probit analysis
Authors: Arumugam S
Published: January 2018

The concept of farm to consumer direct marketing has been popularly known to create opportunities for farmer-consumer relationship and enhance the sustainability of the local farming business. The objective of the present study was to predict the consumers’ willingness to pay for fresh produce in the direct marketing outlets and agritourism activities. An Internet survey relating to direct marketing and agritourism was conducted to understand the characteristics of consumers. A total of 1,134 participants completed the survey from Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Based on their responses, an ordered probit model was developed at a low premium (1-5 percent), medium premium (6-10 percent) and high premium (11percent and above) to predict respondents’ willingness to pay a premium for produce sold at direct marketing outlets. The estimated results show that consumers’ willingness to pay more to help preserve farmland or local business is highly significant. However, we discovered an inverse relationship for the Mid-Atlantic fresh greens shoppers. On average, as the travel distance increases, the likelihood of paying a higher premium decrease based on each additional mile they travel. The results of the ordered probit model will help all relevant stakeholders from the Mid-Atlantic States to promote direct marketing and agritourism industry in the region and enhance their knowledge of the industry.SAARC J. Agri., 15(2): 19-30 (2017)
p53 Gene (NY-CO-13) Levels in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: The Role of Imatinib and Nilotinib
Authors: Al-kuraishy Hayder , Al-Gareeb Ali , Al-Buhadilly Ali
Published: January 2018

The p53 gene is also known as tumor suppressor p53. The main functions of the p53 gene are an anticancer effect and cellular genomic stability via various pathways including activation of DNA repair, induction of apoptosis, and arresting of cell growth at the G1/S phase. Normally, the p53 gene is inactivated by mouse double minute 2 proteins (mdm2), but it is activated in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Tyrosine kinase inhibitors are effective chemotherapeutic agents in the management of CML. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the differential effect of imatinib and nilotinib on p53 gene serum levels in patients with CML. A total number of 60 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia with ages ranging from 47 to 59 years were recruited from the Iraqi Hematology Center. They started with tyrosine kinase inhibitors as first-line chemotherapy. They were divided into two groups—Group A, 29 patients treated with imatinib and Group B, 31 patients treated with nilotinib—and compared with 28 healthy subjects for evaluation p53 serum levels regarding the selective effect of either imatinib or nilotinib. There were significantly (p < 0.01) high p53 gene serum levels in patients with CML (2.135 ± 1.44 ng/mL) compared to the control (0.142 ± 0.11 ng/mL). Patients with CML that were treated with either imatinib or nilotinib showed insignificant differences in most of the hematological profile (p > 0.05) whereas, p53 serum levels were high (3.22 ± 1.99 ng/mL) in nilotinib-treated patients and relatively low (1.18 ± 0.19 ng/mL) in imatinib-treated patients (p = 0.0001). Conclusions: Nilotinib is more effective than imatinib in raising p53 serum levels in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia.
Analyzing the Profile Effects of the Various Magnet Shapes in Axial Flux PM Motors by Means of 3D-FEA
Authors: Cetin Emrah , Daldaban Ferhat
Published: January 2018

Axial flux machines have positive sides on the power and torque density profile. However, the price of this profile is paid by the torque ripples and irregular magnetic flux density production. To gather higher efficiency, torque ripples should close to the zero and the stator side iron should be unsaturated. Torque ripples mainly occur due to the interaction between the rotor poles and the stator teeth. In this study, different rotor poles are investigated in contrast to stator magnetic flux density and the torque ripple effects. Since the components of the axial flux machines vary by the radius, analysis of the magnetic resources is more complicated. Thus, 3D-FEA (finite element analysis) is used to simulate the effects. The infrastructure of the characteristics which are obtained from the 3D-FEA analysis is built by the magnetic equivalent circuit (MAGEC) analysis to understand the relationships of the parameters. The principal goal of this research is a smoother distribution of the magnetic flux density and lower torque ripples. As the result, the implementations on the rotor poles have interesting influences on the torque ripple and flux density profiles. The MAGEC and 3D-FEA results validate each other. The torque ripple is reduced and the magnetic flux density is softened on AFPM irons. In conclusion, the proposed rotors have good impacts on the motor performance.
Head Kidney Transcriptome Analysis and Characterization for the Sub-Antarctic Notothenioid Fish Eleginops maclovinus
Authors: Martínez Danixa , Pontigo Juan , Morera Francisco , Yañéz Alejandro. , Vargas-Chacoff Luis
Published: January 2018

This study describes de novo transcriptome sequencing and annotation analyses for the head kidney of the sub-Antarctic notothenioid fish Eleginops maclovinus, a sister group of the Antarctic notothenioid fish clade. Moreover, E. maclovinus is one of the most eurythermal and euryhaline representatives of the Notothenioidei suborder. RNA-seq data were generated by the 454 GS Junior system, resulting in 11,207 contigs that were then assembled by the Genomic Workbench CLC software. The transcriptome was annotated by BLASTing each sequence against the universal, non-redundant NCBI database (National Center for Biotechnology Information) using the AUSTRAL-omics computer cluster. A significant number of transcripts related to innate and adaptive immunity were found in the sequences, which could be used as references in future immunological studies in E. maclovinus.
Assessment of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Producers’ Exposure Level to Pesticides, in Kouka and Toussiana (Burkina Faso)
Authors: Son Diakalia , Zerbo Fabrice K. B. , Bonzi Schémaeza , Schiffers Bruno , Somda Irénée , Schiffers Bruno , Legreve Anne
Published: January 2018

To assess producers’ exposure level to pesticides in vegetable production in Burkina Faso, a study was carried out in 2016 and 2017 among 30 tomato producers in the municipalities of Kouka and Toussiana. Eighteen (18) commercial formulations were identified, with more than 50% of pesticides destined for cotton production. Eleven active substances have been identified and the most frequently used are λ-cyhalothrin (35%), acetamiprid (22%) and profenofos (13%). The most commonly used chemical families are pyrethroids (28%) and organophosphates (18%). The study revealed a low level of training for producers, a high use of pesticides according to the Frequency Treatment Indicator, and a very low level of protection used by producers. The Health Risk Index shows that active substances such as methomyl, λ-cyhalothrin and profenofos present very high risk to operators’ health. Based on the UK-POEM model, the predictive exposure levels obtained varied from 0.0105 mg/kg body weight/day to 1.7855 mg/kg body weight/day, which is several times higher than the Acceptable Operator Exposure Level. However, the study also shows that exposure can be greatly reduced if the required Personal Protective Equipment is worn. Producers’ awareness and training on integrated pest management are necessary to reduce the risks linked to the pesticides use in Burkina Faso.
Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid Protects against the Effects of P-Cresol-Induced Reactive Oxygen Species via the Expression of Cellular Prion Protein
Authors: Yun Seung , Yoon Yeo , Lee Jun , Kook Minjee , Han Yong-Seok , Jung Seo , Lee Sang
Published: January 2018

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could be a promising solution in the treatment of various diseases including chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induced by ischemia in the area of application limits the integration and survival of MSCs in patients. In our study, we generated ER stress-induced conditions in MSCs using P-cresol. As P-cresol is a toxic compound accumulated in the body of CKD patients and induces apoptosis and inflammation through reactive oxygen species (ROS), we observed ER stress-induced MSC apoptosis activated by oxidative stress, which in turn resulted from ROS generation. To overcome stress-induced apoptosis, we investigated the protective effects of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), a bile acid, on ER stress in MSCs. In ER stress, TUDCA treatment of MSCs reduced ER stress-associated protein activation, including GRP78, PERK, eIF2α, ATF4, IRE1α, and CHOP. Next, to explore the protective mechanism adopted by TUDCA, TUDCA-mediated cellular prion protein (PrPC) activation was assessed. We confirmed that PrPC expression significantly increased ROS, which was eliminated by superoxide dismutase and catalase in MSCs. These findings suggest that TUDCA protects from inflammation and apoptosis in ER stress via PrPC expression. Our study demonstrates that TUDCA protects MSCs against inflammation and apoptosis in ER stress by PrPC expression in response to P-cresol exposure.
Present Status and Future Challenges of New Therapeutic Targets in Preclinical Models of Stroke in Aged Animals with/without Comorbidities
Authors: Popa-Wagner Aurel , Glavan Daniela-Gabriela , Olaru Andrei , Olaru Denissa-Greta , Margaritescu Otilia , Tica Oana , Surugiu Roxana , Sandu Raluca
Published: January 2018

The aging process, comorbidities, and age-associated diseases are closely dependent on each other. Cerebral ischemia impacts a wide range of systems in an age-dependent manner. However, the aging process has many facets which are influenced by the genetic background and epigenetic or environmental factors, which can explain why some people age differently than others. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify age-related changes in body functions or structures that increase the risk for stroke and which are associated with a poor outcome. Multimodal imaging, electrophysiology, cell biology, proteomics, and transcriptomics, offer a useful approach to link structural and functional changes in the aging brain, with or without comorbidities, to post-stroke rehabilitation. This can help us to improve our knowledge about senescence firstly, and in this context, aids in elucidating the pathophysiology of age-related diseases that allows us to develop therapeutic strategies or prevent diseases. These processes, including potential therapeutical interventions, need to be studied first in relevant preclinical models using aged animals, with and without comorbidities. Therefore, preclinical research on ischemic stroke should consider age as the most important risk factor for cerebral ischemia. Furthermore, the identification of effective therapeutic strategies, corroborated with successful translational studies, will have a dramatic impact on the lives of millions of people with cerebrovascular diseases.
A Pilot Study of Stress System Activation in Children Enrolled in a Targeted Prevention Program: Implications for Personalization
Authors: Klimes-Dougan Bonnie , Klingbeil David , Houri Alaa , Cullen Kathryn , Gunlicks-Stoessel Meredith , August Gerald
Published: January 2018

Empirically validated interventions addressing childhood psychological problems are now readily available, but success likely depends in part on accurately identifying which children will benefit from which intervention. This pilot study examined the stress activation and response system, first as a way to differentiate high versus low-risk children, and second to explore indicators of the stress system associated with favorable intervention response. Method. Participants (N = 43, 58% male) were school-aged children who qualified for inclusion in the Early Risers “Skills for Success” Prevention Program based on their elevated levels of aggressive and/or socially withdrawn behavior and a normally developing comparison group. Compared to the normally developing group, children who were participants in the intervention exhibited a more blunted cortisol response to the stress paradigm. However, for the children in the intervention group, elevated cortisol levels at the start of the stress paradigm were concurrently associated with internalizing problems and predictive of improvement in internalizing problems over time. These findings provide preliminary evidence that hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis biological variables may be helpful tools for identifying children who would benefit from intervention and personalizing interventions.
Inadequate Dietary Phosphorus Levels Cause Skeletal Anomalies and Alter Osteocalcin Gene Expression in Zebrafish
Authors: Costa Juliana , Sartori Maria , Nascimento Nivaldo , Kadri Samir , Ribolla Paulo , Pinhal Danillo , Pezzato Luiz
Published: January 2018

Phosphorus (P) is an essential mineral for the development and maintenance of the vertebrate skeletal system. Modulation of P levels is believed to influence metabolism and the physiological responses of gene expression. In this study, we investigated the influence of dietary P on skeletal deformities and osteocalcin gene expression in zebrafish (Danio rerio), and sought to determine appropriate levels in a diet. We analyzed a total of 450 zebrafish within 31 days of hatching. Animals were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design that consisted of five replications. After an eight-week experiment, fish were diaphanized to evaluate cranial and spinal bone deformities. Increases in dietary phosphorus were inversely proportional to the occurrence of partial spine fusions, the absence of spine fusions, absence of parallelism between spines, intervertebral spacing, vertebral compression, scoliosis, lordosis, ankylosis, fin caudal insertion, and craniofacial deformities. Additionally, osteocalcin expression was inversely correlated to P levels, suggesting a physiological recovery response for bone mineralization deficiency. Our data showed that dietary P concentration was a critical factor in the occurrence of zebrafish skeletal abnormalities. We concluded that 1.55% P in the diet significantly reduces the appearance of skeletal deformities and favors adequate bone mineralization through the adjustment of osteocalcin expression.
Size-Dependent Affinity of Glycine and Its Short Oligomers to Pyrite Surface: A Model for Prebiotic Accumulation of Amino Acid Oligomers on a Mineral Surface
Authors: Afrin Rehana , Ganbaatar Narangerel , Aono Masashi , Cleaves II H. , Yano Taka-aki , Hara Masahiko
Published: January 2018

The interaction strength of progressively longer oligomers of glycine, (Gly), di-Gly, tri-Gly, and penta-Gly, with a natural pyrite surface was directly measured using the force mode of an atomic force microscope (AFM). In recent years, selective activation of abiotically formed amino acids on mineral surfaces, especially that of pyrite, has been proposed as an important step in many origins of life scenarios. To investigate such notions, we used AFM-based force measurements to probe possible non-covalent interactions between pyrite and amino acids, starting from the simplest amino acid, Gly. Although Gly itself interacted with the pyrite surface only weakly, progressively larger unbinding forces and binding frequencies were obtained using oligomers from di-Gly to penta-Gly. In addition to an expected increase of the configurational entropy and size-dependent van der Waals force, the increasing number of polar peptide bonds, among others, may be responsible for this observation. The effect of chain length was also investigated by performing similar experiments using l-lysine vs. poly-l-lysine (PLL), and l-glutamic acid vs. poly-l-glutamic acid. The results suggest that longer oligomers/polymers of amino acids can be preferentially adsorbed on pyrite surfaces.
A New Article Type: Patent Summary
Authors: Liu Chien-Hung ,   Inventions Editorial Office
Published: January 2018

We are pleased to announce a new article type, “Patent Summary”, for Inventions.[...]
Plantation Development in the Turkana Basin: The Making of a New Desert?
Authors: Stevenson Edward
Published: January 2018

Since the early 20th century, “desert reclamation” has been synonymous with large-scale waterworks and irrigation. These techniques have made it possible to produce abundant crops in arid or semi-arid environments. The costs have often been externalized, with increased environmental productivity in the new croplands counterbalanced by increased aridity elsewhere. In this paper I consider whose interests are served by such projects, and what kinds of social constructions of the natural and human environment make them possible. I focus on the Turkana basin, a watershed spanning the Ethiopian and Kenyan borders, where large dams and irrigation projects are currently being established with the goal of producing cash crops and hydro-electricity. In the narratives of the projects’ proponents, the schemes are represented as part of a tradition of development stretching back to the American West. In the discourse of critics, the Aral Sea of Central Asia is frequently invoked. Considering Turkana in relation to these cases sheds light on the political and ecological gambits involved in desert reclamation, and helps us to understand the costs and benefits of such projects.
A 3D-Printable Polymer-Metal Soft-Magnetic Functional Composite—Development and Characterization
Authors: Khatri Bilal , Lappe Karl , Noetzel Dorit , Pursche Kilian , Hanemann Thomas
Published: January 2018

In this work, a 3D printed polymer–metal soft-magnetic composite was developed and characterized for its material, structural, and functional properties. The material comprises acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) as the polymer matrix, with up to 40 vol. % stainless steel micropowder as the filler. The composites were rheologically analyzed and 3D printed into tensile and flexural test specimens using a commercial desktop 3D printer. Mechanical characterization revealed a linearly decreasing trend of the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and a sharp decrease in Young’s modulus with increasing filler content. Four-point bending analysis showed a decrease of up to 70% in the flexural strength of the composite and up to a two-factor increase in the secant modulus of elasticity. Magnetic hysteresis characterization revealed retentivities of up to 15.6 mT and coercive forces of up to 4.31 kA/m at an applied magnetic field of 485 kA/m. The composite shows promise as a material for the additive manufacturing of passive magnetic sensors and/or actuators.
High Frequency Data Acquisition System for Modelling the Impact of Visitors on the Thermo-Hygrometric Conditions of Archaeological Sites: A Casa di Diana (Ostia Antica, Italy) Case Study
Authors: Merello Paloma , García-Diego Fernando-Juan , Beltrán Pedro , Scatigno Claudia
Published: January 2018

The characterization of the microclimatic conditions is fundamental for the preventive conservation of archaeological sites. In this context, the identification of the factors that influence the thermo-hygrometric equilibrium is key to determine the causes of cultural heritage deterioration. In this work, a characterization of the thermo-hygrometric conditions of Casa di Diana (Ostia Antica, Italy) is carried out analyzing the data of temperature and relative humidity recorded by a system of sensors with high monitoring frequency. Sensors are installed in parallel, calibrated and synchronized with a microcontroller. A data set of 793,620 data, arranged in a matrix with 66,135 rows and 12 columns, was used. Furthermore, the influence of human impact (visitors) is evaluated through a multiple linear regression model and a logistic regression model. The visitors do not affect the environmental humidity as it is very high and constant all the year. The results show a significant influence of the visitors in the upset of the thermal balance. When a tourist guide takes place, the probability that the hourly temperature variation reaches values higher than its monthly average is 10.64 times higher than it remains equal or less to its monthly average. The analysis of the regression residuals shows the influence of outdoor climatic variables in the thermal balance, such as solar radiation or ventilation.
Scrub Typhus: No Longer Restricted to the Tsutsugamushi Triangle
Authors: Jiang Ju , Richards Allen
Published: January 2018

Scrub typhus is the most important rickettsial disease in the world. Its previous endemic region was considered to be in Asia, Australia and islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans; this area was referred to as the Tsutsugamushi Triangle. Accumulation of serological, molecular, genetic, and culture data have shown that not only is scrub typhus not limited to the Tsutsugamushi Triangle, but can be caused by orientiae other than Orientia tsutsugamushi. This review describes evidence currently available that will be instrumental to researchers, healthcare providers and medical leaders in developing new research projects, performing diagnosis, and preventing scrub typhus in locations not previously thought to be endemic.
Influence of Radiographic Positioning on Canine Sacroiliac and Lumbosacral Angle Measurements
Authors: Jones Susan , Savage Mason , Naughton Brian , Singh Susheela , Robertson Ian , Roe Simon , Marcellin-Little Denis , Mathews Kyle
Published: January 2018

Objectives To evaluate the influence of radiographic malpositioning on canine sacroiliac and lumbosacral inclination angles.

Methods Using canine cadavers, lateral pelvic radiographs were acquired with the radiographic beam in a neutral position and then rotated 5, 10 and 15° to mimic rotational malpositioning. The focal point of the beam was then focused over the abdomen and again over mid-diaphysis of the femur to mimic an abdominal or femoral radiographic study.

Results Five degrees of rotational malpositioning did not influence measurements of sacroiliac or lumbosacral inclination, but malpositioning by more than 5° led to a significant decrease in both sacroiliac and lumbosacral angles. Moving the focal point to the femur significantly decreased the measured lumbosacral angle. Abdominally centred radiographs had no effect on lumbosacral and sacroiliac angle measurements.

Clinical Significance When evaluating canine lumbosacral and sacroiliac angles radiographically, pelvic rotation of more than 5° should be avoided as should the use of lateral radiographs centred over the femur.
Vitiligo in Children: What’s New in Treatment?
Authors: Gianfaldoni Serena , Tchernev Georgi , Wollina Uwe , Lotti Jacopo , Rovesti Miriam , Satolli Francesca , França Katlein , Lotti Torello
Published: January 2018

Vitiligo is an acquired chronic hypopigmentary disorder, which usually stars in childhood. The Authors discuss a short review of the more innovative therapies for childhood vitiligo.
Frequent Utilizers of Emergency Departments: Characteristics and Intervention Opportunities
Authors: Ostermeyer Britta , Baweja Noor Ul Alien , Schanzer Bella , Han Jin , Shah Asim A.
Published: January 2018

Patients who frequently use emergency departments (EDs) have been termed “frequent or high utilizers.” They disproportionally account for almost one-quarter of all ED visits and pose a tremendous socioeconomic and staff labor burden to health care systems. Although there is no agreed upon definition of how many ED visits define frequent use, this patient population shares common sociodemographic, diagnostic, and service use characteristics, in addition to high incidences of mental health and substance abuse problems. Various interventions have been successfully employed to reduce frequent ED visits. Case management (CM) is the most successful intervention. Although primary care access is a necessary element for EDs, successful reduction models must encompass additional interventions, including proper identification of frequent visitors, intensive CM with staff skilled in mental health and substance abuse interventions, partnership with community mental health and substance abuse treatment entities, and referrals to stable housing. This article reviews the common characteristics of ED frequent utilizers and reduction interventions

. [
Psychiatr Ann.
2018;48(1):42–50.]
Precision Health: Use of Omics to Optimize Self-Management of Chronic Pain in Aging
Authors: Dorsey Susan G. , Resnick Barbara M. , Renn Cynthia L.
Published: January 2018

Chronic pain has become a public health epidemic based on the number of Americans affected and its associated health care costs. Unfortunately, there are few efficacious treatments to manage chronic pain and as the population of older adults and centenarians who are at high risk for chronic pain continues to grow, the chronic pain epidemic will continue to worsen unless new therapeutic strategies are discovered. In the current era of precision medicine, there is a major emphasis being placed on the use of self-management and omics to discover new therapeutic targets and design treatment strategies that are tailored to the individual patient. This commentary discusses the current state of the science related to omics and self-management of chronic pain in older adults, the role of gerontological nurses in this process, and future directions.
[Res Gerontol Nurs. 2018; 11(1):7–13.]
Process of Transforming Regular Courses Into I-Courses
Authors: Quinones Clemente
Published: January 2018

The purpose of this chapter is to analyze the possible factors that determined a relatively relaxed process of transforming the author's two courses into i-courses. The argument is that some GGC's institutional mechanisms smoothed the process. To support the argument, the chapter first introduces a conceptual framework, followed by the presentation of other scholars' findings on factors of internationalization of the curriculum. The introduction of GGC's process approach to internationalization and the author's intrinsic motivation were the major institutional arrangements and natural factors, respectively, that explain the relatively relaxed process of transforming the author's two courses into i-courses. The chapter concludes with a description of venues for future research and some student evaluations of the two i-courses.
Active Learning and the “Teaching” of Migration in Geography
Authors: Lindley Todd
Published: January 2018

This chapter explores questions of methodology and pedagogy in dealing with diverse student populations in a freshman-level human geography class by highlighting a multi-tiered exercise that encourages students to investigate and to articulate their own feelings and beliefs about migration in a series of low-risk classroom exercises complemented with an out-of-class assignment. The self-reflective portion of this exercise provides the instructor insight into student feelings, attitudes, and knowledge of students' migration histories and knowledge. Lessons and examples from the author's classroom experiences are detailed in this chapter to call upon instructors to implement multi-tiered approaches to controversial and international topics, particularly in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, twenty-first century college classroom.
Using International Content in an Introductory Human Geography Course
Authors: Dorrell David
Published: January 2018

The purpose of this chapter is to provide an example of internationalizing an Introduction to Human Geography course. This mostly consists of translating the material normally found in such a class into the explicit language of internationalization. This is accomplished by modifying the course to include less theoretical descriptions and more concrete examples of globalism at work. Topics normally found in an introductory Human Geography course are well suited for this. Religion, global development, foreign direct investment, immigration, language, and political conflict are avenues of investigation that overlap between geography and international or global studies.
Beyond Curriculum Internationalization
Authors: Ayuninjam Funwi
Published: January 2018

Curriculum internationalization (CI) has shifted from U.S. student and faculty mobility, foreign language offerings, and interdisciplinary programming to the delivery of content and the role of international students in the method of delivery. Although CI is still about developing students' international and intercultural perspectives, it is not only about teaching or students. Broadly speaking, it is about learning and involves every member of the campus community through purposeful curriculum planning and campus programming. Curriculum internationalization is also about exposing American students, scholars, faculty, staff, and administrators to their overseas counterparts as well as to international settings and perspectives through co-curricular programs. This chapter discusses Georgia Gwinnett College's path towards campus internationalization through a quality enhancement program, education abroad programming, international students and partnerships, and campus programming—a purposeful blend of an internationalized curriculum and a co-curriculum.
Biomimetics and the Evolution of Robotics and Intelligent Systems
Authors: Habib Maki K. , Nagata Fusaomi
Published: January 2018

Biologically inspired systems, known as “biomimetics” or the “mimicry of nature,” is an interdisciplinary scientific research field inspired by nature and featured by the technology outcome (hardware and software) and lies at the interface of biology, physics, chemistry, information, and engineering sciences. Biomimetics is initiated by making nature a model of inspiration that would immensely help conscious abstraction of new innovative principles and creative design ideas and concepts that help developing new techniques and functionalities, seeking new paradigms and methods, designing new materials, and developing new streams of intelligent machines, robots, systems, devices, algorithms, etc. Biologically inspired approaches create a new reality with great development and application potential with the goal of identifying specific desirable qualities and attributes in biological systems and using them in the design of new products and systems. This chapter provides the importance of biomimetic as an interdisciplinary field and its evolution, advances, challenges, and constraints along with the associated enabling technologies supporting its growth. In addition, it introduces scientific ideas and directions of research activities in the field. The chapter also presents key developments in the field of biomimetic robots and underlines the challenges facing it.
Investigation of Human Locomotion With a Powered Lower Limb Exoskeleton
Authors: Jatsun Sergey Fedorovich , Yatsun Andrey , Savin Sergei
Published: January 2018

In this chapter, the lower limb exoskeleton is studied. The roles of the exoskeleton both as a measurement device for studying human locomotion and as an assistive device that restores the human ability to walk are discussed. Particular attention is given to the investigation of the role of the pressure sensors and other devices that allow us to measure normal reactions at the contact points with the supporting surface and also detect these contacts. The way the geometry of the supporting surface affects the sensors system of the robot is considered, and new designs for feet sensor system are proposed. These include elastic foot, a foot with actuated sensors, and a foot with spring-damper systems.
Hybrid Exoskeletons for Upper Limb Stroke Rehabilitation
Authors: Stewart Ashley M. , Pretty Christopher G. , Adams Mark , Chen XiaoQi
Published: January 2018

Hybrid exoskeletons are a recent development, combining electrically controlled actuation with functional electrical stimulation, which potentially offers great benefits for muscular rehabilitation. This chapter presents a review on the state of the art of upper-limb hybrid exoskeletons with a particular focus on stroke rehabilitation. The current needs of the stroke rehabilitation field are discussed and the ability of hybrid exoskeletons to provide a solution to some of the gaps in this field is explored. Due to the early stage of development which most hybrid exoskeletons are in, little research has yet been done in control methods used for them. In particular, more investigation is needed with regards to the potential benefit of hybrid exoskeletons as a patient-monitoring and rehabilitation assist-as-need tool.
Brachytherapy Needle Steering Guidance Using Image Overlay
Authors: Rossa Carlos , Keri McNiel Inyani , Tavakoli Mahdi
Published: January 2018

This chapter presents a physical simulator for needle steering in brachytherapy. As the user inserts the needle in a phantom tissue, images of the needle and prostate shape reconstructed from 2D transverse ultrasound images are displayed online in a semi-transparent mirror. During insertion, the user sees the images as if they were floating inside the phantom accounting for scale and orientation. The ultrasound images of the needle are combined with a needle-tissue interaction model that predicts the needle deflection further along the insertion process. The necessary manoeuvres that bring the needle towards its intended target location are displayed to the user along with the actual needle location. This platform allows the user to test different manual and robotic-assisted needle steering techniques. Reported experimental results confirm the accuracy of the system in reconstructing and overlaying images onto the phantom.
Ant-Like Walking Behavior of MEMS Microrobot With Artificial Neural Networks IC
Authors: Saito Ken , Kaneko Minami , Uchikoba Fumio
Published: January 2018

This chapter explains how the MEMS microrobot system could perform the walking behavior of ants. MEMS microrobot system consists of micro-mechanical systems and micro-electro systems. The micro-mechanical systems mimic the alternating tripod gait of an ant by the shape memory alloy-type rotary actuator and the link mechanism. The micro-electro systems mimic the electrical activity of biological neural networks using the artificial neural networks IC. The artificial neural networks IC generates the driving pulses of shape memory alloy-type rotary actuator without using software programs. The micro-mechanical systems and micro-electro systems are integrated as a robot system. As a result, the authors show that the MEMS microrobot system could perform the ant-like walking behavior with a speed of 20 mm/min. The MEMS microrobot system was 0.079 g in weight, 4 mm width, 4 mm length, and 5 mm height in size. The robot system needs only the electrical power source as an external device.
Bio-Inspired Snake Robots
Authors: Koopaee Mohammadali Javaheri , Gilani Cid , Scott Callum , Chen XiaoQi
Published: January 2018

This chapter concerns modelling and control of snake robots. Specifically, the authors' main goal is introducing some of the fundamental design, modelling, and control approaches introduced for efficient snake robot locomotion in cluttered environments. This is a critical topic because, unlike locomotion in flat surfaces, where pre-specified gait equations can be employed, for locomotion in unstructured environment more sophisticated control approaches should be used to achieve intelligent and efficient mobility. To reach this goal, shape-based modelling approaches and a number of available control schemes for operation in unknown environments are presented, which hopefully motivates more scholars to start working on snake robots. Some ideas about future research plans are also proposed, which can be helpful for fabricating a snake robot equipped with the necessary features for operation in a real-world environment.
CSR and ICT
Authors: Meret Chiara , Iannotta Michela , Gatti Mauro
Published: January 2018

In line with the recent tendencies of limited natural resources, demographic development, dematerialization, and digitalization, this chapter underlines the necessity of deepening the role information and communication technologies (ICTs) play for corporate social responsibility (CSR) challenges. In fact, due to the diffuse integration of ICT into most of people's and firms' daily activities, companies cannot neglect the role of ICT in shaping CSR strategies. Hence, ICT has the potential to support the three main aspects of sustainable development—people, profit, and planet—which can be found in the so-called triple bottom line approach (TBL). However, the role of ICTs in supporting the shear zones between the abovementioned lines still counts a lack of contribution. Through a systematic analysis of the literature, the chapter affords insights for a further advance compared to the extant literature as the content analysis provides a description of how ICT support the sub-dimensions included in the three shear zones.
Creating Costumer Value in Corporate Social Responsibility for Cultural Heritage
Authors: Engizek Nil , Eroğlu Filiz
Published: January 2018

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is described as companies' voluntary practices on social and environmental issues. It is employed as a PR activity which also gives consumers a positive company image and provides sustainability and profit increase for the benefit of the company. Namely, consumers become one of the crucial parties that companies deal with because the view is that consumers are prone to buy products produced by the companies with CSR. However, consumers should perceive an added value for themselves provided by these products. At this point, subject of CSR is important to create this added value and cultural product may be a good issue which customers may feel good to be involved. In other words, the more companies benefit from valorization of cultural products in the context of CSR, the more consumers perceive added value for themselves. This chapter aims to provide a comprehensive overview the relationships among CSR, cultural product, and customer value.
The Doors of Dynamic Thermal Perception
Authors: Vasilikou Carolina
Published: January 2018

The thermal experience of people moving in urban spaces in everyday life is characterised by multiple qualities and perceptions. This seamless transition from one perception to another in itself creates a multisensory network of dynamic thermal boundaries, which could act as assessment mechanism in the way we perceive quality of urban space and urban design. Using a hybrid methodology of situated interactions between thermal perception, microclimate, and urban morphology, this chapter builds a simulated narrative of the everyday, perceptions, and ‘haptics' of moving in urban spaces, taking into account both physical and non-physical spaces, exploring the sensory potential and thermal dimension of urban wandering. This approach contributes to understanding the link between environmental quality in urban spaces and urban microclimate, proposing a series of design tools for multisensory assessment with thermal perception as a starting point for the creation of high-quality city spaces.
Visualisation and Auralisation for Perception-Driven Decision Supports in Planning
Authors: Jiang Like
Published: January 2018

Visualisation and auralisation are among the essential technologies for perception-driven decision support in landscape planning and soundscape planning, respectively. By making proposed developments and environmental changes visible and audible, they allow decision-makings based on perceptual experience, providing a “common language” that all the stakeholders are capable of using to communicate and to exchange ideas. While they share common function and criteria when used for decision support in planning, they are not in parallel developments and have been approached differently regarding their applications. This chapter comparatively reviews the developments and applications of visualisation and auralisation for perception-driven decision support in planning, aiming to provide technological and methodological insights into the two interconnected yet somewhat independent subjects. This led to indications for new developments and optimized applications in the near future. The chapter addresses three issues: validity, contents to present, and ways to present.
Reactivating Urban Voids Through Sensory and Pop-Up Design
Authors: Suau Cristian
Published: January 2018

This chapter reflects on the implementation of pop-up architecture and sensory gardens made with waste reuse in brownfields. The selected experiments, MOBILELAND© (2014-2016) and DOT TO DOT© (2017 onwards), investigate waste reuse as pop-up sensory reactivation of gap sites in Glasgow. Experiments explore constructive sensibilities embedded in material sensory by interlinking tangible place-making, sensory gardens, eco-design, and self-build solutions in public spaces. The cases underline design as sensory medium to effectively co-develop innovative environmental changes, societal challenges, and co-creation, including experiential outdoor learning and public engagement, throughout the reuse of waste applied in remaking by testing/piloting the C2C theoretical framework. Trials apply the principles of temporariness, portability, and sensory of waste as social value and material culture in cities. These live projects explore constructional and somatic sensibilities and critically investigate the cultural embodiment of material sensory by remaking.
The Heart and Brain of SDN
Authors: Arora Pranav
Published: January 2018

The chapter explores the various types and functionalities of controllers present in the field of software-defined networking. It is responsible for providing a bridge between various application interfaces. It enables smart networking and is solely responsible for having an authority over the network. It takes input from one API, processes it, and returns output for the high-level interface or API. They instruct the switch as to what functions to perform and can be of two types: either pure or hybrid. The controller at the central layer performs all the functions of the “evergreen” existing switches. The data plane of the router is solely the foreground for the switch to apply all its powers, while in hybrid switch software-defined networking and existing technologies work hand in hand. An administrator can build up the SDN tools to manage the traffic, whereas the existing network protocols progressively move the various incoming packets onto the network. This engenders hybrid network. Here the existing and SDN technologies or switches, work under the similar conditions.
Analysis of Issues in SDN Security and Solutions
Authors: Dumka Ankur , Mandoria Hardwari Lal , Sah Anushree
Published: January 2018

The chapter surveys the analysis of all the security aspects of software-defined network and determines the areas that are prone to security attacks in the given software-defined network architecture. If the fundamental network topology information is poisoned, all the dependent network services will become immediately affected, causing catastrophic problems like host location hijacking attack, link fabrication attack, denial of service attack, man in the middle attack. These attacks affect the following features of SDN: availability, performance, integrity, and security. The flexibility in the programmability of control plane has both acted as a bane as well as a boon to SDN. Like the ARP poisoning in the legacy networks, there are several other vulnerabilities in the SDN architecture as well.