bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Uncertain Incommensurate Fractional-Order Chaotic Systems Using an Improved Quantum-Behaved Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Wei Jiamin , Yu Yongguang , Cai Di
Published: March 2018

This paper is concerned with a significant issue in the research of nonlinear science, i.e., parameter identification of uncertain incommensurate fractional-order chaotic systems, which can be essentially formulated as a multidimensional optimization problem. Motivated by the basic particle swarm optimization and quantum mechanics theories, an improved quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization (IQPSO) algorithm is proposed to tackle this complex optimization problem. In this work, both systematic parameters and fractional derivative orders are regarded as independent unknown parameters to be identified. Numerical simulations are conducted to identify two typical incommensurate fractional-order chaotic systems. Simulation results and comparisons analyses demonstrate that the proposed method is suitable for parameter identification with advantages of high effectiveness and efficiency. Moreover, we also, respectively, investigate the effect of systematic parameters, fractional derivative orders, and additional noise on the optimization performances. The corresponding results further validate the superior searching capabilities of the proposed algorithm.
Difference Synchronization of Identical and Nonidentical Chaotic and Hyperchaotic Systems of Different Orders Using Active Backstepping Design
Authors: Dongmo Eric Donald , Ojo Kayode Stephen , Woafo Paul , Njah Abdulahi Ndzi
Published: March 2018

This paper introduces a new type of synchronization scheme, referred to as difference synchronization scheme, wherein the difference between the state variables of two master [slave] systems synchronizes with the state variable of a single slave [master] system. Using the Lyapunov stability theory and the active backstepping technique, controllers are derived to achieve the difference synchronization of three identical hyperchaotic Liu systems evolving from different initial conditions, as well as the difference synchronization of three nonidentical systems of different orders, comprising the 3D Lorenz chaotic system, 3D Chen chaotic system, and the 4D hyperchaotic Liu system. Numerical simulations are presented to demonstrate the validity and feasibility of the theoretical analysis. The development of difference synchronization scheme has increases the number of existing chaos synchronization scheme.
A New Property of Noninvasive Control Methods Applied to Stabilize Unstable Periodic Orbits
Authors: Montazeri Saeed , Rahmani Hanzaki Ali
Published: March 2018

This paper is devoted to present a theorem on a new property of noninvasive control methods applied to stabilize unstable periodic orbits (UPOs). This property is related to the optimal energy consumption of the controller in the presence of noise. The approach of parameter optimization is applied to study optimal energy consumption of the controller. Throughout this paper, the problem of energy consumption of the controller is studied when the system state is close to the UPO, and fluctuates around it because of the presence of noise.
Toward understanding weak matrix effects in TOF SIMS
Authors: Gelb Lev D. , Walker Amy V.
Published: March 2018

Chemical imaging methods, including imaging mass spectrometry, are increasingly used for the analysis of samples ranging from biological tissues to electronic devices. A barrier to wider adoption of imaging mass spectrometry is the presence of matrix effects which complicate quantitative analysis. Interactions between an analyte molecule and its surroundings (the “matrix”) can substantially alter both the yield and type of ions observed. Furthermore, such “intrinsic” effects can be confused with nonlinear response due to detector saturation and other instrument-related complications. As a result, quantitative analyses of time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF SIMS) data that attempt to account for matrix effects are rare. The authors discuss analysis of such data using maximum a posteriori reconstruction based on physically motivated models, and present progress toward the quantitative extraction of chemical concentration profiles and component spectra in the presence of matrix effects, using mixed self-assembled alkanethiolate monolayers as a test system. The authors demonstrate that the incorporation of matrix effects to lowest order using a series-expansion approach is an effective strategy and that doing so provides improved quantitative performance in measuring surface compositions and can also yield information about interactions between species during the SIMS process.
The Toy model: Understanding the early universe
Authors: Fisher Peter H. , Price Richard H.
Published: March 2018

In many branches of science, progress is being made by taking advantage of insights from other branches of science. Cosmology, the structure and evolution of the universe, is certainly an area that is currently beset by problems in understanding. We show here that the scientific insights from the studies of early childhood development, in particular, those of Piaget, give a new way of looking at the early universe. This new approach can not only be invaluable in undergraduate teaching, but can even be the basis of semi-quantitative predictions.
The fractal derivative wave equation: Application to clinical amplitude/velocity reconstruction imaging
Authors: Cai Wei , Chen Wen , Xu Wenxiang
Published: March 2018

This paper proposes a dissipative acoustic wave equation in which the fractal derivative is employed to represent dissipation. The proposed model is derived from the viscoelastic constitutive relationship via the fractal derivative. It is noted that the fractal derivative is a local operator and avoids the expensive computational costs of non-local fractional derivative, which is popular in recent decades to describe frequency-dependent dissipation in acoustic wave propagation in soft materials. The proposed model is tested to simulate the clinical amplitude/velocity reconstruction imaging of breast tumors, where the reflecting plate is imaged as an elevated line in correspondence to tumor. Numerical experiments show that the present model is capable of indicating the size, position and quantity of tumors. The comparative study confirms that the fractal derivative acoustic wave equation has an advantage over the fractional derivative model regarding computational costs.
Pin1 mediates Aβ
42
-induced dendritic spine loss
Authors: Stallings Nancy R. , O’Neal Melissa A. , Hu Jie , Kavalali Ege T. , Bezprozvanny Ilya , Malter James S.
Published: March 2018

Calcineurin inhibitors may prevent amyloid-induced progression of Alzheimer’s disease by preventing suppression of the isomerase Pin1.
Type VI Secretion System Dynamics Reveals a Novel Secretion Mechanism in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Corbitt Jacqueline , Yeo Jun Seok , Davis C. Ian , LeRoux Michele , Wiggins Paul A.
Published: March 2018

The type VI secretion system (T6SS) inhibits the growth of neighboring bacterial cells through a contact-mediated mechanism. Here, we describe a detailed characterization of the protein localization dynamics in the
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
T6SS. It has been proposed that the type VI secretion process is driven by a conformational-change-induced contraction of the T6SS sheath. However, although the contraction of an optically resolvable TssBC sheath and the subsequent localization of ClpV are observed in
Vibrio cholerae
, coordinated assembly and disassembly of TssB and ClpV are observed without TssB contraction in
P. aeruginosa
. These dynamics are inconsistent with the proposed contraction sheath model. Motivated by the phenomenon of dynamic instability, we propose a new model in which ATP hydrolysis, rather than conformational change, generates the force for secretion.

IMPORTANCE
The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is widely conserved among Gram-negative bacteria and is a central determinant of bacterial fitness in polymicrobial communities. The secretion system targets bacteria and secretes effectors that inhibit the growth of neighboring cells, using a contact-mediated-delivery system. Despite significant homology to the previously characterized
Vibrio cholerae
T6SS, our analysis reveals that effector secretion is driven by a distinct force generation mechanism in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. The presence of two distinct force generation mechanisms in T6SS represents an example of the evolutionary diversification of force generation mechanisms.
Improving life expectancy: A ‘broken neck’ doesn’t have to be a terminal diagnosis for the elderly
Authors: Godat Laura N , Kobayashi Leslie M , Chang David C , Coimbra Raul
Published: March 2018

Background

Elderly patients with cervical spine fractures require optimal care. Treatment with a cervical collar or halo instead of surgical fixation may increase mortality. This investigation intends to describe the life expectancy after injury and evaluate the impact of surgical intervention on mortality.

Methods

Patients ≥65 years, with traumatic cervical spine fractures without cord injury were identified in the 1995–2009 California Office of Statewide Health and Planning database. Those with halo placement or surgical spine fixation were identified. Primary outcome was death, studied at the initial admission, 30 days, 1 year, and the entire study period. Univariate and multivariate regressions were performed to identify predictors of death. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to describe life expectancy after injury.

Results

10 938 patients were identified. Mortality rate was 10% during the initial admission, 28% at 1 year and 50% during the entire study period. A halo was placed in 14% of patients and 12% underwent surgical fixation. Mortality rates during the initial admission were 11% for patients without an intervention, 7% with halo placement and 6% with surgical fixation; at 1 year, these increased to 30%, 26% and 19%, respectively. At 1 year, more than one in four patients above 75 years of age will die.

At 1 year spine fixation, female gender and admission to a trauma center predicted a lower risk of death at 1 year (OR 0.59, 0.68; p<0.001 and OR 0.89; p=0.02, respectively). Having a complication, fall mechanism, and traumatic brain injury (OR 1.84, 1.33, 1.37; p<0.001, respectively) were predictors of a higher risk of death. Halo use had no impact on death at 1 year (OR 0.98; p=0.77).

Discussion

Mortality rates after cervical spine fracture in the elderly is high. Surgical fixation is associated with improved survival; remaining true after adjusting for age and comorbidities; suggesting that surgical fixation may improve outcomes in the elderly.

Level of evidence

Level IV.
Exotic litter of the invasive plantLigustrum lucidumalters enzymatic production and lignin degradation by selected saprotrophic fungi
Authors: Mallerman Julieta , Itria Raúl , Alarcón-Gutiérrez Enrique , Hernández Christian , Levin Laura , Saparrat Mario
Published: March 2018

Chemical changes in leaf input to forest soils have been reported to affect decay processes. In this work, litter mass loss and decomposition constants (k) during 200 days in solid-state fermentation of the native tree Celtis tala Gill. ex Planch. and the exotic one Ligustrum lucidum Ait. with three common litter saprotrophic basidiomycetes were compared. Alterations in litter quality were characterized by solid-state13C NMR spectroscopy, pH, soluble sugars, ammonium, proteins, and phenol content determination and were associated with extracellular lignocellulolytic enzyme production. Differences in substrate decomposition related to litter type were observed for Leratiomyces ceres, achieving a higher k in the exotic L. lucidum litter, which might be attributed to the induction of manganese peroxidase activity. Substrate preference for alkyl C and more degradation of lignified compounds were found in such substrates. Although no statistical differences in mass loss were observed for the rest of the fungi assayed, we detected changes in several of the parameters evaluated. This suggests that exotic invasions may alter ecosystem functioning by accelerating decomposition processes through an increased fungal ligninolytic activity.
Combined treatment with interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha antagonists improve type 2 diabetes in rats
Authors: DiK Burak , Bahcivan Emre , Eser Faki Hatice , Uney Kamil
Published: March 2018

In the present study, combined treatment with etanercept and anakinra were tested in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Forty male Wistar albino rats were divided into 5 groups: healthy control (HC), diabetic control (DC), diabetic + anakinra (DAT), diabetic + etanercept (DET), and diabetic + etanercept + anakinra (DEAT). HC and DC groups received subcutaneous (s.c.) injection with a saline solution, while DAT and DET groups received anakinra (10 mg/kg per day, s.c.) or etanercept (10 mg/kg, twice a week, s.c.), and DEAT rats received both anakinra and etanercept treatments for 21 days after diabetes has developed. Anakinra and etanercept treatments significantly increased insulin and homeostatic model assessment β-cell function levels and decreased glucose levels compared to the DC group as single (DAT and DET) and combined treatments (DEAT). The thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level was significantly decreased in DAT group. The combine use of etanercept and anakinra can improve insulin and blood glucose in type 2 diabetic rats. The combined treatment of anakinra and etanercept together was more effective than single treatment and might have a potential new treatment strategy and to reduce the mortality and morbidity resulting from diabetes.
L(2,1)-Edge-Labelings of the Edge-Path-Replacement of a Graph
Authors: Lin Nianfeng , Lü Damei , Wang Jinhua
Published: March 2018

Two edges [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in a graph [Formula: see text] are said to be adjacent if they have a vertex in common, and distance two apart if they are nonadjacent but both are adjacent to a common edge. An [Formula: see text]-edge-labeling of a graph [Formula: see text] is an assignment of nonnegative integers, called labels, to the edges of [Formula: see text] such that the difference between labels of any two adjacent edges is at least [Formula: see text], and the labels of any two edges that are distance two apart are different. The span of an [Formula: see text]-edge-labeling of a graph [Formula: see text] is the difference between the maximum and minimum labels. The minimum span over all [Formula: see text]-edge-labelings of a graph [Formula: see text] is called the [Formula: see text]-edge-labeling number of [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text]. For [Formula: see text], the edge-path-replacement of a graph [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text], is a graph obtained by replacing each edge of [Formula: see text] with a path [Formula: see text] on [Formula: see text] vertices. This paper investigates the [Formula: see text]-edge-labeling number of the edge-path-replacement [Formula: see text] of a graph [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text]. We get the following main results: [Formula: see text] Let [Formula: see text] be a graph with maximum degree [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be an integer not less than [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text] is odd, and otherwise [Formula: see text]. [Formula: see text] Let [Formula: see text] be a graph with maximum degree [Formula: see text]. Then [Formula: see text] when [Formula: see text] is even, and [Formula: see text] when [Formula: see text] is odd.
Arbitrary Overlap Constraints in Graph Packing Problems
Authors: López-Ortiz Alejandro , Perez Cynthia B. , Romero Jazmín
Published: March 2018

In earlier versions of the community discovering problem, the overlap between communities was restricted by a simple count upper-bound. In this paper, we introduce the [Formula: see text]-Packing with [Formula: see text]-Overlap problem to allow for more complex constraints in the overlap region than those previously studied. Let [Formula: see text] be all possible subsets of vertices of [Formula: see text] each of size at most [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] be a function. The [Formula: see text]-Packing with [Formula: see text]-Overlap problem seeks at least [Formula: see text] induced subgraphs in a graph [Formula: see text] subject to: (i) each subgraph has at most [Formula: see text] vertices and obeys a property [Formula: see text], and (ii) for any pair [Formula: see text], with [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] (i.e., the pair [Formula: see text] does not conflict). We also consider a variant that arises in clustering applications: each subgraph of a solution must contain a set of vertices from a given collection of sets [Formula: see text], and no pair of subgraphs may share vertices from the sets of [Formula: see text]. In addition, we propose similar formulations for packing hypergraphs. We give an [Formula: see text] algorithm for our problems where [Formula: see text] is the parameter and [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are constants, provided that: (i) [Formula: see text] is computable in polynomial time in [Formula: see text] and (ii) the function [Formula: see text] satisfies specific conditions. Specifically, [Formula: see text] is hereditary, applicable only to overlapping subgraphs, and computable in polynomial time in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Motivated by practical applications we give several examples of [Formula: see text] functions which meet those conditions.
New Green’s functions for some nonlinear oscillating systems and related PDEs
Authors: Khurshudyan Asatur Zh.
Published: March 2018

During the past three decades, the advantageous concept of the Green’s function has been extended from linear systems to nonlinear ones. At that, there exists a rigorous and an approximate extension. The rigorous extension introduces the so-called backward and forward propagators, which play the same role for nonlinear systems as the Green’s function plays for linear systems. The approximate extension involves the Green’s formula for linear systems with a Green’s function satisfying the corresponding nonlinear equation. For the numerical evaluation of nonlinear ordinary differential equations, the second approach seems to be more convenient. In this article we study a hierarchy of nonlinear partial differential equations that can be approximated by the second approach. Green’s functions for particular nonlinearities are derived explicitly. Numerical error analysis in the case of exponential nonlinearity for different source functions supports the advantage of the approach.
Emission from stellar wind bubbles interacting with an extragalactic jet
Authors: Torres-Albà N. , Bosch-Ramon V.
Published: March 2018

The inner regions of galaxies are rich in gas and stars that can interact with the jet and produce high-energy nonthermal emission, as well as significantly mass-load the jet. In this work, we focus on a population of stars with strong winds, which accumulate material around the star outside the jet, confined by pressure equilibrium with the environment, in the form of a bubble. When these bubbles reach the jet, a shock is produced in the external bubble layer, which may cause part of the material to be peeled away and carried upstream at the contact discontinuity (CD). Part of the remaining bubble may penetrate the jet, and eventually detach and accelerate up to relativistic speeds, producing nonthermal emission.

We conclude that, for the studied population, these events are unlikely to mass-load the jet significantly and affect it dynamically. Our results show that the generated emission is potentially detectable for nearby sources, though not as persistent radiation, but rather in the form of long “flares” lasting for a few years, and with an event rate of about a few per century.
Dynamic Response of High-Speed Train-Track System Due to Unsupported Sleepers
Authors: Dai Jian , Ang Kok Keng , Jiang Dongqi , Luong Van Hai , Tran Minh Thi
Published: March 2018

This paper is concerned with a numerical study on the dynamic response of a high-speed rail (HSR) system subjected to unsupported sleepers using the moving element method (MEM). A three-phase computational scheme in conjunction with the MEM is proposed to account for the motion of the unsupported sleepers in relation to the truncated rail segment in the moving coordinate system. The accuracy of the proposed computational scheme is examined by comparison with available analytical results in the literature and against the finite element method using commercial software. A parametric study is conducted using a computational model consisting of a 10-degree of freedom train model and a three-layer ballasted track model to investigate the effect of unsupported sleepers on the dynamic response of the HSR system. Various factors affecting the response of the HSR system, including the speed of the train, the number of unsupported sleepers and the distance between the unsupported sleepers, are examined and discussed.
Exploring the Success Factors of Mobile Business Ecosystems
Authors: Winter Juha , Battisti Sandro , Burström Thommie , Luukkainen Sakari
Published: March 2018

Mobile business ecosystems are based on product innovations and complements created on platforms facilitating transactions between groups of users in a multi-sided market. The purpose of this research is to present a model of success factors (SF) of mobile ecosystems. This research establishes an empirical framework based on the Android ecosystem, which has been analyzed in-depth on firm and ecosystem level, identifying 16 success factors. The main theoretical contribution is a model that identifies SF of platforms, which are related to the identification of the role of users and complementors in increasing innovation success. The model advances research in innovation platforms.
Dose-dependent quantitative effects of acute fructose administration on hepatic de novo lipogenesis in healthy humans
Authors: Beysen Carine , Ruddy Marcella , Stoch Aubrey , Mixson Lori , Rosko Kimberly , Riiff Timothy , Turner Scott M. , Hellerstein Marc K. , Murphy Elizabeth J.
Published: March 2018

Fructose feeding increases hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) and is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Little is known, however, about individual variation in susceptibility to fructose stimulation of DNL. In this three-period crossover study, 17 healthy male subjects were enrolled to evaluate the within- and between-subject variability of acute fructose feeding on hepatic fractional DNL. During each assessment, [1-13C1]acetate was infused to measure DNL in the fasting state and during fructose feeding. Subjects randomly received a high dose of fructose (10 mg·kg fat-free mass−1·min−1) on two occasions and a low dose (5 mg·kg fat-free mass−1·min−1) on another. Fructose solutions were administered orally every 30 min for 9.5 h. Ten subjects completed all three study periods. DNL was assessed as the fractional contribution of newly synthesized palmitate into very-low-density lipoprotein triglycerides using mass isotopomer distribution analysis. Mean fasting DNL was 5.3 ± 2.8%, with significant within- and between-subject variability. DNL increased dose dependently during fructose feeding to 15 ± 2% for low- and 29 ± 2% for high-dose fructose. The DNL response to high-dose fructose was very reproducible within an individual ( r = 0.93, P < 0.001) and independent of fasting DNL. However, it was variable between individuals and significantly correlated to influx of unlabeled acetyl-CoA ( r = 0.7, P < 0.001). Unlike fasting DNL, fructose-stimulated DNL is a robust and reproducible measure of hepatic lipogenic activity for a given individual and may be a useful indicator of metabolic disease susceptibility and treatment response.
p27-V109G Polymorphism Is Not Associated with the Risk of Prostate Cancer: A Case-Control Study of Han Chinese Men in Central China
Authors: Zhang Meng , Liang Qianjun , Zhang Ligang , Hao Zongyao , Zhou Jun , Zhang Li , Fan Song , Liang Chaozhao
Published: March 2018

Objective. We conducted an update meta-analysis aiming to verify the association between p27-V109G polymorphism and cancer risk, particular for prostate cancer (PCa). Then, we conducted a case-control study of Han Chinese in central China to verify the evidence-based results. Methods. Relevant studies were collected from diverse databases up to March 2017. In addition, a hospital-based (H-B) case-control study enrolling 90 PCa patients and 140 healthy controls was included to verify these evidence-based findings. Genetic risk was calculated by odds ratio (OR) with its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). The p27-V109G polymorphism was determined by MassARRAY genotyping method. Results. Finally, twenty-four published studies comprising 9627 cases and 12,102 controls were enrolled for the current meta-analysis. Overall analysis suggested that p27-V109G polymorphism decreased overall cancer risk in allelic contrast, heterozygote, and dominant models. When stratified analysis was conducted by ethnicity, data revealed that p27-V109G polymorphism was associated with a decreased cancer risk in Caucasians. Highlighted in the subgroup analysis by cancer type, we uncovered a significantly decreased risk of PCa in allelic contrast, dominant, homogeneous, and recessive models. However, in the validation case-control study, we failed to uncover a positive association between p27-V109G polymorphism and PCa risk. In addition, negative results were also identified when subgroup analyses were stratified by age, tumor grade, tumor stage, PSA levels, and other measurements. Conclusion. Although evidence-based results suggest that p27-V109G polymorphism plays a protective role in overall cancer risk, particularly for PCa, our case-control study failed to validate any association between this particular polymorphism and PCa risk.
High-Salt Intake Ameliorates Hyperglycemia and Insulin Resistance in WBN/Kob-Leprfa/fa Rats: A New Model of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Takagi Yoshiichi , Sugimoto Taichi , Kobayashi Masaya , Shirai Mitsuyuki , Asai Fumitoshi
Published: March 2018

High-salt intake is a major risk factor for developing hypertension in type 2 diabetes mellitus, but its effects on glucose homeostasis are controversial. We previously found that high-salt intake induces severe hypertension in WBN/Kob diabetic fatty (WBKDF) rats. In the present study, we examined the effects of a high-salt intake on glucose homeostasis in WBKDF rats. Male WBKDF rats and age-matched Wistar rats at 6 weeks of age were each divided into two groups and fed either a normal-sodium (NS, 0.26%) diet or high-sodium (HS, 8%) diet for 7 weeks. Systolic blood pressure and urine volume were increased in WBKDF-HS and Wistar-HS. Body weight gain and food consumption were comparable between NS and HS in both strains. Plasma and urine glucose levels were significantly increased in WBKDF-NS but not in WBKDF-HS. HOMA-IR in WBKDF-HS was significantly lower compared with that in WBKDF-NS. The high plasma adiponectin level in WBKDF-NS compared with that in Wistar-NS was further enhanced in WBKDF-HS. Glycogen deposits and fat droplets in the livers of WBKDF-HS were reduced compared with those of WBKDF-NS. The present study demonstrated that HS intake ameliorated hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in WBKDF rats, which may be due to increased plasma levels of adiponectin.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 at Diagnosis and during Subsequent Years in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Chisalita Simona I. , Ludvigsson J.
Published: March 2018

Background. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) in adolescents is associated with alterations in the insulin-like factor system probably caused both by a deranged metabolism and insulinopenia in the portal vein. Objective. To study how the circulating IGF-1 is affected at diagnosis and during subsequent years in adolescents with T1D. Methods. Ten girls and ten boys with type 1 diabetes (T1D), aged 13.0 ± 1.4 (mean ± SD) years at diagnosis, took part in the study. Blood samples were drawn at diagnosis and after 3, 9, 18, and 48 months. HbA1c, total IGF-1, and C-peptide were measured. Results. At diagnosis, the patients had high HbA1c, low IGF-1, and measurable C-peptide. After the start of insulin treatment, maximal improvement in glycemic control and IGF-1 occurred within 3 months and then both tended to deteriorate, that is, HbA1c to increase and IGF-1 to decrease. C-peptide decreased with time, and after 4 years, half of the patients were C-peptide negative. At diagnosis, C-peptide correlated positively to IGF-1 (r=0.50; p<0.03). C-peptide correlated negatively with insulin dose (U/kg) after 18 and 48 months from diagnosis (r=−0.48; p<0.03 and r=−0.72; p<0.001, resp.). Conclusions. In conclusion, our results show that in newly diagnosed adolescents with type 1 diabetes and deranged metabolism, the IGF-1 level is low and rapidly improves with insulin treatment but later tends to decrease concomitantly with declining endogenous insulin secretion.
Por um leitor com dúvidas – notas sobre arte e fascismo, de Anatol Rosenfeld
Authors: Ginzburg Jaime
Published: March 2018

O ensaio Arte e fascismo, de Anatol Rosenfeld, está diretamente ligado à Segunda Guerra Mundial e a seu impacto cultural. Esse ensaio apresenta dúvidas com relação ao valor estético atribuído a obras de arte criadas por pessoas que defenderam o fascismo. Os argumentos abrem espaço para antagonismos. Arte e fascismo é um texto no qual as dúvidas são muito importantes, para lidar com dificuldades éticas referentes a valores estéticos. Diante desses antagonismos, quando uma reflexão crítica não pode atingir nenhuma síntese, o leitor poderia perceber que é necessário enfatizar o quanto as dúvidas são importantes para pensar sobre desafios éticos e estéticos.
Modernidades “periféricas”, literaturas policêntricas: Dostoiévski, Machado de Assis e o “figurino” europeu
Authors: Pereira Ana Carolina Huguenin
Published: March 2018

F. Dostoiévski e Machado de Assis reelaboraram, através da literatura, os contextos históricos de países que se modernizavam combinando influências estrangeiras às próprias tradições. A partir dos anos 1880 a literatura russa passou por processo de grande difusão internacional, multiplicando-se a influência das obras dostoievskianas, inclusive no Brasil. Neste contexto, a produção literária de um país considerado “periférico” em relação aos centros industriais europeus transportou-se das “margens” – simbólicas e fronteiriças – para ocupar lugar de destaque no “centro” da modernidade oitocentista. O artigo defende que a modernidade, enquanto processo histórico amplo, não guarda “centros” estáticos, mas engloba grande variedade humana em múltiplos diálogos.
Calculating the End: Inner-Danielic Chronological Developments
Authors: Segal Michael
Published: March 2018

The prediction of the end of the period of persecution is a pervasive topic throughout Daniel 7-12. The references to these events are spread out throughout the four apocalypses found in the second half of Daniel (7:25; 8:13-14; 9:27; 12:7,11-12), and their presence in all of these contexts emphasizes the importance of chronological aspects within the apocalyptic worldview of the authors of Daniel. The current study offers an original interpretation of the earliest of these sources (7:25), reflecting its apocalyptic context, and consequently a new assessment of the interrelationships of the various dates in the Danielic apocalypses. Furthermore, it will be suggested that a combination of interpretive, calendrical and historical insights regarding these chronological elements perhaps offers a key towards tracing the process of literary development of the apocalyptic section of Daniel as a whole.
Praising Christ the King
Authors: Jeffcoat Schedtler Justin
Published: March 2018

Royal connotations are recognized throughout the book of Revelation, including chapter 5 where the Lamb is depicted upon the heavenly throne (5:6) receiving acts of obeisance and hymnic acclamations from the heavenly retinue (5:8-14). However, the extent to which the hymns themselves manifest royal ideology and discourse has been neglected. In what follows, the author explores various elements of the hymns in light of widespread patterns of kingship discourse in the ancient Mediterranean world, including especially the fact that the Lamb is praised alongside God and in terms otherwise used for God. The author then demonstrates that the hymnic claim that the Lamb has assumed the power to rule on account of his bloody death on the cross (5:9) constitutes an inversion of a popular motif that kings assumed power through violent military conquest.
Perpetuating Anti-Muslim Discrimination through the Interpretation of Religious Equality in the European Court of Human Rights
Authors: Dupont Pier-Luc
Published: March 2018

Faced with widespread prejudice and discrimination, European Muslims are increasingly resorting to the European Court of Human Rights as a last-ditch strategy to transform state policies toward minority faiths. While the Court has a mandate to protect religious freedom and equality, the conservative and sometimes biased way in which it has interpreted these concepts has enabled the persistence of stark asymmetries in the legal and social statuses of different religions. Using an analysis of relevant cases, this article seeks to highlight the judicial processes that currently sustain Muslim subordination and pinpoint specific reforms that could reverse the trend.
Framing Islam at the World of Islam Festival, London, 1976
Authors: Grinell Klas
Published: March 2018

This article focuses on a neglected historical example where contemporary museological framings of Islam in Europe were established—the World of Islam Festival in London, 1976. The material consulted consists of the publications and materials from the Festival Trust, media coverage and academic discussions of the Festival. These are analyzed from a frame theory perspective. The Festival is situated in a very specific historical period after the advent of Gulf oil money, but before the resurgence of Islam and the Iranian revolution. It was framed by the traditionalist perspective of Frithjof Schuon and Seyyed Hossein Nasr and in large part funded by the United Arab Emirates. It is argued that what might at first appear to be a festival celebrating the presence of Muslims in modern Britain acted to stabilize a dichotomy between Islam and modernity that is still dominant in museological framings of Islam in Europe.
The Socio–Economic Life around Beans in Kyrgyzstan: Practices, Discourses and Local Households
Authors: Iskandarova Gulnora
Published: March 2018

Bean production is a feature of post-independence agriculture in Kyrgyzstan, and bean production has come to play an influential role in the daily lives of ordinary people. This study aims to investigate the role of beans and bean cultivation in the agrarian villages of Talas (such as Amanbaev and Bala–Saruu) by discussing how practices, discourses and local households are shaped around bean production. Moreover, this study investigates the impact of bean cultivation on the socio-economic life of farmers by applying the concept of biocultural diversity as well as an ethnographic approach.
Marinophialophora garethjonesii gen. et sp. nov.: a new hyphomycete associated with Halocyphina from marine habitats in Thailand
Authors: LI JUNFU , JEEWON RAJESH , PHOOKAMSAK RUNGTIWA , BHAT DARBHE J. , MAPOOK AUSANA , CHUKEATIROTE EKACHAI , HYDE KEVIN D. , LUMYONG SAISAMORN , MCKENZIE ERIC H. C.
Published: March 2018

Marinophialophora garethjonesii sp. nov., representing a novel genus Marinophialophora gen. nov., associated with the basidiomycete fungus, Halocyphina on mangrove wood from Phetchaburi, Thailand, is described and illustrated. Marinophialophora morphologically resembles Phialophora and Junctospora (Herpotrichiellaceae, Chaetothyriales) in having macronematous, unbranched or branched conidiophores, globose to subglobose, solitary, acrogenous, pale to subhyaline, aseptate, conidia in chains and phialidic conidiogenous cells. Marinophialophora mainly differs from other related genera due to its conidia borne in basipetally developing branched chains and septate conidiophores. Phylogenetic analyses of a combined ITS, LSU and SSU sequence data show that Marinophialophora garethjonesii constitutes an independent lineage with high statistical support basal to the genus Exophiala within the family Herpotrichiellaceae (Chaetothyriales). The new marine taxon is described herein with illustrations and relationships inferred from DNA sequence data.
A New Species of Fimbristylis (Cyperaceae) from Western Ghats, India
Authors: VIJI A.R. , PREETHA T.S.
Published: March 2018

Fimbristylis agasthyamalaensis, a new species belonging to section Fuscae from Western Ghats, India is described and illustrated with photographs. The species shows some morphological similarities with F. onchnidiocarpa, but differs in having three stamens, larger anthers, 1–3 slightly twisted spikelets, smaller involucral bracts and obconical nutlets with cupular stipe. Its distribution, ecology and conservation status are also discussed.
Optical measurement of local permeability of flax fiber fabrics before liquid composite molding
Authors: Cosson Benoît
Published: March 2018

Tracking the variability of natural fiber-based fabrics properties, such as local areal weight, fiber volume fraction, and therefore permeability, is crucial to optimize the parts processing of the bio-composites. This paper aims at developing a cost-effective and efficient optical method in order to predict the permeability of flax fabrics used in liquid composite molding processes. This method using an LCD monitor as light source and a reflex camera as a measurement device is based on light transmission measurement through fabric thickness. The raw data given by the camera are gray scale maps, transformed into areal weight maps. FEM software based on levelset method is finally used to highlight the influence of the local variability of the fiber volume fraction, and of the related fabrics porosity and permeability on the mold filling time. The proposed method can be directly implemented on the manufacturing line of the composites. It can be used to optimize, part-to-part, the resin consumption by predicting the resin flow through perform. Interestingly, this novel optical method is auto-calibrated and does not depend on picture resolution.
Book Review: Pranab Kumar Das (ed.). Decentralisation, Governance and Development
Authors: Dutta Sumedha
Published: March 2018

Pranab Kumar Das (ed.). Decentralisation, Governance and Development. Hyderabad: Orient BlackSwan, 2017, xxx + 282 pp., ₹995 (hardback). ISBN 978-93-86296-88-7.
Looking Back to Look Forward: Federal Officials’ Perceptions of Public Engagement
Authors: Dudley Larkin , Webb Farley Kathryn E. , Gniady Banford Noel
Published: March 2018

The authors of the Refounding volumes raised concerns about citizen inclusion in agency decision making. We respond by studying public participation in federal decision making through 61 interviews with federal officials. We examine the interviewees’ candid perceptions of public engagement through three themes of the Refounding: the importance of deliberation, attention to whose words are heard, and facilitation of the processes of interaction. Our findings suggest that while agencies do work to engage the public, there are still many challenges to achieving meaningful public participation, which yields consequences for legitimacy and trust.
A Conservative Critique of Blacksburg
Authors: Gray Phillip W. , Mattingly-Jordan Sara
Published: March 2018

This article presents a conservative rejoinder to the Blacksburg perspective inviting a more discursive elaboration on the overlaps between key conservative thinkers, such as those from Michael Oakeshott, and portions of the Blacksburg view, specifically from the works of John Rohr and Charles T. Goodsell. We posit a conservative perspective that would contest three points in the Refounding texts. The article concludes by elaborating on the generative role that a discussion between the Refounders and key conservatives plays in positing new avenues for administrative theory and addressing challenges to the discretionary power of civil servants in a constitutional democracy.
Fluctuating Hearing Loss in the Only Hearing Ear: Cochlear Implantation in the Contralateral Deaf Side
Authors: Russo Francesca Yoshie , De Seta Daniele , Lahlou Ghizlene , Borel Stéphanie , Nguyen Yann , Bouccara Didier , Sterkers Olivier , Bernardeschi Daniele , Mosnier Isabelle
Published: March 2018

Objective

To investigate the hearing performance of adult patients presenting unilateral deafness with contralateral fluctuating hearing loss who received a cochlear implant on the deaf side.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

University tertiary referral center.

Subjects and Methods

Preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively, 23 patients underwent pure tone audiometry and speech audiometry with disyllabic and monosyllabic words in a quiet environment and sentences in quiet and noisy (signal‐to‐noise ratio +10 dB SPL) environments under best‐aided conditions. The Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) inventory was evaluated preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively.

Results

No difference was found between pre‐ and postoperative tests for disyllabic and monosyllabic words. For sentences in quiet and noisy environments, a difference between pre‐ and postoperative performance was present at 1 year (P =. 002 and P =. 02, respectively). In a noisy environment, a difference was present at 6 and 12 months postoperatively as compared with the preoperative value (mean ± SD: 6 months: 42% ± 7.1% vs 61% ± 6.5%, P =. 016). A significant improvement in the APHAB score was found at 6 and 12 months postimplantation (Friedman's 2‐way analysis of variance by ranks, P <. 001). The number of years of hearing deprivation of the deaf ear was not correlated with performance.

Conclusion

When incapacitating fluctuating hearing loss occurs in patients presenting a contralateral deaf ear, a cochlear implant is indicated in the latter ear, significantly improving performance in noisy conditions and allowing a better quality of communication to be achieved.
Swallowing Outcomes in Elderly Patients following Microvascular Reconstruction of the Head and Neck
Authors: Worley Mitchell L. , Graboyes Evan M. , Blair Julie , Momin Suhael , Armeson Kent E. , Day Terry A. , Huang Andrew T.
Published: March 2018

Objective

To describe swallowing outcomes in elderly patients undergoing microvascular reconstruction of the upper aerodigestive tract and identify risk factors for poor postoperative swallowing function.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Subjects and Methods

Sixty‐six patients aged ≥70 years underwent microvascular reconstruction of the upper aerodigestive tract. The primary outcome measure was the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS); preoperative and postoperative scores were dichotomized to define “good swallowing” and “poor swallowing.” Logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for poor postoperative swallowing function.

Results

In total, 91% of reconstructions were performed for oncologic defects. The most common defect site was the oral cavity (67%), and the anterolateral thigh (29%) was the most frequently used donor site. At 3‐year follow up, 75% of patients had good swallowing function with 95% of patients who achieved good swallowing function doing so within 6 months of surgery. On multivariable analysis, patients with pT4 tumors (odds ratio [OR], 5.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0‐25.6) and those undergoing at least partial glossectomy (OR, 4.7; 95% CI, 1.1‐20.7) were more likely to experience poor swallowing function at 6‐month follow‐up.

Conclusion

Approximately half of elderly patients achieve good swallowing function within 6 months following microvascular reconstruction of the upper aerodigestive tract. Elderly patients with pT4 tumors and those requiring glossectomy are at highest risk for poor swallowing outcomes. These data can be used to inform preoperative patient counseling and design interventions aimed at improving swallowing function in those at high risk for poor outcomes.
Role of Psychosocial Factors on Communicative Participation among Survivors of Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Eadie Tanya , Faust Lauren , Bolt Susan , Kapsner‐Smith Mara , Pompon Rebecca Hunting , Baylor Carolyn , Futran Neal , Méndez Eduardo
Published: March 2018

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the unique contribution of psychosocial factors, including perceived social support, depression, and resilience to communicative participation, among adult survivors of head and neck cancer (HNC).

Study Design

Cross‐sectional.

Setting

University‐based laboratory and speech clinic.

Subjects and Methods

Adult survivors of HNC who were at least 2 years posttreatment for HNC completed patient‐reported outcome measures, including those related to communicative participation and psychosocial function. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to predict communicative participation. Self‐rated speech severity, cognitive function, laryngectomy status, and time since diagnosis were entered first as a block of variables (block 1), and psychosocial factors were entered second (block 2).

Results

Eighty‐eight adults who were on average 12.2 years post–HNC diagnosis participated. The final regression model predicted 58.2% of the variance in communicative participation (full model R2 = 0.58, P <. 001). Self‐rated speech severity, cognitive function, laryngectomy status, and time since diagnosis together significantly predicted 46.1% of the variance in block 1. Perceived social support, depression, resilience, and interactions significantly and uniquely predicted 12.1% of the additional variance in block 2.

Conclusion

For clinicians, psychosocial factors such as perceived depression warrant consideration when counseling patients with HNC about communication outcomes and when designing future studies related to rehabilitation.
International migration narratives: Systemic global politics, irregular and return migrations
Authors: Akanle Olayinka
Published: March 2018

International migration is one of the most discussed and controversial subjects in policies, programs, and practices. The discussions and controversies commonly revolve around issues of gains and/or otherwise of international migrations: to the world, to the sending and receiving countries, and to the migrants, for example. The objective ramifications of these issues, however, remain unclear in accounts, processes, and outcomes thereby leading to tangled and intellectually complicated narratives and deployments with different effects on international migration policies and practices. What is unclear includes how international migrations should be governed and narrated, how migrations affect development, and how migrants survive at destinations. International migration narratives fall broadly within pro- and anti-migration sentiments with different camps developing narratives to drive their own perspectives. Underlying these tangled perspectives are national, continental, and global orientations. This review essay examines the trajectories of common narratives of international migrations from the perspectives of key international organizations, renegotiations of survival strategies by irregular migrants, and the development experiences of return migrants, all of which will enhance our understanding of the contours and ramifications of international migration.