bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effectiveness of the Unit Cell Method in Numerically Modeling and Designing Liquid Cooled Heatsinks
Authors: Kheirabadi Ali C. , Groulx Dominic
Published: March 2019

This study compares two numerical strategies for modeling flow and heat transfer through mini- and microchannel heatsinks, the unit cell approximation, and the full 3D model, with the objective of validating the former approach. Conjugate heat transfer and laminar flow through a 2 × 2 cm2 copper–water heatsink are modeled using the finite element package COMSOL Multiphysics 5.0. Parametric studies showed that as the heatsink channels’ widths were reduced, and the total number of channels increased, temperature and pressure predictions from both models converged to similar values. Relative differences as low as 5.4% and 1.6% were attained at a channel width of 0.25 mm for maximum wall temperature and channel pressure drop, respectively. Due to its computational efficiency and tendency to conservatively overpredict temperatures relative to the full 3D method, the unit cell approximation is recommended for parametric design of heatsinks with channels’ widths smaller than 0.5 mm, although this condition only holds for the given heatsink design. The unit cell method is then used to design an optimal heatsink for server liquid cooling applications. The heatsink has been fabricated and tested experimentally, and its thermal performance is compared with numerical predictions. The unit cell method underestimated the maximum wall temperature relative to experimental results by 3.0–14.5% as the flowrate rose from 0.3 to 1.5 gal/min (1.1–5.7 l/min).
Motivating the adoption of new community-minded behaviors: An empirical test in Nigeria
Authors: Blair Graeme , Littman Rebecca , Paluck Elizabeth Levy
Published: March 2019

Field experiment in Nigeria finds that a nudge and norms campaign within original Nollywood film encouraged corruption reports.
CD4 T cell sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor (S1PR)1 and S1PR4 and endothelial S1PR2 regulate afferent lymphatic migration
Authors: Xiong Yanbao , Piao Wenji , Brinkman C. Colin , Li Lushen , Kulinski Joseph M. , Olivera Ana , Cartier Andreane , Hla Timothy , Hippen Keli L. , Blazar Bruce R. , Schwab Susan R. , Bromberg Jonathan S.
Published: March 2019

Sphingosine 1-phosphate engages multiple T cell and lymphatic endothelial cell receptors to regulate lymphocyte migration.
Genome Sequences of 20 Georeferenced Aspergillus flavus Isolates
Authors: Weaver Mark A. , Mack Brian M. , Gilbert Matthew K.
Published: March 2019

Several agricultural commodities can be infected by
Aspergillus flavus
, a fungus that can produce the carcinogen aflatoxin. Here, we report the whole-genome sequences for 20 georeferenced isolates collected from soil and corn under field conditions.
Extensive circumferential partial-thickness sclerectomy in eyes with extreme nanophthalmos and spontaneous uveal effusion
Authors: Mansour Ahmad , Stewart Michael W , Shields Carol L , Hamam Rola , Abdul Fattah Maamoun , Sheheitli Huda , Mehanna Carl-Joe , Yassine Salma , Chahine Hasan , Keaik Mona , Maalouf Fadi , Jaroudi Mahmoud
Published: March 2019

Aim

To describe an extensive scleral excision technique to treat uveal effusion in nanophthalmic eyes.

Methods

This prospective, interventional series of eight eyes of five consecutive patients with nanophthalmos underwent scleral window surgeries. Ninety per cent of the scleral thickness, extending from immediately behind the extraocular muscle insertions to the vortex veins for 3 and 1/4 quadrants, was removed. The main outcome measure was resolution of the uveal effusions.

Results

Eight eyes of five patients (one female and four male) with a mean age of 46 years were studied. The mean (range) axial length was 16.1 mm (14.6–17.6 mm), and the mean refractive error was +13.6 dioptres (+10.75 to +16.00 dioptres). Following scleral excision surgery, all uveal effusions resolved within an average (±SD) of 13.9 (±8.7) days. The uveal effusion recurred in only one eye that had a vasoproliferative retinal tumour. The mean best corrected visual acuity improved from 0.69 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) (Snellen equivalent: 20/97) at baseline to 0.51 logMAR (Snellen equivalent: 20/64; Wilcoxon paired t-test: p=0.016) after a mean follow-up of 35.6 months.

Conclusion

The circumferential scleral window technique produces rapid resolution of uveal effusion in nanophthalmic eyes. No adverse effects were noted after surgery and the clinical effect was durable through 1 year.

Trial registration number

NCT03748732.
Negative pressure dressings are no better than standard dressings for open fractures
Authors: Cook Rob , Thomas Vaughan , Martin Rosie
Published: March 2019

The study

Effect of negative pressure wound therapy vs standard wound management on 12-month disability among adults with severe open fracture of the lower limb: the WOLLF randomised clinical trial.

Costa ML, Achten J, Bruce J, et al; UK WOLLF Collaboration

Published on 9 October 2018
JAMA
2018;319:2280-8.

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Programme (project number 10/57/20).

To read the full NIHR Signal, go to:
https://discover.dc.nihr.ac.uk/content/signal-000655/negative-pressure-dressings-are-no-better-than-standard-dressings-for-open-fractures
Bending the cost curve: time series analysis of a value transformation programme at an academic medical centre
Authors: Chatfield Steven C , Volpicelli Frank M , Adler Nicole M , Kim Kunhee Lucy , Jones Simon A , Francois Fritz , Shah Paresh C , Press Robert A , Horwitz Leora I
Published: March 2019

Background

Reducing costs while increasing or maintaining quality is crucial to delivering high value care.

Objective

To assess the impact of a hospital value-based management programme on cost and quality.

Design

Time series analysis of non-psychiatric, non-rehabilitation, non-newborn patients discharged between 1 September 2011 and 31 December 2017 from a US urban, academic medical centre.

Intervention

NYU Langone Health instituted an institution-wide programme in April 2014 to increase value of healthcare, defined as health outcomes achieved per dollar spent. Key features included joint clinical and operational leadership; granular and transparent cost accounting; dedicated project support staff; information technology support; and a departmental shared savings programme.

Measurements

Change in variable direct costs; secondary outcomes included changes in length of stay, readmission and in-hospital mortality.

Results

The programme chartered 74 projects targeting opportunities in supply chain management (eg, surgical trays), operational efficiency (eg, discharge optimisation), care of outlier patients (eg, those at end of life) and resource utilisation (eg, blood management). The study cohort included 160 434 hospitalisations. Adjusted variable costs decreased 7.7% over the study period. Admissions with medical diagnosis related groups (DRG) declined an average 0.20% per month relative to baseline. Admissions with surgical DRGs had an early increase in costs of 2.7% followed by 0.37% decrease in costs per month. Mean expense per hospitalisation improved from 13% above median for teaching hospitals to 2% above median. Length of stay decreased by 0.25% per month relative to prior trends (95% CI −0.34 to 0.17): approximately half a day by the end of the study period. There were no significant changes in 30-day same-hospital readmission or in-hospital mortality. Estimated institutional savings after intervention costs were approximately $53.9 million.

Limitations

Observational analysis.

Conclusion

A systematic programme to increase healthcare value by lowering the cost of care without compromising quality is achievable and sustainable over several years.
Evidence for heightened genetic instability in precancerous spasmolytic polypeptide expressing gastric glands
Authors: Chen Jiangrong , Zhu Chunchao , Wang Chaojie , Hu Chuansheng , Czajkowsky Daniel M , Guo Yan , Liu Bingya , Shao Zhifeng
Published: March 2019

Background

Spasmolytic polypeptide-expressing metaplasia (SPEM) is present in more than 90% of resected gastric cancer tissues. However, although widely regarded as a pre-cancerous tissue, its genetic characteristics have not been well studied.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry using Trefoil factor 2 (TFF2) antibodies was used to identify TFF2-positive SPEM cells within SPEM glands in the stomach ofHelicobacter felis (H. felis)-infected mice and human clinical samples. Laser microdissection was used to isolate specific cells from both the infected mice and the human samples. The genetic instability in these cells was examined by measuring the lengths of microsatellite (MS) markers using capillary electrophoresis. Also, genome-wide genetic variations in the SPEM cells from the clinical sample was examined using deep whole-exome sequencing.

Results

SPEM cells indeed exhibit not only heightened MS instability (MSI), but also genetic instabilities that extend genome-wide. Furthermore, surprisingly, we found that morphologically normal, TFF2-negative cells also contain a comparable degree of genomic instabilities as the co-resident SPEM cells within the SPEM glands.

Conclusion

These results, for the first time, clearly establish elevated genetic instability as a critical property of SPEM glands, which may provide a greater possibility for malignant clone selection. More importantly, these results indicate that SPEM cells may not be the sole origin of carcinogenesis in the stomach and strongly suggest the common progenitor of these cells, the stem cells, as the source of these genetic instabilities, and thus, potential key players in carcinogenesis.
Preemptive Analgesia in Children: Does It Exist?
Authors: Ho John W. S. , Khambatta Hoshang J. , Pang Leila M. , Siegfried Richard N. , Sun Lena S.
Published: March 2019

Background and Objectives

Preemptive analgesia has been evident in animals, but few adult human studies exist demonstrating this concept exist, and there are fewer still in children. Caudal epidural blocks with local anesthetics are often placed for postoperative analgesia in children. This study evaluated whether these blocks are more effective when placed prior to surgical incision.

Methods

Children aged 1-6 years and ASA I and II (n = 51), undergoing elective herniorrhaphy, orchidopexy, or circumcision were randomly assigned to receive a caudal epidural block with 0.6 mL/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine, either before incision (n = 28) or after surgery (n = 23). In all patients, anesthesia was induced and maintained with oxygen, nitrous oxide, and halothane, and caudal epidural blocks were placed. Postoperative pain was scored by a blinded observer using a Faces Pain Scale in the recovery room and was also assessed at home by the parents. Analgesic requirement during the 24-hour period was recorded.

Results

The Faces Pain Scale scores and analgesic requirements did not differ between the groups, either in the recovery room or at home (P > .05).

Conclusions

Although preemptive analgesia has been successfully demonstrated in some earlier clinical studies, our results indicate that pre- and postincisional caudal epidural blocks with 0.25% bupivacaine were equally effective in children.
Ambulatory Combined Spinal-Epidural Analgesia for Labor: Influence of Epinephrine on Bupivacaine-Sufentanil Combination
Authors: Gautier Philippe E. , Debry François , Fanard Luc , Van Steenberge Albert , Hody Jean-Luc
Published: March 2019

Background and Objectives

Subarachnoid sufentanil 5 μg during labor is known to have variable results. However, subarachnoid sufentanil 5 μg plus bupivacaine 1 mg provides good quality labor analgesia of 100 minutes' average duration. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of adding epinephrine 25 μg to this mixture.

Methods

Forty-two parturients with less than 5 cm cervical dilation participated in this double-blind, randomized study. A combined spinal-epidural technique was used for subarachnoid administration of sufentanil 5 μg and bupivacaine 1 mg with or without epinephrine 25 μg. Analgesia was assessed by visual analog scores. Time elapsed until first request for additional analgesia, blood pressure, heart rate, sensory levels, motor block, and incidence of pruritus, nausea, and sedation were noted.

Results

Addition of epinephrine prolonged the duration of analgesia from 103.8 ± 28.2 minutes to 142 ± 54.3 minutes and lowered the median cephalad level of sensory block from T3 to T6. The incidence of side effects was similar in both groups, as was the motor performance; 19 patients were able to ambulate in each group.

Conclusions

This minimal bupivacaine-sufentanil-epinephrine mixture allows high-quality analgesia of 142 ± 54.3 minutes' duration, with a low sensory block level and no motor block. However, hypotension can occur as a late side effect.
New Perspectives in the Microscopic Structure of Human Dura Mater in the Dorsolumbar Region
Authors: Reina Miguel Angel , Dittmann Martin , Garcia Andrés López , van Zundert André
Published: March 2019

Background and Objectives

The object of this study was to describe the three-dimensional structure of the dura mater by use of scanning electron microscopy.

Methods

Microscopic dissection of the dura mater from four fresh cadavers (aged 70, 75, 76, and 80 years) 8-12 hours after death were investigated in three different planes (longitudinal, tangential, and transverse).

Results

The external surface of the dura mater, facing the epidural space, consisted of a network of randomly oriented fine collagen fibers. The thicker elastic fibers (2 μm in diameter) were observed on the surface of the dura. In the inner part of the dura mater, there were very fine lamellae of collagen fibers, which were bundled into thicker (4-5 μm) layers. The dura mater consisted of 78-82 layers, each layer including 8-12 very fine lamellae.

Conclusions

The fibers of the dura mater do not run in a longitudinal direction and are not arranged in a parallel fashion. Cytoarchitecturally the dura mater is a laminated structure built up from well-defined layers oriented concentrically around the medulla spinalis.
Interpleural Analgesia in the Management of Esophageal Perforation
Authors: Main A.
Published: March 2019

Background and Objectives

Interpleural analgesia was used in a case of esophageal perforation due to surgical mishap. The medical literature cites no reference to use of this technique in this condition.

Method

Interpleural bupivacaine analgesia was used along with conventional forms of pain relief.

Results

Superior analgesia was obtained, and the method proved to be safe and complication free on a general surgical ward over the period of several days that it was used.

Conclusion

Interpleural analgesia is safe and effective for management of pain due to esophageal perforation.
A Comparative Study of Low-Dose Hyperbaric Spinal Lidocaine 0.5% Versus 5% for Continuous Spinal Anesthesia
Authors: Chan Vincent W.S. , Garcia John , Al-Kaisy Adnan , Drasner Kenneth
Published: March 2019

Background and Objectives

Concerns of cauda equina syndrome have discouraged clinicians to use 5% lidocaine for continuous spinal anesthesia. Earlier reports indicated that single-shot spinal lidocaine 0.5% is effective for minor gynecologic and perianal surgery. In the present study, we evaluate the anesthetic and hemodynamic effects of low dose hyperbaric 0.5% lidocaine for continuous spinal anesthesia and compare with those of the 5% lidocaine solution in patients undergoing urologic surgery.

Methods

Spinal anesthesia was induced via an indwelling subarachnoid catheter in 42 elderly male patients (range, 57-84 years) undergoing transurethral prostate and bladder procedures. Patients were randomly assigned to receive an initial 30-mg bolus of hyperbaric lidocaine in the form of either 6 mL of 0.5% solution or 0.6 mL of 5% solution. Additional 30-mg boluses (to a total of 90 mg) were given, if necessary, to establish initial sensory block to T10 or higher and lower limb paralysis. Supplemental doses of 30 mg or less were given during surgery, as needed. Dermatomal level of sensory anesthesia and degree of motor blockade were assessed at regular intervals by a blinded observer. Heart rate and blood pressure (mean systolic and diastolic) values were monitored at regular intervals.

Results

Forty patients were studied successfully. Both hyperbaric 0.5% and 5% lidocaine provided adequate surgical anesthesia in 75% (30/40) of patients after a single 30-mg dose. A median peak sensory level of T5 (range, T2-T9) achieved within 11.1 ± 4.5 minutes in patients receiving the 0.5% solution was significantly higher than the peak sensory level of T7 (range, T4-T12) in the 5% group (P = .043). The duration of surgical anesthesia after a 30-mg dose was similar in both groups—48.1 ± 12.1 minutes versus 50.8 ± 16.5 minutes respectively. Of the 30 patients (15 in each group) who received 30 mg initially, 25 required repeat lidocaine dosing through the catheter during surgery. The maximum decrease in heart rate and blood pressure values was within 10% and 20%, respectively, of baseline values in both groups. In the remaining patients (10/40), anesthesia was achieved successfully in five patients in the 0.5% group and three patients in the 5% group after two 30-mg lidocaine boluses (60 mg) and two patients in the 5% group after three 30-mg boluses (90 mg).

Conclusions

Continuous spinal anesthesia produced by 0.5% lidocaine with 7.5% dextrose is as effective as that produced by the 5% lidocaine solution in elderly patients undergoing urologic surgery. An initial 30-mg bolus delivered via indwelling subarachnoid catheter was sufficient to achieve surgical anesthesia for approximately 50 minutes in most patients. Hemodynamic effects of the two lidocaine solutions were also comparable.
Severe Preeclampsia Complicating Mitral Valve Stenosis
Authors: Afrangui Beatrice , Malinow A. M.
Published: March 2019

Background and Objectives

We present a report of a parturient with severe mitral valve stenosis diagnosed during a previous pregnancy who developed severe preeclampsia.

Methods

Labor and subsequent abdominal delivery were managed with epidural analgesia and anesthesia. The clinical management was guided by invasive hemodynamic monitoring, including a flow-directed pulmonary artery catheter.

Conclusions

Peripartum maternal and neonatal outcomes were satisfactory. Postpartum complications included pulmonary edema as well as peripartum heart failure and pulmonary thromboembolism 4 weeks postpartum.
Whey protein concentrate limits venous thrombosis in rats
Authors: Tokajuk Anna , Zakrzeska Agnieszka , Chabielska Ewa , Car Halina
Published: March 2019

To study the influence of whey protein concentrate (WPC-80) on the development of thrombosis, rats were supplemented with 2 doses of WPC-80 (0.3 or 0.5 g/kg) for 7, 14, or 21 days. Then, a 1-h venous thrombosis model was performed in half of the animals. Coagulation parameters, platelet count, and thrombus weight were assessed. Thrombus weight was decreased in rats obtaining WPC-80 and that was significant only for 14- and 21-day supplementation. There were slight differences between groups in coagulation parameters and platelet count but without evident direction. Further research is needed to clarify the observed effects.
A Randomized Clinical Efficacy Trial of Red Yeast Rice (Monascus pilosus) Against Hyperlipidemia
Authors: Wang Tien-Ju , Lien Angela Shin-Yu , Chen Jiun-Liang , Lin Cheng-Hui , Yang Yin-Shuo , Yang Sien-Hung
Published: March 2019

Red yeast rice (RYR) has been used as an alternative treatment for hyperlipidemia. According to the previous studies, other compounds, besides monacolin K in RYR, may also reduce the serum lipid level. This study aims at examining the efficacy of monacolin K-rich and Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)-rich RYR (Monascus pilosus) with regards to treating hyperlipidemia in a randomized control, double-blind clinical trial. In the research, we assigned 50 eligible subjects to monacolin K-rich RYR, GABA-rich RYR and placebo groups ([Formula: see text], 17, 17, respectively). The concentrations of TC, LDL-C, HDL, TG and blood biochemical data were evaluated at different phases: before applying (visit 1), after 1-month (visit 2), 2-month (visit 3), 3-month (visit 4) of providing the intervention and 1-month after ending the test food (visit 5) among three groups. During the 3-month intervention, the serum TC and LDL-C levels decreased significantly in the monacolin K group compared to the baseline and the other two groups. The Serum TG level declined steadily but was not statistically significant. Meanwhile, no marked differences in the serum HDL level were revealed among the three groups. Most safety assessment data had minor variation except two subjects (in monacolin K and GABA group separately) reported elevated liver enzymes. Monacolin K-rich RYR can reduce cholesterol as expected, while the GABA-rich RYR performed non-significant reduction on serum triglyceride. The research results demonstrate that using different concentrations and ratios between monacolin K and GABA could be beneficial for antihyperlipidemia.
A NEW LOOK AT THE REMITTANCES-FDI- ENERGY-ENVIRONMENT NEXUS IN THE CASE OF SELECTED ASIAN NATIONS
Authors: RAHMAN ZIA UR , CAI HONGBO , AHMAD MANZOOR
Published: March 2019

This study investigates the association between remittances, FDI, energy use, and CO2 emissions for a sample of the top six Asian nations receiving remittances, namely, China, India, the Philippines, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, during the 1982–2014 period. The results of employing an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL)-bound technique signify that there is a stable long-run association among the stated variables. The empirical findings indicate that CO2 increases significantly with a rise in energy use in all sample nations in both the long and short-runs. Conversely, the association between CO2 emissions and remittances is found to be significantly positive for Sri Lanka, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Bangladesh in the long-run, positive for Pakistan, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka only in the short-term, and non-significant for India and China in both the long and short-runs. Furthermore, the empirical results illustrate that the inflow of FDI significantly increases CO2 emissions in the cases of China, Sri Lanka, and India in both the long and short-runs. While FDI inflow has no significant effect on CO2 emissions for the Philippines and Pakistan, it has a significant negative effect for Bangladesh in both the long and short-runs. Thus, the connection between remittances, FDI, and CO2 emissions varies significantly across the countries considered in our study.
Spatial Error Concealment by Jointing Gauss Bayes Model and SVD for High Efficiency Video Coding
Authors: Zhou Mingliang , Mao Qin , Zhong Chen , Zhang Weiqin , Chen Changzhi
Published: March 2019

This paper proposes a novel sparsity-based error concealment (EC) algorithm which integrates the Gauss Bayes model and singular value decomposition for high efficiency video coding (HEVC). Under the sequential recovery framework, pixels in missing blocks are successively reconstructed in Gauss Bayes mode. We find that the estimation error follows the Gaussian distribution in HEVC, so the error pixel estimation problem can be transferred to a Bayesian estimation. We utilize the singular value decomposition (SVD) technique to select sample pixels, which yields high estimation accuracy and reduces estimation error. A new recovery order based on confidence is established to resolve the error propagation problem. Compared to other state-of-the-art EC algorithms, experimental results show that the proposed method gives better reconstruction performance in terms of objective and subjective evaluations. It also has significantly lower complexity.
Optimal Control Analysis of a Cholera Epidemic Model
Authors: Panja Prabir
Published: March 2019

In this paper, a cholera disease transmission mathematical model has been developed. According to the transmission mechanism of cholera disease, total human population has been classified into four subpopulations such as (i) Susceptible human, (ii) Exposed human, (iii) Infected human and (iv) Recovered human. Also, the total bacterial population has been classified into two subpopulations such as (i) Vibrio Cholerae that grows in the infected human intestine and (ii) Vibrio Cholerae in the environment. It is assumed that the cholera disease can be transmitted in a human population through the consumption of contaminated food and water by Vibrio Cholerae bacterium present in the environment. Also, it is assumed that Vibrio Cholerae bacterium is spread in the environment through the vomiting and feces of infected humans. Positivity and boundedness of solutions of our proposed system have been investigated. Equilibrium points and the basic reproduction number [Formula: see text] are evaluated. Local stability conditions of disease-free and endemic equilibrium points have been discussed. A sensitivity analysis has been carried out on the basic reproduction number [Formula: see text]. To eradicate cholera disease from the human population, an optimal control problem has been formulated and solved with the help of Pontryagin’s maximum principle. Here treatment, vaccination and awareness programs have been considered as control parameters to reduce the number of infected humans from cholera disease. Finally, the optimal control and the cost-effectiveness analysis of our proposed model have been performed numerically.
Managing Pending Events in Sequential and Parallel Simulations Using Three-tier Heap and Two-tier Ladder Queue
Authors: Rao Dhananjai M. , Higiro Julius D.
Published: March 2019

Performance of sequential and parallel Discrete Event Simulations (DES) is strongly influenced by the data structure used for managing and processing pending events. Accordingly, we propose and evaluate the effectiveness of our multi-tiered (two- and three-tier) data structures and our Two-tier Ladder Queue, for both sequential and optimistic parallel simulations on distributed memory platforms. Our experiments compare the performance of our data structures against a performance-tuned version of the Ladder Queue, which has been shown to outperform many other data structures for DES. The core simulation-based empirical assessments are in C++ and are based on 2,500 configurations of well-established PHOLD and PCS benchmarks. In addition, we use an Avian Influenza Epidemic Model (AIM) for experimental analyses. We have conducted experiments on two computing clusters with different hardware to ensure our results are reproducible. Moreover, to fully establish the robustness of our analysis and data structures, we have also implemented pertinent queues in Java and verified consistent, reproducible performance characteristics. Collectively, our analyses show that our three-tier heap and two-tier ladder queue outperform the Ladder Queue by 60× in some simulations, particularly those with higher concurrency per Logical Process (LP), in both sequential and Time Warp synchronized parallel simulations.
A Survey of Spatial Crowdsourcing
Authors: Gummidi Srinivasa Raghavendra Bhuvan , Xie Xike , Pedersen Torben Bach
Published: March 2019

Widespread use of advanced mobile devices has led to the emergence of a new class of crowdsourcing called spatial crowdsourcing. Spatial crowdsourcing advances the potential of a crowd to perform tasks related to real-world scenarios involving physical locations, which were not feasible with conventional crowdsourcing methods. The main feature of spatial crowdsourcing is the presence of spatial tasks that require workers to be physically present at a particular location for task fulfillment. Research related to this new paradigm has gained momentum in recent years, necessitating a comprehensive survey to offer a bird’s-eye view of the current state of spatial crowdsourcing literature. In this article, we discuss the spatial crowdsourcing infrastructure and identify the fundamental differences between spatial and conventional crowdsourcing. Furthermore, we provide a comprehensive view of the existing literature by introducing a taxonomy, elucidate the issues/challenges faced by different components of spatial crowdsourcing, and suggest potential research directions for the future.
Understanding sex differences in long-term blood pressure regulation: insights from experimental studies and computational modeling
Authors: Ahmed Sameed , Hu Rui , Leete Jessica , Layton Anita T.
Published: March 2019

Sex differences in blood pressure and the prevalence of hypertension are found in humans and animal models. Moreover, there has been a recent explosion of data concerning sex differences in nitric oxide, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, inflammation, and kidney function. These data have the potential to reveal the mechanisms underlying male-female differences in blood pressure control. To elucidate the interactions among the multitude of physiological processes involved, one may apply computational models. In this review, we describe published computational models that represent key players in blood pressure regulation, and highlight sex-specific models and their findings.
Sustained, delayed, and small increments in glomerular permeability to macromolecules during systemic ET-1 infusion mediated via the ETA receptor
Authors: Dolinina Julia , Rippe Anna , Öberg Carl M.
Published: March 2019

Emerging evidence indicates that endogenous production of endothelin (ET)-1, a 21-amino acid peptide vasoconstrictor, plays an important role in proteinuric kidney disease. Previous studies in rats have shown that chronic administration of ET-1 leads to increased glomerular albumin leakage. The underlying mechanisms are, however, currently not known. Here, we used size-exclusion chromatography to measure glomerular sieving coefficients for neutral FITC-Ficoll (molecular Stokes-Einstein radius: 15–80 Å, molecular weight: 70 kDa/400 kDa) in anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats ( n = 12) at baseline and at 5, 15, 30, and 60 min after intravenous administration of ET-1. In separate experiments, ET-1 was given together with the selective ET type A (ETA) or ET type B (ETB) receptor antagonists JKC-301 and BQ-788, respectively. At both 15 and 30 min postadministration, the glomerular sieving coefficient for macromolecular Ficoll (70 Å) was significantly increased to 4.4 × 10−5 ± 0.7 × 10−5 ( P = 0.024) and 4.5 × 10−5 ± 0.8 × 10−5 ( P = 0.007), respectively, compared with baseline (2.2 × 10−5 ± 0.4 ×10−5). Decreased urine production after ET-1 prevented the use of higher doses of ET-1. Data analysis using the two-pore model indicated changes in large-pore permeability after ET-1, with no changes in the small-pore pathway. Administration of ETA blocker abrogated the permeability changes induced by ET-1 at 30 min, whereas blockade of ETB receptors was ineffective. Mean arterial pressure was only significantly increased at 60 min, being 123 ± 4 mmHg compared with 111 ± 2 mmHg at baseline ( P = 0.02). We conclude that ET-1 evoked small, delayed, and sustained increases in glomerular permeability, mediated via the ETA receptor.
Reduced blood oxygen levels induce changes in low-threshold motor unit firing that align with the individual’s tolerance to hypoxia
Authors: McKeown Daniel J. , Simmonds Michael J. , Kavanagh Justin J.
Published: March 2019

This study aimed to quantify how acute hypoxia impacts firing characteristics of biceps brachii motor units (MUs) during sustained isometric elbow flexions. MU data were extracted from surface electromyography (EMG) during 25% maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) in 10 healthy subjects (age 22 ± 1 yr). Blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) was then stabilized at 80% by reducing 1% of the fraction of inspired oxygen every 3 min for 35 min. MU data were once again collected 1 h and 2 h following the 35-min desaturation phase. Although MVC remained unaffected during 2 h of 80% SpO2, subject-specific changes in MU firing rate were observed. Four of 10 subjects exhibited a decrease in firing rate 1 h postdesaturation (12 ± 11%) and 2 h postdesaturation (16 ± 12%), whereas 6 of 10 subjects exhibited an increase in firing rate 1 h (9 ± 6%) and 2 h (9 ± 4%) postdesaturation. These bidirectional changes in firing rate were strongly correlated to the desaturation phase and the subjects’ SpO2 sensitivity to oxygen availability, where subjects who had decreased firing rates reached the target SpO2 20 min into the desaturation phase ( R2 = 0.90–0.98) and those who had increased firing rates reached the target SpO2 35 min into the desaturation phase ( R2 = 0.87–0.98). It is unlikely that a single mechanism accounted for these subject-specific changes in firing rate. Instead, differences in intrinsic properties of the neurons, afferent input to the motoneurons, neuromodulators, and sympathetic nerve activity may exist between groups.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The mechanisms of compromised motor control when exposed to hypoxia are largely unknown. The current study examined how severe acute hypoxia affects motor unit firing rate during sustained isometric contractions of the bicep brachii. The response to hypoxia was different across subjects, where motor unit firing rate increased for some individuals and decreased for others. This bidirectional change in firing rate was associated with how fast subjects desaturated during hypoxic exposure.
Adapting the flow of time with dopamine
Authors: Mikhael John G. , Gershman Samuel J.
Published: March 2019

The modulation of interval timing by dopamine (DA) has been well established over decades of research. The nature of this modulation, however, has remained controversial: Although the pharmacological evidence has largely suggested that time intervals are overestimated with higher DA levels, more recent optogenetic work has shown the opposite effect. In addition, a large body of work has asserted DA’s role as a “reward prediction error” (RPE), or a teaching signal that allows the basal ganglia to learn to predict future rewards in reinforcement learning tasks. Whether these two seemingly disparate accounts of DA may be related has remained an open question. By taking a reinforcement learning-based approach to interval timing, we show here that the RPE interpretation of DA naturally extends to its role as a modulator of timekeeping and furthermore that this view reconciles the seemingly conflicting observations. We derive a biologically plausible, DA-dependent plasticity rule that can modulate the rate of timekeeping in either direction and whose effect depends on the timing of the DA signal itself. This bidirectional update rule can account for the results from pharmacology and optogenetics as well as the behavioral effects of reward rate on interval timing and the temporal selectivity of striatal neurons. Hence, by adopting a single RPE interpretation of DA, our results take a step toward unifying computational theories of reinforcement learning and interval timing.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY How does dopamine (DA) influence interval timing? A large body of pharmacological evidence has suggested that DA accelerates timekeeping mechanisms. However, recent optogenetic work has shown exactly the opposite effect. In this article, we relate DA’s role in timekeeping to its most established role, as a critical component of reinforcement learning. This allows us to derive a neurobiologically plausible framework that reconciles a large body of DA’s temporal effects, including pharmacological, behavioral, electrophysiological, and optogenetic.
Analysis of Slope Stability with Imprecise Soil Properties Using Uncertain Sets
Authors: Zhou Xuejun , Li Jie , Liu Zhibing , Tang Yi
Published: March 2019

There are many uncertainties with respect to the assessment of slope stability, and those associated with soil properties should be given particular attention. The uncertainty theory provides an alternative to treat these uncertainties using parochial cognitive sources. A novel methodology is proposed to evaluate the stability of slopes based on an uncertain set. The soil properties involved in the deterministic methods, i.e., shear strength parameters and unit weight, are expressed as uncertain sets, and their membership functions can be assumed to be triangular or trapezoidal for a homogeneous or two‐layered slope, respectively. The parameter values of membership functions are designed according to the means and variations of the soil properties, and then the expected safety factor can be calculated through the operational laws. Two numerical examples including a homogeneous slope and a two‐layered slope illustrate the suitability of the proposed methodology. The relationship between the variation in the safety factor and the changes in the soil properties is investigated; moreover, the determination of the parameter values of membership is also discussed.
A Dual Heterogeneous Island Genetic Algorithm for Solving Large Size Flexible Flow Shop Scheduling Problems on Hybrid Multicore CPU and GPU Platforms
Authors: Luo Jia , El Baz Didier
Published: March 2019

The flexible flow shop scheduling problem is an NP‐hard problem and it requires significant resolution time to find optimal or even adequate solutions when dealing with large size instances. Thus, this paper proposes a dual island genetic algorithm consisting of a parallel cellular model and a parallel pseudo‐model. This is a two‐level parallelization highly consistent with the underlying architectures and is well suited for parallelizing inside or between GPUs and a multicore CPU. At the higher level, the efficiency of the island GA is improved by exploring new regions within the search space utilizing different methods. In the meantime, the cellular model keeps the population diversity by decentralization and the pseudo‐model enhances the search ability by the complementary parent strategy at the lower level. To encourage the information sharing between islands, a penetration inspired migration policy is designed which sets the topology, the rate, the interval, and the strategy adaptively. Finally, the proposed method is tested on some large size flexible flow shop scheduling instances in comparison with other parallel algorithms. The computational results show that it not only can obtain competitive results but also reduces execution time.
GnRH Agonist versus hCG Trigger in Ovulation Induction with Intrauterine Insemination: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Le Minh Tam , Nguyen Dac Nguyen , Zolton Jessica , Nguyen Vu Quoc Huy , Truong Quang Vinh , Cao Ngoc Thanh , Decherney Alan , Hill Micah J.
Published: March 2019

This study is aimed at comparing clinical pregnancy rates (CPRs) in patients who are administered either gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for ovulation trigger in intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles. A prospective randomized comparative study was conducted at Hue University Hospital in Vietnam. A total of 197 infertile women were randomly assigned to receive either GnRHa trigger (n=98 cycles) or hCG trigger (n=99 cycles) for ovulation trigger. Patients returned for ultrasound monitoring 24 hours after IUI to confirm ovulation. A clinical pregnancy was defined as the presence of gestational sac with fetal cardiac activity. There was no difference in ovulation rates in either group receiving GnRHa or hCG trigger for ovulation. Biochemical and CPR were higher in patients who received hCG (28.3% and 23.2%) versus GnRHa (14.3% and 13.3%) (p=0.023, OR 0.42, 95%CI=0.21−0.86 and p=0.096, OR 0.51, 95%CI=0.24−1.07, respectively). After adjusting for body mass index (BMI) and infertility duration, there was no difference in CPR between the two groups (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.27-1.25, p=0.163). In conclusion, the use of the GnRHa to trigger ovulation in patients undergoing ovulation induction may be considered in patients treated with IUI.
Dynamic Response of Double Elastic Cantilever Beam Attributed to Variable Uniformly Distributed Load
Authors: He Wei , Wei Yanjing
Published: March 2019

Based on the double‐layer elastic foundation beam theory, the rails and the wall plates of the electromagnetic launching device are modeled as a double‐layer elastic cantilever foundation beam. After establishing the kinetic differential equation and setting the boundary condition of the cantilever beam, the displacement solution of double‐layer elastic cantilever foundation beam under no load condition is obtained. Applying the Heaviside Function, the deflection equation of the upper and lower beam, the expression of the bending moment, and the stress are obtained. In the case of given motion parameters and structural parameters, the analytical solutions of the rail and the wall plate are calculated. The ANSYS numerical analysis is carried out under the same condition and the results of both solutions are in good agreement. The results can provide theoretical basis for the design of strength and stiffness of the electromagnetic launch device.
Effects of the (Pro)renin Receptor on Cardiac Remodeling and Function in a Rat Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy Model via the PRR-ERK1/2-NOX4 Pathway
Authors: Cao Xinran , Yu Shiran , Wang Yuanyuan , Yang Min , Xiong Jie , Yuan Haitao , Dong Bo
Published: March 2019

Alcoholic cardiomyopathy (ACM) caused by alcohol consumption manifests mainly as by maladaptive myocardial function, which eventually leads to heart failure and causes serious public health problems. The (pro)renin receptor (PRR) is an important member of the local tissue renin-angiotensin system and plays a vital role in many cardiovascular diseases. However, the mechanism responsible for the effects of PRR on ACM remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of PRR in myocardial fibrosis and the deterioration of cardiac function in alcoholic cardiomyopathy. Wistar rats were fed a liquid diet containing 9% v/v alcohol to establish an alcoholic cardiomyopathy model. Eight weeks later, rats were injected with 1×109v.g./100 μl of recombinant adenovirus containing EGFP (scramble-shRNA), PRR, and PRR-shRNA via the tail vein. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography. Cardiac histopathology was measured by Masson’s trichrome staining, immunohistochemical staining, and dihydroethidium staining. In addition, cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) were cultured to evaluate the effects of alcohol stimulation on the production of the extracellular matrix and their underlying mechanisms. Our results indicated that overexpression of PRR in rats with alcoholic cardiomyopathy exacerbates myocardial oxidative stress and myocardial fibrosis. Silencing of PRR expression with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) technology reversed the myocardial damage mediated by PRR. Additionally, PRR activated phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and increased NOX4-derived reactive oxygen species and collagen expression in CFs with alcohol stimulation. Administration of the ERK kinase inhibitor (PD98059) significantly reduced NOX4 protein expression and collagen production, which indicated that PRR increases collagen production primarily through the PRR-ERK1/2-NOX4 pathway in CFs. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that PRR induces myocardial fibrosis and deteriorates cardiac function through ROS from the PRR-ERK1/2-NOX4 pathway during ACM development.
A Swarm Robotic Exploration Strategy Based on an Improved Random Walk Method
Authors: Pang Bao , Song Yong , Zhang Chengjin , Wang Hongling , Yang Runtao
Published: March 2019

An environment can be searched far more efficiently if the appropriate search strategy is used. Because of the limited individual abilities of swarm robots, namely, local sensing and low processing power, random searching is the main search strategy used in swarm robotics. The random walk methods that are used most commonly are Brownian motion and Lévy flight, both of which mimic the self-organized behavior of social insects. However, both methods are somewhat limited when applied to swarm robotics, where having the robots search repeatedly can result in highly inefficient searching. Therefore, by analyzing the characteristics of swarm robotic exploration, this paper proposes an improved random walk method in which each robot adjusts its step size adaptively to reduce the number of repeated searches by estimating the density of robots in the environment. Simulation experiments and experiments with actual robots are conducted to study the effectiveness of the proposed method and evaluate its performance in an exploration mission. The experimental results presented in this paper show that an area is covered more efficiently using the proposed method than it is using either Brownian motion or Lévy flight.
Tuning Anatase-Rutile Phase Transition Temperature: TiO2/SiO2 Nanoparticles Applied in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Cardoso Billy N. , Kohlrausch Emerson C. , Laranjo Marina T. , Benvenutti Edilson V. , Balzaretti Naira M. , Arenas Leliz T. , Santos Marcos J. L. , Costa Tania M. H.
Published: March 2019

TiO2/SiO2 nanoparticles with 3, 5, and 10 molar percent of silica, were synthesized by hydrothermal method and characterized by SEM, TEM, N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, X-ray diffraction, and Raman and UV-Vis spectroscopy. While pristine TiO2 thermally treated at 500°C presents a surface area of 36 m2 g-1 (±10 m2 g-1), TiO2/SiO2 containing 3, 5, and 10 molar percent of silica present surface areas of 93, 124, and 150 m2 g-1 (±10 m2 g-1), respectively. SiO2 is found to form very small amorphous domains well dispersed in the TiO2 matrix. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy data show that anatase-to-rutile phase transition temperature is delayed by the presence of SiO2, enabling single-anatase phase photoanodes for DSSCs. According to the I×V measurements, photoanodes with 3% of SiO2 result in improved efficiency, which is mainly related to increased surface area and dye loading. In addition, the results suggest a gain in photocurrent related to the passivation of defects by SiO2.
Preliminary Research: Description of Lip Print Patterns in Children and Their Parents among Deutero-Malay Population in Indonesia
Authors: Loganadan Suriya , Dardjan Murnisari , Murniati Nani , Oscandar Fahmi , Malinda Yuti , Zakiawati Dewi
Published: March 2019

Introduction. Human identification is vital not only in legal medicine but also in criminal inquiries and identification. Cheiloscopy is the study of lip prints which are unique, individual, and heritable that is used for personal identification purposes in forensic odontology. Objective. The aim of this study is to identify the possibility of the child to inherit the lip print patterns from their parents and also to describe the lip print patterns in children and their parents among the Deutero-Malay population. Method. The descriptive research used lip samples of 90 individuals including father, mother, and a child who are biologically related and their age ranges from 12 to 60 years old. The samples chosen are from the Deutero-Malay ethnic in Indonesia at least for the past two generation who obeys all the exclusion criteria of this research. Purposive nonrandom sampling method was used to collect samples by photography technique using a digital camera, and the data obtained were then analysed using Adobe Photoshop CS3 software. Grooves and wrinkles of primary quadrants one, three, six, and seven of lips were studied according to Suzuki and Tsuchihashi’s classification in 1971. Result. In the present study, it is found that Type I′ (30.28%) is the most dominant lip print pattern and Type I (1.39%) is the least dominant among the Deutero-Malay population. Besides, this study has shown that the similarity of lip print pattern between mother and the child (57.89%) is greater compared to the father and the child (42.22%). Conclusion. Based on this, we can conclude that lip print can be inherited and dissimilar for every population of race; likewise, the Deutero-Malay population has the Type I′ as the most dominant lip print pattern.