bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial Potential of Caffeic Acid againstStaphylococcus aureusClinical Strains
Authors: Kępa Małgorzata , Miklasińska-Majdanik Maria , Wojtyczka Robert D. , Idzik Danuta , Korzeniowski Konrad , Smoleń-Dzirba Joanna , Wąsik Tomasz J.
Published: July 2018

Phenolic compounds constitute one of the most promising and ubiquitous groups with many biological activities. Synergistic interactions between natural phenolic compounds and antibiotics could offer a desired alternative approach to the therapies against multidrug-resistant bacteria. The objective of the presented study was to assess the antibacterial potential of caffeic acid (CA) alone and in antibiotic-phytochemical combination againstStaphylococcus aureusreference and clinical strains isolated from infected wounds. The caffeic acid tested in the presented study showed diverse effects onS. aureusstrains with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) varied from 256μg/mL to 1024μg/mL. The supplementation of Mueller-Hinton agar (MHA) with 1/4 MIC of CA resulted in augmented antibacterial effect of erythromycin, clindamycin, and cefoxitin and to the lesser extent of vancomycin. The observed antimicrobial action of CA seemed to be rather strain than antibiotic dependent. Our data support the notion that CA alone exerts antibacterial activity againstS. aureusclinical strains and has capacity to potentiate antimicrobial effect in combination with antibiotics. The synergy between CA and antibiotics demonstrates its potential as a novel antibacterial tool which could improve the treatment of intractable infections caused by multidrug-resistant strains.
Experience with Treating Lentigo Maligna with Definitive Radiotherapy
Authors: Fogarty Gerald B. , Hong Angela , Economides Alex , Guitera Pascale
Published: July 2018

Lentigo maligna (LM) is a form of melanoma in situ that occurs on exposed, sun-damaged skin; LM can progress to invasive melanoma. Conventional surgical treatment is the preferred management option as it is usually a one-treatment episode and generates a histopathology report that records completion of excision. Some patients may not be surgical candidates due to comorbidities, patient preference, impact on function, and cosmesis or they have failed surgery with a positive margin. Other therapies, including radiotherapy (RT) and topical medicines, may then become appropriate. There is a currently accruing multi-institutional randomized trial of imiquimod versus definitive RT for this population (NCT02394132). This review is about the experience from the centre that has generated the trial and enrolled the most patients to date. The purpose of the review is to pass on experience to other centers who may want to join the trial, especially to supplement the experience of local radiation oncologists. The review covers decisions that need to be made in RT planning and treatment and how to manage side effects and other common scenarios including LM in immunosuppressed patients and in poorly vascularised tissue, after surgery, of the eyelid and of mucous membrane (mouth and nose) that are in the radiation field.
Comparison of LI-RADS v.2017 and ESGAR Guidelines Imaging Criteria in HCC Diagnosis Using MRI with Hepatobiliary Contrast Agents
Authors: Rosiak Grzegorz , Podgorska Joanna , Rosiak Edyta , Cieszanowski Andrzej
Published: July 2018

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare diagnostic ability of LI-RADS (LR) v. 2017 and ESGAR guidelines in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosis using MRI with hepatobiliary contrast agents.Methods. Seventy pathologically confirmed lesions in 32 patients (24 males and 8 females) who had MRI with hepatobiliary contrast done before surgery or biopsy were reviewed retrospectively. Six lesions were <10mm, 31 lesions 10-19mm, and 33 lesions ≥20mm. Two readers assessed all lesions according to LI-RADS v.2017 criteria and ESGAR consensus statement on liver MR imaging and clinical use of liver-specific contrast agents. Statistical analysis was performed to compare diagnostic ability of both guidelines including receiver operative curves (ROC) and area under curve (AUC).Results. For LR ≥ 4 sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and AUC were 96%, 75%, 88.6%, and 85.5, respectively. For LR5 they were 74%, 95%, 80%, and 84.5, respectively. For ESGAR criteria with major and additional features, they were 88%, 75%, 84.3%, and 81.5, respectively. For ESGAR criteria only with major features they were 78%, 80%, 78.6%, and 79, respectively. AUC analysis revealed that overall diagnostic ability of LI-RADS was higher than ESGAR but the results did not show statistical significance.Conclusions. Both LI-RADS and ESGAR guidelines presented high diagnostic ability in HCC diagnosis of MRI studies with hepatobiliary contrast agents. More complex LI-RADS criteria performed better than ESGAR guidelines and it may justify extra effort that needs to be put in the report. However, the results were not statistically different and the simplicity of the ESGAR guidelines should also be taken into consideration.
Robust Control of Pressure for LNG Carrier Cargo Handling System via Mirror‐Mapping Approach
Authors: Cao Jinghua , Zhang Xianku , Yang Guangping , Zou Xiang
Published: July 2018

The pressure control for a liquid nature gas (LNG) ship is vital for the cargo handling system which is a nonlinear, unstable, and controllable complex system accompanied by the dynamics of time delay. To improve the control effect, this article proposed a robust controller based on closed‐loop gain shaping algorithm by mirror‐mapping approach. In addition, the complete mechanism models for the system are established to predict the changes of temperature, pressure, and liquid inventory in the cargo tank. The heat exchanges and evaporation of liquid are also considered. By collecting the data from the LNG ship “Dapeng,” the system models are validated. At the same time, the comparative experiment is introduced to verify the reliability and effectiveness. The scheme has been compared with the 2‐DOF structure control law of modified Smith predictor. The comparative experimental results show that the scheme proposed in this note has a strong disturbance rejection ability and steady‐state performance. The controller designed in this note has advantages of simplified construction method, satisfactory control effect and robustness.
Effects of Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound on Knee Osteoarthritis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Zhou Xiao-Yi , Zhang Xiao-Xi , Yu Guan-Yu , Zhang Zi-Cheng , Wang Fei , Yang Yi-Lin , Li Ming , Wei Xian-Zhao
Published: July 2018

Background. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degeneration disease characterized with joint pain. The aim of the present study was to systemically review the effects of LIPUS on pain relief and functional recovery in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched manually for researches on LIPUS treatment in patients with knee OA from 1945 to July 2017. Two investigators independently selected the studies according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted the concerned data, and assessed the included studies. Meta-analysis was performed to evaluate VAS, WOMAC, and ambulation speed between control and LIPUS groups. Results. Five studies were selected in this study. Compared with control group, LIPUS group received a decrease of pain intensity with moderate heterogeneity (-0.79, 95% CI, -1.57 to 0.00; I2 = 65%, P = 0.04) by VAS and improvement in knee function by WOMAC (-5.30, 95% CI, -2.88 to -7.71; I2 = 44%, P = 0.17). No significant improvement was found in ambulation speed (0.08 m/s, 95% CI, -0.02 to 0.18 m/s; I2 = 68%, P = 0.03). Conclusion. The present study includes 5 high quality randomized controlled trials. The result indicated that LIPUS, used to treat knee OA without any adverse effect, had a beneficial effect on pain relief and knee functional recovery. More evidence is needed to prove whether LIPUS is effective in improving walking ability.
Antiulcer Effect of Honey in Nonsteroidal Anti‐Inflammatory Drugs Induced Gastric Ulcer Model in Rats: A Systematic Review
Authors: Fazalda Annuar , Quraisiah Adam , Nur Azlina Mohd Fahami
Published: July 2018

Background. Peptic ulcer is a basic term for ulcers on the lower oesophagus, stomach, or jejunum. The specific term for ulcer in the stomach is gastric ulcer. The extensive use of honey around the globe helps researchers to study the usefulness of honey. Many studies had already been conducted and proved the effectiveness of honey in treating gastric ulcer. Methods. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify relevant studies on honey used as an alternative treatment of gastric ulcer cause by NSAIDs. A comprehensive search was conducted in Medline, SCOPUS, and Ebscohost. The main criteria used were articles published in English and using NSAIDs‐induced gastric ulcer in rat’s model and those reporting the effectiveness of honey. Results. Articles published between 2001 and 2014 were identified to be relevant in studies related to the inclusion criteria. The literature search found 30 potential and closely related articles in this review, but only 5 articles were taken which meet the criteria needed to be fulfilled. Conclusions. All studies in this review reported the efficacy of honey for gastric ulcer based on its antioxidant and cytoprotective activities. Most of the studies conducted used different types of honey at various doses on rats. Future studies should be conducted to identify the appropriate dose for humans to achieve similar gastroprotective effects.
A Comparative Analysis of Tooth Size Discrepancy between Male and Female Subjects Presenting with a Class I Malocclusion
Authors: Leung Eva Man Yee , Yang Yanqi , Khambay Balvinder , Wong Ricky Wing Kit , McGrath Colman , Gu Min
Published: July 2018

Objectives. To evaluate the tooth size discrepancy and Bolton’s ratios between male and female subjects with a Class I malocclusion. Materials and Methods. The digital e-models of 100 male and 100 female 12-year-old southern Chinese children with a Class I malocclusion were selected. The mesiodistal widths from permanent first molar to the contralateral side first molar of the upper and lower dentitions were measured. Differences between the tooth size discrepancy, together with the anterior and overall Bolton’s ratios between male and female subjects, were assessed using a two-sample t-test. A paired t-test was used to determine differences between antimetric pairs of teeth within the same arch. Results. Females had statistically significant smaller teeth than males (P < 0.05) except the upper left and lower left lateral incisor and lower left and right central incisors. The mean values of anterior Bolton’s ratios for males and females were 77.04 and 77.03, respectively (P > 0.05), while the mean values of overall Bolton’s ratios of male and female are 90.48 and 90.65, respectively (P < 0.05). The clinical significant differences (Cohen’s d > 0.2) for contralateral tooth size were shown on the maxillary canines, lateral incisors, and central incisors of males; and mandibular canines and lateral incisors of females. Conclusions. Southern Chinese females presenting with Class I malocclusions have smaller mesiodistal tooth dimensions compared to males. Both males and females presented several tooth size asymmetries. There are no statistical differences in anterior and overall Bolton’s ratios between the genders.
A Facile Synthesis of Highly Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Dots for Imaging and Detection in Biological Samples
Authors: Zhang Qianchun , Xie Siqi , Yang Yanqun , Wu Yun , Wang Xingyi , Wu Jincheng , Zhang Li , Chen Junyu , Wang Yuan
Published: July 2018

A facile, green, and high-output hydrothermal synthesis was proposed for the fabrication of highly fluorescent nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-doped CDs). The nitrogen content in N-doped CDs reached 19.2% and demonstrated strong blue fluorescence emission was obtained with fluorescence quantum yield (QY) of up to 32.9%, which exhibit high fluorescence quantum yield, high photostability, and excellent biocompatibility. The N-doped CDs possess high photostability, low toxicity, and excellent biocompatibility, based on which the N-doped CDs were successfully applied as a fluorescence probe for cell imaging. Moreover, it was then successfully demonstrated for sensitive and selective detection of Fe3+ in serum.
Current Status of Canine Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Veterinary Medicine
Authors: Sultana Tania , Lee Soojung , Yoon Hun-Young , Lee Jeong Ik
Published: July 2018

Stem cell therapy has prompted the expansion of veterinary medicine both experimentally and clinically, with the potential to contribute to contemporary treatment strategies for various diseases and conditions for which limited or no therapeutic options are presently available. Although the application of various types of stem cells, such as bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs), adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AT-MSCs), and umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCB-MSCs), has promising potential to improve the health of different species, it is crucial that the benefits and drawbacks are completely evaluated before use. Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a rich source of stem cells; nonetheless, isolation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from UCB presents technical challenges. Although MSCs have been isolated from UCB of diverse species such as human, equine, sheep, goat, and canine, there are inherent limitations of using UCB from these species for the expansion of MSCs. In this review, we investigated canine UCB (cUCB) and compared it with UCB from other species by reviewing recent articles published from February 2003 to June 2017 to gain an understanding of the limitations of cUCB in the acquisition of MSCs and to determine other suitable sources for the isolation of MSCs from canine. Our review indicates that cUCB is not an ideal source of MSCs because of insufficient volume and ethical issues. However, canine reproductive organs discarded during neutering may help broaden our understanding of effective isolation of MSCs. We recommend exploring canine reproductive and adipose tissue rather than UCB to fulfill the current need in veterinary medicine for the well-designed and ethically approved source of MSCs.
Validating Left Ventricular Filling Pressure Measurements in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure: CardioMEMS™ Pulmonary Arterial Diastolic Pressure versus Left Atrial Pressure Measurement by Transthoracic Echocardiography
Authors: Tolia Sunit , Khan Zubair , Gholkar Gunjan , Zughaib Marcel
Published: July 2018

Background. Routine ambulatory echocardiographic estimates of left ventricular (LV) filling pressures are not cost-effective and are occasionally fraught with anatomic, physiologic as well as logistical limitations. The use of implantable hemodynamic devices such as CardioMEMS Heart Failure (HF) System has been shown to reduce HF-related readmission rates by remote monitoring of LV filling pressures. Little is known about the correlation between CardioMEMS and echocardiography-derived estimates of central hemodynamics. Methods. We performed a prospective, single-center study enrolling seventeen participants with New York Heart Association functional class II-III HF and preimplanted CardioMEMS sensor. Simultaneous CardioMEMS readings and a limited echocardiogram were performed at individual clinic visits. Estimated left atrial pressure (LAP) by echocardiogram was calculated by the Nagueh formula. Linear regression was used as a measure of agreement. Variability between methods was evaluated by Bland–Altman analysis. Results. Mean age was 74 ± 9 years; 59% (10/17) were males. LV systolic dysfunction was present in 76% (13/17) of subjects. Mean PAdP was 18 ± 4 mmHg and 19 ± 5 mmHg for CardioMEMS and echocardiographic-derived estimates, respectively, with a significant correlation between both methods (r2=0.798,  p≤0.001). Conclusions. Our study illustrates a direct linear correlation between PAdP measured by CardioMEMS and simultaneous measurement of LV filling pressures derived by echocardiography.
Probabilistic Risk Assessment of Inorganic Arsenic via Consumption of Herbs Collected in Thailand
Authors: Monboonpitak Nuntawat , Ruangwises Suthep , Buranaphalin Sawanya , Ruangwises Nongluck
Published: July 2018

Total and inorganic arsenic contents in ten commonly consumed Thai herbs, namely, bird’s eye chili, cayenne pepper, celery, garlic, holy basil, kitchen mint, lemongrass, pepper, shallot, and sweet basil, were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry coupled with a hydride generation system (HG‐AAS). Total arsenic contents in fresh herbs and lyophilized herbs ranged from 3.39 to 119 ng/g wet weight (wet wt) and from 41.0 to 156 ng/g dry weight (dry wt), respectively. Inorganic arsenic contents in fresh herbs and lyophilized herbs ranged from 2.09 to 26.9 ng/g (wet wt) and from 23.5 to 55.5 ng/g (dry wt), respectively. Percentages of inorganic arsenic to total arsenic in herbs ranged from 22.7 to 62.0%. High percentages of inorganic arsenic to total arsenic were found in celery, lemongrass and sweet basil. Total arsenic contents in the studied herbs were lower than the maximum limits of Thai and Chinese regulatory standards, set at 2,000 ng/g in foods (excluding aquatic animals and seafood) and 500 ng/g in fresh vegetables, respectively. Total and inorganic arsenic contents in the studied herbs were comparable to or lower than the levels found in other studies in the EU and China. Lifetime average daily dose (LADD) and cancer risk (CR) of inorganic arsenic exposure to commonly consumed herbs were evaluated using probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) by @RISK software version 6.0 of Palisade cooperation. All calculated LADD and CR values from all herbs did not exceed the acceptable levels. It can be concluded that there were very low cancer risks of inorganic arsenic exposure from the consumption of the studied herbs.
Seepage Behavior of Earth Dams Considering Rainfall Effects
Authors: Lee Jong-Wook , Kim Jiseong , Kang Gi-Chun
Published: July 2018

More than 60% of annual rainfall in Korea is concentrated during the monsoon season from June to August because of the climate characteristics of East Asia. In general, reservoir water levels sharply rise during this period and rock‐fill dams are exposed to various types of damages such as soil erosion and piping related to seepage problems. However, the detection of seepage problems is generally more difficult because rainfall directly flows into a V‐notch weir according to a downstream shell in which seepage rates can be measured downstream. In this paper, rainfall is filtered out from the measured seepage rates to evaluate the effects of rainfall by using a digital filtering method for two large rock‐fill dams (Dams A and B). Seepage behavior for these two large rock‐fill dams was estimated as a steady‐state condition. It has been proven that with the application of a digital filter which filters out rainfall‐induced infiltration into a downstream shell from a measured seepage flow would make analyzing the seepage behavior of dams more effective. This also shows that consideration for any rainfall effect on the seepage behavior of earth dams is very important. The seepage rate of Dam A was not significantly affected by rainfall because the seepage water was collected inside the dam body and was transferred to a V‐notch weir located downstream from the dam through a steel pipe. On the contrary, the seepage rate of Dam B was greatly influenced by rainfall in the rainy season. Also, the permeability of the core zones for Dams A and B was estimated at 8.5 × 10−5 cm/sec and 2.7 × 10−5 cm/sec, respectively, by a simplified method.
Naturally Derived Anti-HIV Polysaccharide Peptide (PSP) Triggers a Toll-Like Receptor 4-Dependent Antiviral Immune Response
Authors: Rodríguez-Valentín Madeline , López Sheila , Rivera Mariela , Ríos-Olivares Eddy , Cubano Luis , Boukli Nawal M.
Published: July 2018

Aim. Intense interest remains in the identification of compounds to reduce human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication. Coriolus versicolor’s polysaccharide peptide (PSP) has been demonstrated to possess immunomodulatory properties with the ability to activate an innate immune response through Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) showing insignificant toxicity. This study sought to determine the potential use of PSP as an anti-HIV agent and whether its antiviral immune response was TLR4 dependent. Materials and Methods. HIV-1 p24 and anti-HIV chemokine release was assessed in HIV-positive (HIV+) THP1 cells and validated in HIV+ peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), to determine PSP antiviral activity. The involvement of TLR4 activation in PSP anti-HIV activity was evaluated by inhibition. Results. PSP showed a promising potential as an anti-HIV agent, by downregulating viral replication and promoting the upregulation of specific antiviral chemokines (RANTES, MIP-1α/β, and SDF-1α) known to block HIV-1 coreceptors in THP1 cells and human PBMCs. PSP produced a 61% viral inhibition after PSP treatment in HIV-1-infected THP1 cells. Additionally, PSP upregulated the expression of TLR4 and TLR4 inhibition led to countereffects in chemokine expression and HIV-1 replication. Conclusion. Taken together, these findings put forward the first evidence that PSP exerts an anti-HIV activity mediated by TLR4 and key antiviral chemokines. Elucidating these new molecular mediators may reveal additional drug targets and open novel therapeutic avenues for HIV-1 infection.
Solid-Liquid Phase Equilibria for the Ternary System KNO3 + KH2PO4 + H2O at 283.15, 298.15, and 313.15 K
Authors: Wan Jun-feng , Wang Fei
Published: July 2018

The solid-liquid phase equilibria of the ternary system KNO3 + KH2PO4 + H2O at the temperatures of 283.15, 298.15, and 313.15 K and the pressure of  0.1 MPa are researched by isothermal solution saturation. The equilibria solid phases are researched by Schreinemakers method (wet residues). The solubility data are determined. Based on these data, the phase diagrams and the crystalline areas are determined. The phase equilibria at different temperatures are compared and discussed. All results can provide basic data support for crystallization and further researches.
Genotypic and Phenotypic Relationship among Yield Components in Rice under Tropical Conditions
Authors: Oladosu Yusuff , Rafii M. Y. , Magaji Usman , Abdullah Norhani , Miah Gous , Chukwu Samuel C. , Hussin Ghazali , Ramli Asfaliza , Kareem Isiaka
Published: July 2018

The associations among yield-related traits and the pattern of influence on rice grain yield were investigated. This evaluation is important to determine the direct and indirect effects of various traits on yield to determine selection criteria for higher grain yield. Fifteen rice genotypes were evaluated under tropical condition at five locations in two planting seasons. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications across the locations. Data were collected on vegetative and yield components traits. The pooled data based on the analysis of variance revealed that there were significant differences (p<0.001) among the fifteen genotypes for all the characters studied except for panicle length and 100-grain weight. Highly significant and positive correlations at phenotypic level were observed in grain weight per hill (0.796), filled grains per panicle (0.702), panicles per hill (0.632), and tillers per hill (0.712) with yield per hectare, while moderate positive correlations were observed in flag leaf length to width ratio (0.348), days to flowering (0.412), and days to maturity (0.544). By contrast, unfilled grains per panicle (-0.225) and plant height (-0.342) had a negative significant association with yield per hectare. Filled grains per panicle (0.491) exhibited the maximum positive direct effect on yield followed by grain weight per hill (0.449), while unfilled grain per panicle (-0.144) had a negative direct effect. The maximum indirect effect on yield per hectare was recorded by the tillers per hill through the panicles per hill. Therefore, tillers per hill, filled grains per panicle, and grain weight per hill could be used as selection criteria for improving grain yield in rice.
Role of the Mechanisms of Detection in the Increased Risk of Thyroid Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study in an HMO in Buenos Aires
Authors: Russo Picasso María Fabiana , Vicens Jimena , Giuliani Carina , Jaén Ana del Valle , Cabezón Carmen , Figari Marcelo , Gómez Saldaño Ana María , Figar Silvana
Published: July 2018

Background. Two hypotheses attempt to explain the increase of thyroid cancer (TC) incidence: overdetection by excessive diagnostic scrutiny and a true increase in new cases brought about by environmental factors. Changes in the mechanism of detection and the risk of incidentally diagnosed TC could result in an increase of TC incidence. Methods. Retrospective cohort study. We identified incident cases of TC from the pathological reports of patients in a HMO and review of clinical records. The results were analyzed in two periods: 2003-2007 and 2008-2012. Incidence rates expressed per 100,000 person-years (with 95% CI) and relative risk of incidence rates of incidental and nonincidental TC were estimated. Results. The relative risk of incidentally detecting a thyroid cancer in 2008-2012 compared to 2003-2007 was 6.06 (95%CI 1.84-20.04). Clinical evaluations detected 31 (75.6%) cancers in the period 2003-2007 and 70 (51.8%) cancers in the period 2008-2012 (p<0.007). Although tumor median size was significantly lower in the period 2008-2012 (10 vs. 14 mm, p<0.03), tumors greater than 40 mm (4.3%) were only present in 2008-2012. The female/male ratio decreased between analyzed periods from 8 (3-21) to 4 (3-7). Conclusions. Our findings partially support the hypothesis of increased incidence due to overdetection but do not explain the changes in the increase of larger tumors and decrease in the female/male ratio, which could be secondary to the influence of unidentified environmental factors.
LIP‐PA: A Logistics Information Privacy Protection Scheme with Position and Attribute‐Based Access Control on Mobile Devices
Authors: Gao Qi , Zhang Junwei , Ma Jianfeng , Yang Chao , Guo Jingjing , Miao Yinbin
Published: July 2018

With the fast development of Logistics Internet of Things and smart devices, the security of express information processed by mobile devices in Logistics Internet of Things has attracted much attention. However, the existing secure express schemes only focus on privacy protection of personal information but do not consider the security of the logistics information against couriers with malicious mobile devices. For example, a privacy‐preserving delivery path should be required in order to prevent the privacy leakage in the express delivery procedure. Therefore, besides the security of personal information, the privacy protection of logistics information and authentication of mobile devices used in express company are important to security in Logistics Internet of Things. In this paper, we propose a secure logistics information scheme LIP‐PA to provide privacy protection of both personal information and logistics information. First, we define the basic requirements of Logistics Internet of Things. Then, using attribute‐based encryption and position‐based key exchange, we propose a logistics information privacy protection scheme with position and attribute‐based access control for mobile devices. The analysis results show that our scheme satisfies the defined requirements. Finally, the performance of our scheme is evaluated and the experiment results show that our scheme is efficient and feasible for mobile devices in real parcel delivery scenario.
Research on the Efficiency of Green Technology Innovation in China’s Provincial High-End Manufacturing Industry Based on the RAGA-PP-SFA Model
Authors: Li Tuochen , Liang Lei , Han Dongri
Published: July 2018

This study offers a RAGA-PP-SFA model to measure green technology’s innovation efficiency in the high-end manufacturing industry. The study’s aim is to solve the shortcomings of traditional SFA methods that are unable to improve multi-output efficiency. The RAGA-PP-SFA model presented here is based on the multi-emission and multi-output characteristics of high-end manufacturing innovation activities. Using panel data from 2010 to 2015 on China's high-end manufacturing industry and considering factors such as environmental regulation, government subsidy, and market maturity, this paper empirically examines and compares the efficiency of green technology innovation versus traditional technology innovation, as well as regional heterogeneity in China's high-end manufacturing industry. The study ultimately found a low level of green technology innovation efficiency in China’s high-end manufacturing industry. However, an overall rising trend shows that the green development of China's high-end manufacturing industry has achieved remarkable results. Green technology innovation efficiency in high-end manufacturing industries across various regions was generally lower than the efficiency of traditional technology innovation. Both types of efficiency showed a pattern of “high in the east and low in the middle and in the west”. High-high efficiency is primarily found in the east, whereas the west is characterized by low-low efficiency. There are significant differences between regions, pointing to an equal rate of development. Government subsidies and enterprise scale had a significant negative impact on green technology innovation efficiency in regional high-end manufacturing industries, while market maturity and industrial agglomeration had a significant positive impact. Based on the study’s findings, environmental regulation and openness to the outside world play insignificant roles in green technology innovation efficiency.
Resource Unconstrained and Constrained Project Scheduling Problems and Practices in a Multiproject Environment
Authors: Kannimuthu Marimuthu , Ekambaram Palaneeswaran , Raphael Benny , Kuppuswamy Ananthanarayanan
Published: July 2018

Construction companies execute many projects simultaneously. In such situations, the performance of one project may influence the others positively or negatively. Construction professionals face difficulties in managing multiple projects in limited resource situations. The purpose of this study is to identify the problems in multiproject scheduling from the practitioner’s perspective and to discover current practices under resource unconstrained and constrained settings. The specific objectives are (1) determining the most challenging issues being faced in handling multiproject environment, (2) enumerating the practices adopted in the industry, and finally (3) identifying the practitioners′ perceptions on the multiproject scheduling aspects such as network modeling approaches; activity execution modes; concept of sharing, dedicating, and substituting resources; centralized and decentralized decision‐making models; solution approaches; and tools and techniques. An online questionnaire survey was conducted to address the objectives above. The top challenging issues in managing multiproject environment are identified. Factor analysis identified the factors by grouping the variables (a) decision‐related, (b) project environment‐related, (c) project management‐related, and (d) organization‐related factors. Resource‐unconstrained situation mainly faces the issue of underutilization and wastage of resources leading to lower profit realization. The following findings were identified to overcome the unconstrained resource situation such as identifying the work front, adopting pull planning approach, creating a common resource pool, and allotting it on a rental basis. On the contrary, resource‐constrained situation faces the issues of prioritization of resources, coordination, communication, collaboration, quality issues, and rework. The findings suggest the strategies such as top‐up via subcontracting, proactive pull planning, introducing buffers, training the culture of the organization towards better communication, coordination, and collaboration, to improve the reliability of achieving baseline project performances. Various multiproject aspects suggested for effective management. The identified problems, practices, and various multiproject aspects are expected to contribute better management of multiproject resource unconstrained and constrained project scheduling.
The Thomsen-Friedenreich Antigen-Specific Antibody Signatures in Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Kurtenkov Oleg , Innos Kaire , Sergejev Boris , Klaamas Kersti
Published: July 2018

Alterations in the glycosylation of serum total immunoglobulins show these antibodies to have a diagnostic potential for cancer but the disease-related Abs to the tumor-associated antigens, including glycans, have still poorly been investigated in this respect. We analysed serum samples from patients with breast carcinoma (n = 196) and controls (n = 64) for the level of Thomsen-Friedenreich (TF) antigen-specific antibody isotypes, their sialylation, interrelationships, and the avidity by using ELISA with the synthetic TF-polyacrylamide conjugate as an antigen and the sialic acid-specificSambucus nigraagglutinin (SNA) and ammonium thiocyanate as a chaotrope. An increased sialylation of IgG and IgM, but a lower SNA reactivity of IgA TF antibodies, and a higher level and avidity of the TF-specific IgA were found in cancer patients. Other cancer-related signatures were the highly significant increase of the IgG/IgA ratio and the very low SNA/IgA index in cancer, including patients with an early stage of the disease. These changes showed a good diagnostic potential with about 80% accuracy. Thus, the level of naturally occurring anti-TF antigen antibodies, their sialylation profile, isotype distribution, and avidity displayed cancer-specific changes that could serve as novel noninvasive Ab-based biomarkers for early breast cancer.
Physical Activity and Health-Related Fitness of Adolescents within the Juvenile Justice System
Authors: Brusseau Timothy A. , Burns Ryan D. , Hannon James C.
Published: July 2018

Background. The purpose of this study was to examine the physical activity patterns and health-related fitness levels of adolescents within the Juvenile Justice System.Methods. Participants included 68 adolescents (Mean age = 17.1 ± 1.0 years) in two secure Juvenile Justice correctional facilities in the Western USA. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was monitored for one week using the ActiGraph GT9X accelerometer. Health-related fitness was measured using the FITNESSGRAM test battery.Results. Adolescents averaged 43.3±21.6 minutes of MVPA per weekday compared to 42.7±27.5 per weekend day. During school hours, adolescents accumulated 17.1±9.0 minutes of MVPA compared to 5.9±3.4 minutes before school and 21.0±13.6 minutes after school. Adolescents averaged 18.9±11.0 push-ups, 44.5±26.4 curl-ups, 34.7±24.8 PACER laps, and 22.1%±10.0% body fat.Conclusions. Adolescents within the Juvenile Justice System are falling short of the recommended 60 minutes of MVPA per day and 30 minutes of MVPA during school and also need to improve their health-related fitness, especially cardiorespiratory endurance.
Construction and Characterization of Adenovirus Vectors Encoding Aspartate-β-Hydroxylase to Preliminary Application in Immunotherapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Yujiao , Liu Feifei , Li Chengmin , Shi Guo , Xu Xiaolei , Luo Xue , Zhang Yuanling , Fu Jingjie , Zeng Aizhong , Chen Limin
Published: July 2018

Dendritic cells (DCs) harboring tumor-associated antigen are supposed to be a potential immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Aspartate-β-hydroxylase (AAH), an overexpressed tumor-associated cell surface protein, is considered as a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC. In this study, we constructed adenovirus vector encoding AAH gene by gateway recombinant cloning technology and preliminarily explored the antitumor effects of DC vaccines harboring AAH. Firstly, the total AAH mRNA was extracted from human HCC tissues; the cDNA was amplified by RT-PCR, verified, and sequenced after TA cloning. Gateway technology was used and the obtained 18T-AAH was used as a substrate, to yield the final expression vector Ad-AAH-IRES2-EGFP. Secondly, bone marrow-derived DCs were infected by Ad-AAH-IRES2-EGFP to yield AAH-DC vaccines. Matured DCs were demonstrated by increased expression of CD11c, CD80, and MHC-II costimulatory molecules. A dramatically cell-killing effect of T lymphocytes coculturing with AAH-DCs on HepG2 HCC cell line was demonstrated by CCK-8 and FCM assays in vitro. More importantly, in an animal experiment, the lysis effect of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) on HepG2 cells in the AAH-DC group was stronger than that in the control groups. In conclusion, the gateway recombinant cloning technology is a powerful method of constructing adenovirus vector, and the product Ad-AAH-IRES2-EGFP may present as a potential candidate for DC-based immunotherapy of HCC.
Exploring Cooperatives, Cooperation, and the Nature of Work in a Belizean Village
Authors: Gordon Andrew John
Published: July 2018

This article examines how cultural models in the national political culture played out in a Belizean village whose culture was rooted in a quite different cultural model and characterized by ideals of self-reliance and individualism rooted in Yucatecan Maya culture.  This is a study of eight worker cooperatives, of cooperation, and of individual work over a 34-year period, from 1979 to 2012 in the village of Bullet Tree Falls.  This village is an historically agricultural village populated with Maya refugees from Mexico and Guatemala. I observed three distinct national political cultures, each seeking to promote local worker cooperatives.  But generally, the national political culture did little to support the worker cooperatives.  Only in the last phase of influence do we see what was necessary to make a worker cooperative organization somewhat functional. The paper concludes with observation of two enterprises where workers successfully participated, but not according to the formula for the cooperative. Here personnel could work independently but cooperated only when it proved useful.  Recognition of positive features of the   workplace environment suggests that investigating local cultural experience is an important and practicable effort, far more so than simply assuming the national political culture is viable on the local level.
Sliding-mode perturbation observer-based sliding-mode control design for stability enhancement of multi-machine power systems
Authors: Yang B , Yu T , Shu HC , Yao W , Jiang L
Published: July 2018

This paper presents the design of a sliding-mode perturbation observer-based sliding-mode control for stability enhancement of multi-machine power systems. The combinatorial effect of nonlinearities, parameter uncertainties, unmodelled dynamics and time-varying external disturbances is aggregated into a perturbation, which is rapidly estimated by a sliding-mode state and perturbation observer and then fully compensated by a sliding-mode controller in real time. The attractiveness of the sliding surface is analysed theoretically in the context of the Lyapunov criterion. The proposed control does not require an accurate system model and only one state measurement is needed. In addition, an over-conservative control effort can be effectively avoided via perturbation compensation. Simulation results for a three-machine power system and the New England power system verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Effects of hyperthermal atomic oxygen on a cyanate ester and its carbon fiber-reinforced composite
Authors: Wang Heilong , Qian Min , Murray Vanessa J , Wu Bohan , Yang Yang , Dong Aiyi , Che Li , Minton Timothy K
Published: July 2018

The durability of cyanate ester (CE) to hyperthermal atomic oxygen (AO) attack in low Earth orbit may be enhanced by the addition of carbon fiber to form a carbon fiber-reinforced cyanate ester composite (CFCE). To investigate the durability of CFCE relative to CE, samples were exposed to a pulsed hyperthermal AO beam in two distinct types of experiments. In one type of experiment, samples were exposed to the beam, with pre- and post-characterization of mass (microbalance), surface topography (scanning electron microscopy (SEM)), and surface chemistry (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)). In the second type of experiment, the beam was directed at a sample surface, and volatile products that scattered from the surface were detected in situ with the use of a rotatable mass spectrometer detector. CFCE exhibited less mass loss than pure CE with a given AO fluence, confirming that the incorporation of carbon fiber adds AO resistance to CE. Erosion yields of CE and CFCE were 2.63 ± 0.16 × 10−24 and 1.46 ± 0.08 × 10−24 cm3 O-atom−1, respectively. The reduced reactivity of CFCE in comparison to CE was manifested in less oxidation of the CFCE surface in XPS measurements and reduced CO, CO2, and OH reaction products in beam-surface scattering experiments. The surface topographical images collected by SEM implied different surface deterioration processes for CE and CFCE. A change of surface topography with increasing AO fluence for CE indicated a threshold AO fluence, above which the erosion mechanism changed qualitatively. CFCE showed almost intact carbon fibers after relatively low AO fluences, and while the fibers eventually eroded, they did not erode as rapidly as the CE component of the composite.
Validation of set up for experimental analysis of reactive muffler for the determination of transmission loss: Part 1
Authors: Kulkarni Mahesh V , Ingle Ravindra B
Published: July 2018

The internal combustion engine is the major source responsible for noise pollution. In an engine, the exhaust noise and the noise produced due to friction of various parts of the engine share maximum contribution to noise pollution. A muffler is a device used to reduce noise within the exhaust system. It is arranged along the exhaust pipe for the purpose of noise attenuation. In this article, the set up for experimental analysis is developed to predict the acoustic performance of reactive muffler using the two-load method, and it is validated by measuring transmission loss of known reactive muffler model by using finite element method. For the model, transmission loss obtained from experimental analysis was compared with that obtained from the finite element method. From the result, it can be concluded that the setup developed for experimental analysis is reliable to determine transmission loss of exhaust muffler, for low to mid frequency range.
Attenuation analysis and acoustic pressure levels for double expansion chamber reactive muffler: Part 2
Authors: Kulkarni Mahesh V , Ingle Ravindra B
Published: July 2018

The major source responsible for noise pollution is internal combustion engine. These engines are used for various purposes such as in automobiles, locomotives, and in various manufacturing machineries. In an engine, the exhaust noise and the noise produced due to friction of various parts of the engine share maximum contribution to noise pollution. Muffler is a device used to reduce noise within the exhaust system. It is arranged along the exhaust pipe for the purpose of noise attenuation. The paper describes the propagation of pressure wave in a double expansion chamber reactive muffler. The approach is useful in analysis of damping for propagation of harmonic pressure waves. The purpose of paper is to describe the finite element analysis of double expansion chamber reactive muffler using pressure acoustics and to validate it with experimental evaluation using two-load method.
Mods as Lightning Rods: A Typology of Video Game Mods, Intellectual Property, and Social Benefit/Harm
Authors: Kretzschmar Mark , Stanfill Mel
Published: July 2018

Video game modification, or ‘modding’ – nonprofessionals altering or adding to games – is, in some interpretations of US law, copyright infringement or a violation of end-user license agreements. However, though mods are roughly all equally (il)legal, the industry only sometimes uses its legal power to stop them. In this article, we explore the economic and social factors that impact how video game corporations employ the law in relation to modding, revealing a symbiotic relationship. We argue that the specific content of a mod matters for how it’s assessed and whether rightsholders attempt to stop it. We propose a new model where structural analysis of the modder–industry relationship is supplemented with textual analysis that asks of specific mods who they benefit and harm. We argue that this will enable a better understanding of when and how the industry takes legal action.
Management and Implementation of Mukhyamantri Nishulk Dava Yojna in a District Hospital, Rajasthan
Authors: Vashistha Mukesh Kumar , Tiwari V.K. , T.P. Sherin Raj , Gandotra Ramesh
Published: July 2018

The Mukhyamantri Nishulk Dava Yojna (MNDY) was started across the state since 02 October 2011 in order to distribute most commonly used drugs free of cost to all patients visiting the government hospital. To run the scheme, an advanced inventory management by the name of e-Aushadhi has been developed and implemented across all public health facilities (PHFs). Trained human resources and computers with printers and internet connectivity are provided. In this study, 183 patients and staff responsible for the implementation of the scheme and specialists were interviewed. The study revealed that patients and doctors were highly satisfied with the functioning of the scheme and they are getting the majority of the medicines prescribed by the doctor. The scheme has been able to reduce out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditure on medicines and increased hospital attendance manifold.