bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Administrators’ Behaviors That Involves Favoritism on Organizational Opposition
Authors: Toytok Esef Hakan , Uçar Adem
Published: April 2018

Establishment of effective organizations has been the main subject of many researches in recent years. The effectiveness of organizations is directly or indirectly related to many variables. The concepts of favoritism and organizational opposition among these variables aroused the interest of the researcher and in line with the attained sources, it was found out that no researches with regard to these two concepts have been made up until now. We can briefly define favoritism as giving someone priority or granting privilege to someone, favoring someone unjustly and without complying with law and rules, backing someone up; getting away from objectivity and taking side by comparing a certain person, group, opinion or implementation with others when it is required to select one among them. Organizational opposition is defined as uttering about some conflicts and heresy within the organization. The purpose of this research is revealing the impact of favoritism of executives on the organizational opposition. The research made by using descriptive-relational screening model which is one of the quantitative research methods. The universe of research is composed of teachers who were employed in public primary, secondary and high schools in central Siirt (a province in Turkey) in 2015-2016 school year. In the study one of the non-random sampling methods, the convenience sampling method is used. Favoritism Scale (FS) including 15 articles and Organizational Opposition Scale (OOS) which is composed of 7 sub-dimensions and 67 article are used in the research. The obtained data is organized in r. 3.3.1 program (R Core Team, 2016). Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) is made in MPlus 7 program. According to results obtained from research, it is seen that there are significant differences in both organizational opposition and favoritism of executives in terms of gender, the field of study, seniority and school type but there is a significant difference only in organizational opposition with regard to independent variable of union membership. In addition while it is seen that there are positive significant and medium level relationships between favoritism of executives and organizational opposition, it is also found out that favoritism of executives is an important predictor of organizational opposition.
Levels of Satisfaction with Leisure Time in Foreign Students
Authors: Akdeniz Hakan , Simsek Sinem Didem , Kavi Onur , Uzuner Muhammet Eyup , Sekban Gulsah
Published: April 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate levels of satisfaction with leisure time in foreign students of Kocaeli University. In the collection of the data, the Leisure Satisfaction Scale (LSS) and demographic status questionnaire were used; 257 male and 103 female students participated. In the LSS scores for the separate domains, participants scored highest in Education and lowest in the Aesthetic subscale. There was no statistically significant difference in satisfaction levels between the genders, monthly income groups, and levels of academic achievement; but statistically significant differences were found between the students’ faculties. Significant differences were found between faculties in the LSS scores on the Psychological subscale, and between students’ monthly incomes and the Relaxation subscale on the LSS. As a result, there was a significant difference between the different faculties and students’ satisfaction with leisure time on the Psychological subscale.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Smith Robert
Published: April 2018

Journal of Education and Training Studies (JETS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JETS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 6, Number 3a Carmen Pérez-Sabater, Universitat Poltècnica de València, SpainErica D. Shifflet-Chila, Michigan State University, USAGunkut Mesci, Giresun University, TurkeyJohn Bosco Azigwe, Bolgatanga Polytechnic, GhanaLaura Bruno, The College of New Jersey, USALisa Marie Portugal, Grand Canyon University, USAMehmet Inan, Marmara University, TurkeyNicole Celestine, The University of Western Australia, Australia                   Robert SmithEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Journal of Education and Training StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://jets.redfame.com
Examination of "Art Literacy" Levels of Students Studying in the Education Faculties
Authors: Koksoy Aylin Mentis
Published: April 2018

Art literacy refers to achieving artistic knowledge, evaluating this knowledge and integrating it with experiences. The aim of the study is to examine the ‘’art literacy’’ levels of the students attending the educational faculty in terms of grade level, gender, the fact that they love art books, the fact that they love doing research in library, frequency of reading books and the department they attend. The study group consisted of 585 students attending the educational faculty of Nigde Omer Halisdemir University in 2017-2018 academic year. The art literacy scale was used to collect the data of the study. At the end of the study, it was determined that art literacy levels of students were similar in terms of class level and gender. It was realized that the art literacy level of the students enjoying reading art books was higher than the students who did not like doing so. It was also found out that the art literacy level of the students enjoying doing research in the library was higher than the students who did not like doing research. Moreover, the art literacy level of students who read books on a daily basis was higher than the students who read one book in a month and those who did not read.
A mass transference principle for systems of linear forms and its applications
Authors: Allen Demi , Beresnevich Victor
Published: April 2018

In this paper we establish a general form of the mass transference principle for systems of linear forms conjectured in 2009. We also present a number of applications of this result to problems in Diophantine approximation. These include a general transference of Lebesgue measure Khintchine–Groshev type theorems to Hausdorff measure statements. The statements we obtain are applicable in both the homogeneous and inhomogeneous settings as well as allowing transference under any additional constraints on approximating integer points. In particular, we establish Hausdorff measure counterparts of some Khintchine–Groshev type theorems with primitivity constraints recently proved by Dani, Laurent and Nogueira.
The distribution of meadow and steppe vipers (Vipera graeca, V. renardi and V. ursinii): a revision of the New Atlas of Amphibians and Reptiles of Europe
Authors: Mizsei Edvárd , Zinenko Oleksandr , Sillero Neftalí , Ferri Vincenzo , Roussos Stephanos A. , Szabolcs Márton
Published: April 2018

In some cases, species’ distributions have not been accurate and some geographical areas were not accounted for in the New Atlas of Amphibians and Reptiles of Europe (NA2RE), a project performed by the Mapping Committee of the Societas Europaea Herpetologica (SEH). The distribution of species within the Vipera ursinii-renardi group were presented jointly as a single taxon (“Vipera ursinii/renardi”), without differentiation between the meadow viper V. ursinii, the steppe viper V. renardi, and the recently described Greek meadow viper Vipera graeca. Here we present a revised 50×50 km resolution distribution map of this group with new records, eliminating putative or erroneous records and extinct populations. Additionally, we filled several spatial gaps in the distribution of V. renardi in Eastern Europe by incorporating recent regional overviews, previously considered ambiguous or inaccessible to most researchers, due to language barriers.
Differences in extinction rates drove modern biogeographic patterns of tropical marine biodiversity
Authors: Di Martino Emanuela , Jackson Jeremy B. C. , Taylor Paul D. , Johnson Kenneth G.
Published: April 2018

Diversity contrasts between the Caribbean and Coral Triangle arose from differential extinction rates in the last 5 million years.
Cardiac differentiation of pluripotent stem cells and implications for modeling the heart in health and disease
Authors: Devalla Harsha D. , Passier Robert
Published: April 2018

Differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into cardiomyocytes and other cardiac cells enables modeling of heart function and elucidation of disease pathogenesis.
Targeting a conserved epitope: A new chink in malaria’s armor
Authors: Singh Ankur
Published: April 2018

Human monoclonal antibodies targeting a specific epitope of the antigen from
Plasmodium falciparum
show protection in mice and may offer long-lasting therapies against malaria.
Complete Genome Sequence of a New Ruminococcaceae Bacterium Isolated from Anaerobic Biomass Hydrolysis
Authors: Hahnke Sarah , Abendroth Christian , Langer Thomas , Codoñer Francisco M. , Ramm Patrice , Porcar Manuel , Luschnig Olaf , Klocke Michael
Published: April 2018

A new
Ruminococcaceae
bacterium, strain HV4-5-B5C, participating in the anaerobic digestion of grass, was isolated from a mesophilic two-stage laboratory-scale leach bed biogas system. The draft annotated genome sequence presented in this study and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated the affiliation of HV4-5-B5C with the family
Ruminococcaceae
outside recently described genera.
Draft Genome Sequences of Megaplasmid-Bearing Streptomyces sp. Strains BF-3 and 4F, Isolated from the Great Salt Plains of Oklahoma
Authors: Cornell Carolyn R. , Marasini Daya , Fakhr Mohamed K.
Published: April 2018

Draft genome sequences of megaplasmid-bearing
Streptomyces
sp. strains BF-3 and 4F, isolated from the Great Salt Plains of Oklahoma, showed genome sizes of 7,950,134 and 7,550,992 bp, respectively. Both genomes revealed the presence of genes involved in osmoregulation and stress response, potentially helping their survival in such an extreme environment.
Complete Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum Strain LB1-2, Isolated from the Hindgut of European Honeybees, Apis mellifera L., from the Philippines
Authors: Ilagan-Cruzada M. Fatima C. , Rosana Albert Remus R. , Montecillo Andrew D. , Sabino Noel G. , Dalmacio Ida F.
Published: April 2018

Lactobacillus plantarum
subsp.
plantarum
strain LB1-2, isolated from the hindgut of European honeybees in the Philippines, is active against
Paenibacillus larvae
and has broad activity against several Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The complete genome sequence reported herein contains gene clusters for multiple bacteriocins and extensive gene inventories for carbohydrate metabolism.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bowmanella denitrificans JL63, a Bacterium Isolated from Whiteleg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) That Can Inhibit the Growth of Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Authors: LaPorte Jason P. , Spinard Edward J. , Gomez-Chiarri Marta , Rowley David C. , Mekalanos John J. , Nelson David R.
Published: April 2018

Bowmanella denitrificans
strain JL63 was isolated from a whiteleg shrimp (
Litopenaeus vannamei
) and was determined to have antibacterial activity against an acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) strain of
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of this strain and identify genes that are potentially involved in its antibacterial activity.
Impact of thiopurines on the natural history and surgical outcome of ulcerative colitis: a cohort study
Authors: Eriksson Carl , Rundquist Sara , Cao Yang , Montgomery Scott , Halfvarson Jonas
Published: April 2018

Objective

Thiopurines are used as maintenance therapy in ulcerative colitis (UC), but whether these drugs influence the natural history of the disease is unknown. We aimed to assess the effect of thiopurines in terms of colectomy, hospital admission, progression in disease extent and anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) therapy within 10 years from initiation.

Design

Patients diagnosed with UC within the Örebro University Hospital catchment area, during 1963–2010, who initiated thiopurines (n=253) were included. To overcome the risk of confounding by indication, we compared patients who stopped treatment within 12 months because of an adverse reaction (n=76) with patients who continued therapy or discontinued due to other reasons (n=177) and assessed long-term outcomes using Cox regression with adjustment for potential confounding factors.

Results

The cumulative probability of colectomy within 10 years was 19.5% in tolerant patients compared with 29.0% in intolerant (adjusted HR 0.49; 95% CI 0.21 to 0.73). The probability of hospital admission was 34.0% in tolerant versus 56.2% in intolerant patients (adjusted HR 0.36; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.56). The risk for progression in disease extent was 20.4% in tolerant patients compared with 48.8% in intolerant (adjusted HR 0.47; 95% CI 0.21 to 1.06). Within 10 years, 16.1% of tolerant and 27.5% of intolerant patients received anti-TNF therapy (adjusted HR 0.49; 95% CI 0.26 to 0.92).

Conclusion

Based on the novel approach of comparing patients tolerant and intolerant to thiopurines, we reveal that thiopurines have a profound beneficial impact of the natural history and long-term colectomy rates of UC.
Biochemical and molecular characterisation of neurological Wilson disease
Authors: Seo Go Hun , Kim Yoon-Myung , Oh Seak Hee , Chung Sun Ju , Choi In Hee , Kim Gu-Hwan , Yum Mi-Sun , Choi Jin-Ho , Kim Kyung Mo , Ko Tae-Sung , Lee Beom Hee , Yoo Han-Wook
Published: April 2018

Background

To identify biochemical and genetic features that characterise neurological Wilson disease as a distinct disease subgroup.

Methods

Detailed biochemical profiles and genotypic characteristics of neurological (86 patients) and hepatic subgroups (233 patients) from 368 unrelated Korean families were analysed.

Results

Compared with patients in the hepatic subgroup, patients in the neurological subgroup had a later age at onset, a higher proportion with Kayser-Fleischer rings and higher serum creatinine levels, and a lower proportion with favourable outcome (62% vs 80%, P<0.016). At diagnosis, the neurological subgroup had lower serum ceruloplasmin (3.1±2.1 mg/dL vs 4.2±3.2 mg/dL, P<0.001), total copper (26.4±13.8 µg/dL vs 35.8±42.4 µg/dL, P=0.005), free copper (17.2±12.5 µg/dL vs 23.5±38.2 µg/dL, P=0.038) and urinary copper (280.9±162.9 µg/day vs 611.1±1124.2 µg/day, P<0.001) levels. Serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma glutamyltransferase and total bilirubin levels, as well as prothrombin time, were also lower in the neurological subgroup. Liver cirrhosis was more common but mostly compensated in the neurological subgroup. Frameshift, nonsense or splice-siteATP7Bmutations and mutations in transduction or ATP hinge domains (2.4% vs 23.1%, P=0.006) were less common in the neurological subgroup.

Conclusion

The neurological subgroup had distinct clinical, biochemical and genetic profiles. Further studies are required to identify the factors, with or without association with copper metabolism, underlying the neurological presentation for which treatment needs to be targeted to improve the clinical outcome of this subgroup.
Does free or lower cost smoking cessation medication stimulate quitting? Findings from the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Netherlands and UK Surveys
Authors: van den Brand Floor A , Nagelhout Gera E , Hummel Karin , Willemsen Marc C , McNeill Ann , van Schayck Onno C P
Published: April 2018

Objective

To investigate whether mentioning free or lower cost smoking cessation medication as a trigger for thinking about quitting is related to higher medication use, more quit attempts and quit success, and whether these associations are modified by education and income.

Methods

Data were derived from the 2013 and 2014 surveys of the International Tobacco Control Netherlands (n=1164) and UK (n=768) cohort. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess associations between mentioning in 2013 that free/lower cost smoking cessation medication was a trigger for thinking about quitting smoking and the use of medication, quit attempts and smoking cessation in 2014.

Results

37.0% of smokers in the UK and 24.9% of smokers in the Netherlands mentioned free/lower cost medication as a trigger for thinking about quitting. Smokers who mentioned this trigger were more likely to have used cessation medication during a quit attempt both in the UK (OR=4.19, p<0.001) and in the Netherlands (OR=2.14, p=0.033). The association between mentioning free/lower cost medication as a trigger for thinking about quitting and actual quit attempts was significant in the UK (OR=1.45, p=0.030), but not in the Netherlands (OR=1.10, p=0.587). There was no significant association with quit success. Associations did not differ across income and education groups.

Conclusion

Free/lower cost smoking cessation medication may increase the use of cessation medication and stimulate quit attempts among smokers with low, moderate and high education and income.
Constant Space Self-stabilizing Center Finding Algorithms in Chains and Trees
Authors: Sudo Yuichi , Datta Ajoy K. , Larmore Lawrence L. , Masuzawa Toshimitsu
Published: April 2018

Self-stabilizing, but non-silent, distributed algorithms, for center finding in chain and tree networks are presented in the link register model. We assume that there exists a designated root in a chain and a tree. Under this assumption, both algorithms find the unique center or one of the two centers of the network within O(diam) rounds under the unfair daemon, where diam is the diameter of the network. Both algorithms use constant space, both per process and per link register. The basic strategy of the chain algorithm is based on two synchronized waves of different speeds; one wave is three times faster than the other. The tree algorithm uses the fact that a center of the longest path in the tree is also a center of the tree itself. It first finds one of the longest paths in the tree, then finds the unique center or one of the two centers of the path using the chain algorithm.
CHLORINE GAS SENSING OF SnO2 NANOCLUSTERS AS A FUNCTION OF TEMPERATURE: A DFT STUDY
Authors: ABDULSATTAR MUDAR AHMED , RESNE ADEEBH L. , ABDULLAH SHROK , MOHAMMED RIYADH J. , ALARED NOON KADHUM , NASER ELHAM HANIE
Published: April 2018

Density functional theory combined with Gibbs free energy calculations is used to study the sensing behavior of tin dioxide (SnO[Formula: see text] clusters towards chlorine gas molecules. Studied SnO2 clusters’ results show the known property of tin dioxide being an oxygen-deficient semiconductor with the preferred stoichiometry SnO[Formula: see text]. The kind of reactions that result in sensing Cl2 molecules is investigated. These include oxygen replacement, chlorine molecule dissociation and van der Waals attachment. Oxygen replacement shows an increase in energy gap which is the case experimentally. Optimum sensing operating temperature towards Cl2 molecules that results from the intersection of the highest SnO2 adsorption and desorption Gibbs free energy lines is at 275∘C in agreement with the experimentally measured temperature of 260∘C.
Leveraging Fine-Grained Sentiment Analysis for Competitivity
Authors: Nabareseh Stephen , Afful-Dadzie Eric , Klimek Petr
Published: April 2018

The surge in the use of social media tools by most businesses and corporate society for varied purposes cannot be over emphasised. The two top social media sites heavily patronised by businesses are Facebook and Twitter. For companies to harness the business potential of social media to increase competitive advantage, sentiments behind textual data of their customers, fans and competitors must be monitored and analysed with keen interest. This paper demonstrates how companies in the Telecommunication industry can understand consumer opinions, frustrations and satisfaction through opinion mining analyses and interpret customers’ textual data to enhance competitiveness. Sentiment analysis that classifies positive, negative and neutral sentiments of customers of the top three telecommunication companies in Ghana (MTN, Vodafone and Tigo) is studied. The proposed method extracts “intelligence” from the classified customers’ comments and compares it with responses from the companies. The results show how customer sentiments can be harnessed into successful online advertising projects. Companies can use the results to enhance their responsiveness to customer-centred, improve on the quality of their service, integrate social sentiments into PR plan, develop a strategy for social media marketing and leverage on the advantages of online advertising.
Follow the Gap with Dynamic Window Approach
Authors: Özdemir Aykut , Sezer Volkan
Published: April 2018

Follow the Gap Method (FGM) is an obstacle avoidance method which uses gap arrays. This method recursively directs the robot to the goal state while avoiding the obstacles through the safest gap. Since FGM is a geometric method, it does not consider the robot dynamics. For this reason, oscillations or collisions due to robot dynamics are possible. On the other hand, FGM calculates the desired heading angle, but it does not give linear and angular velocity reference. Dynamic Window Approach (DWA) is one of the most popular obstacle avoidance algorithms which does take robot dynamics into consideration. It calculates best angular and linear velocity pair which is chosen by an objective function. In this paper, an FGM-DW approach which uses the strongest elements of FGM and DWA methods to achieve safe, smooth and fast navigation is proposed. The FGM-DW approach provides these concerns and meets the low level angular and rotational velocity requirement of FGM. In this paper, the performance and analysis of FGM-DW are shown by both simulations and real-world experimental tests.
Reconstructing Excitation Forces Acting on a Baffled Plate Using Nearfield Acoustical Holography
Authors: Zhou Pan , Wu Sean F. , Li Wanyou
Published: April 2018

This paper deals with reconstruction of excitation forces and analyses of the root causes of vibro-acoustic responses of an elastic structure by using nearfield acoustical holography and modal expansion theory. Derivations of formulations for reconstructing excitation forces, including distributed, line, and point forces, acting on the back side of a rectangular thin plate simply supported on an infinite, rigid baffle, are presented. The reason for choosing a baffled plate is that analytic solutions to vibro-acoustic responses are readily available, so the accuracy in reconstruction can be examined rigorously. For simplicity, the effect of fluid loading is neglected, and input data are assumed error-free. Numerical examples of reconstructing excitation forces are presented, and results agree very well with benchmark values. The impacts of various parameters, such as the ratio of measurement aperture versus plate size, microphone spacing, standoff distance, the number of natural modes, etc., on reconstruction accuracy are investigated. Needless to say, in practice such idealized scenario is nonexistent and the accuracy in reconstruction of excitation forces are severely compromised by measurement errors and interfering signals. Nevertheless, the concept as presented is sound, except that more effective regularizations must be employed to enhance signal to noise ratio, and reconstruction results.
Reverse Time Migration of Elastic Waves Using the Pseudospectral Time-Domain Method
Authors: Xie Jiangang , Zhuang Mingwei , Guo Zichao , Liu Hai , Liu Qing Huo
Published: April 2018

Reverse time migration (RTM), especially that for elastic waves, consumes massive computation resources which limit its wide applications in industry. We suggest to use the pseudospectral time-domain (PSTD) method in elastic wave RTM. RTM using PSTD can significantly reduce the computational requirements compared with RTM using the traditional finite difference time domain method (FDTD). In addition to the advantage of low sampling rate with high accuracy, the PSTD method also eliminates the periodicity (or wraparound) limitation caused by fast Fourier transform in the conventional pseudospectral method. To achieve accurate results, the PSTD method needs only about half the spatial sampling rate of the twelfth-order FDTD method. Thus, the PSTD method can save up to 87.5% storage memory and 90% computation time over the twelfth-order FDTD method. We implement RTM using PSTD for elastic wave equations and accelerate it by Open Multi-Processing technology. To keep the computational load balance in parallel computation, we design a new PML layout which merges the PML in both ends of an axis together. The efficiency and imaging quality of the proposed RTM is verified by imaging on 2D and 3D models.
An Efficient MFS Formulation for the Analysis of Acoustic Scattering by Periodic Structures
Authors: Godinho L. , Amado-Mendes P. , Pereira A. , Soares D.
Published: April 2018

The acoustic behavior of periodic structures has been a subject of intense study in recent years. From the computational point of view, these devices have mostly been analyzed using strategies such as the multiple scattering theory (MST) or numerical methods such as the finite element method (FEM). Some recent works propose the use of boundary methods, such as the method of fundamental solutions (MFS) or the boundary element method (BEM). However, the geometry and the large number of scatterers of these devices can lead to very large memory requirements and CPU times, which, particularly in the case of 3D problems, can be prohibitive. Here, a new numerical approach based on a frequency domain MFS formulation is proposed for 3D problems, allowing the analysis of very large problems. In this approach, the periodic character of the devices is used to define a matrix with a block structure, in which repeated blocks are only calculated once. In addition, an adaptive-cross-approximation (ACA) approach is incorporated to allow a more efficient memory usage, reducing the global computational requirements, and allowing the analysis of devices with hundreds of scatterers with a minimal memory usage.
On Resource Pooling and Separation for LRU Caching
Authors: Tan Jian , Quan Guocong , Ji Kaiyi , Shroff Ness
Published: April 2018

Caching systems using the Least Recently Used (LRU) principle have now become ubiquitous. A fundamental question for these systems is whether the cache space should be pooled together or divided to serve multiple flows of data item requests in order to minimize the miss probabilities. In this paper, we show that there is no straight yes or no answer to this question, depending on complex combinations of critical factors, including, e.g., request rates, overlapped data items across different request flows, data item popularities and their sizes. To this end, we characterize the performance of multiple flows of data item requests under resource pooling and separation for LRU caching when the cache size is large.

Analytically, we show that it is asymptotically optimal to jointly serve multiple flows if their data item sizes and popularity distributions are similar and their arrival rates do not differ significantly; the self-organizing property of LRU caching automatically optimizes the resource allocation among them asymptotically. Otherwise, separating these flows could be better, e.g., when data sizes vary significantly. We also quantify critical points beyond which resource pooling is better than separation for each of the flows when the overlapped data items exceed certain levels. Technically, for a broad class of heavy-tailed distributions we derive the asymptotic miss probabilities of multiple flows of requests with varying data item sizes in a shared LRU cache space. It also validates the characteristic time approximation under certain conditions. These results provide new insights on improving the performance of caching systems.
Supporting Mobile VR in LTE Networks
Authors: Tan Zhaowei , Li Yuanjie , Li Qianru , Zhang Zhehui , Li Zhehan , Lu Songwu
Published: April 2018

Mobile virtual reality (VR) headsets (e.g., Google Cardboard and Samsung Gear VR) seek to offer "anytime, anywhere" panorama, immerse 3D experiences for users. In this work, we study the viability of supporting mobile VR over operational 4G LTE networks, where the device provides pose information to the edge servers to offload graphical processing. We find that, contrary to common perceptions, wireless bandwidth is not the latency bottleneck for medium-quality VR. Instead, the signaling operations, which facilitate wireless data delivery, constitute a bulk portion of the latency. We report findings that challenge five common beliefs on VR network latency in LTE under both static and mobile scenarios, and quantify their impact. We design LTE-VR, a client-side solution to medium-quality VR over LTE. LTE-VR leverages cross-layer design and rich side channel information to reduce various latency sources in the signaling operations. Our prototype evaluation has confirmed its viability in 4G LTE. We discuss its applicability to the upcoming 5G.
Value of artisanal simulators to teach ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy using a tru-cut needle for veterinary and medical students
Authors: de Araújo Setin Raíza , Fortes Cirimbelli Carolina , Mazeto Ercolin Anna Carolina , Pires Sâmara Turbay , Disselli Tamiris , Ferrarini Nunes Soares Hage Maria Cristina
Published: April 2018

The present study aimed to evaluate the applicability of artisanal simulators to teach veterinary and medical students the ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy using a tru-cut needle. The artisanal simulators consisted of bovine liver between two layers of commercially available grape gelatin. Students were paired, with one doing the biopsy and the other the ultrasound guidance. After performing the biopsies, each student answered a questionnaire with close-ended questions using a visual analog scale. The evaluated items were realism of the model, liver scanning, procedure instructions, biopsy feasibility, tru-cut needle handling, technique learning, and confidence to perform in vivo procedures. Items that received a score of 7 or higher were considered strong items; items with a score between 5 and 6.9 were classified as average items; and items with a score of 5 or lower were considered weak items. The answers to all questions had an average score of 7 or higher, suggesting that the simulator was classified as strong for all of the evaluated items. Answers to question 7 suggested that some of the students did not develop confidence to perform a tru-cut biopsy on a patient. Students evaluated the artisanal simulator as a strong method to be used in ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy with a tru-cut needle. Additionally, the model presented a low cost of production and was proven accurate to teach biopsy skills in health professional schools dealing with veterinary or human medicine.
Na+-Cl− cotransporter-mediated chloride uptake contributes to hypertension and renal damage in aldosterone-infused rats
Authors: Yamauchi Takahiro , Doi Shigehiro , Nakashima Ayumu , Doi Toshiki , Sohara Eisei , Uchida Shinichi , Masaki Takao
Published: April 2018

Recently, in addition to epithelial sodium channel alpha-subunit (αENaC), the thiazide-sensitive sodium-chloride cotransporter (NCC) and pendrin, also known as sodium-independent chloride/iodide transporter, were reported to be activated by aldosterone. Here, we investigated whether chloride (Cl−) is responsible for hypertension, inflammation, and renal damage in aldosterone-infused rats. Following left nephrectomy, 8-wk-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into four groups: 1) drinking 1.0% sodium chloride solution with aldosterone infusion (Aldo/NaCl rats); 2) drinking 1.44% sodium bicarbonate solution with aldosterone infusion (Aldo/NaHCO3 rats); 3) drinking distilled water with aldosterone infusion (Aldo/water rats); and 4) drinking distilled water without aldosterone infusion (sham rats). Additionally, heminephrectomized rats with aldosterone infusion were fed a 0.26% NaCl diet (control); 8.0% NaCl diet (high-Na/high-Cl); or a 4.0% NaCl 6.67% sodium citrate diet (high-Na/half-Cl). Last, Aldo/NaCl rats were treated with or without hydrochlorothiazide. Blood pressure in the Aldo/NaCl rats was significantly higher than in the Aldo/NaHCO3 rats, which was associated with the increased expression of NCC. Expression of markers of inflammation (CD3, CD68, interleukin-17A) and fibrosis (α-smooth muscle actin, collagen 1) were also increased in Aldo/NaCl rats. Similarly, aldosterone-infused rats fed a high-Na/half-Cl diet had lower blood pressure than those fed a high-Na/high-Cl diet, with a reduction of phosphorylated NCC, but not αENaC and pendrin. NCC inhibition with hydrochlorothiazide attenuated interleukin-17A protein expression along with the phosphorylation of NCC in Aldo/NaCl rats. These findings suggest that NCC-mediated Cl− uptake plays important roles in the development of aldosterone-induced hypertension and renal injury.
Is Adenosine Action Common Ground for NREM Sleep, Torpor, and Other Hypometabolic States?
Authors: Silvani Alessandro , Cerri Matteo , Zoccoli Giovanna , Swoap Steven J.
Published: April 2018

This review compares two states that lower energy expenditure: non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and torpor. Knowledge on mechanisms common to these states, and particularly on the role of adenosine in NREM sleep, may ultimately open the possibility of inducing a synthetic torpor-like state in humans for medical applications and long-term space travel. To achieve this goal, it will be important, in perspective, to extend the study to other hypometabolic states, which, unlike torpor, can also be experienced by humans.
Exact Solutions of Scalar Bosons in the Presence of the Aharonov-Bohm and Coulomb Potentials in the Gravitational Field of Topological Defects
Authors: Boumali Abdelmalek , Aounallah Houcine
Published: April 2018

We analyze the relativistic quantum motion of a charged scalar particles in the presence of an Aharonov-Bohm and Coulomb potentials in the space-times produced by an idealized cosmic string and global monopole. We have calculated and discussed the eigensolutions of DKP equation and their dependence on both the geometry of the space-times and coupling constants parameters.
Immunomodulation in the Treatment of Refractory Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Authors: Nath Karthik , McCann Andrew
Published: April 2018

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome is a rare condition with high morbidity and mortality. We present a refractory case of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome with a view to highlight the importance of early identification and aggressive treatment of this condition. A 36-year-old female presented with clinical manifestations of multiorgan vascular occlusion with a known history of primary antiphospholipid syndrome. The presentation was on a background of a recent change of her long-term anticoagulation from warfarin to therapeutic low-molecular-weight heparin. Given that multiorgan involvement with 3 organ systems occurred nearly simultaneously, a diagnosis of probable catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome was made. Prompt therapeutic anticoagulation, antiplatelet, and glucocorticoid therapy was commenced. Despite this, the patient continued to demonstrate clinical features concerning for ongoing small vessel occlusion necessitating aggressive immunomodulatory therapy in the form of intravenous immunoglobulin, plasma exchange, and rituximab.
The Association between E326K of GBA and the Risk of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Huang Yongpan , Deng Langmei , Zhong Yanjun , Yi Minhan
Published: April 2018

It is reported that both the homozygous and heterozygous states of GBA mutations which are the causes of Gaucher disease (GD) are linked to the risk of PD. However, the GBA variant p.E326K (c.1093G > A, rs2230288), which does not result in GD in homozygous carriers, has triggered debate among experts studying Parkinson's disease (PD). In order to determine if the E326K variant of GBA is associated with the risk of PD, a standard meta-analysis was conducted by searching and screening publications, data extraction, and statistical analysis. Finally, a total of 15 publications, containing 5,908 PD patients and 5,605 controls, were included in this analysis. The pooled OR of the E326K genotype analysis was 1.99 (95% CI: 1.57–2.51). The minor allele frequencies of E326K for PD patients and controls were 1.67% and 1.03%, respectively. The pooled OR for the minor allele A was 1.99 (95% CI: 1.58–2.50). According to the subgroup analysis, we found that the significant differences between PD patients and controls for both genotype and allele of E326K also exist in Asians and Caucasians, respectively. In this study, we found that E326K of GBA is associated with the risk of PD in total populations, Asians, and Caucasians, respectively. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of GBA in the pathogenesis of PD.
Thymoquinone Ameliorates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Swiss Albino Mice by Modulating Oxidative Damage and Cellular Inflammation
Authors: Alam Mohammad Firoz , Khan Gyas , Safhi Mohammed M. , Alshahrani Saeed , Siddiqui Rahimullah , Sivagurunathan Moni Sivakumar , Anwer Tarique
Published: April 2018

Thymoquinone is the active constituent ofNigella sativa, having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. In present study, we have analyzed the effects of thymoquinone on doxorubicin (DOX) induced cardiotoxicity in mice. In this experiment, thirty mice (25–35 gm) were divided into five groups (Groups A, B, C, D, and E) each containing six animals. Normal saline was given to a control group (Group A) for 14 days. Cardiotoxicity was induced by DOX (15 mg/kg, i.p.) in Group B, once on the 13th day of the study, and Groups C and D also received DOX (15 mg/kg, i.p.) and were then treated with thymoquinone (10 and 20 mg/kg, b/w, p.o.), respectively, for 14 days. Group E was given only thymoquione (20 mg/kg b/w, p.o.). A blood serum marker (AST, ALT, CK-MB, and LDH) and oxidative stress marker (LPO, GSH, CAT, SOD, GPx, GR, and GST) were evaluated. Results revealed that serum enzyme marker like aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine kinase-MB (CKMB), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly elevated in Group B as compare to Group A. Similarly, the oxidative stress marker lipid peroxidation (LPO) was also elevated in Group B while the antioxidant enzyme catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathioneS-transferase (CAT, SOD, GPx, GR, and GST) were also decreased in Group B. The treatment with thymoquinone 10 and 20 mg/kg resulted in a significant decrease in the serum marker and increase in the antioxidant enzymes. In this study, we have found that thymoquinone prevented DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by accelerating heart antioxidant defense mechanisms and down regulating the LPO levels towards normalcy in Groups C and D. The effect of doxorubicin increases the inflammatory cytokine (IL2) in Group B as compared to Group A, and it overcomes by the thymoquinone in Groups C and D. Thus, thymoquinone may have utility as a potential drug for cardiomyopathy.
Study on Relaxation Damage Properties of High Viscosity Asphalt Sand under Uniaxial Compression
Authors: Sun Yazhen , Gu Zhangyi , Wang Jinchang , Fang Chenze , Yuan Xuezhong
Published: April 2018

Laboratory investigations of relaxation damage properties of high viscosity asphalt sand (HVAS) by uniaxial compression tests and modified generalized Maxwell model (GMM) to simulate viscoelastic characteristics coupling damage were carried out. A series of uniaxial compression relaxation tests were performed on HVAS specimens at different temperatures, loading rates, and constant levels of input strain. The results of the tests show that the peak point of relaxation modulus is highly influenced by the loading rate in the first half of an L‐shaped curve, while the relaxation modulus is almost constant in the second half of the curve. It is suggested that for the HVAS relaxation tests, the temperature should be no less than −15°C. The GMM is used to determine the viscoelastic responses, the Weibull distribution function is used to characterize the damage of the HVAS and its evolution, and the modified GMM is a coupling of the two models. In this paper, the modified GMM is implemented through a secondary development with the USDFLD subroutine to analyze the relaxation damage process and improve the linear viscoelastic model in ABAQUS. Results show that the numerical method of coupling damage provides a better approximation of the test curve over almost the whole range. The results also show that the USDFLD subroutine can effectively predict the relaxation damage process of HVAS and can provide a theoretical support for crack control of asphalt pavements.
GeneXpert MTB/RIF Outperforms Mycobacterial Culture in Detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis from Salivary Sputum
Authors: Shi Jin , Dong Wenzhu , Ma Yifeng , Liang Qian , Shang Yuanyuan , Wang Fen , Huang Hairong , Pang Yu
Published: April 2018

GeneXpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) assay has been endorsed for the diagnosis of pulmonary TB due to its high sensitivity and specificity for culture positive TB. There is no doubt that Xpert could not be more sensitive than mycobacterial culture, while the positive rate of Xpert among sputum samples was higher than that of mycobacterial culture in our laboratory. We therefore carried out a prospective study to determine a potential explanation for this unexpected result regarding the clinical use of Xpert. Overall, a total of 558 patients meeting inclusion criteria were enrolled in final analysis between August 2017 and September 2017 in Beijing Chest Hospital. The overall positive rate of Xpert among sputum samples was 45.9% (256/558), which was significantly higher than that of liquid culture (33.4%, 184/558; P<0.01). The percentage of culture negative result in salivary sputum was significantly higher than that in mucoid sputum [odds ratio (OR): 5.04, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 2.74–9.28; P<0.01]. In addition, the TB cases having previous treatment history had a higher proportion of culture negative result than new cases (OR: 4.26, 95% CI: 1.61–11.28; P=0.01). In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrate that Xpert outperforms mycobacterial culture in detecting MTB from salivary sputum. In addition, the previously treated patients are more likely to yield negative culture results. Our data will provide important hints to formulate an appropriate diagnostic algorithm for pulmonary tuberculosis based on the appearance of sputum samples.
Change in Prolactin Levels in Pediatric Patients Given Antipsychotics for Schizophrenia and Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: A Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Balijepalli Chakrapani , Druyts Eric , Zoratti Michael J. , Wu Ping , Kanji Salmaan , Rabheru Kiran , Yan Kevin , Thorlund Kristian
Published: April 2018

Background. Treatment of schizophrenia with first- and second-generation antipsychotics has been associated with elevated prolactin levels, which may increase the risk for prolactin-related adverse events. Methods. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) included in a recent systematic review were considered for this analysis. A Bayesian network meta-analysis was used to compare changes in prolactin levels in pediatric patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizophrenia spectrum disorders treated with second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs). Results. Five RCTs, including 989 patients combined, have evaluated the changes in prolactin for pediatric patients after 6 weeks of treatment with risperidone, quetiapine, aripiprazole, olanzapine, and paliperidone. In the overall study population, treatment with risperidone was associated with the highest increase in mean prolactin levels compared to other SGAs. Patients treated with risperidone 4–6 mg/day were found to experience the greatest increases (55.06 ng/ml [95% CrI: 40.53–69.58]) in prolactin levels, followed by risperidone 1–3 mg/day, paliperidone 3–6 mg/day, and paliperidone 6–12 mg/day. Conclusions. This study shows that there are differences in SGAs ability to cause hyperprolactinemia. Further, there is clear evidence of safety concerns with risperidone and paliperidone treatment in adolescent schizophrenia patients. Registration. PROSPERO CRD42014009506.
Event-Triggered Output-Feedback Control for Disturbed Linear Systems
Authors: Jiang Hao , Zhang Cui
Published: April 2018

In the last few decades, event-triggered control received considerable attention, because of advantages in reducing the resource utilization, such as communication load and processor. In this paper, we propose an event-triggered output-feedback controller for disturbed linear systems, in order to achieve both better resource utilization and disturbance attenuation properties at the same time. Based on our prior work on state-feedback H∞ control for disturbed systems, we propose an approach to design an output-feedback H∞ controller for the system whose states are not completely observable, and a sufficient condition guaranteeing the asymptotic stability and robustness of the system is given in the form of LMIs (Linear Matrix Inequalities).
Variation of Velocity Distribution in Rough Meandering Channels
Authors: Pradhan Arpan , Kumar Khatua Kishanjit , Sankalp Sovan
Published: April 2018

Distribution of flow and velocity in a meandering river is important in river hydraulics to be investigated from a practical point of view in relation to the bank protection, navigation, water intakes, and sediment transport‐depositional patterns. When flow enters a bend, the centrifugal force arising from the channel curvature leads to a transversal slope in the water surface. The interaction between the centrifugal force and transversal pressure gradient causes secondary flows in cross‐sections, and the secondary flows spread further by moving along the bend. Hence, at the bends, these processes lead to longitudinal velocity increase in the inner wall and decrease at the outer wall. In this paper, experimentation is carried out for two different bed roughness on a 4.11 sinuosity meandering channel with 110° crossover. Longitudinal velocity distribution is analysed with the graphical illustrations for the detailed experimental study. Study of flow profile across the crossover is also particularly important as the inner bank of the bend changes to the outer bank and vice versa which has a significant effect on the water surface profile and hence on the velocity distribution along the full meander path. The objective of the analysis is to determine the effect of curvature and roughness on the velocity profiles, throughout the meander path. It is determined that the resistance of flow, on the smoother bed channel, is higher than that of the channel with higher Manning’s n above a certain depth at the apex and transition sections. A reciprocal study of the experimental investigation is attempted with a numerical hydrodynamic tool, namely, CCHE (Centre for Computational Hydroscience and Engineering) developed by NCCHE, University of Mississippi, US. The model is applied to simulate the inbank flow velocity distribution and validate the experimental observation for the meandering channel with rough bed.