bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relative Effectiveness of Bilateral and Multilateral Aid on Development Outcomes
Authors: Biscaye Pierre E. , Reynolds Travis W. , Anderson C. Leigh
Published: December 2016

Aid donors are interested in understanding whether allocating aid via bilateral or multilateral channels might be more effective for achieving development goals. We review 45 papers that empirically test the associations between bilateral and multilateral aid flows and various development outcomes including gross domestic product growth, governance indicators, human development indicators and levels of non‐aid investment flows. Findings suggest that differences between countries and regions, time periods, aid objectives, and individual donor organizations all may influence the effectiveness of aid delivered bilaterally and multilaterally. We find, however, no consistent evidence that either bilateral or multilateral aid is more effective overall.
Getting Rental Prices Right for Computers: Reconciling Different Perspectives on Depreciation
Authors: Diewert Erwin , Wei Hui
Published: December 2016

National statistical agencies frequently assume high geometric depreciation rates for computers. However, typically the service flow that a computer generates over its useful life is roughly constant, which contradicts the geometric model of depreciation. A one hoss shay model of depreciation seems to be more appropriate for computers. The paper uses Australian data on computer investment over the past 25 years to construct one hoss shay estimates of computer capital stocks and flows and considers how best to approximate these more realistic models of depreciation with a geometric model. The paper shows that under certain assumptions, a geometric model can provide an exact approximation to an underlying one hoss shay model. This exactness result is extended to a more general model of depreciation, the Constant Efficiency Profile model. Finally, the paper shows how well the geometric approximation fits a one hoss shay model when the assumptions are not satisfied.
Muscle excitability during sustained maximal voluntary contractions by a separate analysis of the M‐wave phases
Authors: Rodriguez‐Falces J. , Place N.
Published: December 2016

This study was designed to examine separately the changes in the first and second phases of the muscle compound action potential (M‐wave) during and after a sustained 3‐minutes maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). M‐waves were evoked by supramaximal single shocks to the femoral nerve given at 10‐seconds intervals throughout a sustained isometric 3‐minutes MVC and also during six brief MVCs performed throughout a 30‐minutes recovery period. The amplitude, duration, and area of the M‐wave first and second phases, together with muscle conduction velocity and force, were measured. During the 3‐minutes MVC, the amplitude of the first phase increased progressively for the first minute (33%‐43%, P<.01) and remained stable thereafter, whereas the second phase initially increased for 25‐35 seconds (30%‐50%, P<.01), but subsequently decreased significantly before stabilizing. During the recovery period, the amplitude of the M‐wave first phase showed a decreasing trend, returning to pre‐fatigue values (P>.01) within 5‐10 minutes, while the second phase increased progressively and remained higher than control (7%‐20%, P<.01) after the 30‐minutes recovery time. Maximal cross‐correlations between the time course of the first phase amplitude and those of conduction velocity and force (0.9‐0.93) occurred for a lag of 0 seconds, whereas maximal cross‐correlations corresponding to the second‐phase amplitude (0.6‐0.7) occurred for a 50‐seconds time lag. The present findings indicate that the potentiation of the first phase results from impaired muscle membrane excitability. The peak‐to‐peak amplitude and second‐phase amplitude are not valid indicators of muscle excitability as they might be critically affected by muscle architectural features.
Pain duration is associated with increased muscle sympathetic nerve activity in patients with Achilles tendinopathy
Authors: Jewson J. L. , Lambert E. A. , Docking S. , Storr M. , Lambert G. W. , Gaida J. E.
Published: December 2016

Tendinopathy is a common condition, which has been linked to surrogate measures of sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity and insulin resistance. This study aimed to compare in vivo measures of the SNS and insulin resistance between individuals with and without Achilles tendinopathy. This case–control study compared Achilles tendinopathy sufferers to healthy controls. SNS activity was quantified using muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), while metabolic status was assessed via a modified glucose tolerance test and fasting lipid panel. Ultrasound tissue characterization assessed tendon structure. Resting MSNA did not differ between the 15 cases and 20 controls. Tendon pain duration in tendinopathy patients was correlated with burst frequency (R2=.32, P=.02) and burst incidence (R2=.41, P=.01) of MSNA. After adjusting for multiple comparisons, there was a trend suggesting fasting glucose was greater in cases (median 4.80, IQR .70 in cases vs 4.51, .38 in controls) and correlated with pain severity (R2=.14, P=.03), but no other metabolic measures were associated with tendon pain/structure. This study indicates that SNS activity is associated with tendon pain duration, building on previous data indicating the SNS is involved in recalcitrant tendinopathy. Metabolic parameters had little relationship with Achilles tendinopathy in this metabolically homogenous sample. Prospective studies are required to uncover the precise relationship between SNS activity, insulin resistance, and tendinopathy.
Dexamethasone promotes granulocyte mobilization by prolonging the half‐life of granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor in healthy donors for granulocyte transfusions
Authors: Hiemstra Ida H. , van Hamme John L. , Janssen Machiel H. , van den Berg Timo K. , Kuijpers Taco W.
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND

Granulocyte transfusion (GTX) is a potential approach to correcting neutropenia and relieving the increased risk of infection in patients who are refractory to antibiotics. To mobilize enough granulocytes for transfusion, healthy donors are premedicated with granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) and dexamethasone. Granulocytes have a short circulatory half‐life. Consequently, patients need to receive GTX every other day to keep circulating granulocyte counts at an acceptable level. We investigated whether plasma from premedicated donors was capable of prolonging neutrophil survival and, if so, which factor could be held responsible.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The effects of plasma from G‐CSF/dexamethasone‐treated donors on neutrophil survival were assessed by annexin‐V, CD16. and CXCR4 staining and nuclear morphology. We isolated an albumin‐bound protein using α‐chymotrypsin and albumin‐depletion and further characterized it using protein analysis. The effects of dexamethasone and G‐CSF were assessed using mifepristone and G‐CSF–neutralizing antibody. G‐CSF plasma concentrations were determined by Western blot and Luminex analyses.

RESULTS

G‐CSF/dexamethasone plasma contained a survival‐promoting factor for at least 2 days. This factor was recognized as an albumin‐associated protein and was identified as G‐CSF itself, which was surprising considering its reported half‐life of only 4.5 hours. Compared with coadministration of dexamethasone, administration of G‐CSF alone to the same GTX donors led to a faster decline in circulating G‐CSF levels, whereas dexamethasone itself did not induce any G‐CSF, demonstrating a role for dexamethasone in increasing G‐CSF half‐life.

CONCLUSION

Dexamethasone increases granulocyte yield upon coadministration with G‐CSF by extending G‐CSF half‐life. This observation might also be exploited in the coadministration of dexamethasone with other recombinant proteins to modulate their half‐life.
Introduction: English in Brunei Darussalam
Authors: MCLELLAN JAMES , CHIN GRACE V. S.
Published: December 2016

This special issue of World Englishes presents new research perspectives on English in Brunei Darussalam, a small oil‐rich Islamic monarchy in Southeast Asia. It comprises a number of articles on language in society and on literature, as well as a comprehensive bibliography a comprehensive bibliography listing published studies on English in Brunei Darussalam. Most of the contributors are based in the country, including a number who are Bruneian citizens, and are thus able to offer insiders’ perspectives on the subject.
Policy and practice in the use of English in Brunei primary school classes
Authors: JONES GARY M.
Published: December 2016

Formal education for the majority of Bruneians only properly began in the 1960s, when the country embarked on an ambitious school building programme with the intention of providing education for all. The initial plan was to use Malay as the medium of instruction, but when the country moved from separate language mediums in 1984, it instead adopted a bilingual education system, with Malay and English being the chosen mediums. Bilingual education remained till 2009 when the country adopted Sistem Pendidikan Nasional Abad ke‐21 or the National Education System for the 21st Century, referred to locally as SPN‐21. Based on interviews with officers from the Ministry of Education and with teachers who have worked in both systems, together with an analysis of the available statistics, this article explores what changes have occurred concerning the use of English in Brunei primary school classes.
The pronunciation of Brunei English
Authors: MOHAMAD NUR RAIHAN , DETERDING DAVID
Published: December 2016

After briefly reviewing previous studies into the pronunciation of English in Brunei, this article provides an overview of the phonology of Brunei English. It considers rhoticity, the pronunciation of the TH sounds, the simplification of word‐final consonant clusters, devoicing of syllable‐final fricatives, the merging of vowels such as the trap and dress vowels as well as the absence of vowel length distinctions, the use of spelling pronunciation, the occurrence of full vowels instead of reduced vowels, and the role of rising intonation at the end of a statement. These features are then compared with the phonology that has been reported for other Englishes in the region, and finally the status of Brunei English as an emergent variety is considered.
Gender and code choice in Bruneian Facebook status updates
Authors: DAUD NURDIYANA , MCLELLAN JAMES
Published: December 2016

This study investigates language use by Bruneians on Facebook in terms of relational maintenance strategies, the correlations between gender and code choice, the use of emotive language and emoticons, and non‐standardised orthographic forms. A total of 240 Facebook status updates by undergraduates of Universiti Brunei Darussalam were examined. The results show that undergraduates use different categories of maintenance strategies in order to maintain relationships with other users through Facebook status updates, and that gender influences the existence and frequency of a number of linguistic variables in such updates. Women within the sample code‐switch more than men, whereas men use a single code more than women. Women use more emotive language and more emoticons on Facebook more than men do, whilst men use more non‐standardised orthographic forms than women. The implications of these results are discussed.
Bruneian women's writing as an emergent minor literature in English
Authors: CHIN GRACE V. S.
Published: December 2016

This article considers how Bruneian women's writings in English constitute an emergent minor literature by analysing the subordinated status of gender and language in the nation space. Based on three key features of minor literature – linguistic deterritorialisation, political identity, and collective agency, I argue that these writings resist the homogenising influences of the state by straddling two major language discourses – the local, national discourse of Brunei Malay and the global, or international, discourse of English – and thus, two different worldviews and cultures, in the negotiation of hybrid identities and voices that collectively express an alternative community and sensibility.
Plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition of superconducting niobium nitride
Authors: Sowa Mark J. , Yemane Yonas , Zhang Jinsong , Palmstrom Johanna C. , Ju Ling , Strandwitz Nicholas C. , Prinz Fritz B. , Provine J.
Published: December 2016

Thin films of niobium nitride are useful for their physical, chemical, and electrical properties. NbN superconducting properties have been utilized in a wide range of applications. Plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) of NbN with (t-butylimido) tris(diethylamido) niobium(V) and remote H2/N2 plasmas has been investigated. Deposited film properties have been studied as a function of substrate temperature (100–300 °C), plasma power (150–300 W), and H2 flow rate (10–80 sccm). PEALD NbN films were characterized with spectroscopic ellipsometry (thickness, optical properties), four point probe (resistivity), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (composition), x-ray reflectivity (density and thickness), x-ray diffraction (crystallinity), and superconductivity measurements. Film composition varied with deposition conditions, but larger cubic NbN crystallites and increased film density at higher substrate temperatures and H2 flow rates lead to room temperature resistivity values as low as 173 μΩ cm and superconductivity critical temperatures as high as 13.7 K.
Investigation of guided wave propagation in pipes fully and partially embedded in concrete
Authors: Leinov Eli , Lowe Michael J. S. , Cawley Peter
Published: December 2016

The application of long-range guided-wave testing to pipes embedded in concrete results in unpredictable test-ranges. The influence of the circumferential extent of the embedding-concrete around a steel pipe on the guided wave propagation is investigated. An analytical model is used to study the axisymmetric fully embedded pipe case, while explicit finite-element and semi-analytical finite-element simulations are utilised to investigate a partially embedded pipe. Model predictions and simulations are compared with full-scale guided-wave tests. The transmission-loss of the T(0,1)-mode in an 8 in. steel pipe fully embedded over an axial length of 0.4 m is found to be in the range of 32–36 dB while it reduces by a factor of 5 when only 50% of the circumference is embedded. The transmission-loss in a fully embedded pipe is mainly due to attenuation in the embedded section while in a partially embedded pipe it depend strongly on the extent of mode-conversion at entry to the embedded-section; low loss modes with energy concentrated in the region of the circumference not-covered with concrete have been identified. The results show that in a fully embedded pipe, inspection beyond a short distance will not be possible, whereas when the concrete is debonded over a fraction of the pipe circumference, inspection of substantially longer lengths may be possible.
Is There an Association Among Actual Motor Competence, Perceived Motor Competence, Physical Activity, and Sedentary Behavior in Preschool Children?
Authors: Lopes Vitor , Barnett Lisa , Rodrigues Luís
Published: December 2016

The purpose is to explore relationships among moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sedentary behavior (SB), and actual gross motor competence (MC) and perceived motor competence (PMC) in young children. Data were collected in 101 children (M age = 4.9 ± 0.93 years). MVPA was measured with accelerometry. Gross MC was assessed with the Portuguese version of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children. PMC was evaluated with the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance for Young Children. Regressions were used to determine predictive relationships related to the following research questions: (a) Can gross MC predict perceived motor competence, (b) can actual and perceived gross MC predict MVPA, and (c) can actual and perceived gross MC predict SB? Results showed no association between gross MC and PMC and between these constructs and MVPA and SB. This lack of association in the early ages is probably due to the young children’s cognitive inability to make accurate self-judgments and evaluations. A child might have low levels of actual gross MC but perceive her- or himself as skillful.
Test of Gross Motor Development-2 Scores Differ Between Expert and Novice Coders
Authors: Palmer Kara K. , Brian Ali
Published: December 2016

Background.

The Test of Gross Motor Development, 2nd edition (TGMD-2), is one of the most widely used measures of motor skill competence. The purpose of this study was to examine if differences in scores exist between expert and novice coders on the TGMD-2 (Ulrich, 2000).

Methods.

Three coders, one expert and two novices, reviewed and scored young children’s (N = 43; Boys = 57%; Mage = 4.88, SD = 0.28) TGMD-2 data. The kappa statistic was used to determine agreement between expert and novice coders on the locomotor and object control subscale of the TGMD-2. Independent samples t tests and percent differences were then used to examine scoring differences for each of the twelve skills.

Results.

Results support that expert and novice coders do not demonstrate significant agreement when scoring the TGMD-2 except for when scoring the kick (t41 = –1.3, p = .2) and the gallop (t41= –1.7, p = .09).

Conclusion.

This work demonstrates that more stringent or consistent training regimens are needed before allowing novices to code TGMD-2 data.
From Genomes to Phenotypes: Traitar, the Microbial Trait Analyzer
Authors: Weimann Aaron , Mooren Kyra , Frank Jeremy , Pope Phillip B. , Bremges Andreas , McHardy Alice C.
Published: December 2016

Bacteria are ubiquitous in our ecosystem and have a major impact on human health, e.g., by supporting digestion in the human gut. Bacterial communities can also aid in biotechnological processes such as wastewater treatment or decontamination of polluted soils. Diverse bacteria contribute with their unique capabilities to the functioning of such ecosystems, but lab experiments to investigate those capabilities are labor-intensive. Major advances in sequencing techniques open up the opportunity to study bacteria by their genome sequences. For this purpose, we have developed Traitar, software that predicts traits of bacteria on the basis of their genomes. It is applicable to studies with tens or hundreds of bacterial genomes. Traitar may help researchers in microbiology to pinpoint the traits of interest, reducing the amount of wet lab work required.
F(750), we miss you as bound state of 6 top and 6 antitop
Authors: Nielsen H. B.
Published: December 2016

We collect and estimate support for our long speculated “multiple point principle”[Formula: see text] saying that there should be several vacua all having (compared to the scales of high energy physics) very low energy densities. In pure Standard Model, we suggest there being three “multiple point principle” low energy density vacua, “present,” “condensate” and “high field” vacuum. We fit the mass in our picture of a long speculated bound state[Formula: see text] of 6 top and 6 antitop quarks in three quite independent ways and get remarkably within our crude accuracy the same mass in all three fits! The new point of the present paper is to estimate the bound state mass in what we could call a bag-model estimation. The two other fits, which we review, obtain the mass of the bound state by fitting to the multiple point principle prediction of degenerate vacua. Our remarkable agreement of our three mass-fits can be interpreted to mean that we have calculated at the end the energy densities of the two extra speculated vacua and found that they are indeed very small. Unfortunately, the recently much discussed statistical fluctuation peak F(750)[Formula: see text] that has now been revealed to be just a fluctuation, very accidentally matches our fitted mass of the bound state remarkably well with the mass of this fluctuation 750 GeV.
Anisotropic charged compact star of embedding class I
Authors: Bhar Piyali , Govender Megan
Published: December 2016

In this paper, we present a model of a compact relativistic anisotropic star in the presence of an electric field. In order to obtain an exact solution of the Einstein–Maxwell field equations, we assume that the stellar material inside the star obeys a Chaplygin equation of state which is a nonlinear relationship between the radial pressure and the matter density. Using Tolman’s metric potential for [Formula: see text], we obtain the other metric co-efficient by employing the Karmarkar condition which is a necessary and sufficient condition for the interior spacetime of our model to be of embedding class I. Our stellar model is free from central singularity and obeys all the conditions for a realistic stellar object.
Pricing variance and volatility swaps for Barndorff-Nielsen and Shephard process driven financial markets
Authors: Habtemicael Semere , SenGupta Indranil
Published: December 2016

The objective of this paper is to study the arbitrage free pricing of variance and volatility swaps for Barndorff-Nielsen and Shephard type Lévy process driven financial markets. One of the major challenges in arbitrage free pricing of swap is to obtain an accurate pricing expression which can be used with good computational accuracy. In this paper, we obtain various approximate expressions for the pricing of volatility and variance swaps. We show that with the approximate formulas obtained from the Barndorff-Nielsen and Shephard model the error estimation in fitting the delivery price is much less than the existing models with comparable parameters. Pricing formulas proposed in this paper are simple to compute in real time and hence can be efficiently used in practical applications. Numerical results are provided in support of the accuracy of approximate formulas presented in this paper.
Operant conditioning of neural activity in freely behaving monkeys with intracranial reinforcement
Authors: Eaton Ryan W. , Libey Tyler , Fetz Eberhard E.
Published: December 2016

Operant conditioning of neural activity has typically been performed under controlled behavioral conditions using food reinforcement. This has limited the duration and behavioral context for neural conditioning. To reward cell activity in unconstrained primates, we sought sites in nucleus accumbens (NAc) whose stimulation reinforced operant responding. In three monkeys, NAc stimulation sustained performance of a manual target-tracking task, with response rates that increased monotonically with increasing NAc stimulation. We recorded activity of single motor cortex neurons and documented their modulation with wrist force. We conditioned increased firing rates with the monkey seated in the training booth and during free behavior in the cage using an autonomous head-fixed recording and stimulating system. Spikes occurring above baseline rates triggered single or multiple electrical pulses to the reinforcement site. Such rate-contingent, unit-triggered stimulation was made available for periods of 1–3 min separated by 3–10 min time-out periods. Feedback was presented as event-triggered clicks both in-cage and in-booth, and visual cues were provided in many in-booth sessions. In-booth conditioning produced increases in single neuron firing probability with intracranial reinforcement in 48 of 58 cells. Reinforced cell activity could rise more than five times that of non-reinforced activity. In-cage conditioning produced significant increases in 21 of 33 sessions. In-cage rate changes peaked later and lasted longer than in-booth changes, but were often comparatively smaller, between 13 and 18% above non-reinforced activity. Thus intracranial stimulation reinforced volitional increases in cortical firing rates during both free behavior and a controlled environment, although changes in the latter were more robust.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Closed-loop brain-computer interfaces (BCI) were used to operantly condition increases in muscle and neural activity in monkeys by delivering activity-dependent stimuli to an intracranial reinforcement site (nucleus accumbens). We conditioned increased firing rates with the monkeys seated in a training booth and also, for the first time, during free behavior in a cage using an autonomous head-fixed BCI.
Electrical stimulation of superior colliculus affects strabismus angle in monkey models for strabismus
Authors: Upadhyaya Suraj , Meng Hui , Das Vallabh E.
Published: December 2016

Disruption of binocular vision during the critical period for development leads to eye misalignment in humans and in monkey models. We have previously suggested that disruption within a vergence circuit could be the neural basis for strabismus. Electrical stimulation in the rostral superior colliculus (rSC) leads to vergence eye movements in normal monkeys. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of SC stimulation on eye misalignment in strabismic monkeys. Electrical stimulation was delivered to 51 sites in the intermediate and deep layers of the SC (400 Hz, 0.5-s duration, 10–40 μA) in 3 adult optical prism-reared strabismic monkeys. Scleral search coils were used to measure movements of both eyes during a fixation task. Staircase saccades with horizontal and vertical components were elicited by stimulation as predicted from the SC topographic map. Electrical stimulation also resulted in significant changes in horizontal strabismus angle, i.e., a shift toward exotropia/esotropia depending on stimulation site. Electrically evoked saccade vector amplitude in the two eyes was not significantly different ( P > 0.05; paired t-test) but saccade direction differed. However, saccade disconjugacy accounted for only ~50% of the change in horizontal misalignment while disconjugate postsaccadic movements accounted for the other ~50% of the change in misalignment due to electrical stimulation. In summary, our data suggest that electrical stimulation of the SC of strabismic monkeys produces a change in horizontal eye alignment that is due to a combination of disconjugate saccadic eye movements and disconjugate postsaccadic movements.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Electrical stimulation of the superior colliculus in strabismic monkeys results in a change in eye misalignment. These data support the notion of developmental disruption of vergence circuits leading to maintenance of eye misalignment in strabismus.
Physiological processes influencing motor-evoked potential duration with voluntary contraction
Authors: van den Bos Mehdi A. J. , Geevasinga Nimeshan , Menon Parvathi , Burke David , Kiernan Matthew C. , Vucic Steve
Published: December 2016

Voluntary contraction leads to facilitation of motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) producing greater amplitude, shorter onset latency, and prolonged duration of the electromyography potential. Whereas hyperexcitability of spinal motoneurons and changes in descending corticospinal volleys have been proposed as putative mechanisms for changes in MEP amplitude and onset latency, a contribution of propriospinal interneurons, exerting modulatory effects on α-motoneurons, has been proposed as a potential explanation for prolongation of MEP duration. The aim of the present study is to gain further insight into the physiological processes underlying changes in MEP duration. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) studies were undertaken on 30 healthy controls, using a 90-mm circular coil, with MEPs recorded at rest and during facilitation, produced by contraction of abductor pollicis brevis. In the same experiment, short interval-intracortical inhibition (SICI) was recorded at rest. Facilitation resulted in a significant prolongation of MEP duration, which increased with stimulus intensity and was accompanied by an increase in MEP amplitude. The main effect (TMS intensity × activation state) was correlated with MEP duration ( F = 10.9, P < 0.001), whereas TMS intensity ( F = 30.5, P < 0.001) and activation state ( F = 125.8, P < 0.001) in isolation were correlated with MEP amplitude. There was a significant inverse relationship between SICI and MEP duration at rest (R2 = 0.141, P = 0.041) and during facilitation (R2 = 0.340, P = 0.001). The present findings suggest that similar physiological processes mediate changes in the facilitated MEP duration and amplitude and that both cortical and nonpropriospinal spinal mechanisms contribute to changes in MEP duration.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Muscle contraction is associated with a significant increase in motor-evoked potential (MEP) duration and amplitude. Whereas the increase in MEP duration was linear, the amplitude increase exhibited a ceiling effect. Importantly, the MEP duration increase strongly correlated with short interval-intracortical inhibition, a biomarker of motor cortical function. This suggests that whereas similar physiological processes contribute to changes in facilitated MEP duration and amplitude, cortical mechanisms appear to contribute to MEP duration changes.
Evidence of Allergic Reactions and Cardiopulmonary Impairments among Traders Operating from Foodstuff Warehouses
Authors: Ibeneme Sam , Egbosionu Viola , Ibeneme Georgian , Ezuma Amarachi , Ettu Theresa , Nwankwo Joseph , Limaye Dnyanesh , Nna Emmanuel
Published: December 2016

Background.Foodstuff traders operating from warehouses (FTFW) are potentially exposed to dangerous rodenticides/pesticides that may have adverse effects on cardiopulmonary function.Methods.Fifty consenting male foodstuff traders, comprising 15 traders (21–63 years) operating outside warehouses and 35 FTFW (20–64 years), were randomly recruited at Ogbete Market, Enugu, in a cross-sectional observational study of spirometric and electrocardiographic parameters. Seventeen FTFW (21–57 years) participated in focus group discussions. Qualitative and quantitative data were analysed thematically and with independentt-test and Pearson correlation coefficient atp<0.05, respectively.Results.Most FTFW experienced respiratory symptoms, especially dry cough (97.1%) and wheezing (31.4%) with significant reductions in forced vital capacity (FVC) (t=-2.654;p=0.011), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (t=-2.240;p=0.030), maximum expiratory flow rate (FEF200–1200) (t=-1.148;p=-0.047), and forced end-expiratory flow (FEF75–85) (t=-1.11;p=0.007). The maximum mid-expiratory flow (FEF25–75) was marginally decreased (p>0.05) with a significantly prolonged (p<0.05) QTc interval.Conclusion.Allergic response was evident in the FTFW. Significant decrease in FVC may negatively impact lung flow rates and explains the marginal decrease inFEF25–75, which implies a relative limitation in airflow of peripheral/distal airways and elastic recoil of the lungs. This is consistent with obstructive pulmonary disease; a significant decrease inFEF75–85/FEV1supports this conclusion. Significant decrease inFEF200–1200indicates abnormalities in the large airways/larynx just as significantly prolonged ventricular repolarization suggests cardiac arrhythmias.
Optimal Pricing and Ordering Policy for Deteriorating Items with Stock-and-Price Dependent Demand and Presale Rebate
Authors: Zhao Lianxia , You Jianxin
Published: December 2016

This paper considers an EOQ inventory model with presale policy for deteriorating items, in which the demand rate depends on both on-hand inventory and selling price. Under the assumption that all the presale orders are fully backlogged with waiting-time dependent rebate, this study develops several propositions and derives optimal pricing and ordering policy by designing an effective algorithm. Two numerical examples are also given to illustrate the effectiveness of the algorithm. Finally, the sensitivity analysis of the main parameters is provided.
Horizon Wavefunction of Generalized Uncertainty Principle Black Holes
Authors: Manfredi Luciano , Mureika Jonas
Published: December 2016

We study the Horizon Wavefunction (HWF) description of a Generalized Uncertainty Principle inspired metric that admits sub-Planckian black holes, where the black hole mass m is replaced by M=m1+β/2MPl2/m2. Considering the case of a wave-packet shaped by a Gaussian distribution, we compute the HWF and the probability PBH that the source is a (quantum) black hole, that is, that it lies within its horizon radius. The case β<0 is qualitatively similar to the standard Schwarzschild case, and the general shape of PBH is maintained when decreasing the free parameter but shifted to reduce the probability for the particle to be a black hole accordingly. The probability grows with increasing mass slowly for more negative β and drops to 0 for a minimum mass value. The scenario differs significantly for increasing β>0, where a minimum in PBH is encountered, thus meaning that every particle has some probability of decaying to a black hole. Furthermore, for sufficiently large β we find that every particle is a quantum black hole, in agreement with the intuitive effect of increasing β, which creates larger M and RH terms. This is likely due to a “dimensional reduction” feature of the model, where the black hole characteristics for sub-Planckian black holes mimic those in (1+1) dimensions and the horizon size grows as RH~M-1.
The Role of Mast Cells in Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Lee Kang Nyeong , Lee Oh Young
Published: December 2016

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders, but its treatment is unsatisfactory as its pathophysiology is multifactorial. The putative factors of IBS pathophysiology are visceral hypersensitivity and intestinal dysmotility, also including psychological factors, dysregulated gut-brain axis, intestinal microbiota alterations, impaired intestinal permeability, and mucosal immune alterations. Recently, mucosal immune alterations have received much attention with the role of mast cells in IBS. Mast cells are abundant in the intestines and function as intestinal gatekeepers at the interface between the luminal environment in the intestine and the internal milieu under the intestinal epithelium. As a gatekeeper at the interface, mast cells communicate with the adjacent cells such as epithelial, neuronal, and other immune cells throughout the mediators released when they themselves are activated. Many studies have suggested that mast cells play a role in the pathophysiology of IBS. This review will focus on studies of the role of mast cell in IBS and the limitations of studies and will also consider future directions.
Free Light Chains and Intrathecal B Cells Activity in Multiple Sclerosis: A Prospective Study and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Passerini Gabriella , Dalla Costa Gloria , Sangalli Francesca , Moiola Lucia , Colombo Bruno , Locatelli Massimo , Comi Giancarlo , Furlan Roberto , Martinelli Vittorio
Published: December 2016

Background. The presence of CSF oligoclonal bands (OBs) is an independent prognostic factor for multiple sclerosis (MS), but the difficulties in the standardization of the test and the interlaboratory variation in reporting have contributed to its limited use in the diagnosis of the disease. Standard nephelometric assays to measure free light chains (FLC) levels have been recently developed and the test may improve the detection of intrathecal B cells activity.Methods. The presence of OBs, kappa and lambda FLC levels, and standard indices of intrathecal inflammation were assessed in 100 consecutive patients, including patients with MS, clinically isolated syndromes (CIS), other inflammatory diseases of the CNS, and other noninflammatory diseases.Results. Both KFLC and LFLC correlated strongly with the presence of OCBs and with all common tests for intrathecal inflammation (p<0.001for all comparisons). KFLC and LFLC were significantly different in patients with MS and CIS compared to the other groups (p<0.001andp<0.001, resp.) and had a better diagnostic accuracy than all the other tests (area under the curve 82.3 % for KFLC index and 79.3 % for LFLC index).Conclusion. Nephelometric assays for KFLC in CSF reliably detect intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis and discriminate MS patients.
Experimental and Stress-Strain Equation Investigation on Compressive Strength of Raw and Modified Soil in Loess Plateau
Authors: Zhang Youchao , Wang Yihong , Zhao Nana , Wang Tianya
Published: December 2016

As a special kind of soil is widely distributed in Loess Plateau of northwest China, it is difficult to use for growing crops and has poor structural property. According to local arid climate, the best utilization of the soil is as earthen construction material and it has been used for thousands of years. To research and improve the mechanical properties, the study investigates the response of soil with cement, lime, sand, and straw as admixtures to compressive loading. The influence on compressive strength and ductility of additives in different proportions is compared and analysed. The experimental data is also used for the formulation of dimensionless and generalized models describing the raw soil and modified soil’s full stress-strain response. The models can be applied to soil and modified soil in Loess Plateau with variable strength and deformation characteristics and therefore may be exploited for earthen construction design and nonlinear structural analyses.
PECAM-1 Leu125Val (rs688) Polymorphism and Diabetic Nephropathy in Caucasians with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Završnik Matej , Kariž Stojan , Makuc Jana , Šeruga Maja , Cilenšek Ines , Petrovič Daniel
Published: December 2016

Objectives. Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) plays a key role in the transendothelial migration of circulating leukocytes during inflammation and in the maintenance of vascular endothelial integrity. We hypothesized that genetic variation inPECAM-1gene could be associated with diabetic nephropathy (DN) and with the level of soluble PECAM-1 in Caucasians with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Design and Methods. We analyzed the rs688 single nucleotide polymorphism ofPECAM-1gene C373G (Leu125Val) at exon 3, which encodes the first extracellular Ig-like domain that mediates the homophilic binding of PECAM-1, in 276 T2DM subjects with documented DN (cases) and 375 T2DM subjects without DN (controls), using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) strategy. Level of plasma soluble PECAM-1 (sPECAM-1) was measured by ELISA in a subpopulation of 120 diabetics with DN.Results. We found no association between the Leu125Val polymorphism and DN in subjects with T2DM. Likewise, the Leu125Val polymorphism was not associated with serum sPECAM-1 levels in a subpopulation of 120 diabetics with DN.Conclusion. The Leu125Val polymorphism of PECAM-1 and the level of sPECAM-1 are not associated with DN in T2DM subjects of Slovenian origin.
Accuracy of Cardiac Output by Nine Different Pulse Contour Algorithms in Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Comparison with Transpulmonary Thermodilution
Authors: Broch Ole , Bein Berthold , Gruenewald Matthias , Masing Sarah , Huenges Katharina , Haneya Assad , Steinfath Markus , Renner Jochen
Published: December 2016

Objective. Today, there exist several different pulse contour algorithms for calculation of cardiac output (CO). The aim of the present study was to compare the accuracy of nine different pulse contour algorithms with transpulmonary thermodilution before and after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Methods. Thirty patients scheduled for elective coronary surgery were studied before and after CPB. A passive leg raising maneuver was also performed. Measurements included CO obtained by transpulmonary thermodilution (COTPTD) and by nine pulse contour algorithms (COX1–9). Calibration of pulse contour algorithms was performed by esophageal Doppler ultrasound after induction of anesthesia and 15 min after CPB. Correlations, Bland-Altman analysis, four-quadrant, and polar analysis were also calculated. Results. There was only a poor correlation between COTPTD and COX1–9 during passive leg raising and in the period before and after CPB. Percentage error exceeded the required 30% limit. Four-quadrant and polar analysis revealed poor trending ability for most algorithms before and after CPB. The Liljestrand-Zander algorithm revealed the best reliability. Conclusions. Estimation of CO by nine different pulse contour algorithms revealed poor accuracy compared with transpulmonary thermodilution. Furthermore, the less-invasive algorithms showed an insufficient capability for trending hemodynamic changes before and after CPB. The Liljestrand-Zander algorithm demonstrated the highest reliability. This trial is registered with NCT02438228 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
Effect of Aspect Ratio and Boundary Conditions in Modeling Shape Memory Alloy Nanostructures with 3D Coupled Dynamic Phase-Field Theories
Authors: Dhote R. , Gomez H. , Melnik R. , Zu J.
Published: December 2016

The behavior of shape memory alloy (SMA) nanostructures is influenced by strain rate and temperature evolution during dynamic loading. The coupling between temperature, strain, and strain rate is essential to capture inherent thermomechanical behavior in SMAs. In this paper, we propose a new 3D phase-field model that accounts for two-way coupling between mechanical and thermal physics. We use the strain-based Ginzburg-Landau potential for cubic-to-tetragonal phase transformations. The variational formulation of the developed model is implemented in the isogeometric analysis framework to overcome numerical challenges. We have observed a complete disappearance of the out-of-plane martensitic variant in a very high aspect ratio SMA domain as well as the presence of three variants in equal portions in a low aspect ratio SMA domain. The dependence of different boundary conditions on the microstructure morphology has been examined energetically. The tensile tests on rectangular prism nanowires, using the displacement based loading, demonstrate the shape memory effect and pseudoelastic behavior. We have also observed that higher strain rates, as well as the lower aspect ratio domains, resulting in high yield stress and phase transformations occur at higher stress during dynamic axial loading.
Diosgenin: Recent Highlights on Pharmacology and Analytical Methodology
Authors: Jesus Mafalda , Martins Ana P. J. , Gallardo Eugenia , Silvestre Samuel
Published: December 2016

Diosgenin, a steroidal sapogenin, occurs abundantly in plants such asDioscorea alata,Smilax China,andTrigonella foenum graecum. This bioactive phytochemical not only is used as an important starting material for the preparation of several steroidal drugs in the pharmaceutical industry, but has revealed also high potential and interest in the treatment of various types of disorders such as cancer, hypercholesterolemia, inflammation, and several types of infections. Due to its pharmacological and industrial importance, several extraction and analytical procedures have been developed and applied over the years to isolate, detect, and quantify diosgenin, not only in its natural sources and pharmaceutical compositions, but also in animal matrices for pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and toxicological studies. Within these, HPLC technique coupled to different detectors is the most commonly analytical procedure described for this compound. However, other alternative methods were also published. Thus, the present review aims to provide collective information on the most recent pharmacological data on diosgenin and on the most relevant analytical techniques used to isolate, detect, and quantify this compound as well.
The Bacteriomes of Ileal Mucosa and Cecal Content of Broiler Chickens and Turkeys as Revealed by Metagenomic Analysis
Authors: Wei Shan , Lilburn Michael , Yu Zhongtang
Published: December 2016

The gastrointestinal (GI) bacteriome of poultry is important in host nutrition and health, but its diversity and composition remain poorly characterized. In this study we phylogenetically characterized the bacteriome in the cecal contents and ileal mucosa of chickens and turkeys using metagenomics empowered by pyrosequencing technique. >95% coverage of bacterial diversity was achieved except for the turkey ileal mucosa. Collectively, 3,401 and 125 operational taxonomy units (OTU, defined at a 0.03 phylogenetic distance) in chicken, and 1,687 and 16 OTUs in turkey were identified from the cecal content and the ileal mucosa, respectively. Besides those previously reported, 39 and 50 additional genera of bacteria were identified in the chicken and turkey cecal bacteriome, respectively. Although the GI bacteriomes of the same region in both species exhibited greater similarity than the bacteriomes of different regions within each species, broiler chickens and turkeys harbor a distinct intestinal bacteriome. Such difference may suggest different dietary interventions for bacteriome modulation for enhanced nutrient utilization and gut health. The results may also be useful in developing prebiotics, probiotics, and analytical tools (e.g., phylochips). We also determined the variation in the number of OTUs and variability between two independent pyrosequencing runs and two data processing pipelines.
UV Photofunctionalization Effect on Bone Graft in Critical One-Wall Defect around Implant: A Pilot Study in Beagle Dogs
Authors: Kim Min-Young , Choi Hyunmin , Lee Jae-Hoon , Kim Jee-Hwan , Jung Han-Sung , Kim Jae-Hong , Park Young-Bum , Moon Hong-Seok
Published: December 2016

The purpose of this study was to compare and evaluate, through histomorphometric and radiological analysis, the effects of UV photofunctionalization on an implant placed over a critical defect area with and without a bone graft. Four female beagle dogs were first divided into control and bone graft groups. Each group was then subdivided into UV-treated and UV-untreated groups. The mandibular premolars in each dog were extracted. 12 weeks after extraction, implants were placed according to the condition of each group. Four and 12 weeks after implantation on left and right mandible, the dogs were sacrificed. The specimens were prepared for histomorphometric and micro-computed tomographic analysis. In both 4-week and 12-week groups, UV-treated implant surfaces showed better osseointegration than SA implant surfaces. Also, with implant surfaces placed over the critical defect with bone graft, UV photofunctionalization increased bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and new bone formation at the initial stage (4 weeks). Based on the results of this study, it can be suggested that UV photofunctionalization on the surface of implants placed over large critical defects with bone graft aids initial osseointegration and osteogenesis.
Modelling of Hydrothermal Unit Commitment Coordination Using Efficient Metaheuristic Algorithm: A Hybridized Approach
Authors: Sutradhar Suman , Choudhury Nalin B. Dev , Sinha Nidul
Published: December 2016

In this paper, a novel approach of hybridization of two efficient metaheuristic algorithms is proposed for energy system analysis and modelling based on a hydro and thermal based power system in both single and multiobjective environment. The scheduling of hydro and thermal power is modelled descriptively including the handling method of various practical nonlinear constraints. The main goal for the proposed modelling is to minimize the total production cost (which is highly nonlinear and nonconvex problem) and emission while satisfying involved hydro and thermal unit commitment limitations. The cascaded hydro reservoirs of hydro subsystem and intertemporal constraints regarding thermal units along with nonlinear nonconvex, mixed-integer mixed-binary objective function make the search space highly complex. To solve such a complicated system, a hybridization of Gray Wolf Optimization and Artificial Bee Colony algorithm, that is,h-ABC/GWO, is used for better exploration and exploitation in the multidimensional search space. Two different test systems are used for modelling and analysis. Experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed algorithm as compared to other recently reported ones in terms of convergence and better quality of solutions.