bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic and environmental implications of wheat-crop sequences on organic dairy-farm simulations
Authors: Abreu D. C. , Hoshide A. K. , Mallory E. B. , Roche E. H. , Oliveira A. S. , Kersbergen R. J. , Lana R. P. , Fonseca M. A.
Published: September 2016

The market for high-quality organic bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is increasing in New England, USA, providing opportunities for organic dairy farmers to grow this alternative cash crop. Our objective was to determine the sustainability of eight 3-year crop sequences compared with a perennial forage baseline in long-term (25-year), well-managed, medium-sized organic dairy farm simulations. Systems included wheat (spring or winter) preceded by maize (Zea mays L.) silage, a 1-year-old perennial forage grass, or soybean as well as maize silage followed by maize silage or soybean. Farm net return was highest for the entirely grass-based system (US$742.15 cow–1). Higher winter wheat yields for soybean–wheat–grass resulted in 7% more income from feed sales ($1027) than spring wheat. Soybean followed by wheat reduced soil nutrient accumulation by 0.8 kg ha–1 year–1 for phosphorus runoff and leachate losses and for potassium accumulation (–17%); there was also a 4% reduction in water footprint (kg kg–1 fat- and protein-corrected milk). Growing winter wheat provides long-term environmental and economic benefits, although for spring wheat, much of this benefit is lost. Use of maize silage in place of grass, winter or spring wheat, or soybean was less profitable. Most cropping system scenarios were less economically favourable than producing and feeding exclusively grass silage. However, inclusion of soybean increased economic benefits.
Multifractal analysis of soil hydraulic properties in arid areas
Authors: Pahlevan N. , Yazdani M. R. , Zolfaghari A. A. , Ghodrati M.
Published: September 2016

Physical and hydraulic properties of soil are variable at different spatial scales. This indicates the necessity of understanding spatial patterns of soil properties. Scaling analysis, such as multifractal analysis, has been used to determine the spatial variability of soil properties. There are however limited numbers of studies concerning the applications of multifractal techniques applied to characterise spatial variability of soil properties in arid lands. The objective of this study was to quantify the scaling patterns of soil properties measured across a transect and to apply multifractal analysis in arid land areas. A transect with a length of 4.80km was selected, and soil properties were measured at 0–20cm depth every 145m along the transect. The soil properties analysed were: texture (sand, silt, clay), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), bulk density (BD), soil hydraulic properties (saturated hydraulic conductivity Ks and the van Genuchten soil water-retention equation’s parameters nv and αv), saturated water content (θs), and the slope of the soil water-retention curve at its inflection point (S). Results showed that the variability of pH and BD was characterised by quasi-monofractal behaviour. Results showed that soil hydraulic properties such as Ks, αn, nv, S, and θs were characterised by higher multifractal indices in the transects. EC showed the highest tendency to a multifractal type of scaling or the higher degree of multifractality.
Redox Dysregulation in Schizophrenia Revealed by in vivo NAD+/NADH Measurement
Authors: Kim Sang-Young , Cohen Bruce M. , Chen Xi , Lukas Scott E. , Shinn Ann K. , Yuksel A. Cagri , Li Tao , Du Fei , Öngür Dost
Published: September 2016

Balance between the redox pair of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides (oxidized NAD+ and reduced NADH), reflects the oxidative state of cells and the ability of biological systems to carry out energy production. A growing body of evidence suggests that an “immuno-oxidative” pathway including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and cell-mediated immune response may contribute to disruptions in brain activity in schizophrenia (SZ). The aim of this study is to assess possible redox imbalance in SZ patients by using a novel in vivo 31P MRS technique. The participants included 40 healthy controls, 21 chronic SZ, 13 first-episode (FE) SZ, and 18 FE bipolar disorder (BD) patients (as a psychiatric control group). All participants initially underwent structural imaging at a 3 Tesla (3 T) and 31P MRS measurements were performed on a 4 T MR scanner. NAD+ and NADH components were determined by nonlinear least-square fitting of the model simulated spectra; these incorporated prior chemical shift and coupling constant information to in vivo resonances obtained from 31P MRS experiments. We found a significant reduction in the NAD+/NADH ratio in chronically ill SZ patients compared to a matched healthy control group, and in FE SZ patients compared to both a matched FE BD patient group and a matched healthy control group. These findings provide evidence for redox imbalance in the brain in all phases of SZ, potentially reflecting oxidative stress.
Work-family balance
Authors: Adisa Toyin Ajibade , Gbadamosi Gbolahan , Osabutey Ellis L.C.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Given the reality that working mothers experience difficulties in achieving work-family balance because of the social restrictions that arise from parenting combined with career goals, this paper aims to explore the various coping strategies that are used by working mothers in the cities of London (Great Britain) and Lagos (Nigeria).

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 72 mothers who worked in banks in London (Great Britain) and Lagos (Nigeria). Thematic analysis and investigator triangulation are used.

Findings

The findings reveal various coping strategies used by working mothers in the cities of Lagos and London. The paper also unearths the efficiency and the shortcomings of the use of au pairs among British working mothers and the similarities and disparities in terms of such use compared to the traditional use of housekeepers in Nigeria.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the existing work–family balance literature by exploring the coping strategies of working mothers because of sociocultural and institutional differences in Great Britain and Nigeria.
The ultimate leadership challenge: a unique corporate theory of value-creating growth
Authors: Osiyevskyy Oleksiy
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The article identifies the need for an approach beyond merely maintaining competitive advantage. In the eyes of analysts, maintaining the profitable status quo is not an option for creating shareholder value.

Design/methodology/approach

This masterclass develops the thesis that a strategist needs a corporate theory of value creation, something that provides ongoing guidance to the selection of positions and a vast array of strategic actions.

Findings

Even those who take a dim view of maximizing shareholder value would likely agree that from an enlightened stakeholder perspective management must find new, unexpected ways to grow the firm to be viable in the long term.”

Practical implications

A well-developed corporate theory enables fruitful thought experiments such as, “If my theory accurately describes my world, then when I select this strategic choice, the following will occur.””

Originality/value

The corporate theory of value structures the logic practitioners can use, repeatedly and consistently, to assess an enormous array of possible combinations of resources and activities. The logic enables strategists to define what is special about the options that are likely to create value.
Agile’s ten implementation challenges
Authors: Denning Stephen
Published: September 2016

Purpose

By learning how to overcome implementation challenges, the Agile methodology can enable organizations to cope with the 21st Century marketplace and deliver what customers expect and demand: easy, quick, convenient, personalized responsiveness at scale.”

Design/methodology/approach

The 10 major implementation challenges are addressed.

Findings

Agile offers a methodology that can improve the chances of building a new product or service that people will actually buy, use and like.

Practical implications

A key Agile principle – doing work in small iterative cycles with customer feedback at the end of each cycle – is a transformative idea.

Originality/value

The author has recently made on-site visits to leading corporations that have adopted Agile. The “Agile” managers he met recognize that the future of their firm depends on inspiring those doing the work to accelerate innovation and add genuine value to customer, that enhancing that capacity depends on giving autonomy to self-organizing teams within broad parameters of control.
Peripheral nerve injury induces adult brain neurogenesis and remodelling
Authors: Rusanescu Gabriel , Mao Jianren
Published: September 2016

Unilateral peripheral nerve chronic constriction injury (CCI) has been widely used as a research model of human neuropathic pain. Recently, CCI has been shown to induce spinal cord adult neurogenesis, which may contribute to the chronic increase in nociceptive sensitivity. Here, we show that CCI also induces rapid and profound asymmetrical anatomical rearrangements in the adult rodent cerebellum and pons. This remodelling occurs throughout the hindbrain, and in addition to regions involved in pain processing, also affects other sensory modalities. We demonstrate that these anatomical changes, partially reversible in the long term, result from adult neurogenesis. Neurogenic markers Mash1, Ngn2, doublecortin and Notch3 are widely expressed in the rodent cerebellum and pons, both under normal and injured conditions. CCI‐induced hindbrain structural plasticity is absent in Notch3 knockout mice, a strain with impaired neuronal differentiation, demonstrating its dependence on adult neurogenesis. Grey matter and white matter structural changes in human brain, as a result of pain, injury or learned behaviours have been previously detected using non‐invasive neuroimaging techniques. Because neurogenesis‐mediated structural plasticity is thought to be restricted to the hippocampus and the subventricular zone, such anatomical rearrangements in other parts of the brain have been thought to result from neuronal plasticity or glial hypertrophy. Our findings suggest the presence of extensive neurogenesis‐based structural plasticity in the adult mammalian brain, which may maintain a memory of basal sensory levels, and act as an adaptive mechanism to changes in sensory inputs.
Analysis of resistance‐associated substitutions in acute hepatitis C virus infection by deep sequencing across six genotypes and three continents
Authors: Eltahla A. A. , Rodrigo C. , Betz‐Stablein B. , Grebely J. , Applegate T. , Luciani F. , Schinkel J. , Dore G. J. , Page K. , Bruneau J. , Morris M. D. , Cox A. L. , Kim A. Y. , Shoukry N. H. , Lauer G. M. , Maher L. , Hellard M. , Prins M. , Lloyd A. R. , Bull R. A. ,   the InC3 Study Group
Published: September 2016

Several direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) have been approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, opening the door to highly effective interferon‐free treatment regimens. Resistance‐associated substitutions (RASs) have been reported both in treatment‐naïve patients and following treatment with protease (NS3), phosphoprotein (NS5A) and polymerase (NS5B) inhibitors. The prevalence of naturally occurring RASs in untreated HCV‐infected individuals has mostly been analysed in those infected with genotype 1 (GT1), in the late phase of infection, and only within limited regions of the genome. Furthermore, the geographic distribution of RASs remains poorly characterized. In this study, we used next‐generation sequencing to analyse full‐length HCV genomes for the prevalence of RASs in acute HCV infections identified in nine international prospective cohorts. RASs were analysed in 179 participants infected with all six major HCV genotypes (GT1‐GT6), and the geographic distribution of RASs was assessed in 107 GT1a and GT3a samples. While RASs were detected at varied frequencies across the three genomic regions, and between genotypes, RASs relevant to multiple DAAs in the leading IFN‐free regimens were rarely detected in combination. Low‐frequency RASs (<10% of the viral population) were also shown to have a GT‐specific distribution. The main RASs with geographic associations were NS3 Q80K in GT1a samples and NS5B N142T in GT3a. These data provide the backdrop for prospective surveillance of RASs during DAA treatment scale‐up.
Nondestructive classification of mung bean seeds by single kernel near-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Phuangsombut Kaewkarn , Suttiwijitpukdee Nattaporn , Terdwongworakul Anupun
Published: September 2016

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in the range 900–1700 nm was performed to develop a classifying model for dead seeds of mung bean using single kernel measurements. The use of the combination of transmission-absorption spectra and reflection-absorption spectra was determined to yield a better classification performance (87.88%) than the use of only transmission-absorption spectra (81.31%). The effect of the orientation of the mung bean with respect to the light source on its absorbance was investigated. The results showed that hilum-down orientation exhibited the highest absorbance compared to the hilum-up and hilum-parallel-to-ground orientations. We subsequently examined the spectral information related to the seed orientation by developing a classifying model for seed orientation. The wavelengths associated with classification based on seed orientation were obtained. Finally, we determined that the re-developed classifying model excluding the wavelengths related to the seed orientation afforded better accuracy (89.39%) than that using the entire wavelength range (87.88%).
Efficient respondents selection for biased survey using homophily-high social relation graph
Authors: Kim Donghyun , Zhong Jiaofei , Lee Minhyuk , Li Deying , Li Yingshu , Tokuta Alade O.
Published: September 2016

Online social relationships which can be extracted from various online resources such as online social networks are getting much attention from the research communities since they are rich resources to learn about the members of our society as well as the relationships among them. With the advances of Internet related technologies, online surveys are established as an essential tool for a wide range of applications. One significant issue of online survey is how to select a quality respondent group so that the survey result is reliable. This paper studies the use of pairwise online social relationships among the members of a society to form a biased survey respondent group, which might be useful for various applications. We first introduce a way to construct a homophily-high social relation graph. Then, we introduce the minimum inverse k-core dominating set problem (MIkCDSP), which aims to compute a biased respondent group using the homophily-high social relation graph. We show the problem is NP-hard and most importantly propose a greedy approximation for it. Our simulation based on a real social network shows the proposed algorithm is very effective.
Coding theory on Lucas p numbers
Authors: Prasad Bandhu
Published: September 2016

In [K. Kuhapatanakul, The Lucas [Formula: see text]-matrix, Internat. J. Math. Ed. Sci. Tech. (2015), http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0020739X.2015.1026612], Kuhapatanakul introduced Lucas [Formula: see text] matrix, [Formula: see text] whose elements are Lucas [Formula: see text] numbers. In this paper, we developed a new coding and decoding method followed from Lucas [Formula: see text] matrix, [Formula: see text]. We established the relations among the code matrix elements, error detection and correction for this coding theory. Correction ability of this method is [Formula: see text]% for [Formula: see text] and for [Formula: see text], the correction ability is [Formula: see text]%. In general, correction ability of this method increases as [Formula: see text] increases.
CYLD Promotes TNF-α-Induced Cell Necrosis Mediated by RIP-1 in Human Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Lin Xing , Chen Qianshun , Huang Chen , Xu Xunyu
Published: September 2016

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Cylindromatosis (CYLD) is a deubiquitination enzyme and contributes to the degradation of ubiquitin chains on RIP1. The aim of the present study is to investigate the levels of CYLD in lung cancer patients and explore the molecular mechanism of CYLD in the lung cancer pathogenesis. The levels of CYLD were detected in human lung cancer tissues and the paired paracarcinoma tissues by real-time PCR and western blotting analysis. The proliferation of human lung cancer cells was determined by MTT assay. Cell apoptosis and necrosis were determined by FACS assay. The results demonstrated that low levels of CYLD were detected in clinical lung carcinoma specimens. Three pairs of siRNA were used to knock down the endogenous CYLD in lung cancer cells. Knockdown of CYLD promoted cell proliferation of lung cancer cells. Otherwise overexpression of CYLD induced TNF-α-induced cell death in A549 cells and H460 cells. Moreover, CYLD-overexpressed lung cancer cells were treated with 10 μM of z-VAD-fmk for 12 hours and the result revealed that TNF-α-induced cell necrosis was significantly enhanced. Additionally, TNF-α-induced cell necrosis in CYLD-overexpressed H460 cells was mediated by receptor-interacting protein 1 (RIP-1) kinase. Our findings suggested that CYLD was a potential target for the therapy of human lung cancers.
Effects of a Single Session of High Intensity Interval Treadmill Training on Corticomotor Excitability following Stroke: Implications for Therapy
Authors: Madhavan Sangeetha , Stinear James W. , Kanekar Neeta
Published: September 2016

Objective. High intensity interval treadmill training (HIITT) has been gaining popularity for gait rehabilitation after stroke. In this study, we examined the changes in excitability of the lower limb motor cortical representation (M1) in chronic stroke survivors following a single session of HIITT. We also determined whether exercise-induced changes in excitability could be modulated by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) enhanced with a paretic ankle skill acquisition task.Methods. Eleven individuals with chronic stroke participated in two 40-minute treadmill-training sessions: HIITT alone and HITT preceded by anodal tDCS enhanced with a skill acquisition task (e-tDCS+HIITT). Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to assess corticomotor excitability of paretic and nonparetic tibialis anterior (TA) muscles.Results. HIIT alone reduced paretic TA M1 excitability in 7 of 11 participants by ≥ 10%. e-tDCS+HIITT increased paretic TA M1 excitability and decreased nonparetic TA M1 excitability.Conclusions. HIITT suppresses corticomotor excitability in some people with chronic stroke. When HIITT is preceded by tDCS in combination with a skill acquisition task, the asymmetry of between-hemisphere corticomotor excitability is reduced.Significance. This study provides preliminary data indicating that the cardiovascular benefits of HIITT may be achieved without suppressing motor excitability in some stroke survivors.
Sparse Parallel MRI Based on Accelerated Operator Splitting Schemes
Authors: Cai Nian , Xie Weisi , Su Zhenghang , Wang Shanshan , Liang Dong
Published: September 2016

Recently, the sparsity which is implicit in MR images has been successfully exploited for fast MR imaging with incomplete acquisitions. In this paper, two novel algorithms are proposed to solve the sparse parallel MR imaging problem, which consists ofl1regularization and fidelity terms. The two algorithms combine forward-backward operator splitting and Barzilai-Borwein schemes. Theoretically, the presented algorithms overcome the nondifferentiable property inl1regularization term. Meanwhile, they are able to treat a general matrix operator that may not be diagonalized by fast Fourier transform and to ensure that a well-conditioned optimization system of equations is simply solved. In addition, we build connections between the proposed algorithms and the state-of-the-art existing methods and prove their convergence with a constant stepsize in Appendix. Numerical results and comparisons with the advanced methods demonstrate the efficiency of proposed algorithms.
Knowledge and Self-Reported Practice of Insulin Injection Device Disposal among Diabetes Patients in Gondar Town, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Basazn Mekuria Abebe , Melaku Gebresillassie Begashaw , Asfaw Erku Daniel , Taye Haile Kaleab , Melese Birru Eshetie
Published: September 2016

Background.Incorrect sharp disposal practices may expose the public to needle-stick injuries. The present study aimed at assessing the knowledge and practice of diabetic patients towards insulin injection device disposal in Gondar town, Ethiopia.Methods.A cross-sectional study was employed on insulin requiring diabetes patients who visited the diabetes clinic at Gondar University Referral Hospital (GURH) from February 1 to March 28, 2016. Frequencies, percentages, and ANOVA (analysis of variance) and Student’st-test were used to analyze variables.Results.About half of the participants (49.5%) had poor knowledge towards safe insulin injection waste disposal. More than two-thirds (80.7%) of respondents had poor practice and 64.3% of respondents did not put insulin needle and lancets into the household garbage. 31% of respondents threw sharps on street when they travel outside. Respondents living in urban areas had a higher mean of knowledge and practice score than those who live in rural area.Conclusions.This study revealed that knowledge and practice of diabetic patients were low towards safe insulin injection waste disposal in study area. Healthcare providers should also be aware of safe disposing system and counsel patients on appropriate disposal of used syringes.
Multiobjective Image Color Quantization Algorithm Based on Self-Adaptive Hybrid Differential Evolution
Authors: Hu Zhongbo , Su Qinghua , Xia Xuewen
Published: September 2016

In recent years, some researchers considered image color quantization as a single-objective problem and applied heuristic algorithms to solve it. This paper establishes a multiobjective image color quantization model with intracluster distance and intercluster separation as its objectives. Inspired by a multipopulation idea, a multiobjective image color quantization algorithm based on self-adaptive hybrid differential evolution (MoDE-CIQ) is then proposed to solve this model. Two numerical experiments on four common test images are conducted to analyze the effectiveness and competitiveness of the multiobjective model and the proposed algorithm.
Effect of Oral Coadministration of Ascorbic Acid with Ling Zhi Preparation on Pharmacokinetics of Ganoderic Acid A in Healthy Male Subjects: A Randomized Crossover Study
Authors: Tawasri Patcharanee , Ampasavate Chadarat , Tharatha Somsak , Chiranthanut Natthakarn , Teekachunhatean Supanimit
Published: September 2016

The objective of this randomized, open-label, single-dose, two-phase crossover study was to determine the effect of ascorbic acid on pharmacokinetics of ganoderic acid A, an important biologically active triterpenoid compound with anticancer activities, following oral administration of water extract of fruiting bodies of Ling Zhi in 12 healthy male subjects. Each subject was randomized to receive either one of the two regimens: (1) a single dose of 3,000 mg of the Ling Zhi preparation or (2) a single dose of 3,000 mg of the Ling Zhi preparation in combination with 2,500 mg of ascorbic acid. After a washout period of at least two weeks, subjects were switched to receive the alternate regimen. Blood samples were collected in each phase immediately before dosing and at specific time points for 8 hours after dosing. Plasma ganoderic acid A concentrations were quantified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The pharmacokinetic parameters analyzed were maximal plasma concentration (Cmax), time to reach peak concentration (Tmax), area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC), and half-life (t1/2). An oral coadministration of ascorbic acid with Ling Zhi preparation did not significantly alter the pharmacokinetic parameters of ganoderic acid A in healthy male subjects.
Two-Layer Tight Frame Sparsifying Model for Compressed Sensing Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Liu Jianbo , Peng Xi , Dong Pei , Liu Qiegen , Liang Dong
Published: September 2016

Compressed sensing magnetic resonance imaging (CSMRI) employs image sparsity to reconstruct MR images from incoherently undersampledK-space data. Existing CSMRI approaches have exploited analysis transform, synthesis dictionary, and their variants to trigger image sparsity. Nevertheless, the accuracy, efficiency, or acceleration rate of existing CSMRI methods can still be improved due to either lack of adaptability, high complexity of the training, or insufficient sparsity promotion. To properly balance the three factors, this paper proposes a two-layer tight frame sparsifying (TRIMS) model for CSMRI by sparsifying the image with a product of a fixed tight frame and an adaptively learned tight frame. The two-layer sparsifying and adaptive learning nature of TRIMS has enabled accurate MR reconstruction from highly undersampled data with efficiency. To solve the reconstruction problem, a three-level Bregman numerical algorithm is developed. The proposed approach has been compared to three state-of-the-art methods over scanned physical phantom and in vivo MR datasets and encouraging performances have been achieved.
Numerical Simulation of the Heat Transfer Behavior of a Zigzag Plate Containing a Phase Change Material for Combustion Heat Recovery and Power Generation
Authors: Wang Peilun , Song Pengxiang , Huang Yun , Peng Zhijian , Ding Yulong
Published: September 2016

This study presents a numerical analysis of the melting process of phase change materials (PCMs) within a latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) system employing zigzag plate. The numerical model used NaCl-MgCl2 mixture as PCMs and hot air as heat transfer fluid (HTF). An experimental system was built to validate the model, and the experimental data agrees reasonably well with the simulation results. The simulation results revealed the effects of the Reynolds and Stefan numbers and the surface topography of the zigzag plate on the charging process. Besides, the effect of the relationship between Reynolds and Stefan numbers on the charging process under a new boundary condition employing a fixed input power was studied. It is found that by modifying the shape of the zigzag plate surface it is feasible to enhance the heat transfer of the LHTES unit remarkably. The melting rate of PCMs increases with the value of Ste or Re numbers with only one of them changing; however, the melting rate of PCMs decreases with the increasing Ste (or decreasing Re) in a fixed input power condition.
Statistical Properties of SNR for Compressed Measurements
Authors: Gao Yulong , Chen Yanping , Su Linxiao
Published: September 2016

Some basic statistical properties of the compressed measurements are investigated. It is well known that the statistical properties are a foundation for analyzing the performance of signal detection and the applications of compressed sensing in communication signal processing. Firstly, we discuss the statistical properties of the compressed signal, the compressed noise, and their corresponding energy. And then, the statistical characteristics of SNR of the compressed measurements are calculated, including the mean and the variance. Finally, probability density function and cumulative distribution function of SNR are derived for the cases of the Gamma distribution and the Gaussian distribution. Numerical simulation results demonstrate the correctness of the theoretical analysis.
On-Site Surface Functionalization for Titanium Dental Implant with Nanotopography: Review and Outlook
Authors: Kim Byung Gyu , Seo Seog-Jin , Lee Jung-Hwan , Kim Hae-Won
Published: September 2016

Titanium (Ti) has been the first choice of material for dental implant due to bonding ability to natural bone and great biocompatibility. Various types of surface roughness modification in nanoscale have been made as promising strategy for accelerating osseointegration of Ti dental implant. To have synergetic effect with nanotopography oriented favors in cell attachment, on-site surface functionalization with reproducibility of nanotopography is introduced as next strategy to further enhance cellular bioactivity. Extensive research has been conducted to investigate the potential of nanotopography preserved on-site surface functionalization for Ti dental implant. This review will discuss nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma, ultraviolet, and low level of laser therapy on Ti dental implant with nanotopography as next generation of surface functionalization due to its abilities to induce superhydrophilicity or biofunctionality without change of nanotopography.
Black Currant (Ribes nigrumL.) and Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillusL.) Fruit Juices Inhibit Adhesion ofAsaiaspp.
Authors: Antolak Hubert , Czyzowska Agata , Kregiel Dorota
Published: September 2016

The aim of the study was to evaluate the activity of high-polyphenolic black currant (Ribes nigrumL.) and bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillusL.) juices against bacterial strainsAsaia lannensisandAsaia bogorensisisolated as spoilage of commercial soft drinks. The composition of fruit juices was evaluated using chromatographic techniques HPLC and LC-MS. The adhesion to glass, polystyrene, and polyethylene terephthalate in two different culture media was evaluated by luminometry and the plate count method. The major anthocyanins in theV. myrtilluswere petunidin-3-glucoside, malvidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, and delphinidin-3-glucoside, while inR. nigrumdelphinidin-3-rutinoside and cyanidin-3-rutinoside were detected. The LC-MS analysis showed presence of anthocyanins (delphinidin, cyanidin, petunidin, and malvidin derivatives), phenolic acids (chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acids), flavonols (quercetin-3-glucoside, quercetin-3-rutinoside), and flavanols (procyanidin B2 and procyanidin type A2). Additionally, in the bilberry juice A type procyanidin trimer was detected. The adhesion ofAsaiaspp. cells depended on the type of medium, carbon sources, and the type of abiotic surfaces. We noted that the adhesion was significantly stronger in minimal medium containing sucrose. The addition of bilberry and black currant juices notably reduced bacterial growth as well as cell adhesion to polyethylene terephthalate surfaces.
Microstructural and Surface Texture Analysis due to Machining in Super Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Alabdullah Mohanad , Polishetty A. , Littlefair G.
Published: September 2016

Inferior surface quality is a significant problem faced by machinist. The purpose of this study is to present a surface texture analysis undertaken as part of machinability assessment of Super Austenitic Stainless Steel alloy-AL6XN. The surface texture analysis includes measuring the surface roughness and investigating the microstructural behaviour of the machined surfaces. Eight milling trials were conducted using combination of cutting parameters under wet machining. An optical profilometer (noncontact) was used to evaluate the surface texture at three positions. The surface texture was represented using the parameter, average surface roughness. Scanning Electron Microscope was utilised to inspect the machined surface microstructure and correlate the microstructure with the surface roughness. Results showed that maximum roughness values recorded at the three positions in the longitudinal direction (perpendicular to the machining grooves) were 1.21 μm (trial 1), 1.63 μm (trial 6), and 1.68 μm (trial 7), respectively, whereas the roughness values were greatly reduced in the lateral direction. Also, results showed that the feed rate parameter significantly influences the roughness values compared to the other cutting parameters. The microstructure of the machined surfaces was distorted by the existence of cracks, deformed edges, and bands and wear deposition due to machining process.
Laparoscopic Resection of Pancreatic Tail Solid Pseudopapillary Tumour in a Young Male
Authors: Kanchana W. G. P. , Shaminda R. A. A. , Galketiya K. B. , Pinto V. , Walisinghe D. , Wijetunge S. , Heendeniya R.
Published: September 2016

Background. Solid Pseudopapillary Tumours of the pancreas are a rare entity and more commonly seen in women than in men. These tumours have typically reached large sizes when clinically detected.Case Description. A 21-year-old male was found to have a left hypochondrial mass on physical examination following a trivial soft tissue injury. Contrast-enhanced computed topography (CT) of the abdomen showed a 10.3 × 7.6 × 10.3 cm size arising from the body and the tail of the pancreas. He underwent laparoscopic resection of distal pancreatic tumour en bloc with spleen. Large tumour was noted originating from the body and tail of the pancreas with dilated veins surrounding the tumour. Histology revealed a clear cell variant of solid pseudopapillary neoplasm with steatotic pattern. Resection margin was free of tumour.Discussion. Several studies have shown significant short term advantages using laparoscopic approach compared to open surgery, in terms of lower blood loss, resumption of oral intake, and hospital stay. This case and few other case reports published in world literature have shown that laparoscopic approach is safe and oncologically adequate.
Combined Similarity to Reference Image with Joint Sparsifying Transform for Longitudinal Compressive Sensing MRI
Authors: Kang Ruirui , Qu Gangrong , Cao Bin , Yan Long
Published: September 2016

It is challenging to save acquisition time and reconstruct a medical magnetic resonance (MR) image with important details and features from its compressive measurements. In this paper, a novel method is proposed for longitudinal compressive sensing (LCS) MR imaging (MRI), where the similarity between reference and acquired image is combined with joint sparsifying transform. Furthermore, the joint sparsifying transform with the wavelet and the Contourlet can efficiently represent both isotropic and anisotropic features and the objective function is solved by extended smooth-based monotone version of the fast iterative shrinkage thresholding algorithm (SFISTA). The experiment results demonstrate that the existing regularization model obtains better performance with less acquisition time and recovers both edges and fine details of MR images, much better than the existing regularization model based on the similarity and the wavelet transform for LCS-MRI.
The Role of Soya Oil Ester in Water-Based PCM for Low Temperature Cool Energy Storage
Authors: Rasta I. M. , Wardana I. N. G. , Hamidi N. , Sasongko M. N.
Published: September 2016

This study focuses on the preparation of the water-based phase change material (PCM) with very small soya oil solution for low temperature latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES). Soya oil ester is soluble very well in water and acts as nucleating agent for a novel solid-liquid PCM candidate that is suitable for low temperature cool storage in the range between −9°C and −6°C. Thermal energy storage properties of the water with very small soya oil ester solution were measured by T-history method. The experimental results show that very small amount of soya oil ester in water can lower the freezing point and trigger ice nucleation for elimination of the supercooling degree. The phase transition temperatures of the water-based PCMs with soya oil as nucleate agent were lower than those of individual water. The thermal properties make it potential PCM for LHTES systems used in low temperature cool energy storage applications.
The Chronic Pain Myth Scale: Development and Validation of a French-Canadian Instrument Measuring Knowledge, Beliefs, and Attitudes of People in the Community towards Chronic Pain
Authors: Lacasse Anaïs , Connelly Judy-Ann , Choinière Manon
Published: September 2016

Background. In order to better design awareness programs on chronic pain (CP), measurement of knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes of people in the community towards this condition is most useful.Objectives. To develop and validate a French-Canadian scale that could be used for this purpose.Methods. Items of the Chronic Pain Myth Scale (CPMS) were developed based on different information sources, reviewed by pain experts, and pretested. The CPMS was administered to 1555 participants among the general Quebec population.Results. The final CPMS contained 26 items allowing the calculation of three subscales scores (knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes towards people suffering from CP, biopsychosocial impacts of CP, and treatment of CP) which showed adequate internal consistency (α= 0.72–0.82). There were statistically significant differences in subscales scores between participants who reported suffering versus not suffering from CP, reported knowing versus not knowing someone who suffers from CP, and reported being versus not being a healthcare professional, which supports the construct validity of the scale.Conclusions. Our results provide preliminary evidence supporting the psychometric qualities of the use of the CPMS for the measurement of knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes towards CP among French-speaking individuals of the Quebec general population.
Strategic Deconfliction of 4D Trajectory and Perturbation Analysis for Air Traffic Control and Automation System
Authors: Tang Xinmin , Zhang Yu , Chen Ping , Li Bo , Han Songchen
Published: September 2016

Strategic 4D trajectory conflict-free planning is recognized as one of the core technologies of next-generation air traffic control and automation systems. To resolve potential conflicts during strategic 4D conflict-free trajectory planning, a protection-zone conflict-control model based on air traffic control separation constraints was proposed, in which relationships between expected arrival time and adjusted arrival time at conflicting waypoints for aircraft queues were built and transformed into dynamic linear equations under the definition of max-plus algebra. A method for strategic deconfliction of 4D trajectory was then proposed using two strategies: arrival time adjustment and departure time adjustment. In addition, departure time and flight duration perturbations were introduced to analyze the sensitivity of the planned strategic conflict-free 4D trajectories, and a robustness index for the conflict-free 4D trajectories was calculated. Finally, the proposed method was tested for the Shanghai air traffic control terminal area. The outcomes demonstrated that the planned strategic conflict-free 4D trajectories could avoid potential conflicts, and the slack time could be used to indicate their robustness. Complexity analysis demonstrated that deconfliction using max-plus algebra is more suitable for deconfliction of 4D trajectory with random sampling period in fix air route.
A Novel Three-Dimensional Beamforming Antenna Array for Wireless Power Focusing
Authors: Safar Mohammad A. , Al-Zayed Ayman S.
Published: September 2016

An antenna array capable of focusing the power transmitted to a specified point in space is modeled and simulated. This array will serve best for wireless power transmission applications where one of the goals is to maximize the power transfer efficiency. The array consists of 100 dipole antennas with each antenna transmitting a sum of 50 signals where each signal has a different frequency. This difference in frequency gives an additional degree of freedom that allows the overall beam pattern to be focused to a point in space instead of just a direction. The same array structure is also capable of transmitting power to multiple points in space which is promising when it comes to powering multiple points of interest.
Experimental Field Tests and Finite Element Analyses for Rock Cracking Using the Expansion of Vermiculite Materials
Authors: Ahn Chi-hyung , Hu Jong Wan
Published: September 2016

In the previous research, laboratory tests were performed in order to measure the expansion of vermiculite upon heating and to convert it into expansion pressure. Based on these test results, this study mainly focuses on experimental field tests conducted to verify that expansion pressure obtained by heating vermiculite materials is enough to break massive and hard granite rock with an intention to excavate the tunnel. Hexahedral granite specimens with a circular hole perforated in the center were constructed for the experimental tests. The circular holes were filled with vermiculite plus thermal conduction and then heated using the cartridge heater. As a result, all of hexahedral granite specimens had cracks in the surface after 700-second thermal heating and were finally spilt into two pieces completely. The specimen of larger size only requires more heating time and expansion pressure. The material properties of granite rocks, which were obtained from the experimental tests, were utilized to produce finite element models used for numerical analyses. The analysis results show good agreement with the experimental results in terms of initial cracking, propagation direction, and expansion pressure.
Fault Diagnosis for Engine Based on Single-Stage Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Gao Fei , Lv Jiangang
Published: September 2016

Single-Stage Extreme Learning Machine (SS-ELM) is presented to dispose of the mechanical fault diagnosis in this paper. Based on it, the traditional mapping type of extreme learning machine (ELM) has been changed and the eigenvectors extracted from signal processing methods are directly regarded as outputs of the network’s hidden layer. Then the uncertainty that training data transformed from the input space to the ELM feature space with the ELM mapping and problem of the selection of the hidden nodes are avoided effectively. The experiment results of diesel engine fault diagnosis show good performance of the SS-ELM algorithm.
Development of a Decision Making Algorithm for Traffic Jams Reduction Applied to Intelligent Transportation Systems
Authors: Gómez David , Martínez José-Fernán , Sendra Juana , Rubio Gregorio
Published: September 2016

This paper is aimed at developing a decision making algorithm for traffic jams reduction that can be applied to Intelligent Transportation Systems. To do so, these algorithms must address two main challenges that arise in this context. On one hand, there are uncertainties in the data received from sensor networks produced by incomplete information or because the information loses some of the precision during information processing and display. On the other hand, there is the variability of the context in which these types of systems are operating. More specifically, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) algorithm has been adapted to ITS, taking into account the mentioned challenges. After explaining the proposed decision making method, it is validated in a specific scenario: a smart traffic management system.
Functional Roles of NOD1 in Odontoblasts on Dental Pulp Innate Immunity
Authors: Hosokawa Yuki , Hirao Kouji , Yumoto Hiromichi , Washio Ayako , Nakanishi Tadashi , Takegawa Daisuke , Kitamura Chiaki , Matsuo Takashi
Published: September 2016

Caries-related pathogens are first recognized by odontoblasts and induce inflammatory events that develop to pulpitis. Generally, initial sensing of microbial pathogens is mediated by pattern recognition receptors, such as Toll-like receptor and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD); however, little is known about NODs in odontoblasts. In this study, the levels of NODs expressed in rat odontoblastic cell line, KN-3, were assessed by flow cytometry and the levels of chemokines in NOD-specific ligand-stimulated KN-3 cells were analyzed by real-time PCR and ELISA. The signal transduction pathway activated with NOD-specific ligand was assessed by blocking assay with specific inhibitors and reporter assay. In KN-3 cells, the expression level of NOD1 was stronger than that of NOD2 and the production of chemokines, such as CINC-1, CINC-2, CCL20, and MCP-1, was upregulated by stimulation with NOD1-specific ligand, but not with NOD2-specific ligand. CINC-2 and CCL20 production by stimulation with NOD1-specific ligand was reduced by p38 MAPK and AP-1 signaling inhibitors. Furthermore, the reporter assay demonstrated AP-1 activation in NOD1-specific ligand-stimulated KN-3 cells. These findings indicated that NOD1 expressed in odontoblasts functions to upregulate the chemokines expression via p38-AP-1 signaling pathway and suggested that NOD1 may play important roles in the initiation and progression of pulpitis.
Left Internal Mammary Artery Versus Coronary Stents: Impact on Downstream Coronary Stenoses and Conduit Patency
Authors: Zhang Ming , Guddeti Raviteja R. , Matsuzawa Yasushi , Sara Jaskanwal D.S. , Kwon Taek‐Geun , Liu Zhi , Sun Tao , Lee Seung‐Jin , Lennon Ryan J. , Bell Malcolm R. , Schaff Hartzell V. , Daly Richard C. , Lerman Lilach O. , Lerman Amir , Locker Chaim
Published: September 2016

Background

The study compared downstream coronary and conduit disease progression in the left anterior descending coronary artery treated with coronary artery bypass grafting using the left internal mammary artery (
LIMA
) versus percutaneous coronary intervention with bare metal stent (
BMS
) or drug eluting stent (
DES
).

Methods and Results

A total of 12 301 consecutive patients underwent isolated primary coronary revascularization, of which 2386 met our inclusion criteria (Percutaneous coronary intervention, n=1450; coronary artery bypass grafting, n=936). Propensity score analysis matched 628 patients, of which 468 were treated to the left anterior descending with coronary artery bypass grafting with
LIMA
(n=314), percutaneous coronary intervention with
BMS
(n=94), and
DES
(n=60). Coronary angiograms were analyzed by quantitative coronary angiography (
QCA
; n=433). Cumulative downstream coronary and conduit disease progression were estimated by Kaplan–Meier method and effect of treatment type by Cox proportional hazard models. Patients treated with
LIMA
had significantly lower risk of downstream coronary disease progression at follow‐up angiogram compared with
BMS
and
DES
(hazard ratio [
HR
] [95%
CI
], 0.34; [0.20–0.59];
P
=0.0002; and
HR
[95%
CI
], 0.39; [0.20–0.79];
P
=0.01, respectively).
LIMA
was associated with a lower risk of conduit disease progression compared to
BMS
and
DES
(
HR
[95%
CI
], 0.18; [0.12–0.28];
P
<0.001; and
HR
[95%
CI
], 0.27; [0.16–0.46];
P
<0.001, respectively).
BMS
was associated with higher
HR
for downstream coronary and conduit disease progression compared with
DES
, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (
HR
[95% CI], 1.13; [0.57–2.36];
P
=0.73; and
HR
[95%
CI
], 1.46; [0.88–2.50];
P
=0.14, respectively).

Conclusions

LIMA
grafting to left anterior descending is associated with significantly lower risk of downstream coronary and conduit disease progression compared to percutaneous coronary intervention with
BMS
and
DES
.
Aktualitások a primer myelofibrosis ellátásában
Authors: Simon Zsófia , Marton Imelda , Borbényi Zita , Illés Árpád
Published: September 2016

Primary myelofibrosis is one of the Philadelphia negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms. It is a rare disease featured by cytopenias and hepatosplenomegaly. Although the etiology of the disease is still unknown, our knowledge about its pathology and prognosis has been improving in the last few years. Furthermore, the JAK2 inhibitor ruxolitinib has become available in Hungary since 2015. Beside its high efficacy in spleen volume and in reduction of myelofibrosis-associated symptoms, this novel therapy also exerts a disease-modifying effect and, therefore, ruxolitinib may improve the life expectancy too. Treatment approach of myelofibrosis has been changed these years, which gives a reason for this summary. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(39), 1547–1556.