bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Johnson Patricia
Published: May 2018

Studies in Media and Communication (SMC) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether SMC publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 6, Number 1 Antonio García Gómez, University of Alcalá de Henares, SpainAslı Sezgin, Osmaniye Korkut Ata University, TurkeyCamelia Cmeciu, Danubius University of Galati, RomaniaCarmen Pérez-Sabater, Universitat Politècnica de València, SpainChristos Giannoulis, University of the Aegean, GreeceDiego Santos Vieira de Jesus, International Relations, BrazilDorina Ticu, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, RomaniaJavier Serrano Puche, University of Navarra, SpainKaterina Diamantaki, Hellenic Open University, GreeceNdoma Brown, Cross River University of Technology, NigeriaNuran E. Isik, Izmir University of Economics, Turkey                                           Philemon Bantimaroudis, University of the Aegean, GreeceRefat Aljumily, Newcastle University, UKSheila Pontis, University of the Arts London, USASimone Tosoni, Catholic University of Milan, Italy          Patricia JohnsonEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Studies in Media and CommunicationRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://smc.redfame.com
Error-Correction Processing in Timing Lights for Measuring Sprint Performance: Does It Work?
Authors: Altmann Stefan , Ringhof Steffen , Becker Benedikt , Woll Alexander , Neumann Rainer
Published: May 2018

Purpose: To investigate if error-correction-processing (ECP) algorithms in timing lights are able to eliminate or reduce measurement errors (MEs) and false signals due to swinging arms or legs. Methods: First, a dummy was used to check if ECP generally works. Second, 15 male sport students performed sprints over 5 and 10 m. Timing lights with ECP and a high-speed camera as a gold standard were used to simultaneously capture the athletes when passing the timing lights at start, 5 m, and 10 m. MEs of the timing lights were calculated for hip and upper body. Results: The dummy condition revealed that ECP is able to eliminate MEs. In real sprint conditions, MEs were highest for timing light at start and when using the hip as a reference. Overall, out of 120 trials, only 4 false signals were not detected by ECP. They all occurred at the start timing light, with highest MEs being 0.263 s (hip) and 0.134 s (upper body). Regarding 5 and 10 m, all false signals were eliminated. Conclusions: As proven through video analyses, ECP eliminated almost all false signals. The largest MEs at the start timing light were associated with a distinct forward leaning of the athletes. Therefore, clear instructions concerning starting posture should be given to further improve measurement accuracy of the start timing light. This approach could also enhance comparisons between athletes. Nevertheless, based on the results, timing lights employing ECP can be recommended for measuring short sprints.
The Reliability of 4-Minute and 20-Minute Time Trials and Their Relationships to Functional Threshold Power in Trained Cyclists
Authors: MacInnis Martin J. , Thomas Aaron C.Q. , Phillips Stuart M.
Published: May 2018

Purpose: The mean power output (MPO) from a 60-min time trial (TT)—also known as functional threshold power, or FTP—is a standard measure of cycling performance; however, shorter performance tests are desirable to reduce the burden of performance testing. The authors sought to determine the reliability of 4- and 20-min TTs and the extent to which these short TTs were associated with 60-min MPO. Methods: Trained male cyclists (n = 8; age = 25 [5] y;  = 71 [5] mL/kg/min) performed two 4-min TTs, two 20-min TTs, and one 60-min TT. Critical power (CP) was estimated from 4- and 20-min TTs. The typical error of the mean (TEM) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated to assess reliability, and R2 values were calculated to assess relationships with 60-min MPO. Results: Pairs of 4-min TTs (mean: 417 [SD: 45] W vs 412 [49] W, P = .25; TEM = 8.1 W; ICC = .98), 20-min TTs (342 [36] W vs 344 [33] W, P = .41; TEM = 4.6 W; ICC = .99), and CP estimates (323 [35] W vs 328 [32] W, P = .25; TEM = 6.5; ICC = .98) were reliable. The 4-min MPO (R2 = .95), 20-min MPO (R2 = .92), estimated CP (R2 = .82), and combination of the 4- and 20-min MPO (adjusted R2 = .98) were strongly associated with the 60-min MPO (309 [26] W). Conclusion: The 4- and 20-min TTs appear useful for assessing performance in trained, if not elite, cyclists.
Countermovement Jump Recovery in Professional Soccer Players Using an Inertial Sensor
Authors: McHugh Malachy P. , Clifford Tom , Abbott Will , Kwiecien Susan Y. , Kremenic Ian J. , DeVita Joseph J. , Howatson Glyn
Published: May 2018

Purpose: To assess the utility of an inertial sensor for assessing recovery in professional soccer players. Methods: In a randomized, crossover design, 11 professional soccer players wore shorts fitted with phase change material (PCM) cooling packs or uncooled packs (control) for 3 h after a 90-min match. Countermovement jump (CMJ) performance was assessed simultaneously with an inertial sensor and an optoelectric system: prematch and 12, 36, and 60 h postmatch. Inertial sensor metrics were flight height, jump height, low force, countermovement distance, force at low point, rate of eccentric force development, peak propulsive force, maximum power, and peak landing force. The only optoelectric metric was flight height. CMJ decrements and the effect of PCM cooling were assessed with repeated-measures analysis of variance. Jump heights were also compared between devices. Results: For the inertial sensor data, there were decrements in CMJ height on the days after matches (88% [10%] of baseline at 36 h, P = .012, effect size = 1.2, for control condition) and accelerated recovery with PCM cooling (105% [15%] of baseline at 36 h, P = .018 vs control, effect size = 1.1). Flight heights were strongly correlated between devices (r = .905, P < .001), but inertial sensor values were 1.8 [1.8] cm lower (P = .008). Low force during countermovement was increased (P = .031) and landing force was decreased (P = .043) after matches, but neither was affected by the PCM cooling intervention. Other CMJ metrics were unchanged after matches. Conclusions: This small portable inertial sensor provides a practical means of assessing recovery in soccer players.
Running Economy: Neuromuscular and Joint-Stiffness Contributions in Trained Runners
Authors: Tam Nicholas , Tucker Ross , Santos-Concejero Jordan , Prins Danielle , Lamberts Robert P.
Published: May 2018

Context: It is debated whether running biomechanics make good predictors of running economy, with little known about the neuromuscular and joint-stiffness contributions to economical running gait. Purpose: To understand the relationship between certain neuromuscular and spatiotemporal biomechanical factors associated with running economy. Methods: Thirty trained runners performed a 6-min constant-speed running set at 3.3 m·s−1, where oxygen consumption was assessed. Overground running trials were also performed at 3.3 m·s−1 to assess kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activity. Spatiotemporal gait variables, joint stiffness, preactivation, and stance-phase muscle activity (gluteus medius, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, peroneus longus, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius lateralis and medius) were variables of specific interest and thus determined. In addition, preactivation and ground contact of agonist–antagonist coactivation were calculated. Results: More economical runners presented with short ground-contact times (r = .639, P < .001) and greater stride frequencies (r = −.630, P < .001). Lower ankle and greater knee stiffness were associated with lower oxygen consumption (r = .527, P = .007 and r = .384, P = .043, respectively). Only  lateral gastrocnemius–tibialis anterior coactivation during stance was associated with lower oxygen cost of transport (r = .672, P < .0001). Conclusions: Greater muscle preactivation and biarticular muscle activity during stance were associated with more economical runners. Consequently, trained runners who exhibit greater neuromuscular activation prior to and during ground contact, in turn optimizing spatiotemporal variables and joint stiffness, will be the most economical runners.
Changes in Posture Following a Single Session of Long-Duration Water Immersion
Authors: Glass Stephen M. , Rhea Christopher K. , Wittstein Matthew W. , Ross Scott E. , Florian John P. , Haran F.J.
Published: May 2018

Transitioning between different sensory environments is known to affect sensorimotor function and postural control. Water immersion presents a novel environmental stimulus common to many professional and recreational pursuits, but is not well-studied with regard to its sensorimotor effects upon transitioning back to land. The authors investigated the effects of long-duration water immersion on terrestrial postural control outcomes in veteran divers. Eleven healthy men completed a 6-hour thermoneutral pool dive (4.57 m) breathing diver air. Center of pressure was observed before and 15 minutes after the dive under 4 conditions: (1) eyes open/stable surface (Open-Stable); (2) eyes open/foam surface (Open-Foam); (3) eyes closed/stable surface (Closed-Stable); and (4) eyes closed/foam surface (Closed-Foam). Postdive decreases in postural sway were observed in all testing conditions except for Open-Stable. The specific pattern of center of pressure changes in the postdive window is consistent with (1) a stiffening/overregulation of the ankle strategy during Open-Foam, Closed-Stable, and Closed-Foam or (2) acute upweighting of vestibular input along with downweighting of somatosensory, proprioceptive, and visual inputs. Thus, our findings suggest that postimmersion decreases in postural sway may have been driven by changes in weighting of sensory inputs and associated changes in balance strategy following adaptation to the aquatic environment.
Interlimb Force Coordination in Bipedal Dance Jumps: Comparison Between Experts and Novices
Authors: Shih Hai-Jung Steffi , Jarvis Danielle N. , Mikkelsen Pamela , Kulig Kornelia
Published: May 2018

Bipedal tasks require interlimb coordination that improves with practice and acquisition of skills. The purpose of this study was to compare interlimb force coordination during dance-specific rate-controlled consecutive bipedal jumps (sautés) between expert dancers and nondancers. To analyze coordination of vertical ground reaction forces recorded under each leg, the vector coding approach was used. Although there were no differences in the patterns of interlimb force coordination between groups, the dancers exhibited less variability of interlimb force coordination during the transition phase from weight acceptance to propulsion as well as during the propulsion phase itself. The interlimb force coordination variability was associated with task performance only during the transition phase, which highlights the potential importance of control during this phase. In conclusion, expert dancers were better at reducing interlimb force coordination variability during the task-relevant transition phase, which was related to better performance at maintaining jump rate and jump height consistency.
Determination of Ankle and Metatarsophalangeal Stiffness During Walking and Jogging
Authors: Mager Fabian , Richards Jim , Hennies Malika , Dötzel Eugen , Chohan Ambreen , Mbuli Alex , Capanni Felix
Published: May 2018

Forefoot stiffness has been shown to influence joint biomechanics. However, little or no data exist on metatarsophalangeal stiffness. Twenty-four healthy rearfoot strike runners were recruited from a staff and student population at the University of Central Lancashire. Five repetitions of shod, self-selected speed level walking, and jogging were performed. Kinetic and kinematic data were collected using retroreflective markers placed on the lower limb and foot to create a 3-segment foot model using the calibrated anatomical system technique. Ankle and metatarsophalangeal moments and angles were calculated. Stiffness values were calculated using a linear best fit line of moment versus of angle plots. Paired t tests were used to compare values between walking and jogging conditions. Significant differences were seen in ankle range of motion, but not in metatarsophalangeal range of motion. Maximum moments were significantly greater in the ankle during jogging, but these were not significantly different at the metatarsophalangeal joint. Average ankle joint stiffness exhibited significantly lower stiffness when walking compared with jogging. However, the metatarsophalangeal joint exhibited significantly greater stiffness when walking compared with jogging. A greater understanding of forefoot stiffness may inform the development of footwear, prosthetic feet, and orthotic devices, such as ankle foot orthoses for walking and sporting activities.
Difference Between Male and Female Ice Hockey Players in Muscle Activity, Timing, and Head Kinematics During Sudden Head Perturbations
Authors: Debison-Larabie Chadwick , Murphy Bernadette A. , Holmes Michael W.R.
Published: May 2018

This study examined sex differences in head kinematics and neck muscle activity during sudden head perturbations. Sixteen competitive ice hockey players participated. Three muscles were monitored bilaterally using surface electromyography: sternocleidomastoid, scalene, and splenius capitis. Head and thorax kinematics were measured. Head perturbations were induced by the release of a 1.5-kg weight attached to a wire wrapped around an adjustable pulley secured to the participant’s head. Perturbations were delivered in 4 directions (flexion, extension, right lateral bend, and left lateral bend). Muscle onset times, muscle activity, and head kinematics were examined during 3 time periods (2 preperturbation and 1 postperturbation). Females had significantly greater head acceleration during left lateral bend (31.4%, P < .05) and flexion (37.9%, P = .01). Females had faster muscle onset times during flexion (females = 51 ± 11 ms; males = 61 ± 10 ms; P = .001) and slower onset times during left lateral bend and extension. Females had greater left/right sternocleidomastoid and scalene activity during extension (P = .01), with no difference in head acceleration. No consistent neuromuscular strategy could explain all directional sex differences. Females had greater muscle activity postperturbation during extension, suggesting a neuromuscular response to counter sudden acceleration, possibly explaining the lack of head acceleration differences.
Ankle Sprain Has Higher Occurrence During the Latter Parts of Matches: Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis
Authors: de Noronha Marcos , Lay Eleisha K. , Mcphee Madelyn R. , Mnatzaganian George , Nunes Guilherme S.
Published: May 2018

Context:Ankle sprains are common injuries in sports, but it is unclear whether they are more likely to occur in a specific period of a sporting game.Objective:To systematically review the literature investigating when in a match ankle sprains most likely occurred.Evidence Acquisition:The databases CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus were searched up to August 2016, with no restriction of date or language. The search targeted studies that presented data on the time of occurrence of ankle sprains during sports matches. Data from included studies were analyzed as a percentage of ankle sprain occurrence by halftime and by quarters. Meta-analyses were run using a random effects model. The quality assessment tool for quantitative studies was used to assess the article’s quality.Evidence Synthesis:The searches identified 1142 studies, and 8 were included in this review. A total of 500 ankle sprains were reported during follow-up time, which ranged from 1 to 15 years, in 5 different sports (soccer, rugby, futsal, American football, and Gaelic football). The meta-analyses, including all 8 studies, showed that the proportion of ankle sprains during the first half (0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.38–0.50) was smaller than the second half (0.56; 95% CI, 0.50–0.62). For the analyses by quarters, the proportion of ankle sprains in the first quarter (0.14; 95% CI, 0.09–0.19) was considerably smaller than the second (0.28; 95% CI, 0.24–0.32), third (0.25; 95% CI, 0.17–0.34), and fourth (0.29; 95% CI, 0.22–0.36) quarters.Conclusion:The results of this review indicate that ankle sprains are more likely to occur later in the game during the second half or during the latter minutes of the first half.
Thrombospondin-1 promotes matrix homeostasis by interacting with collagen and lysyl oxidase precursors and collagen cross-linking sites
Authors: Rosini Silvia , Pugh Nicholas , Bonna Arkadiusz M. , Hulmes David J. S. , Farndale Richard W. , Adams Josephine C.
Published: May 2018

Thrombospondin-1 promotes collagen matrix homeostasis through both intracellular and extracellular mechanisms.
Bacterial manipulation of host cell metabolism
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: May 2018

A
Helicobacter pylori
exotoxin manipulates host cell metabolism by inducing amino acid starvation and inhibiting mTORC1 signaling.
Clinical and Biological Features of Cutibacterium (Formerly Propionibacterium)avidum, an Underrecognized Microorganism
Authors: Corvec Stéphane
Published: May 2018

The recent description of the genusCutibacteriumhas altered the taxonomy ofPropionibacteriumspecies. These organisms still belong to the genera of the skin coryneform group, and the most-studied species remainsCutibacterium acnes.Cutibacterium avidumis also a known skin commensal. This underrecognized microorganism can, however, act as a pathogen after bacterial seeding and can be considered opportunistic, causing either superficial or deep/invasive infections. It can cause numerous infections, including but not limited to breast infections, skin abscesses, infective endocarditis, and device-related infections. The ecological niche ofC. avidumis clearly different from that of other members of the genus: it is found in the axillary region or at wet sites rather than in dry, exposed areas, and the number of microorganisms increases during puberty. Historically, it has been used for its ability to modulate the immune response and for its antitumor properties. Conventional microbial culture methods and identification processes allow for its accurate identification and characterization. Thanks to the modern omics tools used for phylogenomic approaches, understandingC. avidumpathogenesis (including host-bacterium interactions and virulence factor characterization) is becoming easier, allowing for more thorough molecular characterization. These analyses have revealed thatC. avidumcauses diverse diseases mediated by multiple virulence factors. The recent genome approach has revealed specific genomic regions within this species that are involved in adherence and biofilm formation as well as fitness, survival, and defense functions. Numerous regions show the presence of phages and horizontal gene transfer.C. avidumremains highly sensitive to a broad spectrum of antibiotics, such as β-lactams, fluoroquinolones, macrolides, and rifampin, although erythromycin and clindamycin resistance has been described. A long-term treatment regimen with a combination of antibiotics is required to successfully eliminate the remaining adherent bacteria, particularly in the case of deep infections after debridement surgery.
Monoclonal Antibodies to Intracellular Stages of Cryptosporidium parvum Define Life Cycle ProgressionIn Vitro
Authors: Wilke Georgia , Ravindran Soumya , Funkhouser-Jones Lisa , Barks Jennifer , Wang Qiuling , VanDussen Kelli L. , Stappenbeck Thaddeus S. , Kuhlenschmidt Theresa B. , Kuhlenschmidt Mark S. , Sibley L. David
Published: May 2018

Cryptosporidiumis a protozoan parasite that causes gastrointestinal disease in humans and animals. Currently, there is a limited array of antibodies available against the parasite, which hinders imaging studies and makes it difficult to visualize the parasite life cycle in different culture systems. In order to alleviate this reagent gap, we created a library of novel antibodies against the intracellular life cycle stages ofCryptosporidium. We identified antibodies that recognize specific life cycle stages in distinctive ways, enabling unambiguous description of the parasite life cycle. These MAbs will aid future investigation intoCryptosporidiumbiology and help illuminate growth differences between various culture platforms.
Repeatability, interocular correlation and agreement of quantitative swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography macular metrics in healthy subjects
Authors: Fang Danqi , Tang Fang Yao , Huang Haifan , Cheung Carol Y , Chen Haoyu
Published: May 2018

Purpose

To investigate the repeatability, interocular correlation and agreement of quantitative swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) metrics in healthy subjects.

Methods

Thirty-three healthy normal subjects were enrolled. The macula was scanned four times by an SS-OCTA system using the 3 mm×3 mm mode. The superficial capillary map images were analysed using a MATLAB program. A series of parameters were measured: foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, FAZ perimeter, FAZ circularity, parafoveal vessel density, fractal dimension and vessel diameter index (VDI). The repeatability of four scans was determined by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Then the averaged results were analysed for intereye difference, correlation and agreement using paired t-test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r), ICC and Bland-Altman plot.

Results

The repeatability assessment of the macular metrics exported high ICC values (ranged from 0.853 to 0.996). There is no statistically significant difference in the OCTA metrics between the two eyes. FAZ area (ICC=0.961, r=0.929) and FAZ perimeter (ICC=0.884, r=0.802) showed excellent binocular correlation. Fractal dimension (ICC=0.732, r=0.578) and VDI (ICC=0.707, r=0.547) showed moderate binocular correlation, while parafoveal vessel density had poor binocular correlation. Bland-Altman plots showed the range of agreement was from −0.0763 to 0.0954 mm
2
for FAZ area and from −0.0491 to 0.1136 for parafoveal vessel density.

Conclusions

The macular metrics obtained using SS-OCTA showed excellent repeatability in healthy subjects. We showed high intereye correlation in FAZ area and perimeter, moderate correlation in fractal dimension and VDI, while vessel density had poor correlation in normal healthy subjects.
Clinical presentation and management of corneal fistula
Authors: Singhal Deepali , Sahay Pranita , Maharana Prafulla Kumar , Amar Sreelakshmi P , Titiyal Jeewan S , Sharma Namrata
Published: May 2018

Purpose

To describe the clinical features and management of corneal fistula in patients of healed keratitis.

Methods

Medical records of all patients of healed keratitis presenting to the cornea clinic from November 2016 to September 2017 were reviewed. Eightcases of corneal fistula (six true fistulas, two closed fistulas) were identified. Six patients were managed with autologous tenon patch graft while two patients were managed medically. Various risk factors and treatment outcomes of corneal fistulisation were evaluated.

Results

The patients included two patients of failed therapeutic keratoplasty (with resolved graft infection) and six patients of healed keratitis. The age of the patients ranged between 10 and 60 years. Five of the patients were male while three were female. The size of the fistula measured between 1 and 2 mm. A surrounding cystic area of diameter ranging between 1 and 4.5 mm was seen in all the patients. In all of the patients, the treating physician missed the diagnosis. Complete healing was noted at 6–8 weeks in all the patients who underwent tenon graft. One patient refused to undergo any surgery and was lost to follow-up. In another case, surgery was deferred due to uncontrolled hypertension and he developed anterior staphyloma subsequently.

Conclusion

Corneal fistula can often be missed in an apparently healed perforated corneal ulcer. Tenon patch graft is an effective technique for the management of corneal fistula.
Validation, Intrarater and Interrater Reliability Study of the Lateral-Anterior Drawer Test for Detecting Posterior Cruciate Ligament Ruptures: Study Protocol of a Prospective Controlled Single-Blinded Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Seeber Gesine H , Thalhamer Christoph , Hahne Julia , Matthijs Omer
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Commonly used clinical tests for posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) rupture detection exhibit several limitations, thus requiring more precise clinical PCL tests. The lateral-anterior drawer (LAD) test has been proposed as a manually applied testing alternative but not yet been evaluated in vivo.

Methods and analysis

Fifteen patients presenting with an MRI-confirmed acute or chronic unilateral PCL rupture and 15 subjects with no prior knee injury in their medical history will be included in this prospective single-blinded cross-sectional cohort study. Three examiners with different lengths of working experience (range 1–30 years), blinded to MRI outcomes and patient history, will use the LAD test on both knees of each participant to test for PCL integrity. Examiners will independently document the PCL status of each knee on a blank case report form. Fleiss-Kappa values will be calculated to investigate whether the LAD test shows clinically significant interrater and intrarater reliability. Furthermore, LAD test outcomes will be compared with MRI which serves as reference standard to check for concurrent validity. Moreover, LAD test accuracy with respect to tester experience will be evaluated.

Ethics and dissemination

The study will be conducted in agreement with the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki (2013). Ethical permission (EK16-081-0616) to conduct this study was obtained from the review board of the city of Vienna on 1 September 2016. All personal and research data will be used in accordance with the Austrian Federal Data Protection Act and will be anonymised before publication in relevant international peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registrationnumber

DRKS00013268; Pre-results.
Adaptive multi-objective traffic signal control using NLRMNSGA-II algorithm
Authors: Zou Yuan-Yang , Xu Xue-Guo , Lin Gui-Hua
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we consider an adaptive system for controlling green times at junction. For this adaptive system, we present a multi-objective optimization model, which is much easier to solve than some existing models. Furthermore, to solve the new model, we suggest an algorithm, called NLRMNSGA-II, which is based on the nonlinear least regression and a modified non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm. Our numerical experiments indicate that the NLRMNSGA-II is an efficient algorithm for the considered adaptive system.
Assessment of the safety and feasibility of 24-hour hospitalization after thyroidectomy
Authors: Yang Youcheng , Huang Kan , Huang Yijie , Peng Lin
Published: May 2018

This study assessed the safety and feasibility of 24-hour hospitalization after thyroid surgery. A randomized controlled trial study was performed for 432 patients scheduled for thyroidectomy in Guangdong General Hospital between January 2014 and January 2016. Group A cases (n = 216) were 24-hour hospital stay and group B cases (n = 216) were inpatient. Preoperative patient characteristics and operative characteristics as well surgical complications were evaluated. Two hundred and fourteen patients (99%) of group A were discharged after a 24-hour postoperative observation except 1 patient hospitalized 2 days for persistent nausea after surgery, and 1 patient who was hospitalized for 2 days for fear of the complication after the operation. The complication rates were similar between the 2 groups (9/216, 11/216; P > 0.05) and no one was readmitted for operation. The overall complication rate of 24-hour hospital stay procedure was low, and there were no differences in the rate of complications between these 2 groups. Thyroid surgery with 24-hour hospital stay is feasible and safe by experienced surgeon in a setting of appropriate facility and management protocol.
Flexible and binder-free electrospun Co3O4 nanoparticles/carbon composite nanofiber mats as negative electrodes for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Liu Jifei , Dai Jianfeng , Huang Liangbiao , Fu Bi
Published: May 2018

Transition metal oxides applied as anode material for sodium-ion batteries have been widely investigated due to their high specific capacity, especially for Co3O4-related nanomaterials. However, its intrinsic low electronic conductivity and the aggregation phenomenon of commercial Co3O4 nanoparticles result in a low initially coulombic efficiency and the fading of cycle performance. In this paper, commercial Co3O4 nanoparticles/carbon composite nanofiber mats were synthesized by sol–gel electrospinning. When directly applied, such flexible negative electrodes as sodium-ion batteries, revealed high specific capacity and excellent rate performance simultaneously, which are not only attributed to the high electronic conductivity of carbon nanofiber mats that could enhance the ionic and electronic transport property, but also attributed to its three-dimensional fibrous network that could prevent the aggregation of commercial Co3O4 nanoparticles. Such a flexible, binder-free and high electronic conductivity negative electrode enables promising applications for large-scale energy storage and conversion.
Information Quality Awareness and Information Quality Practice
Authors: Flores Javier , Sun Jun
Published: May 2018

Healthcare organizations increasingly rely on electronic information to optimize their operations. Information of high diversity from various sources accentuate the relevance and importance of information quality (IQ). The quality of information needs to be improved to support a more efficient and reliable utilization of healthcare information systems (IS). This can only be achieved through the implementation of initiatives followed by most users across an organization. The purpose of this study is to examine how awareness of IS users about IQ issues would affect their IQ behavior. Based on multiple theoretical frameworks, it is hypothesized that different aspects of user motivation mediate the relationship between the awareness on both beneficial and problematic situations and IQ practice inclination. In addition, social influence and facilitating condition moderate the relationship between IQ practice inclination and overt IQ practice. The theoretical and practical implications of findings are discussed, especially how to enhance IQ compliance in the healthcare settings.
Addressing Selection Bias in Event Studies with General-Purpose Social Media Panels
Authors: Zhang Han , Hill Shawndra , Rothschild David
Published: May 2018

Data from Twitter have been employed in prior research to study the impacts of events. Conventionally, researchers use keyword-based samples of tweets to create a panel of Twitter users who mention event-related keywords during and after an event. However, the keyword-based sampling is limited in its
objectivity
dimension of data and information quality. First, the technique suffers from selection bias since users who discuss an event are already more likely to discuss event-related topics beforehand. Second, there are no viable control groups for comparison to a keyword-based sample of Twitter users. We propose an alternative sampling approach to construct panels of users defined by their geolocation.
Geolocated panels
are exogenous to the keywords in users’ tweets, resulting in less selection bias than the keyword panel method. Geolocated panels allow us to follow within-person changes over time and enable the creation of comparison groups. We compare different panels in two real-world settings: response to mass shootings and TV advertising. We first show the strength of the selection biases of keyword panels. Then, we empirically illustrate how geolocated panels reduce selection biases and allow meaningful comparison groups regarding the impact of the studied events. We are the first to provide a clear, empirical example of how a better panel selection design, based on an exogenous variable such as geography, both reduces selection bias compared to the current state of the art and increases the value of Twitter research for studying events. While we advocate for the use of a geolocated panel, we also discuss its weaknesses and application scenario seriously. This article also calls attention to the importance of selection bias in impacting the objectivity of social media data.
Cross-Language Interoperability in a Multi-Language Runtime
Authors: Grimmer Matthias , Schatz Roland , Seaton Chris , Würthinger Thomas , Luján Mikel , Mössenböck Hanspeter
Published: May 2018

In large-scale software applications, programmers often combine different programming languages because this allows them to use the most suitable language for a given problem, to gradually migrate existing projects from one language to another, or to reuse existing source code. However, different programming languages have fundamentally different implementations, which are hard to combine. The composition of language implementations often results in complex interfaces between languages, insufficient flexibility, or poor performance.

We propose TruffleVM, a virtual machine (VM) that can execute different programming languages and is able to compose them in a seamless way. TruffleVM supports dynamically-typed languages (e.g., JavaScript and Ruby) as well as statically typed low-level languages (e.g., C). It consists of individual language implementations, which translate source code to an intermediate representation that is executed by a shared VM. TruffleVM composes these different language implementations via
generic access
.
Generic access
is a language-agnostic mechanism that language implementations use to access foreign data or call foreign functions. It features language-agnostic messages that the TruffleVM resolves to efficient foreign-language-specific operations at runtime.
Generic access
supports multiple languages, enables an efficient multi-language development, and ensures high performance.

We evaluate
generic access
with two case studies. The first one explains the transparent composition of JavaScript, Ruby, and C. The second one shows an implementation of the C extensions application programming interface (API) for Ruby. We show that
generic access
guarantees good runtime performance. It avoids conversion or marshalling of foreign objects at the language boundary and allows the dynamic compiler to perform its optimizations across language boundaries.
Altered Intrinsic Coupling between Functional Connectivity Density and Amplitude of Low-Frequency Fluctuation in Mild Cognitive Impairment with Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Liu Xiaozheng , Chen Jiuzun , Shen Bangli , Wang Gang , Li Jiapeng , Hou Hongtao , Chen Xingli , Guo Zhongwei , Mao Chuanwan
Published: May 2018

Neuroimaging studies have demonstrated that major depressive disorder increases the risk of dementia in older individuals with mild cognitive impairment. We used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging to explore the intrinsic coupling patterns between the amplitude and synchronisation of low-frequency brain fluctuations using the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and the functional connectivity density (FCD) in 16 patients who had mild cognitive impairment with depressive symptoms (D-MCI) (mean age: 69.6 ± 6.2 years) and 18 patients with nondepressed mild cognitive impairment (nD-MCI) (mean age: 72.1 ± 9.7 years). Coupling was quantified as the correlations between the ALFF values and their associated FCDs. The results showed that the ALFF values in the D-MCI group were higher in the left medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and lower in the right precentral gyrus (preCG), and the FCD values were higher in the left medial temporal gyrus (MTG) than those in the nD-MCI group. Further, correlation analyses demonstrated that, in the D-MCI group, the mPFC was negatively correlated with the MTG. These findings may relate to the characteristics of mood disorders in patients with MCI, and they offer further insight into the neuropathophysiology of MCI with depressive symptoms.
Advantages of Graphene Biosensors for Human Stem Cell Therapy Potency Assays
Authors: Amărandi Roxana-Maria , Becheru Diana F. , Vlăsceanu George M. , Ioniță Mariana , Burns Jorge S.
Published: May 2018

Regenerative medicine is challenged by the need to conform to rigorous guidelines for establishing safe and effective development and translation of stem cell-based therapies. Counteracting widespread concerns regarding unproven cell therapies, stringent cell-based assays seek not only to avoid harm but also to enhance quality and efficacy. Potency indicates that the cells are functionally fit for purpose before they are administered to the patient. It is a paramount quantitative critical quality attribute serving as a decisive release criterion. Given a broad range of stem cell types and therapeutic contexts the potency assay often comprises one of the most demanding hurdles for release of a cell therapy medicinal product. With need for improved biomarker assessment and expedited measurement, recent advances in graphene-based biosensors suggest that they are poised to be valuable platforms for accelerating potency assay development. Among several potential advantages, they offer versatility for sensitive measurement of a broad range of potential biomarker types, cell biocompatibility for direct measurement, and small sample sufficiency, plus ease of use and point-of-care applicability.
Complement C5a Alters the Membrane Potential of Neutrophils during Hemorrhagic Shock
Authors: Messerer David A. C. , Denk Stephanie , Föhr Karl J. , Halbgebauer Rebecca , Braun Christian K. , Hönes Felix , Harant Julia , Fauler Michael , Frick Manfred , Nußbaum Benedikt L. , Radermacher Peter , Hafner Sebastian , Huber-Lang Markus S.
Published: May 2018

Background. Polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMN) play a crucial role in host defense. Physiologically, exposure of PMN to the complement activation product C5a results in a protective response against pathogens, whereas in the case of systemic inflammation, excessive C5a substantially impairs neutrophil functions. To further elucidate the inability of PMN to properly respond to C5a, this study investigates the role of the cellular membrane potential of PMN in response to C5a.Methods. Electrophysiological changes in cellular and mitochondrial membrane potential and intracellular pH of PMN from human healthy volunteers were determined by flow cytometry after exposure to C5a. Furthermore, PMN from male Bretoncelles-Meishan-Willebrand cross-bred pigs before and three hours after severe hemorrhagic shock were analyzed for their electrophysiological response.Results. PMN showed a significant dose- and time-dependent depolarization in response to C5a with a strong response after one minute. The chemotactic peptide fMLP also evoked a significant shift in the membrane potential of PMN. Acidification of the cellular microenvironment significantly enhanced depolarization of PMN. In a clinically relevant model of porcine hemorrhagic shock, the C5a-induced changes in membrane potential of PMN were markedly diminished compared to healthy littermates. Overall, these membrane potential changes may contribute to PMN dysfunction in an inflammatory environment.
Minimizing the Average Delay at Intersections via Presignals and Speed Control
Authors: Ghanbarikarekani Mina , Qu Xiaobo , Zeibots Michelle , Qi Weiwei
Published: May 2018

Urban intersections have been well recognized as bottlenecks of urban transport systems. It is thus important to propose and implement strategies for increasing the efficiency of public and private transportation systems as a whole. In order to achieve this goal, an additional signal could be set up near the intersection to give priority to buses through stopping vehicles in advance of the main intersection as a presignal. It has been increasingly popular in urban cities. While presignals indeed reduce the average delay per traveler, they cause extra stops of private vehicles, which might compromise the overall efficiency, safety, and sustainability. This paper aims to propose a model to improve presignals by reducing the vehicles’ number of stops behind the presignals. By applying the method, vehicles would be able to adjust their speed based on traffic conditions as well as buses’ speed and approach. Numerical analyses have been conducted to determine the conditions required for implementing this method.
Neural Network Identification of a Racing Car Tire Model
Authors: Wang Jianfeng , Liu Yiqun , Ding Liang , Li Jun , Gao Haibo , Liang Yuhan , Sun Tianyao
Published: May 2018

In order to meet the demands of small race car dynamics simulation, a new method of parameter identification in the Magic Formula tire model is presented in this work, based on an analysis of the Magic Formula tire model structure. A high-precision tire model used for vehicle dynamics simulation is established via this method. It is difficult for students to build a high-precision tire model because of the complexity of widely used tire models such as Magic Formula and UniTire. At a pure side slip condition, building a lateral force model is an example, which illustrate the utilization of a multilayer feed-forward neural network to build an intelligent tire model conveniently. In order to fully understand the difference between the two models, a two-degrees-of-freedom (2 DOF) vehicle model is established. The advantages, disadvantages, and applicable scope of the two tire models are discussed after comparing the simulation results of the 2 DOF model with the Magic Formula and intelligent tire model.
Magnesium Supplementation and Blood Pressure in Pregnancy: A Double-Blind Randomized Multicenter Study
Authors: Bullarbo Maria , Mattson Helena , Broman Anna-Karin , Ödman Natalia , Nielsen Thorkild F.
Published: May 2018

Objective. To investigate the effect of magnesium (Mg) supplementation in healthy pregnant women for prevention of blood pressure increase. Secondary outcomes were comparison of biomarkers for hypertensive disorders and labour and fetal outcomes between the groups. Methods. Two hundred nulliparous healthy pregnant women were double-blind randomized to receive Mg daily or placebo. Results. There were no differences in blood pressure increase. However, among the Mg-treated women, there was a significant negative correlation between increase in blood levels of magnesium and increase in systolic blood pressure (p = 0.042). Magnesium supplementation seems to be safe for both mother and infant. Conclusion. Magnesium supplementation in healthy first-time pregnant women is not to be recommended for prevention of blood pressure increase. Supplementation in risk pregnancies needs to be further investigated. The study is listed on the ISRCTN registry with study ID 13890849.
Urban Road Infrastructure Maintenance Planning with Application of Neural Networks
Authors: Marović Ivan , Androjić Ivica , Jajac Nikša , Hanák Tomáš
Published: May 2018

The maintenance planning within the urban road infrastructure management is a complex problem from both the management and technoeconomic aspects. The focus of this research is on decision‐making processes related to the planning phase during management of urban road infrastructure projects. The goal of this research is to design and develop an ANN model in order to achieve a successful prediction of road deterioration as a tool for maintenance planning activities. Such a model is part of the proposed decision support concept for urban road infrastructure management and a decision support tool in planning activities. The input data were obtained from Circly 6.0 Pavement Design Software and used to determine the stress values (560 testing combinations). It was found that it is possible and desirable to apply such a model in the decision support concept in order to improve urban road infrastructure maintenance planning processes.
A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial of Electroacupuncture for Perimenopause Women with Mild-Moderate Depression
Authors: Li Sheng , Li Zhao-Feng , Wu Qian , Guo Xiao-Chuan , Xu Zhen-Hua , Li Xiao-Bin , Chen Rong , Zhou Dao-you , Wang Cong , Duan Quan , Sun Jian , Luo Ding , Li Min-Ying , Wang Jun-Ling , Xie Hui , Xuan Li-Hua , Su Sheng-Yong , Huang Dong-Mian , Liu Zhi-Shun , Fu Wen-Bin
Published: May 2018

Objective. Up to 62% of perimenopausal women have depression symptoms. However, there is no efficacy treatment. The aim of this study is to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of EA therapy and escitalopram on perimenopause women with mild-moderate depressive symptom. Method. A multicenter, randomized, positive-controlled clinical trial was conducted at 6 hospitals in China. 242 perimenopause women with mild-moderate depressive symptom were recruited and randomly assigned to receive 36 sessions of EA treatment or escitalopram treatment. The primary outcome measure was the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17). The secondary outcome measures include menopause-specific quality of life (MENQOL) and serum sexual hormones which include estrogen, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone. Results. 221 (91.3%) completed the study, including 116 in the EA group and 105 in the escitalopram group. The baseline levels of demographic and outcome measurements were similar in the two groups. In the intervention period, there was no difference between two groups. However, in the follow-up, both HAMD-17 and MENQOL were significantly decreased, and at week 24 the mean differences were −2.23 and −8.97, respectively. There were no significant differences in the change of serum sexual hormones between the two groups. No serious adverse events occurred. Conclusion. EA treatment is effective and safe in relieving depression symptom and improving the quality of life in the perimenopausal depression. Further research is needed to understand long-term efficacy and explore the mechanism of this intervention. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02423694.
Group Recommendation Systems Based on External Social‐Trust Networks
Authors: Fang Guang , Su Lei , Jiang Di , Wu Liping
Published: May 2018

With the development of social networks and online mobile communities, group recommendation systems support users’ interaction with similar interests or purposes with others. We often provide some advices to the close friends, such as listening to favorite music and sharing favorite dishes. However, users’ personalities have been ignored by the traditional group recommendation systems while the majority is satisfied. In this paper, a method of group recommendation based on external social‐trust networks is proposed, which builds a group profile by analyzing not only users’ preferences, but also the social relationships between members inside and outside of the group. We employ the users’ degree of disagreement to adjust group preference rating by external information of social‐trust network. Moreover, having a discussion about different social network utilization ratio, we proposed a method to work for smaller group size. The experimental results show that the proposed method has consistently higher precision and leads to satisfactory recommendations for groups.