bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solution for nonlinear Duffing oscillator using variable order variable stepsize block method
Authors: Rasedee Ahmad Fadly Nurullah , Abdul Sathar Mohamad Hasan , Ishak Norizarina , Kamarudin Nur Shuhada , Nazri Muhamad Azrin , Ramli Nur Ainna , Ismail Irneza , Sahrim Musab
Published: January 2018

Real life phenomena found in various fields such as engineering, physics, biology and communication theory can be modeled as nonlinear higher order ordinary differential equations, particularly the Duffing oscillator. Analytical solutions for these differential equations can be time consuming whereas, conventional numerical solutions may lack accuracy. This research propose a block multistep method integrated with a variable order step size (VOS) algorithm for solving these Duffing oscillators directly. The proposed VOS Block method provides an alternative numerical solution by reducing computational cost (time) but without loss of accuracy. Numerical simulations are compared with known exact solutions for proof of accuracy and against current numerical methods for proof of efficiency (steps taken).
Some new properties of Lucas-balancing and Lucas-cobalancing number
Authors: Zahid Shekh Mohammed
Published: January 2018

In recent year Panda and Behera introduced new integer sequnce called Balancing number. Panda and Ray modified integer sequnce to cobalancing number. Panda introduced corresponding Lucas-Balancing and cobalancing number. In this paper we insvestigate some new properties of lucas balancing and lucas cobalancing Number.
Ansiedad, gestión conductual del conflicto y estrategias de afrontamiento en profesionales de la orientación laboral
Authors: Navarro Abal Yolanda , Climent Rodríguez José A. , López López Mª José
Published: December 2017

En el desempeño de sus funciones de atención a personas sin empleo, el orientador laboral se encuentra sometido a diversos y frecuentes estresores generadores de ansiedad; uno de estos estresores son los conflictos. Utilizando una muestra compuesta por 90 orientadores laborales del Servicio de Empleo de Andalucía, este estudio pretende poner de manifiesto en qué medida la ansiedad manifestada se encuentra relacionada con los estilos de gestión conductual del conflicto adoptado y éste con las estrategias de afrontamiento al estrés. Los resultados muestran elevados niveles de ansiedad (estado y rasgo) en este colectivo, así como asociaciones importantes entre las estrategias de afrontamiento al estrés en general y los estilos de gestión de conflictos, indicando que ambos se encuentran conceptualmente relacionados.
Barreras percibidas para la práctica de actividad física en estudiantes universitarios. Diferencias por género y niveles de actividad física
Authors: Sevil Serrano Javier , Práxedes Pizarro Alba , Zaragoza Casterad Javier , Del Villar Álvarez Fernando , García-González Luis
Published: December 2017

La etapa universitaria supone un momento sensible respecto a la

realización de práctica de actividad física (AF), especialmente en las

mujeres. El objetivo principal de este estudio fue identificar la prevalencia

de barreras de práctica de AF, y analizar las posibles diferencias en función

del género y el cumplimiento de las recomendaciones de práctica de

AF para adultos, establecidas por la Organización Mundial de la Salud

(2010). Participaron 901 estudiantes universitarios (M = 22.59; DT =

3.59) que cumplimentaron el IPAQ-SF y la Escala de Percepción de

Barreras. Entre los resultados destaca que las barreras relativas a la falta de tiempo obtuvieron los valores más altos entre la población universitaria.

El MANOVA realizado mostró que los estudiantes que no cumplían las recomendaciones de práctica de AF percibían valores superiores en la mayoría de barreras de práctica de AF que aquellos estudiantes que sí cumplían las recomendaciones. De igual modo, las mujeres que cumplían las recomendaciones de AF presentaron valores superiores en todas las barreras analizadas, que los hombres que cumplían dichas

recomendaciones. En esta misma línea, las mujeres que no cumplían las

recomendaciones de AF presentaron valores superiores en las barreras

referentes al tiempo y a la capacidad de disfrute que los hombres que

no cumplían dichas recomendaciones. A raíz de la alta prevalencia

de percepción de barreras, especialmente en las mujeres, se destaca la

importancia de desarrollar programas de intervención y políticas que

puedan suponer una mayor adherencia a la práctica de AF, asentando

unos hábitos más activos en la población universitaria.
¿Cuál es la relación entre Funciones Ejecutivas y Mentalización?
Authors: Lopez-Silva Pablo , Bustos Patricia
Published: December 2017

Este trabajo clarifica la forma en que debiésemos entender la relación entre funciones ejecutivas y la habilidad de mentalización. Las funciones ejecutivas son definidas como un grupo de habilidades que permiten la generación de respuestas adaptativas a las exigencias medioambientales. Por otro lado, la capacidad de mentalización refiere a la forma en que los humanos son capaces de discernir los estados mentales, intenciones y creencias de otros a través de la conducta observada. Tras revisar algunos de los aspectos más fundamentales de los conceptos en cuestión, se propone que la mentalización fundamenta, organiza y potencia el desarrollo de las funciones ejecutivas, esto, en oposición a la tesis dominante de Carlson et al. (2002), que indica que las funciones ejecutivas son las que fundamentan el desarrollo de la habilidad de mentalización. Luego de revisar la actual evidencia empírica que apoyaría nuestra alternativa, la última sección explora algunas de las áreas que nuestra propuesta podría informar en términos conceptuales y empíricos.
El cuestionario sociométrico Guess Who 4 como screening de la competencia social en educación primaria
Authors: Losada Lidia , Cejudo Javier , Benito Moreno Silvia , Pérez González Juan Carlos
Published: December 2017

Este trabajo presenta la adaptación y validación española del Cuestionario

Sociométrico Guess Who 4 (GW4) (Mavroveli, Petrides, Sangareau, &

Furnham, 2009), que evalúa la reputación social en el contexto del

grupo-aula, fundamentado en la técnica de evaluación por pares de

Coie & Dodge (1988). La muestra se compone de 668 alumnos de

tercero a sexto de Educación Primaria, y edades comprendidas entre 7-13

años (M= 9.6, DT= 1.11). Se analizan las correlaciones del GW4 con

problemas emocionales y de conducta infantil, y rendimiento académico,

en función del sexo. Los resultados avalan la fiabilidad y validez criterial

del instrumento para la evaluación breve de la competencia social, con

fines de investigación o de aplicación en la práctica de la evaluación

psicoeducativa y la orientación psicopedagógica.
Efectos de la edad de adquisición de las palabras en denominación de imágenes en sujetos afásicos hablantes del español
Authors: Godoy Ortega Pablo César , Riffo Ocares Bernardo , Sáez Carrillo Katia
Published: December 2017

Se analizaron los efectos de la variable edad de adquisición de las

palabras (EdA) en sujetos afásicos hablantes del español en una tarea

de denominación de imágenes y su influencia en las propiedades

de activación, inhibición y competencia léxicas. Veintidós sujetos

afásicos completaron una tarea consistente en denominar 20 imágenes

representativas de palabras de adquisición temprana (ATe) y 20 imágenes

representativas de palabras de adquisición tardía (ATa). Las variables de

precisión y tiempo de respuesta (TR) fueron analizadas, observándose

un mayor número de aciertos y un menor TR ante imágenes ATe que

ante imágenes ATa. A partir de los resultados se estableció que en sujetos

afásicos la activación léxica de palabras correctas es mayor ante imágenes

ATe que ante imágenes ATa.
Género y cambio de actitudes ante el consumo de drogas. Los efectos del Programa de Competencia Familiar con adolescentes (12-14 años)
Authors: Orte Carmen , Ballester Lluís , Amer Joan , Vives Marga
Published: December 2017

Las actitudes en la adolescencia hacia el consumo de drogas son muy
relevantes para entender el consumo real. Además, hay que incorporar
perspectivas de explicación diferenciadas por género. En este estudio se
analiza el cambio de actitudes en el largo plazo después de participar en un
programa de prevención familiar basado en la evidencia, el Programa de
Competencia Familiar (PCF). A partir de una muestra de 78 adolescentes
que han participado en el programa, además de un grupo de control,
se mide la evolución de las actitudes hacia el consumo mediante el
Cuestionario de Actitudes hacia las Drogas (CAD), cuestionario validado
y utilizado como referencia por el Plan Nacional Sobre Drogas español. Se
llevan a cabo tres procesos de medición separados por género: al inicio de
la aplicación del PCF, al final de la aplicación (Post 1) y un seguimiento a
los 24 meses (Post 2). Los principales resultados indican que se consiguen
diferencias significativas en la disminución de la disponibilidad hacia el
consumo, y en en la reducción de las creencias erróneas al final del
programa, aunque no a largo plazo, tanto en chicos como en chicas.
En cuanto a las creencias correctas o protectoras, estas se mantienen
consistentes a lo largo del tiempo en ambos sexos.
Relación de los estilos de liderazgo, cohesión grupal, potencia de equipo y rendimiento en jugadores de fútbol no profesionales
Authors: Huéscar Hernández Elisa , López Mora Clara , Cervelló Gimeno Eduardo
Published: December 2017

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue analizar las relaciones entre tipos de

liderazgo (tarea y social), cohesión, potencia de equipo y rendimiento

en 334 futbolistas federados de las categorías Alevín, Cadete, Juvenil y

Absoluta, con una edad media de 15.97 (DE = 3.31). Los cuestionarios

utilizados fueron de Liderazgo auténtico (ALQ), tarea (LSS), Cohesión

grupal (CG), Potencia de equipo (CPEA) y rendimiento, que mostraron

índices de ajuste óptimos (χ2/DF = 1.313 p = 0; CFI = 0.997; TLI =

0.994; RMSEA = 0.032; SRMS = 0.0343). Los resultados indican que

el estilo de liderazgo, especialmente liderazgo tarea (p = 0.37) influye

indirectamente en el rendimiento a través de la CG (p = 0.17) y CPE (p

= 0.21). Como conclusión, se propone la mejora del rendimiento grupal

a partir de la optimización de modelos de conducta individuales.
Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression Modulate the Recognition of Facial Emotion
Authors: Ferrer da Rosa Natália Mendes , Ferreira Borges Vinícius , Cheffer Leonardo , Torro Alves Nelson , Estanislau Célio
Published: December 2017

Previous studies have shown that depression and anxiety are associated

to changes in the recognition of facial expression. In the present

research, a non-clinical sample was evaluated with respect to trait

and state anxiety and depression symptoms. In the experimental task,

participants evaluated facial expressions of happiness, anger, sadness, and

fear, presented at four intensities (25, 50, 75, and 100%), as well as the

neutral face. Results showed that the trait anxiety was associated with a

better recognition of anger, fear, and happiness. For depression, we only

found differences between groups for emotional attribution to neutral

faces, in which participants scoring high in depression were more likely

to attribute fear to neutral faces. Findings indicate an improvement of

the recognition of happiness, anger, and fear in trait anxiety, whereas

symptoms of depression and state anxiety were associated to changes in

the evaluation of neutral faces in non-clinical individuals.
Sexismo, pensamientos distorsionados y violencia en las relaciones de pareja en estudiantes universitarios de Ecuador de áreas relacionadas con el bienestar y la salud
Authors: Boira Santiago , Chilet-Rosell Elisa , Jaramillo-Quiroz Sofía , Reinoso Jessica
Published: December 2017

Este estudio tiene como objetivo analizar las relaciones entre las actitudes
sexistas, los pensamientos distorsionados sobre la mujer y el uso de
la violencia y los comportamientos de violencia con la pareja, en
universitarios ecuatorianos de ramas relacionas con el bienestar y la
salud. La muestra está conformada por 646 alumnos de tres universidades
(424 alumnas y 222 alumnos). Se aplicaron los siguientes instrumentos:
Versión modificada de la Escala de Tácticas para los Conflictos, Inventario
de Sexismo Ambivalente, Inventario de Pensamientos Distorsionados
y Escala de Deseabilidad Social. Para la detección de diferencias
estadísticamente significativas, se aplicó el test de Mann Whitney y el
test de Kruskal Wallis. Para estimar el efecto de la deseabilidad social en
las respuestas, se realizaron diferentes regresiones lineales. Los resultados
identifican un alto nivel de sexismo y de violencia ejercida y sufrida en
la muestra de universitarios, aunque estos parecen estar influidos por la
deseabilidad social. Este hecho cobra especial relevancia debido al papel
que juegan estos profesionales en la detección y tratamiento de violencia
en la pareja. Los resultados obtenidos indican la oportunidad de trabajar
en intervenciones educativas en población universitaria para minimizar
los pensamientos sexistas que pueden ser fundamento de la violencia de
género.
Whole-Genome Sequence of the Novel
Enterobacter
Bacteriophage Arya with an Integrase Pseudogene, Isolated from the Gut of the Formosan Subterranean Termite
Authors: Tikhe Chinmay Vijay , Gissendanner Chris R. , Husseneder Claudia
Published: January 2018

We isolated and sequenced the novel
Enterobacter
bacteriophage Arya from termite gut. The genome showed synteny to lytic bacteriophage genomes; however, the genome encodes a truncated, putatively nonfunctional integrase pseudogene. Lysogeny-related genes were previously observed in certain lytic phages, but their role and evolution remain unclear.
Complete Genome Sequences of Three Novel
Saimiri sciureus
Papillomavirus Types Isolated from the Cervicovaginal Region of Squirrel Monkeys
Authors: Chen Zigui , Wood Charles E. , Abee Christian R. , Burk Robert D.
Published: January 2018

The complete genome sequences of three novel
Saimiri sciureus
papillomavirus (SscPV) types (SscPV1 to SscPV3) isolated from the cervicovaginal region of squirrel monkeys were characterized. These three PV types share 78.1 to 83.3% nucleotide sequence identities with each other across the complete L1 open reading frame and cluster in the genus
Dyoomikronpapillomavirus
.
Real-world predictors of 12–month intravenous abatacept retention in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the ACTION observational study
Authors: Alten Rieke , Mariette Xavier , Lorenz Hanns-Martin , Galeazzi Mauro , Cantagrel Alain , Nüßlein Hubert G , Chartier Melanie , Elbez Yedid , Rauch Christiane , Le Bars Manuela
Published: December 2017

Introduction

An understanding of real-world predictors of abatacept retention is limited. We analysed retention rates and predictors of abatacept retention in biologic-naïve and biologic-failure patients in a 12-month interim analysis of the 2-yearAbataCepTIn rOutiNe clinical practice (ACTION) study.

Methods

ACTION was an international, observational study of patients with moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who initiated intravenous abatacept. In this 12-month interim analysis, crude abatacept retention rates, predictors of retention and European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response were evaluated in both biologic-naïve and biologic-failure patients. Retention by rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) status was also assessed, in patients with or without baseline radiographic erosions, and by body mass index (BMI).

Results

Overall, 2350/2364 enrolled patients were evaluable (674 biologic naїve; 1676 biologic failure). Baseline characteristics were largely similar in biologic-naïve and biologic-failure groups. Crude retention rates (95% CI) at 12 months were significantly higher in biologic-naїve (78.1%(74.7% to 81.2%)) versus biologic-failure patients (69.9%(67.6% to 72.1%); P<0.001). RF/anti-CCP double positivity predicted higher retention in both patient groups, and remained associated with higher retention in patients with erosive disease. BMI did not impact abatacept retention in either patient group, irrespective of RF/anti-CCP serostatus. Good/moderate EULAR response rate at 12 months was numerically higher in biologic-naїve (83.8%) versus biologic-failure (73.3%) patients. There were no new safety signals.

Conclusion

High levels of intravenous abatacept retention in clinical practice were confirmed, particularly in biologic-naïve patients, including in those with poor RA prognostic factors. Retention was unaffected by BMI, regardless of RF/anti-CCP serostatus.

Trial registration number

NCT02109666; retrospectively registered 8 April 2014.
Classification of nilpotent associative algebras of small dimension
Authors: De Graaf Willem A.
Published: January 2018

We classify nilpotent associative algebras of dimensions up to [Formula: see text] over any field. This is done by constructing the nilpotent associative algebras as central extensions of algebras of smaller dimension, analogous to methods known for nilpotent Lie algebras.
AVERAGE DISTANCE OF SELF-SIMILAR FRACTAL TREES
Authors: LI TINGTING , JIANG KAN , XI LIFENG
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we introduce a method which can generate a family of growing symmetrical tree networks. The networks are constructed by replacing each edge with a reduced-scale of the initial graph. Repeating this procedure, we obtain the fractal networks. In this paper, we define the average geodesic distance of fractal tree in terms of some integral, and calculate its accurate value. We find that the limit of the average geodesic distance of the finite networks tends to the average geodesic distance of the fractal tree. This result generalizes the paper [Z. Zhang, S. Zhou, L. Chen, M. Yin and J. Guan, Exact solution of mean geodesic distance for Vicsek fractals, J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. 41(48) (2008) 7199–7200] for which the mean geodesic distance of Vicsek fractals was considered.
An Elusive Synergy: The Quest for Cooperation on Energy Security between China and the European Union
Authors: GARLICK JEREMY
Published: January 2018

In 2012, China and the European Union (EU) issued a joint declaration on energy security. It is unclear, however, what progress has been made since then in terms of applying the goals of the declaration. This paper sets out to assess the present state of China and the EU’s energy security, the potential for future cooperation, and the obstacles which stand in the way. The analysis assesses the extent to which the two actors can work together on improving energy infrastructure, diversifying supplies, and developing renewable and nuclear energy, possibly by finding synergies between China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the EU’s Juncker Plan. It also includes a re-examination of the concept of energy security to take account of the urgency of addressing the collapse of the global environment. Overall, the analysis suggests that although due to geographical and other constraints there may be limited opportunity for cooperation between the EU and China on securing oil and gas supplies, there are both scope and a pressing need for joint action in the field of renewable energy.
A Study on the Symmetry-Breaking Bifurcation Phenomenon in Transportation of Low-Strength Composites Sheets by Rolls
Authors: Ji Renhe , Chang Baohua , Wang Li , Du Dong
Published: January 2018

In the manufacturing of low-strength composites sheets, the symmetry-breaking bifurcation phenomenon may happen when the sheets are transported by rolls, which can lead to vibration and crack in the sheets. However, the mechanism and the conditions for this phenomenon has not been studied so far. In this paper, we propose a theoretical model to study the formation mechanism of the bifurcation phenomenon in a driven-idle-driven rolls system, and the critical length of the thin-sheets between rolls is obtained, above which the bifurcation will happen. Results show that the bifurcation occurs because the relationship between the lengths of the sheet between rolls and the tension caused by gravity in sheets is not monotonic, and the critical length is about 2.5 times the distance between the rolls. We also carry out experiments to verify the validity of the proposed model. This study is of great importance for the design of the multi-roll system to transport the low strength sheet materials, such as paper and composite sheets.
Data-Driven Approaches to Game Player Modeling
Authors: Hooshyar Danial , Yousefi Moslem , Lim Heuiseok
Published: January 2018

Modeling and predicting player behavior is of the utmost importance in developing games. Experience has proven that, while theory-driven approaches are able to comprehend and justify a model's choices, such models frequently fail to encompass necessary features because of a lack of insight of the model builders. In contrast, data-driven approaches rely much less on expertise, and thus offer certain potential advantages. Hence, this study conducts a systematic review of the extant research on data-driven approaches to game player modeling. To this end, we have assessed experimental studies of such approaches over a nine-year period, from 2008 to 2016; this survey yielded 46 research studies of significance. We found that these studies pertained to three main areas of focus concerning the uses of data-driven approaches in game player modeling. One research area involved the objectives of data-driven approaches in game player modeling: behavior modeling and goal recognition. Another concerned methods: classification, clustering, regression, and evolutionary algorithm. The third was comprised of the current challenges and promising research directions for data-driven approaches in game player modeling.
Attribute Inference Attacks in Online Social Networks
Authors: Gong Neil Zhenqiang , Liu Bin
Published: January 2018

We propose new privacy attacks to infer attributes (e.g., locations, occupations, and interests) of online social network users. Our attacks leverage seemingly innocent user information that is publicly available in online social networks to infer missing attributes of targeted users. Given the increasing availability of (seemingly innocent) user information online, our results have serious implications for Internet privacy—private attributes can be inferred from users’ publicly available data unless we take steps to protect users from such inference attacks. To infer attributes of a targeted user, existing inference attacks leverage either the user’s publicly available social friends or the user’s behavioral records (e.g., the web pages that the user has liked on Facebook, the apps that the user has reviewed on Google Play), but not both. As we will show, such inference attacks achieve limited success rates. However, the problem becomes
qualitatively
different if we consider both social friends and behavioral records. To address this challenge, we develop a novel model to integrate social friends and behavioral records, and design new attacks based on our model. We theoretically and experimentally demonstrate the effectiveness of our attacks. For instance, we observe that, in a real-world large-scale dataset with 1.1 million users, our attack can correctly infer
the cities a user lived in
for 57% of the users; via
confidence estimation
, we are able to increase the attack success rate to over 90% if the attacker selectively attacks half of the users. Moreover, we show that our attack can correctly infer attributes for significantly more users than previous attacks.
Scalable Private Set Intersection Based on OT Extension
Authors: Pinkas Benny , Schneider Thomas , Zohner Michael
Published: January 2018

Private set intersection (PSI) allows two parties to compute the intersection of their sets without revealing any information about items that are not in the intersection. It is one of the best studied applications of secure computation and many PSI protocols have been proposed. However, the variety of existing PSI protocols makes it difficult to identify the solution that performs best in a respective scenario, especially since they were not compared in the same setting. In addition, existing PSI protocols are several orders of magnitude slower than an insecure naïve hashing solution, which is used in practice.

In this article, we review the progress made on PSI protocols and give an overview of existing protocols in various security models. We then focus on PSI protocols that are secure against semi-honest adversaries and take advantage of the most recent efficiency improvements in Oblivious Transfer (OT) extension, propose significant optimizations to previous PSI protocols, and suggest a new PSI protocol whose runtime is superior to that of existing protocols. We compare the performance of the protocols, both theoretically and experimentally, by implementing all protocols on the same platform, give recommendations on which protocol to use in a particular setting, and evaluate the progress on PSI protocols by comparing them to the currently employed insecure naïve hashing protocol. We demonstrate the feasibility of our new PSI protocol by processing two sets with a billion elements each.
The Role of Stress‐Induced O‐GlcNAc Protein Modification in the Regulation of Membrane Transport
Authors: Fisi Viktória , Miseta Attila , Nagy Tamás
Published: December 2017

O‐linked N‐acetylglucosamine (O‐GlcNAc) is a posttranslational modification that is increasingly recognized as a signal transduction mechanism. Unlike other glycans, O‐GlcNAc is a highly dynamic and reversible process that involves the addition and removal of a single N‐acetylglucosamine molecule to Ser/Thr residues of proteins. UDP‐GlcNAc—the direct substrate for O‐GlcNAc modification—is controlled by the rate of cellular metabolism, and thus O‐GlcNAc is dependent on substrate availability. Serving as a feedback mechanism, O‐GlcNAc influences the regulation of insulin signaling and glucose transport. Besides nutrient sensing, O‐GlcNAc was also implicated in the regulation of various physiological and pathophysiological processes. Due to improvements of mass spectrometry techniques, more than one thousand proteins were detected to carry the O‐GlcNAc moiety; many of them are known to participate in the regulation of metabolites, ions, or protein transport across biological membranes. Recent studies also indicated that O‐GlcNAc is involved in stress adaptation; overwhelming evidences suggest that O‐GlcNAc levels increase upon stress. O‐GlcNAc elevation is generally considered to be beneficial during stress, although the exact nature of its protective effect is not understood. In this review, we summarize the current data regarding the oxidative stress‐related changes of O‐GlcNAc levels and discuss the implications related to membrane trafficking.
Field Geometric Calibration Method for Line Structured Light Sensor Using Single Circular Target
Authors: Chen Tianfei , Sun Lijun , Zhang Qiuwen , Wu Xiang , Wu Defeng
Published: December 2017

To achieve fast calibration of line structured light sensor, a geometric calibration approach based on single circular calibration target is proposed. The proposed method uses the circular points to establish linear equations, and according to the angle constraint, the camera intrinsic parameters can be calculated through optimization. Then, the light plane calibration is accomplished in two steps. Firstly, when the vanishing lines of target plane at various postures are obtained, the intersections between vanishing lines and laser stripe can be computed, and the normal vector of light plane can be calibrated via line fitting method using intersection points. After that, the distance from the origin of camera coordinate system to the light plane can be derived based on the model of perspective-three-point. The actual experimental result shows that this calibration method has high accuracy, its average measuring accuracy is 0.0451 mm, and relative error is 0.2314%. In addition, the entire calibration process has no complex operations. It is simple, convenient, and suitable for calibration on sites.
A Peculiar Case of Invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Ahmed Adeel Rafi , Townsend Liam , Tuite Helen , Fleming Catherine
Published: December 2017

Patients commonly present to the emergency department with acute respiratory distress; however, the differentials are broad and at times difficult to distinguish. We describe a case of severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) secondary to invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae. The patient was intubated within 3 h of presentation and suffered multiorgan failure within 72 h of intensive care unit (ICU) admission. This case is a stark illustration of how the most common bacteria associated with CAP can be fatal and highlights the associated markers of severity. It also outlines other potential complications including a very rare phenomenon of cardiomyopathy with myocarditis associated with S. pneumoniae bacteraemia.
Performance Characteristics of Different Anti-Double-Stranded DNA Antibody Assays in the Monitoring of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Mahler Michael , Bentow Chelsea , O’Malley Tyler , Ibarra Claudia , Conklin John , Aure Mary Ann R. , Dervieux Thierry
Published: December 2017

Objective. We sought to evaluate different anti-double-stranded DNA assays for their performance characteristics in monitoring disease activity fluctuations in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods. 36 active SLE patients were followed monthly. At each study visit (total n=371), blood was collected and disease activity was scored using the SELENA-SLEDAI (excluding anti-dsDNA or complement components) and by a physician’s global assessment (PGA). Four anti-dsDNA tests were compared. Linear mixed-effects models with random intercept and fixed slopes were used to evaluate the relationship between the longitudinal fluctuations of disease activity and anti-dsDNA titers. Results. At enrollment, positivity for QUANTA Lite and high-avidity anti-dsDNA assay was both 64% and significantly lower than anti-dsDNA positivity by QUANTA Flash (83%) and CLIFT (96%). Linear mixed-effects modeling indicated that the change in clinical SELENA-SLEDAI scores was associated with the titers of all anti-dsDNA with QUANTA Flash yielding the highest marginal R2 (0.15; p<0.01). QUANTA Flash was the only anti-dsDNA assay significantly associated with the change in PGA (marginal R2=0.05; p<0.01). Conclusion. These data indicate that anti-dsDNA antibodies determined by QUANTA Flash have a value in monitoring SLE disease activity.
Bimetallic Oxide Nanohybrid Synthesized from Diatom Frustules for the Removal of Selenium from Water
Authors: Thakkar Megha , Mitra Somenath
Published: December 2017

Frustules or the rigid amorphous silica cell wall of unicellular, photosynthetic microalgae with unique porous architecture has been used to synthesize a composite by immobilizing zirconium and iron oxides on its surface and in the pores. This was effective for removal of Se from water, which is an emerging contaminant that is a micronutrient at low concentrations but toxic at high concentrations. The adsorption isotherms followed both Langmuir and Freundlich models, and the composite was regenerable. The Langmuir maximum adsorption capacity for Se(IV)(qm)was 227 mg/g, which is among the highest ever reported. The research findings highlight the synthesis of bimetallic composite as well as the potential of diatoms as hosts for nanomaterials for use in water treatment.
Primary Outcomes of Accelerated Epithelium-Off Corneal Cross-Linking in Progressive Keratoconus in Children: A 1-Year Prospective Study
Authors: Eissa Sherif A. , Badr Eldin Nashwa , Nossair Ashraf Ahmed , Ewais Wael Ahmed
Published: December 2017

Purpose. To evaluate corneal transparency following accelerated collagen cross-linking (ACXL) in pediatric keratoconus.Design. A prospective interventional case series.Methods. This study included 47 eyes (25 patients), aged 9–14 years, with documented progressive keratoconus. After applying 0.1% riboflavin drops, ACXL was performed. Assessment included corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), corneal haze, and corneal densitometry in grayscale units (GSU).Result. The mean baseline and corneal densitometry peaked at 3 months post-ACXL while central and posterior densitometry showed a statistically significant increase (P<0.05) and peaked at 8 months postoperatively. By 12 months, densitometry in all corneal layers (P≥0.99) and concentric zones (P≥0.97) reached near baseline values. Slit-lamp graded haze peaked at 1 month to 1.82 ± 0.65 (P<0.05) and declined to near baseline at 12 months (0.39 ± 0.58). There was a statistically significant increase in the mean UCVA and CDVA at 12 months.Conclusion. Total and anterior corneal densitometry peaked after 3 months, while central and posterior densitometry peaked after 8 months. Maximum haze was at 1 month post-ACXL. All corneal layers, concentric zone densitometry and haze reached near baseline values after 1 year. Scheimpflug densitometry showed weak correlation with CDVA over the 12-month follow-up period (r=−0.193).
Achieving the Recommended Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressure: A Randomized Control Study Comparing Loss of Resistance Syringe to Pilot Balloon Palpation
Authors: Bulamba Fred , Kintu Andrew , Ayupo Nodreen , Kojjo Charles , Ssemogerere Lameck , Wabule Agnes , Kwizera Arthur
Published: December 2017

Background. Both under- and overinflation of endotracheal tube cuffs can result in significant harm to the patient. The optimal technique for establishing and maintaining safe cuff pressures (20–30 cmH2O) is the cuff pressure manometer, but this is not widely available, especially in resource-limited settings where its use is limited by cost of acquisition and maintenance. Therefore, anesthesia providers commonly rely on subjective methods to estimate safe endotracheal cuff pressure. This study set out to determine the efficacy of the loss of resistance syringe method at estimating endotracheal cuff pressures. Methods. This was a randomized clinical trial. We enrolled adult patients scheduled to undergo general anesthesia for elective surgery at Mulago Hospital, Uganda. Study participants were randomized to have their endotracheal cuff pressures estimated by either loss of resistance syringe or pilot balloon palpation. The pressures measured were recorded. Results. One hundred seventy-eight patients were analyzed. 66.3% (59/89) of patients in the loss of resistance group had cuff pressures in the recommended range compared with 22.5% (20/89) from the pilot balloon palpation method. This was statistically significant. Conclusion. The loss of resistance syringe method was superior to pilot balloon palpation at administering pressures in the recommended range. This method provides a viable option to cuff inflation.
MicroRNA-155-5p Overexpression in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients Is a Novel, Independent Molecular Biomarker of Poor Prognosis
Authors: Papageorgiou Sotirios G. , Kontos Christos K. , Diamantopoulos Marios A. , Bouchla Anthi , Glezou Eirini , Bazani Efthymia , Pappa Vasiliki , Scorilas Andreas
Published: December 2017

MicroRNA-155-5p (miR-155-5p) is a proinflammatory, oncogenic miRNA, involved in various physiological processes, including hematopoiesis, immunity, inflammation, and cell lineage differentiation. It regulates important transcription factors, such as E2F2, hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF1), and FOXO3. Recently, the dysregulation of miR-155-5p expression has been linked to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) pathogenesis. In this research study, we investigated the potential diagnostic and prognostic value of miR-155-5p in CLL. To achieve our goal, we isolated total RNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) collected from 88 CLL patients and 36 nonleukemic blood donors and performed polyadenylation of total RNA and reverse transcription. Next, we quantified miR-155-5p levels using an in-house-developed real-time quantitative PCR method, before proceeding to extensive biostatistical analysis. Thus, it appears that miR-155-5p is significantly overexpressed in PBMCs of CLL patients and can distinguish them from nonleukemic population. Kaplan-Meier OS analysis and bootstrap univariate Cox regression showed that high miR-155-5p expression predicts inferior OS for CLL patients (p<0.001). Interestingly, miR-155-5p overexpression retains its unfavorable prognostic role in CLL patients stratified according to established prognostic factors [CD38 expression and mutational status of the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (IGHV)]. Thus, miR-155-5p appears as a promising, independent molecular biomarker of unfavorable prognosis in CLL.
Static and Dynamic Load Tests of Shaft and Base Grouted Concrete Piles
Authors: Zhou Jialin , Zhang Xin , Jiang Hongsheng , Lyu Chunhao , Oh Erwin
Published: December 2017

This paper examines shaft and base grouted concrete piles by conducting vertical static load tests (SLTs) and dynamic load tests. Three concrete piles with shaft and base grouting, with base grouting only, and without grouting techniques were selected, and compressive SLTs were conducted. Two piles with grouting were also assessed with dynamic load tests. Another two uplift SLTs were conducted to one shaft and base grouted pile and one pile without grouting. Traditional presentations were provided to check whether the bored piles reached the design requirement. Interpretations of test results were also provided to determine the ultimate pile capacity. Results from these 5 SLT programs indicated that double-tangent and DeBeer's methods are close to each other, and Chin's method overestimates the pile capacity. Comparison of the results from the SLTs and dynamic load tests shows that the results from Chin's method are close to dynamic results, and Mazurkiewicz's method overestimates for friction resistance. The results also demonstrate that base and shaft grouted pile and base grouted pile increase by 9.82% and 2.89% in compressive capacity, respectively, and compared to the uplift SLTs; there is a 15.7% increment in pile capacity after using base and shaft grouting technology.
The Use of BEREP4 Immunohistochemistry Staining for Detection of Basal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Sunjaya Anthony Paulo , Sunjaya Angela Felicia , Tan Sukmawati Tansil
Published: December 2017

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of malignant cancer found in the world today with a 3–10% increase in incidence each year. The American Cancer Society reported that 8 out of 10 patients with skin cancer are suffering from BCC with over 2 million new cases each year. BCC needs to be detected at the early stages to prevent local destruction causing disabilities to patients and increasing treatment costs. Furthermore, BCC patients who have undergone surgery are still at risk for recurrence, especially when the surgery performed fails to remove all the BCC cells, even when conventional histopathological testing after surgery has reported a surgically free margin. This review aims to evaluate studies on the use of BerEP4 immunohistochemistry staining on pathological sections of various types of BCC as well as its shortfalls. BerEP4 is a monoclonal antibody which detects specific epithelial-glycoprotein-adhesion-molecules (EpCAM) found on BCC cells. Various studies have shown that BerEP4 has a high sensitivity and specificity in detecting only BCC cells. The use of BerEP4 immunohistochemistry testing for the routine examination of cases of BCC is expected to be able to increase and improve early diagnosis as well as prevent recurrence after surgery.
LingguizhuganDecoction Protects against High-Fat-Diet-Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Alleviating Oxidative Stress and Activating Cholesterol Secretion
Authors: Yang Lili , Lin Weili , Nugent Colleen A. , Hao Shijun , Song Haiyan , Liu Tao , Zheng Peiyong
Published: December 2017

Background. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a leading cause of liver transplantation.Lingguizhugandecoction (LGZG), a classical Chinese herbal formula, has beneficial effects on NAFLD animal models. Our study examined the impact of LGZG on hepatic global transcriptome of high-fat-diet-induced NAFLD rats.Methods. Three groups of Wistar rats were included: normal, NAFLD model, and LGZG-treated NAFLD groups. Four weeks for the treatment, liver tissues were harvested for RNA sequencing. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and enriched pathways were detected on hepatic global transcriptome profile. Real-time PCR validated the regulatory patterns of LGZG on NAFLD rats.Results. DEGs between the NAFLD model and normal groups indicated the elevated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) and hedgehog signaling pathways in NAFLD rats. In bile secretion pathway, genes involved in cholesterol secretion were activated by LGZG treatment. Increased expression of antioxidantOSIGN1and decreased expression of genes (AHR,IRF2BP2, andRASGEF1B) that induce oxidative stress and inflammation were observed in NAFLD rats treated with LGZG. The regulatory patterns of LGZG treatment on these oxidative stress-related genes were confirmed by real-time PCR.Conclusion. Our study revealed a “two-hits-targeting” mechanism of LGZG in the treatment for NAFLD: alleviating oxidative stress and activating cholesterol secretion.
Diabetic Retinopathy in the Spontaneously Diabetic Torii Rat: Pathogenetic Mechanisms and Preventive Efficacy of Inhibiting the Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor System
Authors: Cammalleri Maurizio , Dal Monte Massimo , Locri Filippo , Marsili Stefania , Lista Liliana , De Rosa Mario , Pavone Vincenzo , Rusciano Dario , Bagnoli Paola
Published: December 2017

The spontaneously diabetic Torii (SDT) rat is of increasing preclinical interest because of its similarities to human type 2 diabetic retinopathy (DR). The system formed by urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor (uPAR) is a player in blood-retinal barrier (BRB) breakdown in DR. Here, we investigated whether in SDT rats, preventive administration of UPARANT, an inhibitor of the uPAR pathway, counteracts the retinal impairment in response to chronic hyperglycemia. Electroretinogram (ERG) monitoring was followed over time. Fluorescein-dextran microscopy, CD31 immunohistochemistry, quantitative PCR, ELISA, Evans blue perfusion, and Western blot were also used. UPARANT prevented ERG dysfunction, upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor and fibroblast growth factor-2, BRB leakage, gliosis, and retinal cell death. The mechanisms underlying UPARANT benefits were studied comparing them with the acute streptozotocin (STZ) model in which UPARANT is known to inhibit DR signs. In SDT rats, but not in the STZ model, UPARANT downregulated the expression of uPAR and its membrane partners. In both models, UPARANT reduced the levels of transcription factors coupled to inflammation or inflammatory factors themselves. These findings may help to establish the uPAR system as putative target for the development of novel drugs that may prevent type 2 DR.
Effect of Planting Density and Harvest Interval on the Leaf Yield and Quality of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) under Diverse Agroecological Conditions of Northern South Africa
Authors: Mabapa M. P. , Ayisi K. K. , Mariga I. K.
Published: December 2017

Smallholder livestock farmers who depend on natural communal grazing lands are particularly vulnerable to climate change as well as to food insecurity and should be encouraged to grow drought-tolerant fodder crops. Moringa oleifera is a highly valued plant, due to its exceptionally high nutritional content. This study was conducted at two experimental sites in the Limpopo province of northern South Africa to evaluate for the first time the effect of plant density and cutting interval on biomass production and chemical composition of moringa grown under two diverse climatic conditions. Four different planting densities (435,000, 300,000, 200,000, and 100,000 plants/ha) were arranged in a randomized complete block design and experimental samples were replicated four times. Data for biomass and gravimetric soil moisture content were collected each time the plants reached a height of 50 cm. Harvested leaves were analysed for chemical composition. An increase in the plant density led to elevated biomass production at both study locations, ranging between 527 and 2867 kg/ha. Moringa is capable of meeting all nutrient requirements of livestock depending on harvest time and location.
The Tubular Penetration Depth and Adaption of Four Sealers: A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study
Authors: Chen Huan , Zhao Xinyuan , Qiu Yu , Xu Dengyou , Cui Li , Wu Buling
Published: December 2017

Background. The tubular penetration and adaptation of the sealer are important factors for successful root canal filling. The aim of this study was to evaluate the tubular penetration depth of four different sealers in the coronal, middle, and apical third of root canals as well as the adaptation of these sealers to root canal walls. Materials and Methods. 50 single-rooted teeth were prepared in this study. Forty-eight of them were filled with different sealers (Cortisomol, iRoot SP, AH-Plus, and RealSeal SE) and respective core filling materials. Then the specimens were sectioned and scanning electron microscopy was employed to assess the tubular penetration and adaptation of the sealers. Results. Our results demonstrated that the maximum penetration was exhibited by RealSeal SE, followed by AH-Plus, iRoot SP, and Cortisomol. As regards the adaptation property to root canal walls, AH-Plus has best adaptation capacity followed by iRoot SP, RealSeal SE, and Cortisomol. Conclusion. The tubular penetration and adaptation vary with the different sealers investigated. RealSeal SE showed the most optimal tubular penetration, whereas AH-Plus presented the best adaptation to the root canal walls.
Low-Dimensional Motor Control Representations in Throwing Motions
Authors: Cruz Ruiz Ana Lucia , Pontonnier Charles , Dumont Georges
Published: December 2017

In this study, we identified a low-dimensional representation of control mechanisms in throwing motions from a variety of subjects and target distances. The control representation was identified at the kinematic level in task and joint spaces, respectively, and at the muscle activation level using the theory of muscle synergies. Representative features of throwing motions in all of these spaces were chosen to be investigated. Features were extracted using factorization and clustering techniques from the muscle data of unexperienced subjects (with different morphologies and physical conditions) during a series of throwing tasks. Two synergy extraction methods were tested to assess their consistency. For the task features, the degrees of freedom (DoF), and the muscles under study, the results can be summarized as (1) a control representation across subjects consisting of only two synergies at the activation level and of representative features in the task and joint spaces, (2) a reduction of control redundancy (since the number of synergies are less than the number of actions to be controlled), (3) links between the synergies triggering intensity and the throwing distance, and finally (4) consistency of the extraction methods. Such results are useful to better represent mechanisms hidden behind such dynamical motions and could offer a promising control representation for synthesizing motions with muscle-driven characters.