bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a model to predict 5-year risk of severe hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Chow Lisa S , Zmora Rachel , Ma Sisi , Seaquist Elizabeth R , Schreiner Pamela J
Published: August 2018

Objective

We constructed a predictive model of long-term risk for severe hypoglycemia (SH: hypoglycemia requiring assistance) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Research design and methods

Data from the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) study (original n=10 251, n=5135 used in the current analysis), a randomized, multicenter, double 2×2 factorial design study examining the effect of glycemic, blood pressure, and lipid control on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with diagnosed T2DM, were used. Over the follow-up (3.76±1.12 years), the ACCORD participants experienced 607 incident SH events. Cox regression was used to identify the SH risk prediction model.

Results

We identified 17 predictors—glycemic management, age, race, education, waist circumference, medications (insulin, antihypertensive, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, sulfonylurea, biguanide and meglitinide), years since diabetes diagnosis, history of hypoglycemia in the last week, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, serum creatinine, and urinary albumin creatinine ratio—to construct a prediction model for SH (c-statistic=0.782). Using this information, we derived point scores to estimate the 5-year risk for SH in individual patients with T2DM. After adjusting for other variables in the model, the three strongest predictors for SH over 5 years were intensive glycemic management (HR=2.37, 95% CI 1.99 to 2.83), insulin use (HR=2.14, 95% CI 1.77 to 2.59), and antihypertensive medication use (HR=1.90, 95% CI 1.26 to 2.86).

Conclusion

Using the ACCORD data, we identified attributes to predict 5-year risk of SH in patients with T2DM, which warrant evaluation in broader populations to determine applicability.
Protocol for a mixed-methods evaluation of a massive open online course on real world evidence
Authors: Meinert Edward , Alturkistani Abrar , Brindley David , Carter Alison , Wells Glenn , Car Josip
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Increasing number of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are being used to train learners at scale in various healthcare-related skills. However, many challenges in course delivery require further understanding, for example, factors exploring the reasons for high MOOC dropout rates, recorded low social interaction between learners and the lack of understanding of the impact of a course facilitators’ presence in course engagement. There is a need to generate further evidence to explore these detriments to MOOC course delivery to enable enhanced course learning design. The proposed mixed-methods evaluation of the MOOC was determined based on the MOOC’s aims and objectives and the methodological approaches used to evaluate this type of a course. The MOOC evaluation will help appraise the effectiveness of the MOOC in delivering its intended objectives. This protocol aims to describe the design of a study evaluating learners knowledge, skills and attitudes in a MOOCs about data science for healthcare.

Methods and analysis

Study participants will be recruited from learners who have registered for the MOOC. On registration, learners will be given an opportunity to opt into the study and complete informed consent. Following completion of the course, study participants will be contacted to complete semistructured interviews. Interviews will be transcribed and coded using thematic analysis, with data analysed using two evaluation models: (1) the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintenance framework and the (2) Kirkpatrick model drawing data from pre and post-course surveys and post-MOOC semi-structured interviews. The primary goal of the evaluation is to appraise participants' knowledge, skills and attitude after taking the MOOC.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval for this study was obtained from Imperial College London through the Education Ethics Review Process (EERP) (EERP1617-030). A summary of the research findings will be reported through a peer-reviewed journal and will be presented at an international conference.
Frameworks and quality measures used for debriefing in team-based simulation: a systematic review
Authors: Endacott Ruth , Gale Thomas , O’Connor Anita , Dix Samantha
Published: August 2018

Objectives

The skill of the debriefer is known to be the strongest independent predictor of the quality of simulation encounters yet educators feel underprepared for this role. The aim of this review was to identify frameworks used for debriefing team-based simulations and measures used to assess debriefing quality.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, CINAHL, MedLine and Embase databases for simulation studies that evaluated a debriefing framework. Two reviewers evaluated study quality and retrieved information regarding study methods, debriefing framework, outcome measures and debriefing quality.

Results

A total of 676 papers published between January 2003 and December 2017 were identified using the search protocol. Following screening of abstracts, 37 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, 26 studies met inclusion criteria for quality appraisal and 18 achieved a sufficiently high-quality score for inclusion in the evidence synthesis. A debriefing framework was used in all studies, mostly tailored to the study. Impact of the debrief was measured using satisfaction surveys (n=11) and/or participant performance (n=18). Three themes emerged from the data synthesis: selection and training of facilitators, debrief model and debrief assessment. There was little commonality across studies in terms of participants, experience of faculty and measures used.

Conclusions

A range of debriefing frameworks were used in these studies. Some key aspects of debrief for team-based simulation, such as facilitator training, the inclusion of a reaction phase and the impact of learner characteristics on debrief outcomes, have no or limited evidence and provide opportunities for future research particularly with interprofessional groups.
QRISK3 improves detection of cardiovascular disease risk in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Edwards Nicola , Langford-Smith Alexander W W , Parker Benjamin J , Bruce Ian N , Reynolds John A , Alexander M Yvonne , McCarthy Eoghan M , Wilkinson Fiona L
Published: August 2018

Objective

10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk scores are calculated using algorithms, including Framingham (worldwide) and QRISK2 (UK). Recently, an updated QRISK3 model was introduced, which considers new variables including SLE and steroid prescription, not included in QRISK2 and Framingham algorithms. We sought to determine the extent to which QRISK3 improves identification of high-risk patients with SLE and whether the score relates to standard and novel markers of SLE-specific endothelial dysfunction.

Methods

Framingham and QRISK2/3 scores were calculated in patients with SLE (n=109) and healthy controls (n=29) using clinical measures. In a smaller cohort (n=58), markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, including CD144+endothelial microvesicles (EMVs), triglycerides, vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM) and high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP) were quantified by flow cytometry and ELISA, respectively.

Results

Patients with SLE demonstrated significantly higher QRISK3 scores than controls (5.0%vs0.3%, p<0.001). 21/109 patients with SLE (19%) and 24/109(22%) were newly identified as being at high risk of a CV event when using QRISK3 versus QRISK2 (29vs8patients) and QRISK3 versus Framingham (29vs5patients; p<0.001), respectively. These ‘new QRISK3’ patients with SLE were more likely to have lupus nephritis, be anticardiolipin antibody positive, currently prescribed corticosteroids, had a higher Body Mass Index and systolic blood pressure (BP) than low-risk patients with SLE. Rates of antiplatelet (8/21) and statin use (5/21) were low in the new QRISK3 group. EMVs, hsCRP and triglyceride levels were significantly higher in new QRISK3 patientscompared with low-risk patients with SLE (p<0.05). Furthermore, pulse wave velocity and VCAM were significantly elevated in all high versus low QRISK3 patients.

Conclusions

QRISK3 captures significantly more patients with SLE with an elevated 10-year risk of developing CVD, which is associated with measures of endothelial dysfunction; EMVs and systolic BP. The adoption of QRISK3 will enhance management of CVD risk in patients with SLE for improved outcome.
A generalization of the asymptotic behavior of Palais-Smale sequences on a manifold with boundary
Authors: Zhang Hong
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we study the asymptotic behavior of Palais-Smale sequences associated with the prescribed mean curvature equation on a compact manifold with boundary. We prove that every such sequence converges to a solution of the associated equation plus finitely many “bubbles” obtained by rescaling fundamental solutions of the corresponding Euclidean boundary value problem.
Packet transmission with a lifetime constraint in scale-free networks
Authors: Ji Xiaopeng , Pu Cunlai , Li Jie
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we study how the lifetime of packets impacts the overall transmission capacity of scale-free communication networks. In our model, we observed an abrupt phase transition of packet loss rate when the packet generation rate increases, based on which we redefined the network capacity as the critical packet generation rate of packet loss. Then, we found a sharp phase transition of network capacity with the increase of packet lifetime, which is also predicted by our analytical results of network capacity. Moreover, we obtained that there is an optimal routing parameter of the tunable path routing algorithm corresponding to the maximum network capacity. Finally, we discussed the influence of network topological structure on the network capacity.
Optical photon transport and geometry contributions to time response of scintillation detectors
Authors: Ghal-Eh N. , Aliannezhadi M. , Bedenko S. V.
Published: August 2018

The sensitivities of both time and energy resolutions of a typical scintillation detector to major optical parameters (i.e. paint reflectivity, quantum efficiency of photomultiplier tube and attenuation coefficient) have been estimated using a dedicated Monte Carlo (MC) optical photon transport (OPT) simulation code, PHOTRACK, and the OPT capabilities of general-purpose code, FLUKA. Both cylindrical and parallelepiped geometries have been considered for the scintillator cell and lightguide. The results determine the scintillation light wavelength regions that the energy and time resolution represent enhanced sensitivities to small change/uncertainty in optical parameters.
A Residue-to-Binary Converter with an Adjustable Structure for an Extended RNS Three-Moduli Set
Authors: Hiasat Ahmad
Published: August 2018

In earlier publications, many researchers have addressed the problem of residue-to-binary conversion for the popular moduli set [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a positive integer greater than 1. In this paper, we are proposing, potentially, the fastest converter ever for this moduli set with the least hardware requirements. Moreover, the paper revisits the extended three-moduli set [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a positive integer such that [Formula: see text]. This paper proposes an efficient residue-to-binary converter with an adjustable structure. The proposed structure allows increasing the dynamic range at a cost of two gates per bit. When compared with a similar published work for the extended moduli set, the proposed extended converter showed significant reductions in area by 9.9–13.4%, in delay by 16.9–24.1% and in power consumption by 10.6–16.7%.
Symmetric radial decreasing rearrangement can increase the fractional Gagliardo norm in domains
Authors: Li Dong , Wang Ke
Published: August 2018

We show that the symmetric radial decreasing rearrangement can increase the fractional Gagliardo semi-norm in domains.
Tunable negative permittivity in Ti3SiC2 MAX phase/Polymethyl methacrylate metacomposites at radio-frequency region
Authors: Qu Yunpeng , Fan Guohua , Liu Yao
Published: August 2018

Metacomposites with negative permittivity have triggered tremendous fundamental and practical attention in recent years. In this paper, Ti3SiC2 MAX phase/Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) metacomposites with different Ti3SiC2 content were prepared. Weakly negative permittivity value (between [Formula: see text] and 0) was observed near percolation (Ti3SiC2 content of 60[Formula: see text]wt.%), attributing to moderate carrier concentration in Ti3SiC2 networks, and negative permittivity was tuned by tailoring conductive Ti3SiC2 networks. AC conductivity spectra and negative permittivity spectra of composites over percolation were explained by Drude model, indicating metal-like conduction behavior and low-frequency plasmonic oscillation in composites. The impedance response of composites was analyzed by equivalent circuit models, manifesting correspondence between inductor and negative permittivity. This work presented a new type of metacomposite constructed by Ti3SiC2 MAX phase and further revealed the generation mechanism of negative permittivity, which will greatly facilitate the practical applications of MAX phase in metacomposites.
Bounds on the sum of domination number and metric dimension of graphs
Authors: Kang Cong X. , Yi Eunjeong
Published: August 2018

Let [Formula: see text] be a graph with vertex set [Formula: see text]. The domination number, [Formula: see text], of [Formula: see text] is the minimum cardinality of a set [Formula: see text] such that every vertex not in [Formula: see text] is adjacent to a vertex in [Formula: see text]. The metric dimension, [Formula: see text], of [Formula: see text] is the minimum cardinality of a set of vertices such that every vertex of [Formula: see text] is uniquely determined by its vector of distances to the chosen vertices. For a tree [Formula: see text] of order at least two, we show that [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] denotes the number of exterior major vertices of [Formula: see text]; further, we characterize trees [Formula: see text] achieving equality. For a connected graph [Formula: see text] of order [Formula: see text], Bagheri Gh. et al. proved that [Formula: see text] and equality holds if and only if [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] denotes the complete graph and [Formula: see text] denotes a complete bi-partite graph of order [Formula: see text]. We characterize graphs [Formula: see text] for which [Formula: see text] equals two and three, respectively. We also characterize graphs [Formula: see text] satisfying [Formula: see text] when [Formula: see text] is a tree, a unicyclic graph, or a complete multi-partite graph.
A Controlled Experiment on Python vs C for an Introductory Programming Course
Authors: Wainer Jacques , Xavier Eduardo C.
Published: August 2018

We performed a controlled experiment comparing a C and a Python Introductory Programming course. Three faculty members at University of Campinas, Brazil, taught the same CS1 course for the same majors in two different semesters, one version in Python and one in C, with a total of 391 students involved in the experiment. We measured the dropout rate, the failure rate, the grades on the two exams, the proportion of completed lab assignments, and the number of submissions per completed assignment. There was no difference in the dropout rate. The failure rate for Python was 16.9% against 23.1% for C. The effect size (Cohen’s D) on the comparison of Python against C on the midterm exam was 0.27, and 0.38 for the final exam. The effect size for the proportion of completed assignments was 0.39 and the effect size for the number of submissions per assignment was -0.61 (Python had less submissions per completed assignments). Thus, for all measures, with the exception of dropout rate, the version of the course in Python yielded better student outcomes than the version in C and all differences are significant (with 95% confidence) with the exception of the failure rate (
p
-value=0.12).
Replicated Computations Results (RCR) Report for “Reusing Search Data in Ranking and Selection
Authors: Kuang Xianyu , Hong L. Jeff
Published: August 2018

“Reusing Search Data in Ranking and Selection: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?” [2] by Eckman and Henderson rigorously defines the statistical guarantees for ranking-and-selection (R8S) procedures after random search, and points out that the simulation replications collected in the search phase are conditionally dependent given the sequence of returned systems. Therefore, reusing the search data for R8S may affect the statistical guarantees. The authors further design random search algorithms to demonstrate that the correct selection guarantees of some ranking-and-selection procedures will be compromised if reusing the simulation replications taken during the search. This replicated computation report focuses on the reproducibility of the experiment results in the aforementioned article.
Efficient Race Detection for Reducer Hyperobjects
Authors: Lee I-Ting Angelina , Schardl Tao B.
Published: August 2018

A multithreaded Cilk program that is ostensibly deterministic may nevertheless behave nondeterministically due to programming errors in the code. For a Cilk program that uses reducers—a general reduction mechanism supported in various Cilk dialects—such programming errors are especially challenging to debug, because the errors can expose the nondeterminism in how the Cilk runtime system manages reducers.

We identify two unique types of races that arise from incorrect use of reducers in a Cilk program, and we present two algorithms to catch these races. The first algorithm, called the Peer-Set algorithm, detects view-read races, which occur when the program attempts to retrieve a value out of a reducer when the read may result in a nondeterministic value, such as before all previously spawned subcomputations that might update the reducer have necessarily returned. The second algorithm, called the SP+ algorithm, detects determinacy races—instances where a write to a memory location occurs logically in parallel with another access to that location—even when the raced-on memory locations relate to reducers. Both algorithms are provably correct, asymptotically efficient, and can be implemented efficiently in practice. We have implemented both algorithms in our prototype race detector, Rader. When running Peer-Set, Rader incurs a geometric-mean multiplicative overhead of 2.56 over running the benchmark without instrumentation. When running SP+, Rader incurs a geometric-mean multiplicative overhead of 16.94.
Adult Gross Motor Learning and Sleep: Is There a Mutual Benefit?
Authors: Christova Monica , Aftenberger Hannes , Nardone Raffaele , Gallasch Eugen
Published: August 2018

Posttraining consolidation, also known as offline learning, refers to neuroplastic processes and systemic reorganization by which newly acquired skills are converted from an initially transient state into a more permanent state. An extensive amount of research on cognitive and fine motor tasks has shown that sleep is able to enhance these processes, resulting in more stable declarative and procedural memory traces. On the other hand, limited evidence exists concerning the relationship between sleep and learning of gross motor skills. We are particularly interested in this relationship with the learning of gross motor skills in adulthood, such as in the case of sports, performing arts, devised experimental tasks, and rehabilitation practice. Thus, the present review focuses on sleep and gross motor learning (GML) in adults. The literature on the impact of sleep on GML, the consequences of sleep deprivation, and the influence of GML on sleep architecture were evaluated for this review. While sleep has proven to be beneficial for most gross motor tasks, sleep deprivation in turn has not always resulted in performance decay. Furthermore, correlations between motor performance and sleep parameters have been found. These results are of potential importance for integrating sleep in physiotherapeutic interventions, especially for patients with impaired gross motor functions.
Holistic Regulation of Angiogenesis with Chinese Herbal Medicines as a New Option for Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Yuan Rong , Shi Wei-Li , Xin Qi-Qi , Chen Ke-Ji , Cong Wei-Hong
Published: August 2018

Effectively improving myocardial blood flow and controlling atherosclerotic plaque have always been key and difficult points in the prevention and treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD). Although “therapeutic angiogenesis” is regarded as a promising approach for ischemic heart disease by improving blood flow, angiogenesis itself can induce the destabilization of atherosclerotic plaque, which reflects the double‐edged role of angiogenesis. Modulating the balance of angiogenesis can be an important target for CAD treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) emphasizes the holistic view and dynamic balance of the body. Furthermore, the principle of activating blood circulation and removing blood stasis (ABCRS) is closely connected with angiogenesis and CAD. Recent research suggests that Chinese herbal medicines for ABCRS are effective in balancing the regulation of angiogenesis. This review presents the progress of recent research on the angiogenesis regulation with Chinese herbal medicines for ABCRS in CAD. Moreover, this review demonstrates that Chinese herbal medicines for ABCRS can not only promote angiogenesis in the ischemic area to improve myocardial blood flow but also alleviate angiogenesis to stabilize plaque in atherosclerosis, which reflects the holistic regulatory role in CAD treatment.
Mortality and Recovery of Renal Function in Acute Kidney Injury Patients Treated with Prolonged Intermittent Hemodialysis Sessions Lasting 10 versus 6 Hours: Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Ballarin Albino Bianca , Gobo-Oliveira Mariele , Balbi André Luís , Ponce Daniela
Published: August 2018

Purpose. This trial aimed to compare mortality and recovery of renal function in acute kidney injury (AKI) patients treated with different durations of prolonged hemodialysis (PHD) sessions (6 h versus 10 h). Methodology. We included patients with sepsis-associated AKI, >18 years, who are in use of a norepinephrine (lower than 0.7 ucg/kg/min). Results. One hundred and ninety-four patients were treated with 531 sessions of PHD (G1=104 and G2=90 patients). The two groups were similar in age and SOFA. There was no significant difference in hypotension, hypokalemia, and anticoagulation during PHD sessions. The two groups showed differences in filter clotting, hypophosphatemia, and treatment discontinuation (12.3 versus 23.1%, p=0.002; 15.5 versus 25.8%, p=0.005; and 7.9 versus 15.6%, p=0.008, respectively). There was no difference in fluid balance (FB) before and after PHD sessions. Death and complete recovery of renal function were similar (81.3 versus 82.2%, p=0.87 and 21 versus 31.2%, p=0.7, respectively). At logistic regression, the positive FB before and after dialysis was identified as risk factor for death, while volume overload after three PHD sessions and predialysis creatinine were negatively associated with recovery of renal function in 28 days. Conclusion. There was no difference in the mortality and recovery of renal function of AKI patients submitted to different durations of PHD and sessions lasting 10 h presented higher filter clotting, hypophosphatemia, and treatment discontinuation. ISRCTN Registry number is ISRCTN33774458.
A Novel STAT3 Gene Mutation Related Hyper-IgE Syndrome Misdiagnosed as Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Authors: Shrestha Pragya , Sabharwal Geetika , Ghaffari Gisoo
Published: August 2018

Although Hyper-IgE Syndrome (HIES) is a rare immunodeficiency disorder, presenting symptoms may be as common as lung and skin infections. Symptoms are usually nonspecific such as recurrent abscesses, folliculitis, and pneumonias along with skeletal abnormalities. Careful history of susceptibility to skin and lung infections, thorough family history, and findings on physical exam can guide towards the diagnosis of this often-eluded condition. Early optimization of therapy with prophylactic antibiotics can prevent recurrent infections and future complications and improve quality of life and longevity of survival. We present a case of a young female with Hyper-IgE Syndrome with a novel mutation in STAT 3 gene who initially presented with long standing history of intractable skin abscesses being managed as Hidradenitis Suppurativa.
Alien Fish Species in the Mbô Floodplain Rivers in Cameroon
Authors: Tiogué Claudine Tekounegning , Nguenga David , Tomedi-Tabi Minette Eyango , Tekwombuo Joseph , Tekou Guegang , Tchoumboué Joseph
Published: August 2018

The aim of this study was to identify different alien fish species introduced in the Mbô Floodplain (MF) Rivers in Cameroon and to study their life-history traits. For this purpose, a total number of 237 fishes with a total length (TL) of 24.50 ± 5.97 cm and total weight of 199.50 ± 106.78 g collected by traditional fishing gears were used for taxonomic identification. Four species grouped into three families were identified: Clariidae (Clarias gariepinus), Cichlidae (Oreochromis niloticus and Tilapia cameronensis), and Channidae (Parachanna obscura). There are two types of fish introduction: accidental introduction and intentional transfer. All fish species collected and examined were of large sizes (TL > 25 cm). The regression coefficient b of the length-weight relationship ranged from 3.00 (C. gariepinus) to 3.37 (T. cameronensis) (3.18 ± 0.17). Fish species showed a monthly and seasonal fluctuation in abundance in number of individuals. Alien fish species in the Mbô Floodplain showed two types of somatic growth: isometric and positive allometric. 75% of overall alien fish species were established and they recorded a mean K factor of 0.70 ± 0.40. Only 25.00% of the sampled species had more females than males.
Influence of Climatic Factors on Malaria Epidemic in Gulu District, Northern Uganda: A 10-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Simple Ouma , Mindra Arnold , Obai Gerald , Ovuga Emilio , Odongo-Aginya Emmanuel Igwaro
Published: August 2018

Background. Globally, 15 countries, mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa, account for 80% of malaria cases and 78% of malaria related deaths. In Uganda, malaria is endemic and the mortality and morbidity due to malaria cause significant negative impact on the economy. In Gulu district, malaria is the leading killer disease among children <5 years. In 2015, the high intensity of malaria infection in Northern Uganda revealed a possible link between malaria and rainfall. However, available information on the influence of climatic factors on malaria are scarce, conflicting, and highly contextualized and therefore one cannot reference such information to malaria control policy in Northern Uganda, thus the need for this study. Methods and Results. During the 10 year’s retrospective study period a total of 2,304,537 people suffered from malaria in Gulu district. Malaria infection was generally stable with biannual peaks during the months of June-July and September-October but showed a declining trend after introduction of indoor residual spraying. Analysis of the departure of mean monthly malaria cases from the long-term mean monthly malaria cases revealed biannual seasonal outbreaks before and during the first year of introduction of indoor residual spraying. However, there were two major malaria epidemics in 2015 following discontinuation of indoor residual spraying in the late 2014. Children <5 years of age were disproportionally affected by malaria and accounted for 47.6% of the total malaria cases. Both rainfall (P=0.04) and relative humidity (P=0.003) had significant positive correlations with malaria. Meanwhile, maximum temperature had significant negative correlation with malaria (P=0.02) but minimum temperature had no correlation with malaria (P=0.29). Conclusion. Malaria in Gulu disproportionately affects children under 5 years and shows seasonality with a generally stable trend influenced by rainfall and relative humidity. However, indoor residual spraying is a very promising method to achieve a sustained malaria control in this population.
Levocetirizine Pretreatment Mitigates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Lung Inflammation in Rats
Authors: Fahmi Alaa N. A. , Shehatou George S. G. , Salem Hatem A.
Published: August 2018

This research was conducted to investigate possible protective influences of levocetirizine, a nonsedatingH1antihistamine, against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung injury in rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats received either levocetirizine (1 mg/kg/day, orally) or the vehicle of the drug (2 ml/kg/day, orally) for 1 week before a single IP injection of LPS (7.5 mg/kg). A group of normal rats served as control. The experiments were terminated 18 h after the LPS challenge. Serum C-reactive protein levels were determined. Moreover, total cell count, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, protein levels, and total NOx were evaluated in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Pulmonary edema was evaluated as the wet/dry lung weight ratio. Lung tissue homogenate was assessed for antioxidant/pro-oxidant status. BALF and lung tissue levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) were assessed. Lungs were examined for histological alterations. LPS-mediated lung injury was manifested by pulmonary edema, leukocyte infiltration, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Levocetirizine attenuated lung edema and mitigated the increases in BALF protein levels, LDH activity, and lung leukocyte recruitment in LPS-challenged rats. Additionally, TNF-αprotein levels in BALF and lung tissue were diminished by levocetirizine administration. Levocetirizine also exhibited a potent antioxidant activity as indicated by a decrease in lung tissue levels of malondialdehyde and an enhancement of superoxide dismutase activity. Histological examination of lung tissues confirmed the beneficial effect of levocetirizine against LPS-induced histopathological alterations. In conclusion, levocetirizine may offer protection against lung tissue damage and inflammation in LPS-challenged rats.
Probabilistic En Route Sector Traffic Demand Prediction Based upon Statistical Analysis of Error Distribution Characteristics
Authors: Tian Wen , Xu Huiqing , Guo Yixing , Hu Bin , Yao Yi
Published: August 2018

In China, air traffic congestion has become increasingly prominent and tends to spread from terminal areas to en route networks. Accurate and objective traffic demand prediction could alleviate congestion effectively. However, the usual demand prediction is based on conjecture method of flying track, and the number of aircraft flying over a sector in a set time interval could be inferred through the location information of any aircraft track. In this paper, we proposed a probabilistic traffic demand prediction method by considering the deviations caused by random events, such as the change of departure or arrival time, the temporary change in route or altitude under severe weather conditions, and unscheduled cancellation for a flight. The probabilistic method quantifies these uncertain factors and presents numerical value with its corresponding probability instead of the deterministic number of aircraft in a sector during a time interval. The analysis results indicate that the probabilistic traffic demand prediction based on error distribution characteristics achieves an effective match with the realistic operation in airspace of central and southern China, which contributes to enhancing the implementation of airspace congestion risk management.
A Rare Cause of Acute Kidney Injury: Primary Renal Lymphoma in a Patient with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Mustafar Ruslinda , Kamaruzaman Lydia , Chien Beh Hui , Yahaya Azyani , Mohd Nasir Noor’Ain , Mohd Rozita , Cader Rizna , Wei Yen Kong
Published: August 2018

We reported a case of primary renal lymphoma (PRL) presented with non-oliguric acute kidney injury and bilateral kidney infiltrates in an individual with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease. Acute kidney injury secondary to lymphoma infiltrates is very rare (less than 1% of hematological malignancy). A 37-year-old gentleman with underlying human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease was on combined antiretroviral therapy since diagnosis. He presented to our center with uremic symptoms and gross hematuria. Clinically, bilateral kidneys massively enlarged and were ballotable. Blood investigations showed hemoglobin of 3.7 g/L, urea of 65.6 mmol/L, and serum creatinine of 1630 µmol/L with hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis. An urgent hemodialysis was initiated, and he was dependent on regular hemodialysis subsequently. Computed tomography renal scan showed diffuse nonenhancing hypodense lesion in both renal parenchyma. Diagnosis of diffuse large B cell lymphoma with germinal center type, CD20 positive, and proliferative index 95% was confirmed via renal biopsy, and there was no bone marrow infiltrates. Unfortunately, the patient succumbs prior to initiation of chemotherapy.
Steam Sterilization of Equine Bone Block: Morphological and Collagen Analysis
Authors: Lo Giudice R. , Rizzo G. , Centofanti A. , Favaloro A. , Rizzo D. , Cervino G. , Squeri R. , Costa B. G. , La Fauci V. , Lo Giudice G.
Published: August 2018

Introduction. The use of equine bone blocks is widely reported for bone augmentation techniques. The block must be shaped according to the form of the defect that should be regenerated. The shaping could be performed by hand before or during the surgery, in a sterile ambient, or using a CNC milling machine that could not be sterile. The aim of our study was to evaluate if a steam sterilization could provide a medical grade sterilization of the blocks and to evaluate if bone microstructure and collagen structures change after different steam sterilization protocols provided by mainstream autoclave. Materials and Method. Two blocks of equine bone were divided into 16 samples. 1 sample was used as control and not submitted to any treatment. 15 samples were infected with a Streptococcus faecalis bacterial culture. The samples were singularly packed, randomly divided into 3 groups, and submitted to autoclave sterilization on the same device. The groups were submitted to a sterilization cycle (Gr. A: 121°C, 1,16 bar for 20′; Gr. B:134°C, 2,16 bar for 4′; Gr. C: 134°C, 2,16 bar for 3.30 min.). 2 samples for each group were evaluated for the sterility. 3 samples for each group were observed at SEM to notice the macro- and microstructure modification and to confocal microscope to observe the collagen. Results. All samples were sterile. The SEM evaluation showed, in all groups, a preserved morphological structure. Confocal microscope evaluation shows that the collagen structure appears to be more uniform and preserved in group C. Conclusion. Data show that autoclave steam sterilization could be reliable to obtain sterilization of equine bone blocks.
Navigating Higher Education to Enhance Student Success
Authors: Coates Hamish
Published: August 2018

Demand for higher education keeps growing, making it more important to create new insights into what and how people succeed. Student success is a large topic which researchers and practitioners approach in a large array of ways. To advance this field of eight leading researchers contribute insights and perspectives through articles which take stock of pressing problems and emerging developments. The researchers explore politics, international dynamics, student perspectives, institutional configurations, curriculum characteristics, economics, and educational practices. The findings are relevant to Chinese higher education, and to other systems around the world.
Accounting for Student Success: Academic and Stakeholder Perspectives That Have Shaped the Discourse on Student Success in the United States
Authors: Borden Victor M. H. , Holthaus Gretchen C.
Published: August 2018

The meaning of student success differs according to the goals, interests and roles among prospective students, their parents and extended family, educators, scholars, employers, legislators and other stakeholders. Despite this wide variation, accountability for student success has been mostly equated with readily available measures like degree completion rates, time to degree and credit accumulation. Recently, especially in the United States, where the student assumes a large cost burden for attending college, interest has increased regarding the amount of debt incurred and the employment and wages obtained post-graduation to enable students to pay off that debt. There are many from within and outside the academy who criticize these simplistic measures of student success and seek evidence about how a college education develops students intellectually and morally, preparing them to lead lives as productive citizens and members of the 21st Century workforce. In this article, we review the key concepts of student success that have emerged from the U.S. higher education research literature, as well as major U.S. policy initiatives related to improving student success. The purpose of this analysis is to develop an organizing framework that enables scholars and policy makers to place their work within a broader context as related to the discourse on student success in the early 21st Century, especially within the United States, but with increasingly common elements internationally.
Lectotypification and observations on the morphology, distribution and conservation status of Isoetes luetzelburgii (Isoetaceae)
Authors: PEREIRA JOVANI BERNARDINO DE SOUZA , SILVESTRE LEANDRO C. , SANTIAGO AUGUSTO C.P.
Published: August 2018

Isoetes is a worldwide aquatic plant group with ca. 250 species. In South America, Isoetes luetzelburgii is one of the few species that inhabits semi-arid areas. This is an endangered species known from only few collections, which causes uncertainty related to its morphological delimitation, distribution and conservation status. Efforts combining both field and herbarium investigations enabled us to identify several new populations in northern Brazil. In this study, we present a comprehensive assessment of the known distribution of I. luetzelburgii and provide a detailed description of the species. Because the holotype was never properly designated, we also provide the lectotypification for the name. The data presented here contribute to enhance our understanding of the taxonomy and natural history of this species. This understanding may also serve as a conservation tool for the protection of its populations.
The survey of Seira Lubbock, 1870 (Collembola, Entomobryidae,
Seirinae) from Iberian Peninsula and Canary Islands, including three new species
Authors: CIPOLA NIKOLAS GIOIA , ARBEA JAVIER , BAQUERO ENRIQUE , JORDANA RAFAEL , MORAIS JOSÉ WELLINGTON DE , BELLINI BRUNO CAVALCANTE
Published: August 2018

Here we present a survey of Seira fauna from Iberian Peninsula and Canary Islands, including the description of three new species from Spain: Seira barrai sp. nov., Seira betica sp. nov. and Seira burgersi sp. nov., the latter with unprece-dented antennal morphology for Seira. Five species from Western Europe are redescribed and their dorsal detailed chaetotaxy is revealed for the first time: S. domestica (Nicolet), S. dinizi Gama, S. ferrarii Parona, S. mantis Zeppelini & Bellini and S. pini Jordana & Arbea, the first two from type locality, and the latter two based on analysis of the type material. A note on chaetal interpretation of the first abdominal segment for Seira is presented. An identification key to 31 species with known dorsal chaetotaxy from Western Palearctic region is also provided, including a discussion on dense macrochaetotaxy present in Palearctic and Oriental species and its reduction in species from others biogeographic regions.
An Air Stagnation Index to Qualify Extreme Haze Events in Northern China
Authors: Feng Jin , Quan Jiannong , Liao Hong , Li Yanjie , Zhao Xiujuan
Published: August 2018

Stagnation weather affects atmospheric diffusion ability, and hence causes the occurrence of haze events, which have been happening frequently in northern China (NC). This work puts forward an air stagnation index (ASITS) to characterize the stagnation weather in NC, in which the processes of ventilation, vertical diffusion, and wet deposition potency are concerned. ASITS can be applied to analyze air stagnation conditions with daily to monthly time scale. It is shown that the ASITS and particulate matter smaller than 2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5) concentrations own similar lognormal probability distribution functions on both daily and monthly time scales. And the correlation analyses between the ASITS and PM2.5 concentrations indicate that the ASITS can reflect the monthly and daily variations in PM2.5 concentrations in NC. In addition, ASITS could be used as a leading predictor of haze events since correlation coefficients of ASITS leading PM2.5 concentrations by 1 day were significant and were larger than simultaneous correlation coefficients in almost all areas in NC. The robust relationship between ASITS and PM2.5 concentrations exists possibly because the index can reflect the activities of synoptic systems. ASITS could be a useful statistical indicator for variations in PM2.5 concentrations and haze events, and a good tool in analyzing the relationship between climate change and long-term variations in haze in NC.
Things that Make a Pupil Slow
Authors: Carroll Robert Paris
Published: August 2018

If a pupil drags behind his classmates, the teacher should discover the real reason or reasons. Stupidity may not be a factor at all. There are at least sixteen other possibilities.
Character is Not Mere Goodness
Authors: Lund John
Published: August 2018

“We need more and more to see the child whole and appreciate that every contact, every experience and every environmental factor has its important bearing. The problem becomes not a school problem alone but ramifies throughout the community.”
Report Cards without “Marks”
Authors: Dawson Milded A.
Published: August 2018

Two years of experimenting in an elementary training school have resulted in a smooth-working plan.
Are Private Schools So Superior?
Authors: O'Connor Mary Elizabeth
Published: August 2018

“This is no time to have public school education misrepresented as a routine, lockstep, mass movement.”
A Check-up of Non-Promotions
Authors: Templin R. S. W.
Published: August 2018

An astonishing number of bright, capable children fail of promotion. Why? Here is a significant study, with conclusions that deserve attention.
Teaching Democracy a High Task
Authors: Copper Francis Roy
Published: August 2018

It need not be drudgery, nor will it be, if the teacher truly understands its meaning.
Disciplining the other
Authors: Saini Ajay
Published: August 2018

The Indian Ocean tsunami (2004) devastated the Nicobar archipelago, a remote tribal reserve in the Indian Ocean, which the Nicobarese indigenes have traditionally inhabited. The catastrophe attracted a massive humanitarian response from the Government of India (GoI), leading to a sociocultural crisis among the Nicobarese that is inextricably linked to the post-tsunami humanitarian government in the Nicobar, which undermined what was once a self-sustaining community. Using Michel Foucault’s analytic of governmentality, this article elucidates how the humanitarian government in the southern Nicobar, motivated by a raison d’état of national security, attempted to discipline the traditional Nicobarese by developing new forms of subjectivities among them.
Forbidden Homeland: Divided Belonging on the China-KoreaBorder
Authors: Kwon June Hee
Published: August 2018

This article explores the old Korean Chinese communist party members’ rearticulation and re-remembering of the traumatic ethnic past and ethnic politics in the wake of the Korean Wind – the massive transnational migration from Yanbian, the Korean Chinese autonomous prefecture (China) to the former enemy homeland, South Korea. The ethnographic analysis is twofold. First, I examine the influence of the Korean Wind, a unique type of economic reform and open economy that Korean Chinese have experienced as an ethnic minority, in destabilizing and reconfiguring their ethnic identity. Second, I analyze the divided sense of belonging of these Korean Chinese Communists as they discuss transnational migration to South Korea as an economic phenomenon while remaining politically faithful to socialism and China. I argue that the construction of divided belonging is a Korean Chinese effort to reconcile their ethnic place in contemporary “Yanbian socialism” as it is buffeted by the Korean Wind.
Sonography of the optic nerve sheath diameter before and after microsurgical closure of a dural CSF fistula in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension – a consecutive cohort study
Authors: Fichtner Jens , Ulrich Christian T , Fung Christian , Cipriani Debora , Gralla Jan , Piechowiak Eike Immo , Schlachetzki Felix , Z'Graggen Werner J , Raabe Andreas , Beck Jürgen
Published: August 2018

Objective

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is caused by spinal cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Patients with orthostatic headaches and cerebrospinal fluid leakage show a decrease in optic nerve sheath diameter upon movement from supine to upright position. We hypothesized that the decrease in optic nerve sheath diameter upon gravitational challenge would cease after closure of the leak.

Methods

We included 29 patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension and refractory symptoms admitted from 2013 to 2016. The systematic workup included: Optic nerve sheath diameter sonography, spinal MRI and dynamic myelography with subsequent CT. Microsurgical sealing of the cerebrospinal fluid leak was the aim in all cases.

Results

Of 29 patients with a proven cerebrospinal fluid leak, one declined surgery. A single patient was lost to follow-up. In 27 cases, the cerebrospinal fluid leak was successfully sealed by microsurgery. The width of the optic nerve sheath diameter in supine position increased from 5.08 ± 0.66 mm before to 5.36 ± 0.53 mm after surgery ( p = 0.03). Comparing the response of the optic nerve sheath diameter to gravitational challenge, there was a significant change from before (−0.36 ± 0.32 mm) to after surgery (0.00 ± 0.19 mm, p < 0.01). In parallel, spontaneous intracranial hypotension-related symptoms resolved in 26, decreased in one and persisted in a single patient despite recovery of gait.

Conclusions

The sonographic assessment of the optic nerve sheath diameter with gravitational challenge can distinguish open from closed spinal cerebrospinal fluid fistulas in spontaneous intracranial hypotension patients. A response to the gravitational challenge, that is, no more collapse of the optic nerve sheath while standing up, can be seen after successful treatment and correlates with the resolution of clinical symptoms. Sonography of the optic nerve sheath diameter may be utilized for non-invasive follow-up in spontaneous intracranial hypotension.