bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The incidence and prognosis of thromboembolism associated with oral contraceptives: Age‐dependent difference in Japanese population
Authors: Sugiura Kazuko , Ojima Toshiyuki , Urano Tetsumei , Kobayashi Takao
Published: July 2018

Aim

We analyzed the incidence and prognosis of thromboembolism associated with combined oral contraceptives (COCs) by age groups in Japan.

Methods

A total of 581 events of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and arterial thromboembolism (ATE) associated with COCs were analyzed from the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency database from 2004 to 2013. In a statistical analysis, a good‐prognosis group included recovery cases and a poor‐prognosis group involved unrecovered cases with some sequela and fatal cases. The significant difference between these two groups was calculated by Pearson's chi‐square test, and the age‐specific tendency and the trend of differences in prognosis according to different hormonal contraceptives were examined by Cochran–Armitage trend test.

Results

A total of 543 events were analyzed except 38 events due to unknown age, in which DVT only was the most frequent, followed by cerebral infarction, PE with DVT, PE only, cerebral vein thromboses. ATE ratio for overall thromboembolism tended to increase with advancing age (P = 0.0041). Good‐prognosis group was common (291 cases in VTE and 83 cases in ATE), followed by poor‐prognosis group (46 cases in VTE and 34 cases in ATE). All ATE cases had a significantly poorer prognosis in comparison with all VTE cases (P < 0.0001). Types of progestin and age difference, however, showed no trend in the differences between good‐prognosis group and poor‐prognosis group (P = 0.3548 and P = 0.6097).

Conclusion

Thromboembolic events were the most frequent in the 40s. The ATE ratio for overall thromboembolism tended to increase with advancing age. All ATE cases had a significantly poorer prognosis in comparison with all VTE cases.
Facebow Use in Clinical Prosthodontic Practice
Authors: Nagy William W. , Goldstein Gary R.
Published: July 2018

The use of a dental facebow in diagnosis and treatment by the restorative dentist has been controversial in recent years. Digital alternatives have been proposed and hold promise for the future; however, the traditional facebow still has practicality in a modern restorative practice. The purpose of this paper is to review facebow use in clinical prosthodontic practice.
Effect of Aging on Stained Monolithic Resin‐Ceramic CAD/CAM Materials: Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of Surface Roughness
Authors: Mühlemann Sven , Bernini Joëlle M , Sener Beatrice , Hämmerle Christoph HF , Özcan Mutlu
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The aim of this in vitro study was to measure the effect of staining and artificial aging on the surface roughness of commercially available resin‐ceramic computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) materials both quantitatively and qualitatively and to compare it to feldspathic material.

Materials and methods

Test specimens (n = 15 per material) were prepared of CAD/CAM ingots from a resin nanoceramic (Lava Ultimate, LVU), a polymer‐infiltrated ceramic (Vita Enamic, ENA), and a resin nanoceramic (Cerasmart, CER). In the staining protocol, test specimens were (i) roughened in a standardized manner and (ii) stained with the manufacturer's recommended staining kit by means of photo‐polymerization (Bluephase Polywave). The control specimens were prepared out of a feldspathic ceramic (Vita Mark II,VM2) and stained in a ceramic furnace. As negative control of each group, 15 specimens were prepared and polished in a standardized manner. Surface roughness (Ra) was measured after finishing procedures and after simulation of clinical service up to 5 years by means of toothbrushing. After each year of aging, one specimen per group was randomly selected for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Kruskal‐Wallis test and paired post‐hoc test were applied to detect differences between treatment groups (alpha = 0.05).

Results

The mean roughness measurements of the stained CAD/CAM materials were 0.14 ± 0.04 μm (ENA), 0.15 ± 0.03 μm (LVU), 0.22 ± 0.03 μm (VM2), and 0.26 ± 0.12 μm (CER). In the polished CAD/CAM materials the measurements were 0.01 ± 0.01 μm (CER), 0.02 ± 0.01 μm (LVU), 0.02 ± 0.00 μm (VM2), and 0.03 ± 0.01μm (ENA). Irrespective of the restoration material, the applied staining protocol resulted in a higher surface roughness compared to the polished specimens (p< 0.001). After 5 years of simulated aging the mean surface roughness in the stained CAD/CAM materials were 0.22 ± 0.03 μm (VM2), 0.24 ± 0.09 μm (ENA), 0.25 ± 0.06 μm (CER), and 0.37 ± 0.09 μm (LVU). Aging had a significant effect on surface roughness in groups ENA and LVU (p< 0.001). SEM analysis showed that the staining layer on resin‐ceramic CAD/CAM materials was partially removed over time.

Conclusions

The applied staining protocol significantly increased surface roughness of CAD/CAM materials. Instability of the staining layer on resin‐ceramic CAD/CAM materials could be anticipated over time as a consequence of toothbrushing, whereas feldspathic ceramic did not suffer from such aging effect.
Teenage night owls or early birds? Chronotype and the mental health of adolescents
Authors: Gariépy Geneviève , Riehm Kira E. , Whitehead Ross D. , Doré Isabelle , Elgar Frank J.
Published: July 2018

Evidence suggests that the timing of sleep (chronotype) impacts mental health in young people, but previous studies have not accounted for sleep duration or school start time in this association, or examined a broad range of mental outcomes. In this study, we investigated the association between chronotype and mental health in a representative sample of adolescents from the 2014 Canadian Health Behaviour in School‐Aged Children survey (29,635 students, 362 schools). We examined positive and negative aspects of mental health, using scores for emotional problems (range 0–33), emotional well‐being (0–22), behavioural problems (0–28) and prosocial behaviours (0–25). We estimated chronotype using the time of mid‐sleep on weekends and examined the associations using multilevel regressions, adjusted for sleep duration, school start time, individual, family and geographic characteristics. The average time of mid‐sleep (chronotype) was 04:11 hr. An hour delay in mid‐sleep time was associated with more emotional problems (0.34 [95% confidence interval 0.23, 0.45] point higher score), more behavioural problems (2.0% [95% confidence interval 1.4%, 2.6%] higher score), less emotional well‐being (0.19 [95% confidence interval 0.09, 0.20] point lower score), and fewer prosocial behaviours (0.18 [95% confidence interval 0.08, 0.29] point lower score). A later chronotype was associated with poorer mental health, independent of sleep duration and school start time, and across internalizing and externalizing mental health domains. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying this association. The timing of sleep, and not just its duration, may be an additional consideration for youth mental health.
The developmental and cultural psychology of free will
Authors: Kushnir Tamar
Published: July 2018

This paper provides an account of the developmental origins of our belief in free will based on research from a range of ages—infants, preschoolers, older children, and adults—and across cultures. The foundations of free will beliefs are in infants' understanding of intentional action—their ability to use context to infer when agents are free to “do otherwise” and when they are constrained. In early childhood, new knowledge aboutcausesof action leads to new abilities to imagineconstraintson action. Moreover, unlike adults, young children tend to view psychological causes (i.e., desires) and social causes (i.e., following rules or group norms, being kind or fair) of action as constraints on free will. But these beliefs change, and also diverge across cultures, corresponding to differences between Eastern and Western philosophies of mind, self, and action. Finally, new evidence shows developmentally early, culturally dependent links between free will beliefs and behavior, in particular when choice‐making requires self‐control.
Examining the Unanticipated Adverse Consequences of Youth Suicide Prevention Strategies: A Literature Review with Recommendations for Prevention Programs
Authors: Kuiper Nora , Goldston David , Godoy Garraza Lucas , Walrath Christine , Gould Madelyn , McKeon Richard
Published: July 2018

Objective

Youth suicide is a public health problem in the United States. Suicide prevention programs have been shown to be beneficial; however, knowledge of unanticipated adverse consequences of programs is limited. The objective of this review is to present what is known about these consequences so informed decisions and appropriate planning can be made prior to implementation of suicide prevention interventions.

Method

A narrative but systematic review was conducted assessing what is known about adverse consequences utilizing a comprehensive keyword search of EBSCO and PubMed databases. Study populations beyond youth were included.

Results

Unanticipated adverse consequences of suicide prevention interventions were included in 22 publications. Consequences occur at three levels: at the level of the youth, those who identify or intervene with at‐risk youth, and at the system level. While rare, unanticipated adverse consequences include an increase in maladaptive coping and a decrease in help‐seeking among program targets, overburden or increased suicide ideation among program implementers, and inadequate systemic preparedness.

Conclusions

Overall, the benefits of youth suicide prevention outweigh the unanticipated adverse consequences. Nevertheless, these results may be utilized for informed decision‐making regarding suicide prevention programming, and to ensure appropriate infrastructure is in place prior to prevention efforts.
Pre‐clinical evaluation of proteasome inhibitors for canine and human osteosarcoma
Authors: Patatsos K. , Shekhar T. M. , Hawkins C. J.
Published: July 2018

Osteosarcoma, a common malignancy in large dog breeds, typically metastasises from long bones to lungs and is usually fatal within 1 to 2 years of diagnosis. Better therapies are needed for canine patients and their human counterparts, a third of whom die within 5 years of diagnosis. We compared the in vitro sensitivity of canine osteosarcoma cells derived from 4 tumours to the currently used chemotherapy drugs doxorubicin and carboplatin, and 4 new anti‐cancer drugs. Agents targeting histone deacetylases or PARP were ineffective. Two of the 4 cell lines were somewhat sensitive to the BH3‐mimetic navitoclax. The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib potently induced caspase‐dependent apoptosis, at concentrations substantially lower than levels detected in the bones and lungs of treated rodents. Co‐treatment with bortezomib and either doxorubicin or carboplatin was more toxic to canine osteosarcoma cells than each agent alone. Newer proteasome inhibitors carfilzomib, ixazomib, oprozomib and delanzomib manifested similar activities to bortezomib. Human osteosarcoma cells were as sensitive to bortezomib as the canine cells, but slightly less sensitive to the newer drugs. Human osteoblasts were less sensitive to proteasome inhibition than osteosarcoma cells, but physiologically relevant concentrations were toxic. Such toxicity, if replicated in vivo, may impair bone growth and strength in adolescent human osteosarcoma patients, but may be tolerated by canine patients, which are usually diagnosed later in life. Proteasome inhibitors such as bortezomib may be useful for treating canine osteosarcoma, and ultimately may improve outcomes for human patients if their osteoblasts survive exposure in vivo, or if osteoblast toxicity can be managed.
Verification of the Heska Element Point‐of‐Care blood gas instrument for use with venous blood from alpacas and llamas, with determination of reference intervals
Authors: Viesselmann Lisa C. , Videla Ricardo , Flatland Bente
Published: July 2018

Background

The Heska Element POC (“EPOC”) is a blood gas instrument intended for use with canine, feline, and equine whole blood; no verification for use with camelid specimens has been reported.

Objectives

Using camelid specimens and commercial quality control materials (QCM), we investigatee EPOC analytical performance and establish EPOC camelid reference intervals (RIs).

Methods

Camelid blood (n = 124) was analyzed using the EPOC (pH, pCO2, pO2, HCO3, base excess, SO2, sodium, potassium, chloride, ionized calcium, TCO2, anion gap, HCT, HGB, glucose, lactate, and creatinine); plasma was analyzed using a Roche Cobas c501 (sodium, potassium, chloride, TCO2, anion gap, glucose, and creatinine). Method comparison data were assessed using Pearson's correlation, Passing‐Bablok regression, and Bland‐Altman plots. EPOC precision was evaluated using QCM and camelid blood.

Results

For all measurands except anion gap, the EPOC vs Cobas instrument correlation was r > .85. Except for pO2 and pCO2, EPOC precision (QCM and blood) ranged from a repeatability CV <1%‐6.3%. Mild constant bias for chloride, glucose, TCO2, anion gap, and creatinine, and mild proportional bias for chloride, glucose, and anion gap were present. The total error (QCM data) for the EPOC instrument was below the ASVCP‐recommended allowable total error. Alpacas had higher potassium and lactate, while llamas had higher creatinine, sodium, chloride, ionized calcium, pO2, and SO2. Statistical RIs based on alpaca (n = 74‐96) and llama data (n = 12‐17) are reported descriptively.

Conclusions

The EPOC analyzer shows good performance with camelid blood. A lack of complete agreement with automated chemistry analyzers highlights the importance of interpreting patient data using instrument‐specific RIs.
Ultrasonography does not consistently detect parathyroid glands in healthy cats
Authors: Woods Sarah J. , Palm Carrie , Sheley Matt , Feldman Edward C. , Pollard Rachel E.
Published: July 2018

Ultrasound is used to evaluate the parathyroid glands of several species but there are limited reports of its use in cats. With this prospective anatomic study, we hypothesized that ultrasound could identify two parathyroid glands as hypoechoic nodules associated with each thyroid lobe and that a normal size range could be established. Six cat cadavers were imaged with ultrasound and histopathology of the thyroid and parathyroid tissue was performed for comparison. In addition, clinically healthy adult cats were prospectively recruited and placed in Group 1 (2–6 years; n = 11) or Group 2 (7–13 years; n = 9). Ultrasound of the cervical region was performed using a 7–15 MHz linear transducer. Number, size, and location of all hypoechoic nodules within or immediately adjacent to the thyroid lobes were documented. Ultrasound identified between 0–6 hypoechoic nodules per thyroid lobe in cat cadavers and between 0–3 hypoechoic nodules per thyroid lobe in clinically healthy cats, which does not correlate with the normal anatomy. In conclusion, parathyroid glands were frequently not ultrasonographically observed or were not distinguishable from thyroid tissue and this problem was worse in older cats because of the prevalence of nodular thyroid lesions, which primarily included foci of adenomatous hyperplasia.
Update of the best practice dietetic management of overweight and obese children and adolescents: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Shrewsbury Vanessa A. , Burrows Tracy , Ho Mandy , Jensen Megan , Garnett Sarah P. , Stewart Laura , Gow Megan L. , Ells Louisa J. , Chai Li Kheng , Ashton Lee , Walker Jacqueline L. , Littlewood Robyn , Coyle Daisy , Nowicka Paulina , Ashman Amy , Demaio Alessandro , Duncanson Kerith , Collins Clare
Published: July 2018

Review question/objective:

To update an existing systematic review series
1,2
of randomized controlled trials (RCT) that include a dietary intervention for the management of overweight or obesity in children or adolescents.

Specifically, the review questions are: In randomized controlled trials of interventions which include a dietary intervention for the management of overweight or obesity in children or adolescents:
Ambroxol Induces Autophagy and Potentiates Rifampin Antimycobacterial Activity
Authors: Choi Seong Won , Gu Yuexi , Peters Ryan Scott , Salgame Padmini , Ellner Jerrold J. , Timmins Graham S. , Deretic Vojo
Published: July 2018

Host-directed therapy in tuberculosis is a potential adjunct to antibiotic chemotherapy directed at
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. Ambroxol, a lead compound, emerged from a screen for autophagy-inducing drugs.
Redirection of Metabolism in Response to Fatty Acid Kinase in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: DeMars Zachary , Bose Jeffrey L.
Published: July 2018

The fatty acid kinase, FakA, of
Staphylococcus aureus
plays several important roles in the cell. FakA is important for the activation of the SaeRS two-component system and secreted virulence factors like α-hemolysin. However, the contribution of FakA to cellular metabolism has not been explored. Here, we highlight the metabolic consequence of removal of FakA from the cell. The absence of FakA leads to altered acetate metabolism and altered redox balance, as well as a change in intracellular amino acids. Additionally, the use of environmental amino acid sources is affected by FakA. Together, these results demonstrate for the first time that FakA provides a link between the pathways for exogenous fatty acid use, virulence factor regulation, and other metabolic processes.
A comparison of evidence-based medicine practices between primary care physicians in rural and urban primary care settings in Malaysia: a qualitative study
Authors: Hisham Ranita , Liew Su May , Ng Chirk Jenn
Published: July 2018

Objective

This study aimed to compare the evidence-based practices of primary care physicians between those working in rural and in urban primary care settings.

Research design

Data from two previous qualitative studies, the Front-line Equitable Evidence-based Decision Making in Medicine and Creating, Synthesising and Implementing evidence-based medicine (EBM) in primary care studies, were sorted, arranged, classified and compared with the help of qualitative research software, NVivo V.10. Data categories were interrogated through comparison between and within datasets to identify similarities and differences in rural and urban practices. Themes were then refined by removing or recoding redundant and infrequent nodes into major key themes.

Participants

There were 55 primary care physicians who participated in 10 focus group discussions (n=31) and 9 individual physician in-depth interviews.

Setting

The study was conducted across three primary care settings—an academic primary care practice and both private and public health clinics in rural (Pahang) and urban (Selangor and Kuala Lumpur) settings in Malaysia.

Results

We identified five major themes that influenced the implementation of EBM according to practice settings, namely, workplace factors, EBM understanding and awareness, work experience and access to specialist placement, availability of resources and patient population. Lack of standardised care is a contributing factor to differences in EBM practice, especially in rural areas.

Conclusions

There were major differences in the practice of EBM between rural and urban primary care settings. These findings could be used by policy-makers, administrators and the physicians themselves to identify strategies to improve EBM practices that are targeted according to workplace settings.
Perceptions of patient safety culture among medical students: a cross-sectional investigation in Heilongjiang Province, China
Authors: Liu He , Li Ying , Zhao Siqi , Jiao Mingli , Lu Yan , Liu Jinghua , Jiang Kexin , Fang Huiying , Sun Peihang , Li Peng , Wang Yameng , Jia Haonan , Wu Yuming , Liu Limin , Zhao Yanming , Wu Qunhong
Published: July 2018

Objectives

Medical school education plays an important role in promoting patient safety. In this study, we assess medical students’ perceptions of patient safety culture, identify their educational needs and provide evidence on the most important content relating to patient safety for the medical school curriculum.

Method

This cross-sectional study was conducted in four medical universities in Heilongjiang province. Medical students in the first through five years completed an anonymous questionnaire—the Attitudes toward Patient Safety Questionnaire III. We analysed the differences in responses across the four universities and their cohorts.

Results

The overall perceptions of patient safety culture across the four medical universities were positive. The highest positive response rate was for ‘I have a good understanding of patient safety issues as a result of my undergraduate medical training’ (range: 58.4%–99.8%), whereas the lowest positive response rate was for ‘medical errors are a sign of incompetence’ (14.7%–47.9%). Respondents in the earlier years of school tended to have more positive responses for items concerning working hours and team work; however, fourth and fifth year students had more positive responses for error inevitability. Items with the lowest positive response rates across the cohorts included items related to ‘professional incompetence as a cause of error’ and ‘disclosure responsibility’.

Conclusions

While students generally had positive views of patient safety culture, none of them had been exposed to any formal curriculum content on patient safety. Policymakers should focus more on how educational needs vary across schools and cohorts in order to establish appropriate curricula.
Association and diagnostic utility of diastolic dysfunction and myocardial fibrosis in patients with Fabry disease
Authors: Liu Dan , Oder Daniel , Salinger Tim , Hu Kai , Müntze Jonas , Weidemann Frank , Herrmann Sebastian , Ertl Georg , Wanner Christoph , Frantz Stefan , Störk Stefan , Nordbeck Peter
Published: July 2018

Objectives

Current guidelines highlight important therapy implications of cardiac fibrosis in patients with Fabry disease (FD). However, association between morphological and functional impairments with cardiac fibrosis in hereditary cardiomyopathies remains elusive. We investigated the association between echocardiography-determined cardiac dysfunction and cardiac MRI (cMRI)-detected myocardial fibrosis (late gadolinium enhancement, LE) in patients with FD with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (≥50%).

Methods

146 patients with FD (aged 39±14 years, 57 men) were analysed, all receiving echocardiography and cMRI within a 1 week interval. Longitudinal systolic strain (LS_sys), strain rate (LSr_sys) and diastolic strain rate (LSr_E/LSr_A) were assessed using speckle-tracking imaging. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to identify the diagnostic performance of various markers for LE.

Results

LE was detected in 57 (39%) patients with FD. LV wall thickness, left atrial volume, septal E/e′, diastolic dysfunction grade, global LS_sys and E/LSr_E, mid-lateral LS_sys and LSr_E, as well as N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide were all associated with LE independent of age, sex, body mass index, New York Heart Association functional class and kidney function. In ROC curve analysis, septal E/e′ performed best (area under the curve=0.86, 95% CI=0.79 to 0.92). Septal E/e′>14.8 was strongly associated with LE (specificity=97.8% and sensitivity=49.1%). In 9% of patients, localised LE was present even though no other cardiac or kidney abnormalities were detected.

Conclusions

Echocardiography-derived diastolic dysfunction is closely linked to LE in FD. Septal E/e′ ratio is the best echocardiographic marker suggestive of LE. Diastolic dysfunction is not a prerequisite for LE in FD, since LE can be detected in the absence of measurable cardiac functional impairments.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier (NCT03362164).
Uric acid stones, clinical manifestations and therapeutic considerations
Authors: Ma Qi , Fang Li , Su Rui , Ma Liang , Xie Guohai , Cheng Yue
Published: July 2018

Uric acid stones account for 10%–15% of all urinary stones. Changes in dietary habits, environment or both can result in the increase of uric acid stones. The formation of uric acid stones is related to hyperuricosuria, low urinary volume and persistently low urinary pH. Diabetes and obesity also significantly increase the risk of stone formation. Dual-energy CT provides a convenient and reliable method for diagnosis. Stone composition analysis and 24-hour urine metabolic evaluations should be considered for further evaluation. Most small uric acid stones (diameter <2 cm) can be treated by pharmacotherapy or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. However, ureteroscopy and other minimally invasive procedures should be reserved for larger stones (diameter ≥2 cm), or patients with concomitant urinary tract obstruction and/or infections. Additionally, adjustment of potential pathophysiologic defects by pharmacotherapy and dietary modification is strongly recommended for the prevention of uric stone recurrence.
Borehole magnetic surveys in weakly magnetic sediments (Chicxulub impact crater) versus strongly magnetic volcanics (Bathurst mining camp)
Authors: Morris William A. , Underhay Sara-Lise , Ugalde Hernan , Milkereit Bernd
Published: July 2018

Borehole navigation surveys performed using a triaxial fluxgate magnetometer record the change in orientation of the magnetic vector versus depth. Variations in the orientation of the magnetic vector arise from either on- or off-hole magnetic sources. On-hole magnetic sources associated with magnetic property fluctuations in the immediate wall of the borehole (i.e., susceptibility) and (or) remanence polarity changes produce sharp-edged anomalies. Off-hole magnetic sources, caused by a magnetic body near, but not penetrated by, the borehole, produce broad smooth anomalies. Prior to the interpretation of borehole magnetic anomaly logs, data corrections must be applied. Data from each of the magnetic and tiltmeter sensors must be corrected for differential gain, base value offset, and nonorthogonality. By using a probe with two sets of triaxial fluxgates, it is possible to detect along hole magnetic field rotations, which compromise the borehole navigation calculations. After rotation into geographic coordinate space, borehole vector magnetic data from the Chicxulub impact crater in Mexico showed no evidence for any systematic change of magnetic property versus depth. What was originally interpreted as reversal stratigraphy has proved to be minor changes in borehole geometry. Borehole magnetic data from a borehole through the Stratmat deposit, located in the Bathurst mining camp, New Brunswick, show strong off-hole and on-hole anomalies associated with the pyrrhotite-rich ore bodies.
Using length–mass relationships to estimate life history: an application to deep-sea fishes
Authors: Finucci Brittany , Dunn Matthew R. , Arnold Richard
Published: July 2018

Length–mass relationships, while often overlooked, form the basis of many fisheries science applications. Fisheries-independent research surveys compile large databases of biological data that could hold a wealth of information regarding species’ life history, which, for many, are data deficient and infrequently sampled. A flexible model using permutations of a broken stick and variance shift was applied to length–mass relationships to evaluate changes in the mean or variability of mass-at-length using data from deep-sea fishes and focusing on particularly poorly known deep-sea chondrichthyans. Changes in body shape and (or) in the scale of variability around mean mass-at-length were estimated for most species (94% of data sets examined). Such changes seemed likely to be correlated with biological factors, such as the onset of reproduction; 70% of length estimates for a variance shift correlated with the expected length-at-maturity. The model presented here could be applied to any fish where length and mass data are available, providing a way to estimate, validate, and investigate biological factors in species where macroscopic evaluations are unavailable or difficult to estimate.
Universal Guard Problems
Authors: Fekete Sándor P. , Li Qian , Mitchell Joseph S. B. , Scheffer Christian
Published: July 2018

Given a set [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] points in the plane, how many universal guards are sometimes necessary and always sufficient to guard any simple polygon with vertex set [Formula: see text]? We call this problem a Universal Guard Problem and provide a spectrum of results. We give upper and lower bounds on the number of universal guards that are always sufficient to guard all polygons having a given set of [Formula: see text] vertices, or to guard all polygons in a given set of [Formula: see text] polygons on an [Formula: see text]-point vertex set. Our upper bound proofs include algorithms to construct universal guard sets of the respective cardinalities.
Renormalizing spacetime
Authors: Coumbe D. N.
Published: July 2018

We propose that the consistent field renormalization of gravity requires a specific Weyl transformation of the metric tensor. As a consequence, proper length and time, as well as energy and momentum, become functions of scale. We estimate the functional form of the field renormalization factor by imposing a minimum resolvable distance scale under an infinitesimal Weyl transformation. The derived transformation is applied to two key problems in quantum gravity: its nonconformal scaling and nonrenormalizability.
Galactic halo traversable wormhole solutions in f(𝒢,T) gravity
Authors: Sharif M. , Ikram Ayesha
Published: July 2018

This paper explores static spherically symmetric wormhole solutions in the galatic halo region for [Formula: see text] gravity ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] represent the Gauss–Bonnet invariant and trace of the energy–momentum tensor, respectively). We formulate the explicit expressions for matter variables and evaluate wormhole solutions either specifying [Formula: see text] model to construct shape function or taking specific form of the shape function to determine [Formula: see text] model. It is found that null energy condition for the effective energy–momentum tensor is violated throughout the evolution in both cases while physically acceptable wormhole solutions exist only for a considered [Formula: see text] model.
Interval Methods in Knowledge Representation
Authors: Kreinovich Vladik
Published: July 2018

Please send your abstracts (or copies of papers that you want to see reviewed here) to vladik@utep.edu, or by regular mail to Vladik Kreinovich, Department of Computer Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA.
EFFECT OF ALLOYING ELEMENTS ON CORROSION POTENTIAL AND CORROSION PROPAGATION PROCESS OF MULTILAYER ALUMINUM-BRAZED SHEET
Authors: GUO LONGJUN , WANG JIHUI , HU WENBIN , ZHOU DEJING
Published: July 2018

The cross-sectional depth microstructure profiles for a multilayer AA4045/AA3003*/AA4045 brazed sheet were observed and determined by focused ion beam-transmission electron microscopy (FIB-TEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The corrosion propagation of the multilayer brazed sheet in the sea water acidified accelerated test (SWAAT) was investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The measured corrosion potentials of different layers of the multilayer aluminum sheet have been carried out according to ASTM G69-97 standard test method. To reveal the effect of the alloying elements on corrosion behavior, the theoretical corrosion potential of the band of dense precipitates (BDP) zone and core materials was also calculated according to the theoretical corrosion potential model. The electrochemical results showed that there were potential differences between the precipitates free zone (PFZ) and BDP zone as well as BDP zone and the core materials. The EIS test and equivalent circuits (EC) suggested that the capacitive time constant at low frequencies correspond to the corrosion of the BDP zone in the form of exfoliation corrosion. The corrosion propagation process could be identified into four stages: the dissolution of the eutectic [Formula: see text]-Al in the re-solidified cladding in the form of pitting corrosion; the corrosion of the primary [Formula: see text]-Al grain boundaries in the form of inter-granular corrosion (IGC); the corrosion of the BDP zone in the form of exfoliation corrosion; and the corrosion of the core material in the form of IGC.
Preparation of porphyrin modified CO9S8 nanocomposites and application for colorimetric biosensing of H2O2
Authors: Gao Yan , Jin Chunqiao , Chen Miaomiao , Zhu Xixi , Fu Min , Liu Zhenxue , Gao Linna , Liu Qingyun
Published: July 2018

Hydrogen peroxide detection has been widely applied in the fields of biology, medicine, and chemistry. Colorimetric detection of hydrogen peroxide has proven to be a fast and convenient method. In this work, 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-chlorophenyl) porphyrin modified Co[Formula: see text]S[Formula: see text] nanocomposites (H[Formula: see text]TClPP-Co[Formula: see text]S[Formula: see text] were prepared via a facile one-step hydrothermal method. H[Formula: see text]TClPP-Co[Formula: see text]S[Formula: see text] nanocomposites were demonstrated to possess an enhanced mimetic peroxidase activity toward the substrate, 3,3[Formula: see text],5,5[Formula: see text]-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), which can be oxidized to oxTMB (oxidized TMB) in a buffer solution of hydrogen peroxide with a color change from colorless to blue. The catalytic activity of H[Formula: see text]TClPP-Co[Formula: see text]S[Formula: see text] was further analyzed by steady-state kinetics, and H[Formula: see text]TClPP-Co[Formula: see text]S[Formula: see text] had high affinity towards both TMB and H[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text]. Furthermore, fluorescence and ESR data revealed that the catalytic mechanism of the peroxidase activity of H[Formula: see text]TClPP-Co[Formula: see text]S[Formula: see text] is due to hydroxyl radicals generated from decomposition of H[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text]. Based on the catalytic activity of H[Formula: see text]TClPP-Co[Formula: see text]S[Formula: see text], a sensitive colorimetric sensor of H[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text] with a detection limit of 6.803 [Formula: see text]M as well as a range of 7–100 [Formula: see text]M was designed.
Merging the first and third classes in bipartite distance-regular graphs
Authors: Mamart Siwaporn , Worawannotai Chalermpong
Published: July 2018

Merging the first and third classes in a connected graph is the operation of adding edges between all vertices at distance 3 in the original graph while keeping the original edges. We determine when merging the first and third classes in a bipartite distance-regular graph produces a distance-regular graph.
An Acoustic Hyperlens with Negative Direction Based on Double Split Hollow Sphere
Authors: Choi Jung Sik , Yoon Gil Ho
Published: July 2018

This study develops a new acoustic negative-refraction metamaterial that utilizes a synthesized double split hollow sphere (DSHS) for its unit cell. Recent relevant research has affirmed the concept that acoustic metamaterials can show unusual behavior that has not been observed in nature previously. However, as some hypothetical metamaterial designs have material properties not found in nature, the realization of practical metamaterials requires practical and complicated models. As a contribution to the development of acoustic metamaterials, the present study proposes a new anisotropic unit structure that encompasses Helmholtz resonators. This structure is referred to as the DSHS, is easy to manufacture, and has the advantage in that it uses the natural medium in its original form. By drawing the equifrequency or isofrequency contours of the designed two-dimensional (2D) anisotropic unit structure using the Floquet–Bloch’s principle, the properties of the present metamaterial can be understood. Numerical simulations are also conducted to identify and present the characteristics of the presented acoustic metamaterial. Through these, a new refraction phenomenon is identified that deviates from Snell’s law, and an acoustic hyperlens is numerically implemented that overcomes the diffraction limit.
Atypical igneous-sedimentary petroleum systems of the Parnaíba Basin, Brazil: seismic, well logs and cores
Authors: de Miranda Frederico S. , Vettorazzi Ana Luiza , Cunha Paulo R. da Cruz , Aragão Fernando B. , Michelon Diogo , Caldeira João Luiz , Porsche Ernani , Martins Celso , Ribeiro Roberto B. , Vilela Alexandre F. , Corrêa José R. , Silveira Lilian S. , Andreola Kátia
Published: July 2018

The Paleozoic Parnaíba Basin has proven to be one of the most successful onshore gas basins in Brazil. Since 2010, seven gas fields have been declared as commercial. Conventional gas accumulations occur in the Devonian Cabeças Formation sandstone, Upper Devonian/Lower Carboniferous heterolitic sandstones of the Longá Formation, Carboniferous Poti Formation arkosic-sandstones and in the Upper Carboniferous Piauí Formation sandstones. The stacked geometry of an extensive Mesozoic igneous complex is responsible for the creation of several four-way structures and compartmentalization of both source rock and reservoirs. The dolerite sills intrude the organic-rich intervals of the Devonian Pimenteiras shale, triggering maturity and hydrocarbon generation, thus creating an atypical igneous–sedimentary petroleum system. Major seismic concerns are the complexity of imaging subigneous plays, the large areal extent of the basin, strong velocity heterogeneity and the difficulty of imaging high-angle or vertical sealing structures, critical to prospect success. The recognition and understanding of this atypical igneous–sedimentary petroleum system could be used to unlock the potential of analogue basins worldwide and also to expand the exploration successful cases in the Parnaíba Basin itself.
Provenance of sandstones in the Parnaíba Basin through detrital zircon geochronology
Authors: Hollanda M. H. B. M. , Góes A. M. , Negri F. A.
Published: July 2018

This paper obtains numerous U–Pb detrital zircon ages obtained from the Paleozoic–Triassic sandstones of the Parnaíba Basin. The resulting spectra enable us to distinguish three common age populations: Paleoproterozoic, Stenian–Tonian (mainly between 1100 and 900 Ma) and Late Neoproterozoic. Minor contributions are observed from Archean, Paleozoic (mainly Cambrian) and Mesoproterozoic sources. Differences are only highlighted by variances in the relative abundances of each age population within the stratigraphic units. The presence of metamorphic phases, schists clasts and some diagnostic heavy minerals suggest that the Neoproterozoic mobile belts to the east and west of the basin are potential source areas. The erosion of metasedimentary rocks exposed in these provinces could explain the Paleoproterozoic and Stenian–Tonian age populations found in the sandstones. The Late Neoproterozoic ages, in turn, are not relevant in the metasedimentary sequences, requiring that the voluminous granitic magmatism mainly exposed in the Borborema Province had directly participated as a primary source of the detritus. The maintenance of common age spectra leads to two (not exclusive) hypotheses: the long-term denudation of the source areas and/or intrabasinal recycling, which can be considered in future investigations on the sedimentary and tectonic evolution of the Parnaíba Basin.
Energy-Efficient Neural Computing with Approximate Multipliers
Authors: Sarwar Syed Shakib , Venkataramani Swagath , Ankit Aayush , Raghunathan Anand , Roy Kaushik
Published: July 2018

Neural networks, with their remarkable ability to derive meaning from a large volume of complicated or imprecise data, can be used to extract patterns and detect trends that are too complex for the von Neumann computing paradigm. Their considerable computational requirements stretch the capabilities of even modern computing platforms. We propose an approximate multiplier that exploits the inherent application resilience to error and utilizes the notion of computation sharing to achieve improved energy consumption for neural networks. We also propose a Multiplier-less Artificial Neuron (MAN), which is even more compact and energy efficient. We also propose a network retraining methodology to recover some of the accuracy loss due to the use of these approximate multipliers. We evaluated the proposed algorithm/design on several recognition applications. The results show that we achieve ∼33%, ∼32%, and ∼25% reduction in power consumption and ∼33%, ∼34%, and ∼27% reduction in area, respectively, for 12-, 8-, and 4-bit MAN, with a maximum ∼2.4% loss in accuracy compared to a conventional neuron implementation of equivalent bit precision. These comparisons were performed under iso-speed conditions.
MFNW
Authors: Alsuwaiyan Ali , Mohanram Kartik
Published: July 2018

The increased capacity of multi-level cells (MLC) and triple-level cells (TLC) in emerging non-volatile memory (NVM) technologies comes at the cost of higher cell write energies and lower cell endurance. In this article, we describe MFNW, a Flip-N-Write encoding that effectively reduces the write energy and improves the endurance of MLC NVMs. Two MFNW modes are analyzed: cell Hamming distance mode and energy Hamming distance mode. We derive an approximate model that accurately predicts the average number of cell writes that is proportional to the energy consumption, enabling word length optimization to maximize energy reduction subject to memory space overhead constraints. In comparison to state-of-the-art MLC NVM encodings, our simulation results indicate that MFNW achieves up to 7%--39% saving for 1.56%--50% NVM space overhead. Extra energy saving (up to 19%--47%) can be achieved for the same NVM space overhead using our proposed variations of MFNW, i.e., MFNW2 and MFNW3. For TLC NVMs, we propose TFNW that can achieve up to 53% energy saving in comparison to state-of-the-art TLC NVM encodings. Endurance simulations indicate that MFNW (TFNW) is capable of extending MLC (TLC) NVM life by up to 100% (87%).
Stem Cells as Potential Targets of Polyphenols in Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Tandon Ankit , Singh Sangh Jyoti , Chaturvedi Rajnish Kumar
Published: July 2018

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and multiple sclerosis are major neurodegenerative diseases, which are characterized by the accumulation of abnormal pathogenic proteins due to oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired autophagy, and pathogens, leading to neurodegeneration and behavioral deficits. Herein, we reviewed the utility of plant polyphenols in regulating proliferation and differentiation of stem cells for inducing brain self-repair in AD and multiple sclerosis. Firstly, we discussed the genetic, physiological, and environmental factors involved in the pathophysiology of both the disorders. Next, we reviewed various stem cell therapies available and how they have proved useful in animal models of AD and multiple sclerosis. Lastly, we discussed how polyphenols utilize the potential of stem cells, either complementing their therapeutic effects or stimulating endogenous and exogenous neurogenesis, against these diseases. We suggest that polyphenols could be a potential candidate for stem cell therapy against neurodegenerative disorders.
C⁎-Algebra-Valued G-Metric Spaces and Related Fixed-Point Theorems
Authors: Shen Congcong , Jiang Lining , Ma Zhenhua
Published: July 2018

We introduce the notion of the C⁎-algebra-valued G-metric space. The existence and uniqueness of some fixed-point theorems for self-mappings with contractive or expansive conditions on complete C⁎-algebra-valued G-metric spaces are proved. As an application, we prove the existence and uniqueness of the solution of a type of differential equations.
8q22.1 Microduplication Syndrome: Why the Brain Should Be Spared? A Literature Review and a Case Report
Authors: Gagliano Antonella , Pironti Erica , Cucinotta Francesca , Galati Cecilia , Maggio Roberta , Alquino Maria Ausilia , Di Rosa Gabriella
Published: July 2018

Microduplication of chromosome 8q22.1 is mainly associated to Leri’s pleonosteosis syndrome phenotype, an extremely rare autosomal dominant disease encompassing the GDF6 and SDC2 genes. To date, most of the authors focus their attention only on skeletal symptoms of the disease, and they do not systematically research or describe the co-occurrence of psychiatric illnesses or mental disorders with these muscular-skeletal diseases. In this report, we provide a description of an 8-year-old girl, with a positive family history for both skeletal malformations and bipolar disorders (BD). We suggest a possible association between Leri’s pleonosteosis features and psychiatric symptoms. Furthermore, our report could be added to the large amount of reports that describe the correlation between genetic regions and disease risk for both psychiatric and rheumatological disorders.
Effect of Different Head-Neck Postures on the Respiratory Function in Healthy Males
Authors: Zafar Hamayun , Albarrati Ali , Alghadir Ahmad H. , Iqbal Zaheen A.
Published: July 2018

Normal respiration is a very intricate function that comprises mechanical as well as nonmechanical components. It is shown to be affected by various factors including age, lifestyle, disease, and change in posture. With the increased use of hand held devices, everyone is prone to poor sitting postures like forward head posture. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of assumed forward head posture and torticollis on the diaphragm muscle strength. A sample of 15 healthy males, aged 18-35 years, was recruited for this study. All subjects performed spirometry to measure the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), the forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC ratio. SNIP was measured during upright sitting, induced forward head posture, and torticollis. Subject’s mean age (SD) was 23(6) years. The SNIP score of the subjects during sitting with FHP was lower as compared to that during upright sitting. It decreased significantly during induced right torticollis position. This is the first study exploring the impact of different head and neck positions on respiratory function. Alteration of head and neck positions had an immediate negative impact on respiratory function. Clinicians should be prompted to assess respiratory function when assessing individuals with mal-posture.
Does Rabbit Antithymocyte Globulin (Thymoglobuline®) Have a Role in Avoiding Delayed Graft Function in the Modern Era of Kidney Transplantation?
Authors: Guirado Lluís
Published: July 2018

Delayed graft function (DGF) increases the risk of graft loss by up to 40%, and recent developments in kidney donation have increased the risk of its occurrence. Lowering the risk of DGF, however, is challenging due to a complicated etiology in which ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) leads to acute tubular necrosis. Among various strategies explored, the choice of induction therapy is one consideration. Rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG [Thymoglobuline]) has complex immunomodulatory effects that are relevant to DGF. In addition to a rapid and profound T-cell depletion, rATG inhibits leukocyte migration and adhesion. Experimental studies of rATG have demonstrated attenuated IRI-related tissue damage in reperfused tissues, consistent with histological evidence from transplant recipients. Starting rATG intraoperatively instead of postoperatively can improve kidney graft function and reduce the incidence of DGF. rATG is effective in preventing acute rejection in kidney transplant recipients at high immunological risk, supporting delayed calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) introduction which protects the graft from early insults. A reduced rate of DGF has been reported with rATG (started intraoperatively) and delayed CNI therapy compared to IL-2RA induction with immediate CNI in patients at high immunological risk, but not in lower-risk patients. Overall, induction with rATG induction is the preferred choice for supporting delayed introduction of CNI therapy to avoid DGF in high-risk patients but shows no benefit versus IL-2RA in lower-risk individuals. Evidence is growing that intraoperative rATG ameliorates IRI, and it seems reasonable to routinely start rATG before reperfusion.