bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pre-Service Teachers' Material Development Process Based on the ADDIE Model: E-book Design
Authors: Usta Necla Dönmez , Güntepe Ebru Turan
Published: November 2017

With the developments in information and communication technologies, books which are fundamental information sources for students throughout their education and training process are being transformed into electronic book (e-book) formats. E-books provide interactive environments, and they are also updateable materials, which shows that, in time, they can almost completely replace printed materials. In addition, there are no spatial and temporal limitations in conveying the lesson content to students using e-books, and they are accessible online as well, both of which increase the preference toward e-books. In this context, the study aimed to examine the e-book design process based on the ADDIE model used by the pre-service teachers in the Computer and Instructional Technologies department. E-books were include subjects radioactivity, acid rain and the greenhouse effect. The study was conducted throughout a period of 12 weeks with 54 sophomores in the Computer and Instructional Technologies department of Giresun University's Education Faculty who were taking the Material Design and Use in Education course during the 2015 Fall semester. The study data were collected using data collection forms and reflection reports. The data derived from these tools were analyzed using content analysis. The study results revealed that the pre-service teachers had problems particularly in the development process of the e-books. In addition, the pre-service teachers recognized their deficiencies when designing their e-books, and they eliminated these deficiencies to a great extent.
Secondary School Mathematics Teachers’ Knowledge Levels and Use of History of Mathematics
Authors: Bütüner Suphi Önder
Published: November 2017

This study aimed to explore secondary school mathematics teachers’ use of history of mathematics in their classes and their knowledge levels in this field. The population of the study comprised 58 secondary school mathematics teachers working at Yozgat city center, and the sample included 32 mathematics teachers from 10 schools who volunteered to take place in the study. These mathematics teachers were administrated an 11-item short-answer history of mathematics knowledge level test along with a 5-item written opinion form to identify their history of mathematics use. The findings showed that most teachers did not use history of mathematics in their classes, yet those who used history of mathematics did so by mentioning the life stories of mathematicians and the contributions of ancient civilizations to mathematics to motivate students at the beginning of their classes. The mean score of teachers who participate in this study at the history of mathematics knowledge test was computed 3.5 indicating that their knowledge levels concerning the history of mathematics were low. Additionally, it was found that those who did not use history of mathematics in their classes scored lower in the history of mathematics knowledge test than those who used it in their classes.
Temporal characteristics of contextual effects in sound localization
Authors: Hládek Ľuboš , Tomoriová Beáta , Kopčo Norbert
Published: November 2017

Two experiments examined plasticity induced by context in a simple target localization task. The context was represented by interleaved localization trials with the target preceded by a distractor. In a previous study, the context induced large response shifts when the target and distractor stimuli were identical 2-ms-noise clicks [Kopčo, Best, and Shinn-Cunningham (2007). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 121, 420–432]. Here, the temporal characteristics of the contextual effect were examined for the same stimuli. Experiment 1 manipulated the context presentation rate and the distractor-target inter-stimulus interval (ISI). Experiment 2 manipulated the temporal structure of the context stimulus, replacing the one-click distractor either by a distractor consisting of eight sequentially presented clicks or by a noise burst with total energy and duration identical to the eight-click distractor. In experiment 1, the contextual shift size increased with increasing context rate while being largely independent of ISI. In experiment 2, the eight-click-distractor induced a stronger shift than the one-click-distractor context, while the noise-distractor context induced a very small shift. These results suggest that contextual plasticity is an adaptation driven both by low-level factors like spatiotemporal context distribution and higher-level factors like perceptual similarity between the stimuli, possibly related to precedence buildup.
A Comparison of the Isometric Midthigh Pull and Isometric Squat: Intraday Reliability, Usefulness, and the Magnitude of Difference Between Tests
Authors: Brady Claire J. , Harrison Andrew J. , Flanagan Eamonn P. , Haff G. Gregory , Comyns Thomas M.
Published: November 2017

Purpose: To examine the reliability and usefulness of the isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) and isometric squat (ISqT) performed at the same knee and hip angles. The scores produced in each test were compared to determine the magnitude of differences between tests. Methods: Twenty-six male and female athletes (age, 23.6 [4.3] y; height, 1.75 [0.07] m; and body mass, 68.8 [9.7] kg) performed 2 maximal repetitions of the IMTP and ISqT following a specific warm-up. Results: Maximum force, absolute peak force (PF), relative PF, allometrically scaled PF, rate of force development (0–200 and 0–250 ms), and impulse (0–300 ms) were deemed reliable (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] ≥.86 and coefficient of variation [CV] ≤9.4%) in the IMTP and ISqT based on predetermined criteria (ICC ≥.8 and CV ≤10%). Impulse (0–200 and 0–250 ms) was reliable in the ISqT (ICC ≥.92 and CV ≤9.9%). Participants produced significantly (P < .05) greater PF and impulse (0–300 ms) during the ISqT compared with the IMTP. When split by sex, female participants produced significantly greater PF (P = .042) during the ISqT, with no significant differences among male participants (P = .245). Both tests are capable of detecting changes in performance in maximum force and absolute PF. Conclusions: Both tests are reliable for non-time-dependent maximal strength measures when measured at the same knee and hip angles. The ISqT may be preferred when coaches want to test an athlete’s true maximum lower-limb strength, especially female athletes.
Psychometric Properties of the Modified Social Environment Questionnaire in Chinese Older Adults
Authors: Leung Ka-Man , Chung Pak-Kwong , Yuen Tin-Lok , Liu Jing Dong , Wang Donggen
Published: November 2017

This study evaluated the psychometric properties of a Chinese version of the 24-item Social Environment Questionnaire (SEQ-C). Confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine the factor validity and measurement invariance (Purpose 1) of the SEQ-C in 453 older adults in Hong Kong. Convergent validity (Purpose 2) and test–retest reliability (Purpose 3) were also measured. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis and measurement invariance supported the four-factor structure (representing companionship, encouragement, neighborhood social cohesion, and role models) of the SEQ-C, in a 15-item model that closely fitted the data. The SEQ-C was also found to have acceptable to satisfactory internal consistency, test–retest reliability, composite reliability, and moderate convergent validity in correlating perceived social support. This study showed that the SEQ-C is a suitable means of measuring the social environments of older adults in Hong Kong.
Papers of note in
Science
358
(6366)
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: November 2017

This week’s articles highlight structural insights into peptide loading of MHC; the mechanism by which light opens a channel protein; and how regulation of a host metabolic enzyme affects viral replication.
CAFs complicate immunotherapy
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: November 2017

Anti-CSF1R immunotherapy effectively inhibits one suppressive immune cell type but unleashes another through cancer-associated fibroblasts.
Brief psychotic episode in a patient with chromosome 2q37 microdeletion syndrome
Authors: Lally Kevin , Ibrahim Nuraini , Kelly Mary , Gulati Gautam
Published: November 2017

A 21-year-old woman with moderate learning disability secondary to chromosome 2 microdeletion at q37 was admitted to a general adult psychiatric ward following a period of agitation with incessant pressure of speech, nihilistic delusions and worsening of sleep and eating patterns. Her presentation was preceded for a number of weeks by social stressors of an ill family member and another family member moving away. She had also been diagnosed and treated for a respiratory infection several weeks prior to presentation. Her presentation improved with low-dose antipsychotic medication and parallel input from the general adult mental health team and the psychiatry of intellectual disability team.
Incidence of diabetes mellitus and factors associated with its development in HIV-positive patients over the age of 50
Authors: Samad Faizal , Harris Marianne , Puskas Cathy M , Ye Monica , Chia Jason , Chacko Sarah , Bondy Gregory P , Lima Viviane D , Montaner Julio SG , Guillemi Silvia A
Published: November 2017

Objective

We sought to determine the incidence and factors associated with development of diabetes mellitus (DM) in older HIV-infected individuals.

Research design and methods

We analyzed data from people living with HIV (PLWH) ≥50 years of age enrolled in a large urban HIV outpatient clinic in Vancouver, British Columbia. Patients were categorized as having DM if they had random blood sugar ≥11.1 mmol/L, fasting blood sugar ≥7 mmol/L, HbA1C ≥6.5%, antidiabetic medication use during the follow-up period, or medical chart review confirming diagnosis of DM. We estimated the probability of developing DM, adjusting for demographic and clinical factors, using a logistic regression model.

Results

Among 1065 PLWH followed for a median of 13 years (25th and 75th percentile (Q1–Q3): 9-18), the incidence of DM was 1.61/100 person-years follow-up. In the analysis of factors associated with new-onset DM (n=703), 88% were male, 38% had a history of injection drug use, 43% were hepatitis C coinfected, and median body mass index was 24 kg/m2(Q1–Q3: 21–27). Median age at antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation was 48 years (Q1–Q3: 43–53) and at DM diagnosis was 55 years (Q1–Q3: 50–61). Patients who started ART in 1997–1999 and had a longer exposure to older ART were at the highest risk of developing DM.

Conclusions

Among PLWH aged ≥50 years, the incidence of DM was 1.39 times higher than men in the general Canadian population of similar age. ART initiated in the early years of the epidemic and exposure to older ART appeared to be the main drivers of the development of DM.
Diagnostic immunohistochemistry in gynaecological neoplasia: a brief survey of the most common scenarios
Authors: Kuhn Elisabetta , Ayhan Ayse
Published: November 2017

Immunohistochemistry is a valuable adjunct in routine gynaecological pathology. The molecular revolution has redesigned knowledge of gynaecological cancers and refined histological classification. The direct consequence has been the progressive introduction of new immunostainings for diagnostic and classification purposes. Hence, we review the routine diagnostic use of immunohistochemistry in the field of gynaecological neoplasia. We reviewed the immunomarkers useful in gynaecological pathology according to literature revision, our personal experience and research findings. We discuss the application of immunohistochemistry to reach the most accurate diagnosis in morphologically equivocal cases of gynaecological pathology and present the appropriate panel of immunomarkers in the most common scenarios of gynaecological pathology. This short review provides an updated overview of the essential immunohistochemical markers currently used in the diagnostics of gynaecological malignancies along with their molecular rationale.
Generalisability of an online randomised controlled trial: an empirical analysis
Authors: Wang Cheng , Mollan Katie R , Hudgens Michael G , Tucker Joseph D , Zheng Heping , Tang Weiming , Ling Li
Published: November 2017

Background

Investigators increasingly use online methods to recruit participants for randomised controlled trials (RCTs). However, the extent to which participants recruited online represent populations of interest is unknown. We evaluated how generalisable an online RCT sample is to men who have sex with men in China.

Methods

Inverse probability of sampling weights (IPSW) and the G-formula were used to examine the generalisability of an online RCT using model-based approaches. Online RCT data and national cross-sectional study data from China were analysed to illustrate the process of quantitatively assessing generalisability. The RCT (identifierNCT02248558) randomly assigned participants to a crowdsourced or health marketing video for promotion of HIV testing. The primary outcome was self-reported HIV testing within 4 weeks, with a non-inferiority margin of −3%.

Results

In the original online RCT analysis, the estimated difference in proportions of HIV tested between the two arms (crowdsourcing and health marketing) was 2.1% (95% CI, −5.4% to 9.7%). The hypothesis that the crowdsourced video was not inferior to the health marketing video to promote HIV testing was not demonstrated. The IPSW and G-formula estimated differences were −2.6% (95% CI, −14.2 to 8.9) and 2.7% (95% CI, −10.7 to 16.2), with both approaches also not establishing non-inferiority.

Conclusions

Conducting generalisability analysis of an online RCT is feasible. Examining the generalisability of online RCTs is an important step before an intervention is scaled up.

Trial registration number

NCT02248558.
Interfacial electron transfer yields in dye-sensitized NiO photocathodes correlated to excited-state dipole orientation of ruthenium chromophores
Authors: Han Yejee , Dillon Robert J. , Flynn Cory J. , Rountree Eric S. , Alibabaei Leila , Cahoon James F. , Papanikolas John M. , Dempsey Jillian L.
Published: November 2017

Interface dynamics of nanocrystalline NiO thin films sensitized with two ruthenium polypyridyl chromophores have been investigated to examine the influence that excited-state dipole orientation and the position of the bipyridine radical formed in the charge-separated state have on interfacial electron transfer yields. In ultrafast transient absorption experiments, the charge separated state is observed on the nanosecond timescale for the trifluoromethyl-substituted chromophore, [Ru(flpy)2(dcb)]2+ (flpy = 4,4′-bis(trifluoromethyl)-2,2′-bipyridine, dcb = 4,4′-dicarboxy-2,2′-bipyridine), but not for [Ru(bpy)2(dcb)]2+ (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine). Differences are attributed to the positioning of the bipyridine radical formed in the charge separated state; for [Ru(flpy)2(dcb)]2+, the electron is localized on the flpy ligand distal to the surface, whereas for [Ru(bpy)2(dcb)]2+, the electron is localized on the dcb ligand, proximal to the NiO surface. Enhanced photovoltaic performance is observed for dye-sensitized solar cell devices prepared with [Ru(flpy)2(dcb)]2+, demonstrating that enhanced charge separation can be correlated with device efficiency.
Mirror Neurons Modeled Through Spike-Timing-Dependent Plasticity are Affected by Channelopathies Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Antunes Gabriela , Faria da Silva Samuel F. , Simoes de Souza Fabio M.
Published: November 2017

Mirror neurons fire action potentials both when the agent performs a certain behavior and watches someone performing a similar action. Here, we present an original mirror neuron model based on the spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) between two morpho-electrical models of neocortical pyramidal neurons. Both neurons fired spontaneously with basal firing rate that follows a Poisson distribution, and the STDP between them was modeled by the triplet algorithm. Our simulation results demonstrated that STDP is sufficient for the rise of mirror neuron function between the pairs of neocortical neurons. This is a proof of concept that pairs of neocortical neurons associating sensory inputs to motor outputs could operate like mirror neurons. In addition, we used the mirror neuron model to investigate whether channelopathies associated with autism spectrum disorder could impair the modeled mirror function. Our simulation results showed that impaired hyperpolarization-activated cationic currents (Ih) affected the mirror function between the pairs of neocortical neurons coupled by STDP.
Effects of size and concentration of silt particles on flow and performance of a centrifugal pump under cavitating conditions
Authors: Zhao Weiguo , Han Xiangdong , Li Rennian , Zheng Yingjie , Wang Yanyan
Published: November 2017

To research effects of silt particles on the performance and cavitation flow fields, silt-laden cavitation flow was simulated in the centrifugal pump. Silt mean diameters are 0.005 mm and 0.010 mm and silt concentrations are 0.5% and 1.0%. Results show that silt particles with silt mean diameter 0.005 mm and silt concentration 1.0% and silt particles with silt mean diameter 0.010 mm and silt concentration 0.5% promote the development of cavitation and distribution range of vapor is larger than pure water. Effects of silt particles and cavitation make distribution range of turbulent kinetic energy larger than pure water and streamlines are more disorderedly. Silt particles with silt mean diameter 0.010 mm and silt concentration 1.0% have little effect on cavitation and distribution range of vapor is similar with pure water. Effects of silt particles make distribution range of turbulent kinetic energy larger than pure water and streamlines are more disorderedly than pure water. With the increase of silt mean diameter and silt concentration, head and efficiency decrease gradually. For silt particles promoting the evolution of cavitation, distribution range of turbulent kinetic energy is larger and streamlines are more disorderly than silt-laden cavitation flow with silt particles inhibiting the development of cavitation.
Painlevé integrability and a new exact solution of a generalized Hirota–Satsuma equation
Authors: Ye Yujian , Di Yanmei , Song Junquan
Published: November 2017

In this paper, Painlevé integrability of a generalized Hirota–Satsuma (gHS) equation is confirmed by using the Weiss–Tabor–Carnevale (WTC) test. Then, a new exact solution with two arbitrary functions is constructed. Some new soliton structures are illustrated analytically by selecting appropriate functions.
Parametrizing numerical semigroups with multiplicity up to 5
Authors: Karakaş Halil İbrahim
Published: November 2017

In this work, we give parametrizations in terms of the Kunz coordinates of numerical semigroups with multiplicity up to [Formula: see text]. We also obtain parametrizations of MED semigroups, symmetric and pseudo-symmetric numerical semigroups with multiplicity up to [Formula: see text]. These parametrizations also lead to formulas for the number of numerical semigroups, the number of MED semigroups and the number of symmetric and pseudo-symmetric numerical semigroups with multiplicity up to [Formula: see text] and given conductor.
Coherently coupled solitons in photorefractive media due to pyroelectric effect
Authors: Katti Aavishkar
Published: November 2017

The existence of bright–bright, dark–dark and gray–gray coherently coupled soliton pairs is predicted in unbiased photorefractive pyroelectric materials, provided that the two mutually-coherent incident optical beams have the same wavelength and same polarization. The external electric field is replaced by a finite temperature change and hence the space charge field is formed due to pyroelectric effect only. We study the effect of the mutual phase difference and the beam intensity ratio on the soliton profiles. In addition, we find that the magnitude and sign of the temperature change can influence the formation and characteristics of these soliton pairs.
Nonlinear optical absorption in mixtures of dye molecules and ZnS nanoparticles
Authors: Boltaev G. S. , Sobirov B. R. , Usmanov T. , Smirnov M. S. , Ovchinnikov O. V. , Zvyagin A. I. , Klyuev V. G. , Volykhin D. V. , Ganeev R. A.
Published: November 2017

The nonlinear absorption in the mixtures of zinc sulfide quantum dot and some dyes are studied. The nonlinear absorption coefficients of the ZnS nanoparticles associated with various heterocyclic dyes [thiazine (thionine), xanthene (erythrosine), and carbocyanine (3,3[Formula: see text]-di-([Formula: see text]-sulfopropyl)-4,4[Formula: see text],5,5[Formula: see text]-dibenzo-9-ethylthiacarbocyaninebetaine pyridinium salt, DEC)] possessing optical absorption in the 500–680[Formula: see text]nm range were measured at the wavelengths of 1064[Formula: see text]nm and 532[Formula: see text]nm using 40 ps pulses and [Formula: see text]-scan technique.
Stable Q-switched operation of a resonantly diode pumped Er:YAG laser at 1617 and 1645 nm by Cr2+:ZnSe crystal
Authors: Tang Pinghua , Zhang Feijuan , Wu Man , Huang Bin , Liu Jun , Qi Xiang , Liu Boquan , Zhao Chujun
Published: November 2017

Using Cr[Formula: see text]:ZnSe as the saturable absorber, stable passively [Formula: see text]-switched operation of the Er:YAG laser at 1617 and 1645[Formula: see text]nm with per-pulse energy higher than 200[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]J can be achieved by controlling the output coupling ratios. The result indicates that the Cr[Formula: see text]:ZnSe crystal could be a robust nonlinear optical modulator for [Formula: see text]m pulsed laser.
PIEZORESISTIVE STRAIN SENSOR APPLICATION IN EVALUATION OF MOUSE AORTIC MEDIA CUSHIONS EFFECTIVENESS AND SPONTANEOUS MYOGENIC CONTRACTION
Authors: DING WENJING , WANG YANG , LI GUOJUN , HANG JIAJI , WU YONGCHANG , LING CHENHAO , ZHOU DANYE , CHEN ZHIBIN , GAO LINGFENG
Published: November 2017

The aortic media realized Windkessel vessel functions and maintain sustained ventricle ejection balance during cardiac circle. Wheatstone bridge circuit piezoresistive strain sensor had desirable sensing properties to investigate aortic cushion features. In this study, Wheatstone bridge sensor was used to evaluate quick stretching-induced aortic efficient cushions and spontaneous myogenic contractions. Mice aortic specimens were loosely hooked and stabilized to [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mm stainless steel pin and strain sensor, whereas the other side was hooked and shows increasing specimen length. Specimen isometric tension and rhythmic spontaneous myogenic contraction were recorded. Isometric tension and spontaneous myogenic response at initial length ([Formula: see text] and ultimate length ([Formula: see text] were evaluated. Aortic specimen significantly eliminated mechanical rigid oscillations. The recovery to baseline time was significantly shortened at [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]ms and [Formula: see text] ms at [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively, but [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]ms and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]ms in no-load test). High Ca[Formula: see text] incubation prolonged the recovery time to baseline at [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]ms and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]ms, respectively) and suggested Ca[Formula: see text] decreased efficient cushion. Moreover, strain sensor successfully recorded the enhanced rhythmic spontaneous myogenic contractions in isometric specimen. Wheatstone bridge circuit sensor reflected the significance of efficient cushions under mechanical preload, which absolutely captured rhythmic myogenic contractions of mice aortic specimen.
Density functional theory study of the OH, Cl and H2O coadsorption on the step-defect Al2O3film surface
Authors: Zhang Chuan-Hui , Chen Bao , Jin Ying
Published: November 2017

Density functional theory has been performed on the step-defect Al2O3film surfaces with the OH, Cl and H2O molecules coadsorption. Three kinds of step-defect (Al, O2, Al3) surfaces are optimized and the adsorption energy, the binding energies of film and adsorbates are calculated. The energy properties are similar in H2O or Cl coadsorption configurations, but have obvious differences for the OH group coadsorption configuration due to large numbers of adsorbate species and numbers. After structural relaxation, most of the step-defect surfaces could be easily hydroxylated. The Al3 step-defect surfaces are easier to be corroded by H2O and coadsorption molecules due to lots of unsaturated dangling bonds, some H2O molecules are located into the step-defect, surface Al atoms collapse inside the steps and several inner O atoms move outside the film. When the Cl exists in the aqueous solution, it would restrict H2O molecules from dissociating into OH groups. Moreover, the dissociation and recombination of H2O molecules could be promoted by OH groups.
On the structure and applications of the Bondi–Metzner–Sachs group
Authors: Alessio Francesco , Esposito Giampiero
Published: November 2017

This work is a pedagogical review dedicated to a modern description of the Bondi–Metzner–Sachs (BMS) group. Minkowski space-time has an interesting and useful group of isometries, but, for a generic space-time, the isometry group is simply the identity and hence provides no significant informations. Yet symmetry groups have important role to play in physics; in particular, the Poincaré group describing the isometries of Minkowski space-time plays a role in the standard definitions of energy-momentum and angular-momentum. For this reason alone it would seem to be important to look for a generalization of the concept of isometry group that can apply in a useful way to suitable curved space-times. The curved space-times that will be taken into account are the ones that suitably approach, at infinity, Minkowski space-time. In particular we will focus on asymptotically flat space-times. In this work, the concept of asymptotic symmetry group of those space-times will be studied. In the first two sections we derive the asymptotic group following the classical approach which was basically developed by Bondi, van den Burg, Metzner and Sachs. This is essentially the group of transformations between coordinate systems of a certain type in asymptotically flat space-times. In the third section the conformal method and the notion of “asymptotic simplicity” are introduced, following mainly the works of Penrose. This section prepares us for another derivation of the BMS group which will involve the conformal structure, and is thus more geometrical and fundamental. In the subsequent sections we discuss the properties of the BMS group, e.g. its algebra and the possibility to obtain as its subgroup the Poincaré group, as we may expect. The paper ends with a review of the BMS invariance properties of classical gravitational scattering discovered by Strominger, that are finding application to black hole physics and quantum gravity in the literature.
Facile synthesis of Sb/CNT nanocomposite as anode material for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Zhendong , Zhao Jiachang , Wang Hongxia , Gong Yanmei , Xu Jing Li
Published: November 2017

Sb/carbon nanotubes (CNT) nanocomposite was synthesized by a facile chemical refluxing method. Investigation of the electrochemical performance of the composite which was used as an anode material in sodium-ion batteries shows that the Sb/CNT nanocomposite possessed an initial capacity of 628.6[Formula: see text]mAh g[Formula: see text]. The nanocomposite exhibited excellent rate performance with 90.8% capacity retention after 50 cycles, which is superior to that of Sb nanoparticles that were made under the same condition.
Bitcoin's academic pedigree
Authors: Narayanan Arvind , Clark Jeremy
Published: November 2017

The concept of cryptocurrencies is built from forgotten ideas in research literature.
Multi-Objective 3D Floorplanning with Integrated Voltage Assignment
Authors: Knechtel Johann , Lienig Jens , Elfadel Ibrahim (Abe) M.
Published: November 2017

Voltage assignment is a well-known technique for circuit design, which has been applied successfully to reduce power consumption in classical 2D integrated circuits (ICs). Its usage in the context of 3D ICs has not been fully explored yet although reducing power in 3D designs is of crucial importance, for example, to tackle the ever-present challenge of thermal management. In this article, we investigate the effective and efficient partitioning of 3D designs into multiple voltage domains during the floorplanning step of physical design. In particular, we introduce, implement, and evaluate novel algorithms for effective integration of voltage assignment into the inner floorplanning loops. Our algorithms are compatible not only with the traditional objectives of 2D floorplanning but also with the additional objectives and constraints of 3D designs, including the planning of through-silicon vias (TSVs) and the thermal management of stacked dies. We test our 3D floorplanner extensively on the GSRC benchmarks as well as on an augmented version of the IBM-HB+ benchmarks. The 3D floorplans are shown to achieve effective trade-offs for power and delays throughout different configurations—our results surpass naïve low-power and high-performance voltage assignment by 17% and 10%, on average. Finally, we release our 3D floorplanning framework as open-source code.
An Effective Characterization of the Alternation Hierarchy in Two-Variable Logic
Authors: Krebs Andreas , Straubing Howard
Published: November 2017

We give an algebraic characterization, based on the bilateral semidirect product of finite monoids, of the quantifier alternation hierarchy in two-variable first-order logic on finite words. As a consequence, we obtain a new proof that this hierarchy is strict. Moreover, by application of the theory of finite categories, we are able to make our characterization effective: that is, there is an algorithm for determining the exact quantifier alternation depth for a given language definable in two-variable logic.
Efficient Visibility Determination in Urban Scenes Considering Terrain Information
Authors: Robles-Ortega M. D. , Ortega L. , Feito F. R.
Published: November 2017

In this article, we introduce a novel occlusion culling method working on the server side to provide real-time navigation on web-based systems. Nowadays, virtual navigation in urban environments is a rising trend in several contexts such as tourism, GPS navigation systems, and video games. A city environment is usually associated with a complex data model that is better stored, maintained, and updated on a server system. Mobile devices are regular clients in these cases, demanding this information in a fast, reliable, and engaging way. Even though these gadgets have been increasing their capabilities in computation and visualization, the bottleneck is still the transmission of information over the network. The advantage of urban environments is that, from a user viewpoint, only a small portion of the scene is visible. This feature makes crucial the use of occlusion culling techniques working on the server side in order to transmit to the client side only the small set of visible elements compared to the whole scene.

The input data are the city geometry from the 2D cadastral information system, the building textures, and DEM (Digital Elevation Model) files with the urban terrain features. In a first stage, the process creates a 2.5D urban model with all these data in preprocessing time. Then the client provides the user location point, and the server sends back the exact portion of visible city. This approach is implemented using polar diagrams for visibility determination and LOD (Level of Detail) techniques for further geometry reduction.
Energy efficiency
Authors: Pinto Gustavo , Castor Fernando
Published: November 2017

Development of energy-efficient software is hindered by a lack of knowledge and a lack of tools.
Dynamics of Neutrophils-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Predict Outcomes of PD-1/PD-L1 Blockade
Authors: Moschetta Michele , Uccello Mario , Kasenda Benjamin , Mak Gabriel , McClelland Anissa , Boussios Stergios , Forster Martin , Arkenau Hendrik-Tobias
Published: November 2017

Introduction. Baseline neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been repeatedly reported as a significant prognostic factor in advanced cancer patients. We explored whether changes in NLR may predict outcome of advanced cancer patients enrolled into phase 1 trials and treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Patients and Methods. Advanced cancer patients enrolled into phase 1 trials between September 2013 and May 2016 and treated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents were included in this retrospective study. NLR was calculated at baseline and after 2 cycles of treatment. Royal Marsden Hospital (RMH) prognostic score and Eastern Cooperative Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) were determined at baseline. Kaplan-Meier estimation and Cox regression analyses were used to assess the impact of NLR dynamics on PFS. Results. Among the 55 patients eligible, 26 (47%) were treated with anti-PD-L1 monotherapy, 22 (40%) received single agent anti-PD-1, and 7 (13%) were given a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) plus a PD-1 inhibitor. Neither ECOG PS nor RMH prognostic score was significantly associated with PFS in our cohort, whereas changes in NLR significantly impacted on PFS. Conclusion. Changes in the NLR may be a useful predicting factor in advanced cancer patients treated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents. Further prospective trials are needed to verify these findings.
Protective Effects of Gemigliptin, a Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitor, against Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Mice
Authors: Choi Seung Hee , Leem Jaechan , Lee In-Kyu
Published: November 2017

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are widely used antihyperglycemic agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Recently, the pleiotropic actions of DPP-4 inhibitors have drawn much attention. In the present study, we aimed to examine whether gemigliptin, a recently developed DPP-4 inhibitor, could protect against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. We showed that pretreatment with gemigliptin attenuated cisplatin-induced renal dysfunction, as shown by analysis of plasma creatinine levels and blood urea nitrogen and histological damage. Elevated plasma levels of active glucagon-like peptide-1 were observed in gemigliptin-pretreated mice after cisplatin treatment, compared to that in cisplatin alone-treated mice. Gemigliptin attenuated cisplatin-induced apoptotic cell death, as assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling and Western blot analysis in the kidneys. Gemigliptin also decreased the plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-αand monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and attenuated nuclear staining of nuclear factor kappa-B p65 in the kidneys. In addition, gemigliptin increased the protein expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in the kidneys of cisplatin-treated mice. Taken together, these results suggest that pretreatment with gemigliptin protects against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in mice, possibly via inhibition of apoptotic cell death and inflammatory responses through induction of HO-1 and NQO1 expression.
A Study on the Optimization of Chain Supermarkets’ Distribution Route Based on the Quantum‐Inspired Evolutionary Algorithm
Authors: Liang Bi , Lv Fengmao
Published: November 2017

The chain supermarket has become a major part of China’s retail industry, and the optimization of chain supermarkets’ distribution route is an important issue that needs to be considered for the distribution center, because for a chain supermarket it affects the logistics cost and the competition in the market directly. In this paper, analyzing the current distribution situation of chain supermarkets both at home and abroad and studying the quantum‐inspired evolutionary algorithm (QEA), we set up the mathematical model of chain supermarkets’ distribution route and solve the optimized distribution route throughout QEA. At last, we take Hongqi Chain Supermarket in Chengdu as an example to perform the experiment and compare QEA with the genetic algorithm (GA) in the fields of the convergence, the optimal solution, the search ability, and so on. The experiment results show that the distribution route optimized by QEA behaves better than that by GA, and QEA has stronger global search ability for both a small‐scale chain supermarket and a large‐scale chain supermarket. Moreover, the success rate of QEA in searching routes is higher than that of GA.
Integrative Research of Induction of Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Gao Penglin , Sun Chuanhe , Liao Weilong , Jiang Wenfei , Liu Te , Pan Weidong
Published: November 2017

Since the Japanese scientist Shinya Yamanaka used a viral vector to transfer the combination of 4 factors into differentiated somatic cells and reprogramed them to obtain similar embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), it provided one integrative method for studying many medical fields. Patient-derived iPSCs have provided an opportunity to study human diseases for which no suitable model systems are available. iPSC technology has since become a major breakthrough in the field of stem cell research. With the continuous development of iPSC technology and the continuous improvement of technical levels, excellent advances have become more and more common in the basic research and medical fields of life sciences. This article reviews the development history, clinical application, and problems and prospects of iPSC, and focuses on the application of iPSC in neurological diseases.
Health-Related Quality of Life in 536 Long-Term Prostate Cancer Survivors after Treatment with Leuprorelin Acetate: A Combined Retrospective and Prospective Analysis
Authors: Hammerer Peter G. , Wirth Manfred P. ,   on behalf of the ENA E005/DE-N-LEU-019 study group
Published: November 2017

Introduction: We investigated the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of long-term prostate cancer patients who received leuprorelin acetate in microcapsules (LAM) for androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT). Methods: The observational study was carried out by 30 office-based German urologists in 536 prostate cancer (PCa) patients treated for ≥5 years with LAM and in 116 patients of an age-matched control group (CG). Data on HRQoL and health status was collected prospectively using validated questionnaires QLQ-C30, QLQ-PR25 and Karnofsky Index. Data on effectiveness (clinical response, prostate specific antigen [PSA], testosterone) and safety was collected retrospectively from patients' health records. We used descriptive statistics to analyze the data. Results: The mean treatment duration was 8.6 years (range 4.5-19.8 years). General health status (QLQ-C30) was comparable for both groups. Differences were observed regarding physical - and role functioning. ADT patients rated single items slightly worse than CG. Karnofsky-Index showed comparable high values (median of 90%). QLQ-PR25 revealed more PCa-related symptoms for ADT patients. Within 6 months, median PSA level declined >90% and median testosterone levels declined below castration level from 4.0 to 0.2 ng/mL. Clinical response (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer criteria) was observed in at least 90% of ADT patients. Conclusions: Long-term ADT with LAM is a well-accepted, tolerated, effective, and low-burden treatment option for patients with advanced, hormone-sensitive PCa.
Can Yoga-Based Diabetes Management Studies Facilitate Integrative Medicine in India Current Status and Future Directions
Authors: Pal Deepak Kumar , Bhalla Ashish , Bammidi Sridhar , Telles Shirley , Kohli Adarsh , Kumar Saurabh , Devi Pooja , Kaur Navneet , Sharma Kiran , Kumar Raman , Malik Neeru , Thakur Vishakha , Bhargava Garima Goswami , Goyal Atul Kumar , Devi Geeta , Chauhan Shalini , Singh Gurpreet , Ahmad Subzar , Joshi Mamta , Narwal Sharmila , Sharma Kaushal , Tyagi Rahul , Modgil Shweta , Bali Parul , Bhatt Vinod , Sharma Jagdeep , Singh Amit , Negi Jyoti , Rajesh Sasidharan K. , Sharma Guruprasad , Sharma Purnandu , Vats Ramphal , Nagarathna R. , Bhavanani Ananda Balayogi , Burugupalli Krishna Manasa , Vetrivendan Rathinavelu , Nagendra H.R. , Anand Akshay
Published: November 2017

Background: India is fast becoming the diabetic capital in the world according to a recent report. Patients with diabetes are at increased risk of mortality due to diabetic complications, which has enormous implications for the health budget. Objectives: The main objective of this review is to provide an overview of the work carried out in the world, including modern and traditional approaches for the prevention and management of diabetes and reducing the chances of onset of further complications via cost-effective lifestyle interventions and integrative medicine. Material and Methods: We performed a literature search from various databases like PubMed, Scopus, Google scholar, etc., using the keywords diabetes, prediabetes, MCI and prediabetes, diabetes and yoga, diabetes. Results: Upon reviewing the published articles, it was noticed that one of the most neglected complications of diabetes, namely cognitive dysfunction, which is characterized by a pattern of vascular dementia and Alzheimer disease (AD), has been largely ignored, and there has been no large study investigating the role of yoga intervention in diabetes and/or associated cognitive impairment. Conclusion: The review article opens new paradigms for researchers to evaluate the connection between diabetes and AD through a yoga-based national campaign on diabetes. This paves the way towards the goal of integrative medicine.
Successful Evidence-Based Treatment of Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Cancer in Community-Based Oncology Group Practices
Authors: Chakupurakal Geothy , Feiten Stefan , Burkhard Oswald , Reiser Marcel , Ehscheidt Peter , Weide Rudolf
Published: November 2017

Background: Randomized clinical trials do not reflect the day-to-day reality of patient care; hence, the treatment of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer in oncology group practices was evaluated. Patients and Methods: All consecutive patients with advanced pancreatic cancer who were treated between 01/2012 and 12/2015 in 4 oncology group practices were analyzed retrospectively using SPSS software. Results: 324 patients with a median age of 70 years (range 32-94 years) were analyzed. The majority were male (56%) and had distant metastases (74%). Chemotherapy was the major modality of treatment (86%) with a median overall survival (OS) of 33.3 weeks (range 1.7-245.4 weeks). Chemotherapy significantly (p < 0.001) improved OS in comparison to best supportive care only (37.6 vs. 13.9 weeks). Patients with locally advanced disease had a better prognosis compared to patients with metastases (median OS 49.6 vs. 30.4 weeks; p < 0.001). An age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity score of ≥ 9 was found to influence the OS significantly (p = 0.004). Conclusion: Chemotherapy remains the main modality of treatment for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer with an OS comparable to prospective randomized trials. The OS of this patient cohort has remained the same over the last 20 years despite advances in treatment modalities.
Scalp Itch: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vázquez-Herrera Norma Elizabeth , Sharma Divya , Aleid Nouf Mohammed , Tosti Antonella
Published: November 2017

Scalp itch is a frequent complaint in the dermatological setting. It is common for the dermatologist to encounter patients with no evident cause of scalp pruritus, making it a distressing situation for both the clinician and the patient. The aim of this paper is to propose a systematic approach to scalp itch, which classifies scalp pruritus into two types: (1) with or (2) without dermatological lesions, and presence or absence of hair loss. Also, it is important to think first about the most common causes and then rule out other, less common etiologies. The acronym SCALLP and the five steps for scalp evaluation (listen, look, touch, magnify, and sample) are useful tools to keep in mind for an assertive approach in these patients.
Multiple Tumor Induction after Treatment of Temporal Arteritis with Prednisone
Authors: Piraino Frank F.
Published: November 2017

A 74-year-old female was diagnosed with the autoimmune inflammatory disease temporal arteritis and treated with high and low doses of prednisone over a period of 6 years. During that time, she developed cancers of the lung and colon as well as a soft tumor mass on lumbar vertebrate L3. She also experienced a series of debilitating and disabling symptoms while on prednisone treatment. A temporal analysis of the association of prednisone therapy and immune markers to the successive appearance of the malignant tumors strongly suggests that in the absence of a functioning natural immune and surveillance system by treatment with the immune knockout drug prednisone, spontaneous, multiple independent mutations occurred in several sites in the organ systems of this patient. Over a period of time, these developed into malignant cancers, including a lung nodule which became cancerous 256 days later, as well as the cancers of the colon and a soft tumor mass on lumbar vertebrate L3.
Surgical Approach to “Right Hepatic Core”: Deepest Region Surrounded by Major Portal Pedicles and Right Hepatic Vein
Authors: Tani Keigo , Ishizawa Takeaki , Sakamoto Yoshihiro , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Kokudo Norihiro
Published: November 2017

Background/Aims: The resection of hepatic tumors located in the region surrounded by the right hepatic vein (RHV) and the portal pedicles of the right paramedian/lateral sector (the right hepatic core) remains a challenge for liver surgeons. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the surgical techniques and outcomes of our atypical-parenchyma-sparing hepatectomy (atypical-PSH) approach for the removal of tumors in the right hepatic core. Methods: Perioperative records of 1,179 consecutive patients who had undergone hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma or colorectal liver metastases from January 2006 to December 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Twenty-six patients (2%) had a tumor in the right hepatic core. Among them, 20 patients underwent atypical-PSH, including the anterior approach (resection of the right paramedian hepatic parenchyma, n = 9), posterior approach (resection of the right lateral hepatic parenchyma, n = 10), and transhepatic approach (tumor enucleation from the raw surfaces along the RHV, n = 1). Their postoperative outcomes were similar to the remaining 6 patients who had undergone right hepatectomy. Conclusions: Atypical-PSH can be safely applied for the removal of tumors in the right hepatic core. This technique may have potential advantages in preserving hepatic function for postoperative chemotherapy and repeated hepatectomy for future recurrence.