bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inflammation‐dependent and independent airway remodelling in asthma
Authors: Elliot John G. , Noble Peter B. , Mauad Thais , Bai Tony R. , Abramson Michael J. , McKay Karen O. , Green Francis H.Y. , James Alan L.
Published: June 2018

Background and objective

The pathology of asthma is characterized by airway inflammation (granulocytic (GA) or paucigranulocytic (PGA)) and remodelling of airway structures. However, the relationship between inflammatory phenotypes and remodelling is unclear. We hypothesized that some features of airway remodelling are dependent on granulocytic airway inflammation while others are not.

Methods

Post‐mortem airway sections from control subjects (n = 48) and cases of asthma with (n = 51) or without (n = 29) granulocytic inflammation in the inner airway wall were studied. The thickness of the airway smooth muscle (ASM) layer, basement membrane and inner and outer airway walls, the size and number of ASM cells, the volume fraction of extracellular matrix within the ASM layer, ASM shortening and luminal mucus were estimated. Airway dimensions were compared between the three subject groups.

Results

In cases of PGA, only the thickness of the ASM layer and basement membrane was increased compared with control subjects. In cases of GA, not only the ASM and basement membrane were increased in thickness, but there was also increased inner and outer airway wall thickness and increased narrowing of the airway lumen due to ASM shortening and mucus obstruction, compared with control subjects. Granulocytic inflammation was observed more often in cases of fatal asthma.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that inner and outer wall thickening coexists with inflammation, whereas thickening of the ASM layer and basement membrane may be present even in the absence of inflammation. Remodelling of the ASM layer and basement membrane may therefore be less susceptible to anti‐inflammatory therapy.
Agent‐Based Models as an Integrating Boundary Object for Interdisciplinary Research
Authors: Reilly Allison C. , Dillon Robin L. , Guikema Seth D.
Published: June 2018

Many of the most complicated and pressing problems in hazards research require the integration of numerous disciplines. The lack of a common knowledge base, however, often prohibits clear communication and interaction among interdisciplinary researchers, sometimes leading to unsuccessful outcomes. Drawing on experience with several projects and collective expertise that spans multiple disciplines, the authors argue that a promising way to enhance participation and enable communication is to have a common model, or boundary object, that can integrate knowledge from different disciplines. The result is that researchers from different disciplines who use different research methods and approaches can work together toward a shared goal. This article offers four requirements for boundary objects that may enhance hazards research. Based on these requirements, agent‐based models have the necessary characteristics to be a boundary object. The article concludes by examining both the value of and the challenges from using agent‐based models as the boundary object in interdisciplinary projects.
Reciprocal link between cell biomechanics and exocytosis
Authors: Wang Guan , Galli Thierry
Published: June 2018

A cell is able to sense the biomechanical properties of the environment such as the rigidity of the extracellular matrix and adapt its tension via regulation of plasma membrane and underlying actomyosin meshwork properties. The cell's ability to adapt to the changing biomechanical environment is important for cellular homeostasis and also cell dynamics such as cell growth and motility. Membrane trafficking has emerged as an important mechanism to regulate cell biomechanics. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the role of cell mechanics in exocytosis, and reciprocally, the role of exocytosis in regulating cell mechanics. We also discuss how cell mechanics and membrane trafficking, particularly exocytosis, can work together to regulate cell polarity and motility.
Performance Evaluation of a New Hybrid Multivariate Meteorological Model Analysis: A Simulation Study
Authors: Norrulashikin Siti Mariam , Yusof Fadhilah , Kane Ibrahim Lawal
Published: June 2018

Simulation is used to measure the robustness and the efficiency of the forecasting techniques performance over complex systems. A method for simulating multivariate time series was presented in this study using vector autoregressive base-process. By applying the methodology to the multivariable meteorological time series, a simulation study was carried out to check for the model performance. MAPE and MAE performance measurements were used and the results show that the proposed method that consider persistency in volatility gives better performance and the accuracy error is six time smaller than the normal hybrid model.
3D Model of Generalized Power Law Blood Flow in a Stenosed Bifurcated Artery
Authors: Azahari Azim , Ismail Zuhaila , Abdullah Normazni
Published: June 2018

Numerical simulation of the behaviour of blood flow through a stenosed bifurcated artery with the presence of single mild stenosis at parent artery is investigated. The flow analysis applies the incompressible, steady, three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations for non-Newtonian generalized power law fluids. Behaviour of blood flow is simulated numerically using COMSOL Multiphysics that based on finite element method. The results show the effect of severity of stenosis on flow characteristics such as axial velocity and its exhibit flow recirculation zone for analysis on streamlines pattern.
Efficiency of Runge-Kutta Methods in Solving Simple Harmonic Oscillators
Authors: Gorgey Annie , Aini Mat Nor Azian
Published: June 2018

Symmetric methods such as the implicit midpoint rule (IMR), implicit trapezoidal rule (ITR) and 2-stage Gauss method are beneficial in solving Hamiltonian problems since they are also symplectic. Symplectic methods have advantages over non-symplectic methods in the long term integration of Hamiltonian problems. The study is to show the efficiency of IMR, ITR and the 2-stage Gauss method in solving simple harmonic oscillators (SHO). This study is done theoretically and numerically on the simple harmonic oscillator problem. The theoretical analysis and numerical results on SHO problem showed that the magnitude of the global error for a symmetric or symplectic method with stepsize h is linearly dependent on time t. This gives the linear error growth when a symmetric or symplectic method is applied to the simple harmonic oscillator problem. Passive and active extrapolations have been implemented to improve the accuracy of the numerical solutions. Passive extrapolation is observed to show quadratic error growth after a very short period of time. On the other hand, active extrapolation is observed to show linear error growth for a much longer period of time.
On Estimates for the Generalized Fourier-Dunkl Transform in the Space L2
Authors: Daher Radouan , El Ouadih Salah
Published: June 2018

Two useful estimates are proved for the generalized Fourier-Dunkltransform in the space L2 on certain classes of functions characterized by thegeneralized continuity modulus.
MHD Flow and Heat Transfer in a Moving Conducting Inclined Channel
Authors: Ayano Mekonnen Shiferaw
Published: June 2018

The problem of unsteady laminar, incompressible, electrically conducting micropolar fluid between inclined channel of rectangular cross-section was studied. It is assumed the flow is under the influence of transverse magnetic field and   the walls of the channel have constant temperatures and finite conductivity. The numerical solutions was obtained for the velocity, magnetic field profile, microrotation and temperature fields for various parametric conditions. These results are illustrated graphically to illustrate the effects of the physical parameters governing the flow. It is found that velocity, magnetic field profile and microrotations promote the motion of the fluid with increase the with wall conductance. It is also found that both velocity and magnetic field decreases with magnetic parameter increases.
An Intuitionistic Fuzzy Soft Set Theoretic Approach to Decision Making Problems
Authors: Singh Shiva Raj , Gautam Surendra Singh , . Abhishekh
Published: June 2018

In general most of real life problem of decision making involve imprecise parameters. In recent past the major emphasis of research workers in this area have been to develop the reliable models to deal with such imprecision and vagueness effectively. Several theories have been developed such as fuzzy set theory, interval valued fuzzy set, intuitionistic fuzzy set, and interval valued intuitionistic fuzzy set, rough set and soft set. The primary objectives of all the above developed theories are to deal with various kinds of uncertainty, imprecision and vagueness but unfortunately every theory has certain limitations. In the present paper we briefly introduced the notion of soft set, fuzzy soft set and intuitionistic fuzzy soft set. We extend the Jurio et al construction method of converting fuzzy set into intuitionistic fuzzy set to fuzzy soft set into intuitionistic fuzzy soft set. Here we consider a problem of decision making in fuzzy soft set and presented a method to generalize it into intuitionistic fuzzy soft set based decision making problem for modelling the problem in a better way. In the process we used the construction method and score function of intuitionistic fuzzy number.
Bitcoin Poison? Anecdotal Evidence from Bitcoin Miners Revenue
Authors: Spohn David
Published: June 2018

This paper explores the predictive qualities of Bitcoin Miners Revenue on Bitcoin Returns. Using data on Bitcoin in the cryptocurrency market from July 1, 2010 to February 20, 2018, we reflect intervariable correlations not previously examined. We analyze those relationships with a conditional regression analysis adjusting for calendar effects. We separate the sample, and use the last 17 trading days (month) to test a strategy based on the probability of Bitcoin Returns moving higher. After a slight modification to the logistic regression analysis, we find a profitable trading strategy exists based solely on Bitcoin Miners Revenue and the probability of Bitcoin Returns moving higher.
Information and Communication Technologies: Views of Canadian College Students and “Excellent” Professors
Authors: Fichten Catherine , Jorgensen Mary , Havel Alice , King Laura , Lussier Alex , Asuncion Jennison , Budd Jillian , Nguyen Mai Nhu , Amsel Rhonda
Published: June 2018

We explored students’ perspectives about their professors’ use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and compared these to the views of professors deemed by their students to be excellent in their use of ICTs. 311 students completed an online questionnaire and nominated up to three of their professors who used technology in a way that worked well for them. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 114 of the nominated professors, who also completed a checklist of technologies used in their teaching. There are some technologies that students said worked well for them that not many professors used in their teaching, such as online tests / quizzes, podcasts, and clickers. However, there were some technologies that both students and professors agreed did not facilitate learning, such as digital text books, blogs and chat rooms. Finally, there was also agreement among professors and students about technologies that did help with learning, such as e-mails, videos and online submission of assignments.Both student and professor perspectives need to be considered when evaluating what technologies work in teaching. Future research should examine why students prefer certain technologies. In addition, reasons for the discrepancies between professors and student views needs further investigation.
Sport, Twitter Hashtags, and the Public Sphere: A Qualitative Test of the Phenomenon Through a Curt Schilling Case Study
Authors: O’Hallarn Brendan , Shapiro Stephen L. , Hambrick Marion E. , Wittkower D.E. , Ridinger Lynn , Morehead Craig A.
Published: June 2018

Popular social media platforms have faced recent criticism because of the tendency for users to exhibit strongly negative behaviors, threatening the open, prodemocratic discourse that proponents believe was made possible when social media sites first gained widespread adoption a decade ago. A conceptual model suggests that the microblogging site Twitter, and especially sport-themed debate through hashtags, can still realize these ideals. Analyzing a dataset of tweets about the firing of former Major League Baseball pitcher Curt Schilling by ESPN on April 20, 2016, as well as a qualitative questionnaire given to the users of the hashtag, this study attempted to ascertain how closely the discourse comes to realizing the ideal of the Habermasian public sphere. The findings demonstrate that although users draw value from participation in the discussion, they are less inclined to desire interaction with other hashtag users, particularly those who disagree with them. This suggests that Twitter hashtags provide an open forum that approaches the participatory requirement of the public sphere, but the lack of back-and-forth engagement suggests the medium is not ideal for the generation of deliberative public opinion.
UCT943, a Next-Generation Plasmodium falciparum PI4K Inhibitor Preclinical Candidate for the Treatment of Malaria
Authors: Brunschwig Christel , Lawrence Nina , Taylor Dale , Abay Efrem , Njoroge Mathew , Basarab Gregory S. , Le Manach Claire , Paquet Tanya , Cabrera Diego Gonzàlez , Nchinda Aloysius T. , de Kock Carmen , Wiesner Lubbe , Denti Paolo , Waterson David , Blasco Benjamin , Leroy Didier , Witty Michael J. , Donini Cristina , Duffy James , Wittlin Sergio , White Karen L. , Charman Susan A. , Jiménez-Díaz Maria Belén , Angulo-Barturen Iñigo , Herreros Esperanza , Gamo Francisco Javier , Rochford Rosemary , Mancama Dalu , Coetzer Theresa L. , van der Watt Mariëtte E. , Reader Janette , Birkholtz Lyn-Marie , Marsh Kennan C. , Solapure Suresh M. , Burke John E. , McPhail Jacob A. , Vanaerschot Manu , Fidock David A. , Fish Paul V. , Siegl Peter , Smith Dennis A. , Wirjanata Grennady , Noviyanti Rintis , Price Ric N. , Marfurt Jutta , Silue Kigbafori D. , Street Leslie J. , Chibale Kelly
Published: June 2018

The 2-aminopyridine MMV048 was the first drug candidate inhibiting
Plasmodium
phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase (PI4K), a novel drug target for malaria, to enter clinical development. In an effort to identify the next generation of PI4K inhibitors, the series was optimized to improve properties such as solubility and antiplasmodial potency across the parasite life cycle, leading to the 2-aminopyrazine UCT943.
Serum-Mediated Cleavage of
Bacillus anthracis
Protective Antigen Is a Two-Step Process That Involves a Serum Carboxypeptidase
Authors: Goldman David L. , Nieves Edward , Nakouzi Antonio , Rivera Johanna , Phyu Ei Ei , Win Than Htut , Achkar Jacqueline M. , Casadevall Arturo
Published: June 2018

Our findings identify a serum-mediated modification of PA
20
that has not been previously described. These observations further imply that the processing of PA is more complex than currently thought. Additional study is needed to define the contribution of serum processing of PA to the host response and individual susceptibility to anthrax.
Surgical outcomes of a new affordable non-valved glaucoma drainage device and Ahmed glaucoma valve: comparison in the first year
Authors: Pathak Ray Vanita , Rao Divya P
Published: June 2018

Background

A new low-cost, indigenously manufactured, non-valved glaucoma drainage device (GDD) has been introduced and its design is based on the Baerveldt Glaucoma Device. We aim to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of this GDD (Aurolab aqueous drainage implant, AADI) vis-à-vis the valved device, Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV), in the management of refractory glaucomas.

Design

Retrospective, comparative, interventional.

Participants

Case review of consecutive patients who underwent GDD surgery by a single fellowship-trained surgeon at a Tertiary Centre between January 2014 and November 2016.

Primary outcome measure

Intraocular pressure (IOP).

Secondary

Antiglaucoma medication (AGM), LogMAR best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), complications.

Results

A total of 88 eyes of 83 patients were included; 36 eyes received AGV and 52 AADI. Preoperative parameters were similar between groups. Median follow-up was 13 and 12 months for AADI and AGV, respectively. Overall success rate was higher in AADI (92.3%) vs AGV (80.5%) (p<0.001). The median IOP in mm Hg (Quartiles; IQR) (AADI 14 (10,15;5) vs AGV 16 (14,20;6)) and AGM (AADI: 0 (0,1;1) vs AGV 2 (1,2.75;1.75)) was significantly lower in the AADI group at last follow-up (p<0.001). LogMAR BCVA improved in both groups; complication rates (AADI 44.2% vs AGV 52.7%) were comparable (p=0.59).

Conclusions

Both procedures were effective in reduction of IOP and need for AGM. Nevertheless, overall success rate was higher in the AADI group and IOP and number of AGM required was significantly lower in the AADI group; this affordable GDD could have a tremendous impact in the management of refractory glaucomas in low-income to middle-income countries.
Improving discharge care: the potential of a new organisational intervention to improve discharge after hospitalisation for acute stroke, a controlled before–after pilot study
Authors: Cadilhac Dominique A , Andrew Nadine E , Stroil Salama Enna , Hill Kelvin , Middleton Sandy , Horton Eleanor , Meade Ian , Kuhle Sarah , Nelson Mark R , Grimley Rohan
Published: June 2018

Objective

Provision of a discharge care plan and prevention therapies is often suboptimal. Our objective was to design and pilot test an interdisciplinary, organisational intervention to improve discharge care using stroke as the case study using a mixed-methods, controlled before–after observational study design.

Setting

Acute care public hospitals in Queensland, Australia (n=15). The 15 hospitals were ranked against a benchmark based on a composite outcome of three discharge care processes. Clinicians from a ‘top-ranked’ hospital participated in a focus group to elicit their success factors. Two pilot hospitals then participated in the organisational intervention that was designed with experts and consumers.

Participants

Hospital clinicians involved in discharge care for stroke and patients admitted with acute stroke or transient ischaemic attack.

Intervention

A four-stage, multifaceted organisational intervention that included data reviews, education and facilitated action planning.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Three discharge processes collected in Queensland hospitals within the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry were used to select study hospitals: (1) discharge care plan; (2) antihypertensive medication prescription and (3) antiplatelet medication prescription (ischaemic events only). Primary measure: composite outcome. Secondary measures: individual adherence changes for each discharge process; sensitivity analyses. The performance outcomes were compared 3 months before the intervention (preintervention), 3 months postintervention and at 12 months (sustainability).

Results

Data from 1289 episodes of care from the two pilot hospitals were analysed. Improvements from preintervention adherence were: antiplatelet therapy (88%vs96%, p=0.02); antihypertensive prescription (61%vs79%, p<0.001); discharge planning (72%vs94%, p<0.001); composite outcome (73%vs89%, p<0.001). There was an insignificant decay effect over the 12-month sustainability period (composite outcome: 89% postintervention vs 85% sustainability period, p=0.08).

Conclusion

Discharge care in hospitals may be effectively improved and sustained through a staged and peer-informed, organisational intervention. The intervention warrants further application and trialling on a larger scale.
Prospective cohort study on injuries and health problems among circus arts students
Authors: Stubbe Janine H , Richardson Angelo , van Rijn Rogier M
Published: June 2018

Aim

The amount of injuries, illnesses and mental health problems was calculated among circus arts students, using a method designed to capture more than just time-loss and/or medical injuries. Furthermore, injury incidence rate, injury incidence proportions, anatomical injury location and severity of injuries were assessed.

Methods

A total of 44 first-year, second-year and third-year circus arts students were prospectively followed during one academic year. Every month, all students were asked to complete questionnaires by using the online Performing Artist and Athlete Health Monitor, which includes the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Questionnaire on Health Problems.

Results

In total, 41 students completed the entire follow-up period. The response rate was 82.9%. During the academic year, all (100%) students reported a health problem. A total of 261 health problems were reported consisting of 184 injuries (70.5%), 51 illnesses (19.5%), 15 mental problems (5.0%) and 11 other health problems (3.1%). The injury incidence rate was 3.3 injuries per 1000 hours (95% CI 2.7 to 3.9). Monthly incidence proportion for substantial injuries (ie, problems leading to moderate or severe reductions in training volume or in performance or complete inability to participate in activities) ranged from 6.8% to 34.1%. Shoulder (n=51; 27.7%), lower back (n=29; 15.8%), wrist (n=26; 14.1%) and ankle (n=17; 9.2%) were the most reported injuries. The average duration of the injuries was 6.9 days (median=2.0; SD=15.0).

Conclusions

We implemented a new registration method for circus artists, which captures a complete picture of the burden of health problems in circus students. Our study showed that the burden of injuries is high in this population.
Prevalence and burden of overuse injuries in elite junior handball
Authors: Aasheim Christer , Stavenes Håvard , Andersson Stig Haugsbø , Engbretsen Lars , Clarsen Benjamin
Published: June 2018

Aim

To record overuse injuries among male junior handball players throughout a handball season.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

Ten Norwegian junior male handball teams (145 players aged 16–18 years) were followed for one 10-month season. All players were sent the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Overuse Injury Questionaire every second week to record overuse injuries located in the shoulder, elbow, lower back and knee. The relative burden of overuse injuries was calculated in each anatomical area represented, defined as the proportion of the total cumulative severity score.

Results

The average prevalence of all overuse injury problems was 39% (95% CI 29% to 49%) across all anatomical areas. The average prevalence of substantial overuse injury problems, defined as those leading to moderate or large reductions in training volume or sports performance, or to complete inability to participate, was 15% (95% CI 13% to 17%). Over the duration of the study, the cumulative incidence of overuse injury problems was 91% (133 players). Shoulder problems were the most prevalent (average prevalence 17%, 95% CI 16% to 19%), whereas knee problems had the greatest relative burden.

Conclusion

Overuse injuries, particularly in the shoulder and knee, have a substantial impact on junior handball players’ training participation and performance. Interventions to prevent overuse injuries among male junior handball players should focus on these areas.
Reasonable disagreement and the justification of pre-emptive ethics governance in social research: a response to Hammersley
Authors: Sheehan Mark , Dunn Michael , Sahan Kate
Published: June 2018

In this response, we first tackle what we take to be the core disagreement between ourselves and Hammersley, namely the justification for our model of social research ethics governance. We then consider what follows from our defence of governance for ethics review and show how these claims attend to the specific concerns outlined by Hammersley.
Exercise biology of neuromuscular disorders
Authors: Ng Sean Y. , Manta Alexander , Ljubicic Vladimir
Published: June 2018

Neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) are chronic conditions that affect the neuromuscular system. Many NMDs currently have no cure; however, as more effective therapies become available for NMD patients, these individuals will exhibit improved health and/or prolonged lifespans. As a result, persons with NMDs will likely desire to engage in a more diverse variety of activities of daily living, including increased physical activity or exercise. Therefore, there is a need to increase our knowledge of the effects of acute exercise and chronic training on the neuromuscular system in NMD contexts. Here, we discuss the disease mechanisms and exercise biology of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), which are among the most prevalent NMDs in children and adults. Evidence from clinical and preclinical studies are reviewed, with emphasis on the functional outcomes of exercise, as well as on the putative cellular mechanisms that drive exercise-induced remodelling of the neuromuscular system. Continued investigation of the molecular mechanisms of exercise adaptation in DMD, SMA, and DM1 will assist in enhancing our understanding of the biology of these most prevalent NMDs. This information may also be useful for guiding the development of novel therapeutic targets for future pursuit.
Cardiac autonomic function during hypothermia and its measurement repeatability
Authors: Hodges Gary J. , Ferguson Steven A.H. , Cheung Stephen S.
Published: June 2018

This study examined the effect of mild hypothermia (a 0.5 °C decrease in rectal temperature) on heart rate variability (HRV), with the identical hypothermia protocol performed twice and compared using intraclass correlation coefficient (r) analysis to study the repeatability. Twelve healthy males each completed 1 neutral (23 °C) and 2 cold (0 °C) trials. In the neutral trial, participants sat quietly for 30 min. In the cold trials, baseline data were obtained from a 5-min sample following 30 min of quiet sitting at 23 °C, followed by passive exposure to 0 °C; hypothermic measures were taken from a 5-min period immediately prior to rectal temperature decreasing by 0.5 °C. HRV was obtained from a 3-lead electrocardiogram. There were no differences (all p > 0.05) in baseline measures between the neutral and the 2 cold trials, suggesting no precooling anxiety related to the cold trials. Heart rate, together with HRV measures (i.e., root mean square difference of successive normal RR intervals, triangular interpolation of NN interval histogram, low-frequency oscillations (LF), and high-frequency oscillations (HF)), increased (all p < 0.05) with mild hypothermia and showed excellent reliability between the 2 cold trials (all r ≥ 0.81). In contrast, the LF/HF ratio decreased (p < 0.05) and had only fair reliability between the 2 cold trials (r = 0.551). In general, hypothermia led to increases in heart rate, together with most measures of HRV. Although it was counterintuitive that both sympathetic and vagal influences would increase simultaneously, these changes likely reflected increased stress from whole-body cooling, together with marked cardiovascular strain and sympathetic nervous system activity from shivering to defend core body temperature. An important methodological consideration for future studies is the consistent and repeatable HRV responses to hypothermia.
Application of a robust design occupancy model for assessing fish recruitment
Authors: Weber Michael J. , Brown Michael L.
Published: June 2018

Fish recruitment is complex, regulated by environmental factors that induce high mortality early in life. Additionally, age-0 fish can be difficult to sample, making recruitment difficult to detect. We used a robust design occupancy model to evaluate the effects of biotic (age-0 and adult common carp (Cyprinus carpio), bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), walleye (Sander vitreus), and northern pike (Esox lucius) relative abundance, prey availability, age-0 carp length) and abiotic (water level, temperature) factors on age-0 carp occupancy, detection, and extinction in 13 lakes in South Dakota, USA, for July–April 2008–2010. Age-0 carp occupancy decreased with increasing adult carp abundance and increased with increasing water levels. Age-0 carp detection probability was high during summer (>0.75) but decreased in fall and spring (0.34). Most lakes were occupied in July but overwinter extinction probability was high (59%), resulting in 51% occupancy probability by April. Other environmental factors were not supported, suggesting they had little effect on reproduction and survival. Our results indicate reproduction was universally successful but difficult to detect and that overwinter mortality often resulted in recruitment failure.
Preface
Authors: Bikakis Antonis , Bassiliades Nick , Vrakas Dimitris
Published: June 2018

Please refer to full text.
Optimization of EOQ Model for New Products Under Multi-Stage Adoption Process
Authors: Chanda Udayan , Kumar Alok
Published: June 2018

The available literature on new product sales growth models mostly ignores two important aspects of technology diffusion: diffusion of awareness and the actual adoption. This characteristic of technology adoption is extremely important from inventory management perspective as buying decision is often influenced due to time lag between information propagation and actual adoptions. As high-technology market is extremely unpredictable, interactions between technological evolutions and customer feedback effects play an important role in technology diffusion. The demand models mostly considered in inventory literature to develop economic order quantity (EOQ) model ignore this important element of technology diffusion. In this paper, we proposed an EOQ model for high-technology products by incorporating customer feedback effects along with market heterogeneity to optimize the total inventory cost. The demand model considered in the paper follows lifecycle phenomenon and is sensitive to unit selling price. To remove any ambiguity pertaining to costs, fuzzy nature of ordering and inventory carrying cost is considered in the paper.
Urbanization and Its Impact on Rural Livelihoods: A Study of Xichang City Administration, Sichuan Province, China
Authors: SATI Vishwambhar Prasad , DENG Wei , LU Yafeng , ZHANG Shaoyao , WAN Jiangjun , SONG Xueqian
Published: June 2018

This study examines urbanization in Xichang city administration (XCA) and its implications on rural livelihoods. Time series data on population size and land use (1990–2010) of Xichang city administration were gathered from population censuses and revenue records. The data were analyzed to observe changes in population size and land use/cover during the recorded period. Along with this, a case study of seven villages that are highly influenced by urban expansion in close proximity to Xichang city was carried out. We surveyed 110 households of selected villages using purposive-random sampling method and framed a structured questionnaire on urbanization implications for them. Descriptive statistics, correlation and regression model was employed to analyze the data. From 1990 to 2010, the authors observed an enormous transformation in urban landscapes as the urban area has increased by 14.02[Formula: see text]km2 (111%) and about 20.65[Formula: see text]km2 (16 times) increase in public transit construction land. On the other hand, paddy fields and grasslands of the selected villages have decreased by 16.6[Formula: see text]km2 (4.9%) and 35.43[Formula: see text]km2 (8.4%), respectively. Along with urbanization, out-migration as well as medical and educational facilities has increased while agriculture and livestock activities have decreased. The study suggested that to lessen the impact of urbanization in rural areas, agricultural and its allied practices should be intensified so as to augment employment and reduce out-migration from the rural areas.
A Case of Cephalic Tetanus in an Elderly Patient with Trismus
Authors: Bernardes Marilia , Lo Presti Saberio , Ratzan Kenneth
Published: June 2018

We report a case of a 77-year-old woman who presented to the Emergency Room with a three-day history of oral lesions and jaw tightness. Her physical examination was remarkable for the presence of trismus and white ulcers on the visible portion of the tongue. CT head and neck was unremarkable, and she was discharged with empiric treatment for oral candidiasis. She returned two days later with worsening symptoms and subsequently developed tonic-clonic seizures. MRI of the brain and temporomandibular joints were noncontributory. Psychiatry was consulted, and the patient was prescribed olanzapine and mirtazapine for suspected depression with somatization symptoms. She continued to deteriorate despite therapy and developed right lid ptosis and ophthalmoparesis, which led to a presumptive diagnosis of cephalic tetanus. On the 14th day of illness, tetanus immune globulin, metronidazole, and tetanus toxoid vaccine were administered. Despite treatment, the patient died after 24 days of hospitalization. This case illustrates the importance of early recognition of tetanus since successful treatment depends on timely administration of immune globulin.
Mechanical Properties and Biological Behavior of 3D Matrices Produced by Electrospinning from Protein-Enriched Polyurethane
Authors: Chernonosova Vera S. , Gostev Alexander A. , Gao Yun , Chesalov Yuriy A. , Shutov Alexey V. , Pokushalov Evgeniy A. , Karpenko Andrey A. , Laktionov Pavel P.
Published: June 2018

Properties of matrices manufactured by electrospinning from solutions of polyurethane Tecoflex EG-80A with gelatin in 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropanol were studied. The concentration of gelatin added to the electrospinning solution was shown to influence the mechanical properties of matrices: the dependence of matrix tensile strength on protein concentration is described by a bell-shaped curve and an increase in gelatin concentration added to the elasticity of the samples. SEM, FTIR spectroscopy, and mechanical testing demonstrate that incubation of matrices in phosphate buffer changes the structure of the fibers and alters the polyurethane-gelatin interactions, increasing matrix durability. The ability of the matrices to maintain adhesion and proliferation of human endothelial cells was studied. The results suggest that matrices made of 3% polyurethane solution with 15% gelatin (wt/wt) and treated with glutaraldehyde are the optimal variant for cultivation of endothelial cells.
Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Preoperative Staging and Work-Up of Patients Affected by Invasive Lobular Carcinoma or Invasive Ductolobular Carcinoma
Authors: Selvi Valeria , Nori Jacopo , Meattini Icro , Francolini Giulio , Morelli Noemi , Di Benedetto Diego , Bicchierai Giulia , Di Naro Federica , Gill Maninderpal Kaur , Orzalesi Lorenzo , Sanchez Luis , Susini Tommaso , Bianchi Simonetta , Livi Lorenzo , Miele Vittorio
Published: June 2018

Purpose. The prevalence of invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), the second most common type of breast cancer, accounts for 5%–15% of all invasive breast cancer cases. Its histological feature to spread in rows of single cell layers explains why it often fails to form a palpable lesion and the lack of sensitivity of mammography and ultrasound (US) to detect it. It also has a higher incidence of multifocal, multicentric, and contralateral disease when compared to the other histological subtypes. The clinicopathologic features and outcomes of Invasive Ductolobular Carcinoma (IDLC) are very similar to the ILC. The purpose of our study is to assess the importance of MRI in the preoperative management and staging of patients affected by ILC or IDLC. Materials and Methods. We identified women diagnosed with ILC or IDLC. We selected the patients who had preoperative breast MRI. For each patient we identified the areas of multifocal, multicentric, or contralateral disease not visible to standard exams and detected by preoperative MRI. We analyzed the potential correlation between additional cancer areas and histological cancer markers. Results. Of the 155 women who met our inclusion criteria, 93 (60%) had additional cancer areas detected by MRI. In 61 women, 39,4% of the overall population, the additional cancer areas were confirmed by US/tomosynthesis second look and biopsy. Presurgical MRI staging changed surgical management in the 37,4% of the patients. Only six patients of the overall population needed a reoperation after the initial surgery. No statistically significant correlation was found between MRI overestimation and the presence of histological peritumoral vascular/linfatic invasion. No statistically significant correlation was found between additional cancer areas and histological cancer markers. Conclusions. Our study suggests that MRI is an important tool in the preoperative management and staging of patients affected by lobular or ductolobular invasive carcinoma.
In VitroNeural Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Carrying the FTH1 Reporter Gene and Detection with MRI
Authors: Mu Tong , Qin Yong , Liu Bo , He Xiaoya , Liao Yifan , Sun Jun , Qiu Jiawen , Li Xiaomeng , Zhong Yi , Cai Jinhua
Published: June 2018

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based on the ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) reporter gene has been used to trace stem cells. However, whether FTH1 expression is affected by stem cell differentiation or whether cell differentiation is affected by reporter gene expression remains unclear. Here, we explore the relationship between FTH1 expression and neural differentiation in the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) carrying FTH1 into neuron-like cells and investigate the feasibility of using FTH1 as an MRI reporter gene to detect neurally differentiated cells. By inducing cell differentiation with all-trans retinoic acid and a modified neuronal medium, MSCs and MSCs-FTH1 were successfully differentiated into neuron-like cells (Neurons and Neurons-FTH1), and the neural differentiation rates were (91.56±7.89)% and (92.23±7.64)%, respectively. Neuron-specific markers, including nestin, neuron-specific enolase, and microtubule-associated protein-2, were significantly expressed in Neurons-FTH1 and Neurons without noticeable differences. On the other hand, FTH1 was significantly expressed in MSCs-FTH1 and Neurons-FTH1 cells, and the expression levels were not significantly different. The R2 value was significantly increased in MSCs-FTH1 and Neurons-FTH1 cells, which was consistent with the findings of Prussian blue staining, transmission electron microscopy, and intracellular iron measurements. These results suggest that FTH1 gene expression did not affect MSC differentiation into neurons and was not affected by neural differentiation. Thus, MRI reporter gene imaging based on FTH1 can be used for the detection of neurally differentiated cells from MSCs.
Linear and Complex Measures of Heart Rate Variability during Exposure to Traffic Noise in Healthy Women
Authors: Alves Myrela , Garner David M. , Fontes Anne M. G. G. , Sousa Luiz Vinicius de Alcantara , Valenti Vitor E.
Published: June 2018

Previous studies have described significant impact of different types of noise on the linear behavior of heart rate variability (HRV). However, there are few studies regarding the complexity of HRV during exposure to traffic noise. In this study, we evaluated the complexity of HRV during traffic noise exposure. We analyzed 31 healthy female students aged between 18 and 30 years. Volunteers remained at rest seated under spontaneous breathing during 10 minutes with an earphone turned off, and then they were exposed to traffic noise through an earphone for a period of 10 minutes. The traffic noise was recorded from a very busy city street and the sound was comprised of car, bus, and trucks engines and horn (71–104 dB). We observed no significant changes in the linear analysis of HRV. CFP3 (Cohen’s d = 1.28, large effect size) and CFP6 (Cohen’s d = 1.11, large effect size) parameters of chaotic global analysis and Shannon (Cohen’s d = 1.13, large effect size), Renyi (Cohen’s d = 1.06, large effect size), and Tsallis (Cohen’s d = 1.14, large effect size) entropies significantly increased (p < 0.005) during traffic noise exposure. In conclusion, traffic noise under laboratory conditions increased the complexity of HRV through chaotic global analysis and some measures of entropy in healthy females.
Complicated Infective Endocarditis Limited to a Chiari Network
Authors: Carrena Olufolahan , Oluoha Oluchukwu , Wahba Amr , Eshun Derek , Endsley Maria , Okafor Henry
Published: June 2018

Introduction. The Chiari network is an uncommon vestigial structure of the heart that is often clinically insignificant. We present an unusual case of infective endocarditis affecting only the Chiari network in a patient who presented with septic emboli to the lungs and brain. Case summary. A 61-year-old man was admitted with a 2-month history of hemoptysis, pleuritic chest pain, and right upper extremity numbness and weakness. He was found to have multifocal bilateral pulmonary opacities and an abscess collection in the brain. Blood cultures grew Streptococcus intermedius and transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) was normal. Subsequent transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) revealed an 8.3 × 4.6 mm vegetation arising from the Chiari network, close to the right atrial appendage, without involvement of the tricuspid valve or any of the other valves. There were no atrial or ventricular septal defects. He was treated with appropriate antibiotics with improvement of symptoms. Repeat imaging showed improvement of the lung opacities, but not the brain abscess, warranting transfer to another hospital for neurosurgical intervention. Conclusion. The diagnosis and management of isolated Chiari network endocarditis require a high index of clinical suspicion. A multidisciplinary approach incorporating both medical and surgical approaches where necessary is essential for optimal outcome.
Statistical Entropy of Quantum Black Holes in the Presence of Quantum Gravity Effects
Authors: Kamali A. D. , Shababi H.
Published: June 2018

We investigate the effects of deformed algebra, admitted from minimal length, on canonical description of quantum black holes. Using the modified partition function in the presence of all orders of the Planck length, we calculate the thermodynamical properties of quantum black holes. Moreover, after obtaining some thermodynamical quantities including internal energy, entropy, and heat capacity, we conclude that, at high temperature limits due to the decreasing of the number of microstates, the entropy tends to upper bounds.
Some Hesitant Fuzzy Linguistic Muirhead Means with Their Application to Multiattribute Group Decision‐Making
Authors: Wang Jun , Zhang Runtong , Zhu Xiaomin , Xing Yuping , Buchmeister Borut
Published: June 2018

The proposed hesitant fuzzy linguistic set (HFLS) is a powerful tool for expressing fuzziness and uncertainty in multiattribute group decision‐making (MAGDM). This paper aims to propose novel aggregation operators to fuse hesitant fuzzy linguistic information. First, we briefly recall the notion of HFLS and propose new operations for hesitant fuzzy linguistic elements (HFLEs). Second, considering the Muirhead mean (MM) is a useful aggregation technology that can consider the interrelationship among all aggregated arguments, we extend it to hesitant fuzzy linguistic environment and propose new hesitant fuzzy linguistic aggregation operators, such as the hesitant fuzzy linguistic Muirhead mean (HFLMM) operator, the hesitant fuzzy linguistic dual Muirhead mean (HFLDMM) operator, the hesitant fuzzy linguistic weighted Muirhead mean (HFLMM) operator, and the hesitant fuzzy linguistic weighted dual Muirhead mean (HFLWDMM) operator. These operators can reflect the correlations among all HFLEs. Several desirable properties and special cases of the proposed operators are also studied. Furthermore, we propose a novel approach to MAGDM in a hesitant fuzzy linguistic context based on the proposed operators. Finally, we conduct a numerical experiment to demonstrate the validity of our method. Additionally, we compare our method with others to illustrate its merits and superiorities.
Estimation and Synthesis of Reachable Set for Singular Markovian Jump Systems
Authors: Ding Yucai , Liu Hui
Published: June 2018

The problems of reachable set estimation and state‐feedback controller design are investigated for singular Markovian jump systems with bounded input disturbances. Based on the Lyapunov approach, several new sufficient conditions on state reachable set and output reachable set are derived to ensure the existence of ellipsoids that bound the system states and output, respectively. Moreover, a state‐feedback controller is also designed based on the estimated reachable set. The derived sufficient conditions are expressed in terms of linear matrix inequalities. The effectiveness of the proposed results is illustrated by numerical examples.
Effects of Formation Dip on Gas Production from Unconfined Marine Hydrate-Bearing Sediments through Depressurization
Authors: Yuan Yilong , Xu Tianfu , Xia Yingli , Xin Xin
Published: June 2018

The effects of geologic conditions and production methods on gas production from hydrate-bearing sediments (HBS) have been widely investigated. The reservoir was usually treated as horizontal distribution, whereas the sloping reservoir was not considered. In fact, most strata have gradients because of the effects of geological structure and diagenesis. In this study, based on currently available geological data from field measurements in Shenhu area of the South China Sea, the effects of formation dip on gas production were investigated through depressurization using a horizontal well. The modeling results indicate that the strategy of horizontal well is an effective production method from the unconfined Class 2 HBS. The predicted cumulative volume of methane produced at the 1000 m horizontal well was 4.51 × 107 ST m3 over 5-year period. The hydrate dissociation behavior of sloping formation is sensitive to changes in the reservoir pressure. As in unconfined marine hydrate reservoir, the sloping formation is not conducive to free methane gas recovery, which results in more dissolved methane produced at the horizontal well. The obvious issue for this challenging target is relatively low exploitation efficiency of methane because of the recovery of very large volumes of water. Consequently, the development of the favorable well completion method to prevent water production is significantly important for realizing large scale hydrate exploitation in the future.