bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of the pretransplant dialysis modality on kidney transplantation outcomes: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Lin Huan-Tang , Liu Fu-Chao , Lin Jr-Rung , Pang See-Tong , Yu Huang-Ping
Published: June 2018

Objective

Most patients with uraemia must undergo chronic dialysis while awaiting kidney transplantation; however, the role of the pretransplant dialysis modality on the outcomes of kidney transplantation remains obscure. The objective of this study was to clarify the associations between the pretransplant dialysis modality, namely haemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD), and the development of post-transplant de novo diseases, allograft failure and all-cause mortality for kidney-transplant recipients.

Design

Retrospective nationwide cohort study.

Setting

Data retrieved from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database.

Participants

The National Health Insurance database was explored for patients who received kidney transplantation in Taiwan during 1998–2011 and underwent dialysis >90 days before transplantation.

Outcome measures

The pretransplant characteristics, complications during kidney transplantation and post-transplant outcomes were statistically analysed and compared between the HD and PD groups. Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the HR of the dialysis modality on graft failure and all-cause mortality. The primary outcomes were long-term post-transplant death-censored allograft failure and all-cause mortality started after 90 days of kidney transplantation until the end of follow-up. The secondary outcomes were events during kidney transplantation and post-transplant de novo diseases adjusted by propensity score in log-binomial model.

Results

There were 1812 patients included in our cohort, among which 1209 (66.7%) and 603 (33.3%) recipients received pretransplant HD and PD, respectively. Recipients with chronic HD were generally older and male, had higher risks of developing post-transplant de novo ischaemic heart disease, tuberculosis and hepatitis C after adjustment. Pretransplant HD contributed to higher graft failure in the multivariate analysis (HR 1.38, p<0.05) after adjustment for the recipient age, sex, duration of dialysis and pretransplant diseases. There was no significant between-group difference in overall survival.

Conclusions

Pretransplant HD contributed to higher risks of death-censored allograft failure after kidney transplantation when compared with PD.
Greenness and job-related chronic stress in young adults: a prospective cohort study in Germany
Authors: Herrera Ronald , Markevych Iana , Berger Ursula , Genuneit Jon , Gerlich Jessica , Nowak Dennis , Schlotz Wolff , Vogelberg Christian , von Mutius Erika , Weinmayr Gudrun , Windstetter Doris , Weigl Matthias , Heinrich Joachim , Radon Katja
Published: June 2018

Objectives

We aimed to prospectively study the association between normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) as a measure of greenness around homes and occupational stress.

Setting

A population-based cohort in Munich and Dresden cities was followed from age 16–18 years to age 20–23 years (n=1632).

Participants

At baseline, all participants attended high-school while at follow-up some had started working and others studying at university. At baseline and in each follow-up, we assigned NDVI based on participants’ residential geocoded addresses and categorised it by quartiles.

Outcome measures

School-related, university-related or job-related self-reported chronic stress was assessed at the two follow-ups by the Trier Scale for Assessment of Chronic Stress using work discontent and work overload as outcomes. We modelled the association employing ordinal generalised estimating equations model accounting for changes in sociodemographics, non-job-related stress, job history and environmental covariates. Stratified analysis by each city was performed.

Results

NVDI at baseline was higher for participants from Dresden (median=0.36; IQR 0.31–0.41) than Munich (0.31; 0.26–0.34). At follow-up, it decreased only for participants in Dresden (0.34; 0.30–0.40). Higher greenness (quartile 4 vs quartile 1) was associated with less work discontent (OR 0.89; 95% CI 0.80 to 0.99) and less work overload (OR 0.87; 95% CI 0.78 to 0.96). In stratified analyses, results were more consistent for Munich than for Dresden.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that residential green spaces, using the vegetation index as a proxy for exposure, are inversely associated with two types of job-related chronic stress in German young adults transitioning from school to university or working life.
Visual performance in a flight simulator: multifocal intraocular lenses in pilots
Authors: Lenton Lee
Published: June 2018

Objective

To compare the performance of adults with multifocal intraocular lenses (MIOLs) in a realistic flight simulator with age-matched adults with monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs).

Methods and Analysis

Twenty-five adults ≥60 years with either bilateral MIOL or bilateral IOL implantation were enrolled. Visual function tests included visual acuity and contrast sensitivity under photopic and mesopic conditions, defocus curves and low luminance contrast sensitivity tests in the presence and absence of glare (Mesotest II), as well as halo size measurement using an app-based halometer (Aston halometer). Flight simulator performance was assessed in a fixed-based flight simulator (PS4.5). Subjects completed three simulated landing runs in both daytime and night-time conditions in a randomised order, including a series of visual tasks critical for safety.

Results

Of the 25 age-matched enrolled subjects, 13 had bilateral MIOLs and 12 had bilateral IOLs. Photopic and mesopic visual acuity or contrast sensitivity were not significantly different between the groups. Larger halo areas were seen in the MIOL group and Mesotest values were significantly worse in the MIOL group, both with and without glare. The defocus curves showed better uncorrected visual acuity at intermediate and near distances for the MIOL group. There were no significant differences regarding performance of the vision-related flight simulator tasks between both groups.

Conclusions

The performance of visually related flight simulator tasks was not significantly impaired in older adults with MIOLs compared with age-matched adults with monofocal IOLs. These findings suggest that MIOLs do not impair visual performance in a flight simulator.
Efficacy of scheduled return visits for emergency department patients with non-specific abdominal pain
Authors: Boendermaker Annemieke E , Coolsma Constant W , Emous Marloes , ter Avest Ewoud
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Many patients presenting with abdominal pain to emergency departments (EDs) are discharged without a definitive diagnosis. For these patients, often designated as having non-specific abdominal pain, re-evaluation is often advocated. We aimed to investigate how often re-evaluation changes the diagnosis and clinical management and discern factors that could help identify patients likely to benefit from re-evaluation.

Methods

This was a retrospective study conducted in the Netherlands between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2015 of patients asked to return to the ED after an initial presentation with acute non-traumatic abdominal pain. The primary outcome was a clinically relevant change in treatment (surgery, endoscopy during admission and/or hospitalisation) and diagnosis at ED re-evaluation within 30 hours.

Results

During the 2-year study period, 358 ED patients with non-specific abdominal pain were scheduled for re-evaluation. Of these, 14% (11%–18%)) did not present for re-evaluation. Re-evaluation resulted in a clinically relevant change in diagnosis and treatment in, respectively, 21.3% (17%–29%)) and 22.3% (18%–27%)) of the subjects. Of the clinical, biochemical and radiological factors available at the index visit, C reactive protein (CRP) at the index visit predicted a change in treatment (CRP >27 mg/L likelihood ratio (LR)+ 1.69 (1.21–2.36)), while an increase in CRP of >25 mg/L between index and re-evaluation visit (LR+ 2.85 (1.88–4.32)) and the conduct of radiological studies at the re-evaluation visit were associated with changes in treatment (LR+ 3.05 (2.41–3.86)).

Conclusion

Re-evaluation within 30 hours for ED patients discharged with non-specific abdominal pain resulted in a clinically relevant change in diagnosis and therapy in almost one-quarter of patients. Elevated CRP at the index visit might assist in correctly identifying patients with a greater likelihood of needing treatment in follow-up, and a low threshold for radiological studies should be considered during re-evaluation.
Examining the relationship between sepsis and oropharyngeal dysphagia in hospitalised elderly patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sasegbon Ayodele , O’Shea Laura , Hamdy Shaheen
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Elderly people are recognised to be at increased risk of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OPD), the causes of which are multifactorial. Our aim was to identify if sepsis is associated with OPD in the elderly during hospitalisation in the absence of known other risk factors for OPD.

Methods

A hospital electronic database was searched for elderly patients (≥65 years) referred for assessment for suspected dysphagia between March 2013 and 2014. Exclusion criteria were age <65 years, pre-existing OPD or acute OPD secondary to acute intracranial event, space-occupying lesion or trauma. Data were collected on factors including age, sex, comorbidities, existing OPD, sepsis, microbiology, recovery of OPD and medication. Sepsis was defined as evidence of a systemic inflammatory response syndrome with a clinical suspicion of infection.

Results

A total of 301 of 1761 screened patients referred for dysphagia assessment met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of sepsis and subsequent OPD was 16% (51/301). The mean age was 83 years (median 81 years). The most common comorbidity was dementia (31%). The majority (84%) failed to recover swallowing during their hospital stay, 12% had complications of aspiration and 35% died. The most common source of sepsis was from the chest (55%). Other factors contributing to the risk for dysphagia included delirium (22%) and neuroactive medication (41%). However, 10% of patients had sepsis and subsequent OPD without other identified risk factors.

Conclusion

The prevalence of sepsis and subsequent dysphagia is significant and should be taken into account in any elderly person in hospital with new-onset OPD without other predisposing risk factors.
Association between delayed gastric emptying and upper gastrointestinal symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Vijayvargiya Priya , Jameie-Oskooei Sina , Camilleri Michael , Chedid Victor , Erwin Patricia J , Murad Mohammad Hassan
Published: June 2018

Background

The relationship between delayed gastric emptying and upper GI symptoms (UGI Sx) is controversial.

Objective

To assess association between gastric emptying and UGI Sx, independent of treatment.

Design

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature from 2007 to 2017, review of references and additional papers identified by content expert. We included studies evaluating the association between gastric emptying and nausea, vomiting, early satiety/postprandial fullness, abdominal pain and bloating. Covariate analyses included optimal gastric emptying test method, gastric emptying type (breath test or scintigraphy) and patient category. Meta-regression compared the differences based on type of gastric emptying tests.

Results

Systematic review included 92 gastric emptying studies (26 breath test, 62 scintigraphy, 1 ultrasound and 3 wireless motility capsule); 25 of these studies provided quantitative data for meta-analysis (15 scintigraphy studies enrolling 4056 participants and 10 breath test studies enrolling 2231 participants). Meta-regression demonstrated a significant difference between optimal and suboptimal gastric emptying test methods when comparing delayed gastric emptying with nausea and vomiting. On evaluating studies using optimal gastric emptying test methodology, there were significant associations between gastric emptying and nausea (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.4 to 1.8), vomiting (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.6 to 2.7), abdominal pain (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0 to 2.2)and early satiety/fullness (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.6) for patients with UGI Sx; gastric emptying and early satiety/fullness in patients with diabetes; gastric emptying and nausea in patients with gastroparesis.

Conclusions

The systematic review and meta-analysis supports an association between optimally measured delayed gastric emptying and UGI Sx.
Save LIVEStechnical package: 22 interventions that could make a difference
Authors: Peden Margaret Mary , Khayesi Meleckidzedeck
Published: June 2018

TheSave LIVES:a roadsafetytechnical packagewas produced and launched in May 2017 by the WHO to support road safety decision makers and practitioners in their efforts to significantly reduce the number of road traffic deaths in their countries. This Special Feature explains the process used to develop the package and how and why the 22 interventions were included. It concludes by encouraging researchers and practitioners to tailor their road safety packages to their own realities by following five practical steps.
The impact of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in defending legal challenges to tobacco control measures
Authors: Zhou Suzanne Y , Liberman Jonathan D , Ricafort Evita
Published: June 2018

Background

Since the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control’s (FCTC) entry into force, the tobacco industry has initiated litigation challenging tobacco control measures implemented by governments around the world, or supported others to initiate such litigation on its behalf. In defending their tobacco control measures against such litigation, governments have invoked their obligations and rights under the WHO FCTC. We assess the extent to which the WHO FCTC has provided legal weight to governments’ defences against legal challenge.

Methods

We reviewed 96 court decisions concerning legal challenges to tobacco control measures, determining whether or not they cited the WHO FCTC and their outcomes. We then reviewed the cases where the WHO FCTC was cited, analysing how the WHO FCTC contributed to the resolution of the case.

Results

The WHO FCTC was cited in 45 decisions. Decisions both citing and not citing the WHO FCTC were largely decided in favour of governments, with 80% of WHO-FCTC-citing and 67% of non-WHO-FCTC-citing cases upholding the measure in its entirety and on every ground of challenge. In cases where it was cited, the WHO FCTC contributed to the resolution of the case in favour of governments by providing a legal basis for measures, demonstrating the measure’s public health purpose, demonstrating the evidence in favour of a measure, demonstrating international consensus, demonstrating that a measure promotes or protects health-related human rights and demonstrating whether or not a measure is reasonable, proportionate or justifiable.

Conclusions

The way the WHO FCTC has been cited in court decisions suggests that it has made a substantial contribution to courts’ reasoning in tobacco control legal challenges and has strengthened governments’ arguments in defending litigation.
Near-surface soils: self-supported unconfined drained sand specimens
Authors: Taylor Oliver-Denzil S. , Winters Katherine E. , Berry Woodman W. , Walshire Lucas A. , Kinnebrew Pamela G.
Published: June 2018

Knowledge about soil behaviour in the near surface is fundamental to a broad range of military strategic research efforts. The prevailing mathematical representations of near-surface shear strength do not necessarily reflect the observed shear strengths. This paper presents an experimental procedure for testing self-supported, unconfined-drained specimens to investigate the shear strength of a poorly graded sand with the inferred unsaturated behaviour from typical effective stress expressions. The impact of soil suction is quantified from the soil–water characteristic curve obtained from a modified, unsaturated, one-dimensional oedometer device: Fredlund’s device. Seventy-seven unconfined tests illustrate that while individual or discrete states can be explained by effective stress relationships, those expressions do not accurately quantify the observed shear strength from one state to the next. Saturation failure is observed when the degree of saturation is between 70.5% and 76.5%, well below the assumed threshold. The results show that the dry shear resistance is a function of the initial density state, but as the degree of saturation increases, the shear resistance becomes independent of the initial density, and converges to the saturation failure. These findings expose the limitations of effective stress expressions and suggest a revised nonlinear, three-dimensional, unconfined Mohr failure envelope based on an applied external stress.
Normal form of the swallowtail and its applications
Authors: Saji Kentaro
Published: June 2018

We construct a form of the swallowtail singularity in [Formula: see text] which uses coordinate transformation on the source and isometry on the target. As an application, we classify configurations of asymptotic curves and characteristic curves near swallowtails.
Ratchet baryogenesis and an analogy with the forced pendulum
Authors: Bamba Kazuharu , Barrie Neil D. , Sugamoto Akio , Takeuchi Tatsu , Yamashita Kimiko
Published: June 2018

A new scenario of baryogenesis via the ratchet mechanism is proposed based on an analogy with the forced pendulum. The oscillation of the inflaton field during the reheating epoch after inflation plays the role of the driving force, while the phase [Formula: see text] of a scalar baryon field (a complex scalar field with baryon number) plays the role of the angle of the pendulum. When the inflaton is coupled to the scalar baryon, the behavior of the phase [Formula: see text] can be analogous to that of the angle of the forced pendulum. If the oscillation of the driving force is adjusted to the pendulum’s motion, a directed rotation of the pendulum is obtained with a nonvanishing value of [Formula: see text], which models successful baryogenesis since [Formula: see text] is proportional to the baryon number density. Similar ratchet models which lead to directed motion have been used in the study of molecular motors in biology. There, the driving force is supplied by chemical reactions, while in our scenario this role is played by the inflaton during the reheating epoch.
Doubly charmed tetraquarks in a diquark–antidiquark model
Authors: Yan Xiaojun , Zhong Bin , Zhu Ruilin
Published: June 2018

We study the spectra of the doubly charmed tetraquark states in a diquark–antidiquark model. The doubly charmed tetraquark states form an antitriplet and sextet configurations according to flavor SU(3) symmetry. For the tetraquark state [Formula: see text], we show the mass for both bound and excited states. The two-body decays of tetraquark states [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] to charmed mesons have also been studied. In the end, the doubly charmed tetraquarks decays to a charmed baryon and a light baryon have been studied in the SU(3) flavor symmetry.
Null geodesics and red–blue shifts of photons emitted from geodesic particles around a noncommutative black hole space–time
Authors: Kuniyal Ravi Shankar , Uniyal Rashmi , Biswas Anindya , Nandan Hemwati , Purohit K. D.
Published: June 2018

We investigate the geodesic motion of massless test particles in the background of a noncommutative geometry-inspired Schwarzschild black hole. The behavior of effective potential is analyzed in the equatorial plane and the possible motions of massless particles (i.e. photons) for different values of impact parameter are discussed accordingly. We have also calculated the frequency shift of photons in this space–time. Further, the mass parameter of a noncommutative inspired Schwarzschild black hole is computed in terms of the measurable redshift of photons emitted by massive particles moving along circular geodesics in equatorial plane. The strength of gravitational fields of noncommutative geometry-inspired Schwarzschild black hole and usual Schwarzschild black hole in General Relativity is also compared.
Josephson phase transition modified by the super-strong Coulomb interaction
Authors: Wang Xiao-Qi , Jiang Cui , Yi Guang-Yu
Published: June 2018

With the help of the exact diagonalization approach, the Josephson phase transition in a T-shaped double quantum-dot (QD) junction is theoretically investigated. It is found that when the intradot Coulomb interaction in one dot is super-strong, new Josephson phase-transition manner comes into being, in comparison with the case of two identical dots. Besides, owing to the different positions of the two dots, the super-strong Coulomb repulsions in them induce two phase-transition results, respectively. We believe that this work can be helpful in understanding how the super-strong Coulomb interaction influences the phase transition in the Josephson junction with embedded dots.
Influence of impurity concentration, atomic number, temperature and tempering time on microstructure and phase transformation of Ni1−xFex (x = 0.1, 0.3, 0.5) nanoparticles
Authors: Trong Dung Nguyen
Published: June 2018

The influence of the concentration of impurity Fe in nanoparticles Ni[Formula: see text]Fe[Formula: see text] with x = 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 at T = 300 K; 4000 atoms, 5324 atoms, 6912 atoms and 8788 atoms at T = 300 K; 6912 atoms at T = 1500 K, 1300 K, 1100 K, 900 K, 700 K, 600 K, 500 K and 300 K and tempering time t = 500 ps at 6912 atoms on microstructure, phase transition temperature of Ni[Formula: see text]Fe[Formula: see text] nanoparticles is studied by molecular dynamics method with the Sutton–Chen embedded interaction potential and liberal boundary conditions. The structural properties are analyzed through the radial distribution function, the energy, the size, the phase transition temperature (determined by the relationship between total energy and temperature) and combined with the common neighbor analysis (CNA) method. The obtained first peak positions of the radial distribution function for the lengths of atomic pair Fe–Fe, Fe–Ni and Ni–Ni are consistent with the experimental data. In Ni[Formula: see text]Fe[Formula: see text] nanoparticles always exist in three types of structures (FCC, HCP, Amor) and phase transition temperatures range from 500 K to 700 K. When the concentration of impurity Fe in Ni[Formula: see text]Fe[Formula: see text] nanoparticles increases, then nanoparticles move from crystalline to amorphous state. When Ni[Formula: see text]Fe[Formula: see text] nanoparticles are at amorphous state, then the influence of factors such as the atomic number, the temperature and the tempering time on structure and transition temperature is negligible.
Commutators and rough kernels without zero homogeneous condition
Authors: Yang Qixiang , Lou Zengjian
Published: June 2018

In this paper, we consider the commutator [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is defined by the convolution type Calderón–Zygmund operators satisfying the weak boundedness condition and Hörmander condition, we prove its continuity by using wavelets, decomposition of compensated quantity by wavelets and commutators on orthogonal project operator.
Optimum Velocity Profile of Multiple Bernstein-Bézier Curves Subject to Constraints for Mobile Robots
Authors: Zdešar Andrej , Škrjanc Igor
Published: June 2018

This article deals with trajectory planning that is suitable for nonholonomic differentially driven wheeled mobile robots. The path is approximated with a spline that consists of multiple Bernstein-Bézier curves that are merged together in a way that continuous curvature of the spline is achieved. The article presents the approach for optimization of velocity profile of Bernstein-Bézier spline subject to velocity and acceleration constraints. For the purpose of optimization, velocity and turning points are introduced. Based on these singularity points, local segments are defined where local velocity profiles are optimized independently of each other. From the locally optimum velocity profiles, the global optimum velocity profile is determined. Since each local velocity profile can be evaluated independently, the algorithm is suitable for concurrent implementation and modification of one part of the curve does not require recalculation of all local velocity profiles. These properties enable efficient implementation of the optimization algorithm. The optimization algorithm is also suitable for the splines that consist of Bernstein-Bézier curves that have substantially different lengths. The proposed optimization approach was experimentally evaluated and validated in simulation environment and on real mobile robots.
Excitation-Dependent Fluorescence Quantum Yield for Freshwater Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Matter from Northern Russian Lakes
Authors: Patsaeva Svetlana , Khundzhua Daria , Trubetskoj Oleg A. , Trubetskaya Olga E.
Published: June 2018

Advanced fluorescence analysis within the wide range of excitation wavelengths from 230 to 510 nm accompanied with chromatography was used to study natural chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) from three freshwater Karelian lakes. The influence of excitation wavelength (λex) on fluorescence quantum yield and emission maximum position was determined. The CDOM fluorescence quantum yield has reached a minimum at λex∼270–280 nm and a maximum at λex∼340–360 nm. It was monotonously decreasing after 370 nm towards longer excitation wavelengths. Analytical reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with multiwavelength fluorescence detector characterized distribution of fluorophores between hydrophilic/hydrophobic CDOM parts. This technique revealed “hidden” protein-like fluorophores for some CDOM fractions, in spite of the absence of protein-like fluorescence in the initial CDOM samples. The humic-like fluorescence was documented for all hydrophilic and hydrophobic CDOM chromatographic peaks, and its intensity was decreasing along with peaks’ hydrophobicity. On contrary, the protein-like fluorescence was found only in the hydrophobic peaks, and its intensity was increasing along with peaks’ hydrophobicity. This work provides new data on the CDOM optical properties consistent with the formation of supramolecular assemblies controlled by association of low-molecular size components. In addition, these data are very useful for understanding the CDOM function in the environment.
Relation of Lean Body Mass and Muscle Performance to Serum Creatinine Concentration in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Vodičar Janez , Pajek Jernej , Hadžić Vedran , Bučar Pajek Maja
Published: June 2018

Introduction. Serum creatinine concentration is an important uremic marker and predictor of survival in dialysis patients. This cross-sectional case-control study was made to quantitatively describe the relation between lean body mass (LBM), physical performance measures, and serum creatinine values.Methods. Ninety hemodialysis patients and 106 controls were measured by bioimpedance spectroscopy, handgrip strength, sit-to-stand test, and biochemical serum tests. Univariate and multivariate general linear models were used to analyze quantitative relations.Results. At univariate regression LBM accounted for 13.6% variability of serum creatinine concentration. In adjusted analyses with age, height, and body mass, LBM persisted as the only significant predictor of midweek predialysis serum creatinine concentration. Physical performance measures handgrip strength and sit-to-stand performance did not improve prediction of serum creatinine. With addition of serum urea concentration and residual diuresis the predictive value of the regression model improved to account for 45% of serum creatinine variability. Each kg of LBM was associated with 7.7μmol/l increase in creatinine concentration (95% CI 3.4-12.1, p=0.001).Conclusion. Bioimpedance derived LBM has a significant linear relation with predialysis serum creatinine concentrations. Hereby described quantitative relation should help clinicians to better evaluate observed creatinine concentrations of hemodialysis patients when bioimpedance derived LBM is available.
A Taxonomy for Management and Optimization of Multiple Resources in Edge Computing
Authors: Toczé Klervie , Nadjm-Tehrani Simin
Published: June 2018

Edge computing is promoted to meet increasing performance needs of data‐driven services using computational and storage resources close to the end devices at the edge of the current network. To achieve higher performance in this new paradigm, one has to consider how to combine the efficiency of resource usage at all three layers of architecture: end devices, edge devices, and the cloud. While cloud capacity is elastically extendable, end devices and edge devices are to various degrees resource‐constrained. Hence, an efficient resource management is essential to make edge computing a reality. In this work, we first present terminology and architectures to characterize current works within the field of edge computing. Then, we review a wide range of recent articles and categorize relevant aspects in terms of 4 perspectives: resource type, resource management objective, resource location, and resource use. This taxonomy and the ensuing analysis are used to identify some gaps in the existing research. Among several research gaps, we found that research is less prevalent on data, storage, and energy as a resource and less extensive towards the estimation, discovery, and sharing objectives. As for resource types, the most well‐studied resources are computation and communication resources. Our analysis shows that resource management at the edge requires a deeper understanding of how methods applied at different levels and geared towards different resource types interact. Specifically, the impact of mobility and collaboration schemes requiring incentives are expected to be different in edge architectures compared to the classic cloud solutions. Finally, we find that fewer works are dedicated to the study of nonfunctional properties or to quantifying the footprint of resource management techniques, including edge‐specific means of migrating data and services.
Accidental Drowning: The Importance of Early Measures of Resuscitation for a Successful Outcome
Authors: Sulovic Ljiljana S. , Pavlovic Aleksandar P. , Zivkovic Jovan B. , Zivkovic Zorica N. , Filipovic-Danic Snezana S. , Trpkovic Slađana V.
Published: June 2018

Case Report. The case of a drowning teenager is described involving application of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by an untrained rescuer in the field and fast transport to a hospital enabling a positive resuscitation outcome despite an underorganized emergency medical service in a rural area. In our case hypoxia led to extended functional disorders of the cardiovascular system, which fully recovered after adequate therapy. Conclusion. Knowledge about BLS measures by ordinary citizens, together with continuous education of health professionals concerning modern techniques of CPR, is crucial for increasing the number of patients surviving after cardiac arrest.
Epithelioid Angiosarcoma Arising from a Huge Leiomyoma: A Case Report and a Literature Review
Authors: Hara Takeya , Miyoshi Ai , Kamei Yuji , Wakui Nao , Fujishiro Akiko , Kanao Serika , Naoi Hirokazu , Otsuka Hirofumi , Yokoi Takeshi
Published: June 2018

Uterine mesenchymal tumors other than leiomyosarcoma, carcinosarcoma, and endometrial stromal sarcomas are extremely uncommon. We describe a case of epithelioid angiosarcoma of the uterus and review previous literature on such rare tumors. A 48-year-old woman presented with a 1-year history of abdominal fullness and 10kg weight loss. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a huge (30×18cm) uterus accompanied by degeneration and necrosis. She underwent supracervical hysterectomy and right salpingo-oophorectomy. We postoperatively diagnosed the mass as an epithelioid angiosarcoma arising from a leiomyoma. Vasodilatation was observed within the range of 2 cm × several mm in the leiomyoma, and proliferation of atypical cells was observed covering the surface of the luminal side. The tumor showed a partly fine vascular structure and was associated with obvious nuclear atypia and mitotic figures. She received 6 courses of adjuvant chemotherapy with paclitaxel, epirubicin, and carboplatin, and there have been no signs of recurrence for 10 months.
Benefits of Adjuvant Mitotane after Resection of Adrenocortical Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tang Yongquan , Liu Zhihong , Zou Zijun , Liang Jiayu , Lu Yiping , Zhu Yuchun
Published: June 2018

Background. The adjuvant use of mitotane on adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) has always been in controversy. We aimed to assess the prognostic benefits of adjuvant mitotane after resection of ACC in patients without distant metastasis.Methods. The PubMed, WoS, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were adopted as measurements. A meta-analysis was conducted based on hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). A study was included only if the enrolled patients underwent resection of ACC without adjuvant chemotherapy except mitotane.Results. A total of 5 retrospective studies reporting on 1249 patients were included for this meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed that adjuvant mitotane was significantly associated with prolonged RFS (HR = 0.62; 95%CI, 0.42-0.94; P < 0.05) and prolonged OS (HR = 0.69; 95%CI, 0.55-0.88, P < 0.05).Conclusion. After comprehensive review, current evidence suggests that adjuvant mitotane significantly decreases the recurrence rate and mortality after resection of ACC in patients without distant metastasis, but these findings need further demonstration from prospective controlled trials.
Pancreatic Cystic Neoplasms: Different Types, Different Management, New Guidelines
Authors: Scholten Lianne , van Huijgevoort Nadine C.M. , van Hooft Jeanin E. , Besselink Marc G. , Del Chiaro Marco
Published: June 2018

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCN) include different types of cysts with various biological behavior. The most prevalent PCN are intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN), and serous cystic neoplasm (SCN). Management of PCN should focus on the prevention of malignant progression, while avoiding unnecessary morbidity of surgery. This requires specialized centers with dedicated multidisciplinary PCN teams. The malignant potential of PCN varies enormously between the various types of PCN. A combination of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, and endoscopic ultrasound with or without fine needle aspiration is typically needed before a reliable diagnosis can be made. Several guidelines discuss the management of PCN; however, most of these are non-evidence-based without clear consensus on the optimal treatment and follow-up strategy. The 2018 European guidelines on PCN are the first evidence-based guidelines to include IPMN, MCN, SCN, and all other PCN. This guideline advises a more conservative approach to side-branch IPMN and MCN smaller than 40 mm and more often a surgical approach in IPMN with a main duct dilatation beyond 5 mm. The goal of this review is to summarize the different types and management of the most common PCN based on the current literature and guidelines.
Angiotensin II–Induced End-Organ Damage in Mice Is Attenuated by Human Exosomes and by an Exosomal Y RNA Fragment
Authors: Cambier Linda , Giani Jorge F. , Liu Weixin , Ijichi Takeshi , Echavez Antonio K. , Valle Jackelyn , Marbán Eduardo
Published: June 2018

Hypertension often leads to cardiovascular disease and kidney dysfunction. Exosomes secreted from cardiosphere-derived cells (CDC-exo) and their most abundant small RNA constituent, the Y RNA fragment EV-YF1, exert therapeutic benefits after myocardial infarction. Here, we investigated the effects of CDC-exo and EV-YF1, each administered individually, in a model of cardiac hypertrophy and kidney injury induced by chronic infusion of Ang (angiotensin) II. After 2 weeks of Ang II, multiple doses of CDC-exo or EV-YF1 were administered retro-orbitally. Ang II infusion induced an elevation in systolic blood pressure that was not affected by CDC-exo or EV-YF1. Echocardiography confirmed that Ang II infusion led to cardiac hypertrophy. CDC-exo and EV-YF1 both attenuated cardiac hypertrophy and reduced cardiac inflammation and fibrosis. In addition, both CDC-exo and EV-YF1 improved kidney function and diminished renal inflammation and fibrosis. The beneficial effects of CDC-exo and EV-YF1 were associated with changes in the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL (interleukin)-10 in plasma, heart, spleen, and kidney. In summary, infusions of CDC-exo or EV-YF1 attenuated cardiac hypertrophy and renal injury induced by Ang II infusion, without affecting blood pressure, in association with altered IL-10 expression. Exosomes and their defined noncoding RNA contents may represent potential new therapeutic approaches for hypertension-associated cardiovascular and renal damage.
Inhibition of miR-141-3p Ameliorates the Negative Effects of Poststroke Social Isolation in Aged Mice
Authors: Verma Rajkumar , Ritzel Rodney M. , Harris Nia M. , Lee Juneyoung , Kim TaeHee , Pandi Gopal , Vemuganti Raghu , McCullough Louise D.
Published: June 2018

Background and Purpose—

Social isolation increases mortality and impairs recovery after stroke in clinical populations. These detrimental effects have been recapitulated in animal models, although the exact mechanism mediating these effects remains unclear. Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) occurs in both strokes as well as after social isolation, which trigger changes in many downstream genes. We hypothesized that miRNA regulation is involved in the detrimental effects of poststroke social isolation in aged animals.

Methods—

We pair-housed 18-month-old C57BL/6 male mice for 2 weeks before a 60-minute right middle cerebral artery occlusion or sham surgery and then randomly assigned mice to isolation or continued pair housing immediately after surgery. We euthanized mice either at 3, 7, or 15 days after surgery and isolated the perilesional frontal cortex for whole microRNAome analysis. In an additional cohort, we treated mice 1 day after stroke onset with an in vivo-ready antagomiR-141 for 3 days.

Results—

Using whole microRNAome analysis of 752 miRNAs, we identified miR-141-3p as a unique miRNA that was significantly upregulated in isolated mice in a time-dependent manner up to 2 weeks after stroke. Posttreatment with an antagomiR-141-3p reduced the postisolation-induced increase in miR-141-3p to levels almost equal to those of pair-housed stroke controls. This treatment significantly reduced mortality (by 21%) and normalized infarct volume and neurological scores in poststroke-isolated mice. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed a significant upregulation of Tgfβr1 (transforming growth factor beta receptor 1, a direct target of miR-141-3p) and Igf-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) mRNA after treatment with antagomiR. Treatment also increased the expression of other pleiotropic cytokines such as Il-6 (interleukin 6) and Tnf-α (tumor necrosis factor-α), an indirect or secondary target) in brain tissue.

Conclusions—

miR-141-3p is increased with poststroke isolation. Inhibition of miR-141-3p improved mortality, neurological deficits, and decreased infarct volumes. Importantly, these therapeutic effects occurred in aged animals, the population most at risk for stroke and poststroke isolation.
“Whoever Imitates a People Becomes One of Them”: A Hadith and its Interpreters
Authors: Patel Youshaa
Published: June 2018

This article examines the canonization of the Prophetic hadith, “Whoever
imitates a people becomes one of them,” which became the keynote
expression of tashabbuh (reprehensible imitation), a Sunni
doctrine commonly invoked by religious authorities to distinguish Muslims from
non-Muslims. First, I analyze how the Partisans of Hadith transmitted and
classified the hadith, highlighting the pivotal role of Abū
Dāwūd (d. 275/889) in canonizing the tradition. I then trace the
divergent trajectories of its interpretation over time, especially the glosses
of two brilliant Damascenes: Ibn Taymiyya (d. 728/1328) and Najm al-Dīn
al-Ghazzī (d. 1061/1651). This study draws not only from hadith
commentaries but also from treatises on law, ethics, and Sufism, illustrating
how hadith interpretation takes place in multiple Islamic literary genres. A
detailed appendix catalogues the collections of hadith that transmit the
tradition; compares different narrations in order to date and locate its
circulation; and visually maps its isnād networks.
Identity and Identity Politics: A Cultural-Materialist History
Authors: Moran Marie
Published: June 2018

This paper draws on the cultural-materialist paradigm articulated by Raymond Williams to offer a radical historicisation of identity and identity-politics in capitalist societies. A keywords analysis reveals surprisingly that identity, as it is elaborated in the familiar categories of personal and social identity, is a relatively novel concept in Western thought, politics and culture. The claim is not the standard one that people’s ‘identities’ became more important and apparent in advanced capitalist societies, but that identity itself came to operate as a new and key mechanism for construing, shaping and narrating experiences of selfhood and grouphood in this period. From a cultural-materialist perspective, the emergence and evolution of this idea of identity can only be properly understood in relation to the social contexts of its use, namely, the new contexts of consumption of capitalist societies, and the development of new forms of group-based struggle from the 1960s. What the analysis shows is that it was the commercialisation and politicisation of older essentialist understandings of selfhood and grouphood in these contexts that has given rise to the concepts of personal and social identity as we know them today.

By exploring the material conditions that have given rise to the contemporary powerful attachment to ‘identity’, this paper offers a new point of departure from which to pursue many issues of concern to critical theorists and radical activists today, including the conflict over identity politics in radical circles, the historical and social processes behind their development and at least partial co-option, and their relation to neoliberal political-economic formations today.
Heavy Rainfall in Paraguay during the 2015/16 Austral Summer: Causes and Subseasonal-to-Seasonal Predictive Skill
Authors: Doss-Gollin James , Muñoz Ángel G. , Mason Simon J. , Pastén Max
Published: June 2018

During the austral summer 2015/16, severe flooding displaced over 170 000 people on the Paraguay River system in Paraguay, Argentina, and southern Brazil. These floods were driven by repeated heavy rainfall events in the lower Paraguay River basin. Alternating sequences of enhanced moisture inflow from the South American low-level jet and local convergence associated with baroclinic systems were conducive to mesoscale convective activity and enhanced precipitation. These circulation patterns were favored by cross-time-scale interactions of a very strong El Niño event, an unusually persistent Madden–Julian oscillation in phases 4 and 5, and the presence of a dipole SST anomaly in the central southern Atlantic Ocean. The simultaneous use of seasonal and subseasonal heavy rainfall predictions could have provided decision-makers with useful information about the start of these flooding events from two to four weeks in advance. Probabilistic seasonal forecasts available at the beginning of November successfully indicated heightened probability of heavy rainfall (90th percentile) over southern Paraguay and Brazil for December–February. Raw subseasonal forecasts of heavy rainfall exhibited limited skill at lead times beyond the first two predicted weeks, but a model output statistics approach involving principal component regression substantially improved the spatial distribution of skill for week 3 relative to other methods tested, including extended logistic regressions. A continuous monitoring of climate drivers impacting rainfall in the region, and the use of statistically corrected heavy precipitation seasonal and subseasonal forecasts, may help improve flood preparedness in this and other regions.
Value Creation, Appropriation, and Distribution: How Firms Contribute to Societal Economic Inequality
Authors: Bapuji Hari , Husted Bryan W. , Lu Jane , Mir Raza
Published: June 2018

Firms are central to wealth creation and distribution, but their role in economic inequality in a society remains poorly studied. In this essay, we define and distinguish value distribution from value creation and value appropriation. We identify four value distribution mechanisms that firms engage in and argue that shareholder wealth maximization approach skews the value distribution toward shareholders and top executives, which in turn contributes to rising economic inequalities around the world. We call on organizational scholars to study the value distribution role of firms and its consequences for society, and introduce the articles in this volume of the special issue on economic inequality, business, and society.
Substitution or Facilitation: Service-Delivery NGOs and Political Engagement in the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Nelson-Nuñez Jami
Published: June 2018

Whether nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) undermine or build democratic linkages between citizens and governments in developing contexts is a long-standing debate. This research explores the divergent claims of whether service-delivery NGOs, by doling out goods, decrease demands made of governments or whether they facilitate interactions with governments. Using a mixed-methods approach based on original household data from the Peruvian Amazon and interviews with community leaders, NGOs, and government, the research paints a nuanced picture fleshing out aspects of the NGO debate. The likelihood of pressing for services and interacting with government increases with more NGO interaction, supporting claims about the positive effects of NGOs. However, higher levels of NGO activity in communities can have a deterrence effect on petitioning government for support, a result that likely hinges on the role of information. The research has implications for the role of NGOs in affecting government responsiveness and accountability.
The experiences of Turkish families caring for individuals with Schizophrenia: A qualitative inquiry
Authors: Attepe Özden Seda , Tuncay Tarık
Published: June 2018

Background:

In Turkey, individuals with schizophrenia usually live with their families. Therefore, families are main caregivers and face psychological, financial and social problems.

Aim:

The aim of this study is to understand the personal burdens and coping strategies, and social support affecting the families that provide care to the individuals with schizophrenia.

Methods:

In-depth interviews were conducted with 31 members of 12 families.

Results:

Four themes were formed: learning and accepting the disorder, caregiving, social dimensions and service dimensions. Families have a problem with accepting this order and caregiving affects their quality of life both financially and socially. As schizophrenia is one of the reasons for being isolated from community, families prefer hiding it. Although families are satisfied with community-based systems, they need long-term solution, training and financial aid.

Conclusions:

To reduce the burden, family therapies, education and psychological support should be provided for families, and job opportunities, long-term caregiving services and psychological support should be provided for individuals with schizophrenia.