bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Iterative Method for the Solution of Fractional Damped Burger and Fractional Sharma‐Tasso‐Olver Equations
Authors: Khan Mohammad Jibran , Nawaz Rashid , Farid Samreen , Iqbal Javed
Published: September 2018

The new iterative method has been used to obtain the approximate solutions of time fractional damped Burger and time fractional Sharma‐Tasso‐Olver equations. Results obtained by the proposed method for different fractional‐order derivatives are compared with those obtained by the fractional reduced differential transform method (FRDTM). The 2nd‐order approximate solutions by the new iterative method are in good agreement with the exact solution as compared to the 5th‐order solution by the FRDTM.
Nonstationary First Threshold Crossing Reliability for Linear System Excited by Modulated Gaussian Process
Authors: Greco Rita , Marano Giuseppe Carlo , Fiore Alessandra , Vanzi Ivo
Published: September 2018

A widely used approach for the first crossing reliability evaluation of structures subject to nonstationary Gaussian random input is represented by the direct extension to the nonstationary case of the solution based on the qualified envelope, originally proposed for stationary cases. The most convenient way to approach this evaluation relies on working in the time domain, where a common assumption used is to adopt the modulation of stationary envelope process instead of the envelope of modulated stationary one, by utilizing the so‐called “preenvelope” process. The described assumption is demonstrated in this work, also showing that such assumption can induce some errors in the envelope mean crossing rate.
Severe Symptomatic Hyponatremia Secondary to Escitalopram-Induced SIADH: A Case Report with Literature Review
Authors: Raj Rishi , Jacob Aasems , Venkatanarayan Ajay , Doraiswamy Mohankumar , Ashok Manjula
Published: September 2018

Hyponatremia is a well-known medication related side effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; despite its association with escitalopram, the newest SSRI is very rare. We did a review of literature and came across only 14 reported case of this rare association of SIADH with escitalopram. We hereby report a case of a 93-year-old female who presented with generalized tonic-clonic seizure and was diagnosed with severe hyponatremia due to escitalopram-induced syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). With this article, we want to emphasize clinicians about this rare side effect of escitalopram use and look for the risk factors leading to SIADH.
The General (α,3)-Path Connectivity Indices of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Wang Haiying , Li Chuantao
Published: September 2018

The general (α,t)-path connectivity index of a molecular graph originates from many practical problems such as three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity (3D QSAR) and molecular chirality. It is defined as Rtα(G)=∑Pt=vi1vi2⋯vit+1⊆G[d(vi1)d(vi2)⋯d(vit+1)]α, where the summation is taken over all possible paths of length t of G and we do not distinguish between the paths vi1vi2⋯vit+1 and vit+1⋯vi2vi1. In this paper, we focus on the structures of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHn), which play a role in organic materials and medical sciences. We try to compute the exact general (α,3)-path connectivity indices of this family of hydrocarbon structures. Furthermore, we exactly derive the monotonicity and the extremal values of R3α(PAHn) for any real number α. These valuable results could produce strong guiding significance to these applied sciences.
Vascular Protective Effects of Morinda citrifolia Leaf Extract on Postmenopausal Rats Fed with Thermoxidized Palm Oil Diet: Evidence at Microscopic Level
Authors: Chong C. L. G. , Othman Faizah , Hussan Farida
Published: September 2018

Atherosclerosis is now well understood as an inflammatory disease instead of lipid storage disorder; however, the conventional treatment is not targeted on treating the inflammation. Morinda citrifolia L. (Rubiaceae) leaf or noni leaf, which is a medicinal food (ulam) used in Traditional Malay Medicine to prevent chronic diseases, may have the potential to be formulated into a functional antiatherosclerotic agent. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Morinda citrifolia leaf extract (MCLE) treatment at histological and ultrastructural level, comparing it with Simvastatin. Thirty-eight female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups: Sham (Sham), ovariectomized (OVX), ovariectomized with Simvastatin 10 mg/kg (OVX+ST), ovariectomized with low dose MC 500 mg/kg (OVX+MCLD), and ovariectomized with high dose MC 1000 mg/kg (OVX+MCHD). Atherosclerosis was induced by producing oestrogen deficiency through ovariectomy and feeding with thermoxidized palm oil (TPO) diet for 12 weeks along with the treatment. The results revealed significantly (P<0.05) lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) in the group treated with MCHD compared to the untreated OVX, whereas the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was significantly higher in the untreated OVX group compared to the Sham group. Treatment with MCHD also significantly lowered the total cholesterol (TC) level compared to the OVX. The OVX group showed significantly lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level compared to the Sham group. The untreated OVX group showed evident histological and ultrastructural features of vascular inflammation such as blood cells accumulation in the lumen, vacuolation of the endothelial cells, subendothelial space widening, elastic fibres disruption, increased intima media thickness (IMT), smooth muscle cells fragmentation, and perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) deposition. All these pathological changes were less seen in the groups treated with MCLE. In conclusion, we reported the mechanism of antiatherosclerotic property of MCLE through lipids elimination and anti-inflammatory activity. In addition, we do not recommend the use of statin in the absence of dyslipidemia as it causes PVAT deposition.
Instability in Stable Marriage Problem: Matching Unequally Numbered Men and Women
Authors: Shi Gui-Yuan , Kong Yi-Xiu , Chen Bo-Lun , Yuan Guang-Hui , Wu Rui-Jie
Published: September 2018

The goal of the stable marriage problem is to match by pair two sets composed by the same number of elements. Due to its widespread applications in the real world, especially the unique importance to the centralized matchmaker, a very large number of questions have been extensively studied in this field. This article considers a generalized form of the stable marriage problem, where different numbers of men and women need to be matched pairwise and the emergence of single men or women is inevitable. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulations confirm that even a small deviation on the number of men and women from the equality condition can have a large impact on the matching solution of the Gale‐Shapley algorithm. These results provide insights to many of the real‐world applications when matching two sides with an unequal number.
Prospective Randomized Multicenter Comparison of the Clinical Outcomes of V4c and V5 Implantable Collamer Lenses: A Contralateral Eye Study
Authors: Kojima Takashi , Kitazawa Yoshihiro , Nakamura Tomoaki , Takahashi Masahide , Kamiya Kazutaka , Ichikawa Kazuo , Igarashi Akihito , Shimizu Kimiya
Published: September 2018

Purpose. To compare the visual and refractive outcomes and night vision performance questionnaire results between V4c and V5 implantable Collamer lenses in a prospective, randomized, multicenter study.Settings. Four refractive surgery centers.Design. Prospective randomized multicenter single-masked comparative study.Methods. Twenty-three patients were enrolled in this study. A conventional V4c model (EVO Visian ICL) was implanted in one eye, and a V5 model (EVO+ Visian ICL), which has a larger optic diameter than the V4c model, was implanted in the contralateral eye. The uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) were evaluated before and 6 months after surgery. At 6 months after surgery, a questionnaire on night vision disturbances was administered. The efficacy, safety, and predictability of the two implanted ICL models were compared.Results. There were no significant differences in the postoperative UDVA and CDVA between the two ICL models. The mean efficacy indexes for the V4c and V5 lenses were 1.16 ± 0.22 and 1.03 ± 0.23, respectively. The mean safety indexes of the V4c and V5 lenses were 1.21 ± 0.20 and 1.19 ± 0.20, respectively. The night vision performance questionnaire revealed that 7 patients (37%) noticed a difference in visual performance between the eyes, and all of them reported that they could see better at night with the V5-implanted eye compared with the V4c-implanted eye.Conclusion. The V4c and V5 ICL models achieved similar visual and refractive outcomes, whereas the V5 model showed a possible advantage in reducing night vision disturbances.
Botulinum Neurotoxin Application to the Severed Femoral Nerve Modulates Spinal Synaptic Responses to Axotomy and Enhances Motor Recovery in Rats
Authors: Irintchev Marcel , Guntinas-Lichius Orlando , Irintchev Andrey
Published: September 2018

Botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are known for their ability to influence synaptic inputs to neurons. Here, we tested if these drugs can modulate the deafferentation of motoneurons following nerve section/suture and, as a consequence, modify the outcome of peripheral nerve regeneration. We applied drug solutions to the proximal stump of the freshly cut femoral nerve of adult rats to achieve drug uptake and transport to the neuronal perikarya. The most marked effect of this application was a significant reduction of the axotomy-induced loss of perisomatic cholinergic terminals by BoNT at one week and two months post injury. The attenuation of the synaptic deficit was associated with enhanced motor recovery of the rats 2–20 weeks after injury. Although BDNF also reduced cholinergic terminal loss at 1 week, it had no effect on this parameter at two months and no effect on functional recovery. These findings strengthen the idea that persistent partial deafferentation of axotomized motoneurons may have a significant negative impact on functional outcome after nerve injury. Intraneural application of drugs may be a promising way to modify deafferentation and, thus, elucidate relationships between synaptic plasticity and restoration of function.
Glanzmann’s Thrombastenia: The Role of Tranexamic Acid in Oral Surgery
Authors: Franco Rocco , Miranda Michele , Di Renzo Laura , De Lorenzo Antonino , Barlattani Alberta , Bollero Patrizio
Published: September 2018

Glanzmann’s thrombastenia (GT) is the most frequent inherited condition. GT is a genetic autosomal recessive disease caused by the alteration of the genes ITGA2B and ITGB3, located on the chromosome 17. The incidence of GT is calculated in 1 on 1000000. The patients, during their life, show episodes of mucocutaneous bleeding, epistaxis, and gingival bleeding. Some subjects required continuous bleeding transfusion. The aim of this case report is to demonstrate that oral assumption of tranexamic acid is a gold standard to prevent excessive bleeding. The patient GM of 36 years old with GT type 1 needs dental extractions of the teeth 4.7 and 4.8 at the “Tor Vergata” University Hospital in Rome. The specialist suggests that 3 days before surgery, the patient must take 6 vials every day of tranexamic acid that is used in obstetrics and gynecology. The teeth were extracted and applied suture. The patient is observed and is recommended mouth rinse with tranexamic acid. No bleeding complications were observed.
VEGFC Antibody Therapy Drives Differentiation of AML
Authors: Kampen Kim R. , Scherpen Frank J.G. , Mahmud Hasan , ter Elst Arja , Mulder André B. , Guryev Victor , Verhagen Han J.M.P. , De Keersmaecker Kim , Smit Linda , Kornblau Steven M. , De Bont Eveline S.J.M.
Published: September 2018

High expression of VEGFC predicts adverse prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We therefore explored VEGFC-targeting efficacy as an AML therapy using a VEGFC mAb. VEGFC antibody therapy enforced myelocytic differentiation of clonal CD34+ AML blasts. Treatment of CD34+ AML blasts with the antibody reduced expansion potential by 30% to 50% and enhanced differentiation via FOXO3A suppression and inhibition of MAPK/ERK proliferative signals. VEGFC antibody therapy also accelerated leukemia cell differentiation in a systemic humanized AML mouse model. Collectively, these results define a regulatory function of VEGFC in CD34+ AML cell fate decisions via FOXO3A and serve as a new potential differentiation therapy for patients with AML.

Significance: These findings reveal VEGFC targeting as a promising new differentiation therapy in AML. Cancer Res; 78(20); 5940–8. ©2018 AACR.
Cholinergic Signaling via Muscarinic Receptors Directly and Indirectly Suppresses Pancreatic Tumorigenesis and Cancer Stemness
Authors: Renz Bernhard W. , Tanaka Takayuki , Sunagawa Masaki , Takahashi Ryota , Jiang Zhengyu , Macchini Marina , Dantes Zahra , Valenti Giovanni , White Ruth A. , Middelhoff Moritz A. , Ilmer Matthias , Oberstein Paul E. , Angele Martin K. , Deng Huan , Hayakawa Yoku , Westphalen C. Benedikt , Werner Jens , Remotti Helen , Reichert Maximilian , Tailor Yagnesh H. , Nagar Karan , Friedman Richard A. , Iuga Alina C. , Olive Kenneth P. , Wang Timothy C.
Published: September 2018

In many solid tumors, parasympathetic input is provided by the vagus nerve, which has been shown to modulate tumor growth. However, whether cholinergic signaling directly regulates progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has not been defined. Here, we found that subdiaphragmatic vagotomy in LSL-Kras+/G12D;Pdx1-Cre (KC) mice accelerated PDAC development, whereas treatment with the systemic muscarinic agonist bethanechol restored the normal KC phenotype, thereby suppressing the accelerated tumorigenesis caused by vagotomy. In LSL-Kras+/G12D;LSL-Trp53+/R172H;Pdx1-Cre mice with established PDAC, bethanechol significantly extended survival. These effects were mediated in part through CHRM1, which inhibited downstream MAPK/EGFR and PI3K/AKT pathways in PDAC cells. Enhanced cholinergic signaling led to a suppression of the cancer stem cell (CSC) compartment, CD11b+ myeloid cells, TNFα levels, and metastatic growth in the liver. Therefore, these data suggest that cholinergic signaling directly and indirectly suppresses growth of PDAC cells, and therapies that stimulate muscarinic receptors may be useful in the treatment of PDAC.

Significance: Subdiaphragmatic vagotomy or Chrm1 knockout accelerates pancreatic tumorigenesis, in part via expansion of the CSC compartment. Systemic administration of a muscarinic agonist suppresses tumorigenesis through MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling, in early stages of tumor growth and in more advanced, metastatic disease. Therefore, CHRM1 may represent a potentially attractive therapeutic target. Cancer Discov; 8(11); 1458–73. ©2018 AACR.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1333
Maintenance Therapy with Biweekly Cetuximab: Optimizing Schedule Can Preserve Activity and Improves Compliance in Advanced Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Addeo Raffaele , Montella Liliana , Mastella Amerigo , Vincenzi Bruno , Mazzone Salvatore , Ricciardiello Filippo , Del Prete Salvatore
Published: September 2018

Objectives: This study evaluates maintenance cetuximab administered every 2 weeks (q2w) after chemotherapy plus cetuximab as first-line treatment in a series of patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer and compares the results with those obtained in a historical control group of patients receiving weekly cetuximab. Methods: After chemotherapy plus cetuximab as first-line treatment, in Group A, 36 patients enrolled from October 2016 to November 2017, received biweekly cetuximab, administered at 500 mg/m2. Group B was a control group of patients treated at our institution from August 2015 to September 2016 and received weekly infusion of cetuximab at 250 mg/m2. Results: Confirmed overall response rates were, respectively, 19% for Group A and 17% for Group B according to intention-to-treat analysis. During the maintenance treatment, median progression-free survival (PFS) and median overall survival (OS) were similar for both groups (PFS, 4.8 and 4.4 months; OS, 9.0 and 7.9 months; in Groups A and B, respectively). The most common adverse events among treated subjects included fatigue, rash, and hypomagnesemia. Conclusion: Maintenance therapy with simplified biweekly cetuximab is a convenient, effective, and well-tolerated regimen in patients with recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Immunological Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Potential Target for Therapy
Authors: Marchezan Josemar , Winkler dos Santos Eduardo Geyer Arrussul , Deckmann Iohanna , Riesgo Rudimar dos Santos
Published: September 2018

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with an unknown etiology and currently few effective therapies. Immune system alterations have being demonstrated in ASD, both in humans and via animal models; immune imbalance thus arises as a possible pathway for drug intervention. In this review, the studies were classified into 2 major groups: (1) clinical research whose authors classify therapies with primary anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions, making use of: sulforaphane, celecoxib, lenalidomide, pentoxifylline, spironolactone, flavonoid luteolin, corticosteroids, oral immunoglobulin, intravenous immunoglobulin, cell therapy, dialyzable lymphocyte extracts, minocycline, and pioglitazone; and (2) other ASD therapies already used or currently under study whose initial characteristics were neither anti-inflammatory nor immunomodulatory initially, but displayed a capacity for immunomodulation throughout the treatment: risperidone, vitamin D, omega-3, Ginkgo biloba, L-carnosine, N-acetylcysteine, and microbiome restoration. These studies used various data acquisition methodologies. Questions arose such the need for randomized and placebo-controlled studies with greater numbers of participants as well as the use of biomarkers to refine the treatment of autistic subjects.
Application of Photoacoustic Methods and Confocal Microscopy for Monitoring of Therapeutic Response in Plaque Psoriasis
Authors: Ossadnik Katharina , Philipp Sandra , Bost Wolfgang , Fournelle Marc , Richter Heike , Lademann Jürgen
Published: September 2018

Psoriasis is prone to relapses and requires long-term therapy that may induce a range of adverse effects; therefore, an efficient and early detection of relapses is desirable. In this study, photoacoustic imaging and confocal laser scanning microscopic (CLSM) methods were investigated for their suitability in psoriasis follow-up examinations. Using a high-resolution photoacoustic system, the vascular structures of 11 psoriatic patients and 6 healthy volunteers were investigated. No differences were detected with respect to the average vessel diameter and vasculature per unit volume in the tissue of healthy volunteers and non-lesional and lesional skin areas of psoriatic patients. By means of CLSM, the diameters of the dermal papillae of 6 volunteers and 6 psoriatic patients were determined. The diameters of the dermal papillae of the healthy volunteers (0.074 ± 0.006 mm) revealed no significant difference when compared to non-lesional skin areas of psoriatic patients (0.079 ± 0.005 mm). The results obtained for the lesions in psoriatic patients showed a significant difference (Wilcoxon test, p = 0.028) between the diameters of the dermal papillae of the lesional skin areas (0.114 ± 0.012 mm) and the non-lesional skin areas (0.079 ± 0.005 mm). Thus, CLSM can be applied for monitoring psoriasis follow-up examinations.
Atypical Phenotype and Treatment Response Pattern in a Patient with FIP1L1-PDGFRα Mutation
Authors: Bikhchandani Mihir , Johnson Ryan , Tuan Bertrand , Tefferi Ayalew
Published: September 2018

Myeloproliferative disorders with eosinophilia may possess the FIP1L1-PDGFRα gene rearrangement. When this rearrangement is present, imatinib usually results in complete remission. In rare cases of imatinib resistance, there is poor evidence guiding second-line therapy. We present the case of a 71-year-old male who presented with abdominal discomfort, fevers, and leukocytosis with eosinophilia. The patient was diagnosed with a myeloproliferative neoplasm with eosinophilia and FIP1L1-PDGFRα rearrangement after a bone marrow evaluation revealed hypercellular marrow with eosinophilia and fluorescence in situ hybridization identified the FIP1L1-PDGFRα rearrangement. The patient was successfully treated with imatinib. Within months he relapsed and converted into acute myeloid leukemia. The patient was then treated with ponatinib which induced and maintained clinical and hematological remission for 2 months. That ponatinib briefly induced remission in our patient with acute myeloid leukemia arising from a myeloproliferative neoplasm with eosinophilia and FIP1L1-PDGFRα fusion may merit exploration of ponatinib as a potential second-line treatment option for this patient population. This is especially true given the lack of reliable therapies in instances of imatinib resistance.
THE LEVELS OF FUNCTIONAL-VEGETATIVE HOMEOSTASIS AS CRITERIA FOR MAGNETOTHERAPY EFFICACY
Authors: Yermishev O. V.
Published: September 2018

Background. Disorders of autonomic nervous system caused up to 80% of functional disorders. There is no information about the influence of magnetotherapy (MT) on the indicators of vegetative homeostasis, which disturbance is a cause of functional pathology.Objectives. The aim of the study is to investigate vegetative rehabilitation trend of MT in various initial conditions of functional-vegetative disorders.Methods. Functional-vegetative diagnostics method by V.G. Makats was chosen as a method of control of MT impact. The diagnostic complex BIOTEST-12M was a technical tool. 38 children of different age and gender treated in the Department of Physiotherapy of Vinnytsia Regional Children Clinical Hospital in 2016-2017 were involved in the research. The patients were divided into 7 groups according to the levels of functional vegetative homeostasis.Results. MT had a different effect on vegetative activity as well as systemic and functional dependence, according to the coefficient of functional vegetative homeostasis. The most positive effect was evidenced in a group with a significant parasympathicotonia (group 1). In the group with severe sympathicotonia (group 6) it had negative effect. There were no gender and age-related characteristic features of the influence of MT on the dispersion of vegetative levels.Conclusions. Rehabilitation expediency requires maintenance of functional vegetative homeostasis at the level of FcP-VB-FcS in conjunction with functional-vegetative diagnostics using the method of V.G. Makats. Magnetotherapy can be recommended to be used only for patients with significant and expressed parasym­pathicotonia.
CEREBROPROTECTION BY GERMANIUM COORDINATION COMPOUNDS IN EXPERIMENTAL ACUTE GLOBAL BRAIN ISCHEMIA
Authors: Lukianchuk V. D. , Seifullina I. I. , Martsinko O. E. , Shevchuk O. O.
Published: September 2018

Background. Stroke is among the leading causes of death and disability worldwide with rising incidence among young people today. This is the third most common cause of disability-adjusted life-years worldwideObjective. The present study evaluated the cerebroprotective action of coordination compounds of germanium with underlying global cerebral ischemia in rats.Methods. Global cerebral infarction was induced by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion. For primary screening we used numerous bis(citrate) germanates (stannates) compounds, which contained different metals: OL1-8, and VITAGERM-1,2,3 and 4. All germanium complexes used were injected intraperitoneally (1 % aqueous solution at a dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg in 35 min after bilateral common carotid artery occlusion). Piracetam was used as a reference drug. Criteria of cerebroprotection efficacy: survival of rats (%), ET50 (median effective time), observational Irwin’s test.Results. Almost all bis(citrate) germanates (stannates), which contained different metals, possessed anti-ischemic activity of different intensity. The exceptions were cobalt-containing OL-6 and OL-2 compounds. The most significant efficacy of all investigated indices (which exceeded even reference drug) was evidenced for VITAGERM-1 – a coordination compound of germanium, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid and lithium. Conclusions. Results of our experiments are the substitution for further more profound pharmacological investigation of VITAGERM-1 for stroke cerebroprotection and its implementation into clinics.
Un aspect de l’art de la guerre de l’armée mamelouke : la pratique de la « fausse ouverture » à la bataille de Šaqḥab (702/1303)
Authors: Berriah Mehdi
Published: September 2018

Le dimanche 3 ramaḍān 702/21 avril 1303, à Šaqḥab, une localité située à une quarantaine de kilomètres au sud de Damas, les Mamelouks vainquirent l’armée ilkhanide après deux jours de rudes combats. Cette nouvelle défaite des Mongols ilkhanides marqua la fin de tout espoir pour ces derniers de reconquérir un jour la Syrie. Outre la victoire, la manière par laquelle les Mamelouks battirent leurs ennemis, plus nombreux, démontre, à bien des égards, leur supériorité tactique sur le champ de bataille. À partir du croisement des sources narratives et didactiques, cet article tente de faire la lumière sur un des aspects de l’art de la guerre des Mamelouks baḥrites.
Mating pattern, female reproduction and sexual size dimorphism in a narrow-mouthed frog (Microhyla fissipes)
Authors: Ding Guo-Hua , Tang Yun , Lin Zhi-Hua , Fan Xiao-Li , Wei Li
Published: September 2018

The difference in body size and/or shape between males and females, called sexual size dimorphism, is widely accepted as the evolutionary consequence of the difference between reproductive roles. To study the mating pattern, female reproduction and sexual size dimorphism in a population of Microhyla fissipes, amplexus pairs were collected, and the snout-vent length of males and females, female reproductive traits and fertilization rate were measured. If the body size of amplexed females is larger than that of amplectant males, this is referred to as a female-larger pair, a phenomenon that was often observed for M. fissipes in this study. Interestingly, snout-vent length of males in male-larger pairs was greater than that in female-larger pairs, however the post-spawning body mass, clutch size, egg dry mass and clutch dry mass did not differ between both types of pairs. Snout-vent length of males was positively related to that of females in each amplexus pair. After accounting for the snout-vent lengths of females, we showed that snout-vent lengths of males in male-larger pairs were greater than those of females in female-larger pairs. The snout-vent length ratio of males and females was not related to fertilization rate in each amplexus pair. The mean fertilization rate was not different between both amplexus pairs. These results suggest that (1) M. fissipes displays female-biased sexual size dimorphism and has two amplexus types with size-assortative mating; (2) the snout-vent length ratio of males and females in each amplexus type was consistent with the inverse of Rensch’s rule, and was driven by the combined effect of sexual selection and fecundity selection; (3) females with a larger body size were preferred by males due to their higher fecundity, while the body size of males was not important for fertilization success.
Interdecadal Weakening of the East Asian Winter Monsoon in the Mid-1980s: The Roles of External Forcings
Authors: Miao Jiapeng , Wang Tao , Wang Huijun , Zhu Yali , Sun Jianqi
Published: September 2018

Observations show that the East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) experienced an interdecadal weakening in the mid-1980s. This is evident for all members of the EAWM system (i.e., East Asian trough, upper-tropospheric jet stream, and lower-tropospheric monsoon circulation). Here, we investigate the relative contributions of natural (volcanic aerosols and solar variability) and anthropogenic [greenhouse gases (GHGs) and anthropogenic aerosols] forcings to this interdecadal weakening using multiple coupled models within phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). The results indicate that in the midtroposphere, the increased GHG concentrations play an important role in weakening the East Asian trough (EAT) by increasing the sea surface temperatures (SSTs) over the North Pacific. In the upper troposphere, natural external forcings contribute to the observed weakening of the meridional shear of the East Asian jet stream (EAJS) by regulating the meridional temperature gradient (MTG) over the East Asian region. In the lower troposphere, both anthropogenic and natural forcings can weaken the Siberian high during this period. Overall, based on the present analysis of the CMIP5 output, GHGs and natural forcings play key roles in shaping the observed interdecadal weakening of the EAWM during the mid-1980s. Additionally, contributions from internal variability cannot be neglected and require further investigation.
Postoperative Monitoring Following Adenotonsillectomy for Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Rhodes Cecil Bryant , Eid Anas , Muller Grant , Kull Amanda , Head Tim , Mamidala Madhu , Gillespie Boyd , Sheyn Anthony
Published: September 2018

Introduction:

Patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy (T&A) for severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are usually admitted for observation, and many surgeons use the intensive care unit (ICU) for observation due to the risk of postsurgical airway obstruction. Given the limited resources of the pediatric ICU (PICU), there is a push to better define the patients who require postoperative monitoring in the PICU for monitoring severe OSA.

Methods:

Forty-five patients were evaluated. Patients who had cardiac or craniofacial comorbidities were excluded. Patients undergoing T&A for severe OSA were monitored in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) postoperatively. If patients required supplemental oxygen or developed hypoxia while in the PACU within the 3-hour monitoring period, they were admitted to the PICU.

Results:

Overall, 16 of 45 patients were admitted to the ICU for monitoring. Patients with an Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) >50 or with an oxygen nadir <80% were significantly more likely to be admitted to the PICU. The mean AHI of patients admitted to the PICU was 40.5, and the mean oxygen nadir was 69.9%. Patients younger than 2 years were significantly more likely to be admitted to the PICU.

Conclusion:

Based on the data presented here and academy recommendations, not all patients with severe OSA require ICU monitoring.
Idiopathic Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis in Older Patients: Characteristics in the Disease Course and Implication of Computed Tomography for Evaluation of Etiology
Authors: Kwon Minsu , Bae Mi Rye , Lee Yoon Se , Roh Jong-Lyel , Choi Seung-Ho , Nam Soon Yuhl , Kim Sang Yoon
Published: September 2018

Objectives:

This study aimed to compare the characteristics of idiopathic unilateral vocal fold paralysis (IUVFP) in elderly versus younger patients, including the diagnostic yield of computed tomography (CT) scans for identifying the structural causes of IUVFP.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed medical records of the patients initially diagnosed with IUVFP in a single referral tertiary hospital. We compared patients’ baseline characteristics, initial symptoms, laryngoscopic findings, and prevalence of structural causes on CT scans with respect to age (younger, <65 years vs older, ⩾65 years).

Results:

One hundred forty-two patients were enrolled (90 younger, 52 older). Evident structural causes were more frequently found on CT in older patients than younger patients (40.4% vs 22.2%, P = .034). Among truly idiopathic cases (70 younger, 31 older), recovered vocal fold mobility was identified in 48.6% younger and 41.9% older patients ( P = .666). There was no statistically significant difference in the characteristics between unrecovered and recovered subjects of the older patients with true IUVFP (all P > .05).

Conclusions:

The CT scans provided significantly higher diagnostic yields in older patients than younger patients. The degrees of symptoms and complications and likelihood of natural recovery did not significantly differ between younger and older patients with IUVFP.
Political Regimes and Immigrant Party Preferences
Authors: Just Aida
Published: September 2018

This article examines how political regimes in migrants’ origin countries influence their party identification in adopted homeland. I posit that immigrants are more likely to acquire partisanship in their host country if they came from a nonparty autocracy as opposed to a party-based autocracy or democracy. Moreover, among partisans, immigrants are less likely to identify with a left-wing party if they came from a communist regime. Finally, these effects are particularly pronounced among foreign-born individuals from highly authoritarian regimes. The analyses using Geddes, Wright, and Frantz Autocratic Regimes data along with individual-level data from the European Social Survey (ESS) 2002-2017 in 19 established democracies confirm these expectations. These findings have important implications for debates on immigrant political integration, party politics, and the prospects of electoral stability in contemporary democracies.
The Safety of Intravenous Drug Delivery Systems: Update on Current Issues Since the 2009 Consensus Development Conference
Authors: Rodriguez Ryan
Published: September 2018

This review was prepared in advance of the Third Consensus Development Conference on the Safety of Intravenous Drug Delivery Systems that was held at the W Hotel in Chicago, Illinois, from November 1 through 3, 2018. The purpose of this conference was to evaluate the safety of intravenous (IV) infusion systems used for medication administration. The expert panel of pharmacists, physicians, and nurses updated the findings of the Second Consensus Development Conference in 2009 that reviewed 5 IV drug delivery systems (manufacturer ready to use, outsourced ready to use, point-of-care activated, pharmacy compounded, and nonpharmacy compounded at point of care) with regard to applicability, ease of use, regulatory compliance, cost, safety, and implementation. The Third Consensus Development Conference expanded on previous findings by reviewing proceedings related to new standards, legislation, technologies, and shortage-related challenges related to IV medication administration that have been published since 2009. Invited faculty and audience members participated in revising a preliminary report summarizing these changes during the meeting.
China’s evolving motivations and goals in UN peacekeeping participation
Authors: Fang Songying , Li Xiaojun , Sun Fanglu
Published: September 2018

This brief examines how the motivations and goals of China’s participation in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations have evolved since 1990 as a result of China’s changing national interests. We conclude that China is unlikely to abandon its long-held foreign policy principle of non-interference. However, motivated by a desire to be seen as a responsible global power, Beijing is seriously considering a more proactive approach to humanitarian crises, which may include direct intervention. Furthermore, as a significant contributor of troops and financing, China is uniquely positioned to represent the perspectives of both developing and developed countries in UN peacekeeping. To do so, Beijing will need to increase its leadership role in UN peacekeeping operations and offer creative ideas about how to promote reconciliation and development in post-conflict societies.
Heritage Acculturation Is Associated With Contextual Factors at Four Different Levels of Proximity
Authors: Doucerain Marina M.
Published: September 2018

What factors explain the extent to which members of cultural minorities maintain their heritage cultural engagement? Although this process, called heritage acculturation, has significant implications for adjustment, we know little about its antecedents. The present work sought to address two shortcomings of acculturation research: (a) the need to characterize antecedents of acculturation orientations and (b) the need to consider acculturation as a contextual phenomenon. Some studies have documented associations between acculturation and specific contextual variables (e.g., family socialization), but an important feature of this research was to examine the unique contribution of factors at multiple levels of proximity simultaneously. Specifically, this study considered intraindividual, home, social network, and neighborhood-level contextual correlates of heritage acculturation. The overarching hypothesis tested among multicultural university students in Canada ( n = 271) was that people whose life contexts are more strongly imbued with heritage cultural influences would report greater heritage acculturation. Results fully supported this hypothesis. Greater heritage language competence, “parental” living arrangements, a more extensive heritage social network, and living in an ethnically denser neighborhood were all related to greater heritage cultural maintenance. Further, only heritage network extensiveness was negatively related to mainstream cultural engagement—attesting to the cultural specificity of these associations. These results suggest that none of the four contextual levels considered here was sufficient on its own to understand participants’ heritage acculturation and that we need a holistic view of the person in her or his multiple contexts when studying acculturation.
Influence of Diabetes-Related Support on Aerobic Activity Among Older African Americans With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: McCaskill Gina M. , Bowen Pamela G. , Lee Loretta T. , Burgio Kathryn L. , Leeper James , Clay Olivio J.
Published: September 2018

The objective of this study was to examine the influence of diabetes-related support in promoting aerobic activity in a sample of older African Americans. A secondary data analysis was conducted based on a diabetes self-management study of community-dwelling older African Americans. Logistic regression was conducted to examine the influence of diabetes-related support on aerobic activity. The final model demonstrated that there was a strong relationship between having diabetes-related support and aerobic activity, odds ratio =6.56, 95% confidence interval [2.14, 20.11]. The final model also demonstrated a significant influence based on the total number of chronic health conditions on aerobic activity, odds ratio = 0.63, 95% confidence interval [0.498, 0.802]. Findings suggest that older African Americans with Type 2 diabetes and other chronic health conditions may engage in physical activity if they have diabetes-related support from their family and friends.
Group versus Phase Velocity of Shear Waves in Soft Tissues
Authors: Parker Kevin J. , Ormachea Juvenal , Hah Zaegyoo
Published: September 2018

Across the varieties of waves that have been studied in physics, it is well established that group velocities can be significantly greater than or less than phase velocities measured within comparable frequency bands, depending on the particular mechanisms involved. The distinction between group and phase velocities is important in elastography, because diagnoses are made based on shear wave speed estimations from a variety of techniques. We review the general definitions of group and phase velocity and examine their specific relations within an important general class of rheological models. For the class of tissues and materials exhibiting power law dispersion, group velocity is significantly greater than phase velocity, and simple expressions are shown to interrelate the commonly measured parameters. Examples are given from phantoms and tissues.
Raising the ideal child? Algorithms, quantification and prediction
Authors: Willson Michele
Published: September 2018

The world in which the contemporary child is conceived and raised is one that is increasingly monitored, analysed and manipulated through technological processes. Simultaneously, expectations for the child are changing as new tools and practices for quantifying, managing and predicting achievements and future possibilities become available. Algorithms as ways of anticipating, doing or fixing are central to these technological processes. These intersect with and are informed by social, cultural and political discourses that imagine the ‘ideal’ child. Therefore, this article explores the power of algorithms within the everyday of the child. Drawing upon examples of quantification and prediction practices in the commercial and state sectors, the article raises questions about the issues, challenges and politics of these types of algorithmic approaches in raising and imagining the ‘ideal child’.
Illusionary fairness and controlled democracy: a critical examination of blind audition and voting system in The Voice of China
Authors: Jiang Xinxin
Published: September 2018

This article critically examines the blind audition and the voting system in The Voice of China to understand how the singing competition show narrates the most contemporary political, social, and cultural ideology of the Chinese society in the discourse of globalization. The article starts with an overview and some highlights of the show. Then this article explores how the blind audition serves as the venue for the ordinary Chinese viewers to engage with an illusion of fairness in a society. Next, this article investigates how the re-creation of the voting mechanism in the show symbolizes the fantasy of democracy and how it negotiates the power between the public and the state. I conclude with the argument that societal discourses on the blind audition and voting systems on a singing competition show reveal growing public awareness of and concern with issues of equity and fairness in the cultural arena of traditional esthetic standards as well as the societal arena of electoral politics.
Solubility, Diffusivity, and Retrograde Vitrification in PMMA—CO2, and Development of Sub-micron Cellular Structures
Authors: Handa Y. Paul , Zhang Zhiyi , Wong Betty
Published: September 2018

A magnetic suspension balance was used to measure solubility of CO2 in PMMA in the temperature range 0 to 167°C and at pressures to 61.2 atm. CO2 dissolves to considerable extent in PMMA, reaching a value of about 30 wt% at 0°C and 34 atm. Diffusion coefficients, derived from the sorption kinetics, were analyzed to extract glass transition temperature of the PMMA-CO2 system over the pressure range of 0 to about 60 atm. The results confirm the existence of retrograde vitrification in this system previously observed by creep compliance and high-pressure thermal analysis techniques. A fundamental understanding of the polymer-gas interactions has led to the development of novel, sub-micron cellular structures.
Titanate and Zirconate Coupling Agents in Foamed Polymers
Authors: Monte Salvatore J.
Published: September 2018

Ti or Zr coupling agents chemically bridge two dissimilar species such as an inorganic filler/particulate and organic polymer via proton coordination without the need of water of condensation. They may also act as in situ catalysts in the polymer melt at >100°C independent of filler content by one or more distinct organometallic mechanisms of conventional catalysis, crosslinking, metallocene-like catalysis, repolymerization (US Patent 4,657,988), and copolymerization. For example, minor amounts of titanate in unfilled polymers will give 20% average faster polymer processing at 10% average lower temperatures while increasing mechanical properties. As a result of titanate (zirconate) coupling and catalysis – gaseous, endothermic and exothermic blowing agents are made significantly more efficient to produce lighter polymers with more uniform cell structure because at the elevated temperature where gas generation (blow) occurs polymer bubble stress (force/area) properties are maintained or increased while strain (elongation/unit length) properties are increased to as much as double or triple thus reducing open cell formation. For example, cell size variation is reduced from 6–48 micron to 9–15 micron in an exothermic azodicarbonamide-foamed PE. The density of an azodicarbonamide-foamed flexible PVC is decreased threefold from 0.408g/cc to 0.129g/cc. The amount of endothermic sodium bicarbonate needed to foam SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber) is reduced twenty-nine fold from 15 phr of NaHCO3 powder to 0.68 phr of a 75% active NaHCO3 paste masterbatch containing pyrophosphato titanate in the aromatic plasticizer phase.
The Effect of Material Factors on the Density and Cell Morphology of Chemically Foamed Polypropylene
Authors: Dixon D. , Martin P.J. , Harkin-Jones E.
Published: September 2018

This paper assesses the effect of various material factors on the cell morphology and density of extruded expanded polypropylene (EPP), rod samples produced using a range of commercial chemical blowing agents (CBAs). This work is part of a research project into the optimisation of the extrusion and subsequent thermoforming of EPP sheet for food packaging applications. In each case the agents were added to PP and extruded under identical processing conditions, and the resulting variations in foam density and cell morphology are reported and discussed. Trials were also carried out to quantify the effects on the foam of additives, such as pigment, sodium benzoate, co-polymer and regrind, and the grade of polymer used (nucleated and un-nucleated). A design of experiment (DOE) methodology was adopted for all of these latter tests.

The chemical blowing agents tested, produced foams with markedly different cellular structures with cell densities in the range 4.77×104 to 1.45×106 cells/cm3. Of the other material factors tested the change in polymer grade and the addition of sodium benzoate were found to most significantly affect the density and cell morphology.
Water-blown Expandable Polystyrene. Improvement of the Compatibility of the Water Carrier with the Polystyrene Matrix by in Situ Grafting
Authors: Pallay Jan , Berghmans Hugo
Published: September 2018

In the synthesis of water-blown expandable polystyrene, granular starch as a carrier of water, the blowing agent, was grafted with polystyrene by radical initiated polymerization. Organic peroxides, such as tertbutyl perbenzoate or dibenzoyl peroxide were used as free radical initiators. The graft polymerization reaction was confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy and SEM. The reaction leads to low level grafted starch. However, the amount of grafted polymer can be significantly increased using maleic anhydride in the monomer feed. The effect of concentration of maleic anhydride was studied. The reaction mechanism was proposed.
The Effect of Cell Size on the Physical Properties of Crosslinked Closed Cell Polyethylene Foams Produced by a High Pressure Nitrogen Solution Process
Authors: Rodríguez-Pérez M.A. , González-Peña J.I. , Witten N. , de Saja J.A.
Published: September 2018

The thermal conductivity, thermal expansion, mechanical properties at low strain rates and dynamic mechanical properties of a collection of crosslinked closed cell polyethylene foams manufactured by a high pressure nitrogen solution process have been studied as a function of the cell size. The main mechanisms that influence each property and the foam microstructure have been considered to rationalise the results. A theoretical model has been used to examine the thermal conductivity values. The results have shown the extent to which reducing the cell size could improve the insulating capabilities of these materials. The effect of cell size on the mechanical properties at low strain rates is very small, as a consequence the thermal expansion does not depend on cell size. Nevertheless, the structural characteristics are seen to influence dynamic mechanical response at temperatures below 15°C.