bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracellular traps derived from macrophages, mast cells, eosinophils and neutrophils are generated in a time‐dependent manner during atherothrombosis
Authors: Pertiwi Kartika R , de Boer Onno J , Mackaaij Claire , Pabittei Dara R , de Winter Robbert J , Li Xiaofei , van der Wal Allard C
Published: December 2018

Extracellular traps generated by neutrophils contribute to thrombus progression in coronary atherosclerotic plaques. It is not known whether other inflammatory cell types in coronary atherosclerotic plaque or thrombus also release extracellular traps. We investigated their formation by macrophages, mast cells, and eosinophils in human coronary atherosclerosis, and in relation to the age of thrombus of myocardial infarction patients. Coronary arteries with thrombosed or intact plaques were retrieved from patients who died from myocardial infarction. In addition, thrombectomy specimens from patients with myocardial infarction were classified histologically as fresh, lytic or organised. Neutrophil and macrophage extracellular traps were identified using sequential triple immunostaining of CD68, myeloperoxidase, and citrullinated histone H3. Eosinophil and mast cell extracellular traps were visualised using double immunostaining for eosinophil major basic protein or tryptase, respectively, and citrullinated histone H3. Single‐ and double‐stained immunopositive cells in the plaque, adjacent adventitia, and thrombus were counted. All types of leucocyte‐derived extracellular traps were present in all thrombosed plaques, and in all types of the in vivo‐derived thrombi, but only to a much lower extent in intact plaques. Neutrophil traps, followed by macrophage traps, were the most prominent types in the autopsy series of atherothrombotic plaques, including the adventitia adjacent to thrombosed plaques. In contrast, macrophage traps were more numerous than neutrophil traps in intact plaques (lipid cores) and organised thrombi. Mast cell and eosinophil extracellular traps were also present, but sparse in all instances. In conclusion, not only neutrophils but also macrophages, eosinophils, and mast cells are sources of etosis involved in evolving coronary thrombosis. Neutrophil traps dominate numerically in early thrombosis and macrophage traps in late (organising) thrombosis, implying that together they span all the stages of thrombus progression and maturation. © 2018 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Prevention of Clostridium difficile Infection in Critically Ill Adults
Authors: Leedahl David D. , Personett Heather A. , Nagpal Avish , Barreto Erin F.
Published: December 2018

The incidence and severity of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) remain high across intensive care units in the United States despite national efforts to decrease this escalating health care burden. Most published literature and guidelines address treatment rather than prevention, yet this approach may be too downstream to limit morbidity and mortality from the disease and its complications. Mechanisms to prevent CDI successfully include reducing modifiable risk factors and minimizing horizontal transmission of C. difficile spores between patients and the health care environment. Because CDI prevention is characterized by a bundled approach, it is difficult to quantify the individual impact of any one element; however, a number of patient‐ and facility‐level strategies can be considered for CDI prevention. Robust hygiene strategies, diagnostic and antimicrobial stewardship, and particular prophylaxis maneuvers such as continuation of oral vancomycin or fidaxomicin in the setting of systemic antibiotics have all demonstrated benefit. The preventive roles of deprescribing acid suppressants, routine use of probiotics, or early fecal microbiota transplantation remain unclear. The focus of this review is to summarize the evidence related to primary and secondary CDI prevention in critically ill adults and provide a concise implementation pathway for clinicians and policymakers.
Duration of Exposure to Antipseudomonal β‐Lactam Antibiotics in the Critically Ill and Development of New Resistance
Authors: Teshome Besu F. , Vouri Scott Martin , Hampton Nicholas , Kollef Marin H. , Micek Scott T.
Published: December 2018

Study Objective

Minimizing the duration of broad‐spectrum antimicrobial exposure in the critically ill is a commonly used strategy aimed at preventing resistance. Our objective was to correlate the duration of exposure to antipseudomonal β‐lactam antibiotics with the development of new resistance in critically ill patients.

Design

Single‐center, retrospective cohort study.

Setting

A large, academic, tertiary care hospital.

Patients

A total of 7118 adults with a discharge diagnosis of severe sepsis or septic shock who received at least one dose of cefepime, meropenem, or piperacillin‐tazobactam during their hospitalization between 2010 and 2015.

Measurements and Main Results

Cohort entry was defined as the first day of any antipseudomonal β‐lactam initiation, and exposure was defined as the cumulative days of any antipseudomonal β‐lactam exposure during the 60‐day follow‐up period. The primary outcome was development of new resistance to any antipseudomonal β‐lactam > 3 days after cohort entry. New resistance was defined as detection of resistance to any antipseudomonal β‐lactam not identified within 180 days before cohort entry. Patients without an outcome (i.e., did not develop new resistance) or who died by day 60 were censored. Cox proportional hazards models were performed to assess the risk of development of new resistance to any antipseudomonal β‐lactam with each additional day of exposure. Analyses of each individual antipseudomonal β‐lactam were evaluated as secondary outcomes. Each additional day of exposure to any antipseudomonal β‐lactam resulted in an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 1.04 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–1.05) for new resistance development. The risk of developing new resistance to cefepime, meropenem, and piperacillin‐tazobactam for each additional day of exposure resulted in an aHR of 1.08 (95% CI 1.07–1.09), 1.02 (95% CI 1.01–1.03), and 1.08 (95% CI 1.06–1.09), respectively.

Conclusion

Among critically ill patients who receive antipseudomonal β‐lactam antibiotics, each additional day of exposure to cefepime, meropenem, and piperacillin‐tazobactam is associated with an increased risk of new resistance development.
Patient‐Level Medication Regimen Complexity in an Adolescent and Adult Population with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Barnette Debra J. , Hanks Christopher , Li Weiyi , Porter Kyle
Published: December 2018

Background

Adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently experience polypharmacy. However, there is limited understanding of how to quantify medication complexity in this vulnerable population.

Objectives

This study examined medication administration difficulty using the Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI) tool in adolescents and adults with ASD. The outcomes compared the mean total MRCI score with the medication count, described MRCI contributions for over‐the‐counter medication (OTC), and compared MRCI scores by patient characteristics.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review of patients aged 7–45 years (mean = 20.1) enrolled in a primary care ASD transitions program. Each patient's listed medications were counted and then scored using the validated MRCI tool.

Results

For the 142 patients studied, mean total MRCI was 14.6 ± 14.6 (range 0–89) and mean medication count was 6.3 ± 5.4 (range 0–38). For patients on 0–4 medications (66 of 142; 46.5%), the mean MRCI was 5.5 ± 4.2, 5–9 medications (50 of 142; 35.2%) the mean MRCI was 15.2 ± 6.8, and 10–38 medications (26 of 142; 18.3%) the mean MRCI was 36.5 ± 18.9 (p<0.001). Sixty percent (85 of 142) reported OTC use, which contributed 26.6% to the mean total MRCI. Reported benzodiazepine (mean MRCI 25.8 ± 17.2), antiepileptic (mean MRCI 23.7 ± 16.9), antipsychotic (mean MRCI 19.7 ± 15.9), or antidepressant (mean MRCI 17.0 ± 14.8) use received higher MRCI scores compared to nonuse (p<0.001 for all except antidepressants [p=0.004]). Total MRCI did not differ significantly by age group, sex, or attention‐deficit‐hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication use (stimulant or nonstimulant).

Conclusions

Medication regimen complexity in adolescents and adults with ASD was increased significantly for individuals taking ≥ 5 medications. Central nervous system agent use, other than ADHD therapy, identified patients with higher regimen complexity. The related clinical effects of these findings warrant further investigation.
Amikacin target achievement in adult cystic fibrosis patients utilizing Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Nolt Valerie D. , Pijut Kyle D. , Autry Elizabeth B. , Williams Whitney C. , Burgess David S. , Burgess Donna R. , Arora Vaneet , Kuhn Robert J.
Published: December 2018

Aim

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PsA) is a common pathogen in cystic fibrosis (CF). Management of an acute pulmonary exacerbation (APE) caused by PsA is dual anti‐pseudomonal antibiotics, a beta‐lactam plus aminoglycoside. Aminoglycoside dosing in CF differs from the general population due to altered pharmacokinetics. The primary objective of this study was to utilize pharmacokinetic data from adult CF patients that received amikacin to determine the probability of target attainment for APEs caused by PsA.

Methods

This was a single‐center, non‐randomized, retrospective cohort study of patients >18 years with CF that received intravenous amikacin between January 2010 and July 2016. Amikacin dose, frequency, and serum concentrations were used to calculate pharmacokinetic parameters assuming a one‐compartment model. Monte Carlo simulation was conducted with MIC values from CF patients with a PsA positive sputum culture between January 2014 and September 2016 to predict concentration‐time profiles for different doses of amikacin.

Results

This study included pharmacokinetic parameters for 14 amikacin courses administered to six unique patients. The average empiric dose of amikacin was 24.3 ± 14.6 mg/kg, achieving a peak:MIC ratio ≥8 at a rate of 37% (median 5.87; IQR 3.05‐10.96). A dose of 45 mg/kg/day was needed to achieve target peak:MIC ratios 90% of the time for a PsA MIC of 8 mg/L.

Conclusion

Our data suggests it may not be clinically feasible to utilize amikacin for PsA isolates with a MIC of 16 mg/L. Current guideline dosing recommendations of amikacin 30‐35 mg/kg/day are only adequate for PsA with a MIC ≤4 mg/L.
Crystal structure of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry7Ca1 toxin active against Locusta migratoria manilensis
Authors: Jing Xuping , Yuan Yihui , Wu Yan , Wu Dandan , Gong Peng , Gao Meiying
Published: December 2018

Insecticidal crystal (Cry) proteins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are widely used as environmentally friendly insecticides. As the only known Cry protein with insecticidal activity against Locusta migratoria manilensis, a locust subspecies that causes extensive destruction of crops, the Cry7Ca1 protein from Bt strain BTH‐13 identified in our previous study is of particular interest to locust prevention and control. However, the three‐dimensional structure of Cry7Ca1 toxin (the active form of the Cry7Ca1 protein) and the mechanisms of the Cry7Ca1 insecticidal specificity remain largely elusive. Here, we report a 2.3 Å crystal structure of the Cry7Ca1 toxin and carry out a systematic comparison of all available Cry toxins structures. A cluster of six loops in Cry toxin domain II, named Apex here, are the most variable structural elements and were documented to contribute in insecticidal specificity. The Cry7Ca1 toxin Apex loops are different from those of other Cry toxins in length, conformation, and sequence. Electrostatic potential analysis further revealed that Cry7Ca1 is the only structure‐available Cry toxin that does not have a high contrast of surface electrostatic potentials in the Apex. We further suggest that the L1/L2 loops in the center of the Cry7Ca1 Apex may be worthy of attention in future efforts to unravel the Cry7Ca1 insecticidal specificity as they exhibit unique features not found in the corresponding regions of other Cry toxins. Our work highlights the uniqueness of the Apex in the Cry7Ca1 toxin and may assist exploration of the insecticidal mechanism of the Cry7Ca1 against Locusta migratoria manilensis.
The Nature of the Oxygen Vacancy in Amorphous Oxide Semiconductors: Shallow Versus Deep
Authors: Song Hochul , Kang Gijae , Kang Youngho , Han Seungwu
Published: December 2018

Using first‐principles calculation, we investigate the nature of oxygen vacancy (VO), namely shallow versus deep, in the amorphous oxide semiconductor InGaZnO4 (a‐IGZO), which has not been fully clarified despite its technological importance. Oxygen‐deficient amorphous models are generated through the hybrid functional molecular dynamics (MD) simulations that allow for finding stable VO configurations while minimizing computational approximations. From eight independent models, we consistently find that VO serves as the shallow donor, increasing the Fermi level above the conduction band minimum. For comparison purpose, we also generate deep VO models by charging the system during MD simulations. It is found that deep VO is higher in the formation energy than shallow VO, confirming that shallow VO is the preferred type of oxygen vacancies in a‐IGZO.
Hepatoprotective activity of praecoxin A isolated from Melaleuca ericifolia against carbon tetrachloride‐induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Impact on oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis
Authors: Al‐Sayed Eman , Abdel‐Daim Mohamed M. , Khattab Mohamed Abdelrazik
Published: December 2018

The hepatoprotective activity of praecoxin A, an ellagitannin from Melaleuca ericifolia, was determined against CCl4‐induced toxicity in mice. Praecoxin A was administered (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) for 5 days followed by CCl4. Praecoxin A markedly ameliorated the CCl4‐induced increase in AST (by 19, 52, and 56%), ALP (22, 45, and 48%), ALT (11, 47, and 54%), total bilirubin (14, 27, and 28%), and MDA (26, 44, and 51%) at the tested doses, respectively, as compared with CCl4 group. It was evident that praecoxin A significantly (p < 0.001) increased the antioxidant parameters GSH (45, 99, and 137%) and SOD (61, 129, and 159%). Histological findings revealed a marked amelioration of hepatocyte degeneration, necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, and hemorrhage in the groups treated with praecoxin A. COX‐2 and caspase‐3 hepatic expressions were significantly downregulated (p < 0.001) in praecoxin A‐treated groups (up to 57, 83, and 93% for COX‐2 and by 30, 82, and 99% for caspase‐3). These findings suggest that praecoxin A exerts a beneficial effect against oxidative stress by reducing lipid peroxidation, enhancing the antioxidant defense status, and protecting against the histopathological changes induced by CCl4. This study highlights a promising natural hepatoprotective candidate derived from M. ericifolia that might be an alternative to silymarin.
A dynamic extension of the pragmatic blending scheme for scale‐dependent sub‐grid mixing
Authors: Efstathiou Georgios A. , Plant Robert S.
Published: December 2018

A recent pragmatic blending approach treats sub‐grid turbulent mixing using a weighted average of a 1D mesoscale model and a 3D Smagorinsky formulation. Here the approach is modified and extended to incorporate a scale‐dependent dynamic Smagorinsky scheme instead of a static Smagorinsky scheme. Results from simulating an evolving convective boundary layer show that the new scheme is able to improve the representation of turbulence statistics and potential temperature profiles at grey‐zone resolutions during the transition from the shallow morning to the deep afternoon boundary layer. This is achieved mainly because the new scheme enables and controls an improved spin‐up of resolved turbulence. The dynamic blending scheme is shown to be more adaptive to the evolving flow and somewhat less sensitive to the blending parameters. The new approach appears to offer a more robust and more flexible formulation of blending and the results strongly encourage further assessment and development.
Single‐stranded DNA structural diversity: TAGGGT from monomers to dimers to tetramer formation
Authors: Porter Jacob E. , Chapagain Prem , Fernandez‐Lima Francisco
Published: December 2018

Rationale

DNA quadruplex structures have emerged as novel drug targets due to their role in preventing abnormal gene transcription and maintaining telomere stability. Trapped Ion Mobility Spectrometry–Mass Spectrometry (TIMS–MS), combined with theoretical modeling, is a powerful tool for studying the kinetic intermediates of DNA complexes formed in solution and interrogated in the gas phase after desolvation.

Methods

A TAGGGT ssDNA sequence was purchased and studied in 10 mM ammonium acetate using nanospray electrospray ionization (nESI)‐TIMS‐MS in positive and negative ion mode. Collisional cross section (CCS) profiles were measured using internal calibration (Tune Mix). Theoretical structures were proposed based on molecular dynamics, charge location and geometry optimization for the most intense IMS bands based on the number of TAGGGT units, adduct form and charge states.

Results

A distribution of monomeric, dimeric and tetrameric TAGGGT structures were formed in solution and separated in the gas phase based on their mobility and m/z value (e.g., [M + 2H]+2, [2M + 3H]+3, [M – 2H]−2, [2M – 3H]−3, [4M + 4H]+4, [4M + 3H + NH4]+4, [4M + 2H + 2NH4]+4 and [4M + H + 3NH4]+4). The high mobility resolution of the TIMS‐MS analyzer permitted the observation of multiple CCS bands per molecular ion form. Comparison with theoretical candidate structures suggests that monomeric TAGGGT species are stabilized by A‐T and G+‐G interactions, with the size of the conformer influenced by the proton location. In the case of the TAGGGT quadruplex, the protonated species displayed a broad CCS distribution, while six discrete conformers were stabilized by the presence of ammonium ions (n = 1–3).

Conclusions

This is the first observation of multiple conformations of TAGGGT complexes (n = 1, 2 and 4) in 10 mM ammonium acetate. Candidate structures with intramolecular interactions of the form of G+‐G and traditional A‐T base pairing agreed with the experimental trends. Our results demonstrate the structural diversity of TAGGGT monomers, dimers and tetramers in the gas phase beyond the previously reported solution structure, using 10 mM ammonium acetate to replicate biological conditions.
An image recognition system aimed at search activities using cyber search and rescue dogs
Authors: Arnold Solvi , Ohno Kazunori , Hamada Ryunosuke , Yamazaki Kimitoshi
Published: December 2018

Disaster response presents major challenges for robotics and computer vision alike. The Cyber‐Enhanced Canine Suit is a suit equipped with a camera, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), and various other sensors, to be worn by search and rescue (SAR) dogs for the purpose of enhancing SAR dog operations. This paper presents an image recognition system for use in disaster scenarios and its integration with the Cyber‐Enhanced Canine Suit platform. The system’s intended use is to spot personal items of missing individuals or other visual clues in video streams from various disaster response platforms. The system facilitates quick learning of targets from limited data and makes providing that data quick and easy. It also provides backtrack recognition functionality, to rapidly find novel targets in the seen footage. We evaluated the recognition system on footage gathered in the field, obtaining promising results. Integrated with the Cyber‐Enhanced Canine Suit, the system can automatically plot detections of search targets onto a map display, to provide operators with a quick overview of what was seen where.
Vision techniques for on‐board detection, following, and mapping of moving targets
Authors: Štěpán Petr , Krajník Tomáš , Petrlík Matěj , Saska Martin
Published: December 2018

This study presents computer vision modules of a multi‐unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system, which scored gold, silver, and bronze medals at the Mohamed Bin Zayed International Robotics Challenge 2017. This autonomous system, which was running completely on board and in real time, had to address two complex tasks in challenging outdoor conditions. In the first task, an autonomous UAV had to find, track, and land on a human‐driven car moving at 15 km/hr on a figure‐eight‐shaped track. During the second task, a group of three UAVs had to find small colored objects in a wide area, pick them up, and deliver them into a specified drop‐off zone. The computer vision modules presented here achieved computationally efficient detection, accurate localization, robust velocity estimation, and reliable future position prediction of both the colored objects and the car. These properties had to be achieved in adverse outdoor environments with changing light conditions. Lighting varied from intense direct sunlight with sharp shadows cast over the objects by the UAV itself, to reduced visibility caused by overcast to dust and sand in the air. The results presented in this paper demonstrate good performance of the modules both during testing, which took place in the harsh desert environment of the central area of United Arab Emirates, as well as during the contest, which took place at a racing complex in the urban, near‐sea location of Abu Dhabi. The stability and reliability of these modules contributed to the overall result of the contest, where our multi‐UAV system outperformed teams from world’s leading robotic laboratories in two challenging scenarios.
Who Gets to Read What? Tracking, Instructional Practices, and Text Complexity for Middle School Struggling Readers
Authors: Northrop Laura , Kelly Sean
Published: December 2018

In this study, the authors used the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998–99 to examine the instructional time allocation and instructional practices in eighth‐grade English language arts classes for struggling readers, as measured by track level. The authors also analyze the titles and text complexity of the last three books assigned to students. The authors found that track level continues to be a significant predictor of what happens instructionally in the classroom. Struggling readers placed in low‐track classes spent a larger portion of class time on skills and strategy instruction, completing worksheets, watching videos, and reading aloud than students in grade‐level classes. Students in high‐track classes spent more time on literature analysis, comprehension instruction, and group projects and were more frequently assigned homework than students in grade‐level classes. Although there was considerable overlap in the text complexity and the text titles of books assigned at each track level, students in low‐track classes read less challenging texts than students in grade‐level or above‐grade‐level classes. Regression models controlling for a variety of student, teacher, and school variables, including student achievement, show that these adjustments in class time allocation, instructional practices, and text complexity go above and beyond what would be expected based on student achievement alone.
Isomery‐Dependent Miscibility Enables High‐Performance All‐Small‐Molecule Solar Cells
Authors: Wu Hao , Fan Haijun , Xu Shengjie , Ye Long , Guo Yuan , Yi Yuanping , Ade Harald , Zhu Xiaozhang
Published: December 2018

Nonfullerene polymer solar cells develop quickly. However, nonfullerene small‐molecule solar cells (NF‐SMSCs) still show relatively inferior performance, attributing to the lack of comprehensive understanding of the structure–performance relationship. To address this issue, two isomeric small‐molecule acceptors, NBDTP‐Fout and NBDTP‐Fin, with varied oxygen position in the benzodi(thienopyran) (BDTP) core are designed and synthesized. When blended with molecular donor BDT3TR‐SF, devices based on the two isomeric acceptors show disparate photovoltaic performance. Fabricated with an eco‐friendly processing solvent (tetrahydrofuran), the BDT3TR‐SF:NBDTP‐Fout blend delivers a high power conversion efficiency of 11.2%, ranked to the top values reported to date, while the BDT3TR‐SF:NBDTP‐Fin blend almost shows no photovoltaic response (0.02%). With detailed investigations on inherent optoelectronic processes as well as morphological evolution, this performance disparity is correlated to the interfacial tension of the two combinations and concludes that proper interfacial tension is a key factor for effective phase separation, optimal blend morphology, and superior performance, which can be achieved by the “isomerization” design on molecular acceptors. This work reveals the importance of modulating the materials miscibility by interfacial‐tension‐oriented molecular design, which provides a general guideline toward efficient NF‐SMSCs.
Enhancement in the Efficiency of Sb2Se3 Thin‐Film Solar Cells by Increasing Carrier Concertation and Inducing Columnar Growth of the Grains
Authors: Guo Huafei , Chen Zhiwen , Wang Xing , Cang Qingfei , Jia Xuguang , Ma Changhao , Yuan Ningyi , Ding Jianning
Published: December 2018

Antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) thin films are attractive light‐absorbing materials for low‐cost and highly efficient thin‐film solar cells. Optimizing columnar growth of the grains and the proper hole concentration will be very helpful for improving the efficiency of Sb2Se3 thin‐film solar cells. In this paper, a monoatomic layer of Al2O3 prepared by the atomic layer deposition (ALD) method is used to increase the hole concentration of the Sb2Se3 film. The increase in the hole concentration is mainly due to the suppression of n‐type defects, such as Vse, or the increase in p‐type defects, such as Vsb. In addition, a simple and environmentally friendly oxygen plasma method is used to modify the CdS film to induce ordered columnar growth of the Sb2Se3 film deposited by the rapid thermal evaporation (RTE) method. Finally, an oxygen plasma treatment on CdS and a monoatomic Al2O3 layer covering the Sb2Se3 was combined to fabricate a solar cell with a new structure, FTO/CdS/P‐Sb2Se3/P+‐Sb2Se3/Al2O3/Au, and its efficiency was increased from 2.48% to 6.7%. These simple, nontoxic, and industrially applicable methods provide potential avenues for preparing low‐cost and highly efficient solar cells.
A phase‐plane‐based dynamic coherency real‐time identification scheme for controlled islanding
Authors: Yang Songhao , Hojo Masahide , Zhang Baohui
Published: December 2018

Controlled islanding often acts as the last resort against a severe blackout. Generator coherency is the primary constraint to determine an effective controlled islanding strategy. This article proposes a scheme to identify the dynamic coherency of generators for controlled islanding. The generator coherency is identified based on the phase‐plane trajectory vectors (PTVs) on the phase plane for generators (PPG). Then, a phase plane for buses (PPB) is proposed to assign the nongenerator buses to coherent generator groups following the minimum distance principle. The separated islands are formed by disconnecting certain transmission lines according to the identified coherent generators and areas. The case studies on the IEEE 39‐bus 10‐machine power system show that the proposed scheme cannot only adapt to different disturbances and changes of system conditions and network topology but also succeed in identifying the generator coherency at different times and developing proper islanding strategies according to current system states. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Job scheduling and resource allocation in parallel‐machine system via a hybrid nested partition method
Authors: Fu Yaping , Jiang Guanjie , Tian Guangdong , Wang Zhenling
Published: December 2018

Scheduling problems with resource allocation have received much attention in the academic and industrial communities in recent years. This study addresses a parallel‐machine scheduling problem with resource allocation under the objective of minimizing the makespan, where jobs need an additional resource that is allocated to machines in advance. The processing time of jobs is a function of the amount of allocated resources on their corresponding machines. In order to deal with this problem, three decisions must be made, i.e. resource allocation among machines, job assignment on machines, and job sequence on each machine. To solve this problem efficiently, a constructive heuristic approach and a hybrid nested partition method are designed to make these three decisions. Simulation experiments are carried out on a set of instances, and two existing algorithms are chosen to be compared with the proposed algorithms. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithms are promising in coping with this problem. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Fluvial and aquatic applications of Structure from Motion photogrammetry and unmanned aerial vehicle/drone technology
Authors: Carrivick Jonathan L. , Smith Mark W.
Published: December 2018

Structure from motion (SfM) has seen rapid uptake recently in the fluvial and aquatic sciences. This uptake is not least due to the widespread availability of cheap unmanned aerial vehicles/drones, which help mitigate the challenging terrain and deliver efficient and reproducible and high‐accuracy images and topographical data. These data can have unprecedented spatio‐temporal coverage and includes measurements of fluvial and aquatic topography, hydraulics, geomorphology and habitat quality. SfM data also offer novel quantification of underwater archeology, structures and aquatic organisms. Studies are shifting from proof‐of‐concepts in topographic survey to genuine applications including grain‐size mapping, bathymetric surveys, geomorphological mapping, vegetation mapping, restoration monitoring, habitat classification, geomorphological change detection and sediment transport path delineation. Integrating point cloud analyses and orthophoto mosaics with digital elevation models has been shown to be effective in providing novel process understanding of fluvial and aquatic systems. Underwater and through‐water studies are beginning to overcome problems of accessibility, visibility and image distortion. Archival photographs and video (both above‐ and under‐water) are being reprocessed using a SfM workflow to generate three‐dimensional surfaces and objects from historical surveys, thereby extending the time period over which change can be detected. Recently, a SfM workflow has been developed to model free water surfaces with clear potential for future exploitation in hydraulics, sediment transport and river bed evolution studies. Future applications of SfM could seek to exploit the daily repeat coverage of high‐resolution satellite images but must be mindful of the necessary investment in this development versus the increasing availability and coverage of spaceborne light detection and ranging.

This article is categorized under:

Water and Life > Methods

Science of Water > Methods

Water and Life > Nature of Freshwater Ecosystems
The DDX5/Dbp2 subfamily of DEAD‐box RNA helicases
Authors: Xing Zheng , Ma Wai Kit , Tran Elizabeth J.
Published: December 2018

The mammalian DEAD‐box RNA helicase DDX5, its paralog DDX17, and their orthologs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Drosophila melanogaster, namely Dbp2 and Rm62, define a subfamily of DEAD‐box proteins. Members from this subfamily share highly conserved protein sequences and cellular functions. They are involved in multiple steps of RNA metabolism including mRNA processing, microRNA processing, ribosome biogenesis, RNA decay, and regulation of long noncoding RNA activities. The DDX5/Dbp2 subfamily is also implicated in transcription regulation, cellular signaling pathways, and energy metabolism. One emerging theme underlying the diverse cellular functions is that the DDX5/Dbp2 subfamily of DEAD‐box helicases act as chaperones for complexes formed by RNA molecules and proteins (RNP) in vivo. This RNP chaperone activity governs the functions of various RNA species through their lifetime. Importantly, mammalian DDX5 and DDX17 are involved in cancer progression when overexpressed through alteration of transcription and signaling pathways, meaning that they are possible targets for cancer therapy.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Interactions: Functional Implications

RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA–Protein Complexes
Indirectly Free Actions, Libertarianism, and Resultant Moral Luck
Authors: Hartman Robert J.
Published: December 2018

Martin Luther affirms his theological position by saying “Here I stand. I can do no other.” Supposing that Luther’s claim is true, he lacks alternative possibilities at the moment of choice. Even so, many libertarians have the intuition that he is morally responsible for his action. One way to make sense of this intuition is to assert that Luther’s action is indirectly free, because his action inherits its freedom and moral responsibility from earlier actions when he had alternative possibilities and those earlier directly free actions formed him into the kind of person who must refrain from recanting. Surprisingly, libertarians have not developed a full account of indirectly free actions. I provide a more developed account. First, I explain the metaphysical nature of indirectly free actions such as Luther’s. Second, I examine the kind of metaphysical and epistemic connections that must occur between past directly free actions and the indirectly free action. Third, I argue that an attractive way to understand the kind of derivative moral responsibility at issue involves affirming the existence of resultant moral luck.
A framework of blockchain-based secure and privacy-preserving E-government system
Authors: Elisa Noe , Yang Longzhi , Chao Fei , Cao Yi
Published: December 2018

Electronic government (e-government) uses information and communication technologies to deliver public services to individuals and organisations effectively, efficiently and transparently. E-government is one of the most complex systems which needs to be distributed, secured and privacy-preserved, and the failure of these can be very costly both economically and socially. Most of the existing e-government systems such as websites and electronic identity management systems (eIDs) are centralized at duplicated servers and databases. A centralized management and validation system may suffer from a single point of failure and make the system a target to cyber attacks such as malware, denial of service attacks (DoS), and distributed denial of service attacks (DDoS). The blockchain technology enables the implementation of highly secure and privacy-preserving decentralized systems where transactions are not under the control of any third party organizations. Using the blockchain technology, exiting data and new data are stored in a sealed compartment of blocks (i.e., ledger) distributed across the network in a verifiable and immutable way. Information security and privacy are enhanced by the blockchain technology in which data are encrypted and distributed across the entire network. This paper proposes a framework of a decentralized e-government peer-to-peer (p2p) system using the blockchain technology, which can ensure both information security and privacy while simultaneously increasing the trust of the public sectors. In addition, a prototype of the proposed system is presented, with the support of a theoretical and qualitative analysis of the security and privacy implications of such system.
Variable-Length Stopping Rules for Multidimensional Computerized Adaptive Testing
Authors: Wang Chun , Weiss David J. , Shang Zhuoran
Published: December 2018

In computerized adaptive testing (CAT), a variable-length stopping rule refers to ending item administration after a pre-specified measurement precision standard has been satisfied. The goal is to provide equal measurement precision for all examinees regardless of their true latent trait level. Several stopping rules have been proposed in unidimensional CAT, such as the minimum information rule or the maximum standard error rule. These rules have also been extended to multidimensional CAT and cognitive diagnostic CAT, and they all share the same idea of monitoring measurement error. Recently, Babcock and Weiss (J Comput Adapt Test 2012. https://doi.org/10.7333/1212-0101001) proposed an “absolute change in theta” (CT) rule, which is useful when an item bank is exhaustive of good items for one or more ranges of the trait continuum. Choi, Grady and Dodd (Educ Psychol Meas 70:1–17, 2010) also argued that a CAT should stop when the standard error does not change, implying that the item bank is likely exhausted. Although these stopping rules have been evaluated and compared in different simulation studies, the relationships among the various rules remain unclear, and therefore there lacks a clear guideline regarding when to use which rule. This paper presents analytic results to show the connections among various stopping rules within both unidimensional and multidimensional CAT. In particular, it is argued that the CT-rule alone can be unstable and it can end the test prematurely. However, the CT-rule can be a useful secondary rule to monitor the point of diminished returns. To further provide empirical evidence, three simulation studies are reported using both the 2PL model and the multidimensional graded response model.
Crystallographic Orientation Relationship with Geometrically Necessary Dislocation Accumulation During High-Temperature Deformation in RR1000 Nickel-Based Superalloy
Authors: Birosca Soran
Published: December 2018

In the current study, it is demonstrated that soft grains along 〈100〉 fiber provided a pure shear condition for easy dislocation movement leading to a relatively low dislocation density. The hard grains along the 〈111〉 fiber, however, were not favorably oriented for slip system activation and caused high dislocation accumulation. It is concluded that the average overall dislocation density does not provide a meaningful value, as it is largely dependent on the original material crystallographic texture, the numbers of hard and soft grains in the electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) mapped area, and the grain size factor.
Erbliche Zystennierenerkrankungen: Autosomal-dominante und autosomal-rezessive polyzystische Nierenerkrankung (ADPKD und ARPKD)
Authors: Haumann Sophie , Burgmaier Kathrin , Bergmann Carsten , Müller Roman Ulrich , Liebau Max C.
Published: December 2018

Zystische Nierenerkrankungen gehören zu den wichtigsten Ursachen eines terminalen Nierenversagens bei Kindern und Erwachsenen. Während die häufigere autosomal-dominante polyzystische Nierenerkrankung (ADPKD) meist erst im Erwachsenenalter klinisch manifest wird, ist die seltene autosomal-rezessive polyzystische Nierenerkrankung (ARPKD) eine oft schwerwiegende Erkrankung des frühen Kindesalters. Das zunehmende Verständnis der zugrunde liegenden genetischen Veränderungen und molekularer Krankheitsmechanismen hat in den vergangenen Jahren zur Etablierung erster Therapieansätze geführt.
Evidence-Based Neuroethics, Deep Brain Stimulation and Personality - Deflating, but not Bursting, the Bubble
Authors: Pugh Jonathan , Pycroft Laurie , Maslen Hannah , Aziz Tipu , Savulescu Julian
Published: December 2018

Gilbert et al. have raised important questions about the empirical grounding of neuroethical analyses of the apparent phenomenon of Deep Brain Stimulation ‘causing’ personality changes. In this paper, we consider how to make neuroethical claims appropriately calibrated to existing evidence, and the role that philosophical neuroethics has to play in this enterprise of ‘evidence-based neuroethics’. In the first half of the paper, we begin by highlighting the challenges we face in investigating changes to PIAAAS following DBS, explaining how different trial designs may be of different degrees of utility, depending on how changes to PIAAAS following DBS are manifested. In particular, we suggest that the trial designs Gilbert et al. call for may not be able to tell us whether or not DBS directly causes changes to personality. However, we suggest that this is not the most significant question about this phenomenon; the most significant question is whether these changes should matter morally, however they are caused. We go on to suggest that neuroethical analyses of novel neuro-interventions should be carried out in accordance with the levels of evidence hierarchy outlined by the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBM), and explain different ways in which neuroethical analyses of changes to PIAAAS can be evidence-based on this framework. In the second half of the paper, we explain how philosophical neuroethics can play an important role in contributing to mechanism-based reasoning about potential effects on PIAAAS following DBS, a form of evidence that is also incorporated into the CEBM levels of evidence hierarchy.
Combination High Flow Priapism With Low Flow Priapism: Case Report
Authors: Carvajal Alejandro , Benavides Johana Andrea
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Priapism is defined as a persistent penile erection lasting longer than 4 hours and unrelated to sexual activity. It is one of the most common emergencies treated by urologists. Advances in understanding the pathophysiology of various types of priapism have led to targeted management strategies according to type of priapism.

Aim

The aims of this article is report the case of a 24-year-old man who was presented in the emergency department with a combination of high flow priapism with low flow priapism.

Methods

This case report documents the case of a patient who presented in the emergency department with a high flow priapism that then became to a ischemic priapism.

Conclusion

Priapism is one of the most common emergencies treated by urologists. Advances in understanding the pathophysiology of various types of priapism have led to targeted management strategies as was shown in our case.
NEW RESULTS ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF DISCOUNTED COMPOUND POISSON SUMS
Authors: Zhang Zhehao
Published: December 2018

This paper focuses on the distribution of Poisson sums of discounted claims over a finite or infinite time period. It gives two new results when claim amounts follow Mittag-Leffler distributions and two new results when claim amounts follow gamma distributions. Further, as Mittag-Leffler distribution is of heavy-tailed nature and its moments only exist for order strictly smaller than one, this distribution can be used for modelling insurance whose claim amounts are extremely large, that is, catastrophe insurance.
Co-existence of Rolandic and 3 Hz Spike-Wave Discharges on EEG in Children with Epilepsy
Authors: Datta Anita N. , Wallbank Laura , Wong Peter K. H.
Published: December 2018

Objective

Benign epilepsy of childhood with central temporal spikes (BECTS) and absence epilepsy are common epilepsy syndromes in children with similar age of onset and favorable prognosis. However, the co-existence of the electrocardiogram (EEG) findings of rolandic spike and 3 Hz generalized spike-wave (GSW) discharges is extremely rare, with few cases reported in the literature. Our objective was to characterize the EEG findings of these syndromes in children in our center and review the electro-clinical features.

Methods

All EEGs at BC Children’s Hospital are entered in a database, which include EEG findings and clinical data. Patients with both centro-temporal spikes and 3 Hz GSW discharges were identified from the database and clinical data were reviewed.

Results

Among the 43,061 patients in the database from 1992 to 2017, 1426 with isolated rolandic discharges and 528 patients with isolated 3 Hz GSW discharges were identified, and 20 (0.05%) patients had both findings: 3/20 had BECTS, and subsequently developed childhood absence epilepsy and 17/20 had no seizures characteristic for BECTS. At follow-up, 17 (85%) were seizure-free, 1 (5%) had rare, and 2 (10%) had frequent seizures.

Conclusions

This is the largest reported group of patients to our knowledge with the co-existence of rolandic and 3 Hz GSW discharges on EEGs in one institution, not drug-induced. As the presence of both findings is extremely rare, distinct pathophysiological mechanisms are likely. The majority had excellent seizure control at follow-up, similar to what would be expected for each type of epilepsy alone.
EPISTEMOLOGICAL DISJUNCTIVISM: NEO-WITTGENSTEINIAN AND MODERATE NEO-MOOREAN
Authors: Stuchlik Joshua
Published: December 2018

Duncan Pritchard proposes a biscopic solution to the problem of radical skepticism, which consists in epistemological disjunctivism and a theory about the limits of rational evaluation inspired by Wittgenstein'sOn Certainty. According to the latter theory, we cannot have rationally grounded knowledge of the denials of radical skeptical hypotheses, a consequence that Pritchard finds attractive insofar as he thinks that claims to know the falsity of radical skeptical hypotheses are epistemically immodest. I argue that there is room for a neo-Moorean to dispute Pritchard's argument for the Wittgensteinian proposal and I raise some doubts about its underlying motivation. Finally, I put forward an alternative, which I call “moderate neo-Moorean epistemological disjunctivism.” While this theory contends that we possess rationally grounded anti-skeptical knowledge, it also allows for a degree of epistemic modesty, by conceding that perceptual knowledge never amounts to knowledge that is absolutely certain.
Expanding Freedoms of People With Visual Impairment Through Information and Communication Technologies: Narratives From Bangladesh
Authors: Hasan Md Kamrul , Ashraf Mahfuz , Narasimhan Padmanesan , Aggarwal Rimjhim
Published: December 2018

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have become an element of strategic importance to all countries. Researchers argue that ICTs may open up new avenues for economic growth, competitiveness and human development. It is widely recognised that ICTs have the potential of overcoming many of the barriers faced by people with visual impairment (VI). Based on an interpretive study using the narrative interview method, this article contributes to this literature by presenting perceptions and understandings of how the use of ICTs can be used to promote the ‘development’ of people with VI in Bangladesh. We approached this study through the economist and Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen’s work on ‘development as freedom’ that focuses on, among other themes, five dimensions of freedom — social, economic, protective, political and transparency. We collected stories from 18 people with VI who had received ICTs training and support from resource centres, and from some disability rights activists and leaders who use ICTs. Our findings suggest that ICTs can be used as tools for improving the wellbeing of people with VI by enhancing different aspects of freedom suggested by Sen. ICTs tools assist people with VI by providing them with educational and work opportunities, and thus increase the potential for social inclusion and economic development. We conclude that governments, nongovernment organisations and development partners in countries such as Bangladesh may use ICTs to expand different types of ‘freedom’ for marginalised groups such as people with VI and persons with disabilities in general.