bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting Consumers’ Decision-Making Styles by Analyzing Digital Footprints on Facebook
Authors: Chen Yuh-Jen , Chen Yuh-Min , Hsu Yu-Jen , Wu Jyun-Han
Published: October 2018

In the past, enterprises used time-consuming questionnaire surveys and statistical analysis to formulate consumer profiles. However, explosive growth in social media had produced enormous quantities of texts, images, and videos, which is sometimes referred to as a digital footprint. This provides an alternative channel for enterprises seeking to gain an objective understanding of their target consumers. Facilitating the analysis of data used in the formulation of a marketing strategy based on digital footprints from online social media is crucial for enterprises seeking to enhance their competitive advantage in today’s markets. This study develops an approach for predicting consumer decision-making styles by analyzing digital footprints on Facebook to assist enterprises in rapidly and correctly mastering the consumption profile of consumers, thereby reducing marketing costs and promoting customer satisfaction. This objective can be achieved by performing the following tasks: (i) designing a process for predicting consumer decision-making styles based on the analysis of digital footprints on Facebook, (ii) developing techniques related to consumer decision-making style prediction, and (iii) implementing and evaluating a consumer decision-making style prediction mechanism. In the practical experiment, we obtained questionnaires and various digital footprint contents (including “Likes,” “Status,” and “Photo/Video”) from 3304 participants in 2018, 2644 of which were randomly selected as a training dataset, with the remaining 660 participants forming a testing dataset. The experimental results indicated that the accuracy increased to 75.88% and proved that the approach proposed in this study can effectively predict consumers’ decision-making styles.
Three Conflict Methods in Multiple Classifiers that Use Dispersed Knowledge
Authors: Przybyła-Kasperek Małgorzata
Published: October 2018

In this paper, a conflict model proposed by Pawlak was applied to the approach in which multiple classifiers make global decisions based on dispersed knowledge. Such an application of Pawlak’s model has not been considered before. In this paper, three new usage approaches of this model have been proposed. The model is used to create coalitions of classifiers on the basis of which common knowledge was generated. The approach of using dispersed knowledge, that is discussed in the article, is different from the classical multimodel approach which is known from the literature. The approach has wider applications and more general assumptions. The proposed methods were tested based on data sets from the UCI repository. The obtained results were compared in terms of the efficiency of the system and the form of created coalitions.
Fe(TpivPP)(NO2)2]−: What is the nitrite orientation?
Authors: Nasri Habib , Oliver Allen G. , Shang Mayou , Robert Scheidt W.
Published: October 2018

We have prepared a new crystalline derivative of [Fe(TpivPP)(NO2)2][Formula: see text] with the [K(222)][Formula: see text] cation. The newly determined structure of the anion resolves an ambiguity about the relative orientation of the two axial nitrite ligands which were found in a previous structure determination with a different cation. The two NO[Formula: see text] ligands are found to have a relative perpendicular orientation with Fe[Formula: see text]–N(NO2) distances of 1.974 (6) Åand 1.994 (6) Å. The average Fe[Formula: see text]–N[Formula: see text] distance in the low-spin six-coordinate iron(III) porphyrinate derivative is 1.987 (3) Å.
MoS2 Layers Decorated RGO Composite Prepared by a One-Step High-Temperature Solvothermal Method as Anode for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Xuehua , Wang Bingning , Liu Jine , Kong Zhen , Xu Binghui , Wang Yiqian , Li Hongliang
Published: October 2018

A one-step high-temperature solvothermal approach to the synthesis of monolayer or bilayer MoS2 anchored onto reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheet (denoted as MoS2/RGO) is described. It was found that single-layered or double-layered MoS2 were synthesized directly without an extra exfoliation step and well dispersed on the surface of crumpled RGO sheets with random orientation. The prepared MoS2/RGO composites delivered a high reversible capacity of 900[Formula: see text]mAhg[Formula: see text] after 200 cycles at a current density of 200[Formula: see text]mAg[Formula: see text] as well as good rate capability as anode active material for lithium ion batteries. This one-step high-temperature hydrothermal strategy provides a simple, cost-effective and eco-friendly way to the fabrication of exfoliated MoS2 layers deposited onto RGO sheets.
Threshold dynamics of reaction–diffusion partial differential equations model of Ebola virus disease
Authors: Yamazaki Kazuo
Published: October 2018

We study the reaction–diffusion Ebola PDE model that consists of equations that govern the evolution of susceptible, infected, recovered and deceased human individuals, as well as Ebola virus pathogens in the environment, with diffusive terms in all except the equation of the deceased human individuals. Under the setting of a spatial domain that is bounded, we prove the global well-posedness of the system; in contrast to the previous work on similar models such as cholera, avian influenza, malaria and dengue fever, diffusion coefficients may be different. Moreover, we derive its basic reproduction number, and under the condition that the diffusion coefficients of the susceptible and infected hosts are same, we prove the global stability of the disease-free-equilibrium, and uniform persistence in cases when the basic reproduction number lies beneath and above one, respectively. Again, we do not require that the diffusion coefficients of the recovered hosts be the same as the diffusion coefficients of the susceptible and infected hosts, in contrast to previous work on other models of infectious diseases. Another technical difficulty in our model is that the solution semiflow is not compact due to the lack of diffusion in the equation of the deceased human individuals; we overcome this difficulty using functional analysis techniques concerning Kuratowski measure of non-compactness.
A non-conventional hybrid numerical approach with multi-dimensional random sampling for cocaine abuse in Spain
Authors: Mohammed Maha A. , Noor N. F. M. , Ibrahim A. I. N. , Siri Z.
Published: October 2018

This paper introduces a non-conventional approach with multi-dimensional random sampling to solve a cocaine abuse model with statistical probability. The mean Latin hypercube finite difference (MLHFD) method is proposed for the first time via hybrid integration of the classical numerical finite difference (FD) formula with Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) technique to create a random distribution for the model parameters which are dependent on time [Formula: see text]. The LHS technique gives advantage to MLHFD method to produce fast variation of the parameters’ values via number of multidimensional simulations (100, 1000 and 5000). The generated Latin hypercube sample which is random or non-deterministic in nature is further integrated with the FD method to complete one cycle of LHS-FD simulation iteration. This process is repeated until [Formula: see text] final iterations of LHS-FD are obtained. The means of these [Formula: see text] final solutions (MLHFD solutions) are tabulated, graphed and analyzed. The numerical simulation results of MLHFD for the SEIR model are presented side-by-side with deterministic solutions obtained from the classical FD scheme and homotopy analysis method with Pade approximation (HAM-Pade). The present MLHFD results are also compared with the previous non-deterministic statistical estimations from 1995 to 2015. Good agreement between the two is perceived with small errors. MLHFD method can be used to predict future behavior, range and prediction interval for the epidemic model solutions. The expected profiles of the cocaine abuse subpopulations are projected until the year 2045. Both the statistical estimations and the deterministic results of FD and HAM-Pade are found to be within the MLHFD prediction intervals for all the years and for all the subpopulations considered.
Numerical Simulation of Capillary Tube for Selected Refrigerants Using Homogeneous Equilibrium Model
Authors: Alok Praveen , Sahu Debjyoti
Published: October 2018

In this work, a set of computational investigation results of two-phase refrigerant flow through adiabatic capillary are presented. There are various sizes of capillary tubes that can be selected related to commercially available copper tubes. Earlier refrigerants and new refrigerants like R12, R22, R134a, R410A and R32 are used for the flow analysis. Homogeneous-equilibrium model is employed with user-defined properties of the refrigerants for computation using ANSYS CFX. Several important parameters can be predicted rapidly and accurately using this method such as refrigerant mass flow rate, vapor mass fraction, local Mach no. etc. The mean deviation in mass flow rate is found to be [Formula: see text]1.18% for the same length of capillary tube and the mean deviation of tube length is found to be [Formula: see text]1.48% for the same experimental mass flow rate with choked flow condition.
Acoustic Scattering Field Reconstruction Using Truncated Total Least Square Algorithm
Authors: Yu Haitao , Wang Yingmin , Wang Qi
Published: October 2018

Acoustic scattering-field reconstruction of structures with arbitrary shape is the research basis of the scattering characteristics for underwater targets. Firstly, using boundary element method (BEM) and acoustic radiation modes (ARMs) solution in fluid domain, it is proved that the scattering pressures can be expressed by ARMs. Secondly, the acoustic field distribution modes (AFDMs) are constructed by ARMs and a new acoustic transfer matrix (ATM) which is acquired by the simplification of the traditional ATM. At the same time, the scattering pressures can be expressed as the product of the AFDMs and the modal expansion coefficients. Thus, the scattering reconstruction problem is converted into the exact solution problem of the modal expansion coefficients. Aiming at the existing noise of both the pressures at measuring point and AFDMs, the total least square (TLS) algorithm is introduced to acquire the accurate solution. Further, considering the ill-conditioned AFDMs matrix, the truncated total least square (TTLS) algorithm is introduced to solve the modal expansion coefficients. Simulation results show that the capability of resisting noise contamination is limited for the reconstruction algorithm based on TLS and that the reconstruction algorithm based on TTLS has a better denoising performance than the TLS one. At the same time, for smaller wave numbers, the modal orders for reconstruction at different noise levels are approximately equal and the reconstruction errors are small. The simulation results also demonstrate that the reconstruction algorithm based on TTLS has a better denoising performance at smaller wave numbers than at higher wave numbers. For the higher wave numbers, the modal orders for reconstruction decrease and the reconstruction errors increase with the decrease of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). For the backward reconstruction at smaller wave numbers, the influence to reconstruction results, which arises from structure complexity ascending and evanescent waves existing, should be considered when the reconstruction surfaces are near the structures.
Investigation on the Source Locations of Axisymmetric Screech Tones Utilizing Data from Numerical Simulation
Authors: Lee Incheol , Lee Duck Joo
Published: October 2018

The source locations of axisymmetric modes of screech tones are numerically investigated. Fourth-order optimized compact scheme and fourth-order Runge–Kutta method are used to solve the 2-D axisymmetric Euler equations. The screech tone is successfully reproduced, and the change in wavelength with respect to jet Mach number shows good agreement with the experimental data. At various low supersonic jet Mach numbers, the time-averaged contours of Mach number and root-mean-square pressure are investigated to identify the location of maximum interaction between shock cell structures and vortices. The source locations of two axisymmetric modes, A1 and A2 modes, are distinctly visualized and identified; the screech tones of A1 mode are generated at the apex of fifth shock cell, and the screech tones of A2 mode are generated at the apex of fourth shock cell. Based on the observation, a simple formula for the prediction of axisymmetric modes of screech tones is proposed. The formula is derived based on a form of Rossiter equation, with the assumption of different convection speeds along the jet mixing layer. The proposed formula successfully estimates the frequency of two axisymmetric modes of screech tones, which verifies that the identified source locations of the axisymmetric screech tones are reasonable.
Martian gullies: a comprehensive review of observations, mechanisms and insights from Earth analogues
Authors: Conway Susan J. , de Haas Tjalling , Harrison Tanya N.
Published: October 2018

Upon their discovery in 2000, Martian gullies were hailed as the first proof of recent (i.e. less than a few million years) flowing liquid water on the surface of a dry desert planet. Many processes have been proposed to have formed Martian gullies, ranging from liquid-water seepage from aquifers, melting of snow, ice and frost, to dry granular flows, potentially lubricated by CO
2
. Terrestrial analogues have played a pivotal role in the conception and validation of gully-formation mechanisms. Comparison with the terrestrial landscape argues for gully formation by liquid-water debris flows originating from surface melting. However, limited knowledge of sediment transport by sublimation is a critical factor in impeding progress on the CO
2
-sublimation hypothesis. We propose avenues towards resolving the debate: (a) laboratory simulations targeting variables that can be measured from orbit; (b) applications of landscape-evolution models; (c) incorporation of the concept of sediment connectivity; (d) using 3D fluid-dynamic models to link deposit morphology and flow rheology; and (e) a more intense exchange of techniques between terrestrial and planetary geomorphology, including quantitative and temporal approaches. Finally, we emphasize that the present may not accurately represent the past and that Martian gullies likely formed by a combination of processes.
The gap in CS, mulling irrational exuberance
Authors: Hewitt Carl , Kumar Vijay
Published: October 2018

The
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Carl Hewitt suggests computer science needs a reference resource, while Vijay Kumar decries intellectual dishonesty in technology forecasting.
Weighing the impact of GDPR
Authors: Greengard Samuel
Published: October 2018

The EU data regulation will affect computer, Internet, and technology usage within and outside the EU; how it will play out remains to be seen.
Human-centered design charrettes for K-12 outreach
Authors: Agapie Elena , Davidson Andrew
Published: October 2018

HCI education reflects the continual evolution of HCI, embracing the changing landscapes of technology, infrastructure, and technology use. This forum aims to provide a platform for HCI educators, practitioners, researchers, and students to share their perspectives, reflections, and experiences related to HCI education.
--- Sukeshini Grandhi, Editor
Are usability evaluations reproducible?
Authors: Molich Rolf
Published: October 2018

This forum addresses conceptual, methodological, and professional issues that arise in the UX field's continuing effort to contribute robust information about users to product planning and design. ---
David Siegel and Susan Dray, Editors
Between the abbey and the edge of time
Authors: Clegg Brian
Published: October 2018

A photo marks my place, then and now
Modeling Disease with Human Inducible Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Grandy Rodrigo , Tomaz Rute A. , Vallier Ludovic
Published: October 2018

Understanding the physiopathology of disease remains an essential step in developing novel therapeutics. Although animal models have certainly contributed to advancing this enterprise, their limitation in modeling all the aspects of complex human disorders is one of the major challenges faced by the biomedical research field. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived from patients represent a great opportunity to overcome this deficiency because these cells cover the genetic diversity needed to fully model human diseases. Here, we provide an overview of the history of hiPSC technology and discuss common challenges and approaches that we and others have faced when using hiPSCs to model disease. Our emphasis is on liver disease, and consequently, we review the progress made using this technology to produce functional liver cells in vitro and how these systems are being used to recapitulate a diversity of developmental, metabolic, genetic, and infectious liver disorders.
Cerebrovascular function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the impact of exercise training
Authors: Lewis Nia , Gelinas Jinelle C. M. , Ainslie Philip N. , Smirl Jonathan D. , Agar Gloria , Melzer Bernie , Rolf J. Douglass , Eves Neil D.
Published: October 2018

This study examined cerebral blood flow (CBF) and its regulation before and after a short-term periodized aerobic exercise training intervention in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Twenty-eight patients with COPD (forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity < 0.7 and <lower limit of normal) and 24 healthy control subjects participated in the study. Extracranial CBF (duplex ultrasound), middle cerebral artery velocity (MCAv; transcranial Doppler), cerebrovascular reactivity to hypocapnia and hypercapnia, and dynamic cerebral autoregulation (transfer function analysis) were quantified. These tests were repeated in both patients with COPD ( n = 23) and control subjects ( n = 20) after 8 wk of periodized upper and lower body aerobic exercise training (3 sessions/wk). At baseline, global extracranial CBF was comparable between the COPD and control groups (791 ± 290 vs. 658 ± 143 ml/min, P = 0.25); however, MCAv was lower in patients with COPD compared with control subjects (46 ± 9 vs. 53 ± 10 cm/s, P = 0.05). Although there were no group differences in dynamic cerebral autoregulation or the MCAv response to hypercapnia, patients with COPD had a lower MCAv response to hypocapnia compared with control subjects (−1.1 ± 1.5 vs. −1.6 ± 1.3 cm·s−1·mmHg−1, P = 0.02). After aerobic training, absolute peak O2 consumption increased in both groups, with a greater improvement in control subjects (1.7 ± 0.4 vs. 4.1 ± 0.2 ml·kg−1·min−1, respectively, P = 0.001). Despite these improvements in peak O2 consumption, there were no significant alterations in CBF or any measures of cerebrovascular function after exercise training in either group. In conclusion, patients with COPD have a blunted cerebrovascular response to hypocapnia, and 8 wk of aerobic exercise training did not alter cerebrovascular function despite significant improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY No study to date has investigated whether exercise training can alter resting cerebral blood flow (CBF) regulation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study is the first to assess CBF regulation at rest, before, and after aerobic exercise training in patients with COPD and healthy control subjects. This study demonstrated that while exercise training improved aerobic fitness, it had little effect on CBF regulation in patients with COPD or control subjects.
Summability Methods for Elastic Local Fields in Periodic Heterogeneous Materials
Authors: Caporale Andrea
Published: October 2018

In the past, Eshelby’s method for a single inclusion in an infinite medium has been extended to periodic heterogeneous materials for the evaluation of global properties. In this work, the extended Eshelby’s method is used for the evaluation of local fields such as strain and stress in periodic heterogeneous materials characterized by unit cells containing multiple fibres or voids with different geometric and mechanical properties. The proposed method provides Fourier coefficients that are used to construct partial sums of three-dimensional trigonometric Fourier series of local fields. These partial sums exhibit unwanted effects such as the Gibbs phenomenon. In order to attenuate these effects, the behaviour of iterated Fejér partial sums and means of the Riesz summability method is investigated. Extensive numerical examples on both a multiphase composite and a material with voids are provided: in the examples, partial sums, iterated Fejér partial sums, and Riesz means for the local stress are compared with FEM solutions. The numerical comparison shows Riesz means perform better than partial sums and iterated Fejér partial sums and are effective in approximating elastic local fields in periodic heterogeneous solids.
Expression of Glutamate Receptor Subtype 3 Is Epigenetically Regulated in Podocytes under Diabetic Conditions
Authors: Li Zhengzhe , Chen Haibing , Zhong Fang , Zhang Weijia , Lee Kyung , He John Cijiang
Published: October 2018

Background: Recent studies suggest a role of epigenetics in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease. However, epigenetic changes occurring specifically in kidney cells is poorly understood. Methods: To examine the epigenetic regulation of genes in podocytes under diabetic conditions, we performed DNA methylation and transcriptomic profiling in podocytes exposed to high glucose conditions. Results: Comparative analysis of genes with DNA methylation changes and correspondingly altered mRNA expression identified 337 hypomethylated genes with increased mRNA expression and only 2 hypermethyated genes (ESX1 and GRIA3) with decreased mRNA expression. Glutamate ionotropic receptor AMPA type subunit 3 (GRIA3) belongs to the ionotropic class of glutamate receptors that mediate fast excitatory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system. As podocytes have glutamate-containing vesicles and various glutamate receptors mediate important biological effects in podocytes, we further examined GRIA3 expression and its function in podocytes. Real-time PCR and western blots confirmed the suppression of GRIA3 expression in podocytes under high glucose conditions, which were abolished in the presence of a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor. Sites of DNA hypermethylation were also confirmed by bisulfite sequencing of the GRIA3 promoter region. GRIA3 mRNA and protein expression was suppressed in diabetic kidneys of human and mouse models, and knockdown of GRIA3 exacerbated high glucose-induced apoptosis in cultured podocytes. Conclusion: These results indicate that decreased GRIA3 expression in podocytes in diabetic condition heightens podocyte apoptosis and loss.
IgE Cross-Reactivity of Cashew Nut Allergens
Authors: Bastiaan-Net Shanna , Reitsma Marit , Cordewener Jan H.G. , van der Valk Johanna P.M. , America Twan A.H.P. , Dubois Anthony E.J. , Gerth van Wijk Roy , Savelkoul Huub F.J. , de Jong Nicolette W. , Wichers Harry J.
Published: October 2018

Background: Allergic sensitisation towards cashew nut often happens without a clear history of eating cashew nut. IgE cross-reactivity between cashew and pistachio nut is well described; however, the ability of cashew nut-specific IgE to cross-react to common tree nut species and other Anacardiaceae, like mango, pink peppercorn, or sumac is largely unknown. Objectives: Cashew nut allergic individuals may cross-react to foods that are phylogenetically related to cashew. We aimed to determine IgE cross-sensitisation and cross-reactivity profiles in cashew nut-sensitised subjects, towards botanically related proteins of other Anacardiaceae family members and related tree nut species. Method: Sera from children with a suspected cashew nut allergy (n = 56) were assessed for IgE sensitisation to common tree nuts, mango, pink peppercorn, and sumac using dot blot technique. Allergen cross-reactivity patterns between Anacardiaceae species were subsequently examined by SDS-PAGE and immunoblot inhibition, and IgE-reactive allergens were identified by LC-MS/MS. Results: From the 56 subjects analysed, 36 were positive on dot blot for cashew nut (63%). Of these, 50% were mono-sensitised to cashew nuts, 19% were co-sensitised to Anacardiaceae species, and 31% were co-sensitised to tree nuts. Subjects co-sensitised to Anacardiaceae species displayed a different allergen recognition pattern than subjects sensitised to common tree nuts. In pink peppercorn, putative albumin- and legumin-type seed storage proteins were found to cross-react with serum of cashew nut-sensitised subjects in vitro. In addition, a putative luminal binding protein was identified, which, among others, may be involved in cross-reactivity between several Anacardiaceae species. Conclusions: Results demonstrate the in vitro presence of IgE cross-sensitisation in children towards multiple Anacardiaceae species. In this study, putative novel allergens were identified in cashew, pistachio, and pink peppercorn, which may pose factors that underlie the observed cross-sensitivity to these species. The clinical relevance of this widespread cross-sensitisation is unknown.
Assessment of the Effect of Dietary Modifications and Bioenteric Intragastric Balloon Treatment on the Changes of Some Morphological and Biochemical Parameters in Obese Patients
Authors: Balejko Edyta , Balejko Jerzy , Plust Dominika
Published: October 2018

Obesity is the most common disease of affluence of the XXI century. According to WHO (World Health Organization), it is defined as a chronic metabolic disorder manifested by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue with high tendency for familial occurrence. According to WHO, obesity reaches epidemic proportions in many countries. High BMI (Body Mass Index) correlates with coexisting diseases. Traditional dietetic treatment often does not bring any results. A form of conservative (non-surgical) support for patients in fighting with obesity is the reduction of stomach volume by bioenteric intragastric balloon (BIB) treatment. The aim of the work was to develop a diet with anti-inflammatory properties, well-tolerated by the patients after BIB treatment. An American diet was modified by changing the composition of fatty acids, increasing anti-oxidative potential and adding synbiotics for patients treated with BIB. Chemical analysis of reconstructed food ratios of recommended diet was performed, analysing the content of micronutrients, composition of fatty acids, antioxidative capacity, reducing power and the content of polyphenols. Improvement in anthropometric measurement results and satisfying body weight loss were obtained, while preserving fat-free body mass. Improvement in the parameters of lipid metabolism was also observed, that is, decrease in total CH (cholesterol) and TG (triglycerides), and normalized concentration of HDL (high density lipoproteins) and LDL (low density lipoproteins) fractions. Reduced concentration of glucose in blood and lower blood pressure was also noted. Performed study confirms the effectiveness of complex treatment with BIB and properly adjusted individualized diet. Observations and own experience allow to deduce that patients who resign from systematic contact with a dietician cannot maintain reduced body weight. Abandoning previous habits is the only way to maintain the effect of weight loss. Most importantly, the change in patients’ awareness and consequent behaviour in the future are crucial. Even though genes may contribute to obesity, environmental factors mainly determine the possibility of the disease to occur. Therefore, the change of patients’ lifestyle after body weight reduction will decide on their fate.
The Association between Sense of Coherence and Dental Caries in Low Social Status Schoolchildren
Authors: Tomazoni Fernanda , Vettore Mario Vianna , Mendes Fausto Medeiros , Ardenghi Thiago Machado
Published: October 2018

The relationship between dental caries and sense of coherence (SOC) has not been substantiated in children and adolescents, particularly among those with a low socioeconomic status. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between SOC and dental caries in schoolchildren from a low socioeconomic background. A random sample of 356 8- to 14-year-old schoolchildren enrolled in public schools from the poorest region of Santa Maria, a southern city in Brazil, was selected. Dental examinations were performed to assess dental plaque and dental caries (DMF-S and dmf-s indexes). The children’s SOC was assessed using a validated Brazilian version of the SOC-13 scale. Socioeconomic, demographic, and behavioral data were collected from parents using a questionnaire. Multilevel Poisson regression analysis was used following a hierarchical approach to investigate the association between the SOC and DMF-T + dmf-t mean. Children whose mothers had studied for 8 years or less (RR 1.30; 95% CI 1.08–1.57) and children with dental plaque (RR 1.29; 95% CI 1.06–1.58) presented with higher DMF-T scores than their counterparts (p < 0.05). A higher household income (RR 0.66; 95% CI 0.51–0.84) and greater SOC scores (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.56–0.90) were associated with lower DMF-T in children (p < 0.05). Children’s SOC seems to be a relevant protective psychosocial factor for dental caries experience in socially vulnerable children.
Children with Cryptorchidism Complicated by Testicular Torsion: A Case Series
Authors: Deng Tao , Zhang Xuan , Wang Guanghuan , Duan Shouxing , Fu Maxian , Zhong Jun , Li Jianhong , Jiang Xuewu
Published: October 2018

Objective: To investigate the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of children with cryptorchidism complicated by testicular torsion. Methods: The clinical data of 6 children with cryptorchidism complicated by testicular torsion admitted to our hospital from December 2000 to December 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. Results: All 6 children were diagnosed with cryptorchidism by surgery, their age was from 12 days up to 11 years, and the average time between onset of symptoms and diagnosis was 20.5 h. Torsion testis was located in the groin area and the rate of left to right was about 2:1. Twist was 600° on average. All children were admitted because of the inconsolable cry, abdominal pain, and the swelling of the groin. Three patients underwent orchidectomy, while the other 3 patients underwent detorsion and cryptorchidopexy. Color Doppler ultrasound examination showed normal testes at 6 months after operation. Only 1 case was diagnosed with cryptorchidism after birth. Conclusions: Cryptorchidism is an emergency in pediatric urology and often leads to a low testicular salvage rate, especially in infants, due to lack of knowledge, delayed diagnosis, and late treatment. Neonatal genital examination is important for the early diagnosis and management of cryptorchidism.
AIF-1 and RNASET2 Play Complementary Roles in the Innate Immune Response of Medicinal Leech
Authors: Baranzini Nicolò , Monti Laura , Vanotti Marta , Orlandi Viviana T. , Bolognese Fabrizio , Scaldaferri Debora , Girardello Rossana , Tettamanti Gianluca , de Eguileor Magda , Vizioli Jacopo , Taramelli Roberto , Acquati Francesco , Grimaldi Annalisa
Published: October 2018

Recent studies demonstrated that allograft inflammatory factor-1 (AIF-1) and RNASET2 act as chemoattractants for macrophages and modulate the inflammatory processes in both vertebrates and invertebrates. The expression of these proteins significantly increases after bacterial infection; however, the mechanisms by which they regulate the innate immune response are still poorly defined. Here, we evaluate the effect of bacterial lipopolysaccharide injection on the expression pattern of these genes and the interrelation between them during innate immune response in the medicinal leech, an invertebrate model with a simple anatomy and a marked similarity with vertebrates in inflammatory processes. Collectively, prokaryotic-eukaryotic co-cultures and in vivo infection assays suggest that RNASET2 and AIF-1 play a crucial role in orchestrating a functional cross-talk between granulocytes and macrophages in leeches, resulting in the activation of an effective response against pathogen infection. RNASET2, firstly released by granulocytes, likely plays an early antibacterial role. Subsequently, AIF-1+ RNASET2-recruited macrophages further recruit other macrophages to potentiate the antibacterial inflammatory response. These experimental data are in keeping with the notion of RNA­SET2 acting as an alarmin-like molecule whose role is to locally transmit a “danger” signal (such as a bacterial infection) to the innate immune system in order to trigger an appropriate host response.
Intra-Arterial versus Intravenous Contrast and Renal Injury in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Propensity-Matched Analysis
Authors: Chaudhury Pulkit , Armanyous Sherif , Harb Serge C. , Ferreira Provenzano Laura , Ashour Tarek , Jolly Stacey E. , Arrigain Susana , Konig Victoria , Schold Jesse D. , Navaneethan Sankar D. , Nally Jr Joseph V. , Nakhoul Georges N.
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is well described following an administration of intraarterial contrast, but its occurrence after intravenous (IV) contrast is being questioned. We evaluated the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI), post-contrast AKI (PC-AKI), CIN, dialysis and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) or contrast CT (CCT) or coronary angiography (CoA). Methods: We identified individuals who had CoA or CCT or NCCT between 2010 and 2015 in the Cleveland Clinic CKD registry. We used propensity scores to match patients in the 3 groups. We evaluated the proportion of patients that developed AKI and CIN across the groups with chi-square tests. We generated Kaplan-Meier plots comparing mortality and ESRD among patients who developed AKI (in the NCCT group), PC (multifactorial AKI, CIN) AKI and no AKI. Results: Out of 251 eligible patients, 200 who had CoA were matched to each of the other CT scan groups. The incidence of AKI was 27% in CoA, 24% in CCT and 24% in NCCT (p = 0.72). The incidence of CIN AKI was 16.5% in CoA and 12.5% in CCT (p = 0.26). The Kaplan-Meier survival at 2 years was 74.8 (95% CI 63.8–87.7) for those with CIN and 53.2 (95% CI 39.7–71.4) for those with multifactorial AKI and 56.5 (95% CI 43.4–73.6) for those with AKI-NCCT and 71.4 (95% CI 67.2–76.0) for those without AKI. The Kaplan-Meier ESRD-free estimates at 2 years were 89.9 (95% CI 80.8–100) for those with CIN and 89.4 (95% CI 78.7–100) for those with multifactorial AKI and 77.4 (95% CI 63.6–94.3) for those with AKI-NCCT and 94.4 (95% CI 91.9–97.1) for those without AKI. Conclusion: The administration of both IV and intra-arterial contrast is associated with a risk of AKI. Multifactorial AKI was associated with worse outcomes, while CIN was associated with better outcomes.
Headache at the Time of First Symptom Manifestation of Multiple Sclerosis: A Prospective, Longitudinal Study
Authors: Gebhardt Marcel , Kropp Peter , Hoffmann Frank , Zettl Uwe K.
Published: October 2018

Aims: Headaches have not been considered a typical symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), although since 2000, almost every study showed high prevalence. We screened 50 MS patients at the time of first occurrence of neurological symptoms and found the highest prevalence of headache in MS that was ever recorded (78%). Postmortem histological analyses of MS patients’ brains revealed lymphoid follicle-like structures in the cerebral meninges and a pathophysiological link between headache, and high inflammatory activity especially in the initial phase of MS could be suspected. The aim of this study was to get insights into the persistence of headache in the further progress of the disease. Methods: In a prospective, multicenter study, 50 MS patients at the time of first symptom manifestation were screened for the presence of headache within the last 4 weeks and again 6 months later with help of the Rostock Headache Questionnaire (Rokoko) as well as using the evaluation of case history and clinical-neurological investigation. Results: We found a decrease of headache prevalence after 6 months from 78 to 61% (p = 0.01). We could also show a decrease of headache frequency, measured by days with headache in the last 4 weeks (9.5 vs. 5.9, p = 0.001). Migraine or probable migraine was the most frequent headache. In both investigations, the most frequent headache was recurrent pain with pulsating and throbbing character that lasted between 4 and 72 h. Conclusion: Headaches should be taken seriously as an important symptom in early MS. The decrease of headache 6 months after first symptom manifestation of MS could be a result of the immunomodulatory therapy. Young patients in whom migraine-like headaches occur should obligatory undergo an MRI of the head, and in the case of abnormal findings differential diagnosis should be initiated. This could reduce latency until final diagnosis of MS and enable early treatment.
New species of termite Pericapritermes travancorensis sp. nov. (Isoptera: Termitidae: Termitinae) from India
Authors: Mathew Jobin , Ipe Chinnu
Published: October 2018

A new species of Pericapritermes, P. travancorensis sp. nov. (Isoptera, Termitidae, Termitinae), is described from Kerala, India, based on the characters of the king, queen, imago, soldiers, and workers.  Morphological measurements of the king, queen, imago, soldiers, and workers are given with suitable illustrations.  List of species of the genus Pericapritermes from the Oriental region is provided.
Crocodiles of river Krishna: impact on agriculture, economy, and the sociology of human population in Sangli, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Atigre Rajaram Hindurao
Published: October 2018

Krishna is one of the main rivers of the Deccan Plateau. It begins its course in the Western Ghats. A large human population relies on the river Krishna for agricultural irrigation, watering livestock (cattle), fishing and other activities. The presence of and attacks by the Mugger Crocodile Crocodylus palustris on humans and livestock are reported in the Krishna resulted in the formulation of the present research. Data collection comprised on-site observations and field interviews using a structured questionnaire. Attacks were found to occur mostly during winter and summer seasons. During winter, crocodiles bask in the sunlight on river banks and attack in self-defense. The summer season corresponds with their breeding period and attacks occur as the crocodiles protect their nests.
Status distribution and feeding habit of Wild Boar Sus scrofa (Mammalia: Artiodactyla: Suidae) in Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Khan Shaheer , Ilyas Orus
Published: October 2018

The Wild Boar Sus scrofa is omnivorous, serves as the prey base for large carnivores, performs the role of a natural scavenger, and is often involved in crop raiding.  The species is included in Schedule V of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, meaning hunting of the species may be allowed by the Chief Wildlife Warden in instances where individuals of the species are considered dangerous to human life or property.  Faecal samples of Wild Boar in Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India, were collected from January to June 2013 to assess the distribution of Wild Boar in Karmajhiri range.  The density of Wild Boar in Sapath and Tikadi beat was 25.5±0.29 and 23.9±0.33 per hectare, respectively, and was the lowest in Teliya at 1.6±0.05 per hectare.  Sixteen different beats were sampled and surveyed to understand the diet of Wild Boar during the winter season.  Ingested items included stones, roots, grass, fruits and seeds, hairs, earthworms, flowers, and green plant material.  Out of these, the most frequent item was grass, followed by roots and stones.
Habitat distribution modeling for reintroduction and conservation of Aristolochia indica L. - a threatened medicinal plant in Assam, India
Authors: Sarma Bhaskar , Baruah Prantik Sharma , Tanti Bhaben
Published: October 2018

A detailed study on the regeneration ecology of Aristolochia indica L. was carried out to prevent this threatened medicinal plant from its future extirpation in Assam, India. The population stock of the species has been depleting fast in its natural habitats as a consequence of certain factors such as habitat fragmentation, over-exploitation due to its high medicinal properties, and other anthropogenic activities. For improving the conservation status of the species, potential area and habitat for its reintroduction were predicted using Maximum Entropy distribution modelling algorithm. The model was developed using environmental parameters and locality data in the natural range of Karbi Anglong District of Assam, India. The model predicted that the suitable habitats for the reintroduction of A. indica L. were restricted to parts of Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh which have been identified to offer suitable environmental conditions for persistence of the species. Population status was positively correlated with higher model thresholds in the undisturbed habitats confirming the usefulness of the habitat model in population monitoring, particularly in predicting the successful establishment of the species.
A checklist of vascular epiphytes of El Cometa Lagoon, Pantanos de Centla Biosphere Reserve, Mexico
Authors: Jiménez-López Derio Antonio , Peralta-Carreta Candelario , Solórzano Jonathan V. , Cervantes-Jiménez Gerardo Luis , Domínguez-Vázquez Marco Antonio
Published: October 2018

This study presents an updated checklist of vascular epiphytes found in the highly-conserved mangrove forest surrounding El Cometa Lagoon inside Pantanos de Centla Biosphere Reserve, Mexico.  In order to perform this task, 25 sampling units were established at the study site and were visited at two stages, once in 2014 and next in 2016.  Inside each sampling unit, all the epiphyte species found on host trees with a diameter at breast height 10cm were recorded.  The complete epiphyte species list included 25 species belonging to 18 different genera. The richest family was Orchidaceae with nine species and the richest genus was Tillandsia with seven species.  Additionally, the total epiphyte richness found in this study was among the highest reported for mangrove forests in Mexico.  Epiphyte studies in mangrove forests are uncommon; therefore, this list is the first step to identify vascular epiphytes in the region and contribute to its proper conservation.
Pollination ecology of Synedrella nodiflora (l.) Gaertn. (Asteraceae)
Authors: Usharani B. , Raju A.J. Solomon
Published: October 2018

Synedrella nodiflora (L.) Gaertn grows almost throughout the year if the soil is damp. It produces heterogamous capitula with female ray florets anthesing first day and bisexual disc florets anthesing on the next three consecutive days. Disc florets are dichogamous, herkogamous, self-compatible, self-pollinating (vector-mediated) and display secondary pollen presentation through an intermediate form of brush mechanism. Ray and disc florets exhibit facultative xenogamy. Butterflies are principal pollinators while bees, wasps and flies are supplementary pollinators. Thrips, Microcephalothrips abdominalis uses the florets as breeding and feeding sites; the feeding activity effects pollination. The ray and disc florets produce cypselas; the cypselas produced by ray florets are  heavier, elliptical, membranous with upwardly-pointing teeth along the margins and 2 short terminal awns while those produced by disc floret are lighter, cylindrical and tangentially compressed with 2 or 3 stiff terminal divaricate awns. Seed dispersal is polychorous and represented by anemochory, anthropochory, zoochory and ombrohydrochory. Cypselas of ray florets disperse to short distances and germinate germinate under specific germination conditions either at parental sites or in similar habitats while those of disc florets disperse farther away from parental sites and germinate readily under a wide range of conditions. Therefore, bimorphic cypselas with different germination abilities enable the plant to grow as a widespread weed but not as an invasive weed.
Hypervolume Subset Selection with Small Subsets
Authors: Groz Benoît , Maniu Silviu
Published: October 2018

The hypervolume subset selection problem (HSSP) aims at approximating a set of [Formula: see text] multidimensional points in [Formula: see text] with an optimal subset of a given size. The size [Formula: see text] of the subset is a parameter of the problem, and an approximation is considered best when it maximizes the hypervolume indicator. This problem has proved popular in recent years as a procedure for multiobjective evolutionary algorithms. Efficient algorithms are known for planar points ([Formula: see text]), but there are hardly any results on HSSP in larger dimensions ([Formula: see text]). So far, most algorithms in higher dimensions essentially enumerate all possible subsets to determine the optimal one, and most of the effort has been directed toward improving the efficiency of hypervolume computation. We propose efficient algorithms for the selection problem in dimension 3 when either [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] is small, and extend our techniques to arbitrary dimensions for [Formula: see text].
The population structure and parasitic relationships of oyster (Crassostrea angulata), Arcotheres sinensis (Pinnotheridae), and Rhopalione sinensis (Bopyridae) at the oyster reefs of western Taiwan
Authors: Kuo Ai-Ling , Lin Feng-Jiau , Hsu Jung-Ting , Chan Yi-Shin , Ueng Yih-Tsong
Published: October 2018

This study examined the relationships among hosts, parasites, and hyperparasites of oyster farming on the west coast of Taiwan from June 2012 to August 2013. In a region of Taisi (Taiwan), which was composed of near coast and far coast racks, a total of 77 155 oysters were collected. Among them, 1166 oysters were parasitized by pea crabs, with the rate of parasitism of oysters by the pea crab,Arcotheres sinensis(Shen, 1932) being 1.51%. A total 1523 pea crabs were collected with a sex ratio of females to males of 1.03 : 1. A total of 285 bopyrid isopod parasitesRhopalione sinensisMarkham, 1990 were collected from the pea crabs. The hyperparasitic rate of female pea crabs was 22.1%, and the sex ratio of female to male isopods was 1.16 : 1. Most of the pea crabs entered their hosts when the crabs were small, which allowed them to grow within the host.