bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrogen Sulfide Attenuates LPS‐Induced Acute Kidney Injury by Inhibiting Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Chen Yuhong , Jin Sheng , Teng Xu , Hu Zhenjie , Zhang Zhihong , Qiu Xuan , Tian Danyang , Wu Yuming
Published: January 2018

In order to investigate the protective mechanism of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in sepsis‐associated acute kidney injury (SA‐AKI), ten AKI patients and ten healthy controls were enrolled. In AKI patients, levels of creatinine (Cre), urea nitrogen (BUN), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity as well as concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were significantly increased compared with those of controls. However, plasma level of H2S decreased and was linearly correlated with levels of Cre and BUN. After that, an AKI mouse model by intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection was constructed for in vivo study. In AKI mice, H2S levels decreased with the decline of 3‐MST activity and expression; similar changes were observed in other indicators mentioned above. However, the protein expressions of TLR4, NLRP3, and caspase‐1 in mice kidney tissues were significantly increased 6 h after LPS injection. NaHS could improve renal function and kidney histopathological changes, attenuate LPS‐induced inflammation and oxidative stress, and inhibit expressions of TLR4, NLRP3, and caspase‐1. Our study demonstrated that endogenous H2S is involved in the pathogenesis of SA‐AKI, and exogenous H2S exerts protective effects against LPS‐induced AKI by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress via the TLR4/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
Iterative Receiver with Low Complexity for Downlink Multicarrier Communications over Rapidly Time‐Varying Channels
Authors: Kabaoglu Nihat , Erdogan Eylem , Aydin Erdogan
Published: January 2018

This study proposes an iterative, joint channel estimation, equalization, and data detection method in the presence of high mobility for a multicarrier downlink system that communicates over rapidly time‐varying channels. The proposed method uses a basis expansion method (BEM) which has low computational complexity and helps to reduce the number of coefficients needed to represent a time‐varying channel and therefore is extremely easy to implement practically. Unlike the current literature, which is almost entirely focused on the uplink communication systems due to their computational costs, this method prioritizes the goal of being feasible in a downlink system with a reasonable performance. The proposed suboptimal algorithm is based on the space‐alternating generalized expectation‐maximization (SAGE) algorithm and the time‐varying channel is represented by orthogonal basis functions obtained by means of discrete Walsh‐Hadamard transform (DWHT). The resulting receiver iterates between maximum a posteriori (MAP) based channel estimation in the subspace spanned by the orthogonal basis functions and successive interference cancellation. Numerical examples show that the proposed algorithm has a satisfactory symbol error rate with low computational complexity and also has a reasonable peak‐to‐average power ratio (PAPR) reduction effect.
Homotheties of a Class of Spherically Symmetric Space-Time Admitting G3 as Maximal Isometry Group
Authors: Ahmad Daud , Habib Kashif
Published: January 2018

The homotheties of spherically symmetric space-time admitting G4, G6, and G10 as maximal isometry groups are already known, whereas, for the space-time admitting G3 as isometry groups, the solution in the form of differential constraints on metric coefficients requires further classification. For a class of spherically symmetric space-time admitting G3 as maximal isometry groups without imposing any restriction on the stress-energy tensor, the metrics along with their corresponding homotheties are found. In one case, the metric is found along with its homothety vector that satisfies an additional constraint and is illustrated with the help of an example of a metric. In another case, the metric and the corresponding homothety vector are found for a subclass of spherically symmetric space-time for which the differential constraint is reduced to separable form. Stress-energy tensor and related quantities of the metrics found are given in the relevant section.
Proposal of Two Measures of Complexity Based on Lempel-Ziv for Dynamic Systems: An Application for Manufacturing Systems
Authors: Alfaro Miguel , Vargas Manuel , Fuertes Guillermo , Sepúlveda-Rojas Juan Pedro
Published: January 2018

The measure of complexity of Lempel-Ziv (LZC) is used for the analysis of time series generated by dynamic systems with the objective of determining its complexity. This work measures LZC of different series coming from periodic functions, probabilistic functions, and chaotic systems. Later, these metrics of complexity are applied to the average of the number of parts in the waiting line in a manufacturing workshop. The results demonstrate the efficiency of the LZC to establish the level of the dynamic behavior of the manufacturing systems, through the time series.
Real-Time Pricing for Demand Response in Smart Grid Based on Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers
Authors: Zhu Hongbo , Gao Yan , Hou Yong
Published: January 2018

The real-time pricing (RTP) scheme is an ideal method to adjust the power balance between supply and demand in smart grid systems. This scheme has a profound impact on users’ behavior, system operation, and overall grid management in the electricity industry. In this research, we conduct an extended discussion of a RTP optimization model and give a theoretical analysis of the existence and uniqueness of the Lagrangian multiplier. A distributed optimization method based on the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) algorithm with Gaussian back substitution (GBS) is proposed in this study. On the one hand, the proposed algorithm takes abundant advantage of the separability among variables in the model. On the other hand, the proposed algorithm can not only speed up the convergence rate to enhance the efficiency of computing, but also overcome the deficiency of the distributed dual subgradient algorithm, the possibility of nonconvergence in the iteration process. In addition, we give the theoretical proof of the convergence of the proposed algorithm. Furthermore, the interdependent relationship between variables has been discussed in depth during numerical simulations in the study. Compared with the dual subgradient method, the simulation results validate that the proposed algorithm has a higher convergence speed and better implementation effect.
DNA Methylation Status of the Interspersed Repetitive Sequences for LINE-1, Alu, HERV-E, and HERV-K in Trabeculectomy Specimens from Glaucoma Eyes
Authors: Chansangpetch Sunee , Prombhul Sasiprapa , Tantisevi Visanee , Sodsai Pimpayao , Manassakorn Anita , Hirankarn Nattiya , Lin Shan C.
Published: January 2018

Background/Aims. Epigenetic mechanisms via DNA methylation may be related to glaucoma pathogenesis. This study aimed to determine the global DNA methylation level of the trabeculectomy specimens among patients with different types of glaucoma and normal subjects. Methods. Trabeculectomy sections from 16 primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), 12 primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG), 16 secondary glaucoma patients, and 10 normal controls were assessed for DNA methylation using combined-bisulfite restriction analysis. The percentage of global methylation level of the interspersed repetitive sequences for LINE-1, Alu, HERV-E, and HERV-K were compared between the 4 groups. Results. There were no significant differences in the methylation for LINE-1 and HERV-E between patients and normal controls. For the Alu marker, the methylation was significantly lower in all types of glaucoma patients compared to controls (POAG 52.19% versus control 52.83%, p=0.021; PACG 51.50% versus control, p=0.005; secondary glaucoma 51.95% versus control, p=0.014), whereas the methylation level of HERV-K was statistically higher in POAG patients compared to controls (POAG 49.22% versus control 48.09%, p=0.017). Conclusions. The trabeculectomy sections had relative DNA hypomethylation of Alu in all glaucoma subtypes and relative DNA hypermethylation of HERV-K in POAG patients. These methylation changes may lead to the fibrotic phenotype in the trabecular meshwork.
Nrf2‐Mediated Metabolic Reprogramming in Cancer
Authors: Wang Yan-Yang , Chen Juan , Liu Xiao-Ming , Zhao Ren , Zhe Hong
Published: January 2018

Metabolic reprogramming is one of the hallmarks of cancer. Nrf2 pathway is one of the critical signaling cascades involved in cell defense and survival against oxidative stress. The significance of Nrf2 in cancer metabolism begins to be recognized. In this minireview, we focus on the Nrf2‐mediated cancer metabolic reprogramming and intend to highlight the role of Nrf2 in the regulation of malignant transformation, cancer proliferation, and the development of treatment resistance via metabolic adaptations. We hope for the development of noninvasive biomarkers and novel therapeutic approaches for cancer based on Nrf2‐directed cancer metabolic reprogramming in the near future.
Pressure Sensitive Sensors Based on Carbon Nanotubes, Graphene, and Its Composites
Authors: Ali Asar , Khan Adam , Karimov Kh. S. , Ali Amjad , Daud Khan Adnan
Published: January 2018

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene have attracted a great deal of interest due to their outstanding mechanical, optical, electrical, and structural properties. Most of the scientists and researchers have investigated the optical and electrical properties of these materials. However, due to unique electromechanical properties of these materials, it is required to explore the piezoresistive properties of bulk nanostructured CNTs, graphene, and CNT-graphene composites. We investigated and compared the sensitivities and piezoresistive properties of sandwich-type pure CNT, pure graphene, and CNT-graphene composite pressure sensors. For all the samples, increase in pressure from 0 to 0.183 kNm−2 results in a decrease in the impedance and direct current (DC) resistance. Sensitivity and percentage decrease in resistance and impedance of CNT-graphene composite were lower than pure CNT while being higher than pure graphene based sample. Moreover, under the same external applied pressure, the sensitivity and percentage decrease in impedance for pure CNT, pure graphene, and CNT-graphene composite were smaller than the corresponding sensitivity and percentage decrease in resistance. The achieved experimental results of the composite sample were compared with simulated results which exhibit reasonable agreement with each other. The deviations of simulated resistance-pressure and impedance-pressure curves from experimental graphs were 0.029% and 0.105%, respectively.
TRIM59 Promotes Gliomagenesis by Inhibiting TC45 Dephosphorylation of STAT3
Authors: Sang Youzhou , Li Yanxin , Song Lina , Alvarez Angel A. , Zhang Weiwei , Lv Deguan , Tang Jianming , Liu Feng , Chang Zhijie , Hatakeyama Shigetsugu , Hu Bo , Cheng Shi-Yuan , Feng Haizhong
Published: January 2018

Aberrant EGFR signaling is a common driver of glioblastoma (GBM) pathogenesis; however, the downstream effectors that sustain this oncogenic pathway remain unclarified. Here we demonstrate that tripartite motif-containing protein 59 (TRIM59) acts as a new downstream effector of EGFR signaling by regulating STAT3 activation in GBM. EGFR signaling led to TRIM59 upregulation through SOX9 and enhanced the interaction between TRIM59 and nuclear STAT3, which prevents STAT3 dephosphorylation by the nuclear form of T-cell protein tyrosine phosphatase (TC45), thereby maintaining transcriptional activation and promoting tumorigenesis. Silencing TRIM59 suppresses cell proliferation, migration, and orthotopic xenograft brain tumor formation of GBM cells and glioma stem cells. Evaluation of GBM patient samples revealed an association between EGFR activation, TRIM59 expression, STAT3 phosphorylation, and poor prognoses. Our study identifies TRIM59 as a new regulator of oncogenic EGFR/STAT3 signaling and as a potential therapeutic target for GBM patients with EGFR activation.

Significance: These findings identify a novel component of the EGFR/STAT3 signaling axis in the regulation of glioma tumorigenesis. Cancer Res; 78(7); 1792–804. ©2018 AACR.
The Effect of a High-Fat Diet on the Development of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in a Vascular Hypoperfusion-Induced Animal Model
Authors: Hashimoto Keisuke , Kugo Hirona , Tanaka Hiroki , Iwamoto Kazuko , Miyamoto Chie , Urano Tetsumei , Unno Naoki , Hayamizu Kohsuke , Zaima Nobuhiro , Moriyama Tatsuya
Published: January 2018

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a vascular disease characterized by chronic inflammation in the infrarenal aorta. Most cases of AAA remain asymptomatic until rupture, and the mortality rate of patients with AAA rupture is very high. Currently, the relation between dietary habits and AAA development remains unknown. In this study, we evaluated the effects of a high-fat diet on the development of AAA in a vascular hypoperfusion-induced animal model. The risk of AAA rupture and AAA diameter in the high-fat group significantly increased compared with those in the control group. The number and size of adipocytes in the vascular wall in the high-fat group significantly increased as compared with those in the control group. Additionally, the collagen-positive sections in the areas with adipocytes significantly decreased as compared with those without adipocytes. The protein levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, and MMP-12, and macrophage-positive areas in the parts with adipocytes also significantly increased as compared with those without adipocytes. These data suggested that AAA rupture risk increased through accelerating chronic inflammation due to the accumulation of adipocytes in the vascular wall in the high-fat group.
Ablation of the MiR-17-92 MicroRNA Cluster in Germ Cells Causes Subfertility in Female Mice
Authors: Wang Jian , Xu Bo , Tian Geng G. , Sun Tao , Wu Ji
Published: January 2018

Background/Aims: Oogenesis is a highly complex process that is intricately regulated by interactions of multiple genes and signaling molecules. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. There is emerging evidence that microRNAs contribute to oogenesis. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of miR-17-92 cluster in regulating oogenesis. Methods: The miR-17-92 cluster was genetically ablated in germ cells of female mice by applying the Cre-loxp system for conditional gene knockout. Mating experiment, superovulation and histological analysis were used to assess the fertility of the model female mice. TUNEL assay was used to identify apoptotic cells in ovaries. The expression level of apoptosis- and follicular atresia- related genes was evaluated by qRT-PCR. Western blotting was performed to detect protein expression. Bioinformatics software and dual luciferase reporter assay were applied to predict and verify the target of miR-17-92 cluster. Results: Deletion of miR-17-92 cluster in germ cells of female mice caused increased oocyte degradation and follicular atresia, perturbed oogenesis, and ultimately led to subfertility. Genes involved in follicular atresia and the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway were obviously up-regulated. Furthermore, we verified that miR-19a regulated oogenesis at the post-transcriptional level by targeting Bmf in the ovaries of miR-17-92 cluster conditional knockout female mice. Conclusion: The miR-17-92 cluster is an important regulator of oogenesis. These findings will assist in better understanding the etiology of disorders in oogenesis and in developing new therapeutic targets for female infertility.
Reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions in Primary Care Settings in Kuwait: A Comparative Study of Physicians and Pharmacists
Authors: Lemay Jacinthe , Alsaleh Fatemah M. , Al-Buresli Lulwa , Al-Mutairi Mohammed , Abahussain Eman A. , Bayoud Tania
Published: January 2018

Objective: To investigate and compare knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding pharmacovigilance (PV) and the reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADR) among physicians and pharmacists in primary care settings. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, in which a validated self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 386 physicians and 197 pharmacists in 38 primary care clinics in Kuwait. Categorical variables were described using numbers and percentages. The Pearson χ2 test, Fisher exact test, and Mann-Whitney U test were used as appropriate. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 583 questionnaires distributed, 485 were completed (by 318 physicians and 167 pharmacists), giving an overall response rate of 83.2%. A total of 52.8% (n = 256) and 70.5% (n = 341) of the study participants were knowledgeable about the definitions of PV and ADR, respectively, with pharmacists demonstrating significantly better knowledge of PV (n = 105/167 vs. 151/318, i.e., 62.9 vs. 47.5%; p < 0.001) and purpose (n = 123/167 vs. 177/318, i.e., 74.1 vs. 55.7%; p < 0.001). However, the majority (n = 434/485; 89.4%) were not aware of an ADR reporting system in Kuwait. Almost every participant (n = 474/485; 97.7%) thought it was necessary to report ADR. However, significantly fewer physicians than pharmacists (n = 248/318 vs. 147/167, i.e., 78.0 vs. 88.0%; p < 0.01) believed that ADR reporting was a professional obligation. Only 27.8% (n = 133/485) had reported ADR, with pharmacists having reported significantly fewer than physicians (n = 35/167 vs. 98/318, i.e., 21.7 vs. 30.8%; p = 0.036). Conclusions: This study indicated that the attitude was positive but there was suboptimal knowledge and poor practice among primary care physicians and pharmacists with regard to ADR reporting. Targeted training about ADR reporting while ensuring a robust regulatory framework would encourage ADR reporting practices in the primary health care setting in Kuwait.
Efetividade de uma intervenção digital na diminuição da prática de binge drinking entre frequentadores de baladas
Authors: Baldin Yago C , Sanudo Adriana , Sanchez Zila M
Published: January 2018

OBJETIVO: Avaliar, após seis meses, a efetividade de uma intervenção digital na diminuição da prática de binge drinking entre frequentadores de baladas. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um inquérito de portal através de uma amostra probabilística em 31 baladas da cidade de São Paulo, a qual originou um ensaio controlado randomizado com 1.057 participantes. Aqueles classificados como uso problemático do álcool (n = 465) através do Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test foram randomizados em dois grupos de estudo – intervenção e controle. A intervenção digital consistiu em expor os participantes a uma tela de feedback normativo sobre seu consumo de álcool, caracterizando os riscos associados à quantidade consumida, valores gastos com bebidas, beber e dirigir, classificação do risco do Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test e dicas de redução de danos. RESULTADOS:Houve uma redução significativa da prática de binge drinking na semana estimada em 38% entre os participantes do grupo intervenção após seis meses (p < 0,05). Porém, não houve redução significativa nos desfechos quando se analisam os grupos intervenção e controle e os tempos início e seis meses após, simultaneamente. CONCLUSÕES: Não se pode concluir que as ferramentas digitais reduzem o padrão de binge drinking nos frequentadores de baladas paulistanas. São necessários mais estudos com esta metodologia devido ao caráter atrativo para esse grupo, tendo em vista a privacidade e a rapidez que as informações personalizadas são transmitidas.
Plasma Cell Depletion Attenuates Hypertension in an Experimental Model of Autoimmune Disease
Authors: Taylor Erin B. , Barati Michelle T. , Powell David W. , Turbeville Hannah R. , Ryan Michael J.
Published: January 2018

Numerous studies show a direct relation between circulating autoantibodies, characteristic of systemic autoimmune disorders, and primary hypertension in humans. Whether these autoantibodies mechanistically contribute to the development of hypertension remains unclear. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by aberrant immunoglobulin production, notably pathogenic autoantibodies, and is associated with prevalent hypertension, renal injury, and cardiovascular disease. Because plasma cells produce the majority of serum immunoglobulins and are the primary source of autoantibodies in SLE, we hypothesized that plasma cell depletion using the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib would lower autoantibody production and attenuate hypertension. Thirty-week-old female SLE (NZBWF1) and control (NZW [New Zealand White]) mice were injected IV with vehicle (0.9% saline) or bortezomib (0.75 mg/kg) twice weekly for 4 weeks. Bortezomib treatment significantly lowered the percentage of bone marrow plasma cells in SLE mice. Total plasma IgG and anti-dsDNA IgG levels were higher in SLE mice compared with control mice but were lowered by bortezomib treatment. Mean arterial pressure (mm Hg) measured in conscious mice by carotid artery catheter was higher in SLE mice than in control mice, but mean arterial pressure was significantly lower in bortezomib-treated SLE mice. Bortezomib also attenuated renal injury, as assessed by albuminuria and glomerulosclerosis, and reduced glomerular immunoglobulin deposition and B and T lymphocytes infiltration into the kidneys. Taken together, these data show that the production of autoantibodies by plasma cells mechanistically contributes to autoimmune-associated hypertension and suggests a potential role for patients with primary hypertension who have increased circulating immunoglobulins.
Morphological and molecular characterisation of two new Hemicycliophora species (Tylenchida: Hemicycliophoridae) with a revision of the taxonomic status of some known species and a phylogeny of the genus
Authors: Van den Berg Esther , Tiedt Louwrens R. , Liébanas Gracia , Chitambar John J. , Stanley Jason D. , Inserra Renato N. , Castillo Pablo , Subbotin Sergei A.
Published: January 2018

Hemicycliophora presently contains 132 valid species of sheath nematodes. Within several samples obtained from surveys in Canada, South Africa, Spain and the USA, we distinguished six valid and six putative unidentified species by integrating the results of morphological and molecular analyses. Valid species included: H. californica, H. gracilis, H. parvana, H. poranga, H. raskii, and H. signata. The putative unidentified species were indicated as Hemicycliophora sp. 10, sp. 12, sp. 15, sp. 16, sp. 17, and sp. 18. Two new species of sheath nematodes from Spain and the USA were described and named as H. onubensis sp. n. and H. robbinsi sp. n., respectively. Hemicycliophora wyei is proposed as a junior synonym of H. parvana and H. ripa is proposed as a junior synonym of H. poranga. Eighteen valid and 13 unidentified species of sheath nematodes were characterised using the partial COI mtDNA gene. A total of 94 new sequences of which 77 were for the COI mtDNA gene were obtained in this study. Phylogenetic relationships within Hemicycliophora, using the D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S rDNA, ITS rRNA and COI gene sequences, are presented as inferred from Bayesian analysis.
Review of Anaphes Haliday (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) with key to species in Europe and a world catalogue
Authors: HUBER JOHN T. , THURÓCZY CSABA
Published: January 2018

The Walter Soyka species of Anaphes Haliday are reviewed and placed in context among the remaining world species. An analysis of his descriptions and identification keys is presented, and discussed in light of a broader interpretation of intraspecific variation in Anaphes species than Soyka accepted. An illustrated diagnosis of Anaphes is given and the species in Europe considered to be valid are keyed—14 species in Anaphes (Anaphes) and 15 species in Anaphes (Patasson). The 244 names of world Anaphes are tabulated in various ways and their type localities, if known, are mapped. All available valid names and their synonyms, mostly from among the 155 nominal species described by Soyka, are catalogued, with details of type material and collecting information. A total of 167 synonyms are listed, 17 of which are synonyms proposed by earlier authors and 149 of which are proposed as new synonyms. Lectotypes are designated for Mymar ferreirei Soyka and Yungaburra acutiventris Soyka. Nine nomina dubia, 2 names of fossil species that most likely do not belong to Anaphes, 3 unavailable names and 20 species transferred to other genera are listed separately; among the latter, Anagrus foersteri (Ratzeburg) is transferred to Erythmelus Enock as E. foersteri (Ratzeburg), comb. n. Host records published from 1985–2015 are tabulated; most are from the literature but a few are from unpublished records found on slide mounted Anaphes specimens in various collections, mostly in Europe. The merits of classifying the available names of nominal species into an earlier classification with subgenera Anaphes (Anaphes) and Anaphes (Patasson) instead a later classification consisting of species groups within Anaphes (Anaphes) and Anaphes (Yungaburra) are discussed; the earlier classification is preferred.
On the Dynamics of Adjustment in the f-Plane Shallow Water Adjoint System
Authors: Morgan Michael C.
Published: January 2018

Analytic results and numerical experimentation reveal that a “backward” integration of the adjoint of the shallow water system linearized about a basic state at rest on an f plane is characterized by a radiation of gravity wave–like structures and the emergence of a steady adjoint state. The earlier adjoint states are linked to the prescribed adjoint state (i.e., the adjoint forcing) through the locally conserved dynamical adjoint variables of the shallow water system: the sensitivity to “balanced height” ([Formula: see text]) and the sensitivity to potential vorticity (PV) [Formula: see text]. The sensitivity to balanced height is determined by the prescribed adjoint sensitivity forcings for the flow, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], and height (fluid depth), [Formula: see text]: [Formula: see text]− ( g/ f)([Formula: see text]). The sensitivity to PV is diagnosed from the inversion of an elliptic operator relating the sensitivity to PV to the distribution of [Formula: see text].

The sensitivity to PV determines the long-time ( t → ∞), steady behavior of the adjoint sensitivity to height, [Formula: see text]= −( f/ H2)[Formula: see text]. In the vicinity of the initial adjoint forcing, the long-time, steady-state behavior of the adjoint system (linearized about a state at rest) is characterized by nondivergent sensitivities to the flow that resemble geostrophic balance: [Formula: see text]= (1/ H)[Formula: see text]/∂ y and [Formula: see text]= (1/ H)[Formula: see text]/∂ x. The process by which this long-time, nondivergent, adjoint state emerges is termed adjoint adjustment. For the system considered, sensitivities to the ageostrophic and irrotational components of the flow vanish for the adjusted state near the prescribed adjoint forcing.
The Transformation of Salinity Variance: A New Approach to Quantifying the Influence of Straining and Mixing on Estuarine Stratification
Authors: Li Xiangyu , Geyer W. Rockwell , Zhu Jianrong , Wu Hui
Published: January 2018

The roles of straining and dissipation in controlling stratification are derived analytically using a vertical salinity variance method. Stratification is produced by converting horizontal variance to vertical variance via straining, that is, differential advection of horizontal salinity gradients, and stratification is destroyed by the dissipation of vertical variance through turbulent mixing. A numerical model is applied to the Changjiang estuary in order to demonstrate the salinity variance balance and how it reveals the factors controlling stratification. The variance analysis reveals that dissipation reaches its maximum during spring tide in the Changjiang estuary, leading to the lowest stratification. Stratification increases from spring tide to neap tide because of the increasing excess of straining over dissipation. Throughout the spring–neap tidal cycle, straining is almost always larger than dissipation, indicating a net excess of production of vertical variance relative to dissipation. This excess is balanced on average by advection, which exports vertical variance out of the estuarine region into the plume. During neap tide, tidal straining shows a general tendency of destratification during the flood tide and restratification during ebb, consistent with the one-dimensional theory of tidal straining. During spring tide, however, positive straining occurs during flood because of the strong baroclinicity induced by the intensified horizontal salinity gradient. These results indicate that the salinity variance method provides a valuable approach for examining the spatial and temporal variability of stratification in estuaries and coastal environments.
Autonomous Sampling of Ocean Submesoscale Fronts with Ocean Gliders and Numerical Model Forecasting
Authors: Flexas Mar M. , Troesch Martina I. , Chien Steve , Thompson Andrew F. , Chu Selina , Branch Andrew , Farrara John D. , Chao Yi
Published: January 2018

Submesoscale fronts arising from mesoscale stirring are ubiquitous in the ocean and have a strong impact on upper-ocean dynamics. This work presents a method for optimizing the sampling of ocean fronts with autonomous vehicles at meso- and submesoscales, based on a combination of numerical forecast and autonomous planning. This method uses a 48-h forecast from a real-time high-resolution data-assimilative primitive equation ocean model, feature detection techniques, and a planner that controls the observing platform. The method is tested in Monterey Bay, off the coast of California, during a 9-day experiment focused on sampling subsurface thermohaline-compensated structures using a Seaglider as the ocean observing platform. Based on model estimations, the sampling “gain,” defined as the magnitude of isopycnal tracer variability sampled, is 50% larger in the feature-chasing case with respect to a non-feature-tracking scenario. The ability of the model to reproduce, in space and time, thermohaline submesoscale features is evaluated by quantitatively comparing the model and glider results. The model reproduces the vertical (~50–200 m thick) and lateral (~5–20 km) scales of subsurface subducting fronts and near-bottom features observed in the glider data. The differences between model and glider data are, in part, attributed to the selected glider optimal interpolation parameters and to uncertainties in the forecasting of the location of the structures. This method can be exported to any place in the ocean where high-resolution data-assimilative model output is available, and it allows for the incorporation of multiple observing platforms.
Forecasting West African Heat Waves at Subseasonal and Seasonal Time Scales
Authors: Batté Lauriane , Ardilouze Constantin , Déqué Michel
Published: January 2018

Early indication of an increased risk of extremely warm conditions could help alleviate some of the consequences of severe heat waves on human health. This study focuses on boreal spring heat wave events over West Africa and the Sahel and examines the long-range predictability and forecast quality of these events with two coupled forecasting systems designed at Météo-France, both based on the CNRM-CM coupled global climate model: the operational seasonal forecasting System 5 and the experimental contribution to the World Weather Research Programme/World Climate Research Programme (WWRP/WCRP) subseasonal-to-seasonal (S2S) project. Evaluation is based on past reforecasts spanning 22 years, from 1993 to 2014, compared to reference data from reanalyses. On the seasonal time scale, skill in reproducing interannual anomalies of heat wave duration is limited at a gridpoint level but is significant for regional averages. Subseasonal predictability of daily humidity-corrected apparent temperature drops sharply beyond the deterministic range. In addition to reforecast skill measures, the analysis of real-time forecasts for 2016, both in terms of anomalies with respect to the reforecast climatology and using a weather-type approach, provides additional insight on the systems’ performance in giving relevant information on the possible occurrence of such events.
Women and Self-Promotion: A Test of Three Theories
Authors: Lindeman Meghan I. H. , Durik Amanda M. , Dooley Maura
Published: January 2018

Although self-promotion (communicating one’s past accomplishments and positive characteristics) is important for obtaining career and educational opportunities, women feel uncomfortable when doing it, which limits their self-promotion success. This study tested which of the three possible theoretical mechanisms explained women’s limited self-promotion success: (1) cognitive dissonance, (2) stereotype threat, and (3) backlash avoidance. In this experiment, college women ( N = 123) wrote a scholarship application essay and the ownership of the essay was varied experimentally. The essays were evaluated by the authors themselves and independent judges. The results were most consistent with a backlash avoidance mechanism whereby women feel uncomfortable self-promoting due to perceived social consequences.
Dangerous Education: The Occupational Hazards of Teaching Transgender
Authors: Morgan Ellis , Taylor Yvette
Published: January 2018

This article sets out the ways in which primary schools have come to bear significant risks in making decisions over whether, how and when to reflect transgender issues. We examine press reporting that arose in relation to a recent incident in the UK in which a primary school in East Sussex was widely criticised for instigating a ‘transgender education’ initiative. We argue that despite tacit indications that UK Government supports ‘transgender education’ as a learning area for children as young as five years old, there is an ongoing risk to primary schools who implement such initiatives. The nature of this risk is located within the usage of equalities terminology in governmental discussions and official guidance that effectively acts to gloss over the enduringly controversial nature of transgender issues. The vague and non-specific nature of equalities terminology allows for both heteronormative and transgressive interpretation, thereby locating the risk of public criticism with primary schools, and head teachers in particular.
Adaptive sliding mode stabilization and positioning control for a multi-vectored thrust airship with input saturation considered
Authors: Xiao Chang , Wang Yueying , Zhou Pingfang , Duan Dengping
Published: January 2018

This article addresses a position and attitude stabilization control scheme for a class of multi-vectored airship with parameter uncertainty and input saturation considered. Airship parameters such as the inertia matrix and aerodynamic coefficients are hard to measure due to the uneven gas distribution and unforeseen shape changing. The propellers airships use often have saturation issues. These phenomena are unavoidable. To meet these challenges, we propose two adaptive sliding mode control methods. Both achieve airship position and attitude stabilization without the prior knowledge of the inertia matrix or aerodynamic coefficients. The second algorithm also takes input saturation into consideration. Simulations illustrate the effectiveness of our scheme. Compared with former works, our method achieves position, attitude, velocity and angular velocity stabilization with inertia matrix uncertainty, aerodynamic coefficient uncertainty, and input saturation.
How do Polish immigrants in London reinforce local communities and influence the local economy?
Authors: Kusek Weronika A
Published: January 2018

After the European Union expansion of 2004 the United Kingdom was a recipient of a significant number of Polish migrants. The goal of this paper is to evaluate the impact that Polish migrants have on the local economies in the United Kingdom. This paper explores a case study of Polish migrants who settled in London, England and has three objectives: (1) to present how localities in London have changed after the influx of Polish migrants and how those migrants influence local economies, (2) to present a voice of a selected group of Polish migrants residing in the United Kingdom, and (3) to raise questions about the future of those Polish communities in light of Brexit.
Mixed-income green housing in St George, Staten Island
Authors: Ziebarth Dan
Published: January 2018

This proposal sets out to find which policy measure pertaining to affordable housing would be most successful in revitalizing the St George neighborhood on Staten Island. St George has dealt with issues such as a lagging commercial district, difficulty drawing people to the neighborhood, homelessness, and a stagnant housing market. The emergence of affordable green housing units, mixed-income housing developments, and community-based initiatives focused on urban neighborhoods have become increasingly successful pieces in economic and infrastructural development throughout major urban areas. This paper will use scholarly research focusing on the role sustainably built affordable housing, mixed-income housing units, and community-based housing initiatives have in revitalizing urban neighborhoods. Findings from this study reveal that the introduction of mixed-income green housing units in urban areas can be successful in raising the socioeconomic standard of living within designated neighborhoods. It is suggested that a community-based housing initiative be established to introduce affordable mixed-income green housing units to the St George neighborhood of Staten Island.
Glenoid Bone Loss in Posterior Shoulder Instability: Prevalence and Outcomes in Arthroscopic Treatment
Authors: Hines Adam , Cook Jay B. , Shaha James S. , Krul Kevin , Shaha Steve H. , Johnson John , Bottoni Craig R. , Rowles Douglas J. , Tokish John M.
Published: January 2018

Background:

Glenoid bone loss is a well-accepted risk factor for failure after arthroscopic stabilization of anterior glenohumeral instability. Glenoid bone loss in posterior instability has been noted relative to its existence in posterior instability surgery. Its effect on outcomes after arthroscopic stabilization has not been specifically evaluated and reported.

Purpose:

The purpose was to evaluate the presence of posterior glenoid bone loss in a series of patients who had undergone arthroscopic isolated stabilization of the posterior labrum. Bone loss was then correlated to return-to-duty rates, complications, and validated patient-reported outcomes.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted at a single military treatment facility over a 4-year period (2010-2013). Patients with primary posterior instability who underwent arthroscopic isolated posterior labral repair were included. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging was used to calculate posterior glenoid bone loss using a standardized “perfect circle” technique. Demographics, return to duty, complications, and reoperations, as well as outcomes scores including the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation and the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) scores, were obtained. Outcomes were analyzed across all patients based on percentage of posterior glenoid bone loss. Bone loss was then categorized as below or above the subcritical threshold of 13.5% to determine if bone loss effected outcomes similar to what has been shown in anterior instability.

Results:

There were 43 consecutive patients with primary, isolated posterior instability, and 32 (74.4%) completed WOSI scoring. Mean follow-up was 53.7 months (range, 25-82 months) The mean posterior glenoid bone loss was 7.3% (0%-21.5%). Ten of 32 patients (31%) had no appreciable bone loss. Bone loss exceeded 13.5% in 7 of 32 patients (22%), and 2 patients (6%) exceeded 20% bone loss. Return to full duty or activity was nearly 90% overall. However, those with >13.5%, subcritical glenoid bone loss, were statistically less likely to return to full duty (relative risk = 1.8), but outcomes scores, complications, and revision rates were otherwise not different in those with no or minimal bone loss versus those with more significant amounts.

Conclusion:

Posterior glenoid bone loss has not previously been evaluated independently relative to patients with shoulder instability repairs. Sixty-nine percent of our patients had measurable bone loss, and 22% had greater than 13.5%, or above subcritical bone loss. While these patients were statistically less likely to return to full duty, the reoperation rate, complications, and patient-reported outcomes between groups were not different.
Patient empowerment: Its implementation and systems within hospitals in England and Greece
Authors: Boudioni Markella , McLaren Susan , Lister Graham
Published: January 2018

Introduction

International health policies recognise patient empowerment, resulting in diverse empowerment models and systems. Research on organisational systems for implementing patient empowerment between countries or from organisational stakeholders’ perspective, however, is limited. Aims and methodology: This paper explores and compares organisational systems and structures for patient empowerment implementation in six acute public hospitals in England and Greece (three in each country), their cross-case and cross-national similarities and differences. It uses a comparative, qualitative, explanatory embedded case study design. Semi-structured interviews with a representative sample of stakeholders (n = 33) and documentary sources (n = 79) were analysed with framework.

Results

Two main patient empowerment themes were identified: (1) organisational leadership, systems, structures; (2) operational structures, services, mechanisms and activities. Generic organisational systems and structures for patient empowerment varied across-cases, but with common organisation of empowerment roles in England and common leadership in Greece. Operational structures, services and mechanisms supporting empowerment varied across-cases and cross-nationally, but with similarities in the main services.

Conclusion

Implementation of patient empowerment was weaker in Greece than in England, attributable to differing approaches to strategic and operational leadership, limited development of strategies and influential organisational structures. Overall, patient empowerment is well-embedded in organisations with a highly visible patient empowerment profile; commitment to policies and strategy implementation at different levels; strategic and operational leadership investing in dedicated roles with clear authority for patient empowerment, influential empowerment structures and mechanisms.
The influences of adiabatic shear evolution on tool failure in high-speed machining of railway steel
Authors: Gu Liyao
Published: January 2018

Adiabatic shear evolution in serrated chip will lead to inevitable impacts on the tool failure with the cutting speed increasing. The high-speed machining experiment of railway steel was carried out by applying the cemented carbide insert. The chip morphology transformation with white layer during adiabatic shear evolution was observed, and its influence on the tool failure mechanism on rake face was further investigated microscopically. The experimental results were concluded that the isolated segment chip formation due to adiabatic shear fracture weakened the wear effects on the rake face under higher cutting speed. The periodical cycle from adiabatic shear banding to fracture which resulted in a thermal–mechanical coupling effect mainly influenced the rake face failure mechanisms.
NSGA-II multi-objectives optimization algorithm for energy management control of hybrid electric vehicle
Authors: Deng Tao , Lin Chunsong , Luo Junlin , Chen Bingqu
Published: January 2018

The currently existing energy management control optimization for hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) mainly focuses on fuel economy. Apart from this, there has been some consideration of the impact of emissions, but almost no attention has been paid to drivability performance. Therefore, from the point of view of multi-objectives optimization, the influences of fuel economy, emission and drivability performance on the energy management are comprehensively considered for a parallel HEV. The energy management control parameters and driveline parameters are selected to be optimized parameters. Then, the NSGA-II (Fast Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II) algorithm is proposed to solve the multi-objectives optimization problem. Furthermore, the multi-objectives optimization method for HEV energy management control is established and comparatively simulated with the parallel electric assist control strategy. The results show that the evaluation index of drivability decreases by 27.12% from the maximum and the average enhancement effect of optimization falls by 20.84%. The evaluation index of fuel economy declines by 22.30% from the maximum and the average index drops by 20.26%. The comprehensive index of emission performance descends by 11.33% from the maximum. The proposed multi-objectives optimization algorithm has good convergence and distribution, and obtains more Pareto optimal solution sets, which can provide more selectivity in building HEV energy management control strategies.
Separating variability in healthcare practice patterns from random error
Authors: Thomas Laine E , Schulte Phillip J
Published: January 2018

Improving the quality of care that patients receive is a major focus of clinical research, particularly in the setting of cardiovascular hospitalization. Quality improvement studies seek to estimate and visualize the degree of variability in dichotomous treatment patterns and outcomes across different providers, whereby naive techniques either over-estimate or under-estimate the actual degree of variation. Various statistical methods have been proposed for similar applications including (1) the Gaussian hierarchical model, (2) the semi-parametric Bayesian hierarchical model with a Dirichlet process prior and (3) the non-parametric empirical Bayes approach of smoothing by roughening. Alternatively, we propose that a recently developed method for density estimation in the presence of measurement error, moment-adjusted imputation, can be adapted for this problem. The methods are compared by an extensive simulation study. In the present context, we find that the Bayesian methods are sensitive to the choice of prior and tuning parameters, whereas moment-adjusted imputation performs well with modest sample size requirements. The alternative approaches are applied to identify disparities in the receipt of early physician follow-up after myocardial infarction across 225 hospitals in the CRUSADE registry.
On a paradox in the impact dynamics of smooth rigid bodies
Authors: Palffy-Muhoray Peter , Virga Epifanio G , Wilkinson Mark , Zheng Xiaoyu
Published: January 2018

Paradoxes in the impact dynamics of rigid bodies are known to arise in the presence of friction. We show here that, on specific occasions, in the absence of friction, the conservation laws of classical mechanics are also incompatible with the collisions of smooth, strictly convex rigid bodies. Under the assumption that the impact impulse is along the normal direction to the surface at the contact point, two convex rigid bodies that are well separated can come into contact, and then interpenetrate each other. This paradox can be demonstrated in both 2D and 3D when the collisions are tangential, in which case no momentum or energy transfer between the two bodies is possible. The postcollisional interpenetration can be realized through the contact points or through neighboring points only. The penetration distance is shown to be [Formula: see text]. The conclusion is that rigid-body dynamics is not compatible with the conservation laws of classical mechanics.