bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal selection of VMs for resource task scheduling in geographically distributed clouds using fuzzy c‐mean and MOLP
Authors: Ziafat Hassan , Babamir Seyed Morteza 
Published: July 2018

SummaryBecause of widespread distribution of resources in the geographically distributed cloud environment, optimal selection of virtual machines (VMs) is one of the most important challenges for the structure of the network. This is due to the high number of data centers and VMs with different qualities of service parameters. Because of redundancy in the VMs and the high number of service parameters, optimal selection of VMs is an NP‐hard problem. Therefore, a method is required, which can suggest the best VMs on the basis of the user's request and on the service‐level agreements (SLAs). This study focuses on four important factors in SLAs: cost, response time, availability, and reliability.In this paper, we propose a four‐tier structure, Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act, where (1) Observe is responsible for continuous monitoring users' requests and characteristics of data centers and VMs, (2) Orient is responsible for clustering data centers using fuzzy c‐means and based of the four quality of services (SLA's factors) and then the selection of the most suitable data center cluster for the VM selection, (3) Decide is responsible for making decision on the most suitable VMs using multiobjective linear programming, and (4) Act is responsible for the execution of the decision. The proposed structure was implemented, and its effectiveness was evaluated through considering the number of SLA violations.
Preparation and characterization of chitosan‐siloxane magnetic nanoparticles for the extraction of pesticides from water and determination by HPLC
Authors: Badawy Mohamed E. I. , Marei Abd El‐Salam M. , El‐Nouby Mahmoud A. M. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractNovel chitosan‐siloxane functionalized magnetic nanoparticles including chitosan polydimethyl siloxane, chitosan octadecyl siloxane, and chitosan phenyl siloxane were prepared and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and Zeta potential measurements. The particles were prepared from Fe3O4 functionalized by siloxane derivatives followed by coating with chitosan through a crosslinking mechanism. Infrared spectroscopy was used to confirm the reaction and conjugation between the three layers of the crosslinking chitosan, siloxane and magnetic nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were applied as effective sorbents for extraction of seven pesticides (abamectin, diazinon, fenamiphos, imidacloprid, lambda‐cyhalothrin, methomyl and thiophanate‐methyl) from water. The particles were used in a magnetic dispersive solid‐phase extraction technique and solid‐phase extraction cartridge. The pesticides were then quantified by using high‐performance liquid chromatography with limit of detection of 0.002–0.046 μg/mL, limit of quantification of 0.006–0.154 μg/mL and excellent linearity in the range of 0.0125–0.15 μg/mL with correlation coefficients (R2) higher than 0.999. The magnetic nanoparticles showed a high recovery efficiency compared to standard octadecylsilane (Sigma–Aldrich) for some pesticides. The results indicated that these methods achieved the rapid and simple extraction of small quantities of adsorbents and solvent with a high recovery rate.
Benzyl isothiocyanate inhibits human brain glioblastoma multiforme GBM 8401 cell xenograft tumor in nude mice in vivo
Authors: Ma Yi‐Shih , Lin Jen‐Jyh , Lin Chin‐Chung , Lien Jin‐Cherng , Peng Shu‐Fen , Fan Ming‐Jen , Hsu Fei‐Ting , Chung Jing‐Gung 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBenzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), a member of isothiocyanates (ITCs), has been shown to induce cell death in many human cancer cells, but there is no further report to show BITC suppresses glioblastoma multiforme cells in vivo. In the present study, we investigate the effects of BITC on the inhibition of GBM 8401/luc2 cell generated tumor on athymic nude mice. We established a luciferase expressing stable clone named as GBM 8401/luc2. Thirty male mice were inoculated subcutaneously with GBM 8401/luc2 cells to generate xenograft tumor mice model. Group I was treated with 110 μL phosphate‐buffered solution plus 10 μL dimethyl sulfoxide, Group II‐III with BITC (5 or 10 μmol/100 μL/day, relatively). Mice were given oral treatment of BITC by gavage for 21 days. Results showed that BITC did not affect the body weights. After anesthetized, the photons emitted from mice tumor were detected with Xenogen IVIS imaging system 200 and higher dose of BITC have low total photon flux than that of lower dose of BITC. Results also showed that higher dose of BITC have low total tumor volumes and weights than that of low dose of BITC. Isolated tumors were investigated by immunohistochemical analysis and results showed that BITC at both dose of treatment weakly stained with anti‐MCL1 and ‐XIAP. However, both dose of BITC treatments have strong signals of caspase‐3 and Bax. Overall, these data demonstrated that BITC suppressed tumor properties in vivo. Overall, based on these observations, BITC can be used against human glioblastoma multiforme in the future.
Application of rod vortex generators for flow separation reduction on wind turbine rotor
Authors: Martinez Suarez Javier , Flaszynski Pawel , Doerffer Piotr 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis paper focuses on flow control on wind turbine blades. A rod vortex generator (RVG) is proposed. Previous experimental and numerical results obtained for channels and blade sections proved RVGs to effectively enhance the streamwise shear stresses and reduce flow separation. The benefits of application of RVGs to control and decrease the flow separation on horizontal axis wind turbine rotor blades are assessed and presented in the paper. The numerical investigation was conducted with the FINE/Turbo solver from Numeca International, which solves the 3D Reynolds‐averaged Navier‐Stokes equations. The validation of the numerical model for the clean case is based on phase VI of the Unsteady Aerodynamics Experiment. At selected operating conditions, flow control devices have proven to reattach the flow locally to the wall and improve the aerodynamic performance of the wind turbine. Additionally, the local implementation of RVGs shows strong effect on flow structure and interaction with the main flow to create a “shielding” effect, preventing further penetration of separation towards blade tip. As a consequence, the positive effect of RVGs exists outside the blade span covered by devices. The obtained aerodynamic improvement shows that RVGs may be used as an alternative to traditional flow control devices applied on wind energy turbines.
Battery-aware scheduling in low orbit: the GomX–3 case
Authors: Bisgaard Morten , Gerhardt David , Hermanns Holger , Krčál Jan , Nies Gilles , Stenger Marvin 
Published: July 2018

Abstract

When working with space systems the keyword is resources. For a satellite in orbit all resources are scarce and the most critical resource of all is power. It is therefore crucial to have detailed knowledge on how much power is available for an energy harvesting satellite in orbit at every time—especially when in eclipse, where it draws its power from onboard batteries. The challenge is to maximise operational performance of a satellite, while providing hard guarantees that critically low battery levels are avoided, taking into account these power restrictions. Classic approaches to workload scheduling and analysis are not suitable, because of heterogeneity, interdependencies and system dynamics involved. This paper addresses this problem by a two-step procedure to perform task scheduling for low-earth-orbit satellites exploiting formal methods. It combines time-bounded cost-optimal reachability analyses of priced timed automata networks with a realistic kinetic battery model capable of capturing capacity limits as well as stochastic fluctuations. We also discuss how the time-bounded analysis can be embedded into a workflow that exploits in-orbit current and voltage measurements so as to perpetuate the task scheduling. The core procedure has been exercised in-orbit for the automatic and resource-optimal day-ahead scheduling of G
om
X–3, a power-hungry 3-unit nanosatellite. We explain how this approach has overcome existing problems, has led to improved designs, and has provided new insights.
Cerebrospinal fluid monoamines, pterins, and folate in patients with mitochondrial diseases: systematic review and hospital experience
Authors: Batllori Marta , Molero‐Luis Marta , Ormazabal Aida , Montero Raquel , Sierra Cristina , Ribes Antonia , Montoya Julio , Ruiz‐Pesini Eduardo , O'Callaghan Mar , Pias Leticia , Nascimento Andrés , Palau Francesc. , Armstrong Judith , Yubero Delia , Ortigoza‐Escobar Juan D. , García‐Cazorla Angels , Artuch Rafael 
Published: July 2018

AbstractMitochondrial diseases are a group of genetic disorders leading to the dysfunction of mitochondrial energy metabolism pathways. We aimed to assess the clinical phenotype and the biochemical cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biogenic amine profiles of patients with different diagnoses of genetic mitochondrial diseases. We recruited 29 patients with genetically confirmed mitochondrial diseases harboring mutations in either nuclear or mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genes. Signs and symptoms of impaired neurotransmission and neuroradiological data were recorded. CSF monoamines, pterins, and 5‐methyltetrahydrofolate (5MTHF) concentrations were analyzed using high‐performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical and fluorescence detection procedures. The mtDNA mutations were studied by Sanger sequencing, Southern blot, and real‐time PCR, and nuclear DNA was assessed either by Sanger or next‐generation sequencing. Five out of 29 cases showed predominant dopaminergic signs not attributable to basal ganglia involvement, harboring mutations in different nuclear genes. A chi‐square test showed a statistically significant association between high homovanillic acid (HVA) values and low CSF 5‐MTHF values (chi‐square = 10.916; p = 0.001). Seven out of the eight patients with high CSF HVA values showed cerebral folate deficiency. Five of them harbored mtDNA deletions associated with Kearns‐Sayre syndrome (KSS), one had a mitochondrial point mutation at the mtDNA ATPase6 gene, and one had a POLG mutation. In conclusion, dopamine deficiency clinical signs were present in some patients with mitochondrial diseases with different genetic backgrounds. High CSF HVA values, together with a severe cerebral folate deficiency, were observed in KSS patients and in other mtDNA mutation syndromes.
Case report. Size does matter: acuut nierfalen door een te groot pessarium
Authors: Verpoort Pieter , Schrier Bart 
Published: July 2018

Samenvatting
Een 88-jarige patiënt kwam naar de Spoedeisende Hulp met postrenaal nierfalen en bilaterale hydronefrose. Deze bleken te worden veroorzaakt door een te groot pessarium dat externe druk uitoefende op beide distale ureters. Na verwijdering van het pessarium herstelde de nierfunctie zich volledig. In vijf eerdere case reports over hydronefrose door vreemde voorwerpen in de vagina werd deze veroorzaakt door pessaria (3), een seksueel object van onbekende origine en een vibrator. Slechts één case report beschrijft een bilaterale hydronefrose die wordt veroorzaakt door een pessarium.
Resilience over time: Learning from school‐attending adolescents living in conditions of structural inequality
Authors: Theron Linda , van Rensburg Angelique 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACTIntroductionCross‐sectional studies offer inadequate understandings of adolescent resilience. Nevertheless, few longitudinal studies account for the resilience of school‐attending adolescents challenged by the structural disadvantages associated with South African township residence. This prompts two questions: (i) Do the same (or different) resilience‐enabling resources inform township‐dwelling, school‐attending adolescents' resilience accounts when they self‐explain their resilience at two distinct points in time? (ii) Which resilience‐enabling resources, if any, become significantly more (or less) salient over time and how do township‐dwelling, school‐attending adolescents explain the resilience‐enabling value of these resources?MethodsTo answer the aforementioned, we conducted a longitudinal qualitative study with 140, township‐dwelling, school‐attending, South African adolescents (62.1% girls; mean age: 13.8 years [Time 1]; 15.8 years [Time 2]). They completed a draw‐and‐write activity. This generated visual and narrative data that we analysed using multiple methods (content analyses, chi square tests of frequency counts, and thematic analysis).ResultsA comparison of school‐attending adolescents' accounts of their resilience at two points in time revealed the longevity of nine, generic resilience‐enabling resources. A comparison of how frequently adolescents reported these resources at Time 1 and 2 showed significant increases for education, faith‐based supports, and peer support. A comparison of adolescents' reasons for identifying these three resources showed that education promises an improved future, while all three facilitate respite from hardship and/or mastery over current challenges.ConclusionThe salience of education, faith‐based supports, and peer support can be explained using developmental, contextual and cultural perspectives. This explanation prompts pragmatic and cautionary lessons for resilience advocates.
Sex‐related differences in the prevalence of cognitive impairment among overweight and obese adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Espeland Mark A. , Carmichael Owen , Yasar Sevil , Hugenschmidt Christina , Hazzard William , Hayden Kathleen M. , Rapp Stephen R. , Neiberg Rebecca , Johnson Karen C. , Hoscheidt Siobhan , Mielke Michelle M. ,   for the Action for Health in Diabetes (Look AHEAD) Research Group
Published: July 2018

AbstractIntroductionType 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity may increase risks for cognitive decline as individuals age. It is unknown whether this results in different prevalences of cognitive impairment for women and men.MethodsThe Action for Health in Diabetes, a randomized controlled clinical trial of a 10‐year intensive lifestyle intervention, adjudicated cases of cross‐sectional cognitive impairment (mild cognitive impairment or dementia) 10–13 years after enrollment in 3802 individuals (61% women).ResultsThe cross‐sectional prevalences of cognitive impairment were 8.3% (women) and 14.8% (men): adjusted odds ratio 0.55, 95% confidence interval [0.43, 0.71], P < .001. Demographic, clinical, and lifestyle risk factors varied between women and men but did not account for this difference, which was limited to individuals without apolipoprotein E (APOE)‐ε4 alleles (interaction P = .034).ConclusionsAmong overweight and obese adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, traditional risk factors did not account for the lower prevalence of cognitive impairment observed in women compared with men.
Barriers and Facilitators to Injection Safety in Ambulatory Care Settings
Authors: Leback Claire , Hoang Johnson Diep , Anderson Laura , Rogers Kelli , Shirley Daniel , Safdar Nasia 
Published: July 2018

OBJECTIVEIdentify factors referred to as barriers and facilitators that can prevent or assist safe injection practices in ambulatory care settings to guide quality improvement.DESIGNIn this mixed-methods study, we utilized observations and interviews.SETTINGThis study was conducted at ambulatory clinics at a midwestern academic medical center from May through August 2017. Sites included a variety of clinical settings that performed intramuscular, intradermal, intravenous, or intra-articular injections.PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONSDirect observations of injections and interviews of ambulatory care staff were conducted. An observation checklist was created, including standards of injection safety from nationally recognized guidelines. Interview questions were developed using the System Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) model. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and then coded by 2 investigators.RESULTSIn total, 106 observations and 36 interviews were completed at 21 clinics. Injection safety standards with the lowest adherence included using needleless access devices to prepare injections (33%) and the proper use of multidose vials (&lt;80%). Of 819 coded interview segments, 461 (56.3%) were considered facilitators of safe injection practices. The most commonly identified barriers were patient movement during administration, feeling rushed, and inadequate staffing. The most commonly identified facilitators were availability of supplies, experience in the practice area, and availability of safety needles and prefilled syringes.CONCLUSIONSPerceived barriers and facilitators to infection control elements of injection safety are interconnected with SEIPS elements of persons, organizations, technologies, tasks, and environment. Direct observations demonstrated that knowledge of safety injection standards does not necessarily translate to best practices and may not match self-reported data.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:841–848
Drainage system reorganization and late Quaternary tectonic deformation along the southern Dead Sea Transform
Authors: Gellman Yedidia , Matmon A. , Mushkin Amit , Porat N. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe Dead Sea Transform (DST) accounts for ~105 km of left-lateral slip between the Arabian plate and the Sinai subplate since the Miocene. Paleoseismic studies along the Arava Valley segment of the DST suggest that late Quaternary deformation has been primarily concentrated along the axis of the transform valley. Here, we examine late Quaternary changes in drainage system characteristics and attribute them to recent tectonic deformation in this region. Field-based geomorphic mapping, topographic cross sections, and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating of fluvial deposits were used to map and date recent changes in the fluvial characteristics of catchments along the western margin of the southern Arava. Our results reveal coeval migration of channels, consistent with tectonically induced surface tilting caused by north–south compressional deformation along the western margin of the transform valley. OSL dating indicates this tilting was initiated in the late Pleistocene and continued at least into the mid-Holocene. The late Quaternary tectonic deformation along the southern Arava segment of the DST is distributed across a wider zone than previously considered and extends out to the margins of the transform valley. We associate the inferred wider deformation zone to possible changes in the geometry of motion along the DST.
Viral and bacterial co-infection in hospitalised children with refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia
Authors: Zhang Xinxing , Chen Zhengrong , Gu Wenjing , Ji Wei , Wang Yuqing , Hao Chuangli , He Yanyu , Huang Li , Wang Meijuan , Shao Xuejun , Yan Yongdong 
Published: July 2018

AbstractTo investigate the impact of viral and bacterial co-infection in hospitalised children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP). Retrospective analysis of 396 children with RMPP in our hospital admitted between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2016 was performed. Nasal aspirate samples were collected for pathogen detection and clinical data were collected. We analysed clinical characteristics, lung imaging characteristics and pathogenic species among these children. Of the 396 RMPP cases, 107 (27.02%) had co-infection with other pathogen, with Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Staphylococcus aureus being the most common bacteria of infection and human bocavirus (HBoV), human rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus being the most common viruses of infection. Children with co-infection were younger than that with single infection (P = 0.010). Children with both virus and bacteria co-infection had been the youngest (P = 0.040). Children with co-infection had a longer fever process, higher leukocyte count, higher C-reactive protein compared with single infection (P < 0.05). Children with co-infection had a higher percentage of pnemothorax and diffuse large area of inflammation in chest X-ray manifestation compared with children with single infection (P < 0.05). S. pneumonia and HBoV was the leading cause of co-infection in RMPP. Co-infections led to more disease severity in children with RMPP compared with single infections.
Quantifying TB transmission: a systematic review of reproduction number and serial interval estimates for tuberculosis
Authors: Ma Y. , Horsburgh C. R. , White L. F. , Jenkins H. E. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractTuberculosis (TB) is the leading global infectious cause of death. Understanding TB transmission is critical to creating policies and monitoring the disease with the end goal of TB elimination. To our knowledge, there has been no systematic review of key transmission parameters for TB. We carried out a systematic review of the published literature to identify studies estimating either of the two key TB transmission parameters: the serial interval (SI) and the reproductive number. We identified five publications that estimated the SI and 56 publications that estimated the reproductive number. The SI estimates from four studies were: 0.57, 1.42, 1.44 and 1.65 years; the fifth paper presented age-specific estimates ranging from 20 to 30 years (for infants <1 year old) to <5 years (for adults). The reproductive number estimates ranged from 0.24 in the Netherlands (during 1933–2007) to 4.3 in China in 2012. We found a limited number of publications and many high TB burden settings were not represented. Certain features of TB dynamics, such as slow transmission, complicated parameter estimation, require novel methods. Additional efforts to estimate these parameters for TB are needed so that we can monitor and evaluate interventions designed to achieve TB elimination.
Unusual association between corrected transposition of great arteries and supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection: a rare combination never reported before
Authors: Agrawal Gaurav , Chaurasia Amit K. , Sethi Kanika S. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWe describe the case of a 52-day-old child who was diagnosed with a rare combination of corrected transposition of great vessels – hypoplastic right ventricle with supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection.