bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Z–Source Multilevel Inverter Based on Embedded Controller
Authors: Vijayalakshmi K. , Balamurugan Chinnapettai Ramalingam 
Published: May 2017

<p>In this paper Embedded based Z-source multilevel inverter (ZSMLI) is proposed. This work implements a five level cascaded H-bridge Z-source inverter by using embedded control. Switching devices are triggered using embedded controller. In this controller coding is described by using switching table. The presence of Z-source network couples inverter main circuit to the power source that providing special features that can overcome the limitations of VSI (voltage source inverter) and CSI (current source inverter). The Z-source concept can applicable in all dc-ac, dc-dc, ac-dc and ac-ac power conversions. Simulation model of Z-source multilevel inverter based on embedded controller has been built in MATLAB/SIMULINK. The Performance parameters of Z-source MLI such as RMS (root mean square) output voltage, THD (total harmonic distortion) and DC component have been analysed for various inductance (L) and capacitance (C) value.</p>
An Adaptive Cross-Layer Architecture to Optimize QoS Provisioning in MANET
Authors: Asha Asha , Mahadevan G. 
Published: May 2017

<p>Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) is a collection of mobile nodes, which dynamically form a temporary network, without using any infrastructure like wireless access points or base-stations. The provision of QoS guarantees is much more challenging in Mobile Ad hoc Networks. There are many interesting applications such as multimedia services, disaster recovery etc can be supported if Quality-of-Service (QoS) support can be provided for MANETs. But QoS provisioning in MANETs is a very challenging problem when compared to wired IP networks. This is because of unpredictable node mobility, wireless multi-hop communication, contention for wireless channel access, limited battery power and range of mobile devices as well as the absence of a central coordination authority. So, the design of an efficient and reliable routing scheme providing QoS support for such applications is a difficult task. In this paper we studied the challenges and approaches for QoS aware routing techniques. </p><p> </p>
Vertical Information System: A Case Study of Civil Servant Teachers’ Data in Manado City
Authors: Runtuwene Julyeta P.A. , Tangkawarow Irene R.H.T 
Published: May 2017

<p>Information systems have become important factors in a company, where information systems are useful in providing useful information for the company itself. The information system helps companies implement corporate activities at the beginning of the process until the decision making. In the concept Information system, we know the term of vertical information system, which is another strategy for increasing vertical information capacity. Vertical information system includes the periodic report, written information, and computer-based communications distributed to managers. In this article, discusses the approach in the development of vertical information system which will be preceded by comparison of operational systems, management information systems, and business intelligence systems. We will give explanations about the role in the BI system in an organization, the challenges faced in the implementation of vertical information systems, approaches in vertical information systems, approaches that we choose, and how it implement in civil servant teachers data in Manado City.</p><p> </p>
Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase-2 deletion affects the natural trafficking of Annexin A2 in monocytes and favours venous thrombosis in mice
Authors: Amadio Patrizia , Tarantino Eva , Sandrini Leonardo , Tremoli Elena , Barbieri Silvia 
Published: May 2017

SummaryDeep-vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common condition that often leads to pulmonary thromboembolism (VTE) and death. The role of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase (PTGS)2 in arterial thrombosis has been well established, whereas its impact in venous thrombosis remains unclear. Here, we showed that PTGS2 deletion predisposes to venous thrombosis as suggested by greater clot firmness and clot elasticity, by higher plasma levels of functional fibrinogen, factor VIII and PAI-1 activity, and proved by bigger thrombi detected after inferior vena cava ligation (IVCL) compared to WT mice. PTGS2-/- thrombi have greater fibrin content, higher number of F4/80+, TF+ and ANXA2+ cells, and lower S100A10+ cells. Remarkably, monocyte depletion reduced thrombus size in mutant mice, suggesting an important role of PTGS2-/- monocytes in this experimental setting. Interestingly, PTGS2 deletion reduced membrane ANXA2, and total S100A10, promoted assembly of ANXA2/p50NF-kB complex and its nuclear accumulation, and induced TF in peritoneal macrophages, whereas ANXA2 silencing decreased dramatically TF. Finally, Carbaprostacyclin treatment prevented venous thrombus formation induced by IVCL in mutant mice, reduced the ANXA2 binding to p50NF-kB subunit and its nuclear trafficking, and decreased TF in PTGS2-/- macrophages. PTGS2 deletion, changing the natural distribution of ANXA2 in monocytes/macro-phages, increases TF expression and activity predisposing to venous thrombosis. Interestingly, Carbaprostacyclin treatment, inhibiting nuclear ANXA2 trafficking, controls monocyte TF activity and prevents DVT occurrence. Our data are of help in elucidating the mechanisms by which PTGS2 inhibition increases DVT risk, and suggest a new role for ANXA2 in venous thrombosis.Supplementary Material to this manuscript is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
Prevalence of Developmental Venous Anomalies Increases With Age
Authors: Brinjikji Waleed , El-Rida El-Masri Ali , Wald John T. , Lanzino Giuseppe 
Published: May 2017

Background and Purpose—
To test the hypothesis that developmental venous anomalies (DVAs) may develop in the postnatal period, we studied the age-related prevalence of DVAs on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods—
Reports from a consecutive series of head magnetic resonance images with intravenous contrast performed over a 2-year period at our institution were reviewed. Studies reporting the presence of a DVA were retrieved and reviewed by a neuroradiologist. Patients were divided into 4 age groups: (1) <1 year old (neonates/infants), (2) 1 to 5 years old (toddlers and preschoolers), (3) 6 to 17 years old (grade schoolers), and (4) ≥18 years old (adults), and DVA prevalence by age group was studied.

Results—

A total of 18 073 individuals were included. DVA prevalence in the neonate/infant age group was 1.5% (5/335) compared with 7.1% (51/714) in the toddler/preschool age group. In both the grade-school age group and adult age group, DVA prevalence was 9.6% (150/1557 and 1483/15 467, respectively). Neonates/infants were significantly less likely to have DVAs than other age groups (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—
We found a very low prevalence of DVAs on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in patients <1 year old which was significantly lower than other age groups. These findings suggest that postnatal changes in venous architecture and drainage patterns may contribute to the development of DVAs.
Overestimation of Susceptibility Vessel Sign
Authors: Zhang Ruiting , Zhou Ying , Liu Chang , Zhang Meixia , Yan Shenqiang , Liebeskind David S. , Lou Min 
Published: May 2017

Background and Purpose—
The extent of blooming artifact may reflect the amount of paramagnetic material. We thus assessed the overestimation ratio of susceptibility vessel sign (SVS) on susceptibility-weighted imaging, defined as the extent of SVS width beyond the lumen and examined its value for predicting the stroke cause in acute ischemic stroke patients.

Methods—
We included consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients with proximal large artery occlusion who underwent both susceptibility-weighted imaging and time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography within 8 hours poststroke onset. We calculated the length, width, and overestimation ratio of SVS on susceptibility-weighted imaging and then investigated their values for predicting the stroke cause, respectively.

Results—
One-hundred eleven consecutive patients (72 female; mean age, 66.6±13.4 years) were enrolled, among whom 39 (35.1%) were diagnosed with cardiogenic embolism, 43 (38.7%) with large artery atherosclerosis, and 29 (26.1%) with undetermined cause. The presence, length, width, and overestimation ratio of SVS were all independently associated with the cause of cardiogenic embolism after adjusting for baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale and infarct volume. After excluded patients with undetermined cause, the sensitivity and specificity of overestimation ratio of SVS for cardiogenic embolism were 0.971 and 0.913; for the length of SVS, they were 0.629 and 0.739; for the width of SVS, they were 0.829 and 0.826, respectively.

Conclusions—
The overestimation ratio of SVS can predict cardiogenic embolism, with both high sensitivity and specificity, which can be helpful for the management of acute ischemic stroke patients in hyperacute stage.
Observations of Convective Thermals with Weather Radar
Authors: Melnikov Valery , Zrnić Dusan S. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIt is shown that the NEXRAD weather radar with enhanced detectability is capable of observing the evolution of convective thermals. The fields of radar differential reflectivity show that the upper parts of the thermals are observable due to Bragg scatter, whereas scattering from insects dominates in the lower parts. The thermal-top rise rate is between 1.5 and 3.7 m s−1 in the analyzed case. Radar observations of thermals also enable estimations of their maximum heights, horizontal sizes, and the turbulent dissipation rate within each thermal. These attributes characterize the intensity of convection.
Addressing Climate Change Impacts on Agriculture and Natural Resources: Barriers and Priorities for Land-Grant Universities in the Northeastern United States
Authors: Tobin Daniel , Radhakrishna Rama , Chatrchyan Allison , Allred Shorna B. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Climate change has serious implications for agricultural production, natural resource management, and food security. In the United States, land-grant universities and the U.S. Cooperative Extension System have a critical role to play in conducting basic and applied research related to climate change and translating findings into meaningful programming. However, land-grant universities and Extension have had difficulty maintaining their roles as the preeminent source of trusted information on complex topics like climate change. To help guide research and programming agendas of land-grant universities, the authors explored the barriers and priorities that researchers and Extension personnel at 16 northeastern land-grant universities perceive as they pursue climate change research and programming. Through an online survey, respondents indicated their perceptions of barriers related to information, workplace, and target audiences as well as the priorities they perceived as most important for land-grant universities to pursue. Statistical analysis indicated that lack of funding, lack of time, lack of locally relevant climate information, and challenges with target audiences were among the most critical barriers. In terms of future priorities, respondents indicated securing funding for applied research, training Extension educators, and developing locally relevant decision support tools as the most important activities northeastern land-grant universities can undertake. Based on these findings, this study concludes that land-grant universities will need to strategically pursue research and educational programming on climate change in ways that integrate research and Extension and simultaneously address climate change and other concerns of land managers.
Leukocyte filtration of the cardiotomy suction. Does it affect systemic leukocyte activation or pulmonary function?
Authors: Issitt Richard , Ball Jon , Bilkhoo Indie , Mani Adnan , Walsh Bronagh , Voegeli David 
Published: May 2017

Background: Cardiopulmonary bypass is thought to propagate a global systemic response through contact with the non-physiological surfaces of the extracorporeal circuit, leading to the stimulation of leukocytes, their adherence to endothelial cells and the release of cytotoxic molecules. This, in turn, has been shown to accelerate pulmonary injury. This study tested a new leukocyte-filtration system (RemoweLL) against a conventional system with no leukocyte-depleting capacity to determine the efficacy of the filtration system and its effects on pulmonary function. Methods: Thirty patients underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery using either the RemoweLL filtration system (15 patients) or a conventional cardiopulmonary bypass circuit (15 patients). Data were collected on the total number of leukocytes, their differentiation and activation, using the leukocyte adhesion integrin CD11b as a surrogate marker. Pulmonary function was assessed using the Alveolar-arterial Oxygenation Index (AaOI) and patients were categorized using the Berlin definition of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Results: Both groups showed significant increases in leukocyte numbers during CPB (p<0.001), with no differences noted between the groups. CD11b showed a significant increase in both groups, with peak activation occurring at the end of CPB, but no difference between the groups (p=0.8). There was a trend towards lower AaOI increases in the filtration group, but this did not reach significance (p=0.075) and there was no difference in ARDS definitions (p=0.33). Conclusions: Leukocyte filtration of cardiotomy suction did not influence total leukocyte counts or activation as measured by CD11b upregulation. Furthermore, no evidence could be found to suggest improved pulmonary function.
Duplex Ultrasound Surveillance After Uncomplicated Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Schaeffer Jacob S. , Shakhnovich Irina , Sieck Kyle N. , Kallies Kara J. , Davis Clark A. , Cogbill Thomas H. 
Published: May 2017

Objectives: Health-care costs and risks of radiation and intravenous contrast exposure challenge computed tomography angiography (CTA) as the standard surveillance method after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). We reviewed our experience using Duplex ultrasound scan (DUS) as an initial and subsequent surveillance technique after uncomplicated EVAR. Methods: The medical records of patients who underwent EVAR from 2004 to 2014 with at least 1 postoperative imaging study were retrospectively reviewed. Duplex ultrasound scan was the primary modality, with CTA reserved for patients with suspicious findings. Results: Mean follow-up was 3.2 years for 266 patients. Fifty-seven endoleaks (7 type I, 50 type II) were detected in 51 patients (19%). Nineteen (33%) endoleaks were identified and monitored by DUS alone. Nine (16%) endoleaks were identified on CTA without prior DUS. Twenty-two (39%) endoleaks were identified on DUS and confirmed by CTA; 6 of these patients had a secondary intervention. When compared to subsequent CTA, there were 7 discordant results: 4 false-negative and 3 false-positive endoleaks on DUS. Two of these patients with discordant results required intervention. Follow-up CTA was not obtained for the other 2 patients due to severe comorbidities including renal disease. One of these patients eventually developed abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture and death. Among 88 patients with both DUS and CTA, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for DUS were 0.88 and 0.94, respectively. Sac size on DUS compared to CTA resulted in an interclass correlation coefficient of r = .84. Conclusions: In our experience, DUS was safe and effective for initial and follow-up surveillance after uncomplicated EVAR.
Stretch Goals and the Distribution of Organizational Performance
Authors: Gary Michael Shayne , Yang Miles M. , Yetton Philip W. , Sterman John D. 
Published: May 2017

Many academics, consultants, and managers advocate stretch goals to attain superior organizational performance. However, existing theory speculates that, although stretch goals may benefit some organizations, they are not a “rule for riches” for all organizations. To address this speculation, we use two experimental studies to explore the effects on the mean, median, variance, and skewness of performance of stretch compared with moderate goals. Participants were assigned moderate or stretch goals to manage a widely used business simulation. Compared with moderate goals, stretch goals improve performance for a few participants, but many abandon the stretch goals in favor of lower self-set goals, or adopt a survival goal when faced with the threat of bankruptcy. Consequently, stretch goals generate higher performance variance across organizations and a right-skewed performance distribution. Contrary to conventional wisdom, we find no positive stretch goal main effect on performance. Instead, stretch goals compared with moderate goals generate large attainment discrepancies that increase willingness to take risks, undermine goal commitment, and generate lower risk-adjusted performance. The results provide a richer theoretical and empirical appreciation of how stretch goals influence performance. The e-companion is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2017.1131 .
Review Essay
Authors: Terry Janice J. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Reactions to the US invasion of Iraq and its aftermath
And Then All Hell Broke Loose: Two Decades in the Middle East, Richard Engel (2016) New York: Simon and Schuster, 240 pp., ISBN: 9781451635119, h/bk, $27.00
The Mirror Test: America at War in Iraq and Afghanistan, J. Kael Weston (2016) New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 585 pp., ISBN: 9780385351126, h/bk, $28.95
The Terror Years: From Al-Qaeda to the Islamic State, Lawrence Wright (2016) New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 366 pp., ISBN: 9780385352055, h/bk, $28.95
Learning from the Chilcot report: Propaganda, deception and the ‘War on Terror’
Authors: Robinson Piers 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
The 2016 Iraq Inquiry Report (the Chilcot report) was highly critical of the British government and its involvement in the 2003 invasion of Iraq and subsequent occupation. Drawing upon the authoritative material in the report, this article provides the most comprehensive and conceptually grounded post-Chilcot assessment of the empirical evidence now available regarding whether deception and propaganda were used to mobilize support for the invasion of Iraq. Employing a conceptual framework designed to identify deceptive organized persuasive communication (OPC), it is argued that the Chilcot report supports the thesis that, through distortions and omissions, deceptive OPC campaigns presented a misleading impression of both the threat posed by Iraqi WMD and Britain’s commitment to a peaceful resolution via the ‘UN route’. Moreover, based upon UK-US communications in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, the Chilcot report also provides suggestive but highly significant evidence of a broader and covert geo-strategic policy, including action against Syria and Iran, and which was underpinned by a ‘close knit propaganda campaign’. In light of this, it is argued that a major expansion of scholarly inquiry is necessary involving sustained analysis of the establishing phase of the ‘War on Terror’, the role that deception and propaganda might have played with respect to its enablement, and, more broadly, the implications of this for our understanding of propaganda and deception in liberal democratic states.
Advanced medicine and modern Iraq: Dr Abdul-Mujib and the rise and fall of Iraqi surgical capacities
Authors: Cadili Abdul-Mujib 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Continuing with our series acknowledging the recollections of Iraqis of their experiences in the country, we present Dr Abdul-Mujib Cadili. Following an examination of the founding of the Iraqi Royal Medical College (IRMC) and its standing as the first such Institution in Iraq, Dr Cadili recounts his own experience of attending the programme from 1968 to 1974 – from recollections of his time at IRMC through residency, military service and emergency surgeries in the internecine wars of 1970s’ Kurdistan, before working in the UAE and the United Kingdom in an effort to advance his training before settling in the United Kingdom to work as a surgeon and begin his family with his wife Sawsan. Returning to Iraq Cadili founded the Al-Rafidain hospital in Baghdad where the first kidney and gall bladder surgeries in Iraq were performed, as well as the (smuggled!) introduction of a laparoscopic machine under the sanctions regime. Cadili describes meeting with Saddam Hussein, service in the Iran–Iraq War, before suffering through the 1991 Gulf War, which was launched by the US-led coalition in 1991. After run-ins with Ba’thist superiors Cadili left Iraq and re-started his surgical career following immigration to Canada in 1997. Cadili found a calling through medicine, remains a leading surgeon in his adopted country and stands out as a standard bearer for Iraqi medicine. An Iraqi surgeon currently living in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, recalls attending a lecture Dr Cadili gave in Baghdad around 1995. Dr Cadili was presenting the results of his first 300 cases of laparoscopic surgery and the Calgary-based Iraqi surgeon was one of about 200 physicians attending the talk in Baghdad. He remembered how all in attendance were dazzled by Dr Cadili’s knowledge and ambition. They were amazed at how a lone surgeon had managed to revolutionize surgeries while under economic embargo, travel restrictions and the many other challenges imposed on Iraqis. He saw Dr Cadili as a glimmer of light in the darkness for a new generation of doctors. We are pleased to present Dr Cadili’s recollections in IJCIS.
Summer loving? Female-orientated comedy drama, ITV and seasonal performance
Authors: Knowles Joanne 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
British summer broadcasting has traditionally been (light) entertainment focused and has been the subject of lower expectations from producers, reviewers and audiences, to the extent that a summer broadcasting slot might be considered to impair the viewing figures and critical acclaim of a series. This article examines the decisions made by the British broadcaster ITV during 2004–2009, in the first years of its unification as a single plc, to reschedule the screenings of several drama productions – including my case studies Jane Hall (2006), Monday Monday (2009) and Mister Eleven (2009) – and considers the impact of their summer scheduling in relation to gender, genre and institutional strategy. It draws on Bennett’s work on genre, television, gender and distinction, company reports, critical reviews and audience responses to argue that ITV’s historical dependence on and appeal to a populist, often feminine, audience can be seen to create friction with its ambitions. The article concludes that the default association of ‘quality television’ with masculine interests and values, as well as concerns about financial risk in a challenging economic climate, led ITV into risk-averse scheduling decisions where contemporary femaleorientated comedy-drama series are concerned, which reinforce traditional notions of scheduling and programme quality.