SpringerPlus[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Rice grain nutritional traits and their enhancement using relevant genes and QTLs through advanced approaches.
Mahender A, Anandan A, Pradhan SK … +1 more , Pandit E
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 28018794 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Rice breeding program needs to focus on development of nutrient dense rice for value addition and helping in reducing malnutrition. Mineral and vitamin deficiency related problems are common in the majority o...
BACKGROUND: Rice breeding program needs to focus on development of nutrient dense rice for value addition and helping in reducing malnutrition. Mineral and vitamin deficiency related problems are common in the majority of the population and more specific to developing countries as their staple food is rice. RESULTS: Genes and QTLs are recently known for the nutritional quality of rice. By comprehensive literature survey and public domain database, we provided a critical review on nutritional aspects like grain protein and amino acid content, vitamins and minerals, glycemic index value, phenolic and flavonoid compounds, phytic acid, zinc and iron content along with QTLs linked to these traits. In addition, achievements through transgenic and advanced genomic approaches have been discussed. The information available on genes and/or QTLs involved in enhancement of micronutrient element and amino acids are summarized with graphical representation. CONCLUSION: Compatible QTLs/genes may be combined together to design a desirable genotype with superior in multiple grain quality traits. The comprehensive review will be helpful to develop nutrient dense rice cultivars by integrating molecular markers and transgenic assisted breeding approaches with classical breeding.
Erratum to: On the average temperature of airless spherical bodies and the magnitude of Earth's atmospheric thermal effect.
Nikolov N, Zeller K
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 28018793 · Full text
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/2193-1801-3-723.].
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/2193-1801-3-723.].
Erratum to: Identification of mutations, gene expression changes and fusion transcripts by whole transcriptome RNAseq in docetaxel resistant prostate cancer cells.
Ma Y, Miao Y, Peng Z … +8 more , Sandgren J, De Ståhl TD, Huss M, Lennartsson L, Liu Y, Nistér M, Nilsson S, Li C
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 28018792 · Full text
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s40064-016-3543-0.].
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s40064-016-3543-0.].
Successful ceritinib treatment in a man with MPE and an ALK fusion gene mutation after multiple treatments.
Wei H, Du F, Lu Y … +2 more , Wei J, Dong X
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 28018791 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Ceritinib is a second-generation anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor. It inhibits two of the most common ALK-mutants that confer resistance to crizotinib. Ceritinib was approved by Food and Drug Admi...
INTRODUCTION: Ceritinib is a second-generation anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor. It inhibits two of the most common ALK-mutants that confer resistance to crizotinib. Ceritinib was approved by Food and Drug Administration in April 2014. However, the efficacy of ceritinib in Asian patients have not been widely studied. Decrease of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) has been rarely reported after treatment with ceritinib. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 50-year old man diagnosed with stage IV lung adenocarcinoma presented with MPE and an ALK fusion gene mutation. The patient showed partial response to ceritinib after 2-month treatment. Ultrasound showed MPE significantly decreased. DISCUSSION AND EVALUATION: Ceritinib is a good choice, as a targeted therapy, which is more prospect in the advanced cancer patients than the traditional therapy. CONCLUSION: Ceritinib seems to have a good efficacy in reducing MPE in advanced Asian lung adenocarcinoma patients, when other chemotherapy failed.
Reliability of the Aboriginal Children's Health and Well-Being Measure (ACHWM).
Young NL, Wabano MJ, Usuba K … +3 more , Mishibinijima D, Jacko D, Burke TA
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 28018790 · Full text
PURPOSE: The aim of this research was to evaluate the reliability of the Aboriginal Children's Health and Well-Being Measure© (ACHWM). METHODS: Two cohorts of children from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory were recruited f...
PURPOSE: The aim of this research was to evaluate the reliability of the Aboriginal Children's Health and Well-Being Measure© (ACHWM). METHODS: Two cohorts of children from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory were recruited for this study. Each child completed the ACHWM independently on a computer tablet running a customized survey app. The data from the first and second cohorts were used to estimate the internal consistencies using Cronbach's alpha. A subgroup of the second cohort completed the survey twice, within the same day. The data from this subgroup was used to evaluate the test-retest reliability using a random effects Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: There were 124 participants in the first cohort and 132 participants in the second cohort. The repeated measures subgroup was comprised of 29 participants from the second cohort. The internal consistency statistic (Cronbach's alpha) was 0.93 for the first and second cohorts. The test-retest reliability ICC was 0.94 (95% CI 0.86-0.97) for the ACHWM summary scores based on the repeated measures subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: These results establish the internal consistency and the test-retest validity of the ACHWM. This important finding will enable Aboriginal communities to use this measure with confidence and promote the voices of their children in reporting their health. The ACHWM is an essential data gathering tool that enables evidence-based health care for Aboriginal communities.
Evaluation of spatial analysis application for urban emergency management.
Abdalla R
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 28018789 · Full text
BACKGROUND: This paper provides multidisciplinary scope to the utilization of geospatial data frameworks for urban disaster management with accentuation on particular events. The emergency management events presented in...
BACKGROUND: This paper provides multidisciplinary scope to the utilization of geospatial data frameworks for urban disaster management with accentuation on particular events. The emergency management events presented in this review are universally known and represent high risk for different parts of the world. RESULTS: The discussion starts with addressing the application issues related to how spatial analysis can be used intending to disaster management operations by characterizing its ease of use and impediments in managing the inquiries of vulnerability and hazard assessment. It also highlights best practices for the approaches to integrating spatial data for hazard mapping and risk perception. CONCLUSIONS: The goal of this study is to give conceptual coverage to appropriate solutions for emergency preparedness and response, using spatial analysis and GIS. The paper emphasized that among different issues that may confront the use of spatial analysis, is the accuracy of data and time of processing, in addition to collective coordination of stakeholders working in the field. The findings of this research conclude that a challenge to possible risk reduction is furnishing disaster managers with access to information and methodologies that may help them in analyzing, evaluating and mapping hazard models.
Efficacy of triple antiemetic therapy (palonosetron, dexamethasone, aprepitant) for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in patients receiving carboplatin-based, moderately emetogenic chemotherapy.
Miya T, Kobayashi K, Hino M … +6 more , Ando M, Takeuchi S, Seike M, Kubota K, Gemma A, East Japan Chesters Group
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 28018788 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a major adverse toxicity of cancer chemotherapy. Recommended treatments for prevention of CINV vary among published guidelines, and optimal care for CINV cau...
BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a major adverse toxicity of cancer chemotherapy. Recommended treatments for prevention of CINV vary among published guidelines, and optimal care for CINV caused by moderately emetogenic chemotherapy has not been established. This study assessed the efficacy and safety of triple antiemetic therapy comprising palonosetron, dexamethasone and aprepitant for carboplatin-based chemotherapy. Chemotherapy-naïve patients with lung cancer scheduled for a first course of a carboplatin-containing regimen formed the study cohort. Patients were pretreated with antiemetic therapy comprising palonosetron (0.75 mg, i.v.) and dexamethasone (9.9 mg, i.v.) on day 1, and aprepitant (125 mg, p.o.) on day 1 followed by 80 mg on days 2 and 3. Primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who did not experience vomiting and did not require rescue medication [complete response (CR)] in the acute phase (0-24 h), late phase (24-168 h) and overall. Secondary endpoint was the proportion of patients who experienced no vomiting episodes and no more than mild nausea without the need for rescue medication [complete control (CC)]. RESULTS: Prevalence of a CR during the acute phase, delayed phase, and overall was 100, 91.9 and 91.9%, whereas that of CC was 100, 84.4 and 84.4%, respectively. The most common adverse event was mild constipation; severe adverse events related to antiemetic treatment were not observed. CONCLUSION: Triple antiemetic therapy comprising palonosetron, dexamethasone and aprepitant shows excellent effects in the prevention of CINV in patients receiving a carboplatin-containing regimen.
Heavy metal accumulation during the last 30 years in the Karnaphuli River estuary, Chittagong, Bangladesh.
Wang AJ, Kawser A, Xu YH … +3 more , Ye X, Rani S, Chen KL
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 28018787 · Full text
Heavy metal contamination of aquatic environment has attracted global attention owing to its abundance, persistence, and environmental toxicity, especially in developing countries like Bangladesh. Five heavy metals, name...
Heavy metal contamination of aquatic environment has attracted global attention owing to its abundance, persistence, and environmental toxicity, especially in developing countries like Bangladesh. Five heavy metals, namely chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) were investigated in surface and core sediments of the Karnaphuli River (KR) estuary in Chittagong, Bangladesh, in order to reveal the heavy metal contamination history in estuarine sediments and its response to catastrophic events and human activities. The surface sediment was predominantly composed of silt and sand, and the surface sediment was contaminated with Cr and Pb. Based on the Pb chronology, the sedimentation rate in the inter-tidal zone of KR estuary was 1.02 cm/a before 2007, and 1.14 cm/a after 2008. The core sediment collected from 8 to 20 cm below the surface mainly originated from terrestrial materials induced by catastrophic events such as cyclone, heavy rainfall and landslides in 2007 and 2008. The values of contamination factor () showed that the sediment became moderately contaminated with Cr and Pb in the last 30 years. The variation and accumulation of heavy metals in core sediment before 2000 was mainly related to natural variations in sediment sources; however, in subsequent years, the anthropogenic inputs of heavy metals have increased due to rapid physical growth of urban and industrial areas in the Chittagong city. In general, the accumulation pattern of heavy metals after normalization to Aluminum in sediments of KR estuary indicated an accelerated rate of urbanization and industrialization in the last 30 years, and also suggested the influence of natural catastrophic event on estuarine environment.
Chinese insurance agents in "bad barrels": a multilevel analysis of the relationship between ethical leadership, ethical climate and business ethical sensitivity.
Zhang N, Zhang J
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 28018786 · Full text
BACKGROUND: The moral hazards and poor public image of the insurance industry, arising from insurance agents' unethical behavior, affect both the normal operation of an insurance company and decrease applicants' confiden...
BACKGROUND: The moral hazards and poor public image of the insurance industry, arising from insurance agents' unethical behavior, affect both the normal operation of an insurance company and decrease applicants' confidence in the company. Contrarily, these scandals may demonstrate that the organizations were "bad barrels" in which insurance agents' unethical decisions were supported or encouraged by the organization's leadership or climate. OBJECTIVE: The present study brings two organization-level factors (ethical leadership and ethical climate) together and explores the role of ethical climate on the relationship between the ethical leadership and business ethical sensitivity of Chinese insurance agents. RESULTS: Through the multilevel analysis of 502 insurance agents from 56 organizations, it is found that organizational ethical leadership is positively related to the organizational ethical climate; organizational ethical climate is positively related to business ethical sensitivity, and organizational ethical climate fully mediates the relationship between organizational ethical leadership and business ethical sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: Organizational ethical climate plays a completely mediating role in the relationship between organizational ethical leadership and business ethical sensitivity. The integrated model of ethical leadership, ethical climate and business ethical sensitivity makes several contributions to ethics theory, research and management.
Pressure drop of two-phase helium along long cryogenic flexible transfer lines to support a superconducting RF operation at its cryogenic test stand.
Chang MH, Tsai MH, Wang C … +8 more , Lin MC, Chung FT, Yeh MS, Chang LH, Lo CH, Yu TC, Chen LJ, Liu ZK
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 28018785 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Establishing a stand-alone cryogenic test stand is of vital importance to ensure the highly reliable and available operation of superconducting radio-frequency module in a synchrotron light source. Operating...
BACKGROUND: Establishing a stand-alone cryogenic test stand is of vital importance to ensure the highly reliable and available operation of superconducting radio-frequency module in a synchrotron light source. Operating a cryogenic test stand relies strongly on a capability to deliver two-phase helium along long cryogenic transfer lines. A newly constructed cryogenic test stand with flexible cryogenic transfer lines of length 220 m at National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center is required to support a superconducting radio-frequency module operated at 126.0 kPa with a 40-W dynamic load for a long-term reliability test over weeks. It is designed based on a simple analytical approach with the introduction of a so-called tolerance factor that serves to estimate the pressure drops in transferring a two-phase helium flow with a substantial transfer cryogenic heat load. Tolerance factor 1.5 is adopted based on safety factor 1.5 commonly applied in cryogenic designs to estimate the total mass flow rate of liquid helium demanded. A maximum 60-W dynamic load is verified with experiment measured with heater power 60 W instead after the cryogenic test stand has been installed. RESULTS: Aligning the modeled cryogenic accumulated static heat load with the results measured in situ, actual tolerance factor 1.287 is obtained. The feasibility and validity of our simple analytical approach with actual tolerance factor 1.287 have been scrutinized by using five test cases with varied operating conditions. Calculated results show the discrepancies of the pressure drops between the estimated and measured values for both liquid helium and cold gaseous helium transfer lines have an underestimate 0.11 kPa and an overestimate 0.09 kPa, respectively. A discrepancy is foreseen, but remains acceptable for engineering applications from a practical point of view. CONCLUSIONS: The simple analytical approach with the introduction of a tolerance factor can provide not only insight into optimizing the choice of each lossy cryogenic piping element of the transfer lines in the design phase but also firm guidance for upgrading the present cryogenic transfer lines for its subsequent application.
Efficient method for transfer of microinjected eggs to mouse ampulla for generating transgenic mice.
Wen G, Di J, Li Q … +4 more , Chen J, Jin L, Wang C, Xu S
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 28018784 · Full text
BACKGROUND: The new method described here is highly efficient in transferring microinjected mouse eggs (MEs) through the bursa membrane of a surrogate mother mouse to the ampulla of the oviduct without damaging the blood...
BACKGROUND: The new method described here is highly efficient in transferring microinjected mouse eggs (MEs) through the bursa membrane of a surrogate mother mouse to the ampulla of the oviduct without damaging the blood vessels on the bursa membrane. RESULTS: This method causes no loss of blood, and it produces newborn pups/founders from approximately 70% of the transferred MEs, because only a small hole is made on the blood vessel-free area of the bursa membrane and ampulla of the surrogate mother mouse. The infundibulum remains intact. The small hole on the bursa membrane/ampulla may already heal up before the delivery of the new pups. The method described here consists of a simple operation with a home-assembled drill head holding a self-closing fine forceps on one end, while the drill head assembly body is hooked up with the light housing clamp of a dissecting light microscope. The drill head assembly body can be alternatively hooked/tied up to an appropriate size of clamp (purchased from Home Depot) screwed to any light stand with folding segments. CONCLUSION: This system is able to steadily hold the self-closing fine forceps without shaking and to let the operator use their two hands to steadily hold and quickly insert the pipet carrying the MEs into the ampulla without any delay. Generally MEs stay alive for approximately 15 min at room temperature. The shorter the insertion time is, the more MEs that will survive. Thus, this method may produces more pups/founders.
Strategies to reconstruct 3D L. plant structure.
Matsunaga FT, Tosti JB, Androcioli-Filho A … +3 more , Brancher JD, Costes E, Rakocevic M
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 28018783 · Full text
Accurate model of structural elements is necessary to model the foliage and fruit distributions in cultivated plants, both of them being key parameters for yield prediction. However, the level of details in architectural...
Accurate model of structural elements is necessary to model the foliage and fruit distributions in cultivated plants, both of them being key parameters for yield prediction. However, the level of details in architectural data collection could vary, simplifying the data collection when plants get older and because of the high time cost required. In the present study, we aimed at reconstructing and analyzing plant structure, berry distributions and yield in (Arabica coffee), by using both detailed or partial morphological information and probabilistic functions. Different datasets of coffee plant architectures were available with different levels of detail depending on the tree age. Three scales of decomposition-plant, axes and metamers were used reconstruct the plant architectures. CoffePlant3D, a software which integrates a series of mathematical, computational and statistical methods organized in three newly developed modules, AmostraCafe3D, VirtualCafe3D and Cafe3D, was developed to accurately reconstruct coffee plants in 3D, whatever the level of details available. The number of metamers of the 2nd order axes was shown to be linearly proportional to that of the orthotropic trunk, and the number of berries per metamer was modeled as a Gaussian function within a specific zone along the plagiotropic axes. This ratio of metamer emission rhythm between the orthotropic trunk and plagiotropic axes represents the pillar of botanical events in the . development and was central in our modeling approach, especially to reconstruct missing data. The methodology proposed for reconstructing coffee plants under the CoffePlant3D was satisfactorily validated across dataset available and could be performed for any other Arabica coffee variety.
Training and business performance: the mediating role of absorptive capacities.
Hernández-Perlines F, Moreno-García J, Yáñez-Araque B
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 28018782 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Training has been the focus of considerable conceptual and empirical attention but is considered a relevant factor for competitive edge in companies because it has a positive impact on business performance. T...
BACKGROUND: Training has been the focus of considerable conceptual and empirical attention but is considered a relevant factor for competitive edge in companies because it has a positive impact on business performance. This study is justified by the need for deeper analysis of the process involving the transfer of training into performance. This paper's originality lies in the implementation of the absorptive capacities approach as an appropriate conceptual framework for designing a model that reflects the connection between training and business performance through absorptive capacities. RESULTS: Based on the above conceptual framework and using the dual methodological implementation, a new method of analyzing the relationship between training and performance was obtained: efforts in training will not lead to performance without the mediation of absorptive. CONCLUSIONS: Training turns into performance if absorptive capacities are involved in this process. The suggested model becomes an appropriate framework for explaining the process of transformation of training into organizational performance, in which absorptive capacities play a key role. The findings obtained can go further owing to fs/QCA: of the different absorptive capacities, that of exploitation is a necessary condition to achieve better organizational performance. Therefore, training based on absorptive capacity will guide and facilitate the design of appropriate human resource strategies so that training results in improved performance. This conclusion is relevant for the development of a new facet of absorptive capacities by relating it to training and resulting in first-level implications for human resource management.
Complementary feeding practices among mothers and nutritional status of infants in Akpabuyo Area, Cross River State Nigeria.
Udoh EE, Amodu OK
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 28018781 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Malnutrition in infants during weaning has been attributed to inappropriate complementary feeding practices and it underlies more than one-third of child mortality in Nigeria. Thus, addressing the influence o...
BACKGROUND: Malnutrition in infants during weaning has been attributed to inappropriate complementary feeding practices and it underlies more than one-third of child mortality in Nigeria. Thus, addressing the influence of complementary feeding practice on nutritional status may be an important approach to reducing the burden of child malnutrition. This cross-sectional study investigated the association between complementary feeding practices among mothers and nutritional status of their infants in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, Nigeria. The study enrolled 330 mother-child pairs from 10 randomly selected out of 32 Health Facilities in Akpabuyo. Socio-demographic information, child and maternal characteristics were obtained using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Complementary feeding practices were assessed with World Health Organization infant and young child feeding indicators. Nutritional indicators wasting, underweight and stunting were determined. RESULTS: Prevalence of timely introduction of complementary feeding among infants aged 6-8 months was 85.4%, minimum dietary diversity rate was 31.5%, and minimum meal frequency 36.7%, the rate of minimum acceptable diet was 7.3%. One-third (33.3%) of the infants were underweight, 26.4%, wasted and 24.6%, stunted. Children who did not receive timely complementary foods had higher odds for wasting (OR 5.15; 95% CI 1.50-17.73). Children who did not receive the minimum dietary diversity had higher odds for underweight than children who received the minimum dietary diversity (OR 2.07; 95% CI 1.17-3.70). Children who did not receive the minimum feeding frequency were more likely to be stunted than their peers who received the minimum feeding frequency (OR 1.57; 95% CI 1.53-4.03). CONCLUSION: Sub-optimal complementary feeding predisposed to infant's malnutrition.
1,3-Dipolar [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions of ,,-trisubstituted nitrones with ring-acceptor methylenecyclopropanes: a computational study.
Mensah M, Amepetey EE, Tia R … +1 more , Adei E
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 28018780 · Full text
BACKGROUND: 1,3-Dipolar [3 + 2]-cycloaddition of nitrones to the carbon-carbon double bonds of methylenecyclopropanes yields a mixture of regioisomeric 4- and 5-isoxazolidines. The mechanisms of the reactions of ,,-trisu...
BACKGROUND: 1,3-Dipolar [3 + 2]-cycloaddition of nitrones to the carbon-carbon double bonds of methylenecyclopropanes yields a mixture of regioisomeric 4- and 5-isoxazolidines. The mechanisms of the reactions of ,,-trisubstituted nitrones with ring acceptor substituted dimethyl methylenecyclopropanes-1,2-dicarboxylate and aryl methylidene cyclopropanes-1,1-dicarboxylate have been investigated with the Becke 3-Parameter Lee-Yang-Par exchange-correlation functional, a Hartree-Fock DFT hybrid functional, to delineate the factors responsible for the regioselectivity of these class of reactions. FINDINGS: The energetics of the reaction of the phenyl-substituted nitrone with unsubstituted methylenecyclopropane indicate that the formation of the 5-spirocyclopropane is favored over the 4-spirocyclopropane kinetically and thermodynamically. However, the energetics of the reaction of the same phenyl nitrone with vicinal ester (-COCH)-substituted methylenecyclopropane show an inversion in the regioselectivity favoring the formation of the 4-regioisomer over the 5-regioisomer. For the reactions of ,,-trisubstituted nitrone with vicinal ester (-COCH)-substituted methylenecyclopropane (-R=H, -R=Ph and -R=CH and -R=COCH) and geminal ester (-COCH)-substituted methylenecyclopropane (R=H, R=H; R=OCH, R=CH; and R=H, R=Cl), the energetics indicate that the 5-spirocyclopropane is favored over the 4-spirocyclopropane. The calculations also indicate that electron-donating groups increase regioselectivity of the 5-regioisomers over the 4-regioisomers. CONCLUSION: The regioselectivity of these reactions is determined by both electronic and steric factors. The pathways with the lower activation barrier leads to the more stable regioisomer in all cases, implying that the pathways that are kinetically favored are also thermodynamically favored. However, it is also clear from the energetics that these reactions are not reversible and are therefore under kinetic control. Therefore the selectivity of the reactions is governed solely by the difference in activation barriers leading to the two isomers and not in any way by the thermodynamic stability of the isomers formed.
Exponential operations and aggregation operators of interval neutrosophic sets and their decision making methods.
Ye J
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 28018779 · Full text
An interval neutrosophic set (INS) is a subclass of a neutrosophic set and a generalization of an interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy set, and then the characteristics of INS are independently described by the interval...
An interval neutrosophic set (INS) is a subclass of a neutrosophic set and a generalization of an interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy set, and then the characteristics of INS are independently described by the interval numbers of its truth-membership, indeterminacy-membership, and falsity-membership degrees. However, the exponential parameters (weights) of all the existing exponential operational laws of INSs and the corresponding exponential aggregation operators are crisp values in interval neutrosophic decision making problems. As a supplement, this paper firstly introduces new exponential operational laws of INSs, where the bases are crisp values or interval numbers and the exponents are interval neutrosophic numbers (INNs), which are basic elements in INSs. Then, we propose an interval neutrosophic weighted exponential aggregation (INWEA) operator and a dual interval neutrosophic weighted exponential aggregation (DINWEA) operator based on these exponential operational laws and introduce comparative methods based on cosine measure functions for INNs and dual INNs. Further, we develop decision-making methods based on the INWEA and DINWEA operators. Finally, a practical example on the selecting problem of global suppliers is provided to illustrate the applicability and rationality of the proposed methods.
Proposal for optimal placement platform of bikes using queueing networks.
Mizuno S, Iwamoto S, Seki M … +1 more , Yamaki N
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 27995048 · Full text
In recent social experiments, rental motorbikes and rental bicycles have been arranged at nodes, and environments where users can ride these bikes have been improved. When people borrow bikes, they return them to nearby...
In recent social experiments, rental motorbikes and rental bicycles have been arranged at nodes, and environments where users can ride these bikes have been improved. When people borrow bikes, they return them to nearby nodes. Some experiments have been conducted using the models of Hamachari of Yokohama, the Niigata Rental Cycle, and Bicing. However, from these experiments, the effectiveness of distributing bikes was unclear, and many models were discontinued midway. Thus, we need to consider whether these models are effectively designed to represent the distribution system. Therefore, we construct a model to arrange the nodes for distributing bikes using a queueing network. To adopt realistic values for our model, we use the Google Maps application program interface. Thus, we can easily obtain values of distance and transit time between nodes in various places in the world. Moreover, we apply the distribution of a population to a gravity model and we compute the effective transition probability for this queueing network. If the arrangement of the nodes and number of bikes at each node is known, we can precisely design the system. We illustrate our system using convenience stores as nodes and optimize the node configuration. As a result, we can optimize simultaneously the number of nodes, node places, and number of bikes for each node, and we can construct a base for a rental cycle business to use our system.
The relationship between epilepsy and sexual dysfunction: a review of the literature.
Atif M, Sarwar MR, Scahill S
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 27995047 · Full text
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Regardless of the disease states that people suffer from, maintaining sexual function is an important indicator of quality of life. The objective of this review was to figure out the relationsh...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Regardless of the disease states that people suffer from, maintaining sexual function is an important indicator of quality of life. The objective of this review was to figure out the relationship between epilepsy, antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and sexual dysfunction. RESULTS: In various epidemiological and clinical studies, epilepsy has been correlated with a reduction in sexual function. This sexual dysfunction is not always detected in epileptic patients until systematic efforts are put in place, as part of the assessment and treatment process. Therefore, precise evaluations of the incidence of treatment related sexual dysfunction in epileptic patients is still lacking. CONCLUSIONS: This literature review concluded that sexual function is influenced by the pathophysiology of epilepsy, as well as through the use of AEDs. To maximize quality of care in patients with epilepsy and those patients with other disease states who receive AEDs, it is important to address the status of the patient's sexual function as part of the initial routine assessment and with any treatment related follow-up. Minimizing the effects of AED related sexual dysfunction can be achieved by raising awareness among patients, providing education and training for physicians regarding sexual dysfunction and obtaining a baseline sexual history from the patient so are important recommendations. In addition, systematic studies are needed to explore the risk and mechanism of such treatment related side effects on sexual function.
A C-band broadband ortho-mode transducer for radioastronomy polarimetry.
Ferreira IS, Tello C, Bergano M … +3 more , Villela T, Barbosa D, Smoot GF
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 27995046 · Full text
BACKGROUND: We describe the design, the construction and performance of a narrow band ortho-mode transducer, currently used in the 5 GHz polarimetric receiver of the Galactic Emission Mapping project. RESULTS: The ortho-...
BACKGROUND: We describe the design, the construction and performance of a narrow band ortho-mode transducer, currently used in the 5 GHz polarimetric receiver of the Galactic Emission Mapping project. RESULTS: The ortho-mode transducer was designed to achieve a high degree of transmission within the 400 MHz of the GEM band around the 5 GHz (4.8-5.2 GHz). It is composed of a circular-to-square waveguide transition, a septum polarizer, a thin waveguide coupler and a smooth square-to-rectangular waveguide transition with custom waveguide bends to the output ports. CONCLUSION: Our simulations and measurements show a very low level of cross-polarization of about -60 dB and a good impedance match for all three ports (S11; S22; S33 < -30 dB) with only 0:25 dB of insertion loss offset across the 400 MHz (4.8-5.2 GHz) of the reception bandwidth.
In vitro interaction of Ma9236 and Bb9205 with HNI0100 for the control of .
Correa-Cuadros JP, Sáenz-Aponte A, Rodríguez-Bocanegra MX
Springerplus · 2016 · PMID 27995045 · Full text
The diamondback moth () is a major pest of broccoli crops in Colombia. To control , we evaluated the interaction of Bb9205 and Ma9236 with HNI0100 and its bacterial symbiont HNI0100. We used antagonism and disk diffu...
The diamondback moth () is a major pest of broccoli crops in Colombia. To control , we evaluated the interaction of Bb9205 and Ma9236 with HNI0100 and its bacterial symbiont HNI0100. We used antagonism and disk diffusion assays with fungal extracts to test the interaction between symbiotic bacterium and fungi. inhibited the growth of and up to 40% by the secretion of secondary metabolites, whereas fungal extracts did not inhibit ; this explains the in vivo interactions of these biological control agents. To test the interaction between fungi and nematodes, we first inoculated the fungi followed by the nematodes on different days (0, 2, 4, and 6). We identified the type of interaction using the formula by Nishimatsu and Jackson (J Econ Entomol 91:410-418, 1998) and established that on days 0, 2 and 4 there was an antagonistic interaction, while a synergistic interaction occurred on day 6. Therefore, the use of the interaction between HNI0100 with Ma9236 and Bb9205 is an innovative alternative for the control of .
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