bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the Reliability of the Landing Error Scoring System With Raters Using the Standardized Instructions and Scoring Sheet
Authors: Everard Eoin , Lyons Mark , Harrison Andrew J.
Published: October 2019

Context: Dynamic movement-based screens, such as the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS), are becoming more widely used in research and practical settings. Currently, 3 studies have examined the reliability of the LESS. These studies have reported good interrater and intrarater reliability. However, all 3 studies involved raters, who were founders of the LESS. Therefore, it is unclear whether the reliability reported reflects that which would be observed with practitioners without such specialized and intimate knowledge of the screen and only using the standardized set of instructions. Objective: To investigate the interrater and intrarater reliability of the final score and the individual scoring criteria of the LESS. Design: Reliability protocol. Setting: Controlled laboratory. Participants: Two raters scored 30 male participants (age = 21.8 [3.9] y; height = 1.75 [0.46] m; mass = 75.5 [6.6] kg) involved in a variety of college sports. Main Outcome Measure: Two raters using only the standardized scoring sheet assessed the interrater reliability of the total score and individual scoring criteria independently of each other. The principal author scored the videos again 6 weeks later for the intrarater reliability component of the study. Intervention: Participants performed a drop box landing from a 30-cm box was recorded with a video camera from the front and side views. Results: The intraclass coefficients interrater and intrarater reliability for the total scores were excellent (intraclass coefficients range = .95 and .96; SEM = 1.01 and 1.02). The individual scoring criteria of the LESS had between moderate and perfect agreement using kappa statistics (κ = .41–1.0). Conclusion: The final score and individual scoring criteria of the LESS have acceptable reliability with raters using the standardized scoring sheet. Practitioners using only the standardized scoring sheet should feel confident that the LESS is a reliable tool.
Use of Goal Setting to Enhance Self-Efficacy After Sports-Related Injury: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Brinkman Caitlin , Baez Shelby E. , Genoese Francesca , Hoch Johanna M.
Published: October 2019

Clinical Scenario:Patients after sports-related injury experience deficits in self-efficacy. Goal setting may be an appropriate psychoeducation technique to enhance self-efficacy after sports-related injury.Clinical Question:Does goal setting–enhanced rehabilitation improve self-efficacy compared with traditional rehabilitation alone in individuals with sports-related injury?Summary of Key Findings:Two randomized controlled trials were included. The two studies selected assessed changes in self-efficacy before and after a goal-setting intervention following sports-related injury in an athletic population. Both studies used the Sports Injury Rehabilitation Beliefs Survey to evaluate self-efficacy.Clinical Bottom Line:There is currently consistent, good-quality, patient-oriented evidence that supports the use of goal setting to improve self-efficacy in patients undergoing rehabilitation for sports-related injury compared with the standard of care group. Future research should examine optimal timing for the implementation of goal setting in order to enhance self-efficacy following sports-related injury.Strength of Recommendation:The grade of A is recommended by the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy for consistent, good-quality, patient-oriented evidence.
Patterns of Objectively and Self-Reported Sedentary Behavior in Children and Adolescents Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus: The PositHIVe Health Study
Authors: da Costa Bruno G.G. , da Silva Kelly S. , da Costa Rafael M. , Petroski Edio L. , Back Isabela C. , Guerra Paulo H.A. , de Lima Luiz R.A.
Published: October 2019

Purpose: Sedentary behavior (SB) has been shown to be associated with unhealthy outcomes in children, and it is not clear whether children living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) engage in different patterns of SB compared with healthy children. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare patterns of SB between children living with HIV and a healthy control group. Methods: A group of children with HIV and a paired control group wore accelerometers for 1 week and answered a questionnaire with items related to television viewing habits and computer usage. Accelerometer-derived and self-reported SB were compared between children living with HIV and controls and between treatment-based and viral load subgroups. Results: A total of 130 children (of which 53% are girls with a mean age of 12.1 y) participated in the study with 65 in each group. Children in the control group exhibited significantly more objectively measured SB daily when compared with the HIV group (515 vs 490 min/d, respectively), but no differences were found between the treatment-based and viral load subgroups. Children with HIV watched more television on weekdays, compared with the control group (P < .05). No other differences were found in comparisons of self-reported SB between the control and HIV and the treatment-based or viral load subgroups. Conclusion: Children living with HIV spend less time being sedentary than those in the healthy control group. Future studies are important for clarifying the causes and consequences of these differences.
HIV-2 Depletes CD4 T Cells through Pyroptosis despite Vpx-Dependent Degradation of SAMHD1
Authors: Luo Xiaoyu , Herzig Eytan , Doitsh Gilad , Grimmett Zachary W. , Muñoz-Arias Isa , Greene Warner C.
Published: October 2019

CD4 T cell depletion during HIV-1 infection involves the demise of bystander CD4 T cells due to abortive infection, viral DNA sensing, inflammasome assembly, and death by caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis. HIV-2 infection is associated with milder disease and lower rates of CD4 T cell loss. We hypothesized that HIV-2 infection produces lower levels of pyroptosis due to the action of its Vpx gene product. Vpx degrades the SAMHD1 restriction factor, potentially reducing abortive forms of infection. However, in tonsil cell cultures, HIV-2, HIV-2 ΔVpx, and HIV-1 induced indistinguishable levels of pyroptosis. Forced encapsidation of Vpx into HIV-1 virions also did not reduce pyroptosis. Thus, SAMHD1 does not appear to play a key role in the induction of bystander cell pyroptosis. Additionally, the milder clinical course of HIV-2-induced disease is apparently not explained by a decrease in this inflammatory form of programmed cell death.
Flexibility in Nucleic Acid Binding Is Central to APOBEC3H Antiviral Activity
Authors: Bohn Jennifer A. , DaSilva Justin , Kharytonchyk Siarhei , Mercedes Maria , Vosters Jennifer , Telesnitsky Alice , Hatziioannou Theodora , Smith Janet L.
Published: October 2019

APOBEC3 proteins are host factors that protect the integrity of the host genome by inhibiting retroelements as well as retroviruses, such as HIV-1. To do this, the APOBEC3H protein has evolved unique interactions with structured RNAs. Here, we studied the importance of these interactions in driving antiviral activity of APOBEC3H. Our results provide a clear picture of how RNA binding drives the ability of APOBEC3H to infiltrate new viruses and prevent synthesis of viral DNA. We also explore how RNA binding by APOBEC3H influences recognition and deamination of viral DNA and describe two possible routes by which APOBEC3H might hypermutate the HIV-1 genome. These results highlight how one protein can sense many nucleic acid species for a variety of antiviral activities.
Genome Sequence of “
Candidatus
Nitrosocosmicus franklandus” C13, a Terrestrial Ammonia-Oxidizing Archaeon
Authors: Nicol Graeme W. , Hink Linda , Gubry-Rangin Cécile , Prosser James I. , Lehtovirta-Morley Laura E.
Published: October 2019

“
Candidatus
Nitrosocosmicus franklandus” C13 is an ammonia-oxidizing archaeon (AOA) isolated from soil. Its complete genome is 2.84 Mb and possesses predicted AOA metabolic pathways for energy generation and carbon dioxide fixation but no typical surface layer (S-layer) proteins, only one ammonium transporter, and divergent A-type ATP synthase genes.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Cycloclasticus
sp. Strain PY97N, Which Includes Two Heavy Metal Resistance Genomic Islands
Authors: Cui Zhisong , Kivenson Veronika , Liu Na , Xu Angela , Luan Xiao , Gao Wei , Paul Blair , Valentine David L.
Published: October 2019

We present the complete genome sequence of fluoranthene-consuming
Cycloclasticus
sp. strain PY97N. This strain has one circular chromosome with a G+C content of 42.06%. Moreover, two genomic islands were identified as putative conjugative elements. These genomic details are expected to inform our understanding of the remarkable catabolic capacities of organisms of the
Cycloclasticus
lineage.
Coastal Ocean Metagenomes and Curated Metagenome-Assembled Genomes from Marsh Landing, Sapelo Island (Georgia, USA)
Authors: Damashek Julian , Edwardson Christian F. , Tolar Bradley B. , Gifford Scott M. , Moran Mary Ann , Hollibaugh James T.
Published: October 2019

Microbes play a dominant role in the biogeochemistry of coastal waters, which receive organic matter from diverse sources. We present metagenomes and 45 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from Sapelo Island, Georgia, to further understand coastal microbial populations.
Complete Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli Siphophage Shashou
Authors: Higbee Tyler , Yang Shih-Hung , Moreland Russell , Liu Mei , Ramsey Jolene
Published: October 2019

Here, we announce the genome of the
Escherichia coli
4s siphophage Shashou, which presents similarity to members of the
Guernseyvirinae
subfamily. Shashou is predicted to use a headful packaging mechanism for its 44,155-bp genome and to encode 77 proteins.
Complete Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus aureus Myophage Maine
Authors: Moreland Russell , Korn Abby , Newkirk Heather , Liu Mei , Gill Jason J. , Cahill Jesse , Ramsey Jolene
Published: October 2019

Multidrug-resistant strains of
Staphylococcus aureus
cause serious human disease worldwide. Bacteriophages offer a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics. Here, we announce the 141,712-bp genome of
S. aureus
phage Maine. A myophage with 9,019-bp predicted terminal repeats and high similarity to other
Staphylococcus
phages, Maine falls into the Twort-like group.
Variation in responsiveness to warranted behaviour change among NHS clinicians: novel implementation of change detection methods in longitudinal prescribing data
Authors: Walker Alex J , Pretis Felix , Powell-Smith Anna , Goldacre Ben
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To determine how clinicians vary in their response to new guidance on existing or new interventions, by measuring the timing and magnitude of change at healthcare institutions.

Design

Automated change detection in longitudinal prescribing data.

Setting

Prescribing data in English primary care.

Participants

English general practices.

Main outcome measures

In each practice the following were measured: the timing of the largest changes, steepness of the change slope (change in proportion per month), and magnitude of the change for two example time series (expiry of the Cerazette patent in 2012, leading to cheaper generic desogestrel alternatives becoming available; and a change in antibiotic prescribing guidelines after 2014, favouring nitrofurantoin over trimethoprim for uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI)).

Results

Substantial heterogeneity was found between institutions in both timing and steepness of change. The range of time delay before a change was implemented was large (interquartile range 2-14 months (median 8) for Cerazette, and 5-29 months (18) for UTI). Substantial heterogeneity was also seen in slope following a detected change (interquartile range 2-28% absolute reduction per month (median 9%) for Cerazette, and 1-8% (2%) for UTI). When changes were implemented, the magnitude of change showed substantially less heterogeneity (interquartile range 44-85% (median 66%) for Cerazette and 28-47% (38%) for UTI).

Conclusions

Substantial variation was observed in the speed with which individual NHS general practices responded to warranted changes in clinical practice. Changes in prescribing behaviour were detected automatically and robustly. Detection of structural breaks using indicator saturation methods opens up new opportunities to improve patient care through audit and feedback by moving away from cross sectional analyses, and automatically identifying institutions that respond rapidly, or slowly, to warranted changes in clinical practice.
Assessing the impact of rising child poverty on the unprecedented rise in infant mortality in England, 2000–2017: time trend analysis
Authors: Taylor-Robinson David , Lai Eric T C , Wickham Sophie , Rose Tanith , Norman Paul , Bambra Clare , Whitehead Margaret , Barr Ben
Published: October 2019

Objective

To determine whether there were inequalities in the sustained rise in infant mortality in England in recent years and the contribution of rising child poverty to these trends.

Design

This is an analysis of trends in infant mortality in local authorities grouped into five categories (quintiles) based on their level of income deprivation. Fixed-effects regression models were used to quantify the association between regional changes in child poverty and regional changes in infant mortality.

Setting

324 English local authorities in 9 English government office regions.

Participants

Live-born children under 1 year of age.

Main outcome measure

Infant mortality rate, defined as the number of deaths in children under 1 year of age per 100 000 live births in the same year.

Results

The sustained and unprecedented rise in infant mortality in England from 2014 to 2017 was not experienced evenly across the population. In the most deprived local authorities, the previously declining trend in infant mortality reversed and mortality rose, leading to an additional 24 infant deaths per 100 000 live births per year (95% CI 6 to 42), relative to the previous trend. There was no significant change from the pre-existing trend in the most affluent local authorities. As a result, inequalities in infant mortality increased, with the gap between the most and the least deprived local authority areas widening by 52 deaths per 100 000 births (95% CI 36 to 68). Overall from 2014 to 2017, there were a total of 572 excess infant deaths (95% CI 200 to 944) compared with what would have been expected based on historical trends. We estimated that each 1% increase in child poverty was significantly associated with an extra 5.8 infant deaths per 100 000 live births (95% CI 2.4 to 9.2). The findings suggest that about a third of the increases in infant mortality between 2014 and 2017 can be attributed to rising child poverty (172 deaths, 95% CI 74 to 266).

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that the unprecedented rise in infant mortality disproportionately affected the poorest areas of the country, leaving the more affluent areas unaffected. Our analysis also linked the recent increase in infant mortality in England with rising child poverty, suggesting that about a third of the increase in infant mortality from 2014 to 2017 may be attributed to rising child poverty.
Rare but heard: using asynchronous virtual focus groups, interviews and roundtable discussions to create a personalised psychological intervention for primary sclerosing cholangitis: a protocol
Authors: Ranieri Veronica , Kennedy Eilis , Walmsley Martine , Thorburn Doug , McKay Kathy
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare and chronic disease characterised by inflammation and fibrosis of the liver’s bile ducts. There is no known cause or cure for the illness, which often progresses to end-stage liver disease requiring liver transplantation. Symptoms of PSC can be very burdensome on those living with the illness, leading to restrictions in daily living, as well as a greater risk of colorectal and biliary tract cancers. Limited voices from lived experience suggest that living with PSC can cause considerable psychological distress. This study, therefore, aims to explore how the illness impacts the psychological well-being of those living with the illness, and those supporting them. It also aims to create a personalised psychological intervention to support all groups.

Methods and analysis

This project will take a layered qualitative approach to understanding the ways in which people experience living with PSC within their day-to-day lives. There will be two stages to this study, which will pilot a unique methodological process using online resources. The first stage will consist of asynchronous virtual focus groups (AVFGs) with those living with PSC and those who provide support for those diagnosed with PSC, and narrative interviews with both groups and health professionals. Both the AVFGs and the narrative interviews will be analysed using thematic narrative analysis. The second stage will comprise a roundtable discussion where the researchers and health professionals will devise a personalised psychological intervention to help to support those living with PSC and their supporters. The study duration is expected to be 18 months.

Ethics and dissemination

The proposed study has been approved by the UK Health Research Authority and London—Queen Square Research Ethics Committee as application 18/LO/1075. Results from the AVFGs and the narrative interviews will be submitted for peer-reviewed publication. The findings of the study will also be presented nationally to PSC and medical communities, and a summary of the findings will be shared with participants.
The association of ischaemic stroke in patients with heart failure without atrial flutter/fibrillation
Authors: Chou Yen-Lien , Liou Jun-Ting , Cheng Cheng-Chung , Tsai Min-Chien , Lin Wei-Shiang , Cheng Shu-Meng , Lin Cheng-Li , Lin Chin-Sheng , Kao Chia-Hung
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This study evaluated the association between ischaemic stroke (IS) and heart failure (HF) in the absence of atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter (AFL) using a population-based nation-wide cohort database.

Method

Newly diagnosed patients with HF without previous stroke and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were enrolled. Based on the propensity scores matching age, sex and all comorbidities, our studies comprised 12 179 patients with HF and 12 179 patients without HF. Cox proportion hazard regression models and competing-risk regression models were used to evaluate the risk of IS among patients with HF without AF or AFL.

Results

In the multivariable analysis, older age (adjusted HR (95% CI)=1.05 (1.04 to 1.05)), male sex (adjusted HR (95% CI)=1.36 (1.24 to 1.50)), diabetes (adjusted HR (95% CI)=2.22 (1.97 to 2.49)) and hypertension (adjusted HR (95% CI)=1.60 (1.41 to 1.82)) were markedly associated with IS in patients with HF. The HF group had a markedly higher risk of IS than did the non-HF group (subdistribution HR (SHR)=1.51, 95% CI: 1.37 to 1.66) and AMI (SHR=3.40, 95% CI: 2.71 to 4.28). Additionally, according to the Kaplan-Meier analysis, patients with HF were at a significantly higher risk of cumulative incidence of IS and AMI than did patients with non-HF (p value of log-rank test <0.001).

Conclusion

This study indicated that HF is a strong independent risk factor for IS, even in the absence of AF or AFL. Clinical physicians should investigate IS through routine screening and careful monitoring of patients with HF.
Survival estimates and outcome predictors in dogs with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus treated in a veterinary teaching hospital
Authors: Tardo Antonio Maria , Del Baldo Francesca , Dondi Francesco , Pietra Marco , Chiocchetti Roberto , Fracassi Federico
Published: October 2019

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in dogs, but prognostic factors are still largely unknown. The aim of this retrospective, single‐centre, case series study was to determine overall survival time and identify the prognostic value of several clinical and clinicopathological variables in dogs with newly diagnosed DM.

Methods

Cases of DM were identified within the electronic medical records of one referral centre. Sixty‐eight dogs with DM were included. Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyse variables associated with survival.

Results

The median survival time was 964 days (range 22–3140). In multivariable model analysis, length of survival was significantly shorter for dogs with higher haematocrit value (hazard ratio (HR) 1.06, 95 per cent confidence interval (CI) 1.00 to 1.13) and higher serum phosphate concentrations (HR 1.83, 95 per cent CI 1.13 to 2.97). Serum phosphate concentrations were above the reference interval in 24 of 65 (37 per cent) dogs.

Conclusion

Diabetic dogs have a good life expectancy. Hyperphosphataemia is a relatively common finding in dogs with newly diagnosed DM and represents a negative prognostic factor. The presence of pancreatitis might not be associated with an unfavourable outcome.
Management sensitivity, repeatability, and consistency of interpretation of soil health indicators on organic farms in southwestern Ontario
Authors: Hargreaves Sarah K. , DeJong Paul , Laing Ken , McQuail Tony , Van Eerd Laura L.
Published: October 2019

Assessment tools are needed to evaluate the effect of farming practices on soil health, as there is increasing interest from growers to improve the health of their soils. However, there is limited information on the efficacy of different soil health indicators on commercial farms and perhaps less so on organic farms. To assess efficacy, three organic growers in cooperation with the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario’s Farmer-Led Research Program tested management sensitivity, measurement repeatability, and consistency of interpretation of different soil health indicators. On each farm, we compared permanganate-oxidizable carbon (active carbon), organic matter, wet aggregate stability, phospholipid fatty acid analysis, Haney soil health test, and Haney nutrient test on one field of grower-perceived high productivity, one field of grower-perceived low productivity, and one reference site (undisturbed, permanent cover). Our results were consistent with previous research that showed grower perception of productivity and soil health associated with management-sensitive soil health indicators. Of the indicators tested, active carbon was the only indicator that was sensitive, repeatable, and consistent across the three farms, and soil organic matter was highly repeatable and consistent to detect differences greater than 0.5% organic matter. This study highlights differences among soil health indicators on commercial farms, and it concludes that active carbon and organic matter were the most useful soil health indicators for these organic farms. Participating growers intend to use results to benchmark current soil status and to help guide land management decisions towards improved soil health.
Remarks on distinguishability of Schwarzschild spacetime and thermal Minkowski spacetime using Resonance Casimir–Polder interaction
Authors: Singha Chiranjeeb
Published: October 2019

One perceives same response of a single-atom detector when placed at a point outside the horizon in Schwarzschild spacetime to that of a static single-atom detector in thermal Minkowski spacetime. So one cannot distinguish Schwarzschild spacetime from thermal Minkowski spacetime by using a single-atom detector. We show that, for Schwarzschild spacetime, beyond a characteristic length scale which is proportional to the inverse of the surface gravity [Formula: see text], the Resonance Casimir–Polder interaction (RCPI) between two entangled atoms is characterized by a 1/L2 power-law provided the atoms are located close to the horizon. However, the RCPI between two entangled atoms follows a 1/L power-law decay for the thermal Minkowski spacetime. Seemingly, it appears that the spacetimes can be distinguished from each other using the RCPI behavior. But our further exploration leads to the conclusion that the length scale limit beyond a characteristic value is not compatible with the local flatness of the spacetime.
Constraints on dark matter-photon coupling in the presence of time-varying dark energy
Authors: Yadav Santosh Kumar
Published: October 2019

In a recent work [S. Kumar, R. C. Nunes and S. K. Yadav, Phys. Rev. D 98, 043521 (2018)], we have investigated a dark matter (DM)-photon coupling model in which the DM decays into photons in the presence of dark energy (DE) with constant equation of state (EoS) parameter. Here, we study an extension of the DM-photon coupling model by considering a time-varying EoS of DE via Chevalier–Polarski–Linder (CPL) parametrization. We derive observational constraints on the model parameters by using the data from cosmic microwave background (CMB), baryonic acoustic oscillations (BAO), the local value of Hubble constant from Hubble Space Telescope (HST), and large-scale structure (LSS) information from the abundance of galaxy clusters, in four different combinations. We find that in this DM-photon coupling scenario the mean values of [Formula: see text] are in quintessence region [Formula: see text] whereas they were in the phantom region [Formula: see text] in our previous study with all data combinations. The constraints on the DM-photon coupling parameter do not reflect any significant deviation from the previous results. Due to the decay of DM into photons, we obtain higher values of [Formula: see text], consistent with the local measurements, similar to our previous study. But, the time-varying DE leads to lower values of [Formula: see text] in the DM-photon coupling model with all data combinations, in comparison to the results in our previous study. Thus, allowing time-varying DE in the DM-photon coupling scenario is useful to alleviate the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] tensions.
A dark energy quintessence model of the universe
Authors: Goswami G. K. , Pradhan Anirudh , Beesham A.
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we have presented a model of the Friedmann–Lemaitre–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) universe filled with matter and dark energy (DE) fluids by assuming an ansatz that deceleration parameter (DP) is a linear function of the Hubble constant. This results in a time-dependent DP having decelerating–accelerating transition phase of the universe. This is a quintessence model [Formula: see text]. The quintessence phase remains for the period [Formula: see text]. The model is shown to satisfy current observational constraints. Various cosmological parameters relating to the history of the universe have been investigated.
Theoretical study of structural, electronic and magnetic properties of equiatomic quaternary CoPdCrZ (Z = Si, Ge, P) Heusler alloys
Authors: Arshad Hafsa , Zafar M. , Ahmad S. , Rizwan M. , Khan M. I. , Gillani S. S. A. , Cao Chuan Bao , Shakil M.
Published: October 2019

In this study, the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of Co-based equiatomic quaternary Heusler alloys (EQHA) CoPdCrZ (Z = Si, Ge, P) are investigated by full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method. Three different configurations are employed to find out the most stable structure by structural optimization process. The alloys CoPdCrSi and CoPdCrGe are found to be stable in Type-II structure while CoPdCrP is in Type-I. The calculated electronic and magnetic properties show that CoPdCrSi and CoPdCrGe are nearly half metals while CoPdCrP is a ferromagnetic alloy. By following the Slater–Pauling rule [Formula: see text], the total magnetic moments are calculated. The spin polarization and Curie temperature have also been calculated.
A sensor based on D-shaped photonic crystal fiber with elliptical holes
Authors: Bing Pibin , Huang Shichao , Sui Jialei , Wang Hua , Ren Yongen
Published: October 2019

A sensor based on D-shaped photonic crystal fiber (PCF) with elliptical holes is designed and numerical studied by finite element method (FEM). The refractive index (RI) of analyte can be detected by using surface plasma resonance effect and optical fiber with elliptical holes can solve the phase matching problem. The size of central hole, the major axis of the two elliptical holes near polishing plane in first layer and polishing depth are adjusted to explore the influence of these parameters on wavelength sensitivity and amplitude sensitivity of the sensor. Polishing depth has a great influence on wavelength sensitivity of the sensor. As a result, higher sensitivity is obtained with larger polishing depth in the range of 1.33–1.39 and smaller polishing depth is more suitable with RI changing from 1.39–1.42. The wavelength sensitivity of the designed sensor is 10,200 nm/RIU, which means the designed sensor has a promising application prospect.
Driving Comfort Evaluation for Manhole Covers and Pavement around Manholes
Authors: Zhao Quanman , Li Zhigang , Hu Wenjun , Meng Xianguang , Zhang Hui
Published: October 2019

In order to study the driving comfort and influencing factors when vehicles pass over manholes and pavement around manholes on an urban road, the deformation and vibration of the manhole cover were considered, a multidegree of freedom vibration model of the human-vehicle-manhole cover was established, and the variation characteristics of driving acceleration was analyzed. The root mean square of weighted acceleration was taken as the basic index, and driving comfort was evaluated based on ISO 2631-1-1997 standard. After that, 9 influencing factors were analyzed, such as driving speed, subsidence of manhole, manhole cover stiffness, and longitudinal slope. Then, grey correlation entropy analysis was used to evaluate the influencing factors, and the main factors were determined. The results showed that the maximum acceleration was 3.6 m/s2 when a vehicle was passing over a manhole cover under the basic parameters. At the same time, the root mean square of weighted acceleration was 0.975 m/s2 and driving comfort degree was “uncomfortable.” Driving direction and vibration of the manhole cover had little influence on driving comfort, while the remaining influencing factors had significant influence on that. The ranking of key influence factors on driving comfort was longitudinal slope, driving speed, height difference caused by pavement damage, height difference caused by manhole cover subsidence, tire stiffness, manhole stiffness, and tire damping. Therefore, in order to ensure driving comfort and safety, damage to pavement around manholes and manhole cover subsidence should be repaired in a timely manner.
Polymorphisms of the Chicken Mx Gene Promoter and Association with Chicken Embryos’ Susceptibility to Virulent Newcastle Disease Virus Challenge
Authors: Mpenda Fulgence N. , Keambou Christian T. , Kyallo Martina , Pelle Roger , Lyantagaye Sylvester L. , Buza Joram
Published: October 2019

Newcastle disease is a devastating viral disease of chicken in low- and middle-income countries where the backyard production system is predominant. Marker-assisted selection of chickens that are resistant to Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is the promising strategy that needs to be explored. The aim of the present study was to investigate polymorphisms of the promoter region of the chicken Mx gene and association with Kuroiler, Sasso, and local Tanzanian chicken embryos’ survival variability to virulent NDV infection. Chicken embryos were initially challenged with a minimum lethal dose of virulent NDV suspension and then were followed over time to gather information on their survival variability. Using the survival data, high and less susceptible cohorts were established, and a total of 88 DNA samples from high and less susceptible groups were genotypes by sequencing. Five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which were previously reported, were detected. Interestingly, for the first time, the findings demonstrated the association of the promoter region of chicken myxovirus-resistance (Mx) gene polymorphisms with chicken embryos’ susceptibility to the virulent NDV challenge. At the genotypic level, the SNP4 G>A mutation that was located within the IFN-stimulating response element was associated (LR: 6.97, P=0.03) with chicken embryos’ susceptibility to the virulent NDV challenge. An allele G frequency was higher in the less susceptible cohort, whereas an allele A frequency was higher in the high susceptible cohort. At the haplotype level, the haplotype group ACGC was associated (OR: 9.8, 95% CI: 1.06–79.43, P=0.042) with the same trait and had a resistant effect. In conclusion, the results have demonstrated the association of chicken Mx gene promoter polymorphisms and chicken embryos’ survival variability to the virulent NDV challenge, and the information is useful for breeding programs designed to develop chicken genotypes that are resistant to Newcastle disease virus.
Locomotive Syndrome Stage 1 Predicts Significant Worsening of Future Motor Performance: The Prospective Yakumo Study
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuyoshi , Imagama Shiro , Ando Kei , Machino Masaaki , Tanaka Satoshi , Morozumi Masayoshi , Kanbara Shunsuke , Ito Sadayuki , Inoue Taro , Ishiguro Naoki , Hasegawa Yukiharu
Published: October 2019

Purpose. Aging of society has increased the need for prolongation of a healthy lifespan through maintenance of physical function. Prediction of future physical function may be possible by screening for stage 1 locomotive syndrome (LS). In this prospective study, we examined the influence of LS stage 1 at baseline (2011) on physical performance after 5 years (2016) in a community-dwelling cohort. Methods. The participants were elderly adults aged >40 years who attended public health checkups as part of the Yakumo Study. LS screening in 2011 and 2016 was performed using the 25-question geriatric locomotive function scale (GLFS-25), the stand-up test, and the two-step test. LS of stage 1 or 2 was defined if the participant met the criteria in any of the three tests. Participants not meeting LS criteria were defined as the no risk group. Physical performance tests (10 m gait time, back muscle strength, 3 m TUG, and maximum stride) were also performed in 2011 and 2016. Results. A total of 113 subjects (49 males, 64 females; average age 65.0 years) were followed from 2011 to 2016. At baseline, 73 (65%) had no risk, 29 (25%) had stage 1 LS, and 11 (10%) had stage 2 LS. Five years later, 51 (45%) had no risk, 45 (40%) had stage 1 LS, and 17 (15%) had stage 2 LS. Of the 73 subjects with no risk at baseline, 23 (32%) had stage 1 LS and 1 (1%) had stage 2 LS after 5 years. The baseline stage 1 LS group had significantly worse physical performance after 5 years, compared to the baseline no risk group (p<0.05). Conclusions. This longitudinal study showed that stage 1 LS screening is important for prevention of motor dysfunction in middle-aged and elderly people.
Three‐Way Decisions with Single‐Valued Neutrosophic Decision Theory Rough Sets Based on Grey Relational Analysis
Authors: Liu Peide , Yang Hongyu
Published: October 2019

The single‐valued neutrosophic set (SVNS) can not only depict imperfect information in the real decision system but also handle undetermined and inconformity information flexibly and effectively. Three‐way decisions (3WDs) are often used as an effective method to deal with uncertainties, but the conditional probability is given by the decision maker subjectively, which makes the decision result too subjective. This paper proposes a novel model based on 3WDs to settle the multiattribute decision‐making (MADM) problems, where the attribute values are described by SVNS, and the attribute weights are entirely unknown. At first, we build a single‐valued neutrosophic decision theory rough set (SVNDTRS) model based on Bayesian decision process. Then, we use the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) approach to calculate the subjective weight of each attribute, the information entropy to obtain the attribute’s objective weight, and the minimum total deviation approach to determine the combined weight of the attributes. After obtaining the standard weight, the grey relational analysis (GRA) method is utilized to calculate the grey correlation closeness with the ideal solution, and the conditional probability is estimated by it. In addition, we develop a decision‐making method in view of the ideal solution of 3WDs with the SVNS. This approach not only considers the lowest cost but also gives a corresponding semantic explanation for the decision result of each alternative, which can supplement the decision results of GRA. At last, we illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of 3WDs through an example of supplier selection and compare it with other methods to verify the advantages of our approach.
Causes and Metabolic Consequences of Gynecomastia in Adult Patients
Authors: Robeva Ralitsa , Elenkova Atanaska , Zacharieva Sabina
Published: October 2019

Background. Gynecomastia (GM) is a benign enlargement of male breast due to glandular tissue proliferation. GM is a symptom of systemic or local hormonal disturbances, which could be associated with functional changes or pathological conditions. However, the long-lasting steroid imbalance in men with GM might exert negative influence on their metabolic health. Methods. A total of 110 adult men with symptomatic GM were included in the present retrospective cross-sectional study. Anthropometric, metabolic, and hormonal data of the patients were collected. Results. In almost 64% of GM patients, the underlying pathological condition was identified. Moreover, the development of GM was among the primary symptoms leading to the proper diagnosis in more than 40% of hypogonadal patients. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) was 53%; the highest prevalence of MS was found in patients with medication-induced GM and in the hypogonadal patients, whereas the lowest prevalence was observed in men with idiopathic postpubertal GM despite the similar degree of obesity. The lower testosterone levels were associated with more unfavorable lipid profile in the GM patients. Conclusion. The development of GM in adults might be an important symptom of an underlying gonadal disease. Moreover, it could be associated with an increased risk of metabolic disturbances. Our results support the need of detailed laboratory and hormonal investigations in patients with GM including targeted screening for metabolic disturbances. Further longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate the long-term consequences of sex hormones imbalance on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in adults with GM.
Effects of Coatings Containing Organic Ashes on the Corrosion Performance of Reinforcements
Authors: Sanrı Karapınar I.
Published: October 2019

The aim of this study is to investigate the corrosion performance of reinforcement steels coated with a coating containing wheat straw, sunflower stalk, and corn stalk ashes and moreover to discuss the effect of the coating on the concrete durability. By replacing calcite with different amounts of these organic ashes in the dye production, innovative corrosion inhibitive coating types were introduced. These coating types have been applied both on the reinforcement steels and concrete surface. In order to understand the effects of the coating types produced with these organic ashes, the steel bars coated with them containing 6% of the organic ashes as fine aggregate were embedded into concrete samples. The samples were cured both in tap water and 3.5% NaCl solution for 180 days, and the mass losses of the steel bars were determined. Also, the inhibition efficiency of the coating was determined by using the galvanic cell method and accelerated corrosion tests. Furthermore, mass loss, compressive strength, abrasion resistance, freeze‐thaw property, and capillary water permeability of the reinforced concrete samples with the produced coating were investigated. Test results showed that the minimum mass loss ratio in reinforcement was observed as 0.185% in samples coated with all three organic ash‐added mixes. Also, for the same samples compressive strength loss was the lowest as 14%. As a result, the durability of concrete and the corrosion resistance of steel bars improve with the addition of wheat straw, sunflower stalk, and corn stalk ashes into the coating and they could be used as environment‐friendly corrosion inhibitors.
Fault Tolerant Control for MIMO Nonlinear Systems via MPC Based on MIMO ARX‐Laguerre Multiple Models
Authors: Mbarek Abdelkader , Bouzrara Kais
Published: October 2019

In this article, we propose a fault tolerant control for multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) nonlinear systems via model predictive control. The MIMO nonlinear systems are approximated by MIMO ARX‐Laguerre multiple models. The latter is obtained by expanding a discrete‐time MIMO ARX multiple model parameters on Laguerre orthonormal bases. The resulting model ensures an efficient complexity reduction with respect to the classical MIMO ARX multiple models. This parametric complexity reduction still subjects to an optimal choice of the Laguerre poles defining Laguerre bases. The parameter and structure identifications of the MIMO ARX‐Laguerre multiple models are achieved by the recursive method and a metaheuristic algorithm, respectively. The proposed model is built from the system input/output observations and is used to synthesize a MIMO nonlinear fault tolerant control algorithm via MPC. So, we develop a fault detection and isolation (FDI) scheme based on the proposed model. The scheme of the fault detection is applied at every step of MPC control calculation, where we determine the actuator faults and we use it in the MPC optimization problem to determine the new control with respect to the actuator faults. The proposed strategy is tested on numerical simulation and validated on the real system.
Monthly Electricity Consumption Forecasting Method Based on X12 and STL Decomposition Model in an Integrated Energy System
Authors: Sun Tianhe , Zhang Tieyan , Teng Yun , Chen Zhe , Fang Jiakun
Published: October 2019

With the rapid development and wide application of distributed generation technology and new energy trading methods, the integrated energy system has developed rapidly in Europe in recent years and has become the focus of new strategic competition and cooperation among countries. As a key technology and decision‐making approach for operation, optimization, and control of integrated energy systems, power consumption prediction faces new challenges. The user‐side power demand and load characteristics change due to the influence of distributed energy. At the same time, in the open retail market of electricity sales, the forecast of electricity consumption faces the power demand of small‐scale users, which is more easily disturbed by random factors than by a traditional load forecast. Therefore, this study proposes a model based on X12 and Seasonal and Trend decomposition using Loess (STL) decomposition of monthly electricity consumption forecasting methods. The first use of the STL model according to the properties of electricity each month is its power consumption time series decomposition individuation. It influences the factorization of monthly electricity consumption into season, trend, and random components. Then, the change in the characteristics of the three components over time is considered. Finally, the appropriate model is selected to predict the components in the reconfiguration of the monthly electricity consumption forecast. A forecasting program is developed based on R language and MATLAB, and a case study is conducted on the power consumption data of a university campus containing distributed energy. Results show that the proposed method is reasonable and effective.
Intratumoral Delivery of Plasmid IL12 Via Electroporation Leads to Regression of Injected and Noninjected Tumors in Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Bhatia Shailender , Longino Natalie V. , Miller Natalie J. , Kulikauskas Rima , Iyer Jayasri G. , Ibrani Dafina , Blom Astrid , Byrd David R. , Parvathaneni Upendra , Twitty Christopher G. , Campbell Jean S. , Le Mai H. , Gargosky Sharron , Pierce Robert H. , Heller Richard , Daud Adil I. , Nghiem Paul
Published: October 2019

Purpose:

IL12 promotes adaptive type I immunity and has demonstrated antitumor efficacy, but systemic administration leads to severe adverse events (AE), including death. This pilot trial investigated safety, efficacy, and immunologic activity of intratumoral delivery of IL12 plasmid DNA (tavo) via in vivo electroporation (i.t.-tavo-EP) in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), an aggressive virus-associated skin cancer.

Patients and Methods:

Fifteen patients with MCC with superficial injectable tumor(s) received i.t.-tavo-EP on days 1, 5, and 8 of each cycle. Patients with locoregional MCC (cohort A, N = 3) received one cycle before definitive surgery in week 4. Patients with metastatic MCC (cohort B, N = 12) received up to four cycles total, administered at least 6 weeks apart. Serial tumor and blood samples were collected.

Results:

All patients successfully completed at least one cycle with transient, mild (grades 1 and 2) AEs and without significant systemic toxicity. Sustained (day 22) intratumoral expression of IL12 protein was observed along with local inflammation and increased tumor-specific CD8+ T-cell infiltration, which led to systemic immunologic and clinical responses. The overall response rate was 25% (3/12) in cohort B, with 2 patients experiencing durable clinical benefit (16 and 55+ months, respectively). Two cohort A patients (1 with pathologic complete remission) were recurrence-free at 44+ and 75+ months, respectively.

Conclusions:

I.t.-tavo-EP was safe and feasible without systemic toxicity. Sustained local expression of IL12 protein and local inflammation led to systemic immune responses and clinically meaningful benefit in some patients. Gene electrotransfer, specifically i.t.-tavo-EP, warrants further investigation for immunotherapy of cancer.
The Novel ATR Inhibitor BAY 1895344 Is Efficacious as Monotherapy and Combined with DNA Damage–Inducing or Repair–Compromising Therapies in Preclinical Cancer Models
Authors: Wengner Antje M. , Siemeister Gerhard , Lücking Ulrich , Lefranc Julien , Wortmann Lars , Lienau Philip , Bader Benjamin , Bömer Ulf , Moosmayer Dieter , Eberspächer Uwe , Golfier Sven , Schatz Christoph A. , Baumgart Simon J. , Haendler Bernard , Lejeune Pascale , Schlicker Andreas , von Nussbaum Franz , Brands Michael , Ziegelbauer Karl , Mumberg Dominik
Published: October 2019

The DNA damage response (DDR) secures the integrity of the genome of eukaryotic cells. DDR deficiencies can promote tumorigenesis but concurrently may increase dependence on alternative repair pathways. The ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) kinase plays a central role in the DDR by activating essential signaling pathways of DNA damage repair. Here, we studied the effect of the novel selective ATR kinase inhibitor BAY 1895344 on tumor cell growth and viability. Potent antiproliferative activity was demonstrated in a broad spectrum of human tumor cell lines. BAY 1895344 exhibited strong monotherapy efficacy in cancer xenograft models that carry DNA damage repair deficiencies. The combination of BAY 1895344 with DNA damage–inducing chemotherapy or external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) showed synergistic antitumor activity. Combination treatment with BAY 1895344 and DDR inhibitors achieved strong synergistic antiproliferative activity in vitro, and combined inhibition of ATR and PARP signaling using olaparib demonstrated synergistic antitumor activity in vivo. Furthermore, the combination of BAY 1895344 with the novel, nonsteroidal androgen receptor antagonist darolutamide resulted in significantly improved antitumor efficacy compared with respective single-agent treatments in hormone-dependent prostate cancer, and addition of EBRT resulted in even further enhanced antitumor efficacy. Thus, the ATR inhibitor BAY 1895344 may provide new therapeutic options for the treatment of cancers with certain DDR deficiencies in monotherapy and in combination with DNA damage–inducing or DNA repair–compromising cancer therapies by improving their efficacy.