bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management and outcomes of pneumothorax in adult patients with Langerhans cell Histiocytosis
Authors: Le Guen Pierre , Chevret Sylvie , Bugnet Emmanuelle , de Margerie-Mellon Constance , Lorillon Gwenaël , Seguin-Givelet Agathe , Jouenne Fanélie , Gossot Dominique , Vassallo Robert , Tazi Abdellatif
Published: October 2019

Background

Pneumothorax may recur during pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH) patients’ follow-up and its management is not standardised. The factors associated with pneumothorax recurrence are unknown.

Methods

In this retrospective study, PLCH patients who experienced a pneumothorax and were followed for at least 6 months after the first episode were eligible. The objectives were to describe the treatment of the initial episode and pneumothorax recurrences during follow-up. We also searched for factors associated with pneumothorax recurrence and evaluated the effect on lung function outcome. Time to recurrence was estimated by the Kaplan Meier method and the cumulative hazard of recurrence handling all recurrent events was estimated. Univariate Cox models and Andersen-Gill counting process were used for statistical analyses.

Results

Fourty-three patients (median age 26.5 years [interquartile range (IQR), 22.9–35.4]; 26 men, 39 current smokers) were included and followed for median time of 49 months. Chest tube drainage was the main management of the initial pneumothorax, which resolved in 70% of cases. Pneumothorax recurred in 23 (53%) patients, and overall 96 pneumothoraces were observed during the study period. In the subgroup of patients who experienced pneumothorax recurrence, the median number of episodes per patient was 3 [IQR, 2–4]. All but one recurrence occurred within 2 years after the first episode. Thoracic surgery neither delayed the time of occurrence of the first ipsilateral recurrence nor reduced the overall number of recurrences during the study period, although the rate of recurrence was lower after thoracotomy than following video-assisted thoracic surgery (p = 0.03). At the time of the first pneumothorax, the presence of air trapping on lung function testing was associated with increased risk of recurrence (hazard ratio = 5.08; 95% confidence interval [1.18, 21.8]; p = 0.03). Pneumothorax recurrence did not predict subsequent lung function decline (p = 0.058).

Conclusions

Our results show that pneumothorax recurrences occur during an “active” phase of PLCH. In this observational study, the time of occurrence of the first ipsilateral recurrence and the overall number of pneumothorax recurrences were similar after conservative and thoracic surgical treatments. Further studies are needed to determine the best management to reduce the risk of pneumothorax recurrence in PLCH patients.
Flight muscles degenerate by programmed cell death after migration in the wheat aphid, Sitobion avenae
Authors: Feng Honglin , Guo Xiao , Sun Hongyan , Zhang Shuai , Xi Jinghui , Yin Jiao , Cao Yazhong , Li Kebin
Published: October 2019

Objective

Previous studies showed that flight muscles degenerate after migration in some aphid species; however, the underlying molecular mechanism remains virtually unknown. In this study, using the wheat aphid,Sitobion avenae, we aim to investigate aphid flight muscle degeneration and the underlying molecular mechanism.

Results

Sitobion avenaestarted to differentiate winged or wingless morphs at the second instar, the winged aphids were fully determined at the third instar, and their wings were fully developed at the fourth instar. After migration, the aphid flight muscles degenerated via programmed cell death, which is evidenced by a Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling assay. Then, we identified a list of differentially expressed genes before and after tethered flights using differential-display reverse transcription-PCR. One of the differentially expressed genes, ubiquitin-ribosomal S27a, was confirmed using qPCR. Ubiquitin-ribosomal S27a is drastically up regulated following the aphids’ migration and before the flight muscle degeneration. Our data suggested that aphid flight muscles degenerate after migration. During flight muscle degeneration, endogenous proteins may be degraded to reallocate energy for reproduction.
Early initiation of breastfeeding and associated factors among mothers of aged less than 12 months children in rural eastern zone, Tigray, Ethiopia: cross-sectional study
Authors: Gebremeskel Senait Gebreslasie , Gebru Tesfay Tsegay , Gebrehiwot Berhanu Gebresilassie , Meles Hadush Negash , Tafere Betell Berhane , Gebreslassie Guesh Welu , Welay Fisseha Tekulu , Mengesha Meresa Berwo , Weldegeorges Desta Abraha
Published: October 2019

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to assess early initiation of breastfeeding and associated factors among mothers of aged less than 12 months children in the rural eastern zone, Tigray, Ethiopia.

Results

Totally 803 mother–child pairs were participated in this study with a response rate of 99.25%. Out of this, 787 mothers had ever breastfed their children. Four hundred eighty-seven (61.9%) mothers initiated breastfeeding within 1 h after they gave birth. Mothers having an educational status of primary education were about 2 times more likely to initiate breastfeeding within 1 h of birth [AOR: 1.99, 95% CI 1.36–2.92] and those mothers having secondary education and above were 3.23 times more likely to start breastfeeding [AOR = 3.23, 95% CI 1.99–5.26]. Mothers who had mistimed pregnancy were 58% less likely to initiate breastfeeding within 1 h of birth [AOR: 0.42, 95% CI 0.27–0.65]. On the other hand, mothers who had delivered their child vaginally were 4.6 times more likely to start early initiation of breast feeding [AOR: 4.59, 95% CI 1.99–10.56].
Detecting multiple differentially methylated CpG sites and regions related to dimensional psychopathology in youths
Authors: Spindola Leticia M. , Santoro Marcos L. , Pan Pedro M. , Ota Vanessa K. , Xavier Gabriela , Carvalho Carolina M. , Talarico Fernanda , Sleiman Patrick , March Michael , Pellegrino Renata , Brietzke Elisa , Grassi-Oliveira Rodrigo , Mari Jair J. , Gadelha Ary , Miguel Euripedes C. , Rohde Luis A. , Bressan Rodrigo A. , Mazzotti Diego R. , Sato João R. , Salum Giovanni A. , Hakonarson Hakon , Belangero Sintia I.
Published: October 2019

Background

Psychiatric symptomatology during late childhood and early adolescence tends to persist later in life. In the present longitudinal study, we aimed to identify changes in genome-wide DNA methylation patterns that were associated with the emergence of psychopathology in youths from the Brazilian High-Risk Cohort (HRC) for psychiatric disorders. Moreover, for the differentially methylated genes, we verified whether differences in DNA methylation corresponded to differences in mRNA transcript levels by analyzing the gene expression levels in the blood and by correlating the variation of DNA methylation values with the variation of mRNA levels of the same individuals. Finally, we examined whether the variations in DNA methylation and mRNA levels were correlated with psychopathology measurements over time.

Methods

We selected 24 youths from the HRC who presented with an increase in dimensional psychopathology at a 3-year follow-up as measured by the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). The DNA methylation and gene expression data were compared in peripheral blood samples (n = 48) obtained from the 24 youths before and after developing psychopathology. We implemented a methodological framework to reduce the effect of chronological age on DNA methylation using an independent population of 140 youths and the effect of puberty using data from the literature.

Results

We identified 663 differentially methylated positions (DMPs) and 90 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) associated with the emergence of psychopathology. We observed that 15 DMPs were mapped to genes that were differentially expressed in the blood; among these, we found a correlation between the DNA methylation and mRNA levels ofRB1CC1and a correlation between the CBCL and mRNA levels ofKMT2E.Of the DMRs, three genes were differentially expressed:ASCL2, which is involved in neurogenesis;HLA-E, which is mapped to the MHC loci; andRPS6KB1, the gene expression of which was correlated with an increase in the CBCL between the time points.

Conclusions

We observed that changes in DNA methylation and, consequently, in gene expression in the peripheral blood occurred concurrently with the emergence of dimensional psychopathology in youths. Therefore, epigenomic modulations might be involved in the regulation of an individual’s development of psychopathology.
Node importance evaluation method based on multi-attribute decision-making model in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Yin Rongrong , Yin Xueliang , Cui Mengdi , Xu Yinghan
Published: October 2019

Identifying important nodes is very crucial to design efficient communication networks or contain the spreading of information such as diseases and rumors. The problem is formulated as follows: given a network, which nodes are the more important? Most current studies did not incorporate the structure change as well as application features of a network. Aiming at the node importance evaluation in wireless sensor networks, a new method which ranks nodes according to their structural importance and performance impact is proposed. Namely, this method considers two aspects of the network, network structural characteristics and application requirements. This method integrates four indicators which reflect the node importance, namely, node degree, number of spanning trees, delay, and network energy consumption. Firstly, the changes in the four indicators are analyzed using the node deletion method. Then, the TOPSIS multi-attribute decision-making method is applied to merge these four evaluation indicators. On this basis, a more comprehensive evaluation method (MADME) for node importance is obtained. Theory study reveals MADME method saves computational time. And the simulation results show the superiority of the MADME method over various algorithms such as the N-Burt method, betweenness method, DEL-Node method, and IE-Matrix method. The accuracy of the evaluation can be improved, and the key nodes determined by the MADME method have a more obvious effect on the network performance. Our method can provide guidance on influential node identification in the network.
An intermixed iteration for constrained convex minimization problem and split feasibility problem
Authors: Saechou Kanyanee , Kangtunyakarn Atid
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we first introduce the two-step intermixed iteration for finding the common solution of a constrained convex minimization problem, and also we prove a strong convergence theorem for the intermixed algorithm. By using our main theorem, we prove a strong convergence theorem for the split feasibility problem. Finally, we apply our main theorem for the numerical example.
Global large solutions to the planar magnetohydrodynamics equations with constant heat conductivity
Authors: Li Wei , Shang Zhaoyang
Published: October 2019

This paper is concerned with global existence of large solutions to the initial-boundary value problem of the planar magnetohydrodynamic compressible flow. Under the assumptions that viscosity and heat conductivity coefficients are constants, magnetic diffusion is a function of the specific volume, we obtain the global existence of strong solutions. Some new methods are developed to deal with the complex interaction between the hydrodynamic and magnetodynamics effects.
The critical exponent for fast diffusion equation with nonlocal source
Authors: Yang Chunxiao , Kong Linghua , Wu Yingxue , Tian Qing
Published: October 2019

This paper considers the Cauchy problem for fast diffusion equation with nonlocal source$u_{t}=\Delta u^{m}+ (\int_{\mathbb{R}^{n}}u^{q}(x,t)\,dx )^{\frac{p-1}{q}}u^{r+1}$ut=Δum+(∫Rnuq(x,t)dx)p−1qur+1, which was raised in [Galaktionov et al. in Nonlinear Anal. 34:1005–1027, 1998]. We give the critical Fujita exponent$p_{c}=m+\frac{2q-n(1-m)-nqr}{n(q-1)}$pc=m+2q−n(1−m)−nqrn(q−1), namely, any solution of the problem blows up in finite time whenever$1< p\le p_{c}$1
p_{c}$p>pc.
Shape optimization of turbine blade cooling system using topological sensitivity analysis method
Authors: Ghezaiel Emna , Hassine Maatoug , Abdelwahed Mohamed , Chorfi Nejmeddine
Published: October 2019

The topological sensitivity analysis method gives the variation of a criterion with respect to the creation of a small hole in the domain. In this paper, we use this method to solve an inverse problem related to the turbine blade cooling. The aim is to optimize the hole characteristics created in the blade vane in order to improve the behavior of the cooling system. A topological optimization algorithm is proposed and some numerical results, showing the efficiency of our approach, are presented.
HaRD: a heterogeneity-aware replica deletion for HDFS
Authors: Ciritoglu Hilmi Egemen , Murphy John , Thorpe Christina
Published: October 2019

The Hadoop distributed file system (HDFS) is responsible for storing very large data-sets reliably on clusters of commodity machines. The HDFS takes advantage of replication to serve data requested by clients with high throughput. Data replication is a trade-off between better data availability and higher disk usage. Recent studies propose different data replication management frameworks that alter the replication factor of files dynamically in response to the popularity of the data, keeping more replicas for in-demand data to enhance the overall performance of the system. When data gets less popular, these schemes reduce the replication factor, which changes the data distribution and leads to unbalanced data distribution. Such an unbalanced data distribution causes hot spots, low data locality and excessive network usage in the cluster. In this work, we first confirm that reducing the replication factor causes unbalanced data distribution when using Hadoop’s default replica deletion scheme. Then, we show that even keeping a balanced data distribution using WBRD (data-distribution-aware replica deletion scheme) that we proposed in previous work performs sub-optimally on heterogeneous clusters. In order to overcome this issue, we propose a heterogeneity-aware replica deletion scheme (HaRD). HaRD considers the nodes’ processing capabilities when deleting replicas; hence it stores more replicas on the more powerful nodes. We implemented HaRD on top of HDFS and conducted a performance evaluation on a 23-node dedicated heterogeneous cluster. Our results show that HaRD reduced execution time by up to 60%, and 17% when compared to Hadoop and WBRD, respectively.
Are baseline ultrasound and mammographic features associated with rates of pathological completes response in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer?
Authors: Savaridas Sarah L. , Sim Yee Ting , Vinnicombe Sarah J. , Purdie Colin A. , Thompson Alastair M. , Evans Andy
Published: October 2019

Background

Increasing numbers of breast cancer patients receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). We seek to investigate whether baseline mammographic and ultrasound features are associated with complete pathological response (pCR) after NACT.

Methods

A database of NACT patients was reviewed. Baseline imaging parameters assessed were ultrasound: posterior effect; echo pattern; margin and lesion diameter; mammography: spiculation and microcalcification. Core biopsy grade and immunophenotype were documented. Data were analysed for the whole study group and by immunophenotype.

Results

Of the 222 cancers, 83 (37%) were triple negative (TN), 61 (27%) ER positive/HER-2 negative and 78 (35%) HER-2 positive. A pCR occurred in 46 of 222 cancers (21%). For the whole group, response was associated with high core biopsy grade (grade 3 vs. grade 1 or 2) (26% vs. 9%, p = 0.0044), absence of posterior shadowing on ultrasound (26% vs. 10%, p <  0.001) and the absence of mammographic spiculation (26 vs. 6%, p <  0.001). Within the HER-2 positive group; the absence of shadowing and spiculation remained highly associated with pCR, in addition to small ultrasound size (AUC = 0.71, p < 0.001) and the absence of microcalcification (39% vs. 21%, p < 0.02). On multivariable analysis absence of spiculation and core grade remained significant for the whole cohort, size and absence of spiculation remained significant for HER-2 positive tumours. No feature predicted pCR in TN tumours.

Conclusion

A pCR is less likely when there is mammographic spiculation. Small ultrasound size is associated with pCR in HER-2 positive tumours. These findings may be helpful when discussing NACT and surgical options with patients.

Trial registration

UK Clinical Trials Gateway: registration number 16712.
The fidelity and dose of message delivery on infant and young child feeding practice and nutrition sensitive agriculture in Ethiopia: a qualitative study from the Sustainable Undernutrition Reduction in Ethiopia (SURE) programme
Authors: Salasibew Mihretab M. , Moss Cami , Ayana Girmay , Kuche Desalegn , Eshetu Solomon , Dangour Alan D.
Published: October 2019

Background

In Ethiopia, 38% of children under 5 years of age are stunted (low height for age). A novel government-led intervention called the Sustainable Undernutrition Reduction in Ethiopia (SURE) aims to tackle the burden of stunting by improving complementary feeding and dietary diversity among young children. The SURE programme design applies a transtheoretical model of behaviour change, whereby exposure to recommended infant and young child feeding (IYCF) and nutrition-sensitive agriculture messages is a first stage to adopting key behaviours. This qualitative study explored the fidelity and dose of the IYCF and nutrition-sensitive agriculture messages delivered by extension workers.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted across four regions in Ethiopia (Oromiya, Amhara, SNNP and Tigray) between April and October 2017. Across the four regions, 81 key informant interviews, 90 FGDs and 81 observations were conducted with 180 extension workers, 18 development agents and 54 mother-father pairs. Digitally recorded audio files were transcribed verbatim, and the data were analysed based on a framework analysis approach using NVivo (version 12) by coding and categorising texts into major themes and sub-themes.

Results

SURE target households had the intended exposure to messages about exclusive breastfeeding, timing of initiation of complementary feeding, food groups, diversified food consumption, irrigation, rearing small animals and vegetables. Few households reported receiving messages on the content or frequency of complementary feeding of a child beyond 6 months of age. Frequency of household visits and hence exposure to SURE messages was also variable. Agricultural messages delivered during household visits focussed on improving standard agricultural practices and rarely covered the importance of nutrition-sensitive agriculture to improve household or child nutrition.

Conclusion

Despite variability observed in the breadth and depth of messages delivered, large-scale behaviour change communication programmes can achieve moderate to good message exposure among target groups. Qualitative data provide an in-depth insight into fidelity and may supplement our understanding of programme roll-out and implementation. Further research is required to understand longer-term message saturation including frequency and reach.
Production of a Spirulina sp. algae hybrid with a silica matrix as an effective adsorbent to absorb crystal violet and methylene blue in a solution
Authors: Buhani  , Suharso  , Aditiya Ismi , Al Kausar Radho , Sumadi  , Rinawati
Published: October 2019

In this study, the adsorbent of Crystal Violet (CV) and Methylene Blue (MB) dyes was synthesized from the hybridization of Spirulina sp. algae biomass with silica as a matrix (ASS). Hybridization of Spirulina sp. algae biomass was carried out through a sol-gel process using tetraethyl orthosilicate precursors. The ASS adsorbent was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area method and scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive-X ray. The CV and MB dyes adsorption onto ASS adsorbent was studied through adsorption experiments using the batch method. The optimum adsorption of CV and MB dyes is at pH of 8 and contact time of 60 min. The CV and MB dye kinetics on the ASS adsorbent tend to follow the pseudo-second-order kinetics model with rate constant (k2) of 0.3 and 0.2 (g mg− 1 min− 1) respectively. The isotherm adsorption pattern of CV and MB dyes follows the Freundlich adsorption isotherm with KF values of 1.07 and 1.05 (mg g− 1) (L mg− 1)1/n, respectively. In the simultaneous adsorption process, CV dyes were more adsorbed than MB in solution to the ASS adsorbent.
Applying Data Warehousing to a Phase III Clinical Trial From the Fondazione Italiana Linfomi Ensures Superior Data Quality and Improved Assessment of Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Zaccaria Gian Maria , Ferrero Simone , Rosati Samanta , Ghislieri Marco , Genuardi Elisa , Evangelista Andrea , Sandrone Rebecca , Castagneri Cristina , Barbero Daniela , Lo Schirico Mariella , Arcaini Luca , Molinari Anna Lia , Ballerini Filippo , Ferreri Andres , Omedè Paola , Zamò Alberto , Balestra Gabriella , Boccadoro Mario , Cortelazzo Sergio , Ladetto Marco
Published: October 2019

PURPOSE

Data collection in clinical trials is becoming complex, with a huge number of variables that need to be recorded, verified, and analyzed to effectively measure clinical outcomes. In this study, we used data warehouse (DW) concepts to achieve this goal. A DW was developed to accommodate data from a large clinical trial, including all the characteristics collected. We present the results related to baseline variables with the following objectives: developing a data quality (DQ) control strategy and improving outcome analysis according to the clinical trial primary end points.

METHODS

Data were retrieved from the electronic case reporting forms (eCRFs) of the phase III, multicenter MCL0208 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02354313 ) of the Fondazione Italiana Linfomi for younger patients with untreated mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The DW was created with a relational database management system. Recommended DQ dimensions were observed to monitor the activity of each site to handle DQ management during patient follow-up. The DQ management was applied to clinically relevant parameters that predicted progression-free survival to assess its impact.

RESULTS

The DW encompassed 16 tables, which included 226 variables for 300 patients and 199,500 items of data. The tool allowed cross-comparison analysis and detected some incongruities in eCRFs, prompting queries to clinical centers. This had an impact on clinical end points, as the DQ control strategy was able to improve the prognostic stratification according to single parameters, such as tumor infiltration by flow cytometry, and even using established prognosticators, such as the MCL International Prognostic Index.

CONCLUSION

The DW is a powerful tool to organize results from large phase III clinical trials and to effectively improve DQ through the application of effective engineered tools.
The New Biology of Diabetic Kidney Disease—Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Lytvyn Yuliya , Bjornstad Petter , van Raalte Daniel H , Heerspink Hiddo L , Cherney David Z I
Published: October 2019

Diabetic kidney disease remains the most common cause of end-stage kidney disease in the world. Despite reductions in incidence rates of myocardial infarction and stroke in people with diabetes over the past 3 decades, the risk of diabetic kidney disease has remained unchanged, and may even be increasing in younger individuals afflicted with this disease. Accordingly, changes in public health policy have to be implemented to address the root causes of diabetic kidney disease, including the rise of obesity and diabetes, in addition to the use of safe and effective pharmacological agents to prevent cardiorenal complications in people with diabetes. The aim of this article is to review the mechanisms of pathogenesis and therapies that are either in clinical practice or that are emerging in clinical development programs for potential use to treat diabetic kidney disease.
Modernist Apparitions, or When a Situation Presents Itself
Authors: Petrov Petre
Published: October 2019

Modernism has been customarily identified with the reign of purified artistic form. Yet we know that it is equally often the (staged) irruption of potent subterranean contents, such as nature, myth, the irrational or the unconscious, the primitive, race, sexuality. It is the moment of rampant subjectivity, exercising total domination over materials, but equally of rampant essences that mold or mock the ego. It is associated no less with heightened subjective expression than it is with the opposite: depersonalization, objectivity, ontology. The essay attempts to theorize this seeming contradiction, arguing that a dialectical trajectory connects its two extremes. The discussion moves from an immanent critique of formalism to a model of the modernist work as “apparition,” an immanence that “presents itself.” It concludes by insisting that this dialectical trajectory be seen as a historically determined movement.
The Subaltern Clinic
Authors: Khan Azeen
Published: October 2019

“The Subaltern Clinic” considers Frantz Fanon’s political writings alongside his clinical work, most of which he conducted at the Blida-Joinville Psychiatric Hospital in Algeria between 1953 and 1956. The essay considers the political and clinical aspects of Fanon’s work to show how, in his writings, the clinic emerges as a subaltern space, where questions of violence, war, colonial madness, and postcolonial trauma are central.
Yap induces osteoblast differentiation by modulating Bmp signalling during zebrafish caudal fin regeneration
Authors: Brandão Ana S. , Bensimon-Brito Anabela , Lourenço Raquel , Borbinha Jorge , Soares Ana Rosa , Mateus Rita , Jacinto António
Published: October 2019

Osteoblast differentiation is a key process for bone homeostasis and repair. Multiple signalling pathways have been associated with osteoblast differentiation, yet much remains unknown on how this process is regulated in vivo. Previous studies have proposed that the Hippo pathway transcriptional co-activators YAP and TAZ (also known as YAP1 and WWTR1, respectively) maintain progenitor stemness and inhibit terminal differentiation of osteoblasts, whereas others suggest they potentiate osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. Here, we use zebrafish caudal fin regeneration as a model to clarify how the Hippo pathway regulates de novo bone formation and osteoblast differentiation. We demonstrate that Yap inhibition leads to accumulation of osteoprogenitors and prevents osteoblast differentiation in a cell non-autonomous manner. This effect correlates with a severe impairment of Bmp signalling in osteoblasts, likely by suppressing the expression of the ligand bmp2a in the surrounding mesenchymal cells. Overall, our findings provide a new mechanism of bone formation through the Hippo–Yap pathway, integrating Yap in the signalling cascade that governs osteoprogenitor maintenance and subsequent differentiation during zebrafish caudal fin regeneration.
Role for the splicing factor TCERG1 in Cajal body integrity and snRNP assembly
Authors: Moreno-Castro Cristina , Prieto-Sánchez Silvia , Sánchez-Hernández Noemí , Hernández-Munain Cristina , Suñé Carlos
Published: October 2019

Cajal bodies are nuclear organelles involved in the nuclear phase of small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) biogenesis. In this study, we identified the splicing factor TCERG1 as a coilin-associated factor that is essential for Cajal body integrity. Knockdown of TCERG1 disrupts the localization of the components of Cajal bodies, including coilin and NOLC1, with coilin being dispersed in the nucleoplasm into numerous small foci, without affecting speckles, gems or the histone locus body. Furthermore, the depletion of TCERG1 affects the recruitment of Sm proteins to uridine-rich small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) to form the mature core snRNP. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that TCERG1 plays an important role in Cajal body formation and snRNP biogenesis.
Novel role of proton-secreting epithelial cells in sperm maturation and mucosal immunity
Authors: Battistone Maria A. , Spallanzani Raul German , Mendelsohn Alexandra C. , Capen Diane , Nair Anil V. , Brown Dennis , Breton Sylvie
Published: October 2019

Epithelial cells are immune sensors and mediators that constitute the first line of defense against infections. Using the epididymis, a model for studying tubular organs, we uncovered a novel and unexpected role for professional proton-secreting ‘clear cells’ in sperm maturation and immune defense. The epididymal epithelium participates in the maturation of spermatozoa via the establishment of an acidic milieu and transfer of proteins to sperm cells, a poorly characterized process. We show that proton-secreting clear cells express mRNA transcripts and proteins that are acquired by maturing sperm, and that they establish close interactions with luminal spermatozoa via newly described ‘nanotubes’. Mechanistic studies show that injection of bacterial antigens in vivo induces chemokine expression in clear cells, followed by macrophage recruitment into the organ. Injection of an inflammatory intermediate mediator (IFN-γ) increased Cxcl10 expression in clear cells, revealing their participation as sensors and mediators of inflammation. The functional diversity adopted by clear cells might represent a generalized phenomenon by which similar epithelial cells decode signals, communicate with neighbors and mediate mucosal immunity, depending on their precise location within an organ.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Quantifying the swimming gaits of veined squid (Loligo forbesi) using bio-logging tags
Authors: Flaspohler Genevieve E. , Caruso Francesco , Mooney T. Aran , Katija Kakani , Fontes Jorge , Afonso Pedro , Shorter K. Alex
Published: October 2019

Squid are mobile, diverse, ecologically important marine organisms whose behavior and habitat use can have substantial impacts on ecosystems and fisheries. However, due in part to the inherent challenges of monitoring squid in their natural marine environment, fine-scale behavioral observations of these free-swimming, soft-bodied animals are rare. Bio-logging tags provide an emerging way to remotely study squid behavior in their natural environments. Here we apply a novel, high-resolution bio-logging tag (ITAG) to seven veined squid Loligo forbesi in a controlled experimental environment to quantify their short-term (24-hr) behavioral patterns. Tag accelerometer, magnetometer and pressure data were used to develop automated gait classification algorithms based on overall dynamic body acceleration, and a subset of the events were assessed and confirmed using concurrently collected video data. Finning, flapping, and jetting gaits were observed, with the low-acceleration finning gaits detected most often. The animals routinely used a finning gait to ascend (climb) and then glide during descent with fins extended in the tank's water column, a possible strategy to improve swimming efficiency for these negatively buoyant animals. Arms and mantle-first directional swimming were observed in approximately equal proportions, and the squid were slightly but significantly more active at night. These tag-based observations are novel for squid and suggest a more efficient mode of movement then suggested by some previous observations. The combination of sensing, classification, and estimation developed and applied here will enable the quantification of squid activity patterns in the wild to provide new biological information, such as in situ identification of behavioral states, temporal patterns, habitat requirements, energy expenditure, and interactions of squid through space-time in the wild.
Increase of Cell-Free Nuclear and Mitochondrial DNA Content in the Urine of Rats after X-ray Irradiation or Bleomycin Administration
Authors: Минкабирова Г. , Minkabirova G. , Абдуллаев С. , Abdullaev S.
Published: October 2019

Purpose: To study the content of cell-free mitochondrial DNA (cf-mtDNA) and cell-free nuclear DNA (cf-nDNA) in urine of rats exposed to ionizing radiation, and after injection of a cytostatic drug bleomycin. Material and methods: Wistar male rats aged 3 months were used in the experiments. Rats were irradiated at a doses of 3, 5, and 8 Gy. Bleomycin was administered intraperitoneally in concentrations of 3, 7, and 10 mg/kg. The DNA content was measured by real-time PCR. Results: The results showed an increase in the level of the number of cf-nDNA and cf-mtDNA fragments in urine of irradiated rats. It was shown that the content of cf-nDNA and cf-mtDNA has a linear dependence on the X-ray dose. Thus, the maximum number of mtDNA and nDNA copies was recorded for 12–24th hours after irradiation. The number of PCR amplification products of cf-mtDNA is 2–3 times higher than those of cf-nDNA. Data analysis of the content of cf-nDNA and cf-mtDNA in rat urine after introduction of bleomycin also showed elevated levels compared with control animals. It was shown that the content of cf-nDNA and cf-mtDNA has a linear dependence on the dose of the chemotherapeutic drug. Conclusion: Thus, it has been shown that it is possible to overcome the transrenal (renal) barrier in animals with cf-mtDNA and cf-nDNA and pass them into the urine after X-ray irradiation, as well as after the administration of bleomycin. The dose dependence of the identified effects was found. The increased content of cell-free DNA in the urine can be considered as a potential biomarker for assessing the level of genotoxic load during radiation damage to the body, as well as when exposed to other genotoxic agents.
Problems of Sustainable Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas
Authors: Тимофеева Наталья , Timofeeva Natalya
Published: October 2019

Currently, the relevance of sustainable development of human resources in rural areas is undeniable. At the same time, the problems that exist in the village require immediate solutions. The state has done a lot of work in this area, but many researchers are still discussing the complete lack of sustainable development of human resources in the rural area. In the study, the author conducted an analysis of existing regulatory legal acts in the field of human resource development in the village. The study revealed that in the strategic documents there is insufficient elaboration in the field of specific features of rural development and the integrated focus on the development of human resources. The modern development of the human resources potential of rural areas, and the assessment of the economic development of the countryside, show that there are many problems in the countryside. To this end, an analysis of the development of the personnel potential of rural territories of the Republic of Buryatia was carried out and the current problems of rural development were highlighted. The identified problems indicate that rural territories need constant financial support from the state. Therefore, in conclusion of the study, it was concluded that there is a need for substantial state funding of rural areas, the preservation of endangered rural areas, and ensuring the attractiveness of the village, which together will attract young people and solve problems in the village.
Multifactor Models for Assessing the Quality of Articles and Publication Activity of Authors
Authors: Бабанов В. , Babanov V. , Хомяков В. , Homyakov V.
Published: October 2019

The article describes a new method for assessing the quality of articles and the publication activity of their authors. A distinctive feature of this method is that when it is applied in a complex, indicators that evaluate the quality of the article itself and indicators that evaluate the status of the journal in which this article is published are taken into account. The evaluation method proposed in the article is based on the construction and use of 7 models (evaluation functions) that differ in the number and purpose of their indicators. The models presented in this paper can be used both to evaluate the individual work of a particular author of articles, and to compare the publication activity of several authors for a certain period of time, for example, for a reporting year. Such models can be used, for example, in the process of rating a group of authors (including teachers of the department) for a certain period of time. Visually, the quality of the published article is conveniently assessed using the «Polygon quality article».
Long Peripheral Catheters: A Retrospective Review of Major Complications
Authors: Patel Sanjay A , Araujo Tiago , Rodriguez Luis Parra , Sanchez Claudia Ramirez , Snyder Ashley , Chopra Vineet
Published: October 2019

The risk of infectious and noninfectious complications associated with long peripheral catheters (LPCs) is unknown. In this retrospective study of 539 catheters, we found LPCs were often placed for the indications of difficult access and long‐term antibiotics. Rates of deep vein thrombosis (1.7%) and catheter‐related infection (0.6%) were low. LPCs may represent a novel and safe option for short‐term venous access.
Perspectives of Clinicians, Staff, and Veterans in Transitioning Veterans from non‐VA Hospitals to Primary Care in a Single VA Healthcare System
Authors: Ayele Roman A , Lawrence Emily , McCreight Marina , Fehling Kelty , Glasgow Russell E , Rabin Borsika A , Burke Robert E , Battaglia Catherine
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Veterans with healthcare needs utilize both Veterans Health Administration (VA) and non‐VA hospitals. These dual‐use veterans are at high risk of adverse outcomes due to the lack of coordination for safe transitions.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to understand the barriers and facilitators to providing high‐quality continuum of care for veterans transitioning from non‐VA hospitals to the VA primary care setting.

DESIGN

Guided by the practical robust implementation and sustainability model (PRISM) and the ideal transitions of care, we conducted a qualitative assessment using semi‐structured interviews with clinicians, staff, and patients.

SETTING

This study was conducted at a single urban VA medical center and two non‐VA hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 70 participants, including 52 clinicians and staff (23 VA and 29 non‐VA) involved in patient transition and 18 veterans recently discharged from non‐VA hospitals, were included in this study.

APPROACH

Data were analyzed using a conventional content analysis and managed in Atlas.ti (Berlin, Germany).

RESULTS

Four major themes emerged where participants consistently discussed that transitions were delayed when they were not able to (1) identify patients as veterans and notify VA primary care of discharge, (2) transfer non‐VA hospital medical records to VA primary care, (3) obtain follow‐up care appointments with VA primary care, and (4) write VA formulary medications for veterans that they could fill at VA pharmacies. Participants also discussed factors involved in smooth transition and recommendations to improve care coordination.

CONCLUSIONS

All participants perceived the current transition‐of‐care process across healthcare systems to be inefficient. Efforts to improve quality and safety in transitional care should address the challenges clinicians and patients experience when transitioning from non‐VA hospitals to VA primary care.
Analytics and Bikes: Riding Tandem with Motivate to Improve Mobility
Authors: Freund Daniel , Henderson Shane G. , O’Mahony Eoin , Shmoys David B.
Published: October 2019

The authors developed new optimization models, characterized their mathematical structure, and used the insights gained to design models and analytics to manage operations for bike-sharing systems and improve their performance.
What’s Wrong with My Dishwasher: Advanced Analytics Improve the Diagnostic Process for Miele Technicians
Authors: Wasserkrug Segev , Krüger Martin , A. Feldman Yishai , Shindin Evgeny , Zeltyn Sergey
Published: October 2019

The authors developed a system that was based on statistics learned from historical data about technician visits. They combined both structured and unstructured data to create a probabilistic model and then used a novel process in which a semantic model informed the creation of the probabilistic model.
Primal–Dual Algorithms for Order Fulfillment at Urban Outfitters, Inc.
Authors: Andrews John M. , Farias Vivek F. , Khojandi Aryan I. , Yan Chad M.
Published: October 2019

The authors formulated the omni-channel fulfillment problem as an online optimization problem and proposed a novel algorithm for this problem based on the primal–dual schema. They describe a large-scale implementation of their algorithm at Urban Outfitters, Inc.
Choice of Electronic Waste Recycling Standard Under Recovery Channel Competition
Authors: Esenduran Gökçe , Lin Yen-Ting , Xiao Wenli , Jin Minyue
Published: October 2019

Problem definition: We consider two competing electronic waste (e-waste) recovery channels, each of which consists of a collector and a recycler. Collectors obtain donated e-waste and sell the collected items to recyclers or in the secondary market, whereas recyclers process e-waste and sell the recycled material in the commodity market. Each recycler chooses for certification of one of two standards: e-Stewards or Responsible Recycling (R2). E-Stewards requires comparably more responsible handling, thus a higher processing cost, but attracts more e-waste from environmentally conscious donors. Academic/practical relevance: Despite the rapid growth of e-waste, the operations management community still understands little about e-waste processing supply chains. We add to this body of knowledge by capturing three salient features in the e-waste recovery industry: the existence of two recycling standards, the secondary market, and competition both within and between recovery channels. Methodology: We model the problem as a Stackelberg game and characterize the firms’ equilibrium decisions, deriving managerial insights through sensitivity analysis and numerical studies. Results: Competition between recovery channels is a key factor motivating e-Stewards adoption, whereas a recycler always chooses R2 in its absence. Interestingly, when competition exists both within and between recovery channels, recyclers with strong e-waste processing scale economies choose e-Stewards when incurring significantly higher processing costs than with R2. Furthermore, both the total environmental benefit and welfare might be higher when recyclers choose R2. Managerial implications: Policy makers who aim to encourage e-Stewards adoption should (1) lower entry barriers for new recyclers to induce competition, and (2) offer incentive programs to alleviate e-Stewards’ cost disadvantage, though only when recyclers have weak scale economies. Policy makers and nongovernmental organizations, however, should exercise caution in endorsing e-Stewards because R2 actually may generate a higher environmental benefit because of higher recycling volumes.
Innovative tactics of industrial business in terms of economy digitalization: Case of the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation
Authors: Klimuk Vladimir
Published: October 2019

As a result of growing competition in the market of industrial goods and services, the main mechanism for the sustainable development of the industry is the continuous process of creating innovations. Moreover, the creation of innovations is one of the first elements of the industry competitiveness mechanism, along with approbation of innovations and introduction into the real field of activity. Successfully past stages of testing and introducing innovations, the so-called “useful” innovations, create the basic complex of competitive advantages of the industry, its new development vector. In this paper, the author proposed assessment tools for the effectiveness of industrial policy, analyzed the calculated indicators, including using the proposed graphical tool. The article presents the types of development strategies for the new direction of industrial policy – neo-industrialization – with a set of main components of the impact on the level of development of the industry.
Teachers’ and Proprietors’ perception of pre-primary school curriculum process in Ife-East Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria
Authors: Victoria Ihekerenma Iroegbu
Published: October 2019

This study investigated preprimary school teachers’ and proprietors’ perception of curriculum process in preprimary education in Nigeria. 140 teachers/proprietors from private preprimary schools were purposively selected for the study. The research instrument was a 32 item researcher constructed curriculum process questionnaire in the Likert format with Cronbach’s Alpha of .852. The items were distributed into five sections: impending curriculum sensitization; curriculum objectives; contentment; methods and strategies; and methods of evaluation. The instrument was administered on the teachers and proprietors in their various schools and collected by the researcher and assistants on the same day. The resulting data were analyzed using the Chi Squared statistics. The results showed that in 28 cases out of 32, the Chi squared obtained was not significant at the .05 level. It was concluded that preprimary school teachers and proprietors had similar perceptions of preprimary curriculum process. It was recommended that preprimary school teachers and proprietors be given regular on-the-job training in this regard.
ROLE OF INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE IN MANAGING FLOODS PROJECTS
Authors: AHMAD MUSHTAQ
Published: October 2019

Climate change is increasing the frequency of disasters in the world. Accordingly, disaster management strategies are also changing. The UN has focused on acknowledging the Indigenous Knowledge in disaster management strategies. In this study, the village Khursheed in District Sargodha has been focused due to facing frequent floods since decades. They have developed some methods to counter floods. The study was qualitative containing three focus group discussions and thirty interviews, reveals that villagers have devised their own flood forecast and early warning systems. The indigenous methods of constructions of buildings and agricultural techniques have rendered the village more resilient. The elevated spiritual level has enhanced their immune system to face floods. The government needs to devise local level disaster management strategies which should incorporate indigenous and modern knowledge.
Tax Revenue and Economic Development in Nigeria
Authors: Olaoye Clement Olatunji , Ogundipe Ayobolawole Adewale , Oluwadare Oladimeji Emmanuel
Published: October 2019

This study investigated the impact of taxation on economic development of Nigeria from 2003 to 2017.Vector Error Correction Model (VECM), Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) unit root test, Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds test, Jarque-Bera Normality Test and Eigenvalue stability condition were utilised in this study. The study revealed that companies’ income tax, petroleum profit and value added tax have a long run impact of -0.225(p-value=0.000),-0.0005 (p-value=0.699), and 0.211(p-value=0.000) respectively on the economic development of Nigeria.It was concluded that taxation has a significant long run relationship with Nigeria’s economic development. The study recommended that the government should not increase companies’ income tax rate because it is detrimental to the economic development of the country in the long run, instead the government should increase the value added tax because it has the potentiality to improve economic development of Nigeria. Also, the government should not concentrate effort on petroleum profit tax as it not significant on economic development of the country.