bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Doctors should be morally common: a reply to Rosamond Rhodes
Authors: Foster Charles
Published: October 2019

​Rosamond Rhodes contends, by reference to seven examples, that medical ethics is distinctly different from non-medical ethics. Each of those examples, on proper examination, illustrates precisely the opposite contention. It is clear not only that medical ethics relies on the same principles as non-medical (and indeed non-professional) ethics, but that it should so rely. A distinctively medical ethics would be dangerous: it would divorce ethical medical decision-making from the patients whom medicine exists to serve.
Eukaryotic initiation factor 5B (eIF5B) regulates temozolomide-mediated apoptosis in brain tumour stem cells (BTSCs)
Authors: Ross Joseph A. , Ahn Bo Young , King Jennifer , Bressler Kamiko R. , Senger Donna L. , Thakor Nehal
Published: October 2019

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is among the deadliest cancers, owing in part to complex inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity and the presence of a population of stem-like cells called brain tumour stem cells (BTSCs/BTICs). These cancer stem cells survive treatment and confer resistance to the current therapies — namely, radiation and the chemotherapeutic, temozolomide (TMZ). TMZ induces cell death by alkylating DNA, and BTSCs resist this mechanism via a robust DNA damage response. Hence, recent studies aimed to sensitize BTSCs to TMZ using combination therapy, such as inhibition of DNA repair machinery. We have previously demonstrated in established GBM cell lines that eukaryotic initiation factor 5B (eIF5B) promotes the translation of pro-survival and anti-apoptotic proteins. Consequently, silencing eIF5B sensitizes these cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. However, established cell lines do not always recapitulate the features of human glioma. Therefore, we investigated this mechanism in patient-derived BTSCs. We show that silencing eIF5B leads to increased TMZ sensitivity in two BTSC lines: BT25 and BT48. Depletion of eIF5B decreases the levels of anti-apoptotic proteins in BT48 and sensitizes these cells to TMZ-induced activation of caspase-3, cleavage of PARP, and apoptosis. We suggest that eIF5B represents a rational target to sensitize GBM tumors to the current standard-of-care.
Anisotropic relativistic fluid spheres: an embedding class I approach
Authors: Tello-Ortiz Francisco , Maurya S. K. , Errehymy Abdelghani , Singh Ksh. Newton , Daoud Mohammed
Published: October 2019

In this work, we present a new class of analytic and well-behaved solution to Einstein’s field equations describing anisotropic matter distribution. It’s achieved in the embedding class one spacetime framework using Karmarkar’s condition. We perform our analysis by proposing a new metric potential $$g_{rr}$$grr which yields us a physically viable performance of all physical variables. The obtained model is representing the physical features of the solution in detail, analytically as well as graphically for strange star candidate SAX J1808.4-3658 ($$Mass=0.9 ~M_{\odot }$$Mass=0.9M⊙, $$radius=7.951$$radius=7.951 km), with different values of parameter n ranging from 0.5 to 3.4. Our suggested solution is free from physical and geometric singularities, satisfies causality condition, Abreu’s criterion and relativistic adiabatic index $$\varGamma $$Γ, and exhibits well-behaved nature, as well as, all energy conditions and equilibrium condition are well-defined, which implies that our model is physically acceptable. The physical sensitivity of the moment of inertia (I) obtained from the solutions is confirmed by the Bejger−Haensel concept, which could provide a precise tool to the matching rigidity of the state equation due to different values of n viz., $$n=0.5, 1.08, 1.66, 2.24, 2.82$$n=0.5,1.08,1.66,2.24,2.82 and 3.4.
Quantum theory of a non-Hermitian time-dependent forced harmonic oscillator having 𝒫𝒯 symmetry
Authors: Pedrosa I. A. , Ramos B. F. , Bakke K. , de Lima Alberes Lopes
Published: October 2019

We discuss the quantum theory of an harmonic oscillator with time-dependent mass and frequency submitted to action of a complex time-dependent linear potential with [Formula: see text] symmetry. Combining the Lewis and Riesenfeld approach to time-dependent non-Hermitian Hamiltonians having [Formula: see text] symmetry and linear invariants, we solve the time-dependent Schrödinger equation for this problem and use the corresponding quantum states to construct a Gaussian wave packet solution. We show that the shape of this wave packet does not depend on the driving force. Afterwards, using this wave packet state, we calculate the expectation values of the position and momentum, their fluctuations and the associated uncertainty product. We find that these expectation values are complex numbers and as a consequence the position and momentum operators are not physical observables and the uncertainty product is physically unacceptable.
A class of non-associative Nilpotent Jordan algebras
Authors: Abdelwahab Hani , Calderón Martin Antonio J.
Published: October 2019

The paper is devoted to study nilpotent Jordan algebras [Formula: see text] satisfying that [Formula: see text] is non-associative. We show that such algebras exist iff [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Also we classify, up to isomorphism, all [Formula: see text]-dimensional nilpotent Jordan algebras [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] is non-associative, over an algebraically closed field [Formula: see text] of characteristic [Formula: see text].
PARTICIPATIVE STRATEGIC PLANNING AND INNOVATION CAPABILITY: MODERATING ROLE OF IDEATION STRATEGY
Authors: KARBASI BAHRAM JABBARZADEH , RAHMANSERESHT HOSSEIN
Published: October 2019

Enriching the limited knowledge and research on linkage between strategic management, human resource and innovation in developing economies, this paper focuses on the role of participative strategic planning (PSP), promotion focus and flexible role orientation (FRO) on innovation capability in Iranian SMEs. Furthermore, the moderating role of ideation strategy will be investigated. A total of 252 samples were collected from Iranian SME managers and employees in the different sectors through a quantitative method. A questionnaire was used for the data collection, and AMOS-SEM was employed for data analysis. The results indicate that PSP has a positive and significant impact on promotion focus, FRO, and innovation capability. In addition, it is shown that ideation strategy moderates the impact of promotion focus and FRO on innovation capabilities. Given the positive impact of PSP on promotion focus, FRO, and innovation capability, it is suggested that SME’s top managers use staff and managers with different levels in strategic planning processes and long-term organisation goals.
Conflicting Demands on the Natural Resources in Northern Sweden: A Participatory Scenario Development Study
Authors: Accastello Cristian , Bieniasz Anna , Blaško Róbert , Lula Mikolaj , Pszenny Dariusz , Sallustio Lorenzo , Šimunović Nenad , Vošvrdová Nicole , Speelman Erika N.
Published: October 2019

Globalisation strongly influences social, environmental and economic resources, especially in those territories characterised by a historical dependency on a single industry, as in the case of mining. Our study aimed to envision possible future development paths for the mining city of Gällivare, in Northern Sweden, using a participatory approach. Four different transformative narratives were developed depicting a wide range of choices along an ideal anthropocentric-wild gradient. Through applying complementary methodologies for social-ecological system assessment (e.g., Q-methodology, ARDI approach), the expected social, economic and environmental impacts of the scenarios were explored. Results highlight the conflicting demands on natural resources in Northern Sweden and provides a deeper understanding of different perceptions and potential societal acceptance of each scenario from local and nonlocal stakeholder. This paper contributes to local discussions on future development in the area as well as to methodological advancements by providing a framework for the creation of a participative decision-making arena in similar transformative contexts.
Architectural Modeling of Transdisciplinary System with Inherent Social Perspectives
Authors: Mo John P. T. , Beckett Ronald C.
Published: October 2019

In an earlier study, we had noted that the term transdisciplinary is used in describing a number of different situations but always implied some form of knowledge-sharing collaboration. Researchers have observed that the requisite knowledge lies both within a development team and outside of it, but how it all works in harmony may vary from case to case. In this paper, we explore the utility of a system architecture description standard, ISO 42010 as a framework for representing architectural knowledge in a consistent way. This is illustrated in a social innovation case study. The case also illustrates how knowledge from social, medical and physical sciences was combined at multiple levels within a telemedicine delivery system.
HCI in praxis
Authors: McArthur Victoria
Published: October 2019

HCI education reflects the continual evolution of HCI, embracing the changing landscapes of technology, infrastructure, and technology use. This forum aims to provide a platform for HCI educators, practitioners, researchers, and students to share their perspectives, reflections, and experiences related to HCI education.
--- Sukeshini Grandhi, Editor
Mammalian Transient Receptor Potential TRPA1 Channels: From Structure to Disease
Authors: Talavera Karel , Startek Justyna B. , Alvarez-Collazo Julio , Boonen Brett , Alpizar Yeranddy A. , Sanchez Alicia , Naert Robbe , Nilius Bernd
Published: October 2019

The transient receptor potential ankyrin (TRPA) channels are Ca2+-permeable nonselective cation channels remarkably conserved through the animal kingdom. Mammals have only one member, TRPA1, which is widely expressed in sensory neurons and in non-neuronal cells (such as epithelial cells and hair cells). TRPA1 owes its name to the presence of 14 ankyrin repeats located in the NH2terminus of the channel, an unusual structural feature that may be relevant to its interactions with intracellular components. TRPA1 is primarily involved in the detection of an extremely wide variety of exogenous stimuli that may produce cellular damage. This includes a plethora of electrophilic compounds that interact with nucleophilic amino acid residues in the channel and many other chemically unrelated compounds whose only common feature seems to be their ability to partition in the plasma membrane. TRPA1 has been reported to be activated by cold, heat, and mechanical stimuli, and its function is modulated by multiple factors, including Ca2+, trace metals, pH, and reactive oxygen, nitrogen, and carbonyl species. TRPA1 is involved in acute and chronic pain as well as inflammation, plays key roles in the pathophysiology of nearly all organ systems, and is an attractive target for the treatment of related diseases. Here we review the current knowledge about the mammalian TRPA1 channel, linking its unique structure, widely tuned sensory properties, and complex regulation to its roles in multiple pathophysiological conditions.
The Pretherapeutic Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio for Docetaxel-Based Chemotherapy Is Useful for Predicting the Prognosis of Japanese Patients with Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Tatenuma Tomoyuki , Kawahara Takashi , Hayashi Narihiko , Hasumi Hisashi , Makiyama Kazuhide , Nakaigawa Noboru , Kishida Takeshi , Miyoshi Yasuhide , Yao Masahiro , Uemura Hiroji
Published: October 2019

Introduction and Objectives. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been suggested as a simple marker of the systemic inflammatory response in critical care patients. The NLR can be easily calculated from routine complete blood counts in the peripheral blood. This parameter has been reported to be an independent prognosticator for some solid malignancies. In the present study, we examined the importance of the NLR as a prognostic marker for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients who received docetaxel- (DOC-) based chemotherapy. Methods. We analyzed a total of 73 patients who received DOC chemotherapy for CRPC in Yokohama City University Medical Center and affiliated hospitals. Complete blood cell counts were performed, and the NLR was calculated using the neutrophil and lymphocyte counts obtained on the same day or a few days before the initiation of DOC chemotherapy. We determined the NLR cutoff value based on the sensitivity and specificity levels derived from area under the receiver operator characteristic curves for death. Results. The median overall survival (OS) after DOC was 21.0 months (range: 2.0–51.0). The median OS was shorter in patients with a high NLR (≥2.59) than in those with a low NLR (<2.59) (12.0 versus 31.6 months, p=0.001). In the multivariate analysis, the NLR and lymph node (LN) metastasis were independent predictors of the OS (hazard ratio 3.643, p=0.001; hazard ratio 2.184, p=0.038, respectively). Conclusions. The higher NLR group showed a significantly poorer OS than the lower NLR group. Pre-DOC NLR might be a new marker for predicting the prognosis of patients who receive DOC chemotherapy.
The Effect of Welding Speed on the Micromorphology and Mechanical Properties of Laser-Sealed Vacuum Flat Glazing Joints
Authors: Miao Hong , Li Chong , He Qiang , Zhang Shanwen , Zhang Yanjun , Liu Sixing
Published: October 2019

To explore the effect of welding speed on the micromorphology and mechanical properties of the laser-welded vacuum plate glazing joints, this paper introduced the research status of the laser welding vacuum glazing and then carried out the preparation for experimental materials. This paper also analyzed the microstructure, the cause of the pores, and the mechanical properties of the sealing layer. The results show that the smaller the welding speed is, the more fully the solder melts. When the welding speed is 80 mm/min, the sealing layer generates the large thermal stress due to excessive laser input energy, which results in many connected cracks in the sealing layer. The porosity of the sealing layer increases with the increase of the welding speed. The thickness of the interface reaction wetting layer decreases with the increase of the welding speed. The hardness, tensile strength, and shear strength of the sealing layer will increase first and then decrease with the increase of welding speed. These studies can provide the theoretical basis for laser sealing manufacturing of vacuum plate glazing.
Prurigo in Children of Tropical Zone: Epidemiological, Clinical, and Etiological Characteristics in a Dermatology Department in Cotonou (Benin)
Authors: Dégboé Bérénice , Koudoukpo Christiane , Maffo Nina , Otémé Serge , Kouassi Alida , Akpadjan Fabrice , Agbéssi Nadège , Elégbédé-Adégbitè Nadège , Kalogama Jojo , Houngbo Odile , Adégbidi Hugues , Atadokpèdé Félix
Published: October 2019

Introduction. The objective of this work is to document the epidemiological, clinical, and etiological features of prurigo in children. Methods. This is a descriptive and retrospective study done from January 2013 to September 2018 in the Dermatology Department of National and Teaching Hospital HKM of Cotonou. All children from 0–18 years diagnosed clinically with prurigo were the study sample. Visual analog scale was used to assess the severity of pruritus. The data were entered and analyzed with EpiData and Epi Info 7 software. Results. The prevalence of prurigo was 14.9% (234/1565) in the pediatric population. The mean age of the children at the onset of the disease was 5.4 years ± 4.9 years. Their sex ratio was 0.8. Pruritus was reported in 97.8% of cases; it was moderate in 50% and severe in 50%. Several phenotypes were described, including erosivo-crusted prurigo (36.3%) and papulo-vesicular prurigo (32%). Frequently observed clinical forms were chronic (44.4%), acute (38.9%), impetiginized (8.1%), and lichenified (4.3%). Prurigo predominated on the lower limbs (74.8%), upper limbs (47.9%), and buttocks and trunk (24.8% each). The main etiologies were prurigo strophulus (PS) (55.5%), scabiosis (20.5%), prurigo of Besnier (10.7%), and hookworm cutaneous larva migrans (HCLM) (8.5%). The PS was seasonal (p=0.036), while prurigo of Besnier, scabies, and HCLM were perennial. Conclusion. The main etiologies of prurigo in the study participants were PS, prurigo of Besnier, scabiosis, and HCLM. It affected with predilection the limbs of children of less than 5 years. Prurigo was almost always itchy and often evolved in an acute or chronic mode.
Influence of Varied Fluorine Contents on Long-Term Storage Stability of Polyacrylate Nanoparticles and Film Properties
Authors: Liu Hongzhu , Zhang Gaofan , Lu Lulu , Chen Yuexing , Luo Mengting , Bian Jiming , Wang Zefeng , Wang Lijin
Published: October 2019

Polyacrylate nanoparticles are widely applied and typically prepared by many polymerization methods. However, poor long-term storage stability of nanoparticles limited their use, so some methods are carried out to overcome it. In this paper, we investigated a series of fluorinated polyacrylate nanoparticles to improve the long-term storage stability of polyacrylate nanoparticles. We found that increasing fluorine content resists the aggregation of nanoparticles during long-term storage. Furthermore, a higher content of fluorine can improve the hydrophobicity of latex polyacrylate film and increase the refractive index of latex polyacrylate film. The properties of the polyacrylate nanoparticles and latex film can thus be controlled by changing fluorine contents, which in turn provides key insights into the design of functional polymer material.
A Novel Prediction Model of Strength of Paste Backfill Prepared from Waste-Unclassified Tailings
Authors: Cheng Haiyong , Wu Shunchuan , Zhang Xiaoqiang , Li Junhong
Published: October 2019

Paste backfilling is an important support for the development of green mines and deep mining. It can effectively reduce a series of risks of underground goaf and surface tailings ponds. Reasonable strength of backfill is an effective guarantee for controlling ground stress and realizing safe mining function. Under the combination of complex materials and local conditions, ensuring the optimal design and effective proportion for paste backfill strength is the bottleneck problem that restricts the safety, economy, and efficiency of filling mining. The strength developing trend of paste backfilling prepared from waste rock and unclassified tailings has been studied. Different levels of cement contents, tailings-waste ratios, and slurry concentrations were investigated through orthogonal design to obtain the relationship between the UCS and the multi-influential factors. Combined with the experimental results and the previous strength prediction models, the waste rock-unclassified tailings paste strength prediction model was proposed. Introducing the water-cement ratio, the cement-tailings ratio, the amount of cement, and the packing density that characterizing the overall gradation of unclassified tailings and waste rock, as well as the curing time, a strength prediction model of multifactors was developed. Moreover, the microscopic structure of the paste prepared from waste-unclassified tailings was analyzed with an Environment Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM), and the influence mechanism was ascertained. The weight coefficient of strength development is carded in this paper, and the strength model of unclassified tailings-waste paste considering five factors is obtained, which is of great significance to guide the mining engineering.
Recent Updates in Pharmacological Properties of Chitooligosaccharides
Authors: Marmouzi Ilias , Ezzat Shahira M. , Salama Maha M. , Merghany Rana M. , Attar Aisha M. , EL-Desoky Ahmed M. , Mohamed Shanaz O.
Published: October 2019

Chemical structures derived from marine foods are highly diverse and pharmacologically promising. In particular, chitooligosaccharides (COS) present a safe pharmacokinetic profile and a great source of new bioactive polymers. This review describes the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties of COS from recent publications. Thus, COS constitute an effective agent against oxidative stress, cellular damage, and inflammatory pathogenesis. The mechanisms of action and targeted therapeutic pathways of COS are summarized and discussed. COS may act as antioxidants via their radical scavenging activity and by decreasing oxidative stress markers. The mechanism of COS antidiabetic effect is characterized by an acceleration of pancreatic islets proliferation, an increase in insulin secretion and sensitivity, a reduction of postprandial glucose, and an improvement of glucose uptake. COS upregulate the GLUT2 and inhibit digestive enzyme and glucose transporters. Furthermore, they resulted in reduction of gluconeogenesis and promotion of glucose conversion. On the other hand, the COS decrease inflammatory mediators, suppress the activation of NF-κB, increase the phosphorylation of kinase, and stimulate the proliferation of lymphocytes. Overall, this review brings evidence from experimental data about protective effect of COS.
Multimode Pedestrian Dead Reckoning Gait Detection Algorithm Based on Identification of Pedestrian Phone Carrying Position
Authors: Guo Ying , Liu Qinghua , Ji Xianlei , Wang Shengli , Feng Mingyang , Sun Yuxi
Published: October 2019

Pedestrian dead reckoning (PDR) is an essential technology for positioning and navigation in complex indoor environments. In the process of PDR positioning and navigation using mobile phones, gait information acquired by inertial sensors under various carrying positions differs from noise contained in the heading information, resulting in excessive gait detection deviation and greatly reducing the positioning accuracy of PDR. Using data from mobile phone accelerometer and gyroscope signals, this paper examined various phone carrying positions and switching positions as the research objective and analysed the time domain characteristics of the three-axis accelerometer and gyroscope signals. A principal component analysis algorithm was used to reduce the dimension of the extracted multidimensional gait feature, and the extracted features were random forest modelled to distinguish the phone carrying positions. The results show that the step detection and distance estimation accuracy in the gait detection process greatly improved after recognition of the phone carrying position, which enhanced the robustness of the PDR algorithm.
Alcohol Intake and Abnormal Expression of Brf1 in Breast Cancer
Authors: Huang Chenghao , Zhang Yanmei , Zhong Shuping
Published: October 2019

Breast cancer is the most common malignant disease of females. Overall, one woman in every nine will get breast cancer at some time in her life. Epidemiological studies have indicated that alcohol consumption has most consistently been associated with breast cancer risk. However, the mechanism of alcohol-associated breast cancer remains to be addressed. Little is known about the effects of alcohol consumption on Brf1 (TFIIIB-related factor 1) expression and RNA Pol III gene (RNA polymerase III-dependent gene) transcription, which are responsible for protein synthesis and tightly linked to cell proliferation, cell transformation, and tumor development. Emerging evidences have indicated that alcohol induces deregulation of Brf1 and Pol III genes to cause the alterations of cell phenotypes and tumor formation. In this paper, we summarize the progresses regarding alcohol-caused increase in the expression of Brf1 and Pol III genes and analysis of its molecular mechanism of breast cancer. As the earlier and accurate diagnosis approach of breast cancer is not available yet, exploring the molecular mechanism and identifying the biomarker of alcohol-associated breast cancer are especially important. Recent studies have demonstrated that Brf1 is overexpressed in most ER+ (estrogen receptor positive) cases of breast cancer and the change in cellular levels of Brf1 reflects the therapeutic efficacy and prognosis of this disease. It suggests that Brf1 may be a potential diagnosis biomarker and a therapeutic target of alcohol-associated breast cancer.
Studies on Quasi-Static and Fatigue Crack Propagation Behaviours in Friction Stir Welded Joints Using Peridynamic Theory
Authors: Wang Fei , Ma Yu’e , Guo Yanning , Huang Wei
Published: October 2019

The friction stir welding (FSW) technology has been widely applied in aircraft structures. The heterogeneity of mechanical properties in weld and the hole in structure will lead the crack to turn. Peridynamics (PD) has inherent advantages in calculating crack turning. The peridynamic theory is applied to study the crack turning behaviour of FSW joints in this work. The compact tension (CT) samples with and without a hole are designed. The crack propagation testing under quasistatic and fatigue loads are performed. The peridynamic microplastic model is used and a three-stage fatigue calculation model is developed to simulate the quasistatic fracture and the fatigue crack growth. The results predicted by the peridynamic models are compared with the experimental ones. The effects of welding direction on quasistatic and fatigue crack propagation behaviours are investigated and the effect of hole position on crack path geometry is also studied. It is shown that the crack turning in FSWed CT samples can be captured by the peridynamic microplastic and the three-stage fatigue calculation models. The peridynamic crack growth rates agree with the experimental results. For CT specimen without a hole, the crack turns into the weld zone where the material is softer. The effect of welding direction on crack growth rates is not obvious. For CT sample with a hole, the crack propagation direction has been mainly controlled by the hole location and the welding direction has a slight effect on crack path.
Sonographic Presentation of the Geyser Sign
Authors: Gilani Syed Amir , Mehboob Riffat , Bacha Raham , Gilani Aima , Manzoor Iqra
Published: October 2019

A case of geyser sign with acromioclavicular (AC) joint cyst with underlying rotator cuff tear is presented. Ultrasound modality is used to diagnose the clinical case of the AC cyst with positive geyser sign. A 91-year-old male patient presented with a complaint of right-sided shoulder and neck pain. The physical examination revealed a large lump on his right shoulder with restricted shoulder movements. During ultrasound examination, a chronic supraspinatus tendon (ST) tear and AC joint cyst with a positive geyser sign was observed. The ultrasound diagnosis was also confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). AC joint cyst with geyser sign is a rare condition. Few cases have been published with this type of pathology. To our knowledge, this is the first report of its kind from Pakistani population.
SSLDetecter: Detecting SSL Security Vulnerabilities of Android Applications Based on a Novel Automatic Traversal Method
Authors: Tang Junwei , Li Jingjing , Li Ruixuan , Han Hongmu , Gu Xiwu , Xu Zhiyong
Published: October 2019

Android usually employs the Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol to protect the user’s privacy in network transmission. However, developers may misuse SSL-related APIs, which would lead attackers to steal user’s privacy through man-in-the-middle attacks. Existing methods based on static decompiling technology to detect SSL security vulnerabilities of Android applications cannot cope with the increasingly common packed applications. Meanwhile, dynamic analysis approaches have the disadvantages of excessive resource consumption and time-consuming. In this paper, we propose a dynamic method to solve this issue based on our novel automatic traversal model. At first, we propose several new traversal strategies to optimize the widget tree according to the user interface (UI) types and the interface state similarity. Furthermore, we develop a more granular traversal model by refining the traversal level from the Activity component to the Widget and implement a heuristic depth-first traversal algorithm in combination with our customized traversal strategy. In addition, the man-in-the-middle agent plug-in is extended to implement real-time attack test and return the attack results. Based on the above ideas, we have implemented SSLDetecter, an efficient automated detection system of Android application SSL security vulnerability. We apply it on multiple devices in parallel to detect 2456 popular applications in several mainstream application markets and find that 424 applications are suffering from SSL security vulnerabilities. Compared with the existing system SMV-HUNTER, the time efficiency of our system increases by 38% and the average detection rate increases by 6.39 percentage points, with many types of SSL vulnerabilities detected.
Predictors of Seizure Recurrence after Acute Symptomatic Seizures in Ischemic Stroke Patients
Authors: George Pravin , Punia Vineet , Natteru Prashant A. , Hantus Stephen , Newey Christopher
Published: October 2019

Purpose. Seizure is a well-recognized complication of both remote and acute ischemic strokes. Predictors of seizure recurrence and epilepsy in patients with ischemic stroke who develop acute symptomatic seizures (ASyS) on continuous electroencephalography (cEEG) have not been well studied. Methods. We present a five-year retrospective study of acute and remote ischemic stroke patients who developed ASyS on cEEG. We then identified risk factors for the development of seizure recurrence. Results. Sixty-five patients with ischemic stroke and ASyS were identified and reviewed. All ASyS were noted to be nonconvulsive seizures. Clinical recurrence of seizures was identified in 19 of these patients (29.2%) at follow-up. Rate of seizure recurrence was higher in remote ischemic stroke patients (84.2%), compared to acute ischemic stroke patients (15.8%, p=0.0116, OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.049–0.65). Sharp waves/spikes on follow-up EEG significantly correlated with seizure recurrence (p=0.006, OR 0, 95% CI 0–0.3926). Patients discharged on ≥3 antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) were at a higher risk of having seizure recurrence (p=0.0015, OR 0.05, 95% CI 0.0089–0.37). Conclusion. We identified risk factors of seizure recurrence in patients with ASyS as remote ischemic stroke, requiring multiple AEDs, and the presence of sharp waves on follow-up EEG. This study highlights the usefulness of cEEG in evaluating patients with acute or remote strokes.
Left Distal Transradial Approach for Coronary Intervention: Insights from Early Clinical Experience and Future Directions
Authors: Feng Hao , Fang Zhenfei , Zhou Shenghua , Hu Xinqun
Published: October 2019

Left distal transradial approach is a novel technique for coronary intervention. This technique is convenient for specialists to operate and welcomed for right-handed patients. The anatomical snuffbox and the first intermetacarpal are two available puncture sites on the basis of hand anatomy. In technical aspects, main differences between left distal transradial approach and conventional transradial approach are patient’s special position, puncture procedure, sheath choice, and hemostasis methods. According to the preliminary data, this technique is feasible and safe and it has low rate of complications including radial artery occlusion in forearm. Left distal transradial approach is a quite promising strategy of coronary intervention and deserves further exploration. In this review article, we describe the main technical characteristics and the results obtained from early clinical experiences. We also discuss the main challenges and future perspectives on this novel technique.
Inhibition of Hypothalamic Inhibitor κB Kinase β/Nuclear Transcription Factor κB Pathway Attenuates Metabolism and Cardiac Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetic Rats
Authors: Chen Yan-Mei , Yu Xiao-Jing , Liu Kai-Li , Gao Hong-Li , Li Ying , Sun Tian-Ze , Shi Xiao-Lian , Li Hong-Bao , Zhu Guo-Qing , Qi Jie , Kang Yu-Ming
Published: October 2019

Background: Inflammation and oxidative stress play important roles in energy imbalance and its complications. Recent research indicates that hypothalamic inflammation may contribute to the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome and cardiac dysfunction, but the mechanisms remain unclear. We hypothesized that suppression of the proinflammatory IKKβ/NF-κB pathway in the hypothalamus can improve energy balance and cardiac function in type 2 diabetic (T2D) rats. Methods: Normal and T2D rats received bilateral hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) infusions of the IKKβ inhibitor SC-514 or vehicle via osmotic minipump. Metabolic phenotyping, immunohistochemical analyses, and biochemical analyses were used to investigate the outcomes of inhibition of the hypothalamic IKKβ. Echocardiography and glucometer were used for measuring cardiac function and blood glucose, respectively. Blood samples were collected for the evaluation of circulating proinflammatory cytokines. Heart was harvested for cardiac morphology evaluations. The ARC was harvested and analyzed for IKKβ, NF-κB, proinflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and NAD(P)H (gp91phox, p47phox) oxidase activity levels and neuropeptides. Results: Compared with normal rats, T2D rats were characterized by hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, glucose intolerance, cardiac dysfunction, as well as higher ARC levels of IKKβ, NF-κB, proinflammatory cytokines, ROS, gp91phox, and p47phox. ARC infusion of the IKKβ inhibitor SC-514 attenuated all these changes in T2D rats, but not in normal rats. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the hypothalamic IKKβ/NF-κB pathway plays a key role in modulating energy imbalance and cardiac dysfunction, suggesting its potential therapeutic role during type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Downstream Influence of Coronary Stenoses on Microcirculatory Remodeling
Authors: de Waard Guus A. , Hollander Maurits R. , Ruiter Danique , ten Bokkel Huinink Thomas , Meer Romain , van der Hoeven Nina W. , Meinster Elisa , Beliën Jeroen A.M. , Niessen Hans W. , van Royen Niels
Published: October 2019

Objective:

Inducible myocardial ischemia is influenced by contributions of both the epicardial artery and the coronary microcirculation. Experimental studies have found adverse microcirculatory remodeling to occur downstream of severe coronary stenoses. Coronary physiology studies in patients contradict the experimental findings, as the minimal microvascular resistance is not modified by stenoses. The objective was to determine whether microcirculatory remodeling occurs downstream of coronary stenoses in the human coronary circulation.

Approach and Results:

Myocardium corresponding to 115 coronary arteries of 55 deceased patients was investigated. Histopathologic staining of the microcirculation was performed using antibodies against SMA-α (smooth muscle actin-α) and CD31, to stain arterioles and capillaries, respectively. The following parameters were analyzed: ratio between lumen and vesel area, ratio between lumen and vessel diameter (both ratios for arterioles of <40, 40–100, and 100–200 µm diameter), arteriolar density, and capillary density. From the 55 patients, 32 pairs of an unobstructed coronary artery and a coronary artery with a stenosis were formed. No statistically significant differences between any of the microcirculatory parameters were found. A confirmatory unpaired analysis compared 3 groups: (1) coronary arteries in patients without coronary artery disease (n=53), (2) unobstructed coronary arteries in patients with a stenosis in one of the other coronary arteries (n=23), and (3) coronary stenoses (n=39). No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups.

Conclusions:

The microcirculation distal to noncritical stenoses does not undergo structural remodeling in the human coronary circulation.
Identification of Markers Associated With Development of Stroke in “Clinically Low‐Risk” Atrial Fibrillation Patients
Authors: Shin Seung Yong , Han Sang‐Jin , Kim Jin‐Seok , Im Sung Il , Shim Jaemin , Ahn Jinhee , Lee Eun Mi , Park Yae Min , Kim Jun Hyung , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Lim Hong Euy
Published: October 2019

Background

Stroke and thromboembolic events may still occur in “clinically low‐risk” atrial fibrillation (
AF
) patients as categorized by
CHA
2
DS
2
‐
VAS
c score. Our aim was to assess the proportion of “clinically low‐risk” patients using a nongender
CHA
2
DS
2
‐
VAS
c (ie,
CHA
2
DS
2
‐
VA
) score of 0 to 1 among patients who experienced
AF
‐associated stroke and to identify markers associated with stroke in “clinically low‐risk” patients.

Methods and Results

We retrospectively recruited nonvalvular
AF
patients who experienced embolic stroke between 2013 and 2016 from 9 institutes in Korea.
AF
patients with
CHA
2
DS
2
‐
VA
score of 0 to 1 at the time of stroke were analyzed and compared with “clinically low‐risk”
AF
patients without stroke. A total of 3033 subjects with
AF
‐associated stroke were recruited. Of these, 583 patients (19.2%) had
CHA
2
DS
2
‐
VA
score of 0 to 1. On multivariate analysis, age (≥60 years), N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide (≥300 pg/mL), creatinine clearance (<50 mL/min), and left atrial dimension (≥45 mm) were independently associated with stroke. With the combined application of these 4 factors (collectively,
ABCD
score) to the “clinically low‐risk” patients, the c‐index was 0.858 (95% CI 0.838–0.877;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

The present study suggests a new insight into how additional use of markers can further refine stroke risk differentiation among
AF
patients initially classified as “clinically low‐risk.”

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
03147911.
DNA barcoding, phylogeny and phylogeography of the cyst nematode species from the genus Globodera (Tylenchida: Heteroderidae)
Authors: Subbotin Sergei A. , Franco Javier , Knoetze Rinus , Roubtsova Tatiana V. , Bostock Richard M. , Cid del Prado Vera Ignacio
Published: October 2019

Globodera presently contains 13 valid and three as yet undescribed species. Three species, G. rostochiensis, G. pallida and G. ellingtonae, the potato cyst nematodes (PCN), cause significant economic losses on potatoes around the world. In our study we provide comprehensive phylogenetic analyses of 455 ITS rRNA, 219 COI and 164 cytb gene sequences of 11 valid and two undescribed species of Globodera using Bayesian inference, maximum likelihood and statistical parsimony. New 205 COI, 116 cytb and 21 ITS rRNA gene sequences were obtained from 148 populations of these species collected from 23 countries. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that Globodera displayed two main clades in the trees: i) Globodera from South and North America parasitising plants from Solanaceae; and ii) Globodera from Africa, Europe, Asia and New Zealand parasitising plants from Asteraceae and other families. Based on the results of phylogeographical analysis and age estimation of clades with a molecular clock approach, it is hypothesised that Globodera species originated and diversified from several centres of speciation located in mountain regions and then dispersed across the world from these regions during the Pleistocene. High genetic diversity of Bolivian populations of G. rostochiensis was observed for both mtDNA genes. Analysis of phylogenetic relationships of G. pallida and G. rostochiensis populations revealed incongruence in topology between networks inferred from mtDNA genes, which might be an indication of possible recombination and selective introgression events through gene flow between previously isolated populations. This puts some limitations on the use of the mtDNA marker as universal DNA barcoding identifier for PCN. Globodera bravoae syn. n. is proposed as a junior synonym of G. mexicana.
Friendship in the Shadow of Patronage: The Correspondence between Thomas Birch and Philip Yorke (1740–1766) Revisited
Authors: Almagor Yossi
Published: October 2019

This article demonstrates how patron-client relationships in mid-eighteenth century England were shaped against the background of the transition to a more negotiated marketplace. By focusing on the twenty-five-year relationship between Thomas Birch and Philip Yorke, we learn how an interesting variant of patronage embroiled with friendship developed between the two. In exchange for his services as intelligencer and agent, Birch enjoyed the benefits of Yorke’s influential network, obtaining new livings as clergyman and advancing his career as historian. Confrontations between the two, particularly on matters involving their work as dedicated historians, did not prevent them from remaining mutually loyal throughout their decades-long affiliation.
Two new species of the genus Crangonyx Bate, 1859 (Amphipoda: Crangonyctidae) from the St. Marks River Basin with notes on the “Crangonyx floridanus complex”
Authors: CANNIZZARO ANDREW G. , SAWICKI THOMAS R.
Published: October 2019

Crangonyx ephemerus n. sp. and Crangonyx pseudoephemerus n. sp. are described from the headwaters of the St. Marks River in Leon County, Florida, based on detailed morphological and molecular comparisons with the closely related species Crangonyx floridanus Bousfield, 1963. The morphological and molecular data, including three species delimitation models, lend support to the hypothesis that the taxon C. floridanus sensu lato represents a species complex. Diagnostic morphological characteristics are highlighted and discussed within this group to assist in future morphological analyses.
Model Improvement via Systematic Investigation of Physics Tendencies
Authors: Wong May , Romine Glen , Snyder Chris
Published: October 2019

Deficiencies in forecast models commonly stem from inadequate representation of physical processes; yet, improvement to any single physics component within a model may lead to degradations in other physics components or the model as a whole. In this study, a systematic investigation of physics tendencies is demonstrated to help identify and correct compensating sources of model biases. The model improvement process is illustrated by addressing a commonly known issue in warm-season rainfall forecasts from parameterized convection models: the misrepresentation of the diurnal precipitation cycle over land, especially in its timing. Recent advances in closure assumptions in mass-flux cumulus schemes have made remarkable improvements in this respect. Here, we investigate these improvements in the representation of the diurnal precipitation cycle for a spring period over the United States, and how changes to the cumulus scheme impact the model climate and the behavior of other physics schemes. The modified cumulus scheme improves both the timing of the diurnal precipitation cycle and reduces midtropospheric temperature and moisture biases. However, larger temperature and moisture biases are found in the boundary layer as compared to a predecessor scheme, along with an overamplification of the diurnal precipitation cycle, relative to observations. Guided by a tendency analysis, we find that biases in the diurnal amplitude of the precipitation cycle in our simulations, along with temperature and moisture biases in the boundary layer, originate from the land surface model.
Fully distributed guidance laws for unmanned aerial vehicles formation flight
Authors: Wei Xiaoqian , Yang Jianying , Fan Xiangru
Published: October 2019

In this paper, three fully distributed guidance laws are designed for unmanned aerial vehicles formation flight, which have the following advantages. Adaptive technology in novel guidance laws can adapt to various graphs that only need one spanning tree. Cooperative formation does not need to set the virtual structure of formation in advance, but only needs to adjust the formation parameters in the guidance law to achieve the desired time-varying formation. This paper uses a guidance law perpendicular to the line of sight to make the flight trajectory more straight; hence, enhancing its applicability in real-world scenarios. These new guidance laws also enable group formation transformation and can optimize the unmanned aerial vehicles’ formation without global information to obtain the optimum performance of the formation. The simulation results show the practicability and effectiveness of the new method.
The rejection of industrial democracy by Berle and Means and the emergence of the ideology of managerialism
Authors: Smith Andrew , Tennent Kevin , Russell Jason
Published: October 2019

One distinctive feature of the American variant of capitalism is the near absence of any of the industrial democracy institutions found in many European firms. This article examines ideology as a factor behind the absence of industrial democracy institutions in the United States. It focuses on the early 1930s, when the ideology of managerialism was being formulated by Adolf Berle and Gardiner Means, the authors of a book that had a well-documented influence on American business culture. As the article shows, many American firms in the 1910s and 1920s experimented with worker representation systems that contemporaries called industrial democracy. Berle and Means were aware of these moves to democratize the American workplace, but they rejected all forms of industrial democracy. The article advances an explanation for their rejection and thereby contributes to our understanding why the United States did not take the path towards democracy within companies.
Measurement of CMRO2 and its relationship with CBF in hypoxia with an extended calibrated BOLD method
Authors: Zhang Yaoyu , Yin Yayan , Li Huanjie , Gao Jia-Hong
Published: October 2019

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) are physiological parameters that not only reflect brain health and disease but also jointly contribute to blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signals. Nevertheless, unsolved issues remain concerning the CBF–CMRO2 relationship in the working brain under various oxygen conditions. In particular, the CMRO2 responses to functional tasks in hypoxia are less studied. We extended the calibrated BOLD model to incorporate CMRO2 measurements in hypoxia. The extended model, which was cross-validated with a multicompartment BOLD model, considers the influences of the reduced arterial saturation level and increased baseline cerebral blood volume (CBV) and deoxyhemoglobin concentration on the changes of BOLD signals in hypoxia. By implementing a pulse sequence to simultaneously acquire the CBV-, CBF- and BOLD-weighted signals, we investigated the effects of mild hypoxia on the CBF and CMRO2 responses to graded visual stimuli. Compared with normoxia, mild hypoxia caused significant alterations in both the amplitude and the trend of the CMRO2 responses but did not impact the corresponding CBF responses. Our observations suggested that the flow-metabolism coupling strategies in the brain during mild hypoxia were different from those during normoxia.