bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-Wide Investigation of Biofilm Formation in Bacillus cereus
Authors: Yan Fang , Yu Yiyang , Gozzi Kevin , Chen Yun , Guo Jian-hua , Chai Yunrong
Published: April 2017

Bacillus cereus
is a soil-dwelling Gram-positive bacterium capable of forming structured multicellular communities, or biofilms. However, the regulatory pathways controlling biofilm formation are less well understood in
B. cereus
. In this work, we developed a method to study
B. cereus
biofilms formed at the air-liquid interface. We applied two genome-wide approaches, random transposon insertion mutagenesis to identify genes that are potentially important for biofilm formation, and transcriptome analyses by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to characterize genes that are differentially expressed in
B. cereus
when cells were grown in a biofilm-inducing medium. For the first approach, we identified 23 genes whose disruption by transposon insertion led to altered biofilm phenotypes. Based on the predicted function, they included genes involved in processes such as nucleotide biosynthesis, iron salvage, and antibiotic production, as well as genes encoding an ATP-dependent protease and transcription regulators. Transcriptome analyses identified about 500 genes that were differentially expressed in cells grown under biofilm-inducing conditions. One particular set of those genes may contribute to major metabolic shifts, leading to elevated production of small volatile molecules. Selected volatile molecules were shown to stimulate robust biofilm formation in
B. cereus
. Our studies represent a genome-wide investigation of
B. cereus
biofilm formation.

IMPORTANCE
In this work, we established a robust method for
B. cereus
biofilm studies and applied two genome-wide approaches, transposon insertion mutagenesis and transcriptome analyses by RNA-seq, to identify genes and pathways that are potentially important for biofilm formation in
B. cereus
. We discovered dozens of genes and two major metabolic shifts that seem to be important for biofilm formation in
B. cereus
. Our study represents a genome-wide investigation on
B. cereus
biofilm formation.
Two Distinct α-
l
-Arabinofuranosidases in Caldicellulosiruptor Species Drive Degradation of Arabinose-Based Polysaccharides
Authors: Saleh Mohammad Abu , Han Wen-Jie , Lu Ming , Wang Bing , Li Huayue , Kelly Robert M. , Li Fu-Li
Published: April 2017

Species in the extremely thermophilic genus
Caldicellulosiruptor
can degrade unpretreated plant biomass through the action of multimodular glycoside hydrolases. To date, most focus with these bacteria has been on hydrolysis of glucans and xylans, while the biodegradation mechanism for arabinose-based polysaccharides remains unclear. Here, putative α-
l
-arabinofuranosidases (AbFs) were identified in
Caldicellulosiruptor
species by homology to less-thermophilic versions of these enzymes. From this screen, an extracellular XynF was determined to be a key factor in hydrolyzing α-1,2-, α-1,3-, and α-1,5-
l
-arabinofuranosyl residues of arabinose-based polysaccharides. Combined with a GH11 xylanase (XynA), XynF increased arabinoxylan hydrolysis more than 6-fold compared to the level seen with XynA alone, likely the result of XynF removing arabinofuranosyl side chains to generate linear xylans that were readily degraded. A second AbF, the intracellular AbF51, preferentially cleaved the α-1,5-
l
-arabinofuranosyl glycoside bonds within sugar beet arabinan. β-Xylosidases, such as GH39 Xyl39B, facilitated the hydrolysis of arabinofuranosyl residues at the nonreducing terminus of the arabinose-branched xylo-oligosaccharides by AbF51. These results demonstrate the separate but complementary contributions of extracellular XynF and cytosolic AbF51 in processing the bioconversion of arabinose-containing oligosaccharides to fermentable monosaccharides.

IMPORTANCE
Degradation of hemicellulose, due to its complex chemical structure, presents a major challenge during bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass to biobased fuels and chemicals. Degradation of arabinose-containing polysaccharides, in particular, can be a key bottleneck in this process. Among
Caldicellulosiruptor
species, the multimodular arabinofuranosidase XynF is present in only selected members of this genus. This enzyme exhibited high hydrolysis activity, broad specificity, and strong synergism with other hemicellulases acting on arabino-polysaccharides. An intracellular arabinofuranosidase, AbF51, occurs in all
Caldicellulosiruptor
species and, in conjunction with xylosidases, processes the bioconversion of arabinose-branched oligosaccharides to fermentable monosaccharides. Taken together, the data suggest that plant biomass degradation in
Caldicellulosiruptor
species involves extracellular XynF that acts synergistically with other hemicellulases to digest arabino-polysaccharides that are subsequently transported and degraded further by intracellular AbF51 to produce short-chain arabino sugars.
Casein Kinase I Isoform Hrr25 Is a Negative Regulator of Haa1 in the Weak Acid Stress Response Pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Collins Morgan E. , Black Joshua J. , Liu Zhengchang
Published: April 2017

Haa1 is a transcription factor that adapts
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
cells to weak organic acid stresses by activating the expression of various genes. Many of these genes encode membrane proteins, such as
TPO2
and
YRO2
. How Haa1 is activated by weak acids is not clear. Here, we show that casein kinase I isoform Hrr25 is an important negative regulator of Haa1. Haa1 is known to be multiply phosphorylated. We found that mutations in
HRR25
lead to reduced Haa1 phosphorylation and increased expression of Haa1 target genes and that Hrr25 interacts with Haa1. The other three casein kinase I isoforms, Yck1, Yck2, and Yck3, do not seem to play critical roles in Haa1 regulation. Hrr25 has a 200-residue C-terminal region, including a proline- and glutamine-rich domain. Our data suggest that the C-terminal region of Hrr25 is required for normal inhibition of expression of Haa1 target genes
TPO2
and
YRO2
and is important for cell growth but is not required for cell morphogenesis. We propose that Hrr25 is an important regulator of cellular adaptation to weak acid stress by inhibiting Haa1 through phosphorylation.

IMPORTANCE
Our study has revealed the casein kinase I protein Hrr25 to be a negative regulator of Haa1, a transcription factor mediating the cellular response to stresses caused by weak acids. Many studies have focused on the target genes of Haa1 and their roles in weak acid stress responses, but little has been reported on the regulatory mechanism of Haa1. Weak acids, such as acetic acid, have long been used for food preservation by slowing down the growth of fungal species, including
S. cerevisiae
. In the biofuel industry, acetic acid in the lignocellulosic hydrolysates limits the production of ethanol, which is undesirable. By understanding how Haa1 is regulated, we can make advances in the field of food sciences to better preserve food and engineer acetic acid-resistant strains that will increase productivity in the biofuel industry.
Subduction-transition zone interaction: A review
Authors: Goes Saskia , Agrusta Roberto , van Hunen Jeroen , Garel Fanny
Published: April 2017

As subducting plates reach the base of the upper mantle, some appear to flatten and stagnate, while others seemingly go through unimpeded. This variable resistance to slab sinking has been proposed to affect long-term thermal and chemical mantle circulation. A review of observational constraints and dynamic models highlights that neither the increase in viscosity between upper and lower mantle (likely by a factor 20–50) nor the coincident endothermic phase transition in the main mantle silicates (with a likely Clapeyron slope of –1 to –2 MPa/K) suffice to stagnate slabs. However, together the two provide enough resistance to temporarily stagnate subducting plates, if they subduct accompanied by significant trench retreat. Older, stronger plates are more capable of inducing trench retreat, explaining why backarc spreading and flat slabs tend to be associated with old-plate subduction. Slab viscosities that are ∼2 orders of magnitude higher than background mantle (effective yield stresses of 100–300 MPa) lead to similar styles of deformation as those revealed by seismic tomography and slab earthquakes. None of the current transition-zone slabs seem to have stagnated there more than 60 m.y. Since modeled slab destabilization takes more than 100 m.y., lower-mantle entry is apparently usually triggered (e.g., by changes in plate buoyancy). Many of the complex morphologies of lower-mantle slabs can be the result of sinking and subsequent deformation of originally stagnated slabs, which can retain flat morphologies in the top of the lower mantle, fold as they sink deeper, and eventually form bulky shapes in the deep mantle.
International variations in clinical practice guidelines for palliative sedation: a systematic review
Authors: Abarshi Ebun , Rietjens Judith , Robijn Lenzo , Caraceni Augusto , Payne Sheila , Deliens Luc , Van den Block Lieve
Published: April 2017

Objectives

Palliative sedation is a highly debated medical practice, particularly regarding its proper use in end-of-life care. Worldwide, guidelines are used to standardise care and regulate this practice. In this review, we identify and compare national/regional clinical practice guidelines on palliative sedation against the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC) palliative sedation Framework and assess the developmental quality of these guidelines using the Appraisal Guideline Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) instrument.

Methods

Using the PRISMA criteria, we searched multiple databases (PubMed, CancerLit, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, NHS Evidence and Google Scholar) for relevant guidelines, and selected those written in English, Dutch and Italian; published between January 2000 and March 2016.

Results

Of 264 hits, 13 guidelines—Belgium, Canada (3), Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Europe, and USA (2) were selected. 8 contained at least 9/10 recommendations published in the EAPC Framework; 9 recommended ‘pre-emptive discussion of the potential role of sedation in end-of-life care’; 9 recommended ‘nutrition/hydration while performing sedation’ and 8 acknowledged the need to ‘care for the medical team’. There were striking differences in terminologies used and in life expectancy preceding the practice. Selected guidelines were conceptually similar, comparing closely to the EAPC Framework recommendations, albeit with notable variations.

Conclusions

Based on AGREE II, 3 guidelines achieved top scores and could therefore be recommended for use in this context. Also, domains ‘scope and purpose’ and ‘editorial independence’ ranked highest and lowest, respectively—underscoring the importance of good reportage at the developmental stage.
A middle-aged woman with a heavy heart
Authors: Van de Bruaene Cedric , Crapé Lara , Surmont Veerle
Published: April 2017

Clinical introduction

A 51-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with a 4-month history of progressive dyspnoea on exertion (New York Heart Association Functional Classification III), chest heaviness, dry cough, weight loss and tiredness. She worked as cleaning woman and had no relevant medical history, apart from an Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection 2 months before symptom onset. She did not smoke and family history was negative.

On examination, blood pressure was 104/80 mm Hg and heart rate was regular at 145 bpm. On auscultation, heart sounds were distant, muffled and there was no murmur. Minimal, bilateral pitting oedema was observed. Laboratory findings were unremarkable. During hospitalisation, cardiac monitoring revealed paroxysmal new-onset atrial fibrillation.

Chest radiography from a previous hospital had revealed cardiomegaly and subsequent echocardiography had shown pericardial effusion with diastolic dysfunction, for which she had received percutaneous pericardiocentesis. However, repeated echocardiography at our hospital showed recurrence of pericardial effusion with diastolic dysfunction and the presence of a pericardial mass. CT and Fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose PET (18F-FDG PET) scanning were done (figure 1).

Figure 1

| Contrast-enhanced CT scanning and 18F-FDG PET scanning. (A) CT scan, sagittal view; (B) 18F-FDG PET scan, frontal view;  (C) CT scan, axial view and (D) 18F-FDG PET scan, axial view.

Question

Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

And based on patient history and imaging, are further diagnostics needed?

Benign pericardial lipoma

Fibrinofibrous pericarditis following EBV infection

Inflammatory pseudotumor

Primary cardiac lymphoma

Primary malignant pericardial mesothelioma
Implications of the PEGASUS-TIMI 54 trial for US clinical practice
Authors: Bradley Steven M , Hess Gregory P , Stewart Patrick , Armstrong Ehrin J , Farmer Steven A , Wasfy Jason H , Valle Javier Alfonso , Sandhu Amneet , Maddox Thomas M
Published: April 2017

Objectives

This study aims to determine the proportion of real-world patients with myocardial infarction (MI) who would have been eligible for the PEGASUS-TIMI 54 (Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Prior Heart Attack Using Ticagrelor Compared to Placebo on a Background of Aspirin-Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 54) trial, to characterise their current use of P2Y12inhibitors and to explore the estimated costs and ischaemic event consequences of increasing P2Y12inhibitor use among these patients.

Methods

In the US national ACTION Registry–GWTG (Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network Registry–Get With The Guidelines), we identified 273 328 patients with MI and determined the proportion that would have met the eligibility criteria for the PEGASUS trial. We described longitudinal P2Y12inhibitor use among patients eligible for PEGASUS and estimated the cost and ischaemic consequences of increasing P2Y12use among eligible patients.

Results

A total of 112 222 (41.1%) patients with MI in ACTION Registry–GWTG met eligibility for the PEGASUS trial. Among 83 871 eligible patients with pharmacy claims data, 23 042 (27.5%) were on a P2Y12inhibitor at 1 year, 9661 (11.5%) at 2 years and 5246 (6.3%) at 3 years, with the majority (79.2%) of these patients on clopidogrel. The use of ticagrelor in eligible patients not yet on a P2Y12inhibitor at 1 year post-MI would cost an estimated US$885 000 per MI, stroke or cardiovascular death averted over a 3-year time horizon, while the use of clopidogrel would cost an estimated US$19 800 per ischaemic event averted.

Conclusion

In contemporary clinical practice, a minority of patients are on a P2Y12inhibitor beyond 1-year post-MI. Applying PEGASUS trial findings to clinical practice would result in a large increase in P2Y12inhibitor use, with a cost per ischaemic event averted that is strongly influenced by the choice of therapy.
Tobacco retail availability and risk of relapse among smokers who make a quit attempt: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Chaiton Michael O , Mecredy Graham , Cohen Joanna
Published: April 2017

Introduction

The availability of tobacco is thought to influence smoking behaviour, but there are few longitudinal studies examining if the location and number of tobacco outlets has a prospective impact on smoking cessation.

Methods

The Ontario Tobacco Survey, a population-representative sample of Ontario adult smokers who were followed every 6 months for up to 3 years, was linked with tobacco outlet location data from the Ontario Ministry of Health. Proximity (distance), threshold (at least one outlet within 500 m) and density (number of outlets within 500 m) with respect to a smokers’ home were calculated among urban and suburban current smokers (n=2414). Quit attempts and risk of relapse were assessed using logistic regression and survival analysis, adjusted for neighbourhood effects and individual characteristics.

Results

Increased density of tobacco outlets was associated with decreased odds of making a quit attempt (OR: 0.54; 95% CI 0.35 to 0.85) in high-income neighbourhoods, but not in lower income ones. There was an increased risk of relapse among those who had at least one store within 500 m (HR: 1.41 (95% CI 1.06 to 1.88). Otherwise, there was no association of proximity with quit attempts or relapse.

Conclusions

The existence of a tobacco retail outlet within walking distance from home was associated with difficulty in succeeding in a quit attempt, while the increased density of stores was associated with decreased attempts in higher income neighbourhoods. The availability of tobacco may influence tobacco use through multiple mechanisms.
Recruiting and retaining youth and young adults: challenges and opportunities in survey research for tobacco control
Authors: Cantrell Jennifer , Hair Elizabeth C , Smith Alexandria , Bennett Morgane , Rath Jessica Miller , Thomas Randall K , Fahimi Mansour , Dennis J Michael , Vallone Donna
Published: April 2017

Introduction

Evaluation studies of population-based tobacco control interventions often rely on large-scale survey data from numerous respondents across many geographic areas to provide evidence of their effectiveness. Significant challenges for survey research have emerged with the evolving communications landscape, particularly for surveying hard-to-reach populations such as youth and young adults. This study combines the comprehensive coverage of an address-based sampling (ABS) frame with the timeliness of online data collection to develop a nationally representative longitudinal cohort of young people aged 15-21.

Methods

We constructed an ABS frame, partially supplemented with auxiliary data, to recruit this hard-to-reach sample. Branded and tested mail-based recruitment materials were designed to bring respondents online for screening, consent and surveying. Once enrolled, respondents completed online surveys every 6 months via computer, tablet or smartphone. Numerous strategies were utilized to enhance retention and representativeness

Results

Results detail sample performance, representativeness and retention rates as well as device utilization trends for survey completion among youth and young adult respondents. Panel development efforts resulted in a large, nationally representative sample with high retention rates.

Conclusions

This study is among the first to employ this hybrid ABS-to-online methodology to recruit and retain youth and young adults in a probability-based online cohort panel. The approach is particularly valuable for conducting research among younger populations as it capitalizes on their increasing access to and comfort with digital communication. We discuss challenges and opportunities of panel recruitment and retention methods in an effort to provide valuable information for tobacco control researchers seeking to obtain representative, population-based samples of youth and young adults in the U.S. as well as across the globe.
Capacity evaluation of voided driven piles using embedded data collectors
Authors: Tran Khiem T. , Wasman Scott J. , McVay Michael , Herrera Rodrigo
Published: April 2017

This paper presents an application of a method that will be implemented in the embedded data collector (EDC) system in the near future, to estimate the capacity of driven piles with a combined solid and voided cross section. Data from accelerometers and strain gauges located in the solid sections at both the top and the bottom of a pile are used to independently estimate the pile’s skin friction and tip resistance. Wave propagation along the pile is modeled as a one-dimensional wave equation, with a nonuniform cross section and with nonlinear static skin friction and viscous-damping soil resistances acting along multiple segments of the pile. The static skin friction is extracted by least-squares fitting of computed particle velocities with measured data at both the top and the bottom of the pile. The pile tip is modeled as a nonlinear single degree of freedom with viscous damping. Static tip resistance (nonlinear stiffness–displacement relationship) is extracted by least-squares fitting of the predicted total force and energy with the measured tip data. The new EDC method was applied to four combined solid–voided cross section driven piles with capacities varying from 2800 to 6700 kN. The results of the data evaluated with the new EDC method are consistent with those from the static load tests to within 15%.
Regional differences in the whistles of Australasian humpback dolphins (genus Sousa)
Authors: Hoffman J.M. , Hung S.K. , Wang J.Y. , White B.N.
Published: April 2017

Characteristics of whistles may be used to study differentiation in dolphins to complement morphological and genetic studies. The whistles of four populations of Chinese humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis chinensis (Osbeck, 1765)), one population of Taiwanese humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis taiwanensis Wang, Yang, and Hung, 2015), and one population of Australian humpback dolphins (Sousa sahulensis Jefferson and Rosenbaum, 2014) were compared to determine if differences in whistles support current views of population structure and regional and species differentiation in the genus Sousa Gray, 1866. Acoustic features were extracted from whistles captured by broadband recording systems. Permutational MANOVAs were conducted to test for differences between populations, regions, and species. Random forest trees were also used to classify similar whistles. A significant amount of variation in acoustic features was explained by population (pseudo F[5,2742] = 191.66, p < 0.001), regional (pseudo F[3,2741] = 280.62, p < 0.001), and species (pseudo F[1,999] = 3.7, p < 0.05) differences in humpback dolphin whistles. Random forest trees correctly classified whistles into populations from 40% to 67%, regions from 51% to 80%, and species from 74% to 80%. Differences in whistles were consistent with the current ideas of population-, regional-, and species-level differences within the genus Sousa, based on morphological and genetic data, as well as geographic distance and barriers to movement.
Genomic Instability in Cancer: Teetering on the Limit of Tolerance
Authors: Andor Noemi , Maley Carlo C. , Ji Hanlee P.
Published: April 2017

Cancer genomic instability contributes to the phenomenon of intratumoral genetic heterogeneity, provides the genetic diversity required for natural selection, and enables the extensive phenotypic diversity that is frequently observed among patients. Genomic instability has previously been associated with poor prognosis. However, we have evidence that for solid tumors of epithelial origin, extreme levels of genomic instability, where more than 75% of the genome is subject to somatic copy number alterations, are associated with a potentially better prognosis compared with intermediate levels under this threshold. This has been observed in clonal subpopulations of larger size, especially when genomic instability is shared among a limited number of clones. We hypothesize that cancers with extreme levels of genomic instability may be teetering on the brink of a threshold where so much of their genome is adversely altered that cells rarely replicate successfully. Another possibility is that tumors with high levels of genomic instability are more immunogenic than other cancers with a less extensive burden of genetic aberrations. Regardless of the exact mechanism, but hinging on our ability to quantify how a tumor's burden of genetic aberrations is distributed among coexisting clones, genomic instability has important therapeutic implications. Herein, we explore the possibility that a high genomic instability could be the basis for a tumor's sensitivity to DNA-damaging therapies. We primarily focus on studies of epithelial-derived solid tumors. Cancer Res; 77(9); 2179–85. ©2017 AACR.
Translocase of Inner Membrane 50 Functions as a Novel Protective Regulator of Pathological Cardiac Hypertrophy
Authors: Tang Kai , Zhao Yifan , Li Hailing , Zhu Mengyun , Li Weiming , Liu Weijing , Zhu Guofu , Xu Dachun , Peng Wenhui , Xu Ya‐wei
Published: April 2017

Background

Translocase of inner membrane 50 (
TIM
50) is a member of the translocase of inner membrane (
TIM
) complex in the mitochondria. Previous research has demonstrated the role of
TIM
50 in the regulation of oxidative stress and cardiac morphology. However, the role of
TIM
50 in pathological cardiac hypertrophy remains unknown.

Methods and Results

In the present study we found that the expression of
TIM
50 was downregulated in hypertrophic hearts. Using genetic loss‐of‐function animal models, we demonstrated that
TIM
50 deficiency increased heart and cardiomyocyte size with more severe cardiac fibrosis compared with wild‐type littermates. Moreover, we generated cardiomyocyte‐specific
TIM
50 transgenic mice in which the hypertrophic and fibrotic phenotypes were all alleviated. Next, we tested reactive oxygen species generation and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase, and also respiratory chain complexes I, II, and IV, finding that all the activities were regulated by
TIM
50. Meanwhile, expression of the
ASK
1‐
JNK
/P38 axis was increased in
TIM
50‐deficient mice, and
TIM
50 overexpression decreased the activity of the
ASK
1‐
JNK
/P38 axis. Finally, we treated mice with the antioxidant N‐acetyl cysteine to reduce oxidative stress. After N‐acetyl cysteine treatment, the deteriorative hypertrophic and fibrotic phenotypes caused by
TIM
50 deficiency were all remarkably reversed.

Conclusions

These data indicated that
TIM
50 could attenuate pathological cardiac hypertrophy primarily by reducing oxidative stress.
TIM
50 could be a promising target for the prevention and therapy of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.
Prediction of Stroke Subtype and Recanalization Using Susceptibility Vessel Sign on Susceptibility-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Kang Dong-Wan , Jeong Han-Gil , Kim Do Yeon , Yang Wookjin , Lee Seung-Hoon
Published: April 2017

Background and Purpose—

The susceptibility vessel sign (SVS) is a hypointense signal visualized because of the susceptibility effect of thrombi, sensitively detected on susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. The relationship of SVS parameters with the stroke subtype and recanalization status after endovascular treatment remains uncertain.

Methods—

The data from 89 patients with acute stroke caused by anterior circulation infarcts who underwent susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance imaging before endovascular treatment were examined. Independent reviewers, blinded to the stroke subtype and recanalization status, measured the SVS diameter, length, and estimated volume. The intra- and interrater agreements of the SVS parameters were assessed.

Results—

The SVS was identified in 78% of the patients. SVS was more commonly associated with cardioembolism than with noncardioembolism (
P
=0.01). The SVS diameter (
P
<0.01) and length (
P
=0.01) were larger in the cardioembolism group. The SVS diameter was larger in the recanalization group (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction ≥2b) than in the nonrecanalization group (
P
=0.04). Multivariable analysis revealed that the SVS diameter was an independent predictor of cardioembolism (adjusted odds ratio, 1.97; 95% confidence interval, 1.34–2.90;
P
<0.01). There was no significant association between the SVS volume and the recanalization status (adjusted odds ratio, 1.003; 95% confidence interval, 0.999–1.006;
P
=0.12). The optimal cutoff value of the SVS diameter for the cardioembolism was 5.5 mm (sensitivity, 45.6%; specificity, 93.8%).

Conclusions—

Increased SVS diameter on susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance imaging may predict cardioembolism. No clear association was found between SVS volume and endovascular recanalization.
China’s ‘One Belt One Road’ Strategy
Authors: Hu Richard W.
Published: April 2017

This article examines One Belt One Road (OBOR) strategic implications for India. It is argued that the implications need to be considered within the framework of the future development of the China–India relationship. The relationship is largely constrained by and embedded in the security dilemma at the present time. Taking the opportunity offered by the OBOR initiative, China and India should explore building a ‘new model of major power relationship’ between the two countries. While the border issue and regional security rivalry may not find an easy way out, it should not impede the leaders of the two countries from expanding the areas of cooperation and building up strategic trust between the two peoples. Beijing and New Delhi can and should find more areas of cooperation on non-traditional security issues, such as food security, water, energy, strategic metals, common concern over environmental protection and climate change and reforming the post-war international economic order.
Some Thoughts on India, China and Asia-Pacific Regional Security
Authors: Menon Shivshankar
Published: April 2017

No region has changed as much as Asia in the last three decades, with China and several other powers rising, the return of geopolitics, a shifting balance of power and instability heightening the uncertainty caused by the continuing crisis of the world economy. The key to unlocking a possible Thucydides trap for China and the USA lies in Asia and its security architecture. India and China are both drivers of change and are simultaneously reacting to these shifts. Their behaviour with each other and in the international system has changed in the last decade. India–China relations are causally central to Asia-Pacific security. This article examines how India and China might be successful in adjusting to the challenges that their success has brought them internally, bilaterally, regionally and globally.
Institutional Distances and Economic Engagement Between India and China
Authors: Pai Santosh , Yelery Aravind
Published: April 2017

This article argues that bridging institutional distance is a reliable method to increase the flow of Chinese investments into India. India’s growing economy and ability to attract investments from China meets most of the conditions that can be considered attractive for investments from China. This is complemented by China also fulfilling many of the criteria as a source of foreign direct investment (FDI) into India. China is a major trading partner of India but the Indian economy remains highly deficient in Chinese investment which undermines reciprocity in economic affairs. The possible reasons for underinvestment by Chinese enterprises in India are partly associated with the lack of sufficient interactions between institutions of both the countries, which in turn creates ‘institutional distances’ impacting economic affairs. This article attempts to throw light on these issues from theoretical and behavioural perspectives. Apart from instances of ‘institutional differences’, the article will also attempt to address how select ministries in China and India function while dealing with each other on a case by case basis.
Governmentality of the Arctic as an international region
Authors: Albert Mathias , Vasilache Andreas
Published: April 2017

Linked to the image of a wild and still-to-be-explored territory, as well as to images of the region as one of new economic opportunities, discourses on the Arctic also tie in with issues of climate change, cooperation and conflict, Arctic governance, international law and the situation and rights of indigenous people, as well as Great Power politics. Taken together, these aspects characterize a region whose formation is different from regionalization processes in other parts of the world. As the regional peculiarity of the Arctic is reflected by a variety and plurality of representations, discourses, perceptions and imaginaries, it can usefully be analyzed as a region of unfolding governmentality. The present article argues that the prospects for the Arctic are strongly intertwined with perceptions and depictions of it as an international region subject to emerging practices of governmentality. By drawing on both Foucault’s texts and governmentality studies in international relations (IR), we discuss how the Arctic is affected by governmental security rationalities, by specific logics of political economy and order-building, as well as becoming a subject for biopolitical rationalizations and imaginaries. The discourses and practices of governmentality that permeate the Arctic contribute to its spatial, figurative and political reframing and are aimed at making it a governable region that can be addressed by, and accessible for, ordering rationalities and measures.
Zimbabwe’s Trade Performance Under Alternative Trade Policy Regimes
Authors: Nyatanga Phocenah
Published: April 2017

This study examines Zimbabwe’s export and import performance under alternative trade policy regimes, from 1976 to 2014. Taking into account export and import volumes, gross domestic product (GDP), price of exports and imports, foreign income, real effective exchange rate and policy changes, log-linear errorcorrection models were adopted to estimate export supply and import demand elasticities. The study concludes that the relationship of exports and imports to GDP is significantly positive, while foreign income has no significant effect. A devaluation is estimated to have a significantly negative effect on imports in the short-term. Though highly inelastic, the effect of prices of imports on import demand is estimated to be significantly negative in the short- and long-term, and that of exports on export supply is positively significant in the short-term. The adoption of outward-oriented strategies was estimated to result in a 13.86 per cent increase in exports in the long-term, and a 32.3 per cent increase in imports in the short-term between 1990 and 1995 alone, and an additional 33.62 per cent between 1996 and 2000. The analysis also reveals that adopting a multi-foreign currency regime will only significantly influence export supply in the long-term.
Magnetic weft insertion for weaving machines
Authors: Jordan Jan Vincent , Kemper Maximilian , Renkens Wilfried , Gloy Yves-Simon
Published: April 2017

The common methods of weft insertion in weaving machines are shuttle, rapier, air jet, water jet and projectile insertion. During weft insertion in the weaving process, a variety of demands are to be fulfilled. Besides transportation of the weft yarn, three of the most relevant demands are energy efficiency, productivity and flexibility. These demands are only partially met by the common methods of weft insertion. This paper describes the investigation of a novel method of weft insertion, which combines the advantages of common insertion methods whilst avoiding their deficits. The developed weft insertion is based on the principle of a magnetic force for the controlled transport of the weft yarn. The new method allows a potential energy saving of about 60% compared to a conventional air jet weaving machine. At the same time, industrially experienced weft insertion rates of about 2000 m/min are within reach.
Marketing and Advertising Online Sports Betting: A Problem Gambling Perspective
Authors: Lopez-Gonzalez Hibai , Estévez Ana , Griffiths Mark D.
Published: April 2017

In this article, online sports betting is explored with the objective of critically examining the potential impact on problem gambling of the emerging product features and advertising techniques used to market it. First, the extent of the issue is assessed by reviewing the sports betting prevalence rates and its association with gambling disorders, acknowledging the methodological difficulties of an unambiguous identification of what exactly constitutes sports-related gambling today. Second, the main changes in the marketization of online betting products are outlined, with specific focus on the new situational and structural characteristics that such products present along with the convergence of online betting with other adjacent products. Third, some of the most prevalent advertising master narratives employed by the betting industry are introduced, and the implications for problem gamblers and minors are discussed.
Evaluating the operational risks of biomedical waste using failure mode and effects analysis
Authors: Chen Ying-Chu , Tsai Pei-Yi
Published: April 2017

The potential problems and risks of biomedical waste generation have become increasingly apparent in recent years. This study applied a failure mode and effects analysis to evaluate the operational problems and risks of biomedical waste. The microbiological contamination of biomedical waste seldom receives the attention of researchers. In this study, the biomedical waste lifecycle was divided into seven processes: Production, classification, packaging, sterilisation, weighing, storage, and transportation. Twenty main failure modes were identified in these phases and risks were assessed based on their risk priority numbers. The failure modes in the production phase accounted for the highest proportion of the risk priority number score (27.7%). In the packaging phase, the failure mode ‘sharp articles not placed in solid containers’ had the highest risk priority number score, mainly owing to its high severity rating. The sterilisation process is the main difference in the treatment of infectious and non-infectious biomedical waste. The failure modes in the sterilisation phase were mainly owing to human factors (mostly related to operators). This study increases the understanding of the potential problems and risks associated with biomedical waste, thereby increasing awareness of how to improve the management of biomedical waste to better protect workers, the public, and the environment.
Design and fuzzy logic control of an active wrist orthosis
Authors: Kilic Ergin , Dogan Erdi
Published: April 2017

People who perform excessive wrist movements throughout the day because of their professions have a higher risk of developing lateral and medial epicondylitis. If proper precautions are not taken against these diseases, serious consequences such as job loss and early retirement can occur. In this study, the design and control of an active wrist orthosis that is mobile, powerful and lightweight is presented as a means to avoid the occurrence and/or for the treatment of repetitive strain injuries in an effective manner. The device has an electromyography-based control strategy so that the user’s intention always comes first. In fact, the device–user interaction is mainly activated by the electromyography signals measured from the forearm muscles that are responsible for the extension and flexion wrist movements. Contractions of the muscles are detected using surface electromyography sensors, and the desired quantity of the velocity value of the wrist is extracted from a fuzzy logic controller. Then, the actuator system of the device comes into play by conveying the necessary motion support to the wrist. Experimental studies show that the presented device actually reduces the demand on the muscles involved in repetitive strain injuries while performing challenging daily life activities including extension and flexion wrist motions.
Youth homelessness: A social justice approach
Authors: Watson Juliet , Cuervo Hernán
Published: April 2017

Social justice approaches that work towards eliminating youth homelessness with a sole focus on material needs overlook the significance of non-material aspects, such as the impact of social exclusion and stigma on individuals’ subjectivities. The lack of social legitimacy associated with homelessness is exacerbated under neoliberal conditions, with the shift from social to individual responsibility positioning those unable to achieve the normative transition to adulthood as social failures. We draw on interviews with young homeless women in Australia to extend the emerging sociological focus on the relational aspects of homelessness through a social justice lens. We analyse the association between subjectivity, stigma and neoliberalism, and draw on Iris Marion Young’s theory of justice to highlight how these shape experiences of homelessness. We conclude that overcoming homelessness requires policies and practices that give a greater focus to non-material aspects of homelessness through an emphasis on empowerment, self-respect and autonomy.
Staging a social drama: Ritualized framing of the spring festival homecoming in Chinese state media
Authors: Li Meng
Published: April 2017

The transformation of Chinese media from the propaganda organ of the Party-state to its central means of hegemony has given rise to typified news practices that vary in formality but cohere in functionality. Integrating theories of media ritual and framing, this study explores how Chinese state media ritualistically manufacture a public consensus on the interpretation of the annual Spring Festival homecoming, a chronic social problem that exposes socioeconomic inequalities and policy deficiencies. An analysis of the 2014 homecoming coverage on China Central Television (CCTV) reveals that state media create and popularize a state-sponsored social drama, reducing a complex, multifaceted social problem to a one-dimensional transportation crisis. This media ritual, in accordance with both the state’s mandate to maintain social stability and the media’s logic of commercial success, contains alternative interpretations and obscures the important social concerns encapsulated in this issue.
Secondary vortex-based analysis of flow characteristics and pressure drop in helically coiled pipe
Authors: Tang Lingdi , Yuan Shouqi , Malin Mike , Parameswaran Siva
Published: April 2017

This article presents an investigation for the secondary flow characteristics and associated pressure loss in fluid flow through helically coiled pipe. Computational fluid dynamics is employed to analyze the pipe flow with various geometries, and the accuracy of the numerical methodology is validated by conducting corresponding experiments. The analysis performs a detailed parametric study involving the pressure loss, the secondary vortex motion, and the secondary vortex intensity for a range of coil diameters ( D; ranging from 300 to 3000 mm) and pipe diameters ( d; ranging from 50 to 90 mm). The pipe flow develops to a stable state with increase in coil diameter, while an increase in pipe diameter delays this development. Then, the secondary flow characteristics are analyzed to explore the pressure loss mechanism. The distorted streamline of secondary vortices and the enlarged deflection angle of secondary vortices are both factors contributing to the enhanced pressure loss. Furthermore, the effects of pipe flow development on the following flow characteristics such as the turbulence dissipation rate and the secondary vortex intensity are revealed. These characteristics all distribute regularly and reach lower values when pipe flow begins to a stable state.
Vosaroxin in relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia: efficacy and safety in the context of the current treatment landscape
Authors: Sedov Valeriy , Stuart Robert K.
Published: April 2017

Treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) generally consists of a combination of cytarabine and an anthracycline. Although induction therapy leads to complete remission (CR) for most patients, refractoriness to chemotherapy or relapse after initial response is associated with poor outcomes. The 1-year survival rates after first relapse have been reported at 29%, declining to 11% at 5 years. Prognosis is particularly poor among older patients whose higher prevalence of unfavorable cytogenetics and high frequency of comorbidities diminish their ability to tolerate intensive chemotherapy. There is no standard of care for relapsed/refractory (R/R) AML, and no new therapies have shown consistently superior outcomes in this setting in over two decades. Vosaroxin is an anticancer quinolone derivative (AQD) that was evaluated in combination with cytarabine for the treatment of R/R AML in the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III VALOR study ( n = 711). Compared with placebo/cytarabine, the vosaroxin/cytarabine regimen demonstrated favorable CR rates and survival in patients ⩾60 years of age, with toxicities similar to other AML regimens. Here we review outcomes of recent studies of commonly used chemotherapy regimens for the treatment of R/R AML and evaluate the results of the VALOR trial in the context of the current treatment landscape.
Biological considerations of plasma-derived and recombinant factor VIII immunogenicity
Authors: Lai Jesse , Hough Christine , Tarrant Julie , Lillicrap David
Published: April 2017

In hemophilia A, the most severe complication of factor VIII (FVIII) replacement therapy involves the formation of FVIII neutralizing antibodies, also known as inhibitors, in 25% to 30% of patients. This adverse event is associated with a significant increase in morbidity and economic burden, thus highlighting the need to identify methods to limit FVIII immunogenicity. Inhibitor development is regulated by a complex balance of genetic factors, such as FVIII genotype, and environmental variables, such as coexistent inflammation. One of the hypothesized risk factors of inhibitor development is the source of the FVIII concentrate, which could be either recombinant or plasma derived. Differential immunogenicity of these concentrates has been documented in several recent epidemiologic studies, thus generating significant debate within the hemophilia treatment community. To date, these discussions have been unable to reach a consensus regarding how these outcomes might be integrated into enhancing clinical care. Moreover, the biological mechanistic explanations for the observed differences are poorly understood. In this article, we complement the existing epidemiologic investigations with an overview of the range of possible biochemical and immunologic mechanisms that may contribute to the different immune outcomes observed with plasma-derived and recombinant FVIII products.
The impact of HLA matching on outcomes of unmanipulated haploidentical HSCT is modulated by GVHD prophylaxis
Authors: Lorentino Francesca , Labopin Myriam , Fleischhauer Katharina , Ciceri Fabio , Mueller Carlheinz R. , Ruggeri Annalisa , Shimoni Avichai , Bornhäuser Martin , Bacigalupo Andrea , Gülbas Zafer , Koc Yener , Arcese William , Bruno Benedetto , Tischer Johanna , Blaise Didier , Messina Giuseppe , Beelen Dietrich W. , Nagler Arnon , Mohty Mohamad
Published: April 2017

Key Points

In unmanipulated haplo-HSCT, antigenic HLA-DRB1 match, stem cell source, conditioning, and donor sex are associated with GVHD. The role of HLA-matching status and other factors influencing alloreactivity is more prominent with PTCy compared to ATG GVHD prophylaxis.