bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of temperature on the rheology of concentrated fiber suspensions
Authors: Burlawar Shalaka , Klingenberg Daniel J. , Root Thatcher W. , Schlafmann Kyle , Tim Scott C.
Published: June 2019

The effect of temperature on the apparent rheological properties of concentrated synthetic fiber suspensions was investigated experimentally. Aqueous suspensions of viscose rayon, acrylic, and nylon 6,6 fibers of various fiber concentrations, sizes, and shapes were used. At a fixed shear rate, the apparent viscosity of all the suspensions decreased reversibly with increasing temperature. The steady-state flow behavior is well described by the Bingham fluid model where the yield stress is a decreasing function of temperature and follows an Arrhenius dependence with an activation energy in the range of 2–80 kJ/mol, which is the same order of magnitude as that reported for 20 wt. % fibrous biomass suspensions below 55 °C. The fiber suspensions exhibited a negative plastic viscosity at low temperatures, and as the temperature was increased, the plastic viscosity became less negative. This temperature-dependent rheological behavior is qualitatively similar to that observed for concentrated fibrous biomass suspensions. The fiber suspensions formed heterogeneous networks where the state of aggregation depended on the experimental conditions and thus affected the macroscopic rheology.
Effect of the FIFA 11+ on Landing Patterns and Baseline Movement Errors in Elite Male Youth Soccer Players
Authors: Akbari Hadi , Sahebozamani Mansour , Daneshjoo Ablolhamid , Amiri-Khorasani Mohammadtaghi , Shimokochi Yohei
Published: June 2019

Context: There is no evidence regarding the effect of the FIFA 11+ on landing kinematics in male soccer players, and few studies exist regarding the evaluating progress of interventions based on the initial biomechanical profile. Objective: To investigate the effect of the FIFA 11+ program on landing patterns in soccer players classified as at low or high risk for noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Field-based functional movement screening performed at the soccer field. Participants: A total of 24 elite male youth soccer players participated in this study. Intervention: The intervention group performed the FIFA 11+ program 3 times per week for 8 weeks, whereas the control group performed their regular warm-up program. Main Outcome Measures: Before and after the intervention, all participants were assessed for landing mechanics using the Landing Error Scoring System. Pretraining Landing Error Scoring System scores were used to determine risk groups. Results: The FIFA 11+ group had greater improvement than the control group in terms of improving the landing pattern; there was a significant intergroup difference (F1,20 = 28.86, P < .001, ). Soccer players categorized as being at high risk displayed greater improvement from the FIFA 11+ program than those at low risk (P = .03). However, there was no significant difference in the proportion of risk category following the routine warm-up program (P = 1.000). Conclusions: The present study provides evidence of the usefulness of the FIFA 11+ program for reducing risk factors associated with noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injuries. The authors’ results also suggest that soccer players with the higher risk profile would benefit more than those with lower risk profiles and that targeting them may improve the efficacy of the FIFA 11+ program.
Alternate NF-κB-Independent Signaling Reactivation of Latent HIV-1 Provirus
Authors: Acchioni Chiara , Remoli Anna Lisa , Marsili Giulia , Acchioni Marta , Nardolillo Ilenia , Orsatti Roberto , Farcomeni Stefania , Palermo Enrico , Perrotti Edvige , Barreca Maria Letizia , Sabatini Stefano , Sandini Silvia , Parolin Cristina , Lin Rongtuan , Borsetti Alessandra , Hiscott John , Sgarbanti Marco
Published: June 2019

The shock-and-kill approach consists of the reactivation of HIV-1 replication from latency using latency-reversing agents (LRAs), followed by the elimination of reactivated virus-producing cells. The cellular transcription factor NF-κB is considered a master mediator of HIV-1 escape from latency induced by LRAs. Nevertheless, a systemic activation of NF-κB in HIV-1-infected patients resulting from the combined administration of different LRAs could represent a potential risk, especially in the case of a prolonged treatment. We demonstrate here that conventional treatments with bryostatin-1 and hexamethylenebisacetamide (HMBA) or ionomycin synergistically reactivate HIV-1 from latency, even under conditions where NF-κB activation is repressed. Our study provides a molecular proof of concept for the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, like aspirin, capable of inhibiting NF-κB in patients under combination antiretroviral therapy during the shock-and-kill approach, to avoid potential autoimmune and inflammatory disorders that can be elicited by combinations of LRAs.
Development of a CRISPR/Cas9-Based Tool for Gene Deletion in
Issatchenkia orientalis
Authors: Tran Vinh G. , Cao Mingfeng , Fatma Zia , Song Xiaofei , Zhao Huimin
Published: June 2019

Microbial production of fuels and chemicals from renewable and readily available biomass is a sustainable and economically attractive alternative to petroleum-based production. Because of its unusual tolerance to highly acidic conditions,
I. orientalis
is a promising potential candidate for the manufacture of valued organic acids. Nevertheless, reliable and efficient genetic engineering tools in
I. orientalis
are limited. The results outlined in this paper describe a stable episomal ARS-containing plasmid and the first CRISPR/Cas9-based system for gene disruptions in
I. orientalis
, paving the way for applying genome engineering and metabolic engineering strategies and tools in this microorganism for production of fuels and chemicals.
Length scales and types of heterogeneities along the deep subduction interface: Insights from exhumed rocks on Syros Island, Greece
Authors: Kotowski Alissa J. , Behr Whitney M.
Published: June 2019

We use structural and microstructural observations from exhumed subduction-related rocks exposed on Syros Island (Cyclades, Greece) to provide constraints on the length scales and types of heterogeneities that occupy the deep subduction interface, with possible implications for episodic tremor and slow slip. We selected three Syros localities that represent different oceanic protoliths and deformation conditions within a subduction interface shear zone, including: (1) prograde subduction of oceanic crust to eclogite facies; (2) exhumation of oceanic crust from eclogite through blueschist-greenschist facies; and (3) exhumation of mixed mafic crust and sediments from eclogite through blueschist-greenschist facies. All three localities preserve rheological heterogeneities that reflect metamorphism of primary lithological, geochemical, and/or textural variations in the subducted protoliths and that take the form of brittle pods and lenses within a viscous matrix. Microstructural observations indicate that the matrix lithologies (blueschists and quartz-rich metasediments) deformed by distributed power-law viscous flow accommodated by dislocation creep in multiple mineral phases. We estimate bulk shear zone viscosities ranging from ∼1018 to 1020 Pa-s, depending on the relative proportion of sediments to (partially eclogitized) oceanic crust. Eclogite and coarse-grained blueschist heterogeneities within the matrix preserve multiple generations of dilational shear fractures and veins formed under high-pressure conditions. The veins commonly show coeval or overprinting viscous shear, suggesting repeated cycles of frictional and viscous strain. These geologic observations are consistent with a mechanical model of episodic tremor and slow slip (ETS), in which the deep subduction interface is a rheologically heterogeneous distributed shear zone comprising transiently brittle (potentially tremor-genic) sub-patches within a larger, viscously creeping interface patch. Based on our observations of outcrop and map areas of heterogeneous patches and the sizes, distributions, and amounts of brittle offset recorded by heterogeneities, we estimate that simultaneous brittle failure of heterogeneities could produce tremor bursts with equivalent seismic moments of 4.5 × 109–4.7 × 1014 N m, consistent with seismic moments estimated from geophysical data at active subduction zones.
Magma-driven accommodation structures formed during sill emplacement at shallow crustal depths: The Maiden Creek sill, Henry Mountains, Utah
Authors: Wilson Penelope I.R. , McCaffrey Ken J.W. , Holdsworth Robert E.
Published: June 2019

In areas of exceptional exposure, upper-crustal intrusions and their immediate wall rocks commonly preserve direct evidence of the emplacement, magma flow pathways, and strains associated with the intrusion process. Such excellent exposure is displayed by the Paleogene Maiden Creek intrusion—a small satellite body related to the Mount Hillers intrusive complex, Henry Mountains, Utah. An intermediate plagioclase-hornblende porphyritic magma was intruded into the Entrada Sandstone Formation at an estimated depth of ∼3 km. The southern part of the intrusion is overlain by the newly identified Maiden Creek shear zone (MCSZ): a subhorizontal, top-to-the-WNW detachment formed at the contact with the overlying sandstone country rocks. From observations of both syn-emplacement deformation and the exposed intrusion geometries, it is proposed that the southern Maiden Creek intrusion comprises westerly derived, inclined sill sheets. Host-rock sandstones were sandwiched (∼E–W constriction) between these intrusive bodies beneath the MCSZ. It is proposed that the MCSZ is a syn-emplacement magma-driven accommodation structure, with a shear sense antithetic to the magma flow direction, which played a critical role in accommodating the westerly derived sill intrusion. Our results show that inelastic syn-emplacement deformation structures, such as the MCSZ, are very important in the accommodation of magma in the subsurface. Such small structures are unlikely to be imaged by seismic-reflection surveys, highlighting the importance of detailed field studies in our understanding of intrusion geometry and emplacement mechanisms.
Should oral contraceptive pills be available without a prescription? A systematic review of over-the-counter and pharmacy access availability
Authors: Kennedy Caitlin E , Yeh Ping Teresa , Gonsalves Lianne , Jafri Hussain , Gaffield Mary Eluned , Kiarie James , Narasimhan Manjulaa L
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Making oral contraceptives (OC) available over the counter (OTC) could reduce barriers to use. To inform WHO guidelines on self-care interventions, we conducted a systematic review of OTC availability of OCs.

Methods

We reviewed data on both effectiveness and values and preferences surrounding OTC availability of OCs. For the effectiveness review, peer-reviewed articles were included if they compared either full OTC availability or pharmacist-prescribing (behind-the-counter availability) to prescription-only availability of OCs and measured an outcome of interest. For the values and preferences review, we included peer-reviewed articles that presented primary data (qualitative or quantitative) examining people’s preferences regarding OTC access to OCs. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, LILACS and EMBASE through November 2018 and extracted data in duplicate.

Results

The effectiveness review included four studies with 5197 total participants. Two studies from the 2000s compared women who obtained OCs OTC in Mexico to women who obtained OCs from providers in either Mexico or the USA. OTC users had higher OC continuation rates over 9 months of follow-up (adjusted HR: 1.58, 95 % CI 1.11 to 2.26). One study found OTC users were more likely to report at least one WHO category 3 contraindication (13.4% vs 8.6%, p=0.006), but not category 4 contraindications; the other study found no differences in contraindicated use. One study found lower side effects among OTC users and high patient satisfaction with both OTC and prescription access. Two cross-sectional studies from the 1970s in Colombia and Mexico found no major differences in OC continuation, but some indication of slightly higher side effects with OTC access. In 23 values and preference studies, women generally favoured OTC availability. Providers showed more modest support, with pharmacists expressing greater support than physicians. Support was generally higher for progestogen-only pills compared with combination OCs.

Conclusion

A small evidence base suggests women who obtain OCs OTC may have higher continuation rates and limited contraindicated use. Patients and providers generally support OTC availability. OTC availability may increase access to this effective contraceptive option and reduce unintended pregnancies.

Systematic review (PROSPERO) registration number

CRD42019119406.
How many patients are eligible for disease-modifying treatment in Alzheimer’s disease? A French national observational study over 5 years
Authors: Epelbaum Stéphane , Paquet Claire , Hugon Jacques , Dumurgier Julien , Wallon David , Hannequin Didier , Jonveaux Thérèse , Besozzi Annick , Pouponneau Stéphane , Hommet Caroline , Blanc Frederic , Berly Laetitia , Julian Adrien , Paccalin Marc , Pasquier Florence , Bellet Julie , Boutoleau-Bretonniere Claire , Charriau Thiphaine , Rouaud Olivier , Madec Olivier , Mouton Aurélie , David Renaud , Bekadar Samir , Fabre Roxane , Liegey Emmanuelle , Deberdt Walter , Robert Philippe , Dubois Bruno
Published: June 2019

Objective

We aimed to study the epidemiology of the prodromal and mild stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients who are eligible for clinical trials with disease-modifying therapies.

Settings

We analysed two large complementary databases to study the incidence and characteristics of this population on a nationwide scope in France from 2014 to 2018. The National Alzheimer Database contains data from 357 memory centres and 90 private neurologists. Data from 2014 to 2018 have been analysed.

Participants

Patients, 50–85 years old, diagnosed with AD who had an Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) score of ≥20 were included. We excluded patients with mixed and non-AD neurocognitive disorders.

Primary outcome measure

Descriptive statistics of the population of interest was the primary measure.

Results

In the National Alzheimer Database, 550 198 patients were assessed. Among them, 72 174 (13.1%) were diagnosed with AD and had an MMSE ≥20. Using corrections for specificity of clinical diagnosis of AD, we estimated that about 50 000 (9.1%) had a prodromal or mild AD. In the combined electronic clinical records database of 11 French expert memory centres, a diagnosis of prodromal or mild AD, certified by the use of cerebrospinal fluid AD biomarkers, could be established in 195 (1.3%) out of 14 596 patients.

Conclusions

AD was not frequently diagnosed at a prodromal or mild dementia stage in France in 2014 to 2018. Diagnosis rarely relied on a pathophysiological marker even in expert memory centres. National databases will be valuable to monitor early stage AD diagnosis efficacy in memory centres when a disease-modifying treatment becomes available.
Advance care plan barriers in older patients with end-stage renal disease: a qualitative nephrologist interview study
Authors: O'Riordan Julien , Noble Helen , Kane P M , Smyth Andrew
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Older patients with end-stage renal disease are willing participants in advance care planning but just over 10% are engaged in this process. Nephrologists fear such conversations may upset patients and so tend to avoid these discussions. This approach denies patients the opportunity to discuss their end-of-life care preferences. Many patients endure medically intensive end-of-life scenarios as a result. This study aims to explore the rationale underpinning nephrologists’ clinical decision-making in the management of older patients with end-stage renal disease and to make recommendations that inform policymakers and enhance advance care planning for this patient group.

Methods

A qualitative interview study of 20 nephrologists was undertaken. Nephrologists were asked about their management of end-stage renal disease in older patients, conservative management, dialysis withdrawal and end-of-life care. Eligible participants were nephrologists working in Ireland. Five nephrologists participated in a recorded focus group and 15 nephrologists participated in individual digitally recorded telephone interviews. Semistructured interviews were conducted; thematic analysis was used to distil the results.

Results

Three key themes emerged: barriers to advance care planning; barriers to shared decision-making; and avoidance of end-of-life care discussion.

Conclusions

Advance care planning is not an integral part of the routine care of older patients with end-stage renal disease. Absence of formal training of nephrologists in how to communicate with patients contributes to poor advance care planning. Nephrologists lack clinical experience of conservatively managing end-stage renal disease and end-of-life care in older patients. Key policy recommendations include formal communication skills training for nephrologists and development of the conservative management service.
Caregiver emotional distress: external open-behaviour signs
Authors: Limonero Joaquín T , Maté-Méndez Jorge , Mateo Dolors , Gómez-Romero María José , González-Barboteo Jesús , Cladellas Ramon , Ferris Frank D , Gómez-Batiste Xavier
Published: June 2019

Objectives

To determine whether specific external signs of emotional distress (ESED) can be an indirect measure of emotional distress in caregivers.

Methods

A cross-sectional multicentre design was used. 148 primary caregivers of advanced cancer patients attended in four Spanish palliative care units participated in this study. The emotional distress of caregivers was measured using both the Emotional Distress of Caregivers Scale and a psychological interview. Health professionals collected data using a standard clinical interview process after a brief training period.

Results

More than half the caregivers (60%) presented with emotional distress. A positive correlation (r=0.566) was found between the intensity of ESED and emotional distress per se. Caregivers who presented emotional distress showed more ESED than those that did not (p<0.01). The study found significant differences for the categories ‘visible signs of sadness, fear, crying, feeling overwhelmed’ (p<0.001), ‘difficulty in separating from the patient: family refuses to let the patient make decisions and insists on care’ (p<0.001) and ‘visible signs of anger, irritability or frequent disagreement with therapeutic measures’ (p<0.001). No significant differences were found with respect to gender. The set of items to measure these external signs presented an adequate reliability assessed using Cronbach’s alpha (α=0.773).

Conclusions

The assessment of ESED in caregivers could serve as a useful method to assess their emotional distress. Incorporating the systematic assessment of these external signs as part of the assessment of the emotional distress of primary caregivers could improve the overall assessment and treatment provided to these caregivers.
Management of venous thromboembolism in far-advanced cancer: current practice
Authors: Noble Simon , Banerjee Sophie , Pease Nikki Jane
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is common in advanced cancer. Guidelines suggest that indefinite anticoagulation be considered for patients with ongoing active cancer. There are no data on the management of cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) at the end of life or when to stop anticoagulation as death approaches. We reviewed current practice and associated symptoms at the end of life for patients with advanced cancer who had been anticoagulated for VTE.

Methods

Data on patients attending a regional CAT service were cross-referenced with death notifications. Hospital, hospice and community notes were reviewed to evaluate the end-of-life care within the context of VTE management. Data specific to discontinuation of anticoagulation, complications of anticoagulation and symptoms associated with VTE were recorded.

Results

214 patients died over a 2-year period; 98 (46%) home, 59 (27%) hospice, 53 (25%) acute hospital and 4 (2%) community hospital. 108 (50%) continued low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) until death, 23 (11%) up to 7 days prior to death, 23 (11%), 1 week to 1 month 29 (13.5%), over 1 month 40 (18%). Clinically relevant non-major bleeding occurred in 9/131 (7%) of the patients who continued LMWH to death or 7 days up to death. No symptoms attributable to VTE were recorded.

Conclusion

The majority of CAT patients with metastatic disease remain anticoagulated up to or within days of death. Despite the limitations of retrospective data across healthcare settings, it appears that anticoagulation as death approaches confers a significant bleeding risk without additional benefit of preventing VTE symptoms.
Cardioprotective medication adherence among patients with coronary heart disease in China: a systematic review
Authors: Ni Zhao , Dardas Latefa , Wu Bei , Shaw Ryan
Published: June 2019

In China, poor cardioprotective medication adherence is a key reason for the high mortality rate of coronary heart disease (CHD). The aims of this systematic review are to (1) describe and synthesise factors that influence medication adherence among Chinese people with CHD, (2) evaluate the current status of intervention studies, and (3) discuss directions of future research to improve medication adherence. A comprehensive search using PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, Scopus, Global Health and PsycINFO was undertaken to describe poor adherence in China. Thirty-three eligible articles were included in the study. The review shows that there are multiple contributing factors to poor medication adherence, including patients’ sociodemographic characteristics, health status and medication characteristics. In addition, from patients’ perspective, lack of medication-related knowledge, such as the name, function, dosage and frequency, contributes to poor adherence. From physicians’ perspective, a gap exists between CHD secondary prevention guidelines and clinical practice in China. Follow-up phone calls, educational lectures, booklets and reminder cards were common methods found to be effective in improving medication adherence. This systematic review indicates that cardioprotective medications were commonly prescribed as secondary prevention medication to patients with CHD in China, but adherence to these medications gradually decreased during a follow-up period. Therefore, more research should be conducted on how to establish high-quality health educational programmes aimed at increasing patients’ medication adherence.
Coronary microvascular dysfunction: a key step in the development of uraemic cardiomyopathy?
Authors: Radhakrishnan Ashwin , Pickup Luke C , Price Anna M , Law Jonathan P , Edwards Nicola C , Steeds Richard P , Ferro Charles J , Townend Jonathan N
Published: June 2019

The syndrome of uraemic cardiomyopathy, characterised by left ventricular hypertrophy, diffuse fibrosis and systolic and diastolic dysfunction, is common in chronic kidney disease and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The pathophysiological mechanisms leading to uraemic cardiomyopathy are not fully understood. We suggest that coronary microvascular dysfunction may be a key mediator in the development of uraemic cardiomyopathy, a phenomenon that is prevalent in other myocardial diseases that share phenotypical similarities with uraemic cardiomyopathy such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Here, we review the current understanding of uraemic cardiomyopathy, highlight different methods of assessing coronary microvascular function and evaluate the current evidence for coronary microvascular dysfunction in chronic kidney disease.
Reservoirs of resistance: polymyxin resistance in veterinary‐associated companion animal isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Scott Andrea , Pottenger Sian , Timofte Dorina , Moore Matthew , Wright Laura , Kukavica‐Ibrulj Irena , Jeukens Julie , Levesque Roger C , Freschi Luca , Pinchbeck Gina L , Schmidt Vanessa M , McEwan Neil , Radford Alan D , Fothergill Joanne L
Published: June 2019

Background

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen and a major cause of infections. Widespread resistance in human infections are increasing the use of last resort antimicrobials such as polymyxins. However, these have been used for decades in veterinary medicine. Companion animals are an understudied source of antimicrobial resistant P. aeruginosa isolates. This study evaluated the susceptibility of P. aeruginosa veterinary isolates to polymyxins to determine whether the veterinary niche represents a potential reservoir of resistance genes for pathogenic bacteria in both animals and humans.

Methods and results

Clinical P. aeruginosa isolates (n=24) from UK companion animals were compared for antimicrobial susceptibility to a panel of human‐associated isolates (n=37). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for polymyxin B and colistin in the companion animals was significantly higher than in human isolates (P=0.033 and P=0.013, respectively). Genotyping revealed that the veterinary isolates were spread throughout the P. aeruginosa population, with shared array types from human infections such as keratitis and respiratory infections, suggesting the potential for zoonotic transmission. Whole genome sequencing revealed mutations in genes associated with polymyxin resistance and other antimicrobial resistance‐related genes.

Conclusion

The high levels of resistance to polymyxin shown here, along with genetic similarities between some human and animal isolates, together suggest a need for sustained surveillance of this veterinary niche as a potential reservoir for resistant, clinically relevant bacteria in both animals and humans.
Exercise-induced increases in the expression and activity of cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2 is attenuated in AMPKα2kinase-dead mice
Authors: Morissette Marc P. , Susser Shanel E. , Stammers Andrew N. , Moffatt Teri L. , Wigle Jeffrey T. , Wigle Theodore J. , Netticadan Thomas , Premecz Sheena , Jassal Davinder S. , O’Hara Kimberley A. , Duhamel Todd A.
Published: June 2019

Exercise enhances cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase 2a (SERCA2a) function through unknown mechanisms. The present study tested the hypothesis that the positive effects of exercise on SERCA2a expression and function in the left ventricle is dependent on adenosine-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) α2 function. AMPKα2kinase-dead (KD) transgenic mice, which overexpress inactivated AMPKα2subunit, and wild-type C57Bl/6 (WT) mice were randomized into sedentary groups or groups with access to running wheels. After 5 months, exercised KD mice exhibited shortened deceleration time compared with sedentary KD mice. In left ventricular tissue, the ratio of phosphorylated AMPKαThr172:total AMPKα was 65% lower (P < 0.05) in KD mice compared with WT mice. The left ventricle of KD mice had 37% lower levels of SERCA2a compared with WT mice. Although exercise increased SERCA2a protein levels in WT mice by 53%, this response of exercise was abolished in exercised KD mice. Exercise training reduced total phospholamban protein content by 23% in both the WT and KD mice but remained 20% higher overall in KD mice. Collectively, these data suggest that AMPKα influences SERCA2a and phospholamban protein content in the sedentary and exercised heart, and that exercise-induced changes in SERCA2a protein are dependent on AMPKα function.
SMOTE and Feature Selection for More Effective Bug Severity Prediction
Authors: Hamdy Abeer , El-Laithy Abdulrahman
Published: June 2019

“Severity” is one of the essential features of software bug reports, which is a crucial factor for developers to decide which bug should be fixed immediately and which bug could be delayed to a next release. Severity assignment is a manual process and its accuracy depends on the experience of the assignee. Prior research proposed several models to automate this process. These models are based on textual preprocessing of historical bug reports and classification techniques. Although bug repositories suffer from severity class imbalance, none of the prior studies investigated the impact of implementing a class rebalancing technique on the accuracy of their models. In this paper, we propose a framework for predicting fine-grained severity levels which utilizes an over-sampling technique “SMOTE”, to balance the severity classes, and a feature selection scheme, to reduce the data scale and select the most informative features for training a [Formula: see text]-nearest neighbor (KNN) classifier. The KNN classifier utilizes a distance-weighted voting scheme to predict the proper severity level of a newly reported bug. We investigated the effectiveness of our proposed approach on two large bug repositories, namely Eclipse and Mozilla, and the experimental results showed that our approach outperforms cutting-edge studies in predicting the minority severity classes.
The Changes of Surface Potential and Built-in Charge in Alumina Films After the Anodization Process
Authors: Vi Le Dinh , Dudich V. V. , Rabatuev G. G. , Lazarouk A. S. , Korotkevich A. V.
Published: June 2019

We have shown that the surface potential of anodic alumina films changes in time: immediately after the anodization process it was positively followed by the substantial decrease to negative values. Such variations of the surface potential can be associated with the negative built-in electric charge in alumina. The highest negative charge density occurs in the films formed in citric and phosphoric electrolytes.
Thermal Expansion of Nanostructured Solid Solutions of Lead and Silver Sulfides
Authors: Sadovnikov S. I.
Published: June 2019

Cubic solid solutions AgxPb[Formula: see text]S are synthesized by chemical co-deposition from aqueous solutions of lead acetate and silver nitrate in the presence of a sulfidizing, complexing and stabilizing agent. For the first time, thermal expansion of the synthesized semiconductor solid solutions AgxPb[Formula: see text]S is determined.
Smoothed Finite Element Methods for Predicting the Mid to High Frequency Acoustic Response in the Cylinder-Head Chamber of a Diesel Engine
Authors: Dai Tengfei , Jin Xia , Yang Huaze , Lin Tianran , Gu Yuantong
Published: June 2019

Modeling and simulation of the acoustic response in enclosed cavities of a diesel engine are of great significance for optimal design of an engine to achieve a better acoustic performance. Nevertheless, the use of the traditional finite element method (FEM) for the mid to high frequency acoustic prediction is limited by the well-known numerical dispersion errors and the tedious preprocessing of the model. Smoothed finite element methods (SFEMs) proposed originally for solid mechanics have been employed for the modeling of acoustic problems in the low to medium frequency ranges whilst acoustic modeling in the mid to high frequency range remains untouched. This paper comprehensively investigates into the performance of SFEMs in modeling and simulation of mid to high frequency acoustic problems. It is shown that the mass-redistributed edge-based smoothed finite element method (MR-ES-FEM) can yield an excellent prediction result in the mid to high frequency range in terms of accuracy, efficiency and robustness. The MR-ES-FEM is also used to simulate sound propagation in a cylinder head chamber of a four-cylinder diesel engine to prove its effectiveness. The findings presented in this paper offer an in-depth insight for engineers to select suitable numerical methods for solving mid to high frequency acoustic problems in the design of diesel engines.
Improvement of Pressure Calculations in the Moving Particle Semi-Implicit Method for Free-Surface Flows
Authors: Gou Wenjin , Zhang Shuai , Zheng Yao
Published: June 2019

In this paper, numerical improvements are implemented for solving for the pressure in the moving particle semi-implicit (MPS) method for free-surface flow simulations. The tensile instability problem is solved using a dynamic stabilization (DS) algorithm. The low numerical diffusion of this algorithm is shown through numerical tests. A free-surface treatment that includes an accurate free-surface particle detection algorithm and the implicit application of a free-surface boundary condition is used. The solution of the Navier–Stokes equation is improved using a particle shifting (PS) algorithm. The proposed MPS method for free-surface flow simulations is successfully applied in several benchmark tests and two- and three-dimensional dam break problems. The numerical simulation results agree well with the analytical and empirical ones. It is shown that the proposed MPS method effectively improves the stability and accuracy of simulations of free-surface flows.
Ontology Summarization: Graph-Based Methods and Beyond
Authors: Pouriyeh Seyedamin , Allahyari Mehdi , Liu Qingxia , Cheng Gong , Arabnia Hamid Reza , Atzori Maurizio , Mohammadi Farid Ghareh , Kochut Krys
Published: June 2019

Ontologies have been widely used in numerous and varied applications, e.g. to support data modeling, information integration, and knowledge management. With the increasing size of ontologies, ontology understanding, which is playing an important role in different tasks, is becoming more difficult. Consequently, ontology summarization, as a way to distill key information from an ontology and generate an abridged version to facilitate a better understanding, is getting growing attention. In this survey paper we review existing ontology summarization techniques and focus mainly on graph-based methods, which represent an ontology as a graph and apply centrality-based and other measures to identify the most important elements of an ontology as its summary. After analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, we highlight a few potential directions for future research.
Evaluation of a Model-driven Knowledge Storage and Retrieval IDE for Interactive HRI Systems
Authors: Köster Norman , Wrede Sebastian , Cimiano Philipp
Published: June 2019

Efficient storage and querying of long-term human–robot interaction data requires application developers to have an in-depth understanding of the involved domains. Creating syntactically and semantically correct queries in the development process is an error prone task which can immensely impact the interaction experience of humans with robots and artificial agents. To address this issue, we present and evaluate a model-driven software development approach to create a long-term storage system to be used in highly interactive HRI scenarios. We created multiple domain-specific languages that allow us to model the domain and seamlessly embed its concepts into a query language. Along with corresponding model-to-model and model-to-text transformations, we generate a fully integrated workbench facilitating data storage and retrieval. It supports developers in the query design process and allows in-tool query execution without the need to have prior in-depth knowledge of the domain. We evaluated our work in an extensive user study and can show that the generated tool yields multiple advantages compared to the usual query design approach.
Stochastic mixed mode stress intensity factor of center cracks FGM plates using XFEM
Authors: Lal Achchhe , Markad Kanif
Published: June 2019

Extended finite element method (XFEM) and second-order perturbation technique (SOPT) were combinedly utilized using interaction integral (M-integral) through partition of unity method to find out the mean and variance of mixed mode stress intensity factor (MMSIF). Uncertain system parameters are considered in material properties, crack length, crack orientation, gradient coefficients in the present study. MMSIF in a numerical example with center crack is computed to validate the accuracy of the presented model. Finally, typical numerical results are presented to examine the different modulus ratios, crack angle, crack length, position of crack and tensile, shear and combined loadings with uncertain system properties on the MMSIF.
Using polar nitrogen-, sulphur- and oxygen-compound compositions from ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry for petroleum fluid assessment in the Eagle Ford Formation, Texas
Authors: Poetz S. , Kuske S. , Song Y. , Jweda J. , Michael E. , Horsfield B.
Published: June 2019

The potential of polar compound compositions from electrospray ionization ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) to characterize petroleum fluids as well as petroleum system processes is shown in the example of the Eagle Ford Formation in Texas, USA. A set of six black oil and nine source-rock bitumen samples is investigated with respect to its organic nitrogen-, sulphur- and oxygen-compound inventory in order to assess maturity, depositional environment, lithofacies and retention and migration behaviour. Compared to conventional geochemical tools based on molecular parameters from gas chromatographic analyses, FT-ICR-MS enables a maturity assessment from immature to late mature stage, which is barely influenced by source or depositional environment. Due to the increased molecular mass and polarity range of its target compounds, FT-ICR-MS is the most convincing tool to describe the retention and fractionation of polar compounds in a petroleum system.
On the hourglass model
Authors: Beck Micah
Published: June 2019

Used in the design of the Internet and Unix, the layered services of the hourglass model have enabled viral adoption and deployment scalability.
Ways of thinking in informatics
Authors: Frauenberger Christopher , Purgathofer Peter
Published: June 2019

An innovative, entry-level informatics course enables students to ponder CS problems in different ways, from different perspectives.
Who benefits?
Authors: Winter Susan J.
Published: June 2019

Considering the case of smart cities.
Activation of NPRs and UCP1-independent pathway following CB1R antagonist treatment is associated with adipose tissue beiging in fat-fed male dogs
Authors: Iyer Malini S. , Paszkiewicz Rebecca L. , Bergman Richard N. , Richey Joyce M. , Woolcott Orison O. , Asare-Bediako Isaac , Wu Qiang , Kim Stella P. , Stefanovski Darko , Kolka Cathryn M. , Clegg Deborah J. , Kabir Morvarid
Published: June 2019

CB1 receptor (CB1R) antagonism improves the deleterious effects of a high-fat diet (HFD) by reducing body fat mass and adipocyte cell size. Previous studies demonstrated that the beneficial effects of the CB1R antagonist rimonabant (RIM) in white adipose tissue (WAT) are partially due to an increase of mitochondria numbers and upregulation thermogenesis markers, suggesting an induction of WAT beiging. However, the molecular mechanism by which CB1R antagonism induces weight loss and WAT beiging is unclear. In this study, we probed for genes associated with beiging and explored longitudinal molecular mechanisms by which the beiging process occurs. HFD dogs received either RIM (HFD+RIM) or placebo (PL) (HFD+PL) for 16 wk. Several genes involved in beiging were increased in HFD+RIM compared with pre-fat, HFD, and HFD+PL. We evaluated lipolysis and its regulators including natriuretic peptide (NP) and its receptors ( NPRs), β-1 and β-3 adrenergic receptor ( β1R, β3R) genes. These genes were increased in WAT depots, accompanied by an increase in lipolysis in HFD+RIM. In addition, RIM decreased markers of inflammation and increased adiponectin receptors in WAT. We observed a small but significant increase in UCP1; therefore, we evaluated the newly discovered UCP1-independent thermogenesis pathway. We confirmed that SERCA2b and RYR2, the two key genes involved in this pathway, were upregulated in the WAT. Our data suggest that the upregulation of NPRs, β-1R and β-3R, lipolysis, and SERCA2b and RYR2 may be one of the mechanisms by which RIM promotes beiging and overall the improvement of metabolic homeostasis induced by RIM.
MiR-195-5p Promotes Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy by Targeting MFN2 and FBXW7
Authors: Wang Lei , Qin Dongze , Shi Hongtao , Zhang Yanan , Li Hao , Han Qinghua
Published: June 2019

Cardiac hypertrophy mainly predicts heart failure and is highly linked with sudden loss of lives. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play essential roles in the development of cardiac hypertrophy through binding to corresponding mRNA targets. In this study, in order to investigate the roles of two mature forms of miRNA-195, miR-195-3p, and miR-195-5p, in vitro and in vivo models of cardiac hypertrophy were established by applying angiotensin II (Ang II) to H9c2 cardiomyocytes and infusing chronic Ang II to mice, respectively. We found that miR-195-5p was evidently equally upregulated in the in vitro and in vivo studies of cardiac hypertrophy induced by Ang II. High expressed miR-195-5p could adequately promote hypertrophy, whereas the suppression of miR-195-5p prevented hypertrophy of H9c2 cardiomyocytes under Ang II treatment. Furthermore, the luciferase reporter system demonstrated that MFN2 and FBWX7 were target genes of miR-195-5p, which negatively regulated the expression of these two genes in H9c2 cells. By contrast, in both models, expression of miR-195-3p was only slightly changed without statistical significance. In addition, we observed a trend towards decreased expression of hypertrophic markers by overexpressing miR-195-3p in AngII-treated H9c2 cardiomyocytes in vitro. Taken together, our study indicates that miR-195-5p promotes cardiac hypertrophy via targeting MFN2 and FBXW7 and may provide promising therapeutic strategies for interfering cardiac hypertrophy.
Estimating the Effects of Tunnelling on Preexisting Jointed Pipelines
Authors: Yu Shao , Duan Zhibo , Liu Ying , Ma Min , Ma Shaokun
Published: June 2019

Tunnel excavation inevitably results in ground movements and changes in soil stress, leading to additional stress on and settlement of nearby buried pipelines. This article focuses on the response of jointed pipelines to twin tunnelling. The relationship between the relative pipe‐soil displacement and the relative pipe‐soil stiffness was first determined. Based on this analysis, a series of numerical parametric studies encompassing 7776 conditions were performed to investigate the responses of a jointed pipeline to twin tunnelling. The results are used to estimate a regression equation for the relationship between the relative pipe‐soil stiffness and the normalized maximum joint rotation angle. This equation can be used for the direct calculation of the maximum joint rotation angle that will result from single or twin tunnelling and for the assessment of the tunnelling‐induced risk to jointed pipelines. The applicability and reliability of the regression equation are validated by comparing the calculated values with the results of earlier centrifuge tests.
Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes of “Transfer Out” TB Patients after Crosschecking Registers at Four Hospitals of Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia: 2011-2015
Authors: Hailekiros Haftamu , Mahmud Mahmud Abdulkader , Bayray Kahsay Alemayehu
Published: June 2019

Globally, transferring TB patients to another health unit for treatment continuation is common trend while posing challenges for proper treatment outcomes monitoring. National guidelines indicated the importance of incorporating the treatment outcomes of those cases by the transferring unit when performing annual cohort analysis. However, in most instances, this is not taken into account. This study was conducted to determine the characteristics and treatment outcomes of ‘transfer out’ TB cases during the time period between 2011 and 2015 at four Hospitals of Tigray: Ethiopia. Initial data was extracted from TB treatment logbooks of transferring units using standardize checklist that were followed by a visit to each of the receiving units. The generated data were entered and analyzed using SPSS v. 22.0. Descriptive statistics were computed. P-value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. A total of 143 TB patients were transferred out during the specified time period whereas 73.4% (105/143) patients were traced and classified as “arrivals”. From these, more than three-quarters, 87.6% (92/105), of patients had a successful treatment outcome (5.7% cured and 81.9% completed treatment) while 13/105 (12.3%) had an unsuccessful outcome (2.8% defaulted, 5.7% died, 1.9% failed, and 1.9% transferred out). However, none of the transferring unit received and traced status of the cases. Therefore, regular monitoring is needed to improve the existing communication gap.
Cigarette Smoke Induced Lung Barrier Dysfunction, EMT, and Tissue Remodeling: A Possible Link between COPD and Lung Cancer
Authors: Hou Wei , Hu Siyi , Li Chunyan , Ma Hanbin , Wang Qi , Meng Guangping , Guo Tingting , Zhang Jie
Published: June 2019

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer, closely related to smoking, are major lung diseases affecting millions of individuals worldwide. The generated gas mixture of smoking is proved to contain about 4,500 components such as carbon monoxide, nicotine, oxidants, fine particulate matter, and aldehydes. These components were considered to be the principle factor driving the pathogenesis and progression of pulmonary disease. A large proportion of lung cancer patients showed a history of COPD, which demonstrated that there might be a close relationship between COPD and lung cancer. In the early stages of smoking, lung barrier provoked protective response and DNA repair are likely to suppress these changes to a certain extent. In the presence of long-term smoking exposure, these mechanisms seem to be malfunctioned and lead to disease progression. The infiltration of inflammatory cells to mucosa, submucosa, and glandular tissue caused by inhaled cigarette smoke is responsible for the destruction of matrix, blood supply shortage, and epithelial cell death. Conversely, cancer cells have the capacity to modulate the proliferation of epithelial cells and produce of new vascular networks. Comprehension understanding of mechanisms responsible for both pathologies is necessary for the prevention and treatment of COPD and lung cancer. In this review, we will summarize related articles and give a glance of possible mechanism between cigarette smoking induced COPD and lung cancer.