bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Systematic Review of the Accuracy of Estimated and Measured Resting Metabolic Rate in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Farkas Gary J. , Pitot Marika A. , Gater David R.
Published: April 2019

The objective of this systematic review was to examine resting metabolic rate (RMR) measured through indirect calorimetry in adults with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) and to evaluate the predication equations used for the estimation of RMR in this population. The authors additionally aimed to review the impact of sex and level of injury on RMR. A MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science search was performed for studies published from the database inception to January 2018, identifying 326 articles. On the basis of the inclusion criteria, 22 studies remained for review. All articles that were identified were full-text, English language articles examining adults with chronic SCI who were fasted for a minimum of 8 hr before undergoing RMR through indirect calorimetry for at least 20 min. The measured RMR ranged from 1,256.0 to 1,854.0 kcal/day, whereas the estimated RMR ranged from 1,276.8 to 1,808.0 kcal/day in the chronic SCI population. Seven studies overestimated RMR from 4% to 15%, whereas two studies underestimated RMR from 2% to 17% using prediction equations established for the able-bodied population. Two studies produced SCI-specific equations to estimate RMR. With regard to sex and level of injury, RMR does not differ between individuals with tetraplegia and paraplegia, whereas sex-based differences remain inconclusive, given limited results. These data provide evidence for the use of indirect calorimetry to assess RMR and the need to validate SCI-specific prediction equations in the estimation of RMR.
The Effects of Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell-Stimulative Lactic Acid Bacteria, Lactococcus lactis Strain Plasma, on Exercise-Induced Fatigue and Recovery via Immunomodulatory Action
Authors: Kokubo Takeshi , Komano Yuta , Tsuji Ryohei , Fujiwara Daisuke , Fujii Toshio , Kanauchi Osamu
Published: April 2019

The unique lactic acid bacteria, Lactococcus lactis strain plasma (LC-Plasma), stimulates plasmacytoid dendritic cells, which play an important role in viral infection. The authors previously reported that LC-Plasma reduced the number of days athletes experienced cold-like symptoms and fatigue feelings after high-intensity exercise training; however, the mechanism was unclear. In this study, the authors investigated the effect of LC-Plasma on recovery from physical damage after single exercise on a treadmill in BALB/c mice model. Oral administration of LC-Plasma (AIN-93G + 0.029% LC-Plasma) for 4 weeks significantly improved the locomotor reduction after treadmill exercise. This effect was not detected in mice receiving Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, representative probiotics strain. LC-Plasma also improved voluntary locomotor activity after exercise. Blood and muscle sample analysis indicated that LC-Plasma affects plasmacytoid dendritic cell activation, which, in turn, attenuates muscle degenerative genes and the concentration of fatigue-controlled cytokine transforming growth factor-β.
Hepcidin as a Prospective Individualized Biomarker for Individuals at Risk of Low Energy Availability
Authors: Badenhorst Claire E. , Black Katherine E. , O’Brien Wendy J.
Published: April 2019

Hepcidin, a peptide hormone with an acknowledged evolutionary function in iron homeostasis, was discovered at the turn of the 21st century. Since then, the implications of increased hepcidin activity have been investigated as a potential advocate for the increased risk of iron deficiency in various health settings. Such implications are particularly relevant in the sporting community where peaks in hepcidin postexercise (∼3–6 hr) are suggested to reduce iron absorption and recycling, and contribute to the development of exercise-induced iron deficiency in athletes. Over the last decade, hepcidin research in sport has focused on acute and chronic hepcidin activity following single and repeated training blocks. This research has led to investigations examining possible methods to attenuate postexercise hepcidin expression through dietary interventions. The majority of macronutrient dietary interventions have focused on manipulating the carbohydrate content of the diet in an attempt to determine the health of athletes adopting the low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diets, a practice that is a growing trend among endurance athletes. During the process of these macronutrient dietary intervention studies, an observable coincidence of increased cumulative hepcidin activity to low energy availability has emerged. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the existing literature on nutritional interventions on hepcidin activity, thus, highlighting the link of hepcidin to energy availability, while also making a case for the use of hepcidin as an individualized biomarker for low energy availability in males and females.
Reproducibility of Acute Steroid Hormone Responses in Men to Short-Duration Running
Authors: Leal Diogo V. , Taylor Lee , Hough John
Published: April 2019

Purpose:Progressively overloading the body to improve physical performance may lead to detrimental states of overreaching/overtraining syndrome. Blunted cycling-induced cortisol and testosterone concentrations have been suggested to indicate overreaching after intensified training periods. However, a running-based protocol is yet to be developed or demonstrated as reproducible. This study developed two 30-min running protocols, (1) 50/70 (based on individualized physical capacity) and (2) RPETP(self-paced), and measured the reproducibility of plasma cortisol and testosterone responses.Methods:Thirteen recreationally active, healthy men completed each protocol (50/70 and RPETP) on 3 occasions. Venous blood was drawn preexercise, postexercise, and 30 min postexercise.Results:Cortisol was unaffected (bothP > .05; 50/70,  = .090; RPETP,  = .252), while testosterone was elevated (bothP < .05; 50/70, 35%,  = .714; RPETP, 42%,  = .892) with low intraindividual coefficients of variation (CVi) as mean (SD) (50/70, 7% [5%]; RPETP, 12% [9%]). Heart rate (50/70, effect size [ES] = 0.39; RPETP, ES = −0.03), speed (RPETP, ES = −0.09), and rating of perceived exertion (50/70 ES = −0.06) were unchanged across trials (all CVi < 5%,P < .05). RPETPshowed greater physiological strain (P < .01).Conclusions:Both tests elicited reproducible physiological and testosterone responses, but RPETPinduced greater testosterone changes (likely due to increased physiological strain) and could therefore be considered a more sensitive tool to potentially detect overtraining syndrome. Advantageously for the practitioner, RPETPdoes not require a priori exercise-intensity determination, unlike the 50/70, enhancing its integration into practice.
Running and Walking Foot Loading in Children Aged 4–10 Years
Authors: Mesquita Paula R. , Neri Silvia G.R. , Lima Ricardo M. , Manfio Eliane F. , de David Ana C.
Published: April 2019

Although previous reports have provided normative plantar pressure data for walking in children, evaluation during running is lacking. This study aimed to compare foot loading patterns during running and walking in children aged 4–10 years. Furthermore, the relationship between running baropodometric parameters and anthropometric measures was investigated. Foot loading of 120 volunteers was evaluated during running and walking using an Emed AT-4 pressure platform. Analyses were performed for 5 anatomical regions (rearfoot, midfoot, forefoot, hallux, and lesser toes). Higher peak pressure and maximum force values were seen under most foot regions during running in comparison with walking, whereas relative contact area tended to increase only in the midfoot. Data for running indicated that aging explained less than 23% of the variance of plantar loads and contact area. Running foot loads were more associated with height, body mass, and foot length. This study’s data described plantar loads under the feet of children were greater during running. Aging was associated with little increase in running plantar loads and larger contact areas. Results may be useful as reference to characterize foot loading during running and in the development of orthoses in clinical applications or products such as sport shoes for children.
Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior at the End of the Human Lifespan
Authors: Hernández-Vicente Adrián , Santos-Lozano Alejandro , Mayolas-Pi Carmen , Rodríguez-Romo Gabriel , Pareja-Galeano Helios , Bustamante Natalia , Gómez-Trullén Eva M. , Lucia Alejandro , Garatachea Nuria
Published: April 2019

To objectively assess physical activity levels and sedentary behavior in a cohort of Spanish centenarians and their nonagenarian peers. Physical activity and sedentary behavior patterns were objectively measured by an ActiGraph GT3X accelerometer in centenarians (n = 18; 83% women; 100.8 ± 0.8 [100–103] years) and nonagenarians (n = 11; 91% women; 93.3 ± 2.5 [90–98] years). Centenarians showed less counts per minute (17.6 ± 7.1 vs. 46.1 ± 23.7, p = .003, d = 1.851) and steps per day (455 ± 237 vs. 1,249 ± 776, p = .007, d = 1.587) than nonagenarians. The daily number of sedentary breaks was also lower in the former (5.0 ± 1.5 vs. 6.7 ± 2.0, p = .019, d = 0.971). When observing time distribution, the most active day period in both groups was the morning, with a peak between 10:00 and 11:59. This data suggest that the decline in physical activity levels continues to worsen until the end of the human lifespan.
Cognitive Functioning as a Moderator in the Relationship Between the Perceived Neighborhood Physical Environment and Physical Activity in Belgian Older Adults
Authors: Gheysen Freja , Herman Karel , Van Dyck Delfien
Published: April 2019

Objective: To investigate whether the relationship of neighborhood environmental factors with physical activity (PA) is moderated by cognitive functioning in Belgian older adults. Methods: Seventy-one older adults completed validated questionnaires on PA and environmental perceptions, wore an accelerometer, and completed a computerized assessment of cognitive functioning. Moderated linear regression analyses were conducted in SPSS 24.0. Results: Overall cognitive functioning significantly moderated the associations of traffic safety and street connectivity with PA. Detailed analyses showed that these factors were only positively associated with PA in older adults with lower cognitive functioning. In addition, particularly, performance on tests assessing visuospatial and episodic memory moderated these associations. Discussion: Living in traffic-safe neighborhoods with short and many alternative routes might motivate older adults with lower cognitive functioning to be active. As such, the increase in PA might improve their cognitive abilities. This knowledge is crucial for health practitioners to develop effective PA promotion initiatives.
The Effects of Low-Intensity Resistance Exercise on Cardiac Autonomic Function and Muscle Strength in Obese Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Wong Alexei , Figueroa Arturo
Published: April 2019

The present study examined the effects of a 12-week low-intensity resistance exercise training (LIRET) regimen on heart rate variability, strength, and body composition in obese postmenopausal women. Participants were randomly assigned to 12 weeks of either LIRET (n = 10) or nonexercising control group (n = 10). Heart rate variability, leg muscle strength, and body composition were measured before and after 12 weeks. There were significant decreases (p < .05) in sympathovagal balance (LnLF/LnHF) and sympathetic tone (nLF), as well as significant increases (p < .05) in parasympathetic tone (nHF) and strength following LIRET compared with no changes after control. There were no significant changes in body composition after LIRET or control. LIRET may be an effective therapeutic intervention for improving sympathovagal balance and strength in obese postmenopausal women. As obese postmenopausal women are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and physical disability, they could potentially benefit from LIRET.
The Impact of Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow on Shoulder External Rotators and Abductors’ Peak Torque
Authors: Nabil Bassam A. , Ameer Mariam A. , Abdelmohsen Azza M. , Hanafy Abeer F. , Yamani Ahmed S. , Elhafez Naglaa M. , Elhafez Salam M.
Published: April 2019

Context: Upper limb activities require a repetitive movement of the shoulder external rotator and abductor muscles. The malfunction of the proximal part of the upper limb kinetic chain tends to change the mechanics of the distal part and increase the risk of injuries. Objectives: To compare the normalized eccentric peak torque (NEPT) of the shoulder external rotator and abductor muscles among healthy athletes and those with tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow. Design: An experimental cross-sectional study. Setting: Isokinetic laboratory, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University. Participants: A total of 30 male athletes participated voluntarily in this study. Intervention: Participants were distributed into 3 groups: healthy group, tennis elbow group, and golfer’s elbow group. Main Outcome Measures: NEPT of shoulder abductors and external rotators. The Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer was used to measure the variables of interest. Results: There was a significant increase in the NEPT of shoulder abductors and external rotators in healthy control group compared with both tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow groups at an angular velocity of 60°/s (P < .05). Moreover, there was a significant increase in the NEPT of shoulder external rotators and abductors at an angular velocity of 120°/s in healthy control group compared with tennis elbow group and in golfer’s elbow group compared with tennis elbow group (P < .05). Conclusion: Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are associated with decreased NEPT of shoulder external rotators and abductors compared with those of healthy athletes. This tends to decrease the external stability of the shoulder joint and put high stress on the distal joints of the upper kinetic chain.
Ability of Isokinetic Dynamometer to Predict Isotonic Knee Extension 1-Repetition Maximum
Authors: Lesnak Joseph B. , Anderson Dillon T. , Farmer Brooke E. , Katsavelis Dimitrios , Grindstaff Terry L.
Published: April 2019

Context: Resistance training exercise prescription is often based on exercises performed at a percentage of a 1-repetition maximum (1RM). Following knee injury, there is no consensus when a patient can safely perform 1RM testing. Resistance training programs require the use of higher loads, and loads used in knee injury rehabilitation may be too low to elicit gains in strength and power. A maximum isometric contraction can safely be performed during early stages of knee rehabilitation and has potential to predict an isotonic knee extension 1RM. Objective: To determine whether a 1RM on an isotonic knee extension machine can be predicted from isometric peak torque measurements. Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Setting: University research laboratory. Participants: A total of 20 (12 males and 8 females) healthy, physically active adults. Main Outcome Measures: An isokinetic dynamometer was used to determine isometric peak torque (in N·m). 1RM testing was performed on a knee extension machine. Linear regression was used to develop a prediction equation, and Bland–Altman plots with limits of agreement calculations were used to validate the equation. Results: There was a significant correlation (P < .001, r = .926) between peak torque (283.0 [22.6] N·m) and the knee extension 1RM (69.1 [22.6] kg). The prediction equation overestimated the loads (2.3 [9.1] kg; 95% confidence interval, −15.6 to 20.1 kg). Conclusions: The results show that isometric peak torque values obtained on an isokinetic dynamometer can be used to estimate 1RM values for isotonic knee extension. Although the prediction equation tends to overestimate loads, the relatively wide confidence intervals indicate that results should be viewed with caution.
Trogocytosis by Entamoeba histolytica Mediates Acquisition and Display of Human Cell Membrane Proteins and Evasion of Lysis by Human Serum
Authors: Miller Hannah W. , Suleiman Rene L. , Ralston Katherine S.
Published: April 2019

Entamoeba histolyticacauses amoebiasis, a potentially fatal diarrheal disease. Abscesses in organs such as the liver can occur when amoebae are able to breach the intestinal wall and travel through the bloodstream to other areas of the body. Therefore, understanding howE. histolyticaevades immune detection is of great interest. Here, we demonstrate for the first time thatE. histolyticaacquires and displays human cell membrane proteins by taking “bites” of human cell material in a process named trogocytosis (“trogo-” means “nibble”), and that this allows amoebae to survive in human serum. Display of acquired proteins through trogocytosis has been previously characterized only in mammalian immune cells. Our study suggests that this is a more general feature of trogocytosis not restricted to immune cells and broadens our knowledge of eukaryotic biology. These findings also reveal a novel strategy for immune evasion by a pathogen and may apply to the pathogenesis of other infections.
Meta-analysis of Plasmodium falciparum
var
Signatures Contributing to Severe Malaria in African Children and Indian Adults
Authors: Duffy Fergal , Bernabeu Maria , Babar Prasad H. , Kessler Anne , Wang Christian W. , Vaz Marina , Chery Laura , Mandala Wilson L. , Rogerson Stephen J. , Taylor Terrie E. , Seydel Karl B. , Lavstsen Thomas , Gomes Edwin , Kim Kami , Lusingu John , Rathod Pradipsinh K. , Aitchison John D. , Smith Joseph D.
Published: April 2019

P. falciparum
malaria can cause multiple disease complications that differ by patient age. Previous studies have attempted to address the roles of parasite adhesion and biomass in disease severity; however, these studies have been limited to single geographical sites, and there is limited understanding of how parasite adhesion and biomass interact to influence disease manifestations. In this meta-analysis, we compared parasite disease determinants in African children and Indian adults. This study demonstrates that parasite biomass and specific subsets of
var
genes are independently associated with detrimental outcomes in both childhood and adult malaria. We also explored how parasite
var
adhesion types and biomass play different roles in the development of specific severe malaria pathologies, including childhood cerebral malaria and multiorgan complications in adults. This work represents the largest study to date of the role of both
var
adhesion types and biomass in severe malaria.
An Experimental Group A
Streptococcus
Vaccine That Reduces Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis in a Nonhuman Primate Model
Authors: Rivera-Hernandez Tania , Carnathan Diane G. , Jones Scott , Cork Amanda J. , Davies Mark R. , Moyle Peter M. , Toth Istvan , Batzloff Michael R. , McCarthy James , Nizet Victor , Goldblatt David , Silvestri Guido , Walker Mark J.
Published: April 2019

GAS-related diseases disproportionally affect disadvantaged populations (e.g., indigenous populations), and development of a vaccine has been neglected. A recent strong advocacy campaign driven by the World Health Organization and the International Vaccine Institute has highlighted the urgent need for a GAS vaccine. One significant obstacle in GAS vaccine development is the lack of a widely used animal model to assess vaccine efficacy. Researchers in the field use a wide range of murine models of infection and
in vitro
assays, sometimes yielding conflicting results. Here we present the nonhuman primate pharyngeal infection model as a tool to assess vaccine-induced protection against colonization and clinical symptoms of pharyngitis and tonsillitis. We have tested the efficacy of an experimental vaccine candidate with promising results. We believe that the utilization of this valuable tool by the GAS vaccine research community could significantly accelerate the realization of a safe and effective GAS vaccine for humans.
Minimally invasive surfactant therapy failure: risk factors and outcome
Authors: Janssen Lobke CE , Van Der Spil Jooske , van Kaam Anton H , Dieleman Jeanne P , Andriessen Peter , Onland Wes , Niemarkt Hendrik J
Published: April 2019

Objective

To evaluate incidence of minimally invasive surfactant therapy (MIST) failure, identify risk factors and assess the impact of MIST failure on neonatal outcome.

Design

Retrospective cohort study. MIST failure was defined as need for early mechanical ventilation (<72 hours of life). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for MIST failure and compare outcomes between groups.

Setting

Two tertiary neonatal intensive care centres in the Netherlands.

Patients

Infants born between 24 weeks’ and 31 weeks’ gestational age (GA) (n=185) with MIST for respiratory distress syndrome.

Interventions

MIST procedure with poractant alfa (100–200 mg/kg).

Main outcome measures

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) failure after MIST in the first 72 hours of life.

Results

30% of the infants failed CPAP after MIST. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, four risk factors were independently associated with failure: GA <28 weeks, C reactive protein ≥10 mg/L, absence of antenatal corticosteroids and lower surfactant dose. Infants receiving 200 mg/kg surfactant had a failure rate of 14% versus 35% with surfactant dose <200 mg/kg. Mean body temperature was 0.4°C lower at neonatal intensive care unit admission and before the procedure in infants with MIST failure.

Furthermore, MIST failure was independently associated with an increased risk of severe intraventricular haemorrhage.

Conclusion

We observed moderate MIST failure rates in concordance with the results of earlier studies. Absence of corticosteroids and lower surfactant dose are risk factors for MIST failure that may be modifiable in order to improve MIST success and patient outcome.
Large paraspinal abscess as a complication of infliximab therapy in Crohn’s disease
Authors: Nithianandan Nishani , Loftus Michael J , Johnson Paul D R , Charles Patrick G P
Published: April 2019

We report a 36-year-old man who developed a large epidural and paraspinal abscess as a complication of infliximab therapy being used for underlying Crohn’s disease. Cultures of the collection grew methicillin-susceptibleStaphylococcus aureus, and treatment consisted of abscess drainage, prolonged intravenous and oral flucloxacillin and temporary withholding of his infliximab. While infection-related complications are well described with infliximab therapy, this is the first description of a large paraspinal abscess with epidural extension.
Cross-sectional study of HPV testing in self-sampled urine and comparison with matched vaginal and cervical samples in women attending colposcopy for the management of abnormal cervical screening
Authors: Sargent Alex , Fletcher Samantha , Bray Katarina , Kitchener Henry C , Crosbie Emma J
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing in cervical screening offers the potential for self-sampling to improve uptake among non-attenders. High-risk (HR) HPV detection in urine shows promise, but few studies have examined its sensitivity for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2+) detection compared with standard cervical samples. The aims of this cross-sectional study were to optimise conditions for urine testing for HPV detection; to determine concordance for HR-HPV detection in matched urine, vaginal and cervical samples; to compare the sensitivity of HR-HPV testing for the detection of CIN2+ in matched samples; and to determine the acceptability of urine testing for cervical screening.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Secondary care colposcopy clinic in North West England.

Participants

Women aged 25 years of age or older, attending colposcopy clinic for management of abnormal cervical screening results or a suspicious-looking cervix. In total, 104 women took part in the study. Triple matched samples were available for 79 and 66 women using Abbott RealTime(ART) and Roche Cobas 4800 (RC), respectively.

Intervention

Self-collected urine and vaginal samples and practitioner-obtained cervical samples were tested for HR-HPV by ART and RC assays, including comparison of neat and preservative-fixed urine. Colposcopic opinion was recorded and directed cervical biopsies taken if clinically indicated. The acceptability of self-testing was evaluated by questionnaire.

Primary outcome measure

The sensitivity of urine to detect underlying CIN2+.

Secondary outcome measures

The comparative sensitivity of vaginal and cervical samples to detect CIN2+; the acceptability of urine sampling.

Results

Preservative-fixed, but not neat urine, showed good concordance with vaginal samples for the detection of HR-HPV. The sensitivity for detecting CIN2+ was 15/18 (83%) for urine and 16/18 (89%) for cervical and vaginal samples by ART, and 15/17 (88%) for all samples by RC. Urine-based testing was broadly acceptable to women.

Conclusions

Urinary HR-HPV detection offers an alternative strategy of cervical screening. Larger studies to determine its clinical utility are warranted.
How to manage: acute liver failure
Authors: Tavabie Oliver D , Bernal William
Published: April 2019

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a rare but life-threatening clinical syndrome with a broad range of causes. Significant improvements in outcome have occurred over the last 50 years, resulting not only from incremental improvements in specialist critical care and a step-change following the introduction of transplantation for this indication, but also better and more effective treatment started early at the site of first presentation.1 2 Emergency liver transplantation (LTx) remains an important intervention and the decision regarding the need for LTx remains key to management, though non-transplant therapies now appear effective for many causes of the condition. In this short review, we will outline issues in the recognition and management of ALF and ongoing challenges in its treatment.
High frequency optical coherence tomography assessment of homogenous neck coverage by intrasaccular devices predicts successful aneurysm occlusion
Authors: King Robert M , Marosfoi Miklos , Caroff Jildaz , Ughi Giovanni J , Groth Dale M , Gounis Matthew J , Puri Ajit S
Published: April 2019

Background

High frequency optical coherence tomography (HF-OCT) is a novel intravascular imaging technology developed for use in the cerebral vasculature. We hypothesize that HF-OCT characterization of intrasaccular device neck coverage can prognosticate exclusion of the aneurysm from the circulation.

Methods

Bifurcation and sidewall aneurysms were made in six dogs. Seven aneurysms were treated with next generation intrasaccular devices (NGID) and four with traditional platinum coils. HF-OCT was performed to interrogate gaps in the neck coverage, coil herniation, or acute thrombus formation. Animals were re-imaged at 7, 30, 90, and 180 days following aneurysm embolization. An automated image processing method segmented the devices at the neck of the aneurysm and quantified neck coverage. The largest coverage gap was used to predict aneurysm occlusion at 180 days.

Results

No difference was found in occlusion rates between the coil and NGID groups (P=0.45). Successful segmentation of the NGID construct was achieved in all cases. A coverage gap >1 mm2was found to predict failed aneurysm occlusion (P=0.047). This threshold was able to predict all cases of failed occlusion. The average number of devices needed to treat the aneurysm was lower in the NGID group (1.9 vs 6.75, P=0.009). HF-OCT showed strong agreement with scanning electron microscopy (bias 0.0024 mm2(95% CI −0.0279, 0.0327)).

Conclusions

HF-OCT enables precise and accurate measurement of coverage gaps at the neck of aneurysms treated with intrasaccular devices in vivo. We provide in vivo evidence that uniform aneurysm neck coverage by intrasaccular devices is critical for aneurysm occlusion.
Search Numbers in Networks with Special Topologies
Authors: YANG BOTING , ZHANG RUNTAO , CAO YI , ZHONG FARONG
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we consider the problem of finding the minimum number of searchers to sweep networks/graphs with special topological structures. Such a number is called the search number. We first study graphs, which contain only one cycle, and present a linear time algorithm to compute the vertex separation and the optimal layout of such graphs; by a linear-time transformation, we can find the search number of this kind of graphs in linear time. We also investigate graphs, in which every vertex lies on at most one cycle and each cycle contains at most three vertices of degree more than two, and we propose a linear time algorithm to compute their search number and optimal search strategy. We prove explicit formulas for the search number of the graphs obtained from complete k-ary trees by replacing vertices by cycles. We also present some results on approximation algorithms.
Does Anybody Listen to You?
Authors: Matsudaira Kate
Published: April 2019

An idea on its own is not worth much. Just because you think you know a better way to do something, even if you’re right, no one is required to care. Making great things happen at work is about more than just being smart. Good ideas succeed or fail depending on your ability to communicate them correctly to the people who have the power to make them happen. When you are navigating an organization, it pays to know whom to talk to and how to reach them. Here is a simple guide to sending your ideas up the chain and actually making them stick. It takes three elements: the right people, the right time, and the right way.
Too Big NOT to Fail
Authors: Helland Pat , Weaver Simon , Harris Ed
Published: April 2019

Web-scale infrastructure implies LOTS of servers working together, often tens or hundreds of thousands of servers all working toward the same goal. How can the complexity of these environments be managed? How can commonality and simplicity be introduced?
Metaphors We Compute By
Authors: Videla Alvaro
Published: April 2019

Programmers must be able to tell a story with their code, explaining how they solved a particular problem. Like writers, programmers must know their metaphors. Many metaphors will be able to explain a concept, but you must have enough skill to choose the right one that’s able to convey your ideas to future programmers who will read the code. Thus, you cannot use every metaphor you know. You must master the art of metaphor selection, of meaning amplification. You must know when to add and when to subtract. You will learn to revise and rewrite code as a writer does. Once there’s nothing else to add or remove, you have finished your work. The problem you started with is now the solution. Is that the meaning you intended to convey in the first place?
Four Ways to Make CS & IT Curricula More Immersive
Authors: Limoncelli Thomas A.
Published: April 2019

Our first experiences cement what becomes normal for us. Students should start off seeing a well-run system, dissect it, learn its parts, progressively dig down into the details. Don’t let them see what a badly run system looks like until they have experienced one that is well run. A badly run system should then disgust them.
Hootsuite: In Pursuit of Reactive Systems
Authors: Steel Edward , Berube Yanik , Bonér Jonas , Britton Ken , Coatta Terry
Published: April 2019

It has become apparent how critical frameworks and standards are for development teams when using microservices. People often mistake the flexibility microservices provide with a requirement to use different technologies for each service. Like all development teams, we still need to keep the number of technologies we use to a minimum so we can easily train new people, maintain our code, support moves between teams, and the like.
Music, Search, and IoT
Authors: Ammari Tawfiq , Kaye Jofish , Tsai Janice Y. , Bentley Frank
Published: April 2019

Voice has become a widespread and commercially viable interaction mechanism with the introduction of voice assistants (VAs), such as Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri, Google Assistant, and Microsoft’s Cortana. Despite their prevalence, we do not have a detailed understanding of how these technologies are used in domestic spaces. To understand how people use VAs, we conducted interviews with 19 users, and analyzed the log files of 82 Amazon Alexa devices, totaling 193,665 commands, and 88 Google Home Devices, totaling 65,499 commands. In our analysis, we identified music, search, and IoT usage as the command categories most used by VA users. We explored how VAs are used in the home, investigated the role of VAs as scaffolding for Internet of Things device control, and characterized emergent issues of privacy for VA users. We conclude with implications for the design of VAs and for future research studies of VAs.
Strong Locally Testable Codes with Relaxed Local Decoders
Authors: Goldreich Oded , Gur Tom , Komargodski Ilan
Published: April 2019

Locally testable codes (LTCs) are
error-correcting codes
that admit very efficient codeword tests. An LTC is said to be strong if it has a
proximity-oblivious
tester, that is, a tester that makes only a
constant number
of queries and rejects non-codewords with a probability that depends solely on their distance from the code.

Locally decodable codes (LDCs) are complementary to LTCs. While the latter allow for highly efficient rejection of strings that are far from being codewords, LDCs allow for highly efficient recovery of individual bits of the information that is encoded in strings that are close to being codewords.

Constructions of strong-LTCs with nearly-linear length are known, but the existence of a constant-query LDC with
polynomial
length is a major open problem. In an attempt to bypass this barrier, Ben-Sasson et al. (SICOMP 2006) introduced a natural relaxation of local decodability, called relaxed-LDCs. This notion requires local recovery of nearly all individual information-bits, yet allows for recovery-failure (but not error) on the rest. Ben-Sasson et al. constructed a constant-query relaxed-LDC with nearly-linear length (i.e., length
k
1+α
for an arbitrarily small constant α > 0, where
k
is the dimension of the code).

This work focuses on obtaining strong testability and relaxed decodability
simultaneously
. We construct a family of binary linear codes of nearly-linear length that are both strong-LTCs (with one-sided error) and constant-query relaxed-LDCs. This improves upon the previously known constructions, which either obtain only weak LTCs or require polynomial length.

Our construction heavily relies on
tensor codes
and PCPs. In particular, we provide
strong canonical
PCPs
of proximity
for membership in any linear code with constant rate and relative distance. Loosely speaking, these are PCPs
of proximity
wherein the verifier is proximity oblivious (similarly to strong-LTCs) and every valid statement has a unique
canonical
proof. Furthermore, the verifier is required to reject non-canonical proofs (even for valid statements).

As an application, we improve the best known separation result between the complexity of
decision
and
verification
in the setting of property testing.
Efficacy and Safety Analysis of Nelipepimut-S Vaccine to Prevent Breast Cancer Recurrence: A Randomized, Multicenter, Phase III Clinical Trial
Authors: Mittendorf Elizabeth A. , Lu Biao , Melisko Michelle , Price Hiller Julie , Bondarenko Igor , Brunt Adrian Murray , Sergii Grybach , Petrakova Katarina , Peoples George E.
Published: April 2019

Purpose:

In phase I/II studies, nelipepimut-S (NP-S) plus GM-CSF vaccine was well tolerated and effectively raised HER2-specific immunity in patients with breast cancer. Results from a prespecified interim analysis of a phase III trial assessing NP-S + GM-CSF are reported.

Patients and Methods:

This multicenter, randomized, double-blind phase III study enrolled females ≥18 years with T1–T3, HER2 low–expressing (IHC 1+/2+), node-positive breast cancer in the adjuvant setting. Patients received 1,000 μg NP-S + 250 μg GM-CSF or placebo + GM-CSF monthly for 6 months, then every 6 months through 36 months. The primary objective was disease-free survival (DFS). Protocol-specified imaging occurred annually. New abnormalities were categorized as recurrence events; biopsy confirmation was not mandated. The interim analysis was conducted as specified in the protocol after 73 DFS events.

Results:

A total of 758 patients (mean age 51.8 years) were randomized. Adverse events were similar between groups; most common were injection-associated: erythema (84.3%), induration (55.8%), and pruritus (54.9%). There was no significant between-arms difference in DFS events at interim analysis at median follow-up (16.8 months). In the NP-S arm, imaging detected 54.1% of recurrence events in asymptomatic patients versus 29.2% in the placebo arm (P = 0.069).

Conclusions:

NP-S was well tolerated. There was no significant difference in DFS events between NP-S and placebo. Use of mandated annual scans and image-detected recurrence events hastened the interim analysis contributing to early trial termination.
Hyperphosphorylation of CDH1 in Glioblastoma Cancer Stem Cells Attenuates APC/CCDH1 Activity and Pharmacologic Inhibition of APC/CCDH1/CDC20 Compromises Viability
Authors: De Kuntal , Grubb Treg M. , Zalenski Abigail A. , Pfaff Kayla E. , Pal Debjani , Majumder Shubhra , Summers Matthew K. , Venere Monica
Published: April 2019

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and lethal primary brain tumor and remains incurable. This is in part due to the cellular heterogeneity within these tumors, which includes a subpopulation of treatment-resistant cells called cancer stem–like cells (CSC). We previously identified that the anaphase-promoting complex/cylosome (APC/C), a key cell-cycle regulator and tumor suppressor, had attenuated ligase activity in CSCs. Here, we assessed the mechanism of reduced activity, as well as the efficacy of pharmacologically targeting the APC/C in CSCs. We identified hyperphosphorylation of CDH1, but not pseudosubstrate inhibition by early mitotic inhibitor 1 (EMI1), as a major mechanism driving attenuated APC/CCDH1 activity in the G1-phase of the cell cycle in CSCs. Small-molecule inhibition of the APC/C reduced viability of both CSCs and nonstem tumor cells (NSTCs), with the combination of proTAME and apcin having the biggest impact. Combinatorial drug treatment also led to the greatest mitotic arrest and chromosomal abnormalities.

Implications:

Our findings demonstrate how the activity of the APC/CCDH1 tumor suppressor is reduced in CSCs and also validates small-molecule inhibition of the APC/C as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of GBM.
Anatomical Variations of the Superficial Radial Nerve Encountered during Radial Forearm Free Flap Elevation
Authors: Haugen Thorsen W. , Cannady Steve B. , Chalian Ara A. , Shanti Rabie M.
Published: April 2019

A frequently encountered anatomical structure in the elevation of a radial forearm free flap is the superficial branch of the radial nerve. This structure has a relatively consistent anatomic location, but variations do occur. We present a case where the superficial branch of the radial nerve was in an usual position but remained superficial to the brachioradialis throughout its course. Two previous reports also describe the superficial branch of the radial nerve remaining superficial to the brachioradialis, although, in these reports, the nerve was more medial than is typical. We postulate that one of the most common anatomic variations of the superficial branch of the radial nerve is for it to remain superficial to the brachioradialis. As this variation could potentially be confused with the medial or lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerves, it is important for the reconstructive surgeon to be aware of this to prevent inadvertent injury.
Precarização do trabalho e o processo de derrocada do trabalhador
Authors: Araújo Marley Rosana Melo de , Morais Kátia Regina Santos de
Published: April 2019

As mudanças globais vivenciadas atualmente fomentam um novo paradigma nas relações trabalhistas, a exemplo de formas precarizadas de trabalho e emprego, que por sua vez têm sido percebidas, a partir da proliferação das novas modalidades de contrato e do declínio da oferta de empregos típicos/permanentes, como uma das consequências mais visíveis da flexibilização do mercado de trabalho. Este artigo tem por objetivo apresentar os aspectos caracterizadores da precarização do trabalho e suas consequências para o trabalhador. A precarização, em suma, apresenta-se como um fenômeno que perpassa o dinâmico movimento de estruturação do trabalho e do emprego, posto que concerne tanto ao crescimento do desemprego e à ampliação do exército de reserva quanto às especificidades dos empregos disponíveis no mercado de trabalho, enfatizados pela instabilidade e efemeridade contratuais. Isso conduz à expansão do contingente de trabalhadores alienados de seus direitos e sujeitos a condições de trabalho instáveis, insatisfatórias e potencialmente adoecedoras.
Modo de produção flexível, terceirização e precariedade subjetiva
Authors: Castro Fernando Gastal de , Alvares Melina , Luz Rodrigo
Published: April 2019

O objetivo deste artigo é sustentar a hipótese de uma precariedade subjetiva como face fundamental do fenômeno da terceirização. Para isso, primeiramente foi desenvolvido o argumento de que o fenômeno da terceirização precisa ser compreendido como parte de um processo histórico mais amplo, caracterizado pela transformação do modo de produção fordista no de produção flexível. Numa segunda parte, analisou-se o fenômeno da terceirização em um setor específico do mundo do trabalho, qual seja, dos trabalhadores de telemarketing e call center ou, como serão chamados, dos teleatendentes. Para isso foi realizada revisão bibliográfica de livros e artigos, bem como de uma análise documental com base nos arquivos do Departamento de Saúde do Sindicato dos Trabalhadores em Telecomunicações do Rio de Janeiro (Sinttel Rio) e em dados da Previdência Social do Brasil. Visa-se nesse momento compreender a lógica de funcionamento das empresas terceirizadas desse setor, assim como as relações entre trabalho e adoecimento, próprias desse campo de atividade. Por fim, numa última parte, foram analisadas relações existentes entre terceirização e precariedade subjetiva, que se evidencia, conforme nossa análise, pela fragmentação dos laços sociais, pelo crescimento do assédio moral, pelo medo da exclusão, pela extrema vigilância, pela falta de autonomia, pelo individualismo competitivo e pela impotência.
Por uma Ética do Cuidado nas políticas públicas voltadas à superação da desigualdade social
Authors: Costacurta Jaisson Rodrigo , Pulino Lúcia Helena Cavasin Zabotto
Published: April 2019

Este artigo, à luz do enfoque da Ética do Cuidado, tem por objetivo refletir sobre as políticas públicas voltadas à superação da desigualdade social. Busca-se explicitar alguns entendimentos, ressaltando a importância do cuidado como possibilidade de construção de um novo paradigma ético. Inicialmente, realizou-se um resgate da evolução das políticas públicas nesse campo. Essa retomada da história permite a desnaturalização de concepções, valores e ações, auxiliando a percepção de como essas políticas têm se situado em cada época a partir de suas perspectivas. Tendo por referência o pensamento de Leonardo Boff, destaca-se a Ética do Cuidado como possibilidade de se desenvolverem políticas públicas. Tal pressuposto coloca-se como alternativa possível, pois ao se romper com conceitos e práticas, ampliam-se os espaços de não conformismo e se abrem possibilidades de criação de alternativas que rompam com a lógica do capitalismo, ampliando os espaços de solidariedade coletiva.
Presenteísmo
Authors: Shimabuku Rose Helen , Mendonça Helenides , Fidelis Ariana
Published: April 2019

Este estudo visa compreender o estado da arte dos estudos sobre presenteísmo (fenômeno de comparecer ao trabalho mesmo se sentindo doente) à luz do Modelo Demanda-Controle (MDC). Visa ainda contribuir para a discussão sobre demandas, controle, apoio social (postulados no modelo) e estabelecer relação entre eles. Para tanto, foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica, levantando os principais construtos teóricos sobre a temática em bases de dados científicas nacionais e internacionais, a fim de construir um modelo organizado e sistematizado. Ao traçar um panorama da atualidade sobre a relação entre os aspectos psicossociais do trabalho e o presenteísmo dos trabalhadores, percebe-se uma forte relação entre demandas, controle e apoio social no trabalho e o presenteísmo, de forma que as altas demandas de trabalho estão associadas positivamente ao presenteísmo. No entanto, há lacunas a respeito do entendimento científico sobre esse campo de estudo decorrentes da escassez de produções nacionais e internacionais sobre os antecedentes do presenteísmo. Portanto, há um amplo campo de estudo a ser revelado sobre esse assunto.
A pesca artesanal e a produção dos geógrafos brasileiros de meados do século XX
Authors: Cardoso Eduardo Schiavone
Published: April 2019

O objetivo do trabalho é apresentar parte da produção dos geógrafos brasileiros de meados do século XX sobre a atividade pesqueira e analisar o quadro conceitual e empírico empregado nas análises de então. Pretende ainda verificar a atualidade dos textos avaliados e os aspectos superados de tais análises, contribuindo para o resgate da produção geográfica sobre a temática da atividade pesqueira, em especial da chamada pesca artesanal.
A trajetória teórico-intelectual de uma geografia urbana crítica e radical
Authors: Santos César Simoni , Alvarez Isabel Pinto
Published: April 2019

O presente artigo situa a trajetória da geografia urbana crítica uspiana como parte do movimento de renovação da Geografia brasileira que se inicia já na década 1970. A ideia central procura reforçar o fato de que essa trajetória é marcada por um processo de ruptura teórico-metodológica realizado a partir de uma leitura acurada das obras de Karl Marx e Henri Lefebvre. O corte epistemológico apresenta essa ruptura, contudo, tanto em relação à própria história da geografia quanto em relação às demais vertentes críticas internas e externas a este campo disciplinar. O rigor empreendido nas reflexões e pesquisas, o trabalho de estudo e formação e o compromisso com a produção de um conhecimento crítico tornam essa perspectiva de análise uma importante referência para a explicação do mundo, desnudando a radicalidade das contradições sociais. Tendo em vista o escopo do artigo, identificam-se dois momentos dessa trajetória: o primeiro entre o final dos anos 1970 e o começo dos 1980, quando a ruptura metodológica se abre; e o segundo, a partir dos anos 1990, quando a rigorosa e intensa leitura dos trabalhos de Lefebvre aprofunda os horizontes da crítica.
Genetic Discovery of ATP-Sensitive K
+
Channels in Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Huang Yan , Hu Dan , Huang Congxin , Nichols Colin G.
Published: April 2019

The ATP-sensitive K
+
(K
ATP
) channels are hetero-octameric protein complexes comprising 4 pore-forming (Kir6.x) subunits and 4 regulatory sulfonylurea receptor (SURx) subunits. They are prominent in myocytes, pancreatic β cells, and neurons and link cellular metabolism with membrane excitability. Using genetically modified animals and genomic analysis in patients, recent studies have implicated certain ATP-sensitive K
+
channel subtypes in physiological and pathological processes in a variety of cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we focus on the causal relationship between ATP-sensitive K
+
channel activity and pathophysiology in the cardiovascular system, particularly from the perspective of genetic changes in human and animal models.