bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interplay of Klebsiella pneumoniae
fabZ
and
lpxC
Mutations Leads to LpxC Inhibitor-Dependent Growth Resulting from Loss of Membrane Homeostasis
Authors: Mostafavi Mina , Wang Lisha , Xie Lili , Takeoka Kenneth T. , Richie Daryl L. , Casey Fergal , Ruzin Alexey , Sawyer William S. , Rath Christopher M. , Wei Jun-Rong , Dean Charles R.
Published: October 2018

Emergence of antibiotic resistance has prompted efforts to identify and optimize novel inhibitors of antibacterial targets such as LpxC. This enzyme catalyzes the first committed step of lipid A synthesis, which is necessary to generate lipopolysaccharide and ultimately the Gram-negative protective outer membrane. Investigation of this pathway and its interrelationship with inner membrane (phospholipid) biosynthesis or other pathways is therefore highly important to the fundamental understanding of Gram-negative bacteria and by extension to antibiotic discovery. Here we exploited the availability of a novel LpxC inhibitor to engender the generation of
K. pneumoniae
resistant mutants whose growth depends on chemical inhibition of LpxC. Inhibitor dependency resulted from the interaction of different resistance mutations and was based on loss of normal cellular mechanisms required to establish membrane homeostasis. This study provides new insights into the importance of this process in
K. pneumoniae
and how it may be linked to novel biosynthetic pathway inhibitors.
Antibiotic and acid-suppression medications during early childhood are associated with obesity
Authors: Stark Christopher M , Susi Apryl , Emerick Jill , Nylund Cade M
Published: October 2018

Objective

Gut microbiota alterations are associated with obesity. Early exposure to medications, including acid suppressants and antibiotics, can alter gut biota and may increase the likelihood of developing obesity. We investigated the association of antibiotic, histamine-2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) prescriptions during early childhood with a diagnosis of obesity.

Design

We performed a cohort study of US Department of Defense TRICARE beneficiaries born from October 2006 to September 2013. Exposures were defined as having any dispensed prescription for antibiotic, H2RA or PPI medications in the first 2 years of life. A single event analysis of obesity was performed using Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

333 353 children met inclusion criteria, with 241 502 (72.4%) children prescribed an antibiotic, 39 488 (11.8%) an H2RA and 11 089 (3.3%) a PPI. Antibiotic prescriptions were associated with obesity (HR 1.26; 95% CI 1.23 to 1.28). This association persisted regardless of antibiotic class and strengthened with each additional class of antibiotic prescribed. H2RA and PPI prescriptions were also associated with obesity, with a stronger association for each 30-day supply prescribed. The HR increased commensurately with exposure to each additional medication group prescribed.

Conclusions

Antibiotics, acid suppressants and the combination of multiple medications in the first 2 years of life are associated with a diagnosis of childhood obesity. Microbiota-altering medications administered in early childhood may influence weight gain.
Identification of TMAO-producer phenotype and host–diet–gut dysbiosis by carnitine challenge test in human and germ-free mice
Authors: Wu Wei-Kai , Chen Chieh-Chang , Liu Po-Yu , Panyod Suraphan , Liao Ben-Yang , Chen Pei-Chen , Kao Hsien-Li , Kuo Han-Chun , Kuo Ching-Hua , Chiu Tina H T , Chen Rou-An , Chuang Hsiao-Li , Huang Yen-Te , Zou Hsin-Bai , Hsu Cheng-Chih , Chang Ting-Yan , Lin Chin-Lon , Ho Chi-Tang , Yu Hon-Tsen , Sheen Lee-Yan , Wu Ming-Shiang
Published: October 2018

Objective

The gut microbiota-derived metabolite, trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) plays an important role in cardiovascular disease (CVD). The fasting plasma TMAO was shown as a prognostic indicator of CVD incident in patients and raised the interest of intervention targeting gut microbiota. Here we develop a clinically applicable method called oral carnitine challenge test (OCCT) for TMAO-related therapeutic drug efforts assessment and personalising dietary guidance.

Design

A pharmacokinetic study was performed to verify the design of OCCT protocol. The OCCT was conducted in 23 vegetarians and 34 omnivores to validate gut microbiota TMAO production capacity. The OCCT survey was integrated with gut microbiome, host genotypes, dietary records and serum biochemistry. A humanised gnotobiotic mice study was performed for translational validation.

Results

The OCCT showed better efficacy than fasting plasma TMAO to identify TMAO producer phenotype. The omnivores exhibited a 10-fold higher OR to be high TMAO producer than vegetarians. The TMAO-associated taxa found by OCCT in this study were consistent with previous animal studies. The TMAO producer phenotypes were also reproduced in humanised gnotobiotic mice model. Besides, we found the faecalCntAgene was not associated with TMAO production; therefore, other key relevant microbial genes might be involved. Finally, we demonstrated the urine TMAO exhibited a strong positive correlation with plasma TMAO (r=0.92, p<0.0001) and improved the feasibility of OCCT.

Conclusion

The OCCT can be used to identify TMAO-producer phenotype of gut microbiota and may serve as a personal guidance in CVD prevention and treatment.

Trial registration number

NCT02838732; Results.
Towards cardiac MRI based risk stratification in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Brown Pamela Frances , Miller Chris , Di Marco Andrea , Schmitt Matthias
Published: October 2018

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) secondary to arrhythmia remains a risk in those with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) is an effective strategy to prevent SCD. Current guidelines recommend selection for ICD based on ejection fraction (EF) less than 35%, however, most SCD occurs in those with EF>35%. Although meta-analysis has demonstrated a survival benefit for primary prevention ICD in DCM, no randomised trial has shown a significant reduction in overall mortality including the most recent ‘Danish Study to Assess the Efficacy of ICDs in Patients With Non-Ischemic Systolic Heat Failure on Mortality’ study. Clearly, a more sophisticated selection strategy is required. Cardiac MRI (CMR) is an ideal non-invasive imaging technique which allows calculation of EF as well as tissue characterisation with gadolinium contrast, parametric mapping and feature tracking. Late gadolinium enhancement detects mid-wall fibrosis in approximately 30% of those with DCM, three meta-analyses have demonstrated an association between fibrosis in DCM and SCD, and those without fibrosis are at low risk of SCD. T1 mapping and extracellular volume (ECV) calculation are methods of demonstrating diffuse fibrosis in the myocardium. Raised ECV and native T1 have been associated with worse outcomes but the relationship to SCD has not been well studied. Undoubtedly, more research is required but CMR has several tools which offer incremental value above EF to improve risk stratification and consequent outcomes and resource utilisation in those with DCM.
Changes in health status predict changes in alcohol consumption in older adults: the Seniors-ENRICA cohort
Authors: Ortolá Rosario , García-Esquinas Esther , Soler-Vila Hosanna , Ordovas Jose M , López-García Esther , Rodríguez-Artalejo Fernando
Published: October 2018

Background

Some of the previously reported health benefits of low-to-moderate alcohol consumption may derive from health status influencing alcohol consumption rather than the opposite. We examined whether health status changes influence changes in alcohol consumption, cessation included.

Methods

Data came from 571 current drinkers aged ≥60 years participating in the Seniors-ENRICA cohort in Spain. Participants were recruited in 2008–2010 and followed-up for 8.2 years, with four waves of data collection. We assessed health status using a 52-item deficit accumulation (DA) index with four domains: functional, self-rated health and vitality, mental health, and morbidity and health services use. To minimise reverse causation, we examined how changes in health status over a 3-year period (wave 0–wave 1) influenced changes in alcohol consumption over the subsequent 5 years (waves 1–3) using linear/logistic regression, as appropriate.

Results

Compared with participants in the lowest tertile of DA change (mean absolute 4.3% health improvement), those in the highest tertile (7.8% worsening) showed a reduction in alcohol intake (β: –4.32 g/day; 95% CI –7.00 to –1.62; p trend=0.002) and were more likely to quit alcohol (OR: 2.80; 95% CI 1.54 to 5.08; p trend=0.001). The main contributors to decreasing drinking were increased functional impairment and poorer self-rated health, whereas worsening self-rated health, onset of diabetes or stroke and increased prevalence of hospitalisation influenced cessation.

Conclusions

Health deterioration is related to a subsequent reduction and cessation of alcohol consumption contributing to the growing evidence challenging the protective health effect previously attributed to low-to-moderate alcohol consumption.
Tuberculosis and diabetes: bidirectional association in a UK primary care data set
Authors: Pearson Fiona , Huangfu Peijue , McNally Richard , Pearce Mark , Unwin Nigel , Critchley Julia A
Published: October 2018

Background

Many studies have found an increased risk of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) among those with diabetes mellitus (DM). However, evidence on whether the association is bidirectional remains sparse. This study investigates DM rates among those with and without prior tuberculosis (TB) disease as well as the reverse.

Methods

Data on a UK general practice population, between 2003 and 2009, were obtained from The Health Improvement Network database. A series of retrospective cohort studies were completed. Individuals were successively classified as ‘exposed’ or ‘unexposed’ to TB, PTB, extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) or DM. Multivariate negative binomial regression was used to calculate incidence rate ratios (IRR) among each exposure group for outcomes of interest (TB, PTB, EPTB or DM in turn) adjusting for plausible confounding variables (age, sex, region, Townsend quintile and smoking status). Potential confounding due to ethnicity was adjusted for using McNamee’s external method.

Results

DM risk was substantially raised among individuals with a history of TB disease (IRR 5.65 (95% CI 5.19 to 6.16)), PTB (IRR 5.74 (95% CI 5.08 to 6.50)) and EPTB (IRR 4.66 (95% CI 3.94 to 5.51)) compared with those without; results were attenuated after external adjustment for ethnicity (IRR 2.33 (95% CI 2.14 to 2.53)). TB risk was raised modestly among individuals with DM (IRR 1.50 (95% CI 1.27 to 1.76)) and was attenuated slightly after adjustment for ethnicity (IRR 1.26 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.48)).

Conclusion

DM risk was raised among those with previous TB disease; this finding has implications for follow-up and screening of patients with TB, who may be at high risk of developing DM or related complications.
Urinary 2,5-dicholorophenol and 2,4-dichlorophenol concentrations and prevalent disease among adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)
Authors: Rooney Mary R , Lutsey Pamela L , Bhatti Parveen , Prizment Anna
Published: October 2018

Objective

To test cross-sectional associations between urinary concentrations of 2,5-dichlorophenol (2,5-DCP) and 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) with the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, lung disease, thyroid problems and liver conditions.

Methods

Logistic regression was used to evaluate associations of urinary concentrations of 2,5-DCP and 2,4-DCP with prevalence of various medical conditions among 3617 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey participants from 2007–2008 and 2009–2010. ORs and 95% CIs for each disease were estimated. All regression models were adjusted for urinary creatinine.

Results

We observed a monotonically increasing association between quartiles of 2,5-DCP and prevalence of CVD. After adjustment for sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics, participants with the highest versus lowest quartile of urinary 2,5-DCP had an OR=1.84 (95% CI 1.26 to 2.70) (p linear trend=0.006). The association was similar with further adjustment for established clinical CVD risk factors. Higher 2,5-DCP was also associated with prevalence of all cancers combined (ORQ4 vs Q1=1.50 (95% CI 1.00 to 2.26); p trend=0.05) and, in exploratory analyses, with gynaecological cancers (ORQ4 vs Q1=4.15 (95% CI 1.51 to 11.40; p trend=0.01)). No associations were detected between 2,5-DCP and lung diseases, thyroid problems or liver conditions, nor between 2,4-DCP and prevalent disease.

Conclusion

In this nationally representative study, higher urinary 2,5-DCP concentrations were associated with greater prevalence of CVD and all cancers combined. Further examination may be warranted to assess whether chronic exposure to 2,5-DCP is associated with incidence of adverse health outcomes.
Is blue the new green? Repackaging menthol cigarettes in response to a flavour ban in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Borland Tracey , D’Souza Sandra A , O’Connor Shawn , Chaiton Michael Oliver , Schwartz Robert
Published: October 2018

Background

As of 1 January 2017, the Canadian province of Ontario banned the distribution and sale of menthol tobacco products. There is limited knowledge about how tobacco companies will adapt their packaging in response to a menthol ban.

Methods

We conducted a content analysis of preban traditional menthol (no capsule) and menthol capsule cigarette packs and their postban replacements. Preban and postban packs were matched using tobacco company descriptions of replacement brands in business-to-business marketing materials, advertising on cigarette pack cellophane and a tobacco company website.

Results

A total of 63 menthol (n=30) and ‘non-menthol alternative’ (n=33) cigarette packs were included in the analysis. Approximately half of the preban packs were menthol capsule cigarettes and half traditional menthol cigarettes. While some postban brands continued to convey menthol-like qualities via the colour and/or brand descriptor ‘green’, ’blue' was the most common colour and brand descriptor postban. Packs shifted from using ‘menthol’ and/or ‘fresh’ as taste descriptor preban to using ‘smooth’ postban; some postban packs had ‘non-menthol alternative’ or ‘without menthol/capsules’ written on their cellophane. The presence of innovative filter technologies continued in the postban samples.

Conclusion

Results suggest that tobacco companies attempted to maintain menthol smokers in Ontario by aggressive preban promotion of menthol capsule cigarettes, continued promotion of innovative filter technologies and by directing smokers to non-menthol alternatives whose packaging both in text and in colour connoted menthol-like qualities (eg, green) and reduced harshness or harm (eg, blue, white, silver, smooth taste).
Prevalence and correlates of JUUL use among a national sample of youth and young adults
Authors: Vallone Donna M , Bennett Morgane , Xiao Haijun , Pitzer Lindsay , Hair Elizabeth C
Published: October 2018

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of JUUL use and identify demographic and psychosocial correlates of use among youth and young adults in the USA.

Methods

A national, probability-based sample was recruited via address-based sampling, with subsamples recruited from an existing probability-based online panel. Participants (N=14 379) ages 15–34 were surveyed about JUUL use, tobacco use, electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) harm perceptions, sensation seeking and demographic characteristics. Data were collected February–May 2018. Χ2analyses assessed differences in JUUL use by demographic and psychosocial characteristics. Logistic regressions identified significant correlates of ever and current JUUL use.

Results

Overall, 6.0% reported ever JUUL use, and 3.3% reported past 30-day (ie, current) use. Rates were higher among participants aged 15–17 and 18–21 years, with 9.5% and 11.2% reporting ever use, and 6.1% and 7.7% reporting current use, respectively. Among current users aged 15–17 years, 55.8% reported use on 3 or more days in the past month, and over a quarter reported use on 10–30 days. Significant correlates of use included younger age, white race, greater financial comfort, perceptions of ENDS as less harmful than cigarettes, household ENDS use, high sensation seeking and current combustible tobacco use.

Conclusion

JUUL use was significantly higher among young people, with those under 21 having significantly higher odds of ever and current use. Frequency of use patterns suggest youth may not be experimenting with the device but using it regularly. Given the high nicotine content of JUUL, there is concern over the potential for addiction and other serious health consequences among young people. Findings suggest strong regulatory actions are needed to prevent youth and young adult uptake.
Impact of excess moisture due to precipitation on barley grain yield in the Canadian Prairies
Authors: Borrego-Benjumea Ana , Carter Adam , Glenn Aaron J. , Badea Ana
Published: October 2018

Variance analysis was performed on the effect of monthly accumulated precipitation data (May–July) on crop losses between 2005 and 2016 with combined Manitoba and Saskatchewan regional barley grain yield data. A significant negative relationship with total precipitation during May to June was observed. This period coincides with leaf emergence to the booting stage in barley.
Efficient Learning-Based Recommendation Algorithms for Top-
N
Tasks and Top-
N
Workers in Large-Scale Crowdsourcing Systems
Authors: Safran Mejdl , Che Dunren
Published: October 2018

The task and worker recommendation problems in crowdsourcing systems have brought up unique characteristics that are not present in traditional recommendation scenarios, i.e., the huge flow of tasks with short lifespans, the importance of workers’ capabilities, and the quality of the completed tasks. These unique features make traditional recommendation approaches no longer satisfactory for task and worker recommendation in crowdsourcing systems. In this article, we propose a two-tier data representation scheme (defining a
worker--category suitability score
and a
worker--task attractiveness score
) to support personalized task and worker recommendations. We also extend two optimization methods, namely least mean square error and Bayesian personalized rank, to better fit the characteristics of task/worker recommendation in crowdsourcing systems. We then integrate the proposed representation scheme and the extended optimization methods along with the two adapted popular learning models, i.e., matrix factorization and kNN, and result in two lines of top-
N
recommendation algorithms for crowdsourcing systems: (1) Top-
N
-Tasks recommendation algorithms for discovering the top-
N
most suitable tasks for a given worker and (2) Top-
N
-Workers recommendation algorithms for identifying the top-
N
best workers for a task requester. An extensive experimental study is conducted that validates the effectiveness and efficiency of a broad spectrum of algorithms, accompanied by our analysis and the insights gained.
From Question to Text
Authors: Huang Heyan , Wei Xiaochi , Nie Liqiang , Mao Xianling , Xu Xin-Shun
Published: October 2018

Understanding unstructured texts is an essential skill for human beings as it enables knowledge acquisition. Although understanding unstructured texts is easy for we human beings with good education, it is a great challenge for machines. Recently, with the rapid development of artificial intelligence techniques, researchers put efforts to teach machines to understand texts and justify the educated machines by letting them solve the questions upon the given unstructured texts, inspired by the reading comprehension test as we humans do. However, feature effectiveness with respect to different questions significantly hinders the performance of answer selection, because different questions may focus on various aspects of the given text and answer candidates. To solve this problem, we propose a question-oriented feature attention (QFA) mechanism, which learns to weight different engineering features according to the given question, so that important features with respect to the specific question is emphasized accordingly. Experiments on MCTest dataset have well-validated the effectiveness of the proposed method. Additionally, the proposed QFA is applicable to various IR tasks, such as question answering and answer selection. We have verified the applicability on a crawled community-based question-answering dataset.
A Hybrid Approach for Spatio-Temporal Validation of Declarative Multimedia Documents
Authors: Santos Joel A. F. Dos , Muchaluat-Saade Débora C. , Roisin Cécile , Layaïda Nabil
Published: October 2018

Declarative multimedia documents represent the description of multimedia applications in terms of media items and relationships among them. Relationships specify how media items are dynamically arranged in time and space during runtime. Although a declarative approach usually facilitates the authoring task, authors can still make mistakes due to incorrect use of language constructs or inconsistent or missing relationships in a document. In order to properly support multimedia application authoring, it is important to provide tools with validation capabilities. Document validation can indicate possible inconsistencies in a given document to an author so that it can be revised before deployment. Although very useful, multimedia validation tools are not often provided by authoring tools.

This work proposes a multimedia validation approach that relies on a formal model called
Simple Hypermedia Model
(
SHM
).
SHM
is used for representing a document for the purpose of validation. An
SHM
document is validated using a hybrid approach based on two complementary techniques. The first one captures the document’s spatio-temporal layout in terms of its state throughout its execution by means of a rewrite theory, and validation is performed through
model-checking
. The second one captures the document’s layout in terms of intervals and event occurrences by means of
Satisfiability Modulo Theories
(SMT) formulas, and validation is performed through SMT solving. Due to different characteristics of both approaches, each validation technique complements the other in terms of expressiveness of
SHM
and tests to be checked.

We briefly present validation tools that use our approach. They were evaluated with real NCL documents and by usability tests.
Changes in the Ecological Parameters of Mixed Forests of Sal (Shorea robusta Gaertn.) Are a Function of Distance from the Human Settlements
Authors: Sapkota Ramesh P. , Stahl Peter D. , Hengaju Krishna , Rijal Kedar
Published: October 2018

Forests in Nepal are extremely important for supporting the livelihood of millions of people who collect forest products for their subsistence use and partly for income generation. Such inherent dependence is expected to cause disturbance in the forest ecosystem. We investigated changes in the structural assemblages caused by the interaction between anthropogenic disturbances and forest management activities in the mixed forests of Sal (Shorea robusta Gaertn.) of Terai, Central Nepal. We evaluated three buffer zone community forests (BZCFs), namely, Radha Krishna, Musharni Mai, and Janajagaran of Parsa Wildlife Reserve (PWR); the forest inside PWR was taken as a control. A transect of 2 km length was laid in each forest, and six plots, each of 1 ha size, were established at a successive interval of 300 m along the edge to the interior of the forests to count and record the diameter at breast height (DBH) of the studied plants. We observed that the species diversity increased linearly (p < 0.05) towards the forest interior in the BZCFs. Species other than S. robusta had significantly higher (p < 0.05) dominance and Importance Value Indices in the interior sites. We did not observe such trends in the control forest. Multivariate analysis showed that the sites of BZCFs had higher structural dissimilarity, but the control forest sites were closer to each other in composition. The forest sites near the settlements had undergone biotic homogenization (S. robusta mixed forest changed to S. robusta forest) due to the interaction between anthropogenic disturbances and forest management activities. On the basis of vegetation density, the edges of BZCFs appeared to be protected, but on the basis of diversity failed to do so. Future management strategies should be directed towards enhancing the diversity, heterogeneity, and forest quality, especially near the forest edges.
Effect of Size of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Dispersed in Gear Oils for Improvement of Tribological Properties
Authors: Chebattina Kodanda Rama Rao , Srinivas V. , Rao N. Mohan
Published: October 2018

The aim of the paper is to investigate the effect of size of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as additives for dispersion in gear oil to improve the tribological properties. Since long pristine MWCNTs tend to form clusters compromising dispersion stability, they are mildly processed in a ball mill to shorten the length and stabilized with a surfactant before dispersing in lubricant. Investigations are made to assess the effect of ball milling on the size and structure of MWCNTs using electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The long and shortened MWCNTs are dispersed in EP 140 gear oil in 0.5% weight. The stability of the dispersed multiwalled carbon nanotubes is evaluated using light scattering techniques. The antiwear, antifriction, and extreme pressure properties of test oils are evaluated on a four-ball wear tester. It is found that ball milling of MWCNTs has a strong effect on the stability and tribological properties of the lubricant. From Raman spectroscopy, it is found that ball milling time of up to 10 hours did not produce any defects on the surface of MWCNTs. The stability of the lubricant and the antiwear, antifriction, and extreme pressure properties have improved significantly with dispersion shortened MWCNTs. Ball milling for longer periods produces defects on the surface of MWCNTs reducing their advantage as oil additives.
Kinect-Based Exergames Tailored to Parkinson Patients
Authors: Pachoulakis Ioannis , Papadopoulos Nikolaos , Analyti Anastasia
Published: October 2018

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative movement disorder where motor dysfunction gradually increases. PD-specific dopaminergic drugs can ameliorate symptoms, but neurologists also strongly recommend physiotherapy combined with regular exercise. As there is no known cure for PD, traditional rehabilitation programs eventually tire and bore patients to the point of losing interest and dropping out of those programs just because of the predictability and repeatability of the exercises. This can be avoided with the help of current technology, character-based, interactive 3D games promote physical training in a nonlinear fashion, and can provide experiences that change each time the game is played. Such “exergames” (a combination of the words “exercise” and “game”) challenge patients into performing exercises of varying complexity in a playful and interactive environment. In this work we present a Unity3D-based platform hosting two exergames tailored to PD patients with mild to moderate symptoms. The platform employs Microsoft Kinect, an affordable off-the-shelf motion capture sensor that can be easily installed in both home and clinical settings. Platform navigation and gameplay rely on a collection of gestures specifically developed for this purpose and are based upon training programs tailored to PD. These gestures employ purposeful, large-amplitude movements intended to improve postural stability and reflexes and increase upper and lower limb mobility. When the patient’s movements, as detected by Kinect, “match” a preprogrammed gesture, an onscreen 3D cartoon avatar responds according to the game context at hand. In addition, ingame decision-making aims at improving cognitive reaction.
Computational Intelligence in Sports: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Bonidia Robson P. , Rodrigues Luiz A. L. , Avila-Santos Anderson P. , Sanches Danilo S. , Brancher Jacques D.
Published: October 2018

Recently, data mining studies are being successfully conducted to estimate several parameters in a variety of domains. Data mining techniques have attracted the attention of the information industry and society as a whole, due to a large amount of data and the imminent need to turn it into useful knowledge. However, the effective use of data in some areas is still under development, as is the case in sports, which in recent years, has presented a slight growth; consequently, many sports organizations have begun to see that there is a wealth of unexplored knowledge in the data extracted by them. Therefore, this article presents a systematic review of sports data mining. Regarding years 2010 to 2018, 31 types of research were found in this topic. Based on these studies, we present the current panorama, themes, the database used, proposals, algorithms, and research opportunities. Our findings provide a better understanding of the sports data mining potentials, besides motivating the scientific community to explore this timely and interesting topic.
Elastic Modulus and Strength of Rock-Like Material with Locked-In Stress
Authors: Geng Hansheng , Xu Hongfa , Gao Lei , Chen Ling , Wang Bo , Zhao Xiao
Published: October 2018

Locked-in stress is a special stress objectively existing in the rock which has an important influence on the mechanical properties. However, there were few studies on the locked-in stress in rocks. The locked-in stress was simplified into spherical inclusions of stress. Based on the Eshelby inclusion theory, the influence equation of the locked-in stress on the elastic modulus of the rock is derived. Through experiment, the expression of elastic modulus of rock-like material with locked-in stress based on M-T method is determined. Based on Mohr-Coulomb criterion and effective stress principle, the equations for the influence of locked-in stress on strength of rock-like material under uniaxial and conventional triaxial conditions were deduced. Through experimental verification, an empirical formula for the strength of rock-like material containing locked-in stress is obtained. This article provided a method for further studying of the locked-in stress in rock-like material and has certain reference value.
Solitary Lytic Bone Metastasis: A Rare Presentation of Small Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Katz Heather , Sagun Steven , Griswold Doreen , Alsharedi Mohamed
Published: October 2018

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) is a hematologic malignancy characterized by an over accumulation of incompetent neoplastic lymphocytes. Bone metastasis in CLL/SLL is very rare. We report a case of a 76-year-old Caucasian female presented with an unresolving pulmonary infiltrate with mediastinal lymphadenopathy concerning for malignancy. Positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) showed an infiltrative mass in the mediastinum with diffuse uptake and a hypermetabolic mass within the left iliac bone. Transbronchial biopsy revealed morphology and features of SLL. However, with concern for another primary cancer, a CT-guided biopsy of the PET avid left iliac bone was performed and revealed bone and marrow with involvement of CLL/SLL similar to the chest lymphadenopathy. To our knowledge and after extensive review of medical literature, this is first reported case of SLL with solitary bone metastasis to the hip.
A Case Report of Suspected Malignant Hyperthermia: How Will the Diagnosis Affect a Patient’s Insurability?
Authors: Osman Brian M. , Saba Isabela C. , Watson William A.
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this case report is to increase awareness that a diagnosis of malignant hyperthermia may have long-lasting or permanent effects on a patient’s insurance eligibility or premiums despite legislation providing varying levels of protection from preexisting conditions or genetic discrimination. We present a case of severe rigors, unexplained severe metabolic acidosis, and severe hyperthermia in a patient after general anesthesia for extensive head and neck surgery. The patient was treated for malignant hyperthermia and demonstrated a significant clinical improvement with the administration of dantrolene. Even with an “almost certain” diagnosis of malignant hyperthermia by clinical presentation, genetic testing was negative and the gold-standard caffeine-halothane contracture test has yet to be performed. Laboratory results, clinical grading scales, and genetic testing support a diagnosis of malignant hyperthermia but the gold standard is a live muscle biopsy and caffeine-halothane contracture test. A clinical diagnosis of MH or a positive caffeine-halothane contracture test could result in exclusion from genetic discrimination legislature due to the fact that diagnosis can be confirmed without genetic testing. The fate of the Affordable Care Act may also affect how insurance companies scrutinize this disease. Improving accuracy of MH diagnosis in hospital discharge records will be crucial.
Hydrogen Sulfide Donor NaHS Improves Metabolism and Reduces Muscle Atrophy in Type 2 Diabetes: Implication for Understanding Sarcopenic Pathophysiology
Authors: Bitar Milad S. , Nader Joelle , Al-Ali Waleed , Al Madhoun Ashraf , Arefanian Hossein , Al-Mulla Fahd
Published: October 2018

Sarcopenia, a loss of muscle mass and functionality, constitutes a major contributor to disability in diabetes. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) dynamics and muscle mass regulatory signaling were studied in GK rats, a model for type 2 diabetes (T2D). GK rats exhibited a number of features that are consistent with sarcopenia and T2D including loss of muscle mass and strength, in addition to glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and impaired β‐cell responsiveness to glucose. Mechanistically, activation levels of Akt, a key modulator of protein balance, were decreased in T2D. Consequently, we confirmed reduced activity of mTOR signaling components and higher expression of atrophy‐related markers typified by FoxO1/atrogin‐1/MuRF1 and myostatin‐Smad2/3 signaling during the course of diabetes. We observed in GK rat reduced antioxidant capacity (↓GSH/GSSG) and increased expression and activity of NADPH oxidase in connection with augmented rate of oxidation of lipids, proteins, and DNA. H2S bioavailability and the expression of key enzymes involved in its synthesis were suppressed as a function of diabetes. Interestingly, GK rats receiving NaHS displayed increased muscle Akt/mTOR signaling and decreased expression of myostatin and the FoxO1/MuRF1/atrogin‐dependent pathway. Moreover, diabetes‐induced heightened state of oxidative stress was also ameliorated in response to NaHS therapy. Overall, the current data support the notion that a relationship exists between sarcopenia, heightened state of oxidative stress, and H2S deficiency at least in the context of diabetes. Moreover, treatment with a potent H2S donor at an early stage of diabetes is likely to mitigate the development of sarcopenia/frailty and predictably reduces its devastating sequelae of amputation.
Phenotypic Characterization of Circulating CD4+ T Cells in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis
Authors: Lilliebladh Sandra , Johansson Åsa , Pettersson Åsa , Ohlsson Sophie , Hellmark Thomas
Published: October 2018

T cell-mediated immune responses are thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody- (ANCA-) associated vasculitides (AAV). CD4+ T cells can be divided into subsets depending on their expression of chemokine receptors. In this study, different CD4+ T cell populations in patients with AAV were analysed and compared to healthy blood donors as well as therapy controls. 18 patients with active AAV, 46 in remission, 21 healthy controls (HBD), and 15 therapy controls (TC) were enrolled. CD4+ T cells were divided into Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells and further subdivided into naïve, central memory, effector memory, and effector cells. Regulatory T cells were also analysed. Concentrations of cytokines and chemokines produced by the respective CD4+ T cell subset in plasma from 33 of the patients were measured by ELISA and compared to HBD. Clinical data were collected on all patients. CCL20 concentrations and percentages of Th17 cells (p=0.019) were elevated in AAV patients compared to HBD. AAV patients had lower percentages of naïve CD4+ T cells (p=0.0016) and a corresponding increase in proportion of effector memory CD4+ T cells when comparing to HBD (p=0.027). Therapy controls showed similar results as AAV patients. In this study, we found that CD4+ T cell phenotype distribution is altered in AAV patients, in line with previously published work. However, no differences were found between AAV patients and TC, stressing the importance of treatment impact on this kind of studies.
Experimental Investigation on Permeability and Mechanical Deformation of Coal Containing Gas under Load
Authors: Lv Runsheng , Li Bing , Song Zhimin , Liu Gaofeng
Published: October 2018

Coalbed effective permeability is widely used as a primary index to evaluate gas‐drainage effect in CBM exploitation field. However, it seems to be difficult to obtain by the reason of dynamic change in close relationship with crustal stress, methane pressure, porosity, and adsorption. Due to their dissimilar adsorption properties and tectonic deformation degrees, different types of coal containing gas have various stress‐strain and gas seepage curves. The paper presents the experimental investigations of the dynamic relationship between coal permeability and deformation under load. In this work, stress‐strain and permeability investigations were performed using anthracite lump with a vitrinite reflectance of about 3.24% at various pressures and temperatures. The permeability (including the initial, minimum, and maximum) decreased with increasing temperature. At a constant confining pressure, the strains in different directions almost all increased with increasing axial stress and decreased with increasing pore methane pressure during the prefracture stage. At a constant pore pressure, the compression strength of the coal specimens increased approximately linearly during the prefracture stage and sharply decreased during the postfracture stage, while the permeability decreased rapidly and then increased slowly during the prefracture and remained stable during the postfracture stage. The permeability of the coal specimens mainly depended on the inner fissures. The permeability was greater during the postfracture than that during the prefracture stage. At the same temperature, the gas seepage curve of each coal specimen could be divided into three sections: decreasing, increasing, and constant sections. The necessary time for the permeability to reach a steady state increased as the confining and pore pressures increased. At high confining pressures (i.e., 6 MPa and 8 MPa), no significant differences between the methane seepage velocities of the specimens were evident, and their seepage curves were similar to prefracture. However, clear differences were observable at the postfracture stage. The seepage abilities of the coal specimens were more sensitive to stress than temperature in the same condition.
Frequency Domain Design of a Series Structure of Robust Controllers for Multi-Input Single-Output Systems
Authors: Gil-Martínez Montserrat , Rico-Azagra Javier , Elso Jorge
Published: October 2018

The regulation of a disturbed output can be improved when several manipulated inputs are available. A popular choice in these cases is the series control scheme, characterized by (1) a sequential intervention of loops and (2) faster loops being reset by slower loops, to keep their control action around convenient values. This paper tackles the problem from the frequency-domain perspective. First, the working frequencies for each loop are determined and closed-loop specifications are defined. Then, Quantitative Feedback Theory (QFT) bounds are computed for each loop, and a sequential loop-shaping of controllers takes place. The obtained controllers are placed in a new series architecture, which unlike the classical series architecture only requires one controller with integral action. The benefits of the method are greater as the number of control inputs grow. A continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) is presented as an application example.
Effects of Variable Humidity on the Creep Behavior of Concrete and the Long‐Term Deflection of RC Beams
Authors: Li Pengfei , He Shiqin
Published: October 2018

The influences of variable humidity on the creep behaviors of concrete and the long‐term deflections of RC beams are analyzed in this paper. A total of 6 prismatic specimens and 5 RC beams were subjected to sustained loads and 3 types of variable humidity conditions for 331 days. The creep strains of the prismatic specimens and the deflections of the RC beams were recorded to investigate the long‐term deformation characteristics. The test results reveal that both the creep strain and the deflection of specimens under cyclic humidity conditions exhibit approximately linear tendencies that are obviously less than those of specimens exposed only to natural air. During certain wetting cycles, the deformation rate became slower and the creep strain even recovered with an increase in the humidity, especially for shorter wetting‐drying cycles. Long‐term deflections predicted using the CEB‐FIP 90 and ACI 209R models were compared with the test results to evaluate the versatility of these current specifications. The findings included rather large errors between the predicted results and experimental data when the average relative humidity was adopted in the analytical models.
Best Proximity Point Theorems for a Berinde MT-Cyclic Contraction on a Semisharp Proximal Pair
Authors: Klanarong Chalongchai , Chaobankoh Tanadon
Published: October 2018

In this paper, a new type of non-self-mapping, called Berinde MT-cyclic contractions, is introduced and studied. Best proximity point theorems for this type of mappings in a metric space are presented. Some examples illustrating our main results are also given. Our results generalize and improve some known results in the literature.
Decoupling Control Strategy of BLIM considering Rotor Mass Eccentricity
Authors: Bu Wenshao , Li Biao , Lu Chunxiao
Published: October 2018

A BLIM, i.e., bearingless induction motor, is a multivariable, nonlinear, and strong coupling object; to achieve its high performance magnetic suspension operation control and overcome the influence of the rotor mass eccentricity, a decoupling control strategy considering the rotor mass eccentricity is proposed. Firstly, the mathematical model of the torque system based on the rotor flux orientation and the mathematical model of the magnetic suspension system based on the air gap flux orientation are presented; on this basis, the inverse system decoupling control method of the BLIM is researched. Then, according to the frequency characteristics of the unbalanced displacement, an unbalance vibration compensator is designed, which can generate a compensation force to suppress or eliminate the unbalanced displacement. Simulation experimental results have shown that the decoupling control among the rotor flux-linkage, motor speed, and two radial displacement components can be achieved; in the steady state, the unbalanced displacement can be basically eliminated, while, during the mutation process of motor speed, the unbalanced displacement can be suppressed effectively.
Ureteral Rupture Caused by Accidental Intubation of the Ureter with a Foley-Catheter during Ureterorenoscopy
Authors: Löcherbach F. , Grimsehl P. , Sauer A. , Wyler S. , Kwiatkowski M.
Published: October 2018

We would like to present the case of a 64-year-old woman who underwent ureterorenoscopy and suffered an iatrogenic ureteral lesion due to an accidental intubation of the left ureter with a Foley-Catheter during the procedure. A Double-J-Stent was implanted into the damaged ureter, and 6 weeks later it fully recovered. To our knowledge there are few similar cases described in the literature with none of those having happened during ureterorenoscopy so far.
Evaluation of Marginal Misfit of Metal Frameworks Welded by Gas-Torch, Laser, and Tungsten Inert Gas Methods
Authors: Matsumoto Wilson , Beraldo Paula Pastana , de Almeida Rossana Pereira , Macedo Ana Paula , Kubata Beatriz Roque , Hotta Takami Hirono
Published: October 2018

Purpose. The objective of this study was to evaluate the marginal fit and the flexural resistance of nickel-chromium frameworks welded by different techniques, gas-torch, laser, and tungsten inert gas (TIG), compared with that of frameworks made via one-piece casting. Methods. To evaluate the marginal fit, a master model was fabricated simulating four implants. Transfers and replicas were used to transfer the positions of the implants to the model, using a silicone matrix. The bars were waxed up and casted. Three assessments of misfit were performed for each implant using a stereomicroscope before and after welding in two predetermined regions, totaling six readings for each implant. To evaluate the flexural resistance, one group was made casting the specimens in one piece. Other 3 groups using gas-torch, laser, and TIG welding techniques were made after sectioned transversally. The data showed normal distribution and two-way ANOVA for marginal fit and one-way ANOVA for flexural resistance, and Tukey’s posttest (α=0.05) was performed. Results. For the marginal fit, the three welding methods presented similar results and were different from one-piece casting. For the flexural resistance, significant differences were observed among the studied groups (p<0.001), and the one-piece group presented higher resistance compared to the three welding techniques. Conclusions. Within the limits of this study, the three welding techniques yielded similar misfit results, and the laser and TIG techniques presented similar flexural resistance but lower than gas-torch and one-piece casting.