bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Passive underwater acoustic tags with curved symmetry for navigation and information encoding
Authors: Satish Aprameya , Trivett David , Sabra Karim G.
Published: April 2019

Passive acoustic beacons built of horizontally stratified materials have been designed in previous literature to assist in the navigation of autonomous underwater vehicles (UAV) equipped with SOund Navigation and Ranging (SONAR) instrumentation. These beacons reflect a characteristic acoustic signature which can be detected by the AUV as acoustic backscattering upon tag insonification. Currently, only backscattering from acoustic waves normally incident on a beacon can be detected by the AUV due to the beacon's planar geometry. To address this issue, this paper proposes the design of passive acoustic beacons with curved symmetry, whose acoustic backscattering is the same irrespective of the angle of source incidence. Simulation and experimental results are discussed for beacons made of concentric spherical shells as a proof of concept.
Measurement of arm length difference of interferometric fiber-optic hydrophone using extra-carrier modulation and interference fringe counting method
Authors: Zhang Jun , Chen Yi , Zhao Han , Wang Jiaheng
Published: April 2019

Due to the characteristics of low loss, passivity, and long-distance transmission, interferometric fiber-optic hydrophones and their arrays have been widely used in engineering detection applications. The arm length difference is one of its main performance parameters. A system for measuring of arm length difference using extra-carrier modulation and interference fringe counting method is introduced in detail. The propagation process of optical signal in the fiber-optic hydrophone is described. The mathematical expression of the phase of interferometric optical signal intensity caused by external carrier is given and analyzed. The expression of arm length difference and its evaluation of measurement uncertainty are obtained. Experimental study on measurement of arm length difference is developed. Both theoretical analysis and experimental results show that the product of the driving voltage of the fiber stretcher and the arm length difference has fixed value. Combining the known arm length difference value and the carrier driving voltage of the reference interferometer, the arm length difference of the hydrophone to be measured can be calculated with the value of its carrier driving voltage accurately. The uncertainty of measurement of the device and method described in this paper is better than 0.5%. The measuring range is 0.1 m to 500 m.
Enhancing the Fan Experience at Live Sporting Events: The Case of Stadium Wi-Fi
Authors: Levallet Nadège , O’Reilly Norm , Wanless Elizabeth , Naraine Michael , Alkon Ethan , Longmire Wade
Published: April 2019

While live sport event attendance remains a pervasive and progressing issue for university athletic programs, athletic directors should consider strategies to boost perceptions of stadium innovativeness. Professional sport leagues have pursued the adoption of Wi-Fi capabilities much more aggressively than their collegiate sport counterparts. This case introduces the Wi-Fi adoption issue for collegiate sport including a conversation surrounding the foundational technical aspects of Wi-Fi and cellular data for sport venues, the current status of Wi-Fi for collegiate athletics in comparison with professional leagues, and the benefits and drawbacks of Wi-Fi adoption. Case participants are asked to evaluate the merits of Wi-Fi adoption for a “Power Five” institution from the position of the athletic director. Participants will address adopting functional technology for the rise in college esports, Wi-Fi inclusion for indoor and outdoor venues, and comparative analyses among connected and disconnected stadiums.
The protein kinase activity of fructokinase A specifies the antioxidant responses of tumor cells by phosphorylating p62
Authors: Xu Daqian , Li Xinjian , Shao Fei , Lv Guishuai , Lv Hongwei , Lee Jong-Ho , Qian Xu , Wang Zheng , Xia Yan , Du Linyong , Zheng Yanhua , Wang Hongyang , Lyu Jianxin , Lu Zhimin
Published: April 2019

KHK-A, a metabolic enzyme in fructose metabolism, acts as a protein kinase to phosphorylate p62 for tumor antioxidant responses.
A CD40L-targeting protein reduces autoantibodies and improves disease activity in patients with autoimmunity
Authors: Karnell Jodi L. , Albulescu Marius , Drabic Stacey , Wang Liangwei , Moate Rachel , Baca Manuel , Oganesyan Vaheh , Gunsior Michele , Thisted Thomas , Yan Li , Li Jing , Xiong Ximing , Eck Steven C. , de los Reyes Melissa , Yusuf Isharat , Streicher Katie , Müller-Ladner Ulf , Howe David , Ettinger Rachel , Herbst Ronald , Drappa Jörn
Published: April 2019

VIB4920, a nonantibody scaffold protein, blocks CD40L and reduces autoantibodies and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Complete Genome Sequence of Salmonella enterica Serovar Newport Myophage Melville
Authors: Zhang Kailun , Xie Yicheng , O'Leary Chandler J. , Liu Mei , Gill Jason J.
Published: April 2019

Multiple antimicrobial-resistant strains ofSalmonella entericaserovar Newport have been recorded. Study on phages infectingS.Newport may provide new therapeutics or diagnostics for this pathogen.
OC 8526 THE RWANDA CLINICAL RESEARCH NETWORK (RWANDA-CRN): A MODEL FOR MIXED SOUTH-SOUTH AND NORTH-SOUTH COLLABORATIONS FOR CLINICAL RESEARCH CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Musabyiman Jean Pierre , Musanabaganwa Clarisse , Dushimiyimana Valentine , Namabajimana Jean Pierre , Karame Prosper , Nshimiyimana Ladislas , Ndishimye Pacific
Published: April 2019

Background

Poor countries carry 90% of the global burden of disease, with access to only 10% of globally available health research funding and technical capacity. Fragile south–south collaborations hinder effective use of limited resources, career opportunities and funding to retain the insufficiently available quality scientists. The Rwanda Health System established a clinical research network involving academia, non-governmental organisations and private sector to accelerate generation of talented scientists, create enabling environment and incentives to retain scientists by establishing a local funding model.

Methods

Based on a baseline assessment, potential clinical trial units were mapped and developed through adoption of a Clinical trial management training model from European Universities. The Rwandan law on Public Private Partnership was leveraged to attract and engage local and international private players in a win-win approach. So far, countries such as Kenya and Sweden were engaged in the roadmap.

Results

From 2014 to date, a total of 285 scientists are trained on various clinical research components: Good Clinical Practice (28%), Research Grant writing (14%), systematic review and meta-analysis (9%) and scientific communication (8.7%). Ten Clinical Research Units and one centre for evidence-based healthcare were established. So far 13 health investigator-initiated projects in malaria, metabolic disorders and maternal health were funded through the local funding model. A process to empower six malaria sentinel sites into fully functioning clinical research sites is underway.

Conclusion

The creation of strong networks of excellence forclinical research among southern academic, research institutions and pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical industry is a promising strategic approach to promote sustainable clinical research capacity. The government vision is that beyond national boundaries, resource sharing and involvement of private players are key factors to mitigate the high burden of disease, nationally and regionally.
PO 8418 NEW MALARIA EPIDEMIOLOGY IN COASTAL LAGOON OF BENIN:PLASMODIUMINFECTION INANOPHELES MELAS
Authors: Adigbonon Claudiane , Assogba Benoît S , Djogbenou Luc S
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Malaria is a worldwide disease affecting many people particularly in the tropical and sub-tropical areas. It is caused byPlasmodiumparasites and essentially transmitted by female mosquitoes belonging to theAnophelesgenus. Our understanding of the infectivity of these vectors toPlasmodiumis necessary to design sustainable strategies for their control. This aspect remains unknown in the coastal and lagoon area of Benin whereAnopheles melasandAnopheles coluzziiare sympatric. This study aims to investigate the infectivity of these two vectors toPlasmodiumto understand their role in malaria transmission in southern Benin.

Methods

Insecticide spray catch technique was used to collect females in 80 houses randomly selected in our study site. Three hundred and twenty (320) females were identified using PCR–species technique,Plasmodiuminfection was determined by the TaqMan method during the dry season. This assay detects all four malaria-causing species and discriminatesPlasmodium falciparumfromPlasmodium ovale,Plasmodium vivaxandPlasmodium malariae(OVM).

Results

During the dry season, the sporozoïte rates were 0.2% and 0.3% forAnopheles melasandAnopheles coluzzii, respectively. However, we observed that positivity to the OVM (one ofPlasmodium ovale,Plasmodium vivaxandPlasmodium malariaespecies) was significantly higher inAnopheles melas(95%) than inAnopheles coluzzii(33.33%) (Chi-sq=15 857, df=1, p<0.001). These results indicated thatAnopheles melasis more infected by one of the speciesPlasmodium ovale,Plamodium vivaxandPlasmodium malariaethan byPlasmodium falciparum, contrarily toAnopheles coluzzii.

Conclusion

These findings reinforce the debate on the role ofAnopheles melasin malaria transmission in coastal lagoon areas of Benin.
PO 8426 DELIVERY OF POST-DISCHARGE MALARIA CHEMOPREVENTION (PMC) WITH DIHYDROARTEMESININ-PIPERAQUINE FOR MANAGEMENT OF CHILDREN WITH SEVERE ANAEMIA IN MALAWI
Authors: Gondwe Thandile , Robberstad Bjarne , Mukaka Mavuto , Blomberg Bjorn , Phiri Kamija
Published: April 2019

Background

Children hospitalised with severe anaemia in Africa are at high risk of readmission or death within 6 months after discharge. No strategy addresses this post-discharge period. In Malawi, 3 months of post-discharge malaria chemoprevention (PMC) with monthly 3 day courses of artemether-lumefantrine (AL) in children with severe malarial anaemia prevented 31% of deaths and readmissions. There is now a need to design and evaluate an effective delivery strategy for PMC.

Methods

This is a cluster-randomised trial whose primary objective is to determine the optimum PMC delivery strategy by comparing community versus health facility-based strategies with the aim to inform policy. Convalescent children under 5 years old, weighing >5 kg, admitted with severe anaemia and clinically stable are included. All children received dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine 2, 6 and 10 weeks after discharge, either: 1) at discharge with SMS reminder; 2) at discharge without an SMS reminder; 3) at discharge and community health worker reminder; 4) at the hospital with an SMS reminder; or 5) at the hospital without an SMS reminder. The primary outcome measure is uptake of courses of PMC drugs. Children will be followed up for 15 weeks. The sample size is 75 children per arm (375 total).

Results

The study has nearly completed enrollment and preliminary data analysis is in progress. We expect to identify the most effective, cost-effective, acceptable and feasible strategy for delivering intermittent preventive therapy post-discharge for management of severe anaemia in under-five children.

Conclusion

The findings of this study will be presented; they address the knowledge gap regarding the potentially preventable component of the burden that occurs after discharge from hospital, and inform the optimal delivery strategy for PMC.
PO 8439 EFFECT OFPLASMODIUM FALCIPARUMEXPOSURE ON HUMAN URINARY METABOLOMICS PROFILING
Authors: E Betouke Ongwe Madeleine , Verhoeven Aswin , Ayola Adegnika Akim , Yazdanbakhsh Maria , Mayboroda Oleg
Published: April 2019

Background

Immunity against malaria infection is being studied extensively but the underlying mechanisms of protection remain not fully understood. Metabolomics is a post-genomic technology enabling a minimally invasive monitoring of the physiological responses to external and internal stimuli. Here, we present a longitudinal study of the urinary metabolic profiles of healthy individuals before and after intravenous administration ofP. falciparumsporozoïtes, aiming at deciphering the metabolic changes observed during malaria infection.

Methods

Twenty (20) healthy Gabonese and 5 Europeans were voluntary challenged by liveP. falciparumsporozoïtes (3200 PfSPZ) and followed up until they developed symptoms and became thick blood smear-positive. Urine samples were collected before and after challenge at several time points until treatment. Samples were analysed in an untargeted approach using state-of-the-art analytical platforms, namely hydrophilic interaction chromatography-mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. A combination of the multivariate and univariate data analysis approaches was used for dissecting the metabolic effects of a host response to the infection.

Results

Unlike the Europeans participants, a part of the Gabonese volunteers did not become parasitaemic. Unsupervised data analysis shows sample discrimination between Europeans and Gabonese at baseline, before and after challenge and between Gabonese who controlled their parasitaemia and those who did not.

Conclusion

This metabolomics study highlighted the differences in the urinary metabolite profiles duringP. falciparuminfection. These differences observed between parasitaemic and non-parasitaemic Gabonese after challenge withP. falciparum, may suggest an underlying metabolic mechanism of protection against malaria infection which we will investigate in detail.
PO 8441 EXPERIMENTAL COMPARISON OF SENSITIVITY OF LAMP AND REAL-TIME PCR
Authors: Kaboré Jacques , Ilboudo Hamidou , Compaoré Charlie FA , Camara Oumou , Bamba Mohamed , Sakandé Hassane , Camara Mamadou , Bucheton Bruno , Kaba Dramane , Jamonneau Vincent , Deborggraeve Stijn , Lejon Veerle
Published: April 2019

Background

Human African trypanosomiasis, or sleeping sickness, remains a serious problem in tropical Africa. Timely diagnosis of this disease requires systematic population screening, particularly forTrypanosoma brucei gambiense, which has a long asymptomatic period.

The lack of sensitivity and specificity of conventional diagnostic tests has led in recent years to the use of molecular tools. Amplification of parasite-specific DNA sequences significantly improved diagnosis of infection. However, these molecular tools still have some limitations especially in the case of low parasitaemia. Furthermore, research is still needed to make molecular detection a real control tool for the fight against sleeping sickness. The purpose of this study is to determine the threshold of sensitivity of real-time PCR using the 18S and TgsGp primers and of the LAMP technique, applied in the DiTECT-HAT project as molecular reference tests.

Methods

We used serial dilutions containing 0, 1, 10, 100, 103, 104, 105, 106parasites per ml of blood. Samples were extracted, and DNA was amplified.

Results

The analytical sensitivity of the 18S real-time PCR with the Taqman probe of the filter paper samples is 100 parasites/ml and that of the TgsGp real-time PCR with the Taqman probe of filter paper samples is 104parasites/ml. For Lamp technique, the analytical sensitivity is 103parasites/ml.

Conclusion

This study shows that a ‘negative PCR’ would not mean ‘no parasite’. It suggests that DNA detection techniques should still be improved.
Can patients contribute to safer care in meetings with healthcare professionals? A cross-sectional survey of patient perceptions and beliefs
Authors: Ericsson Carin , Skagerström Janna , Schildmeijer Kristina , Årestedt Kristofer , Broström Anders , Pakpour Amir , Nilsen Per
Published: April 2019

Objectives

To investigate patients’ perceptions of their meetings with healthcare professionals and the extent to which they believe they can influence patient safety in these meetings.

Design

Cross-sectional survey of patients using a study-specific questionnaire. Data were analysed using both parametric and non-parametric statistics.

Setting

The study was conducted in primary and secondary care in three county councils in southeast Sweden by means of a survey questionnaire despatched in January 2017.

Participants

Survey data were collected from 1445 patients, 333 of whom were complainants (patients who had filed a complaint about being harmed in healthcare) and 1112 regular patients (patients recruited from healthcare units).

Main outcome measures

Patients’ perceptions of meetings with physicians and nurses, beliefs concerning patients’ contributions to safer care and whether the patients had suffered harm in healthcare during the past 10 years.

Results

Most respondents reported that it was easy to ask physicians and nurses questions (84.9% and 86.6%) and to point out if something felt odd in their care (77.7% and 80.7%). In general, complainants agreed to a higher extent compared with regular patients that patients can contribute to safer care (mean 1.92 and 2.13, p<0.001). Almost one-third (31.2%) of the respondents (both complainants and regular patients) reported that they had suffered harm in healthcare during the past 10 years.

Conclusions

Most respondents believed that healthcare professionals can facilitate patient interaction and increase patient safety by encouraging patients to ask questions and take an active part in their care. Further research will need to identify strategies to support such questioning in routine practice and ensure that it achieves its intended goals.
Functional analysis of novel desert hedgehog gene variants improves the clinical interpretation of genomic data and provides a more accurate diagnosis for patients with 46,XY differences of sex development
Authors: Ayers Katie , van den Bergen Jocelyn , Robevska Gorjana , Listyasari Nurin , Raza Jamal , Atta Irum , Riedl Stefan , Rothacker Karen , Choong Catherine , Faradz Sultana M H , Sinclair Andrew
Published: April 2019

Background

Desert hedgehog (DHH) gene variants are known to cause 46,XY differences/disorders of sex development (DSD). We have identified six patients with 46,XY DSD with seven novel DHH gene variants. Many of these variants were classified as variants of uncertain significance due to their heterozygosity or associated milder phenotype. To assess variant pathogenicity and to refine the spectrum of DSDs associated with this gene, we have carried out the first reported functional testing of DHH gene variant activity.

Methods

A cell co-culture method was used to assess DHH variant induction of Hedgehog signalling in cultured Leydig cells. Protein expression and subcellular localisation were also assessed for DHH variants using western blot and immunofluorescence.

Results

Our co-culture method provided a robust read-out of DHH gene variant activity, which correlated closely with patient phenotype severity. While biallelic DHH variants from patients with gonadal dysgenesis showed significant loss of activity, variants found as heterozygous in patients with milder phenotypes had no loss of activity when tested with a wild type allele. Taking these functional results into account improved clinical interpretation.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest heterozygous DHH gene variants are unlikely to cause DSD, reaffirming that DHH is an autosomal recessive cause of 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis. Functional characterisation of novel DHH variants improves variant interpretation, leading to greater confidence in patient reporting and clinical management.
Prevalence, incidence and predictors of analChlamydia trachomatis, analNeisseria gonorrhoeaeand syphilis among older gay and bisexual men in the longitudinal Study for the Prevention of Anal Cancer (SPANC)
Authors: Goddard Sian Louise , Poynten Isobel M , Petoumenous Kathy , Jin Fengyi , Hillman Richard J , Law Carmella , Roberts Jennifer M , Fairley Christopher K , Garland Suzanne M , Grulich Andrew E , Templeton David J
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Sexually transmitted infection (STI) notifications are increasing among older individuals. Many older gay and bisexual men (GBM) are sexually active and have multiple partners. We aimed to investigate the prevalence, incidence and predictors of anal chlamydia, anal gonorrhoea and syphilis in older GBM.

Methods

The Study for the Prevention of Anal Cancer (SPANC) was a prospective cohort study of HPV infections and related anal lesions among community-recruited GBM age ≥ 35 years in Sydney, Australia. At baseline and subsequent annual visits, recent STI diagnoses were collected via questionnaire (‘interval diagnoses’) and STI testing occurred (‘study visit diagnoses’). Baseline STI prevalence was calculated using study visit diagnoses. Incidence of anal chlamydia and gonorrhoea was calculated using interval and study visit diagnoses. Syphilis incidence was calculated using interval diagnoses. Univariate and multivariate analysis using Cox proportional hazards were undertaken to investigate the association between risk factors and incident STI.

Results

Among 617 GBM, the median age was 49 years (range 35–79) and 35.8% (n=221) were HIV-positive. At baseline, STI prevalence was: anal chlamydia 2.3% (n=14); anal gonorrhoea 0.5% (n=3) and syphilis 1.0% (n=6). During 1428 person-years of follow-up (PYFU), the incidence (per 100 PYFU) of anal chlamydia, anal gonorrhoea and syphilis was 10.40 (95% CI 8.82 to 12.25), 9.11 (95% CI 7.64 to 10.85) and 5.47 (95% CI 4.38 to 6.84), respectively. In multivariate analysis, HIV-positivity, higher number of recent condomless receptive anal intercourse partners and baseline methamphetamine use were associated with each STI. Sex with ‘fuck-buddies’ was associated with anal chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Age was not associated with any STI.

Discussion

There was a high incidence of STI among SPANC participants. Age should not be used as a proxy for sexual risk and older GBM require a detailed sexual behaviour and recreational drug use history. Interventions that specifically target STI risk among older GBM should be considered.
miR-628-5p promotes growth and migration of osteosarcoma by targeting IFI44L
Authors: Wang Ju-Yong , Wang Ju-Qiang , Lu Shi-Bao
Published: April 2019

This study investigated the role of miR-628-5p and interferon-induced protein 44-like (IFI44L) in osteosarcoma (OS) and determined whether miR-628-5p modulated OS growth by regulating IFI44L. Based on the data downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, we revealed that the expression of IFI44L was downregulated in OS and low expression of IFI44L was correlated with better prognosis of patients with OS. Biological prediction of its upstream regulatory miRNAs on the miRWalk website found that miR-628-5p is a possible upstream regulatory miRNA of IFI44L. Luciferase activity assay demonstrated that miR-628-5p could bind to the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of IFI44L, which proved the above prediction. The expression of miR-628-5p is upregulated in OS and high expression of miR-628-5p is correlated with poor prognosis of patients with OS. The results of RT-qPCR showed that the expression of miR-628-5p in MG-63, U2OS, Saos-2, and SW1353 cells was significantly higher than that in the hFOB1.19 cells. Downregulation of miR-628-5p by miR-628-5p inhibitor significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of MG-63 cells. By rescue assay, we found that knockdown of IFI44L rescued the proliferation and motility of miR-628-5p depleted MG-63 cells. Collectively, our present data illustrated that miR-628-5p promoted the growth and motility of OS at least partly by targeting IFI44L. Moreover, miR-628-5p and IFI44L might be proposed as promising biomarkers in OS diagnosis and treatment.
Pop-up satellite archival tags reveal evidence of intense predation on large immature Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the North Pacific Ocean
Authors: Seitz Andrew C. , Courtney Michael B. , Evans Mark D. , Manishin Kaitlyn
Published: April 2019

Throughout the northern extent of its range, Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) adult returns have been in decline for over a decade, leading to severe harvest restrictions on subsistence, commercial, and recreational fisheries. In addition to these overall declines in abundance, changes in size structure and age structure, including a proportional decrease of older age classes returning to spawn, suggest that late-stage marine mortality for this species may be more frequent than currently assumed. To examine this late-stage mortality hypothesis, we examined diagnostic evidence of predation on large (57–100 cm fork length) Chinook salmon (n = 33) from depth, temperature, and light records collected during recent satellite tagging research. Satellite tags provided evidence of predation on tagged Chinook salmon by salmon sharks (Lamna ditropis) (n = 14), marine mammals (n = 2), ectothermic fish(es) (n = 3), and unidentified predators (n = 5) in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska. High mortality rates in this study suggest that fisheries scientists should consider that late-stage mortality by marine apex predators may be shaping this species’ abundance and demographics.
Complex geometry of space–time motivated by gravity’s rainbow
Authors: Bhat Faizan , Qureshi Mussadiq H. , Malik Manzoor A. , Iqbal Asif
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we generalize the formalism of gravity’s rainbow to complex space–time. The resulting geometry depends on the energy of the probe in such a way that the usual real manifold is the low energy approximation of the Planck scale geometry of space–time. So, our formalism agrees with all the observational data about our space–time being real, as at the scale these experiments are preformed, the imaginary part of the geometry is suppressed by Planck energy. However, the imaginary part of the geometry becomes important near the Planck energy, and so it cannot be neglected near the Planck scale. So, the Planck scale geometry of space–time is described by a complex manifold.
Reintroduction of fishes in Canada: a review of research progress for SARA-listed species
Authors: Lamothe Karl A. , Drake D. Andrew R. , Pitcher Trevor E. , Broome Jeremy E. , Dextrase Alan J. , Gillespie Ashley , Mandrak Nicholas E. , Poesch Mark S. , Reid Scott M. , Vachon Nathalie
Published: April 2019

Fishes are among the most threatened taxa in Canada with over 70 species, subspecies, and (or) designatable units presently listed for protection under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). Protecting these species requires a diverse set of strategies based on the best-available data and information. One approach identified under SARA and in Canadian federal recovery strategies for improving the status of SARA-listed fishes is species reintroduction, which involves the release of individuals into areas from which they have been extirpated with the goal of re-establishing self-sustaining populations. The success of reintroduction relies on a comprehensive understanding of species ecology and life history, with considerations around population genetics and genomics. However, SARA-listed species are some of the most poorly known species in Canada due to their rarity and relative lack of research investment prior to the enactment of SARA. As a result, SARA-listed species have the most to lose if reintroduction activities are not carefully researched, planned, and executed. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to present an accessible summary on the state of reintroduction science for SARA-listed fishes in Canada with the hope of motivating future research to support reintroduction activities. We focus our review on 14 SARA-listed freshwater or anadromous fishes identified as candidates for reintroduction in federal recovery strategies. We follow the species-specific summaries with guidance on how basic research questions in population ecology, habitat science, and threat science provide a critical foundation for addressing knowledge gaps in reintroduction science. Subsequently, we identify the importance of genetic and genomic techniques for informing future research on the reintroduction of SARA-listed species. We conclude with recommendations for active, experimental approaches for moving reintroduction efforts forward to recover Canadian fishes.
A Commit Messages-Based Bug Localization for Android Applications
Authors: Zhang Tao , Hu Wenjun , Luo Xiapu , Ma Xiaobo
Published: April 2019

Recently, there has been consistent growth in Android applications (apps). Under these circumstances, software maintenance for Android apps becomes an essential and important task. The core of software maintenance is to locate bugs in source files. Previous bug localization approaches mainly focus on open-source desktop software (e.g. Eclipse, Mozilla, GCC). Even though a few studies locate the bugs in the Android apps, they are dedicated to a special app named ZXing, without developing a general method to locate the bugs in Android apps by taking into account the unique characteristics of Android apps’ bug reports. Such characteristics include fewer number of historical bug reports, insufficient detailed description, etc. These characteristics hinder existing localization approaches from being directly delivered to Android apps, because lack of enough information degrades the performance of those localization approaches relying on historical bug reports. Commit messages include more informative data which can provide the details of reported bugs. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a novel information retrieval-based approach which utilizes commit messages to locate new bugs in Android apps. This approach not only considers the structured textual similarity between the given bug and the candidate source files, but also computes the unstructured textual similarities between the new bug and the commit messages linked to the corresponding source files. According to the experimental results on 10 popular open-source Android apps managed by GitHub, our approach outperforms the state-of-the-art bug localization methods that include BugLocator, BLUiR, and two-phase model.
Ultrafast pump-probe and time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy study of the intramolecular interaction of branched styryl derivatives based on 1,3,5-triazine
Authors: Wang Yaochuan , Wang Yizhuo , Wang Guiqiu , Liu Dajun
Published: April 2019

A series of branched styryl derivatives based on 1,3,5-triazine were studied by nonlinear optical property measurement, degenerated pump-probe, and time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy methods to elucidate the two-photon absorption (TPA) properties and intramolecular interactions between branches. Significant enhancement of the TPA cross-section was observed in multi-branched derivatives. The anisotropy of multi-branched compounds shows faster decay and small residual values, indicating strong intramolecular interactions between branches, which further confirmed the TPA enhancement mechanism.
Stochastic Kinetics for a FitzHugh–Nagumo Neural System with Time Delay Driven by Non-Gaussian Noise and a Multiplicative Periodic Signal
Authors: Wang Kang-Kang , Zong De-Cai , Ye Hui , Wang Ya-Jun
Published: April 2019

In the present paper, the stability and the phenomena of stochastic resonance (SR) for a FitzHugh–Nagumo (FHN) system with time delay driven by a multiplicative non-Gaussian noise and an additive Gaussian white noise are investigated. By using the fast descent method, unified colored noise approximation and the two-state theory for the SR, the expressions for the stationary probability density function (SPDF) and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) are obtained. The research results show that the two noise intensities and time delay can always decrease the probability density at the two stable states and impair the stability of the neural system; while the noise correlation time [Formula: see text] can increase the probability density around both stable states and consolidate the stability of the neural system. Furthermore, the other noise correlation time [Formula: see text] can increase the probability at the resting state, but reduce that around the excited state. With respect to the SNR, it is discovered that the two noise strengths can both weaken the SR effect, while time delay [Formula: see text] and the departure parameter [Formula: see text] will always amplify the SR phenomenon. Moreover, the noise correlation time [Formula: see text] can motivate the SR effect, but not alter the peak value of the SNR. What’s most interesting is that the other noise correlation time [Formula: see text] can not only stimulate the SR phenomenon, but also results in the occurrence of two resonant peaks, whose heights are simultaneously improved because of the action of [Formula: see text].
U.S.-China Trade War and Its Global Impacts
Authors: Steinbock Dan
Published: April 2019

With high growth rates during the past two decades and the largest trade surplus with the United States, China is the primary target of the U.S. trade war efforts. Tariffs are the first shot in bilateral tensions that are multilateralizing and injuring global economic integration, coupled with ever more intense technology competition. The evolving global scenarios of U.S.-China trade and technology conflicts are the outcome of an ever more anxious America forsaking its multilateral cooperative stances for primacy doctrines. In the worst case, these conflicts may escalate into a “decoupling” of both economies and cause lasting global recession and new geopolitical confrontation. This gloomy scenario has become viable with the exceptional use of executive power by the post-9/11 U.S. administrations. The Trump administration, in particular, is predicated on “imperial presidency” that relies on an emergency status quo, new campaign finance, and “big money,” which poses significant risks not only to U.S.-China relations, but also to American democracy and existing international order.
Online event processing
Authors: Kleppmann Martin , Beresford Alastair R. , Svingen Boerge
Published: April 2019

Achieving consistency where distributed transactions have failed.
Precision Farming at the Nexus of Agricultural Production and the Environment
Authors: Finger Robert , Swinton Scott M. , El Benni Nadja , Walter Achim
Published: April 2019

Precision farming enables agricultural management decisions to be tailored spatially and temporally. Site-specific sensing, sampling, and managing allow farmers to treat a field as a heterogeneous entity. Through targeted use of inputs, precision farming reduces waste, thereby cutting both private variable costs and the environmental costs such as those of agrichemical residuals. At present, large farms in developed countries are the main adopters of precision farming. But its potential environmental benefits can justify greater public and private sector incentives to encourage adoption, including in small-scale farming systems in developing countries. Technological developments and big data advances continue to make precision farming tools more connected, accurate, efficient, and widely applicable. Improvements in the technical infrastructure and the legal framework can expand access to precision farming and thereby its overall societal benefits.
The Cultural Impacts of Social Movements
Authors: Amenta Edwin , Polletta Francesca
Published: April 2019

The most important impacts of social movements are often cultural, but the sheer variety of potential cultural impacts—from shifts in public opinion to new portrayals of a group on television to the metrics guiding funding in a federal agency—presents unique challenges to scholars. Rather than treating culture as a social sphere separate from politics and the economy, we conceptualize it as the ideas, values, and assumptions underpinning policies and practices in all spheres. We review recent research on movements’ impacts on public opinion and everyday behavior; the media and popular culture; nonpolitical institutions such as science, medicine, and education; and politics. We focus on cultural impacts that have mattered for movements’ constituencies and address why movements have had those impacts. We conclude with an agenda for future research, seeking greater connection between the literatures on movements and the literatures on the institutions that matter to movements.
Effect of Disinfectants on Mechanical Properties of Orthodontic Acrylics
Authors: Bensel Tobias , Bock Jens J. , Kebernik Anne , Arnold Christin , Mansour Sonia , Boeckler Arne F.
Published: April 2019

Objective. Infection control protocols in dentistry dictate that orthodontic acrylics have to be disinfected. No specific products for orthodontic acrylics are available. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of chemical disinfectants on mechanical properties of orthodontic acrylics.Materials and Methods. 260 test specimens of two cold-curing orthodontic acrylics were manufactured. Three chemical disinfecting agents were tested: Impresept, D050 Instru-Gen, and Stammopur DR. Test specimens were stored in distilled water and divided into test groups. E-Modulus, flexural strength, macro hardness, micro hardness, average roughness, and colour change were measured.Results. Disinfection agents showed no significant influence on E-modulus. Values ranged from 1783.80 ± 163.80 MPa (Forestacryl colourless) to 2474.00 ± 135.00 MPa (Orthocryl green) after storage in distilled water. Disinfection agents performed no significant influence on flexural strength. Values ranged from 18.64±1.59 N/mm2(Forestacryl colourless) to 25.64 ± 1.43 N/mm2(Orthocryl green) after storage in distilled water. Orthocryl colourless showed a reduction of the macro hardness after disinfection (Stammopur DR (p≤0.001), D050 Instru-Gen (p≤0.037)). Disinfection of Orthocryl green with D050 Instru-Gen (p<0.001) and Forestacryl colourless with Impresept (p≤0.001) led to a reduction of macro hardness. Micro hardness of Orthocryl colourless altered significantly after disinfection with D050 Instru-Gen (p≤0.001). Micro hardness of Forestacryl colourless increased (Impresept (p≤0.039)) and decreased (Stammopur DR (p≤0.006) Instru-Gen (p≤0.001)) after disinfection. Average roughness did not change significantly (Orthocryl colourless). Forestacryl colourless performed a significant change after disinfection with Stammopur DR (p≤0.05). This is also true for the disinfection of Orthocryl green and Forestacryl pink with Instru-Gen (p≤0.05). Disinfection performed no significant influence on colour change. ΔE-values were in a range of 1 to 2.Conclusions. Some orthodontic acrylics disinfection caused significant changes of determined parameters. Changes were specific for the applied disinfectant and tested orthodontic acrylic. Further studies should verify the impact of long-term disinfection intervals. Thus, from manufacturers of orthodontic acrylics recommendations for appropriate disinfectants would be desirable.
Detection of the First Component of the Received LTE Signal in the OTDoA Method
Authors: Gadka Pawel , Sadowski Jaroslaw , Stefanski Jacek
Published: April 2019

In a modern world there is a growing demand for localization services of various kinds. Position estimation can be realized via cellular networks, especially in the currently widely deployed LTE (Long Term Evolution) networks. However, it is not an easy task in harsh propagation conditions which often occur in dense urban environments. Recently, time-methods of terminal localization within the network have been the focus of attention, with the OTDoA (Observed Time Difference of Arrival) method in particular. One of the main factors influencing the accuracy of location estimation in the OTDoA method is the nature of the propagation channel that affects the ease of isolating the signal component travelling from the transmitter to the receiver through the shortest path. To obtain the smallest possible localization error, it is necessary to detect the first received component of the useful signal. This aim could be achieved by using a proper algorithm within the receiver. This paper proposes a new algorithm for effective detecting of the first component of the LTE downlink signal in the multipath environment. In a mobile terminal location estimation process, CSRS (Cell Specific Reference Signal) signals were used instead of dedicated PRS (Positioning Reference Signal) signals. New solution was verified during the measurement campaign in a real LTE network.
Speed of Retinal Vascularization in Retinopathy of Prematurity: Risk and Protective Factors
Authors: Solans Pérez de Larraya Ana Maria , Ortega Molina José María , Uberos Fernández José , González Ramírez Amanda Rocío , García Serrano José Luis
Published: April 2019

Objective. The objective was to study the risk and protective factors involved in retinal vascular development of preterm infants with retinopathy of prematurity.Methods. Between 2000 and 2017, 185 preterm infants were included in the protocol for retinopathy of prematurity. Risk factors associated with speed of retinal vascularization <0.5 disc diameter/week were studied in each of them.Results. The statistically significant variables related to retinal vascular development <0.5 DD/w were intubation days, degree 3 of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, weight gain at 4-6 weeks, avascular temporal area, gestational age, number of transfusions, sepsis, number of risk factors, apnea at birth, presence of ductus arteriosus, and days of continuous positive airway pressure therapy. After the multivariate logistic regression analysis, only three variables were found to be significant: intubation days (p=0.005), degree 3 of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (p=0.022), and weight gain at 4–6 weeks (p=0.031).Conclusion. In retinopathy of prematurity, degree 3 of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and intubation days cause delayed retinal vascular development, whereas greater postnatal weight gain favors an appropriate rate of retinal vascularization.
Genetic Variants Are Not Rare in ICD Candidates with Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Time for Next-Generation Sequencing?
Authors: Sousa Alexandra , Canedo Paulo , Campelo Manuel , Moura Brenda , Leite Sérgio , Baixia Márcia , Belo Adriana , Rocha-Gonçalves Francisco , Machado José Carlos , Silva-Cardoso José , Martins Elisabete , FATIMA Investigators
Published: April 2019

Background. Sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk stratification in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has been based on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), even though SCD may occur with LVEF > 35%. Family history of unexplained SCD, especially in the young, raises concern about potential inheritable risk factors. It remains largely unknown how genetic tests can be integrated into clinical practice, particularly in the selection of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) candidates. We aimed to assess the diagnostic yield of genetic testing in DCM patients with a class I recommendation for ICD implantation, based on current guidelines. Methods. We included ambulatory stable adult patients with idiopathic or familial DCM with previously implanted ICD. Molecular analysis included 15 genes (LMNA, MYH7, MYBPC3, TNNT2, ACTC1, TPM1, CSRP3, TCAP, SGCD, PLN, MYL2, MYL3, TNNI3, TAZ, and LDB3) using next-generation sequencing. Results. We evaluated 21 patients, 12 (57%) males and 9 (43%) with familial DCM, including 3 (14%) with a family history of premature unexplained SCD. Mean age at DCM diagnosis was 40 ± 2 years, and mean age at ICD implantation was 50 ± 12 years. LVEF was 27 ± 9%, and LV end-diastolic diameter was 65 ± 7 mm. Genetic variants were found in six (29%) patients, occurring in 5 genes: TPM1, TNNT2, MYH7, PLN, and MYBPC3. The majority were classified as variants of uncertain significance. Family history of SCD was present in both patients with PLN variants. Conclusion. In patients with DCM and ICD, genetic variants could be identified in a significant proportion of patients in several genes, highlighting the potential role of genetics in DCM SCD risk stratification.
On Monotone Asymptotic Pointwise Nonexpansive Mappings in Modular Function Spaces
Authors: Bin Dehaish B. A.
Published: April 2019

In this work, we investigate the existence of the fixed points of a monotone asymptotic pointwise nonexpansive mapping defined in a modular function space. Our result extends the fixed point result of Khamsi and Kozlowski.
Antibody-Negative Relapse of Goodpasture Syndrome with Pulmonary Hemorrhage
Authors: Rohm Charlene L. , Acree Sara , Shrivastava Aseem , Saberi Asif A. , Lovett Louis
Published: April 2019

Goodpasture syndrome is a rare autoimmune disease comprising antiglomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) crescentic glomerulonephritis and pulmonary capillaritis with circulating anti-GBM antibodies. Rarely, antibody-negative cases have been described. We report a young, African American adult woman admitted with flank pain and hematuria with laboratory testing and kidney biopsy demonstrating anti-GBM crescentic glomerulonephritis with elevated anti-GBM antibody levels. She received treatment but remained dialysis-dependent. She was seronegative and clinically stable until she presented 8 months later with dyspnea and hemoptysis requiring mechanical ventilation. Bronchoscopy revealed diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. She was treated for relapse of Goodpasture syndrome. However, anti-GBM antibodies were undetectable. This case emphasizes prompt diagnosis and treatment of Goodpasture syndrome to preserve renal function. Additionally, clinical manifestations of Goodpasture syndrome and its degree of activity do not necessarily correlate with the actual antibody titer on relapse. Clinicians should have enhanced awareness of this atypical presentation of a rare disease.
Functional Band and Loop Space Maintainers in Children
Authors: Vinothini V. , Sanguida A. , Selvabalaji A. , Prathima G. S. , Kavitha M.
Published: April 2019

Premature loss of teeth in children leads to space loss and affects arch integrity. The band and loop space maintainer is used in majority of patients requiring single tooth space maintenance in both primary and mixed dentitions. It preserves the proximal dimensions, but it is nonfunctional. This paper describes a method to modify the conventional band and loop space maintainer into a functional one and reports its clinical application and follow-up in five children.
The Unbiased Characteristic of Doppler Frequency in GNSS Antenna Array Processing
Authors: Xie Yuchen , Li Zhengrong , Chen Feiqiang , Chen Huaming , Wang Feixue
Published: April 2019

The antenna array technology, especially the spaced-time array processing (STAP), is one of the effective methods used in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers to refrain the power of jamming and enhance the performance of receivers in the circumstance of interference. However, biases induced to the receiver because of many reasons, including characteristic of antennas, front-end channel electronics, and space-time filtering, are extremely harmful to the high precise positioning of receivers. Although plenty of works have been done to calibrate the antenna and to mitigate these biases, achieving a good performance of antijamming, high accuracy, and low complexity at the same time still remains challenging. Different from existing works, this paper leverages the characteristic of GNSS signal’s Doppler frequency in STAP, which is proven to remain unbiased to solve the problem, even when the nonideal antennas are used and the interference circumstance changes. Since the integration of frequency is carrier phase, the unbiased Doppler frequency leads to an accurate estimation of carrier phase which can be used to calibrate the antenna array without extra apparatus or complicating algorithms. Therefore, a simple Doppler-aid strategy may be developed in the future to solve the difficulty of STAP bias mitigation.