bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Análise das Características de Governança Corporativa Considerando Porte e Tipo de Patrocínio de Entidades Fechadas de Previdência Complementar Atuantes no Brasil
Authors: Falcão Guilherme De Queiroga , Alves Carlos André De Melo
Published: June 2018

Este estudo buscou analisar as características de governança corporativa considerando o porte e o tipo de patrocínio de Entidades Fechadas de Previdência Complementar (EFPCs) atuantes no Brasil. Realizou-se pesquisa descritiva com abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa. A amostra, não-probabilística por acessibilidade abrangeu 60 EFPCs do Consolidado Estatístico da Associação Brasileira das Entidades Fechadas de Previdência Complementar – Abrapp, de novembro de 2016, ordenadas pelo porte. Coletaram-se dados dos estatutos e das políticas de investimento disponíveis e atualizados até março de 2017. Trataram-se os dados com análise de conteúdo, considerando 20 subcategorias distribuídas em 4 categorias baseadas na fundamentação teórica. Complementou-se o tratamento dos dados com as estatísticas descritiva e inferencial não paramétrica, usando-se testes Qui-quadrado. Após a análise de 1200 subcategorias, constatou-se, em média, 57,67% das subcategorias presentes. Houve diferenças significativas entre os percentuais de presença de subcategorias das EFPCs segmentadas pelo porte e pelo tipo de patrocínio, em diferentes níveis de significância. Espera-se que o estudo contribua para melhor entendimento por parte de acadêmicos e demais interessados nas características da governança corporativa das EFPCs brasileiras.
Аналіз монетарних методів оцінки тіньової економіки
Authors: Reikin Vitalii
Published: June 2018

У статті проаналізовано переваги та недоліки монетарних методів оцінювання обсягів тіньової економіки. Досліджено базові методичні способи й прийоми монетарного підходу. Обґрунтовано обмежені можливості застосування монетарних методів в умовах нестійкого розвитку національної економіки. Наведено офіційні показники оцінки тіньового сектору України.
Методичні підходи до системного аналізу промислових підприємств у підприємницькому середовищі
Authors: Polinkevych Oksana
Published: June 2018

Розглянуто методичні підходи до системного аналізу промислових підприємств у підприємницькому середовищі, виокремлено ознаки розмежування системного аналізу та системного синтезу, запропоновано власний методичний підхід до системного аналізу з урахуванням завдань і підходів системного аналізу.
Формування механізму управління фінансовою безпекою банківської установи
Authors: Levytskyj Viktor
Published: June 2018

У статті визначено сутність, головну мету та завдання механізму управління фінансовою безпекою банківської установи. Запропоновано основні етапи формування механізму управління фінансовою безпекою банківської установи як складного процесу, головним завданням якого є виявлення й усунення загроз ефективної діяльності банківської установи за умов економічної нестабільності.
Investigation of condensation process at COSMEA test facility with ATHLET code
Authors: Zhang Y. , Geißler T. , Leyer S. , Hampel U.
Published: June 2018

Safety is an essential topic in the development process of nuclear power plant. Several Generation III and III+ reactor designs contain passive safety system to control accident without external power. An example is the Emergency Condenser (EC) of the KERENA reactor design. The EC removes heat from the Reactor Pressure Vessel in the case of design accidents. The experimental facility COSMEA at Helmhotz Zentrum Dresden Rossendorf (HZDR) was set up to investigate the flow morphology and heat transfer structure of condensation inside a slightly inclined tube. In this paper, the condensation process in COSMEA was simulated with the thermal hydraulic system codes ATHLET. The performance of the ATHLET heat transfer models were identified. The simulation results were compared against the experiments. The heat flux, condensation rate and temperature of cooling water during the condensation was analyzed.
Criteria and comparison of thermal stratification between PRHR HX heating and ADS spraying process in IRWST based on a down-scaled experimental facility
Authors: Zhang Y. , Lu D. , Ouyang B. , Yuan Y.
Published: June 2018

The overall scaled-down separate-effects IRWST&PRHR HX&ADS test facility has been built to simulate the thermal hydraulic behavior of the passive residual heat removal system under accident conditions. The measured 3-D temperature and velocity results show obvious thermal stratification in IRWST. The Richardson number (Ri) could be used to predict the occurrence of possible thermal stratification, and the Stratification number (Str) to evaluate the thermal stratification extent. Both dimensionless parameters provide criteria for thermal stratification and experimental references for the design and operation of engineering equipment.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Business and Management, Vol. 13 No. 7
Authors: Lee Stephen
Published: June 2018

Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Business and Management, Vol. 13 No. 7, 2018
Celebrity Endorsement and Brand Credibility in the Carbonated Soft Drink Industry in Sri Lanka
Authors: Thusyanthy Vadivelu
Published: June 2018

This study aims to assess the degree of celebrity endorsement and brand credibility in the carbonated soft drink industry in Sri Lanka. Questionnaires were used to collect the data from youth educated consumers of Sri Lankan Universities. Unidimensionality, reliability and validity assessments were performed to confirm scale reliability and validity, whereas one sample t-test was conducted to test hypotheses using 338 responses. The results revealed that the degree of celebrity endorsement and brand credibility were at low levels in the carbonated soft drink industry in Sri Lanka, especially among youth educated consumers. The findings of this empirical study can be effectively utilized by marketing managers in the carbonated soft drink industry in Sri Lanka, in their effort to develop and implement successful and strong celebrity endorsement and brand credibility related strategies.
In vitro biomimetic HPLC and in vivo characterisation of GM6, an endogenous regulator peptide drug candidate for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Valko Klara Livia , Kindy Mark , Evans James , Ko Dorothy
Published: June 2018

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an idiopathic, fatal neurodegenerative disease of the human motor system. Subunits of the 33-amino acid containing motorneurontrophic factor (MNTF) have been investigated and GM6 has been found as a potential peptide therapeutic for ALS. This linear peptide drug candidate has been characterized by HPLC based physicochemical and biomimetic measurements to estimate its in vivo distribution behavior and to estimate its cell penetration and brain to plasma concentration ratio. The free tissue concentration vs time profile has been estimated using the measured physicochemical and biomimetic properties of the intact GM6 molecules and its microsomal stability. The in vitro and in vivo measurements supported the estimated in vivo distribution behavior of GM6.
Effect of discontinuation v. maintenance of antipsychotic medication on relapse rates in patients with remitted/stable first-episode psychosis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Kishi Taro , Ikuta Toshikazu , Matsui Yuki , Inada Ken , Matsuda Yuki , Mishima Kazuo , Iwata Nakao
Published: June 2018

Background

Discontinuation of antipsychotics predisposes patients with remitted/stable first-episode psychosis (FEP) to a higher risk of relapse, but it remains unclear how long discontinuation increases the relapse rate in these patients compared with maintenance.

Methods

This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) compared relapse rates in FEP patients between antipsychotic treatment discontinuation and maintenance groups at 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12 (primary), and 18–24 months. The risk ratio (RR) and numbers needed to treat/harm (NNT/NNH) were calculated using a random-effects model.

Results

Ten RCTs were identified (n = 776; mean study duration, 18.6 ± 6.0 months). The antipsychotics were discontinued abruptly in four RCTs (which reported data only at 12 months) and after tapering off gradually over several months (mean length, 3 months) in six RCTs. Compared with the discontinuation group, the maintenance group experienced significantly fewer relapses at all time points except 1 month [RR (NNT): 2 months, 0.49 (13); 3 months, 0.46 (9); 6 months, 0.55 (6); 9 months, 0.48 (3); 12 months, 0.47 (3); and 18–24 months, 0.57 (4)]. The maintenance group was associated with higher discontinuation due to adverse events (RR, 2.61; NNH, not significant).

Conclusions

Maintaining antipsychotic treatment prevented relapse for up to 24 months in FEP patients. Discontinuation of antipsychotics for ⩾2 months significantly increased the risk of relapse. However, 45.7% of patients who discontinued antipsychotics for 12 months (39.4% after 18–24 months) did not experience a relapse.
Some Properties of Platelet Cofactor I Concentrates of Bovine Origin
Authors: Baker William J. , Seegers Walter H.
Published: June 2018

Platelet cofactor I preparations from bovine plasma were studied from the viewpoint of stability in the presence of chemicals selected strategically. The preparations were of high quality having about 86 per cent of the protein as one component by ultracentrifuge analysis. The activity was easily destroyed with hydrogen peroxide, sodium sulfite, phenylhydrazine, formalin, acetone, and by the process of freeze drying. The activity was not lost in the presence of oxygen, ascorbic acid, cysteine, merthiolate, parachloromercuribenzoate or 0.5 per cent phenol. In the native plasma the activity is not adsorbed on barium carbonate, barium sulfate, or magnesium hydroxide. Nor is it destroyed by ether; but, in purified form it is adsorbed on these adsorbants and is destroyed by ether. In the purified preparations the activity was not adsorbed on IRC-50 resin thus making it possible to use this adsorbant to remove any thrombin that might be added to a platelet cofactor I preparation. By this technic it was possible to show that thrombin alone does not easily destroy platelet cofactor I activity.
The need for an alternative method to determine intravascular volumes
Authors: Lobigs L. M. , Peeling P. , Dawson B. , Schumacher Y. O.
Published: June 2018

It is well described that numerous environmental factors, including exercise, modulate plasma volume (PV). These modulations prove problematic when a number of haematological markers are measured as a concentration in blood plasma. A primary example is haemoglobin concentration ([Hb]), a marker of erythropoiesis commonly used within medicine and also used to detect blood doping. Natural changes in PV can confound [Hb] values when a volume change is detected rather than a true change in haemoglobin mass (Hbmass) (e.g. volume expansion resulting in a [Hb] decrease and pseudo‐anemia vs. Hbmass decline resulting in anaemia). Currently, there is no simple solution to correct for PV shifts, and this has proven problematic when monitoring volumetric health markers in clinical and anti‐doping settings. This narrative review explores the influence that PV shifts have on volumetric biomarkers, such as [Hb]. The progressive expansion in PV observed during multi‐day endurance events will be summarised, and the observed impact PV variance has on concentration‐based markers will be quantified. From this, the need for alternative methods to correct [Hb] for volume fluctuations is highlighted. Available methods for calculating intravascular volumes are then discussed, with a focus on a recently developed approach using a panel of ‘volume descriptive’ biomarkers from a standard blood test. Finally, the practical applications of this novel PV blood test within both anti‐doping and clinical settings will be examined.
Does the Alfvén wave disrupt the large-scale magnetic cloud structure?
Authors: Raghav Anil N , Kule Ankita
Published: June 2018

Alfvén waves are primal and pervasive in space plasmas and significantly contribute to microscale fluctuations in the solar wind and some heliospheric processes. Here, we demonstrate the first observable distinct feature of Alfvén wave while propagating from magnetic cloud to trailing solar wind. The Walén test is used to confirm their presence in selected regions. The amplitude ratio of inward to outward Alfvén waves is employed to establish their flow direction. The dominant inward flow is observed in magnetic cloud whereas trailing solar wind shows the dominant outward flow of Alfvén waves. The observed reduction in Walén slope and correlation coefficient within magnetic cloud suggest (i) the simultaneous presence of an inward and outward Alfvén waves and/or (ii) a possibility of magnetic reconnection and/or (iii) development of thermal anisotropy, and/or (iv) dissipation of Alfvénic fluctuations. The study implies that either the Alfvén waves dissipate in the magnetic cloud or their presence can lead to a disruption of the magnetic cloud structure.
Responsible research and innovation in Europe: A cross-country comparative analysis
Authors: Mejlgaard Niels , Bloch Carter , Madsen Emil Bargmann
Published: June 2018

The objective of this article is to contribute to the emerging attempts to foster empirical, quantitative approaches to Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI), and to provide a low-resolution map of the European RRI landscape, which can serve as a vehicle for international learning. The article presents indicators of RRI aimed at characterising countries. It examines the empirical structure of the data collected in the ‘Monitoring the evolution and benefits of Responsible Research and Innovation’ (MoRRI) project and reports patterns across Europe. Factor analysis is applied to identify 11 empirically-anchored dimensions of RRI. Based on indices for these dimensions, cluster analysis reveals four distinct clusters of countries. These results point to diversity regarding the empirically-manifest components of RRI as well as diversity in the RRI profiles of the 28 European Union Member States.
Intraindividual and Interindividual Variability of Olanzapine Trough Concentrations in Patients Treated With the Long-Acting Injectable Formulation
Authors: Baldelli Sara , Mauri Massimo C. , Di Pace Chiara , Paletta Silvia , Reggiori Alessandra , Rovera Chiara , Clementi Emilio , Cattaneo Dario
Published: June 2018

Background

A long-acting injectable (LAI) formulation of olanzapine has been developed as an alternative to oral regimens. A therapeutic range of 20 to 80 ng/mL for oral olanzapine trough concentrations has been proposed. Here, we sought to investigate the intraindividual and interindividual variability of olanzapine concentrations with time in patients on maintenance therapy with the LAI formulation carried out in the routine clinical practice.

Methods

To address this issue, we carried out a retrospective analysis of therapeutic drug monitoring of olanzapine concentrations in 21 schizophrenic patients on maintenance LAI olanzapine. Drug concentrations were correlated with LAI olanzapine doses, duration of treatment, and main clinical characteristics.

Results

Fifty percent of the patients had olanzapine trough concentrations lower than 20 ng/mL. Only drug doses significantly correlated with olanzapine exposure. Mean interindividual and intraindividual coefficients of variations of olanzapine concentrations were 56% (range, 21%–97%) and 34% (range, 15%–69%), respectively.

Conclusions

We have documented that, in a real-life setting, a large proportion of patients treated with olanzapine LAI had drug trough concentrations of less than 20 ng/mL; wide intraindividual and interindividual variability of olanzapine concentrations has been also observed. Our results could provide the rationale for the design of larger prospective, concentration-controlled clinical trials specifically designed with the goal to identify ad hoc therapeutic ranges of drug concentrations for olanzapine LAI.
Earphone and Aided Word Recognition Differences in Cochlear Implant Candidates
Authors: McRackan Theodore R. , Fabie Joshua E. , Burton Jane A. , Munawar Suqrat , Holcomb Meredith A. , Dubno Judy R.
Published: June 2018

Objective:

Compare word recognition scores for adults undergoing cochlear implant evaluations (CIE) measured using earphones and hearing aids.

Study Design:

Retrospective review of data obtained during adult CIEs.

Setting:

Tertiary cochlear implant center.

Patients:

Two hundred eight ears in 183 subjects with greater than 10% word recognition scores measured with earphones.

Interventions/Main Outcomes Measured:

Preoperative pure-tone thresholds and word recognition scores measured with earphones and hearing aids.

Results:

A review of audiological data obtained from 2012 to 2017 during adult CIEs was conducted. Overall, a weak positive correlation (r = 0.33, 95% confidence interval 0.17–0.40, p < 0.001) was observed between word recognition scores measured with earphones and hearing aids. Earphone to aided differences (EAD)1 ranged from −38 to +72% (mean 14.3 ± 19.9%). Consistent with EADs, 108 ears (51.9%) had earphone scores that were significantly higher than aided word recognition scores (+EAD), as determined by 95% confidence intervals; for 14 ears (6.7%), earphone scores were significantly lower than aided scores (−EAD). Moreover, of the patients with earphone word recognition scores ≥50%, 82.6% were CI candidates based on aided AzBio+10 dB SNR scores.

Conclusion:

These results demonstrate the limited diagnostic value of word recognition scores measured under earphones for patients undergoing CIE. Nevertheless, aided word recognition is rarely measured before CIEs, which limits the information available to determine CI candidacy and referral for CIEs. Earlier and routine measurement of aided word recognition may help guide clinical decision making by determining the extent to which patients are achieving maximum benefit with their hearing aids or should consider cochlear implantation.
Real-World Study on Sofosbuvir-based Therapies in Asian Americans With Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Pan Calvin Q. , Tiongson Benjamin C. , Hu Ke-Qin , Han Steven-Huy B. , Tong Myron , Chu Danny , Park James , Lee Tai Ping , Bhamidimarri Kalyan Ram , Ma Xiaoli , Xiao Pei Ying , Mohanty Smruti R. , Wang Dan
Published: June 2018

Background:

Limited data exist with regard to treatment outcomes in Asian Americans with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). We evaluated sofosbuvir (SOF)-based regimens in a national cohort of Asian Americans.

Methods:

Eligible Asian Americans patients with CHC who had posttreatment follow-up of 24 weeks for SOF -based therapies from December 2013 to June 2017 were enrolled from 11 sites across the United States. The primary endpoint was sustained virologic response (SVR) rates at posttreatment weeks 12 and 24. Secondary endpoints were to evaluate safety by tolerability and adverse events (AEs).

Results:

Among 231 patients screened, 186 were enrolled. At baseline, 31% (57/186) patients were cirrhotic, 34% (63/186) were treatment experienced. Most of the subjects (42%, 79/186) received ledispavir/SOF therapy. The overall SVR12 was 95%, ranging from 86% in genotype (GT) 1b on SOF+ribavirin to 100% in GT 1b patients on ledipasvir/SOF at subgroup analyses. SVR12 was significantly lower in cirrhotic than in noncirrhotic patients [88% (50/57) vs. 98% (126/129), P<0.01]. Stratified by GT, SVR12 were: 96% (43/45) in GT 1a; 93% (67/72) in GT 1b; 100% (23/23) in GT 2; 90% (19/21) in GT 3; 100% (1/1) in GT 4; 83% (5/6) in GT 5; and 100% (16/16) in GT 6. Cirrhotic patients with treatment failure were primarily GT 1, (GT 1a, n=2; GT 1b, n=4) with 1 GT 5 (n=1). Patients tolerated the treatment without serious AEs. Late relapse occurred in 1 patient after achieving SVR12.

Conclusions:

In Asian Americans with CHC, SOF-based regimens were well tolerated without serious AEs and could achieve high SVR12 regardless of hepatitis C viral infection GT.
Time-varying Readmission Diagnoses During 30 Days After Hospitalization for COPD Exacerbation
Authors: Goto Tadahiro , Faridi Mohammad K. , Camargo Carlos A. , Hasegawa Kohei
Published: June 2018

Objective:

To investigate the longitudinal changes in principal readmission diagnoses within 30 days after hospitalization for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).

Study Setting:

Medicare claims data, 2010–2012.

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Data Collection Methods:

We identified AECOPD hospitalizations aged 65 years and above, and examined the principal 30-day readmission diagnoses (respiratory related, cardiac related, and other conditions). We also constructed Joinpoint regression models to test whether patients with each of the 3 major readmission conditions had a unique temporal pattern of readmission during the 30-day period.

Principal Findings:

Among 76,697 index hospitalizations with AECOPD, 14,090 (18.4%) were readmitted within 30 days. Respiratory-related conditions accounted for 55% of readmissions. The proportion of respiratory-related conditions as the readmission diagnosis decreased from postdischarge day 1 to day 8 (4.0% decrease), and then increased thereafter (13.2% increase; P=0.06). Cardiac-related conditions had a similar nonlinear trend with an inflection point at day 6 (P=0.02), with a subsequent downward trend from day 22 (P=0.01). By contrast, the other conditions increased from day 1 to day 6 (15.0% increase), and then significantly decreased (28.8% decrease; P=0.04).

Conclusions:

The proportions of principal discharge diagnosis of readmission changed significantly at around postdischarge day 7. Our findings advance research into identification of the underlying mechanisms and development of targeted interventions to prevent readmissions.
Genetic Alterations of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Glioblastoma: The Usefulness of Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Lee Minju , Kang So Young , Suh Yeon-Lim
Published: June 2018

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) amplification is one of the common alterations in IDH-wildtype glioblastoma. It is frequently associated with EGFRvIII mutation. To evaluate the correlation between EGFR overexpression, gene amplification, and EGFRvIII mutation, we performed immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization by Vysis LSI EGFR/CEP7 dual color probe, and polymerase chain reaction studies in 76 patients diagnosed with glioblastomas (67 IDH-wildtype and 9 IDH-mutant). EGFR expression was scored ranging from 0 to 3+. Using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections, real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was carried out with primers specific for EGFRvIII andEGFRwildtype. In addition, we evaluated the impact ofEGFRstatus on prognosis.EGFRgene amplifications and EGFRvIII mutations were identified in 30.3% and 15.5% of all cases, respectively. All the EGFR-amplified or EGFRvIII mutant cases were IDH-wildtype glioblastomas and tested positive with IHC. The sensitivity and specificity of EGFR IHC predictingEGFRgene amplification status were 100.0% and 46.5%, respectively. The EGFR-amplified cases tended to show more intense immunostaining (3+) in a considerable number of tumor cells (≥50%). Survival analyses of 37 IDH-wildtype glioblastoma patients revealed that none of theEGFRalterations significantly affected prognosis. EGFR IHC displayed high sensitivity and low specificity in predictingEGFRgene amplification, and interpretation of IHC results is a challenge. Therefore, EGFR IHC represents a possible screening tool for evaluation ofEGFRgene amplification in clinical neuropathology, and both the intensity and proportion score facilitate interpretation of EGFR IHC.
VGLUT2 functions as a differential marker for hippocampal output neurons
Authors: Wozny Christian , Beed Prateep , Nitzan Noam , Pössnecker Yona , Rost Benjamin R. , Schmitz Dietmar
Published: June 2018

The subiculum is the gatekeeper between the hippocampus and cortical areas. Yet, the lack of a pyramidal cell-specific marker gene has made the analysis of the subicular area very difficult. Here we report that the vesicular-glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2) functions as a specific marker gene for subicular burst-firing neurons, and demonstrate that VGLUT2-Cre mice allow for Channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2)-assisted connectivity analysis.
DISC1 regulates N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptor dynamics: Abnormalities induced by a Disc1 mutation modelling a translocation linked to major mental illness
Authors: Malavasi Elise L.V. , Economides Kyriakos D. , Grünewald Ellen , Makedonopoulou Paraskevi , Gautier Philippe , Mackie Shaun , Murphy Laura C. , Murdoch Hannah , Crummie Darragh , Ogawa Fumiaki , McCartney Daniel L. , O’Sullivan Shane T. , Burr Karen , Torrance Helen S. , Phillips Jonathan , Bonneau Marion , Anderson Susan M. , Perry Paul , Pearson Matthew , Constantinides Costas , Davidson-Smith Hazel , Kabiri Mostafa , Duff Barbara , Johnstone Mandy , Greg Polites H. , Lawrie Stephen , Blackwood Douglas , Semple Colin A. , Evans Kathryn L. , Didier Michel , Chandran Siddharthan , McIntosh Andrew M. , Price David J. , Houslay Miles D. , Porteous David J. , Kirsty Millar J.
Published: June 2018

The neuromodulatory gene DISC1 is disrupted by a t(1;11) translocation that is highly penetrant for schizophrenia and affective disorders, but how this translocation affects DISC1 function is incompletely understood. N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptors (NMDAR) play a central role in synaptic plasticity and cognition, and are implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia through genetic and functional studies. We show that the NMDAR subunit GluN2B complexes with DISC1-associated trafficking factor TRAK1, while DISC1 interacts with the GluN1 subunit and regulates dendritic NMDAR motility in cultured mouse neurons. Moreover, in the first mutant mouse that models DISC1 disruption by the translocation, the pool of NMDAR transport vesicles and surface/synaptic NMDAR expression are increased. Since NMDAR cell surface/synaptic expression is tightly regulated to ensure correct function, these changes in the mutant mouse are likely to affect NMDAR signalling and synaptic plasticity. Consistent with these observations, RNASeq analysis of translocation carrier-derived human neurons indicates abnormalities of excitatory synapses and vesicle dynamics. RNASeq analysis of the human neurons also identifies many differentially expressed genes previously highlighted as putative schizophrenia and/or depression risk factors through large-scale genome-wide association and copy number variant studies, indicating that the translocation triggers common disease pathways that are shared with unrelated psychiatric patients. Altogether our findings suggest that translocation-induced disease mechanisms are likely to be relevant to mental illness in general, and that such disease mechanisms include altered NMDAR dynamics and excitatory synapse function. This could contribute to the cognitive disorders displayed by translocation carriers.
Parallel genome-wide CRISPR analysis identifies a role for heterotypic ubiquitin chains in ER-associated degradation
Authors: Leto Dara E. , Morgens David W. , Zhang Lichao , Walczak Christopher P. , Elias Joshua E. , Bassik Michael C. , Kopito Ron R.
Published: June 2018

The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) maintains the integrity of the proteome and controls the abundance of key regulators of cellular function by selective protein degradation, but how foldingdefective proteins in the secretory system are selected from the large and diverse constellation of membrane and secretory proteins and efficiently delivered to proteasomes in the cytosol is not well understood. To determine the basis of substrate selectivity in human cells, we developed a transcriptional shut off approach to conduct parallel, unbiased, genome-wide CRISPR analysis of structurally and topologically diverse ER-associated degradation (ERAD) clients. Highly quantitative screen metrics allowed precise dissection of entire pathways, enabling identification of unique substrate-specific combinations of recognition and ubiquitin conjugation modules. Our analysis identified cytosolic ubiquitin conjugating machinery that has not been previously linked to ERAD but collaborates with membrane-integrated ubiquitin ligases to conjugate branched or mixed ubiquitin chains to promote efficient and processive substrate degradation.
Automethylation of PRC2 fine-tunes its catalytic activity on chromatin
Authors: Lee Chul-Hwan , Granat Jeffrey , Yu Jia-Ray , LeRoy Gary , Stafford James , Reinberg Danny
Published: June 2018

The catalytic activity of PRC2 is central to maintain transcriptional repression by H3K27me3-decorated facultative heterochromatin in mammalian cells. To date, multiple factors have been reported to regulate PRC2 activity. Here, we demonstrate that PRC2 methylates itself on EZH1/2 and SUZ12 subunits, with EZH1/2-K514 being the major automethylation site in cells. The functional studies of automethylation on EZH2 indicate automethylation as a self-activating mechanism for PRC2 in the absence of stimulatory cofactors like AEBP2. Together, our study reveals PRC2 automethylation as a novel regulatory mechanism of PRC2 activity on chromatin.
Safety and effectiveness of parent/nurse controlled analgesia on patient outcomes in the neonatal intensive care unit: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Muirhead Renee , Kynoch Kathryn
Published: June 2018

Review question:

The review question is: How safe is parent/nurse controlled analgesia and what is its effectiveness on patient outcomes in the neonatal intensive care unit?
Optimal Energy Management Strategy and Novel Control Approach for DPGSs Under Unbalanced Grid Faults
Authors: Abbassi Rabeh , Marrouchi Sahbi , Saidi Salem , Abbassi Abdelkader , Chebbi Souad
Published: June 2018

Recently, the use of distributed power generation systems (DPGSs) based on renewable energy resources is increasingly being pursued as a supplement and a reliable alternative to the large traditional energy sources. For it, power-electronic interface technologies and control have also emerged as the most important key elements in the area of energy management and integrating DPGSs. The specification of a power-electronic interface is subject to several requirements that are related not only to the DPGS itself but also to its interactions with the power system especially where the utility grid is subject to events that can potentially lead to large-scale disturbances or even to its collapse if it operates near its capacity without fault margin. This study deals, first, with an optimized energy management strategy and, second, with a newly-conceived control strategy called symmetrical components control algorithm (SCCA) that was proposed for four-leg three-phase grid-connected voltage source inverter (VSI) used for DPGSs with wind–solar–battery sources. A mechanism of negative and zero sequences injection based on the control of ([Formula: see text]) current coordinates has been introduced. The performance of entire control system, to enhance the unbalanced fault ride-through capability of DPGSs, has been evaluated by time domain simulations with MATLAB/Simulink. Advantages of the combined active–reactive control ensuring both current and voltage controls have been achieved compared to the majority of already published strategies. The distinct features of the proposed SCCA strategy prove that it allows to meet the requirements for grid interconnection and the new stricter standards with respect to power quality, safe running, and islanding protection.
Low-Cost AES-128 Implementation for Edge Devices in IoT Applications
Authors: Shanthi Rekha S. , Saravanan P.
Published: June 2018

Internet of Things (IoT) is an ecosystem of connected edge devices that are accessible through the internet. Recent research focusses on adding more smartness and intelligence to these edge devices making them susceptible to various kinds of security threats. These edge devices rely on cryptographic techniques to encrypt the pre-processed data collected from the sensors deployed in the field. Since the edge devices are resource constrained, low-cost implementations of cryptographic algorithms are desirable. This work proposes a novel low-cost implementation of a versatile symmetric encryption algorithm namely Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) using time-multiplexed architectures for edge devices. The optimization is carried out in a four-fold manner on AES encryption/decryption hardware based on the resource sharing mechanism with a modified Substitution box achieving a maximum of 1.053[Formula: see text]GHz operating frequency. The aim of this work is to develop an area-power efficient AES architecture with a reasonable throughput suitable for resource constrained applications. The proposed architectures are synthesized on a Virtex-6 FPGA board and the ASIC performance results are obtained using 180[Formula: see text]nm SCL technology library. Implementation results of the proposed AES core integrated with an UART module are shown as a proof of concept.
Virtual Verification and Validation of Automotive System
Authors: Safar Mona , El-Moursy Magdy A. , Abdelsalam Mohamed , Bakr Ayman , Khalil Keroles , Salem Ashraf
Published: June 2018

An integrated framework for Virtual Verification and Validation (VVV) for a complete automotive system is proposed. The framework can simulate/emulate the system on three levels: System on Chip (SoC), Electronic control unit (ECU) and system level. The framework emulates the real system including hardware (HW) and software (SW). It enhances the automotive V-cycle and allows co-development of the automotive system SW and HW. The procedure for debugging AUTOSAR application on the virtual platform (VP) is shown. SW and HW profiling is feasible with the presented methodology. Verification and validation of automotive embedded SW is also presented. The proposed methodology is efficient as the system complexity increases which shortens the development cycle of automotive system. It also provides fault injection capability. With HW emulation, co-debugging mechanism is demonstrated. A case study covering the framework capability is presented. The case study demonstrates the proposed framework and methodology to design, simulate, trace, profile and debug AUTOSAR SW using VPs.
Fast In-Memory Key–Value Cache System with RDMA
Authors: Chen Wei , Yu Songping , Wang Zhiying
Published: June 2018

The quick advances of Cloud and the advent of Fog computing impose more and more critical demand for computing and data transfer of low latency onto the underlying distributed computing infrastructure. Remote direct memory access (RDMA) technology has been widely applied for its low latency of remote data access. However, RDMA gives rise to a host of challenges in accelerating in-memory key–value stores, such as direct remote memory writes, making the remote system more vulnerable. This study presents an in-memory key–value system based on RDMA, named Craftscached, which enables: (1) buffering remote memory writes into a communication cache memory to eliminate direct remote memory writes to the data memory area; (2) dividing the communication cache memory into RDMA-writable and RDMA-readable memory zones to reduce the possibility of data corruption due to stray memory writes and caching data into an RDMA-readable memory zone to improve the remote memory read performance; and (3) adopting remote out-of-place direct memory write to achieve high performance of remote read and write. Experimental results in comparison with Memcached indicate that Craftscached provides a far better performance: (1) in the case of read-intensive workloads, the data access of Craftscached is about 7–43[Formula: see text] and 18–72.4% better than those of TCP/IP-based and RDMA-based Memcached, respectively; (2) the memory utilization of small objects is more efficient with only about 3.8% memory compaction overhead.
OPTIMAL ASSET ALLOCATION WITH STOCHASTIC INTEREST RATES IN REGIME-SWITCHING MODELS
Authors: YE C. , LIU R. H. , REN D.
Published: June 2018

This paper focuses on optimal asset allocation with stochastic interest rates in regime-switching models. A class of stochastic optimal control problems with Markovian regime-switching is formulated for which a verification theorem is provided. The theory is applied to solve two portfolio optimization problems (a portfolio of stock and savings account and a portfolio of mixed stock, bond and savings account) while a regime-switching Vasicek model is assumed for the interest rate. Closed-form solutions are obtained for a regime-switching power utility function. Numerical results are provided to illustrate the impact of regime-switching on the optimal investment decisions.
The gravitation energy–momentum pseudotensor: The cases of F(R) and F(T) gravity
Authors: Capozziello Salvatore , Capriolo Maurizio , Transirico Maria
Published: June 2018

We derive the gravitational energy–momentum pseudotensor [Formula: see text] in metric [Formula: see text] gravity and in teleparallel [Formula: see text] gravity. In the first case, [Formula: see text] is the Ricci curvature scalar for a torsionless Levi-Civita connection; in the second case, [Formula: see text] is the curvature-free torsion scalar derived by tetrads and Weitzenböck connection. For both classes of theories the continuity equations are obtained in presence of matter. [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are non-equivalent, but differ for a quantity [Formula: see text] containing the torsion scalar [Formula: see text] and a boundary term [Formula: see text]. It is possible to obtain the field equations for [Formula: see text] and the related gravitational energy–momentum pseudotensor [Formula: see text]. Finally we show that, thanks to this further pseudotensor, it is possible to pass from [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] and vice versa through a simple relation between gravitational pseudotensors.
Transit dark energy string cosmological models with perfect fluid in F(R,T)-gravity
Authors: Zia Rashid , Maurya Dinesh Chandra , Pradhan Anirudh
Published: June 2018

In this paper, spatially homogeneous and anisotropic Bianchi type-[Formula: see text] dark energy (DE) cosmological transit models with string fluid source in [Formula: see text] gravity [T. Harko et al., Phys. Rev. D 84 (2011) 024020], where [Formula: see text] is the Ricci scalar and [Formula: see text] the trace of the stress energy–momentum tensor, have been studied in the context of early time decelerating and late-time accelerating expansion of the Universe as suggested by the recent observations. The exact solutions of the field equations are obtained first by using generalized hybrid expansion law (HEL) [Formula: see text] which yields a time-dependent deceleration parameter [Formula: see text] and second by considering the metric coefficient [Formula: see text]. By using recent constraints from supernovae type-Ia union data [Cunha, arXiv:0811.2379[astro-ph]], we obtain [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for transit model [Formula: see text]. The Universe has an initial singularity and is anisotropic closed and it tends to be flat at the late time, i.e. our Universe is in accelerating expansion. Our model shows a phase transition property from decelerating to accelerating. It is remarkable to mention here that our Universe is homogeneous and anisotropic in the early phase whereas it becomes homogeneous and isotropic for [Formula: see text]. We have also discussed the stability of the background solution with respect to perturbations of the metric along with the properties of future singularities in the Universe dominated by DE including the phantom-type fluid. Various physical and dynamical parameters are also calculated and investigated in terms of time and redshift both.
Closure, Anticoagulation, or Antiplatelet Therapy for Cryptogenic Stroke With Patent Foramen Ovale: Systematic Review of Randomized Trials, Sequential Meta‐Analysis, and New Insights From the CLOSE Study
Authors: Turc Guillaume , Calvet David , Guérin Patrice , Sroussi Marjorie , Chatellier Gilles , Mas Jean‐Louis ,   the CLOSE Investigators
Published: June 2018

Background

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (
RCT
s) comparing patent foramen ovale (
PFO
) closure, anticoagulation, and antiplatelet therapy to prevent stroke recurrence in patients with
PFO
‐associated cryptogenic stroke.

Methods and Results

We searched Medline, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE through March 2018. The primary outcome was stroke recurrence. Pooled incidences, hazard ratios, and risk ratios (
RR
s) were calculated in random‐effects meta‐analyses.
PFO
closure was associated with a lower risk of recurrent stroke compared with antithrombotic therapy (antiplatelet therapy or anticoagulation: 3560 patients from 6
RCT
s;
RR
=0.36, 95%
CI
: 0.17–0.79; I
2
=59%). The effect of
PFO
closure on stroke recurrence was larger in patients with atrial septal aneurysm or large shunt (
RR
=0.27, 95%
CI
, 0.11–0.70; I
2
=42%) compared with patients without these anatomical features (
RR
=0.80, 95%
CI
, 0.43–1.47; I
2
=12%). Major complications occurred in 2.40% (95%
CI
, 1.03–4.25; I
2
=77%) of procedures. New‐onset atrial fibrillation was more frequent in patients randomized to
PFO
closure versus antithrombotic therapy (
RR
=4.33, 95%
CI
, 2.37–7.89; I
2
=14%). One
RCT
compared
PFO
closure versus anticoagulation (353 patients; hazard ratio=0.14, 95%
CI
, 0.00–1.45) and 2
RCT
s compared
PFO
closure versus antiplatelet therapy (1137 patients; hazard ratio=0.18, 95%
CI
, 0.05–0.63; I
2
=12%). Three
RCT
s compared anticoagulation versus antiplatelet therapy, with none showing a significant difference.

Conclusions

PFO
closure is superior to antithrombotic therapy to prevent stroke recurrence after cryptogenic stroke. The annual absolute risk reduction of stroke was low, but it has to be tempered by a substantial time at risk (at least 5 years) in young and middle‐aged patients.
PFO
closure was associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation.
Knowledge, power and the ethics illusion: Explaining diverse viewer interpretations of the politics in classic era Doctor Who
Authors: de Kauwe Vanessa , Orthia Lindy A.
Published: June 2018

What is the dominant political ideology of Doctor Who (1963–89, 1996, 2005–present)? Scholars and viewers have variously claimed the programme represents political positions ranging from far right to far left, or have denied it is political at all. In this article we offer a structural analysis that partially explains this diversity of response. Analysing three classic era Doctor Who serials with different political flavours, all of which feature political regime change as a narrative element, we identify two narrative devices that function to obscure any political ideologies present. The first, which we call the ‘science-beats-tyranny’ template, foregrounds the problem of a tyrannical regime rather than exploring any political alternatives to it. It circumvents the need for political debate by deposing the tyrant with a scientific fix. The second, which we call the ‘ethics illusion’, uses heuristic logic to effect the appearance of an ethical plot resolution, while skipping over the political details of the new regime replacing the tyrant. We argue that these devices create ambiguity about a serial’s political commitments and also direct viewer attention to generic rhetoric about freedom from tyranny, rather than any more specific political ideology.
How is popular television ‘political’?: From the texts of Steven Moffat’s Doctor Who to brand/fan politics
Authors: Hills Matt
Published: June 2018

Taking the Steven Moffat era (2010–17) of Doctor Who (1963–89, 1996, 2005–present) as my case study, in this article I contrast ‘ontological constructivism’ with ‘moderate intentionalism’, considering how Doctor Who’s politics can be analysed either as textually ‘objective’ or as a matter of post-structuralist and diverse (fan) audience interpretation. Rather than refereeing between these two positions, however, I argue that each in fact misses an aspect of Who’s brand/fan politics, i.e. the neo-liberal discourses and practices of contemporary branding that tend to delimit fan reflexivity/activism. Consequently, I argue for an approach to Doctor Who’s politics, and that of popular TV more generally, that recognizes its multi-levelled meanings ranging from momentary in-text references and political allusions through to story-level allegories, format-level patterns and paratextual brand activities. Such an approach recognizes that a showrunner such as Moffat can attract audience ‘praiseworthiness or blameworthiness’ within popular TV’s ‘legitimation’, and that there can be very contradictory audience interpretations of Moffat’s work as ‘misogynist’ or ‘feminist’, thus pushing polysemy past state politics and into cultural politics. But by ultimately focusing on how brands and fan labour, or ‘brandom’, naturalize neo-liberalism as a form of ‘common-sense’, I argue that we need to go beyond debates around popular TV’s political textuality to address the neo-liberal attitudes of brand management and fan activism. This is not merely to replay old arguments of post-structuralism versus ideology critique, since popular TV’s brand-based neo-liberalization can reflexively contain, and indeed welcome, a diversity of textual-political moments including themes of anti-capitalism, versions of feminist meaning-making and satires of democracy.
Plugging into the Papal Mainframe: The political role of the Church in Steven Moffat’s Doctor Who
Authors: Crome Andrew
Published: June 2018

This article examines the presentation of the organized Church in British science fiction show Doctor Who (1963–89, 1996, 2005–present), its implications for debates on the place of religion on British television and the political roles the series imagines for the Church. From 2010, the Church was shown to survive as an important political force into the fifty-first century, having evolved into a paramilitary body. Over subsequent series, splinter groups were portrayed as dangerous militarized sectarians, until the Church’s final appearance as a galactic peace-keeping force with theological trappings in 2013. This article argues that Doctor Who presents a variety of images of the Church reflecting both hopes and fears about its role in the public sphere: from radicalized apocalyptic cults to a stabilizing force, demonstrating an imaginative interpretation of ideas found in contemporary political theology. In an era in which the volume of directly religious programming continues to decline, this article argues that theological reflection can be found, albeit unintentionally, within popular drama.
Legal Issues Related to Combating Cybercrime: Experience of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Authors: YERJANOV Timur Keldeshevich , BAIMAGAMBETOVA Zulfiya Mazhitovna , SERALIEVA Aliya Mazhitovna , ZHAILAU Zhanat , SAIRAMBAEVA Zhuldyz Talgatovna
Published: June 2018

This paper deals with the legal issues related to combating cybercrime in the global information and communication networks through comparative analysis of relevant legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Western European countries. The purpose of this research is to identify the specific features of present cybercrime, to develop a conceptual framework, to specify new forms of cybercrime and to find the main directions in combating cybercrime. The research methodology was based on dialectical, comparative legal, sociological, system-structural and statistical methods, as well as on social experiment. The study gave the possibility to disclose specific features of cybercrime, provided a universal definition of cybercrime, which can be used in international conventions as well as in international criminal investigation. The study highlighted two new types of cybercrime - cyber-terrorism and identity theft with the view of committing crimes, which could be included in the Convention on Cybercrime. The authors of this study developed a universal conceptual framework that can be used in international legal instruments and international cooperation in combating cybercrime and formed a unified approach to address some legal issues related to cybercrime in the global information and communication networks.