bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress loading and losses of power in the pin-roller gearing with clearances
Authors: Artyomov I I , Tchufistov E A , Tchufistov O E
Published: June 2019

In planetary cycloid gears the motion is transmitted simultaneously to many pin-rollers and teeth of cycloid disk. The use of schemes with many parallel contacts requires measures to ensure the assembly of the gears due to the introduction of malleable elements or guaranteed gaps in the contacts into the design. In the paper the analytical decision of the problem of the gap impact in gearing of planetary cycloid gear to the load distribution on the teeth of the cycloid disk, the maximum forces acting on them and friction losses in the contact of the teeth of the cycloid disk and pin-rollers is reviewed. The calculated dependences for the coefficients of the load increase due to the gaps and the effect of the gaps in the gearing on the losses on the sliding friction are obtained. The results of calculation of the load increase coefficient in gearing and the clearance influence coefficient on friction losses in gearing are presented. This decision allows to take into account the possible increase in the load of the contacts and the change of the coefficient of loss in gearing at the design stage.
Improving the reliability of energy facilities
Authors: Bukhanov S S , Zhuravleva L A , Kornienko M N
Published: June 2019

The article analyzed and identified the main sources of interference, disrupting the work and reliability indicators of the system, which can lead to malfunction of system of microprocessor relay protection and automation for electric stations and substations, as well as elements and actuators of open distribution devices. According to official data, modern microprocessor-based relay automation systems operate with a reliability coefficient that is not lower than 0.998. Further increase in reliability requires the development of technical measures, namely, requires the use of power and signal cables that must meet the requirements for specific parameters of inductance, capacitance and active resistance, and also requires the use of special placement of cross sections of conductors inside the cable. Secondly, it is shown that to increase the reliability of information transmission it is necessary to switch to serial communication channels, but the amount of information per channel should be strictly limited. The estimation of economic indicators of the system and its dependence on the reliability of the system is given. Thus, with an increase in reliability by 1.5-2 times, it is necessary to increase the cost of design and commissioning of such a system by about 2 times. It is recommended to use in addition to the regulated maintenance procedures a mandatory assessment of the level of interference in the system in order to maintain a stable and reliable operation of the relay automation system. Experimental and calculated data confirmed that the most difficult situation to ensure the reliability of the system is associated with thunderstorms and lightning. This circumstance dictates the necessity of evaluation and measuring the parameters of a common system of earthing. The methods of evaluation and diagnosis of faulty components of the system are proposed.
Assessment of the vehicle vibration loading with taking into account the dynamic stiffness of the leaf spring
Authors: Polyakov Yu A
Published: June 2019

New multilink models of leaf spring suspensions take into account a number of important features. First, we are talking about the features of the kinematics of suspension elements in the design scheme of the vehicle. Their account is provided by application of the differential equations of large displacements of bodies and also modeling of a leaf spring in the form of the links, connected by joints. Secondly, the nonlinearity of the hysteresis dynamic characteristics of the suspension is taken into account, with the help of which the dynamic stiffness of the leaf spring is considered. The dynamic stiffness is depending from the dry friction between spring leafs and the amplitudes of cyclic oscillations with a random external road forcing. Thirdly, the accuracy of the installation scheme of the leaf spring in the vehicle suspension is considered. It takes into account the peculiarities of fixing the leaf spring and their impact on the change in stiffness.
Vector approach in modeling the accuracy of body parts holes manufacturing in aspect of the additive technologies application
Authors: Levashkin D , Ogin P
Published: June 2019

The article deals with the issues of ensuring the specified accuracy in the processing of the coaxial and intersecting body parts holes. Features of a details design this type body parts are considered. Parametric analysis was performed, and the key parameters affecting the accuracy of machining body parts internal holes were identified. It is offered at development of details production technology to use in the course of technological parameters system calculation of the vector equations which solution is the only combination of technological parameters of processing of body parts holes. The geometric parameters that determine the position of the basing holes in space are determined. In the vector form shows the influence of the location errors of the base holes and the intersecting and coaxial body parts holes during processing. A spatial calculation scheme for determining the error of the arrangement of the group of coaxial holes of the body part is presented. The work compares results of simulation of the processing errors of the body type parts holes of the for standard cycles for machining holes with the simulation results of the error processing errors of the body type parts holes of manufacturing processes based with additive technologies. It is established a significant impact on the accuracy of the holes location the rotation of details in the working area of the machine, as well as its reinstallation. The efficiency of application of hybrid technological cycles based on additive technologies in the production of coaxial holes in the body type parts is shown.
Influence of cutting modes on power characteristics of rotational turning by multifaceted cutters
Authors: Binchurov A S , Indakov N S , Gordeev Y I , Yasinski V B
Published: June 2019

New data on the effect of technological modes (depth cutting, a

m

f, longitudinal feed, fn
; azimuthal feed, faz
; cutting speed, Vr
) and constructive factors (geometric and kinematic parameters of the tool) on cutting forces have been obtained. On this basis, semiempirical computational formulas Pz
= f (amf
, fn
, faz
, Vr
) for the assignment of rational modes of processing by the method of rotational turning multifaceted cutter (RTMC) are proposed. The obtained numerical values of the cutting forces for PTMC (up to 900N) are much lower than for conventional turning (up to 4000N) at similar values of amf
and fn
.
Visual presentation of life cycle control model of the cross-platform onboard software
Authors: Kovalev I V , Losev V V , Saramud M V , Kovalev D I , Chuvashova M N
Published: June 2019

The visual presentation of the software life cycle control model is considered in this scientific paper. A realization of the control model is connected with identifying the semantics, properties and attributes of formation stages, implementation and maintenance of software. For research themethodology IDEF0 is applied. The software lifecycle control model is obtained in a graphical notation. Functional modeling of complex processes, associated not only with development, but also with testing and long-term maintenance of onboard software, is described and presented. It is shown that visual modeling tools are able to be as an effective mean of making control decisions.
Substantiation of two-channel structure of automatic tracking system
Authors: Sheval V V , Rozhnin N B , Rayman A A
Published: June 2019

Methods for linearization the equations of the «flight» of a quadcopter in one plane in the tasks of tracking of the moving objects with onboard optical devices are proposed. The two-channel structure that forming work of these control systems as a whole and providing increase in dynamic accuracy is substantiated.
Investigation of ozone concentration in the ozone-catalytic device for exhaust gas purification
Authors: Ismagilov F R , Khairulin I Kh , Maksudov D V , Okhotnikov M V
Published: June 2019

In the paper an original design of the ozone-catalytic device, in which the process of ozone formation occurs directly inside the catalytic block of the honeycomb structure, is proposed for solving of problem of exhaust gases purification at a cold start of an automobile engine. For considered device the regime of operation at the absence of cooling is considered and the equations, allowing us to calculate the degree of heating and the decrease of the stationary concentration of ozone depending on the time, are obtained. Results of mathematician modelling were confirmed by experimental researches.
Selected aspects of the use of technical innovation in the tourism industry
Authors: Kazak Anatoliy N , Leushina Olga V
Published: June 2019

The Guide, given by authors, affords to update entities with a help of application of vertical wind turbines in production of travel enterprises as a factor of providing business continuity. Construction design of a vertical wind turbine has a shape of corkscrew; works steady at weak wind strength and produces no vibration like traditional blade devices. It is very important for maritime regions with developed tourism. All of it gives numerous perspectives for using it as a self-powered source of electronic energy in isolated from centralizing electric power supply areas. They can be used at the roofs of the houses. Using these offers helps to reach ecological and economic development of business units used.
Modeling of dynamic processes on the Earth’s surface
Authors: Dorrer Georgy , Dorrer Alexandra , Yarovoy Sergey
Published: June 2019

Due to global climate change, the probability of damage from natural and man-made disasters has increased. These processes are becoming less predictable in scale and impact. If we consider the heterogeneous natural and anthropogenic processes on the surface of the Earth, we can see that despite their different physical nature they have the following common features. All these processes, due to their characteristic dimensions, are amenable to mapping. In this regard, the use of GIS technologies in their modeling becomes necessary. Remote monitoring methods can be applied to all classes of such dynamic processes. From the point of view of control theory, the listed objects are objects with distributed parameters and distributed control. The possible methods of controlling these processes are similar and often do not depend on the nature of the process. The purpose of this work is to create and implement models of dynamics and control of the above processes as GIS-oriented multi-agent systems based on the use of the formalism of embedded Petri nets. At the same time, as a specific process, on the example of which modeling and control methods are considered in more detail, wildfire is selected.
Using nested Petri nets for modeling multiagent systems
Authors: Dorrer Georgy , Dorrer Alexandra , Yarovoy Sergey
Published: June 2019

The multi-agent simulation system is presented in the form of a two-level nested Petri net. The semantics of the interaction of agents is described. A GIS-oriented information system has been developed that implements the behavior algorithms of various classes of active agents. The system can be useful both for making decisions on dealing with emergencies and for training operational personnel. An example of a nested Petri network describing the processes of spreading and extinguishing of the wildfire is given.
Measuring the effectiveness of the quality management system as a tool for improving the organization’s activities
Authors: Akhtulov A L , Ivanova L A , Charushina E B
Published: June 2019

The article discusses some recommendations that will help organizations develop and implement their own methodologies for assessing the effectiveness of quality management systems, and suggests a method for determining the effectiveness of processes. The main tasks of evaluating the effectiveness of the quality management systems are formulated. Considered the choice of criteria for their significance.
Formation of a national environmental strategy for the fuel and energy complex
Authors: Morkovkin D E , Gibadullin A A , Romanova Ju A , Erygin Yu V , Ziadullaev Ul S
Published: June 2019

In recent years, issues related to the protection of the environment and the preservation of the environment for future generations come to the fore. This issue is most relevant for industrial enterprises whose capacities were commissioned 40-50 years ago, while at the same time there was no qualitative and quantitative renewal of equipment for this period. The paper reviewed the indicators of emissions of pollutants by economic activity, as a result, it was concluded that about 26% of all emissions are generated as a result of the functioning of the fuel and energy complex. At the same time, the costs of environmental protection increase by the level of annual inflation and the volume of costs of environmental protection as a percentage of the gross domestic product of the country tends to fall. In the conditions of instability of the national economy and limited financial resources, the authors of the study proposed a mechanism for the formation of an environmental strategy for the fuel and energy complex of the Russian Federation, which is based on a tripartite interaction of state and regional authorities and energy companies.
Business model as a platform for the implementation of the process approach in the machine-building industry
Authors: Avlasko Z A , Bagdasarian I S , Avlasko P V
Published: June 2019

Economic growth opportunities and the country’s role in the global economy are directly dependent on the use of advanced technologies in industry. Mechanical engineering, and especially the reproduction equipment sector, is a basic industry that creates a wealthy nation and a country’s influence in the international market. The leading economic powers have already entered the period of the sixth technological order related to the development of micromechanics, thermonuclear and renewable energy, membrane and quantum technologies, nanotechnologies and others. In Russia at the moment, despite the measures of state support, the engineering industry is in deep decline. Major shifts in state support are needed to close this technological gap. However, enterprises themselves need to strengthen their work to improve management efficiency. The most promising method is to use a process approach, while its implementation should not be limited to documenting procedures. After all, business modeling is just a way of displaying the current and projected processes of an enterprise to improve its performance. The platform for the successful implementation of the process approach should be called the development of a business model, which should include a comprehensive analysis of the enterprise’s activities, market conditions, industry and technology development trends.
Methodical and practical aspects of development of financial strategy of the industrial enterprise
Authors: Chaikovskaya N V , Terentieva I V , Lukashova K A
Published: June 2019

The article considers the methodological and practical aspects of the financial strategy of the enterprise. The role and importance of financial strategy in modern economic conditions are disclosed. The main methodological approaches to the development of the financial strategy of the enterprise are presented. The main stages of formation of the financial strategy are given on the example of JSC «Murom mechanical repair plant», which is an enterprise of the engineering industry. Problems of the enterprise are revealed on the basis of the comprehensive analysis of its financial activity. Matrix analytic method and SWOT analysis were used to develop the financial strategy of the enterprise and measures for its implementation. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the measures of the developed financial strategy is given.
Determination of the flow regime using the experimental hydrodynamic stand
Authors: Radzyuk Alexander Yu , Kulagin Vladimir A , Istyagina Elena B , Pianykh Tatyana A , Kolosov Mike V
Published: June 2019

The article describes the approach to determining the flow regime using the experimental hydrodynamic stand for researching the cavitation processes. A series of experiments with technical tap water was performed, which allowed to confirm the reliability of the results obtained by comparing them with theoretical values. The researched values include mean flow rate, Reynolds number and cavitation numbers. Conclusions about the type of cavitation flow was made.
Limited Tissue Biopsies and Hematolymphoid Neoplasms
Authors: Ingersoll Kimberly F , Zhao Yue , Harrison Grant P , Li Yang , Yang Lian-He , Wang Endi
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Use of fine-needle aspiration/needle core biopsy (FNA/CNB) in evaluating hematolymphoid processes has been debated. We investigate its applicability in various clinicopathologic settings.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 152 cases of FNA/CNB.

Results

Of 152 FNA/CNBs, 124 (81.6%) resulted in diagnoses without excisional biopsies, while 28 required subsequent excisional biopsies. Of these, 43 FNA/CNBs performed for suspected lymphoma relapse demonstrated 95.4% diagnostic rate (41/43), which was significantly better than those without history of lymphoma (77/109, 71%; odds ratio [OR], 8.5; confidence interval, 1.9-37.4). Patients with immunodeficiency also showed a high rate of diagnosis by FNA/CNB (100%). When stratified by types of disease, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma/high-grade B-cell lymphoma demonstrated a higher success rate (92.7%) than small B-cell lymphoma (79.2%), though the difference was not statistically significant (OR, 3.3; P value = .07). A subsequent excisional biopsy was required in 28 cases, 23 of which resulted in diagnoses concordant with the FNA/CNB. Five cases showed diagnostic discordance, reflecting pitfalls of FNA/CNB in unusual cases with complex pathology.

Conclusions

FNA/CNB is practical in evaluating most hematolymphoid lesions, with high efficacy in recurrent disease and some primary neoplasms with homogeneous/ aggressive histology, or characteristic immunophenotype.
DeepMito: accurate prediction of protein sub-mitochondrial localization using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Savojardo Castrense , Bruciaferri Niccolò , Tartari Giacomo , Martelli Pier Luigi , Casadio Rita
Published: June 2019

Motivation

The correct localization of proteins in cell compartments is a key issue for their function. Particularly, mitochondrial proteins are physiologically active in different compartments and their aberrant localization contributes to the pathogenesis of human mitochondrial pathologies. Many computational methods exist to assign protein sequences to subcellular compartments such as nucleus, cytoplasm and organelles. However, a substantial lack of experimental evidence in public sequence databases hampered so far a finer grain discrimination, including also intra-organelle compartments.

Results

We describe DeepMito, a novel method for predicting protein sub-mitochondrial cellular localization. Taking advantage of powerful deep-learning approaches, such as convolutional neural networks, our method is able to achieve very high prediction performances when discriminating among four different mitochondrial compartments (matrix, outer, inner and intermembrane regions). The method is trained and tested in cross-validation on a newly generated, high-quality dataset comprising 424 mitochondrial proteins with experimental evidence for sub-organelle localizations. We benchmark DeepMito towards the only one recent approach developed for the same task. Results indicate that DeepMito performances are superior. Finally, genomic-scale prediction on a highly-curated dataset of human mitochondrial proteins further confirms the effectiveness of our approach and suggests that DeepMito is a good candidate for genome-scale annotation of mitochondrial protein subcellular localization.

Availability and implementation

The DeepMito web server as well as all datasets used in this study are available at http://busca.biocomp.unibo.it/deepmito. A standalone version of DeepMito is available on DockerHub at https://hub.docker.com/r/bolognabiocomp/deepmito. DeepMito source code is available on GitHub at https://github.com/BolognaBiocomp/deepmito

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Genomic Surveillance of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: A Mathematical Early Modeling Study of Cost-effectiveness
Authors: Dymond Amy , Davies Heather , Mealing Stuart , Pollit Vicki , Coll Francesc , Brown Nicholas M , Peacock Sharon J
Published: June 2019

Background

Genomic surveillance of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) identifies unsuspected transmission events and outbreaks. Used proactively, this could direct early and highly targeted infection control interventions to prevent ongoing spread. Here, we evaluated the cost-effectiveness of this intervention in a model that compared whole-genome sequencing plus current practice versus current practice alone.

Methods

A UK cost-effectiveness study was conducted using an early model built from the perspective of the National Health Service and personal social services. The effectiveness of sequencing was based on the relative reduction in total MRSA acquisitions in a cohort of hospitalized patients in the year following their index admissions. A sensitivity analysis was used to illustrate and assess the level of confidence associated with the conclusions of our economic evaluation.

Results

A cohort of 65 000 patients were run through the model. Assuming that sequencing would result in a 90% reduction in MRSA acquisition, 290 new MRSA cases were avoided. This gave an absolute reduction of 28.8% and avoidance of 2 MRSA-related deaths. Base case results indicated that the use of routine, proactive MRSA sequencing would be associated with estimated cost savings of over £728 290 per annual hospitalized cohort. The impact in total quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) was relatively modest, with sequencing leading to an additional 14.28 QALYs gained. Results were most sensitive to changes in the probability of a MRSA-negative patient acquiring MRSA during their hospital admission.

Conclusions

We showed that proactive genomic surveillance of MRSA is likely to be cost-effective. Further evaluation is required in the context of a prospective study.
Nest site selection and nest survival of Black-backed Woodpeckers after wildfire
Authors: Stillman Andrew N , Siegel Rodney B , Wilkerson Robert L , Johnson Matthew , Howell Christine A , Tingley Morgan W
Published: June 2019

Recently burned coniferous forests host wildlife communities that respond to variation in burn severity, post-fire habitat structure, and patch configuration. Habitat selection theory predicts that birds inhabiting these variable post-fire landscapes will select nesting locations that confer an adaptive advantage through increased fitness and reproductive success. Understanding the effect of post-fire habitat on avian nesting ecology can provide valuable information to guide restoration and management after wildfire. The Black-backed Woodpecker (Picoides arcticus) is strongly associated with recently burned forests in the western United States, where it is used as an indicator species for the effects of post-fire forest management. Between 2011 and 2018, we located and monitored 118 Black-backed Woodpecker nests in burned forests of northern California. We evaluated the influence of habitat and nest characteristics on nest site selection and daily nest survival. Our results demonstrate a pattern of neutral congruence between habitat selection and fitness. Black-backed Woodpeckers showed strong selection for each of the nest habitat variables that we measured: woodpeckers selected moderately sized trees in areas of high snag density burned at high severity, but also in areas relatively close to low-severity or unburned edges. However, only nest initiation date affected nest survival, with decreased survival in late-season nests. Our results suggest that management actions aimed at maintaining breeding habitat for Black-backed Woodpeckers should prioritize retention and creation of pyrodiverse landscapes that include dense stands of snags (>5 snags per 100 m2) within ~500 m of forest that burned at low severity or remained unburned.
Physiological stress responses of tigers due to anthropogenic disturbance especially tourism in two central Indian tiger reserves
Authors: Tyagi Abhinav , Kumar Vinod , Kittur Sagar , Reddy Mahender , Naidenko Sergey , Ganswindt Andre , Umapathy Govindhaswamy
Published: June 2019

Tigers continue to face unprecedented threats to their existence due to poaching, habitat loss, habitat fragmentation and anthropogenic disturbances. The present study examines the physiological stress response of tigers due to anthropogenic activities including wildlife tourism in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve and Kanha Tiger Reserve using faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) measurement. We collected a total of 341 faecal samples from both reserves during tourism and non-tourism periods. Data on various anthropogenic disturbances including tourism activities like number of vehicles and visitors were also collected. We ascertained the species identity and sex of all the samples collected using genetic markers. fGCMs were extracted using a previously reported procedure, and fGCM concentrations were subsequently determined using an established enzyme immunoassay. There was no significant difference in overall mean fGCM concentrations between the two tiger reserves, but within each reserve, concentrations were significantly higher in tigers during the tourism period as compared to the non-tourism period. We also found that the number of tourist vehicles and disturbance level significantly correlated with fGCM concentrations. This study further supports the assumption that unbridled tourism associated with high anthropogenic disturbance can be related to perceived stress and consequently may have an impact on the reproductive fitness of tigers and long-term survival of isolated populations.
Subregional Timber Supply Projections with Chip-n-Saw Stumpage: Implications for Southern Stumpage Markets
Authors: Parajuli Rajan , Tanger Shaun , Abt Robert , Cubbage Fred
Published: June 2019

Softwood chip-n-saw (CNS), an intermediate stumpage product between sawtimber and pulpwood, has become a mainstay in southern timber markets in recent years. Most of the previous studies in southern timber markets primarily focused on pulpwood and sawtimber markets, and often overlooked CNS as a standalone timber product. Using the Subregional Timber Supply model, this study examines the dynamics of sawtimber- and pulpwood-dominated softwood stumpage markets with growing CNS markets in the US South. Results suggest that South-wide CNS inventory increases over the short run but begins to decrease by 2024, which leads to CNS prices rising over the years. The projected trends vary widely from one wood basket to another. This study provides additional nuance to future prospects of southern timber markets.
Proteomic Investigation of a Diseased Gorgonian Coral Indicates Disruption of Essential Cell Function and Investment in Inflammatory and Other Immune Processes
Authors: Ricci Contessa A , Kamal Abu Hena Mostafa , Chakrabarty Jayanta Kishor , Fuess Lauren E , Mann Whitney T , Jinks Lea R , Brinkhuis Vanessa , Chowdhury Saiful M , Mydlarz Laura D
Published: June 2019

As scleractinian coral cover declines in the face of increased frequency in disease outbreaks, future reefs may become dominated by octocorals. Understanding octocoral disease responses and consequences is therefore necessary if we are to gain insight into the future of ecosystem services provided by coral reefs. In Florida, populations of the octocoral Eunicea calyculata infected with Eunicea black disease (EBD) were observed in the field in the fall of 2011. This disease was recognized by a stark, black pigmentation caused by heavy melanization. Histological preparations of E. calyculata infected with EBD demonstrated granular amoebocyte (GA) mobilization, melanin granules in much of the GA population, and the presence of fungal hyphae penetrating coral tissue. Previous transcriptomic analysis also identified immune trade-offs evidenced by increased immune investment at the expense of growth. Our investigation utilized proteogenomic techniques to reveal decreased investment in general cell signaling while increasing energy production for immune responses. Inflammation was also prominent in diseased E. calyculata and sheds light on factors driving the extreme phenotype observed with EBD. With disease outbreaks continuing to increase in frequency, our results highlight new targets within the cnidarian immune system and provide a framework for understanding transcriptomics in the context of an organismal disease phenotype and its protein expression.
The Lipman–Zariski Conjecture in Low Genus
Authors: Graf Patrick
Published: June 2019

We prove the Lipman–Zariski conjecture for complex surface singularities of genus 1 and also for those of genus 2 whose link is not a rational homology sphere. As an application, we characterize complex $2$-tori as the only normal compact complex surfaces whose smooth locus has trivial tangent bundle. We also deduce that all complex-projective surfaces with locally free and generically nef tangent sheaf are smooth, and we classify them.
Proximities of Violence: Civil Order Beyond Governance Institutions
Authors: Phillips Sarah G
Published: June 2019

This article is concerned with the relationship between the quality of a country's governance institutions and the degree of civil order it experiences. Using evidence from Somaliland, it argues that order and peaceful cohabitation can be sustained not only when, but even partly because, governance institutions are incapable of reliably controlling violence. It suggests that Somaliland's postconflict peace is less grounded in the constraining power of its governance institutions than in a powerful discourse about the country's structural, temporal, and physical proximity to war. Through its sensitivity to the ease with which peace gives way to war, this discourse indirectly harnesses an apparent propensity to disorder as a source of order. This case challenges the “common sense” causal relationship between institutions and order. If either the strength or the weakness of institutions can offer foundations for order, then neither quality can be assigned as its cause without also being its effect. This has important implications beyond Somaliland by suggesting that, if weak institutions can support order under certain discursive conditions, then discourse—which is inherently fluid—also mediates the relationship between robust institutions and order. This makes them more susceptible to rapid change than usually imagined.
FRAND as Access to All versus License to All
Authors: Martinez Juan
Published: June 2019

In the last few decades, standardised cellular technology has experienced an impressive (r)evolution. This is mainly due to the success of open standardisation marked by the commitment of some companies to contribute their best innovative technologies to standards and to make them accessible to all on Fair, Reasonable and Non-Discriminatory (FRAND) terms and conditions. Recently, a discussion has emerged on whether such commitment implies that the patent holder has an obligation to license everyone across the supply chain (‘license to all’) or whether he is only obliged to offer everyone access to its standard essential patents through licences with end user devices (‘access to all’). Also discussed is whether a requirement to grant a licence at all levels of the supply chain is legally and practically possible. This paper will analyse the commercial licensing practice in the Information and Communication Technology field, the economic efficiencies of such licensing approaches, as well as the legal and practical implications of each of them.
Human blastocyst outgrowths recapitulate primordial germ cell specification events
Authors: Popovic Mina , Bialecka Monika , Gomes Fernandes Maria , Taelman Jasin , Van Der Jeught Margot , De Sutter Petra , Heindryckx Björn , Chuva De Sousa Lopes Susana M
Published: June 2019

Our current knowledge of the mechanisms leading to human primordial germ cell (PGC) specification stems solely from differentiation experiments starting from human pluripotent stem cells. However, information regarding the origin of PGCs in vivo remains obscure. Here we apply an improved system for extended in vitro culture of human embryos to investigate the presence of PGC-like cells (PGCLCs) 12 days post fertilization (dpf). Good quality blastocysts (n = 141) were plated at 6 dpf and maintained in hypoxia, in medium supplemented with Activin A until 12 dpf. We primarily reveal that 12 dpf outgrowths recapitulate human peri-implantation events and demonstrate that blastocyst quality significantly impacts both embryo viability at 12 dpf, as well as the presence of POU5F1+ cells within viable outgrowths. Moreover, detailed examination of 12 dpf blastocyst outgrowths revealed a population of POU5F1+, SOX2– and SOX17+ cells that may correspond to PGCLCs, alongside POU5F1+ epiblast-like cells and GATA6+ endoderm-like cells. Our findings suggest that, in human, PGC precursors may become specified within the epiblast and migrate either transiently to the extra-embryonic mesoderm or directly to the dorsal part of the yolk sac endoderm around 12 dpf. This is a descriptive analysis and as such the conclusion that POU5F1+ and SOX17+ cells represent bona fide PGCs can only be considered as preliminary. In the future, other PGC markers may be used to further validate the observed cell populations. Overall, our findings provide insights into the origin of the human germline and may serve as a foundation to further unravel the molecular mechanisms governing PGC specification in human.
Oxidation of cinnamyl alcohol and ethanol by oxidases and dehydrogenases in the digestive gland of gastropods
Authors: Lobo-da-Cunha Alexandre , Amaral-de-Carvalho Diogo , Calado Gonçalo , Costa Vítor
Published: June 2019

Alcohol oxidases and dehydrogenases are poorly studied in the Mollusca, the second largest phylum of metazoans. In order to obtain an overview of the distribution of aromatic alcohols and ethanol-oxidizing enzymes in the gastropod phylogenetic tree, we investigated the activity of these enzymes in the digestive gland of 26 gastropod species in the clades Patellogastropoda, Neritimorpha, Vetigastropoda, Caenogastropoda and Heterobranchia. Marine, freshwater and terrestrial species, as well as herbivores and carnivores, were sampled so that gastropods varying widely in habitat and diet were included in the study. An aromatic alcohol oxidase, which was previously reported in herbivorous terrestrial gastropods, was detected in 25 of the studied species. The activity of a cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase was detected for the first time in gastropods and this enzyme was found to be present in all the species that were studied. Our study, thus, demonstrates that alcohol oxidases and dehydrogenases are ubiquitous enzymes among gastropods; these enzymes are found across the gastropod phylogenetic tree and across species varying widely in habitat and diet. The enzymes that catalyze the oxidation or dehydrogenation of cinnamyl alcohol must be involved in the metabolism of aromatic alcohols of very different dietary origins and conceivably have a detoxification function. Oxidase or dehydrogenase activities involving ethanol as a substrate were detected only in a few species, mostly those belonging to the Panpulmonata. This suggests that for many gastropods ethanol may not be metabolically relevant.
A screening questionnaire for occupational and hobby exposures during pregnancy
Authors: Zachek C M , Schwartz J M , Glasser M , DeMicco E , Woodruff T J
Published: June 2019

Background

Occupational and environmental exposures during the prenatal period may be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and lifelong health effects. Yet, identification and evaluation of these potential hazards is lacking in routine obstetric care.

Aims

To assess the feasibility of incorporating a self-administered occupational and environmental exposure questionnaire into obstetric clinics.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey assessed prenatal clinic patients at a public hospital who were currently employed and <20 weeks gestation. Questionnaires evaluated job characteristics, workplace and hobby exposures, protective equipment use and symptoms during pregnancy.

Results

Of 69 participants (96% response rate), 46% were predominantly Spanish-speaking. Primary occupations were caregiver (16%), cleaner (14%) and administrative assistant (14%). Overall, 93% were exposed to a workplace hazard, with most participants reporting physical stressors (82%) or organic solvent exposure (78%). Most women (74%) used some personal protective equipment. Nearly half (54%) reported at least one non-pregnancy symptom, and 52% were referred for follow-up with an occupational medicine practitioner. Household and hobby-related chemical exposures were common in our sample (91%). We observed moderate consistency between job task and chemical use responses: 67–99% of intentionally redundant questions were fully or partially matched. Closed- compared to open-ended activity questions identified a higher proportion of physical stressors (82% versus 12%) and cleaning product (76% versus 30%) exposures.

Conclusions

A self-administered questionnaire is an effective screening tool for identifying women with occupational and hobby-related exposures during pregnancy. Consistent incorporation of exposure assessment into prenatal care can improve clinical communications and early interventions for at-risk pregnant women.
Interest in Switching to On-Demand HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Among Australian Users of Daily PrEP: An Online Survey
Authors: Cornelisse Vincent J , Lal Luxi , Price Brian , Ryan Kathleen E , Bell Charlotte , Owen Louise , Wright Edwina J
Published: June 2019

We surveyed 970 PrEPX study participants to evaluate interest in switching from daily to on-demand PrEP in a study setting. Interested respondents (n = 469, 48%) more commonly reported PrEP cessation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.0; P < .001), difficulty with adherence (aOR, 1.6; P = .029), infrequent sex (aOR, 3.7; P < .001), and toxicity concerns (aOR, 2.7; P < .001).
Boötes. IV. A new Milky Way satellite discovered in the Subaru Hyper Suprime-Cam Survey and implications for the missing satellite problem
Authors: Homma Daisuke , Chiba Masashi , Komiyama Yutaka , Tanaka Masayuki , Okamoto Sakurako , Tanaka Mikito , Ishigaki Miho N , Hayashi Kohei , Arimoto Nobuo , Carlsten Scott G , Lupton Robert H , Strauss Michael A , Miyazaki Satoshi , Torrealba Gabriel , Wang Shiang-Yu , Murayama Hitoshi
Published: June 2019

We report on the discovery of a new Milky Way (MW) satellite in Boötes based on data from the ongoing Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC) Subaru Strategic Program (SSP). This satellite, named Boötes IV, is the third ultra-faint dwarf that we have discovered in the HSC-SSP. We have identified a statistically significant (32.3σ) overdensity of stars with characteristics of a metal-poor, old stellar population. The distance to this stellar system is $D_{\odot }=209^{+20}_{-18}\:$kpc with a V-band absolute magnitude of $M_V=-4.53^{+0.23}_{-0.21}\:$mag. Boötes IV has a half-light radius of $r_{\rm h}=462^{+98}_{-84}\:$pc and an ellipticity of $0.64^{+0.05}_{-0.05}$, which clearly suggests that this is a dwarf satellite galaxy. We also found another overdensity that appears to be a faint globular cluster with $M_V=-0.20^{+0.59}_{-0.83}\:$mag and $r_{\rm h}=5.9^{+1.5}_{-1.3}\:$pc located at $D_{\odot }=46^{+4}_{-4}\:$kpc. Adopting the recent prediction for the total population of satellites in a MW-sized halo by Newton et al. (2018, MNRAS, 479, 2853), which combined the characteristics of the satellites observed by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and the Dark Energy Survey with the subhalos obtained in ΛCDM models, we estimate that there should be about two MW satellites at MV ≤ 0 in the ∼676 deg2 covered by HSC-SSP, whereas that area includes six satellites (Sextans, Leo IV, Pegasus III, Cetus III, Virgo I, and Boötes IV). Thus, the observed number of satellites is larger than the theoretical prediction. On the face of it, we have a problem of too many satellites, instead of the well-known missing satellites problem whereby the ΛCDM theory overpredicts the number of satellites in a MW-sized halo. This may imply that the models need more refinement for the assignment of subhalos to satellites, such as considering those found by the current deeper survey. More statistically robust constraints on this issue will be brought by further surveys of HSC-SSP over the planned ∼1400 deg2 area.
Normal fecal calprotectin levels in healthy children are higher than in adults and decrease with age
Authors: Velasco Rodríguez-Belvís Marta , Viada Bris Javier Francisco , Plata Fernández Carmen , García-Salido Alberto , Asensio Antón Julia , Domínguez Ortega Gloria , Muñoz Codoceo Rosa Ana
Published: June 2019

Background/Objectives

The paediatric reference range of fecal calprotectin (FC) has not been decisively established and previous studies show a wide within-age variability, suggesting that other factors like anthropometric data or type of feeding can influence FC. Our aims were to establish the normal levels of FC in healthy children grouped by age and analyze whether sex, gestational age, birth weight, type of delivery, type of feeding, or anthropometric data influence FC values.

Methods

This multicentre, cross-sectional, and observational study enrolled healthy donors under 18 years of age who attended their Primary Health Care Centre for their routine Healthy Child Program visits. The exclusion criteria were: (i) immunodeficiency, (ii) autoimmune or (iii) gastrointestinal disease; (iv) medication usage; (v) gastrointestinal symptoms; or (vi) positive finding in the microbiological study.

Results

We enrolled 395 subjects, mean age was 4.2 years (range 3 days to 16.9 years), and 204 were male. The median FC was 77.0 mcg/g (interquartile range 246). A negative correlation between age and FC was observed (Spearman’s rho = −0.603, P<0.01), and none of the other factors analyzed were found to influence FC levels.

Conclusions

Normal FC values in healthy children (particularly in infants) are higher than those considered to be altered in adults and show a negative correlation with age. It is necessary to reconsider the upper limits of FC levels for paediatric patients according to age, with further studies required to determine other factors that influence FC during infancy.
Bifurcation and anomalous spectral accumulation in an oval billiard
Authors: Makino Hironori
Published: June 2019

The spectral statistics of a quantum oval billiard whose classical dynamical system shows bifurcations is numerically investigated in terms of the two-point correlation function (TPCF), which is defined as the probability density of finding two levels at a specific energy interval. The eigenenergy levels at the bifurcation point are found to show anomalous accumulation, which is observed as a periodic spike oscillation of the TPCF. We analyzed the eigenfunctions localizing onto the various classical trajectories in the phase space and found that the oscillation is supplied from a limited region in the phase space that contains the bifurcating orbit. We also show that the period of the oscillation is in good agreement with the period of a contribution from the bifurcating orbit to the semiclassical TPCF obtained by Gutzwiller’s trace formula [J. Math. Phys. 12, 343 (1971)].
${\bf I=2} \boldsymbol{\pi\pi}$ potential in the HAL QCD method with all-to-all propagators
Authors: Akahoshi Yutaro , Aoki Sinya , Aoyama Tatsumi , Doi Takumi , Miyamoto Takaya , Sasaki Kenji
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we perform the first application of the hybrid method (exact low modes plus stochastically estimated high modes) for all-to-all propagators to the HAL QCD method. We calculate the HAL QCD potentials in the $I=2$$\pi\pi$ scattering in order to see how statistical fluctuations of the potential behave under the hybrid method. All of the calculations are performed with the 2+1 flavor gauge configurations on a $16^3 \times 32$ lattice at the lattice spacing $a \approx 0.12$ fm and $m_{\pi} \approx 870$ MeV. It is revealed that statistical errors for the potential are enhanced by stochastic noises introduced by the hybrid method, which, however, are shown to be reduced by increasing the level of dilutions, in particular, that of space dilutions. From systematic studies, we obtain a guiding principle for a choice of dilution types/levels and a number of eigenvectors to reduce noise contamination to the potential while keeping numerical costs reasonable. We also confirm that we can obtain the scattering phase shifts for the $I=2$$\pi\pi$ system by the hybrid method within a reasonable numerical cost; these phase shifts are consistent with the result obtained with the conventional method. The knowledge that we obtain in this study will become useful for the investigation of hadron resonances that require quark annihilation diagrams such as the $\rho$ meson by the HAL QCD potential with the hybrid method.
Lethal coagulopathy resulting from the consumption of contaminated synthetic cannabinoids: the story of a public health crisis
Authors: Fasih Anum
Published: June 2019

In March 2018, Illinois saw the outbreak of an unprecedented public health crisis, which manifested as the development of a potentially lethal coagulopathy associated with the consumption of synthetic cannabinoids. This outbreak impacted a reported 174 patients, and was responsible for the deaths of five patients. While events unfolded, it was uncovered that the coagulopathy was not caused directly by the consumption of synthetic cannabinoids, but by the contamination of these products with Brodifacuom, bromadiol and difenacoum, potent Vitamin K antagonists that are the active ingredient in most rodenticides. This article chronicles the first reported instance of clinically significant Long Acting Anticoagulant Rodenticide poisoning on such a widespread and uniform scale, and examines the challenges posed to the providers and Public Health authorities tasked with the management of this outbreak. Crisis preparedness determines mitigation, response and recovery during trying times. It is prudent that healthcare agencies engage in collective measures to establish preparedness plans and build up their capacity to respond to health-related crises such as the one faced by Illinois in early 2018. By examining the solutions developed to tackle each unique challenge, the objective of this article is to lay a framework for action and response to similar public health crises.