bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Police–public relations in colonial India
Authors: Singh Gagan Preet
Published: September 2019

The police–public relations in colonial India were characterized by incivility, harshness, and violence towards the public, especially the marginalized sections of the society. In turn, the police functioning suffered from public distrust and apathy. How did historians explain this unsatisfactory nature of the police–public relations? This article is a study of the historiography of policing since the 1980s to understand how this problem has been understood. It emerges that since the 1980s, the dominant paradigm in the historiography has used a variety of social concepts such as “the propertied classes,” “the urban poor,” and “the neighbourhood networks” to explain the nature of the relationship between the police and the policed. This dominant paradigm has laid emphasis on material backgrounds and has largely ignored the importance of cultural background of the police and the policed. However, another strand in the historiography, revolving around the question of the police torture, has suggested that the cultural background of the police and especially the policed also played a crucial role in determining whose body could be tortured. It is hoped that in the future, scholars will shift away from narrow material explanation to an approach that will also consider the sociocultural background of the police and the policed.
Gender, colonial past, national identity, and mestizaje in Chile: The many faces of “La Quintrala”
Authors: Marsilli María N.
Published: September 2019

Ever since its creation by nineteenth‐century liberal historian Benjamín Vicuña Mackenna, the figure of La Quintrala, the mythical and wealthy mestiza serial killer of colonial Chile, has gained a major place in Chilean national identity. Although the original character is based upon sketchy documentation, the fascination it has inspired is rooted on several transgressions that define its monstrous nature. Twentieth‐century literary renditions of the story added complexity to the icon. Over time, La Quintrala has become a fluid, polysemic icon Chileans use to express a wide range of social anxieties including coloniality, gender, female sexuality, race, race miscegenation (mestizaje), women's roles, and, lastly, an urgent need for political reconciliation.
Optimizing payments based on efficiency, quality, complexity, and heterogeneity: the case of hospital funding
Authors: Ferreira Diogo C. , Nunes Alexandre M. , Marques Rui C.
Published: September 2019

In several countries around the world, public hospitals are paid for by the health care services they provide to the population. Different funding systems are available, such as the Beveridge Model. Furthermore, payments can be either prospective, retrospective, or even a merging of both. Payments are usually nonoptimal in the Pareto sense and disregard the quality of delivered services as well as the environment (either internal or external) in which hospitals operate. This gap may introduce inefficiencies and inequities in the health care system, which currently faces scenarios of reduction/scarcity of resources. Furthermore, there are problems related to overpaying and misallocation of resources. Hence, payments should be optimized to guarantee an efficient allocation of resources to the health care systems. This study proposes a new best practice based tool, applying it to the Portuguese National Health Service. Considerable cost savings may emerge for inefficient hospitals if the model is successfully employed.
Effectiveness of hyaluronic acid gel (Jalosome soothing gel) for the treatment of radiodermatitis in a patient receiving head and neck radiotherapy associated with cetuximab: A case report and review
Authors: Presta Giovanni , Puliatti Andrea , Bonetti Loris , Tolotti Angela , Sari Davide , Valcarenghi Dario
Published: September 2019

One of the principal side effects in patients that receive radiotherapy is radiodermatitis. Radiodermatitis can be highly invalidating for patients, causing pain, ulceration, swelling, and increased infection risk, with a negative effect on the quality of life, requiring dressings and medications. Therapeutic approaches reported so far in the literature have not proved to be effective in treating radiodermatitis. Therefore, new approaches are needed to deal with these side effects more effectively. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid gel (HAG) (Jalosome soothing gel) for the treatment of a case of radiodermatitis. This is a case study of a patient affected by squamous cell carcinoma at the tongue base, who was treated with head and neck radiotherapy associated with the administration of cetuximab. About 1 month after this therapy was started the patient developed radiodermatitis, which did not regress with standard treatment. Therefore, HAG was applied once a day for about 20 days. The regression of radiodermatitis was measured using the Radiation Toxicity/Oncology Grading scale, pain relief was measured with a numerical scale, and patient satisfaction was done through a semi‐structured interview. The patient presented a dramatic reduction of skin toxicity, which had been resistant to all previous therapeutic approaches. Pain, which was severe at the beginning, gradually disappeared. The patient showed great satisfaction for the reduction of pain and the regression of the radiodermatitis. The effectiveness of HAG appears to be promising for the treatment of radiodermatitis.
The Watershed Leader as a Catalyst for Change
Authors: Bonnell Joseph E. , Hettinger Dallas Z. , Baird Anne M.
Published: September 2019

This paper describes a research project that collected information about the leadership characteristics of successful watershed coordinators in Ohio. We interviewed a total of twenty watershed coordinators who had successfully completed nonpoint source (NPS) management projects and asked them to discuss their perceptions of what made them and others like them successful. We organized the attributes identified into three themes (social, technical and administrative). Of these, social attributes like strong communication skills were considered to be the most critical for getting NPS projects completed, though technical and administrative attributes were also important. We discuss how these findings might be applied in evaluating and training watershed coordinators, and consider possible avenues for further research.
Novel reciprocal interaction of lncRNA HOTAIR and miR‐214‐3p contribute to the solamargine‐inhibited PDPK1 gene expression in human lung cancer
Authors: Tang Qing , Zheng Fang , Liu Zheng , Wu JingJing , Chai XiaoSu , He CuenXa , Li Liuning , Hann Swei Sunny
Published: September 2019

Solamargine (SM) has been shown to have anti‐cancer properties. However, the underlying mechanism involved remains undetermined. We showed that SM inhibited the growth of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, which was enhanced in cells with silencing of long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR), while it overcame by overexpression of HOTAIR. In addition, SM increased the expression of miR‐214‐3p and inhibited 3‐phosphoinositide‐dependent protein kinase‐1 (PDPK1) gene expression, which was strengthened by miR‐214‐3p mimics. Intriguingly, HOTAIR could directly bind to miR‐214‐3p and sequestered miR‐214‐3p from the target gene PDPK1. Intriguingly, overexpression of PDPK1 overcame the effects of SM on miR‐214‐3p expressions and neutralized the SM‐inhibited cell growth. Similar results were observed in vivo. In summary, our results showed that SM‐inhibited NSCLC cell growth through the reciprocal interaction between HOTAIR and miR‐214‐3p, which ultimately suppressed PDPK1 gene expression. HOTAIR effectively acted as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to stimulate the expression of target gene PDPK1. These complex interactions and feedback mechanisms contribute to the overall effect of SM. This unveils a novel molecular mechanism underlying the anti‐cancer effect of SM in human lung cancer.
On the Methodology of Studying Differentiated (Dis)integration: Or How the Potential Outcome Framework Can Contribute to Evaluating the Costs and Benefits of Opting In or Out
Authors: Burk Marian , Leuffen Dirk
Published: September 2019

The European Commission's 2017 White Paper on the Future of Europe sets out several scenarios related to differentiated (dis)integration. But although our understanding of the causes of differentiated (dis)integration has substantively improved over recent years, our knowledge about its consequences still remains limited. This shortcoming may lead to difficulties when it comes to formulating policy recommendations. Accordingly, we propose closer attention to the effects‐of‐causes of differentiated (dis)integration, linked to a more careful implementation of insights on causal inference. After briefly reviewing the foci and methods of existing literature on differentiated (dis)integration, we introduce a potential outcome model of causal inference. We provide an illustrative application of the synthetic control method, as one method related to this framework. Our analysis shows that the UK has economically benefitted from not joining the eurozone, but our argument more generally is about the practical implications of methodological choices in the study of differentiated (dis)integration.
On the Social Status of the European Union
Authors: Røren Pål
Published: September 2019

In this article I analyse the EU's social status in world politics. I argue that recognition grants the EU both club and positional status. Drawing on existing literature on status in international relations, I conceptualize the diplomatic corps of various polities as the embodied recognition of their positional status in world politics. To indicate and measure the positional status of the EU, I applied social network analysis to data on the exchange of embassies from 1960 to 2010. This methodology allows for consistent longitudinal comparisons of standing between heterogeneous polities in world politics. The results indicate that the EU's rise in the status hierarchy has been meteoric since 1960. However, fear of status congestion and status dilution among countries has thwarted the EU's full inclusion into the various status clubs of nation‐states. I show that due to its lack of full club status the EU struggles to convert its high positional status into influence.
Association between soft drink, fruit juice consumption and obesity in Eastern Europe: cross‐sectional and longitudinal analysis of the HAPIEE study
Authors: Garduño‐Alanís A. , Malyutina S. , Pajak A. , Stepaniak U. , Kubinova R. , Denisova D. , Pikhart H. , Peasey A. , Bobak M. , Stefler D.
Published: September 2019

Background

Fruit juice and soft drink consumption have been shown to be related to obesity. However, this relationship has not been explored in Eastern Europe. The present study aimed to assess the cross‐sectional and longitudinal relationships between fruit juice, soft drink consumption and body mass index (BMI) in Eastern European cohorts.

Methods

Data from the Health, Alcohol and Psychosocial factors in Eastern Europe population‐based prospective cohort study, based in Russia, Poland and the Czech Republic, were used. Intakes of sugar‐sweetened beverage (SSB), artificially‐sweetened beverage (ASB) and fruit juice were estimated from a food frequency questionnaire. Participant BMI values were assessed at baseline (n = 26 634) and after a 3‐year follow‐up (data available only for Russia, n = 5205).

Results

Soft drink consumption was generally low, particularly in Russia. Compared to never drinkers of SSB, participants who drank SSB every day had a significantly higher BMI in the Czech [β‐coefficient = 0.28; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.02–0.54], Russian (β‐coefficient = 1.38; 95% CI = 0.62–2.15) and Polish (β‐coefficient = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.29–1.37) cohorts. Occasional or daily ASB consumption was also positively associated with BMI in all three cohorts. Results for daily fruit juice intake were inconsistent, with a positive association amongst Russians (β‐coefficient = 0.75; 95% CI = 0.28–1.21) but a negative trend in the Czech Republic (β‐coefficient = −0.42; 95% CI = −0.86 to 0.02). Russians participants who drank SSB or ASB had an increased BMI after follow‐up.

Conclusions

Our findings support previous studies suggesting that soft drink consumption (including SSBs and ASBs) is positively related to BMI, whereas our results for fruit juice were less consistent. Policies regarding these beverages should be considered in Eastern Europe to lower the risk of obesity.
The development of the osteocranium in the snake Psammophis sibilans (Serpentes: Lamprophiidae)
Authors: AL Mohammadi Ameera G. A. , Khannoon Eraqi R. , Evans Susan E.
Published: September 2019

Non‐avian reptiles are good models to investigate structural and developmental differences between amniotes. Investigations of craniofacial development in a complete series of embryos from oviposition up to hatching are still relatively rare. Consideration of a complete series can reveal developmental events that were previously missed, and thus correct or confirm theories about developmental events. The Egyptian Sand snake, Psammophis sibilans, has been a key species in descriptions of the snake skull development. However, published work was based on a limited sample of specimens collected from the wild. Here, we supplement previous descriptions with an illustrated account of skull development in P. sibilans based on a staged series of embryos and histological sections. Our findings largely agree with those of previous authors, although we record differences in developmental timing, confirming the presence of an egg tooth in this species. We add further observations on the enigmatic fenestra X, showing that it closes rather than merging with the prootic notch. Our observations revealed the likely contribution of the tectum posterius to the occipital roof, the presence of an internal carotid foramen (possibly transitory or variable), and the formation of the initial laterosphenoid pillar.
Teachers as writers: learning together with others
Authors: Cremin Teresa , Myhill Debra , Eyres Ian , Nash Tricia , Wilson Antony , Oliver Lucy
Published: September 2019

In the context of renewed interest in teachers' identities as writers and the writers as artist‐educators, this paper reports upon the findings of “Teachers as Writers” (2015–2017). A collaborative partnership between two universities and a creative writing foundation, the study sought to determine the impact of writers' engagement with teachers on changing teachers' classroom practices in the teaching of writing and, as a consequence, in improving outcomes for students. The project afforded opportunities for writers and teachers to work together as learners in order to improve student outcomes. The study involved two complementary datasets: a qualitative dataset of observations, interviews, audio‐capture (of workshops, tutorials and co‐mentoring reflections) and audio‐diaries from 16 teachers; and a randomised controlled trial (RCT) involving 32 primary and secondary classes. The findings reveal that the teachers' identities and assurance as writers shifted significantly. The Arvon experience also led to pedagogic shifts which the students reported impacted positively upon their motivation, confidence and sense of ownership and skills as writers. However, these salient dispositional shifts did not impact upon the young people's attainment. The professional writers gained new understandings which substantially altered their conceptions of writers' potential contribution in schools.
Pluteus squarrosus sp. nov. (Pluteus sect. Celluloderma, Pluteaceae) from northeast China
Authors: Hosen Md. Iqbal , Liang Xishen , Xu Jiang , Li Tai‐Hui
Published: September 2019

Pluteus squarrosus from northeast China (Liaoning Province) is described as a new species. It is characterized by a squarrose pileus, a dull white to grayish white pruinose stipe with surface covered by caulocystidial elements, nearly globose to subglobose basidiospores 5.5–6.5 × 5–6 µm, mostly fusoid pleurocystidia, and a trichoderm to trichohymeniderm pileipellis. Data from the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region shows that this new species is nested in Pluteus sect. Celluloderma, and it appears as sister to P. hirtellus. The description is accompanied by color photographs of the basidiomata and line drawings of the main microscopic features. The new species is compared with closely related taxa of Pluteus, and its phylogenetic placement is also assessed.
Conditions and ethical challenges that could influence the implementation of technologies in nursing homes: A qualitative study
Authors: Bourbonnais Anne , Rousseau Jacqueline , Lalonde Marie‐Hélène , Meunier Jean , Lapierre Nolwenn , Gagnon Marie‐Pierre
Published: September 2019

Aim

To explore the conditions that may influence the implementation of an interactive mobile application (app) and an intelligent videomonitoring system (IVS) in nursing homes (NHs) and the ethical challenges of their use.

Background

There is a lack of knowledge about implementing technologies in NHs and the ethical challenges that might arise. In past studies, nursing care teams expressed the need for technologies offering clinical support. Technologies like an IVS and an app could prove useful in NHs to prevent and manage falls and responsive behaviours.

Design

An exploratory qualitative study was conducted with care managers, family caregivers and formal caregivers in five NHs.

Methods

Each participant was shown a presentation of a potential app and a short video on an IVS. It was followed by an individual semi‐structured interview. A conventional content analysis was performed.

Findings

Potential users found it would be possible to implement these technologies in NHs even if resistance could be expected. To facilitate adoption and achieve clinical benefits, the implementation of technologies should be pilot‐tested, and coaching activities should be planned. Ethical risks were considered already present in NHs even without technologies, for example, risks to privacy. Strategies were proposed, for instance, to adapt the code of ethics and procedures. Some potential prejudices about the interest and abilities of older staff, nurses' aides, and family caregivers to use technology were identified.

Conclusions

Through rigorous and ethical implementation, technologies supporting clinical care processes could benefit older people living in NHs, as well as their relatives and the staff.

Implications for practice

Various strategies are proposed to successfully implement technologies. Effort should be made to avoid prejudices during implementation, and procedures should be adapted to mitigate possible ethical challenges.
Sonographic features of vaccination granulomas in children with delayed‐type hypersensitivity to aluminum
Authors: Sechi Andrea , Patrizi Annalisa , Vincenzi Colombina , Savoia Francesco , Tartari Federico , Leuzzi Miriam , Di Altobrando Ambra , Besagni Francesca , Merli Yuri , Neri Iria
Published: September 2019

In this article, we report the sonographic features of vaccination granulomas in three children sensitized to aluminum. Although the recognition of the vaccination granuloma relies on the clinical examination, misdiagnosis is frequent, leading to distressful procedures or prolonged antibiotic administration. In all our cases, sonography revealed a teardrop‐shaped echogenic central structure, suggesting the deposition of aluminum crystals along the route of administration with consequent subcutaneous degenerative changes, and a surrounding hypoechoic cap, which reflects the changeable inflammatory reaction and the granuloma formation.
Social network members' responses to friends' breakup false alarms
Authors: Thompson Charee M. , Romo Lynsey K. , Ben‐Israel Patience , Owens Marissa , Keita Senoumou
Published: September 2019

Social networks influence romantic relationships through friends' support or lack of support of the union. However, the consequences of friends repeatedly telling other friends their relationship was going to end but failing to actually terminate the relationship are unclear. Guided by the false alarm effect (FAE), and data from both student (N = 273) and noncollege (N = 226) samples, it was found that breakup false alarms were associated with increases in both positive and negative responses. In addition, when participants were friends with both partners, breakup false alarms were associated with “feeling caught” between the friends. Findings generally support the FAE and paint a complex picture of how social network members react to their close friends' tumultuous relationships.
Adverse perinatal outcomes in immigrants: A ten‐year population‐based observational study and assessment of growth charts
Authors: Choi Stephanie K. Y. , Henry Amanda , Hilder Lisa , Gordon Adrienne , Jorm Louisa , Chambers Georgina M.
Published: September 2019

Background

Maternity populations are becoming increasingly multiethnic. Conflicting findings exist regarding the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes among immigrant mothers from different world regions and which growth charts are most appropriate for identifying the risk of adverse outcomes.

Objective

To evaluate whether infant mortality and morbidity, and the categorisation of infants as small for gestational age or large for gestational age (SGA or LGA) vary by maternal country of birth, and to assess whether the choice of growth chart alters the risk of adverse outcomes in infants categorised as SGA and LGA.

Methods

A population cohort of 601 299 singleton infants born in Australia to immigrant mothers was compared with 1.7 million infants born to Australian‐born mothers, 2004‐2013. Infants were categorised as SGA and LGA according to a descriptive Australian population‐based birthweight chart (Australia‐2012 reference) and the prescriptive INTERGROWTH‐21st growth standard. Propensity score reweighting was used for the analysis.

Results

Compared to Australian‐born infants, infants of mothers from Africa, Philippines, India, other Asia countries, and the Middle East had between 15.4% and 48.1% elevated risk for stillbirth, preterm delivery, or low Apgar score. The association between SGA and LGA and perinatal mortality varied markedly by growth chart and country of birth. Notably, SGA infants from African‐born mothers had a relative risk of perinatal mortality of 6.1 (95% CI 4.3, 6.7) and 17.3 (95% CI 12.0, 25.0) by the descriptive and prescriptive charts, respectively. LGA infants born to Australian‐born mothers were associated with a 10% elevated risk of perinatal mortality by the descriptive chart compared to a 15% risk reduction by the prescriptive chart.

Conclusions

Country‐of‐birth‐specific variations are becoming increasingly important for providing ethnically appropriate and safe maternity care. Our findings highlight significant variations in risk of adverse perinatal outcomes in immigrant subgroups, and demonstrate how the choice of growth chart alters the quantification of risk associated with being born SGA or LGA.
Blood product and laboratory resource wastage in non‐severe allergic transfusion reactions: an opportunity for improvement
Authors: Kasim J. , Aldarweesh F. , Connor J. P.
Published: September 2019

Objective

To evaluate the degree of blood product and technical resources wasted as a result of allergic transfusion reactions.

Background

Allergic reactions are common, and most are non‐severe with rash, urticaria, or pruritus. Management includes treatment of symptoms and completion of transfusion. A quality review demonstrated that 30% of transfusion reaction work‐ups at our institution were allergic. This raised the concern of product wastage and unnecessary utilisation of laboratory resources.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of allergic reactions, including type of product implicated, volume of products transfused and discarded, the severity of reaction, the use of medications, the incidence of symptom resolution and the rate of repeat transfusion after the allergic event.

Results

Of 179 allergic reactions, non‐severe reactions were reported in 75%. Non‐severe reactions were associated with red blood cell, whereas most severe reactions were associated with platelets. Few cases had premedication; however, 83% of reactions were treated once symptoms developed, and 96% resolved. Of transfusions, 61% were stopped because of symptoms before the transfusion was completed. Of patients with non‐severe reactions and transfusions that were not completed, 36% were transfused again within 48 h, representing 16% of all allergic reactions.

Conclusion

Allergic reactions resulted in partial transfusion of the prescribed product in just over half of the cases reviewed. Most of these reactions were non‐severe, resolved with treatment and could have been completed, thus representing wastage of both blood products and the expense of the reaction evaluation. Educational efforts to eliminate/minimise this waste are in development.
Knowledge and Action in Rural Development Planning through Rural Tourism: Ayacucho a Case Study (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Authors: Stratta Fernandez Ricardo Ruben
Published: September 2019

This paper explores multifunctionality in rural areas. To plan a sustainable development based on rural tourism, we performed a study about the potential conditions of the Ayacucho rural community. A methodology based on Working With People (WWP) model was applied to that end. This iniciative is supported by four principles: respect and primacy for the people, a guarantee of social well being and a sustainable development, bottom-up planning, and an endogenous approach; and also by a horizontal community engagement which allow to identify key factors for regional development and to reach consensus about priorities and future action plans.
The Associations Between Environmental Characteristics of Early Childhood Education and Care Centers and 1-Year Change in Toddlers’ Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior
Authors: Zhang Zhiguang , Sousa-Sá Eduarda , Pereira João R. , Okely Anthony D. , Feng Xiaoqi , Santos Rute
Published: September 2019

Background: This study examined the associations between environmental characteristics of early childhood education and care (ECEC) centers and 1-year change in toddlers’ physical activity and sedentary behavior while at the centers. Methods: Data from 292 toddlers from the GET-UP! study were analyzed. Environmental characteristics of ECEC centers were rated using the Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale-revised edition at baseline. Children’s physical activity and sedentary behavior in the centers were assessed using activPAL devices, at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. Linear mixed models were performed to examine the associations between the environmental characteristics and change in the proportion of time spent in physical activity and sedentary behavior. Results: Compared with baseline, children spent a higher proportion of time in sedentary behavior (sitting) but a lower proportion of time in standing and physical activity (stepping) while at ECEC centers, at 1-year follow-up. The environmental characteristics “interaction” (B = −1.39; P = .01) and “program structure” (B = −1.15; P = .04) were negatively associated with change in the proportion of time spent in physical activity. Conclusion: Better “interaction” and “program structure” may preclude children’s physical activity from declining over time and may be considered important features to target in future interventions in ECEC centers aiming at promoting active lifestyles.
Complete Nucleotide Sequence of a Novel Plasmid Bearing the High-Level Tigecycline Resistance Gene
tet
(X4)
Authors: Fang Liang-Xing , Chen Chong , Yu Dong-Ling , Sun Ruan-Yang , Cui Chao-Yue , Chen Liang , Liao Xiao-Ping , Liu Ya-Hong , Sun Jian
Published: September 2019

We reported the complete nucleotide sequence of a
tet
(X4)-carrying plasmid, pSTB20-1T, from a tigecycline-resistant
Escherichia coli
isolate in China. Sequence analysis indicated that pSTB20-1T contains a hybrid plasmid backbone and a
tet
(X4)-containing multidrug resistance region, likely originated through recombination of multiple plasmids.
tet
(X4) was flanked by two IS
CR2
, which may be responsible for
tet
(X4) mobilization.
Chemotaxis of Pseudomonas putida F1 to Alcohols Is Mediated by the Carboxylic Acid Receptor McfP
Authors: Zhang Xiangsheng , Hughes Jonathan G. , Subuyuj Gabriel A. , Ditty Jayna L. , Parales Rebecca E.
Published: September 2019

Alcohols, released as fermentation products and produced as intermediates in the catabolism of many organic compounds, including hydrocarbons and fatty acids, are common components of the microbial food web in soil and sediments. Although they serve as good carbon and energy sources for many soil bacteria, alcohols have primarily been reported to be repellents rather than attractants for motile bacteria. Little is known about how alcohols are sensed by microbes in the environment. We report here that catabolizable
n
-alcohols with linear chains of up to 12 carbons serve as attractants for the soil bacterium
Pseudomonas putida
, and rather than being detected directly, alcohols appear to be catabolized to acetate, which is then sensed by a specific cell-surface chemoreceptor protein.
Interleukin 17 Receptor E (IL-17RE) and IL-17C Mediate the Recruitment of Neutrophils during Acute
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Pneumonia
Authors: Steck Patrick , Ritzmann Felix , Honecker Anja , Vella Giovanna , Herr Christian , Gaupp Rosmarie , Bischoff Markus , Speer Timotheus , Tschernig Thomas , Bals Robert , Beisswenger Christoph
Published: September 2019

Neutrophils contribute to lung injury in acute pneumococcal pneumonia. The interleukin 17 receptor E (IL-17RE) is the functional receptor for the epithelial-derived cytokine IL-17C, which is known to mediate innate immune functions. The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of IL-17RE/IL-17C to pulmonary inflammation in a mouse model of acute
Streptococcus pneumoniae
pneumonia.
Antigenic Pressure on H3N2 Influenza Virus Drift Strains Imposes Constraints on Binding to Sialylated Receptors but Not Phosphorylated Glycans
Authors: Byrd-Leotis Lauren , Gao Chao , Jia Nan , Mehta Akul Y. , Trost Jessica , Cummings Sandra F. , Heimburg-Molinaro Jamie , Cummings Richard D. , Steinhauer David A.
Published: September 2019

Influenza subtype H3N2 viruses have circulated in humans for over 50 years, continuing to cause annual epidemics. Such viruses have undergone antigenic drift in response to immune pressure, reducing the protective effects of preexisting immunity to previously circulating H3N2 strains. The changes in hemagglutinin (HA) affiliated with drift have implications for the receptor binding properties of these viruses, affecting virus replication in the culture systems commonly used to generate and amplify vaccine strains. Therefore, the antigenic properties of the vaccines may not directly reflect those of the circulating strains from which they were derived, compromising vaccine efficacy. In order to reproducibly provide effective vaccines, it will be critical to understand the interrelationships between binding, antigenicity, and replication properties in different growth substrates.
Gut Microbiota Has a Widespread and Modifiable Effect on Host Gene Regulation
Authors: Richards Allison L. , Muehlbauer Amanda L. , Alazizi Adnan , Burns Michael B. , Findley Anthony , Messina Francesco , Gould Trevor J. , Cascardo Camilla , Pique-Regi Roger , Blekhman Ran , Luca Francesca
Published: September 2019

The composition of the gut microbiome has been associated with various aspects of human health, but the mechanism of this interaction is still unclear. We utilized a cellular system to characterize the effect of the microbiome on human gene expression. We showed that some of these changes in expression may be mediated by changes in chromatin accessibility. Furthermore, we validate the role of a specific microbe and show that changes in its abundance can modify the host gene expression response. These results show an important role of gut microbiota in regulating host gene expression and suggest that manipulation of microbiome composition could be useful in future therapies.
Thermal behavior analysis and experimental study on the vertical machining center spindle
Authors: Kang Cheng Ming , Zhao Chun Yu , Zhang Jun Qian
Published: September 2019

Thermal errors caused by spindle rotation is a major factor that influences the precision stability of CNC machine tools. To determine an effective method for reducing thermal errors, a thermal experiment was carried out on the spindle of a vertical drilling center. The thermal deformation mechanism and thermal error variations of the spindle are presented. Based on the generation, convection, and conduction theory of heat, the thermal field model of a spindle system is derived. The relationship between the thermal field and the radial thermal error is established using a physically based method. Finally, the effect of the thermal error model proposed is verified by both a simulation and experiment. The results recorded on the two CNC machining centers indicate that the average fitting accuracy of the theoretical model is up to 94.1%, which validates the high accuracy and strong robustness of the presented model.
An Advanced Quantum Optimization Algorithm for Robot Path Planning
Authors: Gao Liming , Liu Rong , Wang Fei , Wu Weizong , Bai Baohua , Yang Sa , Yao Li
Published: September 2019

In this paper, a new robot path planning algorithm based on Quantum-inspired Evolutionary Algorithm (QEA) is proposed. QEA is an advanced evolutionary computing scheme with the quantum computing features such as qubits and superposition. It is suitable for solving large scale optimization problems. The proposed QEA algorithm works in the discretized environment, and approximates the optimal robot planing path in a highly computationally efficient fashion. The simulation results indicate that the proposed QEA algorithm is suitable for both complex static and dynamic environment and considerably outperforms the conventional genetic algorithm (GA) for solving the robot path planning problem. Our algorithm runs in only about 2[Formula: see text]s, which demonstrates that it can well tackle the optimization problem in robot path planning.
FPGA-Based Pipelined Architecture for Real-Time Estimation of Sensitivity Maps Using Pre-Scan Method in Parallel MRI
Authors: Khan Tooba , Siddiqui Muhammad Faisal , Omer Hammad
Published: September 2019

Parallel MRI (pMRI) is a widely used technique for increasing the MRI acquisition speed, by using multiple receiver coils with spatially discriminated sensitivities. Sensitivity encoding (SENSE) is a parallel MRI technique used for reconstructing the aliasing free images from the under-sampled MRI data using the spatial information obtained from multiple receiver coils. Precise receiver coil sensitivity estimation is critical for the correct image reconstruction from the under-sampled data in SENSE. Pre-scan method is a quick and conventionally used method for correct estimation of the receiver coil sensitivities, to be used in SENSE. In this work, an application-specific hardware implemented on FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) for real-time sensitivity maps estimation using the pre-scan method is proposed. The proposed architecture has the potential to be installed on the receiver coil data acquisition system, which would provide sensitivity maps for image reconstruction, without moving the raw data to the MRI workstation. Parallelism is utilized in the proposed pipelined architecture to make it even faster. From the experimental results, it is shown that the proposed architecture estimates the sensitivity maps in only 1.466[Formula: see text]ms for eight receiver coils. Furthermore, high mean SNR (30[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dB), low root-mean-square-error ([Formula: see text]) and low artifact power ([Formula: see text]) are achieved for the under-sampled human head, cardiac and phantom data sets (acceleration factor = 2), reconstructed with SENSE algorithm utilizing the sensitivity maps estimated by the proposed architecture.
Trajectory Privacy Protection Based on Location Semantic Perception
Authors: Hu Zhao-Wei , Yang Jing
Published: September 2019

A personalized trajectory privacy protection method based on location semantic perception to achieve the personalized goal of privacy protection parameter setting and policy selection is proposed. The concept of user perception is introduced and a set of security samples that the user feels safe and has no risk of privacy leakage is set by the user’s personal perception. In addition, global privacy protection parameters are determined by calculating the mean values of multiple privacy protection parameters in the sample set. The concept of location semantics is also introduced. By anonymizing the real user with [Formula: see text] collaborative users that satisfy the different semantic conditions, [Formula: see text] query requests which do not have the exact same query content and contain precise location information of the user and the collaborative user are sent to ensure the accuracy of the query results and avoid privacy-leaks caused by the query content and type. Information leakage and privacy level values are tested for qualitative analysis and quantitative calculation of privacy protection efficacy to find that the proposed method indeed safeguards the privacy of mobile users. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the algorithm are verified by simulation experiments.
On the isomorphism problem for C∗-algebras of nilpotent Lie groups
Authors: Beltiţă Ingrid , Beltiţă Daniel
Published: September 2019

We investigate to what extent a nilpotent Lie group is determined by its [Formula: see text]-algebra. We prove that, within the class of exponential Lie groups, direct products of Heisenberg groups with abelian Lie groups are uniquely determined even by their unitary dual, while nilpotent Lie groups of dimension [Formula: see text] are uniquely determined by the Morita equivalence class of their [Formula: see text]-algebras. We also find that this last property is shared by the filiform Lie groups and by the [Formula: see text]-dimensional free two-step nilpotent Lie group.
China’s Indigenous Innovation Policies
Authors: BAARK Erik
Published: September 2019

Policies promoting indigenous innovation were launched in 2006. The aim was to use public procurement, support for megaprojects in science and technology, and the development of technical standards for key industries to encourage Chinese firms to develop their own intellectual property. These policies have been criticised by international trading partners, and remain a major issue in the US–China trade war. Nevertheless, China will no doubt continue to support indigenous innovation.
The Financialisation of the State Sector in China
Authors: NAUGHTON Barry
Published: September 2019

After the 2013 Third Plenum, China adopted a series of top-to-bottom policies that increased the importance of financial instruments, creating a hierarchy of funds that invest in state-owned and mixed ownership firms. These policies have been combined with increased government control and stress on high-technology industrial policies. The result has been an increasingly interventionist government, steering increasingly important state firms through financial instruments. It will take time before the Chinese government recognises the risks in creating a new wave of financial excesses.
China’s Rising Financial Risks and Liquidity Problems
Authors: LI Yao
Published: September 2019

Debt defaults of listed companies, the collapse of online financing platform and shadow banking problems have raised concerns about China’s financial risk since 2017. Meanwhile, financing costs are rising and the financing channels are shrinking. Fundamental problems such as ambiguous roles of the government and the market, financial market segmentation and the indistinct boundaries of responsibilities of different regulatory authorities still remain in China’s financial system.
Generating Point Cloud from Measurements and Shapes Based on Convolutional Neural Network: An Application for Building 3D Human Model
Authors: Nguyen Mau Tung , Dang Thanh Vu , Tran Thi Minh Kieu , The Bao Pham
Published: September 2019

It has been widely known that 3D shape models are comprehensively parameterized using point cloud and meshes. The point cloud particularly is much simpler to handle compared with meshes, and it also contains the shape information of a 3D model. In this paper, we would like to introduce our new method to generating the 3D point cloud from a set of crucial measurements and shapes of importance positions. In order to find the correspondence between shapes and measurements, we introduced a method of representing 3D data called slice structure. A Neural Networks-based hierarchical learning model is presented to be compatible with the data representation. Primary slices are generated by matching the measurements set before the whole point cloud tuned by Convolutional Neural Network. We conducted the experiment on a 3D human dataset which contains 1706 examples. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework with the average error 7.72% and fine visualization. This study indicates that paying more attention to local features is worthwhile when dealing with 3D shapes.
Production Decline Behavior Analysis of a Vertical Well with a Natural Water Influx/Waterflood
Authors: Wei Mingqiang , Ren Keyi , Duan Yonggang , Chen Qingxuan , Dejam Morteza
Published: September 2019

The production decline type curves are considered as a robust technique to interpret the production data and obtain the flow parameters, the original gas in place, etc. However, most of the previous models have focused on the primary depletion with a closed boundary, rather than on the secondary depletion with a water influx/waterflood. Therefore, in this study, a transient flow model considering the water influx/waterflood is developed. Subsequently, the functions of the production decline type curves for a vertical well with a water influx/waterflood are derived based on the material balance equation. In other words, the theory of Blasingame production decline analysis is extended to the water influx/waterflood reservoir. Further advanced Blasingame production decline type curves for a vertical well in water influx/waterflood reservoirs are generated. Compared with Blasingame type curves without a water influx/waterflood, the behavior of the ones presented in this study is quite different at the boundary. Thereafter, the effects of the relevant parameters, including the dimensionless maximum water influx, the dimensionless beginning time of the water influx, and the dimensionless external boundary radius, are studied on type curves. Finally, Blasingame type curves for a vertical well in water influx/waterflood reservoirs are verified through a field case study. This work provides very meaningful references for reservoir engineers working on the evaluation of the water influx and the estimation of the beginning time of the water influx by matching the developed type curves with the actual field data.
In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory: Effective Transition from an ICU- to CCU-Led Resuscitation Team
Authors: Sharma Rajat , Bews Hilary , Mahal Hardeep , Asselin Chantal Y. , O’Brien Megan , Koley Lillian , Hiebert Brett , Ducas John , Jassal Davinder S.
Published: September 2019

Objectives. (1) To examine the incidence and outcomes of in-hospital cardiac arrests (IHCAs) in a large unselected patient population who underwent coronary angiography at a single tertiary academic center and (2) to evaluate a transitional change in which the cardiologist is positioned as the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) leader in the cardiac catheterization laboratory (CCL) at our local tertiary care institution. Background. IHCA is a major public health concern with increased patient morbidity and mortality. A proportion of all IHCAs occurs in the CCL. Although in-hospital resuscitation teams are often led by an Intensive Care Unit- (ICU-) trained physician and house staff, little is known on the role of a cardiologist in this setting. Methods. Between 2012 and 2016, a single-center retrospective cohort study was performed examining 63 adult patients (70 ± 10 years, 60% males) who suffered from a cardiac arrest in the CCL. The ICU-led IHCAs included 19 patients, and the Coronary Care Unit- (CCU-) led IHCAs included 44 patients. Results. Acute coronary syndrome accounted for more than 50% of cardiac arrests in the CCL. Pulseless electrical activity was the most common rhythm requiring chest compression, and cardiogenic shock most frequently initiated a code blue response. No significant differences were observed between the ICU-led and CCU-led cardiac arrests in terms of hospital length of stay and 1-year survival rate. Conclusion. In the evolving field of Critical Care Cardiology, the transition from an ICU-led to a CCU-lead code blue team in the CCL setting may lead to similar short-term and long-term outcomes.
Eliminating the Fluid‐Induced Vibration and Improving the Stability of the Rotor/Seal System Using the Inerter‐Based Dynamic Vibration Absorber
Authors: Xu Qi , Luo Yuanqing , Yao Hongliang , Zhao Lichao , Wen Bangchun
Published: September 2019

A theoretical research on eliminating the instability vibration and improving the stability of the rotor/seal system using the inerter‐based dynamic vibration absorber (IDVA) is presented in this paper. The modified Jeffcott rotor and Muszynska nonlinear seal force models are employed. The proposed IDVA is the damping element of the traditional dynamic vibration absorber (DVA) replaced by one of the six configurations of the inerter. The instability threshold speed of the system is obtained by applying the Routh–Hurwitz stability criterion. The quantum particle swarm optimization (QPSO) method is utilized to optimize the parameters of the IDVA. The numerical method is applied to investigate the nonlinear dynamic responses and stability. The results show that the IDVA can effectively improve the stability and reduce the instability vibration of the rotor/seal system. Furthermore, the performance of the IDVA is more effective than that of the traditional DVA.
Analysis of Hybrid Ejector Absorption Cooling System
Authors: Sioud Doniazed , Bellagi Ahmed
Published: September 2019

In this paper, a hybrid ejector single-effect lithium-bromide water cycle is theoretically investigated. The system is a conventional single-effect cycle activated by an external steam-ejector loop. A mathematical model of the whole system is developed. Simulations are carried out to study the effect of the major parameters of the hybrid cycle on its performances and in comparison with the conventional cycle. The ejector performance is also investigated. Results show that the entrainment ratio rises with steam pressure and condenser temperature, while it decreases with increasing generator temperature. The effect of the evaporator temperature on ejector performance is negligible. It is shown also that the hybrid cycle exhibits better performances than the corresponding basic cycle. However, the performance improvement is limited to a specific range of the operating parameters. Outside this range, the hybrid system behaves similar to a conventional cycle. Inside this range, the COP increases, reaches a maximum, and then decreases and rejoins the behavior of the basic cycle. The maximum COP, which can be as large as that of a conventional double-effect cycle, about 1, is obtained at lower temperatures than in the case of single-effect cycles.