bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infective Endocarditis Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Regueiro Ander , Linke Axel , Latib Azeem , Ihlemann Nikolaj , Urena Marina , Walther Thomas , Husser Oliver , Herrmann Howard C. , Nombela-Franco Luis , Cheema Asim , Le Breton Hervé , Stortecky Stefan , Kapadia Samir , Bartorelli Antonio L. , Sinning Jan Malte , Amat-Santos Ignacio , Munoz-Garcia Antonio J. , Lerakis Stamatios , Gutiérrez-Ibanes Enrique , Abdel-Wahab Mohamed , Tchetche Didier , Testa Luca , Eltchaninoff Helene , Livi Ugolino , Castillo Juan Carlos , Jilaihawi Hasan , Webb John G. , Barbanti Marco , Kodali Susheel , de Brito Fabio S. , Ribeiro Henrique B. , Miceli Antonio , Fiorina Claudia , Actis Dato Guglielmo Mario , Rosato Francesco , Serra Vicenç , Masson Jean-Bernard , Wijeysundera Harindra C. , Mangione Jose A. , Ferreira Maria-Cristina , Lima Valter C. , Carvalho Luis A. , Abizaid Alexandre , Marino Marcos A. , Esteves Vinicius , Andrea Julio C.M. , Messika-Zeitoun David , Himbert Dominique , Kim Won-Keun , Pellegrini Costanza , Auffret Vincent , Nietlispach Fabian , Pilgrim Thomas , Durand Eric , Lisko John , Makkar Raj R. , Lemos Pedro , Leon Martin B. , Puri Rishi , San Roman Alberto , Vahanian Alec , Søndergaard Lars , Mangner Norman , Rodés-Cabau Josep
Published: November 2019

Background:

No data exist about the characteristics of infective endocarditis (IE) post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) according to transcatheter valve type. We aimed to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of patients with IE post-TAVR treated with balloon-expandable valve (BEV) versus self-expanding valve (SEV) systems.

Methods:

Data from the multicenter Infectious Endocarditis After TAVR International Registry was used to compare IE patients with BEV versus SEV.

Results:

A total of 245 patients with IE post-TAVR were included (SEV, 47%; BEV, 53%). The timing between TAVR and IE was similar between groups (SEV, 5.5 [1.2–15] months versus BEV, 5.3 [1.7–11.4] months;
P
=0.89). Enterococcal IE was more frequent in the SEV group (36.5% versus 15.4%;
P
<0.01), and vegetation location differed according to valve type (stent frame, SEV, 18.6%; BEV, 6.9%;
P
=0.01; valve leaflet, SEV, 23.9%; BEV, 38.5%;
P
=0.01). BEV recipients had a higher rate of stroke/systemic embolism (20.0% versus 8.7%, adjusted OR: 2.46, 95% CI: 1.04–5.82,
P
=0.04). Surgical explant of the transcatheter valve (SEV, 8.7%; BEV, 13.8%;
P
=0.21), and in-hospital death at the time of IE episode (SEV, 35.6%; BEV, 37.7%;
P
=0.74) were similar between groups. After a mean follow-up of 13±12 months, 59.1% and 54.6% of the SEV and BEV recipients, respectively, had died (
P
=0.66).

Conclusions:

The characteristics of IE post-TAVR, including microorganism type, vegetation location, and embolic complications but not early or late mortality, differed according to valve type. These results may help to guide the diagnosis and management of IE and inform future research studies in the field.
Evolving Complexity in Cooperative and Competitive Noisy Prediction Games
Authors: Moran Nick , Pollack Jordan
Published: November 2019

We examine the effect of cooperative and competitive interactions on the evolution of complex strategies in a prediction game. We extend previous work to the domain of noisy games, defining a new organism and mutation model, and an accompanying novel complexity metric. We find that a mix of cooperation and competition is the most effective in driving complexity growth, confirming prior results. We also compare our complexity metric with simpler metrics such as raw strategy size, and demonstrate the effectiveness of our metric in distinguishing true complexity from mere genetic bloat.
Pioneers of Social Research: A Life Story Interview Collection
Authors: Corti-Georgiou Camille
Published: November 2019

The Pioneers of Social Research, 1996–2018 is a rich qualitative collection of life story interviews with over fifty pioneering academics, who are regarded as having played a significant role in developing the practices of social research across key disciplines. The project was directed by Paul Thompson, himself a pioneer of oral history in Europe. The interviewees are essentially British pioneers, all but six born within what was then the British Empire, but they worked worldwide in Europe, Africa, Australasia, the Caribbean, Latin America and the United States. The collection includes full interview transcripts and detailed summaries, YouTube playlists, thematic highlights and associated teaching resources, all openly accessible through the UK Data Service. The following data paper provides an overview of Thompson’s data collection approach, the archiving and publishing of the data materials, and a discussion of the resources available. It also highlights opportunities of this unique research data for future use.
Plasma Arc Welding Process and Dry Sliding Wear Properties of AlN/AZ91D Magnesium Matrix Composites
Authors: Hui Li , Lei Jiao , Chang Miao , Wu Zhong , Xiong Zhang , Ruijun Hou
Published: November 2019

The AZ91D composites reinforced by 10 wt.% AlN particles were welded via plasma welding and the dry sliding wear properties of the composites were investigated. The influence of welding current, welding speed and plasma flow rate were studied in detail. By using of OM, XRD, EDS and
SEM, the crystalline phase, the microstructure and the wear properties were investigated. The experiment result shows that the AlN reinforcing particles is in the shape of strip and have a fine size under the condition of the welding speed 400 mm/min, the welding current 180 A and the plasma
flow 2.0 L/min, which reaches 20–30 μm. The matrix grain in the composite were obviously refined, which reaches 60–70 μm. Wear test results showed that the wear rate of welding seam compared base metal decreased by 25%.
Apatinib Suppresses Biological Activities of Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma(A549) Cells by Depressing miRNA-21 via the PTEN/PI3K/AKT Pathway
Authors: Ding Guozheng , Zhang Erchun
Published: November 2019

Objective: To explain the anti-tumour effects of apatinib via the regulation of miRNA-21 in the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway. Methods: Measuring pathology, miRNA-21 and PTEN expression by H&E staining, in-situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry in non-small-cell
lung carcinoma (NSCLC). For the experiment, A549 cells were divided into four groups: apatinib, apatinib+blank, apatinib+miRNA and negative control. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, invasion and migration were assessed using the MTT, flow cytometry, transwell migration and wound-healing
assays. Relative expressions of PTEN, PI3K, AKT, P21, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were evaluated using western blotting. Results: miRNA-21 and PTEN protein expressions of NSCLC tissues were found to significantly differ from those of adjacent normal tissues (P < 0.001). Compared with
the control group, the cell apoptosis rate was significantly suppressed with increasing cell apoptosis in the G1 phase in the apatinib group (P < 0.001); the invasion A549 cell number and wound-healing rate were significantly depressed in the apatinib group compared with the control
group (P < 0.001). However, A549 cell biological activities were significantly recovered with miRNA-21 transfection in the apatinib+miRNA group (P < 0.001). Western blotting revealed that PTEN and P21 expression in the apatinib group were significantly upregulated and that
PI3K, AKT, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression were significantly downregulated compared with the control (P < 0.001). miRNA-21 transfection led to significant suppression of PTEN and P21 expression and significant stimulation of PI3K, AKT, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: Apatinib was proven to exhibit anti-tumour effects to NSCLC by regulating miRNA-21 via the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway.
Exploratory Study on the Relationship Between FcγRIIIa Gene Polymorphisms and the Efficacy and Toxicity of Rituximab in the Treatment of Stage I/II Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Wuxiao Zhijun , Wang Hua , Su Qunhao , Zhou Haiyan , Hu Min , Tao Shi , Xu Lu , Chen Yu , Hao Xinbao
Published: November 2019

Rituximab is an IgG1 monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL); however, its efficacy is poor in some patients. Previous studies indicate that the difference in efficacy may be due to antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC).
The effect of ADCC is closely related to Fcγ receptor IIIA (FcγRIIIa) receptor gene polymorphisms, but no study has investigated this gene in patients with DLBCL in China. In this study, we explored FcγRIIIa gene polymorphisms in patients with DLBCL in
China and the ethnic differences in the FcγRIIIa gene. Moreover, we determined the relationship between FcγRIIIa gene polymorphisms and the effect and toxicity of rituximab treatment. Peripheral blood samples of 60 patients with newly diagnosed stage I/II DLBCL who
received standard treatment with rituximab were collected, and DNA samples were extracted and normalized. Among the FcγRIIIa gene polymorphisms, there was a homozygous mutation, a heterozygous mutation, and a wild-type genotype at the site of 161514542 (rs396991). The proportion
of these genotypes was significantly different from those found in previous studies for European and American populations and healthy Chinese populations. Moreover, we found that individuals with the homozygous (158-V/V) or heterozygous (V/F) mutation possessed better near-term effectiveness
of the standard chemotherapeutic treatment, although there was no significant difference in long-term survival. However, patients with one of these genotypes usually suffer from a more severe hematological toxicity in response to the rituximab treatment. In conclusion, knowledge of a patient's
FcγRIIIa gene polymorphism may be of value for the individualized treatment of DLBCL, which is worthy of follow-up research.
The Relationship Between the Expression of Serum S100A8/A9 and the Degree of Brain Injury in Rats After Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Authors: Zeng Yu , Duan Hongyu , Peng Yujiang , Shao Bo , He Xijun , Yang Fan
Published: November 2019

This study is to investigate the expression of serum S100A8/A9 in rats after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and its correlation with brain injury after CPR. Thirty-six male SD rats were randomly divided into control group (n = 6), cardiopulmonary resuscitation group (n
= 24) and sham operation group (n = 6). The cardiopulmonary resuscitation group was further divided into four subgroups according to the time after recovery of autonomous circulation: 6-hour group, 12-hour group, 24-hour group and 48-hour group, with 6 rats in each group. The rats
in the cardiopulmonary resuscitation group was conducted by asphyxia then given cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), while the rats in the sham operation group were given tracheal intubation without asphyxia. The rats in each group were assessed by modified Neurological Severity Score (mNSS).
The vein blood from tail was collected to detect the expression of serum S100A8/A9. Then the brain tissue was taken to measure the water content. Our results showed that the neurological function of the sham-operated group and the control group was normal, the mNSS scores of which were 0.
However, the neurological function score in the CPR group decreased gradually with time, but it was still significantly higher than that in the normal value until 48 hours (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in brain water content between the sham-operated group and the
control group (P > 0.05). The water content of brain tissue in sham-operated group was higher than that in control group at 6 h, and the amount was increasing as the time extended. The level reached the highest at 24 h and started to decrease at 48 h, but the it was still higher
than that in sham-operated group (P < 0.05). The expression level of serum S100 A8/A9 in sham-operated group was slightly higher than that in control group, but there was no statistical difference (P > 0.05); The expression level of S100 A8/A9 in cardiopulmonary resuscitation
group was significantly higher than that in control group at 6 h, and still increased at 24 h. Although the level decreased at 48 h, but was still higher than that in sham operation group (P < 0.05). The mNSS score and brain water content were significantly positively correlated
with serum S100 A8/A9 (r = 0.48, P < 0.001; r = 0.63, P < 0.001). In conclusion, the level of serum S100A8/A9 in rats after cardiopulmonary resuscitation is significantly increased, which is positively correlated with the degree of brain injury in rats.
Protein Phosphatase 2A Affects the Symptoms of Depressive Rats by Regulating Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinases/Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zheng Guangshan , Chen Zhenzhen , Huang Longjian , Huang Jianmin , Li Yan , Qin Qijing , Wang Kaihua
Published: November 2019

As one of the world's more common mental disorders, the incidence of depression has increased yearly, seriously affecting the lives and health of many people. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a protein that is enriched in the brain tissue, is the major serine/threonine phosphatase in
the central nervous system, and plays a very important role in many aspects of cellular function. To explore the role of PP2A in the pathogenesis of depression in our study, we constructed the depressive disorder model, which involves the exposure of Sprague Dawley rats to chronic unpredictable
stress (CUS). The rats with depression were then treated with different concentrations (low, moderate, high) of okadaic acid (OA), and the optimal OA concentration (OOA) for the follow-up study was selected based on PP2A activity. The results showed that the use of higher OA concentrations
corresponded with stronger inhibition of PP2A activity. Moreover, the behavioral test performed on the depression model rats showed that OOA group exhibited significant improvements in weight, as well as in their results in the sucrose preference test, open-field test, and Morris water maze
test compared to the model group (P < 0.05). Moreover, when compared with the model group, the amounts of NE and 5-HT increased significantly (P < 0.05), and the expression levels of TH, ERK1, AKT1, as well as the phosphorylation of TH, ERK1, AKT1, and GSK-3β,
were observed to be increased in the OOA group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the content of CORT decreased significantly (P < 0.05), and the expression levels of GSK-3β were decreased in the OOA group (P < 0.05). Thus, the potential mechanism of how OA
ameliorates depression in model rats may be through the inhibition of PP2A activity, the increase in phosphorylation levels of AKT and GSK-3β, and through the PP2A/AKT/GSK-3β signal pathway; these components may serve as important intracellular targets for antidepressant
drugs.
Region Based Segmentation Techniques for Digital Images
Authors: Abdul Wadood
Published: November 2019

This paper discusses region based segmentation techniques for digital images. For a few applications, such as image compression or recognition, we cannot handle the entire picture straightforwardly as it is unconventional and inefficient. Due to these reasons, many algorithms related
to image segmentation are proposed in the literature to divide an image prior to compression or recognition. The segmentation of an image is basically done to arrange or group the image in a few fragments (districts) as specified by the elements of an image, for instance, according to the
value of pixel or frequency response. Currently, many image segmentation approaches exist and are widely used in across scientific disciplines and daily human life. The segmentation approaches can be generally categorized to segmentation based on region, segmentation based on edges, and information
grouping.
Mutual Exclusive Sleep Awake Energy Efficient Distributive (MESAEED) Clustering: An Approach for Enhancing Lifetime of Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Gupta Bhupesh , Rana Sanjeev
Published: November 2019

For resource constraint network, one uses wireless sensor network in which limited resources are there for sensor nodes. Basic aim of sensor node is to sense something, monitor it and explain it. The issue arises for sensor node is its battery endurance. The battery endurance of sensor
node is consuming in communication instead of sensing. In this regard clustering is using now a day’s which reduces endurance consumption. This paper comes with a new clustering protocol MESAEED (Mutual Exclusive Sleep Awake Energy Efficient Distributed clustering), which helps in saving
endurance of sensor nodes so that network lifetime will prolong. It is an extension work of previous work MESADC. In previous work cluster head is chooses on the basis of sleep awake mode in mutual exclusive way under communication range and the results were obtained with the help of comparison
graph between HEED and MESADC. The proposed MESAEED protocol provides benefit of A* algorithm of heuristic search, HEED and MESADC. MATLAB 8.3 is use for simulation purpose. The comparison graph between HEED, MESADC and proposed MESAEED were shown. Parameters for comparison include alive nodes
versus number of rounds taken and number of nodes dead versus number of rounds taken. The graph shows improvement in performance over HEED and MESADC, which results in enhancing lifetime of WSN.
ARCN: Authenticated Routing on Cloud Network to Mitigate Insider Attacks on Infrastructure as a Service
Authors: Oberoi Priya , Mittal Sumit , Gujral Rajneesh Kumar
Published: November 2019

Cloud security is one of the major issues which are affecting the acceptance of Cloud computing (CC). In spite of the number of benefits offered by CC, it also suffers from a myriad of security vulnerabilities. Security is the prime concern while we are accessing the resources from
the Cloud through the Internet. This research work is primarily on IAAS (Infrastructure as a service). Here a protocol called Authenticated Routing on Cloud Network (ARCN) has been proposed, to secure the communication route between the client and service provider. The proposed protocol ARCN
uses the public key cryptography to mitigate the various security attacks like malicious insider attacks, Spoofing, Falsified routes, DoS, etc.
Cortical thinning in dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson disease dementia
Authors: Colloby Sean J , Watson Rosie , Blamire Andrew M , O’Brien John T , Taylor John-Paul
Published: November 2019

Background:

We investigated the structural changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson disease dementia by means of cortical thickness analysis.

Methods:

Two hundred and forty-five participants: 76 Alzheimer’s disease, 65 dementia with Lewy bodies, 29 Parkinson disease dementia and 76 cognitively normal controls underwent 3-T T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and clinical and cognitive assessments. We implemented FreeSurfer to obtain cortical thickness estimates to contrast patterns of cortical thinning across groups and their clinical correlates.

Results:

In Alzheimer’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies, a largely similar pattern of regional cortical thinning was observed relative to controls apart from a more severe loss within the entorhinal and parahippocampal structures in Alzheimer’s disease. In Parkinson disease dementia, regional cortical thickness was indistinguishable from controls and dementia with Lewy bodies, suggesting an ‘intermediate’ pattern of regional cortical change. In terms of global cortical thickness, group profiles were controls > Parkinson disease dementia > dementia with Lewy bodies > Alzheimer’s disease (F3, 241 ⩽ 123.2, p < 0.001), where percentage wise, the average difference compared to controls were −1.8%, −5.5% and −6.4%, respectively. In these samples, cortical thinning was also associated with cognitive decline in dementia with Lewy bodies but not in Parkinson disease dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Conclusion:

In a large and well-characterised cohort of people with dementia, regional cortical thinning in dementia with Lewy bodies was broadly similar to Alzheimer’s disease. There was preservation of the medial temporal lobe structures in dementia with Lewy bodies compared with Alzheimer’s disease, supporting its inclusion as a supportive biomarker in the revised clinical criteria for dementia with Lewy bodies. However, there was less global cortical thinning in Parkinson disease dementia, with no significant regional difference between Parkinson disease dementia and controls. These findings highlight the overlap across the Alzheimer’s disease/Parkinson disease dementia spectrum and the potential for differing mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and cognition in dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson disease dementia.
Does an Orphan Drug Policy Make a Difference in Access? A Comparison of Canada and Australia
Authors: Lexchin Joel , Moroz Nicholas
Published: November 2019

Canada has been discussing whether to implement an orphan drug policy for more than 25 years. Recently, the federal government announced funding for orphan drugs starting in 2022, and the Canadian Senate has recommended that the country develop an orphan drug policy. This paper uses a list of orphan drugs approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration between 2008 and 2017, inclusive. It then compares Canada, which has no orphan drug policy, and Australia, which has had such a policy since 1997. There was no difference between the countries in the proportion of orphan drugs approved, the time drugs spent in the regulatory review process, and any delay in marketing the drugs in the respective countries compared to the United States. Both Canada and Australia approved virtually all of the drugs that offered a moderate to significant therapeutic improvement. If Canada hopes to provide faster access to orphan drugs, especially those that are therapeutically innovative, it will need to develop a policy that is significantly different from that in Australia.
Extracranial activation of ATP-sensitive potassium channels induces vasodilation without nociceptive effects
Authors: Al-Karagholi Mohammad Al-Mahdi , Ghanizada Hashmat , Hansen Jakob Møller , Aghazadeh Sameera , Skovgaard Lene Theil , Olesen Jes , Ashina Messoud
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Levcromakalim opens ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP channel) and induces head pain in healthy volunteers and migraine headache in migraine patients, but no pain in other parts of the body. KATP channels are expressed in C- and Aδ-fibers, and these channels might directly activate nociceptors and thereby evoke pain in humans.

Methods

To assess the local effect of KATP channel opening in trigeminal and extra-trigeminal regions, we performed a crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in healthy volunteers. Participants received intradermal and intramuscular injections of levcromakalim and placebo in the forehead and the forearms.

Results

Intradermal and intramuscular injections of levcromakalim did not evoke more pain compared to placebo in the forehead ( p > 0.05) and the forearms ( p > 0.05). Intradermal injection of levcromakalim caused more flare ( p < 0.001 ), skin temperature increase ( p < 0.001), and skin blood flow increase ( p < 0.001) compared to placebo in the forehead and the forearms.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that it is unlikely that levcromakalim induces head pain by direct activation of peripheral neurons.
Do American Youth Football Players Intentionally Use Their Heads for High-Magnitude Impacts?
Authors: Alois Jaclyn , Bellamkonda Srinidhi , Campolettano Eamon T. , Gellner Ryan A. , Genemaras Amaris , Beckwith Jonathan G. , Greenwald Richard M. , Smith Eric , Rowson Steven , Duma Stefan M. , Crisco Joseph J.
Published: November 2019

Background:

Concern for head injuries is widespread and has been reported by the media to be the number one cause of decreased participation in football among the American youth population. Identifying player mechanisms associated with intentional, or purposeful, head impacts should provide critical data for rule modifications, educational programs, and equipment design.

Purpose:

To investigate the frequency of intentional and unintentional head impacts and to examine the player mechanisms associated with intentional high-magnitude head impacts by comparing the impact mechanism distributions among session type, player position, and ball possession.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Head impact sensors and video footage of 68 players were used to analyze and classify 1319 high-magnitude impacts recorded over 1 season of youth football.

Results:

In total, 80% of the high-magnitude head impacts were classified as being caused by intentional use of the head. Head-to-head impact was the primary impact mechanism (n = 868; 82.7%) within the 1050 intentional high-magnitude impacts, with classifiable mechanisms, followed by head-to-body (n = 139; 13.2%), head-to-ground (n = 34; 3.2%), and head-to-equipment (n = 9; 0.9%). Head-to-head impacts also accounted for a greater proportion of impacts during practices (n = 625; 88.9%) than games, for linemen (n = 585; 90.3%) than perimeters and backs, and for ball carriers (n = 72; 79.1%) than tacklers.

Conclusion:

Overall, the majority of high-magnitude head impacts were intentional and resulted from head-to-head contact. The proportion of head-to-head contact was significantly higher for practices than games, linemen than backs and perimeter players, and ball carriers than tacklers.
New slip boundary condition in high-speed rarefied gas flow simulations
Authors: Le Nam TP , Tran Nam H , Tran Thoai N , Tran Toan T
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we propose a new slip boundary condition in hypersonic gas flow simulations. It is derived by considering the Langmuir isotherm adsorption into the Kaniadarkis et al. model of the kinetic theory of gas. Moreover, the motion of the adsorbed molecules over the surface (i.e. surface diffusion) is considered for the calculation of the mean free path in new slip condition. Three aerodynamic configurations are selected for evaluating new slip condition such as (1) the sharp-leading-edge flat plate, (2) circular cylinder in cross-flow, and (3) the sharp 25°–55° biconic cases. Hypersonic gas flows have the Mach number ranging from 6.1 to 15.6, and the working gases are argon and nitrogen. The simulation results show that new slip condition predicts better slip velocity than the Maxwell slip condition and gives good agreement with the direct simulation Monte-Carlo data for all cases considered in the present work.
Estimation of coupling loss factors for rectangular plates with different materials and junctions
Authors: Bhagwan Mandale Maruti , Popuri Bangarubabu
Published: November 2019

In statistical energy analysis, coupling loss factor is the essential parameter for vibro-acoustic analysis of complicated structures. The coupling loss factors have been estimated using energy-level difference method. The tightening torque applied at structural junction has been varied. Higher values of coupling loss factor have been observed for higher tightening torque on bolted junction. The coupling loss factors have been determined for various structural junctions of rectangular composite plates. The riveted and bolted junctions have been examined for composite plates in same plane and size. The coupling loss factors for bolted junction are relatively higher than that for riveted junction of composite plates. The values of coupling loss factors are found to increase with increasing tightening torque applied at structural junctions of composite plates. It is also noted that the experimental results of coupling loss factors for point junctions vary with changes in fiber orientations of composite plates. It is firmly believed that the various findings of the coupling loss factors in this article help for vibro-acoustic analysis of complicated structures.
Shifting Arrays of a Kaleidoscope: The Orchestration of Relational Value Cocreation in Service Systems
Authors: Kelleher Carol , O’Loughlin Deirdre , Gummerus Johanna , Peñaloza Lisa
Published: November 2019

The predominant value discourse among scholars characterizes value cocreation as involving multiple actors at the micro-, meso-, and macrolevels in service systems. This research contributes to the knowledge of the interdependencies among multiple resource-integrating actors and value outcomes by employing a relational perspective on value cocreation within the empirical context of family caregiving. The findings reveal how interdependent actors orchestrate value cocreation in service systems, how this impacts value, and how orchestration precipitates system adjustments, which form the recursive context of value cocreation over time. We differentiate and delineate three multi-actor orchestration mechanisms— assembling, performing, and brokering—through which nonreferent beneficiaries coordinate value cocreation on behalf of dependent referent beneficiaries. We term the mutually generalized oscillating multiform negative and positive well-being outcomes that emerge from orchestration among interdependent actors as relational value. In employing the metaphor of the kaleidoscope to emphasize system dynamism, our discussion of relational value cocreation deepens our understanding of how nonreferent beneficiary-led orchestration, founded on generalized mutuality and on behalf of referent beneficiaries with reduced agency, enhances and balances multiform, oscillating and positive and negative well-being outcomes in service systems. This will help service practitioners facilitate orchestration and optimize value for all.
Re-thinking the nature of day programs for people with dementia: Implications for research
Authors: Symonds-Brown Holly , Ceci Christine , Duggleby Wendy , Purkis Mary Ellen
Published: November 2019

Day programs are commonly identified in dementia strategies as a solution for keeping people with dementia home for as long as possible. Limited research evidence is available to support these policy approaches, and much of what exists demonstrates equivocal results. While key day program researchers have called for improvements in methodological and theoretical efforts, we argue that basic assumptions concerning what a day program is, and how the effects of day programs should be studied, also require reconsideration. Problematization is a systematic review strategy used to identify and critique assumptions guiding research practices and knowledge development in a field of study. The approach entails a broad overview of a field of research alongside a close reading of key texts to identify prevailing assumptions about the object of study and how it can be known. The intent is to discern how these assumptions are influencing research practices and thus knowledge development. A review of historical texts and research literature reviews was used (1) to identify trends in day program research between 1990 and 2018 and (2) to support identification of influential and typical studies for closer analysis ( n = 36). The outcome of our analysis of the research literature suggests three sets of assumptions that guide much of the day program research literature: dementia is mainly treated as a problem of the individual; day programs are treated as stand-alone units of substitute care; and the space of day programs is seen as a simple background to care. We argue that the assumptions regarding care and space have narrowed the field of research and contributed to the production of equivocal findings. We suggest alternative framings of notions of care and space, informed by a Science and Technology Studies’ approach to care practices, to generate knowledge about day programs that can usefully inform policy and practice.
Is economics a man’s business? Exploring the long-term effects of the gender gap in economic competencies at the upper secondary level on students’ choice to study economics at university
Authors: Jüttler Michael , Schumann Stephan
Published: November 2019

In higher education, across countries, a large share of students choose to study economics. Although there is only a small difference in the share of female and male students in that field, there is robust empirical evidence of a gender gap in economic competencies, showing that male students in most cases outperform female students. There is a broad discussion about the differences in gender-specific socializations that cause this gender gap. However, no research exists on the long-term effects of this gender gap. This study uses longitudinal and representative data of N = 1397 Swiss students (824 female students) to analyse the gender-specific effects of economic competencies at the end of the upper secondary level on their aspiration and decision to study economics. The results show that economic knowledge and interest in economics have a substantially stronger effect on the choice of economics for female students. The aspiration to study strongly mediates these effects. We argue that these results can mainly be traced back to different interests and self-perceptions of skills and abilities in economics caused by gender-specific socialization. Possible implications of gender socialization and discrimination in economics for secondary and higher education and for the labour market are discussed.
Disgust Theory Through the Lens of Psychiatric Medicine
Authors: Amoroso Caroline R. , Hanna Eleanor K. , LaBar Kevin S. , Schaich Borg Jana , Sinnott-Armstrong Walter , Zucker Nancy L.
Published: November 2019

The elicitors of disgust are heterogeneous, which makes attributing one function to disgust challenging. Theorists have proposed that disgust solves multiple adaptive problems and comprises multiple functional domains. However, theories conflict with regard to what the domains are and how they should be delineated. In this article, we examine clinical evidence of aberrant disgust symptoms in the contamination subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder, blood-injury-injection phobia, and posttraumatic stress disorder to adjudicate between two prevailing theories of disgust. We argue that the pattern of disgust sensitivities in these psychiatric disorders sheds new light on the domain structure of disgust. Specifically, the supported domain structure of disgust is likely similar to an adaptationist model of disgust, with more subdivisions of the domain of pathogen disgust. We discuss the implications of this approach for the prevention and treatment of psychiatric disorders relevant to disgust.
M. K. Gandhi, N. K. Bose, and Bengali Village Society
Authors: Nicholas Ralph W.
Published: November 2019

N. K. Bose, a close disciple of Gandhi, was the author’s Indian mentor in anthropology and with respect to Gandhi’s social thought as well. Gandhi visualised a village society integrated by mutual interdependence but freed from the inequality of caste. The author’s fieldwork in West Bengal villages found two opposed ritual postures that were struck during the two most important community rituals of the year, that is, Gajan in the spring and Durga Puja in the autumn. During Gajan, the ordinary people became temporary ascetics ( sannyasi) and gave up distinctions of caste and rank among themselves, like the disciples of Gandhi, who were expected to free themselves of such differences. During Durga Puja, the traditional caste occupations of the dependents of the former zamindars were mobilised to play differentiated roles in the ritual even when those occupations no longer provided their livelihoods; the jajmani system still prevailed during the puja. Gandhi’s social theory aspired to elements of both ritual postures: the radical equality and ‘communitas’ of the Gajan ascetics, and the mutual contributions to the community of occupationally specialised castes, which, however, have not escaped inequality.
Melam Group: Bootstrapped Entrepreneurship
Authors: Kurian Dhanya Anna , Pancholi Namrata , Manjunath Usha
Published: November 2019

This is a story of Melam Group of Companies, a vivid example of Business Bootstrapping theory. A personal interview with the founder, Mr Kurian John Melamparambil (Padma Shri awardee) revealed how the Melam Group started a business with zero or limited resources. This case is to enlighten the young mind that it is not always huge capital/funding/venture capital/angel investing that builds a successful business. It is the determination and passion for the idea than the money that propels a business to success.
The Religious Divide in Voting Preferences and Attitudes in the 2019 Election
Authors: Sardesai Shreyas
Published: November 2019

This article attempts to empirically test the claims made by several commentators that religious polarization was at the core of the 2019 Lok Sabha election verdict. Relying heavily on the National Election Study (NES) data sets, it finds that the election result was in large measure an outcome of massive vote consolidation on religious lines, with the majority Hindu community preferring the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in unprecedented proportion and the main religious minorities largely staying away from it, although there were some exceptions. It shows that, for two national elections in a row, the Narendra Modi- and Amit Shah-led BJP has been able to overcome the caste hierarchies among Hindus and systematically construct a Hindu category of voters versus others. This chasm between Hindus and the minorities is also seen with respect to their attitudes regarding the government, its leadership and contentious issues like the Ayodhya dispute. This article, however, does not find sufficient evidence with regard to the claims that a large part of the Hindu support for the BJP-led alliance may have been on account of anti-minority sentiments.
Surface Texture Analysis after Hydrostatic Burnishing on X38CrMoV5-1 Steel
Authors: Swirad Slawomir
Published: November 2019

Ball burnishing is a plastic deformation process used as a surface smoothing and surface improvement finishing treatment after turning or milling processes. This process changes the surface stereometrics of the previously machining surface. Burnishing with hydrostatic tools can be easily and effectively used on both conventional and Computer Numeric Control (CNC) machines. The existing research of the burnishing process mainly focuses on the functional surface characterization, for example, surface roughness, wear resistance, surface layer hardness, etc. There is a lack of references reporting a detailed analysis of 3D parameters calculation with a mathematical model to evaluate the results of the ball burnishing. This paper presents the effect of ball burnishing process parameters with hydrostatic tools on the resulting surface structure geometry. The surface topography parameters were calculated using the TalyMap software. Studies were conducted based on Hartley’s static, determined plan. Such a plan can be built on a hypersphere or hypercube. In this work, a hypercube was used. In the case of Hartley’s plan makes it possible to define the regression equation in the form of a polynomial of the second degree. The input process parameters considered in this study include the burnishing rate, applied pressure, and line-to-line pitch. The significant influence of these parameters was confirmed and described as a mathematical power model. The results also showed a positive effect of hydrostatic burnishing on the roughness and geometric structure of the surface.
The neurogenomic transition from territory establishment to parenting in a territorial female songbird
Authors: Bentz Alexandra B. , Rusch Douglas B. , Buechlein Aaron , Rosvall Kimberly A.
Published: November 2019

Background

The brain plays a critical role in upstream regulation of processes central to mating effort, parental effort, and self-maintenance. For seasonally breeding animals, the brain is likely mediating trade-offs among these processes within a short breeding season, yet research thus far has only explored neurogenomic changes from non-breeding to breeding states or select pathways (e.g., steroids) in male and/or lab-reared animals. Here, we use RNA-seq to explore neural plasticity in three behaviorally relevant neural tissues (ventromedial telencephalon [VmT], hypothalamus [HYPO], and hindbrain [HB]), comparing free-living female tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) as they shift from territory establishment to incubation. We additionally highlight changes in aggression-related genes to explore the potential for a neurogenomic shift in the mechanisms regulating aggression, a critical behavior both in establishing and maintaining a territory and in defense of offspring.

Results

HB had few differentially expressed genes, but VmT and HYPO had hundreds. In particular, VmT had higher expression of genes related to neuroplasticity and processes beneficial for competition during territory establishment, but down-regulated immune processes. HYPO showed signs of high neuroplasticity during incubation, and a decreased potential for glucocorticoid signaling. Expression of aggression-related genes also shifted from steroidal to non-steroidal pathways across the breeding season.

Conclusions

These patterns suggest trade-offs between enhanced activity and immunity in the VmT and between stress responsiveness and parental care in the HYPO, along with a potential shift in the mechanisms regulating aggression. Collectively, these data highlight important gene regulatory pathways that may underlie behavioral plasticity in females.
Molecular characterization of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates with focus on antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Yu Xiaoling , Zhang Wen , Zhao Zhiping , Ye Chengsong , Zhou Shuyan , Wu Shaogui , Han Lifen , Han Zhaofang , Ye Hanhui
Published: November 2019

Background

The enhancing incidence of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP)-mediated infections in Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University in 2017 is the motivation behind this investigation to study gene phenotypes and resistance-associated genes of emergence regarding the CRKP strains. In current study, seven inpatients are enrolled in the hospital with complete treatments. The carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae whole genome is sequenced using MiSeq short-read and Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing technology. Prophages are identified to assess genetic diversity within CRKP genomes.

Results

The investigation encompassed eight CRKP strains that collected from the patients enrolled as well as the environment, which illustrate that blaKPC-2 is responsible for phenotypic resistance in six CRKP strains that K. pneumoniae sequence type (ST11) is informed. The plasmid with IncR, ColRNAI and pMLST type with IncF[F33:A-:B-] co-exist in all ST11 with KPC-2-producing CRKP strains. Along with carbapenemases, all K. pneumoniae strains harbor two or three extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing genes. fosA gene is detected amongst all the CRKP strains. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) markers are indicated and validated among all CRKP strains, providing valuable clues for distinguishing carbapenem-resistant strains from conventional K. pneumoniae.

Conclusions

ST11 is the main CRKP type, and blaKPC-2 is the dominant carbapenemase gene harbored by clinical CRKP isolates from current investigations. The SNP markers detected would be helpful for characterizing CRKP strain from general K. pneumoniae. The data provides insights into effective strategy developments for controlling CRKP and nosocomial infection reductions.
Application of MALDI-TOF MS to rapid identification of anaerobic bacteria
Authors: Li Ying , Shan Mingzhu , Zhu Zuobin , Mao Xuhua , Yan Mingju , Chen Ying , Zhu Qiuju , Li Hongchun , Gu Bing
Published: November 2019

Background

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been rapidly developed and widely used as an analytical technique in clinical laboratories with high accuracy in microorganism identification.

Objective

To validate the efficacy of MALDI-TOF MS in identification of clinical pathogenic anaerobes.

Methods

Twenty-eight studies covering 6685 strains of anaerobic bacteria were included in this meta-analysis. Fixed-effects models based on the P-value and the I-squared were used for meta-analysis to consider the possibility of heterogeneity between studies. Statistical analyses were performed by using STATA 12.0.

Results

The identification accuracy of MALDI-TOF MS was 84% for species (I2 = 98.0%, P < 0.1), and 92% for genus (I2 = 96.6%, P < 0.1). Thereinto, the identification accuracy of Bacteroides was the highest at 96% with a 95% CI of 95–97%, followed by Lactobacillus spp., Parabacteroides spp., Clostridium spp., Propionibacterium spp., Prevotella spp., Veillonella spp. and Peptostreptococcus spp., and their correct identification rates were all above 90%, while the accuracy of rare anaerobic bacteria was relatively low. Meanwhile, the overall capabilities of two MALDI-TOF MS systems were different. The identification accuracy rate was 90% for VITEK MS vs. 86% for MALDI biotyper system.

Conclusions

Our research showed that MALDI-TOF-MS was satisfactory in genus identification of clinical pathogenic anaerobic bacteria. However, this method still suffers from different drawbacks in precise identification of rare anaerobe and species levels of common anaerobic bacteria.
Correlation between visual acuity and human leukocyte antigen DRB1*04 in patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease
Authors: Misawa Norihiko , Tagami Mizuki , Kohno Takeya , Honda Shigeru
Published: November 2019

Background

The common presence of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1*04 in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease is well known. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between visual prognosis and HLA-DRB1*04 alleles during systemic corticosteroid therapy in patients with VKH disease.

Methods

This retrospective case series included 57 eyes from 29 consecutive patients with treatment-naïve VKH disease who received systemic corticosteroid therapy. Visual acuity, sex, refractive error, central retinal thickness (CRT), central choroidal thickness (CCT), and duration from onset to treatment were measured at initial and final visits. Mean values of parameters were compared with each visit. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction amplification with sequence-specific primer.

Results

Linear regression showed significant differences in logMAR best-corrected visual acuity between the three groups of homozygotes, heterozygotes, and normal subjects at baseline (p < 0.01), at 3 months after treatment (p < 0.01). There was no significant differences at 6 months after treatment (p = 0.257). No significant differences were detected between the three groups in age, sex, refractive error, CRT, CCT, or duration from onset to treatment.

Conclusion

Alleles of HLA-DRB1*04 might affect visual prognosis and be related to early response after initiation of treatment in VKH disease.