bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of shape memory alloys partial transformation on the response of morphing structures encompassing shape memory alloy wire actuators
Authors: Karakalas Anargyros A , Machairas Theodoros T , Saravanos Dimitris A
Published: April 2019

The present article investigates and explores the effect of partial phase transformation on the response of shape adaptive/morphing structures controlled by shape memory alloy wire actuators subject to variable trajectory and high actuation speed requirements, where the effect of partial transformation becomes more dominant. A modified constitutive model is adopted for the prediction of the thermo-mechanically coupled response on a trailing edge shape adaptive rib prototype intended for active load alleviation in large wind turbine blades, and the simulated behavior is subsequently correlated with experimental results. The experimentally validated model is further used to predict the response of the full-scale camber-line adaptive structure with shape memory alloy Ni51Ti49 wt% actuators in antagonistic configurations, under demanding operational time target trajectories at extreme turbulence conditions. Comparison of the results, with a case that omits partial transformation behavior, reveals substantial improvements in the predicted target trajectories, actuation speed, actuator stresses, and required operational temperature variation. The latter discloses the enhanced potential of shape memory alloy actuators to provide higher transformation rate and possibly higher fatigue life combined with lower energy demands toward the design and realization of efficient morphing structures.
Coverage Gaps and Cost-Shifting for Work-Related Injury and Illness: Who Bears the Financial Burden?
Authors: Sears Jeanne M. , Edmonds Amy T. , Coe Norma B.
Published: April 2019

The heavy economic burden of work-related injury/illness falls not only on employers and workers’ compensation systems, but increasingly on health care systems, health and disability insurance, social safety net programs, and workers and their families. We present a flow diagram illustrating mechanisms responsible for the financial burden of occupational injury/illness borne by social safety net programs and by workers and their families, due to cost-shifting and gaps in workers’ compensation coverage. This flow diagram depicts various pathways leading to coverage gaps that may shift the burden of occupational injury/illness-related health care and disability costs ultimately to workers, particularly the most socioeconomically vulnerable. We describe existing research and important research gaps linked to specific pathways in the flow diagram. This flow diagram was developed to facilitate more detailed and comprehensive research into the financial burden imposed by work-related injury/illness, in order to focus policy efforts where improvement is most needed.
Retromedia-in-practice: A practice theory approach for rethinking old and new media technologies
Authors: Magaudda Paolo , Minniti Sergio
Published: April 2019

The article aims at investigating the persistence and comeback of old media technologies (phenomena we define, in short, ‘retromedia’) by developing a distinctive theoretical approach named retromedia-in-practice and based on practice theory. Far from being abandoned and forgotten, many old media devices and artefacts (such as vinyl records, cassette tapes, analogue photographic cameras, early videogames and brick mobile phones, to mention just a few notable examples) are nowadays readopted by young generations and niche media subcultures. However, most of the existing literature focusing on these cases has limits and shortfalls, resulting in a partial and misleading understanding of these phenomena: scholars and theorists often put at the centre the cultural fascination for vintage objects and the nostalgia effect; other studies rely on a taken-for-granted distinction between old and new media; the relational and processual nature of media change is rarely addressed; and in general, research lacks a framework capable of adequately integrating symbolic processes with material and technological features. In order to cope with these shortfalls, the article adopts the approach of practice theory, which enables to focus not on the media themselves, but on the practices associated with them. After presenting the distinctive framework of analysis, we exemplify our approach by analysing three different cases coming from music (vinyl records), photography (Polaroid-like instant photography) and videogaming (the ‘consolization’ of old arcade games). These case studies rely on original empirical data coming from authors’ qualitative research. The article concludes by arguing that a shift from considering retromedia as objects or discourses to retromedia-in-practice allows to both address the processual nature of retromedia and propose an interpretation that keeps together media materiality, their meanings and also the embodied activities and behaviours that are attached to them.
The unbearable lightness of being Swedish? On the ideological thinness of a liberal citizenship regime
Authors: Fernández Christian
Published: April 2019

The objective of this article is twofold. Firstly, I seek to improve understanding of Swedish citizenship by highlighting the particular traits of an open yet largely instrumental (non-sentimental) membership policy, which existing theories have not been able to fully account for. I argue that the liberal openness of Swedish citizenship should be attributed not only to a liberal ideology of pluralism and equality, but to a fairly administrative, sterile and pragmatic conception of citizenship that is largely dissociated from existing conceptions of nationhood, integration and societal membership. Secondly, and related to the first, I take issue with the widespread yet implicit theoretical notion of citizenship being defined by shared conceptions of the national demos. I argue that this connection varies and that it is significantly closer and stronger in some cases than in others, regardless of its lenience towards an ethnic or civic, monist or pluralist conception of the nation. While newer, post-national theories of citizenship offer valuable insights into the reshaping of citizenship, they systematically underestimate and, consequently, fail to account for the enduring differences between and idiosyncrasies of national citizenship regimes. To better capture this neglected dimension of the citizenship–nationhood nexus, I propose a distinction between ideologically thin and thick citizenship, with Sweden serving as an example of the first.
Heart Attack and Stroke Symptoms Knowledge of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in the United States: Findings From the National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Narcisse Marie-Rachelle , Rowland Brett , Long Christopher R. , Felix Holly , McElfish Pearl A.
Published: April 2019

Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders (NHPI) suffer disproportionate rates of death from heart attack and stroke; however, little is known about NHPI heart attack and stroke symptoms knowledge. We used multivariable logistic regression to examine associations between heart attack and stroke symptoms knowledge and electronic health (eHealth) use, education, engaging in health risk behaviors, and having an at-risk diagnosis or a past heart attack and/or stroke. The analytic sample included 2,172 NHPI adults responding to the 2014 NHPI-National Health Interview Survey. NHPI reported moderate to high levels of heart attack and stroke symptoms knowledge. NHPI with an at-risk diagnosis were significantly more likely to know three of five heart attack symptoms. Engaging in health risk behaviors increased the odds of knowing one heart attack symptom. Neither a prior heart attack nor a prior stroke increased the likelihood of recognizing most symptoms of heart attack or stroke. eHealth use was associated with increased likelihood for knowing heart attack and stroke symptoms. The findings of this study can be used to inform interventions that support the Healthy People 2020 goals to increase the proportion of adults who are aware of the symptoms of heart attack and stroke and to reduce heart attack and stroke disparities.
Endovascular Treatment of Multiple Bronchial Artery Aneurysms With Prominent Fistula to Pulmonary Artery in a Patient With Interstitial Lung Disease: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Li Yuan , Gu Guang-Chao , Liu Bao , Shao Jiang , Chen Yu , Zheng Yue-Hong
Published: April 2019

Bronchial artery aneurysm (BAA) is a rare entity. Ruptured BAA can cause life-threatening hemorrhage. It is recommended that treatment should be initiated immediately after diagnosis. We present the case of a 56-year-old female with multiple BAAs and interstitial lung disease. Aortic computed tomography angiography demonstrated that the largest aneurysm at the right hilum was fed by right subclavian artery and right bronchial artery. A fistula between the pulmonary trunk and the aneurysm was also revealed. The patient underwent transcatheter embolization. Coils were placed in the feeding vessels instead of the aneurysms to avoid nontarget embolization of the pulmonary arteries through the fistula. The procedure achieved reduction in aneurysmal blood flow. The patient’s cough resolved at 6-month follow-up.
Expression of TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, and TLR7 on pulmonary lymphocytes of Schistosoma japonicum-infected C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Chen Dianhui , Zhao Yi , Feng Yuanfa , Jin Chenxi , Yang Quan , Qiu Huaina , Xie Hongyan , Xie Sihao , Zhou Yi , Huang Jun
Published: April 2019

Despite the paramount role of TLRs in the induction of innate immune and inflammatory responses, there is a paucity of studies on the role of TLRs in Schistosoma japonicum infection. Here, we observed obvious infiltration of inflammatory cells in S. japonicum-infected C57BL/6 mouse lungs. Expression and release of IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-17 were significantly higher in pulmonary lymphocytes from infected mice compared with control mice in response to anti-CD3 plus anti-CD28 mAbs. Higher percentages of TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, and TLR7 were expressed on such lymphocytes, and the TLR agonists PGN, Poly I:C, LPS, and R848 induced a higher level of IFN-γ. However, a higher level of IL-4 was found in the supernatant of pulmonary lymphocytes from infected mice stimulated by these TLR agonists plus CD3 Ab. Only R848 plus anti-CD3 mAb could induce a higher level of IFN-γ in such lymphocytes. TLR expressions were then compared on different pulmonary lymphocytes after infection, including T cells, B cells, NK cells, NKT cells, and γδT cells. The expression levels of TLR3 on T cells, B cells, NK cells, and γδT cells were increased in the lungs after infection. NK cells also expressed higher levels of TLR4 after infection of control mice. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential role of TLR expression in the context of S. japonicum infection.
New technologies in the management of overactive bladder: current research and future prospects
Authors: Marinkovic Serge P.
Published: April 2019

Overactive bladder is characterized by frequency, urgency (wet or dry) and nocturia. These troublesome symptoms incur both a physiologic and economic cost, expected to be in excess of US$82 billion in the USA and Europe by the year 2020. Second-tier medicinal oral therapies for overactive bladder abound, but the failure rate or discontinuation at 1 year exceeds 50%. Tertiary-tier therapies involve surgical alternatives including neuromodulation of sacral nerve 3 (S3) or the posterior tibial nerve as a means to manipulate and ameliorate the above-described voiding symptoms. Sacral neuromodulation has been studied for more than 20 years, but newer, smaller, rechargeable implantable devices are in the forefront of current investigation. Hopes are that modifications to the device will eventually be possible at the patient’s home, rather than the physician’s office, with close urological/gynecologic supervision and guidance. Another means of surgical intervention for overactive bladder includes the use of a cystoscopy-guided radiofrequency probe by which energy disrupts the bladder floor neural voiding plexi. Stem cell therapy is also being evaluated for overactive bladder but is in the early stages of development.
Terminal ileum ileoscopy and histology in patients undergoing high‐definition colonoscopy with virtual chromoendoscopy for chronic nonbloody diarrhea: A prospective, multicenter study
Authors: Borsotti Edoardo , Barberio Brigida , D’Incà Renata , Bonitta Gianluca , Cavallaro Flaminia , Pastorelli Luca , Rondonotti Emanuele , Samperi Leonardo , Neumann Helmut , Viganò Chiara , Vecchi Maurizio , Tontini Gian Eugenio
Published: April 2019

Background and aims

Ileo‐colonoscopy is the procedure of choice for chronic nonbloody diarrhea (CNBD) of unknown origin. Histological evaluation at different colonic sites is mandatory to assess the presence of microscopic colitis. However, the value of routine ileal biopsy on normal‐appearing mucosa as assessed by means of standard‐resolution white‐light ileoscopy is controversial given its reported low diagnostic yield. Hence, we have assessed for the first time the accuracy of retrograde ileoscopy using high‐definition and dyeless chromoendoscopy (HD + DLC), thereby calculating the impact and cost of routine ileal biopsy in CNBD.

Methods

Patients with CNBD of unknown origin were prospectively enrolled for ileo‐colonoscopy with HD + DLC at five referral centers. Multiple biopsies were systematically performed on each colorectal segment and in the terminal ileum for histopathological analysis.

Results

Between 2014 and 2017, 546 consecutive patients were recruited. Retrograde ileoscopy success rate was 97.6%. A total of 492 patients (mean age: 53 ± 18 years) fulfilled all the inclusion criteria: Following endoscopic and histopathological work‐up, 7% had lymphoid nodular hyperplasia and 3% had isolated ileitis. Compared to the histopathology as the gold standard, retrograde ileoscopy with HD + DLC showed 93% sensitivity, 98% specificity and 99.8% negative predictive value. In patients with normal ileo‐colonoscopy, ileum histology had no diagnostic gain and resulted in a cost of US $26.5 per patient.

Conclusions

Retrograde ileoscopy with HD  +  DLC predicts the presence of ileitis in CNBD with excellent performance. The histopathological evaluation of the terminal ileum is the gold standard for the diagnostic assessment of visible lesions but has no added diagnostic value in CNBD patients with negative ileo‐colonoscopy inspection using modern endoscopic imaging techniques.
Beyond appearance: An unusual manifestation of isolated oral secondary syphilis
Authors: Mari Elena , Nudo Maurizio , Palese Enzo , Cotticelli Luisa , Cotticelli Ciro , Zino Grazia , Coppola Rosa , Di Lella Federica Maria , Arcari Gabriele , Rodio Donatella Maria , Prezioso Carla , Pietropaolo Valeria , Devirgiliis Valeria , Panasiti Vincenzo
Published: April 2019

Syphilis is a sexually acquired chronic infection caused by Treponema pallidum and is characterized by a variety of clinical manifestations. The secondary stage of the disease results from the hematogenous and lymphatic dissemination of treponemes after a few weeks or months, and it is characterized by recurrent activity of the disease, with muco-cutaneous as well as systemic manifestations. Mucosal lesions range from small, superficial ulcers that resemble painless aphthae to large gray plaques, and they are generally associated with systemic manifestations of the disease. The exclusive asymptomatic oral localization not associated with general manifestations is uncommon but may actually be unrecognized and under-reported. We report a case of isolated oral manifestation as the unique presentation of secondary syphilis.
Heart-Lung Transplant via an Eighth-Time Sternotomy
Authors: Riggs Kyle W. , Chin Clifford W. , Bryant Roosevelt , Zafar Farhan , Chin Clifford , Schecter Marc G. , Morales David L. S.
Published: April 2019

We report a combined heart–lung transplantation following seven prior sternotomies in a patient born with a transitional atrioventricular septal defect. Previous surgeries to repair and replace the mitral valve led to pulmonary vein stenosis and pulmonary vascular disease. Eighth-time sternotomy and significant vascular adhesions led to a prolonged operation and to placing the heart–lung block anterior to the phrenic nerves. Despite this, the patient was ready for discharge after two weeks and continues to do well over nine months later. As more patients survive multiple cardiac palliations with some developing pulmonary vascular disease, heart–lung transplantation may become relevant again.
Autologous Tissue Technique to Repair Unilateral Isolated Absence of a Pulmonary Artery
Authors: von Stumm Maria , Biermann Daniel , Reichenspurner Hermann , Gottschalk Urda , Müller Götz , Kozlik-Feldmann Rainer , Riso Arlindo , Sachweh Jörg S.
Published: April 2019

Isolated unilateral absence of a pulmonary artery (UAPA) is a rare congenital anomaly in which one branch pulmonary artery has no connection to the main pulmonary trunk (most often there is ductal origin). Without treatment, it may lead to ipsilateral pulmonary hypoplasia and contralateral pulmonary artery hypertension. To avoid these complications, early surgical repair of UAPA is necessary. Surgical strategies include direct anastomosis between the “isolated” branch pulmonary artery (PA) and the main pulmonary trunk or creation of an interposition graft using prosthetic material or flap techniques. We describe a surgical technique using a totally autologous interposition tube graft.
Two Birds with One Stone: Health Care Providers’ Perspectives about Prevention Technologies in Kenya and South Africa
Authors: Lutnick Alexandra , Shapley-Quinn Mary Kate , Manenzhe Kgahlisho Nozibele , Onyango Jacob , Agot Kawango , Ahmed Khatija , van der Straten Ariane
Published: April 2019

To meet the reproductive health needs of women, especially those in sub-Saharan Africa, multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) that combine pregnancy and HIV prevention into a single product could be highly beneficial. This qualitative study with health care providers in Kenya and South Africa examined health system factors that may facilitate or inhibit the delivery of these MPTs. Twelve qualitative interviews were conducted with health care providers at each site (24 interviews total). Providers were presented with pictures and actual placebo prototypes of 4 MPTs: a vaginal ring, an oral pill, an injectable, and an implant. Four themes emerged related to health care providers’ reported interest in offering the proposed MPTs: (1) perceptions of young women’s interest in the MPTs, (2) considerations about product administration, (3) feedback about product attributes, and (4) providers’ training needs. Overwhelmingly, health care providers are eager to offer a product that prevents both HIV and unintended pregnancy in young women.
Tribal Alienation and Conflict in India: A Perspective from Below
Authors: Rupavath Ramdas
Published: April 2019

The Adivasi’s movement in India was seen through the abstract glasses of a Maoist movement or a peasant revolt, thus denying and failing to explain the specificity of Adivasi’s movement for democratic rights. However, the present article is an attempt to understand the socioeconomic and political structures, which forced the tribal in India to organize themselves and fight since the 1940s for the redressal of their grievances. Among the major questions which we shall attempt to answer are: how did the tribal react to alienation from the society and land, natural resources, indebtedness, and structural and cultural oppression? What was the role of the leadership in the organization of discontented tribal? The study basically aims at understanding the nexus between politics and violence in the specific context of the Adivasi movement in India. Is it a battle for social justice and equality?
Do Not Leave Your Pricing Strategy Hanging: The Elevate Hammock Company
Authors: Walker Deborah , Walls Simon , Junggren Greyson , Gerdts Nicholas
Published: April 2019

Greyson Junggren had an entrepreneurial spirit and started Elevate Hammock Company while he was still in college. His mission was to produce high-quality, durable hammocks that were made for the outdoors. Not knowing a lot about how to set the price for his hammocks when he first started his business, Greyson used a cost-plus/competitive approach. But after some time, he noticed that much of the market he had hoped to capture was staying with his higher priced competitors. While still generating and growing sales figures, Elevate Hammock Company was not capturing as much business from rival hammock companies in retail stores that Greyson expected and wanted. Greyson started to understand there was probably a real problem with his price when a very successful retailer in Taos, New Mexico ignored Greyson’s suggested retail price of US$55.00 and instead raised the price to US$65.00; and this resulted in an increase in the demand for Greyson’s hammocks. After 2 years in business, Greyson wondered if he should change his pricing strategy or his distribution model. What pricing strategy should he change to? And what other business strategies should he change or continue with if he did change his pricing strategy?
Next-generation Trade Facilitation for Asian Integration: Cross-border Paperless Trade
Authors: Duval Y. , Wang T. , Utoktham C. , Kravchenko A.
Published: April 2019

Reducing trade costs is essential to achieve Asian integration. Trade costs in the Asian and the Pacific region remain high, in particular, between different Asian subregions. Significant progress has been made in implementation of trade facilitation measures between 2015 and 2017, particularly those included in the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). However, progress in implementing of next-generation digital trade facilitation measures, such as cross-border paperless trade measures, has been more limited. Simulation results suggest that full implementation of such measures could nearly double trade costs reductions expected from WTO TFA implementation. A new regional United Nations (UN) treaty, the Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-Border Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific, may accelerate progress in this area.

JEL Codes: F13, F15, F17
Efficacy of venetoclax in relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia is influenced by disease and response variables
Authors: Roberts Andrew W. , Ma Shuo , Kipps Thomas J. , Coutre Steven E. , Davids Matthew S. , Eichhorst Barbara , Hallek Michael , Byrd John C. , Humphrey Kathryn , Zhou Lang , Chyla Brenda , Nielsen Jacqueline , Potluri Jalaja , Kim Su Young , Verdugo Maria , Stilgenbauer Stephan , Wierda William G. , Seymour John F.
Published: April 2019

To define the efficacy of venetoclax with extended follow-up and identify clinical or biological treatment effect modifiers, updated data for previously treated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) enrolled in 4 early-phase trials were pooled. Rates of response, complete remission (CR/CRi), and undetectable minimal residual disease (U-MRD) were analyzed for all patients (n = 436) and for those patients who were planned to receive 400 mg/day monotherapy (n = 347). Univariate and multiple regression analyses were performed to identify the pretreatment factors associated with response rates and duration of response (DoR). Objective responses were documented in 75% of all patients, including 22% CR/CRi. Overall, 27% and 16% of the patients achieved U-MRD in blood and marrow, respectively. Estimated median progression-free survival (PFS), DoR, and time to progression were 30.2, 38.4, and 36.9 months, respectively. Similar efficacy outcomes were observed within the 400 mg/day monotherapy subset. For those who achieved CR/CRi, the 3-year PFS estimate was 83%. DoR was superior for patients achieving CR/CRi or U-MRD in landmark analyses. In multiple regression analyses, bulky lymphadenopathy (≥5 cm) and refractoriness to B-cell receptor inhibitor (BCRi) therapy were significantly associated with lower CR rate and shorter DoR. Fewer prior therapies were associated with higher CR rate, but not DoR. Chromosome 17p deletion and/or TP53 mutation and NOTCH1 mutation were consistently associated with shorter DoR, but not probability of response. Thus, both pretreatment factors and depth of response correlated with DoR with venetoclax. Patients without bulky lymphadenopathy, BCRi-refractory CLL, or an adverse mutation profile had the most durable benefit.
Broad-spectrum antibiotic use and poor outcomes in community-onset pneumonia: a cohort study
Authors: Webb Brandon J. , Sorensen Jeff , Jephson Al , Mecham Ian , Dean Nathan C.
Published: April 2019

Question

Is broad-spectrum antibiotic use associated with poor outcomes in community-onset pneumonia after adjusting for confounders?

Methods

We performed a retrospective, observational cohort study of 1995 adults with pneumonia admitted from four US hospital emergency departments. We used multivariable regressions to investigate the effect of broad-spectrum antibiotics on 30-day mortality, length of stay, cost andClostridioides difficileinfection (CDI). To address indication bias, we developed a propensity score using multilevel (individual provider) generalised linear mixed models to perform inverse-probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) to estimate the average treatment effect in the treated. We also manually reviewed a sample of mortality cases for antibiotic-associated adverse events.

Results

39.7% of patients received broad-spectrum antibiotics, but drug-resistant pathogens were recovered in only 3%. Broad-spectrum antibiotics were associated with increased mortality in both the unweighted multivariable model (OR 3.8, 95% CI 2.5–5.9; p<0.001) and IPTW analysis (OR 4.6, 95% CI 2.9–7.5; p<0.001). Broad-spectrum antibiotic use by either analysis was also associated with longer hospital stay, greater cost and increased CDI. Healthcare-associated pneumonia was not associated with mortality independent of broad-spectrum antibiotic use. In manual review we identified antibiotic-associated events in 17.5% of mortality cases.

Conclusion

Broad-spectrum antibiotics appear to be associated with increased mortality and other poor outcomes in community-onset pneumonia.
Hazards to avoid in future neonatal studies of nasal high-frequency oscillatory ventilation: lessons from an early terminated trial
Authors: Fischer Hendrik S. , Bührer Christoph , Czernik Christoph
Published: April 2019

Objective

To investigate whether nasal high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (nHFOV) started immediately after extubation of mechanically ventilated very low birth weight infants reduces the partial pressure of carbon dioxide at 72 h after extubation in comparison with nasal continuous positive airway pressure. This randomised controlled single-centre trial aimed to include 68 preterm infants at high risk of extubation failure.

Results

Implementation of the study protocol was feasible. However, from 2015 to 2017, only six patients could be recruited, leading to early termination of the trial. The slow recruitment was due to the introduction of new strategies to avoid endotracheal mechanical ventilation, which reduced the number of eligible infants. Moreover, the included infants failed their extubation more often than anticipated, thereby increasing the required sample size. Based on our single-centre experience, we provide information for study planning and discuss the specific requirements for future trial protocols on nHFOV. The extubation of high-risk infants into nHFOV could well be beneficial, but a multicentric approach is necessary to investigate this hypothesis.

Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02340299, on 16 January 2015
Precision Oncology in Sarcomas: Divide and Conquer
Authors: Carmagnani Pestana Roberto , Groisberg Roman , Roszik Jason , Subbiah Vivek
Published: April 2019

Sarcomas are a heterogeneous group of rare malignancies that exhibit remarkable heterogeneity, with more than 50 subtypes recognized. Advances in next-generation sequencing technology have resulted in the discovery of genetic events in these mesenchymal tumors, which in addition to enhancing understanding of the biology, have opened up avenues for molecularly targeted therapy and immunotherapy. This review focuses on how incorporation of next-generation sequencing has affected drug development in sarcomas and strategies for optimizing precision oncology for these rare cancers. In a significant percentage of soft tissue sarcomas, which represent up to 40% of all sarcomas, specific driver molecular abnormalities have been identified. The challenge to evaluate these mutations across rare cancer subtypes requires the careful characterization of these genetic alterations to further define compelling drivers with therapeutic implications. Novel models of clinical trial design also are needed. This shift would entail sustained efforts by the sarcoma community to move from one-size-fits-all trials, in which all sarcomas are treated similarly, to divide-and-conquer subtype-specific strategies.
Longitudinal characterization of diet-induced genetic murine models of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis with metabolic, histological, and transcriptomic hallmarks of human patients
Authors: Abe Naomichi , Kato Sayuka , Tsuchida Takuma , Sugimoto Kanami , Saito Ryuta , Verschuren Lars , Kleemann Robert , Oka Kozo
Published: April 2019

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a fast-growing liver disease in the Western world. Currently, only a few animal models show both the metabolic and histological features of human NASH. We aimed to explore murine NASH models in a time dependent manner that exhibit metabolic, histological, and transcriptomic hallmarks of human NASH. For this, the murine strains C57BL/6J, ob/ob, and KK-Ay were used and three types of nutritional regimes were administered: normal chow diet (NCD); high-fat, high-fructose, and high-cholesterol diet (fast food diet; FFD); or choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD), for 2, 4, 8, 12, 18, 24, and 30 weeks. All strains under the FFD and CDAHFD regimes developed steatohepatitis. Among the strains treated with FFD, the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) activity score, fibrosis progression, and metabolic abnormalities such as hyperinsulinemia and obesity were more pronounced in ob/ob mice than in C57BL/6J and KK-Ay mice. In ob/ob mice fed FFD, the development of hepatic crown-like structures was confirmed. Furthermore, molecular pathways involved in steatohepatitis and fibrosis showed significant changes from as early as 2 weeks of starting the FFD regime. Ob/ob mice fed FFD showed metabolic, histological, and transcriptomic dysfunctions similar to human NASH, suggesting their potential as an experimental model to discover novel drugs for NASH.
Cold adaptive potential of pine wood nematodes overwintering in plant hosts
Authors: Liu Zhenkai , Li Yongxia , Pan Long , Meng Fanli , Zhang Xingyao
Published: April 2019

The pinewood nematode (PWN; Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) is the causal agent of pine wilt disease, which results in severe ecological and economic losses in coniferous forests. During overwintering, PWNs undergo morphological and physiological changes to adapt to low temperature environments. Here, the physiological changes of the PWN populations sampled in the summer and winter were compared to analyze the role in response to low temperature. The PWN overwinters as third-stage dispersal juveniles, which showed significantly greater survival rates than summer populations (propagative forms) at subzero temperatures. The major biochemical compounds in the populations were analyzed by gas chromatography. Eight dominant fatty acids, with stearic acid being the most important, were identified from PWN propagative stage and third-stage dispersal stage. Compared with the propagative stage, the dispersal stage showed significant increases in the fatty acid content and the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids. Three carbohydrates trehalose, glycerol and glucose were detected in the PWN. Compared with the summer population, the levels of trehalose and glycerol increased significantly, while glucose decreased, in the winter population. The modifications in fatty acid composition and cryoprotectant levels, as elements of its changing physiology, play important roles in the overwintering success of the PWN.
Role of ectodysplasin signalling in middle ear and nasal pathology in rat and mouse models of hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia
Authors: del-Pozo Jorge , MacIntyre Neil , Azar Ali , Headon Denis , Schneider Pascal , Cheeseman Michael
Published: April 2019

Patients with mutations in the ectodysplasin receptor signalling pathway genes – the X-linked ligand ectodysplasin-A (EDA), the receptor EDAR or the receptor adapter EDARADD – have hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED). In addition to having impaired development of teeth, hair, eccrine sweat glands, and salivary and mammary glands, HED patients have ear, nose and throat disease. The mouse strains Tabby (EdaTa) and downless (Edardl-J/dl-J) have rhinitis and otitis media due to loss of submucosal glands in the upper airway. We report that prenatal correction of EDAR signalling in EdaTa mice with the agonist anti-EDAR antibody rescues the auditory-tube submucosal glands and prevents otitis media, rhinitis and nasopharyngitis. The sparse- and wavy-haired (swh) rat strain carries a mutation in the Edaradd gene and has similar cutaneous HED phenotypes to mouse models. We report that auditory-tube submucosal glands are smaller in the homozygous mutant Edaraddswh/swh than those in unaffected heterozygous Edaraddswh/+ rats, and that this predisposes them to otitis media. Furthermore, the pathogenesis of otitis media in the rat HED model differs from that in mice, as otitis media is the primary pathology, and rhinitis is a later-onset phenotype. These findings in rodent HED models imply that hypomorphic as well as null mutations in EDAR signalling pathway genes may predispose to otitis media in humans. In addition, this work suggests that the recent successful prenatal treatment of X-linked HED (XLHED) in humans may also prevent ear, nose and throat disease, and provides diagnostic criteria that distinguish HED-associated otitis media from chronic otitis media with effusion, which is common in children.
Association between Lifelong Physical Activity and Disease Characteristics in HCM
Authors: AENGEVAEREN VINCENT L. , GOMMANS D. H. FRANK , DIEKER HENDRIK-JAN , TIMMERMANS JANNEKE , VERHEUGT FREEK W. A. , BAKKER JEANNETTE , HOPMAN MARIA T. E. , DE BOER MENKO-JAN , BROUWER MARC A. , THOMPSON PAUL D. , KOFFLARD MARCEL J. M. , CRAMER G. ETIENNE , EIJSVOGELS THIJS M. H.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is characterized by inappropriate left ventricular (LV) wall thickness. Adaptations to exercise can occasionally mimic certain HCM characteristics. However, it is unclear whether physical activity affects HCM genotype expression and disease characteristics. Consequently, we compared lifelong physical activity volumes between HCM gene carriers with and without HCM phenotype, and compared disease characteristics among tertiles of physical activity in phenotypic HCM patients.

Methods

We enrolled n = 22 genotype positive/phenotype negative (G+/P−) HCM gene carriers, n = 44 genotype positive/phenotype positive (G+/P+) HCM patients, and n = 36 genotype negative/phenotype positive (G−/P+) HCM patients. Lifelong physical activity was recorded using a questionnaire and quantified as metabolic equivalent of task hours per week.

Results

We included 102 participants (51 ± 16 yr, 49% male). Lifelong physical activity volumes were not different between G+/P+ and G+/P− subjects (16 [10–29] vs 14 [6–26] metabolic equivalent of task‐hours per week, P = 0.33). Among phenotypic HCM patients, there was no difference in LV wall thickness, mass, and late gadolinium enhancement across physical activity tertiles. Patients with the highest reported physical activity volumes were younger at the time of diagnosis (tertile 1: 52 ± 14 yr, tertile 2: 49 ± 15 yr, tertile 3: 41 ± 18 yr; P = 0.03), and more often had a history of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (4% vs 30% vs 30%, P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Lifelong physical activity volumes are not associated with genotype-to-phenotype transition in HCM gene carriers. We also found no difference in LV wall thickness across physical activity tertiles. However, the most active HCM patients were younger at the time of diagnosis and had a higher arrhythmic burden. These observations warrant further exploration of the role of exercise in HCM disease development.
Rapid transcriptional responses to serum exposure are associated with sensitivity and resistance to antibody-mediated complement killing in invasive Salmonella Typhimurium ST313
Authors: Ondari Edna M. , Klemm Elizabeth J. , Msefula Chisomo L. , El Ghany Moataz Abd , Heath Jennifer N. , Pickard Derek J. , Barquist Lars , Dougan Gordon , Kingsley Robert A. , MacLennan Calman A.
Published: April 2019

Background:SalmonellaTyphimurium ST313 exhibits signatures of adaptation to invasive human infection, including higher resistance to humoral immune responses than gastrointestinal isolates. Full resistance to antibody-mediated complement killing (serum resistance) among nontyphoidalSalmonellaeis uncommon, but selection of highly resistant strains could compromise vaccine-induced antibody immunity. Here, we address the hypothesis that serum resistance is due to a distinct genotype or transcriptome response inS. Typhimurium ST313.

Methods: SixS. Typhimurium ST313 bloodstream isolates, three of which were antibody resistant, were studied. Genomic content (single nucleotide polymorphisms and larger chromosomal modifications) of the strains was determined by Illumina and PACBIO sequencing, and functionally characterized using RNA-seq, transposon directed insertion site sequencing (TraDIS), targeted gene deletion and transfer of selected point mutations in an attempt to identify features associated with serum resistance.

 Results: Sequence polymorphisms in genes from strains with atypical serum susceptibility when transferred from strains that were highly resistant or susceptible to a strain that exhibited intermediate susceptibility did not significantly alter serum killing phenotype. No large chromosomal modifications typified serum resistance or susceptibility. Genes required for resistance to serum identified by TraDIS and RNA-seq included those involved in exopolysaccharide synthesis, iron scavenging and metabolism. Most of the down-regulated genes were associated with membrane proteins. Resistant and susceptible strains had distinct transcriptional responses to serum, particularly related to genes responsible for polysaccharide biosynthesis. There was higher upregulation ofwcalocus genes, involved in the biosynthesis of colanic acid exopolysaccharide, in susceptible strains and increased expression offepE, a regulator of very long-chain lipopolysaccharide in resistant strains.

Conclusion: Clinical isolates ofS. Typhimurium ST313 exhibit distinct antibody susceptibility phenotypes that may be associated with changes in gene expression on exposure to serum.
Social management of convergence processes in the modern media sphere
Authors: Молчанова Ольга , Molchanova Ol'ga
Published: April 2019

The monograph is devoted to the actual modern problem — the development of mechanisms and technologies for managing the processes of media conversion, aimed at identifying trends in the transformation of the media sphere, the circulation of information and communication flows and the perception of information by modern society. Special attention is paid to the peculiarities of social management of various reactionary structures in the conditions of media convergence and the processes of adaptation of modern society to new realities, socialization of the individual in the transforming media sphere.
Information security standards. Protection and processing of confidential documents
Authors: Сычев Юрий , Sychev Yuriy
Published: April 2019

Specialists working in the field of information security cannot do without knowledge of international and national standards and guidance documents. The need to apply the requirements of standards and guidance documents of the Russian state technical Commission under the President of the Russian Federation is enshrined in law. In addition, the standards contain proven, high-quality solutions and methodologies developed by qualified information security professionals. Standards are the basis for ensuring mutual compatibility and replaceability of information, hardware and software systems and their components.
To Wait or Not to Wait: The Theory and Practice of Ticket Queues
Authors: Kuzu Kaan , Gao Long , Xu Susan H.
Published: April 2019

Ticket queues are prevalent in service industries. They enhance customer satisfaction by eliminating physical lines but may compromise efficiency. Existing studies offer mixed results on the cause and magnitude of such inefficiency. These results, however, are based on simplistic customer behaviors. Taking a holistic approach, we examine how realistic customer behaviors drive ticket queue performance. Our empirical studies reveal that (i) customers are capable of adapting their patience to the waiting context and (ii) they use dynamic updating to improve forecasting and decision making over time. Once we model these two behaviors, we find the ticket queue inefficiency is much smaller than the literature predicted. By testing and highlighting the central role of realistic customer behaviors, this paper advances our understanding on ticket queue theory and practice.
Premature interlude detection and classification of breast cancer using ANN classifier
Authors: N. Sruthi A , Shyamala Devi M , Balamurugan P
Published: April 2019

Breast cancer has emerged as the main reason behind most cancers deaths amoungwomen. To decrease the emerging issue, cancer should be handled at the early stage, however it's extremely complicated to discover associated diagnose tumors at a premature stage. Manual analysis of cancer is found to be extremely time consumingprocess andincompetent in several scenarios. As a result, there exists a choice for sensibleschemes that identifies the cancerous cell,simultaneouslydeprived of any participation of people and with excessive accuracy. Here, formulated automatic method victimization Artificial Neural Network (ANN)as better intellectual system for breast cancer classification. Image Processingtakes part avitalplace in cancer recognition once input document is inside the style of pixels. Feature extraction of image could be very vital in Mammogram classification. Alternatives feature extraction methods have been developed recently. An absolutely distinctive function extraction method isused for classification of conventional and Normal cancer image classification. This methodology can offer maximum accuracy at a high speed. The applied math parameter encompass entropy, mean, power, correlation, texture, variance .This constraints can act as a inputs to ANN which is adequate enough to identify and provides the outcome whether or not patient is suffering from cancerous or not.
Artificial neural network classification-based skin cancer detection
Authors: Devi M. Shyamala , Sruthi A.N. , Balamurugan P.
Published: April 2019

At present, skin cancers are extremely the most severe and life-threatening kind of cancer. The majority of the pores and skin cancers are completely remediable at premature periods. Therefore, a premature recognition of pores and skin cancer can effectively protect the patients. Due to the progress of modern technology, premature recognition is very easy to identify. It is not extremely complicated to discover the affected pores and skin cancers with the exploitation of Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The treatment procedure exploits image processing strategies and Artificial Intelligence. It must be noted that, the dermoscopy photograph of pores and skin cancer is effectively determined and it is processed to several pre-processing for the purpose of noise eradication and enrichment in image quality. Subsequently, the photograph is distributed through image segmentation by means of thresholding. Few components distinctive for skin most cancers regions. These features are mined the practice of function extraction scheme - 2D Wavelet Transform scheme. These outcomes are provides to the Back-Propagation Neural (BPN) Network for effective classification. This completely categorizes the data set into either cancerous or non-cancerous.
Speech controlled home mechanization framework using android gadgets
Authors: M. Kavitha Mrs , Manideep Y , Vamsi Krishna M , Prabhuram P
Published: April 2019

This task displays the development Speech Controlled Home Mechanization Framework Using Android Gadgets of home apparatuses in light-weight of voice order utilizing humanoid. This technique has been meant to help and provides the help to senior and unfit individual’s reception. Recent voice based applications provide acknowledges the voice contribution from the advanced transportable. During this venture, the voice input has been caught by the ports and might be sent to the Arduino Uno. HC 05 module in Arduino Uno got the flag and handled the information flag to manage the two power sockets and fan. The proposed framework expected to manage electrical devices with general user friendly interface and easy transnational. In this project we have a tendency to gift associate humanoid OS based mostly application for smartphone that speaks with the fan through mobile phone persistently to manage the FAN speed. The humanoid stage assumes a key half to holds a most extreme range of users once contrasted with all different stage. We have got exhibited up to twenty meter of vary to manage the house apparatuses by suggests that of Bluetooth.
A novel design of high performance1-bit adder circuit at deep sub-micron technology
Authors: Rao Tirumalasetty Venkata , V. Mohan Krishna C , Sai Sree Tanmaie K , Lakshmi Naveena T , Jonathan Ch
Published: April 2019

In this paper, the design of hybrid 1-bit full adder circuit using both pass transistor and CMOS logic was implemented. Performance pa-rameters such as power, delay, and PDP were compared with the existing designs such as complementary pass-transistor logic, transmis-sion gate adder. At 0.4V supply at 22nm technology, the average power consumption is 1. 525 uW was found to be extremely low with moderately low delay 90. 25 ps and PDP found to be 0.137 fJ. The present implementation has very good improvement in terms of delay, power and power delay product when compared to the existing hybrid 1-bit full adders. Also the number of transistors has been reduced to 13 where as the existiing hybrid full adder circuit has 16 transistors. The proposed circuit was implemented using mentor graphics tool in 45nm, 32nm and 22nm technologies with different supply voltages.
Multi-agent based load balancing in cloud computing
Authors: Sandeep Kumar S , Tarun Kumar S , Sathraja G , Nagatejasri J
Published: April 2019

Cloud knowledge centers area unit usually comprised of multiple servers with doubtless completely different specifications and unsteady resource usages. The challenge for these data centers is how to handle and service the millions of Requests such that the Quality of the ser-vice (Qos) is not compromised. Load balancing is an important aspect in cloud computing that involves an even work distribution among the available machines such that no machine is overloaded. This work discusses on numerous Agent primarily based load equalization tech-niques capableof equalization workloads across multiple servers to provide customer Satisfaction and economical Resource Utilization. We propose a Dynamic Multi-Agent based algorithm to address the load balancing issue .In this, we describe about Agents and how they can be used to solve load balancing in cloud computing.