bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Performance Analysis of Various Classifiers for Cloud E-Health Users
Authors: T. MuthamilSelvan  , Balamurugan B.
Published: February 2019

Several classifiers are prevalent which act as a major drive for almost all supervised machine learning applications. These classifiers, though their objective working looks similar, they vary drastically in their performances. Some of the important factors that cause such variations are the scalability of the dataset, dataset nature, training time estimation, classifying time for the test data, prediction accuracy and the error rate computation. This paper focuses mainly on analyzing the performance of the existing four main classifiers: IF-THEN rule, C4.5 decision trees, naïve Bayes, and SVM classifier. The objective of this research article is to provide the complete statistical performance estimates of the four classifiers to the authenticated cloud users. These users have the access facility in obtaining the essential statistical information about the classifiers in study from the cloud server. Such statistical information might be helpful in choosing the best classifier for their personal or organizational benefits. The classifiers follow the traditional underlying algorithms for classification that is performed in the cloud server. These classifiers are tested on three different datasets namely PIMA, breast-cancer and liver-disorders dataset for performance analysis. The performance analysis indicators used in this research article to summarize the working of the various classifiers are training time, testing time, prediction accuracy and error rate computation. The proposed comparative analysis framework can be used to analyze the performances of the classifiers with respect to any input dataset.
An Integrated Framework for RESTful Web Services Using Linked Open Data
Authors: Modi Kiritkumar J , Garg Sanjay , Chaudhary Sanjay
Published: February 2019

RESTful web services have evolved based on REST architectural design and gained popularity because of their inherent simplicity and suitability features in comparison with SOAP-based web services. Moreover, linked open data (LOD) provides a uniform data model for RESTful web services which in turn avoids manual intervention of users to perform tasks such as, searching, selection, and integration. Researchers have worked on LOD based RESTful web services searching, selection and composition but focused on individual basis though they are interrelated tasks. This article presents an integrated framework and approach to automate the discovery, selection and composition of RESTful Web services using linked open data to provide an efficient composition solution. We work with RDF descriptions to express the state of linked data resources on which SPARQL queries would be applied for the extraction, filtering and integration of RESTful services. Use case scenarios of population information systems and healthcare recommendation systems are presented as a proof of concept with necessary results.
Application Checkpointing Technique for Self-Healing From Failures in Mobile Grid Computing
Authors: Savyanavar Amit Sadanand , Ghorpade Vijay Ram
Published: February 2019

A mobile grid (MG) consists of interconnected mobile devices which are used for high performance computing. Fault tolerance is an important property of mobile computational grid systems for achieving superior arrangement reliability and faster recovery from failures. Since the failure of the resources affects task execution fatally, fault tolerance service is essential to achieve QoS requirement in MG. The faults which occur in MG are link failure, node failure, task failure, limited bandwidth etc. Detecting these failures can help in better utilisation of the resources and timely notification to the user in a MG environment. These failures result in loss of computational results and data. Many algorithms or techniques were proposed for failure handling in traditional grids. The authors propose a checkpointing based failure handling technique which will improve arrangement reliability and failure recovery time for the MG network. Experimentation was conducted by creating a grid of ubiquitously available Android-based mobile phones.
A Load and Distance Aware Cloudlet Selection Strategy in Multi-Cloudlet Environment
Authors: Somula Ramasubbareddy , Sasikala R.
Published: February 2019

Day to day the usage of mobile devices (MD) is growing in people's lives. But still the MD is limited in terms of memory, battery life time, processing capacity. In order to overcome these issues, the new emerging technology named mobile cloud computing (MCC) has been introduced. The offloading mechanism execute the resource intensive application on the remote cloud to save both the battery utilization and execution time. But still the high latency challenges in MCC need to be addressed by executing resource intensive task at nearby resource cloud server. The key challenge is to find optimal cloudlet to execute task to save computation time. In this article, the authors propose a Round Robin algorithm based on cloudlet selection in heterogeneous MCC system. This article considers both load and distance of server to find optimal cloudlet and minimize waiting time of the user request at server queue. Additionally, the authors provide mathematical evaluation of the algorithm and compare with existing load balancing algorithms.
Contingency Inventory Reservation for Low-Probability High-Impact Events
Authors: Demir Sercan , Erkoc Murat
Published: February 2019

This article investigates reservation contracts for contingency inventory management between two buyers and a single supplier under a game theoretic framework. Two channel structures are considered in this context. In the first setting, the buyers simultaneously move to offer reservation fees to the supplier, who in turn, decides on the inventory amount she wants to carry for each buyer. In the second setting, the supplier moves first and offers nonrefundable-deductible reservation fees for the buyers, who respond with their respective reservation quantities. By reserving through a shared supplier, the buyers enable a contingency inventory pool which alleviates overage risk for the supplier and enables availability of products after low-probability high-impact events. Conditions for successful implementation of contingency reservation contracts are investigated. The results obtained for both channel structures were contrasted. It is shown that in a market where the buyers have more negotiation power, reservation contracts are more likely to achieve inventory buildup under relatively lower event probabilities.
Key Issues and the Requirements for an Effective Enterprise Decision-Making Using an Ontology-Based GOAL-Framework for Evaluation of the Organizational Goals Achievement
Authors: Izhar Tengku Adil Tengku , Torabi Torab , Bhatti M. Ishaq
Published: February 2019

This article proposes the GOAL-Framework for the evaluation of organizational goals based on an ontology. The aim is to capture and analyze relevant data for the organization goals because determining relevant data is a key to delivering value from massive amounts of data for better decision-making in relation to the organizational goals achievement. The framework will allow the domain experts and entrepreneurs to evaluate relevant organizational data to assist the decision-making process with respect to the organizational goals. Hence, they will be able to identify to what extent certain organizational goals could be achieved. In order to test the flexibility and applicability of the GOAL-Framework, a case study is presented to explain how the framework is implemented and applied to a real world situation. The outcome of the case study demonstrates that the framework can be applied for analysis and decision-making based on the metrics using the dashboard to evaluate the extent to which the organizational goals could be achieved.
Tuning the Rheology of Nano-Sized Silica Suspensions with Silicon Nitride Particles
Authors: Gürgen Selim
Published: February 2019

In this paper, a non-Newtonian fluid was fabricated dispersing nanosized silica particles in a polyethylene glycol medium. The rheology of the suspension was investigated in a stress-controlled rheometer under increasing shear rate. Based on the rheological measurements, the suspension exhibited shear thickening behavior which gives a drastic viscosity grow with the increase in the shear rate. In order to investigate the role of the micro-sized additive particles on the rheology of silica based suspension, silicon nitride particles were included in the suspension with three different concentrations. The results were discussed in terms of important parameters for the shear thickening mechanism such as critical shear rate, peak viscosity, thickening ratio and initial viscosity. According to the results, shear thickening behavior can be controlled altering the amount of silicon nitride particles in the suspension.
Mathematical Modeling of Junctionless Triple Material Double Gate MOSFET for Low Power Applications
Authors: Darwin S. , Samuel T.S. Arun
Published: February 2019

This paper describes the analytical modeling and simulation of Triple Material Double Gate Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (TMDG MOSFET) with no junctions. Three kind of gate materials with different work function values over the channel helps to improve the ON current and to form a barrier in the channel helps to reduce OFF current. It has been found from the obtained results that the OFF current or leakage current of the device is exactly low (IOFF =10-11 A) which is fit for low power applications. Also, the extracted value of ION current (10-3 A) has proved that there is a remarkable improvement with decreasing device dimensions. The overall gate length (L), work functions of gate materials, oxide thickness (tox), silicon thickness (tsi) and doping concentration (Nd) are optimized at 60nm, 4.8eV, 4.6eV, 4.4eV, 1nm, 10nm and 1019 cm-3 respectively. The 2-D Poisson equation has been solved by using parabolic approximation technique to obtain the potential distribution function in the channel. Based on this expression, analytical models of the lateral electric field, subthreshold slope and drain current for Junctionless Triple Material Double Gate Metal oxide semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (JL TMDG MOSFET) were derived. Finally, the validity of the proposed analytical model is compared with numerical solution simulation data results which are obtained by using TCAD device simulator.
Fish Gelatin Antimicrobial Electrospun Nanofibers for Active Food-Packaging Applications
Authors: Alp-Erbay Esen , Yeşi̇lsu Ahmet Faruk , Türe Mustafa
Published: February 2019

A protein-based electrospun nanofiber from cold water fish gelatin (FG) including bovine lactoferrin (L) as an antimicrobial substance for food packaging applications was developed. Various amounts of L (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20%) were incorporated into FG electrospun nanofibers in order to test antimicrobial activity by disc diffusion method against Pseudomonas fluorescens, Acinetobacter johnsonii, Aeromonas hydrophila, Flavobacterium psychrophilum, Shewanella putrefaciens, and Escherichia coli commonly cause problems in food safety especially in fish products. It was obviously seen that 15% and 20% wt L incorporated FG electrospun nanofibers had significant inhibition zone against all bacterial strains while 5% and 10% L-FG had lower antimicrobial effects. In order to recommend fish gelatin as a food packaging material, mechanical properties should be enhanced to be competitive with synthetic polymers. It was revealed that mechanical strength of gelatin electrospun nanofibers depended on both fiber morphology and bioactive substance content. Neat FG (N-FG ) bead-free electrospun mats had higher fiber diameter (815 ±40 nm) while 15% and 20% L-FG had relatively lower diameter with beaded morphology, i.e., 348 ±32 nm, 229 ± 44 nm respectively. The tensile strength of 20% L-FG mats was significantly lower than the N-FG mats due to beady and thinner morphology. It can be concluded that L-FG electrospun nanofibers with high antimicrobial activity and improvable tensile strength is promising for active packaging applications.Keywords: Electrospinning, Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia coli, Shewanella spp., biodegradable, active packaging
Fabrication and Characterization of E-Glass Fiber Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Resin Based Composite Materials
Authors: Islam Md. Naimul , Ar-Rashid Harun , Islam Farhana , Karmaker Nanda , Koly Farjana A. , Mahmud Jumana , Keya Kamrun N. , Khan Ruhul A.
Published: February 2019

E-glass fiber mat reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Resin (UPR)-based composites were fabricated by conventional hand lay-up technique. The fiber content was varied from 5 to 50% by weight. Mechanical properties (tensile and bending) of the fabricated composites were investigated. The tensile strength (TS) of the 5% and 50% fiber reinforced composites was 32 MPa and 72 MPa, respectively. Similarly, tensile modulus, bending strength and bending modulus of the composites were increased by the increase of fiber loading. Interfacial properties of the composites were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the results revealed that the interfacial bond between fiber and matrix was excellent. Keywords: Unsaturated Polyester Resin, Mechanical Properties, E-glass Fibers, Composites, Polymer.
Effect of Aggregate of Electric Arc Furnace Slag on Durability of Reinforced Concrete Structures in Chloride Environment (Part II)
Authors: Faleschini Flora , Zanini Mariano Angelo , Ruíz Manuel Alejandro Fernández , Pellegrino Carlo
Published: February 2019

Second part of the study presented argues the effect of aggregate of electric arc furnace slag on durability of reinforced concrete structures in chloride environment based on the Results and Discussions section and the Conclusions section. Both part have the Abstract section and Reference section differently each other. Results display that the EAF slag aggregate is favorable because of increasing the durability against chloride damage and of stoping the penetration of free chloride measured with method of the colorimetric test as well as wet chemical analysis. However, the study also answers that the wet chemical analysis is still the best method to measure the penetration of free chloride in concretes.
Development of Nano Modified Eco-Friendly Green Binders for Sustainable Construction Applications
Authors: Shoukry Hamada
Published: February 2019

Cement manufacturing, which is partially responsible for environmental and health risks as well as the greenhouse gas emissions, is a binder industry that needs energy and raw material. To decrease the needing, this study develops nano-modified eco-friendly cementitious composites including industrial solid wastes and/or by-products. For this purpose, ordinary Portland cement (OPC) was partially replaced with 70 wt% of fly ash (FA), Nano metakaolin (NMK) was incorporated at a rate of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 % as partial replacement by weight of FA to take advantage of the great role of nano materials in improving the mechanical and physical properties of cement based materials. Compressive strength, flexural strength, and capillary water absorption coefficient have been studied at 28 days of curing according to the international ASTM standards. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) was used to study the phase composition/decomposition. The microstructure characteristics of the hardened samples were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive analytical x-ray unit (EDAX). The results revealed that the partial replacement of cement by 70% of FA has reduced both compressive and flexural strengths by about 45% in addition; the water absorption has been increased by about 175% as compared to the OPC. The replacement of FA by different amounts of NMK compensate for the loss in strength by about 75%. Furthermore, NMK has considerably improved the microstructure and reduced the water absorption by 86%. The study concluded that, it is possible to substitute 70% of the weight of the cement in the production of eco-friendly cementitious composites with improved mechanical performance attaining 88% of the corresponding performance of the hydrated OPC. The developed composites can be considered as green binders and recommended for various applications in construction industry.
Infected branchial cyst excision – the importance of timing and technique
Authors: Paramanayakam A. , Drahaman A. M. P.
Published: February 2019

Branchial cysts are the most frequent congenital lesions in the lateral neck. We present a surgical case of a 38-year-old man who visited our clinic with a one-month history of left sided level II neck swelling associated with neck discomfort and left sided otalgia.  Clinical examination revealed a firm yet mobile mass. Both ultrasound scan and CT scan showed a cystic lesion of 5cm x 4cm x 3cm in dimension lying lateral to the carotids without vascular invasion. Planned surgical excision had to be delayed due to cyst infection at the time of surgery for four weeks. Usage of the tonsillar dissector for difficult dissection enabled removal of the cyst without rupture.
Orbital complications of acute rhinosinusitis: a study on clinical profile, surgical management and outcome
Authors: Rosa O. K. D. S. T. , Warnasuriya N. , Kirihene R.
Published: February 2019

Objectives1. Evaluate the clinical signs and their correlation to Computed Tomography(CT) findings2. Assess the correlation between CT and intra-operative findings.3. To identify implicated micro-organisms.4. Evaluate the current practice in surgical management. MethodologyA descriptive retrospective study conducted at Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH) on 19 patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery, drainage of pus and orbital decompression for radiologically suspected orbital complications of acute rhinosinusitis from 01/01/2015 to 31/12/2018. ResultsClinical features were fever (73.7%), peri-orbital swelling (100%), chemosis(68.4%), proptosis(57.9%) and ophthalmoplegia(42.1%). Chemosis and ophthalmoplegia were found in 62% and 37% of the patients with intra-orbital abscesses, with only chemosis showing a statistically significant association. CT was suggestive of subperiosteal abscess or inflammation in all. Intra-operatively abscesses were found in 16 (84.2%). Of these 6 had both subperiosteal and intra-orbital abscesses. Eight had subperiosteal abscesses. Two had only intra-orbital abscesses. The CT scan failed to predict the presence of abscess within the orbital fat in 3 out of 8. The positive predictive value was 89.4% for CT to detect orbital abscesses. An Intra-operative bony defect was noted in 15.8%. The mean surgery duration was 2.04 hours. Cultures revealed MRSA(21.1%), MSSA(15.8%), Pseudomonas(10.5%), mixed growth(10.6%) and Streptococcus viridans(5.3%). ConclusionThe commonest presentations were peri-orbital swelling, fever, chemosis. MRSA and pseudomonas being the commonest organism, the appropriate empirical therapy needs further discussion. Endoscopic surgery is safe, reliable and cosmetic. As patients with intra-orbital abscesses may not be detected clinically or radiologically, we recommend routine incision of the orbital periosteum for suspected orbital complications of acute rhinosinusitis when undergoing endoscopic surgery.
TLR4 Receptor Induces 2-AG–Dependent Tolerance to Lipopolysaccharide and Trafficking of CB2 Receptor in Mast Cells
Authors: Espinosa-Riquer Zyanya P. , Ibarra-Sánchez Alfredo , Vibhushan Shamila , Bratti Manuela , Charles Nicolas , Blank Ulrich , Rodríguez-Manzo Gabriela , González-Espinosa Claudia
Published: February 2019

Mast cells (MCs) contribute to the control of local inflammatory reactions and become hyporesponsive after prolonged TLR4 activation by bacterial LPS. The molecular mechanisms involved in endotoxin tolerance (ET) induction in MCs are not fully understood. In this study, we demonstrate that the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and its receptor, cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), play a role in the establishment of ET in bone marrow–derived MCs from C57BL/6J mice. We found that CB2 antagonism prevented the development of ET and that bone marrow–derived MCs produce 2-AG in a TLR4-dependent fashion. Exogenous 2-AG induced ET similarly to LPS, blocking the phosphorylation of IKK and the p65 subunit of NF-κB and inducing the synthesis of molecular markers of ET. LPS caused CB2 receptor trafficking in Rab11-, Rab7-, and Lamp2-positive vesicles, indicating recycling and degradation of the receptor. 2-AG also prevented LPS-induced TNF secretion in vivo, in a MC-dependent model of endotoxemia, demonstrating that TLR4 engagement leads to 2-AG secretion, which contributes to the negative control of MCs activation. Our study uncovers a functional role for the endocannabinoid system in the inhibition of MC-dependent innate immune responses in vivo.
USP20 Promotes Cellular Antiviral Responses via Deconjugating K48-Linked Ubiquitination of MITA
Authors: Zhang Meng-Xin , Cai Zeng , Zhang Man , Wang Xiao-Meng , Wang Yaqin , Zhao Fei , Zhou Jing , Luo Min-Hua , Zhu Qiyun , Xu Zhigao , Zeng Wen-Bo , Zhong Bo , Lin Dandan
Published: February 2019

Mediator of IRF3 activation ([MITA] also known as STING) is a direct sensor of cyclic dinucleotide and critically mediates cytoplasmic DNA­–triggered innate immune signaling. The activity of MITA is extensively regulated by ubiquitination and deubiquitination. In this study, we report that USP20 interacts with and removes K48-linked ubiquitin chains from MITA after HSV-1 infection, thereby stabilizing MITA and promoting cellular antiviral responses. Deletion of USP20 accelerates HSV-1–induced degradation of MITA and impairs phosphorylation of IRF3 and IκBα as well as subsequent induction of type I IFNs and proinflammatory cytokines after HSV-1 infection or cytoplasmic DNA challenge. Consistently, Usp20−/− mice produce decreased type I IFNs and proinflammatory cytokines, exhibit increased susceptibility to lethal HSV-1 infection, and aggravated HSV-1 replication compared with Usp20+/+ mice. In addition, complement of MITA into Usp20−/− cells fully restores HSV-1–triggered signaling and inhibits HSV-1 infection. These findings suggest a crucial role of USP20 in maintaining the stability of MITA and promoting innate antiviral signaling.
Bioluminescent Reporting of In Vivo IFN-γ Immune Responses during Infection and Autoimmunity
Authors: Reynolds Catherine J. , Chong Deborah L. W. , Li Yihan , Black S. Lucas , Cutler Amy , Webster Zoe , Manji Jiten , Altmann Daniel M. , Boyton Rosemary J.
Published: February 2019

IFN-γ is a key cytokine of innate and adaptive immunity. It is important to understand temporal changes in IFN-γ production and how these changes relate to the role of IFN-γ in diverse models of infectious and autoimmune disease, making the ability to monitor and track IFN-γ production in vivo of a substantial benefit. IFN-γ ELISPOTs have been a central methodology to measure T cell immunity for many years. In this study, we add the capacity to analyze IFN-γ responses with high sensitivity and specificity, longitudinally, in vitro and in vivo. This allows the refinement of experimental protocols because immunity can be tracked in real-time through a longitudinal approach. We have generated a novel murine IFN-γ reporter transgenic model that allows IFN-γ production to be visualized and quantified in vitro and in vivo as bioluminescence using an imaging system. At baseline, in the absence of an inflammatory stimulus, IFN-γ signal from lymphoid tissue is detectable in vivo. Reporter transgenics are used in this study to track the IFN-γ response to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in the lung over time in vivo. The longitudinal development of the adaptive T cell immunity following immunization with Ag is identified from day 7 in vivo. Finally, we show that we are able to use this reporter transgenic to follow the onset of autoimmune T cell activation after regulatory T cell depletion in an established model of systemic autoimmunity. This IFN-γ reporter transgenic, termed “Gammaglow,” offers a valuable new modality for tracking IFN-γ immunity, noninvasively and longitudinally over time.
Children and Adults Affected by Cri Du Chat Syndrome: Care's Recommendations
Authors: Liverani Maria Elena , Spano Alice , Danesino Cesare , Malacarne Michela , Cavani Simona , Spunton Marianna , Guala Andrea
Published: February 2019

Our objective is to collect data and information for a better care and follow up in Cri du Chat patients. We conducted a literature review in August 2017 and then discuss the outcomes within the ABC (Associazione Bambini Cri du Chat, Italian CdC families support group). A proposal for clinical, laboratory and imaging work up should be performed at various ages in CdC patients. Follow up and rehabilitation should continue lifelong as some improvements can be obtained also in older ages and not to lose acquired skills.
DIFFERENCES IN EX-VIVO CHEMOSENSITIVITY TO ANTHRACYCLINES IN FIRST LINE ACUTE MYELOID LEUKEMIA
Authors: Megias-Vericat Juan Eduardo , Martínez-Cuadrón David , Martínez López Joaquin , Bergua Juan Miguel , Tormo Mar , Serrano Josefina , González Ataulfo , Pérez de Oteyza Jaime , Vives Susana , Vidriales Belen , Herrera Pilar , Vera Juan Antonio , López Martínez Aurelio , De la Fuente Adolfo , Amador María Lourdes , Hernández-Rivas José Ángel , Fernández María Ángeles , Cerveró Carlos Javier , Morillo Daniel , Hernández Campo Pilar , Gorrochategui Julián , Primo Daniel , Rojas José Luis , Guenova Margarita , Ballesteros Joan , Sanz Miguel Ángel , Montesinos Pau
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND: Induction schedules in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are based on combinations of cytarabine and anthracyclines. The choice of the anthracycline employed has been widely studied in multiple clinical trials showing similar complete remission rates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using an ex vivo test we have analyzed if a subset of AML patients may respond differently to cytarabine combined with idarubicin, daunorubicin or mitoxantrone.  Bone marrow (BM) samples of 198 AML patients were incubated for 48 hours in 96 well plates, each well containing different drugs or drug combinations at different concentrations. Ex vivo drug sensitivity analysis was made using the PharmaFlow platform maintaining the BM microenvironment. Drug response was evaluated as depletion of AML blast cells in each well after incubation. Annexin V-FITC was used to quantify the ability of the drugs to induce apoptosis, and pharmacological responses were calculated using pharmacokinetic population models.

RESULTS: Similar dose-respond graphs were generated for the three anthracyclines, with a slight decrease in EC50 with idarubicin (p=1.462E-06), whereas the interpatient variability of either drug was large. To identify those cases of selective sensitivity to anthracyclines, potency was compared, in terms of area under the curve. Differences in anthracycline monotherapy potency greater than 30% from 3 pairwise comparisons were identified in 28.3% of samples. Furthermore, different sensitivity was detected in 8.2% of patients comparing combinations of cytarabine and anthracyclines.

DISCUSSION: A third of the patients could benefit of the use of this test in the first line induction therapy selection, although it should be confirmed in a clinical trial specifically designed.
SPECTRUM AND IMMUNOPHENOTYPIC PROFILE OF ACUTE LEUKEMIA: A TERTIARY CENTER FLOW CYTOMETRY EXPERIENCE
Authors: Gupta Nishit , Pawar Ravikiran , Banerjee Sambhunath , Brahma Subhajit , Rath Asish , Shewale Sundar , Parihar Mayur , Singh Manish , SR Arun , Krishnan Shekhar , Bhattacharyya Arpita , Das Anirban , Kumar Jeevan , Bhave Saurabh , Radhakrishnan Vivek , Nair Reena , Chandy Mammen , Arora Neeraj , Mishra Deepak Kumar
Published: February 2019

Introduction: For diagnosis, sub-categorization and follow up of Acute Leukemia (AL), phenotypic analysis using flow cytometry is mandatory.

Material and methods: We retrospectively analyzed immunophenotypic data along with cytogenetics/molecular genetics data (wherever available) from 631 consecutive cases of AL diagnosed at our flow cytometry laboratory from January 2014 to August 2017.

Results: Of the total 631 cases, 52.9% (n=334) were acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), 43.9% (n=277) acute myeloid leukemia (AML), 2.2% (n=14) mixed phenotypic acute leukemia (MPAL) and0.5% (n=3) each of acute undifferentiated leukemia (AUL) and chronic myeloid leukemia in blast crisis (CML-BC). ALL cases comprised of 81.7% (n=273/334) B-cell ALLs (95.2%, n=260/273 common B-ALLs and 4.8%, n=13/273 Pro B-ALLs). CD13 was the commonest cross lineage antigen expressed in B-ALL (25.6%), followed by CD33 (17.9%) and combined CD13/CD33 (11.3%) expression. T-ALLs constituted 18.3% (n=61/334) of total ALLs and included 27.9% (n=17) cortical T- ALLs. CD13 was commonest (32.7%) aberrantly expressed antigen in T-ALLs, followed by CD117 (16.0%). AML cases included 32.1% (n=89/277) AML with recurrent genetic abnormalities, 9.0% (n=25/277) with FLT3/NPM1c mutation and 58.9% (n=163/277) AML NOS including 14.7% (n=24/163) AML M4/M5, 1.8% (n=3/163) AML M6 and 3.7% (n=6/163) AML M7. In AMLs, CD19 aberrancy was the most common (16.3%) followed by CD7 (11.9%).

Conclusion: In this study we document the spectrum; correlate the immunophenotype with genetic data of all leukemias, especially with respect to T-ALL where the data from India is scarce.
RELAPSED/REFRACTORY CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA: CHEMOIMMUNOTHERAPY, TREATMENT UNTIL PROGRESSION WITH MECHANISM-DRIVEN AGENTS OR FINITE-DURATION THERAPY?
Authors: Cuneo Antonio , Foà Robin
Published: February 2019

Treatment of relapsed/refractory (R/R) chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has dramatically improved thanks to the development of mechanism-driven agents including drugs that inhibit kinases in the BCR pathway or BCL2. The treating physician has now the opportunity to decide i) which patient can be still offered chemoimmunotherapy as salvage treatment, ii) which patient is a candidate to receiving at relapse continuous treatment with ibrutinib, idelalisib and rituximab or venetoclax and iii) which patient may benefit from a fixed-duration treatment using the BCL2 antagonist venetoclax in association with rituximab.

Ibrutinib is the most actively investigated drug in R/R CLL and data at a 7-year follow-up were reported, showing durable efficacy and favorable efficacy profile. The patients with  cardiac disease, hypertension and on anticoagulant therapy are not ideal candidates for continuous therapy with this agent. Idelalisib and rituximab was tested in patients with unfavorable characteristics including cytopenias. The short follow-up and treatment emergent adverse events limit its role to patients unlikely to get a benefit with other agents. Venetoclax and rituximab is the only effective chemo-free approach for the treatment of R/R with a fixed duration (up to 24 months) schedule capable of inducing deep  responses in the majority of cases with a reassuring safety profile.

While a deep knowledge of the growing body of scientific evidence is required to inform and guide the appropriate treatment choice and management, physicians cannot disregard the growing problem of sustainability
State philanthropy: The demise of charitable organisations in Botswana
Authors: Dipholo Kenneth , Molosi-France Keneilwe
Published: February 2019

Background: Charitable organisations just like other constituents of the civil society are a vital partner to the governments. Charities provide essential services that positively impact the lives of citizens. Some charities have lobbying functions and the considerable international influence necessary to facilitate social change. Their contribution to the economic, social and political sectors of a nation is widely recognised and governments are expected to create the circumstances in which charities would continue to flourish and fulfil their obligations. However, the quest by charities to partner with governments has always proved inexplicably uneasy and full of twists and turns.Aim: This study conducted a literature review hypothesising that while the Botswana state will continue to play a role in the protection and promotion of the economic and social well-being of its citizens, strong state involvement in charity work fundamentally strikes at the very heart of the life of charitable organisations.Setting: This study conducted a review of literature on charities in Botswana positing that while charities are expected to work without direct governmental involvement, many have been subjected to state regulation and crippling state control measures. In the context of a developmental welfare state such as Botswana which has lately acquired a philanthropic character, it is argued that charitable organisations are increasingly becoming irrelevant and risk losing public trust that undergirds their core mandate of relieving suffering and providing essential services. A consequence of this would be a return to a stronger state that leaves little room for non-state actors to effectively influence social change.Methods: This study conducted a review of literature on the operations of charities in Botswana in comparison with international practices in order to dissect similarities and abnormalities that have a bearing in the legitimate and universal mandate of Botswana’s charitable organisations.Results: Three key issues emerged from this study. First, it has been discovered state philanthropy threatens to render charities obsolete. Secondly, it has been discovered that most charities have allowed themselves to operate as extended arm of the state hence are dependent on the state for their operations. As corollary of the preceding discoveries, the study maintains that for their survival, Botswana charities must recalibrate and reposition themselves in order to remain relevant.Conclusion: The article concludes that widespread state philanthropy championed by the Head of State threatens to relegate and render charitable organisations virtually irrelevant and redundant unless they re-engineer themselves.
Theoconomy: An ethical paradigm for economic prosperity
Authors: Walters Johann , Vorster Koos , Rheeder Riaan , Venter Jan
Published: February 2019

The Parliament of the World’s Religions made a call to the international society to find shared values that could effectively direct the new world order that is characterised by its polycentric and heterogenous character. In response to the call and informed by the Global Ethics Project, a research study was conducted under the auspices of the Unit for Reformational Theology and the Development of the Society, at the North-West University, South Africa. The study focused on how the global economy could be organised differently in order to address the severe anomalies of superficial ethics of materialism, instant gratification and the philosophy of futility that underlies the unfettered consumerism of the secular age. The study therefore searched for a new framework of flourishing or an ethic paradigm for economic prosperity. The study introduces a new ethics labelled Theoconomy. In this article, the epistemology and ontology of the research study are expounded.
Перенос заряда на двумерной решетке с таммовскими состояниями
Authors: Likhachev Vladimir Nikolaevich , Vinogradov George A
Published: February 2019

Рассматривается квантовая динамика распространения заряда по двумерной решетке с примесными центрами на краях решетки. Эти центры моделируют краевые (таммовские) состояния. В приближении сильной связи решается нестационарная задача об эволюции квантового возбуждения по примесным узлам на периметре решетки. Решение получено в виде разложения по собственным функциям невозмущенного гамильтониана системы. Получены аналитически точные результаты для распространения волновой функции по примесным узлам.
Ограничение спектра масс фермионов в $PT$-симметричных системах и их применение в изучении темной материи
Authors: Rodionov Vasilii Nikolaevich , Mandel Arkadii Mikhailovich , Kravtsova Galina Al'bertovna
Published: February 2019

Сформулированы принципиальные положения неэрмитовой модели с $\gamma_5$-расширением массы фермионов, которые часто игнорируются при исследованиях этого вопроса. Последовательный подход к решению данной проблемы требует применения условия $m\le M$, где $M$ ограничивает весь спектр масс фермионов. Аналогичный подход был предложен в геометрической модели, которую можно рассматривать как первую $PT$-симметричную неэрмитову модель с $\gamma_5$-расширением массы. В обеих теориях возникают экзотические частицы. Подробное рассмотрение свойств этих частиц позволяет предположить, что они являются возможными кандидатами на роль составляющих темной материи. Также обсуждается простейшая оценка максимально возможного значения массы фермионов $M$.
Пороговые явления в спектре двухчастичного оператора Шредингера на решетке
Authors: Lakaev Saidakhmat Norzhigitovich , Boltaev Asomiddin Tulkinovich
Published: February 2019

Для широкого класса парных короткодействующих потенциалов притяжения изучаются пороговые явления в спектре двухчастичного оператора, ассоциированного с оператором энергии $s$-$d$ обменной модели. Доказано, что в зависимости от значения параметра обменного взаимодействия, квазиимпульса системы и размерности решетки у данного оператора существует или отсутствует связанное состояние (собственное значение).
Estado nutricional e qualidade de vida em adultos e idosos com depressão
Authors: Godoy Aline Rodrigues , Adami Fernanda Scherer
Published: February 2019

Objetivo: Avaliar o estado nutricional e a qualidade de vida em adultos e idosos com e sem depressão.Métodos: Estudo quantitativo e transversal, com 79 usuários das Unidades Básicas de Saúde de municípios do Vale do Taquari, Rio Grande do Sul. Para determinar os escores dos domínios (físico, psicológico, ambiental e social) de qualidade de vida (QV) foi aplicado o questionário World Health Organization Quality of Life-Bref e um questionário socioeconômico (idade, renda, escolaridade e estado civil). A avaliação antropométrica contemplou peso, estatura, Índice de Massa Corporal, Circunferência da Cintura (CC) e Circunferência do Pescoço (CP). O diagnóstico de depressão foi realizado por psicólogas. O nível de significância máximo assumido foi 5% (p≤0,05), análise realizada através do software SPSS versão 22.0. Utilizaram- se os testes Mann-Whitney, correlação de Pearson e qui-quadrado. Resultados: Verificou-se correlação direta entre idade e domínio físico (p=0,017), psíquico (p
Genetic analysis of early onset familial coronary artery diseases
Authors: Ghorbani Mohammad Javad , Razmi Nematollah , Bagher Tabei Seyed Mohammad , Zibaeenezhad Mohammad Javad , Goodarzi Hamid Reza
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Coronary artery diseases (CAD) are the most common causes of death. Myocardial infarction (MI) is a complex multifactorial and the most severe type of CAD. Early onset MI in a first-degree relative could be defined as an independent risk factor for CAD. This study was performed to investigate the genetic cause of early onset familial CAD.

Material and methods

In this study, the genetic cause of familial CAD was investigated in patients with a family history of CAD who underwent angiography before the age of 50 years. The patients did not have any diagnostic criteria for familial hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, or obesity, and also they were not opium or alcohol users. Whole exome sequencing in probands was performed and mutation was confirmed by PCR and Sanger sequencing.

Results

In our studied population, the c.501G>C (p.K167N) mutation in the OLR1 gene was identified in a family. Mutation was confirmed by PCR and Sanger sequencing in the homozygous state (GG) in patients. Healthy individuals in this family were heterozygous (GC) and homozygous (CC).

Conclusions

This finding suggests that the OLR1 gene could be a possible cause of early onset familial MI. Considering that parents of all affected individuals had a consanguineous marriage, it is important to perform carrier screening and genetic counseling in this family and their close relatives as a prevention strategy in populations at risk.
Five-factor personality model versus affective temperaments: a study in a nonclinical Polish sample
Authors: Oniszczenko Włodzimierz , Stanisławiak Ewa
Published: February 2019

Background

The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between five-factor personality model traits and affective temperaments.

Participants and procedure

The sample consisted of 615 healthy Caucasian adults (395 women and 220 men) recruited from a nonclinical population. Par-ticipants’ ages ranged from 17 to 69 (M = 30.79, SD = 9.69). The Polish version of Akiskal’s Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego Auto-Questionnaire was used for the assessment of affective temperaments. The five-factor personality model traits were measured with the Polish version of Costa and McCrae’s NEO-FFI Personality Inventory.

Results

Neuroticism positively correlated with depressive, cyclothymic, irritable and anxious temperaments, but negatively with hyper-thymic temperament. Extraversion positively correlated with hyperthymic temperament, but negatively with all other affective temperaments. Neuroticism together with introversion was the best predictor of depressive temperament, accounting for 55% of the variance. Neuroticism also explained 37% of the anxious temperament variance and 22% of cyclothymic temperament vari-ance. Extraversion predicts hyperthymic temperament (accounting for 25% of the variance) and low agreeableness predicts irri-table temperament (10% of explained variance). The results confirmed that women are more depressive, cyclothymic and anx-ious and less hyperthymic than men and have a higher level of neuroticism than men.

Conclusions

The results highlight the importance of two personality traits: neuroticism and extraversion. They may share similarities with certain affective temperaments and may also contribute to development of affective disorders.
Magnetic resonance imaging features of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia
Authors: Kim Damon , Heetfeld Alexandra , Steffen Ingo G. , Hermann Kay Geert A. , Hamm Bernd , Elgeti Thomas
Published: February 2019

Purpose

To assess the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting craniofacial fibrous dysplasia (CFD) and diagnosing and differentiating it from intraosseous meningioma. Additionally, the MRI appearance of the typical computed tomography (CT) imaging feature, the ground glass phenomenon, was evaluated.

Material and methods

MRI datasets of 32 patients with CFD were analysed retrospectively. Detectability in MRI was assessed by analysis of 10 randomly selected patients with CFD and 10 normal controls by two blinded readers. Changes of affected bone, internal lesion structure, T1 and T2 signal intensity, and contrast enhancement of the lesion in general and ground glass areas in particular were assessed. Ten patients with intraosseous meningioma (one in each) served as differential diagnosis for CFD.

Results

All 10 CFD lesions were reliably detected in MRI. In 32 patients 36 CFD lesions were evaluated. In 66.7% CFD were iso- to hypointense in T1 and hyperintense in T2; this proportion was similar for ground glass areas (65.7%). Ground glass areas were more homogeneously structured than the whole CFD lesion in both T1 (100% vs. 56%, respectively) and T2 (91% vs. 61%, respectively). Contrast enhancement was found in 97% of complete CFD lesions and 93% of ground glass areas. The accuracy for CFD vs. intraosseous meningioma was 100% for ‘no soft-tissue component’ and 98% for ‘bone broadening’ in MRI.

Conclusions

Distinct morphological changes of CFD are reliably detected in MRI and allow differentiation from intra­osseous meningioma. Areas with ground glass phenomenon in CT show a predominantly homogenous internal structure in MRI with contrast enhancement.
Computed tomography evaluation of patent paraumbilical vein
and its aneurysm in relation to other portosystemic collateral channels
in patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension
Authors: Januszewicz Magdalena Maria , Hałaburda-Rola Marta , Pruszyńska-Włodarczyk Inga , Czachór-Zielińska Agnieszka , Rowiński Olgierd
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between the diameter and aneurysmal dilatation of the paraumbilical vein (PUV) and the presence of portosystemic collateral shunts and their relationship with age and portal vein diameter.

Material and methods

The retrospective analysis, performed in the II Department of Radiology, Medical University Hospital in Warsaw, included 126 patients (77 males and 49 females) with patent umbilical vein and signs of portal hypertension due to liver cirrhosis. All patients underwent contrast enhanced abdominal CT. The average age was 54.7 ±12.98. We analysed the number and type of portosystemic collateral channels in respect of age, sex, presence of oesophageal varices, and the diameter of the paraumbilical vein and the portal vein.

Results

Our results disclosed statistically significant negative correlation between patient age and diameter of paraumbilical vein, number of portosystemic collateral channels and diameter of portal vein and positive correlation between diameter of paraumbilical vein and diameter of portal vein. A statistically significant difference in diameter of portal vein and number of collateral channels was found in groups with and without oesophageal varices. No significant difference in age and portal vein diameter was found in these groups.

Conclusions

Our study showed that younger patients with liver cirrhosis are characterised by wider paraumbilical veins and higher number of portosystemic collateral channels. The presence of oesophageal varices does not correlate with age, sex, diameter of paraumbilical vein, and number of collateral portosystemic channels.
Dissipation rate of turbulent kinetic energy in stably stratified sheared flows
Authors: Zilitinkevich Sergej , Druzhinin Oleg , Glazunov Andrey , Kadantsev Evgeny , Mortikov Evgeny , Repina Iryna , Troitskaya Yulia
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Over the years, the problem of dissipation rate of
turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) in stable stratification remained unclear because of the
practical impossibility to directly measure the process of dissipation that takes place
at the smallest scales of turbulent motion. Poor representation of dissipation causes
intolerable uncertainties in turbulence-closure theory and thus in modelling stably
stratified turbulent flows. We obtain a theoretical solution to this problem for the
whole range of stratifications from neutral to limiting stable; and validate it via
(i) direct numerical simulation (DNS) immediately detecting the dissipation rate and
(ii) indirect estimates of dissipation rate retrieved via the TKE budget equation from
atmospheric measurements of other components of the TKE budget. The proposed formulation
of dissipation rate will be of use in any turbulence-closure models employing the TKE
budget equation and in problems requiring precise knowledge of the high-frequency part of
turbulence spectra in atmospheric chemistry, aerosol science, and microphysics of clouds.