bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and outcomes of systemic infections in patients with leadless pacemakers: Data from the Micra IDE study
Authors: El‐Chami Mikhael F. , Soejima Kyoko , Piccini Jonathan P. , Reynolds Dwight , Ritter Philippe , Okabe Toshimasa , Friedman Paul A. , Cha Yong‐Mei , Stromberg Kurt , Holbrook Reece , Fagan Dedra H. , Roberts Paul R.
Published: June 2019

Background

The Micra clinical trials have enrolled more than 2500 patients without any reported device‐related infections that required removal during follow‐up. Leadless pacemakers might be more resistant to bacterial seeding due to smaller surface area and a greater tendency for encapsulation.

Objective

To analyze the incidence and outcomes of serious infectious events (SIEs: bacteremia or endocarditis) that developed during follow‐up in patients with history of Micra leadless pacemaker implantation.

Methods

SIE and outcomes were characterized based upon adverse event reports. Among 720 patients implanted with Micra in the investigational device exemption trial, we identified 16 patients who had documented 21 SIEs during follow‐up.

Results

Among patients with SIEs, mean age was 71.9 ± 11.7 years. SIEs occurred at a mean 4.8 ± 4.5 months after implant and patients were followed for 13.1 ± 9.1 months after documentation of SIE. All events were adjudicated as unrelated to the Micra device or procedure. Bacteremia was documented to be related to a gram‐positive organism in 13 events (seven Staphylococcus, three Streptococcus, two Enterococcus, and one uncharacterized gram‐positive bacteria), and gram‐negative organisms in three events. In five events, the type of organism was not characterized (two patients with endocarditis). No persistent cases of bacteremia after antibiotic cessation were seen over the duration of follow‐up

Conclusion

In this small series of Micra patients who developed SIEs postimplant, the occurrence of bacteremia and/or endocarditis did not appear to lead to persistent bacteremia off antibiotics; most events resolved with antibiotic treatment.
The association between interpregnancy interval and severe maternal morbidities using revised national birth certificate data: A probabilistic bias analysis
Authors: De Silva Dane A. , Thoma Marie E.
Published: June 2019

Background

Severe maternal morbidity continues to be on the rise in the US. Short birth spacing is a modifiable risk factor associated with maternal morbidity, yet few studies have examined this association, possibly due to few available data sources to examine these rare events.

Objective

To examine the association between interpregnancy interval (IPI) and severe maternal morbidity using near‐national birth certificate data and account for known under‐reporting using probabilistic bias analysis.

Methods

We used revised 2014‐2017 birth certificate data, restricting to resident women with a non–first‐born singleton birth. We examined the following: (a) maternal blood transfusion, (b) admission to intensive care unit (ICU), (c) uterine rupture (among women with a prior caesarean delivery) and (d) third‐ or fourth‐degree perineal laceration (among vaginal deliveries) by IPI categories (<6, 6‐11, 12‐17, 18‐23, 24‐59 and 60+ months). Risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using log‐binomial regression, adjusting for select maternal characteristics. Probabilistic bias analyses were performed.

Results

Compared with IPI 18 to 23 months, adjusted models revealed that the risk of maternal transfusion followed a U‐shaped curve with IPI, while risk of ICU admission and perineal laceration increased with longer IPI. Risk of uterine rupture was highest among IPI <6 months. With the exception of maternal transfusion, these findings persisted regardless of the extent or type of misclassification examined in bias analyses.

Conclusions

Associations between IPI and maternal morbidity varied by outcome, even after adjusting for misclassification of SMM. Differences across maternal health outcomes should be considered when counselling and making recommendations regarding optimal birth spacing.
Comparative biochemical profiles, production and reproduction status of the post‐partum dairy cows with and without purulent vaginal discharge
Authors: Paiano Renan B. , Gonçalves Camila G. P. , Mendes João P. G. , Bonilla Jeannine , Birgel Daniela B. , Birgel Junior Eduardo H.
Published: June 2019

Purulent vaginal discharge (PVD) is a prevalent uterine disease of dairy cows during the puerperium that affects the milk production and affects the profitability of farms. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the biochemical profile, the body condition score, the milk production of cows with PVD and the effects PVD on reproductive performance. A total of 338 Holstein dairy cows aged from 3 to 5 years, from three commercial dairy farms, from Brazil, were used. Blood samples were collected within 25 ± 3 days post‐partum from Holstein dairy cows without PVD (control cows, n = 242) and cows with PVD (n = 96), based on scoring of the vaginal discharge. The body condition score and milk production were recorded on the day of sampling. The biochemical profile encompassed albumin, urea, gamma‐glutamyl transferase, calcium, fibrinogen and cholesterol concentrations. The number of services per pregnancy was lower (p < 0.01), and the number of days until first insemination and the median time to pregnancy were higher in cows with PVD (p < 0.01) when compared with control cows. Milk production and body condition score were lower (p < 0.01) in cows with PVD than in control group. Cows with PVD had lower (p < 0.05) serum albumin, urea, calcium and cholesterol concentrations, and higher serum gamma‐glutamyl transferase activity and fibrinogen concentration than cows without PVD. Our results show that cows with PVD have changes in the biochemical profile and negative effects on production and reproduction performance.
A Multisite Health System Survey to Assess Organizational Context to Support Evidence‐Based Practice
Authors: Pittman Joyce , Cohee Andrea , Storey Susan , LaMothe Julie , Gilbert Jason , Bakoyannis Giorgos , Ofner Susan , Newhouse Robin
Published: June 2019

Background

Implementation and sustainability of a culture of evidence‐based practice (EBP) require a systematic approach. A baseline assessment of the organizational context can inform implementation efforts.

Aims

To examine organizational hospital context and provider characteristics associated with EBP readiness and to describe EBP context across hospitals.

Methods

A nonexperimental descriptive correlational design was used to conduct a web‐based survey of direct‐care registered nurses (N = 701) and nurse managers (N = 94) across a large Midwestern multisite healthcare system using the Alberta Context Tool (ACT).

Results

Many significant relationships existed among nurse characteristics and ACT domains, including age (lower age had higher Leadership, Evaluation, and Formal Interactions), education (graduate education had lower Social Capital than a bachelor's or associate degree), role (direct‐care nurses had lower Culture than managers and lower Social Capital), and work status (full‐time employees had lower Evaluation and Social Capital). EBP context across type of hospitals is similar, with marginal differences in Social Capital and Organizational Slack (higher in critical access hospitals).

Linking Evidence to Action

Assessing organizational context to support EBP is the first step in developing and enhancing a sustainable culture of inquiry. The ACT has been tested across countries, settings, and healthcare disciplines to measure perception of readiness of the practice environment toward EBP. Optimal organizational context is essential to support EBP and sustain the use of evidence in professional nursing practice. Nursing leaders can use baseline assessment information to identify strengths and opportunities to enhance EBP implementation. Enhancing organizational context across nurse characteristics (e.g., age, role, and work status) to acknowledge nurses’ contributions, balance nurses’ personal and work life, enhance connectedness, and support work culture is beneficial. Fostering development of Social Capital in nurses is needed to influence EBP readiness. A systematic and standardized approach to foster EBP across health systems is key to successful implementation.
Do Pulmonary Cavity Shapes Influence Lung Function?
Authors: Minaeizaeim H. , Kumar H. , Tawhai M. H. , King C. , Hoffman E. A. , Wilsher M. , Milne D. , Clark A. R.
Published: June 2019

Distribution of lung tissue within the chest cavity is a key contributor to delivery of both blood and air to the gas exchange regions of the lung. This distribution is multifactorial with influences from parenchyma, gravity, and level of inflation. We hypothesize that the manner in which lung inflates, for example, the primarily diaphragmatic nature of normal breathing, is an important contributor to regional lung tissue distribution. To investigate this hypothesis, we present an organ-level model of lung tissue mechanics, which incorporates pleural cavity change due to change in lung volume or posture. We quantify the changes using shape and density metrics in ten healthy subjects scanned supine at end-inspiratory and end-expiratory volumes and ten subjects scanned at both supine and prone end-inspiratory volumes. Comparing end-expiratory to end-inspiratory volume, we see primarily a change in the cranial–caudal dimension of the lung, reflective of movement of diaphragm. In the diaphragmatic region, there is greater regional lung expansion than in the cranial aspect, which is restricted by the chest wall. When moving from supine to prone, a restriction of lung was observed anteriorly, resulting in a generally reduced lung volume and a redistribution of air volume posteriorly. In general, we see the highest in lung tissue density heterogeneity in regions of the lung that are most inflated. Using our computational model, we quantify the impact of pleural cavity shape change on regional lung distribution and predict the impact on regional elastic recoil pressure.
On the Use of Gas Flow Models to Predict Leak Rates Through Sheet Gasket Materials
Authors: Bouzid Abdel-Hakim , Aweimer Ali Salah Omar
Published: June 2019

The prediction of leak rate through porous gaskets for different gases based on test conducted on a reference gas can prevent bolted joint leakage failure and save the industry lots of money. This work gives a basic comparison between different gas flow models that can be used to predict leak rates through porous gasket materials. The ability of a model to predict the leak rate at the micro- and nanolevels in tight gaskets relies on its capacity to incorporate different flow regimes that can be present under different working conditions. Four models based on Navier–Stokes equations that incorporate different boundary conditions and characterize specific flow regime are considered. The first- and second-order slip, diffusivity, and molecular flow models are used to predict and correlate leak rates of gases namely helium, nitrogen, SF6, methane, argon, and air passing through three frequently used porous gasket materials which are flexible graphite, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and compressed fiber. The methodology is based on the determination experimentally of the porosity parameter (N and R) of the microchannels assumed to simulate the leak paths present in the gasket using helium as the reference gas. The predicted leak rates of different gases at different stresses and pressure levels are confronted to the results obtained experimentally by measurements of leak rates using pressure rise and mass spectrometry techniques. The results show that the predictions depend on the type of flow regime that predominates. Nevertheless, the second-order slip model is the one that gives better agreements with the measured leaks in all cases.
The optimal threshold for removing noise from speech is similar across normal and impaired hearing—a time-frequency masking study
Authors: Healy Eric W. , Vasko Jordan L. , Wang DeLiang
Published: June 2019

Hearing-impaired listeners' intolerance to background noise during speech perception is well known. The current study employed speech materials free of ceiling effects to reveal the optimal trade-off between rejecting noise and retaining speech during time-frequency masking. This relative criterion value (−7 dB) was found to hold across noise types that differ in acoustic spectro-temporal complexity. It was also found that listeners with hearing impairment and those with normal hearing performed optimally at this same value, suggesting no true noise intolerance once time-frequency units containing speech are extracted.
A Clinical Comparison of Home-Based and Hospital-Based Exercise Programs Following Arthroscopic Capsulolabral Repair for Anterior Shoulder Instability
Authors: Eren İlker , Canbulat Nazan , Atalar Ata Can , Eren Şule Meral , Uçak Ayla , Çerezci Önder , Demirhan Mehmet
Published: June 2019

Context: Ideal rehabilitation method following arthroscopic capsulolabral repair surgery for anterior shoulder instability has not been proven yet. Although rapid or slow protocols were compared previously, home- or hospital-based protocols were not questioned before. Objective: The aim of this prospective unrandomized controlled clinical trial is to compare the clinical outcomes of home-based and hospital-based rehabilitation programs following arthroscopic Bankart repair. Design: Nonrandomized controlled trial. Setting: Orthopedics and physical therapy units of a single institution. Patients: Fifty-four patients (49 males and 5 females) with an average age of 30.5 (9.1) years, who underwent arthroscopic capsulolabral repair and met the inclusion criteria, with at least 1-year follow-up were allocated into 2 groups: home-based (n = 33) and hospital-based (n = 21) groups. Interventions: Both groups received identical rehabilitation programs. Patients in the home-based group were called for follow-up every 3 weeks. Patients in the hospital-based group admitted for therapy every other day for a total of 6 to 8 weeks. Both groups were followed identically after the eighth week and the rehabilitation program continued for 6 months. Main Outcome Measures: Clinical outcomes were assessed using Disabilities of Arm Shoulder Hand, Constant, and Rowe scores. Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare the results in both groups. Wilcoxon test was used for determining the progress in each group. Results: Groups were age and gender matched (P = .61, P = .69). Average number of treatment sessions was 13.8 (7.3) for patients in the hospital-based group. Preoperative Disabilities of Arm Shoulder Hand (27.46 [11.81] vs 32.53 [16.42], P = .22), Constant (58.23 [14.23] vs 54.17 [10.46], P = .13), and Rowe (51.72 [15.36] vs 43.81 [19.16], P = .12) scores were similar between groups. Postoperative scores at sixth month were significantly improved in each group (P = .001, P = .001, and P = .001). No significant difference was observed between 2 groups regarding clinical scores in any time point. Conclusions: We have, therefore, concluded that a controlled home-based exercise program is as effective as hospital-based rehabilitation following arthroscopic capsulolabral repair for anterior shoulder instability.
Analysis of Infection Loads in Mycoplasma genitalium Clinical Specimens by Use of a Commercial Diagnostic Test
Authors: Murray Gerald L. , Danielewski Jennifer , Bodiyabadu Kaveesha , Machalek Dorothy A. , Bradshaw Catriona S. , Costa Anna-Maria , Birnie Josh , Garland Suzanne M.
Published: June 2019

Mycoplasma genitalium
is a common sexually transmitted infection with a propensity to acquire resistance to commonly used antimicrobial therapies. Bacterial load has been linked to patient symptoms and the success of treatment. In this study, we demonstrate methodology to estimate load from routine diagnostic assays using the ResistancePlus MG test (SpeeDx Pty Ltd., Australia).
Two Accessory Proteins Govern MmpL3 Mycolic Acid Transport in Mycobacteria
Authors: Fay Allison , Czudnochowski Nadine , Rock Jeremy M. , Johnson Jeffrey R. , Krogan Nevan J. , Rosenberg Oren , Glickman Michael S.
Published: June 2019

The cell envelope of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, the bacterium that causes the disease tuberculosis, is a complex structure composed of abundant lipids and glycolipids, including the signature lipid of these bacteria, mycolic acids. In this study, we identified two new components of the transport machinery that constructs this complex cell wall. These two accessory proteins are in a complex with the MmpL3 transporter. One of these proteins, TtfA, is required for mycolic acid transport and cell viability, whereas the other stabilizes the MmpL3 complex. These studies identify two new components of the essential cell envelope biosynthetic machinery in mycobacteria.
Genomic Characterization of the Emerging Pathogen Streptococcus pseudopneumoniae
Authors: Garriss Geneviève , Nannapaneni Priyanka , Simões Alexandra S. , Browall Sarah , Subramanian Karthik , Sá-Leão Raquel , Goossens Herman , de Lencastre Herminia , Henriques-Normark Birgitta
Published: June 2019

S. pseudopneumoniae
is an overlooked pathogen emerging as the causative agent of lower-respiratory-tract infections and associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and exacerbation of COPD. However, much remains unknown on its clinical importance and epidemiology, mainly due to the lack of specific markers to distinguish it from
S. pneumoniae
. Here, we provide a new molecular marker entirely specific for
S. pseudopneumoniae
and offer a comprehensive view of the virulence and colonization genes found in this species. Finally, our results pave the way for further studies aiming at understanding the pathogenesis and epidemiology of
S. pseudopneumoniae
.
Endless Forms: Within-Host Variation in the Structure of the West Nile Virus RNA Genome during Serial Passage in Bird Hosts
Authors: Scroggs Stacey L. P. , Grubaugh Nathan D. , Sena Johnny A. , Sundararajan Anitha , Schilkey Faye D. , Smith Darci R. , Ebel Gregory D. , Hanley Kathryn A.
Published: June 2019

The enzymes that copy RNA genomes lack proofreading, and viruses that possess RNA genomes, such as West Nile virus, rapidly diversify into swarms of mutant lineages within a host. Intrahost variation of the primary genomic sequence of RNA viruses has been studied extensively because the extent of this variation shapes key virus phenotypes. However, RNA genomes also form complex secondary structures based on within-genome nucleotide complementarity, which are critical regulators of the cyclization of the virus genome that is necessary for efficient replication and translation. We sought to characterize variation in these secondary structures within populations of West Nile virus during serial passage in three bird species. Our study indicates that the intrahost population of West Nile virus is a diverse assortment of RNA secondary structures that should be considered in future analyses of intrahost viral diversity, but some regions that are critical for genome cyclization are conserved within hosts. Besides potential impacts on viral replication, structural diversity can influence the efficacy of small RNA antiviral therapies.
mSphere of Influence: the Rise of Artificial Intelligence in Infection Biology
Authors: Yakimovich Artur
Published: June 2019

Artur Yakimovich works in the field of computational virology and applies machine learning algorithms to study host-pathogen interactions. In this mSphere of Influence article, he reflects on two papers “Holographic Deep Learning for Rapid Optical Screening of Anthrax Spores” by Jo et al. (Y. Jo, S. Park, J. Jung, J.
redbiom: a Rapid Sample Discovery and Feature Characterization System
Authors: McDonald Daniel , Kaehler Benjamin , Gonzalez Antonio , DeReus Jeff , Ackermann Gail , Marotz Clarisse , Huttley Gavin , Knight Rob
Published: June 2019

Although analyses that combine many microbiomes at the whole-community level have become routine, searching rapidly for microbiomes that contain a particular sequence has remained difficult. The software we present here, redbiom, dramatically accelerates this process, allowing samples that contain microbiome features to be rapidly identified. This is especially useful when taxonomic annotation is limited, allowing users to identify environments in which unannotated microbes of interest were previously observed. This approach also allows environmental or clinical factors that correlate with specific features, or vice versa, to be identified rapidly, even at a scale of billions of sequences in hundreds of thousands of samples. The software is integrated with existing analysis tools to enable fast, large-scale microbiome searches and discovery of new microbiome relationships.
Reducing radiation exposure during atrial fibrillation ablation using lectures to promote awareness
Authors: Miwa Yosuke , Ueda Akiko , Komeda Michitsugu , Takeuchi Shinsuke , Nagaoka Mika , Momose Yuichi , Nonoguchi Noriko , Hoshida Kyoko , Enomoto Mutsumi , Togashi Ikuko , Maeda Akiko , Hagiwara Yo , Sato Toshiaki , Soejima Kyoko
Published: June 2019

Objective

Recently, concern has increased regarding the hazards of radiation exposure in patients and laboratory staff. Since the numbers of complex catheter ablations (CA) performed, duration of procedure times, and need for multiple sessions have increased, radiation exposure during each session needs to be minimised. Our study aimed to assess the impact of awareness on radiation exposure during CA for atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

Mini-course lectures was delivered to the physicians and staff in the electrophysiology division. Its effect on the fluoroscopic time and radiation dose during AF ablation before (Group I, n=70), shortly after (Group II: n=70) and remotely after the mini-lecture (Group III, n=70) were evaluated. Patient demographics, preoperative testing and procedural parameters were collected.

Results

The fluoroscopic time significantly reduced after the lecture (Group I and II: 25.1±10.0 and 15.1±7.3 min, respectively (p<0.0001)), and remained so in Group III (13.0±5.4 min), despite the increase in the number of persistent AFs. The radiation dose also significantly reduced (Groups I, II, III: 295.0±263.0, 109.6±103.5 and 110.1±89.6 mGy, respectively (p<0.0001)).

Conclusion

Awareness on radiation exposure led to a significant reduction in fluoroscopic time and radiation dose during CA for AF, the effect of which persisted even to remote periods following the procedure.
Analysis of the spatiotemporal correlation between vegetation pattern and human activity intensity in Yancheng coastal wetland, China
Authors: Zang Zheng , Zou Xinqing , Song Qiaochu , Yao Yulong
Published: June 2019

Remote sensing images were used to reproduce the changes in wetland vegetation since 1987, and the potential impact of policy changes and human activities on vegetation restoration and biodiversity conservation in coastal wetlands was explored based on the landscape pattern index and the human disturbance index (HDI). The results showed that the vegetation displayed a zonal distribution pattern in which, perpendicular to the coastline early in the study period, the vegetation type changed from coastal wetland to bare mud flat with Spartina alterniflora, Suaeda glauca, and Phragmites australis as well as to constructed wetlands dominated by rice. Under the influence of human activities, the number of patches (NP) and mean nearest-neighbor distance (MNN) between patches gradually increased during the study period, while the mean patch size gradually decreased. The patch density increased from 179 (1987) to 296 patches per ha (2013). Additionally, human activity in the study area intensified. The HDI increased from 0.353 (1987) to 0.471 (1987) and showed positive correlations (R2 > 80%, p < 0.01) with NP and MNN. Human activity, such as changes in land use, resulted in more fragmented vegetation patterns, and the nonzonal (intrazonal) distribution of the vegetation became more obvious in coastal wetlands.
Finite-element block shear failure deformation-to-fracture failure analysis
Authors: Adewole K.K. , Joy Oladejo O.
Published: June 2019

This paper presents the finite-element (FE) block shear failure (BSF) deformation-to-fracture analysis. FE analysis reveals the following: BSF begins with bolt – bolt hole contact point compressive yielding and not the tensile or shear yielding reported in the literature. BSF does not result from the combination of the gauge tensile plane tensile deformation and the shear plane pure shear deformation alone as reported in the literature and codes. BSF results from compressive deformation of the bolt – bolt hole contact points, tensile deformation of bolt hole portions not in contact with the bolts, gauge tensile plane and edge distance tensile plane deformations in combination with pure shear deformation and a combined shear and tensile bending deformation of the portions of the shear planes near to and remote from the bolt – bolt hole contact points, respectively. This study provides a better understanding of the BSF mechanism, BSF total load-bearing areas, and various resistances to deformation that contribute to the block shear capacity.
A novel fault diagnosis method based on improved adaptive variational mode decomposition, energy entropy, and probabilistic neural network
Authors: Zhang Shengjie , Zhao Huimin , Xu Junjie , Deng Wu
Published: June 2019

To improve the accuracy of bearing fault recognition, a novel bearing fault diagnosis (PAVMD-EE-PNN) method based on parametric adaptive variational mode decomposition (VMD), energy entropy, and probabilistic neural network (PNN) is proposed in this paper. In view of the effect of VMD on signal decomposition effect affected by the number of preset decomposition modes, a central frequency screening method is proposed to determine the number of decomposition modes of the VMD method. The parametric adaptive VMD method is used to decompose the bearing fault signal into a series of intrinsic mode function (IMF) components. The energy entropy of IMF components is calculated to form an eigenvector, which is input into the PNN model for training to obtain a fault recognition model with maximum output probability. The actual bearing vibration data are obtained and used to test and verify the effectiveness of the PAVMD-EE-PNN method. The experimental results show that the PAVMD-EE-PNN method can effectively and accurately identify the fault type, and the fault recognition effect is better than contrast fault diagnosis methods.
Efficient arbitrated quantum signature scheme without entangled states
Authors: Xin Xiangjun , He Qianqian , Wang Zhuo , Yang Qinglan , Li Fagen
Published: June 2019

In the most arbitrated quantum signatures (AQSs), the signers and verifiers need to perform the quantum key distribution protocols or some other protocols to share secret keys before signing a signature. In some schemes, the entangle states, which are not easily implemented, have to be prepared and distributed among the partners. Based on single photon and one-way functions, a new AQS scheme without entangled states is proposed. In our scheme, the signer generates a quantum signature on the classical message with his/her private key and the one-way function. The arbitrator communicates with the signer through a classical unencrypted channel. The signer and verifier need not perform the key distribution protocol before signing a message. On the other hand, without entangled states, our scheme can reduce the complexity of implementation. Then, our scheme is more efficient than the similar schemes. At the same time, our scheme is secure against forgery attack and disavowal attack.
Measuring Higgs self-couplings in the presence of V V H and V V HH at the ILC
Authors: Kumar Satendra , Poulose Poulose , Rahaman Rafiqul , Singh Ritesh K.
Published: June 2019

The recent discovery of a Higgs boson at LHC, while establishing the Higgs mechanism as the way of electroweak symmetry breaking, started an era of precision measurements involving the Higgs boson. In an effective Lagrangian framework, we consider the [Formula: see text] process, at an ILC running at a center-of-mass energy of 500 GeV to investigate the effect of the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] couplings on the sensitivity of [Formula: see text] coupling on this process. Our results show that the sensitivity of the trilinear Higgs self-couplings on this process has somewhat strong dependence on the Higgs-gauge boson couplings. Single- and two-parameter reaches of ILC with integrated luminosity of 1000 fb[Formula: see text] are obtained on all the effective couplings indicating how these limits are affected by the presence of anomalous [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] couplings. The kinematic distributions studied to understand the effect of the anomalous couplings, again, show strong influence of [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] couplings on the dependence of these distributions on [Formula: see text] coupling. Similar results are indicated in the case of the process, [Formula: see text], considered at a center-of-mass energy of 2 TeV, where the cross-section is large enough. The effect of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] couplings on the sensitivity of [Formula: see text] coupling is clearly established through our analyses in this process.
Extreme Heating of Alumina Barrier Layer During High Electric Field Anodization of Aluminum
Authors: Rabatuev G. , Dudich V. , Kupreeva O. , Orehovskaia T. , Lazarouk S.
Published: June 2019

The temperature of alumina barrier layer during a high electric field anodization of aluminum (the current density more than 50[Formula: see text]mA/cm[Formula: see text] has been studied by analyzing the aluminum film resistance. In the case of Joule heat power density to be larger than 20[Formula: see text]W/cm2, the temperature inside the barrier layer can exceed [Formula: see text]C, which leads to the local melting of aluminum. Scanning electron microscopy has shown the location of molten aluminum droplets and their movement during the anodization process.
Adsorption, Kinetic and Regeneration Studies of n-Hexane on MIL-101(Cr)/AC
Authors: Zhao Wenpu , Huang Weiqiu , Li Manlin , Huang Zhoulan
Published: June 2019

MIL-101(Cr)/AC was synthesized by in situ incorporation of activated carbon powder via hydrothermal method. The water stability, n-hexane adsorption and regeneration of the MIL-101(Cr)/AC were experimentally measured. The results showed that the MIL-101(Cr)/AC exhibited the larger surface area (3319.3[Formula: see text]m2/g) than that of MIL-101(Cr) and AC, respectively. The addition of activated carbon was beneficial to improve the yield of MIL-101(Cr)/AC. The pore structure parameter and XRD of the MIL-101(Cr)/AC changed little after in water for 24[Formula: see text]h. Furthermore, the adsorption capacity of MIL-101(Cr)/AC for n-hexane was 786[Formula: see text]mg/g, which increased to 23.0% and 27.7% compared with MIL-101(Cr) and AC, respectively. Kinetic fitting of data indicated that the pseudo-first order model can more accurately describe the adsorption process of n-hexane on MIL-101(Cr)/AC and the intraparticle diffusion was not the sole rate-controlling step. Besides, the regeneration efficiency of MIL-101(Cr)/AC was over 92% after 10 consecutive n-hexane adsorption/desorption cycles.
Differentiating Higher and Lower Job Performers in the Workplace Using Mobile Sensing
Authors: Mirjafari Shayan , Masaba Kizito , Grover Ted , Wang Weichen , Audia Pino , Campbell Andrew T. , Chawla Nitesh V. , Swain Vedant Das , Choudhury Munmun De , Dey Anind K. , D'Mello Sidney K. , Gao Ge , Gregg Julie M. , Jagannath Krithika , Jiang Kaifeng , Lin Suwen , Liu Qiang , Mark Gloria , Martinez Gonzalo J. , Mattingly Stephen M. , Moskal Edward , Mulukutla Raghu , Nepal Subigya , Nies Kari , Reddy Manikanta D. , Robles-Granda Pablo , Saha Koustuv , Sirigiri Anusha , Striegel Aaron
Published: June 2019

Assessing performance in the workplace typically relies on subjective evaluations, such as, peer ratings, supervisor ratings and self assessments, which are manual, burdensome and potentially biased. We use objective mobile sensing data from phones, wearables and beacons to study workplace performance and offer new insights into behavioral patterns that distinguish higher and lower performers when considering roles in companies (i.e., supervisors and non-supervisors) and different types of companies (i.e., high tech and consultancy). We present initial results from an ongoing year-long study of N=554 information workers collected over a period ranging from 2-8.5 months. We train a gradient boosting classifier that can classify workers as higher or lower performers with AUROC of 0.83. Our work opens the way to new forms of passive objective assessment and feedback to workers to potentially provide week by week or quarter by quarter guidance in the workplace.
Understanding Motivators, Constraints, and Practices of Sharing Internet of Things
Authors: Garg Radhika , Moreno Christopher
Published: June 2019

Smart devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and smart watches are designed under the assumption that they will be used by a single user. In contrast, many other devices, such as smart thermostats and smart speakers, are inherently sharable. This paper presents results from a diary study that we conducted with 20 participants to gain a nuanced understanding of the purposes, motivators, and constraints involved in the sharing of smart devices, which are cumulatively referred to as the Internet of Things. We also report on users' practices of coordinating their shared use with sharees/co-users, the impact of not understanding a smart device's behavior and the context of shared use, the differences between sharing personal and inherently sharable devices in terms of content that is available and accessible, trust between sharees, and measures taken to ensure accountable use. Finally, we discuss the implications of our findings and provide guidelines for the design of future smart devices.
Detachable Smartwatch
Authors: Khurana Rushil , Goel Mayank , Lyons Kent
Published: June 2019

Glanceability and low access time are arguably the key assets of a smartwatch. However, smartwatches are currently limited to micro-interactions. They do not enable complex interactions and, in general, they do not afford continuous use for long. We believe that smartwatches can retain micro-interactions and glanceability, but also get better at long and complex interactions. We propose a smartwatch that a user can detach, and use as more than a wearable depending on their context, requirements, and preference. Detaching the watch enables it to morph into different forms, and thereby become a better interaction device, better display, and a better sensor suite. First, we interview participants to elicit usage themes for a detachable watch. Then, we build applications that showcase the range of use-cases where a detachable smartwatch offers additional functionality compared to an always-worn one, and highlights the affordances and benefits enabled due to detachability.
Resistance exercise-induced hormonal response promotes satellite cell proliferation in untrained men but not in women
Authors: Luk Hui-Ying , Levitt Danielle E. , Boyett James C. , Rojas Sharon , Flader Shawn M. , McFarlin Brian K. , Vingren Jakob L.
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this work was to determine the effect of resistance exercise (RE)-induced hormonal changes on the satellite cell (SC) myogenic state in response to muscle damage. Untrained men ( n = 10, 22 ± 3 yr) and women ( n = 9, 21 ± 4 yr) completed 2 sessions of 80 unilateral maximal eccentric knee extensions followed by either an upper body RE protocol (EX) or a 20-min rest (CON). Muscle samples were collected and analyzed for protein content of Pax7, MyoD, myogenin, cyclin D1, and p21 before (PRE), 12 h, and 24 h after the session was completed. Serum testosterone, growth hormone, cortisol, and myoglobin concentrations were analyzed at PRE, post-damage, immediately after (IP), and 15, 30, and 60 min after the session was completed. Testosterone was significantly ( P < 0.05) higher immediately after the session in EX vs. CON for men. A significant time  × sex × condition interaction was found for MyoD with an increase in EX (men) and CON (women) at 12 h. A significant time × condition interaction was found for Pax7, with a decrease in EX and increase in CON at 24 h. A significant time effect was found for myogenin, p21, and cyclin D1. Myogenin and p21 were increased at 12 and 24 h, and cyclin D1 was increased at 12 h. These results suggest that the acute RE-induced hormonal response can be important for men to promote SC proliferation after muscle damage but had no effect in women. Markers of SC differentiation appeared unaffected by the hormonal response but increased in response to muscle damage.
Dynamic Responses of an Overhead Crane’s Beam Subjected to a Moving Trolley with a Pendulum Payload
Authors: Liu Huasen , Cheng Wenming , Li Yinqi
Published: June 2019

An overhead crane with a flexible cable is an underactuated system; the vibration of the crane’s beam and the residual swinging of the payloads cause fatigue in the crane and affect the precise positioning of the payloads. In this paper, the coupling system of an overhead crane was simplified to that of a moving mass with pendulum swing passing beam model. The differential equation motion of a coupled overhead crane system was derived based on the Lagrange equation. Mathematical solution was carried out by using the Newmark‐β integral method. The influences of the trolley’s acceleration and the parameters of the payloads on the vibration of the beam and the payloads’ swing were, respectively, analyzed. A numerical analysis of the results indicates that increasing the mass of the payloads leads to a larger deflection of the beam, whereas increasing the speed and acceleration of the trolley does not obviously influence the maximum deflection of the central beam.
Establishment of Prediction Equations of Lean Body Mass Suitable for Chinese Adults
Authors: Li Jinhua , Shang Jingjie , Guo Bin , Gong Jian , Xu Hao
Published: June 2019

Aim. To develop predictive equations of lean body mass (LBM) suitable for healthy southern Chinese adults with a large sample. LBM measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) are considered as the standard ones. Methods. Retrospective analysis was conducted on the consecutive people who did total body measurement with DXA from July 2005 to October 2015. People with diseases that might affect LBM were excluded and overall 12,194 subjects were included in this study. Information about the 10,683 subjects (2,987 males and 7,696 females) from July 2005 to November 2014 was used to establish equations. These subjects were grouped by sex and then subdivided according to their body mass index (BMI). The female group was divided into another two subgroups: the premenopausal and postmenopausal subgroups. Equations were developed through stepwise multilinear regression analysis of height, weight, age, and BMI. Information about the 1,511 subjects (395 males and 1116 females) from December 2014 to October 2015 was used to verify the established equations. Results. BMI, height, weight, and age were introduced into the equations as independent variables in the male group, while age was proved to have no influence on LBM in the female group. Regrouping according to BMI or menopause did not increase the predictive ability of equations. Good agreement between LBM evaluated by equation (LBM_PE) and LBM measured by DXA (LBM_DXA) was observed in both the male and female groups. Conclusion. Predictive equations of LBM suitable for healthy southern Chinese adults are established with a large sample. BMI was related to LBM content; however, there is no need for further group based on BMI or menopause while developing LBM questions.
The Last Man Standing Technique for Proof-of-Location in IoT Infrastructures at Network Edge
Authors: Zhanikeev Marat
Published: June 2019

This paper is divided in two parts. The first part is the story of a failure, where an attempt to generate verifiable Proof-of-Location from WiFi scan results has failed, even when scan results were compared with a small time shift within the same trace. In the second part, this paper proposes to conduct Proof-of-Location transactions in a peer-to-peer fashion. Each peer is assisted by the cloud side which plays the role of both the real-time mediator and public transaction ledger. This paper proposes the Last Man Standing (LMS) procedure which is both a means for ensuring a fair transaction and a natural way to close it. Each transaction results in a coin which can be either shared among transaction participants or owned individually by LMS. Analysis using real mobility traces from various types of urban locations shows that the proposal is valid and will ensure that all the locations within the city will gradually be claimed via the proposed type of transactions while providing independently verifiable proofs for each location. The distant goal of this paper is a next generation Location-Based Service (LBS) which takes the form of a location-based resource economy where each location is a coin compatible with traditional blockchain operations.
CD71+ Population Enriched by HPV-E6 Protein Promotes Cancer Aggressiveness and Radioresistance in Cervical Cancer Cells
Authors: Leung Thomas Ho-Yin , Tang Hermit Wai-Man , Siu Michelle Kwan-Yee , Chan David Wai , Chan Karen Kar-Loen , Cheung Annie Nga-Yin , Ngan Hextan Yuen-Sheung
Published: June 2019

A subpopulation of cells within tumors has been suggested to possess the ability to initiate tumorigenesis and contribute to resistance to cancer therapy. Identification and isolation of this subpopulation in cancer cells can be achieved by detecting specific cell-surface markers. In this study, flow cytometry analysis revealed an abundant CD71+ subpopulation in human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive cervical cancer cells, while limited CD71+ cells were detected in HPV-negative cervical cancer cells. Furthermore, ectopic expression of the HPV-E6 protein in HPV-negative C33A cells enriched the CD71+subpopulation. The CD71+ subpopulation isolated from the C33A cell line and an HPV-E6–overexpressing clone exhibited enhanced transforming ability, proliferation, and resistance to irradiation. In contrast, suppression of CD71 in HPV-positive SiHa cells and the HPV-E6–overexpressing stable clone inhibited spheroid formation and in vitro and in vivo tumorigenicity and sensitized cells to irradiation treatment. CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of CD71 in SiHa cells also produced similar inhibitory effects on tumorigenicity. Double knockout of CD71 and CD55 reversed the oncogenic properties of the HPV-E6–overexpressing clone. These findings suggest that the HPV-E6 protein enriches the subpopulation of CD71+cells in cervical cancer, which exhibit cancer stem–like cell properties and are resistant to irradiation treatment. Targeting the CD71+ subpopulation in cervical cancer cells with siRNAs or CRISPR/Cas9 may provide new insights for the development of novel therapeutic approaches for treating cervical cancer.

Implications:

We describe the enrichment of CD71+ population by HPV-E6 protein in cervical cancer cells that promotes cancer aggressiveness and resistance to irradiation treatment.
Histone Deacetylase Inhibition Sensitizes PD1 Blockade–Resistant B-cell Lymphomas
Authors: Wang Xiaoguang , Waschke Brittany C. , Woolaver Rachel A. , Chen Zhangguo , Zhang Gan , Piscopio Anthony D. , Liu Xuedong , Wang Jing H.
Published: June 2019

PD1 blockade is effective in a subset of patients with B-cell lymphoma (e.g., classical-Hodgkin lymphomas); however, most patients do not respond to anti-PD1 therapy. To study PD1 resistance, we used an isoform-selective histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi; OKI-179), and a mouse mature B-cell lymphoma, G1XP lymphoma, immunosuppressive features of which resemble those of human B-cell lymphomas, including downregulation of MHC class I and II, exhaustion of CD8+ and CD4+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), and PD1-blockade resistance. Using two lymphoma models, we show that treatment of B-cell lymphomas refractory to PD1 blockade with both OKI-179 and anti-PD1 inhibited growth; furthermore, sensitivity to single or combined treatment required tumor-derived MHC class I, and positively correlated with MHC class II expression level. We conclude that OKI-179 sensitizes lymphomas to PD1-blockade by enhancing tumor immunogenicity. In addition, we found that different HDACis exhibited distinct effects on tumors and T cells, yet the same HDACi could differentially affect HLA expression on different human B-cell lymphomas. Our study highlights the immunologic effects of HDACis on antitumor responses and suggests that optimal treatment efficacy requires personalized design and rational combination based on prognostic biomarkers (e.g., MHCs) and the individual profiles of HDACi.
Determinants of Well-Being and Their Implications for Health Care
Authors: Helliwell John F.
Published: June 2019

The paper explains how subjective well-being can be measured, how the resulting data are being used to document human progress and how health care can be changed to take advantage of what has been learned. The evaluations that people make of their own lives document, and permit the explanation of, life satisfaction levels that differ greatly among countries and communities. Research seeking to explain these happiness differences, and their related differences in mortality and morbidity, exposes the importance of the social context. There is an opportunity and need to change health care from the diagnosis and treatment of illness to the fostering of wellness. The importance of the social context in the successful design and delivery of health and happiness is so great as to support a prescription to turn the “I” into “we,” thereby turning illness into wellness by making the production and maintenance of health and happiness a much more collaborative activity, even in the presence of the increasing complexity of medical science.
Urotensin II Induces Mice Skeletal Muscle Atrophy Associated with Enhanced Autophagy and Inhibited Irisin Precursor (Fibronectin Type III Domain Containing 5) Expression in Chronic Renal Failure
Authors: Pan Ya-Jing , Zhou Si-Jia , Feng Jin , Bai Qiong , A La-Ta , Zhang Ai-Hua
Published: June 2019

Background/Aims: Skeletal muscle atrophy is one of the main manifestations of protein energy wasting. We hypothesized that urotensin II (UII) can lead to skeletal muscle atrophy through upregulating autophagy and affecting Irisin precursor fibronectin type III domain containing 5 (FNDC5) expressions. Methods: Three animal models (the sham operation, wild-type C57BL/6 mice with 5/6 nephrectomy, UII receptor (UT) gene knockout (UTKO) mice with 5/6 nephrectomy) were designed. Skeletal muscle weight, cross-sectional area (CSA) along with UII, FNDC5, LC3, and p62 expression were investigated. C2C12 cells were differentiated for up to 4 days into myotubes. These cells were then exposed to different UII concentrations (10–5 to 10–7 M) for 6–12 h and analyzed for the expressions of autophagic markers. These cells were also exposed to the same predetermined UII concentrations for 48–72 h and analyzed for the FNDC5 expression. Myotube diameter was measured. Results: Upregulation of UII expression in skeletal muscle tissue was accompanied by reduced muscle weight and skeletal muscle CSA in the 2 posterior limbs, upregulated autophagy markers expression, and downregulated FNDC5 expression in 5/6 nephrectomy mice. The decrease of skeletal muscle weight, skeletal muscle CSA, downregulation of FNDC5 expression, and the upregulation of autophagy markers were inhibited in UTKO with 5/6 nephrectomy mice. Our in vitrostudy showed that UII could directly decrease myotube diameter, induce autophagy markers upregulation, and inhibit expression of FNDC5. When UII receptor gene was interfered by UT-specific siRNA, UII induced autophagy markers upregulation and FNDC5 downregulation were inhibited. Conclusion: We are the first to verify UII induces mice skeletal muscle atrophy associated with enhanced skeletal muscle autophagy and inhibited FNDC5 expression in chronic renal failure.