bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Precision medicine validation: identifying the MYBPC3 A31P variant with whole-genome sequencing in two Maine Coon cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ontiveros Eric S , Ueda Yu , Harris Samantha P , Stern Joshua A ,   99 Lives Consortium
Published: December 2018

Objectives

The objective of this study was to perform a proof-of-concept experiment that validates a precision medicine approach to identify variants associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We hypothesized that whole-genome sequencing would identify variant(s) associated with HCM in two affected Maine Coon/Maine Coon cross cats when compared with 79 controls of various breeds.

Methods

Two affected and two control Maine Coon/Maine Coon cross cats had whole-genome sequencing performed at approximately × 30 coverage. Variants were called in these four cats and 77 cats of various breeds as part of the 99 Lives Cat Genome Sequencing Initiative ( http://felinegenetics.missouri.edu/99lives ) using Platypus v0.7.9.1, annotated with dbSNP ID, and variants’ effect predicted by SnpEff. Strict filtering criteria (alternate allele frequency >49%) were applied to identify homozygous-alternate or heterozygous variants in the two HCM-affected samples when compared with 79 controls of various breeds.

Results

A total of four variants were identified in the two Maine Coon/Maine Coon cross cats with HCM when compared with 79 controls after strict filtering. Three of the variants identified in genes MFSD12, BTN1A1 and SLITRK5 did not segregate with disease in a separate cohort of seven HCM-affected and five control Maine Coon/Maine Coon cross cats. The remaining variant MYBPC3 segregated with disease status. Furthermore, this gene was previously associated with heart disease and encodes for a protein with sarcomeric function.

Conclusions and relevance

This proof-of-concept experiment identified the previously reported MYBPC3 A31P Maine Coon variant in two HCM-affected cases. This result validates and highlights the power of whole-genome sequencing for feline precision medicine.
The dichotomy of customer relationship management and variety-seeking behaviour in the hotel sector
Authors: Udunuwara Maduka , Sanders Dale , Wilkins Hugh
Published: December 2018

Customer relationship management (CRM) and variety-seeking behaviour (VSB) are paradoxical constructs due to their contradictory intentions. CRM is implemented by organizations to retain customers and generate loyalty while VSB by customers can result in switching. This study addresses the question ‘what is the impact of VSB on the relationship between CRM and its outcomes: repeat visitation and positive word of mouth?’ Following analysis of 400 questionnaire responses from Australian leisure travellers who have visited the same international destination two or more times, the findings indicate that CRM leads to word-of-mouth recommendations, but not repeat visitation. Through multi-group moderation analysis, it was further identified that the outcomes of CRM do not vary based on the degree of VSB of travellers, and CRM leading to repeat visitation is fully mediated by the intrinsic factors affecting VSB, while CRM does have a significant influence on VSB.
A national survey of telemedicine use by US emergency departments
Authors: Zachrison Kori S , Boggs Krislyn M , M Hayden Emily , Espinola Janice A , Camargo Carlos A
Published: December 2018

Objective

Telemedicine has the potential to improve the delivery of emergency medical care: however, the extent of its adoption in United States (US) emergency departments is not known. Our objective was to characterise the prevalence of telemedicine use among all US emergency departments, describe clinical applications for which it is most commonly used, and identify emergency department characteristics associated with its use.

Methods

As part of the National Emergency Department Inventory-USA survey, we queried all 5375 US emergency departments open in 2016. Multivariable logistic regression analyses identified characteristics associated with emergency department receipt of telemedicine services.

Results

Overall, 4507 emergency departments (84%) responded to our survey, with 4031 responding to both telemedicine questions (75%). Although 1694 emergency departments (42%) reported no telemedicine in 2016, most did: 1923 (48%) emergency departments received telemedicine services, 149 (4%) emergency departments received telemedicine services and were in hospitals that provided telemedicine, and 265 emergency departments (7%) did not receive telemedicine but were in hospitals that provided telemedicine services. Among emergency departments receiving telemedicine, the most common applications were stroke/neurology (76%), psychiatry (38%), and paediatrics (15%). In multivariable analysis, telemedicine-receiving emergency departments had higher annual total visit volume for adults and lower annual total visit volume by children; were less likely to be academic or freestanding; and varied by region. In multivariable analysis, emergency departments in telemedicine-providing hospitals had higher annual total visit volume for adults and children, were more likely to be academic and were less likely to be freestanding.

Conclusion

In 2016, telemedicine was used in most US emergency departments (58%), especially for stroke/neurology and psychiatry. Future research is needed to understand the value of telemedicine for different clinical applications, and the barriers to its implementation.
The contingent value of the dedicated alliance function
Authors: Findikoglu Melike , Lavie Dovev
Published: December 2018

Scholars have underscored the merits of a dedicated alliance function that promotes standardization, formalization, and centralization of alliance management practices, but some recent research finds no support for the claim that a dedicated alliance function creates value. We contribute to this debate by offering a contingency approach. Specifically, we conjecture that the contribution of the dedicated alliance function to value creation in an alliance increases with general partnering experience that the firm has accumulated with its various partners but declines with partner-specific experience that the firm has accumulated in recurrent alliances with the same partner. Our analysis of more than 15,000 alliances involving US-based software firms supports these conjectures and identifies boundary conditions for this function’s effects. We conclude that instituting an organizational infrastructure that is meant to enhance a firm’s ability to leverage its experience with various partners can restrict its gains from experience with specific partners. Nevertheless, by appropriately leveraging its dedicated alliance function, the firm can manage conflicting routines and overcome the tradeoff between efficient use of alliance management practices and responsiveness to partners in its alliance portfolio.
Accelerated ageing of organic LED panels using ultraviolet exposure
Authors: Askola J , Çalkin Y , Vaskuri A , Poikonen T , Ikonen E
Published: December 2018

Two different types of commercial organic LED panels were aged with ultraviolet light. One type was aged in an over-filled and open circuit condition with broadband ultraviolet radiation, and the other in an under-filled and closed circuit condition with spectrally dispersed light. Both the luminance values and the spectral power distributions of the panels were measured for both types. The results show that the light output and the spectrum of the panel decay faster when the panels are exposed to ultraviolet radiation when compared to natural ageing. For the panels aged using the under-filled method, the wavelength that reduces the output most is between 320 nm and 340 nm, and the ultraviolet exposure with wavelengths longer than 350 nm did not accelerate the ageing. The ultraviolet radiation exposure increased the ageing by a factor of eight as compared to natural ageing, when the used ultraviolet levels corresponded to one year of exposure on a clear summer day condition. Based on the results, the under-filled method is a valid option for accelerated ageing, especially for studying simultaneously accelerated and natural ageing.
High Risk of Suicide in Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia
Authors: Zucca Milena , Rubino Elisa , Vacca Alessandro , Govone Flora , Gai Annalisa , De Martino Paola , Boschi Silvia , Gentile Salvatore , Giordana Maria Teresa , Rainero Innocenzo
Published: December 2018

Aim:

The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempts in patients with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), evaluating possible risk factors for suicidality.

Methods:

Risk of suicide was assessed using the Scale for Suicide Ideation (SSI) in 35 patients with bvFTD and 25 controls.

Results:

According to SSI, 40% of patients with bvFTD had suicidal ideation in comparison to 8% of controls ( P = .009). Four patients with bvFTD have attempted suicide versus none control ( P = .006). Patients with bvFTD with suicide risk showed higher levels of anxiety, depression, stress, and hopelessness than patients without suicide risk ( P < .001). Patients who attempted suicide were younger and had a longer disease duration than those with only suicide ideation. Intriguingly, 40% of patients with parkinsonism presented high level of suicide ideation.

Conclusions:

Our findings show that patients with bvFTD have a high risk of suicide. Additional studies in larger populations are needed to confirm our results.
Machinablity improvement with ultrasonic vibration–assisted micro-milling
Authors: Xu Lin-hong , Na Hao-bo , Han Guang-chao
Published: December 2018

An ultrasonic vibration–assisted micro-milling with horizontal vibration of workpiece is investigated in this article. A vibration platform with maximum amplitude of 15 μm based on universal ball support structure is designed and built by our group. Titanium alloy TC4 and aluminum alloy 6061T6 were chosen as workpiece material. Series of slot-milling experiments were conducted with and without vibration at different amplitudes and feed rates to explore the effects of vibration on the micro-milling. Experiment results showed that ultrasonic vibration can effectively reduce milling force by 12% and 17%, respectively, for aluminum alloy 6061T6 and titanium alloy TC4 compared with that of conventional milling and hence leading to a better machining accuracy and longer tool life. Furthermore, the effect of ultrasonic vibration on titanium alloy is much more obvious. The topographies of machined surfaces also showed that ultrasonic vibration can reduce surface defects and machining marks and thus improve the surface quality for both 6061T6 and TC4. Besides these, it is worth to be noted that ultrasonic vibration leads the size effect point appear at much lower feed rate than conventional milling, which means vibration brings a change to machining mechanism and delays the appearance of micro-milling.
Electronic control unit development and emissions evaluation for hydrogen–diesel dual-fuel engines
Authors: Karagöz Yasin , Sadeghi Majid Mohammad
Published: December 2018

In this study, it was aimed to operate today’s compression ignition engines easily in dual-fuel mode with a developed electronic control unit. Especially, diesel engines with mechanical fuel system can be easily converted to common-rail fuel system with a developed electronic control unit. Also, with this developed electronic control unit, old technology compression ignition engines can be turned into dual-fuel mode easily. Thus, thanks to the flexibility of engine maps to be loaded into the electronic control unit, diesel engines can conveniently be operated with alternative gas fuels and diesel dual fuel. In particular, hydrogen, an alternative, environmentally friendly, and clean gas fuel, can easily be used with diesel engines by pilot spraying. Software and hardware development of electronic control unit are made, in order to operate a diesel engine with diesel+hydrogen dual fuel. Finally, developed electronic control unit was reviewed on 1500 r/min stable engine speed on different hydrogen energy rates (0%, 15%, 30%, and 45% hydrogen) according to thermic efficiency and emissions (CO, total unburned hydrocarbons, NOx, and smoke), and apart from NOx emissions, a significant improvement has been obtained. There was no increased NOx emission on 15% hydrogen working condition; however, on 45% hydrogen working condition, a dramatic increase arose.
Effect of elastic foundation on vibrational behavior of graphene based on first-order shear deformation theory
Authors: Motamedi Mohsen , Naghdi Amirhossein , Sohail Ayesha , Li Zhiwu
Published: December 2018

In this study, an investigation of “the free vibrations of hollow circular plates’’ is reported. The study is based on elastic foundation and the results depicted are further extended to study the special case of “graphene sheets.’’ The first-order shear deformation theory is applied to study the elastic properties of the material. A hollow circular sheet is modeled and the vibrations are simulated with the aid of finite element method. The results obtained are in good agreement with the theoretical findings. After the validation, a model of graphene is presented. Graphene contains a layer of honeycomb carbon atoms. Inside a layer, each carbon atom C is attached to three other carbon atoms and produces a sheet of hexagonal array. A 25 nm × 25 nm graphene sheet is modeled and simulated using the validated technique, that is, via the first-order shear deformation theory. The key findings of this study are the vibrational frequencies and vibrational mode shapes.
A novel sliding mode single-loop speed control method based on disturbance observer for permanent magnet synchronous motor drives
Authors: Liu Xudong , Li Ke
Published: December 2018

A novel speed control method based on sliding mode control and disturbance observer is studied for permanent magnet synchronous motor drives. Different from the conventional speed and current cascade control structure in the field-oriented vector control, the new controller adopts the single-loop control structure, in which the speed and quadrate axes current controllers are combined together. First, a multiple-surface sliding mode controller is designed for the speed control system of permanent magnet synchronous motor. Although the sliding mode controller has the strong robustness for the matched disturbance in the system, it still cannot deal with mismatched disturbance effectively, such as external load disturbance and some parameter variations. Thus, the disturbance observer is introduced to estimate the disturbance in the motor, which is designed by combining the proposed sliding mode controller. Finally, the effectiveness is tested under various conditions by both simulation and experiment. The results show that the designed controller has the fast transient response and robustness under different operating conditions.
Rail wear inspection based on computer-aided design model and point cloud data
Authors: Chen Peng , Hu Yong , Li Wen-Tao , Wang Pei-Jun
Published: December 2018

Railway transportation demands more efficient and accurate rail wear inspection systems to ensure the train operation safety. To obtain continuous three-dimensional data, a structured light rail wear inspection system is developed in this article, and the data processing method for aligning the point cloud from structured light scanning to the nominal computer-aided design model of the rail is investigated. For further data registration, the point cloud of the computer-aided design model is generated and the normal vectors of these points are calculated. In the coarse registration, conformal geometric algebra is applied to align the segmented point clouds by intuitive geometric calculations to those from the computer-aided design model. In the fine registration, the accurate alignment of the point clouds is implemented by the iterative closest point algorithm. The vertical and lateral wear amounts are obtained on the cross section by slicing the aligned three-dimensional point clouds data. Finally, the proposed system and method are validated by comparing the vertical wear amounts with the two-dimensional laser scanning and contact measurement results.
Relative position and attitude coordinated control based on unit dual quaternion
Authors: Li Jing
Published: December 2018

In traditional algorithms, relative pose controls of a leader–follower rigid body consider the position and attitude as two subsystems in designing control laws. Since relative pose of a leader–follower rigid body is coupled, having a pose coupling control is a smarter choice. For deficiencies in decentralized control of relative pose, this article establishes a coupled dynamic and kinematic model of a leader–follower rigid body based on the dual-number and dual-quaternion theory framework. Furthermore, based on the proposed model, the sliding mode control theory is used to conduct coordinated control for relative pose of a leader–follower rigid body. The coupled algorithm does not need to design two sets of control laws for relative pose of a leader–follower rigid body; therefore, the complexity of the control system is reduced. Simulation results show that this algorithm does not only demonstrate the coupled control law of the relative pose but also show good tracking control performance.
Witnessing in the echo chamber: From counter-discourses in print media to counter-memories of Argentina’s state terrorism
Authors: Prendergast Muireann
Published: December 2018

While the importance of journalism in memory studies has often been overlooked in academic scholarship, media discourses can be considered ‘memory’s precondition’ on both active and passive levels. First, journalists record events as they happen building on narratives and testimonies. Second, sometimes decades later, these can be invoked in legal and social post-dictatorship processes. Applying the theoretical framework of critical discourse analysis to memory studies, this research explores the relationship between counter-journalism and counter-memories as a response to and rejection of the ‘echo chamber’ of authoritarian discourse which dominated the mainstream media and promoted official memory during Argentina’s last dictatorship. The methodological approach of the study is mixed, combining qualitative synchronic-diachronic text analysis with a corpus analysis of concordance lines to trace strategies of counter-discourse in two newspapers which opposed the dictatorship. The motivations of their editor-journalists for challenging official discourse and institutional memory in the climate of state terrorism are framed in the context of Margalit’s ‘moral witnessing’.
Transcranial magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery at 1.5T: a technical note
Authors: Gagliardo Cesare , Midiri Massimo , Cannella Roberto , Napoli Alessandro , Wragg Paul , Collura Giorgio , Marrale Maurizio , Vincenzo Bartolotta Tommaso , Catalano Carlo , Lagalla Roberto
Published: December 2018

Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound is one of the emerging non-invasive technologies offering both image guidance and thermal monitoring. In recent years transcranial application of this technology is starting to impact heavily the neuroscience field. We present here the imaging protocol and the technological methods successfully used with a transcranial magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound system certified for clinical treatments of functional neurological disorders, integrated for the first time with a 1.5T magnetic resonance scanner. Compared to the body radiofrequency coil (the one commonly used with transcranial magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound system integrated with 3T magnetic resonance scanners), the use of a dedicated two channel coil enabled a signal-to-noise ratio gain up to five times higher.
Variability of apparent diffusion coefficient in the brain in women during follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle
Authors: Şafak Kadihan Yalçin
Published: December 2018

Purpose

To investigate the variability of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in the brain in women during follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle.

Methods

The present study included 32 females of reproductive age with regular menstruation. The participants were divided into two groups as group 1: females in the follicular phase, and group 2: females in the luteal phase. The regions of interest were manually drawn on the structures of the T2-weighted images (frontal gray and white matter, parietal gray and white matter, temporal gray and white matter, occipital gray and white matter, cerebellar gray and white matter, caudate nucleus, putamen, thalamus, internal capsule, pons, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the frontal and in the occipital horn of the lateral ventricle and CSF in the middle part of the lateral ventricle). ADC values were averaged for each patient. We used Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA for more than two groups but used Mann Whitney U test for comparison of ADC values between the group of 18 females in the follicular phase and the group of 14 females in the luteal phase.

Results

No statistically significant differences were observed among the groups in terms of the ADC value of each neuroanatomic structure that was evaluated.

Conclusion

We did not determine a significant difference among volunteers at the two different phases of the menstrual cycle in terms of ADC values measured from different regions of the brain. However, although not statistically significant, ADC values measured from almost all parts of the brain were higher at the luteal phase than at the follicular phase.
Explicit and implicit experience of own’s body in painful musculoskeletal disorders and rheumatic diseases: A scoping review protocol of available quantitative and qualitative evidence
Authors: Viceconti Antonello , Camerone Eleonora Maria , Luzzi Deborah , Pardini Matteo , Ristori Diego , Gallace Alberto , Testa Marco
Published: December 2018

Introduction:

Our body experience is organized at twofold levels: perceptual and cognitive-emotional. These higher-order processes are clearly different from the primary sensory processing of somatic stimuli (somatosensation). However, most of the available studies have mainly investigated the mechanisms of somatosensation. Moreover, disturbances of our body experience have been documented in some pathological conditions of interest for rehabilitative interventions, but their clinical role and relevance is yet to be clarified. Because in this field we have limited knowledge on perceptual and cognitive body experience, there emerges a need to better clarify this matter. The aim of the present scoping review is to systematically map this topic and to examine the magnitude and the nature of the available evidences.

Materials and Methods:

The scoping review will be performed following the six-stage methodology suggested by Arksey and O’Malley. Ten electronic databases will be investigated since their inception. The search strategy will be peer reviewed by PRESS 2015 Evidence-Based Checklist as a quality assurance step. All records retrieved will be screened by two independent reviewers. The Population, Concept, and Context method will be adopted for eligibility criteria and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses will be used for results reporting. Two reviewers with different background will perform the search process independently. One author will extract data, checked by a second reviewer checking the matching with the research questions and goals. Any disagreements will be solved by a third reviewer.

Ethics and Dissemination:

Ethical approval is not required for scoping reviews. Dissemination will include submission to peer-reviewed journal and presentations in conferences in the area of rehabilitation.
Attractiveness, expertise and closeness: The effect of source credibility of the first lady as political endorser on social media in China
Authors: Li Zongya , Yin Yiyi
Published: December 2018

This study examines the strategies of political impression management adopted by the Weibo account Liyuan Fan Club from a source credibility perspective, investigating the capacity of each strategy in encouraging online political participation through measuring consumer’s online brand-related activities (i.e. consuming, contributing, and creating). In addition to traditional dimensions of source credibility (i.e. expertise and attractiveness), a new dimension, namely “closeness,” is added in based on previous studies in political branding and celebrity studies. A content analysis of 790 posts is conducted, in which the study finds that emphasis on Peng’s attractiveness and closeness have positive effects on participatory behaviors on social media, while emphasis on Peng’s expertise show no effect. Further analysis indicates that individual contributions of attractiveness and closeness on three levels of participatory behaviors are different, among which attractiveness is more effective in activating low-level participation, while closeness has more positive effect in encouraging high-level participation.
Anatomic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Hamstring Tendons Restores Quantitative Pivot Shift
Authors: Zaffagnini Stefano , Signorelli Cecilia , Grassi Alberto , Hoshino Yuichi , Kuroda Ryosuke , de SA Darren , Sundemo David , Samuelsson Kristian , Musahl Volker , Karlsson Jon , Sheean Andrew , Burnham Jeremy M. , Lian Jayson , Smith Clair , Popchak Adam , Herbst Elmar , Pfeiffer Thomas , Araujo Paulo , Oostdyk Alicia , Guenther Daniel , Ohashi Bruno , Irrgang James J. , Fu Freddie H. , Nagamune Kouki , Kurosaka Masahiro , Marcheggiani Muccioli Giulio Maria , Lopomo Nicola , Raggi Federico , Svantesson Eleonor , Hamrin Senorski Eric , Bjoernsson Haukur , Ahlden Mattias , Desai Neel
Published: December 2018

Background:

It is still uncertain how surgical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is able to restore rotatory laxity of the involved joint. The desired amount of restraint applied by the ACL graft, as compared with the healthy knee, has not been fully clarified.

Purpose:

To quantify the ability of single-bundle anatomic ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendons in reducing the pivot-shift phenomenon immediately after surgery under anesthesia.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

An inertial sensor and image analysis were used at 4 international centers to measure tibial acceleration and lateral compartment translation of the knee, respectively. The standardized pivot-shift test was quantified in terms of the side-to-side difference in laxity both preoperatively and postoperatively with the patient under anesthesia. The reduction in both tibial acceleration and lateral compartment translation after surgery and the side-to-side difference were evaluated using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Alpha was set at P < .05.

Results:

A total of 107 patients were recruited for the study, and data were available for 89 patients. There was a statistically significant reduction in quantitative rotatory knee laxity between preoperatively (inertial sensor, 2.55 ± 4.00 m/s2; image analysis, 2.04 ± 2.02 mm) and postoperatively (inertial sensor, –0.54 ± 1.25 m/s2; image analysis, –0.10 ± 1.04 mm) between the involved and healthy joints, as measured by the 2 devices ( P < .001 for both). Postoperatively, both devices detected a lower rotatory laxity value in the involved joint compared with the healthy joint (inertial sensor, 2.45 ± 0.89 vs 2.99 ± 1.10 m/s2, respectively [ P < .001]; image analysis, 0.99 ± 0.83 vs 1.09 ± 0.92 mm, respectively [ P = .38]).

Conclusion:

The data from this study indicated a significant reduction in the pivot shift when compared side to side. Both the inertial sensor and image analysis used for the quantitative assessment of the pivot-shift test could successfully detect restoration of the pivot shift after anatomic single-bundle ACL reconstruction. Future research will examine how pivot-shift control is maintained over time and correlation of the pivot shift with return to full activity in patients with an ACL injury.
Access to Formal Credit in the Indian Agriculture: Does Caste matter?
Authors: V. Karthick , S. Madheswaran
Published: December 2018

Access to resources and opportunities can be a critical factor in improving outcomes for disadvantaged groups. Improving access to financial resources, in particular, is widely acknowledged to facilitate upward economic and social mobility. Conversely, lack of access to resources for certain groups based on caste, class, gender and ethno-social identities can perpetuate inequalities. In this context, this paper attempts to analyse the access to credit by social groups and decomposes the gross credit differentials using Oaxaca-blinder decomposition method using unit-level data from the All India Debt and Investment Survey, NSSO, 2013. The descriptive analysis clearly shows that there is a significant credit differential between forward caste (FC) and other social groups (SC, ST and OBC). Access to credit varies across social groups based on many factors. The decomposition result indicates that the discrimination coefficient against SC is 49per cent which explains that SCs are being discriminated by 49 per cent compared to FCs in the formal credit market. In case of ST, the discrimination coefficient against is 61per cent and for OBC it is 48per cent. Interestingly, the endowment difference is less among ST (38per cent) compared to SC and OBC (around 51 per cent). Also, the FC treatment advantage (benefit of being a FC in the credit market) is 5.7 per cent whereas the cost of being an SC in the credit market (treatment disadvantage) is 35.1 per cent. As expected, the disadvantage component for ST and OBC is 33.1 per cent and 17.8 per cent respectively. Thus, we see that although programmes, schemes and policies to promote the economic empowerment of lower castes through finance have been implemented on a large scale since the 1990s, they have not been very effective.
New therapies using nonfactor products for patients with hemophilia and inhibitors
Authors: Nogami Keiji , Shima Midori
Published: December 2018

Regular prophylaxis with factor VIII (FVIII) or FIX products to prevent bleeding in patients with severe hemophilia A (HA) and HB, respectively, results in marked suppression of the onset of arthropathy and contributes greatly to improvements in quality of life. Some issues remain with the use of clotting factor replacement therapy, however. The need for multiple IV infusions is associated with a substantial mental and physical burden, and the hemostatic effect of bypassing agents (BPAs) in patients with inhibitor is inconsistent. The development of subcutaneous products with prolonged hemostatic efficiency, irrespective of the presence of inhibitors, has been a longtime wish for patients. A new class of therapeutic agents that act by enhancing coagulation (emicizumab) and inhibiting anticoagulant pathways (fitusiran and concizumab) have been established, and clinical trials using these nonfactor products are ongoing. The current findings have demonstrated that prophylaxis by nonfactor products supports marked reductions of bleeding episodes in hemophilia patients with or without inhibitor. Emicizumab has already been approved for use internationally. Some concerns are evident, however. Thrombotic microangiopathy and thromboembolism have occurred in 5 emicizumab-treated patients receiving repeated infusions of activated prothrombin complex concentrates, and a sinus vein thrombosis has occurred in a fitusiran-treated patient receiving repeated infusions of FVIII product. Moreover, reliable techniques to monitor hemostatic function in patients receiving nonfactor products with concomitant BPA or FVIII/FIX therapies require further assessment. These novel therapeutic agents have promising hemostatic properties, although wider experience in hemophilia centers is warranted to establish appropriate therapeutic strategies.
New therapies for hemophilia
Authors: Weyand Angela C. , Pipe Steven W.
Published: December 2018

Hemophilia A (HA) and hemophilia B (HB) are the most common severe bleeding disorders. Replacement therapy, providing the missing coagulation factor, has been the mainstay of treatment both prophylactically and to treat bleeding. Despite widespread availability of safe and effective replacement therapy, patients with HA and HB continue to experience a tremendous burden of treatment, breakthrough bleeding, and progressive joint disease, as well as high rates of inhibitor development. These remaining challenges are now being addressed by incredible advances in bioengineering. Recombinant bioengineering has led to replacement therapies with easier modes of administration, decreased immunogenicity, increased efficacy, and extended half-lives. Emicizumab, a bispecific antibody that acts as a substitutive therapy for HA, has been approved for patients with and without inhibitors. Novel compounds are in development to exploit the natural balance of hemostasis by targeting the natural anticoagulants protein C, protein S, tissue factor pathway inhibitor, and antithrombin. The substitution and rebalancing therapies provide an opportunity for steady-state hemostatic control without exposure to immunogenic clotting factor proteins. As such, they may have broader applications outside those being investigated in the clinical trial programs.
Functional outcomes in early (T1/T2) supraglottic cancer: A systematic review
Authors: van der Woerd Benjamin , Patel Krupal B. , Nichols Anthony C. , Fung Kevin , Yoo John , MacNeil S. Danielle
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Organ preserving surgery (OPS) and radiotherapy (RT) are both accepted treatment options for early stage supraglottic cancer (SGC). Radiation has supplanted surgery in most cases, because of the perception that surgery results in poorer functional outcomes. However, evidence suggests that OPS with a neck dissection may be associated with improved survival. Our objective was to conduct a systematic review of the literature to compare functional outcomes of OPS and RT for early SGC.

Methods

We searched Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify studies. Studies were included if they reported functional outcomes on 10 or more patients with early stage SGC treated with radiation or OPS, including open partial laryngectomy, transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) or transoral robotic surgery (TORS). Two reviewers independently screened articles for relevance using pre-determined criteria.

Results

From 7720 references, we included 10 articles ( n = 640 patients). 50% ( n = 320) of patients were treated with surgery. Three head-to-head RT versus OPS papers were included, however different outcome measures were used for each group. Intractable aspiration management (including total laryngectomy or permanent tracheostomy) following OPS was reported in five papers representing 186 patients; the definitive intractable aspiration management rate was 2.6% (95% CI 1.0–6.8%). Four papers reported permanent G-tube rate for the surgical group ( n = 198), calculating a rate of 5.3% (95% CI 2.6–10.5%), this was not reported for the RT group in any papers. One study reported quality of life. Two studies reported objective voice measures.

Conclusions

This systematic review revealed a paucity of objective measures and significant data heterogeneity, rendering the comparison of functional outcomes following OPS versus RT for early SGC limited. Future research should include objective measures of functional outcomes including laryngectomy rate, g-tube rate, tracheostomy dependence, quality of life, and voice quality measures.
Site Amplification Functions for Central and Eastern North America – Part I: Simulation Data Set Development
Authors: Harmon Joseph , Hashash Youssef M. A. , Stewart Jonathan P. , Rathje Ellen M. , Campbell Kenneth W. , Silva Walter J. , Xu Boqin , Musgrove Michael , Ilhan Okan
Published: December 2018

This paper presents the development of large-scale simulation-based data sets used to inform new site amplification models for Central and Eastern North America (CENA). Linear elastic, equivalent linear, and nonlinear one-dimensional site response simulations of site conditions in CENA are employed. An analysis tree is introduced to capture the range of expected CENA geologic conditions. Independent variables include the following: (1) representative and random shear wave velocity ( VS) profiles using data from the literature; (2) randomized, nonlinear shear modulus reduction and damping vs. shear strain curves with constraint on soil shear strength; and (3) outcrop ground motions representative of the VS = 3,000 m/s CENA reference rock condition. The resulting database of 1,747,278 simulations is conditioned on several parameters relevant to site amplification, which facilitates model development that is the subject of a companion paper. The database is openly available for use by other researchers.
Unite to divide – how models and biological experimentation have come together to reveal mechanisms of cytokinesis
Authors: Cortes Daniel B. , Dawes Adriana , Liu Jian , Nickaeen Masoud , Strychalski Wanda , Maddox Amy Shaub
Published: December 2018

Cytokinesis is the fundamental and ancient cellular process by which one cell physically divides into two. Cytokinesis in animal and fungal cells is achieved by contraction of an actomyosin cytoskeletal ring assembled in the cell cortex, typically at the cell equator. Cytokinesis is essential for the development of fertilized eggs into multicellular organisms and for homeostatic replenishment of cells. Correct execution of cytokinesis is also necessary for genome stability and the evasion of diseases including cancer. Cytokinesis has fascinated scientists for well over a century, but its speed and dynamics make experiments challenging to perform and interpret. The presence of redundant mechanisms is also a challenge to understand cytokinesis, leaving many fundamental questions unresolved. For example, how does a disordered cytoskeletal network transform into a coherent ring? What are the long-distance effects of localized contractility? Here, we provide a general introduction to ‘modeling for biologists’, and review how agent-based modeling and continuum mechanics modeling have helped to address these questions.
Development of a classification algorithm for efficient handling of multiple classes in sorting systems based on
hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Calvini Rosalba , Orlandi Giorgia , Foca Giorgia , Ulrici Alessandro
Published: December 2018

When dealing with practical applications of hyperspectral imaging, the development of efficient, fast and flexible
classification algorithms is of the utmost importance. Indeed, the optimal classification method should be able, in a
reasonable time, to maximise the separation between the classes of interest and, at the same time, to correctly reject
possible outlier samples. To this aim, a new extension of Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA), namely
Soft PLS-DA, has been implemented. The basic engine of Soft PLS-DA is the same as PLS-DA, but class assignment is
subjected to some additional criteria which allow samples not belonging to the target classes to be identified and rejected.
The proposed approach was tested on a real case study of plastic waste sorting based on near infrared hyperspectral
imaging. Household plastic waste objects made of the six recyclable plastic polymers commonly used for packaging were
collected and imaged using a hyperspectral camera mounted on an industrial sorting system. In addition, paper and not
recyclable plastics were also considered as potential foreign materials that are commonly found in plastic waste. For
classification purposes, the Soft PLS-DA algorithm was integrated into a hierarchical classification tree for the
discrimination of the different plastic polymers. Furthermore, Soft PLS-DA was also coupled with sparse-based variable
selection to identify the relevant variables involved in the classification and to speed up the sorting process. The tree-
structured classification model was successfully validated both on a test set of representative spectra of each material
for a quantitative evaluation, and at the pixel level on a set of hyperspectral images for a qualitative assessment.
Administração fiscal dialógica
Authors: Fernandes André Dias , Cavalcante Denise Lucena
Published: December 2018

Dialogic fiscal administration O presente artigo analisa os atuais paradigmas da administração pública e seus reflexos no âmbito da administração fazendária. O contexto contemporâneo exige novos procedimentos dos agentes fazendários e dos cidadãos-contribuintes, com uma atuação mais célere, transparente, eficiente e colaborativa dos agentes envolvidos na relação tributária. Tanto o Fisco como o contribuinte têm de se esforçar na instauração do diálogo e, consequentemente, na redução dos litígios. Demonstra-se que a busca de acordo acerca do crédito tributário é, além de medida racional e eficaz na resolução dos conflitos tributários, uma exigência do mundo contemporâneo. The purpose of this article is to analyze the new paradigms of public administration and its repercussions within the scope of fiscal administration. The contemporary context requires new procedures for the taxpayer and taxpayer agents, with a faster, transparent, efficient and collaborative action of the players involved in the tax relation. Both the tax authorities and the taxpayers must strive to establish dialogue and, consequently, to reduce litigation. It will be demonstrated that the search for agreement of the tax credit is, besides a rational and effective measure in the resolution of the tax conflicts, a demand of the contemporary world.
O princípio do contraditório necessário aos processos administrativos e aos processos nos tribunais de contas
Authors: Salles Alexandre Aroeira
Published: December 2018

The adversarial system (the principle of the right to a fair hearing) needed for proceedings before administratives and accounting courts in Brazil A CRFB/88 entregou às atividades de controle interno e de controle externo brasileiros importantes competências, incluindo a função de aplicar sanções a pessoas físicas e jurídicas, podendo-lhes ainda condenar à devolução de valores irregularmente dispendidos. Ao mesmo tempo, a CRFB/88 garantiu, por meio do artigo 5o, a todos os indivíduos que o Estado somente lhes possa privar de seus bens e direitos caso siga fielmente as normas-princípio do devido processo legal, do contraditório e da ampla defesa. Desrespeitando frontalmente tais princípios, a Lei no 8.443/1992 organizou seu aparato de forma a incluir nas atribuições de seus ministros o papel de fiscalizar, acusar, instaurar, instruir, gerir as provas e decidir seus processos acusatórios contra os indivíduos. Além disso, a referida lei estabeleceu um processo em que as partes não conseguem: produzir suas provas; acompanhar as provas produzidas pelos seus acusadores e ao mesmo tempo julgadores; serem ouvidas; e nem recorrerem para instância que não já as tenha fiscalizado e julgado. Portanto, é necessário modernizar tal lei para viabilizar tanto uma organização como um processo justo. The Brazilian Constitution of 1988 provided the administrative agencies with important competencies for the internal and external control of public activities, including the function of imposing sanctions and order the return of amounts spent improperly against citzens. At the same time, the 1988 Brazilian Constitution, through its Article 5, guarantees to all individuals that the State can only deprive them of their assets and rights if it faithfully follows certain specific principles (“normas-princípio”) of due legal process, adversarial system and full defense. Disrespecting directly such principles, the act Law 8.443/92 structured its bodies in such a way as to give to the officials the role of auditing, accusing, instituting, instructing, administering the evidence and deciding on its accusatory proceedings against individuals. Moreover, these Laws established a process in which the parties cannot: produce their evidence; analyse the evidence presented by their accusers/judges; be heard; or even appeal to a forum that has not already reviewed and decided on their case. Therefore, it is necessary to adapt this act to enable the creation of a structure and process that is fair.
Política de preços mínimos do transporte rodoviário de cargas
Authors: Souza Conselheiro Alexandre Barreto de
Published: December 2018

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Common reasons for not accepting manuscripts for further processing after editor’s triage and initial screening
Authors: Jawaid Shaukat Ali , Jawaid Masood
Published: December 2018

How to cite this:Jawaid SA, Jawaid M. Common reasons for not accepting manuscripts for further processing after editor’s triage and initial screening. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(1):1-3. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.1.28

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
The exploitation of emery on the island of Samos: Existing data and research perspectives
Authors: Stamatakis Michael , Malegiannaki Irini Athanasios
Published: December 2018

The possible exploitation of eastern Samos emery deposits during the antiquity is explored, taking into account the attested emery mining on the island, during the 19th and 20th c. A.D. Is it possible that Samos diasporitic emery had been used in a similar way with the diasporite and/or corundite emery of Naxos, the main and best known emery source in the Aegean archipelago? As a first step for the investigation of this question, existing geological and historical data on Samian emery are collated and then examined with reference to the Naxian mineral. As far as the mineralogical structure of the Samos emery is concerned, besides the existing data, XRD mineralogical analysis, XRF/ICP major and trace element analysis and SEM-EDS micro-analysis was conducted, in order to recognize specific features of the Samos diasporite deposit. Finally, the few known archaeological findings that may indicate a probable ancient exploitation of the Samos emery are presented, underlining the need of further geological and archaeological research in the Aegean Region and Western Anatolia, in order to draw wider conclusions.
Carbonate rocks originated from Central Peloponnese, Greece - Quality specifications for their use in gas desulfurisation at Megalopolis Thermo-Electrical station
Authors: Seferli Stamatina , Valsamidis Theophilos
Published: December 2018

Greece holds significant amounts of lignite deposit, whose exploitation has been a major contributor to its energy development, to date. Lignite combustion produces gas pollutants, as by-products, which are emitted from the Thermo-Electrical Stations on daily basis and especially sulfur oxides, which can contribute to air pollution, if the appropriate preventive measures are not taken. Oxides’ capture is achieved using limestone, which is abundant in our country, provided that it fulfils certain standards. Therefore, it is deemed necessary to study the area surrounding the mineral deposit rocks, in order to create an excavation, the product of which is going to be used for the aforementioned purpose.
S&B* Mining Stewardship in Milos Island
Authors: Stefanakis Michalis
Published: December 2018

In this article the stewardship activities to ensure minimization of environmental impacts and health & safety risks arising from the exploration, extraction, processing and loading-transportation of bentonite and perlite currently mined by S&B are described. This is defined as “process stewardship”. Limited reference is also made to “product stewardship” activities associated with the downstream use of said products across their life cycle. The contribution made to local community and the infrastructure development to support parallel development of tourism and other activities is also described. The S&B mining stewardship in Milos Island subscribes fully to the S&B sustainable development goal and targets, to which reference is also made.