bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Analysis of DDoS Attacks on the Instant Messengers
Authors: Faisal Mohammad , Abbas Sohail , Rahman Haseeb Ur , Khan Muhammad Zahid , Rahman Arif Ur
Published: October 2019

Latest technologies of voice over IP (VoIP) and mobile messaging for smartphones messengers such as WhatsApp, Viber, Skype, etc., offer free-of-charge facilities of worldwide SMS, MMS, and voice calls to their users, unlike the traditional and expensive cellular or telephone networks’ services. Customers of the formerly mentioned messengers are estimated in millions because of the attractive features offered by them. However, these messengers face many cyber security threats and the required security features are either not available at all or are insufficient for efficiently countering the threats. Professionals working in the domain of cyber security are challenged by the devastating effects of distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks on all major platforms including Apple Macintosh, Windows, Unix, and Linux. In this paper, we demonstrate the effect of DDoS attack on the performance of an IRC server using a test bed. We use a game theoretic model to analyze the feasibility of DDoS attacks on the IRC platform, keeping in view the attacker’s objective. The analysis will help the security experts to propose appropriate countermeasures to reduce the attackers’ utility, thereby making it less attractive for those attackers to launch the attack.
Achieving Lingualized Balanced Occlusion in a Fixed-Removable Rehabilitation for a Maxillary Complete and Mandibular Kennedy Class II Case
Authors: Tulunoglu Ibrahim , Cohen Samuel
Published: October 2019

In this case report, a method to achieve an adequate compensating curve and bilateral balanced lingualized occlusion in a case requiring maxillary complete denture and mandibular Kennedy Class II removable partial and fixed prosthodontic rehabilitation is described.
Study on Roof Breakage‐Induced Roadway Coal Burst in an Extrathick Steeply Inclined Coal Seam
Authors: Wang Sheng-chuan , Dou Lin-ming , Mu Zong-long , Cao Jin-rong , Li Xu-wei
Published: October 2019

In view of the coal burst induced by roof breakage in the steeply inclined coal seam (SICS) roadway and its mechanism, a mechanical model was established to investigate the distribution of dynamic and static stresses in the coal seam before and after the breakage of a thick hard roof. The aim of this research is to study failure laws of SICS roadways under the superposition of dynamic load induced by roof breakage and asymmetric static load. For this purpose, response characteristics including acoustic emission (AE), static stress, and acceleration were analyzed by applying different dynamic loads to different horizontal slices with a self‐made similarity simulation test apparatus under combined dynamic and static loads. The theoretical model and simulation results were verified by analyzing characteristics of coal burst occurrence in the field, microseismic (MS) events, and tomographic imaging of microseismic waves. The study demonstrates the following: (1) The abutment pressure of the roof plays a dominant role in stress distribution of the coal seam slice before the breakage of the thick hard roof with the stress of the roof roadway (Rr) being obviously higher than that of the floor roadway (Rf). (2) High‐energy MS events and AE events are concentrated on the roof side after the breakage of the thick hard roof, and coal bursts are more easily induced by the superposition of high dynamic and static stresses on the roof side. Coal burst in the roadway is jointly determined by dynamic and static stresses. Under the same static stress, response characteristics increase with the rise of intensity of dynamic loads. When dynamic stress is the same, coal burst easily occurs in the roadway with high static stress.
The L-Curve Criterion as a Model Selection Tool in PLS Regression
Authors: Kerkri Abdelmounaim , Allal Jelloul , Zarrouk Zoubir
Published: October 2019

Partial least squares (PLS) regression is an alternative to the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, used in the presence of multicollinearity. As with any other modelling method, PLS regression requires a reliable model selection tool. Cross validation (CV) is the most commonly used tool with many advantages in both preciseness and accuracy, but it also has some drawbacks; therefore, we will use L-curve criterion as an alternative, given that it takes into consideration the shrinking nature of PLS. A theoretical justification for the use of L-curve criterion is presented as well as an application on both simulated and real data. The application shows how this criterion generally outperforms cross validation and generalized cross validation (GCV) in mean squared prediction error and computational efficiency.
The Effect of Ivabradine on the Human Atrial Myocardial Contractility in an In Vitro Study
Authors: Chaban Ryan , Buschmann Katja , Krausgrill Anna , Beiras-Fernandez Andres , Vahl Christian-Friedrich
Published: October 2019

Purpose. Ivabradine has emerged as a new antiarrhythmic agent that could compete with the traditional ones, such as beta-blockers. This experimental study aims to ascertain whether ivabradine directly interferes with the myocardial contractility in an in vitro environment. Methods. Myocardial tissues from the right atrial appendages of patients undergoing cardiac surgery were dissected to obtain 40 specimens from 20 patients (length: 3 mm), which were exposed to electrical impulses at a frequency of 75 bpm for 30 min to reach a steady state. Specimens were then categorised into four groups (each including five patients). The first group was the control, whereas the second, third, and fourth were treated with 60 nM, 200 nM, and 2 μM ivabradine, respectively. We assessed five different contraction parameters before and after a 15 min treatment and calculated their relative changes, which were then compared to the control group. Results. Ivabradine has affected the force of contraction significantly in vitro (p=0.009). However, force of contraction decreased in both the control group (93.5 ± 4.7%) and the second group (94.1 ± 4.5%, p=0.8) and force of contraction remained unchanged in the third group (101.0 ± 4.1%, p=0.24) and increased significantly in the fourth group (108.9 ± 11.6%, p=0.008). There was no change in other contraction parameters, such as passive tension force (97.1 ± 5.1%, p=0.368), duration of contraction (99.1 ± 4.3%, p=0.816), time to peak (96.6 ± 3.0%, p=0.536), and time to relaxation (101.2 ± 7.0%, p=0.564). Conclusions. Ivabradine did not interfere with the contractile behaviour of human atrial tissue when it was used in therapeutic dosages in vitro. However, it increased the contractility slightly, when it was used in supratherapeutic dosage.
Evaluation of Retinal Pigment Epithelium and Choroidal Neovascularization in Rats Using Laser-Scanning Optical-Resolution Photoacoustic Microscopy
Authors: Xiao Meichun , Dai Cuixia , Li Lin , Zhou Chuanqing , Wang Fenghua
Published: October 2019

Purpose: To demonstrate the value of the laser-scanning optical-resolution (LSOR)-photoacoustic (PA) microscopy (PAM) system and the conventional multimodal imaging techniques in the evaluation of laser-induced retinal injury and choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in rats. Methods: Different degrees of retinal injury were induced using laser photocoagulation. We compared the LSOR-PAM system with conventional imaging techniques in evaluating retinal injury with or without CNV. Six additional rats, treated with an anti-VEGF antibody or immunoglobulin G immediately after photocoagulation, were imaged 7 and 14 days after injection, and CNV lesion areas were compared. Results: In the retinal injury model, fundus autofluorescence showed well-defined hyperreflection, while the lesion displayed abundant PA signals demonstrating nonuniform melanin distribution in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). RPE was detected with higher contrast in the PAM B-scan image than optical coherence tomography (OCT). Additionally, the CNV lesion was present with multiple PA signal intensities which distinctly characterized the location and area of CNV as found in fundus fluorescein angiography. Furthermore, the decreased PA signals extending from the CNV lesion were similar to those of the vascular bud in ex vivo imaging, which was invisible in other in vivo images. When treated with anti-VEGF agents, statistically significant differences can be demonstrated by PAM similar to other modalities. Conclusions: LSOR-PAM can detect the melanin distribution of RPE in laser-induced retinal injury and CNV in rats. PAM imaging provides a potential new tool to evaluate the vitality and functionality of RPE in vivo as well as to monitor the development and treatment of CNV.
A Novel G385E Variant in the Cold Region of the T3-Binding Domain of Thyroid Hormone Receptor Beta Gene and Investigations to Assess Its Clinical Significance
Authors: Korwutthikulrangsri Manassawee , Dosiou Chrysoula , Dumitrescu Alexandra M. , Refetoff Samuel
Published: October 2019

Background: Resistance to thyroid hormone beta (RTHβ) is characterized by elevated thyroid hormone and unsuppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), caused by thyroid hormone receptor beta gene (THRB) defects. Most mutations producing RTHβ phenotype are located in CG-rich regions of THRB, encoding the T3-binding and hinge domains of the receptor. However, a region encompassing codons 384–425 is virtually devoid of RTHβ-causing mutations, termed “cold region.” Case: A 49-year-old woman was diagnosed with Hashimoto thyroiditis in her twenties, and levothyroxine (LT4) was initiated. During LT4 treatment she had slightly elevated free thyroxine and TSH levels, suggesting the possibility of RTHβ. Results: Sequencing of THRB identified a heterozygous missense variant c.1154G>A producing p.G385E in the proband. Since this variant of unknown significance (VUS) has not been reported in RTHβ individuals and considering its location in the “cold region” of THRB, we questioned its relevance. In silico functional prediction algorithms showed conflicting results: PolyPhen-2 predicted this VUS to be probably damaging with a score of 1.000, while SIFT predicted it to be tolerated with a score of 0.07, thus making additional investigations necessary. Genotyping of family members revealed that the proband’s mother and sister, without RTHβ phenotype, also harbored the same variant. This indicates that the THRB G385E variant is unlikely to manifest RTHβ phenotype and confirms its “cold” status. Conclusions: This study illustrates that assigning causality of a THRB VUS for RTHβ based only on in silico prediction algorithms is not always fully reliable. Additional phenotype-genotype segregation in family members can assist in predicting functional consequences of missense mutations.
Comparison of Number of Passes and Cytopathological Specimen Adequacy for Thyroid Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy in the Absence of an On-Site Pathologist
Authors: Kuzan Taha Yusuf , Canbey Goret Ceren
Published: October 2019

Aim: Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is a reliable, minimally invasive diagnostic method with high sensitivity and specificity in the evaluation of thyroid nodules. Our aim in this retrospective study was to determine if there was a difference in the adequacy ratio based on the number of needle passes in the thyroid FNABs in the absence of rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) by the pathologist and to determine the optimal needle pass number for FNAB. Methods: Between November 2018 and February 2019, thyroid FNABs of 121 (99 female, 22 male) patients were evaluated retrospectively. Samples for each biopsy were numbered according to the order of retrieval, and 4 pairs of slides were prepared by the radiologist without on-site microscopic evaluation. Cytological results were determined according to the Bethesda classification. Results: The rate of adequacy in the first, second, third, and fourth passes were 76.0, 82.6, 77.7, and 71.2%, respectively. No statistically significant difference was found between these four groups in terms of adequacy (p = 0.21). The adequacy rates of the 1st, 1st+2nd, 1st+2nd+3rd, and cumulative evaluation of all four biopsies were 76.0, 87.6, 90.1, and 91.7%, respectively (p = 0.001). A statistically significant difference was found in the comparison of the 1st biopsy and the cumulative 1st+2nd biopsy in terms of adequacy rates (p = 0.019). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the cumulative 1st+2nd biopsy and the cumulative 1st+2nd+3rd biopsy in terms of adequacy rates (p = 0.54). Conclusions: In cases where ROSE cannot be performed, we recommend a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 3 needle entries for FNAB adequacy with the right technique and preparation.
Associations of Retinal Microvascular Diameters and Tortuosity With Blood Pressure and Arterial Stiffness
Authors: Tapp Robyn J. , Owen Christopher G. , Barman Sarah A. , Welikala Roshan A. , Foster Paul J. , Whincup Peter H. , Strachan David P. , Rudnicka Alicja R. ,   For the UK Biobank Eye and Vision Consortium
Published: October 2019

To examine the baseline associations of retinal vessel morphometry with blood pressure (BP) and arterial stiffness in United Kingdom Biobank. The United Kingdom Biobank included 68 550 participants aged 40 to 69 years who underwent nonmydriatic retinal imaging, BP, and arterial stiffness index assessment. A fully automated image analysis program (QUARTZ [Quantitative Analysis of Retinal Vessel Topology and Size]) provided measures of retinal vessel diameter and tortuosity. The associations between retinal vessel morphology and cardiovascular disease risk factors/outcomes were examined using multilevel linear regression to provide absolute differences in vessel diameter and percentage differences in tortuosity (allowing within person clustering), adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, clinic, body mass index, smoking, and deprivation index. Greater arteriolar tortuosity was associated with higher systolic BP (relative increase, 1.2%; 95% CI, 0.9; 1.4% per 10 mmHg), higher mean arterial pressure, 1.3%; 0.9, 1.7% per 10 mmHg, and higher pulse pressure (PP, 1.8%; 1.4; 2.2% per 10 mmHg). Narrower arterioles were associated with higher systolic BP (−0.9 µm; −0.94, −0.87 µm per 10 mmHg), mean arterial pressure (−1.5 µm; −1.5, −1.5 µm per 10 mmHg), PP (−0.7 µm; −0.8, −0.7 µm per 10 mmHg), and arterial stiffness index (−0.12 µm; −0.14, −0.09 µm per ms/m
2
). Associations were in the same direction but marginally weaker for venular tortuosity and diameter. This study assessing the retinal microvasculature at scale has shown clear associations between retinal vessel morphometry, BP, and arterial stiffness index. These observations further our understanding of the preclinical disease processes and interplay between microvascular and macrovascular disease.
The Missional Future of Free Churches in a Secular Context: A German Case Study
Authors: Paas Stefan , Bartholomä Philipp
Published: October 2019

Similar to most Western nations, Germany has experienced a history of secularization, resulting in church decline. However, some Christian communities have been less affected by decline. The historical free churches (Freikirchen), usually of an evangelical nature, have not only developed a more explicit missionary identity than the mainline churches, some of them have also been able to experience church growth against the larger trends. In this paper quantitative and qualitative data are presented based on a study of the Bund Freier evangelischer Gemeinden (BFeG) in Germany. These data show that general church growth and conversion growth are correlated, that young churches grow better (in both respects) than older churches, that the net conversion growth (conversions minus decline) of younger and older churches is overall largely the same, and that growth results in Berlin outperform the results in other cities and in the BFeG as a whole. These results are put into context by extended case studies of two churches, one old and one young, and they are discussed with a view to existing studies of (free church) mission in the West.
The Keyi Mappila Muslim Merchants of Tellicherry and the Making of Coastal Cosmopolitanism on the Malabar Coast
Authors: Abraham Santhosh
Published: October 2019

The Keyi Mappila Muslim merchants of Tellicherry (Thalassery) on the Malabar Coast were one of the few early modern Indian merchant groups who succeeded in carving out a powerful political and social configuration of their own on the western coast of the Indian Ocean during the British period. Today, several branches of Keyi families remain a cultural unit in the Islamic community of Kerala. This article attempts to locate the group in the larger theoretical context of Indian Ocean cosmopolitanism and argues that the Keyis developed a distinct and significant type of coastal cosmopolitanism in an Indian Ocean setting; Chovakkaran Moosa, an influential merchant from a Keyi family during the colonial period, serves as a representative figure. Through their trade and financial relationships with British and local elites, and the characteristic architecture of their warehouses, residences, and mosques, the Keyis successfully integrated the practices of a global cosmopolitan space into a local vernacular secluded commercial space. This article presents a synthesis of a lively coastal urban and local rural cosmopolitanism that included several networks and exchanges, foreign and native collaborations, and an amalgamation of local and external cultural spheres.
Intra-Asian Competition and Collaboration against the West: The N.Y.K. Bombay Line, Tata & Sons, and Indian Cotton at the End of the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Akita Shigeru
Published: October 2019

The traditional and orthodox interpretation of the British Raj (colonial rule in India) characterizes it in terms of the economic exploitation of India. However, recent historical studies have focused on the revival or development of the Indian cotton industry at the turn of the twentieth century. This article pays special attention to the rapid development of the Indian cotton-spinning industry as an export industry for the Chinese market and its implications for intra-Asian competition.
From Slave Trade to Human System: Patrick Manning and World History
Authors: Cheng Yinghong
Published: October 2019

This biographical essay sketches Patrick Manning’s career in world history and the contributions he has made to the field. Starting as a social and economic historian of Africa, Manning has continued to expand his interests by responding to the calls that history as an intellectual enterprise receives from society. As an educator and academic organizer, Manning taught for many years at Northeastern University and the University of Pittsburgh, established and helped to build many graduate programs and scholarly associations, and served as vice president (2004–2006) and president (2016–2017) of the American Historical Association.
Africa and the Demographic Consequences of the Columbian Exchange
Authors: Frankema Ewout
Published: October 2019

Patrick Manning has been one of the leading scholars of African historical demography since the late 1970s. This essay takes stock of his contribution to the field and highlights some of the debates in which Manning has participated over the past forty years. The essay also discusses some of the main challenges of extrapolating African population series into previous centuries, arguing that the models designed by Manning capture the potential negative consequences of the trans-Atlantic slave trade on African population development since 1500 well, but that the next step forward requires methods for estimating the positive effects of the introduction and diffusion of New World food crops in Africa.
An ‘Enlightenment-centred’ Approach to Interreligious Dialogue
Authors: Hoon Hwang Kyung
Published: October 2019

This study explores the possible dialogue between Catholic Philosopher Lonergan and Zen (Seon) Master Chinul in the light of enlightenment or conversion as ‘Christian enlightenment’. Keeping in mind that Zen Buddhism puts much stress on ‘direct cutting’ or ‘intuition’ rather than language or knowing, this comparative study examines Lonergan’s ‘transcendental epistemology’ in which he shows how humans could reach ‘conversion’ (Metanoia) or ‘Christian enlightenment’ with Chinul’s idea of Buddha-nature as ‘mystical or spiritual knowing’(靈智).

Such ‘enlightenment-centered’ comparison will suggest a ‘deeper dialogue’ on the level of fundamental human consciousness, such that this study could be a suggestion or even a challenge for both Eastern and Western religious traditions by expanding the horizon of interreligious dialogue for a new and deeper way of promoting such dialogue.
A ‘Righteous Intervention’: Megachurch Christianity and Duterte’s War on Drugs in the Philippines
Authors: Cornelio Jayeel , Marañon Ia
Published: October 2019

Megachurches, which are among the fastest-growing religious organizations in the Philippines, have been apolitical towards Duterte’s war on drugs. In contrast to some influential religious groups, that they have not released any statement is glaring. At the same time, megachurches have adopted interventions that aim at the rehabilitation of drug-dependent individuals and the moral renewal of police officers. What accounts for these actions? For megachurch pastors, the war on drugs is a ‘righteous intervention’ on the part of a God-ordained administration. At the same time, addressing the proliferation of illegal drugs is ‘humanly impossible’. Thus responding to substance abuse can only be a spiritual matter. The task of the church is to treat it as a spiritual condition to which the answer is conversion and moral recovery. The article ends with a critical reflection on how these theological views ultimately reflect the interests of the class these megachurches represent.
First inclusion of a trichiine beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) from Baltic amber

Authors: ALEKSEEV VITALII I.
Published: October 2019

Baltic amber forms the largest known Konservat-Lagerstätte of fossil plant resin and the richest repository of fossil insects of any age on Earth. Despite a long history of palaeobiological research of Baltic amber (over 200 years) and really intensive taxonomic study in the last decade, many interesting and new bioinclusions await scientific attention. In the current paper, the brief report of an unique large flower chafer inclusion from the Early Tertiary Baltic amber is provided. The author decided not to formally create a new genus and not to subjectively assign the Eocene beetle to an extant genus. However, the specimen seems to be remarkable and surprising in different aspects. The reported Eocene beetle is: 1) one of the oldest members of the subfamily Cetoniinae and also the earliest fossil record of the tribe Trichiini; 2) the first known representative of the subfamily in Baltic amber; 3) the largest known beetle fossilized in amber; and 4) an unique example of mineralized fossil included in amber.
Description of Laccobius (s. str.) shengshanensis sp. n. from China (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae)
Authors: PENG YUNFEI , JI LANZHU , BIAN DONGJU
Published: October 2019

The subgenus Laccobius (s. str.) Erichson, 1837 includes 25 species which are distributed in Palearctic (10 species) and Nearctic (15 species) regions (Hansen, 1999). The subgenus is characterized by the following diagnostic features: eyes in dorsal view nearly circular or slightly oval; hind tibiae evidently curved; elytral punctures arranged in about 20 longitudinal rows and all elytral punctures alike; and the mesoventral keel normally without lateral spurs, sometimes with a central swelling (Gentili, 1995).
Taxonomic study of the leafhopper genus Raabeina Dworakowska (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae: Erythroneurini), with description of a new species from China
Authors: LIN SHUANGHU , ZHANG YALIN
Published: October 2019

The genus Raabeina Dworakowska is reviewed, including one new species R. longhiensis sp. nov. from Guangxi Province, China. Detailed morphological description and illustration of this new species is provided. A key to all known species (males) is given.
Tornado Damage Ratings Estimated with Cumulative Logistic Regression
Authors: Elsner James B. , Schroder Zoe
Published: October 2019

Empirical studies have led to improvements in evaluating and quantifying the tornado threat. However, more work is needed to put the research onto a solid statistical foundation. Here the authors begin to build this foundation by introducing and then demonstrating a statistical model to estimate damage rating (enhanced Fujita scale) probabilities. A goal is to alert researchers to available statistical technology for improving severe weather warnings. The model is cumulative logistic regression and the parameters are determined using Bayesian inference. The model is demonstrated by estimating damage rating probabilities from values of known environmental factors on days with many tornadoes in the United States. Controlling for distance to nearest town/city, which serves as a proxy variable for damage target density, the model quantifies the chance that a particular tornado will be assigned any damage rating given specific environmental conditions. Under otherwise average conditions, the model estimates a 65% chance that a tornado occurring in a city or town will be rated EF0 when bulk shear (1000–500-hPa layer) is weak (10 m s−1). This probability drops to 38% when the bulk shear is strong (40 m s−1). The model quantifies the corresponding increases in the chance of the same tornado receiving higher damage ratings. Quantifying changes to the probability distribution on the ordered damage rating categories is a natural application of cumulative logistic regression.
Fatal Recurrent Staphylococcus aureus Infection in a Patient With an Aortic Endostent Under Alirocumab
Authors: Stöllberger Claudia , Mertikian Gerard , Stahl Dorit , Finsterer Josef
Published: October 2019

Purpose:

Aortic stent-graft infection (SGI) entails a high mortality. Alirocumab is a monoclonal antibody to proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), approved for treatment of therapy-refractory hypercholesterolemia. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 might play a role in infections.

Case report:

A 68-year-old male suffered from fatigue, fever, and back pain. Twelve months previously, a 4-fold-fenestrated aortic endoprosthesis was implanted because of an aortic aneurysm. Four months later, alirocumab 150 mg was initiated. Staphylococcus aureus grew in several blood cultures, and he received cefazolin and fosfomycin. Fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography computed tomography indicated an infected endoprosthesis. Puncture of the periprosthetic space under antibiotic therapy revealed different strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis. The therapy was changed to dalbavancin. The patient died suddenly 11 days later after complaining about back pain for several days. No autopsy was carried out.

Conclusions:

The most probable cause of the patient’s recurrent bacteremia with S aureus was an infection of the aortic prosthesis. Although this report is very speculative, it can be concluded that data about infections in patients under PCSK9 inhibitors should be collected systematically and more research is needed about the biological consequences of decreasing cholesterol to extreme low levels.
Transcriptomic and presence/absence variation in the barley genome assessed from multi-tissue mRNA sequencing and their power to predict phenotypic traits
Authors: Weisweiler Marius , Montaigu Amaury de , Ries David , Pfeifer Mara , Stich Benjamin
Published: October 2019

Background

Barley is the world’s fourth most cultivated cereal and is an important crop model for genetic studies. One layer of genomic information that remains poorly explored in barley is presence/absence variation (PAV), which has been suggested to contribute to phenotypic variation of agronomic importance in various crops.

Results

An mRNA sequencing approach was used to study genomic PAV and transcriptomic variation in 23 spring barley inbreds. 1502 new genes identified here were physically absent from the Morex reference sequence, and 11,523 previously unannotated genes were not expressed in Morex. The procedure applied to detect expression PAV revealed that more than 50% of all genes of our data set are not expressed in all inbreds. Interestingly, expression PAV were not in strong linkage disequilibrium with neighboring sequence variants (SV), and therefore provided an additional layer of genetic information. Optimal combinations of expression PAV, SV, and gene abundance data could enhance the prediction accuracy of predicting three different agronomic traits.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the advantage of mRNA sequencing for genomic prediction over other technologies, as it allows extracting multiple layers of genomic data from a single sequencing experiment. Finally, we propose low coverage mRNA sequencing based characterization of breeding material harvested as seedlings in petri dishes as a powerful and cost efficient approach to replace current single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) based characterizations.
A matched-pair analysis on survival and response rates between German and non-German cancer patients treated at a Comprehensive Cancer Center
Authors: Budde Marie K. , Kuhn Walther , Keyver-Paik Mignon-Denise , Bootz Friedrich , Kalff Jörg C. , Müller Stefan C. , Bieber Thomas , Brossart Peter , Vatter Hartmut , Herrlinger Ulrich , Wirtz Dieter C. , Schild Hans H. , Kristiansen Glen , Pietsch Thorsten , Aretz Stefan , Geiser Franziska , Radbruch Lukas , Reich Rudolf H. , Strassburg Christian P. , Skowasch Dirk , Essler Markus , Ernstmann Nicole , Landsberg Jennifer , Funke Benjamin , Schmidt-Wolf Ingo G. H.
Published: October 2019

Background

Research shows disparities in cancer outcomes by ethnicity or socio-economic status. Therefore, it is the aim of our study to perform a matched-pair analysis which compares the outcome of German and non-German (in the following described as ‘foreign’) cancer patients being treated at the Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO) Köln Bonn at the University Hospital of Bonn between January 2010 and June 2016.

Methods

During this time, 6314 well-documented patients received a diagnosis of cancer. Out of these patients, 219 patients with foreign nationality could be matched to German patients based on diagnostic and demographic criteria and were included in the study. All of these 438 patients were well characterized concerning survival data (Overall survival, Progression-free survival and Time to progression) and response to treatment.

Results

No significant differences regarding the patients’ survival and response rates were seen when all German and foreign patients were compared. A subgroup analysis of German and foreign patients with head and neck cancer revealed a significantly longer progression-free survival for the German patients. Differences in response to treatment could not be found in this subgroup analysis.

Conclusions

In summary, no major differences in survival and response rates of German and foreign cancer patients were revealed in this study. Nevertheless, the differences in progression-free survival, which could be found in the subgroup analysis of patients with head and neck cancer, should lead to further research, especially evaluating the role of infectious diseases like human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) on carcinogenesis and disease progression.
Using data on snus use in Sweden to compare different modelling approaches to estimate the population health impact of introducing a smoke-free tobacco product
Authors: Djurdjevic Smilja , Pecze Laszlo , Weitkunat Rolf , Luedicke Frank , Fry John , Lee Peter
Published: October 2019

Background

We have developed an approach for modelling the health impact of introducing new smoke-free tobacco products. We wished to compare its estimates with those of alternative approaches, when applied to snus, used in Sweden for many years.

Methods

Modelling was restricted to men aged 30–79 years for 1980–2009 and to four smoking-related diseases. Mortality data were extracted for Sweden and other European countries. Published data provided Swedish prevalence estimates for combinations of never/former/current smoking and snus use, and smoking prevalence estimates for other European countries. Approach 1 compares mortality in Sweden and in other countries with a smoking prevalence similar to Sweden’s prevalence of combined smoking/snus use. Approaches 2 and 3 compare mortality in Sweden with hypothetical mortality had snus users smoked. Approach 3 uses our health impact model, individuals starting with the tobacco prevalence of Sweden in 1980. Tobacco histories during 30-year follow-up were then estimated using transition probabilities, with risk derived using a negative exponential model. Approach 2 uses annual tobacco prevalence estimates coupled with estimates of relative risk of current and former smokers regardless of history. The main applications of Approaches 2 and 3 assume that only smoking affects mortality, though sensitivity analyses using Approach 3 allow for risk to vary in snus users and dual users.

Results

Using Approach 2, estimated mortality increases in Sweden in 1980–2009 had snus not been introduced were: lung cancer 8786; COPD 1781; IHD 10,409; stroke 1720. The main Approach 3 estimates were similar (7931, 1969; 12,501; 1901). They decreased as risk in snus users and dual users increased. Approach 1 estimates differed wildly (77,762, 32,538; 77,438; 76,946), remaining very different following correction for differences between Sweden and the comparison countries in non-smoking-related disease mortality.

Conclusions

Approach 1 is unreliable, accounting inadequately for non-tobacco factors affecting mortality. Approaches 2 and 3 provide reasonably similar approximate estimates of the mortality increase had snus not been available, but have differing advantages and disadvantages. Only Approach 3 considers tobacco history, but develops histories using tobacco transition probabilities, which is possibly less reliable than using estimated tobacco prevalences at each follow-up year.
Correction to: A genetically encoded Ca2+ indicator based on circularly permutated sea anemone red fluorescent protein eqFP578
Authors: Shen Yi , Dana Hod , Abdelfattah Ahmed S. , Patel Ronak , Shea Jamien , Molina Rosana S. , Rawal Bijal , Rancic Vladimir , Chang Yu-Fen , Wu Lanshi , Chen Yingche , Qian Yong , Wiens Matthew D. , Hambleton Nathan , Ballanyi Klaus , Hughes Thomas E. , Drobizhev Mikhail , Kim Douglas S. , Koyama Minoru , Schreiter Eric R. , Campbell Robert E.
Published: October 2019

In the online version of the article [1], Figure S1 was mistakenly replaced with Figure 1.
Some representations of the general solution to a difference equation of additive type
Authors: Stević Stevo
Published: October 2019

The general solution to the difference equation$$x_{n+1}=\frac {ax_{n}x_{n-1}x_{n-2}+bx_{n-1}x_{n-2}+cx_{n-2}+d}{x_{n}x_{n-1}x_{n-2}},\quad n\in\mathbb{N}_{0}, $$xn+1=axnxn−1xn−2+bxn−1xn−2+cxn−2+dxnxn−1xn−2,n∈N0,where$a, b, c\in\mathbb{C}$a,b,c∈C,$d\in\mathbb{C}\setminus\{0\}$d∈C∖{0}, is presented by using the coefficients, the initial values$x_{-j}$x−j,$j=\overline{0,2}$j=0,2‾, and the solution to the difference equation$$y_{n+1}=ay_{n}+by_{n-1}+cy_{n-2}+dy_{n-3}, \quad n\in\mathbb{N}_{0}, $$yn+1=ayn+byn−1+cyn−2+dyn−3,n∈N0,satisfying the initial conditions$y_{-3}=y_{-2}=y_{-1}=0$y−3=y−2=y−1=0,$y_{0}=1$y0=1. The representation complements known ones of the general solutions to the corresponding difference equations of the first and second order. Besides, the general representation formula is investigated in detail and refined by using the roots of the characteristic polynomial$$P_{4}(\lambda )=\lambda ^{4}-a\lambda ^{3}-b\lambda ^{2}-c\lambda -d $$P4(λ)=λ4−aλ3−bλ2−cλ−dof the linear equation. The following cases are considered separately: (1) all the roots of the polynomial are distinct; (2) there is a unique double root of the polynomial; (3) there is a triple root of the polynomial and one simple; (4) there is a quadruple root of the polynomial; (5) there are two distinct double roots of the polynomial.
Development of a framework for increasing asthma awareness in Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe
Authors: Ndarukwa Pisirai , Chimbari Moses J. , Sibanda Elopy N.
Published: October 2019

Background

Asthma accounts for significant global morbidity and health-care costs. It is still poorly understood among health professionals and the general population. Consequently, there are significant morbidity and mortality rates throughout the globe. The aim of this study was to develop a framework to increase asthma awareness at Chitungwiza Hospital, Zimbabwe.

Methods

A modified Delphi model was used to collect data to develop a framework for increasing asthma awareness. At baseline (round 1) in-depth interviews with 44 medical doctors were carried out to understand the level of asthma awareness. Round 2 data collection was in the form of a workshop involving a total of 15 doctors, 30 nurses, four public relations officers, and two health education and promotion officers. The same participants who were engaged in round 2 were also involved in the third round where consensus was achieved by the health professionals.

Results

Our study showed that awareness to asthma among health care providers was affected by mimicry of symptoms and lack of continuous education on asthma. Our study showed lack of Information Education and Communication (IEC) material and lack of use of bulk messages affected asthma awareness. Our study showed that clinical meetings on asthma, having asthma training manuals, (IEC) materials and guidelines for asthma diagnosis and management could improve health care providers’ awareness of asthma. Bulk messages on asthma through network providers, social media and bill boards, commemorating world asthma day, edutainment, asthma ambassadors and multimedia were suggested as means of improving awareness of asthma among the public.

Conclusion

We concluded that awareness of asthma can be improved using a framework. Such a framework ultimately improves the quality of asthma care.
Therapeutic experience with tramadol for opioid dependence in a patient with chronic low back pain: a case report
Authors: Shigematsu-Locatelli Marie , Kawano Takashi , Koyama Tsuyoshi , Iwata Hideki , Nishigaki Atsushi , Aoyama Bun , Tateiwa Hiroki , Kitaoka Noriko , Yokoyama Masataka
Published: October 2019

Background

Long-term opioid treatment for chronic non-cancer pain has become controversial, given the increasing prevalence of opioid dependence. However, there is little information on therapeutic strategies for this condition in Japanese patients. Here, we present a case of successful management of iatrogenic opioid dependence with tramadol in a patient with chronic low back pain.

Case presentation

A 68-year-old male suffering from intractable low back pain was referred to our pain clinic. He was previously treated in another hospital with transdermal fentanyl patches 6 mg/day and fentanyl sublingual tablets (100 μg as required) for this condition. On the basis of medical examination, including a review of the patient’s medical history, physical examination, X-ray, and his family statement, we diagnosed him with iatrogenic opioid dependence due to inadequate fentanyl use. Then, we developed a treatment plan consisting in fentanyl detoxification with a weak opioid, tramadol. At first, the use of fentanyl sublingual tablets was interrupted after obtaining informed consent. Then, we reduced the dose of transdermal fentanyl 1 mgper4–5 days replacing with oral sustained-release tramadol. The patient developed mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms during this period, which could be effectively managed by supportive treatments. The hospital psychiatry liaison team continuously provided the patient and his wife with information, counseling, and education regarding the treatment of opioid dependence. Throughout the detoxification process, his reported pain did not exacerbate, even slightly improved over time. The final prescription was sustained-release tramadol 300 mg/day without fentanyl, and his activities of daily living drastically improved. However, unfortunately, he died due to an aortic dissection of stent-graft edge 65 days after surgery.

Conclusions

Our case highlighted that sustained-release tramadol could be effectively applied as a detoxification agent for iatrogenic opioid dependence in patients with chronic non-cancer pain.
The Klf6-related super enhancer regulates Klf6-SV2 expression mediated proliferation in human hepatoma (HepG2) cells
Authors: Ri Kum Chol , Kim Chol , Choe Sun Il , So Ju Hyok , O Se Hyok
Published: October 2019

Background

The Klf6 gene, which belongs to Krüppel-like family of C2H2 zinc finger transcription factors, is greatly related to tumorigenesis via a high rate of somatic mutation in the carcinomas of prostate, liver, colon, stomach, lung, neck, pituitary, and nervous system: Furthermore, the pathways regulating the expressions of Klf6 splice variants termed Klf6-SV1, -SV2, and -SV3 remain obscure although their functional outcomes have been clear. In this study, the functional roles of Klf6 variants in the inhibition of cell proliferation induced by the disruption of Klf6-related super enhancer in human hepatoma (HepG2) cells were evaluated.

Results

As a result, the disruption of Klf6-related super enhancer not only induced the upregulation of Klf6-SV2 but also led to a significant reduction of proliferation in HepG2 cells. In addition, the disruption of Klf6-related super enhancer led to the induction of p21 and Bax genes mediated by the upregulation of Klf6-SV2.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it was demonstrated that Klf6-related super enhancer modulates cell proliferation via the regulation of Klf6-SV2 expression in human hepatoma (HepG2) cells. The results provide the functional significance of Klf6-related super enhancer in understanding the transcriptional regulation mechanism of Klf6.
Craufurd Goodwin as a Historian of Canadian Economic Thought
Authors: Dimand Robert W.
Published: October 2019

Craufurd Goodwin began his distinguished career in the history of economic thought as a scholar of Canadian and Commonwealth economic thought. This paper examines his pioneering contributions to the study of Canadian economic thought, including his doctoral dissertation and first book, which explored the development of political economy in Canada in the century preceding World War I.
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND OF CREATING A MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF TRACTOR TRACTION EFFICIENCY
Authors: Хафизов Камиль , Khafizov Kamil , Хафизов Рамиль , Khafizov Ramil , Нурмиев Азат , Nurmiev Azat , Галиев Ильгиз , Galiev Ilgiz
Published: October 2019

To identify the main parameters of the tractor - its mass, engine power, wheel diameter and its profile width (four-parameter optimization) using the optimization criterion - the total energy costs (taking into account the energy of the crop lost due to the non-optimality of these parameters), it is necessary to have a mathematical model for calculation of engine power through the traction coefficient of performance of the tractor. The traction efficiency of the tractor is calculated through f is the coefficient of resistance to rolling of the tractor wheel and d is the coefficient of slipping of the tractor wheel. An analysis of the applied theory developed by previous researchers showed that the values f and d depend on the weight of the tractor coming to one wheel G, the diameter D and the width of the profile of the wheel B, the pressure in its tires ρw, the hardness of the soil H, the effort on the tractor hook Pkp and its speed V. During the analysis, it was found that the larger the diameter of the wheel, the width of the tire profile, the less the vertical load on the wheel and the pressure in the tires, the less the resistance to rolling the wheel over the soil being compacted. It is concluded that the study of the nature of the change in the coefficient of resistance to rolling wheels f and their slipping d from the above factors must be carried out jointly, because they influence each other. The absence of acceptable mathematical dependences for calculating the indicated coefficients, with the simultaneous action of all identified factors, leads to the need for a seven-factor experiment to identify the dependencies f =j (G, D, b, ρw, H, Ркр, V) and δ =ψ (G, D, b, ρw, H, Ркр, V), which is very difficult in operating conditions, therefore, using the similarity theory, it is necessary to reduce the number of factors in the experiment to four.
SOME ASPECTS OF ACCOUNTING AND TAXATION IN THE CROWDFUNDING FIELD OF ACTIVITY
Authors: Дятлова Ангелина , Dyatlova Angelina , Клычова Гузалия , Klychova Guzaliya
Published: October 2019

This article provides a brief description of the crowdfunding sphere of activity and the procedure for its formation, its main types, ways of involving money in this sphere of activity, it offers standard records of facts of economic life in accounting and tax accounting, methods of generating funds for charitable investment projects and features of tax calculations in each of them (donation, donation, provision of services, loans, sale of shares, investments). Crowdfunding is a concept of foreign origin. This is essentially the totality of all types of non-profit charitable activities to raise funds in the form of investments for various purposes according to the agreement. The main principles of these types of activities are the attraction of sponsorship funds free of charge, the targeted use of funds, confidentiality, reliability and responsibility of the sponsored person to investors of funds. At the same time, the functioning of sponsored charitable organizations should be carried out on the basis of existing regulatory legal acts in terms of their state registration, accounting and tax calculations and other areas. Understanding the nature of crowdfunding, their development, procedures for the formation of crowdfunding formations (or entities, organizations, companies and other concepts), the effectiveness of this field of activity, the rules of settlement relationships between participants of crowdfunding companies with the state and their reflection in accounting and tax accounting currently cause significant interest in charity organizations.
The level of Polish youth champions’ temperamental qualities in football
Authors: Kalinowski Paweł , Nowakowska Monika , Jerszyński Damian , Bojkowski Łukasz
Published: October 2019

There are many factors which contribute to a successful sports career in football. One of the most important ones is players’ comprehensive preparation which consists of motor, technico-tactical and psychical components. The study focuses on a selected psychical aspect and more precisely on the temperamental features that describe and explain relationship between a man and environment.The aim of the study was to determine and compare the level of highly qualified young footballers’ temperamental properties in relation to those of the average people of the same age. The subject of the research was 31 players of the Lech Poznań club (Polish champions U-17 from 2016). The research was carried out using the EAS-D questionnaire which consists of five scales: dissatisfaction, fear, anger, activity and sociability.In the conducted study, there was a statistically significant differentiation of the results between the respondents and the average people at the level of two temperamental traits such as fear (a lower score in football players) and activity (a higher score in tested football players compared to the average people of the same age).
Influence of the antioxidant complex on the physical efficiency of highly qualified athletes specializing in rowing
Authors: Zukow Walery , Gozhenko Anatoliy , Kozyrev Andrey
Published: October 2019

The publication discusses the possibility of using antioxidants to mitigate the effects of oxidative stress and increase physical performance in highly qualified athletes who specialize in rowing.