bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Efficient Framework for a Third Party Auditor in Cloud Computing Environments
Authors: Mahdavi-Hezavehi S , Alimardani Y , Rahmani R 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Cloud Service Providers supply services to clients in terms of their demands. They need to be constantly under monitoring for their services with respect to consensus agreements between clients and service providers. A Third Party Auditor or TPA as a trusted organization appears to be necessary to monitor executing agreements of cloud services. Using a third party as an extra component creates cost overheads for clients in a cloud environment. Thus, introducing a cost efficient framework for a cloud environment which includes a third party is an eminent achievement to make a TPA feasible and practical in cloud environments. In this paper, we propose a TPA framework for monitoring service level agreements between cloud service providers and cloud clients using several cloud resources. This framework employs different types of service deployments from various cloud service providers excluding the cloud service provider which is being monitored. Then, we demonstrate that the framework can mitigate costs of a third party auditor in a cloud environment. Simulations of trends for costs exhibits cost efficiency of at least forty percent over ten years when a TPA follows our proposed framework in comparison to other frameworks. Finally, we provide an analysis to compare characteristics of our framework with other frameworks and discuss the advantages of our proposed framework. Our results indicate that TPA as a component of the framework not only reduces overall costs of its presentation in a cloud environment but additionally improves management efficiency and security.
Agreement between gadolinium-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance and electro-anatomical maps in patients with non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy and ventricular arrhythmias
Authors: Torri Federica , Czimbalmos Csilla , Bertagnolli Livio , Oebel Sabrina , Bollmann Andreas , Paetsch Ingo , Jahnke Cosima , Arya Arash , Merkely Bela , Hindricks Gerhard , Dinov Borislav 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Aims
We sought to investigate the overlap between late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and electro-anatomical maps (EAM) of patients with non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM) and how it relates with the outcomes after catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias (VA).

Methods and results
We identified 50 patients with NIDCM who received CMR and ablation for VA. Late gadolinium enhancement was detected in 16 (32%) patients, mostly in those presenting with sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT): 15 patients. Low-voltage areas (<1.5 mV) were observed in 23 (46%) cases; in 7 (14%) cases without evidence of LGE. Using a threshold of 1.5 mV, a good and partially good agreement between the bipolar EAM and LGE-CMR was observed in only 4 (8%) and 9 (18%) patients, respectively. With further adjustments of EAM to match the LGE, we defined new cut-off limits of median 1.5 and 5 mV for bipolar and unipolar maps, respectively. Most VT exits (12 out of 16 patients) were found in areas with LGE. VT exits were found in segments without LGE in two patients with VT recurrence as well as in two patients without recurrence, P = 0.77. In patients with VT recurrence, the LGE volume was significantly larger than in those without recurrence: 12% ± 5.8% vs. 6.9% ± 3.4%; P = 0.049.

Conclusions
In NIDCM, the agreement between LGE and bipolar EAM was fairly poor but can be improved with adjustment of the thresholds for EAM according to the amount of LGE. The outcomes were related to the volume of LGE.
Deep sedation for transvenous lead extraction: a large single-centre experience
Authors: Bode Kerstin , Whittaker Peter , Lucas Johannes , Müssigbrodt Andreas , Hindricks Gerhard , Richter Sergio , Doering Michael 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Aims
Transvenous lead extraction for cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) is of growing importance. Nevertheless, the optimal anaesthetic approach, general anaesthesia vs. deep sedation (DS), remains unresolved. We describe our tertiary centre experience of the feasibility and safety of DS.

Methods and results
Extraction procedures were performed in the electrophysiology (EP) laboratory by two experienced electrophysiologists. We used intravenous Fentanyl, Midazolam, and Propofol for DS. A stepwise approach with locking stylets, dilator sheaths, and mechanical sheaths via subclavian, femoral, or internal jugular venous access was utilized. Patient characteristics and procedural data were collected. Logistic regression models were used to identify parameters associated with sedation-related complications. Extraction of 476 leads (dwelling time/patient 88 ± 49 months, 30% ICD leads) was performed in 220 patients (64 ± 17 years, 80% male). Deep sedation was initiated with bolus administration of Fentanyl, Midazolam, and Propofol; mean doses 0.34 ± 0.12 μg/kg, 24.3 ± 6.8 μg/kg, and 0.26 ± 0.13 mg/kg, respectively. Deep sedation was maintained with continuous Propofol infusion (initial dose 3.7 ± 1.1 mg/kg/h; subsequently increased to 4.7 ± 1.2 mg/kg/h with 3.9 ± 2.6 adjustments) and boluses of Midazolam and Fentanyl as indicated. Sedation-related episodes of hypotension, requiring vasopressors, and hypoxia, requiring additional airway management, occurred in 25 (11.4%) and 5 (2.3%) patients, respectively. These were managed without adverse consequences. Five patients (2.3%) experienced major intraprocedural complications; there were no procedure-related deaths. All of our logistic regression models indicated intraprocedural support was associated with administration higher Fentanyl doses.

Conclusion
Transvenous lead extraction under DS in the EP laboratory is a safe procedure with high success rates when performed by experienced staff.
Validation of an ampicillin selection protocol to enrich for mutants of Listeria monocytogenes unable to replicate on fresh produce
Authors: Jayeola Victor , Parsons C , Gorski L , Kathariou S 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACT
Several outbreaks of listeriosis have implicated fresh produce but genetic factors required for growth of Listeria monocytogenes on produce remain poorly characterized. Based on the fact that β-lactam antibiotics only kill bacterial cells that are growing, we hypothesized that ampicillin selection can enrich for L. monocytogenes mutants unable to grow on produce. For validation, we examined relative recovery of L. monocytogenes strain 2011L-2858 and its cold-sensitive mutant L1E4 following inoculation of cantaloupe rind fragments with 1:1 mixture of the strains and incubation at 4°C with or without ampicillin. Listeria monocytogenes from rind fragments inoculated with the mixed cultures and incubated in the presence of ampicillin were used to inoculate fresh rind fragments for a second round of enrichment. In the presence of ampicillin, the proportion of L1E4 increased from 55% on day 0 to 78% on day 14, with higher recovery (85% after 14 days) in the second round of enrichment. These data suggested that L1E4 was enriched on cantaloupe rind fragments while growing cells of the wildtype were killed by ampicillin. Application of this protocol to transposon mutant libraries from three L. monocytogenes strains yielded several mutants unable to grow on cantaloupe. Thus, ampicillin selection can facilitate discovery of genes essential for growth of L. monocytogenes on fresh produce.
Wind load estimation on an open-grown European oak tree
Authors: Angelou Nikolas , Dellwik Ebba , Mann Jakob 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
In this study, we investigate the relationship between the mean wind-induced load on an open-grown oak tree and the mean wind speed. The estimation of the wind load is based on bending moment observations on the stem, using strain gauges installed close to the base of the tree. The measurement campaign included periods where the crown was both with and without foliage. A new post-processing method to compensate for time- and temperature-dependent drifts of long-term strain gauge measurements is presented. The time-scale, at which the method is applied, is determined from the observed high coherence between the wind speed and the induced bending moments. The analysis shows that the wind load on the tree is proportional to the wind speed raised to an exponent of 1.60–1.68 and 1.90–2.01 in the case of a crown with and without leaves, respectively. The results indicate that the presence of foliage increases the wind-induced load by a factor of 2–3. The impact of the wind speed range on these results is discussed and compared to the measured wind deficit in the lee of the tree. The application of this method can potentially be extended to other tree mounted sensors.
Exploring Elder Neglect: New Theoretical Perspectives and Diagnostic Challenges
Authors: Stodolska Agata , Parnicka Agnieszka , Tobiasz-Adamczyk Beata , Grodzicki Tomasz 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesNeglect of older adults is a complex and important social problem which is difficult to detect. The aim of this review is to explore and categorize different characteristics of elder neglect, to facilitate a uniform conceptualization and provide recommendations for identification of the phenomenon.Research Design and MethodsArticles published between January 1990 and February 2019, both from developed and developing countries, were taken into consideration. The literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and CINAHL using keywords related to elder abuse and neglect. Articles regarding the concept of elder neglect, identifying or measuring this phenomenon were reviewed. The identified indicators were presented according to the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.ResultsFrom 7,207 articles found in the initial search, 63 relevant studies were selected for the final analysis. Indicators most frequently used by researchers (functionality, physical appearance and health, social and psychological background, mental health, and environment) correspond to different aspects of needs. Caregiver’s responsibility, satisfaction of needs, and risk of harm are the core elements to consider in identification of neglect.Discussion and ImplicationsThe identified elements and categories of indicators provide the framework for developing standard definitions and measures of elder neglect. The proposed diagram demonstrates gaps in identification and can be useful in detecting potential neglect in various categories of needs. Further research on perceptions and prevalence of elder neglect in different countries would be helpful for cross-country analysis as well as for adaptation of the instruments to cultural specifics.
Docosahexaenoic acid reduces microglia phagocytic activity via miR-124 and induces neuroprotection in rodent models of spinal cord contusion injury
Authors: Yip Ping K , Bowes Amy L , Hall Jodie C E , Burguillos Miguel A , Ip T H Richard , Baskerville Tracey , Liu Zhuo-Hao , Mohamed Moumin A E K , Getachew Fanuelle , Lindsay Anna D , Najeeb Saif-Ur-Rehman , Popovich Phillip G , Priestley John V , Michael-Titus Adina T 
Published: April 2019

AbstractMicroglia are activated after spinal cord injury (SCI), but their phagocytic mechanisms and link to neuroprotection remain incompletely characterized. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has been shown to have significant neuroprotective effects after hemisection and compression SCI and can directly affect microglia in these injury models. In rodent contusion SCI, we demonstrate that DHA (500 nmol/kg) administered acutely post-injury confers neuroprotection and enhances locomotor recovery, and also exerts a complex modulation of the microglial response to injury. In rodents, at 7 days after SCI, the level of phagocytosed myelin within Iba1-positive or P2Y12-positive cells was significantly lower after DHA treatment, and this occurred in parallel with an increase in intracellular miR-124 expression. Furthermore, intraspinal administration of a miR-124 inhibitor significantly reduced the DHA-induced decrease in myelin phagocytosis in mice at 7 days post-SCI. In rat spinal primary microglia cultures, DHA reduced the phagocytic response to myelin, which was associated with an increase in miR-124, but not miR-155. A similar response was observed in a microglia cell line (BV2) treated with DHA, and the effect was blocked by a miR-124 inhibitor. Furthermore, the phagocytic response of BV2 cells to stressed neurones was also reduced in the presence of DHA. In peripheral monocyte-derived macrophages, the expression of the M1, but not the M0 or M2 phenotype, was reduced by DHA, but the phagocytic activation was not altered. These findings show that DHA induces neuroprotection in contusion injury. Furthermore, the improved outcome is via a miR-124-dependent reduction in the phagocytic response of microglia.
Smoking, drinking, diet and physical activity—modifiable lifestyle risk factors and their associations with age to first chronic disease
Authors: Ng Ryan , Sutradhar Rinku , Yao Zhan , Wodchis Walter P , Rosella Laura C 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundThis study examined the incidence of a person’s first diagnosis of a selected chronic disease, and the relationships between modifiable lifestyle risk factors and age to first of six chronic diseases.MethodsOntario respondents from 2001 to 2010 of the Canadian Community Health Survey were followed up with administrative data until 2014 for congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive respiratory disease, diabetes, lung cancer, myocardial infarction and stroke. By sex, the cumulative incidence function of age to first chronic disease was calculated for the six chronic diseases individually and compositely. The associations between modifiable lifestyle risk factors (alcohol, body mass index, smoking, diet, physical inactivity) and age to first chronic disease were estimated using cause-specific Cox proportional hazards models and Fine-Gray competing risk models.ResultsDiabetes was the most common disease. By age 70.5 years (2015 world life expectancy), 50.9% of females and 58.1% of males had at least one disease and few had a death free of the selected diseases (3.4% females; 5.4% males). Of the lifestyle factors, heavy smoking had the strongest association with the risk of experiencing at least one chronic disease (cause-specific hazard ratio = 3.86; 95% confidence interval = 3.46, 4.31). The lifestyle factors were modelled for each disease separately, and the associations varied by chronic disease and sex.ConclusionsWe found that most individuals will have at least one of the six chronic diseases before dying. This study provides a novel approach using competing risk methods to examine the incidence of chronic diseases relative to the life course and how their incidences are associated with lifestyle behaviours.
Linear algebra-based controller for trajectory tracking in mobile robots with additive uncertainties estimation
Authors: Scaglia G J E , Serrano M E , Godoy S A , Rossomando F 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
This paper addresses trajectory tracking problem in mobile robots considering additive uncertainties. The controller design method is based on linear algebra theory. Numerical estimation techniques are used to estimate the uncertainty value in each sample time. The controller is calibrated by stochastic way using the Monte Carlo Experiment. In addition, the proof of convergence to zero of the tracking error is included. The theoretical results are validated by simulation and experimental tests. The controller proposed shows that it can be used to reduce the effect of additive uncertainties in the tracking error.
Monocyte subsets involved in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Hirose Sachiko , Lin Qingshun , Ohtsuji Mareki , Nishimura Hiroyuki , Verbeek J Sjef 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
AbstractMonocytes are evolutionally conserved innate immune cells that play essential roles for the protection of the host against pathogens and also produce several inflammatory cytokines. Thus, the aberrant functioning of monocytes may affect not only host defense but also the development of inflammatory diseases. Monocytes are a heterogeneous population with phenotypical and functional differences. Most recent studies have shown that monocytes are divided into three subsets, namely classical, intermediate and non-classical subsets, both in humans and mice. Accumulating evidence showed that monocyte activation is associated with the disease progression in autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, it remains to be determined how monocytes contribute to the disease process and which subset is involved. In this review, we discuss the pathogenic role of monocyte subsets in SLE and RA on the basis of current studies by ourselves and others to shed light on the suitability of monocyte-targeted therapies in these diseases.
‘Antibiotic footprint’ as a communication tool to aid reduction of antibiotic consumption
Authors: Limmathurotsakul Direk , Sandoe Jonathan A T , Barrett David C , Corley Michael , Hsu Li Yang , Mendelson Marc , Collignon Peter , Laxminarayan Ramanan , Peacock Sharon J , Howard Philip 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
‘Superbugs’, bacteria that have become resistant to antibiotics, have been in numerous media headlines, raising awareness of antibiotic resistance and leading to multiple action plans from policymakers worldwide. However, many commonly used terms, such as ‘the war against superbugs’, risk misleading people to request ‘new’ or ‘stronger’ antibiotics from their doctors, veterinary surgeons or pharmacists, rather than addressing a fundamental issue: the misuse and overuse of antibiotics in humans and animals. Simple measures of antibiotic consumption are needed for mass communication. In this article, we describe the concept of the ‘antibiotic footprint’ as a tool to communicate to the public the magnitude of antibiotic use in humans, animals and industry, and how it could support the reduction of overuse and misuse of antibiotics worldwide. We propose that people need to make appropriate changes in behaviour that reduce their direct and indirect consumption of antibiotics.
Pharmacokinetics of tenofovir monoester and association with intracellular tenofovir diphosphate following single-dose tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
Authors: Brooks Kristina M , Ibrahim Mustafa E , Castillo-Mancilla Jose R , MaWhinney Samantha , Alexander Keisha , Tilden Scott , Kerr Becky Jo , Ellison Lucas , McHugh Cricket , Bushman Lane R , Kiser Jennifer J , Hosek Sybil , Huhn Gregory D , Anderson Peter L 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Background
Tenofovir monoester is a relatively lipophilic intermediate formed during the hydrolysis of tenofovir disoproxil to tenofovir. Its clinical pharmacokinetic profile and influence on the cellular pharmacology of tenofovir diphosphate have not been reported.

Methods
Plasma, PBMC and dried blood spots (DBS) were obtained from HIV-uninfected adults participating in a randomized, cross-over bioequivalence study of single-dose tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/emtricitabine unencapsulated or encapsulated with a Proteus® ingestible sensor. Plasma pharmacokinetics of tenofovir monoester and tenofovir were characterized using non-compartmental methods. Relationships with tenofovir diphosphate in DBS and PBMC were examined using mixed-effects models.

Results
Samples were available from 24 participants (13 female; 19 white, 3 black, 2 Hispanic). Tenofovir monoester appeared rapidly with a median (range) Tmax of 0.5 h (0.25–2) followed by a rapid monophasic decline with a geometric mean (coefficient of variation) t½ of 26 min (31.0%). Tenofovir monoester Cmax was 131.6 ng/mL (69.8%) and AUC0–4 was 93.3 ng·h/mL (47.9%). The corresponding values for plasma tenofovir were 222.2 ng/mL (37.1%) and 448.1 ng·h/mL (30.0%). Tenofovir monoester AUC0–∞ (but not tenofovir AUC0–∞) was a significant predictor of tenofovir diphosphate in both PBMC (P = 0.015) and DBS (P = 0.005), increasing by 3.8% (95% CI 0.8%–6.8%) and 4.3% (95% CI 1.5%–7.2%), respectively, for every 10 ng·h/mL increase in tenofovir monoester.

Conclusions
Tenofovir monoester Cmax and AUC0–4 were 59.2% and 20.6% of corresponding plasma tenofovir concentrations. Tenofovir monoester was significantly associated with intracellular tenofovir diphosphate concentrations in PBMC and DBS, whereas tenofovir concentrations were not. Tenofovir monoester likely facilitates cell loading, thereby increasing tenofovir diphosphate exposures in vivo.
Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analysis of weight- and height-scaled tobramycin dosage regimens for patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Alghanem S S , Touw D J , Thomson A H 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Objectives
To determine the outcomes of weight- and height-based tobramycin dosing regimens for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Methods
A simulated dataset of 5000 patients based on 331 patients with CF was created using NONMEM. Pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters were derived for each patient from a published model using Monte Carlo simulation. The abilities of 10 and 12 mg/kg/day and 3 and 4 mg/cm/day to achieve standard and extended Cmax (20–30 and 20–40 mg/L) and AUC0–24 (80–120 and 80–150 mg·h/L) targets were evaluated. PK/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) indices were a Cmax/MIC ratio ≥10 and an AUC0–24/MIC ratio ≥110. For these indices and a range of MICs, cumulative fractions of response (CFRs) for Pseudomonas aeruginosa were also determined.

Results
More patients achieved standard Cmax and AUC0–24 targets with 3 mg/cm/day (64% and 62%, respectively) than with 10 mg/kg/day (43% and 48%, respectively). AUC0–24 estimates >120 mg·h/L were more common with weight-based dosing. With higher doses, 72% achieved high target peaks with 4 mg/cm/day and 65% with 12 mg/kg/day. For the Cmax/MIC index, the maximal MIC for the target microorganism was 2 mg/L with lower doses, 2.5 mg/L with higher doses and 0.5 mg/L for AUC0–24/MIC-based regimens. The CFR for all regimens was >90% for Cmax targets and 66% to 79% for AUC0–24 targets.

Conclusions
A tobramycin dose of 3 mg/cm/day rather than 10 mg/kg/day achieved similar PK/PD outcomes but dose and AUC0–24 ranges were narrower and the incidence of high AUC0–24 values was lower. Height-based doses should therefore be considered for patients with CF.