bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicament of Landlessness: A Critical study of Women’s Rights over Land in Assam
Authors: Hazarika Kanki , Sita V.
Published: March 2020

Land rights to women is one of the significant markers of a gender-just society. It is a basic human right that provides welfare, economic and social security, strong bargaining power and various other benefits. Ownership right over land is also critical to the citizens in terms of exercising and availing rights guaranteed by the state. Based on a narrative from the fieldwork done among the Bodos in Assam, this paper explores the significance of land rights in accessing various rights and welfare programmes and how women are affected in this regard due to lack of land rights. It discusses how a woman’s lack of rights over land can lead to a status of homelessness and place her in a socially and economically precarious position. The landlessness or homelessness status restricts her from accessing various benefits provided by the state. In this context, the paper also looks into the social construction of gendered norms on land rights of the Bodo community. Construction of societal norms on individual’s rights over landed property, inheritance are generally determined by kinship and affinal ideologies of a community. Such norms are often gendered that deny rights to women over this material resource. The most affected are the single, widow and separated women who have no support from the families. Communities having patriarchal ideologies consider women as passive, dependent and secondary subject and accordingly, gendered norms are constructed. Even the state apparatuses, which is often male-dominated, locate woman within the realm of the family and design policies for women as ‘beneficiaries’ and ‘dependents.’ The gendered norms on land rights of a community have a broader impact that goes beyond the community level and enmeshed with the affairs of the state.
Detection and molecular epidemiology of ferlaviruses in farmed snakes with respiratory disease in Guangxi Province, China
Authors: Su Jie-Yu , Li Jun , Que Teng-Cheng , Chen Hai-Lan , Zeng Yun
Published: March 2020

We screened 104 snakes with respiratory disease, collected from 52 snake farms in Guangxi Province, China, for pathogens. Ferlaviruses were detected in 70 of 104 lung samples by reverse-transcription PCR; 34 of 52 of the snake farms were positive for ferlaviruses. No reovirus, adenovirus, sunshine virus, or nidovirus was detected in any of the snakes. We obtained 96 bacterial isolates from snake organs, of which the most commonly isolated species were Salmonella (18) and Proteus (16). Sequence analysis, based on 27 partial RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene ( L) sequences, revealed that ferlaviruses from Guangxi and the known GenBank strains clustered together and formed 3 genogroups. The nucleotide and deduced amino acid homologies of ferlaviruses were 84.3–100% and 95.0–100% within groups, respectively, and 77.0–81.6% and 90.4–95.2% between groups, respectively. Ferlaviruses from Guangxi had close genetic relationships with the known GenBank strains. Our results indicate that ferlaviruses are common in snakes with respiratory disease on the farms of Guangxi that we sampled, and that ferlavirus molecular epidemiology is both diverse and complex.
Detection of antibodies to decorin-binding protein A (DbpA) and DbpB after infection of dogs with Borrelia burgdorferi by tick challenge
Authors: Oldenburg Darby G. , Jobe Dean A. , Lovrich Steven D. , LaFleur Rhonda L. , White Douglas W. , Dant Jennifer C. , Callister Steven M.
Published: March 2020

We characterized the antibody response to decorin-binding protein A (DbpA) or DbpB from immune serum samples collected from 27 dogs infected with Borrelia burgdorferi by Ixodes scapularis ticks. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies to DbpA or DbpB were rarely detected, but high levels of IgG antibodies to DbpA were detected in 16 of 27 of the immune sera collected 1 mo after infection, 20 of 25 of the sera collected after 2 mo, and each of the 23, 17, or 11 serum samples evaluated after 3, 4, or 5 mo, respectively. In addition, IgG antibodies to DbpB were detected in 22 of 27 ( p = 0.005) tested dogs after 1 mo, and the frequency of detecting the antibodies thereafter closely mimicked the antibody responses to DbpA. Moreover, antibodies to DbpA or DbpB were not produced by dogs vaccinated with a whole-cell B. burgdorferi bacterin; removing the antibodies to DbpA by adsorption to recombinant DbpA (rDbpA) did not affect the reactivity detected by a rDbpB ELISA. Therefore, the findings from our preliminary study showed that antigenically distinct antibodies to DbpA or DbpB are produced reliably during canine infection with B. burgdorferi, and the response is not confounded by vaccination with a Lyme disease bacterin. Larger studies are warranted to more critically evaluate whether detecting the antibody responses can improve serodiagnostic confirmation of canine Lyme disease.
The Cultural Perceptions of Healthy Eating in Mexican American Children: A Focused Ethnography
Authors: Ribar Alicia K. , Kilanowski Jill F. , Zoucha Rick
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Obesity in Mexican American children is reaching epidemic proportions. Improved understanding of children’s healthy eating perceptions in culturally diverse populations is needed. The purpose was to describe the meanings and experiences associated with healthy eating from the perspective of Mexican American children. Methodology: The design was a focused ethnography. Midwestern children, aged 11 to 13 years, were interviewed in home and school settings. Leininger’s four phases of qualitative data analysis was used to analyze data. Parental consent/child assent was obtained. Results: Twenty-one children were interviewed. Two themes emerged: (a) Mexican American children connect healthy eating with familiar foods in the context of their ethnic culture; and (b) foods that provide feelings of happiness and well-being are associated with healthy eating. Discussion: This study provides a clear understanding of the meaning and perceptions of healthy eating from the perspective of Mexican American children and offers data to promote culturally congruent care.
FloraGuard: Tackling the Online Illegal Trade in Endangered Plants Through a Cross-Disciplinary ICT-Enabled Methodology
Authors: Lavorgna Anita , Middleton Stuart E. , Pickering Brian , Neumann Geoff
Published: March 2020

This article presents a part of the ongoing Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)-funded project “FloraGuard: Tackling the illegal trade in endangered plants” that relies on cross-disciplinary approaches to analyze online marketplaces for the illegal trade in endangered plants, and explores strategies to develop digital resources to assist law enforcement in countering and disrupting this criminal market. This contribution focuses on how the project brought together computer science, criminology, conservation science, and law enforcement expertise to create a tool for the automatic gathering of relevant online information to be used for research, intelligence, and investigative purposes. The article also discusses the ethical standards applied and proposes the concept of “artificial intelligence (AI) review” to provide a sociotechnical solution that builds trustworthiness in the AI approaches used for this type of cross-disciplinary information and communications technology (ICT)-enabled methodology.
Pediatric Resident Perception and Participation in End-of-Life Care
Authors: Niehaus Jason Z. , Palmer Megan , LaPradd Michelle , Haskamp Amy , Hatton Amy , Scanlon Caitlin , Hill Adam B.
Published: March 2020

Background:

Despite advances in medical care, pediatric deaths are still an unfortunate reality. Most of these deaths occur within a hospital setting. End-of-life care is an important part of medical care for children with serious illnesses. Despite the importance, pediatric providers report a lack of comfort surrounding end-of-life care.

Objective:

To assess categorical pediatric residents’ perceptions and participation in providing end-of-life care to dying children and their families.

Study Design:

This is a survey-based, descriptive, mixed-methods study. Survey was sent to categorical pediatric residents at Indiana University School of Medicine in June 2018 to obtain both quantitative and qualitative information on resident perception and participation in end-of-life care. Surveys were sent to 100 residents with a response rate of 68%.

Setting/Participants:

Pediatric residents at Indiana University School of Medicine.

Results:

The comfort and participation in end-of-life care are limited in all levels of pediatric training. Residents do not feel comfortable with 19 of 22 questions related to end-of-life care. Only 32% of residents felt their education prepared them to participate in end-of-life care. Almost one-fifth (19.5%) of residents report participating in zero aspect of end-of-life care. Themes discussed by residents include education, experience, communication, social norms, emotions, self-care, comfort, and family.

Conclusion:

More formalized education and training is needed to increase resident comfort with and participation in end-of-life care. Such future interventions should focus on communication surrounding difficult conversations and providing guidance for families.
A Novel COL1A1-CAMTA1 Rearrangement in Cranial Fasciitis
Authors: Jebastin Thangaiah Judith , Vickery Jasmine , Selwanes Wasim , Al-Haddad Eman , Perry Kyle D. , Palanisamy Nallasivam , Poulik Janet M. , Williamson Sean R. , Chitale Dhananjay A. , Shehata Bhaig M.
Published: March 2020

Cranial fasciitis is an uncommon benign fibroblastic tumor, generally histologically identical to nodular fasciitis. It develops almost exclusively in children. Cranial fasciitis manifests clinically as a painless rapidly growing solitary nodule in the head and neck area, frequently eroding the underlying bone. Thus, this entity is often confused with aggressive lesions such as sarcomas, both clinically and radiologically. Histopathologic examination is essential to differentiate between cranial fasciitis and fibrohistiocytic or even sarcomatous lesions observed in children. In this article, we present a case of cranial fasciitis with intracranial extension in a 2-year-old boy. Although USP6 rearrangement has recently been recognized as a recurring alteration in nodular fasciitis, we present a novel COL1A1-CAMTA1 fusion in this lesion.
Fabrication of polyacrylonitrile/polyvinyl alcohol–TPU with highly breathable, permeable performances for directional water transport Janus fibrous membranes by sandwich structural design
Authors: Zhang Yue , Li Ting-Ting , Ren Hai-Tao , Sun Fei , Shiu Bing-Chiuan , Lou Ching-Wen , Lin Jia-Horng
Published: March 2020

Janus nanofibrous membranes with thin fiber diameter, small pore size, and easy-tailored wettability/thickness gradient have attracted considerable attention in the directional water transport field. However, designing textiles that ensure continuous directional water transport and outstanding moisture permeable, breathable performances has remained a great challenge. In this study, a novel polyacrylonitrile/polyvinyl alcohol–thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) sandwich nanofibrous membrane with robust moisture permeable, breathable, and directional water transport performance is successfully fabricated with an innovation strategy combining electrospinning with structure-induced method. A good water vapor transmission rate of 9760 g/m2 d and robust breathability of 103 mm/s are obtained by turning the mass ratio of polyacrylonitrile and polyvinyl alcohol and the opening porous structure of TPU; these values are approximately five times those of commercial membranes. The sandwich fibrous membranes are suggested as promising candidates for various applications, especially in moisture-wicking clothing.
Electro-magnetic potential effects on free vibration of rotating circular cylindrical shells of functionally graded materials with laminated composite core and piezo electro-magnetic two face sheets
Authors: Meskini Mohammad , Ghasemi Ahmad Reza
Published: March 2020

In this study, the effect of electric and magnetic potential on the free vibration of rotating circular cylindrical shell of functionally graded piezo electromagnetic composed with fiber reinforced polymers has been investigated. The laminated fiber reinforced polymer is in the core and is supported with the functionally graded material layer on the both sides, and two piezoelectric layers are mounted on the outside and inside of the cylindrical shells. Relationships between strain and displacement are expressed based on Love’s first approximation shell theory. Then according to Hamilton’s principle, the governing equations for the cylindrical shell are extracted. Also, the Navier’s solution is used to solve the equations of the cylindrical shell for the simply–simply supported boundary conditions. The numerical results of the analytical solution for the rotating functionally graded piezoelectric–fiber reinforced polymer cylindrical shells based on the effect of magnetic and electric potential, axial and circumferential wave number and speed rotation are obtained. These results are compared with other research and demonstrated a good agreement.
Clinical characteristics and surgical outcome of pediatric and early adulthood retinal detachment
Authors: Eibenberger Katharina , Sacu Stefan , Rezar-Dreindl Sandra , Schmidt-Erfurth Ursula , Stifter Eva , Georgopoulos Michael
Published: March 2020

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the underlying pathologies, demographic and retinal detachment characteristics in pediatric and early adulthood retinal detachment.

Methods:

Patients with rhegmatogenous, serous, or tractional retinal detachment aged 0–26 years were retrospectively reviewed. The preschool group (n = 4) comprised children aged 0–6 years, the pediatric group (n = 19) comprised children aged 7–16 years, and the early adulthood group (n = 13) aged 17–26 years. Demographic information and retinal detachment characteristics, type of surgery, and intraocular tamponade were analyzed. Postoperatively, the functional outcome, anatomic success, and ocular adverse events were evaluated. Due to the low patient number in the preschool group, statistical analysis was performed for pediatric group and early adulthood group only.

Results:

All causes of retinal detachment were present in the pediatric group, but only rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in the early adulthood group. In both groups, the main type of surgical intervention was pars plana vitrectomy (pediatric group: 52%, early adulthood group: 38%; p = 0.36). The type of intraocular tamponade varied statistically significantly between the groups (p = 0.014). Silicone oil was the main intraocular tamponade in the pediatric group (48%), whereas no tamponade (54%) followed by gas tamponade (46%) in the early adulthood group. Final attachment rate was similar in both groups (pediatric group: 89%, early adulthood group: 100%; p = 0.35). Re-detachment occurred significantly sooner in the pediatric group (1.3 ± 0.3 months) than in the early adulthood group (4.3 ± 1.4 months; p = 0.03).

Conclusion:

In pediatric and early adulthood retinal detachment, pars plana vitrectomy appeared as a successful surgical intervention. Re-attachment rate and re-treatment were similar in both groups with a better functional outcome observed in cases of retinal detachment in early adulthood and poorer results in young children.
Socio-technological Factors and Changing Urban Spaces
Authors: Ulubaş Hamurcu Aslı , Terzi Fatih
Published: March 2020

In the Information Age, it is becoming crucial to understand the socio-technological factors and their possible outcomes so as to fulfill the upcoming spatial needs of the society. Thus, it is aimed to put forward how socio-spatiality is changing along with the developments in new information and communication technologies (nICTs) in the twenty-first century, and how socio-technological factors are affecting urban space in terms of the formation of new urban functions/uses or spaces that will habit/suit/house these dynamics within the city. The outcome of the study shows that there are three phases by which urban (public) space is expected to change according to the impact of socio-technological factors.
Healthcare utilization among migrants to the UK: cross-sectional analysis of two national surveys
Authors: Saunders Catherine L , Steventon Adam , Janta Barbara , Stafford Mai , Sinnott Carol , Allen Lucinda , Deeny Sarah R
Published: March 2020

Objective

To contribute objective evidence on health care utilization among migrants to the UK to inform policy and service planning.

Methods

We analysed data from Understanding Society, a household survey with fieldwork from 2015 to 2017, and the European Health Interview Survey with data collected between 2013 and 2014. We explored health service utilization among migrants to the UK across primary care, inpatient admissions and maternity care, outpatient care, mental health, dental care and physiotherapy. We adjusted for age, sex, long-term health conditions and time since moving to the UK.

Results

Health care utilization among migrants to the UK was lower than utilization among the UK-born population for all health care dimensions except inpatient admissions for childbirth; odds ratio (95%CI) range 0.58 (0.50–0.68) for dental care to 0.88 (0.78–0.98) for primary care). After adjusting for differences in age and self-reported health, these differences were no longer observed, except for dental care (odds ratio 0.57, 95%CI 0.49–0.66, P < 0.001). Across primary care, outpatient and inpatient care, utilization was lower among those who had recently migrated, increasing to the levels of the nonmigrant population after 10 years or more since migrating to the UK.

Conclusions

This study finds that newly arrived migrants tend to utilize less health care than the UK population and that this pattern was at least partly explained by better health, and younger age. Our findings contribute nationally representative evidence to inform public debate and decision-making on migration and health.
Study on wind load shape factor of long-span stadium roof
Authors: Guo Jian , Zhu Minjun , Hu Chengjie
Published: March 2020

A long-span stadium roof has always been a wind load sensitive system, given its usual complex curved surface. However, there is no definite method for calculating the wind load shape factor of the complex building in the code. Based on this, the standard [Formula: see text] model was applied to the computational fluid dynamics numerical simulation of a long-span stadium roof at the wind attack angles of 0°–180°. The pressure distribution on the top and bottom surfaces of the stadium roof and the wind load shape factor were obtained by numerical simulation. The results show that the negative pressure was dominant on the top surface of the roof and the positive pressure was dominant on the bottom surface of the stadium at the wind attack angle of 0°. The ring-shaped curtain wall made the wind field environment more complicated, mainly under the wind attack angles of 45° and 180°. Because of the dip angles at both ends of the roof, the wind pressure distribution at both ends of the roof was opposite to the main region. The maximum wind load shape factors of each region were negative. In addition, the maximum wind load shape factor was at 45°, which was −1.1. The maximum wind load shape factors in regions of R13–R19 were larger, which should be paid attention in design stage. In general, the wind load shape factors were large in the central region and small at both ends. The wind load shape factors of the roof were bounded by 90°, showing an anti-symmetric trend.
Seismic performance of semi-tenon joints reinforced by steel angle in traditional timber buildings
Authors: Xue Jianyang , Ren Guoqi , Zhang Jiaheng , Xu Dan
Published: March 2020

This article presents an experimental and numerical study on seismic performance of semi-tenon joints reinforced by steel angle in traditional timber buildings. Five specimens with two different reinforced connections and one unreinforced connection subjected to low-cyclic reversed loading on the bending moment are examined. The unreinforced connection consists of left and right beams inserted into the column that has been used in setting up the mortise before assembly. The first type of reinforced connection is formed by bottom steel angles bolted to the column and jointed to the beam by means of bolts. The second type of reinforced connection is made up of top and bottom steel angles bolted to the column and connected to the beam relying on vertical and transverse bolts. Moreover, two reinforcement techniques aimed at enhancing the seismic performance of semi-tenon joints are investigated, including the change of steel angle limb length and the variation of steel angle limb thickness. The test setup, joint connection, reinforced conditions, and material properties are introduced through detailed account of the experimental results and observations. The key behavioral patterns are identified from the experiments and the main response characteristics such as hysteresis, stiffness, flexural capacity, energy dissipation, and the failure mechanism. This article demonstrates that the steel angle can enhance the flexural capacity of the semi-tenon joints significantly. Besides, the use of greater limb thickness steel angle is shown to be an effective detail for adequately increasing the flexural capacity and rotation stiffness of the joints. Finite element simulations of experiments are also conducted, together with a detailed description of the modeling methods, so as to gain further insight into the influence of various factors on the behavior of joints.
Sleep disturbance and work-related mental strain: A national prospective cohort study of the prediction of subsequent long-term sickness absence, disability pension and mortality
Authors: Åkerstedt Torbjörn , Mittendorfer-Rutz Ellenor , Rahman Syed
Published: March 2020

Aims: Sleep disturbances and work-related mental strain are linked to increased sickness absence and disability pension (DP), but we have no information on synergy effects. The aim of this study was to examine the combined (and separate) association of the two predictors with subsequent long-term work disability and mortality. Methods: A total of 45,498 participants aged 16–64 years were interviewed in the Swedish Surveys of Living Conditions between 1997 and 2013, and were followed up on long-term sickness absence (LTSA; >90 days/year), DP and mortality via national registers until 2016. Crude and multivariable Cox analyses were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: For LTSA, the HRs for sleep disturbances and work-related mental strain were 1.6 (95% CI 1.5–1.7) and 1.3 (95% CI 1.2–1.4), respectively. For DP, the HRs were 2.0 (95% CI 1.8–2.2) and 1.4 (95% CI 1.2–1.5). Mortality was only predicted by sleep disturbances (HR=1.2, 95% CI 1.1–1.4). No synergy effect was seen. Conclusions: Work-related mental strain and, in particular, sleep disturbances were associated with a higher risk of subsequent LTSA and DP, but without synergy effects. Sleep disturbances were also associated with mortality. Exposure to interventions tackling sleep disturbance and prevention of workplace stress may reduce work disability.
Conservative Treatment of Chronic Pancreatitis: A Practical Approach
Authors: Valente R. , Waldthaler A. , Scandavini C. M. , Vujasinovic M. , Del Chiaro M. , Arnelo U. , Löhr J.-M.
Published: March 2020

Background:

Chronic pancreatitis is a long-standing, inflammatory condition of the pancreas that leads to the progressive damage and loss of function of pancreatic parenchyma and to the development of possible locoregional and systemic medical complications.

Materials and methods:

In this review, we tried to summarize the current evidence on non-surgical treatment trying to suggest a practical approach to the management of chronic pancreatitis.

Results:

Besides the unclear pathophysiological mechanism and a poorly unknown epidemiology, chronic pancreatitis is a complex syndrome that displays different possible challenges for physicians. Despite being traditionally considered as a benign disease, chronic pancreatitis encompasses 10-year mortality rates which are superior to the ones reported for some of the most common cancers.

Conclusions:

Chronic pancreatitis encompasses the management of multiple and complex medical co-morbidities that needs to be understood and addressed in a multidisciplinary specialist context.
An intimate connection: Exploring the visual art experiences of persons with dementia
Authors: Lea Eli , Synnes Oddgeir
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this study is to describe and discuss the art experience of persons with dementia taking part in guided museum tours at a Norwegian art museum. The analysis is based on semi-structured open-ended interviews with participants and researcher field notes. The results demonstrate the capacity and willingness of persons with dementia to reach out and connect on a personal level with the artworks. We identified four experiential dimensions: (1) a new way of seeing, (2) being lifted out of everyday life, (3) activating emotional and bodily responses and (4) connecting art and life. Our findings draw attention to the existential dimensions of the art experience and show that dementia-friendly programmes can offer individuals with dementia a way to stay connected both to themselves and to the wider community through active participation in a cultural discourse. This is the first research study conducted in this emerging field in a Norwegian context.
Plastic Fantasies: Globalization and the Japanese Cultural Imaginary
Authors: Wallin Jason J. , Sandlin Jennifer A.
Published: March 2020

This essay broaches the location of cultural production and circulation through an analysis of popular aesthetics and fantasy structures specific to the postindustrial milieu. While tracing the influence of American popular children’s culture throughout Japan during post-World War II occupation, this essay demonstrates the rise of the Japanese cultural industry as a unique response to and anticipation of the pressures and anxieties of globalization. The Japanese cultural imaginary has significantly prefigured the very anxieties faced in an increasingly globalized world where bodies must be primed for instantaneous communication and be flexible and adaptable to rapidly changing consumer and material landscapes.
Some Peculiarities in the Dose Dependence of Separate and Combined In Vitro Cardiotoxicity Effects Induced by CdS and PbS Nanoparticles With Special Attention to Hormesis Manifestations
Authors: Panov Vladimir , Minigalieva Ilzira , Bushueva Tatiana , Fröhlich Eleonore , Meindl Claudia , Absenger-Novak Markus , Shur Vladimir , Shishkina Ekaterina , Gurvich Vladimir , Privalova Larisa , Katsnelson Boris A.
Published: March 2020

Spherical nanoparticles (NPs) of cadmium and lead sulfides (diameter 37 ± 5 and 24 ± 4 nm, respectively) have been found to be cytotoxic for HL-1 cardiomyocytes as evidenced by decrease in adenosine triphosphate–dependent luminescence. Cadmium sulfide (CdS)-NPs were discovered to produce a much greater cytotoxic impact than lead sulphide (PbS)-NP. Given the same dose range, CdS-NP reduced the number of calcium spikes. A similar effect was observed for small doses of PbS-NP. In addition to cell hypertrophy under the impact of certain doses of CdS-NP and PbS-NP, doses causing cardiomyocyte size reduction were identified. For these 3 outcomes, we obtained both monotonic “dose–response” functions (well approximated by the hyperbolic function) and different variants of non-monotonic ones for which we found adequate mathematical expressions by modifying certain models of hormesis available in the literature. Data analysis using a response surface linear model with a cross-term provided new support to the previously established postulate that a diversity of types of joint action characteristic of one and the same pair of damaging agents is one of the important assertions of the general theory of combined toxicity.
An integrated scheme of speed control and vibration suppression for spiral spring energy storage system driven by PMSM based on backstepping control with minimum electrical loss
Authors: Yu Yang , Tian Xia , Jia Yulong , Cong Leyao , Mi Zengqiang , Fan Zhen
Published: March 2020

The operational performance of the spiral spring energy storage system is affected by the vibration of the spiral spring and the electrical loss of the permanent magnet synchronous motor. It is important to eliminate vibration and reduce electrical loss. A unified control scenario for speed regulation and vibration suppression based on the minimum electrical loss is proposed. First, the spiral spring is equivalent to an Euler–Bernoulli beam and its dynamic model suitable for control is established via the Lagrange equation. Then, the unified control scenario is proposed through nonlinear backstepping control. The speed controller and current controller including modal vibration suppression and minimum electrical loss operation of the system are established, and the stability of the controller is theoretically proved. Moreover, for unknown vibration mode of the spiral spring, a vibration mode–based estimation method with the least-squares algorithm is designed. Aiming at the uncertainty of the permanent magnet synchronous motor’s iron loss resistance, an estimation algorithm based on an adaptive neural fuzzy inference system is designed. The experimental results verify the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed control scheme. In comparison with traditional backstepping control, the proposed control method can effectively suppress the vibration of the spiral spring and realize the stable and highly efficient energy storage operation of the system.
Some Roads Lead to Psychology, Some Lead Away: College Student Characteristics and Psychology Major Choice
Authors: Yu Martin C. , Kuncel Nathan R. , Sackett Paul R.
Published: March 2020

Understanding which students enter and leave psychology majors in college is critical to understanding the pipeline into the field. In this study, we compared psychology majors with nonpsychology majors on the basis of demographic, degree planning, academic preparedness, and academic performance variables using a unique longitudinal sample of nearly a million college students at 249 colleges and universities. Guided by prior research, we examined which students would persist in psychology, enter psychology from another major, or leave psychology for another major between three points in time: intended major before entering college, second-year college major, and fourth-year college major. Critically, most students who majored in psychology did not initially express interest in the field, but entering and persisting in the field was strongly associated with high school exposure and performance in psychology. Students with poorer performance in college often transfer into psychology from majors that may be perceived as difficult (e.g., science, technology, engineering, and math), whereas higher-performing students appear to leave psychology for these same majors, which may also be perceived as more lucrative. These results are concerning for the field of psychology if individuals with high potential who are originally interested in the field eventually leave.
Positive progress: current and evolving role of immune checkpoint inhibitors in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Simmons Christine E. , Brezden-Masley Christine , McCarthy Joy , McLeod Deanna , Joy Anil Abraham
Published: March 2020

Background:

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents an aggressive breast cancer subtype with historically poor overall outcomes, due primarily to a lack of effective targeted agents. Chemotherapy has been the primary treatment approach, although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are currently being investigated to improve patient outcomes. This review examines the clinical implications of current evidence on the use of ICIs for the treatment of metastatic TNBC.

Methods:

Our systematic search identified two phase III and five phase I/II trials reporting on the efficacy of ICIs used as monotherapy or combined with chemotherapy for the treatment of metastatic TNBC.

Results:

The phase III IMpassion 130 trial showed a significant improvement in median progression-free survival in the intent-to-treat (net 1.7 months, p = 0.002) and PD-L1-positive populations (net 2.5 months, p < 0.001) for the addition of first-line atezolizumab versus placebo to nab-paclitaxel in metastatic TNBC. Although median overall survival was not significantly improved in patients receiving atezolizumab overall [net 2.3 months, hazard ratio (HR) 0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72–1.02, p = 0.078], numerical improvements in the PD-L1-positive population were compelling (net 7.0 months, HR 0.71; 95% CI 0.54–0.93). Toxicity profiles were as expected, and no new safety signals were observed. Pembrolizumab monotherapy did not significantly improve overall survival in similar patients that had received prior treatment in KEYNOTE-119.

Conclusions:

Atezolizumab plus nab-paclitaxel represents a potential new first-line standard of care for patients with metastatic PD-L1-positive TNBC. Other ICIs used as monotherapy, or combined with chemotherapy for advanced TNBC, as well as their use for earlier stage disease, are areas of ongoing investigation.
AR420626, a selective agonist of GPR41/FFA3, suppresses growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by inducing apoptosis via HDAC inhibition
Authors: Mikami Daisuke , Kobayashi Mamiko , Uwada Junsuke , Yazawa Takashi , Kamiyama Kazuko , Nishimori Kazuhisa , Nishikawa Yudai , Nishikawa Sho , Yokoi Seiji , Taniguchi Takanobu , Iwano Masayuki
Published: March 2020

Background:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer death worldwide and establishment of new chemotherapies for HCC is urgently needed. GPR41 [free fatty acid receptor 3 (FFA3)] is a G protein-coupled receptor for short chain fatty acids, including acetate, propionate, and butyrate. In our previous study, we showed that propionate enhances the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin in HCC cells and that this mechanism is dependent on inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDACs) via GPR41/FFA3. However, the antitumor action of GPR41/FFA3 has not been elucidated.

Methods:

In this study, we examined AR420626 as a GPR41-selective agonist in HepG2 and HLE cells. Nude mice were used for HepG2 xenograft studies. The apoptotic effect of AR420626 was evaluated using flow cytometry analysis. Expression of apoptosis-related proteins and HDACs was evaluated by Western immunoblot. Gene silencing of HDAC 3/5/7 and GPR41 was performed using small interfering RNA. Expression of TNF-α mRNA was evaluated by TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

We found that AR420626, a selective GPR41/FFA3 agonist, suppressed growth of HepG2 xenografts and inhibited proliferation of HCC cells by inducing apoptosis. AR420626 induced proteasome activation through mTOR phosphorylation, which reduced HDAC proteins, and then increased expression of TNF-α.

Conclusion:

AR420626, a selective GPR41/FFA3 agonist, may be a candidate as a therapeutic agent for HCC.
A Practical Guide for Implementing the STEM Assessment Results in Classrooms: Using Strength-Based Reports and Real Engagement in Active Problem Solving
Authors: Pease Randy , Vuke Mary , June Maker C. , Muammar Omar M.
Published: March 2020

Developing students’ strengths while teaching the content required by national and state standards in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is challenging for classroom teachers. In the Cultivating Diverse Talent in STEM (CDTIS) project, the assessment results found in strength-based reports gave teachers the tools needed to pursue STEM projects that were community and globally inspired, student selected, and aligned with standards. Results of Discovering Intellectual Strengths and Capabilities while Observing Varied Ethnic Responses (DISCOVER) assessments were compiled into easy-to-understand charts and profiles for each student and the class as a whole; the data from assessments of creative problem-solving in all domains were combined to show the students’ strengths. Profiles were then given to students and their parents. Reports contained a summary of the assessments, ideas for developing each area of strength, useful materials, ways to move from focusing on “right answers” to rewarding creative thinking, and careers aligned with the domains of ability. Teachers and students participated in Real Engagement in Active Problem Solving (REAPS) in which students solved real-world problems from their local communities and the world that were connected to their academic areas of study. Using REAPS in any STEM area boosts students’ focus, motivation, interest, and understanding.
Examining the Utility of Perceptual Noise Categorization in Pediatric and Neonatal Hospital Units
Authors: Hasegawa Yoshimi , Ryherd Erica , Ryan Carey S. , Darcy-Mahoney Ashley
Published: March 2020

Medical and nursing staff working in hospitals often experience exposure to extreme sound environments, and there is growing evidence of the negative impacts. Previous research highlighted various complexities regarding noise sources in hospitals; however, identifications of intrinsic noise categories that can reveal the complex mixture of existing hospital noise is still limited. The objective of this work was to identify intrinsic categories of the noise sources based on staff perceived annoyance and explore clear associations of these categorized noise sources with psychological perceptions. The staff perceptual responses regarding hospital noise were assessed by conducting surveys at the three pediatric and neonatal care units in two hospitals. Using principle component analysis (PCA), the psychological annoyance responses of 94 participants were used to derive the inherent structural patterns of the existing noise sources. The derived PCA categorization was validated on mixed-model analysis of variances, and employed on regression models to explore potential associations between the categorized noise factors and the staff’s psychological perceptions. The results highlighted three intrinsic noise categories and their negative impacts on staff’s psychological perceptions including work/rest disturbance and noisiness. Taken as a whole, the findings better reveal problematic noise source categories and establish a framework for hospital noise control that is less source-specific and more broadly generalizable.
Dengue fever complicated with acute liver failure: A case report of expanded dengue syndrome and literature review
Authors: Suganthan Navaneethakrishnan , Sakthilingham Gajawathana , Kumanan Thirunavukarasu
Published: March 2020

Dengue is the most common arboviral disease, the presentation of which ranges from asymptomatic illness to dengue shock syndrome. Liver is the most common organ affected in dengue, and liver involvement is asymptomatic in majority. Dengue fever is a rare, but a leading cause for acute liver failure in endemic regions. Here, we report a case of a 34-year-old male ethanol user (16 units per week), presented with typical features of dengue infection, which was confirmed serologically, complicated with acute liver failure without clinical, radiological or laboratory evidence of plasma leakage. He was managed with intravenous fresh frozen plasma and N-acetyl cysteine along with other recommended supportive therapies for acute hepatic failure. He made an uneventful recovery.
Tetralogy of Fallot With Dextrocardia and Anomalous Coronary Artery: A Case Report
Authors: Tien Do Anh , Nguyen Tran-Thuy , Linh Ngo Thi Hai , Thanh Le Ngoc
Published: March 2020

We report a rare case of tetralogy of Fallot with dextrocardia and anomalous coronary artery. Although this is an unusual complex disease, we have successfully repaired it with a combination of transatrial/transpulmonary and trans–right ventricle techniques.
The Concurrent Effect of Financial Development and Trade Openness on Private Investment in India
Authors: Boachie Micheal Kofi , Ruzima Martin , Immurana Mustapha
Published: March 2020

This article examines the role of financial development and trade openness in promoting private investment in India. We use data (1960– 2013) from the World Development Indicators database. After checking the time series properties of the data, we employ auto-regressive distributed lag (ARDL) estimation technique to investigate the impact of the concurrent existence of financial development and trade openness on private investment and whether the effect of financial development is dependent on the level of openness. The results show that, independently, financial development and trade openness have significant positive effects on India’s private sector investment, in both the long run and the short run. However, the effect of the interaction between financial development and trade openness on private investment is significantly negative, suggesting that the effect of financial development on private investment depends on the level of openness. Therefore, we conclude that care should be taken in the design of policies that allow for the coexistence of financial development and trade openness if India aims at promoting private sector capital formation for job creation.

JEL Classification: E22, E44, F10, F60
Capital vs. Digital Labor in the Post-industrial Information Age: A Marxist Analysis
Authors: Kumar T. , Jena Lalatendu Kesari
Published: March 2020

In the third millennium AD, humanity has reached the phase of the post-industrial information age. This age is characterized by the ubiquitous usage of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in all aspects of social reality. ICTs are not just a tool for automation of social production but are qualitatively different from other preceding technologies. It can be understood that ICTs are situated at the cutting edge of current global capitalism. There is a danger that ICTs are enhancing capitalist consumerism by converting the “complete human being” into the “complete consumer.” ICT-enabled “telework” has changed the “political economy of the home,” so that more surplus value can be extracted. ICTs have influenced the contestation of time between capital and labor that has been happening all through the history of capitalism. “Telework” and flexible production have influenced workers’ powers of collective bargaining. There are new challenges in organizing workers in the gig economy. When the ontological roots of ICTs are situated within the neo-Marxist Habermasian framework of critical theory, its potential for human emancipation is understood. On the contrary, there is also a danger that ICTs may end up as a tool to consolidate and strengthen the existing powers of the bourgeoisie. After engaging with such issues, this article surmises that the nature of the relation between capital and labor in the post-industrial information age is qualitatively different from the earlier industrial age. Nevertheless, it concludes that the possibilities of labor getting into a more just relation with capital and in the process bring about a more equitable global social order still exists.
Proteomic profiling of HTLV-1 carriers and ATL patients reveals sTNFR2 as a novel diagnostic biomarker for acute ATL
Authors: Guerrero Carmina Louise Hugo , Yamashita Yoshiko , Miyara Megumi , Imaizumi Naoki , Kato Megumi , Sakihama Shugo , Hayashi Masaki , Miyagi Takashi , Karimata Kaori , Uchihara Junnosuke , Ohshiro Kazuiku , Todoroki Junpei , Nakachi Sawako , Morishima Satoko , Karube Kennosuke , Tanaka Yuetsu , Masuzaki Hiroaki , Fukushima Takuya
Published: March 2020

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is a human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1)–associated T-cell malignancy with generally poor prognosis. Although only ∼5% of HTLV-1 carriers progress to ATL, early diagnosis is challenging because of the lack of ATL biomarkers. In this study, we analyzed blood plasma profiles of asymptomatic HTLV-1 carriers (ACs); untreated ATL patients, including acute, lymphoma, smoldering, and chronic types; and ATL patients in remission. Through SOMAscan, expression levels of 1305 plasma proteins were analyzed in 85 samples (AC, n = 40; ATL, n = 40; remission, n = 5). Using gene set enrichment analysis and gene ontology, overrepresented pathways in ATL vs AC included angiogenesis, inflammation by cytokines and chemokines, interleukin-6 (IL-6)/JAK/STAT3, and notch signaling. In selecting candidate biomarkers, we focused on soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (sTNFR2) because of its active role in enriched pathways, extreme significance (Welch’s t test P < .00001), high discrimination capacity (area under the curve >0.90), and novelty in ATL research. Quantification of sTNFR2 in 102 plasma samples (AC, n = 30; ATL, n = 68; remission, n = 4) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed remarkable elevations in acute ATL, at least 10 times those of AC samples, and return of sTNFR2 to AC state levels after achieving remission. Flow cytometry and immunostaining validated the expression of TNFR2 in ATL cells. No correlation between sIL-2 and sTNFR2 levels in acute ATL was found, suggesting the possibility of sTNFR2 as an independent biomarker. Our findings represent the first extensive blood-based proteomic analysis of ATL, suggesting the potential clinical utility of sTNFR2 in diagnosing acute ATL.
Paleoenvironmental changes across the Paleocene–Eocene boundary in West Central Sinai, Egypt: geochemical proxies
Authors: Ghandour Ibrahim Mohamed
Published: March 2020

A geochemical analysis has been conducted on twenty-six sediment samples spanning the P–E boundary interval collected from the Esna Shale in three well-dated stratigraphic sections in west-central Sinai, Egypt to interpret paleoenvironmental changes associated with the P–E boundary events. The Esna Shale consists of hemipelagic marine shales and marls and it is subdivided stratigraphically into the uppermost Paleocene Hanadi Member unconformably overlain by the lowermost Eocene Dababiya Quarry Bed (DQB) and El-Mahmiya members. A variety of geochemical proxies including the Al-normalized elemental concentrations and redox-related elemental ratios and parameter (V/Cr, V/V + Ni and Mn*) and productivity indicators (Porg and Babio) were employed for paleoceanographic interpretations. Across the P–E transition, the concentrations of SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3 Fe2O3, MgO, V, Cr, Ni, Cu, Rb, and Zr notably increased, whereas the concentrations of CaO, MnO, Sr, and Zn abruptly decreased. The variation in the elemental concentrations is attributed to the carbonate dissolution because of increased ocean acidification as well as a brief increase in the detrital influx associated with the brief humid interval at the base of the Eocene. The Al-normalized detrital-related elements (Ti, Zr, and Rb) values show a relatively homogeneous profile suggesting a uniform detrital input from an unchanged source rock. The simultaneous significant increase in the V/Cr and V/V + Ni ratios and enrichment of Ni, Cu, and Zn in the sediments of the DQB suggest that the depositional basin experienced dysoxic to slightly anoxic bottom conditions. The coeval increase in the Porg and Babio in the sediments of the DQB suggests an increase in nutrients availability and consequently primary productivity possibly due to enhanced upwelling during early Eocene.