bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emotion Goals: What Do Sexual Offenders Want to Feel?
Authors: Garofalo Carlo , López-Pérez Belén , Gummerum Michaela , Hanoch Yaniv , Tamir Maya
Published: July 2019

Sexual offenders typically experience more negative emotions and greater difficulties in regulating emotions than non-offenders. However, limited data exist on what sexual offenders want to feel (i.e., their emotion goals). Notably, emotion goals play a key role in emotion regulation and contribute to emotional experience. The present study tested whether sexual offenders ( N = 31) reported higher scores for negative emotion goals and lower scores for positive emotion goals, compared with general offenders ( N = 26) and non-offenders ( N = 26). In addition, we tested whether sexual offenders differed from the other two groups in their perceived pleasantness and perceived utility of emotions. Sexual offenders reported greater scores for the emotion goal of sadness, and lower scores for the emotion goal of excitement, compared with both general offenders and non-offenders. State and trait levels of these emotions could not fully account for these differences. Furthermore, sexual offenders reported lower perceived pleasantness for sadness than general offenders and lower perceived pleasantness for excitement compared with both other groups. Finally, sexual offenders reported greater perceived utility of sadness than non-offenders. These novel findings and their implications for research and interventions are discussed in the context of sexual offenders’ emotional dysfunction.
Educational attainment and the Brexit vote
Authors: Jump Rob Calvert , Michell Jo
Published: July 2019

The Brexit vote is the most significant political event in recent British history. We present bivariate choropleth maps comparing the Leave vote share with age-adjusted secondary educational attainment. This provides an immediate visual representation of the spatial and bivariate correlations between these variables, as well as their geographical distribution. Only 12 of the 85 local authorities that voted Remain had lower than expected age-adjusted educational attainment; only 10 of the 95 local authorities in which the Leave vote share exceeded 60% had higher than expected age-adjusted educational attainment. While the effectiveness of choropleth maps for exploring the spatial characteristics of bivariate relationships has been discussed by a number of authors, our technique of using borders to highlight a threshold value appears to be under-utilised.
Protective effect of coenzyme Q10 against bisphenol-A-induced toxicity in the rat testes
Authors: Güleş Özay , Kum Şadiye , Yıldız Mustafa , Boyacıoğlu Murat , Ahmad Ejaz , Naseer Zahid , Eren Ülker
Published: July 2019

The present study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant, histomorphometric, histochemical, immunohistochemical, biochemical, and cytological effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) against bisphenol-A (BPA)-induced testicular toxicity in rats. A total of 40 adult male Wistar rats were divided into five equal groups. The control group remained untreated. The vehicle control group was administered corn oil (2 ml/kg/day), the BPA group was given BPA (100 mg/kg/day), the CoQ10 group was supplemented with CoQ10 (10 mg/kg/day), and the rats in the CoQ10-BPA group received CoQ10 (10 mg/kg/day) followed by BPA (100 mg/kg/day) 1 h later. The treatments were administered by oral gavage for 14 days. Results showed that the seminiferous tubule diameters (STDs) and seminiferous epithelium heights (SEHs) at stages VII–VIII and XII–XIV, number of undifferentiated embryonic cell transcription factor-1 (UTF-1) positive cells per tubule, UTF-1 positive tubules (%), plasma glutathione (GSH), and serum superoxide dismutase activities, testicular GSH activity and sperm viability (%) decreased whereas the number of terminal dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) positive cells per tubule, TUNEL positive tubules (%), testicular and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and the rate of mid-piece sperm abnormality increased in the BPA administered group. However, while the STDs at stages VII–VIII and XII–XIV, SEHs at stages VII–VIII, plasma GSH, and serum SOD activities increased, serum MDA level decreased in the CoQ10-BPA group. In conclusion, these results suggest a protective effect of CoQ10 against BPA-induced testicular toxicity in rats.
Physical Abuse Explains Sex Differences in the Link Between Psychopathy and Aggression
Authors: Thomson Nicholas D. , Bozgunov Kiril , Psederska Elena , Aboutanos Michel , Vasilev Georgi , Vassileva Jasmin
Published: July 2019

Psychopathy has long been associated with aggression. However, few studies have looked at differences between men and women. Studies that do exist demonstrate that psychopathy differentially relates to aggression in men and women and indicate that environmental factors may play a significant role in influencing these associations. A key environmental factor is a history of lifetime physical abuse (LPA), which has been linked to aggressive behavior in both men and women. The aim of the present study was to test if psychopathy differentially predicted physical, verbal, and indirect aggression in men and women, and if these associations were moderated by LPA. In a large community sample of men ( n = 369) and women ( n = 204), we assessed the 4-facet model of psychopathy (Interpersonal, Affective, Lifestyle, Antisocial) with the Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version, LPA with the Addiction Severity Index, and self-report aggression with the Aggression Questionnaire. Results revealed sex differences and similarities. Physical aggression was associated with the affective facet of psychopathy in both men and women, though in different directions based on the moderating effects of LPA. Verbal aggression was associated with higher antisocial facet scores and LPA for men and not women. Finally, indirect aggression was associated with the antisocial facet of psychopathy for men, and the interpersonal facet for women, and these associations were not moderated by LPA. In women, low antisocial facet scores and no LPA were found to be protective for indirect aggression. These results show that LPA and psychopathy generally increase the risk of aggression, but the interaction between LPA and psychopathy differentiates the risk of aggression forms for men and women. These sex differences highlight the need for female-responsive interventions to target sex-specific risk factors for aggressive behavior.
Between- and within-biome resistance and resilience at the fynbos-forest ecotone, South Africa
Authors: MacPherson A James , Gillson Lindsey , Hoffman M Timm
Published: July 2019

In the Greater Cape Floristic Region (GCFR) of South Africa, afrotemperate forest islands persist within a broader landscape of Mediterranean-type fynbos shrubland. The co-existence of these contrasting vegetation types in the same climate space suggests interactions between broad-scale climatic parameters and localised variables (notably local disturbance regimes and catchment hydrology). In this study, palaeoecological data from a fynbos-forest boundary were used to assess the effects of interactions between changes in climate, fire and land use on vegetation dynamics and biome resilience at millennial timescales. Fossil pollen, spores and charcoal were extracted from radiocarbon-dated sediment cores to provide proxies for vegetation, hydrology, large herbivore abundance and fire. Constrained hierarchical clustering (CONISS) was applied to the fossil data to identify distinct vegetation assemblages in the palaeoecological record, and to further elucidate ecosystem trajectories through time. Regional palaeoenvironmental data are also referred to in inferring local and regional environmental changes. We expected to find shifts between fynbos and forest alternate stable states associated with changes in fire and rainfall. More specifically, we anticipated fynbos expansion during drier periods and/or those with more fire, and forest expansion during wetter and/or less fire prone periods. However, the fossil pollen data reveal remarkable stability of the fynbos-forest ecotone over the past 3000 years, despite significant changes in climate, fire and land-use. We found resilience of fynbos was enhanced through internal dynamics, namely, a shift from grassy, fire-prone fynbos in warmer, less seasonal time periods with less summer drought stress, to proteoid fynbos with less frequent fire during times of greater summer drought stress. The emergent properties of the respective fynbos types offset physiological advantages to forest species afforded by changes in the fire-free interval and abundant abiotic resource supply, inhibiting invasion of the former biome by the latter. We suggest these mechanisms require further investigation.
Practice of Sociology: Comparative Study of Public and Private Universities in India
Authors: Jaiswal Niharika
Published: July 2019

The broad question that interests this article is how does one read and compare the negotiations public and private universities are making with the neo-liberal paradigm of knowledge production with reference to their social science curricula. Michael Apple’s (1993, Teachers College Records, 95(2), 222–241; 2001, Currículo Sem Fronteiras, 1(1), i–xxvi) argument that curriculum is not a ‘neutral assemblage of knowledge’ but a crafted vision of ‘legitimate knowledge’ produced by hegemonic powers within society forms the theoretical foundation for this article. To understand the changes within a university’s academic practice, this article analyses and compares the undergraduate and postgraduate sociology curricula of two public universities (Delhi University and Ambedkar University), an international university (South Asian University) and one private university (Shiv Nadar University), as well as engages with its practitioners to assess the everyday within these universities. The undergraduate and postgraduate sociology curricula across public and private universities indicate certain convergences in their academic approaches. The universities in question encouraged foreign university collaborations, reframed the course structure to strengthen the university-industry linkages and increased the employability of the students. Interdisciplinary and contemporary papers are offered through new modes of pedagogy. The mode of assessment also focus on writing research papers/dissertations and frequent visits to the field to develop an application-based approach to learning. The neoliberal paradigm of knowledge production affected the convergence of academic practices of public and private universities despite difference in governance structure. This convergence problematises the meaning of ‘public’ in a liberalised, privatised and globalised society.
Demonstrating Nursing Excellence Through Equality: The Relationship Between Magnet® Status and Organizational LGBTQ Client Services and Support
Authors: Blackwell Christopher W.
Published: July 2019

Introduction: Human Rights Campaign annually scores health care treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) employees and clients among four measured dimensions in its Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). The purpose of this study was to determine if the score organizations earned on the 2018 HEI dimension measuring LGBTQ client services and support correlated with organizations’ American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet® recognition status, a distinction of nursing excellence. Method: Using a secondary data analysis approach, data obtained from Human Rights Campaign that specifically rated LGBTQ client services and support in 2018 HEI participating organizations ( n = 626) were compared with the most recent inventory of American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet health care organizations ( n = 477). Results: LGBTQ client services and support HEI scores positively correlated with Magnet status ( p = .0002). Discussion: Provision of LGBTQ client services and Magnet recognition is strongly related to higher quality nursing care, suggesting organizations earning Magnet recognition provide more equitable services to its LGBTQ clients.
Airway Obstruction Risk in Unique Infant Cleft Phenotype: PSIO Protocol Modification Recommendations
Authors: Foglio Aaron M. , Lee Jonathan Y. , Naran Sanjay , Schuster Lindsay A. , Davit Alexander , Goldstein Jesse A. , Losee Joseph E.
Published: July 2019

Patients presenting with a unique unilateral cleft phenotype may be at risk of nasal airway obstruction which can be exacerbated by presurgical infant orthopedic (PSIO) appliance therapy and lip taping. Four patients presented to the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Cleft-Craniofacial Center with a cleft phenotype characterized by: An anteriorly projected greater alveolar segment and medial collapse of the lesser segment posteriorly, leading to cleft alar base displacement posteromedial to the anteriorly projected greater segment. Resultant bilateral nasal airway obstruction: cleft ala drape over the leading edge of the greater segment’s alveolus (cleft side obstruction) and caudal septum displacement secondary to attachments to the orbicularis oris from the noncleft side (noncleft side obstruction).

The patient described presented at 3 months old from an outside institution, where PSIO therapy was undertaken. A second opinion was sought due to concern of significant difficulty in breathing and feeding with the PSIO oral plate. Lip-nose adhesion (LNA) was elected and airway obstruction was immediately relieved after this intervention. Lip-nose adhesion releases the tethered cleft side alar base from the pyriform rim of the posteromedially collapsed lesser segment and unites the superior lip and nostril sill—relieving the cleft side nostril obstruction. During the LNA, the caudal septum is surgically released from the anterior nasal spine and is uprighted, relieving the obstructed noncleft nostril.

In this cleft anatomy, the treatment alternatives of modification to the PSIO appliance or LNA should be carefully considered in consultation with the surgeon, PSIO provider, and the infant’s caretakers.
A Multilevel Review of Hospitality Industry Work–Family Conflict Research and a Strategy for Future Research
Authors: O’Neill John W. , Follmer Kayla
Published: July 2019

Work–family conflict has become a growing area of research in the hospitality field. Research has previously shown that employees who experience conflict between their work and family roles are likely to report negative individual and job-related outcomes. Given the serious outcomes associated with work–family conflict, it is essential for researchers and practitioners to better understand why and when it occurs, as well as to identify possible interventions that may lessen its impact on employees. This systematic review synthesizes and summarizes the extant literature as it relates to work–family conflict. The results from the review provide insight into the well-established antecedents and outcomes of work–family conflict, while also highlighting areas that may require additional attention. The review concludes with a discussion of future research directions that may be used to advance the study of work–family conflict research.
iDEF-PseRAAC: Identifying the Defensin Peptide by Using Reduced Amino Acid Composition Descriptor
Authors: Zuo Yongchun , Chang Yu , Huang Shenghui , Zheng Lei , Yang Lei , Cao Guifang
Published: July 2019

Defensins as 1 of major classes of host defense peptides play a significant role in the innate immunity, which are extremely evolved in almost all living organisms. Developing high-throughput computational methods can accurately help in designing drugs or medical means to defense against pathogens. To take up such a challenge, an up-to-date server based on rigorous benchmark dataset, referred to as iDEF-PseRAAC, was designed for predicting the defensin family in this study. By extracting primary sequence compositions based on different types of reduced amino acid alphabet, it was calculated that the best overall accuracy of the selected feature subset was achieved to 92.38%. Therefore, we can conclude that the information provided by abundant types of amino acid reduction will provide efficient and rational methodology for defensin identification. And, a free online server is freely available for academic users at http://bioinfor.imu.edu.cn/idpf . We hold expectations that iDEF-PseRAAC may be a promising weapon for the function annotation about the defensins protein.
Experimental study on the high-speed impact of a sand particle on Ti–6Al–4V
Authors: Yan Cheng , Chen Wei , Zhao Zhenhua
Published: July 2019

When sand is ingested by a helicopter engine, it collides with the compressor blades at a high relative speed, causing severe erosion damage. A test was conducted on the high-speed impact of sand particles on the target of Ti–6Al–4 V alloy to enhance the understanding of high-speed impact damage mechanism. The test apparatus was used to create supersonic airflow, which was produced by normal temperature air flowing through a special Laval nozzle. The supersonic airflow produced the drag force to increase the velocity of sand particles up to about 400 m/s. The experiment demonstrated that fractured sand particle caused less damage than nonfractured particle under similar impact conditions. The nonfractured particle directly cut the target more easily than the fractured at a relatively low impact velocity. When the impact speed exceeded 300 m/s, the crater depth increased exponentially with the increase of velocity. Impact angle determined the mode of material failure.
Aquaporin-4 IgG seropositivity is associated with worse visual outcomes after optic neuritis than MOG-IgG seropositivity and multiple sclerosis, independent of macular ganglion cell layer thinning
Authors: Sotirchos Elias S , Filippatou Angeliki , Fitzgerald Kathryn C , Salama Sara , Pardo Santiago , Wang Jiangxia , Ogbuokiri Esther , Cowley Norah J , Pellegrini Nicole , Murphy Olwen C , Mealy Maureen A , Prince Jerry L , Levy Michael , Calabresi Peter A , Saidha Shiv
Published: July 2019

Background:

Comparative studies of characteristics of optic neuritis (ON) associated with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-IgG (MOG-ON) and aquaporin-4-IgG (AQP4-ON) seropositivity are limited.

Objective:

To compare visual and optical coherence tomography (OCT) measures following AQP4-ON, MOG-ON, and multiple sclerosis associated ON (MS-ON).

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, 48 AQP4-ON, 16 MOG-ON, 40 MS-ON, and 31 healthy control participants underwent monocular letter-acuity assessment and spectral-domain OCT. Eyes with a history of ON >3 months prior to evaluation were analyzed.

Results:

AQP4-ON eyes exhibited worse high-contrast letter acuity (HCLA) compared to MOG-ON (−22.3 ± 3.9 letters; p < 0.001) and MS-ON eyes (−21.7 ± 4.0 letters; p < 0.001). Macular ganglion cell + inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness was lower, as compared to MS-ON, in AQP4-ON (−9.1 ± 2.0 µm; p < 0.001) and MOG-ON (−7.6 ± 2.2 µm; p = 0.001) eyes. Lower GCIPL thickness was associated with worse HCLA in AQP4-ON (−16.5 ± 1.5 letters per 10 µm decrease; p < 0.001) and MS-ON eyes (−8.5 ± 2.3 letters per 10 µm decrease; p < 0.001), but not in MOG-ON eyes (−5.2 ± 3.8 letters per 10 µm decrease; p = 0.17), and these relationships differed between the AQP4-ON and other ON groups ( p < 0.01 for interaction).

Conclusion:

AQP4-IgG seropositivity is associated with worse visual outcomes after ON compared with MOG-ON and MS-ON, even with similar severity of macular GCIPL thinning.
Implementing the REACH after-school programme for youth in urban communities: Challenges and lessons learned
Authors: Marttinen Risto , Fredrick Ray N , Johnston Kelly , Phillips Sharon , Patterson Debra
Published: July 2019

This research sought to uncover challenges that arose in the implementation of the Reflective Educational Approach to Character and Health (REACH) after-school programme in a low-income public school in New York City. Additionally, we wanted to find and share some of the lessons learned, to help others avoid our pitfalls when implementing quality after-school programming. At the conclusion of the year-long REACH programme that was preceded by a year-long pilot, the lead researcher interviewed six key stakeholders: (a) the coach; (b) an academic tutor; (c) the director of REACH; (d) two after-school teachers/leaders within the school; and (e) the assistant principal of P.S. 780 (pseudonym). We employed a qualitative case study approach. Field notes from observations, researcher journals, emails, and multiple interviews were used to triangulate data. Two coders first independently coded and analyzed the data using the constant comparison method, followed by a peer reviewer to further establish credibility and trustworthiness. Three themes are presented from the data analysis: (a) bridging community dynamics and REACH; (b) needing community involvement; and (c) role modeling through cultural competence. These three themes are analyzed through a lens of culturally responsive pedagogy and a new theory of positive youth development through sport. These data present a detailed account of the implementation of a sport-based after-school programme in an urban environment. The paper presents the challenges faced in the implementation of such programmes as well as lessons learned in the process.
Reliability evaluation of reinforced concrete columns designed by Eurocode for wind-dominated combination considering random loads eccentricity
Authors: Jiang Youbao , Peng Suixiang , Beer Michael , Wang Lei , Zhang Jianren
Published: July 2019

With the capacity models in the 2004 edition of the European Committee for Standardization’s Standard Design of Concrete Structures, a more realistic limit state function is obtained for reinforced concrete columns with random loads eccentricity. Using this function, the applicability of the code-based design factors is discussed. Taking the wind-dominated combination as an example, the probabilistic distribution of loads eccentricity and the statistics of column resistance are analyzed for representative cases. The analysis indicates that the possible loads eccentricity is scattered over a large range, and the probabilistic model of column resistance varies from case to case, which is largely different from the resistance model assumed in previous reliability calibration. With Monte Carlo simulation, the column reliability and the contributions of both tension failure and compression failure to the total failure probability are calculated and obtained for different cases. The results show that the fixed loads eccentricity criterion underestimates differences in the reliability of columns for different loads eccentricity cases and overestimates the column reliability in some tension failure cases. Furthermore, it is found that the tension failure mode contributes most to the total failure probability for not only some columns designed to fail in tension failure but also for some columns designed to fail in compression failure. To attain a robust design, a group of optimum wind load factors varying with cases is recommended. The new calibration results prove that the recommended wind local factors can achieve a better goal.
Numerical analysis of local thermal comfort in a plan office under natural ventilation
Authors: Deng Xiang , Tan Zijing
Published: July 2019

The utilisation of automatic controlled natural wind in office buildings to maintain indoor thermal comfort has gained wide attention in recent years. Generally, it is not necessary to ensure that the whole internal volume of a building with large open spaces meets thermal comfort requirements. Primary focus should be on occupied areas. Accordingly, the local thermal comfort in an open-plan office with automatic controlled natural ventilation system was investigated numerically and experimentally. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based method was presented for indoor environment and thermal comfort prediction. Long-term in situ measurement was conducted during summer and transition seasons. The meteorological data were collected by a mini weather station located on the roof of the target building. Meanwhile, indoor air velocity, temperature, turbulence intensity and wall temperatures were recorded locally. Three thermal comfort indices, i.e. thermal stratification represented by percentage dissatisfied (PD), the extended predicted mean vote (PMVe) and draught rate were employed to evaluate the thermal comfort level of the interested areas during natural ventilation period. The numerical results revealed a risk of local thermal dissatisfaction under low outdoor temperature and strong windy conditions.
‘Perception matters’: New insights into the subjective dimension of resilience in the context of humanitarian and food security crises
Authors: Béné Christophe , Frankenberger Timothy , Griffin Tiffany , Langworthy Mark , Mueller Monica , Martin Stephanie
Published: July 2019

In the emerging literature on resilience in relation to food security, a growing number of studies stress the need to expand our analysis beyond conventional socio-economic factors such as assets or social capital, and to consider less tangible elements such as risk perception, self-efficacy or aspiration. Drawing on the recent literature and the authors’ own experience, a conceptual framework of subjective resilience is proposed. The framework helps locating the subjective element of resilience within the wider resilience conceptualization as currently developed in the literature on food security and to clarify how it links to the more tangible elements of that conceptualization. Empirical data are then used to test the framework. The analysis demonstrates the relevance of the concept of subjective resilience and the central role that psychosocial factors and individual perceptions play in people’s construct of resilience in the context of humanitarian and food security crises. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications of those findings.
Using automated time management enablers to improve self-regulated learning
Authors: Khiat Henry
Published: July 2019

Effective time management is essential for us all, whether students or anyone else. There are many factors which affect how well students manage their time and in what ways. As with everything, some are excellent at managing their time and others are not. As faculty, we can assist our learners to better manage their time, whether this is in the online learning environment or any other. However, studies reveal that the effect of time management training on time management practices varies, and there is therefore a need to explore this further. This study investigates how the practice of time management, an important self-regulated learning enabler, affects learning in the online learning environment. An automated adaptive time management enabling system was used to guide students in managing their time more effectively. The system assisted students in their time management through visual reinforcement, adaptive release, learning monitors and learning motivators. The findings showed that the use of the time management enabling system facilitated and guided the students in studying the course in a consistent manner and aided students in practising more effective time management thus impacting performance. In summary, positive changes were made to their time management behaviours and these subsequently improved their self-regulation.
Digitally aided analysis of medieval vaults in an English cathedral, using generative design tools
Authors: Webb Nicholas , Buchanan Alexandrina
Published: July 2019

Medieval masons relied on a ruler and compass to generate designs of increasing complexity in both two and three dimensions. They understood that arcs and lines could be used for proportioning, working with halves, thirds, fifths and so on, rather than specific dimensions. Geometric rules enabled them to create vaulted bays, high up in church and cathedral interiors. In recent years, the influence of digital generative design tools can be seen in our built environment. We will explore generative design to reverse engineer and better understand the design and computational processes that the medieval masons might have employed at our case study site of Exeter Cathedral, England. Our focus is on a run of bays along the nave, which at first appear consistent in their design, yet in reality are subtly different. We will investigate the capacity for changes in the generative process while preserving the overall medieval design concept.
Crises and Responsiveness: Analysing German Preference Formation During the Eurozone Crisis
Authors: Degner Hanno , Leuffen Dirk
Published: July 2019

Do crises increase governmental responsiveness to citizens’ policy demands in the European Union? Building on the responsiveness literature, we challenge the claim that well-organized business interests determine governmental preferences in times of crisis. We argue instead, that vote-seeking governments rather account for citizens’ policy demands, given particularly high levels of saliency and public attention prevalent during crises. To test our theory, we analyse the formation of German governmental preferences on Economic and Monetary Union reforms during the Eurozone Crisis. We use novel data from the ‘EMUChoices’ project, public opinion polls as well as newspaper articles and trace the development of the German government’s positioning on reforms such as the new Eurozone bailout fund or the tightening of fiscal governance rules. Our analyses show that the German government, despite intensive lobbying efforts by banks and industry associations, responded rather closely to the demands of the public. On a normative ground, this finding highlights that input legitimacy in European Union decision-making is stronger than oftentimes assumed, at least at the level of governmental preference formation in times of crises.
Enhanced mechanical and electromagnetic properties of polymer composite with 2.5D novel carbon/quartz fiber core-spun yarn woven fabric
Authors: Yuan Linjia , Fan Wei , Miao Yaping , Li Juanzi , Xue Lili , Dang Wensheng , Dong Jingjing , Wei Liang , Sun Runjun
Published: July 2019

A set of radar absorbent carbon/quartz fiber hybrid core-spun yarns (9B, 12B17A, and 12B25A) with different braided structure (round and flat) and braiding angle (17° and 25°) were designed, and then the mechanical and electromagnetic properties of the corresponding 2.5D core-spun yarn/epoxy composites (9BC, 12B17AC, and 12B25AC) were investigated in this study. The results showed that the composite made by round core-spun yarns with large braiding angle (12B25AC) had the highest mechanical properties and the best radar absorbing properties in the three types of 2.5D core-spun yarn/epoxy composites. The effective absorption bandwidth (reflection loss < −10 dB), maximum reflection loss value, tensile strength, and bending strength of the 12B25AC was 3.9 GHz (14.1–18 GHz), −17.2 dB at 16.7 GHz, 428.43 MPa, and 545.10 MPa, respectively. Therefore, the 2.5D reinforced composite by the round core-spun yarns with large braiding angle offers a unique architectural method to attain both outstanding radar absorption and mechanical performances.
Imaging Obtained Up To 12 Months Preoperatively Is Adequate for Planning Fenestrated/Branched Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Nguyen Tammy T. , Simons Jessica P. , Podder Sourav , Crawford Allison S. , Judelson Dejah R. , Arous Edward J. , Aiello Francesco A. , Schanzer Andres
Published: July 2019

Objectives:

Patients referred for fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic repair (F/BEVAR) often present with a previous computed tomography angiogram (CTA), but it is unknown how recent the CTA must be to ensure accurate F/BEVAR planning. We sought to determine whether anatomic planning parameters change significantly between a CTA used for F/BEVAR planning and a CTA obtained 6 to 12 months prior.

Methods:

Two blinded observers reviewed preoperative CTAs from 21 patients who underwent F/BEVAR. Each patient had a “recent” scan obtained 0 to 6 months before F/BEVAR planning and a “prior” scan obtained 6 to 12 months before the “recent” CTA. Standard measurements included (1) target vessel separation distances, (2) target vessel origin clock position, and (3) proximal F/BEVAR device diameter. Clinically significant differences for target vessel separation distance, target vessel origin clock position, and proximal F/BEVAR device diameter were predefined as >5 mm, >30 minutes, and >4 mm, respectively. Differences between “recent”/“prior” CTA scans were examined by paired t test.

Results:

Mean time interval between paired “recent”/“prior” CTAs was 8.0 months (standard deviation: ±1.7). Mean difference in paired “recent”/“prior” target vessel distance (relative to celiac artery [CA]) was 2.6 mm for the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), 2.5 mm for the right renal artery (RRA), and 3.3 mm for the left renal artery (LRA). Of the 21 paired “recent”/“prior” CTAs, clinically significant differences were observed in 2, 4, and 2 patients for SMA, RRA, and LRA target vessel distance, respectively. Target vessel clock position (SMA reference at 12:00) varied by 12 minutes for the CA, 13 minutes for the RRA, and 15 minutes for the LRA. One paired “recent”/“prior” CTA was found to have a clinically significant difference for the LRA. No clinically significant differences were observed for proximal device diameter.

Conclusions:

In patients who underwent successful F/BEVAR, measurement comparisons between CTAs obtained up to 1 year prior were minor and unlikely to yield clinically significant changes to F/BEVAR design.
Trajectory tracking control of an amphibian robot with operational capability
Authors: Yu Fujie , Chen Yuan
Published: July 2019

Although the traditional amphibious robot has the ability of multi-space motion, it has the disadvantage of low power utilization and no operational capability. In order to make it competent in an extremely complex environment, we studied the structural design and control of amphibian robot with operational capability. First, in order to make the robot have the ability of flying in the sky, moving on land, and swimming in the water, a “bevel variant” mechanism for power switching is designed. Then, taking the uncertainty of the kinetic parameters and external influences into account, the kinetic and kinematic models of the system are established. Next, a sliding mode controller that outputs control force for the system and a quadratic calculation optimization algorithm for inverse kinematics solution are designed. Finally, the simulation platform for the system is built based on MATLAB. The simulation results show that when the system is in the land and air flight stages, the vehicle position and orientation tracking error are within ±0.05 m and ±2°, respectively. When the system is in the underwater stage, the end effector position and orientation tracking error are within ±0.15 m and ±3.0°, respectively.
Geographic disparities persist despite decline in mortality from IHD in California’s Central Valley 1999–2014
Authors: Spada Ralph , Spada Nicholas , Seon-Spada Hyosim
Published: July 2019

Background

Nationally, ischemic heart disease mortality has declined significantly due to advancements in managing traditional risk factors of hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, smoking, and obesity and acute intervention. However geographic disparities persist that may, in part, be attributed to environmental effects.

Methods

Ischemic heart disease age-adjusted mortality were obtained from the CDC database for years 1999 through 2014 by county, gender, race, and Hispanic origin for the Central Valley of California.

Results

There was an increase in mortality from north to south of 14.9 (95% CI: 8.0–21.9, p value <0.0001) in time period 1, 7.9 (95% CI: 0.8–15, p value <0.05) in time period 2, and 9.2 (95% CI: 4.0–14.3, p value <0.001) in time period 3. In time period 1, the ambient particulate matter ≤2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) level increased from north to south by 0.84 µg/m³ (95% CI: 0.71–0.96), in time period 2 there was a 0.87 µg/m³ increase (95% CI: 0.74–1.0), and a 1.0 µg/m³ increase in time period 3 (95% CI: 0.87–1.1). PM2.5 level was correlated to IHD mortality in all time periods (Period 1 r2 = 0.46, p = 0.0001; Period 2, r2 = 0.34, p = 0.008; Period 3 r2 = 0.51, p value <0.0001).

Conclusion

Continued declines in ischemic heart disease mortality will depend on the concerted efforts of clinicians in continuing management of the traditional risk factors with appropriate medication use, acute interventions for coronary syndromes, the necessity of patient self-management of high risk behaviors associated with smoking and obesity, and the development of coordinated actions with policy makers to reduce environmental exposure in their respective communities.
Endoscopic papillectomy for neoplastic ampullary lesions: A systematic review with pooled analysis
Authors: Spadaccini Marco , Fugazza Alessandro , Frazzoni Leonardo , Di Leo Milena , Auriemma Francesco , Carrara Silvia , Maselli Roberta , Galtieri Piera Alessia , Chandrasekar Viveksandeep Thoguluva , Fuccio Lorenzo , Aljahdli Emad , Hassan Cesare , Sharma Prateek , Anderloni Andrea , Repici Alessandro
Published: July 2019

Endoscopic papillectomy (EP) is a viable therapy in ampullary lesions (AL). Many series have reported low morbidity and acceptable outcomes. We performed a systematic review with pooled analysis to assess the safety and efficacy of EP for AL. Electronic databases (Medline, Scopus and EMBASE) were searched up to September 2018. Studies that included patients with endoscopically resected AL were eligible. The rate of adverse events (AEs; primary outcome) and the rates of both technical and clinical efficacy outcomes were pooled by means of a random‐ or fixed‐effects model to obtain a proportion with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Twenty‐nine studies were included (1751 patients). The overall AE rate was 24.9%. The post‐procedural pancreatitis rate was 11.9%, with the only factor affecting this outcome being prophylactic pancreatic stenting. The complete resection rate was 94.2%, with a rate of oncologically curative resection of 87.1%. The recurrence rate was 11.8% (follow‐up: 9.6–84.5 months). EP is a relatively safe and effective option for AL. Our study might definitively suggest the protective role of prophylactic pancreatic stenting against post‐procedural pancreatitis.
A Comparison Between a Meta-analytic Approach and Power Prior Approach to Using Historical Control Information in Clinical Trials With Binary Endpoints
Authors: Isogawa Naoki , Takeda Kentaro , Maruo Kazushi , Daimon Takashi
Published: July 2019

Background:

In the process of research and development of a new treatment, clinical trials are conducted to evaluate its safety and efficacy. Key to streamlining the process is to utilize appropriate historical information on an outcome of a control treatment when designing and analyzing a clinical trial.

Methods:

For the use of such historical control information, there exist a meta-analytic approach and power prior approach. In this article, we evaluate their performance with regard to the type I error (TIE) rate and power through a simulation study where we analyze the data on a binary outcome of an experimental treatment and a control treatment from a new small-scale trial, along with the corresponding data of the control treatment from multiple historical trials. The reason is that the difference in the performance between the 2 approaches has not been clear.

Results:

When historical trials were homogeneous, the power was higher in the power prior approach and the meta-analytic approach using a beta-binomial model with a less noninformative prior than the other approaches. However, when heterogeneous historical trials were mixed, the power was lower, or the TIE rates got inflated.

Conclusions:

To make use of historical control data, if importance is attached to control of the TIE rate, the meta-analytic approach using a normal-normal hierarchical model may be preferable to the power prior approach, whereas if attached to improvement of the power, this preference be reversed. Anyway, the best approach should be chosen by comparing the operational characteristics of the approaches.
Prospective isolation of nonhematopoietic cells of the niche and their differential molecular interactions with HSCs
Authors: Mende Nicole , Jolly Adrien , Percin Gulce I. , Günther Marko , Rostovskaya Maria , Krishnan Shyam M. , Oostendorp Robert A. J. , Dahl Andreas , Anastassiadis Konstantinos , Höfer Thomas , Waskow Claudia
Published: July 2019

The bone marrow niche environment is essential for the control and maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). The investigators present the first global analysis of the communication between distinct niche cell types and HSCs.
Genomic landscape of neutrophilic leukemias of ambiguous diagnosis
Authors: Zhang Haijiao , Wilmot Beth , Bottomly Daniel , Dao Kim-Hien T. , Stevens Emily , Eide Christopher A. , Khanna Vishesh , Rofelty Angela , Savage Samantha , Reister Schultz Anna , Long Nicola , White Libbey , Carlos Amy , Henson Rachel , Lin Chenwei , Searles Robert , Collins Robert H. , DeAngelo Daniel J. , Deininger Michael W. , Dunn Tamara , Hein Than , Luskin Marlise R. , Medeiros Bruno C. , Oh Stephen T. , Pollyea Daniel A. , Steensma David P. , Stone Richard M. , Druker Brian J. , McWeeney Shannon K. , Maxson Julia E. , Gotlib Jason R. , Tyner Jeffrey W.
Published: July 2019

Chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL), atypical chronic myeloid leukemia (aCML), and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms, unclassifiable (MDS/MPN-U) are a group of rare and heterogeneous myeloid disorders. There is strong morphologic resemblance among these distinct diagnostic entities as well as a lack of specific molecular markers and limited understanding of disease pathogenesis, which has made diagnosis challenging in certain cases. The treatment has remained empirical, resulting in dismal outcomes. We, therefore, performed whole-exome and RNA sequencing of these rare hematologic malignancies and present the most complete survey of the genomic landscape of these diseases to date. We observed a diversity of combinatorial mutational patterns that generally do not cluster within any one diagnosis. Gene expression analysis reveals enrichment, but not cosegregation, of clinical and genetic disease features with transcriptional clusters. In conclusion, these groups of diseases represent a continuum of related diseases rather than discrete diagnostic entities.
High frequency of inactivating tetraspanin CD37 mutations in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma at immune-privileged sites
Authors: Elfrink Suraya , de Winde Charlotte M. , van den Brand Michiel , Berendsen Madeleine , Roemer Margaretha G. M. , Arnold Frank , Janssen Luuk , van der Schaaf Alie , Jansen Erik , Groenen Patricia J. T. A. , Eijkelenboom Astrid , Stevens Wendy , Hess Corine J. , van Krieken J. Han , Vermaat Joost S. P. , Cleven Arjen H. G. , de Groen Ruben A. L. , Neviani Viviana , de Jong Daphne , van Deventer Sjoerd , Scheijen Blanca , van Spriel Annemiek B.
Published: July 2019

Key Points

Loss-of-function mutations in CD37 occur predominantly in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma at immune-privileged sites. CD37-mutated lymphoma B cells show impaired CD37 cell-surface localization, which may have implications for anti-CD37 therapies.
A study of the anisotropic static and dynamic elastic properties of transversely isotropic rocks
Authors: Gong Fei , Di Bangrang , Wei Jianxin , Ding Pinbo , Tian He , Han Jianqiang
Published: July 2019

The elastic properties of rock are major factors affecting hydraulic fracturing. Static elastic properties can be estimated using geomechanical laboratory tests, whereas dynamic properties can be estimated from elastic-wave velocity and rock density. We prepared two synthetic shales containing different clay minerals and one natural shale and focused on the elastic properties for the full tensor of elasticity and their anisotropy. The static and dynamic properties of these dry samples were obtained based on triaxial tests during loading and unloading. The results suggest that the synthetic and natural shale indicate high similarity in the static and dynamic properties. The dynamic Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio increase with increasing axial stress during loading and unloading. For the static properties, the static Poisson’s ratio increases with axial stress during loading and unloading. However, differences exist between the static and dynamic Young’s moduli during loading, with the static Young’s modulus decreases with the increasing axial stress at a high stress level. In addition, the static Young’s modulus is consistently lower than the dynamic Young’s modulus during loading and unloading, but the static Poisson’s ratio is larger or smaller than the dynamic Poisson’s ratio. During loading and unloading, there could be approximately a 30% difference when estimating static elastic properties from the static-dynamic relations, depending on which static moduli are used. Furthermore, the static and dynamic properties of the samples are strongly anisotropic, and the anisotropy of elastic properties is sensitive to the axial stress and the clay minerals.
Deep learning for denoising
Authors: Yu Siwei , Ma Jianwei , Wang Wenlong
Published: July 2019

Compared with traditional seismic noise attenuation algorithms that depend on signal models and their corresponding prior assumptions, removing noise with a deep neural network is trained based on a large training set in which the inputs are the raw data sets and the corresponding outputs are the desired clean data. After the completion of training, the deep-learning (DL) method achieves adaptive denoising with no requirements of (1) accurate modelings of the signal and noise or (2) optimal parameters tuning. We call this intelligent denoising. We have used a convolutional neural network (CNN) as the basic tool for DL. In random and linear noise attenuation, the training set is generated with artificially added noise. In the multiple attenuation step, the training set is generated with the acoustic wave equation. The stochastic gradient descent is used to solve the optimal parameters for the CNN. The runtime of DL on a graphics processing unit for denoising has the same order as the [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] deconvolution method. Synthetic and field results indicate the potential applications of DL in automatic attenuation of random noise (with unknown variance), linear noise, and multiples.