bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Nonlinear Constitutive Model for Disintegrated Carbonaceous Mudstone Based on Logarithmic Functions
Authors: Qiu Xiang , Li Jinhong , Jiang Huangbin , Fu Hongyuan , Yang Shun
Published: April 2021

To study the mechanical characteristics of the disintegrated carbonaceous mudstone (DCM), consolidated drained triaxial tests were conducted on the DCM with three degrees of compaction (i.e., 90%, 93%, and 96%). Then, the nonlinear constitutive model suitable for the DCM was established based on test results using a logarithmic function. The stress‐strain characteristics of the DCM were analyzed. The results revealed that the axial strain of the DCM was positively correlated with the deviatoric stress and lateral strain. The slopes of deviatoric stress‐axial strain curves decreased with the increase of axial strain and so did the slopes of the axial strain‐volumetric strain curves. The strength of the DCM increased with the increase of the confining pressure and the degree of compaction. In addition, the axial strain induced by dilatancy was also positively correlated with the degree of compaction and the confining pressure. Furthermore, under triaxial loading conditions, the relationship between the stress and strain of the DCM can be expressed by a logarithmic function; based on this, a nonlinear constitutive model with ten material parameters was derived. In addition, the results of numerical tests using the model showed similar stress‐strain characteristics of the DCM comparing with the triaxial tests. Hence, it indicated that the nonlinear constitutive model based on the logarithmic function can reflect the nonlinear stress‐strain characteristics of the DCM.
An Ensemble Learning‐Based Method for Inferring Drug‐Target Interactions Combining Protein Sequences and Drug Fingerprints
Authors: Zhao Zheng-Yang , Huang Wen-Zhun , Zhan Xin-Ke , Pan Jie , Huang Yu-An , Zhang Shan-Wen , Yu Chang-Qing
Published: April 2021

Identifying the interactions of the drug‐target is central to the cognate areas including drug discovery and drug reposition. Although the high‐throughput biotechnologies have made tremendous progress, the indispensable clinical trials remain to be expensive, laborious, and intricate. Therefore, a convenient and reliable computer‐aided method has become the focus on inferring drug‐target interactions (DTIs). In this research, we propose a novel computational model integrating a pyramid histogram of oriented gradients (PHOG), Position‐Specific Scoring Matrix (PSSM), and rotation forest (RF) classifier for identifying DTIs. Specifically, protein primary sequences are first converted into PSSMs to describe the potential biological evolution information. After that, PHOG is employed to mine the highly representative features of PSSM from multiple pyramid levels, and the complete describers of drug‐target pairs are generated by combining the molecular substructure fingerprints and PHOG features. Finally, we feed the complete describers into the RF classifier for effective prediction. The experiments of 5‐fold Cross‐Validations (CV) yield mean accuracies of 88.96%, 86.37%, 82.88%, and 76.92% on four golden standard data sets (enzyme, ion channel, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), and nuclear receptor, respectively). Moreover, the paper also conducts the state‐of‐art light gradient boosting machine (LGBM) and support vector machine (SVM) to further verify the performance of the proposed model. The experimental outcomes substantiate that the established model is feasible and reliable to predict DTIs. There is an excellent prospect that our model is capable of predicting DTIs as an efficient tool on a large scale.
Fatigue Load Spectrum of Highway Bridge Vehicles in Plateau Mountainous Area Based on Wireless Sensing
Authors: Rui Li , Xiaoyu Xie , Xueyan Duan
Published: April 2021

In Yunnan and other plateau mountainous areas, hydropower and mineral resources are abundant, and there are relatively many vehicles used for the transportation of large hydropower facilities. The widespread phenomenon of vehicle overload causes severe fatigue among the drivers. However, there is no reference vehicle load spectrum for fatigue analysis in the existing research. The application of wireless sensing technology to bridge health monitoring is favorable for the entire monitoring system’s low-cost and intelligent development. In this study, wireless sensors are used to collect sensing data in the measured area and perform preliminary filtering processing. The data collected by the sensing layer is aggregated at the TD gateway layer to realize local short-term storage of monitoring data, and 3G wireless transmission is used for the effective processing of the data. The clustering method is used to classify the vehicle models based on investigating the most representative expressway traffic flow information in Yunnan Province. Moreover, the weighted probability distribution model of different vehicle models is established through statistical analysis, which simplifies the composition’s fatigue intensity spectrum model. The selection of five vehicles of the equivalent model followed by a six-axle vehicle has the most significant impact on bridge damage as the standard fatigue vehicle. The research results establish a basis for the fatigue design of highway bridges in plateau and mountainous areas and provide data to establish vehicle fatigue load spectra in national highway regions.
TNPO1-Mediated Nuclear Import of FUBP1 Contributes to Tumor Immune Evasion by Increasing NRP1 Expression in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Yang BiKang , Chen Jing , Teng YinCheng
Published: April 2021

Far upstream element binding protein 1 (FUBP1), a DNA-binding protein, participates in diverse tumor-promoting behaviors by regulating the expression of oncogenes in the nucleus, but the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In the present study, we found that FUBP1 mRNA and protein expressions were markedly upregulated and closely linked with poor prognosis in cervical cancer. In vitro, functional experiments showed that knockdown of FUBP1 inhibited CC cell proliferation and migration. Therefore, FUBP1 plays a prooncogenic function in CC progression. Further investigations for the first time demonstrated that nuclear localization of FUBP1 regulated the gene expression of immune checkpoint NRP1. Moreover, our work demonstrated that FUBP1 translocated into the nucleus which was mediated by interacting with Transportin-1 (TNPO1). Collectively, this study revealed that FUBP1 might be a potential therapeutic target for the restriction of tumor progression.
Explorando las innovaciones colaborativas en tiempos de pandemia: Lecciones de Nueva Zelanda
Authors: Brache José
Published: April 2021

El Ranking de Resiliencia para el Covid-19 de Bloomberg[1] reconoce a Nueva Zelanda como el país con mejor respuesta en el mundo a la crisis provocada por la pandemia. Este artículo explora las iniciativas innovadoras que se introdujeron en Nueva Zelanda desde la perspectiva de la colaboración social e interorganizacional para enfrentar la pandemia. La experiencia de Nueva Zelanda abre la oportunidad de nuevos aprendizajes en países latinoamericanos.
First distribution record of the Asiatic Toad Bufo gargarizans Cantor, 1842 from India — Dibang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh
Authors: Nijhawan Sahil , Roy Jayanta Kumar , Mitapo Iho , Miwu Gata , Pulu Jibi , Ahmed M. Firoz
Published: April 2021

Bufo gargarizans, a species complex, has a wide distribution ranging from Japan to south-western China, Vietnam, and Russia but was not previously reported from India.  Surveys conducted in Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh near the Indo-Tibetan border with China in 2014–15 revealed previously unreported specimens of the toad genus Bufo.  Based on photographic comparisons with morphological characteristics obtained from published literature, we have identified the Bufo from Dibang Valley as the Asiatic Toad Bufo gargarizans Cantor, 1842.  Individuals of the species reported from Dibang have a wide mid dorsal line in the dorsum, rarely observed in Bufo gargarizans except in the sub-populations on the Tibetan Plateau.
Association Between Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Coronary Artery Calcification: The JHS
Authors: Zhang Yiyi , Schwartz Joseph E. , Jaeger Byron C. , An Jaejin , Bellows Brandon K. , Clark Donald , Langford Aisha T. , Kalinowski Jolaade , Ogedegbe Olugbenga , Carr John Jeffrey , Terry James G. , Min Yuan-I. , Reynolds Kristi , Shimbo Daichi , Moran Andrew E. , Muntner Paul
Published: April 2021

High blood pressure (BP) based on measurements obtained in the office setting has been associated with the presence and level of coronary artery calcification (CAC)—a measure of subclinical atherosclerosis. We studied the association between out-of-office BP and CAC among 557 participants who underwent 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring at visit 1 in 2000–2004 and a computed tomography scan at visit 2 in 2005–2008 as part of the JHS (Jackson Heart Study)—a community-based cohort of African American adults. Mean awake, asleep, and 24-hour BP were calculated for each participant. Among participants included in this analysis, 279 (50%) had any CAC defined by an Agatston score >0. After multivariable adjustment including office systolic BP (SBP), the prevalence ratios for any CAC comparing the highest versus the lowest quartiles of SBP on ambulatory BP monitoring were 1.08 (95% CI, 0.84–1.39) for awake SBP, 1.32 (95% CI, 1.01–1.74) for asleep SBP, and 1.19 (95% CI, 0.91–1.55) for 24-hour SBP. After multivariable adjustment including office diastolic BP, the prevalence ratios for any CAC comparing the highest versus the lowest quartiles of awake, asleep, and 24-hour diastolic BP were 1.27 (95% CI, 1.02–1.59), 1.29 (95% CI, 1.02–1.64), and 1.25 (95% CI, 0.99–1.59), respectively. The current results suggest that higher asleep SBP and higher awake and asleep diastolic BP may be risk factors for subclinical atherosclerosis and underscore the potential role of ambulatory BP monitoring in identifying individuals at high risk for coronary artery disease.
Impact of Morphine Treatment With and Without Metoclopramide Coadministration on Myocardial and Microvascular Injury in Acute Myocardial Infarction: Insights From the Randomized MonAMI Trial
Authors: Stiermaier Thomas , Schaefer Philipp , Meyer‐Saraei Roza , Saad Mohammed , de Waha‐Thiele Suzanne , Pöss Janine , Fuernau Georg , Graf Tobias , Kurz Thomas , Frydrychowicz Alex , Barkhausen Jörg , Desch Steffen , Thiele Holger , Eitel Ingo
Published: April 2021

Background

Intravenous morphine administration can adversely affect platelet inhibition induced by P2Y
12
receptor inhibitors after acute myocardial infarction. In contrast, some evidence suggests that opioid agonists may have cardioprotective effects on the myocardium. The aim of this prospective, randomized MonAMI (Impact of Morphine Treatment With and Without Metoclopramide Coadministration on Platelet Inhibition in Acute Myocardial Infarction) trial was, therefore, to investigate the impact of morphine with or without metoclopramide coadministration on myocardial and microvascular injury.

Methods and Results

Patients with acute myocardial infarction (n=138) were assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to ticagrelor 180 mg plus: (1) intravenous morphine 5 mg (morphine group); (2) intravenous morphine 5 mg and metoclopramide 10 mg (morphine+metoclopramide group); or (3) intravenous placebo (control group) administered before primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 104 patients on day 1 to 4 after the index event. Infarct size was significantly smaller in the morphine only group as compared with controls (percentage of left ventricular mass, 15.5 versus 17.9;
P
=0.047). Furthermore, the number of patients with microvascular obstruction was significantly lower after morphine administration (28% versus 54%;
P
=0.022) and the extent of microvascular obstruction was smaller (percentage of left ventricular mass, 0 versus 0.74;
P
=0.037). In multivariable regression analysis, morphine administration was independently associated with a reduced risk for the occurrence of microvascular obstruction (odds ratio, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.14–0.93 [
P
=0.035]). There was no significant difference in infarct size (
P
=0.491) and extent (
P
=0.753) or presence (
P
=0.914) of microvascular obstruction when comparing the morphine+metoclopramide group with the control group.

Conclusions

In this randomized study, intravenous administration of morphine before primary percutaneous coronary intervention resulted in a significant reduction of myocardial and microvascular damage following acute myocardial infarction. This effect was not observed in the morphine plus metoclopramide group.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02627950.
Ambulatory Care Fragmentation and Incident Stroke
Authors: Kern Lisa M. , Ringel Joanna B. , Rajan Mangala , Colantonio Lisandro D. , Casalino Lawrence P. , Reshetnyak Evgeniya , Pinheiro Laura C. , Safford Monika M.
Published: April 2021

Background

More fragmented ambulatory care (ie, care spread across many providers without a dominant provider) has been associated with excess emergency department and inpatient care. We sought to determine whether more fragmented ambulatory care is associated with an increase in the hazard of incident stroke, overall and stratified by health status and by race.

Methods and Results

We conducted a secondary analysis of data from the REGARDS (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke) study (2003–2016), including participants aged ≥65 years who had linked Medicare fee‐for‐service claims and no history of stroke (N=12 510). We measured fragmentation of care with the reversed Bice‐Boxerman index. We used Poisson models to determine the association between fragmentation and adjudicated incident stroke. The average age of participants was 70.5 years; 53% were women, 32% were Black participants, and 16% were participants with fair or poor health. Overall, the adjusted rate of incident stroke was similar for high versus low fragmentation (8.2 versus 8.1 per 1000 person‐years, respectively;
P
=0.89). Among participants with fair or poor self‐rated health, having high versus low fragmentation was associated with a trend toward a higher adjusted rate of incident strokes (14.8 versus 10.4 per 1000 person‐years, respectively;
P
=0.067). Among Black participants with fair or poor self‐rated health, having high versus low fragmentation was associated with a higher adjusted rate of strokes (19.3 versus 10.3 per 1000 person‐years, respectively;
P
=0.02).

Conclusions

Highly fragmented ambulatory care is independently associated with incident stroke among Black individuals with fair or poor health.
Quantitative Flow Ratio to Predict Nontarget Vessel–Related Events at 5 Years in Patients With ST‐Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Angiography‐Guided Revascularization
Authors: Bär Sarah , Kavaliauskaite Raminta , Ueki Yasushi , Otsuka Tatsuhiko , Kelbæk Henning , Engstrøm Thomas , Baumbach Andreas , Roffi Marco , von Birgelen Clemens , Ostojic Miodrag , Pedrazzini Giovanni , Kornowski Ran , Tüller David , Vukcevic Vladan , Magro Michael , Losdat Sylvain , Windecker Stephan , Räber Lorenz
Published: April 2021

Background

In ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction, angiography‐based complete revascularization is superior to culprit‐lesion‐only percutaneous coronary intervention. Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) is a novel, noninvasive, vasodilator‐free method used to assess the hemodynamic significance of coronary stenoses. We aimed to investigate the incremental value of QFR over angiography in nonculprit lesions in patients with ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction undergoing angiography‐guided complete revascularization.

Methods and Results

This was a retrospective post hoc QFR analysis of untreated nontarget vessels (any degree of diameter stenosis [DS]) from the randomized multicenter COMFORTABLE AMI (Comparison of Biolimus Eluted From an Erodible Stent Coating With Bare Metal Stents in Acute ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction) trial by assessors blinded for clinical outcomes. The primary end point was cardiac death, spontaneous nontarget vessel myocardial infarction, and clinically indicated nontarget vessel revascularization (ie, ≥70% DS by 2‐dimensional quantitative coronary angiography or ≥50% DS and ischemia) at 5 years. Of 1161 patients with ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction, 946 vessels in 617 patients were analyzable by QFR. At 5 years, the rate of the primary end point was significantly higher in patients with QFR ≤0.80 (n=35 patients, n=36 vessels) versus QFR >0.80 (n=582 patients, n=910 vessels) (62.9% versus 12.5%, respectively; hazard ratio [HR], 7.33 [95% CI, 4.54–11.83],
P
<0.001), driven by higher rates of nontarget vessel myocardial infarction (12.8% versus 3.1%, respectively; HR, 4.38 [95% CI, 1.47–13.02],
P
=0.008) and nontarget vessel revascularization (58.6% versus 7.7%, respectively; HR, 10.99 [95% CI, 6.39–18.91],
P
<0.001) with no significant differences for cardiac death. Multivariable analysis identified QFR ≤0.80 but not ≥50% DS by 3‐dimensional quantitative coronary angiography as an independent predictor of the primary end point. Results were consistent, including only >30% DS by 3‐dimensional quantitative coronary angiography.

Conclusions

Our study suggests incremental value of QFR over angiography‐guided percutaneous coronary intervention for nonculprit lesions among patients with ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.
Geographic Variation in Trends and Disparities in Heart Failure Mortality in the United States, 1999 to 2017
Authors: Glynn Peter A. , Molsberry Rebecca , Harrington Katharine , Shah Nilay S. , Petito Lucia C. , Yancy Clyde W. , Carnethon Mercedes R. , Lloyd‐Jones Donald M. , Khan Sadiya S.
Published: April 2021

Background

Cardiovascular disease mortality related to heart failure (HF) is rising in the United States. It is unknown whether trends in HF mortality are consistent across geographic areas and are associated with state‐level variation in cardiovascular health (CVH). The goal of the present study was to assess regional and state‐level trends in cardiovascular disease mortality related to HF and their association with variation in state‐level CVH.

Methods and Results

Age‐adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) per 100 000 attributable to HF were ascertained using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Wide‐Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research from 1999 to 2017. CVH at the state‐level was quantified using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Linear regression was used to assess temporal trends in HF AAMR were examined by census region and state and to examine the association between state‐level CVH and HF AAMR. AAMR attributable to HF declined from 1999 to 2011 and increased between 2011 and 2017 across all census regions. Annual increases after 2011 were greatest in the Midwest (β=1.14 [95% CI, 0.75, 1.53]) and South (β=0.96 [0.66, 1.26]). States in the South and Midwest consistently had the highest HF AAMR in all time periods, with Mississippi having the highest AAMR (109.6 [104.5, 114.6] in 2017). Within race‒sex groups, consistent geographic patterns were observed. The variability in HF AAMR was associated with state‐level CVH (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

Wide geographic variation exists in HF mortality, with the highest rates and greatest recent increases observed in the South and Midwest. Higher levels of poor CVH in these states suggest the potential for interventions to promote CVH and reduce the burden of HF.
Heidegger’s Trakl-Marginalia
Authors: Moore Ian Alexander
Published: April 2021

In this article, I analyze Heidegger’s marginalia in his personal copy of the 1946 Zurich edition of poems by Georg Trakl, which I discovered several years ago while conducting research in the castle of Heidegger’s hometown of Meßkirch. Although Heidegger’s marginalia in this volume are not extensive, they are significant for three reasons: they provide valuable insight into his reading of the spirit of Trakl’s poetic work and into the place in which Heidegger situates it; they frequently shed light on topics often left in the shadows by Heidegger and his expositors, topics such as (auto)biography, sexual difference, and Christianity; and they bear on Heidegger’s lifelong engagement with the status of being and even, at times, seem to call into question his published positions on it.
Reading and Writing on Reading and Writing: Short Poetry on Flyleaves in a Manuscript of the Metrical Grammar (DCA 00065)
Authors: Pritula Anton
Published: April 2021

The short pieces discussed in the paper were added between larger texts and on the flyleaves by the scribe himself. Thematically, the poems may be divided in two blocks: the first one contains poems on reading, studying grammar, and on the scribal activities, whereas the second one comprises poetry ascribed to Bar ʿEbrōyō on different topics. The manuscript under discussion – Bar ʿEbrōyō’s (1226–1286) Metrical Grammar (DCA 00065) – was written in 1552 by ʿAbdīšōʿ of Gāzartā, an East Syrian patriarch (1555–1570), poet and copyist.

These small pieces forming short verse collections illustrate the complex processes that took place in the manuscript circulation and literary life during the Early Ottoman period. All the short poems were never published or studied before, and for that reason they are placed here in the Appendix in both Syriac original and English translation.
The Jesuits at Fort St. Joseph in Southwest Michigan
Authors: Brandão José António , Nassaney Michael S.
Published: April 2021

The site of Fort St. Joseph in southwest Michigan began as a mission in the 1680s when the Jesuits were granted a tract of land by the French crown along the St. Joseph River. For almost eighty years, the Jesuits tended to the souls of the Fort St. Joseph community. The presence of a marriage and baptismal register (1720–61) and archaeological remains testify to their religious activities in the eighteenth century. While it is difficult to measure Jesuit success at winning converts and the sincerity of the beliefs of both the French and Natives in their flock, documentary and material evidence inform on Jesuit practices. Catholicism endured among the denizens of the fort and was adopted by nearby Native peoples.
The profession of faith in early Christian baptism
Authors: Bradshaw Paul F.
Published: April 2021

Some sort of profession of faith has accompanied baptism from the beginning, but the understanding of this changed in the early centuries. It changed from being an affirmation of allegiance to a vocalization of the contents of the candidate’s beliefs. This raised questions about the practice of infant baptism. Given the older understanding, it was not unreasonable to suppose that parents should be entitled to decide the religious affiliation of their children, as other matters. The newer understanding raised the question of whether infants can believe.
Expanding the boundaries of learning
Authors: Hatch Thomas
Published: April 2021

Taking advantage of the possibilities for learning outside of school requires us to build on what we know about why it is so hard to sustain and scale up unconventional educational experiences within conventional schools. To illustrate the opportunities and challenges, Thomas Hatch describes a large-scale approach to project-based learning developed in a camp in New Hampshire and incorporated in a Brooklyn school, a trip-based program in Detroit, and Singapore’s systemic embrace of learning outside school. By understanding the conditions that can sustain alternative instructional practices, educators can find places to challenge the boundaries of schooling and create visions of the possible that exceed current constraints.
The benefits of multiple arts-based field trips
Authors: Florick Laura , Greene Jay P. , Levenberg Rebecca , Pogue Rebecca
Published: April 2021

The near-term social-emotional and academic benefits of arts-based field trips has been well documented, but a new study shows that multiple arts-based field trips can have positive effects that endure for multiple years. Laura Florick, Jay P. Greene, Rebecca Levenberg, and Rebecca Pogue describe a partnership between a school district and arts center in Atlanta in which students go on three field trips during the school year. Researchers sorted students into groups, with some attending all three field trips and others attending only one. Student surveys and school data provide evidence of the benefits of going on multiple field trips.
Under the Law: Do students have a right to “equal extracurricular opportunity”?
Authors: Kim Robert
Published: April 2021

Robert Kim tackles the question of whether denying students access to extracurricular programs is lawful. Historically, courts have considered the presence or absence of extracurricular activities as a factor in determining whether a district has eliminated vestiges of segregation. Outside the desegregation context, however, courts have been reluctant to recognize a legal right to participate in extracurricular activities. Today, those hoping to define extracurriclar opportutines as a right may find avenues to puruse in case involving school finances and federal enforcement of civil rights statutes.
The Mathematical Revolution in Economics: Factor Flows in the Production of Academics
Authors: Weisman Dennis L.
Published: April 2021

The main theme of this essay is that the mathematical revolution in economics precipitated factor flows in the production of academics, wherein able, if not creative, mathematicians moved into economics to earn large rents. This “technical migration” set in motion a counterproductive path dependency from which the discipline may find it difficult to extricate itself. A secondary theme explores the disparate views of Keynes and Schumpeter on economics as an “exact science” and the role that mathematics should play. The seminal question is not whether mathematics is an important tool for economic analysis, because this is not a debatable proposition, but whether the deification of mathematics has come at too high a cost. This cost includes elevating elegance over substance, discounting the importance of other disciplines, and dissuading gifted undergraduates from pursuing advanced study in economics because they do not aspire to be “mathematicians.”

JEL Classifications: A22, A23, B31, B41
Redefining peer learning: Role of student entrepreneurs in teaching entrepreneurship in the UK higher education context
Authors: Xu Stella , Xu Zimu , Li Fujia , Sukumar Arun
Published: April 2021

Entrepreneurship-related modules have become increasingly popular over the years, not only among business school students but also among those from other disciplines, including engineering and the arts and humanities. In some circumstances, they are offered as optional modules for students across different faculties and disciplines. While it is beneficial to mix students with different backgrounds, bringing in a wide range of perspectives, there are also challenges relating to course design and student engagement. With these challenges in mind, the authors trialled a new approach in the hope of motivating students from diverse academic and socio-cultural backgrounds to engage more fully in the classroom by utilising student entrepreneurs as guest speakers. The student-centric approach has proved effective in enhancing student engagement, as evidenced by both informal and formal feedback.
Performance of near infrared spectroscopy of a solid cattle and poultry manure database depends on the sample preparation and regression method used
Authors: Gogé Fabien , Thuriès Laurent , Fouad Youssef , Damay Nathalie , Davrieux Fabrice , Moussard Géraud , Roux Caroline Le , Trupin-Maudemain Séverine , Valé Matthieu , Morvan Thierry
Published: April 2021

Determining the chemical composition of animal manure rapidly is essential to manage fertilisation and decrease environmental pollution. Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a non-destructive, inexpensive and rapid method to determine several components of manure simultaneously. This study investigated the ability of NIR spectroscopy to analyse the dry matter, total and ammonium nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, potassium and magnesium contents in a database of heterogeneous cattle and poultry solid manures. The accuracy of calibration models obtained from different sample preparation methods (dried ground vs. fresh homogenized) and multivariate regression methods (partial least squares vs. local regression) were compared. The results showed that using local regression with NIR spectra of fresh homogenized manure could predict dry matter (R2=0.99, RMSEV = 1.64%, RPD = 13.31), total (R2=0.98, RMSEV = 0.16%, RPD = 7.11) and ammonium nitrogen (R2=0.97, RMSEV = 0.042%, RPD = 5.57) and phosphorus (R2=0.95, RMSEV = 0.10%, RPD = 5.56) contents accurately.
Working With Nonoffending Caregivers of Children Who Have Been Sexually Abused: Common Challenges and Effective Strategies
Authors: Crocetto Johanna , Beemer Kate
Published: April 2021

This research project is intended to address the dearth of information regarding best practice in clinical engagement and intervention with nonoffending caregivers of children who have been sexually abused. Utilizing an online survey, licensed clinicians were invited to respond to open-ended questions regarding (a) common challenges they face when working with caregivers of children who have been sexually abused and (b) strategies they have found to be effective when faced with these challenges. Their responses are presented and implications for social work training and practice are reviewed.
Multilevel Pathways of Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Low-Income Vietnamese Americans: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis
Authors: Ma Grace X. , Zhu Lin , Lin Timmy R. , Tan Yin , Do Phuong
Published: April 2021

Background:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) disproportionately affects Vietnamese Americans, especially those with low income and were born outside of the United States. CRC screening tests are crucial for prevention and early detection. Despite the availability of noninvasive, simple-to-conduct tests, CRC screening rates in Asian Americans, particularly Vietnamese Americans, remain suboptimal. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the interplay of multilevel factors – individual, interpersonal, and community – on CRC screening behaviors among low-income Vietnamese Americans with limited English proficiency.

Methods:

This study is based on the Sociocultural Health Behavior Model, a research-based model that incorporates 6 factors associated with decision-making and health-seeking behaviors that result in health care utilization. Using a community-based participatory research approach, we recruited 801 Vietnamese Americans from community-based organizations. We administered a survey to collect information on sociodemographic characteristics, health-related factors, and CRC screening-related factors. We used structural equation modeling (SEM) to identify direct and indirect predictors of lifetime CRC screening.

Results:

Bivariate analysis revealed that a greater number of respondents who never screened for CRC reported limited English proficiency, fewer years of US residency, and lower self-efficacy related to CRC screening. The SEM model identified self-efficacy (coefficient = 0.092, P < .01) as the only direct predictor of lifetime CRC screening. Educational attainment (coefficient = 0.13, P < .01) and health beliefs (coefficient = 0.040, P < .001) had a modest significant positive relationship with self-efficacy. Health beliefs (coefficient = 0.13, P < .001) and educational attainment (coefficient = 0.16, P < .01) had significant positive relationships with CRC knowledge.

Conclusions:

To increase CRC screening uptake in medically underserved Vietnamese American populations, public health interventions should aim to increase community members’ confidence in their abilities to screen for CRC and to navigate associated processes, including screening preparation, discussions with doctors, and emotional complications.
Emotional Dissonance Among Frontline Hospitality Employees: An Exploratory Study Examining Habituation Theory Using fMRI
Authors: Choi Woosik Danny , Kelley Timothy , Walden Eric , McCool Barent , O’Boyle Michael
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this exploratory study is to analyze the emotional dissonance among frontline hospitality employees, based on the habituation theory, by examining the responses of brain regions of interest to customers’ incivility. A survey and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)—measuring brain responsiveness—data were collected to compare the life/occupational stress between the frontline hospitality (i.e., customer interacting jobs) and nonhospitality (i.e., minimal or no customer interaction) employees and analyze the responses of brain regions of interest. Although the data from the survey suggested no significant difference between the two groups of employees, the fMRI analysis found significant habituation of the brain regions of interest among the frontline hospitality employees. The analysis outcomes confirm habituation theory and suggest managerial implications such as managing stress or burnout from emotional dissonance and improving employee welfare/fitness to relieve stress from emotional dissonance. The findings suggest the call for more in-depth analysis regarding emotional dissonance.
Iliac Conduits for Endovascular Treatment of Aortic Pathologies: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Giannopoulos Stefanos , Malgor Rafael D. , Sobreira Marcone L. , Siada Sammy S. , Rodrigues Diego , Al-Musawi Mohammed , Malgor Emily A. , Jacobs Donald L.
Published: April 2021

Purpose:

The treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm has largely shifted to endovascular techniques. However, severe iliofemoral arterial disease often presents a challenge during these interventions. As a result, iliac conduits have been introduced to facilitate aortic endovascular therapy. The goal of the current study was to gauge utilization and to analyze iliac artery conduit outcomes to facilitate endovascular therapy to treat aortic pathologies.

Materials and Methods:

A meta-analysis of 14 studies was conducted with the use of random effects modeling. The incidence of periprocedural adverse events was gauged based on iliac conduit vs nonconduit cases and planned vs unplanned iliac conduit placement. Outcomes of interest included length of hospital stay, morbidity and mortality associated to conduits, and all-cause mortality.

Results:

Iliac conduits, either open or endo-conduits, were utilized in 17% (95% CI: 9%–27%) of 16,855 cases, with technical successful rate of 94% (95% CI: 80%–100%). Periprocedural complications occurred in 32% (95% CI: 22%–42%) of the cases, with overall bleeding complication rate being 10% (95% CI: 5%–16%). Female patients, positive history for smoking, pulmonary disease, and peripheral artery disease at baseline were associated with more frequent utilization of iliac conduits. Conduit use was associated with longer hospitalization, higher periprocedural all-cause mortality (OR: 2.85; 95% CI: 1.75–4.64; p<0.001), and bleeding complication rate (OR: 2.38; 95% CI: 1.58–3.58; p<0.001). Sensitivity analysis among conduit cases showed that planned conduits were associated with fewer periprocedural complications compared to unplanned conduits (OR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.20–0.73; p=0.004).

Conclusion:

Iliac conduit placement is a feasible strategy, associated with high technical success to facilitate complex aortic endovascular repair. However, periprocedural adverse event rate, including bleeding complications is not negligible. All-cause mortality and morbidity rates among cases that require iliac conduits should be strongly considered during clinical decision making. High-quality comparative analyses between iliac conduit vs nonconduit cases and between several types of iliac conduit grafts aiming at facilitating endovascular aortic repair are still needed to determine the best strategy to address challenging iliac artery accesses.
Lateralized Periodic Discharges During Remifentanil Infusion
Authors: Sakathevan Janaarththanan , Somasundaram Karthik , Chinyere Sandra C. , Rodríguez-Viña Cristina , Martín-López David
Published: April 2021

Lateralized periodic discharges (LPDs) are a common electroencephalographic (EEG) pattern in the neurointensive care unit setting. LPDs are typically observed in association with acute structural lesions of the brain with different etiologies. There are no reports describing a link between the occurrence of LPDs and the administration of remifentanil. Remifentanil is a rapid-acting pure μ-opioid receptor agonist, which is indicated to provide analgesia and sedation in mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care units. We present a case of an 84-year-old man with neuroglycopenia who developed LPDs while sedated with remifentanil. We report, for the first time, a potential relationship between remifentanil and the induction of LPDs.
We are all in it!: Phenomenological Qualitative Research and Embeddedness
Authors: Emiliussen Jakob , Engelsen Søren , Christiansen Regina , Klausen Søren Harnow
Published: April 2021

In recent decades, phenomenological concepts and methodological ideals have been adopted by qualitative researchers. Several influential strands of what we will refer to as Phenomenological Research (PR) have emerged. We will call into question whether PR has been sufficiently sensitive to the issue of the prerequisites, or basic conditions, for doing phenomenological research. The practical implementation of phenomenological key concepts is important in working with phenomenology as a research methodology. Core concepts such as “bracketing” seems to be particularly important in PR. The question we would like to raise is not whether “bracketing” is possible, or to what extent, nor how it should be understood. Rather, we wish to illuminate the prerequisites for bracketing itself. We believe that a fuller recognition of the embeddedness of research practices like PR does have some broadly practical implications, which we shall expand upon in the present article.
Reliability optimization in series-parallel and parallel-series systems subject to random shocks
Authors: Ling Xiaoliang , Zhang Yazhou , Gao Yu
Published: April 2021

Consider a series-parallel (parallel-series) system composed of [Formula: see text] subsystems subject to [Formula: see text] independent stochastically identical nonhomogeneous Poisson processes, its reliability optimization problems are analysed in this paper. The reliability function of the series-parallel (parallel-series) system is presented. We study the optimal subsystems grouping policy to maximize the system reliability. It is shown that the series-parallel (parallel-series) system is more reliable (unreliable) when more subsystems share a common combined shock process. Different allocation policies of components are compared in terms of majorization order. Some examples are given to illustrate the results.
A Hyperosmolar Saline Solution Fortified with Anti-Inflammatory Components Mitigates Articular Cartilage Pro-Inflammatory and Degradative Responses in an In Vitro Model of Knee Arthroscopy
Authors: Oladeji Lasun O. , Stoker Aaron M. , Stannard James P. , Cook James L.
Published: April 2021

Objective

To evaluate differences in pro-inflammatory and degradative mediator production from osteoarthritic knee articular cartilage explants treated with a hyperosmolar saline solution supplemented with anti-inflammatory components (l-glutamine, ascorbic acid, sodium pyruvate, epigallocatechin gallate [EGCG], and dexamethasone) or normal saline using an in vitro model for knee arthroscopy.

Design

Full-thickness 6 mm articular cartilage explants ( n = 12/patient) were created from femoral condyle and tibial plateau samples collected from patients who received knee arthroplasty. One explant half was treated for 3 hours with hyperosmolar saline (600 mOsm/L) supplemented with anti-inflammatory components and the corresponding half with normal saline (308 mOsm/L). Explants were cultured for 3 days and then collected for biomarker analyses. Media biomarker concentrations were normalized to the wet weight of the tissue (mg) and were analyzed by a paired t test with significance set at P < 0.05.

Results

Cartilage was collected from 9 females and 2 males (mean age = 68 years). Concentrations of MCP-1 ( P < 0.001), IL-8 ( P = 0.03), GRO-α ( P = 0.02), MMP-1 ( P < 0.001), MMP-2 ( P < 0.001), and MMP-3 ( P < 0.001) were significantly lower in explant halves treated with the enhanced hyperosmolar solution. When considering only those cartilage explants in the top tercile of tissue metabolism, IL-6 ( P = 0.005), IL-8 ( P = 0.0001), MCP-1 ( P < 0.001), GRO-α ( P = 0.0003), MMP-1 ( P < 0.001), MMP-2 ( P < 0.001), MMP-3 ( P < 0.001), and GAG expression ( P = 0.0001) was significantly lower in cartilage explant halves treated with the enhanced hyperosmolar solution.

Conclusions

Treatment of cartilage explants with a hyperosmolar saline arthroscopic irrigation solution supplemented with anti-inflammatory components was associated with significant decreases in inflammatory and degradative mediator production and mitigation of proteoglycan loss.
Comparison of College Faculty and Business Professionals as Evaluators of Student Business Letters
Authors: Stengel Donald N. , Curry Jacquelin J.
Published: April 2021

This article reports on assessments of business letters assigned to students in a business communication course. Assessments were performed by faculty in other disciplines and local business professionals, with each sampled assignment evaluated by one faculty and one business professional. Overall, the assessments by the two groups were similar in terms of evaluation items related to quality of content and organization. However, faculty evaluators rated the letters lower on items related to mechanics, while business professional evaluators rated the letters lower on items related to professionalism. The paired assessments revealed only limited consistency between the two evaluator groups.
Activated IL-6 signaling contributes to the pathogenesis of, and is a novel therapeutic target for, CALR-mutated MPNs
Authors: Balliu Manjola , Calabresi Laura , Bartalucci Niccolò , Romagnoli Simone , Maggi Laura , Manfredini Rossella , Lulli Matteo , Guglielmelli Paola , Vannucchi Alessandro Maria
Published: April 2021

Calreticulin (CALR), an endoplasmic reticulum–associated chaperone, is frequently mutated in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Mutated CALR promotes downstream JAK2/STAT5 signaling through interaction with, and activation of, the thrombopoietin receptor (MPL). Here, we provide evidence of a novel mechanism contributing to CALR-mutated MPNs, represented by abnormal activation of the interleukin 6 (IL-6)-signaling pathway. We found that UT7 and UT7/mpl cells, engineered by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) to express the CALR type 1–like (DEL) mutation, acquired cytokine independence and were primed to the megakaryocyte (Mk) lineage. Levels of IL-6 messenger RNA (mRNA), extracellular-released IL-6, membrane-associated glycoprotein 130 (gp130), and IL-6 receptor (IL-6R), phosphorylated JAK1 and STAT3 (p-JAK1 and p-STAT3), and IL-6 promoter region occupancy by STAT3 all resulted in increased CALR DEL cells in the absence of MPL stimulation. Wild-type, but not mutated, CALR physically interacted with gp130 and IL-6R, downregulating their expression on the cell membrane. Agents targeting gp130 (SC-144), IL-6R (tocilizumab [TCZ]), and cell-released IL-6 reduced proliferation of CALR DEL as well as CALR knockout cells, supporting a mutated CALR loss-of-function model. CD34+ cells from CALR-mutated patients showed increased levels of IL-6 mRNA and p-STAT3, and colony-forming unit–Mk growth was inhibited by either SC144 or TCZ, as well as an IL-6 antibody, supporting cell-autonomous activation of the IL-6 pathway. Targeting IL-6 signaling also reduced colony formation by CD34+ cells of JAK2V617F-mutated patients. The combination of TCZ and ruxolitinib was synergistic at very low nanomolar concentrations. Overall, our results suggest that target inhibition of IL-6 signaling may have therapeutic potential in CALR, and possibly JAK2V617F, mutated MPNs.
Infection-related morbidity and mortality among older patients with DLBCL treated with full- or attenuated-dose R-CHOP
Authors: Eyre Toby A. , Wilson William , Kirkwood Amy A. , Wolf Julia , Hildyard Catherine , Plaschkes Hannah , Griffith John , Fields Paul , Gunawan Arief , Oliver Rebecca , Booth Stephen , Kothari Jaimal , Fox Christopher P. , Martinez-Calle Nicolas , McMillan Andrew , Bishton Mark , Collins Graham P. , Hatton Chris S. R.
Published: April 2021

Infection-related morbidity and mortality are increased in older patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) compared with population-matched controls. Key predictive factors for infection-related hospitalization during treatment with rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) and deaths as a result of infection in older patients during and after treatment with R-CHOP remain incompletely understood. For this study, 690 consecutively treated patients age 70 years or older who received full-dose or attenuated-dose R-CHOP treatment were analyzed for risk of infection-related hospitalization and infection-related death. Median age was 77 years, and 34.4% were 80 years old or older. Median follow-up was 2.8 years (range, 0.4-8.9 years). Patient and baseline disease characteristics were assessed in addition to intended dose intensity (IDI). Of all patients, 72% were not hospitalized with infection. In 331 patients receiving an IDI ≥80%, 33% were hospitalized with ≥1 infections compared with 23.3% of 355 patients receiving an IDI of <80% (odds ratio, 1.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-2.25; P = .006). An increased risk of infection-related admission was independently associated with IDI >80% across the whole cohort. Primary quinolone prophylaxis independently reduced infection-related admission. A total of 51 patients died as a result of infection. The 6-month, 12-month, 2-year, and 5-year cumulative incidences of infection-related death were 3.3%, 5.0%, 7.2%, and 11.1%, respectively. Key independent factors associated with infection-related death were an International Prognostic Index (IPI) score of 3 to 5, Cumulative Illness Rating Scale for Geriatrics (CIRS-G) score ≥6, and low albumin, which enabled us to generate a predictive risk score. We defined a smaller group (15%) of patients (IPI score of 0-2, albumin >36 g/L, CIRS-G score <6) in which no cases of infection-related deaths occurred at 5 years of follow-up. Whether patients at higher risk of infection-related death could be targeted with enhanced antimicrobial prophylaxis remains unknown and will require a randomized trial.