bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurements of the mass allocation for multiple injection strategies using the rate of injection and momentum flux signals
Authors: Payri Raúl , Gimeno Jaime , Martí-Aldaraví Pedro , Viera Alberto
Published: January 2020

As legislations set very stringent environmental and fuel economy standards, researchers have pushed into a continuous development in all areas of the diesel engine. The recent evolution of the injection technologies has permitted to modify the fuel-delivery strategies. From what was a single pulse per injection event, modern systems allow to inject up to eight different times precisely per combustion cycle. In such sense, experimental results of the rate of injection and momentum flux could be useful for validation and improvement of computational models. Moreover, accurately quantifying the injected mass per pulse in a fuel–gas interface can provide data with more realistic engine-like conditions. To this end, this research presents measurements of the rate of injection and momentum flux for two simple multiple injection strategies: a pilot-main and a main-post. Boundary conditions included two rail and discharge pressures, two different pilot/post quantities and four dwell times. A new approach was employed to estimate the mass allocation with the momentum flux data, and results were compared to the rate of injection traces to verify the distribution calculated. On the results, signals for each pulse were successfully decoupled using its rising and falling edge. The shot-to-shot variability of the pilot/post injection was highly dependent on its transitory characteristics, and on the dwell time for post injections due to internal pressure waves. The injected mass per pulse was successfully measured as well in the momentum flux test rig, and the energizing time changed slightly to account for the different operation interfaces. Signals from both measurement campaigns showed a remarkable agreement when compared, ascertain the possibility of measuring the injected mass, and its allocation for multiple injection strategies, in the momentum flux test rig.
Future lived experience: inclusive research with people living with dementia
Authors: Williams Val , Webb Joe , Read Sandy , James Roy , Davis Harry
Published: January 2020

People with a diagnosis of dementia have often been the subjects of qualitative research; by contrast, this article sets out to reflect on the positioning of people living with dementia in inclusive or ‘co-produced’ research and the connections between the personal and the collective voice in research. The article seeks to explore the unique hallmarks of inclusive dementia research, compared with some of the other models of inclusive research. Drawing on our experiences in one study, we describe the stages at which the research was set up, how a group of people living with dementia got involved in doing research, and their role in a conversation analysis of video interaction. We then use short extracts from recorded data of our meetings to discuss some of the tensions and challenges in this type of inclusive research, including political identification, the unequal power balance in inclusive research and the unique contributions of people living with dementia. Our ensuing argument is for a type of guided spontaneity, where lived experience (and future lived experience) has a space to be valued and to offer insights for research. The implications of inclusive research are about the practical, and about impact. These messages are contained in a postscript written by the last three authors Roy James, Sandy Read and Harry Davis, who are the members of the dementia research group.
Formal organizations and interstitial spaces: Catalysts, complexity, and the initiation of cross-field collaboration
Authors: Villani Elisa , Phillips Nelson
Published: January 2020

Interstitial spaces are informal settings where interactions among actors from different organizational fields are more likely to succeed despite the institutional complexity that they face. Individuals acting as “catalysts” have been identified as being particularly important in the dynamics of these interstitial spaces. However, the focus to date has been on individuals interacting in interstitial spaces that have developed informally, and we know little about how formal organizations might purposefully create and manage interstitial spaces to initiate cross-field interaction. Using data from a study of six organizations involved in technology transfer activities between universities and industry in Italy, we explore how formal organizations use interstitial spaces to encourage cross-field collaboration and identify the set of formal and informal activities employed by catalysts to manage the complexity that arises. In addition, our analysis identifies two activities implemented at the organizational and field level by the formal organizations to support the interstitial spaces. Based on these results, we develop a model of the management of interstitial spaces by formal organizations.
Shape-preserving property of the carbon fabric with a thermal bonding layer
Authors: Fang Qianqian , Chen Li , Guo Ruiqing , Jiao Ya’nan
Published: January 2020

Based on the problem of shape-preserving property of complex geometry shape preform, a kind of new fabric with thermal bonding layers was designed in our work. From the apparent view, it can be seen that the carbon cloth was attached with a layer of thermal bonding layer structure. The two adjacent carbon fabrics can be bonded together by the thermal bonding layers through hot press actions. Because of the particular characteristics, this type of fabrics can help to achieve the overall integrity of complex geometry shape preform. This kind of particular fabric with thermal bonding layers was prepared by 3D weaving process using carbon fiber and thermoplastic nylon fiber. To evaluate the effect of thermal bonding layers on shape-preserving property of fabric, the fabrics were prepared with five different contents of thermoplastic nylon fiber. And the pure carbon cloth without thermoplastic nylon fiber was also prepared as control group. The shape-preserving property of fabric was evaluated by single-wing springback test and fabric peeling test in the 0° and 90° direction. The experimental results show that the effect on shape-preserving property of fabric enhanced with the increase of contents of thermoplastic nylon fiber, and the shape-preserving property of fabric was more significant in 0° direction compared with 90° direction.
Intermittent Hypoxia Training for Treating Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Study
Authors: Wang Hong , Shi Xiangrong , Schenck Hannah , Hall James R. , Ross Sarah E. , Kline Geoffrey P. , Chen Shande , Mallet Robert T. , Chen Peijie
Published: January 2020

Although intermittent hypoxia training (IHT) has proven effective against various clinical disorders, its impact on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is unknown. This pilot study examined IHT’s safety and therapeutic efficacy in elderly patients with amnestic MCI (aMCI). Seven patients with aMCI (age 69 ± 3 years) alternately breathed 10% O2 and room-air, each 5 minutes, for 8 cycles/session, 3 sessions/wk for 8 weeks. The patients’ resting arterial pressures fell by 5 to 7 mm Hg ( P < .05) and cerebral tissue oxygenation increased ( P < .05) following IHT. Intermittent hypoxia training enhanced hypoxemia-induced cerebral vasodilation ( P < .05) and improved mini-mental state examination and digit span scores from 25.7 ± 0.4 to 27.7 ± 0.6 ( P = .038) and from 24.7 ± 1.2 to 26.1 ± 1.3 ( P = .047), respectively. California verbal learning test score tended to increase ( P = .102), but trail making test-B and controlled oral word association test scores were unchanged. Adaptation to moderate IHT may enhance cerebral oxygenation and hypoxia-induced cerebrovasodilation while improving short-term memory and attention in elderly patients with aMCI.
Autism, Epilepsy, and Neuroregression: Photosensitivity on Electroencephalography Solved the Riddle
Authors: Madaan Priyanka , Jauhari Prashant , Luhar Zulfiqar M. , Chakrabarty Biswaroop , Gulati Sheffali
Published: January 2020

Autistic epileptiform regression is an uncommon but extensively described malady in children. The clinico-etiological spectrum of this entity ranges from electrical status epilepticus in sleep to various neurogenetic and neurodegenerative disorders. Identification of these disorders is crucial considering their therapeutic and prognostic implications. Simple investigations such as neuroimaging and electroencephalography with activation procedures can provide valuable diagnostic clues in resource-limited settings; facilitating targeted genetic/metabolic testing. Here we report a 3.5-year-old girl with autistic regression and epilepsy. Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis was suspected as her electroencephalogram showed photoparoxysmal response on low-frequency (1-3 Hz) intermittent photic stimulation. A deficient leukocyte tripeptidyl peptidase 1 enzyme confirmed the diagnosis of late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis.
Endoscopic Radial Artery Harvesting During Anesthesia Line Placement Reduces the Time and Cost of Multivessel Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Wang Hanjay , Bilbao Mary S. , Miller Shari L. , O’Donnell Christian T. , Boyd Jack H.
Published: January 2020

Objective

Endoscopic radial artery (RA) harvesting performed concurrently with internal mammary artery (IMA) takedown and endoscopic saphenous vein (SV) harvesting creates a crowded and inefficient operating room environment. We assessed the effect of a presternotomy RA harvest strategy on surgery time and costs.

Methods

A total of 41 patients underwent elective, first-time, isolated multivessel on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting including an IMA, RA, and SV graft. The first 20 patients (Phase I) underwent endoscopic RA harvesting concurrently with IMA takedown and endoscopic SV harvesting after sternotomy, requiring two sets of endoscopic harvesting equipment per case, each used by a separate individual. The final 21 patients (Phase II) underwent endoscopic RA harvesting during anesthesia line placement, completing the procedure before sternotomy, thus requiring only one set of endoscopic harvesting equipment reused by a single individual.

Results

There were no differences in baseline patient characteristics, number of bypasses, duration of SV or RA harvest time, or duration of cardiopulmonary bypass or cross-clamp time between the two groups. Total surgery time was reduced by 32 minutes in Phase II ( P = 0.044). Relative to a total hospital direct cost of 100.00 units, total surgery costs were reduced from 29.33 units in Phase I to 25.62 units in Phase II ( P = 0.001). No anesthesia- or RA harvest-related complications occurred in either group.

Conclusions

Endoscopic RA harvesting can be safely performed during anesthesia line placement prior to sternotomy. Our simple but innovative strategy improves intraoperative workflow, reduces the time and cost of surgery, and advances the delivery of high-quality patient care.
Complete Sternal-Sparing Approach Improves Outcomes for Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation in Patients With History of Prior Sternotomy
Authors: Ayers Brian , Sagebin Fabio , Wood Katherine , Barrus Bryan , Thomas Sabu , Storozynsky Eugene , Chen Leway , Bernstein Wendy , Lebow Brandon , Prasad Sunil , Gosev Igor
Published: January 2020

Objective

Early reports of less invasive techniques for left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation have demonstrated promising results. We sought to investigate the safety and feasibility of implementing the complete sternal-sparing (CSS) approach for LVAD implantation in patients with a history of prior cardiac operation.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of prospectively collected data for all patients implanted with a fully magnetically levitated LVAD from April 2017 through December 2018. Patients were dichotomized based on surgical approach: CSS or full median sternotomy (FS). Perioperative complications and overall survival were compared between cohorts.

Results

Of the 29 eligible patients, 15 (52%) were implanted via the CSS approach and 14 (48%) via FS. Preoperative characteristics were similar between cohorts. Overall survival to discharge was 93% for CSS compared to 71% for FS ( P = 0.169). The CSS cohort demonstrated fewer postoperative complications, including fewer cases of severe right ventricular failure ( P = 0.006) and less blood product utilization ( P = 0.015). Median hospital length of stay was significantly shorter for the CSS cohort (median 13 vs 32.5 days, P = 0.016). Neither cohort had any 30-day readmissions.

Conclusions

Early data suggest that the CSS technique is a safe and effective technique for patients with a history of prior sternotomy. Further studies are needed to validate this single-center experience.
A Pareto-based genetic algorithm for multi-objective scheduling of automated manufacturing systems
Authors: Zan Xin , Wu Zepeng , Guo Cheng , Yu Zhenhua
Published: January 2020

This work focuses on multi-objective scheduling problems of automated manufacturing systems. Such an automated manufacturing system has limited resources and flexibility of processing routes of jobs, and hence is prone to deadlock. Its scheduling problem includes both deadlock avoidance and performance optimization. A new Pareto-based genetic algorithm is proposed to solve multi-objective scheduling problems of automated manufacturing systems. In automated manufacturing systems, scheduling not only sets up a routing for each job but also provides a feasible sequence of job operations. Possible solutions are expressed as individuals containing information of processing routes and the operation sequence of all jobs. The feasibility of individuals is checked by the Petri net model of an automated manufacturing system and its deadlock controller, and infeasible individuals are amended into feasible ones. The proposed algorithm has been tested with different instances and compared to the modified non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II. The experiment results show the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Two-finger exoskeleton with force feedback for a mobile robot teleoperation
Authors: Aragón-Martínez Aldo , Arias-Montiel Manuel , Lugo-González Esther , Tapia-Herrera Ricardo
Published: January 2020

In this work, the design, manufacturing, instrumentation, and application of a two-finger exoskeleton with force feedback are presented. The exoskeleton is based on remote center of motion mechanisms in order to avoid mechanical interference with the user’s fingers and is manufactured by three-dimensional printing. The developed exoskeleton is applied in a mobile robot teleoperation by mapping the finger movements in forward and turning commands for the robot. The presence of obstacles detected by the robot is sensed by the user by means of a feedback force. The problem of simultaneously communicating a data acquisition card and the robot hardware by MATLAB ® Simulink® was solved by using an external Wi-Fi module. The result is a lightweight exoskeleton which is able to communicate bidirectionally with a mobile robot by a personal computer for teleoperation tasks. The success of the system implementation is proven by a set of experiments presented in the final part of the article.
Apical periodontitis-induced mechanical allodynia: A mouse model to study infection-induced chronic pain conditions
Authors: Mohaved Saeed B , Shilpa Ganatra , Li Qun , Austah Obadah , Bendele Michelle , Brock Robert , Ruparel Nikita B
Published: January 2020

Infection-induced chronic pain is an under-studied pain condition. One example is apical periodontitis, which evokes considerable mechanical allodynia that persists after treatment in 7% to 12% of patients. Available analgesics often provide incomplete relief. However, a preclinical model to study pain mechanisms associated with apical periodontitis is not available. Here, we report a mouse model of apical periodontitis to facilitate studies determining mechanisms mediating persistent infection-induced pain. Mice were anesthetized and the left first molar was exposed to the oral environment for six weeks. Bone resorption, as an indicator of apical periodontitis, was quantified using microcomputed tomography. Mechanical allodynia was determined using extraoral von-Frey filaments in both male and female mice. The expression of c-fos in the medullary dorsal horn was assessed using immunohistochemistry. Mice with apical periodontitis developed significant mechanical allodynia by day 7 that was maintained for 42 days. Mechanical thresholds were significantly lower in females compared to males. Administration of ibuprofen, morphine, or MK-801 reversed mechanical allodynia. Finally, apical periodontitis triggered an upregulation of c-fos in the medullary dorsal horn. Collectively, this model simulates signs of clinical pain experienced by patients with apical periodontitis, detects sex differences in allodynia, and permits the study of peripheral and central trigeminal pain mechanisms.
Flat-panel detector CT assessment in stroke to reduce times to intra-arterial treatment: A study of multiphase computed tomography angiography in the angiography suite to bypass conventional imaging
Authors: Bouslama Mehdi , Haussen Diogo C , Grossberg Jonathan A , Barreira Clara M , Bom Imramsjah Martijn J van der , Nijnatten Fred van , Grünhagen Thijs , Moyer Larry , Frankel Michael R , Nogueira Raul G
Published: January 2020

Background

Bypassing the emergency department and the computed tomography suite by directly transporting to the neuroangiography suite for imaging assessment and treatment may shorten reperfusion times while maintaining proper patient selection.

Objective

To determine whether flat-panel detector multiphase computed tomography angiography protocol is associated with reduced treatment times and a similar safety profile as the standard imaging protocol.

Methods

Single-center prospective study of consecutive patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion strokes transferred to our facility for consideration of endovascular therapy from May 2016 to December 2017. Those with basilar strokes and/or presenting to the emergency department were excluded. Patients were categorized into two groups: (1) flat-panel detector CT assessment in stroke to reduce times to intra-arterial treatment group, with patients transferred directly to the suite for multiphase computed tomography angiography; and (2) patients undergoing standard protocol including computed tomography ± computed tomography angiography/CT perfusion. The groups were matched for age, baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, and pretreatment glucose. Baseline characteristics, time metrics, and outcomes were compared.

Results

Out of 419 patients who underwent endovascular therapy over the study period, 210 patients fit inclusion criteria, with 54 (25.7%) in the flat-panel detector CT assessment in stroke to reduce times to intra-arterial treatment group. After matching, 49 flat-panel detector CT assessment in stroke to reduce times to intra-arterial treatment/control pairs were generated and analyzed. Baseline characteristics were well balanced. Flat-panel detector CT assessment in stroke to reduce times to intra-arterial treatment patients had significantly shorter median door-to-puncture (33 [26.5-47] vs. 55 [44.5–66] min, p < 0.001), door-to-reperfusion (85 [57.5–115.5] vs. 110 [80–153], p = 0.005) and picture-to-puncture (18 [13.5–22.5] vs. 42 [32–47.5] min, p < 0.001) times. There were no differences in rates of successful reperfusion (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2b-3, 95.9% vs. 100%, p = 0.5), parenchymal hematomas type-2 (4.1% vs. 2%, p = 1.00), good outcome (90-day modified Rankin Scale 0–2, 44.9% vs. 40.8%, p = 0.68), and 90-day mortality (14.3% vs. 22.4%, p = 0.30).

Conclusion

Directly transferring patients to angiography and using multiphase computed tomography angiography to determine the eligibility for endovascular therapy is safe and may result in a significant reduction in treatment times. Future larger studies are warranted.
Return to Driving After Foot and Ankle Surgery: A Novel Survey to Predict Passing Brake Reaction Time
Authors: McDonald Elizabeth L. , Shakked Rachel , Nicholson Kristen , Daniel Joseph N. , Pedowitz David I. , Winters Brian S. , Rogero Ryan , Raikin Steven M.
Published: January 2020

Introduction. Brake reaction time (BRT) is an accepted method for establishing recommendations for safe return to driving by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Other than performing a BRT test in clinic, there is no established clinical tool to help physicians differentiate safe from unsafe drivers once patients reach general recovery milestones. The purpose is to present individual recommendations to the patient through a novel, validated survey evaluating safe return to driving after orthopaedic surgery of the right foot and ankle. Methods. A total of 171 patients undergoing 1 of 3 specific foot and ankle procedures were prospectively enrolled. A 4-question survey and BRT were completed 6 weeks postoperatively. The following questions were asked: (1) “I think my brake reaction time is slower than most drivers my age,” (2) “I think my brake reaction time is faster than most drivers my age,” (3) “I think my brake reaction time is about the same as most drivers my age,” (4) “Based on what I think my brake reaction time is, I think I am ready to drive.” Internal consistency was determined with Cronbach’s α and item total correlation. External validity was determined by Spearman’s correlation coefficient. A BRT less than 0.850 s was considered as a pass. Results. Of 171 patients, 162 (95%) with ages ranging from 21 to 83 years achieved a passing BRT by 7.6 weeks. After removing 1 question because of internal inconsistency, the optimal threshold for predicting passing BRT was 10/15 points or higher, which had 99% probability of success that a patient would pass the BRT (95% CI = 96%, 100%). Conclusion. This novel, 3-question driving readiness survey can accurately predict a passing BRT Achilles rupture repair, total ankle arthroplasty, and hallux valgus correction performed in the right foot and ankle as early as 6 weeks postoperatively.

Level of Evidence: Level II: Comparative study
Change Goals Robustly Predict Trait Growth: A Mega-Analysis of a Dozen Intensive Longitudinal Studies Examining Volitional Change
Authors: Hudson Nathan W. , Fraley R. Chris , Chopik William J. , Briley Daniel A.
Published: January 2020

Research suggests that change goals (desires to change personality traits) predict subsequent trait growth. In this article, we (re)analyzed all data our labs have collected as of May 2019 that included measures of change goals and repeated measures of personality traits (12 studies; total n = 2,238). Results indicated that change goals robustly predicted growth in all five traits. Effect sizes were largest for extraversion and emotional stability (people with high change goals were predicted to experience ∼0.16 SDs greater growth across 16 weeks than their peers with average goals) and smallest for agreeableness and openness (people with high change goals were predicted to experience ∼0.05 SDs greater growth across 16 weeks than their peers with average goals). Thus, our analyses reinforce that people change in ways that align with their desires across time.
Transforming the East Asian developmental state: Democratic mobilisation and the role of the middle class
Authors: He Tian
Published: January 2020

Many studies have noted the reduction in the effectiveness of the East Asian developmental state in formulating growth-promoting policy in South Korea and Taiwan. Current literature attributes the transformation of the developmental state model to the rise of business elites and organised labour. This article argues that another type of social actor – the middle class – also contributed to the state’s reduced capability in directing economic development. Unlike business elites and organised labour who directly challenge the state’s policy decision, the middle class forces East Asian ruling elites to democratise the political system of a country. The democratic transition pushed by the middle class consequently facilitates the emergence of policy constraints on the state’s economic decision-making process. I elaborate this argument in the two divergent cases: the transformation of the developmental state in South Korea and the non-transformation of the developmental state in Singapore.
Assessing the Competitiveness of Chinese Multinational Enterprises Development: Evidence From Electronics Sector
Authors: Rashidin Md. Salamun , Javed Sara , Chen Lingming , Jian Wang
Published: January 2020

Multinational enterprises (MNEs) are key drivers of globalization. The study investigated the performance of leading Chinese electronics MNEs, Huawei, Lenovo, and Haier, and made a comparison between Chinese electronics MNEs and American electronics MNEs along with their specifications in terms of globalization by using Asmussen’s model, Petersen’s model, Rugman’s firm-specific and country-specific advantage (FSA-CSA) matrix, and the Porter’s diamond model. Findings revealed that only Huawei is the truly global company at present; nevertheless, Lenovo and Haier are both on the right track, reaching the same status as Huawei. These firms can successfully utilize their country-specific advantages by capitalizing on China’s external partnerships and existing trade agreements. Chinese projects seem to be able to provide Chinese MNEs with the ability to maximize their opportunity to seek growth externally and enter the global market. An examination of MNE practices facilitated by American and Chinese firms imparts relevant commonalities but differences in operational practices. Small enterprises can follow the process and strategy, while policymakers will receive a suggestion to implicate an industrial-friendly policy.
A Systematic Approach to Effective Conflict Management for Program
Authors: Wang Nannan , Wu Guobin
Published: January 2020

Due to the complex structure and stakeholder relationships within a program, the management of conflicts in program therein proves more challenging than with a single project. The internal conflict of a program affects the performance of the program team and the success of the program. The previous researches focus more on the project level rather than program level, and lack a systematic analysis of management mechanism of team conflict. This research contributes to the program conflict literature by investigating the unique nature and solutions of conflict within program team, taking a systematic and innovative view on the organizational structure of a complex construction program. The findings reveal unique program conflict and their causes and impacts, and suggest the principles and alternative resolution strategies for conflict in program. The different roles of stakeholders in program conflict are analyzed by social network method. A program conflict management model is developed for the effective management of program conflicts. The model provides a systematic view of the learning cycle of program conflict management, including conflict identification, resolution, feedback, and prevention, of which many patterns are found distinct from project conflict management. The research results can benefit practitioners and researchers in better understanding and minimizing program conflict.
Physical Therapy Intervention for a Child With Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Amundsen Kristine Rabben , Evensen Kari Anne I.
Published: January 2020

No studies have described physical therapy treatment for children with congenital Zika virus syndrome. In this case report, the authors aimed to improve postural control, mobility, and social skills in a 17- to 18-month-old child with congenital Zika virus syndrome through a period of 6-week home-based, intensive physical therapy intervention. Outcome measures were the Posture and Postural Ability Scale, Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory, and Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life With Disabilities. From pre- to postintervention, the child’s Posture and Postural Ability Scale scores increased for level of postural ability in the prone position and postural alignment in all 4 positions (prone, supine, sitting, and standing). The authors saw an overall improvement in mobility and social skills from preintervention to follow-up 3 weeks after intervention. In conclusion, postural control, mobility, and social skills improved for a child with congenital Zika virus syndrome after physical therapy intervention, but future studies are required to confirm these findings.
On Shaky Ground: Black Authenticity at Predominantly White Institutions
Authors: Cox Jonathan M.
Published: January 2020

This study investigates the ways in which social context affects processes of black authenticity, resulting in shaky ground for authentic blackness among black college students at predominantly white institutions (PWIs). Because of normalized whiteness, black PWI students are negotiating authentic blackness in social contexts that limit black expression and identity through external pressure from nonblack students, in addition to experiencing intraracial pressures from black peers. These students must walk a thin line: they have to avoid being labeled as either “too black” or “inauthentically” black by nonblack students while simultaneously working to be seen as “black enough” by black peers, which highlights the precarity of black authenticity at PWIs. I use interviews and qualitative surveys of 44 black students at two PWIs and one historically black university (HBCU); the data from the HBCU are used to highlight contrasts between two school types. Results indicate that, as a result of tighter boundaries around blackness drawn by both black and nonblack peers, black PWI students experience behavioral constraints, limited options for ethnic identification, and believe that HBCU students see them as less authentically black. Conversely, HBCU students did not describe similar behavioral constraints or ethnic exclusion, and made no claims of inauthentic blackness for black PWI students. Overall, results suggest that the social contexts of PWIs significantly affect black students’ experiences with black authenticity.
Relationship between agricultural pesticides and the diet of riparian spiders in the field
Authors: Graf Nadin , Battes Karina P. , Cimpean Mirela , Entling Martin H. , Frisch Katharina , Link Moritz , Scharmüller Andreas , Schreiner Verena C. , Szöcs Eduard , Zubrod Jochen P. , Schäfer Ralf B.
Published: January 2020

Background

Examining the effects of pesticides is difficult in regions such as Western Europe because of the relatively ubiquitous use of agrochemicals and the lack of unaffected areas. To study a wide gradient of agrochemical stress, we conducted a study in Central Romania, where traditional agriculture, which is assumed to use less agrochemicals, exists adjacent to intensive agriculture. We investigated potential effects of land use related stressors including pesticides on aquatic–terrestrial predator–prey relationships using stable isotope analysis. Therefore, we sampled spiders, as well as their aquatic and terrestrial prey along streams with a pesticide pollution gradient and determined spider and prey stable carbon and nitrogen signals.

Results

Aquatic prey contributed 40.8–55.4% to the diet of the orb web weaving spider Tetragnatha sp. and 34.0–53.0% to the diet of the ground-hunting Pardosa sp. The biomass of potential aquatic prey increased along a gradient of increasing riparian habitat conditions and water quality and decreasing agriculture (e.g. arable land) in the catchment. The proportion of aquatic prey in the orb web weavers diet responded positively to the biomass of potential aquatic prey and negatively to this gradient. Increasing potential prey biomass resulted in an increasing proportion of aquatic prey for the orb web weaver. The proportion of aquatic prey in the ground hunters diet increased with in-stream pesticide toxicity and along a gradient of increasing pastoralism in the catchment as well as increasing riparian habitat and water quality.

Conclusion

The diet of two riparian predators responded to complex gradients of catchment land use, stream and riparian habitat quality as well as to in-stream pesticide toxicity. The responses to the different environmental variables can be attributed to direct (e.g. change in spider community) and indirect (e.g. changes in aquatic prey and terrestrial prey) effects. Future manipulative field studies or experiments on aquatic–terrestrial food webs are required to examine the causality of our findings and should also consider the quality of prey organisms to foster mechanistic understanding of cross-ecosystem effects.
Comparative analysis on the expression of L1 loci using various RNA-Seq preparations
Authors: Kaul Tiffany , Morales Maria E. , Sartor Alton O. , Belancio Victoria P. , Deininger Prescott
Published: January 2020

Background

Retrotransposons are one of the oldest evolutionary forces shaping mammalian genomes, with the ability to mobilize from one genomic location to another. This mobilization is also a significant factor in human disease. The only autonomous human retroelement, L1, has propagated to make up 17% of the human genome, accumulating over 500,000 copies. The majority of these loci are truncated or defective with only a few reported to remain capable of retrotransposition. We have previously published a strand-specific RNA-Seq bioinformatics approach to stringently identify at the locus-specific level the few expressed full-length L1s using cytoplasmic RNA. With growing repositories of RNA-Seq data, there is potential to mine these datasets to identify and study expressed L1s at single-locus resolution, although many datasets are not strand-specific or not generated from cytoplasmic RNA.

Results

We developed whole-cell, cytoplasmic and nuclear RNA-Seq datasets from 22Rv1 prostate cancer cells to test the influence of different preparations on the quality and effort needed to measure L1 expression. We found that there was minimal data loss in the identification of full-length expressed L1 s using whole cell, strand-specific RNA-Seq data compared to cytoplasmic, strand-specific RNA-Seq data. However, this was only possible with an increased amount of manual curation of the bioinformatics output to eliminate increased background. About half of the data was lost when the sequenced datasets were non-strand specific.

Conclusions

The results of these studies demonstrate that with rigorous manual curation the utilization of stranded RNA-Seq datasets allow identification of expressed L1 loci from either cytoplasmic or whole-cell RNA-Seq datasets.
Isolation and characterization of pathogenic Escherichia coli bacteriophages from chicken and beef offal
Authors: Lukman Celosia , Yonathan Christopher , Magdalena Stella , Waturangi Diana Elizabeth
Published: January 2020

Objective

This study was conducted to isolate and characterize lytic bacteriophages for pathogenicEscherichia colifrom chicken and beef offal, and analyze their capability as biocontrol for several foodborne pathogens. Methods done in this research are bacteriophage isolation, purification, titer determination, application, determination of host range and minimum multiplicity of infection (miMOI), and bacteriophage morphology.

Results

Six bacteriophages successfully isolated from chicken and beef offal using EPEC and EHEC as host strain. Bacteriophage titers observed between 109and 1010PFU mL−1. CS EPEC and BL EHEC bacteriophage showed high efficiency in reduction of EPEC or EHEC contamination in meat about 99.20% and 99.04%. The lowest miMOI was 0.01 showed by CS EPEC bacteriophage. CI EPEC and BL EPEC bacteriophage suspected asMyoviridaefamily based on its micrograph from Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Refers to their activity, bacteriophages isolated in this study have a great potential to be used as biocontrol against several foodborne pathogens.
Draft genome sequence of the strain 16-537536, isolated from a patient with bronchiectasis and its relationship to the Pseudomonas koreensis group of the Pseudomonas fluorescens complex
Authors: Fluit Ad. C. , Rogers Malbert R. C. , Díez-Aguilar María , Cantón Rafael , Benaissa-Trouw Barry J. , Bayjanov Jumamurat R. , Ekkelenkamp Miquel B.
Published: January 2020

Objective

The Pseudomonas koreensis group bacteria are usually found in soil and are associated with plants. Currently they are poorly described. Here we report on the whole genome sequence of a bacterial isolate from a patient with bronchiectasis that was first identified as P. koreensis, and on its position in the P. koreensis group.

Results

Strain 16-537536 was isolated from a patient with bronchiectasis from Spain and initially identified by MALDI-TOF as P. koreensis, a member of the Pseudomonas fluorescens complex. However, the average nucleotide identity analysis (ANIb) and whole genome alignments of the draft genome sequence of this strain showed it to be a member of the P. koreensis group of the P. fluorescens complex, but belonging to an undescribed species. In addition, based on ANIb analysis, the P. koreensis group contains several other unnamed species. Several genes for putative virulence factors were identified. The only antibiotic resistance gene present in strain 16-537536 was a class C β-lactamase. The correct identification of bacterial species from patients is of utmost importance in order to understand their pathogenesis and to track the potential spread of pathogens between patients. Whole genome sequence data should be included for the description of new species.
Age at first childbirth and breast cancer survival: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Aurin Johanna , Thorlacius Henrik , Butt Salma Tunå
Published: January 2020

Objective

Late age at first childbirth is a well-established risk factor for breast cancer. Previous studies have, however, shown conflicting results to whether late age at first childbirth also influences the prognosis of breast cancer survival. The aim of this study was to examine age at first birth in relation to survival after breast cancer diagnosis.

Results

We used information from the Malmö Diet and Cancer study. At baseline 17,035 women were included. All women were followed from the year they developed breast cancer until they either died or until the end of follow-up. All women were asked how many children they had given birth to and were then divided into different groups, ≤ 20, > 20 to  ≤ 25, > 25 to  ≤ 30 and > 30. Nulliparous women form a separate group. Survival analyses were then performed using Cox proportional hazard survival analysis. Women in all age groups had a lower risk of breast cancer specific death as compared to the reference group ≤ 20, however non-significantly. Nulliparous women had a higher risk of breast cancer specific death as compared to the same reference group, however these results were not statistically significant. We could not see any negative effect of late first childbirth on breast cancer specific survival.
Endometrial stromal cells exhibit a distinct phenotypic and immunomodulatory profile
Authors: Queckbörner Suzanna , Syk Lundberg Elisabeth , Gemzell-Danielsson Kristina , Davies Lindsay C.
Published: January 2020

Background

In Asherman’s syndrome (AS), intrauterine scarring and fibrotic adhesions lead to menstrual disorders, pregnancy loss, or infertility. A few clinical trials have piloted cell therapy to overcome AS. Understanding the role of the stromal compartment in endometrial regeneration remains poorly understood. We hypothesize that endometrial stromal cells (eSCs) represent a relevant cell population to establish novel cell-based therapeutics for endometrial disorders. The aim of this study was to characterize eSCs and evaluate their immune-cell interactions.

Methods

eSCs were isolated from healthy donors, during the proliferative stage of the menstrual cycle. Cells were characterized for expression of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) markers and assessed for their tumorigenic potential. eSCs were co-cultured with interferon γ and tumor necrosis factor α, and cell surface expression of their respective receptors and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) I and II determined by flow cytometry. Secreted levels of key immunomodulatory factors were established. eSCs were cultured with activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and T cell differentiation and proliferation determined.

Results

eSCs demonstrated an MSC surface phenotype and exhibited multipotency. Expanded eSCs retained chromosomal stability and demonstrated no tumorigenicity. Upon stimulation, eSCs licensed to an anti-inflammatory phenotype with upregulated secretion of immunomodulatory factors. Stimulated eSCs did not express HLA class II. eSCs suppressed the proliferation and activation of CD4+ T cells, with the eSC secretome further downregulating central memory T cells and upregulating effector memory (EM) cells.

Conclusions

Differential responsiveness to inflammation by eSCs, compared to other MSC sources, demonstrates the need to understand the specific functional effects of individual stromal cell sources. A lack of HLA class II and triggering of EM T cell differentiation strongly links to innate in vivo roles of eSCs in tissue repair and immune tolerance during pregnancy. We conclude that eSCs may be an ideal cell therapy candidate for endometrial disorders.
[18F]ML-10 PET imaging fails to assess early response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in a preclinical model of triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Jouberton Elodie , Schmitt Sébastien , Chautard Emmanuel , Maisonial-Besset Aurélie , Roy Marie , Radosevic-Robin Nina , Chezal Jean-Michel , Miot-Noirault Elisabeth , Bouvet Yann , Cachin Florent
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Pathological complete response to the neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is predictive of prolonged patient survival. Methods for early evaluation of NAT efficiency are still needed, in order to rapidly adjust the therapeutic strategy in case of initial non-response. One option for this is molecular imaging of apoptosis induced by chemotherapy. Therefore, we investigated the capacity of [18F]ML-10 PET imaging, an apoptosis radiotracer, to detect tumor cell apoptosis and early predict the therapeutic response of human TNBC.

Results

Initially, the induction of apoptosis by different therapies was quantified. We confirmed, in vitro, that paclitaxel or epirubicin, the fundamental cytotoxic drugs for breast cancer, induce apoptosis in TNBC cell lines. Exposure of TNBC models MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 to these drugs induced a significant increase (p < 0.01) of the apoptotic hallmarks: DNA fragmentation, membrane phospholipid scrambling, and PARP activation. Secondarily, apoptotic fraction was compared to the intracellular accumulation of the radiotracer. [18F]ML-10 accumulated in the apoptotic cells after 72 h of treatment by paclitaxel in vitro; this accumulation positively correlated with the apoptotic fraction. In vivo, [18F]ML-10 was rapidly cleared from the nontarget organs and mainly eliminated by the kidneys. Comparison of the in vivo [18F]FDG, [18F]FMISO, and [18F]ML-10 uptakes revealed that the tumor accumulation of [18F]ML-10 was directly related to the tumor hypoxia level. Finally, after the in vivo treatment of TNBC murine xenografts by paclitaxel, apoptosis was well induced, as demonstrated by the cleaved caspase-3 levels; however, no significant increase of [18F]ML-10 accumulation in the tumors was observed, either on day 3 or day 6 after the end of the treatment.

Conclusions

These results highlighted that PET imaging using [18F]ML-10 allows the visualization of apoptotic cells in TNBC models. Nevertheless, the increase of the chemotherapy-induced apoptotic response when using paclitaxel could not be assessed using this radiotracer in our mouse model.
A new method to solve the problem of facing less learning samples in signal modulation recognition
Authors: Fu Sibao , Liu Xiaokai
Published: January 2020

In machine learning method, the number of training samples is an exceedingly important factor determining the learning system’s robustness. In our previous researches (Liu et al., J. Syst. Eng. Electron. 27.2:333–342, 2016; Liu et al., IET Commun. 11.7:1000–1007, 2017), the extreme learning machines (ELMs) have proven to be an effective and time-saving learning method for pattern classification and the signal modulation recognition. ELMs are utilized to supervised learning issues principally on signal modulation recognition. In this thesis, ELMs are extended for semi-supervised tasks that are based on the manifold regularization, therefore greatly enlarging ELMs’ applicability. This article evolves countermeasures to the less training samples which mitigate the modulation recognition efficacy and demonstrates the robustness of semi-supervised learning for signal classification in AWGN and Rayleigh-fading channels.
Reducing meat consumption by appealing to animal welfare: protocol for a meta-analysis and theoretical review
Authors: Mathur Maya B. , Robinson Thomas N. , Reichling David B. , Gardner Christopher D. , Nadler Janice , Bain Paul A. , Peacock Jacob
Published: January 2020

Background

Reducing meat consumption may improve human health, curb environmental damage and greenhouse gas emissions, and limit the large-scale suffering of animals raised in factory farms. Previous work has begun to develop interventions to reduce individual meat consumption, often by appealing directly to individual health motivations. However, research on nutritional behavior change suggests that interventions additionally linking behavior to ethical values, identity formation, and existing social movements may be particularly effective and longer-lasting. Regarding meat consumption, preliminary evidence and psychological theory suggest that appeals related to animal welfare may have considerable potential to effectively leverage these elements of human psychology. We aim to conduct a systematic review and quantitative meta-analysis evaluating the effectiveness of animal welfare-related appeals on actual or intended meat consumption or purchasing. Our investigation will critically synthesize the current state of knowledge regarding psychological mechanisms of intervening on individual meat consumption and empirically identify the psychological characteristics underlying the most effective animal welfare-based interventions.

Methods

We will systematically search eight academic databases and extensively search unpublished grey literature. We will include studies that assess interventions intended to reduce meat consumption or purchase through the mention or portrayal of animal welfare, that measure outcomes related to meat consumption or purchase, and that have a control condition. Eligible studies may recruit from any human population, be written in any language, and be published or released any time. We will meta-analyze the studies, reporting the pooled point estimate and additional metrics that describe the distribution of potentially heterogeneous effects. We will assess studies’ risk of bias and conduct sensitivity analyses for publication bias. We describe possible follow-up analyses to investigate hypothesized moderators of intervention effectiveness.

Discussion

The findings of the proposed systematic review and meta-analysis, including any identified methodological limitations of the existing literature, could inform the design of successful evidence-based interventions with broad potential to improve human, animal, and environmental well-being.

Systematic review registration

The protocol was preregistered via the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/d3y56/registrations).