bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of skin heat conduction on aircraft icing process
Authors: Shen Xiaobin , Zeng Yu , Lin Guiping , Mu Zuodong , Wen Dongsheng
Published: November 2020

During the aircraft icing process caused by super-cooled droplet impingement, the surface temperature and heat flux distributions of the skin would vary due to the solid substrate heat conduction. An unsteady thermodynamic model of the phase transition was established with a time-implicit solution algorithm, in which the solid heat conduction and the water freezing were analyzed simultaneously. The icing process on a rectangular skin segment was numerically simulated, and the variations of skin temperature distribution, thicknesses of ice layer and water film were obtained. Results show that the presented model could predict the icing process more accurately, and is not sensitive to the selection of time step. The latent heat released by water freezing affects the skin temperature, which in turn changes the icing characteristics. The skin temperature distribution would be affected notably by the boundary condition of the inner skin surface, the lateral heat conduction and thermal property of the skin. It was found that the ice accretion rate of the case that the inner surface boundary is in natural convection at ambient temperature is much smaller than that with constant ambient temperature there; due to the skin lateral heat conduction, the outer skin surface temperature increases first and then decreases with uneven distribution, leading to an unsteady ice accretion rate and uneven ice thickness distribution; a smaller heat conductivity would lead to a more uneven temperature distribution and a lower ice accretion rate in most regions, but the maximum ice thickness could be larger than that of higher heat conductivity skin. Therefore, in order to predict the aircraft icing phenomenon more accurately, it is necessary to consider the solid heat conduction and the boundary conditions of the skin substrate, instead of applying a simple boundary condition of adiabatic or a fixed temperature for the outer skin surface.
The prediction of CO2 emissions in domestic power generation sector between 2020 and 2030 for Korea
Authors: Lee Roosse , Gwak You Ra , Sohn Jung Min , Lee See Hoon
Published: November 2020

In the last ten years, reducing CO2 emissions has been a very important focus across all industries. To efficiently achieve carbon reduction in the power generation sector, various policies, regulations, and legislation have been proposed. In addition, new energy sources and technologies have been developed and widely adopted. In this study, current and future CO2 emissions from the domestic power generation sector were calculated and predicted based on two national power generation plans. The overall power plant efficiencies, operation rate of power plants, power capacities, and CO2 emissions for 2030 were predicted based on the 7th and 8th basic plan for long-term electricity supply and demand in Korea. In addition, the CO2 emissions policies of several major countries announced in accordance with the Paris Climate Agreement were identified and compared with Korea's climate change policy. Finally, the improvement of power generation efficiencies and co-combustion of biomass with coal is recommended to help the reduction of the BAU-based CO2 emissions by 19.4%.
Generation of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells with Low Immunogenicity from Human PBMC-Derived β2 Microglobulin Knockout Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Zha Shijun , Tay Johan Chin-Kang , Zhu Sumin , Li Zhendong , Du Zhicheng , Wang Shu
Published: November 2020

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are viewed as immune-privileged cells and have been broadly applied in allogeneic adoptive cell transfer for regenerative medicine or immune-suppressing purpose. However, the surface expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules on MSCs could still possibly induce the rejection of allogeneic MSCs from the recipients. Here, we disrupted the β2 microglobulin ( B2M) gene in human peripheral blood mononuclear cell-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) with two clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated Cas9 endonuclease-based methods. The B2M knockout iPSCs did not express HLA class I molecules but maintained their pluripotency and genome stability. Subsequently, MSCs were derived from the HLA-negative iPSCs (iMSCs). We demonstrated that B2M knockout did not affect iMSC phenotype, multipotency, and immune suppressive characteristics and, most importantly, reduced iMSC immunogenicity to allogeneic peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Thus, B2M knockout iPSCs could serve as unlimited off-the-shelf cell resources in adoptive cell transfer, while the derived iMSCs hold great potential as universal grafts in allogeneic MSC transplantation.
On-Side fighting in civil war: The logic of mortal alignment in Syria
Authors: Schulhofer-Wohl Jonah
Published: November 2020

On-side fighting – outright violence between armed groups aligned on the same side of a civil war’s master cleavage – represents a devastating breakdown in cooperation. Its humanitarian consequences are also grave. But it has been under-recognized empirically and therefore under-theorized by scholars to date. This article remedies the omission. Existing research can be extrapolated to produce candidate explanations, but these overlook spatial and temporal variation in on-side fighting within a war. I provide a theory that accounts for this ebb and flow. On-side fighting hinges on belligerents’ trade-offs between short-term survival and long-term political objectives. Enemy threats to survival underpin on-side cooperation; in their absence, belligerents can pursue political gains against on-side competitors. I evaluate this threat-absence theory using evidence from the ongoing Syrian Civil War’s first years. Fine-grained fatalities data capture fluctuating enemy threats to on-side groups’ survival and situate on-side fighting and its absence. Findings support threat-absence theory and contribute to research on warfighting and political competition in civil wars and to the study of coalition dynamics in other settings, including elections and legislatures.
Cultivating Cultural Competence Through Academic Community Engagement and Clinical Reflection
Authors: James Linda , Al-Kofahy Lilibeth
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Nursing curriculum must include unique ways to enhance students’ cultural sensitivity to ensure the provision of culturally competent care to our diverse populations. Academic community engagement (ACE) is a pedagogy used to teach course concepts through service.

Methodology

This was a qualitative study analyzing nursing students’ written reflective journals following their service at a Native American powwow using Lincoln and Guba’s model. The purpose was to examine if the ACE experience influenced their development of cultural sensitivity.

Results

Reflective journals of 34 first-semester nursing students, enrolled in a nursing specific culture course, were analyzed. Three themes were identified: (a) engagement, (b) cultural sensitivity, and (c) humility and altruism.

Discussion

The development of self-awareness and the revelation by students of the importance of culturally sensitive care was a key finding supporting the use of ACE as a reliable teaching strategy in nursing education.
Foster Care Factors and Permanency for Children With Substance-Related Removals
Authors: Lloyd Sieger Margaret H.
Published: November 2020

Children in foster care due to parental substance use disorder are at high risk for delayed permanency. Understudied is the effect of foster care factors on these children’s exits from care. This study analyzed 10 years of federal child welfare data to understand the effect of foster care placement, provider, and support factors for this vulnerable group. Results revealed that several foster care variables influenced time to, and likelihood of, permanency for children with substance-related removals. Foster care setting, foster parent age and race, and several types of federal supports affected permanency trajectories. Children in homes receiving more federal supports were less likely to achieve permanency, suggesting the insufficiency of these supports to counteract the effects of socioeconomic risk on permanency.
The Delirium Observation Screening Scale: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Test Accuracy
Authors: Park Jinkyung , Jeong Eunhye , Lee Juneyoung
Published: November 2020

Delirium is a reversible impairment of metabolism in the human brain. Early detection is important, and an effective screening tool for nurses is crucial. The Delirium Observation Screening (DOS) scale is one such screening tool; however, its diagnostic test accuracy has not yet been thoroughly examined. This study, therefore, aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the scale through a systematic review and meta-analysis. In July 2019, a search was conducted in the MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, and PsycARTICLES databases, and following a review against pre-defined eligibility criteria, eight studies were finally included. The quality assessment tool of diagnostic accuracy studies was applied to each study and a hierarchical regression model was used to calculate the pooled estimates of sensitivity (90%; 76%–97%, CI 95%) and specificity (92%; 88%–94%, CI 95%). The findings indicated a high diagnostic test accuracy for the DOS scale.
A Mixed-Studies Review of the School-to-Prison Pipeline and a Call to Action for School Nurses
Authors: Aronowitz Shoshana V. , Kim BoRam , Aronowitz Teri
Published: November 2020

Zero-tolerance school disciplinary policies have contributed to the proliferation of exclusionary practices, which increase the risk that minoritized students will be harmed by the school-to-prison pipeline (STPP). The purpose of this review was to explore factors that influence the STPP and highlight the role school nurses can play in protecting students from this public health crisis. We used a systematic mixed-studies review method, and 14 studies were included. Exclusionary discipline disproportionately affects minoritized students, but decreased student–teacher ratios, wellness-focused environments, and lower levels of school punishment can improve student achievement and health. The National Association of School Nurses position statement provides a framework to guide school nurses in the dismantlement of the STPP. School nurses should advocate for their position on the interdisciplinary team, funding for alternative disciplinary programs, abolition of school policing, restorative justice approaches, support for at-risk students, and anti-racism education programs for all school staff.
Predictors of tyrosine kinase inhibitor adherence trajectories in patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Clark Samantha E , Marcum Zachary A , Radich Jerald P , Bansal Aasthaa
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Although consistent use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) confers significant improvements in long-term survival for individuals with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), only 70% of CML patients are adherent to TKIs. Understanding the factors that contribute to non-adherence and establishing dynamic adherence patterns in this population are essential aspects of targeted drug monitoring and intervention strategies.

Methods

Newly diagnosed CML patients were identified in the MarketScan database and relevant covariate values extracted. Proportion of days covered (PDC) per 30-day interval was used to calculate adherence over a 12-month follow-up period. We conducted a latent profile analysis (LPA) on these PDC estimates to identify distinct, dynamic patterns of TKI adherence. Identified trajectories were grouped into four clinically relevant categories and predictors of membership in these categories were determined via multinomial logistic regression.

Results

Four broad adherence categories were identified from the LPA: never adherent, initially non-adherent becoming adherent, initially adherent becoming non-adherent, and stable adherent. Results from the subsequent multinomial logistic regression indicated that younger age, female sex, greater monthly financial burden, fewer comorbidities, fewer concomitant medications, year of diagnosis, higher starting dose, TKI type, and a longer duration from diagnosis to treatment were significantly associated with membership in at least one of the three non-stable adherent groups.

Conclusion

Select sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were found to predict membership in clinically meaningful groups of longitudinal TKI adherence. These findings could have major implications for informing personalized monitoring and intervention strategies for individuals who are likely to be non-adherent.
Parent/Caregiver Perceptions of Youth Health Outcomes After Participating in the WeCook: Fun With Food and Fitness Program
Authors: Schlange Kallie , Franzen-Castle Lisa , Walther Ashley , Dunker Tara , Krehbiel Michelle
Published: November 2020

Many youth programs focused on improving health outcomes have not examined parent/caregiver perceptions postparticipation even though they may significantly influence youth behaviors. The primary purpose of this study was to examine changes in adult perceptions of youth- and family-related behavior after youth participated in a 12-week out-of-school time food preparation, nutrition, and physical activity program with a treatment only design. A secondary objective was to assess differences in survey responses by demographic characteristics. The program targeted fourth- and fifth-grade youth at two Title I elementary schools while also engaging families. Pre- and postprogram surveys were administered to parent/caregivers ( n = 60) across four cohorts spanning the spring 2016 school semester to fall 2017 school semester. Adult demographic characteristics and perceptions of youth- and family-related outcomes were collected. Results demonstrated a significant increase ( p value <.05) in adults’ perceptions of their youth’s ability to choose healthy snacks and decrease screen time. Additionally, lower income adults reported increased youth sedentary habits, adults using food assistance reported decreased family breakfast frequency, and adults with smaller household sizes reported decreased youth activity before school. Further research is needed on adult and family outcomes from youth cooking programs to better understand the adult and youth health relationship and encourage obesity prevention programs to increase their focus on the family component and associated assessments.
Leave No Trace Communication: Effectiveness Based on Assessments of Resource Conditions
Authors: Settina Nita , Marion Jeffrey L. , Schwartz Forrest
Published: November 2020

The efficacy of different Leave No Trace (LNT) communication interventions designed to persuade forest visitors to practice low-impact camping behaviors were evaluated. Three depreciative campsite behaviors—littering, tree damage, and surface disposal of human waste—were evaluated by before-and-after resource condition assessments. Three LNT communication interventions were evaluated against a control: (1) an LNT brochure and poster display (non-personal), (2) personal LNT communication by a forest naturalist, and (3) a combination of both non-personal and personal methods. The study population was overnight campers using dispersed road-accessed campsites in Western Maryland’s Green Ridge State Forest. LNT communication successfully improved resource conditions for the targeted depreciative behaviors. For litter and human waste, personal communication by a forest naturalist was effective, but the non-personal method was ineffective. In contrast, tree damage was significantly reduced by both non-personal and personal communication methods. Combining personal and non-personal communication efforts did not result in an increased benefit. The core implication of this study is that several camping resource impacts can be measurably reduced when uniformed staff personally communicate the desired low impact practices.
A Lost City and its Time Machine: Vision and Affect in Rail Travel to Machu Picchu
Authors: Cox Hall Amy
Published: November 2020

Research on tourism to Machu Picchu rarely addresses the ways in which transportation, particularly rail travel, is integral to a visit to the UNESCO world heritage site. Yet the majority of visitors to Machu Picchu arrive by train, making rail travel a crucial component to the way in which the site is understood and experienced. This article examines rail travel to Machu Picchu through archival research and ethnographic fieldwork conducted in Cuzco and at Machu Picchu to argue that rail travel capitalizes on historic and cultural imaginings of Machu Picchu as a lost city, transforming the tourist into an explorer in the process. The experience relies on vision and affect as the train acts a temporalizing machine, taking the tourist back in time to visit another world, perpetuating the myth of lost cities, discovery and dispossession in the process.
Soundtrack loudness as a depth cue in stereoscopic 3D media
Authors: Manolas Christos , Pauletto Sandra , Jang Jon
Published: November 2020

Assisted by the technological advances of the past decades, stereoscopic 3D cues are being integrated increasingly in both interactive and non-interactive media. Arguably, the main focus of this effort is placed on the creation of an increased sense of visual depth. Considering that human perception relies heavily on the audiovisual integration rather than on visual information alone, it is rather surprising that relatively little attention has been given so far to the potential effect of the soundtrack on 3D depth perception in contrast to the evident interest towards the study of realistic 3D audio spatialisation techniques and technologies. The multisensory nature of human perception suggests that the potential of sound design as a means to influence depth perception in the stereoscopic 3D visual environments may be worthy of further exploration. This study reports on our research into the possibilities of using alterations of the volume levels of the soundtrack in order to influence the perception of visual depth while viewing stereoscopic 3D animation clips. Based on previous findings indicating that the volume level of the soundtrack may be related to the perception of visual depth, a series of experiments further explored the effectiveness of this auditory cue. Results suggest that, under certain conditions, differences in volume levels of the soundtrack could influence the judgement of visual depth in a way that frequently contradicts real-life expectations. It is suggested that different, more metaphorical perceptual mechanisms may be in play when viewing stereoscopic 3D presentations than in real life. In this context, we conclude that stereoscopic 3D media can benefit from further exploration of the effectiveness of certain auditory cues as a means to influence the perception of depth within the stereoscopic 3D environment.
Census politics in Northern Ireland from the Good Friday Agreement to Brexit: Beyond the ‘sectarian headcount’?
Authors: Cooley Laurence
Published: November 2020

While ethno-national demography has featured significantly in political and scholarly debates about Northern Ireland, little attention has been paid to the politics of the Northern Ireland census itself. This article addresses this gap by exploring census politics since the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. It demonstrates that the border poll provision of the Good Friday Agreement and Brexit have increased the political salience of census results, with the 2021 census now being anticipated by many as a potential referendum trigger. Against this background, I argue that new census questions – on religious background and national identity – have had significant consequences for debates about the constitutional future. Introduced in order to satisfy requirements stemming partly from equalities legislation, an unintended consequence of the religious background question has been to reinforce ‘two communities’ narratives in constitutional debates, whereas the national identity question has served to problematise assumptions about relationships between identity and constitutional preferences.
Unity and divisions on departmental select committees: A Brexit effect?
Authors: Lynch Philip , Whitaker Richard
Published: November 2020

Most reports from UK departmental select committees are agreed by consensus, underpinning their reputation for non-partisan working in an adversarial House of Commons. However, divisions (formal votes) are more common than is often assumed, occurring on 9% of reports between 2010 and 2019. This article provides the first comprehensive analysis of unity and divisions on select committees. It finds that the incidence of divisions increases when opposition parties chair committees, when there are more rebellious members of parliament present and when more new members of parliament are in attendance. Brexit provoked significant inter-party and intra-party divisions in the Commons. In committees, divisions on Brexit reports are higher than those on other reports and the Exiting the European Union Committee has a clear Leave-Remain fault line. But, more broadly, the Brexit effect on select committees is limited and unanimity remains the norm even when there are policy differences between parties.
Raising a new generation in a postcolonial era through decolonised early childhood development and care services
Authors: Oppong Seth
Published: November 2020

This article draws on the literature in development economics, psychology and sociology to explicate how decolonised early childhood education and care services can reverse the metacolonial cognition lingering in the postcolonial era. In particular, the author shows that colonial institutions persist even after formal colonisation has ended through the application of de facto power. Self-knowledge developed during early childhood impacts adult socio-economic life outcomes. Thus, decolonising early childhood development and care by ensuring positive representations of self will improve self-perceptions and self-awareness. The implications for practice and policy are discussed within the context of deploying decolonised early childhood development and care services to raise a new generation of confident Africans to accelerate the development of the continent and regions with similar histories of colonisation.
Using matrix-assisted ionization method for mass spectral identification of fullerene-dye conjugates
Authors: Sulimenkov Ilya V , Taziev Kamil R , Brusov Vladimir S , Kozlovskiy Viatcheslav I
Published: November 2020

Traditional soft ionization methods are not always suitable for mass spectral analysis of complex compounds. Factors such as laser radiation and heating resulting in fragmentations of sample molecules in the case of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization and difficulties in preparing suitable sample solutions in the case of electrospray ionization make it impossible to use these methods in some cases. Matrix-assisted ionization was used to analyze products of chemical synthesis involving pyropheophorbide and fullerene. Mass spectra were acquired using a simple effective modification of the Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometer electrospray interface. Reliable identification of pyropheophorbide-fullerene dyad ions and its derivatives was carried out. An experimental comparison of a matrix-assisted ionization and an electrospray ionization technique demonstrated the significant advantage in sensitivity to the ions under study (approximately 20 times higher) of the matrix-assisted ionization method in this particular study.
Un-homing with words: economic discourse and displacement as alienation
Authors: Westin Sara
Published: November 2020

This paper is an investigation into the psychological aspects of displacement, where displacement is understood as a form of un-homing that severs the connection between people and place. Extending the human-geographical discussion begun by Mark Davidson and Rowland Atkinson on the possibility of being displaced while staying put, I argue that words and narratives – here exemplified by the Swedish (neo-classical) economic discourse on market rents – can displace people, and that this particular kind of un-homing is best understood as alienation. A theoretical underpinning is psychoanalyst Paul Verhaeghe’s work on identity and language and on the effects of neoliberal political economy on our psychological well-being. I analyze texts by and interviews with economists arguing for the abolishment of the ‘rent regulation system’ and find that their use of the terms ‘insiders’ and ‘outsiders’ frames (current) tenants as undeserving and in the way. Economists encourage displacement (of people who lack the means to pay market rents), they gentrify with their words. By being told they are a ‘welfare loss’, tenants with affordable housing in attractive parts of the city are pushed to become critical on-lookers onto themselves, thereby dis-placed from the spontaneous act of dwelling and alienated from their original insideness. A larger conclusion is that the famous economist Milton Friedman was right: neo-classical economic theory, and homo neoliberalismus, in particular, does not respect geography. This disrespect, I explain, should be interpreted as a philosophical negligence towards human situatedness in place, and as an ethical carelessness towards people’s need for home.
Experimental Study on Evaluation of Blood Supply Level and Embolization Ratio of Liver Cancer Based on I-Flow Software
Authors: Li Yong , Zhou Feifan , Liu Fang , Wang Meng , Xing Wenge
Published: November 2020

Objective:

To confirm the feasibility and accuracy of the method for evaluating blood supply and embolization rate of liver cancer based on I-flow software through animal experiments and clinical study.

Methods:

Rabbits underwent selective angiography under different perfusion conditions in the same kidney. The blood supply level was evaluated by I-flow software method. The results were analyzed for coefficient of variation. Thirty patients with liver cancer who underwent selective hepatic artery embolization were enrolled. The mathematical methods and 3 diagnostic specialists were used to evaluate the preoperative blood supply level and embolization rate. The results were recorded and the results were tested for consistency.

Results:

Animal experiments confirmed that the blood supply level analysis method designed by the research team was consistent under different contrast conditions (including total contrast agent, contrast medium perfusion rate, and limiting pressure) (coefficient of variation: 8.55%). The mathematical calculation results of preoperative blood supply level and embolization ratio of liver cancer are consistent with the average value of visual judgment results of diagnostic experts. (Preoperative blood supply level: concordance coefficient = 0.284, P = 0.003; embolization ratio: concordance coefficient = 0.218, P = 0.011).

Conclusion:

Based on I-flow software, the mathematical calculation method designed by this research group can effectively estimate the preoperative blood supply level of liver cancer and the embolization rate of single vascular embolization treatment, which can provide reliable data support for embolization treatment of liver cancer.
MicroRNA-103a Curtails the Stemness of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells by Binding OTUB1 via the Hippo Signaling Pathway
Authors: Hu Zhenzhen , Xiao Dan , Qiu Tingting , Li Jun , Liu Zhentian
Published: November 2020

Objective:

Although microRNA-103a (miR-103a) dysfunction has been implicated in various cancers, its relevance to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been clarified. This study was conducted to examine the molecular mechanism underlying the regulatory role of miR-103a in NSCLC.

Methods:

Kaplan–Meier analysis was carried out to assess the relationship between overall survival of NSCLC patients and miR-103a expression. Reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses were applied to evaluate the expression of relevant genes in tissues and cells. Sphere formation, MTS, flow cytometry, and Transwell assays were performed to characterize stemness. Dual luciferase reporter gene assays were used to clarify the binding relationship between miR-103a and ovarian tumor domain-containing ubiquitin aldehyde binding protein 1 (OTUB1). Finally, western blot analysis was used to assess the involvement of the Hippo pathway in NSCLC.

Results:

In NSCLC tissues and cells, miR-103a was expressed at low levels, whereas OTUB1 was expressed at high levels. Higher miR-103 expression levels were associated with a better prognosis for patients with NSCLC. When miR-103a was overexpressed, cell viability and stemness decreased, whereas apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were facilitated. The expression of phosphorylated YAP also decreased significantly. Opposite trends were observed after miR-103a silencing. OTUB1 expression and YAP phosphorylation decreased in the presence of miR-103a, and OTUB1 overexpression blocked the inhibitory effects of miR-103a on NSCLC cells.

Conclusion:

The miR-103a/OTUB1/Hippo axis may play a role in modulating the malignant behavior and stemness of cancer stem cells and thus could be a potential therapeutic target for the management of NSCLC.
Recovering Looted Artifacts and the Art of Deciding What to Curate: The Cerberus Collection
Authors: Barg Diana M. , Palus Emily S.
Published: November 2020

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is steward to vast cultural resources across public lands and in museum collections. Like other land-managing agencies, its resource protection strategy includes Federal enforcement of cultural property laws. Between 2007 and 2013, a case code-named Operation: Cerberus Action recovered more than 100,000 objects, mainly consisting of artifacts from the American Southwest, through undercover operations, evidence gathering, seizure, and forfeiture. Prized by collectors and stockpiled as part of illicit ventures, most of the artifacts have little-to-no provenience. To address the immense quantity of material and best meet the public interest, the BLM developed a decision-tree with criteria to determine appropriate disposition options. This process involved three intensive phases: (1) identification; (2) return or repatriation; and (3) assessment of the remaining items to inform disposition based on specific criteria. In this third phase, artifacts are categorized for curation, education, conveyance to tribes beyond the scope of NAGPRA, another public use, or ultimately, destruction. This paper summarizes the case, addresses the legal foundations for determining ownership, presents the significance criteria for disposition, and concludes with a reflection on the opportunities and challenges of this endeavor, which may guide similar efforts in the future.
Ethical Reflections on the Conduct of HIV Research with Community Members: A Case Study
Authors: Brown Brandon , Taylor Jeff , Dubé Karine , Kuzmanović Dario , Long Yasmeen , Marg Logan
Published: November 2020

Some researchers continue to engage in “helicopter” or “parachute” research and do not ethically engage or collaborate with communities from which data are collected. This paper uses a case study to discuss the ethical issues arising from these research practices and the importance of increasing meaningful community involvement in research. Set in the context of research among older people living with HIV, the case study is followed by the perspectives of four research stakeholders. Through these perspectives, this paper demonstrates the ethical perils and harms that stem from research practices exemplified in the case. We argue instead for researchers to practice participatory research methods in line with community-based participatory research approaches (CBPR), good participatory practices (GPP), the Denver Principles, and CIOMS guidelines. Towards this end, we describe tools developed in collaboration with stakeholders in the research process to help researchers incorporate community participation and reduce unethical research conduct.
Wrist Ganglion Cysts in Children: An Update and Review of the Literature
Authors: Zhou Jieyun , Al-Ani Sami , Jester Andrea , Oestreich Kerstin , Baldrighi Carla , Ting Jeannette W. C.
Published: November 2020

Ganglion cysts are the most common soft tissue tumor of the hand and wrist, affecting pediatric and adult populations. Despite their frequency, there is no consensus within the literature regarding the best management of pediatric wrist ganglia, and there are few recent publications examining this topic. We provide an up-to-date literature review examining the current issues and controversies in the management of pediatric wrist ganglia.
Releasing the brakes: a case report of pulmonary arterial hypertension induced by immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy
Authors: Glick Matthew , Baxter Chase , Lopez David , Mufti Kashif , Sawada Stephen , Lahm Tim
Published: November 2020

Immune checkpoint inhibitors successfully treat various malignancies by inducing an immune response to tumor cells. However, their use has been associated with a variety of autoimmune disorders, such as diabetes, hepatitis, and pneumonitis. Pulmonary arterial hypertension due to checkpoint inhibitor use has not yet been described. We present a novel case of pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjogren’s syndrome overlap that was induced by therapy with the checkpoint inhibitor durvalumab.
Introduction to Special Forum on Digital Culture and Society
Authors: Yang Guobin
Published: November 2020

The 10 essays in this special forum were based on presentations at two recent conferences. The essays by Min Jiang and Francis Lee were their keynote speeches delivered at the preconference on “Social Media, Algorithms, News, and Public Engagements in the Asia-Pacific and Beyond” of the 2020 annual conference of International Communication Association. The other essays were presented at the “Symposium on Social Justice and the Remaking of Technological Cultures” organized by the Center on Digital Culture and Society at University of Pennsylvania.
Habit Mimics the Illness: EVALI During the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kichloo Asim , Khan Azkia , Siddiqui Nadir , Ejaz Hashim , Albosta Michael Stanley , Wani Farah , Lone Nazir
Published: November 2020

Globally, health care providers have been challenged to provide adequate care during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Due to the ever changing and rapidly evolving nature of the novel coronavirus, there is increased public anxiety and knowledge gaps that have created major dilemmas in health care delivery. In this environment, there is tremendous pressure on clinicians to diagnose each and every case of COVID-19. This has led to a situation in which clinicians are primed to suspect all respiratory illness is due to COVID-19 infection until proven otherwise. Because of this, providers may misdiagnose patients who have illnesses that are distinct from COVID-19 but present in a similar manner. In the current article, we present the case of e-cigarette- and vaping-associated acute lung injury (EVALI) mimicking pneumonia secondary to the novel coronavirus. It is unknown if vaping puts patients at higher risk of respiratory failure if coinfected with COVID-19. Therefore, exposure history in patients presenting with pneumonia-like syndrome is important. Physicians should be aware of the overlap between these conditions and should pay particular attention during history taking to distinguish EVALI from COVID-19 pneumonia.
Machine Learning Outperforms Regression Analysis to Predict Next-Season Major League Baseball Player Injuries: Epidemiology and Validation of 13,982 Player-Years From Performance and Injury Profile Trends, 2000-2017
Authors: Karnuta Jaret M. , Luu Bryan C. , Haeberle Heather S. , Saluan Paul M. , Frangiamore Salvatore J. , Stearns Kim L. , Farrow Lutul D. , Nwachukwu Benedict U. , Verma Nikhil N. , Makhni Eric C. , Schickendantz Mark S. , Ramkumar Prem N.
Published: November 2020

Background:

Machine learning (ML) allows for the development of a predictive algorithm capable of imbibing historical data on a Major League Baseball (MLB) player to accurately project the player's future availability.

Purpose:

To determine the validity of an ML model in predicting the next-season injury risk and anatomic injury location for both position players and pitchers in the MLB.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

Using 4 online baseball databases, we compiled MLB player data, including age, performance metrics, and injury history. A total of 84 ML algorithms were developed. The output of each algorithm reported whether the player would sustain an injury the following season as well as the injury’s anatomic site. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) primarily determined validation.

Results:

Player data were generated from 1931 position players and 1245 pitchers, with a mean follow-up of 4.40 years (13,982 player-years) between the years of 2000 and 2017. Injured players spent a total of 108,656 days on the disabled list, with a mean of 34.21 total days per player. The mean AUC for predicting next-season injuries was 0.76 among position players and 0.65 among pitchers using the top 3 ensemble classification. Back injuries had the highest AUC among both position players and pitchers, at 0.73. Advanced ML models outperformed logistic regression in 13 of 14 cases.

Conclusion:

Advanced ML models generally outperformed logistic regression and demonstrated fair capability in predicting publicly reportable next-season injuries, including the anatomic region for position players, although not for pitchers.
Role of Lactulose Rhamnose Permeability Test in Assessing Small Bowel Mucosal Damage in Children with Celiac Disease
Authors: Khan Muhammad Rehan , Faubion William A. , Dyer Roy , Singh Ravinder , Larson Joseph J. , Absah Imad
Published: November 2020

Increased gut permeability has been suggested in patients with celiac disease (CD). We aimed to compare gut permeability in children using the lactulose/rhamnose permeability test. We prospectively recruited 55 children into 3 groups; 27 in group 1 (children with newly diagnosed celiac disease, 12 in group 2 (siblings of children with celiac disease) and 16 in group 3 (control group). The median age of participants was 11 years 2 months in group 1, 9 years 5 months in group 2 and 10 years 3 months in group 3. Standardized median delta rhamnose was lower in CD group as compared to control group (147.5 vs 3153.1, P = 0.040). The low median rhamnose absorption in children with celiac disease as compared to other groups suggests that this test can differentiate between damaged and healthy mucosa, hence can it potentially can be used as a noninvasive test of mucosal healing in children with celiac disease.
Analysis of the Experience-Based Design Feedback Data on a National Scale
Authors: Rahman Sakib , Thompson Deborah , Clayton Alice , Conroy Simon , Tite Matt
Published: November 2020

The United Kingdom Office of National Statistics population estimates that 10 million people are aged 65 years and older, of which some would be considered frail. This is conceptualized as a complex progressive loss of physiological and social function. In order to establish and evaluate appropriate services, feedback tools designed for this patient group have begun to take greater importance, which the Acute Frailty Network has been developing using experience-based design. These tools focus on the experience of frail patients in the settings of accident and emergency and the acute medical unit. An analysis of data from 12 hospitals was used to look at the common emotions and comments expressed at the key touchpoints. A total of 609 respondents were used in the analysis, revealing that patients expressed mostly positive experiences. The areas with the most negative emotions and comments were in the domains “being admitted,” “first assessment,” and “preparing to leave hospital.” We would recommend that future quality improvement projects focus in improving the communication standards around the admission and discharge process.
Diagnosing Gender Bias in Image Recognition Systems
Authors: Schwemmer Carsten , Knight Carly , Bello-Pardo Emily D. , Oklobdzija Stan , Schoonvelde Martijn , Lockhart Jeffrey W.
Published: November 2020

Image recognition systems offer the promise to learn from images at scale without requiring expert knowledge. However, past research suggests that machine learning systems often produce biased output. In this article, we evaluate potential gender biases of commercial image recognition platforms using photographs of U.S. members of Congress and a large number of Twitter images posted by these politicians. Our crowdsourced validation shows that commercial image recognition systems can produce labels that are correct and biased at the same time as they selectively report a subset of many possible true labels. We find that images of women received three times more annotations related to physical appearance. Moreover, women in images are recognized at substantially lower rates in comparison with men. We discuss how encoded biases such as these affect the visibility of women, reinforce harmful gender stereotypes, and limit the validity of the insights that can be gathered from such data.
Creating Safe Spaces: Opportunities, Resources, and LGBTQ Student Groups at U.S. Colleges and Universities
Authors: Coley Jonathan S. , Das Dhruba
Published: November 2020

Research shows that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) student groups facilitate LGBTQ students’ personal development. Nevertheless, we know little about the prevalence of LGBTQ student groups and why some colleges and universities are home to LGBTQ student groups while others are not. Drawing on our original database of officially recognized LGBTQ student groups across all four-year, not-for-profit U.S. colleges and universities, we first show that LGBTQ student groups can be found at 62 percent of U.S. colleges and universities. Guided by social movement theory, and employing logistic regression analyses, we then show that LGBTQ groups are more likely to be present in favorable political contexts (Democratic-leaning states), favorable educational sectors (public and secular schools), and schools that have the human and organizational resources necessary to support them. The study advances scholarship on LGBTQ issues in higher education and holds important practical implications for students working to promote LGBTQ inclusion in U.S. schools.
Histopathological Characteristics of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors in a Cohort of Vietnamese Patients
Authors: Nguyen Cuong Pham , Thanh Xuan Nguyen , Xuan Tien Tran , Nhu Huy Pham , Nguyen Tuong Pham
Published: November 2020

Introduction:

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal system. Histopathological examination takes an important part in confirming the subtypes of GISTs, to choose appropriate therapeutics for patients. This study aims to explore the histopathological characteristics and evaluate the relationship between malignant risk classification (according to Armed Forces Institute of Pathology criteria) and the histopathological features of GISTs in a cohort of Vietnamese patients.

Methods:

We reviewed 89 patients with primary GIST who underwent surgery between 2014 and 2019 at Hue Central Hospital, Vietnam. We investigated histopathological characteristics and immunohistochemical findings of all patients.

Results:

The average age was 55.9 ± 11.9 years. A tumor size of 2-5 cm accounted for 64.1%. The most common position was at the stomach which accounted for 48.5%. Among the subtypes of GIST, spindle cells were seen in 85.9% of patients; epithelial form 10.9%; multi-morphology (3.2%). 97.4% of the samples were positive for CD117, 61.5% of cases were positive for CD34; and no case was positive for Desmin. The rate of high-risk GIST was dominant (46.9%) as compared to the intermediate-risk (28.1%), low-risk (0.3%-2%), and very low-risk groups (4.7%).

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates the histopathological characteristics of GIST and emphasizes the significant rate of high-risk GIST.
Robust and Latch-Up-Immune LVTSCR Device with an Embedded PMOSFET for ESD Protection in a 28-nm CMOS Process
Authors: Chen Ruibo , Liu Hongxia , Song Wenqiang , Du Feibo , Zhang Hao , Zhang Jikai , Liu Zhiwei
Published: November 2020

Low-voltage-triggered silicon-controlled rectifier (LVTSCR) is expected to provide an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection for a low-voltage integrated circuit. However, it is normally vulnerable to the latch-up effect due to its extremely low holding voltage. In this paper, a novel LVTSCR embedded with an extra p-type MOSFET called EP-LVTSCR has been proposed and verified in a 28-nm CMOS technology. The proposed device possesses a lower trigger voltage of ~ 6.2 V and a significantly higher holding voltage of ~ 5.5 V with only 23% degradation of the failure current under the transmission line pulse test. It is also shown that the EP-LVTSCR operates with a lower turn-on resistance of ~ 1.8 Ω as well as a reliable leakage current of ~ 1.8 nA measured at 3.63 V, making it suitable for ESD protections in 2.5 V/3.3 V CMOS processes. Moreover, the triggering mechanism and conduction characteristics of the proposed device were explored and demonstrated with TCAD simulation.
Comparison of different modes of antibiotic delivery on gut microbiota depletion efficiency and body composition in mouse
Authors: Tirelle Pauline , Breton Jonathan , Riou Gaëtan , Déchelotte Pierre , Coëffier Moïse , Ribet David
Published: November 2020

Background

The use of animal models with depleted intestinal microbiota has recently increased thanks to the huge interest in the potential role of these micro-organisms in human health. In particular, depletion of gut bacteria using antibiotics has recently become popular as it represents a low cost and easy alternative to germ-free animals. Various regimens of antibiotics are used in the literature, which differ in composition, dose, length of treatment and mode of administration. In order to help investigators in choosing the most appropriate protocol for their studies, we compared here three modes of antibiotic delivery to deplete gut bacteria in C57Bl/6 mice. We delivered one of the most frequently used combination of antibiotics (a mix of ampicillin, neomycin, metronidazole and vancomycin) either ad libitum in drinking water or by oral gavage once or twice per day.

Results

We quantified the global bacterial density, as well as the abundance of specific bacterial and fungal taxa, in mouse feces in response to antibiotics exposure. We observed that oral gavage once a day with antibiotics is not a reliable method as it occasionally triggers hyperproliferation of bacteria belonging to the Escherichia/Shigella taxon and leads, as a consequence, to a moderate decrease in fecal bacterial density. Antibiotics delivery by oral gavage twice a day or in drinking water induces in contrast a robust and consistent depletion of mouse fecal bacteria, as soon as 4 days of treatment, and is associated with an increase in fecal moisture content. Extending exposure to antibiotics beyond 7 days does not improve total bacteria depletion efficiency and promotes fungal overgrowth. We show in addition that all tested protocols impact neither gut microbiota recolonization efficiency, 1 or 2 weeks after the stop of antibiotics, nor mice body composition after 1 week of treatment.

Conclusions

Our study provides key experimental data and highlights important parameters to consider before selecting an appropriate protocol for antibiotic-mediated depletion of gut bacteria, in order to optimize the accuracy and the reproducibility of results and to facilitate comparison between studies.