bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Arrhythmias and Cardiac Electrophysiology
Authors: Feeny Albert K. , Chung Mina K. , Madabhushi Anant , Attia Zachi I. , Cikes Maja , Firouznia Marjan , Friedman Paul A. , Kalscheur Matthew M. , Kapa Suraj , Narayan Sanjiv M. , Noseworthy Peter A. , Passman Rod S. , Perez Marco V. , Peters Nicholas S. , Piccini Jonathan P. , Tarakji Khaldoun G. , Thomas Suma A. , Trayanova Natalia A. , Turakhia Mintu P. , Wang Paul J.
Published: July 2020

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in medicine are currently areas of intense exploration, showing potential to automate human tasks and even perform tasks beyond human capabilities. Literacy and understanding of AI/ML methods are becoming increasingly important to researchers and clinicians. The first objective of this review is to provide the novice reader with literacy of AI/ML methods and provide a foundation for how one might conduct an ML study. We provide a technical overview of some of the most commonly used terms, techniques, and challenges in AI/ML studies, with reference to recent studies in cardiac electrophysiology to illustrate key points. The second objective of this review is to use examples from recent literature to discuss how AI and ML are changing clinical practice and research in cardiac electrophysiology, with emphasis on disease detection and diagnosis, prediction of patient outcomes, and novel characterization of disease. The final objective is to highlight important considerations and challenges for appropriate validation, adoption, and deployment of AI technologies into clinical practice.
Lectotypification of six names of species of Scabiosa s.l. (Caprifoliaceae) endemic to North Africa and related taxonomic notes (ERRATUM)

Authors: BARONE GIULIO , EL MOKNI RIDHA , DI GRISTINA EMILIO , DOMINA GIANNIANTONIO
Published: July 2020

ERRATUM
A new species of Efibula (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) from China

Authors: MA RUI-XIN , SHI ZHENG-JUN , ZHAO CHANG-LIN
Published: July 2020

Efibula yunnanensis is proposed as a distinct new species based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic data. The species is characterized by an annual growth habit, resupinate basidiomata with smooth, cream to pale brown hymenial surface, a monomitic hyphal system with thin-walled, simple septate generative hyphae and ellipsoid, hyaline, thin-walled, smooth, IKI-, CB-basidiospores. The phylogenetic analyses based on ITS sequence data analyses revealed that E. yunnanensis was sister to a clade comprised E. clarkii and E. gracilis, and then grouped with E. americana and E. tuberculata.
Two new species of the trapdoor spider genus Conothele Thorell, 1878 (Mygalomorphae: Halonoproctidae) from China
Authors: YANG ZIZHONG , XU XIN
Published: July 2020

Here male specimens of the trapdoor spider family Halonoproctidae collected from Yunnan Province, China are diagnosed and described as new to science based on their genital morphology. Specimens are identified as two new species of Conothele Thorell, 1878: C. cangshan sp. nov. and C. deqin sp. nov.
The subspecific structure of Dorcadion (Cribridorcadion) pusillum Küster (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) with description of two new subspecies from Romania
Authors: DASCĂLU MARIA-MAGDALENA
Published: July 2020

The subspecific structure of Dorcadion pusillum Küster is revised and its distribution summarized based on published records and specimens from different collections. The taxonomic status of D. pusillum berladense Pic is reconsidered, the availability of the name “berladense” discussed in accordance with Article 45.6 of the ICZN, and a lectotype here designated. Two new subspecies are described from the Curvature Subcarpathians and the Romanian Plane: D. pusillum vasiliscus ssp. nov. and D. pusillum ochrolineatum ssp. nov., respectively.
A new extinct species of Ataenius Harold from Baltic amber (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae)
Authors: BUKEJS ANDRIS , ALEKSEEV VITALII I.
Published: July 2020

Fossil records of Scarabaeidae in Eocene amber deposits are scarce. Previously, only three species were known from Baltic amber. Based on well-preserved specimens, an additional extinct species of Eupariini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae), Ataenius damzeni Bukejs & Alekseev, new species is described and illustrated from this Lagerstätte. A key to the species of Scarabaeidae that have been described from European Eocene amber is provided.
A new species of Pristomerus Curtis, 1836 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Cremastinae) and key to the known species in Iran
Authors: HEYDARI MARYAM ZARDOUEI , RAKHSHANI EHSAN , ROUSSE PASCAL , MOKHTARI AZIZOLLAH , SCHWARZ MARTIN
Published: July 2020

Pristomerus mirzakhaniae Zardouei & Rakhshani sp. nov., (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Cremastinae) is described based on a specimen discovered in the Eastern part of Iran. A key to the known species of the genus Pristomerus Curtis, 1836 in Iran and a distribution map of the Iranian species based on published data are provided.
New Eremidrilus species (Clitellata: Lumbriculidae) from western North America. Part 1, species with two spermathecal segments
Authors: FEND STEVEN , RODRIGUEZ PILAR
Published: July 2020

Four new species of the lumbriculid genus Eremidrilus Fend & Rodriguez, 2003 are described from Idaho, Montana, and New Mexico. The new species all have a filiform proboscis, club-shaped atria in X, each with two functional vasa deferentia, and spermathecae paired in both XI and XII. Male pores of Eremidrilus artzaini n. sp., E. humboldti n. sp., and E. gilita n. sp. are all associated with distinctive porophores, but these structures are absent in E. montanensis n. sp. The new species are easily distinguished from California Eremidrilus species, all of which have spermathecae only in XI. New observations of type specimens of Eremidrilus allegheniensis (Cook, 1971), a species with two spermathecal segments, known only from eastern USA, confirm differences in atrial morphology, and also document unusual spermathecal porophores and ventral glands.
Description of a new species of the genus Pycanum (Hemiptera: Heteroptera:Tessaratomidae: Tessaratomini) from India with comments and key to extant species of the genus
Authors: GHATE HEMANT V. , MORE SADASHIV , MAGNIEN PHILIPPE
Published: July 2020

A new species of a tessaratomid bug, namely Pycanum occidentale sp. nov, is described with comments on the other species of the genus found in India. This species can be easily distinguished from the other species of Pycanum by the shape of male genitalia, especially pygophore and parameres. This becomes the fourth species of Pycanum in India and the first one from western India. A key to the extant species of the genus is also provided along with diagnostic images of pygophores and parameres for three species found in India.
New records of Anastrepha (Diptera: Tephritidae) from Paraguay
Authors: RODRIGUEZ PEDRO ALEXANDER CLAVIJO , MIRET LUZ MARIA , NORRBOM ALLEN L. , GARAY LIZ CAROLINA , CORONEL L. BLANCA E. , PEÑARANDA EMILIO ARÉVALO
Published: July 2020

This work presents new distribution records in Paraguay for 19 fruit fly species of the genus Anastrepha Schiner, including four new records for the country: A. alveatoides Blanchard, A. australis (Blanchard), A. obliqua (Macquart) and A. pastranai Blanchard. Additionally, an updated list of the 26 Anastrepha species present in Paraguay is provided, as well as illustrations (wings, aculeus tips) of the majority of species.
The ARM Data-Oriented Metrics and Diagnostics Package for Climate Models: A New Tool for Evaluating Climate Models with Field Data
Authors: Zhang C. , Xie S. , Tao C. , Tang S. , Emmenegger T. , Neelin J. D. , Schiro K. A. , Lin W. , Shaheen Z.
Published: July 2020

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program User Facility produces ground-based long-term continuous unique measurements for atmospheric state, precipitation, turbulent fluxes, radiation, aerosol, cloud, and the land surface, which are collected at multiple sites. These comprehensive datasets have been widely used to calibrate climate models and are proven to be invaluable for climate model development and improvement. This article introduces an evaluation package to facilitate the use of ground-based ARM measurements in climate model evaluation. The ARM data-oriented metrics and diagnostics package (ARM-DIAGS) includes both ARM observational datasets and a Python-based analysis toolkit for computation and visualization. The observational datasets are compiled from multiple ARM data products and specifically tailored for use in climate model evaluation. In addition, ARM-DIAGS also includes simulation data from models participating the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP), which will allow climate-modeling groups to compare a new, candidate version of their model to existing CMIP models. The analysis toolkit is designed to make the metrics and diagnostics quickly available to the model developers.
Examining Postdisaster Behavior Through a Criminological Lens: A Look at Property Crime
Authors: Frailing Kelly , Harper Dee Wood
Published: July 2020

Disaster sociology has a rich and undeniably valuable history. Among other things, it has revealed much about the behavior of disaster survivors. In recent years, criminologists have turned their attention and the discipline’s theories, methods, and data sources to understanding behavior in the wake of disasters and have come to a number of additional and sometimes different conclusions than did sociologists. In this article, we examine property crime in the wake of some recent and high-profile disasters. We find short-term increases in burglary after a number of disasters, ostensibly challenging some long-held notions in disaster sociology. We contend that the use of criminological methods including secondary analysis of extant data to understand behavior after disasters provides a more nuanced and accurate picture of postdisaster behavior and conclude with a call for inclusion of these theories, methods, and data sources in disaster studies more widely.
Large-Scale Farming and Land Reform Beneficiaries in South Africa: Lessons From a Case Study in Limpopo Province
Authors: Rusenga Clemence
Published: July 2020

The South African government intends to improve rural livelihoods through land and agrarian reform. However, in doing so the government is enforcing large-scale production in the land reform projects with little regard for the beneficiaries’ background or capabilities, which are not suited to large-scale production. The article demonstrates how large-scale farming is negatively affecting land beneficiaries’ production by undermining their ability to produce the quality products (and adequate quantities) that satisfy the standards in the increasingly concentrated markets dominated by agribusiness.
Unwaged labour intensified: Volunteer management and work targets at a UK charity
Authors: Read Rosie
Published: July 2020

Volunteer management is an expert practice which aims to maximise the productivity and efficiency of volunteers’ activities, by adapting Human Resource Management (HRM) approaches to voluntary work settings. Sociological and social anthropological studies of volunteering have not explored the significance and effects of volunteer management in sufficient detail. This article critically examines the historical emergence of volunteer management in the UK, and explores its contemporary practice at a charity providing counselling services by phone and online. Using data drawn from an ethnographic study among volunteers and staff at this charity, I examine how management practices were calibrated to encourage volunteers to achieve productivity targets. Volunteers’ workloads increased as a result, but management strategies also portrayed a willingness to work intensively as a key measure of altruistic and compassionate motivations. Drawing on feminist analyses of the constitutive nature of service work for workers’ subjectivities, I examine how volunteer management strategies engaged volunteers at the level of affect in order to align their attitudes, feelings and behaviours with the achievement of targets. My argument contributes new insights to sociological and social anthropological debates about volunteering and its relationship to employment, by evaluating how the values of productivity, efficiency and value for money, all of which cohere within volunteer management expert practice, come to animate and reorder the experiences of volunteering.
Nonorganizational Religious Involvement and Psychosocial Well-Being Among African American and Caribbean Black Youth
Authors: Rose Theda , Hope Meredith O. , Thurman Dawn , Forrester Patrice , Rose Roderick
Published: July 2020

Often cited as a developmental and cultural resource, religion has been widely studied. However, few studies have explored the relationship between nonorganizational religious involvement (NRI) and psychosocial well-being among Black youth or within ethnic groups of Black youth. This study examined this relationship among 1,170 African American and Caribbean Black youth who participated in the National Survey of American Life–Adolescent Supplement study. Moderated hierarchical regression results showed significant main effects of NRI on life satisfaction, self-esteem, coping, and depressive symptoms after accounting for study covariates (i.e., age, gender, family income, denomination, ethnicity, religious service attendance, and religious socialization). No significant interaction effects were observed between NRI and ethnicity on any of the psychosocial well-being outcomes. Results illuminate a promotive effect of NRI in this sample. Though no significant ethnicity and religiosity interaction effects were observed, findings suggest the importance of NRI as a key intervention target to support better psychosocial well-being among Black youth, in an effort to promote overall youth development.
Skateboarding’s Olympic Moment: The Gendered Contours of Sportification
Authors: D’Orazio Dax
Published: July 2020

Skateboarding will be included in the 2020 Olympics, representing a new crescendo of the activity’s “sportification.” Although some celebrate increased exposure and legitimacy, others bemoan the incursion of outsiders. Nonetheless, it is widely believed that women in particular have much to gain from the Olympic inclusion. This article begins by summarizing the literature on women’s marginalization and exclusion and then diagnoses a gendered paradox (and two associated double binds) related to sportification. Based on confidential interviews with some of the top-level female skateboarders in the world, it suggests that women are less ambivalent about elite competition due to their subcultural experiences. Overall, it argues that sportification should not be adopted uncritically or as an inevitable process, and that scholars ought to take critiques of elite competition seriously.
Fatigue in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Ba Junqiang , Chen Yuan , Liu Daishun
Published: July 2020

This review aimed to evaluate the level of fatigue in adults with type 2 diabetes measured by the validated Diabetes Symptom Checklist (DSC)and related factors. Ten studies were included. Both DSC (n = 4) and the revised (n = 6) have been used to measure fatigue. When the latter was used (n = 1082), the pooled level of fatigue was 1.77 (on a 0–5 scale). When the former was used (n = 674), the pooled level of fatigue was 1.73 (on a 0–10 scale). Participant demographics (e.g., gender), health information (e.g., BMI), and diabetes-specific factors (e.g., A1C and diabetes distress) were associated with fatigue. Fatigue was negatively related to self-care behaviors. The prevalence of significant fatigue remains unclear due to a lack of a cut-off point of the instrument. Future research is warranted to identify the threshold for clinically significant fatigue and investigate the causal relationship. Nurses are recommended to perform a routine assessment of fatigue.
Breast cancer during pregnancy: matched study of diagnostic approach, tumor characteristics, and prognostic factors
Authors: Reyes Eduardo , Xercavins Natalia , Saura Cristina , Espinosa-Bravo Martin , Gil-Moreno Antonio , Cordoba Octavi
Published: July 2020

Introduction:

Breast cancer is one of the most frequently occurring cancers during pregnancy and its incidence is increasing. Many studies have shown poor outcomes, the causes of which remain unclear.

Objectives:

To analyze radiologic characteristics, histology, and prognosis factors of breast cancer during pregnancy.

Methods:

A total of 42 patients with breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy (BCP) were matched with 84 patients with breast cancer of similar age who were not pregnant. Sensitivity of radiology, tumor characteristics, prognosis factors, disease-free survival, and overall survival were analyzed.

Results:

The sensitivity of breast ultrasound was higher than that of mammography for both groups. Ultrasound sensitivity for cancer was 95.7% in patients with BCP versus 98% in the not pregnant group, with non–statistically significant differences. Mammography sensitivity for cancer was 56.5% in patients with BCP versus 61% in the not pregnant group, with non–statistically significant differences. The stage at diagnosis according to the TNM staging system was significantly higher in patients with BCP with stage IV cancer: 16.7% in patients with BCP versus 3.7% in the not pregnant group ( p = 0.03). No statistically significant differences were observed in histologic grade, Ki-67 index, or molecular subtype. Disease-free survival and overall survival were significantly lower in patients with BCP ( p = 0.002 and p = 0.04). Multivariate analysis showed no difference when adjusting for stage and surrogate molecular subtype.

Conclusion:

Breast ultrasound shows a high sensitivity to detect breast cancer during pregnancy. BCP is diagnosed at a higher stage than in nonpregnant women. In our series, patients with BCP had poorer outcomes than the not pregnant group. These results were not observed when adjusting for stage.
Performance of Hot and Cold Recycled Mixtures with High Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement Content
Authors: Arámbula-Mercado Edith , Chavarro-Muñoz Santiago J. , Hu Sheng , Moseley Howie
Published: July 2020

Florida Department of Transportation yearly maintenance and rehabilitation activities include milling and resurfacing of approximately 2,000 lane miles of roadway, with an average resurfacing depth of about 2.1 in. (55 mm). These activities result in the generation and accumulation of roughly 1.8 million tons of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) each year. The use of elevated quantities of RAP in asphalt pavement provides an environmentally responsible solution to the accumulated RAP surplus in some urban areas, while at the same time offering an economical pavement maintenance and rehabilitation option to local agencies facing budget constraints. The objective of this project was to compare the performance of mixtures with 60% RAP content to be used primarily on low volume roads (average daily traffic <750 vehicles) and suggest adequate test methods within the context of a balanced mix design approach. To accomplish this objective, three types of mixtures were considered: hot, cold with emulsion, and cold with foamed binder. Performance testing included intermediate temperature cracking, rutting, moisture susceptibility, and durability. The hot recycled mixtures showed good moisture susceptibility and cracking resistance, especially when rejuvenators were incorporated. The cold recycled mixtures showed poor moisture susceptibility and durability characteristics, which were alleviated when hydrated lime or Portland cement was incorporated in the emulsified and foamed mixtures, respectively. Most hot recycled mixtures, and all the cold recycled mixtures, exhibited poor rutting behavior, likely because of the harsh conditions of the test. A life-cycle cost analysis demonstrated more favorable savings when cold recycled mixtures were used.
Electrospun, synthetic bone void filler promotes human MSC function and BMP-2 mediated spinal fusion
Authors: Glaeser Juliane D , Salehi Khosrowdad , Kanim Linda EA , Ju Derek G , Hyuk Yang Jae , Behrens Phillip H , Eberlein Samuel A , Metzger Melodie F , Arabi Yasaman , Stefanovic Tina , Sheyn Dmitriy , W Bae Hyun
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Synthetic bone grafts are often used to achieve a well-consolidated fusion mass in spinal fusion procedures. These bone grafts function as scaffolds, and ideally support cell function and facilitate protein binding.

Objective

The aim was to characterize an electrospun, synthetic bone void filler (Reb) for its bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 release properties and support of human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) function in vitro, and its efficacy in promoting BMP-2-/bone marrow aspirate-(BMA)-mediated posterolateral spinal fusion (PLF) in vivo.

Methods

BMP-2 release kinetics from Reb versus standard absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) was determined. hMSC adhesion and proliferation on Reb was tested using cell counting, fluorescence microscopy and MTS. Cell osteogenic differentiation was quantified via cellular alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. For in vivo analysis, 18 Lewis rats were treated during PLF surgery with the following groups: (I) Reb + BMA, (II) Reb + BMA + BMP-2 and (III) BMA. A safe, minimally effective dose of BMP-2 was used. Fusion consolidation was followed for 3 months using radiography and micro-CT. After sacrifice, fusion rate and biomechanical stiffness was determined using manual palpation, biomechanical tests and histology.

Results

In vitro, BMP-2 release kinetics were similar between Reb versus ACS. MSC proliferation and differentiation were increased in the presence of Reb. At 3 months post-surgery, fusion rates were 29% (group I), 100% (group II), and 0% (group III). Biomechanical stiffness was higher in group II versus I. Micro-CT showed an increased bone volume and connectivity density in group II. Trabecular thickness was increased in group I versus II. H&E staining showed newly formed bone in group II only.

Conclusions

Reb possesses a high protein binding affinity and promotes hMSC function. Combination with BMA and minimal dose BMP-2 allowed for 100% bone fusion in vivo. This data suggests that a minimally effective dose of BMP-2 can be used when combined with Reb.
Responding to Disclosure of Sexual Assault: The Potential Impact of Victimization History and Rape Myth Acceptance
Authors: Grandgenett Hanna M. , Steel Anne L. , Brock Rebecca L. , DiLillo David
Published: July 2020

Victims of sexual assault often disclose their victimization experiences to friends and family members in the hope of gaining support. However, a number of factors may influence the manner in which these confidants respond to the disclosure (e.g., severity of the victim’s assault). The purpose of this study was to examine the role of two unique factors—the disclosure recipient’s sexual victimization history and endorsement of rape myths—in predicting responses to disclosure. Participants were 114 undergraduate students who indicated that a close friend or family member had previously disclosed a sexual victimization experience to them. The participants’ responses to that disclosure, personal sexual victimization history, and rape myth attitudes were assessed via a self-report. Results indicated that a history of victimization predicted increased emotionally supportive responses to disclosure. Lower rape myth acceptance predicted increased supportive responses (i.e., emotionally supporting the victim and aiding the victim) and decreased unsupportive responses (i.e., treating the victim differently after the abuse, distracting the victim from the abuse, and blaming the victim). These results have implications for prevention efforts and those working with sexual assault survivors.
The Development of the Measure of Adolescent Relationship Harassment and Abuse (MARSHA): Input From Black and Multiracial, Latinx, Native American, and LGBTQ+ Youth
Authors: Rothman Emily F. , Paruk Jennifer , Cuevas Carlos A. , Temple Jeff R. , Gonzales Kelly
Published: July 2020

This formative research study was designed to collect opinion data from adolescents historically underrepresented in adolescent dating abuse (ADA) research measure development. Eight in-person focus groups and 7 telephone-based one-on-one interviews were conducted with U.S. youth aged from 11 to 20 years ( N=48). We conducted two focus groups with Black, Multiracial, Latinx, Native American, and LGBTQ+ youth. Seven LGBTQ+ youth participated in one-on-one telephone-based interviews. Focus group participants and interview subjects were asked the same 11 questions from a semi-structured focus group question guide. Five questions were on the topic of dating behaviors in general. In addition, six questions were asked for reactions to a paper-based list of 75 abusive acts. Youth generated ideas for 10 new possible cyber-ADA items and 14 emotionally abusive items for inclusion on the ADA measurement instrument. They did not generate any new physical or sexual ADA items. Youth identified 14 acts that they felt should not be on the measure, either because the acts were not abusive and too common, because they could not understand the item, or because it seemed unrealistic as an act of ADA. The study faced several limitations and was a good first step toward enriching the cultural inclusivity of ADA measurement instrument. Continued attention to inclusionary research that seeks to understand the cultural milieux of diverse participants is essential for violence prevention scholarship and subsequent health programming and policy that derive from it.
Influences of milling strategies and process parameters on the cavity defect generated during milling of carbon fiber reinforced polymer
Authors: Wang Fuji , Bi Guangjian , Wang Xiaonan , Zhao Xiang
Published: July 2020

The burrs and delamination induced in milling of carbon fiber reinforced polymer have been studied extensively to suppress them. The cavity defect is still generated frequently on the machined surface of carbon fiber reinforced polymer when the fiber cutting angle is obtuse, resulting in the performance degradation of carbon fiber reinforced polymer parts. Nevertheless, there are a few researches on the cavity defect and the effectiveness of the evaluation methods for characterizing the cavity defect is not clearly given during milling of carbon fiber reinforced polymer. In this work, the objective is to obtain the nine combinations of milling strategy and process parameters to reduce the cavity defect in milling of carbon fiber reinforced polymer by multi-tooth tool. Two assessment methods of the cavity defect are proposed to quantitatively evaluate the cavity defect, including the average depth and volume of the cavities. Then, the influences of milling strategies and process parameters on the cavity defect are figured out, and the effectiveness of the assessment methods is analyzed. It is found that the average volume of the cavity is more proper to evaluate the cavity defect. The results indicate that the optimal combination of milling strategy and process parameters for low cavity defect and high material removal rate is up milling, low cutting speed, and high feed per tooth. The findings in this work could guide the high-performing milling of carbon fiber reinforced polymer parts with higher machining efficiency.
Extended state observer–based fractional order sliding-mode control of piezoelectric actuators
Authors: Yu Shuyou , Feng Yangyang , Yang Xiaoping
Published: July 2020

Tracking control of piezoelectric actuators is considered in the article. A Hammerstein model is used to depict the rate-dependent hysteresis characteristics of piezoelectric actuators, in which a Bouc–Wen model is to describe the static hysteresis characteristic, and a linear time-invariant system is to describe its rate-dependent characteristics. An inverse Bouc–Wen model connected in series with the piezoelectric actuator is used to compensate the static hysteresis nonlinearity of piezoelectric actuators. Furthermore, an extended state observer–based fractional order sliding-mode control is designed to deal with higher order unmodelled dynamics and inverse compensation errors. Moreover, the bounds of the estimation error of the extended state observer are estimated, and the convergence of the proposed control strategy is proved. Experimental results show that the proposed scheme can track both single and composite input signals within a certain frequency range. Compared with extended state observer–based conventional sliding-mode controller, the proposed scheme has faster response time and smaller tracking error.
Vitamin D in Colombian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and its correlation with disease activity
Authors: Cardona-Cardona Andrés F , Cerón y Cerón Jairo A
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) frequently present low levels of vitamin D. However, studies that have evaluated its association with disease activity have generated contradictory results.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out on patients diagnosed with SLE in two hospitals in Manizales, Colombia. Disease activity was evaluated by the SLE disease activity index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) and serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) was measured by chemiluminescence. The correlation analysis was accomplished with the Spearman correlation coefficient.

Results

The study included 51 patients. The median SLEDAI-2K score was 8 points. The mean serum level of 25(OH)D was 24.5 ng/ml. Of the participants, 37.3% had vitamin D insufficiency and 35.3% had deficiency. An inverse correlation was found between the levels of the 25(OH)D and the SLEDAI-2K score ( r = –0.578, p < 0.001), being greater in late-onset lupus, with absence of polyautoimmunity and in patients using glucocorticoids.

Conclusions

Low levels of vitamin D are frequent in SLE, presenting an inverse correlation with the disease activity. This is influenced by the use of glucocorticoids, the presence of late-onset lupus and the absence of polyautoimmunity.
Umbilical Cord Blood Units Cryopreserved in the Public Cord Blood Bank: A Breakthrough in iPSC Haplobanking?
Authors: Roh Eun Youn , Oh Sohee , Yoon Jong Hyun , Kim Byoung Jae , Song Eun Young , Shin Sue
Published: July 2020

The use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is an emerging therapeutic option for precision medicine. Cord blood (CB) cells with lower immunogenicity, fewer genomic changes, and persistent epigenetic memory might be ideal candidates for iPSC production. Based on the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) distribution of cord blood units (CBUs) in the public CB bank, we estimated the coverage of the Korean population with HLA-homozygous iPSCs to repurpose cryopreserved CBUs. We analyzed a total of 27,904 Korean CBUs donated to the public CB bank. Low-to-intermediate resolution typing was performed for HLA-A, -B, and -DRB1 alleles, and individuals possessing homozygous HLA haplotypes were identified by direct counting. Moreover, the matching probabilities for zero-mismatch transplantation were calculated for 27,904 CBUs and 50,000,000 potential Korean patients. Among the preserved CBUs, 15 HLA-A, 40 HLA-B, and 13 HLA-DRB1 alleles as well as 48 homozygous HLA-A-B-DRB1 haplotypes were identified at serological equivalents (2 digits). The 48 identified homozygous haplotypes cumulatively matched 78.18% of the 27,904 Korean CB donors as zero HLA-mismatch iPSC sources. Among the combinations of 1,699 haplotypes with frequencies greater than 0.001%, assuming a population of 50 million, those 48 haplotypes can provide a match for 78.37% of potential Korean recipients. A practicable number of HLA-A, -B, and -DRB1 homozygous iPSC lines derived from CBUs may be an efficient option in allogeneic iPSC therapy because this type of haplobanking may provide cell lines with optimal HLA matching for up to three-quarters of the Korean population.
FASandFASLvariations in outcomes of tobacco- and alcohol-related head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Costa Ericka Francislaine Dias , Lima Tathiane Regine Penna , Lopes-Aguiar Leisa , Nogueira Guilherme Augusto Silva , Visacri Marília Berlofa , Quintanilha Julia Coelho França , Pincinato Eder Carvalho , Calonga Luciane , Mariano Fernanda Viviane , Altemani Albina Messias de Almeida Milani , Altemani João Maurício Carrasco , Moriel Patrícia , Chone Carlos Takahiro , Ramos Celso Dario , Lima Carmen Silvia Passos
Published: July 2020

Radiotherapy and cisplatin lead to cell killing in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients, but adverse events and response to treatment are not the same in patients with similar clinicopathological aspects. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the roles of TP53 c.215G > C, FAS c.-671A > G, FAS c.-1378G > A, FASL c.-844 C > T, CASP3 c.-1191A > G, and CASP3 c.-182-247G > T single nucleotide variants in toxicity, response rate, and survival of cisplatin chemoradiation-treated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients. Genomic DNA was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction for genotyping. Differences between groups of patients were analyzed by chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test, multiple logistic regression analysis, and Cox hazards model. One hundred nine patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma were enrolled in study. All patients were smokers and/or alcoholics. Patients with FAS c.-671GG genotype, FAS c.-671AG or GG genotype, and FASL c.-844CC genotype had 5.52 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.42–21.43), 4.03 (95% CI: 1.51–10.79), and 5.77 (95% CI: 1.23–27.04) more chances of presenting chemoradiation-related anemia of grades 2–4, lymphopenia of grade 3 or 4, and ototoxicity of all grades, respectively, than those with the remaining genotypes. FAS c.-671GG genotype was also seen as an independent predictor of shorter event-free survival (hazard ratio (HR): 2.05; P  = 0.007) and overall survival (HR: 1.83; P  = 0.02) in our head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients. These findings present, for the first time, preliminary evidence that inherited abnormalities in apoptosis pathway, related to FAS c.-671A > G and FASL c.-844 C > T single nucleotide variants, can alter toxicity and survival of tobacco- and alcohol-related head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients homogeneously treated with cisplatin chemoradiation.
‘It’s not like she’s from another planet’: Undoing gender/redoing policy in mixed football
Authors: Hills Laura A , Maitland Alison , Croston Amanda , Horne Sara
Published: July 2020

Competitive sport is often a gender-segregated activity underpinned by binary thinking that associates sporting talent with masculinity. In response to political, internal and grassroots activism, the English Football Association conducted a series of pilots to ascertain whether they should raise the age limit for competitive mixed football from Under-11 to Under-14. This paper presents an analysis of these trials using the concepts of accountability, doing and undoing gender to explore participants’ support for policy change, and the ways that normative notions of gender were negotiated, reproduced and disrupted during the trials. Typical rationale for segregating sports which constitute gender accountability frameworks such as physical differences between boys and girls, perceived differences in ability, and concerns about risk of injury for girls were undone as girls demonstrated they could make the team, enjoy the experience and develop their skills in a safe environment. Key arguments in favour of mixed football included the benefit to female players, the importance of friendships between boys and girls, and the similarities in boys’ and girls’ footballing skills. Support for mixed football and policy change reflected participants’ expectations that girls should be assessed on their capacity to play football and ‘fit in’ rather than expectations of gender difference. This article contributes to the limited research on mixed competitive youth sport and provides unique insights into gender-based policy change.
A cyber-physical environment for detecting exceptional and dangerous human behavior in the home by sensors and its verification by computer simulation
Authors: Arbeiter Maximilian , Maier Tanja , Spöck Gunter
Published: July 2020

Today aging of society is becoming increasingly important. Many people want to live at home as long as possible. Very often this leads to accidents at home, which are unnoticed for a long time and therefore cause severe complications. We propose a cyber-physical system consisting of sensors for motion, light, temperature, and so on, which monitors the behavior of elderly people but is non-invasive in the sense that the persons are not observed by a camera and must not wear certain sensors on their body. Unusual behavior or accidents are registered in-time by a change point detection algorithm based on Markov chains, which does not store any data with the exception of the last datum, so that also the integrity of the elderly people is preserved. For verification of this algorithm, a cyber-physical test environment has been programmed which allows to simulate human common and uncommon behavior in house during day and night. This simulation environment is based on behavior trees and decision theory. The verification results suggest that the implemented cyber-physical system for change point and anomaly detection could be successfully used in the real environment of elderly people to give them help in-time when an accident occurs.
The Impact of Rape Myths and Current Events on the Well-Being of Sexual Violence Survivors
Authors: Anderson Gwendolyn D. , Overby Rebekah
Published: July 2020

Rape myths perpetuate blaming survivors of sexual violence for their own victimization. Although research has explored how public and political discourse, current events, and media coverage of sexual violence impacts the well-being of survivors, few studies have examined it from the perspectives of participants as a significant event is unfolding. This study presents findings from semi-structured interviews with female, trans, and nonbinary identified survivors during the Kavanaugh confirmation hearings. We found most participants experienced the negative impact of rape myths, and victim blaming reactions from friends, family, and professionals, both initially and with renewed intensity during this high-profile political event.
Orbital anatomical parameters affecting outcome of deep lateral orbital wall decompression
Authors: Rajabi Mohammad Taher , Tabary Mohammadreza , Baharnoori SeyedMahbod , Salabati Mirataollah , Mahmoudzadeh Raziyeh , Hosseinzadeh Farideh , Mohammadi S.Saeed , Goldberg Robert A
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

To determine orbital anatomical parameters that affect surgical outcome of deep lateral orbital wall decompression.

Methods:

Twenty orbits of 20 patients with moderate proptosis (maximum 25 mm) due to thyroid eye disease who were stable for at least 6 months were included in this prospective cohort study. Four parameters including lateral orbital wall distance (LOWD), removable surface area (RSA), removable surface length (RSL), and sphenoid door jamb thickness (SDJ) were evaluated by computed tomography (CT) scan prior to surgery in these patients. Deep lateral orbital wall decompression without fat removal was done in all patients. Relationship between all these factors and proptosis reduction, 6 months after surgery was assessed.

Results:

Mean proptosis before decompression surgery (mean ± SD) was 23.22 ± 1.19 mm and reduction in Hertel exophthalmometry (mean ± SD) was −3.27 ± 1.03 mm ( p = 0.006). Pearson correlation showed that LOWD, RSL, and SDJ had statistically significant correlation with proptosis reduction ( p = 0.017, 0.002, and 0.001, respectively.). Linear multivariate regression analysis showed SDJ as the only independent factor in predicting surgical outcome.

Conclusion:

several orbital anatomical factors have significant role in predicting surgical outcome following deep lateral wall orbital decompression. Among these parameters, SDJ is an independent factor, whereas LOWD and RSL are dependent factors. Preoperative assessment of the bony sphenoid anatomy may be helpful in predicting the amount of potential decompression.
The symbol of social media in contemporary protest: Twitter and the Gezi Park movement
Authors: Jenzen Olu , Erhart Itir , Eslen-Ziya Hande , Korkut Umut , McGarry Aidan
Published: July 2020

This article explores how Twitter has emerged as a signifier of contemporary protest. Using the concept of ‘social media imaginaries’, a derivative of the broader field of ‘media imaginaries’, our analysis seeks to offer new insights into activists’ relation to and conceptualisation of social media and how it shapes their digital media practices. Extending the concept of media imaginaries to include analysis of protestors’ use of aesthetics, it aims to unpick how a particular ‘social media imaginary’ is constructed and informs their collective identity. Using the Gezi Park protest of 2013 as a case study, it illustrates how social media became a symbolic part of the protest movement by providing the visualised possibility of imagining the movement. In previous research, the main emphasis has been given to the functionality of social media as a means of information sharing and a tool for protest organisation. This article seeks to redress this by directing our attention to the role of visual communication in online protest expressions and thus also illustrates the role of visual analysis in social movement studies.
Numerical simulation of particle spatial distribution and filtration characteristic in the pleated filter media using OpenFOAM
Authors: Shu Zhiyong , Qian Fuping , Fang Can , Zhu Jingjing
Published: July 2020

Fine dust is one of the important factors affecting precision instruments and human health, and the pleated filter media has been widely used in air filtration field. Based on the SEM image of the actual pleated filter media, a microscopic 3D model of the pleated filter media was established and the gas–solid two-phase flow was simulated using OpenFOAM. The results show that OpenFOAM can well simulate the particle deposition on the surface of the fibre filter media and the dendritic structures. The transverse distribution of the amount of deposited particle in the pleated filter media is in the form of two peaks structure, while the longitudinal distributions of the amount of deposited particle in 30° and 60° of the pleated filter media are relatively uniform with multi-peaks structure. The average relative error of the pressure drop between the simulation result and the empirical formula is 3.69%, and the pressure differential decreases first and then increases with the pleated angle, and at a gas velocity of 0.4 m/s, Δ Pmin is around 5 Pa (35° of the pleated angle). Through the above studies, the results could be helpful for the development and design of the pleated filter media.
Responsive Neurostimulation in Epilepsy: Wall to Block Seizures or Bridge to Resection?
Authors: Englot Dario J.
Published: July 2020

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Ramie-degumming methodologies: A short review
Authors: Cheng Lifeng , Duan Shengwen , Feng Xiangyuan , Zheng Ke , Yang Qi , Xu Huan , Luo Wei , Peng Yuande
Published: July 2020

Ramie ( Boehmeria nivea L.), a perennial herb, is an important bast fiber plant. Its fiber with the advantages of attractive luster, high tenacity, enhanced strength, and good microbial resistivity is well known as the queen of natural fibers. The abundant cellulose fibers in ramie raw materials are stuck tightly by gums consisting of pectic substances, hemicelluloses, and little lignin. The gum should remove from the ramie raw material through degumming process to separate fibers, unveil unique fiber properties, and improve fiber-spinning ability to fulfill textile requirements. Low degumming efficiency and high environmental pollution are the major problems hindering the utilization of ramie fibers. Ramie degumming involves the degradation of pectin and hemicelluloses, which requires chemical, physical, biological treatment, or a combination of several treatments. No stereotyped parameters of the given degumming method have been yet established for the extraction of textile-grade ramie fibers. This review evaluated integrated methodology involving chemical, physical, biological and biochemical methods to degum raw ramie and obtain textile-grade refined fibers.
Penitentiary pleasures: Queer understandings of prison paradoxes
Authors: Vasiliou Elena
Published: July 2020

Historically, prison researchers have remained disengaged with explorations of pleasure in punishment because of the risk of romanticizing imprisonment. This risk is inherent in any discussion of pleasure experienced by prisoners. In this article, I advocate for the application of queer theory as a means of deconstructing the binary formation through which pain and pleasure in prison is understood. To do that, I explore how ex-prisoners’ narratives might reveal (queer) moments of pleasure and complement existing criminological scholarship that has neglected such an issue. This exploration is framed by Foucault’s theory of pleasure as a productive force that renders it akin to power: it produces an effect. In this article, I draw on Edelman’s concept of “futurity” and Halberstam’s “failure” to bring criminology and queer theory into a productive dialogue for the purpose of analyzing the production of narratives of pleasure by ex-prisoners. In my analysis, I use Jackson and Mazzei’s “plugging in method” centered around the categories of (a) pleasure and pain, (b) pleasure and resistance, and (c) sexuality and pleasure. Drawing upon the findings, I argue that pleasure becomes a nexus of relations that exists and correlates with sexuality, power/resistance, and the feeling of pain. I conclude that a queer understanding of what is unpleasant is possible if we reconsider pleasure and pain in a spectrum as opposed to a binary formation.
A Bioweapon or a Hoax? The Link Between Distinct Conspiracy Beliefs About the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak and Pandemic Behavior
Authors: Imhoff Roland , Lamberty Pia
Published: July 2020

During the coronavirus disease pandemic rising in 2020, governments and nongovernmental organizations across the globe have taken great efforts to curb the infection rate by promoting or legally prescribing behavior that can reduce the spread of the virus. At the same time, this pandemic has given rise to speculations and conspiracy theories. Conspiracy worldviews have been connected to refusal to trust science, the biomedical model of disease, and legal means of political engagement in previous research. In three studies from the United States ( N = 220; N = 288) and the UK ( N = 298), we went beyond this focus on a general conspiracy worldview and tested the idea that different forms of conspiracy beliefs despite being positively correlated have distinct behavioral implications. Whereas conspiracy beliefs describing the pandemic as a hoax were more strongly associated with reduced containment-related behavior, conspiracy beliefs about sinister forces purposefully creating the virus related to an increase in self-centered prepping behavior.
Covid-19 and labour law in Ireland
Authors: Mangan David
Published: July 2020

Similar to many other European countries, the Irish Government has attempted to address the employment implications of the Covid-19 pandemic through a mixture of income support schemes. Coming with the repercussions of the Great Recession remain in memory and the toll that took on the Irish banking sector, the Government seems to have endeavoured to take an approach that may be more conservative as compared to other EU Member States.