bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep learning surrogate models for spatial and visual connectivity
Authors: Tarabishy Sherif , Psarras Stamatios , Kosicki Marcin , Tsigkari Martha
Published: December 2019

Spatial and visual connectivity are important metrics when developing workplace layouts. Calculating those metrics in real time can be difficult, depending on the size of the floor plan being analysed and the resolution of the analyses. This article investigates the possibility of considerably speeding up the outcomes of such computationally intensive simulations by using machine learning to create models capable of identifying the spatial and visual connectivity potential of a space. To that end, we present the entire process of investigating different machine learning models and a pipeline for training them on such task, from the incorporation of a bespoke spatial and visual connectivity analysis engine through a distributed computation pipeline, to the process of synthesizing training data and evaluating the performance of different neural networks.
Thrive: A Novel Health Education Mobile Application for Mothers Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Ragavan Maya I. , Ferre Vanessa , Bair-Merritt Megan
Published: December 2019

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has well-documented adverse impact on survivors and their children. In this article, we describe the development and formative evaluation of a trauma-informed, user-friendly Smartphone-based mobile application (app) to address the unmet health needs and improve the well-being of mothers who have experienced IPV. A multidisciplinary team of IPV experts developed the app (called Thrive) in partnership with software developers. Thrive includes three sections: Myself (maternal self-care, stress coping skills), My Child (stress signs in children, talking to children about IPV, mother–child dyadic communication), and My Life (hospital- and community-based resources). Sixteen providers (social workers, IPV advocates, and health care providers) and eight IPV survivors provided feedback about Thrive via structured interviews. Participants found Thrive to be user-friendly, informative, trauma-informed, and a potential alternative to handouts. Participants had several recommendations including allowing users to add their own content and providing social support mechanisms. Initial feedback sessions have demonstrated preliminary acceptability of one of the first health education apps for mothers who have experienced IPV. Next steps include revising Thrive based on user feedback, testing Thrive via a longitudinal outcome evaluation, and working with hospital and community-based partners to disseminate Thrive to IPV survivors around the country.
Strengthening a Tobacco-Free College Campus Policy Through Signage: GIS Mapping for Advocacy to Improve Implementation
Authors: Bowrey Brice L. , McLeod Emmanuel J. , Kuteh Jaleel D. , Duval Garian I. , Sesay Mahdi , Akou Angela A. , Lee Joseph G. L.
Published: December 2019

Implementing tobacco-free policies on university campuses has become increasingly common. However, promoting policy compliance remains a challenge. It is important to develop strategies that can overcome barriers to successful policy implementation and promote compliance. This Practice Note presents a case study of a practical strategy for addressing poor implementation of a newly adopted tobacco-free policy. Following principles of advocacy research, a team of student researchers and a faculty advisor developed a protocol to identify tobacco-related signage and environmental cues for tobacco use (e.g., cigarette-butt receptacles, designated smoking areas) on campus. Ten months after a tobacco-free campus policy went into effect, we identified 153 signs and 65 environmental cues. Of these, only two signs accurately described the current policy. Mapping signage and cues to use tobacco on campus can be an important advocacy tool to improve the implementation of tobacco-free campus policies. Increased adherence to new policies can be achieved through advocacy and outreach to university administrators.
Outcomes of a Multicomponent Culturally Tailored Cervical Cancer Screening Intervention Among Underserved Hispanic Women (De Casa en Casa)
Authors: Shokar Navkiran K. , Calderon-Mora Jessica , Molokwu Jennifer , Byrd Theresa , Alomari Adam , Mallawaarachchi Indika , Dwivedi Alok
Published: December 2019

Hispanic women have almost double the cervical cancer incidence and are twice as likely to die from cervical cancer compared with non-Hispanic White women. Cervical cancer is preventable with screening, and based on available data, multiple component screening interventions have been proposed as a strategy to maximize screening, but such studies are lacking. We sought to test the effectiveness of a multicomponent screening intervention for primary prevention and early detection of cervical cancer among underserved Hispanic women. We conducted a prospective community-based cervical cancer screening intervention utilizing a quasi-experimental design. The intervention was theory based, delivered by bilingual community health workers, combined education and reduction of noneconomic barriers, and addressed economic barriers. Components included outreach, education, provision of no-cost Papanicolaou and human papillomavirus screening, on-site diagnostic and treatment colposcopy, and patient navigation with tracking to facilitate screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The main outcome was self-reported screening. We recruited 300 intervention group and 299 control group participants. Mean age of the sample was 44.7 years. The majority were Hispanic (98%), born in Mexico (79%), and had a Spanish-language preference (86%). In intention-to-treat analyses, the intervention group had a relative risk of screening of 14.58 (95% confidence interval = 8.57-24.80, p < .001) compared with the control group. A multilevel, multiple component culturally tailored bilingual cervical cancer screening intervention combining education, navigation, and no-cost screening can significantly increase cervical cancer screening uptake in a high-risk, underscreened population and has the potential to affect cervical cancer health disparities.
A Review of the PubMed PICO Tool: Using Evidence-Based Practice in Health Education
Authors: Brown David
Published: December 2019

The PubMed PICO (Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) tool from the National Library of Medicine provides health education professionals and students a method to conduct evidence-based practice literature searches to enhance the quality of new and existing health education interventions and programs. This review provides an overview on evidence-based practice, an overview of the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing Inc. competencies related to evidence-based practice. It introduces the PubMed PICO tool and provides suggestions on how health education professionals can use the tool more effectively. Through the use of the PubMed PICO tool, health education students and professionals can enhance their literature search strategies to help ensure a comprehensive and exhaustive literature review
Public Perceptions of State Court Impartiality and Court Legitimacy in an Era of Partisan Politics
Authors: Barwick Corey , Dawkins Ryan
Published: December 2019

Why do some people evaluate state supreme courts as more legitimate than others? Conventional academic wisdom suggests that people evaluate courts in nonpartisan ways, and that people make a distinction between how they evaluate individual court decisions and how they evaluate the court's legitimacy more broadly. We challenge this idea by arguing that people's partisan identities have a strong influence on how people evaluate the impartiality of courts, just as they do other aspects of the political world. Using original survey experiments, validated by existing observational survey data, we show that people perceive state supreme courts as being more impartial when courts issue decisions that match the ideological preferences of their preferred political party, while court decisions at odds with their party's policy goals diminish people's belief that courts are impartial arbiters of the law. We also show that the effects of citizen perceptions of impartiality erode evaluations of state court legitimacy, which makes them want to limit the independence of judicial institutions.
The Effect of Negative Pressure Therapy on Closed Wound After the Orthopedic Surgery of Lower Limb: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Yaomin , Wu Bei , Liu Yancheng
Published: December 2019

Background. Negative-pressure wound therapy is applied increasingly to manage closed wounds. However, no consensus has been reached with regard to surgical site infection and wound complication. Aim. To evaluate the effect of negative pressure therapy on closed wounds after orthopedic surgeries. Methods. PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and MEDLINE databases were searched from 1966 to January 2019; the references in the identified studies were also searched. Results. Ten studies on arthroplasty and 3 studies on fractures were included. Significantly few infections appeared in the negative pressure group (odds ratio [OR] = 0.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.18-0.46, P < .001; I2 = 0%, P = .80). There was no significant difference for other complications (OR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.21-1.39, P = .20; I2 = 81%, P < .001). Few patients needed reoperation in the negative pressure group (OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.14-0.53, P < .001; I2 = 0%, P = .82). Conclusion. Negative pressure therapy can decrease surgical site infection and reoperation of closed incisions.
Evaluating the Initial Impact of a Public Management Reform: A Multiphase Mixed Methods Investigation Using Q Methodology
Authors: Li Jiayuan
Published: December 2019

While mixed methods researchers have witnessed growing interest in Q methodology, approaches for integration into a multiphase mixed methods investigation are needed. To provide an illustrative example, I present a theoretically guided multiphase mixed methods evaluation of the impact of public management reform. The evaluation focuses on the introduction of happiness indices into Chinese local government. This study is novel because it combines a broad array of methods to investigate how the ambitious idea of happiness indices has influenced local practice. A unique contribution of this article lies in its integration of Q methodology into multiphase mixed methods design for evaluating the reform’s impact.
Screen Media: A Powerful Reinforcement
Authors: Cepni Aliye B. , Ledoux Tracey A. , Johnston Craig A.
Published: December 2019

The use of screen media has significantly increased and several lifestyle consequences have occurred following this change. Screen media exposure is more common among younger age children. Multiple factors may be the reason for this; however, their use is likely reinforced. Parents seek support from screen media devices, which can help calm and occupy their children in a matter of minutes. However, resorting to electronic devices for instant relief is likely to persist due to both negative and positive reinforcement. Reinforcing screen media in this way will make the use of screen devices inextricable for parents and their children. Explaining the issue clearly and coming up with feasible solutions will help minimize the negative health effects of prolonged screen use, the general desirability of screen media devices, and also improve (and increase) healthy screen time habits in children.
Modeling and experimental research of quay crane cargo lowering processes
Authors: Eglynas Tomas , Andziulis Arunas , Bogdevičius Marijonas , Janutėnienė Jolanta , Jakovlev Sergej , Jankūnas Valdas , Senulis Audrius , Jusis Mindaugas , Bogdevičius Paulius , Gudas Saulius
Published: December 2019

This article studies an operational problem arising at a container terminal. Klaipeda city port operations were surveilled up close and relevant remarks were made. The time efficiency of the existing container-lowering procedures using the simulation studies with a test-bed and with a real life crane operation was examined. Statistical analysis of the experimental results has showed that non-automated processes have higher time variance for the lowering process. The operations of quay crane for container handling “ship-to-shore” were analyzed, and lowering procedures time variations were determined. Each container is transported at operators own risk and with pre-defined time efficiency; therefore, it is hard to predict the optimal time for each container handling operation, thus, eventually, additional costs arise. Mathematical model was developed, which described dynamical characteristics of the container movement during lowering procedures. The lowering crane operation was modeled using known dynamic values for each separate case, and the complexity of the problem was proven. The results of modeling and experimental results show that it is possible to achieve optimal values with the existing processes.
Rotary ultrasonic machining of SiCp/Al composites: An experimental study on cutting force and machinability
Authors: Wang Ming , Zheng Wei , Zhou Ming , Zhang Qun
Published: December 2019

To improve the processing quality and reduce the cost of SiCp/Al composites has become a key problem for its application. Rotary ultrasonic machining is highly suitable for machining of SiCp/Al composites with a medium or high volume fraction of reinforced phase, and the processing quality and efficiency could be improved greatly. In this article, the rotary ultrasonic machining experiments were performed for the SiCp/Al composites reinforced with 45% volume fraction, and the effects of processing parameters on the cutting force of face and flank machining were studied. The cutting force values reduce significantly, and the grinding force ratios Fn/ Ft of face and flank machining are 2.843 and 1.336, respectively, which indicate that better machinability can be achieved for SiCp/Al composites using rotary ultrasonic machining.
High expression of IGBP1 correlates with poor prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Sicong , Li Daojing , Liang Zibin , Wang Yanhua , Pei XiaoFeng , Tang Jianjun
Published: December 2019

Background:

Immunoglobulin binding protein 1 (IGBP1) is an important signal transduction regulator that mediates various functions. However, its expression profile, role, and clinical significance in cancers are uncertain. The purpose of this study was to determine the expression profile and the prognostic significance of IGBP1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods:

Polymerase chain reaction assay, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay were performed to examine IGBP1 expression in ESCC tissues and matched adjacent non-cancerous tissues. Moreover, IHC was used to evaluate IGBP1 expression in archived 190 paraffin-embedded ESCC specimens. Statistical analyses were applied to evaluate the prognostic value and the correlations between IGBP1 expression and the clinical parameters.

Results:

We found that the messenger RNA and protein levels of IGBP1 were up-regulated in the ESCC tissues compared with their adjacent non-cancerous tissues. High expression of IGBP1 in ESCC patients was positively associated with T classification ( P=0.013) and vital status ( P=0.03). The ESCC patients with higher IGBP1expression had a shorter survival time than those with lower IGBP1 expression. Importantly, multivariate analysis demonstrated that the expression of IGBP1 was an independent prognostic factor for ESCC ( P< 0.05).

Conclusions:

We provide the first evidence that increased IGBP1 expression correlates with poor prognosis of ESCC, and that IGBP1 may be a tumor promoter of ESCC, which provide a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for ESCC.
Correlates of pentraxin 3 serum concentration in men and women with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Waluś-Miarka Małgorzata , Trojak Aleksandra , Miarka Przemysław , Kapusta Maria , Kawalec Ewa , Idzior-Waluś Barbara , Małecki Maciej T
Published: December 2019

Elevated levels of plasma pentraxin 3 (PTX3), a marker of inflammation, are associated with the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in the general population, as well as in patients with type 2 diabetes (DM2). In this study, we aimed to determine factors associated with PTX3 serum concentrations in men and women with DM2. The study included 116 consecutive patients (67 men and 49 women) with DM2 from an outpatient diabetic clinic. Men were characterised by lower age and higher uric acid, creatinine and bilirubin concentrations and waist/hip ratio than women. In women, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were higher than in men. In men, median (interquartile range) values of PTX3 concentration were 4.02 (1.99), and in women they were 4.53 (3.31) ng/ml (NS). In men, PTX3 concentrations correlated with total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, apolipoprotein (Apo) C3, Apo B48, Glc and creatinine levels. In women, PTX3 correlated significantly with TC and LDL-C and Apo B100. Partial regression analysis revealed that after adjusting for age, PTX3 concentrations in men were significantly associated with TC, LDL-C, triglycerides, creatinine, Apo C3 and Apo B48, while in women they were associated with TC, LDL-C and Apo B100. The results could be of importance in sex-specific prevention of vascular complications in DM2 patients.
Exploring electrostatic patterns of human, murine, equine and canine TLR4/MD-2 receptors
Authors: Lozano-Aponte Jorge , Scior Thomas , Ambrosio Francisco Noé Mendoza , González-Melchor Minerva , Alexander Christian
Published: December 2019

Electrostatic interactions between phosphate anions and Toll-like receptor 4 / Myeloid differentiation factor-2 (TLR4/MD-2) protein complexes of human, murine, equine and canine species were computed. Such knowledge can provide mechanistic information about recognising LPS-like ligands, since anionic phosphate groups belong to the structural features of LPS with their diphosphorylated diglucosamine backbone. Sequence composition analyses, electrostatic interaction potentials and docked energies as well as molecular dynamics studies evaluated the phosphate interactions within the triangular LPS binding site (wedge). According to electrostatic analyses, human, horse and dog wedges possess phosphate-binding sites with indistinct positive and negative charge distributions, but the murine wedge shows a unique strong negative net charge at the site where antagonists bind in other species (Pan). Docking of a phosphate mono-anion (probe) confirmed its repulsion at this Pan site, but the Pag site of the murine wedge attracted the probe. It is occupied by phosphate groups of agonists in other species (Pag). Molecular dynamics trajectories show a variable degree of random walk across the wedges, that is, not following electrostatic preferences (neither Pag nor Pan). In summary, two opposing electrostatic patterns exist –murine versus human, equine and canine species – all of which reflect the potential dual activity mode of under-acylated ligands such as lipid IVA.
The multidisciplinary care of a woman presenting with lymphoma in pregnancy whose delivery was also complicated by placenta accreta spectrum
Authors: Brooks Tanya , Weale Nicola , Neuberger Francesca , Standing Judith , Siddiq Samreen , Pawade Joya
Published: December 2019

We report the case of a 44-year-old presenting with breathlessness in her second trimester of pregnancy diagnosed with pulmonary diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) which was further complicated by a placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorder. In pregnancy, she was treated with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin, oncovin and prednisolone, which was associated with neutropenic sepsis requiring admissions to the intensive care unit with respiratory compromise. She safely delivered an infant at 31 weeks but required a hysterectomy at the time for PAS and seven days ventilation on the intensive care unit post-operatively. It is the first case report of DLBCL and PAS in pregnancy.
Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Subtalar Kalix II Arthroereisis for a Symptomatic Pediatric Flexible Flatfoot
Authors: de Bot Robin T. A. L. , Stevens Jasper , Hermus Joris P. S. , Staal Heleen M. , van Rhijn Lodewijk W. , Witlox Adhiambo M.
Published: December 2019

Background. The purpose of this study is to evaluate functional and radiological outcomes of subtalar arthroereisis in the treatment of symptomatic pediatric flexible flatfeet. Methods. A total of 16 patients (26 feet) were treated with a Kalix II as subtalar motion blocker between 2009 and 2014. Calcaneal pitch (CP) and Meary’s angle (MA) were measured on radiographs preoperatively, directly postoperatively, and at follow-up 47 ± 17 (range 19-79) months. Patient satisfaction surveys were used to assess functional outcome and patient satisfaction. Results. Surgery was performed mostly for pain, walking problems, or a combination of both at a mean age of 12.5 ± 1.5 (range 10-15) years. Symptoms were relieved in 62.5% of patients in the postoperative phase and increased to 68.75% at follow-up. A statistically significant increase in CP of 2.8° and decrease in MA of 14.0° was observed directly postoperatively, which persisted during the follow-up period irrespective of Kalix removal. Revision surgery was necessary in 6 cases (23%) because of arthroereisis migration. Conclusion. Subtalar Kalix II arthroereisis significantly reduced clinical symptoms and improved the CP and MA directly postoperatively, which persisted during follow-up, irrespective of Kalix removal. Therefore, subtalar arthroereisis is a considerable intervention to reduce symptoms in children with symptomatic flexible flatfeet.

Levels of Evidence: Level IV: Case series
Co-Constructing Organizational Identity and Culture With Those We Serve: An Ethnography of a Transgender Nonprofit Organization Communicating Family Identity and Identification
Authors: Eger Elizabeth K.
Published: December 2019

In this article, I theorize how communication creates participants’ organizational identification with nonprofit organizations (NPOs) and their co-construction of organizational identities. Findings from my 3-year organizational ethnography of an NPO serving transgender people, the Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico (TGRC), showcase how Directors, staff, and “guests” (those being served by the NPO) co-constructed a “family” organizational identity and their subsequent organizational identification through communication. My analysis reveals how TGRC’s shared cultural values, physical space, language, and artifacts both supported and shaped their family organizational identity. Ethnographic findings illustrate how TGRC participants constructed family through cultural elements including TGRC as a home space while simultaneously going beyond an organizational container to embrace discourses and texts to construct their identity. I end with calls for future research on organizational culture, identity, and identification co-construction to include the people organizations serve and for more ethnographic and arts-based research to enrich such pursuits.
Relationships Among Noncognitive Factors and Academic Performance: Testing the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research Model
Authors: Wanzer Dana , Postlewaite Elyse , Zargarpour Nazanin
Published: December 2019

In response to interest in the role of noncognitive factors in academic performance, several theoretical models have been developed; however, there have been few empirical attempts to validate those models, particularly with minority populations. This study used measures of academic mindsets, social skills, academic perseverance, learning strategies, and academic performance to test the structural pathways of a well-known hypothesized model of noncognitive factors and academic performance proposed by researchers at the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research. The population of study consisted of high school students from a mainly Hispanic, low-income school district. Results support the hypothesized model; however, academic perseverance was not significantly related to academic performance in the context of other noncognitive factors. Additionally, findings differed across groups, including age (e.g., freshman vs. senior), socioeconomic status (e.g., parent education, free/reduced priced lunch), and race/ethnicity.
Somatic PRKAR1A mutation in sporadic atrial myxoma with cerebral parenchymal metastases: a case report
Authors: Roque Ashley , Kimbrough Tara , Traner Christopher , Baehring Joachim M. , Huttner Anita , Adams Jennifer , Canosa Sandra , Sklar Jeffrey , Madri Joseph A.
Published: December 2019

Background

Atrial myxomas are generally considered benign neoplasms. The majority of tumors are sporadic and less than 10% are associated with an autosomal dominant condition known as the Carney complex, which is most often caused by germline mutation in the genePRKAR1A. Whether this gene plays a role in the development of sporadic myxomas has been an area of debate, although recent studies have suggested that some fraction of sporadic tumors also carry mutations inPRKARIA. Extra-cardiac complications of atrial myxoma include dissemination of tumor to the brain; however, the dissemination of viable invasive tumor cells is exceedingly rare.

Case presentation

We present here a 48-year-old white woman who developed multiple intracranial hemorrhagic lesions secondary to tumor embolism that progressed to ‘false’ aneurysm formation and invasion through the vascular wall into brain parenchyma 7 months after resection of an atrial myxoma. Whole exome sequencing of her tumor revealed multiple mutations inPRKAR1Anot found in her germline deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), suggesting that the myxoma in this patient was sporadic.

Conclusions

Our patient illustrates that mutations inPRKAR1Amay be found in sporadic lesions. Whether the presence of this mutation affects the clinical behavior of sporadic tumors and increases risk for metastasis is not clear. Regardless, the protein kinase A pathway which is regulated byPRKAR1Arepresents a possible target for treatment in patients with metastatic cardiac myxomas harboring mutations in thePRKARIAgene.
Avulsion fracture of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle associated with multiple ligament injuries before closure of the growth plate: a case report
Authors: Hirotsu Masataka , Kakoi Hironori , Taniguchi Noboru
Published: December 2019

Background

Avulsion fracture of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle is a very rare phenomenon. There are no reports of avulsion fractures associated with multiple ligament injuries before closure of the growth plate. The authors present a case of avulsion fracture of the insertion of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle associated with posterior cruciate ligament injury and an avulsion fracture of the medial collateral ligament at the femoral attachment.

Case presentation

A 15-year-old Japanese boy was injured by contact with another player while playing soccer. He was immediately admitted to the authors’ hospital with knee pain. Radiography and computed tomography revealed an avulsion fracture of the medial collateral ligament at the femoral attachment and an avulsion fracture of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle. In examination under anesthesia, the Lachman test was negative and posterior drawer test was positive. Fixation of the avulsion fractures of the medial collateral ligament and medial head of the gastrocnemius was performed 9 days after the injury. After fixation, valgus instability at full extension had disappeared. The knee was immobilized in a brace for 2 weeks postoperatively. One year postoperatively, the posterior drawer test was slightly positive; however, our patient was able to ambulate without pain and returned to sports without feeling instability in his knee.

Conclusion

A rare case of avulsion fracture of the gastrocnemius muscle combined with multiple ligament injuries before closure of the growth plate is described. A satisfactory result was obtained by fixation of the avulsed bone fragments of the gastrocnemius muscle and medial collateral ligament. The authors believe that avulsion fracture of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle associated with posterior cruciate ligament injury should be repaired.
Do we know enough about the effect of low-dose computed tomography screening for lung cancer on survival to act? A systematic review, meta-analysis and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Yang Huiqin , Varley-Campbell Jo , Coelho Helen , Long Linda , Robinson Sophie , Snowsill Tristan , Griffin Ed , Peters Jaime , Hyde Chris
Published: December 2019

Background

Diagnosis of lung cancer frequently occurs in its later stages. Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) could detect lung cancer early.

Methods

Our objective was to estimate the effect of LDCT lung cancer screening on mortality in high-risk populations. A systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing LDCT screening programmes with usual care (no screening) or other imaging screening programme (such as chest X-ray (CXR)) was conducted. RCTs of CXR screening were additionally included in the network meta-analysis. Bibliographic sources including MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library were searched to January 2017. All key review steps were done by two persons. Quality assessment used the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Meta-analyses were performed.

Results

Four RCTs were included. More will provide data in the future. Meta-analysis demonstrated that LDCT screening with up to 9.80 years of follow-up was associated with a statistically non-significant decrease in lung cancer mortality (pooled relative risk (RR) 0.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.74 to 1.19; p = 0.62). There was a statistically non-significant increase in all-cause mortality. Given the considerable heterogeneity for both outcomes, the results should be treated with caution.

Network meta-analysis including the four original RCTs plus two further RCTs assessed the relative effectiveness of LDCT, CXR and usual care. The results showed that in terms of lung cancer mortality reduction LDCT was ranked as the best screening strategy, CXR screening as the worst strategy and usual care intermediate.

Conclusions

LDCT screening may be effective in reducing lung cancer mortality but there is considerable uncertainty: the largest of the RCTs compared LDCT with CXR screening rather than no screening; there is imprecision of the estimates; and there is important heterogeneity between the included study results. The uncertainty about the effect on all-cause mortality is even greater. Maturing trials may resolve the uncertainty.
Combined load frequency and terminal voltage control of power systems using moth flame optimization algorithm
Authors: Lal Deepak Kumar , Barisal Ajit Kumar
Published: December 2019

Stability of nominal frequency and voltage level in an electric power system is the primary control issue of practicing engineers. Any deterioration in these two parameters will affect the performance and life expectancy of the associated machinery to the power system. Hence, controllers are installed and set for a specific working situation and deal with small variations in load demand to keep the frequency and terminal voltage magnitude within the permissible limits. As the system performance can be improved with selecting suitable controller, an attempt has been made to design fractional-order PID (FOPID) controller for combined frequency and voltage control problems. This paper presents plan and execution examination of FOPID controller for simultaneous load frequency and voltage control of power system using recently developed nature-motivated powerful optimization technique, i.e., moth flame optimization algorithm. The first part of the present work demonstrates the implementation of the proposed technique on frequency stabilization of isolated power system with AVR for excitation voltage control. The superiority and effectiveness of the proposed approach are tested by comparing the dynamic response of the system with PID controllers optimized by other intelligent techniques. Then the present work is extended to multi-unit two-area power system. The tuning ability of the algorithm is extensively and comparatively investigated.
Arterial Wall Inflammation and Increased Hematopoietic Activity in Patients With Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: van der Heijden Charlotte D C C , Smeets Esther M M , Aarntzen Erik H J G , Noz Marlies P , Monajemi Houshang , Kersten Simone , Kaffa Charlotte , Hoischen Alexander , Deinum Jaap , Joosten Leo A B , Netea Mihai G , Riksen Niels P
Published: December 2019

Context

Primary aldosteronism (PA) confers an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), independent of blood pressure. Animal models have shown that aldosterone accelerates atherosclerosis through proinflammatory changes in innate immune cells; human data are scarce.

Objective

The objective of this article is to explore whether patients with PA have increased arterial wall inflammation, systemic inflammation, and reprogramming of monocytes.

Design

A cross-sectional cohort study compared vascular inflammation on 2’-deoxy-2’-(18F)fluoro-D-glucose; (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography–computed tomography, systemic inflammation, and monocyte phenotypes and transcriptome between PA patients and controls.

Setting

This study took place at Radboudumc and Rijnstate Hospital, the Netherlands.

Patients

Fifteen patients with PA and 15 age-, sex-, and blood pressure-matched controls with essential hypertension (EHT) participated.

Main Outcome Measures and Results

PA patients displayed a higher arterial 18F-FDG uptake in the descending and abdominal aorta (P < .01, P < .05) and carotid and iliac arteries (both P < .01). In addition, bone marrow uptake was higher in PA patients (P < .05). Although PA patients had a higher monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (P < .05), systemic inflammatory markers, cytokine production capacity, and transcriptome of circulating monocytes did not differ. Monocyte-derived macrophages from PA patients expressed more TNFA; monocyte-derived macrophages of healthy donors cultured in PA serum displayed increased interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α production.

Conclusions

Because increased arterial wall inflammation is associated with accelerated atherogenesis and unstable plaques, this might importantly contribute to the increased CVD risk in PA patients. We did not observe inflammatory reprogramming of circulating monocytes. However, subtle inflammatory changes are present in the peripheral blood cell composition and monocyte transcriptome of PA patients, and in their monocyte-derived macrophages. Most likely, arterial inflammation in PA requires interaction between various cell types.
Substrates and Clearance Products of Fetal Adrenal Glucocorticoid Synthesis in Full-Term Human Umbilical Circulation
Authors: Edwards Heather E , Wynne-Edwards Katherine E
Published: December 2019

In full-term elective caesarian sections, fetal flow of adrenal substrate steroids to products differs by sex, with males (M) in molar equilibrium whereas females (F) add net molarity and synthesize more cortisol. Using the same sampling design, paired, full-term, arterial, and venous umbilical cord samples and intrapartum chart records were obtained at the time of vaginal delivery (N = 167, 85 male) or emergency C-section (N = 38, 22 male). Eight steroids were quantified by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (adrenal glucocorticoids [cortisol, corticosterone], sequential cortisol precursor steroids [17-hydroxyprogesterone, 11-deoxycortisol], cortisol and corticosterone metabolites [cortisone and 11-dehydrocorticosterone], and gonadal steroids [androstenedione, testosterone]). Fetal sex was not significant in any analytic models. Going through both phase 1 and phase 2 labor increased fetal adrenal steroidogenesis and decreased male testosterone relative to emergency C-sections that do not reach stage 2 of labor (ie, head compressions) and elective C-sections with no labor. Sum adrenal steroid molarity arriving in venous serum was almost double the equivalent metric for deliveries without labor. No effects of operative vaginal delivery were noted. Maternal regional anesthetic suppressed venous concentrations, and fetal synthesis replaced that steroid. Approximate molar equivalence between substrate pool depletion and net glucocorticoid synthesis was seen. Paired venous and arterial umbilical cord serum has the potential to identify sex differences that underlie antenatal programming of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function in later life. However, stage 2 labor before the collection of serum, and regional anesthetic for the mother, mask those sex differences.
“Values Are Not For Sale. Values Sell”: On the Use of Axiological Realities in Tourism Advertising
Authors: Goncharova Lyubov
Published: December 2019

The article discusses the symbols of countries and regions relevant for advertising in the tourism sector, as well as civilizational and humanitarian values, which are included by advertisers in advertising texts as a semantic dominant for promoting the proposed tours and maintaining attention to the tourist product. The results of a study on the criteria for choosing tours by consumers, as well as statistics on search queries for keywords related to the value realities of tourist destinations are presented.
Water in contact with the backside of a silicon substrate enables drilling of high-quality holes through the substrate using ultrashort laser pulses
Authors: Laakso Miku J. O. , Pagliano Simone , Shah Umer , Mårtensson Gustaf E. , Stemme Göran , Niklaus Frank
Published: December 2019

Holes through silicon substrates are used in silicon microsystems, for example in vertical electrical interconnects. In comparison to deep reactive ion etching, laser drilling is a versatile method for forming these holes, but laser drilling suffers from poor hole quality. In this article, water is used in the silicon drilling process to remove debris and the shape deformations of the holes. Water is introduced into the drilling process through the backside of the substrate to minimize negative effects to the drilling process. Drilling of inclined holes is also demonstrated. The inclined holes could find applications in radio frequency devices.
Radiative metasurface for thermal camouflage, illusion and messaging
Authors: Song Jinlin , Huang Shiyao , Ma Yupu , Cheng Qiang , Hu Run , Luo Xiaobing
Published: December 2019

Thanks to the conductive thermal metamaterials, novel functionalities like thermal cloak, camouflage and illusion have been achieved, but conductive metamaterials can only control the in-plane heat conduction. The radiative thermal metamaterials can control the out-of-plane thermal emission, which are more promising and applicable but have not been studied as comprehensively as the conductive counterparts. In this paper, we theoretically investigate the surface emissivity of metal/insulator/metal (MIM, i.e., Au/Ge/Au here) microstructures, by the rigorous coupled-wave algorithm, and utilize the excitation of the magnetic polaritons to realize thermal camouflage through designing the grating width distribution by minimizing the temperature standard deviation of the overall plate. Through this strategy, the hot spot in the original temperature field is removed and a uniform temperature field is observed in the infrared camera instead, demonstrating the thermal camouflage functionality. Furthermore, thermal illusion and thermal messaging functionalities are also demonstrated by resorting to using such an emissivity-structured radiative metasurface. The present MIM-based radiative metasurface may open avenues for developing novel thermal functionalities via thermal metasurface and metamaterials.
Parallel multiphoton excited fabrication of tissue engineering scaffolds using a diffractive optical element
Authors: Atry Farid , Rentchler Eric , Alkmin Samuel , Dai Bing , Li Bin , Eliceiri Kevin W. , Campagnola Paul J.
Published: December 2019

Multiphoton excited photochemistry is a powerful technique for freeform nano/microfabrication. However, the construction of large and complex structures using single point scanning is slow, where this is a significant limitation for biological investigations. We demonstrate increased throughput via parallel fabrication using a diffractive optical element. To implement an approach with large field of view and near-theoretical resolution, a scan lens was designed that is optimized for using low-magnification high NA objective lenses. We demonstrate that with this approach it is possible to synthesize large scaffolds at speeds several times faster than by single point scanning.
Wide range rate adaptation of QAM-based probabilistic constellation shaping using a fixed FEC with blind adaptive equalization
Authors: Arikawa Manabu , Sato Masaki , Hayashi Kazunori
Published: December 2019

We investigate the rate adaptability of quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM)-based probabilistic constellation shaping (PCS) using a fixed forward error correction (FEC) scheme over a wide range of information rates (IRs). Blind adaptive equalization that does not sacrifice any of the IRs was adopted. We show that the conventional decision directed least mean square (DDLMS) algorithm can cause a problem of mis-convergence when it is applied to the PCS of a low IR. To avoid the mis-convergence of DDLMS, we propose a DDLMS-based algorithm that simultaneously minimizes the error between the average symbol power of filter outputs and that of a transmitted PCS signal. Using this technique, we conducted a wavelength-division multiplexed transmission experiment with 32-Gbaud 16/64QAM-based PCS and a fixed FEC of a low-density parity-check code for DVBS-2, where the IR of PCS was optimized at each transmission distance. We confirmed that the data rate of PCS with a fixed FEC and DSP configuration could be improved up to 1.9 times compared with that of QAM-only rate adaptation and that 64QAM-based PCS could provide a wider range of transmission distance and IR while almost covering that of the 16QAM-based one.
Slow light via stimulated Brillouin scattering in double-clad As2Se3 chalcogenide photonic crystal fibers
Authors: Hou Shanglin , Wang Dongye , Lei Jingli , Li Xiaoxiao , Wang Huiqin , Cao Minghua
Published: December 2019

Slow light of stimulated Brillouin scattering in double-clad As2Se3 chalcogenide photonic crystal fibers was investigated theoretically. The influence of air hole size of the inner and outer cladding of the PCFs on Brillouin gain spectrum, Brillouin threshold time delay, and Brillouin gain by taking into account the contribution of the high-order acoustic mode was numerical simulated by full vectorial finite element method. The simulated results indicate that the properties of slow light are affected more obviously by varying the air filling fraction in the inner cladding and less affected by the air hole size of the outer cladding. We found that with the time delay up to 705ns, Brillouin gain up to 40dB can be achieved with pump power of only 10mW in a 1m long chalcogenide PCF when the air filling fraction in the inner cladding is 0.9. The pertinent results can be of great importance for studying and designing the optical devices or optical sensors based on this kind of PCF.
Адвентивная флора Новосибирской области
Authors: Zykova E. Yu.
Published: December 2019

Впервые cоставлен конспект адвентивной флоры Новосибирской области, насчитывающий 305 видов. 34 из них проявляют себя в качестве инвазивных. Показаны экологическая приуроченность видов, распространение по административным районам, отмечены способ заноса и степень натурализации на территории области. Критически обработаны коллекции Центрального сибирского ботанического сада, расширено представление о распространении 74 видов, 19 из которых являются редко встречающимися в области чужеземными видами.
First record of Poa scabriculmis N. R. Cui (Poaceae) for the flora of Pan Himalayas
Authors: Olonova M.
Published: December 2019

Poa scabriculmis N.R. Cui, 1987, is known as endemic species of alpines of Kunlun Mountains (Xinjiang Province, NW China). Later, in Flora of China, it was treated as subspecies of polytypical species P. albertii Regel, and sinonimized with other four relative species. In this work we restore the status of this species and present its new occurrence in Sichuan province (China). This paper present taxonomic notes, morphological description, habitat, and the current geographic distribution for P. scabriculmis
Первая находка Microtus subterraneus (de Sélys-Longchamps, 1836) (Rodentia, Cricetidae) в Мордовии, Россия
Authors: Kirillova N. Yu. , Kryštufek B. , Kirillov A.A. , Ruchin A.B. , Grishutkin G. F.
Published: December 2019

В 2018 и 2019 гг. проведено изучение видового состава и численности микромаммалий национального парка «Смольный» (Республика Мордовия). Отловлено 8 видов грызунов (Rodentia) и 4 вида насекомоядных (Eulipotyphla). На территории Мордовии впервые была поймана одна особь подземной полевки Microtus subterraneus. На данный момент место отлова считается самым крайним восточным обнаружением вида в ареале.
Description of a new species of Chrysina Kirby, 1828 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae) from optima group, based on morphological characters and mtDNA COX I molecular marker
Authors: Zubov A.S. , Ivshin N.V. , Titarenko A. Yu. , Romanov D.A.
Published: December 2019

A new species of the genus Chrysina Kirby, 1828 is decribed from Panama. Chrysina valentini sp.n. is related to Chrysina tricolor (Ohaus, 1922) and Chrysina optima (H. W. Bates, 1888) in morphology and mtDNA COX I molecular marker. Three related species differ in elytra colour, elytral striae, and number of tubercles on foreleg femur. The morphological divergence of the compared species is supported by distances in mtDNA COI molecular marker.
Aннотированный список рыбообразных и рыб водоемов и водотоков бассейна верхнего Иртыша Восточного Казахстана с комментариями по их таксономии и зоогеографии
Authors: Yevseyeva A. A. , Bolbotov G. A. , Kirichenko O. I.
Published: December 2019

Приводится список рыбообразных и рыб, обитающих в водоемах и водотоках бассейна Верхнего Иртыша. Список содержит 43 вида, относящихся к 7 отрядам, 10 семействам и 30 родам. Включены все зарегистрированные на настоящий момент виды, валидность которых была пересмотрена в соответствующих систематических ревизиях. Три вида таймень Hucho taimen Pallas, 1773, нельма Stenodus leucichtys nelma Pallas, 1773, сибирский осетр Acipenser baerii Brandt, 1869 внесены в Красную Книгу Республики Казахстан. В бассейне Верхнего Иртыша к редким ценным видам, нуждающимся в сохранении генофонда из-за возможности его утраты, кроме уже внесенных в Красную Книгу Республики Казахстан можно отнести еще ряд видов: минога тихоокеанская Lethenteron camtschaticum Tilesius, 1811, стерлядь Acipenser ruthenus Linnaeus, 1758 маркакольский ленок Brachymystax savinovi Mitrofanov 1959.
Examination of teachers’ views on organizational uncertainity: A qualitative research
Authors: Koşar Didem
Published: December 2019

In this study, it was aimed to examine teachers’ opinions about organizational uncertainty. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 14 teachers within the scope of phenomenology design. As the results of this study, teachers stated that uncertainty means unpredictability, disorder, confusion, obscurity and uneasiness; they stated that uncertainty can emerge internally and environmentally, have organizational and individual results, and coping strategies include consultation, collaboration, time-out, planned management, culture and individual strategies. The findings were discussed in the light of the related literature and suggestions for eliminating organizational uncertainty were presented.