bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of compulsory health insurance on birth outcomes: evidence from China’s UEBMI scheme
Authors: Tang Di , Gao Xiangdong , Coyte Peter C.
Published: November 2019

Background

Despite extensive research concerning the impact of health insurance on the advancement of infant health in developed countries, few studies have adjusted their results for potential confounding due to adverse selection in insurance coverage, wherein those who anticipate a need for health services tend to be the ones that acquire insurance. The presence of compulsory health insurance in China, such as the Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) scheme may provide an opportunity to estimate the effect of health insurance on infant health, by reducing the endogeneity problem into insurance due to the adverse selection. The objective is to assess the relationship between UEBMI and infant health outcomes in one sizeable municipal-level obstetrics hospital in Shanghai, East China.

Methods

Medical records data from the Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital from January 1, 2013 to April 30, 2019 were used to form an analysis dataset of 160,429 live births which was comprised of Shanghai residents with UEBMI coverage (n = 101,153) and women without any insurance coverage (n = 59,276). A propensity score matching approach using conjoint quantile regression and probit regression models was used to eliminate latent endogeneity of UEBMI coverage in order to garner robust results. Further analysis stratified by maternal migrant status was conducted to further assess the sensitivity of the findings to distinct patient subgroups.

Results

The UEBMI scheme was shown to be associated with improvements in infant birth outcomes. The scheme was associated with: an increase in birth weight of about 30 g (p <  0.001, 95% CI 23.908–35.295). This finding was evident in other five different birth outcomes (premature birth, low birth weight, very low birth weight, low Apgar score, and an abnormal health condition at birth). After stratifying by migrant status, the UEBMI was shown to have a greater effect on migrants compared to local residents of Shanghai.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that health insurance coverage for pregnant women, especially for migrants, has the potential to significantly and directly improve infant health outcomes. Further research is required to determine whether these findings can be replicated for other Chinese jurisdictions.
Does low-density lipoprotein cholesterol induce inflammation? If so, does it matter? Current insights and future perspectives for novel therapies
Authors: Jukema Ruurt A. , Ahmed Tarek A. N. , Tardif Jean-Claude
Published: November 2019

Background

Dyslipidemia and inflammation are closely interrelated contributors in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Disorders of lipid metabolism initiate an inflammatory and immune-mediated response in atherosclerosis, while low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering has possible pleiotropic anti-inflammatory effects that extend beyond lipid lowering.

Main text

Activation of the immune system/inflammasome destabilizes the plaque, which makes it vulnerable to rupture, resulting in major adverse cardiac events (MACE). The activated immune system potentially accelerates atherosclerosis, and atherosclerosis activates the immune system, creating a vicious circle. LDL-C enhances inflammation, which can be measured through multiple parameters like high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). However, multiple studies have shown that CRP is a marker of residual risk and not, itself, a causal factor. Recently, anti-inflammatory therapy has been shown to decelerate atherosclerosis, resulting in fewer MACE. Nevertheless, an important side effect of anti-inflammatory therapy is the potential for increased infection risk, stressing the importance of only targeting patients with high residual inflammatory risk. Multiple (auto-)inflammatory diseases are potentially related to/influenced by LDL-C through inflammasome activation.

Conclusions

Research suggests that LDL-C induces inflammation; inflammation is of proven importance in atherosclerotic disease progression; anti-inflammatory therapies yield promise in lowering (cardiovascular) disease risk, especially in selected patients with high (remaining) inflammatory risk; and intriguing new anti-inflammatory developments, for example, in nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat-containing pyrine receptor inflammasome targeting, are currently underway, including novel pathway interventions such as immune cell targeting and epigenetic interference. Long-term safety should be carefully monitored for these new strategies and cost-effectiveness carefully evaluated.
Specific detection and differentiation of classic goose parvovirus and novel goose parvovirus by TaqMan real-time PCR assay, coupled with host specificity
Authors: Wan Chunhe , Chen Cuiteng , Cheng Longfei , Liu Rongchang , Shi Shaohua , Fu Guanghua , Chen Hongmei , Fu Qiuling , Huang Yu
Published: November 2019

Background

Classic goose parvovirus (cGPV) causes high mortality and morbidity in goslings and Muscovy ducklings. Novel GPV (N-GPV) causes short beak and dwarfism syndrome (SBDS) in Cherry Valley ducks, Pekin ducks and Mule ducks. Both cGPV and N-GPV have relatively strict host specificity, with obvious differences in pathogenicity. Specific detection of cGPV and N-GPV may result in false positives due to high nucleotide similarity with Muscovy duck parvovirus (MDPV). The aim of this study was to develop a highly specific, sensitive, and reliable TaqMan real-time PCR (TaqMan qPCR) assay for facilitating the molecular detection of cGPV and N-GPV.

Results

After genetic comparison, the specific conserved region (located on the NS gene) of cGPV and N-GPV was selected for primer and probe design. The selected regions were significantly different from MDPV. Through a series of optimization experiments, the limit of detection was 50.2 copies/μl. The assay was highly specific for the detection of cGPV and N-GPV and no cross-reactivity was observed with E. coli., P.M., R.A., S.S., MDPV, N-MDPV, DAdV-A, DEV, GHPV, DHAV-1, DHAV-3, ATmV, AIV, MDRV and N-DRV. The assay was reproducible with an intra-assay and inter-assay variability of less than 2.37%. Combined with host specificity, the developed TaqMan qPCR can be used for cGPV and N-GPV in differential diagnoses. The frequency of cGPV in Muscovy duckling and goslings was determined to be 12 to 44%, while N-GPV frequency in Mule ducks and Cherry Valley ducks was 36 to 56%. Additionally, fluorescence-positive signals can be found in Mule duck embryos and newly hatched Mule ducklings. These findings provide evidence of possible vertical transmission of N-GPV from breeding Mule ducks to ducklings.

Conclusions

We established a quantitative platform for epidemiological investigations and pathogenesis studies of cGPV and N-GPV DNA that was highly sensitive, specific, and reproducible. N-GPV and cGPV infections can be distinguished based on host specificity.
Effectiveness of physical activity interventions for overweight and obesity during pregnancy: a systematic review of the content of behaviour change interventions
Authors: Flannery Caragh , Fredrix Milou , Olander Ellinor K. , McAuliffe Fionnuala M. , Byrne Molly , Kearney Patricia M.
Published: November 2019

Background

Behaviour change techniques (BCTs) employed within PA intervention for pregnant women with a healthy body mass index (BMI) have been previously identified, however, these BCTS may differ for other weight profiles during pregnancy. The aim of this current review was to identify and summarise the evidence for effectiveness of PA interventions on PA levels for pregnant women with overweight and obesity, with an emphasis on the BCTs employed.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis of PA intervention studies using the PRISMA statement was conducted. Searches were conducted of eight databases in January 2019. Strict inclusion/exclusion criteria were employed. The validity of each included study was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias. The primary outcome measure was change in PA levels, subjectively or objectively measured, with physical fitness as a secondary outcome. All intervention descriptions were double coded by two authors using Michie’s et al’s BCT taxonomy V1. Meta-analyses using random effect models assessed the intervention effects on PA. Other PA outcomes were summarised in a narrative synthesis.

Results

From 8389 studies, 19 met the inclusion criteria 13 of which were suitable for inclusion in a meta-analysis. The remaining 6 studies were described narratively due to insufficient data and different outcome measures reported. In the meta-analysis, comparing interventions to a control group, significant increases were found in the intervention group for metabolic equivalent (SMD 0.39 [0.14, 0.64], Z = 3.08 P = 0.002) and physical fitness (VO2 max) (SMD 0.55 [0.34, 0.75], Z = 5.20 P = < 0.001). Of the other six, five studies reported an increase in PA for the intervention group versus the control with the other study reporting a significant decrease for women in their 3rd trimester (p = 0.002). ‘Self-monitoring of behaviour’ was the most frequently used BCTs (76.5%), with ‘social support’ being newly identified for this pregnant population with overweight or obesity.

Conclusions

This review identified a slight increase in PA for pregnant women with overweight and obesity participating in interventions. However, due to the high risk of bias of the included studies, the results should be interpreted with caution. PA measures should be carefully selected so that studies can be meaningfully compared and standardised taxonomies should be used so that BCTs can be accurately assessed.
Extent, nature and consequences of performing outside scope of training in global health
Authors: Doobay-Persaud Ashti , Evert Jessica , DeCamp Matthew , Evans Charlesnika T. , Jacobsen Kathryn H. , Sheneman Natalie E. , Goldstein Joshua L. , Nelson Brett D.
Published: November 2019

Background

Globalization has made it possible for global health professionals and trainees to participate in short-term training and professional experiences in a variety of clinical- and non-clinical activities across borders. Consequently, greater numbers of healthcare professionals and trainees from high-income countries (HICs) are working or volunteering abroad and participating in short-term experiences in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). How effective these activities are in advancing global health and in addressing the crisis of human resources for health remains controversial. What is known, however, is that during these short-term experiences in global health (STEGH), health professionals and those in training often face substantive ethical challenges. A common dilemma described is that of acting outside of one’s scope of training. However, the frequency, nature, circumstances, and consequences of performing outside scope of training (POST) have not been well-explored or quantified.

Methods

The authors conducted an online survey of HIC health professionals and trainees working or volunteering in LMICs about their experiences with POST, within the last 5 years.

Results

A total of 223 survey responses were included in the final analysis. Half (49%) of respondents reported having been asked to perform outside their scope of training; of these, 61% reported POST. Trainees were nearly twice as likely as licensed professionals to report POST. Common reasons cited for POST were a mismatch of skills with host expectations, suboptimal supervision at host sites, inadequate preparation to decline POST, a perceived lack of alternative options and emergency situations. Many of the respondents who reported POST expressed moral distress that persisted over time.

Conclusions

Given that POST is ethically problematic and legally impermissible, the high rates of being asked, and deciding to do so, were notable. Based on these findings, the authors suggest that additional efforts are needed to reduce the incidence of POST during STEGH, including pre-departure training to navigate dilemmas concerning POST, clear communication regarding expectations, and greater attention to the moral distress experienced by those contending with POST.
Hyperpolarized [1-13C]lactate flux increased in the hippocampal region in diabetic mice
Authors: Choi Young-Suk , Song Jae Eun , Lee Jong Eun , Kim Eosu , Kim Chul Hoon , Kim Dong-Hyun , Song Ho-Taek
Published: November 2019

Increasing evidence suggests there is a relationship between cognitive impairment and metabolic dysfunction. Diabetes is a chronic disease, and metabolic factors affecting brain metabolisms, such as serum glucose, insulin, and glucagon, are altered according to disease progression. In our previous study, we applied hyperpolarized [1-13C] pyruvate magnetic resonance spectroscopy in prediabetic mice after feeding them a 60% high-fat diet (HFD) for 6 months. Ultimately, we detected significantly increased [1-13C]lactate conversion in the whole brain and an almost five-fold increased [1-13C]lactate/pyruvate ratio in the hippocampal region. In the present study, we induced diabetes in mice by injecting streptozotocin and feeding them an HFD for 6 months. Unlike in prediabetic mice, [1-13C]lactate conversion in the diabetic mice did not differ from that in the control group, but [1-13C]lactate/total 13C ratio showed an almost 1.4-fold increase in the hippocampal region. We measured the amount of the lactate and mRNA levels of glucose transporters from isolated hippocampus and cortex samples. In the hippocampus, significantly decreased GLUT1 mRNA levels and increased lactate were detected, suggesting an inconsistency between glucose and pyruvate metabolism. Pyruvate can be produced from oxaloacetate as well as glucose. We investigated ATP citrate lyase (ACLY) because it cleaves citrate into oxaloacetate and acetyl CoA. Phosphorylated ACLY (Ser455), the active form, was increased in both hippocampus and cortex samples of mice injected with streptozotocin and fed an HFD. Also, phosphorylated ACLY/total ACLY showed a positive correlation with lactate amount in the hippocampus. Our results suggest that the brain has different responses to diabetic progression, but, in the hippocampus, maintains metabolic alteration toward increasing lactate production from the prediabetic to the diabetic stage. We suggest that ACLY-mediated pyruvate be used to support lactate levels in the hippocampus in cases of limited glucose availability.
Notch1 signaling in NOTCH1-mutated mantle cell lymphoma depends on Delta-Like ligand 4 and is a potential target for specific antibody therapy
Authors: Silkenstedt Elisabeth , Arenas Fabian , Colom-Sanmartí Berta , Xargay-Torrent Sílvia , Higashi Morihiro , Giró Ariadna , Rodriguez Vanina , Fuentes Patricia , Aulitzky Walter E. , van der Kuip Heiko , Beà Sílvia , Toribio Maria L. , Campo Elias , López-Guerra Mònica , Colomer Dolors
Published: November 2019

Background

NOTCH1gene mutations in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) have been described in about 5–10% of cases and are associated with significantly shorter survival rates. The present study aimed to investigate the biological impact of this mutation in MCL and its potential as a therapeutic target.

Methods

Activation of Notch1 signaling upon ligand-stimulation and inhibitory effects of the monoclonal anti-Notch1 antibody OMP-52M51 inNOTCH1-mutated and -unmutated MCL cells were assessed by Western Blot and gene expression profiling. Effects of OMP-52M51 treatment on tumor cell migration and tumor angiogenesis were evaluated with chemotaxis and HUVEC tube formation assays. The expression ofDelta-like ligand 4(DLL4) in MCL lymph nodes was analyzed by immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscopy. A MCL mouse model was used to assess the activity of OMP-52M51 in vivo.

Results

Notch1 expression can be effectively stimulated inNOTCH1-mutated Mino cells by DLL4, whereas in theNOTCH1-unmutated cell line JeKo-1, less effect was observed upon any ligand-stimulation. DLL4 was expressed by histiocytes in both,NOTCH1-mutated and –unmutated MCL lymph nodes. Treatment ofNOTCH1-mutated MCL cells with the monoclonal anti-Notch1 antibody OMP-52M51 effectively prevented DLL4-dependent activation of Notch1 and suppressed the induction of numerous direct Notch target genes involved in lymphoid biology, lymphomagenesis and disease progression. Importantly, in lymph nodes from primary MCL cases withNOTCH1/2mutations, we detected an upregulation of the same gene sets as observed in DLL4-stimulated Mino cells. Furthermore, DLL4 stimulation ofNOTCH1-mutated Mino cells enhanced tumor cell migration and angiogenesis, which could be abolished by treatment with OMP-52M51. Importantly, the effects observed were specific forNOTCH1-mutated cells as they did not occur in theNOTCH1-wt cell line JeKo-1. Finally, we confirmed the potential activity of OMP-52M51 to inhibit DLL4-induced Notch1-Signaling in vivo in a xenograft mouse model of MCL.

Conclusion

DLL4 effectively stimulates Notch1 signaling inNOTCH1-mutated MCL and is expressed by the microenvironment in MCL lymph nodes. Our results indicate that specific inhibition of the Notch1-ligand-receptor interaction might provide a therapeutic alternative for a subset of MCL patients.
Scaling computational genomics to millions of individuals with GPUs
Authors: Taylor-Weiner Amaro , Aguet François , Haradhvala Nicholas J. , Gosai Sager , Anand Shankara , Kim Jaegil , Ardlie Kristin , Van Allen Eliezer M. , Getz Gad
Published: November 2019

Current genomics methods are designed to handle tens to thousands of samples but will need to scale to millions to match the pace of data and hypothesis generation in biomedical science. Here, we show that high efficiency at low cost can be achieved by leveraging general-purpose libraries for computing using graphics processing units (GPUs), such as PyTorch and TensorFlow. We demonstrate > 200-fold decreases in runtime and ~ 5–10-fold reductions in cost relative to CPUs. We anticipate that the accessibility of these libraries will lead to a widespread adoption of GPUs in computational genomics.
Treatment patterns of drug-naive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a retrospective cohort study using a Japanese hospital database
Authors: Morita Yohei , Murayama Hiroki , Odawara Masato , Bauer Melissa
Published: November 2019

Background

Guidelines for Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management in Japan provide physicians the discretion to select treatment options based on patient pathophysiology of the disease. There exists a wide variation of preference for initial antidiabetes drugs (AD). The current database analysis aimed to understand the real world treatment patterns in drug-naive patients with T2DM in Japan.

Methods

We analyzed data of patients (≥ 18 years) diagnosed with T2DM between October 2012 and September 2016 from the Medical Data Vision, a Diagnosis Procedure Combination database. The primary objective was to determine the proportion of T2DM patients receiving each type of treatment as first-line therapy among the drug-naive cohort.

Results

Of the 436,546 drug-naive patients, 224,761 received their first-line T2DM treatment in the outpatient setting. The mean age of the patient population was 65.6 years at index date. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor was the most prescribed (56.8%) outpatient AD monotherapy, followed by metformin (15.4%). DPP-4 inhibitors were prescribed over metformin in patients with renal disease (odds ratio [OR]: 4.20; p < 0.0001), coronary heart disease and stroke (OR: 2.22; p < 0.0001). Male (OR: 1.03; p = 0.0026), presence of diabetic complications [retinopathy (OR: 1.33; p < 0.0001), neuropathy (OR: 1.05; p = 0.0037), nephropathy (OR: 1.08; p < 0.0001)] and a high baseline HbA1c (OR: 1.45; p < 0.0001) received treatment intensification during 180 days.

Conclusion

DPP-4 inhibitors were the most prevalent first-line T2DM treatment followed by metformin in Japan. The findings from this retrospective analysis also support the previously published web survey results and can help understand the real world utilization of T2DM treatment.

Trial registration Retrospectively registered
Occurrence of Escherichia coli and faecal coliforms in drinking water at source and household point-of-use in Rohingya camps, Bangladesh
Authors: Mahmud Zahid Hayat , Islam Md Shafiqul , Imran Khan Mohammad , Hakim Syed Adnan Ibna , Worth Martin , Ahmed Alvee , Hossan Shanewaz , Haider Maliha , Islam Mohammad Rafiqul , Hossain Ferdous , Johnston Dara , Ahmed Niyaz
Published: November 2019

Background

Safe water is essential for life but unsafe for human consumption if it is contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms. An acceptable quality of water supply (adequate, safe and accessible) must be ensured to all human beings for a healthy life.

Methods

We collected and analyzed a total of 12,650 drinking water samples, for the presence of Escherichia coli and faecal coliforms, from a large habitation of the displaced Rohingya population comprising of about 1.16 million people living within 4 km2.

Results

We found that 28% (n = 893) water samples derived from tubewells were contaminated with faecal coliforms and 10.5% (n = 333) were contaminated with E. coli; also, 73.96% (n = 4644) samples from stored household sources (at point of use—POU) were found contaminated with faecal coliforms while 34.7% (n = 2179) were contaminated with E. coli. It was observed that a higher percentage of POU samples fall in the highest risk category than that of their corresponding sources.

Conclusions

From our findings, it appears that secondary contamination could be a function of very high population density and could possibly occur during collection, transportation, and storage of water due to lack of knowledge of personal and domestic hygiene. Hence, awareness campaign is necessary, and the contaminated sources should be replaced. Further, the POU water should be treated by a suitable method.
Mortality risk of bloodstream infection caused by either Escherichia coli or Klebsiella pneumoniae producing extended-spectrum β-lactamase: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Sianipar Osman , Asmara Widya , Dwiprahasto Iwan , Mulyono Budi
Published: November 2019

Objective

Several studies reported that infection of extended-spectrum β lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) or Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) contributed to higher mortality rates but others found it was not associated with mortality. A prospective cohort study which involved 72 patients was conducted to assess the risk of mortality of bloodstream infection due to ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae or E. coli as compared to those infected by either K. pneumoniae or E. coli which not produce ESBL.

Result

Mortality in the group of patients infected with ESBL-producing bacteria was 30.6%, whereas in another group which was infected with non ESBL-producing bacteria was 22.2% (p = 0.59). Kaplan–Meier’s analysis showed that the survival rate during 14-days follow-up among these two group was not significantly different (p = 0.45) with hazard ratio 1.41 (95% CI  0.568–3.51). Stratification analysis found that adult and elderly patients, patients with sign of leukocytosis, and patients treated with carbapenem were modifier effect variables.
Region-specific glucocorticoid receptor promoter methylation has both positive and negative prognostic value in patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer
Authors: Snider Hilary , Villavarajan Brithica , Peng Yingwei , Shepherd Lois E. , Robinson Andrew C. , Mueller Christopher R.
Published: November 2019

Background

The glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1, GR) is frequently downregulated in breast tumors, and evidence suggests it acts as a tumor suppressor in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer. We previously found that methylation of the GR promoter CpG island represses gene expression and occurs in ER+ breast tumors. In this study, the prognostic and predictive value of GR methylation was examined in ER+ patients from the CCTG MA.12 clinical trial of tamoxifen versus placebo in women with early breast cancer.

Methods

We developed a targeted multiplex bisulfite next-generation sequencing assay to detect methylation at multiple GR promoter regions in DNA from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples. Following validation in a small cohort of breast tumors, ER+ FFPE tumor samples from MA.12 (n = 208) were tested. Survival analyses evaluated the impact of GR promoter methylation on patient overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS).

Results

An analysis of TCGA data found that GR methylation is prevalent in ER+ tumors and is associated with decreased gene expression and analysis of public microarray data (KM Plotter) linked decreased GR expression to a poor outcome. In MA.12, two GR promoter regions (U and C) each had prognostic value, but with opposite effects on the outcome. U methylation was associated with poor OS (HR = 1.79, P = 0.041) whereas C methylation was associated with better OS (HR = 0.40, P = 0.040) and DFS (HR = 0.49, P = 0.037). The classification of patients based on the methylation status of the two regions was prognostic for OS (P = 0.006) and DFS (P = 0.041) and revealed a group of patients (U methylated, C unmethylated) with very poor outcomes. Placebo-treated patients in this high-risk group had worse OS (HR = 2.86, P = 0.002) and DFS (HR = 2.09, P = 0.014) compared to the rest of the cohort.

Conclusion

Region-specific GR promoter methylation was an independent prognostic marker for patient survival and identified a subset of patients with poor prognosis, particularly without tamoxifen treatment. These findings provide a foundation for future studies into GR methylation as a promising prognostic biomarker in ER+ breast cancer.
Regularized super-resolution restoration algorithm for single medical image based on fuzzy similarity fusion
Authors: Li Xingying , Fu Weina
Published: November 2019

Medical images are blurred and noised due to various reasons in the acquirement, transmission and storage. In order to improve the restoration quality of medical images, a regular super-resolution restoration algorithm based on fuzzy similarity fusion is proposed. Based on maintained similarity in multiple scales, the fused similarity of the medical images is computed by fuzzy similarity fusion. First, fuzzy similarity is determined by the regional features. The images with certain similarity are obtained according to the maximum value, and the fused image is obtained by all obvious regional features. Then, an adaptive regularized restoration algorithm is employed. In order to ensure the objective function has a global optimal solution, regularized parameters of the global minimum solution of nonlinear function are solved iteratively. Finally, experimental results show that mean square error (MSE) and peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) of the restored image are visibly improved. The restored image also has an obvious improvement in the burr of local edge. Moreover, the algorithm has good stability with significantly enhanced PSNR.
Hartman–Wintner type inequalities for a class of fractional BVPs with higher order
Authors: Harjani Jackie , Sadarangani Kishin , Samet Bessem
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we derive some Hartman–Wintner type inequalities for a certain higher order fractional boundary value problem. As an application of our results, we obtain a lower bound for the eigenvalues of the corresponding fractional operator.
Ordered $S_{p}$-metric spaces and some fixed point theorems for contractive mappings with application to periodic boundary value problems
Authors: Mustafa Z. , Shahkoohi R. J. , Parvaneh V. , Kadelburg Z. , Jaradat M. M. M.
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we introduce the structure of $S_{p}$

S
p

-metric spaces as a generalization of both S-metric and $S_{b}$

S
b

-metric spaces. Also, we present the notions of S̃-contractive mappings in the setup of ordered $S_{p}$

S
p

-metric spaces and investigate the existence of a fixed point for such mappings under various contractive conditions. We provide examples to illustrate the results presented herein. An application to periodic boundary value problems is presented.
Cybersecurity profiles based on human-centric IoT devices
Authors: Nieto Ana , Rios Ruben
Published: November 2019

This paper proposes a methodology based on the concept of Human Factors to obtain Cybersecurity profiles. The profiles are determined by a set of parameters that help model the skills of individuals (potential offenders, victims, etc.) during a digital investigation. The definition is flexible enough to allow the cybersecurity profiles to grow when more data is available. A critical part of the solution is the inclusion of personal devices as important elements of the profiles. This is highly relevant as paradigms such as the Internet of Things (IoT) are transforming society, bringing humans closer to their devices than ever before. IoT devices also produce a lot of data, which can be useful to complete cybersecurity profiles and therefore understand the whole context of a digital investigation. Thus, IoT devices are included in the proposed methodology to capitalise on the strong dependence between users and devices during the analysis.
An optimization approach to capacity evaluation and investment decision of hybrid cloud: a corporate customer’s perspective
Authors: Lee In
Published: November 2019

While the rapid growth of cloud computing is driven by the surge of big data, the Internet of Things, and social media applications, an evaluation and investment decision for cloud computing has been challenging for corporate managers due to a lack of proper decision models. This paper attempts to identify critical variables for making a cloud capacity decision from a corporate customer’s perspective and develops a base mathematical model to aid in a hybrid cloud investment decision under probabilistic computing demands. The identification of the critical variables provides a means by which a corporate customer can effectively evaluate various cloud capacity investment opportunities. Critical variables included in this model are an actual computing demand, the amount of private cloud capacity purchased, the purchase cost of the private cloud capacity, the price of the public cloud, and the default downtime loss/penalty cost. Extending the base model developed, this paper also takes into consideration the interoperability cost incurred in cloud bursting to the public cloud and derives the optimal investment. The interoperable cloud systems require time and investment by the users and/or cloud providers and there exists a diminishing return on the investment. Hence, the relationship between the interoperable cloud investment and return on investment is also investigated.
Landslide susceptibility assessment using frequency ratio model in Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
Authors: Silalahi Florence Elfriede Sinthauli , Pamela  , Arifianti Yukni , Hidayat Fahrul
Published: November 2019

Landslides are common natural disasters in Bogor, Indonesia, triggered by a combination of factors including slope aspect, soil type and bedrock lithology, land cover and land use, and hydrologic conditions. In the Bogor area, slopes with volcanic lithologies are more susceptible to failure. GIS mapping and analysis using a Frequency Ratio Model was implemented in this study to assess the contribution of conditioning factors to landslides, and to produce a landslide susceptibility map of the study area. A landslide inventory map was prepared from a database of historic landslides events. In addition, thematic maps (soil, rainfall, land cover, and geology map) and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) were prepared to examine landslide conditioning factors. A total of 173 landslides points were mapped in the area and randomly subdivided into a training set (70%) with 116 points and test set with 57 points (30%). The relationship between landslides and conditioning factors was statistically evaluated with FR analysis. The result shows that lithology, soil, and land cover are the most important factors generating landslides. FR values were used to produce the Landslide Susceptibility Index (LSI) and the study area was divided into five zones of relative landslide susceptibility. The result of landslide susceptibility from the mid-region area of Bogor to the southern part was categorized as moderate to high landslide susceptibility zones. The results of the analysis have been validated by calculating the Area Under a Curve (AUC), which shows an accuracy of success rate of 90.10% and an accuracy of prediction rate curve of 87.30%, which indicates a high-quality susceptibility map obtained from the FR model.
High-resolution 3D earthquake forecasting beneath the greater Tokyo area
Authors: Ogata Yosihiko , Katsura Koich , Tsuruoka Hiroshi , Hirata Naoshi
Published: November 2019

We propose an extended 3D space (longitude, latitude, and depth) epidemic-type aftershock sequence (ETAS) model for seismicity forecasts beneath the greater Tokyo area (the Kanto region), which also takes into account the effects induced by the M9 Tohoku-Oki earthquake of 2011. The model is characterized by a number of 3D location-dependent parameters, such as the background seismicity rates, and the productivity rate induced by the Tohoku earthquake. These allow production of high-resolution predictive mappings in zones where hypocenters are densely populated. The optimally inverted 3D spatial images of the characterizing parameters effectively discriminate seismicity features in the crust and near the plate boundaries. The success of the model is demonstrated using short-, intermediate- and long-term probability forecasts of intermediate and large earthquake occurrences beneath the Kanto region.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for acute respiratory distress syndrome in burn patients: a case series and literature update
Authors: Dadras Mehran , Wagner Johannes M. , Wallner Christoph , Huber Julika , Buchwald Dirk , Strauch Justus , Harati Kamran , Kapalschinski Nicolai , Behr Björn , Lehnhardt Marcus
Published: November 2019

Background

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has a reported incidence of 34–43% in ventilated burn patients and is associated with a mortality of 59% in the severe form. The use and experience with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in burn patients developing ARDS are still limited. We present our results and discuss the significance of ECMO in treating burn patients.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of burn patients treated with ECMO for ARDS between January 2017 and January 2019 was performed. Demographic, clinical, and outcome data were collected and analyzed.

Results

Eight burn patients were treated at our institution with ECMO in the designated time period. Of these, all but one patient had inhalation injury, burn percentage of TBSA was 37 ± 23%, ABSI score was 8.4 ± 2, and R-Baux-score was 98 ± 21. Seven patients developed severe ARDS and one patient moderate ARDS according to the Berlin classification with a PaO2/FiO2 ratio upon initiation of ECMO therapy of 62 ± 22 mmHg. ECMO duration was 388 ± 283 h. Three patients died from severe sepsis while five patients survived to hospital discharge.

Conclusions

ECMO is a viable therapy option in burn patients developing severe ARDS and can contribute to survival rates similar to ECMO therapy in non-burn-associated severe ARDS. Consequently, patients with severe respiratory insufficiency with unsuccessful conventional treatment and suspected worsening should be transferred to burn units with the possibility of ECMO treatment to improve outcome.
Closed-loop neuromuscular electrical stimulation using feedforward-feedback control and textile electrodes to regulate grasp force in quadriplegia
Authors: Ciancibello John , King Kevin , Meghrazi Milad Alizadeh , Padmanaban Subash , Levy Todd , Ramdeo Richard , Straka Malgorzata , Bouton Chad
Published: November 2019

Background

Transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation is routinely used in physical rehabilitation and more recently in brain-computer interface applications for restoring movement in paralyzed limbs. Due to variable muscle responses to repeated or sustained stimulation, grasp force levels can change significantly over time. Here we develop and assess closed-loop methods to regulate individual finger forces to facilitate functional movement. We combined this approach with custom textile-based electrodes to form a light-weight, wearable device and evaluated in paralyzed study participants.

Methods

A textile-based electrode sleeve was developed by the study team and Myant, Corp. (Toronto, ON, Canada) and evaluated in a study involving three able-body participants and two participants with quadriplegia. A feedforward-feedback control structure was designed and implemented to accurately maintain finger force levels in a quadriplegic study participant.

Results

Individual finger flexion and extension movements, along with functional grasping, were evoked during neuromuscular electrical stimulation. Closed-loop control methods allowed accurate steady state performance (< 15% error) with a settling time of 0.67 s (SD = 0.42 s) for individual finger contact force in a participant with quadriplegia.

Conclusions

Textile-based electrodes were identified to be a feasible alternative to conventional electrodes and facilitated individual finger movement and functional grasping. Furthermore, closed-loop methods demonstrated accurate control of individual finger flexion force. This approach may be a viable solution for enabling grasp force regulation in quadriplegia.

Trial registration

NCT, NCT03385005. Registered Dec. 28, 2017
Improving Academic Performance, Belonging, and Retention through Increasing Structure of an Introductory Biology Course
Authors: Wilton Mike , Gonzalez-Niño Eduardo , McPartlan Peter , Terner Zach , Christoffersen Rolf E. , Rothman Joel H.
Published: November 2019

Integration of active-learning approaches into increased-structure postsecondary classrooms significantly improves student academic outcomes. We describe here two parallel sections of Introductory Biology that shared learning objectives and content but varied in course structure. The large-enrollment traditional course consisted of four 50-minute lectures coupled with minimal active-learning techniques, while an increased-structure intervention course integrated multiple active-learning approaches, had limited enrollment, and comprised three 50-minute lectures combined with a fourth peer-led team-learning discussion section. Additionally, the intervention course employed weekly review quizzes and multiple in-class formative assessments. The academic impact of these two course formats was evaluated by use of common exam questions, final grade, and student retention. We showed that academic achievement and retention of participants enrolled in the intervention course was significantly improved when compared with the traditional section. Further, we explored whether promoting in-class student–student/student–instructor interactions and peer-led discussion sections fostered a greater sense of belonging. At the end of the course, participants in the intervention course reported greater perceptions of classroom belonging. Therefore, this study begins to characterize the importance of combining pedagogical methods that promote both academic success and belonging to effectively improve retention in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics majors.
Online and Clicker Quizzing on Jargon Terms Enhances Definition-Focused but Not Conceptually Focused Biology Exam Performance
Authors: Pan Steven C. , Cooke James , Little Jeri L. , McDaniel Mark A. , Foster Erin R. , Connor Lisa Tabor , Rickard Timothy C.
Published: November 2019

Mastery of jargon terms is an important part of student learning in biology and other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics domains. In two experiments, we investigated whether prelecture quizzes enhance memory for jargon terms, and whether that enhanced familiarity can facilitate learning of related concepts that are encountered during subsequent lectures and readings. Undergraduate students enrolled in neuroanatomy and physiology courses completed 10-minute low-stakes quizzes with feedback on jargon terms either online (experiment 1) or using in-class clickers (experiment 2). Quizzes occurred before conventional course instruction in which the terms were used. On exams occurring up to 12 weeks later, we observed improved student performance on questions that targeted memory of previously quizzed jargon terms and their definitions relative to questions on terms that were not quizzed. This pattern occurred whether those questions were identical (experiment 1) or different (experiment 2) from those used during quizzing. Benefits of jargon quizzing did not consistently generalize, however, to exam questions that assessed conceptual knowledge but not necessarily jargon knowledge. Overall, this research demonstrates that a brief and easily implemented jargon-quizzing intervention, deliverable via Internet or in-class platforms, can yield substantial improvements in students’ course-relevant scientific lexica, but does not necessarily impact conceptual learning.
The Impact of Broadly Relevant Novel Discoveries on Student Project Ownership in a Traditional Lab Course Turned CURE
Authors: Cooper Katelyn M. , Blattman Joseph N. , Hendrix Taija , Brownell Sara E.
Published: November 2019

Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) have been shown to lead to multiple student benefits, but much is unknown about how CUREs lead to specific student outcomes. In this study, we examined the extent to which students making “broadly relevant novel discoveries” impacted student project ownership by comparing the experiences of students in a CURE and a traditional lab course. The CURE and traditional lab were similar in most aspects; students were exposed to an identical curriculum taught by the same instructor. However, there was one major difference between the two types of courses: the type of data that the students produced. Students in the traditional lab characterized the immune system of wild-type mice, thereby confirming results already known to the scientific community, while students in the CURE characterized the immune system of a mutant strain of mice, which produced broadly relevant novel discoveries. Compared with traditional lab students, CURE students reported higher cognitive and emotional ownership over their projects. Students’ perceptions of collaboration and making broadly relevant novel discoveries were significantly and positively related to their cognitive and emotional ownership. This work provides insight into the importance of integrating opportunities for broadly relevant novel discoveries in lab courses.
Imaging improvements from subsalt 3D VSP acquisitions in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: van Gestel Jean-Paul , Hartman Ken , Joy Corey , Li Qingsong , Pfister Michael , Reitz Anya , Rollins Fran , Zhan Ge
Published: November 2019

From 2015 through 2018, BP acquired six large-scale 3D vertical seismic profile (VSP) data sets at their Gulf of Mexico assets, two at each of the Thunder Horse, Mad Dog, and Atlantis fields. The acquisition of these large-scale data sets was enabled by the development of a 100-level wireline tool and the adoption of simultaneous shooting. With those two developments, it became feasible to acquire data sets with the coverage and data density needed to build high-quality images of the subsurface using 3D VSP acquisitions. There have been recent advances in finite difference modeling to guide the survey design and the high-quality processing that is required to create the 3D VSP image volumes. These volumes have two main advantages over conventional surface seismic data. First, in 3D VSP acquisition, the receiver can be located below the overlying salt bodies, which allows for illumination of the reservoirs that cannot be achieved using surface seismic data. Second, the location of the receivers closer to the imaging targets enables higher frequency content of the resulting VSP data compared to conventional surface seismic images. Both imaging enhancements can have a significant business value, and the resulting VSP data sets have demonstrated a clear impact on business decisions. In the three case studies, we demonstrate the business impact of the 3D VSP data acquired through improvement of imaging of stratigraphic edges, improved interpretation of fault geometry and orientation, and related improvement of the quality of well planning and targeting. We conclude with discussion on cost, global impact, and present recommendations and lessons learned for future surveys.
Lesion-Level Response Dynamics to Programmed Cell Death Protein (PD-1) Blockade
Authors: Osorio Juan C. , Arbour Kathryn C. , Le Dung T. , Durham Jennifer N. , Plodkowski Andrew J. , Halpenny Darragh F. , Ginsberg Michelle S. , Sawan Peter , Crompton Joseph G. , Yu Helena A. , Namakydoust Azadeh , Nabet Barzin Y. , Chaft Jamie E. , Riely Gregory J. , Rizvi Hira , Diaz Luis A. , Hellmann Matthew D.
Published: November 2019

PURPOSE

Response to programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) blockade is often conceptualized as resulting from reinvigoration of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. However, recruited antitumor immunity from the periphery may also be an important contributor to response. A detailed assessment of the response dynamics of individual metastasis could provide insight to the systemic and local features that mediate response and resistance to immunotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with metastatic non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or mismatch repair deficiency (MMRD) carcinoma treated with PD-1 monotherapy were evaluated independently. Absolute and percent change of each target lesion were quantified at each computed tomography scan using RECIST. Patterns of progression were predefined as systemic or mixed and were correlated with clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 761 individual lesions from 214 patients with NSCLC and 290 lesions from 78 patients with MMRD carcinoma were examined. Individual target lesion responses aligned with best overall response of each patient (85% NSCLC and 93% MMRD lesions responded in patients with partial response/complete response). In responding patients, timing of response was uniform (73% NSCLC and 76% MMRD lesions responded synchronously), and deeper responses were associated with prolonged progression-free survival and overall survival. By contrast, at progression, mixed progression was common (45% of NSCLC and 53% of MMRD) and associated with improved survival compared with those who experienced systemic progression (NSCLC hazard ratio [HR], 0.58; P = .001; MMRD HR, 0.40; P = .07). Organ sites had differential responses, with lymph node and liver metastasis among the most and least responsive, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Temporal-spatial patterns of response across individual metastases tend to be uniform, favoring the role of peripheral, clonally directed antitumor immunity as a key mediator of response to PD-1 blockade. In contrast, progression is more heterogeneous, potentially revealing the clinical importance of local features and intertumoral heterogeneity.