bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cycloplegic Effects on the Cylindrical Components of the Refraction
Authors: Zareei Athar , Abdolahian Milad , Bamdad Shahram
Published: April 2021

It is important to predict which astigmatic patients require separate refraction for near vision. This study compared cylindrical components changes by cyclopentolate 1% for the low and high amount of astigmatism. The right eyes of 1014 healthy individuals (307 males and 707 females) with cylindrical refractive power more than −0.5 diopter on autorefractometer were selected. Both male and female patients in the age range of 17–45 years were refracted before and after cycloplegia, using 1% cyclopentolate. All volunteers were classified into 2 subgroups including the lower astigmatism group (−2.25 to −0.50) and the higher astigmatic group (−2.50 to over). Alpines’ method was used to compare the effect of cycloplegic drop on cylindrical power. The mean age in the lower astigmatism group (29.58; 95% CI: 29.18 to 29.99 years) was not significantly different from the higher astigmatic group (29.85; 95% CI: 29.07 to 30.62) and there were no significant differences in gender between these two groups (P=0.54). Differences between wet and dry refraction in J0 (−0.03; 95% CI:−0.06 to −0.008) and J45 (−0.03; 95% CI:−0.06 to −0.01) were significant only in the higher astigmatic group. Axis changes by the cycloplegic drop in the lower astigmatism group were 3.51 (CI: 3.22 to 3.81) and axis changes by the cycloplegic drop in the higher astigmatism group were 2.21 (CI: 1.73 to 2.49). In patients with a lower amount of astigmatism (−2.25 to −0.50), additional near subjective refraction could be done for precise determination of axis and in patients with a higher amount of astigmatism (−2.50 to over), near subjective refraction might be done for precise determination of power.
Cost‐Effective and Ultraportable Smartphone‐Based Vision System for Structural Deflection Monitoring
Authors: Tian Long , Zhang Xiaohong , Pan Bing
Published: April 2021

This work demonstrates the viability of using a smartphone‐based vision system to monitor the deflection of engineering structures subjected to external loadings. The video images of a test structure recorded by a smartphone camera are processed using the state‐of‐the‐art subset‐based digital image correlation (DIC) algorithm to extract the vertical image displacement of discrete calculation points defined on the test object. The measured vertical image displacement can be converted to deflection (vertical displacement) by easy‐to‐implement scaling factor determination approaches. For accuracy validation, laboratory experiments using a cantilever beam subjected to external loadings were performed. The deflection and inherent frequency of the test cantilever beam measured by the proposed smartphone‐based vision system were compared with those measured by conventional dial gauges and a dynamic strain gauge. The relative errors were estimated as 1% and 0.15% for deflection and inherent frequency, respectively. Outdoor real bridge deflection monitoring tests were also carried out on an overpass with subway passing by, and the measured deflection‐time curves agree well with actual situations. The cost‐effective, ultraportable, and easy‐to‐use smartphone‐based vision system not only greatly decreases the hardware investment and complexity in deflection measurement system construction, but also increases the convenience and efficiency of deflection monitoring of engineering structures.
Comprehensive Analysis of the Components of Walnut Kernel (Juglans regia L.) in China
Authors: Geng Shuxiang , Ning Delu , Ma Ting , Chen Haiyun , Zhang Yinzhi , Sun Xiulan
Published: April 2021

The contents of main components in 45 walnut kernels from 5 walnut-planting provinces in China (Yunnan, Shaanxi, Shandong, Hebei, and Sichuan) were determined using colorimetry, high-performance liquid chromatography, and gas chromatography, including flavonoids, vitamin E, trace elements, fatty acids, and amino acids. The levels of flavonoids and vitamin E were higher in walnuts from Yunnan than in walnuts from the other four provinces. The levels of zinc and iron were relatively higher in walnuts from Shandong, and the calcium content in walnuts from Yunnan was much lower. No obvious difference was found in crude fat concentration for nuts from the five provinces, but differences were observed in the crude protein content. Oleic acid was the predominant unsaturated fatty acids in all walnut species; the monounsaturated fatty acid content was the highest in walnuts from Yunnan. The data obtained here provided insight into differences in walnuts resulting from different growing environments and germplasm genetic traits.
SHP2-Mediated Inhibition of DNA Repair Contributes to cGAS–STING Activation and Chemotherapeutic Sensitivity in Colon Cancer
Authors: Wei Bin , Xu Lingyan , Guo Wenjie , Wang Yuanyuan , Wu Jingjing , Li Xiaofei , Cai Xiaomin , Hu Jinbo , Wang Meijing , Xu Qiang , Liu Wen , Gu Yanhong
Published: April 2021

As a cytoplasmic sensor of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase–stimulator of IFN genes (STING) pathway plays an important role in antitumor immunity. In this study, we investigated the effect of Src homology-2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP2) on tumor cell–intrinsic STING pathway activity and DNA repair in colon cancer. SHP2 interacted with and dephosphorylated PARP1 after DNA damage. PARP1 inhibition by SHP2 resulted in reduced DNA repair and accumulation of dsDNA in cells, thus promoting hyperactivation of the STING pathway. The SHP2 agonist lovastatin was able to enhance SHP2 activity and promote STING pathway activation. Moreover, lovastatin significantly enhanced the efficacy of chemotherapy in colon cancer models, in part via STING pathway-mediated antitumor immunity. These findings suggest that SHP2 exacerbates STING pathway activation by restricting PARP1-mediated DNA repair in tumor cells, providing a basis for the combined use of lovastatin and chemotherapy in the treatment of colon cancer.

Significance:

Dephosphorylation of PARP1 by SHP2 simultaneously suppresses DNA repair and enhances STING pathway-mediated antitumor immunity, highlighting SHP2 activation as a potential therapeutic approach in colon cancer.
Sapanisertib Plus Exemestane or Fulvestrant in Women with Hormone Receptor–Positive/HER2-Negative Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Lim Bora , Potter David A. , Salkeni Mohamad A. , Silverman Paula , Haddad Tufia C. , Forget Frederic , Awada Ahmad , Canon Jean-Luc , Danso Michael , Lortholary Alain , Bourgeois Hugues , Tan-Chiu Elizabeth , Vincent Sylvie , Bahamon Brittany , Galinsky Kevin J. , Patel Chirag , Neuwirth Rachel , Leonard E. Jane , Diamond Jennifer R.
Published: April 2021

Purpose:

This open-label, multicenter, phase IB/II study evaluated sapanisertib, a dual inhibitor of mTOR kinase complexes 1/2, plus exemestane or fulvestrant in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor–positive (HR+)/HER2-negative (HER2−) advanced/metastatic breast cancer.

Patients and Methods:

Eligible patients had previously progressed on everolimus with exemestane/fulvestrant and received ≤3 (phase IB) or ≤1 (phase II) prior chemotherapy regimens. Patients received sapanisertib 3 to 5 mg every day (phase IB), or 4 mg every day (phase II) with exemestane 25 mg every day or fulvestrant 500 mg monthly in 28-day cycles. Phase II enrolled parallel cohorts based on prior response to everolimus. The primary objective of phase II was to evaluate antitumor activity by clinical benefit rate at 16 weeks (CBR-16).

Results:

Overall, 118 patients enrolled in phase IB (n = 24) and II (n = 94). Five patients in phase IB experienced dose-limiting toxicities, at sapanisertib doses of 5 mg every day (n = 4) and 4 mg every day (n = 1); sapanisertib 4 mg every day was the MTD in combination with exemestane or fulvestrant. In phase II, in everolimus-sensitive versus everolimus-resistant cohorts, CBR-16 was 45% versus 23%, and overall response rate was 8% versus 2%, respectively. The most common adverse events were nausea (52%), fatigue (47%), diarrhea (37%), and hyperglycemia (33%); rash occurred in 17% of patients. Molecular analysis suggested positive association between AKT1 mutation status and best treatment response (complete + partial response; P = 0.0262).

Conclusions:

Sapanisertib plus exemestane or fulvestrant was well tolerated and exhibited clinical benefit in postmenopausal women with pretreated everolimus-sensitive or everolimus-resistant breast cancer.
Standardized Uptake Value for 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Is a Marker of Inflammatory State and Immune Infiltrate in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Floberg John M. , Zhang Jin , Muhammad Naoshad , DeWees Todd A. , Inkman Matthew , Chen Kevin , Lin Alexander J. , Rashmi Ramachandran , Jayachandran Kay , Edelson Brian T. , Siegel Barry A. , Dehdashti Farrokh , Grigsby Perry W. , Markovina Stephanie , Schwarz Julie K.
Published: April 2021

Purpose:

Chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer fails in over a third of patients. Biomarkers with therapeutic implications are therefore needed. We investigated the relationship between an established prognostic marker, maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, and the inflammatory and immune state of cervical cancers.

Experimental Design:

An SUVmax most prognostic for freedom from progression (FFP) was identified and compared with known prognostic clinical variables in a cohort of 318 patients treated with definitive radiation with prospectively collected clinical data. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and CIBERSORT of whole-transcriptome data from 68 patients were used to identify biological pathways and immune cell subpopulations associated with high SUVmax. IHC using a tissue microarray (TMA, N = 82) was used to validate the CIBERSORT findings. The impact of macrophages on cervical cancer glucose metabolism was investigated in coculture experiments.

Results:

SUVmax <11.4 was most prognostic for FFP (P = 0.001). The GSEA showed that high SUVmax is associated with increased gene expression of inflammatory pathways, including JAK/STAT3 signaling. CIBERSORT and CD68 staining of the TMA showed high SUVmax tumors are characterized by a monocyte-predominant immune infiltrate. Coculture of cervical cancer cells with macrophages or macrophage-conditioned media altered glucose uptake, and IL6 and JAK/STAT3 signaling contribute to this effect.

Conclusions:

SUVmax is a prognostic marker in cervical cancer that is associated with activation of inflammatory pathways and tumor infiltration of myeloid-derived immune cells, particularly macrophages. Macrophages contribute to changes in cervical cancer glucose metabolism.

See related commentary by Williamson et al., p. 4136
A Phase Ib/II Study of Pepinemab in Combination with Avelumab in Advanced Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Shafique Michael R. , Fisher Terrence L. , Evans Elizabeth E. , Leonard John E. , Pastore Desa Rae E. , Mallow Crystal L. , Smith Ernest , Mishra Vikas , Schröder Andreas , Chin Kevin M. , Beck Joseph T. , Baumgart Megan A. , Govindan Ramaswamy , Gabrail Nashat Y. , Spira Alexander I. , Seetharamu Nagashree , Lou Yanyan , Mansfield Aaron S. , Sanborn Rachel E. , Goldman Jonathan W. , Zauderer Maurice
Published: April 2021

Purpose:

The CLASSICAL-Lung clinical trial tested the combination of pepinemab, an IgG4 humanized mAb targeting semaphorin 4D, with the PD-L1 inhibitor avelumab to assess the effects of coupling increased T-cell infiltration and reversal of immune suppression via pepinemab with sustained T-cell activation via checkpoint inhibition.

Patients and Methods:

This phase Ib/II, single-arm study was designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of pepinemab in combination with avelumab in 62 patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including immunotherapy-naïve (ION) patients and patients whose tumors progressed following anti-PD-1/L1 monotherapy (IOF). The main objectives were to evaluate safety/tolerability, establish a recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D), obtain a preliminary evaluation of antitumor activity, and investigate candidate biomarker activity.

Results:

The combination was well tolerated with no major safety signals identified. Pepinemab, 10 mg/kg with avelumab, 10 mg/kg, every 2 weeks, was selected as the RP2D. Among 21 evaluable ION patients, 5 patients experienced partial responses (PR), 4 patients evidenced clinical benefit ≥1 year, and the disease control rate (DCR) was 81%. Notably, overall response rate with the combination therapy was higher than previously reported for single-agent avelumab in the PD-L1-negative/low population. Among 29 evaluable IOF patients, the combination resulted in a DCR of 59%, including 2 PR and 7 patients with durable clinical benefit of ≥23 weeks. Biomarker analysis of biopsies demonstrated increased CD8 T-cell density correlating with RECIST response criteria.

Conclusions:

The combination of pepinemab with avelumab was well tolerated in NSCLC and showed signs of antitumor activity in immunotherapy-resistant and PD-L1-negative/low tumors.
Cost Effectiveness of Interhospital Transfer for Mechanical Thrombectomy of Acute Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke
Authors: Schlemm Ludwig , Endres Matthias , Nolte Christian H.
Published: April 2021

Background:

Emergency interhospital transfer of patients with stroke with large vessel occlusion to a comprehensive stroke center for mechanical thrombectomy is resource-intensive and can be logistically challenging. Imaging markers may identify patients in whom intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) alone is likely to result in thrombus resolution, potentially rendering interhospital transfers unnecessary. Here, we investigate how predicted probabilities to achieve IVT-mediated recanalization affect cost-effectiveness estimates of interhospital transfer.

Methods:

We performed a health economic analysis comparing emergency interhospital transfer of patients with acute large vessel occlusion stroke after administration of IVT with a scenario in which patients also receive IVT but remain at the primary hospital. Results were stratified by clinical parameters, treatment delays, and the predicted probability to achieve IVT-mediated recanalization. Estimated 3-month outcomes were combined with a long-term probabilistic model to yield quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and costs. Uncertainty was quantified in probabilistic sensitivity analyses.

Results:

Depending on input parameters, marginal costs of interhospital transfer ranged from USD −61 366 (cost saving) to USD +20 443 and additional QALYs gained from 0.1 to 3.0, yielding incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of <USD 0 (dominant) to USD 310 000 per QALY. For some elderly patients with moderate or severe stroke symptoms treated in a remote primary stroke center, transfer was unlikely to be cost effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of USD 100 000 and 50 000 per QALY (20% and 1%, respectively) if the predicted probability to achieve IVT-related recanalization was high. On the other hand, in some younger patients, the analysis yielded incremental cost-effectiveness ratio estimates below USD 20 000 per QALY independent of the predicted recanalization rate.

Conclusions:

Predicted probabilities to achieve IVT-mediated recanalization significantly affect the cost-effectiveness of interhospital transfer for MT, in particular in elderly patients with moderate or severe stroke symptoms. However, high predicted recanalization rates alone do not generally imply that patients should not be considered for transfer.
Antihypertensive Class and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With HIV and Hypertension
Authors: Rethy Leah B. , Feinstein Matthew J. , Achenbach Chad J. , Townsend Raymond R. , Bress Adam P. , Shah Sanjiv J. , Cohen Jordana B.
Published: April 2021

Given unique pathways contributing to hypertension among people with HIV, we sought to determine whether antihypertensive class was associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) events among people with HIV. Among veterans with HIV and incident hypertension (2000–2018), we used propensity-score matching to evaluate risk of (1) incident/recurrent CVD or death, (2) incident CVD, and (3) incident heart failure by antihypertensive class. In supplementary analyses, we performed stratified analyses by race and chronic kidney disease status. Among 8041 veterans, 24% were initiated on ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor/ARB (angiotensin receptor blocker) monotherapy, 23% on thiazide/thiazide-like diuretic monotherapy, 13% on β-blocker monotherapy, and 11% on calcium channel blocker monotherapy. Over a median of 6.5 years, 25% experienced a CVD event. β-blockers, but not calcium channel blockers or diuretics, were associated with an increased risk of incident CVD compared with ACEs/ARBs (hazard ratio [95% CI], β-blockers 1.90 [1.24–2.89]; calcium channel blockers 1.02 [0.77–1.34]; diuretics 1.06 [0.86–1.31]); similar hazard ratio were noted for incident/recurrent CVD or death. In veterans without chronic kidney disease, ACE inhibitor/ARBs were associated with a lower risk of incident heart failure compared with all other classes (hazard ratio [95% CI]: β-blockers, 1.52 [1.11–2.09]; calcium channel blockers 1.48 [1.00–2.19]; diuretics 1.52 [1.07–2.16]). In conclusion, we observed high rates of CVD events in people with HIV with hypertension and a high prevalence of β-blocker use for initial hypertension management, even among those without indications. Our findings highlight the potential harm associated with β-blockers and the possible benefit associated with ACE inhibitor/ARBs for hypertension management in people with HIV. Prospective and randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Heart Failure Primary Prevention: What Does SPRINT Add?: Recent Advances in Hypertension
Authors: Raby Kirsten , Rocco Michael , Oparil Suzanne , Gilbert Olivia N. , Upadhya Bharathi
Published: April 2021

Hypertension is the most prevalent modifiable factor for the development of heart failure. However, the optimal blood pressure (BP) target for preventing heart failure remains uncertain. The SPRINT (Systolic BP Intervention Trial) was a large, randomized open-label trial (n=9361 participants) that showed the superiority of a systolic BP target of <120 mm Hg compared with <140 mm Hg, with a 36% lower rate of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) events. This beneficial effect was consistent across all the key prespecified subgroups, including advanced age, chronic kidney disease, and prior cardiovascular disease. Participants who had an ADHF event had a markedly increased risk of subsequent cardiovascular disease events, including recurrent ADHF. Randomization to the intensive arm did not affect the recurrence of ADHF after the initial ADHF event (hazard ratio, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.50–1.67];
P
=0.81). A separate analysis demonstrated that the reduction in ADHF events in the intensive treatment group in SPRINT was not due to the differential use of diuretics between the 2 treatment groups. Although intensive BP treatment resulted in a lower cardiovascular disease event rate, this was not significantly associated with changes in left ventricular mass, function, or fibrosis, as assessed in SPRINT HEART, an ancillary study to SPRINT. Intensive BP treatment, however, significantly attenuated increases in carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity. Overall, these data highlight the importance of preventing ADHF in high cardiovascular risk hypertensive patients by optimal BP reduction as tested in SPRINT.
Interdecadal Shift of the Relationship between ENSO and Winter Synoptic Temperature Variability over the Asian–Pacific–American Region in the 1980s
Authors: Jian Yuntao , Leung Marco Y. T. , Zhou Wen , Jian Maoqiu , Yang Song , Lin Xiaoxia
Published: April 2021

In this study, the interdecadal variability of the relationship between ENSO and winter synoptic temperature variability (STV) over the Asian–Pacific–American region is investigated based on observational data from 1951 to 2018. An interdecadal shift in the ENSO–STV relationship occurred in the 1980s over Eastern China, changing from significant in period 1 (P1; 1951–87) to insignificant in period 2 (P2; 1988–2018). But the ENSO–STV relationship is significantly stable over North America for the whole period. In addition, a possible reason for this interdecadal shift in the ENSO–STV relationship over Eastern China is also investigated. During P1, the ENSO pattern is significantly correlated to the temperature gradient over Northeast Asia, which is the key region influencing the intensification of extratropical eddies. The intensification of extratropical eddies over Northeast Asia is directly associated with the magnitude of STV over Eastern China. But in P2, the ENSO pattern is not related to the temperature over Northeast Asia. Therefore, the change in the ENSO pattern from P1 to P2 contributes to the interdecadal shift in the ENSO–STV relationship in the 1980s over Eastern China by influencing the temperature gradient over Northeast Asia, while ENSO can influence the temperature gradient over North America for the whole period. Furthermore, the possible role of the ENSO patterns in P1 and P2 is also examined by using an atmospheric general circulation model, highlighting that the pattern of SST variation is a determining factor in regulating STV in different regions.
Outcomes for Implemented Macroeconomic Policy Responses and Multilateral Collaboration Strategies for Economic Recovery After a Crisis: A Rapid Scoping Review
Authors: Embrett Mark , Bielska Iwona A. , Manis Derek R. , Cooper Rhiannon , Agarwal Gina , Nartowski Robert , Moore Emily , Lopatina Elena , Conway Aislinn , Clark Kathryn
Published: April 2021

To promote postpandemic recovery, many countries have adopted economic packages that include fiscal, monetary, and financial policy measures; however, the effects of these policies may not be known for several years or more. There is an opportunity for decision makers to learn from past policies that facilitated recovery from other disease outbreaks, crises, and natural disasters that have had a devastating effect on economies around the world. To support the development of the United Nations Research Roadmap for COVID-19 Recovery, this review examined and synthesized peer-reviewed studies and gray literature that focused on macroeconomic policy responses and multilateral coalition strategies from past pandemics and crises to provide a map of the existing evidence. We conducted a systematic search of academic and gray literature databases. After screening, we found 22 records that were eligible for this review. The evidence found demonstrates that macroeconomic and multilateral coalition strategies have various impacts on a diverse set of countries and populations. Although the studies were heterogeneous in nature, most did find positive results for macroeconomic intervention policies that addressed investments to strengthen health and social protection systems, specifically cash and unconventional/nonstandard monetary measures, in-kind transfers, social security financing, and measures geared toward certain population groups.
‘Flexible and Imaginative’: The EU’s Accommodation of Northern Ireland in the UK–EU Withdrawal Agreement
Authors: Hayward Katy
Published: April 2021

The 1998 Good Friday (Belfast) Agreement that cemented the peace process formalized Northern Ireland’s position as a region integrally connected to both Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. The multilevel governance and cross-border cooperation this entailed was enabled by common UK and Irish membership of the European Union. The UK’s decision to leave the EU posed risks to this settlement. In response, they engaged in a quest for ‘flexible and imaginative solutions’ to this conundrum. The unique arrangements established through the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland in the UK–EU Withdrawal Agreement (2019) mark an innovative and ambitious development for the EU. First, it de facto includes a region of a non-member state within its internal market for goods and, second, it delegates the enforcement of its rules to that non-member state. The Protocol represents a significant departure for the EU in terms of its typical engagement with external actors. Most significantly, it will not only represent a ‘live’ concern for the EU but a unique type of responsibility.
Thermal degradation kinetics of Opuntia Ficus Indica flour and talc-filled poly (lactic acid) hybrid biocomposites by TGA analysis
Authors: Gharsallah Azzeddine , Layachi Abdelheq , Louaer Ali , Satha Hamid
Published: April 2021

This paper reports the effect of lignocellulosic flour and talc powder on the thermal degradation behavior of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Lignocellulosic flour was obtained by grinding Opuntia Ficus Indica cladodes. PLA/talc/ Opuntia Ficus Indica flour (OFI-F) biocomposites were prepared by melt processing and characterized using Wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The thermal degradation of neat PLA and its biocomposites can be identified quantitatively by solid-state kinetics models. Thermal degradation results on biocomposites compared to neat PLA show that talc particles at 10 wt % into the PLA matrix have a minor impact on the thermal stability of biocomposites. Loading OFI-F and Talc/OFI-F mixture into the PLA matrix results in a decrease in the maximum degradation temperature, which means that the biocomposites have lower thermal stability. The activation energies (Ea) calculated by the Flynn Wall Ozawa (FWO) and Kissinger Akahira Sunose (KAS) model-free approaches and by model-fitting (Kissinger method and Coats-Redfern method) are in good agreement with one another. In addition, in this work, the degradation mechanism of biocomposites is proposed using Coats-Redfern and Criado methods.
An Analysis of Relationship Between Schools’ DNA Profiles and Organizational Happiness According to the Perception of Teachers
Authors: Köse Özge , Kahveci Gökhan
Published: April 2021

This research was carried out with the aim of determining the relationship between schools’ DNA profiles and organizational happiness according to teachers’ perceptions. The research sample consists of 404 teachers who work at primary or secondary public schools in Rize, Turkey. The research model is a correlational survey model. As a result of the research, the resilient organizations have the highest perception level among the school DNA profiles according to the perceptions of teachers. In addition, it has been found out that a positive relationship exists between healthy organizations and organizational happiness and a negative relationship exists between unhealthy organizations and organizational happiness. Finally, school DNA profiles significantly predict organizational happiness and explain 35% of the variation occurred in organizational happiness.
“I Made Myself Fit In”: Johny’s Story
Authors: Draves Tami J. , Vargas Jonathan E.
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this narrative inquiry was to re-story the experiences of a first-year music teacher with regard to race and class. Johny was a first-year high school guitar teacher in the southwestern United States who identified as Hispanic and was raised in a family with a lower income. He was also a first-generation college student whose path to university study was atypical because of his major instrument, musical background, little high school music class participation, and entrance to postsecondary music study at a community college. Johny’s story is a work of critical storytelling and is interpreted through an intersectional framework. His story compels us to thoughtfully attend to curriculum, musical knowledge, equity, and how music educators can serve an increasingly diverse student population in schools of music. Issues for consideration include (a) increased support of nontraditional students, including those from marginalized populations, such as students with lower incomes, first-generation students, and community college transfer students, and (b) promoting meaningful and collaborative change across multiple areas in schools of music.
Kicking off: Is the association between the FIFA world cup and domestic abuse an international phenomenon?
Authors: Kirby Stuart , Birdsall Nathan
Published: April 2021

This study examines whether increases in incidents of female domestic abuse occur during FIFA world cup tournaments, in countries, other than the UK. Columbian medical records providing national daily counts, relating to Violence Against Women (VAW) and females subject to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), across two world cup tournaments (2014/2018) were analysed. The number of medical examinations rose by 43% (VAW) and 39% (IPV) during the 2014 Columbia match days, and 26% (VAW) and 27% (IPV) during the 2018 match days, when compared to non-match days (p < .001). The increases were higher on a weekend and when winning, rather than losing.
Flexible leather substrate dual-band wearable antenna with impact analysis on testing under wet condition for human rescue system
Authors: Regina S , Merline A
Published: April 2021

Wearable flexible antennas have yielded much attention in recent years because of their interesting features and capabilities for enabling flexible, lightweight, portable and low cost wireless communication. The proposed research work offers the design of the flexible wearable patch antenna with four single Split Ring Resonators (SRRs) using a leather substrate for better performance. The proposed antenna is designed and simulated with leather substrate at the operating frequencies of 0.99 GHz and 3.5 GHz. The antenna is fabricated and validated under free space (normal condition), partially wet, fully wet and dried after wet conditions using Vector Network Analyzer (VNA). Different parameters such as reflection coefficient, Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) and gain of the fabricated antenna are measured, and they are compared with the simulation results. The validated results show that the performance of the proposed antenna under free space, partially wet, fully wet and dried after wet conditions is virtually equal. The Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of this proposed antenna is also investigated for 10g tissues and the SARs are 0.0168763 W/kg and 0.69567 W/kg at the operating frequencies of 0.99 GHz and 3.5 GHz, respectively. As a result, its good performance in wet conditions along with low cost and ready availability of leather material means the proposed antenna can be used for human safety environments, especially in military applications, etc.
Changes in crime surrounding an urban home renovation and rebuild programme
Authors: Kondo Michelle , Degli Esposti Michelle , Jay Jonathan , Morrison Christopher N. , Freisthler Bridget , Jones Claire , Yang Jingzhen , Chisolm Deena , Branas Charles , Hohl Bernadette
Published: April 2021

Neighbourhood environments are a known social determinant of health. Vacant and abandoned buildings and lots and poor or hazardous housing conditions, combined with crime and violence, can affect residents’ health and wellbeing. Nationwide Children’s Hospital and its partners launched the Healthy Homes initiative in 2008, which sought to improve nearby residents’ health and wellbeing by rejuvenating vacant and abandoned properties and increasing homeownership in the South Side neighbourhood of Columbus, Ohio. Between 2008 and mid-2019 the initiative funded 273 repairs or renovations in this neighbourhood. We conducted a ZIP-code-level comparative case study of the Healthy Homes housing interventions using synthetic control methodology to evaluate changes in crime rate in the intervention area compared with those in a synthetic control area. While findings were mixed, we found some evidence of reduced thefts in the Healthy Homes area, relative to its synthetic control. This initiative to repair, rebuild and increase ownership of housing has the potential to reduce crime rates for neighbours of the Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Modelling flow for finite conductivity in long horizontal oil wells
Authors: Fadairo Adesina , Vamegh Rasouli , Kegang Ling , Tomomewo Olusegun , Ayinde Ayokunle , Iwenjora George N
Published: April 2021

The impact of neglected well bore pressure losses due to fluid accumulation and kinetic energy in the fundamental energy equation used for derivation of flowing bottom-hole pressure in horizontal well have been conceived to be a considerable reason for the discrepancy between computed rates from the existing models and actual rates got from production tests. In the study, a new model that investigate all possible well bore pressure losses effect on the production rate of a horizontal oil well have been established. The newly developed model has been validated using the field data obtained from the literature and outcome got from the new model yields more satisfactory results. A more realistic results that evident all flow phenomena in petroleum production well include the initial unsteady, pseudo-steady and steady state flow condition hence flow rate at any given production time has been established for flow of oil along horizontal production well. The concept is useful to estimate flowing bottom-hole pressure and analyze its effect on production rate value of a horizontal oil well without ignoring any pressure resisting terms in the governing thermodynamic equation. The unsteadiness fluid flow period that generally observed after shut in a well have also been demonstrated. Closer agreement between the results obtained using the newly developed model and real life field measurement was observed when compared with the previous model in the literature. The study gives reservoir engineer an exact and helpful device for estimating and assessing horizontal oil well production rate.
Biphenotypic Sinonasal Sarcoma: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Kominsky Evan , Boyke Andre E. , Madani Daniel , Kamat Ameet , Schiff Bradley A. , Agarwal Vijay
Published: April 2021

Objectives:

Biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma (BSNS), previously low-grade sinonasal sarcoma with neural and myogenic features, is a rare tumor of the sinonasal tract first described in 2012. Due to its rarity, limited literature is available in providing clinicians with a standardized treatment regimen, particularly in cases of positive surgical margins. This article aims to provide a clinical review of the currently available reported cases of BSNS, as well as presenting clinical, radiologic, and pathologic details of 2 novel cases.

Methods:

Online electronic databases include PubMed and Embase where queried for reports of biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma or low-grade sinonasal sarcoma with neural and myogenic features. Two previously unpublished cases were included in the results. Data including clinical presentation, epidemiologic data, radiologic evaluation, intraoperative details, histopathology, treatment modality, and postoperative follow-up information were included.

Results:

A total of 100 previously published cases were identified in 12 prior articles. Mean age at presentation was 52.9 years. Extrasinonasal extension was observed in 27.4% of cases with most common site of extension being cribriform plate. Forty-seven cases included treatment details with surgical excision being the most common modality. Recurrence rates were identical for both surgical excision alone and surgical excision with adjuvant radiotherapy (33.3%).

Conclusions:

Biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma is a slow-growing tumor that is amenable to surgical resection. Recurrence rates are similar between surgical excision and surgical excision with adjuvant radiation therapy, but limited data in reported cases preclude a determination of treatment superiority.
Adjuvant radiofrequency thermocoagulation improves the outcome of liquid sclerotherapy in the treatment of spider veins of the leg: A pilot study
Authors: Diken Adem İlkay , Alemdaroğlu Utku , Özyalçın Sertan , Hafez İzzet , Tünel Hüseyin A , Yalçınkaya Adnan , Ecevit Ata N
Published: April 2021

Objective

This study evaluated the effect of low-energy radiofrequency thermocoagulation added to standard liquid sclerotherapy on clinical outcomes of patients with venous insufficiency.

Patients and method

We included 111 patients with spider veins CEAP/C1 stage. The patients were randomized into sclerotherapy (Group 1) and sclerotherapy + sclerotherapy immediately followed by low energy percutaneous RF thermocoagulation (Group 2) groups and followed up with same protocols prospectively.

Results

The study groups did not differ in terms of the mean age, body mass index, the number of spider veins and pre-interventional venous clinical severity scores (VCSS). Patients' self-assessed satisfaction ratings of cosmetic outcomes were found to be higher compared to the baseline (p = 0.001). While both techniques caused a significant decline in VCSS at postprocedural third month, it was observed that the type of applied intervention did not affect the VCSS (p = 0.43 and p = 0.93, respectively). There was a significant difference in hyperpigmentation and trapped blood between the two groups after the procedure (p = 0.009 and p = 0.02, respectively), there was no statistically significant difference in terms of skin necrosis (p = 0.52). A significant difference in the self-assessed cosmetic outcomes was observed in patients treated with sclerotherapy followed by low energy percutaneous RF thermocoagulation compared with patients whom sclerotherapy performed alone (p = 0.001).

Discussion

This study suggests that radiofrequency thermocoagulation added to the sclerotherapy provides better cosmetic outcomes with less treatment sessions and no additional complication rates.
Dilated perivascular space is related to reduced free-water in surrounding white matter among healthy adults and elderlies but not in patients with severe cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Jiaerken Yeerfan , Lian Chunfeng , Huang Peiyu , Yu Xinfeng , Zhang Ruiting , Wang Shuyue , Hong Hui , Luo Xiao , Yap Pew-Thian , Shen Dinggang , Zhang Minming
Published: April 2021

Perivascular space facilitates cerebral interstitial water clearance. However, it is unclear how dilated perivascular space (dPVS) affects the interstitial water of surrounding white matter. We aimed to determine the presence and extent of changes in normal-appearing white matter water components around dPVS in different populations. Twenty healthy elderly subjects and 15 elderly subjects with severe cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD, with lacunar infarction 6 months before the scan) were included in our study. And other 28 healthy adult subjects were enrolled under a different scanning parameter to see if the results are comparable. The normal-appearing white matter around dPVS was categorized into 10 layers (1 mm thickness each) based on their distance to dPVS. We evaluated the mean isotropic-diffusing water volume fraction in each layer. We discovered a significantly reduced free-water content in the layers closely adjacent to the dPVS in the healthy elderlies. however, this reduction around dPVS was weaker in the CSVD subjects. We also discovered an elevated free-water content within dPVS. DPVS played different roles in healthy subjects or CSVD subjects. The reduced water content around dPVS in healthy subjects suggests these MR-visible PVSs are not always related to the stagnation of fluid.
Three-dimensional remodeling of functional cerebrovascular architecture and gliovascular unit in leptin receptor-deficient mice
Authors: Liu Yaan , Chen Di , Smith Amanda , Ye Qing , Gao Yanqin , Zhang Wenting
Published: April 2021

The cerebrovascular sequelae of diabetes render victims more susceptible to ischemic stroke, vascular cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer's disease. However, limited knowledge exists on the progressive changes in cerebrovascular structure and functional remodeling in type 2 diabetes. To ascertain the impact of diabetes on whole-brain cerebrovascular perfusion, leptin-receptor-deficient mice were transcardially injected with tomato-lectin before sacrifice. The whole brain was clarified by the Fast free-of-acrylamide clearing tissue technique. Functional vascular anatomy of the cerebrum was visualized by light-sheet microscopy, followed by analysis in Imaris software. We observed enhanced neovascularization in adult db/db mice, characterized by increased branch level and loop structures. Microvascular hypoperfusion was initially detected in juvenile db/db mice, suggesting early onset of insufficient microcirculation. Furthermore, gliovascular unit remodeling was verified by loss of pericytes and overactivation of microglia and astrocytes in adult diabetic mice. However, the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) was fundamentally preserved, as shown by a lack of extravasation of IgG into the brain parenchyma. In summary, we, for the first time, reveal that functional cerebrovascular remodeling occurs as early as four weeks in db/db mice and the deficit in gliovascular coupling may play a role in cerebral hypoperfusion before BBB breakdown in 16-week-old db/db mice.
Modeling Diagnostic Strategies to Manage Toxic Adverse Events following Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: van Delft Frederik , Muller Mirte , Langerak Rom , Koffijberg Hendrik , Retèl Valesca , van den Broek Daan , IJzerman Maarten
Published: April 2021

Background

Although immunotherapy (IMT) provides significant survival benefits in selected patients, approximately 10% of patients experience (serious) immune-related adverse events (irAEs). The early detection of adverse events will prevent irAEs from progressing to severe stages, and routine testing for irAEs has become common practice. Because a positive test outcome might indicate a clinically manifesting irAE that requires treatment to (temporarily) discontinue, the occurrence of false-positive test outcomes is expected to negatively affect treatment outcomes. This study explores how the UPPAAL modeling environment can be used to assess the impact of test accuracy (i.e., test sensitivity and specificity), on the probability of patients entering palliative care within 11 IMT cycles.

Methods

A timed automata-based model was constructed using real-world data and expert consultation. Model calibration was performed using data from 248 non–small-cell lung cancer patients treated with nivolumab. A scenario analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of changes in test accuracy on the probability of patients transitioning to palliative care.

Results

The constructed model was used to estimate the cumulative probabilities for the patients’ transition to palliative care, which were found to match real-world clinical observations after model calibration. The scenario analysis showed that the specificity of laboratory tests for routine monitoring has a strong effect on the probability of patients transitioning to palliative care, whereas the effect of test sensitivity was limited.

Conclusion

We have obtained interesting insights by simulating a care pathway and disease progression using UPPAAL. The scenario analysis indicates that an increase in test specificity results in decreased discontinuation of treatment due to suspicion of irAEs, through a reduction of false-positive test outcomes.
Application of differential evolution for wind speed distribution parameters estimation
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Kumar Arun
Published: April 2021

Weibull distribution is an extensively used statistical distribution for analyzing wind speed and determining energy potential studies. Estimation of the wind speed distribution parameter is essential as it significantly affects the success of Weibull distribution application to wind energy. Various estimation methods viz. graphical method, moment method (MM), maximum likelihood method (ML), modified maximum likelihood method, and energy pattern factor method or power density method have been presented in various reported research studies for accurate estimation of distribution parameters. ML is the most preferred approach to study the parameter estimation. ML works on the principle of forming a likelihood function and maximizing the function for parameter estimation. ML generally uses the numerical based iterative method, such as Newton–Raphson. However, the iterative methods proposed in the literature are generally computationally intensive. In this paper, an efficient technique utilizing differential evolution (DE) algorithm to enhance the estimation accuracy of maximum likelihood estimation has been presented. The [Formula: see text] of GA-Weibull, SA-Weibull, and DE-Weibull is 0.958, 0.953, and 0.973 respectively, and value of RMSE of DE-Weibull 0.0083, GA-Weibull (0.0104), and SA-Weibull (0.0110), for the yearly wind speed data are obtained. The lowest root mean square error and larger regression value for both monthly and yearly wind speed data indicate that the DE-Weibull distribution has the best goodness of fit and advocate the DE algorithm for the parameter estimation.
Life prediction of wind turbine blades using multi-scale damage model
Authors: Aghajani Sepideh , Hemati Mohammadreza , Torabnia Shams
Published: April 2021

Wind turbine blade life prediction is the most important parameter to estimate the power generation cost. Due to the price and importance of wind blade, many experimental and theoretical methods were developed to estimate damages and blade life. A novel multiaxial fatigue damage model is suggested for the life prediction of a wind turbine blade. Fatigue reduction of fiber and interfiber characteristics are separately treated and simulated in this research. Damage behavior is considered in lamina level and then extended to laminate; hence, this model can be used for multidirectional laminated composites. The procedure of fatigue-induced degradation is implemented in an ABAQUS user material subroutine. By applying the fatigue damage model, life is estimated by the satisfaction of lamina fracture criteria. This model provides a comprehensive idea about how damage happens in wind blades regarding a multi-axis fatigue loading condition.
A mini-review of heavy metal recycling technologies for municipal solid waste incineration fly ash
Authors: Wang Huan , Zhu Fenfen , Liu Xiaoyan , Han Meiling , Zhang Rongyan
Published: April 2021

This mini-review article summarizes the available technologies for the recycling of heavy metals (HMs) in municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash (FA). Recovery technologies included thermal separation (TS), chemical extraction (CE), bioleaching, and electrochemical processes. The reaction conditions of various methods, the efficiency of recovering HMs from MSWI FA and the difficulties and solutions in the process of technical development were studied. Evaluation of each process has also been done to determine the best HM recycling method and future challenges. Results showed that while bioleaching had minimal environmental impact, the process was time-consuming. TS and CE were the most mature technologies, but the former process was not cost-effective. Overall, it has the greatest economic potential to recover metals by CE with scrubber liquid produced by a wet air pollution control system. An electrochemical process or solvent extraction could then be applied to recover HMs from the enriched leachate. Ongoing development of TS and bioleaching technologies could reduce the treatment cost or time.