bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors for Esophageal Fistula in Esophageal Cancer Patients Treated with Radiotherapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhu Chao , Wang Songping , You Yunhong , Nie Keke , Ji Youxin
Published: October 2019

Objective: Esophageal fistula is a critical and fatal complication of esophageal cancer. The aim of this meta-analysis was to explore the risk factors for esophageal perforation in esophageal cancer patients treated with radiotherapy. Methods: Data from the PubMed and Embase databases were retrieved for clinical research published between 1990 and 2018. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the quality of the articles. A meta-analysis was performed using the RevMan 5.3 software provided by the Cochrane Collaboration Network. Results: Seventeen articles were eligible for the meta-analysis. In these articles, over 35 risk factors for esophageal fistula formation were described and 17 risk factors were analyzed. Significant differences in the odds of developing an esophageal perforation were found with regard to age (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.08–5.03, p = 0.001), ulcerative type (OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.43–5.16, p = 0.002), histology (OR 4.16, 95% CI 1.14–15.12, p = 0.03), T stage (OR 2.66, 95% CI 1.44–4.91, p = 0.002), short-term response (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.06–4.62, p = 0.03), chemotherapy regimen (OR 2.80, 95% CI 1.38–5.68, p = 0.005), and stenosis (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.03–3.89, p = 0.04). Conclusions: An age of <60–65 years, ulcerative type, squamous cell cancer, T4 stage, incomplete response, fluorouracil-based regimen, and stenosis were associated with an increased risk of esophageal fistula during or after radiotherapy. However, further, large-scale prospective studies are needed to establish the validity of this associ­ation.
Cardiac Troponin T and Right Ventricular Systolic Pressure Predict Cardiovascular and Mortality Risk in Kidney Transplant Candidates
Authors: Firth Christine , Kaur Tripta , Chakkera Harini , Zhang Nan , Shamoun Fadi , Steidley Eric , Heilman Raymond , Keddis Mira
Published: October 2019

Background: Patients presenting for kidney transplant (KTx) evaluation are subject to high rates of mortality and cardiovascular (CV) events pre- and post-KTx. CV and mortality risk assessment is needed. Methods: We evaluated cardiac troponin T (cTnT) as a predictor of CV events and mortality in a racially diverse cohort with significant CV disease burden presenting for KTx evaluation. Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was also assessed in predicting these outcomes. The population consisted of 561 patients presenting for KTx evaluation from 2011 to 2013 at Mayo Clinic, Arizona. A cutoff value for cTnT and RVSP that was most associated with CV events or mortality was derived. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to assess cTnT, RVSP, traditional, and other risk factors for the outcomes of interest. Results: Mean age was 53.5 ± 13.7 years and the median follow-up after KTx evaluation was 48.0 months. The cohort was 70.6% (n = 392) White, 11.4% (n = 63) Black, 8.5% (n = 47) Native American, and 3.1% (n = 17) Asian. Preexisting CV disease at the time of evaluation was prevalent in 24.4% (n = 137) of patients. During follow-up, 66.3% (n = 372) received a KTx and 21.9% (n = 123) had a composite event (16.8% death, 6.6 % CV events). It was found that 70.7% (n = 87) of events occurred in patients who were not transplanted; 53.5% (n = 300) had an elevated cTnT (≥0.01 ng/mL, median 0.02 ng/mL) and 84.1% (n = 344) of patients with RVSP data had an elevated RVSP (>25 mm Hg). Time to event analysis identified a cTnT ≥0.036 ng/mL and RVSP ≥31 mm Hg to be best predictive of CV events and mortality. Smoking, CV disease, hypoalbuminemia, RVSP, and cTnT independently predicted CV events and mortality. Conclusion: Elevated cTnT and RVSP were independently predictive of CV events and mortality in the cohort. Clinicians should consider the value of RVSP and cTnT as markers of CV risk in KTx evaluation.
ВИВЧЕННЯ ДУМКИ ПАЦІЄНТІВ З ЕПІДЕРМАЛЬНИМИ ДИСПЛАЗІЯМИ ШКІРИ ЩОДО ВАЖЛИВОСТІ ТА ЗАДОВОЛЕНОСТІ СПЕЦІАЛІЗОВАНОЮ МЕДИЧНОЮ ДОПОМОГОЮ
Authors: Oshуvalova O. O.
Published: October 2019

Мета: вивчити думки пацієнтів з епідермальними дисплазіями шкіри (ЕДШ) щодо важливості та ступеня задоволеності спеціалізованою медичною допомогою.

Матеріали і методи. Розроблено анонімну анкету і опитано 283 пацієнти, які отримали спеціалізовану медичну допомогу в Державній науковій установі «Науково-практичний центр профілактичної та клінічної медицини» Державного управління справами відповідно до Локальних протоколів медичної допомоги. Статистичну обробку матеріалів дослідження проводили з використанням методів біометричного аналізу, реалізованих у пакетах програм SPSS 10.0, EXCEL-2000. Вірогідність відмінностей оцінювали за допомогою критеріїв відповідності 2, Стьюдента (р).

Результати. Аналіз компонентів спеціалізованої медичної допомоги показав, що майже всі опитані (62,5–88 %) підкреслюють важливість всіх без виключення складових із високим рівнем задоволеності (68,2–92,2 %). Достовірні відмінності між ступенем важливості та рівнем задоволеності в дослідженні було виявлено лише при порівняльному аналізі компонентів «Надання інформації про профілактичні заходи в подальшому» і «Організація лікувального процесу» (р=0,001). Усі компоненти оцінки опинилися в сегменті «Успішні результати».

Висновки. Складові медичної допомоги (робота медперсоналу, організація лікувально-діагностичного процесу, соціально-побутові умови, поінформованість пацієнтів), з точки зору пацієнтів з ЕДШ, є важливими компонентами спеціалізованої медичної допомоги.
АЛГОРИТМ ПОБУДОВИ ДЕРЕВА ОНТОЛОГІЙ ПОНЯТТЯ ПРОФЕСІЙНОЇ КОМПЕТЕНТНОСТІ ФАХІВЦІВ ГРОМАДСЬКОГО ЗДОРОВ’Я
Authors: Lishtaba L. V.
Published: October 2019

Мета: представити алгоритм побудови дерева онтологій та його основних складових.

Матеріали і методи. Методологічною основою дослідження є діалектичний метод наукового пізнання з використанням системного підходу. В процесі дослідження застосовано загальнонаукові та спеціальні методи пізнання:  метод логічного узагальнення – при дослідженні існуючих підходів до суті компетентностей; систематиза­ції й узагальнення – при обґрунтуванні критеріїв визначення класів для кожної онтології; багатофакторний аналіз – у процесі розробки  дерева онтологій поняття професійної компетентності фахівців громадського здоров’я.

Результати. З метою підвищення рівня компетентності фахівців громадського здоров’я у статті запропоновано алгоритм побудови дерева онтологій поняття професійної компетентності, що буде включати такі процедури: визначення структури дерева онтологій; визначення концептів (термінів) онтології верхнього рівня; визначення класів для кожної онтології; формування глосаріїв для кожної онтології; розподіл концептів за класами і рівнями; визначення зв’язків між концептами; редагування онтологій з метою досягнення відповідності між професійними й управлінськими вимогами.

Окреслено п’ять областей компетенцій, що будуть формувати загальне поняття професійної компетентності фахівців громадського здоров’я.

Висновки. Впровадження створених онтологій професійної компетентності фахівців громадського здоров’я дозволить привести до спільного знаменника критерії відбору осіб на відповідні посади, створити індикатори для оцінки діяльності та атестації й скласти програми підготовки фахівців громадського здоров’я враховуючи сучасні вимоги та встановлені стандарти необхідних навичок і знань.
ТЕЛЕМЕДИЦИНА ЯК ФОРМА ЯКІСНОГО НАДАННЯ МЕДИЧНИХ ПОСЛУГ
Authors: Oksak G. A.
Published: October 2019

Мета: вивчити використання телемедицини як форми якісного надання медичних послуг в Україні та, зокрема, Полтавській області.

Матеріали і методи. Чинні законодавчі та галузеві нормативні матеріали проаналізовано за принципом бібліосемантичного та структурно-логічного аналізу.

Результати. У статті висвітлено значимість мережі віддаленого/дистанційного зв’язку (телекомунікації) для надання медичних послуг в Україні та, зокрема, Полтавській області. Доведено, що розвиток телемедицини особливо важливий в кардіології, оскільки небезпека серцево-судинних захворювань полягає в тому, що вони часто мають гострий несподіваний початок й атипову клінічну картину. Це не дозволяє самим пацієнтам, а часто і дільничним лікарям поліклінік, швидко й правильно оцінити ситуацію, що, у свою чергу, може призвести до смерті пацієнта. Широкого розвитку набула система дистанційної цілодобової невідкладної консультативної кардіологічної допомоги з можливістю безпосереднього передавання ЕКГ по телефонних лініях. Це дозволяє в 3–9 разів скоротити час із моменту появи перших симптомів захворювання до надання кваліфікованої медичної допомоги в повному обсязі, що в багатьох випадках допомагає зберегти життя й здоровʼя пацієнтів. Відповідно до наказу директора Департаменту охорони здоров’я Полтавської обласної державної адміністрації «Про взаємодію лікувальних закладів Полтавської області при наданні ургентної кардіологічної допомоги при гострих коронарних синдромах (ГКС)» прийнято рішення про надання медичної допомоги із застосуванням телемедичного (дистанційного) консультування з метою розмежування функцій між дистанційно-діагностичним (телемедичним) центром КУ «Полтавський обласний центр екстреної медицини та медицини катастроф» і телемедичним центром Полтавського обласного клінічного кардіологічного диспансеру на догоспітальному етапі ургентним хворим на ГКС та інші невідкладні стани.

Висновки. Завдяки впровадженню телемедицини переваги отримують насамперед пацієнти. Ці переваги полягають в підвищенні ефективності та якості лікування; прискоренні передачі інформації про результати обстежень між різними спеціалізованими клініками без транспортування хворого (особливо у критичних випадках); проведенні дистанційних (телемедичних) консультацій вузькими спеціалістами у територіально віддалених медичних установах; проведенні лікарських консиліумів (телеконференцій) з фахівцями лікувальних закладів незалежно від місця їх розташування; уникненні помилок через нерозбірливий почерк лікарів; зменшенні термінів обстеження пацієнтів.
Objeto y sujeto en Siegfried Kracauer
Authors: Chicote Francisco Manuel García
Published: October 2019

El trabajo intenta explicitar el concepto de crítica en la obra de Siegfried Kracauer durante el período de entreguerras. Pone para ello en entredicho una clave interpretativa generalizada que quiere todavía hoy encontrar en este filósofo a un teórico posmodernista avant la lettre. El artículo rastrea el desarrollo de la relación sujeto-objeto en la obra de Kracauer como malla configuradora de los respectivos conceptos de crítica de este. En primer lugar, se analiza la crítica anticapitalista de los primeros años de la década de 1920 como forma peculiar de la Kulturkritik. En segundo lugar, se caracteriza la crítica ideológica a la que el propio Kracauer somete la Kulturkritik a partir de aproximadamente 1925. Finalmente, se analiza la forma de la crítica a partir de 1925 como activación consciente de categorías que constituyen la estructura objetiva del mundo histórico. Se concluye así que en Kracauer, y de una manera irreconciliable con las lecturas posmodernistas, el criterio de verdad se halla condicionado por el polo objetivo.
O Tratamento da mídia a uma mulher chefe de Estado
Authors: Fagundes Carolina Leoni , Santos Neto Helena Iracy
Published: October 2019

Este artigo inscreve-se no entremeio da análise discursiva pecheutiana com o jornalismo. Busca analisar discursivamente o tratamento midiático a uma mulher chefe de Estado, a fim de investigar os sentidos possíveis presentes nos corpora de análise, que integram as matérias da revista Istoé e Época para com a presidenta Dilma Rousseff, veiculadas em primeiro de abril de 2016 e 20 de agosto de 2015, respectivamente. Assim, temos como recorte de análise as marcas discursivas do feminino no poder, as condições de produção e a historicidade de cada revista, além dos sentidos de não pertencimento da mulher na política. Entendemos que ambas as matérias utilizam-se da memória discursiva para produzir um apagamento e silenciamento de sentidos. Essa memória propicia reportagens referentes a homens em cargos no executivo e mulheres como suas esposas, fazendo com que seus leitores percebam, assim, sentidos limitados à mulher no poder. Em geral, à sombra do homem e não como protagonista.
Compartilhamento do cuidado na atenção psicossocial
Authors: Silveira Rafael Pasche da , Siqueira Daiana Foggiato de , Mello Amanda De Lemos , Cunha Fernanda De Almeida , Terra Marlene Gomes
Published: October 2019

OBJETIVO: compreender a percepção de trabalhadores e usuários acerca do compartilhamento do cuidado ao egresso de uma Unidade de Internação Psicossocial com encaminhamento a um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial.MÉTODO: pesquisa qualitativa, desenvolvida em uma Unidade de Internação Psicossocial e um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial. Os entrevistados foram 15 profissionais e 10 usuários.RESULTADOS: evidenciou-se o encaminhamento e o acesso dos usuários aos serviços substitutivos e as orientações referente a alta hospitalar do usuário como desafios para o compartilhamento do cuidado. O acolhimento, a alta assistida e o vínculo com serviços substitutivos, apresentaram-se possibilidades para o compartilhamento do cuidado.CONCLUSÃO: observa-se a importância de um cuidado pautado nos princípios de interdisciplinaridade, intersetorialidade e integralidade.
Uso de álcool e determinantes psicossociais entre estudantes de medicina e tecnologia médica
Authors: Moncada Maria Josefa Arcaya , Bendezu Daysi Coras , Pillon Sandra Cristina
Published: October 2019

O estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o uso de álcool e as possíveis associações com os determinantes psicossociais em estudantes de medicina e tecnologia médica da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de San Marcos, Peru. O estudo é do tipo transversal da abordagem quantitativa realizados com 219 estudantes. O Teste de identificação do uso de álcool e os determinantes psicossociais relacionados ao álcool foram utilizados. A prevalência de uso de álcool no último ano foi de 69,5%, com predominância de uso pelo sexo masculino (71,6%), e jovens (79,9%). As associações foram entre o uso de álcool e o estresse, com predominância da sobrecarga acadêmica, esses dados são relevantes para o planejamento de ações preventivas do uso de álcool nessa população.
Sentidos do trabalho na percepção de pessoas que exercem trabalho comum
Authors: Martins Rosiane Dutra , Cerutti Priscila Sardi , Vaz Elem Duarte , Gallon Shalimar
Published: October 2019

O trabalho comum é entendido como algo repetitivo, maçante, muitas vezes perigoso, penoso, sujo e fisicamente esgotante. Diante dessas características, ele passa despercebido pela sociedade frente à invisibilidade pública e ao desprestígio social que lhe é atrelado. Para tanto, este estudo busca analisar os sentidos do trabalho para aqueles que exercem esses trabalhos. Por meio de uma pesquisa qualitativa, foram realizadas 32 entrevistas com trabalhadores que exercem trabalhos comuns na região Norte do estado do Rio Grande do Sul. As entrevistas foram realizadas com base em um roteiro semiestruturado, gravadas, transcritas e analisadas por meio da técnica de análise de conteúdo, com o auxílio do software Max-Qda. O trabalho apresentou-se como central na vida dos pesquisados, estando relacionado à sobrevivência, inserção social e ao prazer em realizar as atividades que lhes são atribuídas. Para tanto, independentemente da função que ocupam e do nível de instrução que possuem, o trabalho que exercem tem uma finalidade e um valor para sociedade.
Epigenome‐Wide Association Study for All‐Cause Mortality in a Cardiovascular Cohort Identifies Differential Methylation in Castor Zinc Finger 1 (
CASZ1
)
Authors: Abdulrahim Jawan W. , Kwee Lydia Coulter , Grass Elizabeth , Siegler Ilene C. , Williams Redford , Karra Ravi , Kraus William E. , Gregory Simon G. , Shah Svati H.
Published: October 2019

Background

DNA
methylation is implicated in many chronic diseases and may contribute to mortality. Therefore, we conducted an epigenome‐wide association study (
EWAS
) for all‐cause mortality with whole‐transcriptome data in a cardiovascular cohort (
CATHGEN
[Catheterization Genetics]).

Methods and Results

Cases were participants with mortality≥7 days postcatheterization whereas controls were alive with≥2 years of follow‐up. The Illumina Human Methylation 450K and
EPIC
arrays (Illumina, San Diego, CA) were used for the discovery and validation sets, respectively. A linear model approach with empirical Bayes estimators adjusted for confounders was used to assess difference in methylation (Δβ). In the discovery set (55 cases, 49 controls), 25 629 (6.5%) probes were differently methylated (
P
<0.05). In the validation set (108 cases, 108 controls), 3 probes were differentially methylated with a false discovery rate–adjusted
P
<0.10: cg08215811 (

SLC
4A9

; log
2
fold change=−0.14); cg17845532 (

MATK

; fold change=−0.26); and cg17944110 (castor zinc finger 1 [
CASZ1
];
FC
=0.26;
P
<0.0001; false discovery rate–adjusted
P
=0.046–0.080). Meta‐analysis identified 6 probes (false discovery rate–adjusted
P
<0.05): the 3 above, cg20428720 (intergenic), cg17647904 (

NCOR
2

), and cg23198793 (

CAPN
3

). Messenger
RNA
expression of 2

MATK

isoforms was lower in cases (fold change=−0.24 [
P
=0.007] and fold change=−0.61 [
P
=0.009]). The

CASZ
1

,

NCOR
2

, and

CAPN
3

transcripts did not show differential expression (
P
>0.05); the

SLC
4A9

transcript did not pass quality control. The cg17944110 probe is located within a potential regulatory element; expression of predicted targets (using GeneHancer) of the regulatory element,

UBIAD
1

(
P
=0.01) and

CLSTN
1

(
P
=0.03), were lower in cases.

Conclusions

We identified 6 novel methylation sites associated with all‐cause mortality. Methylation in

CASZ
1

may serve as a regulatory element associated with mortality in cardiovascular patients. Larger studies are necessary to confirm these observations.
Effect of vessel diameter on variation of fiber morphology in Acacia mangium
Authors: Yahya Ridwan , Yansen Yansen , Tazuru-Mizuno Suyako , Sugiyama Junji
Published: October 2019

Paper quality depends on fiber diameter and wall thickness, and their derivatives. Fiber deformation occurs due to pressure from the vessel during development. The diameter and wall thickness of the fibers were measured following the direction of pressure exerted by the vessel on the face of the fiber cells. Fiber cell diameter measured perpendicular to and parallel with vessel enlargement was referred to as radial and tangential diameter, respectively, and likewise for fiber wall thickness. Differences in radial and tangential diameter and wall thickness of fiber cells in relation to their distance from vessels were analyzed. The radial diameter of fibers adjacent to large vessels decreased from the first to the fifth fiber, and from the first to the second fiber adjacent to small vessels. Conversely, tangential fiber diameter increased from the first to the fifth fiber for fibers adjacent to large vessels, and from the first to the second fiber adjacent to small vessels. The fibers adjacent to the vessel seem to have thicker walls in both the tangential than radial directions up to 2 and 5 fibers for small and large vessels, respectively. The first two fibers adjacent to small diameter vessels may produce higher strength paper than those up to five fibers from large diameter vessels, because the Runkel ratio, Coefficient of rigidity and Muhlsteph ratio values of fibers adjacent to small vessels are lower than fibers adjacent to large vessels. The opposite occurs for flexibility coefficient values.
Gum duct formation mediated by various concentrations of ethephon and methyl jasmonate treatments in Cerasus × yedoensis, Prunus mume and Liquidambar styraciflua
Authors: Carolina Anne , Kusumoto Dai
Published: October 2019

We aimed to explore the effects of different concentrations, in particular, high concentrations, of exogenously applied ethephon and methyl jasmonate on gum duct formation in three broad-leaved tree species, Cerasus × yedoensis, Prunus mume and Liquidambar styraciflua. Intact shoots were treated with ethephon and methyl jasmonate in lanolin paste at concentrations of 0.1%, 1%, 2%, 5%, and 10% (w/w). The ethephon treatments induced gum duct formation in the xylem adjacent to the cambium in all three species, whereas the methyl jasmonate treatments did not. The highest induction of gum duct formation was observed after 1–2% ethephon treatments in C. × yedoensis and P. mume, and after 5–10% ethephon treatments in L. styraciflua. Meanwhile, the treatments with higher ethephon concentrations resulted in a lower induction of gum duct formation in C. × yedoensis and P. mume. In addition, we examined gum duct formation at sites distant from the treatment sites in C. × yedoensis and P. mume shoots treated with 10% ethephon. Gum duct formation was found to be the highest at sites 2 cm away from the treatment site (in the acropetal direction). We show that at least in C. × yedoensis and P. mume, trees have an optimal concentration of ethephon to induce gum duct formation, and that concentrations higher than the optimum suppress the induction.
First report of Gonodactylus smithii (Pocock, 1893) from South Andaman, India (Crustacea : Stomatopoda)
Authors: NIVEDITHA S. KRISHNA , PONGENER LIMAANGNEN , PADMAVATI G.
Published: October 2019

The Andaman and Nicobar group of islands (11.7401°N, 92.6586°E) are surrounded by the Bay of Bengal to the west and Andaman Sea to the east. The species reported in this paper belongs to the superfamily Gonodactyloidea, which are generally “smashers”, i.e. the dactylus of their raptorial appendage is greatly inflated at the base and used to break open hard-bodied prey (Ahyong 1997). Most smashers live in rock and coral cavities and have a heavily armoured telson for defensive and offensive purposes (Caldwell & Dingle 1975). Studies on the family Gonodactylidae from these islands have been limited and few have been reported so far (Jayabarathi et al. 2013; Kumaralingam & Raghunathan 2016; Kumaralingam et al. 2017). Recent field studies in the Andaman Islands collected a specimen of the Gonodactylus smithii, reported herein.
Two new species of Schizomyia (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) from Japan, with an updated key to larval, pupal and adult Schizomyia in Japan
Authors: ELSAYED AYMAN KHAMIS , YUKAWA JUNICHI , TOKUDA MAKOTO
Published: October 2019

Two new species of Schizomyia Kieffer (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae: Asphondyliini: Schizomyiina) are reported from Japan. Schizomyia broussonetiae Elsayed & Tokuda n. sp. forms hairy globular leaf galls on the paper mulberry Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) Vent. (Moraceae) and S. uechiae Elsayed and Tokuda n. sp. induces red flower bud galls on the porcelain berry Ampelopsis glandulosa var. brevipedunculata (Maxim.) Momiy. (Vitaceae). Morphological features of larvae, pupae and adults of the new species are described, illustrated and compared in detail to several other Schizomyia species. An updated taxonomic key to known Japanese species of Schizomyia is provided.
Green Synthesis, Characterization and Applications of ZnO Nanoparticles—A Review
Authors: Pal Sukanta , Mondal Sourav , Pal Prasanta , Maity Jayanta
Published: October 2019

Nanoscience and nanotechnology manage the creation, running, and utilization of the materials having the nanoscale measurement. In this audit, for the most part, centers on the green amalgamation of zinc oxide nanoparticles utilizing diverse plants parts (leaf, bloom, natural products,
root and stem bark), microscopic organisms, and growth with logical name, family name, regular name and its portrayal, size, and state of the nanoparticles, and different applications. Different significances and utilization of the green incorporated ZnO nanoparticles in the photocatalyst
and antibacterial movements were also examined.
The social life of transport infrastructures: Masculinities and everyday mobilities in Kolkata
Authors: Chowdhury Romit
Published: October 2019

Through ethnographic contact with the working lives of male autorickshaw drivers in contemporary Kolkata, India, this article unravels the gendered politics of co-presence in shared movement systems in the city. In doing so, it makes a feminist intervention in the literature on urban infrastructures by revealing precisely how ideas of masculinity operate as an invisible structuring principle of everyday mobility. The discussion foregrounds conflict, cooperation and disappointment as the key experiential axes along which male transport workers inhabit infrastructural space in the city. It argues that urban infrastructures are experienced by working-class men as a reminder of their struggle to accomplish the norm of respectable breadwinner masculinity, even as they function as a terrain which allows other expressions of masculinity – such as risk-taking, mastery over space, camaraderie – to be enacted and affirmed. Using a micro-sociological approach to understanding interactions in the spaces of commuting, this article brings into view the interface between cultures of masculinity and the social life of transport infrastructures through which gendered spatial inequalities are lived in the city.
On the strength of ties that bind: Measuring the strength of norms in romantic relationships
Authors: Sakaluk John K. , Biernat Monica , Le Bonnie M. , Lundy Sarah , Impett Emily A.
Published: October 2019

In seven studies ( ncross-sectional = 1,699, nlongitudinal = 118), we developed a measure of relationship norm strength defined as qualities that make the rules and expectations in romantic couples more or less likely to be followed. In our six cross-sectional samples, the resulting Relationship Norm Strength Questionnaire (RNSQ) yielded consistent norm tractability, norm agreement, anticipated punishment for deviance, and norm explicitness factors, and estimated factors generally demonstrated evidence of convergent, discriminant, and criterion validity. Meta-analyzed effects across these samples—yielding more reliable and generalizable estimates—indicated that greater norm tractability and norm agreement were strongly linked to higher levels of relationship quality. Further supporting our model of relationship norm functioning, results from our 8-week longitudinal study of community members in relationships indicated that greater levels of norm tractability and agreement resulted in greater subsequent norm conformity. Taken together, our results suggest that relationship norm strength offers a promising new perspective on relational well-being and can add to a more comprehensive account of normative processes in close relationships.
Quantifying Positive Health Externalities of Disease Control Interventions: Modeling Chikungunya and Dengue
Authors: Claypool Anneke L. , Brandeau Margaret L. , Goldhaber-Fiebert Jeremy D.
Published: October 2019

Purpose. Health interventions can generate positive externalities not captured in traditional, single-disease cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs), potentially biasing results. We illustrate this with the example of mosquito-borne diseases. When a particular mosquito species can transmit multiple diseases, a single-disease CEA comparing disease-specific interventions (e.g., vaccination) with interventions targeting the mosquito population (e.g., insecticide) would underestimate the insecticide’s full benefits (i.e., preventing other diseases). Methods. We developed three dynamic transmission models: chikungunya, dengue, and combined chikungunya and dengue, each calibrated to disease-specific incidence and deaths in Colombia (June 2014 to December 2017). We compared the models’ predictions of the incremental benefits and cost-effectiveness of an insecticide (10% efficacy), hypothetical chikungunya and dengue vaccines (40% coverage, 95% efficacy), and combinations of these interventions. Results. Model calibration yielded realistic parameters that produced close matches to disease-specific incidence and deaths. The chikungunya model predicted that vaccine would decrease the incidence of chikungunya and avert more total deaths than insecticide. The dengue model predicted that insecticide and the dengue vaccine would reduce dengue incidence and deaths, with no effect for the chikungunya vaccine. In the combined model, insecticide was more effective than either vaccine in reducing the incidence of and deaths from both diseases. In all models, the combined strategy was at least as effective as the most effective single strategy. In an illustrative CEA, the most frequently preferred strategy was vaccine in the chikungunya model, the status quo in the dengue model, and insecticide in the combined model. Limitations. There is uncertainty in the target calibration data. Conclusions. Failure to capture positive externalities can bias CEA results, especially when evaluating interventions that affect multiple diseases. Multidisease modeling is a reasonable alternative for addressing such biases.
Lateral or medial approach for valgus knee in total knee arthroplasty - which one is better? A systematic review
Authors: Wang Bin , Xing Dan , Li Jiao Jiao , Zhu Yuanyuan , Dong Shengjie , Zhao Bin
Published: October 2019

Objective

To identify whether the medial or lateral approach is superior for patients with valgus knees undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

Studies evaluating the 2 approaches were sourced from the PUBMED, EMBASE, Web of Science, and OVID databases. The quality of included studies was assessed using a modified quality evaluation method, and differences between approaches were systematically reviewed.

Results

Seventeen observational studies were included. The studies were published between 1991 and 2016, and included 5 retrospective studies and 12 prospective studies. Sixteen evaluation methods for the study outcomes were identified. Twelve and eight complication types were identified by studies reporting the lateral and medial approaches for valgus knee, respectively. Several studies showed that pain scores and knee function were superior using a lateral approach.

Conclusion

The lateral approach (combined with a tibial tubercle osteotomy or proximal quadriceps snip) was more useful and safer than the medial approach in the treatment of severe uncorrectable valgus knee deformity in patients undergoing TKA. Most of the available evidence supports the use of a lateral approach provided that the surgeon is familiar with the pathological anatomy of the valgus knee.
Assembly interference and its avoidance of spiral bevel gears in cyclo-palloid system
Authors: Tsuji Isamu , Kawasaki Kazumasa
Published: October 2019

In this article, the assembly interference of spiral bevel gears in a Klingelnberg cyclo-palloid system is analyzed based upon tooth contact analysis and is investigated experimentally. Each backlash in increasing mounting distance of the pinion is calculated step by step, using developed tooth contact analysis. When the backlash increases, the assembly interference does not occur based upon the calculated results. When the backlash decreases and is less than zero, the assembly interference occurs. When the assembly interference occurs, the tooth surfaces should be modified in order to prevent the assembly interference. In this case, a method of the modification is proposed. The experimental results showed a good agreement with the analyzed ones. As a result, the validity of the analysis and avoidance of the assembly interference in this method was confirmed.
Distant Metastasis Risk Definition by Tumor Biomarkers Integrated Nomogram Approach for Locally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Fan Xinjuan , Xie Ya , Chen Haiyang , Guo Xiaobo , Ma Yan , Pang Xiaolin , Huang Yan , He Fang , Liu Shuai , Yu Yizhen , Hong Minghuang , Xiao Jian , Wan Xiangbo , Li Ming , Zheng Jian
Published: October 2019

Identifying metastasis remains a challenge for death control and tailored therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Here, we addressed this by designing a nomogram-based Cox proportional regression model through integrating a panel of tumor biomarkers. A total of 147 locally patients with advanced NPC, derived from a randomized phase III clinical trial, were enrolled. We constructed the model by selecting the variables from 31 tumor biomarkers, including 6 pathological signaling pathway molecules and 3 Epstein-Barr virus-related serological variables. Through the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox proportional regression analysis, a nomogram was designed to refine the metastasis risk of each NPC individuals. Using the LASSO Cox regression model, we constructed a 9 biomarkers-based prognostic nomogram: Beclin 1, Aurora-A, Cyclin D1, Ki-67, P27, Bcl-2, MMP-9, 14-3-3σ, and VCA-IgA. The time-dependence receiver operating characteristic analysis at 1, 3, and 5 years showed an appealing prognostic accuracy with the area under the curve of 0.830, 0.827, and 0.817, respectively. In the validation subset, the concordance index of this nomogram reached to 0.64 to identify the individual metastasis pattern. Supporting by this nomogram algorithm, the individual metastasis risk might be refined personally and potentially guiding the treatment decisions and target therapy against the related signaling pathways for patients with locally advanced NPC.
Effect of ultrasound on the structural characteristics of fresh skim milk
Authors: Yang Jitao , Yang Min , Qin Juanjuan , Zeng Qiubing , Wang Yucheng , Han Na
Published: October 2019

The structural changes of skim milk caused by sonication were evaluated by particle size, zeta-potential, turbidity, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and intrinsic and 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid sodium salt fluorescence properties. The results showed that the particle size and zeta-potential of skim milk remained constant with 1 min ultrasonication, and increased significantly when the duration of sonication was extended to 3 min. With 3–10 min ultrasonic treatment, the diameter and net charge of particles in skim milk changed scarcely. According to the topography, the integrity of casein micelles was not damaged by 30 min sonication, but the turbidity decreased sharply with sonication above 5 min. The secondary structure of protein in skim milk changed after 1 min sonication, shown by a significant increase of α-helix content and decrease in the irregularity of β-sheet. The intrinsic fluorescence intensity of skim milk with 1 min sonication increased dramatically with a shift in the maximum emission wavelength. The fluorescence properties revealed that the spatial structure of protein in skim milk changed by sonication.
Cross-ethnic friendship self-efficacy: A new predictor of cross-ethnic friendships among children
Authors: Bagci Sabahat C. , Cameron Lindsey , Turner Rhiannon N. , Morais Catarina , Carby Afiya , Ndhlovu Mirina , Leney Anaise
Published: October 2019

Across two studies ( NStudy 1 = 101; NStudy 2 = 262) conducted among children in the UK, we incorporate Bandura’s (1986) self-efficacy theory to intergroup contact literature and introduce the new construct of cross-ethnic friendship self-efficacy (CEFSE), the belief that one can successfully form and maintain high-quality cross-ethnic friendships. Study 1 examined whether sources of CEFSE beliefs (prior contact, indirect contact, social norms, and intergroup anxiety) predicted higher quality cross-ethnic friendships through CEFSE. Study 2 replicated Study 1 and extended it by including perceived parental cross-ethnic friendship quality as a further predictor. In both studies, sources of self-efficacy beliefs (except social norms) were related to CEFSE, which predicted higher quality cross-ethnic friendships. Study 2 demonstrated that parental cross-ethnic friendships had direct and indirect associations with children’s cross-ethnic friendships through sources of CEFSE and CEFSE beliefs. Findings are discussed in the light of self-efficacy and intergroup contact theories.
Symptom monitoring of childhood illnesses and referrals: A pilot study on the feasibility of a mobile phone-based system as a disease surveillance tool in a rural health district of Ghana
Authors: Mohammed Aliyu , Acheampong Princess Ruhama , Otupiri Easmon , Owusu-Dabo Ellis
Published: October 2019

Despite the potential of mobile technology in improving health systems, its use as a surveillance tool is still unclear. This study aimed to examine the feasibility of a mobile phone-based system as a surveillance tool for identifying common symptoms of childhood illnesses. We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study involving caregivers (n = 161) of children under 5 years. The system was designed to assess disease symptoms of the sick children and provide health advice to caregivers regarding what to do with the sick child. The capacity of the system to correctly assess the disease symptoms of sick children, and provide referral was examined using Kappa statistics. Of the 126 calls recorded by the system, 52 (41.3%) were valid with complete data. The level of agreement between the system and clinicians’ report with respect to common symptoms of childhood illnesses varied: fever (kappa = 0.70, p < 0.001); vomiting (kappa = 0.46, p < 0.002); diarrhoea (kappa = 0.44, p < 0.007); and cough (kappa = 0.37, p < 0.0129). An acceptable level of symptom reliability was achieved by the system. The results suggest that the system can be used as a first line surveillance tool for identifying potential childhood disease outbreaks based on symptom reports.
Using the realist interview approach to maintain theoretical awareness in realist studies
Authors: Mukumbang Ferdinand C , Marchal Bruno , Van Belle Sara , van Wyk Brian
Published: October 2019

Realist evaluation submits that theories and models of how, why, for whom and under what circumstances programs work could be formulated by conceptualizing the relational links between the context within which programs are implemented, the generative mechanisms the programs trigger, and the outcomes of interest. Qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis allow for the description of the relevant context, the generative mechanisms, and the emergent outcomes of programs and provide explanatory power to link these elements. The ‘realist interviewing technique’, whereby interviewees comment on a suggested ‘program theory’ to provide refinement, is proposed as a distinctive approach for conducting interviews in a realist-informed inquiry. However, the application of this interviewing strategy within the realist evaluation studies is underutilized. In this study, we demonstrate how the realist interview technique reinforces and maintains theoretical awareness and contributes to trustworthiness through three theory-building phases: theory gleaning, theory refining, and theory consolidation.
Renin–angiotensin system gene polymorphisms and colorectal cancer risk: a meta-analysis
Authors: Cheng Zhen , Liu Zhiwei
Published: October 2019

Objective:

The renin–angiotensin system gene has been implicated in the progression of colorectal cancer. Nevertheless, the details of that role remain controversial. We performed a meta-analysis to investigate the correlation between renin–angiotensin system gene polymorphisms and colorectal cancer.

Methods:

We retrieved relevant studies from PubMed and Embase. Subsequently, fixed or random-effects models were used to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results:

We identified six studies of the angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism, and two studies of the angiotensinogen M235T polymorphism. The angiotensin-converting enzyme I/D polymorphism did not significantly correlate with colorectal cancer risk in the total population (DD vs. II: OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.39–1.50; DI vs. II: OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.85–1.30; dominant model: OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.68–1.31; recessive model: OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.80–1.27). Similarly, the angiotensinogen M235T polymorphism was not associated with colorectal cancer risk (TT vs. MM: OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.52–3.67; TM vs. MM: OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.96–1.47; dominant model: OR 1.28, 95% CI 0.77–2.14; recessive model: OR 1.17, 95% CI 0.53–2.59).

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that the angiotensin-converting enzyme I/D and angiotensinogen M235T polymorphisms are unlikely to correlate with colorectal cancer.
Detection of grouting defects in prestressed tendon ducts using distributed fiber optic sensors
Authors: Gong Shilin , Feng Xin
Published: October 2019

To compensate for the shortcomings of the existing point detection methods for grouting defects in prestressed tendon ducts, such as low detection efficiency, stringent detection environment, and easy omission of grouting defects, this article presents a distributed detection approach to detect the grouting defects in tendon ducts. The main objective of the research pertained to the development of a method for accurate identification and location of grouting defects and qualitative evaluation of the size of grouting defects using distributed fiber optic sensors with active heating. Using the thermal analysis of grouting defects in the tendon duct and the research on distributed fiber optic sensors measurement characteristics, our work proposed a method for identifying and locating grouting defects and explored the effect of the grouting defect length and the grouting compactness on the temperature rise of distributed fiber optic sensors. The feasibility of the proposed approach is evaluated through an experimental program. The experimental program involved use of heating distributed fiber optic sensors for the distributed measurement of temperature after the heating and detection of grouting defects in tendon ducts in a concrete beam. The results indicate that distributed fiber optic sensors can monitor the temperature distribution of the tendon duct during a temperature rise in real time. Grouting defects in the tendon duct can be quickly detected and located by identifying temperature anomalies in the temperature contour of the distributed fiber optic sensors. Furthermore, there is a linear relationship between the defect length and the abnormal temperature length on the distributed fiber optic sensors, and the defect length can be identified based on the abnormal temperature length obtained by the measurement. Plane-equivalent thermal conductivity can be used to evaluate the grouting compactness of the tendon duct. When the grouting compactness is greater than 70%, the smaller the plane-equivalent thermal conductivity is, the lower the grouting compactness is. The plane-equivalent thermal conductivity is basically the same when the grouting compactness is less than 70%.
Modeling and Simulation as a Service for joint military space operations simulation
Authors: Kasım Başar , Çavdar Ahmet Birol , Nacar Mehmet Akif , Çayırcı Erdal
Published: October 2019

Current space operations simulation capabilities are limited and do not suffice to fulfill the requirements for military space mission areas. Therefore, a Modeling and Simulation as a Service architecture for joint military space operations simulation is introduced. In this architecture, every military space operations mission area is addressed by at least one or more simulation services, which can be run independently or as composed with others. Our layered service-oriented modeling and simulation environment, namely the HAVELSAN Training and Experimentation Cloud, is the implementation of this architecture.
How Artificial Intelligence Can Improve Understanding in Challenging Chaotic Environments
Authors: Hafezi Reza
Published: October 2019

Decision-makers are concerned with the inherent complexity of the modern world’s markets. However, price fluctuations, environmental concerns, technological development, emerging markets, political challenges, and social expectations made the 21st century more dynamic and complex. From a policy-making perspective, it is vital to uncover future trends. This article proposed that artificial intelligence (AI) can improve interpretations in complex markets, such as financial and energy markets. In a complex environment, it is critical to investigate maximum available input features to ensure no valuable informative feature is neglected. Some AI-based models are investigated and presented that AI-based models can successfully uncover future trends. From a scenario development perspective, purified input features subset refers to driving forces which shape alternative futures. Results showed that using AI can improve our understanding of how input features influence future behaviors and simultaneously improve prediction accuracy and reliability.
Differences in β-thujaplicin content of wood between plantation- and naturally grown Thujopsis dolabrata var. hondae (hinokiasunaro) trees in Shimokita Peninsula, Aomori, Japan
Authors: Tanabe Jun , Takashima Yuya , Ishiguri Futoshi , Sanpe Hiroyuki , Ohshima Jyunichi , Iizuka Kazuya , Yokota Shinso
Published: October 2019

β-Thujaplicin (hinokitiol) is an important extractive of Thujopsis dolabrata var. hondae (hinokiasunaro) that confers high durability to its wood. We investigated differences in β-thujaplicin content in wood from plantation- and naturally grown trees of T. dolabrata var. hondae, and also examined growth rate and wood density. A total of 29 trees were collected from two natural forests and a plantation forest in the Shimokita Peninsula, Aomori, Japan. β-Thujaplicin content was determined for each heartwood sample by gas chromatography. The content ranged from 0.29 to 3.67 mg/g (oven-dry weight basis). β-thujaplicin content of plantation-grown trees was significantly higher than for naturally grown trees, though with a large variation. The effect of radial growth rate on β-thujaplicin content was minimal. We conclude that T. dolabrata var. hondae wood from both plantation and natural forest has similar durability. The coefficient of variation of β-thujaplicin content in each stand was higher than for other wood properties. This degree of tree-to-tree variation in the trait suggests that promising production with more durable wood could be achieved by selecting T. dolabrata var. hondae trees containing a high content of β-thujaplicin for plantations.