bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract 330: Reconstructed Bone (r-Bone): A patient-derived 3D culture platform for prediction of clinical outcomes in multiple myeloma
Authors: Kirshner Julia , Kirshnan Amrita , Nathwani Nitya , Htut Myo , Rosenzweig Michael , Karanes Chatchada , Firoozeh Sahebi , Rosen Steven
Published: September 2020

Multiple myeloma (MM), an incurable cancer of the bone marrow plasma cells, is a second most common hematological malignancy. While considerable progress has been made towards treatment of MM, the 5-year survival rate continues to hover around 50%. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the capacity of the Reconstructed Bone (r-Bone) model to predict clinical outcomes in patients with multiple myeloma. The r-Bone system incorporates cellular (hematopoietic and stromal) and extracellular (extracellular matrix and secretory factors) components, supports long-term survival (>30 days) and proliferation, and maintains cellular heterogeneity of the primary human bone marrow. The 1-to-1 reconstruction of the bone marrow architecture established by the r-Bone platform provides an ideal in vitro system to evaluate the efficacy of anti-myeloma agents to select those with highest probability of clinical success. Bone marrow aspirates collected from 21 patients with multiple myeloma were processed and set-up in r-Bone cultures. To establish the correct bone marrow architechture, cultures where grown for 5 days, after which the cells were treated according to the clinical regimen selected by the treating physician based on the orginal bone marrow aspirate. Subsequently, cells were isolated from the r-Bone and processed for flow cytometry. Plasma and non-plasma cell populations were evaluated post-treatment and the extent of cell death was correlated with the observed clinical response. r-Bone cultures correctly predicted the outcome of 19 out of 21 cases with 8 true positivies, 11 true negatives, and 2 false positives. This data demonstrate that the r-Bone system could be used for pipeline attrition management to select drug candidates with the highest probability of clinical success and can be developed into a prognostic tool for the selection of treatment regimen for patients with multiple myeloma.

Citation Format: Julia Kirshner, Amrita Kirshnan, Nitya Nathwani, Myo Htut, Michael Rosenzweig, Chatchada Karanes, Sahebi Firoozeh, Steven Rosen. Reconstructed Bone (r-Bone): A patient-derived 3D culture platform for prediction of clinical outcomes in multiple myeloma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 330.
Abstract 4538: A safe and potent agonist ADG106 targeting a unique epitope of CD137 with novel mechanism of actions
Authors: Liu Guizhong , Du Felix , She Xiaohong , Zhu Yi , Tolcher Anthony W. , Luo Peter
Published: September 2020

Antagonist antibodies targeting immune checkpoint co-inhibitory receptor such as PD-1/PD-L1 have achieved great clinical success in cancer immunotherapy. However, agonistic antibodies targeting the co-stimulatory T cell receptors in the TNFR superfamily, and CD137 in particular, has suffered significant setback due to either dose-dependent severe liver toxicity by Urelumab, or modest clinical anti-tumor activity by Utomilumab. ADG106, a safe and potent antibody targeting a unique epitope of CD137, is shown to hold the great promise to achieve much better efficacy and safety profile for immunotherapy in preclinical and phase 1 studies. ADG106, a fully human agonistic anti-CD137 IgG4 mAb, binds to a unique and conserved epitope with multiple cross-species reactivity, and overlaps with CD137 ligand binding site. This unique antibody acts in a novel mechanism with the following attributes: 1) it agonizes CD137 in a natural ligand-like fashion; 2) it blocks ligand to disable its reverse signaling; 3) it exhibits strong but specific Fc receptor mediated crosslinking in comparison with Utomilumab. ADG106 shows robust dose-dependent single agent anti-tumor activity in multiple syngeneic mouse tumor models and induces durable antigen-specific memory immunity that protects animals from the same re-challenged tumor cells. Consistent with the preclinical observations, ongoing phase I trial shows that the same antibody, ADG106, is well-tolerated in cancer patients in dose escalation from 0.03 to 3 mg/kg; and it also shows single agent activity on circulating T cell activation and clonal expansion in anti-tumor activity. Furthermore, ADG106 has also induced complete remission of the liver metastatic lesion in a lymphoma patient at 1mg/kg dose. Preclinical studies demonstrate that ADG106 enhances activation and inflammatory cytokine release of primed T cells alone or together with other immunomodulatory agents in vitro, as well as exhibits synergistic in vivo anti-tumor activity in combination with variety of other cancer therapies, including checkpoint inhibitors, chemotherapies and targeted agents. Mechanistic analyses suggest that ADG106 stimulates tumor infiltration and expansion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, thereby promoting the antitumor responses. These findings support that ADG106-boosted immune response could offer an effective but alternative solution for cancer immunotherapy in single and combination therapies, especially for non-responders to current PD-1/PD-L1 based immunotherapies.

Citation Format: Guizhong Liu, Felix Du, Xiaohong She, Yi Zhu, Anthony W. Tolcher, Peter Luo. A safe and potent agonist ADG106 targeting a unique epitope of CD137 with novel mechanism of actions [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 4538.
Abstract 4806: SIRT5 inhibition causes increased oxidative stress and impairs tumor progression and metastasis
Authors: Fernandez Irma , Abril Yashira N. , Hong Jun Y. , Yang Min , Sadhukhan Sushabhan , Lin Hening , Weiss Robert
Published: September 2020

Cancer cells undergo metabolic reprogramming, producing energy through aerobic glycolysis followed by lactic acid fermentation. Consequently, targeting key metabolic enzymes has emerged as a potential avenue to selectively inhibit tumor growth. The sirtuin family of deacylases has roles in both metabolism and cancer. The mitochondrial sirtuin SIRT5 regulates protein post-translational modifications on metabolic enzymes by catalyzing the removal of succinyl, malonyl, and glutaryl moieties. SIRT5 is over-expressed in many cancers, including breast cancer. Therefore, we hypothesized that SIRT5 promotes breast cancer progression by facilitating metabolic reprogramming. SIRT5 knockdown in human cancer cells inhibited anchorage independent growth but had little effect on non-transformed cells. To examine how SIRT5 loss impacts tumorigenesis in vivo, we utilized MMTV-PyMT transgenic mice, which are prone to mammary adenocarcinoma and lung metastasis. SIRT5 knockout (KO) MMTV-PyMT mice had increased survival, decreased tumor size, and reduced lung metastases, as compared to SIRT5 wild-type (WT) MMTV-PyMT controls. SIRT5 KO cancer cells had higher levels of reactive oxygen species and displayed lower levels of important antioxidants such as NADPH and GSH. These results suggest that SIRT5 KO cells are more susceptible to oxidative stress, hinting that SIRT5 may be promoting breast cancer by mitigating ROS through one or more of its key metabolic substrates. To determine the therapeutic potential of SIRT5 inhibition, we created potent and specific small molecule SIRT5 inhibitors. Pharmacological inhibition of SIRT5 impaired mammary tumor growth in both transgenic and human breast cancer xenograft mouse models, with no apparent toxicity. Considering that Sirt5 knockout mice are generally normal, with only mild phenotypes observed, these data establish SIRT5 as a promising target for treating breast cancer.

Citation Format: Irma Fernandez, Yashira N. Abril, Jun Y. Hong, Min Yang, Sushabhan Sadhukhan, Hening Lin, Robert Weiss. SIRT5 inhibition causes increased oxidative stress and impairs tumor progression and metastasis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 4806.
Abstract 586: Anti-leukemia activities of selenium nanoparticles embedded in nanotube consisted of triple-helix β-D-glucan
Authors: Jin Yanxia , Cai Liqin , Yang Qian , Luo Ziyi , Zhang Lina , Zhou Fuling
Published: September 2020

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematological malignant tumor. The common chemotherapy results in various side-effect and drug-resistance for AML, so it is urgent to find a non-toxic natural drug for AML therapy. Herein, for the first time, the Se nanoparticles embedded in nanotube consisted of triple helix β-D-glucan (BFP) exhibit the high anti-leukemia effects.

Methods: A triple helix β-(1, 3)-D-glucan (BFP) extracted from the black fungus was self-assembled into nanotube in water, and Se nanoparticles (SeNPs) were wrapped to form stable inclusion complex BFP-Se. The CCK8 assays, lactose dehydrogenase release assays, optofluidics chips and flow cytometry were used to test the anti-leukemia effects of BFP-Se in vitro and in vivo.

Results: The SeNPs embedded in the BFP nanotubes exhibited high stability in water, avoiding aggregation and dispersion to out. In vitro, the BFP-Se significantly inhibited the proliferation of AML cell lines and patient cells and markedly increased the cytotoxicity on AML cells. BFP-Se slowed the Molm-13 GFP+ cells growth. On single-cell levels, the U937 cells were gradually swelled and lysed with BFP-Se treatment. In addition, BFP-Se had little toxic to hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and T cells compared to Ara-c. Flow cytometry indicated that BFP-Se promoted the cell apoptosis and blocked cell cycle of AML cells. Further, after injection of BFP-Se, the survival was longer on AML PDX model constructed with B-NSG mice. The blood and bone marrow analysis indicated the anti-leukemia effects of BFP-Se in vivo. Moreover, BFP-Se extremely increased the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) of AML cells, and decreased the expression of c-Jun activation domain-binding protein-1 (Jab1) and thioredoxin 1 (Trx1).

Conclusion: This biocompatible polysaccharide nanotube containing Se nanoparticles - against AML would provide a novel strategy for AML therapy.

Citation Format: Yanxia Jin, Liqin Cai, Qian Yang, Ziyi Luo, Lina Zhang, Fuling Zhou. Anti-leukemia activities of selenium nanoparticles embedded in nanotube consisted of triple-helix β-D-glucan [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 586.
PNH Clones for Aplastic Anemia with Immunosuppressive Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tu Jingke , Pan Hong , Li Ruonan , Wang Zhe , Lian Yu , Li Weiwang , Shi Jun , Fang Liwei
Published: September 2020

Objectives: PNH clones, also aptly called “escape clones,” are evidence of acquired immune-mediated bone marrow failure and have a high prevalence in patients with aplastic anemia (AA). Several studies have reported contradictory results regarding the impact of PNH clones on AA patients with immunosuppression treatment, and PNH clones have not been confirmed as positive predictors of response in the AA guidelines of the British Society for Standards in Haematology. Methods: We performed a meta-analysis to address this issue by searching for articles in PubMed, EMBASE, The Coch­rane Library, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov, and for abstracts from the annual meetings of the American Society of Hematology and the European Hematology Association. We included 1,236 participants from 11 cohort-controlled studies. Our primary outcome was the 6-month hematologic response with a secondary outcome of the mortality rate within 3 months. Results: A better response rate was observed in the PNH+ group than in the PNH– group (odds ratio [OR] 2.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.17–3.75; p < 0.00001), and further subgroup analysis strengthened the outcome, with minor heterogeneity in non-Asian countries. In contrast, the early mortality was not significantly different between the PNH+ and PNH– groups (OR 0.54; 95% CI 0.26–1.10; p = 0.09). Conclusions: The meta-analysis suggested an evidence-based role for PNH clones in predicting a better response in AA patients with immunosuppression.
Bethesda System Categories of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology Are Not Associated with Thyroid Nodule Location: A Single Institution Experience
Authors: Xavier-Júnior José Cândido Caldeira , Abrantkoski Borges Felipe , Pizzello Zogheib Rodrigo José , Camilo-Júnior Deolino João
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Thyroid isthmus is defined as the thin band connecting thyroid tissue between both lateral thyroid lobes. Recently, a possible association between thyroid nodules located in the isthmus and malignancy was proposed. The aim of this study was to compare the frequency of The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) categories between nodules from the isthmus and nodules from both thyroid lobes. Methods: All fine needle aspiration cytology procedures performed between January 2016 and December 2019 at the Pathology Institute of Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil, were analyzed. For each nodule, at least 2 conventional slides were produced (1 stained by Giemsa and the other by hematoxylin and eosin). All cases were reported according to the TBSRTC. Clinical information (gender, age, and localization) and ultrasound data (size of nodules) were collected from medical requisition forms. To assess the association between the frequency of TBSRTC categories and nodule location, univariate analysis was performed using the χ2 test or Fisher’s exact test, as appropriate. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Nodules located in transition between the isthmus and a right or left lobe were included in the isthmus group. Results: Considering the p value between the TBSRTC categories and thyroid nodule location, statistic association was not observed: nondiagnostic or unsatisfactory (p = 0.1442), atypia of undetermined significance or follicular lesion of undetermined significance (p = 0.3296), follicular neoplasm or suspicious for a follicular neoplasm (p = 0.0817), suspicious for malignancy (p = 0.8464), and malignant (p = 0.1082). Conclusion: In the studied population, nodules located in the isthmus were not related to any Bethesda System category.
Enhance the accuracy of control algorithm for multilevel inverter based on artificial neural network
Authors: Rasheed Mohammed , A. Alakkad Moataz M. , Omar Rosli , Sulaiman Marizan , Abd Halim Wahidah
Published: September 2020

In converters or multilevel inverters it is very important to ensure that the output of the
multilevel inverters waveforms in term of the voltage or current of the waveforms is
smooth and without distortion. The artificial neural network (ANN) technique to
obtaining proper switching angles sequences for a uniform step asymmetrical modified
multilevel inverter by eliminating specified higher-order harmonics while maintaining
the required fundamental voltage and current waveform. However, through this paper a
modified CHB-MLI are proposed using artificial intelligence optimization technique
based on modulation Selective Harmonic Elimination (SHE-PWM). A most powerful
modulation technique that used to minimize a harmonic contants during the outout
waveform of multilevel inverter is a SHE-PWM method. The proposed a five-level
Modified Cascaded H-Bridge Multilevel Inverter (M-CHBMI) with ANN controller to
improve the output voltage and current performance and achieve a lower Total
Harmonic Distortion (THD). The main aims of this paper cover design, modeling,
prediction for real-time generation of optimal switching angles in a single-phase
topology of modified five level CHB-MLI. due to the heavy cost of computation to
solving transcendental nonlinear equations with specified number, a real-time
application of Selective Harmonic Elimination-Pulse Width Modulation (SHE-PWM)
technique is limited. SHE equations known as a transcendental nonlinear equation that
contain trigonometric functions. The prototype of a 5-level inverter in Digital Signal
Processing (DSP) TMS320F2812 reveals that the proposed method is highly efficient
for harmonic reduction in modified multilevel inverter.
Design of high frequency transformers in different shape of core using matlab program
Authors: Falah Hassan Reem , Rasheed Hameed Kassim
Published: September 2020

This paper deals with the design, simulation and implementation
of the high-frequency transformer for a push-pull converter. It
also includes transformer design and simulation for two switches,
two outputs forward converter. Design these transformers by
building a program, this program is designed in MATLAB
software using a graphical user interface (GUI). The program is
aimed to reduce the efforts and reduce the time compare with the
manual design which takes time and effort. This paper provided
the shape and geometry of the core that can influence the
efficiency of the converter by designing these transformers in two
types of core. The design results were validated by simulation in
power simulation software (PSIM), and compare the results of
simulation and design.
Examining factors that effect on the acceptance of mobile commerce in Malaysia based on revised UTAUT
Authors: Sabri Alrawi Mohammed A. , Narayana Samy Ganthan , Mohd Yusoff Rasimah Che , Shanmugam Bharanidharan , Lakshmiganthan Rajasekaran , Maarop Nurazean , Kamaruddin Norshaliza
Published: September 2020

This study presents an amended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) which explores key factors affecting Malaysian consumers ' willingness to accept mobile-commerce. A questionnaire survey has been used to collect information from 400 Malaysian smartphone users using a random stratified sample and analyzed using structural equation modelling (SEM); with the use of Smart PLS 3.0. Results show that acceptance and use of mobile-commerce services can also be predicted by the behavioural intentions of users, whose performance expectancy, efforts expectations, social effects, mobility, personal innovations and perceived trust are significantly affected. From these variables, perceived trust is the most significant determinant that directly affects behavioural intention to use mobile-commerce services in Malaysia. It is then followed by mobility, personal innovation, social influence, performance expectancy then effect expectancy. Facilitating Conditions and moderating variables such as gender, age, education, income, marital status, experience and payment have no significant effect on Behavioral Intention to use mobile-commerce services in Malaysia. In conclusion, this study shows that behavioural intention and the use of mobile commerce services in Malaysia have a direct effect. The study will help dealers to avoid spending thousands of dollars on investments that have little impact on whether the customer is embracing and using mobile-commerce. The study also provides quantified indicators and offers a framework for the understanding of the Malaysia mobile-commerce system. The report concludes with a study of the effects of the research findings and provides recommendations for future research.
Association Between 90-Minute Door-to-Balloon Time, Selective Exclusion of Myocardial Infarction Cases, and Access Site Choice
Authors: Nathan Ashwin S. , Raman Swathi , Yang Nancy , Painter Ian , Khatana Sameed Ahmed M. , Dayoub Elias J. , Herrmann Howard C. , Yeh Robert W. , Groeneveld Peter W. , Doll Jacob A. , McCabe James M. , Hira Ravi S. , Giri Jay , Fanaroff Alexander C.
Published: September 2020

Background:

For patients presenting with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction, national quality initiatives monitor hospitals’ proportion of cases with door-to-balloon (D2B) time under 90 minutes. Hospitals are allowed to exclude patients from reporting and may modify behavior to improve performance. We sought to identify whether there is a discontinuity in the number of cases included in the D2B time metric at 90 minutes and whether operators were increasingly likely to pursue femoral access in patients with less time to meet the 90-minute quality metric.

Methods:

Adult patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention from 2011 to 2018 were identified from the Cardiac Care Outcomes Assessment Program, a quality improvement registry in Washington state. We used the regression discontinuity framework to test for discontinuity at 90 minutes among the included cases. We defined a novel variable, remaining D2B as 90 minutes minus the time between hospital arrival and catheterization laboratory arrival. We estimated multivariable logistic regression models to assess the relationship between remaining D2B time and access site.

Results:

A total of 19 348 patients underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention and were included in the analysis. Overall, 7436 (38.4%) were excluded from the metric. There appeared to be a visual discontinuity in included cases around 90 minutes; however, local quadratic regression around the 90-minute cutoff did not reveal evidence of a significant discontinuity (
P
=0.66). Multivariable analysis showed no significant relationship between remaining D2B time and the odds of undergoing femoral access (
P
=0.73).

Conclusions:

Among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction, we did not find evidence of a statistically significant discontinuity in the frequency of included cases around 90 minutes or an increased preference for femoral access correlated with decreasing time to meet the 90-minute D2B time quality metric. Together, these findings indicate no evidence of widespread inappropriate methods to improve performance on D2B time metrics.
Predicting Risk of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Using Pooled Cohort Equations in Older Adults With Frailty, Multimorbidity, and Competing Risks
Authors: Nguyen Quoc Dinh , Odden Michelle C. , Peralta Carmen A. , Kim Dae Hyun
Published: September 2020

Background

Assessment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk is crucial for prevention and management, but the performance of the pooled cohort equations in older adults with frailty and multimorbidity is unknown. We evaluated the pooled cohort equations in these subgroups and the impact of competing risks.

Methods and Results

In 4249 community‐dwelling adults, aged ≥65 years, from the CHS (Cardiovascular Health Study), we calculated 10‐year risk of hard ASCVD. Frailty was determined using the Fried phenotype. Latent class analysis was used to identify individuals with multimorbidity patterns using chronic conditions. We assessed discrimination using the C‐statistic and calibration by comparing predicted ASCVD risks with estimated risk using cause‐specific and cumulative incidence models, by multimorbidity patterns and frailty status. A total of 917 (21.6%) participants had an ASCVD event, and 706 (16.6%) had a competing event of death. C‐statistic was 0.68 in men and 0.69 in women; calibration was good when compared with cause‐specific and cumulative incidence estimated risks (males, −0.1% and 3.3%; females, 0.6% and 1.4%). Latent class analysis identified 4 patterns: minimal disease, cardiometabolic, low cognition, musculoskeletal‐lung depression. In the cardiometabolic pattern, ASCVD risk was overpredicted compared with cumulative incidence risk in men (7.4%) and women (6.8%). Risk was underpredicted in men (−10.7%) and women (−8.2%) with frailty compared with cause‐specific risk. Miscalibration occurred mostly at high predicted risk ranges.

Conclusions

ASCVD prediction was good in this cohort of adults aged ≥65 years. Although calibration varied by multimorbidity patterns, frailty, and competing risks, miscalibration was mostly present at high predicted risk ranges and thus less likely to alter decision making for primary prevention therapy.
Associations of B‐Type Natriuretic Peptide and Its Coding Gene Promoter Methylation With Functional Outcome of Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Mediation Analysis
Authors: Wang Aili , Zhang Mingzhi , Ding Yi , Mo Xingbo , Zhong Chongke , Zhu Zhengbao , Guo Daoxia , Zheng Xiaowei , Xu Tan , Liu Yan , Zhang Yonghong , Peng Hao
Published: September 2020

Background

The prognostic role of B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in stroke has been suggested, but limited studies have shown mixed results and unknown underlying mechanisms. DNA methylation, a molecular modification that alters gene expression, may represent a candidate mechanism for this purpose. We aimed to examine the associations of BNP and methylation of its coding gene (natriuretic peptide B [NPPB]) with the functional outcome in a large sample of patients with acute ischemic stroke from CATIS (China Antihypertensive Trial in Acute Ischemic Stroke).

Methods and Results

Leveraging participants from CATIS with available specimens, serum proBNP (equimolarly produced with BNP) was measured in 3216 patients (mean age, 62 years; 64% men), and peripheral blood DNA methylation of theNPPBpromoter was quantified by targeted bisulfite sequencing in 806 patients (mean age, 62 years; 54% men). The functional outcome was defined as an ordered modified Rankin Scale score assessed at 14 days or hospital discharge after stroke onset. Mediation analysis was conducted to test the potential mediating effect of proBNP on the relationship betweenNPPBmethylation and functional outcome. The results showed that a higher level of proBNP was significantly associated with a higher risk of having a poorer functional outcome (odds ratio [OR], 1.14;P=0.006). Every 5% of hypermethylation at 2 (Chr1:11919160 [OR, 0.93;P=0.022] and Chr1:11918989 [OR, 0.92;P=0.032]) of 11 CpG loci assayed was associated with 7% and 8% lower risk, respectively, of having a poor functional outcome. In addition, proBNP was negatively correlated to hypermethylation at 1 CpG (Chr1:11918989 [β=−0.029;P=0.009]) and mediated approximately 7.69% (95% CI, 2.50%–13.82%) of the association between this CpG methylation and the functional outcome.

Conclusions

Hypermethylation at theNPPBpromoter is associated with the functional outcome after ischemic stroke, at least partially by suppressing BNP expression or excretion.
VP-Nominalization and the Final-over-Final Condition
Authors: Hein Johannes , Murphy Andrew
Published: September 2020

The Final-over-Final Condition has emerged as a robust and explanatory generalization for a wide range of phenomena (Biberauer, Holmberg, and Roberts 2014, Sheehan et al. 2017). In this article, we argue that it also holds in another domain, nominalization. In languages that show overt nominalization of VPs, one word order is routinely unattested, namely, a head-initial VP with a suffixal nominalizer. This typological gap can be accounted for by the Final-over-Final Condition, if we allow it to hold within mixed extended projections. This view also makes correct predictions about agentive nominalizations and nominalized serial verb constructions.
Attitudes on Family Law as an Electoral Cleavage: Survey Evidence from Tunisia
Authors: Yasun Salih
Published: September 2020

Most societies in the Middle East and North Africa region (mena) are subject to strict family laws. Do these laws affect voters’ decisions? In this article, I argue that public attitudes on family law constitute an issue-based social cleavage in Tunisia, and I examine the influence of family law on whether individuals vote for Ennahda, the largest conservative party, or Nidaa Tounes, the authoritarian successor party. Findings from a Multinomial Logistic Regression on Afrobarometer data indicate that individuals who hold more egalitarian views on women’s inheritance rights are less likely to vote for Ennahda and more likely to vote for Nidaa Tounes, whereas there is no statistically significant relationship between opinions on women’s divorce rights and voting. These study findings suggest that the attitudes on provisions of family law are an alternative source of social cleavage in emerging democracies, which can have relevance in other country settings in the mena.
First report of the tribe Chlidanotini (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) from Korea, with the description of a new genus and species
Authors: BYUN BONG-KYU
Published: September 2020

Nabangana gen. nov. is described and illustrated from Korea. The new genus and its type species Nabangana koreana sp. nov. represents the first record of the tortricid tribe Chlidanotini from Korea.
Revising NCEI’s Climate Extremes Index and the CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index to Analyze Climate Extremes Vulnerability across the United States
Authors: Pauline Emily L. , Knox John A. , Seymour Lynne , Grundstein Andrew J.
Published: September 2020

The occurrence of extreme weather and climate events has increased in recent decades. This increasing frequency has adversely impacted economic and health outcomes, leading to an increasingly urgent need to study climate extremes. The National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) created the Climate Extremes Index (CEI) in 1996 to quantify climate extremes. In this article, we explore the potential for enhancing the CEI via the use of the Z-score statistic to calculate the CEI on a numerical scale, to increase usability at smaller spatial scales, and to allow the creation of a new climate Extremes Vulnerability Index (EVI). The EVI combines the results from the revised CEI with values from the Social Vulnerability Index from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The EVI can be used by policy-makers, planners, and the public to understand a subregion’s vulnerability to climate extremes. This information from the EVI could then be used to implement policies and changes in infrastructure that mitigate risk in vulnerable climate divisions. In a trial application, it is found that the southeastern and portions of the central United States had the highest levels of vulnerability for the abnormal month of December 2015.
New Product Development in an Omnichannel World
Authors: Gallino Santiago , Rooderkerk Robert
Published: September 2020

Firms compete in an increasingly omnichannel environment. Customers no longer travel a single linear path but traverse a complex map invoking many channels, firm-owned and external, seamlessly through integrated technology. The associated changes in consumer behavior and the ways that firms engage consumers have led many to reshape the way they innovate their product portfolios. This article presents a structured overview of some of the most striking changes to firms’ new product development (NPD) processes in B2C settings. Enlisting the classic NPD funnel, it describes how the omnichannel environment and its technologies affect speed and execution in each development stage. It illustrates key changes with examples from packaged goods, consumer technology, and fashion.
Hate Speech and Election Violence in Nigeria
Authors: Ezeibe Christian
Published: September 2020

Although research has considered how poor governance, exclusionary politics and electoral malpractice affect election violence, the effect of hate speech on election violence has not received adequate academic attention. Using a mixed methods approach with qualitative dominance, this study examines the effect of hate speech on election violence in Nigeria during the 2011, 2015 and 2019 presidential elections. The article demonstrates that an entrenched culture of hate speech is an oft-neglected major driver of election violence in Nigeria. The study concludes that the implementation of existing anti-hate speech laws presents an opportunity for protecting the rights of minority groups, promoting political inclusion and preventing election violence in Nigeria and beyond.
Refining the Short Version of the Leadership Scale for Sports: Factorial Validation and Measurement Invariance
Authors: Teques Pedro , Silva Carlos , Rosado António , Calmeiro Luís , Serpa Sidónio
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the factorial validity and measurement invariance of the short version of the Leadership Scale for Sports (LSS; Chelladurai & Saleh, 1980 ): coaches’ perceptions of their own behavior, athletes’ preferences and athletes’ perceptions of their coaches’ behavior. This validation will allow researchers to minimize time demands on participants. Three independent samples of athletes ( n1 = 373; n2 = 817; n3 = 246) and two samples of coaches ( n1 = 115; n2 = 351) were studied to examine the factorial validity and measurement invariance of the 25-item version of the LSS (LSS-25; Chiu et al., 2016 ). Findings indicated that a 15-item version (LSS-15) fits the data better than the LSS-25. The LSS-15 showed factorial validity and proved to have adequate reliability, convergent validity and discriminant validity. Multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis showed that its factor structure was invariant across two independent samples and across gender for athletes’ perceived and preferred versions. Significant relationships between the LSS-15 subscales and athlete satisfaction also demonstrate criterion validity. These findings support a valid and reliable alternative to the original LSS long-form, especially in applied settings when time constraints require a brief measure of leadership or when study designs include multiple variables.
Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors do not increase the risk of poor outcomes in COVID-19 disease. A multi-centre observational study
Authors: Khan Khurram Shahzad , Reed-Embleton Hamish , Lewis Jen , Bain Pamela , Mahmud Sajid
Published: September 2020

Background and aims

Hypertension is associated with an increased risk of severe outcomes with COVID-19 disease. Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are widely used as a first line medication for the treatment of hypertension in the UK, although their use was suggested in early reports to increase the risk associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods

A prospective cohort study of hospitalised patients with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 was conducted across three hospital sites with patients identified on the 9th April 2020. Demographic and other baseline data were extracted from electronic case records, and patients grouped depending on ACE inhibitor usage or not. The 60-day all-cause mortality and need for intubation compared.

Results

Of the 173 patients identified, 88 (50.8%) had hypertension. Of these 27 (30.7%) used ACE inhibitors. We did not find significant differences in 60-day all-cause mortality, the requirement for invasive ventilation or length of stay between our patient cohorts after adjusting for covariates.

Conclusion

This study contributes to the growing evidence supporting the continued use of ACE inhibitors in COVID-19 disease, although adequately powered randomised controlled trials will be needed to confirm effects.
Discovering informative features in large-scale landmark image collection
Authors: Alzou’bi Ala’a , Gan Keng Hoon
Published: September 2020

One of the key problems in image retrieval systems is the presence of irrelevant and noisy image content. Such content can cause significant confusion for the system. Therefore, there is a need to represent images with only informative features in order to improve the retrieval performance of the system or any subsequent process. In this article, we propose a method to identify the informative features in a large-scale image collection. We apply the frequent itemset mining (FIM) approach to extract visual features patterns from a list of images of the same object. Then, we generate feature pairs to measure the significance of each feature depending on the co-occurrence with its neighbouring features. In addition, we apply this feature selection technique to localise the landmark in the image. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated in terms of average precision (AP) on two benchmark data sets and found that it gives a comparable retrieval performance over the bag of visual words baseline system and the previous methods.
Being earthbound: Arendt, process and alienation in the Anthropocene
Authors: Belcher Oliver , Schmidt Jeremy J
Published: September 2020

Hannah Arendt developed a twofold account of ‘being earthbound’ directly relevant to Anthropocene debates regarding the political. For Arendt, both senses of ‘being earthbound’ arose as humans began to act into nature, not merely upon it. The first sense is oriented to a political ontology of process, which arose as human actions – political, technological, scientific – nullified modernist conceits separating humans from nature. The second sense is one of earth alienation, which is referenced specifically to a scientific praxis coincident with advances in science and technology that alienates common sense experiences in politics. Though not unqualified, these two senses of being earthbound anchor our argument that Arendt offered prescient resources for understanding the political in the Anthropocene at the intersection of science, capital and world. The article ends by contrasting Arendt’s account of being earthbound with Bruno Latour’s recent interventions on the politics of Gaia.
Seeing films through sound: Sound design, spatial audio, and accessibility for visually impaired audiences
Authors: Lopez Mariana , Kearney Gavin , Hofstädter Krisztián
Published: September 2020

Enhancing Audio Description is a research project that explores how sound design, first-person narration, and binaural audio could be utilised to provide accessible versions of films for visually impaired audiences, presenting an alternative to current audio description (AD) practices. This article explores such techniques in the context of the redesign of the short film ‘Pearl’, by discussing the creative process as well as evaluating the feedback supplied by visually impaired audiences. The research presented in this article demonstrates that the methods proposed were as successful as traditional AD in terms of providing information, enjoyment, and accessibility to audiences, demonstrating that both practices can coexist and, as a result, cater for the different stylistic preferences of end users.
A Combined Videotex/Videodisc System for Tourist Information
Authors: Kwok L.F. , Jackson C. , Teskey F.N.
Published: September 2020

Videotex and videodisc are two relatively new media for electronic publishing. Although the current state of technology can deal with information in different forms, no one information system can handle all vocal, pictorial, textual and numerical information at the same time. The convergence of the existing technologies may provide a new environment for electronic publishing and trigger a new range of applications in this area. The Brighton videotex/videodisc project has undertaken a pilot study into a combined videotex/videodisc system in which a videodisc player is controlled by a videotex terminal so that control information on videotex pages can select still frames, or sequences of frames, on the videodisc. The system has been developed in co-operation with the English Tourist Board. It is intended to mount a public trial of the system in the near future. This paper presents a description of the combined videotex/videodisc system. The user facilities are described in detail and there is a brief discussion of the technical issues involved in the implementation.
IT Research Direction in the United Kingdom: The Danger of Future Collapse
Authors: Aleksander Igor
Published: September 2020

It is argued that directed research programmes such as Alvey and IT86, being focused on product generation and ‘pull-through’, do not provide the much-needed environments in which new ideas can grow. In other words the 30+-year cycle of research-to-product is either ignored or not understood. This paper justifies the above statement from case histories and personal experience. It also suggests some essential remedies that are required to reinstate such GREENHOUSE research.
Microcomputer-based Networks in Libraries and Information Services
Authors: Petrie J. Howard
Published: September 2020

A microcomputer on everyone's desk is the norm in some organizations and is rapidly becoming so in many others. The incentive to link them together into networks is also growing. Reasons include: access to databases inside the organization and from elsewhere, electronic mail, and making the most out of available equipment, among others. Until recently, some computer equipment suppliers paid little heed to please from users for flexible networks to link their machines. On the other hand, others have emphasized the ability of their equipment to be networked together and with that of other manufacturers.
Desk-Top Publishing: Current Approaches and Future Trends
Authors: Black George
Published: September 2020

In order to assess future trends in desk-top publishing (DTP), it is necessary to understand the problems encountered in today's solutions.

The environment addressed by this paper is the single-user interactive workstation for a business, technical or publishing professional. A local or shared low-cost printer is assumed. High-quality and high-volume printing is treated as a remote or an external function to which a document can be transferred in machine-readable form.
Information Technology Management into the 1990s: A Position Paper
Authors: Holtham Clive
Published: September 2020

Information technology poses many challenges both to general management and to the IT industry itself After extrapolating some of the technological trends that could have significant impacts on commercial and public sector IT in the 1990s, the paper reviews four major challenges. These are the need to develop IT strategies, both nationally and for individual organisations; the need to create alliances; the need to avoid misalliances; mechanisms for converting ideas into action. A considerable emphasis is placed on the need to understand the managerial environment within which IT is used, and to see IT as only one element within wider organisational systems.
Ambiguity of Purpose and the Politics of Failure: Sustainability as Macromarketing’s Compelling Political Calling
Authors: Prothero Andrea , McDonagh Pierre
Published: September 2020

In this commentary we provide a brief review of sustainability research in the journal since its inception. Next, we offer an opinion on macromarketing’s ambiguity to sustainability as a political project and a resultant failure to provide substantial emphasis beyond the Development School for solutions in the field. Despite macromarketing’s centrality to marketing theory, the work in the journal has not had the impact it deserves in wider sustainability discourses. As two macromarketers with a lifelong interest in sustainability, we argue for more political reflection within the journal. We contend these current times of crisis require us to better listen to and act on prior counsel from critical and political perspectives within the journal, and submit, á la George Fisk, the journal’s first editor, that the politics of the day demand a persistence to continue to ask difficult questions. From a sustainability perspective this would be to consider how best to engender future macromarketing research in the field as a political project.
Biofilms of cellulose and hydroxyapatite composites: Alternative synthesis process
Authors: Pieper Cari M , da Rosa Wellington LO , Lund Rafael G , da Silva Adriana F , Piva Evandro , Salas Mabel MS , Maron Guilherme K , Bomio Mauricio RD , Motta Fabiana V , Carreño Neftali LV
Published: September 2020

A new biofilm of cellulose coated with hydroxyapatite particles have been prepared using a simple, fast and low temperature process based on a microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis. The cellulose used as matrix of the biocomposite was extracted from banana stems residues. The hydroxyapatite coating was performed using calcium nitrate tetrahydrate, phosphoric acid, and 1,2-ethylenediamine dispersed in a cellulose/water solution, with posterior microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis, for 5 min at 140°C. The chemical, structural, thermal, and morphological properties of the composites were investigated by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Results showed that the methodology was effective to produce high quality composites, with good thermal stability. Cell viability tests indicated that the cellulose/Hap films were not cytotoxic.
Policy and identification: Exploring the influence of identity perceptions on school leader sense-making in the Swedish school-age Educare
Authors: Andersson Richard
Published: September 2020

Understanding and implementing educational reform policies is a daily practice in the professional lives of school actors. The discrepancy between how reforms are intended and later realised in the local context constitutes an ongoing discussion spanning multiple areas of research. This article adds to prior research by exploring the role of organisational identity perceptions and identification in school leader sense-making within the process of implementing policy in the Swedish extended education system. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with selected school leaders ( n = 11). Findings showed that school leaders made sense of the policy in contrasting ways depending on values assigned to perceived core attributes of the managed educational programme. Findings also suggest that school leaders’ identification or nonidentification with traditional identity-aspects of their organisation, and prospective identity-outcomes of the policy, influenced actions taken in response to the policy demands.
Peritoneal dialysis for treatment of acute kidney injury in a case of paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2
Authors: McCulloch Mignon , Abugrain Khadija , Mosalakatane Thembisile , Coetzee Ashton , Webb Kate , Scott Christiaan
Published: September 2020

This short report describes the case discussion of 9-year-old patient with acute kidney injury due to paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 with successful peritoneal dialysis via a peritoneal dialysis catheter inserted at the bedside in an intensive care setting.
Polyvictimization and Recurrent Falling in Older Ecuadorian Adults: The Mediation Role of Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Reyes-Ortiz Carlos A. , Perez-Zepeda Mario U. , Ocampo-Chaparro José M. , Campo-Arias Adalberto , Borda Miguel G. , Holmes Holly M. , Luque John S.
Published: September 2020

Objective: To assess depressive symptoms as a mediator in the association between polyvictimization and recurrent falling. Methods: Using data from the Salud, Bienestar y Envejecimiento (Health, Well-being, and Aging) Ecuador Study, we analyzed community-dwelling adults 60 years and older ( n = 5227). Recurrent falling was determined as ≥2 falls during the prior 12 months. Polyvictimization was determined as a history of ≥2 types of abuse. The mediator was depressive symptoms. Mediation analyses were based on the VanderWeele method. Results: Polyvictimization was significantly associated with higher odds of recurrent falling, and odds ratio (OR) = 1.45 (95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.20–1.76). Higher depressive symptoms increase the odds for recurrent falling (OR = 1.09 and 95% CI 1.07–1.11). Moreover, depressive symptoms were a significant mediator between polyvictimization and recurrent falling. The mediating effect was 28.4%. Discussion: Polyvictimization was associated with higher odds of recurrent falling, and this association was mediated by depressive symptoms.