bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovative application of knowledge management in organizational restructuring of academic libraries: A case study of Peking University Library
Authors: Xiao Long
Published: April 2020

A traditional library’s functions are centered on library collection and information resources and their utilization. A library management system comprises resource acquisition, cataloguing, circulation, reading, and reference in respect of “literature streams.” Functionally, libraries have currently evolved into knowledge service centers, which are oriented toward knowledge, committed to knowledge innovation, and centered on the knowledge demands of users. Meanwhile, library management has also gradually shifted to focus on knowledge management. However, the applications of knowledge management are mainly limited to library services. It lacks innovative applications in internal management such as business flow and institutional settings. This article takes Peking University Library, one of the top-notch academic libraries in China, as a case study to explore this issue. Through restructuring its organization and re-setting its staff positions based on the “knowledge stream” as the core, the academic library intends to satisfy the knowledge demands of different types of users and create an environment in favor of knowledge flow and innovation. All of these efforts further support the development of the university.
Data Infrastructure for Connected Vehicle Applications
Authors: Wang Xingmin , Shen Shengyin , Bezzina Debra , Sayer James R. , Liu Henry X. , Feng Yiheng
Published: April 2020

Ann Arbor Connected Vehicle Test Environment (AACVTE) is the world’s largest operational, real-world deployment of connected vehicles (CVs) and connected infrastructure, with over 2,500 vehicles and 74 infrastructure sites, including intersections, midblocks, and highway ramps. The AACVTE generates a massive amount of data on a scale not seen in the traditional transportation systems, which provides a unique opportunity for developing a wide range of connected vehicle (CV) applications. This paper introduces a data infrastructure that processes the CV data and provides interfaces to support real-time or near real-time CV applications. There are three major components of the data infrastructure: data receiving, data pre-processing, and visualization including the performance measurements generation. The data processing algorithms include signal phasing and timing (SPaT) data compression, lane phase mapping identification, trajectory data map matching, and global positioning system (GPS) coordinates conversion. Simple performance measures are derived from the processed data, including the time–space diagram, vehicle delay, and observed queue length. Finally, a web-based interface is designed to visualize the data. A list of potential CV applications including traffic state estimation, traffic control, and safety, which can be built on this connected data infrastructure is discussed.
Effect of Asphalt Mixture Components on the Uncertainty in Dynamic Modulus Mastercurves
Authors: Kassem Hussein , Chehab Ghassan , Najjar Shadi
Published: April 2020

Practitioners and researchers in the paving industry have highlighted the importance of the adoption of reliability-based pavement design. The goal of developing reliable pavements with optimum performance over their design life has become a key factor to be considered during both pavement design and construction processes. This requires the adoption of statistical and probabilistic-based analyses for the formulation of the properties and behavior of pavement materials. Thus, many researchers worked on the quantification and modeling of the uncertainty caused by the inherent variability in pavement materials in general and that of asphalt concrete (AC) in particular. The dynamic modulus (| E*|), a fundamental property for mechanistic-empirical and purely mechanistic pavement designs, has been proven to have a significant level of uncertainty that is dependent on climatic and traffic loading conditions. The main objective of this study is to investigate the effect of the AC mixture properties and components on the uncertainty in the | E*| mastercurve. This objective is achieved by conducting an experimental program incorporating four different mixtures having the same material sources but different binder types and gradations. Monte Carlo simulations are used to model the uncertainty of | E*| for each of these mixtures. The paper shows that the uncertainty is dependent on mixture type, as the presence of larger nominal maximum aggregate size, modified binder, or additive can increase the uncertainty in the | E*| mastercurve, especially at high temperatures or slow loading rates. The uncertainty is proven to be material related and not imposed by the testing instrumentation.
Determination of Volumetric Characteristics of FAM Mixtures using X-Ray Micro-Computed Tomography and Their Effects on the Rheological Behavior of the Material
Authors: Osmari Patrícia Hennig , da Costa Rogério Ferreira , Aragão Francisco Thiago Sacramento , Braz Delson , Barroso Regina Cély Rodrigues , Nogueira Liebert Parreiras , Ng Andressa Ka Yan
Published: April 2020

Fine aggregate matrix (FAM) has been regarded as a key constituent of asphalt mixtures. Although several design methods have been recently proposed to prepare FAM specimens that represent the materials contained within the asphalt concretes, the volumetric characteristics of FAM may not be uniformly distributed within samples compacted using devices such as the Superpave gyratory compactor (SGC). This can mislead the mechanical analyses conducted with testing specimens that are typically extracted from different locations of the compacted samples, as they can present varying volumetric characteristics. This study employs the advanced micro-computed tomography (CT) scan technique to evaluate the air void distribution within FAM specimens extracted from different locations of SGC samples compacted with distinct air void contents. Rheological tests are performed in a dynamic shear rheometer to determine the dynamic shear modulus of the testing specimens. A statistical analysis is conducted to evaluate potential correlations between the volumetric and the rheological characteristics of the FAMs and to identify locations within the SGC samples from which small cylindrical specimens with similar characteristics can be extracted and used for testing. The adoption of advanced techniques such as the CT scan is essential for the advancement of the knowledge on the complex characteristics of asphalt mixtures, and may facilitate the fabrication of FAMs that are more representative of those that comprise asphalt concretes, as well as allow the use of similar replicates in mechanical tests.
Role of Skew on Bridge Performance
Authors: Diaz Arancibia Mauricio , Rugar Lucas , Okumus Pinar
Published: April 2020

Gravity load paths of high-skew bridges differ from the ones with no skew. High skew can also lead to stresses or displacements that adversely affect service performance. This paper demonstrates the effects of skew on bridges through finite element analyses, bridge inspections, and statistical analyses. Five deck-girder type bridges with and without skew were inspected. A database of more than 1,400 deck-girder type bridges was analyzed to seek relationships between skew and National Bridge Inventory (NBI) ratings. Practices of Departments of Transportation (DOT) were compared with each other and to provisions of AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications (BDS). Acute deck corner cracking and bridge movements were documented on some high-skew bridges. Field inspections and database analyses showed that not all high-skew bridges have performance issues, and NBI ratings are in general not sensitive to skew. This is likely because of many factors affecting performance and certain details mitigating skew effects.
A similitude for the middle-frequency vibration response of satellite solar array based on the wave coupling hybrid finite element–statistical energy analysis method
Authors: He Fengxia , Luo Zhong , Li Lei , Zhang Yongqiang
Published: April 2020

A similitude is proposed for the dynamic response analysis of a satellite solar array. It is defined by invoking the wave coupling hybrid finite element–statistical energy analysis method which is considered as an effective way to solve the wide frequency (especially middle-frequency) vibration response of complex structures. The scaling laws are then derived by looking for equalities in the structural responses. A numerical case involving an assembly of two plates is discussed to verify the proposed scaling laws. Moreover, the new similitude is applied to a simplified satellite solar array model. If the analysis frequency step is selected appropriately, it is shown that a complete similitude can be defined: it allows predicting the vibration response of satellite solar array and provides the possibility for the model test of complex structures.
Design and experimental evaluation of a new modular underactuated multi-fingered robot hand
Authors: Tang Shufeng , Yu Yue , Sun Shuaishuai , Li Zhixiong , Sarkodie-Gyan Thompson , Li Weihua
Published: April 2020

In this paper, a modular underactuated multi-fingered robot hand is proposed. The robot hand can be freely configured with different number and configuration of modular fingers according to the work needs. Driving motion is achieved by the rigid structure of the screw and the connecting rod. A finger-connecting mechanism is designed on the palm of the robot hand to meet the needs of modular finger’s installation, drive, rotation, and sensor connections. The fingertips are made of hollow rubber to enhance the stability of grasping. Details about the design of the robot hand and analysis of the robot kinematics and grasping process are described. Last, a prototype is developed, and a grab test is carried out. Experimental results demonstrate that the structure of proposed modular robot hand is reasonable, which enables the adaptability and flexibility of the modular robot hand to meet the requirements of various grasping modes in practice.
Influence of Sociodemographic Factors on the Utilization of Contraceptive Methods Among the Married Women of Jowai Town, West Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya
Authors: Passah Merry C.
Published: April 2020

Family planning refers to the practices that help individuals or couples avoid unwanted births, regulate the intervals between pregnancies, and determine the number of children in the family. The present study was undertaken to know the extent of knowledge, attitude, and adoption of family planning methods among the married women of Jowai town, West Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya. An attempt has also been made to find out the sociodemographic factors influencing the use of contraceptive methods among the studied population. The information on awareness as well as the use of contraceptives was collected from 719 married women of the reproductive age group 15–49 years using a structured scheduled. Among the women in Jowai town, the knowledge of family planning methods is widespread. In addition, a majority of the women have a favorable attitude towards family planning. However, there exists a gap between the knowledge and the practice of contraceptive methods among the women of Jowai town. Ingesting an oral contraceptive pill is the most preferred contraceptive method among the women. Contraceptive use among women is seen to be positively correlated with educational level and income (significant at p < 0.01), and negatively correlated with current age, age at marriage, number of live births, and family type (significant at p < 0.01). Bivariate analysis substantiates the role of women’s education, household income, current age, age at marriage, number of live births, and family type in influencing the utilization of contraceptive methods.
“Enemy at the Gates”: An Analysis on India’s Experiences with the Taliban
Authors: Ghosh Sourish
Published: April 2020

India’s long history of relations with Afghanistan dates back to the time of the Mauryans. It became even stronger after India’s independence in 1947. Since 1947, India has always maintained the policy to support whosoever comes to power in Kabul, but in 1996, there was a shift from that policy as the Taliban, a radical Islamist group, captured power. Pakistan has always been paranoid about India–Afghanistan relations as it never wanted hostile neighbours on both sides of its borders. Its urge for a friendly government in Kabul got satiated when the Taliban came to power, with its support. New Delhi did not recognize the Taliban government and, instead, shunned all diplomatic relations with Kabul. It was only after the Taliban regime was ousted through the US intervention that India rejuvenated its relations with Kabul. However, even after 19 years of intervention, the Taliban remained a potent force, and now as the USA plans to withdraw from Afghanistan, it is trying to negotiate a peace settlement with the Taliban. Currently, India too is trying to engage in dialogues with the Taliban, which again marks a shift from its earlier strategy. This study analyzes India’s experiences with the Taliban and shift in its policy from the pre-9/11 period (1996–2001) to the post-9/11 period (2001–early 2019).
Students Practicing Interprofessional Collaboration in the Context of Hospice and Palliative Care
Authors: Gierach Michelle , Brechtelsbauer David , Serfling Jody , Bloom Katie , Strickland Gary , Heins Jodi
Published: April 2020

Interprofessional education allows students to collaborate with students and professionals of multiple disciplines. An Interdisciplinary Palliative Care (IPC) Seminar, held in the Midwest, involves students from disciplines of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, social work, and chaplaincy. The curriculum of the seminar incorporates asynchronous and synchronous didactic presentations, experiential learning through group exercises and discussion, along with home visits by students in interdisciplinary dyads. The purpose of this study was to determine whether students’ participation in a 3-week IPC seminar would positively influence their socialization and value of interprofessional collaboration with the ultimate goal of developing skilled professionals who engage in interprofessional practice in hospice and palliative care settings. This descriptive study invited participants to take a pre- and postseminar online survey using the Interprofessional Socialization and Valuing Scale-21 (ISVS-21) to assess shifts in students’ perceptions of interprofessional socialization and the value of collaborative health-care practice. In their pre-and postseminar scores, 71 participants reported they more strongly agreed with all items on the ISVS-21 after completing the seminar. The results from this study suggest the IPC Seminar is an effective educational model for advancing the value of interprofessional socialization and collaborative practice in hospice and palliative health-care.
Solriamfetol for Excessive Sleepiness in Narcolepsy and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Powell Jason , Piszczatoski Chris , Garland Scott
Published: April 2020

Objective:

The purpose of this article is to review the available clinical trial data that led to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of solriamfetol as well as its role in clinical practice.

Data Sources:

A MEDLINE/PubMed search was conducted (January 2000 to February 2020) using the keyword solriamfetol to discover appropriate clinical trials.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Articles were included that were published in the English language and related to the FDA approval of solriamfetol or provided novel information regarding this drug entity.

Data Synthesis:

The findings of the review show that solriamfetol may be a safe and effective option for the treatment of excessive sleepiness (ES) related to narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice:

Solriamfetol is distinguished from other stimulants in that it has lower binding affinity to dopamine and norepinephrine transporters and does not have the monoamine-releasing effects of amphetamines at usual therapeutic doses. Because of solriamfetol’s unique mechanism of action, there may be a reduction in abuse potential compared with the other currently FDA-approved options.

Conclusions:

In clinical trials, solriamfetol has shown dose-dependent improvement in wakefulness over placebo and adds another option for clinicians when treating ES in narcolepsy and OSA.
Biomarker Insights Editor-in-Chief Announcement
Authors: Byrne Jennifer A.
Published: April 2020

Aims and Scope:

This editorial announces the new Biomarker Insights Editor-in-Chief. The journal will continue to publish high-quality original reports and review articles in all areas of biomarker research, and will welcome submissions that focus on improving the quality of the biomarker research literature.
Temperature effect on rubber gasket under high-frequency load
Authors: Zhibo Wang
Published: April 2020

The performance degradation of rubber gaskets under vibration compression is faster than that under static load, and the degree of performance degradation will continue to increase under humidity and thermal environment. For rubber gaskets under a long-term service, the mechanical properties of rubber gaskets were measured after accelerated aging process with different temperature in the temperature box. The precipitates of rubber structures were detected by energy-dispersive spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Molecular chain of silicon rubber gasket quickly breaks to form free radicals under high-frequency stress, which initiate oxidation chain reaction and mechanochemical process. Surface leakage of silicon (Si) and magnesium (Mg) indicates that a larger percent of macromolecular chains are broken and decomposed. High temperature activates the molecular chain cracking or cross-linking, while high-frequency stress leads to transport leakage on chain decomposition. The oxygen diffusion rate and activation oxidation reaction were accelerated by the residual stress to rubber oxidation reaction rate.
Using a multiliteracies approach to foster critical and creative pedagogies for adult learners
Authors: Holloway Susan M , Gouthro Patricia A
Published: April 2020

Drawing upon a pilot study and a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Insight research study to explore how a multiliteracies framework may inform more critical and creative pedagogical approaches for adolescents and adults, this article begins with a brief overview of the literature on multiliteracies and then overviews the methodology used in the two research studies. Although multiliteracies has not been used frequently as a theoretical framework to inform work in adult learning contexts, this article argues that there are many benefits to this approach for adult educators to consider, particularly given the increasing need to attend to learning issues pertaining to globalization, diversity, and the impact of new technologies. Data from the interviews are combined with an analysis of the literature to explore the benefits offered by a multiliteracies approach by considering four main areas: lifelong learning and multimodalities; opportunities for engagement for English as Additional Language learners; new digital technologies and multiliteracies; and multiliteracies’ emphasis on social justice. The article concludes with a consideration of the potential for multiliteracies to inform educators working in a range of adult learning contexts.
What Works, What Doesn’t? Three Studies Designed to Improve Survey Response
Authors: Sun Hanyu , Newsome Jocelyn , McNulty Jennifer , Levin Kerry , Langetieg Pat , Schafer Brenda , Guyton John
Published: April 2020

Over the past few decades, the survey industry has experienced a steady decline in response rates, which has posed numerous challenges for researchers, most notably concerns about nonresponse bias. We present results from three studies conducted in an attempt to increase response rates and reduce nonresponse bias for a U.S. national household survey. We examined design features related to mode (i.e., mail-only vs. web-push), incentive, reminder type, nonresponse follow-up, and messaging. Results showed that a combination of a mail-only approach and the use of US$2 prepaid incentives increased response rates. However, using incentives did not bring into the respondent pool sample members who were less likely to respond. Additionally, we found that the use of a seventh follow-up contact only slightly increased response rates. Finally, we found that the use of a friendly message not only suppressed response rates but also increased potential nonresponse bias for sample members aged 35–48.
Rivalries, Bowl Eligibility, and Scheduling Effects in College Football
Authors: Winfree Jason A.
Published: April 2020

This study analyzes how the importance of a game, or characteristics of the previous game, impacts college football games. The results show that rivalry games are harder to predict, and the strength of the previous opponent influences the outcome of the game. If a team’s previous game was close, this negatively influences the team. There is no evidence that the previous game’s location or a team’s bowl eligibility makes any difference. Given that universities control much of their football schedule and that the team’s success influences many aspects of the university, scheduling can impact the university’s finances.
Ictal Inhibition: Sync Globally, Slack Locally
Authors: Lillis Kyle P.
Published: April 2020

[Box: see text]
Gender Differences in the Outcomes of Drug-Coated Balloon Treatment in Symptomatic Femoropopliteal Arterial Disease
Authors: Krishnan Prakash , Tarricone Arthur , Purushottam Bhaskar , Chen Simon , Kapur Vishal , Gujja Karthik , Kini Annapoorna , Sharma Samin
Published: April 2020

Objectives:

To assess 24-month outcome differences based on sex in symptomatic femoro-popliteal arterial disease of patients treated with drug-coated balloon (DCB).

Background:

Peripheral artery disease affects over 12 million people in the United States. Drug-coated balloons have shown to be effective in treating patients with symptomatic femoropopliteal arterial occlusive disease. Debate remains regarding its safety and efficacy in female gender. We investigated the differential treatment effect between genders.

Methods:

Patients (93 females and 102 males) with symptomatic femoropopliteal arterial disease treated with DCB from November 2014 to November 2015 were included in this retrospective study. We compared the resting ankle-brachial indices (ABIs) and peak systolic velocities (PSVs) by arterial duplex between the male and female patients at 6, 12, and 24 months postintervention.

Results:

Females had significantly smaller vessels (4.70 ± 0.9, P = .02) and higher body mass index (BMI; 30.0 ± 3.7, P = .002) than males. Females had significantly decreased ABI and PSV at the 6-month (ABI: 0.90 ± 0.15, P = .05 and PSV: 188.30 ± 103.1, P = .02), 12-month (ABI: 0.86 ± 0.15, P < .0001 and PSV: 219.10 ± 100.10, P = .001), and at 24-month (ABI: 0.84 ± 0.2, P = .0001 and PSV: 251.0 ± 135.9, P < .0001) intervals when compared to males. Females had increased clinically driven target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 6 months (females = 8 vs males = 4, P = .22), 12 months (females = 12 vs males = 4, P = .02), and 24 months (females = 14 vs males = 6, P = .03). In simple logistic regression analysis, BMI, age, reference vessel diameter (RVD), and gender were strongly associated with target lesion restenosis. The final model included the above and it produced the following odds ratios (ORs): BMI (OR = 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.98-1.2), age (OR: 1.0, CI: 0.96-1.03), RVD (OR: 1.6, CI: 1.02-2.4), and gender (OR: 3.5, CI: 1.6-7.8).

Conclusion:

Females treated with DCBs have significantly decreased ABI, PSVs, and an increased rate of TLR than their male counterparts.
Non-destructive testing and evaluation of composite materials/structures: A state-of-the-art review
Authors: Wang Bing , Zhong Shuncong , Lee Tung-Lik , Fancey Kevin S , Mi Jiawei
Published: April 2020

Composite materials/structures are advancing in product efficiency, cost-effectiveness and the development of superior specific properties. There are increasing demands in their applications to load-carrying structures in aerospace, wind turbines, transportation, medical equipment and so on. Thus, robust and reliable non-destructive testing of composites is essential to reduce safety concerns and maintenance costs. There have been various non-destructive testing methods built upon different principles for quality assurance during the whole lifecycle of a composite product. This article reviews the most established non-destructive testing techniques for detection and evaluation of defects/damage evolution in composites. These include acoustic emission, ultrasonic testing, infrared thermography, terahertz testing, shearography, digital image correlation, as well as X-ray and neutron imaging. For each non-destructive testing technique, we cover a brief historical background, principles, standard practices, equipment and facilities used for composite research. We also compare and discuss their benefits and limitations and further summarise their capabilities and applications to composite structures. Each non-destructive testing technique has its own potential and rarely achieves a full-scale diagnosis of structural integrity. Future development of non-destructive testing techniques for composites will be directed towards intelligent and automated inspection systems with high accuracy and efficient data processing capabilities.
How do principals’ practices reflect democratic leadership for inclusion in diverse school settings? A Hong Kong case study
Authors: Szeto Elson
Published: April 2020

Research on principals’ practice of democratic leadership for inclusion in schools has been undertaken in many parts of the world. This paper explores four principals’ leadership journeys in response to social justice issues in increasingly diverse settings within public schools, in relation to demographic and cultural changes in Hong Kong. This research aims at exploring the issues in schools arising from contextual changes in the society, contextualising characteristics of principals’ practices in relation to an emergent conception of democratic leadership practice in addressing the issues and identifying practical roles of democratic principal leadership in school transformation for diverse students’ learning development. I adopted a cross-case study of the principals’ leadership journeys through a theoretical lens of democratic leadership. The changes of demographic structure and cultural context and pressure from the central administration were the conditions of facilitating alternative practices of democratic principal leadership in a multicultural school context which evolved from the hybrid of Western and Confucian cultures in the city. These findings contribute to an international account of contextualising democratic leadership practices in a diverse Chinese school community.
The Influence of Opioid Use Disorder on Open Reduction and Internal Fixation Following Ankle Fracture
Authors: Allen Megan K. , Parrish James M. , Vakharia Rushabh , Kaplan Jonathan R. M. , Vulcano Ettore , Roche Martin W. , Aiyer Amiethab A.
Published: April 2020

Background. Ankle fractures are common and may require open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Literature is scarce evaluating the associations of opioid use disorder (OUD) with ORIF postoperative outcomes. This study investigates whether OUD patients have increased (1) costs of care, (2) emergency room visits, and (3) readmission rates. Methods. ORIF patients with a 90-day history of OUD were identified using an administrative claims database. OUD patients were matched (1:4) to controls by age, sex, and medical comorbidities. The Welch t-test determined the significance of cost of care. Logistic regression yielded odds ratios (ORs) for emergency room visits and 90-day readmission rates. Results. A total of 2183 patients underwent ORIF (n = 485 with OUD vs n = 1698 without OUD). OUD patients incurred significantly higher costs of care compared with controls ($5921.59 vs $5128.22, P < .0001). OUD patients had a higher incidence and odds of emergency room visits compared with controls (3.50% vs 0.64%; OR = 5.57, 95% CI = 2.59-11.97, P < .0001). The 90-day readmission rates were not significantly different between patients with and without OUD (8.65% vs 7.30%; OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 0.83-1.73, P = .320). Conclusion. OUD patients have greater costs of care and odds of emergency room visits within 90 days following ORIF.

Levels of Evidence: Level III: Retrospective cohort study
Sudden Death Associated With Sickle Cell Trait Before and After Mandatory Screening
Authors: Buchanan Benjamin K. , Siebert David M. , Zigman Suchsland Monica L. , Drezner Jonathan A. , Asif Irfan M. , O’Connor Francis G. , Harmon Kimberly G.
Published: April 2020

Background:

Sickle cell trait (SCT) has been associated with an increased risk of sudden death in athletes during strenuous exercise. In August 2010, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) began requiring athletes to be screened for SCT, provide proof of SCT status, or sign a waiver and launched an educational campaign for athletes, coaches, and medical staff. The impact of this program is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of death associated with sickle cell trait (daSCT) in NCAA athletes before and after legislation.

Hypothesis:

NCAA SCT legislation will decrease the incidence of daSCT.

Study Design:

Observational study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 2.

Methods:

A database of NCAA athlete deaths from 2000 to 2019 was reviewed for daSCT. A total of 8,309,050 athlete-years (AY) were included. Incidence of death was calculated before and after legislation.

Results:

The incidence of daSCT in Division I (DI) football athletes before legislation (n = 9) was 1:28,145 AY and after legislation (n = 1) was 1:250,468 AY (relative risk [RR], 0.112; 95% CI, 0.003-0.811; P = 0.022), an 89% reduction in risk after legislation was enacted. The incidence of daSCT in African American DI football athletes before legislation (n = 9) was 1:12,519 AY and after legislation (n = 1) was 1:118,464 AY (RR, 0.106; 95% CI, 0.002-0.763; P = 0.017), also an 89% risk reduction after legislation was enacted. For all NCAA athletes, the incidence of daSCT was 1:489,749 AY before legislation (n = 10) and 1:1,705,780 AY after legislation (n = 2) (RR, 0.288; 95% CI, 0.031-1.347; P = 0.146).

Conclusion:

The incidence of daSCT in DI football athletes has decreased significantly since legislation was enacted. Cases of daSCT outside of football are rare. It is unclear whether the decrease is related to screening for SCT, education, or both.

Clinical Relevance:

This is the first evidence that NCAA SCT legislation may save lives.
Sleep Dysfunction and Mood in Collegiate Soccer Athletes
Authors: Benjamin Courteney L. , Curtis Ryan M. , Huggins Robert A. , Sekiguchi Yasuki , Jain Rajat K. , McFadden Bridget A. , Casa Douglas J.
Published: April 2020

Background:

Sleep and mood are critical factors that contribute to health and wellness and are of particular interest to collegiate athletes who are juggling high physical, academic, and social demands. The aim of this study was to examine how psychological measures, player status, and sex-related factors were associated with perceived sleep quality.

Hypothesis:

Higher levels of global sleep dysfunction will be related to poor mood and increased anxiety, and there will be differences in sleep dysfunction in male compared with female athletes as well as regarding playing status.

Study Design:

Prospective cohort study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Methods:

During the 2016 through 2018 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) seasons, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Profile of Mood States, and Sports Anxiety Scale–2 questionnaires were administered to 230 soccer athletes at 6 separate time points throughout each season.

Results:

PSQI results yielded scores ≥5 in 54% of observations. Increased sleep dysfunction was significantly related to decreased vigor and increased tension, depression, anger, fatigue, somatic anxiety, worry, and concentration disruption, although effect sizes (ES) were trivial (ES, –0.03 to 0.15). The odds ratio (OR) of reporting global sleep dysfunction increased by 8%, 9%, and 25% for every 1-unit increase in tension (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.02-1.16; P = 0.015), fatigue (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.03-1.16; P = 0.002), and concentration disruption (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.09-1.45; P = 0.002), respectively. The odds of reporting global sleep dysfunction were 55% lower for males than females (OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.25-0.79; P = 0.006).

Conclusion:

Global sleep dysfunction was prevalent in NCAA soccer players and was related to negative mental health outcomes. Female participants experienced increased odds of reporting global sleep dysfunction.

Clinical Relevance:

Regular monitoring allows for a greater understanding of the interrelatedness between sleep and mental health in athletes.
A Vigilance Explanation of Musical Chills? Effects of Loudness and Brightness Manipulations
Authors: Bannister Scott
Published: April 2020

Recent research has suggested that low-level psychoacoustic parameters such as loudness and spectral brightness are correlated with musical chills, a subjective emotional experience accompanied by goosebumps, shivers, and tingling sensations. These relationships may be explained by a vigilance theory of chills, through the process of auditory looming; however, these correlations or theories have never been causally tested. In the current study, participants ( N = 40) listened to five variations (original, low loudness, high loudness, low brightness, high brightness) of an experimental and control piece of chills music, characterized by a crescendo and guitar solo respectively; this qualitative distinction was made based on whether the underlying musical structure of the pieces was or was not capable of engaging auditory looming processes. It was predicted that increases in loudness would result in increased chills frequency across participants, indicated by button presses; brightness was included as an exploratory parameter. Results show that for the experimental piece, increases in loudness resulted in significantly more frequent chills experiences, and increases in brightness significantly reduced the frequency of chills, whereas no effects were found for the control piece. Findings are discussed in terms of vigilance and social bonding theories of chills, and the complex interactions between low-level psychoacoustic properties and higher-level musical structures.
Corporate Governance and Voluntary Disclosure: A Synthesis of Empirical Studies
Authors: Saha Rupjyoti , Kabra K. C.
Published: April 2020

Voluntary disclosure (VD) is considered potentially important for efficient functioning of the capital market as it communicates firms’ performance and governance to shareholders and potential investors, which boost their confidence. This article attempts to provide a brief conceptual framework of VD and corporate governance (CG), and also reviews the empirical literature dealing with relationship between them. To this end, the article uses systematic electronic literature search method, which takes into account 65 empirical studies published over the period 1998–2018. An investigation of empirical findings points to some factors that may have contributed toward the apparent inconsistent findings observed to date. In particular, the article focuses on two intervening factors for variation of results—such as CG system and measurement of explanatory variables. The findings suggest that studies mostly from Anglo-Saxon system (ASS) show complementary relationship between different attributes of CG with VD, whereas in case of communitarian system, studies mostly depict an insignificant impact of CG attributes on VD except for few studies showing their positive/negative impact on VD. However, in case of emerging market system (EMS), some studies show substitutive relationship between board independence (BI) and VD while other CG attributes such as board size (BS), (GD), and audit committee independence (ACI) in most of the studies complement VD supporting the resource-based perspective. Furthermore, the association of ownership structure (OS) and role duality (RD) with VD is mixed. Another factor, which is considered to be added to variation of results, is measurement of explanatory variables whereby albeit studies employed same concepts, operational definition of variables intervenes into the relationship between CG and VD. The findings of this article provide some deeper insights about the complementary and substitutive relationships between CG and VD by integrating diverse empirical findings under different research contexts. Future research can extend to analyze some other institutional factors like investors’ protection rights and legal enforcement, which might also have played some role in influencing the relationship between CG and VD. Furthermore, it is also evident from the review that BS and BI are the most commonly studied CG attributes in relation to VD, whereas attributes like GD and ACI, despite their theoretical relevance and practical importance are least studied in relation to VD, thus signaling the need to focus on these attributes in future studies.
Grading of neurological toxicity in patients treated with tisagenlecleucel in the JULIET trial
Authors: Maziarz Richard T. , Schuster Stephen J. , Romanov Vadim V. , Rusch Elisha S. , Li Junlong , Signorovitch James E. , Maloney David G. , Locke Frederick L.
Published: April 2020

Chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cell therapy achieves durable responses in patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (r/r DLBCL), but may be associated with neurological toxicity (NT). We retrospectively assessed differences and concordance among 3 available grading scales (the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.03 [CTCAE], modified CAR-T Related Encephalopathy Syndrome [mCRES], and American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy [ASTCT] scales) applied to the same set of NT data from the JULIET (A Phase 2, Single Arm, Multicenter Trial to Determine the Efficacy and Safety of CTL019 in Adult Patients With Relapsed or Refractory DLBCL) trial. Individual patient-level NT data from the phase 2, single-group, global, pivotal JULIET trial (NCT02445248) were retrospectively and independently graded, using CTCAE, ASTCT, and mCRES, by 4 medical experts with experience managing patients with 3 different CD19-targeted CAR constructs. According to the US Food and Drug Administration definition of NT using CTCAE, 62 of 106 patients infused with tisagenlecleucel had NT as of September 2017. Among 111 patients infused with tisagenlecleucel (as of December 2017), the 4 experts identified 50 patients (45%) who had any-grade NT per CTCAE, 19 (17%) per mCRES, and 19 (17%) per ASTCT. Reevaluation according to the mCRES/ASTCT criteria downgraded 31 events deemed NT by CTCAE to grade 0. This is the first study to retrospectively apply CTCAE, mCRES, and ASTCT criteria to the same patient data set. We conclude that CTCAE v4.03 was not designed for, and is suboptimal for, grading CAR-T cell therapy-associated NT. The CRES and ASTCT scales, which measure immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome, offer more accurate assessments of NT after CAR-T cell therapy.
The role of miR-711 in cardiac cells in response to oxidative stress and its biogenesis: a study on H9C2 cells
Authors: Zhao Duo , Zheng Hao , Greasley Adam , Ling Fengjun , Zhou Qinfeng , Wang Bowen , Ni Tiffany , Topiwala Ishita , Zhu Cuilin , Mele Tina , Liu Kexiang , Zheng Xiufen
Published: April 2020

Background

Oxidative stress results in cell apoptosis/death and plays a detrimental role in disease development and progression. Stressors alter the miRNA expression profile and miRNAs play a role in the cell response to stress. We previously showed that miR-711 is significantly over-expressed in extended cold ischemia reperfusion injured hearts in heart transplant. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of miR-711 in cardiac cell damage in response to oxidative stress and how miR-711 is regulated.

Methods

Rat cardiac cell line H9c2 cells were cultured and exposed to oxidative conditions (Antimycin A (AA), H2O2, CoCl2, or cold hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)) in vitro. H9c2 cells were transfected with miR-711 mimics, miR-711 inhibitors, or small interference RNA, using transfection reagents. The expression of miR-711 was measured by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell apoptosis/death was detected by flow cytometry and an IncuCyte system. Mitochondrial damage was detected by measuring the mitochondria membrane potential by flow cytometry. Gene expression was detected by qRT-PCR at the mRNA level and Western blotting and immunocytochemistry staining at the protein level.

Results

We found that miR-711 was significantly up-regulated in cells treated with H2O2, AA, CoCl2, and cold H/R. Over-expression of miR-711 increased cell apoptosis/death induced by AA and H/R whereas cell death was reduced by miR-711 inhibitors. MiR-711 induced cell death through negative regulation of angiopoietin 1 (Ang-1), fibroblast growth factor 14 (FGF14) and calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha1C (Cacna1c) genes. Both knockdown of hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and inactivation of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFКB) pathway inhibited over-expression of miR-711.

Conclusion

Oxidative stress increases the expression of miR-711. Over-expression of miR-711 induces cell apoptosis/death. HIF-1α and NFКB regulate miR-711 in H9c2 cells during oxidative stress. miR-711 is a new target for preventing oxidative stress.
Gene expression profiling identifies pathways involved in seed maturation of Jatropha curcas
Authors: Maghuly Fatemeh , Deák Tamás , Vierlinger Klemens , Pabinger Stephan , Tafer Hakim , Laimer Margit
Published: April 2020

Background

Jatropha curcas, a tropical shrub, is a promising biofuel crop, which produces seeds with high content of oil and protein. To better understand the maturation process of J. curcas seeds and to improve its agronomic performance, a two-step approach was performed in six different maturation stages of seeds: 1) generation of the entire transcriptome of J. curcas seeds using 454-Roche sequencing of a cDNA library, 2) comparison of transcriptional expression levels using a custom Agilent 8x60K oligonucleotide microarray.

Results

A total of 793,875 high-quality reads were assembled into 19,382 unique full-length contigs, of which 13,507 could be annotated with Gene Ontology (GO) terms. Microarray data analysis identified 9111 probes (out of 57,842 probes), which were differentially expressed between the six maturation stages. The expression results were validated for 75 selected transcripts based on expression levels, predicted function, pathway, and length.

Result from cluster analyses showed that transcripts associated with fatty acid, flavonoid, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis were over-represented in the early stages, while those of lipid storage were over-represented in the late stages. Expression analyses of different maturation stages of J. curcas seed showed that most changes in transcript abundance occurred between the two last stages, suggesting that the timing of metabolic pathways during seed maturation in J. curcas occurs in late stages. The co-expression results showed that the hubs (CB5-D, CDR1, TT8, DFR, HVA22) with the highest number of edges, associated with fatty acid and flavonoid biosynthesis, are showing a decrease in their expression during seed maturation. Furthermore, seed development and hormone pathways are significantly well connected.

Conclusion

The obtained results revealed differentially expressed sequences (DESs) regulating important pathways related to seed maturation, which could contribute to the understanding of the complex regulatory network during seed maturation with the focus on lipid, flavonoid and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. This study provides detailed information on transcriptional changes during J. curcas seed maturation and provides a starting point for a genomic survey of seed quality traits. The results highlighted specific genes and processes relevant to the molecular mechanisms involved in Jatropha seed maturation. These data can also be utilized regarding other Euphorbiaceae species.
Copy number variation in human genomes from three major ethno-linguistic groups in Africa
Authors:   for the TrypanoGEN Research Group, as members of The H3Africa Consortium, Nyangiri Oscar A. , Noyes Harry , Mulindwa Julius , Ilboudo Hamidou , Kabore Justin Windingoudi , Ahouty Bernardin , Koffi Mathurin , Asina Olivier Fataki , Mumba Dieudonne , Ofon Elvis , Simo Gustave , Kimuda Magambo Phillip , Enyaru John , Alibu Vincent Pius , Kamoto Kelita , Chisi John , Simuunza Martin , Camara Mamadou , Sidibe Issa , MacLeod Annette , Bucheton Bruno , Hall Neil , Hertz-Fowler Christiane , Matovu Enock
Published: April 2020

Background

Copy number variation is an important class of genomic variation that has been reported in 75% of the human genome. However, it is underreported in African populations. Copy number variants (CNVs) could have important impacts on disease susceptibility and environmental adaptation. To describe CNVs and their possible impacts in Africans, we sequenced genomes of 232 individuals from three major African ethno-linguistic groups: (1) Niger Congo A from Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire, (2) Niger Congo B from Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and (3) Nilo-Saharans from Uganda. We used GenomeSTRiP and cn.MOPS to identify copy number variant regions (CNVRs).

Results

We detected 7608 CNVRs, of which 2172 were only deletions, 2384 were only insertions and 3052 had both. We detected 224 previously un-described CNVRs. The majority of novel CNVRs were present at low frequency and were not shared between populations. We tested for evidence of selection associated with CNVs and also for population structure. Signatures of selection identified previously, using SNPs from the same populations, were overrepresented in CNVRs. When CNVs were tagged with SNP haplotypes to identify SNPs that could predict the presence of CNVs, we identified haplotypes tagging 3096 CNVRs, 372 CNVRs had SNPs with evidence of selection (iHS > 3) and 222 CNVRs had both. This was more than expected (p < 0.0001) and included loci where CNVs have previously been associated with HIV, Rhesus D and preeclampsia. When integrated with 1000 Genomes CNV data, we replicated their observation of population stratification by continent but no clustering by populations within Africa, despite inclusion of Nilo-Saharans and Niger-Congo populations within our dataset.

Conclusions

Novel CNVRs in the current study increase representation of African diversity in the database of genomic variants. Over-representation of CNVRs in SNP signatures of selection and an excess of SNPs that both tag CNVs and are subject to selection show that CNVs may be the actual targets of selection at some loci. However, unlike SNPs, CNVs alone do not resolve African ethno-linguistic groups. Tag haplotypes for CNVs identified may be useful in predicting African CNVs in future studies where only SNP data is available.