bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal and partner’s level of satisfaction on the delivery room service in University of Gondar Referral Hospital, northwest, Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study
Authors: Taddese Asefa Adimasu , Gashaye Kiros Terefe , Dagne Henok , Andualem Zewudu
Published: March 2020

Background

Asking patients/clients what they perceive about the care and treatment they have received is one of the important steps towards improving the quality of health care. In the scientific world, a number of efforts have been tried to understand about what laboring mothers perceive about the care provided. However, little is known about the birth experiences of partners in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the maternal and partner’s level of satisfaction on the delivery room service in the study area.

Methods

A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2018 to January 2019 in University of Gondar referral hospital. The birth satisfaction scale is used for the mother, and it was adapted to the partners’ perspective. Paired-samples t tests were used for comparing mothers and partners for the birth satisfaction scales global and thematic scores. A binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify predicting factors for mothers’ and partners satisfaction.

Results

The overall satisfaction of mothers in this study was 47.6%. Whereas, 41.2% of partners were satisfied by delivery room services. There were mean difference between mothers and partners’ birth satisfaction scale (p = 0.02). Maternal satisfaction scale was affected by age [OR = 0.36, 95%CI (0.18, 0.73)], perception [OR = 0.02, 95%CI (0.001,0.09)], waiting time [OR = 0.11, 95%CI (0.001, 0.09)],visiting mode [OR = 0.01, 95%CI (0.001,0.08)], pregnancy status [OR = 0.04, 95%CI (0.01,0.33)] and fatal outcome [OR = 0.001, 95%CI (0.001,0.018)] .whereas, partners satisfaction was associated with age [OR = 0.16,95%CI (0.05 0.49)], occupational status [OR = 0.02, 95%CI (0.001, 0.24), amount of money to pay for service [OR = 2.87, 95%CI (1.07, 7.71), visiting mode of his wife [OR = 0.08, 95%CI (0.01, 0.35)], waiting time [OR = 0.12, 95%CI (0.04, 0.33)], privacy [OR = 10.61, 95%CI (3.00, 37.52)], mode of delivery of his wife [OR = 7.69, 95%CI (3.00, 19.69)].

Conclusion

This finding would alert the health care system to design a client-friendly approach. It will provide insight to hospital administrators and providers in formulating a policy that would enhance the support of partners during labour and delivery process.
Identification and engineering of 32 membered antifungal macrolactone notonesomycins
Authors: Goh Falicia , Zhang Mingzi M. , Lim Tian Ru , Low Kia Ngee , Nge Choy Eng , Heng Elena , Yeo Wan Lin , Sirota Fernanda L. , Crasta Sharon , Tan Zann , Ng Veronica , Leong Chung Yan , Zhang Huibin , Lezhava Alexander , Chen Swaine L. , Hoon Shawn S. , Eisenhaber Frank , Eisenhaber Birgit , Kanagasundaram Yoganathan , Wong Fong T. , Ng Siew Bee
Published: March 2020

Notonesomycin A is a 32-membered bioactive glycosylated macrolactone known to be produced by Streptomyces aminophilus subsp. notonesogenes 647-AV1 and S. aminophilus DSM 40186. In a high throughput antifungal screening campaign, we identified an alternative notonesomycin A producing strain, Streptomyces sp. A793, and its biosynthetic gene cluster. From this strain, we further characterized a new more potent antifungal non-sulfated analogue, named notonesomycin B. Through CRISPR–Cas9 engineering of the biosynthetic gene cluster, we were able to increase the production yield of notonesomycin B by up to 18-fold as well as generate a strain that exclusively produces this analogue.
Correction to: Systems analysis and improvement approach to optimize the hypertension diagnosis and care cascade for PLHIV individuals (SAIA-HTN): a hybrid type III cluster randomized trial
Authors: Gimbel Sarah , Mocumbi Ana Olga , Ásbjörnsdóttir Kristjana , Coutinho Joana , Andela Leonel , Cebola Bonifacio , Craine Heidi , Crocker Jonny , Hicks Leecreesha , Holte Sarah , Hossieke Rodrigues , Itai Edgar , Levin Carol , Manaca Nelia , Murgorgo Filipe , Nhumba Miguel , Pfeiffer James , Ramiro Isaias , Ronen Keshet , Sotoodehnia Nona , Uetela Onei , Wagner Anjuli , Weiner Bryan J. , Sherr Kenneth
Published: March 2020

Following publication of the original article [1], the authors reported a typo in the title of the article.
Effects of spatial–temporal land cover distribution on gross primary production and net primary production in Schleswig-Holstein, northern Germany
Authors: Ma Liwei
Published: March 2020

Background

Annual total Gross Primary Production (GPP) and Net Primary Production (NPP) and the annual total stored GPP and NPP are tightly coupled to land cover distributions because the distinct vegetation conditions of different land cover classes strongly affect GPP and NPP. Spatial and statistical analysis tools using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were used to investigate the spatial distribution of each land cover class and the GPP and NPP based on the CORINE land cover classification in the federal state, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany for the years 2000, 2006 and 2012.

Results

“Non-irrigated arable land” and “pastures” were the dominant land cover classes. Because of their large area, “non-irrigated arable land” and “pastures” had higher annual total stored GPP and NPP values than the other land cover classes. Annual total GPP and NPP hotspots were concentrated in the central-western part of Schleswig-Holstein. Cold spots were mainly located in the western and eastern Schleswig-Holstein. The distributions of the annual total GPP and NPP hotspots and cold spots were primarily determined by land cover and land cover changes among the investigated years. The average annual total NPP/GPP ratios were 0.5647, 0.5350 and 0.5573 in the years 2000, 2006 and 2012, respectively. The calculated respiration in 2006 was the highest, followed by those in 2012 and 2000.

Conclusions

The land cover classes with high-ability of carbon stocks in 2000, 2006 and 2012 in Schleswig-Holstein were identified in this study. Furthermore, it is recommendable to enhance the annual total GPP and NPP and the annual total stored GPP and NPP in Schleswig-Holstein by replacing the land cover classes showing low carbon stock capabilities with the classes showing high abilities for the purpose of increasing greenhouse gas fixation.
Integrated analysis of gene expression and DNA methylation profiles in ovarian cancer
Authors: Gong Guanghui , Lin Ting , Yuan Yishu
Published: March 2020

Background

Ovarian cancer is an epithelial malignancy that intrigues people for its poor outcome and lack of efficient treatment, while methylation is an important mechanism that have been recognized in many malignancies. In this study, we attempt to assess abnormally methylated gene markers and pathways in ovarian cancer by integrating three microarray datasets.

Methods

Three datasets including expression (GSE26712 and GSE66957) and methylation (GSE81224) datasets were accessed. GEO2R platform was used to detect abnormally methylated-differentially expressed genes. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were built and analysed for hypermethylated and hypermethylated differentially expressed genes using Cytoscape software and Mcode app. GEPIA and cBioPortal platforms were used to validate the expression of the hub genes and the correlation between their mRNA expressions and methylation levels. Kaplan Meier-plotter platform were used to assess the prognostic significance of the hub genes.

Results

Six hundred eighty-one hypomethylated-upregulated genes were detected and involved in Rap1 signaling pathway, biosynthesis of amino acids, endocrine resistance, apoptosis, pathways in cancer. The hub genes were TNF, UBC, SRC, ESR1, CDK1, PECAM1, CXCR4, MUC1, IKBKG. Additionally, 337 hypermethylated-downregulated genes were detected and involved in pathways in cancer, focal adhesion, sphingolipid signaling pathway, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, cellular senescence. The hub genes were BDNF, CDC42, CD44, PPP2R5C, PTEN, UBB, BMP2, FOXO1, KLHL2. TNF, ESR1, MUC1, CD44, PPP2R5C, PTEN, UBB and FOXO1 showed significant negative correlation between their mRNA expressions and methylation levels. TNF, ESR1 and FOXO1 showed prognostic significance.

Conclusions

Two novel gene networks were found for ovarian cancer. TNF, ESR1, MUC1 and FOXO1 are our candidate genes that might take part in ovarian cancer progression in an epigenetic approach, TNF, ESR1 and FOXO1 may serve as potential markers for ovarian cancer prognosis evaluation.
Effects of low- and high-intensity physical exercise on physical and cognitive function in older persons with dementia: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sanders L. M. J. , Hortobágyi T. , Karssemeijer E. G. A. , Van der Zee E. A. , Scherder E. J. A. , van Heuvelen M. J. G.
Published: March 2020

Background

Potential moderators such as exercise intensity or apolipoprotein-E4 (ApoE4) carriership may determine the magnitude of exercise effects on physical and cognitive functions in patients with dementia (PwD). We determined the effects of a 24-week aerobic and strength training program with a low- and high-intensity phase on physical and cognitive function.

Methods

In an assessor-blinded randomized trial, 91 PwD (all-cause dementia, recruited from daycare and residential care facilities, age 82.3 ± 7.0 years, 59 women, Mini-Mental State Examination 20.2 ± 4.4) were allocated to the exercise or control group. In the exercise group, PwD participated in a walking and lower limb strength training program with 12 weeks low- and 12 weeks high-intensity training offered three times/week. Attention-matched control participants performed flexibility exercises and recreational activities. We assessed adherence, compliance, and exercise intensity for each session. We assessed physical (endurance, gait speed, mobility, balance, leg strength) and cognitive (verbal memory, visual memory, executive function, inhibitory control, psychomotor speed) functions with performance-based tests at baseline and after 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 weeks (follow-up). ApoE4 carriership was determined post-intervention.

Results

Sixty-nine PwD were analyzed. Their mean attendance was ~ 60% during the study period. There were no significant effects of the exercise vs. control intervention on endurance, mobility, balance, and leg strength in favor of the exercise group (Cohen’s d = 0.13–0.18). Gait speed significantly improved with ~ 0.05 m/s after the high-intensity phase for exercise participants (Cohen’s d = 0.41) but declined at follow-up. There were no significant effects of the exercise vs. control intervention on any of the cognitive measures (Cohen’s d ~ − 0.04). ApoE4 carriership did not significantly moderate exercise effects on physical or cognitive function.

Conclusions

Exercise was superior to control activities for gait speed in our sample of PwD. However, the training effect provided no protection for mobility loss after detraining (follow-up). There were no beneficial effects of the exercise vs. control group on cognitive function. Exercise intensity moderated the effects of exercise on gait speed. ApoE4 carriership moderated the effect of exercise on global cognition only (trend level).

Trial registration

Netherlands Trial Register, NTR5035. Registered on 2 March 2015.
Donor information in research and drug evaluation with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)
Authors: Orzechowski Marcin , Schochow Maximilian , Kühl Michael , Steger Florian
Published: March 2020

Background

The discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) opened the possibilities for reprogramming cells back to a pluripotent state. Because of no apparent ethical issues connected with donation and derivation of biomaterial, iPSCs are considered as a research alternative to ethically highly disputed human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). However, the unique character of iPSCs leads to numerous ethical considerations, which mainly concern the issue of donor information and consent for the use of biospecimen in research and drug evaluation.

Methods

For the purpose of this analysis, we conducted a review of the literature in the PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science databases. The search algorithm led to the identification of 1461 results. After removing duplicates and screening of title and abstract, 90 articles were found to be relevant to the study’s objective. Full texts of these articles were apprised and 62 articles were excluded at this step for not properly addressing the study’s objective. In the final step, 28 articles were included in the analysis. Analyzed were both research and non-research manuscripts published in peer-reviewed journals.

Results

In the case of iPSC research, the information process should be guided by general frameworks established for research on human subjects but also by specific characteristics of iPSCs. We determined four main domains and 12 thematic subdomains that should be included in donor information. Our results show that majority of authors agree to the content of information with regard to the areas of general information, storage of cells, and protection of privacy. Two main issues that are discussed in the literature are donor’s consent for use in future studies and the process of donor information.

Conclusions

Given the unique character of iPSCs and the possibility of their various uses in the future, the content of donor information should contain specific information central to iPSC research. Effective methods of communicating information to donors should combine written and oral information with the possible use of multimedia.
Quantitative γ-H2AX immunofluorescence method for DNA double-strand break analysis in testis and liver after intravenous administration of 111InCl3
Authors: Stenvall Anna , Larsson Erik , Holmqvist Bo , Strand Sven-Erik , Jönsson Bo-Anders
Published: March 2020

Background

It is well known that a severe cell injury after exposure to ionizing radiation is the induction of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). After exposure, an early response to DSBs is the phosphorylation of the histone H2AX molecule regions adjacent to the DSBs, referred to as γ-H2AX foci. The γ-H2AX assay after external exposure is a good tool for investigating the link between the absorbed dose and biological effect. However, less is known about DNA DSBs and γ-H2AX foci within the tissue microarchitecture after internal irradiation from radiopharmaceuticals. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to develop and validate a quantitative ex vivo model using γ-H2AX immunofluorescence staining and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) to investigate its applicability in nuclear medicine dosimetry research. Liver and testis were selected as the organs to study after intravenous administration of 111InCl3.

Results

In this study, we developed and validated a method that combines ex vivo γ-H2AX foci labeling of tissue sections with in vivo systemically irradiated mouse testis and liver tissues. The method includes CLSM imaging for intracellular cell-specific γ-H2AX foci detection and quantification and absorbed dose calculations. After exposure to ionizing radiation from 111InCl3, both hepatocytes and non-hepatocytes within the liver showed an absorbed dose-dependent elevation of γ-H2AX foci, whereas no such correlation was seen for the testis tissue.

Conclusion

It is possible to detect and quantify the radiation-induced γ-H2AX foci within the tissues of organs at risk after internal irradiation. We conclude that our method developed is an appropriate tool to study dose–response relationships in animal organs and human tissue biopsies after internal exposure to radiation.
$L_{1}$-Estimation for covariate-adjusted regression
Authors: Sun Yaodong , Wang Dehui
Published: March 2020

We study a covariate-adjusted regression(CAR) model that is proposed for such situations where both predictors and response in a regression model are not directly observable but are distorted by a multiplicative factor that is determined by an unknown function of some observable covariate. By establishing a connection to varying-coefficient models, we present the local linear$L_{1}$L1-estimation method when the underlying error distribution deviates from a normal distribution. The robust estimators of parameters are proposed in the underlying regression model. The consistency and asymptotic normality of the robust estimators are investigated. Since the limit distribution depends on the unknown components of the errors, an empirical likelihood ratio method based on$L_{1}$L1estimator is proposed. The confidence intervals for the regression coefficients are constructed. Simulation results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed estimators over other classical estimators when the underlying errors have heavy tails. Pima Indian diabetes data set is conducted to illustrate the performance of the proposed method, where the response and predictors are potentially contaminated by body mass index.
New refinement of the Jensen inequality associated to certain functions with applications
Authors: Adil Khan Muhammad , Pečarić Ðilda , Pečarić Josip
Published: March 2020

This article proposes a new refinement of the celebrated Jensen inequality. Some refinements have been obtained for quasi-arithmetic means, Hölder and Hermite–Hadamard inequalities. Several applications are given in information theory. A more general refinement of Jensen inequality is presented associated tonfunctions.
Parameter identification of genetic regulatory network with time-varying delays via adaptive synchronization method
Authors: Liu Chunlin , Wang Fei
Published: March 2020

In this paper, the parameter identification of gene regulatory network with time-varying delay is studied. Firstly, we introduce the differential equation model of gene regulatory network with unknown parameters and time delay. Secondly, for the unknown parameters in the time-varying model, a corresponding system with adaptive parameters and adaptive controller is introduced, and the parameter identification problem of the original model is transformed into the synchronization problem of the two systems. Thirdly, we design an effective adaptive controller and an adaptive law for parameters and construct a Lyapunov functional. Then we give a strict theoretical proof that the adaptive parameters can converge to unknown parameters by Barbalat’s lemma. Finally, a numerical example is given to verify the validity of the theoretical results.
Scalloped hammerhead sharks swim on their side with diel shifts in roll magnitude and periodicity
Authors: Royer Mark , Maloney Kelsey , Meyer Carl , Cardona Edward , Payne Nicholas , Whittingham Kate , Silva Guilherme , Blandino Chloe’ , Holland Kim
Published: March 2020

Background

Great hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna mokarran) routinely swim on their sides and periodically roll from side to side. A previous study used wind tunnel tests with a rigid model hammerhead shark to demonstrate that the rolling behavior could improve swimming efficiency using the tall first dorsal fin as a lift-generating surface. Scalloped hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini) also have proportionally taller dorsal fins compared to pectoral fins than most shark species and similar to that of great hammerhead sharks, and thus might exhibit similar rolling behavior. This was assessed by deploying multi-sensor accelerometer instrument packages on free-swimming adult scalloped hammerhead sharks to directly measure swimming depth, body orientation and swimming performance. Specific objectives were to (1) determine whether scalloped hammerhead sharks exhibit side swimming and rolling behavior, (2) characterize the patterns of these behaviors, and (3) evaluate the purpose of these behaviors.

Results

We obtained 196.7 total days (4720 h) of data from 9 free-swimming adult scalloped hammerhead sharks equipped with multi-instrument biologgers with deployment durations ranging from 7 to 29 days. All sharks exhibited rolling behavior throughout the entire period of observation. The roll angle magnitude and periodicity of rolling showed a clear diel pattern. During daytime, the sharks spent an average of 48% of the time swimming at a roll angle > 30°, with an average roll angle of 41° and rolling periodicity of around 4 min. At night, the sharks spent an average 82% of their time at an angle > 30°, with an average roll angle of 60° and rolling periodicity of around 13 min. In addition to an increase in degree of roll and roll duration, overall dynamic body acceleration (ODBA) also increased at night, and tailbeat frequency was more regular and consistent than during daytime.

Conclusion

We observed rolling behavior in scalloped hammerhead sharks similar to that observed in great hammerhead sharks. The diel changes in roll angle and periodicity were accompanied by other changes in swimming behavior. These changes are possibly due to interplay between reducing cost of transport and social interactions with conspecifics.
Correction to: Evaluation of antioxidant, anti-hemolytic, cytotoxic effects and anti-bacterial activity of selected mangrove plants (Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and Heritiera littoralis) in Bangladesh
Authors: Karim Md. Adnan , Islam Md. Aminul , Islam Md. Muzahidul , Rahman Md. Saidur , Sultana Sharmin , Biswas Satyajit , Hosen Mohammad Jakir , Mazumder Kishor , Rahman Md. Masuder , Hasan Md. Nazmul
Published: March 2020

In the original publication of this article [1], an author name was misspelt. Instead of Kishore Mozumder, the author name should be Kishor Mazumder.
Variational Bayesian inversion of seismic attributes jointly for geologic facies and petrophysical rock properties
Authors: Nawaz Muhammad Atif , Curtis Andrew , Shahraeeni Mohammad Sadegh , Gerea Constantin
Published: March 2020

Seismic attributes (derived quantities) such as P-wave and S-wave impedances and P-wave to S-wave velocity ratios may be used to classify subsurface volume of rock into geologic facies (distinct lithology-fluid classes) using pattern recognition methods. Seismic attributes may also be used to estimate subsurface petrophysical rock properties such as porosity, mineral composition, and pore-fluid saturations. Both of these estimation processes are conventionally carried out independent of each other and involve considerable uncertainties, which may be reduced significantly by a joint estimation process. We have developed an efficient probabilistic inversion method for joint estimation of geologic facies and petrophysical rock properties. Seismic attributes and petrophysical properties are jointly modeled using a Gaussian mixture distribution whose parameters are initialized by unsupervised learning using well-log data. Rock-physics models may be used in our method to augment the training data if the existing well data are limited; however, this is not required if sufficient well data are available. The inverse problem is solved using the Bayesian paradigm that models uncertainties in the form of probability distributions. Probabilistic inference is performed using variational optimization, which is a computationally efficient deterministic alternative to the commonly used sampling-based stochastic inference methods. With the help of a real data application from the North Sea, we find that our method is computationally efficient, honors expected spatial correlations of geologic facies, allows reliable detection of convergence, and provides full probabilistic results without stochastic sampling of the posterior distribution.
Migration with reduced artifacts from internal multiple reflections
Authors: Zhang Lele
Published: March 2020

Migration of seismic reflection data leads to artifacts due to the presence of internal multiple reflections. Recent developments have shown that these artifacts can be avoided using Marchenko redatuming or Marchenko multiple elimination. These are powerful concepts, but their implementation comes at a considerable computational cost. We have derived a scheme to image the subsurface of the medium with significantly reduced computational cost and artifacts. This scheme is based on the projected Marchenko equations. The measured reflection response is required as input, and a data set with primary reflections and nonphysical primary reflections is created. Original and retrieved data sets are migrated, and the migration images are multiplied with each other, after which the square root is taken to give the artifact-reduced image. We showed the underlying theory and introduced the effectiveness of this scheme with a 2D numerical example.
Cancer Imaging Phenomics via CaPTk: Multi-Institutional Prediction of Progression-Free Survival and Pattern of Recurrence in Glioblastoma
Authors: Fathi Kazerooni Anahita , Akbari Hamed , Shukla Gaurav , Badve Chaitra , Rudie Jeffrey D. , Sako Chiharu , Rathore Saima , Bakas Spyridon , Pati Sarthak , Singh Ashish , Bergman Mark , Ha Sung Min , Kontos Despina , Nasrallah MacLean , Bagley Stephen J. , Lustig Robert A. , O’Rourke Donald M. , Sloan Andrew E. , Barnholtz-Sloan Jill S. , Mohan Suyash , Bilello Michel , Davatzikos Christos
Published: March 2020

PURPOSE

To construct a multi-institutional radiomic model that supports upfront prediction of progression-free survival (PFS) and recurrence pattern (RP) in patients diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) at the time of initial diagnosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively identified data for patients with newly diagnosed GBM from two institutions (institution 1, n = 65; institution 2, n = 15) who underwent gross total resection followed by standard adjuvant chemoradiation therapy, with pathologically confirmed recurrence, sufficient follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to reliably determine PFS, and available presurgical multiparametric MRI (MP-MRI). The advanced software suite Cancer Imaging Phenomics Toolkit (CaPTk) was leveraged to analyze standard clinical brain MP-MRI scans. A rich set of imaging features was extracted from the MP-MRI scans acquired before the initial resection and was integrated into two distinct imaging signatures for predicting mean shorter or longer PFS and near or distant RP. The predictive signatures for PFS and RP were evaluated on the basis of different classification schemes: single-institutional analysis, multi-institutional analysis with random partitioning of the data into discovery and replication cohorts, and multi-institutional assessment with data from institution 1 as the discovery cohort and data from institution 2 as the replication cohort.

RESULTS

These predictors achieved cross-validated classification performance (ie, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve) of 0.88 (single-institution analysis) and 0.82 to 0.83 (multi-institution analysis) for prediction of PFS and 0.88 (single-institution analysis) and 0.56 to 0.71 (multi-institution analysis) for prediction of RP.

CONCLUSION

Imaging signatures of presurgical MP-MRI scans reveal relatively high predictability of time and location of GBM recurrence, subject to the patients receiving standard first-line chemoradiation therapy. Through its graphical user interface, CaPTk offers easy accessibility to advanced computational algorithms for deriving imaging signatures predictive of clinical outcome and could similarly be used for a variety of radiomic and radiogenomic analyses.
The Spanish Caribbean Confederation: Modern Subjectivities and a Rhetoric of Failure
Authors: Rivera Ángel A.
Published: March 2020

This essay explores Eugenio María de Hostos’s and Ramón E. Betances’s notions of modern subjectivities, in the context of Romantic narratives, to index the fractures of collective and communal nationalist imaginaries within the Caribbean Confederation. Hostos and Betances were champions of the Antillean Confederation’s idea, but one must wonder why two modern political thinkers recur to the representation of unsuccessful heroes in their fictional texts. Through literary rhetoric, Betances and Hostos proposed a modern subjectivity that could promote national unity and collective political solidarities. Yet, surprisingly, their literary characters are instead inserted in a discourse that verges on a rhetoric of failure that contradicts the positive modern impulse of national/regional constructions.
The Limits of Legal Discourse
Authors: Butterfield Nicole
Published: March 2020

Based on fieldwork interviews conducted in 2015–16 with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer-identified individuals who are from or living in small towns and rural communities in Croatia, this article draws from the personal experiences of these individuals and the ways in which they describe negotiating sexual difference, discrimination, and homophobia in their communities. This analysis reflects on the importance of locating antidiscrimination legal mechanisms in local contexts to assess the degree to which such an approach can address institutional and systemic discrimination based on sexual difference. The article explores how small town and rural contexts can raise specific concerns about the efficacy of antidiscrimination legislation as it has been developed in the EU and Croatia, and calls into question the neoliberal, individualist, and reactive legislative approach to the protection of sexual human rights. Finally, the article analyzes a recent survey/research on discrimination in the workplace that was conducted as a collaborative effort between several LGBTI and human rights organizations in Croatia and how these strategies can (re)produce neoliberal discourses of market incentives and diversity management in the workplace rather than address the structural inequalities that produce and enable discrimination.
Model systems for regeneration: Xenopus
Authors: Phipps Lauren S. , Marshall Lindsey , Dorey Karel , Amaya Enrique
Published: March 2020

Understanding how to promote organ and appendage regeneration is a key goal of regenerative medicine. The frog, Xenopus, can achieve both scar-free healing and tissue regeneration during its larval stages, although it predominantly loses these abilities during metamorphosis and adulthood. This transient regenerative capacity, alongside their close evolutionary relationship with humans, makes Xenopus an attractive model to uncover the mechanisms underlying functional regeneration. Here, we present an overview of Xenopus as a key model organism for regeneration research and highlight how studies of Xenopus have led to new insights into the mechanisms governing regeneration.
Recent advances in primary immunodeficiency: from molecular diagnosis to treatment
Authors: Bucciol Giorgia , Meyts Isabelle
Published: March 2020

The technological advances in diagnostics and therapy of primary immunodeficiency are progressing at a fast pace. This review examines recent developments in the field of inborn errors of immunity, from their definition to their treatment. We will summarize the challenges posed by the growth of next-generation sequencing in the clinical setting, touch briefly on the expansion of the concept of inborn errors of immunity beyond the classic immune system realm, and finally review current developments in targeted therapies, stem cell transplantation, and gene therapy.
A Novel Approach Based on Modified Cycle Generative Adversarial Networks for Image Steganography
Authors: Kuppusamy P G , Ramya K C , Sheebha Rani S , Sivaram M , Dhasarathan Vigneswaran
Published: March 2020

Image steganography aims at hiding information in a cover medium in an imperceptible way. While traditionalsteganography methods used invisible inks and microdots, digital world started using images and video files for hiding the secret content in it. Steganalysis is a closely related field for detecting hidden information in these multimedia files. There are many steganography algorithms implemented and tested but most of them fail during Steganalysis. To overcome this issue, in this paper, we are proposing to use generative adversarial networks for image steganography which include discriminative models to identify steganography image during training stage and that helps us to reduce the error rate later during Steganalysis. The proposed modified cycle Generative Adversarial Networks (Mod Cycle GAN) algorithm is tested using the USC-SIPI database and the experimentation results were better when compared with the algorithms in the literature. Because the discriminator block evaluates the image authenticity, we could modify the embedding algorithm until the discriminator could not identify the change made and thereby increasing the robustness.
Monte Carlo Simulations of Coupled Transient Seepage Flow and Soil Deformation in Levees
Authors: Tracy Fred Thomas , Ryder Jodi L. , Schultz Martin T. , Ellithy Ghada S. , Breland Benjamin R. , Massey T. Chris , Corcoran Maureen K.
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this research is to compare the results from two different computer programs of flow analysesof two levees at Port Arthur, Texas where rising water of a flood from Hurricane Ike occurred on the levees. The first program (Program 1) is a two-dimensional (2-D) transient finite element program that couples the conservation of mass flow equation with accompanying hydraulic boundary conditions with the conservation of force equations with accompanying x and y displacement and force boundary conditions, thus yielding total head, x displacement, and y displacement as unknowns at each finite element node. The second program (Program 2) is a 2-D transient finite element program that considers only the conservation of mass flowequation with its accompanying hydraulic boundary conditions, yielding only total head as the unknown at each finite element node. Compressive stresses can be computed at the centroid of each finite element when using the coupled program. Programs 1 and 2 were parallelized for high performance computing to consider thousands of realisations of the material properties. Since a single realisation requires as much as one hour of computer time for certain levees, the large realisation computation is made possible by utilising HPC. This Monte Carlo type analysis was used to compute the probability of unsatisfactory performance for under seepage, through seepage, and uplift for the two levees. Respective hydrographs from the flood resulting from Hurricane Ike were applied to each levee. When comparing the computations from the two programs, the most significant result was the two programs yielded significantly different values in the computed results in the two clay levees considered in this research.
Describing Variability of Inpatient Consultation Practices: Physician, Patient, and Admission Factors
Authors: Kachman Marika , Carter Keme , Arora Vineet M , Flores Andrea , Meltzer David O , Martin Shannon K
Published: March 2020

Appropriate use of consultation can improve patient outcomes, but inappropriate use may cause harm. Factors affecting the variability of inpatient consultation are poorly understood. We aimed to describe physician‐, patient‐, and admission‐level factors influencing the variability of inpatient consultations on general medicine services. We conducted a retrospective study of patients hospitalized from 2011 to 2016 and enrolled in the University of Chicago Hospitalist Project, which included 6,153 admissions of 4,772 patients under 69 attendings. Consultation use varied widely; a 5.7‐fold difference existed between the lowest (mean, 0.613) and highest (mean, 3.47) quartiles of use (P <.01). In mixed‐effect Poisson regression, consultations decreased over time, with 45% fewer consultations for admissions in 2015 than in 2011 (P <.01). Patients on nonteaching hospitalist teams received 9% more consultations than did those on teaching services (P =.02). Significant variability exists in inpatient consultation use. Further understanding may help to identify groups at high‐risk for underuse/overuse and aid in the development of interventions to improve high‐value care.
Surgical Comanagement by Hospitalists: Continued Improvement Over 5 Years
Authors: Rohatgi Nidhi , Weng Yingjie , Ahuja Neera
Published: March 2020

Surgical comanagement (SCM), in which surgeons and hospitalists share responsibility of care for surgical patients, has been increasingly utilized. In August 2012, we implemented SCM in Orthopedic and Neurosurgery services in which the same Internal Medicine hospitalists are dedicated year round to each of these surgical services to proactively prevent and manage medical conditions. In this article, we evaluate if SCM was associated with continued improvement in patient outcomes between 2012 and 2018 in Orthopedic and Neurosurgery services at our institution. We conducted regression analysis on 26,380 discharges to assess yearly change in our outcomes. Since 2012, the odds of patients with ≥1 medical complication decreased by 3.8% per year (P = .01), the estimated length of stay decreased by 0.3 days per year (P < .0001), and the odds of rapid response team calls decreased by 12.2% per year (P = .001). Estimated average direct cost savings were $3,424 per discharge.
Clinical Guideline Highlights for the Hospitalist: The GOLD and NICE Guidelines for the Management of COPD
Authors: Neumeier Anna , Keith Robert
Published: March 2020

GUIDELINE TITLE

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in over 16s: Diagnosis and management1

RELEASE DATE

December 5, 2018 with update July 2019

PRIOR VERSION(S)

NICE guideline CG101 June 2010, 2004

FUNDING SOURCE

Department of Health and Social Care, United Kingdom

TARGET POPULATION

Patients age 16 and older with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

GUIDELINE TITLE

Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (2019 Report)2

RELEASE DATE

November 14, 2018

PRIOR VERSION(S)

2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2008, 2001

FUNDING SOURCE

The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD)

TARGET POPULATION

Adults with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Monitoring the early pregnancy
Authors: Morganti Monica
Published: March 2020

Monitoring of the early pregnancy is an important aspect of stud medicine practice. This article provides an overview of a common routine examination schedule adopted in the early stages of equine pregnancy, and discusses why pregnancy examination should be performed early plus at specific intervals thereafter. A description (with pictures) of the most common ultrasonographic indicators of pregnancy loss found during the examination is provided, together with some treatment options currently adopted. Because of the limitations of diagnostic ability, and incomplete understanding around early pregnancy loss, treatment options for this condition can be controversial. Finally, how to effectively diagnose and manage twins is discussed, with an understanding of how natural reduction can play its part.
What is the functional mobility and quality of life in patients with cerebral palsy following single-event multilevel surgery?
Authors: Edwards Tomos Aled , Prescott Robin John , Stebbins Julie , Wright James , Theologis Tim
Published: March 2020

Purpose

To report functional mobility in patients with diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) at long-term follow-up after single-event multilevel surgery (SEMLS). The secondary aim was to assess the relationship between functional mobility and quality of life (QoL) in patients previously treated with SEMLS.

Methods

A total of 61 patients with diplegic CP, mean age at surgery 11 years, eight months (sd 2 years, 5 months), were included. A mean of eight years (sd 3 years, 10 months) after SEMLS, patients were contacted and asked to complete the Functional Mobility Scale (FMS) questionnaire over the telephone and given a weblink to complete an online version of the CP QOL Teen. FMS was recorded for all patients and CP QOL Teen for 23 patients (38%).

Results

Of patients graded Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) I and II preoperatively, at long-term follow-up the proportion walking independently at home, school/work and in the community was 71% (20/28), 57% (16/28) and 57% (16/28), respectively. Of patients graded GMFCS III preoperatively, at long-term follow-up 82% (27/33) and 76% (25/33) were walking either independently or with an assistive device at home and school/work, respectively, while over community distances 61% (20/33) required a wheelchair. The only significant association between QoL and functional mobility was better ‘feelings about function’ in patients with better home FMS scores (r = 0.55; 95% confidence interval 0.15 to 0.79; p = 0.01).

Conclusion

The majority of children maintained their preoperative level of functional mobility at long-term follow-up after SEMLS.

Level of Evidence

IV
Bridging the Gap between Work and Education in Vocational Education and Training. A study of Norwegian Apprenticeship Training Offices and E-portfolio Systems
Authors: Nore Hæge , Lahn Leif C.
Published: March 2020

This article explores the effect that the use of e-portfolios initiated and organized by apprenticeship training offices has had on the learning processes and assessment practices of apprentices in Norwegian vocational education and training. Although these intermediate structures have the potential to bridge the gap between work and education, they seem to maintain a system of two parallel learning arenas. However, the article summarizes the innovative effects of these transformations as supportive structures for expansive apprenticeship. The study is based on data from a national project on quality assessment, which is supported by documentary evidence from e-portfolios in three different trades: plumbing, industrial mechanics and sales.
Formation of Apprenticeships in the Swedish Education System: Different Stakeholder Perspectives
Authors: Andersson Ingela , Wärvik Gun-Britt , Thång Per-Olof
Published: March 2020

The article explores the major features of the Swedish Government’s new initiative - a school based Upper Secondary Apprenticeship model. The analyses are guided by activity theory. The analysed texts are part of the parliamentary reform-making process of the 2011 Upper Secondary School reform. The analyses unfold how the Government, the Swedish Trade Union Confederation (LO), and the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise (SN) construct Upper Secondary Apprenticeship as an activity in the 21st century. The conclusion highlights how three traditional aspects of Swedish initial vocational education and training (IVET) collide in the formation of Upper Secondary Apprenticeship – a curriculum of labour market based apprenticeships, a curriculum of school based IVET, and ill-defined curriculums of school based apprenticeships. The emerging Upper Secondary Apprenticeship curriculum foreshadows multifaceted educational trajectories where the learning targets, and not the responsibility for the student’s learning are displaced from the school to the workplace setting.
Qualification of Adult Educators in Europe: Insights From the Portuguese Case
Authors: Paulos Catarina
Published: March 2020

This article explores the role of the European Union in defining an adult education policy and the way European countries appropriate those guidelines and implement them in their realities. These policies have been widening and diversifying adult education, creating the necessity of qualifying educational professionals. With the implementation of some adult education political measures, new educational practices were developed and new professional activities were born. This investigation is about the qualification of adult educators working in the processes of recognition of prior learning.
Twenty Years of Basic Vocational Education Provision in Spain: Changes and Trends
Authors: Marhuenda Fernando , Salvà Francesca , Navas Saurin Almudena A. , Abiétar López Miriam
Published: March 2020

Our contribution attempts to review basic vocational education programmes in Spain over the past 25 years. We intend to compare the evolution of these programmes in terms of conception and conditions of delivery in order to find out how different they are as skill-formation and remedial systems, as well as  analysing how different political views have an impact upon such provision. We will focus on the current programmes in two regions in Spain where tourism is the main economic strength and source of employment. The authors have been working on several research projects investigating these issues since the late 1990s and we are currently working on two of them.
Transitions and Diversity in Didactics: An Exploration Searching for Implications for Vocational Education and Training
Authors: Moreno Herrera Lázaro
Published: March 2020

Depending on the perspective and even language, the concept of didactics is defined in different ways. The debate about conceptualization, particularly concerning the equivalence in English of what in other languages, specifically Germanic and Latin languages, is termed "didactics" is well documented in the research literature. There is a claim in this article concerning the need to transcend the language discussion; it is indeed necessary, especially for Vocational Education & training (VET), to develop a close linkage between what some authors consider "an empirically based" side of didactics associated with empirical findings and the "non-empirical" side that is associated with theoretical constructs for understanding the teaching-learning process.The main aim of this article is to revisit research in didactics in German, Nordic and French contexts looking for diversity in the various approaches. This is intended to contribute to the discussion about prospects and shortcomings in the development of a didactics for the intricate subject of vocational education and training. Rather than alternative didactical paths, the article intends to suggest lines of development, encourage discussions and the further research needed concerning relationship didactics and vocational education and training.
Ensuring Curriculum Relevance in Vocational Education and Training: Epistemological Perspectives in a Curriculum Research Project
Authors: Hiim Hilde
Published: March 2020

This article addresses challenges regarding relevance in vocational education and training (VET) curricula. Recent research on Norwegian VET shows that the educational content is not sufficiently related to the students' needs for qualification in the actual vocations. I will present a new curriculum research project aimed at investigating and improving the vocational relevance in Norwegian VET. An important part of the project is to investigate epistemological perspectives on how vocational knowledge is constituted and developed, and consequences for the curriculum. The article presents results from these epistemological investigations. I will argue that the relevance problem relates to a one-sided rationalist epistemology in which a main idea is that vocational knowledge consists of theoretical principles and procedures to be applied in practical situations. This idea influences educational traditions and structures, and leads to a separation between theoretical and practical subjects and learning arenas. From a pragmatic epistemological perspective, it can be argued that vocational knowledge is contextual and holistic, and consists of complex wholes of physicality, motor skills, intellectual understandings, values, and verbalized concepts. To ensure curriculum relevance, a curriculum is needed in which authentic practical work is the base, and subjects are integrated with students' practical work experience.