bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ЗНАЧЕНИЕ ОТДЕЛЬНЫХ КЛИНИКО-АНАМНЕСТИЧЕСКИХ ДАННЫХ В ФОРМИРОВАНИИ ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗА ВНЕЛЕГОЧНЫХ ЛОКАЛИЗАЦИЙ У ДЕТЕЙ, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Поркулевич Надежда Игоревна
Published: January 2020

К основным факторам риска заболевания детей туберкулезом (ТБ) относят: выраженную и гиперергическую чувствительность к туберкулину, проживание в социопатических семьях и семьях медико-демографического риска, контакт с больными ТБ, наличие сопутствующих заболеваний, первичное инфицирование, отсутствие или некачественную вакцинацию БЦЖ. В то же время практически отсутствуют работы, отражающие значение отдельных факторов риска в формировании ТБ внеторакальных локализаций. В статье на основании анализа анамнестических и клинических данных, социального статуса семей и эпидемиологического анамнеза выделены наиболее важные факторы риска развития внелегочных форм ТБ среди детского населения Омской области.
СОВРЕМЕННЫЕ ВОЗМОЖНОСТИ И ПРИОРИТЕТНЫЕ ЗАДАЧИ ПО ПРОТИВОДЕЙСТВИЮ РАСПРОСТРАНЕНИЯ ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗА В РЕСПУБЛИКЕ МОЛДОВА (к 60-летию Института Фтизиопульмонологии «Кирилл Драганюк»), "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Яворский Константин Михайлович , Александру София Матвеевна , Вильк Валентина Викторовна , Тудор Елена Мирчевна , Доника Анна Федоровна , Болотникова Валентина Андреевна , Московчук Анна Федоровна , Брумару Альбина Георгиевна , Корлотяну Андрей Андреевич
Published: January 2020

В настоящей статье из богатой истории Института Фтизиопульмонологии «Кирилл Драганюк» представлены приоритетные направления и результативность научно-исследовательской, клинической и организационно-методической работы в период с 2009 по 2018 гг. Показано, как в этот знаменательный период смены стратегии ВОЗ по борьбе с туберкулезом (ТБ) Республика Молдова, мобилизуя все ресурсы и возможности, ставит задачи по снижению/ликвидации ТБ на национальном уровне. Данные, приведенные в статье, отражают динамику основных эпидемиологических показателей бремени ТБ. Дается информация о деятельности Института Фтизиопульмонологии, как головного научно-практического центра борьбы с ТБ, ответственного за реализацию Национальных программ по контролю ТБ.
Pathogen Inducible cis-acting Elements of Synthetic Promoters in Plants-review
Authors: Hegde Rashmi
Published: January 2020

Synthetic pathogen inducible promoters are used for the improvement and application of transgenic techniques in research and to increase agriculture production.  The promoter contains specific cis-regulatory elements (W box, GCC box, Box S and D box) which induce anti pathogen molecular cascades. Insertion of dimerized form of cis acting elements at upstream region of promoter in promoter probe vector drives the expression of resistance gene or reporter gene. The expression indicates that synthetic promoters are responded to fungal elicitors. Expression of resistance restrict to infection sites which boost disease resistance in plants.
The Impact of Low Fertility in East Asia: A Case Study of Low Fertility Crisis Management in Japan
Authors: Lin Chi-Jen, , Chang Hsiao-Ming, , Hung Chien-Jen,
Published: January 2020

Low fertility has become a common problem all over the world. It is the same in East Asia. Japan is the first developed country in East Asia and the first country in East Asia to face the problem of low fertility. The purpose of this paper is to explore how to solve the problem of low fertility in East Asian countries. The solution may be in the case of Japan. In terms of research methods, this paper adopts case analysis and literature analysis.

The case analysis of Japan aims to explore the management plans and proposed strategies in the aspects of education faced with declining birth rate and aging industries from the perspective of sustainable development. Population issues are often the root of problems in a country, and any problems related to population will result in a crisis of social stability. Therefore, both China’s One-child policy (population control) and Japan’s declining birth rate and aging response strategies (labor shortage) can be considered cases of crisis management.

In conclusion, although low fertility is inevitable, if Japan faces and deals with it step by step, it can reduce the impact of low fertility. The premise is to plan ahead and go through a period of time. In the case of Japan, it took at least 20 years to deal with the problem. And now it is still going on.
An Appraisal of the Attributes of Incremental Housing in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: O. Ojo O. , A. Shittu A. , J. Adebolu T.
Published: January 2020

This paper examined the attributes of incremental housing in Akure, a three-stage sampling was done. First, the peripheral areas of Akure metropolis was identified and used as the clusters. The second stage of sampling involved selecting communities from each peripheral area in Akure metropolis. In selecting the communities, purposive sampling was employed. The third stage of sampling was used in choosing the target units which were the incremental house owners. Sample size was selected using statistically valid methods with the assurance of complete data from the sampling frame and such data are collected in a reliable manner. Google Earth imagery of the study area was gotten from Google Earth Pro.7.0.3.8542. The imagery was digitized and the numbers of buildings were counted using Autocad. Oba-Ile had 1,013 buildings, Ijoka had 413 buildings, Igoba had 602 buildings while, Orita-Obele had 565 buildings, and the number of buildings from the four corridors were estimated to a total of 2,593 buildings. Findings revealed that incremental housing developers in Akure fringe areas generally have a household size of 4 to 6 members, despite that the respondents have been staying in the study area for years, there were still uncompleted buildings because of the low income class they belongs to, due to low income the completion of the project will still take a longer time, a good number of the incremental developers have building plans for their building projects, while there are some without building plans, it is an attribute of the majority of the housing developers to build houses without an approved building plan and majority of the incremental houses in the study were still under construction. It is recommended that the NGOs, Private sectors as well as Microfinance should help in encouraging the developers by giving them flexible loan and also create awareness, advocacy, project monitoring and evaluation, providing checks during projects and programmes implementation.
Study of the Control of Fungus Occurring in Schizolobium amazonicum Seeds with the Use of Pyroligneous Extract
Authors: Da C. Macedo D. G. , Q. David G. , M. Yamashita O. , M. Peres W. , C. de Carvalho M. A. , De Sá M. E. , Dos S. Lourenço F. M. , De B. Mateus M. P. , Karsburg I. V. , M. de Arruda T. P. , Rodrigues C.
Published: January 2020

Fungi are the main microorganisms present in seeds, constituting the main cause of deterioration and production losses. Among the health testing methodologies for detecting fungi in seeds, incubation tests under controlled conditions facilitate fungal growth and sporulation. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the efficiency of pyroligneous extract in the control of phytopathogenic fungi occurring in Schizolobium amazonicum seeds. Treatments consisted of exposure of seeds to pyroligneous extract for a period of five minutes at concentrations (0%, 1%, 2.5%, 5%, 7%, 10% and 12.5%). The treated seeds were placed in Petri dishes, lined with two sheets of filter paper, moistened with sterile distilled water. The experimental design was completely randomized, consisting of 7 treatments, with 9 seeds per plate and 10 replications per treatment, totaling 630 seeds arranged in 7 Petri dishes. The evaluation was performed 8 days later, with the aid of stereoscopic and light microscopy, where the fungal growth in each seed in the plates was verified for the incidence calculation and then the identification of these. Pyroligneous extract was found to be efficient in reducing the fungal incidence of the genera Fusarium sp. and Rhizoctonia sp., fungi considered important plant pathogens that could compromise seed quality and seedling establishment in the field. It also reduced the incidence of storage fungi capable of causing seed deterioration and consequent loss of vigor, such as Aspergillus spp. occurring in seed samples of S. amazonicum. However, Penicillium sp was not controlled by treatment of S. amazonicum seeds with pyroligneous extract up to 12.5% concentration.
The Italian version of the Thinking About Life Experiences Questionnaire and its relationship with gender, age, and life events on Facebook
Authors: Caci Barbara , Scrima Fabrizio , Cardaci Maurizio , Miceli Silvana
Published: January 2020

The present study provided a cross‐cultural validation of the Thinking About Life Experiences Scale‐revised (TALE‐R) in an Italian sample of Facebook users (n = 492; female = 378; male = 114; mean age 26.1) to test for replication and universality of the TALE‐R three‐factor model. Furthermore, it explored the interrelations among gender, age, the scores at the TALE‐R and the frequency of posting textual/visual information about individuals' life events on Facebook. Results at exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis gave empirical support to both of a tripartite model for the functions of autobiographical memory (i.e., directive‐behavior, social‐bonding, and self‐continuity) and measurement invariance of this three‐factor model across gender and age. Further results at linear correlation and regression analyses showed that directive‐behavior and self‐continuity functions of autobiographical memory are significantly related to the ways people use Facebook for personal documentation. Age differences more than gender influence this association. Discussion and conclusion reported both theoretical and empirical implications of the findings of the study.
Poorly designed REMS for opioids hampers FDA's evaluation of impact
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: January 2020

The Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program designed to facilitate safer prescribing of extended‐release/long‐acting opioids cannot be sufficiently evaluated because of major flaws in the program's design, concludes a review published online Dec. 30, 2019, in JAMA Internal Medicine. The review's corresponding author told ADAW that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and opioid manufacturers have not taken advantage of evaluation methods that had become standard scientific procedure well before the REMS was instituted in 2012.
How Scary Are Food Scares? Evidence from Animal Disease Outbreaks
Authors: Houser Matthew , Karali Berna
Published: January 2020

The economic impacts of food safety events are an ongoing concern for the food industry and policymakers. Animal disease outbreaks can be characterized by prolonged abnormal returns and greater price variability in livestock markets. We investigate the return and volatility patterns in live cattle and lean hog futures following BSE and H1N1 outbreaks by modeling time‐varying volatility and spillover effects between these substitutes. We find that cattle and hog futures markets were affected during these outbreaks with decreasing returns and increasing volatility. Volatility of hogs is found to reduce cattle volatility, providing evidence for price stabilization across linked markets.
Tunable Synaptic Plasticity in Crystallized Conjugated Polymer Nanowire Artificial Synapses
Authors: Han Hong , Xu Zhipeng , Guo Kexin , Ni Yao , Ma Mingxue , Yu Haiyang , Wei Huanhuan , Gong Jiangdong , Zhang Shuo , Xu Wentao
Published: January 2020

In biological synapses, short‐term plasticity is important for computation and signal transmission, whereas long‐term plasticity is essential for memory formation. Comparably, designing a strategy that can easily tune the synaptic plasticity of artificial synapses can benefit constructing an artificial neural system, where synapses with different short‐term plasticity (STP) and long‐term plasticity (LTP) are required. Herein, a strategy is designed that can easily tune the plasticity of crystallized conjugated polymer nanowire‐based synaptic transistors (STs) by low‐temperature solvent engineering. Essential synaptic functions are achieved, such as excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC), paired‐pulse facilitation (PPF), spike‐frequency‐dependent plasticity (SFDP), spike‐duration‐dependent plasticity (SDDP) and spike‐number‐dependent plasticity (SNDP), and potentiation/depression. The balance between crystallinity and roughness is successfully adjusted by altering solvent compositions, and plasticity of the synaptic device is easily tuned between short term and long term. The evident transition from STP to LTP, good linearity and symmetry of potentiation and depression, and the broad dynamic working range of synaptic weight are achieved. This provides a facile way to tune synaptic plasticity at low temperatures and is applicable to future organic and flexible artificial nervous systems.
The dental microwear of hard‐object feeding in laboratory Sapajus apella and its implications for dental microwear formation
Authors: Teaford Mark F. , Ungar Peter S. , Taylor Andrea B. , Ross Callum F. , Vinyard Christopher J.
Published: January 2020

Objectives

This study seeks to determine if (a) consumption of hard food items or a mixture of food items leads to the formation of premolar or molar microwear in laboratory capuchin monkeys (Sapajus apella) in one feeding session and (b) rates of microwear formation are associated with the number of food items consumed.

Materials and methods

Five adult male capuchins were used in two experiments, one where they were fed unshelled Brazil nuts, and the other where they were fed a mixture of food items. Dental impressions were taken before and after each feeding session. Epoxy casts made from those impressions then were used in SEM analyses of rates of microwear formation. Upper and lower premolars and molars were analyzed. Qualitative comparisons were made and Spearman's rank‐order correlations used to examine the relationship between rates of microwear formation and number of Brazil nuts consumed.

Results

Premolars and molars generally showed new microwear in the form of pits and scratches. However, the incidence of those features was low (0–6%). Rates of microwear formation were highest during the consumption of Brazil nuts.

Discussion

Variations in the rate of microwear formation on the premolars likely reflected patterns of ingestion whereas consistency in the rate of microwear on the molars likely reflected patterns of chewing. While dental microwear formation seemed to be correlated with the number of hard objects consumed, rates did differ between individuals. Differences in results between the two experiments demonstrate some of the limitations in our knowledge of dental microwear formation.
Synthesis, characterization, and some electrocatalytic properties of heteromultinuclear FeI/RuII Clusters
Authors: Li Qian‐Li , Zhang Ru‐Fen , Ma Chun‐Lin , Lü Shuang , Mu Chao , Li Yu‐Long
Published: January 2020

A series of new heteromultinuclear FeI/RuII clusters are described. The complexes (η6‐arene)RuFe2S2(CO)6 (arene = p‐cymene 1, C6Me6 2) and Fe2[μ‐S (Cp*Ru)(CO)2]2(CO)6 (Cp* = η5‐C5Me5) (3) were prepared by the reduction reactions of (μ‐S)2Fe2(CO)6 with 2 equiv of LiHBEt3, followed by treatment (μ‐SLi)2Fe2(CO)6 with ruthenium‐arene complexes Ru2(μ‐Cl)2Cl2(η6‐arene)2 or Cp*Ru (CO)2Cl in 22–33% yields. Further reactions of 1 and 2 with 1 equiv of triphenylphosphine in the presence of the decarbonylating agent Me3NO·2H2O, afforded the corresponding monophosphine‐substituted FeI/RuII complexes (η6‐arene)RuFe2S2(CO)5(Ph3P) (arene = p‐cymene 4, C6Me6 5) in 75% and 78% yields. While treatment of parent complex 1 or 2 with 1 equiv of diphosphine Ph2PCH2PPh2 (dppm) in xylene at reflux temperature resulted in the formation of the diphosphine‐bridged RuFe2S2(CO)9 derivate RuFe2S2(CO)7(dppm) (6). The possible pathway for the formation was proposed. Two isomers of novel macrocyclic complexes involve the (η6‐arene) Ru‐bridged quadruple‐butterfly Fe/S clusters [{μ‐S (CH2)3S‐μ}{(μ‐CS2)Fe2(CO)6}2]2[(η6‐arene)Ru]2 (arene = p‐cymene 7a and 7b, C6Me6 8a and 8b) were isolated by reactions of two μ‐CS2‐containing dianion [{μ‐S (CH2)3S‐μ}{(μ‐S=CS)Fe2(CO)6}2]2− with [Ru2(μ‐Cl)2Cl2(η6‐arene)2], in which the propylene groups are attached to two S atoms by ee and ea types of bonds respectively. All the new complexes 1–8 have been characterized by elemental analysis, spectroscopy, and particularly for 1–6, 7b and8a by X‐ray crystallography. In addition, the electrochemical properties of representative complexes 1–4 and 6 have been investigated.
Regular/abnormal variation in the strength and nature of the halogen bond between H2Te and the dihalogens: Prominent effect of methyl substituents
Authors: Wang Ruijing , Cheng Ziyi , Li Qingzhong , McDowell Sean A.C.
Published: January 2020

The halogen‐bonded complexes between H2Te/Me2Te and the dihalogen molecules XY (XY = F2, Cl2, Br2, I2, ClF, ClBr, BrF, BrCl, BrI, IF, ICl, IBr) have been studied to investigate the dependence of its strength and nature on the halogen donor X and its adjoining atom Y, as well as the methyl groups in the electron donor. The interaction energy varies between −1.7 and − 43.5 kcal/mol, indicating that the Te atom in H2Te/Me2Te has a strong affinity for the dihalogen molecules. For the H2Te‐XY complex, the halogen bond is stronger for the heavier halogen donor X atom and the strong electron‐withdrawing group Y. However, for Me2Te‐XY, the halogen bond is stronger for the lighter halogen donor X atom. The H2Te/Me2Te‐F2complex has the largest interaction energy, although the σ‐hole on F2is the smallest in magnitude. In most of the complexes, the electrostatic and polarization contributions to the binding strength are similar in magnitude. However, for H2Te/Me2Te‐F2, the polarization contribution is much larger than the electrostatic contribution, with a significant contribution from charge transfer.
Study on properties and stress relaxation behavior of oil‐extended SBS/LLDPE/EVA blends
Authors: Guan Mingxin , Hang Yiping
Published: January 2020

In order to explore and develop a new sealing material, the oil‐extended styrene‐butadiene‐styrene (SBS)/Linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE)/ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA) blends were prepared by melt mixing method and the effects of components on mechanical, rheological properties, and microstructure of the blends were investigated. The results showed that the resilience of the blends was barely changed during three‐time cyclic compression. The increase of oil‐extended SBS content would reduce the hardness of the blends as well as its compatibility and increase the melt flow rate. An increase in the LLDPE content, however, has the opposite effect on the blends. In contrast, EVA has little effect on the mechanical and rheological properties of the blends, but its addition could improve the transparency of samples effectively while promote the phase separation of the sample and complicate its microstructure. The master curve of stress relaxation modulus obtained by time–temperature superposition principle could be used to predict the long‐term (1.5 × 108 s, about 4.7 years) stress relaxation behavior of the blends at room temperature while the correlation coefficient of the shift factor fitting is 0.987. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2020,137, 48930.
SnO2–polyaniline composites for the desensitization of Al/SnO2 thermite composites
Authors: Gibot Pierre , Goetz Virginie
Published: January 2020

Nanothermites consisting of a reducing metal and a metal oxide nanopowder represent a new generation of energetic materials in pyrotechnics due to their impressive reactive properties. However, their extreme sensitivity regarding electrostatic discharge appears to be detrimental to their future practical applications. Herein, the mitigation of the sensitivity thresholds of the aluminium/tin (IV) oxide energetic nanocomposite is successfully achieved by using a conducting polymer, polyaniline (PAni). PAni was introduced within the thermite by the chemical polymerization of an oxidizer/PAni hybrid matrix. The SnO2–PAni composites were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, electrical conductivity measurements, and transmission electron microscopy. The derived Al/SnO2–PAni thermites were investigated in terms of sensitivities and reactivity. Results revealed gradual desensitization of the Al/SnO2 thermite as a function of the concentration of PAni for both the electrostatic discharge (0.14–1212 mJ) and friction (216–360 N) tests while maintaining reactive energetic composites. This work presents a way for the preparation of insensitive and reactive energetic formulations. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48947.
A group of serum proteins as potential diagnostic biomarkers for Yin‐deficiency‐heat syndrome
Authors: Chen Jing , Jiang Ting‐Ting , Yi Wen‐Jing , Jiao Jin‐Ling , Liu Chang‐Ming , Tu Hui‐Hui , Hu Yu‐Ting , Shi Li‐Ying , Huang Huai , Li Zhi‐Bin , Gan Lin , Li Zhong‐Jie , Li Ji‐Cheng
Published: January 2020

Yin‐deficiency‐heat (YDH) syndrome is a very common subhealth status in Traditional Chinese Medicine. However, currently, there is no unified standard for diagnosing YDH syndrome. We applied the iTRAQ‐2D LC–MS/MS method to explore the potential of serum protein profiles as biomarker for YDH syndrome. A total of 120 differentially expressed proteins (79 downregulated and 41 upregulated) were identified by the proteomic profiling. The results of KEGG pathway analysis showed that the functions of the differentially expressed proteins were mainly involved in complement and coagulation cascades. The clinical data showed that YDH syndrome was closely related to inflammation and coagulation, compared with the healthy controls. The ELISA validation results indicated that the expression levels of ALB, CFI, and KLKB1 were downregulated in the YDH syndrome group (p < .05). Moreover, we established a decision tree model based on the combination of these three proteins and achieved a sensitivity of 87.5%, a specificity of 84.4%, and AUC of 0.891. The results indicated that the combination of ALB, CFI, and KLKB1 may serve as potential biomarkers for diagnosing YDH syndrome. Our study can provide a new method for YDH syndrome diagnosis, and may also provide an experimental basis to understand the molecular mechanism of YDH syndrome.
Resolving stellar populations with integral field spectroscopy
Authors: Roth Martin M. , Weilbacher Peter M. , Castro Norberto
Published: January 2020

High‐performance instruments at large ground‐based telescopes have made integral field spectroscopy (IFS) a powerful tool for the study of extended objects such as galaxies, nebulae, or even larger survey fields on the sky. Here, we discuss the capabilities of IFS for the study of resolved stellar populations, using the new method of point‐spread‐function‐fitting crowded field IFS, analogous to the well‐established technique of crowded field photometry with image sensors. We review early pioneering work with first‐generation integral field spectrographs, the breakthrough achieved with the multiunit spectral explorer (MUSE) instrument at the European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (ESO) Very Large Telescope, the remarkable progress accomplished with MUSE in the study of globular clusters, and first results on nearby galaxies. We discuss the synergy of integral field spectrographs at 8–10 m class telescopes with future facilities such as the extremely large telescope (ELT).
Statistical estimates of water savings from landscape transformation programs
Authors: Chesnutt Thomas W.
Published: January 2020

A statistical impact evaluation was conducted on nine retail landscape transformation (LT) programs across North America that include turf removal and replacement, “cash for grass,” xeriscape and water‐wise relandscaping, and utility‐sponsored efforts to promote and incentivize reductions in the landscape water requirement. This empirical evaluation focused on the observable changes in customer water consumption. Methodological challenges include unavoidable self‐selection in voluntary conservation programs, programmatic differences, weather variation, and customer heterogeneity. Alternative methodological approaches are discussed, and a continuous time statistical intervention model is set forth. This was implemented using high‐resolution individual customer panel data methods to arrive at an expected annual change, changes to the shape of water demand within the year (demand shaping), and—for one LT program—the long‐term persistence of water savings. Detectable water savings were observed for all examined programs.
Changes in resting‐state functional connectivity in nonacute sciatica with acupuncture modulation: A preliminary study
Authors: Liu Ching‐Hsiung , Yeh Tzu‐Chen , Kung Yen‐Ying , Tseng Hung‐Pin , Yang Ching‐Ju , Hong Tzu‐Yi , Cheng Chou‐Ming , Yang Jen‐Lin , Wu Ta‐Peng , Hsieh Jen‐Chuen , Chen Fang‐Pey
Published: January 2020

Aims

To investigate the functional connectivity (FC) in nonacute sciatica and the neuronal correlation of acupuncture analgesia.

Methods

A prospective study employing resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging was conducted. Twelve sciatica patients were enrolled to receive six or 18 acupoints of acupuncture treatment twice a week for 4 weeks. Regional homogeneity (ReHo) and seed‐based FC were performed.

Results

Regional homogeneity analysis demonstrated a greater alteration in the right posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) during the pre‐acupuncture phase than during the postacupuncture phase. Compared to that of healthy controls, the PCC‐seeded FC (default mode network, DMN) of sciatica patients exhibited hyperconnectivity of PCC‐FC with the PCC‐bilateral insula, cerebellum, inferior parietal lobule, right medial prefrontal cortex, and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex during the pre‐acupuncture phase as well as hypoconnectivity of PCC‐FC with the right cerebellum, left precuneus, and left dorsal medial prefrontal cortex during the postacupuncture phase. Correlation analysis between PCC‐seeded FC and behavior measurements revealed a positive association with the duration of sciatica in the right inferior parietal lobule prior to acupuncture treatment.

Conclusions

Acupuncture in chronic sciatica patients is associated with normalized DMN activity and modulation of descending pain processing. The changes in the subclinical endophenotype of brain FC after acupuncture treatment may provide clues for understanding the mechanism of acupuncture‐mediated analgesia in chronic pain.
Assessment of variation in 30‐day mortality following cancer surgeries among older adults across US hospitals
Authors: Lipitz‐Snyderman Allison , Lavery Jessica A. , Bach Peter B. , Li Diane G. , Yang Annie , Strong Vivian E. , Russo Ashley , Panageas Katherine S.
Published: January 2020

Background

While public reporting of surgical outcomes for noncancer conditions is common, cancer surgeries have generally been excluded. This is true despite numerous studies showing outcomes to differ between hospitals based on their characteristics. Our objective was to assess whether three prerequisites for quality assessment and reporting are present for 30‐day mortality after cancer surgery: low burden for timely reporting, hospital variation, and potential for public health gains.

Study Design

We used Fee‐for‐Service (FFS) Medicare claims to examine the extent of variation in 30‐day cancer surgical mortality between 3860 US hospitals. We included 340 489 surgeries for 12 cancer types for FFS Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥66 years, 2011‐2013. Hierarchical mixed‐effects logistic regression models adjusted for patient and hospital characteristics and with a random hospital effect were fit to obtain hospital‐specific risk‐standardized mortality rates (RSMRs) and 99% confidence intervals (CI). We calculated a hospital odds ratio to describe the difference in mortality risk for a hospital above vs below average quality and estimated the potential mortality reduction.

Results

The median number of cancer surgeries per hospital was 34. The median RSMR overall was 2.41% (99% CI 2.28%, 2.66%). In aggregate and for most cancers, variation between hospitals exceeded that due to differences in patient and hospital characteristics. For individual cancers, relative differences exceeded 20% in mortality risk between patients undergoing surgery at a hospital below vs above average quality, with the potential for an estimated 500 deaths prevented annually given hypothetical improvements.

Conclusion

Quality measurement and reporting of 30‐day mortality for cancer surgery is worthy of consideration.
Create fun events to engage community members with disabilities
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: January 2020

When law enforcement officials encounter individuals with physical or mental disabilities, it often follows a call to the police and is a stressful situation, said Mark Barley, a Sergeant in the Police Department at Santa Fe College.
Prognostic value of the GRACE discharge score for predicting the mortality of patients with stable coronary artery disease who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Zhao XueYan , Li JianXin , Xian Ying , Chen Jue , Gao Zhan , Qiao ShuBin , Yang YueJin , Gao RunLin , Xu Bo , Yuan JinQing
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To assess the predictive value of the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) discharge score for patients with stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Background

The GRACE score is widely used for predicting the mortality of acute coronary syndrome patients. However, the predictive value of SCAD has not been sufficiently studied.

Methods

We studied 4,293 consecutive patients with SCAD who underwent PCI between January 2013 and December 2013. The primary endpoint was all‐cause mortality and the secondary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE).

Results

Among 3,915 patients with SCAD following PCI, there were 38 deaths and 394 MACCE during 2 years of follow‐up. The GRACE discharge score was significantly higher for patients who died than for those who survived (86.97 ± 23.27 vs. 71.07 ± 19.84; p < .001). Risk stratification of the GRACE score indicated that the mortality risk of the intermediate‐risk and high‐risk groups were 3.23‐fold (hazard ratio [HR], 3.23; range, 1.59–6.55; p = .001) and 15.31‐fold higher (HR, 15.31; range, 4.43–51.62; p < .001), respectively, than that of the low‐risk group. The MACCE risk for the intermediate‐risk and high‐risk groups were 1.28‐fold (HR, 1.28; range, 1.02–1.62; p = .037) and 2.42‐fold higher (HR, 2.42; range, 1.20–4.88; p = .014), respectively. The GRACE discharge score had prognostic value for mortality (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.692; p < .001).

Conclusions

The GRACE discharge score is valuable for the risk stratification of death and MACCE, as well as for the prognosis to mortality for SCAD patients who have undergone PCI.
Venetoclax with high‐dose methotrexate and rituximab seem effective and well‐tolerated in the treatment of central nervous system involvement of chronic lymphocytic leukemia: A case report
Authors: Beziat Guillaume , Gauthier Martin , Protin Caroline , Oberic Lucie , Lerebours Fleur , Carlier Jasmine , Ysebaert Loïc
Published: January 2020

Venetoclax with high‐dose methotrexate and rituximab seem effective and safe to treat central nervous system involvement of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Gingival cyst of the adult in a pediatric patient: Report of a case
Authors: Richman Julia , Johnston Jeff
Published: January 2020

Although the gingival cyst of the adult is considered rare in children, it can occur. The GCA can cause necrosis of the alveolar bone if untreated and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of raised gingival lesions.
Synthesis of Nanoporous Au−Cu−Pt Alloy as a Superior Catalyst for the Methanol Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Xie Yunxiang , Li Can , Razek Sara A , Fang Jiye , Dimitrov Nikolay
Published: January 2020

A nanoporous (np) Au−Cu−Pt thin‐film catalyst with a fine structure and tunable composition is synthesized by using a facile method involving successive electrodeposition and de‐alloying. The structure, electronic state, elemental content, and active surface area of the catalyst, along with the Pt fraction, are characterized and/or determined before and after the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) tests through electrochemical and ultrahigh vacuum analytical routines. The prepared np Au−Cu−(8 % in the precursor alloy)Pt catalyst exhibits outstanding mass and specific activity toward the MOR, which is approximately six‐ and nine‐times higher than the activity of a commercial Pt/C(40 %) counterpart, respectively. A negative 75 mV onset potential shift upon the MOR anodic scan on the np Au−Cu−(8 %)Pt catalyst in comparison with Pt/C(40 %) corroborates its higher catalytic activity. Furthermore, the alloy catalyst demonstrates better durability than the Pt/C(40 %) counterpart in a three‐hour constant potential test and exhibits full post‐factum recovery of its cycling activity. In addition, it retains more than 60 % of its original activity after 3000 cycles of an accelerated degradation test. The outstanding performance is attributed to the specific catalyst's structure leading to a d‐band upshift along with unique constituent interplay.
The dynamics of privilege: How employees of a multinational corporation construct and contest the privileging effects of English proficiency
Authors: Gaibrois Claudine , Nentwich Julia
Published: January 2020

In this article we analyze how privilege is dynamically constructed as well as contested. A positioning analysis of interviews with employees of a multinational organization reveals the construction of a hierarchy of privilege. As this hierarchy is based on English proficiency along with other diversity dimensions, privilege is multifaceted. Furthermore, privilege is also contested. Contesting English‐proficiency–related privilege is connected to the speaker's position in the hierarchy of privilege. The analysis shows that both category membership and specific competences and skills cumulate to produce privileging effects, but also the possibilities for contesting privilege. At the same time, although the privilege gained by English proficiency is not invisible and is regularly contested, it is nevertheless silenced by those in advantage.
Heat conductivity and Dufour effect in the weakly ionized, magnetized, and kappa‐distributed plasma
Authors: Xia Haijuan , Du Jiulin
Published: January 2020

By using the generalized Boltzmann equation of transport and the first‐order approximation of Chapman‐Enskog expansion on the κ‐distribution function, we study the thermal conductivity and Dufour effect in the weakly ionized and magnetized plasma. We show that the thermal conductivity and Dufour coefficient in the κ‐distributed plasma are significantly different from those in the Maxwell‐distributed plasma, and the transverse thermal conductivity and Dufour coefficient in the κ‐distributed plasma are generally greater than those in the Maxwell‐distributed plasma, and the Righi‐Leduc coefficient and Hall Dufour coefficient in the κ‐distributed plasma are also generally greater than those in the Maxwell‐distributed plasma.
High‐precision attitude determination and control system design and real‐time verification for CubeSats
Authors: Gaber Khaled , El_Mashade Mohamed B. , Abdel Aziz Ghada A.
Published: January 2020

This paper presents the design and real‐time verification of a high‐precision and low‐cost attitude determination and control system (ADCS) for CubeSat based on a micro‐electro‐mechanical (MEMS) gyroscope. The CubeSat new missions require accurate and sophisticated ADCS with attitude drift adjustment. Moreover, designing an effective ADCS for the CubeSat poses a difficult challenge. The satellite comprises of a two‐unit CubeSat, which denotes that the ADCS is designed with small size, tight mass, and energy limitations. The ADCS has been enhanced in the former few years from fairly small resolution of 10 to around 0.6 m. This attitude drift, if not properly compensated, will cause a slow attitude information loss as the error in attitude rises between the actual and estimated. To correct the attitude adrift, the proposed system utilizes a MEMS gyroscope sensor which offers a comparative attitude to the Kalman filter for estimated attitude update. Real‐time verification and validation for the ADCS are performed through Matlab/Simulink environment and lab testing to prove the efficacy of the proposed system. Simulation of the ADCS shows accurate results with error of no more than 1°.
Can singing rate be used to predict male breeding status of forest songbirds? A comparison of three calibration models
Authors: Upham‐Mills Emily J. , Reimer Jody R. , Haché Samuel , Lele Subhash R. , Bayne Erin M.
Published: January 2020

For male songbirds, song rate varies throughout the breeding season and is correlated with breeding cycle stages. Although these patterns have been well documented, this relationship has not been used to predict a bird's breeding status from acoustic monitoring. This challenge of using a response (i.e., behavior) to indirectly measure an underlying biological state is common in ecology, but correctly addressing the associated statistical challenge of calibration is rare. The objective of this study was to determine whether variation in song rate can be used to predict the breeding status of the Olive‐sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi). In 2016, song rates from 28 male Olive‐sided Flycatchers were collected from human observers (n = 545 five‐minute counts) and breeding status (i.e., single, paired, and feeding young) was monitored throughout the breeding season. The predictive ability of three modeling approaches—regression, hierarchical, and a classification tree—was evaluated using sensitivity and specificity to determine the best modeling approach. The hierarchical model was the best at predicting all three breeding status classes, with a mean sensitivity of 69%, compared with 54% and 50% from the regression and machine learning models, respectively. Our results suggest that song rate can be used as an indirect measurement of breeding status in the Olive‐sided Flycatcher when using a hierarchical modeling approach to calibrate the breeding status–song rate relationship. This novel modeling approach provides a cost‐effective tool to collect much needed demographic information over large spatial extents and inform species status assessments, recovery strategies, and management plans for species of conservation concern.
Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM) Investigation of 3D Printed Parts Produced by CMT Welding Technology
Authors: Meiszterics Zoltán , Asserghine Abdellilah , Kiss András , Nagy Lívia , Zsebe Tamás , Nagy Géza
Published: January 2020

In the field of manufacturing technology an exciting revolution is in progress today. The different methods of the so called additive manufacturing (AM) technologies are under fast developments. Several versions of them are called 3D printing. Less interest has been given to study the corrosion resistance character of the differently made 3D printed metal alloy items. In this work corrosion behaviour of 3D printed AlMg4.5Mn0.7 alloy samples were investigated. Conventional methods like open circuit potential measurements, Tafel plots taking and scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) – with pH measuring tungsten micro‐tip and micro‐disc type Pt electrode were used. The metal samples were embedded in epoxy resin. 2D SECM images and line scans were made to see the local changes of oxygen concentration. Flame atomic absorption spectroscopy was used for measuring the metal composition of manufacturing wire and printed sample. The local activity of the surface spots were measured using approach curves recorded in case of ferrocene methanol mediator.
Isobutylparaben Negatively Affects Porcine Oocyte Maturation Through Increasing Oxidative Stress and Cytoskeletal Abnormalities
Authors: Meng Fei , Jiao Xiao‐Fei , Chen Fan , Zhang Xi‐Yu , Duan Ze‐Qun , Ding Zhi‐Ming , Wu Di , Wang Yong‐Sheng , Zhang Shou‐Xin , Miao Yi‐Liang , Huo Li‐Jun
Published: January 2020

As a member of parabens (PBs), Isobutylparaben (IBP) has a broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activity and widely used in personal care products and cosmetics. Recent studies have indicated that usage of IBP poses a potential threat to reproductive health. In this study, we aimed to reveal the effects of acute exposure to IBP on the meiotic maturation of porcine cumulus oocyte complexes. Initial study showed that 200 μM of IBP significantly reduced the rate of the first polar body extrusion with no significant effect on cumulus cell expansion; however, 400 μM of IBP could significantly affect both. Further research revealed that abnormal spindles, misalignment chromosomes, and aberrant distributed actin filaments were detected in IBP‐treated oocytes, which indicates that the cytoskeleton architecture of oocyte could be the target of IBP. At the same time, ROS level and apoptosis rate of oocyte were significantly increased by IBP exposure. Moreover, the levels of H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 were significantly induced in oocytes by IBP. Collectively, these results demonstrate that acute exposure to IBP could disrupt porcine oocyte maturation through affecting cytoskeleton, oxidative stress, viability and epigenetic modification. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2020. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A co‐occurrence matrix based masquerade detection method in in‐vehicle network
Authors: Zhang Bin , Xiao Xi , Zhang Weizhe , Kumar Sangaiah Arun , Zhou Ying , Liu Xinyu
Published: January 2020

In‐vehicle network is easy to be attacked by masquerade attackers because of the controller local area network, and there are many intrusion detection systems to solve this problem. However, the traditional methods consider the transition and frequent property, but they lose the information of the cooccurrence. In this article, a novel method based on cooccurrence matrixes is proposed, and it makes use of the cooccurrence property of the command stream, which is often ignored. There are two steps in the training process. First, a relatively large number of distinct shell commands are transformed into a smaller number of unique events by hierarchically merging shell commands. Second, considering the correlation property of audit data, the method constructs a partly normalized cooccurrence matrix to profile the valid user's normal behaviors. Although performing detection, the partly normalized cooccurrence matrixes of the current event sequences are generated. Then the distances between these matrixes and the profile matrix are calculated with sliding windows. Finally, distances are used to determine whether they are normal or not. Our method is evaluated against two standard masquerade detection datasets provided by T. Lane et al and M. Schonlau et al, respectively. The results indicate that the proposed method is promising in terms of detection accuracy, which is at least 10% higher than other four solutions, and the proposed method has fewer memory requirements, which saves at most 90% of the compared methods, and it can be conducted in parallel and is more suitable for real‐time masquerade detection.
Survivorship support in head and neck cancer: American Head and Neck Society survey
Authors: Cognetti David M. , Villaflor Victoria M. , Fakhry Carole , Miller Matthew C. , Malloy Kelly M.
Published: January 2020

Background

The value of supporting cancer survivors beyond formal treatment has become increasingly recognized among clinicians who care for patients with head and neck cancer.

Methods

A survey was developed by the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) Survivorship Committee and distributed to members of the AHNS electronically.

Results

The survey was distributed to 1403 AHNS members, with 202 responses (14.4%). Among survivorship topics, respondents were most likely to address detection of recurrence/second primary malignancies (97.5%), dysphagia (93.1%), and thyroid function (90.1%) with their patients; they were least likely to address sleep disturbance/apnea (27.7%) and body and self‐image issues (29.7%.) Less than half provide patients with a written treatment summary (43.1%) or follow‐up care plan (36.9%).

Conclusions

These results highlight the need for improved survivorship care planning and offer an opportunity for the development of educational and survivorship research in head and neck cancer care.
Using multivariate statistical techniques and geochemical modelling to identify factors controlling the evolution of groundwater chemistry in a typical transitional area between Taihang Mountains and North China Plain
Authors: Liu Fei , Wang Shou , Yeh Tian‐Chyi Jim , Zhen Pinna , Wang Lishu , Shi Liming
Published: January 2020

Identifying the key factors controlling groundwater chemical evolution in mountain‐plain transitional areas is crucial for the security of groundwater resources in both headwater basins and downstream plains. In this study, multivariate statistical techniques and geochemical modelling were used to analyse the groundwater chemical data from a typical headwater basin of the North China Plain. Groundwater samples were divided into three groups, which evolved from Group A with low mineralized Ca‐HCO3 water, through Group B with moderate mineralized Ca‐SO4‐HCO3 water, to Group C with highly saline Ca‐SO4 and Ca‐Cl water. Water‐rock interaction and nitrate contamination were mainly responsible for the variation in groundwater chemistry. Groundwater chemical compositions in Group A were mainly influenced by dissolution of carbonates and cation exchange, and suffered less nitrate contamination, closely relating to their locations in woodland and grassland with less pronounced human interference. Chemical evolution of groundwater in Groups B and C was gradually predominated by the dissolution of evaporites, reverse ion exchange, and anthropogenic factors. Additionally, the results of the inverse geochemical model showed that dedolomitization caused by gypsum dissolution, played a key role in the geochemical evolution from Group A to Group B. Heavy nitrate enrichment in most groundwater samples of Groups B and C was closely associated with the land‐use patterns of farmland and residential areas. Apart from the high loads of chemical fertilizers in irrigation return flow as the main source for nitrate contamination, the stagnant zones, flood irrigation pattern, mine drainage, and groundwater‐exploitation reduction program were also important contributors for such high mineralization and heavy NO3− contents in Group C. The important findings of this work not only provide the conceptual framework for the headwater basin but also have important implications for sustainable management of groundwater resources in other headwater basins of the North China Plain.