bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide association study provides insights into the genetic architecture of bone size and mass in chickens
Authors: Guo Jun , Qu Liang , Dou Tao-Cun , Shen Man-Man , Hu Yu-Ping , Ma Meng , Wang Ke-Hua
Published: December 2019

Bone size is an important trait for chickens because of its association with osteoporosis in layers and meat production in broilers. Here, we employed high density genotyping platforms to detect candidate genes for bone traits. Estimates of the narrow heritabilities ranged from 0.37 ± 0.04 for shank length to 0.59 ± 0.04 for tibia length. The dominance heritability was 0.12 ± 0.04 for shank length. Using a linear mixed model approach, we identified a promising locus within NCAPG on chromosome 4, which was associated with tibia length and mass, femur length and area, and shank length. In addition, three other loci were associated with bone size or mass at a Bonferroni-corrected genome-wide significance threshold of 1%. One region on chicken chromosome 1 between 168.38 and 171.82 Mb harbored HTR2A, LPAR6, CAB39L, and TRPC4. A second region that accounted for 2.2% of the phenotypic variance was located around WNT9A on chromosome 2, where allele substitution was predicted to be associated with tibia length. Four candidate genes identified on chromosome 27 comprising SPOP, NGFR, GIP, and HOXB3 were associated with tibia length and mass, femur length and area, and shank length. Genome partitioning analysis indicated that the variance explained by each chromosome was proportional to its length.
Charge exchange reactions on medium and heavy mass targets at intermediate energies
Authors: Singh Pardeep , Singh Monika , Rani Neha
Published: December 2019

The nuclear isotopic structure can be understood easily via the intermediate-energy charge exchange reactions of (p, n) and [Formula: see text]He, [Formula: see text] type. In the current contribution, we present some results for charge exchange reactions induced by3He on targets lying in mass region [Formula: see text] within the theoretical framework of plane wave impulse approximation (PWIA) and distorted wave impulse approximation (DWIA). Here, the recoil effects in PWIA have also been considered. Particularly, the angular distributions and the unit cross-sections have been calculated and compared with the available data. Further, the importance of inclusion of the exchange contribution in these reactions is also considered, which eventually enhance the matching with data.
Data filtering method for correlated X-ray scattering (CXS)
Authors: Liu Shengjun , Schenk Gundolf
Published: December 2019

Correlated X-ray scattering (CXS) which was explored to study the conformations of biological macromolecules in solution was studied further in this paper. In our experiment, three kinds of solution sample such as the Peg solution, the linear DNA from salmon sperm and the plasmid DNA were scattered by X-ray Free Electron Laser in Spring8 in Japan. And the X-ray scattering patterns with low rate of signal and noise were obtained. In order to improve the correlated signal, a cluster data filtering method for billions of scattering patterns was put forward. Finally, some of the scattering patterns with high artifacts which were related with potential sources of experimental set-up had been characterized and removed. In addition, different clusters were clarified so as to compute and analyze the angular autocorrelation of different clusters more effectively.
Elastic strips with null and pseudo-null directrix
Authors: Özkan Tükel Gözde , Yücesan Ahmet
Published: November 2019

The solution of the variational problem which gives elastic strips in Minkowski [Formula: see text]-space is separately obtained for elastic strips with null and pseudo-null directrix. First, critical points of the modified Sadowsky functional (which depends on the modified torsion) for elastic strips with null directrix are characterized by three Euler–Lagrange equations. A connection is established between elastic curves on the two-dimensional null cone and elastic strips with null directrix. Then conservation laws of elastic strips with null directrix in Minkowski 3-space are given. Second, equilibrium equations for elastic strips with pseudo-null directrix are determined and solved. It is also shown the tangent and the binormal of a critical curve of the Sadowsky functional correspond to a null elastic curve in de Sitter 2-space and a spacelike elastic curve in the two-dimensional null cone, respectively. Finally, two conservation laws for elastic strips with pseudo-null directrix are derived.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Younger Adults with Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source (ESUS): A Retrospective Study
Authors: Al Khathaami Ali M. , Al Bdah Bayan , Alnosair Abdulmjeed , Alturki Abdulkarim , Alrebdi Rayan , Alwayili Shorug , Alhamzah Sulaiman , AlKhathaami Fahad A. M. , Alotaibi Nasser
Published: December 2019

Introduction. Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) in younger adults may have different risk factors compared with ESUS in elderly, and the approach to ESUS in young adults may require new therapies. We aimed to investigate the characteristics and outcomes in younger adults with ESUS at a single centre in Saudi Arabia. Patients and Methods. A retrospective study was conducted using the medical records of younger adults with ESUS according to the criteria of the Cryptogenic Stroke/ESUS International Working Group. Younger adults (aged ≤50 years) with ESUS were compared with older patients, on admission and discharge from hospital, using the modified Rankin scale (mRS) and the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Results. Among 147 patients with ESUS, 39 (26.5%) were younger adults. Younger adults compared with older adults with ESUS had fewer vascular risk factors, including lower rates of hypertension (43.6% vs. 70.3%; P=0.004), diabetes (35.9% vs. 57.4%; P=0.03), and dyslipidaemia (12.8% vs. 28.7%; P=0.05). There was no significant difference in poor outcome at discharge (defined as mRS > 2), which was observed in 17.9% of younger adults and 28.7% of older adults. Further, there were no significant differences in stroke severity at discharge (NIHSS score ≤5) or median length of stay. Discussion. Although the outcomes of ESUS do not differ between younger and older patients, younger patients have fewer identified risk factors. Conclusion. This study showed that 26.5% of patients with ESUS were aged ≤50  years. Although younger adults with ESUS had fewer risk factors, there were no significant differences in neurologic disability or mortality at discharge, stroke severity, or median length of stay.
LincRNA Cox-2 Regulates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Response of Human Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells via Modulating miR-21/NF-κB Axis
Authors: Bian Yaoyao , Yang Lili , Zhang Bin , Li Wen , Wang Sen , Jiang Shuling , Chen Xi , Li Wenlin , Zeng Li
Published: December 2019

Postoperative peritoneal adhesion (PPA) is a common postoperative complication caused by any peritoneal inflammatory process. This study aimed to identify the biological function of large intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) Cox-2 in the inflammation reaction of adhesion formation. The Cox-2 expression in peritoneal adhesion tissues and normal tissues was detected. The human peritoneal mesothelium cells (HPMCs) were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce inflammatory injury. The effect of Cox-2 suppression on cell viability, apoptosis and inflammatory factors of LPS induced HPMCs injury were explored. The regulatory correlation between Cox-2 and miR-21, as well as the targeted genes of miR-21 were identified. Meanwhile, the regulatory mechanism of Cox-2/miR-21 axis on NF-κB pathway was explored. It indicated that Cox-2 was highly expressed in peritoneal adhesion tissues compared with that in normal tissues. Suppression of Cox-2 ameliorated LPS induced HMPCs injury as cell viability was promoted, and cell apoptosis and the production of inflammatory factors were inhibited. And suppression of Cox-2 reversed the LPS induced HPMCs injury by regulation of miR-21 negatively. miR-21 was negatively correlated with TLR4, and TLR4 was predicted as target gene of miR-21. Furthermore, the suppression of miR-21 on LPS induced HPMCs injury was reversed by knockdown of TLR4, which could inhibited the activation of NF-κB pathway axis. It suggested that the effect of Cox-2 on LPS induced HPMCs injury was achieved by negatively regulation of miR-21 and targeted TLR4 through NF-κB pathway axis. The findings may provide a new insight into preventing postoperative peritoneal adhesion.
Reflexão sobre a construção de sentido na performance musical pela perspectiva do intérprete de música indeterminada
Authors: Zomer Ana Leticia Crozetta
Published: December 2019

Este trabalho é um desdobramento da pesquisa de doutorado ainda em andamento, intitulada, Acaso e indeterminação na música brasileira: uma análise do repertório violinístico após 1950. Aqui, discutiremos a genealogia do conceito de obra musical até sua cristalização por volta de 1800 e seus reflexos no desenvolvimento da notação e performance musical; as transformações estético-composicionais que surgiram a partir da segunda metade do século XX e suas principais vertentes; e por fim, procuramos oferecer uma breve reflexão sobre a construção de sentido na performance musical pela perspectiva do intérprete de música indeterminada, ou seja, aquela que está sujeita a múltiplas interpretações e relações intersubjetivas. Para isso, fizemos uso de três trabalhos que deram suporte filosófico: The Imaginary Museum of Musical Works (1992) de Lydia Goehr, que se empenhou em traçar a genealogia do conceito de obra musical; Estética: Teoria da Formatividade (1993) de Luigi Pareyson, em que o autor analisa a obra de arte a partir de um ponto de vista formativo – a obra como um objeto em construção e em permanente formação; e Obra Aberta (2003) de Umberto Eco, que apresenta estreita relação com a leitura anterior e trata, entre outras coisas, da dicotomia entre obra aberta e fechada.
Editorial
Authors: Castro Marcos Câmara de
Published: December 2019

Neste número, publicamos questionamentos sobre o conceito de autonomia da obra musical — uma questão que tem aflorado nas últimas décadas com a “virada performática” da musicologia —, além de análises de obras — o que demonstra que a musicologia sistemática está tão viva quanto a jovem musicologia da performance.
Rights to Weapons: Rights as a Resource in Workplace Conflicts in Late Socialist Bulgaria
Authors: Hristov Todor
Published: November 2019

Social rights are essentially rights to the betterment of life. And because of this, they lack any internal principle of limitation. Socialist governments recognized social rights as the core of human rights and therefore as legal rights, the implementation of which was a matter of obligation rather than policy. However, since the governments commanded limited resources, they had to limit the implementation of social rights. The article describes the ad hoc limitations on the implementation of social rights, developed by the Bulgarian Communist Party, which brought forth their transformation into instruments of government, and their appropriation by different forms of counter-conduct.
Geographic distribution, host preferences and molecular diversity within
the genus Pentalonia (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: FOOTTIT R. G. , MAW H. E. L.
Published: November 2019

Both Pentalonia nigronervosa and P. caladii are distributed throughout the tropics and subtropics wherever suitable hosts are grown. To clarify the host relationships of both species on a global scale, the morphology of museum specimens of Pentalonia comprising 447 samples from 77 countries was examined, and all available mitochondrial COI sequences were analysed. Pentalonia nigronervosa is confirmed to feed almost exclusively on Musaceae (sensu stricto), while P. caladii feeds on other Zingiberales and on Araceae. Heliconia is accepted by both species. Molecular evidence suggests that there is an additional widespread species.
Reduction in Ocean Heat Transport at 26°N since 2008 Cools the Eastern Subpolar Gyre of the North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Bryden Harry L. , Johns William E. , King Brian A. , McCarthy Gerard , McDonagh Elaine L. , Moat Ben I. , Smeed David A.
Published: December 2019

Northward ocean heat transport at 26°N in the Atlantic Ocean has been measured since 2004. The ocean heat transport is large—approximately 1.25 PW, and on interannual time scales it exhibits surprisingly large temporal variability. There has been a long-term reduction in ocean heat transport of 0.17 PW from 1.32 PW before 2009 to 1.15 PW after 2009 (2009–16) on an annual average basis associated with a 2.5-Sv (1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1) drop in the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC). The reduction in the AMOC has cooled and freshened the upper ocean north of 26°N over an area following the offshore edge of the Gulf Stream/North Atlantic Current from the Bahamas to Iceland. Cooling peaks south of Iceland where surface temperatures are as much as 2°C cooler in 2016 than they were in 2008. Heat uptake by the atmosphere appears to have been affected particularly along the path of the North Atlantic Current. For the reduction in ocean heat transport, changes in ocean heat content account for about one-quarter of the long-term reduction in ocean heat transport while reduced heat uptake by the atmosphere appears to account for the remainder of the change in ocean heat transport.
Development and Evaluation of the Raindrop Size Distribution Parameters for the NASA Global Precipitation Measurement Mission Ground Validation Program
Authors: Tokay Ali , D’Adderio Leo Pio , Wolff David B. , Petersen Walter A.
Published: December 2019

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission ground validation program uses dual-polarization radar moments to estimate raindrop size distribution (DSD) parameters, the mass-weighted mean drop diameter Dmass, and normalized intercept parameter NW, to validate the GPM Core Observatory–derived DSD parameters. The disdrometer-based Dmass and NW are derived through empirical relationships between Dmass and differential reflectivity ZDR, and between NW, reflectivity ZH, and Dmass. This study employs large datasets collected from two-dimensional video disdrometers (2DVD) during six different field studies to derive the requisite empirical relationships. The uncertainty of the derived Dmass(ZDR) relationship is evaluated through comparisons of 2DVD-calculated and ZDR-estimated Dmass, where ZDR is calculated directly from 2DVD observations. Similarly, the uncertainty of the NW(ZH, Dmass) relationship is evaluated through 2DVD-calculated and Dmass and ZH-estimated NW, where Dmass and ZH are directly calculated from 2DVD observations. This study also presents the sensitivity of Dmass(ZDR) relationships to climate regime and to disdrometer type after developing three additional Dmass(ZDR) relationships from second-generation Particle Size Velocity (PARSIVEL2) disdrometer (P2) observations collected in the Pacific Northwest, in Iowa, and at Kwajalein Atoll in the tropical Pacific Ocean. The application of P2-derived Dmass(ZDR) relationship based on precipitation in the northwestern United States to P2 observations collected over the tropical ocean resulted in the highest error among comparisons of the three datasets.
Negotiating Authority in the Ritual of the Public School Board Meeting
Authors: Kenney Allison W.
Published: December 2019

Purpose: To investigate how and in what way local governance of education is consequential to the work of changing public schools. The focus is on the board of education meeting as a ritual performance where authority is socially negotiated to manage the emotional and symbolic interactions that shape the district organization. Research Design: Data are drawn from 30 months of organizational fieldwork in New Haven Public Schools. Analysis is conducted on meeting transcripts, participant observer field notes, and stakeholder interviews. Findings: Observed as a ritual chain, four aspects of board of education meetings can be manipulated by those attempting to assert their authority within the organization. Organizational members used copresence, shared understandings of the ritual, emotions and symbols, and feelings of solidarity to set boundaries around the organization and maintain stability. Conclusions: Performances of organizational routines such as board meetings are consequential to the micro-level work of leading and changing education. School improvement and reform initiatives must account for the midlevel of school governance at the district and board level to make meaningful and sustainable change.
How is Political Violence Gendered? Disentangling Motives, Forms, and Impacts
Authors: Bardall Gabrielle , Bjarnegård Elin , Piscopo Jennifer M
Published: December 2019

How is political violence gendered? We connect the traditional political violence literature’s emphasis on categorizing attacks to the gender and politics literature’s analysis of the barriers to women’s political participation. Our framework separates gendered political violence into three elements. Gendered motives appear when perpetrators use violence to preserve hegemonic men’s control of politics. Gendered forms emphasize how gender roles and tropes differentially shape men’s and women’s experiences of violence. Gendered impacts capture the subjective meaning-making processes that occur as different audiences react to political violence. This approach offers researchers and policymakers greater analytic precision regarding how political violence is gendered.
Application of low-concentration contrast agents and low-tube-voltage computed tomography to chest enhancement examinations: A multicenter prospective study
Authors: Meng Donghua , Cui Xiaonan , Bai Changsen , Yu Zhongwen , Xin Lei , Fu Yufei , Wang Sicong , Du Yu , Gao Zhipeng , Ye Zhaoxiang
Published: December 2019

To evaluate the influence of low-concentration contrast agents and low-tube-voltage computed tomography on chest enhancement examinations, we conducted a multicenter prospective study. A total of 216 inpatients enrolled from 12 different hospitals were randomly divided into four groups: A: voltage, 120 kVp; iohexol, 350 mgI/mL; B: voltage, 100 kVp, iohexol, 350 mgI/mL; C: voltage, 120 kVp, iodixanol, 270 mgI/mL; and D: voltage, 100 kVp, iodixanol, 270 mgI/mL. Subjective image quality was assessed by two radiologists and compared by weighted kappa test. The objective image scores, scanning radiation doses, and pathological coincidence rates were analyzed. There were no significant differences in gender, age, height, weight, and body mass index between the four groups (p > 0.05). The consistency of the radiologists’ ratings were good, with kappa value ranging from 0.736 (95% confidence interval: 0.54–0.933) to 0.809 (95% confidence interval: 0.65–0.968), and there was no difference in subjective image score between the four groups. The computed tomography value of group D had no difference with group A. The volume computed tomography dose index, dose length product, and effective dose of group D (6.93 ± 3.03, 241.55 ± 104.75, and 3.38 ± 1.47, respectively) were all significantly lower than those of group A (10.30 ± 4.37, 359.70 ± 152.65, and 5.04 ± 2.14, respectively). There was no significant difference in the imaging diagnosis accuracy rate between the four groups (p > 0.05). The results indicated that low-concentration contrast agents (270 mgI/mL) and low-tube-voltage (100 kVp) computed tomography can not only decrease radiation dose but also guarantee the image quality and meet the needs of imaging diagnosis in chest enhancement examinations, which make it possible for its generalization and application.
Covariance Regression Models for Studying Treatment Effect Heterogeneity Across One or More Outcomes: Understanding How Treatments Shape Inequality
Authors: Bloome Deirdre , Schrage Daniel
Published: December 2019

Causal analyses typically focus on average treatment effects. Yet for substantive research on topics like inequality, interest extends to treatments’ distributional consequences. When individuals differ in their responses to treatment, three types of inequality may result. Treatment may shape inequalities between subgroups defined by pretreatment covariates, it may induce more inequality in one subgroup than another, or it may polarize people across multiple dimensions of well-being. We introduce a model, called a covariance regression, that captures all three types of inequality via the means, variances, and correlations between multiple outcomes. The model can test for heterogeneous treatment effects, quantify the heterogeneity, and explain its structure using covariates. Finding that a treatment creates inequalities could drive theoretical refinement and inform policy decisions (targeting groups where payoffs will be most predictable). We illustrate the utility of covariance regressions by analyzing the effects of sharing information about income inequality on redistributive preferences.
Diagnostic performance of adrenal CT in the differentiation of adenoma and pheochromocytoma
Authors: Altinmakas Emre , Perrier Nancy D , Grubbs Elizabeth G , Lee Jeffrey E , Prieto Victor G , Ng Chaan S
Published: December 2019

Background

Differentiation of adenoma and pheochromocytoma on computed tomography (CT) may be problematic.

Purpose

To investigate if adenoma and pheochromocytoma can be differentiated with adrenal CT.

Material and Methods

A total of 147 pathologically proven adrenal masses (119 adenomas, 28 pheochromocytomas) that had undergone adrenal CT were retrospectively evaluated. Lesion attenuation on unenhanced phase (UEP), portal phase (PP), 15-min delayed phase (DP), absolute/relative percentage enhancement wash-out (APEW/RPEW), and qualitative features were recorded. Student’s t-test for parametric data, Mann–Whitney U test for non-parametric data, and Fisher’s exact test for categorical data were used. Diagnostic performance of CT attenuation was assessed by area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristics.

Results

APEW of adenomas was not significantly different from pheochromocytomas; 68.4% and 59% ( P =  0.284). Adenomas had significantly higher RPEW; 57.3% vs. 37.4% ( P =  0.004). Of pheochromocytomas, 50% met APEW >60% or RPEW >40% criteria, and therefore were misclassified as adenoma on wash-out CT. Of those, 80% (4/5) were < 3 cm. UEP, PP, and DP attenuations of pheochromocytomas were significantly higher than adenomas; however, they were overlapping. AUC for UEP, PP, and DP was 0.906, 0.784, and 0.926, respectively. Larger pheochromocytomas were more likely to contain necrosis compared to smaller pheochromocytomas and adenomas; 41.6% vs. 12.5% vs. 3%. Homogeneous enhancement was seen in 25% of pheochromocytomas and 49% of adenomas ( P =  0.018). No significant difference was found in terms of lesion borders and presence of fat/calcification ( P >  0.05).

Conclusions

A considerable percentage of pheochromocytomas, especially smaller ones, demonstrate adenoma-like wash-out on CT. Heterogeneous enhancement, higher attenuation, and necrosis are more suggestive of pheochromocytoma.
Social factory as prosaic state space: Redefining labour in China’s mass innovation/mass entrepreneurship campaign
Authors: Wang June , Tan Yujing
Published: December 2019

This study examines China’s mass innovation/mass entrepreneurship campaign, with particular attention to the community of maker-entrepreneurs in the new techno-political ordering of society and their social territories. This raises the question of the subject-making of maker-entrepreneurs on a massive scale through what we call the new education–incubatory assemblage. How does the new education–incubatory machine assemble a new participatory community, form a production–communications–consumption circuit to imagine the new economy and re-territorialise the techno-political ordering of society? Our study stresses two differences in the social factory. First, by forging a fragmented pattern of production and an individualised society, mass entrepreneurship emphasises social networking. The exploitation of social relations in production has been brought to the foreground. Second, a participatory mass is not only shaped by the new mentality, but also constitutive of the very formation of the new mentality. Such a mass is a collection of actors, from the government, cooperatives, start-ups and individuals. In addition, their agencies vary, from those with a more reified form of power, such as policy, to the mundane, unrehearsed actions of individuals. This process entails the reconfiguration of political apparatus and bio-political power.
Effects of Inotropes on the Mortality in Patients With Septic Shock
Authors: Sato Ryota , Ariyoshi Nobuhiro , Hasegawa Daisuke , Crossey Erin , Hamahata Natsumi , Ishihara Takuma , Nasu Michitaka , Devendra Gehan
Published: December 2019

Background:

Although surviving sepsis campaign guidelines recommend the use of inotropes in the presence of myocardial dysfunction, the effects of inotropes, including epinephrine, dobutamine, and milrinone, on in-hospital mortality in patients with septic shock remains unclear.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted an international,2-center, retrospective cohort study. The Cox proportional hazards regression model with time-varying covariates was used to investigate whether epinephrine, milrinone, or dobutamine reduces in-hospital mortality in patients with septic shock. Sensitivity analysis was performed using propensity score matching. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcome included atrial fibrillation (Afib) with a rapid ventricular response (RVR) in the intensive care unit (ICU) and ICU-free days.

Results:

A total of 417 patients with septic shock were included, 72 (17.3%) of whom received inotropes. The use of epinephrine and dobutamine was associated with significantly higher in-hospital mortality (epinephrine, hazard ratio [HR]: 4.79, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.12-10.82, P = .001; dobutamine, HR: 2.53, 95% CI: 1.30-4.95, P = .046). The effects of epinephrine and dobutamine were time- and dose-dependent. The use of milrinone was not associated with increased mortality (HR: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.42-2.68, P = .345). The use of epinephrine, dobutamine, and milrinone was associated with significantly increased odds of Afib with RVR (epinephrine, odds ratio [OR]: 3.88, 95% CI: 1.11-13.61, P = .034; dobutamine, OR: 3.95, 95% CI: 1.14-13.76; and milrinone, OR: 3.77, 95% CI: 1.05-13.59). On the other hand, the use of epinephrine, dobutamine, and milrinone was not associated with less ICU-free days (epinephrine, adjusted OR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.09-1.01, P = .053; dobutamine, adjusted OR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.29-2.84; and milrinone, adjusted OR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.19-1.87).

Conclusion:

The present study showed that the use of epinephrine and dobutamine was associated with significantly increased in-hospital mortality in patients with septic shock. These effects were both time- and dose-dependent. On the other hand, the use of milrinone was not associated with increased in-hospital mortality.
Genetic algorithm-based drilling burr minimization using adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system and support vector regression
Authors: Mondal Nripen , Mandal Madhab Chandra , Dey Bishal , Das Santanu
Published: December 2019

Burrs are undesirable materials beyond the work piece surface during drilling or other machining processes, thus this should be as less as possible during manufacturing. The experimental study has been conducted according to the full factorial design method. A total of 27 experiments were conducted by drilling on an Aluminum 6061T6 plate by choosing three factors and three levels of process parameters like drill diameter, point angle and spindle speed. In this research article, two predictive models, namely, adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system and support vector regression, are developed using experimental data to estimate burr height and burr thickness. Then, these predictive models have been used to find out optimum process parameters for minimum burr height and burr thickness using genetic algorithm. It has been found that both the models are able to predict burr size and thickness with good accuracy, while the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system performs better than support vector regression.
Characteristics of Chinese patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome: preliminary report of a multi-centre registration study
Authors: Xu D , Zhao S , Li Q , Wang Y H , Zhao J L , Li M T , Zhao Y , Zeng X F
Published: December 2019

Background

We established a multi-centre online registry for primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) in China, and compared Chinese patients with those from other countries.

Methods

Data were from 87 rheumatology centres in 27 provinces. All 2986 patients had pSS according to the 2002 American-European Consensus Group or the 2016 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism. All centres used the same methods. Data on demographics, clinical parameters, laboratory results, disease activity and treatments were examined.

Results

The female:male ratio was 22.9:1, and the mean age at onset was 46.31 years. A total of 332 (11.1%) patients had thyroid disease, including hyperthyroidism (1.2%), hypothyroidism (6.0%) and subacute thyroiditis (3.9%). Dry eye had a prevalence of 68.59% in Chinese patients, 93.7–96% in European patients and 97.3% in American patients. Dry mouth had a prevalence of 86.5% in Chinese patients, 93.2–96% in European patients and 97.9% in American patients. Fewer Chinese than European patients had arthritis (6.9% vs. 15–19.3%). ANA positivity was 90.7% in Chinese, 81.3% in European and 77.6% in American patients. Anti-SSA antibody positivity was 84.6% in Chinese, 71% in European and 68.2% in American patients. The most commonly used drugs in Chinese patients were hydroxychloroquine ( n = 1818; 67.5%), glucocorticoids ( n = 1720; 63.9%) and total glucosides of paeony ( n = 1120; 41.7%).

Conclusions

This study provided information on the phenotypes of Chinese patients with pSS, and identified several differences with patients from other geographical regions.
The effectiveness of acupuncture for pain reduction in delayed-onset muscle soreness: a systematic review
Authors: Ko Gloria Wing Yan , Clarkson Carl
Published: December 2019

Objective:

The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on acupuncture for delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and report upon study quality and treatment outcomes.

Design:

Systematic review.

Data sources:

Searches were conducted in the following electronic databases from their inception to 31 March 2018: CINAHL, MEDLINE, Allied and Complementary Medicine (AMED) and SPORTDiscus. Reference lists of all included studies and relevant reviews were hand-searched for additional studies.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies:

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture in DOMS in adults measuring the pre-specified primary outcome (pain) were included.

Data collection and analysis:

Data were extracted using pre-defined extraction forms and the Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA) checklist. Quality of studies was evaluated based on the Cochrane risk of bias assessment.

Results:

Five RCTs investigating laboratory-induced DOMS in the upper limbs with a total sample size of 182 healthy participants were included. Of the included studies, three reported superiority of acupuncture over no treatment in DOMS pain reduction as measured by visual analogue scale, pressure pain threshold or electrical pain threshold, while two studies yielded non-significant results. All studies demonstrated risk of bias in one or more areas, commonly lack of blinding of participants and personnel.

Summary/conclusion:

There is conflicting to limited evidence to support the effects of acupuncture on the relief of pain associated with DOMS. The findings were confounded by methodological limitations and reporting insufficiency. More rigorous, high-quality, and well-reported RCTs are required to further evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture for DOMS.
Trends of Hospital Palliative Care Utilization and Its Associated Factors Among Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in the United States From 2005 to 2014
Authors: Yu Kaylee G. , Shen Jay J. , Kim Pearl C. , Kim Sun Jung , Lee Se Won , Byun David , Yoo Ji Won , Hwang Jinwook
Published: December 2019

Objective:

To investigate trends and associated factors of utilization of hospital palliative care among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and analyze its impact on length of hospital stay, hospital charges, and in-hospital mortality.

Methods:

Using the 2005-2014 National Inpatient Sample in the United States, the compound annual growth rate was used to investigate the temporal trend of utilization of hospital palliative care. Multivariate multilevel logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze the association with patient-related factors, hospital factors, length of stay, in-hospital mortality, and hospital charges.

Results:

The overall proportion of utilization of hospital palliative care for the patient with SLE was 0.6% over 10 years. It increased approximately 12-fold from 0.1% (2005) to 1.17% (2014). Hospital palliative care services were offered more frequently to older patients, patients with high severity illnesses, and in urban teaching hospitals or large size hospitals. Patients younger than 40 years, the lowest household income group, or Medicare beneficiaries less likely received palliative care during hospitalization. Hospital palliative care services were associated with increased length of stay (β = 1.407, P < .0001) and in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 48.18; 95% confidence interval, 41.59-55.82), and reduced hospital charge (β = −0.075, P = .009).

Conclusion:

Hospital palliative care service for patients with SLE gradually increased during the past decade in US hospitals. However, this showed disparities in access and was associated with longer hospital length of stay and higher in-hospital mortality. Nevertheless, hospital palliative care services yielded a cost-saving effect.
Straying from the Flock? A Look at How Americans’ Gender and Religious Identities Cross-Pressure Partisanship
Authors: Cassese Erin C.
Published: December 2019

White evangelicals–both men and women–are a mainstay of the Republican Party. What accounts for their ongoing loyalty, particularly when Republican candidates and leaders fail to embody closely held moral standards around sexual monogamy and propriety, as Donald Trump did in 2016? To answer this question, I draw on research about social sorting and polarization, as well as gender and religion gaps in public opinion, to theorize about the nature of the cross-pressures partisans may experience as a result of the religious and gender identifications they hold. Using data from the 2016 American National Election Study, I evaluate whether cross-cutting identities have a moderating effect on partisans’ thinking about gender issues, their evaluations of the presidential candidates, and their relationship to the parties. I find only modest evidence that gender and evangelical identification impact political thinking among white Republicans, including their reactions to the Access Hollywood tape. Other groups, however, experienced more significant cross-pressures in 2016. Both evangelical Democrats and secular Republicans reported less polarized affective reactions to the presidential candidates and the parties. The results highlight the contingent role that gender and religious identities play in the United States’ highly polarized political climate.
Child Maltreatment Severity Questionnaire (MSQ) for Professionals: Development, Validity, and Reliability Evidence
Authors: Calheiros Maria Manuela , Silva Carla Sofia , Magalhães Eunice
Published: December 2019

This article presents the development and validation of the child Maltreatment Severity Questionnaire (MSQ), aiming to contribute to increase the quality and efficiency of evaluation processes in the Child Protection System (CPS). To obtain a valid and reliable instrument, a set of studies was developed: Study 1—Based on two previous studies, the questionnaire was developed and the severity level of the items within maltreatment subtypes was assigned by 93 professionals from the welfare and CPS system. Consensus about the severity levels was assessed and described in terms of within-item reliability rankings; Study 2—The MSQ was filled out for 253 children and adolescents referred to the CPS. To ensure that the items within different subtypes of maltreatment were homogenous and had internal consistency, a reliability analysis was performed; Study 3—The MSQ was filled out for 1,000 children and adolescents referred to the CPS. This study involved testing validity evidence through an exploratory and a confirmatory factor analysis. We also analyzed the internal consistency, sensibility (i.e., sex and age differences) and concurrent validity of the MSQ. Findings support the adequacy and reliability of the MSQ to be used by CPS professionals in evaluating child maltreatment.
Impact of the Charlson Comorbidity Index on dose-limiting toxicity and survival in locally advanced and metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients treated with first-line sunitinib or pazopanib
Authors: Demircan Nazım C , Alan Özkan , Başoğlu Tüylü Tuğba , Akın Telli Tuğba , Arıkan Rukiye , Çiçek Furkan C , Ercelep Özlem , Öztürk Mehmet A , Alsan Çetin İlknur , Ergelen Rabia , Tinay İlker , Akgül Babacan Nalan , Kaya Serap , Dane Faysal , Yumuk Perran F
Published: December 2019

Background

Anti-angiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitors, sunitinib and pazopanib, have proven efficacy in advanced renal cell carcinoma, with specific adverse events occurring during treatment process. Comorbidities can reflect functional status and have prognostic value in oncology patients. We aimed to assess the association of the Charlson Comorbidity Index with severe toxicities and mortality in renal cell carcinoma cases treated with front-line sunitinib or pazopanib.

Methods

Files of locally advanced and metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients who received first-line sunitinib or pazopanib were retrospectively examined. Charlson Comorbidity Index of each patient was calculated. Patients were also stratified into Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center risk groups. Predictors of dose-limiting toxicity were evaluated with binomial logistic regression analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were utilized to determine prognostic factors for survival.

Results

The study included 102 patients, 64 were treated with first-line sunitinib and 38 with pazopanib. In 42 patients (41.9%), Charlson Comorbidity Index was 9 or more. Dose-limiting toxicities were significantly more frequent in Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥9 group (69% vs. 40%, p = 0.004), and Charlson Comorbidity Index independently predicted dose-limiting toxicity (Hazard ratio (HR) = 4.30, p = 0.002). After adjusting for other variables, a Charlson Comorbidity Index of ≥9 is also a significant prognostic factor for progression-free (HR = 1.76, p = 0.02) and overall survival (HR = 1.75, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Charlson Comorbidity Index may be a valuable method to estimate prognosis and optimize therapy in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma receiving first-line sunitinib or pazopanib.
Behavioral therapy versus drug therapy in individuals with idiopathic overactive bladder: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: La Rosa Valentina Lucia , Duarte de Campos da Silva Thaís , Rosa de Oliveira Arielle , Marques Cerentini Taís , Viana da Rosa Patricia , Telles da Rosa Luis Henrique
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study was to systematically review randomized clinical trials comparing the treatment of individuals with overactive bladder syndrome through the use of behavioral therapy versus drug therapy. A systematic electronic search of MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library was performed, including studies indexed until August 2019. Five randomized clinical trials were included. The studies presented a high risk of bias. There was no significant difference between the evaluated treatments. Thus, behavioral therapy and drug therapy also promote the improvement of the symptoms of overactive bladder syndrome, and the behavioral therapy does not have significant adverse effects reported. Due to the high risk of bias in included studies, data should be interpreted with caution. Future studies with more comprehensive protocols may change the effect estimates of behavioral therapy on overactive bladder syndrome.
Transition to parenthood after successful non-donor in vitro fertilisation: The effects of infertility and in vitro fertilisation on previously infertile couples’ experiences of early parenthood
Authors: Allan Helen , Mounce Ginny , Culley Lorraine , van den Akker Olga , Hudson Ruth
Published: December 2019

Recent social science research in the field of parenting following assisted conception has focused on the experiences of donor-assisted conception and surrogacy. This article draws from a study which explored the experiences of the transition to early parenthood in 16 heterosexual non-donor couples and includes a specific consideration of the experiences of men as they navigate this journey. We argue that these couples’ transition to early parenthood can be as complex and provisional as in other newer forms of family making as they struggle with an emerging identity as a parent after successful non-donor in vitro fertilisation following their experiences of infertility. Their family making is contingent upon their ability to work at integrating their experiences of infertility and in vitro fertilisation into their emerging identity as a parent. This struggle is prominent when they contemplate a further pregnancy. Considering a sibling causes them further uncertainty and anxiety because it reminds them of their infertile identify and the possibility of further in vitro fertilisation. We report novel findings about the experiences of this transition to parenthood: how couples’ identity as parents is shaped by the losses and grief of infertility and the anxiety of in vitro fertilisation. We argue that their struggle with an emerging parenthood identity challenges the normative, naturalised view of non-donor heterosexual in vitro fertilisation parenthood. Our work contributes to the work on identity in parenthood after in vitro fertilisation in an ongoing effort to understand how assisted technologies shape infertile parents’ lives. This article reports a small study with a relatively homogeneous sample recruited from one fertility clinic. Nevertheless as an exploratory study of an under researched topic, we discuss useful insights and ideas for further research with larger and more diverse samples.
Numerical study on the approach for super-high thermal efficiency in a gasoline homogeneous charge compression ignition lean-burn engine
Authors: Yu Hao , Su Wanhua
Published: December 2019

The approach for achieving super-high thermal efficiency in a gasoline homogeneous charge compression ignition lean-burn engine was studied using numerical simulation. A model engine was designed based on the split cycles, including the low-pressure cycle consisted of the turbocharger system and the high-pressure cycle controlled by the variable effective compression ratio ( ε) and the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). Based on the model engine, load (L) – Φoxy (F) – EGR (E) – ε (E) cooperative control strategy was proposed to optimize the thermal efficiency and its interactive mechanism was clarified. The results revealed that the core of the load (L) – Φoxy (F) – EGR (E) – ε (E) strategy was the simultaneous optimization of the combustion process and the specific heat ratio ( γ) contributing to the piston work maximization. The optimum combustion phase was found in the range of 4°–9° crank angle after top dead center, and highest combustion rate under the rough combustion restriction was also required. Under this precondition, reducing ε to retard the combustion phase appropriately could mitigate the EGR usage to improve the γ. Based on the load (L) – Φoxy (F) – EGR (E) – ε (E) strategy, increasing the load was found to improve the thermal efficiency effectively by reducing the heat transfer loss. The highest brake thermal efficiency of 50% was reached when the gross indicated mean effective pressure was increased to 15 bar under the conventional engine condition. Further increasing the gross indicated mean effective pressure to 35 bar with elevated peak cylinder pressure of 400 bar could improve the brake thermal efficiency to 54% under the enhanced mechanical strength condition. To pursue super-high thermal efficiency, the approach of thermal insulation for the engine was proved to be more effective. It showed the potential to achieve the super-high brake thermal efficiency over 60% and maintain clean combustion by adopting the load (L) – Φoxy (F) – EGR (E) – ε (E) strategy in the model engine with thermal insulation and high mechanical strength.
Radial turbine sound and noise characterisation with acoustic transfer matrices by means of fast one-dimensional models
Authors: Torregrosa Antonio , García-Cuevas Luis Miguel , Inhestern Lukas Benjamin , Soler Pablo
Published: December 2019

Estimating correctly the turbine acoustics can be valuable during the engine design stage; in fact, it can lead to a more optimised design of the silencer and aftertreatment, as well as to better prediction of the scavenging effects. However, obtaining the sound and noise emissions of radial turbocharger turbines with low computational costs can be challenging. To consider these effects in a time-efficient manner, the acoustic response of single-entry radial turbines can be characterised by means of acoustic transfer matrices that change with the operating conditions. Exploiting the different time-scales of the acoustic phenomena and the change in the operating point of the turbine, lookup tables of acoustic transfer matrices can be computed. Then, the obtained characterisation can be used in mean-value engine models. This article presents a method for generating these lookup tables by means of fast one-dimensional simulations of thoroughly validated fidelity, in terms of both acoustics and extrapolation capabilities. Due to the inherent behaviour of radial turbines, the number of computations needed to fill the lookup tables is relatively small, so the method can be used as a simple preprocessing phase before mean-value simulation campaigns.