bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Phase I/II Study of Veliparib (ABT-888) in Combination with 5-Fluorouracil and Oxaliplatin in Patients with Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Pishvaian Michael J. , Wang Hongkun , He Aiwu Ruth , Hwang Jimmy J. , Smaglo Brandon G. , Kim Sunnie S. , Weinberg Benjamin A. , Weiner Louis M. , Marshall John L. , Brody Jonathan R.
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

Up to 17% of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) harbor pathogenic (germline or somatic) mutations in a homologous recombination, DNA damage response and repair (HR-DDR) gene, such as BRCA1/2, or PALB2. Platinum-based chemotherapy, or treatment with PARP inhibitors are of particular benefit in these patients. However, there may be even greater benefit when platinums and PARP inhibitors are combined.

Patients and Methods:

We performed a single-arm, open-label, phase I/II study of the PARP inhibitor, veliparib, with 5-fluorouracil (no 5FU bolus) and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) for patients with metastatic PDAC. Thirty-one patients were enrolled in a phase I dose escalation of veliparib (40 mg to 250 mg twice a day, days 1–7 of each 14-day cycle), to identify the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of veliparib for the combination. Another 33 patients were enrolled in two parallel phase II trials to assess the objective response rate (ORR) in untreated or in previously treated patients. If available, germline or somatic testing was collected to identify pathogenic HR-DDR mutations.

Results:

The combination of veliparib and FOLFOX was tolerable at a RP2D of veliparib of 200 mg twice a day. The primary endpoint for both phase II cohorts was met, and the ORR overall was 26%. There was greater activity in platinum-naïve patients, and those who harbored a pathogenic HR-DDR mutation. Specifically, the ORR of HR-DDR mutated, platinum-naïve patients was 57%.

Conclusions:

The combination of veliparib and FOLFOX was safe for patients with metastatic PDAC and showed promising activity particularly in patients with platinum-naïve disease that harbors a pathogenic HR-DDR mutation.
Molecular Mechanism for Breast Cancer Incidence in the Women's Health Initiative
Authors: Jordan V. Craig
Published: July 2020

The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) was designed to evaluate the benefits of hormone replacement therapy. The primary goal was to establish the value of synthetic progestin and estrogen or estrogen alone to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). The estrogen/synthetic progestin trial was stopped at 5.2 years and the estrogen trial was stopped after 6.8 years. Although the estrogen/synthetic progestin trial was stopped for the anticipated rise in the risk of breast cancer, the estrogen trial was stopped for elevation of strokes. Women taking estrogen/synthetic progestin or estrogen alone had no benefit from a reduction in CHD. Paradoxically, there was a decrease in breast cancer incidence in the estrogen trial. The decrease in breast cancer was sustained. The elevation of breast cancer in the estrogen/synthetic progestin trial was also sustained a decade after stopping treatment. Evidence is presented to explain the paradoxical sustained decrease in breast cancer with estrogen and the mechanism for the reversal of breast cancer incidence and mortality with the mixed synthetic progestin/glucocorticoid actions of the synthetic progestin used with estrogen in women with an intact uterus. The fact that the WHI study had an estrogen deprivation gap of at least 5 years, introduced an experimental biological dimension not observed in medical practice using progestin/estrogen hormone replacement. The evidence presented confirms the known human cancer biology of estrogen action.
Application and Efficacy of Vitamin E-Bonded Polysulfone Membrane in Acute Blood Purification Therapy
Authors: Himeno Eiichi , Goto Shigeru , Inoue Satoru , Hatanaka Yoshihiro , Hagiwara Satoshi , Matsumoto Shigekiyo , Kitano Takaaki
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Acute blood purification therapy (BPT) has been evaluated in the context of intensive care for serious conditions related to systemic inflammation, but its mechanism and efficacy are not fully understood. Objective: This study examined the feasibility of using vitamin E-bonded polysulfone membranes (VEPS) for BPT in a LPS-induced rat model of systemic inflammation. Methods: To evaluate the efficacy of BPT with a VEPS membrane, polysulfone (PS) membranes conventionally used in intensive care were bonded with the antioxidant vitamin E and used in a rat model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced systemic inflammation. BPT using a PS membrane (PS group) or a VEPS membrane (VEPS group) was performed 6 h after administration of LPS. Extracorporeal circulation was established in normal rats as a control (sham group). Survival rates, histology of lung specimens, and levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and high mobility group box-1 (HMGB-1) were examined in each group. Results: Survival rates at 24 h after LPS administration were 100% in the VEPS group and 50% in the PS group. Pulmonary architecture was largely maintained and the level of infiltration of inflammatory cells remained moderate in the VEPS group. Levels of active MPO before and after BPT were significantly higher in the PS and VEPS groups than in the sham group, with no significant differences between the PS and VEPS groups. HMGB-1 levels were significantly elevated after BPT in the PS group. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that use of the VEPS membrane for BPT increased survival rate and reduced lung injury in a rat model of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), suggesting the possible use of VEPS membranes in the treatment of serious conditions related to systemic inflammation.
Pulse Width and Implantable Pulse Generator Longevity in Pallidal Deep Brain Stimulation for Dystonia: A Population-Based Comparative Effectiveness Study
Authors: Ågren Richard , Bartek Jr. Jiri , Johansson Anders , Blomstedt Patric , Fytagoridis Anders
Published: July 2020

Introduction: A wide range of pulse widths (PWs) has been used in globus pallidus internus (GPi) deep brain stimulation (DBS) for dystonia. However, no specific PW has demonstrated clinical superiority, and the paradigm may differ among DBS centers. Objective: To investigate how different paradigms of PWs in GPi DBS for dystonia affect implantable pulse generator (IPG) longevities and energy consumption. Methods: Thirty-nine patients with dystonia treated with bilateral GPi DBS at 2 Swedish DBS centers from 2005 to 2015 were included. Different PW paradigms were used at the 2 centers, 60–90 µs (short PWs) and 450 µs (long PW), respectively. The frequency of IPG replacements, pulse effective voltage (PEV), IPG model, pre-/postoperative imaging, and clinical outcome based on the clinical global impression (CGI) scale were collected from the medical charts and compared between the 2 groups. Results: The average IPG longevity was extended for the short PWs (1,129 ± 50 days) compared to the long PW (925 ± 32 days; χ2 = 12.31, p = 0.0005, log-rank test). IPG longevity correlated inversely with PEV (Pearson’s r = –0.667, p < 0.0001). IPG longevities did not differ between Kinetra® and Activa® PC in the short (p = 0.319) or long PW group (p = 0.858). Electrode distances to the central sensorimotor region of the GPi did not differ between the short or long PW groups (p = 0.595). Pre- and postoperative CGI did not differ between groups. Conclusions: Short PWs were associated with decreased energy consumption and increased IPG longevity. These effects were not dependent on the IPG model or the anatomic location of the electrodes. PWs did not correlate with symptom severities or clinical outcomes. The results suggest that the use of short PWs might be more energy efficient and could therefore be preferred initially when programming patients with GPi DBS for dystonia.
Implementation of anti-collision train prototype based on arduino microcontroller
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed R. , Abood Ziad M.
Published: July 2020

Because the electrical train become a popular mode and Eco-Friendly of transport in largest cities in the world in our day life and due to increase in the train accidents.  In this paper a train collision avoidance system is designed and implemented using Arduino NANO and an ultrasonic sensor. A prototype is used to explain the system function using; two train samples on single track. The ultrasonic sensor is connected to the Arduino NANO to transmit the measured distance to the microcontroller and make the decision to stop the train. The ultrasonic sensor on both trains from the front end and continually measures the distance between them and when they reach the decided distance a signal to the trains engines will slow down or stop both trains to avoid a collision while when the ultrasonic sensors from the rear-end continually measure the distance between them and when it reaches the decided distance a signal to the train engine will slow down and stop the first train to avoid a collision.
Design of frequency selective surface comprising of dipoles using artificial neural network
Authors: Rudra Monojit , Reddy P Soni , Chakraborty Rajatsubhra , Sarkar Partha Pratim
Published: July 2020

This paper depicts the design of Frequency Selective Surface (FSS) comprising of dipoles using Artificial Neural Network (ANN). It has been observed that with the change of the dimensions and periodicity of FSS, the resonating frequency of the FSS changes. This change in resonating frequency has been studied and investigated using simulation software. The simulated data were used to train the proposed ANN models. The trained ANN models are found to predict the FSS characteristics precisely with negligible error. Compared to traditional EM simulation softwares (like ANSOFT Designer), the proposed technique using ANN models is found to significantly reduce the FSS design complexity and computational time. The FSS simulations were made using ANSOFT Designer v2 software and the neural network was designed using MATLAB software.
Development of software defect prediction system using artificial neural network
Authors: B. L. Olatunji , S. O. Olabiyisi , C. A. Oyeleye , B. A. Sanusi , A. O. Olowoye , O. A. Ofem
Published: July 2020

Software testing is an activity to enable a system is bug free during execution process. The software bug prediction is one of the most encouraging exercises of the testing phase of the software improvement life cycle. In any case, in this paper, a framework was created to anticipate the modules that deformity inclined in order to be utilized to all the more likely organize software quality affirmation exertion. Genetic Algorithm was used to extract relevant features from the acquired datasets to eliminate the possibility of overfitting and the relevant features were classified to defective or otherwise modules using the Artificial Neural Network. The system was executed in MATLAB (R2018a) Runtime environment utilizing a statistical toolkit and the performance of the system was assessed dependent on the accuracy, precision, recall, and the f-score to check the effectiveness of the system. In the finish of the led explores, the outcome indicated that ECLIPSE JDT CORE, ECLIPSE PDE UI, EQUINOX FRAMEWORK and LUCENE has the accuracy, precision, recall and the f-score of 86.93, 53.49, 79.31 and 63.89% respectively, 83.28, 31.91, 45.45 and 37.50% respectively, 83.43, 57.69, 45.45 and 50.84% respectively and 91.30, 33.33, 50.00 and 40.00% respectively. This paper presents an improved software predictive system for the software defect detections.
Efficiency of bond graph and external model integration for alarm processing of a central air conditioning system
Authors: Sallami Abderrahmene , Mzoughi Dhia , Allagui Hatem , Mami Abdelkader
Published: July 2020

The design of a supervision system based on the external model by structuring the industrial process according to several modes of operation (degraded and normal). The disadvantage of this model is that it describes the industrial process components as functions regardless of their dynamics without going into detail. Hence the interest of the bond graph model to fill the external model limits. The performance of the proposed supervisory system using both models lies in the detection and location of faults for each mode of operation. The bond graph model enriched by the concept of causality and thanks to these structural properties can clearly display the elements of the physical system taking into account their dynamics in normal and abnormal operation. The results of our research have been applied to central air conditioning system; the development of the proposed project has proceeded from the modeling stage to the reconfiguration stage of the system.
Intervenção motora precoce em bebês prematuros
Authors: Rosa Maria Izabel Zaniratti da , Oliveira Renata Pianezzola de , Gerzson Laís Rodrigues , Sbruzzi Graciele , Almeida Carla Skilhan de
Published: July 2020

O desenvolvimento motor busca independência funcional através de mudanças nos sistemas corporais, possui caráter cumulativo e é influenciado por diferentes fatores, entre eles a prematuridade. Portanto, quando um bebê nasce prematuro ele necessita realizar intervenção precoce para minimizar os efeitos da prematuridade. Objetivo: Revisar sistematicamente os efeitos da intervenção motora precoce comparada ao tratamento convencional ou comparada à condição de controle sobre o desenvolvimento motor de prematuros. Método: A busca foi realizada nas bases Pubmed, PEDro, Lilacs e Cochrane, do início até julho de 2015. Utilizamos os descritores “premature”, “early intervention”, e seus sinônimos, além do filtro para ensaios clínicos randomizados. Foram incluídos ensaios clínicos randomizados com bebês prematuros que realizaram intervenção precoce comparado com tratamento convencional, grupo controle ou outro tipo de intervenção precoce, e que avaliaram o desenvolvimento motor. Resultados: Dos 970 estudos identificados, 13 foram incluídos. Seis estudos apresentaram resultados favoráveis no desenvolvimento motor no grupo intervenção, enquanto sete não apresentaram resultados significativos apesar de apresentarem melhoras no desenvolvimento motor. Conclusão: Os estudos apresentaram uma alta variabilidade metodológica, o que dificultou uma comparação entre os mesmos, visto que haviam diferentes métodos de avaliação, intervenção e frequências de tratamento. Por esse motivo, estudos como maior rigor metodológico ainda devem ser realizados para que possa haver um melhor entendimento do efeito da intervenção precoce em prematuros.
Importance of Housing and Cardiovascular Health and Well-Being: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Authors: Sims Mario , Kershaw Kiarri N. , Breathett Khadijah , Jackson Elizabeth A. , Lewis Lisa M. , Mujahid Mahasin S. , Suglia Shakira F. ,   On behalf of the American Heart Association Council on Epidemiology and Prevention and Council on Quality of Care and Outcomes Research
Published: July 2020

Cardiovascular disease disparities are shaped by differences in risk factors across racial and ethnic groups. Housing remains an important social determinant of health. The objective of this statement is to review and summarize research that has examined the associations of housing status with cardiovascular health and overall health. PubMed/Medline, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, US Census data, Cochrane Library reviews, and the annual Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics report from the American Heart Association were used to identify empirical research studies that examined associations of housing with cardiovascular health and overall well-being. Health is affected by 4 prominent dimensions of housing: stability, quality and safety, affordability and accessibility, and neighborhood environment. Vulnerable and underserved populations are adversely affected by housing insecurity and homelessness, are at risk for lower-quality and unsafe housing conditions, confront structural barriers that limit access to affordable housing, and are at risk for living in areas with substandard built environment features that are linked to cardiovascular disease. Research linking select pathways to cardiovascular health is relatively strong, but research gaps in other housing pathways and cardiovascular health remain. Efforts to eliminate cardiovascular disease disparities have recently emphasized the importance of social determinants of health. Housing is a prominent social determinant of cardiovascular health and well-being and should be considered in the evaluation of prevention efforts to reduce and eliminate racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities.
Current Historians of the World, De-Nationalhistoricize Ourselves! Reading the Writing the Nation Series in a Globalized Age
Authors: Odanaka Naoki
Published: July 2020

This article aims to analyze and evaluate the arguments presented in the Writing the Nation series (8 vols., ed. Stefan Berger, Christoph Conrad, and Guy Marchal [Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2008–2015]). The main question to answer here is: In a globalized world, do we historians still need to talk about national history, that is, the practice of writing the history of nations, or should we instead seek to produce historical works suitable for the globalized world, including global histories?
Nomenclatural notes in Polanisia (Cleomaceae)

Authors: ROALSON ERIC H.
Published: July 2020

Polanisia (Cleomaceae) includes 8 taxa in 5 species distributed through much of North America. A full nomenclatural synonymy is presented including two lectotypes and one neotype.
Neotypification of Opuntia pilifera (Cactaceae; Opuntioideae)

Authors: MARTÍNEZ-GONZÁLEZ CÉSAR RAMIRO , MORALES-SANDOVAL JOSÉ DE JESÚS
Published: July 2020

Opuntia Miller (1754: no pagination) is a genus critical from both taxonomic and nomenclattural points of views (see e.g., Pinkava 2002, Griffith & Porter 2009, Majure et al. 2012). Many of the taxa belonging to this genus were described bases on materials collected by Old World naturalists (e.g., Arechavaleta 1905, Spegazzini 1905, 1925, Pontes et al. 2017). This led to publications of names based on plants grown under greenhouses conditions. Moreover, these names, although nomenclaturally valid, were often poorly described and usually no type was designated (see e.g., Haworth 1812, Pfeiffer 1837, Salm-Dyck 1850).
Protest Issues and Political Inequality in Latin America
Authors: Somma Nicolás M. , Bargsted Matías , Sánchez Felipe
Published: July 2020

Many studies reveal that socioeconomic resources increase protest participation, lending more political voice to the affluent and reinforcing preexisting political inequality. But existing studies ignore whether this holds across different protest issues. We argue that some issues reinforce political inequality, while other ones do not. We differentiate between survival protests—in which people react to direct threats to their material and social survival—and furtherance protests—which press authorities to make policy changes that seek to improve some aspect of society. Regression models with Latin American survey data show that people with higher socioeconomic status are overrepresented in furtherance protests, by implication reinforcing preexisting political inequality. However, survival protests attract people socioeconomically similar to national averages, contributing to a more balanced political field. Our results emphasize the need to reconsider the place of issues in the study of protest participation, political inequality, and political behavior in general.
Patient Factors Lead to Extensive Variation in Outcomes and Cost From Cholecystectomy
Authors: Baimas-George Maria , Kirks Russell C. , Cochran Allyson , Baker Erin H. , Lauren Paton B. , Schiffern Lynnette M. , Matthews Brent D. , Martinie John B. , Vrochides Dionisios , Iannitti David A.
Published: July 2020

Background

Cholecystectomy is a common procedure with significantly varied outcomes. We analyzed differences in comorbidities, outcomes, and cost of cholecystectomy by acute care surgery (ACS) versus hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) surgery.

Study design

Patients were retrospectively identified between 2008 and 2015. Exclusion criteria included the following: (1) part of another procedure; (2) abdominal trauma; (3) ICU admission; vasopressors.

Results

One hundred and twenty-six ACS and 122 HPB patients were analyzed. The HPB subset had higher burden of comorbid disease and significantly lower projected 10-year survival (87.4% ACS vs 68.5% HPB, P < .0001). Median lengths of stay were longer in HPB patients (2 vs 5 days, P < .0001) as were readmission rates (30-day 5.6% vs 13.1%, P = .040; 90-day 7.9% vs 20.5%, P = .005). Median cost was higher including operative supply cost ($969.42 vs $1920.66, P < .0001) and total cost of care ($7340.66 vs $19 338.05, P < .0001). A predictive scoring system for difficult gallbladders was constructed and a phone application was created.

Conclusion

Cholecystectomy in a complicated patient can be difficult with longer hospital stays and higher costs. The utilization of procedure codes to explain disparities is not sufficient. Incorporation of comorbidities needs to be addressed for planning and reimbursement.
Association of Time Between Radiation and Salvage APR and Margin Status in Patients With Anal Cancer Treated With Concurrent Chemoradiation
Authors: Lee Grace C. , Ricciardi Rocco , Stafford Caitlin , Hong Theodore S. , Francone Todd D. , Bordeianou Liliana G. , Kunitake Hiroko
Published: July 2020

There is a controversy regarding the optimal time to assess anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) response to chemoradiation and when salvage abdominoperineal resection (APR) should be offered. A retrospective cohort study was performed on patients with stage I–III anal SCC treated with chemoradiation in the National Cancer Database (2004–2015). The time between radiation and APR was recorded. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard analysis were used to determine predictors of resection margin status and overall survival. The cohort included 23 050 patients, of whom 545 (2.4%) underwent salvage APR. The median (IQR) time between radiation and resection was 3.8 (2.4-5.5) months. The rate of positive margins was 19.0%. Positive margins were more common in male, non-white patients with larger tumors, pathologic upstaging of T stage, and ≥3 months between chemoradiation and resection (all P < .05). Observing for ≥3 months between chemoradiation and APR remained associated with positive margins, even after adjusting for pretreatment tumor size (odds ratio = 2.56, 95% CI 1.46-4.47). Our data, based on the largest published cohort of anal SCC patients treated with chemoradiation and subsequent APR, suggest that patients at high risk of local treatment failure, particularly non-white men with large tumors, may benefit from early interim restaging and earlier consideration of salvage surgery.
Study on the influence of effective width of roads in the central business district on the evacuation time in case of emergency
Authors: Wang Zhigang , Zhou Tiejun , Yang Gen
Published: July 2020

The central business district is a densely populated area, compared with other evacuation modes, pedestrian evacuation is the most effective evacuation mode in case of emergency. During emergency evacuation, the pace of the crowd and the effective width of the roads are closely relevant. At present, there are differences in the setting of effective width of road in the central business district at home and abroad, and they pay more attention to the general traffic value of road, without too much research and exploration on the setting of effective width of road in emergency evacuation. In the case of limited space resources, it is increasingly important to study the effect of effective width of road on pedestrian evacuation in the central business district. Based on this, this paper conducts Research measure on the effective width of road, business center of the Three Gorges Square in Chongqing. After research measuring, it is modally analyzed according to relevant regulation. The result of the research shows that the main pedestrian road of Three Gorges Square can’t meet the demands of the urgent evacuation. And when the effective width of the roads w ≥7.6 m, it can meet the demands of high-density pedestrian evacuation in commercial center.
Perceived barriers to access care, anticipated discrimination and structural vulnerability among African Americans with substance use disorders
Authors: Jegede Oluwole , Muvvala Srinivas , Katehis Emmanuel , Paul Saad , Soipe Ayorinde , Jolayemi Ayodeji
Published: July 2020

Background:

The application of the structural vulnerability construct in medicine addresses social structures as the source of health inequities. Evidence demonstrates structural vulnerability as the meta-problem that underlie health disparities faced by underrepresented minorities who are less likely to access care and face stigma for substance use disorders (SUDs).

Objective:

The objective of this study is to assess perceived vulnerability at the structural and interpersonal levels depicted by barriers to care, treatment-related stigma and anticipated discrimination among African Americans with SUDs.

Methods:

Participants were 58 consecutive African American patients receiving treatment at an acute inpatient substance use service of a teaching hospital from September to November 2019. Structural vulnerability, barriers to care and anticipated discrimination were assessed using the structural vulnerability assessment tool, Barriers to Access Care Evaluation (BACE) and the Questionnaire on Anticipated Discrimination (QUAD) surveys, respectively.

Results:

The total mean scores for the BACE-3, BACE-3 stigma subscale and QUAD were 1.0, 1.15 and 1.51, respectively. No statistically significant differences are found in the stigma subscale based on gender and psychiatric diagnosis ( p > .05). Furthermore, there were also no gender, age or differences based on psychiatric diagnosis across both the BACE and QUAD scales.

Conclusion:

Structural and interpersonal factors remain sources of vulnerability, stigma and anticipated discrimination for African Americans with SUDs and comorbid mental illness.
Authenticity Is Correlated With Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence
Authors: Tohme Ornella , Joseph Stephen
Published: July 2020

Humanistic psychology has long been interested in authenticity. Carl Rogers proposed that authenticity leads to more fully functioning behavior. However, it is only in recent years that there has been empirical research into the correlates of authenticity. The aim was to test for association between authenticity and two individual difference factors of much contemporary interest—mindfulness and emotional intelligence. Participants were 197 adults recruited either through convenience sampling or an online survey. All completed the Authenticity Scale, the Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale, the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills, and the Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding. Higher scores on authenticity were associated with higher scores on self-deceptive enhancement, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence. Regression analyses showed that authenticity, specifically the self-alienation subscale, was able to predict mindfulness, and the authentic living subscale was able to predict emotional intelligence, taking into account social desirability and self-deceptive effects. Further research is now needed into the association between authenticity and self-deception and the causal relationships of these variables with emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and other characteristics of the fully functioning person.
Design and Governance of Multichannel Sales Systems: Financial Performance Consequences in Business-to-Business Markets
Authors: Homburg Christian , Vomberg Arnd , Muehlhaeuser Stephan
Published: July 2020

Multichannel sales systems in business-to-business markets vary substantially in their designs and thereby either attenuate or aggravate agency conflicts between manufacturers and sales partners. Drawing on multiple agency theory, the authors introduce direct and indirect channel usage as focal design dimensions of multichannel sales systems and investigate each channel’s performance effects using a matched manufacturer–sales partner data set. Whereas direct channel usage predominantly lowers agency conflicts in terms of information asymmetry and sales partner moral hazard, indirect channel usage amplifies moral hazard concerns. How those sales partner effects translate into manufacturer performance outcomes critically depends on governance mechanisms, confirming predictions from governance value analysis: formalization enhances performance outcomes for manufacturers in the case of indirect channel usage but diminishes performance in the case of direct channel usage. The authors observe converse effects for centralization and information exchange: centralization and information exchange enhance outcomes of direct channel usage but diminish outcomes of indirect channel usage. The focal managerial implication is that managers must align the design of their multichannel sales systems with effective governance mechanisms.
Inclusion without Solidarity: Education, Economic Security, and Attitudes toward Redistribution
Authors: Gelepithis Margarita , Giani Marco
Published: July 2020

Highly educated individuals tend to be less supportive of redistribution by most accounts because they have more to lose and less to gain from it. In this article, we use European Social Survey data to develop the argument that university education reduces support for redistribution in large part independently of the improved material circumstances with which it is associated. While university encourages a range of progressive ideas related to cultural inclusivity, it simultaneously encourages conservative redistribution preferences that are reinforced—but only partly explained—by the economic security it tends to provide. In short, European universities foster norms of cultural inclusion, while simultaneously eroding norms of economic solidarity.
Vibration characteristic analysis of single-cylinder two-stroke engine and mounting system optimization design
Authors: Liang Jinhui , Zhang Dongdong , Wang Shuwen
Published: July 2020

Compared with four-stroke engines, single-cylinder two-stroke engines have the characteristics of small inertia, high rotational speed, and wide excitation frequency range. However, the structural vibration and noise generated by the two-stroke engine are very violent. Hence, it is necessary to reduce the vibration and noise of the single-cylinder two-stroke engine. Based on the design theory of the engine mounting system, the excitation frequency, direction, and magnitude of a single-cylinder two-stroke engine are analyzed. The rubber isolator is selected as the new mount element, and the dynamic model of the engine powertrain mounting system is established based on ADAMS software. Based on the sensitivity analysis of the design variables of the mounting system, the natural frequency of the mounting system is used as an objective, and the three-directional stiffness of the mounting system is taken as design variables for the optimization problem. The optimization model is solved by the sequential quadratic programming method. The results show that the maximum frequency of the mounting system after optimization is less than 1/[Formula: see text] of the excitation frequency, and the isolation effect is achieved. The dynamic model and the optimization method presented in this article would provide a useful tool for the design and optimization of mounting system for the single-cylinder two-stroke engine to reduce vibration from the engine to the engine support.
Managing a Pandemic at a Less Than Global Scale: Governors Take the Lead
Authors: Bowman Ann O’M. , McKenzie James H.
Published: July 2020

This article explores the roles played by state governments, and particularly governors, in dealing with an extremely disruptive event—the coronavirus global pandemic. The inquiry focuses on March and April 2020, a period characterized by significant public health challenges and severe economic stress. The coronavirus pandemic did not affect states at the same time or with the same intensity and as a consequence, governors varied somewhat in terms of when they acted and which policies they adopted. As shown in the article, gubernatorial interactions with other states were at times cooperative, in other instances they were competitive. Two states—Texas and Pennsylvania—are singled out for an examination of within-state dynamics. The article ends with brief reflections on the lessons of the coronavirus for public sector management in a federal system of government.
From Uncoordinated Patchworks to a Coordinated System: MERS-CoV to COVID-19 in Korea
Authors: Kim Yushim , Oh Seong Soo , Wang Chan
Published: July 2020

South Korea has experienced two national public health crises during this decade. The 2015 Middle East respiratory syndrome-coronavirus (MERS-CoV) response’s failure to address coordination problems or authority conflicts provided an opportunity to revise its national disease control system before the 2020 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis. Our reflection on Korea’s MERS-CoV and COVID-19 responses provides a perspective on public health emergency management. It is difficult to project the scale of an emerging infectious disease in advance because of its contagious nature and ability to cross geographic boundaries. In a national epidemic or global pandemic, a centralized coordination effort at the national level is desirable, rather than fragmented local, city, or regional efforts.
Why Do Countries Respond Differently to COVID-19? A Comparative Study of Sweden, China, France, and Japan
Authors: Yan Bo , Zhang Xiaomin , Wu Long , Zhu Heng , Chen Bin
Published: July 2020

Nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) are important public health tools to fight against COVID-19. Governments around the world have instituted a variety of NPIs to modify individuals’ behavior, giving rise to four distinct pandemic response strategies: nudge, mandate, decree, and boost. To better understand the different policy choices involved in these strategies, four countries including Sweden, China, France, and Japan were compared to identify the critical institutional and cultural determinants of national response strategy. The finding shows that various responses regarding same threat are dependent on the distinctive institutional arrangements and cultural orientation of each country, and thus, there is no One-Size-Fits-All strategy.
Vitamin D levels in children and adolescents with autism
Authors: Şengenç Esma , Kıykım Ertuğrul , Saltik Sema
Published: July 2020

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and vitamin D levels in children and adolescents.

Methods

We measured serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels in 1529 patients with ASD aged 3 to 18 years, without any additional chronic diseases. Levels of 25-OHD were compared according to sex, age (<11 or ≥11 years), and birth season. Additionally, laboratory parameters (calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and 25-OHD) of 100 selected patients with ASD were compared with those of the healthy control group.

Results

Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency was found in approximately 95% of all patients. Levels of 25-OHD in adolescent patients with ASD aged 11 to 18 years were significantly lower than those in patients aged younger than 11 years. In the 100 selected patients with ASD, mean serum 25-OHD levels were significantly lower and alkaline phosphatase levels were higher compared with those in healthy children.

Conclusion

Our study suggests a relationship between vitamin D and ASD in children. Monitoring vitamin D levels is crucial in autistic children, especially adolescents, to take protective measures and treat this condition early.
Acute Surgical Repair of Complete, Nonavulsion Proximal Semimembranosus Injuries in Professional Athletes
Authors: Ayuob Atif , Kayani Babar , Haddad Fares S.
Published: July 2020

Background:

Nonoperative management of proximal semimembranosus injuries is associated with prolonged periods of convalescence and high risk of recurrence. To our knowledge, the outcomes of acute surgical repair for complete, nonavulsion proximal semimembranosus injuries have not been previously reported.

Hypothesis:

Acute surgical repair of complete, nonavulsion proximal semimembranosus injuries enables early return to sporting activity with low risk of recurrence.

Study Design:

Case series: Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

This prospective single-surgeon study included 20 professional athletes undergoing acute primary surgical repair of complete, nonavulsion proximal semimembranosus injuries confirmed on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. All study patients underwent a standardized postoperative rehabilitation program. Predefined outcomes were recorded at regular intervals after surgery. Mean follow-up time was 27.6 months (range, 24.0-34.6 months) from date of surgery.

Results:

Of the 20 patients, 19 (95%) returned to their preinjury level of sporting activity. Mean ± SD time from surgical repair to full sporting activity was 11.9 ± 5.7 weeks. No patients had recurrence of the primary injury. At 3 months after surgery, patients had improved mean passive straight leg raise (71.5° ± 5.9° vs 31.1° ± 7.2°; P < .001); increased mean isometric hamstring muscle strength at 0° (83.8% ± 5.9% vs 48.4% ± 8.3%; P < .001), 15° (77.6% ± 6.0% vs 52.3% ± 14.7%; P < .001), and 45° (88.6% ± 5.4% vs 66.7% ± 13.1%; P < .001); higher mean lower extremity functional scores (64.8 ± 4.6 vs 34.4 ± 5.1; P < .001); and improved Marx activity rating scores (10.7 ± 1.6 vs 5.5 ± 2.0; P < .001) as compared with preoperative values. High patient satisfaction and functional outcome scores were maintained at 1 and 2 years after surgery.

Conclusion:

Acute surgical repair of complete, nonavulsion proximal semimembranosus injuries is associated with high patient satisfaction, increased muscle strength, improved functional outcome scores, and high return to preinjury level of sporting activity with low risk of recurrence at short-term follow-up.
Subdividing the Unzoned City: An Analysis of the Causes and Effects of Houston’s 1998 Subdivision Reform
Authors: Gray M. Nolan , Millsap Adam A.
Published: July 2020

Houston is known for its lack of Euclidean-style zoning, but the city still has various ordinances that control land use. In 1998, Houston reformed its subdivision rules to allow for parcels smaller than five thousand square feet citywide. In this paper, we discuss the unique land-use rules in place in Houston prior to reform and the circumstances that led to reform, including the “opt out” provisions, which mediated homeowner opposition to substantial increases in housing density. We then analyze the effects of reform. After relief from large lot requirements, post-reform development activity was heavily concentrated in middle-income, less dense, underbuilt neighborhoods.
A facile chemical cross-linking approach toward the fabrication of a sustainable porous ulvan scaffold
Authors: Gajaria Tejal K , Bhatt Himadri , Khandelwal Ankit , Vasu Vihas T , Reddy CRK , Shanthana Lakshmi D
Published: July 2020

Ulvans represent one of the most abundant marine-derived macromolecular sulfated polysaccharides accounting for numerous biological applications including in one of the fastest growing field of biomedical sciences. Tissue engineering based on biologically inspired and naturally derived polymers has been one of the prime focuses of regenerative medicine. The present investigation is intended to explore an ionic cross-linking approach at higher pH lead by the calcium ions for casting cell growth promoting scaffolds out of the raw ulvan. The characterization studies using attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy represent specific absorptions at 2950, 980, and 600 cm−1, whereas the x-ray diffraction showed a total absence of major crystalline peaks presenting significant shift to an amorphous state. The 1H nuclear magnetic resonance study revealed functional group modifications in the backbone that might be potentially derived from calcium interactions with glucurorhamnose 3-sulfate and iduronorhamnose 3-sulfate. The atomic force microscopy together with field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy mapping revealed the resultant surface changes, whereas confocal microscopy z-stacking showed the cell proliferative activity as evident by the attainment of complete morphology. The combined chemical and biological response of the scaffold makes it a well suitable support for its cell culture and tissue engineering applications.
Impact of Pulmonary Embolism Response Team on Anticoagulation Prescribing Patterns in Patients With Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Kuhrau Shannon , Masic Dalila , Mancl Erin , Brailovsky Yevgeniy , Porcaro Katerina , Morris Stephen , Haines Jeremiah , Charo Kim , Fareed Jawed , Darki Amir
Published: July 2020

Introduction:

Anticoagulation remains the mainstay pharmacotherapy for acute pulmonary embolism (PE), but multiple treatment options exist. The Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT) is a multidisciplinary group that evaluates patients, formulates evidence-based treatment plans, and mobilizes resources. The objective of this study was to characterize the anticoagulation prescribing patterns made by PERT and to determine the clinical impact of anticoagulant selection.

Materials and Methods:

This was a retrospective analysis of patients evaluated by PERT from 2016 to 2018. Multivariable linear regression was conducted to determine predictors of length of stay (LOS).

Results:

A total of 209 patients were evaluated by PERT and received anticoagulation on discharge. Of those, 47% received a non-vitamin K oral anticoagulant (NOAC), 29% received warfarin, and 23% received low-molecular-weight heparin. Patient preferences and comorbidities were the most common reasons for NOAC omission. Patients who received NOACs had a shorter median LOS than warfarin (6.1 [4.6-7.6] days vs 10.9 [8.4-13.4] days; P < .05). Selection of NOAC upon discharge was the only factor independently associated with reduced LOS (β coefficient: −0.6; 95% CI: −1.01 to −0.18; P < .01).

Conclusion:

The most common recommendation made by PERT was to initiate a NOAC upon discharge, resulting in shorter hospital LOS compared to patients who received warfarin.
Throwing the case open: The impossible subject of Luisa Passerini’s Autobiography of a Generation
Authors: ffytche Matt
Published: July 2020

For John Forrester, the ‘case’, particularly in its psychoanalytic version, makes possible a science of the particular – knowledge open to the differences of individuals and situations. This article takes up that aspect of Forrester’s account that linked the psychoanalytic case with forms of autobiography – new narrations of that particular self. After Freud, many authors – literary and psychoanalytic – have taken up the challenge of narrating subjectivity in new forms, engaging a quasi-psychoanalytic framework (H. D., Walter Benjamin, Frantz Fanon, Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick are examples). Focusing on Luisa Passerini’s text Autobiography of a Generation, which deals with the Italian experience of 1968, the article examines some of the features of such hybrid texts, and argues that psychoanalysis makes a contribution not just to the forms of self-investigation they pursue, but more significantly to the search for a radically new methodology of narration. Such models end up as ‘impossible’ cases, but in so doing they explore new interdisciplinary means for understanding the historical shaping of subjectivity.
The spatial-temporal evolution and spatial convergence of ecological total factor productivity in china
Authors: Li Zhengda , Li Dong , Yang Wanping , Qi Xiaoyan
Published: July 2020

Based on the theory of strong sustainability, this paper evaluates the ecological environment from two aspects of ecological environment construction and ecological environment damage, and incorporates the ecological environment into the research framework of total factor productivity (TFP), and proposes a new ecological total factor productivity (ETFP) index, and studies the source of factors, spatial-temporal evolution and spatial convergence of the ETFP in China from 2001 to 2018. The results show the following: ETFP is driven by technological efficiency, and the stage fluctuation differentiation is obvious; the growth rate of the sub-factors of the “labor —energy — ecological environment construction — capital” decreases in sequence, and the contribution degree of the factors of “labor — ecological environment construction — energy — capital” keep decreasing in turn; the distribution pattern evolves from unipolar to bimodal. The path dependence of TFP on capital, labor and energy is relatively strong; There was a spatial convergence in china's provincial ETFP, and convergence speed was accelerated of 4.07% under Geo-economic weight matrix. Considering the influence of institutional factors, environmental decentralization and fiscal decentralization can put off the ETFP’s increasing speed, but the interaction between them can drive the ETFP’s growth.
Development of a digital control system for a belt-driven starter generator segmented switched reluctance motor for hybrid electric vehicles
Authors: Chen Long , Wang Haoxiang , Sun Xiaodong , Cai Yingfeng , Li Ke , Diao Kaikai , Wu Jiangling
Published: July 2020

A novel four-phase 16/10 belt-driven starter generator segmented switched reluctance motor has been proposed in a previous work to reduce torque ripple and increase the fault tolerance ability. Based on the previous research, the segmented switched reluctance motor digital control system is designed and presented. The digital control system including a power converter, detection circuits, and protection circuits is introduced in detail. For detection circuits, the half-detection method is employed to decrease the cost of the system. In addition, based on MicroAutoBox DS1401, a rapid control prototype platform is established. With this software system, it is easy to transfer control models and realize real-time control directly. Then, the speed closed closed-loop control for the segmented switched reluctance motor is applied to verify the proposed system. It contains current chopper control at a low speed and angle position control at a high speed. The simulation results are given, including the flux, current, torque, and efficiency range over the entire speed range of the segmented switched reluctance motor. Finally, the experimental results are presented to verify the simulation results and the effectiveness of the system. It can be found that the simulation and experimental results are consistent and acceptable, which means that the proposed digital system can operate naturally and accurately under speed closed loop control. Hence, the proposed digital system has high compatibility and practicability.