bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract P455: Epistatic Regulation of Hematological-related Traits and Gene Expression in Mice Reveals Additional Heritability Missed by Standard GWAS-type Analyses
Authors: Miller Anna , Chen Anlu , Buchner David , Williams Scott
Published: March 2020

The genetic contribution of additive versus non-additive (epistasis) effects in the regulation of hematologic and other complex traits is unclear. Although many variants have been associated with a range of complex traits via genome wide association studies (GWAS), these loci combined in additive models do not account for most of the trait heritability. GWAS-type analyses typically ignore gene-gene interactions, in part because of the difficulty in detecting them in complex multicellular organisms, especially humans. We have previously shown that mouse chromosome substitution strains (CSSs) are a powerful model for detecting epistasis, and that for certain complex traits the relative contribution of epistasis to heritability is as important as additivity. We have now applied the use of these CSSs to identify and map additive and epistatic loci that regulate a range of hematological-related traits and hepatic gene expression levels. A modified backcross was performed with CSS strains carrying the A/J-derived substituted chromosomes 4 and 6 on an otherwise C57BL/6J genetic background. By analyzing the transcriptomes of offspring from this cross, we identified and mapped additive quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that regulated the expression of 770 genes, and epistatic QTLs for 802 genes. Similarly we performed a complete blood analysis of offspring from the cross and identified additive QTLs for platelets and percentage of granulocyte in the blood as well as epistatic QTLs controlling the percentage of lymphocytes in the blood (rs13477644, rs13478739; LOD = 3.4) and red cell distribution width (rs13477864, rs13478802; LOD = 3.7). The variance attributable to the epistatic QTLs was approximately equal to that of the additive QTLs, highlighting the importance of identifying genetic interactions. Of note, even the SNPs associated with the most significant epistatic interactions were undetected in our single loci GWAS-like association analyses, demonstrating the need to specifically test for gene-gene interactions in studies of complex traits. In summary, our studies identified epistatic loci in mice that are important regulators of hematological-related traits and gene expression. Additionally, our studies call attention to the importance of extending single loci GWAS-type analyses to include analyses of gene-gene interactions to improve our ability to identify genetic variants that regulate complex traits.
Abstract P477: Clinical Outcomes In Individuals With And Without Heart Failure Presenting With Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Clarkson Stephen , Brown Todd , Limdi Nita , Dillon Chrisly , Beasley Mark
Published: March 2020

Objective:
To determine the risk for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) following acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in patients with and without heart failure (HF) and whether this risk varies by race and comorbidity.

Methods:
We studied adults with and without HF who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for the treatment of ACS in the Pharmacogenomic Resource to improve Medication Effectiveness Genotype Guided Antiplatelet Therapy study. ACS was defined by the presence of ≥2 of the following: ischemic symptoms, acutely elevated cardiac troponin, or ischemic electrocardiographic changes. HF was defined prior to PCI as a known history of HF, left ventricular ejection fraction <50%, or brain natriuretic peptide level >400 pg/mL. Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected prior to PCI. Race was self-reported. Participants were followed for up to 1 year for MACE. We constructed Cox proportional hazard models, adjusted for demographic and clinical characteristics, separately in those with and without HF to identify independent predictors of MACE.

Results:
Since 2014, 1,230 individuals have undergone PCI for ACS. Those with HF (n=419) were older and had more comorbidities than those without HF (n=811). The incidence of MACE per 100 person years was 40.4 in those with HF and 22.2 in those without HF (p<0.001). African American race was associated with increased risk for MACE following ACS in those without but not with a history of HF. Other clinical factors associated with MACE following ACS were older age and end stage renal disease in those with HF and diabetes, end stage renal disease, and peripheral arterial disease in those without HF (Table).

Conclusions:
Individuals with HF are at increased risk of MACE following ACS irrespective of race. However, in those without HF, African Americans have a higher risk of MACE following ACS relative to their white counterparts. Individuals with end stage renal disease are at high risk of MACE following ACS regardless of HF status.
Abstract P515: Comparison of Dietary Measures Association With Incident Type 2 Diabetes: The Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (regards) Study
Authors: Tison Stephanie , Carson April P , Shikany James M , Pearson Keith , Howard George , Judd Suzanne E
Published: March 2020

Background:
Previous studies have investigated the association of dietary patterns with risk of diabetes, but have not compared
a priori
and
a posteriori
dietary scores in the same diverse population. The objective of this study was to evaluate
a priori
and
a posteriori
dietary patterns associations with incident diabetes in the REGARDS study.

Methods:
This study included 8,875 Black and White adults with available dietary data, without diabetes (defined as fasting glucose>=126 mg/dL, random glucose>=200 mg/dL, or use of diabetes medications) at baseline (2003-2007), and with follow-up (2013-2016) status of diabetes. Dietary patterns were examined by quintile and included
a posteriori
Plant-based and Southern, as well as
a priori
scores of Mediterranean Diet Score, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet Score, Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and Dietary Inflammation Score (DIS). Modified Poisson regression was used to obtain risk ratios for incident diabetes with models adjusted for total energy intake, demographics, and lifestyle factors.

Results:
The mean (SD) age at baseline was 63.2 (8.5) years, 27.1% were Black, 56.2% were female, and 11.7% had incident diabetes at follow-up. Adherence to the Southern dietary pattern was positively associated with incident diabetes for all models (figure). After adjustment for demographic factors, the highest quintiles of DII and DIS were associated with incident diabetes and the highest quintiles of DASH scores were protective of development of incident diabetes.

Conclusion:
The Southern dietary pattern derived in REGARDS showed the strongest association with incident diabetes of all the dietary scores and of the
a priori
scores the DIS showed the strongest association with incident diabetes. The lack of association in adjusted models with the Mediterranean Diet and Plant-based pattern show these scores to be less pertinent. The DIS demonstrates food based dietary inflammation as one of the potential pathways for incident diabetes.
Abstract P528: Normal Weight Metabolic Obesity and Risk of Coronary Artery Disease: The Million Veteran Program
Authors: Schubert Petra , Ho Yuk-lam , Gagnon David R , Cho Kelly , Wilson Peter W , Gaziano J. M , Djousse Luc ,   on behalf of the Million Veteran Program
Published: March 2020

Introduction:
Obesity and metabolic dysfunction, individually, are known risk factors of stroke, coronary artery disease (CAD), and mortality. However, few studies have examined the long-term risk for CAD among non-obese people with metabolic dysfunction, and no studies have been conducted for Veterans of the United States.

Hypothesis:
Veterans who are metabolically obese normal weight (MONW) at baseline have an increased risk of developing CAD compared to metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW) veterans enrolled in the Million Veteran Program (MVP).

Methods:
We included MVP participants who had a stable normal body mass index (18.5-25kg/m
2
) five years prior to enrollment. Metabolic obesity was defined as having three or more of the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria [diabetes, hypertension, low HDL-C (≤40 mg/dl for men, ≤50 mg/dl for women), and high triglycerides (≥150 mg/dl)] at enrollment. CAD was defined as non-fatal myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease or angina pectoris. Participants with prevalent CAD, major cancers and incomplete lifestyle information were excluded. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for CAD incidence. In secondary analyses, we stratified by sex and race to evaluate possible effect modification.

Results:
Of the 16,764 people identified as normal weight with complete data, 15% were MONW, 84.5% were male, 84.4% were White and the mean age was 63.1 ± 14.2. Over a median follow up of 3.6 (IQR 1.8-5.2) years, there were 847 incident CAD events observed. MONW individuals had a 64% (95% CI: 40 -91%) higher risk of CAD compared to normal weight individuals, controlling for age, race, sex, education, smoking status, physical activity, alcohol use and diet. In secondary analyses, we observed a nominally higher risk among women who were MONW [HR (95% CI): 2.74 (1.30-5.77) for women vs. 1.60 (1.37-1.88) for men], however the interaction of MONW and sex was not statistically significant (interaction p=0.19). Similarly, the interaction of MONW and race was not statistically significant [1.62 (1.37-1.92) for White, 1.55 (0.97-2.48) for Black, and 2.26 (1.03-4.95) for other, interaction p=0.83)].

Conclusions:
MONW Veterans had a higher risk of CAD compared to MHNW Veterans. This risk was magnified in female Veterans and attenuated in White and Black Veterans compared to other races (Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American, other). These findings will need to be validated in future studies.
Two new species of the spider genus Khorata Huber, 2005 (Araneae: Pholcidae) from southern China
Authors: XU HAO , ZHENG GUO , YAO ZHIYUAN
Published: March 2020

The spider genus Khorata Huber, 2005 is a diverse group distributed in the Indo-Malayan Region. In this study, we describe two new species from southern China: Khorata nani sp. nov. (male, female; Guangdong) and Khorata yuhaoi sp. nov. (male, female; Yunnan and Guizhou). In addition, we briefly discuss the potential causes of its diversity.
Synonymies, new records, and new species in Cerambycinae (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae)
Authors: HEFFERN DANIEL , BOTERO JUAN PABLO , SANTOS-SILVA ANTONIO
Published: March 2020

New synonymies in Clytini: Clytopsis Casey, 1912 is synonymized with Ochraethes Chevrolat, 1860; and Ochraethes nigritus Bates, 1892 is synonymized with O. viridiventris (Chevrolat, 1860). New records: Neoclytus acteon (Chevrolat, 1860) (Clytini) is reported for the first time from Nicaragua; and Heterachthes hildebranti Galileo & Santos-Silva, 2016 (Neoibidionini, Compsina) is reported for the first time from the Mexican state of Jalisco. New species: Ochraethes nevadensis sp. nov. (Clytini) is described from the United States of America (Nevada); Psyrassa audureaui sp. nov. (Elaphidiini) is described from Mexico and Nicaragua; Oxylymma rileyi sp. nov. (Rhinotragini) is described from Panama.
El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Impact on Tea Production and Rainfall in South India
Authors: Raj Esack Edwin , Kumar Rajagopal Raj , Ramesh K. V.
Published: March 2020

El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is an aperiodic oscillation of sea surface temperature (SST)-induced interannual rainfall variability in south India (SI) that has a direct impact on rain-fed agricultural production and the economy of the region. The study analyzed the influence of ENSO-related rainfall variability on crop yield of south Indian tea-growing regions (SITR) for the period of 1971–2015. The relationship between SST anomalies from June to August over the Niño-3 sector of the tropical Pacific Ocean and tea production anomalies of SI shows a positive correlation. However, SST has a negative relationship with rainfall in the regions of the southwest monsoon but not with the northeast monsoon region of the Nilgiris. The correlation between rainfall and crop yield in SI (r = 0.045) is positively weak and statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). Tea production is influenced more by the cold phase than the warm phase of ENSO, whereas rainfall is greatly influenced by the warm phase. Tea production across the regions indicated that none of the ENSO phase categories based on Niño-3 has significantly greater production than any of the other ENSO phases. Therefore, the predictability of tea production on the basis of ENSO phases is limited. Our findings highlight that the crop production of SITR appeared to be less responsive to the ENSO phases. This may be due to improvements in production technology that mitigated the problems associated with rainfall variability.
The WSR-88D Inanimate Hydrometeor Class
Authors: Kurdzo James M. , Bennett Betty J. , Smalley David J. , Donovan Michael F.
Published: March 2020

The dual-polarization upgrade to the WSR-88D network of weather radars included the addition of a hydrometeor classification algorithm (HCA) to the Open Radar Product Generator (ORPG). The HCA product categorizes each Level-III radar range–azimuth cell into one of 10 classifications or marks it as “unknown.” However, not all target types fall under the 10 classification options. For this reason, multiple studies have examined adding new classes to the operational HCA. In this study, a new “inanimate” class is developed for additional hydrometeor classification in the ORPG and is described in detail. This class encompasses nonweather phenomena such as chaff (the primary motivation of this work), sea clutter, and some types of combustion debris and radio frequency interference. The design process is detailed, including human truthing, data selection, and optimization with a genetic algorithm. Multiple case examples are presented and analyzed, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Quantification is put into perspective with previous studies for a better understanding of the algorithm’s performance and impact. A discussion of applications, including subclassing, chaff detection, and implementation as an “aviation” classification algorithm in the ORPG, is presented.
Investigating the Role of the Tibetan Plateau in ENSO Variability
Authors: Wen Qin , Döös Kristofer , Lu Zhengyao , Han Zixuan , Yang Haijun
Published: March 2020

The role of the Tibetan Plateau (TP) in El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variability is investigated using coupled model experiments with different topography setups. Removing the TP results in weakened trade winds in the tropical Pacific, an eastward shift of atmospheric convection center, a shallower mixed layer in the equatorial Pacific, and a flattened equatorial thermocline, which leads to an El Niño–like sea surface temperature (SST) response. In association with these mean climate changes in the tropical atmosphere–ocean system, the ENSO variability exhibits a much stronger amplitude in the world without the TP. Detailed diagnoses reveal that in the absence of the TP, both thermocline feedback in the eastern equatorial Pacific and Ekman pumping feedback in the central-eastern equatorial Pacific are enhanced substantially, leading to stronger ENSO variability. The changes of these two feedbacks are caused by the eastward shift of the atmospheric convection center and enhanced ocean sensitivity; the latter is due to the shallower mixed layer and flattened thermocline. This study suggests that the presence of the TP may be of fundamental importance for modern-day tropical climate variability; namely, the TP may have played a role in suppressing ENSO variability.
Accuracy of Wind Observations from Open-Ocean Buoys: Correction for Flow Distortion
Authors: Schlundt Michael , Farrar J. Thomas , Bigorre Sebastien P. , Plueddemann Albert J. , Weller Robert A.
Published: March 2020

The comparison of equivalent neutral winds obtained from (i) four WHOI buoys in the subtropics and (ii) scatterometer estimates at those locations reveals a root-mean-square (RMS) difference of 0.56–0.76 m s−1. To investigate this RMS difference, different buoy wind error sources were examined. These buoys are particularly well suited to examine two important sources of buoy wind errors because 1) redundant anemometers and a comparison with numerical flow simulations allow us to quantitatively assess flow distortion errors, and 2) 1-min sampling at the buoys allows us to examine the sensitivity of buoy temporal sampling/averaging in the buoy–scatterometer comparisons. The interanemometer difference varies as a function of wind direction relative to the buoy wind vane and is consistent with the effects of flow distortion expected based on numerical flow simulations. Comparison between the anemometers and scatterometer winds supports the interpretation that the interanemometer disagreement, which can be up to 5% of the wind speed, is due to flow distortion. These insights motivate an empirical correction to the individual anemometer records and subsequent comparison with scatterometer estimates show good agreement.
Initial Conditions for Convection-Allowing Ensembles over the Conterminous United States
Authors: Schwartz Craig S. , Wong May , Romine Glen S. , Sobash Ryan A. , Fossell Kathryn R.
Published: March 2020

Five sets of 48-h, 10-member, convection-allowing ensemble (CAE) forecasts with 3-km horizontal grid spacing were systematically evaluated over the conterminous United States with a focus on precipitation across 31 cases. The various CAEs solely differed by their initial condition perturbations (ICPs) and central initial states. CAEs initially centered about deterministic Global Forecast System (GFS) analyses were unequivocally better than those initially centered about ensemble mean analyses produced by a limited-area single-physics, single-dynamics 15-km continuously cycling ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF), strongly suggesting relative superiority of the GFS analyses. Additionally, CAEs with flow-dependent ICPs derived from either the EnKF or multimodel 3-h forecasts from the Short-Range Ensemble Forecast (SREF) system had higher fractions skill scores than CAEs with randomly generated mesoscale ICPs. Conversely, due to insufficient spread, CAEs with EnKF ICPs had worse reliability, discrimination, and dispersion than those with random and SREF ICPs. However, members in the CAE with SREF ICPs undesirably clustered by dynamic core represented in the ICPs, and CAEs with random ICPs had poor spinup characteristics. Collectively, these results indicate that continuously cycled EnKF mean analyses were suboptimal for CAE initialization purposes and suggest that further work to improve limited-area continuously cycling EnKFs over large regional domains is warranted. Additionally, the deleterious aspects of using both multimodel and random ICPs suggest efforts toward improving spread in CAEs with single-physics, single-dynamics, flow-dependent ICPs should continue.
Experiences of Occupational Performance in Survivors of Stroke Attending Peer Support Groups
Authors: Wijekoon Sachindri , Wilson Whitney , Gowan Nicolette , Ferreira Ludmilla , Phadke Chetan , Udler Elizabeth , Bontempo Tiziana
Published: March 2020

Background.

Survivors of stroke often experience environmental isolation and decreased occupational performance after discharge from the hospital. Peer groups benefit psychological, social, and cognitive functioning, though few studies have examined their influence on occupational performance of survivors of stroke.

Purpose.

This study explores the experiences of occupational performance in survivors of stroke attending an outpatient peer support group.

Method.

An interpretive qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with seven survivors of stroke attending an outpatient peer support group. Data was thematically analyzed.

Findings.

Four themes related to the experience of peer support on occupational performance emerged: finding hope to return to meaningful occupation, a place for belonging, problem-solving occupational concerns, and finding purpose beyond oneself.

Implications.

This research adds to the existing literature that peer support groups help survivors of stroke reengage in meaningful occupations, manage their stroke experience, and move positively through recovery.
Identification of Facet Models by Means of Factor Rotation: A Simulation Study and Data Analysis of a Test for the Berlin Model of Intelligence Structure
Authors: Beauducel André , Kersting Martin
Published: March 2020

We investigated by means of a simulation study how well methods for factor rotation can identify a two-facet simple structure. Samples were generated from orthogonal and oblique two-facet population factor models with 4 (2 factors per facet) to 12 factors (6 factors per facet). Samples drawn from orthogonal populations were submitted to factor analysis with subsequent Varimax, Equamax, Parsimax, Factor Parsimony, Tandem I, Tandem II, Infomax, and McCammon’s minimum entropy rotation. Samples drawn from oblique populations were submitted to factor analysis with subsequent Geomin rotation and a Promax-based Tandem II rotation. As a benchmark, we investigated a target rotation of the sample loadings toward the corresponding faceted population loadings. The three conditions were sample size ( n = 400, 1,000), number of factors ( q = 4-12), and main loading size ( l = .40, .50, .60). For less than six orthogonal factors Infomax and McCammon’s minimum entropy rotation and for six and more factors Tandem II rotation yielded the highest congruence of sample loading matrices with faceted population loading matrices. For six and more oblique factors Geomin rotation and a Promax-based Tandem II rotation yielded the highest congruence with faceted population loadings. Analysis of data of 393 participants that performed a test for the Berlin Model of Intelligence Structure revealed that the faceted structure of this model could be identified by means of a Promax-based Tandem II rotation of task aggregates corresponding to the cross-products of the facets. Implications for the identification of faceted models by means of factor rotation are discussed.
A Longitudinal Evaluation of Risk Factors and Interactions for the Development of Nonspecific Neck Pain in Office Workers in Two Cultures
Authors: Jun Deokhoon , Johnston Venerina , McPhail Steven M. , O’Leary Shaun
Published: March 2020

Objective

To identify risk factors for the development of interfering neck pain in office workers including an examination of the interaction effects between potential risk factors.

Background

The 1-year incidence of neck pain in office workers is reported as the highest of all occupations. Identifying risk factors for the development of neck pain in office workers is therefore a priority to direct prevention strategies.

Methods

Participants included 214 office workers without neck pain from two cultures. A battery of measures evaluating potential individual and workplace risk factors were administered at baseline, and the incidence of interfering neck pain assessed monthly for 12 months. Survival analysis was used to identify relationships between risk factors and the development of interfering neck pain.

Results

One-year incidence was 1.93 (95% CI [1.41, 2.64]) per 100 person months. Factors increasing the risk of developing interfering neck pain were older age, female gender, increased sitting hours, higher job strain, and stress. A neutral thorax sitting posture, greater cervical range of motion and muscle endurance, and higher physical activity were associated with a decreased risk of neck pain. The effects of some risk factors on the development of neck pain were moderated by the workers’ coping resources.

Conclusion

Multiple risk factors and interactions may explain the development of neck pain in office workers. Therefore, plans for preventing the development of interfering neck pain in office workers should consider multiple individual and work-related factors with some factors being potentially more modifiable than others.
Early Exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences and Youth Delinquent Behavior in Fragile Families
Authors: Jones Melissa S. , Pierce Hayley
Published: March 2020

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been identified as a key risk factor for a variety of negative health, psychiatric, and behavioral outcomes across the life course. Although recent research has begun to consider the role of ACEs in criminogenic behaviors among youth, few studies to date have assessed the association between early exposure to ACEs and delinquent behavior among nonincarcerated youth. Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCW; n = 3,402) and a life course theoretical framework, this study aims to address this gap in the literature by examining the relationships between individual, cumulative, and clustering of ACEs and delinquency in the lives of youth. The results of our empirical study indicate that individual, cumulative, and clustering of ACEs by the age of 5 years are associated with youth delinquent behavior. Based on our results, sociologists and criminologists should critically consider the role of ACEs in understanding youth delinquency.
How to Discuss Controversial Sexual Issues with Christians Who Don’t (and Do) Agree with You
Authors: Worthington Everett L.
Published: March 2020

I review the book, Geoffrey W. Sutton, A house divided: Sexuality, morality, and Christian cultures (Pickwick, 2016). After identifying the main premise as helping people understand the variety of positions (and what are behind them) on sexual issues, I summarize each chapter. Then, while I approve of promoting more understanding, I suggest that cognitive psychology shows that understanding alone will probably not promote societal peace or peace among Christians. Rather, unconscious and intuitive factors must also be considered.
Shared Medical Appointments: An Academic-Community Partnership to Improve Care Among Adults With Type 2 Diabetes in California Central Valley Region
Authors: Noya Carolina , Alkon Abbey , Castillo Elizabeth , Kuo Angel Chen , Gatewood Elizabeth
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of ALDEA (Latinos con Diabetes en Acción), a Shared Medical Appointment (SMA) intervention, compared to usual primary care (UPC) for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes over a 6-month period. It was hypothesized that participants in the SMA will have greater reductions in A1C at 6 months post-intervention compared to the control group.

Methods

This study was a quasi-experimental design with a non-randomized matched control group that followed participants prospectively for 6 months. All adults living with type-2 diabetes receiving primary care at a 2 FQHC clinics were eligible for inclusion. Participants in the control group were matched retrospectively on baseline A1C and age.

Results

The reductions in A1C were greater in the ALDEA SMA intervention group relative to the UPC control group at 6 months in both of the FQHC centers and in the combined sample.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that patients in the ALDEA program had a significantly greater reduction in A1C at 6 months compared to the control group. Despite its limitations, the ALDEA SMA program was successful in empowering patients and improving glycemic control.
Living Alone in the United States and Europe: The Impact of Public Support on the Independence of Older Adults
Authors: Mudrazija Stipica , Angel Jacqueline L. , Cipin Ivan , Smolic Sime
Published: March 2020

While we know that living alone is often associated with greater risk of financial hardship, we have limited knowledge on the possible link between the availability of public support and independent living. We use data from the 2014 Health and Retirement Study and the 2011–2015 Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe to compare income and wealth profiles of the population aged 60 and above who are living alone in the United States and 19 European countries. We find that the likelihood of living alone is higher in generous welfare states, with social support and spending both positively associated with living alone. The relationship between personal resources and living alone has a smaller positive gradient in countries with robust welfare systems. The lack of adequate public support in less generous welfare states may constrain the ability of many low-income older adults without a partner to continue living independently.
Safety and activity of radium-223 in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: the experience of Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori
Authors: Raimondi Alessandra , Sepe Pierangela , Claps Melanie , Maccauro Marco , Aliberti Gianluca , Pagani Filippo , Apollonio Giulia , Randon Giovanni , Peverelli Giorgia , Seregni Ettore , Verzoni Elena , Procopio Giuseppe
Published: March 2020

Introduction:

Therapeutic decision-making in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) represents an open challenge. Radium-223 is approved for patients with symptomatic bone metastases, no visceral involvement, progressing after at least 2 lines of systemic therapy, or ineligible for any other systemic treatment.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective, observational study on patients with mCRPC treated with radium-223 at our institution outside of clinical trials, to assess the safety and activity in a real-world population. Data regarding baseline patient/disease characteristics and treatment outcomes (number of cycles, treatment-related adverse events [AEs], cause of discontinuation, and best response) were collected.

Results:

Overall, 41 patients were treated from September 2015 to September 2018. Median age was 73 years; baseline Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) was 0, 1, or 2 in 15%, 80%, and 5% of cases, respectively; and 3%, 41%, 44%, and 12% of patients had <6, 6–20, >20, and superscan bone lesions, respectively. A median number of 5 cycles (interquartile range 3–6) with median dose 19.52 MBq (interquartile range 12.87–24.83) was received. Treatment schedule was completed in 49% of cases; discontinuations due to AEs, disease-related death, or disease progression occurred in 24%, 33%, and 43% of patients, respectively. Any-grade AEs occurred in 73% and grade 3/4 treatment-related AEs occurred in 29% of patients, mainly anemia, decreased platelet count, and fatigue. No skeletal-related events or treatment-related deaths were recorded. After treatment, 66%, 2%, and 32% of patients had a stable, improved, or deteriorated ECOG PS versus baseline, respectively, and 24%, 61%, and 15% reported a stable, improved, or worsened pain symptom control. Post-treatment versus baseline alkaline phosphatase was reduced or stable in 46% and increased in 54% of patients, whereas prostate-specific antigen was decreased or stable in 83% and increased in 17% of patients.

Conclusions:

Our study provides clinically useful real-world data on radium-223, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary patient management to guarantee the best continuum of care for patients with mCRPC.
“That’s My Job”: Tensions Between Employees and Volunteers in the Fire Service
Authors: Einarsdóttir Anna , Osia Salome U.
Published: March 2020

Volunteering has gained momentum in the public sector as a way of maintaining or improving service delivery. Yet, research into public sector volunteering is sparse, including the unique relationship between employees and volunteers and the implications of adding volunteering programs to established structures. Based on ethnographic case study over 9 months with a Fire and Rescue Service in England and a total of 26 interviews with employees and volunteers, we explain tensions between the two groups and how they are played out in everyday practice. In doing so, we extend theory of cooperation and competition by introducing the concept of pseudo employees, or volunteers as employees in the making, which explains both organizational and intergroup mechanisms that set volunteers up to fail, undermining their contribution and the validity of public sector volunteering programs.
A practical approach for multiagent manufacturing system based on agent computing nodes
Authors: Zhang Zequn , Tang Dunbing , Zhu Haihua , Zhou Tong , Resendez Pulido Ana Sheryl , Wang Liping , Nie Qingwei
Published: March 2020

With the increasing requirement for personalized customization service, discrete manufacturing workshop, as the parts processing unit in manufacturing system, is expected for more agile and fast adaptation to environment changes, dynamically handling production tasks according to resource conditions. Simultaneously, distributed artificial intelligence system (e.g. multiagent manufacturing system and the holonic manufacturing system) has been considered as an important approach for developing industrial applications to solve the problems of complexity, uncertainty, and dynamic in the modern manufacturing environment. But the lack of universality and the difficulty in deployment have restricted the use of distributed artificial intelligence in actual industrial sites. For this issue, a new concept of agent computing node is proposed in this paper to enable the realization of multiagent manufacturing system. Adaptation layer, information development layer, and intelligent analysis layer are investigated for standardizing the configuration mode of agent computing node. Cooperating agent computing node with the radio frequency identification-based dynamic recognition technology for workpiece machining process is presented in this paper, and a practical approach for multiagent manufacturing system is considered, which can apply the functions regarding to deployment of dynamic scheduling and plug-and-play. A laboratory discrete manufacturing workshop system is used as a case study to prove the feasibility of this approach. In addition, a verification in industry is carried out, and the result proves the universality of this approach.
Alteration of consciousness in Ancient Greece: divine mania
Authors: Ustinova Yulia
Published: March 2020

Ancient Greece was unique in its attitude to alteration of consciousness. Various altered states of consciousness were commonly known: initiates experienced them during mystery rites; sacred officials and enquirers attained them in the major oracular centres; possession by various deities was recognized; and some sages and philosophers practised manipulation of consciousness. From the perspective of individual and public freedom, the prominent position of mania in Greek society reflects its openness and acceptance of the inborn human proclivity to experience alterations of consciousness, which were interpreted in positive terms as god-sent. These mental states were treated with cautious respect, but never suppressed or pushed to the cultural and social periphery, in contrast to many other complex societies, ancient and modern.
“I feel fat and ugly and hate myself”: Self-objectification through negative constructions of premenstrual embodiment
Authors: Ussher Jane M , Perz Janette
Published: March 2020

The body is central to women’s construction of premenstrual change as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and to experiences of premenstrual distress. Embodied change, such as bloating or breast tenderness, can act as a marker of PMS. Within biomedical models, PMS is located within the body. Women’s dissatisfaction with their bodies is also reported to be higher in the premenstrual phase of the cycle. What is absent from this analysis is the meaning and experience of embodied change, in the context of broader constructions of femininity and embodiment. In this paper, we adopt a feminist material-discursive theoretical framework to examine the role of premenstrual embodiment in women’s premenstrual distress, drawing on open-ended survey responses and interviews with 83 women who self-diagnose as “PMS sufferers”. We theorize premenstrual body hatred as subjectification, wherein women take up cultural discourse associated with idealized femininity and the stigmatization of the fat body, resulting in self-objectification, distress and dehumanization. However, women can resist negative cultural constructions of premenstrual embodiment. We describe the impact of psychological therapy which increases awareness of emotional and embodied change, resulting in greater acceptance of the premenstrual body and self-care, serving to reduce premenstrual distress and self-objectification.
Decadal high-resolution multi-proxy analysis to reconstruct natural and human-induced environmental changes over the last 1350 cal. yr BP in the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, western Mongolia
Authors: Unkelbach Julia , Kashima Kaoru , Punsalpaamuu Gaadan , Shumilovskikh Lyudmila , Behling Hermann
Published: March 2020

The ‘Altai Tavan Bogd’ National Park in the north-western part of the Mongolian Altai, Central Asia, is located in a forest-steppe ecosystem. It occurs under the influence of extreme continental and montane climate and is sensitive to natural and anthropogenic impacts. High-resolution (<20 years per sample) multi-proxy data of pollen, non-pollen palynomorphs (NPPs), macro-charcoal, diatoms, and XRF scanning from radiocarbon-dated lacustrine sediments reveal various environmental changes and the impact of different settlement periods for the late-Holocene. From 1350 to 820 cal. yr BP (AD 600–1130), the distribution of grass steppe indicates a climate similar to present-day conditions. Rapid improvements of climatic conditions (e.g. increased rainfall events) possibly favored a recovery of forest-steppe encouraging nomadic movements into alpine areas. In the period from 820 to 400 cal. yr BP (AD 1130–1550), the decline of forested areas suggests an increasingly drier and possibly colder climate. Some political shifts during the Mongol Empire (744–582 cal. yr BP; AD 1206–1368) favored variations in nomadic grazing habits. After 400 cal. yr BP (AD 1550), moisture and temperature increased slightly, and from ca. 40 cal. yr BP (AD 1910) to present, annual temperature continued to increase more markedly favoring an additional water availability due to permafrost degradation. Diatom data suggest several intervals of increased water availability in all periods which might have caused erosion due to heavier rainfall events or increased snow melt. Immediately after most of these high-water intervals, NPP data reveal periods of increased grazing activities in the area.
Weighted log-rank tests for clustered censored data: Saddlepoint p-values and confidence intervals
Authors: Abd El-Raheem Abd El-Raheem M , Abd-Elfattah Ehab F
Published: March 2020

Clustered data with censored failure times frequently arise in clinical trials and tumorigenicity studies. For such data, the common and extensively used class of two-sample tests is the weighted log-rank tests. In this article, a double saddlepoint approximation is used to calculate the p-values of the null permutation distribution of these tests. This technique is demonstrated using three real clustered data sets. Comprehensive simulation studies are conducted to appraise the efficiency of the saddlepoint approximation. This approximation is far superior to the asymptotic normal approximation. This precision allows us to determine almost exact confidence intervals for the treatment impact.
Capturing Team Dynamics in the Wild: The Communication Analysis Tool
Authors: Klonek Florian E. , Meinecke Annika L. , Hay Georgia , Parker Sharon K.
Published: March 2020

Capturing team processes, which are highly dynamic and quickly unfold over time, requires methods that go beyond standard self-report measures. However, quantitative observational methods are challenging when teams are observed in the wild, that is, in their full-situated context. Technologically advanced tools that enable high-resolution measurements in the wild are rare and, when they exist, expensive. The present research advances high-resolution measurement of team processes by introducing a technological application—the Communication Analysis Tool (CAT)—that captures fine-grained interactions in real workplace contexts. We introduce four core features of CAT: (a) customized coding measures, (b) session-based feedback on interrater reliability, (c) visualization and feedback options for displaying team dynamics, and (d) an export function to conduct advanced statistical analyses on effective team processes. We illustrate these core features using data from an organizational field project on multidisciplinary teams tasked with diagnosing patients with uncommon and highly complex medical conditions.
The Life Experiences Among Primary Family Caregivers of Home-Based Palliative Care
Authors: Wu Meng-Ping , Huang Sheng-Jean , Tsao Lee-Ing
Published: March 2020

Background:

An increasing number of patients with terminal illnesses prefer to die in their own homes due to aging, high medical payments, a limited number of hospitalization days, and the ability to receive care from family members. However, few studies have been conducted on the subjective perception and value of caregivers for home-based palliative care (HBPC).

Objective:

To identify common themes and topics of primary family caregivers’ lived experiences with HBPC when taking care of terminally ill family members.

Methods:

We conducted audio-recorded transcripts of one-on-one in-depth interviews of primary family caregivers of HBPC. Through a purposive sampling method, the participants were all interviewed; these interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a grounded theory approach.

Results:

A total of 22 primary family caregivers participated in the study. “Wholeheartedly accompanying one’s family to the end of life at home” was the core category. Six main themes describing caregivers’ experiences emerged from the interviews: (1) learning the basic skills of end-of-life home care, (2) arranging the sharing and rotation of care, (3) preparing for upcoming deaths and funerals, (4) negotiating the cultural and ethical issues of end-of-life home care, (5) ensuring a comfortable life with basic life support, and (6) maintaining care characterized by concern, perseverance, and patience.

Conclusions:

Primary family caregivers of HBPC need support and must learn home care skills by means of the holistic approach. It is crucial to establish assessment tools for caregivers’ preparedness for HBPC, including biopsychosocial and cultural considerations.
Comparison of Suture-Augmented Ligamentplasty to Transarticular Screws in a Lisfranc Cadaveric Model
Authors: Nery Caio , Baumfeld Daniel , Baumfeld Tiago , Prado Marcelo , Giza Eric , Wagner Pablo , Wagner Emilio
Published: March 2020

Background:

Lisfranc injuries represent a spectrum of trauma from high-energy lesions, with significant instability of the midfoot, to low-energy lesions, with subtle subluxations or instability without gross displacement. Recently, treatment options that allow for physiologic fixation of this multiplanar joint are being evaluated. The purpose of this study was to analyze the stability of a cadaveric Lisfranc injury model fixed with a novel suture-augmented neoligamentplasty in comparison with a traditional transarticular screw fixation construct.

Methods:

Twenty-four fresh-frozen, matched cadaveric leg and foot specimens (12 individuals younger than 65 years of age) were used for this study. Two different types of Lisfranc ligament injuries were tested: partial and complete. Two different methods of fixation were compared: transarticular screws and augmented suture ligamentplasty with FiberTape. Specimens were fixed to a rotation platform in order to stress the joints while applying 400 N of axial load and internal and external rotation. Six distances were measured and compared between the intact, injured, and fixed states with a 3D Digitizer arm, in order to evaluate the stability between them. Analysis of variance was used with P < .05 considered significant.

Results:

Using distribution graphs and analyzing the grouped data, it was observed that there was no difference between the 2 stabilization methods, but the augmented suture ligamentplasty presented lower variability and observed distance shortenings were more likely to be around the mean. The variability of the stabilization with screws was 2.9 times higher than that with tape ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

We suggest that augmented suture ligamentplasty can achieve similar stability to classic transarticular screws, with less variability.

Clinical Relevance:

This cadaveric study adds new information on the debate about Lisfranc lesions treatment. Flexible fixations, such as the synthethic ligamentplasty used, can restore good stability such as conventional transarticular screws.
Adaptive synchronization of two different uncertain chaotic systems with unknown dead-zone input nonlinearities
Authors: Heidarzadeh Siamak , Shahmoradi Sina , Shahrokhi Mohammad
Published: March 2020

The present work addresses chaos synchronization between two different general chaotic systems with parametric and structural uncertainties, subject to external disturbances and input dead-zone nonlinearities. In this regard, a novel robust controller has been designed that guarantees asymptotic stability of synchronization errors and boundedness of all closed-loop signals. One advantage of the proposed controller over the existing control algorithms is using only one update law for estimating the structural uncertainties, external disturbances, and unknown characteristics of the dead-zone nonlinearities, which reduces the computational burden considerably. The designed controller is singularity free, and a smooth projection algorithm has been used to make the controller more robust. In addition, a finite-time controller has been designed and its performance has been compared with the robustly designed controller.
Propagation of Rayleigh waves at the boundary of an orthotropic elastic solid: Influence of initial stress and gravity
Authors: Sharma Mohan D
Published: March 2020

Propagation of harmonic plane waves is considered in an orthotropic elastic medium in the presence of initial stress and gravity. Roots of a quadratic equation define the propagation of one quasi-longitudinal wave and one quasi-transverse wave in a symmetry plane in this medium. These two waves are coupled in the identical phase to define the propagation of Rayleigh waves at the boundary of the medium. Two conditions at the stress-free boundary translate into a complex frequency equation, which explains the dispersive behavior of this Rayleigh wave. For the presence of radical terms, this complex equation is rationalized into a real algebraic equation. Only one root of this algebraic equation satisfies the mother frequency equation and hence represents the propagation of dispersive Rayleigh waves at the boundary of the orthotropic solid. The influence of initial stress and gravity on velocity and polarization of Rayleigh waves is observed through a numerical example.