bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Output tracking control with preview action for a class of continuous-time Lipschitz nonlinear systems and its applications
Authors: Yu Xiao , Liao Fucheng
Published: March 2020

This article presents a novel tracking control technique with preview action for a class of continuous-time Lipschitz nonlinear systems. First, by using the differentiation approach, the considered Lipschitz nonlinear system is formally transformed into a quasi-linear parameter varying system. Then, with the aid of the lifting method along with some special mathematical manipulations, an augmented error system with the known future reference knowledge is successfully constructed. The tracking problem is, thereby, reduced into a standard H∞ control problem. To guarantee that the closed-loop system remains asymptotically stable and satisfies acceptable H∞ performance, a suitable state feedback controller is established through testing the feasibility of given linear matrix inequality. Based on this, an innovative tracking control law composed of state feedback control action, integral control action, and preview action of the reference signal is proposed for the first time. Simulation results demonstrate that the suggested controller leads to the superior improvement on the tracking performance than the existing control scheme.
Toxicity profile of Doxorubicin-Cyclophosphamide and Doxorubicin-Cyclophosphamide followed by Paclitaxel regimen and its associated factors among women with breast cancer in Ethiopia: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Gadisa Diriba Alemayehu , Assefa Mathewos , Wang Shu-Hua , Yimer Getnet
Published: March 2020

Background

Management of patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy is complicated by a very high rate of adverse drug reactions which is even more challenging in developing countries like Ethiopia where the toxicity profile of chemotherapy is lacking. The present study aimed at evaluating the toxicity profile of Doxorubicin-Cyclophosphamide (AC) and Doxorubicin-Cyclophosphamide→Paclitaxel (AC→T) regimens among 146 patients with breast cancer in Ethiopia.

Methods

This prospective cohort study, with the median of six months’ follow-up, was conducted from January 1 to September 30, 2017 GC at the only nationwide oncology center, Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Seventy-one patients received AC, while 75 received AC-T regimen. The toxicity with the highest grade during any cycle was considered as the toxicity grade for that patient. SPSS version 22 was used for analysis.

Results

The overall frequent non-hematological adverse drug reactions reported for both regimens were fatigue 144 (98.7%), dysgeusia 142 (97.3%), skin hyperpigmentation 141 (96.6%), nausea 136 (93.2%), vomiting 129 (88.4%), gastritis 122 (83.6%), peripheral neuropathy 108 (74%), and myalgia/arthralgia 110 (75.3%). Neutropenia 107 (73.3%), leukopenia 102 (69.9%), and anemia 51 (34.9%) were the most frequent overall grade hematological toxicities reported. However, those received AC regimen suffered more from grade 2 and above leukopenia (35.2% vs. 17.3%, P = 0.014), anemia (16.9% vs. 2.7%, P = 0.004), and alkaline phosphatase increment (11.3% vs. 2.7%, P = 0.039) than AC-T regimen. On the contrary, those received AC-T regimen suffered more from severe arthralgia/myalgia (2.8% vs. 2%, P = 0.001), peripheral neuropathy (1.4% vs. 36%, P = 0.000), and gastritis (14.1% vs. 29.3%, P = 0.026) than AC regimen. Pretreatment blood cell counts, having stage IV breast tumor, older age, and lower body surface area were significant predictors of grade 2 to above hematological toxicities. Older age, arthralgia/myalgia, and skin hyperpigmentation occurred during the cohort were significant predictors of grade 2 to above oral mucositis, peripheral neuropathy, and fatigue, respectively.

Conclusion

Patients who received the AC regimen suffered more from hematological abnormalities, while those on the AC-T regimen experienced more of non-hematological toxicities. Overall, we report high incidences of AC and AC-T regimens-induced toxicities in Ethiopian women with breast cancer, and they may require prior support based on pretreatment blood counts, age and body surface area, and close follow-up during chemotherapy.
The evolution of the heart-healthy diet for vascular health: A walk through time
Authors: Fischer Nicole Mercado , Pallazola Vincent A , Xun Helen , Cainzos-Achirica Miguel , Michos Erin D
Published: March 2020

The rate of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality reduction in the United States has plateaued recently, despite the development of novel preventive pharmacotherapies, increased access to care, and healthcare spending. This is largely due to American’s poor dietary patterns and practices causing increasing trends in the prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. For decades, dietary guidelines on ‘healthy diets’ to reduce CVD risk, grounded in epidemiological research, have been nationally distributed to Americans. In this review, we highlight landmark events in modern nutrition science and how these have framed past and current understandings of diet and health. We also follow the evolution of dietary recommendations for Americans throughout the years, with an emphasis on recommendations aimed to reduce risk for CVD and mortality. Secondly, we examine how the low-fat ideology came to dominate America in the last decades of the 20th century and subsequently contributed to an excess intake of refined carbohydrates which, in the context of an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, may have fueled the obesity epidemic. We then examine the current major evidence-based dietary patterns and specific dietary approaches to reduce CVD risk, reviewing the literature surrounding nutritional components of the heart-healthy diet and discussing the dietary patterns proven most effective for CVD prevention: the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, the Mediterranean diet, and the healthy vegetarian diet. Finally, we discuss emerging dietary trends, considerations for nutrition counseling, and future directions within the important field of nutrition, with the ultimate goal of improving vascular health.
Escape from arbitrariness: Legitimation crisis of real socialism and the imaginary of modernity
Authors: Świrek Krzysztof , Pospech Pavel
Published: March 2020

The 1989 revolutions in Central and Eastern Europe and the subsequent transitions have commonly been interpreted in political terms, as movements towards democracy, or in economic terms, as escape from the command economy towards the free market. We revisit the problem to suggest a different reading. We argue that in the legitimization crisis of real socialism, a pivotal role was played by the burden of social oversaturation and bureaucratic arbitrariness, which met its desired alternative in social imaginaries of impersonal, objective social system. For the citizens of Central and East European countries, this fantasy was matched by the promise of the free market, which was morally contrasted to the experience of daily life under late socialism. We argue that this desire to escape from arbitrariness to objectivity is a particularly strong motive in the imaginary of modernity which found one of its historical manifestations in the disappointment with real socialism.
What predicts esports betting? A study on consumption of video games, esports, gambling and demographic factors
Authors: Macey Joseph , Abarbanel Brett , Hamari Juho
Published: March 2020

The parallel media related to sports, gaming and gambling are expanding, exemplified by the emergence of esports and game-related gambling (e.g. loot boxes, esports betting). The increasing convergence of these phenomena means it is essential to understand how they interact. Given the expanding consumer base of esports, it is important to know how individuals’ backgrounds and consumption of game media may lead to esports betting. This study employs survey data ( N = 1368) to investigate how demographics, alongside consumption of video games, esports and gambling can predict esports betting activity. Results reveal that both spectating esports and participation in general forms of gambling are associated with increased esports betting, no direct association was observed between the consumption of video games and esports betting. Findings suggest that while games may act as a vehicle for gambling content, highlighting the convergence of gaming and gambling, there is no intrinsic aspect which directly encourages gambling behaviours.
Mounting the New Guard: The Golden Rule as a Basis for Organizational Culture Change in Response to Challenges in Academia
Authors: Greer Tomika W. , Shuck Brad
Published: March 2020

The Problem

The landscape of higher education is undergoing rapid evolution. Changes in demographics, scope of faculty responsibilities, expectations of productivity, and technology lead this evolution. Intentional strategies are required for navigating this new landscape.

The Solution

We advocate for contextually and historically sensitive organizational culture changes in response to the changing nature and experiences in higher education. The organizational culture changes are predicated on valuing, embracing, and encouraging unique and forward-thinking perspectives in academia.

The Stakeholders

The primary audience includes faculty and organizational leaders in higher education who are urged to actively participate in the organizational culture changes that are deemed necessary for continued vitality and relevance of academic institutions.
Business Startups and Development of South Korean Women Entrepreneurs in the IT Industry
Authors: Cho Yonjoo , Han Soo Jeoung , Park Jiwon , Kang Hyounju
Published: March 2020

The Problem

Research on South Korean women entrepreneurs in the information technology (IT) industry is limited, and thus learning how they start and develop their businesses will address a gap in the literature. In addition, as our previous study on women entrepreneurs in Korea encompassed all industries, we did not sufficiently capture how women entrepreneurs in the IT industry started and developed their businesses. We feel a strong need to conduct a follow-up study on three women entrepreneurs who (a) started an IT business to become independent; (b) have stayed in their businesses for approximately 20 years; and (c) became role models as women entrepreneurs in the industry.

The Solution

We conducted semi-structured interviews with three women entrepreneurs in the IT industry and analyzed each case on three themes: motivation, challenges, and success factors. Although each case has its distinctive features, we found that all cases had success factors in common: technical expertise, positive outlook, adherence to business principles, work centrality, and networking. Particularly, the three women entrepreneurs’ positive outlook was the key success factor that helped them overcome challenges they faced in business development.

The Stakeholders

Given the study findings on women entrepreneurs’ personal factors (e.g., positive outlook, technical expertise) and external factors (e.g., networking), human resource development (HRD) practitioners can develop leadership programs to share those success factors with aspiring women entrepreneurs in Korea and other countries so that they can develop their own competencies and strategies from early on.
NCAA Expenditure and Efficiency: Analyzing Generated and Allocated Revenue in the Football Bowl Subdivision
Authors: Jewell R. Todd
Published: March 2020

Using a stochastic production function approach and a dynamic panel data estimator, this study creates estimates of time-varying efficiency in the production of generated revenues for NCAA Division I football bowl subdivision athletic programs. These efficiency estimates are then compared to the use of allocated revenues—fees from students and direct payments from the university budget—by college athletic departments. While all schools that are less efficient in the production of generated revenue are shown to use allocated revenue more intensively, a major finding is power-conference schools that are less efficient in their use of expenditure inputs tend to rely more heavily on allocated revenue in the form of student fees to support the activities of the program.
The effect of macrostructure and stability on the flammability of non-woven fabrics
Authors: Kerekes Zsuzsanna , Kopecskó Katalin , Lublóy Éva , Szép János
Published: March 2020

The most flame retardants and non-combustible non-woven fabrics are made of oxidized and carbon fibres due to their strong thermal stability. The burning of non-woven fabrics consists of complex combustion mechanisms: their surface, micro and macrostructures together define their combustion features. By microstructure, we mean oxidized polyacrylicnitrile fibres, which finally constitute the base material of the macrostructure. The macrostructure represents the different forms of the product, in which the material results during production. In this paper, the effect of the macrostructure of non-woven fabrics on flammability has been studied. It has experimentally shown that by defining the oxygen index, we can demonstrate the surface and thickness inhomogeneity, which is invisible or cannot be detected by mechanical tests. A feature of non-combustible non-woven fabrics is that their flammability depends on their thickness and area weight; however, the combustion phenomena of felt fabrics depend primarily on their macrostructure. Different oxygen contents have different combustion phenomena, thus an oxygen index can be assigned to each one. Thermoanalytical test results clearly showed the temperature at which the thermal decomposition of the fibres begins, which gives the surface flame when combusted.
Joule heating of dry textiles made of recycled carbon fibers and PA6 for the series production of thermoplastic composites
Authors: Reese Julian , Vorhof Michael , Hoffmann Gerald , Böhme Kurt , Cherif Chokri
Published: March 2020

Processing carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic parts includes heating to form the thermoplastic matrix. The needed heat can be applied externally or internally to the preform. One possibility to generate intrinsic heat involves the use of carbon fibers as a resistive element to induce joule heat. So far, most research efforts have been based on contacting continuous carbon fibers on both ends to melt the thermoplastic matrix of a pre-impregnated preform. The objective of this project is to use a dry hybrid yarn textile in a one-step process to impregnate and rapidly consolidate the dry textile in less than a minute. The desired molding process is based on joule heating of carbon fibers due to an applied current in the transverse fiber direction. This article focuses on the detection of the involved macroscopic parameters. The first composites produced by means of this new method exhibit a high potential with heating times of 15 s, a void fraction below 1%, and flexural properties comparable to the state of the art.
Displacement measurement of a concrete bridge under traffic loads with fibre-reinforced polymer-packaged optical fibre sensors
Authors: Tang Yongsheng , Cang Jigang , Yao Yandong , Chen Ce
Published: March 2020

Current displacement measurement methods cannot cope with the demands of the long-term measurement of small- or medium-span concrete bridges because of some technology or economic challenges. In this article, a displacement measurement method is proposed for concrete bridges based on fibre-reinforced polymer-packaged optical fibre sensors. The sensing principle and manufacture process of the proposed sensor are introduced as well as the strain sensing property. Then, a relationship is established between the strain and the displacement based on the distributed strain monitoring. Finally, some field tests are implemented using a simply supported concrete bridge. The tests include static loading test, dynamic loading test with specific speeds and dynamic random traffic loading test. The field test results show that the proposed method can measure the displacement of concrete bridges under traffic loads with reasonable accuracy. Moreover, different types of sensor distributions are proposed to investigate the displacement measurement effects to optimise the sensor installation. Although the sensors cover only some key parts of the girder, the results also verify the accuracy of the proposed method. Therefore, the proposed method can be implemented in concrete bridges in future.
Conceptualising the mediating paths linking effective school leadership to teachers’ organisational commitment
Authors: Berkovich Izhak , Bogler Ronit
Published: March 2020

The present study is a developmental review that aims to conceptualise, using empirical data, the mediating paths connecting effective school leadership (i.e. transformational leadership and distributed leadership) to teachers’ affective and normative organisational commitment. The review is based on empirical studies on teachers’ organisational commitment published in peer-review journals during two decades. Data analysis resulted in an integrative conceptual model where two central paths – socio-affective factors and teachers’ psychological capital – mediated the impact of effective school leadership on teachers’ organisational commitment. This synthesised model, with its higher-level generalisability, extends the scope of previous research and may stimulate interest in new empirical explorations in effective school leadership research.
Characteristics and outcomes of Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source according to stroke severity
Authors: Leventis Ioannis , Perlepe Kalliopi , Sagris Dimitrios , Sirimarco Gaia , Strambo Davide , Georgiopoulos Georgios , Eskandari Ashraf , Karagkiozi Efstathia , Vemmou Anastasia , Koroboki Eleni , Manios Efstathios , Makaritsis Konstantinos , Vemmos Konstantinos , Michel Patrik , Ntaios George
Published: March 2020

Background and aims

Patients with embolic strokes of undetermined source (ESUS) usually present with mild symptoms. We aimed to compare the baseline characteristics between mild and severe ESUS, identify predictors for severe ESUS, and assess outcomes of patients with severe ESUS.

Methods

In the AF-ESUS (AF-ESUS) dataset, we stratified ESUS severity using the median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score on admission as cut-off. We performed multivariable stepwise regression analyses to identify independent predictors of severe ESUS and to assess the association between ESUS severity and stroke recurrence, death, and new incident atrial fibrillation (AF) on follow-up. The 10-year cumulative probabilities of outcome incidence were estimated by the Kaplan–Meier product limit method.

Results

In 772 patients (median NIHSS: 6 (interquartile range: 3–12)), 414 (53.6%) patients had severe ESUS (i.e. NIHSS ≥6). Female sex was the only independent predictor for severe ESUS (odds ratio: 1.72 (1.27–2.33)). The rates of recurrence (3.3%/year vs. 3.4%/year, adjusted-hazard ratio: 1.09 (0.73–1.62)) and new incident AF (13.5% vs. 17.0%, adjusted odds ratio: 0.67 (0.44–1.03)) were similar between severe and mild ESUS, but mortality was higher (5.4%/year vs. 3.7%/year, adjusted-hazard ratio: 1.51 (1.05–2.16)) in severe ESUS. The 10-year cumulative probability for stroke recurrence was similar between severe and mild ESUS (38.1% (29.2–48.6) vs. 36.6% (27.8–47.0), log-rank test: 0.01, p = 0.920). The 10-year cumulative probability of death was higher in patients with severe ESUS compared with mild ESUS (40.5% (32.5–50.0) vs. 34.0% (26.0–43.6) respectively; log-rank test: 4.54, p = 0.033).

Conclusions

Women have more severe ESUS compared with men. Patients with severe ESUS have similar rates of stroke recurrence and new incident AF, but higher mortality compared with mild ESUS.
Increased awareness, inadequate treatment, and poor control of cardiovascular risk factors in American young adults: 2005–2016
Authors: Kalra Rajat , Parcha Vibhu , Patel Nirav , Bhargava Anirudh , Booker Katherine S , Arora Garima , Arora Pankaj
Published: March 2020

Introduction

There are little contemporary data about cardiovascular risk factors among young adults. We defined trends in diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia in American adults aged 18–44 years.

Methods

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Study serial cross-sectional surveys were used to define three time periods: 2005–2008, 2009–2012, and 2013–2016. Age-adjusted weighted trends of prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of DM, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia were calculated by linear regression modelling in the overall sample, males, and females. Trends were calculated after adjustment for age, race, body mass index, smoking status, education attainment, income, insurance status, and number of healthcare visits.

Results

From 2005–2008 to 2013–2016, 15,171 participants were identified. DM prevalence was stable ∼3%, hypertension prevalence was stable ∼11.0%, and hypercholesterolemia prevalence declined from 11.5% to 9.0% (ptrend = 0.02). DM awareness stayed stable between 61.1 and 74.1%, hypertension awareness increased from 68.7 to 77.7% (ptrend = 0.05), and hypercholesterolemia awareness was stable between 46.8 and 54.1%. DM and hypertension treatment improved markedly (ptrend < 0.001 and 0.05, respectively) but the hypercholesterolemia treatment was stable ∼30%. DM control improved across survey periods (7.7–17.4%, ptrend = 0.04) but hypertension control (∼50%) and hypercholesterolemia control (∼13%) remained stable. Prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control trends also differed between males and females.

Conclusions

There is a stable prevalence of DM, high and stable prevalence of hypertension, and declining prevalence of hypercholesterolemia among young Americans. Despite stable or increasing awareness of diabetes and hypertension, there are inadequate treatment and control trends for DM, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia.
Experiences of hearing aid use among patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease dementia: A qualitative study
Authors: Gregory Sarah , Billings Jo , Wilson Danielle , Livingston Gill , Schilder Anne GM , Costafreda Sergi G
Published: March 2020

Objectives:

Hearing aid usage supports communication and independence; however, many do not use their hearing aids. This study explored the experiences of hearing aid use in adults with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease.

Methods:

Participants completed semi-structured interviews which were analysed using thematic analysis. Ten people (six males, age range 75–86 years old) with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease who had been fitted with hearing aids were recruited to the study.

Results:

We identified four major themes: (1) memory and other cognitive barriers to using hearing aids, (2) practical aspects of hearing aids, (3) benefits of hearing aids, and (4) ambivalence towards hearing aids.

Conclusions:

Participants perceived a significant impact of cognitive impairment on the experience of using hearing aids. This population may benefit from targeted strategies to support use of hearing aids. The findings from this study can inform future research to optimise use of hearing aids in this population.
Household income and child well-being in Japan: The role of grandparental coresidence and residential proximity
Authors: Wang Jia , Raymo James M
Published: March 2020

In this study, we examined whether and how the income gradient in child well-being may vary by grandparental coresidence and proximate residence in Japan, a country characterized by a high prevalence of intergenerational proximity and intensive family investment in children’s development. Using data from the Japan Child Panel Survey, we first demonstrated that household income is positively associated with multiple dimensions of children’s well-being, a relationship that was particularly strong for cognitive skills. We also found that children from lower-income families were more likely to coreside with grandparents than their counterparts from middle- and higher-income families, and that children from both lower- and higher-income families had similar likelihoods of living near their grandparents. However, children in lower- and higher-income families who coresided with grandparents had lower math and Japanese test scores than those living at a distance. These relationships resulted in smaller income gradients in test scores for children coresiding with grandparents and near their grandparents, relative to those whose grandparents lived farther away. International comparisons showed that the income gradient in children’s academic performance is largest in the US and smallest in urban China, with Japan being in the middle, and that multigenerational coresidence is generally associated with worse cognitive outcomes for children in both lower- and higher-income families across these three very different contexts. These findings provide new insights into the complex ways in which intergenerational proximity is related to economic disparities in children’s well-being.
Diagnosis of Traumatic Ankle Arthrotomies Using Saline Load Tests, Methylene Blue, and Radiopaque Tracer: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Allegra Paul R. , Sanchez Rafael A. , Huntley Samuel , Latta Loren , Desai Sohil S. , Kaplan Jonathan , Aiyer Amiethab
Published: March 2020

Background:

The objective of this study was to define the volume (mLs) needed for a positive saline load challenge test in anterolateral (AL), anteromedial (AM), posterolateral (PL), or posteromedial (PM) ankle arthrotomy wounds using normal saline (NS) and methylene blue (MB). Another objective was to evaluate the use of fluoroscopy and iodinated contrast in the diagnosis of ankle arthrotomies.

Methods:

Four cadaveric ankle specimens underwent standardized arthrotomy creation in either the AL, AM, PL, or PM portion of each specimen. An 18-gauge needle was used to inject fluid into each ankle, and the volumes needed for positive fluid challenges were recorded. All 4 ankles were tested 10 times (n = 40) with NS and 10 times using MB (n = 40). A fifth cadaveric ankle was injected with radiopaque contrast solution, and an arthrotomy was simulated and imaged with fluoroscopy.Statistical analyses compared the volumes of NS and MB needed for a positive test. In addition, the 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th percentiles of volumes needed for a positive test was calculated.

Results:

The volume of fluid necessary to detect 25%, 50%, 75%, 90%, and 95% of ankle arthrotomies from any site was 2.0 mL, 4.5 mL, 9.0 mL, 10 mL, and 10 mL, respectively. Anterior arthrotomies required less fluid (2.1 mL ± 0.5) than posterior arthrotomies (9.0 mL ± 1.2) for a positive test ( P < .0001). There was no difference between the amount of NS (5.5 mL ± 3.6) vs MB (5.6 mL ± 3.7) needed for a positive challenge test ( P = .739).

Conclusion:

Ninety-five percent of ankle arthrotomies could be diagnosed with 10 mL of injected fluid; there was no difference between the volume of NS vs MB needed. Fluoroscopy assisted with needle placement and can be combined with radiopaque contrast solution to diagnose ankle arthrotomies.

Clinical Relevance:

The findings of this study may improve sensitivity and efficiency in the diagnosis of traumatic ankle arthrotomies, for which there is currently a paucity of literature.
Reexamining the Effect of Gustatory Disgust on Moral Judgment: A Multilab Direct Replication of Eskine, Kacinik, and Prinz (2011)
Authors: Ghelfi Eric , Christopherson Cody D. , Urry Heather L. , Lenne Richie L. , Legate Nicole , Ann Fischer Mary , Wagemans Fieke M. A. , Wiggins Brady , Barrett Tamara , Bornstein Michelle , de Haan Bianca , Guberman Joshua , Issa Nada , Kim Joan , Na Elim , O’Brien Justin , Paulk Aidan , Peck Tayler , Sashihara Marissa , Sheelar Karen , Song Justin , Steinberg Hannah , Sullivan Dasan
Published: March 2020

Eskine, Kacinik, and Prinz’s (2011) influential experiment demonstrated that gustatory disgust triggers a heightened sense of moral wrongness. We report a large-scale multisite direct replication of this study conducted by labs in the Collaborative Replications and Education Project. Subjects in each sample were randomly assigned to one of three beverage conditions: bitter (disgusting), control (neutral), or sweet. Then, subjects made a series of judgments about the moral wrongness of the behavior depicted in six vignettes. In the original study ( N = 57), drinking the bitter beverage led to higher ratings of moral wrongness than did drinking the control or sweet beverage; a contrast between the bitter condition and the other two conditions was significant among conservative ( n = 19) but not liberal ( n = 25) subjects. In the current project, random-effects meta-analyses across all subjects ( N = 1,137, k = 11 studies), conservative subjects ( n = 142, k = 5), and liberal subjects ( n = 635, k = 9) revealed standardized overall effect sizes across replications that were smaller than reported in the original study. Some were in the opposite of the predicted direction; all had 95% confidence intervals containing zero, and all were smaller than the effect size the original authors could have meaningfully detected. Results of linear mixed-effects regressions revealed that drinking the bitter beverage led to higher ratings of moral wrongness than did drinking the control beverage but not the sweet beverage. Bayes factor tests revealed greater relative support for the null than for the replication hypothesis. The overall pattern provides little to no support for the theory that physical disgust via taste perception harshens judgments of moral wrongness.
High performance epoxy/polyester-based nanocomposite coatings for multipurpose applications: A review
Authors: Kausar Ayesha
Published: March 2020

Epoxies are important thermosetting polymers with exceptional features, which have been successfully employed for coatings. Polyester blends with epoxy enhances their chemical inertness, anti-rusting, toughness, strength, glass transition temperature, and heat stability, Epoxy/polyester blends have been further reinforced with nanocarbon, nanoclay, and inorganic nanoparticles to form nanocomposite coatings. Incorporating nanoparticles in epoxy/polyester has further improved their engineering properties. This review article principally offers state-of-the-art review of epoxy/polyester blends and epoxy-/polyester-based nanocomposite coatings. The epoxy/polyester and epoxy/polyester-based nanocomposites have been employed in non-flammable, anti-corrosion, anti-microbial, and anti-wear coatings in automotive, aerospace, energy, electronics, biomedical, and civil engineering applications. In order to fully utilize their potential, rigorous future attempts are needed for progress in the related technical fields.
Temozolomide is effective and well tolerated in patients with primary vitreoretinal lymphoma
Authors: Baron Marine , Belin Lisa , Cassoux Nathalie , Fardeau Christine , Blaizeau Marion , Soussain Carole , Houillier Caroline , Hoang-Xuan Khê , Gyan Emmanuel , Le Lez Marie-Laure , Lavaud Anne , Soubeyran Pierre , Bodaghi Bahram , Costopoulos Myrto , Leblond Véronique , Touitou Valérie , Maloum Karim , Errera Marie-Hélène , Roos-Weil Damien , Le Garff-Tavernier Magali , Choquet Sylvain
Published: March 2020

Baron et al report excellent responses to temozolomide in 21 patients (19 relapsed/refractory) with primary vitreoretinal lymphoma. Treatment is well tolerated, even in elderly patients.
Modelling the effect of subcellular mutations on the migration of cells in the colorectal crypt
Authors: Romijn Lotte B. , Almet Axel A. , Tan Chin Wee , Osborne James M.
Published: March 2020

Background

Many cancers arise from mutations in cells within epithelial tissues. Mutations manifesting at the subcellular level influence the structure and function of the tissue resulting in cancer. Previous work has proposed how cell level properties can lead to mutant cell invasion, but has not incorporated detailed subcellular modelling

Results

We present a framework that allows the straightforward integration and simulation of SBML representations of subcellular dynamics within multiscale models of epithelial tissues. This allows us to investigate the effect of mutations in subcellular pathways on the migration of cells within the colorectal crypt. Using multiple models we find that mutations in APC, a key component in the Wnt signalling pathway, can bias neutral drift and can also cause downward invasion of mutant cells in the crypt.

Conclusions

Our framework allows us to investigate how subcellular mutations, i.e. knockouts and knockdowns, affect cell-level properties and the resultant migration of cells within epithelial tissues. In the context of the colorectal crypt, we see that mutations in APC can lead directly to mutant cell invasion.
Questionnaire development for the Lolland-Falster Health Study, Denmark: an iterative and incremental process
Authors: Egholm Cecilie Lindström , Packness Aake , Stokholm Jakob , Rasmussen Knud , Ellervik Christina , Simonsen Erik , Christensen Anne Illemann , Jepsen Randi
Published: March 2020

In composing multi-thematic questionnaires for the Lolland-Falster Health Study (LOFUS), we faced a range of challenges, for which we found limited guidance in the literature. LOFUS is a household-based population study covering multiple medical and social research areas and targeting the mixed rural-provincial population of 103,000 persons on the Danish islands Lolland and Falster. Households were randomly selected for invitation. In this paper, we describe and discuss challenges in developing the questionnaires related to stakeholders, content of the questionnaire, and the process itself. The development process was characterised by loops of learning and can be described as an iterative and incremental process. We propose recommendations to researchers and administrators involved in similar development processes, including awareness of the non-linearity and complexity of the process, a need for negotiations and navigation among multiple stakeholders, and acknowledgement of pragmatism as an inherent part of decisions made in the process.
Determinants of undernutrition among children under-five years old in southern Ethiopia: does pregnancy intention matter? A community-based unmatched case-control study
Authors: Shaka Mohammed Feyisso , Woldie Yetayal Birhanu , Lola Hirbaye Mokona , Olkamo Kalkidan Yohannes , Anbasse Adane Tesfaye
Published: March 2020

Background

Stunting, which describes a small height for one’s age, is an indicator of chronic malnutrition. It develops mainly as a result of prolonged food deprivation or a chronic disease or illness. Unintended pregnancies and unplanned births are among the psychological factors that negatively affect the nutritional status of children. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects of unintended pregnancies and other family and child characteristics on the nutritional status of children under 5 years old.

Methods

A community-based unmatched case-control study was conducted among 302 children (151 cases and 151 controls) 6–59 months old in Wonago town, Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. The cases were stunted children and the controls were non-stunted children in the study area. The cases were randomly selected from among the stunted children, and the controls were randomly selected from among the non-stunted children. The descriptive characteristics of the respondents were compared using the chi-squared test, and a multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the effects of an unintended pregnancy on stunting, after controlling for the other variables, with a p value of 0.05.

Results

The result revealed that unintended pregnancy is found to be among predictors of stunting where children from unintended pregnancy were about three times more likely to be stunted [AOR: 2.62, CI: (1.26, 5.45)]. The other predictors identified in this study were educational status of the father, wealth index of the household and daily meal frequency. From the finding, children from illiterate fathers [AOR: 3.43, CI: (1.04, 11.29)], children from poorer household economic status [AOR: 2.32, CI: (1.20, 4.49)] and children whom their daily meal frequency is below the recommended number of feeding [AOR: 4.50, CI: (1.31, 15.49)] were found to be more stunted.

Conclusions

Based on the results of this study, the children born from unintended pregnancies exhibited a significantly higher risk of stunting. Therefore, preventing unintended pregnancy could play a great role in decreasing the risk of stunting in children.
A systematic review of the role of inflammatory biomarkers in acute, subacute and chronic non-specific low back pain
Authors: Morris Patrick , Ali Kareem , Merritt Mackenzie , Pelletier Joey , Macedo Luciana G
Published: March 2020

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the greatest contributors to disability in the world and there is growing interest on the role of biomarkers in LBP. To purpose of this review was to analyze available evidence on the relationship between inflammatory biomarkers, clinical presentation, and outcomes in patients with acute, subacute and chronic non-specific low back pain (NSLBP).

Methods

A search was performed in Medline, Embase, Cinahl and Amed databases. Studies which measured levels of inflammatory biomarkers in participants with NSLBP were included. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts, full-texts, and extracted data from included studies. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Level of evidence was assessed using the modified GRADE approach for prognostic studies.

Results

Seven primary studies were included in this review. All results assessed using the modified GRADE demonstrated low to very low quality evidence given the small number of studies and small sample. Three studies examined C-reactive protein (CRP), one of which found significantly higher CRP levels in an acute NSLBP group than in controls and an association between high pain intensity and elevated CRP. Three studies examined tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), two of which found elevated TNF-α in chronic NSLBP participants compared to controls. Two studies examined interleukin 6 (IL-6), none of which found a significant difference in IL-6 levels between NSLBP groups and controls. Two studies examined interleukin 1 beta (IL-β), none of which found a significant difference in IL-β levels between NSLBP groups and controls.

Conclusions

This review found evidence of elevated CRP in individuals with acute NSLBP and elevated TNF-Α in individuals with chronic NSLBP. There are a limited number of high-quality studies evaluating similar patient groups and similar biomarkers, which limits the conclusion of this review.
4q27 deletion and 7q36.1 microduplication in a patient with multiple malformations and hearing loss: a case report
Authors: Wu Maolan , Zheng Xiangrong , Wang Xia , Zhang Guoyuan , Kuang Jian
Published: March 2020

Background

Chromosome deletions of the long arm of chromosome 4 in 4q syndrome are characterized by mild facial and digital dysmorphism, developmental delay, growth retardation, and skeletal and cardiac anomalies, which is regarded as an autism spectrum disorder. Moreover, some scarce reports indicate that patients with 4q interstitial deletion and 7p duplication may present symptoms associated with hearing loss.

Case presentation

A boy with a severe developmental delay not only post-natal but also intrauterine and several dysmorphic features including microcephaly, ocular hypertelorism, exophthalmos, low-set ears, single palmar flexion crease, and overlapping toes presented discontinued cyanosis and recurrent respiratory infections. MRI, BAEP, echocardiogram and bronchoscopy revealed that he had persistent falcine sinus with a thin corpus callosum, left auditory pathway disorder, patent foramen ovale (2 mm), and tracheobronchomalacia with the right superior bronchus arising from the lateral posterior wall of the right main bronchus. Finally, the patient died with severe pneumonia at 10 months. Array CGH revealed a 23.62 Mb deletion at chromosome 4q27, arr [hg19] 4q27-q31.21 (121, 148, 089–144, 769, 263) × 1, and a 0.85 Mb duplication at chromosome 7q36.1, arr [hg19] 7q36.1-q36.2 (152, 510, 685–153, 363,5 98) × 3. It is rare for 4q syndrome cases or 7q duplications previously reported to have a hearing disorder, pulmonary dysplasia, and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Conclusions

The phenotype of our patient mainly reflects the effects of haploinsufficiency of FGF2, SPATA5, NAA15, SMAD1, HHIP genes combined with a microduplication of 7q36.1.
ITV versus mid-ventilation for treatment planning in lung SBRT: a comparison of target coverage and PTV adequacy by using in-treatment 4D cone beam CT
Authors: Bellec J. , Arab-Ceschia F. , Castelli J. , Lafond C. , Chajon E.
Published: March 2020

Background

The internal target volume (ITV) approach and the mid-ventilation (MidV) concept are the two main respiratory motion-management strategies under free breathing. The purpose of this work was to compare the actual in-treatment target coverage during volumetric modulated arctherapy (VMAT) delivered through both ITV-based and MidV-based planning target volume (PTV) and to provide knowledge in choosing the optimal PTV for stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for lung lesions.

Methods and materials

Thirty-two lung cancer patients treated by a VMAT technique were included in the study. For each fraction, the mean time-weighted position of the target was localized by using a 4-dimensional cone-beam CT (4D-CBCT)-based image guidance procedure. The respiratory-correlated location of the gross tumor volume (GTV) during treatment delivery was determined for each fraction by using in-treatment 4D-CBCT images acquired concurrently with VMAT delivery (4D-CBCTin-treat). The GTV was delineated from each of the ten respiratory phase-sorted 4D-CBCTin-treat datasets for each fraction. We defined target coverage as the average percentage of the GTV included within the PTV during the patient’s breathing cycle averaged over the treatment course. Target coverage and PTVs were reported for a MidV-based PTV (PTVMidV) using dose-probabilistic margins and three ITV-based PTVs using isotropic margins of 5 mm (PTVITV + 5mm), 4 mm (PTVITV + 4mm) and 3 mm (PTVITV + 3mm). The in-treatment baseline displacements and target motion amplitudes were reported to evaluate the impact of both parameters on target coverage.

Results

Overall, 100 4D-CBCTin-treat images were analyzed. The mean target coverage was 98.6, 99.6, 98.9 and 97.2% for PTVMidV, PTVITV + 5mm, PTVITV + 4mm and PTVITV + 3mm, respectively. All the PTV margins led to a target coverage per treatment higher than 95% in at least 90% of the evaluated cases. Compared to PTVITV + 5mm, PTVMidV, PTVITV + 4mm and PTVITV + 3mm had mean PTV reductions of 16, 19 and 33%, respectively.

Conclusion

When implementing VMAT with 4D-CBCT-based image guidance, an ITV-based approach with a tighter margin than the commonly used 5 mm margin remains an alternative to the MidV-based approach for reducing healthy tissue exposure in lung SBRT. Compared to PTVMidV, PTVITV + 3mm significantly reduced the PTV while still maintaining an adequate in-treatment target coverage.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) types among Alaska native women attending a colposcopy clinic in Anchorage, Alaska, 2009–2011
Authors: Murphy N. J. , Bulkow L. R. , Steinau M. , Dunne E. F. , Meites E. , Markowitz L. E. , Unger E. R. , Hennessy T. W.
Published: March 2020

Background

The first HPV vaccines licensed targeted two HPV types responsible for most cervical cancers. A 9-valent vaccine (9vHPV), targeting 5 additional types, was introduced in 2016 and is currently the only HPV vaccine available in the United States. Previous studies demonstrated high rates of HPV infection in Alaska Native (AN) women. We sought to measure prevalence of high risk HPV types in AN women undergoing colposcopy and to determine those preventable by vaccination.

Methods

For this cross-sectional study, we recruited women who were undergoing colposcopy for clinical indications at Alaska Native Medical Center to obtain cervical brush biopsy samples. Specimens were shipped to Atlanta, Georgia for DNA extraction, HPV detection, and typing using L1 PCR with type-specific hybridization to detect 37 HPV types.

Results

Four hundred eighty eight specimens from 489 women were tested. At least one HPV type was found in 458 (94%) specimens. Of 458 participants who were HPV positive, 332 (72%) had two or more types. At least one type targeted by 9vHPV was detected in 95% of participants with CIN 3 (21/22), 82% with CIN 2 (37/45), and 65% with CIN 1 (119/184). (p < 0.001) HPV 16 or 18 were detected in 77% (17/22) with CIN 3, 53% (24/45) with CIN 2, and 36% (67/184) with CIN 1. (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

A substantial proportion of AN women attending colposcopy clinic had evidence of HPV 16/18 infection, as well as other high risk types targeted by 9vHPV. At least one 9vHPV type was detected in 62% of the participants overall, and 95% of participants with CIN3. AN women are expected to benefit from vaccination against HPV 16/18, and will have greater benefit from 9vHPV. Information from this study could be used to develop public health strategies to increase vaccine uptake, or to track HPV genotype prevalence over time.
Identification of salt tolerance-related genes of Lactobacillus plantarum D31 and T9 strains by genomic analysis
Authors: Yao Wenting , Yang Lianzhi , Shao Zehuai , Xie Lu , Chen Lanming
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to identify salt tolerance-related genes of Lactobacillus plantarum D31 and T9 strains, isolated from Chinese traditional fermented food, by genomic analysis.

Methods

Tolerance of L. plantarum D31 and T9 strains was evaluated at different stress conditions (temperatures, acid, osmolality, and artificial gastrointestinal fluids). Draft genomes of the two strains were determined using the Illumina sequencing technique. Comparative genomic analysis and gene transcriptional analysis were performed to identify and validate the salt tolerance-related genes.

Results

Both L. plantarum D31 and T9 strains were able to withstand high osmotic pressure caused by 5.0% NaCl, and L. plantarum D31 even to tolerate 8.0% NaCl. L. plantarum D31 genome contained 3,315,786 bp (44.5% GC content) with 3106 predicted protein-encoding genes, while L. plantarum T9 contained 3,388,070 bp (44.1% GC content) with 3223 genes. Comparative genomic analysis revealed a number of genes involved in the maintenance of intracellular ion balance, absorption or synthesis of compatible solutes, stress response, and modulation of membrane composition in L. plantarum D31 and or T9 genomes. Gene transcriptional analysis validated that most of these genes were coupled with the stress-resistance phenotypes of the two strains.

Conclusions

L. plantarum D31 and T9 strains tolerated 5.0% NaCl, and D31 even tolerated 8.0% NaCl. The draft genomes of these two strains were determined, and comparative genomic analysis revealed multiple molecular coping strategies for the salt stress tolerance in L. plantarum D31 and T9 strains.
Iranian novice English teachers’ agency construction: the complexity dynamic/system perspective
Authors: Rostami Farzad , Yousefi Mohammad Hosssein
Published: March 2020

This study drew on qualitative research and focused on the exercise of agency among the novice English teachers in the Iranian context. Fifteen novice English teachers who have been teaching English in private language institutes in Baneh, Iran were invited through snowball sampling. The analyses of semi-structured and focus group interviews, from the complexity dynamic/system perspective, revealed that teachers practice agency employing dialogic feedback, positioning, and critical incidents. The results further indicated that teachers made a learning community to make the right decision, predict future incidents, and develop their professional agency. The analyses provide implications for the policymakers, teacher educators, and curriculum designers to construct a better opportunity for beginning teachers to become highly-qualified in their careers.