bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wheat yield losses in India due to ozone and aerosol pollution and their alleviation: A critical review
Authors: Fischer Tony
Published: August 2019

This review examines estimations made over the last two decades of the wheat yield losses in India due to elevated tropospheric ozone (O3) and to aerosol pollution. Notwithstanding the poor record of O3 and solar radiation measurement in wheat regions, a reasonable estimate can be made yield losses around 2010. From an average of the more credible studies, this is around 30% compared to the yield which would have been achieved with 1970 solar radiation and O3 assumed to be <40 ppb (parts per billion by volume). The results suggest that O3 causes two-thirds of the loss and reduced total solar radiation due to aerosols (but corrected for increased diffuse radiation) one-third. Ozone, in particular, appears to be still increasing. It is likely that increased stomatal conductance (e.g. due to more irrigation (97% of production now irrigated) and the unwitting consequence of breeding for increased potential yield) has added to current O3 losses. Much is known about the physiology of O3 damage in the wheat leaf and plant. What is lacking is a thorough search for genetic tolerance independent of stomatal conductance and potential yield penalties, and this requires, at least initially, many chamber and/or FACE (free-air CO2 enhancement) experiments under typical Indian field conditions. Genetic engineering could offer a solution for O3 but only in the long term. Other solutions to pollution damage are very limited, but earlier planting should help wheat escape the rising O3 level in the spring. The 40 million tonnes of wheat currently foregone annually by India due to these two pollutants, even if an overestimate, far exceeds estimates of wheat yield loss to date due to climate change and demands concerted action to reduce the sources of this pollution, bringing added direct advantages for other crops and for human health.
Effects of Self-Controlled Knowledge of Results on Learning a Taekwondo Serial Skill
Authors: Januário M. S. , Figueiredo L. S. , Portes L. L. , Benda R. N.
Published: August 2019

Allowing learners to control feedback has been an effective strategy in motor skills learning. However, most studies of self-controlled (SC) feedback have used simple tasks that may be dissimilar to sports skills that generally demand more degrees of freedom and cognition. Thus, this study investigated the effects of SC knowledge of results (KR) on learning a complex Taekwondo skill. Twenty-four undergraduate volunteers of both sexes, aged 18-35 years, practiced a specific serial Taekwondo skill that was novel to them. We divided participants randomly into SC and yoked groups and compared their performance after they learned a specific displacement sequence, finishing with a lateral kick (bandal-tchagui) at a punching bag within a target time span. During acquisition, all participants performed 48 trials divided into six blocks and, on a retention test 24 hours later, they performed 10 more trials. We found that both groups reduced their errors from the first to the last block of the acquisition phase and that the SC group showed a better performance on the retention test, relative to the yoked control group. SC KR participants requested KR mainly after good trials, though they showed no statistically significant differences between trials with and without KR. Their inefficiency in estimating their own errors may have been due to task complexity, since many aspects of the task beyond its temporal requirement demanded the learners’ attention. Our results, using a novel Taekwondo serial skill, confirm and extend the benefits of SC KR from just simple motor learning in past studies to learning complex motor skills.
Attentional Avoidance of Historically Relevant, Task-Irrelevant Facial Affect: Past Depression, Interpersonal Characteristics, and Ethnicity
Authors: Bistricky Steven L. , Harper Kristina L. , Balderas Jessica C. , Cook Diana M. , Rios Desdamona , Short Mary B.
Published: August 2019

Experiential background can influence how individuals respond to affective interpersonal information. For formerly depressed individuals, sad facial expressions are presumably salient. If so, when performing affectively neutral daily tasks, these individuals would find peripheral sad faces particularly distracting, and thus, they might shift their attention from them. The present study examined this hypothesis by comparing how euthymic formerly depressed and never depressed adults attended to sad and happy task-irrelevant emotional facial expression stimuli. The study also measured constructs linked to interpersonal functioning and depression and conducted exploratory analyses to examine whether Hispanic ethnicity status would moderate effects of study outcomes. Results of analyses indicated that formerly depressed individuals directed more attention away from sad faces than never depressed individuals. There were no significant between-group effects for happy faces and no moderation by ethnicity on attention to affective faces. However, irrespective of depression history, Hispanic individuals reported lower fear of negative evaluation compared to non-Hispanic Caucasian individuals. Findings are in line with hypothesized attentional avoidance among formerly depressed individuals and consistent with prior research suggesting that some Hispanic individuals experience protective mental health benefits through engagement with aspects of their culture. Directions for future research are discussed.
Modeling and performance evaluation of a heavy-duty vehicle based on the hydraulic power steering system
Authors: Ahmadi Jeyed Hamze , Ghaffari Ali
Published: August 2019

In most mathematical models that are presented for vehicle performance analysis, the dynamic role of the steering system is ignored and causes the steering effect on the vehicle overall response to be neglected. In this article, the main goal is the performance evaluation of a four-axle heavy-duty vehicle using the modeling and simulation of the vehicle and the hydraulic power steering (HPS) system. For this purpose, using Newton’s method, a 20-degrees-of-freedom (20-DOF) nonlinear model of the heavy vehicle is developed, and verified by the TruckSim software results. Then, the comprehensive 4-DOF model of the HPS system, including the steering handwheel angle, rack displacement, and left- and right-hand wheel angles, is presented. Finally, the dynamic model of the heavy-duty vehicle and the HPS system are combined and a 24-DOF dynamic model is simulated in MATLAB software. In order to evaluate the vehicle performance, the simulation on two maneuvers, namely parking and low-speed lane change maneuvers with load and no-load, are carried out. The simulation results demonstrate the desirable performances of the heavy vehicle based on the HPS system on the parking and low-speed maneuvering. Also, the research results provide a better understanding of the vehicle handling considering the nonlinear model of the heavy-duty vehicle based on the HPS system.
Assistive Technology for Literacy in Students With Physical Disabilities: A Systematic Review
Authors: Stauter Donna W. , Prehn Judy , Peters Megan , Jeffries Lynn M. , Sylvester Lorraine , Wang Hongwu , Dionne Carol
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this study was to systematically review literature on assistive technology (AT) used to develop literacy skills in students with physical disabilities. Primary databases were searched using search terms AT, disability, and literacy. Eight studies were eligible for inclusion. Six studies reported positive change to literacy components with AT support, and two reported a statistically significant change. Evidence offers support for AT in developing reading skills in this population. Future research could include reliable outcome measures, a classification system for participants’ disabilities, increased rigor of research design, and statistical data analysis.
Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District (2017): Implications for Educating Students With Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Authors: Yell Mitchell L.
Published: August 2019

In 2017, the Supreme Court ruled on a special education case Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District. In this important case, the High Court addressed the degree of educational benefit necessary for a school district to fulfill the requirements for a free appropriate public education (FAPE) under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The ruling was especially meaningful for the field of emotional and behavioral disorders, because the plaintiff in this case, Endrew F., exhibited serious academic difficulties and behavior problems. In this article, I first analyze the IDEA’s definition of FAPE and the importance of addressing students’ behavior problems in their individualized education programs (IEPs) to provide a FAPE. Second, I examine the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in the Endrew decision, specifically addressing the impact of the school district’s failure to address a student’s behaviors in his IEP. Third, I discuss the implications of the Endrew ruling for developing and implementing IEPs for students with serious behavior problems. I end by advocating for changes in the upcoming reauthorization of the IDEA to bring the law into conformity with the spirit and letter of this important ruling.
Consequences of social protection on intergenerational relationships in South Africa: Introduction
Authors: Moore Elena , Seekings Jeremy
Published: August 2019

Categorically-targeted social assistance programmes have considerable potential to reduce poverty and buttress the dignity of disadvantaged groups of people, but they can also generate tensions over financial support and care within households and families. This is especially likely in contexts in the global South where landlessness and unemployment combine with historically-rooted norms and practices to underpin complex patterns of interdependency. The articles in this issue examine the case of South Africa, where an unusually broad and generous system of social assistance reduces poverty and enhances dignity, but also reshapes social dynamics of support, care and dependency within households and families, generating new tensions.
The ESCAPS study: a feasibility randomized controlled trial of early electrical stimulation to the wrist extensors and flexors to prevent post-stroke complications of pain and contractures in the paretic arm
Authors: Fletcher-Smith Joanna C , Walker Dawn-Marie , Allatt Kate , Sprigg Nikola , James Marilyn , Ratib Sonia , Boadu Janet , Richardson Carla , Pandyan Anand D
Published: August 2019

Objective:

To establish feasibility of initiating electrical stimulation treatment of wrist extensors and flexors in patients early after stroke to prevent muscle contractures and pain.

Design:

Feasibility randomized controlled trial with economic evaluation.

Setting:

A specialist stroke unit in Nottinghamshire.

Subjects:

A total of 40 patients recruited within 72 hours post-stroke with arm hemiparesis.

Interventions:

Participants were randomized to receive usual care or usual care and electrical stimulation to wrist flexors and extensors for 30 minutes, twice a day, five days a week for three months. Initial treatment was delivered by an occupational therapist or physiotherapist who trained participants to self-manage subsequent treatments.

Measures:

Measures of feasibility included recruitment and attrition rates, completion of treatment, and successful data collection. Outcome data on wrist range of motion, pain, arm function, independence, quality of life, and resource use were measured at 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-randomization.

Results:

A total of 40 participants (of 215 potentially eligible) were recruited in 15 months (20 men; mean age: 72 (SD: 13.0)). Half the participants lacked mental capacity and were recruited by consultee consent. Attrition at three-month follow-up was 12.5% (death ( n = 2), end-of-life care ( n = 2), and unable to contact ( n = 1)). Compliance varied (mean: 65 (SD: 53)) and ranged from 10 to 166 treatments per patient (target dosage was 120). Data for a valid economic analysis can be adequately collected.

Conclusion:

Early initiation of electrical stimulation was acceptable and feasible. Data collection methods used were feasible and acceptable to participants. A large definitive study is needed to determine if electrical stimulation is efficacious and cost effective.
The mass transfer coefficient for oxygen transport from blood to tissue in cerebral cortex
Authors: Secomb Timothy W , Bullock Katherine V , Boas David A , Sakadžić Sava
Published: August 2019

The functioning of cerebral cortex depends on adequate tissue oxygenation. MRI-based techniques allow estimation of blood oxygen levels, tissue perfusion, and oxygen consumption rate (CMRO2), but do not directly measure partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) in tissue. To address the estimation of tissue PO2, the oxygen mass transfer coefficient (KTO2) is here defined as the CMRO2 divided by the difference in spatially averaged PO2 between blood and tissue, and is estimated by analyzing Krogh-cylinder type models. Resistance to radial diffusion of oxygen from microvessels to tissue is distributed within vessels and in the extravascular tissue. The value of KTO2 is shown to depend strongly on vascular length density and also on microvessel tube hematocrits and diameters, but to be insensitive to blood flow rate and to transient changes in flow or oxygen consumption. Estimated values of KTO2 are higher than implied by previous studies, implying smaller declines in PO2 from blood to tissue. Average tissue PO2 can be estimated from MRI-based measurements as average blood PO2 minus the product of KTO2 and CMRO2. For oxygen consumption rates and vascular densities typical of mouse cortex, the predicted difference between average blood and tissue PO2 is about 10 mmHg.
cGMP-dependent protein kinase I in vascular smooth muscle cells improves ischemic stroke outcome in mice
Authors: Shvedova Maria , Litvak Maxim M , Roberts Jesse D , Fukumura Dai , Suzuki Tomoaki , Şencan İkbal , Li Ge , Reventun Paula , Buys Emmanuel S , Kim Hyung-Hwan , Sakadžić Sava , Ayata Cenk , Huang Paul L , Feil Robert , Atochin Dmitriy N
Published: August 2019

Recent works highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-dependent pathways in the context of brain ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). Although cGMP-dependent protein kinase I (cGKI) has emerged as a key mediator of the protective effects of nitric oxide (NO) and cGMP, the mechanisms by which cGKI attenuates IRI remain poorly understood. We used a novel, conditional cGKI knockout mouse model to study its role in cerebral IRI. We assessed neurological deficit, infarct volume, and cerebral perfusion in tamoxifen-inducible vascular smooth muscle cell-specific cGKI knockout mice and control animals. Stroke experiments revealed greater cerebral infarct volume in smooth muscle cell specific cGKI knockout mice (males: 96 ± 16 mm3; females: 93 ± 12 mm3, mean±SD) than in all control groups: wild type (males: 66 ± 19; females: 64 ± 14), cGKI control (males: 65 ± 18; females: 62 ± 14), cGKI control with tamoxifen (males: 70 ± 8; females: 68 ± 10). Our results identify, for the first time, a protective role of cGKI in vascular smooth muscle cells during ischemic stroke injury. Moreover, this protective effect of cGKI was found to be independent of gender and was mediated via improved reperfusion. These results suggest that cGKI in vascular smooth muscle cells should be targeted by therapies designed to protect brain tissue against ischemic stroke.
Role of spectral-detector CT in reduction of artifacts from contrast media in axillary and subclavian veins: single institution study in 50 patients
Authors: Laukamp Kai Roman , Gupta Amit , Große Hokamp Nils , Obmann Verena Carola , Graner Frank Philipp , Ho Vivian , Ros Pablo , Ramaiya Nikhil , Gilkeson Robert
Published: August 2019

Background

In CT imaging, a high concentration of iodinated contrast media in axillary and subclavian veins after brachial application can cause perivenous artifacts impairing diagnostic assessment of local vascular structures and soft tissue.

Purpose

To investigate reduction of perivenous hypo- and hyperattenuating artifacts of the axillary and subclavian veins using virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) in comparison to conventional CT images (CI), acquired on spectral-detector CT.

Material and Methods

50 spectral-detector CT datasets of patients with perivenous artifacts from contrast media were included in this retrospective, institutional review board-approved study. CT images and virtual monoenergetic images (range 40–200 keV, 10-keV increments) were reconstructed from the same scans. Quantitative analysis was performed by region of interest-based assessment of mean attenuation (HU) and standard deviation in most pronounced hypo- and hyperdense artifacts and artifact-impaired arteries as well as muscle. Visually, artifact reduction, assessment of vessels, and surrounding soft tissue were rated on 5-point Likert-scales by two radiologists.

Results

In comparison to CT images, virtual monoenergetic images of ≥90 keV showed a significant reduction of hypo- and hyperattenuating artifacts (hypodense: CI -220.0±171.2 HU; VMI130keV -13.4±49.1 HU; hyperdense: CI 274.6±184.4 HU; VMI130keV 24.2±84.9 HU; P<0.001). Subjective analysis confirmed that virtual-monoenergetic images of ≥100 keV significantly reduced artifacts (hypodense: CI 2[1–3]; VMI130keV 5[4–5], hyperdense: CI 2[1–4]; VMI130keV 5[5–5], P<0.001) and improved diagnostic assessment. Best results for diagnostic assessment were noted for virtual monoenergetic images at 130 keV. Overcorrection of artifacts was observed at higher keV values. Interrater agreement was excellent for each evaluation and keV value (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.89).

Conclusion

Higher keV virtual monoenergetic images yielded significant reduction of contrast media artifacts and led to improved assessment of vessels and surrounding soft tissue. Recommended keV values for best diagnostic assessment are in the range of 100–160 keV.
Epidemiology of fetal cerebral ventriculomegaly and evaluation of chromosomal microarray analysis versus karyotyping for prenatal diagnosis in a Chinese hospital
Authors: Yi Jun-Ling , Zhang Wei , Meng Da-Hua , Ren Li-Jie , Yu Jin , Wei Yi-Liang
Published: August 2019

Objective

To evaluate the efficiency and incremental value of chromosomal microarray analysis as compared with standard karyotyping for the identification of genomic abnormalities in fetal DNA.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled female patients with ultrasonographically diagnosed fetal ventriculomegaly. The prevalence, associated anomalies and clinical outcomes of ventriculomegaly were evaluated based on data from a single maternal and child health hospital in southwest China.

Results

A total of 943 cases of ventriculomegaly were analysed in this study, which were diagnosed at a mean ± SD gestational age of 23.8 ± 8.2 weeks. Non-isolated ventriculomegaly cases had a significantly higher maternal age than isolated cases (29.6 ± 5.5 versus 27.9 ± 4.2 years, respectively) and were also associated with a larger proportion of bilateral (56.1% versus 46.7%, respectively) and severe (12.8% versus 3.7%, respectively) ventriculomegaly. There were 97 cases detected by both karyotyping and microarray analysis. All apparent chromosome abnormalities identified upon karyotyping were detected with the use of microarray analysis. Microarray analysis also reported genetic abnormalities in 20 additional cases not detected by karyotyping. Of these additional 20 cases, 9.3% of pregnancies reported standard genetic variants for clinically relevant information, whereas 11.3% reported uncertain genetic abnormalities.

Conclusion

Chromosomal microarray analysis is an efficient tool, significantly increasing the diagnostic power for prenatal diagnosis.
‘Festive kinship’: Solidarity, responsibility, and identity formation in Deuteronomy
Authors: Glanville Mark R
Published: August 2019

This article investigates how the ‘family’ metaphor in Deuteronomy may be a medium for providing protective solidarity for those without subsistence and kin connection and how this may also play a role in fusing the identity of the ‘nation’ as the people of Yahweh. It first explores the nature of kinship in Israel, focusing on the mutability of kinship. An exegesis of six texts follows, which seeks to discern dynamics of solidarity and responsibility. Deut 10.16-17 demonstrates the connection between religion and identity and kinship. Through the festival calendar (Deut 16.1-17), the weakest are being enfolded as kindred. In a covenant renewal text, the metaphor of ‘family’ brings cohesion to a partially diffuse people group (Deut 29.9-14). Deut 31.9-13 produces solidarity between the household, the clan, and the ‘nation’. The social laws required Yahweh’s people to take responsibility, as kinsfolk, for those who were without the kinship protection.
The relational geographies of the voluntary sector: Disentangling the ballast of strangers
Authors: DeVerteuil Geoffrey , Power Andrew , Trudeau Dan
Published: August 2019

We propose that voluntary sector geographies are best understood using a systematic relational approach, drawing upon neo-Marxist and symbiotic perspectives. We focus on relations between the voluntary sector and the (shadow) state, internal spaces of client interaction, and external urban spaces. Our relational approach advances alternative understandings of the voluntary sector: ones that are partly but not fully in the orbit of the shadow state; more mediator than conduit for neoliberal policies; partly punitive, yet firmly in relation with other ambivalent measures for clients; and both spatially uneven and fixed, but always unbounded in its practices.
Transcranial Doppler ultrasound in posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: A case report
Authors: Khan Khurram S
Published: August 2019

I describe a case and brief discussion to illustrate the clinical utility of transcranial Doppler ultrasound in suspected posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. A 26-year-old female presented with headache, visual disturbance, dyspnoea and hypertension. Past medical history included heart transplantation and hypertension. Cytomegalovirus pneumonia with acute respiratory distress syndrome was diagnosed requiring mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. A brain computed tomographic scan showed changes suggestive of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Transcranial Doppler showed increased velocities with low pulsatility index consistent with cerebral hyperaemia. After antihypertensive treatment flow velocities and computed tomography normalised with complete clinical recovery.
The Association Among Trunk Rotation, Ball Velocity, and the Elbow Varus Moment in Collegiate-Level Baseball Pitchers
Authors: Cohen Andrew D. , Garibay Erin J. , Solomito Matthew J.
Published: August 2019

Background:

The incidence of upper extremity injuries in baseball pitchers is increasing. Over the past decade, research has attempted to elucidate the cause of these injuries, focusing mainly on pitching arm mechanics with little examination of other important segments, such as the trunk. This is surprising, as trunk motion has been shown to have significant effects on pitching mechanics.

Purpose:

To determine the associations between trunk rotation, ball velocity, and the moments about the elbow joint.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Data collected using 3-dimensional motion analysis techniques from 99 collegiate pitchers (18.0-24.8 years) were analyzed. A random intercept mixed-effects regression model was used to determine if significant associations existed between trunk rotation and ball velocity or elbow varus moment.

Results:

Significant associations were found between trunk rotation angle at ball release and elbow varus moment ( P = .019, β = 0.254) as well as ball velocity ( P = .016, β = 0.060). For every 10° increase over the average trunk rotation angle at ball release, the elbow varus moment increased by 2.54 N·m and the ball velocity increased by 0.60 m/s. Additionally, the maximum rotational velocity of the trunk was positively associated with elbow varus moment ( P < .001, β = 0.029) and ball velocity ( P < .001, β = 0.007). For every 100 deg/s increase over the average maximum rotational velocity of the trunk, the elbow varus moment increased by 2.90 N·m and the ball velocity increased by 0.70 m/s.

Conclusion:

In collegiate pitchers, trunk rotation angle at ball release was significantly associated with ball velocity and elbow varus moment. Also, an increase in maximum rotational velocity of the trunk was significantly associated with an increase in the ball velocity and elbow varus moment. This work demonstrates the importance of trunk mechanics in the kinetic chain of the pitch cycle.

Clinical Relevance:

Pitching coaches and trainers can use the results to stress the importance of trunk mechanics in pitching, specifically, combining adequate core function with increased trunk rotational velocity in an effort to increase pitching velocity without increasing elbow joint stress.
Analysis of mismanaged plastic waste in Samoa to suggest proper waste management in Pacific island countries
Authors: Asari Misuzu , Tsuchimura Megu , Sakai Shin-ichi , Tsukiji Makoto , Sagapolutele Faafetai
Published: August 2019

Pacific island countries are facing critical challenges in managing the growing amount of increasingly diverse wastes because of changing lifestyles and the concentration of populations in urban areas. Although marine plastic waste is an issue in the Pacific region, there have been almost no studies of the estimation and impacts of ocean plastic waste, and measures to control such waste, in these countries. Here, first we conducted a questionnaire survey about consumption and disposal of plastic products at households in Samoa as one of the examples of Pacific island countries to grasp the flow of plastic materials and awareness or behaviour for plastic waste. Then we quantified ocean plastic waste and discussed the effective and needed countermeasures in Pacific island countries. The total amount of mismanaged plastic waste was estimated to be 327,000 or 156,000 t y−1 (depending on the scenario) in Pacific island countries. The regional Pacific island countries contribution to the global total mismanaged plastic waste was estimated to range from 1.3% to 2.7%. The amount of mismanaged plastic waste per capita in some Pacific island countries, such as Solomon Islands and Micronesia, was also ranked highly globally. The main reasons seem to be that waste collection rates are relatively low in rural areas and rates of plastic waste generation are high. To implement solutions, including improving municipal solid waste collection, reducing plastic waste, improving the collection and recycling of plastics, and the integration of a number of policies is essential.
How market orientation and ethics affected coverage of marijuana legalization
Authors: Ferrucci Patrick , Painter Chad E. , Kalika Angelika
Published: August 2019

This textual analysis compares news coverage of Colorado Amendment 64, the 2012 ballot measure legalizing the use and sale of medical and recreational marijuana statewide. It examines coverage from a strongly market-oriented legacy organization, the Denver Post, and the weakly market-oriented digitally native news nonprofit, the Colorado Independent. Organizations differed in storytelling techniques, source utilization, and coverage of the social and economic impacts of marijuana legalization. This article discusses how the findings could be the result of market orientation and ethical application through the theoretical lenses of market theory for news production and Ross’s duty-based ethics.
Clinical Impact of a Comprehensive Medication Management Service in Primary Health Care
Authors: Santos Bruna Damázio , Nascimento Mariana Martins Gonzaga do , de Oliveira Grazielli Cristina Batista , Nascimento Yone de Almeida , Mambrini Juliana Vaz de Melo , Cid Annaline Stiegert , Piovesan Taíza Graziele Costa , Fernandes Laura Barbosa , Martins Ursula Carolina de Morais , Neves Carina de Morais , da Silva Danielle Fernandes , de Oliveira Djenane Ramalho
Published: August 2019

Objective:

To evaluate the clinical impact of a comprehensive medication management (CMM) service in a Brazilian primary health-care setting.

Methods:

A quasi-experimental study has been carried out between July 2014 and November 2016 with patients who received the service in the primary care setting of a Brazilian city (n = 1057). Factors associated with drug therapy problems (DTP) detection in the initial assessment were evaluated by performing univariate and multivariate analyzes. To evaluate the impact of the CMM service, a linear regression model was constructed from the difference between the initial and final values of the clinical and laboratory parameters adjusted by multiple variables.

Results:

A total of 1642 DTPs was identified, the most prevalent one being “nonadherence” (31.9%) and the “need for additional drug therapy” (22.9%). The use of 5 or more medications and the presence of 3 or more diseases were positively associated with the identification of 3 or more DTPs during the initial assessment. Even after multiple adjustments, a statistically significant reduction has been observed in the values of glycated hemoglobin, systolic blood pressure, low-density cholesterol, and total cholesterol.

Conclusion:

The CMM service contributed to the resolution of DTP and showed positive clinical impact in primary health care in the studied setting.
Clinician engagement in research as a path toward the learning health system: A regional survey across the northwestern United States
Authors: Ciemins Elizabeth L , Mollis Brenda L , Brant Jeannine M , Hassell Laurie A , Albritton Sandra , Amoroso Paul , Lloyd Angela , Smith Jodi M , Pflugeisen Bethann M , Tuttle Katherine R , Baldwin Laura-Mae
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Increased research engagement of frontline, community-based clinicians could result in greater research relevancy, increased likelihood of implementation into practice, and improved health care for patients. Establishment of learning health systems within health-care organizations may facilitate this process.

Methods

In 2016, the U.S. Northwest Participant and Clinical Interactions Network conducted a region-wide survey in four community-based health systems to identify barriers to clinician involvement in research and understand clinician interest and levels of engagement.

Results

Survey responses indicated broad interest in research’s value to patients (77% of respondents), contribution to clinical evidence (79%), and fulfillment of intellectual curiosity (77%). Engagement was not always correlated with interest. Top barriers included time (65%), support (34%), and getting started (32%).

Conclusion

In community health systems in the northwestern United States, clinician interest in research exists but with several significant barriers. Leveraging the learning health system movement may be one way to increase focus on research and address identified barriers.
Evaluation of a high-throughput communication link for future automotive ADAS controllers
Authors: Yigui Luo , Youteng Sun , Schade Florian , Hotfilter Tim , Becker Jürgen , Yuan Zhu , Zizhou Ouyang , Weiming Liang
Published: August 2019

The trend toward further integration of automotive electronic control units functionality into domain control units as well as the rise of computing-intensive driver assistance systems has led to a demand for high-performance automotive computation platforms. These platforms have to fulfill stringent safety requirements. One promising approach is the use of performance computation units in combination with safety controllers in a single control unit. Such systems require adequate communication links between the computation units. While Ethernet is widely used, a high-speed serial link communication protocol supported by an Infineon AURIX safety controller appears to be a promising alternative. In this paper, a high-speed serial link IP core is presented, which enables this type of high-speed serial link communication interface for field-programmable gate array–based computing units. In our test setup, the IP core was implemented in a high-performance Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+, which communicated with an Infineon AURIX via high-speed serial link and Ethernet. The first bandwidth measurements demonstrated that high-speed serial link is an interesting candidate for inter-chip communication, resulting in bandwidths reaching up to 127 Mbit/s using stream transmissions.
Safety benefit evaluation of intelligent driving systems based on multisource data mining
Authors: Chen Long , Yu Chun-lei , Luo Yu-gong , Hu Man-jiang , Li Ke-qiang
Published: August 2019

Different manufacturers achieve intelligent driving system function diversely, which imposes higher impartiality requirements for the evaluation method of the third party. To this end, this article presents a safety benefit evaluation method of intelligent driving systems based on multi-source data mining. On the basis of the discussion over the nature of general system identification, this approach uses neural network to learn the behavior of the evaluated object using the running vehicle data collected and provided by the manufacturer. Combined with the trained network controller, the test scenario model and the car following model extracted from the field operational tests data, and with the occupant injury model obtained from the accident data, Monte Carlo random simulation is used to calculate the injury risk with or without the evaluated system, then the safety benefit by comparison is estimated. In this article, the adaptive cruise system and the automatic emergency braking system are evaluated. The results show that the neural network can accurately imitate the behavior of the object to be evaluated. There is only 0.01 error between the evaluation results using this network and the real object.
Low-observable targets detection for autonomous vehicles based on dual-modal sensor fusion with deep learning approach
Authors: Geng Keke , Zou Wei , Yin Guodong , Li Yang , Zhou Zihao , Yang Fan , Wu Yuan , Shen Cheng
Published: August 2019

Environment perception is a basic and necessary technology for autonomous vehicles to ensure safety and reliable driving. A lot of studies have focused on the ideal environment, while much less work has been done on the perception of low-observable targets, features of which may not be obvious in a complex environment. However, it is inevitable for autonomous vehicles to drive in environmental conditions such as rain, snow and night-time, during which the features of the targets are not obvious and detection models trained by images with significant features fail to detect low-observable target. This article mainly studies the efficient and intelligent recognition algorithm of low-observable targets in complex environments, focuses on the development of engineering method to dual-modal image (color–infrared images) low-observable target recognition and explores the applications of infrared imaging and color imaging for an intelligent perception system in autonomous vehicles. A dual-modal deep neural network is established to fuse the color and infrared images and detect low-observable targets in dual-modal images. A manually labeled color–infrared image dataset of low-observable targets is built. The deep learning neural network is trained to optimize internal parameters to make the system capable for both pedestrians and vehicle recognition in complex environments. The experimental results indicate that the dual-modal deep neural network has a better performance on the low-observable target detection and recognition in complex environments than traditional methods.
A multi-sensor fusion and object tracking algorithm for self-driving vehicles
Authors: Yi Chunlei , Zhang Kunfan , Peng Nengling
Published: August 2019

Vehicles need to detect threats on the road, anticipate emerging dangerous driving situations and take proactive actions for collision avoidance. Therefore, the study on methods of target detection and recognition are of practical value to a self-driving system. However, single sensor has its weakness, such as poor weather adaptability with lidar and camera. In this article, we propose a novel spatial calibration method based on multi-sensor systems, and the approach utilizes rotation and translation of the coordinate system. The validity of the proposed spatial calibration method is tested through comparisons with the data calibrated. In addition, a multi-sensor fusion and object tracking algorithm based on target level to detect and recognize targets is tested. Sensors contain lidar, radar and camera. The multi-sensor fusion and object tracking algorithm takes advantages of various sensors such as target location from lidar, target velocity from radar and target type from camera. Besides, multi-sensor fusion and object tracking algorithm can achieve information redundancy and increase environmental adaptability. Compared with the results of single sensor, this new approach is verified to have the accuracy of location, velocity and recognition by real data.
Belimumab alters transitional B-cell subset proportions in patients with stable systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Benitez A , Torralba K , Ngo M , Salto L M , Choi K S , De Vera M E , Payne K J
Published: August 2019

Objective

We evaluated the effects of the B-cell activating factor (BAFF)-targeting antibody Belimumab on human nonmemory B-cell pools. Human B-cell pools were identified using surface markers adapted from mouse studies that specifically assessed reductions in immature B cells due to BAFF depletion. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have high levels of both BAFF and immature B cells. Mechanistic mouse studies provide a framework for understanding human responses to therapies that target B cells.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from healthy donors and SLE patients on Belimumab or standard-of-care therapy (SCT). Cells were stained for flow cytometry to identify B-cell subsets based on CD21/CD24. Differences in subset proportions were determined by one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test.

Results

Patients treated with Belimumab show alterations in the nonmemory B-cell pool characterized by a decrease in the Transitional 2 (T2) subset ( p = 0.002), and an increase in the proportion of Transitional 1 (T1) cells ( p = 0.005) as compared with healthy donors and SCT patients. The naïve B-cell compartment showed no significant differences between the groups ( p = 0.293).

Conclusion

Using a translational approach, we show that Belimumab-mediated BAFF depletion reduces the T2 subset in patients, similar to observations in mouse models with BAFF depletion.
Exosomes from Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Inhibit Neuronal Apoptosis and Promote Motor Function Recovery via the Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Li Ci , Jiao Guangjun , Wu Wenliang , Wang Hongliang , Ren Shanwu , Zhang Lu , Zhou Hongming , Liu Haichun , Chen Yunzhen
Published: August 2019

Severe spinal cord injury (SCI) is caused by external mechanical injury, resulting in unrecoverable neurological injury. Recent studies have shown that exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs-Exos) might be valuable paracrine molecules in the treatment of SCI. In this study, we designed SCI models in vivo and in vitro and then investigated the possible mechanism of successful repair by BMSCs-Exos. In vivo, we established one Sham group and two SCI model groups. The Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) scores showed that BMSCs-Exos could effectively promote the recovery of spinal cord function. The results of the Nissl staining, immunohistochemistry, and TUNEL/NeuN/DAPI double staining showed that BMSCs-Exos inhibited neuronal apoptosis. Western blot analysis showed that the protein expression level of Bcl-2 was significantly increased in the BMSCs-Exos group compared with the PBS group, while the protein expression levels of Bax, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved caspase-9 were significantly decreased. The results of western bolt and qRT-PCR demonstrated that BMSCs-Exos could activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway effectively. In vitro, we found that inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway could promote neuronal apoptosis following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induction. These results demonstrated that BMSCs-Exos may be a promising therapeutic for SCI by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
The Empirical Evidence of Enterprise Resource Planning System Adoption and Implementation on Firm’s Performance Among Medium-Sized Enterprises
Authors: Aremu Adejare Yusuff , Shahzad Arfan , Hassan Shahizan
Published: August 2019

The objective of this study is to examine the mediating role of enterprise resource planning (ERP) system adoption on the relationship between performance of medium enterprises (PMEs) and organizational culture (OC), communication process (CP), organizational structure (OS), information technology readiness (ITR), technological change (TC), government policy (GP), information access (IA) and technology infrastructure support (TIS). This study also includes the role of top management support (TMS) as a moderating variable on the relationship between ERP and PME. This study proposes a theoretical framework based on theories such as resource-based view, contingency theory and diffusion of innovation. The data were collected from medium-sized enterprise (ME) organizations operating in South Western Nigeria. A total of 658 questionnaires were distributed to selected MEs and only 355 were returned and used for the analysis. The empirical data were analyzed using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The results showed that CP, ERP, GP, IA, ITR, OC, OS, TC, TIS and TMS have significant direct relationships with the ERP and PME while GP is not significantly linked to ERP adoption. Moreover, IA, ITR, OC, OS and TC have no significant relationship with PME while ERP system adoption mediates the relationship between the CP, OC, OS, TC and TIS with PME. The findings showed that the presence of CP, OC, OS, TC and TIS will influence the PMEs in the adoption of ERP and confirmed that TMS plays an important role in moderating the relationship between ERP and PME. The findings provide important insights to CEO, managers, policymakers and researchers to help them understand the importance of using the ERP system to enhance the performance of medium-sized enterprise (PMSE) organizations. Limitation of the study is based on MEs only. In this light, future research can focus on the evolution of not only small enterprises but also large firms.
Characterization of the stemness potency of mammospheres isolated from the breast cancer cell lines
Authors: Yousefnia Saghar , Ghaedi Kamran , Seyed Forootan Farzad , Nasr Esfahani Mohammad Hossein
Published: August 2019

Stemness phenotype mammospheres established from cell lines and tissues taken from autopsy can be used to test and to identify the most sensitive drugs for chemotherapy. Therefore, the aim of the present study was isolation and characterization of cancer stem cells derived from MCF7, MDA-MB231, and SKBR3 breast cancer cell lines to demonstrate the stemness phenotypes of mammospheres generated for further their applications in therapeutic approaches. In this study, two luminal subtypes of cell lines, MCF7 and SKBR3 and a basal subtype cell line, MDA-MB-231, were chosen. Mammosphere culturing was implemented for breast cancer stem cells isolation and mammosphere formation efficiency. At the next step, CD44+/CD24– cell ratio, Oct4 and Nanog mRNA levels, proliferation rate, migration rate of mammospheres, and drug resistance (in third passage) were evaluated. In addition, tumorigenicity of mammospheres in the chick embryo model was evaluated and compared through the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay. Among mammospheres formed in all three cell lines, MCF7 had the highest mammosphere formation efficiency. CD24 marker (a differentiation marker for the breast cancer cells) was significantly reduced in the mammospheres generated from MCF7 and SKBR3, during three passages. Also, Oct4 and Nanog transcript levels were significantly higher in all three types of mammospheres, as compared with their cell lines. Proliferation, migration rate, and drug resistance of mammospheres generated from all three cell lines were found to be significantly higher. Tumorigenicity of MCF7 mammospheres was confirmed through tumor size measurement. Also, tumorigenicity of MCF7 and SKBR3 mammospheres was confirmed through more migration from ectoderm to mesoderm and endoderm. We succeeded to establish the technology that can be extended to tissue in the future. We have demonstrated a number of mammospheres can be generated from cell lines. Also, cells with different molecular features showed different stemness phenotypes.
A panacea for competition law damages actions in the EU? A comparative view of the implementation of the EU Antitrust Damages Directive in sixteen Member States
Authors: Rodger Barry J , Ferro Miguel Sousa , Marcos Francisco
Published: August 2019

This article makes an original contribution to the literature on the developing area of private enforcement of EU competition law. It delivers a significant, rigorous and comprehensive analysis of the transposition across a broad selection of Member States (MS) of a major EU Directive introduced with the aim of harmonizing and facilitating competition law damages actions across the EU. It looks at the implementation of the Directive 2014/104/EU in sixteen MS. It analyses the solutions followed by each of those MS in addressing the various issues raised by the Directive (liability and compensation, joint liability, statute of limitations, quantification of harm, passing-on defence and indirect purchasers claims, access to evidence and collective redress).
New EU rules on business-to-consumer and platform-to-business relationships
Authors: Cauffman Caroline
Published: August 2019

Recently, two EU instruments relating to business-to-consumer (B2C) relationships have been adopted: a new consumer sales directive and a directive on the supply of digital content. Three further EU instruments are in the pipeline: the so-called Omnibus Directive and a directive on collective redress together known as the ‘New Deal for Consumer’, and a Platform-to-Business regulation (P2B). This editorial aims to give a brief overview and a prima facie evaluation of the content of these instruments and to invite contributions offering a more in-depth analysis of the new rules and their expected impact.