bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PRDX6 Promotes the Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem (Stromal) Cells to Insulin‐Producing Cells
Authors: Gabr Mahmoud M. , Zakaria Mahmoud M. , Refaie Ayman F. , Khater Sherry M. , Ashamallah Sylvia A. , Rashed Sahar A. , Fouad Ali M. , Ismail Amani M. , Ghoneim Mohamed A.
Published: January 2020

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be differentiated in vitro to form insulin‐producing cells (IPCs). However, the proportion of induced cells is modest. Extracts from injured pancreata of rodents promoted this differentiation, and three upregulated proteins were identified in these extracts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential benefits of adding these proteins to the differentiation medium alone or in combination. Our results indicate that the proportion of IPCs among the protein(s)‐supplemented samples was significantly higher than that in the samples with no added proteins. The yield from samples supplemented with PRDX6 alone was 4‐fold higher than that from samples without added protein. These findings were also supported by the results of fluorophotometry. Gene expression profiles revealed higher levels among protein‐supplemented samples. Significantly higher levels of GGT, SST, Glut‐2, and MafB expression were noted among PRDX6‐treated samples. There was a stepwise increase in the release of insulin and c‐peptide, as a function of increasing glucose concentrations, indicating that the differentiated cells were glucose sensitive and insulin responsive. PRDX6 exerts its beneficial effects as a result of its biological antioxidant properties. Considering its ease of use as a single protein, PRDX6 is now routinely used in our differentiation protocols.
A Classification of Fourth-Order Dissipative Differential Operators
Authors: Wang Tao , Ao Ji-jun , Yang Mei-chun
Published: January 2020

This paper is devoted to the classification of the fourth-order dissipative differential operators by the boundary conditions. Subject to certain conditions, we determine some nonself-adjoint boundary conditions that generate the fourth-order differential operators to be dissipative. And under certain conditions, we prove that these dissipative operators have no real eigenvalues.
SPI-Based Spatiotemporal Drought over Sri Lanka
Authors: Abeysingha N. S. , Rajapaksha U. R. L. N.
Published: January 2020

Drought is one of the most significant hazards in Sri Lanka. Status of drought in Sri Lanka was assessed using Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) at 3, 6, and 12 months’ time scales using monthly rainfall (1970 to 2017) data of 54 weather stations. The frequency of drought events was evaluated using SPI, and trend of SPI was also detected using the Mann–Kendall (MK) test and Sen’s slope estimator. The result based on SPI identified hydrological years 1975-76, 1982-83, 1986-87, 1988-89, 2000-01, 2001-02, 2013-14, and 2016-17 as drought years for 52, 32, 35, 33, 33, 31, 31, and 31% of tested stations (54), respectively, at annual time scale. Comparison of the SPI at different time scales revealed that more drought events (SPI ≤ −1) occurred during Yala season than Maha cropping season. Considering the Thiessen polygon average rainfall, more frequent drought events occurred in the dry zone (57%) than the wet (49%) and intermediate zone (47%) at the annual time scale. SPI trend results showed greater increase in drought (59% of stations) during Yala seasons as compared to the Maha cropping season (15% of stations) in Sri Lanka.
Characterization of Patients with Psoriasis in Challenging-to-Treat Body Areas in the Corrona Psoriasis Registry
Authors: Callis Duffin Kristina , Mason Marc A. , Gordon Kenneth , Harrison Ryan W. , Crabtree Margaux M. , Guana Adriana , Germino Rebecca , Lebwohl Mark
Published: January 2020

Background: Real-world studies evaluating patients with challenging-to-treat localizations of psoriasis (scalp, nail, and palmoplantar) are limited. Objective: To characterize patients with versus without psoriasis in challenging-to-treat areas seen in routine US clinical practice. Methods: This retrospective observational study included all adult patients with psoriasis enrolled in the Corrona Psoriasis Registry between April 2015 and May 2018 who initiated a biologic therapy at registry enrollment. Patients were stratified by the presence of scalp, nail, or palmoplantar psoriasis (nonmutually exclusive groups). Patient demographics, clinical char­acteristics, disease activity, and patient-reported outcome measures (pain, fatigue, itch, EuroQol visual analog scale [EQ VAS], Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI], and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire [WPAI]) were assessed at registry enrollment and compared between patients with versus without each challenging-to-treat area using nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis tests for continuous variables and χ2 or Fisher exact tests for categorical variables. Generalized linear regression models were used to estimate differences in disease activity and patient-reported outcomes between patients with versus without each challenging-to-treat area. Results: Among 2,042 patients with psoriasis (mean age [±SD], 49.6 ± 14.7 years; 51.5% male), 38.4% had psoriatic arthritis (PsA), 38.1% had scalp psoriasis, 16.0% had nail psoriasis, 10.9% had palmoplantar psoriasis, and 26.2% had a combination of ≥2 challenging-to-treat areas and PsA; only 34.2% had body plaque psoriasis without PsA or challenging-to-treat areas. Patients in all challenging-to-treat groups reported higher (mean [95% CI]) itch (scalp, 58.01 [57.62–58.40] vs. 54.35 [53.99–54.72]; nail, 56.42 [56.02–56.81] vs. 55.59 [55.20–55.97]; palmoplantar, 60.22 [59.86–60.59] vs. 55.15 [54.79–55.54]) and lower EQ VAS (scalp, 68.12 [67.78–68.48] vs. 69.46 [69.12–69.81]; nail, 66.21 [65.89–66.55] vs. 69.48 [69.14–69.83]; palmoplantar, 66.21 [66.07–66.75] vs. 69.29 [68.94–69.94]) scores than those without the respective challenging-to-treat localization. Patients with nail or palmoplantar psoriasis reported higher pain, fatigue, and DLQI scores than those without. Higher proportions of patients with scalp or palmoplantar psoriasis reported work impairment compared with those without. Conclusion: Two-thirds of patients with psoriasis who initiated biologic therapy had PsA and/or ≥1 challenging-to-treat area. Patients with challenging-to-treat areas had worse patient-reported outcome scores than those without, indicating a significant burden of challenging-to-treat areas on patients’ quality of life.
Endobronchial Valve Treatment in Emphysema Patients with a Very Low DLCO
Authors: van Dijk Marlies , Hartman Jorine E. , Klooster Karin , Ten Hacken Nick H.T. , Kerstjens Huib A.M. , Slebos Dirk-Jan
Published: January 2020

Background: For selected patients with severe emphysema, bronchoscopic lung volume reduction with endobronchial valves (EBV) is recognized as an additional treatment option. In most trials investigating EBV treatment, patients with a very low diffusing capacity (DLCO) were excluded from participation. Objectives: Our goal was to investigate whether EBV treatment in patients with emphysema with a very low DLCO is safe and effective. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective analysis including patients with emphysema and a DLCO ≤20%pred who underwent EBV treatment. Follow-up was performed 6 months post-treatment. Outcome parameters were compared to a historical matched control group (DLCO >20%pred, matched for sex, age, forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1], and residual volume [RV]). Results: Twenty patients (80% female, 64 ± 6 years, FEV1 26 ± 6%pred, RV 233 ± 45%pred, DLCO 18 ± 1.6%pred) underwent EBV treatment. At 6 months follow-up, we found a statistically significant improvement in FEV1 (0.08 ± 0.12 L), RV (–0.45 ± 0.95 L), 6-min walking distance (38 ± 65 m), and St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (–12 ± 13 points). With the exception of FEV1, all exceeded the minimal clinically important difference. The most common serious adverse event was a pneumothorax requiring intervention (15%). There were no significant differences in outcome compared to the DLCO >20%pred control group. Conclusions: In this single-center retrospective analysis, we showed statistically significant and clinically relevant improvements in lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of life up to 6 months after EBV treatment in emphysema patients with a DLCO ≤20% (14–20%) of predicted with no increased risk of serious adverse events.
Comparing Clinicopathologic Features and Surgical Treatment of Premenopausal Breast Cancer across Italy and China: Report from a Medical Exchange Program
Authors: Fancellu Alessandro , Zhao Xue Yun , Cottu Pietrina , Sanna Valeria , Li Yuan Ping , Zhu Qin , Tanda Cinzia , Zhang Ying Yi , Lai Yan Mei , Ginesu Giorgio Carlo , Dai Shu Qin , Porcu Alberto
Published: January 2020

Background: This study investigated the differences in clinicopathologic features and surgical treatment between an Italian and a Chinese cohort of premenopausal women with breast cancer, and highlighted the potential advantages of international medical exchange projects. Methods: Premenopausal women who underwent surgical treatment between 2012 and 2016 at one Italian and one Chinese institution participating in a medical exchange program were compared. Factors associated with the probability to receive mastectomy were determined via logistic analysis. Changes in surgical management at the Chinese institution in the period 2018–2019, after the exchange program, were also evaluated. Results: A total of 505 patients, 318 from Italy and 187 from China, were evaluated. The Chinese patients had more frequently advanced-stage tumours, large tumour size (30.9 vs. 18.1 mm, p < 0.01), invasive carcinoma (92.5 vs. 83.3%, p < 0.01), positive axillary lymph nodes (54.5 vs. 27.4%, p < 0.01), Her-2 positivity (36.4 vs. 22.0%, p < 0.01), and high proliferative index (55.1 vs. 30.2%, p < 0.01). Positive oestrogen receptor status and rates of triple-negative breast cancer did not differ (77.0 vs. 69.5%, p = 0.09 and 14.2 vs. 16%, p = 0.56, respectively). Mastectomy rates were higher among Chinese women (85 vs. 41%, p < 0.001), whereas use of sentinel node biopsy was more frequent among Italian women (77 vs. 33%, p < 0.001). Chinese women had more than 4-fold higher risk of receiving mastectomy. In the last 2 years, the rates of breast-conserving surgery and sentinel node biopsy at the Chinese institution increased from 15 to 23%, and from 33 to 42%, respectively. Conclusions: Tumour features and surgical strategies for premenopausal breast cancer may differ signiﬁcantly between Italy and China. Since the international exchange program, patients from the Chinese institution have been offered more frequently less invasive surgery. International exchange programs can help in designing epidemiological studies which may be useful for strategies to improve breast cancer management and control.
In vivo Elimination of Clonidine by Continuous Venovenous Hemofiltration in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: van den Oever Huub L.A. , Zeeman Marieke , Nassikovker Polina , Bles Carmen , van Steveninck Fred A.L. , de Meijer Arthur R. , Kruisdijk-Gerritsen Arriette , Arbouw Maurits
Published: January 2020

Background: Clonidine is an α2-agonist that is commonly used for sedation in the intensive care unit. When patients are on continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) in the presence of kidney dysfunction, the sieving coefficient of clonidine is required to estimate how much drug is removed by CVVH. In the present study, we measured the sieving coefficient of clonidine in critically ill, ventilated patients receiving CVVH. Methods: A total of 20 samples of plasma and ultrafiltrate of 3 patients on CVVH, using a standard 1.5 m2 polyacrylonitrile AN69 membrane, during continuous clonidine infusion were collected. After correction for the effect of predilution, we calculated the sieving coefficient for clonidine. Results: The mean sieving coefficient of clonidine was 0.52 (SD 0.097). Conclusion: Using a polyacrylonitrile AN69 membrane in a CVVH machine, the in vivo sieving coefficient of clonidine was 0.52.
Prognostic Significance of Left Ventricular Noncompaction
Authors: Aung Nay , Doimo Sara , Ricci Fabrizio , Sanghvi Mihir M. , Pedrosa Cesar , Woodbridge Simon P. , Al-Balah Amer , Zemrak Filip , Khanji Mohammed Y. , Munroe Patricia B. , Naci Huseyin , Petersen Steffen E.
Published: January 2020

Background:

Although left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) has been associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events, the accurate incidence of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality is unknown. We, therefore, aimed to assess the incidence rate of LVNC-related cardiovascular events.

Methods:

We systematically searched observational studies reporting the adverse outcomes related to LVNC. The primary end point was cardiovascular mortality.

Results:

We identified 28 eligible studies enrolling 2501 LVNC patients (mean age, 46 years; male/female ratio, 1.7). After a median follow-up of 2.9 years, the pooled event rate for cardiovascular mortality was 1.92 (95% CI, 1.54–2.30) per 100 person-years. LVNC patients had a similar risk of cardiovascular mortality compared with a dilated cardiomyopathy control group (odds ratio, 1.10 [95% CI, 0.18–6.67]). The incidence rates of all-cause mortality, stroke and systemic emboli, heart failure admission, cardiac transplantation, ventricular arrhythmias, and cardiac device implantation were 2.16, 1.54, 3.53, 1.24, 2.17, and 2.66, respectively, per 100 person-years. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses revealed that left ventricular ejection fraction, not the extent of left ventricular trabeculation, had an important influence on the variability of incidence rates. The risks of thromboembolism and ventricular arrhythmias in LVNC patients were similar to dilated cardiomyopathy patients. However, LVNC patients had a higher incidence of heart failure hospitalization than dilated cardiomyopathy patients.

Conclusions:

Patients with LVNC carry a similar cardiovascular risk when compared with dilated cardiomyopathy patients. Left ventricular ejection fraction—a conventional indicator of heart failure severity, not the extent of trabeculation—appears to be an important determinant of adverse outcomes in LVNC patients.

Registration:

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/
Unique identifier: CRD42018096313.
Decoding the circuitry of consciousness: From local microcircuits to brain-scale networks
Authors: Modolo Julien , Hassan Mahmoud , Wendling Fabrice , Benquet Pascal
Published: January 2020

Identifying the physiological processes underlying the emergence and maintenance of consciousness is one of the most fundamental problems of neuroscience, with implications ranging from fundamental neuroscience to the treatment of patients with disorders of consciousness (DOCs). One major challenge is to understand how cortical circuits at drastically different spatial scales, from local networks to brain-scale networks, operate in concert to enable consciousness, and how those processes are impaired in DOC patients. In this review, we attempt to relate available neurophysiological and clinical data with existing theoretical models of consciousness, while linking the micro- and macrocircuit levels. First, we address the relationships between awareness and wakefulness on the one hand, and cortico-cortical and thalamo-cortical connectivity on the other hand. Second, we discuss the role of three main types of GABAergic interneurons in specific circuits responsible for the dynamical reorganization of functional networks. Third, we explore advances in the functional role of nested oscillations for neural synchronization and communication, emphasizing the importance of the balance between local (high-frequency) and distant (low-frequency) activity for efficient information processing. The clinical implications of these theoretical considerations are presented. We propose that such cellular-scale mechanisms could extend current theories of consciousness.
One-Dimensional Poisson Calculation for Electrically Controlled Band Bending in GaAs/AlGaAs Heterostructure
Authors: Choi Hyungkook , Kim Minsoo , Moon Ji-Yun , Lee Jae-Hyun , Son Seok-Kyun
Published: January 2020

Here, we describe the band-bending situation for introducing electrons in an undoped GaAs and AlGaAs quantum well. Our calculation has shown that an externally applied electric field can modulate two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) without standard modulation doping. The topic of electrically
modulated 2DEG has only background impurities, no intentional dopants, so scattering or dephasing by background potential fluctuations should be much reduced. Using our calculation, it is straightforward to confine carriers (in the range of 1010~1011 cm−2),
when the external electric field is more than threshold voltage, 4 V to the surface metal gate.
Single-Step Preprocessing of Raman Spectra Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Wahl Joel , Sjödahl Mikael , Ramser Kerstin
Published: January 2020

Preprocessing of Raman spectra is generally done in three separate steps: (1) cosmic ray removal, (2) signal smoothing, and (3) baseline subtraction. We show that a convolutional neural network (CNN) can be trained using simulated data to handle all steps in one operation. First, synthetic spectra are created by randomly adding peaks, baseline, mixing of peaks and baseline with background noise, and cosmic rays. Second, a CNN is trained on synthetic spectra and known peaks. The results from preprocessing were generally of higher quality than what was achieved using a reference based on standardized methods (second-difference, asymmetric least squares, cross-validation). From 105 simulated observations, 91.4% predictions had smaller absolute error (RMSE), 90.3% had improved quality (SSIM), and 94.5% had reduced signal-to-noise (SNR) power. The CNN preprocessing generated reliable results on measured Raman spectra from polyethylene, paraffin and ethanol with background contamination from polystyrene. The result shows a promising proof of concept for the automated preprocessing of Raman spectra.
The Unintended Consequences of Democracy Promotion: International Organizations and Democratic Backsliding
Authors: Meyerrose Anna M.
Published: January 2020

Since the end of the Cold War, international organizations (IOs) have engaged in unprecedented levels of democracy promotion, and research overwhelmingly links them to positive democratic outcomes. However, this increased emphasis on democracy has more recently been accompanied by rampant illiberalism and a sharp rise in cases of democratic backsliding in new democracies. What explains democratic backsliding in an age of unparalleled international support for democracy? Backsliding occurs when democratic institutions are weakened or eroded by elected officials, resulting in an illiberal or diminished form of democracy. I argue that IOs that support democracy unintentionally make backsliding more likely by neglecting to promote democratic institutions other than executives and elections, increasing executive power, and limiting states’ domestic policy options, which stunts institutional development. I find membership in IOs associated with democracy promotion makes backsliding more likely, decreases checks on executive power, and limits domestic policy options and party development in new democracies.
Moving Beyond Fidelity: Assessing Implementation of a Comprehensive Treatment Program for Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Steinbrenner Jessica R. , Odom Samuel L. , Hall Laura J. , Hume Kara
Published: January 2020

Assessing implementation of comprehensive treatment programs is a multifaceted process that should extend beyond measuring solely treatment fidelity. The purpose of this article is to describe and demonstrate a thorough process for assessing implementation and receipt of a comprehensive treatment program for students with autism spectrum disorders in high schools. The Center on Secondary Education for Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders (CSESA) developed a profile and index approach to assess implementation of seven features related to the CSESA intervention process and content. In a cluster-randomized trial, the CSESA implementation profile captured information about diverse features of implementation, and this index successfully differentiated between intervention and control schools. A multifeatured implementation profile and index is an important step forward for examining and implementing comprehensive treatment programs in educational settings.
Sustaining and Scaling Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports: Implementation Drivers, Outcomes, and Considerations
Authors: Sugai George , Horner Robert H
Published: January 2020

Positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) was first introduced with the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in 1997. In this article, we describe the 25-year history of the PBIS implementation experience, including the core features of PBIS as a multitiered framework and the process and outcomes for implementing PBIS across over 26,000 schools. We also summarize the national outcome data of PBIS implementation and conclude with a discussion of future directions and considerations, focusing on sustainability and scaling.
Predicting Special and General Educators’ Intent to Continue Teaching Using Conservation of Resources Theory
Authors: Bettini Elizabeth , Gilmour Allison F. , Williams Thomas O. , Billingsley Bonnie
Published: January 2020

Retaining teachers is an important priority for school leaders, especially in special education, a field with chronic shortages. We analyzed a nationally representative survey using conservation of resources theory to examine how job demands and resources interacted with one another and with teachers’ assignments (i.e., as special and general educators) to predict intentions to continue teaching. We found that teachers were more inclined to stay in their schools when they experienced stronger school administrative and collegial support, had more access to instructional materials, and were more experienced. Teachers indicated weaker intent to stay when they experienced more problems with students, spent more time working, were less experienced, and served in higher-poverty schools. School administrative support moderated relationships between intent and (a) school poverty and (b) experience. We found no differences between special and general educators’ intent to stay, though we did find differences in the conditions predicting special versus general educators’ intent.
Maltreatment Profiles of Child Welfare–Involved Children in Special Education: Classification and Behavioral Consequences
Authors: Gee Kevin A.
Published: January 2020

In this study, I investigated the maltreatment profiles of child welfare–involved children in special education and examined how those profiles influenced their internalizing and externalizing behaviors. I analyzed data on a sample of 290 children (63% male, 37% female, Mage = 11 years) from the National Survey on Child and Adolescent Well-Being II. When weighted, this sample represented approximately 233,000 children involved in the child welfare system and in special education. Results from latent class analyses revealed four maltreatment classes, listed by predominance: supervisory neglect, physical abuse, other forms of maltreatment, and sexual abuse. Relative to children in the sexual abuse class, children had higher teacher-reported internalizing problem behaviors if their predominate maltreatment class was either supervisory neglect or physical abuse. Understanding maltreatment and its consequences for child welfare–involved children in special education can help better inform ways to promote their educational success.
The GRE and Students With Disabilities: A Validity Study at 10 Universities
Authors: Ling Guangming , Buzick Heather , Belur Vinetha
Published: January 2020

We evaluated the validity of using the GRE General Test to assist with graduate school admissions for individuals with disabilities. We studied a sample of 16,239 graduate students from 10 U.S. research universities in three groups: students without any reported disabilities, students who reported disabilities and took the computer-delivered GRE with accommodations, and students who reported disabilities but took the computer-delivered GRE without accommodations. We examined differential prediction using multilevel modeling and residual analyses. The results revealed that the first-year graduate grade point average of students with disabilities was neither over- nor underpredicted by more than one tenth of a point on the 0- to 4-grading scale. However, variations on the magnitude and direction of differential prediction existed among students with different types of disabilities. We discuss data collection needs and research on students with disabilities attending graduate and professional schools.
Comparing the Effects of Two Reading Interventions Using a Randomized Alternating Treatment Design
Authors: Hua Youjia , Hinzman Michelle , Yuan Chengan , Balint Langel Kinga
Published: January 2020

An emerging body of research suggests that incorporating randomization schemes in single-case research designs strengthens study internal validity and data evaluation. The purpose of this study was to test the utility and feasibility of a randomized alternating-treatment design in an investigation that compared the combined effects of vocabulary instruction and the paraphrasing strategies on expository comprehension of six students with reading difficulties. We analyzed the data using three types of randomization tests as well as visual analysis. The visual analysis and randomization tests confirmed the additional benefit of vocabulary instruction on expository comprehension for one student. However, the effects were not replicated across the other five students. We found that proper randomization schemes can improve both internal validity and data analysis strategies of the alternating-treatment design.
Transition Engagement of African American Youth With Disabilities: A Serial Mediation Model
Authors: Dutta Alo , Kundu Madan , Iwanaga Kanako , Ditchman Nicole , Chan Fong
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this study was to draw from self-determination and self-efficacy theories to evaluate psychological constructs (autonomous motivation, competency, and outcome expectancy) as mediators of the relationship between working alliance and engagement in transition–vocational rehabilitation (VR) services among African American students with disabilities. A serial multiple mediation analysis was computed to evaluate the mediators of transition-VR service engagement in a sample of 88 African American high school students with disabilities. We found that working alliance was positively associated with active engagement in transition-VR services (total effect), whereas the direct effect of working alliance on engagement was not significant after controlling for the effects of autonomous motivation, competency, and outcome expectancy, supporting significant mediation effects. Findings suggest that a strong working alliance between students and rehabilitation counselors and transition specialists can foster autonomous motivation, competency, and outcome expectancy, resulting in higher levels of engagement in transition-VR services.
Post-failure impression management: A typology of entrepreneurs’ public narratives after business closure
Authors: Kibler Ewald , Mandl Christoph , Farny Steffen , Salmivaara Virva
Published: January 2020

What are the strategies entrepreneurs apply to present business closure to public audiences? Most entrepreneurs choose to communicate venture failure publicly so as to foster a favorable impression of failure, in effect engaging in impression management to maintain and/or repair their professional reputation for future career actions. To date, however, the focus of most research has been on managing failure within organizational settings, where organizational actors can interact closely with their audiences. We know little about entrepreneurs’ strategies in presenting failure to public audiences in cases where they have limited opportunities for interaction. In response to this, we present an analysis of public business-closure statements to generate a typology of five venture-failure narratives— Triumph, Harmony, Embrace, Offset, and Show—that explains entrepreneurs’ distinct sets of impression-management strategies to portray failure in public. In conclusion, we theorize from our public venture-failure typology to discuss how our work advances understanding of the interaction between organizational failure, impression management, and entrepreneurial narratives.
Design of slip-based traction control system for EV and validation using co-simulation between Adams and Matlab/Simulink
Authors: Saha Sudipta , Amrr Syed Muhammad
Published: January 2020

This paper focuses on controlling traction for a four-wheel electric vehicle by using the longitudinal slip ratio control technique. By keeping the slip ratio value inside an optimal limit, it can be ensured that the maximum driving force is obtainable by increasing the friction force between tire and road. The usefulness of the sliding mode control method is to provide robust performance from the parameter uncertainties at different road conditions. A control law is formulated based upon the Lyapunov stability approach to assure the sliding action. To satisfy the robustness, a vehicle model is made in Matlab, and it is simulated based on various parameter values. The slip ratios at different parameter values are plotted for open loop and closed loop. Then considering the vehicle kinematics and dynamics, a 3D CAD model using Catia is developed. Then exporting the model to Adams to use it as a plant model for the vehicle, co-simulation has been achieved by keeping the slip-based traction controller in Matlab/Simulink. Matlab/Simulink and Adams/View simulation validate the proposed method.
Pens Down, Don’t Shoot: An Analysis of How Black Young Women Use Language to Fight Back
Authors: McArthur Sherell A. , Muhammad Gholnecsar E.
Published: January 2020

Media culture is exploitative and damaging. It reinforces both racist and sexist stereotypes, which places Black young women’s unique racialized gender in a position to be overidentified in derogatory ways. The bodies of Black young women, as an example, are labeled with social stigmas that make them identifiable to society at large as deficient. Furthermore, their lives have been devalued and dehumanized in the public eye as their stories are often left untold, falsely reported, or overlooked in the wider media landscape. Using qualitative interview methods, we examine the current state of Black girlhood and womanhood and the racism that pervades their lives in the United States. With this backdrop, we also investigate the ways in which Black young women have responded with their writings when we, as Black women researchers, created spaces for them to use language to fight back and resist assaults against their humanity. Specifically, we illustrate the historical literacy practice of (re)claiming print authority through writing and how Black young women used their pens as a means to claim authority of language in ways to assert their voices, ideals, and truths. We conclude with a discussion of how educators can advance print authority within learning spaces for identity meaning making and empowerment so that Black girls and young women have an expressed voice in our current social and political context.
Informal urbanism and the Internet of Things: Reliability, trust and the reconfiguration of infrastructure
Authors: Chambers Joseph , Evans James
Published: January 2020

Of the build out of humanity predicted up to the end of the century, a substantial portion will occur within informal urban settlements – areas characterised by poor access to infrastructure and services. There is a pressing need to better understand how and with what implications the growing proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, as a component of smart urbanism, are being applied to address the challenges of these areas. The following paper addresses this research gap, showing how IoT technology is reconfiguring trust within water and energy infrastructures in Nairobi. We apply work on informal urban infrastructures and smart urbanism to three case studies, producing novel insights into how IoT technologies reconfigure connections between users, providers and infrastructures. This reconfiguration of trust smooths chronic infrastructural uncertainties and generates reliability within informal settlements and, in doing so, leads to increased personal economies. We conclude by considering how these examples provide insights into the implications of IoT for everyday urbanisms in informal settlements and how these insights relate to global smart city debates more widely.
A Generalized Approach to Tourist Ethnocentrism (GATE): Analysis of the GenE Scale for Application in Tourism Research
Authors: Boukamba Hermann Kimo , Oi Tatsuo , Sano Kaede
Published: January 2020

The tourism phenomenon essentially entails a quest and encounter with the otherness, which are often articulated in the traveler’s involvement with worlds, values, and lives of those inhabiting other cultures. Tourists however, as ordinary people, are not immune to intergroup biases, which constitute important behavioral determinants. Drawing on seminal accounts from intercultural communication, marketing, and psychology, the authors propose a Generalized Approach to Tourist Ethnocentrism (GATE) which considers biased perceptions toward out-group members and their culture, while moving beyond the traditional scope of the home country’s economy. Additionally, the study explored and modeled the Generalized Ethnocentrism (GenE) scale for application in tourism research. A second data set (n=302) further confirmed the psychometric properties, along with the fit and robustness of the proposed model. The GenE is presented to tourism research as a Type II reflective first-order formative second-order construct, whose causal indicators include cultural bias and personal prejudice. Research implications are discussed.
Unintended Consequences of Nevada’s Ninety-Percent Prevailing Wage Rule
Authors: Duncan Kevin , Waddoups Jeffrey
Published: January 2020

In 2015, the State of Nevada reduced prevailing wage rates on education-related construction to 90 percent of the applicable rate for other state-funded construction. The examination of projects built for Clark County School District between 2009 and 2108 indicates that Nevada’s wage policy has no statistically significant effect on school construction costs or bid competition, taking into consideration bids placed before and after the 2015 policy change. However, prevailing wage reductions on education projects motivated union contractors to pursue other opportunities as Nevada’s building industry expanded after 2015. Reduced participation in district bidding by union contractors contributed to a 25-percent overall decrease in bid competition and a 20-percent increase in bid costs following the 2015 policy change. While the goal of the 90-percent prevailing wage rule was to reduce the cost of building public schools, unforeseen consequences contributed to decreased bid competition and increased construction costs.
Revisiting Intergenerational Contact and Relationship Quality in Later Life: Parental Characteristics Matter
Authors: Chai Hye Won , Zarit Steven H. , Fingerman Karen L.
Published: January 2020

Contact and relationship quality between adult children and aging parents are two widely used indicators of intergenerational solidarity and are often assumed to be positively correlated. However, the association between the two may depend on characteristics of the parent involved. Using Family Exchanges Study Wave 1, this study assessed whether parental difficulties—measured as functional limitations and life problems—and gender moderated the associations between middle-aged adults’ contact and relationship quality with their parents. We found that more frequent email or phone contact was associated with worse relationship quality for fathers who had functional limitations. For life problems, however, more contact was not related to relationship quality for fathers with life problems. The associations did not differ by mother’s difficulties. These results suggest that frequent contact between middle-aged adult children and aging parents does not uniformly reflect better relationship quality but rather depends on parents’ characteristics.
Normativity, volitional capacities, and rationality as a form of life
Authors: De Anna Gabriele
Published: January 2020

Contemporary neo-Aristotelianism attempts to ground normative constraints on action on the notion of human nature and this opens it to two main objections: Firstly, human nature seems to be too indeterminate to set constraints on action; secondly, it is unclear why knowledge of human nature should motivate agents. This essay considers the contribution that Wittgenstein’s notion of form of life can give in answering these challenges. It suggests that forms of life are not objects of analysis, but rather a new philosophical method, which allows us also to investigate human volitional capacities and their normative significance for practical rationality.
Combination of Parent–Child Closeness and Parent Disapproval of Teen Sex Predicts Lower Rates of Sexual Risk for Offspring
Authors: Grossman Jennifer M. , Black Anne C. , Richer Amanda M.
Published: January 2020

Effective parenting processes during offspring’s adolescence can reduce sexual risk behavior for those offspring in emerging adulthood. Few studies consider how mothers’ and fathers’ parenting processes cluster together and predict emerging adults’ risky sexual behavior. In this study, we used latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify patterns of teens’ perceptions of their residential mothers’ and fathers’ closeness, disapproval of teen sex, monitoring/presence at home, and communication. Using data from waves one and three of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), we identified four parenting classes: high disapproval/high closeness (54%), high disapproval/low closeness (7%), low disapproval/high closeness (15%), and moderate disapproval/high closeness (24%). Emerging adults within the high disapproval/high closeness class had lower rates of sexual risk behavior than other classes. These findings show benefits of authoritative parenting styles and suggest parenting processes should be considered in combination, rather than as independent predictors of risk outcomes.
Exploring Factors Associated with Physical Activity in Latino Immigrants
Authors: Mikell Martin , Snethen Julia , Kelber Sheryl T.
Published: January 2020

Latinos are at increased risk for developing chronic conditions. Regular physical activity (PA) assists in protecting adults from developing type 2 diabetes, excess weight, and heart disease, making PA important for health promotion. This cross-sectional, descriptive investigation was conducted with adults 18 years of age and older in a predominately Latino community. Perceptions of factors which influenced PA were examined. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were performed. Immigrant Latino males engaged in PA significantly more often than female participants. In Latino participants, those who engaged in walking activities were more likely to engage in both vigorous ( r = .341, p<.005) and moderate PA ( r = .317, p <.001). Self-efficacy and acculturation were significant predictors of PA. Acculturation was associated with physical activity, even after adjusting for perceived stress. Findings highlight the continued importance of self-efficacy to foster health promotion in Latino communities.
The Impact of Hospital Quality on Thyroid Cancer Survival
Authors: Megwalu Uchechukwu C. , Ma Yifei , Hernandez‐Boussard Tina , Divi Vasu , Gomez Scarlett Lin
Published: January 2020

Objective

To develop a composite measure of thyroid cancer–specific hospital quality and to evaluate the association between hospital quality and survival in patients with well‐differentiated thyroid cancer.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Population‐based cancer database.

Subjects and Methods

Data were extracted from the California Cancer Registry data set linked with discharge records and hospital characteristics from the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development. The study cohort comprised adult patients with well‐differentiated thyroid cancer diagnosed between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2015. Principal component analysis, incorporating hospital volume, adherence to national guidelines, and accreditation/certification status, was used to generate a composite thyroid cancer–specific hospital quality score.

Results

Treatment in hospitals ranked in the highest quartile of quality was associated with improved overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio [HR], 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.67‐0.98) and disease‐specific survival (DSS) (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.54‐0.98). Treatment in hospitals meeting the combined metric of 10 or more thyroid cancer cases/year and 80% of patients with high‐risk tumors treated with total/near‐total thyroidectomy was associated with improved OS (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.70‐0.90) and DSS (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.64‐0.94).

Conclusion

Treatment in high‐quality hospitals is associated with improved survival outcomes in patients with thyroid cancer. These findings are important because they help identify hospitals that are better suited to treat patients with thyroid cancer and provide actionable targets for quality improvement.
Otitis Media Middle Ear Effusion Identification and Characterization Using an Optical Coherence Tomography Otoscope
Authors: Preciado Diego , Nolan Ryan M. , Joshi Radhika , Krakovsky Gina M. , Zhang Anqi , Pudik Nickolas A. , Kumar Nankee K. , Shelton Ryan L. , Boppart Stephen A. , Bauman Nancy M.
Published: January 2020

Objective

To determine the feasibility of detecting and differentiating middle ear effusions (MEEs) using an optical coherence tomography (OCT) otoscope.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

US tertiary care children’s hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Seventy pediatric patients undergoing tympanostomy tube placement were preoperatively imaged using an OCT otoscope. A blinded reader quiz was conducted using 24 readers from 4 groups of tiered medical expertise. The primary outcome assessed was reader ability to detect presence/absence of MEE. A secondary outcome assessed was reader ability to differentiate serous vs nonserous MEE.

Results

OCT image data sets were analyzed from 45 of 70 total subjects. Blinded reader analysis of an OCT data subset for detection of MEE resulted in 90.6% accuracy, 90.9% sensitivity, 90.2% specificity, and intra/interreader agreement of 92.9% and 87.1%, respectively. Differentiating MEE type, reader identification of nonserous MEE had 70.8% accuracy, 53.6% sensitivity, 80.1% specificity, and intra/interreader agreement of 82.9% and 75.1%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that age was the strongest predictor of OCT quality. The mean age of subjects with quality OCT was 5.01 years (n = 45), compared to 2.54 years (n = 25) in the remaining subjects imaged (P =. 0028). The ability to capture quality images improved over time, from 50% to 69.4% over the study period.

Conclusion

OCT otoscopy shows promise for facilitating accurate MEE detection. The imageability with the prototype device was affected by age, with older children being easier to image, similar to current ear diagnostic technologies.
Leveraging Existing Tools in Electronic Health Record Systems to Automate Clinical Registry Compilation
Authors: Williams Alisha , Goedicke William , Tissera Kristin A. , Mankarious Leila A.
Published: January 2020

Clinical registries have proven beneficial by providing a resource to address research questions, monitor care, and identify suitable subjects for clinical studies. Despite a well‐organized registry, population is often low because of the human capital required. The increasing prevalence of electronic medical health records provides the opportunity to integrate registry compilation into routine patient encounters. Here we describe how one tool existing within the Epic Medical Record software suite, Smart Phrases, can be adapted to automate population of a hearing loss patient registry. The usage rate of Smart Phrases was high and resulted in a significant reduction in the time burden associated with registry population. Use of Smart Phrases could become an important factor in the design of future registries that allow broad uptake and convenient data input.
Selective lower body perfusion during aortic arch surgery in neonates and small children
Authors: Boburg Rodrigo Sandoval , Rosenberger Peter , Kling Steffen , Jost Walter , Schlensak Christian , Magunia Harry
Published: January 2020

Introduction:

Aortic arch reconstruction surgery represents a challenge for the medical personnel involved in treatment. Along the years, the perfusion strategies for aortic arch reconstruction have evolved from deep hypothermic cardiac arrest to antegrade cerebral perfusion with moderate hypothermia, and recently to a combined cerebral and lower body perfusion with moderate hypothermia. To achieve a lower body perfusion, several cannulation strategies have been described. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of utilizing an arterial sheath introduced in the femoral artery to achieve an effective lower body perfusion.

Methods:

We included patients who underwent an aortic arch reconstruction surgery with a lower body perfusion, from January 2017 to June 2019. To achieve a lower body perfusion, a three-way stopcock was connected to the arterial line, where one end was connected to the central cannulation for cerebral perfusion and the other to an arterial sheath that was introduced through the femoral artery. A total of 25 patients were included. Peri- and postoperative lactate and creatinine levels and signs of malperfusion were recorded.

Results:

During the reperfusion phase, after selective perfusion ended none of the patients showed a significant increase in lactate, creatinine, and liver enzyme levels. After 24 hours, there were no signs of an acute kidney injury, femoral vessel injury, or limb malperfusion.

Conclusion:

These findings show that a sufficient lower body perfusion through an arterial sheath placed in the femoral artery for aortic arch reconstruction can be achieved. This approach caused no complications related to the arterial sheath during the early postoperative period and is an easy way to maintain perfusion of systemic organs.
Veno-arterial mechanical support as bridge to surgery in a patient with severe aortic regurgitation: a case report
Authors: Bianchi Paolo , Trimlett Richard , Jackson Tim , Bahrami Toufan , Lees Nicholas James
Published: January 2020

In this case report, we describe the successful application of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in a young patient with severe aortic regurgitation caused by a blocked mechanical valve. In this situation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation mechanical support was used as a bridge to the prompt replacement of the diseased valve. Aortic regurgitation is commonly recognized as a contraindication to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support because of the risk of ventricular distension, pulmonary oedema and further organ failure. However, in certain cases and with a rapid decision making, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation can be used as a bridge to treatment and recovery.