bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel pH-sensitive drug-loaded electrospun nanofibers based on regenerated keratin for local tumor chemotherapy
Authors: Zhang Jing , Li Jiashen , Xu Chengshu , Xi Zhihua , Ren Yan , Song Qingwen , Lu Shaofeng
Published: April 2020

The present work developed keratin-based pH-sensitive nanofibers and explored the kinetics of the controlled-release effect. Extracted from wool fibers, keratin was firstly synthesized with 5- fluorouracil (5-FU). Then 5-FU/keratin was blended with poly (L-Lactide) PLLA solution and electrospun altogether to fabricate a nanofibrous scaffold, for local tumor chemotherapy. 5-FU/keratin/PLLA nanofibrous scaffolds were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to confirm that 5-FU was loaded within the nanofibers successfully. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscope images indicated the smooth and uniform structure of the nanofibers. Thermo-gravimetric analysis differential scanning calorimeter and X-ray diffraction techniques indicated 5-FU particles distributed in nanofibers at a molecular level. Compared with 5-FU from pure drug and 5-FU/PLLA nanofibers without keratin, the dissolution results indicated that 5- FU/keratin/PLLA nanofibers had a pH-stimuli responsive character in the acidic environment. HCT-116 tumor cell line was applied to investigate the antitumor effect of the composite nanofibers. The MTS assay indicated that adding keratin into the system increased the inhabitation of tumor cells after 120 hours observation. Zeta potential analysis was introduced to analyze the interaction effect between 5-FU and keratin. The in vitro drug release kinetics analysis indicated that due to the electrostatic interaction between keratin and 5-FU molecules, the composite nanofibers can extend the release period of 5-FU in the acidic environment which suggested a longer effective inhibition in local tumor chemotherapy.
Applying and Assessing Large-N QCA: Causality and Robustness From a Critical Realist Perspective
Authors: Rutten Roel
Published: April 2020

Applying qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) to large Ns relaxes researchers’ case-based knowledge. This is problematic because causality in QCA is inferred from a dialogue between empirical, theoretical, and case-based knowledge. The lack of case-based knowledge may be remedied by various robustness tests. However, being a case-based method, QCA is designed to be sensitive to such tests, meaning that also large- N QCA robustness tests must be evaluated against substantive knowledge. This article connects QCA’s substantive-interpretation approach of causality to critical realism. From that perspective, it identifies relevant robustness tests and applies them to a real-data large- N QCA study. Robustness test findings are visualized in a robustness table, and this article develops criteria to substantively interpret them. The robustness table is introduced as a tool to substantiate the validity of causal claims in large- N QCA studies.
Control of a class of fractional-order systems with mismatched disturbances via fractional-order sliding mode controller
Authors: Pashaei Shabnam , Badamchizadeh Mohammad Ali
Published: April 2020

This paper presents a new fractional-order sliding mode controller (FOSMC) for disturbance rejection and stabilization of a class of fractional-order systems with mismatched disturbances. To design this control strategy, firstly, a fractional-order extended disturbance observer (FOEDO) is proposed to estimate the matched and mismatched disturbances and their derivatives. Then, according to the design procedure of the sliding mode controller and based on the designed FOEDO, a proper sliding mode surface is proposed. Subsequently, the proposed FOSMC is designed to guarantee that the system states reach the sliding surface and stay on it forever. The stability of the controlled fractional-order systems is proved via fractional-order Lyapunov stability theory. The numerical examples are used to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed fractional-order controller. The simulation results of the proposed FOSMC are compared with the results of some other researchers’ works to show the superiority of the proposed control method. The new approach displays some attractive features such as fast response, the chattering reduction, robust stability, less disturbance estimation error, the mismatched disturbance, noise rejection, and better control performance.
Tracheobronchopathia Osteochondroplastica: Five Cases Report and Literature Review
Authors: Wang Weifang , Hu Hong , Liu Mei , Wang Jianxin
Published: April 2020

Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TO) is a rare disease. Here, we report 5 TO cases treated at our hospital. Bronchoscopy showed typical multiple firm and glossy nodules in all the 5 cases. Conservative treatment effectively alleviated the symptoms. Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica is a manageable disease. Awareness in clinicians is critical to avoid unnecessary treatment in patients with TO.
Nightly Hypoxia Does Not Seem to Lead to Otolith Dysfunction in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Birk Richard , Dietz Miriam , Sommer Jörg Ulrich , Stuck Boris A. , Hörmann Karl , Rotter Nicole , Maurer Joachim T. , Kramer Benedikt , Hülse Roland , Schell Angela
Published: April 2020

Objectives:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder, which is associated with recurrent oxygen desaturation during sleep. It has already been shown that nocturnal hypoxia may lead to cochlear dysfunction in patients with OSA. Less is known whether hypoxia during sleep also impacts vestibular function in those patients. Thus, the aim of the presented study was to assess a potential vestibulotoxic effect of nightly desaturations with hypoxia in patients with OSA by investigating a possible correlation between respiratory parameters and vestibular function tests.

Methods:

A total of 56 patients were included in the study and underwent a fully attended cardiorespiratory polysomnography (PSG). Vestibular function was assessed using video head impulse test to evaluate horizontal semicircular canal function and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs) and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (oVEMPs) to measure otolith function. Descriptive data analysis was conducted and correlation analysis between selected PSG parameters and the results of vestibular testing was performed using Kendall τ coefficient.

Results:

A significant correlation between vestibular function and respiratory polysomnographic parameters could not be demonstrated in the study ( P > .05) but cVEMP and oVEMP results showed a trend toward a correlation with oxygen desaturation indices and apnea–hypopnea index. Additionally, otolith hypofunction was more prevalent in patients with hypertension as well as OSA.

Conclusion:

The results of our study show that there is no significant correlation between vestibular function and sleep apnea parameters, although otolith dysfunction might be more prevalent in patients with OSA and hypertension.
Habermas and the critique of political economy
Authors: Dorahy J. F.
Published: April 2020

In recent years, a series of key social, political and economic events has placed the critique of capitalism very much on the theoretical agenda. Responding to these developments, many have begun to express the need for a rapprochement between social criticism and the critique of political economy. The present essay represents a contribution to the recovery of the project that was once synonymous with critical theory itself via a critical engagement with the early writings of Jürgen Habermas. Not only is Habermas’ explicit engagement with the critique of political economy among the most substantial to be found within the mainstream tradition of critical theory, his early social-theoretical insights into the emergent ‘primacy of the political’ in late capitalism can be taken as representative of a number of broader trends in late-20th-century thought which sought to go beyond the premises and categories of Marx’s economic works. Simply put, no reappraisal of the relationship between critical theory and the critique of political economy can succeed, I submit, without taking seriously Habermas’s path-breaking and wide-ranging innovations.
Women’s Participation in Bangladesh Politics, The Gender Wall and Quotas
Authors: Ara Fardaus , Northcote Jeremy
Published: April 2020

This article presents qualitative data from interviews conducted with female national parliamentarians and local government councillors in Bangladesh regarding barriers to women’s participation in electoral politics. The evidence suggests that a gender wall comprised of institutional, historical, socio-economic and cultural factors continues to prevent Bangladeshi women’s full participation in formal politics at both national and local levels. Since Bangladesh now operates a policy of affirmative action through reserved seats for female politicians, the question arises to what extent this can be seen as a useful longer-term strategy to counteract gender discrimination.
Demonetisation, Banking and Trust in ‘Bricks’ Or ‘Clicks’
Authors: Adil Masudul Hasan , Hatekar Neeraj R.
Published: April 2020

This article seeks to advance contextualised understanding of the extent to which a cashless economy in India can be a feasible developmental goal. Initially, impressed with critiques of the sudden ‘demonetisation’ on 8 November 2016, we conducted econometric research to test how banks (‘bricks’) could be brought closer to rural people. However, this traditional approach of envisaging more banks was rapidly overtaken by the massive uptake of digital payment methods (‘clicks’) in India since 2016. Partly driven by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), this has raised new concerns and research agenda focused on people’s trust in banking and new technologies, consumer skills and people’s basic rights vis-à-vis a state that, controversially, now seems to be seeking more control within a relentlessly changing postmodern scenario.
On Barthes' Biography: A Dialogue
Authors: Samoyault Tiphaine , Manghani Sunil
Published: April 2020

This article presents an interview with Tiphaine Samoyault, author of Roland Barthes, Biographie (2015). There is always a difficulty in approaching the biography of Roland Barthes, who famously gave us the thesis of the ‘death of the author’. Nonetheless, Samoyault’s lengthy study can be considered the closest thing to an ‘official’ biography. Unlike other biographers, she was given access to and granted permission to cite from a wide range of private papers and materials. This inside view has not stopped her from detailing some of the more sensitive sides of Barthes’ life and, importantly, she has been able to reassess aspects of his writings and relationship to other key thinkers of the time and the wider politics. As part of the interview, various extracts from the biography are woven into the dialogue, allowing those unfamiliar with it to gain more direct access to the book itself.
The emergence of awareness in uninstructed L2 learning: A visual world eye tracking study
Authors: Andringa Sible
Published: April 2020

The construct of awareness plays a pivotal role in several big debates in the field of second language acquisition. It lies at the heart of discussions about the (im)possibility of learning without awareness, or conversely, whether some degree of awareness is a requirement for learning to take place. In this study, I propose a research agenda to further the interface issue, which addresses how awareness, or knowledge of which you are aware, may impact on second language (L2) learning. I argue progress can be made by assessing the development of learning over time and establishing when awareness emerges, and by making a clear distinction between uninstructed and instructed learning. The present study was designed to investigate if awareness would autonomously emerge in uninstructed learning and whether this was contingent on prior implicit learning. Visual world eye tracking was used to monitor learners on the fly as they were exposed to a fully unknown miniature language with a determiner system marking for distance and animacy. Twenty-six out of 39 participants remained fully unaware of the determiner system and showed no signs of learning throughout the exposure. The remaining 13 participants, however, showed clear signs of changed eye movement behavior prior to and post awareness. Thus, in as far as learning was observed, it coincided with the emergence of awareness.
Composite active range of motion (CXA) and relationship with active function in upper and lower limb spastic paresis
Authors: Bayle Nicolas , Maisonobe Pascal , Raymond Romain , Balcaitiene Jovita , Gracies Jean-Michel
Published: April 2020

Objective:

The aim of this study is to evaluate a novel composite measure of active range of motion (XA) and determine whether this measure correlates with active function.

Design:

Post hoc analysis of two randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind studies with open-label extensions exploring changes in active function with abobotulinumtoxinA.

Setting:

Tertiary rehabilitation centers in Australia, Europe, and the United States.

Subjects:

Adults with upper ( n = 254) or lower ( n = 345) limb spastic paresis following stroke or brain trauma.

Interventions:

AbobotulinumtoxinA (⩽5 treatment cycles) in the upper or lower limb.

Main measures:

XA was used to calculate a novel composite measure (CXA), defined as the sum of XA against elbow, wrist, and extrinsic finger flexors (upper limb) or soleus and gastrocnemius muscles (lower limb). Active function was assessed by the Modified Frenchay Scale and 10-m comfortable barefoot walking speed in the upper limb and lower limb, respectively. Correlations between CXA and active function at Weeks 4 and 12 of open-label cycles were explored.

Results:

CXA and active function were moderately correlated in the upper limb ( P < 0.0001–0.0004, r = 0.476–0.636) and weakly correlated in the lower limb ( P < 0.0001–0.0284, r = 0.186–0.285) at Weeks 4 and 12 of each open-label cycle. Changes in CXA and active function were weakly correlated only in the upper limb (Cycle 2 Week 12, P = 0.0160, r = 0.213; Cycle 3 Week 4, P = 0.0031, r = 0.296). Across cycles, CXA improvements peaked at Week 4, while functional improvements peaked at Week 12.

Conclusion:

CXA is a valid measure for functional impairments in spastic paresis. CXA improvements following abobotulinumtoxinA injection correlated with and preceded active functional improvements.
Palliative care in the context of immune and targeted therapies: A qualitative study of bereaved carers’ experiences in metastatic melanoma
Authors: Fox Jennifer A , Rosenberg John , Ekberg Stuart , Langbecker Danette
Published: April 2020

Background:

Immune and targeted therapies continue to transform treatment outcomes for those with metastatic melanoma. However, the role of palliative care within this treatment paradigm is not well understood.

Aim:

To explore bereaved carers’ experiences of immune and targeted therapy treatment options towards end of life for patients with metastatic melanoma.

Design:

An interpretive, qualitative study using a social constructivist framework was utilised. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using grounded theory methods.

Setting/participants:

Participants ( n = 20) were bereaved carers of patients who had received some form of immune and/or targeted therapy at one of three Australian metropolitan melanoma treatment centres.

Results:

Carers struggled to reconcile the positive discourse around the success of immune and targeted therapies in achieving long-term disease control, and the underlying uncertainty in predicting individual responses to therapy. Expectations that immune and targeted therapies necessarily provide longer-term survival were evident. Difficulty in prognostication due to clinical uncertainty and a desire to maintain hope resulted in lack of preparedness for treatment failure and end of life.

Conclusion:

Immune and targeted therapies have resulted in increased prognostic challenges. There is a need to engage, educate and support patients and carers to prepare and plan amid these challenges. Educational initiatives must focus on improving communication between patients, carers and clinicians; the differences between palliative and end-of-life care; and increased competency of clinicians in having goals-of-care discussions. Clinicians must recognise and communicate the benefit of collaborative palliative care to meet patient and family needs holistically and comprehensively.
Cocaine-induced changes in behaviour and DNA methylation in rats are influenced by inter-individual differences in spontaneous exploratory activity
Authors: Vaher Kadi , Anier Kaili , Jürgenson Monika , Harro Jaanus , Kalda Anti
Published: April 2020

Background:

Individual differences in behavioural traits influence susceptibility to addictive disorders. Drug addiction involves changes in gene expression, proposed to occur via DNA methylation (DNAm).

Aims:

To investigate DNAm changes in reward-related brain structures (nucleus accumbens (NAc), lateral habenula (LHb)) in response to cocaine exposure in rats differing in spontaneous exploratory activity.

Methods:

Rats were observed in the exploration box and categorised as high- (HE) or low explorers (LE). Rats were administered vehicle or cocaine (12 mg/kg, i.p.) for 7 days, followed by a 14-day withdrawal period and cocaine challenge (7 mg/kg); horizontal locomotor activity was recorded. Brain tissue was dissected after 24 h; we analysed messenger RNA (mRNA) and activity levels of epigenetic DNA modifiers (DNMTs and TETs) as well as mRNA and promoter methylation levels at selected genes previously linked to addictive behaviours.

Results:

The cocaine challenge dose stimulated locomotor activity in both LE- and HE rats only when administered after a repeated cocaine schedule, suggesting development of behavioural sensitisation. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses demonstrated higher basal expression of Dnmt3a, Tet2 and Tet3 in the LHb of HE- vs. LE rats, and we observed differential effects of cocaine exposure on the expression and activity of epigenetic DNA modifiers in the NAc and LHb of HE- and LE rats. Furthermore, cocaine exposure differentially altered promoter methylation levels of A2AR, Ppp1cc, and Taar7b in the NAc and LHb of HE- and LE rats.

Conclusions:

DNAm might play a role in the HE- and LE phenotypes as well as mediate behavioural effects of LE- and HE rats in response to drugs of abuse.
Decreased serum exosomal miR-320a expression is an unfavorable prognostic factor in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Hao Xinjie , Xin Ruopei , Dong Wenjing
Published: April 2020

Objective

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have promising potential as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to analyze the clinical significance of serum exosomal miR-320a expression in patients with HCC.

Methods

A total of 104 patients with HCC, 55 patients with chronic liver disease (CLD), and 50 healthy volunteers were enrolled. Serum exosomal miR-320a levels were measured by quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and compared among the groups. The relationships between exosomal miR-320a levels and clinicopathological factors in patients with HCC were also analyzed.

Results

Serum exosomal miR-320a levels were significantly lower in patients with HCC compared with patients with CLD and healthy controls. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis showed that serum exosomal miR-320a had good diagnostic value for distinguishing between HCC subjects and normal controls. Serum exosomal miR-320a levels were significantly elevated 1 month after surgery in patients with HCC. Moreover, serum exosomal miR-320a downregulation was strongly associated with positive lymph node metastasis, positive vein invasion, advanced TNM stage, and shorter survival. Serum exosomal miR-320a was confirmed as an independent prognostic marker for HCC.

Conclusions

Collectively, these results indicate that serum exosomal miR-320a might be a potential biomarker for the detection and prognosis of HCC.
Association between proteinuria and maternal and neonatal outcomes in pre-eclampsia pregnancy: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Xu Xiangxiang , Wang Yun , Xu Hui , Kang Yan , Zhu Qin
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the association between proteinuria and maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients beyond 20 weeks of gestation diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, who were admitted to Suzhou Municipal Hospital between December 2013 and December 2015. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from clinical records, including age, body mass index, newborn weight and Apgar score. Pre-eclampsia risk factors and perinatal outcomes were analysed.

Results

A total of 407 patients were enrolled, of whom, 402 with pre-eclampsia were included in the final analyses, divided into two groups: patients with proteinuria ( n = 364 [90.55%]) and patients without proteinuria ( n = 38 [9.45%]). Newborn 5-min Apgar scores were statistically lower in the proteinuria group versus the group without proteinuria (9.77 versus 9.95). Compared with patients without proteinuria, patients with proteinuria had a significantly higher rate of births before 37 weeks of gestation (50.80% versus 31.60%), but the incidence of preterm membrane rupture was significantly lower (3.8% versus 13.2%).

Conclusion

Proteinuria may be associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in cases of pre-eclampsia.
Hypochloremia is associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality in patients in the coronary care unit: A cohort study
Authors: Li Zongying , Xing Cheng , Li Tingting , Du Linxiang , Wang Na
Published: April 2020

Objective

Serum chloride disorders have been gaining increased attention. We aimed to assess the impact of serum chloride on all-cause mortality in critically ill patients in coronary care units (CCUs).

Methods

We extracted clinical data from the Multiparameter Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care III database. We used data for the first CCU admission of each patient; baseline data were extracted within 24 hours after CCU admission. Statistical methods included the Lowess smoothing technique, Cox proportional hazards model, and subgroup analyses.

Results

A total 5616 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included. We observed a U-shaped relationship between admission chloride levels and 30-day all-cause mortality. In multivariate analysis adjusted for age, ethnicity, and sex, both hyper- and hypochloremia were significant predictors of risk of 30-day, 90-day, and 365-day all-cause mortality. After adjusting additional clinical characteristics, hypochloremia remained a significant predictor of risk of 30-day all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 1.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.19–1.83). For 90-day and 365-day all-cause mortality, similar significant robust associations were found.

Conclusions

We observed a U-shaped relationship between admission chloride levels and 30-day all-cause mortality among patients in the CCU. Hypochloremia was associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality in these patients.
Recent progress on the role and molecular mechanism of chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor II in cancer
Authors: Yun Seong-Hoon , Park Joo-In
Published: April 2020

Chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor II (COUP-TFII) is an orphan receptor that regulates the expression of genes involved in development and homeostasis. COUP-TFII is also dysregulated in cancer, where it plays important roles in oncogenesis and malignant progression. Recent studies have also investigated altered microRNA-mediated regulation of COUP-TFII in cancer. Although many investigators have studied the expression and clinical significance of COUP-TFII in several cancer types, there remain many controversies regarding its role in these diseases. In this review, we will describe the functions and underlying molecular mechanisms of COUP-TFII in several cancers, especially colorectal, gastric, breast, and prostate cancer; additionally, we will briefly summarize what is known about microRNA-mediated regulation of COUP-TFII.
Upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9)/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1) and MMP2/TIMP2 ratios may be involved in lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury
Authors: Chen Guobing , Ge Dandan , Zhu Bizhen , Shi Huixuan , Ma Qilin
Published: April 2020

Objective

This study aimed to examine the changes and significance of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), MMP2, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1), and TIMP2 in rats with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI).

Methods

Wistar rats were randomly divided into a control group (injected with saline) and an ALI group (injected with LPS), then subdivided into four time points (2, 6, 12, and 24 hours). Serum tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6 levels were detected by ELISA to investigate the inflammatory reaction after LPS injection. The degree of ALI was determined by hematoxylin–eosin staining of lung tissue, the lung wet/dry weight ratio, and pulmonary permeability index. Changes in lung MMP and TIMP protein and mRNA levels were detected by western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Changes in the ratios of MMP9/TIMP1 and MMP2/TIMP2 were consistent with and strongly positively associated with the lung wet/dry weight ratio, the pulmonary permeability index, and serum tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6 levels in the ALI group.

Conclusion

ALI induced by LPS may be related to upregulation of MMP9/TIMP1 and MMP2/TIMP2 ratios.
Radiologic predictor of intraoperative lateral wall fractures in treatment of pertrochanteric fractures with cephalomedullary nailing
Authors: Dai Jun-qi , Jin Dongxu , Zhang Changqing , Huang Yi-Gang
Published: April 2020

Objective

This study was performed to investigate the reliability of the height of pertrochanteric fractures as a predictor of lateral wall fractures after cephalomedullary nailing and provide a simple way to determine the threshold value.

Methods

We performed a prospective randomized clinical study of 50 consecutive patients who underwent measurement of the height of the pertrochanteric fracture and the tangent line to the superior margin of the contralateral femoral neck. The preoperative and postoperative integrity of the lateral wall was evaluated by computed tomography.

Results

The pertrochanteric fracture height was significantly lower in patients with than without intraoperative lateral wall fractures (15.6 vs. 28.5 mm, respectively). The threshold value of the fracture height was 20.445 mm, which was not significantly different from the mean height of the tangent line of the superior margin of the contralateral femoral neck (19.4 mm).

Conclusions

Pertrochanteric fractures with the proximal starting point lower than the mirror position of the tangent line to the superior margin of the contralateral femoral neck have a higher risk of intraoperative lateral wall fractures during cephalomedullary nailing.
Electronic cigarette use among Italian smokers: patterns, settings, and adverse events
Authors: Gallus Silvano , Borroni Elisa , Liu Xiaoqiu , Carrozzi Laura , Dalla Pietra Gianfranco , Eslami Varzaneh Shokoofe , Harari Sergio , Inciso Giovanni , Martucci Paola , Papale Maria , Pistelli Francesco , Polla Biagio , Polo Maria Francesca , Principe Rosastella , Pulerà Nolita , Raschi Stefania , Sarzani Riccardo , Serafini Antonella , Odone Anna , van den Brandt Piet , Lugo Alessandra
Published: April 2020

Objective:

Information is scanty on the patterns and settings of electronic cigarette use and on its possible adverse events. To fill the knowledge gap on these issues, we conducted a survey among ever-smokers attending smoking cessation services (SCS) in Italy.

Methods:

In 2016–2018, we enrolled 395 ever-smokers aged ⩾18 years who were current or former electronic cigarette users in 12 SCS from northern, central, and southern Italy.

Results:

In all, 12.4% of ever smokers were regular, 9.4% occasional, and 78.2% past users of electronic cigarettes. Of all users, 93.8% consumed electronic cigarettes with nicotine, 95.9% used refillable devices, and 76.6% purchased electronic cigarette devices or liquids in vape shops. The mean duration of use was 3.7 months and the mean number of puffs per day was 86. Among users, 71.5% used electronic cigarettes in at least 1 smoke-free indoor environment, 53.7% in workplaces, 49.5% in restaurants and bars, 33.5% in train/metro stations or airports, and 18.4% in public transports. The use of electronic cigarettes in smoke-free environments significantly decreased with age and increased with duration of use and nicotine dependence. In our sample, 47.1% reported at least 1 adverse event attributable to electronic cigarette use: 19.5% dry cough, 12.0% dry mouth, 7.6% throat or mouth irritation, and 6.8% sore throat.

Conclusion:

In Italy, most conventional cigarette smokers use electronic cigarettes where smoking conventional cigarettes is prohibited. About half of users reported 1 or more symptoms attributable to electronic cigarettes, despite the relatively short duration of use.
Fighting coronavirus at home: Visualizing “slammers” for the extended Spring Festival break in China
Authors: Zhou Jiangping , Yang Yuling
Published: April 2020

The beginning of 2020 has seen coronavirus spreading to many countries and regions. To contain the virus, China adopted, arguably, the most stringent quarantine countermeasures in the country’s history concerning restricting people flows, limiting outdoor activities, and extending the Spring Festival break. On the one hand, thousands of doctors and nurses directly fought and are still fighting coronavirus in various medical facilities; on the other hand, millions and even billions of residents and tourists self-quarantined and are still self-quarantining themselves in their homes (or temporary homes), fighting the virus in another manner. Across cities and regions, which have the highest percentage of “fighters” at home? To answer this, we downloaded and processed the publicly available Baidu Qianxi (migration) data for 11 consecutive days in 2019 and 2020. Then we geovisualized the answer. The visual indicates that several cities in Hubei, as expected, had the highest percentage, followed by several cities in Zhejiang Province and several cities in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Hainan Province. In terms of percentage ranking across regions, East China is no.1.
External Debt and Economic Growth Nexus: Empirical Evidence From Nigeria
Authors: Ohiomu Sylvester
Published: April 2020

This study models external debt and economic growth nexus for policy analysis on public finance and public debt management. The work uses the methodology of group unit root test, auto-regressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds testing, and co-integrating long-run tests for robust policy recommendations. The results showed that the debt overhang variable (D_Y) and crowding-out effect variable (DS_X) depress the level of investment. This adversely affects economic growth in Nigeria. The study recommends that Nigeria should embark on strict debt management policy, pursue effective debt reduction strategies, and improve investment drives for economic expansion and sustainable development.

JEL Classification: C22, C51, E27, H63, H81
Réforme du système public de santé du Nouveau-Brunswick : les mœurs au lieu des structures
Authors: Collin Stéphanie , Robichaud Stéphane
Published: April 2020

La plus récente réforme du système public de santé du Nouveau-Brunswick (NB) a été lancée en 2008. Les deux principaux objectifs explicites de cette réforme étaient de rendre le système de soins de santé plus efficace et efficient. Plus de dix ans après l’implantation de ce changement d’envergure, peu d’amélioration est notée au niveau de la performance du système public de santé. Les résultats produits dans le cadre d’une recherche qualitative nous permettent de mettre en lumière des raisons pour lesquelles le système de santé ne s’est pas véritablement transformé. De notre analyse découlent certaines recommandations que nous désirons partager aux décideurs publics qui participeront à l’élaboration d’une prochaine réforme. Elles ont surtout trait à la gouvernance, aux cibles à atteindre et à l’engagement des citoyens.
School Bullying Among Vocational School Students in China: Prevalence and Associations With Personal, Relational, and School Factors
Authors: Xu Shuqing , Ren Jun , Li Fenfen , Wang Lei , Wang Shumei
Published: April 2020

This study poses the following research questions: What is the prevalence of bullying in vocational schools in China? What are the differences between different genders and professions? How should individuals, families, and schools do to affect school bullying? What can we do to improve and to respond school bullying, to reduce its occurrence and consequences? This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 with 95,873 students from 85 vocational schools. The main outcome indicators were self-reported involvement in bullying (perpetrator, victim, perpetrator-victim, or uninvolved). Multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted, with personal characteristics, relational characteristics, and school climate as predictors. A total of 30.4% of participants reported being bullied, 2.9% reported bullying others, and 21.7% reported being bullied and bullying others. Majors related to primary and secondary industries are more likely to involvement in bullying than majors related to tertiary industries. Boys were more involved in physical or verbal bullying, whereas girls were more involved in relational bullying and cyberbullying. Sex, history of fighting, and emotional/mental state were the strongest individual factors associated with bullying. Having friends was inversely associated with bullying involvement; moreover, a positive relationship with parents and a good parenting style (warmth, democracy, and mutual concern) protected students from bullying others as well as being bullied. School bullying programs, happiness at school, and insecurity at school were strong negative predictors of bullying. Bullying is prevalent among vocational school students in China. An appropriate response to school bullying requires strengthening student capacity to correctly understand and deal with bullying, identifying victims and vulnerable groups, developing school-based interventions, involving parents in prevention programs, and enhancing students’ sense of responsibility in supervision, reporting, and creating a friendly environment.
A dramatic existence: Undergraduate preparations for a creative life in the performance industries
Authors: Higdon Rachel Delta , Chapman Kate
Published: April 2020

This article focuses specifically on drama and theatre higher education (HE) programmes and preparation for potential graduate work. The article investigates working in the creative industries and in the performing arts (particularly within acting) and how HE students in the United Kingdom prepare for this life. The growth of the creative industries and successful applied drama in the public and private sectors has also brought business interest in how drama and theatre processes can benefit other workplaces, outside of the creative arts. The article addresses current policy, initiatives and partnerships to broaden inclusion and access to creative work. The research explores drama undergraduate degrees and the university’s role in supporting a successful transition from HE to graduate work. Students perceive the university world as safe and the graduate world as precarious and unsafe. The research findings have resonance with other undergraduate degrees, outside of the arts and the role the university plays in student transitions from the university to the graduate environment.
Accurate control of residual stress distribution along the complex surface depth at the root of gears
Authors: Wang Zhen , Chen Long , Liu Zhongming , Cheng Junwei
Published: April 2020

This study aims to solve the accurate control of residual stress distribution along the depth of complex special-shaped surfaces for providing theoretical basis and experimental support for the research of anti-fatigue manufacturing of key components. Considering the complex profile curve of gear root, a scheme is proposed to predefine the complex curve of tooth root using three types of simple curves, namely, single-segment arc, arc-line combination and multisegment arc by analyzing the characteristics of tooth root shape and curve equation on the basis of meshing theory and gear tooth formation. The corresponding relationship between polishing time and depth under different schemes is calculated on the basis of the principle of electrochemistry and Faraday’s law and compared with the experimental data. On the basis of the complex profile curve of 20CrMnMo standard gear root, the relationship between polishing time and depth calculated using the three schemes is basically similar, and the curve equation is a parabola passing through the origin. The polishing time–depth relationship calculated by the predefined tooth root curve with three tangent arcs has the best agreement with the experimental data compared with the single-segment arc and arc-line combination when the layer-stripping depth is less than 400 µm. The fitting of the experimental data of tooth root polishing shows that a good parabola relationship is found between time and depth. The relationship between the polishing time and depth of tooth root can be calculated by using a simple curve to predefine a complex contour curve. Polishing depth is controlled by accurately controlling polishing time to realise accurate control of the distribution state of tooth root residual stress along the depth. The findings of this study provide theoretical basis and experimental support for future studies on the fatigue performance of key components.
A new robust quaternion-based initial alignment algorithm for stationary strapdown inertial navigation systems
Authors: Ghanbarpourasl Habib
Published: April 2020

A new robust quaternion Kalman filter is developed for accurate alignment of stationary strapdown inertial navigation system. Most fine alignment algorithms have tried to estimate the biases of gyroscopes and accelerometers to reduce the errors of the alignment process. In stationary platforms, due to fixed inputs for sensors, the summation of various errors such as fixed bias, misalignment, scale factor, and nonlinear errors acts like one bias error, and then the identification of each error will be impossible. The observability of gyros and accelerometers’ biases has also been studied. But, nowadays, we know that all of these unknown parameters are not observable. Then this problem can increase the complication of the alignment algorithm. The accelerometers’ errors mainly affect the errors of the roll and pitch angles, but a big portion of the heading’s error results from the gyroscopes’ errors. Modeling of all errors as additional states without considering the observability parameters has no benefits, but will increase the filter’s dimension, so the filter’s performance will decrease. In this study, due to the observability problem, a new robust multiplicative quaternion Kalman filter is designed for the alignment of a stationary platform. The presented algorithm does not estimate the sensors’ errors, but it is robust to uncertainty in the sensors’ errors. In the proposed scheme, the bounds of parameters’ errors are introduced to filter, and the filter tries to remain robust with respect to these uncertainties. The method uses the benefits of quaternions in attitude modeling, and then the robust filter is adapted to work with quaternions. The ability of the new algorithm is evaluated with MATLAB simulations. The outcomes show that the presented algorithm is more accurate than other traditional methods. The extended Kalman filter with accelerometers’ outputs and the horizontal velocities as the measurement equations and additive quaternion Kalman filter are used for comparisons.
First attempt to determine the critical inlet pressure for aircraft pumps with a numerical approach that considers vapor cavitation and air aeration
Authors: Dong Hongkang , Wang Yan , Chen Jinhua
Published: April 2020

Critical inlet pressure (CIP) is a key parameter for ensuring the long life and steady operation of aircraft piston pumps. In the past, this parameter was determined through experimental methods that had drawbacks such as a long duration and narrow application range. To identify an alternate approach that can be substituted for the traditional approach, a numerical model for determining the CIP that considers the dynamic effects of the transient period is proposed in this paper. First, a dynamic model of the pressure-controlled piston pump was established in the form of differential equations based on the lumped parameter method. Next, the fluid model for vapor cavitation and air aeration was derived using homogeneous mixture theory with consideration of the effects of compressibility of both liquid and gaseous phases. Simulation investigation highlighted how the shaft speed, inlet pressure, and transient time influence the fluid properties inside the piston chamber, and a method for determining the CIP both for steady and transient conditions is presented. Finally, tests were conducted on an aircraft piston pump in open-circuit applications for verifying the applicability of the proposed numerical model.
Study on the industrial structure optimization under constraint of energy intensity
Authors: Pan Xiongfeng , Li Mengna , Pu Chenxi , Xu Haitao
Published: April 2020

This study establishes a multi-sector dynamic computable general equilibrium framework that integrates energy intensity module to explore the reverse feedback effect of energy intensity control on industry structure. The results indicate that (1) the tightening effect of energy intensity constrains on the Industrial sector is most significant, followed by the Tertiary Industry, with the least impact on Agriculture; (2) when there is no technological progress in the departments, the change of industrial structure is mainly reflected in the sharp decline in the proportion of Industry and the significant increase in the proportion of Tertiary Industry. When technological progress exists in high energy-consumption departments, the tightening effect of energy intensity constraints on the industrial sector will be reduced; when there is technological progress in all departments, the industrial structure will have a smaller change, and the technology progress can alleviate the tightening effect of the energy intensity target on various sectors; (3) under the constraint of energy intensity, the high energy-consuming industry shifts to the Equipment Manufacturing with low energy-consumption and high-added value. The increasing proportion of Tertiary Industry mainly comes from two industries including Wholesale, Retail, Hoteling and Catering, and Transportation, Storage, and Post.
An examination of rockshelter palynology: Carpenter’s Gap 1, northwestern Australia
Authors: Rowe Cassandra , O’Connor Sue , Balme Jane
Published: April 2020

Carpenter’s Gap 1 is a large rockshelter located within the Kimberley region of northwestern Australia. The site provides valuable archives of late Quaternary palaeoecological information within an area known for a lack of deposits preserving long-term continuous botanical records. Previous studies of the macrobotanic, phytolith and wood charcoal records from Carpenter’s Gap 1 are in general agreement about changes in broad vegetation patterns over time but differ in the time scales used, in the representation of some species, and in the interpretation of changes – particularly on the degree to which the variations in the record represent cultural activities. An examination of palynology (the transport, deposition and preservation of pollen within the rockshelter environment) provides more detail to the vegetation patterns identified in these previous studies. In addition, because the pollen most likely reflects the vegetation of the site’s surrounds over time rather than plants introduced into the shelter by people, interpretation can be more confidently linked to environmental change, and by inference climatic conditions. The pollen data reveal pre-glacial mixed wooded vegetation. From the beginning of the Holocene, tree loss occurred in a transition from monsoonal forest to thicket and eucalypt forest to woodland. Vegetation transition around the mid Holocene suggests a shift in climate, becoming drier and more variable towards and into the late Holocene. The role of fire in the establishment of vegetation communities remains under investigation.
Quantum technology hype and national security
Authors: Smith Frank L
Published: April 2020

Technology hype is an important concept in business, marketing, and science and technology studies, but it is rarely related to security studies. What is technology hype? How does it relate to national security? And to what effect? This article examines rational and performative perspectives on technology hype as either a kind of exaggeration or expectant discourse. Adopting the latter view, I compare and contrast hype cycles with threat inflation and securitization theory. I then sketch my own theoretical propositions about technology hype as being common in national security, with variable degrees of acceptance, familiar content, and significant consequences. A case study on quantum technologies provides proof of concept. I find ample evidence of hype over quantum computers, communications, and sensors; audience acceptance in the national security community varies with familiarity; and consequential decisions appear to follow. While cyclical expectations suggest the need for caution when citing quantum technologies in support of quantum approaches to international relations, a middle-range theory about technology hype provides useful insight into security practice.
Comparison of methods for the isolation of cell-free DNA from cell culture supernatant
Authors: Bronkhorst Abel Jacobus , Ungerer Vida , Holdenrieder Stefan
Published: April 2020

In vitro characterization of cell-free DNA using two-dimensional cell culture models is emerging as an important step toward an improved understanding of the physical and biological characteristics of cell-free DNA in human biology. However, precise measurement of the cell-free DNA in cell culture medium is highly dependent on the efficacy of the method used for DNA purification, and is often a juncture of experimental confusion. Therefore, in this study, we compared six commercially available cell-free DNA isolation kits for the recovery of cell-free DNA from the cell culture supernatant of a human bone cancer cell line (143B), including two magnetic bead-based manual kits, one automated magnetic bead-based extraction method, and three manual spin-column kits. Based on cell-free DNA quantitation and sizing, using the Qubit dsDNA HS assay and Bioanalyzer HS DNA assay, respectively, the different methods showed significant variability concerning recovery, reproducibility, and size discrimination. These findings highlight the importance of selecting a cell-free DNA extraction method that is appropriate for the aims of a study. For example, mutational analysis of cell-free DNA may be enhanced by a method that favors a high yield or is biased toward the isolation of short cell-free DNA fragments. In contrast, quantitative analysis of cell-free DNA in a comparative setting (e.g. measuring the fluctuation of cell-free DNA levels over time) may require the selection of a cell-free DNA isolation method that forgoes a high recovery for high reproducibility and minimal size bias.