bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Torus-Breakdown Near a Heteroclinic Attractor: A Case Study
Authors: Castro Luísa , Rodrigues Alexandre
Published: August 2021

There are few explicit examples in the literature of vector fields exhibiting observable chaos that may be proved analytically. This paper reports numerical experiments performed for an explicit two-parameter family of [Formula: see text]-symmetric vector fields whose organizing center exhibits an attracting heteroclinic network linking two saddle-foci. Each vector field in the family is the restriction to [Formula: see text] of a polynomial vector field in [Formula: see text]. We investigate global bifurcations due to symmetry-breaking and we detect strange attractors via a mechanism called Torus-Breakdown. We explain how an attracting torus gets destroyed by following the changes in the unstable manifold of a saddle-focus.

Although a complete understanding of the corresponding bifurcation diagram and the mechanisms underlying the dynamical changes is out of reach, we uncover complex patterns for the symmetric family under analysis, using a combination of theoretical tools and computer simulations. This article suggests a route to obtain rotational horseshoes and strange attractors; additionally, we make an attempt to elucidate some of the bifurcations involved in an Arnold tongue.
Constructing Keyed Strong S-Box Using an Enhanced Quadratic Map
Authors: Si Yuanyuan , Liu Hongjun , Chen Yuehui
Published: August 2021

As the only nonlinear component for symmetric cryptography, S-Box plays an important role. An S-Box may be vulnerable because of the existence of fixed point, reverse fixed point or short iteration cycles. To construct a keyed strong S-Box, first, a 2D enhanced quadratic map (EQM) was constructed, and its dynamic behaviors were analyzed through phase diagram, Lyapunov exponent, Kolmogorov entropy, bifurcation diagram and randomness testing. The results demonstrated that the state points of EQM have uniform distribution, ergodicity and better randomness. Then a keyed strong S-Box construction algorithm was designed based on EQM, and the fixed point, reverse fixed point, and short cycles were eliminated. Experimental results verified the algorithm’s feasibility and effectiveness.
Co-existence of a Period Annulus and a Limit Cycle in a Class of Predator–Prey Models with Group Defense
Authors: Kooij Robert E. , Zegeling André
Published: August 2021

For a family of two-dimensional predator–prey models of Gause type, we investigate the simultaneous occurrence of a center singularity and a limit cycle. The family is characterized by the fact that the functional response is nonanalytical and exhibits group defense. We prove the existence and uniqueness of the limit cycle using a new theorem for Liénard systems. The new theorem gives conditions for the uniqueness of a limit cycle which surrounds a period annulus. The results of this paper provide a mechanism for studying the global behavior of solutions to Gause systems through bifurcation of an integrable system which contains a center and a limit cycle.
Bifurcation Analysis of a Delay-Induced Predator–Prey Model with Allee Effect and Prey Group Defense
Authors: Ye Yong , Zhao Yi
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we establish a predator–prey model with focus on the Allee effect and prey group defense. The positivity and boundedness of the model, existence of equilibrium point, and stability change caused by Allee effect are studied. Bifurcation (transcritical bifurcation, Hopf bifurcation) analysis is discussed, and the direction of Hopf bifurcation is determined by calculating the first Lyapunov number. Then we introduce delay into the original model and consider the influence of delay on the stability of the model. By selecting delay as the bifurcation parameter, we obtain the existence conditions of Hopf bifurcation and the direction of Hopf bifurcation. Finally, we verify the theoretical analysis by numerical simulation. Considering both the Allee effect and the prey group defense, the dynamic behavior near the origin becomes more complex than only considering Allee effect or prey group defense in the model. Allee effect can bring the risk of extinction and the change of stability, and the delay effect can make the stable coexistence equilibrium unstable and lead to periodic oscillation.
Limit Cycles from Perturbing a Piecewise Smooth System with a Center and a Homoclinic Loop
Authors: Ke Ai , Han Maoan
Published: August 2021

We study bifurcations of limit cycles arising after perturbations of a special piecewise smooth system, which has a center and a homoclinic loop. By using the Picard–Fuchs equation, we give an upper bound of the maximum number of limit cycles bifurcated from the period annulus between the center and the homoclinic loop. Furthermore, by applying the method of first-order Melnikov function we obtain a lower bound of the maximum number of limit cycles bifurcated from the center.
A Systematic Review of Leadership Styles in Organizations: Introducing the Concept of a Task-Relationship–Change Leadership Network
Authors: Dehghanan Hamed , Gheitarani Fatemeh , Rahimi Saeed , Nawaser Khaled
Published: August 2021

Despite the leadership literature involving a spread spectrum of relevant frameworks to explain leadership behaviors, there is still an ever-increasing demand for more conceptual transparency in leadership styles, characteristics, and their impacts on members and organizations. This study aims to systematically review and identify all the leadership styles and presents a leadership network of all styles based on the seven steps proposed by Scaringella and Radziwon [2018] . A total of 59 articles were consequently selected according to the protocols and then the predominant leadership styles, as well as their characteristics, were investigated and classified in terms of the three criteria namely “task”, “relationship”, and “change” and a [Formula: see text] leadership network was created covering retrogressive and passive leadership (frame 1.1), authentic and exchange-oriented leadership (frame 9.1), influential and transactional leadership (frame 1.9), transformational leadership (frame 9.9), and balanced leadership (frame 5.5). The proposed network indeed coherently covers all the leadership styles reviewed and presents a framework for shifting towards transformational leadership. This network should be viewed as a coherent entirety and all the six leadership concepts including training, behaviors, culture, competencies, succession, and evaluation need to be taken into consideration.
Synthesis and Application of Silver and Cobalt Nanoparticles Immobilized on Ionic Liquid-Functionalized Halloysite Nanotubes in the Reduction of 4-Nitrophenol in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Yavari Khadijeh , Eftekhari-Sis Bagher , Akbari Ali
Published: August 2021

4-nitrophenol (4-NP) is a highly toxic pollutant for aquatic ecosystem and human life. Therefore, the catalytic reduction of 4-NP into useful 4-aminophenol (4-AP) is of interest. In this regard, two heterogeneous nanocatalysts, including Ag@HNTs-ILs and Co@HNTs-ILs were prepared by grafting imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) onto the halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), followed by immobilization of Ag and Co nanoparticles (NPs), and characterized by means of FT-IR, SEM, EDX, TEM and XRD. The catalytic activity of the prepared nanocatalysts was evaluated for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) under environmentally friendly condition. A set of time, temperature, nanocatalyst amount and NaBH4/4-NP molar ratios was screened. The reusability experiments demonstrated that Ag@HNTs-ILs and Co@HNTs-ILs were highly reusable, up to five reduction cycles without considerable changes in the reaction time. As the synthesized hybrid nanocatalysts could be re-collected and reused for various catalytic runs without any significant loss in their catalytic activity, they could be considered very promising nanomaterials from sustainability point of view.
lncRNA PANTR1 Upregulates BCL2A1 Expression to Promote Tumorigenesis and Warburg Effect of Hepatocellular Carcinoma through Restraining miR-587
Authors: Ma Xirui , Mao Ziming , Zhu Jing , Liu Huifang , Chen Fengling
Published: August 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common subtypes of malignant liver tumors, characterized by high morbidity and mortality. Due to its poor diagnosis strategy and inefficient clinical intervention, HCC has brought terrible life experiences for patients worldwide. Finding novel curative agents for HCC is urgently needed. In the current study, we hypothesized that lncRNA PANTR1 participates in HCC initiation or progression. Our study found that lncRNA PANTR1 was upregulated in HCC tumor tissues and abundantly expressed in HCC cell lines. PANTR1 knockdown inhibited cell growth and migration, promoted cell apoptosis in vitro, and suppressed tumor cell growth in vivo. Moreover, our results suggest that downregulated PANTR1 inhibited the Warburg effect in HCC cells. Underlying mechanisms of PANTR1 in HCC progression were investigated. PANTR1 acted as a competent sponge for miR-587 and downregulated miR-587 expression in HCC cells. Further, MiR-587 directly targets BCL2A1. lncRNA PANTR1 promotes HCC progression via mediating the miR-587-BCL2A1 axis. Our study identified a novel lncRNA PANTR1/miR-587/BCL2A1 axis in HCC progression. We might provide a new target for HCC basic research and clinical management.
Robust Suspicious Action Recognition Approach Using Pose Descriptor
Authors: Ahmed Waqas , Yousaf Muhammad Haroon , Yasin Amanullah
Published: August 2021

In the current era of technological development, human actions can be recorded in public places like airports, shopping malls, and educational institutes, etc., to monitor suspicious activities like terrorism, fighting, theft, and vandalism. Surveillance videos contain adequate visual and motion information for events that occur within a camera’s view. Our study focuses on the concept that actions are a sequence of moving body parts. In this paper, a new descriptor is proposed that formulates human poses and tracks the relative motion of human body parts along with the video frames, and extracts the position and orientation of body parts. We used Part Affinity Fields (PAFs) to acquire the associated body parts of the people present in the frame. The architecture jointly learns the body parts and their associations with other body parts in a sequential process, such that a pose can be formulated step by step. We can obtain the complete pose with a limited number of points as it moves along the video and we can conclude with a defined action. Later, these feature points are classified with a Support Vector Machine (SVM). The proposed work was evaluated on the benchmark datasets, namely, UT-interaction, UCF11, CASIA, and HCA datasets. Our proposed scheme was evaluated on the aforementioned datasets, which contained criminal/suspicious actions, such as kick, punch, push, gun shooting, and sword-fighting, and achieved an accuracy of 96.4% on UT-interaction, 99% on UCF11, 98% on CASIA and 88.72% on HCA.
TDO2 Was Downregulated in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Inhibited Cell Proliferation by Upregulating the Expression of p21 and p27
Authors: Yu Chengpeng , Rao Dean , Zhu He , Liu Qiumeng , Huang Wenjie , Zhang Long , Liang Huifang , Song Jia , Ding Zeyang
Published: August 2021

Background. Tryptophan‐2,3‐dioxygenase (TDO2) converts tryptophan into kynurenine in the initial limiting step of the kynurenine pathway. During the past decade, the overexpression of TDO2 has been found in various human tumors. However, the role of TDO2 in hepatocellular carcinoma is controversial, and we sought to clarify it in this study. Methods. Western blot analysis and immunochemistry were used to detect the expression of TDO2 in human tissue specimens. The effect of TDO2 on cell proliferation in vitro was assessed using CCK8 and colony formation assays, and a xenograft mouse model was used to detect the effect of TDO2 on tumor growth in vivo. Flow cytometry was used to assess the cell cycle status. Results. Low TDO2 expression was found in HCC and was associated with poor prognosis and adverse clinical outcomes. Conversely, TDO2 could restrain the proliferation of HCC cells in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, TDO2 upregulated the expression of p21 and p27, inducing cell‐cycle arrest. Conclusions. The loss of TDO2 expression in HCC was correlated with a poor prognosis and adverse clinical outcomes. At the same time, TDO2 could restrain the growth of HCC in vivo and in vitro. The results indicate that TDO2 is a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.
Effects of Sodium Sulfate Attack on Concrete Incorporated with Drying‐Wetting Cycles
Authors: Liu Fang , You Zhanping , Xiong Rui , Yang Xu
Published: August 2021

It has been widely observed that sulfate attack can damage the durability of concrete. This research investigated the mass loss and damage degree of concrete under sodium sulfate attack incorporated with drying‐wetting cycles. The impact factors, including water‐binder ratio, solution concentration of sodium sulfate, fly ash content, curing time, and drying‐wetting cycle system, were observed to influence the sodium sulfate attack by the mass loss rate and damage degree at regular time intervals. Also, the hydrates of sulfate‐attacked samples were analyzed using X‐ray diffraction. Results indicated that a high water‐binder and high‐concentration sodium sulfate solution could accelerate the transportation of sulfate ion inside the concrete and the deterioration degree of concrete. Appropriate fly ash and longer curing time can effectively improve the internal pore structure of concrete to reduce the sulfate corrosion damage. The sulfate ion erosion and deterioration degree of the concrete are synchronously intensified along with the increase of the baking‐immersing time ratio. The trend of the predicted life for concrete is basically consistent with the damage evolution result, indicating the feasibility of the Weibull distribution model to predict the service life of concrete under sodium sulfate attack incorporated with drying‐wetting cycles.
Media Sentiment, Government Supervision Strategy, and Stock Price Fluctuation Risk
Authors: Jufang Zhu
Published: August 2021

From the cross perspective of communication science and administration management, based on complex network theory, this paper constructs a model of stock price fluctuation risk contagion, which comprehensively considers media sentiment and government supervision strategy, and deeply analyzes the contagion mechanism of stock price fluctuation risk under the interaction of media sentiment and government supervision strategy. The main conclusions are as follows: The stock association network established by random way is more likely to cause contagion of stock price fluctuation risk. Media sentiment tendency, media sentiment intensity, and media attention persistence have positive “U” relationship, inverted “U” relationship, and positive correlation with contagion intensity of stock price fluctuation risk, respectively. There is a negative correlation between the strength, persistence, and timeliness of government supervision and the contagion intensity of stock price fluctuation risk. There is a positive correlation between market noise and contagion intensity of stock price fluctuation risk, and market noise has a restraining effect on media sentiment and government supervision strategy. In addition, the stock price fluctuation risk is inherent risk in the stock market, which cannot be eliminated by adjusting media sentiment and government supervision strategy, but its contagion intensity can be effectively controlled.
Mining Precedence Relations among Lecture Videos in MOOCs via Concept Prerequisite Learning
Authors: Xiao Kui , Bai Youheng , Wang Shihui
Published: August 2021

In recent years, MOOC has gradually become an important way for people to learn knowledge. But the knowledge background of different people is quite different. Moreover, the precedence relations between lecture videos in a MOOC are often not clearly explained. As a result, some people may encounter obstacles due to lack of background knowledge when learning a MOOC. In this paper, we proposed an approach for mining precedence relations between lecture videos in a MOOC automatically. First, we extracted main concepts from video captions automatically. And then, an LSTM-based neural network model was used to measure prerequisite relations among the main concepts. Finally, the precedence relations between lecture videos were identified based on concept prerequisite relations. Experiments showed that our concept prerequisite learning method outperforms the existing methods and helps accurately identify the precedence relations between lecture videos in a MOOC.
Influence of Virtual Reality Technology on Clinical Thinking Cultivation of Medical Students
Authors: Wang Yuying
Published: August 2021

Clinical thinking is not only the basis and premise of clinical reasoning and decision-making, but the necessary quality to cultivate reliable, responsible, and emotional excellent doctors. Virtual reality technology provides a real clinical learning environment for medical students, which can bridge the gap between medical theory and medical practice and save educational resources. Virtual reality is helpful to cultivate medical students’ clinical thinking and prepare for their clinical practice. Through the deconstruction of clinical thinking, this paper determines the connotation and constituent elements of clinical thinking, puts forward the model framework for virtual reality technology to promote the development of medical students’ clinical thinking, and explains the impact of virtual reality technology on the development of medical students’ clinical thinking, clinical reasoning, and critical thinking from the aspects of virtual reality situation, teaching activities, and virtual reality characteristics.
[Retracted] Optimization of Online Education and Teaching Evaluation System Based on GA‐BP Neural Network
Authors: Xu Xin , Liu Fenghu
Published: August 2021

With the popularization and application of online education in the world, how to evaluate and analyze the classroom teaching effect through scientific methods has become one of the important teaching tasks in colleges. Based on this, this paper studies the application of the GA‐BP neural network algorithm. Firstly, it gives a brief overview of the current situation of online education and GA‐BP neural network algorithm. Secondly, through the investigation of the online education system in many aspects, it evaluates students’ online education classroom teaching quality from five aspects, and this paper proposes a more scientific online education classroom teaching quality evaluation optimization model and finally verifies the reliability of the online education teaching evaluation model through the practice in a university. The results show that the GA‐BP neural network‐based evaluation optimization model can effectively evaluate the online education in the process of analyzing the quality of online education classroom teaching of most professional students.
Multiobjective Optimization for Forming Process Parameters of Ultrahigh Strength Steel BR1500HS
Authors: Shang Xin , Pang Lijuan , Chen Sheng-Gui
Published: August 2021

This paper focuses on obtaining the optimum process parameters and improving the mechanical properties of ultrahigh strength steel BR1500S. Many experimental data are obtained, and then response surface methodology (RSM) is used to obtain the optimum parameters. Combining the experimental data with RSM, some conclusions are summarized. When the cooling rate reaches 30°C/s, martensite content in microstructure reaches up to 95%. The optimum regions of quenching hardness, tensile strength, and elongation are obtained when the temperature is about 900°C, and the holding time is about 0∼4 min. Results of multiobjective optimizations show that global optimal value is gained at 906.5°C, and the holding time is 0 min. Predicted optimum values of quenching hardness, tensile strength, and elongation are not less than 51.03 HRC, 1,671 MPa, and 8.75%, respectively. The application of RSM is notably successful in predicting the process parameters of hot forming.
Factors Associated with Utilization of HIV Testing Services among Adolescents Aged 10‐19 Years in Lira District, Northern Uganda: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Benyumiza Deo , Amongin Joan Fidelia , Ochaba Isaac , Adupa Morish , Abuch Naume , Banula Constance Babirye , Udho Samson
Published: August 2021

Background. HIV testing remains a problem among adolescents in low‐ and middle‐income countries, and yet, HIV testing is a cornerstone in the fight against HIV. However, there is scanty literature on the utilization of HIV testing services by adolescents especially in rural settings. This study is aimed at determining the uptake of HIV testing services and associated factors among adolescents aged 10‐19 years in Lira District, Northern Uganda. Methods. This was a cross‐sectional study done among 277 randomly selected adolescents aged 10‐19 years attending outpatient clinics in Pentecostal Assembly of God (PAG) Mission Hospital, Ngetta Health Center III, and Boroboro Health Center III. Data were collected using an interviewer‐administered structured questionnaire. Data collected included sociodemographic characteristics, history of test and receipt of HIV results in the last three months, and facility‐related factors affecting uptake of HIV testing services. Data analysis consisted of descriptive statistics, cross‐tabulations, and logistic regression at a 95% level of significance in SPSS version 25. Results. The uptake of HIV testing services was 43% (119/277) among the study participants. Adolescents who had completed primary education (aOR: 5.47; 95% CI: 1.07‐28.15; p = 0.042), are employed (aOR: 2.77; 95% CI: 1.16‐6.60; p = 0.022), had used a condom in the last sexual intercourse (aOR: 4.46; 95% CI: 1.78‐11.15; p = 0.001), and are involved in HIV testing outreaches (cOR: 10.86; 95% CI: 3.81‐30.93; p ≤ 0.001) were more likely to uptake HIV testing services compared to those who had tertiary education, are unemployed, had never used a condom, and are not involved in HIV testing outreaches. Conclusion. Utilization of HIV testing services by adolescents aged 10‐19 in Lira District, Northern Uganda, is generally low. The Ministry of Health should strengthen HIV testing services targeting adolescents to increase uptake of HIV testing services.
Erzhi Tiangui Granules Improve In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes in Infertile Women with Advanced Age
Authors: Sun Jinlong , Song Jing-Yan , Dong Yao , Xiang Shan , Guo Qiong
Published: August 2021

Background. The fertility of females with advanced age declines with aging. Therefore, for medical and social reasons, it is important to establish mechanisms to protect and improve the fertility of such populations. With widespread use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in in vitro fertilization (IVF), studies have evaluated their impact on improving the fertility of females with advanced age. In this study, we performed proteomic analysis of follicular fluid to reveal mechanisms of the Erzhi Tiangui (EZTG) granule (Chinese herbs for replenishing vital essence to tonify the kidney) in improving the outcomes of IVF in infertile women with advanced age. Methods. This was a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial in which 100 patients with advanced age were divided into the EZTG group and the placebo group by the random number table plus envelope method. Both groups were subjected to controlled ovarian stimulation with a GnRH antagonist regimen. Differences between the two groups were evaluated, including the TCM syndrome score after treatment, gonadotrophin (Gn) days and Gn doses, the number of retrieved oocytes, 2 pronucleus (PN) fertilization, 2PN cleavage, and high-quality embryos. Differentially expressed proteins were identified using the LC-MS/MS method, and their functions were determined through bioinformatics analyses. Results. The number of high-quality embryos in the placebo group was significantly lower than that in the EZTG group (2.88 ± 1.85 vs. 4.13 ± 2.83,

p
=
0.011

). Eleven differentially expressed proteins were identified between the two groups. Four proteins were highly expressed, whereas seven were suppressed in the control group, compared to the EZTG group. The overall trend suggested that the apoptotic effect in the follicular fluid of the EZTG group was downregulated. Conclusion. Treatment with the EZTG granule can improve embryo quality in IVF of advanced age females with both kidney Qi and Yin deficiency syndromes. The mechanism is attributed to downregulation of apoptotic-effector protein expressions in the follicular fluid. This trial is registered with ChiCTR1900025139.
Rates and Patterns of Clonal Oncogenic Mutations in the Normal Human Brain
Authors: Ganz Javier , Maury Eduardo A. , Becerra Basheer , Bizzotto Sara , Doan Ryan N. , Kenny Connor J. , Shin Taehwan , Kim Junho , Zhou Zinan , Ligon Keith L. , Lee Eunjung Alice , Walsh Christopher A.
Published: August 2021

Although oncogenic mutations have been found in nondiseased, proliferative nonneural tissues, their prevalence in the human brain is unknown. Targeted sequencing of genes implicated in brain tumors in 418 samples derived from 110 individuals of varying ages, without tumor diagnoses, detected oncogenic somatic single-nucleotide variants (sSNV) in 5.4% of the brains, including IDH1R132H. These mutations were largely present in subcortical white matter and enriched in glial cells and, surprisingly, were less common in older individuals. A depletion of high-allele frequency sSNVs representing macroscopic clones with age was replicated by analysis of bulk RNA sequencing data from 1,816 nondiseased brain samples ranging from fetal to old age. We also describe large clonal copy number variants and that sSNVs show mutational signatures resembling those found in gliomas, suggesting that mutational processes of the normal brain drive early glial oncogenesis. This study helps understand the origin and early evolution of brain tumors.

Significance:

In the nondiseased brain, clonal oncogenic mutations are enriched in white matter and are less common in older individuals. We revealed early steps in acquiring oncogenic variants, which are essential to understanding brain tumor origins and building new mutational baselines for diagnostics.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1
Context-Dependent Immunomodulatory Effects of MEK Inhibition Are Enhanced with T-cell Agonist Therapy
Authors: Dennison Lauren , Ruggieri Amanda , Mohan Aditya , Leatherman James , Cruz Kayla , Woolman Skylar , Azad Nilofer , Lesinski Gregory B. , Jaffee Elizabeth M. , Yarchoan Mark
Published: August 2021

MEK inhibition (MEKi) is proposed to enhance antitumor immunity but has demonstrated mixed results as an immunomodulatory strategy in human clinical trials. MEKi exerts direct immunomodulatory effects on tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), but these effects have not been independently investigated. Here we modeled tumor-specific MEKi through CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing of tumor cells [MEK1 knockout (KO)] and pharmacologic MEKi with cobimetinib in a RAS-driven model of colorectal cancer. This approach allowed us to distinguish tumor-mediated and tumor-independent mechanisms of MEKi immunomodulation. MEK1 KO tumors demonstrated upregulation of JAK/STAT signaling, enhanced MHCI expression, CD8+ T-cell infiltration and T-cell activation, and impaired tumor growth that is immune dependent. Pharmacologic MEKi recapitulated tumor-intrinsic effects but simultaneously impaired T-cell activation in the tumor microenvironment. We confirmed a reduction in human peripheral-lymphocyte activation from a clinical trial of anti–PD-L1 (atezolizumab) with or without cobimetinib in biliary tract cancers. Impaired activation of TILs treated with pharmacologic MEKi was reversible and was rescued with the addition of a 4-1BB agonist. Collectively, these data underscore the ability of MEKi to induce context-dependent immunomodulatory effects and suggest that T cell–agonist therapy maximizes the beneficial effects of MEKi on the antitumor immune response.
Consumer Preference and Willingness to Pay for Direct-to-Consumer Mobile Teledermoscopy Services in Australia
Authors: Snoswell Centaine L. , Whitty Jennifer A. , Caffery Liam J. , Kho Joanna , Horsham Caitlin , Loescher Lois J. , Vagenas Dimitrios , Gillespie Nicole , Soyer H. Peter , Janda Monika
Published: August 2021

Objective: To investigate consumer preference and willingness to pay for mobile teledermoscopy services in Australia. Methods: Consumers who were taking part in a randomised controlled trial comparing mobile teledermoscopy and skin self-examination were asked to complete a survey which incorporated a discrete choice experiment (DCE) and a contingent valuation question. Responses were used to determine their willingness to pay for mobile teledermoscopy services in Australia and their overall service preferences. Results: The 199 consumers who responded were 71% female and had a mean age of 42 years (range, 18–73). The DCE results showed that consumers prefer a trained medical professional to be involved in their skin cancer screening. Consumers were willing to pay AUD 41 to change from a general practitioner reviewing their lesions in-person to having a dermatologist reviewing the teledermoscopy images. Additionally, they were willing to pay for services that had shorter waiting times, that reduced the time away from their usual activities, and that have higher accuracy and lower likelihood of unnecessary excision of a skin lesion. When asked directly about their willingness to pay for a teledermoscopy service using a contingent valuation question, the majority (73%) of consumers selected the lowest two value brackets of AUD 1–20 or AUD 21–40. Conclusion: Consumers are willing to pay out of pocket to access services with attributes such as a dermatologist review, improved accuracy, and fewer excisions.
Use of Cosmetic Products in Real Life by Women with Facial Sensitive Skin: Results from an Exposure Study and Comparison with Controls
Authors: Brenaut Emilie , Nezet Pauline , Misery Laurent , Legeas Cécile , Roudot Alain-Claude , Ficheux Anne-Sophie
Published: August 2021

Triggering factors of sensitive skin are supposed to be physical, chemical (cosmetics, water, and pollutants), and occasionally psychological (stress). A recent meta-analysis showed that the most important triggering factor declared by subjects is the use of cosmetics. This study was designed to compare the consumption of cosmetic products in women with sensitive skin and controls. After a dermatological examination, women between the ages of 18 and 65 years with or without sensitive skin were recruited. They completed different questionnaires about the presence of sensitive skin and use of 28 cosmetics that could be applied on the face. The amount per application was recorded for all products used at least once a week on the face. In total, 160 women were included, with a mean age of 41 ± 13 years. Two groups of 40 women were created based on the sensitive scale (SS-10 score), with the lowest SS-10 scores (nonsensitive skin group) and the highest SS-10 score (sensitive skin group). The number of products used daily was similar in the 2 groups. Women with sensitive skin were significantly more frequent users of liquid soap/soap-free gel cleansers than those without sensitive skin (70 vs. 43%). There was no difference concerning the frequency of use of products in the 2 groups. Concerning the amount of product used by application, women with sensitive skin used twice as much cream per application compared with the women without sensitive skin: 511 ± 438 μg versus 290 ± 203 μg (p = 0.039). Concerning the composition of the cosmetic products used, the only difference concerned phenoxyethanol, which was more often present in the moisturizer of women without sensitive skin (66.7%) than in those with sensitive skin (32.4%) (p = 0.007). Women with sensitive skin were more likely to buy products recommended for sensitive skin by manufacturers. The relationship of causality between the use of cosmetics and sensitive skin cannot be established. Women with sensitive skin used different cosmetic products than women without sensitive skin. Women with sensitive skin used a higher amount of moisturizer, used products recommended for sensitive skin, and bought more cosmetic products at pharmacies than supermarkets. We hypothesized that subjects with sensitive skin are looking for products that improve the sensation of skin sensitivity.
Uma análise da política pública de habitação urbana no estado de São Paulo
Authors: Souza-Lopes Angélica Vieira De , Saab Thiago Bueno
Published: August 2021

Considerados importantes marcos na política habitacional do estado de São Paulo, neste artigo são analisados os processos de implementação do Programa de Aceleração do Crescimento: Minha Casa Minha Vida (PAC-MCMV) e de Urbanização de Assentamentos Precários (PAC-UAP). Para tanto, se apresentam dados do histórico dos programas habitacionais brasileiros e paulistas e da política desenvolvida nesses programas específicos, além de considerações sobre o modo como as políticas públicas se efetivaram nesse estado e em sua cidade-região. Quanto ao procedimento metodológico, a partir de uma investigação descritivo-analítica, observaram-se o número de obras concluídas e o volume dos investimentos. Os resultados revelaram que, embora essas políticas públicas tenham números expressivos de habitações e estejam pulverizadas por todo o estado, há uma grande concentração desses empreendimentos na Região Administrativa de Campinas e na Região Metropolitana de São Paulo, ambas na cidade-região.
Arte-geografia: o lugar como poética da imagem em “Serrinha Luz e Cores”
Authors: Ferreira Marcos , Costa Otávio
Published: August 2021

Este artigo discute o conceito de lugar como poética da imagem a partir da fenomenologia da imaginação. Ao olhar uma imagem, somos desnudados por sua capacidade de também nos observar de volta. Enlevada pela imaginação, essa relação mútua entre brecha, abertura e incorporação provoca afecções múltiplas e ressignifica a fotografia para além de uma técnica visual. Nas fotografias do projeto Serrinha luz e cores, os corpos e as paisagens emergem como produtos do ser que, somados à imaginação, constroem devaneios sobre o lugar da imagem, produzindo uma poética arte-geográfica.
Dentinogenesis imperfecta type II: a case report
Authors: Morais Bruno Carvalho Albeny , Leite Daniel Alves , Silva Frederico Marques da , Americano Gabriela Caldeira Andrade , Cezário Erika Storck
Published: August 2021

Objective: Dentinogenesis imperfecta (DI) type II is a rare dentin development disorder with an autosomal dominant inheritance that affects both functional and aesthetic aspects of deciduous and permanent dentitions. This study reports the clinical case of a patient diagnosed late with this anomaly. Material and methods: Male patient, 33 years old, sought dental care complaining of dental aesthetic dissatisfaction. During clinical examination, it was observed that the teeth had a brownish color, with wear and tear of the dental enamel and dentin exposure. Radiographically, the teeth presented the pulp chambers and root canals obliterated, in addition to bulbous crowns. The patient reported that several members of his family had the same condition. The established clinical diagnosis was DI type II. Conclusion: In this case, type II dentinogenesis imperfecta was diagnosed late and without adequate therapeutic intervention, causing aesthetic and functional damage to the patient.
Single-View Echocardiography by Nonexpert Practitioners to Detect Rheumatic Heart Disease: A Prospective Study of Diagnostic Accuracy
Authors: Francis Joshua R. , Whalley Gillian A. , Kaethner Alex , Fairhurst Helen , Hardefeldt Hilary , Reeves Benjamin , Auld Benjamin , Marangou James , Horton Ari , Wheaton Gavin , Robertson Terry , Ryan Chelsea , Brown Shannon , Smith Greg , dos Santos Januario , Flavio Ricardo , Embaum Karolina , da Graca Noronha Mario , Lopes Belo Sonia , Madeira Santos Carla , Georginha dos Santos Maria , Cabral Jose , do Rosario Ivonia , Harries Jessica , Francis Laura A. , Draper Anthony D.K. , James Christian L. , Davis Kimberly , Yan Jennifer , Mitchell Alice , da Silva Almeida Ines , Engelman Daniel , Roberts Kathryn V. , Ralph Anna P. , Remenyi Bo
Published: August 2021

Background:

Echocardiographic screening can detect asymptomatic cases of rheumatic heart disease (RHD), facilitating access to treatment. Barriers to implementation of echocardiographic screening include the requirement for expensive equipment and expert practitioners. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of an abbreviated echocardiographic screening protocol (single parasternal-long-axis view with a sweep of the heart) performed by briefly trained, nonexpert practitioners using handheld ultrasound devices.

Methods:

Participants aged 5 to 20 years in Timor-Leste and the Northern Territory of Australia had 2 echocardiograms: one performed by an expert echocardiographer using a GE Vivid I or Vivid Q portable ultrasound device (reference test), and one performed by a nonexpert practitioner using a GE Vscan handheld ultrasound device (index test). The accuracy of the index test, compared with the reference test, for identifying cases with definite or borderline RHD was determined.

Results:

There were 3111 enrolled participants; 2573 had both an index test and reference test. Median age was 12 years (interquartile range, 10–15); 58.2% were female. Proportion with definite or borderline RHD was 5.52% (95% CI, 4.70–6.47); proportion with definite RHD was 3.23% (95% CI, 2.61–3.98).

Compared with the reference test, sensitivity of the index test for definite or borderline RHD was 70.4% (95% CI, 62.2–77.8), specificity was 78.1% (95% CI, 76.4–79.8).

Conclusions:

Nonexpert practitioners can be trained to perform single parasternal-long-axis view with a sweep of the heart echocardiography. However, the specificity and sensitivity are inadequate for echocardiographic screening. Improved training for nonexpert practitioners should be investigated.
Long‐Term Outcomes of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With End‐Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Ogami Takuya , Kurlansky Paul , Takayama Hiroo , Ning Yuming , Ali Ziad A. , Nazif Tamim M. , Vahl Torsten P. , Khalique Omar , Patel Amisha , Hamid Nadira , Ng Vivian G. , Hahn Rebecca T. , Avgerinos Dimitrios V. , Leon Martin B. , Kodali Susheel K. , George Isaac
Published: August 2021

Background

Aortic stenosis is prevalent in end‐stage renal disease. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a plausible alternative for surgical aortic valve replacement. However, little is known regarding long‐term outcomes in patients with end‐stage renal disease who undergo TAVR.

Methods and Results

We identified all patients with end‐stage renal disease who underwent TAVR from 2011 through 2016 using the United States Renal Data System. The primary end point was 5‐year mortality after TAVR. Factors associated with 1‐ and 5‐year mortality were analyzed. A total of 3883 TAVRs were performed for patients with end‐stage renal disease. Mortality was 5.8%, 43.7%, and 88.8% at 30 days, 1 year, and 5 years, respectively. Case volumes increased rapidly from 17 in 2011 to 1495 in 2016. Thirty‐day mortality demonstrated a dramatic reduction from 11.1% in 2012 to 2.5% in 2016 (
P
=0.01). Age 75 or older (hazard ratio [HR], 1.14; 95% CI, 1.05–1.23 [
P
=0.002]), body mass index <25 (HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.08–1.28 [
P
<0.001]), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.1–1.35 [
P
<0.001]), diabetes mellitus as the cause of dialysis (HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.11–1.35 [
P
<0.001]), hypertension as the cause of dialysis (HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.06–1.29 [
P
=0.004]), and White race (HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.06–1.3 [
P
=0.002]) were independently associated with 5‐year mortality.

Conclusions

Short‐term outcomes of TAVR in patients with end‐stage renal disease have improved significantly. However, long‐term mortality of patients on dialysis remains high.
Geriatric Conditions Are Associated With Decreased Anticoagulation Use in Long‐Term Care Residents With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Zhang Ning , Patel Jay , Chen Zhiyong , Zhou Yanhua , Crawford Sybil , McManus David D. , Gurwitz Jerry , Shireman Theresa I. , Kapoor Alok
Published: August 2021

Background

Anticoagulation is the mainstay for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation, but concerns about bleeding inhibit its use in residents of long‐term care facilities. Risk‐profiling algorithms using comorbid disease information (eg, CHADS
2
and ATRIA [Anticoagulation and Risk Factors in Atrial Fibrillation]) have been available for years. In the long‐term care setting, however, providers and residents may place more value on geriatric conditions such as mobility impairment, activities of daily living dependency, cognitive impairment, low body mass index, weight loss, and fall history.

Methods and Results

Using a retrospective cohort design, we measured the association between geriatric conditions and anticoagulation use and type. After merging nursing home assessments containing information about geriatric conditions (Minimum Data Set 2015) with Medicare Part A 2014 to 2015 claims and prescription claims (Medicare Part D) 2015 to 2016, we identified 228 741 residents with atrial fibrillation and elevated stroke risk (CHA
2
DS
2
‐VASc score ≥2) for our main analysis. Recent fall, activities of daily living dependency, moderate and severe cognitive impairment, low body mass index, and unintentional weight loss were all associated with lower anticoagulation use even after adjustment for multiple predictors of stroke and bleeding (odds ratios ranging from 0.51 to 0.91). Residents with recent fall, low body mass index, and unintentional weight loss were more likely to be using a direct oral anticoagulant, although the magnitude of this effect was smaller.

Conclusions

Geriatric conditions were associated with lower anticoagulation use. Preventing stroke in these residents with potential for further physical and cognitive impairment would appear to be of paramount significance, although the net benefit of anticoagulation in these individuals warrants further research.
The (Un)Suitability of Automatic Evaluation Metrics for Text Simplification
Authors: Alva-Manchego Fernando , Scarton Carolina , Specia Lucia
Published: August 2021

In order to simplify sentences, several rewriting operations can be performed, such as replacing complex words per simpler synonyms, deleting unnecessary information, and splitting long sentences. Despite this multi-operation nature, evaluation of automatic simplification systems relies on metrics that moderately correlate with human judgments on the simplicity achieved by executing specific operations (e.g., simplicity gain based on lexical replacements). In this article, we investigate how well existing metrics can assess sentence-level simplifications where multiple operations may have been applied and which, therefore, require more general simplicity judgments. For that, we first collect a new and more reliable data set for evaluating the correlation of metrics and human judgments of overall simplicity. Second, we conduct the first meta-evaluation of automatic metrics in Text Simplification, using our new data set (and other existing data) to analyze the variation of the correlation between metrics’ scores and human judgments across three dimensions: the perceived simplicity level, the system type, and the set of references used for computation. We show that these three aspects affect the correlations and, in particular, highlight the limitations of commonly used operation-specific metrics. Finally, based on our findings, we propose a set of recommendations for automatic evaluation of multi-operation simplifications, suggesting which metrics to compute and how to interpret their scores.
Prior Beliefs Modulate Projection
Authors: Degen Judith , Tonhauser Judith
Published: August 2021

Beliefs about the world affect language processing and interpretation in several empirical domains. In two experiments, we tested whether subjective prior beliefs about the probability of utterance content modulate projection, that is, listeners’ inferences about speaker commitment to that content. We find that prior beliefs predict projection at both the group and the participant level: the higher the prior belief in a content, the more speakers are taken to be committed to it. This result motivates the integration of formal analyses of projection with cognitive theories of language understanding.
Lacistema ligiae (Lacistemataceae), a new species from Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil, with notes on micromorphology
Authors: MARINHO LUCAS CARDOSO , PIMENTA KARENA MENDES , OLIVEIRA DÉBORA CAVALCANTE DE , ALVES RODOLFO DE FRANÇA , AMORIM ANDRÉ MÁRCIO
Published: August 2021

The Flora Neotropica treatment of Flaucourtiaceae s.l., by Sleumer, was a milestone in the study of the group and, consequently, of the families that were subsequently segregated from Flaucourtiaceae. Of these, Lacistemataceae comprise 16 tree-shrub species that usually occur in humid forests. However, specimens from campos rupestres in Bahia State, Brazil, were not analyzed by Sleumer so some morphological variation remained unnoticed. Here, we describe Lacistema ligiae, a new species from the campos rupestres of Bahia, and include notes on leaf venation and pollen morphology of related species. Lacistema ligiae can be recognized by leaf blades with sinuous secondary veins, which are covered by long and adpressed trichomes abaxially, hairy filament and ovary, and a distinct style not exceeding the height of the stamen.
Increased sea-level sensitivity to CO2 forcing across the Middle Pleistocene Transition from ice-albedo and ice-volume nonlinearities
Authors: Liautaud Parker , Huybers Peter
Published: August 2021

Proxy reconstructions indicate that sea level responded more sensitively to CO2 radiative forcing in the late Pleistocene than in the early Pleistocene, a transition that was proposed to arise from changes in ice-sheet dynamics. In this study we analyse the links between sea level, orbital variations, and CO2 using an energy-balance model having a simple ice sheet. Model parameters, including for age models, are inferred over the late Pleistocene using a hierarchical Bayesian method, and the inferred relationships are used to evaluate CO2 levels over the past 2 My in relation to sea level. Early-Pleistocene model CO2 averages 246 ppm (244 ppm - 249 ppm 95% c.i.) across 2-1 Ma and indicates that sea level was less sensitive to radiative forcing than in the late Pleistocene, consistent with foregoing δ11B-derived estimates. Weaker early-Pleistocene sea-level sensitivity originates from a weaker ice-albedo feedback and the fact that smaller ice sheets are thinner, absent changes over time in model equations or parameters. An alternative scenario involving thin and expansive early-Pleistocene ice sheets, in accord with some lines of geologic evidence, implies 15 ppm lower average CO2 or ~10-15 m higher average sea level during the early Pleistocene relative to the original scenario. Our results do not rule out dynamical transitions during the middle Pleistocene, but indicate that variations in the sea-level response to CO2 forcing over the past 2 My can be explained on the basis of nonlinearities associated with ice-albedo feedbacks and ice-sheet geometry that are consistently present across this interval.