bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cancer prevalence by phase of care: an indicator for assessing health service needs
Authors: Gigli Anna , Francisci Silvia , Guzzinati Stefano , Hall Aaron , Hachey Mark , Scoppa Steve , Mariotto Angela
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

Cancer prevalence (people alive on a certain date in a population who previously had a cancer diagnosis) is expected to increase in the United States and Europe due to improvements in survival and population aging. Examination of prevalence by phase of care allows us to identify subgroups of patients according to their care trajectories, thus allowing us to improve health care planning, resource allocation, and calculation of costs.

Methods:

A new method to estimate prevalence by phase of care using grouped data is illustrated. Prevalence is divided into 3 mutually exclusive phases: initial, continuing, and end-of-life. An application to US and Italian data is applied to prevalent cases diagnosed with colon–rectum, stomach, lung, or breast cancer.

Results:

The distribution of phase of care prevalence estimated by cancer type and sex and results from the two datasets are very similar. Most survivors are in the continuing phase; the end-of-life phase is larger for cancers with worse prognosis. All phases prevalence is generally higher in the Italian than in the US dataset, except for lung cancer in women, where prevalence proportion in the Italian dataset is 30% lower than in the United States.

Discussion:

Incidence, survival, and population age structure are the main determinants of prevalence and they can affect differences in all phases of prevalence, as well as in discrete phases. Incidence is the most influential determinant. Ours is the first study that compares prevalence by phase of care between two populations in Italy and the United States. Despite great differences in health care management in the two countries, we found extremely similar distribution of survivors by phase of care for most cancer sites under study.
Evaluation of a passive pediatric leg exoskeleton during gait
Authors: Zistatsis Jessica , Peters Keshia M , Ballesteros Daniel , Feldner Heather A , Bjornson Kristie , Steele Katherine M
Published: October 2020

Background:

Children with hemiparesis are commonly prescribed ankle foot orthoses to help improve gait; however, these orthoses often result in only small and variable changes in gait. Research with adult stroke survivors has suggested that orthoses that extend beyond the ankle using long, passive tendon-like structures (i.e. exotendons) can improve walking.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to quantify the impact of an exotendon-based exoskeleton on pediatric gait.

Study design:

Repeated-measures study.

Methods:

Two typically-developing children and two children with hemiparesis completed a gait analysis, walking without and with the exoskeleton. The exotendon was tested at three stiffness levels.

Results:

All children were able to walk comfortably with the exoskeleton, with minimal changes in step width. Walking speed increased and lower limb joint symmetry improved for the children with hemiparesis with the exoskeleton. Each participant had changes in muscle activity while walking with the exoskeleton, although the impact on specific muscles and response to exotendon stiffness varied.

Conclusion:

Exotendon-based exoskeletons may provide an alternative solution for optimizing gait in therapy and in the community for children with hemiparesis. Determining the optimal stiffness and configuration for each child is an important area of future research.
Calibration Framework for Simulation Tools to Manage Uncertain Future Conditions
Authors: Hosseini Moein , Mahmassani Hani S. , Hale David K.
Published: October 2020

In an era of emerging vehicle automation technologies and advanced traffic management strategies, traffic simulation has become an indispensable tool for giving agencies the insight they need for adoption and implementation decisions. The importance of calibration to ensure reliability of the simulation results cannot be over-stated. Current practice calls for analysts to calibrate their analytical tools to a base (or existing) condition, and then use those tools to predict performance of a future condition. However, many times these future conditions incorporate improvements that are significantly different than the base condition modeled when the analysis tool was calibrated. This can result in performance outcomes that are either not trustworthy, or just plain wrong. New approaches must be developed, so that the tools are calibrated to data that are reflective of what the future condition will be. With implications of future conditions in mind, this study proposes a framework for calibration of simulation models. The framework is built around the following four major components: scenarios, robustness, parameter libraries, and simulation agent trajectories. The role of the framework components is shown in a case study. Guidelines based on the proposed framework could be incorporated in conjunction with existing software packages. However, future development of intermediate tools is recommended, for improved efficiency and practicality. The ultimate result of utilizing the framework will be more accurate and better qualified traffic analyses, leading to improved trust in analysis tools, and improved transportation decision-making overall.
Characteristics of inorganic matter from Australian municipal solid waste processed under combustion and gasification conditions
Authors: Ilyushechkin Alexander , He Chong , Hla San Shwe
Published: October 2020

The presence and composition of ash in solid waste streams produced by the thermochemical processes can affect the further disposal or use of the waste. This study characterised the chemical species, mineralogy and trace element mobilisation in laboratory-produced ashes arising from different municipal solid waste (MSW) streams processed under reducing and oxidising atmospheres.

The composition of cumulative ash samples produced under oxidising conditions was very similar to the composition of the industrial bottom ash samples produced during MSW incineration. We identified differences in mineral phase compositions and in some trace element concentrations of ashes produced under combustion and gasification conditions. Differences in concentrations of boron, barium, cadmium, chromium, copper, chlorine, molybdenum, antimony, lead, thorium and zinc in ashes associated with different MSW streams were also observed. On the basis of the concentrations of trace elements in ashes, we evaluated each MSW stream in terms of potential management strategies and use of the mineral matter remaining after combustion and gasification. Most of ashes produced from MSW can be at least classified as Class IV (secure) waste according to an Australian standard regulation guideline.
Psychometric Properties of the Academic Encouragement Scale in Chinese University Students
Authors: Tang Hui , Huo Zhongkai , Liu Chaojie , Liu Zhijun , Wong Y. Joel
Published: October 2020

This study tested the factor structure, reliability, and criterion validity of the Academic Encouragement Scale (AES) in 690 university students in China. The AES displayed good internal consistency and test–retest reliability. The data provided evidence supporting a two-factor structure: challenge focused encouragement (CFE) and potential focused encouragement (PFE). The two factors were independent predictors of academic engagement. Hope was positively linked with PFE but not with CFE. By contrast, gratitude was positively correlated with CFE but not with PFE. The findings provide preliminary evidence to support the validity and reliability of the AES in an academic context in China.
Understanding Case Outcomes for Male Victims of Forcible Sexual Assaults
Authors: Walfield Scott M. , McCormack Philip D. , Clarke Kaitlyn
Published: October 2020

While rape and sexual violence have long been a widespread social problem, and one that has garnered significant attention, research that specifically examines the phenomenon of male victimization of sexual violence remains lacking. Addressing the gaps in the research, the current study uses 10 years of law enforcement data from the United States’ National Incident-based Reporting System (2007–2016) on sexual victimization of males 14 years of age or older. The study sought to assess the impact of victim, offender, and incident characteristics associated with the outcome of the case (i.e., open, arrest, and exceptional clearance due to the victim declining or the prosecution refusing to pursue the case) for 20,701 male victims who reported a forcible sex offense to law enforcement as well as agency variation for cleared crimes. Using multilevel multinomial logistic regression, exceptionally cleared cases are more likely to resemble open cases than those resulting in arrest with incident characteristics having a larger influence than victim and offender characteristics. Cases involving concomitant offenses, committed by a stranger, resulting in injury, increase the likelihood of arrest—all of which support the “real rape” hypothesis. Exceptionally cleared cases represent more than one-third of cleared cases and there is significant department variation in the usage of exceptional clearance, as a number of agencies are exceptionally clearing more than half of their cleared cases, artificially increasing their clearance rate. These results, in conjunction with research on female victims, suggests that the handling of sexual assault cases reported to law enforcement remains problematic.
Evaluation of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV Inhibitor Use in the Inpatient Setting
Authors: Petite Sarah E. , Hill Maja C.
Published: October 2020

Background:

The American Diabetes Association recommends discontinuing non-insulin antihyperglycemic therapy during hospitalization and utilizing a basal insulin-containing regimen for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Limited research is available on the role of dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitors in an inpatient real-world patient population.

Objective:

To determine the efficacy of DPP-IV inhibitor therapy in hospitalized patients with T2DM.

Methods:

Adult patients with T2DM and received at least one dose of DPP-IV inhibitor during hospitalization were included. The primary outcome was to determine the mean daily blood glucose (BG) readings in the overall patient population. Secondary outcomes included comparing study groups and evaluating mean daily blood glucose, hospital length of stay (LOS) and incidence of hypoglycemia.

Results:

One hundred and ninety-two patients were identified: 39 patients (20.3%) received DPP-IV inhibitor monotherapy, 104 (54.2%) received DPP-IV inhibitor plus oral antihyperglycemics and 49 (25.5%) received DPP-IV inhibitor plus insulin. Mean daily BG in the entire study population was 158.7 mg/dL (131-187.5). Mean daily BG was significantly different between groups (117 mg/dL [103.5-132.3] vs. 160.7 mg/dL [133-181.1] vs. 179.4 mg/dL [153.8-216.6]; (P < 0.001). Hypoglycemic events were higher in the DPP-IV inhibitor plus insulin group (2.6% vs. 3.8% vs. 16.3%; P = 0.008). There were no significant differences in hospital LOS (2 days [1-4] vs. 3 days [1-5] vs. 4 days [2-6.5]; P = 0.051).

Conclusions:

Inpatient DPP-IV inhibitor use was associated with mean daily BG within goal range. Administering DPP-IV inhibitors in the inpatient setting should be considered in hospitalized patients with controlled T2DM.
Wear analysis of abrasive waterjet nozzle using suprathreshold stochastic resonance technique
Authors: Kumar Ashwani , Gupta TVK , Jha Rajib Kumar , Ghosh Subrata Kumar
Published: October 2020

The performance of an abrasive water jet machining (AWJM) process is mainly dependent on the jet diameter, which is prone to change with time due to the nozzle wear. The present study is aimed to monitor the nozzle wear during operation using vibrational spectrum. Experiments are conducted with four focusing nozzles of different diameters under same parameters considering water and water-abrasive mixture as the jet. The obtained vibration spectrum through an accelerometer and data acquisition system are analyzed by Suprathreshold Stochastic Resonance (SSR) technique using MATLAB. The results obtained shows that SSR technique is easy to implement and gives a better performance in monitoring and analyzing the wear severity.
Do scientists have a responsibility to provide climate change expertise to mitigation and adaptation strategies? Perspectives from climate professionals
Authors: Getson Jackie M. , Sjöstrand Anders E. , Church Sarah P. , Weiner Roberta , Hatfield Jerry L. , Prokopy Linda S.
Published: October 2020

Although the scientific community has reached a consensus that anthropogenic climate change is a severe and pressing issue, climate change remains a contentious debate with the United States public. Through a survey ( N = 273), we explored climate professionals’ perspectives on their role and responsibility to promote climate change adaptation/mitigation strategies related to agroecosystems. They believed that climate professionals have a social responsibility to provide scientific input to both policymakers and the public. There was strong agreement that media, political, and public support is necessary for development, and near unanimous agreement for implementation, of climate change mitigation/adaptation strategies. This study highlights the climate professionals’ perceptions of their responsibility to provide scientific input, but also demonstrates that they believe the responsibility does not rest solely on their shoulders. Further research should explore scientists’ perceptions of their and others’ policy roles and scientists’ interactions with different influencers of adaptation/mitigation policy.
Taxes and Economic Growth in OECD Countries: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Alinaghi Nazila , Reed W. Robert
Published: October 2020

This study performs a meta-analysis of the effect of taxes on economic growth in Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. A challenge with synthesizing tax estimates is that they measure different things. This follows because studies differ in the government budget constraints implied by their regression specifications. To address this problem, we use a taxonomy from Gemmell, Kneller, and Sanz that predicts the growth effects from various tax-spending-deficit combinations. We apply this taxonomy to 979 estimates from forty-nine studies of tax effects in OECD countries. Our headline result is that a 10 percent increase in taxes is associated with a decrease in annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth of approximately −0.2 percent when bundled as part of a TaxNegative tax-spending-deficit combination. The same tax increase is associated with an increase in annual GDP growth of approximately 0.2 percent when part of a TaxPositive fiscal policy package. All of our data, output, and programming code are publicly available at https://osf.io/ 6 bfgx/ .
Continuous wave milipulse yellow laser treatment for perifoveal exudative vascular anomalous complex-like lesion: A case report
Authors: Henriques José , Pinto Filomena , Rosa Paulo Caldeira , Medeiros Marco Dutra , Reis Cabral Diogo , Henriques Susana , Nascimento João
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

Perifoveal exudative vascular anomalous complex (PEVAC) is an underdiagnosed macular entity. A striking feature of this entity is the unresponsiveness to anti-VEGF treatment. Continuous wave milipulse yellow laser 577 nm (CWMYL-577) has a high absorption peak for oxyhaemoglobin, which allows for low power density use.

Purpose:

To report a case of a PEVAC-like lesion unresponsive to anti-VEGF and corticosteroids, successfully treated with a single session of minimally invasive focal laser, using CWMYL-577.

Methods:

A diabetic patient with a symptomatic PEVAC-like lesion in the right eye, presented with decreased vision (20/100) and cystoid edema that had persisted for the last 18 months, despite multiple intraocular injections of anti-VEGF and long acting corticosteroids. Three spots of low power density CWMYL-577 (100 mW, 25 ms and 100 µm, using lens with no amplification factor) over the lesion were successfully performed in one laser session. One month and three months after the laser procedure, a gradual decrease of edema and lipid exudates was observed and at a 6-month follow-up, the retina had recovered its normal anatomy with visual acuity of 20/20 that have persisted for 4 years after treatment.

Conclusions:

Minimal invasive focal laser using the CWMYL-577 can be considered an effective therapeutic strategy for symptomatic nonresponding PEVAC-like lesion in patients with DM without DR.
New Pathways of Mutational Change in SARS-CoV-2 Proteomes Involve Regions of Intrinsic Disorder Important for Virus Replication and Release
Authors: Tomaszewski Tre , DeVries Ryan S , Dong Mengyi , Bhatia Gitanshu , Norsworthy Miles D , Zheng Xuying , Caetano-Anollés Gustavo
Published: October 2020

The massive worldwide spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is fueling the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the first whole-genome sequence was published in January 2020, a growing database of tens of thousands of viral genomes has been constructed. This offers opportunities to study pathways of molecular change in the expanding viral population that can help identify molecular culprits of virulence and virus spread. Here we investigate the genomic accumulation of mutations at various time points of the early pandemic to identify changes in mutationally highly active genomic regions that are occurring worldwide. We used the Wuhan NC_045512.2 sequence as a reference and sampled 15 342 indexed sequences from GISAID, translating them into proteins and grouping them by month of deposition. The per-position amino acid frequencies and Shannon entropies of the coding sequences were calculated for each month, and a map of intrinsic disorder regions and binding sites was generated. The analysis revealed dominant variants, most of which were located in loop regions and on the surface of the proteins. Mutation entropy decreased between March and April of 2020 after steady increases at several sites, including the D614G mutation site of the spike (S) protein that was previously found associated with higher case fatality rates and at sites of the NSP12 polymerase and the NSP13 helicase proteins. Notable expanding mutations include R203K and G204R of the nucleocapsid (N) protein inter-domain linker region and G251V of the viroporin encoded by ORF3a between March and April. The regions spanning these mutations exhibited significant intrinsic disorder, which was enhanced and decreased by the N-protein and viroporin 3a protein mutations, respectively. These results predict an ongoing mutational shift from the spike and replication complex to other regions, especially to encoded molecules known to represent major β-interferon antagonists. The study provides valuable information for therapeutics and vaccine design, as well as insight into mutation tendencies that could facilitate preventive control.
Mapping the Drugged Body: Telling Different Kinds of Drug-using Stories
Authors: Dennis Fay
Published: October 2020

Drugged bodies are commonly depicted as passive, suffering and abject, which makes it hard for them to be known in other ways. Wanting to get closer to these alternative bodies and their resourcefulness for living, I turned to body-mapping as an inventive method for telling different kinds of drug-using stories. Drawing on a research project with people who inject heroin and crack cocaine in London, UK, I employed body-mapping as a way of studying drugged bodies in their relation to others, human and non-human, in the injecting event. I invited participants to draw their bodies in describing these otherwise hard-to-articulate experiences. Following Donna Haraway, I conceptualise body-mapping as a more-than-human mode of storytelling where different kinds of bodies can be known. Here, I look at three such bodies – sensing-bodies, temporal-bodies and environment-bodies – and argue that it is through being able to respond to such bodies that more hospitable ways of living with drugs can become possible.
Librarians’ book talks for children: An opportunity for widening reading practices?
Authors: Schmidt Catarina
Published: October 2020

The importance of supporting children’s reading engagement and reading comprehension from the early years is widely acknowledged, particular for children growing up in areas characterized by socioeconomic challenges. This mission is collectively shared by teachers and librarians, although with differing starting points and responsibilities. This paper draws on a Swedish study of librarians’ book talks with eight-year-old students in Grade 2 and their teachers, and the views these participants express on reading and children’s literature. The methods used were observation and interview. In the analysis, different views appear regarding what reading is and might mean, such as the role that children’s literature plays in this. The results indicate two prominent narratives regarding reading, where one has a clear emphasis on being able to read and where the other stresses the pleasure of reading. Both these discourses display a narrowness regarding genres other than fiction literature, languages other than Swedish, and formats other than printed books. Further, an image of the reading child as an individual reader appears in both discourses. The results highlight the need for a broader approach that integrates functional reading with processes of reflection and active language use, drawing on the content in children’s literature, with an awareness of multilingual considerations. It is argued that children’s literature plays an important role in children developing a view of themselves as readers, and discovering that there are many ways to be a reader.
A deep learning-based method for hull stiffened plate crack detection
Authors: Ma Dongliang , Wang Deyu
Published: October 2020

Deep learning has attracted the attention of many researchers for structural health monitoring. However, it is difficult to use most of the deep learning-based techniques to detect damage throughout the life cycle of a large or inaccessible structure, especially a ship. Few studies have focused on hull stiffened plate crack damage detection. We propose such a method based on deep learning using a convolutional neural network (CNN). The model is trained on acceleration data, which are calculated by the Abaqus scripting interface. Five crack locations and four crack lengths are considered, as well as the intact condition. The effects of damping ratio, loading area, and load level on the proposed method are considered. The robustness of the proposed approach to noise and stiffener slenderness ratio are also discussed. The proposed method is compared to the multilayer perceptron method by wavelet packet transformation using the same data, so as to quantify its performance. The results show that the proposed method performs better at single- and double-crack detection, and is less sensitive to noise, damping ratio, loading area, and load level.
A quality of system routing based on neighborhood interference detection and mitigation in wireless sensor network
Authors: Zhang Ling , Ni Ziyun
Published: October 2020

The current quality of system routing available in wireless sensor network mainly provides assurance for traffic flow, with little consideration on full use of network resource, like bandwidth. Aiming at solving these problems, this article proposes a quality of system routing method based on neighborhood interference detection and mitigation. First, the algorithm uses a sink node as root node to establish a minimum spanning tree for the network to obtain the depth of each node. Then, each node dynamically updates its interference degree by contiguous iterations during neighboring nodes communication. Finally, the interference degree, packet level, residual energy, and node depth are combined to establish a multipath route to enhance the network bandwidth and thus improve the quality of system. Experimental results show that the algorithm can not only effectively balance the network load but also reduce the network packet delay and improve the network throughput. It also has a good network lifetime; thus, it can effectively improve the quality of system of wireless sensor network.
Multi-objective optimization of machining parameters during milling of carbon-fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone composites using grey relational analysis
Authors: Zhang Xi , Li Xuehui , Wang Hongju , Zhang Tianlu
Published: October 2020

Short carbon-fiber-reinforced composites, especially short carbon-fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone composites (CF-PEEK), are used extensively in the engineering field because of their superior properties. However, their surface quality and material removal rate need to be optimized to satisfy design and processing requirements. This work focused on a multi-objective optimization to minimize the surface roughness and maximize the material removal rate during machining by grey relational analysis with an analysis-of-variance (ANOVA) and response surface methodology before a multi-objective mathematical model was established. The statistical significance of the predicted model was examined by using an ANOVA to obtain the optimal machining parameters (spindle speed, feed rate, cut depth). The optimal combination of cutting parameters was a spindle speed of 2600 rpm, a feed rate of 720 mm/min, and a cut depth of 1.8 mm.
Heat and mass transfer characteristics in flow of bi-viscosity fluid through a curved channel with contracting and expanding walls: A finite difference approach
Authors: Ahmed Raheel , Ali Nasir , Khan Sami Ullah , Chamkha Ali , Tlili Iskander
Published: October 2020

This article investigates the heat and mass transfer in flow of bi-viscosity fluid through a porous saturated curved channel with sinusoidally deformed walls. The magnetic field and Joule heating effects are also taken into account. The equations describing the flow and heat/mass transfer are developed using curvilinear coordinates. A reduction of these equations is made based on lubrication approximation. The reduced linear ordinary differential equations are integrated numerically using an implicit finite difference scheme. It is observed that, the bi-viscosity fluid parameter, permeability parameter, and Hartmann number have analogous effects on the longitudinal velocity. Moreover, temperature of the fluid, heat coefficient, and mass concentration increase by increasing bi-viscosity fluid parameter, Brinkmann number, and Hartmann number. Further, mass concentration increases by increasing the rate of chemical reaction and bi-viscosity parameter. The size of circulating roll in lower half of the channel boosts up with larger variation of bi-viscosity parameter and permeability parameter. The flow patterns in the channel illustrating the effects of bi-viscosity parameter, permeability parameter, and Hartmann number are also displayed.
An attempt to relate dynamic tracking error to occurring situation based on additional rectilinear motion for five-axis machine tools
Authors: Ding Qicheng , Ding Jiexiong , Zhang Jing , Du Li
Published: October 2020

During five-axis CNC machining, the dynamic tracking error of the five-axis machine tool caused by imperfect servo dynamic performance is the major factor affecting the accuracy during high-speed and high-precision manufacturing. Rotation tool center point (RTCP) test has become a typical kinematic test for the dynamic tracking error of five-axis machine tools. According to the mechanism and characteristics of dynamic tracking error, during the RTCP test, relating the measured dynamic tracking error to corresponding occurring situation is helpful for the research of calibration or reduction of dynamic tracking error. In this paper, a new method to relate dynamic tracking error to occurring situation based on additional rectilinear motion is attempted. During this method, rectilinear motions are added into the RTCP test process, and the dynamic tracking error and corresponding occurring position can be calculated from the scale of rectilinear motion. By six tests with rectilinear motions in and against X, Y and Z directions, the additional error and uncertainty of the test process can be offset by calculation. This method can be implemented without any addition or modification to the instrument or NC system.
Establishment of energy consumption model and multi-objective optimal control method of 6-DOF robotic crusher
Authors: Duan Guo-chen , Shi Bo-qiang , Gu Jie
Published: October 2020

In order to optimize the real-time crushing effect of 6-DOF robotic crusher, a model of energy consumption and a multi-objective optimization control method for 6-DOF robotic crusher are proposed. In optimization function, the optimization objective are total energy consumption, mass fraction of crushed products below 12 mm, energy consumption ratio, and throughput, and optimization variables are position of suspension point, rotational speed and precession angle of the moving cone. Among them, the function of total energy consumption and effective energy consumption is established and the function of total energy consumption is verified in this paper. The function of mass fraction of crushed products below 12 mm is based on previous research. Taking the full load working condition and chamber size of PYGB1821 crusher as an example. The solution of optimization is obtained. Compared with the traditional cone crusher under the same feed size distribution and chamber size, each objective can be effectively optimized, which can effectively reduce energy consumption and increase the crushing efficiency. This method is universal and can be used for the design and control of other crushing equipment.
Condition-based maintenance for the offshore wind turbine based on long short-term memory network
Authors: Sun Yu , Kang Jichuan , Sun Liping , Jin Peng , Bai Xu
Published: October 2020

This paper introduces a condition-based maintenance method combined with long short-term memory network for offshore wind turbine. According to the ranking of offshore wind turbine components using multiple indicators (failure rate, repair time, and maintenance cost), the optimization object focuses on four critical components, namely, rotor, pitch system, gearbox, and generator. Long short-term memory network is implemented to evaluate system condition and predict potential risks, then the preventive maintenance can be performed on the component that reaches the reliability threshold. The repair activity provides an advance maintenance opportunity for the other components, sharing the fix maintenance costs and the downtime. A maintenance decision process is presented in this paper, aiming to achieve the maximum cost savings. Calculated and comparative results demonstrate that the policy proposed in this article is superior in validity and accuracy.
A new political economy for Europe post-COVID-19
Authors: Bergsen Pepijn
Published: October 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented economic support measures from governments across Europe. With this, the crisis has provided an occasion for a significant demonstration of the ability of states to implement policies and deliver services. This could create expectations among electorates of permanent changes to the macroeconomic regime, towards one characterised by a more protective state and a rebalancing between the state and the market. Significant political barriers to such a shift remain. The article argues that, in contrast to the aftermath of the two previous economic crises in Europe, many new ideas are floating around and support for a more protective state is emerging across the political spectrum. The current crisis might thus represent a turning point.
Culturally relevant reading books for Papua New Guinean children: Their reading rights and preferences
Authors: Simoncini Kym , Smith Hilary , Gray Lara Cain
Published: October 2020

Children have a right both to read and to see their lives mirrored in books. In this study we explored young Papua New Guinean children’s reading preferences of 500 digital books. The books were created as part of a large project aimed at improving elementary (Preparatory to Year 2) children’s literacy skills in Papua New Guinea. Reading materials are scarce in Papua New Guinea and typically offer children windows into other contexts. This was addressed through a collaborative approach with Papua New Guinean and international writers to develop culturally relevant books. Dashboard data from the digital library showing the 25 Most Read Books were collected from 321 girls and 369 boys in 7 pilot schools. The findings indicated that the children preferred fiction books that were culturally specific. There were no statistically significant gender differences in book choice. The findings from this study can help education departments and non-government organisations in the further development of children’s books that will motivate children to read.
Analysis of Surgical Resident Operative Volumes on China’s Resident Training
Authors: Liu Wei , Han Xiaoling , Zhou Xu , Zhou Chongzhi , Wang Min
Published: October 2020

Doctors entering surgical residency with different educational degrees and from different specialties is a unique feature of the Chinese medical system. The effect of this on the experience of surgical residents is not known. We retrospectively investigated whether residents’ operative volumes were based on highest educational degree or postgraduate specialty. Using our operating data management system, a retrospective analysis of surgical resident operative experience at Shanghai General Hospital from 2012 to 2017 was conducted. The overall monthly average operative volume for surgical residents was 17.7 (12.6-26.5), but this decreased with each advanced degree of education from 26.0 (19.2-34.5) for those with a bachelor’s degree only, to 19.5 (16.0-28.1) for a master’s degree, to 15.9 (12.2-22.9) for those with a doctorate. Regarding specialty, residents in plastic surgery had the highest operative volume, and those in cardiothoracic surgery and neurosurgery had the lowest. At Shanghai General Hospital, the operative volumes of surgical residents differed according to their highest educational degree and postgraduate specialty. This analysis should be useful for the future planning of surgical residency programs in China.
Early detection of small volume stroke and thromboembolic sources with computed tomography: Rationale and design of the ENCLOSE study
Authors: Kauw Frans , Ommen Fasco van , Bennink Edwin , Cramer Maarten J , Kappelle L Jaap , Takx Richard AP , Velthuis Birgitta K , Viergever Max A , Wouter van Es H , Schonewille Wouter J , Coutinho Jonathan M , Majoie Charles BLM , Marquering Henk A , de Jong Hugo WAM , Dankbaar Jan W
Published: October 2020

Background

Computed tomography is the most frequently used imaging modality in acute stroke imaging protocols. Detection of small volume infarcts in the brain and cardioembolic sources of stroke is difficult with current computed tomography protocols. Furthermore, the role of computed tomography findings to predict recurrent ischemic stroke is unclear. With ENCLOSE, we aim to improve (1) the detection of small volume infarcts with thin slice computed tomography perfusion (CTP) images and thromboembolic source with cardiac computed tomography techniques in the acute stage of ischemic stroke and (2) prediction of recurrent ischemic stroke with computed tomography-derived predictors. Methods/design: ENCLOSE is a prospective multicenter observational cohort study, which will be conducted in three Dutch stroke centers (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04019483). Patients (≥18 years) with suspected acute ischemic stroke who undergo computed tomography imaging within 9 h after symptom onset are eligible. Computed tomography imaging includes non-contrast CT, CTP, and computed tomography angiography (CTA) from base of the heart to the top of the brain. Dual-energy CT data will be acquired when possible, and thin-slice CTP reconstructions will be obtained in addition to standard 5 mm CTP data. CTP data will be processed with commercially available software and locally developed model-based methods. The post-processed thin-slice CTP images will be compared to the standard CTP images and to magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging performed within 48 h after admission. Detection of cardioembolic sources of stroke will be evaluated on the CTA images. Recurrence will be evaluated 90 days and two years after the index event. The added value of imaging findings to prognostic models for recurrent ischemic stroke will be evaluated.

Conclusion

The aim of ENCLOSE is to improve early detection of small volume stroke and thromboembolic sources and to improve prediction of recurrence in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
The endoscopic predictors of Helicobacter pylori status: a meta-analysis of diagnostic performance
Authors: Glover Ben , Teare Julian , Ashrafian Hutan , Patel Nisha
Published: October 2020

Objective:

The endoscopic findings associated with Helicobacter pylori–naïve status, current infection or past infection are an area of ongoing interest. Previous studies have investigated parameters with a potential diagnostic value. The aim of this study was to perform meta-analysis of the available literature to validate the diagnostic accuracy of mucosal features proposed in the Kyoto classification.

Data sources:

The databases of MEDLINE and Embase, clinicalTrials.gov and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for relevant studies from October 1999 to October 2019.

Methods:

A bivariate random effects model was used to produce pooled diagnostic accuracy calculations for each of the studied endoscopic findings. Diagnostic odds ratios and sensitivity and specificity characteristics were calculated to identify significant predictors of H pylori status.

Results:

Meta-analysis included 4380 patients in 15 studies. The most significant predictor of an H pylori-naïve status was a regular arrangement of collecting venules (diagnostic odds ratio 55.0, sensitivity 78.3%, specificity 93.8%). Predictors of active H pylori infection were mucosal oedema (18.1, 63.7%, 91.1%) and diffuse redness (14.4, 66.5%, 89.0%). Map-like redness had high specificity for previous H pylori eradication (99.0%), but poor specificity (13.0%).

Conclusion:

The regular arrangement of collecting venules, mucosal oedema, diffuse redness and map-like redness are important endoscopic findings for determining H pylori status. This meta-analysis provides a tentative basis for developing future endoscopic classification systems.
Chromium-rich vanadio-oxy-dravite from the Tzarevskoye uranium–vanadium deposit, Karelia, Russia: a second world-occurrence of Al–Cr–V–oxy-tourmaline
Authors: Bosi Ferdinando , Altieri Alessandra , Cámara Fernando , Ciriotti Marco E.
Published: October 2020

A green tourmaline sample from the Tzarevskoye uranium–vanadium deposit, close to the Srednyaya Padma deposit, Lake Onega, Karelia Republic, Russia, has been found to be the second world-occurrence of Cr-rich vanadio-oxy-dravite in addition to the Pereval marble quarry, Sludyanka crystalline complex, Lake Baikal, Russia, type-locality. From the crystal-structure refinement and chemical analysis, the following empirical formula is proposed: X(Na0.96K0.02□0.02)Σ1.00Y(V1.34Al0.68Mg0.93Cu2+0.02Zn0.01Ti0.01)Σ3.00Z(Al3.19Cr1.36V0.03Mg1.42)Σ6.00(TSi6O18)(BBO3)3V(OH)3W[O0.60(OH)0.23F0.17]Σ1.00. Together with the data from the literature, a compositional overview of Al–V–Cr–Fe3+-tourmalines is provided by using [6]Al–V–Cr–Fe3+ diagrams for tourmaline classification. These diagrams further simplify the tourmaline nomenclature as they merge the chemical information over the octahedrally-coordinated sites (Y and Z) by removing the issues of uncertainty associated with cation order–disorder across Y and Z. Results show the direct identification of tourmalines by using the chemical data alone.
The future of circular environmental impact indicators for cultural heritage buildings in Europe
Authors: Foster Gillian , Kreinin Halliki , Stagl Sigrid
Published: October 2020

Background

The European building and construction sector is extremely resource-intensive. This makes the renovation of existing buildings, including the adaptive reuse of cultural heritage buildings (ARCH), important for reducing the materials and energy intensity of the sector. Currently, Europe is embarking on a Circular Economy (CE) strategy that directly affects the environmental indicators for buildings and landscapes, including ARCH. However, there is a misalignment between macro-level European CE policy goals and micro-level renovation and management of existing buildings and ARCH. The analysis shows that macro European Union-level indicators are too narrowly defined to effectively guide the implementation of CE at the micro-project level for ARCH.

Results

This policy study develops a comprehensive ARCH Circular Environmental Impact Indicator Framework to close this gap by: (1) defining the research question; (2) identifying the causal network; and (3) selecting the best indicators. The study compares Circular Environmental Indicators for ARCH projects to current and developing European management schemes. Best practices in environmental impact assessment at the project level are highlighted for the building and construction sector in Europe.

Conclusions

The proposed new framework is a comprehensive and suitable list of explicitly circular environmental indicators for ARCH. The framework has immediate practical applications for practitioners and policymakers interested in the CE regime for buildings in Europe.
Transcriptome analysis reveals molecular mechanisms responsive to acute cold stress in the tropical stenothermal fish tiger barb (Puntius tetrazona)
Authors: Liu Lili , Zhang Rong , Wang Xiaowen , Zhu Hua , Tian Zhaohui
Published: October 2020

Background

Tropical stenothermal fish exhibit special tolerance and response to cold stress. However current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms response to cold stress in aquatic ectotherms is largely drawn from eurythermal or extreme stenothermal species. The tiger barb Puntius tetrazona is a tropical stenothermal fish, with great popularity in aquarium trade and research.

Results

To investigate the response mechanism of P. tetrazona to low temperature, fish were exposed to increasing levels of acute cold stress. Histopathological analysis showed that the brain, gill, liver and muscle tissues appeared serious damage after cold stress (13 °C). Brain, gill, liver and muscle tissues from control (CTRL) groups (27 °C) and COLD stress groups (13 °C) of eight-month fish (gender-neutral) were sampled and assessed for transcriptomic profiling by high-throughput sequencing. 83.0 Gb of raw data were generated, filtered and assembled for de novo transcriptome assembly. According to the transcriptome reference, we obtained 392,878 transcripts and 238,878 unigenes, of which 89.29% of the latter were annotated. There were 23,743 differently expressed genes (DEGs) been filtered from four pairs of tissues (brain, gill, liver and muscle) between these cold stress and control groups. These DEGs were mainly involved in circadian entrainment, circadian rhythm, biosynthesis of steroid and fatty acid. There were 64 shared DEGs between the four pairs of groups, and five were related to ubiquitylation/deubiquitylation. Our results suggested that ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation might be necessary for tropical stenothermal fish coping with acute cold stress. Also, the significant cold-induced expression of heat shock 70 kDa protein (HSP70) and cold-induced RNA-binding protein (CIRBP) was verified. These results suggested that the expression of the molecular chaperones HSP70 and CIRBP in P. tetrazona might play a critical role in coping with acute cold stress.

Conclusions

This is the first transcriptome analysis of P. tetrazona using RNA-Seq technology. Novel findings about tropical stenothermal fish under cold stress (such as HSP70 and CIRBP genes) are presented here. This study contributes new insights into the molecular mechanisms of tropical stenothermal species response to acute cold stress.
Genomic regions associated with important seed quality traits in food-grade soybeans
Authors: Whiting Rachel M. , Torabi Sepideh , Lukens Lewis , Eskandari Milad
Published: October 2020

Background

The production of soy-based food products requires specific physical and chemical characteristics of the soybean seed. Identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with value-added traits, such as seed weight, seed protein and sucrose concentration, could accelerate the development of competitive high-protein soybean cultivars for the food-grade market through marker-assisted selection (MAS). The objectives of this study were to identify and validate QTL associated with these value-added traits in two high-protein recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations.

Results

The RIL populations were derived from the high-protein cultivar ‘AC X790P’ (49% protein, dry weight basis), and two high-yielding commercial cultivars, ‘S18-R6’ (41% protein) and ‘S23-T5’ (42% protein). Fourteen large-effect QTL (R2 > 10%) were identified associated with seed protein concentration. Of these QTL, seven QTL were detected in both populations, and eight of them were co-localized with QTL associated with either seed sucrose concentration or seed weight. None of the protein-related QTL was found to be associated with seed yield in either population. Sixteen candidate genes with putative roles in protein metabolism were identified within seven of these protein-related regions: qPro_Gm02–3, qPro_Gm04–4, qPro_Gm06–1, qPro_Gm06–3, qPro_Gm06–6, qPro_Gm13–4 and qPro-Gm15–3.

Conclusion

The use of RIL populations derived from high-protein parents created an opportunity to identify four novel QTL that may have been masked by large-effect QTL segregating in populations developed from diverse parental cultivars. In total, we have identified nine protein QTL that were detected either in both populations in the current study or reported in other studies. These QTL may be useful in the curated selection of new soybean cultivars for optimized soy-based food products.
Massive pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade revealed undiagnosed Turner syndrome: a case report
Authors: Qiang Wei , Sun Rongxin , Zheng Xiaopu , Du Yuan
Published: October 2020

Background

Patients with Turner syndrome (TS) are prone to autoimmune disorders. Although most patients with TS are diagnosed at younger ages, delayed diagnosis is not rare.

Case presentation

A 31-year-old woman was presented with facial edema, chest tightness and dyspnea. She had primary amenorrhea. Physical examination revealed short stature, dry skin and coarse hair. Periorbital edema with puffy eyelids were also noticed with mild goiter. Bilateral cardiac enlargement, distant heart sounds and pulsus paradoxus, in combination with hepatomegaly and jugular venous distention were observed. Her hircus and pubic hair was absent. The development of her breast was at 1st tanner period and gynecological examination revealed infantile vulva. Echocardiography suggested massive pericardial effusion. She was diagnosed with cardiac tamponade based on low systolic pressure, decreased pulse pressure and pulsus paradoxus. Pericardiocentesis was performed. Thyroid function test and thyroid ultrasound indicated Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and severe hypothyroidism. Sex hormone test revealed hypergonadotropin hypogonadism. Further karyotyping revealed a karyotype of 45, X [21]/46, X, i(X) (q10) [29] and she was diagnosed with mosaic + variant type of TS. L-T4 supplement, estrogen therapy, and antiosteoporosis treatment was initiated. Euthyroidism and complete resolution of the pericardial effusion was obtained within 2 months.

Conclusion

Hypothyroidism should be considered in the patients with pericardial effusion. The association between autoimmune thyroid diseases and TS should be kept in mind. Both congenital and acquired cardiovascular diseases should be screened in patients with TS.