bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of direct traffic effect on online sales
Authors: Kakalejčík Lukáš , Bucko Jozef , Danko Jakub
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the impact of newly created brand awareness on customer’s buying behavior in online environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyzed more than 280,000 online customer journeys from four e-commerce stores based in Slovakia. Within the results of the interaction analysis of individual customer journeys, the authors determined three criteria based on the level of theoretical brand awareness. The purpose was to determine their occurrence in real-world data.

Findings

It was found that each of the specified criteria accounts for the significant share of the company’s revenues. Based on these criteria and the level of their occurrence, the authors introduced the term direct traffic effect.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the available Web analytics tools, the data might be imprecise because of data collection issues. There is also ambiguity in the interpretation of the customer journey.

Practical implications

The company can build awareness among prospective customers by offering them a positive customer experience during the first interactions online. Data proved that customer will not only repeatedly visit the website from the direct traffic source but also his customer journey will end with the purchase of the company’s products.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills the need for further research on the impact of multi-channel marketing on brand awareness and consumer behavior, respectively.
Optical evaluation of dithizone solution as a new radiochromic dosimeter
Authors: Rabaeh Khalid , Basfar Ahmed
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new dithizone solution dosimeter for high radiation applications such as polymers applications and food irradiation.

Design/methodology/approach

Gamma-rays cell of Co-60 source with 8.4 kGy/h dose rate was used to irradiate the dithizone solutions at different irradiation temperatures. The optical measurements of unirradiated and irradiated dithizone dye solution dosimeters were performed using a UV/VIS spectrophotometer at absorption peaks of 421 and 515 nm.

Findings

The new dosimeter improved significantly with the increase of dithizone dye concentrations from 0.025 to 0.1 mM. The dosimeter shows a perfect pre- and post-irradiation stability after irradiation for five days. Because of irradiation temperature dependence, the dithizone solution dosimeter should be corrected under actual processing conditions.

Practical implications

Dosimetry is a key point in quality control of radiation processing to assure that uniform and correct radiation doses are delivered to a region of interest. Therefore, this study introduces a dithizone solution dosimeter for high-dose radiation applications such as food irradiation, polymers applications and agriculture.

Originality/value

Ionizing radiation interacted with the ethanol solvent, resulting in the formation of free radicals, then these free radicals interacted with the dithizone molecule and changed the dye color from yellow to orange.
A decision-making methodology integrated in product design for additive manufacturing process selection
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhu Zicheng , Ye Songhe
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The decision-making for additive manufacturing (AM) process selection is typically applied in the end of the product design stages based upon an already finished design. However, due to unique characteristics of AM processes, the part needs to be designed for the specific AM process. This requires potentially feasible AM techniques to be identified in early design stages. This paper aims to develop such a decision-making methodology that can seamlessly be integrated in the product design stages to facilitate AM process selection and assist product/part design.

Design/methodology/approach

The decision-making methodology consists of four elements, namely, initial screening, technical evaluation and selection of feasible AM processes, re-evaluation of the feasible process and production machine selection. Prior to the design phase, the methodology determines whether AM production is suitable based on the given design requirements. As the design progresses, a more accurate process selection in terms of technical and economic viability is performed using the analytic hierarchy process technique. Features that would cause potential manufacturability issues and increased production costs will be identified and modified. Finally, a production machine that is best suited for the finished product design is identified.

Findings

The methodology was found to be able to facilitate the design process by enabling designers to identify appropriate AM technique and production machine, which was demonstrated in the case study.

Originality/value

This study addresses the gap between the isolated product design and process selection stages by developing the decision-making methodology that can be integrated in product design stages.
Implement strategic foresight with elements of the US army’s operational art model
Authors: Reese Simon R.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

In a world of never-ending change, leaders must elevate above the battlefield and retain alignment with strategic purpose. Linking strategic foresight attitudes and activities aids leader to integrate the long and short-term. This article offers leaders elements of the US Army’s Operational Art model to easily apply when looking long and acting short-term.

Design/methodology/approach

Strategic foresight utilizes a scenario-based approach linked to the US Army’s Operational Art model to allow decision makers to both think more strategically and act upon the strategy day-to-day.

Findings

Strategic foresight creates both the shared vision throughout the organization and linkages to mental models that align actions. Linkage to the US Army’s Operational Art model creates an easy implementation framework.

Practical implications

For leaders overwhelmed with the day-to-day, linking strategic foresight attitudes and activities aids leader to integrate the long and short-term. The US Army Operational Art model provides an implementation method.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.
Seismoelectric and electroseismic responses to a point source in a marine stratified model
Authors: Wang Dongdong , Gao Yongxin , Yao Cheng , Wang Baozhen , Wang Mengqiang
Published: February 2020

We investigate the seismoelectric/electroseismic wavefields excited by a point source in an air/seawater/three‐layered porous medium configuration containing a hydrocarbon layer. The results show that if an explosive source for excitation is used, receivers at seafloor can record the coseismic electromagnetic fields accompanying the P, S, fluid acoustic waves and the interface responses converted from the acoustic waves at seafloor interface and from the seismic waves at the interfaces beneath the seafloor. Employing a vertical electric dipole source shows that, with the exception of the interface responses converted from electromagnetic waves at seafloor, the interface responses converted from transmitted electromagnetic waves at the interfaces beneath the seafloor can also be identified. Given that the strength of the explosive source is within excitation capability of industry air guns, the generated interface responses from the hydrocarbon layer can be detected by current electromagnetic sensors considering the low ambient noise at the seafloor. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of the seismoelectric method applied to marine hydrocarbon exploration. Electroseismic modelling results suggest that it is not practical to employ this method to prospect marine hydrocarbon layer due to the weak interface response signal, unless a much larger current is injected into seafloor.
Increased estrogen levels altered microRNA expression in prostate and plasma of rats dosed with sex hormones
Authors: Nakamura Noriko , Davis Kelly , Yan Jian , Sloper Daniel T. , Chen Tao
Published: February 2020

Background

Elevated estrogen (E) levels caused by aging or exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals are related to prostate disease development. Sixty to seventy percent of prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia patients are over the age of 65, while prostatitis is likely to occur in men under 45 years. MicroRNAs currently represent a class of distinctive biological indicators to be used for clinical disease diagnosis and treatment monitoring. This study aims to identify microRNAs that could serve as potential biomarkers for prostate disorders induced by elevated E levels according to their altered expression in prostate or plasma.

Materials and methods

Groups of Sprague Dawley rats (offspring) were dosed with estradiol benzoate (EB) on postnatal days 1, 3, and 5, and subcutaneously implanted with tubes containing testosterone (T)/E on postnatal day 90. Expression levels of prostate and plasma microRNAs were evaluated using microRNA microarray and validated via qRT‐PCR. The expression levels of the potential targeted genes of a set of identified microRNAs were also examined by qRT‐PCR.

Results

Postnatal administration of EB, T, and E elevated serum E levels with decreased serum T levels in rats. Chronic inflammation was observed in the dorsolateral prostate. Significant changes in expression levels of several microRNAs (rno‐miR‐146‐5p, rno‐miR‐329‐3p, and rno‐miR‐126a‐3p) in the dorsolateral prostate and of a microRNA (rno‐miR‐329‐3p) in the plasma were found in the dosed rats. The target gene expression levels of the altered microRNAs also changed accordingly.

Conclusion

Chronic inflammation in the dorsolateral prostate of rats dosed with EB, T, and E resulted in deregulated expression in a set of microRNAs whose target genes were related to tumor growth or abnormal proliferation. Our findings suggest the identified microRNAs and their target genes the potential use as biomarkers to predict prostate cancer development. Validation using human samples is warranted.
Hyperspectral Inverse Skinning
Authors: Liu Songrun , Tan Jianchao , Deng Zhigang , Gingold Yotam
Published: February 2020

In example‐based inverse linear blend skinning (LBS), a collection of poses (e.g. animation frames) are given, and the goal is finding skinning weights and transformation matrices that closely reproduce the input. These poses may come from physical simulation, direct mesh editing, motion capture or another deformation rig. We provide a re‐formulation of inverse skinning as a problem in high‐dimensional Euclidean space. The transformation matrices applied to a vertex across all poses can be thought of as a point in high dimensions. We cast the inverse LBS problem as one of finding a tight‐fitting simplex around these points (a well‐studied problem in hyperspectral imaging). Although we do not observe transformation matrices directly, the 3D position of a vertex across all of its poses defines an affine subspace, or flat. We solve a ‘closest flat’ optimization problem to find points on these flats, and then compute a minimum‐volume enclosing simplex whose vertices are the transformation matrices and whose barycentric coordinates are the skinning weights. We are able to create LBS rigs with state‐of‐the‐art reconstruction error and state‐of‐the‐art compression ratios for mesh animation sequences. Our solution does not consider weight sparsity or the rigidity of recovered transformations. We include observations and insights into the closest flat problem. Its ideal solution and optimal LBS reconstruction error remain an open problem.
Reconsidering humaneness
Authors: Hampton Jordan O. , Fisher Penny M. , Warburton Bruce
Published: February 2020

Animal welfare is increasingly important in the understanding of how human activity affects wildlife, but the conservation community is still grappling with meaningful terminology when communicating this aspect of their work. One example is the use of the terms “humane” and “inhumane.” These terms are used in scientific contexts, but they also have legal and social definitions. Without reference to a defined technical standard, describing an action or outcome as humane (or inhumane) constrains science communication because the terms have variable definitions; establish a binary (something is either humane or inhumane); and imply underlying values reflecting a moral prescription. Invoking the term “humane,” and especially the strong antithesis “inhumane,” can infer a normative judgment of how animals ought to be treated (humane) or ought not to be treated (inhumane). The consequences of applying this terminology are not just academic. Publicizing certain practices as humane can create blurred lines around contentious animal welfare questions and, perhaps intentionally, defer scrutiny of actual welfare outcomes. Labeling other practices as inhumane can be used cynically to erode their public support. We suggest that, if this normative language is used in science, it should always be accompanied by a clear, contextual definition of what is meant by humane.
Genetic variants in class II transactivator are associated with chronic hepatitis B virus infection in the Han Chinese population
Authors: Su Mingkuan , Chen Zongyun , Zheng Jinli , Chen Yong
Published: February 2020

Class II transactivator (CIITA) is a master regulator of MHC gene expression and plays a role in inducing the expression of other immune system genes, including IL‐4, IL‐10 and Fas ligand, as well as more than 60 other immunologically significant genes. We used CIITA as a candidate gene to analyse whether any single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. In total, 773 patients with chronic HBV infection were enrolled in this hospital‐based case–control study. The patients were divided into groups according to their clinical characteristics: 596 patients had chronic hepatitis B (CHB), and 177 patients had hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A total of 313 patients with self‐limited HBV infection were selected as the control group. CIITA gene variants were screened using Haploview 4.2 software; improved multiplex ligation detection reaction technology was then used for genotype detection, and HaploReg v4.1 was employed to predict the functions of 15 variants. The results showed that SNPs in introns in the CIITA gene, namely, rs13333382 (TT + TA vs. AA: p = .003, odds ratio (OR) = 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.49–0.87) and rs4780335 (CC + CG vs. GG: p = 9.40 × 10−5, OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.41–0.74), were positively associated with self‐limited HBV infection in the dominant genetic model. Additionally, SNP rs1139564 (TT + TC vs. CC: p = .002, OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.19–2.16) in the 3' untranslated region may increase the risk of CHB. According to in silico analysis, all three statistically significant variants act as transcription factor binding motifs. However, we did not find that these 15 mutations are associated with HCC risk. Therefore, we believe that CIITA is a susceptibility gene for CHB rather than for HCC.
Perceptions and barriers to competency‐based education in Canadian postgraduate medical education
Authors: Crawford Lindsay , Cofie Nicholas , McEwen Laura , Dagnone Damon , Taylor Sean W.
Published: February 2020

Rationale

Competency‐based education (CBE) is currently being implemented across Canadian postgraduate medical education programmes through Competence by Design (CBD).1 Queen's University received permission to initiate CBE in all programmes simultaneously starting in 2017; an institutional initiative termed Competency‐based medical education (CBME).2 We describe our initial experiences to highlight perceptions and barriers and facilitate implementation at other centers.

Methods

Anonymous online surveys were administered to faculty and residents transitioning to CBE (138 respondents) including (a) Queen's programme leaders (Programme Directors and CBME Leads) [n = 27], (b) Queen's residents [n = 102], and (c) Canadian neurology programme directors [n = 9] and were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques.

Results

Perceptions were favourable (x = 3.55/5, SD = 0.71) and 81.6% perceived CBE enhanced training; however, perceptions were more favourable among faculty. Queen's programme leaders indicated that CBE did not improve their ability to provide negative feedback. Queen's residents did not perceive improved quality of feedback. National Canadian neurology programme directors did not perceive that their institutions had adequately prepared them. There was variability in barriers perceived across groups. Queen's programme leaders were concerned about resident initiative. Queen's residents felt that assessment selection and faculty responsiveness to feedback were barriers. Canadian neurology programme directors were concerned about access to information technology.

Recommendations

Our results indicate that faculty were concerned about the reluctance of residents to actively participate in CBE, while residents were hesitant to assume such a role because of lack of familiarity and perceived benefit. This discrepancy indicates attention should be devoted to (a) institutional administrative/educational supports, (b) faculty development around feedback/assessment, and (c) resident development to foster ownership of their learning and familiarity with CBE.
Anatomy of the lymphovenous valve of the thoracic duct in humans
Authors: O’Hagan Lomani Archibald , Windsor John Albert , Phillips Anthony Ronald John , Itkin Maxim , Russell Peter Spencer , Mirjalili Seyed Ali
Published: February 2020

The majority of lymph generated in the body is returned to the blood circulation via the lymphovenous junction (LVJ) of the thoracic duct (TD). A lymphovenous valve (LVV) is thought to guard this junction by regulating the flow of lymph to the veins and preventing blood from entering the lymphatic system. Despite these important functions, the morphology and mechanism of this valve remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the anatomy of the LVV of the TD. To do this, the TD and the great veins of the left side of the neck were harvested from 16 human cadavers. The LVJs from 12 cadavers were successfully identified and examined macroscopically, microscopically, and using microcomputed tomography. In many specimens, the TD branched before entering the veins. Thus, from 12 cadavers, 21 LVJs were examined. Valves were present at 71% of LVJs (15/21) and were absent in the remainder. The LVV, when present, was typically a bicuspid semilunar valve, although the relative size and position of its cusps were variable. Microscopically, the valve cusps comprised luminal extensions of endothelium with a thin core of collagenous extracellular matrix. This study clearly demonstrated the morphology of the human LVV. This valve may prevent blood from entering the lymphatic system, but its variability and frequent absence calls into question its utility. Further structural and functional studies are required to better define the role of the LVV in health and disease.
Teacher rating versus measured academic achievement: Implications for paediatric research
Authors: Shah Rajesh , Brown Gavin , Keegan Peter , Burakevych Nataliia , Harding Jane E , McKinlay Christopher JD ,   for the CHYLD Study Group
Published: February 2020

Aim

To determine whether teachers' reports of student academic performance can suffice for research purposes by comparing it with a curriculum‐based standardised test.

Methods

In this longitudinal cohort study of children born at risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia, teachers' global assessment of student performance was compared with assessment tools for teaching and learning (asTTle) at 9–10 years. Performance on asTTLe was rated as being below, at or above that expected on the national curriculum for year and term of schooling. Teachers similarly rated the child's performance against the national curriculum.

Results

Of 125 children assessed, 104 had paired data for analysis. On asTTLe, 28% were rated below, 55% at and 17% above the expected curriculum level in reading and 24, 54 and 22%, respectively, in mathematics. Equivalent teacher ratings were 23, 58 and 19% in reading and 36, 55 and 9% in mathematics, respectively. However, there was limited agreement between asTTle and teacher rating of achievement in reading (κ = 0.23 (95% confidence interval 0.07–0.40)) and no significant agreement in mathematics (κ = 0.07 (95% confidence interval −0.09–0.22)). Only 45% of children performing below the curriculum level in reading and 52% in mathematics were correctly identified by teachers.

Conclusion

In cohort studies, teacher ratings cannot substitute standardised educational testing.
Leisure in romantic relationships: An avenue for differentiation of self
Authors: Stapley Leslie A. , Murdock Nancy L.
Published: February 2020

Bowen Family Systems Theory predicts that the ability to balance emotional intimacy with one’s partner with one's own sense of autonomy, called differentiation of self, results in stronger relationships. We tested whether this balance manifests in how individuals manage their time spent with and without their partner. Analyses utilized differentiation of self, leisure time balance with and without one's partner, and couple leisure satisfaction to predict dyadic adjustment. Although leisure time balance did not mediate the relationship between differentiation of self and relationship functioning, couple leisure satisfaction was found to partially mediate this relationship. The moderating effect of differentiation was also examined, which demonstrated that differentiation of self buffered the relationship between low couple leisure time satisfaction and relationship adjustment.
The relation between anti‐TGBFR1 immunohistochemical reaction and low Ki67, small tumor size and high estrogen receptor expression in invasive breast cancer
Authors: Nakamura Ritsuko , Oyama Takeru , Inokuchi Masafumi , Ishikawa Satoko , Hirata Miki , Kawashima Hiroko , Ikeda Hiroko , Dobashi Yoh , Ooi Akishi
Published: February 2020

Most breast cancers are derived from the luminal epithelium, which composes the inside of the breast ductal structure. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) leads to invasive ductal carcinoma, but noncancerous intraductal proliferative lesions are also a risk factor for ductal carcinoma. The transforming growth factor beta (TGFB) signaling pathway behaves as a tumor suppressor in the early stage of cancer, and conversely as a tumor growth factor in invasive stages in several cancers. In this study, we performed immunohistochemistry with an antibody that detects the cytoplasmic region of TGFB receptor 1 (TGFBR1) and elucidated TGFBR1 protein expression in luminal epithelial cells of noncancerous breast ducts and in several cases of DCIS and invasive carcinoma. TGFBR1 expression was higher in noncancerous breast tissue than in cancerous tissue, and a difference in expression was also seen among histological subtypes. Comparing the expression level of TGFBR1 in cancer cells and clinico‐pathological parameters, cases expressing low TGFBR1 tended to show low estrogen receptor expression, large tumor size (≥10 mm), and a high Ki67 labeling index. These data suggested that TGFBR1 protein expression may be related to the suppression of breast cancer cell growth.
Evaluation of the biochemical effects of an acetamiprid‐based insecticide on a non‐target species, Gambusia holbrooki
Authors: Demirci Özlem , Güngördü Abbas
Published: February 2020

The toxic effects of an acetamiprid‐based insecticide (ABI) on Gambusia holbrooki were evaluated after 24 and 96‐h exposure periods. The 24 and 96‐h median lethal concentration (LC50) values of ABI were determined as 75.9 and 42.2 mg/L active ingredient (AI)/L, respectively. In addition, the activity of five biochemical marker enzymes, including glutathione S‐transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), carboxylesterase (CaE), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was measured after 24 and 96‐h exposure to three different concentrations of the ABI to evaluate its sublethal effects. The acetamiprid concentrations in the exposure media were measured using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. Our results showed that GST and LDH activities were increased and there were concentration‐dependent changes in the integrated biomarker response (IBR) indexes after 24‐h ABI exposure. However, the examined biomarkers were not useful for examining the effects of the ABI exposure for 96‐h exposure periods, even at the highest concentration.
Transgender Di Malaysia (Transgender In Malaysia)
Authors: Abd Rahim Siti Amirah Akilah , Abdul Rahman Hanisah , Mohd Yusof Farahwahida
Published: February 2020

This study analyzes the challenges and future of transgender issues in Malaysia as well as the views of Islam and Science to find solutions in addressing this issue. Transgender is a sense of personal identity and gender that contradict birth sex, with or without genital conversion. Unlike sexual orientation, transgender people are not necessarily homosexual but may bisexual or heterosexual. Many factors have contributed to these situations and there is also a dispute over the issue. In Malaysia, Islam and Christianity banned sex conversion meanwhile other religions accepted it. This study applies a qualitative measure through primary and secondary sources and found out that the challenges and the future of transgender are an important agenda of finding the solutions. The problem is studied from the perspective of employment, health, family, religion, self-identity, and community structure. However, human rights, psychological health and the unclear Malaysian law are challenges in addressing this issue. From the Science point, there are still many debates and ambiguities in research to prove transgender. While from the point of Islam that serves as a guide to life, these groups alter Allah's creation which is forbidden in Islam. Therefore, this study feels that this issue needs to be addressed and solved promptly. Improvements to existing laws without neglecting a humanitarian recovery are one of the earliest possible actions.
Menjaga Keamanan Negara Menurut Perspektif Maqāsid Syariah Serta Hubungannya Dengan Matlamat Pembangunan Lestari [Sustainable Development Goals]: Kajian Di Malaysia (National Peace Preservation According to the Maqāsid Syariah Perspective and its Relations to the Sustainable Development Goals [Sustainable Development Studies]: A Study In Malaysia)
Authors: Adenan Faezy , Ab Rahman Asmak
Published: February 2020

Peace is an invaluable asset to ensure the prosperity and harmony of a nation. With the existence of peace, the people in a nation can carry out their respective responsibilities and roles perfectly, which consequently further enhance the nation prosperity. There are numbers of Western orientalists suggested that Islam is a religion that advocates violence. While in actuality, Islam uphold the preservation of peace and security at the utmost importance. This calls for a comprehensive argument to properly present the adherence of Islam towards maintaining harmony and prosperity. Therefore, the objective of this study is to highlight the existence of peace preservation in the Islamic concept of Maqāsid Syariah and draw the similarity on the definition of peace in Maqāsid Syariah with UN Guidelines for Sustainable Development Goals (Sustainable Development Goals). The research adopted library research methodology to accentuate the concept of peace preservation in the five elements of Maqāsid Syariah by using textual and contextual analysis on available literature pertaining the subject matter. The results show that the peace preservation of the nation is an integral piece in the concept of Maqāsid Syariah. National peace preservation is the key to maintain the five elements of Maqāsid Syariah which are religion, intellect, self, heritage and wealth. In addition, Maqāsid Syariah delineates peace keeping at the highest priority in maslaḥah requirement.  Furthermore, Maqāsid Syariah demonstrates a compelling correlation in its definition of peace with the characteristic sustainable development goals (SDCs) outlined by the United Nations (UN). The importance of this study is to give a general guidance on preservation and maintenance of national peace according to the shariah objectives, which have a strong relationship among them.
Peer Assessment in the Context of Team-Based Learning in Undergraduate Education: How Far Can We Go?
Authors: Lima Alba Regina de Abreu , André Júlio César , Kamimura Marina , Reis Ana Carolina dos , Silva Juanita Justina Ferreira da , Santos Loiane Letícia dos , Santos Emerson Roberto dos , Brienze Sérgio Luíz Aparecido
Published: February 2020

In medical education, the team-based learning method (TBL) is a teaching strategy used to intensify interactive learning in small groups, in which the student is given the role of evaluating his/her peers - peer assessment (PA). To investigate the interference of the students' interpersonal relationships in awarding their peers grades (''halo effect''). A qualitative and quantitative retrospective study. The study participants were 78 first-year medical students, divided into 17 teams for the TBL. The final grade of the PA for each member was calculated by the average of the grades received from their peers. Results: The comparison between the average of the evaluations in the TBL method (MTBLs) and the PA showed that 17.64% of the teams showed a significant difference between the grades, thus having the “halo effect”. In the qualitative analysis, the “halo effect” was evidenced in only one of these teams. Although many studies corroborate the idea that using PA in the formative assessment is appropriate, advancing in the use of PA in the summative assessment is necessary, integrating it into the institution's evaluation system. Data presented here can help in continuing its use and in increasing its reliability.
A Novel Tool for the Assessment of Sport Climbers’ Movement Performance
Authors: Taylor Nicola , Giles David , Panáčková Micha , Mitchell James , Chidley Joel , Draper Nick
Published: February 2020

Purpose:To assess the validity and reliability of a novel movement-performance assessment tool for climbing/sport climbing.Methods:First, salient climbing movement-performance factors were identified through an iterative consultation process with 10 expert climbing coaches; the resulting Climber’s Movement Performance Assessment Tool (CM-PAT) contained 14 items in 5 categories. Second, 61 intermediate to advanced climbers ascended a single route, which was video recorded. Subsequently, 4 experienced (>10 y coaching) coaches used the CM-PAT to observe and score the climbers’ performance. Interrater reliability and comparisons with existing measures of climbing performance (6-mo self-reported ability, success and failure, climbing pace [m·min−1], and geometric entropy) were made.Results:Intraclass correlation coefficient (2,k) for the 4 raters demonstrated excellent reliability (>.81) between observers and good to excellent test–retest reliability (.71–.91). Pearson correlations between self-reported ability and CM-PAT scores explained 61% of the variance in self-reported climbing performance compared with 16% for geometric entropy and 52% for climbing pace. Considering differences in successful and unsuccessful climbers, the CM-PAT (P < .0005;d = 2.14), geometric entropy (P = .014;d = 0.67), and pace (P < .0005;d = 1.88) were able to differentiate between groups.Conclusions:The CM-PAT is the first sport climbing performance observational instrument to be developed through a thorough iterative process with expert coaches. Excellent interrater and test–retest reliability and excellent agreement with self-reported ability and with existing quantitative measures of performance support its recommendation for use in coaching and research contexts. Notably, a key advantage over existing measures is the identification of coachable elements of performance.
Evaluation of Knee-Specific Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Using Rasch Analysis
Authors: Farnsworth II James L. , Evans Todd , Binkley Helen , Kang Minsoo
Published: February 2020

Context: Documentation of patient outcomes following injury is critical to ensure that patients are receiving the best care. Several patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have been developed to assess knee-related function following injury; however, there is limited data investigating the measurement properties of these instruments using Rasch model analyses. Objective: To evaluate the measurement properties of several PROMs through application of the Rasch measurement model. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Clinical setting. Patients or Other Participants: A convenience sample of 160 adults (mean age = 28.08 [10.95] y; male = 38.10%) were recruited for this study. Data collected were combined with existing pilot data from an earlier study containing de-identified Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) data from 79 adults with knee injuries resulting in a total sample size of 239 adults. Intervention(s): Psychometric evaluation of the KOOS, International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee form, and the Marx Activity Rating Scale using the Rasch partial credit model. Main Outcome Measures: Infit and outfit statistics, item step difficulties, person ability parameters, category function, and item and test information functions. Results: Large ceiling effects were present in the KOOS and International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee form. Of the 65 items examined in this study, 35 items showed poor measurement properties. Item step difficulty for the remaining 30 items ranged from −5.45 (least difficult) to 0.57 logits (most difficult). The 5-category response options did not function well. Measurement precision decreased significantly as ability score increased beyond 0.30 logits. Conclusions: Despite their use in clinical practice, several items showed poor measurement properties. Future studies are needed to develop and evaluate novel items that are suitable for measuring knee-related function in high-functioning populations to ensure continuity of PROMs as individuals recover from injuries.
Skin-specific antibodies neutralizing mycolactone toxin during the spontaneous healing of
Mycobacterium ulcerans
infection
Authors: Foulon Mélanie , Pouchin Amélie , Manry Jérémy , Khater Fida , Robbe-Saule Marie , Durand Amandine , Esnault Lucille , Delneste Yves , Jeannin Pascale , Saint-André Jean-Paul , Croué Anne , Altare Frederic , Abel Laurent , Alcaïs Alexandre , Marion Estelle
Published: February 2020

We demonstrate the production of skin-specific antibodies with neutralizing activity against mycolactone toxin.
Multi-omics characterization of molecular features of gastric cancer correlated with response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Li Ziyu , Gao Xiangyu , Peng Xinxin , May Chen Mei-Ju , Li Zhe , Wei Bin , Wen Xianzi , Wei Baoye , Dong Yu , Bu Zhaode , Wu Aiwen , Wu Qi , Tang Lei , Li Zhongwu , Liu Yiqiang , Zhang Li , Jia Shuqin , Zhang Lianhai , Shan Fei , Zhang Ji , Wu Xiaojiang , Ji Xin , Ji Ke , Wu Xiaolong , Shi Jinyao , Xing Xiaofang , Wu Jianmin , Lv Guoqing , Shen Lin , Ji Xuwo , Liang Han , Ji Jiafu
Published: February 2020

We performed the multi-omic characterization of gastric cancer to detect key molecular features for neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Liver macrophages inhibit the endogenous antioxidant response in obesity-associated insulin resistance
Authors: Azzimato Valerio , Jager Jennifer , Chen Ping , Morgantini Cecilia , Levi Laura , Barreby Emelie , Sulen André , Oses Carolina , Willerbrords Joost , Xu Connie , Li Xidan , Shen Joanne X. , Akbar Naveed , Haag Lars , Ellis Ewa , Wålhen Kerstin , Näslund Erik , Thorell Anders , Choudhury Robin P. , Lauschke Volker M. , Rydén Mikael , Craige Siobhan M. , Aouadi Myriam
Published: February 2020

Liver macrophages exacerbate oxidative stress in obesity-induced hepatic steatosis by blocking the endogenous antioxidant response.
Blood natural killer cell deficiency reveals an immunotherapy strategy for atopic dermatitis
Authors: Mack Madison R. , Brestoff Jonathan R. , Berrien-Elliott Melissa M. , Trier Anna M. , Yang Ting-Lin B. , McCullen Matthew , Collins Patrick L. , Niu Haixia , Bodet Nancy D. , Wagner Julia A. , Park Eugene , Xu Amy Z. , Wang Fang , Chibnall Rebecca , Council M. Laurin , Heffington Carrie , Kreisel Friederike , Margolis David J. , Sheinbein David , Lovato Paola , Vivier Eric , Cella Marina , Colonna Marco , Yokoyama Wayne M. , Oltz Eugene M. , Fehniger Todd A. , Kim Brian S.
Published: February 2020

Patients with atopic dermatitis harbor deficiencies in subsets of NK cells that can be therapeutically reversed to improve disease in mice.
Evolution of geodynamics since the Archean: Significant change at the dawn of the Phanerozoic
Authors: Brown M. , Kirkland C.L. , Johnson T.E.
Published: February 2020

A time-series analysis of thermobaric ratios (temperature/pressure [T/P]) for Paleoarchean to Cenozoic metamorphic rocks identified significant shifts in mean T/P that may be related to secular change in the geodynamics on Earth. Thermobaric ratios showed significant (>95% confidence) change points at 1910, 902, 540, and 515 Ma, recording drops in mean T/P, and at 1830, 604, and 525 Ma, recording rises in mean T/P. Highest mean T/P occurred during the Mesoproterozoic, and lowest mean T/P occurred from the Cambrian to the Oligocene. Correlated changes were seen between T/P and global data sets of time-constrained hafnium (Hf) and oxygen (O) isotope compositions in zircon. The range of correlated variation in T/P, Hf, and O was larger during the formation of Rodinia than Columbia. Large changes and a wide range for these variables continued through the Phanerozoic, during which a statistically significant 83 m.y. frequency of T/P excursions recorded the high tempo of orogenic activity associated with the separation, migration, and accretion of continental terranes during the formation of Pangea. Since the early Tonian, the decreasing mean T/P of metamorphism, widespread appearance of blueschist and ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism, and wide fluctuations in Hf and O isotope compositions document a change to the modern plate-tectonic regime, characterized by widespread continental subduction and deeper slab breakoff than in the Proterozoic.
Implant-supported fixed hybrid acrylic complete dentures opposing fully restored mandibular metal ceramic restorations
Authors: Alfarsi Mohammed A , Shaik Sharaz
Published: February 2020

This report presents a full-mouth rehabilitation case. A patient came with a failing dentition in maxilla, and after the treatment, the patient had a shortened full-arch, implant-supported, screw-retained hybrid acrylic complete denture in the maxilla and full-arch metal ceramic restorations in the mandible. The report describes the steps involved in the prosthodontic rehabilitation; a cost-effective treatment plan, the restoration of vertical dimension, an immediate denture, an implant-level impression, a verified-master cast, the fabrication of definitive prosthesis, the occlusal scheme and multiple follow-ups in 6 months. We discussed the merits/demerits of screw-retained prosthesis, impression techniques and various types of fixed complete dentures. We learnt the difficulty in hygiene measures and dissatisfaction of the patient with the hygienic gaps under the acrylic fixed dentures.
Morphology parameters for rupture in middle cerebral artery mirror aneurysms
Authors: Xu Wei-dong , Wang Han , Wu Qi , Wen Li-Li , You Zong-qi , Yuan Bin , Chen Shu-juan , Wang Han-Dong , Zhang Xin
Published: February 2020

Objective

To identify the morphological parameters correlated with the rupture of middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the digital subtraction angiography (DSA) data of 48 patients with ruptured mirror MCA aneurysms. Morphological parameters included aneurysm with wall protrusion, maximum diameter (Dmax), height, neck width, aneurysm width, dome projection, parent artery average diameter (Dp), aspect ratio (AR), bottleneck factor (BNF), size ratio (SR), M1/M2 ratio, and height/width (H/W) ratio. These paired parameters were analyzed by conditional univariate and multivariate logistic regressions to screen out the independent risk factors. We established a score based on the independent risk factors. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) were generated to estimate the prediction performance of the score in our large database of 763 aneurysms.

Results

In the univariate regressions, Dmax, height, aneurysm width, neck width, AR, BNF, H/W ratio, SR, anterior dome projection and aneurysm with wall protrusion were significant risk factors. Aneurysm width (OR 3.296, p=0.015), AR (OR 11.594, p=0.014) and anterior dome projection (OR 9.385, p=0.016) were independent risk factors in multivariate regression. The area under the curve (AUC) value of the score based on the three independent risk factors was 0.829.

Conclusion

Aneurysm width, AR and anterior dome projection were independent risks factors of rupture.
Wavelet optimized upwind conservative method for traffic flow problems
Authors: Sharma Deepika , Goyal Kavita
Published: February 2020

Numerical schemes, namely, upwind nonconservative, upwind conservative, Lax–Friedrichs, Lax–Wendroff, MacCormack and Godunov are applied and compared on traffic flow problems. The best scheme, namely, upwind conservative is used for wavelet-optimized method using Daubechies wavelet for numerically solving the same traffic flow problems. Numerical results corresponding to the traffic flow problem with the help of wavelet-optimized, adaptive grid, upwind conservative method have been given. Moreover, the run time carried out by the developed technique have been compared to that of run time carried out by finite difference technique. It is observed that, in terms of run time, the proposed method performs better.
A note on one-loop soliton quantum mass corrections
Authors: Aguirre A. R. , Flores-Hidalgo G.
Published: February 2020

We develop an alternative derivation of the renormalized expression for the one-loop soliton quantum mass corrections in (1 + 1)-dimensional scalar field theories. We regularize implicitly such quantity by subtracting and adding its corresponding tadpole graph contribution and use the renormalization prescription that such added term vanishes with adequate counterterms. As a result, we get a finite unambiguous formula for the soliton quantum mass corrections up to one-loop order, which turns to be independent of the chosen regularization scheme.
Annihilators of Cartier quotients
Authors: Yeşi̇l Mehmet
Published: February 2020

This paper studies Cartier modules with a computational perspective, and describes an algorithm which produces annihilators of quotients of a given finitely generated Cartier module with a surjective structural map.
Small Directed Strongly Regular Graphs
Authors: Gyürki Štefan
Published: February 2020

The goal of the present paper is to provide a gallery of small directed strongly regular graphs. For each graph of order n ≤ 12 and valency k < n/2, a diagram is depicted, its relation to other small directed strongly regular graphs is revealed, the full group of automorphisms is described, and some other nice properties are given. To each graph a list of interesting subgraphs is provided as well.
Further results for two certain subclasses of close-to-convex functions
Authors: Mahzoon H. , Kargar R.
Published: February 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be the family of analytic and normalized functions [Formula: see text] in the open unit disc [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we consider the following classes: [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We show that if [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are greater than [Formula: see text], and if [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text]. Also, some another interesting properties of the class [Formula: see text] are investigated. Finally, the radius of univalence of 2nd section sum of [Formula: see text] is obtained.
Active voice, active writing
Authors: Yaffe Philip
Published: February 2020

Each "Communication Corner" essay is self-contained; however, they build on each other. For best results, before reading this essay and doing the exercise, go to the first essay "How an Ugly Duckling Became a Swan," then read each succeeding essay.

Knowing when to write in the active or passive voice can fundamentally improve your work, but understanding how to use either can be tricky. Keep reading to learn the difference.
Functionalized Peapods
Authors: Tagmatarchis Nikos
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Encapsulation of Fullerenes into Non-Covalent Subphthalocyanine Supramolecular Assemblies
Authors: Claessens Christian G. , Sánchez-Molina I. , Medina A. , Zango G. , Ice M. , Martínez-Díaz M. V. , Fernandez Ariza J. , Guilleme J. , Guldi Dirk M. , Torres Tomas
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
(Invited) Purification of Single-Chirality Metallic Carbon Nanotubes by DNA
Authors: Tu Xiaomin , Hight Walker Angela R. , Zheng Ming
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
(Invited) Advances in Graphene Chemistry
Authors: Haddon Robert C.
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
(Invited) Understanding the Selective Retention of Semiconducting SWCNTs onto Agarose
Authors: Silvera Batista Carlos , McLeod Steven , Scott David , Ziegler Kirk J.
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
(Invited) Performance of Type-Separated Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Photovoltaic Blends
Authors: Blackburn Jeffrey , Holt Joshua , Ferguson Andrew , Kopidakis Nikos , Rumbles Garry
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
(Invited) Measuring SWCNT Length Distributions from Imaged Brownian Motion
Authors: Weisman R. B. , Streit Jason , Tsyboulski Dmitri , Bachilo Sergei M.
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
(Invited) Oxygen Doping Modifies near Infrared Band Gaps in Fluorescent Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Ghosh Saunab , Bachilo Sergei M. , Simonette Rebecca A. , Beckingham Kathleen M. , Weisman R. B.
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
(Invited) Energy Structures of Excitons and Trions in Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Matsunaga Ryusuke , Kanemitsu Yoshihiko
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
(Invited) Probing Localized Excitons and Band Gap States in Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Lee Ji Ung
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Synthesis and Characterization of Carbon Nanotube Electrodes Grown by Thermal CVD
Authors: Smart Christopher J. , Pearce Matthew A. , Oh Scott P. , Hudson Reuben , Alles Alexander , Belli Stuart L.
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Multiwall CVD Carbon Nanotubes as Insulated Nanowires
Authors: Belli Stuart L. , Oh Scott P. , Kaur Saranjit , Pearce Matthew A. , Smart Christopher J.
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
High-Performance N2O Plasma Treated Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes by Thermal Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Fan Ching-Lin , Lai Hui-Lung , Huang Tzu-Chien , Wu Wen-Fa
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Highly-Enriched Semiconducting Carbon Nanotubes for the Fabrication of Electronic Devices
Authors: Tulevski George , Chandra Bhupesh , Franklin Aaron
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Light Emission in Electrically Excited Carbon Canotubes
Authors: Adam Elyse , Cardin St-Antoine Benoit , Levesque Pierre L. , Paillet Matthieu , Ménard David , Martel Richard
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Directly Grown Vertically Aligned Single-Walled CNTs on Conducting Substrate as Electrode Material for Electrochemical Capacitor
Authors: Asyadi Azam Mohd , Fujiwara Akihiko , Shimoda Tatsuya
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Metal Exchange of a Trimetallic Nitride Templated Endohedral Metallofullerene: A Computational Study of a Metathesis Reaction
Authors: Fuhrer Timothy J. , Dorn Harry C.
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.