bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding public opinion to the introduction of minimum unit pricing in Scotland: a qualitative study using Twitter
Authors: Astill Wright Laurence , Golder Su , Balkham Adam , McCambridge J
Published: June 2019

Objectives

On 1 May 2018 minimum unit pricing (MUP) of alcohol was introduced in Scotland. This study used Twitter posts to quantify sentiment expressed online during the introduction of MUP, conducted a thematic analysis of these perceptions and analysed which Twitter users were associated with which particular sentiments.

Design and setting

This qualitative social media analysis captured all tweets relating to MUP during the 2 weeks after the introduction of the policy. These tweets were assessed using a mixture of human and machine coding for relevance, sentiment and source. A thematic analysis was conducted.

Participants

74 639 tweets were collected over 14 days. Of these 53 574 were relevant to MUP.

Results

Study findings demonstrate that opinion on the introduction of MUP in Scotland was somewhat divided, as far as is discernible on Twitter, with a slightly higher proportion of positive posts (35%) than negative posts (28%), with positive sentiment stronger in Scotland itself. Furthermore, 55% of positive tweets/retweets were originally made by health or alcohol policy-related individuals or organisations. Thematic analysis of tweets showed some evidence of misunderstanding around policy issues.

Conclusions

It is possible to appreciate the divided nature of public opinion on the introduction of MUP in Scotland using Twitter, the nature of the sentiment around it and the key actors involved. It will be possible to later study how this changes when the policy becomes more established.
Can a patient-directed video improve inpatient advance care planning? A prospective pre-post cohort study
Authors: Nair Rajesh , Kohen Samuel Abuaf
Published: June 2019

Background

Patients and their families often have an inadequate understanding of the risks and benefits of their advance care planning (ACP) options. Improving patients’ knowledge of therapeutic interventions allows them to better select treatments they believe are most appropriate for their condition.

Objectives

To determine if a video aimed at educating and engaging hospitalised patients on a standardised ACP order set can improve (1) inpatient understanding of key ACP concepts, (2) ACP documentation within 48 hours of hospital admission, (3) concordance between a patient’s expressed and chart-documented care preferences, (4) patient satisfaction with decision-making, and (5) patient’s decisional confidence.

Methods

A prospective, non-randomised, pre-post intervention study of 252 inpatients in a 215-bed community-based hospital in Comox, British Columbia, Canada.

Results

Our video decision support tool was associated with significant improvements in (1) patient understanding of key ACP concepts (70%–100%; p<0.0001), (2) ACP documentation within 48 hours of hospital admission (81%–92%; p=0.01), (3) concordance between patients’ expressed wishes and chart documentation (69%–89%; p<0.0001), (4) patient satisfaction with decision-making (Canadian Health Care Evaluation Project Lite score: 4.3–4.5, p=0.001), and (5) patient’s decisional confidence (patients with no decisional conflict, increased from 72% to 93%; p<0.0001).

Conclusion

A 13 min video aimed at educating and engaging inpatients on ACP concepts improved patient understanding of key ACP concepts, rates of ACP documentation and patient satisfaction with decision-making.
Evaluation of the effect of cooling strategies on recovery after surgical intervention
Authors: Engelhard Daniel , Hofer Pierre , Annaheim Simon
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Different cooling strategies exist for emergency treatments immediately after sports trauma or after surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of three cooling regimen during the immediate postoperative phase as well as in the rehabilitation phase.

Methods

36 patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction received either no cooling (control-group, Con, N=12), were cooled with a menthol-containing cooling bandage (Mtl, N=12) or cooled with an ice containing cold pack (CP, N=12). During a 12-week physiotherapy treatment the cross section of the vastus medialis muscle was examined (day—1; 30; 60; 90) and painkiller consumption was documented.

Results

A significant reduction in the cross section area 30 days after surgery was observed in CP and Con (Mtl: −3.2±1.7%, p=0.14, CP: −8.8±4.3%, p<0.01, Con: −7.2±8.1%, p<0.05). After 90 days of therapy, a significant increase in muscle cross section area was observed in Mtl (Mtl: 4.6%±6.1%, p<0.05, CP: 1.9%± 8.1%, p=0.29, Con: 3.3%±9.4%, p=0.31). The absolute painkiller consumption was lower for Mtl (25.5±3.7 tablets) than for CP (39.5±6.9 tablets) or Con (34.8±4.2 tablets).

Conclusion

We observed a beneficial effect of cooling by a menthol-containing bandage during the rehabilitation phase. Reduction of muscle cross section within 30 days after surgery was prevented which highly contributed to rehabilitation success after 90 days of therapy. Painkiller consumption was reduced with Mtl.
Implementing automated external defibrillators into community sports clubs/facilities: a cross-sectional survey of community club member preparedness for medical emergencies
Authors: Fortington Lauren V , West Liam , Morgan Damian , Finch Caroline F
Published: June 2019

Objective

There is a growing focus on ensuring the availability of automated external defibrillators (AED) in sport settings to assist in preventing sudden cardiac death. For the AED to be most effective, understanding how best to integrate it with wider risk management and emergency action plans (EAP) is needed. The aim of this survey was to identify sports club/facility member knowledge of AED use and club EAPs, 6 months following participation in a government-funded AED provision and cardiopulmonary resuscitation training programme.

Methods

Cross-sectional survey of community sports clubs and facilities in Victoria, Australia. Included participants were members of sports club/facilities that had been provided with an AED and basic first aid training as part of a government programme to increase access to, and awareness of, AEDs. A descriptive analysis of availability of EAPs and AEDs, together with practical scenarios on AED use and maintenance, is presented.

Results

From 191 respondents, more than half (56%) had no previous training in AED use. Knowledge on availability of an EAP at the club/facility was varied: 53% said yes and knew where it was located, while 41% did not have, or did not know if they had, an EAP. Responses to clinical scenarios for use of AED were mostly accurate, with the exception of being unsure how to respond when ‘a participant falls to the ground and is making shaking movements.’

Conclusions

While there were positive outcomes from this programme, such as half of the respondents being newly trained in emergency first aid response, further improvements are required to assist members with embedding their AED into their club/facility EAP and practices.
Early versus delayed palliative/supportive care in advanced cancer: an observational study
Authors: Bandieri Elena , Banchelli Federico , Artioli Fabrizio , Mucciarini Claudia , Razzini Giorgia , Cruciani Massimiliano , Potenza Leonardo , D'Amico Roberto , Efficace Fabio , Bruera Eduardo , Luppi Mario
Published: June 2019

Objective

The positive impact of early palliative care interventions in advanced cancer patients has so far been largely evaluated in randomised controlled trials. This study aimed at providing information on the value of early palliative/supportive care, integrated with standard oncologic care, in a real-life setting.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study of 292 advanced cancer patients consecutively admitted at Carpi Hospital in Modena, Italy, between 2014 and 2017. For the purpose of this analysis, patients were classified into two groups (early and delayed palliative/supportive care patients), and analysed for different clinical indicators. Early and delayed palliative/supportive care were classified according to the time elapsed from advanced cancer diagnosis until palliative/supportive care start.

Results

A total of 200 patients (68%), with at least three visits, were included in the analyses. The frequency of chemotherapy use in the last 60 days of life was 3.4% and 24.6% in the early and delayed groups, respectively (adjusted OR=0.1; 95% CI 0.0 to 0.4; p=0.002). The estimated survival probability at 1 year was 74.5% (95% CI 65.0% to 85.4%) and 45.5% (95% CI 37.6% to 55.0%), in the early and delayed groups, respectively. Performance status, pain and all the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale items, assessed at baseline and at 1 to 12 weeks after the intervention, showed significant improvement over time. However, no between-group differences were found with regard to symptom outcomes.

Conclusions

An earlier palliative/supportive care intervention was associated with reduced aggressiveness of therapy, in patients receiving community oncology care. Symptom burden was improved by early palliative/supportive care, independently of the timing of patient referral.
Naloxegol for opioid-induced sphincter of Oddi spasm/dysfunction
Authors: Davies Andrew Neil , Leach Charlotte
Published: June 2019

The paper describes a case report of a patient with a significant history of opioid-induced dysfunction of the sphincter of Oddi, who required morphine sulfate to manage oral mucositis pain, and who was successfully treated with concomitant oral naloxegol (Moventig: Kyowa Kirin, Galashiels, UK).
Do surgeon non-technical skills correlate with teamwork-related outcomes during robot-assisted surgery?
Authors: Ahmed Youseff , Lone Zaeem , Hussein Ahmed A , Feng Yingdong , Khan Hijab , Broad Sierra , Kannappan Renuka , Skowronski Alicia , Cole Adam , Wang Derek , Stone Kevin , Hasasneh Adam , Sexton Kevin , Gotsch Amanda , Ali Taimor , Braun Jacob , Khan Saira , Durrani Ayesha , Durrani Mohammad , Guru Khurshid A
Published: June 2019

Introduction

To evaluate the impact of non-technical skills (NTS) on team performance, workload and clinical outcomes.

Methods

The operating room (OR) environment of 20 robot-assisted radical prostatectomies performed by three different surgeons was recorded. Trained observers assessed NTS utilising the Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS) questionnaire. Associations between NOTSS scores, teamwork attributes (anticipation and inconveniences), workload (measured by National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX)) and clinical outcomes (operative time, blood loss and surgical complexity) were determined using logistic regression and Pearson correlation.

Results

1780 requests were observed, 703 (39%) were non-verbal. Utilisation of non-verbal requests differed significantly among surgeons (26%, 36% and 44%, p<0.001). Anticipation was significantly associated with ‘Situational Awareness’ (OR 2.59, 95% CI 1.52 to 4.38, p<0.001), ‘Decision Making’ (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.55, p<0.001) and ‘Communication and Teamwork’ (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.74, p=0.002) domains. Inconveniences were significantly associated with ‘Situational Awareness’ (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.59, p=0.003), ‘Decision Making’ (OR 2.73, 95% CI 1.53 to 4.86, p<0.001), and ‘Leadership’ (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.94, p=0.03). There was a significant positive correlation between NOTSS scores and perceived physical and mental workload measures of NASA-TLX, as well as self-perceived performance. There was no significant association between NOTSS scores and any of the investigated clinical outcomes.

Conclusion

NTS in the OR were associated with team efficiency, fewer surgical flow disruptions and an improved self-perceived performance.
Procedural success with radial access for carotid artery stenting: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jaroenngarmsamer Tanaporn , Bhatia Kartik Dev , Kortman Hans , Orru Emanuele , Krings Timo
Published: June 2019

Background

Femoral access is the traditional approach for endovascular carotid artery stenting. Radial access is increasingly used as an alternative approach due to its known anatomical advantages in patients with unfavorable aortic arch morphology via the femoral approach and its excellent access site safety profile. Our objective was to analyze procedural success using radial access for carotid artery stenting as reported in the literature.

Methods

Three online databases were systematically searched following PRISMA guidelines for studies (n ≥20) using radial artery access for carotid artery stenting (1999–2018). Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool the procedural success (successful stent placement with no requirement for crossover to femoral access), mortality, and complication rates associated with radial access.

Results

Seven eligible studies reported procedural success outcomes with a pooled meta-analysis rate of 90.8% (657/723; 95% CI 86.7% to 94.2%; I2=53.1%). Asymptomatic radial artery occlusion occurred in 5.9% (95% CI 4.1% to 8.0%; I2=0%) and forearm hematoma in 1.4% (95% CI 0.4% to 2.9%; I2=0%). Risk of minor stroke/transient ischemic attack was 1.9% (95% CI 0.6% to 3.8%; I2=42.3%) and major stroke was 1.0% (95% CI 0.4% to 1.8%; I2=0%). There were three deaths across the seven studies (0.6%; 95% CI 0.2% to 1.3%; I2=0%). The meta-analysis was limited by statistically significant heterogeneity for the primary outcome of procedural success.

Conclusion

Radial access for carotid artery stenting has a high procedural success rate with low rates of mortality, access site complications, and cerebrovascular complications. The potential benefits of this approach in patients with unfavorable aortic arch access should be explored in a prospective randomized trial.
Parametric jet interpolation for Stein manifolds with the density property
Authors: Ramos-Peon Alexandre , Ugolini Riccardo
Published: June 2019

Given a Stein manifold with the density property, we show that under a suitable topological condition it is possible to prescribe derivatives at a finite number of points to automorphisms depending holomorphically on a Stein parameter. This is an Oka property of the manifold and is related to its holomorphic flexibility.
The Poisson Nadarajah–Haghighi Distribution: Properties and Applications to Lifetime Data
Authors: Mansoor Muhammad , Tahir M. H. , Alzaatreh Aymaan , Cordeiro Gauss M.
Published: June 2019

A new three-parameter compounded extended-exponential distribution “Poisson Nadarajah–Haghighi” is introduced and studied, which is quite flexible and can be used effectively in modeling survival data. It can have increasing, decreasing, upside-down bathtub and bathtub-shaped failure rate. A comprehensive account of the mathematical properties of the model is presented. We discuss maximum likelihood estimation for complete and censored data. The suitability of the maximum likelihood method to estimate its parameters is assessed by a Monte Carlo simulation study. Four empirical illustrations of the new model are presented to real data and the results are quite satisfactory.
Meshfree Method for Geometrical Nonlinear Analysis of Curved and Twisted Beams Using a Three-Dimensional Finite Deformation Theory
Authors: Yeh Wen-Cheng , Wang Yung-Ming
Published: June 2019

This paper presents a three-dimensional finite deformation theory for the geometric nonlinear analysis of both the curved and twisted beams using the meshfree method based on the Timoshenko beam hypothesis. The theory presented is simple, but it is capable of solving the stability, postbuckling, snap-through, and large deformation problems effectively. Clear physical meanings will be revealed in derivation of the three-dimensional finite deformation theory. A meshfree method based on the differential reproducing kernel (DRK) approximation collocation method combined with the Newton–Raphson method is employed to solve the strong forms of the geometrically nonlinear problems. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the validity of the method presented.
Groups satisfying the double chain condition on non-abelian subgroups
Authors: Brescia Mattia , Russo Alessio
Published: June 2019

If [Formula: see text] is a subgroup property, a group [Formula: see text] is said to satisfy the double chain condition on [Formula: see text]-subgroups if it admits no infinite double sequences [Formula: see text] consisting of [Formula: see text]-subgroups. The structure of generalized radical groups satisfying the double chain condition on non-abelian subgroups is described.
Why is Life the Way it Is?
Authors: Lane Nick
Published: June 2019

The concept of the three domains of life (the bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes) goes back to Carl Woese in 1990 1 . Most scientists now see the eukaryotes (cells with a true nucleus) as a secondary domain, derived from bacteria and archaea via an endosymbiosis 2 . That makes the last universal common ancestor of life (LUCA) the ancestor of bacteria and archaea 3 . While these domains are strikingly different in their genetics and biochemistry 4 , they are nearly indistinguishable in their cellular morphology — historically, both groups have been classed as prokaryotes. In terms of their metabolic versatility and molecular machinery, prokaryotes are if anything more sophisticated than eukaryotes 5 . Yet despite an exhaustive search of genetic sequence space in virtually infinite populations over four billion years, neither domain evolved morphological complexity to compare with eukaryotes 5 . The evolutionary path to morphological complexity does not seem to depend on genetic information alone 6 . The most plausible explanation is that physical constraints stemming from the topological structure of prokaryotes blocked the evolution of morphological complexity in prokaryotes, and that the endosymbiosis at the origin of eukaryotes relieved these constraints 6 . In this lecture, I shall argue that the dependence of all life on electrical charges across membranes to generate energy explains the structural constraints on prokaryotes, and the escape from these constraints in eukaryotes 7 .
Inpainting of Dunhuang Murals by Sparsely Modeling the Texture Similarity and Structure Continuity
Authors: Wang Huan , Li Qingquan , Zou Qin
Published: June 2019

Ancient mural paintings often suffer from damage such as color degradation, pigment peeling, and even large-area shedding. Image inpainting techniques are widely used to virtually repair these damages. Generally, the inpainting task can be very challenging when structures are totally missing within a large area. In this article, we study mural image inpainting by incorporating structure information collected from line drawings, and propose a line-drawings-guided inpainting algorithm for repairing the damaged murals of Mogao Grottoes, Dunhuang. Unlike traditional methods that use one single patch to inpaint the target area, the proposed method constructs the target patch with a linear combination of multiple candidate patches. These candidate patches are selected by a sparse model, where two special constraints have been introduced to guarantee the texture similarity and structure continuity. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Digital Augmentation of Historical Objects Through Tangible Interaction
Authors: Not Elena , Cavada Dario , Maule Stefano , Pisetti Anna , Venturini Adriano
Published: June 2019

The technological advances brought about by the Internet of Things enable new opportunities for a more direct interaction among users, objects, and places. This is an extremely valuable innovation for the cultural heritage sector, as it allows a more transparent use of technology in the digital augmentation of museums and cultural heritage sites. The possibility to augment physical objects with sensors detecting when they are moved and manipulated enables scenarios where descriptive information about objects is presented to users at the very exact time they are looking at them, stimulating engagement. This article describes a collaborative research effort among cultural heritage professionals, human--computer interaction experts, and developers that was aimed at investigating the goals and constraints curators consider for a physical encounter between visitors and historic relics. In a case study, we co-designed an interactive plinth centred on tangible interaction and evaluated the impact on the user experience of combining digital information with a hands-on experience of relics of World War I. Our findings show that visitors value this type of tangible interaction with collection objects positively, as it allows the discovery of details and the learning of aspects that normally go unnoticed. The synergy between physical and digital aspects stimulates empathy with the original users of the object and fosters social interaction.
SMAC
Authors: Li Zhen , Annett Michelle , Hinckley Ken , Wigdor Daniel
Published: June 2019

Prior research has demonstrated that users are increasingly employing multiple devices during daily work. Currently, devices such as keyboards, cell phones, and tablets remain largely unaware of their role within a user's workflow. As a result, transitioning between devices is tedious, often to the degree that users are discouraged from taking full advantage of the devices they have within reach. This work explores the device ecologies used in desk-centric environments and complies the insights observed into SMAC, a simplified model of attention and capture that emphasizes the role of user-device proxemics, as mediated by hand placement, gaze, and relative body orientation, as well as inter-device proxemics. SMAC illustrates the potential of harnessing the rich, proxemic diversity that exists between users and their device ecologies, while also helping to organize and synthesize the growing body of literature on distributed user interfaces. An evaluation study using SMAC demonstrated that users could easily understand the tenants of user- and inter-device proxemics and found them to be valuable within their workflows.
Computer Algorithm for Archaeological Projectile Points Automatic Classification
Authors: Flores Fernando Castillo , Ugalde Francisco García , Díaz José Luis punzo , Navarro Jesús Zarco , Gastelum-strozzi Alfonso , Angeles María Del pilar , Miyatake Mariko Nakano
Published: June 2019

The manual archaeological projectile point morphological classification is an extensive and complex process since it involves a large number of categories. This article presents an algorithm that automatically makes this process, based on the projectile point digital image and using a classification scheme according to global archaeological approaches. The algorithm supports different conditions such as changes in scale and quality of the image. Moreover, it requires only a uniform background and an approximate north--south projectile point orientation. The principal computer methods that compose the algorithm are the curvature scale space map (CSS-map), the gradient contour on the projectile point, and the support vector machines (SVM) algorithm. Finally, the classifier was trained and tested on a dataset of approximately 800 projectile points images, and the results have shown a better performance than other shape descriptors such as Pyramid of Histograms of Orientation Gradients (PHOG), Histogram of Orientation Shape Context (HOOSC) (both used in a bag-of-words context), and geometric moment invariants (Hu moments).
Virtual Inpainting for Dazu Rock Carvings Based on a Sample Dataset
Authors: Wang Haiyan , He Zhongshi , Chen Dingding , Huang Yongwen , He Yiman
Published: June 2019

Numerous image inpainting algorithms are guided by a basic assumption that the known region in the original image itself can provide sufficient prior information for the guess recovery of the unknown part, which is not often the case in actual art-image inpainting. Sometimes, the art image that needs to be inpainted is so badly damaged that there is little prior information to serve as a good model to infer the appearance of the unknown fragment. Focusing on the lookup strategy for optimal patches, a novel semi-automatic exemplar-based inpainting framework based on a sample dataset is proposed in this article to solve such a problem with three steps: (1) reference images selection from the dataset using deep convolutional network, (2) sample image creation based on reference images with melding algorithm, and (3) exemplar-based inpainting according to the created sample image. Several comparative experiments over Dazu Rock Carvings with the state-of-the-art image completion approaches demonstrate the effectiveness of our contributions. First, the search space for candidate patches is extended from the known region to a sample image. It performs effectively for the inpainting case of little prior information existing in the original image itself. Furthermore, sample image creation is added to reduce the complexity of inpainting via multiple images and avoid the taboo of complete duplication in art restoration. Moreover, Poisson blending is used for post-procedure to improve the visual harmony between the reconstructed fragment and the known region in both color and illumination. Last but not least, our method is successfully applied in the virtual inpainting of Dazu Buddhist face images. The inpainted proposals can be a reference for the final actual artificial inpainting as well as a base for VR show.
Cultural Heritage and the Intelligent Internet of Things
Authors: Lee Woosik , Lee Dong-hoon
Published: June 2019

Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, such as artificial intelligence, big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and virtual reality, have disrupted legacy methods of operations and have led to progress in many industries worldwide. These technologies also affect the cultural and national heritage. IoT generates large volumes of streaming data; therefore, advanced data analytics using big data analytics and artificial neural networks is an important research topic. In this study, IoT sensor data was collected at the restored Woljeong Bridge, which was originally built in the eighth century, or AD 760, during the Silla Dynasty (57 BC--AD 935) in South Korea. We empirically evaluate a recurrent neural network with recurrent units, including a long short-term memory (LSTM) unit and a gated recurrent unit (GRU). Additionally, we evaluate hybrid deep-learning models (convolution neural networks [CNN]-LSTM and CNN-GRU) to build a prediction model, facilitating the preventive conservation of an invaluable cultural and national heritage site. The experimental results show that the LSTM unit is an effective and robust model. When comparing the hybrid models (i.e., the joint CNN-LSTM and CNN-GRU architectures), we found that the vanilla LSTM and GRU models had superior time-series prediction capabilities.
Beyond Monetary Incentives
Authors: Feyisetan Oluwaseyi , Simperl Elena
Published: June 2019

In this article, we aim to gain a better understanding into how paid microtask crowdsourcing could leverage its appeal and scaling power by using contests to boost crowd performance and engagement. We introduce our microtask-based annotation platform
Wordsmith
, which features incentives such as points, leaderboards, and badges on top of financial remuneration. Our analysis focuses on a particular type of incentive, contests, as a means to apply crowdsourcing in near-real-time scenarios, in which requesters need labels quickly. We model crowdsourcing contests as a continuous-time Markov chain with the objective to maximise the output of the crowd workers, while varying a parameter that determines whether a worker is eligible for a reward based on their present rank on the leaderboard. We conduct empirical experiments in which crowd workers recruited from CrowdFlower carry out annotation microtasks on Wordsmith—in our case, to identify named entities in a stream of Twitter posts. In the experimental conditions, we test different reward spreads and record the total number of annotations received. We compare the results against a control condition in which the same annotation task was completed on CrowdFlower without a time or contest constraint. The experiments show that rewarding only the best contributors in a live contest could be a viable model to deliver results faster, though quality might suffer for particular types of annotation tasks. Increasing the reward spread leads to more work being completed, especially by the top contestants. Overall, the experiments shed light on possible design improvements of paid microtasks platforms to boost task performance and speed and make the overall experience more fair and interesting for crowd workers.
Fortunettes
Authors: Coppers Sven , Luyten Kris , Vanacken Davy , Navarre David , Palanque Philippe , Gris Christine
Published: June 2019

Feedback is commonly used to explain what happened in an interface. What if questions, on the other hand, remain mostly unanswered. In this paper, we present the concept of enhanced widgets capable of visualizing their future state, which helps users to understand what will happen without committing to an action. We describe two approaches to extend GUI toolkits to support widget-level feedforward, and illustrate the usefulness of widget-level feedforward in a standardized interface to control the weather radar in commercial aircraft. In our evaluation, we found that users require less clicks to achieve tasks and are more confident about their actions when feedforward information was available. These findings suggest that widget-level feedforward is highly suitable in applications the user is unfamiliar with, or when high confidence is desirable.
Evaluating Multimodal Feedback for Assembly Tasks in a Virtual Environment
Authors: Yin Guofan , Otis Martin J.-D. , Fortin Pascal E. , Cooperstock Jeremy R.
Published: June 2019

Operating power tools over extended periods of time can pose significant risks to humans, due to the strong forces and vibrations they impart to the limbs. Telemanipulation systems can be employed to minimize these risks, but may impede effective task performance due to the reduced sensory cues they typically convey. To address this shortcoming, we explore the benefits of augmenting these cues with the addition of audition, vibration, and force feedback, and evaluate them on users' performance in a VR mechanical assembly task employing a simulated impact wrench. Our research focuses on the utility of vibrotactile feedback, rendered as a simplified and attenuated version of the vibrations experienced while operating an actual impact wrench. We investigate whether such feedback can serve to enhance the operator's awareness of the state of the tool, as well as a proxy for the forces experienced during collisions and coupling, while operating the tool an actual impact wrench. Results from our user study comparing feedback modalities confirm that the introduction of vibrotactile, in addition to auditory feedback can significantly improve user performance as assessed by completion time. However, the addition of force feedback to these two modalities did not further improve performance.
BMI-associated gene variants in FTO and cardiometabolic and brain disease: obesity or pleiotropy?
Authors: Ganeff Ingeborg M. M. , Bos Maxime M. , van Heemst Diana , Noordam Raymond
Published: June 2019

Obesity is a causal risk factor for the development of age-related disease conditions, which includes Type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and dementia. In genome-wide association studies, genetic variation in FTO is strongly associated with obesity and has been described across different ethnic backgrounds and life stages. To date, much work has been devoted on determining the biological mechanisms via which FTO affects body weight regulation and ultimately contributes to age-related cardiometabolic and brain disease. The main hypotheses of the involved biological mechanisms include the involvement of FTO in habitual food intake and energy expenditure. In this narrative review, our overall aim is to provide an overview on how FTO gene variants could increase the risk of developing age-related disease conditions. Specifically, we will discuss the state of the literature based on the different hypotheses how FTO regulates body weight and ultimately contributes to cardiometabolic disease and brain disease.
Providing Higher Resolution Indicators of Rurality in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Database: Implications for Patient Privacy and Research
Authors: Moss Jennifer L. , Stinchcomb David G. , Yu Mandi
Published: June 2019

Background:

The burden of cancer is higher in rural areas than urban areas. The NCI's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database currently provides county-level information on rurality for cancer patients in its catchment area, but more nuanced measures of rurality would improve etiologic and surveillance studies.

Methods:

We analyzed disclosure risk and conducted a sample utility analysis of census tract–level measures of rurality, using (1) U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Urban Commuting Area (RUCA) codes and (2) U.S. Census data on percentage of the population living in nonurban areas. We evaluated the risk of disclosure by calculating the percentage of census tracts and cancer cases that would be uniquely identified by a combination of these two rurality measures with a census tract–level socioeconomic status (SES) variable. The utility analyses examined SES disparities across levels of rurality for lung and breast cancer incidence and relative survival.

Results:

Risk of disclosure was quite low: <0.03% of census tracts and <0.03% of cancer cases were uniquely identified. Utility analyses demonstrated an SES gradient in lung and breast cancer incidence and survival, with relatively similar patterns across rurality variables.

Conclusions:

The RUCA and Census rurality measures have been added to a specialized SEER 18 database. Interested researchers can request access to this database to perform analyses of urban/rural differences in cancer incidence and survival.

Impact:

Such studies can provide important research support for future interventions to improve cancer prevention and control.
Adult Overweight and Survival from Breast and Colorectal Cancer in Swedish Women
Authors: Arnold Melina , Charvat Hadrien , Freisling Heinz , Noh Hwayoung , Adami Hans-Olov , Soerjomataram Isabelle , Weiderpass Elisabete
Published: June 2019

Background:

The impact of overweight duration and intensity during adulthood on the prognosis after a cancer diagnosis remains largely unknown. We investigated this association in Swedish women with breast and colorectal cancer.

Methods:

A cohort of 47,051 women from the Swedish Lifestyle and Health Study was included, of whom 1,241 developed postmenopausal breast (mean age at diagnosis, 57.5 years) and 259 colorectal (mean age at diagnosis, 59.1 years) cancer. Trajectories of body mass index (BMI) between ages 20 and 50 years were estimated for the full cohort using a quadratic growth model and studied in relation to risk of death from any cause using multivariate Cox regression models among cancer survivors.

Results:

Compared with patients with cancer who were never overweight (BMI < 25) during early adulthood (ages 20–50 years), the risk of early death from breast cancer increased by 3% [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.03; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01–1.05] and from colorectal cancer by 4% (HR = 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01–1.06) for every year lived with overweight. A higher intensity of overweight (i.e., a combination of duration and degree of overweight—a concept comparable to pack-years of cigarette smoking) further increased the risk of dying in this population. Although risks were slightly more pronounced for women diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer, no clear association was found for colorectal cancer.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that adulthood overweight duration and intensity have a long-lasting influence on breast and colorectal cancer survival.

Impact:

Our study highlights the need for effective prevention of overweight and obesity starting at an early age.
Glioma Stem Cell–Specific Superenhancer Promotes Polyunsaturated Fatty-Acid Synthesis to Support EGFR Signaling
Authors: Gimple Ryan C. , Kidwell Reilly L. , Kim Leo J.Y. , Sun Tengqian , Gromovsky Anthony D. , Wu Qiulian , Wolf Megan , Lv Deguan , Bhargava Shruti , Jiang Li , Prager Briana C. , Wang Xiuxing , Ye Qing , Zhu Zhe , Zhang Guoxin , Dong Zhen , Zhao Linjie , Lee Derrick , Bi Junfeng , Sloan Andrew E. , Mischel Paul S. , Brown J. Mark , Cang Hu , Huan Tao , Mack Stephen C. , Xie Qi , Rich Jeremy N.
Published: June 2019

Glioblastoma ranks among the most aggressive and lethal of all human cancers. Functionally defined glioma stem cells (GSC) contribute to this poor prognosis by driving therapeutic resistance and maintaining cellular heterogeneity. To understand the molecular processes essential for GSC maintenance and tumorigenicity, we interrogated the superenhancer landscapes of primary glioblastoma specimens and in vitro GSCs. GSCs epigenetically upregulated ELOVL2, a key polyunsaturated fatty-acid synthesis enzyme. Targeting ELOVL2 inhibited glioblastoma cell growth and tumor initiation. ELOVL2 depletion altered cellular membrane phospholipid composition, disrupted membrane structural properties, and diminished EGFR signaling through control of fatty-acid elongation. In support of the translational potential of these findings, dual targeting of polyunsaturated fatty-acid synthesis and EGFR signaling had a combinatorial cytotoxic effect on GSCs.

Significance:

Glioblastoma remains a devastating disease despite extensive characterization. We profiled epigenomic landscapes of glioblastoma to pinpoint cell state–specific dependencies and therapeutic vulnerabilities. GSCs utilize polyunsaturated fatty-acid synthesis to support membrane architecture, inhibition of which impairs EGFR signaling and GSC proliferation. Combinatorial targeting of these networks represents a promising therapeutic strategy.

See related commentary by Affronti and Wellen, p. 1161.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1143
Trapped Pre-Macular Bubble of Octafluoropropane Gas Masquerading as Retained Submacular Perfluorocarbon Liquid
Authors: Petrou Petros , Kokosiouli Despoina-Georgia , Patel Trushar , Banerjee Philip J. , Georgalas Ilias , Papakonstantinou Dimitrios , Brouzas Dimitrios , DaCruz Lyndon
Published: June 2019

Introduction: To demonstrate, with the aid of retinal imaging, an abnormal post-operative macular appearance caused by the presence of a “fragmented” pre-retinal bubble of octafluoropropane (C3F8) masquerading as retained subretinal perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL). Methods: This is an interventional case presentation. Results: Colour fundus photography high-resolution spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and clinical progress demonstrate that the abnormal reflex was caused by the presence of a small fragment of C3F8 becoming lodged at the pre-foveal area. Conclusion: Submacular entrapment of various substances used during vitrectomy has been described in a number of case reports and case series. To our knowledge, this is the first described case of a retained fragment of fluorocarbon gas trapped at the macula following successful retinal detachment repair and highlights a previously unreported cause of an abnormal foveal appearance. However, clinical examination together with the use of SD-OCT is helpful in differentiating the appearance from that seen in other retained vitrectomy adjuncts.
Free 25-Vitamin D Is Correlated with Cardiovascular Events in Prevalent Hemodialysis Patients but Not with Markers of Renal Mineral Bone Disease
Authors: Chen Xin  , Lu Yong-Ping  , Luo Ting  , Wu Hong-Wei , Cai Su-Fen , Tian Mei  , Yin Liang-Hong , Krämer Bernhard K. , Liu Fan-Na , Hocher Berthold , Elitok Saban
Published: June 2019

Free vitamin D is the biologically active form of vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with cardiovascular disease, the most common cause of mortality in hemodialysis patients. The goal of our current study was to investigate the relation between blood concentrations of free 25-hydroxyvitamin D with cardiovascular events in end-stage chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis, because this is unknown so far. We measured free vitamin D levels in 117 stable consecutive prevalent patients in September as a surrogate of vitamin D exposure during the past 6 months, and recorded the number of cardiovascular events during the previous 6 months defined as hospitalization due to heart failure, episodes of acute coronary syndrome, and stroke. Fourteen events occurred during the observation period. In patients without any cardiovascular events the free vitamin D levels were significantly higher as compared to those with cardiovascular events (patients without events: 5.68 [4.37–9.27] pg/mL; patients with events: 4.74 [3.46–5.37] pg/mL, p = 0.015). This finding remained stable after multiple regression analysis considering confounding factors such as age, time on dialysis, preexisting diabetes, hypertension, and coronary heart disease. In conclusion, our study shows that free vitamin D serum concentrations are independently associated with major cardiovascular events in chronic kidney disease patients on dialysis.
European Healthy Hydration Awareness Campaign for Dietitians
Authors: Belogianni Katerina , Gandy Joan , van Ginkel Annemieke , Liddell Judith , Wagner Roselyne Y. , Lagoudakis Laura , Douglas Pauline
Published: June 2019

Up to 50% of the adult population fail to meet the recommended total water intake despite the adverse health outcomes associated with chronic low fluid intake. Total fluid intake plays an important role in the energy and nutrient intake of individuals. Dietitians’ role is to advise and guide the population toward a healthier diet. However, based on existing evidence, dietitians’ current knowledge and practices regarding healthy hydration is an area for improvement. The European Healthy Hydration Awareness Campaign (EuHHAC) is an initiative between the European Federation of the Associations of Dietitians (EFAD) and the Hydration and Health Department of Danone Research, which aims to increase knowledge and awareness of healthy hydration and provide dietitians with evidence-based resources to use in practice. Since 2016, a series of tasks were undertaken by the EuHHAC group targeting dietitians across Europe. These tasks included an online survey addressing gaps in hydration knowledge, a webinar providing information on the terminology and impact of hydration on health, an interactive session addressing facilitators and barriers to healthy hydration, and a tutorial summarizing key hydration information and take-home messages. Dietitians were actively engaged in each aspect. Based on the feedback received, awareness of hydration was increased among dietitians. To further enhance understanding, an online Hydration Resource Center, including the resources of EuHHAC, will be created and uploaded on the EFAD website. Once completed an evaluation study will be undertaken to assess the usefulness of the resources in practice. The deliverables will be cascaded across Europe and worldwide via social media, conferences, and publications.
An architectonic type principle integrates macroscopic cortico-cortical connections with intrinsic cortical circuits of the primate brain
Authors: Hilgetag Claus C. , Beul Sarah F. , van Albada Sacha J. , Goulas Alexandros
Published: June 2019

The connections linking neurons within and between cerebral cortical areas form a multiscale network for communication. We review recent work relating essential features of cortico-cortical connections, such as their existence and laminar origins and terminations, to fundamental structural parameters of cortical areas, such as their distance, similarity in cytoarchitecture, defined by lamination or neuronal density, and other macroscopic and microscopic structural features. These analyses demonstrate the presence of an architectonic type principle. Across species and cortices, the essential features of cortico-cortical connections vary consistently and strongly with the cytoarchitectonic similarity of cortical areas. By contrast, in multivariate analyses such relations were not found consistently for distance, similarity of cortical thickness, or cellular morphology. Gradients of laminar cortical differentiation, as reflected in overall neuronal density, also correspond to regional variations of cellular features, forming a spatially ordered natural axis of concerted architectonic and connectional changes across the cortical sheet. The robustness of findings across mammalian brains allows cross-species predictions of the existence and laminar patterns of projections, including estimates for the human brain that are not yet available experimentally. The architectonic type principle integrates cortical connectivity and architecture across scales, with implications for computational explorations of cortical physiology and developmental mechanisms.
A taxonomic study of the genus Austrohancockia Günther (Orthoptera:Tetrigoidea: Tetrigidae)
Authors: DENG WEIAN , ZHENG ZHEMIN , WEI SHIZHEN
Published: June 2019

Eleven species of Austrohancockia Günther were systematically researched in this paper. One species, Austrohancockia tuberfemora sp. nov., is described as new to science. This new species can be distinguished from Austrohancockia guangxiensis Zheng et Jiang, 1998, but differs in vertex and frontal ridge forming a right-angle; midkeel of pronotum interrupted, not conspicuous; pronotum reaching the knee of hind femur; width of fore femora equal to the width of middle femora; lower margins of fore and middle femora with one big teeth; third pulvillus of first segment of hind tarsi longer than first and second, apices of first and second sharp, apices of third obtuse. An updated key to the species of Austrohancockia is presented. The type specimens are deposited in the Institute of Zoology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China.
Revision of the Eurybrachidae (XIII). The new Australian genus Chewobrachys (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha)
Authors: CONSTANT JEROME
Published: June 2019

The new genus of Eurybrachidae Chewobrachys n. g. (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha) is described for two species from Eastern Australia, Platybrachys sanguiflua (Walker, 1858) and Chewobrachys limbourgi n. sp. The new combination Chewobrachys sanguiflua (Walker, 1858) n. comb. is proposed and Platybrachys insignis Distant, 1892 is proposed as a junior synonym of C. sanguiflua. The male and female genitalia are illustrated and photos of habitus, distribution maps and biological data are provided with the description of the species. A key to the species of Chewobrachys is given. Lectotypes are designated for Eurybrachys sanguiflua Walker, 1858 and Platybrachys insignis Distant, 1892. The new genus is provisionally placed in the tribe Platybrachyini Schmidt, 1908.
Six new species of Megaselia Rondani (Diptera: Phoridae) from mainland Australia
Authors: DISNEY R. H. L.
Published: June 2019

Megaselia alisamorum sp. nov., M. digiturgida sp. nov., maculafemoralis sp. nov., necscabra sp. nov., M. quattuorbrevis sp. nov. and M. tweedensis sp. nov. are described from Tweed Heads, New South Wales. A checklist of species of Phoridae reported from mainland Australia is provided.