bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phonocardiogram Classification Using Deep Convolutional Neural Networks with Majority Vote Strategy
Authors: Chen Wei , Sun Qiang , Wang Jue , Wu Huiqun , Zhou Hui , Li Hongjun , Shen Hongming , Xu Chen
Published: August 2019

Most current automated phonocardiogram (PCG) classification methods are relied on PCG segmentation. It is universal to make use of the segmented PCG signals and then extract efficiency features for computer-aided auscultation or heart sound classification. However, the accurate segmentation
of the fundamental heart sounds depends greatly on the quality of the heart sound signals. In addition these methods that heavily relied on segmentation algorithm considerably increase the computational burden. To solve above two issues, we have developed a novel approach to classify normal
and abnormal cardiac diseases with un-segmented PCG signals. A deep Convolutional Neural Networks (DCNNs) method is proposed for recognizing normal and abnormal cardiac diseases. In the proposed method, one-dimensional heart sound signals are first converted into twodimensional feature maps
which have three channels and each of them represents Mel-frequency spectral coefficients (MFSC) features including static, delta and delta–delta. These artificial images are then fed to the proposed DCNNs to train and evaluate normal and abnormal heart sound signals. We combined the
method of majority vote strategy to finally obtain the category of PCG signals. Sensitivity (Se), Specificity (Sp) and Mean accuracy (MAcc) are used as the evaluation metrics. Results: Experiments demonstrated that our approach achieved a significant improvement, with
the high Se, Sp, and MAcc of 92.73%, 96.90% and 94.81% respectively. The proposed method improves the MAcc by 5.63% compared with the best result in the CinC Challenge 2016. In addition, it has better robustness performance when applying for the long heart sounds.
The proposed DCNNs-based method can achieve the best accuracy performance on recognizing normal and abnormal heart sounds without the preprocessing of segmental algorithm. It significantly improves the classification performance compared with the current state-of-art algorithm.
Synthesis Score Level Fusion Based Multifarious Classifier for Multi-Biometrics Applications
Authors: Vaijayanthimala J. , Padma T.
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we are presenting a face and signature recognition method from a large dataset with the different pose and multiple features. Initially, Face and corresponding signature are detected from devices for further pre-processing. Face recognition is the first stage of a system
then the signature verification will be done. The proposed Legion feature based verification method will be developed using four important steps like, (i) feature extraction from face and data glove signals using feature Extraction. The various Features like Local binary pattern, shape and
geometrical features of face, then the global and local features of the signatures were extracted. (ii) Score match normalization is used to enhance the recognition accuracy using min–max and median estimations. (iii) Then the match scores are evaluated using synthesis score level fusion
based feature matching through Euclidean distance, (iv) Recognition based on the final score. Finally based on the feature library the face image and signature can be recognized. The similarity measurement is done by using Synthesis score level fusion (SSF) based multifarious Neural network
(MNN) Classifier with weighted summation formulae where two weights will be optimally found out using Adapted motion search optimization algorithm. Finally SSF-MNN based matching score fusion based decision classifier to determine recognized and non-recognized biometrics. Moreover, in comparative
analysis, a proposed technique is compared with the existing method by several performance metrics and the proposed SSF-MNN technique efficiently recognize the face images and corresponding signature from the input databases than the existing technique.
Correlation Analysis of Mental Health Status and Sleep Quality in Helicobacter pylori Positive Patients
Authors: Liu Min , Luo Cai-Feng
Published: August 2019

Objective: To analyze the correlation between mental health and sleep quality in Helicobacter pylori Positive Patients (Hp-positive patients). Methods: Patients with 13C exhalation test stomach discomfort were taken as the subjects of study. The gastrointestinal
symptoms table, Kessler10 scale and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) scale questionnaires were used. Single factor and multi-factor linear regression analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0. Results: Univariate analysis showed that Kessler10 scale was related to 11 factors, including
sex, drinking, preference for spicy food, current Hp situation, abdominal pain, abdominal distension, acid regurgitation, heartburn, belching, severity of gastrointestinal tract, and frequency of gastrointestinal attacks. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Multivariate
analysis showed that Hp (P = 0.00) and gastrointestinal attack frequency (P = 0.002) were the influencing factors (P < 0.05). In addition, univariate analysis showed that PSQI scale was related to 10 factors, namely gender, preference for spicy food, current Hp situation,
abdominal pain, abdominal distension, acid regurgitation, diarrhea, belching, severity of gastrointestinal tract and frequency of gastrointestinal attack, with statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that gender (P = 0.009), current Hp
situation (P = 0.020) and gastrointestinal attack frequency (P = 0.043) were the influencing factors (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Helicobacter pylori infection affects the mental health and sleep quality of patients.
CT Image Analysis of Large Bone Flap Craniotomy for Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Hu Lihong , Yin Bo , Yin Ning , Tan Aiping
Published: August 2019

Objective: To explore the therapeutic effect of large traumatic craniotomy for severe craniocerebral injury and examine recovery using CT image analysis. Methods: 86 patients with severe craniocerebral injury admitted to our hospital were selected and divided into control
group (n = 43) and observation group (n = 43). The observation group was treated with modified large traumatic craniotomy, while the control group was treated with standard large traumatic craniotomy. After the experiment, we analyzed the CT images before and after the operation,
as well as the therapeutic effect, including the total effective rate of drugs, the incidence of complications, intracranial pressure, neurological deficit, language function score and motor function score, and analyzed their medical value. Results: The medical total effective rate,
language function score and motor function score of the observation group were higher than those of the control group, and the incidence of complications, intracranial pressure and neurological deficits were lower than those of the control group, with statistical significance (P <
0.05). CT images also showed that the patient condition was improved and recovery was good. Conclusion: Compared with standard craniotomy, the craniotomy with large bone flaps can achieve better therapeutic effect. The incidence of complications is reduced and the recovery is good.
This type of procedure is beneficial to improve the prognosis and neurological function of patients.
Using Bioinformatics Analysis to Detect the Effect of Zoledronic Acid on the Biological Behavior of Osteosarcoma Cells
Authors: Li Sheng , Li Jianjun
Published: August 2019

Objective: Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone tumor commonly seen in adolescents. Drug treatment for osteosarcoma is often accompanied by systemic toxicity and side effects, while zoledronic acid has few side effects but has anti-tumor effects. Methods: The bioinformatics analysis
and scratch test were used to detect changes in cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis in two osteosarcoma cell lines 24, 48, and 72 hours after adding zoledronic acid (0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 μM). Flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe the
changes in cell apoptosis in the control and experimental groups after a 50% inhibitory dose of zoledronic acid was given. Results: The inhibition of cell proliferation and migration ability, as well as apoptosis increased with the increase in zoledronic acid exposure time and concentration.
The 50% inhibitory rate occurred 48 hours after treatment with 100 M zoledronic acid. Conclusion: Zoledronic acid inhibited proliferation and migration and promoted apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells in vitro.
Application and Statistical Health Analysis of Predictive Nursing in Orthopedic Nursing
Authors: Bao Fuqin , Wang Dapeng , Zhao Hongyan , Xu Bo
Published: August 2019

Objective: To investigate the application of predictive nursing guidelines in orthopedic care based on medical imaging and health statistics. Methods: 140 patients were divided into two groups: observation and control. The patients in the control group received routine
nursing. The patients in the observation group received the guidance of predictive nursing on the basis of routine nursing. The nursing effects of the two groups were observed. Results: After the implementation of nursing interventions, the complication rate was 4.3% in the observation
group and 20.0% in the control group. The difference between the groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The satisfaction rate was 97.1%, and the nursing satisfaction of the control group was 90.0%. The difference between the groups was statistically significant (P <
0.05). Discussion: Through observation of patient satisfaction and treatment, especially in orthopedics, patients are differentiated according to different diseases, and predictive care can effectively prevent complications. Conclusion: Predictive care provides preventive measures
by comprehensively understanding and comprehensively assessing the patient's condition and developing care measures in a timely and effective manner.
Bioinformatics Study of Osteoclastogenesis Inhibitory Factor and Receptor Activator of NF-κB Ligand Expression in Ovariectomized Osteoporosis Rat Model Using Probiotics Preparation
Authors: He Jingteng , Xu Qing , Zhang Yanchao , Chen Xu , Jia Xiaoyu , Zhang Tao , Sun Shaobin , Li Jianjun
Published: August 2019

Objective: To study the expression of OPG and RANKL in the ovariectomized osteoporosis SD rat model by probiotics preparation, and to observe the mechanism of probiotics regulating bone metabolism by medical imaging, and finally improve and improve the bone mass level of the
elderly. Methods: Forty five 12 weeks old SD female rats were randomly were evenly divided into control group (Sham operation, Sham), ovariotomy group (Ovariectomy, the OVX), ovarian resection and probiotic preparations intervention group (OVX + Probiotics), each group of 15, in addition
to the Sham group ovaries removed around the same size of adipose tissue, the OVX + Probiotics group and the OVX rats were performed bilateral ovaries removed. Eight weeks after the surgery, each group randomly, 2 rats dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measurement, determine after the success
of the building, the OVX + Probiotics group feed gavage quad living bacterium equivalent dose concentration solution, Sham group and the OVX group was given distilled water filling and feed volume. After 4 weeks of continuous administration, all rats were sacrificed. Subsequently, Tb. N, Tb.
Th, Tb. Sp and BV/TV were measured by micro-CT of medical imaging technique. The levels of serum BGP, ALP and Ca were measured by automatic biochemical analyzer. Real-time quantitative PCR and the expression levels of OPG, β-actin and RANKL genes and proteins were detected by Western
blot. Results: Compared with the Sham group, compared with the, the OVX + Probiotics group and the OVX rats femur lower Tb. N, Tb. Th, BV/TV value decreased significantly, Tb. Sp increased significantly, serum BGP and ALP, Ca levels were significantly lower (P < 0.05), the
OVX + Probiotics group compared with OVX group, the rat femur lower Tb. N, Tb. Th, BV/TV value, Tb. Sp, reducing RANKL protein expression and serum BGP and ALP, Ca levels, OPG protein expression were higher. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0 05), after 4 weeks intragastric
administration. Conclusion: The probiotic preparation (Bifidobacterium quadruple live bacteria) has an effect on the OPG/RANKL/RANK axis system, which plays an anti-OP role, and provides a new research direction for the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Dynamic Analysis of Myocardial Enzymes and Electrocardiogram in Pediatric Pneumonia
Authors: Wang Yanling , Sheng Li , Zhou Xuan
Published: August 2019

Objective: The condition of pediatric pneumonia changes rapidly. Non-invasive myocardial enzymes and electrocardiogram (ECG) can reflect the myocardial damage of patients noninvasively. The purpose of this study was to investigate the dynamic changes of myocardial enzymes and
ECG in the pediatric pneumonia. Method: A total of 18 pediatric pneumonia cases in our hospital from April 2018 to February 2019 were chosen. Another 18 healthy children were chosen as control group. The activity of creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase isoenzymes (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase
(LDH), and Glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) was collected, and the ECG were recorded in all subjects. Result: Before treatment, the CK, CK-MB, LDH and GOT in pneumonia group was higher than the data in control group. After treatment, the level decreased significantly, but still
slight higher than the data in control group. Compare with control groups, the incidence of abnormal ECG increased significantly. There was no statistical difference of incidence between control group and the patients after treatment. Conclusion: The serum myocardial enzymes such as
CK, CK-MB, LDH and GOT and ECG changes are useful markers for monitoring the myocardial injury in pediatric pneumonia.
A Novel Algorithm for Segmentation of Solitary Pulmonary Nodules in Chest Computed Tomography Based on Three-Dimensional Connected Voxels
Authors: Zhang Chence , Shen Yi , Kong Qian , Wei Yucheng , Zhang Bingsen , Duan Chongfeng , Li Nan
Published: August 2019

Background: With the increasing incidence of lung cancer, it is prudent to do screenings for individuals at high-risk. Solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) are an indication of small tumors or early stages of disease. Therefore, accurate detection of SPNs is important to both clinicians
and radiologists. Since a large number of computed tomography (CT) scans are being acquired during a lung cancer screening, there is an urgent need for new automated techniques to detect SPNs. Methods: A novel algorithm for segmentation of SPNs in CT scans based on three-dimensional
connected voxels (3DCVs) can be used to screen out potential patients with SPNs. 120 cases of CT scans from a public database (100 positive cases with nodules and 20 negative cases without nodules) and 30 negative cases from the routine CT scans completed in a hospital were used to test the
algorithm. The algorithm is based on the fact that most pulmonary nodules are solitary at their early stages. First, find suitable CT values thresholds for CT values to convert pulmonary nodules, normal tissues and air spaces in each chest CT slice into black and white images. Then stack the
slices in their originally physical order. This will produce a three-dimensional (3D) matrix with pulmonary nodules and normal tissues constructing their own 3DCVs respectively. Results: Of the 100 positive cases, 93 cases showed positive detection of SPNs and 7 cases did not. Of the
50 negative cases, 48 cases returned a negative result and 2 cases showed as positive result. In this study, the sensitivity is 93% and the specificity is 96% with a 4% false positive rate (FPR). Conclusions: This algorithm can be used to screen out positive chest CT scans efficiently,
which will increase efficiency by two to three times than when compared with manual inspection and detection.
Statistical Analysis of Homocysteine and Folate on the Regulation of Blood Pressure
Authors: Huang Zhigang , Shi Lin , Sun Ningling
Published: August 2019

Objective: To investigate and statistically analyze homocysteine and folate on the regulation of blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), and explore whether the effect is related to angiotensin II type L receptor (AT1R) with bioinformatics. Methods:
Eighteen SHRs were randomly divided into three groups: control group, methionine (Met) group and folate group (Met plus folate). Heart rate and blood pressure were monitored at different times. Serum Hcy levels were measured by ELISA kits. The expression of AT1R was detected by
protein immunoblot. Results: Statistical analysis results indicated that mean arterial pressure (MAP) of the Met group at 4 and 6 weeks showed an increasing trend compared with the control group. And the Folate group at 4 weeks presented a decreasing trend compared with the Met group.
The MAP of the other groups presented that great variation and no obvious trend. Serum Hcy levels were significantly increased in Met group, but decreased in folate group. AT1R protein were significantly decreased in Met and folate group. Conclusion: Hcy increased the MAP
to a certain extent, and folic acid had a weak response to intervention to the effect. AT1R protein in renal tissue may not be a major effector in the pathway of elevated blood pressure.
A Generalized Transfer Function Method for Reconstruction of Continuous Brachial Artery Pressure Based on Digital Measurement
Authors: Zhang Pandeng , Chen Ye , Chen Haibo , Liu Jia
Published: August 2019

Objective: To reconstruct brachial artery pressure (BAP) distally from digital artery pressure (DAP). Methods: We hypothesize that continuous BAP can simply be approximated by sum of two halves of the continuous DAP shifted by the delay time. In order to test it, we enrolled
30 healthy volunteers for two experiments. We firstly showed that the pressure wave in the digital artery can be considered twice as much as the forward/backward wave in the finger. A simplified individualized transfer function was then derived so as to estimate BAP from DAP with the parameter
of delay time estimated by tenfold cross validation. Finally, by comparing with a reference BAP, we found that the proposed method can correct the DAP. Result: The errors of the proposed method in estimating systolic and diastolic pressures are 0.4 ± 6.2 and 0.7 ± 3.7
mmHg, respectively. These results agree with the standard of Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). Discussion: In our method, large arteries are modeled with a uniform, frictionless tube, while small arteries are represented as a terminal load. The unknown
parameter of the delay time are estimated by tenfold cross validation. Conclusion: Our method is therefore promising in estimating continuous proximal blood pressure from peripheral blood pressure in practice.
Application of Deep Convolutional Neural Networks in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Classification: Data Augmentation and Convolutional Neural Network Transfer Learning
Authors: Zhu Li , Chang Weike
Published: August 2019

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common and controversial diseases in paediatric psychiatry. Recently, computer-aided diagnosis methods become increasingly popular in clinical diagnosis of ADHD. In this paper, we introduced the latest powerful method—deep
convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Some data augmentation methods and CNN transfer learning technique were used to address the application problem of deep CNNs in the ADHD classification task, given the limited annotated data. In addition, we previously encoded all gray-scale images into
3-channel images via two image enhancement methods to leverage the pre-trained CNN models designed for 3-channel images. All CNN models were evaluated on the published testing dataset from the ADHD-200 sample. Evaluation results show that our proposed deep CNN method achieves a state-of-the-art
accuracy of 66.67% by using data augmentation methods and CNN transfer learning technique, and outperforms existing methods in the literature. The result can be improved by building a special CNN structure. Furthermore, the trained deep CNN model can be used to clinically diagnose ADHD in
real-time. We suggest that the use of CNN transfer learning and data augmentation will be an effective solution in the application problem of deep CNNs in medical image analysis.
Unequal Europe, unequal Brexit: How intra-European inequalities shape the unfolding and framing of Brexit
Authors: Antonucci Lorenza , Varriale Simone
Published: August 2019

This article argues that focusing on intra-European inequalities is key to a deeper understanding of the Brexit process, as the impacts of the Brexit process on core–periphery inequalities within Europe and on intra-European migrations remain under-researched topics. Focusing on sociology, this article provides a critical analysis of the burgeoning literature on Brexit, highlighting the centrality of methodological nationalism and its critique by critical race scholars. We expand the latter’s critique, providing a different solution to the national framing of the debate. Drawing on world-system theory and post-Bourdieusian social theory, we explore the role that Britain played in legitimising core–periphery inequalities in Europe and social hierarchies between West and East, and North and South, European populations. We highlight the UK’s influence over EU supranational policies and its association, among non-UK EU citizens, with a ‘meritocracy narrative’ that shapes patterns and meanings of intra-European migration. We further explore how inequalities of nation, class, race and gender make EU citizens unequally positioned to access the promises of this narrative. Overall, the article argues that a focus on intra-European inequalities is essential to an understanding of how Britain contributed to the unequal Europe it aims to leave, and how EU citizens’ unequal migrations make Brexit an asymmetrical process.
Reasons and Barriers for University Students’ Leisure-Time Physical Activity: Moderating Effect of Health Education
Authors: Sukys Saulius , Cesnaitiene Vida J. , Emeljanovas Arunas , Mieziene Brigita , Valantine Irena , Ossowski Zbigniew M.
Published: August 2019

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between health education and motives and barriers for university students’ engagement in leisure-time physical activity (PA). The research sample included 709 students (312 females and 397 males) in different years of study, ranging in age between 18-25 years. A questionnaire survey method revealed a significant positive relationship between fitness and health motives and students’ leisure-time PA. External barriers were negative predictors of students’ leisure-time PA, while more health education-related courses per week were positively associated with students’ leisure-time PA. Finally, we found that the number of health education-related courses per week moderated the relationship between fitness and health motives and students’ leisure-time PA. These findings suggest that university students’ fitness and health motives and external barriers to be physically active outweigh other motives and barriers in determining their leisure-time PA. In addition, health education in university studies can effectively increase students’ health-related motivation for PA.
Secular Partisan Realignment in the United States: The Socioeconomic Reconfiguration of White Partisan Support since the New Deal Era
Authors: Kitschelt Herbert P. , Rehm Philipp
Published: August 2019

White American voters have realigned among the two dominant parties by income and education levels. This article argues that the interaction of education and income provides a more insightful—and stark—display of this change than treating them individually. Each group of voters is associated with distinctive “first dimension” views of economic redistribution and “second dimension” preferences concerning salient sociopolitical issues of civic and cultural liberties, race, and immigration. Macro-level hypotheses are developed about the changing voting behavior of education-income voting groups along with micro-level hypotheses about the propensity of vote switching. The hypotheses are tested with data from the American National Election Studies 1952–2016. A profound realignment is revealed between (groups of) white voters and the two main US parties that is consistent with the theoretical expectations developed in the article.
Insurgent planner: Transgressing the technocratic state of postcolonial Jakarta
Authors: Putri Prathiwi Widyatmi
Published: August 2019

In Jakarta, Ciliwung Merdeka represents a collective body of emergent insurgent planning that has endured throughout the current neoliberal era and the authoritarian regime that preceded it. Within a movement tradition that recalls the Freirean influence on Indonesian societal transformation, the organisation challenges the technocratic state and its ‘rational planning’ ideology. Insurgent planning engages with society at large, laying claim to a fundamental role of participation in emancipation. Together with other Indonesian social-political movements, it helps open a path towards another kind of state, in which a more encompassing conception of right allows diverse materialisation of citizenship at the very local level.
A rare case of familial middle mediastinal paraganglioma
Authors: Tirunagari Vamshidhar , Santosham Rajan , Santosham Rajiv , Devanayagam Sivagnanasundaram
Published: August 2019

A 57-year-old lady with a history of familial paraganglioma syndrome type 4 with mutation in the succinate dehydrogenase complex, subunit B gene, had a nonfunctioning middle mediastinal paraganglioma. She also had a pituitary macroadenoma with elevated serum prolactin levels. Surgical excision of the highly vascular mediastinal tumor was performed after preparing the patient preoperatively with alpha blockers and strictly monitoring her blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) in the prophylactic treatment of migraine
Authors: Martins Laís Bhering , Rodrigues Ana Maria dos Santos , Monteze Nayara Mussi , Tibaes Jenneffer Rayane Braga , Amaral Matheus Henrique Alves , Gomez Rodrigo Santiago , Teixeira Antônio Lúcio , Ferreira Adaliene Versiani Matos
Published: August 2019

Background

Previous studies have shown an analgesic effect of ginger in the acute treatment of migraine, and there is anecdotal evidence of its efficacy in migraine prophylaxis.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of ginger to prevent migraine attacks.

Methods

This double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial took place at the Headache Clinic, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil), involving 107 patients. Only subjects diagnosed with episodic migraine, aged between 18 and 60 years old, and who were not taking any prophylactic medication, were enrolled in the study. After one month of observation, subjects selected for the study were randomized 1:1 into placebo and treatment groups. Patients received capsules three times per day of 200 mg of dry extract of ginger (5% active ingredient) or placebo (cellulose) for three months. Visits were performed monthly and the patients were asked to fill in a migraine diary. The adherence to treatment was evaluated by counting capsules.

Results

The percentage of patients who responded to treatment (i.e. a reduction of 50% in the number of migraine attacks at the end of treatment) did not differ between the groups. There was a decrease in the number of days with severe pain, analgesic use for acute migraine and duration of migraine attacks in both groups, without significant difference between ginger and placebo groups.

Conclusions

Ginger provides no greater benefit in the prophylactic treatment of migraine when compared to placebo. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02570633).
Thermo-catalytic decomposition of polystyrene waste: Comparative analysis using different kinetic models
Authors: Ali Ghulam , Nisar Jan , Iqbal Munawar , Shah Afzal , Abbas Mazhar , Shah Muhammad Raza , Rashid Umar , Bhatti Ijaz Ahmad , Khan Rafaqat Ali , Shah Faheem
Published: August 2019

Due to a huge increase in polymer production, a tremendous increase in municipal solid waste is observed. Every year the existing landfills for disposal of waste polymers decrease and the effective recycling techniques for waste polymers are getting more and more important. In this work pyrolysis of waste polystyrene was performed in the presence of a laboratory synthesized copper oxide. The samples were pyrolyzed at different heating rates that is, 5°Cmin−1, 10°Cmin−1, 15°Cmin−1 and 20°Cmin−1 in a thermogravimetric analyzer in inert atmosphere using nitrogen. Thermogravimetric data were interpreted using various model fitting (Coats–Redfern) and model free methods (Ozawa–Flynn–Wall, Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose and Friedman). Thermodynamic parameters for the reaction were also determined. The activation energy calculated applying Coats–Redfern, Ozawa–Flynn–Wall, Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose and Friedman models were found in the ranges 105–148.48 kJmol−1, 99.41–140.52 kJmol−1, 103.67–149.15 kJmol−1 and 99.93–141.25 kJmol−1, respectively. The lowest activation energy for polystyrene degradation in the presence of copper oxide indicates the suitability of catalyst for the decomposition reaction to take place at lower temperature. Moreover, the obtained kinetics and thermodynamic parameters would be very helpful in determining the reaction mechanism of the solid waste in a real system.
Profanity and the president: News use of Trump’s shithole comment
Authors: McCluskey Michael
Published: August 2019

When President Trump used “shithole” to describe several countries in discussion of immigration, news organizations faced violating journalistic norms against profanity to use his precise language. Evaluation of 2,469 stories containing “shithole” in 70 large newspaper websites over a 15-day period found all news organizations used the term at least once. It was most used in three types of articles—stories about the meeting in Congressional leaders reported hearing Trump use the word, issues of public policy and politics, and evaluation of Trump. Analysis showed the influences of news values, journalistic norms, and organizational practices on use of profanity.
Autoantibodies in SLE: prediction and the p value matrix
Authors: Choi M Y , Fritzler M J
Published: August 2019

Autoantibodies (AA) and antinuclear antibodies (ANA) serve as key diagnostic and classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). More than 200 different AA have been reported in SLE, although only a handful (<20) are considered “mainstream” because they are widely and routinely used in diagnostic, research and clinical medicine. Although the vast majority of AA have been relegated to the diminished status of “orphan” AA, some serve as predictors of SLE because they first appear in very early or subclinical SLE. Some AA are pathogenic, whereas others are thought to protect against or ameliorate disease progression and, hence, taken together can be used as predictive biomarkers of prognosis. Although studies have shown that specific AA are detected in the preclinical phase of SLE and are biomarkers of increased risk of developing the disease, AA are currently not widely used to predict very early SLE in individuals who have low pretest probability of disease. With the advent of multianalyte arrays with analytic algorithms, emerging evidence indicates that when certain combinations of biomarkers, such as the interferon signature and stem cell factor accompany AA and ANA, the predictive power for SLE is markedly increased.
Isolation and Characterization of a Human Fetal Mesenchymal Stem Cell Population: Exploring the Potential for Cell Banking in Wound Healing Therapies
Authors: Esteban-Vives Roger , Ziembicki Jenny , Sun Choi Myung , Thompson R. L. , Schmelzer Eva , Gerlach Jörg C.
Published: August 2019

Various cell-based therapies are in development to address chronic and acute skin wound healing, for example for burns and trauma patients. An off-the-shelf source of allogeneic dermal cells could be beneficial for innovative therapies accelerating the healing in extensive wounds where the availability of a patient’s own cells is limited. Human fetal-derived dermal fibroblasts (hFDFs) show high in vitro division rates, exhibit low immunological rejection properties, and present scarless wound healing in the fetus, and previous studies on human fetal tissue-derived cell therapies have shown promising results on tissue repair. However, little is known about cell lineage stability and cell differentiation during the cell expansion process, required for any potential therapeutic use. We describe an isolation method, characterize a population, and investigate its potential for cell banking and thus suitability as a potential product for cell grafting therapies. Our results show hFDFs and a bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC) line shared identification markers and in vitro multilineage differentiation potential into osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic lineages. The hFDF population exhibited similar cell characteristics as BM-MSCs while producing lower pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 levels and higher levels of the wound healing factor hepatocyte growth factor. We demonstrate in vitro differentiation of hFDFs, which may be a problem in maintaining long-term lineage stability, potentially limiting their use for cell banking and therapy development.
Transforming growth factor beta 1 polymorphisms and haplotypes associated with breast cancer susceptibility: A case-control study in Tunisian women
Authors: Hadj-Ahmed Mariem , Ghali Rabeb M , Bouaziz Hanen , Habel Azza , Stayoussef Mouna , Ayedi Mouna , Hachiche Monia , Rahal Khaled , Yacoubi-Loueslati Besma , Almawi Wassim Y
Published: August 2019

Variable association of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) in breast cancer (BC) pathogenesis was documented, and the contribution of specific TGFB1 polymorphisms to the progression of BC and associated features remains poorly understood. We investigated the contribution of TGFB1 rs1800469, rs1800470, rs1800471, and rs1800472 variants and 4-locus TGFB1 haplotypes on BC susceptibility, and pathological presentation of BC subtypes. Study subjects comprised 430 female BC cases, and 498 cancer-free control women. BC-associated pathological parameters were also evaluated for correlation with TGFB1 variants. Results obtained showed that the minor allele frequency (MAF) of rs1800471 (+74G>C) was higher seen in BC cases than in control subjects, and was associated with increased risk of BC. Significant differences in rs1800471 and rs1800469 (−509C>T) genotype distribution were noted between BC cases and controls, which persisted after controlling for key covariates. TGFB1 rs1800472 was positively, while rs1800470 was negatively associated with triple negativity, while rs1800470 positively correlated with menarche, but negatively with tumor size and molecular type, and rs1800469 correlated positively with menstrual irregularity, distant metastasis, nodal status, and hormonotherapy. Heterogeneity in LD pattern was noted between the tested TGFB1 variants. Four-locus (rs1800472-rs1800471-rs1800470-rs1800469) Haploview analysis identified haplotype TGCT to be negatively associated, and haplotypes CGTT and CCCC to be positively associated with BC. This association of CGTT and CCCC, but not TGCT, with BC remained significant after controlling for key covariates. In conclusion, TGFB1 alleles and specific genotypes, and 4-locus TGFB1 haplotypes influence BC susceptibility, suggesting dual association imparted by specific SNP, consistent with dual role for TGFB1 in BC pathogenesis.
A Growth Mindset Intervention: Enhancing Students’ Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy and Career Development
Authors: Burnette Jeni L. , Pollack Jeffrey M. , Forsyth Rachel B. , Hoyt Crystal L. , Babij Alexandra D. , Thomas Fanice N. , Coy Anthony E.
Published: August 2019

Despite mounting interest in growth mindset interventions, this approach has yet to be applied to the domain of entrepreneurship. In the present research, we developed and tested if a growth mindset intervention could be leveraged to promote students’ entrepreneurial self-efficacy and if this, in turn, predicted career development (i.e., academic interest, career interest, task persistence, and academic performance). We report on our findings, from an Open Science Framework (OSF) preregistered study, that is a randomized controlled trial implementing a growth mindset intervention. We randomly assigned undergraduate students ( N = 238) in an introduction to entrepreneurship class to either the growth mindset intervention or to a knowledge-based attention-matched control. Students in the growth mindset intervention, relative to the control, reported greater entrepreneurial self-efficacy and task persistence on their main class project. The intervention also indirectly improved academic and career interest via entrepreneurial self-efficacy. However, the intervention failed to directly or indirectly impact performance on a classroom assignment. Additionally, and somewhat surprisingly, gender and past experience in the field failed to moderate any effects of the intervention on outcomes. Theoretical implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed.
Developing an Eye-Tracking Protocol to Determine Children’s Visual Perception of Secondary Cleft Lip Deformity
Authors: Karp Emily , Scott Andrew , Martin Katherine , Zavala Hanan , Chinnadurai Siva , Roby Brianne
Published: August 2019

Objective:

To develop a protocol that will be used to measure children’s perception of secondary cleft lip deformity (SCLD) using objective eye-tracking technology.

Design:

Cross-sectional study. Data collection May and June of 2018.

Setting:

Single tertiary care pediatric hospital with a well-established cleft team.

Participants:

Participants were recruited from a general pediatric otolaryngology clinic. Sixty participants from 4 age groups (5-6, 10, 13, and 16 years) were enrolled on a voluntary basis.

Intervention:

Pediatric participants viewed images of children’s faces while wearing eye-tracking glasses. Ten images with unilateral SCLD and 2 control images with no facial scarring were viewed as gaze was assessed.

Main Outcome and Measure:

Successful gaze fixation was recorded across all age groups.

Results:

This article illustrates the types of data generated from glasses-based eye tracking in children. All children, regardless of age, spent more time with their gaze on a SCLD images (mean = 4.23 seconds; standard deviation [SD] = 1.41 seconds) compared to control images (mean = 3.97 seconds; SD = 1.42). Younger age groups spent less time looking at specific areas of interest in SCLD images.

Conclusion:

In this pilot study, we were able to successfully use eye-tracking technology in children to demonstrate gaze preference and a trend toward visual perception of SCLD changing with age. This protocol will allow for a future study, with larger and more diverse populations. Better understanding of how SCLD is perceived among children and adolescents has the potential to guide future interventions for SCLD and other facial deformities in pediatric patients.
Exposure assessment of Salmonella spp. in fresh pork meat from two abattoirs in Colombia
Authors: Fajardo-Guerrero M , Rojas-Quintero C , Chamorro-Tobar I , Zambrano C , Sampedro F , Carrascal-Camacho AK
Published: August 2019

Salmonella spp. prevails as the main cause of raw meat foodborne illnesses. Implementation of food safety management systems such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points in swine abattoirs can help to mitigate pathogen exposure. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the impact of the HACCP system in slaughterhouses in Colombia on reducing Salmonella spp. exposure due to the consumption of fresh pork meat. Two slaughtering plants with a different degree of HACCP implementation were selected and a quantitative microbiological mapping was built by collecting 820 samples of Salmonella spp. enumeration at different processing stages. The overall Salmonella spp. mean concentration was 1.15 ± 0.55 log MPN/g, with no significant differences among plants ( P > 0.05). Deficiencies during carcass disinfection and temperature during distribution of meat cuts from the slaughterhouse lacking of HACCP resulted in a significant increase of Salmonella spp. prevalence (20–40%) ( P < 0.05). Processing stages with the highest pathogen prevalence were transport (28–32%) and hanging (16–36%). The exposure assessment model estimated a higher degree of pathogen contamination at the time of consumption in meat cuts from the slaughterhouse without HACCP (3.36 versus 3.68 log MPN/g) and 10-fold increase in the probability a consumer would acquire a contaminated portion (0.011 versus 0.105). Implementation of the HACCP system in swine slaughterhouses represents tangible Salmonella spp. reduction control and public health protection measures.
Physicochemical and sensory evaluation of biscuits enriched with chicory fiber
Authors: Ivanišová Eva , Drevková Beáta , Tokár Marián , Terentjeva Margarita , Krajčovič Tomáš , Kačániová Miroslava
Published: August 2019

Nowadays, there has been increasing interest of using the chicory and its constituents in food production. The aim of this study was to compare physicochemical and sensory parameters of biscuits without (control) and with addition of 1, 3, and 5% of chicory fiber extract. The biscuits were subjected to physical (volume, maximum width, maximum height, aspect ratio at max. width, aspect ratio at max. height), chemical (dry matter content, crude protein, ash, fat, and crude fiber content), and sensory evaluation (flavor, chicory flavor (intensity), chicory flavor (presence), taste, chicory taste (presence), chicory taste (intensity), aftertaste, character of biscuit taste, overall acceptability). The volume, width, and height of biscuit increased after addition of chicory fiber extract and the highest values were obtained after enrichment with 5% of fiber extract. The crude protein content in biscuits increased from 6.76% (control) to 7.88% (5% of chicory fiber). Also the ash content increased from 0.68% (control) to 0.84% (5%) and the crude fiber content from 0.51% (control) to 0.56% (5%), respectively. Fat content was similar in all tested biscuit (∼24%). During the sensory evaluation, the highest scores were received with addition of 1 and 3% chicory fiber extract. We can recommend the application of chicory fiber in production of biscuits to improve nutritional (3 and 5% addition) and sensorial properties (1 and 3% addition) of this bakery product.
Synergistic effect of cinnamaldehyde on the thermal inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes in ground pork
Authors: Wang Yuexia , Li Xiaoyan , Lu Yangliu , Wang Jianan , Suo Biao
Published: August 2019

The aim of this study was to statistically evaluate the effect of a naturally food-derived cinnamaldehyde on the thermal inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes in ground pork. This study combined four concentrations of cinnamaldehyde (0, 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0% vol/wt) and four temperatures (55, 60, 65, and 70 ℃) to predict the thermal inactivation curves of L. monocytogenes. The Weibull model successfully described the primary thermal inactivation using the Integrated Pathogen Modeling Program. These results statistically proposed that the cinnamaldehyde supplementation in ground pork attenuates the thermo-tolerance of L. monocytogenes. The time for achieving a 5-log10 reduction of L. monocytogenes declined from 28.14 to 17.35 min at 55 ℃ when the ground pork sample was supplemented by 1% cinnamaldehyde, while the time declined from 1.95 to 0.34 min at 70 ℃. Thereafter, based on the 5.0-log10 lethality, secondary models were fitted by a selected polynomial model. The transmission electron microscopy revealed that cinnamaldehyde causes serious damage to membrane integrity and increases the occurrence of cell membrane rupture and leakage of cytoplasmic content under thermal treatment. Our model represents a mathematical tool that will help meat-product manufacturers to improve the efficacy of thermal processing ground pork supplemented with cinnamaldehyde.
Flag and boost theories for hot spot forecasting: An application of NIJ’s Real-Time Crime forecasting algorithm using Colorado Springs crime data
Authors: Lee YongJei , O SooHyun
Published: August 2019

By operationalizing two theoretical frameworks, we forecast crime hot spots in Colorado Springs. First, we use a population heterogeneity (flag) framework to find places where the hot spot forecasting is consistently successful over months. Second, we use a state dependence (boost) framework of the number of crimes in the periods prior to the forecasted month. This algorithm is implemented in Microsoft Excel®, making it simple to apply and completely transparent. Results shows high accuracy and high efficiency in hot spot forecasting, even if the data set and the type of crime we used in this study were different from what the original algorithm was based on. Results imply that the underlying mechanisms of serious and non-serious crime for forecasting are different from each other. We also find that the spatial patterns of forecasted hot spots are different between calls for service and crime event. Future research should consider both flag and boost theories in hot spot forecasting.
The rights of national majorities: Toxic discourse or democratic catharsis?
Authors: Eisenberg Avigail
Published: August 2019

This paper traces the hazards of a majority rights discourse. It argues that this discourse can become a platform for dominant groups to recognize in policies that disadvantage and exclude minorities a legitimate defense of majority rights. The first section examines two ways in which multicultural frameworks already privilege majority rights and interests. The second section distinguishes between legitimate majority entitlements and the demands of entitled majorities to retain their privilege and dominance. I argue that an entitled majority (1) considers itself to be inherently deserving of special treatment and thereby does not believe that minorities have genuine justice-based entitlements similar to its entitlements and (2) views itself as owed appreciation for the ways in which it waives its putative entitlements to accommodate minority interests. Evidence of these features can be found in current political struggles in Quebec and Switzerland.