bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MergeDTS
Authors: Li Chang , Markov Ilya , Rijke Maarten De , Zoghi Masrour
Published: September 2020

Online ranker evaluation is one of the key challenges in information retrieval. Although the preferences of rankers can be inferred by interleaving methods, the problem of how to effectively choose the ranker pair that generates the interleaved list without degrading the user experience too much is still challenging. On the one hand, if two rankers have not been compared enough, the inferred preference can be noisy and inaccurate. On the other hand, if two rankers are compared too many times, the interleaving process inevitably hurts the user experience too much. This dilemma is known as the
exploration versus exploitation
tradeoff. It is captured by the
K
-armed dueling bandit problem, which is a variant of the
K
-armed bandit problem, where the feedback comes in the form of pairwise preferences. Today’s deployed search systems can evaluate a large number of rankers concurrently, and scaling effectively in the presence of numerous rankers is a critical aspect of
K
-armed dueling bandit problems.

In this article, we focus on solving the large-scale online ranker evaluation problem under the so-called Condorcet assumption, where there exists an optimal ranker that is preferred to all other rankers. We propose Merge Double Thompson Sampling (MergeDTS), which first utilizes a divide-and-conquer strategy that localizes the comparisons carried out by the algorithm to small batches of rankers, and then employs Thompson Sampling to reduce the comparisons between suboptimal rankers inside these small batches. The effectiveness (regret) and efficiency (time complexity) of MergeDTS are extensively evaluated using examples from the domain of online evaluation for web search. Our main finding is that for large-scale Condorcet ranker evaluation problems, MergeDTS outperforms the state-of-the-art dueling bandit algorithms.
TransNet
Authors: Rokni Seyed Ali , Nourollahi Marjan , Alinia Parastoo , Mirzadeh Iman , Pedram Mahdi , Ghasemzadeh Hassan
Published: September 2020

Wearables are poised to transform health and wellness through automation of cost-effective, objective, and real-time health monitoring. However, machine learning models for these systems are designed based on labeled data collected, and feature representations engineered, in controlled environments. This approach has limited scalability of wearables because (i) collecting and labeling sufficiently large amounts of sensor data is a labor-intensive and expensive process; and (ii) wearables are deployed in highly dynamic environments of the end-users whose context undergoes consistent changes. We introduce
TransNet
, a deep learning framework that minimizes the costly process of data labeling, feature engineering, and algorithm retraining by constructing a scalable computational approach. TransNet learns general and reusable features in lower layers of the framework and quickly reconfigures the underlying models from a small number of labeled instances in a new domain, such as when the system is adopted by a new user or when a previously unseen event is to be added to event vocabulary of the system. Utilizing TransNet on four activity datasets, TransNet achieves an average accuracy of 88.1% in cross-subject learning scenarios using only one labeled instance for each activity class. This performance improves to an accuracy of 92.7% with five labeled instances.
Staying the Course
Authors: Neal Lisa
Published: September 2020

High drop-out rates have been attributed to the demographics of online students, the inexperience of online faculty, poorly designed e-learning technologies, flawed course design, and low bandwidth.
Evaluating Software From a Learning-Theory Perspective
Authors: Kuhns Jennafer
Published: September 2020

Educational gaming software is extremely adaptable to almost any teaching environment--from elementary school to college, novice to expert, cognitive to behavioral, and from the physical classroom to the virtual classroom. Presented is a review of just one of these gaming software products: RollerCoaster Tycoon.
Behaviors and Interactions of Insects in Mid-Mesozoic Ecosystems of Northeastern China
Authors: Gao Taiping , Shih Chungkun , Ren Dong
Published: September 2020

During the past 20 years, more than 1,600 species of well-preserved fossil insects, including members of over 270 families within 24 orders, have been described from the Middle Jurassic Yanliao Entomofauna and Early Cretaceous Jehol Entomofauna in Northeastern China. Diversified fossil insects not only document the origin, systematics, and early evolution of many lineages, but also reveal these lineages’ behaviors and interactions with coexisting plants, vertebrates, and other insects in their ecosystems. Fossil evidence has been documented, for example, regarding insects’ feeding and pollination mutualism with gymnosperms; ectoparasitic feeding on blood of vertebrates; camouflage, mimicry of gymnosperm plants, and eyespot warning; sound stridulation for attracting potential mates; and sexual display, mating, egg-laying, and parental care. In this article, we review the diverse taxonomy of mid-Mesozoic insects of Northeastern China and elucidate their behaviors and interactions within their ecosystems, which have impacted their early evolution and development into extant insects.
Effects of the Low Coulombic Efficiency of Zinc Anode on the Cycle Performance of Zn–Ni Battery
Authors: Yang Chao , Yang Kai , Lai Yanqing , Zhang Kai , Tian Zhongliang
Published: September 2020

Zn–Ni battery is an attractive aqueous alkaline secondary battery due to its low cost, safety, and environmental friendliness. However, the problems of hydrogen evolution reaction, zinc dendrites growth and deformation of zinc anodes hampering the commercial application of Zn–Ni battery. In this work, the dynamic imbalance behavior of capacity of the Zn–Ni battery which caused by low coulombic efficiency of the anode is studied. Results reveal that due to the hydrogen evolution effect of the anode, the sintered Ni(OH)2 cathode which commonly used in the research of anode of Zn–Ni batteries cannot be fully discharged. Residual capacity will increase the potential of the cathode continuously, shorten the constant current charging time, and cause the battery cycle capacity decay rapidly. This phenomenon is confirmed by adding nano Bi powders to suppresse the hydrogen evolution of the zinc anode. This work reveals that the decline in the cycle life of Zn–Ni batteries is not only due to irreversible changes in the electrode structure but also due to the coulombic efficiency mismatch of the cathode and anode.
Reaction Selectivity of IrO2-Based Nano/Amorphous Hybrid Oxide-Coated Titanium Anodes in Acidic Aqueous Solutions: Oxygen Evolution and Lead Oxide Deposition
Authors: Kawaguchi Kenji , Morimitsu Masatsugu
Published: September 2020

The present study demonstrated that novel IrO2-Ta2O5/Ti anodes prepared by thermal decomposition at a low temperature of 380 °C have high reaction selectivity for oxygen evolution and metal oxide deposition in acidic aqueous solutions. Conventional IrO2-Ta2O5/Ti anodes are generally prepared at a temperature between 450 °C and 500 °C. However, if Pb(II) ions are present as an impurity in the electrolyte, the oxidation of Pb(II) ions occurs as an anodic side reaction, leading to deposition of PbO2 onto the conventional anodes. Herein, we prepared IrO2-Ta2O5/Ti anodes by thermal decomposition at the low temperature of 380 °C and investigated their crystallographic structure, surface morphology, and polarization behaviors for oxygen evolution as well as their suppression effect for anodic PbO2 deposition in sulfuric acid/lead sulfate solutions. SEM observations with low accelerated incident electrons revealed that the nano/amorphous hybrid structure consisting of nanosized IrO2 particles highly dispersed in the amorphous Ta2O5 matrix can be prepared at 380 °C. Oxygen evolution was accelerated with an increasing Ir ratio in the anodes prepared at 380 °C in sulfuric acid solutions. Anodic PbO2 deposition on the anodes prepared at 380 °C in lead sulfate solutions, which assumed the conditions of practical use, was completely suppressed.
A Method for Evaluating Soluble Redox Couple Stability Using Microelectrode Voltammetry
Authors: Kowalski Jeffrey A. , Fenton Alexis M. , Neyhouse Bertrand J. , Brushett Fikile R.
Published: September 2020

Soluble, redox-active organic materials hold promise as charge-storage species for flow batteries; however, chemical stability during extended operation remains a key challenge. While a number of spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques are currently used to probe these complex and often ill-defined decay pathways, these techniques have limitations, including lack of accessibility and potentially cumbersome preparatory steps. Here, we use microelectrode voltammetry to observe nonaqueous flow battery electrolytes directly, simultaneously identifying the rate of self-discharge (reversible material loss) and material decay (irreversible material loss). We validate this technique using ferrocene as a stable model redox couple, examine and address sources of error, and, finally, demonstrate its capability by assessing the decay of a well-studied and moderately-stable substituted dialkoxybenzene [2,5-di-tert-butyl-1,4-bis(2-methoxyethoxy)benzene]. These results suggest that microelectrodes may have utility for rapid assessment of redox electrolyte state-of-charge and state-of-health, both in operando and post mortem.
Imaging Cycle-Induced Damage of MnO2 Microparticles
Authors: Bush Stevie N. , Experton Juliette , de La Serve Anais Teyssendier , Johnson Emily P. , Martin Charles R.
Published: September 2020

MnO2 has been proposed as an electrode material in electrochemical energy storage devices. However, poor cycle life, especially in aqueous electrolytes, remains a detriment to commercialization. Prior studies have suggested a number of explanations for this capacity loss; however, experiments aimed at elucidating the details of the degradation process (es) are sparse. We describe here a microtube-membrane construct that allows for electrodeposition of monodisperse MnO2 microparticles distributed across the membrane surface, and for subsequent electrochemical cycling of these MnO2 particles. This allowed for a detailed analysis of the effect of cycling on the MnO2, by simply imaging the membrane surface before and after cycling. When an aqueous electrolyte was used, gross changes in particle shape, size and morphology were observed over the course of 500 cycles. Partial dissolution occurred as well. No such changes were observed when the MnO2 particles were cycled (up to 500 times) in a propylene carbonate electrolyte solution.
Energy and Macronutrients Intakes among Childbearing Age Women Living in the Urban Area of Morocco: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Barich Fatima , Laamiri Fatima Zahra , Mehdad Slimane , Benaich Souad , Rami Anass , Idrissi Mohamed , Serbouti Chaimae , Lahmame Houria , Benkirane Hasnae , Rjimati Manelle , Barkat Amina , Rjimati El Arbi , Aguenaou Hassan
Published: September 2020

Over the last few decades, there have been significant dietary and lifestyle changes worldwide. In Morocco, these changes have led to serious nutritional disorders and increased risk of morbidity and mortality particularly among vulnerable groups such as women of childbearing age. We aimed to assess the average daily energy and macronutrient intakes and to investigate their association with socioeconomic factors and weight status among women aged 19–49 years in urban areas. A total of 542 women attending public health centers were recruited. Socioeconomic and demographic data were collected using a questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were taken using standardized equipment. Food consumption data were obtained through the 24-hour dietary recall method, and the macronutrient composition of foods was estimated based on the Moroccan food composition table and the Nutrilog software. The average daily energy intake among the study population was 1591 kcal, composed of 56% from carbohydrates, 28% from fats, and 16% from protein. Reported energy intake by the majority of women (81.5%) was lower than recommended daily allowances for energy. There was a significant positive correlation between educational level and energy (p=0.001), carbohydrates (p=0.001), proteins (p=0.004), and fats intakes (p=0.032), respectively. A significant negative association of household size with protein intakes was also observed (p=0.034). Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats intakes tended to decrease; however, these associations were not statistically significant. Further studies and appropriate interventions are needed to address the trends in energy and macronutrients intakes in the development of policy initiatives aimed at nutrition education and chronic disease prevention among childbearing age women.
Extracting Maximum Information from Polarised Baryon Decays via Amplitude Analysis: The Λc+⟶pK−π+ Case
Authors: Marangotto Daniele
Published: September 2020

We consider what is the maximum information measurable from the decay distributions of polarised baryon decays via amplitude analysis in the helicity formalism. We focus in particular on the analytical study of the Λc+⟶pK−π+ decay distributions, demonstrating that the full information on its decay amplitudes can be extracted from its distributions, allowing a simultaneous measurement of both helicity amplitudes and the polarisation vector. This opens the possibility to use the Λc+⟶pK−π+ decay for applications ranging from New Physics searches to low-energy QCD studies, in particular its use as absolute polarimeter for the Λc+ baryon. This result is valid as well for baryon decays having the same spin structure, and it is cross-checked numerically by means of a toy amplitude fit with Monte Carlo pseudodata.
In Vitro Evaluation of Palestinian Propolis as a Natural Product with Antioxidant Properties and Antimicrobial Activity against Multidrug-Resistant Clinical Isolates
Authors: Daraghmeh Jamila , Imtara Hamada
Published: September 2020

The present work reveals, for the first time, the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of propolis samples collected from different regions of Palestine. The content on bioactive compounds has been estimated by total phenolic and flavone and flavonol content, while their antioxidant activity has been determined by radical scavenging methods of 1,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical (ABTS), and ferric reducing power assay (FRAP). The disc diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) methods were carried out to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Palestinian propolis against multidrug-resistant clinical isolates, includingEscherichia coli,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Staphylococcus aureus,andStreptococcus faecalis. The results showed that the total phenolic content ranged from 9.62 mg to 124.94 mg gallic acid equivalent GAE/g of propolis, and the flavone and flavonol content ranged from 1.06 to 75.31 mg quercetin equivalent QE/g of propolis. The samples S6 from Al-Khalil presented the strongest radical scavenging activity toward DPPH, ABTS free radicals, and FRAP assay with IC50values of 0.02, 0.03, and 0.05 mg/mL, respectively. The results of antibacterial activity indicated that the propolis samples inhibit the growth of Gram-positive strains better than Gram-negative ones. In addition, a strong correlation was observed between the pH, resin, balsam, total phenolic, flavones and flavonol, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) from one side and the antibacterial activity of propolis samples except onPseudomonas aeruginosa.
Cazadores-recolectores marinos durante el Holoceno Tardío en Patagonia meridional insular: Caracterización del conjunto lítico del sitio Offing 2 Locus 2
Authors: Arecheta Baratelli Constanza
Published: September 2020

La Patagonia es un espacio de gran tamaño, con paisajes versátiles y variedad de recursos. Los grupos cazadores-recolectores marinos podían enfrentar la gran cantidad de fiordos e islas que presenta el archipiélago en la zona meridional insular del área como un obstáculo o una ventaja. La tecnología que desarrollaron los canoeros fue cambiando junto con sus necesidades, durante el proceso de ocupación del archipiélago patagónico. Lo anterior se ve reflejado en el conjunto lítico del sitio Offing 2 Locus 2 (673-933 años cal AP), el cual se encuentra en el islote Offing; un pequeño espacio con gran accesibilidad y posibilidades para adquirir recursos líticos y faunísticos. Se realiza un análisis de características morfo-funcionales y tecnológicas del conjunto lítico y la identificación de las cadenas operativas líticas. De esta forma, se determinó qué tipo de actividades se llevaban a cabo en este lugar, tales como producción de herramientas líticas bifaciales con alta variedad morfológica.
Effect of Antibiotics on Gut and Vaginal Microbiomes Associated with Cervical Cancer Development in Mice
Authors: Karpinets Tatiana V. , Solley Travis N. , Mikkelson Megan D. , Dorta-Estremera Stephanie , Nookala Sita S. , Medrano Andrea Y. Delgado , Petrosino Joseph F. , Mezzari Melissa P. , Zhang Jinghua , Futreal P. Andrew , Sastry K. Jagannadha , Colbert Lauren E. , Klopp Ann
Published: September 2020

Antibiotics affect microbial diversity in the gut, leading to dysbiosis and impaired immunity. However, the impact of antibiotics on microbial communities at other sites, such as vagina is less understood. It is also not clear whether changes induced by antibiotics in both microbiomes affect the development of cervical cancer. In this study, we utilized the murine model to evaluate these questions. We show that oral application of broad-spectrum antibiotics in mice changed not only diversity, but composition and sharing of gut and vaginal microbiomes in mice and influenced cervical cancer development in an orthotopic tumor model. Antibiotics decreased richness and diversity indexes in the gut but increased them in the vagina. Some beneficial taxa, such as Bacteroides, Ruminococcaceae, and Lachnospiraceae increased their abundance in the vagina while other pathogenic species, such as Proteobacteria, were decreased. As a result of the changes, mice with greater richness and diversity of the vaginal microbiome after antibiotics exposure were less likely developed tumors. No association between richness and diversity of the gut microbiome and tumor development was identified.
O cuidado com a população em situação de rua: o consultório na rua nas redes de atenção à saúde e Intersetorial: revisão integrativa da literatura
Authors: Françoso Paulo Alexandre , Mângia Elisabete Ferreira , Muramoto Melissa Tieko
Published: September 2020

O Consultório na Rua (CnR) nasce como dispositivo que visa garantir acesso a cuidados em saúde para a População em Situação de Rua (PSR), tendo como uma de suas atribuições a articulação da Rede de Saúde e Intersetorial, em reconhecimento à multiplicidade de necessidades dessa população e a partir de concepção ampliada de saúde. Há, no entanto, desafios a serem superados para a efetivação desse trabalho, que variam desde burocracias que necessitam ser flexibilizadas para se adequar à realidade da PSR, até o preconceito e as contradições entre ações dos diversos atores estatais que se relacionam com essa população. O CnR tem sido potente no enfrentamento desse cenário, mas também insuficiente frente à profundidade das estruturas sociais e econômicas que o sustentam.
Avaliação do desenvolvimento motor de recém-nascidos prematuros extremos e moderados em uma unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal
Authors: Salvagni Kelen , Gerzson Laís Rodrigues , Almeida Carla Skilhan de
Published: September 2020

Objetivo: avaliar o desenvolvimento motor de recém nascidos prematuros extremos e comparar ao desenvolvimento motor dos recém-nascidos prematuros moderados, em uma UTI Neonatal. Métodos: estudo transversal onde foram avaliados 16 neonatos, cinco prematuros extremos e 11 prematuros moderados, classificados pelo Test of Infant Motor Performance. Resultados: Não houve diferença significativa no desempenho motor entre o grupo de prematuros extremos e moderados, entretanto, a prematuridade extrema reduziu 4,74 pontos no escore. Na correlação entre os fatores de risco e o desenvolvimento motor, o uso de ventilação mecânica não invasiva e o Apgar no 1º minuto foram associados estatisticamente com o desempenho motor atípico. As demais variáveis não apresentaram correlação significativa com o desenvolvimento motor. Conclusão: não houve associação entre a idade gestacional e o desenvolvimento motor de neonatos prematuros.
Relationship Between Cardiac Fibroblast Activation Protein Activity by Positron Emission Tomography and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Heckmann Markus B. , Reinhardt Finn , Finke Daniel , Katus Hugo A. , Haberkorn Uwe , Leuschner Florian , Lehmann Lorenz H.
Published: September 2020

Background:

FAP (fibroblast activation protein) plays an important role in cardiac wound healing and remodeling. Although initially developed as a theranostic ligand for metastasized cancer, FAPI (FAP inhibitor) tracers have recently been used to study cardiac remodeling following myocardial infarction in small-animal models. The aim of the study was to evaluate the activity of FAP via FAPI–positron emission tomography–computed tomography scans in human hearts.

Methods:

FAPI–positron emission tomography–computed tomography scans of 229 patients of 2 consecutive cohorts (modeling cohort: n=185; confirmatory cohort: n=44) suffering from metastasized cancer were analyzed applying the American Heart Association 17-segment model of the left ventricle. Logistic regression models were created using data from the modeling cohort. Multivariate regression models were established using Akaike information criterion in a step-down approach.

Results:

Fourteen percent of patients had preexisting coronary artery disease (n=31), 33% arterial hypertension (n=75), and 12% diabetes mellitus type II (n=28). Forty-three percent had been treated with platin derivatives (n=100), 14% with anthracyclines (n=32), and 10% had a history of prior radiation to the chest (n=23). High left ventricular FAPI signals correlated with the presence of cardiovascular risk factors (odds ratio [OR], 4.3,
P
=0.0029), a focal myocardial signal pattern (OR, 3.9,
P
=0.0068), diabetes mellitus type II (OR, 4.1,
P
=0.046), and beta-blocker use (OR, 3.8,
P
=0.049) in univariate regression models. In a multivariate analysis, increased signal intensity was significantly higher in patients with cardiovascular risk factors (overweight [OR, 2.6,
P
=0.023], diabetes mellitus type II [OR, 2.9,
P
=0.041], certain chemotherapies [platinum derivatives; OR, 3.0,
P
=0.034], and a history of radiation to the chest [OR, 3.5,
P
=0.024]). A focal enrichment pattern was more frequently observed in patients with known cardiovascular risk factors (
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions:

FAPI–positron emission tomography–computed tomography scans represent a new imaging modality to investigate cardiac FAP. High signal intensities correlate with cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic disease.
Abstract P126: Risk Factors For Hypertensive Emergencies: A Systematic Review And Meta-analysis
Authors: Benenson Irina , Waldron Frederick
Published: September 2020

Background:
Hypertensive emergency (HTNE) is a subtype of hypertensive crisis. In contrast to hypertensive urgency (HTNU), which is a severely elevated BP without acute target organ damage (TOD), HTNE presents with the equally high BP in the presence of potentially life-threatening acute TOD such as myocardial infarction, stroke, pulmonary edema and acute kidney injury. Knowledge on risk factors of HTNE may be used in clinical decision-making to differentiate between HTNE and HTNU in patients presenting with markedly high BP.

Method:
A search of 4 databases (MEDLINE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Web of Science, and CINAHL), 7 grey literature sites and relevant organizational websites revealed 11,387 titles. After duplicates were removed, 9,183 studies were screened by the title and abstract for eligibility. Forty full-text articles were retrieved, and each was assessed for eligibility. Fourteen full-text studies that included 10,376 participants were critically appraised and included in this review. The extracted data were pooled to meta-analysis, where HTNU patients (BP ≥180/110 mmHg without acute TOD) were compared to HTNE patients (BP ≥180/110 mmHg with acute TOD) based on several modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors.

Results:
Patients with HTNE had higher mean systolic (MD 2.413, 95% CI 0.477,4.350) and diastolic BP (MD 2.043, 95% CI 0.624,3.461) compared to patients with HTNU. HTNE were more common in men (OR 1.390, 95% CI 1.207,1.601), older patients (mean diff 5.282, 95% CI 3.229, 7.335). Diabetes (OR 1.723, 95% CI 1.485, 2.000), hyperlipidemia (OR 2.028, 95% CI 1.642, 2.505), and chronic kidney disease (OR 2.448, 95% CI 1.169, 5.124) increased the risk of HTNE. Non-adherence to antihypertensives (OR 0.939, 95% CI 0.647,1.363) and HTN diagnosis unawareness (OR 0.807, 95% CI 0.564, 1.154) did not change the odds of HTNE.

Conclusion:
Systolic and diastolic BP are marginally higher in patients with HTNE compared to patients with HTNU. Since these differences are small and not clinically significant, clinicians should rely on other symptoms and signs to differentiate between HTNU and HTNE. Measures to prevent and treat cardiometabolic comorbidities should be implemented in order to mitigate the risk of HTNE.
Metabolic Changes Precede Radiation‐Induced Cardiac Remodeling in Beagles: Using Noninvasive
18
F‐FDG (
18
F‐Fludeoxyglucose) and
13
N‐Ammonia Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Scans
Authors: Yan Rui , Li Xiang , Song Jianbo , Guo Min , Cai Honghong , Wu Zhifang , Wu Ping , Li Li , Yang Minfu , Wang Yuetao , Li Sijin
Published: September 2020

Background

This study was performed to characterize the metabolic, functional, and structural cardiac changes in a canine model of radiation‐induced heart disease by serial in vivo imaging and ex vivo analyses.

Methods and Results

Thirty‐six dogs were randomly assigned to control or irradiated groups at 3 time points (months 3, 6, and 12 after radiation; each group comprised 6 dogs). The left anterior myocardium of dogs in irradiated groups was irradiated locally with a single dose of 20‐Gy X‐ray. The irradiated myocardial regions showed increased myocardial uptake of
18
F‐FDG (
18
F‐fludeoxyglucose) in the irradiated beagles, but the increased uptake area decreased at months 6 and 12 compared with month 3 after radiation. Abnormality of myocardial perfusion and cardiac function were detected at month 6 after radiation. Compared with the control groups, the protein expression of GLUT4 (glucose transporter 4) was upregulated in the irradiated groups, correlating with significantly decreased CPT1 (carnitine acyltransferase 1) expression. Mitochondria degeneration, swelling, and count reduction in the irradiated groups were observed. The difference in CD68 of macrophage markers and the inflammatory cytokines (IL‐6 [interleukin 6], TNF‐α [tumor necrosis factor α]) between the irradiation and control groups was not significant. Furthermore, the progressive aggravation of apoptosis and fibrosis was displayed.

Conclusions

Elevated
18
F‐FDG uptake occurred after irradiation and subsequently led to ventricular perfusion defects and dysfunction. The process was associated with myocardial metabolic substrate remodeling, cardiac muscle cell apoptosis, and myocardial fibrosis rather than inflammation.
The Borrowing Puzzle: Why Do Filipino Domestic Workers in Hong Kong, China Borrow Rather than Dissave?
Authors: Lim Wooyoung , Visaria Sujata
Published: September 2020

Despite their predictable and regular incomes, Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong, China commonly finance large expenses through interest-bearing loans rather than savings. Our analysis of survey data and records of a credit cooperative for migrant workers suggests that this cannot be explained by their inability to save, financial illiteracy, short time horizon, or limited liability. Instead, we speculate that the strict schedules and high interest rates of these loans create a disciplining effect that these individuals find desirable. This may help them avoid unnecessary consumption or demands from their social network. However, interventions should also consider that these workers often receive nonmonetary reciprocal benefits from members of their social network.
Triple Collocation Evaluation of In Situ Soil Moisture Observations from 1200+ Stations as part of the U.S. National Soil Moisture Network
Authors: Ford Trent W. , Quiring Steven M. , Zhao Chen , Leasor Zachary T. , Landry Christian
Published: September 2020

Soil moisture is an important variable for numerous scientific disciplines, and therefore provision of accurate and timely soil moisture information is critical. Recent initiatives, such as the National Soil Moisture Network effort, have increased the spatial coverage and quality of soil moisture monitoring infrastructure across the contiguous United States. As a result, the foundation has been laid for a high-resolution, real-time gridded soil moisture product that leverages data from in situ networks, satellite platforms, and land surface models. An important precursor to this development is a comprehensive, national-scale assessment of in situ soil moisture data fidelity. Additionally, evaluation of the United States’s current in situ soil moisture monitoring infrastructure can provide a means toward more informed satellite and model calibration and validation. This study employs a triple collocation approach to evaluate the fidelity of in situ soil moisture observations from over 1200 stations across the contiguous United States. The primary goal of the study is to determine the monitoring stations that are best suited for 1) inclusion in national-scale soil moisture datasets, 2) deriving in situ–informed gridded soil moisture products, and 3) validating and benchmarking satellite and model soil moisture data. We find that 90% of the 1233 stations evaluated exhibit high spatial consistency with satellite remote sensing and land surface model soil moisture datasets. In situ error did not significantly vary by climate, soil type, or sensor technology, but instead was a function of station-specific properties such as land cover and station siting.
The American College of Surgeons Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic (Part I): Cancer Care, COVID-19 Registry, Surgeon Wellness
Authors: Wexner Steven D. , Nelson Heidi , Stain Steven C. , Turner Patricia L. , Cortés-Guiral Delia
Published: September 2020

From the onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic of 2020, the American College of Surgeons has been a leader in disseminating reliable information on the nature of the crisis and assuring quality of surgical care during the enforced lockdown of inpatient and outpatient care.
Weight-Based Enoxaparin Achieves Adequate Anti-Xa Levels More Often in Trauma Patients: A Prospective Study
Authors: Stutsrim Ashlee E. , Eady J. Matthew , Collum Magdalena , Rebo Gerald J. , Rebo Kristin A. , Miller Preston R. , Nunn Andrew M.
Published: September 2020

Background

Previous research demonstrates that twice-daily enoxaparin is inadequate for venous thromboembolic (VTE) prophylaxis in critically ill trauma patients prompting dose adjustment based on anti-Xa levels. Most studies evaluate peak anti-Xa levels; however, data suggest that trough levels are associated with decreased VTE. We evaluated trough anti-Xa levels in noncritically ill trauma patients receiving fixed or weight-based enoxaparin.

Methods

Peak and trough anti-Xa levels were prospectively collected from patients receiving at least 3 consecutive doses of enoxaparin (PRE). A performance improvement project prompted a change to weight-based dosing. Peak and trough levels were subsequently prospectively collected from the weight-based group (POST). Adequate peak was defined as ≥0.2 IU/mL and adequate trough as ≥0.1 IU/mL. PRE and POST groups were compared.

Results

200 patients were evaluated (100 PRE, 100 POST). In the PRE group, only 34% of trough and 61% of peak anti-Xa levels were adequate compared with 82% and 97%, respectively, in the POST group ( P < .01). Median trough improved from 0.07 IU/mL to 0.2 IU/mL ( P < .01). Median peak improved from 0.22 IU/mL to 0.47 IU/mL ( P < .01). More patients achieved adequate peak and trough levels in the POST group (79% vs 31%, P < .01). 95% of patients with adequate troughs also had adequate peaks, whereas 75% with adequate peaks had adequate troughs.

Discussion

Traditional enoxaparin dosing in noncritically ill trauma patients results in suboptimal anti-Xa levels. Weight-based enoxaparin improves both trough and peak anti-Xa levels obviating dose adjustment. Furthermore, troughs better predict adequate anti-Xa levels.
Predicting Discharge Disposition in Trauma Patients: Development, Validation, and Generalization of a Model Using the National Trauma Data Bank
Authors: Graham Mitchell , Parikh Pratik , Hirpara Sagar , McCarthy Mary C. , Haut Elliott R. , Parikh Priti P.
Published: September 2020

Background

Limited work has been done in predicting discharge disposition in trauma patients; most studies use single institutional data and have limited generalizability. This study develops and validates a model to predict, at admission, trauma patients’ discharge disposition using NTDB, transforms the model into an easy-to-use score, and subsequently evaluates its generalizability on institutional data.

Methods

NTDB data were used to build and validate a binary logistic regression model using derivation-validation (ie, train-test) approach to predict patient disposition location (home vs non-home) upon admission. The model was then converted into a trauma disposition score (TDS) using an optimization-based approach. The generalizability of TDS was evaluated on institutional data from a single Level I trauma center in the U.S.

Results

A total of 614 625 patients in the NTDB were included in the study; 212 684 (34.6%) went to a non-home location. Patients with a non-home disposition compared to home had significantly higher age (69 ± 19.7 vs 48.3 ± 20.3) and ISS (11.2 ± 8.2 vs 8.2 ± 6.3); P < .001. Older age, female sex, higher ISS, comorbidities (cancer, cardiovascular, coagulopathy, diabetes, hepatic, neurological, psychiatric, renal, substance abuse), and Medicare insurance were independent predictors of non-home discharge. The logistic regression model’s AUC was 0.8; TDS achieved a correlation of 0.99 and performed similarly well on institutional data (n = 3161); AUC = 0.8.

Conclusion

We developed a score based on a large national trauma database that has acceptable performance on local institutions to predict patient discharge disposition at the time of admission. TDS can aid in early discharge preparation for likely-to-be non-home patients and may improve hospital efficiency.
De-Epithelialized Heterotopic Tracheal Allografts without Immunosuppressants in Dogs: Long-Term Results for Cartilage Viability and Structural Integrity
Authors: Cui Pengcheng , Liu Pengfei , Li Shuqin , Ma Ruina
Published: September 2020

Objectives:

Reconstruction of long segmental tracheal defects is difficult because no ideal tracheal substitutes are currently available. Tracheal allotransplantation maintains cartilage and epithelium viability but requires immunosuppression because of epithelial immunogenicity. We aimed to obtain an epithelium-decellularized allograft that maintains cartilage viability and to evaluate long-term outcomes of such allografts implanted on dog backs without immunosuppressants.

Methods:

Twenty-five tracheas harvested from mongrel dogs were used to explore the period of epithelium decellularization by combined use of 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate and an organ preservation solution and to assess the chondrocyte viability and immunogenicity of the tracheas after decellularization. Sixteen epithelium-decellularized tracheal allografts and 10 fresh tracheal segments (6 cm long) were implanted in 26 beagles for durations of 10 days and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Macroscopic and microscopic examinations were used to evaluate the morphology, viability, and immune rejection of the allografts. Safranin-O staining was used to detect glycosaminoglycans.

Results:

The epithelium disappeared after 24 hours of decellularization. At 72 hours, almost no nuclei remained in the mucosa, while the mean survival rate of chondrocytes was 88.1%. Histological analysis demonstrated that the allograft retained intact tracheal rings and viable cartilage after heterotopic implantation for 1 year, with no immunological rejection. There were no significant differences in the glycosaminoglycan contents among the implanted epithelium-decellularized allografts.

Conclusions:

Epithelium-decellularized tracheal allografts with chondrocyte viability can be achieved by combined use of a detergent and organ preservation solution, which showed satisfactory cartilage viability and structural integrity after long-term heterotopic transplantation. Further studies on orthotopic transplantation are needed to assess the feasibility of allografts in reconstructing long segmental tracheal defects.
(Dis)orientation and Design Preferences Within an Unfamiliar Care Environment: A Content Analysis of Older Adults’ Qualitative Reports After Route Learning
Authors: O’Malley Mary , Innes Anthea , Wiener Jan M.
Published: September 2020

Ensuring that environments are designed to cater for those with decreasing orientation, perceptual and mobility skills, is an example of how environments are being changed to become more age and dementia friendly. However, environmental design should directly involve potential users of the environment to ensure that their views are accounted for. Four open-ended questions, focusing on orientation strategies, reasons for disorientation, and design preferences, were given to 32 older adults after they had completed a route learning task through an unfamiliar environment. A Content Analysis found a strong focus on participants’ ability to memorize routes based on verbally encoding the route and on their ability to remember landmarks, with the reports linking closely to cognitive theories of navigation. Design suggestions included the importance of a homely and welcoming environment, memorable features, and access to the outdoors. The findings can be used inform age and dementia friendly design principles.
Assessment of Joint Angle and Reach Envelope Demands Using a Video-Based Physical Demands Description Tool
Authors: McKinnon Colin D. , Sonne Michael W. , Keir Peter J.
Published: September 2020

Background

Current methods for describing physical work demands often lack detail and format standardization, require technical training and expertise, and are time-consuming to complete. A video-based physical demands description (PDD) tool may improve time and accuracy concerns associated with current methods.

Methods

Ten simulated occupational tasks were synchronously recorded using a motion capture system and digital video. The tasks included a variety of industrial tasks from lifting to drilling to overhead upper extremity tasks of different cycle times. The digital video was processed with a novel video-based assessment tool to produce 3D joint trajectories (PDAi), and joint angle and reach envelope measures were calculated and compared between both data sources.

Results

Root mean squared error between video-based and motion capture posture estimated ranged from 89.0 mm to 118.6 mm for hand height and reach distance measures, and from 13.5° to 21.6° for trunk, shoulder, and elbow angle metrics. Continuous data were reduced to time-weighted bins, and video-based posture estimates showed 75% overall agreement and quadratic-weight Cohen’s kappa scores ranging from 0.29 to 1.0 compared to motion capture data across all posture metrics.

Conclusion and Application

The substantial level of agreement between time-weighted bins for video-based and motion capture measures suggest that video-based job task assessment may be a viable approach to improve accuracy and standardization of field physical demands descriptions and minimize error in joint posture and reach envelope estimates compared to traditional pen-and-paper methods.
Eclecticism or exclusivity? The (critical) pragmatist ethos of (intersectional) analytic eclecticism
Authors: Peet Jessica
Published: September 2020

Eclecticism in International Relations (IR) claims to reject the rigid boundaries set by various theoretical traditions, yet, in practice, it falls short of moving the field “beyond paradigms” and tends to produce analytical exclusivity rather than eclecticism. This exclusivity is the result of Sil and Katzenstein’s investment in tenets of American pragmatism. These tenets favor consensus and universalism, leading to the reproduction and exclusivity of the theoretical status quo. Dissolving paradigmatic boundaries requires a more critical form of pragmatism. Drawing on the common origins of feminism and pragmatism paired with the contemporary feminist concept of intersectionality, this essay proposes a critical pragmatist ethos and an intersectional analytic eclecticism. This can produce a more inclusive form of analytic eclecticism and render visible the power dynamics that shape experiences as well as academic scholarship. Only when analytic eclecticism is informed by intersectionality and a critical pragmatism might it actually move IR “beyond paradigms.”
Participation in 12-Step Programs and Drug Use Among Older Adults With Cannabis Use Disorder: Six-Month Outcomes
Authors: Woodhead Erin L. , Brief Deborah , Below Maureen , Timko Christine
Published: September 2020

This study examined associations among cannabis use disorder (CUD), 12-step program participation, and cannabis and other drug use at baseline and 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Participants were age 50 or older in a study of veterans receiving medical management of alcohol and/or opioid withdrawal ( N = 171). Generalized estimating equations examined the extent to which time point, 12-step program participation, and CUD were associated with change in number of cannabis and non-cannabis drug use days. Also examined was whether having CUD was associated with 12-step program participation. From baseline through the 6-month follow-up, 12-step program participation increased, non-cannabis drug use decreased, and cannabis use remained stable. Twelve-step program participation at baseline was associated with better outcomes at follow-ups. Participants with CUD reported less 12-step program participation and more cannabis use days at follow-ups. Older adults with CUD may need other types of psychosocial treatments due to low participation in 12-step programs.
Sustaining Bilingual–Biliterate Identities: Latinx Preservice Teachers’ Narrative Representations of Bilingualism and Biliteracy Across Time and Space
Authors: Nuñez Idalia , Villarreal Doris A. , DeJulio Samuel , Harvey Rosalyn , Cardenas Curiel Lucia
Published: September 2020

The present study is a narrative analysis of 14 self-created books by Latina/o/x bilingual preservice teachers to describe their biliteracy trajectories. Drawing on the concept of identity and bilingualism, this analysis explores how preservice teachers experienced language and literacy and how these experiences have shaped their bilingual–biliterate identities. The findings of this research study revealed that bilingual preservice teachers (a) narrated Spanish as a significant part of their remembered identities, (b) struggled to maintain their bilingualism and biliteracy, and (c) reconnected and reclaimed their bilingual–biliterate identities through their experiences in their teacher preparation program.
Moral and financial economics of ‘digital magic’: Explorations of an opening field
Authors: Obadia Lionel
Published: September 2020

The relationship between religion and the Internet has been attracting more attention by researchers in recent years. Magic, however, is still relatively overlooked in this area, and has not given rise to influential studies in the field. Based on investigations on the Internet, other new information and communication technologies, and a survey of the scientific literature, this article intends to lay the groundwork for a consideration of magic and new information technology, and to highlight the specificity of a perspective in terms of digital magic, distinct from that of one exclusively focused on digital religion.
A novel modeling and simulation approach for the prediction of human thermophysiological comfort
Authors: Awais Muhammad , Krzywinski Sybille , Wendt Ellen
Published: September 2020

Thermophysiological comfort is one of the most important aspects of wear comfort. Currently, there are no software solutions available for the combined consideration of material physical and mechanical characteristics, fit, and thermophysiological behavior. Thus, a laborious empirical process is typically required to determine an appropriate design matching new textile materials to pattern cuts as well as changing climatic conditions. A detailed wear trial in a climatic chamber supports this process. The objective of this research is to analyze the thermal comfort of clothing with different thermal characteristics through the simulation of heat regulation in the human body, microclimate, clothing, and environment.
Attitude to ambiguity as a predictor of analytic thinking
Authors: van Zyl Casper JJ
Published: September 2020

Thinking dispositions are considered important predictors of analytic thinking. While several thinking dispositions have been found to predict responses on a range of analytic thinking tasks, this field is arguably underdeveloped. There are likely many relevant dispositional variables associated with analytic thinking that remains to be explored. This study examines one such dispositional variable, namely, attitude to ambiguity. The disposition is implied in the literature given that internal conflict – likely with associated ambiguity – is typically experienced in cognitive tasks used to study thinking and reasoning. In this article, the association between attitude to ambiguity and analytic thinking is empirically examined using Bayesian methods. A total of 313 adults (mean age = 29.31, SD = 12.19) completed the Multidimensional Attitude Toward Ambiguity (MAAS) scale, along with the Cognitive Reflection Test and a syllogism-based measure of belief bias. Results found one component of the MAAS scale, Moral Absolutism, to be a robust predictor of scores on both the Cognitive Reflection Test and the measure of belief bias.
Assessing Goal 4 Communication Skills for Psychology Across Audience, Purpose, and Context
Authors: Chew Stephen L. , Neufeld Garth , Hamill Sharon , Taylor Annette , Macias Salvador
Published: September 2020

The challenge of teaching communication skills outlined in Goal 4 of the APA Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major is that it occurs in many contexts and the communicator must adapt the form to match both context and purpose. We created a taxonomy of dimensions and kinds of communication that represents the various contexts in communication assignments in psychology classes. We propose a curricular-level solution to assessing the development of communication skill, including multiple assessment opportunities in both course and curriculum with progressively higher standards. We discuss how different forms of rubrics can be used to assess communication and created a “common” rubric that can be adapted and used to assess communication across many different contexts. Finally, since social media have increased the frequency of exposure to often engaging, but misleading or inaccurate communication, we discuss the value of being able to judge the validity of received communications and the importance of teaching students how to evaluate messages critically.