bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linkboost: A Link Prediction Algorithm to Solve the Problem of Network Vulnerability in Cases Involving Incomplete Information
Authors: Jia Chengfeng , Ma Jie , Liu Qi , Zhang Yu , Han Hua
Published: April 2020

The vulnerability of network information systems has attracted considerable research attention in various domains including financial networks, transportation networks, and infrastructure systems. To comprehensively investigate the network vulnerability, well-designed attack strategies are necessary. However, it is difficult to formulate a global attack strategy as the complete information of the network is usually unavailable. To overcome this limitation, this paper proposes a novel prediction algorithm named Linkboost, which, by predicting the hidden edges of the network, can complement the seemingly missing but potentially existing connections of the network with limited information. The key aspect of this algorithm is that it can deal with the imbalanced class distribution present in the network data. The proposed approach was tested on several types of networks, and the experimental results indicated that the proposed algorithm can successfully enhance the destruction rate of the network even with incomplete information. Furthermore, when the proportion of the missing information is relatively small, the proposed attack strategy relying on the high degree nodes performs even better than that with complete information. This finding suggests that the nodes important to the network structure and connectivity can be more easily identified by the links added by Linkboost. Therefore, the use of Linkboost can provide useful insight into the operation guidance and design of a more effective attack strategy.
TRPV1 Contributes to the Neuroprotective Effect of Dexmedetomidine in Pilocarpine‐Induced Status Epilepticus Juvenile Rats
Authors: Tan Xingqin , Zeng Yong , Tu Zhenzhen , Li Pan , Chen Hengsheng , Cheng Li , Tu Shengfen , Jiang Li
Published: April 2020

To investigate the antiepileptic and neuroprotective effects of dexmedetomidine (Dex) in pilocarpine‐ (Pilo‐) induced status epilepticus (SE) juvenile rats, rats were randomly assigned to the following six groups (n = 20): normal, normal+Dex, SE, SE+Cap, SE+Dex, and SE+Dex+Cap. The rats were treated with either diazepam (i.p., an antiepileptic drug) or Dex after the onset of SE. The Morris water maze was used to assess rat cognitive behavior. Flow cytometry was used to detect the concentrations of Ca2+, mitochondrial membrane potential, and reactive oxygen species. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to evaluate specimens of brain tissue. The levels of caspase 3 and TRPV1 were examined by western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Treatment with Dex significantly decreased the escape latency of the SE rats (P < 0.05). Capsaicin, a TRPV1 agonist, delivery aggravated the performance of SE rats. Pathological changes in SE rat were attenuated by Dex and deteriorated by capsaicin. Swollen mitochondria and abnormal endoplasmic reticulum were found in SE rats and were then aggravated by capsaicin and reversed by Dex. Moreover, our data showed that Dex significantly restrained calcium overload, ROS production, and mitochondrial membrane potential loss, all of which were induced by Pilo and capsaicin (P < 0.05). Dex decreased the apoptotic rate in the Model SE group (P < 0.05) and TRPV1 and caspase 3 expression in the Dex treatment group (P < 0.05). Interestingly, all these effects of Dex were partially counteracted by the TRPV1 agonist, capsaicin (P < 0.05). Our study showed that Dex exerted a neuroprotective effect in Pilo‐induced SE rats by inhibiting TRPV1 expression and provided information for therapy to SE patients.
A Comparison of Embryonic Development and Clinical Outcomes between In vitro Oocytes Maturation Using Micro-Vibration System and In vivo Oocytes Maturation in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Patients
Authors: Yang Seong-Ho , Hur Yong-Soo , Yoon San-Hyun , Jung Jae-Hoon , Lim Jin-Ho , Ko Yong
Published: April 2020

Background/Objectives: Mechanical micro-vibration remains insufficient for improving embryo culture conditions in human immature oocytes. This study compared the clinical outcomes and embryo development between germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes with the micro-vibration culture (MVC) system in in vitro maturation (IVM) cycles and in vivo-matured oocytes in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) cycles in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients. Methods: This study investigated 152 PCOS patients who underwent 159 fresh embryo transfer cycles, including IVM cycles with embryos derived from GV oocytes and the COH cycles with embryos derived from in vivo-matured oocytes. The IVM cycles were divided into groups according to the culture system used: static culture (SC) and MVC: In the IVM-S group (n = 47), SC was applied during both IVM and in vitro culture (IVC), whereas in the IVM-MV group (n = 44), MVC was applied during both IVM and IVC. For the COH cycles, in the COH-S group (n = 68), SC was applied during IVC. Results: The number of in vitro-matured oocytes was similar in the IVM-S and IVM-MV groups, but the good-quality embryo (GQE; ≥6-cells) rate was significantly higher in the IVM-MV group (p < 0.01). The GQE rate and clinical outcomes of the COH-S group were significantly better than those of the IVM-S group (p < 0.05) but similar to those of the IVM-MV group. Conclusion: Compared with the SC system, the MVC system in IVM cycles improves the embryonic quality of GV oocytes and clinical outcomes, resulting in development of potential equivalent to in vivo-matured oocytes.
FORMATION OF THE PERSONALITY OF A FUTURE DOCTOR THROUGH EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AT THE DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY, VIROLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY: EXPERIENCE AND PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Derevianko T. V. , Zviagolska I. M.
Published: April 2020

The article describes the experience of organizing and conducting extracurricular educational work at the Department of Microbiology, Virology and Immunology of Ukrainian Medical Stomatological Academy, aimed at shaping the personality of future doctors. Particular attention is paid to the fact that extracurricular work is focused on the development of independence, creativity, competitiveness and other fundamental personality traits of a specialist with higher education. An effective means of promoting students' creative self-fulfillment is a system of individual, group and collective forms of activity. Organization of extracurricular work with students at the Department of Microbiology, Virology and Immunology is based on the principles of humanization; cooperation; voluntariness; expediency; interest; binary practical orientation. The implementation of these principles is carried out through generally accepted directions: national and patriotic, intellectual and spiritual, civil and legal, moral, ecological, aesthetic, labor and physical education, promotion of a healthy lifestyle. The department staff uses the following forms for organization of national upbringing: information digests, communication hours, round tables, reading conferences, competitions, debates, discussions, ethical conversations, excursions, and brain-rings, focused on the topics of various nature.
PROBLEM-ORIENTED TEACHING OF CHILDHOOD INFECTIOUS DISEASES FOR MEDICAL STUDENTS GRADUATE COURSES
Authors: Volyanska L. A. , Vorontsova Т. О. , Burbela E. I. , Rohalska Y. V.
Published: April 2020

The accelerated pace of scientific and technological development of modern Ukrainian society, is steadily striving to unite with the world community, puts the requirement for urgent modernization in front of the traditional higher school. The quality of education to an outstanding extent depends on the effectiveness of communication in the “teacher-student” system. Our proposed form for the study of childhood infectious diseases allows to bypass the imposition of the authoritarian thought of the teacher. This is achieved through the formation of a productive team of teacher – students on mutually beneficial conditions of cooperation on the basis of bilateral (both of the teacher and the student) internal motivation.

The basis of innovations in the teaching of medicine today is the introduction of interactive cooperation between those who help to study, and those who study, and problem-oriented learning. Therefore, in the study of children's infectious diseases by graduate students, the practical lesson is based on thematic (according to the topic of the practical lesson) supervision of the patient in the presence of the attending physician and under the supervision of the teacher. This is a real child with a real problem, and therefore, the teacher created an original task, tied to a real life situation. Such a clinical task for its solution requires the student to independently apply a wide range of knowledge and skills in the studied discipline in related subjects. A role-playing game begins: the attending physician (the student who observed the patient) invites other specialists (the rest of the group's students) to the council to help make a diagnosis.

Prospects for further improvement of the educational process in the study of pediatric infectious diseases will relate to stimulating interest in the subject by promoting the idea of ​​involving students to actively participate in the development of their practical skills through elements of research work within the scope of the work program.
Prevalência do uso de protetor bucal por atletas dos principais clubes de futebol do estado do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Botelho Victor José , Cal Neto Júlio , Calasans-Maia Mônica , Antunes Leonardo Santos , Antunes Lívia A. Alves , Calasans-Maia José
Published: April 2020

Esportes de contato apresentam cada vez mais competividade e, com isso, há um aumento no número de lesões, em geral. Lesões orofaciais estão dentro desse aumento, principalmente traumatismos bucais e dentários. O protetor bucal é um aparato que diminui e/ou evita tais danos faciais. Dessa forma, o presente estudo objetivou verificar a prevalência e a importância do uso do protetor bucal nos atletas profissionais dos principais clubes de futebol do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. A amostra foi composta de 57 jogadores de futebol profissional entre 18 e 36 anos. A avaliação se deu através de questionário individual para cada atleta. Os resultados mostraram que 82,4% dos jogadores apresentaram lesões bucais. Além disso, 94,7% disseram ter conhecimento sobre protetores bucais e 76,7% acharem seu uso necessário, porém apenas 12,2% responderam possuir algum protetor bucal. Conclui-se que apesar do conhecimento da importância do uso de proteção bucal, os atletas de futebol ainda não fazem uso de tal aparato de proteção.
Perfil do risco cardiovascular de mulheres adultas triadas para um programa de exercício físico
Authors: Neri Fernanda Dos Santos , Galera Beatriz Simões , Russo Camila Bossoni , Eches Erick Henrique Pereira , Laqui Isabella Dos Santos , Cardoso Júnior Crivaldo Gomes
Published: April 2020

O objetivo do estudo foi descrever o perfil de risco cardiovascular (RCV) de mulheres adultas triadas para participação de um programa de exercício físico. Foram avaliadas 409 mulheres, com idade entre 20 e 59 anos. Seguiu-se a recomendação de triagem e estratificação do RCV proposta pelo Colégio Americano de Medicina Esportiva por meio da aplicação de um questionário face a face que identificou o Risco Alto (RA) pela presença de doença cérebro-cardiovascular ou sintomas de instabilidade cardíaca, Risco Moderado pela presença de três ou mais fatores de risco e o Risco Baixo pela presença de até dois fatores de risco para mulheres com idade inferior a 55 anos. Entretanto, para atender ao desfecho primário do estudo (prevalência do alto risco) foram agrupadas as categorias de risco baixo e moderado (RBM). A frequência das mulheres para o RA foi de 35,2%, sendo: 22,9% cardiopatas, 56,9% apresentavam dispneia, 45,1% vertigem e 32,6% dor no peito. A frequência de mulheres classificadas como RBM, foi de 64,8%. O fator de risco mais prevalente foi a obesidade, sendo 47,5% no RBM e 61,8% no RA, seguido da hipertensão para o RA (43,1%). Houve correlação entre RA e hipertensão (r=0,193; p<0,01); diabetes (r=0,108; p<0,05); obesidade (r=0,158; p<0,01) e sintomatologia climatérica (r=0,150; p<0,01). Para o RA, não houve diferença estatisticamente significante na proporção de mulheres que se autodeclaram hipertensas (χ²=0,071; p>0,05) e diabéticas (χ²= 0,500; p>0,05). Entretanto, houve diferença significante em favor de uma maior proporção de mulheres obesas e que foram classificadas na condição cardiovascular de RA (χ²= 6,367; p =0,01). Em conclusão, há grande prevalência de mulheres classificadas como RA, reforçando a importância da triagem pré-participação ao exercício.
Teatro em comunidade na zona de contato
Authors: Oliveira Wellington De
Published: April 2020

O teatro em comunidade é uma prática que nos últimos anos passou a figurar nos debates acadêmicos e instituições culturais, atraindo artistas, professores e pesquisadores, entre outros profissionais interessados por práticas artísticas participativas. No interior de tais abordagens, o artigo pretende uma reflexão sobre os riscos destas práticas se tornarem excludentes, na medida em que agregam discursos educacionais atravessados por uma forma de racionalidade que impossibilita a co-presença e anula o ‘outro lado da linha’ do que considera relevante. Sendo assim, reafirma a necessidade de atenção para o interior dos processos artísticos e para a forma como as práxis são construídas, situando o teatro em comunidade no espaço da ‘zona de contato’ e a cena como uma presença dos sujeitos neste espaço.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2: SARS-CoV-2 Receptor and Regulator of the Renin-Angiotensin System
Authors: Gheblawi Mahmoud , Wang Kaiming , Viveiros Anissa , Nguyen Quynh , Zhong Jiu-Chang , Turner Anthony J. , Raizada Mohan K. , Grant Maria B. , Oudit Gavin Y.
Published: April 2020

ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) has a multiplicity of physiological roles that revolve around its trivalent function: a negative regulator of the renin-angiotensin system, facilitator of amino acid transport, and the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and SARS-CoV-2 receptor.
ACE2
is widely expressed, including, in the lungs, cardiovascular system, gut, kidneys, central nervous system, and adipose tissue. ACE2 has recently been identified as the SARS-CoV-2 receptor, the infective agent responsible for coronavirus disease 2019, providing a critical link between immunity, inflammation, ACE2, and cardiovascular disease. Although sharing a close evolutionary relationship with SARS-CoV, the receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 differs in several key amino acid residues, allowing for stronger binding affinity with the human ACE2 receptor, which may account for the greater pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2. The loss of ACE2 function following binding by SARS-CoV-2 is driven by endocytosis and activation of proteolytic cleavage and processing. The ACE2 system is a critical protective pathway against heart failure with reduced and preserved ejection fraction including, myocardial infarction and hypertension, and against lung disease and diabetes mellitus. The control of gut dysbiosis and vascular permeability by ACE2 has emerged as an essential mechanism of pulmonary hypertension and diabetic cardiovascular complications. Recombinant ACE2, gene-delivery of
Ace2
, Ang 1–7 analogs, and Mas receptor agonists enhance ACE2 action and serve as potential therapies for disease conditions associated with an activated renin-angiotensin system. rhACE2 (recombinant human ACE2) has completed clinical trials and efficiently lowered or increased plasma angiotensin II and angiotensin 1-7 levels, respectively. Our review summarizes the progress over the past 20 years, highlighting the critical role of ACE2 as the novel SARS-CoV-2 receptor and as the negative regulator of the renin-angiotensin system, together with implications for the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and associated cardiovascular diseases.
Analytical performance assessment and improvement by means of the Failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA)
Authors: Guiñón Leonor , Soler Anna , Alvarez Luisa , Mira Aurea , Bedini Josep Lluís , Rico Nayra , Fernández Rosa María , Gisell Díaz Mónica
Published: April 2020

Introduction:
Laboratories minimize risks through quality control but analytical errors still occur. Risk management can improve the quality of
processes and increase patient safety. This study aims to use the failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) to assess the analytical performance and measure the effectiveness of the risk mitigation actions implemented.
Materials and methods:
The measurands to be included in the study were selected based on the measurement errors obtained by participating in an External Quality Assessment (EQA) Scheme. These EQA results were used to perform an FMEA of the year 2017, providing a risk priority number
that was converted into a Sigma value (σFMEA). A root-cause analysis was done when σFMEA was lower than 3. Once the causes were determined,
corrective measures were implemented. An FMEA of 2018 was carried out to verify the effectiveness of the actions taken.
Results:
The FMEA of 2017 showed that alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and sodium (Na) presented a σFMEA of less than 3. The FMEA of 2018 revealed
that none of the measurands presented a σFMEA below 3 and that σFMEA for ALP and Na had increased.
Conclusions:
Failure mode and effect analysis is a useful tool to assess the analytical performance, solve problems and evaluate the effectiveness of
the actions taken. Moreover, the proposed methodology allows to standardize the scoring of the scales, as well as the evaluation and prioritization
of risks.
Simple thrombin-based method for eliminating fibrinogen interference in serum protein electrophoresis of haemodialysed patients
Authors: Rade Anamarija , Đuras Anamarija , Kocijan Irena , Banković Radovanović Patricija , Turčić Ana
Published: April 2020

Introduction:
Serum samples of haemodialysed patients collected through vascular access devices, e.g. central venous catheter (CVC) can contain residual heparin, which can cause incomplete clotting and consequently fibrinogen interference in serum protein electrophoresis (SPE). We hypothesized that this problem may be overcome by addition of thrombin and aimed to find a simple thrombin-based method for fibrinogen interference removal.
Materials and methods:
Blood samples of 51 haemodialysed patients with CVC were drawn through catheter into Clot Activator Tube (CAT) and Rapid Serum Tube Thrombin (RST) vacutainers (Becton Dickinson, New Jersey, USA) following the routine hospital protocols and analysed with gel-electrophoresis (Sebia, Lisses, France). Samples were redrawn in the CAT tubes and re-analysed after being treated with thrombin using two methods: transferring CAT serum into RST vacutainer and treatment of CAT serum with fibrinogen reagent (Multifibren U, Siemens, Marburg, Germany).
Results:
Direct blood collection in RST proved to be slightly more efficient than CAT in removing the interfering band in beta fraction (CAT removed 6/51 and RST removed 12/51, P = 0.031). Transferring CAT serum into the RST vacutainer proved to be more efficient for subsequent removal of interfering band from CAT serum than the addition of fibrinogen reagent (39/45 vs. 0/45 samples with efficiently removed interfering band, P < 0.001).
Conclusion:
Fibrinogen interference caused by incomplete clotting because of residual heparin can be overcome by addition of thrombin. Transferring CAT serum into the RST vacutainer was the most efficient method.
A new micropterous species of the genus Spathius Nees (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Doryctinae) from the North Eastern Himalayas, India
Authors: RANJITH A.P. , BELOKOBYLSKIJ SERGEY A. , PRIYADARSANAN DHARMA RAJAN , ASWAJ PUNNATH , NASSER M.
Published: April 2020

Worldwide species of the genus Spathius Nees with reduced wings are reviewed. A new micropterous species, Spathius himalayicus Ranjith et Belokobylskij, sp. nov. from Northeast India is described and illustrated. A key to all known brachypterous, micropterous and apterous Spathius species is provided. Images of seven species not previously imaged, viz., S. apotanus Wilkinson, 1931, S. canariensis Hedqvist, 1976, S. critolaus Nixon, 1939, S. cursor Wilkinson, 1931, S. maderi Fahringer, 1930, S. pedestris Wesmael, 1838 and S. turneri Nixon, 1943, are provided.
The Heavy Rainfall Mechanism Revealed by a Terrain-Resolving 4DVar Data Assimilation System—A Case Study
Authors: Tai Sheng-Lun , Liou Yu-Chieng , Chang Shao-Fan , Sun Juanzhen
Published: April 2020

In this research a newly developed terrain-resolving four-dimensional variational (4DVar)-based data assimilation system, Immersed Boundary Method_Variational Doppler Radar Analysis System (IBM_VDRAS), is applied to investigate the mechanisms leading to a heavy precipitation event that occurred in Taiwan during the Southwesterly Monsoon Experiment (SoWMEX) conducted in 2008. The multivariate analyses using IBM_VDRAS and surface observations reveal that the warm and moist southwesterly flow from the ocean decelerates after making landfall, forming a surface convergence zone along the coast, which is further strengthened during the passage of a prefrontal rainband. The flow ascends as it advances inland until reaching the mountains, producing persistent precipitation and the enhancement of evaporative cooling as well as a widespread high pressure zone. A very shallow (<0.4 km) layer of offshore flow can be identified over the southwestern plain, which helps to generate a quasi-stationary convergence zone near the coast. Sensitivity studies are carried out to quantify the relative importance of the contributions made by topographic blockage, evaporative cooling, and their nonlinear interaction, to the evolution of this type of convective system. The influence of the topography is identified as the dominant factor in modulating the flow structure of the rainfall system. However, it is the nonlinear interaction between terrain and evaporation that determines the distribution of the temperature and pressure fields.
The Power to Resist: Mobilization and the Logic of Terrorist Attacks in Civil War
Authors: Polo Sara M. T. , González Belén
Published: April 2020

Existing research has argued that terrorism is common in civil war because it is “effective.” Surprisingly, however, only some groups use terrorism during civil wars, while many refrain altogether. We also see considerable variation in the use of terrorism over time. This article presents a theory of terrorism as a mobilization strategy in civil war, taking into account benefits, costs, and temporal dynamics. We argue that the choice and the timing of terrorism arise from the interaction between conditions for effective mobilization and battlefield dynamics. Terrorism can mobilize support when it provokes indiscriminate government repression or when it radicalizes rebels’ constituency by antagonizing specific societal groups. The timing of attacks, however, is influenced by battlefield losses, which increase rebels’ need to rally civilian support. The analyses of new disaggregated data on rebels’ terrorist attacks during conflicts (1989–2009) and of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) tactics in Iraq and Syria support our theoretical argument.
Language Socialization in Digitally Mediated Collaborative Writing: Evidence from Disciplinary Peer and Teacher Feedback
Authors: Hafner Christoph A. , Yu Cindy
Published: April 2020

This study examines the question of how the feedback of peers and teachers on a collaboratively written student text, mediated by track changes and commenting functions in Microsoft (MS) Word, can act as a form of socialization into an academic or professional discipline. It focusses on a collaboratively written legal memorandum, authored by students of law engaged in the practice of ‘mooting’, i.e. the conduct of mock trials, an activity which requires the development of persuasive legal arguments, both in written and spoken form. This article reports on an ethnographic study of the language socialization observed in a team of law students in Hong Kong, as they went about writing a memorandum for a high-stakes, global arbitration mooting competition. This team was observed over a period of approximately eight months, the first three of which were dedicated to the writing of a 35-page memorandum. The team produced a total of 12 drafts of this memorandum. These drafts were reviewed by the students themselves and the legal academic tutors responsible for training the team, with feedback recorded in MS Word. This article presents a multiple case study of participants in the writing process, noting coaching, peer mentoring and editing roles adopted. The analysis shows how the digitally mediated collaborative writing process supported the socialization of students into the disciplinary culture of the law. The analysis identifies socializing feedback on research process, disciplinary content, discourse and lexico-grammar, and also finds that socializing functions were performed by both experts and novices in the community of practice.
From diary narrative to the referential Self: how questionnaires and quizzes reshaped online self-writing
Authors: Urban Palina
Published: April 2020

This article discusses the evolution of self-inscription from the soul-searching autobiographical narratives characteristic of personal diaries to the highly referential and indirect language articulated in today’s social media. To trace the origins of this shift, this study considers blogs of the first decade of the 21st century where traditional diary narrative started to transform into a new type of ego-text. It suggests that the spread of online quizzes and questionnaires in the beginning of the 21st century played an important role in the creation of the referential Self characteristic of today’s online rhetoric. Entering the realm of traditional ego-text, these prestructured tools replaced evident self-narration with a disguised indirect version, providing ready-made identity templates and establishing clear rules of information circulation.
Towards a more plural political theory of pluralism
Authors: Fumagalli Corrado
Published: April 2020

In the last two decades, an ever-increasing number of scholars have challenged the conceptual borders of political philosophy and the supposed universalism of its normative pre-commitments. Surprisingly enough, the normative underpinnings of this debate have had very little impact on contemporary disputes about pluralism. This article asks how contemporary disputes about the conceptual borders of political theory can help in constructing a more plural theory of pluralism. It shows that such contributions inspire three ways of constructing a more plural political theory of pluralism: a self-transformative approach, a dialogical approach and a pre-relational approach. While all three approaches progress towards less exclusionary theories of pluralism, I argue that a pre-relational approach can lead to a normative theory that is more plural than the alternatives.
Virtual reality and its role in improving student knowledge, self-efficacy, and attitude in the materials testing laboratory
Authors: Srinivasa Arun R , Jha Rajesh , Ozkan Tanil , Wang Zhujiang
Published: April 2020

The aim of this work is to evaluate the efficacy of using virtual reality to develop training modules for students who are participating in mechanical engineering laboratory classes. We investigated the feasibility of applying virtual reality and augmented reality technologies in manufacturing and material testing training programs to increase academic achievement, engagement, attitudes and self-efficacy toward engineering and also in fostering more effective use of expensive lab-equipment. We hypothesized that providing students with virtual reality and augmented reality enabled personalized manufacturing labs would increase students’ engagement and learning in this laboratory course. To validate the prototype and test our hypotheses, we conducted pilot testing at Texas A&M University. The total number of students with complete data analyzed for this study was 118. A two-group, randomized control group experiment was conducted. No significant differences were found for pre-existing factors including pretest and demographic factors. Five measures were administered to participants including subject matter measures and survey measures relating to attitudes, self-efficacy, engagement, and background demographics. Results of the pilot test data suggest an overall positive outcome for students participating in the virtual reality activity first (experimental condition) compared to those who performed physical machine activity first (control condition). Students who participated in the virtual reality activity first scored significantly higher on multiple-choice subject matter midtest scores. Analysis of open-ended subject matter responses indicates significantly higher gains for participants in the virtual reality activity compared to the physical activity. Subgroup analysis indicated a different performance pattern for female participants. Specifically, when pretest to midtest gain scores were analyzed, females in the experimental group gained twice as much over males after the virtual reality activity. Action data also revealed that female participants spent more time in the tutorial.
Vehicle vibration suppression using an inerter-based mechatronic device
Authors: Shen Yujie , Jiang Jason Zheng , Neild Simon A , Chen Long
Published: April 2020

As a two-terminal mechanical element, the inerter has been successfully deployed in various mechanical systems, such as automotives, multi-story buildings, and motorcycles. The introduction of the inerter allows the use of network synthesis to design a passive mechanical network, and can potentially facilitate the identification of practical and high performance mechatronic vibration absorbers. This paper provides an approach for optimal design of both the mechanical and the electrical parts for an inerter-based mechatronic device in vehicle suspension. The system considered includes a mechanical ball-screw inerter alongside an electric motor that is not driven but instead used passively with an electrical load applied across the terminals. The trade-offs in designing the ball-screw inerter and the permanent magnet electric machinery is discussed in detail. Two factors, namely, the coil resistance and the inductor resistance, are taken into account in the performance evaluation. Results show that the improvements in the road holding performance can reach 9.24% for the ideal suspension system with no diverse effect on the ride comfort and suspension travel performance, while a 5.77% improvement can be obtained when the effects of the coil resistance and the inductor are included.
A randomized clinical trial comparing prompt photodynamic therapy with 3 months observation in patients with acute central serous chorioretinopathy with central macular leakage
Authors: Missotten Tom OAR , Hoddenbach Johan G , Eenhorst Christine AE , van den Born L Ingeborgh , Martinez Ciriano José P , Wubbels René J
Published: April 2020

Purpose:

The purpose of the study was to demonstrate whether photodynamic therapy in patients with acute central serous chorioretinopathy, with the leakage point within one optic disk diameter from the fovea, can be safely deferred.

Methods:

A single-center, randomized, controlled trial was conducted. Patients were randomized to photodynamic therapy within a week after presentation (Group I, 26 patients) or observation during 3 months (Group II, 26 patients). If leakage or subretinal fluid was observed during any control visit, photodynamic therapy was performed (again) within a week.

Primary outcome:

Primary outcome was change of visual acuity (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study) after 12 months. Secondary outcomes were visual acuity, central foveal thickness, metamorphopsia, and color discrimination.

Results:

Photodynamic therapy procedures: group I, 26 at baseline, 2 retreatments at 3 months; group II, 10 at 3 months, 1 at 6 months (2 subjects refusing treatment), 2 retreatments at 6 months. At 12 months, mean visual acuity of all patients had improved by 6.5 letters (P < 0.001), mean central foveal thickness was 172 µm less (P < 0.001). After photodynamic therapy, visual acuity recovered faster and metamorphopsia significantly improved (3 months, P < 0.001). Differences between groups at 12 months were not significant.

Conclusion:

The (intended) number of photodynamic therapy (re)treatments in group II (n = 15) was 46% less than in group I (n = 28). Visual acuity and central foveal thickness at 12 months were similar. Therefore, the preferred management of acute central serous chorioretinopathy at presentation appears to be observation for 3 months.
Understanding the toolbox: A mixed methods study of attitudes, barriers and facilitators in parental intervention of children’s cancer pain at home
Authors: Parker Roses S , McKeever Stephen , Twycross Alison , Wiseman Theresa
Published: April 2020

Children with cancer experience pain throughout their cancer trajectory. Pain has short- and long-term negative consequences for children physically and psychologically. Children with cancer spend more time at home with their families and less time in hospital. While this has benefits for quality of life, it shifts responsibility for pain management from healthcare professionals to parents. Little is known about parents’ pain management abilities in this setting. This study aimed to understand how parents of children with cancer manage their child’s pain at home. A convergent, parallel, mixed methods design including pain diaries, surveys and interviews was used. Participants were parents of children with cancer on active treatment recruited from one tertiary cancer centre. Each data collection method was analysed separately and then integrated. Parents frequently under-medicate their child’s pain at home. Practical barriers including the analgesic context and children finding medications unpalatable led parents to prefer non-pharmacological interventions. Attitudinal and practical barriers result in parents having an “empty toolbox” of pharmacological interventions. Consequently non-pharmacological interventions are essential to parents managing their child’s cancer pain at home.
An experimental investigation of the use of an outlet silencer to quiet ejectors
Authors: Desmarais Gerard , Rocha Joana
Published: April 2020

Ejectors are simple fluid movers and mixers used in a range of industries; however, the attractiveness of their simplicity can be offset by high levels of noise generation. This work experimentally investigates the use of a silencer affixed to the outlet of a subsonic air–air ejector as a means of quieting the ejector. An emphasis is placed on finding a silencer design which has a minimal impact on the mass flow rate exhausting from the ejector (pumping performance). This paper discusses the results of 10 different silencer designs, tested in an attempt to further understand noise generation mechanisms and to find a practical method to reduce the noise of ejectors. It is found that the placement of a perforated cone at the mid-length of the silencer is the only solution tested which provides a significant acoustic advantage with only a small drop in pumping performance. Other solutions tested provide either no acoustic advantage or have too great of a reduction in pumping performance. It is found that the size and shape of the ejector can be designed in such a way to reduce the overlap of natural modes and thus the overall noise levels of the ejector caused by high levels of resonance. The use of acoustic foam to dampen acoustic natural modes proves that the natural modes of the ejector are a significant contributor to the overall noise levels.
If Childish Gambino Cares, I Care: Celebrity Endorsements and Psychological Reactance to Social Marketing Messages
Authors: Schartel Dunn Stephanie , Nisbett Gwendelyn
Published: April 2020

Background:

Increasingly, celebrities are used as spokespeople for nearly all types of marketing. Endorsements can build positive celebrity-brand associations, resulting in favorable brand, product, or issue knowledge.

Focus of the Article:

This project examines the impact of celebrity influence in social marketing campaigns. Source and receiver characteristics are used to explore how people react to such persuasive messages from celebrities and how those reactions influence behavior.

Research Question:

Do race (RQ1) and gender (RQ2) of celebrity influence perceptions of (a) credibility, (b) similarity, and (c) heuristic evaluation? How do these factors influence message evaluation (RQ3)? Perceptions of (a) source credibility and (b) similarity as well as (c) heuristic evaluations will increase positive message evaluations (H1). Such positive message evaluations will increase behavioral intentions (H4). Level of (a) perceived source credibility, (b) perceived similarity, and (c) heuristic evaluation of a message is negatively related to message reactance (H2). The level of psychological reactance to a message source is negatively related to behavioral intent related to the message topic (H3).

Importance to the Social Marketing Field:

The objective of this study is to better understand how characteristics of celebrities, perceptions of the celebrities, and psychological barriers impact intended behavior change attributed to a social marketing message. Because social marketing seeks behavior change as part of an exchange with the targeted audiences, this study contributes a basic understanding of how attributes of the speaker impact social marketing effectiveness.

Methods:

An experiment was conducted ( N = 798) comparing how persuasive messages from celebrities of different genders and races are perceived.

Results:

Results indicate that there are significant differences in how persuasive messages from female celebrities are received as compared to messages from male celebrities. Further, race was shown to play a role in feelings of psychological reactance in response to the persuasive messages.

Recommendations for Research of Practice:

Results suggests marketers should seek out celebrity spokespeople who have the ability to be well-liked by members of the targeted market. The desire to identify with the message source can be a significant enough benefit to inspire behavior change. Having a spokesperson the audience wants to align themselves with is positively correlated with behavioral intentions.
Liquid embolic agent Fe3O4-EVOH for endovascular arteriovenous malformation embolisation: Preliminary evaluation in an in vivo swine rete mirabile model
Authors: Li Wei , Liang Shikai , Zhang Wei , Zhao Xuelian , Zhang Huifang , Lv Xianli
Published: April 2020

Aim

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) embolisation is in peril after the ARUBA trial. Advancements that are needed to reduce procedural risk are better control and visualisation during micro-catheter injection of liquid embolic material. The injectability, radiographic visualisation, mechanical stability and biocompatibility of the embolic agent Fe3O4-EVOH was evaluated in an in vivo swine AVM model.

Methods

The swine AVM model is the rete mirabile (RM). Nine swine AVM models were embolised with the embolic agent Fe3O4-EVOH by using a 1.5 F micro-catheter. Procedure times, embolisation success (deﬁned as complete embolisation of the nidus), volume of embolic agent and histopathology were assessed.

Results

Six swine underwent embolisation of one side rete, and three underwent embolisation of both sides. We did not experience any technical complication during embolisation of each rete. The micro-catheter was easy to retrieve. Fluoroscopic visualisation of the Fe3O4-EVOH cast was adequate. The mean embolisation time for each RM was 7.5 minutes. The median volume of the embolic agent for each RM was 0.52 mL. At one, four and eight weeks following injection, microscopic and histological analysis demonstrated minimal inflammatory changes in the perivascular tissues and permanent occlusion of the embolised vasculature.

Conclusion

Fe3O4-EVOH embolic agent is an effective endovascular occlusion material, providing the initial in vivo characteristics of stability and biocompatibility.
The absent perpetrators: Morocco’s failed accountability, Tazmamart literature and the survivors’ testimony for their jailers (1973-1991)
Authors: El Guabli Brahim
Published: April 2020

The Moroccan Years of Lead (1956–1999) are an important case for the investigation of testimonial literature’s potential to undermine impunity. Both survivors and families of the victims of this dark period of state-mandated violations of human rights have continuously demanded truth, justice, and state apology for the crimes it committed against them. Nevertheless, these demands were not met, even with the establishment of the Arbitration Commission in 1999 and the Equity and Reconciliation Commission (ERC) in 2004. In this article, I draw on writings of survivors of Tazmamart secret prison (1973–1991) to argue that their testimonial literature bears witness in lieu of perpetrators. Because the ERC was not mandated to investigate perpetrators, testimonial literature is the only place where we can gain knowledge about them and their violations of human rights. Indeed, Tazmamart survivors’ testimonial literature provides a unique window through which readers can access the hidden and complex underworld of the perpetrators of state violence in Tazmamart prison camp. I first discuss the implications of the ERC’s failure to report on perpetrators’ crimes, then analyze several testimonial books to reveal how perpetrators are eventually held accountable in these works.
A randomized double-blind trial of 3 aspirin regimens to optimize antiplatelet therapy in essential thrombocythemia
Authors: Rocca Bianca , Tosetto Alberto , Betti Silvia , Soldati Denise , Petrucci Giovanna , Rossi Elena , Timillero Andrea , Cavalca Viviana , Porro Benedetta , Iurlo Alessandra , Cattaneo Daniele , Bucelli Cristina , Dragani Alfredo , Di Ianni Mauro , Ranalli Paola , Palandri Francesca , Vianelli Nicola , Beggiato Eloise , Lanzarone Giuseppe , Ruggeri Marco , Carli Giuseppe , Elli Elena Maria , Carpenedo Monica , Randi Maria Luigia , Bertozzi Irene , Paoli Chiara , Specchia Giorgina , Ricco Alessandra , Vannucchi Alessandro Maria , Rodeghiero Francesco , Patrono Carlo , De Stefano Valerio
Published: April 2020

Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is characterized by abnormal megakaryopoiesis and enhanced thrombotic risk. Once-daily low-dose aspirin is the recommended antithrombotic regimen, but accelerated platelet generation may reduce the duration of platelet cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) inhibition. We performed a multicenter double-blind trial to investigate the efficacy of 3 aspirin regimens in optimizing platelet COX-1 inhibition while preserving COX-2–dependent vascular thromboresistance. Patients on chronic once-daily low-dose aspirin (n = 245) were randomized (1:1:1) to receive 100 mg of aspirin 1, 2, or 3 times daily for 2 weeks. Serum thromboxane B2 (sTXB2), a validated biomarker of platelet COX-1 activity, and urinary prostacyclin metabolite (PGIM) excretion were measured at randomization and after 2 weeks, as primary surrogate end points of efficacy and safety, respectively. Urinary TX metabolite (TXM) excretion, gastrointestinal tolerance, and ET-related symptoms were also investigated. Evaluable patients assigned to the twice-daily and thrice-daily regimens showed substantially reduced interindividual variability and lower median (interquartile range) values for sTXB2 (ng/mL) compared with the once-daily arm: 4 (2.1-6.7; n = 79), 2.5 (1.4-5.65, n = 79), and 19.3 (9.7-40; n = 85), respectively. Urinary PGIM was comparable in the 3 arms. Urinary TXM was reduced by 35% in both experimental arms. Patients in the thrice-daily arm reported a higher abdominal discomfort score. In conclusion, the currently recommended aspirin regimen of 75 to 100 once daily for cardiovascular prophylaxis appears to be largely inadequate in reducing platelet activation in the vast majority of patients with ET. The antiplatelet response to low-dose aspirin can be markedly improved by shortening the dosing interval to 12 hours, with no improvement with further reductions (EudraCT 2016-002885-30).
Investigation of donor KIR content and matching in children undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation for acute leukemia
Authors: Verneris Michael R. , Miller Jeffrey S. , Hsu Katherine C. , Wang Tao , Sees Jennifer A. , Paczesny Sophie , Rangarajan Hemalatha , Lee Dean A. , Spellman Stephen R. , Lee Stephanie J.
Published: April 2020

Multiple models of donor killer immunoglobulin receptor (KIR) alloreactivity or KIR genotype have been reported to be protective against leukemia relapse after allogeneic transplantation. However, few studies have addressed this topic in the pediatric population. Here, we assessed the outcomes of allogeneic transplantation in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL; n = 372) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML; n = 344) who received unrelated donor (URD) transplantation and were reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) from 2005 to 2016. As expected in this pediatric population, most patients underwent myeloablative conditioning while in remission and with bone marrow as a stem cell source. We tested KIR ligand mismatch, KIR gene content (centromeric [Cen] B), KIR2DS1 mismatching, and Cen B/telomeric A using Cox regression models and found that none were significantly associated with either relapse or disease-free survival when considering the entire cohort of patients (ALL and AML), AML, or ALL separately. Moreover, there was no significant association with outcomes in the in vivo T-cell–depleted (ie, serotherapy) cohort. This study, which is the largest analysis of donor KIR in the pediatric acute leukemia population, does not support the use of KIR in the selection of URDs for children undergoing T-replete transplantation.
LAG3: a novel immune checkpoint expressed by multiple lymphocyte subsets in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Keane Colm , Law Soi C. , Gould Clare , Birch Simone , Sabdia Muhammed B. , Merida de Long Lilia , Thillaiyampalam Gayathri , Abro Emad , Tobin Joshua W. , Tan Xiaohong , Xu-Monette Zijun Y. , Young Ken H. , Gifford Grace , Gabreilli Sara , Stevenson William S. , Gill Anthony , Talaulikar Dipti , Jain Sanjiv , Hernandez Annette , Halliday Sarah-Jane , Bird Robert , Cross Donna , Hertzberg Mark , Gandhi Maher K.
Published: April 2020

Blockade of the PD-1 axis has modest efficacy in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), but data regarding LAG3 are sparse. The impact of LAG3 digital gene expression was tested in 309 patients with DLBCL treated with standard chemoimmunotherapy. Cellular distribution of LAG3 protein was determined by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. In tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), LAG3 expression was highest on CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) and was also highly expressed on CD8+ T cells compared with CD4+ non-Tregs (both P = .008). LAG3high TILs were enriched in PD-1 and TIM-3. LAG3 was also expressed on a proportion of malignant B cells, and these patients had significantly higher LAG3 messenger RNA in their biopsies (P = .03). LAG3high gene expression was associated with inferior survival in discovery/validation cohorts, independent of cell of origin and the international prognostic index. Patients who were PD-L1high were fivefold more likely to be LAG3high (P < .0001). Patients who were LAG3high/PD-L1high had an inferior progression-free survival (P = .011) and overall survival (P = .005) compared with patients who were LAG3low/PD-L1high. Digital spatial protein analysis confirms LAG3 expression on T cells and, surprisingly, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) at higher levels than found on CD20+ B cells in the tumor microenvironment. LAG3 is frequently expressed on CD4+ Tregs and CD8+ TILs, typically with other immune checkpoints, and is also present in a proportion of malignant B cells in DLBCL and in areas enriched for TAMs. LAG3high expression is associated with poor outcome independent of conventional prognosticators.