bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Obstetric perineal tears, sexual function and dyspareunia among primiparous women 12 months postpartum: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Gommesen Ditte , Nøhr Ellen , Qvist Niels , Rasch Vibeke
Published: December 2019

Objective

Sexuality is an important aspect of human identity and contributes significantly to the quality of life in women as well as in men. Impairment in sexual health after vaginal delivery is a major concern for many women. We aimed to examine the association between degree of perineal tear and sexual function 12 months postpartum.

Design

A prospective cohort study

Setting

Four Danish hospitals between July 2015 and January 2019

Participants

A total of 554 primiparous women: 191 with no/labia/first-degree tears, 189 with second-degree tears and 174 with third-degree/fourth-degree tears. Baseline data were obtained 2 weeks postpartum by a questionnaire and a clinical examination. Sexual function was evaluated 12 months postpartum by an electronic questionnaire (Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire (PISQ-12)) and a clinical examination.

Primary outcome measures

Total PISQ-12 score and dyspareunia

Results

Episiotomy was performed in 54 cases and 95 women had an operative vaginal delivery. The proportion of women with dyspareunia was 25%, 38% and 53% of women with no/labia/first-degree, second-degree or third-degree/fourth-degree tears, respectively.

Compared with women with no/labia/first-degree tears, women with second-degree or third-degree/fourth-degree tears had a higher risk of dyspareunia (adjusted relative risk (aRR) 2.05; 95% CI 1.51 to 2.78 and aRR 2.09; 95% CI 1.55 to 2.81, respectively). Women with third-degree/fourth-degree tears had a higher mean PISQ-12 score (12.2) than women with no/labia/first-degree tears (10.4).

Conclusions

Impairment of sexual health is common among primiparous women after vaginal delivery. At 12 months postpartum, more than half of the women with a third-degree/fourth-degree tear experienced dyspareunia. Women delivering with no/labia/first-degree tears reported the best outcomes overall. Thus, it is important to minimise the extent of perineal trauma and to counsel about sexuality during and after pregnancy.
Exercise for falls prevention in community-dwelling older adults: trial and participant characteristics, interventions and bias in clinical trials from a systematic review
Authors: Ng Christopher A C M , Fairhall Nicola , Wallbank Geraldine , Tiedemann Anne , Michaleff Zoe A , Sherrington Catherine
Published: December 2019

Introduction

There is strong evidence that exercise prevents falls in community-dwelling older people. This review summarises trial and participant characteristics, intervention contents and study quality of 108 randomised trials evaluating exercise interventions for falls prevention in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and three other databases sourced randomised controlled trials of exercise as a single intervention to prevent falls in community-dwelling adults aged 60+ years to May 2018.

Results

108 trials with 146 intervention arms and 23 407 participants were included. Trials were undertaken in 25 countries, 90% of trials had predominantly female participants and 56% had elevated falls risk as an inclusion criterion. In 72% of trial interventions attendance rates exceeded 50% and/or 75% of participants attended 50% or more sessions. Characteristics of the trials within the three types of intervention programme that reduced falls were: (1) balance and functional training interventions lasting on average 25 weeks (IQR 16–52), 39% group based, 63% individually tailored; (2) Tai Chi interventions lasting on average 20 weeks (IQR 15–43), 71% group based, 7% tailored; (3) programmes with multiple types of exercise lasting on average 26 weeks (IQR 12–52), 54% group based, 75% tailored. Only 35% of trials had low risk of bias for allocation concealment, and 53% for attrition bias.

Conclusions

The characteristics of effective exercise interventions can guide clinicians and programme providers in developing optimal interventions based on current best evidence. Future trials should minimise likely sources of bias and comply with reporting guidelines.
Structural features and antiviral function of the MDA5 gene in ducks (Anas platyrhynchos)
Authors: Gu Tiantian , Li Guoqin , Tian Yong , Chen Li , Wu Xinsheng , Zeng Tao , Xu Qi , Vladyslav Spyrydonov , Chen Guohong , Lu Lizhi
Published: December 2019

Melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) is an important cytoplasmic RNA sensor that detects viral double-stranded RNA in innate immunity. The objective of this study was to characterize the structure and function of the MDA5 gene in the duck. In this study, full-length duck MDA5 (duMDA5) complementary DNA (cDNA) was obtained using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and rapid amplification of the cDNA ends. The cDNA consisted of a 123 nucleotide 5′ untranslated region (UTR), a 735 nucleotide 3′ UTR, and a 3012 nucleotide open-reading frame, encoding 1003 amino acids. Multiple sequence alignments showed that duMDA5 had 91.18% and 83.11% amino acid sequence similarity with geese and chicken MDA5, respectively, as well as 59.76%–61.26% sequence identity with mammalian homologs. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that MDA5 has been highly conserved throughout vertebrate evolution. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis indicated that the duMDA5 mRNA is scarcely detected in healthy tissues and the highest relative transcript level of duMDA5 was induced during poly(I:C) stimulation. Furthermore, knockdown duMDA5 significantly inhibited the transcription of poly(I:C)-induced beta interferons, nuclear factor kappa-B, interferon regulatory factor 7, translocated intimin receptor domain-containing adaptor protein inducing beta interferons, interferon-induced GTP-binding protein, signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 and 2 mRNA. Taken together, these results suggest that duMDA5 is an important receptor for inducing antiviral activity in the duck’s innate immune response.
Cell Adhesion-Related Molecules Play a Key Role in Renal Cancer Progression by Multinetwork Analysis
Authors: Wang Anbang , Chen Ming , Wang Hui , Huang Jinming , Bao Yi , Gan Xinxin , Liu Bing , Lu Xin , Wang Linhui
Published: December 2019

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most common malignancies in the urinary system. The study aimed to identify genetic characteristics and reveal the underlying mechanisms in RCC. GSE53757, GSE46699, and TCGA KIRC database (n = 897) were analyzed to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in RCC. The gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed, followed by the analysis of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of the DEGs by Cytoscape software. In all, 834 DEGs were identified in RCC, including 416 upregulated genes and 418 downregulated genes. The top 10 hub genes, VEGFA, EGFR, EGF, CD44, CD86, FN1, ITGAM, ITGB2, TLR2, and PTPRC, were identified from the PPI network according to the core degree. The following subnetwork revealed that these significant modules were enriched in positive regulation of response to external stimulus, regulation of leukocyte-mediated immunity, and regulation of exocytosis. The expressions of these hub genes were also validated using qRT-PCR and IHC in Changzheng RCC database (n = 160). We especially found that half of the top ten hub genes were cell adhesion-related molecules, which were associated with RCC progression and poor prognosis. In conclusion, these hub genes, particularly cell adhesion-related molecules, could be used as prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for RCC.
Folic Acid Supplementation Suppresses Sleep Deprivation-Induced Telomere Dysfunction and Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP)
Authors: Zhang Xiaoning , Wang Yuwen , Zhao Rui , Hu Xianyun , Zhang Baoren , Lv Xin , Guo Zhenglong , Zhang Zhiqiang , Yuan Jinghua , Chu Xu , Wang Fei , Li Guang , Geng Xin , Liu Yang , Sui Lei , Wang Feng
Published: December 2019

Sleep deprivation is reported to cause oxidative stress and is hypothesized to induce subsequent aging-related diseases including chronic inflammation, Alzheimer’s disease, and cardiovascular disease. However, how sleep deprivation contributes to the pathogenesis of sleep deficiency disorder remains incompletely defined. Accordingly, more effective treatment methods for sleep deficiency disorder are needed. Thus, to better understand the detailed mechanism of sleep deficiency disorder, a sleep deprivation mouse model was established by the multiple platform method in our study. The accumulation of free radicals and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) was observed in the sleep-deprived mice. Moreover, our mouse and human population-based study both demonstrated that telomere shortening and the formation of telomere-specific DNA damage are dramatically increased in individuals suffering from sleeplessness. To our surprise, the secretion of senescence-associated cytokines and telomere damage are greatly improved by folic acid supplementation in mice. Individuals with high serum baseline folic acid levels have increased resistance to telomere shortening, which is induced by insomnia. Thus, we conclude that folic acid supplementation could be used to effectively counteract sleep deprivation-induced telomere dysfunction and the associated aging phenotype, which may potentially improve the prognosis of sleeplessness disorder patients.
Continuous Professional Oral Health Care Intervention Improves Severe Aspiration Pneumonia
Authors: Nawata Wakako , Umezaki Yojiro , Yamaguchi Masahiro , Nakajima Masato , Makino Michiko , Yoneda Masahiro , Hirofuji Takao , Yamano Takafumi , Ooboshi Hiroaki , Morita Hiromitsu
Published: December 2019

Professional oral health care (POHC) is known to prevent aspiration pneumonia in patients with dysphagia and/or those at the perioperative stage of surgery. However, the effect of POHC on patients suffering from aspiration pneumonia remains unknown. Here, we report a case where continual POHC intervention improved severe aspiration pneumonia. A 74-year-old male patient with a brain infarction suffered from severe aspiration pneumonia (PSI: IV, A-DROP: 3) complicated by vascular dementia and severe dysphagia. Because an antimicrobial approach following the treatment guidelines for pneumonia was not effective, we started a POHC intervention to improve his poor oral condition at the request of the attending doctor and the patient’s family. The severe pneumonia markedly improved after continual POHC by the dental team. This case suggests that continual POHC intervention by a dental hygienist may improve severe aspiration pneumonia.
Semi-Transparent Building Integrated Photovoltaic Solar Glazing: Investigations of Electrical and Optical Performances for Window Applications in Tropical Region
Authors: Joseph Benedicto , Kichonge Baraka , Pogrebnaya Tatiana
Published: December 2019

Integrating solar PV technology with semi-transparent windows permits multifunctional operation as electricity generation and allowing natural light to enter the building, hence overall energy efficiency improvement. The performance of the semi-transparent building integrated PV glazing on office building facade has been investigated in Tanzania’s tropical climate. Experimental measurements of the electrical and optical parameters for the system efficacy evaluation were done at various conditions which included cloudy, normal, and clear sky days. The weather parameters under consideration were solar irradiance, air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed. The experimental set-up consisted of building integrated silicon mono crystalline semi-transparent PV module rated at 50 W and accessories. The I-V and P-V curves were measured at different irradiances. Throughout the experiment, the observed module temperature was between 20°C and 51°C and the air temperature was 17–33°C while the humidity was recorded at the range of 23–63%. Module electrical efficiency was observed to vary from 4% to 9% while the visible light transmission was obtained between 11% and 19%. It was proved that at high temperature regardless of irradiance increase, there were observed output power and efficiency drops caused by high heat losses.
Apolipoproteins A and B and PCSK9: Nontraditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Chronic Kidney Disease and in End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Vlad Cristiana-Elena , Foia Liliana , Popescu Roxana , Ivanov Iuliu , Luca Mihaela Catalina , Delianu Carmen , Toma Vasilica , Statescu Cristian , Rezus Ciprian , Florea Laura
Published: December 2019

Purpose. Nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors as apolipoprotein A (ApoA), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), and the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) increase the prevalence of cardiovascular mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) or in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) through quantitative alterations. This review is aimed at establishing the biomarker (ApoA, ApoB, and PCSK9) level variations in uremic patients, to identify the studies showing the association between these biomarkers and the development of cardiovascular events and to depict the therapeutic options to reduce cardiovascular risk in CKD and ESRD patients.Methods. We searched the electronic database of PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, and Cochrane CENTRAL for studies evaluating apolipoproteins and PCSK9 in CKD and ESRD. Randomized controlled trials, observational studies (including case-control, prospective or retrospective cohort), and reviews/meta-analysis were included if reference was made to those keys and cardiovascular outcomes in CKD/ESRD.Results. 18 studies met inclusion criteria. Serum ApoA-I has been significantly associated with the development of new cardiovascular event and with cardiovascular mortality in ESRD patients. ApoA-IV level was independently associated with maximum carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and was a predictor for sudden cardiac death. The ApoB/ApoA-I ratio represents a strong predictor for coronary artery calcifications, cardiovascular mortality, and myocardial infarction in CKD/ESRD. Plasma levels of PCSK9 were not associated with cardiovascular events in CKD patients.Conclusions. Although the “dyslipidemic status” in CKD/ESRD is not clearly depicted, due to different research findings, ApoA-I, ApoA-IV, and ApoB/ApoA-I ratio could be predictors of cardiovascular risk. Serum PCSK9 levels were not associated with the cardiovascular events in patients with CKD/ESRD. Probably in the future, the treatment of dyslipidemia in CKD/ESRD will be aimed at discovering new effective therapies on the action of these biomarkers.
Mechanical Properties of Tailings Sample with Different Moisture Contents under Dry and Wet Cycles
Authors: Wu Ling-ling , Guo Yao-hui , Tong Kai-wen , Hu Lin , Yu Qing , Zhang Zhi-jun
Published: December 2019

Due to precipitation infiltration, evaporation of water, and rising and falling of the wetting line, the tailings are in a cyclical moisture absorption‐dehumidification state for a long time. The mechanism of change of physical and mechanical properties of tailings during the dry and wet cycle is related to the safe operation of the entire tailings dam. In order to explore the variation of the mechanical behavior of tailings in a tailings pond in Hunan Province with the number of dry and wet cycles under different initial water content conditions, the tailings sand samples with moisture content of 6.10%, 10.40%, 14.00%, 18.20%, and 21.00% were subjected to 0 to 6 times of moisture absorption and desorption cycles at natural dry density, and then, the stress‐strain relationship curves, pore water pressure, failure mode, and shear dilatancy of these samples were tested by triaxial consolidation undrained shear test. The test results showed that when the number of moisture absorption and desorption cycles increases, the strength of the tailings sand sample was weakened, and the strength tended to be stable after 3∼5 cycles. In addition, the stress‐strain curve of the sample with lower water content dropped sharply. However, the pore pressure of tailings sand samples with different water contents under different wet and dry cycles all showed a phenomenon of increasing first and then decreasing in general.
Saltatory Pattern of Fetal Heart Rate during Labor Is a Sign of Fetal Hypoxia
Authors: Tarvonen Mikko , Sainio Susanna , Hämäläinen Esa , Hiilesmaa Vilho , Andersson Sture , Teramo Kari
Published: December 2019

Background: While late decelerations and major bradycardia episodes in intrapartum cardiotocography (CTG) recordings are known to correlate with fetal distress,little is known of the importance of the saltatory pattern. Objective: The aim of the study was to examine whether the fetal heart rate (FHR) saltatory pattern in intrapartum CTG registration is associated with fetal hypoxia during the last 2 h of labor. Design: The study group consisted of CTG recordings from 194 births with a 1-min Apgar score of <8 (birth weight 3,614 ± 512 g; gestational age 40.6 ± 0.7 weeks). The comparison group included 51 infants with a 1-min Apgar score of ≥9 (birth weight 3,624 ± 400 g; gestational age 40.5 ± 0.4 weeks). FHR patterns were evaluated blindly by 2 experienced perinatologists. The pH, base excess (BE), pO2 and erythropoietin (EPO) were measured from umbilical cord blood at birth as outcome variables. Results: Saltatory pattern occurred in 31/194 (16.0%) of the study group and in 1/51 (2.0%) of the comparison group. Umbilical artery pH, BE, and pO2 were lower and umbilical vein (UV) EPO higher in the study group than in the comparison group. In the study group, UV EPO level was significantly higher in cases where the saltatory pattern was present (median 241 mU/mL, 95% CI 39.4–16,484), than in those without the saltatory pattern (median 39.4 mU/mL, 95% CI 11–282) (p < 0.0001, for difference). In the study group, no differences in EPO levels were found in cases where episodes of bradycardia, tachycardia, reduced variability, or uterine tachysystole were present or absent. In the study group, saltatory pattern preceded late decelerations in 82.8%. Conclusion: Saltatory pattern in an intrapartum FHR recording is an early sign of fetal hypoxia.
РОЛЬ СУЧАСНИХ ІНФОРМАЦІЙНИХ ТЕХНОЛОГІЙ У ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННІ ЯКОСТІ МЕДИЧНОЇ ОСВІТИ
Authors: Lisovyi V. M. , Kapustnyk V. A. , Markovskyi V. D. , Zavgorodnii I. V. , Matsko A. M.
Published: December 2019

Мета роботи – з’ясувати вплив інформаційних технологій у трансформації післядипломної медичної освіти.

Основна частина. У статті наведено роль сучасних інформаційних технологій у  забезпеченні якості медичної освіти. Реформа системи охорони здоров’я потребує послідовних змін у підготовці сучасного фахівця з належним рівнем компетентностей, володіння теоретичними знаннями та практичними навичками, підготовленого до ринкових відносин у питаннях надання медичних послуг. Однією з важливих передумов забезпечення якості вищої медичної освіти є впровадження в навчальний процес електронної освіти (e-learning) нового рівня або «відкритого навчання», що є особливо важливим для підготовки сучасного фахівця.

Висновок. З метою поліпшення якості медичної освіти необхідне урахування певних особливостей медичної електронної освіти, зокрема її практично-орієнтованого змісту, стандартизації прийняття рішень лікувально-діагностичного спрямування (протоколи надання медичної допомоги), посилення вимог до набуття навичок менеджера медичної галузі, готовності до роботи на ринку праці та медичних послуг.
ПЕРШИЙ ДОСВІД ПІДГОТОВКИ ІНОЗЕМНИХ СТУДЕНТІВ ФРАНКОМОВНОЇ ФОРМИ НАВЧАННЯ У ДЕРЖАВНОМУ ЗАКЛАДІ «ДНІПРОПЕТРОВСЬКА МЕДИЧНА АКАДЕМІЯ МІНІСТЕРСТВА ОХОРОНИ ЗДОРОВ’Я УКРАЇНИ»
Authors: Pertseva T. O. , Naumenko L. Yu. , Zakharov S. V. , Nefodov O. O. , Shatorna V. F. , Nefodova O. O. , Kuznetsova O. V. , Shamelashvіlі K. L.
Published: December 2019

Мета роботи – проаналізувати рівень та якість підготовки іноземних студентів франкомовної форми навчання у Державному закладі «Дніпропетровська медична академія Міністерства охорони здоров’я України».

Основна частина. Висвітлено різні аспекти підготовки іноземних громадян у вищій медичній школі на додипломному етапі. Наведено основні заходи щодо створення умов для вдосконалення системи підготовки іноземних громадян. Акцентовано увагу на франкомовному напрямі освітнього процесу кафедр першого курсу спеціальностей «Медицина» та «Стоматологія».

Висновок. Комплексна підготовка, а саме вивчення нової мови викладання, підготовка якісного навчально-методичного забезпечення та ефективна вмотивованість дозволили розпочати викладання у Дніпропетровській медичній академії французькою мовою.
Synaptic Scaling Improves the Stability of Neural Mass Models Capable of Simulating Brain Plasticity
Authors: Demšar Jure , Forsyth Rob
Published: December 2019

Neural mass models offer a way of studying the development and behavior of large-scale brain networks through computer simulations. Such simulations are currently mainly research tools, but as they improve, they could soon play a role in understanding, predicting, and optimizing patient treatments, particularly in relation to effects and outcomes of brain injury. To bring us closer to this goal, we took an existing state-of-the-art neural mass model capable of simulating connection growth through simulated plasticity processes. We identified and addressed some of the model's limitations by implementing biologically plausible mechanisms. The main limitation of the original model was its instability, which we addressed by incorporating a representation of the mechanism of synaptic scaling and examining the effects of optimizing parameters in the model. We show that the updated model retains all the merits of the original model, while being more stable and capable of generating networks that are in several aspects similar to those found in real brains.
The Unseen History of International Law: A Census Bibliography of Hugo Grotius’s De iure belli ac pacis
Authors: Somos Mark
Published: December 2019

This research note announces and briefly describes a new five-year project to prepare a census bibliography of the first ten editions of Grotus’s De iure belli ac pacis (
ibp
). The resulting book will be published in 2025, the 400th anniversary of ibp’s first appearance. The project is sponsored by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and hosted by the Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law in Heidelberg.
Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography Characteristics in the Evaluation of Different Nature of Carotid Artery Plaques
Authors: Li Hongbo , Huang Hui , Luan Yun , Liu Niu , Gao Hui , Sun Huijuan
Published: December 2019

To investigate the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in the evaluation of neovascular density in plaques with different carotid atherosclerosis. 97 patients with carotid plaques were observed by conventional ultrasound from January 2016 to December 2018. The CEUS test
was used to grade and quantify the new blood vessels in the plaque. The results showed of the 97 patients with 101 plaques, 49 were soft plaques, 45 were mixed plaques, and 7 were hard plaques. CEUS clearly showed the continuity of plaque fibrous caps and found plaque ulcers that were easily
missed by conventional ultrasound. The lower the echo of the plaque, the more obvious contrast enhancement in the plaques. Quantitative analysis of CEUS showed the peak time of soft plaques was shorter and the peak intensity of soft plaques was higher compared with mixed plaques. The difference
was statistically significant (P <0.01). The results displayed that carotid CEUS is a convenient and intuitive new technology that can better help analyze plaque morphology and determine and quantify the extent of neovascularization in plaque. It can be used for clinical evaluation
of potential cerebrovascular risk and also provides an accurate and reproducible detection method for clinical efficacy evaluation.
Analysis of the Influence Factors on the Differential Diagnosis Between Benign and Malignant 4-Class Thyroid Nodules by the Ratio of the Elastic Strain Rate
Authors: An Peng , Ye Yingjian , Ning Yuxin , Feng Wei , Li Yang , Zhou Sufen , Liu Weichao , Ye Hengbo , Yin Jiabao , Ye Derong , Liang Yuanying , Zhang Xianya , Zhang Shunyu
Published: December 2019

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the value of elastic strain rate ratio (SR) in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TI-RADS) 4 nodules under the influence of various factors. Method: This study included
180 patients with type 4 unifocal thyroid nodules diagnosed by ultrasound examination in the Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital from March 2016 to March 2019. All patients underwent elasticity imaging and surgical operations. The pathological results were used as the gold standard to perform
logistic regression analyses and identify the factors influencing the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules. Then, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn. Results: The ROC curve suggested a cutoff value of 0.52 in differentiating between
benign and malignant TI-RADS 4 nodules using the SR value. The nodule size, calcification, border, and thyroid gland with diffuse lesions were factors influencing the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant TI-RADS 4 nodules with the SR value. SR had a high accuracy identifying benign
and malignant TI-RADS 4 nodules with a diameter of less than 0.8 cm (but >0.4 cm), no or granular calcification, nodules with blurred borders, and no thyroid gland with diffuse lesions. Conclusion: The diagnostic accuracy was improved by combining the two-dimensional ultrasound with
SR determination in the differential diagnosis of benign or malignant TI-RADS 4 nodules.
A Novel Segmentation Method for Brain MRI Using a Block-Based Integrated Fuzzy C-Means Clustering Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zhang Hongjie
Published: December 2019

Accurate segmentation of brain tissue has important guiding significance and practical application value for the diagnosis of brain diseases. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the characteristics of high dimensionality and large sample size. Such datasets create considerable
computational complexity in image processing. To efficiently process large sample data, this article integrates the proposed block clustering strategy with the classic fuzzy C-means clustering (FCM) algorithm and proposes a block-based integrated FCM clustering algorithm (BI-FCM). The algorithm
first performs block processing on each image and then clusters each subimage using the FCM algorithm. The cluster centers for all subimages are again clustered using FCM to obtain the final cluster center. Finally, the distance from each pixel to the final cluster center is obtained, and
the corresponding division is performed according to the distance. The dataset used in this experiment is the Simulated Brain Database (SBD). The results show that the BI-FCM algorithm addresses the large sample processing problem well, and the theory is simple and effective.
Feature Based Differentiator for Fluid Filled Retinal Abnormalities in Retina Using Optical Coherence Tomography Images
Authors: Venkatraman K. , Sumathi M.
Published: December 2019

Introduction: The Optical Coherence Tomography is widely used in ophthalmic imaging to assess the condition of retina. It serves as an effective tool in diagnosing various fluid related abnormalities in retina, which are prior stages to vision loss. The overall pattern of fluid
collection is a vital tool in disease identification. Aim: To classify various fluid filled retinal abnormalities, like, Cystoid Macular Edema (CME), Choroidal Neo Vascular Membrane (CNVM), and Macular Hole (MH) based on various features. Materials and Methods: A total of 114
images were acquired using TOPCONN and ZEISS OCT devices. The obtained images were converted to grayscale and subjected to pre-processing technique. Homomorphic Wiener filter was used to remove the speckle noises. The Region of Interest was then identified by basic edge detection algorithm,
for which, various features were extracted and utilised for classification. Outputs were cross verified with a medical expert and the performance of the proposed system was evaluated. Results: Based on the proposed system of classification of various fluid filled retinal disorders,
the input image was classified as Class 0—Normal, Class 1—CME, Class 2—CNVM, and Class 3—MH based on the pattern of fluid accumulation. The overall performance was compared and evaluated and it was identified that the system exhibited 91.65% accuracy, 90.36% Sensitivity,
92.95% Specificity and Youden's Index value of 0.83. Conclusion: As OCT serves an important tool for pre-screening of blindness, automations in these areas remains of higher potential. The classification is based on the features used, which showed a significant difference between the
various classes as classified. The overall performance seems to be satisfactory and would thus help in early detection of fluid related abnormalities and also can be used as an expert tool to analyse the efficiency of the therapies.
The evaluation of microstructure characteristic and corrosion performance of laser-re-melted Fe-based amorphous coating deposited via plasma spraying
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Lin , Jiang Chao-Ping , Zhang Feng-Ying , Xing Ya-Zhe
Published: December 2019

The laser re-melting treatment was performed on the plasma-sprayed Fe-based amorphous coating to ameliorate the corrosion performance of the coating. The re-melting depth was about 200 μm which was mainly controlled by laser energy input, beam speed and facular dimension.
The microstructure was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The corrosion property of the coatings was addressed via electrochemistry methods in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution. The results indicate that the plasma-sprayed coating becomes much denser after
laser re-melting treatment. The connected porosity ratio in as-sprayed coating dramatically reduces from 16.3% to 2.4% after laser re-melting. The as-sprayed coating mainly contains amorphous and much limited crystal phase, and some amorphous phase in the as-sprayed coating crystalizes during
laser re-melting. Polarization test demonstrated that the as-sprayed coating has a significantly dramatical effect for improving corrosion performance of carbon steel, while the laser re-melting process is a more efficient method. The influence level of the coating compactness in this study
is roughly two times as big as that of amorphous in coating, in the term of improving corrosion resistance of carbon steel.
Tara Pacific Expedition’s Atmospheric Measurements of Marine Aerosols across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans: Overview and Preliminary Results
Authors: Flores J. M. , Bourdin G. , Altaratz O. , Trainic M. , Lang-Yona N. , Dzimban E. , Steinau S. , Tettich F. , Planes S. , Allemand D. , Agostini S. , Banaigs B. , Boissin E. , Boss E. , Douville E. , Forcioli D. , Furla P. , Galand P. E. , Sullivan M. B. , Gilson É. , Lombard F. , Moulin C. , Pesant S. , Poulain J. , Reynaud S. , Romac S. , Sunagawa S. , Thomas O. P. , Troublé R. , de Vargas C. , Thurber R. Vega , Voolstra C. R. , Wincker P. , Zoccola D. , Bowler C. , Gorsky G. , Rudich Y. , Vardi A. , Koren I.
Published: December 2019

Marine aerosols play a significant role in the global radiative budget, in clouds’ processes, and in the chemistry of the marine atmosphere. There is a critical need to better understand their production mechanisms, composition, chemical properties, and the contribution of ocean-derived biogenic matter to their mass and number concentration. Here we present an overview of a new dataset of in situ measurements of marine aerosols conducted over the 2.5-yr Tara Pacific Expedition over 110,000 km across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Preliminary results are presented here to describe the new dataset that will be built using this novel set of measurements. It will characterize marine aerosols properties in detail and will open a new window to study the marine aerosol link to the water properties and environmental conditions.
Vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy: A word of caution. Familial hypercalcaemia due to disordered vitamin D metabolism
Authors: Macdonald Christy , Upton Thomas , Hunt Penny , Phillips Ian , Kaufmann Martin , Florkowski Chris , Soule Steven , Jones Glenville
Published: December 2019

Disorders of vitamin D metabolism have only recently become more widely recognized. In 2011, a series reported six children with familial idiopathic infantile hypercalcaemia, a condition in which patients develop hypercalcaemia following bolus vitamin D supplementation due to mutations in CYP24A1, formerly known as 24-hydroxylase. This is the chief enzyme in the catabolism of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol) to inactive 1,24,25-(OH)3D3. Isolated cases of loss of function CYP24A1 mutations have been reported across a wide spectrum of ages, including three cases first identified during pregnancy in the context of vitamin D supplementation. We describe a family in which two siblings had hypercalcaemia due to a disorder of calcitriol catabolism as a result of compound heterozygous loss of function mutations of CYP24A1, including a novel mutation K351Nfs*21. The index case, who has kindly given written informed consent for this report, was a female in her mid-20s presenting with symptomatic hypercalcaemia precipitated by vitamin D supplementation in her first pregnancy. In a subsequent pregnancy, she remained normocalcaemic in the absence of supplementation. Her asymptomatic brother was identified through cascade screening. Upregulation of calcitriol production in pregnancy, particularly when combined with vitamin D supplementation, can unmask previously unidentified disorders of vitamin D metabolism. This report emphasizes the importance of screening of family members and the need for caution with vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy.
Social Justice in Counseling Psychology: Then, Now, and Looking Forward
Authors: DeBlaere Cirleen , Singh Anneliese A. , Wilcox Melanie M. , Cokley Kevin O. , Delgado-Romero Edward A. , Scalise Dominick A. , Shawahin Lamise
Published: December 2019

In this article, a diverse group of early, mid, and advanced career scholars call for counseling psychology to continue to evolve in our integration of social justice action in our field. In doing so, we first consider our history as proponents and enactors of social justice, highlighting the ways in which counseling psychologists have served as social justice leaders in psychology. We then discuss our field’s contemporary challenges to, and opportunities for, social justice progress as we work toward equity and justice. Finally, we offer recommendations for counseling psychologists individually and as a field to move forward in our social justice action. Given our longstanding social justice values and our unique training as counseling psychologists, if we aim with intentionality to use our skills toward systems change, counseling psychologists are poised to have a strong and proactive role as social change agents within psychology and society at large.
Early neutrophil infiltration is critical for inflammation-sensitized hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in newborns
Authors: Yao Hui-Wen , Kuan Chia-Yi
Published: December 2019

Neutrophils are the most abundant leukocytes and usually the first immune cell-type recruited to a site of infection or tissue damage. In asphyxiated neonates, elevated peripheral neutrophil counts are associated with poorer neurological outcomes. Induced neutropenia provides brain protection in animal models of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic (HI) injury, but the anti-neutrophil serum used in past studies heavily cross-reacts with monocytes, thus complicating the interpretation of results. Here we examined neutrophil influx and extravasation, and used a specific anti-Ly6G antibody for induced neutropenia against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-pretreated HI injury in murine neonates, a model for inflammation-sensitized hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). As early as 6 h after the LPS/HI insult, the mRNAs for neutrophil-recruiting and mitogenic chemokines ascended in the ipsilateral hemisphere, coinciding with immuno-detection of neutrophils. However, neutrophils mainly resided within blood vessels, exhibiting signs for neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), before 48 h post-LPS/HI. Prophylactic anti-Ly6G treatment blocked the brain infiltration of neutrophils, but not monocytes or lymphocytes, and markedly decreased LPS/HI-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), and brain tissue loss. In contrast, anti-Ly6G treatment at 4 h post-LPS/HI failed to prevent the influx of neutrophils and brain damage. Together, these results suggest important pathological functions for early-arriving neutrophils in inflammation-sensitized HIE.
Ignorance as an Outcome of Categorizations: The “Refugees” in the Polish Academic Discourse before and after the 2015 Refugee Crisis
Authors: Horolets Anna , Mica Adriana , Pawlak Mikołaj , Kubicki Paweł
Published: December 2019

The article addresses the issue of the so-called refugee crisis in Europe from the perspective of ignorance studies and seeks to establish the mechanisms whereby ignorance is created through categorizations. We depart from the proposal of Proctor and view ignorance as either “native state,” “lost realm,” or “strategic ploy.” In all three, ignorance is an unalienable part of social action. The case of Polish academic research on refugees before and after 2015 is explored in order to establish who ignores what, when, and why, when categorizing, and to analyze the relationship between ignorance and social action. In the Polish refugee field, the crisis of 2015 was the moment when the refugee issue stepped out of the shadows and attracted the attention of the public and policymakers. The analysis of the category “refugee” in Polish scholarship before 2015 demonstrates that the category was based on culturalization and idealization; thus, the socio-political and pragmatic aspects of the group’s characteristics and actions were systematically ignored, and the ignorance worked as a “lost realm.” After 2015, a new body of scholarship emerges in which the category “refugee” acquires negative connotations with security threat or fakeness. In the new scholarship, ignorance is a strategic framing that sets the category of “refugee” outside the humanitarian issues. We claim that the new categorizations follow the logic of culturalization and moralization typical of the previous period. Strategic ignorance inherent in the categorizations that dichotomize “good” and “bad” refugees, or “refugees” and “migrants,” unlocks the potential for political action.
Understanding the Paradigm Shift in Strategy of M&As in India in a Volatile Period Through Motive Analysis: Evidences from the IT Industry
Authors: Soni Amit , Kar Rabi N. , Bhasin Niti
Published: December 2019

The reform period in India led to corporate restructuring, including mergers and acquisitions (M&As). Specifically, the reform process helped the Indian information technology (IT) sector to gain a competitive edge. With the gain in competitive edge, IT companies experienced the foreign-led rapid organic and inorganic growth. However, the subprime crisis of 2008–2009 not only caused a decline in inorganic investment but also caused a shift in preference from the international sector to the domestic sector. This study provides evidence of the paradigm shift in merger and acquisitions (M&A) strategies of Indian IT companies through motive analysis (2000–2015). In that context, this article explores the trend and pattern of motives for both domestic and cross-border M&As (CBMAs) by Indian IT firms and specifically seeks to investigate the main motives of CBMAs. The empirical evidence suggests a marked difference and dynamism in the pattern of motives for domestic and CBMAs across different sub-time periods. Furthermore, it indicates that the market and efficiency-seeking motives seem to be the dominant drivers of IT sector firms for emerging countries like India, whereas the role of efficiency-seeking motive became more prominent after the period of subprime crisis.
Developing evaluation criteria using an ethical lens
Authors: Roorda Mathea , Gullickson Amy M
Published: December 2019

Selecting and justifying relevant criteria is critical to defensible evaluative reasoning, yet there is little advice in the literature to guide practitioners in criteria development. In this article, we introduce a framework that draws on normative ethical perspectives to systematically identify and justify relevant dimensions of value for a public sector–funded program. We illustrate, through an example taken from a recent research project, how evaluators might use the framework to be more thoughtful about identifying and selecting the values against which judgements are made. The potential strengths and limitations of the framework are then discussed.
Differentiating Individuals Convicted of Sexual Offenses: A Two-Country Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Spaan Pascalle , Blokland Arjan , De Blander Rembert , Robert Luc , Maes Eric , Blom Martine , Wartna Bouke
Published: December 2019

Sexual offenses are often part of a larger criminal career also encompassing nonsexual crimes. However, most sexual offending typologies focus on an individual’s most recent sexual offense. We compare data from Belgian and Dutch national conviction cohorts and use latent class analysis to distinguish groups of individuals based on their history of sexual and nonsexual offenses, considering continuity and variety. The resulting classification is compared between individuals convicted of sexual offenses and individuals convicted of nonsexual offenses. Results show that four latent classes can be distinguished based on continuity and variety in criminal histories of individuals convicted of sexual offenses, and that some of these classes resemble those distinguished among individuals convicted of nonsexual offenses. We find limited overlap between these latent classes and typologies based solely on the index offense. Results show marked similarities across countries. These results challenge theories of sexual offending to incorporate patterns of nonsexual offending.
Visual feature fusion and its application to support unsupervised clustering tasks
Authors: Hilasaca Gladys M , Paulovich Fernando V
Published: December 2019

The concept of involving users in the loop of analytic workflows refers to the ability to replace heuristics with user input in machine learning and data mining tasks. For supervised tasks, user engagement generally occurs via the manipulation of training data. But for unsupervised tasks, user involvement is limited to changes in the algorithm parametrization or the input data representation, also known as features. Typically, different types of features can be extracted from raw data, and the careful selection of the extraction strategy allows users to have more control over unsupervised tasks. Nevertheless, since there is no perfect feature extractor, the combination of multiple sets of features has been explored through a process called feature fusion. Feature fusion can be readily performed when the machine learning or data mining algorithms have a cost function, such as accuracy for classification tasks. However, when such a function does not exist, user support needs to be provided, otherwise the process is impractical. In this article, we present a novel feature fusion approach that employs data samples and visualization to allow users to not only effortlessly control the combination of different feature sets but also understand the attained results. The effectiveness of our approach is confirmed by a comprehensive set of qualitative and quantitative experiments, opening up different possibilities for user-guided analytical scenarios. The ability of our approach to provide real-time feedback for feature fusion is exploited in the context of unsupervised clustering techniques, where users can perform an exploratory process to discover the best combination of features that reflects their individual perceptions about similarity.
Teaching programming and mathematics in practice: A case study from a Swedish primary school
Authors: Stigberg Henrik , Stigberg Susanne
Published: December 2019

Programming and computational thinking have emerged as compulsory skills in elementary school education. In 2018, Sweden has integrated programming in mathematics education with the rationale that it fosters problem solving and logical thinking skills and motivates students to learn mathematics. We investigated how teachers introduce programming in mathematics education in a Swedish primary school using an explorative case study. We followed four mathematics teachers during the first semester in which programming was mandatory. They taught second-, sixth- and ninth-grade students. Our contributions are threefold: we provide an account of how programming is taught in mathematics education; we discuss how teachers reflect on the challenge of teaching programming in mathematics; and we report on students’ understanding of programming and their view on the relationship between programming and mathematics.
Gender gap in Swiss vocational education and training teachers’ economics content knowledge and the role of teaching experience
Authors: Holtsch Doreen , Brückner Sebastian , Förster Manuel , Zlatkin-Troitschanskaia Olga
Published: December 2019

In the commercial sector, which is of crucial importance to the Swiss economy among other countries, a large number of apprentices are trained on a vocational education and training programme every year. Besides other subjects, the subject Economics and Society forms an integral part of the vocational education and training curriculum and serves to prepare apprentices for professional, economic and civic participation. Although content knowledge is widely considered necessary to both teaching quality and student achievement, little is known about the subject-specific content knowledge of Swiss Economics and Society teachers. As previous research has shown a gender gap in the content knowledge of (pre-service) teachers in economics, we focus on the question as to whether Swiss Economics and Society teachers’ economics content knowledge differs, including in relation to gender. As additional influencing factors, our study included teaching experience and teaching load. We measured the economics content knowledge of 153 Economics and Society teachers with a shortened German version of the Test of Understanding College Economics in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Multivariate analyses indicated a gender effect that manifested itself in higher test scores among male Economics and Society teachers. These findings are relevant to the training of vocational education and training teachers.
Guidance on defining the scope and development of text-based coaching protocols for digital mental health interventions
Authors: Lattie Emily G , Graham Andrea K , Hadjistavropoulos Heather D , Dear Blake F , Titov Nickolai , Mohr David C
Published: December 2019

A body of literature suggests that the provision of human support improves both adherence to and clinical outcomes for digital mental health interventions. While multiple models of providing human support, or coaching, to support digital mental health interventions have been introduced, specific guidance on how to develop coaching protocols has been lacking. In this Education Piece, we provide guidance on developing coaching protocols for text-based communication in digital mental health interventions. Researchers and practitioners who are tasked with developing coaching protocols are prompted to consider the scope of coaching for the intervention, the selection and training of coaches, specific coaching techniques, how to structure communication with clients and how to monitor adherence to guidelines, and quality of coaching. Our goal is to advance thinking about the provision of human support in digital mental health interventions to inform stronger, more engaging, and effective intervention designs.