bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Contribution of Technology Finance to the Quality of Economic Growth - Empirical Analysis Based on Spatial Econometric Model
Authors: Xu Yuming , Zhou Xu , Li Zhiqiang
Published: August 2019

(1) Background: Most of the existing studies focus on the evaluation of technology finance; the relationship between technology finance and technology innovation. But there are few studies on the development of technology finance and the quality of economic development in our country; (2) Methods: Based on the panel data of 30 provinces in China, this paper constructs an index system to measure the development of technology finance through the improved entropy method, and tests the spatial correlation of the development of technology finance in China by Moran'I index. According to the test results, this paper constructs a spatial econometric model to empirically analyze the promoting effect of scientific, technological and financial development on high-quality economic development, and analyzes its promoting effect in different regions and different time periods; (3) Results: The results show that the quality of China's economic growth is spatially dependent, and the development of science, technology and finance can significantly promote the quality economic development in China. And the promotion coefficient of the central region is the largest, as well as the coefficient of the eastern region is the smallest. The promotion coefficient was small and not significant before 2015, and was significantly positive after 2015; (4) Conclusions: this paper puts forward the corresponding policy recommendations according to the research results.
Navigation Algorithm Based on the Boundary Line of New and Old Soil Combined Using Guided Filtering and Improved Anti-noise Morphology
Authors: LU Wei , Zeng Mengjie , WANG Ling , LUO Hui , Mukherjee Subrata , Huang Xuhui , DENG Yiming
Published: August 2019

An improved anti-noise morphology vision navigation algorithm is proposed for intelligent tractor tillage in a complex agricultural field environment. At first the two key steps, Guided Filtering and improved anti-noise morphology navigation line extraction were addressed in detail. Then the experiments were carried out in order to verify the effectiveness and advancement of the presented algorithm. Finally, the optimal template and it’s application condition were studied for improving the image processing speed. The comparison experiment results show that the YCbCr color space has minimum time consumption of 0.094 s in comparison with HSV, HIS and 2R-G-B color spaces. The Guided Filtering method can effectively distinguish the boundary between the new and old soil than other competing vanilla methods such as Tarel, Multi-scale Retinex, Wavelet-based Retinex and Homomorphic Filtering inspite of having the fastest processing speed of 0.113 s. The extracted soil boundary line of the improved anti-noise morphology algorithm has best precision and speed compared with other operators such as Sobel, Roberts, Prewitt and Log. After comparing different size of image template, the optimal template with the size of 140×260 pixels can meet high precision vision navigation while the course deviation angle is not more than 7.5°. The maximum tractor speed of the optimal template and global template are 51.41 km/h and 27.47 km/h respectively which can meet real-time vision navigation requirement of the smart tractor tillage operation in the field. The experimental vision navigation results demonstrated the feasibility of the autonomous vision navigation for tractor tillage operation in the field using the new and old soil boundary line extracted by the proposed improved anti-noise morphology algorithm which has broad application prospect.
SEASONAL EVALUATION OF THE CONDITION FACTOR IN A SURF-ZONE ASSEMBLAGE FROM SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL
Authors: SANTOS Eidi Kikuchi , GRANDE Fernando Rafael de , JÚNIOR Teodoro Vaske
Published: August 2019

The surf zone is a highly dynamic environment subject to seasonal fluctuations which could impose restrictions to the development of juvenile fish. The allometric condition factor index (K) provides a value of ââ‚¬Ëœwell-beingââ‚¬â„¢ for fish, been used to compare populations under different environmental conditions. The aim of this study concerned on evaluate the effect of seasonality on surf-zone juvenile fishââ‚¬â„¢ K. Along two years the K values of the main fish species were analyzed. The temperature and abundance were also reported. We compared data between cold and hot seasons to test the effect of seasonality. A total of 955 individuals were collected, totaling 20 species. Despite the surf zone instability, most fish species showed a stable K regardless of season. We found that the condition factor in neritic Atherinella blackburni, Mugil brevirostris, Trachinotus carolinus and Trachinotus goodei did not vary. Only a demersal species, Menticirrhus littoralis, shown the lowest condition factor in the hot season, coinciding with maximum water temperature. We discussed how the surf zone provides conditions for the development of fish and reinforce the importance of this environment as a breeding site.
WEIGHT-LENGTH RELATIONSHIP AND BLOOD CHARACTERISTICS OF SILVER AROWANA, A OSTEOGLOSSIDAE FROM THE STATE OF AMAPÁ (BRAZIL)
Authors: TOSTES Lucas Vasques , YOSHIOKA Eliane Tie Oba , Tavares-DIAS Marcos
Published: August 2019

This study investigated the weight-length relationship, plasma biochemical and hematological parameters in Osteoglossum bicirrhosum from the Preto River, in the State of Amapá (Brazil). The weightlength relationship showed a negative allometric growth, with the value of the regression constant (b) equal to 2.539. The relative condition factor (1.00 Â± 0.02) indicated good body conditions of fish in their natural environment. In the blood smears of O. bicirrhosum (616.2 Â± 209.1 g), erythrocytes, thrombocytes and leukocytes were found with morphological characteristics similar to those of other Brazilian fish. Mean glucose levels were: 46.5 Â± 14.6 mg dL-1 (27.1-95.8); total protein 4.2 Â± 0.6 g dL-1 (2.3-5.3); total cholesterol 303.9 Â± 140.4 mg dL-1 (81.6-718.4); triglycerides 244.8 Â± 57.5 mg dL-1 (76.2-361.9); total erythrocytes 2.75 Â± 0.37 x 106 Î¼L-1 (1.940-3.350); hemoglobin 8.8 Â± 1.2 g dL-1 (6.3- 13.0); hematocrit 26.6 Â± 2.3% (21.0-32.0); mean corpuscular volume 98.6 Â± 15.8 fL-1 (72.4-149.5); mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration 32.9 Â± 3.9 g dL-1 (23.4-44.8); total thrombocytes 90,816 Â± 58,888 Î¼L-1 (14,760-210,250); total leukocytes 75,287 Â± 34,546 Î¼L-1 (10,290-191,475); lymphocytes 72,555 Â± 33,046 Î¼L-1 (10,084-181,901) and 96.5 Â± 2.5%(87-100); monocytes 1734 Â± 1683 Î¼L-1 (0- 7.308) and 2.3 Â± 1.8% (0-7); neutrophils 915 Â± 1435 Î¼L-1 (0-6.518) and 1.1 Â± 1.5% (0-7), eosinophils 63 Â± 225 Î¼L-1 (0-960) and 0.1 Â± 0.3% (0-1). Therefore, lymphocytes were the predominant leukocytes, while eosinophils were the least frequent. This was the first report of leukocytes and biochemical parameters for O. bicirrhosum. Lastly, it was established reference blood values that can be used as interpretative data obtained for this species when under similar environmental conditions.
SPAWNING AND RECRUITMENT AREAS OF MIGRATORY FISH IN THE URUGUAY RIVER: APPLYING FOR RIVERS CONNECTIVITY CONSERVATION IN SOUTH AMERICA
Authors: Mounic-SILVA Carlos Eduardo , LOPES Carolina Antonieta , Bracony Porto-FERREIRA Leonardo , Esmeraldino NUNES Mayara , Reynalte-TATAJE David Augusto , Zaniboni-FILHO Evoy
Published: August 2019

Identifying spawning and recruitment areas of Neotropical migratory fish is an important conservation issue, because it allows to define connectivity between habitats used during the initial life cycle of these species. In this sense, the objective of this study was to delimit spawning and recruitment areas of three migratory fish (Megaleporinus obtusidens, Salminus brasiliensis and Prochilodus lineatus) along of an altitude gradient of the Uruguay River. Samplings of ichthyoplankton and juveniles were applied with five different fishing devices in four river stretches, one in reservoir and three in a free section, for two consecutive years (2015-2016 and 2016-2017), during the reproductive period of the species. Larvae and juveniles were not collected in the reservoir and, in the free section, larvae in the early stages of development were found only at an intermediate stretch, and the most larvae at more advanced stages (~80%) and juveniles (~95%) were recorded in the lower sampling stretch. Based on the larval stage and abundance of juveniles, spawning-recruitment connectivity sections were presumed for these migratory species. After, these sections were associated to the location of future hydroelectric dams in the study area, with possible negative implications for the conservation of these populations in the Uruguay River
An Empirical Analysis of the Women and Peace Hypothesis
Authors: ABDULJABER Malek , KALIN İlker
Published: August 2019

For decades, social scientists have questioned whether women are more politically tolerant, peaceful, and less likely to prefer war to solve international conflict compared to men. Empirical analyses have been limited to a few geographic regions: North America (the United States); the Middle East (Israel and the core Arab World); and Africa (Rwanda). Furthermore, the measurement of the dependent variable, perceptions of war and peace, has been either evaluated with a single item or with a few items tapping on various dimensions of war and peace. This paper extends the geographic coverage in the literature to include a cross-national analysis containing North American, Latin American, Western European, Eastern European, African, Asian and Pacific nations, and utilizes thirteen items measuring gender differences in attitudes towards the perception of war, conflict resolution, foreign policy attitudes, international organizations’ appeal, political tolerance, and international cooperation. The analysis utilizes the most up-to-date data of national representative surveys, the World Values Survey and the Arab Barometer, featuring mean comparison methods to supply readers with simple results informing the relationship between gender and perceptions of war and peace on a global level. The evidence reveals that there is no difference in perceptions between men and women regarding international conflict perceptions across countries.
Correlation of PROMIS with Orthopaedic Patient-Reported Outcome Measures
Authors: Cheung Edward C. , Moore Laura K. , Flores Sergio E. , Lansdown Drew A. , Feeley Brian T. , Zhang Alan L.
Published: August 2019

» The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) has been shown to correlate well with legacy measures used in orthopaedic surgery outcome studies.

» PROMIS domains, particularly when administered as a computer adaptive test, are more efficient to administer and often have improved test characteristics when compared with historical patient-reported outcome measures.

» As more researchers use PROMIS to track patient outcomes in orthopaedics, clinicians and researchers may consider using PROMIS in future research as it allows for easy comparison between studies.
Applying Multiple Diagnostic Technologies to Understand Well Spacing
Authors: Wilson Jerit , Verkhovtseva Natalia
Published: August 2019

Diagnostic tools such as microseismic, microdeformation, and fiber optics have been successfully used in unconventional basins for many years to identify characteristics of hydraulic fractures (Warpinski et al. 2014). More recently there has been a push for integrating multiple diagnostics for better understanding of fracture characteristics and development for overall well planning and increasing ultimate recovery. Well spacing is crucial for proper development of each asset within every resource play in North America.

The datasets used for this study will demonstrate how a more effective development of an asset based on well spacing can be created using integrated fracture diagnostic analysis to understand proppant distribution.
Inversion of Production Data Using an Ensemble Smoother to Determine the Geometry of Hydraulic Fractures
Authors: Jiang Junzhe , Sheng James , Gorell Sheldon
Published: August 2019

The ensemble methods show the ability to obtain the geometry of natural fractures in high-permeability reservoirs. However, hydraulic fractures in unconventional reservoirs are different and the ability of these methods to invert production data to determine hydraulic fracture geometry is unknown. In this work, Embedded Discrete Fractures method is selected as the simulation method. The EnKF and EnRML methods are chosen as the history matching methods. Several simulation cases are used to test these algorithms’ performance in both conventional and unconventional reservoirs. Also, a novel gradient history matching process has been proposed to solve part of the problems.

By comparing history matching results of different cases, Ensemble methods’ matching quality is very sensitive with prior information. Production of wells in low-permeability reservoirs is not sensitive with the unconnected fractures, which will lead to multiple minima in the objective function. It also causes big difficulties in the estimation of the gradient for ensemble methods. Thus, it is even more important to add prior information properly in the unconventional reservoirs’ history matching, which can narrow the problem dramatically. The potential and limitation of using a gradient method to solve this kind of problem are also shown in this paper.
Simulation of High Water-Cut in Tight Oil Reservoirs during Cyclic Gas Injection
Authors: Zhang Chi , Tian Ye , Shen Yizi , Yao Bowen , Wu Yu-Shu
Published: August 2019

Tight oil production has increased dramatically and contributed to 61% of total US oil production in 2018. However, recovery factors for primary depletion with multistage fractured wells are low, typically less than 10%. Gas huff-n-puff emerges as a promising technique to push the recovery factor beyond 10% in tight oil reservoirs, based on laboratory studies, simulation and field pilot tests. A CO2 huff-n-puff pilot was implemented in the Midland Basin, and data collected demonstrated significant incremental oil recovery, but with higher than expected water-cut rise.

To understand the excessive water production, a compositional model was built. Eight pseudo-components were used to match the PVT lab results of a typical oil sample in the Wolfcamp shale. A lab scale model was established in our simulator to match the results of gas huff-n-puff experiments in cores, where key parameters were identified and tuned. A half-stage model consisting of five fractures was built, where stress-dependent permeability was represented by compaction tables. Then a sensitivity analysis was conducted to understand the roles of different mechanisms behind the abnormal high water-cut phenomenon on this scale. Our simulation results have shown that initial water saturation, IFT-dependent relative permeability, reactivation of water-bearing layers, and re-opening of unpropped hydraulic fractures may all affect water-cut after gas injection. Among them, re-opening of unpropped hydraulic fractures was the most critical one.

Data from a pilot test imply substantial water production after gas injection, which may impede oil production, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. A numerical model is developed to study possible mechanisms for high water-cut pilot results. This study also intends to quantify the impact of high water cut on cyclic gas injection.
A New Experimental Methodology to Investigate Water Adsorption Into Shale Under Stress Anisotropy Conditions
Authors: Liu Kerui , Sheng James J.
Published: August 2019

The investigation of the effect of hydration swelling on induced fracture generation and the resulted permeability in shale has considerably expanded in recent years. However, only a few experiments under anisotropic compressive stress conditions have been done in this area. The experiment methodology that was presented in this paper can be used to study the effect of hydration swelling on fracture initiation and propagation, and the change of shale permeability under anisotropic compressive stress conditions. An artificial fracture through a core was created before the test to simulate the hydraulic fracture generated during the fracturing process. Distilled water was used to simulate the hydraulic fracturing fluid. A CT scanner was used to collect the CT images of fracture development. A digital pressure transducer was used to monitor the upstream pressure change, and the downstream pressure was kept at atmosphere pressure. We, for the first time, combined water adsorption, stress anisotropy conditions, and shale permeability change into one test. Five tests were conducted: three tests underwent stress anisotropy, and the other two tests employed stress isotropy. These tests were continuously exposed to working fluids at a constant flow rate. From the results, the increase in the apparent weight of cores showed that water could be adsorbed into shale samples during the tests. In shale samples with stress anisotropy conditions, fractures through the core were generated. More fractures were created under larger differential stress conditions. The upstream pressure decreased when fractures through the core were generated or particle detachment happened. The decrease in pressure indicates that hydration may be beneficial to shale permeability recovery. To differentiate the effect of hydration and stress anisotropy on fracture generation, one sequential imbibition test was conducted (oil, then water). Fractures can be generated if the imbibition fluid changed from oil to water. The results supported the previous result that hydration may induce fractures (Liu and Sheng, 2019). The experimental results show that this methodology is a practical way to study the effect of hydration on shale properties in the process of hydraulic fracturing.
Production Data Analysis of Fractured Horizontal Well with Considering Complex Fracture Networks: A Case Study
Authors: Chen Zhiming , Tang Xuefeng , Liao Xinwei , Zhang Jiali , Chen Haoshu , Liu Hui , Zhang Xingjiao
Published: August 2019

The importance of evaluating and predicting the performance of producers cannot be emphasized too much, and their production performances can directly determine the economic feasibilities. What's more, production data analysis (PDA) can also be used to evaluate the geological information and give us good guidelines to develop the reservoirs. To comprehensively understand the performance of a multiple fractured horizontal well (MFHW) with complex fracture networks, a semi-analytical model for PDA are established to for Junggar Basin shale oil reservoir, based on the previous work (Tang et al. 2019). Furthermore, based on Blasingame type curve, the production performances of a MFHW is studied. To comprehensively understand what parameters can influence the different stages of production period, a series of sensitivity analyses have been done. Finally, we use this new production model to perform a type-curve matching and compare with the interpretation results getting from pressure transient analysis (PTA) method in a case from Junggar Basin, it is found that these two methods get almost the same results, which means that the proposed PDA model is reliable. The results show that production performances of a MFHW with complex fracture networks in a production decline curve can be divided into five flow regimes, including: (1) bilinear flow, (2) fluid support flow, (3) linear flow, (4) crossflow from matrix to natural fracture networks, and (5) radial flow. Results from sensitivity analysis show that with the increase of fracture networks scale, the holistic production rate will increase, and the influence of hydraulic fractures (HFs) are much greater than that of interconnected micro fractures (IMFs). It is also noted that the early period of the production behavior is mainly influenced by the density of the fracture networks while the later production behavior is dominated by the scale of the fracture networks.
The Molecular Mass and Isoelectric Point of Plant Proteomes
Authors: Mohanta Tapan Kumar Kumar , Khan Abdulatif , Hashem Abeer , Abd_Allah Elsayed Fathi , Al-Harrasi Ahmed
Published: August 2019

Background
Cell contain diverse array of proteins with different molecular weight and isoelectric point (pI). The molecular weight and pI of protein play important role in determining the molecular biochemical function. Therefore, it was important to understand the detail regarding the molecular weight and pI of the plant proteins.
Results
A proteome-wide analysis of plant proteomes from 145 species revealed a pI range of 1.99 (epsin) to 13.96 (hypothetical protein). The spectrum of molecular mass of the plant proteins varied from 0.54 to 2236.8 kDa. A putative Type-I polyketide synthase (22244 amino acids) in Volvox carteri was found to be the largest protein in the plant kingdom. However, Type-I polyketide synthase was not found in higher plant species. Titin (806.46 kDa) and misin/midasin (730.02 kDa) were the largest proteins identified in higher plant species. The pI and molecular weight of the plant proteins showed a trimodal distribution. An acidic pI (56.44% of proteins) was found to be predominant over a basic pI (43.34% of proteins) and the abundance of acidic pI proteins was higher in unicellular algae species relative to multicellular higher plants. In contrast, the seaweed, Porphyra umbilicalis, possesses a higher proportion of basic pI proteins (70.09%). Plant proteomes were also found to contain selenocysteine (Sec), amino acid that was found only in lower eukaryotic aquatic plant lineage. Amino acid composition analysis showed Leu was high and Trp was low abundant amino acids in the plant proteome. Additionally, the plant proteomes also possess ambiguous amino acids Xaa (unknown), Asx (asparagine or aspartic acid), Glx (glutamine or glutamic acid), and Xle (leucine or isoleucine) as well.
Conclusion
The diverse molecular weight and isoelectric point range of plant proteome will be helpful to understand their biochemical and functional aspects. The presence of selenocysteine proteins in lower eukaryotic organism is of interest and their expression in higher plant system can help us to understand their functional role.
Genome-wide characterization and evolutionary analysis of heat stress transcription factors (HSFs) to reveal their potential role under abiotic stresses in radish (Raphanus sativus L.)
Authors: Tang Mingjia , Xu Liang , Wang Yan , Cheng Wanwan , Luo Xiaobo , Xie Yang , Fan Lianxue , Liu Liwang
Published: August 2019

Background Abiotic stresses due to climate change pose a great threat to crop production. Heat shock transcription factors (HSFs) are vital regulators that play key roles in protecting plants against various abiotic stresses. Therefore, the identification and characterization of HSFs is imperative to dissect the mechanism responsible for plant stress responses. Although the HSF gene family has been extensively studied in several plant species, its characterization, evolutionary history and expression patterns in the radish (Raphanus sativus L.) remain limited. Results In this study, 33 RsHSF genes were obtained from the radish genome, which were classified into three main groups and 12 subgroups based on HSF protein domain structure. Chromosomal localization analysis revealed that 28 of 33 RsHSF genes were located on nine chromosomes, and 10 duplicated RsHSF genes were grouped into eight gene pairs by whole genome duplication (WGD). Moreover, there were 23 or 9 pairs of orthologous HSFs were identified between radish and Arabidopsis or rice, respectively. Comparative analysis revealed a close relationship among radish, Chinese cabbage and Arabidopsis. RNA-seq data showed that eight RsHSF genes, including RsHSF-03, were highly expressed in the leaf, root, cortex, cambium and xylem, results that these genes might be involved in plant growth and development. Further, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) indicated that the expression patterns of 12 RsHSF genes varied upon exposure to different abiotic stresses, including heat, salt, and heavy metals. This data indicated that the RsHSFs may be involved in abiotic stress response. Conclusions These results could provide fundamental insights into the characteristics and evolution of the HSF family and facilitate further dissection of the molecular mechanism responsible for radish abiotic stress responses.
Nonsurgical pneumoperitoneum detected using computed tomography: A retrospective study
Authors: Adachi Wataru , Matsushita Tomohito , Yashiro Yasuaki , Imura Jiro , Shiozawa Hideki , Kishimoto Kyo
Published: August 2019

Background
Although several cases with pneumoperitoneum that does not require surgical intervention (nonsurgical pneumoperitoneum) have been reported, the characteristics of such cases remain unclear. The accurate diagnosis of nonsurgical pneumoperitoneum could minimize unnecessary surgery. The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical and radiological characteristics of cases with nonsurgical pneumoperitoneum detected using computed tomography.
Methods
This retrospective study was conducted at a single center. A total of 18513 abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans obtained between January 2010 and February 2017 were examined for pneumoperitoneum. Medical records of cases testing positive for extraluminal free air were analyzed.
Results
Extraluminal free air was detected in 254 examinations of 182 cases. Out of 88 examinations of 86 cases excluding iatrogenic air, colorectal perforation was the most common cause of extraluminal free air. Nonsurgical pneumoperitoneum was recognized in 25 examinations of 23 cases, and was the second most frequent. The frequency of nonsurgical pneumoperitoneum was 0.14% in all abdominal CT examinations. Most nonsurgical pneumoperitoneum cases did not exhibit severe general conditions, peritoneal signs, or leukocytosis. CT findings of bowel wall discontinuity, segmental bowel-wall thickening, perivisceral fat stranding, and abscess were not observed. Fluid collection was present in 8 of 23 cases, and the estimated volume of fluid collection was small. Pneumatosis intestinalis was simultaneously observed in 20 of 23 cases. No significant differences in the maximum diameter of intraperitoneal free air were observed between the grades of pneumatosis intestinalis (p=0.999). Follow-up CT examination, which was performed within 7 days after the detection of nonsurgical pneumoperitoneum, showed that the pneumatosis intestinalis and/or extraluminal free air often disappeared in a short time.
Conclusions
Nonsurgical pneumoperitoneum was common. The cause of extraluminal free air was pneumatosis intestinalis in most cases. Well-maintained general and local conditions and normal laboratory data were the clinical characteristics. The absence of CT findings indicative of peritonitis, little fluid collection, if any, and the presence of pneumatosis intestinalis were the radiological characteristics.
What will it take? Using an Implementation Research Framework to Identify Facilitators and Barriers in Implementing a School-Based Referral System for Sexual Health Services
Authors: Leung Emily , Wanner Kathryn J. , Senter Lindsay , Brown Amanda , Middleton Dawn
Published: August 2019

Background:Across the United States (U.S.), sexually-transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy rates are alarmingly high among youth. Schools play a critical role in improving access to sexual health services (SHS) due to their proximity and access to youth. Schools can increase student access to services by creating referral systems (RS) to link students to school- and community-based SHS. From 2013-2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Adolescent and School Health funded 17 Local Education Agencies (LEA) to partner with priority schools, and other stakeholders, to develop and implement RS to increase student access to SHS. CAI served as the Technical Assistance Center, providing capacity building to the LEA. CAI conducted a case study at two large urban LEA to elucidate factors that influence RS implementation in 2016-2017.

Methods:This mixed-methods case study included interviewing and surveying 19 LEA and community-based healthcare (CBH) staff in the Southeastern (n=9) and Western U.S. (n=10). Key constructs from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) framework guided the methodology and analysis. Consensus qualitative research coding methods were applied to the interviews. We also distributed a quantitative survey to collect participants’ perceived difficulty in implementing and sustaining RS; data was analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results:Interviewees reported strong beliefs that school-based RS can help students achieve better academic outcomes. We identified several contextual key factors across the five CFIR domains that influenced successful implementation and integration of an RS including: enforcing state and district policies, strong LEA and CBH collaboration, positive school culture towards adolescent health, knowledgeable and supportive staff, leveraging of existing resources and staffing structures, and influential district and school building-level leadership and champions. Notably, this case study challenged our initial assumptions that RS are easily implemented in states with comprehensive SHS policies. Rather, our conversations revealed how districts and local-level policies have significant influence to either impede or promote those policies.

Conclusions:Using an implementation science lens, this study describes key contextual factors and lessons learned to implementing an RS. Other schools may wish to consider these influencing factors to optimize integration of RS-related evidence-based practices, systems, and policies in their districts.
A Long Survival of III-IVb Stage Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Treated with IMRT with or without Nimotuzumab: a Propensity Score-matched Analysis
Authors: Zhi-Qiang Wang , Qi Mei , Ji-Bin Li , Rui You , You-Ping Liu , Rui Sun , Guang-Yuan Hu , Ming-Yuan Chen , Hua Yijun
Published: August 2019

Backgrounds: To assess the efficacy of Nimotuzumab in combination with first-line treatment of chemoradiotherapy of Chinese patients with primary III-IVb stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods: Patients with primary locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma who were treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and concurrent Cisplatin-based chemotherapy between January, 2008 and December, 2013 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Group A received at least 6 doses of Nimotuzumab; Group B did not received Nimotuzumab. A propensity score matching method was used to match patients from each group in a 1:3 ratio. Results: In total, 730 eligible patients were propensity-matched, with 184 patients in Group A and 546 in Group B. There were no significant differences in patient and tumor characteristics between Group A and Group B. At a median follow-up of 74.78 months (range 3.53–117.83 months), locoregional recurrence, distant failure and death were observed in 10.68%, 11.10% and 16.03% of all patients, respectively. Estimated 5-year locoregional relapse–free survival, distant metastasis–free survival, progression-free survival and overall survival in the Group A versus Group B were: 85.34% versus 89.79% (P=0.156), 93.09% versus 85.61% (P = 0.012), 79.96% versus 77.99% (P = 0.117) and 88.91% versus 78.30% (P=0.006), respectively. Conclusions: This nimotuzumab-containing regimen resulted in a better long-term survival in III-IVb stage NPC patients, and warrants further prospective evaluation.
Disparities in survival for elders with disabilities: implication for long-term care insurance Disparities in survival for elders with disabilities
Authors: Chen Cynthia , Lim Jue Tao , Chia Ngee Choon , Wang Lijia , Chong Ming Zhe , Cheong Angela , Fong Ngan Phoon , Tan Boon Yeow , Menon Edward , Ee Chye Hua , Lee Kok Keng , Chan Kin Ming , Ma Stefan , Tan Kelvin Bryan , Koh Gerald CH
Published: August 2019

Background

Singapore is ageing rapidly and has one of the longest life expectancies in the World. Long-term care also represents one of the largest financial risks of the elderly. ElderShield, a long-term care insurance scheme provides payouts up to six years for elders with severe disability - having three or more ADL disabilities. The six years coverage might be insufficient due to increases in the duration of disability and longer life expectancy.

Methods

In this paper, we studied all elders admitted to community hospitals in Singapore from 1996 to 2005, linked with national death records until December 2011. We modelled their survival risk after discharge from community hospitals using Cox proportional-hazards regression, taking into account ADL disability, health status and other socio-demographic covariates.

Results

Individuals with higher ADL disability counts have a higher hazard ratio (HR: 1.28,1.74,1.95 for mild, moderate and severe disability respectively compared to those with no disability), males had a higher hazard ratio compared to females (HR:1.40), older age (HR:1.87), being in a higher subsidy ward class (HR: 1.09 and 1.12 for moderate and high subsidy respectively compared to no/low subsidy) and had greater comorbidity burden (HR: 1.17, 1.14, 1.39 for mild, moderate and severe comorbidity burden respectively compared to those with no comorbidity burden). We also found that survival probabilities for individuals with two disabilities were not statistically different from those with 3+ ADL disabilities. In addition, more elders with severe disability were living longer than six years.

Conclusions

This has implications on long-term care policies in the context of ElderShield, as the disability insurance use severe ADL disabilities as the qualifying criteria for payout, capped at six years. While the CareShield Life Plan achieves more coverage than ElderShield, the payment into the plan also increases. Nevertheless, ensuring fiscal sustainability and affordable premium is challenging for any government, especially with Singapore’s rapidly ageing demography. We conclude that the expansion of coverage from six years to life is timely as Singaporeans are living longer with ADL disability. These payouts will be helpful for the disabled elders and their family, protecting them against some financial risk.
Follow-up of a cohort of patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis for 1 year
Authors: Mateus Simone Paulo , Salles Raquel Esteves Brandão , Costa Walter , Costa Claudia Henrique da , Lopes Agnaldo José , Tura Bernardo Rangel , Rufino Rogerio
Published: August 2019

Background: Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) leads to progressive damage that may limit a patient’s daily activities and modify his/her quality of life. Our objective was to evaluate the quality of life of patients with bronchiectasis during a 1 year follow-up using the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire.
Methods: A total of 100 patients with NCFB were recruited and followed-up with face-to-face visits or by telephone contact every three months for 1 year. At the time of recruiting and at the end of 1 year, the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire was applied to evaluate the patients’ quality of life. Variables, such as exacerbation, emergency care, comorbidities, hemoptysis, colonization, and hospitalization were assessed.
Results: Of the 100 patients, 99 patients completed the study and 72% were women. There were no marked limitations in the mobility and self-care domains during the follow-up. Thirty-two patients were extremely anxious or depressed at the end of the follow-up. The quality of life assessed using EQ-5D-3L had an initial mean score of 0.545 and of 0.589 after 1 year, which was statistically significant (p= 0.011).
Conclusion: Patients with NCFB have a poor quality of life and the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire may be a tool for monitoring patients with bronchiectasis.
Activated interferon signaling by down-regulation of CENP-N contributing to inhibited tumor growth in breast cancer
Authors: Zhai Zhenhua , Zhou Ye , Liu Xing , Wang Ying , Zhang Yuyang , Cheng Rui , Zhang Xiaomeng , Zhu Zhitu , Sun Hongzhi
Published: August 2019

Background Centromere proteins (CENPs) are primary components for chromosomal segregation in the mitotic stage. CENP-N is a member of CENPs, and is a key factor for recruitment of other CENPs and formation of a link between the centromere and micro-tubules, which facilitate cell division.
Methods In order to clarify the role of CENP-N in breast cancer, RNA sequences data were downloaded from TCGA online database and the CENP-N expression was knocked down in breast cancer cells.
Results The results show that the expression of CENP-N was higher in breast cancer comparing with the paracancerous tissues. In breast cancer, patients with high expression of CENP-N have a short-term overall survival compared with low expression of CENP-N. Both in vitro and in vivo, the growth of breast cancer cells was inhibited by down-regulation of CENP-N. In the gene-chip analysis, it reveals that down-regulation of CENP-N is primarily associated with functions of immune response and anti-tumor ef-fects. Of these changed canonical pathways, the activated interferon signaling was the most significant in CENP-N down-regulated breast cancer cells. In the western blot as-say, up-regulated expressions of molecules involved in interferon signaling were also confirmed.
Conclusions Our results suggest that CENP-N can be a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of breast cancer, and the involved interferon signaling needs to be mainly fo-cused on.
Keywords: CENP-N, Breast cancer, interferon signaling, Tumor growth
Screening biogenic amines and fish-based food (keropok lekor) extracts in induction of inflammation using Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Hussain Husniza , Bustamam MS Ahamad , Vimala B. , Lai Too Chun , Mahiyuddin Wan Rozita Wan , Fitrianto Anwar , Razak Mohd. Fuat Abd. , Mohamud Wan Nazaimoon Wan , Bakar Jamilah , Ghazali Hasanah Mohd
Published: August 2019

Background: Food-borne biogenic amines (BAs), namely, histamine, putrescine, cadaverine, tyramine, spermine and spermidine are known for their contributions as fish-based food freshness biomarkers to determine level of contamination. The remaining food–borne BAs (phenylethylamine, tryptamine and agmatine) effects on promoting inflammation are yet to be investigated. The effect of these compounds on induction of inflammation in macrophages was investigated using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) from independent (BAs at 1, 10 and 100 µg/ml, food extract and its standard mixture solution) and dependent variables [cell viability, nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) secretion]. Nine individual BAs and keropok lekor extracts were exposed to RAW 264.7 macrophages for 18-24 hr at 37oC with 5% carbon dioxide environment. Cell viability, NO and TNF-α secretion were determined using MTS assay kit, Greiss Reagent System and Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kits, respectively.
Results: Q2V values were not equal to Q2 (an estimate of the predictive ability of the model) values for individual variables because the eigenvalues values were more than 0.5, indicating a good model. All variance (R2VX) values were > 0.9, suggesting goodness of fit.
Conclusions: PCA is thus proven as an effective tool to discriminate between inflammogenic and non-inflammogenic food-borne BAs.
Low level of awareness among Iranian women concerning cervical cancer and screening: the role of knowledge, risk perceptions and cues to action
Authors: Asl Rahim Taghizadeh , Osch Liesbeth Van , De Vries Nanne , Zendehdel Kazem , Shams Mohsen , Zarei Fatemeh , De Vries Hein
Published: August 2019

Background

Iran has a low incidence of, but a higher rate of death from, cervical cancer (CC). The country is in the process of implementing an organized screening program including HPV testing and cytology. Studies show high drop-out in continued testing among eligible women. This qualitative study aimed to explore women’s awareness regarding CC and CC testing, and the role of knowledge, perceived risk and cues to action in this process.

Methods

We recruited 81 women aged between 25-65 years, who participated in 15 focus group discussions (FGDs) and two in-depth interviews in Tehran, the capital of Iran. Data were acquired through 11 open-ended questions and 32 related probe questions. All interviews were transcribed and independently analyzed by two researchers (Kappa and agreement testing respectively: 0.77, 97.11%).

Results

Coded texts were categorized under three themes and 13 subthemes. The three thematic areas referred to knowledge, cues to action and perceived risks regarding cervical cancer and screening. Results showed that women had inadequate and unspecified knowledge about cervical cancer and screening, compounded by misconceptions regarding infection and cancer prevention measures. Social and cultural barriers hindered proper communication between health system/providers and clients, and within communities on subjects related to cervical cancer and screening. Perceived risk of getting CC was low due to insufficient knowledge regarding the causes of cancer, difficulty in differentiating between cancer and sexually transmitted infections, and the absence of visible symptoms.

Conclusions

The results indicate a strong need to invest more efforts to improve health education and communication in the current national health program to promote awareness of the need to screen for CC, through, for example, establishing correct knowledge and risk perceptions among women. In addition, this intervention should address women’s social environment in order to prevent misconceptions being communicated to women.
Efficacy of a mindfulness-based intervention programme with and without virtual reality support to reduce stress in university students: protocol for a randomized controlled pragmatic trial
Authors: Modrego-Alarcón Marta , Navarro-Gil María Teresa , Beltrán-Ruiz María , Monreal-Bartolomé Alicia , Gascón Santiago , López-del-Hoyo Yolanda , García-Campayo Javier , Delgado-Suárez Irene , Montero-Marín Jesús
Published: August 2019

Background There is growing concern about mental health problems in university students. For this reason, mindfulness training is becoming increasingly popular in university settings. However, mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) usually present high attrition rates. This trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of a MBI to reduce perceived stress and to improve the psychological well-being of university students, as well as to explore the capacity of virtual reality (VR) to enhance adherence to the intervention. Methods This study protocol presents a randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving assessment time points of baseline, posttreatment and 6-month follow-up. A total of 280 students from the Spanish National Distance Education University (UNED) or the University of Zaragoza will be randomly assigned to a mindfulness condition, a mindfulness condition complemented by VR, and a relaxation condition to serve as a control group. Stress will be the main outcome and will be measured using the 10-item self-report Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Other well-being and academic functioning outcomes will be assessed, as well as variables that explore the impact of VR. Multilevel mixed-effects models will be calculated to estimate the efficacy of the programme, and effect size estimations will be carried out. Effects of VR in adherence to programme will be evaluated. Discussion Some strengths of this study are the RCT design, which includes a suitable active control group and a 6-month follow-up assessment; a large sample size of university students at different stages of their courses and a variety of degrees; and the incorporation of the VR support to facilitate completion of the MBI programme. Potential limitations are the voluntary participation of the students and the utilization of self-report measures. Trial registration number ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03771300.
Identification and Classification of LEA Family Genes in Orchids and Characterization of Their Role in Callus Formation
Authors: He Chunmei , Liu Xuncheng , Silva Jaime A. Teixeira da , Wang Haobin , Peng Tao , Zhang Mingze , Si Can , Yu Zhenming , Tan Jianwen , Zhang Jianxia , Luo Jianping , Duan Jun
Published: August 2019

The plant late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins are abundant in seeds, play an important role in various abiotic stresses. However, there is still no information on genome-wide identification of LEA genes in orchids and their function in callus formation is almost unknown. In this study, the LEA genes from two orchids (Phalaenopsis equestris and Dendrobium officinale), were genome-wide identified, classified and characterized. A total of 57 and 59 LEA genes were identified in the genomes and these were divided into 8 and 9 groups for P. equestris and D. officinale, respectively. The LEA_1 and LEA_4 genes from P. equestris and D. officinale showed strong expression in seeds, but were significantly down-regulated in flowers and absent in vegetative organs (leaves, stems and roots). In addition, the LEA_1 and LEA_4 genes from D. officinale were abundant in the protocorm-like body (PLB) stage, while weak signals that were detected in in vitro shoots could not be detected in plantlets. The expression of these genes highlights PLBs in orchids are somatic embryos. The DoLEA36 from LEA_4 and DoLEA43 from LEA_1 were further characterized. The GFP signal of the DoLEA36-GFP fusion protein was only detected in the cytoplasm, while the GFP signal of the DoLEA43-GFP fusion protein was detected in both the cytoplasm and nucleus. This indicates that DoEA36 localizes in the cytoplasm while DoLEA43 localizes in both the cytoplasm and nucleus. Both DoLEA36 and DoLEA43 stimulated callus formation in transgenic Arabidopsis. The percentage of callus formation from 35S::DoLEA43 transgenic lines was higher than in wild type plants in two callus induction methods. Our results provide comprehensive information about the LEA gene family in orchids and genetic evidence for the involvement of LEA genes in the induction of callus, which may reveal their positive role in the maintenance of PLBs in orchids.