bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitigating knowledge hiding in a buyer‐supplier relationship: An exploratory study
Authors: Butt Atif Saleem
Published: January 2020

Knowledge hiding has been the subject of much research in the management discipline, with a majority of the studies arguing that knowledge hiding generates negative outcomes such as reduced productivity of employees and decline in firm's business volume. However, it is arguable that managers with certain traits may not necessarily engage in knowledge hiding in a buyer–supplier relationship. This study fills this important gap in buyer–supplier relationship literature in the supply chain context. This study relies on multiple case study methods and further employs 18 semistructured interviews (nine dyadic interviews) with managers from four different firms based in United Arab Emirates—two buying firms and two supplying firms. Results reveal that managers with five specific characteristics/traits do not usually engage in knowledge hiding (self‐monitoring, self‐efficacy, professional commitment, intrinsic motivation to share knowledge, developing friendships, etc.) with their supply chain counterpart. This article concludes by discussing theoretical and practical implications, alongside limitations and future research directions.
Easy preparation method of stable copper‐based nanoparticle suspensions in lubricant engine oil
Authors: Gondolini Angela , Mercadelli Elisa , Zin Valentina , Barison Simona , Sanson Alessandra
Published: January 2020

Nanolubricants, thanks to their ability to reduce friction and wear, are increasingly studied in the transport and automotive sectors. These systems are generally produced with a two‐step procedure by dispersing nanoparticles into base oils. Very recently, one‐step methods have received increasing attention for the production of highly stable nanosuspensions at lower cost. Degradation‐decomposition of the base oil can however occur during the synthesis affecting the final performances. In this work, copper‐based nanolubricants were produced using a new procedure that preserves the base oil from the degradation induced by the synthesis and allows producing highly stable nanolubricant. The produced fluid showed a monodisperse distribution of nanometric particles and a good stability up to at least 60 days from its production. The as‐produced nanolubricants showed notable performance reducing the friction coefficient even up to 32.7% for Cu concentration of 0.01 vol% at 80°C.
Utilization Behavior Associated with Communicating Hydrocephalus with Resolution Post–Ventriculoperitoneal Shunting
Authors: Menon Poornima Jayadev , McNicholas Nuala , Llamas Yudy , Lynch Timothy , Smyth Shane
Published: January 2020

View Supplementary Video 1
California budget provides housing fund, parity support, MHSA refocus
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: January 2020

The Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) has become a key element of California's mental health system in the 15 years since it was enacted as Proposition 63, but behavioral health needs in communities have evolved since then. So, Gov. Gavin Newsom is looking for an update to reflect those changes, according to his proposed 2020–21 state budget unveiled Jan. 10.
Designation of 988 crisis hotline available for public comment
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: January 2020

Following its designation last month of 988 as the three‐digit dialing code for a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has initiated a proposed rule and is now offering the public the opportunity to review and provide public comments on the document.
Study negates myth that dementia screening creates anxiety
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: January 2020

Observing that the benefits and harms of screening for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) are unknown, Indiana researchers have examined the question of whether the benefits outweigh the harms of screening for ADRD among older adults in primary care. The groundbreaking research found there is no harm from screening measured by symptoms of depression.
A 100‐GHz full 360° reflection‐type phase shifter using a balanced phase inverter
Authors: Li Xu‐Guang , Fu Hai‐Peng
Published: January 2020

This paper presents a 100‐GHz phase shifter capable of providing full 360° continuous phase tuning range in 55 nm CMOS technology. The phase shifter is based on reflection‐type phase shifter (RTPS), which has more than 180° phase shift and employs a 0°/180° phase inverter (PI). The amplitude difference between 0°/180° modes of the PI is less than 0.5 dB while the phase imbalance is less than 1° at 90‐100 GHz. The measured insertion loss of the proposed phase shifter for all phase states is 6.1‐10.2 dB at 95 GHz. The chip of our proposed phase shifter occupies an area of 710 × 510 μm2, and the DC power consumption is 20 mW.
Necessary and sufficient conditions of near‐optimality in a regime‐switching diffusion model
Authors: Li Min , Wu Zhen
Published: January 2020

This paper is concerned with the stochastic near‐optimal control problem for a regime‐switching diffusion model, where the control domains are convex. The controlled system is described by the Itô‐type stochastic differential equation (SDE) with a continuous‐time Markov chain, which possesses a finite state structure. Some new estimates for state and adjoint processes are obtained in the presence of the Markovian jumps. Based on these estimates and Ekeland's variational principle, the necessary and sufficient conditions for near‐optimality of this model are established. A numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of theoretical results.
Preparation of β‐CD@ferrocene@hollow mesoporous silica microsphere and investigation of its flame retardant EP
Authors: Shan Xueying , Han Ji , Li Jinchun , Song Yan , Hu Yuan
Published: January 2020

For improving the flame retardancy of epoxy resin (EP), β‐cyclodextrin@ ferrocene@hollow mesoporous silica microspheres (β‐CD@FE@HMS) were prepared successfully by the self‐assembly method. Then, they were used as flame retardant to improve the fire safety of EP. EP/β‐CD@FE and EP/HMS composites were also prepared for comparative study. The results showed that β‐CD@FE@HMS could effectively improve the thermal stability of EP, in which the initial degradation temperature and the amount of char residue of EP were increased. The content of small molecule toxic gases produced by the combustion of EP composite was also reduced apparently. With the addition of 5 wt% β‐CD@FE@HMS, LOI value of EP was increased to 27.5% from 19.8%, and UL‐94 reached V‐1 rating. Comparing with pure EP, the peak heat release rate and total heat release values of EP were reduced by 11.0% and 12.3%, respectively, and the total smoke production was reduced by 30.6%. EP/β‐CD@FE@HMS composite formed a higher quality char layer. Therefore, β‐CD@FE@HMS microspheres could improve the fire safety of EP.
Heterodissemination: precision targeting container Aedes mosquitoes with a cohabiting midge species carrying insect growth regulator
Authors: Wang Yi , Suman Devi S , Chandel Kshitij , Williams Gregory M , Unlu Isik , Gaugler Randy
Published: January 2020

Background

Management of Aedes albopictus and Ae. aegypti is challenging in large part due to the cryptic nature of their larval habitats. Autodissemination, using conspecific species to transfer pesticide, is unable to provide proactive control. Here we report results from a new hypothesis, heterodissemination, wherein females of the cohabiting non‐biting midge, Chironomus decorus, reared in the laboratory, treated with pyriproxyfen, and released to transfer lethal concentrations to shared mosquito larval habitats.

Results

Pyriproxyfen‐impregnated oil and powder formulations were developed. The average payload for each female midge treated with oil followed by powder formulations was 5.07 ± 0.92 μg of active ingredient or 1660 times the median lethal concentration (LC50) for Ae. albopictus or Ae. aegypti in 200 mL of water. Subsequent residue analysis showed pyriproxyfen transference from chironomids, treated with oil formulation only, into water‐holding containers up to 2.06 ppb or 171.7 times the LC50. Releasing 20 laboratory reared and contaminated Chironomus decorus into a small room resulted in 80.42 ± 0.67% and 75.67 ± 3.14% Ae. albopictus pupal mortality in open and cryptic sentinel ovicups, respectively. Container water volumes ranging up to 4 L did not affect efficacy. In a large field cage, 90.3 ± 2.5% Ae. albopictus mortality was resulted from releasing 100 treated female midges. Releasing 400 contaminated midges into a residential backyard resulted in 74.3% pupal mortality in sentinel ovicups.

Conclusions

Room, large field cage and field release trials demonstrated that adult midges reared and treated in the laboratory transfer highly lethal concentrations of pyriproxyfen to Ae. albopictus container habitats. Heterodissemination provides a potential approach for precision, proactive mosquito control, which may draw attention for further studies. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Theoretical insight into the solvent effect on the stoichiometric reduction of carbonyl compounds by ammonia borane and N‐methyl amine borane
Authors: Ma Nana , Song Mengxiao , Meng Qi , Wei Changgeng , Zhang Guisheng
Published: January 2020

For the traditional reduction of ketones and aldehydes, NH3BH3 (AB) and N‐methyl amine borane (M
nAB) have been effective reducing agents. However, the reaction process is indefinite and different mechanisms have been proposed; also the solvent effect, which is closely related to the mechanism, has not been considered seriously. Here we employ density functional theory to carry out a comprehensive study on the mechanism. The calculated free energy of the concerted double hydrogen transfer process is lower than the hydroboration mechanism by 4.7 kcal/mol, which indicates that reduction of carbonyl by AB is likely due to be the concerted double hydrogen transfer in both aprotic (tetrahydrofuran) and protic (MeOH) solvents. For the reduction by M
nAB, the corresponding free energies of all reactions are higher than those of AB. Meanwhile, the reduction of benzaldehyde by M
nAB (n = 1, 2) also favors a concerted double hydrogen transfer rather than hydroboration.
Challenges and trends for halogen determination by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry: A review
Authors: Flores Erico M.M. , Mello Paola A. , Krzyzaniak Sindy R. , Cauduro Vitoria H. , Picoloto Rochele S.
Published: January 2020

Rationale

In this review, works published in the past 25 years for fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine determination in several matrices by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) were covered. Usually, the determination of halogens has been performed by ICP‐MS using a previous sample preparation step or, more recently, by direct analysis of solid or liquid samples.

Methods

Methods based on combustion, extraction, pyrohydrolysis, sample dilution in organic or aqueous medium, and wet digestion, among others, are discussed. Moreover, the recent applications of methods based on laser ablation (LA) and electrothermal vaporization (ETV) coupled to ICP‐MS are discussed.

Results

The main challenge for methods using sample preparation has been to obtain a final solution compatible with ICP‐MS, as well as to overcome problems related to analyte losses and contamination. Interferences due to the presence of dissolved organic compounds in solution, enhancement or suppression of ionization of analytes, and related matrix effects have been of concern when using ICP‐MS. For the determination of halogens by ICP‐MS using LA and ETV systems, some limitations related to the difficulty of calibration are pointed out, impairing the widespread use of this approach.

Conclusions

A critical view is presented for further halogen determination by ICP‐MS, mainly for matrices considered difficult to digest using conventional protocols.
A prototype of high‐sensitivity noncoherent receiver for ADS‐B signals
Authors: Ren Peng , Wang Jianxin , Yang Shushu , Song Haiwei
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we design a high‐sensitivity noncoherent receiver for the reception of automatic dependent surveillance‐broadcast (ADS‐B) signals in a satellite‐based application. The proposed receiver is of constant false alarm rate (CFAR) property and implemented completely by the field programmable gate array (FPGA). Two vital parameters of the receiver, probabilities of detection and correct reception, are analytically formulated and validated by Monte Carlo simulations as well. We examine the availability of algorithms exploited in the proposed receiver by feeding the real ADS‐B signals collected near the Nanjing Lukou International Airport. Then, we build a receiver prototype. Some prototype tests are carried out in the laboratory. We find out that the sensitivity of the proposed receiver is approximately
 dBm, corresponding to the probability of correct reception equal to 0.93, and it is consistent with the theoretical value.
Constructing dynamic treatment regimes with shared parameters for censored data
Authors: Zhao Ying‐Qi , Zhu Ruoqing , Chen Guanhua , Zheng Yingye
Published: January 2020

Dynamic treatment regimes are sequential decision rules that adapt throughout disease progression according to a patient's evolving characteristics. In many clinical applications, it is desirable that the format of the decision rules remains consistent over time. Unlike the estimation of dynamic treatment regimes in regular settings, where decision rules are formed without shared parameters, the derivation of the shared decision rules requires estimating shared parameters indexing the decision rules across different decision points. Estimation of such rules becomes more complicated when the clinical outcome of interest is a survival time subject to censoring. To address these challenges, we propose two novel methods: censored shared‐Q‐learning and censored shared‐O‐learning. Both methods incorporate clinical preferences into a qualitative rule, where the parameters indexing the decision rules are shared across different decision points and estimated simultaneously. We use simulation studies to demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed methods. The methods are further applied to the Framingham Heart Study to derive treatment rules for cardiovascular disease.
Effect of Aliphatic and Aromatic Chain Extenders on Thermal Stability of Graphene Oxide/Polyurethane Hybrid Composites Prepared by Sol‐Gel Method
Authors: Behnam Reza , Roghani‐Mamaqani Hossein , Salami‐Kalajahi Mehdi , Mardani Hanieh
Published: January 2020

Hybrid composites of graphene and polyurethane (PU) were prepared via sol‐gel method. The isocyanate‐terminated PUs with chain extenders of pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) and butanediol were reacted with (3‐aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) to obtain Polyurethane with PMDA chain extender (PUI) and Polyurethane with BD chain extender (PUBD), respectively. Sol‐gel reaction between the silane‐modified polyurethanes with APTES‐modified graphene oxide resulted in the hybrid composites with high thermal degradation temperature and char content. Results of Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance analysis confirmed chemical modification of graphene and successful preparation of the bifunctional silane‐modified PUI and PUBD, respectively. Based on the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results, PMDA chain extender resulted in higher degradation temperature and char content in the hybrid composites. In addition, siloxane networks formed by sol‐gel process resulted in synergistic effects on improving thermal stability of the PU materials. X‐ray diffraction results in addition to the scanning and transmission electron microscopy images confirmed successful oxidation of graphite and also its modification process.
Synthesis and Studies of Glucosamine Conjugated BF2‐Oxasmaragdyrin
Authors: Laxman Kandala , Reddy B. Pradeep K. , Robinson Andrea , Srivastava Rohit , Ravikanth Mangalampalli
Published: January 2020

A value addition to the existing NIR fluorescence imaging agents has been synthesized in the form of glucosamine conjugated BF2‐oxasmaragdyrin by treating meso‐p‐carboxyphenyl BF2‐oxasmaragdyrin with 6‐amine‐6‐deoxy‐1‐O‐Boc‐2‐N‐Boc‐β‐D‐glucosamine in the presence of HBTU. The glucosamine conjugated BF2‐oxasmaragdyrin was thoroughly characterized by HRMS, 1D, and 2D NMR spectroscopy. The photophysical studies revealed that the conjugates are highly stable, absorb in visible‐ far‐red region (400‐700 nm) and emits in far‐red region (715 nm) with moderate quantum yields. The electrochemical studies showed that the molecules are stable under redox conditions with one reversible reduction and three reversible oxidations. The glucosamine conjugated BF2‐oxasmaragdyrin was found to be highly biocompatible with good cellular uptake in L929 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells.
Synthesis of Quinazoline Derivatives Catalyzed by a New Efficient Reusable Nanomagnetic Catalyst Supported with Functionalized Piperidinium Benzene‐1,3‐Disulfonate Ionic Liquid
Authors: Fatehi Anvar , Ghorbani‐Vaghei Ramin , Alavinia Sedigheh , Mahmoodi Jafar
Published: January 2020

Some novel quinazoline derivatives are prepared via one‐pot reaction of 2‐amino‐5‐chlorobenzophenone, aromatic aldehydes and ammonium acetate using two different types of catalytic systems including nano‐magnetic piperidinium benzene‐1,3‐disulfonate salt (PBDS‐SCMNPs), and triethanolammonium‐2,2,2‐trichloroacetate (TEATCA). The highlighting points of using PBDS‐SCMNPs are easy purification, reusability of the catalyst, good yields of products with short time reactions compared with TATCA.
Is managerial entrenchment always bad and corporate social responsibility always good? A cross‐national examination of their combined influence on shareholder value
Authors: Surroca Jordi A. , Aguilera Ruth V. , Desender Kurt , Tribó Josep A.
Published: January 2020

Research summary

Building on the comparative capitalism's notion of institutional complementarities, we examine whether firms’ simultaneous adoption of managerial entrenchment provisions (MEPs) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) reinforces or undercuts one another in influencing firm financial performance. We propose that the financial impact of such configurations is contingent on the country's institutional setting. In Liberal Market Economies (LMEs), where firms face strong pressures to achieve short‐term goals, the combination of MEPs and CSR creates shareholder value, particularly when firms engage in internally oriented CSR projects. Conversely, in Coordinated Market Economies (CMEs), where institutions already curb short‐term demands, the combined adoption of MEPs and CSR initiatives destroys shareholder value, particularly when this CSR is external. Overall, our study enhances understanding of the institutional complementarity between corporate governance and CSR.

Managerial summary

This study examines how two organizational practices, managerial entrenchment provisions (MEPs), and corporate social responsibility (CSR), combine between them to improve or reduce firms’ financial success. Our analysis demonstrates that institutional framework has a strong influence on their combined effect. When the institutional context supports solutions to coordination problems among economic agents through market‐based arrangements, MEPs allow the implementation of strategies directed to promote long‐term investments and relationships. In this case, MEPs when paired with CSR allow generating intangibles that contribute to create shareholder value. Contrarily, in frameworks with coordination mechanisms based on nonmarket arrangements, the joint adoption of MEPs and CSR destroys value by increasing the power of managers and blockholders to extract rents at the expense of firms’ minority shareholders.
Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells with MoOx Hole‐Selective Layer by Hot Wire Oxidation–Sublimation Deposition
Authors: Li Fengchao , Zhou Yurong , Yang Ying , Dong Gangqiang , Zhou Yuqin , Liu Fengzhen , Yu Donghong
Published: January 2020

In this article, a novel hot wire oxidation–sublimation deposition (HWOSD) technique, as an optional technology, is developed to prepare molybdenum oxide (MoOx) thin films. Silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells with the HWOSD MoOx as a hole‐selective transport layer (HSL) are fabricated. A power conversion efficiency up to 21.10% is achieved on a champion SHJ solar cell using a 14 nm MoOx layer as the HSL. Dark current density–voltage–temperature (J–V–T) characteristics of the SHJ solar cell are measured at temperatures ranging from 200 to 380 K. Transport processes including thermionic emission of electrons over the potential barrier and quantum‐assisted tunneling of holes through the gap states in the MoOx layer are used to fit the J–V curves of the MoOx/n‐c‐Si heterojunction. The investigation of the transport mechanisms provides a better understanding of the characteristics of the novel SHJ solar cells and it is helpful to fully demonstrate the potential of such kinds of solar cells in the future.
Progress of High‐Throughput and Low‐Cost Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Mujahid Muhammad , Chen Chen , Hu Wei , Wang Zhao-Kui , Duan Yu
Published: January 2020

In recent years, the era of perovskites has experienced splendid development. Among perovskites, flexible perovskite solar cells (FPSCs) have received increasing attention due to their high efficiency, light weight, low cost, excellent flexibility, and low‐temperature solution processing ability. In the last decade, the power conversion efficiency of FPSCs has increased significantly from 2.62% to more than 20%. Herein, a succinct overview of the current endeavor to achieve low‐temperature FPSCs is provided. The recent developments, including flexible substrates, transparent conductive electrodes, perovskite absorbers, and device manufacturing methods, are vividly discussed. The strategies for enhancing the stability and flexibility of FPSCs are presented in terms of electrode materials, device encapsulation, and structural effects. Finally, the most encouraging and potential studies for the future of flexible PSCs are revealed.
Triangulated children's reality: Medical model's concealing effect versus family systems' revealing effect
Authors: Neophytou Kleanthis , Rodríguez‐González Martiño
Published: January 2020

Arguably, the medical model's narrative achieved an iconic mental health status eulogized within our evidence‐based era. Despite Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders' atheoretical pretensions, we attempt to shed light and critically challenge its dogmatic mental health presumptions through a family systems perspective. Specifically, our critical study of a fictitious vignette attempts to expose how the medical model's systematic de‐emphasis of familial environments directs clinicians away from the true source of triangulated children's distress, an attention shift that may result in unintentionally perpetuating children's psychological turmoil. Alternatively, we attempt to delineate how the system paradigm may holistically account for children's familial emotional environments, thereby potentially attributing their psychological distress to its true, yet concealed, familial dysfunction. In essence, we argue that the medical model seems to operate within a decontextualized restricted disease‐carrier‐child mind frame, hence potentially ascribing faux diagnoses and false medical treatments to healthy children.
Composite Higgs at high transverse momentum
Authors: Banfi Andrea , Dillon Barry M. , Ketaiam Wissarut , Kvedaraitė Sandra
Published: January 2020

Abstract

In this paper we explore composite Higgs scenarios through the effects of light top-partners in Higgs+Jet production at the LHC. The pseudo-Goldstone boson nature of the Higgs field means that single-Higgs production via gluon fusion is insensitive to the mass spectrum of the top-partners. However in associated production this is not the case, and new physics scales may be probed. In the course of the work we consider scenarios with both one and two light top-partner multiplets in the spectrum of composite states. In compliance with perturbativity and experimental constraints, we study corrections to the Higgs couplings and the effects that the light top-partner multiplets have on the transverse momentum spectrum of the Higgs. Interestingly, we find that the corrections to the Standard Model expectation depend strongly on the representation of the top-partners in the global symmetry.
A randomized, 3-arm, neoadjuvant, phase 2 study comparing docetaxel + carboplatin + trastuzumab + pertuzumab (TCbHP), TCbHP followed by trastuzumab emtansine and pertuzumab (T-DM1+P), and T-DM1+P in HER2-positive primary breast cancer
Authors: Masuda Norikazu , Ohtani Shoichiro , Takano Toshimi , Inoue Kenichi , Suzuki Eiji , Nakamura Rikiya , Bando Hiroko , Ito Yoshinori , Ishida Kazushige , Yamanaka Takashi , Kuroi Katsumasa , Yasojima Hiroyuki , Kasai Hiroi , Takasuka Tsuyoshi , Sakurai Takaki , Kataoka Tatsuki R. , Morita Satoshi , Ohno Shinji , Toi Masakazu
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The standard of care in the neoadjuvant setting for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer is dual HER2-targeted therapy. However, a need to minimize treatment-related toxicity and improve pathological complete response (pCR) rates, particularly in luminal HER2-positive disease, exists.

Methods

Neopeaks, a randomized, phase 2 study, compared docetaxel + carboplatin + trastuzumab + pertuzumab (TCbHP; 6 cycles; group A), TCbHP (4 cycles) followed by trastuzumab emtansine + pertuzumab (T-DM1+P; 4 cycles; group B), and T-DM1+P (4 cycles; group C) regimens in HER2‐positive primary breast cancer patients; concurrent hormone therapy with T-DM1+P was administered in case of estrogen receptor positivity (ER+). Based on tumor shrinkage, nonresponders in group C were switched to 5-fluorouracil + epirubicin + cyclophosphamide (FEC; 4 cycles). Primary endpoint was pCR (comprehensive pCR ypN0 [ypT0-TisypN0]).

Results

Of 236 patients enrolled, 204 were randomized to groups A (n = 51), B (n = 52), and C (n = 101). In group C, 80 (79%) patients continued T-DM1+P following favorable response, whereas 21 (21%) nonresponders switched to FEC. pCR rate was numerically higher with the TCbHP →  T-DM1+P regimen (71%) versus the standard TCbHP (57%) and T-DM1+P (57%) regimens. The rate in group C was higher among responders continuing T-DM1+P (63%) versus nonresponders who switched to FEC (38%). pCR rates after initial 4 cycles of T-DM1+P (group C; 57%) and standard TCbHP regimen (57%) were equivalent. pCR rate in patients with ER+ was significantly higher in group B (69%) than groups A (43%) and C (51%), but was comparable in patients with ER− (67–76%). Compared with the T-DM1-based arm, the incidence of adverse events was higher in the taxane-based arms.

Conclusion

In the neoadjuvant setting, the pCR rate with the standard TCbHP →  T-DM1+P regimen was numerically better than the TCbHP regimen alone and significantly better in patients with ER+. Personalization of the T-DM1+P regimen could serve as a reasonable approach to minimize toxicity while maintaining efficacy.

Trial registration ID: UMIN-CTR: UMIN000014649.
Effects of baseline heart rate at sea level on cardiac responses to high-altitude exposure
Authors: Tian Jingdu , Liu Chuan , Yang Yuanqi , Yu Shiyong , Yang Jie , Zhang Jihang , Ding Xiaohan , Zhang Chen , Rao Rongsheng , Zhao Xiaohui , Huang Lan
Published: January 2020

High-altitude (HA) exposure has been widely considered as a cardiac stress, and associated with altered cardiac function. However, the characteristics of cardiac responses to HA exposure are unclear. In total, 240 healthy men were enrolled and ascended to 4100 m by bus within 7 days. Standard echocardiography and color tissue Doppler imaging were performed at sea level and at 4100 m. In all subjects, HA exposure increased HR [65 (59, 71) vs. 72 (63, 80) beats/min, p < 0.001] but decreased the stroke volume index (SVi) [35.5 (30.5, 42.3) vs. 32.9 (27.4, 39.5) ml/m2, p < 0.001], leading to an unchanged cardiac index (CI). Moreover, baseline HR was negatively correlated with HA exposure-induced changes in HR (r = − 0.410, p < 0.001) and CI (r = − 0.314, p < 0.001). Following HA exposure, subjects with lowest tertile of baseline HR showed an increased HR [56 (53, 58) vs. 65 (58, 73) beats/min, p < 0.001], left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) [61.7 (56.5, 68.0) vs. 66.1 (60.7, 71.5) %, p = 0.004] and mitral S′ velocity [5.8 ± 1.4 vs. 6.5 ± 1.9 cm/s, p = 0.040]. However, subjects with highest tertile of baseline HR showed an unchanged HR, LVEF and mitral S′ velocity, but a decreased E′ velocity [9.2 ± 2.0 vs. 8.4 ± 1.8 cm/s, p = 0.003]. Our findings indicate that baseline HR at sea level could determine cardiac responses to HA exposure; these responses were characterized by enhanced LV function in subjects with a low baseline HR and by reduced LV myocardial velocity in early diastole in subjects with a high baseline HR.
Relaxing the strong triadic closure problem for edge strength inference
Authors: Adriaens Florian , De Bie Tijl , Gionis Aristides , Lijffijt Jefrey , Matakos Antonis , Rozenshtein Polina
Published: January 2020

Social networks often provide only a binary perspective on social ties: two individuals are either connected or not. While sometimes external information can be used to infer thestrengthof social ties, access to such information may be restricted or impractical to obtain. Sintos and Tsaparas (KDD 2014) first suggested to infer the strength of social ties from the topology of the network alone, by leveraging theStrong Triadic Closure(STC) property. The STC property states that if personAhas strong social ties with personsBandC,BandCmust be connected to each other as well (whether with a weak or strong tie). They exploited this property to formulate the inference of the strength of social ties as a NP-hard maximization problem, and proposed two approximation algorithms. We refine and improve this line of work, by developing a sequence of linear relaxations of the problem, which can be solved exactly in polynomial time. Usefully, these relaxations infer more fine-grained levels of tie strength (beyond strong and weak), which also allows one to avoid making arbitrary strong/weak strength assignments when the network topology provides inconclusive evidence. Moreover, these relaxations allow us to easily change the objective function to more sensible alternatives, instead of simply maximizing the number of strong edges. An extensive theoretical analysis leads to two efficient algorithmic approaches. Finally, our experimental results elucidate the strengths of the proposed approach, while at the same time questioning the validity of leveraging the STC property for edge strength inference in practice.
Discrepancies in purposes of student course evaluations: what does it mean to be “satisfied”?
Authors: Borch Iris , Sandvoll Ragnhild , Risør Torsten
Published: January 2020

Student evaluation of teaching is a multipurpose tool that aims to improve and assure educational quality. Improved teaching and student learning are central to educational enhancement. However, use of evaluation data for these purposes is less robust than expected. This paper explores how students and teachers perceive how different student evaluation methods at a Norwegian university invite students to provide feedback about aspects relevant to their learning processes. We discuss whether there are characteristics of the methods themselves that might affect the use of student evaluation. For the purpose of this study, interviews with teachers and students were conducted, and educational documents were analysed. Results indicated that evaluation questions in surveys emerged as mostly teaching-oriented, non-specific and satisfaction-based. This type of question did not request feedback from students about aspects that they considered relevant to their learning processes. Teachers noted limitations with surveys and said such questions were unsuitable for educational enhancement. In contrast, dialogue-based evaluation methods engaged students in discussions about their learning processes and increased students’ and teachers’ awareness about how aspects of courses improved and hindered students’ learning processes. Students regarded these dialogues as valuable for their learning processes and development of communication skills. The students expected all evaluations to be learning oriented and were surprised by the teaching focus in surveys. This discrepancy caused a gap between students’ expectations and the evaluation practice. Dialogue-based evaluation methods stand out as a promising alternative or supplement to a written student evaluation approach when focusing on students’ learning processes.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s Efforts to Strengthen a Culture of Prevention in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Heikkilä Hanna , Maalouf Wadih , Campello Giovanna
Published: January 2020

This article discusses how decision-makers can be supported to strengthen a culture of prevention. This article presents an example of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s (UNODC) work to engage with decision-makers to create readiness, demand, and capacity for evidence-based prevention programming among them, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. First, we utilized two of the UNODC’s data sources to describe the context where the UNODC’s prevention efforts take place. Analysis of the first dataset on prevention activities implemented globally revealed a gap in translating evidence into practice on a global scale. The second dataset consisted of UNODC policy documents mandating and guiding global action to address substance use. The analysis showed that at the level of political frameworks, prevention is gradually gaining more attention but is still frequently left in the shadow of health- and law enforcement-related issues. In addition, these guiding documents did not reflect fully the current scientific understanding of what constitutes an effective prevention response. Against this background, the feasibility of the UNODC’s efforts to bridge the science–practice gap in the field of prevention was discussed by presenting the results from the UNODC’s regional capacity-building seminars focused on the role of monitoring and evaluation in prevention programming. The results showed potential of this capacity building to affect the attitudes and knowledge of targeted decision-makers. Such efforts to increase decision-makers’ readiness and ultimately their endorsement, adoption, and ongoing support of evidence-based preventive interventions should be continued and intensified.
Awake Endoscopic Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Technical Note
Authors: Butler Alexander J. , Brusko G. Damian , Wang Michael Y.
Published: January 2020

Background

Advances in modern spinal fusion techniques have allowed for less peri-operative morbidity and more rapid recovery from surgery. The addition of endoscopy to minimally invasive surgery (MIS) fusion techniques represents the latest progression of efforts to minimize the impact of surgical intervention.

Technique

MIS transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is performed endoscopically through a sub-centimeter working portal. Patients undergo light conscious sedation and remain awake to facilitate feedback with the surgeon and enhance post-operative recovery.

Results

Previously reported results of the first 100 cases performed by the senior author at a single institution are summarized. This cohort has been characterized by brief post-operative length of stay, low complication profile, and marked improvement in patient-reported outcomes scores, with no cases of pseudarthrosis at 1-year follow up.

Conclusions

The latest technical considerations and adaptations of a novel technique for endoscopic MIS spinal fusion without general anesthesia are described. A refined surgical technique and anesthetic protocol are presented in detail with recommendations for the successful implementation and performance of the procedure.
The mechanism of balloon Eustachian tuboplasty: a biomechanical study
Authors: Smith Matthew E. , Weir Anna E. , Prior Daisy C.C. , Cope Wei , Tysome James R. , Sutcliffe Michael
Published: January 2020

Obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction (OETD) is a common condition resulting from inadequate opening of the Eustachian tube (ET). A new surgical treatment involves high-pressure inflation of a balloon within the ET, with the aim of dilating the soft tissue structure. However, the mechanical effects of this intervention have not been established, nor the impact of changing device size or other technical parameters. A novel experimental technique allowed quantification of plastic and elastic tissue deformation in model materials and then human cadaver ETs during balloon dilation, based on the measured balloon inflation pressure-volume relationship. Plastic tissue deformation was found to be greater using larger balloons and deeper device insertion, but increasing the inflation pressure had a more limited effect, with most deformation occurring well below the clinically used pressures. Histological assessment of ET tissue suggested that mucosal tearing and cartilage cracking were in part responsible for the mechanical changes. Balloon dilation of the ET has huge potential if found to be clinically effective, but currently there is a need to understand and develop the technique further. The novel methods employed in this study will be valuable in future laboratory and in vivo studies of ET balloon dilation. Pressures are reported in Bar as this unit is used for medical balloon dilation procedures in clinical practice. 1 Bar = 100,000 Pa.
Experience on Using Thoracoscope in Diagnosis and Treatment of Neonatal Idiopathic Esophageal Perforation
Authors: Fan Wei , Huang Jinshi
Published: January 2020

Idiopathic esophageal perforation in the neonatal is a rare entity. The presentation is usually with mediastinal inflammation, icherrhemia, and infectious shock, all of which are potentially life-threatening. We present a case with an unusual right side pneumothorax chest and esophagography suggesting an esophageal perforation. With thoracoscope, the esophageal perforation was sutured. The child recovered well from the procedure.
The Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold in real-world practice: long-term follow-up of the AMC Single Centre Real World PCI Registry
Authors: Tijssen R. Y. G. , Annink M. E. , Kraak R. P. , Koch K. T. , Baan Jr J. , Vis M. M. , Piek J. J. , Henriques J. P. S. , de Winter R. J. , Beijk M. A. M. , Wykrzykowska J. J.
Published: January 2020

Background

Bioresorbable scaffolds have been introduced to overcome the shortcomings of drug-eluting stents. Higher rates of device thrombosis, however, have been reported up to 3 years after implantation of the Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS). In the current article, we therefore report long-term clinical outcomes of the AMC Absorb Registry.

Methods and results

In the AMC Absorb Registry, all patients who underwent a percutaneous coronary intervention with Absorb BVS implantation between 30 August 2012 and 5 August 2013 at the Amsterdam University Medical Centre—Academic Medical Centre were included. The composite endpoint of this analysis was target-vessel failure (TVF). The median follow-up of the study cohort of the AMC Absorb Registry was 1534 days. At the time of the cross-sectional data sweep the clinical status at 4 years was known in 124 of 135 patients (91.9%). At long-term follow-up, the composite endpoint of TVF had occurred in 27 patients. The 4‑year Kaplan-Meier estimate of TVF was 19.8%. At 4 years cardiac death had occurred in 4 patients (3.2%) and target-vessel myocardial infarction in 9 (6.9%) patients. Definite scaffold thrombosis occurred in 5 (3.8%) patients. We found 1 case of very late scaffold thrombosis that occurred at 911 days after device implantation in a patient who was not on dual anti-platelet therapy.

Conclusion

In a patient population reflecting routine clinical practice, we found that cases of TVF continued to accrue beyond 2 years after Absorb BVS implantation.
Support, technology and mental health: correlates of trainee workplace satisfaction
Authors: Stan Vanessa A. , Correa Ricardo , Deslauriers Jessica R. , Faynboym Semyon , Shah Tina , Widge Alik S.
Published: January 2020

Introduction Low physician workplace satisfaction may negatively impact patient care. Dissatisfaction may begin during residency training, where trainees face lower autonomy and less control over work conditions. The theoretical and empirical literature on trainees is couched mainly in terms of burnout. Theories of satisfaction, a different construct, are derived from studies of independent physicians. Identifying specific correlates of trainee satisfaction may be a clearer path to preparing a sustainable physician workforce.

Methods We surveyed 3300 residents and fellows (response rate of 7.2% to 46,574 surveys sent) across multiple specialties and institutions in the US. The instrument was adapted from a previous large-scale survey of physician satisfaction, with changes reflecting factors theorized to specifically affect trainee satisfaction. We applied generalized linear regression to identify correlates of higher satisfaction.

Results A total of 1444 (44%) residents/fellows reported they were very satisfied and 1311 (40%) reported being somewhat satisfied. Factors associated with satisfaction included positive perceptions of supporting clinical staff, the electronic health record, and stability of personal mental health. Surprisingly, a strong negative perception of completing insurance and/or disability forms was also associated with higher satisfaction. Factors often presumed to correlate with satisfaction, such as duty hours, debt load, and specialty, did not show significant associations.

Discussion Multiple workplace factors are correlated with trainee satisfaction, but they are not the factors (such as financial debt) that we initially hypothesized.
The do’s, don’ts and don’t knows of establishing a sustainable longitudinal integrated clerkship
Authors: Bartlett Maggie , Couper Ian , Ann Poncelet Ann , Paul Worley Paul
Published: January 2020

Introduction The longitudinal integrated clerkship is a model of clinical medical education that is increasingly employed by medical schools around the world. These guidelines are a result of a narrative review of the literature which considered the question of how to maximize the sustainability of a new longitudinal integrated clerkship program. Method All four authors have practical experience of establishing longitudinal integrated clerkship programs. Each author individually constructed their Do’s, Don’ts and Don’t Knows and the literature that underpinned them. The lists were compiled and revised in discussion and a final set of guidelines was agreed. A statement of the strength of the evidence is included for each guideline. Results The final set of 18 Do’s, Don’ts and Don’t Knows is presented with an appraisal of the evidence for each one. Conclusion Implementing a longitudinal integrated clerkship is a complex process requiring the involvement of a wide group of stakeholders in both hospitals and communities. The complexity of the change management processes requires careful and sustained attention, with a particular focus on the outcomes of the programs for students and the communities in which they learn. Effective and consistent leadership and adequate resourcing are important. There is a need to select teaching sites carefully, involve students and faculty in allocation of students to sites and support students and faculty though the implementation phase and beyond. Work is needed to address the Don’t Knows, in particular the question of how cost-effectiveness is best measured.
InSocialNet: Interactive visual analytics for role—event videos
Authors: Pan Yaohua , Niu Zhibin , Wu Jing , Zhang Jiawan
Published: January 2020

Role–event videos are rich in information but challenging to be understood at the story level. The social roles and behavior patterns of characters largely depend on the interactions among characters and the background events. Understanding them requires analysis of the video contents for a long duration, which is beyond the ability of current algorithms designed for analyzing short-time dynamics. In this paper, we propose InSocialNet, an interactive video analytics tool for analyzing the contents of role–event videos. It automatically and dynamically constructs social networks from role–event videos making use of face and expression recognition, and provides a visual interface for interactive analysis of video contents. Together with social network analysis at the back end, InSocialNet supports users to investigate characters, their relationships, social roles, factions, and events in the input video. We conduct case studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of InSocialNet in assisting the harvest of rich information from role–event videos. We believe the current prototype implementation can be extended to applications beyond movie analysis, e.g., social psychology experiments to help understand crowd social behaviors.
Reconstructing piecewise planar scenes with multi-view regularization
Authors: Xi Weijie , Chen Xuejin
Published: January 2020

Reconstruction of man-made scenes from multi-view images is an important problem in computer vision and computer graphics. Observing that man-made scenes are usually composed of planar surfaces, we encode plane shape prior in reconstructing man-made scenes. Recent approaches for single-view reconstruction employ multi-branch neural networks to simultaneously segment planes and recover 3D plane parameters. However, the scale of available annotated data heavily limits the generalizability and accuracy of these supervised methods. In this paper, we propose multi-view regularization to enhance the capability of piecewise planar reconstruction during the training phase, without demanding extra annotated data. Our multi-view regularization enables the consistency among multiple views by making the feature embedding more robust against view change and lighting variations. Thus, the neural network trained by multi-view regularization performs better on a wide range of views and lightings in the test phase. Based on more consistent prediction results, we merge the recovered models from multiple views to reconstruct scenes. Our approach achieves state-of-the-art reconstruction performance compared to previous approaches on the public ScanNet dataset.
SpinNet: Spinning convolutional network for lane boundary detection
Authors: Fan Ruochen , Wang Xuanrun , Hou Qibin , Liu Hanchao , Mu Tai-Jiang
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we propose a simple but effective framework for lane boundary detection, called SpinNet. Considering that cars or pedestrians often occlude lane boundaries and that the local features of lane boundaries are not distinctive, therefore, analyzing and collecting global context information is crucial for lane boundary detection. To this end, we design a novel spinning convolution layer and a brand-new lane parameterization branch in our network to detect lane boundaries from a global perspective. To extract features in narrow strip-shaped fields, we adopt strip-shaped convolutions with kernels which have 1 × n or n × 1 shape in the spinning convolution layer. To tackle the problem of that straight strip-shaped convolutions are only able to extract features in vertical or horizontal directions, we introduce the concept of feature map rotation to allow the convolutions to be applied in multiple directions so that more information can be collected concerning a whole lane boundary. Moreover, unlike most existing lane boundary detectors, which extract lane boundaries from segmentation masks, our lane boundary parameterization branch predicts a curve expression for the lane boundary for each pixel in the output feature map. And the network utilizes this information to predict the weights of the curve, to better form the final lane boundaries. Our framework is easy to implement and end-to-end trainable. Experiments show that our proposed SpinNet outperforms state-of-the-art methods.