bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A House of Quality (HOQ) matrix of assistive technology for deaf students at elementary school to enhance basic-level language competencies
Authors: Kurniawan V R B , Wijayanti D
Published: February 2020

Communication skill is a human basic ability to interact with one another. People usually have no difficulties in communication, yet not for deaf people. The basic communication ability of deaf people tends to be poor due to their hearing impairment. Thus, the technological role is an effective way to enhance communication skill for deaf people or so-called as assistive technology. This study generated a house of quality (HOQ) matrix which can be adopted to develop an assistive technology in the form of language instructional media. The HOQ matrix generated significantly contributes to translating from profound need analysis to assistive technology features to enhance communication ability through Indonesian language competencies for deaf students at elementary school. The user needs were formulized from a preliminary assessment at previous research which took twelve best deaf students from three special elementary schools in Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This study has found that the priority of assistive technology development is visual and interactive media, either application or educational game, which comprises the vocabulary of concrete thematic nouns and non-affix transitive verbs and composing a simple sentence. Therefore, the HOQ generated is particularly noteworthy for Indonesian language major competencies by deaf students, which are: understanding reading text skill, writing, and speaking.
The innovation of module training based heutagogy as an acceleration for increasing pedagogical supremacy of vocational education lecturers in the industrial revolution 4.0
Authors: Putra A B N R , Syafrudie H A , Nidhom A M , Smaragdina A A , Md Yunos J B , Sembiring A I , Eriyanto
Published: February 2020

This study aims to find the factors that cause the low pedagogical supremacy competence of vocational education lecturers and examine the attractiveness of heutagogy-based training module innovations to improve pedagogical supremacy of vocational education lecturers. This research uses the R&D method. The research focused on tertiary education in vocational fields in East Java. The results and findings in this study include: (1) the factors that cause the low pedagogical supremacy competency of vocational education lecturers include the management factors of students (understanding insight or educational foundation, understanding of students, curriculum/syllabus development, learning design, learning implementation that educates and dialogical, and evaluation of learning outcomes) and aspects of personality (active self-development activities, self-evaluation, designing self-roadmap, professional self-concept, and independent innovation); (2) the innovation of heutatogy-based training modules developed has a high level of acceptance. This is evidenced by the average score of indicators of 36.93 or the level of acceptance of 92.33%, and (3) the innovative heutagogy-based training module developed can be used as a relevant alternative reference in the development of other sophisticated media.
The influence of different welding power current on A36 carbon steel toward ship embroidery with heat annealing treatment process
Authors: Pramono S , Waaddulloh M , Suharso D D , Purnomo Hendra , Oktoberty  , Gunarti M R
Published: February 2020

The welding process can occur in shipbuilding with steel material. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect on welding. this research was conducted welding with different amperes with heat annealing treatment. The welding process used in ASTM A36 steel carbon welding or Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) with 9 mm thickness. Finally, a test was conducted including A36 carbon steel content test, NDT test, tensile test, and microstructure test. The result showed that the highest tensile stength value was 559,410 MPa in speciation 1 with 110 amide and the lowest tensile strength value of 556,473 MPa at 60 amperes. The NDT test using chemical substance showed that there was undercut on the welding in speciation 1 with amperage 60 amperes; while, speciation 2 with 110 Volt amperage there is no undercut in the welding area. From the results of the structure test microstructure showed that the pearlite and ferrite grains are formed smaller and tight because there is the influence of heat that is given in welding process, in which the smaller the number the greater the number of hardness of a material.
Implementation of Computer Bases Assessment on Students’ Aptitude Using Online and Multimedia Test for Talent Mapping
Authors: Khairudin M. , Wulandari F. , Mardapi D
Published: February 2020

Each individual has different aptitudes and personalities. As a very important role, schools can map students’ interests according to students’ talents and interests. This is very important because proper placement of interest can support students’ academic ability. This study aims to create a standard measurement that can be used for mapping and tracking students’ talent in high school becomes easier and measurable. There are 5 aspects related to aptitudes in this research such as visual reasoning test, numerical reasoning test, verbal analysis test, spatial recognition test and vocabulary test. The Rasch model was used to analyze the difficulty level of the item, and from the results of the study showed that the difficulty level of the item was in the normal distribution at the interval - 4.5735 to 6.4989. By using the Google Form tool, students’ aptitudes tests are developed and presented in varied form and can provide test result information automatically. The use of Google Form has several advantages, such as (1) the test does not have to be done simultaneously at the same time and place, (2) the item can be made more interesting because it can use images and audio visual facilities and (3) there is no need to duplicate the test paper since it is computer-based tests to minimize test administration.
Taking inspiration from climbing plants: methodologies and benchmarks—a review
Authors: Fiorello Isabella , Del Dottore Emanuela , Tramacere Francesca , Mazzolai Barbara
Published: February 2020

One of the major challenges in robotics and engineering is to develop efficient technological solutions that are able to cope with complex environments and unpredictable constraints. Taking inspiration from natural organisms is a well-known approach to tackling these issues. Climbing plants are an important, yet innovative, source of inspiration due to their ability to adapt to diverse habitats, and can be used as a model for developing robots and smart devices for exploration and monitoring, as well as for search and rescue operations. This review reports the main methodologies and approaches used by scientists to investigate and extract the features of climbing plants that are relevant to the artificial world in terms of adaptation, movement, and behaviour, and it summarizes the current available climbing plant-inspired engineering solutions.
Methane emissions from underground gas storage in California
Authors: Thorpe Andrew K , Duren Riley M , Conley Stephen , Prasad Kuldeep R , Bue Brian D , Yadav Vineet , Foster Kelsey T , Rafiq Talha , Hopkins Francesca M , Smith Mackenzie L , Fischer Marc L , Thompson David R , Frankenberg Christian , McCubbin Ian B , Eastwood Michael L , Green Robert O , Miller Charles E
Published: February 2020

Accurate and timely detection, quantification, and attribution of methane emissions from Underground Gas Storage (UGS) facilities is essential for improving confidence in greenhouse gas inventories, enabling emission mitigation by facility operators, and supporting efforts to assess facility integrity and safety. We conducted multiple airborne surveys of the 12 active UGS facilities in California between January 2016 and November 2017 using advanced remote sensing and in situ observations of near-surface atmospheric methane (CH4). These measurements where combined with wind data to derive spatially and temporally resolved methane emission estimates for California UGS facilities and key components with spatial resolutions as small as 1–3 m and revisit intervals ranging from minutes to months. The study spanned normal operations, malfunctions, and maintenance activity from multiple facilities including the active phase of the Aliso Canyon blowout incident in 2016 and subsequent return to injection operations in summer 2017. We estimate that the net annual methane emissions from the UGS sector in California averaged between 11.0 ± 3.8 GgCH4 yr−1 (remote sensing) and 12.3 ± 3.8 GgCH4 yr−1 (in situ). Net annual methane emissions for the 7 facilities that reported emissions in 2016 were estimated between 9.0 ± 3.2 GgCH4 yr−1 (remote sensing) and 9.5 ± 3.2 GgCH4 yr−1 (in situ), in both cases around 5 times higher than reported. The majority of methane emissions from UGS facilities in this study are likely dominated by anomalous activity: higher than expected compressor loss and leaking bypass isolation valves. Significant variability was observed at different time-scales: daily compressor duty-cycles and infrequent but large emissions from compressor station blow-downs. This observed variability made comparison of remote sensing and in situ observations challenging given measurements were derived largely at different times, however, improved agreement occurred when comparing simultaneous measurements. Temporal variability in emissions remains one of the most challenging aspects of UGS emissions quantification, underscoring the need for more systematic and persistent methane monitoring.
A review on MXene for energy storage application: effect of interlayer distance
Authors: Garg Ruby , Agarwal Alpana , Agarwal Mohit
Published: February 2020

To meet the energy needs batteries and supercapacitors are evolved as a promising candidate from the class of energy storage devices. The growth in the development of new 2D electrode materials brings a new revolution in energy storage devices with a comprehensive investigation. MXene, a new family of 2D metal carbides, nitrides and carbonitrides due to their attractive electrical and electrochemical properties e.g. hydrophilicity, conductivity, surface area, topological structure have gained huge attention. In this review, we discussed different MXene synthesis routes using different etchants e.g. hydrofluoric acid, ammonium hydrazine, lithium fluoride, and hydrochloric acid, etc showing that fluorine formation is compulsory to etch the aluminum layer from its precursor. Due to the advantage of large interlayer spacing between the MXene layers in MXene, the effect of intercalation on the performance of batteries and supercapacitors using MXene as electrodes by various sized cations are reviewed. Different MXene hybrids as supercapacitor electrodes will also be summarized. Lastly, the conclusion and future scope of MXene to be done in various supercapacitor applications are also presented.
Effects of target current density on the ionization rate of deposited particles and breakdown strength of AlN films
Authors: Liu Hongri , Li Hongtao , Jiang Bailing
Published: February 2020

Aluminum nitride (AlN) films were deposited by DC reactive magnetron sputtering using two high purity aluminum targets, at selected target current densities (0.055, 0.083, 0.110 and 0.138 A cm−2). The effects of the target current density on the ionization rate of Al atoms, morphology, chemical composition, crystal structure and breakdown strength of AlN films were studied by self-made device, SEM, XPS, XRD and withstanding voltage tester. It was found that the ionization rate of Al atoms gradually increased from 6% to 19% as target current density increased to 0.138 A cm−2. The results of XPS showed that the Al/N atomic ratio of AlN films gradually approached 1:1. Compared with low target current densities, the AlN films deposited at 0.110 and 0.138 A cm−2 exhibited a fine-crystal structure with average grain size <15 nm, good columnar structure with no obvious voids, and high breakdown strength. This indicated that Al atoms with high ionization rate could be applied to improve the insulation performance of AlN films.
Genomic Determinants of Hypertension With a Focus on Metabolomics and the Gut Microbiome
Authors: Louca Panayiotis , Menni Cristina , Padmanabhan Sandosh
Published: February 2020

Epidemiologic and genomic studies have progressively improved our understanding of the causation of hypertension and the complex relationship with diet and environment. The majority of Mendelian forms of syndromic hypotension and hypertension (HTN) have all been linked to mutations in genes whose encoded proteins regulate salt–water balance in the kidney, supporting the primacy of the kidneys in blood pressure regulation. There are more than 1,477 single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with blood pressure and hypertension and the challenge is establishing a causal role for these variants. Hypertension is a complex multifactorial phenotype and it is likely to be influenced by multiple factors including interactions between diet and lifestyle factors, microbiome, and epigenetics. Given the finite genetic variability that is possible in humans, it is likely that incremental gains from single marker analyses have now plateaued and a greater leap in our understanding of the genetic basis of disease will come from integration of other omics and the interacting environmental factors. In this review, we focus on emerging results from the microbiome and metabolomics and discuss how leveraging these findings may facilitate a deeper understanding of the interrelationships between genomics, diet, and microbial ecology in humans in the causation of essential hypertension.
Mapping Short Association Fibers in the Early Cortical Visual Processing Stream Using In Vivo Diffusion Tractography
Authors: Movahedian Attar Fakhereh , Kirilina Evgeniya , Haenelt Daniel , Pine Kerrin J , Trampel Robert , Edwards Luke J , Weiskopf Nikolaus
Published: February 2020

Short association fibers (U-fibers) connect proximal cortical areas and constitute the majority of white matter connections in the human brain. U-fibers play an important role in brain development, function, and pathology but are underrepresented in current descriptions of the human brain connectome, primarily due to methodological challenges in diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) of these fibers. High spatial resolution and dedicated fiber and tractography models are required to reliably map the U-fibers. Moreover, limited quantitative knowledge of their geometry and distribution makes validation of U-fiber tractography challenging. Submillimeter resolution diffusion MRI—facilitated by a cutting-edge MRI scanner with 300 mT/m maximum gradient amplitude—was used to map U-fiber connectivity between primary and secondary visual cortical areas (V1 and V2, respectively) in vivo. V1 and V2 retinotopic maps were obtained using functional MRI at 7T. The mapped V1–V2 connectivity was retinotopically organized, demonstrating higher connectivity for retinotopically corresponding areas in V1 and V2 as expected. The results were highly reproducible, as demonstrated by repeated measurements in the same participants and by an independent replication group study. This study demonstrates a robust U-fiber connectivity mapping in vivo and is an important step toward construction of a more complete human brain connectome.
Clinical Course and Outcome of Human Monkeypox in Nigeria
Authors: Ogoina Dimie , Iroezindu Michael , James Hendris Izibewule , Oladokun Regina , Yinka-Ogunleye Adesola , Wakama Paul , Otike-odibi Bolaji , Usman Liman Muhammed , Obazee Emmanuel , Aruna Olusola , Ihekweazu Chikwe
Published: February 2020

In a retrospective review of hospital records of 40 human monkeypox cases from Nigeria, the majority developed fever and self-limiting vesiculopustular skin eruptions. Five deaths were reported. Compared to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–negative cases, HIV type 1–coinfected cases had more prolonged illness, larger lesions, and higher rates of both secondary bacterial skin infections and genital ulcers.
Evaluation of Sustained Virologic Response as a Relevant Surrogate Endpoint for Long-term Outcomes of Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Krassenburg Lisette A P , Zanjir Wayel R , Georgie Firas , Stotland Emily , Janssen Harry L A , Hansen Bettina E , Feld Jordan J
Published: February 2020

Background

The causal link of sustained virologic response (SVR) with outcome has been challenged. With improved SVR rates with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), the benefit of SVR would be expected to diminish if the association with outcome is not causal.

Methods

Data were collected for patients starting treatment with interferon (IFN) or DAAs between June 2006 and December 2016. To control for disease severity, criteria for the IDEAL (Individualized Dosing Efficacy vs. Flat Dosing to Assess Optimal Pegylated Interferon Therapy) trial determined IFN-eligibility. Clinical events were decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplantation, and all-cause mortality.

Results

In 1078 IDEAL-eligible patients, 1306 treatments occurred (52% IFN, 49% DAAs). Cirrhosis was present in 30% DAAs vs 21% IFN (P < .001). SVR was 97% with DAAs vs 52% with IFN (P < .0001). The 24-month cumulative event-free survival was 99% for IFN and 97% for DAAs with SVR (P = .08) and 96% and 75%, respectively, for non-SVR (P = .01). SVR was associated with improved event-free survival with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.21 (95% confidence interval, .06–.71; P = .01). Using inverse probability of treatment weighting to match IFN nonresponders with DAA-treated patients, the 24-month event-rate was 1.1% with DAAs compared to 3.4% in IFN nonresponders (P = .005), highlighting the clinical benefit of maximizing SVR.

Conclusions

In IFN-eligible patients, SVR is more commonly achieved with DAAs and confers a similar clinical benefit as in those treated with IFN. The reduced event-rate with DAAs compared to IFN, despite similar disease severity, confirm that SVR alters prognosis leading to improved clinical outcomes.
Inter-Laboratory Agreement of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Concentrations Measured Intact by Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Moncrieffe Danielle , Cox Holly D , Carletta Samantha , Becker Jessica O , Thomas Andreas , Eichner Daniel , Ahrens Brian , Thevis Mario , Bowers Larry D , Cowan David A , Hoofnagle Andrew N
Published: February 2020

Background

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-1) is measured mainly by immunoassay for the diagnosis and treatment of growth hormone (GH) disorders, and to detect misuse of GH in sport. Immunoassays often have insufficient inter-laboratory agreement, especially between commercial kits. Over the expected range of IGF-1 in blood (∼50–500 ng/mL), in an inter-laboratory study we previously established a measurement imprecision of 11% (%CV) for the digested protein analyzed by LC-MS. Measuring intact IGF-1 by LC-MS should be simpler. However, no inter-laboratory agreement has been published.

Methods

Intact and trypsin-digested IGF-1 in 32 serum samples from healthy volunteers and human growth hormone administration studies were analyzed by LC-MS using different instruments in five laboratories, as well as by immunoassay in a single laboratory. Another 100 samples were analyzed for IGF-1, both intact and after trypsin-digestion, in each laboratory by LC-MS. The statistical relationship between measurements and the imprecision of each assay group was assessed.

Results

An intra-laboratory variability of 2-4% CV was obtained. Inter-laboratory variability was greater at 14.5% CV. Orthogonal regression of intact versus trypsin-digestion methods (n = 646) gave a slope of 1.01 and intercept of 2.05 ng/mL.

Conclusions

LC-MS measurements of IGF-1 by intact and trypsin-digestion methods are not statistically different and each is similar to immunoassay. The two LC-MS approaches may be used interchangeably or together to eliminate concerns regarding an immunoassay IGF-1 measurement. Because intact and digested IGF-1 measurements generally agreed within 20% of each other, we propose this as a criterion of assay acceptability.
Associations of Cardiac, Kidney, and Diabetes Biomarkers With Peripheral Neuropathy among Older Adults in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study
Authors: Hicks Caitlin W , Wang Dan , Daya Natalie R , Windham B Gwen , Ballantyne Christie M , Matsushita Kunihiro , Selvin Elizabeth
Published: February 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the association of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTnT) and other cardiac, kidney, hyperglycemia, and inflammatory biomarkers with peripheral neuropathy (PN) in a community-based population.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 3056 black and white participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study who underwent standardized monofilament PN testing and had measures of cardiac function (hs-cTnT, N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP], and growth differentiation factor 15 [GDF15]), kidney function (serum creatinine, cystatin C, β-2 microglobulin, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio), hyperglycemia (fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c [Hb A1c], fructosamine, glycated albumin, 1,5-anhydroglucitol), and inflammation (C-reactive protein) assessed at visit 6 (2016–2017; age 71–94 years). We used logistic regression to assess the associations of these biomarkers (modeled in diabetes-specific tertiles) with PN in older adults with and without diabetes after adjusting for traditional risk factors.

Results

In total, 33.5% of participants had PN (37.3% with diabetes and 31.9% without diabetes). There was an independent association of hs-cTnT with PN regardless of diabetes status (diabetes T3 vs. T1: odds ratio [OR], 2.15 [95% CI, 1.44–3.22]; no diabetes: OR, 2.31 [95%CI, 1.76–3.03]; P = 0.72 for interaction). Among participants without diabetes, there were also significant associations of NT-proBNP (OR, 1.40 [95% CI, 1.08–1.81]) and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (OR, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.22–1.97]) with PN. Associations of hyperglycemia biomarkers including Hb A1c (OR, 1.76 [95% CI, 1.22–2.54]), fructosamine (OR, 1.71 [95% CI, 1.19–2.46]), and glycated albumin (OR, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.03–2.03]) with PN were significant only among participants with diabetes.

Conclusions

Overall, hs-cTnT appears to be a global marker of end organ damage, including PN. Laboratory biomarkers may be able to help us identify those individuals with PN.
Clustering-Evolutionary Random Support Vector Machine Ensemble for fMRI-Based Asperger Syndrome Diagnosis
Authors: Bi Xia-an , Wu Hao , Hu Xi , Fu Yu , Peng Shaoliang
Published: February 2020

It is a hot spot in the field of computer application to diagnose complex brain diseases such as Asperger syndrome (AS) using machine learning technology. To identify AS patients and detect lesions, this paper proposes a novel clustering-evolutionary random support vector machine (SVM) ensemble (CERSVME) based on graph theory. Firstly, we extract graph theory indexes from the resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data as sample features and construct an ensemble learner by integrating multiple SVM classifiers. Secondly, the base learners with high redundancy and poor classification ability are deleted through clustering evolutions to improve the performance of the model. Then the CERSVME model is used to classify fMRI image of AS patients and healthy controls. According to the classification results, a multi-stage analysis scheme is designed to find the AS-related brain areas. We validate the proposed approach on 135 participants from autism brain imaging data exchange cohort. The highest accuracy reported by the CERSVME reaches 95.24%. More importantly, the diseased brain areas such as middle frontal gyrus, hippocampus and precuneus are found based on their contributions to classification performances of the CERSVME. Our study provides useful assistances for the clinical detection of patients with AS.
‘In the name of humanity’: redefining socio-economic assistance in the revolutionary marketplace
Authors: Jarvis Katie
Published: February 2020

Most studies of socio-economic rights in the French Revolution have focused on how officials and other deliverers of aid struggled to redefine assistance, rather than on how recipients themselves contributed to the idea. In contrast, this article centres on poor Parisian market women called the Dames des Halles to bring to light the voices, discourses, and actions of individuals demanding rights and assistance. The Dames had relied on charity and privilege to conduct their commerce during the Old Regime, but the Revolution upended their advantages. Balancing discourses of humanity and utility, the Dames sought to recalibrate their place in the body politic in order to maintain occupational exemptions, favourable commercial positions, and exceptional access to public space. Their battles reveal how everyday citizens and the National Assembly first struggled to reinterpret socio-economic assistance as corrupt privilege, as the state’s civic duty, or as exemptions earned by poor working citizens.
Network Euphoria, Super-Information Systems and the West German Plan for a National Database System
Authors: Frohman Larry
Published: February 2020

Much attention has been devoted to planning as the key concept in political discourse of the Federal Republic from the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s. Much less attention has been paid to the closely related notion of information. At the turn of the 1970s, one of the most important initiatives of the West German government in the informational domain was a proposed national database network. The conception of politics that underlay this project bundled the utopian aspirations associated with the use of computers to integrate and analyse information with the conviction that more, better and different kinds of information would make complex, industrial societies like the Federal Republic more governable. The West German database network embodied two complementary modernist visions: the dream of total data integration and the antithetical but equally seductive documentarian belief that the problems of information management could be solved by reducing the symbolic field within which information was always embedded to stable, elemental units of meaning. However, the plan for a national database network collapsed before it could even fully make it onto the drawing board. This article argues that the project failed not because of privacy concerns, but because these modernist visions quickly ran up against limits that were as much political and conceptual as technological. In the end all that was left was a documentation system for the federal government in which the connections to social planning, which had provided much of the original impetus for the system, had all but disappeared.
Serving ‘the Cause’: Cecil Jackson-Cole and the professionalization of charity in post-war Britain*
Authors: Field Jessica
Published: February 2020

This article explores the relationship between faith, business and charity in mid to late twentieth-century Britain by examining the work of Cecil Jackson-Cole, co-founder of Oxfam, founder of Help the Aged, ActionAid and many other charities. Jackson-Cole’s approach to ‘building-up’ a charity accelerated the ongoing professionalization of the sector. This did not, however, represent a complete break from the Christian charity ethos of the past. By examining Jackson-Cole’s faith and its influence on his charity business network and practices, it is possible to see an enduring symbiotic relationship between faith and professionalization in organized charity across the twentieth century.
Genetic predisposition to coronary artery disease is predictive of recurrent events: a Chinese prospective cohort study
Authors: Jiang Jie , Zheng Qiwen , Han Yaling , Qiao Shubin , Chen Jiyan , Yuan Zuyi , Yu Bo , Ge Lei , Jia Jia , Gong Yanjun , Wang Zhi , Chen Dafang , Zhang Yan , Huo Yong
Published: February 2020

Evidence of the effects of genetic risk score (GRS) on secondary prevention is scarce and mixed. We investigated whether coronary artery disease (CAD) susceptible loci can be used to predict the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in a cohort with acute coronary syndromes (ACSs). A total of 1667 patients hospitalized with ACS were enrolled and prospectively followed for a median of 2 years. We constructed a weighted GRS comprising 79 CAD risk variants and investigated the association between GRS and MACE using a multivariable cox proportional hazard regression model. The incremental value of adding GRS into the prediction model was assessed by integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) and decision curve analysis (DCA). In the age- and sex-adjusted model, each increase in standard deviation in the GRS was associated with a 33% increased risk of MACE (hazard ratio: 1.33; 95% confidence interval: 1.10–1.61; P = 0.003), with this association not attenuating after further adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors. The addition of GRS to a prediction model of seven clinical risk factors and EPICOR prognostic model slightly improved risk stratification for MACE as calculated by IDI (+1.7%, P = 0.006; +0.3%, P = 0.024, respectively). DCA demonstrated positive net benefits by adding GRS to other models. GRS was associated with MACE after multivariable adjustment in a cohort comprising Chinese ACS patients. Future studies are needed to validate our results and further evaluate the predictive value of GRS in secondary prevention.
Impact of pulmonary artery reduction during arterial switch operation: 14 years follow-up
Authors: Lübe Antunes Pereira Fernanda , Nunes Martins Cristiane , Lopes Roberto Max , Ferber Drummond Matheus , Fantini Fernando Antonio , Correa Vrandecic Erika , Vrandecic Peredo Mario Oswaldo , Gontijo Filho Bayard
Published: February 2020

OBJECTIVES

Pulmonary artery/aorta (PA/Ao) size discrepancy plays an important role in the development of neoaortic root growth and valve regurgitation. Since 2004, we started using PA reduction to manage severe great vessels root mismatch at the time of arterial switch operation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of this technique in the mid- and long-term follow-up.

METHODS

Patients considered to have severe PA/Ao mismatch (>2:1 ratio) underwent resection of a 3- to 4-mm flap of the posterior PA wall. Patients submitted to this technique were followed up with clinical and image examinations. Echocardiographic findings were reviewed, and Z-scores were recorded to evaluate the incidence and progression of neoaortic root dilatation and valve regurgitation.

RESULTS

The median (Q1–Q3) follow-up time was 8 years (3–11). Before arterial switch operation, the median (Q1–Q3) Z-score of the PA annulus was 2.90 (2.75–3.75). At the latest follow-up, the median Z-score of the neoaortic annulus was 1.34 (0.95–1.66). The mean difference between the Z-scores of PA annulus and neoaortic annulus was 1.56 (P < 0.0001). The mean value of the sinus of Valsalva was +0.29 ± 1, that of sinotubular junction was +0.71 ± 0.6 and that of ascending Ao was +1.09 ± 0.7. There was no severe dilatation of the neoaortic annulus, neoaortic root or ascending Ao during follow-up. Neoaortic valve regurgitation was none or mild in 93% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

PA reduction proved to be a feasible and low-risk procedure to approach PA/Ao mismatch in arterial switch operation. Mid- and long-term follow-up showed a tendency towards stabilization of the neoaortic root dilatation and satisfactory valve performance after the procedure. Further investigation is required with a larger population and longer-term follow-up.
A statistical primer on subgroup analyses
Authors: Milojevic Milan , Nikolic Aleksandar , Jüni Peter , Head Stuart J
Published: February 2020

Resources for clinical research are limited. With increasing demand for patient-centred care, which is growing into an integral component of modern medicine, studying outcomes of patients with specific clinical characteristics is becoming increasingly important. Given the high cost of clinical trials and the time it takes to complete an investigation, it has become compulsory for investigators to assess not only treatment effects between the main randomized groups but also to try to identify clinically relevant subgroups that may particularly benefit from specific treatments. Publications of subgroup analyses turned out to be prevalent, and more importantly, these findings play a significant role in strategic planning and decision-making processes. Therefore, raising awareness among clinicians about the concepts and values of subgroup analysis is an aspect of improving patient outcomes. In this statistical primer, we give a broad introduction to the topic of subgroup analysis in scientific research. We furthermore discuss the concept of subgroup analysis; the motivation for assessing subgroups; the types of subgroup analyses and the paradigm of hypothesis-generating research; the proper statistical methods for the examination of subgroup effects; and the optimal approach for interpretation of results. Finally, this review establishes the comprehensive users’ guide for analysing and reporting subgroup studies on a point-by-point basis, using real-world examples that may help readers to gain experience to pursue their own subgroup analyses or interpret those of others.
Detection of Zika Virus Replication in Human Semen by Reverse-Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction Targeting of Antisense Ribonucleic Acid
Authors: Huits Ralph , De Smet Birgit , Grard Gilda , Eggermont Kaat , Minto-Bain Catherine , Jess Natalie , Leparc-Goffart Isabelle , Malvy Denis , Cnops Lieselotte
Published: February 2020

Background

Persistence of Zika virus (ZIKV) ribonucleic acid (RNA) in semen is common after infection.

Methods

We designed a reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction assay that targets antisense ZIKV RNA (asRNA) to assess ZIKV replication competence in ZIKV RNA-positive semen samples.

Results

We detected ZIKV asRNA in semen of 9 of 19 men (47.4%) diagnosed with ZIKV infection. All asRNA-positive samples had high ZIKV loads (cycle threshold values <26) and were obtained within 21 days of symptom onset.

Conclusions

The sensitivity of the asRNA assay for detection of ZIKV replication was higher than that of conventional virus isolation methods (47.4% vs 21.1%, P = .032).
Confronting the International Political Sociology of the New Right
Authors: Abrahamsen Rita , Drolet Jean-François , Gheciu Alexandra , Narita Karin , Vucetic Srdjan , Williams Michael
Published: February 2020

The rise of radical right-wing leaders, parties, movements, and ideas have transformed not only domestic political landscapes but also the direction and dynamics of international relations. Yet for all their emphasis on nationalist identity, on “America First” and “Taking Back Control,” there is an unmistakable international dimension to contemporary nationalist, populist movements. Yet these movements are also often transnationally linked. We argue that a constitutive part of this globality is the New Right's (NR) own distinctive international political sociology (IPS). Key thinkers of the contemporary NR have, over several decades, theorized and strategically mobilized globalized economic dislocation and cultural resentment, developing a coherent sociological critique of globalization. Drawing on the oft-neglected tradition of elite managerialism, NR ideologues have borrowed freely from Lenin and Schmitt on the power of enmity, as well as from Gramsci and the Frankfurt School on counterhegemonic strategies. Against the temptation to dismiss right-wing ideas as “merely” populist and by implication as lacking in ideological and theoretical foundations, we are faced with the much more challenging task of engaging a position that has already developed its own international political sociology and incorporated it into its political strategies.
Immunoaffinity Column Cleanup with Liquid Chromatography Using Post-Column Bromination for Determination of Aflatoxins in Peanut Butter, Pistachio Paste, Fig Paste, and Paprika Powder: Collaborative Study
Authors: Stroka Joerg , Anklam Elke , Jörissen Urban , Gilbert John ,   Collaborators:, Barmark Anna , Brera Carlo , Clasen Per-Erik , Galagher Fiona , Gardikis John , Jensen Lene Bai , Lee Fiona , Luz Macho , Michelet Jean-Yves , Noutio Kirsti , Palvras Lizete , Pittet Alain , Reutter Matthias , Scholten Jos M , Strassmeier Elfriede , Szymanski Louis
Published: February 2020

A collaborative study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of an immunoaffinity column cleanup liquid chromatography (LC) method for the determination of aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxins at European regulatory limits. The test portion is extracted with methanol–water (8 + 2) for dried figs and paprika, and with methanol–water (8 + 2) plus hexane (or cyclohexane) for peanut butter and pistachios. The sample extract is filtered, diluted with phosphate buffer saline, and applied to an immunoaffinity column. The column is washed with water and the aflatoxins are eluted with methanol. Aflatoxins are quantitated by reversed-phase LC with post-column derivatization (PCD) involving bromination. PCD is achieved with either an electrochemical cell (Kobra cell) and addition of bromide to the mobile phase or pyridinium hydrobromide perbromide. Determination is by fluorescence. Peanut butter, pistachio paste, dried fig paste, and paprika powder samples, both naturally contaminated with aflatoxins and containing added aflatoxins, were sent to 16 collaborators in 16 European countries. Test portions of samples were spiked at levels of 2.4 and 9.6 ng/g for total aflatoxins which included 1.0 and 4.0 ng/g aflatoxin B1, respectively. Recoveries for total aflatoxins ranged from 71 to 92% with corresponding recoveries for aflatoxin B1 of 82 to 109%. Based on results for spiked samples (blind duplicates at 2 levels) as well as naturally contaminated samples (blind duplicates at 4 levels, including blank), the relative standard deviation for repeatability ranged from 4.6 to 23.3% for total aflatoxins and from 3.1 to 20.0% for aflatoxin B1. The relative standard deviation for reproducibility ranged from 14.1 to 34.2% for total aflatoxins, and from 9.1 to 32.2% for aflatoxin B1. The method showed acceptable within-laboratory and between-laboratory precision for all 4 matrixes, as evidenced by HORRAT values <1, at the low levels of determination for both total aflatoxins and aflatoxin B1.
Determination of Lithium in Human Serum by Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
Authors: González Sara , Navarro Miguel , López Herminia , López María C , Pérez Vidal
Published: February 2020

An efficient method was developed for the determination of nanogram levels of lithium in biological samples. Serum samples from human subjects from southeastern Spain, treated or not treated with lithium carbonate, were analyzed by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. The samples were previously treated with a matrix modifier consisting of 0.1%Triton X-100 and injected through a graphite tube with L'vov platform. The Li concentrations measured by the procedure described for the 3 certified reference samples used were not significantly different (p > 0.05) than certified levels. Sample recoveries and variability during several days, with coefficients of variation from 4.00 to 14.8%, demonstrated the reliability and accuracy of this technique. Mean Li concentration determined in the serum of individuals with psychiatric disorders treated with Li (n = 117, 5.077 ± 1.795 μg Li/mL) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than that in individuals not treated with Li (n = 24, 1.902 ± 2.054 ng Li/mL).
Determination of Hydroperoxides in Liposomes by the Modified IDF and the Modified Tiron Methods
Authors: Gabriëls Margriet , Cirunay Joyce , Alafandy Mokarram , Brisaert Myriam , De Taevernier Marc , Camu Frederik , Plaizier-Vercammen Jacqueline
Published: February 2020

Two new methods, the modified International Dairy Federation and the modified Tiron methods, were developed for the determination of hydroperoxides in liposomes. Interferences of α-tocoferol and egg-phosphatidylcholine (EPC) required a solid-phase extraction before the analysis to eliminate α-tocoferol and a fluid–fluid extraction based on the solvent triangle of Bligh and Dyer to separate EPC. The developed color, using thiocyanate and Tiron, respectively, as complexformers for the generated ferri-ions, was measured spectrophotometrically. Both techniques showed good reproducibility and high sensitivity. Peroxide contents of 0.04 and 0.07% (g/g) in EPC samples were easily determined.
Determination of Inulin in Foods
Authors: Simonovska Breda
Published: February 2020

A method was developed for determining fructan inulin in various foods (yogurts, honey cakes, chocolates). Warm water was applied for extraction of samples, and mono- and dissacharides were determined by a thin-layer chromatographic densitometric method. A portion of the test solution was hydrolyzed 30 min with 1% oxalic acid in a boiling water bath. Fructose was determined in the hydrolysate. The amount of inulin in a sample was calculated as the difference between the amount of fructose in the sample before and after hydrolysis. The fructose from sucrose formed during the hydrolysis was also considered. The mean recovery from yogurt fortified with 4% inulin was 95.5 ± 4.5% (mean ± standard deviation); from honey cakes extract fortified with 10% inulin, 97.3 ± 5.5%; and from chocolate extract fortified with 30% inulin, 98.6 ± 6.6% (6 replicates in all cases). Determination of glucose is not necessary for analyzing fructans with the composition expressed shortened to GFn−1 (G, glucose; F, fructosyl) with the average degree of polymerization 8 ≤ n ≤ 15.
Selective Trace Determination of Dithiocarbamate Fungicides in Fruits and Vegetables by Reversed-Phase Ion-Pair Liquid Chromatography with Ultraviolet and Electrochemical Detection
Authors: Lishaut Holger Van , Schwack Wolfgang
Published: February 2020

The predominant methods for determination of dithiocarbamate fungicides (DTC) have been based on quantitation of carbon disulfide released by hot acid digestion. Because the subgroups of the DTC family differ in their chemical properties and toxicological behavior, selective determination is required. To meet the demand for a fast, simple, and sensitive procedure, a new reversed-phase ion-pair chromatographic method was developed, consisting of surface extraction followed by direct injection into a liquid chromatographic system equipped with ultraviolet and electrochemical detectors, connected in series. The procedure is applicable to residues of N-methyldithiocarbamates (metam-sodium), N,N-dimethyldithiocarbamates (e.g., ziram and ferbam), ethylenebisdithiocarbamates (e.g., nabam, maneb, zineb, and mancozeb), and propylenebisdithiocarbamates (e.g., propineb) in fruits and vegetables. Limits of quantitation, calculated according to the procedure of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, are 9, 12, 8, and 12 μg CS2/L for N-methyl-DTC, N,N-dimethyl-DTC, ethylenebis-DTC, and propylenebis-DTC, respectively, when electrochemical detection is used.
Determination of Residues of Pirimicarb and Its Desmethyl and Desmethylformamido Metabolites in Fruits and Vegetables by Liquid Chromatography–Electrospray/Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Startin James R , Sykes Mark D , Taylor John C , Hird Simon J , Jackson Kirsty , Fussell Richard J , Hill Alan R C
Published: February 2020

A method was developed for the simultaneous determination of residues of pirimicarb (I) and its desmethylformamido (II) and desmethyl (III) metabolites in plums, peas, green beans, broad beans, carrots, and swedes. The compounds were extracted with ethyl acetate and determined, without cleanup, by reversed-phase liquid chromatography and electrospray mass spectrometry (MS). MS and MS/MS were used concurrently to monitor the protonated molecules and their common collision-induced dissociation product. The limit of detection (signal-to-noise ratio of >3) was 1 ng/mL, corresponding to crop concentrations of <0.0015 mg/kg. All 3 compounds were determined in plums, broad beans, and green beans by MS without interference. Interferences which affected the determination of desmethylformamido-pirimicarb in peas, and to a lesser extent in carrots and swedes, were eliminated by MS/MS. Recoveries for all 3 compounds, at 0.05 mg/kg for plums and 0.005 mg/kg for other commodities, were in the range 83–124%. No interconversion of I, II and III, occurred during extraction, and the compounds were stable in extracts for ≥7 days under appropriate conditions.
Rapid Ultraviolet Spectrophotometric and Liquid Chromatographic Methods for the Determination of Natamycin in Lactoserum Matrix
Authors: Capitán-Vallvey Luis Fermin , Checa-Moreno Ramon , Navas Natalia
Published: February 2020

Two rapid and simple methods were developed for the determination of natamycin in lactoserum matrix by ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry and liquid chromatography (LC) with diode-array detection. The methods involve protein precipitation with methanol, followed by centrifugation. No cleanup is necessary. The applicable concentrations of natamycin in lactoserum range from 2 to 500 mg/L for samples analyzed by both methods. The detection and quantitation limits are 0.07 and 0.23 mg/L, respectively, for the UV spectrophotometric method and 0.1 and 0.32 mg/L, respectively, for the LC method. The methods were applied satisfactorily to the determination of natamycin in various commercial lactosera. Both methods were validated independently by standard additions and Youden methodologies, which verified their accuracy. Once the 2 proposed methods were validated independently, the validation of one method was carried out with the other.
Synthesis of the O-(2,3,4,5,6-Pentafluorobenzyl)Hydroxylamine Oximes of Selected Carbonyl Compounds and Their Determination by Liquid Chromatography with Ultraviolet Detection
Authors: Wiesenthal Karina , Jehlar Alexander , Que Hee Shane S
Published: February 2020

The aims were to develop a liquid chromatographic (LC) method with ultraviolet detection (UVD) for O-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl)hydroxylamine hydrochloride (PFBHA) O-oximes of common aldehydes and ketones, and to define the steric limits of the synthetic reaction used to make the PFBHA O-oxime standards for gas chromatographic (GC) and LC methods. Ten new O-oximes were synthesized with the new optimized method, and their purities were demonstrated by GC/electron-capture detection (ECD), GC/mass spectrometry (MS), ultraviolet spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and proton and 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Ketones substituted at both β-carbons relative to the carbonyl carbon, like diisobutyl ketone and 2,4-hexanedione, showed lower synthetic yields by wet chemistry methods. A new C18 reverse-phase LC method with UVD at 200 nm and acetonitrile–water in both the isocratic and gradient-elution modes was then developed to sensitively resolve a mixture of 13 pure PFBHA O-oximes. The detection limit was near 100 ng O-oxime/mL or about 14–50 ng aldehyde/mL and the least quantifiable limits were near 500 ng/mL or about 70–250 ng aldehyde/mL, with lower limits for glyoxal, methylglyoxal, benzaldehyde, and acetophenone. Carbonyl compounds in 500 mL water samples were then determined in distilled water and tap water by gradient elution. Vapors of n-valeraldehyde and acrolein generated in gas bags at concentrations near occupational guidelines were also sampled, desorbed, and then determined by either isocratic or gradient elution at 200 or 254 nm within 30–45 min.