bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Communication challenges among medical oncologists in Mexico.
Authors: Platas Alejandra , Jasqui Ariel , Pineda Claudia , Fonseca Alan , Platas Ana , García-García Marisol , Mesa-Chavez Fernanda , Villarreal-Garza Cynthia
Published: March 2020

e23190

Background: Communication in oncology practice presents numerous challenges. Patients may react to the diagnosis and treatment information with unpredictable and difficult to manage emotions, which may distress clinicians and affect patient-physician relationships. An effective communication has shown a beneficial effect on satisfaction from both patients and providers, as well as on quality of health care provision and patients’ adherence, decision-making processes and outcomes. Aim: To identify the most important and hardest topics to discuss during consultation that pose a challenge for Mexican medical oncologists during their clinical practice. Methods: Physicians were reached out by a messaging platform to complete a survey that addressed the most relevant and difficult issues for discussion and the frequent challenges they face during information exchange. Results: A total of 115 oncologists completed the survey. Most of them identified treatment objectives, prognosis and treatment selection as important issues to discuss with patients. They coincided that the hardest matters to disclose were palliative care referral, treatment objectives, prognosis and recurrence. Also, oncologists reported that the most important challenges they face when communicating with patients are being honest without being hopeless (43%) and responding to patients’ emotions (21%). 92% expressed that they would like to receive formal training in communication skills. Conclusions: The issues regarded as highly important to discuss with patients were also the most difficult ones to address, possibly due to barriers related to patients’ emotional reactions when receiving bad news. The incorporation of a psychologist could promote calmness and trust, aid in information assimilation, and provide support to partners and relatives, as needed. Also, results showed the interest of oncologists in receiving formal training in communication skills, which reinforces the need to include this training as part of the medical oncology curriculum to ease transmission and comprehension of information. [Table: see text]
Identifying psychosocial distress in cancer patients in a community center.
Authors: Pandey Deepali , Syed Masood Pasha , Patil Shekhar , Hassan Mohamed , Frederick Matthew , LaCerte-Blais Donna , Blanchard Gary P. , Shepro David Scott , Siddiqui Ahmad Daniyal
Published: March 2020

e23193

Background: Psychosocial distress is common in cancer patients. It can cause decreased treatment adherence, lesser treatment satisfaction, low quality of life, and lower survival rate. Distress management is critical to improving cancer survivorship. National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Distress Thermometer (DT) is widely used to assess psychosocial problems in cancer patients in five categories - practical, family, emotional, spiritual and physical problems. The aim of our study is to identify the distress pattern in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in our center using DT adapted from the NCCN. Methods: This is a retrospective study. Total 192 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were included, who were screened with DT at initial visit. Patients were asked to rate their level of distress from 0-10 on DT and select categories. We collected data on distress score, selected categories, age, gender, and primary cancer site. Distress score < 4 were defined as low and = > 4 as high. Our objective was to evaluate distress categories and if distress level (high vs low) is dependent on age ( < 65 vs = > 65), gender, and primary cancer site (top 7 cancer types in our clinic by volume). Statistical test used - Chi-square. Results: Median age - 66.5 years (range: 29-96); Gender: Male/Female - 44.3%/55.7%. Median distress score - 3. Low distress was reported by 55.2% and high distress by 44.8%. Cancer types: Breast (29.7%); Lung (17.7%); Prostate (10.9%); Hematological malignancies (7.3%); Lymphoma (6.7%); Urothelial (6.7%); Head and Neck (6.2%); Others (13.4%). Overall, physical problems were the most common (63.5%) followed by emotional (56.3%), practical and family (32.3%), and spiritual (2.1%). Among patients with high distress, 84.9% reported emotional problems, while 83.7% reported physical problems. Distress level was not dependent on age, gender and primary cancer site. Conclusions: Emotional and physical problems are the most common problems among our study population with high distress level which requires further interventions/referrals. Identifying psychosocial needs of cancer patients with DT can help optimize their care.
A phase III trial to evaluate the efficacy of uproleselan (GMI-1271) with chemotherapy in patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia.
Authors: DeAngelo Daniel J. , Erba Harry Paul , Jonas Brian Andrew , O'Dwyer Michael , Marlton Paula , Huls Gerwin A , Liesveld Jane , Cooper Brenda W. , Bhatnagar Bhavana , Armstrong Michael , Fogler William , Chen Mary , Magnani John , Thackray Helen M. , Advani Anjali S. , Becker Pamela Sue
Published: March 2020

TPS7066

Background: Binding of E-selectin (E-sel) to sialyl Lex, the E-sel ligand (E-sel-L), on the leukemic cell surface activates cell survival pathways and promotes chemotherapy resistance in AML. Expression of E-sel-L is associated with increased relapse and poor survival. Uproleselan (GMI-1271), a novel E-sel antagonist, disrupts cell survival pathway activation, enhances chemotherapy response and protects from toxicity such as mucositis with improved survival in vivo. Preclinical data support combination with multiple agents to achieve improved chemosensitivity and toxicities. A phase I/II study of uproleselan added to chemotherapy in R/R AML showed promising remission rates (CR/CRi) and survival outcomes, and reduced rates of mucositis. High E-sel-L expression on leukemic blasts in the bone marrow, rather than connoting treatment resistance and poor survival, instead correlated with longer survival than expected with addition of uproleselan. Breakthrough Therapy Designation was granted by FDA for treatment of patients with R/R AML. A pivotal phase 3 study (NCT03616470) is underway to assess the efficacy and safety of uproleselan with standard salvage chemotherapy in R/R AML. Methods: This study is a global, randomized, double-blind, phase 3 trial in adults aged 18-75 years with R/R AML and fit for chemotherapy. Patients may have primary refractory AML (received 1 prior induction containing an anthracycline and cytarabine), or be in untreated first or second relapse; prior HSCT is allowed. Treatment is MEC (mitoxantrone, etoposide, cytarabine) or FAI (fludarabine, cytarabine, idarubicin) induction regimen with blinded study drug (Uproleselan:placebo at 1:1 ratio) administered 1 day prior (sentinel dose) and then BID through 2 days post chemotherapy. Consolidation (HIDAC/IDAC) with uproleselan/placebo (same assignment) up to 3 cycles is allowed. The primary endpoint is overall survival; key secondary endpoints include the incidence of severe oral mucositis during induction and CR/CRh rate. Measurable residual disease, E-sel-L expression on leukemic cells, event free survival, safety, and pharmacokinetics will also be evaluated. Clinical trial information: NCT03616470.
Phase 2 study of zanubrutinib (BGB-3111) in patients with relapsed/refractory marginal zone lymphoma (R/R MZL).
Authors: Opat Stephen , Marcus Robert , Portell Craig Anthony , Reed William , Co Melannie , Huang Jane , Trotman Judith
Published: March 2020

TPS7568

Background: Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) plays a critical role in B-cell receptor signaling, mediating B-cell proliferation, migration, adhesion and survival. BTK inhibition has emerged as a strategy for targeting B-cell malignancies, including MZL. In preclinical studies, zanubrutinib was shown to be a potent, irreversible, highly specific BTK inhibitor with excellent oral bio-availability and favorable pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties. Clinical data to date have shown that complete and sustained 24-hour BTK occupancy is associated with durable responses and suggested that zanubrutinib is generally well tolerated with low rates of serious adverse events. Preliminary results from the MZL cohort enrolled in the open-label, multicenter, phase 1 study demonstrated responses in 7 of 9 patients for an overall response rate (ORR) of 78%. Cumulative safety data also showed that zanubrutinib monotherapy was associated with infrequent incidence of atrial fibrillation and major hemorrhage and infrequent drug discontinuation due to treatment-related adverse events. This study is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of zanubrutinib in patients with R/R MZL. Methods: This ongoing global phase 2, single-arm, open-label study is examining zanubrutinib monotherapy in patients with R/R MZL who have received one or more prior lines of systemic therapy. Patients are treated with oral zanubrutinib at 160 mg twice-daily until progressive disease, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal of consent. Eligible patients must have histologically confirmed MZL, have received prior anti-CD20 antibody therapy, and have measurable disease. Disease response is assessed per the 2014 Lugano Classification for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The primary endpoint is ORR determined by independent review committee (IRC). Key secondary endpoints include ORR by investigator assessment, time to and duration of response, time to treatment discontinuation, progression-free survival (all determined by IRC and investigator assessments), and overall survival and safety. Recruitment is ongoing.
ZUMA-12: A phase 2 multicenter study of axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) as a first-line therapy in patients (pts) with high-risk large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL).
Authors: Neelapu Sattva Swarup , Chavez Julio C. , Lin Yi , Munoz Javier , Ujjani Chaitra Shankar , Riedell Peter , De Vos Sven , Oluwole Olalekan O. , Kekre Natasha , Yang Yin , Goyal Lovely , Backhouse Kate , Milletti Francesca , Kawashima Jun , Herrera Alex Francisco
Published: March 2020

TPS7574

Background: Pts with LBCL who have persistent disease assessed by dynamic PET after rituximab-based induction therapy have an increased risk of death (Casasnovas, et al. Blood. 2017). Axi-cel is an autologous anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy approved for the treatment of pts with relapsed/refractory LBCL with ≥ 2 prior systemic therapies. In ZUMA-1, the registrational study of axi-cel in pts with refractory LBCL, the objective response rate (ORR) was 91% (70% complete response [CR] rate) in pts with double-expressor or high-grade LBCL with ongoing responses in 48% after a median follow-up of 27.1 mos (Locke FL, et al. Lancet Oncol 2019). Furthermore, pts with fewer prior lines of therapy and lower tumor burden had higher rates of ongoing responses and manageable safety (Locke et al. ASCO 2018. 3039). ZUMA-12 will investigate the efficacy and safety of axi-cel as a first-line therapy in newly diagnosed pts with high-risk LBCL who have PET-positive disease after 2 cycles of induction therapy. Methods: This Phase 2 study has a planned enrollment of ≈40 pts aged ≥ 18 y with high-risk LBCL, defined by the presence of MYC and BCL2 and/or BCL6 translocations by FISH or an IPI score ≥ 3 any time before enrollment, and an ECOG performance status of 0 – 1. Before enrollment, pts must have a Deauville score of 4 – 5 (Barrington SF et al. J Clin Oncol. 2014) after 2 cycles of chemoimmunotherapy that includes an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody and anthracycline. After leukapheresis, pts with bulky or rapidly progressing disease may receive optional non-chemotherapy bridging therapy. Following conditioning therapy with cyclophosphamide (500 mg/m2) and fludarabine (30 mg/m2) for 3 days, pts will receive a single infusion of axi-cel at a target dose of 2 × 106 CAR T cells/kg. The primary endpoint is investigator-assessed CR rate per the Lugano classification (Cheson et al. J Clin Oncol. 2014). Key secondary endpoints include ORR, duration of response, event-free survival, progression-free survival, overall response, safety, relapse with CNS disease and levels of blood CAR T cells and serum cytokines over time. Accrual is ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT03761056.
A multicenter, open label, uncontrolled, phase II clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of venetoclax in combination with atezolizumab and obinutuzumab in richter transformation of CLL.
Authors: Montillo Marco , Rossi Davide , Zucca Emanuele , Frustaci Anna Maria , Pileri Stefano , Cavalli Franco , Tedeschi Alessandra
Published: March 2020

TPS7575

Background: Diffuse large B-cell (DLBCL) transformation from chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), Richter Syndrome (RS), has poor prognosis. Venetoclax, Bcl-2 inhibitor, has shown activity either in DLBCL and DLBCL-type RS. Atezolizumab is a humanized immunoglobulin monoclonal antibody (MoAb) targeting PD-L1 on tumor-infiltrating immune cells or tumor cells and prevents interaction with the PD-1 receptor and B7.1. Obinutuzumab, anti CD-20 MoAb compared to rituximab, presents a greater antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis and direct cell death. Preliminary data of atezolizumab alone or in combination with obinutuzumab showed to be safe and promising in heavily pretreated DLBCL. We present a phase II trial evaluating safety and efficacy of venetoclax, atezolizumab, obinutuzumab combination in RS. Methods: Eligible pts are: ≥18 years, ECOG PS ≤2, diagnosis of DLBCL RS from CLL/SLL. Exclusion criteria: pretreated RS, prior therapy with venetoclax or atezolizumab, CNS involvement, history of autoimmune disease. The study consists of 2 phases. In the run-in phase 9 pts will be enrolled in three cohorts of 3 subjects each. If no more than 1 pt in each of the 3 groups experiences during the first 3 cycles: treatment-related death or grade 4 non-infective/non-hematologic adverse event; the expansion phase will follow enrolling up to 31 pts. Treatment consists of 35 cycles with: obinutuzumab (1000 mg C1-8), atezolizumab (1200 mg C1-18), venetoclax (400 mg/d C1-35). Primary endpoint of the study is safety and tolerability for the run-in phase; efficacy (overall response, complete remissions, response duration, progression free and overall survival) for the expansion phase. Safety and efficacy are also secondary endpoints of each phase. Exploratory consists of MRD monitored by flow cytometry and ultra-deep NGS of disease markers; correlation between outcome and disease biomarkers. EUDRACT 2018-005028-40. Clinical trial information: 2018-005028-40.
Liquisolid System and Liqui-Mass System Are Not the Same
Authors: Lam Matthew , Ghafourian Taravat , Nokhodchi Ali
Published: March 2020

This commentary is written in response to Pezzini’s research group commentary, which claimed Liqui-Pellet and liquisolid pellet are not different. Despite some similarities, there are crucial differences separating these two technologies. Liqui-Pellet uses liqui-mass system (wet mass/paste admixture), and liquisolid pellet uses liquisolid system (flowable powder admixture). The understanding of the well-defined term ‘liquisolid system’ is crucial to understand what is and is not liquisolid formulation. Spireas, who is the inventor of liquisolid technology, clearly defined liquisolid system in his patent document and publications. Since his first publication in 1998, there are around 200 articles about liquisolid formulations (extracted from Scopus), and with no exception, every single one of them followed the original definition of liquisolid system. Liqui-Pellet does not use liquisolid system and so calling it the same as liquisolid pellet, which uses liquisolid system, is incorrect and misleading. The purpose of this commentary is to resolve misunderstanding and support furthering knowledge.
Disentangling the Relationships Between the Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone System, Calcium Physiology, and Risk for Kidney Stones
Authors: Bayomy Omar , Zaheer Sarah , Williams Jonathan S , Curhan Gary , Vaidya Anand
Published: March 2020

Context

Complex relationships between aldosterone and calcium homeostasis have been proposed.

Objective

To disentangle the influence of aldosterone and intravascular volume on calcium physiology.

Design

Patient-oriented and epidemiology studies.

Setting

Clinical research center and nationwide cohorts.

Participants/Interventions

Patient-oriented study (n = 18): Participants were evaluated after completing a sodium-restricted (RES) diet to contract intravascular volume and after a liberalized-sodium (LIB) diet to expand intravascular volume. Cross-sectional studies (n = 3755): the association between 24h urinary sodium and calcium excretion and risk for kidney stones was assessed.

Results

Patient-oriented study: compared to a RES-diet, a LIB-diet suppressed renin activity (LIB: 0.3 [0.1, 0.4] vs. RES: 3.1 [1.7, 5.3] ng/mL/h; P < 0.001) and plasma aldosterone (LIB: 2.0 [2.0, 2.7] vs. RES: 20.0 [16.1, 31.0] vs. ng/dL; P < 0.001), but increased calciuria (LIB: 238.4 ± 112.3 vs. RES: 112.9 ± 60.8 mg/24hr; P < 0.0001) and decreased serum calcium (LIB: 8.9 ± 0.3 vs. RES: 9.8 ± 0.4 mg/dL; P < 0.0001). Epidemiology study: mean urinary calcium excretion was higher with greater urinary sodium excretion. Compared to a urinary sodium excretion of < 120 mEq/day, a urinary sodium excretion of ≥220 mEq/day was associated with a higher risk for having kidney stones in women (risk ratio = 1.79 [95% confidence interval 1.05, 3.04]) and men (risk ratio = 2.06 [95% confidence interval 1.27, 3.32]).

Conclusions

High dietary sodium intake suppresses aldosterone, decreases serum calcium, and increases calciuria and the risk for developing kidney stones. Our findings help disentangle the influences of volume from aldosterone on calcium homeostasis and provide support for the recommendation to restrict dietary sodium for kidney stone prevention.
Body Mass Index and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A 2-Sample Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Zhao Yalin , Xu Yuping , Wang Xiaomeng , Xu Lin , Chen Jianhua , Gao Chengwen , Wu Chuanhong , Pan Dun , Zhang Qian , Zhou Juan , Chen Ruirui , Wang Zhuo , Zhao Han , You Li , Cao Yunxia , Li Zhiqiang , Shi Yongyong
Published: March 2020

Background

Observational studies have shown a link between elevated body mass index (BMI) and the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). While Mendelian randomization (MR) studies in Europeans have suggested a causal role of increased BMI in PCOS, whether the same role is suggested in Asians has yet to be investigated. We used MR studies to infer causal effects using genetic data from East Asian populations.

Methods and Findings

We performed a 2-sample bidirectional MR analysis using summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of BMI (with up to 173 430 individuals) and PCOS (4386 cases and 8017 controls) in East Asian populations. Seventy-eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) correlated with BMI were selected as genetic instrumental variables to estimate the causal effect of BMI on PCOS using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method. To test the reliability of the results, further sensitivity analyses included MR–Egger regression, weighted median estimates, and leave-one-out analysis. The IVW analysis indicated a significant association between high BMI and the risk of PCOS (odds ratio per standard deviation higher BMI, 2.208; 95% confidence interval 1.537 to 3.168, P = 1.77 × 10–5). In contrast, the genetic risk of PCOS had no significant effect on BMI.

Conclusions

The results of our bidirectional MR study showed that an increase in BMI causes PCOS, while PCOS does not cause an increased BMI. This study provides further genetic support for a link between BMI and PCOS. Further research is needed to interpret the potential mechanisms of this association.
bmo-miR-2739 and the novel microRNA miR-167 coordinately regulate the expression of the vitellogenin receptor in Bombyx mori oogenesis
Authors: Chen Enxiang , Chen Zhiwei , Li Shenglong , Xing Dongxu , Guo Huizhen , Liu Jianqiu , Ji Xiaocun , Lin Ying , Liu Shiping , Xia Qingyou
Published: March 2020

Vitellogenin receptors (VgRs) play crucial roles in oogenesis by mediating endocytosis of vitellogenin and other nutrients in ovipara. We conducted small RNA sequencing and screening with a luciferase reporter system, and found that bmo-miR-2739 and a novel miRNA (novel-miR-167) coordinately regulate the expression of VgR in Bombyx mori (BmVgR). Further analyses suggested that these two miRNAs direct target repression by binding directly to the BmVgR 3′ untranslated region. Forced expression of either miRNA using the piggyBac system blocked vitellogenin (Vg) transport and retarded ovariole development. Antagomir silencing of bmo-miR-2739 or novel-miR-167 resulted in increased amounts of BmVgR protein in the ovaries and BmVgR mRNA in the fat body. This evidence, combined with spatiotemporal expression profiles, revealed that these two miRNAs function together to fine-tune the amount of BmVgR protein for ovarian development. Additionally, novel-miR-167 was mainly responsible for the post-transcriptional repression of BmVgR in non-ovarian tissues. The results of this study contribute to our understanding of the function of miRNAs during ovarian development of a lepidopteran and suggest a new strategy for controlling insect reproduction.
Compensatory changes in villus morphology of lactating Mus musculus in response to insufficient dietary protein
Authors: Short Kay , Derrickson Elissa M.
Published: March 2020

Energetic challenges match intestinal size to dietary intake but less is known about how the intestine responds to specific macronutrient challenges. We examined how intestinal size responds to insufficient dietary protein at the microscopic level. Villi, enterocytes, and surface area were measured across the length of the small intestine in non-reproductive and lactating Mus musculus fed isocaloric control or protein-deficient diets. Lactating mice on the protein-deficient diet exhibited a 24% increase in villus height and a 30% increase in enterocyte width in the proximal small intestine and an overall similar increase in surface area; on the control diet changes in villus height were localized in the mid region. Flexibility localized to the proximal small intestine suggests that enterokinase, a localized enzyme, may be a candidate enzyme that could promote compensation for a protein-deficient diet. Such flexibility could allow species to persist in the face of anthropogenically-induced changing dietary profiles.
Food restriction delays seasonal sexual maturation but does not increase torpor use in male bats
Authors: Komar Ewa , Dechmann Dina K. N. , Fasel Nicolas J. , Zegarek Marcin , Ruczyński Ireneusz
Published: March 2020

Balancing energy budgets can be challenging, especially in periods of food shortage, adverse weather conditions and increased energy demand due to reproduction. Bats have particularly high energy demands compared to other mammals and regularly use torpor to save energy. However, while torpor limits energy expenditure, it can also downregulate important processes, such as sperm production. This constraint could result in a trade-off between energy saving and future reproductive capacity. We mimicked harsh conditions by restricting food and tested the effect on changes in body mass, torpor use and seasonal sexual maturation in male parti-coloured bats (Vespertilio murinus). Food restricted individuals managed to maintain their initial body mass, while in well-fed males, mass increased. Interestingly, despite large differences in food availability, there were only small differences in torpor patterns. However, well-fed males reached sexual maturity up to half a month earlier. Our results thus reveal a complex trade-off in resource allocation; independent of resource availability, males maintain a similar thermoregulation strategy and favour fast sexual maturation, but limited resources and low body mass moderate this later process.
The value of diffusion-weighted imaging based on monoexponential and biexponential models for the diagnosis of benign and malignant lung nodules and masses
Authors: Jiang Jianqin , Fu Yigang , Hu Xiaoyun , Cui Lei , Hong Qin , Gu Xiaowen , Yin Jianbing , Cai Rongfang , Xu Gaofeng
Published: March 2020

Objectives:

The objective is to compare the efficacy of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) parameters of mean and minimum apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCmean and ADCmin) and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) in the differentiation of benign and malignant lung nodules and masses.

Methods:

Lung lesions measured larger than 1.5 cm on CT were included between August 2015 and September 2018. DWI (10 b-values, 0–1000 s/mm2) scans were performed, and the data were post-processed to derive the ADCmean, ADCmin and IVIM parameters of true diffusion coefficient (D), pseudodiffusion coefficient (D*) and perfusion fraction (f). An independent sample t-test or Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare benign and malignant parameters. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated and a Z test was used.

Results:

121 patients were finally enrolled, each with one lesion. Examined 121 lesions were malignant in 88 (72.7%) and benign in 33 (27.3%). The ADCmean of malignant pulmonary nodules was significantly lower than that of benign pulmonary nodules (t = 3.156, p = 0.006), whereas the other parameters revealed no significant differences (p = 0.162–0.690). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that an ADCmean threshold value of 1.43 × 10−3 mm2/s yielded 88.57% sensitivity and 64.29% specificity. While for lung masses, the ADCmean, ADCmin, D and D* values in malignant pulmonary masses were significantly lower (P﹤0.001–0.011). Among them, the D value exhibited the best diagnostic performance when the threshold of D was 1.23 × 10−3mm2/s, which yielded a sensitivity of 90.57% and a specificity of 89.47% (Z = 2.230, 3.958, 2.877 and p = 0.026, ﹤0.001 and 0.004, respectively).

Conclusion:

ADC is the most robust parameter to differentiate benign and malignant lung nodules, whereas D is the most robust parameter to differentiate benign and malignant lung masses.

Advances in knowledge:

This is the first study to compare all the quantitative parameters of DWI and IVIM mentioned in the literatures for assessing lung lesions; Second, we divided the lesions into lung nodules and lung masses with the size of 3 cm as the boundary.
Starting School: a large-scale start of school assessment within the ‘Born in Bradford’ longitudinal cohort
Authors: Shire Katy , Andrews Elizabeth , Barber Sally , Bruce Alison , Corkett John , Hill Liam J. B. , Kelly Brian , McEachan Rosemary R.C. , Mon-Williams Mark , Tracey Louise , Waterman Amanda H. , Wright John
Published: March 2020

The Born in Bradford (BiB) cohort of 13,776 children born between 2007-2011 and their parents provides a rich data resource for researchers exploring protective and risk factors influencing long-term developmental and health outcomes. Educational attainment is a critical factor related to later health. Literacy and communication, fine motor skills and social and emotional health are key ‘early’ predictors of educational attainment and can be used to identify children in need of additional support. We describe our BiB ‘Starting School’ data collection protocol which assessed literacy and communication, fine motor skills and social and emotional health on 3,444 BiB children aged 4-5 years old. These measures supplement the existing dataset, and complement the routine educational, health and social care data available for the cohort.
Assortment Optimization Under the Multinomial Logit Model with Sequential Offerings
Authors: Liu Nan , Ma Yuhang , Topaloglu Huseyin
Published: March 2020

We consider assortment optimization problems, where the choice process of a customer takes place in multiple stages. There is a finite number of stages. In each stage, we offer an assortment of products that does not overlap with the assortments offered in the earlier stages. If the customer makes a purchase within the offered assortment, then the customer leaves the system with the purchase. Otherwise, the customer proceeds to the next stage, where we offer another assortment. If the customer reaches the end of the last stage without a purchase, then the customer leaves the system without a purchase. The choice of the customer in each stage is governed by a multinomial logit model. The goal is to find an assortment to offer in each stage to maximize the expected revenue obtained from a customer. For this assortment optimization problem, it turns out that the union of the optimal assortments to offer in each stage is nested by revenue in the sense that this union includes a certain number of products with the largest revenues. However, it is still difficult to figure out the stage in which a certain product should be offered. In particular, the problem of finding an assortment to offer in each stage to maximize the expected revenue obtained from a customer is NP hard. We give a fully polynomial time approximation scheme for the problem when the number of stages is fixed.
The Benders Dual Decomposition Method
Authors: Rahmaniani Ragheb , Ahmed Shabbir , Crainic Teodor Gabriel , Gendreau Michel , Rei Walter
Published: March 2020

Many methods that have been proposed to solve large-scale MILP problems rely on the use of decomposition strategies. These methods exploit either the primal or dual structures of the problems by applying the Benders decomposition or Lagrangian dual decomposition strategy, respectively. In “The Benders Dual Decomposition Method,” Rahmaniani, Ahmed, Crainic, Gendreau, and Rei propose a new and high-performance approach that combines the complementary advantages of both strategies. The authors show that this method (i) generates stronger feasibility and optimality cuts compared with the classical Benders method, (ii) can converge to the optimal integer solution at the root node of the Benders master problem, and (iii) is capable of generating high-quality incumbent solutions at the early iterations of the algorithm. The developed algorithm obtains encouraging computational results when used to solve various benchmark MILP problems.
No need to worry about the end point assessment for nursing associates
Authors: Stonehouse David
Published: March 2020

This article discusses the end point assessment (EPA) for the nursing associate apprenticeship. The format of the EPA will depend on when the nursing associate commenced their training.

Both formats will be presented, together with the two different occupational standards that apply to each. The article will finish by introducing the nursing associate to the role of end point assessor.
The gift of sight: normalising discussions and referral for corneal donation in the inpatient setting
Authors: Walding Jessica , Evans Lowri , Seaman Siwan
Published: March 2020

For patients with a life-limiting diagnosis, guidance by the General Medical Council recommends exploring patients' beliefs and values about tissue donation with the patient and family towards the end of life. This article gives guidance to healthcare professionals on the process of giving patients the opportunity to donate their corneas, including eligibility, communication and practicalities.
3D adjoint-based marching scheme for optical propagation in inhomogeneous waveguides
Authors: Yang Hao , Tang Zhifeng
Published: March 2020

This paper presents a three-dimensional adjoint-based marching scheme for long-range inhomogeneous optical waveguide devices. An efficient numerical propagation computation of an optical waveguide terminated by perfectly matched layers is available using our approach. It uses new transmission and reflection operators through a one-way formulation of the complex Helmholtz–PML equation and a design of the transverse and adjoint operators that calculates the coordinates through the biorthogonal of their eigenfunctions in each marching step. In addition, the validity and accuracy of our proposed method are demonstrated by analyzing a buried channel waveguide and a straight waveguide with varying refractive indices.
Influence of the graphene layer on the strong coupling in the hybrid Tamm-plasmon polariton mode
Authors: Buzavaite-Verteliene E. , Valavicius A. , Grineviciute L. , Tolenis T. , Lukose R. , Niaura G. , Balevicius Z.
Published: March 2020

The total internal refection ellipsometry (TIRE) method was used for the generation and study of the hybrid TPP-SPP mode on a photonic crystal structure with a thin layer of silver and graphene/PMMA. Raman spectroscopy showed a consistent monolayer graphene present on the Ag layer. Recent studies have also shown that TPP and SPP components in the hybrid plasmonic mode is sensitive to the variation of coupling strength due to presence of the graphene monolayer. The decrease of the TPP and SPP dip components in the TPP-SPP hybrid mode can be explained by the changes of the conductivity of the silver layer due to the presence of this additional graphene/PMMA structure, which results in the non-optimal resonance conditions for the hybrid plasmonic mode. The modified positions of the TPP and SPP components in the wavelength spectra when compared to their original, separate excitations, indicates a strong coupling regime. The design of these hybrid plasmonic/graphene-based nanostructures has attractive capabilities for the development of advanced optical sensors and integrated optical circuit technologies.
Imaging around corners in the mid-infrared using speckle correlations
Authors: Divitt Shawn , Gardner Dennis F. , Watnik Abbie T.
Published: March 2020

Speckle correlation imaging offers the ability to see objects through diffusive materials and around corners. Imaging self-illuminating thermal objects in non-line-of-sight scenarios is of particular interest. Here, using bispectrum and phase retrieval methods, we demonstrate speckle correlation imaging of mid-infrared objects through diffusers and around corners at resolutions near the diffraction limit. The images agree well with those recorded by conventional cameras with line-of-sight to the same objects.
1.52 Tb/s single carrier transmission supported by a 128 GSa/s SiGe DAC
Authors: Buchali Fred , Aref Vahid , Chagnon Mathieu , Schuh Karsten , Hettrich Horst , Bielik Anna , Altenhain Lars , Guntermann Markus , Schmid Rolf , Moller Michael
Published: March 2020

We report on a new 128 GSa/s SiGe digital to analog converter supporting data generation at 128 GBaud. We demonstrate successful transmission at 1.55 Tb/s net rate in back to back and 1.52 Tb/s after 80 km of SMF.
Wide-angle speckleless DMD holographic display using structured illumination with temporal multiplexing
Authors: Lee Byounghyo , Yoo Dongheon , Jeong Jinsoo , Lee Seungjae , Lee Dukho , Lee Byoungho
Published: March 2020

We propose a digital micromirror device (DMD) holographic display, where speckleless holograms can be observed in the expanded viewing zone. Structured illumination (SI) is applied to expand the small diffraction angle of the DMD using a laser diode (LD) array. To eliminate diffraction noise from SI, we utilize an active filter array for the Fourier filter and synchronize it with the LD array. The speckle noise is reduced via temporal multiplexing, where the proposed system supports a dynamic video of 60 Hz using the DMD’s fast operation property. The proposed system is verified and evaluated with experimental results.
Compact high-efficiency four-mode vortex beam generator within the telecom C-band: publisher’s note
Authors: Zhu Yuntao , Tan Heyun , Zhou Nan , Chen Lifeng , Wang Jian , Cai Xinlun
Published: March 2020

This publisher’s note contains corrections to Opt. Lett.
45, 1607 (2020)OPLEDP0146-959210.1364/OL.385878.
Transitoriedades do corpo
Authors: Tavares Luciano Correa , Da Silva Suzane Weber
Published: March 2020

O artigo busca discutir, através da análise de dois espetáculos de dança contemporânea, questões de identidade de gênero, oposição feminino/masculino e sexualidade. A metodologia tem como inspiração a etnografia e ainda se utiliza de observação de registros em vídeo, observação participante e análise. O artigo vislumbra aspectos das relações de diferentes maneiras de representar o corpo em suas diversas subjetividades, tecendo conexões entre teoria e prática. A escrita é uma tentativa de compreender a complexidade dos binarismos, como homem e mulher, e pensar em que esferas eles e elas atuam performaticamente por meio de exemplos em criações em dança.
O uso da manipulação motívica como recurso composicional
Authors: Silva Rafael Milhomem Silva Milhomem
Published: March 2020

Este artigo apresenta uma reflexão sobre a manipulação motívica como procedimento composicional e faz uma análise da obra Miniaturas Salmáticas para violão solo do compositor Rafael Milhomem no tocante ao desenvolvimento composicional através da manipulação motívica e da economia de material para gerar unidade.
Poética do convite
Authors: Moraes Janaína
Published: March 2020

Esse artigo é um recorte imaginário do ajuntamento de duas noções que permeiam minha pesquisa de mestrado: o convite enquanto poética e a residência artística enquanto situação de processo criativo. Nele discorrerei sobre algumas características levantadas para a elaboração da ideia de convites coreográficos, bem como sobre as motivações de configurar situações de residências artísticas como uma estratégia para artistas contemporâneas que re/existem na lógica da colaboração. Ainda, como escolha estética, ética e política, dialoga-se sobre estrutura enquanto conteúdo, ao convidar (metalinguisticamente) a uma leitura que se abra à possibilidade de ser realizada de corpo todo.
O palhaço tradicionalista
Authors: Gallan Ued Anderson
Published: March 2020

Palhaço desde 1966, Mario Soares é memória viva de um período importante para o Circo-Teatro no Brasil. Melodramas e peças como ...E o céu uniu dois corações, O Ébrio, Pai João, Índia, Quatro pistoleiros a caminho do inferno, entre outros, fizeram parte do seu repertório, além das comédias, das esquetes, das reprises e dos shows radiofônicos. Com 52 anos de dedicação ao circo, o conhecimento incorporado por Mario Soares, entendendo essa incorporação assim como Hastrup (2010) a entende - um acontecimento no corpo - configura-se uma importante fonte para o trabalho de novos pesquisadores do circo que estão agora se dedicando a estudar o conhecimento intrínseco aos palhaços do interior do Brasil. Dialogando com o trabalho de Silva (2016) sobre a transmissão oral e a literatura oral na formação do palhaço circense, aponto atravessamentos desse tema com as histórias vividas por Mario Soares. Quando imputo a ele o título de palhaço tradicionalista, refiro-me ao fato de que ele é portador de uma tradição circense que foi aprendida in loco, no seio das famílias de circo. Recorrendo a uma memória visual pautada no empirismo e na heurística, Mario Soares contou-me suas experiências.
Sobre caminhos não formais de educação em dança
Authors: Borges Barcellos Fernando
Published: March 2020

A partir do relato da minha experiência de trabalho como diretor do Grupo Jovem de Dança, entre setembro de 2013 e outubro de 2016, proponho-me a construir uma autoetnografia que busca analisar as estratégias não formais de educação em dança nas experiências do grupo, referenciando-me à discussão de Maria Glória Gohn (2006; 2014) sobre o assunto. Assim, pretendo dar pistas sobre como essas estratégias podem ampliar a formação construída nas escolas, entendidas como contextos formais de educação.
AN ENHANCED IMPERIALIST COMPETITIVE ALGORITHM FOR OPTIMUM DESIGN OF STEEL FRAMES
Authors: Maheri Mahmoud R. , Talezadeh M.
Published: March 2020

Development of efficient and robust optimization methods for structural design is one of the most active research fields in structural engineering. Imperialist Competitive Algorithm (ICA) is one of the recent meta-heuristic algorithms proposed to solve optimization problems. In this paper, an Enhanced Imperialist Competitive Algorithm (EICA) is proposed which increases the search space and enables the ICA algorithm to escape from local optima in a fast time. In this algorithm added value is given to a slightly unfeasible solution, based on its distance from the relative imperialist. The performance of the proposed EICA algorithm in optimum design of side sway frames is investigated by comparing the EICA optimum designs of two benchmark side sway frames with the best designs obtained using a number of other meta-heuristic solutions. Results indicate that, in terms of both the design quality and the solution speed, EICA compares favorably with a number of other meta-heuristic optimizers, including the basic ICA.
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF FENCE TYPE SUPPORT OF APPLE TREES
Authors: Kang Il-Min , Shin Kyung-Jae , Lee Young-Ju , Lee Yu-Hyun , Shin Hyu-Min , Kim Seoung-Hee
Published: March 2020

Damages to apple trees caused by typhoons have been repeated every year in Korea. Many types of support of apple trees such as single support, fence-type, matrix-type have been used; however, there is no standard type designed or specified by a code or manual. Most of the support is set up by farmers based on their experience, which results in frequent damage by typhoon. In this study, a prototype support for apple tree suggested by 'Rural Development Administration' is modelled for structural analysis. The previous test results of other trees for wind tunnel test is used as an input of numerical modeling, and the turnover test result of an apple tree is used to assess the strength of the support system. Numerical analysis is conducted for an assumed wind speed based on the test results to estimate the safety of the support. The appropriate steel-pile sizes of fence-type support are suggested based on the analysis result, which might be used as the standard type of support. Analysis results are also used for new design of the support with respect to a different wind speed by using the analysis model.
FINITE ELEMENT INVESTIGATION OF THIN-WEBBED PLATE GIRDERS WITH INCLINED STIFFENERS
Authors: Yatim M. Y. M. , Esa A. , Lau Y. L. , Agus M. A. P. A. , Sazali N. F. N.
Published: March 2020

This paper is concerned with the ultimate load behavior of thin-webbed steel plate girders with inclined stiffeners. Non-linear analyses were carried out on the simply supported plate girders using a commercial finite element code, LUSAS. The girders are of practical size and subjected to a single concentrated load applied at the centre of gravity of the section. Effects of inclination degree of stiffeners and central web openings on the performance and behavior of such girders are investigated. Variations of ultimate strength, buckling characteristic and load-deflection response are obtained. The ultimate strength is found to increase significantly when the inclined stiffeners were provided to the girders, regardless the effect of openings in the web.
DYNAMIC RESPONSE OF RIGID ROADWAY PAVEMENT UNDER MOVING TRAFFIC LOADS
Authors: Alisjahbana Sofia W. , Wangsadinata Wiratman
Published: March 2020

The study of the dynamic response of rigid roadway pavements subjected to dynamic loads such as vehicle loads has received significant attention in recent years, because of the relevance to the design of pavements. This paper presents an analytical solution based on the Modified Bolotin Method to analyze rigid pavements under moving traffic loads. The concrete pavement is modelled as an orthotropic damped plate resting on a continuous elastic foundation, whereby at its edges it is partially fixed. The natural frequencies of the system are computed from a system of two transcendental equations, obtained from the solution of two auxiliary Levy’s type problems. The dynamic vehicle load is expressed as a concentrated load of harmonically varying magnitude, travelling with a variable speed along the rigid pavement. A numerical example is given, demonstrating the applicability of the theory to rigid roadway pavements under actual loading conditions. Therefore, it may be expected that this dynamic load approach may lead to more economic solutions as compared to those obtained from the conventional static load approach.
DESIGN OF DSCT WIND TURBINE TOWER CONSIDERING LARGE DISPLACEMENT EFFECT
Authors: Han Taek Hee , Won Deokhee , Yi Jin-Hak , Yoon Gil-Lim
Published: March 2020

A double-skinned composite tubular (DSCT) offshore wind power tower was designed. Because a heavy wind power turbine is supported by a slender tower, the actual resisting moment capacity of the tower against wind load becomes less than its original moment capacity as its lateral displacement increases. Therefore, its actual moment capacity should be found for safe design by considering large displacement effect. In this study, 40 sections of DSCT wind power towers were designed for a 5.0MW turbine and the performances of the designed 40 sections were analyzed with and without considerations of large displacement effect. In designing and analyzing them, the material nonlinearity and the confining effect of concrete considered. The comparison of the analysis results showed the moment capacity loss of the wind power tower by the mass of the turbine is significant and the large displacement effect should be considered for the safe design of the wind power tower.
3-D LUMPED MASS METHOD OF DYNAMIC ANALYSIS FOR HIGH-RISE BUILDING
Authors: Tumurbaatar Zorigt , Yamamoto Haruyuki
Published: March 2020

This study is related to decreasing size of stiffness matrix of high-rise building by using floor diaphragm constraints. The combined actions of horizontal structural members such as slab and beams produce structural response that is much stiffer than vertical elements such as columns. In structural analysis of high-rise building model, absolute rigid slab and vertical structure are working together for lumped mass method. Each lumped mass node has 6 degree of freedoms which is very suitable for high-rise building calculation. The lumped mass is consisted of slab and beams, on the other hand the system’s stiffness matrix is only assembly of columns and braces. High-rise building lumped mass model’s stiffness matrix size is n=6 x m (n; total size of stiffness matrix, m; total floor number). In the step by step calculation, total unknown number is decrease enough which means we can easily calculate high-rise building structures for dynamic analysis also nonlinear step by step calculation using simple personal computer. If building model has large span and short height, in this case rigid slab theory will not satisfied. This idea is more suitable for high-rise building calculation.
MODULE SEGMENT CONNECTION FOR COMPOSITE HOLLOW RC SUBMERGED FLOATING TUNNELS
Authors: Won Deokhee , Han Sang Hun , Park Woo Sun , Seo Jihye , Han Taek Hee
Published: March 2020

A submerged floating tunnel (SFT) has been considered as an interesting structure to connect the banks separated by a narrow and deep sea. Governing load of a SFT is bending moment, a structure with enhanced stiffness and ductility will be useful for a SFT. Therefore, new-type structures which have superior stiffness and ductility were proposed for the SFT using composite Hollow RC structure. The cast-in-place concrete can’t apply for construction, because SFT will be constructed underwater. For this reason, SFT is constructed onsite after making module segment on coastal factory. In this paper, connection method of module segment for SFT is proposed using PC tendon. It is verified by experimental study. Bending test of module segment specimens are evaluated, and the proposed connection method has good performance.