bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitreous Metastasis in a Case of Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Gelman Rony , Lee Song Eun , Rocha Neuza , Kayserman Larisa G. , Vallar Robert V. , Marr Brian P.
Published: April 2020

A 35-year-old female with a history of metastatic breast cancer (BC) presented with unilateral blurred vision and floaters over 6 weeks. Examination findings showed vitreous opacities and a vasculitis concerning for an infectious process. Diagnostic vitrectomy revealed no infectious cause, but rather metastatic cells in the vitreous, with no obvious retinal or choroidal metastatic focus. In this report we illustrate a case of vitreous metastasis in a patient with metastatic BC, highlighting the importance of recognizing this rare entity which can mimic an inflammatory or infectious process. Novel to this report is the use of modern wide-field retinal imaging, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and a surgical video to document the findings of this disease entity.
A Validation of the 2018 Revision of International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society Classification for Lupus Nephritis: A Cohort Study from China
Authors: Tao Juan , Wang Hui , Yu Xiao-Juan , Tan Ying , Yu Feng , Wang Su-Xia , Haas Mark , Glassock Richard J. , Zhao Ming-Hui
Published: April 2020

Background: A revision of the International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society (ISN/RPS) classification for lupus nephritis has been published in 2018. The current study aimed to verify the utility of this system. Materials and Methods: A total of 101 lupus nephritis patients from a large Chinese cohort who underwent renal biopsy in Peking University First Hospital were reevaluated by 2 renal pathologists, who had no knowledge of the clinical findings. The association between clinical data at the time of initial renal biopsy and follow-up and pathological features were further analyzed on all patients selected. Results: The mean age of the cohort was 33 years with a male/female ratio of 1:9, and a median follow-up period of 128 months. The presence and extent of mesangial hypercellularity, endocapillary hypercellularity, global and segmental glomerulosclerosis, neutrophil exudation/karyorrhexis, glomerular hyaline deposits, extracapillary proliferation (crescents), tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis, and interstitial inflammation were significantly correlated with several clinical renal injury indices (systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index, serum creatinine value, proteinuria, and C3 level) at the time of biopsy. By multivariable Cox hazard analysis, fibrous crescents, tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis, and the modified National Institutes of Health chronicity index were independent risk factors for patients’ composite renal outcomes (hazard ratio [HR] 4.100 [95% CI 1.544–10.890], p = 0.005; HR 8.584 [95% CI 2.509–29.367], p = 0.001; and HR 3.218 [95% CI 1.138–9.099], p = 0.028; respectively). Conclusions: The 2018 revision of the ISN/RPS classification for lupus nephritis has utility for prediction of clinical renal outcomes.
Top 100 Cited Articles on Sleep Medicine: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Park Bong Soo , Kim Il Hwan , Park Kang Min
Published: April 2020

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify the top 100 cited articles dedicated to sleep medicine published in journals that have made key contributions to the field. Methods: We performed a search of journals and selected 100 top-cited articles by utilizing the Institute for Scientific Information database available under the banner of the Web of Science. Next, we manually reviewed the contents of the top 100 cited articles. We examined the characteristics of the articles, such as the number of citations, ranking, authorship, article title, year of publication, publishing journal, publication type, and topic categories. Results: The top-cited articles were published in 49 journals, and the most frequently cited journal was Sleep (23 articles). The top 100 cited articles originated from institutions in 9 countries, with the USA contributing 67 articles. The institution associated with the largest numbers of sleep medicine citation classics was Stanford University (11 articles). Morin CM, who was the first author for 6 articles, was listed most frequently in the sleep medicine citation classics. The publication years were concentrated in the 2000s, when 42 articles were published. The topics included 35 insomnia studies, 25 sleep physiology studies, 22 obstructive sleep apnea studies, and 19 other studies. Conclusions: The present study provides a detailed list of the most-cited articles on sleep medicine. This currently relevant approach provides an opportunity to recognize the classic articles on sleep, to provide useful insights into international leaders, and to describe research trends in the field of sleep medicine.
Recovery of Absolute Coronary Blood Flow and Microvascular Resistance After Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Keulards Daniëlle C. J. , Karamasis Grigoris V. , Alsanjari Osama , Demandt Jesse P. A. , van't Veer Marcel , Zelis Jo M. , Dello Simon A. , El Farissi Mohamed , Konstantinou Klio , Tang Kare H. , Kelly Paul A. , Keeble Thomas R. , Pijls Nico H. J. , Davies John R. , Teeuwen Koen
Published: April 2020

Background

This study aimed to investigate longitudinal physiological changes in the recanalized coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) vessel and its dependent myocardium after successful percutaneous coronary intervention (
PCI
).

Methods and Results

In this pilot study, 25 patients scheduled for elective
CTO PCI
with viable myocardium and angiographically visible collaterals were included. Absolute coronary blood flow and absolute microvascular resistance were measured invasively using continuous thermodilution. Measurements were performed immediately after successful
CTO PCI
and at short‐term follow‐up. In a subgroup of patients, physiological measurements were performed at the predominant donor vessel before
CTO PCI
, immediately afterwards, and at follow‐up. Absolute coronary blood flow in the recanalized
CTO
artery increased from 148±53 
mL
/min immediately after
PCI
to 221±77 
mL
/min at follow‐up (
P
<0.001). In agreement, absolute resistance in the myocardial territory perfused by the
CTO
artery, decreased from 545±255 Wood units immediately after the procedure to 387±128 Wood units at follow‐up (
P
=0.014). There were no significant changes in the absolute coronary blood flow and resistance in the predominant donor between baseline and follow‐up. Positive remodeling of the distal
CTO
vessel with an increase in lumen diameter was observed.

Conclusions

After successful
CTO PCI
, blood flow in the recanalized artery and microvascular function of the dependent myocardium are not immediately normal but recover over time.
Gaps in Dyslipidemia Care Among Working‐Aged Individuals With Employer‐Sponsored Health Care
Authors: Shiffman Dov , Louie Judy Z. , Devlin James J. , Knowles Joshua W. , McPhaul Michael J.
Published: April 2020

Background

The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology guidelines defined patient‐management groups that would benefit from lowering of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C). We assessed gaps in dyslipidemia care among employees and spouses with health benefits.

Methods and Results

We studied 17 889 employees and spouses who were covered by an employer‐sponsored health plan and participated in an annual health assessment. Using medical claims, laboratory tests, and risk assessment questionnaires, we found that 43% of participants were in one of 4 patient‐management groups: secondary prevention, severe hypercholesterolemia (
LDL
‐C ≥190 mg/dL at least once in the preceding 5 years), diabetes mellitus, or elevated 10‐year risk of cardiovascular disease. To assess gaps in dyslipidemia care, we used
LDL
‐C ≤70 mg/dL as the goal for both the secondary prevention group and those in the elevated 10‐year risk group with >20% risk; LDL‐C ≤100 mg/dL was used for the other groups. Among those in patient‐management groups, 27.3% were in the secondary prevention group, 7.4% were in the severe hypercholesterolemia group, 29.9% were in the diabetes mellitus group, and 35.4% were in the elevated 10‐year risk group. About 74% of those in patient‐management groups had above‐goal
LDL
‐C levels, whereas only 31% had evidence of a lipid‐lowering therapy in the past 6 months: 45% in the secondary prevention group, 31% in the severe hypercholesterolemia group, 36% in the diabetes mellitus group, and 17% in the elevated 10‐year risk group.

Conclusions

The substantial gaps in
LDL
‐C treatment and goal attainment among members of an employer‐sponsored medical plan who were mostly aware of their
LDL
‐C levels indicate the need for gap‐closure initiatives.
Spatial Attention and Temporal Expectation Exert Differential Effects on Visual and Auditory Discrimination
Authors: Wilsch Anna , Mercier Manuel R. , Obleser Jonas , Schroeder Charles E. , Haegens Saskia
Published: April 2020

Anticipation of an impending stimulus shapes the state of the sensory systems, optimizing neural and behavioral responses. Here, we studied the role of brain oscillations in mediating spatial and temporal anticipations. Because spatial attention and temporal expectation are often associated with visual and auditory processing, respectively, we directly contrasted the visual and auditory modalities and asked whether these anticipatory mechanisms are similar in both domains. We recorded the magnetoencephalogram in healthy human participants performing an auditory and visual target discrimination task, in which cross-modal cues provided both temporal and spatial information with regard to upcoming stimulus presentation. Motivated by prior findings, we were specifically interested in delta (1–3 Hz) and alpha (8–13 Hz) band oscillatory state in anticipation of target presentation and their impact on task performance. Our findings support the view that spatial attention has a stronger effect in the visual domain, whereas temporal expectation effects are more prominent in the auditory domain. For the spatial attention manipulation, we found a typical pattern of alpha lateralization in the visual system, which correlated with response speed. Providing a rhythmic temporal cue led to increased postcue synchronization of low-frequency rhythms, although this effect was more broadband in nature, suggesting a general phase reset rather than frequency-specific neural entrainment. In addition, we observed delta-band synchronization with a frontal topography, which correlated with performance, especially in the auditory task. Combined, these findings suggest that spatial and temporal anticipations operate via a top–down modulation of the power and phase of low-frequency oscillations, respectively.
Disintegration as an Integrative Process: Revisiting Palestinian Cohesiveness from the Late Ottoman Era through the End of the British Mandate
Authors: Chorev Harel
Published: April 2020

The common narrative regarding the Palestinian Arabs during the British Mandate period highlights the disastrous effects of social and political disintegration on their integration as a national community, as well as on their ability to deal with the British and the Jewish Yishuv. The analysis offered here examines integration and disintegration processes in Palestinian society through diverse local, regional and national networks. The main argument is that disintegration and integration processes were not exclusively contradictory, as is commonly perceived, but rather dialectical developments that often ultimately served Palestinian integration, although this process did not mature until the fateful War of 1948.
Turkmen Literacy and Turkmen Identity before the Soviets: the Ravnaq al-Islām in Its Literary and Social Context
Authors: Frank Allen J.
Published: April 2020

Despite assertions of almost universal illiteracy among pre-Revolutionary Turkmens, an examination of the widely popular maktab primer, the Ravnaq al-Islām, shows that literacy among Turkmens before 1917 was substantially higher than previously thought. Additionally, the work and legends surrounding it show us Turkmen maktab texts contributed to a sense of supra-tribal Turkmen identity, which has generally been discounted or ignored in previous studies of Turkmen social history.
El Niño and the Nomads: Global Climate, Local Environment, and the Crisis of Pastoralism in Late Ottoman Kurdistan
Authors: Pehlivan Zozan
Published: April 2020

This article explores the impacts of environmental crises on pastoral nomads in Ottoman Kurdistan/Armenia in the late nineteenth-century. It demonstrates that the climatic fluctuations characterizing these environmental crises were synchronized with global climatic oscillations, specifically the El Niño Southern Oscillation. Recurrent episodes of severe drought and cold dramatically affected these groups, who were unable to withstand extreme changes in temperature and precipitation. Back-to-back drought episodes created a shortage of water, dried up pastures and damaged forage, while severe cold resulted in high rates of premature death among herd animals. These climatic events thus had devastating economic and social consequences.
Relating North American Indigenous History and the Study of Religion: Introducing a Review Symposium on Jennifer Graber’s The Gods of Indian Country and Pamela Klassen’s The Story of Radio Mind
Authors: Hermann Adrian
Published: April 2020

This article introduces a combined review symposium on Jennifer Graber’s The Gods of Indian Country: Religion and the Struggle for the American West (Oxford University Press, 2018) and Pamela Klassen’s The Story of Radio Mind: A Missionary’s Journey on Indigenous Land (University of Chicago Press, 2018). It presents the four contributions to the review symposium as well as Graber and Klassen’s response and relates the discussion of the book to broader questions of studying North American Indigenous history as a central part of the study of religion.
Introducing ‘Health Vulnerability’. Towards a Human Right Claim for Innovative Orphan Drugs?
Authors: Gennet Éloïse
Published: April 2020

Although several European law instruments specifically promote the development of orphan medicines, rare disease patients still suffer from an excessive lack of access to orphan drugs. In order to base a claim for equity of access to research benefits, health vulnerability is introduced as a human rights-based public health concept. It represents a potentially valuable and powerful means in European law for rare disease patients to claim for an improved public action to develop innovative orphan drugs, including through the use of novel data-driven technologies such as computer modelling and simulation, as they have the potential to palliate some of the obstacles in the current development process of orphan medicines. The human rights-based approach would be all the more valuable, as it would simultaneously draw attention on privacy aspects of vulnerability for orphan disease patients, especially regarding increased risks stemming from the processing of highly sensitive health data.
Wissensgenealogien der frühen Neuzeit im Vergleich
Authors: Bulang Tobias
Published: April 2020

For Paracelsian texts, as well as for hermetic writing in general, genealogies that trace knowledge all the way back to Hermes Trismegistos or even to Adam are characteristic. However, in the 16th century, Paracelsians were by far not the only ones drafting such genealogies. Many sciences didn’t restrict themselves to the medieval practice of quoting ancient authorities (e.g. Plinius dixit …), but rather employed genealogies of knowledge to achieve legitimacy for their texts. Such genealogies of knowledge preceeded a modern history of science. Also, they aim towards a turning point in the very presence of their authors, a point from which truth is finally revealed again. This presentation will compare different genealogies of knowledge (in botanical, demonological, and alchemical writings) and investigate their social and institutional implications.
“Himmlische Philosophia” bei Paracelsus und Caspar Schwenckfeld
Authors: Gantenbein Urs Leo
Published: April 2020

Coming from an astrological-magical tradition, the physician and radical reform theologian Paracelsus (1493/94–1541) developed 1530–1533 a new doctrine of the Eucharist based on the heavenly flesh of Christ and the need for spiritual rebirth. This teaching subsequently penetrated the thinking of many spiritualist theologians, mystics, and Paracelsists. At about the same time the spiritualist theologian Caspar Schwenckfeld (1489/90–1561) had developed a similar Eucharistic doctrine. This article discusses possible connections between the two men and presents building blocks for further research.
The Influence of Grammatical Gender on Russian and Thai Speakers’ Cognition
Authors: Thongniam Kusuma , Prasithrathsint Amara
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of grammatical gender on Russian speakers’ cognition, compared with Thai speakers’ cognition by means of object categorization. The key materials in the experiment are black-and-white pictures represented by nouns that are selected based on gender and appearance similarity. The hypothesis is that Russian speakers group two pictures that belong to the same grammatical gender class together, while Thai speakers generally rely on the size or shape of objects in the pictures. The result of the experiment statistically showed that Russian speakers categorized things on the basis of grammatical gender, while Thai speakers categorized things represented by things grouped on the basis of size or shape. Additionally, the result implies that bilingualism is a very important variable in a study testing the Linguistic Relativity Hypothesis.
Translated Plays as a Force for Social Justice
Authors: Nusen Rachod , Gunatilaka Kamron
Published: April 2020

During the current political crisis in Thailand, people hold various political standpoints. Despite these different stances, the goal for many of these differences remains the same, namely, a just society. The research Translated Plays as a Force for Social Justice is an attempt to advocate the role of literature in creating social justice. The purpose of the research is to study issues of social justice in translated plays and to suggest ways in which the Thai academic community and Thai society can use plays to advocate social justice. This research studies translations of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, Bertolt Brecht’s Der gute Mensch von Sezuan, Jean Anouilh’s Antigone and Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. The study finds that these plays pose challenging questions which help raise an awareness of the importance of social justice. Critics and theatre practitioners in the West have created a number of works on these plays that help advance social justice. Nonetheless, the issues of social justice in these plays are often ignored by Thai critics and theater practitioners and, because of this, some of them unintentionally offer an interpretation or a production, which is not in line with the concept of social justice.
The Image of “Opening and Changing” Vietnam in Thai Contemporary Fiction Books
Authors: Tu Tran Cam
Published: April 2020

As Thailand and Vietnam have long had mutual relations, there are a number of Thai books written about Vietnam, including academic and historical documents, travelogues, novels, and short stories. This paper examines works of contemporary Thai fiction to present a new and outstanding image of Vietnam in a Thai perception – an “opening and changing” country – from factual data and from literary textual analysis. First, it provides readers with the socio-historical background of the Renovation Era of Vietnam after 1986 and the Thai-Vietnamese relationship. Next, the main part explains how the image of “opening and changing” Vietnam is portrayed through four aspects: (1) physical changes in landscape, cityscape, and economic development; (2) changes in lifestyle and traditions; (3) openness in political views and international relations; and (4) changes in social structures and values. Lastly, the paper will discuss the novelty of this image compared with that of earlier Thai literature and other contemporary books, as well as the factors contributing to this image. Overall, the image of Vietnam in transition is not static but has developed dynamically from the early phase to the later stage of the reform process. Images of a “changing and opening” Vietnam portrayed in Thai contemporary fiction reflect the changes of Vietnam itself, the development of Thai-Vietnamese relations, and the Thai perception of Vietnam under a new historical context.
Revisiting the diversity and distribution of the ophiuroids (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea) from Peru
Authors: FERNÁNDEZ REBECA GRANJA , HOOKER YURI
Published: April 2020

While the Ophiuroidea of Peruvian waters have long been studied, there exists inconsistencies regarding taxonomy and spatial distribution records. Based on literature review and museum records, we provide an updated checklist of the ophiuroids accompanied by the first geographical distribution analysis. Peruvian waters host 36 species of Ophiuroidea (three doubtful), yet 15 previous records of species are considered invalid for the area. We recorded five new records of species for Peru: Amphiodia oerstedi, Diopederma daniana, Ophiocomella alexandri, Ophiolepis crassa, and Ophiophthalmus normani. Peruvian maritime area is divided into four areas: The Tropical Eastern Pacific area where 16 species of ophiuroids occur, the Transition Zone with 13 species, the Warm Temperate Southeastern Pacific with nine species, and the Deep Zone with 14 species. We found significant differences in species composition among areas (except among the Eastern Pacific and the Transitional Zone), and each of them is represented by particular species. According to the rarefaction curve, the inventory of ophiuroids for the country is not yet complete; therefore, we suggest performing more expeditions along the Peruvian waters focusing mainly on the deep zones which remain relatively unexplored to date.
New records of family Hormathiidae (Cnidaria: Actiniaria) from Brazilian coast with description of Paraphelliactis labiata n. sp.
Authors: DE MELO YAGO A. , TARGINO ALESSANDRA K.G. , GOMES PAULA B.
Published: April 2020

The family Hormathiidae Carlgren, 1932 is one of the largest families of sea anemones with ca. 130 species around the world, mostly in the deep sea. In Brazilian waters, only six species have been reported so far. Herein we record four hormathiids from deep-sea sites at the Potiguar Basin continental slope at Northeast Brazil. Monactis vestita (Gravier, 1918) and Phelliactis robusta Carlgren, 1928 represent the first records of both genera for the Brazilian coast. The new species Paraphelliactis labiata n. sp. is described. We also found another species of the genus, Phelliactis sp. The new species possesses fourth and fifth cycles of incomplete mesenteries, unlike all other Paraphelliactis species. These results increase the total number of hormathiid sea anemones in Brazil to nine and contribute to the knowledge of the Brazilian deep sea, still little explored.
Improvement of Accuracy of Global Numerical Weather Prediction Using Refined Error Covariance Matrices
Authors: Ishibashi Toshiyuki
Published: April 2020

In data assimilation for NWP, accurate estimation of error covariance matrices (ECMs) and their use are essential to improve NWP accuracy. The objective of this study is to estimate ECMs of all observations and background variables using sampling statistics, and improve global NWP accuracy by using them. This study presents the first results of such all ECM refinement. ECM diagnostics combining multiple methods, and analysis and forecast cycle experiments were performed on the JMA global NWP system, where diagonal components of all ECMs and off-diagonal components of radiance observations are refined. The ECM diagnostic results are as follows: 1) the diagnosed error standard deviations (SDs) are generally much smaller than those of the JMA operational system (CNTL); 2) interchannel correlations in humidity-sensitive radiance errors are much larger than 0.2; and 3) horizontal correlation distances of AMSU-A are ~50 km, excluding channel 4. The experimental results include the following: 1) the diagnosed ECMs generally improve forecast accuracy over CNTL even without additional tunings; 2) the supplemental tuning parameter, which is the deflation factor (0.6 in SD) applied for the estimated ECMs of nonsatellite conventional data and GPS radio occultation data, statistically significantly improves forecast accuracy; 3) this value 0.6 is set as the same value as the ratio of the estimated background error SD to that in CNTL; 4) high-density assimilation (10 times) of AMSU-A is better than CNTL, not better than that with 5 times; and 5) ECMs estimated using boreal summer data can improve forecast accuracy in winter, which indicates their robustness.
The Effect of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery on Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Symptoms
Authors: Chang Michael T. , Hosseini Davood K. , Song Sun Hee , Nayak Jayakar V. , Patel Zara M. , Lee Jennifer Y. , Hwang Peter H.
Published: April 2020

Objective

We assessed how eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) changed with endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and identified factors associated with improvement.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

Academic center.

Subjects and Methods

Patients undergoing ESS for chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyposis (CRSwNP, CRSsNP) or recurrent acute rhinosinusitis (RARS) completed the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire 7 (ETDQ‐7) preoperatively and postoperatively at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. Included in analyses were demographics, comorbidities, Sinonasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT‐22), radiographic score, endoscopy score, procedure, and medication use. Regression analysis identified factors associated with improvement, defined as ΔETDQ‐7 >3.5.

Results

In total, 302 patients were studied. ETD prevalence was 68% in CRSsNP, 48% in CRSwNP, and 88% in RARS. Patients with ETD had a mean baseline ETDQ‐7 of 25.8 ± 8.0 and improved postoperatively at 2 weeks (19.9 ± 8.1, P <. 001), 6 weeks (17.8 ± 9.3, P <. 001), 3 months (16.8 ± 8.5, P <. 001), and 6 months (16.4 ± 7.9, P <. 001). At 6 months, ETD improved in 89% of patients with CRSsNP, 68% with CRSwNP, and 78% with RARS. On multivariate analysis, ETD improvement was associated with higher preoperative ETDQ‐7 score (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04‐1.22; P =. 030), higher preoperative SNOT‐22 score (aOR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.02‐1.08; P =. 001), higher preoperative SNOT‐22 ear subscore (aOR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.02‐1.65; P =. 034), posterior ethmoidectomy (aOR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.22‐4.92; P =. 025), and postoperative corticosteroid spray use (aOR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.17‐1.66; P =. 008).

Conclusion

ETD symptoms often improve following ESS. Factors associated with improvement include higher preoperative disease burden, posterior ethmoidectomy, and postoperative corticosteroid spray.

Level of Evidence:

4
Crystallization-induced microcellular foaming behaviors of chain-extended polyethylene terephthalate
Authors: Jiang Can , Han Shuo , Chen Shihong , Zhou Hongfu , Wang Xiangdong
Published: April 2020

The microcellular foaming of chain-extended polyethylene terephthalate (CPET) by crystallization induction method was reported in this article. The crystallization behaviors of various polyethylene terephthalate (PET) samples which were affected by the combined effect of pyromellitic dianhydride, Surlyn, and CO2 were investigated. After Surlyn was added to CPET, the crystal nucleation of various CPET samples was improved, and numerous but small spherulites were generated. Two kinds of CPET samples with the content of 0 phr and 1 phr Surlyn were foamed at various temperature by batch foaming method. Changing the saturation temperature could adjust the appearance of high-temperature melting crystals which would affect the final cellular structures in various CPET foams. With the decrease of saturation temperature, the cell size decreased while cell density increased. At the saturation temperature of 265°C and 250°C, the cell density of CPET foam with Surlyn was one magnitude larger than CPET foam without Surlyn. At the saturation temperature of 247°C, the microcellular PET foams with the cell density of 109 cells cm−3 and the cell size less than 10 µm had been developed successfully.
Predicting Postsecondary Enrollment With Secondary Student Engagement Data
Authors: Fraysier Kathleen , Reschly Amy , Appleton James
Published: April 2020

As the economic landscape changes, a college degree has become increasingly necessary for securing employment in an information-based society. Student engagement is an important factor in predicting and preventing high school dropout, and improving student outcomes. Although the relationship between secondary school engagement and high school completion is well supported in existing research, the relationship between secondary school engagement and postsecondary enrollment and persistence is unclear. In this study, we examined whether students’ engagement in high school predicts postsecondary matriculation and persistence in the first year after accounting for demographic and school-level variables. Results indicated secondary student engagement does predict postsecondary enrollment and persistence beyond academic and behavioral variables. Consistent with research among secondary students, the Future Goals and Aspirations Scale of the Student Engagement Instrument was the strongest engagement predictor. Results have implications for early warning systems and college retention efforts.
Changes in mortality hazard of the Korean long-term dialysis population: The dependencies of time and modality switch
Authors: Jeong Jong Cheol , Kim Sejoong , Kim Ki Pyo , Yi Yongjin , Ahn Shin Young , Jin Dong-Chan , Chin Ho Jun , Chae Dong-Wan , Na Ki Young
Published: April 2020

Background:

Many studies have compared patient survival outcome between hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD); however, time-varying risks of dialysis modality have been rarely investigated. This study aimed to investigate dialysis modality switch and its association with the survival outcome in the Korean population.

Methods:

Data from the Korean Society of Nephrology were used. A total of 21,840 incident dialysis patients who started dialysis in or after 2000 were analyzed. For the survival analysis, both proportional and non-proportional hazard assumptions were applied. For the modality switch, time-varying covariate Cox regression was applied.

Results:

During the median follow-up of 8 years, PD group showed increased adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1.248 (95% CI 1.071–1.454, p = 0.004) for mortality. Interaction of PD status with female sex was significant with an HR of 1.080 (95% CI 1.000–1.165, p = 0.050). Dialysis modality switch was associated with increased HR of 1.094 (95% CI 1.015–1.180, p = 0.019), albeit switch from PD to HD did not show significant HR until 6 years. Interestingly, time-varying risk analysis showed a decreased HR of PD after 10 years in the non-switcher group, which was consistent in patients with high traditional risk factors (with diabetes, elderly).

Conclusions:

PD was associated with increased HR of mortality in the first 8 years, then it was associated with decreased HR of mortality after 10 years. Dialysis modality switch was associated with increased mortality risk, but switch from PD to HD within 6 years did not show significant hazard of mortality.
A Right to Privacy and Confidentiality: Ethical Medical Care for Patients in United States Immigration Detention
Authors: Gutierrez Amanda M. , Hofstetter Jacob D. , Dishner Emma L. , Chiao Elizabeth , Rai Dilreet , McGuire Amy L.
Published: April 2020

Recently, John Doe, an undocumented immigrant who was detained by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), was admitted to a hospital off-site from a detention facility. Custodial officers accompanied Mr. Doe into the exam room and refused to leave as physicians examined him. In this analysis, we examine the ethical dilemmas this case brings to light concerning the treatment of patients in immigration detention and their rights to privacy. We analyze what US law and immigration detention standards allow regarding immigration enforcement or custodial officers’ presence in medical exams and documentation of detainee health information. We describe the ethical implications of the presence of officers in medical exam rooms, including its effects on the quality of the patient-provider relationship, patient privacy and confidentiality, and provider's ability to provide ethical care. We conclude that the presence of immigration enforcement or custodial officers during medical examination of detainees is a breach of the right to privacy of detainees who are not an obvious threat to the public. We urge ICE and the US Department of Homeland Security to clarify standards for and tighten enforcement around when officers are legally allowed to be stationed in medical exam rooms and document detainees’ information.
The Perils of Parity: Should Citizen Science and Traditional Research Follow the Same Ethical and Privacy Principles?
Authors: Evans Barbara J.
Published: April 2020

The individual right of access to one’s own data is a crucial privacy protection long recognized in U.S. federal privacy laws. Mobile health devices and research software used in citizen science often fall outside the HIPAA Privacy Rule, leaving participants without HIPAA’s right of access to one’s own data. Absent state laws requiring access, the law of contract, as reflected in end-user agreements and terms of service, governs individuals’ ability to find out how much data is being stored and how it might be shared with third parties. Efforts to address this problem by establishing norms of individual access to data from mobile health research unfortunately can run afoul of the FDA’s investigational device exemption requirements.
Unregulated Health Research Using Mobile Devices: Ethical Considerations and Policy Recommendations
Authors: Rothstein Mark A. , Wilbanks John T. , Beskow Laura M. , Brelsford Kathleen M. , Brothers Kyle B. , Doerr Megan , Evans Barbara J. , Hammack-Aviran Catherine M. , McGowan Michelle L. , Tovino Stacey A.
Published: April 2020

Mobile devices with health apps, direct-to-consumer genetic testing, crowd-sourced information, and other data sources have enabled research by new classes of researchers. Independent researchers, citizen scientists, patient-directed researchers, self-experimenters, and others are not covered by federal research regulations because they are not recipients of federal financial assistance or conducting research in anticipation of a submission to the FDA for approval of a new drug or medical device. This article addresses the difficult policy challenge of promoting the welfare and interests of research participants, as well as the public, in the absence of regulatory requirements and without discouraging independent, innovative scientific inquiry. The article recommends a series of measures, including education, consultation, transparency, self-governance, and regulation to strike the appropriate balance.
Using Positive Reinforcement With Young Children
Authors: Hardy Jessica K. , McLeod Ragan H.
Published: April 2020

Positive reinforcement is a research-based practice essential for supporting young children’s use of appropriate behaviors and skills. The application of positive reinforcement also is consistent with recommendations by national organizations for early childhood and early childhood special education. In this article, we describe eight guidelines for planning, implementing, and evaluating positive reinforcement in early childhood contexts that are based on current research and recommendations of these professional organizations. Examples of the use of guidelines and tools for supporting implementation are provided.
A quadratic weighted centroid algorithm for tunnel personnel positioning
Authors: Wang Haiying , Liang Linhao , Xu Jian , She Hui , Li Wuxiang
Published: April 2020

To improve the accuracy and generalization of tunnel personnel positioning systems, this article proposes a quadratic weighted centroid algorithm. By adopting a Gaussian filter model to improve the range accuracy of the received signal strength indicator algorithm and combining the centroid algorithm and weighting factor with a trilateration positioning model, a quadratic weighted centroid algorithm is proposed to improve the positioning accuracy of unknown positioning nodes. The key ideas behind the quadratic weighted centroid algorithm include an optimization of the received signal strength indicator range value scheme, a centroid algorithm based on trilateral measurement positioning, and a weighting factor to improve the positioning accuracy of the trilateral centroid positioning algorithm. Compared with the centroid algorithm, the Min-Max multilateration algorithm, and the weighted centroid based on distance algorithm, the simulation results showed that (1) the positioning performance of the quadratic weighted centroid algorithm was superior to the other three algorithms; (2) when the reference nodes were symmetrically arranged, the positioning accuracy was higher than a fold line layout; and (3) when the lateral reference node spacing was extended from 20 to 30 m, the average positioning error met positioning accuracy requirements, which could reduce overall system costs.
Dialectical Observation of Controllable Electrodeposited Ni Nanocones: the Unification of Local Disorder and Overall Order
Authors: Zou Ruiqing , Xiang Saidi , Wang Jian , Li Yuhe , Gu Lin , Wang Yanyan
Published: April 2020

Dense and ordered Ni nanocones with regular spiral textures had been successfully synthesized via a simple and inexpensive electrodeposition process in the solution containing sodium chloride (NaCl), nickel chloride hexahydrate (NiCl2·6H2O), and boric acid (H3BO3). After analyzing the microstructure, a more optimized possible growth mechanism of Ni nanocones was proposed, in which the growth process was divided into local and global aspects, named multi-dimensional growth mechanism of global order and local disorder. In an area small enough, any subtle state changes would cause disorder of Ni atom arrangement, which made the local microstructure appear disordered, but from a macro perspective, the difference between two adjacent disorders caused by different statuses was too small to be well reflected, only when the difference in state was large enough can the change be observed in the macroscopic appearance, so the global was orderly. Meanwhile, we found that the microstructure of Ni nanocones would be controlled in the electrodeposition solution by adjusting the experiment parameters such as the concentration of NaCl, NiCl2·6H2O, and H3BO3, which indirectly determined the microstructure in a large extent via controlling the generation of intermediate products and the pH.
Assessing the power of principal components and wright’s fixation index analyzes applied to reveal the genome-wide genetic differences between herds of Holstein cows
Authors: Smaragdov M. G. , Kudinov A. A.
Published: April 2020

Background

Due to the advent of SNP array technology, a genome-wide analysis of genetic differences between populations and breeds has become possible at a previously unattainable level. The Wright’s fixation index (Fst) and the principal component analysis (PCA) are widely used methods in animal genetics studies. In paper we compared the power of these methods, their complementing each other and which of them is the most powerful.

Results

Comparative analysis of the power Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and Fst were carried out to reveal genetic differences between herds of Holsteinized cows. Totally, 803 BovineSNP50 genotypes of cows from 13 herds were used in current study. Obtained Fst values were in the range of 0.002–0.012 (mean 0.0049) while for rare SNPs with MAF 0.0001–0.005 they were even smaller in the range of 0.001–0.01 (mean 0.0027). Genetic relatedness of the cows in the herds was the cause of such small Fst values. The contribution of rare alleles with MAF 0.0001–0.01 to the Fst values was much less than common alleles and this effect depends on linkage disequilibrium (LD). Despite of substantial change in the MAF spectrum and the number of SNPs we observed small effect size of LD - based pruning on Fst data. PCA analysis confirmed the mutual admixture and small genetic difference between herds. Moreover, PCA analysis of the herds based on the visualization the results of a single eigenvector cannot be used to significantly differentiate herds. Only summed eigenvectors should be used to realize full power of PCA to differentiate small between herds genetic difference. Finally, we presented evidences that the significance of Fst data far exceeds the significance of PCA data when these methods are used to reveal genetic differences between herds.

Conclusions

LD - based pruning had a small effect on findings of Fst and PCA analyzes. Therefore, for weakly structured populations the LD - based pruning is not effective. In addition, our results show that the significance of genetic differences between herds obtained by Fst analysis exceeds the values of PCA. Proposed, to differentiate herds or low structured populations we recommend primarily using the Fst approach and only then PCA.
Systematic comparison of four point-of-care methods versus the reference laboratory measurement of hemoglobin in the surgical ICU setting: a cross-sectional method comparison study
Authors: Chutipongtanate Arpa , Yasaeng Churairat , Virankabutra Tanit , Chutipongtanate Somchai
Published: April 2020

Background

Transfusion decision during the perioperative period mostly relies on the point-of-care testing for Hb measurement. This study aimed systematically compared four point-of-care methods with the central laboratory measurement of hemoglobin (LHb) regarding the accuracy, precision, and assay practicality to identify the preferred point-of-care method during the perioperative period.

Methods

This cross-sectional method comparison study was conducted in the surgical intensive care unit at Ramathibodi Hospital, Thailand, from September 2015 to July 2016. Four point-of-care methods, i.e., capillary hematocrit (HctCap), HemoCue Hb201+, iSTAT with CG8+ cartridge, and SpHb from Radical-7 pulse co-oximeter were carried out when LHb was ordered. Pearson correlation and Bland-Altman analyses were performed to assess the accuracy and precision, while the workload, turnaround time, and the unit cost were evaluated for the method practicality.

Results

Thirty-five patients were enrolled, corresponding to 48 blood specimens for analyses, resulting in the measured hemoglobin of 11.2 ± 1.9 g/dL by LHb. Ranking by correlation (r), mean difference (bias) and 95% limit of agreement (LOA) showed the point-of-care methods from the greater to the less performance as followed, iSTAT-LHb pair (r = 0.941; bias 0.15 (95% LOA; − 1.41, 1.12) g/dL), HemoCue-LHb pair (r = 0.922; bias − 0.18 (95% LOA; − 1.63, 1.28) g/dL), SpHb-LHb pair (r = 0.670; bias 0.13 (95% LOA; − 3.12, 3.39) g/dL) and HctCap-LHb pair (r = 0.905; bias 0.46 (95% LOA; − 1.16, 2.08) g/dL). Considering the practicality, all point-of-care methods had less workload and turnaround time than LHb, but only HemoCue and HctCap had lower unit cost.

Conclusion

This study identified HemoCue as the suitable point-of-care method for the sole purpose of Hb measurement in the surgical ICU setting, while iSTAT should be considered when additional data is needed.
Value of T1 mapping on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI for microvascular invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective study
Authors: Rao Chenyi , Wang Xinquan , Li Minda , Zhou Guofeng , Gu Hongmei
Published: April 2020

Background

To evaluate the utility of non-invasive parameters derived from T1 mapping and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI for predicting microvascular invasion (MVI) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

A total of 94 patients with single HCC undergoing partial hepatectomy was analyzed in this retrospective study. Preoperative T1 mapping and DWI on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI was performed. The parameters including precontrast, postcontrast and reduction rate of T1 relaxation time and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were measured for differentiating MVI-positive HCCs (n = 38) from MVI-negative HCCs (n = 56). The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was analyzed to compare the diagnostic performance of the calculated parameters.

Results

MVI-positive HCCs demonstrated a significantly lower reduction rate of T1 relaxation time than that of MVI-negative HCCs (39.4% vs 49.9, P < 0.001). The areas under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were 0.587, 0.728, 0.824, 0,690 and 0.862 for the precontrast, postcontrast, reduction rate of T1 relaxation time, ADC and the combination of reduction rate and ADC, respectively. The cut-off value of the reduction rate and ADC calculated through maximal Youden index in ROC analyses was 44.9% and 1553.5 s/mm2. To achieve a better diagnostic performance, the criteria of combining the reduction rate lower than 44.9% and the ADC value lower than 1553.5 s/mm2 was proposed with a high specificity of 91.8% and accuracy of 80.9%.

Conclusions

The proposed criteria of combining the reduction rate of T1 relaxation time lower than 44.9% and the ADC value lower than 1553.5 s/mm2 on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI holds promise for evaluating MVI status of HCC.