bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Fleet Deployment Strategy: Model the Effect of Shared E-Bikes on Bike-Sharing System
Authors: Zhu Siying
Published: February 2021

Following the bike-sharing system, the shared e-bike becomes increasingly popular due to the advantage in speed, trip distance, and so forth. However, limited research has investigated the impact of the introduction of shared e-bikes on the existing bike-sharing systems. This paper aims to study the effect of shared e-bikes on the traditional bike-sharing system and determine the optimal fleet deployment strategy under a bimodal transportation system. A stochastic multiperiod optimisation model is formulated to capture the demand uncertainty of travelers. The branch-and-bound algorithm is applied to solve problem. A 15-station numerical example is applied to examine the validity of the model and the effectiveness of the solution algorithm. The performance of integrated e-bike and bike-sharing system has been compared with the traditional bike-sharing system. The impacts of the charging efficiency, fleet size, and pricing strategy of e-bike-sharing system on the traditional bike-sharing system have been examined.
A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial to Investigate the Effects of Kamishoyosan, a Traditional Japanese Medicine, on Menopausal Symptoms: The KOSMOS Study
Authors: Takamatsu Kiyoshi , Ogawa Mariko , Obayashi Satoshi , Takeda Takashi , Terauchi Masakazu , Higuchi Tsuyoshi , Kato Kiyoko , Kubota Toshiro
Published: February 2021

Objective. The KOSMOS study, a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, investigated the effects and safety of kamishoyosan (TJ-24), a traditional Japanese medicine, in the treatment of climacteric disorder. Methods. Japanese women with climacteric disorder were administered a placebo during a 4-week run-in period, after which they were classified as placebo responders (R group) if their score on the modified Questionnaire for the Assessment of Climacteric Symptoms in Japanese Women (m-QACS) with excitability and irritability as the primary outcome improved by ≥ 3 points and as placebo nonresponders (NR group) otherwise. Members of the NR group were randomly allocated to receive either TJ-24 or placebo. After 12 weeks, their m-QACS scores, anxiety and depression, sleep, and overall quality of life (QOL) were compared. Results. The TJ-24 and placebo arms in the NR group included 20 patients each. The change in the m-QACS scores of members of the NR group for excitability and irritability at 12 weeks versus baseline was –3.1 ± 1.7 in the TJ-24 arm, a significant decrease, but compared with –2.7 ± 2.2 in the placebo arm, no significant difference was between two arms. However, the proportion of participants whose score improved by ≥3 points was significantly higher in the TJ-24 arm. In the subgroup analysis of premenopausal women, the changes in the score for excitability and irritability were significantly larger in the TJ-24 arm. The incidence of adverse drug reactions or adverse events did not differ between the two arms, and no serious events were reported. Conclusion. Although no significant difference was identified for the primary outcome, a significantly higher proportion of patients who received TJ-24 displayed improvement. Its high level of safety and effects on excitability and irritability in premenopausal women suggest that TJ-24 may be a useful treatment.
Meshing Stiffness Parametric Vibration of Coaxial Contrarotating Encased Differential Gear Train
Authors: Zhang Donglin , Zhu Rupeng , Li Miaomiao , Tan Wuzhong , Li Pingjun
Published: February 2021

Planetary gears are widely used in mechanical transmission systems, but the vibration and noise affect their reliability and life. In this paper, the torsional dynamic model of an encased differential planetary gear with coaxial contrarotating outputs considering the time-varying meshing stiffness, damping, and phase difference of all gear pairs is established. By solving the equations of the derived system, three types of natural frequencies with different multiplicities of the system are obtained. The multiscale method is used to study the parametric vibration stability caused by the time-varying meshing stiffness, and the results are verified by numerical simulation. The dynamic characteristics of elastic meshing force are analyzed from time domain and frequency domain. The variation of the dynamic load factor of each gear pair with input speed and the relationship between its peak position and the natural frequency of the derived system are discussed. The results show that there is an unequal coupling phenomenon of meshing frequency between the meshing forces of different planetary sets. In the absence of external excitation, the meshing stiffness parameters not only excite the main resonance response of the system but also cause superharmonic resonance, subharmonic resonance, and combined resonance.
Réaction de deux espèces d’igname (Dioscorea spp.) traitées avec du vin de palme (Elaeis guineensis jacq.), aux champignons responsables des pourritures d’igname
Authors: Assiri Patrice Kouamé , Diallo Attaky Hortense , Tschannen Andres , Ake Seuerin
Published: February 2021

La sensibilité de Dioscorea alata var. bètè-bètè et de D. cayenensis-rotundata var. krenglè traitées avec du vin de palme extrait du palmier à huile (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) à sept champignons isolés de tubercules d’igname pourris en post-récolte a été évaluée. Ces tubercules d’igname ont été collectés sur deux marchés de la ville d’Abidjan et sur les claies de stockage à Bringakro (à 180 km d’Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire). A travers les tests de pathogénécité, Penicillium oxalicum s’est révélé le plus pathogénique de tous les champignons isolés. Krenglè s’est montrée plus sensible aux champignons inoculés que bètè-bètè. In vitro, le vin de palme fermenté a inhibé totalement la croissance mycélienne de tous les champignons à l’exception de P. oxalicum et d’Aspergillus niger. Les pourcentages d’inhibition de la croissance mycélienne des différents champignons sont plus élevés sur krenglè que sur bètè-bètè. In vivo, quelque soit l’espèce d’igname testée, le vin de palme fermenté s’est montré plus efficace que le vin non fermenté lorsqu’il est utilisé à titre préventif.
Conflict, institutional changes and food insecurity in eastern D.R. Congo
Authors: Lecoutere Els , Vlassenroot Koen , Raeymaekers Timothy
Published: February 2021

The protracted crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo that lasted from 1996 till 2003 aggravated processes of land alienation and reduced market access. Field research conducted in 2005 in three eastern DR.C areas shows that these processes made rural households increasingly vulnerable and deepened structural causes of food insecurity. Households adapt their livelihood strategies because of the need to deal with the impact of different adversities and to anticipate various risks threatening their livelihoods. This further erodes the resilience of poorly endowed households and forces them to forsake food security in the long run to avoid acute destitution. Yet, standard food relief interventions often solely focus on direct food availability and fail to address the underlying structural causes for food insecurity such as limited access to land and markets. We recommend a combination of interventions that address both in order to lift rural households in protracted crisis situations out of the food insecurity trap.
Tamarindus indica L. – A review of traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology
Authors: De Caluwé Emmy , Halamouá Kateřina , Van Damme Patrick
Published: February 2021

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica, Fabaceae), a tropical fruit found in Africa and Asia is highly valued for its pulp. Tamarind fruit pulp has a sweet acidic taste due to a combination of high contents of tartaric acid and reducing sugars. The pulp is used for seasoning, in prepared foods, to flavour confections, curries and sauces, and as a major ingredient in juices and other beverages. Commercial tamarind-based drinks are available from many countries. Vitamin B content is quite high; carotene and vitamin C contents are low. Presence of tannins and other dyeing matters in the seed testa make the whole seed unsuitable for consumption, but they become edible after soaking and boiling in water. Tamarind kernel powder is an important sizing material in textile, paper and jute industries. Seeds are gaining importance as an alternative source of proteins, and are besides rich in some essential minerals. Seed pectin can form gels over a wide pH range. Leaves and flowers can be eaten as vegetables, and are prepared in a variety of dishes. They are used to make curries, salads, stews and soups. Tamarind leaves are a fair source of vitamin C and α-carotene; mineral content is high, particularly P, K, Ca and Mg. Anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-fungal activity has been documented from several plant parts. Tamarind is also extensively used in traditional medicine. The traditional uses, its phytochemistry and pharmacognosy is reviewed to provided with a particular orientation to its value in sub-Sahara Africa.
The predicaments of child victims of crime seeking justice in Ethiopia: a double victimization by the justice process
Authors: Woldemariam Getachew Assefa
Published: February 2021

This article presents an account of a legal system that has fundamentally failed Ethiopia’s young and vulnerable citizens. The Ethiopian justice process has permitted the subjection of child victims to cycles of traumatisation during investigation, prosecution and trial phases of cases in which they are involved. Ethiopia does not have laws that require the special treatment of children who are victims or witnesses of crime. It has neither rules of criminal procedure nor evidence that direct the conduct of criminal proceedings involving child victims. This article will show that although the Ethiopian Constitution incorporates principles such as the consideration of the best interests of the child', the realization of this principle for the Ethiopian child victim of crime remains illusory due to the absence of detailed rules that guide and compel the justice process to that effect. Based on empirical data, the article argues further that although ad hoc initiatives to introduce victims to a child-friendly justice process exist in a limited number of urban areas, these initiatives do not reach the vast majority of child victims around the country who continue to be further victimized by the justice process.
Wild edible plants in Ethiopia: a review on their potential to combat food insecurity
Authors: Lulekal Ermias , Asfaw Zemede , Kelbessa Ensermu , Van Damme Patrick
Published: February 2021

This work reviews literature on ethnobotanical knowledge of wild edible plants and their potential role in combating food insecurity in Ethiopia. Information on a total of 413 wild edible plants belonging to 224 genera and 77 families was compiled in this review. Shrubs represented 31% of species followed by trees (30%), herbs (29°/o) and climbers (9%). Families Fabaceae (35 species), Tiliaceae (20) and Capparidaceae (19) were found to be represented by the highest number of edible species. About 56% (233) of species have edibility reports from more than one community in Ethiopia. Fruits were reported as the commonly utilized edible part in 51% of species. It was found that studies on wild edible plants of Ethiopia cover only about 5% of the country’s districts which indicates the need for more ethnobotanical research addressing all districts. Although there have been some attempts to conduct nutritional analyses of wild edible plants, available results were found to be insignificant when compared to the wild edible plant wealth of the country. Results also show that wild edible plants of Ethiopia are used as supplementary, seasonal or survival food sources in many cultural groups, and hence play a role in combating food insecurity. The presence of anthropogenic and environmental factors affecting the wild plant wealth of the country calls for immediate action so as to effectively document, produce a development plan and utilize the plants.
Building the Rainbow Nation. A critical analysis of the role of architecture in materializing a post-apartheid South African identity
Authors: De Raedt Kim
Published: February 2021

Soon after apartheid was abolished in 1994, the quest for a new, ‘authentic’ South African identity resulted in the emergence of the “Rainbow Nation” idea, picturing an equal, multicultural and reconciled society. As architecture is considered a crucial element in the promotion of this Rainbow identity, the country witnessed a remarkable “building boom” with its apogee roughly between 1998 and 2010. Huge investments have been made in state-driven projects which place the apartheid memory at the center of the architectural debate – mostly museums and memorials. However, the focus of this paper shall lie on another, less highlighted tendency in current architectural practice. This paper demonstrates that, through the construction of urban community services, South African architects attempt to materialize the Rainbow Nation in a way that might be closer to the everyday reality of society.
Cross-national differences in the prevalence of mental illness symptoms: Evidence against the vulnerability paradox
Authors: Jorm Anthony F , Mulder Roger T
Published: February 2021

Objectives:

The vulnerability paradox refers to the observation that greater vulnerability is associated with higher prevalence of mental disorder at the individual level, but lower prevalence at the country level. The paradox is supported by studies estimating prevalence using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview and by suicide mortality data. However, cross-national studies using single-item measures of subjective well-being find no evidence of a paradox, with vulnerability being associated with lower well-being at both the individual and country levels. These findings suggest the potential usefulness of simple indicators for studying cross-national differences. In this study, we investigated the vulnerability paradox using cross-national data on the prevalence of three symptoms that indicate depression or anxiety: unhappiness, sadness and worry.

Methods:

The data on prevalence of unhappiness were taken from 77 countries in the World Values Survey 2017–2020 and data on prevalence of sadness and worry from 142 countries in the Gallup World Poll in 2018. Country vulnerability was measured by the Vulnerability Index and gross domestic product per capita. The data were analyzed using random-effects meta-analysis, with vulnerability measures as moderator variables.

Results:

For all three symptoms, prevalence was associated with higher Vulnerability Index and lower gross domestic product per capita. When both moderators were entered in meta-regressions, there were significant associations for the Vulnerability Index, but not for gross domestic product per capita.

Conclusion:

These findings are inconsistent with the vulnerability paradox. They underscore that reducing mental disorders should be a priority in poorer nations and that further economic and social development may be an important contributor to achieving this.
Who Is More Satisfied with Health Services? A Cross-Sectional Study in China
Authors: Qin Shangren , Ding Ye
Published: February 2021

This cross-sectional study aims to assess the Chinese population’s satisfaction with health service and identify 2 types of variables, Andersen’s behavioral model related variables and social environment variables associated with high satisfaction. Data were derived from the 2013 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS). Using exploratory factor analysis, the original questionnaire’s 10 health services were grouped into 2 dimensions, including “health management service” and “public health service.” Then, the satisfaction was described. The associations between satisfaction and factors were assessed using a multivariable logistic regression model. As a result, a total of 5283 subjects were enrolled. The satisfaction was 56.74% for “health management service” and 54.48% for “public health service.” Those with older age, lower education level, positive social environment factors (ie, higher perceived social class, higher perceived social trust, and perceived social equity), and having pension were more likely to report high satisfaction. Moreover, compared to the east region (the most prosperous region), the individuals from the central region or the north-east region (both regional economic levels were medium) had lower odds of reporting high satisfaction. In comparison, those from the west region (the least developed region) had higher odds. In conclusion, actionable measures to increase satisfaction should be proposed by the Chinese government, including increasing pension insurance coverage, increasing investment in health services, creating an excellent social environment, etc.
Using a roller pump for establishing extra-corporal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) – technical considerations for times of crisis
Authors: Kaluza Mirko , May Benjamin , Doenst Torsten
Published: February 2021

Objective:

The COVID-19 pandemic requires thinking about alternatives to establish ECMO when often-limited hardware resources are exhausted. Heart-lung-machines may potentially be used for ECMO but contain roller pumps as compared to centrifugal pumps in ECMO-circuits. We here tested roller pumps as rescue pump for ECMO-establishment.

Methods:

We set up in vitro circuits on roller pumps from C5 heart-lung-machine with 5 l/minutes flow. In two series, we placed either PVC or silicon tubing for an ECMO circuit into the roller pump. We assessed the mechanical stress on the tubing (aiming to run the pump for at least 1 week), measured the temperature increase generated by the friction and assessed flow characteristics and its measurement in simulated situations resembling tube kinking and suction.

Results:

The roller pumps led to expected and unexpected adverse events. PVC tubing burst between 36 and 78 hours, while silicon tubing lasted for at least 7 days. At 7 days, the silicone tubing showed significant signs of roller pump wear visible on the outside. The inside, however, was free of surface irregularities. Using these tubings in a roller pump led to a remarkable increase in circuit temperature (PVC: +12.0°C, silicone +2.9°C). Kinking or suction on the device caused the expected dramatic flow reduction (as assessed by direct measurement) while the roller pump display continued to show the preset flow. The roller pump is therefore not able to reliably determine the true flow rate.

Conclusion:

Roller pumps with silicone tubing but not PVC tubing may be used for running ECMO circuits. Silicone tubing may endure the roller pump shear forces for up to 1 week. Thus, repeated tubing repositioning may be a solution. Circuit heating and substantial limitations in flow detection should increase attention if clinical use in situations of crisis is considered.
Instantiation: Reconceptualising the role of technology as a carrier of organisational strategising
Authors: Baptista João , Wilson Alexander D , Galliers Robert D
Published: February 2021

Technology is often used by senior management as an instrument to deliver strategy by influencing day-to-day activities within organisations. We study how local teams appropriate strategy through the use of technology, specifically in instances where it is rigid and single purposed. We show that technology has the potential to act as a carrier of strategic intent. We theorise local practices of appropriation of strategic intent by conceptualising the role of technology in ‘instantiation’, a notion adopted within the strategy-as-practice literature to explain how localised micro events directly constitute higher-level business outcomes such as those that arise from strategy. Through an in-depth case study following the use of passenger self-service kiosks in a UK airport over a period of 20 months, we review the strategic drivers at the top of the organisation and the central role of technology as the delivery mechanism of strategy. We focus on emergent strategising activity by local teams on the ground. Our main theoretical contributions are thus to extend the concept of instantiation to Information Systems studies and to conceptualise technology as a carrier of strategy, particularly in explaining how technology can embed strategic intent ( structural strategising) and then influence the emergence of local practices consistent with these objectives ( emergent strategising). We find and conceptualise how local practices instantiate strategic intent by decoupling, reframing and then recoupling new logics of work to achieve the aims set out in the organisation’s strategy.
Non-invasive high-frequency oscillatory ventilation in preterm infants after extubation: a randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Li Yan , Wei Qiufen , Zhao Dan , Mo Yan , Yao Liping , Li Lingxiao , Tan Wei , Pan Xinnian , Yao Jiayan , Dai Wei , Zhong Danni
Published: February 2021

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness and safety of non-invasive high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (NHFOV) in post-extubation preterm infants.

Methods

This was a randomized, controlled trial. A total of 149 preterm infants aged between 25 to 34 weeks’ gestational age with a birth weight of <1500 g who required invasive mechanical ventilation on admission were included. After extubation, they were randomized to the NHFOV group (n = 47), nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) group (n = 51), or nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) group (n = 51). We compared the effectiveness and safety among these three groups.

Results

A total of 139 preterm infants finally completed the study. The reintubation rate was significantly lower in the NHFOV group than in the other groups. The duration of non-invasive ventilation and the length of hospital stay in the NHFOV and NIPPV groups were significantly shorter than those in the NCPAP group. The incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in the NHFOV and NIPPV groups was significantly lower than that in the NCPAP group. The NHFOV group had significantly less nasal injury than the NCPAP group.

Conclusion

As post-extubation respiratory support in preterm infants, NHFOV has a lower reintubation rate compared with NCPAP and NIPPV, without increasing the rate of complications.
The Effect of Delayed Reporting on Mock-Juror Decision-Making in the Era of #MeToo
Authors: Fraser Bailey M. , Pica Emily , Pozzulo Joanna D.
Published: February 2021

The #MeToo movement has given voice to victims of sexual harassment and assault. In many of these cases, there have been long delays in reporting of the sexual offence (e.g., the Harvey Weinstein case). The purpose of this study was to examine how the type of sexual offence (harassment vs. assault) and the length of delayed reporting (15, 25, 35 years) influenced mock-juror decision-making. Mock-jurors ( N = 319) read a mock trial transcript depicting an alleged sexual offence and were asked to render a dichotomous verdict, continuous guilt rating, and defendant and victim perception ratings. The data indicated an effect of sexual offence type such that mock-jurors held more favorable perceptions of the defendant when the alleged offence was harassment compared with assault. There also was an effect of delayed reporting such that mock-jurors rendered more guilty verdicts when there was a 25-year delay compared with a 15-year delay. Intriguingly, these results suggest that jurors in sexual offence cases may perceive longer delays in reporting as more believable than shorter delays.
Vibration and dynamics analysis of electric vehicle drivetrains
Authors: Hua Xia , Gandee Eric
Published: February 2021

The importance of the vibration and dynamics of electric vehicle drivetrains has increased because of noise and durability concerns. In this study, the important dynamic responses of drivetrains, including the dynamic mesh force acting at the gear teeth, dynamic loads acting at the bearings, and torsional fluctuation of the tire or load under major vibration excitations, such as motor torque fluctuation excitation and spiral bevel gear mesh excitation, were investigated. The results demonstrate that at a lower motor speed, dynamic responses such as the dynamic mesh force, dynamic bearing loads, and dynamic torsional displacement of the tire or load under motor torque fluctuation are dominant. At a higher motor speed, however, the dynamic responses under the gear mesh excitation are dominant. In addition, increasing the pinion-motor torsional compliance is an effective approach for suppressing the dynamic responses of drivetrains under motor torque fluctuation.
Device for online monitoring of insulation faults in high-voltage switchgears
Authors: Song Jiajia , Zhang Jinbo , Fan Xinnan
Published: February 2021

Partial discharges are the major cause of deterioration in the insulation characteristics of switchgears. Therefore, timely detection of partial discharge in switchgear and potential insulation faults is an urgent problem that needs to be addressed in the power supervision industry. In this study, a device was proposed for online monitoring of high-voltage switchgears based on pulse current method and ozone (O3) detection. The pulse current method obtains the PD signal by monitoring the phase holes on the switch indicator. Occurrence of a partial discharge in a certain phase leads to the production of a discharge pulse, which can be coupled out by a capacitive sensor. The current spectrum and the O3 produced by partial discharge were processed via fast Fourier transform for accurate diagnosis of the occurrence of partial discharge and its severity in switchgears. The proposed method allows for convenient acquisition of the partial discharge signal, simple installation of the device, and realization with inexpensive sensors.
Experimental and numerical investigation on total pressure distortion generated by a rectangular movable flat baffle
Authors: Tu Baofeng , Xuan Bin , Li Chuanpeng , Zhang Xinyu , Hu Jun
Published: February 2021

A distortion generator equipped with a motor-activated movable flat baffle was installed just upstream of a rectangular plenum entrance to investigate the effects of inlet total pressure distortion on the stability and performance of an auxiliary power unit (APU). Experiments and numerical simulations on a direct connect scale inlet model of the APU were carried out to obtain a quantitative relationship between the insertion depth of the flat baffle in the flow stream and the total pressure distortion intensity and region. In the experiments, the blocking coefficient and total pressure distortion coefficient were controlled by adjusting the insertion depth of the flat baffle and the mass flow. In the simulations, detailed flow field was analyzed based on the detached-eddy simulation (DES) method. The results show that the pressure distribution of the distorted flow on the aerodynamic interface plane (AIP) can be divided into a high-pressure region, a transition region, and a low-pressure region. The area affected by the distorted flow was larger than the inserting area of the flat baffle. That area was more related to the relative blocking coefficient, and less affected by the mass flow. The total pressure distortion coefficient had a linear relationship with the mass flow rate and is positively correlated with the relative blocking coefficient. As the relative blocking coefficient increased to a certain value, an exponential growth in the total pressure distortion coefficient occurred, and consequently, the flow field distortion was intensified. In the flow field, a pair of corner vortices were formed at the corner between the flat baffle and the bottom wall of the inlet pipe, and a large separation zone was formed behind the flat baffle and exhibits certain unsteady characteristics.
Ethics in global research: Creating a toolkit to support integrity and ethical action throughout the research journey
Authors: Reid Corinne , Calia Clara , Guerra Cristóbal , Grant Liz , Anderson Matilda , Chibwana Khama , Kawale Paul , Amos Action
Published: February 2021

Global challenge-led research seeks to contribute to solution-generation for complex problems. Multicultural, multidisciplinary, and multisectoral teams must be capable of operating in highly demanding contexts. This brings with it a swathe of ethical conflicts that require quick and effective solutions that respect both international conventions and cultural diversity. The objective of this article is to describe the process of creating a toolkit designed to support global researchers in navigating these ethical challenges. The process of creating the toolkit embodied the model of ethical research practice that it advocates. Specifically, at the heart of ethical decision-making is consideration of the following: Place, solutions must be relevant to the context in which they are to be used; People, those impacted by the outcomes must be partners in co-creation; Principles, ethical projects must be guided by clear values; and Precedent, the existing evidence-base should guide the project and, in turn, the project should extend the evidence-base. It is the thesis underlying the toolkit that consideration of these 4Ps provides a strong basis for understanding ethical conflicts and allows for the generation of potential solutions. This toolkit has been designed in two phases of collaborative work. More than 200 researchers participated from more than 30 countries and more than 60 different disciplines. This allowed us to develop a model for contextual, dynamic analysis of ethical conflicts in global research that is complementary to traditional codes of ethics. It emphasizes the need to consider ethical analysis as an iterative, reflective, process relevant at all stages of the research journey, including, ultimately, in evaluating the legacy of a project. The toolkit is presented as an open access website to promote universal access. A downloadable “pocket guide” version is also now available in 11 languages.
A phase II study of S-1 and cisplatin with concurrent thoracic radiotherapy followed by durvalumab for unresectable, locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer in Japan (SAMURAI study)
Authors: Tanzawa Shigeru , Ushijima Sunao , Shibata Kazuhiko , Shibayama Takuo , Bessho Akihiro , Kaira Kyoichi , Misumi Toshihiro , Shiraishi Kenshiro , Matsutani Noriyuki , Tanaka Hisashi , Inaba Megumi , Haruyama Terunobu , Nakamura Junya , Kishikawa Takayuki , Nakashima Masanao , Iwasa Keiichi , Fujiwara Keiichi , Kohyama Tadashi , Kuyama Shoichi , Miyazawa Naoki , Nakamura Tomomi , Miyawaki Hiroshi , Ishida Hiroo , Oda Naohiro , Ishikawa Nobuhisa , Morinaga Ryotaro , Kusaka Kei , Fujimoto Nobukazu , Yokoyama Toshihide , Gemba Kenichi , Tsuda Takeshi , Nakagawa Hideyuki , Ono Hirotaka , Shimizu Tetsuo , Nakamura Morio , Kusumoto Sojiro , Hayashi Ryuji , Shirasaki Hiroki , Ochi Nobuaki , Aoe Keisuke , Kanaji Nobuhiro , Kashiwabara Kosuke , Inoue Hiroshi , Seki Nobuhiko
Published: February 2021

Background:

Based on the results of the PACIFIC study, chemoradiotherapy followed by 1-year consolidation therapy with durvalumab was established as the standard of care for unresectable, locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC). However, some topics not foreseen in that design can be explored, including progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) after the start of chemoradiotherapy, the proportion of patients who proceeded to consolidation therapy with durvalumab, and the optimal chemotherapeutic regimens. In Japan, the combination regimen of S-1 + cisplatin (SP), for which the results of multiple clinical studies have suggested a good balance of efficacy and tolerability, is frequently selected in clinical settings. However, the efficacy and safety of consolidation therapy with durvalumab following this SP regimen have not been evaluated. We therefore planned a multicenter, prospective, single-arm, phase II study.

Methods:

In treatment-naïve LA-NSCLC, two cycles of combination chemotherapy with S-1 (80–120 mg/body, Days 1–14) + cisplatin (60 mg/m2, Day 1) will be administered at an interval of 4 weeks, with concurrent thoracic radiotherapy (60 Gy). Responders will then receive durvalumab every 2 weeks for up to 1 year. The primary endpoint is 1-year PFS rate.

Discussion:

Compared with the conventional standard regimen in Japan, the SP regimen is expected to be associated with lower incidences of pneumonitis, esophagitis, and febrile neutropenia, which complicate the initiation of consolidation therapy with durvalumab, and have higher antitumor efficacy during chemoradiotherapy. Therefore, SP-based chemoradiotherapy is expected to be successfully followed by consolidation therapy with durvalumab in more patients, resulting in prolonged PFS and OS. Toxicity and efficacy results of the SP regimen in this study will also provide information important to the future establishment of the concurrent combination of chemoradiotherapy and durvalumab.

Trial registration:

Japan Registry of Clinical Trials, jRCTs031190127, registered 1 November 2019, https://jrct.niph.go.jp/latest-detail/jRCTs031190127
Aortic and mitral flow quantification using dynamic valve tracking and machine learning: Prospective study assessing static and dynamic plane repeatability, variability and agreement
Authors: Garcia Julio , Beckie Kailey , Hassanabad Ali F , Sojoudi Alireza , White James A
Published: February 2021

Background

Blood flow is a crucial measurement in the assessment of heart valve disease. Time-resolved flow using magnetic resonance imaging (4 D flow MRI) can provide a comprehensive assessment of heart valve hemodynamics but it relies in manual plane analysis. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of automate the detection and tracking of aortic and mitral valve planes to assess blood flow from 4 D flow MRI.

Methods

In this prospective study, a total of n = 106 subjects were enrolled: 19 patients with mitral disease, 65 aortic disease patients and 22 healthy controls. Machine learning was employed to detect aortic and mitral location and motion in a cine three-chamber plane and a perpendicular projection was co-registered to the 4 D flow MRI dataset to quantify flow volume, regurgitant fraction, and a peak velocity. Static and dynamic plane association and agreement were evaluated. Intra- and inter-observer, and scan-rescan reproducibility were also assessed.

Results

Aortic regurgitant fraction was elevated in aortic valve disease patients as compared with controls and mitral valve disease patients ( p < 0.05). Similarly, mitral regurgitant fraction was higher in mitral valve patients ( p < 0.05). Both aortic and mitral total flow were high in aortic patients. Static and dynamic were good (r > 0.6, p < 0.005) for aortic total flow and peak velocity, and mitral peak velocity and regurgitant fraction. All measurements showed good inter- and intra-observer, and scan-rescan reproducibility.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that aortic and mitral hemodynamics can efficiently be quantified from 4 D flow MRI using assisted valve detection with machine learning.
Non-contrast and portal venous phase computed tomography in breast cancer hepatic metastases: comparison of tumor measurements and impact on response assessment
Authors: Flemming Brian , Kovacs Mark D , Hardie Andrew , Picard Melissa , Burchett Philip F , Collins Heather , Sheafor Douglas H
Published: February 2021

Background

For many common malignancies, including breast cancer, evaluation for metastatic disease using multiphase computed tomography (CT) has fallen out of favor and been replaced by studies performed only in the portal venous phase. However, differences in tumor vascularity could produce differences in appearance on post-contrast imaging.

Purpose

To assess non-contrast phase and portal venous phase computed tomography in detection and measurement of hepatic metastases from breast carcinoma.

Materials and Methods

A total of 75 CT scans from 52 breast cancer patients were independently assessed by three body imagers for lesion presence, number and size. Readers randomly assessed portal venous phase or combined phase images at one session with cross-over reads performed four to six weeks later.

Results

In the 58% of cases where index lesions measured larger on combined phase, the mean difference in lesion size was 5.7 mm. In this group, combined phase reads demonstrated an 8.4 mm increase in sum of largest diameters, and a mean percentage sum of largest diameters increase of 19% compared to portal venous phase-only reads.

Conclusion

Addition of non-contrast phase images results in increased index lesion size in most patients with hepatic metastases from breast cancer. If only the portal venous phase is utilized, there is potential for incorrectly diagnosing disease progression on follow-up due to underestimation of lesion size.
Output-inflation Trade-off in the Presence of Foreign Capital: Evidence for Vietnam
Authors: Hung Ly Dai
Published: February 2021

On one monthly time-series data set of Vietnam economy over 02/2008–09/2018, the Time-Varying-Coefficient VAR model records that the trade-off between inflation and output growth is mitigated by the foreign capital inflows. The inflation is mostly determined by credit supply growth, while output growth is largely driven by foreign direct investment (FDI) capital inflows. A monthly increase of FDI by USD 1 billion can raise 1.77% of monthly output growth rate. The result also holds on accounting for exchange rate fluctuation.

JEL Classifications: E31, F15, F36, F43
Strengthening International Research in Long-Term Care: Recommended Common Data Elements to Support Clinical Staff Training
Authors: Chu Charlene H. , McGilton Katherine S. , Spilsbury Karen , Le Kim N. , Boscart Veronique , Backman Annica , Fagertun Anette , Devi Reena , Zúñiga Franziska
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this study is to develop candidate common data element (CDE) items related to clinical staff training in long-term care (LTC) homes that can be used to enable international comparative research. This paper is part of the WE-THRIVE ( Worldwide Elements to Harmonize Research in Long-Term Care Li ving Environments) group’s initiative which aims to improve international academic collaboration. We followed best practices to develop CDEs by conducting a literature review of clinical staff (i.e., Regulated Nurses, Health Care Aides) training measures, and convening a subgroup of WE-THRIVE experts to review the literature review results to develop suitable CDEs. The international expert panel discussed and critically reflected on the current knowledge gaps from the literature review results. The panel proposed three candidate CDEs which focused on the presence of and the measurement of training. These three proposed CDEs seek to facilitate international research as well as assist in policy and decision-making regarding LTC homes worldwide. This study is a critical first step to develop candidate CDE items to measure staff training internationally. Further work is required to get feedback from other researchers about the proposed CDEs, and assess the feasibility of these CDEs in high and low resourced settings.
Comparison of short-term outcomes of anterolateral supine approach and posterolateral approach for primary total hip arthroplasty: a retrospective study
Authors: Ukai Taku , Ebihara Goro , Watanabe Masahiko
Published: February 2021

Background

This study aims to evaluate postoperative pain and functional and clinical outcomes of anterolateral supine (ALS) and posterolateral (PL) approaches for primary total hip arthroplasty.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively examined the joints of 110 patients who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). The ALS group was compared with the PL group using the pain visual analog scale (VAS) and narcotic consumption as pain outcomes. Functional outcomes included postoperative range of motion (ROM) of hip flexion, day on which patients could perform straight leg raising (SLR), day on which patients began using a walker or cane, duration of hospital stay, rate of transfer, and strength of hip muscles. Clinical outcomes included pre and postoperative Harris Hip Scores.

Results

No significant differences were found in the pain VAS scores or narcotic consumption between the two groups. The PL group could perform SLR earlier than the ALS group (P < 0.01). The ALS group started using a cane earlier (P < 0.01) and had a shorter hospital stay (P < 0.01) than the PL group. Degrees of active ROM of flexion at postoperative day (POD) 1 were significantly lower in the ALS group than in the PL group (P < 0.01). Regarding hip muscle strength, hip flexion was significantly weaker in the ALS group than in the PL group until 1-month POD (P < 0.01). External rotation from 2 weeks to 6 months postoperatively was significantly weaker in the PL group than in the ALS group (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The ALS approach was more beneficial than the PL approach because ALS enabled better functional recovery of the strength of external rotation, improved rehabilitation, and involved a shorter hospital stay.

Level of Evidence

Level IV retrospective observational study.
A Dual Four-Quadrant Photodetector Based on Near-Infrared Enhanced Nanometer Black Silicon
Authors: Mi Guanyu , Lv Jian , Que Longcheng , Zhang Yi , Zhou Yun , Liu Zhongyuan
Published: February 2021

In this paper, a new preparation process of nanometer black silicon is proposed, by which high trapping optical Se-doped black silicon material is prepared by nanosecond pulsed laser ablation of high-resistance silicon coated with Se film in HF gas atmosphere. The results indicate that the average absorptivity of 400–2200 nm band before annealing is 96.81%, and the absorptivity maintains at 81.28% after annealing at 600 degrees. Meanwhile, black silicon prepared under the new technology is used in double four-quadrant photodetector, the results show that, at a reversed bias of 50 V, the average unit responsiveness is 0.528 A/W at 1060 nm and 0.102 A/W at 1180 nm, and the average dark current is 2 nA at inner quadrants and 8 nA at outer quadrants. The dual four-quadrant photodetector based on near-infrared enhanced black silicon has the advantages of high responsiveness, low dark current, fast response and low crosstalk, hence it is appropriate for a series of direction of applications, such as night vision detection and medical field.
miTAR: a hybrid deep learning-based approach for predicting miRNA targets
Authors: Gu Tongjun , Zhao Xiwu , Barbazuk William Bradley , Lee Ji-Hyun
Published: February 2021

Background

microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to play essential roles in a wide range of biological processes. Many computational methods have been developed to identify targets of miRNAs. However, the majority of these methods depend on pre-defined features that require considerable efforts and resources to compute and often prove suboptimal at predicting miRNA targets.

Results

We developed a novel hybrid deep learning-based (DL-based) approach that is capable of predicting miRNA targets at a higher accuracy. This approach integrates convolutional neural networks (CNNs) that excel in learning spatial features and recurrent neural networks (RNNs) that discern sequential features. Therefore, our approach has the advantages of learning both the intrinsic spatial and sequential features of miRNA:target. The inputs for our approach are raw sequences of miRNAs and genes that can be obtained effortlessly. We applied our approach on two human datasets from recently miRNA target prediction studies and trained two models. We demonstrated that the two models consistently outperform the previous methods according to evaluation metrics on test datasets. Comparing our approach with currently available alternatives on independent datasets shows that our approach delivers substantial improvements in performance. We also show with multiple evidences that our approach is more robust than other methods on small datasets. Our study is the first study to perform comparisons across multiple existing DL-based approaches on miRNA target prediction. Furthermore, we examined the contribution of a Max pooling layer in between the CNN and RNN and demonstrated that it improves the performance of all our models. Finally, a unified model was developed that is robust on fitting different input datasets.

Conclusions

We present a new DL-based approach for predicting miRNA targets and demonstrate that our approach outperforms the current alternatives. We supplied an easy-to-use tool, miTAR, at https://github.com/tjgu/miTAR. Furthermore, our analysis results support that Max Pooling generally benefits the hybrid models and potentially prevents overfitting for hybrid models.
Genome-wide in silico identification and expression analysis of beta-galactosidase family members in sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam]
Authors: Hou Fuyun , Du Taifeng , Qin Zhen , Xu Tao , Li Aixian , Dong Shunxu , Ma Daifu , Li Zongyun , Wang Qingmei , Zhang Liming
Published: February 2021

Background

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) serves as an important food source for human beings. β-galactosidase (bgal) is a glycosyl hydrolase involved in cell wall modification, which plays essential roles in plant development and environmental stress adaptation. However, the function of bgal genes in sweetpotato remains unclear.

Results

In this study, 17 β-galactosidase genes (Ibbgal) were identified in sweetpotato, which were classified into seven subfamilies using interspecific phylogenetic and comparative analysis. The promoter regions of Ibbgals harbored several stress, hormone and light responsive cis-acting elements. Quantitative real-time PCR results displayed that Ibbgal genes had the distinct expression patterns across different tissues and varieties. Moreover, the expression profiles under various hormonal treatments, abiotic and biotic stresses were highly divergent in leaves and root.

Conclusions

Taken together, these findings suggested that Ibbgals might play an important role in plant development and stress responses, which provided evidences for further study of bgal function and sweetpotato breeding.
Genome-wide miRNA analysis and integrated network for flavonoid biosynthesis in Osmanthus fragrans
Authors: Shi Yong , Xia Heng , Cheng Xiaoting , Zhang Libin
Published: February 2021

Background

Osmanthus fragrans is an important economical plant containing multiple secondary metabolites including flavonoids and anthocyanins. During the past years, the roles of miRNAs in regulating the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in plants have been widely investigated. However, few studies on miRNA expression profiles and the potential roles in regulating flavonoid biosynthesis have been reported in O. fragrans.

Results

In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing technology to analyze the expression profiles of miRNAs in leaf and flower tissues of O. fragrans. As a result, 106 conserved miRNAs distributed in 47 families and 88 novel miRNAs were identified. Further analysis showed there were 133 miRNAs differentially expressed in leaves and flowers. Additionally, the potential target genes of miRNAs as well as the related metabolic pathways were predicted. In the end, flavonoid content was measured in flower and leaf tissues and potential role of miR858 in regulating flavonoid synthesis was illustrated in O. fragrans.

Conclusions

This study not only provided the genome-wide miRNA profiles in the flower and leaf tissue of O. fragrans, but also investigated the potential regulatory role of miR858a in flavonoid synthesis in O. fragrans. The results specifically indicated the connection of miRNAs to the regulation of secondary metabolite biosynthesis in non-model economical plant.