bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediagnostic Circulating Concentrations of Vitamin D Binding Protein and Survival among Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Yuan Chen , Song Mingyang , Zhang Yin , Wolpin Brian M. , Meyerhardt Jeffrey A. , Ogino Shuji , Hollis Bruce W. , Chan Andrew T. , Fuchs Charles S. , Wu Kana , Wang Molin , Smith-Warner Stephanie A. , Giovannucci Edward L. , Ng Kimmie
Published: September 2020

Background:

Higher total 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels are associated with improved survival among patients with colorectal cancer, but the relationships between circulating vitamin D binding protein (VDBP), and bioavailable or free 25(OH)D, and colorectal cancer survival remain unknown.

Methods:

We examined the associations between prediagnostic plasma levels of vitamin D–related markers and survival among 603 White participants diagnosed with colorectal cancer from two prospective U.S. cohorts. Plasma VDBP and total 25(OH)D were directly measured, while bioavailable and free 25(OH)D was calculated using a validated formula on the basis of total 25(OH)D, VDBP, and albumin levels. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate HRs for overall and colorectal cancer–specific mortality, with adjustment for other prognostic markers and potential confounders.

Results:

Higher VDBP levels were associated with improved overall (Ptrend = 0.001) and colorectal cancer–specific survival (Ptrend = 0.02). Compared with patients in the lowest quartile, those in the highest quartile of VDBP had a multivariate HR of 0.58 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.41–0.80] for overall mortality and 0.58 (95% CI, 0.37–0.91) for colorectal cancer–specific mortality. The results remained similar after further adjustment for total 25(OH)D levels. In contrast, neither bioavailable nor free 25(OH)D levels were associated with overall or colorectal cancer–specific mortality (all Ptrend > 0.15).

Conclusions:

Prediagnostic circulating concentrations of VDBP were positively associated with survival among patients with colorectal cancer.

Impact:

The clinical utility of VDBP as a prognostic marker warrants further exploration, as well as research into underlying mechanisms of action.
Automated Quantitative Measures of Terminal Duct Lobular Unit Involution and Breast Cancer Risk
Authors: Kensler Kevin H. , Liu Emily Z.F. , Wetstein Suzanne C. , Onken Allison M. , Luffman Christina I. , Baker Gabrielle M. , Collins Laura C. , Schnitt Stuart J. , Bret-Mounet Vanessa C. , Veta Mitko , Pluim Josien P.W. , Liu Ying , Colditz Graham A. , Eliassen A. Heather , Hankinson Susan E. , Tamimi Rulla M. , Heng Yujing J.
Published: September 2020

Background:

Manual qualitative and quantitative measures of terminal duct lobular unit (TDLU) involution were previously reported to be inversely associated with breast cancer risk. We developed and applied a deep learning method to yield quantitative measures of TDLU involution in normal breast tissue. We assessed the associations of these automated measures with breast cancer risk factors and risk.

Methods:

We obtained eight quantitative measures from whole slide images from a benign breast disease (BBD) nested case–control study within the Nurses' Health Studies (287 breast cancer cases and 1,083 controls). Qualitative assessments of TDLU involution were available for 177 cases and 857 controls. The associations between risk factors and quantitative measures among controls were assessed using analysis of covariance adjusting for age. The relationship between each measure and risk was evaluated using unconditional logistic regression, adjusting for the matching factors, BBD subtypes, parity, and menopausal status. Qualitative measures and breast cancer risk were evaluated accounting for matching factors and BBD subtypes.

Results:

Menopausal status and parity were significantly associated with all eight measures; select TDLU measures were associated with BBD histologic subtype, body mass index, and birth index (P < 0.05). No measure was correlated with body size at ages 5–10 years, age at menarche, age at first birth, or breastfeeding history (P > 0.05). Neither quantitative nor qualitative measures were associated with breast cancer risk.

Conclusions:

Among Nurses' Health Studies women diagnosed with BBD, TDLU involution is not a biomarker of subsequent breast cancer.

Impact:

TDLU involution may not impact breast cancer risk as previously thought.
Melanoma Evolves Complete Immunotherapy Resistance through the Acquisition of a Hypermetabolic Phenotype
Authors: Jaiswal Ashvin R. , Liu Arthur J. , Pudakalakatti Shivanand , Dutta Prasanta , Jayaprakash Priyamvada , Bartkowiak Todd , Ager Casey R. , Wang Zhi-Qiang , Reuben Alexandre , Cooper Zachary A. , Ivan Cristina , Ju Zhenlin , Nwajei Felix , Wang Jing , Davies Michael A. , Davis R. Eric , Wargo Jennifer A. , Bhattacharya Pratip K. , Hong David S. , Curran Michael A.
Published: September 2020

Despite the clinical success of T-cell checkpoint blockade, most patients with cancer still fail to have durable responses to immunotherapy. The molecular mechanisms driving checkpoint blockade resistance, whether preexisting or evolved, remain unclear. To address this critical knowledge gap, we treated B16 melanoma with the combination of CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1 blockade and a Flt3 ligand vaccine (≥75% curative), isolated tumors resistant to therapy, and serially passaged them in vivo with the same treatment regimen until they developed complete resistance. Using gene expression analysis and immunogenomics, we determined the adaptations associated with this resistance phenotype. Checkpoint resistance coincided with acquisition of a “hypermetabolic” phenotype characterized by coordinated upregulation of the glycolytic, oxidoreductase, and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation pathways. These resistant tumors flourished under hypoxic conditions, whereas metabolically starved T cells lost glycolytic potential, effector function, and the ability to expand in response to immunotherapy. Furthermore, we found that checkpoint-resistant versus -sensitive tumors could be separated by noninvasive MRI imaging based solely on their metabolic state. In a cohort of patients with melanoma resistant to both CTLA-4 and PD-1 blockade, we observed upregulation of pathways indicative of a similar hypermetabolic state. Together, these data indicated that melanoma can evade T-cell checkpoint blockade immunotherapy by adapting a hypermetabolic phenotype.
Tumor Mutation Burden and Structural Chromosomal Aberrations Are Not Associated with T-cell Density or Patient Survival in Acral, Mucosal, and Cutaneous Melanomas
Authors: Edwards Jarem , Ferguson Peter M. , Lo Serigne N. , Pires da Silva Inês , Colebatch Andrew J. , Lee Hansol , Saw Robyn P.M. , Thompson John F. , Menzies Alexander M. , Long Georgina V. , Newell Felicity , Pearson John V. , Waddell Nicola , Hayward Nicholas K. , Johansson Peter A. , Mann Graham J. , Scolyer Richard A. , Palendira Umaimainthan , Wilmott James S.
Published: September 2020

Tumor mutation burden (TMB) has been proposed as a key determinant of immunogenicity in several cancers, including melanoma. The evidence presented thus far, however, is often contradictory and based mostly on RNA-sequencing data for the quantification of immune cell phenotypes. Few studies have investigated TMB across acral, mucosal, and cutaneous melanoma subtypes, which are known to have different TMB. It is also unknown whether chromosomal structural mutations [structural variant (SV) mutations] contribute to the immunogenicity in acral and mucosal melanomas where such aberrations are common. We stained 151 cutaneous and 35 acral and mucosal melanoma patient samples using quantitative IHC and correlated immune infiltrate phenotypes with TMB and other genomic profiles. TMB and SVs did not correlate with the densities of CD8+ lymphocytes, CD103+ tumor-resident T cells (Trm), CD45RO+ cells, and other innate and adaptive immune cell subsets in cutaneous and acral/mucosal melanoma tumors, respectively, including in analyses restricted to the site of disease and in a validation cohort. In 43 patients with stage III treatment-naïve cutaneous melanoma, we found that the density of immune cells, particularly Trm, was significantly associated with patient survival, but not with TMB. Overall, TMB and chromosomal structural aberrations are not associated with protective antitumor immunity in treatment-naïve melanoma.
Radiation-Associated Primary Osteosarcoma of the Breast
Authors: Bartlett Helen , Elghobashy Maiar , Deshmukh Nayneeta , Rao Rashmi , Shaaban Abeer M.
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Non-epithelial primary mammary osteosarcomas are extremely rare. The differentials include metaplastic carcinoma and malignant phyllodes tumour. This is the first published case of primary breast osteosarcoma arising after local radiotherapy. Case Presentation: A 73-year-old female presented with a right-sided breast lump. The same breast had been irradiated 11 years previously for invasive ductal carcinoma. Diagnostic excision revealed a highly cellular, malignant spindle-cell lesion merged with an osteoid matrix and foci of calcification and bone formation. Immunohistochemistry and molecular studies showed no lines of differentiation. Due to the lack of epithelial/glandular differentiation, in situ carcinoma or leaf-like pattern, the diagnosis of post-irradiation osteosarcoma was made. She underwent mastectomy and is disease-free at 8 months of follow-up. Conclusion: Post-irradiation osteosarcoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of breast lesions showing malignant osteoid. Extensive sampling and careful search for epithelial differentiation is required to guide management. Complete surgical excision is recommended.
Characteristics of Esophageal Injury in Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation Using a High-Power Short-Duration Setting
Authors: Kaneshiro Takashi , Kamioka Masashi , Hijioka Naoko , Yamada Shinya , Yokokawa Tetsuro , Misaka Tomofumi , Hikichi Takuto , Yoshihisa Akiomi , Takeishi Yasuchika
Published: September 2020

Background:

The mechanism of esophageal thermal injury (ETI; esophageal mucosal injury and periesophageal nerve injury leading to gastric hypomotility) remains unknown when using a high-power short-duration (HP-SD) setting. This study sought to evaluate the characteristics of esophageal injuries in atrial fibrillation ablation using a HP-SD setting.

Methods:

After exclusion of 5 patients with their esophagus at the right portion of left atrium and 21 patients with additional ablations such as box isolation and low voltage area ablation in left atrium posterior wall, 271 consecutive patients (62±10 years, 56 women) who underwent pulmonary vein isolation by radiofrequency catheter ablation were analyzed. In the 101 patients, a HP-SD setting at 45 to 50 W with an Ablation Index module was used (HP-SD group). In the remaining 170 patients before introduction of the HP-SD setting, a conventional power setting of 20 to 30 W with contact force monitoring was used (conventional group). We performed esophagogastroduodenoscopy after pulmonary vein isolation in all patients and investigated the incidence and characteristics of ETI.

Results:

Although the incidence of ETI was significantly higher in the HP-SD group compared with the conventional group (37% versus 22%,
P
=0.011), the prevalence of esophageal lesions did not differ between the groups (7% versus 8%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the use of the HP-SD setting (odds ratio, 6.09,
P
<0.001), and the parameters that suggest anatomic proximity surrounding the esophagus, were independent predictors of ETI. However, the majority of ETI in the HP-SD group was gastric hypomotility, and the thermal injury was limited to the shallow layer of the periesophageal wall using the HP-SD setting.

Conclusions:

Although the use of the HP-SD setting was a strong predictor of ETI, it could avoid deeper thermal injuries that reach the esophageal mucosal layer.
ILRUN
, a Human Plasma Lipid GWAS Locus, Regulates Lipoprotein Metabolism in Mice
Authors: Bi Xin , Kuwano Takashi , Lee Paul C. , Millar John S. , Li Li , Shen Yachen , Soccio Raymond E. , Hand Nicholas J. , Rader Daniel J.
Published: September 2020

Rationale:

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms near the
ILRUN
(inflammation and lipid regulator with ubiquitin-associated–like and NBR1 [next to
BRCA1
gene 1 protein]-like domains) gene are genome-wide significantly associated with plasma lipid traits and coronary artery disease (CAD), but the biological basis of this association is unknown.

Objective:

To investigate the role of ILRUN in plasma lipid and lipoprotein metabolism.

Methods and Results:

ILRUN
encodes a protein that contains a ubiquitin-associated–like domain, suggesting that it may interact with ubiquitinylated proteins. We generated mice globally deficient for
Ilrun
and found they had significantly lower plasma cholesterol levels resulting from reduced liver lipoprotein production. Liver transcriptome analysis uncovered altered transcription of genes downstream of lipid-related transcription factors, particularly PPARα (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha), and livers from
Ilrun
-deficient mice had increased PPARα protein. Human ILRUN was shown to bind to ubiquitinylated proteins including PPARα, and the ubiquitin-associated–like domain of ILRUN was found to be required for its interaction with PPARα.

Conclusions:

These findings establish ILRUN as a novel regulator of lipid metabolism that promotes hepatic lipoprotein production. Our results also provide functional evidence that
ILRUN
may be the casual gene underlying the observed genetic associations with plasma lipids at 6p21 in human.
Calcium‐Binding Protein S100A4 Is Upregulated in Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaques and Contributes to Expansive Remodeling
Authors: Nagata Manabu , Minami Manabu , Yoshida Kazumichi , Yang Tao , Yamamoto Yu , Takayama Naoki , Ikedo Taichi , Hayashi Kosuke , Miyata Takeshi , Yokode Masayuki , Miyamoto Susumu
Published: September 2020

Background

Carotid plaques with expansive arterial remodeling are closely related to cerebral ischemic events. Although S100A4 (S100 calcium‐binding protein A4) is expressed in atherosclerotic lesions, its role in atherosclerotic plaque progression remains unknown. In this study, we examined the association between carotid arterial expansive remodeling and S100A4 expression.

Methods and Results

Preoperative high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging was used to assess luminal stenosis and vascular remodeling in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. To examine murine carotid atherosclerosis, we induced experimental lesions by flow cessation in apolipoprotein E‐deficient mice fed a high‐fat diet. The role of S100A4 in plaque formation and smooth muscle cell proliferation was investigated in vivo and in vitro, respectively. Human carotid arterial expansive remodeling showed positive correlations with the expression of
S100A4
,
MMP2
, and
MMP9
.
S100A4
mRNA levels were positively correlated with those of
MMP2
,
MMP9
, and
MMP13
. S100A4 was expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and VSMC‐derived foam cells in the plaque shoulder and marginal areas. S100A4 expression increased concomitantly with plaque formation in our animal model. Exogenous recombinant S100A4 protein enhanced the levels of
Mmp2
,
Mmp9
, and
Mmp13
and the cell proliferation ability in VSMCs. A chemotaxis assay indicated that extracellular S100A4 functions as a chemoattractant for VSMCs.

Conclusions

S100A4 expression was elevated in human carotid plaques and showed a positive correlation with the degree of expansive remodeling. S100A4‐positive VSMC‐derived cells are considered to play an important role in carotid expansive remodeling.
Factors Associated With Participation in the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program
Authors: Lin Amy M. , Vickrey Barbara G. , Barry Frances , Lee Martin L. , Ayala-Rivera Monica , Cheng Eric , Montoya Ana V. , Mojarro-Huang Elizabeth , Gomez Patricia , Castro Marissa , Corrales Marilyn , Sivers-Teixeira Theresa , Tran Jamie L. , Johnson Renee , Ediss Chris , Shaby Betty , Willis Phyllis , Sanossian Nerses , Mehta Bijal , Dutta Tara , Razmara Ali , Bryg Robert , Song Shlee , Towfighi Amytis
Published: September 2020

Background and Purpose:

Self-management programs may improve quality of life and self-efficacy for stroke survivors, but participation is low. In a randomized controlled trial of a complex, multidisciplinary, team-based secondary stroke prevention intervention, we offered participants Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) workshops in addition to clinic visits and home visits. To enhance participation, workshops were facilitated by community health workers who were culturally and linguistically concordant with most participants and scheduled CDSMP sessions at convenient venues and times. Over time, we implemented additional strategies such as free transportation and financial incentives. In this study, we aimed to determine factors associated with CDSMP participation and attendance.

Methods:

From 2014 to 2018, 18 CDSMP workshop series were offered to 241 English and Spanish-speaking individuals (age ≥40 years) with recent stroke or transient ischemic attack. Zero-inflated Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with participation and attendance (ie, number of sessions attended) in CDSMP. Missing values were imputed using multiple imputation methods.

Results:

Nearly one-third (29%) of intervention subjects participated in CDSMP. Moderate disability and more clinic/home visits were associated with participation. Participants with higher numbers of clinic and home visits (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.06 [95% CI, 1.01–1.12]), severe (IRR, 2.34 [95% CI, 1.65–3.31]), and moderately severe disability (IRR, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.07–2.23]), and who enrolled later in the study (IRR, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.08–1.16]) attended more sessions. Individuals with higher chaos scores attended fewer sessions (IRR, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.95–0.99]).

Conclusions:

Less than one-third of subjects enrolled in the SUCCEED (Secondary Stroke Prevention by Uniting Community and Chronic Care Model Teams Early to End Disparities) intervention participated in CDSMP; however, participation improved as transportation and financial barriers were addressed. Strategies to address social determinants of health contributing to chaos and engage individuals in healthcare may facilitate attendance.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01763203.
Evaluating Strategies to Reduce Arsenic Poisoning in South Asia: A View from the Social Sciences
Authors: Krupoff Matthew , Mobarak Ahmed Mushfiq , van Geen Alexander
Published: September 2020

The World Health Organization has labeled the problem of arsenic contamination of groundwater in South Asia as “the largest mass poisoning in human history.” Various technical solutions to the problem fall into one of two broad categories: (i) cleaning contaminated water before human consumption and (ii) encouraging people to switch to less contaminated water sources. In this paper, we review research on the behavioral, social, political, and economic factors that determine the field-level effectiveness of the suite of technical solutions and the complexities that arise when scaling such solutions to reach large numbers of people. We highlight the conceptual links between arsenic-mitigation policy interventions and other development projects in Bangladesh and elsewhere, as analyzed by development economists, that can shed light on the key social and behavioral mechanisms at play. We conclude by identifying the most promising policy interventions to counter the arsenic crisis in Bangladesh. We support a national well-testing program combined with interventions that address the key market failures (affordability, coordination failures, and elite and political capture of public funds) that currently prevent more deep-well construction in Bangladesh.
Could Weather Fluctuations Affect Local Economic Growth? Evidence from Counties in the People's Republic of China
Authors: Li Chengzheng , Cong Jiajia , Gu Haiying
Published: September 2020

This paper uses historical fluctuations of weather variables within counties in the People's Republic of China to identify their effects on economic growth from 1996 to 2012. We find three primary results. First, higher temperatures significantly reduce the growth rate of county-level gross domestic product per capita: an increase in the annual average temperature of 1°C lowers the growth rate by 1.05%–1.25%. The effect of higher temperatures is nonlinear. Second, fluctuations in temperature and precipitation not only have a level effect, they also have a substantial cumulative effect. Third, weather fluctuations have wide-ranging effects. Beyond their substantial effects on the growth rate of agricultural output, they also affect nonagriculture sectors, labor productivity, and investment. Our findings provide new evidence for the impact of weather changes on economic development and have major implications for adaptation policies.
Gelidium gonzalezii sp. nov. (Gelidiales, Rhodophyta) from the Mexican tropical Pacific based on molecular and morphological evidence

Authors: QUIROZ-GONZÁLEZ NATALY , PONCE-MÁRQUEZ MA. EDITH , FERNÁNDEZ-GARCÍA CINDY , RODRÍGUEZ DENÍ
Published: September 2020

There are currently 23 reported species of Gelidium in Mexican Pacific coastal waters. Many of these species require taxonomic verification. Gelidium sclerophyllum is a species reported from the northern Gulf of California to the tropical region of the Mexican Pacific, but there is large morphological variation among populations. The objective of this research was to evaluate this species using a morphological and molecular approach, with COI-5P and rbcL molecular markers. A total of 13 samples were collected from five sites in the Mexican Tropical Pacific. Phylogenetic analyses resolved these specimens within a separate clade from that which includes the type of G. sclerophyllum and other Central American specimens. Differences with other species are subtle and based mainly on size, branching pattern, shape of tetrasporangia sori and size of tetraspores. The sequence divergences and the subtle morphological differences between these two clades support their recognition as two distinct species, and Gelidium gonzalezii sp. nov. is proposed for specimens from the Mexican Tropical Pacific.
A new species of Sphaeronemoura (Plecoptera: Nemouridae) from China and additions to three other species of the genus
Authors: ZHAO MENG-YUAN , DU YU-ZHOU
Published: September 2020

A new species of the nemourid genus Sphaeronemoura, S. tetragona Du & Zhao, sp. nov. is described from Hunan Province of southeastern China. The new species is illustrated and compared to the other similar species of this genus. Additional illustrations and records for S. songshana Li & Yang, 2009, S. multicurvata Li, Li & Yang, 2020, and S. grandicauda (Wu, 1973) are also provided.
Modeling Human Steering Behavior in Teleoperation of Unmanned Ground Vehicles With Varying Speed
Authors: Li Chen , Tang Yue , Zheng Yingshi , Jayakumar Paramsothy , Ersal Tulga
Published: September 2020

Objective

This paper extends a prior human operator model to capture human steering performance in the teleoperation of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) in path-following scenarios with varying speed.

Background

A prior study presented a human operator model to predict human steering performance in the teleoperation of a passenger-sized UGV at constant speeds. To enable applications to varying speed scenarios, the model needs to be extended to incorporate speed control and be able to predict human performance under the effect of accelerations/decelerations and various time delays induced by the teleoperation setting. A strategy is also needed to parameterize the model without human subject data for a truly predictive capability.

Method

This paper adopts the ACT-R cognitive architecture and two-point steering model used in the previous work, and extends the model by incorporating a far-point speed control model to allow for varying speed. A parameterization strategy is proposed to find a robust set of parameters for each time delay to maximize steering performance. Human subject experiments are conducted to validate the model.

Results

Results show that the parameterized model can predict both the trend of average lane keeping error and its lowest value for human subjects under different time delays.

Conclusions

The proposed model successfully extends the prior computational model to predict human steering behavior in a teleoperated UGV with varying speed.

Application

This computational model can be used to substitute for human operators in the process of development and testing of teleoperated UGV technologies and allows fully simulation-based development and studies.
Assessment of moisture barrier, mechanical, and thermal property of base/nanophased carbon-epoxy composites in seawater
Authors: Imran Kazi Al , Hossain Mohammad Kamal , Hosur Mahesh , Jeelani Shaik
Published: September 2020

Polymeric composites absorb moisture by quick surface absorption followed by slow diffusion through the matrix in humid environment. Moisture absorption damages the matrix and interface of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites and consequently, weakens their mechanical and thermal properties. Effects of seawater on mechanical and thermal behavior of base and nanophased carbon fiber reinforced epoxy polymer (CFRP) composites were investigated in this study. It was observed that moisture barrier property of carbon/epoxy composites can be improved by adding a small amount (1 to 3% by weight) of nanoclay as filler. Base and nanophased carbon/epoxy composite panels were fabricated by the vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process and samples were prepared from these panels for mechanical and thermal testing according to ASTM standards. Some of these samples were exposed to seawater for 180 days. Moisture intake by the samples was measured every 10 days for 90 days by which time samples reached a saturated state. Mechanical and thermal behavior of base and nanoclay-infused carbon/epoxy composites with exposure to seawater for 180 days were compared with those with no exposure to seawater for 180 days. Mechanical characterization was performed by compression test. Thermal characterizations were carried out by dynamic mechanical analysis, thermo-gravimetric analysis, and thermo-mechanical analysis tests. Results showed that the 2 wt% nanoclay loading is optimum in terms of moisture barrier capability, compression, and thermal properties. After 90-day exposure to seawater, the 2 wt% nanophased composite absorbed 0.39% moisture compared to 0.67% moisture absorption by the base carbon/epoxy composite. Compressive strength and modulus were decreased by 8.20% and 7.11% respectively, for 2 wt% nanophased composites submerged in seawater for 180 days compared with identical samples with no exposure to seawater. Corresponding data from thermal characterization tests indicate storage modulus and glass transition temperature to be 6.59% and 6.1 °C lower respectively, and the coefficient of thermal expansion to be increased by about 6% for the 2 wt% conditioned sample. SEM study revealed that the nanophased composites exhibited a better bonding between the fiber and matrix compared to the base one even after exposure in the seawater. It is concluded that the excellent barrier capacity, higher surface area, and high aspect ratio of nanoclay are responsible for enhanced durability of the nanophased carbon/epoxy composite in seawater compared to the base one in the same condition.
Balancing the Varied Needs of Master of Music Education Students: Perceptions From Program Directors and Alumni
Authors: Conway Colleen , Vaughan-Marra Jessica , Marra Christopher
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of master of music education degree program directors and alumni from selected schools regarding the ways in which their music education master’s programs balance the varied needs of program participants. Findings are presented in the two broad categories of improvement in P–12 teacher learning and preparation for future scholarly work, and the discussion examines the qualitative comparisons between participant responses. Suggestions for graduate programs and future researchers are included.
Process analysis and optimization of open-width fabric continuous drying based on numerical simulation
Authors: Wang Shuangqing , Zhang Huile , Chen Huimin , Zhong Yi , Yue Xiaoli
Published: September 2020

As an indispensable part of textile processing, the fabric drying process has a great impact on product quality and overall energy consumption. To reveal the characteristics of the continuous drying process of various fabrics and optimize process parameters for improving productivity and saving energy, a finite element model is built to simulate the continuous fabric drying process, and an optimization method is applied to optimize process parameters based on the model. Specifically, a finite element model is first built; the model can predict distribution of water content and surface temperature of three kinds of fabric in the continuous drying process under different process parameters. The model is then verified by experiments, and the experimental results agree well with the numerical results: The mean absolute errors of distribution of water content and surface temperature of fabrics are 4.22% and 2.15℃, respectively. The numerical results indicate that wind velocity, wind temperature, and fabric velocity have a significant influence on the drying rate and surface temperature of fabrics in the continuous drying process, which, however, are not affected obviously by initial water content. It is also found that under the same initial and technological conditions, the drying rate and surface temperature of fabrics in the continuous drying process are lower than those in the intermittent drying process. Second, the Taguchi method is applied to design continuous fabric drying schemes, considering the interaction effect of technological parameters on the drying process. The numerical model is then applied to simulate these schemes, and the TOPSIS method is applied to analyze and compare these numerical results. The optimal technological parameters are determined; the optimal parameters can help to save energy by about 27.8 % and enhance energy efficiency by about 16 % in the continuous drying process. It is worth noting that the interaction effect of fabric velocity and wind temperature on the continuous drying process is more significant than their independent effects.
Africultural Coping Systems Inventory: Psychometrics in a Clinical Sample of African American Women
Authors: Watson-Singleton Natalie N. , LoParo Devon , Mekawi Yara , Hampton-Anderson Joya N. , Kaslow Nadine J.
Published: September 2020

The Africultural Coping Systems Inventory (ACSI) assesses African Americans’ culturally relevant stress coping strategies. Although its factor structure, reliability, and validity of the scores have been examined across ethnic groups of African descent, psychometric properties have not been investigated in an African American clinical sample. Thus, it is unclear if the ACSI is useful for research with African Americans with distress. To assess the ACSI’s psychometrics, we used data from 193 low-income African American women who in the past year encountered interpersonal trauma and attempted suicide. We tested four models: one-factor, four-factor, four-factor hierarchical, and bifactor. None of the models were optimal, suggesting possible revisions to ACSI items. Yet the bifactor model provided a better fit than other models with items loading onto a general factor and onto specific factors. Internal consistency of the scores was above the recommended criterion (i.e., .70), and the ACSI general factor was related to depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation (but not alcohol abuse), providing some support for its concurrent validity. Future directions, limitations, and clinical-counseling implications are discussed.
Proliferative and Nonproliferative Lesions of the Rat and Mouse Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems: New and Revised INHAND Terms
Authors: Bradley Alys E. , Bolon Brad , Butt Mark T. , Cramer Sarah D. , Czasch Stephanie , Garman Robert H. , George Catherine , Gröters Sibylle , Kaufmann Wolfgang , Kovi Ramesh C. , Krinke Georg , Little Peter B. , Narama Isao , Rao Deepa B. , Sharma Alok K. , Shibutani Makoto , Sills Robert
Published: September 2020

Harmonization of diagnostic terminology used during the histopathologic analysis of rodent tissue sections from nonclinical toxicity studies will improve the consistency of data sets produced by laboratories located around the world. The INHAND Project ( International Harmonization of Nomenclature and Diagnostic Criteria for Lesions in Rats and Mice) is a cooperative enterprise of 4 major societies of toxicologic pathology to develop a globally accepted standard vocabulary for proliferative and nonproliferative lesions in rodents. A prior manuscript ( Toxicol Pathol 2012;40[4 Suppl]:87S-157S) defined multiple diagnostic terms for toxicant-induced lesions, common spontaneous and age-related changes, and principal confounding artifacts in the rat and mouse central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). The current article defines 9 new diagnostic terms and updates 2 previous terms for findings in the rodent CNS and PNS, the need for which has become evident in the years since the publication of the initial INHAND nomenclature for findings in rodent neural tissues. The nomenclature presented in this document is also available electronically on the Internet at the goRENI website ( http://www.goreni.org/ ).
Frequency and nature of pain in patients undergoing neurorehabilitation
Authors: Timm Alicja , Knecht Stefan , Florian Matthias , Pickenbrock Heidrun , Studer Bettina , Schmidt-Wilcke Tobias
Published: September 2020

Objective:

This prospective study investigated the extent to which patients undergoing neurorehabilitation reported pain, how this pain developed during inpatient stay and whether patients were treated accordingly (using pain medication).

Methods:

The extent of pain, performance in daily activities, with a focus on possible impairment from pain, and pain medication were assessed at the beginning and the end of neurorehabilitation treatment. Overall 584 patients, with various neurological diagnoses, such as stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, polyneuropathy, etc. were classified into four groups based on whether they reported having “no pain,” “mild pain,” “moderate pain,” or “severe pain.” All patients received conventional neurorehabilitation therapy in the Mauritius Hospital, Germany.

Results:

A total of 149 patients had clinically relevant pain at the beginning of their inpatient stay, at a group level this did not change significantly during the treatment period. At the end of inpatient stay, a slight increase was noted in patients reporting pain. Overall 164 patients suffered from moderate or severe pain, operationalized of pain scores >3 on the visual analog scale. A total of 145 patients who had pain at the end of inpatient stay, did not receive pain medication. There was a weak negative association between pain at baseline and activities of daily living at the end of the treatment period, such that, patients with higher pain levels tended to showed lower Barthel Index scores at the end.

Conclusion:

In our study, about one-third of patients suffered from clinically relevant pain during neurorehabilitation treatment and most of them did not receive any pain medication.
A dignified last phase of life for patients with a migration background: A qualitative study
Authors: de Voogd X , Oosterveld-Vlug MG , Torensma M , Onwuteaka-Philipsen BD , Willems DL , Suurmond JL
Published: September 2020

Background:

Preserving personal dignity is an important part of palliative care. Generally, autonomy, independency and not being a burden to others are emphasised for preserving dignity. Dignity has not been studied yet from the perspective of the growing group of patients with a migration background living in Western countries.

Aim:

To gain insight into (1) what patients – and their relatives – with a Turkish, Moroccan or Surinamese background, living in the Netherlands, in their last phase of life find important aspects of dignity, and (2) how care professionals can preserve and strengthen the dignity of these patients.

Design:

Qualitative thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews.

Participants:

A total of 23 patients and 21 relatives with a Turkish, Moroccan or Surinamese background were interviewed.

Results:

For respondents dignity encompassed surrender to God’s or Allah’s will and meaningful relationships with others, rather than preserving autonomy. Surrender to God or Allah meant accepting the illness, the situation and performing religious practice. A meaningful relationship meant being assisted or cared for by family members and maintaining a social role. Professionals could preserve dignity by showing respect and attention; guaranteeing physical integrity, hygiene and self-direction; and indirect communication about diagnoses and prognoses.

Conclusions:

Religion and appropriate involvement of family members are important aspects of dignity in the last phase of life, in addition to autonomy and independency. Care professionals need to take these factors into account in order to provide person-centred care.
Nursing education on palliative care across Europe: Results and recommendations from the EAPC Taskforce on preparation for practice in palliative care nursing across the EU based on an online-survey and country reports
Authors: Martins Pereira Sandra , Hernández-Marrero Pablo , Pasman H Roeline , Capelas Manuel Luís , Larkin Philip , Francke Anneke L
Published: September 2020

Background:

Nurses are the largest regulated group of healthcare professionals involved in palliative care. In 2004, a taskforce of the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC) launched the ‘Guide for development of palliative nurse education in Europe’ (hereinafter, the EAPC 2004 Guide). No systematic evaluation of its impact in the development of palliative care education was undertaken.

Aims:

To describe current undergraduate and postgraduate nursing education across Europe; to identify the roles that nurses with different palliative care educational levels have in palliative care; and to assess the uptake of the EAPC 2004 Guide in the development of palliative care nursing in Europe.

Design:

Descriptive research involving an online survey among nursing experts, and the consultation of national representatives.

Setting/participants:

A total of 135 nurses (52% response rate) from 25 countries completed the online survey; representatives from 16 countries were consulted.

Results:

In 14 (56%) countries, palliative care was not identified as a mandatory subject within undergraduate nursing education. The EAPC 2004 Guide is widely known and was/is being used in many countries to promote palliative care nursing education. Large variations were found across and within country responses.

Conclusions:

Palliative care nursing education varies largely in Europe. The wide awareness and use of the EAPC 2004 Guide show how policy measures can influence the development of palliative care education. Recommendations are built and focus on both fostering the use of this guide and implementing policy measures to ensure that palliative care nursing is recognised and certified as a specialty in all European countries.
Patient and public involvement in palliative care research: What works, and why? A qualitative evaluation
Authors: Johnson Halle , Ogden Margaret , Brighton Lisa Jane , Etkind Simon Noah , Oluyase Adejoke O , Chukwusa Emeka , Yu Peihan , de Wolf-Linder Susanne , Smith Pam , Bailey Sylvia , Koffman Jonathan , Evans Catherine J
Published: September 2020

Background:

Public involvement is increasingly considered a prerequisite for high-quality research. However, involvement in palliative care is impeded by limited evidence on the best approaches for populations affected by life-limiting illness.

Aim:

To evaluate a strategy for public involvement in palliative care and rehabilitation research, to identify successful approaches and areas for improvement.

Design:

Co-produced qualitative evaluation using focus groups and interviews. Thematic analysis undertaken by research team comprising public contributors and researchers.

Setting/participants:

Researchers and public members from a palliative care and rehabilitation research institute, UK.

Results:

Seven public members and 19 researchers participated. Building and maintaining relationships, taking a flexible approach and finding the ‘right’ people were important for successful public involvement. Relationship building created a safe environment for discussing sensitive topics, although public members felt greater consideration of emotional support was needed. Flexibility supported involvement alongside unpredictable circumstances of chronic and life-limiting illness, and was facilitated by responsive communication, and opportunities for in-person and virtual involvement at a project- and institution-level. However, more opportunities for two-way feedback throughout projects was suggested. Finding the ‘right’ people was crucial given the diverse population served by palliative care, and participants suggested more care needed to be taken to identify public members with experience relevant to specific projects.

Conclusion:

Within palliative care research, it is important for involvement to focus on building and maintaining relationships, working flexibly, and identifying those with relevant experience. Taking a strategic approach and developing adequate infrastructure and networks can facilitate public involvement within this field.
Deep neural networks as add-on modules for enhancing robot performance in impromptu trajectory tracking
Authors: Zhou Siqi , Helwa Mohamed K , Schoellig Angela P
Published: September 2020

High-accuracy trajectory tracking is critical to many robotic applications, including search and rescue, advanced manufacturing, and industrial inspection, to name a few. Yet the unmodeled dynamics and parametric uncertainties of operating in such complex environments make it difficult to design controllers that are capable of accurately tracking arbitrary, feasible trajectories from the first attempt (i.e., impromptu trajectory tracking). This article proposes a platform-independent, learning-based “add-on” module to enhance the tracking performance of black-box control systems in impromptu tracking tasks. Our approach is to pre-cascade a deep neural network (DNN) to a stabilized baseline control system, in order to establish an identity mapping from the desired output to the actual output. Previous research involving quadrotors showed that, for 30 arbitrary hand-drawn trajectories, the DNN-enhancement control architecture reduces tracking errors by 43% on average, as compared with the baseline controller. In this article, we provide a platform-independent formulation and practical design guidelines for the DNN-enhancement approach. In particular, we: (1) characterize the underlying function of the DNN module; (2) identify necessary conditions for the approach to be effective; (3) provide theoretical insights into the stability of the overall DNN-enhancement control architecture; (4) derive a condition that supports data-efficient training of the DNN module; and (5) compare the novel theory-driven DNN design with the prior trial-and-error design using detailed quadrotor experiments. We show that, as compared with the prior trial-and-error design, the novel theory-driven design allows us to reduce the input dimension of the DNN by two thirds while achieving similar tracking performance.
Microstructure-Based Random Finite Element Method Model for Freezing Effects in Soils and Cold Region Retaining Walls
Authors: Dong Shaoyang , Yu Xiong (Bill)
Published: September 2020

This paper describes the development of a random finite element model that allows holistic simulation of the phase transition and consequent development of internal stress and volume changes in frozen soils. The simulation capabilities of the model are first validated with laboratory scale experiments. The validated model is then implemented to study the soil lateral stress on the retaining wall subjected to frost action. The results show that the frost action leads to an increase of lateral stresses along the retaining wall. Strategies to mitigate the frost loads on the retaining wall are analyzed with this model; drainage of water in the backfill and use of thermal insulation layer both help to mitigate the lateral frost loads. Overall, by accounting for the spatial nonhomogeneity and coupled thermo-mechanical responses in frozen soils, the model provides holistic simulation of the responses of retaining walls subjected to freezing conditions.
Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities in Mobile Fare Payment Applications: A Case Study
Authors: Dennis Kevin , Alibayev Maxat , Barbeau Sean J. , Ligatti Jay
Published: September 2020

Mobile fare payment applications are becoming increasingly common in the public transportation industry as a convenience for customers and as part of an effort to reduce fare management costs and improve operations for agencies. However, there is relatively little literature on vulnerabilities and liabilities in mobile fare payment applications. Furthermore, few public agencies or supporting vendors have policies or established processes in place to receive vulnerability reports or patch vulnerabilities discovered in their technologies. Given the rapidly increasing number of data breaches in general industry IT systems, as well as that mobile fare payment apps are a nexus between customer and agency financial information, the security of these mobile applications deserves further scrutiny. This paper presents a vulnerability discovered in a mobile fare payment application deployed at a transit agency in Florida that, because of the system architecture, may have affected customers in as many as 40 cities across the United States, an estimated 1,554,000 users. Lessons learned from the vulnerability disclosure process followed by the research team as well as recommendations for public agencies seeking to improve the security of these types of applications are also discussed.
Role of Carbon Nanofiber on the Electrical Resistivity of Mortar under Compressive Load
Authors: Buasiri Thanyarat , Habermehl-Cwirzen Karin , Krzeminski Lukasz , Cwirzen Andrzej
Published: September 2020

A nanomodified cement consisting of particles with in situ synthesized carbon nanofibers was developed to introduce a strong load-sensing capability of the hydrated binder matrix. The material was produced using chemical vapor deposition. The nanomodified cement contained 2.71 wt% of carbon nanofibers (CNFs). The electrical properties of the composite were determined. Several mortar samples were prepared by partially substituting ordinary Portland cement with 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 wt% of the nanomodified cement. Additionally an ordinary Portland cement mortar was used as reference. The results show that the strongest piezoresistive response and therefore the best load-sensing was obtained for the mortar containing the highest amount of CNFs. This mortar contained 10 wt% of nanomodified cement. The fractional change in electrical resistivity of this mortar was 82% and this mortar had a compressive strength of 28 MPa.
Third-party Assessments/Independent Medical Evaluations
Authors: Booth Brad D. , Watts Joel , Chaimowitz Gary
Published: September 2020

A position paper developed by the Canadian Psychiatric Association’s (CPA) Professional Standards and Practice Committee and approved by the CPA Board of Directors on May 25, 2020.