bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The links between job insecurity, financial well‐being and financial stress: A moderated mediation model
Authors: Choi Shinae L. , Heo Wookjae , Cho Soo Hyun , Lee Philseok
Published: February 2020

This study proposed a nuanced approach to the association between job insecurity and financial stress by examining whether financial well‐being mediates the established association. In addition, we examined whether the association between the job insecurity and financial stress, through financial well‐being, is moderated by income. For this study, we conducted a path analysis using 1,145 survey respondents. Results revealed a significant relationship between the job insecurity and financial stress and a partial mediation effect of financial well‐being. Moreover, the indirect effect of job insecurity on financial stress through financial well‐being was moderated by income. Although people who have higher financial well‐being were more likely to have lower financial stress, this relationship varied by income such that it was stronger for higher income groups than for lower income groups. Our findings provide insights into the way job insecurity and financial well‐being influence financial stress. This study will help the researchers and practitioners develop more effective and adaptive intervention programmes and resources for individuals and families. Implications for practice and directions for future research are discussed.
Immunogenetics in stem cell donor registry work: The DKMS example (Part 2)
Authors: Schmidt Alexander H. , Sauter Jürgen , Baier Daniel M. , Daiss Jessica , Keller Andreas , Klussmeier Anja , Mengling Thilo , Rall Gabi , Riethmüller Tobias , Schöfl Gerhard , Solloch Ute V. , Torosian Tigran , Means David , Kelly Helen , Jagannathan Latha , Paul Patrick , Giani Anette S. , Hildebrand Sabine , Schumacher Stephan , Markert Jan , Füssel Monika , Hofmann Jan A. , Schäfer Thomas , Pingel Julia , Lange Vinzenz , Schetelig Johannes
Published: February 2020

DKMS is a leading stem cell donor registry with more than 9 million donors. Donor registry activities share many touch points with topics from immunogenetics or population genetics. In this two‐part review article, we deal with these aspects of donor registry work by using the example of DKMS. In the second part of the review, we focus on donor typing of non‐HLA genes, the impact of donor age, gender and CMV serostatus on donation probabilities, the identification of novel HLA, KIR and MIC alleles by high‐throughput donor typing, the activities of the Collaborative Biobank and pharmacogenetics in the donor registry context.
Does religiosity enhance the quality of management earnings forecasts?
Authors: Chourou Lamia , He Luo , Zhong Ligang
Published: February 2020

This study investigates whether firms located in areas with higher levels of religiosity disclose higher‐quality management earnings forecasts than do other firms. Using a US sample of 4,655 firm‐year observations over the period 2001 to 2014, we find that firms headquartered in counties with higher proportions of religious adherents issue earnings forecasts that are less optimistically biased and that the effect of religiosity is concentrated in firms with weak monitoring mechanisms. We also find that religiosity mitigates pessimistic bias in management earnings forecasts, but only for those issued by firms operating in low litigation industries. This result suggests that when the litigation risk is high, both ethicality and risk aversion are at work and their competing effects likely offset each other. Additionally, we document that forecasts issued by firms in more religious areas trigger stronger stock price reactions than those issued by other firms and that the effect is limited to forecasts containing optimistic bias. Overall, our results show that religiosity enhances the quality of management earnings forecasts, but the effect varies based on different conditions.
Commentary: Treatment failure and success: a commentary on defining and treating pediatric treatment‐resistant depression – reflections on Dwyer et al. (2020)
Authors: Strawn Jeffrey R. , Croarkin Paul E.
Published: February 2020

Nearly two in five youth with major depressive disorder fail to respond to first‐line interventions. As such, treatment‐resistant depression represents a formidable challenge for clinicians and researchers. In fact, even considering the diagnosis of treatment‐resistant depression in children and adolescents requires (a) defining treatment‐resistant depression and, by extension, treatment failure; (b) defining recovery; (c) understanding its developmental trajectory; and in addition to (d) understanding the evidence for treatment interventions in this population. Accumulating data suggest that treatment‐resistant depression is heterogeneous and that this heterogeneity may inform interventions. Additionally, these data suggest that substantially more nuance is needed in evaluating the ‘adequacy’ of prior treatments whether they are psychotherapeutic or psychopharmacologic. Last, adjunctive interventions that focus on neuromodulation, glutamatergic, GABAergic, and inflammatory pathways remain poorly understood in youth with treatment‐resistant depression despite very significant advances in adults with treatment‐resistant depression.
Managing Technological, Sociopolitical, and Institutional Change in the New Normal
Authors: Ahlstrom David , Arregle Jean‐Luc , Hitt Michael A. , Qian Gongming , Ma Xufei , Faems Dries
Published: February 2020

A New Normal environment for business has emerged in the years after the 2008 financial crisis based on numerous changes in the world's economic, technological, demographic, and sociopolitical factors. This combination of changes has created a New Normal environment for firms with major implications for managers, strategists, and entrepreneurs alike. It has resulted in an environment with new challenges and opportunities that are considerably different from what firms had to contend with in the years previous. In this paper, we present the main changes that characterize the current New Normal business environment and highlight some key implications for strategy and management. Then, we present the nine articles in this special issue dealing with different dimensions of this new environment for firms. Subsequently, we outline some future research questions that could help to advance our knowledge of the New Normal environment and its implications for firms and management theories. In examining the New Normal, it is important to be reminded that the world is indeed round and even small actions on one side of the globe can have a major impact on organizations on the other side of the globe.
Plasma disposition of gabapentin after the intragastric administration of escalating doses to adult horses
Authors: Gold Jenifer R. , Grubb Tamara L. , Green Stephen , Cox Sherry , Villarino Nicolas F.
Published: February 2020

Background

In humans, gabapentin an analgesic, undergoes non‐proportional pharmacokinetics which can alter efficacy. No information exists on the pharmacokinetics of dosages >20 mg/kg, escalating dosages or dose proportionality of gabapentin in horses.

Hypothesis and Objectives

Gabapentin exposure in plasma would not increase proportionally relative to the dose in horses receiving dosages ≥20 mg/kg. To assess the plasma pharmacokinetics of gabapentin after nasogastric administration of gabapentin at dosages of 10 to 160 mg/kg in adult horses.

Animals

Nine clinically healthy adult Arabian and Quarter Horses.

Methods

In a randomized blinded trial, gabapentin was administered by nasogastric intubation to horses at 10, 20 mg/kg (n = 3) and 60, 80, 120, 160 mg/kg (n = 6). Plasma was collected before and at regular times over 64 hours after administration of gabapentin. Gabapentin was quantified using a validated chromatographic method. Dose proportionality was estimated using a power model. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated using compartmental pharmacokinetic analysis.

Results

Plasma pharmacokinetics parameters of gabapentin were estimated after nasogastric administration at dosages of 10 to 160 mg/kg. Gabapentin plasma concentration increased with dose increments. However, the area under the concentration curve from zero to infinity and maximal plasma concentration did not increase proportionally relative to the dose in horses.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Gabapentin exposure in plasma is not proportional relative to the dose in horses receiving nasogastric dosages of 10 to 160 mg/kg.
Confidently identifying the correct K value using the ΔK method: When does K = 2?
Authors: Cullingham Catherine I. , Miller Joshua M. , Peery Rhiannon M. , Dupuis Julian R. , Malenfant René M. , Gorrell Jamieson C. , Janes Jasmine K.
Published: February 2020

Populations delineated based on genetic data are commonly used for wildlife conservation and management. Many studies use the program structure combined with the ΔK method to identify the most probable number of populations (K). We recently found K = 2 was identified more often when studies used ΔK compared to studies that did not. We suggested two reasons for this: hierarchical population structure leads to underestimation, or the ΔK method does not evaluate K = 1 causing an overestimation. The present contribution aims to develop a better understanding of the limits of the method using one, two and three population simulations across migration scenarios. From these simulations we identified the “best K” using model likelihood and ΔK. Our findings show that mean probability plots and ΔK are unable to resolve the correct number of populations once migration rate exceeds 0.005. We also found a strong bias towards selecting K = 2 using the ΔK method. We used these data to identify the range of values where the ΔK statistic identifies a value of K that is not well supported. Finally, using the simulations and a review of empirical data, we found that the magnitude of ΔK corresponds to the level of divergence between populations. Based on our findings, we suggest researchers should use the ΔK method cautiously; they need to report all relevant data, including the magnitude of ΔK, and an estimate of connectivity for the research community to assess whether meaningful genetic structure exists within the context of management and conservation.
Do data policy restrictions impact the productivity performance of firms and industries?
Authors: Ferracane Martina Francesca , Kren Janez , van der Marel Erik
Published: February 2020

This paper examines how policies regulating the cross‐border movement and domestic use of electronic data on the internet impact the productivity of firms in sectors relying on electronic data. In doing so, we collect regulatory information on a group of developed economies and create an index that measures the regulatory restrictiveness of each country's data policies. The index is based on observable policy measures that explicitly inhibit the cross‐border movement and domestic use of data. Using cross‐country firm‐level and industry‐level data, we analyse econometrically the extent to which these data regulations over time impact the productivity performance of downstream firms and industries, respectively. We show that stricter data policies have a negative and significant impact on the performance of downstream firms in sectors reliant on electronic data. This adverse effect is stronger for countries with strong technology networks, for servicified firms, and holds for several robustness checks.
Petrography of Late Cambrian to Middle Ordovician radiolarian chert in Kazakhstan with special reference to the emergence of benthic animals in the pelagic realm
Authors: Kakuwa Yoshitaka , Nikitina Olga I.
Published: February 2020

Upper Cambrian to Middle Ordovician radiolarian chert successions from Kazakhstan were studied to clarify the history of the emergence of benthic animals in ocean floor sediments. Radiolarian tests and clay were deposited for a period of 30 Myr without experiencing an influx of continent‐derived coarse clastic materials. Red, grey and black cherts of the Upper Cambrian to the upper mid‐Darriwilian are thinly laminated, and no trace of benthic animal activity is recognized in that time interval. Bioturbation structures and burrow traces in mid‐Darriwilian stage red chert in Kazakhstan suggest that benthic animals colonized the location where radiolarian chert formed, but that there was a significant delay in colonization when compared with similar reported occurrences in Australia and Canada.
A new HLA‐C allele with an alternative splice site in exon 3: HLA‐C*03:23N
Authors: Shimizu Marie , Kuroda Yukari , Uchida Miyuki , Takada Shinnosuke , Kamada Hiromi , Takahashi Daisuke , Nakajima Fumiaki , Miyata Shigeki , Igarashi Shigeru , Satake Masahiro
Published: February 2020

We identified a probable new null HLA‐C allele, C*03:23N, which originated from C*03:04:01:02, but does not react with Cw3 antibodies. This allele was identified by sequence analysis, which indicated that a single G‐to‐A substitution at position 406 in exon 3 created a null allele under a new mechanism: the mutation changes the position of the intron 2‐exon 3 splice site to be further into exon 3, leading to a frameshift and a premature stop codon. Sequence analysis of cDNA confirmed the existence of the causative alternative acceptor splice site and the resultant deletion of 64 nucleotides in exon 3. Analysis of 220 blood or bone marrow donors in Japan with C*03:23N demonstrated that Japanese HLA‐C*03:23N is on the haplotype A*26:01∼C*03:23N∼B*40:02∼DRB1*09:01.
Identification of a novel HLA‐B*54 allele, HLA‐B*54:01:08, in a Korean individual
Authors: Han Sung‐Hee , Kwon Oh‐Joog , Heo Yun‐Ah , Hwang Seung‐Yong
Published: February 2020

HLA‐B*54:01:08 differs from B*54:01:01 by a synonymous mutation at codon 228 in exon 4.
Flexible functional interactions between G‐protein subunits contribute to the specificity of plant responses
Authors: Roy Choudhury Swarup , Li Mao , Lee Veronica , Nandety Raja Sekhar , Mysore Kirankumar S. , Pandey Sona
Published: February 2020

Plants being sessile integrate information from a variety of endogenous and external cues simultaneously to optimize growth and development. This necessitates the signaling networks in plants to be highly dynamic and flexible. One such network involves heterotrimeric G‐proteins comprised of Gα, Gβ, and Gγ subunits, which influence many aspects of growth, development, and stress response pathways. In plants such as Arabidopsis, a relatively simple repertoire of G‐proteins comprised of one canonical and three extra‐large Gα, one Gβ and three Gγ subunits exists. Because the Gβ and Gγ proteins form obligate dimers, the phenotypes of plants lacking the sole Gβ or all Gγ genes are similar, as expected. However, Gα proteins can exist either as monomers or in a complex with Gβγ, and the details of combinatorial genetic and physiological interactions of different Gα proteins with the sole Gβ remain unexplored. To evaluate such flexible, signal‐dependent interactions and their contribution toward eliciting a specific response, we have generated Arabidopsis mutants lacking specific combinations of Gα and Gβ genes, performed extensive phenotypic analysis, and evaluated the results in the context of subunit usage and interaction specificity. Our data show that multiple mechanistic modes, and in some cases complex epistatic relationships, exist depending on the signal‐dependent interactions between the Gα and Gβ proteins. This suggests that, despite their limited numbers, the inherent flexibility of plant G‐protein networks provides for the adaptability needed to survive under continuously changing environments.
Characterization of antimicrobial resistance genes in Enterobacteriaceae carried by suburban mesocarnivores and locally owned and stray dogs
Authors: Worsley‐Tonks Katherine E. L. , Miller Elizabeth A. , Gehrt Stanley D. , McKenzie Shane C. , Travis Dominic A. , Johnson Timothy J. , Craft Meggan E.
Published: February 2020

The role of wildlife in the dissemination of antimicrobial‐resistant bacteria and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment is of increasing concern. We investigated the occurrence, richness and transmissibility potential of ARGs detected in the faeces of three mesocarnivore species: the coyote (Canis latrans), raccoon (Procyon lotor) and Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), and of stray and owned dogs in suburban Chicago, IL, USA. Rectal swabs were collected from live‐captured coyotes (n = 32), raccoons (n = 31) and Virginia opossums (n = 22). Fresh faecal samples were collected from locally owned (n = 13) and stray dogs (n = 18) and from the live‐captured mesocarnivores, when available. Faecal samples and rectal swabs were enriched to select for Enterobacteriaceae and pooled by mesocarnivore species and dog type (owned or stray). Pooled enriched samples were then analysed for the presence of ARGs using shotgun sequencing. The three mesocarnivore and stray dog samples had twice as many unique ARGs compared to the owned dog sample, which was partly driven by a greater richness of beta‐lactamase genes (genes conferring resistance to penicillins and cephalosporins). Raccoon and stray dog samples had the most ARGs in common, suggesting possible exposure to similar environmental sources of ARGs. In addition to identifying clinically relevant ARGs (e.g. blaCMY and qnrB), some ARGs were linked to the class 1 integrase gene, intI1, which may indicate anthropogenic origin. Findings from this pilot investigation suggest that the microbial communities of suburban mesocarnivores and stray dogs can host ARGs that can confer resistance to several antimicrobials used in human and veterinary medicine.
Estimulación cerebral profunda bilateral para distonía cervical refractaria en el Hospital Universitario de San Ignacio de Bogotá, Colombia
Authors: Pérez Perilla Patricia , Zorro Guío Óscar
Published: February 2020

La estimulación cerebral profunda (ECP) es una alternativa de manejo para los pacientes con distonía cervical, un síndrome de etiología múltiple, de presentación variada e incapacitante y refractario al manejo médico, que incluye la toxina botulínica. El artículo presenta el caso de una mujer de 56 años de edad con distonía cervical manifiesta con retrócolis e hiperextensión de columna dorsal, de cuatro años de evolución, considerada refractaria al tratamiento y con indicación de ECP.
Citoqueratina 19, p63 y CD56 en la evaluación de carcinoma papilar de tiroides cuando la morfología no es clara: experiencia en el Hospital Universitario de San Ignacio
Authors: Bolívar Isabel C. , Rodríguez Jorge L. , Jaramillo García Luis Fernando , Mejía Maddy
Published: February 2020

El diagnóstico de carcinoma papilar (CP) de tiroides se realiza, en la gran mayoría de casos, teniendo en cuenta los hallazgos histopatológicos en hematoxilina eosina, pero cuando la morfología no es clara o la variante está encapsulada, se dificulta el diagnóstico; además, algunos cambios hiperplásicos floridos pueden confundir al patólogo y llevarlo a un diagnóstico erróneo. Diferentes estudios han demostrado que el uso de marcadores de inmunohistoquímica puede llegar a ser útil en casos en que el diagnóstico se dificulta. Se revisó la expresión de CK19, CD56 y p63 en CP y en lesiones foliculares neoplásicas no papilares y no neoplásicas. Se seleccionaron 29 casos de CP, incluidas diferentes variantes y 31 casos de patología tiroidea que no correspondieran a CP. El 100 % de los CP mostró positividad fuerte y difusa para CK19, y el 88 % mostró negatividad con CD56. Solo el 64 % de todos los CP mostraron positividad focal y selectiva nuclear con p63. El 100 % de los casos de patología tiroidea no CP mostró positividad fuerte y difusa para CD56 y negatividad con CK19. Con este estudio se corrobora lo encontrado en estudios previos: el uso de CK19 y CD56 es una herramienta útil en el diagnóstico de CP cuando la morfología no es clara.
Glioma del tallo cerebral metastásico en pediatría: revisión y reporte de un caso
Authors: Castaño González Alexandra , Angarita Ribero Claudia Tatiana , Guzmán Cruz Paula Carolina
Published: February 2020

En este artículo se presenta el caso de un bebé de 33 meses de edad con pobre ganancia pondoestatural, alteraciones en la marcha y deglución, en quien se documentaron masas en el bulbo raquídeo y la médula espinal, trombosis del seno venoso transverso izquierdo y metástasis medulares lumbosacras y en T10. Se diagnosticó glioma de tallo cerebral metastásico irresecable y se inició quimioterapia y radioterapia, con una sobrevida mayor a tres años, hasta el momento.
Gliomatosis cerebri: reporte de caso
Authors: Cabrera Méndez María Paula , Laverde Zerda Santiago , Acevedo González Juan Carlos , Zorro Óscar , Berbeo Calderón Miguel Enrique , Díaz Roberto Carlos , Feo Lee Óscar
Published: February 2020

La gliomatosis cerebri es una neoplasia cerebral poco común, que se caracteriza por una infiltración difusa del tejido cerebral, sin formación de masa tumoral. Generalmente, se manifiesta con sintomatología neurológica inespecífica, que depende de la localización de la lesión. Es de difícil diagnóstico, tanto clínico como imagenológico, y puede ser difícil diferenciarla de un amplio número de diagnósticos. En la actualidad no se cuenta con una estrategia terapéutica óptima y el pronóstico de los pacientes con esta enfermedad es muy poco favorable. Se presenta el caso de un paciente masculino de 17 años de edad que desarrolló esta enfermedad, seguido de una revisión de la literatura dispeonible.
Síndrome de Treacher Collins: revisión de tema y presentación de caso
Authors: Leyva Juan Carlos , Mallarino Restrepo Gonzalo
Published: February 2020

El síndrome de Treacher Collins (STC) es un trastorno craneofacial congénito de herencia autosómica dominante. La incidencia del STC es de 1 en 25.000 a 50.000 nacidos vivos. Es causado por mutaciones en el gen encargado de producir la proteína treacle. Está caracterizado por hipoplasia malar y pliegue antimongoloide de los párpados. El diagnóstico es clínico. El tratamiento requiere un acercamiento conjunto de varias especialidades. Se realiza una breve revisión de tema y se presenta el caso de una paciente con diagnóstico de STC, quien recibió tratamiento en el Hospital Universitario San Ignacio.
Feocromocitoma y manejo anestésico perioperatorio: reporte de caso
Authors: Novoa Pineda Esther Clemencia , Segura Juan Camilo
Published: February 2020

El feocromocitoma es un tumor originario del tejido cromafin, cuya sintomatología está relacionada con el exceso de catecolaminas. La incidencia en la población general es de 1-8 casos/millón. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 52 años de edad con feocromocitoma maligno. Es la primera vez que se realiza en el Hospital San Rafael de Tunja una adrenalectomía por vía laparoscópica.
An Economic Model Predictive Control Approach for Wind Power Smoothing and Tower Load Mitigation
Authors: Shaltout Mohamed L. , Alhneaish Mohamed M. , Metwalli Sayed M.
Published: February 2020

Wind power intermittency represents one of the major challenges facing the future growth of grid-connected wind energy projects. The integration of wind turbines and energy storage systems (ESS) provides a viable approach to mitigate the unfavorable impact on grid stability and power quality. In this study, an economic model predictive control (MPC) framework is presented for an integrated wind turbine and flywheel energy storage system (FESS). The control objective is to smooth wind power output and mitigate tower fatigue load. The optimal control problem within the model predictive control framework has been formulated as a convex optimal control problem with linear dynamics and convex constraints that can be solved globally. The performance of the proposed control algorithm is compared to that of a baseline wind turbine controller. The effect of the proposed control actions on the fatigue loads acting on the tower and blades is investigated. The simulation results, with various wind scenarios, showed the ability of the proposed control algorithm to achieve the aforementioned objectives in terms of smoothing output power and mitigating tower fatigue load with negligible effect on the wind energy harvested.
A hybrid quantum memory–enabled network at room temperature
Authors: Pang Xiao-Ling , Yang Ai-Lin , Dou Jian-Peng , Li Hang , Zhang Chao-Ni , Poem Eilon , Saunders Dylan J. , Tang Hao , Nunn Joshua , Walmsley Ian A. , Jin Xian-Min
Published: February 2020

A hybrid quantum network integrates room-temperature atomic and all-optical memories for scalable quantum information processing.
High mobility in a van der Waals layered antiferromagnetic metal
Authors: Lei Shiming , Lin Jingjing , Jia Yanyu , Gray Mason , Topp Andreas , Farahi Gelareh , Klemenz Sebastian , Gao Tong , Rodolakis Fanny , McChesney Jessica L. , Ast Christian R. , Yazdani Ali , Burch Kenneth S. , Wu Sanfeng , Ong Nai Phuan , Schoop Leslie M.
Published: February 2020

We introduce a van der Waals material that exhibits a very high electronic mobility and antiferromagnetism and can be exfoliated.
Transformation of oxide ceramic textiles from insulation to conduction at room temperature
Authors: Yan Jianhua , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhao Yun , Song Jun , Xia Shuhui , Liu Shujie , Yu Jianyong , Ding Bin
Published: February 2020

A facile domino-cascade reduction strategy is developed for the fabrication of soft conductive metal oxide ceramic textiles.
Kill shot: Flu vaccine is a stone cold cancer killer
Authors: Clark Rachael A.
Published: February 2020

Injection of seasonal influenza vaccine into tumors enhances local and systemic anti-cancer immunity and sensitizes previously resistant tumors to immune checkpoint therapy.
Quintessence behavior via matter creation cosmology
Authors: Singh C. P. , Kumar Ajay
Published: February 2020

We study the matter creation cosmology as an alternative theory to explain the dark energy phenomena. We discuss the matter-dominated Universe in a flat Friedmann-Robertson-Walker line element by adopting the thermodynamics of open systems, in which the matter creation irreversible processes may take place at a cosmological scale. We propose a new form of the matter creation rate, $$\varGamma =3\alpha H_0+3\beta H+3\gamma \; \frac{\ddot{a}}{{\dot{a}}}$$Γ=3αH0+3βH+3γa¨a˙, which generalizes some of the previous models in the literature. Exact solutions of the field equations are found and discussed the evolution of the Universe. Constraints on the model parameters are obtained from Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) analysis using the Supernova distance modulus data, observational measurements of Hubble parameter, Baryon acoustic oscillation data. The trajectories of the evolution of the scale factor, deceleration parameter and equation of state parameter are plotted by using best-fit values of the parameters. It is observed that the model shows accelerating behavior and behaves quintessence like ($$\omega >-1$$ω>-1). The age of the Universe is obtained which is in good agreement with $$\varLambda $$ΛCDM model. We examine the model using two independent diagnostic parameters, namely statefinder and $$\textit{Om}$$Om. We apply Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC) to discriminate the model based on the penalization associated to the number of parameters. The analysis shows that the model has close resemblance to the $$\varLambda CDM$$ΛCDM cosmology. We also discuss the thermodynamics of the model and find that the model satisfies the generalized second law of thermodynamics with certain constraints.
Corner-operated Tran-similar (COTS) Maps, Patterns, and Lattices
Authors: Rossignac Jarek
Published: February 2020

The planar

COTS map

proposed here takes the unit square to a region
R
bounded by four log-spiral edges. It is

Corner-operated

(controlled by the four corners of
R
) and

Tran-similar

(it maps translations to similarities). The tiles of the COTS map of a regular pattern are similar to each other. It may facilitate intuitive design and algorithmic optimization of procedural models of complex, possibly multi-resolution, lattices, because it affords constant-cost algorithms for Point-in-Lattice testing and for Total-Area-Calculations. We provide simple, closed-form expressions for evaluating the COTS map and its inverse from the positions of its corners. We conjecture that the COTS map may be useful in a variety of applications in Engineering, Architecture, and Art, and we provide a few illustrative examples of its possibilities. We compare it to related, previously proposed, planar maps and discuss several variations and extensions.
Experiences of Trust in Postmortem Profile Management
Authors: Gach Katie Z. , Brubaker Jed R.
Published: February 2020

In the landscape of online social networking sites, many platforms are reaching a scale and longevity that require designers to address the postmortem data interactions that follow people’s deaths. To evaluate the experiences and challenges people face when caring for memorialized profiles, we conducted 28 qualitative interviews with people serving as legacy contacts for memorialized Facebook accounts. We report on who legacy contacts are and their practices and their expectations, and find that people were chosen to be a legacy contact for one major reason: trust. In our analysis, we find disconnects between how people understand trust in the context of interpersonal relationships and how trust is technically implemented. We conclude by discussing the persistent challenges of representing the ambiguity of interpersonal trust in impersonal, computational systems.
Anti-Inflammatory Compounds from Vietnamese Piper bavinum
Authors: Hoang Viet Dung , Nguyen Phi Hung , Doan Minh Thu , Tran Manh Hung , Huynh Nhu Tuan , Nguyen Huu Tung , Min Byung Sun , To Dao Cuong
Published: February 2020

This study reports the anti-inflammatory activity-guided fractionation of the aerial part of Piper bavinum C. CD. (Piperaceae) that led to the isolation of eight secondary metabolites (1–8). The chemical structures of 1–8 were established mainly by NMR and mass spectra. Compound 5 was isolated from P. bavinum for the first time. All the isolated compounds were evaluated against LPS-induced NO production in macrophage RAW 264.7 cells in vitro. Among them, compound 4 showed the most potent inhibitory activity against the LPS-induced NO production with an IC50 value of 5.2 μM followed by compound 5 that inhibited NO production with an IC50 value of 13.5 μM. In the protein levels, compound 4 suppressed LPS-induced COX-2 and iNOS expressions in a dose-dependent manner. The results suggested that P. bavinum and its constituents might exert anti-inflammatory effects.
Automatic Facial Paralysis Assessment via Computational Image Analysis
Authors: Jiang Chaoqun , Wu Jianhuang , Zhong Weizheng , Wei Mingqiang , Tong Jing , Yu Haibo , Wang Ling
Published: February 2020

Facial paralysis (FP) is a loss of facial movement due to nerve damage. Most existing diagnosis systems of FP are subjective, e.g., the House–Brackmann (HB) grading system, which highly depends on the skilled clinicians and lacks an automatic quantitative assessment. In this paper, we propose an efficient yet objective facial paralysis assessment approach via automatic computational image analysis. First, the facial blood flow of FP patients is measured by the technique of laser speckle contrast imaging to generate both RGB color images and blood flow images. Second, with an improved segmentation approach, the patient’s face is divided into concerned regions to extract facial blood flow distribution characteristics. Finally, three HB score classifiers are employed to quantify the severity of FP patients. The proposed method has been validated on 80 FP patients, and quantitative results demonstrate that our method, achieving an accuracy of 97.14%, outperforms the state-of-the-art systems. Experimental evaluations also show that the proposed approach could yield objective and quantitative FP diagnosis results, which agree with those obtained by an experienced clinician.
Demographic Factors and Cognitive Function Assessments Associated with Mild Cognitive Impairment Progression for the Elderly
Authors: Qin Hong-yun , Zhao Xu-dong , Zhu Bing-gen , Hu Cheng-ping
Published: February 2020

Objectives. In this study, we aimed to conduct a 6‐year follow‐up and acquire a large sample dataset to analyze the most important demographic factors and cognitive function scale variables associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) progression for an elderly cohort (age ≥ 60 years old). Patients and Methods. We analyzed the subjects who had participated in a survey in 2011 and were successfully contacted in the later survey in 2017. For each subject, the basic demographic information was recorded, including sex, age, education level, marital status, working status, income level, and physical mental illness history. Cognitive assessments were performed using the following scales if possible: (1) the mini‐mental state examination (MMSE) scale, (2) Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), (3) the clinical dementia rating (CDR) scale, and (4) Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD‐17). Results. The progression outcomes were different between sexes, among age brackets, education degrees, occupations types, and income levels; different progression groups had distinct children numbers (p < 0.001), heights (p < 0.05), and body weights (p < 0.01); the positive ends six years later were positively related to better performance in the MoCA and MMSE scales (progressed vs stable p < 0.01). Moreover, we constructed some indicators using age, MoCA, and MMSE scores, which showed an efficiency in predicting the progression outcomes. Conclusions. In conclusion, the MCI progression outcomes were associated with sex, age, education degrees, occupations types, income level, children number, height, and weight. MoCA and MMSE scales are supporting tools to predict the progression outcomes, especially combined with the demographic data.
A Brief Review of Pulp and Froth Rheology in Mineral Flotation
Authors: Wang Lei , Li Chao
Published: February 2020

In mineral flotation, rheological problems have limited the efficient upgrading of low-grade and complex ores. Since pulp and froth rheology are deemed to play different roles in influencing the separation performance, in this paper, a brief review on pulp and froth rheology in flotation is provided, with an objective of developing a basic understanding of rheology in flotation. The essential variables that affect the rheology of a flotation pulp and froth are discussed. The methods for measuring pulp and froth rheology are presented. The correlations of pulp and froth rheological properties to flotation performance are reviewed. Strategies that are currently used to mitigate the deleterious effects of problematic ores in flotation are also provided for flotation optimization. Research gaps are also proposed to highlight the need of further exploration of flotation rheology in future.
Optical Characterization of Asphalt Binders Containing Wax Additives
Authors: Mazumder Mithil , Ahmed Raju , Lee Moon-Sup , Lee Soon-Jae
Published: February 2020

In between thermal‐oxidative (heat and oxygen) and photo‐oxidative (ultraviolet irradiation and oxygen) aging process of bitumen, photo‐oxidative aging mainly depends on the optical properties of the asphalt binder. The higher the reflection (or the lower the absorption of the binders), the better the pavement serviceability. The literature review indicates that there is limited research conducted on the optical properties of the binder with wax additives. In this paper, the optical properties of commonly used binders (PG 64‐22, Rubber modified binder, and SBS modified binder) containing wax additives (LEADCAP and Sasobit) were investigated using UV‐Vis spectrometer. The result of this study showed that (1) the addition of modifiers (crumb rubber and SBS) with the base binder slightly increases the absorption of the binder; (2) the binder types and aging level have significant contribution on optical properties; (3) in general, the aged binders were observed to have higher reflectivity compared to the unaged binders; and (4) the addition of wax additives is observed to have a significant effect on the optical properties.
Adsorption of Dye by Waste Black Tea Powder: Parameters, Kinetic, Equilibrium, and Thermodynamic Studies
Authors: Lin Dongyi , Wu Fan , Hu Yuqun , Zhang Tingzhong , Liu Chengshun , Hu Qiangda , Hu Yunfei , Xue Zhihui , Han Hua , Ko Tzu-Hsing
Published: February 2020

Waste black tea powder was used as a potential adsorbent to remove methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution. Several operating factors in adsorption of MB onto waste black tea powder were investigated, including contact time, initial MB concentration, solution pH, adsorption temperature, and dosage of waste black tea powder. Experimental results revealed that the adsorption efficiency increased with contact time and solution pH values and decreased with initial MB concentration and adsorption temperature. The equilibrium time was estimated to be around 60 min. The maximum adsorption capacity and the highest adsorption efficiency were 302.63 mg·g−1 and 100%, respectively. In kinetic study, pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models, intraparticle diffusion model, and Boyd and Elovich models were employed to analyze the adsorption behavior and the adsorption mechanism. It was found that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model was suitable to describe the adsorption process, and the calculated equilibrium adsorption capacity was well close to the experimental data for different initial MB concentrations. The internal diffusion was not the only rate-controlling step, and the existence of boundary effect was observed in this study. From isotherm analysis, the equilibrium data were well represented by the Langmuir model, rather than Freundlich, Dubinin–Redushckevich, or Temkin models. The nonlinear fitting for various isotherm models implied that the adsorption behavior between MB and waste black tea powder was complication. Thermodynamic parameters including changes in Gibb’s free energy, enthalpy, and entropy suggested that adsorption of MB onto waste black tea powder was a spontaneous and exothermic process. The multiple regeneration/adsorption experiments indicated that the used black tea powder efficiently remained more than 75% after five cycles using NaOH as a regenerative reagent and thus be used for many times. Therefore, as a low-cost and easily available material, waste black tea powder could be applied in wastewater treatment.
Multitechnique Concise Robust Control for the Insulation Containment Space Pressure Control of LNG Carrier
Authors: Su Zuojing , Zhang Xianku , Han Xu
Published: February 2020

In this note, a novel multitechnique concise robust control scheme, based on the mirror mapping technique (MMT), closed-loop gain shaping algorithm (CGSA), Smith predictor (SP), and nonlinear feedback technique (NFT), is proposed for the pressure control of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier insulation containment space. Firstly, a kind of integral unstable time-delay model is obtained by linearizing the nonlinear model of the pressure maintenance system around its equilibrium. By using the MMT and CGSA, one acquires the corresponding stable mirror mapping model of the unstable linear model and the designed controller. And the SP is introduced to tackle the time-delay problem. In addition, for the purpose of energy saving, the NFT is added into the control scheme. Finally, a set of experiments has been employed to illustrate the control effects, and the results show that it can achieve satisfying performance in aspects of disturbance rejection and energy saving.
Metacarpal Stress Fracture Is Not an Uncommon Condition in Adolescent Racket Athletes
Authors: Nishikawa Karen , Kimura Yuka , Chiba Daisuke , Sasaki Norihiro , Sasaki Shizuka , Nishikawa Shinji , Ishibashi Yasuyuki
Published: February 2020

Background. Stress fractures of the metacarpal bones are considered uncommon. We report on 11 adolescent athletes with these stress fractures, successfully treated with cessation of sports activities. Representative case presentation. In case 1, a 15-year-old male tennis player presented with right hand pain of 4-week duration without an acute trauma history. Tenderness existed on palpation along the dorsal and proximal second metacarpal bone. Plain radiographs demonstrated a periosteal reaction on the proximal shaft of the second metacarpal. Racket swinging was suspended. He returned to competitive tennis 2 months after the initial visit and continues to participate without symptoms. In case 2, a 16-year-old male boxer presented with right hand pain of 2-week duration that arose while punching. Acute trauma history was absent. Tenderness existed on palpation over the third metacarpal of the right hand. Plain radiographs demonstrated no periosteal reaction or fracture line. MRI showed a high signal on the third metatarsal bone on fat suppression and a low signal on T2-weighted images. Nonoperative treatment was initiated without external fixation, and punching was suspended. He returned to boxing 1 month after the initial visit without symptoms. Conclusions. The current case series of metacarpal stress fractures demonstrate that this condition is not as rare as previously reported. Metacarpal stress fractures are generally ignored since the clinical and radiological findings are mostly unclear. If an athlete experiences hand pain without acute onset during sports activities, especially in racket sports, the presence of a metacarpal stress fracture should be assessed by MRI.
Fault Location of Active Distribution Networks Based on the Golden Section Method
Authors: Yang Haizhu , Liu Xiangyang , Guo Yiming , Zhang Peng
Published: February 2020

Aiming at the problem of fault location in distribution networks with distributed energy resources (DERs), a fault location method based on the concepts of minimum fault reactance and golden section is proposed in this paper. Considering the influence of distributed energy resource supply on fault point current in distribution networks, an improved trapezoidal iteration method is proposed for load flow analysis and fault current calculation. This method only needs to measure the synchronous current of the distributed energy resource and does not need to measure the voltage information. Therefore, the investment in equipment is reduced. Validation is made using the IEEE 34-node test feeder. The simulation results show that the method is suitable for fault location of distribution networks with multiple distributed generators. This method can accurately locate the faults of the active distribution network under different conditions.
Solving the Obstetrical Paradox: The FETAL Technique—A Step toward Noninvasive Evaluation of Fetal pH
Authors: Balayla Jacques , Shrem Guy
Published: February 2020

Every year, about 85 percent of the approximately 5 million births in North America are evaluated with the electronic fetal monitoring (EFM). Clinicians use the EFM as a proxy to assess fetal oxygenation status, fetal well-being, and potential compromise. Despite the widespread use of this technology, neonatal hypoxia and acidosis continue to make up a high proportion of neonatal morbidity at term. Indeed, though the fetal heart rhythm is inextricably linked to fetal acid-base status, EFM has not been shown to reliably predict neonatal pH status nor has it reduced adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes. As a consequence, the high false-positive rate of EFM for predicting adverse neonatal outcomes has led to an increase in the rate of operative vaginal and cesarean delivery, with elevated rates of associated maternal and neonatal morbidity. This fact invariably leads to a paradox we have henceforth defined as the “obstetrical paradox.” Herein, we explore the potential solutions to this paradox and introduce a novel noninvasive technique to assess fetal acid-base status in utero known as the “FETAL technique” (Fourier Evaluation of Tracings and Acidosis in Labour). The FETAL technique, currently under investigation, applies the discrete Fourier transformation to EFM tracings to determine the spectral frequency distribution of the fetal heart rate. These specific frequency distributions correlate with specific umbilical pH values and may provide the missing link between fetal heat rate patterns and acid-base status at birth. As we work toward realizing the full potential benefits of EFM, finding the best assessment strategies to evaluate fetal pH in real time remains a key goal in obstetrics.
Increased Temperature Facilitates Adeno‐Associated Virus Vector Transduction of Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines in a Manner Dependent on Heat Shock Protein Signature
Authors: Bieńkowska Alicja , Kuźmicka Weronika , Ciepiela Olga , Ochocki Justyn , Małecki Maciej
Published: February 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers in human population. A great achievement in the treatment of CRC was the introduction of targeted biological drugs and solutions of chemotherapy, combined with hyperthermia. Cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC (hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy) extends the patients’ survival with CRC. Recently, gene therapy approaches are also postulated. The studies indicate the possibility of enhancing the gene transfer to cells by recombinant adeno‐associated vectors (rAAV) at hyperthermia. The rAAV vectors arouse a lot of attention in the field of cancer treatment due to many advantages. In this study, the effect of elevated temperature on the transduction efficiency of rAAV vectors on CRC cells with different origin and gene profile was examined. The effect of heat shock on the penetration of rAAV vectors into CRC cells in relation with the expression of HSP and AAV receptor genes was tested. It was found that the examined cells under hyperthermia (43°C, 1 h) are transduced at a higher level than in normal conditions (37°C). The results also indicate that studied RKO, HT‐29, and LS411N cell lines express HSP genes at different levels under both 37°C and 43°C. Moreover, the results showed that the expression of AAV receptors increases in response to elevated temperature. The study suggests that increased rAAV transfer to CRC can be achieved under elevated temperature conditions. The obtained results provide information relevant to the design of new solutions in CRC therapy based on the combination of hyperthermia, chemotherapy, and gene therapy.
Microcontroller-Based Direct Torque Control Servodrive
Authors: Rodríguez-Ponce Rafael , Mota-Muñoz Francisco Gustavo
Published: February 2020

Robot technology has become an integral part of the automotive industry in several tasks such as material handling, welding, painting, and part assembly. Therefore, the knowledge and skills to control the electric motors in these manipulators are essential for undergraduate electrical engineering students. Currently, the digital signal processor (DSP) is the core chip in industrial motor-control drives; however, the implementation of DSP control algorithms can be quite challenging for an experienced programmer, even more so for the novice. Considerable research has been done on this topic, although authors usually focus on DSP-based motor drives using popular control techniques such as field-oriented control (FOC). Although highly efficient, this approach is usually reserved for postgraduate education due to its complex structure and functionality. In this paper, the authors present a modular servodrive design on a low-cost, general-purpose microcontroller using the direct torque control (DTC) method, an alternative known for greater simplicity and torque response, compared with FOC. The system design was based on Micropython language allowing the software structure to be more manageable and the code to be more understandable. This design will be useful to undergraduates and researchers with interests in motor control design.