bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of a Novel Position Verification Sensor to Identify and Isolate Robot Workcell Health Degradation
Authors: Weiss Brian A. , Kaplan Jared
Published: September 2020

Manufacturing processes have become increasingly sophisticated leading to greater usage of robotics. Sustaining successful manufacturing robotic operations requires a strategic maintenance program. Without careful planning, maintenance can be very costly. To reduce maintenance costs, manufacturers are exploring how they can assess the health of their robot workcell operations to enhance their maintenance strategies. Effective health assessment relies upon capturing appropriate data and generating intelligence from the workcell. Multiple data streams relevant to a robot workcell may be available including robot controller data, a supervisory programmable logic controller data, maintenance logs, process and part quality data, and equipment and process fault and failure data. These data streams can be extremely informative, yet the massive volume and complexity of this data can be overwhelming, confusing, and sometimes paralyzing. Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology have developed a test method and companion sensor to assess the health of robot workcells which will yield an additional and unique data stream. The intent is that this data stream can either serve as a surrogate for larger data volumes to reduce the data collection and analysis burden on the manufacturer, or add more intelligence to assessing robot workcell health. This article presents the most recent effort focused on verifying the companion sensor. Results of the verification test process are discussed along with preliminary results of the sensor’s performance during verification testing. Lessons learned indicate that the test process can be an effective means of quantifying the sensor’s measurement capability particularly after test process anomalies are addressed in future efforts.
The Inclusion of End-of-Life Modeling in the Life Cycle Energy Optimization Methodology
Authors: Bouchouireb Hamza , Jank Merle-Hendrikje , O’Reilly Ciarán J. , Göransson Peter , Schöggl Josef-Peter , Baumgartner Rupert J. , Potting José
Published: September 2020

In this study, an end-of-life (EOL) model is included in the life cycle energy optimization (LCEO) methodology to account for the energy burdens and credits stemming from a vehicle’s EOL processing phase and balance them against the vehicle’s functional requirements and production and use-phase energies. The substitution with a correction factor allocation method is used to model the contribution of recycling to the EOL phase’s energy. The methodology is illustrated through the optimization of the design of a simplified vehicle subsystem. For the latter, multiple recycling scenarios with varying levels of assumed recycling induced material property degradation were built, and their impact on the vehicle subsystem’s optimal solutions was compared to that of scenarios based on landfilling and incineration with energy recovery. The results show that the vehicle subsystem’s optimal designs are significantly dependent on the EOL scenario considered. In particular, the optimal designs associated with the recycling scenarios are on average substantially heavier, and less life cycle energy demanding, than their landfilling or incineration with energy recovery-related counterparts, thus demonstrating how the inclusion of EOL modeling in the LCEO methodology can significantly alter material use patterns, thereby effecting the very mechanisms enabling the embodiment of the resulting life cycle energy optimal designs.
Creatine Supplementation Does Not Influence the Ratio Between Intracellular Water and Skeletal Muscle Mass in Resistance-Trained Men
Authors: Ribeiro Alex S. , Avelar Ademar , Kassiano Witalo , Nunes João Pedro , Schoenfeld Brad J. , Aguiar Andreo F. , Trindade Michele C.C. , Silva Analiza M. , Sardinha Luís B. , Cyrino Edilson S.
Published: September 2020

The authors aimed to compare the effects of creatine (Cr) supplementation combined with resistance training on skeletal muscle mass (SMM), total body water, intracellular water (ICW), and extracellular water (ECW) in resistance-trained men as well as to determine whether the SMM/ICW ratio changes in response to the use of this ergogenic aid. Twenty-seven resistance-trained men received either Cr (n = 14) or placebo (n = 13) over 8 weeks. During the same period, subjects performed two split resistance training routines four times per week. SMM was estimated from appendicular lean soft tissue assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Total body water, ICW, and ECW were determined by spectral bioelectrical impedance. Both groups showed improvements (p < .05) in SMM, total body water, and ICW, with greater values observed for the Cr group compared with placebo. ECW increased similarly in both groups (p < .05). The SMM/ICW ratio did not change in either group (p > .05), whereas the SMM/ECW ratio decreased only in the Cr group (p < .05). A positive correlation was observed (p < .05) between SMM and ICW changes (r = .71). The authors’ results suggest that the increase in muscle mass induced by Cr combined with resistance training occurs without alteration of the ratio of ICW to SMM in resistance-trained men.
The Birth of the Stars: A Participatory and Appreciative Action and Reflection Investigation into the Leadership and Development of a New Superleague Netball Club
Authors: Navin Anita , Vinson Don , Croad Alison , Turnnidge Jennifer , Côté Jean
Published: September 2020

This Participatory and Appreciative Action and Reflection (PAAR) investigation illustrates a leader’s first steps in a “values-to-action” journey. Drawing on the interface between transformational leadership and organizational culture, this study focused on the birth of the Severn Stars—a professional netball club in the United Kingdom. In particular, this PAAR investigation explored how the leader’s values were operationalized through the club’s inaugural year. Fourteen operational managers, coaches, and players were individually interviewed in order to gain an appreciative gaze and subsequently reframe their lived experience. Results demonstrated how transformational leadership was manifested through the pragmatic deployment of club values and how the organizational culture was, in part, characterized by individualized consideration, intellectual stimulation, idealized influence, and inspirational motivation. These behaviors and the organizational culture were shown to enhance prosocial relationships and social connections across the club, the influence of the Super Stars, and stakeholders’ perceptions of autonomy.
Extracellular matrix stiffness determines DNA repair efficiency and cellular sensitivity to genotoxic agents
Authors: Deng Min , Lin Jing , Nowsheen Somaira , Liu Tongzheng , Zhao Yingchun , Villalta Peter W. , Sicard Delphine , Tschumperlin Daniel J. , Lee SeungBaek , Kim JungJin , Lou Zhenkun
Published: September 2020

Extracellular matrix stiffness controls DNA damage response.
Trump lied about science
Authors: Thorp H. Holden
Published: September 2020

When President Donald Trump began talking to the public about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in February and March, scientists were stunned at his seeming lack of understanding of the threat. We assumed that he either refused to listen to the White House briefings that must have been occurring or that he was being deliberately sheltered from information to create plausible deniability for federal inaction. Now, because famed
Washington Post
journalist Bob Woodward recorded him, we can hear Trump's own voice saying that he understood precisely that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was deadly and spread through the air. As he was playing down the virus to the public, Trump was not confused or inadequately briefed: He flat-out lied, repeatedly, about science to the American people. These lies demoralized the scientific community and cost countless lives in the United States.
Type I interferon signaling in fibroblastic reticular cells prevents exhaustive activation of antiviral CD8
+
T cells
Authors: Perez-Shibayama Christian , Islander Ulrika , Lütge Mechthild , Cheng Hung-Wei , Onder Lucas , Ring Sandra S. , De Martin Angelina , Novkovic Mario , Colston Julia , Gil-Cruz Cristina , Ludewig Burkhard
Published: September 2020

Programming of lymph node fibroblastic reticular cells by type I interferons is needed for effective antiviral CD8
+
T cell responses.
Riboswitch-Associated Guanidinium-Selective Efflux Pumps Frequently Transmitted on Proteobacterial Plasmids Increase Escherichia coli Biofilm Tolerance to Disinfectants
Authors: Slipski Carmine J. , Jamieson Taylor R. , Zhanel George G. , Bay Denice C.
Published: September 2020

This study characterized the function of antimicrobial-resistant phenotypes attributed to plasmid-encoded guanidinium-selective small multidrug resistance (Gdm/SugE) efflux pumps. These sequences are frequently monitored as biocide resistance markers in antimicrobial resistance surveillance studies. Our findings reveal that enterobacterial
gdm
sequences transmitted on plasmids possess a guanidine II riboswitch, which restricts transcript translation in the presence of guanidinium. Cloning and overexpression of this
gdm
sequence revealed that it confers higher resistance to quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) disinfectants (which possess guanidium moieties) when grown as biofilms. Since biofilms are commonly eradicated with QAC-containing compounds, the presence of this gene on plasmids and its biofilm-specific resistance are a growing concern for clinical and food safety prevention measures.
Sphingomyelin Is Essential for the Structure and Function of the Double-Membrane Vesicles in Hepatitis C Virus RNA Replication Factories
Authors: Gewaid Hossam , Aoyagi Haruyo , Arita Minetaro , Watashi Koichi , Suzuki Ryosuke , Sakai Shota , Kumagai Keigo , Yamaji Toshiyuki , Fukasawa Masayoshi , Kato Fumihiro , Hishiki Takayuki , Mimata Ayako , Sakamaki Yuriko , Ichinose Shizuko , Hanada Kentaro , Muramatsu Masamichi , Wakita Takaji , Aizaki Hideki
Published: September 2020

Previous reports assumed that sphingomyelin (SM) is essential for HCV replication, but the mechanism was unclear. In this study, we showed for the first time that SM and ceramide transfer protein (CERT), which is in the SM biosynthesis pathway, are essential for the biosynthesis of double-membrane vesicles (DMVs), the sites of viral replication. Low numbers of DMVs were observed in CERT-KO cells transfected with replicon RNA or with constructs that drive HCV protein production in a replication-independent system. HCV replication was rescued by ectopic expression of the CERT protein, but not by CERT mutants, that abolishes the binding of CERT to vesicle-associated membrane protein-associated protein (VAP) or phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P), indicating new roles for VAP and PI4P in HCV replication. The biosynthesis of DMVs has great importance to replication by a variety of plus-stranded RNA viruses. Understanding of this process is expected to facilitate the development of diagnosis and antivirus.
Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Entry Inhibition by Interfacially Active Peptides
Authors: Hoffmann Andrew R. , Guha Shantanu , Wu Eric , Ghimire Jenisha , Wang Yilin , He Jing , Garry Robert F. , Wimley William C.
Published: September 2020

New classes of antiviral drugs are needed to treat the ever-changing viral disease landscape. Current antiviral drugs treat only a small number of viral diseases, leaving many patients with established or emerging infections to be treated solely with supportive care. Recent antiviral peptide research has produced numerous membrane-interacting peptides that inhibit diverse enveloped viruses
in vitro
and
in vivo
. Peptide therapeutics are becoming more common, with over 60 FDA-approved peptides for clinical use. Included in this class of therapeutics is enfuvirtide, a 36-residue peptide drug that inhibits HIV entry/fusion. Due to their broad-spectrum mechanism of action and enormous potential sequence diversity, peptides that inhibit virus entry could potentially fulfill the need for new antiviral therapeutics; however, a better understanding of their mechanism is needed for the optimization or evolution of sequence design to combat the wide landscape of viral disease.
Development and validation of a simple and robust model to predict 30-day mortality in patients withClostridioides difficile-associated enterocolitis
Authors: Katzer Katrin Claudia , Hagel Stefan , Reuken Philipp Alexander , Bruns Tony , Stallmach Andreas
Published: September 2020

Objective

Clostridioides difficileinfection (CDI) is a common healthcare-associated infection and associated with high morbidity and mortality. As current guidelines recommend treatment stratified for disease severity, this study aimed to identify predictors of 30-day mortality in order to develop a robust prediction model.

Design

This was a retrospective analysis of 207 inpatients with CDI who were treated at the Jena University Hospital between September 2011 and December 2015. In a training cohort (n=127), predictors of 30-day mortality were identified by receiver operating characteristics analysis and logistic regression. The derived model was validated in an independent cohort of 80 inpatients with CDI.

Results

Within 30 days, 35 (28%) patients in the training cohort died from any cause. C-reactive protein (CRP) of ≥121 mg/L (OR 3.80; 95% CI 1.64 to 7.80; p=0.003) and lower systolic blood pressure of ≤104 mm Hg (OR 3.73; 95% CI 1.63 to 8.53; p=0.002) at diagnosis as well as development of renal impairment (serum creatinine >1.5×baseline; OR 5.61; 95% CI 1.94 to 16.26; p=0.035) within the first 6 days were associated with 30-day mortality in univariate analysis. The use of these parameters enabled correct mortality prediction in 73% of cases on the day of diagnosis and in 76% at day 6. In the validation cohort, 30-day mortality was 18/80 (23%). Our model enabled a 73.7% correct prediction concerning 30-day mortality on day 6 after diagnosis of CDI.

Conclusion

Hypotension and CRP elevation on the day of diagnosis as well as occurrence of kidney dysfunction during the first 6 days are suitable parameters to predict 30-day mortality in patients with CDI who need to be treated in the hospital.
Psychological interventions for depression among informal caregivers of older adult populations: protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Mårtensson Erika , Blomberg Oscar , Pettman Danelle , Sörensdotter Renita , von Essen Louise , Woodford Joanne
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Increased life expectancy has led to an increased demand for family members to provide informal care for their older relatives in the home. Many studies suggest informal caregivers are at greater risk of experiencing symptoms of depression. However, there is a lack of research examining the effectiveness of psychological interventions targeting these symptoms alongside clinical and methodological moderators potentially associated with intervention effectiveness. This review aims to address this gap and will inform the development of a psychological intervention targeting depression among adult-child caregivers of older parents, given many studies show that among informal caregivers of older adults, adult children experience specific difficulties and needs for psychological support. Further, the lack of studies targeting adult children specifically necessitates conducting this review targeting caregivers of older adults in general.

Methods and analysis

Randomised controlled trials of psychological interventions targeting symptoms of depression among informal caregivers will be identified via a systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Excerpta Medica DataBase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library and Web of Science) and supplemented by handsearching of previous systematic reviews, reference and forward citation checking, and expert contact. If possible, a meta-analysis will be conducted to examine the: (1) effectiveness of psychological interventions for depression among informal caregivers of older adults, (2) effectiveness of psychological interventions for secondary outcomes such as anxiety, stress, caregiver burden, psychological distress, quality of life, well-being and self-efficacy and (3) moderating effects of clinical and methodological factors on effectiveness.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval will not be necessary for this study given primary data will not be collected. Results will inform the development of a psychological intervention for adult-child caregivers of older parents and will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020157763.
Validation of the detection of elder abuse through emergency care technicians (DETECT) screening tool: a study protocol
Authors: Cannell Brad , Weitlauf Julie , Livingston Melvin D , Burnett Jason , Parayil Megin , Reingle Gonzalez Jennifer
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Elder mistreatment (EM) is a high prevalence threat to the health and well-being of older adults in the USA. Medics are well-positioned to help with identification of older adults at risk for EM, however, field robust screening tools appropriate for efficient, observation-based screening are lacking. Prior work by this team focused on the development and initial pilot testing of an observation-based EM screening tool named detection of elder abuse through emergency care technicians (DETECT), designed to be implemented by medics during the course of an emergency response (911) call. The objective of the present work is to validate and further refine this tool in preparation for clinical dissemination.

Methods and analysis

Approximately 59 400 community-dwelling older adults who place 911 calls during the 36-month study observation period will be screened by medics responding to the call using the DETECT tool. Next, a random subsample of 2520 of the 59 400 older adults screened will be selected to participate in a follow-up interview approximately 2 weeks following the completion of the screening. Follow-up interviews will consist of a medic-led semistructured interview designed to assess the older adult’s likelihood of abuse exposure, physical/mental health status, cognitive functioning, and to systematically evaluate the quality and condition of their physical and social living environment. The data from 25% (n=648) of these follow-up interviews will be presented to a longitudinal, experts and all data panel for a final determination of EM exposure status, representing the closest proxy to a ‘gold standard’ measure available.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been reviewed and approved by the Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects at the University of Texas School of Public Health. The results will be disseminated through formal presentations at local, national and international conferences and through publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
What are the development priorities for management of type 2 diabetes by general practitioners in Ningbo, China: a qualitative study of patients’ and practitioners’ perspectives
Authors: Woolley Angharad , Li Li , Solomon Josie , Li Jialin , Huang Kai , Chahal Punam , Chahal Priya , Tu Gloria , Chahal Pritpal , Chattopadhyay Kaushik
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To explore patients’ and general practitioners’ (GPs’) perspectives on primary care management of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Ningbo, China. We aimed to understand the current benefits and challenges and to identify development priorities.

Design

Exploratory qualitative descriptive study using face-to-face interviews and analysed by thematic, inductive analysis.

Setting

11 primary care facilities spread across the city of Ningbo, China.

Participants

23 patients with T2DM and 20 GPs involved in caring for patients with T2DM.

Results

GPs were considered the first point of contact and providers of information. However, the care varied, and many GPs lacked confidence and felt overworked. The medication was a particularly weak area. The diagnostic screening commenced late, leading to crisis presentations. Patients were variably informed about their condition, contributing to poor adherence.

Conclusions

Future developments of primary care for T2DM in Ningbo should centre around improving GP confidence and workload and patient education and adherence.
Changes in blood pressure thresholds for initiating antihypertensive medication in patients with diabetes: a repeated cross-sectional study focusing on the impact of age and frailty
Authors: Ambrož Martina , de Vries Sieta T , Sidorenkov Grigory , Hoogenberg Klaas , Denig Petra
Published: September 2020

Objective

To assess trends in systolic blood pressure (SBP) thresholds at initiation of antihypertensive treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes and the impact of age and frailty on these trends.

Study design and setting

A repeated cross-sectional cohort study (2007–2014) using the Groningen Initiative to Analyse Type 2 diabetes Treatment database was conducted. The influence of calendar year, age or frailty and the interaction between year and age or frailty on SBP thresholds were assessed using multilevel regression analyses adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

We included 4819 patients. The mean SBP at treatment initiation was 157 mm Hg in 2007, rising to 158 mm Hg in 2009 and decreasing to 151 mm Hg in 2014. This quadratic trend was significant (p<0.001). Older patients initiated treatment at higher SBP, but similar decreasing trends after 2009 were observed in all age groups. There were no significant differences in SBP thresholds between patients with different frailty groups. The association between year and SBP threshold was not influenced by age or frailty.

Conclusion

After an initial rise, the observed SBP thresholds decreased over time and were not influenced by age or frailty. This is in contrast with changed guideline recommendations towards more personalised treatment during the study period and illustrates that changing prescribing practice may take considerable time. Patient-specific algorithms and tools focusing on when and when not to initiate treatment could be helpful to support personalised diabetes care.
COVID-19-related health anxieties and impact of specific interventions in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in the UK
Authors: Mir Nasir , Cheesbrough Jonathan , Troth Thomas , Hussain Nasir , Hopkins Laurence Joseph , Shi Jiaqi , Sarker Najiat , Smith Emma , Courtney Finula , Flaherty Jill , Hill Rebecca , Jebb Sarah , Kakosa Villa , Calderwood Jason , Sharma Naveen , McCulloch Adam , Quraishi Mohammed Nabil
Published: September 2020

Objective

Health-related concerns brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of specific local and national interventions have not been explored in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the UK. We evaluated perspectives of patients with IBD on the pandemic and effectiveness of information dissemination in addressing concerns.

Methods

We prospectively conducted a survey among patients with IBD during the COVID-19 pandemic to assess concerns, information-seeking behaviours, risk perception, compliance and effect of specific interventions.

Results

A total of 228 patients were interviewed of whom 89% reported being concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on their health. Access to at least one IBD-specific clinical interaction during the pandemic (COVID-19 information letter from IBD team, interaction with IBD team or general practitioner, Crohn and Colitis UK website visit) was significantly associated with alleviating concerns (OR 2.66; 95% CI 1.35 to 5.24; p=0.005). Seeking health information solely through unofficial channels (search engines or social media) was less likely to ease concerns (OR 0.15; 95% CI 0.03 to 0.61; p=0.008). A quarter of patients disagreed with their assigned risk groups, with majority perceiving higher-risk profiles. This discordance was greatest in patients within the moderate-risk group and constituted immunosuppression use. Nearly 40% of patients had ongoing concerns with regard to their medications of whom a third felt their concerns were not addressed.

Conclusion

IBD-specific clinical interactions are associated with alleviation of COVID-19 health concerns. These findings have wider implications and emphasise importance of innovative solutions that facilitate effective communication with patients without overburdening current services.
Angiographic investigation of orbital vascular variations in the rabbit and implications for endovascular intra-arterial chemotherapy models
Authors: Froehler Michael T , Feldman Michael J , Poitras Bryan , Daniels Anthony B
Published: September 2020

Background

The New Zealand White rabbit (NZWR) is the first small-animal experimental model of intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) for retinoblastoma treatment. The NZWR has dual ophthalmic arteries (OA): the external OA (EOA) arises from the external carotid artery and the internal OA (IOA) from the internal carotid artery. We describe the technique that we have refined for OA catheterization in rabbits, and describe the angioanatomical variations in the OA supply to the NZWR eye and implications for IAC delivery, which were identified as part of a larger project exploring IAC effects in a rabbit retinoblastoma model.

Methods

We developed techniques to perform angiography of the external and internal carotid arteries and superselective angiography of the EOA and IOA in NZWR using transfemoral access and a microwire/microcatheter system. EOA and IOA supply to the eye was determined angiographically and recorded before selective OA catheterization and angiography.

Results

114 rabbits underwent carotid angiographic evaluation and OA catheterization (161 total eyes evaluated, 112 right, 49 left). Most eyes had a single dominant arterial supply; either IOA or EOA. EOA was dominant in 73% (118/161), and IOA was dominant in 17% (27/161). Co-dominant supply was seen in 10% (16/161). Of the rabbits with bilateral OA catheterization, 25/47 (53%) had bilateral dominant EOA.

Conclusion

Successful catheterization of the OA in the NZWR can be readily accomplished with nuanced technique. The external OA is the dominant arterial supply in the majority of NZWR eyes. These findings allow for successful reproduction of OA catheterization studies of IAC for retinoblastoma in NZWR.
The scalar $$f_0(500)$$, $$f_0(980)$$, and $$a_0(980)$$ resonances and vector mesons in the single Cabibbo-suppressed decays $$\Lambda _c \rightarrow p K^+K^-$$ and $$p\pi ^+\pi ^-$$
Authors: Wang Zhe , Wang Yan-Yan , Wang En , Li De-Min , Xie Ju-Jun
Published: September 2020

In the chiral unitary approach, we have studied the single Cabibbo-suppressed decays $$\Lambda _c\rightarrow pK^+K^-$$

Λ
c

→
p

K
+

K
-

and $$\Lambda _c \rightarrow p \pi ^+\pi ^-$$

Λ
c

→
p

π
+

π
-

by taking into account the s-wave meson–meson interaction as well as the contributions from the intermediate vectors $$\phi $$
ϕ
and $$\rho ^0$$

ρ
0

. Our theoretical results for the ratios of the branching fractions of $$\Lambda _c\rightarrow p {\bar{K}}^{*0}$$

Λ
c

→
p

K

¯

∗
0

and $$\Lambda _c\rightarrow p \omega $$

Λ
c

→
p
ω

with respect to the one of $$\Lambda _c\rightarrow p \phi $$

Λ
c

→
p
ϕ

are in agreement with the experimental data. Within the picture that the scalar resonances $$f_0(500)$$

f
0

(
500
)

, $$f_0(980)$$

f
0

(
980
)

, and $$a_0(980)$$

a
0

(
980
)

are dynamically generated from the pseudoscalar-pseudoscalar interactions in s-wave, we have calculated the $$K^+K^-$$

K
+

K
-

and $$\pi ^+\pi ^-$$

π
+

π
-

invariant mass distributions respectively for the decays $$\Lambda _c\rightarrow pK^+K^-$$

Λ
c

→
p

K
+

K
-

and $$\Lambda _c\rightarrow p\pi ^+\pi ^-$$

Λ
c

→
p

π
+

π
-

. One can find a broad bump structure for the $$f_0(500)$$

f
0

(
500
)

and a narrow peak for the $$f_0(980)$$

f
0

(
980
)

in the $$\pi ^+\pi ^-$$

π
+

π
-

invariant mass distribution of the decay $$\Lambda _c\rightarrow p\pi ^+\pi ^-$$

Λ
c

→
p

π
+

π
-

. For the $$K^+K^-$$

K
+

K
-

invariant mass distribution, in addition to the narrow peak for the $$\phi $$
ϕ
meson, there is an enhancement structure near the $$K^+K^-$$

K
+

K
-

threshold mainly due to the contribution from the $$f_0(980)$$

f
0

(
980
)

. Both the $$\pi ^+\pi ^-$$

π
+

π
-

and $$K^+K^-$$

K
+

K
-

invariant mass distributions are compatible with the BESIII measurement. We encourage our experimental colleagues to measure these two decays, which would be helpful to understand the nature of the $$f_0(500)$$

f
0

(
500
)

, $$f_0(980)$$

f
0

(
980
)

, and $$a_0(980)$$

a
0

(
980
)

.
INNOVATION CAPABILITY AND OPEN INNOVATION AND ITS IMPACT ON PERFORMANCE IN SMES: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY IN CHILE
Authors: CARRASCO-CARVAJAL OMAR , GARCÍA-PÉREZ-DE-LEMA DOMINGO
Published: September 2020

The objective of this research is to analyse how risk-taking, commitment to learning, and innovation capability — in SMEs — can favour inbound and outbound open innovation practices, and if open innovation practices help their performance. To test the hypotheses simultaneously, partial least squares analysis (PLS-SEM) was used along with the empirical data obtained from 194 interviews with Chilean’s executives of manufacturing SMEs between 10 and 250 employees. The results obtained show that commitment to learning and risk-taking have a positive effect on innovation capability. Our study has shown how innovation capability has a significant and positive influence on inbound and outbound practices. In the field of performance, our research has verified that inbound practices have a positive influence on the performance of the SME. Finally, it shows managers the way to select open innovation practices that most benefit the strategic objectives of the SME.
Antibacterial Nanocomposites of Polypropylene Modified with Silver-Decorated Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Wen Yi-Hua , De Guzman Manuel Reyes , Lin Xu , Chen Jui-Chin , Gao Chen , Wu Chin-San , Wang Zhao-Hua , Huang Dan , Du Juan , Yu Yong-Qi , Zhao Wen , Suen Maw-Cherng , Tsou Chi-Hui
Published: September 2020

Polypropylene (PP) has some disadvantages when used in food packaging: PP does not have antibacterial properties, and it exhibits low barrier properties. In this study, nanocomposites of PP filled with different amounts of silver-decorated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-Ag) were fabricated. A new nanomaterial with silver had the advantage of providing antibacterial capabilities, and the contribution of MWCNTs was to reinforce mechanical properties. PP was melt-blended with MWCNTs-Ag, but the ensuing problem was the poor interfacial interaction of fillers with the polymer matrix, especially at high filler content. Nonetheless, a small quantity of fillers resulted in the following improvement in nanocomposite properties, relative to neat PP: better antibacterial ability, lower water vapor permeation flux, lower oxygen barrier performance, higher thermostability, faster crystallization rate and higher tensile strength. Therefore, nanocomposites formed from modifying PP with a low content of MWCNTs-Ag show promise in the field of packaging and medical material applications.
Graphene-Wrapped ZnMn2O4 Nanoparticles with Enhanced Performance as Lithium-Ion Battery Anode Materials
Authors: Sun Meng , Li Sijie , Zou Jiajia , Cui Zhipeng , Zhang Qingye , Schiettekatte François , Barba David , Liu Bing , Wang Yiqian
Published: September 2020

ZnMn2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) wrapped by reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were fabricated via a two-step solvothermal method and used as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Compared to pure ZnMn2O4, the ZnMn2O4 NPs/rGO composites deliver higher capacities of 1230 mAh g−1 and 578 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g−1 and 500 mA g−1, respectively. The enhanced electrochemical performance of ZnMn2O4 NPs/rGO composites is mainly attributed to a distinctive structure (ZnMn2O4 NPs surrounded by flexible rGO), which can promote the diffusion of Li+, accelerate the transport of electrons and buffer volume expansion during the Li+ insertion/extraction process. Furthermore, the rGO sheets can effectively prevent the agglomeration of ZnMn2O4 NPs, thus, improving structural stability of the composites. The excellent electrochemical performance indicates that such ZnMn2O4 NPs/rGO composite structure has a great potential for high-performance LIBs.
Block-Aware Item Similarity Models for Top-
N
Recommendation
Authors: Chen Yifan , Wang Yang , Zhao Xiang , Zou Jie , Rijke Maarten De
Published: September 2020

Top-
N
recommendations have been studied extensively. Promising results have been achieved by recent item-based collaborative filtering (ICF) methods. The key to ICF lies in the estimation of item similarities. Observing the
block-diagonal structure
of the item similarities in practice, we propose a block-diagonal regularization (BDR) over item similarities for ICF. The intuitions behind BDR are as follows: (1) with BDR, item clustering is embedded into the learning of ICF methods; (2) BDR induces sparsity of item similarities, which guarantees recommendation efficiency; and (3) BDR captures in-block transitivity to overcome rating sparsity. By regularizing the item similarity matrix of item similarity models with BDR, we obtain a block-aware item similarity model. Our experimental evaluations on a large number of datasets show that the block-diagonal structure is crucial to the performance of top-
N
recommendation.
Bringing resources to innovation
Authors: Ubiquity staff
Published: September 2020

A ten-year study follows the venture capital business from relative obscurity to boom to retrenchment
Freedom to think and speak
Authors: Johnson Seth
Published: September 2020

Under Microsoft's Digital Rights Management operating system, the ability to use information freely will be policed at the most intricate level.
Building an inventive organization
Authors: Ubiquity staff
Published: September 2020

A creativity expert distinguishes the concept of creativity from that of innovation and discusses how to create a corporate culture that really fosters creativity
A designing life
Authors: Ubiquity staff
Published: September 2020

A speech-recognition software expert explains the difference between good design and ambiguity, how good designs go bad, and why everyone is a designer.
Human brain and neural network behavior
Authors: Jesan John Peter , Lauro Donald M.
Published: September 2020

On the matter of memory, there is no comparision. Neural networks are potentially faster and more accurate than humans.
An Interview with Kathy Schroeder
Authors: Schroeder Kathy
Published: September 2020

New book tells the inside story of the development and innovative marketing of Intuit's automated personal finance software. Author Kathy Schroeder explains it all.
An Interview with David Ticoll
Authors: Ubiquity staff
Published: September 2020

Author David Ticoll tells how smart companies gain the trust of stakeholders by sharing important information.
Prejudice and Discrimination Toward Immigrants
Authors: Esses Victoria M.
Published: September 2020

Prejudice and discrimination toward immigrants, and the consequences of these negative attitudes and behavior, are key determinants of the economic, sociocultural, and civic-political future of receiving societies and of the individuals who seek to make these societies their new home. In this article I review and organize the existing literature on the determinants and nature of prejudice and discrimination toward immigrants, summarizing what we know to date and the challenges in attributing effects to immigrant status per se. I also discuss the consequences of discrimination against immigrants for immigrants themselves, their families, and the societies in which they settle. I conclude by presenting key research questions and topics in this domain that should be at the top of the research agenda for those interested in intergroup relations in this age of mass migration.
Lithological Interface Detection Using an Impact Source
Authors: Jian Xu , Li Hongtao , Li Gao , Fang Pan , Yang Xu , Qiao Wei
Published: September 2020

Early detection of abnormal geological targets during drilling can enhance the safety of petroleum drilling. An impact source equipped with the advantage of long detection distances can recognize lithological interfaces. However, coda waves in the vibration waveform are significant to reflected waves, which are difficult to recognize in the time domain. This paper presents the design of an impact source that includes a hammer, impacted metal, Teflon, and a metal base. With the length and diameter of Teflon kept constant, the effect of the hammer, impacted metal, and metal base on the coda waves was experimentally investigated. According to the preferred metal materials, the effect of the length and diameter of Teflon on coda waves was also experimentally studied. A distance measurement experiment was implemented on 1.2 m sandstone on the basis of the preferred impact source design. The experimental results show that the coda waves are significantly attenuated by the preferred impact source. Moreover, the reflected waves are clearly identified in the time domain. Therefore, the preferred impact source can be used effectively in lithological interface detection.
Automated Real-Time Intelligent Traffic Control System for Smart Cities Using Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Hilmani Adil , Maizate Abderrahim , Hassouni Larbi
Published: September 2020

Over the years, the number of vehicles has increased dramatically, which has led to serious problems such as traffic jams, accidents, and many other problems, as cities turn into smart cities. In recent years, traffic jams have become one of the main challenges for engineers and designers to create an intelligent traffic management system capable of effectively detecting and reducing the overall density of traffic in most urban areas visited by motorists such as offices, downtown, and establishments based on several modern technologies, including wireless sensor networks (WSNs), surveillance camera, and IoT. In this article, we propose an intelligent traffic control system based on the design of a wireless sensor network (WSN) in order to collect data on road traffic and also on available parking spaces in a smart city. In addition, the proposed system has innovative services that allow drivers to view the traffic rate and the number of available parking spaces to their destination remotely using an Android mobile application to avoid traffic jams and to take another alternative route to avoid getting stuck and also to make it easier for drivers when looking for a free parking space to avoid unnecessary trips. Our system integrates three smart subsystems connected to each other (crossroad management, parking space management, and a mobile application) in order to connect citizens to a smart city.
Acute Spinal Cord Contusion in a Patient with Multiple Upper Cervical Fractures, Parkinson’s Disease, and Torticollis: Surgical Management
Authors: Merrill Sarah , Kalani Maziyar A. , Patel Naresh P. , Lyons Mark K. , Neal Matthew T.
Published: September 2020

Case Report. Spine surgery in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) involves increased risk. We describe a case of cervical myelopathy in a patient with PD, multiple fractures involving the atlas and axis vertebrae, and spasmodic torticollis. The patient was successfully treated with an upper cervical decompression and occipital-cervical (OC) fusion surgery. Strategies for torticollis reduction and successful surgical outcome are discussed. Risks and benefits must be carefully weighed when considering occipital cervical fusion in PD patients. Conclusion. Intraoperative manual reduction of laterocollis is possible after general endotracheal anesthesia, and continuous neuromonitoring is established. Use of optimizing strategies such as perioperative botulinum injections and intraoperative O-arm navigation should be considered.
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers Associated with Improved Breast Cancer Survival—A Nationwide Cohort Study from Finland
Authors: Santala Eerik E.E. , Murto Mika O. , Artama Miia , Pukkala Eero , Visvanathan Kala , Murtola Teemu J.
Published: September 2020

Background:

Breast cancer incidence has been associated with hypertension, which might worsen disease prognosis, but few nationwide studies have investigated the association between antihypertensive drug use and breast cancer prognosis.

Methods:

A cohort of 73,170 women diagnosed with breast cancer during 1995–2013 identified from the Finnish Cancer Registry was combined with information on antihypertensive drug use during the same time period from a national prescription database. Antihypertensive drugs were analyzed in groups categorized by mechanism of action. Usage of antihypertensive drugs, statins, antidiabetic, and anticoagulative drugs was analyzed as time-dependent exposure to model for simultaneous use of multiple drug groups. Influence of protopathic bias was evaluated in lag-time analyses.

Results:

In prediagnostic use, only angiotensin receptor (ATR)-blockers were associated with decreased risk of breast cancer death as compared with nonusers (HR: 0.76, 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.69–0.82), and there was an inverse association with cumulative dose of use. Postdiagnostic use of ATR-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitors, beta-blockers, and calcium-channel blockers was dose dependently associated with better breast cancer survival compared with nonusers. The risk decrease was strongest for ATR-blockers (HR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.63–0.75) and remained for exposures occurring up to 3 years earlier.

Conclusions:

Only ATR-blockers were associated with improved breast cancer survival in both prediagnostic and postdiagnostic use. The association was dose dependent and supported by a biological rationale as a causal explanation. In postdiagnostic use, similar reduction was found also for other antihypertensives, supporting a prognostic role of hypertension control.

Impact:

Inhibition of angiotensin receptor subtype 1 (AT1) could be a promising novel way to affect breast cancer progression.
Sleep Characteristics and Risk of Ovarian Cancer Among Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Liang Xiaoyun , Harris Holly R. , Hendryx Michael , Shadyab Aladdin H. , Hale Lauren , Li Yueyao , Crane Tracy E. , Cespedes Feliciano Elizabeth M. , Stefanick Marcia L. , Luo Juhua
Published: September 2020

Several studies have assessed the relationship between sleep duration and ovarian cancer risk, but the results are conflicting. Importantly, no studies addressed the relationship between sleep disturbance or sleep quality and ovarian cancer incidence. Moreover, few studies have examined the relationships between sleep measures and subtypes of ovarian cancer. This study included 109,024 postmenopausal women ages 50–79 from the Women's Health Initiative during 1993–1998 and followed through 2018. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate adjusted HRs for the associations between sleep habits and the incidence of ovarian cancer and its subtypes. No association was observed between sleep duration, sleep quality, sleep disturbance, or insomnia and risk of overall ovarian cancer, serous/nonserous, or type I/type II ovarian cancer subtype. However, compared with women with average sleep quality, women with restful or very restful sleep quality had a significantly lower risk of invasive serous subtype [HR: 0.73, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.60–0.90] while insomnia was associated with a higher risk of invasive serous subtype (HR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.12–1.66). Associations with insomnia differed significantly by serous and nonserous subtypes, and type I and type II subtypes (Pheterogeneity = 0.001 and Pheterogeneity <0.001, respectively). This study provides no evidence on association between sleep habits and overall ovarian cancer risk among postmenopausal women. However, restful or very restful sleep quality was associated with a lower risk of invasive serous ovarian cancer, and insomnia was associated with a higher risk of invasive serous ovarian cancer. Associations with insomnia differed by subtypes.

Prevention Relevance:

This study shows no association between sleep duration, sleep quality, or insomnia with the risk of overall ovarian cancer among postmenopausal women. However, restful sleep quality was associated with a lower risk of invasive serous ovarian cancer, and insomnia was associated with a higher risk of invasive serous ovarian cancer.
Benefits and Limitations of TKIs in Patients with Medullary Thyroid Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Efstathiadou Zoe A. , Tsentidis Charalambos , Bargiota Alexandra , Daraki Vasiliki , Kotsa Kalliopi , Ntali Georgia , Papanastasiou Labrini , Tigas Stelios , Toulis Konstantinos , Pazaitou-Panayiotou Kalliopi , Alevizaki Maria
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been used in patients with advanced medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC); however, data on their effectiveness and safety are limited. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to document clinical response and toxicities of TKIs in advanced MTC. Methods: We systematically searched major databases for articles or abstracts on TKI use in MTC patients until May 2018. Objective response (OR), defined as the sum of complete + partial response, expressed as percentage, was our primary endpoint, while disease stability, disease progression (DP), median progression-free survival (PFS), and drug discontinuation rate due to adverse events (AEs) were secondary endpoints. Pooled percentages, PFS time, and 95% CIs were reported. Results: Thirty-three publications were finally included in the analysis: 1 phase IV, 2 phase III trials evaluating vandetanib and cabozantinib, respectively, 20 phase I or II studies, and the remaining 10 studies of retrospective-observational nature. OR was documented in 28.6% (95% CI 25.9–31.9) of patients. Stable disease was recorded in 46.2% (95% CI 43.3–49.1). Overall, DP was observed in 22.9% (95% CI 20.4–27.6). Grade 3 or more AEs occurred in 48.5% (95% CI 45.5–51.5) of patients, and drug discontinuation was reported in 44.7% (95% CI 41.7–47.6). In general, use of TKIs conferred a PFS of 23.3 months (95% CI 21.07–25.5). In particular, vandetanib induced an OR in 33.8% (95% CI 29.6–38.0) of patients and cabozantinib in 27.7% (95% CI 22.05–33.4). DP occurred in 23.7% (95% CI 19.9–27.6) with vandetanib use and in 22.6% (95% CI 17.4–27.9) in cabozantinib-treated patients. Sorafenib, the third most frequently studied drug, showed intermediate efficacy, but higher discontinuation rates. Conclusion: Treatment with TKIs in MTC patients with progressive disease is associated with a moderate therapeutic benefit, with achievement of either disease stability or partial response in 73%. The toxicity of these drugs is not negligible, but it is, nonetheless, manageable.
Spontaneous Resolution of a Choroidal Mass: A Case Series
Authors: Bianchi Juan I. , Nirwan Rajinder S. , Fulda Graue Emiliano , Ross-Hirsch Adam , Lopez-Rubio Salvador , DiLoreto Jr. David A. , Singh Arun D.
Published: September 2020

Choroidal masses can be of varying etiologies including tumors of benign, primary, and metastatic nature. Herein, we report on 3 cases of well-documented solitary choroidal masses associated with exudative retinal detachments of unclear etiology (despite extensive workup) that resolved spontaneously.