bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis of Growth Hormone Deficiency in Children: The Efficacy of Glucagon versus Clonidine Stimulation Test
Authors: Yackobovitch-Gavan Michal , Lazar Liora , Diamant Rotem , Phillip Moshe , Oron Tal
Published: February 2021

Introduction: The diagnosis of childhood growth hormone deficiency (GHD) requires a failure to respond to 2 GH stimulation tests (GHSTs) performed with different stimuli. The most commonly used tests are glucagon stimulation test (GST) and clonidine stimulation test (CST). This study assesses and compares GST and CST’s diagnostic efficacy for the initial evaluation of short children. Methods: Retrospective, single-center, observational study of 512 short children who underwent GHST with GST first or CST first and a confirmatory test with the opposite stimulus in cases of initial GH peak <7.5 ng/mL during 2015–2018. The primary outcome measure was the efficacy of the GST first or CST first in diagnosing GHD. Results: Population characteristics include median age of 9.3 years (interquartile range 6.2, 12.1), 78.3% prepubertal, and 61% boys. Subnormal GH response in the initial test was recorded in 204 (39.8%) children: 148 (45.5%) in GST first and 56 (30%) in CST first, p < 0.001. Confirmatory tests verified GHD in 75/512 (14.6%) patients. Divergent results between the initial and confirmatory tests were more prevalent in GST first than CST first (103/148 [69.6%] vs. 26/56 [46.4%], p < 0.001) indicating a significantly lower error rate for the CST first compared to the GST first. In multivariate analysis, the only significant predictive variable for divergent results between the tests was the type of stimulation test (OR = 0.349 [95% CI 0.217, 0.562], p < 0.001). Conclusions: Screening of GH status with CST first is more efficient than that with GST first in diagnosing GHD in short children with suspected GHD. It is suggested that performing CST first may reduce the need for a second provocative test and avoid patients’ inconvenience of undergoing 2 serial tests.
Treatment of Pemphigus with Rituximab: Real-Life Experience in a Cohort of 117 Patients in Israel
Authors: Nosrati Adi , Hodak Emmilia , Mimouni Tomer , Oren-Shabtai Meital , Levi Assi , Leshem Yael A. , Mimouni Daniel
Published: February 2021

Background: A combined regimen of rituximab with corticosteroids for the treatment of pemphigus was effective in a prospective randomized controlled trial. Objective: To assess real-life response to rituximab in patients with pemphigus. Methods: A retrospective cohort of patients with pemphigus treated with ≥1 rituximab cycles (1,000 mg on days 0 and 14). The primary outcome was remission rate after 1 cycle. For efficacy analyses, a minimal 6-month follow-up was required. Adverse events were assessed in all patients. Results: The cohort included 117 patients for safety analysis, 108 for efficacy analysis (median follow-up of 33 months). All but one received concomitant corticosteroids, a third also received adjuvants. Overall, 80/108 patients (74%) achieved remission after the first rituximab cycle at a median of 5.5 months. Relapses occurred in 39 patients (49%) at a median of 18 months. Repeating treatment in relapsed patients increased remission rates to 75 and 88% after the second and third cycles, respectively. Adverse events were similar to those of previous publications. Two elderly patients died of infections attributable to rituximab combined with high-dose corticosteroids. Conclusion: In a large real-life long-term cohort, rituximab with corticosteroids ± adjuvants induced remission in most patients with pemphigus, with relatively favorable safety. Repeating treatment following relapse or remission failure was beneficial.
Potential Interplay between Nrf2, TRPA1, and TRPV1 in Nutrients for the Control of COVID-19
Authors: Bousquet Jean , Czarlewski Wienczyslawa , Zuberbier Torsten , Mullol Joaquim , Blain Hubert , Cristol Jean-Paul , De La Torre Rafael , Pizarro Lozano Nieves , Le Moing Vincent , Bedbrook Anna , Agache Ioana , Akdis Cezmi A. , Canonica G. Walter , Cruz Alvaro A. , Fiocchi Alessandro , Fonseca Joao A. , Fonseca Susana , Gemicioğlu Bilun , Haahtela Tari , Iaccarino Guido , Ivancevich Juan Carlos , Jutel Marek , Klimek Ludger , Kraxner Helga , Kuna Piotr , Larenas-Linnemann Désirée E. , Martineau Adrian , Melén Erik , Okamoto Yoshitaka , Papadopoulos Nikolaos G. , Pfaar Oliver , Regateiro Frederico S. , Reynes Jacques , Rolland Yves , Rouadi Philip W. , Samolinski Boleslaw , Sheikh Aziz , Toppila-Salmi Sanna , Valiulis Arunas , Choi Hak-Jong , Kim Hyun Ju , Anto Josep M.
Published: February 2021

In this article, we propose that differences in COVID-19 morbidity may be associated with transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) and/or transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) activation as well as desensitization. TRPA1 and TRPV1 induce inflammation and play a key role in the physiology of almost all organs. They may augment sensory or vagal nerve discharges to evoke pain and several symptoms of COVID-19, including cough, nasal obstruction, vomiting, diarrhea, and, at least partly, sudden and severe loss of smell and taste. TRPA1 can be activated by reactive oxygen species and may therefore be up-regulated in COVID-19. TRPA1 and TRPV1 channels can be activated by pungent compounds including many nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2) (Nrf2)-interacting foods leading to channel desensitization. Interactions between Nrf2-associated nutrients and TRPA1/TRPV1 may be partly responsible for the severity of some of the COVID-19 symptoms. The regulation by Nrf2 of TRPA1/TRPV1 is still unclear, but suggested from very limited clinical evidence. In COVID-19, it is proposed that rapid desensitization of TRAP1/TRPV1 by some ingredients in foods could reduce symptom severity and provide new therapeutic strategies.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Analysis of the Psychometric Properties of the Portuguese Version of the Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia Scale
Authors: Passos Lígia , Tavares João , Figueiredo Daniela
Published: February 2021

Introduction: In advanced stages, people with dementia (PwD) may develop feeding difficulties. The assessment of these difficulties is the first step towards an adequate intervention. The Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia Scale (EdFED) is an instrument for assessing the feeding difficulties of older PwD. Objective: The objective of this observational, cross-sectional, exploratory-descriptive study was to contribute to the adaptation of the EdFED to the Portuguese population and to analyze some of its psychometric properties, namely internal consistency and interobserver reliability. Methods: First, translation, cultural and linguistic adaptation, as well as validation were performed using an expert panel and calculation of the content validity index (CVI). Then the instrument was applied in 51 institutionalized older PwD (mean age 86.06 ± 6.77 years, 86.2% women). Results: The results showed excellent content validity, with a CVI of 0.950. The Portuguese version of the EdFED showed reasonable internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.705) and very satisfactory interobserver reliability (Cohen’s κ = 0.882). Conclusion: The main results suggest that the Portuguese version of the EdFED is a reliable instrument that allows the assessment of eating/feeding difficulties among institutionalized older PwD.
Efficacy of Vonoprazan for Refractory Reflux Esophagitis after Esophagectomy
Authors: Ochiai Yorinari , Iizuka Toshiro , Hoshihara Yoshio , Suzuki Yugo , Hayasaka Junnosuke , Nomura Kosuke , Tanaka Masami , Odagiri Hiroyuki , Yamashita Satoshi , Matsui Akira , Kikuchi Daisuke , Ueno Masaki , Udagawa Harushi , Hoteya Shu
Published: February 2021

Background: Refractory reflux esophagitis (RRE), unresponsive to conventional proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), is a complication in esophagectomy with gastric pull-up. Vonoprazan (VPZ), a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker, has been available in Japan since 2015. Here, we investigated the efficacy of VPZ on PPI-resistant RRE after esophagectomy with gastric pull-up. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective study. We used the revised Los Angeles (r-LA) classification based on the Los Angeles classification and the modified Los Angeles classification to evaluate abnormal forms of mucosal breaks such as lateral spreading consistently. Patients who underwent esophagectomy with gastric pull-up and had RRE grade B–D as per the r-LA classification, despite using standard-dose PPIs or double dose of rabeprazole, were included. Sixteen patients who switched to VPZ (20 mg/day) and 14 patients who continued PPIs were assigned to the VPZ and PPI groups, respectively. Endoscopic observations were reviewed by 3 endoscopists using the r-LA classification to ensure consistent diagnosis, while the treatment arm and patient information were blinded to evaluators. We defined mucosal breaks that improved by at least one grade after treatment as improved mucosa and recovery to grade M or N as mucosal healing. Results: The percentage of patients with improved mucosa in the VPZ and PPI groups was 81.3 and 14.3%, respectively (p < 0.001). The rate of mucosal healing was 68.8 and 7.1%, respectively (p = 0.001). Conclusion: VPZ significantly improved PPI-resistant RRE after esophagectomy with gastric pull-up.
A PSO-Optimized Reciprocal Velocity Obstacles Algorithm for Navigation of Multiple Mobile Robots
Authors: Allawi Ziyad , Abdalla Turki
Published: February 2021

In this paper, a new optimization method for the Reciprocal Velocity Obstacles (RVO) is proposed. It uses the well-known Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) for navigation control of multiple mobile robots with kinematic constraints. The RVO is used for collision avoidance between the robots, while PSO is used to choose the best path for the robot maneuver to avoid colliding with other robots and to get to its goal faster. This method was applied on 24 mobile robots facing each other. Simulation results have shown that this method outperforms the ordinary RVO when the path is heuristically chosen.
Modification and Actuator Minimization of the Hip Leg Joint in a Bipedal Robot: A Proposed Design
Authors: Tripathi Nirmalya
Published: February 2021

In recent times, there have been numeric applications of Biped Robots. In this paper, a proposed upper leg hip design of a biped was developed taking cost reduction and optimization as factors for consideration. The proposed system introduces a novel method which consists of a vibration reduction (VR) DC stepper motor, microcontroller, microprocessor and gearing arrangement. The program in the microprocessor is so designed that it gives a fixed number of cycles/steps to the VR DC stepper motor in clockwise and thereafter in anti-clockwise direction. This turning movement can then be transmitted to the gearing system which precisely moves one upper leg when the VR DC stepper motor moves in clockwise direction, while the other upper leg remains static, and vice-versa. It has been observed that this new proposed system may reduce the cost overhead, weight and the energy consumption incurred by working on a single VR DC stepper motor while conventionally two stepper motors are used to give the motion of the two upper legs in a biped.
Automation in the unloading and loading process of hot rolled coil using workspace simulation software : A Review
Authors: Patil Kunal Abhay , Jaju Santosh , Achmare Babu
Published: February 2021

The aim of this paper is to confirm the importance of unloading and loading process of hot rolled coil and automation in manufacturing industry.  This paper describes about the different systems which are used in various ISPAT industries for material handling purpose or lifting the heavy coils. There are six main systems which are used in industries for material handling purpose. After studying all these systems, we will propose one system which is more beneficial than other systems. Later in this paper we will also study the introductory part of the workspace simulation software, its features, benefits and applications. The objective of this project is to overcome the problems at industry by designing and simulating a robot arm to perform the task. By simulating, the process of unloading and loading of hot rolled coil can perform more effectively. Workspace LT is the software used in this project.
Environment Detection and Path Planning Using the E-puck Robot
Authors: Saleem Sumbal Muhammad
Published: February 2021

Automatic path planning is one of the most challenging problems confronted by autonomous robots. Generating optimal paths for autonomous robots are some of the heavily studied subjects in mobile robotics applications. This paper documents the implementation of a path planning project using a mobile robot in a structured environment. The environment is detected through a camera and then a roadmap of the environment is built using some algorithms. Finally a graph search algorithm called A* is implemented that searches through the roadmap and ﬁnds an optimal path for robot to move from start position to goal position avoiding obstacles
Analysis of M42SP-7P on the Balinese Papyrus Script Printing Control System
Authors: Sudarma Made
Published: February 2021

Script writing art in the lives of Balinese people has a very important function, particularly in terms of writing a sacred script such as writing an inscription on copper plate, bronze, silver, and gold, by using a penknife which required a persistence, patience, skill and experience by itself, since not all Balinese people is able to do this very complicated work.  Considering the difficulty in writing a script on papyrus and the rarity of script writer experts, therefore the researcher gives appreciation on papyrus preservation and conservation. In the present time, sophisticated technology has replaced manual equipments which required a lot of manpower to be operated. Maybe also the inscription writing model with ancient language and writing has been done so many times with computer technology by using the printer as the interface for printing.  In this research the Balinese script printing tools will be designed namely a penknife using robotic technology which mimicking human hand’s motion when writing a script on papyrus. Thought the script tool printer design through robotic technology in order to write a script on palm leaves is an important role of technology as an innovation strategy that is able to create new thinking, new ideas and inovation creative products. Eventually is also expected to satisfy the user as consumer and a new creative market.
Design of one non-linear adaptive control system and study of its tracking
Authors: Maiti Samiran , Das Achintya
Published: February 2021

In this paper, an adaptive control method is proposed for a category of nonlinear systems. As the to begin with step in versatile controller plan, we select the control law which containing variable parameters. At that point select an adaption law for adjusting those parameters. We analyze the convergence properties and system stability using Lyapunov theory. The viability of the proposed approaches is appeared by implies of recreation on MATLAB.
Implementation of ANFIS based controller on IG wind farm for improved performance
Authors: Sharma Pragya , Singh Satbir , Pahwa Vivek
Published: February 2021

In this paper, the transient performance of a 9-MW Induction Generator (IG) wind farm is improved by implementing an Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) based controller on the turbine in MATLAB/SIMULINK environment using phasor analysis. Initially, the parameters of PI controller is developed using conventional method. Then, with the help of PI controller, the ANFIS based controller is trained. This developed controller reduces peak overshoot and settling time of active power and torque-speed characteristics in contrast to PI controller. Further, the system is linearized and the obtained results in time domain have been validated for stability by using Pole-Zero plot.
Novel algorithms for protective digital privacy
Authors: Prajapati Y. N. , Srivastava M. K.
Published: February 2021

Video is the recording, reproducing, or broadcasting of moving visual images. Visual multimedia source that combines a sequence of images to form a moving picture. The video transmits a signal to a screen and processes the order in which the screen captures should be shown. Videos usually have audio components that correspond with the pictures being shown on the screen. Video compression technologies are about reducing and removing redundant video data so that a digital video file can be effectively sent over a network and stored on computer disks. With efficient compression techniques, a significant reduction in file size can be achieved with little or no adverse effect on the visual quality. The video quality, however, can be affected if the file size is further lowered by raising the compression level for a given compression technique. Security is about the protection of assets. Security, in information technology (IT), is the defense of digital information and IT assets against internal and external, malicious and accidental threats. This defense includes detection, prevention and response to threats through the use of security policies, software tools and IT services. Security refers to protective digital privacy measures that are applied to prevent unauthorized access to computers, databases and websites. Cryptography is closely related to the disciplines of cryptology and cryptanalysis. Cryptography includes techniques such as microdots, merging words with images, and other ways to hide information in storage or transit. However, in today's computer-centric world, cryptography is most often associated with scrambling plaintext (ordinary text, sometimes referred to as clear text into cipher text (a process called encryption), then back again (known as decryption). Cryptography is evergreen and developments. Cryptography protects users by providing functionality for the encryption of data and authentication of other users. Compression is the process of reducing the number of bits or bytes needed to represent a given set of data. It allows saving more data. The project aims to implement security algorithm for data security. The data will be first encrypted using security techniques and that are done at the same time then it takes less processing time and more speed compression techniques will applied. If encryption and compression are done at the same time then it takes less processing time and more speed.
Artificial pancreas techniques based on robust model predictive controller
Authors: Al-Azzawi Waleed Khalid
Published: February 2021

Diabetes is known as the major cause of death in the world leading to kidney, retinopathy and cardiovascular diseases as well. In this paper, a Robust Model Predictive Controller (RMPC) is introduced to design artificial pancreas that solved the model uncertainty and keep the blood glucose level in the normal range by regulating the size of insulin infusion from pump based on RMPC. The simulation results will present a good performance of the proposed controller to avoid disturbance and robustness against uncertainties.
Telenovela e memória: “Vale a pena ver de novo?”, reprises em tempo de pandemia
Authors: Jacks Nilda , Libardi Guilherme , Caroline Joselaine , Scalei Vanessa
Published: February 2021

Este artigo tem como objetivo observar as práticas de consumo de telenovela pela audiência em contexto de isolamento social provocado pela pandemia do novo coronavírus. Partimos das discussões inerentes ao papel da narrativa ficcional para a memória, buscando evidenciar como ela é atualizada na assistência de reprises. Identificamos as estratégias adotadas pelas principais emissoras brasileiras para se adaptar ao momento em questão. Após, divulgamos um questionário online com perguntas relacionadas à assistência de reprises, reunindo 265 respostas. Identificamos que no contexto de isolamento o consumo de telenovelas aumentou, sendo que a nostalgia foi o principal motivador desse retorno. Nesse movimento, novos sentidos foram inaugurados pela audiência, tecidos por mudanças de postura em relação a temas específicos abordados nas narrativas revisitadas.
Estar no lugar de alguém: um processo de negociação entre espectador e personagem a partir da “experiencialidade”
Authors: Ribeiro Regiane Regina , John Valquiria Michela
Published: February 2021

O artigo em questão discute o processo de produção de sentido em que se desloca a atenção para os personagens na ficção seriada. O argumento defendido é de que as séries tendem a elaborar um jogo para o receptor que, mesmo imerso em um enredo, é supervalorizado. Assim, o que se pretende apresentar como hipótese é que, na narrativa das séries, a centralidade do enredo é enfraquecida em função do processo de negociação pela audiência que, a partir da “experiencialidade”, coloca-se no jogo de repetir a trajetória de alguém. Tais argumentações pretendem responder a seguinte questão: o consumo das séries é uma tentativa de experiência estética relacionada mais a um convite de vivenciar no presente o lugar do personagem do que o de ser conduzido pela narrativa na qual já se prevê os acontecimentos? Parte-se de uma discussão teórica sobre o crescimento do consumo de ficção seriada, a estrutura desse texto narrativo e a relação entre esse tipo de consumo e a experiência estética, ou seja, um modo específico de temporalidade e de fruição, nas quais o receptor está implicado.
Merchandising social transmídia na Rede Globo: uma análise da temática lgbtqia+ em Malhação
Authors: Fechine Yvana , Lima Cecília Almeida Rodrigues , Moreira Diego Gouveia , Cavalcanti Gêsa , Chacel Marcela
Published: February 2021

Este artigo tem o objetivo de discutir o conjunto de ações socioeducativas realizado pela Globo em Malhação com foco na questão LGBTQIA+ a partir do casal Michael e Santiago. O trabalho analisa a estratégia transmídia utilizada pela emissora na divulgação de ideias educativas sobre questões de sexualidade e coloca as ações à prova a partir da realização de um grupo focal com pessoas LGBTQIA+, em sua maioria integrantes de movimentos sociais relacionados à temática. A análise permite compreender que é preciso continuar investindo na interdiscursividade e no modelo de produção transmídia para que as ações socioeducativas tenham o efeito pretendido.
Temporalidade e cronotopo na minissérie televisiva Se eu fechar os olhos agora
Authors: Mungioli Maria Cristina Palma
Published: February 2021

O presente artigo discute elementos da poética das séries de televisão (Mittell, 2015) a partir da construção discursiva de sua temporalidade. Após discussão baseada em aspectos da narratologia (RICOEUR, 1983; ECO, 1997; BARONI, 2016; GENETTE, 2017), dos estudos de linguagem televisiva (Mittell (2015; JOST (2016) e dos estudos de linguagem de Bakhtin (2010), analisamos aspectos da construção da temporalidade no primeiro capítulo da minissérie. Destacamos o uso de flashbacks e flashforwards como procedimentos narrativos e estilísticos que caracterizam uma arquitetura de puzzle na qual personagens e motivações se configuram e se reconfiguram ao longo da trama por meio da construção da temporalidade. A análise dos cronotopos mostra trama, personagens e conflitos em situações que desnudam os embates sociais e tensionam visões de mundo e conflitos inerentes à vida social em sua perspectiva de construção histórica.
No que você está pensando? apontamentos sobre opinião pública nas redes sociais digitais
Authors: Tesseroli Ricardo Germano , Pimentel Pedro Chapaval
Published: February 2021

Este ensaio apresenta a evolução histórica de discussões sobre a opinião pública resgatando, para isso, os principais conceitos e teorias que proporcionaram o atual estado da questão. A partir dessas considerações, propõe-se uma reflexão crítica sobre o papel da opinião pública na contemporaneidade e do seu papel em um contexto de redes sociais digitais.
O conceito de opinião pública na teoria da comunicação: genealogias e modos de abordagem
Authors: Martino Luis Mauro Sá , Marques Angela Cristina Salgueiro
Published: February 2021

Qual é o lugar do conceito de “opinião pública” na teoria da comunicação? Embora seja um dos assuntos mais antigos e abordados com mais frequência nos estudos de mídia, parece não haver consenso a respeito de seu significado, extensão ou limites. Este artigo descreve algumas das atuais concepções de opinião pública desenvolvidas na pesquisa em mídia. A partir de pesquisa bibliográfica, em abordagem genealógica, o texto sugere a existência de três correntes principais, cada uma conferindo à mídia e à comunicação um lugar diferente. Observa-se, dessa maneira, a opinião pública entendida superficialmente como resultado de uma influência da mídia mais ou menos limitada, que reflete, também, as concepções anteriores das pessoas sobre um assunto. Além disso, ela é conceituada como disputa ideológica de interesses e produto da conversa racional de pessoas livres sobre questões públicas. Esses elementos são discutidos no contexto da pesquisa em mídia e política.
Cadherin 2-Related Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ghidoni Alice , Elliott Perry M. , Syrris Petros , Calkins Hugh , James Cynthia A. , Judge Daniel P. , Murray Brittney , Barc Julien , Probst Vincent , Schott Jean Jacques , Song Jiang-Ping , Hauer Richard N.W. , Hoorntje Edgar T. , van Tintelen J. Peter , Schulze-Bahr Eric , Hamilton Robert M. , Mittal Kirti , Semsarian Christopher , Behr Elijah R. , Ackerman Michael J. , Basso Cristina , Parati Gianfranco , Gentilini Davide , Kotta Maria-Christina , Mayosi Bongani M. , Schwartz Peter J. , Crotti Lia
Published: February 2021

Background:

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is an inherited cardiac disease characterized by fibrofatty replacement of the right and left ventricle, often causing ventricular dysfunction and life-threatening arrhythmias. Variants in desmosomal genes account for up to 60% of cases. Our objective was to establish the prevalence and clinical features of ACM stemming from pathogenic variants in the nondesmosomal cadherin 2 (CDH2), a novel genetic substrate of ACM.

Methods:

A cohort of 500 unrelated patients with a definite diagnosis of ACM and no disease-causing variants in the main ACM genes was assembled. Genetic screening of
CDH2
was performed through next-generation or Sanger sequencing. Whenever possible, cascade screening was initiated in the families of
CDH2
-positive probands, and clinical evaluation was performed.

Results:

Genetic screening of
CDH2
led to the identification of 7 rare variants: 5, identified in 6 probands, were classified as pathogenic or likely pathogenic. The previously established p.D407N pathogenic variant was detected in 2 additional probands. Probands and family members with pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in
CDH2
were clinically evaluated, and along with previously published cases, altogether contributed to the identification of gene-specific features (13 cases from this cohort and 11 previously published, for a total of 9 probands and 15 family members). Ventricular arrhythmic events occurred in most
CDH2
-positive subjects (20/24, 83%), while the occurrence of heart failure was rare (2/24, 8.3%). Among probands, sustained ventricular tachycardia and sudden cardiac death occurred in 5/9 (56%).

Conclusions:

In this worldwide cohort of previously genotype-negative ACM patients, the prevalence of probands with
CDH2
pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants was 1.2% (6/500). Our data show that this cohort of
CDH2
-ACM patients has a high incidence of ventricular arrhythmias, while evolution toward heart failure is rare.
Clinical Outcomes and Identification of Patients With Persistent Penumbral Profiles Beyond 24 Hours From Last Known Well
Authors: Sarraj Amrou , Mlynash Michael , Heit Jeremy , Pujara Deep , Lansberg Maarten , Marks Michael , Albers Gregory W.
Published: February 2021

Background and Purpose:

DEFUSE 3 (Endovascular Therapy Following Imaging Evaluation for Ischemic Stroke 3) infarct volumes at 24 hours did not significantly differ in the endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) versus medical management (MM) only groups. We hypothesized that this was due to underestimation of the final infarct volume among patients with persistent penumbral tissue 24 hours after randomization that subsequently progressed to infarction. We sought to assess the clinical outcomes in patients with persistent penumbral profile >24 hours from last known well and identify them based on the Persistent Penumbra Index (PPI, time-to-maximum of the residue function >6 s perfusion lesion divided by diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging lesion volume on 24-hour postrandomization imaging).

Methods:

Patients were stratified into those with a 24-hour postrandomization penumbral (PPI>1) versus a nonpenumbral (PPI≤1) profile. The primary outcome was 90-day–modified Rankin Scale.

Results:

One hundred eighty-two patients were randomized (EVT: 92, MM: 90). Twenty-four–hour postrandomization time-to-maximum of the residue function and infarct volumes were assessable for 144 (EVT: 75, MM: 69). Infarct volumes did not differ between EVT and MM (median [interquartile range] mL: 35.0 [17.6–81.6] versus 41.0 [25.4–106.2],
P
=0.185). Thirty-two patients had persistent penumbral profile (PPI>1), of these 29 (91%) received MM. PPI was 0 (0–0.07) for EVT, and 0.77 (0.23–1.79) for MM,
P
<0.001. Patients with clinical-imaging mismatch (more severe strokes and smaller infarct volumes) were more likely to have persistent penumbral profile (PPI>1; adjusted odds ratio, 1.20 [1.11–1.30] for every 1-point National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale-increment and adjusted odds ratio, 0.977 [0.964–0.990] for every 10 cc smaller infarct volume,
P
<0.001). Patients with nonpenumbral profile (PPI≤1) had higher odds of achieving functional independence (39% versus 9%; adjusted odds ratio, 9.9[95% CI, 2.3–42.8],
P
=0.002), a trend towards lower mortality (12% versus 34%,
P
=0.002; adjusted odds ratio, 0.34 [95% CI, 0.11–1.03],
P
=0.057) and early clinical improvement (24-hour National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale—decrease ≥8 points or 0–1): 29% vs 9%,
P
=0.034) which persisted at discharge and 90-day follow-up. For a given volume, patients with PPI≤1 had significantly higher likelihood of functional independence as compared to those with PPI>1.

Conclusions:

Patients with persistent penumbral profile who have salvageable tissue beyond 24 hours from last known well can be identified by PPI and clinical-imaging mismatch. They have a poor prognosis and may benefit from very late window reperfusion therapies. Clinical trials in these patients are warranted.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02586415.
Thrombus Composition and Efficacy of Thrombolysis and Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Jolugbo Precious , Ariëns Robert A.S.
Published: February 2021

Thrombi retrieved from patients with acute ischemic stroke are highly heterogeneous. Recent data suggest that thrombus composition may impact on mechanical thrombectomy, the number of recanalization manoeuvres, resistance to retrieval, and on thrombolytic potential. Our aim was to summarize evidence describing the impact of thrombus composition on efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy and thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke. The scoping review methodology guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute, an adaption of the Arksey and O’Malley, was followed. Comprehensive searches were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Web of Science. Articles were classified into 4 key themes: (1) composition of stroke thrombi, (2) thrombus composition and mechanical thrombectomy, (3) thrombus composition and thrombolytic therapy, and (4) novel imaging and endovascular approaches. Our search identified 698 articles published from 1987 to June 2020. Additional articles were extracted from reference lists of the selected articles. Overall, 95 topic-specific articles identified for inclusion published in 40 different journals were included. Reports showed that thrombus composition in stroke was highly heterogeneous, containing fibrin, platelets, red blood cells, VWF (von Willebrand Factor), and neutrophil extracellular traps. Thrombi could roughly be divided into fibrin- and red blood cell–rich clots. Fibrin-rich clots were associated with increased recanalization manoeuvres, longer procedure time, and less favorable clinical outcomes compared with red blood cell–rich clots. Advances in detection or treatment of thrombi that take into account clot heterogeneity may be able to improve future endovascular and thrombolytic treatment of stroke.
An Evaluation of Chinese Human-Computer Dialogue
Technology
Authors: Feng Zixian , Zhu Caihai , Zhang Weinan , Chen Zhigang , Che Wanxiang , Huang Minlie , Li Linlin
Published: February 2021

There is a growing interest in developing human-computer dialogue systems which is an important branch in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). However, the evaluation of large-scale Chinese human-computer dialogues is still a challenging task. To attract more attention to dialogue evaluation work, we held the fourth Evaluation of Chinese Human-Computer Dialogue Technology (ECDT). It consists of few-shot learning in spoken language understanding (SLU) (Task 1) and knowledge-driven multi-turn dialogue competition (Task 2), the data sets of which are provided by Harbin Institute of Technology and Tsinghua University. In this paper, we will introduce the evaluation tasks and data sets in detail. Meanwhile, we will also analyze the evaluation results and the existing problems in the evaluation.
Notes on the morphology, bionomics, distribution and efficacy of Steinernema siamkayai (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) from western Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Bhat Aashaq Hussain , Chaubey Ashok Kumar , Hartmann Jan , Nermut’ Jiří , Půža Vladimir
Published: February 2021

The entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema siamkayai has been a subject of several detailed studies but its morphological, molecular and ecological characterisation is still incomplete. In the present study we studied morphology of several strains of S. siamkayai using morphometrics and light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and we aimed to complete its molecular characterisation by obtaining the sequence of the D2-D3 region of the 28S rDNA in addition to ITS rDNA and mitochondrial (12S and COI) DNA studies. Furthermore, we studied the species life cycle and we attempted to assess its distribution using a meta-analysis of the GenBank records. Finally, insecticidal properties were evaluated against Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera litura. The SEM study revealed the presence of the adcloacal pair of genital papillae in males. Duration of the life cycle of the Indian strains did not differ from the previous records; however, we have observed production of the infective juveniles by the first-generation adults. For the first time in entomopathogenic nematodes, we have recorded intra-individual variability in the D2-D3 region of the 28S rDNA and we discuss potential implications of this phenomenon for the use of this marker in EPN systematics. Our analysis of distribution has shown that S. siamkayai is ubiquitous throughout the Indian subcontinent but is rarely found in South East Asia. The pathogenicity results showed that the present species effectively killed the tested pests under laboratory conditions, demonstrating its potential as a biocontrol agent.
Ordinary and Detached Blameworthiness
Authors: Wieland Jan Willem
Published: February 2021

Elinor Mason argues that there are different kinds of blameworthiness: ordinary and detached. In the following, I summarize the key aspects of both kinds, and critically discuss the exact boundaries between them. According to Mason, we should not blame wrongdoers in the ordinary way if they do not know that their conduct is problematic. This is plausible insofar as the function of ordinary blame is to remind wrongdoers of values that they already share, but I will suggest that we need a slightly different account if its function is to communicate values that they do not share yet.
Arthonia buelliae sp. nov. (Arthoniaceae, Arthoniales, Ascomycota) and other noteworthy lichenicolous fungi from the Primorye Territory of Russia
Authors: ZHURBENKO MIKHAIL P.
Published: February 2021

Arthonia buelliae, a gall-inducing lichenicolous ascomycete from Russia growing on Buellia stellulata, is described as new to science. The species is characterized by immersed ascomata, I+ blue then reddish-brown and K/I+ blue hymenia, 8-spored, I−, K/I− asci and (1–)2–3-trans-septate or rarely submuriform, brown, granulate ascospores. Polycoccum stellulatae is newly documented for Asia and Russia, and Sclerococcum sphaerale for Russia. To date, 41 species of lichenicolous fungi are known from the Primorye Territory of Russia, which amounts to no more than 20% of their true diversity in this region according to estimates of the spatial Lichenicolous Index.
The Moist Entropy Budget of Terminating Madden–Julian Oscillation Events
Authors: Chrisler Brett , Stachnik Justin P.
Published: February 2021

Recent studies have examined moist entropy (ME) as a proxy for moist static energy (MSE) and the relative role of the underlying processes responsible for changes in ME that potentially affect MJO propagation. This study presents an analysis of the intraseasonally varying (ISV) ME anomalies throughout the lifetime of observed MJO events. A climatology of continuing and terminating MJO events is created from an event identification algorithm using common tracking indices including the OLR-based MJO index (OMI), filtered OMI (FMO), real-time multivariate MJO (RMM), and velocity potential MJO (VPM) index. ME composites for all indices show a statistically significant break in the wavenumber-1 oscillation at day 0 for terminating events in nearly all domains except RMM phase 6 and phase 7. The ME tendency is decomposed into horizontal and vertical advection, sensible and latent heat fluxes, and shortwave and longwave radiative fluxes using ERA-Interim data. The relative role of each processes toward the eastward propagation is discussed as well as their effects on MJO stabilization. Statistically significant differences occur for all terms by day −10. A domain sensitivity test is performed where eastward propagation is favored for vertical advection given a larger, asymmetric domain for continuing events. A reduced eastward propagation from vertical advection is evident 2–3 days before similar differences in horizontal advection for terminating events. The importance of horizontal advection for the eastward propagation of the MJO is discussed in addition to the relative destabilization from vertical advection in the convectively suppressed region downstream of future terminating MJOs.
Democratic Disarray: Organizational Messaging Coherence and the Local Echoing Press During the 2020 Iowa Democratic Caucus
Authors: Wiemer Eric C. , Scacco Joshua M. , Berkelaar Brenda
Published: February 2021

The Iowa caucuses are the inaugural event of the American presidential nomination process. When the state Democratic Party failed to report the 2020 caucus results in a timely manner, researchers began to assess how party and press officials co-constructed the events. This research presents an in-depth case of the Iowa state and local Democratic Party’s public communication response regarding an event described by the Des Moines Register as “hell” and a “results catastrophe.” Specifically, we were interested in how the Iowa Democratic Party responded to the crisis event and the extent to which the party organization was successful in disseminating favorable messaging about the caucus process to the local press. Drawing on organizational crisis management and echoing press perspectives, this analysis uses network and qualitative analytic approaches to assess message development, dissemination, and ultimately adoption. A local event with national implications presents a critical case in investigating how a political party, due to its institutional role in American elections and unique organizational structure, struggled to respond to the crisis.
International Perspectives on COVID-19 Communication Ecologies: Public Health Agencies’ Online Communication in Italy, Sweden, and the United States
Authors: Tagliacozzo Serena , Albrecht Frederike , Ganapati N. Emel
Published: February 2021

Communicating during a crisis can be challenging for public agencies as their communication ecology becomes increasingly complex while the need for fast and reliable public communication remains high. Using the lens of communication ecology, this study examines the online communication of national public health agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, Sweden, and the United States. Based on content analysis of Twitter data ( n = 856) and agency press releases ( n = 95), this article investigates two main questions: (1) How, and to what extent, did national public health agencies coordinate their online communication with other agencies and organizations? (2) How was online communication from the agencies diversified in terms of targeting specific organizations and social groups? Our findings indicate that public health agencies relied heavily on internal scientific expertise and predominately coordinated their communication efforts with national government agencies. Furthermore, our analysis reveals that agencies in each country differed in how they diversify information; however, all agencies provided tailored information to at least some organizations and social groups. Across the three countries, information tailored for several vulnerable groups (e.g., pregnant women, people with disabilities, immigrants, and homeless populations) was largely absent, which may contribute to negative consequences for these groups.
Hepatopancreatobiliary Fellowship Graduates: Where Do They Stand today?
Authors: Jackson Terence , Lim Joseph S. , Cho Edward , Osman Houssam , Nagatomo Kei , Jeyarajah Dhiresh Rohan
Published: February 2021

Background

The Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (AHPBA) Education and Training Committee standardized a Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) Surgery Fellowship certification process in 2010. Several classes of fellows have since graduated from HPB, combined Society of Surgical Oncology/AHPBA, and combined American Society of Transplant Surgeons/AHPBA fellowships, but there is little information on their career outcomes. We seek to offer long-term data on the careers of HPB fellowship graduates.

Methods

A 26-question anonymous survey was distributed among graduates of accredited programs for the last 10 years. We generated descriptive statistics from the responses.

Results

The respondents were evenly distributed in terms of graduation years between 2010 and 2019. Fifty-eight percent of fellows had completed a prior fellowship, 82% received 1 to 3 job offers during the fellowship, and 75% of respondents were still at their first job. The majority of graduates (>60%) were able to secure a job with a >50% HPB practice and >40 HPB cases per year within 3 years of graduation. Overall, >90% candidates rated their satisfaction with fellowship training greater than 8 out of 10.

Discussion

This survey helps shed light on the early formative years in the practices of HPB fellowship graduates. These data show that HPB fellowship training is essential and effective in providing job security and helps fellowship graduates develop a gratifying practice.
How and when does top management team regulatory focus influence firm environmental misconduct?
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Gong Mijia , Jia Ming
Published: February 2021

Does top management team (TMT) regulatory focus impact firm environmental misconduct (FEM)? If so, how and when? Integrating upper echelons theory with regulatory focus theory, we examine how regulatory focus, as one of the most direct and important psychological characteristics of TMT, impacts FEM. Additionally, we explore how this relationship is moderated by external and internal environmental dynamism from the perspective of regulatory fit. Based on a sample of Chinese listed firms from 2011 to 2017, we conduct computer-aided content analysis to quantify TMT regulatory focus. Results show that TMTs high in promotion focus are more likely to engage in FEM, whereas TMTs high in prevention focus are less likely to misconduct. Moreover, external environmental dynamism strengthens (weakens) the positive (negative) relationship between promotion (prevention) focus and FEM. Internal environmental dynamism strengthens the positive relationship between TMT promotion focus and FEM. By examining this motivation-based psychological characteristic of TMT, the findings suggest the need to consider TMT regulatory focus when analyzing the antecedents of FEM.
Examining the Relationship Between Electricity Consumption, Economic Growth, Energy Prices and Technology Development in India
Authors: Mohapatra Geetilaxmi , Giri A. K.
Published: February 2021

This article examines the empirical relationship between electricity consumption, economic growth, energy prices and technology development for India by taking annual time series data from 1981 to 2017. By using the ARDL bounds testing approach to co-integration, the study found long-run equilibrium relationship does exist among the variables. The article reports the existence of positive and significant impact of economic growth on electricity consumption, whereas technological development negatively affects electricity consumption in both the long run and short run. The Granger causality results reveal the presence of unidirectional causality from economic growth and technological development to electricity consumption in India. Therefore, the present study suggests policy makers in India to increase investment in electricity infrastructure to support high economic growth in the country. Further, the policy makers and the government should encourage more technological innovation to minimise usage of fossil fuels and support the use of green energy. This action could help the economy achieve a sustainable economic growth with better environmental quality.

JEL Codes: C22, O4, O13, Q43, Q48
Design and implementation of college physics teaching platform based on virtual experiment scene
Authors: Cheng Lin , Niu Wen-Cheng , Zhao Xiao-Gang , Xu Chun-Long , Hou Zhao-Yang
Published: February 2021

In the study of college physics, experiment is the source of students' discovery and exploration of problems, which plays a crucial role in college physics and is also the focus of physics teaching. This paper mainly studies how to use B/S architecture and MVC design pattern according to the characteristics of college physics teaching, including user management and system function modules. In order to illustrate the role of virtual experiment scene based College Physics Teaching Platform in college physics learning, a virtual physics laboratory teaching platform based on B/S three-tier structure system and MVC mode is constructed by using Java, VRML and flash interactive technology. Based on the advantages of virtual technology, this platform starts with the construction of a teaching platform of virtual experiment scene, analyzes students' mastery of university physics experiments before and after the use of it, and then carries out a systematic survey of students' satisfaction, thus obtaining the influence of this teaching platform on university physics learning of college students. The results show that the platform constructed in this paper can help college students better grasp the operation of physical experiments, so as to better understand the relevant knowledge points in college physics learning, and has a good reference value.