bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
14-3-3σFunctions as an Intestinal Tumor Suppressor
Authors: Winter Markus , Rokavec Matjaž , Hermeking Heiko
Published: June 2021

Although the 14-3-3σ gene was initially identified as a p53 target gene in colorectal cancer cells, its potential role in intestinal tumorigenesis has remained unknown. Here we determined that 14-3-3σ expression is significantly downregulated in primary human colorectal cancer when compared with adjacent normal colonic tissue in patient samples. Downregulation of 14-3-3σ in primary colorectal cancers was significantly associated with p53 mutation, increasing tumor stage, distant metastasis, and poor patient survival. Poor survival was more significantly associated with decreased 14-3-3σ expression in p53 wild-type than in p53-mutant colorectal cancers. 14-3-3σ expression was detected in enterocytes of the transit amplifying zone and gradually increased towards the apical villi in the small intestinal epithelium. In small and large intestinal epithelia and adenomas, 14-3-3σ expression was upregulated in differentiated areas. Deletion of 14-3-3σ in ApcMin mice increased the number and size of adenomas in the small intestine and colon, shortening the median survival by 64 days. 14-3-3σ–deficient adenomas displayed increased proliferation and decreased apoptosis, as well as increased dysplasia. In adenomas, loss of 14-3-3σ promoted acquisition of a mesenchymal-like gene expression signature, which was also found in colorectal cancers from patients with poor relapse-free survival. The transcriptional programs controlled by the 14-3-3σ-interacting factors SNAIL, c-JUN, YAP1, and FOXO1 were activated by deletion of 14-3-3σ, potentially contributing to the enhanced tumor formation and growth. Taken together, these results provide genetic evidence of a tumor-suppressor function of 14-3-3σ in the intestine.

Significance:

Downregulation of 14-3-3σ in colorectal cancer is associated with metastasis and poor survival of patients, and its inactivation in a murine tumor model drives intestinal tumor formation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
NCI Imaging Data Commons
Authors: Fedorov Andrey , Longabaugh William J.R. , Pot David , Clunie David A. , Pieper Steve , Aerts Hugo J.W.L. , Homeyer André , Lewis Rob , Akbarzadeh Afshin , Bontempi Dennis , Clifford William , Herrmann Markus D. , Höfener Henning , Octaviano Igor , Osborne Chad , Paquette Suzanne , Petts James , Punzo Davide , Reyes Madelyn , Schacherer Daniela P. , Tian Mi , White George , Ziegler Erik , Shmulevich Ilya , Pihl Todd , Wagner Ulrike , Farahani Keyvan , Kikinis Ron
Published: June 2021

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Research Data Commons (CRDC) aims to establish a national cloud-based data science infrastructure. Imaging Data Commons (IDC) is a new component of CRDC supported by the Cancer Moonshot. The goal of IDC is to enable a broad spectrum of cancer researchers, with and without imaging expertise, to easily access and explore the value of deidentified imaging data and to support integrated analyses with nonimaging data. We achieve this goal by colocating versatile imaging collections with cloud-based computing resources and data exploration, visualization, and analysis tools. The IDC pilot was released in October 2020 and is being continuously populated with radiology and histopathology collections. IDC provides access to curated imaging collections, accompanied by documentation, a user forum, and a growing number of analysis use cases that aim to demonstrate the value of a data commons framework applied to cancer imaging research.

Significance:

This study introduces NCI Imaging Data Commons, a new repository of the NCI Cancer Research Data Commons, which will support cancer imaging research on the cloud.
HER2 Isoforms Uniquely Program Intratumor Heterogeneity and Predetermine Breast Cancer Trajectories During the Occult Tumorigenic Phase
Authors: Ginzel Joshua D. , Acharya Chaitanya R. , Lubkov Veronica , Mori Hidetoshi , Boone Peter G. , Rochelle Lauren K. , Roberts Wendy L. , Everitt Jeffrey I. , Hartman Zachary C. , Crosby Erika J. , Barak Lawrence S. , Caron Marc G. , Chen Jane Q. , Hubbard Neil E. , Cardiff Robert D. , Borowsky Alexander D. , Lyerly H. Kim , Snyder Joshua C.
Published: June 2021

HER2-positive breast cancers are among the most heterogeneous breast cancer subtypes. The early amplification of HER2 and its known oncogenic isoforms provide a plausible mechanism in which distinct programs of tumor heterogeneity could be traced to the initial oncogenic event. Here a Cancer rainbow mouse simultaneously expressing fluorescently barcoded wildtype (WTHER2), exon-16 null (d16HER2), and N-terminally truncated (p95HER2) HER2 isoforms is used to trace tumorigenesis from initiation to invasion. Tumorigenesis was visualized using whole-gland fluorescent lineage tracing and single-cell molecular pathology. We demonstrate that within weeks of expression, morphologic aberrations were already present and unique to each HER2 isoform. Although WTHER2 cells were abundant throughout the mammary ducts, detectable lesions were exceptionally rare. In contrast, d16HER2 and p95HER2 induced rapid tumor development. d16HER2 incited homogenous and proliferative luminal-like lesions which infrequently progressed to invasive phenotypes whereas p95HER2 lesions were heterogenous and invasive at the smallest detectable stage. Distinct cancer trajectories were observed for d16HER2 and p95HER2 tumors as evidenced by oncogene-dependent changes in epithelial specification and the tumor microenvironment. These data provide direct experimental evidence that intratumor heterogeneity programs begin very early and well in advance of screen or clinically detectable breast cancer.

Implications:

Although all HER2 breast cancers are treated equally, we show a mechanism by which clinically undetected HER2 isoforms program heterogenous cancer phenotypes through biased epithelial specification and adaptations within the tumor microenvironment.
Alcohol Consumption and Stroke Risk in Men: A Population-Based Cohort Study in Rural Tianjin, China
Authors: Lu Hongyan , Ni Jingxian , Yang Qiaoxia , Qiu Shujuan , Lin Qiuxing , Liu Jie , Tu Jun , Ning Xianjia , Wang Jinghua
Published: June 2021

Background: Although the protective effects of alcohol consumption against future cardiovascular disease have been published, the effects of alcohol on stroke risk remain controversial. Method: We assessed the effects of alcohol consumption on stroke risk in a poorly educated, low-income population in rural China. Between 1991 and 2018, a population-based cohort study was conducted in rural Tianjin, China, to examine stroke risk. All registered stroke events were clinically verified using available computed tomography or MRI scans. The stroke risk was analyzed, according to the extent of alcohol consumption, using Cox regression analyses. Results: We identified 352 incident stroke events among male participants during the study period. The stroke incidences (per 100,000 person-years) were 965.3 overall, 575.9 for ischemic stroke events, 208.4 for hemorrhagic stroke events, and 181.0 for undefined stroke events. Overall, alcohol consumption provided a 32% reduction in the total stroke risk. Low-dose alcohol consumption (≤12 g/day) showed a negative association with total (hazard ratio [HR], 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.46–0.88; p = 0.008) and ischemic (HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.44–0.98; p = 0.039) strokes. Alcohol consumption was not significantly associated with hemorrhagic strokes. After age stratification, alcohol consumption was protective against total and ischemic strokes in men aged ≥55 years old, with the risk of each stroke type decreasing by 46 and 49%, respectively. Low-dose alcohol consumption was inversely associated with both total and ischemic stroke risks, with the risks decreasing by 56 and 65%, respectively. Alcohol consumption was not significantly associated with strokes among men aged <55 years old. Conclusions: These findings suggest that low-dose alcohol consumption may decrease the risk of ischemic strokes among men. Even so, the adverse effects of alcohol on the liver and pancreas cannot be ignored. Additionally, the effects of alcohol consumption on stroke risk vary with age, protecting against ischemic and total strokes among males ≥55 years old. Nevertheless, recommending light drinking and its potential health benefits should not be generalized to men of all ages.
Detection Methods for Early Caries Diagnosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Foros Petros , Oikonomou Elissaios , Koletsi Despina , Rahiotis Christos
Published: June 2021

The aim was to appraise the evidence on the performance of various means for the detection of incipient caries in vivo. Five databases of published and unpublished research were searched for studies from January 2000 to October 2019. Search terms included “early caries” and “caries detection.” Inclusion criteria involved diagnostic test accuracy studies for early caries detection in permanent and primary teeth. A risk-of-bias assessment was performed using the QUADAS-2 tool. We performed the study selection, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessment in duplicate. The review protocol was a priori registered in the Open Science Framework. Of the initially 22,964 search results, 51 articles were included. For permanent teeth, when histologic examination was considered as the reference for occlusal surfaces, the sensitivity (Se) range appeared high for the DIAGNOdent Pen (DD Pen) at 0.81–0.89, followed by ICDAS-II at 0.62–1, DIAGNOdent (DD) at 0.48–1, and bitewing radiography (BW) at 0–0.29. The corresponding specificity (Sp) range was: DD Pen 0.71–0.8, ICDAS-II 0.5–0.84, DD 0.54–1, and BW 0.96–1. When operative intervention served as the reference for occlusal surfaces, again, the DD means valued the most promising results on Se: DD 0.7–0.96 and DD Pen 0.55–0.90, followed by ICDAS-II 0.25–0.93, and BW 0–0.83. The Sp range was: DD 0.54–1, DD Pen 0.71–1, ICDAS-II 0.44–1, and BW 0.6–1. For approximal surfaces, the Se was: BW 0.75–0.83, DD Pen 0.6, and ICDAS-II 0.54; the Sp was: BW 0.6–0.9, DD Pen 0.2, and ICDAS-II 1. For primary teeth, under the reference of histologic assessment, the Se range for occlusal surfaces was: DD 0.55–1, DD Pen 0.63–1, ICDAS-II 0.42–1, and BW 0.31–0.96; the respective Sp was: DD 0.5–1, DD Pen 0.44–1, ICDAS-II 0.61–1, and BW 0.79–0.98. For approximal surfaces, the Se range was: DD Pen 0.58–0.63, ICDAS-II 0.42–0.55, and BW 0.14–0.71. The corresponding Sp range was: DD Pen 0.85–0.87, ICDAS-II 0.73–0.93, and BW 0.79–0.98. Se and Sp values varied, due to the heterogeneity regarding the setting of individual studies. Evidently, robust conclusions cannot be drawn, and different diagnostic means should be used as adjuncts to clinical examination. In permanent teeth, visual examination may be enhanced by DD on occlusal surfaces and BW on approximal surfaces. In primary teeth, DD Pen may serve as a supplementary tool across all surfaces.
Long-Term Outcomes of Kidney Transplants from Older/Marginal Donors: A Cohort Study
Authors: Bikbov Boris , Ruggenenti Piero , Perna Annalisa , Perico Norberto , Gotti Eliana , Plati AnnaRita , Gaspari Flavio , Carrara Fabiola , Gambara Vincenzo , Peracchi Tobia , Rossini Giuseppe , Rota Giovanni , Lacanna Francesco , Amaduzzi Annalisa , Colledan Michele , Remuzzi Giuseppe
Published: June 2021

Introduction: To safely expand the donor pool, we introduced a strategy of biopsy-guided selection and allocation to single or dual transplantation of kidneys from donors >60 years old or with hypertension, diabetes, and/or proteinuria (older/marginal donors). Here, we evaluated the long-term performance of this approach in everyday clinical practice. Methods: In this single-center cohort study, we compared outcomes of 98 patients who received one or two biopsy-evaluated grafts from older/marginal donors (“recipients”) and 198 patients who received nonhistologically assessed single graft from ideal donors (“reference-recipients”) from October 2004 to December 2015 at the Bergamo Transplant Center (Italy). Results: Older/marginal donors and their recipients were 27.9 and 19.3 years older than ideal donors and their reference-recipients, respectively. KDPI/KDRI and donor serum creatinine were higher and cold ischemia time longer in the recipient group. During a median follow-up of 51.9 (interquartile range 23.1–88.6) months, 11.2% of recipients died, 7.1% lost their graft, and 16.3% had biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) versus 3.5, 7.6, and 17.7%, respectively, of reference-recipients. Overall death-censored graft failure (rate ratio 0.78 [95% CI 0.33–2.08]), 5-year death-censored graft survival (94.3% [87.8–100.0] vs. 94.2% [90.5–98.0]), BPAR incidence (rate ratio 0.87 [0.49–1.62]), and yearly measured glomerular filtration rate decline (1.18 ± 3.27 vs. 0.68 ± 2.42 mL/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.37) were similar between recipients and reference-recipients, respectively. Conclusions: Biopsy-guided selection and allocation of kidneys from older/marginal donors can safely increase transplant activity in clinical practice without affecting long-term outcomes. This may help manage the growing gap between organ demand and supply without affecting long-term recipient and graft outcomes.
COVID-19 in China, Italy and the United States of America: a short review
Authors: Rangel Amanda Ribeiro , Noronha Luísa Macambira , Chagas Gabriel Cavalcante Lima , Meneses Gdayllon Cavalcante , Silva Júnior Geraldo Bezerra da , Pires Neto Roberto da Justa , Daher Elizabeth De Francesco
Published: June 2021

In December 2019, a novel coronavirus was discovered and associated with a cluster of pneumonia of unknown cause in China. SARS-CoV-2 rapidly spread and is now characterized as a pandemic. The objective of this study is to discuss COVID-19 general features, including epidemiology, transmission, control measures, virology, diagnosis, clinical characteristics and radiological and laboratory results. In this context, literature was assessed to compare the three most affected countries in Asia, Europe and Americas on March 31, 2020. The main form of transmission is human-to-human by respiratory secretions, and studies indicated substantial involvement of asymptomatic patients in this process. COVID-19 patients are predominantly men and may present multiple symptoms, especially fever and cough. Arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus were the most common comorbidities. Worse outcomes are associated with increased age, comorbidities, and complications. Abnormalities in computed tomography of the chest are frequent, with pulmonary ground-glass opacity and bilateral patchy shadowing as the most common patterns, but a significant percentage of patients do not present any findings at time of admission. Laboratory results often present lymphocytopenia, increased neutrophils and platelet counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein, ferritin, total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, creatine phosphokinase, myoglobin, glucose and cytokines. Although radiological findings and laboratory results presented similarities in China, Italy and USA, case-fatality rates can be conflicting suggesting, therefore, the need for studies according to each region.
importância do exame clínico no reconhecimento da síndrome de Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich: relato de caso
Authors: Souza Pedro Duran Marquez de , Valadares Laís Rodrigues , Mota Vantuir José Domingos da , Carvalho Ana Thalissa Vilela , Pereira Sonaly Santiago
Published: June 2021

A síndrome de Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich (SHWW) é uma doença congênita rara dos ductos müllerianos, em que há útero didelfo, obstrução de hemivagina obstruída por septo e agenesia renal ipsilateral. A apresentação clínica mais comum é dor pélvica progressiva, dismenorreia e massa palpável. Em alguns casos a paciente pode apresentar menstruação normal devido a obstrução de apenas uma hemivagina, fato que resulta em atraso no diagnóstico. Relato do caso: Paciente, 13 anos, sexo feminino, com queixa de dor pélvica intermitente e progressiva, há um ano, associada a irregularidade menstrual, é atendida em hospital terciário. Realizada propedêutica radiológica armada e suprimido o exame físico ginecológico inicial, paciente é erroneamente diagnosticada com torção de cisto ovariano e submetida a laparotomia exploradora. Em pós-operatório, após reavaliação da história clínica e realização de exame ginecológico, evidenciou-se uma anormalidade anatômica em região de vestíbulo vaginal, compatível com septo vaginal e hematocolpo. Realizada colpotomia com drenagem de aproximadamente 900 ml de sangue de aspecto achocolatado e marsupialização do septo vaginal. Conclusões: Denota-se a importância do exame clínico para conclusão diagnóstica precoce e para evitar procedimentos cirúrgicos desnecessários, em especial na conduta de casos raros e intrigantes como a SHWW.
Remote Hemodynamic Monitoring Equally Reduces Heart Failure Hospitalizations in Women and Men in Clinical Practice: A Sex-Specific Analysis of the CardioMEMS Post-Approval Study
Authors: DeFilippis Ersilia M. , Henderson John , Axsom Kelly M. , Costanzo Maria Rosa , Adamson Philip B. , Miller Alan B. , Brett Marie-Elena , Givertz Michael M.
Published: June 2021

Background:

Response to pharmacological and device-based therapy for heart failure (HF) may vary by sex. We examined sex differences in response to ambulatory hemodynamic monitoring in clinical practice using the CardioMEMS PAS (Post-Approval Study).

Methods:

The CardioMEMS PAS was a prospective, single-arm, multicenter, open-label study of 1200 adults with New York Heart Association class III HF and at least 1 HF hospitalization (HFH) within 12 months who underwent pulmonary artery pressure sensor implantation between 2014 and 2017. Changes in pulmonary artery pressure over time were stratified by ejection fraction <40% and sex. Clinical outcomes including HFH rate at 12 months, 1-year mortality, and quality of life were examined in women and men.

Results:

Four hundred fifty-two women (38% of total) enrolled in the PAS were less likely to be White (78% versus 86%) and more likely to have nonischemic cardiomyopathy (44% versus 34%) and had significantly higher SBP (132 versus 124 mm Hg), mean ejection fraction (44% versus 36%), and pulmonary vascular resistance (3.2 versus 2.6 WU) than men (
P
<0.001 for all). There were similar reductions in pulmonary artery pressure from baseline to 12 months in both men and women for the whole cohort and for subgroups with HF with reduced ejection fraction and HF with preserved ejection fraction. Both sexes experienced significant decreases in HFH over 12 months (men: HR, 0.46 [95% CI, 0.40–0.52]; women: HR, 0.39 [95% CI, 0.33–0.46]). In adjusted models, there were no significant differences in change in HFH between men and women (interaction
P
=0.13) or all-cause mortality at 1 year (adjusted HR, 1.25 [95% CI, 0.88–1.77]).

Conclusions:

Women and men enrolled in the CardioMEMS PAS had similar reductions from baseline in pulmonary artery pressure over 1 year and experienced similar reductions in HFH. Hemodynamic monitoring provides similar benefit with regard to HF events in both women and men.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02279888.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Right Heart Failure in Pulmonary Vascular Diseases: A National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Workshop
Authors: Leopold Jane A. , Kawut Steven M. , Aldred Micheala A. , Archer Stephen L. , Benza Ray L. , Bristow Michael R. , Brittain Evan L. , Chesler Naomi , DeMan Frances S. , Erzurum Serpil C. , Gladwin Mark T. , Hassoun Paul M. , Hemnes Anna R. , Lahm Tim , Lima Joao A.C. , Loscalzo Joseph , Maron Bradley A. , Mercer Rosa Laura , Newman John H. , Redline Susan , Rich Stuart , Rischard Franz , Sugeng Lissa , Tang W.H. Wilson , Tedford Ryan J. , Tsai Emily J. , Ventetuolo Corey E. , Zhao YouYang , Aggarwal Neil R. , Xiao Lei , Cai Hua Linda , Cai Lu , Chen Xiongwen , Elinoff Jason M. , Freed Benjamin H. , Frump Andrea L. , Goss Kara N. , Gray Michael P. , Huang Wei , Kolb Todd M. , Simon Marc A. , Solomon Michael A. , Spiekerkoetter Edda , Vanderpool Rebecca R. , Zou Ming-Hui , Chen Yingjie , Bishow Adhikari , Shi Scarlet , Weinmann Gail G. , Wong Renee
Published: June 2021

Right ventricular dysfunction is a hallmark of advanced pulmonary vascular, lung parenchymal, and left heart disease, yet the underlying mechanisms that govern (mal)adaptation remain incompletely characterized. Owing to the knowledge gaps in our understanding of the right ventricle (RV) in health and disease, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute commissioned a working group to identify current challenges in the field. These included a need to define and standardize normal RV structure and function in populations; access to RV tissue for research purposes and the development of complex experimental platforms that recapitulate the in vivo environment; and the advancement of imaging and invasive methodologies to study the RV within basic, translational, and clinical research programs. Specific recommendations were provided, including a call to incorporate precision medicine and innovations in prognosis, diagnosis, and novel RV therapeutics for patients with pulmonary vascular disease.
Cardiac Amyloidosis: Multimodal Imaging of Disease Activity and Response to Treatment
Authors: Patel Rishi K. , Fontana Marianna , Ruberg Frederick L.
Published: June 2021

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is a disease characterized by the deposition of misfolded protein deposits in the myocardial interstitium. Although advanced CA confers significant morbidity and mortality, the magnitude of deposition and ensuing clinical manifestations vary greatly. Thus, an improved understanding of disease pathogenesis at both cellular and functional levels would afford critical insights that may improve outcomes. This review will summarize contemporary therapies for the 2 major types of CA, transthyretin and light chain amyloidosis, and outline the capacity of imaging modalities to both diagnose CA, inform prognosis, and follow response to available therapies. We explore the current landscape of echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, and bone scintigraphy in the assessment of functional and cellular parameters of dysfunction in CA throughout disease pathogenesis. Finally, we examine the impact of concurrent advances in both therapeutics and imaging on future research questions that improve our understanding of underlying disease mechanisms. Multimodal imaging in CA affords an indispensable tool to offer individualized treatment plans and improve outcomes in patients with CA.
A new Tardigrade species, Stygarctus keralensis sp. nov. (Arthrotardigrada: Stygarctidae) from the intertidal zone of Southwest coast of India
Authors: VISHNUDATTAN N. K. , NANDAN S. BIJOY , HANSEN J. G. , JAYACHANDRAN P. R.
Published: June 2021

Stygarctus keralensis sp. nov. (Arthrotardigrada: Stygarctidae), is described from the intertidal sandy sediments of Vadakara beach, Kerala, Southwest coast of India. To a certain extent, this new species shows morphological similarity with Stygarctus gourbaultae Renaud-Mornant, 1981, however it can be differentiated by some significant distinguishable characters like double looped seminal receptacle ducts and the presence of a bow shaped internal thickening in between the opening of seminal receptacles situated below the level of gonopore and above the anus; unsculptured body plates I-III; paired sub-cephalic pore/muscle attachment; shape and structure of caudal processes. Presence of minute spikes on third lateral processes in the new species is another unique character by which it can be easily differentiated from S. gourbaultae.
National Tibetan Plateau Data Center: Promoting Earth System Science on the Third Pole
Authors: Pan Xiaoduo , Guo Xuejun , Li Xin , Niu Xiaolei , Yang Xiaojuan , Feng Min , Che Tao , Jin Rui , Ran Youhua , Guo Jianwen , Hu Xiaoli , Wu Adan
Published: June 2021

The Tibetan Plateau, known as the world’s “Third Pole” due to its high altitude, is experiencing rapid, intense climate change, similar to and even far more than that occurring in the Arctic and Antarctic. Scientific data sharing is very important to address the challenges of better understanding the unprecedented changes in the Third Pole and their impacts on the global environment and humans. The National Tibetan Plateau Data Center (TPDC, http://data.tpdc.ac.cn) is one of the first 20 national data centers endorsed by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China in 2019 and features the most complete scientific data for the Tibetan Plateau and surrounding regions, hosting more than 3,500 datasets in diverse disciplines. Fifty datasets featuring high-mountain observations, land surface parameters, near-surface atmospheric forcing, cryospheric variables, and high-profile article-associated data over the Tibetan Plateau, frequently being used to quantify the hydrological cycle and water security, early warning assessments of glacier avalanche disasters, and other geoscience studies on the Tibetan Plateau, are highlighted in this manuscript. The TPDC provides a cloud-based platform with integrated online data acquisition, quality control, analysis, and visualization capability to maximize the efficiency of data sharing. The TPDC shifts from the traditional centralized architecture to a decentralized deployment to effectively connect Third Pole–related data from other domestic and international data sources. As an embryo of data sharing and management over extreme environment in the upcoming “big data” era, the TPDC is dedicated to filling the gaps in data collection, discovery, and consumption in the Third Pole, facilitating scientific activities, particularly those featuring extensive interdisciplinary data use.
Advanced Deep Learning-Based Supervised Classification of Multi-Angle Snowflake Camera Images
Authors: Key C. , Hicks A. , Notaroš B. M.
Published: June 2021

We present improvements over our previous approach to automatic winter hydrometeor classification by means of convolutional neural networks (CNNs), using more data and improved training techniques to achieve higher accuracy on a more complicated dataset than we had previously demonstrated. As an advancement of our previous proof-of-concept study, this work demonstrates broader usefulness of deep CNNs by using a substantially larger and more diverse dataset, which we make publicly available, from many more snow events. We describe the collection, processing, and sorting of this dataset of over 25,000 high-quality multiple-angle snowflake camera (MASC) image chips split nearly evenly between five geometric classes: aggregate, columnar crystal, planar crystal, graupel, and small particle. Raw images were collected over 32 snowfall events between November 2014 and May 2016 near Greeley, Colorado and were processed with an automated cropping and normalization algorithm to yield 224x224 pixel images containing possible hydrometeors. From the bulk set of over 8,400,000 extracted images, a smaller dataset of 14,793 images was sorted by image quality and recognizability (Q&R) using manual inspection. A presorting network trained on the Q&R dataset was applied to all 8,400,000+ images to automatically collect a subset of 283,351 good snowflake images. Roughly 5,000 representative examples were then collected from this subset manually for each of the five geometric classes. With a higher emphasis on in-class variety than our previous work, the final dataset yields trained networks that better capture the imperfect cases and diverse forms that occur within the broad categories studied to achieve an accuracy of 96.2% on a vastly more challenging dataset.
Measuring and Analyzing Protest Potential From a Survey Data Recycling Framework
Authors: Kwak Joonghyun
Published: June 2021

As active involvement in protest has been legitimized as an acceptable form of political activity, citizens’ protest potential has become an important measure to understand contemporary democratic politics. However, the arbitrary use of a forced-choice question, which prevents those who have previously participated in protests from expressing willingness to engage in future protest, and the limited coverage of international surveys across countries and years have impeded comparative research on protest potential. This research develops a new systematic weighting method for the measurement of protest potential for comparative research. Using the 1996 International Social Survey Program survey, which asks two separate questions about “have done” and “would do” demonstrations, I create a weighting scale for the forced-choice question by estimating the predicted probabilities of protest potential for those who have already participated in demonstrations. Capitalizing on the survey data recycling framework, this study also controls for harmonization procedures and the quality of surveys, thereby expanding the cross-national and temporal coverage beyond the affluent Western democracies. The results show that this weighting scale provides a valid measure of protest potential, and the survey data recycling framework improves comparability between surveys.
Prehospital Variables Alone Can Predict Mortality After Blunt Trauma: A Novel Scoring Tool
Authors: Stopenski Stephen , Grigorian Areg , Inaba Kenji , Lekawa Michael , Matsushima Kazuhide , Schellenberg Morgan , Kim Dennis , de Virgilio Christian , Nahmias Jeffry
Published: June 2021

Background

We sought to develop a novel Prehospital Injury Mortality Score (PIMS) to predict blunt trauma mortality using only prehospital variables.

Study Design

The 2017 Trauma Quality Improvement Program database was queried and divided into two equal sized sets at random (derivation and validation sets). Multiple logistic regression models were created to determine the risk of mortality using age, sex, mechanism, and trauma activation criterion. The PIMS was derived using the weighted average of each independent predictor. The discriminative power of the scoring tool was assessed by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) curve. The PIMS ability to predict mortality was then assessed by using the validation cohort. The score was compared to the Revised Trauma Score (RTS) using the AUROC curve, including a subgroup of patients with normal vital signs.

Results

The derivation and validation groups each consisted of 163 694 patients. Seven independent predictors of mortality were identified, and the PIMS was derived with scores ranging from 0 to 20. The mortality rate increased from 1.4% to 43.9% and then 100% at scores of 1, 10, and 19, respectively. The model had very good discrimination with an AUROC of .79 in both the derivation and validation groups. When compared to the RTS, the AUROC were similar (.79 vs. .78). On subgroup analysis of patients with normal prehospital vital signs, the PIMS was superior to the RTS (.73 vs. .56).

Conclusion

The PIMS is a novel scoring tool to predict mortality in blunt trauma patients using prehospital variables. It had improved discriminatory power in blunt trauma patients with normal vital signs compared to the RTS.
Religious Minority as a Source of National and State Identity: The Case of Slovakia
Authors: Tížik Miroslav
Published: June 2021

In Central Europe, the role of religion in the creation of modern states has had many guises. In some predominantly Catholic countries, religious minorities have been an important source for national movements that sought emancipation from dominant political rule, which was often connected with the dominant (Catholic) religion. The article is focused on the case of Slovakia, where Lutherans, in spite of making up only a small proportion of the Slovak population, have been one of the two fundamental sources of the national movement for the last two centuries. It shows how the contemporary character of the state, society, and national identity and its relation to religion is influenced by the bi-confessionalism (dualism) of the Slovak national movement that was initiated by Slovak Lutherans in the eighteenth century. Although the Lutheran religious minority has been disappearing since 1990, the article shows how its heritage is still present in the character of contemporary institutions of national tradition and identity.
Circulating melody in the key of sapphire: Paradiso 23
Authors: Jacoff Rachel
Published: June 2021

Paradiso 23 is intensely lyrical. Everything in it is part of a coherent construct both readable in relation to itself alone and also as part of a larger set of themes, images, and narrative strategies. Even by the standards of the Paradiso, it takes place in an atmosphere of exalted rarification and intense dependence on metaphor. Until the final lines there is no hint of earthly troubles, nor are we given the cosmological or theological discourses we have come to expect. The canto is replete with tropes of phonic repetition (alliteration and assonance), with Latinisms, and exclamations—all of which serve to magnify its intensity and stylistic elegance, even while conveying, for most readers, an effect of simplicity. Instead of the customary dialogue between Dante and the souls that he encounters, this canto is given over to spectacle; the only dialogue is between Dante and Beatrice.
Causal Relationship Between the Risk Factors and Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Professional Drivers: A Systematic Review
Authors: Joseph Leonard , Vasanthan Lenny , Standen Miles , Kuisma Raija , Paungmali Aatit , Pirunsan Ubon , Sitilertpisan Patraporn
Published: June 2021

Objective

This review evaluates the evidence on the strength of causal relationship between categories of risk factors (RFs) and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) among professional drivers.

Background

A compilation of evidence on the causal relationship between RFs and WRMSDs among professional drivers is lacking.

Methods

A systematic search of the literature was conducted in major electronic data bases that include Medline (1946 + via OvidSP), Embase (1974 + OvidSP), CINAHL (1982+), AMED, and Web of Science. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed and scored. A descriptive analysis on the categories of RFs associated with WRMSDs was conducted. The Bradford–Hill causation criteria and evidence interpretation tool were used to evaluate the causal relationship between RFs and WRMSDs in professional drivers.

Results

Among the 54 studies reviewed, a strong evidence suggests a causal relationship between RFs such as whole-body vibration, awkward postures, lifting tasks, manual material handling, job stress, job demand, and previous pain episodes with WRMSDs. Moderate evidence was observed on RFs such as uncomfortable seat and low job satisfaction. The evidence on causal relationship between RFs such as years of professional driving, driving duration, and individual characteristics such as age and body mass index was inconclusive.

Conclusion

There is strong to moderate evidence on the causal relationship between the physical and psychosocial RFs and WRMSDs among professional drivers.

Application

Potential application of this review highlights evidence to occupational health practitioners, policy makers, and stakeholders on the strength of causal relationship between RFs and WRMSDs among professional drivers.
Study on natural convection heat transfer in a closed cavity with hot and cold tubes
Authors: Zheng Jiyu , Zhang Liang , Yu Hai , Wang Yilong , Zhao Tong
Published: June 2021

Laminar natural convection with a pair of hot and cold tube in a closed cubic cavity is carried out. This configuration can be founded in performance of nuclear power plant containment passive residual heat removal system. The basic government aquations are sloved by means of finite volume method. The effect of Ra number (103–106), shape of tube and spatial position on local and mean heat transfer characteristics is studied. It is found that the Nu number increased when raising Ra number. The Nu number is higher when the shapes are circle and triangle. In adddition, it is founded that the heat transfer has a better effect when the cold tube locates above the hot tube among the five spatial positions. The results provides theoretical basis for performance of nuclear power plant containment passive residual heat removal system.
Indoor simulation test research on cumulative longitudinal displacement of rail based on force and displacement sensors data collection
Authors: Zeng Zhiping , Hu Ji , Guo Wuji , Huang Xiangdong , Li Ping , Wang Weidong , Tian Chunyu , Ahmed Shuaibu Abdulmumin
Published: June 2021

The train sometimes needs to brake frequently on the turnout, although the braking force does not exceed the limit resistance of fastener, cumulative displacement of rail occurs because of the long-term effect of the train brakes, thus, the relationship between the cumulative displacement of rail and the number of train braking actions should be explored. Aiming at the spring bar type III fastener, a 1:1 physical indoor simulation test was carried out, and an electromagnetic relay device was used to simulate the train load, force, and displacement sensors for data collection. Then a single load no more than the maximum resistance of fastener was applied to the rail end to explore the relationship between the number of loads and the rail cumulative deformation. The rail longitudinal cumulative displacement changes linearly in positive correlation with the number of load actions, and increases faster when the number of load actions is small. As the number of repeated loads increases, the above-mentioned relationship approximately and credibly obeys the power function distribution. Repeatedly applying load no more than the maximum longitudinal resistance of fastener to the rail, the existence of the rail cumulative displacement caused by frequent train braking can be demonstrated, and the relationship curve between the rail displacement and the number of loads can be obtained. Applying the fitting formula, the rail displacement after a specific number of loading times can be attained, and then referring to specific codes, we can determine whether it will exceed the safety limit.
Awareness of thyroid cancer among medical students: A questionnaire-based study
Authors: Liu Penghao , Lin Jinkan , Nie Yongdu , Cao Zenghan , Xu Xiequn
Published: June 2021

To investigate whether medical students acquire enough knowledge about thyroid cancer (TC). It was a cross-sectional study in a Chinese medical college based on a questionnaire about the knowledge of TC and thyroid self-examination. Medical students enrolled were grouped into preclinical medical students (PMS) and clinical medical students (CMS) according to their grades. A total of 337 questionnaires were distributed and 274 effective responses were collected with 129 from PMS and 145 from CMS. The percentage of thyroid self-examination in CMS was higher than that of PMS (55.8% vs 11.6%, p < 0.001). Generally, CMS had better comprehension of TC, including prognosis (97.2% vs 64.5%, p < 0.001), diagnosis (95.6% vs 33.1%, p < 0.001), and surgery indications (82.1% vs 58.1%, p = 0.001). There was no significant difference between PMS and CMS on the acquaintance of the risk factors. However, more CMS stated that the below 5% of thyroid nodules might turn malignant (45.5% vs 6.5%, p < 0.001), and more CMS suggested that people without nodules should receive TC screening tests (62.1% vs 41.9%, p = 0.001). Medical education on TC was effective in teaching clinical knowledge. Medical school should focus more on preclinical general health education and clinical practices education in the future.
Beyond Weber and Kafka: Conceptualizing a Critical Realist Model of Bureaucracy
Authors: Yang Yi
Published: June 2021

Max Weber and Franz Kafka are seminal writers on bureaucracy and administration. While Weber suggests the technical superiority of a bureaucratic “iron cage,” Kafka speaks from within that cage, seeing its repressive rationality as being confounded by recalcitrant citizens searching for freedom. However, if individuals are embedded in a bureaucracy that limits the parameters of actions from which they can choose, how could they ever defy structural control? Articulating the conditions for human liberty, this article uses critical realism to reveal the potential emancipatory nature of bureaucracy as a way out of Kafka’s powerlessness and Weber’s iron cage via citizen engagement.
Multi-Tiered System of Supports: An Ecological Approach to School Psychology Service Delivery
Authors: Loftus-Rattan Susan M. , Wrightington Mahri , Furey Jenlyn , Case Jessica
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

School psychologists work to support the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional well-being of students in schools. Their roles have become increasingly diverse in recent years due to the implementation of Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS) frameworks in schools throughout the United States.

Statement of the Problem:

Despite a national shortage of school psychologists, psychology students are often unaware of the profession or may have an outdated understanding of the role of school psychologists. Psychology students may also be unfamiliar with the MTSS framework, which promotes research-based, data-driven, equitable, and culturally responsive practices through a systemic, ecological approach to service delivery in schools.

Literature Review:

We review the main components of a typical MTSS prevention and intervention framework and describe the various roles of school psychologists and other key stakeholders within this model.

Teaching Implications:

This review and supporting resources can be used to introduce the field of school psychology to students. Additionally, it can be used to generate discussions regarding the provision of evidence-based and equitable academic and psychological services to students in the school through an ecological model.

Conclusion:

This article will help students gain an understanding of school psychologists’ roles within a current MTSS educational service delivery model.
Design and application of an optimally tuned PID controller for DC motor speed regulation via a novel hybrid Lévy flight distribution and Nelder–Mead algorithm
Authors: Izci Davut
Published: June 2021

This paper deals with the design of an optimally performed proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller utilized for speed control of a direct current (DC) motor. To do so, a novel hybrid algorithm was proposed which employs a recent metaheuristic approach, named Lévy flight distribution (LFD) algorithm, and a simplex search method known as Nelder–Mead (NM) algorithm. The proposed algorithm (LFDNM) combines both LFD and NM algorithms in such a way that the good explorative behaviour of LFD and excellent local search capability of NM help to form a novel hybridized version that is well balanced in terms of exploration and exploitation. The promise of the proposed structure was observed through employment of a DC motor with PID controller. Optimum values for PID gains were obtained with the aid of an integral of time multiplied absolute error objective function. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, comparative simulations were carried out using cuckoo search algorithm, genetic algorithm and original LFD algorithm. The system behaviour was assessed through analysing the results for statistical and non-parametric tests, transient and frequency responses, robustness, load disturbance, energy and maximum control signals. The respective evaluations showed better performance of the proposed approach. In addition, the better performance of the proposed approach was also demonstrated through experimental verification. Further evaluation to demonstrate better capability was performed by comparing the LFDNM-based PID controller with other state-of-the-art algorithms-based PID controllers with the same system parameters, which have also confirmed the superiority of the proposed approach.
Alternative tuning method for proportional-derived gains for active vibration control in a building structure
Authors: Rodriguez-Torres Andres , Morales-Valdez Jesús , Yu Wen
Published: June 2021

The article deals with the development of active vibration control of seismically-excited building structures. The control scheme is based on an alternative proportional-derived (PD) controller designed based only on the bandwidth of the system, which is an attractive technique for structural vibration suppression purposes and practical motion control solutions. The tuning method is analyzed employing Kharitonov’s theorem and Routh-Hurwitz criteria, which give necessary and sufficient conditions for choosing the two PD range of gains. Based on modal analysis, the system is transformed into a set of decoupled ordinary differential equations to simplify the PD design. An important advantage concerning a classical PD controller is the proposed PD design only uses the natural frequencies, which are relatively easy to estimates around an experimental test. Moreover, the proposed approach does not need frequently tune the gains parameters, so the design procedure is greatly simplified and, the proposed scheme does not need the system parameters, which generally are unknown. This method allows generalizing the controller design for multi-story buildings without modifying the controller structure, by choosing a scalar parameter. The effectiveness of the proposed PD schemes is demonstrated through simulation and experimental results of a reduced scale two-story building prototype.
Stabilization of networked switched affine systems with event-triggered strategy
Authors: Li Dandan , Zuo Zhiqiang , Wang Yijing
Published: June 2021

Using an event-based switching law, we address the stability issue for continuous-time switched affine systems in the network environment. The state-dependent switching law in terms of the region function is firstly developed. We combine the region function with the event-triggering mechanism to construct the switching law. This can provide more candidates for the selection of the next activated subsystem at each switching instant. As a result, it is possible for us to activate the appropriate subsystem to avoid the sliding motion. The Zeno behavior for the switched affine system can be naturally ruled out by guaranteeing a positive minimum inter-event time between two consecutive executions of the event-triggering threshold. Finally, two numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
EKF-DRNN autopilot for VLCC heading hybrid control
Authors: Chen Mengwei , Zhang Guichen
Published: June 2021

An online Extended Kalman Filter (EKF)-Dynamic Recurrent Neural Network (DRNN) autopilot implementation strategy for Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) heading hybrid control with uncertain dynamics is designed in this paper. The autopilot scheme is based on a DRNN control model, which learns VLCC dynamic characteristics, while the VLCC heading control is estimated by the EKF to minimize squared course error. The online EKF-DRNN autopilot provides optimal control on the basis of fuel-saving evaluation criteria using the heading deviation and rudder angle. Therefore, the autopilot output is guaranteed to converge to the desired VLCC trajectory asymptotically. The proposed strategy is evaluated by applying it to VLCC Yuan Kun Yang from COSCO Shipping, and works excellently under different loads, speed and weather conditions. The VLCC heading hybrid controller is also assessed by ‘Z’ manoeuvring and turning test, and the superiority of the online EKF-DRNN autopilot is demonstrated. The remote online monitoring of Yuan Kun Yang’s main navigation data shows that it improved fuel-saving properties despite worsening weather conditions causing increased yawing.