bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cologne and the (un)making of transnational approaches to sexual violence
Authors: Garraio Júlia
Published: July 2020

The sexual assaults reported on New Year’s Eve 2015 in Cologne posed major challenges to feminists struggling with the tensions and entanglements of feminism, imperialism, racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, sexism and nationalism. The aim of the present article is to examine these tensions through an analysis of the pressures framing the positionality of discourses. It examines how feminists, framed by the larger Western debates about the ‘failure of multiculturalism’ and the global Islamophobia underpinning the ‘war on terror’ era, engaged with the moral panic which pervaded the mediatization of the assaults. It argues that feminist initiatives like #ausnahmslos’, which situated anti-racism at the core of any engagement for gender equality, were a reaction to the femonationalist approach to the events pervading the media and the political debate, and attempts to counter arguments which associated the sexual assaults with cultural practices imported through (Muslim) immigration and which demanded (or condoned) stricter immigration laws and state surveillance of Muslims. Then, this article addresses the challenges posed by some feminists from Germany and from North African countries and/or with a Muslim background, who argued that the analysis of Cologne should address the religious-cultural background of the suspects. The article argues that the difficulty in engaging with their contributions in Germany derives from internal pressures, namely the risk of having their arguments co-opted by Islamophobic and anti-immigration agendas. By pointing at the role of positionality in defining priorities in a globalized world, this article addresses the constraints and potentials in developing transnational approaches to sexual violence.
‘Fear of walking home alone’: Urban spaces of fear in youth nightlife
Authors: García-Carpintero María Ángeles , de Diego-Cordero Rocío , Pavón-Benítez Laura , Tarriño-Concejero Lorena
Published: July 2020

This article provides an analysis of the perception of fear in nightlife spaces, its relationship with sexual violence and the strategies that young people implement to combat these situations in two provinces of Andalusia (Seville and Granada), Spain. To this end, qualitative research was carried out through in-depth interviews and discussion groups with 73 boys and girls between the ages of 16 and 22. The article asserts that there are gender differences in the spaces of fear. Girls are the ones who experience fear the most when they walk alone, and at specific times – a feeling that is made worse in specific public spaces. The study results show that girls’ fear is associated with sexual assault and boys’ fear with robberies or fights. Results show that three main types of strategies are used in the face of these fears: avoidance, confronting risks and empowerment. All these strategies include the use of new communication technologies. This article seeks to provide a theoretical contribution to enhancing a gender perspective in the field of urban geography.
Facial emotion recognition in children with externalising behaviours: A systematic review
Authors: Cooper Sara , Hobson Christopher W , van Goozen Stephanie HM
Published: July 2020

Difficulties in facial emotion recognition (FER) are associated with a range of mental health and antisocial presentations in adolescents and adults. Externalising behaviours in children are often one of the earliest signs of risk for the development of such difficulties. This article systematically reviews the evidence (from both group and correlational studies) for whether there is a relationship between FER and externalising behaviours in pre-adolescent children (aged 12 and under), both across and within externalising behaviour domains (hyperactivity, conduct problems, callous-unemotional traits, and aggression). Four electronic databases were searched producing 1,296 articles. Articles were included if they used validated measures of FER and externalising behaviours. Sixteen articles met criteria for inclusion in the review. Overall, the results suggested FER problems are present in ADHD, CP and callous-unemotional presentations, and in samples of children with higher levels of externalising problems rather than in community samples. However, there was no consistent evidence for specific emotions being implicated in the studies reviewed. Clinically, the findings suggest that FER difficulties are commonly associated with externalising behaviours, and hence this review offers some support that FER deficits could be a relevant target of intervention for externalising behaviours. However, more longitudinal studies are required, that control for other variables that might underlie FER difficulties (e.g. IQ or basic Theory of Mind abilities), to inform our knowledge of whether FER difficulties are a causal factor in externalising behaviours.
Vowel learning in diglossic settings: Evidence from Arabic-Greek learners
Authors: Georgiou Georgios P , Themistocleous Charalambos
Published: July 2020

Aim and questions:

Second language learners are often acquiring a second language (L2) in multilingual and bidialectal sociolinguistic environments. The competing pronunciations can be challenging to language learners. This study aims to determine the effects of language variety—standard variety versus local variety—on L2 vowel learning.

Methodology:

Vowel productions from 55 speakers were analyzed in the study; 10 speakers of Egyptian Arabic were recorded in a reading task producing Greek vowels and their vowel productions were compared to L1 vowel productions produced by 20 Standard Modern Greek and 25 Cypriot Greek speakers from a study by Themistocleous.

Data and analysis:

We conducted linear mixed effects models and tested the effects of language variety, vowel, and stress on the first and second formant frequency and on vowel duration.

Findings:

Egyptian Arabic speakers merge the middle Greek vowels /e/ and /o/ and the high /i/ and /u/ vowels. Also, they did not differentiate phonetically between L2 stressed and unstressed vowels. These findings are arguably an effect of the L1 vowel structure on L2 vowels. The two varieties exercised competing effects on learners’ vowel productions, which suggests that both varieties are influencing vowel learning.

Originality:

There has been substantial research on L2 vowel learning in monolingual environments but not in diglossic environments; this study fills this gap by offering evidence about vowel learning in diglossic environments.

Implications:

In modern societies, communication takes place in multilingual environments. The findings highlight the impact of diglossia on L2 vowel learning and, ultimately, they demonstrate the importance of sociolinguistic factors on L2 learning.
“It took me quite a long time to develop a voice”: Examining feminist digital activism in the Indian #MeToo movement
Authors: Pain Paromita
Published: July 2020

As my analysis of the tweets and interviews with participants and activists of the resurgent #MeTooIndia movement in 2018 show, the work of elite activists and the risks they took were critical for the success of the campaign; however, there was an exclusion of suburban voices and experiences. The onerous and taxing nature of digital labors are an unrecognized feature of women’s activism online, especially in the Indian context, adding more work to women’s already rarely acknowledged and undervalued burdens of labor. Online action here may have been supplemented by offline action, but participants found little support otherwise. Compounding issues, as the interviews reveal, are social media platforms that by nature are sexist and this has negative consequences for online feminist advocacy.
Listen up! Phatic thresholds and sound interface design
Authors: Levy-Landesberg Hadar
Published: July 2020

This article points to the long-standing and significant role that the sound interface plays in shaping the ways we attend to media by considering its phatic function. Employing a reverse engineering approach, the article consists of an analysis of historical transformations in the regimen of attention produced by sound media to date, followed by discourse analyses of scientific and industry communities of digital sound interface design. Introducing the term “phatic alignment” to describe how media and humans are arranged in space and adjusted to communicate with one another, this article points to the increasing hold of the digital sound interface over the user’s attention and identifies the premises affording this trend. The article argues that in abstracting the human ear as an automated “phatic threshold” that regulates the user’s attention, digital sound interface design situates the user in constant attentiveness to media and sets the stage for next-generation communication technologies.
Engine exhaust manifold with thermoelectric generator unit
Authors: Royale Andrew , Simic Milan , Lappas Petros
Published: July 2020

Thermal energy recovery systems are subject of intensive research activities in automotive engineering. They are becoming appealing because of the energy savings, low maintenance requirements and compact designs. Another element is the increase in working temperature ranges over the previous maximum of 400 °C. This was limiting the positioning of these devices to mid and rear locations of the exhaust systems. They also contained a specially designed cooling system for the cold side of the thermoelectric generator unit, which effectively preformed the requirements of the cold junction point (Seebeck effect) between the “P” and “N” semiconductors. Currently, thermoelectric generator manufacturers are producing devices that could operate at the temperatures over 850 °C which is opening up different research and application opportunities. This research report shows a continuation of previous research work carried out, to test 850 °C thermoelectric generator units, using the performance specifications and measurements conducted in our labs. We have extrapolated and predicted power output further. In the research, we covered the concept of placing high-temperature thermoelectric generator units directly into the exhaust port of the engine, just outside the cylinder head. Novel development solution is presented, where a new thermoelectric generator unit is designed to be adaptable to the profile of the exhaust port. Computational fluid dynamics analysis was conducted on a real-world engine and concept models, confirming consistent thermal heat transfer from the combustion chamber of the engine into the exhaust manifold thermoelectric generator unit assembly. Cooling of the device is achieved by direct coolant flow from the cylinder head. It could also be realized using an external cooling system.
An experimental investigation of the performance, emission and combustion stability of compression ignition engine powered by diesel and ammonia solution (NH4OH)
Authors: Pyrc Michał , Gruca Michał , Jamrozik Arkadiusz , Tutak Wojciech , Juknelevičius Romualdas
Published: July 2020

This study presents experimental examinations of a stationary single-cylinder compression ignition dual fuel engine for the combustion of diesel fuel with water ammonia solution. The effect of 25% water ammonia solution on the combustion, performance, emissions and stability of the dual fuel compression ignition engine was investigated, taking into account its different operating conditions. The experiments were carried out for three modes of engine operation with three loads (35%, 60% and 100%) and a change in the water ammonia solution energy fraction at 60% load, within the range from 0% to 17%. Co-combustion of diesel fuel with water ammonia solution in the test engine contributed to an increase in the ignition delay period and combustion duration, and to an increase in the heat release rate. Compared to the combustion of diesel fuel alone, combustion involving ammonia causes deterioration in the stability of the test engine operation, yet not exceeding the permissible stability indices for reciprocating combustion engines. Addition of water ammonia solution led to reduced nitrogen oxide emissions and increasing carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions and did not result in significant changes in carbon dioxide emissions.
A celebration of academic and industry collaboration: The Royal National Lifeboat Institution and Maritime Engineering innovation
Authors: Blake JIR , Boyd SW , Phillips HJ , Trask R , Cripps RM
Published: July 2020

Search and rescue craft have to endure the toughest conditions to save lives at sea. The design, resourcing, operation and support of a search and rescue fleet requires state-of-the-art technology and an ability to react to and exploit cutting edge research and foment future research agenda. This article reviews the unique relationships that exist between the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and academia to drive engineering innovations to the forefront of Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s search and rescue craft and in particular the legacy of the Advanced Technology Partnership.
Effects of porous trailing edge on aerodynamic noise characteristics
Authors: Zhang Minghui , Chong Tze Pei
Published: July 2020

The objective of this work is to investigate the effect of the porous trailing edge on the aeroacoustics performance of the NACA 65(12)-10 aerofoil. The motivation behind this study is to investigate the effect of the porous parameters to explore the noise control concepts. Experimental testing in an aeroacoustics open jet wind tunnel was performed at chord-based Reynolds numbers between 0.2 and 0.6 million, and effective angles of attack at ±1.7 degree, including at 0 degrees. The porous trailing edge at porosity 30% with different holes diameters and the length of these porous trailing edges are used in the acoustic experiments. The study reveals that the level of the reduction of the broadband noise becomes larger as the diameter of the holes decreases and the length of the porous trailing edge increases at lower Reynolds numbers. Bluntness-induced tone noise is produced at high Reynolds number. Meanwhile, the porous trailing edge can suppress the laminar instability noise at the middle and low frequency regions.
An open, integrated modular format: For flexible and intelligible architecture, engineering and construction design and production
Authors: Doe Robert Melvin
Published: July 2020

The architecture, engineering and construction sector is fragmented, and its computer-aided design systems suffer data loss and errors in workflow between design and realisation. An open source, integrated, modular format is proposed to address the technological nature of these problems. Accordingly, this research updates the notion of the modular format as a more flexible and intelligible computational design method by leveraging knowledge from the computer science and manufacturing sectors where the design and realisation process is intentional and explicit. The research design of this article comprises a theoretical approach combined with an empirical case study. Principles of modularity are extracted from the computer science and manufacturing sectors to assist with a better definition of architecture, engineering and construction computer-aided design processes that use materials and resources more efficiently and sustainably. The methodology of the modular format contributes to the emerging concept of a building lifecycle management system for the architecture, engineering and construction sector.
Systolic dysfunction in asymptomatic type 2 diabetic patients, a harbinger of microvascular complications: A cross-sectional study from North India
Authors: Roy Shankar , Kant Ravi , Kumar Barun , Khapre Meenakshi , Bairwa Mukesh
Published: July 2020

Objective:

The primary objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of sub-clinical left ventricular dysfunction among asymptomatic diabetic patients, while the secondary objectives were to determine its association with microvascular complications and to find correlation with the baseline clinical and demographic parameters.

Material and methodology:

This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 226 type 2 diabetic patients who did not have any diagnosed cardiac disease, baseline ECG abnormality or cardiac symptoms. Two-dimensional strain echocardiography was performed to estimate the prevalence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction by measuring global longitudinal strain rate (cutoff < 18). Its association with microvascular complications was analysed with SPSS 23 software. Other baseline clinical parameters and demographic profile were also analysed.

Result:

Among 226 patients (151 males, 75 females), cardiac abnormality was found in 29.2% patients. Diabetic microvascular complications (e.g. neuropathy, retinopathy and nephropathy) were strongly associated with it (each with p < 0.0001) in addition to dyslipidaemia, history of hypertension, higher body mass index and poor glycaemic parameters. Among them, proteinuria showed a linear inverse relationship without any specific cutoff value.

Conclusion:

It was found that sub-clinical left ventricular dysfunction was found in significantly high proportion among patients with microvascular complications. Hence, routine screening of all diabetics for such complications and subsequently high-risk patients undergoing strain echocardiography can be a very cost-effective diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic modality.
High-density data transmission and scheduling method in wireless sensor networks based on Wi-Fi
Authors: Zhang Yajun , Qiu Gang , Liu Meng , Wang Hongjun
Published: July 2020

In wireless sensor network, the storage amount of information is high, and the transmission and scheduling of control information is reasonable. The node communication model, network structure model, and energy consumption model are constructed. On this basis, the high-density data in wireless sensor network are scheduled to optimize the time for nodes to perform tasks. The nodes in the network are fully scheduled to control the generation time of packets in the network and the generation time of packets in the network. Experimental results show that in different iterations, the proposed method has lower node delay and node energy consumption, with values less than 0.2 and 2, respectively, and the maximum data fusion quality can reach 98, with high fusion benefits, so as to improve the transmission and scheduling efficiency and quality of high-density data in wireless sensor network.
Increased Levels of Runt-Related Transcription Factor 2 Are Associated With Poor Survival of Patients With Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Yuan Xuntao , Wang Zuogang , Wang Lan , Zhao Qinhua , Gong Sugang , Sun Yuanyuan , Liu Qian , Yuan Ping
Published: July 2020

Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH); yet, whether circulating levels of RUNX2 can predict survival of patients with idiopathic PAH (IPAH) is still unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between circulating levels of RUNX2 and survival of patients with IPAH. Blood samples were collected from 46 incident patients with IPAH and 30 healthy controls in Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital. Levels of RUNX2 were measured using ELISA. Linear regression and cox proportional hazards analysis were performed to assess the prognostic value of RUNX2 levels in predicting survival using the Kaplan–Meier method. Nonsurvivors had significantly shorter 6MWD, higher levels of NT-proBNP, increased mRAP, mPAP, mPAWP, PVR, and decreased CO as well as CI, compared with survivors ( p < .05). Plasma levels of RUNX2 were significantly higher in nonsurvival and survival patients with IPAH compared with controls ( p ≤ .001), and higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors ( p = .001). RUNX2 levels served as an independent predictor of survival in these patients ( p < .001). RUNX2 levels ≥41.5 ng/ml had a sensitivity of 80.0% and a specificity of 74.2% by ROC analysis. Patients with a RUNX2 level <41.5 ng/ml and/or mRAP <3.5 mmHg had a significantly better prognosis than those with a higher RUNX2 level in all subjects as well as in male or female patients ( p < .05). The level of circulating RUNX2 is an independent predictor for survival and it is correlated with the clinical severity of IPAH.
Do (Microtargeted) Deepfakes Have Real Effects on Political Attitudes?
Authors: Dobber Tom , Metoui Nadia , Trilling Damian , Helberger Natali , de Vreese Claes
Published: July 2020

Deepfakes are perceived as a powerful form of disinformation. Although many studies have focused on detecting deepfakes, few have measured their effects on political attitudes, and none have studied microtargeting techniques as an amplifier. We argue that microtargeting techniques can amplify the effects of deepfakes, by enabling malicious political actors to tailor deepfakes to susceptibilities of the receiver. In this study, we have constructed a political deepfake (video and audio), and study its effects on political attitudes in an online experiment ( N = 278). We find that attitudes toward the depicted politician are significantly lower after seeing the deepfake, but the attitudes toward the politician’s party remain similar to the control condition. When we zoom in on the microtargeted group, we see that both the attitudes toward the politician and the attitudes toward his party score significantly lower than the control condition, suggesting that microtargeting techniques can indeed amplify the effects of a deepfake, but for a much smaller subgroup than expected.
Bilateral traumatic C6-C7 facet dislocation with C6 spondyloptosis and large disk sequestration in a neurologically intact patient
Authors: Haimovich Liad , Uri Ofir , Bickels Jacob , Laufer Gil , Gutman Gabriel , Folman Yoram , Behrbalk Eyal
Published: July 2020

Traumatic cervical spondyloptosis is an uncommon and severe form of facet joint dislocation that commonly leads to severe neurological damage. Decision making regarding the reduction and fixation technique is challenging, especially when a patient is neurologically intact, since an undiagnosed prolapsed disk at the involved level may lead to severe neurological consequences during reduction. A 24-year-old male was admitted after sustaining a severe direct axial blow to his head. Computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed an acute C6C7 fracture dislocation with spondyloptosis of C6 vertebra and a large disk fragment posterior to C6 vertebral body. The patient was neurologically intact, apart from mild bilateral numbness over C6 distribution. The patient underwent C6 corpectomy to avoid acute cord compression related to the large sequestered disk behind C6 vertebra. Following C6 corpectomy, we were unable to exert enough axial pull to reduce the facet dislocation through the anterior approach. Therefore, the reduction was performed through a posterior approach with C5T1 posterior fusion, followed by anterior cage placement and C5-7 anterior fusion (front-back-front approach). At postoperative follow-up of 24 months, the patient demonstrated a full and pain-free cervical range-of-motion and remained neurologically intact. Follow-up radiographs of the cervical spine demonstrated good instrumental alignment with solid fusion at 6-month follow-up.
Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang relieves knee osteoarthritis via suppressing NLRP3/NF-κB inflammatory signals in rats
Authors: Chen Wenjin , Wang Jianwei , Hua Zhen , Zhang Yafeng
Published: July 2020

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common chronic disease in the elderly and leads to a high rate of disability. Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang (DHJST), a Chinese traditional medicinal formula, is a classic prescription for the treatment of KOA. Here, we investigated whether DHJST could inhibit inflammation and treat KOA through suppressing NLRP3/nuclear factor (NF)-κB inflammatory signals in rats. The serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, p-NF-κB-P65, and p-IκBa were detected in healthy adults and patients with KOA before and after treatment. Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were divided into normal group, model group, diclofenac sodium group (5 mg/kg), DHJST high-dose group (1 g/kg), and DHJST low-dose group (0.5 g/kg). The right hind knee joint of the rats, except normal group, was injected with 4% papain (0.25 mL/kg) once every 7 days for three times. All rats were treated for 3 weeks. The swelling volume of right hind paw; five classification of inflammatory cells in synovial fluid; pathological changes of the knee-joint synovial membrane and cartilage; levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in serum and knee-joint synovial fluid; and the expressions of NLRP3/NF-κB inflammatory signals in the knee-joint synovial membrane were detected. The serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, p-NF-κB-P65, and p-IκBa in KOA patients treated with DHJST were significantly decreased. The KOA rats treated with DHJST showed significant decreases in swelling volume of right hind paws; the percentage of leukocyte, lymphocyte, neutrophil, and eosinophils in synovial fluid; the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in serum and knee-joint synovial fluid; and the expressions of NLRP3 ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β, p-NF-κB-P65, and p-IκBa in the knee-joint synovial membrane, and showed an alleviation in pathological changes of the knee-joint synovial membrane and cartilage. Our data provide the first evidence that DHJST relieves KOA via suppressing NLRP3/NF-κB inflammatory signals in rats
Curative efficacy and safety of peramivir in the treatment of children suspected with influenza
Authors: Peng Xuyun , Xiao Yichun , Li Li , Wen Dongxiang , Gong Xiaoyan , Li Bingfei , Zhou Lili
Published: July 2020

The data from a total of 200 children with suspected influenza virus infection were assessed at the febrile clinic of Women and Children’s hospital in Ganzhou of Jiangxi province from January 2018 to March 2019, and the patients were belonged to two groups (peramivir treatment group and oseltamivir treatment group). At the same time, 100 patients without special treatment were evaluated as the control group. We observed the patients’ fever relief time, pharyngeal pain relief time, nasal congestion relief time, runny nose symptoms relief time, days of hospitalization, days of medication, cost of medication, and adverse reactions in the three groups. We analyzed and compared the efficacy and adverse reactions of peramivir and oseltamivir in the treatment of children suspected with influenza. The recovery of body temperature, relief of cough, days of medication, and hospitalization period in the peramivir group were significantly shorter compared to the oseltamivir and control groups. The mean times to alleviation of fever in the three groups were 18.28 ± 17.74 h (peramivir group), 48.20 ± 34.28 h (oseltamivir group), and 72.56 ± 25.78 h (control group). The mean times to alleviation of cough in the three groups were 49.77 ± 27.58 h (peramivir group), 68.53 ± 32.54 h (oseltamivir group), and 59.38 ± 31.26 (control group). The cost of the peramivir group was significantly higher than that of the oseltamivir and control groups. The incidence of drug reactions in the peramivir group was significantly lower than that in the oseltamivir group. The rate of antibiotic usage in the peramivir group was significantly lower than that in the oseltamivir and control groups. Peramivir can significantly alleviate symptoms and reduce the use of antibiotics in children with suspected influenza. Peramivir has demonstrated good efficacy, high safety, and good compliance in treating children with suspected influenza infection.
Influence of Internal Marketing Dimensions on Organizational Commitment: An Empirical Application in Ecuadorian Co-Operativism
Authors: Moreira Mero Nelly , Hidalgo Fernández Amalia , Loor Alcívar María Iliana , González Santa Cruz Francisco
Published: July 2020

Internal marketing involves planning, implementing, and assessing strategies focused on the internal customer (employee), who, at the same time, looks to strengthen their organizational commitment. In this context, leaders and managers should focus on human capital through policies which encourage the motivation and satisfaction of employees, in a way that they feel committed to the institution which, at the same time, will help the achievement of organizational targets. Accordingly, the purpose of this research is to analyze internal marketing dimensions and their possible relationship with organizational commitment. To do so, fieldwork based on a research questionnaire has been developed, aimed at a very important area of the social economy: co-operativism in a developing country. A total of 2,499 surveys were distributed among employees, leaders, and managers of Ecuadorian cooperatives. To describe the possible mediating effect of the research variables, a hierarchical, multiple linear regression analysis was applied. The results reveal that the internal marketing dimensions present statistically significant correlations with the organizational commitment, with the internal communication dimension being its maximum relational exponent. It is also extracted from the study that sociodemographic and works position variables positively influence the relationship between both constructs, presenting higher relational levels when the employee is married, has higher studies and their work contract is temporary.
Large-scale experimental investigation of a low-cost PVC ‘sand-wich’ (PVC-s) seismic isolation for developing countries
Authors: Tsiavos Anastasios , Sextos Anastasios , Stavridis Andreas , Dietz Matt , Dihoru Luiza , Alexander Nicholas A.
Published: July 2020

This study presents a large-scale experimental investigation on the seismic performance of an innovative, low-cost seismic isolation system for developing countries. It is based on the beneficial effect of the encapsulation of sand grains between two PVC surfaces on the initiation of sliding and the dissipation of seismic energy between the surfaces. A three-times scaled-down, idealized, seismically isolated model of a prototype single-story structure located in Nepal is subjected to an ensemble of recorded earthquake ground motion excitations. The experimentally derived response of the seismically isolated structure is compared with the response of the corresponding fixed-base structure. This system is part of a wider hybrid design approach where the structure is designed to resist the seismic forces at the design acceleration level. The seismic isolation system sets an upper bound to the response of the structure for ground motion excitations exceeding the design level.
Effect of shear and rotatory inertia on the bending vibration method without weighing specimens
Authors: Kubojima Yoshitaka , Sonoda Satomi , Kato Hideo , Harada Masaki
Published: July 2020

This study examines the effect of shear and rotatory inertia on the accuracy of the vibration method with additional mass (VAM). Bending vibration tests were performed for rectangular bars with a width of 30 mm, thicknesses ranging from 5 to 60 mm, and a length of 300 mm, small round bars with diameters in the range of 6–36 mm, and lengths of 150–300 mm, and cross beams for timber guardrails with and without a concentrated mass under a free–free condition. The estimation accuracy of the VAM and the effect of shear and rotatory inertia increased and decreased, respectively, as the length/thickness ratio of the rectangular bar and length/diameter ratio of the round bar increased. The estimation accuracy of the VAM decreased with an increase in the effect of shear and rotatory inertia, and it could be corrected. The range of the effect of shear and rotatory inertia for the sufficient estimation accuracy of the VAM was obtained.
Association between surgical procedures under general anesthesia in infancy and developmental outcomes at 1 year: the Japan Environment and Children’s Study
Authors: Kobayashi Yoshiko , Tokuda Narumi , Adachi Sho , Takeshima Yasuhiro , Hirose Munetaka , Shima Masayuki ,   Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS) Group, Kamijima Michihiro , Yamazaki Shin , Ohya Yukihiro , Kishi Reiko , Yaegashi Nobuo , Hashimoto Koichi , Mori Chisato , Ito Shuichi , Yamagata Zentaro , Inadera Hidekuni , Nakayama Takeo , Iso Hiroyasu , Kurozawa Youichi , Suganuma Narufumi , Kusuhara Koichi , Katoh Takahiko
Published: July 2020

Background

The neurotoxicity of general anesthesia to the developing human brains is controversial. We assessed the associations between surgery under general anesthesia in infancy and development at age 1 year using the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS), a large-scale birth cohort study.

Methods

In the JECS, 103,062 pregnancies and 104,065 fetuses were enrolled between January 2011 and March 2014. Of the 100,144 registered live births, we excluded preterm or post-term infants, multiple births, and infants with chromosomal anomalies and/or anomalies of the head or brain. Data on surgical procedures under general anesthesia in infancy were collected from self-administered questionnaires by parents at the 1-year follow-up. Developmental delay at age 1 year was assessed using the Japanese translation of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition (J-ASQ-3), comprising five developmental domains.

Results

Among the 64,141 infants included, 746 infants had surgery under general anesthesia once, 90 twice, and 71 three or more times. The percentage of developmental delay in the five domains of the J-ASQ-3 significantly increased with the number of surgical procedures. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the risk of developmental delays in all five domains was significantly increased in infants who had surgery under general anesthesia three times or more (adjusted odds ratios: for communication domain 3.32; gross motor domain 4.69; fine motor domain 2.99; problem solving domain 2.47; personal–social domain 2.55).

Conclusions

Surgery under general anesthesia in infancy was associated with an increased likelihood of developmental delay in all five domains of the J-ASQ-3, especially the gross motor domain at age 1 year. The neurodevelopment with the growth should be further evaluated among the children who had surgery under general anesthesia.

Trial registration

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (number: UMIN000030786)
Nasopharyngeal Microbiota Profiling of SARS-CoV-2 Infected Patients
Authors: De Maio Flavio , Posteraro Brunella , Ponziani Francesca Romana , Cattani Paola , Gasbarrini Antonio , Sanguinetti Maurizio
Published: July 2020

We analyzed the bacterial communities of the nasopharynx in 40 SARS-CoV-2 infected and uninfected patients. All infected patients had a mild COVID-19 disease. We did not find statistically significant differences in either bacterial richness and diversity or composition. These findings suggest a nasopharyngeal microbiota at least early resilient to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Construction and optimization of gene expression signatures for prediction of survival in two-arm clinical trials
Authors: Theilhaber Joachim , Chiron Marielle , Dreymann Jennifer , Bergstrom Donald , Pollard Jack
Published: July 2020

Background

Gene expression signatures for the prediction of differential survival of patients undergoing anti-cancer therapies are of great interest because they can be used to prospectively stratify patients entering new clinical trials, or to determine optimal treatment for patients in more routine clinical settings. Unlike prognostic signatures however, predictive signatures require training set data from clinical studies with at least two treatment arms. As two-arm studies with gene expression profiling have been rarer than similar one-arm studies, the methodology for constructing and optimizing predictive signatures has been less prominently explored than for prognostic signatures.

Results

Focusing on two “use cases” of two-arm clinical trials, one for metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) patients treated with the anti-angiogenic molecule aflibercept, and the other for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients treated with the small molecule iniparib, we present derivation steps and quantitative and graphical tools for the construction and optimization of signatures for the prediction of progression-free survival based on cross-validated multivariate Cox models. This general methodology is organized around two more specific approaches which we have called subtype correlation (subC) and mechanism-of-action (MOA) modeling, each of which leverage a priori knowledge of molecular subtypes of tumors or drug MOA for a given indication. The tools and concepts presented here include the so-called differential log-hazard ratio, the survival scatter plot, the hazard ratio receiver operating characteristic, the area between curves and the patient selection matrix. In the CRC use case for instance, the resulting signature stratifies the patient population into “sensitive” and “relatively-resistant” groups achieving a more than two-fold difference in the aflibercept-to-control hazard ratios across signature-defined patient groups. Through cross-validation and resampling the probability of generalization of the signature to similar CRC data sets is predicted to be high.

Conclusions

The tools presented here should be of general use for building and using predictive multivariate signatures in oncology and in other therapeutic areas.
Causal mutations from adaptive laboratory evolution are outlined by multiple scales of genome annotations and condition-specificity
Authors: Phaneuf Patrick V. , Yurkovich James T. , Heckmann David , Wu Muyao , Sandberg Troy E. , King Zachary A. , Tan Justin , Palsson Bernhard O. , Feist Adam M.
Published: July 2020

Background

Adaptive Laboratory Evolution (ALE) has emerged as an experimental approach to discover mutations that confer phenotypic functions of interest. However, the task of finding and understanding all beneficial mutations of an ALE experiment remains an open challenge for the field. To provide for better results than traditional methods of ALE mutation analysis, this work applied enrichment methods to mutations described by a multiscale annotation framework and a consolidated set of ALE experiment conditions. A total of 25,321 unique genome annotations from various sources were leveraged to describe multiple scales of mutated features in a set of 35 Escherichia coli based ALE experiments. These experiments totalled 208 independent evolutions and 2641 mutations. Additionally, mutated features were statistically associated across a total of 43 unique experimental conditions to aid in deconvoluting mutation selection pressures.

Results

Identifying potentially beneficial, or key, mutations was enhanced by seeking coding and non-coding genome features significantly enriched by mutations across multiple ALE replicates and scales of genome annotations. The median proportion of ALE experiment key mutations increased from 62%, with only small coding and non-coding features, to 71% with larger aggregate features. Understanding key mutations was enhanced by considering the functions of broader annotation types and the significantly associated conditions for key mutated features. The approaches developed here were used to find and characterize novel key mutations in two ALE experiments: one previously unpublished with Escherichia coli grown on glycerol as a carbon source and one previously published with Escherichia coli tolerized to high concentrations of L-serine.

Conclusions

The emergent adaptive strategies represented by sets of ALE mutations became more clear upon observing the aggregation of mutated features across small to large scale genome annotations. The clarification of mutation selection pressures among the many experimental conditions also helped bring these strategies to light. This work demonstrates how multiscale genome annotation frameworks and data-driven methods can help better characterize ALE mutations, and thus help elucidate the genotype-to-phenotype relationship of the studied organism.
Direct acute respiratory distress syndrome after gastric perforation caused by an intragastric balloon: a case report
Authors: Theuerkauf Nils , Weismüller Tobias , Weißbrich Carsten , Schewe Jens-Christian , Putensen Christian , Bode Christian
Published: July 2020

Background

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening condition and the identification of the underlying direct (pulmonary) or indirect (non-pulmonary) cause is mandatory for a successful treatment. Intragastric balloon (IGB) therapy is a minimal invasive and supposedly harmless option to reduce body weight for the growing number of obese people. We present a case of a young patient who developed a direct ARDS due to initially undiagnosed abdominal pathologies caused by an IGB therapy.

Case presentation

A 23-year old woman was admitted because of a direct ARDS for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy. Weeks before, an IGB has been removed because of abdominal pain and free intraabdominal air. Diagnostic work-up of free intraabdominal air, previous pain of the left shoulder and newly developed abscess pneumonia revealed a perforation of the posterior wall of the gastral antrum. This resulted in a left subphrenic abscess with destruction of the diaphragm, development of pneumonia per continuitatem and subsequent direct lung injury. The gastric perforation was endoscopically clipped and the ARDS was successfully treated under ECMO therapy.

Conclusion

This case illustrates that a patient presenting with direct ARDS may have upper abdominal pathologies caused by a rare complication of a supposedly harmless treatment.
New CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score predicts the no-reflow phenomenon after primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhang Qin-Yao , Ma Shu-Mei , Sun Jia-Ying
Published: July 2020

Background

The no-reflow phenomenon (NRP) is a serious complication of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) and is an independent predictor of poor prognosis. We aimed to find a simple but effective risk stratification method for the prediction of NRP.

Methods

This retrospective single-center study included 454 consecutive patients diagnosed with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and treated by PPCI, who were admitted to our emergency department between January 2017 and March 2019. The patients were divided according to the post-PPCI thrombolysis in the myocardial infarction flow rate: the NRP group and the control group. The CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, and CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF scores were calculated for all the patients in this study, and multivariable regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were conducted to determine the independent predictors of NRP and the predictive value of the three scores.

Results

A total of 454 patients were analyzed in this study: 80 in the no-reflow group and 374 in the control group. The incidence of NRP was 17.6%. Creatine kinase-myocardial band, Killip class, stent length, and multivessel disease also independently predicted NRP. The CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score had a higher predictive value than the other two scores, and a CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score of ≥4 predicted NRP with a sensitivity of 72.5% and specificity of 66.5% (area under the curve: 0.755, 95% confidence interval [0.702–0.808]).

Conclusion

Although the CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, and CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF scores can all be used as simple tools to predict NRP, our findings show that the CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score had the highest predictive value. Thus, the CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score may be an optimal tool for predicting high-risk patients.
Risk factors of embolism for the cardiac myxoma patients: a systematic review and metanalysis
Authors: Liu Yanna , Wang Jiwei , Guo Liangyun , Ping Luyi
Published: July 2020

Background

The risk factors contributing to embolism in cardiac myxoma (CM) are yet controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to clarify the risk factors of embolism for the CM patients.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang, and Wei Pu databases were searched from inception to June 2019. Statistical analysis was conducted using Stata version 14.0. The pooled odds ratio or mean difference with 95% confidence interval was estimated for each risk factor.

Results

Herein, 12 studies, encompassing 1814 patients, were included. The pooled results suggested that New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I/II (P < 0.01), hypertension (P = 0.03), irregular tumor surface (P < 0.01), tumor in atypical location (P = 0.01), narrow base of tumor (P < 0.01), and increased fibrinogen (FIB) (P < 0.01) are significant risk factors of embolism in CM patients. However, sex, age, body mass index, smoking, left ventricular ejection fraction, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation, valvular heart disease, coronary heart disease, tumor size, platelet count, white blood cells, and hemoglobin were not associated with embolism (all P > 0.05).

Conclusions

NYHA class (I/II), hypertension, irregular tumor surface, atypical tumor location, the narrow base of tumor, and increased FIB were significant risk factors of embolism in CM patients. For CM patients with these factors, early surgery might be beneficial to prevent embolism.
Linkage of the CHHiP randomised controlled trial with primary care data: a study investigating ways of supplementing cancer trials and improving evidence-based practice
Authors: Lemanska Agnieszka , Byford Rachel C. , Cruickshank Clare , Dearnaley David P. , Ferreira Filipa , Griffin Clare , Hall Emma , Hinton William , de Lusignan Simon , Sherlock Julian , Faithfull Sara
Published: July 2020

Background

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard for evidence-based practice. However, RCTs can have limitations. For example, translation of findings into practice can be limited by design features, such as inclusion criteria, not accurately reflecting clinical populations. In addition, it is expensive to recruit and follow-up participants in RCTs. Linkage with routinely collected data could offer a cost-effective way to enhance the conduct and generalisability of RCTs. The aim of this study is to investigate how primary care data can support RCTs.

Methods

Secondary analysis following linkage of two datasets: 1) multicentre CHHiP radiotherapy trial (ISRCTN97182923) and 2) primary care database from the Royal College of General Practitioners Research and Surveillance Centre. Comorbidities and medications recorded in CHHiP at baseline, and radiotherapy-related toxicity recorded in CHHiP over time were compared with primary care records. The association of comorbidities and medications with toxicity was analysed with mixed-effects logistic regression.

Results

Primary care records were extracted for 106 out of 2811 CHHiP participants recruited from sites in England (median age 70, range 44 to 82). Complementary information included longitudinal body mass index, blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as baseline smoking and alcohol usage but was limited by the considerable missing data. In the linked sample, 9 (8%) participants were recorded in CHHiP as having a history of diabetes and 38 (36%) hypertension, whereas primary care records indicated incidence prior to trial entry of 11 (10%) and 40 (38%) respectively. Concomitant medications were not collected in CHHiP but available in primary care records. This indicated that 44 (41.5%) men took aspirin, 65 (61.3%) statins, 14 (13.2%) metformin and 46 (43.4%) phosphodiesterase-5-inhibitors at some point before or after trial entry.

Conclusions

We provide a set of recommendations on linkage and supplementation of trials. Data recorded in primary care are a rich resource and linkage could provide near real-time information to supplement trials and an efficient and cost-effective mechanism for long-term follow-up. In addition, standardised primary care data extracts could form part of RCT recruitment and conduct. However, this is at present limited by the variable quality and fragmentation of primary care data.