bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moderate deviation for maximum likelihood estimators from single server queues
Authors: Singh Saroja Kumar
Published: March 2020

Consider a single server queueing model which is observed over a continuous time interval (0,T], where T is determined by a suitable stopping rule. Let θ be the unknown parameter for the arrival process and $\hat {\theta }_{T}$θ̂T be the maximum likelihood estimator of θ. The main goal of this paper is to obtain a moderate deviation result of the maximum likelihood estimator for the single server queueing model under certain regular conditions.
Redefining Colorectal Cancer by Tumor Biology
Authors: Salem Mohamed E. , Puccini Alberto , Tie Jeanne
Published: March 2020

Colorectal cancer treatment has undergone a paradigm shift. We no longer see this disease as a singular, anatomic tumor type but rather a set of disease subgroups. Largely because of a better understanding of cancer biology and the introduction and integration of molecular biomarkers—the premise of precision therapy—we are beginning to direct treatments toward the right tumor target(s) in the right patients. The field of molecular profiling is continually evolving, and new biomarkers are constantly being discovered that have investigational, therapeutic, and/or prognostic implications—negative or positive. To date, only a few biomarkers have sufficient actionable, clinical implication to earn international guideline-recommended routine testing. Hence, it is vital that the treating oncologist should know which biomarkers to assess, when in the treatment course to test for them, and how the test is to be done. Correct interpretation of profiling results is imperative. Herein, we focus on international guideline-recommended mutation testing for patients prior to their colorectal cancer treatment initiation. The clinical applications of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in patients with metastatic disease, based on our current knowledge and capabilities, are also addressed.
Treatment of Smoldering Multiple Myeloma: Expectant Observation Should Still Be the Standard
Authors: Fonseca Rafael , Gonzalez-Velez Miguel
Published: March 2020

Recent clinical trials have addressed the notion of early treatment of smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM). The results evidence improvement in progression-free survival and, in one study, overall survival. Although the treatment of SMM can be considered under specific circumstances, we propose here that careful interpretation of the clinical trials and the patient-specific data are needed before recommending therapy. In particular, many questions remain regarding the best regimen to be used as well as how to adapt based on the underlying disease biology. Hematologists should have a very thorough understanding of models designed to predict the progression from SMM to multiple myeloma, because their correct interpretation is paramount to establish proper care. Although there is no doubt that treatment should be started before overt end-organ damage, we do not believe that the current data support the widespread treatment of all SMM.
Implementing Decision Coaching for Lung Cancer Screening in the Low-Dose Computed Tomography Setting
Authors: Lowenstein Lisa M. , Godoy Myrna Cobos Barco , Erasmus Jeremy J. , Zirari Zineb , Bennett Alina , Leal Viola B. , Housten Ashley J. , Volk Robert J.
Published: March 2020

PURPOSE:

The uptake of shared decision making (SDM) for lung cancer screening (LCS) as required by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is suboptimal. Alternative models for delivering SDM are needed, such as decision coaching in the low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) setting.

METHODS AND MATERIALS:

The Replicating Effective Programs framework guided our implementation of decision coaching, which included a patient-facilitated component before screening followed by in-person coaching that addressed the required elements for the SDM visit from CMS. We surveyed two LCS patient cohorts (pre-implementation and implementation of decision coaching) about their knowledge of LCS and perception of the SDM process. We conducted time-motion studies to assess the feasibility of implementing decision coaching and audio recorded clinical encounters from the implementation cohort to assess fidelity of the SDM conversation to the CMS requirements.

RESULTS:

Compared with the pre-implementation cohort (n = 51), the implementation cohort (n = 30) had greater knowledge of LCS ( P < .01) and reported a better SDM process ( P = .01). Coaching took 7.6 ± 4.1 minutes and did not increase visit time ( P = .72). Coaches addressed an average of 6.4 of 7 SDM elements required by CMS.

CONCLUSION:

Decision coaching in the LDCT setting provides an opportunity for patients to confirm their screening decision by ensuring that patients are truly informed about the potential harms and benefits of LCS. The decision coaching had excellent fidelity in addressing the required SDM elements from CMS and is feasible.
Factors Associated With Declining to Participate in a Pediatric Oncology Next-Generation Sequencing Study
Authors: Howard Sharp Katianne M. , Jurbergs Niki , Ouma Annastasia , Harrison Lynn , Gerhardt Elsie , Taylor Leslie , Hamilton Kayla , McGee Rose B. , Nuccio Regina , Quinn Emily , Hines-Dowell Stacy , Kesserwan Chimene , Sunkara Anusha , Gattuso Jami S. , Pritchard Michelle , Mandrell Belinda , Relling Mary V. , Haidar Cyrine E. , Kang Guolian , Johnson Liza-Marie , Nichols Kim E.
Published: March 2020

PURPOSE

For the advances of pediatric oncology next-generation sequencing (NGS) research to equitably benefit all children, a diverse and representative sample of participants is needed. However, little is known about demographic and clinical characteristics that differentiate families who decline enrollment in pediatric oncology NGS research.

METHODS

Demographic and clinical data were retrospectively extracted for 363 pediatric patients (0-21 years) with cancer approached for enrollment in Genomes for Kids (G4K), a study examining the feasibility of comprehensive clinical genomic analysis of tumors and paired normal samples. Demographic and clinical factors that significantly differentiated which families declined were subsequently compared, for 348 families, with enrollment in Clinical Implementation of Pharmacogenetics (PG4KDS), a pharmacogenomics study with more explicit therapeutic benefit examining genes affecting drug responses and metabolism.

RESULTS

Fifty-three families (14.6%) declined enrollment in G4K. Race/ethnicity was the only variable that significantly differentiated study refusal according to multivariable logistic regression, with families of black children more likely to decline enrollment compared with families of non-Hispanic or Hispanic white children. Reasons for declining G4K were generally consistent with other pediatric genomics research: feeling overwhelmed and insurance discrimination fears were most frequently cited. Families of black children were also more likely to decline enrollment in PG4KDS. Thirteen (3.7%) of the 348 families approached for both studies declined PG4KDS.

CONCLUSION

Race/ethnicity differentiated study declination across two different pediatric oncology genomics studies, suggesting enrollment disparities in the context of pediatric oncology genomics research. Genomics research participant samples that do not fully represent racial and ethnic minorities risk further exacerbating health disparities. Additional work is needed to understand the nuances of parental decision making in genomic research and facilitate enrollment of diverse patient populations.
Prevalence and Spectrum of Pathogenic Germline Variants in Japanese Patients With Early-Onset Colorectal, Breast, and Prostate Cancer
Authors: Liu Xiaoxi , Takata Sadaaki , Ashikawa Kyota , Aoi Tomomi , Kosugi Shunichi , Terao Chikashi , Parrish Nicholas F. , Matsuda Koichi , Nakagawa Hidewaki , Kamatani Yoichiro , Kubo Michiaki , Momozawa Yukihide
Published: March 2020

PUPOSE

We investigated the prevalence and spectrum of pathogenic germline variants in patients with early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC), breast cancer (BC), and prostate cancer (PCA) in the Japanese population. We also identified pathogenic variants in other cancer risk genes, giving consideration to future multigene testing panels for this population.

METHODS

We performed whole-genome sequencing for 1,037 Japanese individuals, including patients with early-onset CRC (n = 196), BC (n = 237), and PCA (n = 215) and controls (n = 389). We screened for pathogenic variants, including single nucleotide variants and copy number variants, among well-established first-tier cancer genes for each cancer type and examined an expended second-tier panel including cancer-predisposing genes from the Cancer Gene Census.

RESULTS

Proportions of patients with germline pathogenic variants differed by cancer subgroup, with the highest in BC (14.8%), followed by CRC (9.2%), and PCA (3.7%). In contrast, 2 of 389 control subjects (0.5%) carried a germline pathogenic variant. In comparison with controls, the proportion of patients with pathogenic variants in the second-tier panel was increased significantly for PCA (3.7% to 11.6%, P = 2.96 × 10−4), but not for CRC or BC, after multitesting adjustment. In patients with PCA, DNA repair pathway genes in the extended panel often contained pathogenic variants ( P = .011).

CONCLUSION

Our analyses support the clinical usefulness of established cancer gene panels in the Japanese population for 3 major cancer types. Additional genes, especially those involved in DNA repair, might be considered for developing multipanel testing in Japanese patients with early-onset PCA.
Dual RVAD-ECMO Circuits to Treat Cardiogenic Shock and Hypoxemia Due to Necrotizing Lung Infection: A Case Report
Authors: Rosenbaum Andrew N. , Bohman John K. , Rehfeldt Kent H. , Stulak John M. , Daly Richard C. , Klompas Allan M. , Behfar Atta , Yalamuri Suraj M.
Published: March 2020

Utilization of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is expanding, but dual VA-ECMO circuits to treat cardiogenic shock with refractory hypoxemia is unreported. We describe the case of combined cardiogenic and distributive shock due to necrotizing pulmonary blastomycosis. After initial central VA-ECMO cannulation, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with increasing shunt resulted in significant central hypoxemia due to progressive ventilation-perfusion mismatch. An additional circuit provided complete oxygenation of the high circulating volume. After 4 months on support, he underwent successful heart-lung-kidney transplantation. Dual ECMO circuits are technically feasible and may be advantageous in specific circumstances of high pulmonary shunting resulting in excessive hypoxemia unbalanced with appropriate oxygen delivery.
Changing trabecular patterns in panoramic radiographs of Swedish women during 25 years of follow-up
Authors: Geraets Wil GM , Jonasson Grethe , Hakeberg Magnus
Published: March 2020

Objectives:

The radiographic trabecular pattern on dental radiographs may be used to predict fractures. The aim of this study was to analyze longitudinal changes in the mandibles of 145 females between 1980 and 2005.

Methods:

Panoramic radiographs were obtained in 1980 and 2005. On 290 radiographs, regions of interest (ROIs) were selected in the ramus, angle and body. In all ROIs, the orientation was measured in 36 directions with the line frequency deviation method. The effects of ageing were analyzed for the fracture and the non-fracture groups separately.

Results:

During the follow-up, 61 females suffered fractures of the hip, wrist, spine, leg or arm. The fracture and non-fracture groups displayed dissimilar age changes in each investigated ROI. All significant changes pertained to increasing values of line frequency deviation. With increasing age, the trabecular network in the mandible lost details and the trabeculae became more aligned in their main direction. In the “ramus”, the alignment was to the 110–120˚ axis, parallel to the posterior and anterior ramus border. In the “angle”, the alignment was to the 135–150˚ axis, parallel to the oblique line, and in the “body” ROI to the 150–175˚ direction, approximately parallel to the occlusal plane and inferior cortex.

Conclusion:

Most changes were consistent with the notion that the bone aged less severely in the non-fracture group. In the fracture group, the findings indicate that bone loss leads to redistribution of the remaining bone tissue in such a way that the trabeculae are accentuated perpendicular to the principal loading.
Oral lichen planus: a novel staging and algorithmic approach and all that is essential to know
Authors: Shavit Eran , Hagen Klieb , Shear Neil
Published: March 2020

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic autoimmune disease. Oral lesions may occur in isolation or in combination with other affected muco-cutaneous sites. Oral LP (OLP) may present as one of the various manifestations of LP or may present as a disease sui generis with a broad range of severity. Despite this disease targeting the oral mucosa, its great impact on quality of life is underrated. In this article, we provide an updated review of the pathophysiology and epidemiology of OLP and offer guidance for its diagnosis and management. We also propose an algorithmic approach to the clinical forms of OLP and a novel staging system to facilitate management decisions.
Learning to Correlate Accounts Across Online Social Networks: An Embedding-Based Approach
Authors: Zhou Fan , Zhang Kunpeng , Xie Shuying , Luo Xucheng
Published: March 2020

Cross-site account correlation correlates users who have multiple accounts but the same identity across online social networks (OSNs). Being able to identify cross-site users is important for a variety of applications in social networks, security, and electronic commerce, such as social link prediction and cross-domain recommendation. Because of either heterogeneous characteristics of platforms or some unobserved but intrinsic individual factors, the same individuals are likely to behave differently across OSNs, which accordingly causes many challenges for correlating accounts. Traditionally, account correlation is measured by analyzing user-generated content, such as writing style, rules of naming user accounts, or some existing metadata (e.g., account profile, account historical activities). Accounts can be correlated by de-anonymizing user behaviors, which is sometimes infeasible since such data are not often available. In this work, we propose a method, called ACCount eMbedding (ACCM), to go beyond text data and leverage semantics of network structures, a possibility that has not been well explored so far. ACCM aims to correlate accounts with high accuracy by exploiting the semantic information among accounts through random walks. It models and understands latent representations of accounts using an embedding framework similar to sequences of words in natural language models. It also learns a transformation matrix to project node representations into a common dimensional space for comparison. With evaluations on both real-world and synthetic data sets, we empirically demonstrate that ACCM provides performance improvement compared with several state-of-the-art baselines in correlating user accounts between OSNs.
Relationship of sex steroid hormones with bone mineral density of the lumbar spine in adult men
Authors: Guebeli Alissa , Platz Elizabeth A. , Paller Channing J , McGlynn Katherine A. , Rohrmann Sabine
Published: March 2020

Aims

To examine the relationship of sex steroid hormones with osteopenia in a nationally representative sample of men in the USA.

Methods

Data on bone mineral density (BMD), serum sex hormones, dairy consumption, smoking status, and body composition were available for 806 adult male participants of the cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 1999-2004). We estimated associations between quartiles of total and estimated free oestradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) and osteopenia (defined as 1 to 2.5 SD below the mean BMD for healthy 20- to 29-year-old men) by applying sampling weights and using multivariate-adjusted logistic regression. We then estimated the association between serum hormone concentrations and osteopenia by percentage of body fat, frequency of dairy intake, cigarette smoking status, age, and race/ethnicity.

Results

Men in the lowest quartile of total E2 concentrations (< 21.52 pg/ml) had greater odds of osteopenia compared with men in the highest quartile (odds ratio (OR) 2.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11 to 4.73; p-trend = 0.030). Total and free T were not associated with osteopenia. Low total E2 concentrations were associated with greater odds of osteopenia among non-daily dairy consumers (p-trend = 0.046), current or former smokers (p-trend = 0.032), and younger men (p-trend = 0.031). No differences were observed by race/ethnicity and obesity.

Conclusion

In this nationally representative study of the USA, men with lower total E2 were more likely to have osteopenia, which was particularly evident among younger men, men with less-than-daily dairy consumption, and current or former smokers. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res. 2020;9(3):139–145.
EFETIVIDADE DE UM PROGRAMA DE CAPACITAÇÃO SOBRE SAÚDE AUDITIVA PARA AGENTES COMUNITÁRIOS DE SAÚDE
Authors: Andrade Anelise , Borges Viviann Magalhães Silva , Sleifer Pricila
Published: March 2020

Introdução: O programa de agentes comunitários de saúde é parte do Programa de Saúde da Família. Este profissional é um importante recurso ao diálogo entre a equipe de saúde e as famílias que visita. Objetivo: Verificar a efetividade de um programa de capacitação em saúde auditiva para agentes comunitários de saúde. Métodos: Participaram 31 agentes comunitários de saúde de um município do estado XX. Foram oferecidas duas capacitações sobre saúde auditiva em um intervalo de 30 dias, realizadas com aulas expositivas. Os assuntos abordados foram: o fonoaudiólogo na atenção básica, fatores de risco para perda auditiva, triagem auditiva neonatal, orientações sobre aparelhos auditivos, entre outros. Durante as capacitações, foi aplicado o instrumento de coleta de dados em três momentos distintos: no início e final da primeira capacitação e no início da segunda capacitação. Resultados: A amostra foi composta apenas por mulheres. As profissionais, na sua maioria, não possuíam capacitações anteriores sobre temas relacionados à Fonoaudiologia. Verificou-se diferença significativa entre as médias de acerto antes e após a capacitação (p=0,04). As questões que apresentaram diferença abordavam como tema a triagem auditiva neonatal, fatores de risco para perda auditiva e a protetização auditiva em crianças menores de um ano de idade. Conclusão: Verificou-se que o programa de capacitação em saúde auditiva proposto foi efetivo no grupo de agentes de saúde da amostra. Pode-se inferir que os agentes de saúde participantes da pesquisa possuem mais subsídios para identificar pacientes com queixas fonoaudiológicas, orientar a comunidade que atendem e realizar os encaminhamentos necessários.
PREVALÊNCIA DAS INTERAÇÕES MEDICAMENTOSAS POTENCIAIS E SUAS POSSÍVEIS CONSEQUÊNCIAS CLÍNICAS EM INDIVÍDUOS HIPERTENSOS ATENDIDOS NA ATENÇÃO PRIMÁRIA
Authors: Leão Ingrid Novaes , Fernandes Brígida Dias , De Oliveira Bruno Gonçalves , Almeida Paulo Henrique Ribeiro Fernandes , Lemos Gisele da Silveira , Valasques Junior Gildomar Lima , Mascarenhas Cláudio Henrique Meira
Published: March 2020

Objetivo: Descrever a prevalência de interações medicamentosas potenciais (IMP) em hipertensos e as suas possíveis consequências clínicas. Métodos: Estudo transversal, descritivo-analítico, realizado com uma amostra de hipertensos no município de Jequié-BA. Os dados foram coletados entre fevereiro de 2014 e fevereiro de 2015, por meio de amostra aleatória simples, a partir de um questionário constituído de dados sociodemográficos, clínicos e dos medicamentos em uso. Resultados: Dos 235 usuários entrevistados, 74,90% eram do sexo feminino e 57,45% apresentavam pressão arterial ?121/81mmHg. Foram prescritos 868 medicamentos com média de 3,69±2,01 por paciente. Do total, 61,61% pacientes apresentaram pelo menos uma IMP. Encontrou-se 358 IMP com média de 2,75±2,12 por paciente, sendo que, 12,47% eram graves e 87,43% moderadas. As IMP mais prevalentes foram entre hidroclorotiazida e glibenclamida (11,45%) e hidroclorotiazida e metformina (10,89%), ambas consideradas de gravidade moderada com risco aumentado da hiperglicemia. Constatou-se associação estatística entre a polifarmácia e número de IMP (p<0,001), aumentando a chance de IMP em mais de duas vezes (OR=2,39). Já a presença de mais de uma doença crônica não-transmissível aumentou a chance de IMP em quase quatro vezes (OR=4,36). Conclusão: Esta avaliação demonstrou alta frequência de IMP com gravidade moderada em pacientes hipertensos associada a polifarmácia, sendo necessária intervenções em saúde capazes identificar tais problemas e garantir a segurança do paciente.
MOBILIDADE FUNCIONAL DE PACIENTES CRÍTICOS EM TERAPIA INTENSIVA: UM ESTUDO PILOTO
Authors: Camargo Jéssica Brenda Garcia , Cavenaghi Odete Mauad , Mello Juliana Rodrigues Correia , De Brito Marcus Vinicius Camargo , Ferreira Lucas Lima
Published: March 2020

Introdução: A fraqueza muscular adquirida é uma complicação que acomete de 30% a 60% dos pacientes internados nas unidades de terapia intensiva (UTI). Estratificar a funcionalidade do paciente crítico na admissão é uma importante ferramenta para estabelecer prognósticos funcionais. Objetivo: Avaliar e comparar a mobilidade funcional de pacientes críticos internados em UTI na admissão e na alta da unidade. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo piloto realizado na UTI Geral e UTI Neurocirúrgica de um hospital escola, em São José do Rio Preto, SP. Foram selecionados prospectivamente pacientes adultos entre 18 e 60 anos, sedados, em ventilação mecânica invasiva. Foram identificados dados sociodemográficos, clínicos e hemodinâmicos à admissão na unidade e aplicada a escala de mobilidade funcional em UTI (EMU), na admissão e na alta da unidade. Foi aplicada estatística inferencial com teste de Wilcoxon. O nível de significância foi p?0,05. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 28 pacientes, maior prevalência (54%) do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 54,56±22,52 anos. A especialidade de internação mais prevalente foi a neurológica com 57%. Houve incremento significativo (p<0,0001) na comparação da mobilidade funcional entre admissão (0,25±0,44) e alta (2,21±1,77) da UTI. Conclusão: Essa amostra de pacientes críticos, internados em unidade de terapia intensiva sedados e em ventilação mecânica invasiva, evoluiu com melhora estatística significativa da mobilidade funcional na comparação entre a admissão e a alta da unidade. Contudo, em termos clínicos, não houve evolução na funcionalidade desta amostra de pacientes da admissão para a alta da UTI.
PERCEPÇÃO DE ENFERMEIROS DE TERAPIA INTENSIVA SOBRE PREVENÇÃO DE LESÃO POR PRESSÃO
Authors: Martins Natália de Brito Mendes , ALBUQUERQUE BRANDÃO MARIA GIRLANE SOUSA , Silva Leonardo Alexandrino da , Mendes Aline Maria Veras , Caetano Joselany Áfio , Araújo Thiago Moura de , Barros Lívia Moreira
Published: March 2020

Introdução: A Unidade de Terapia Intensiva é um setor destinado a pacientes críticos, que podem se tornar vulneráveis à alteração da integridade da pele. O estudo teve o objetivo de identificar a percepção de enfermeiros intensivistas sobre a prevenção de lesão por pressão. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo exploratório e qualitativo, realizado com 18 enfermeiros de terapia intensiva de instituição de ensino no Estado do Ceará, Brasil, de julho a setembro de 2015. Os dados foram coletados a partir de entrevista, utilizando-se instrumento semiestruturado em uma sala do hospital, segundo a disponibilidade de cada enfermeiro. Resultados: Participaram da pesquisa 18 enfermeiros, com tempo de experiência de seis meses a 24 anos. Após a análise dos dados, foi possível agrupar seis categorias: Conhecimento sobre lesão por pressão; Cuidados de enfermagem para prevenção e tratamento das lesões; Facilidades e dificuldades encontradas; Conhecimento sobre a Escala de Braden; Uso da Escala de Braden na prática assistencial e Contribuição na sistematização da assistência sobre a inclusão da Escala de Braden. Conclusões: A percepção dos enfermeiros sobre prevenção de lesão por pressão ainda é deficiente. Houve conhecimento insipiente sobre o significado das lesões e identificação por meio de escalas e ambiguidade de respostas entre implementação e significância de escalas de prevenção.
INFLUÊNCIA DO PRÉ NATAL NA ESCOLHA DO TIPO DE PARTO: REVISÃO DE LITERATURA
Authors: Santos Carvalho Silas , Farias Nunes Cerqueira Raiane
Published: March 2020

Introdução: Estudos recentes realizados no Brasil revelam elevadas taxas de partos cesáreos desnecessários e a influência da assistência no pré-natal na decisão das mulheres a cerca da escolha do tipo de parto. Objetivo: Analisar na literatura nacional a influência do pré-natal na escolha do tipo de parto das gestantes brasileiras. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo bibliográfico, de abordagem qualitativa exploratória, tendo como referência uma Revisão Integrativa da Literatura (RIL) disponível nas bases de dados Scientific Eletronic Library Online (SCIELO) e Literatura da América Latina e Caribe (LILACS) no período de 2009 a 2018, sendo selecionados e analisados 08 estudos. Os estudos apresentam fatores e visões que influenciam as gestantes a escolherem o tipo de parto. Resultados: Identificaram-se 8 artigos no período estudado. Os estudos apontam o déficit nas assistências de pré-natal, na prestação de informações adequadas para assegurarem às mulheres a autonomia da decisão por parto normal ou cesáreo. Conclusão: É fundamental o apoio dos profissionais de saúde durante o pré-natal, auxiliando a escolha por meio da educação em saúde sobre cada tipo de parto.
Optical-vortex diagnostics via Fraunhofer slit diffraction with controllable wavefront curvature
Authors: Bekshaev A. , Mikhaylovskaya L. , Patil S. , Kumar V. , Singh R. P.
Published: March 2020

Far-field slit diffraction of circular optical-vortex (OV) beams is efficient for measurement of the topological charge (TC) magnitude but does not reveal its sign. We show that this is because in the common diffraction schemes the diffraction plane coincides with the incident OV waist plane. Based on the examples of Laguerre–Gaussian incident beams containing a spherical wavefront component, we demonstrate that the far-field diffracted beam profile possesses an asymmetry depending on the incident wavefront curvature and the TC sign. This finding enables simple and efficient ways for the simultaneous diagnostics of the TC magnitude and sign, which can be useful in many OV applications, including OV-assisted metrology and information processing.
Strong coupling between excitons and guided modes in WS2-based nanostructures
Authors: Qing Ye Ming , Ma Hui Feng , Cui Tie Jun
Published: March 2020

Transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) exhibit great potential in light–matter interaction due to their semiconducting nature and remarkable excitonic properties. Here a simple guided resonance structure is proposed to numerically investigate and realize dual-band light absorption exploiting the guided mode resonance (GMR) in the system and the robust exciton in the

W
S

2

monolayer. The dispersive GMR can strongly interact with the nondispersive exciton state by tuning the incident angle, resulting in remarkable Rabi splitting and the emergence of two hybrid polariton bands. The strong GMR–exciton coupling behavior can be well described by the classic oscillator model. The influence of the geometrical parameters on the spectral response is investigated. In addition, we also find that the Rabi splitting is strongly affected by the position of the

W
S

2

monolayer in the dielectric slab. Our findings provide a simple route for realization of hybrid light–TMDCs interactions, which may inspire related studies on compact, scalable, and easy-to-fabricate TMDC-based devices.
Proposal for an ultra-broadband polarization beam splitter using an anisotropy-engineered Mach-Zehnder interferometer on the x-cut lithium-niobate-on-insulator
Authors: Xu Hongnan , Dai Daoxin , Liu Liu , Shi Yaocheng
Published: March 2020

We propose and theoretically demonstrate an integrated polarization beam splitter on the x-cut lithium-niobate-on-insulator (LNOI) platform. The device is based on a Mach-Zehnder interferometer with an anisotropy-engineered multi-section phase shifter. The phase shift can be simultaneously controlled for the TE and TM polarizations by engineering the length and direction of the anisotropic LNOI waveguide. For TE polarization, the phase shift is −π/2, while for TM polarization, the phase shift is π/2. Thus, the incident TE and TM modes can be coupled into different output ports. The simulation results show an ultra-high polarization extinction ratio of ∼47.7 dB, a low excess loss of ∼0.9 dB and an ultra-broad working bandwidth of ∼200 nm. To the best of our knowledge, the proposed structure is the first integrated polarization beam splitter on the x-cut LNOI platform.
Mo/Si multilayers sputtered onto inclined substrates: experiments and simulations
Authors: Sun Shizhuang , Yu Bo , Guo Tao , Yao Shun , Liu Yu , Deng Wenyuan , Li Chun , Jin Chunshui
Published: March 2020

We performed experiments involving the fabrication of Mo/Si multilayer coatings and established a model of the deposition process. The surface and interface roughness, surface power spectral density, layer structures, and coating reflectivity were characterized for different substrate inclination angles. The surface and interface roughness increase and the coating reflectivity decreases with an increase in the substrate inclination angle, especially for large angles (50–70°). The model was applied to explain this phenomenon, and a proposal to reduce the interfacial roughness caused by substrate inclination angles is presented.
Full path single-shot imaging of femtosecond pulse collapse in air turbulence
Authors: Larkin I. , Griff-McMahon J. , Schweinsberg A. , Goffin A. , Valenzuela A. , Milchberg H. M.
Published: March 2020

In a single shot, we measure the full propagation path, including the evolution to pulse collapse, of a high power femtosecond laser pulse propagating in air. Our technique enables examination of the effect of parameters that fluctuate on a shot-to-shot basis, such as pulse energy, pulse duration, and air turbulence-induced refractive index perturbations. We find that even in lab air over relatively short propagation distances, turbulence plays a significant role in determining the location of pulse collapse.
Stimulated Raman scattering signal generation in a scattering medium using self-reconstructing Bessel beams
Authors: Chen Xueli , Wang Xinyu , Wang Lin , Lin Peng , Zhan Yonghua , Cheng Ji-Xin
Published: March 2020

Scattering is a huge challenge for microscopic imaging. Indeed, it is difficult to observe target chemicals in scattering media by means of the current Gaussian beam-based stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy, since the tight focus of the Gaussian beam is destroyed after propagating through a certain distance. Bessel beams, featuring self-reconstructing property, may bring a solution to this problem. By combining Bessel beams with SRS microscopy, we can probe the SRS signal from a scattering medium. In this paper, using the beam propagation method, we first simulate the propagation of the Bessel beam as well as the generation and self-reconstruction of SRS signals. By adding glass beads along the beam propagation path in order to simulate scattering, the propagation of the Bessel beams and the generation of the SRS signals will change. Then, we design a series of simulations to investigate the influence of the size, position, number, and distribution of the added glass beads on the generation of the SRS signals. A preliminary experiment is also carried out to confirm the simulation predictions. Results demonstrate that the SRS signals can be generated or be recovered at a certain depth in scattering media, and that such signals are greatly affected by the parameters of the scatters.
Wie aus digitalen Services Wert entsteht: Interaktionen richtig gestalten
Authors: Geiger Manuel , Robra-Bissantz Susanne , Meyer Michael
Published: March 2020

In der digitalen Wirtschaft finden sekündlich mannigfaltige digitale Interaktionen zwischen Anbietern und ihren Kunden statt. Sie entscheiden über die Auswahl von Produkten und Dienstleistungen und werden daher für Unternehmen zu einem wesentlichen Erfolgsfaktor. Trotzdem fehlt es bislang in Theorie und Praxis an Modellen und Ansätzen, die diese Interaktionen beschreiben, erklären und damit als Grundlage ihrer Gestaltung dienen können. Dieser Beitrag sieht Interaktionen des Anbieters mit seinen Kunden als digitale Services, die den Kunden unterstützen: bei der Suche nach Produkten und Dienstleistungen sowie der Auswahl und Nutzung derer. Dazu wird zunächst der Wert der digitalen Interaktion erarbeitet, bezeichnet als Value in Interaction. Dieser entsteht auf einer Beziehungsebene, der Matching-Ebene und der Ebene der eigentlichen Dienstleistung. Auf jeder dieser Ebenen wird ein Wert geschaffen – der Beziehungswert, der Matching-Wert und der Dienstleistungswert. Mit konkreten Handlungsempfehlungen wird die Praxis bei der aktiven Gestaltung von Interaktionen in Form von digitalen Interaktionsservices unterstützt. Damit ist sichergestellt, dass nicht nur das Angebot, sondern auch die einzelnen Interaktionen in ihrer Gesamtheit auf den einzelnen Kunden und seine Bedürfnisse angepasst werden.
‘I’m never gonna stop watching it’: The paradox of parasocial break-ups in a post-object era
Authors: Holladay Holly Willson , Edgar Amanda Nell
Published: March 2020

In this article, we propose an understanding of parasocial relationships, in which fans build an affective relationship with characters and television programmes, as fandom’s emotional interior. Rather than being structured by fan productivity and community, parasocial relationships exist in a private, intimate space as fans develop deep emotional bonds with characters. When a series concludes, fans must therefore reconcile the dissolution of these relationships in a personal way, a process called the parasocial break-up. However, the current media landscape fosters the sense that the fan object is never truly ‘over’, which tempers the negative emotions of the parasocial break-up. Interviews with fans of The Office revealed that this process is paradoxical, as fans assert both the devastation of loss and the agency of denying that loss.
El aceite de coco (Cocos nucifera) como estabilizante de asfaltenos en un crudo del Estado Monagas, Venezuela: efecto de la temperatura
Authors: Velásquez Tomás Darío Marín
Published: March 2020

En esta investigación se presentan los resultados de la aplicación de aceite de coco (Cocos nucifera), como estabilizante de asfaltenos y el efecto del calentamiento en su desempeño, en una muestra de petróleo del Estado Monagas, Venezuela. El aceite de coco se sometió a 11 temperaturas entre 25 y 200 °C, para luego prepararse 12 mezclas con gasoil. Se determinó el umbral de floculación de los asfaltenos a muestras de 10 mL de petróleo dosificadas con 8µL de cada mezcla, aplicando volúmenes sucesivos de n-Heptano hasta observar los agregados en un microscopio óptico y el punto de dispersión aplicando volúmenes sucesivos de Xileno hasta observar la disolución de los agregados. Se determinó el Índice de Inestabilidad como la razón entre el punto de dispersión y umbral de floculación. Se aplicó análisis ANOVA para establecer la significancia del efecto de la temperatura sobre el Índice de Estabilidad. Se concluyó que las mezclas de aceite de coco y gasoil aumentan la estabilidad de los asfaltenos al ser aplicadas a la muestra de petróleo, sin embargo la temperatura tiene efecto estadísticamente significativo. El efecto del aceite fue positivo hasta la muestra calentada a 130 °C, perdiendo su efecto a partir de esa temperatura.
A gestão de redes interorganizacionais: aprendizados a partir de um caso de insucesso
Authors: Klein Leander Luiz , Freitas Filho Antônio Carlos , Reschke Carin Cristiane
Published: March 2020

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar os motivos que levaram uma rede interorganizacional ao insucesso. Para a consecução do objetivo proposto, foi selecionada uma rede de empresas que encerrou suas atividades depois de um ano e quatro meses em atividade. Foram conduzidas entrevistas semi estruturadas com seis empresários que compunham a rede. Os resultados mostram que a rede pesquisada teve dificuldades de gestão, falta de comprometimento dos integrantes, falhas na comunicação interna e organização das atividades. Estes fatores culminaram, nesse caso, na projeção pessimista de resultados futuros e no insucesso da rede.
Identificación de atributos para la gestión del branding semiótico de marcas automotrices en la región transfronteriza Ciudad Juárez-El Paso
Authors: Ramos Rubio Patricia , García Uribe Emmanuel Francisco
Published: March 2020

La gestión de marca tiene entornos cada vez más complejos. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue identificar los elementos del branding semiótico (atributos y símbolos) que deberían ser utilizados para posicionar las marcas automotrices en el mercado de la frontera de Cd. Juárez, Chih.–El Paso, Texas. Con información de consumidores de ambas ciudades, através de una investigación cuantitativa de tipo descriptivo y utilizando como técnica el análisis factorial por correspondencias se identificaron y contrastaron los atributos que los consumidores relacionaban con cuatro de las marcas automotrices más valiosas en el mundo (Toyota, Ford, Nissan y Honda) Los resultados sugieren que los consumidores de ambas ciudades perciben las marcas y valoran atributos de un modo distinto, resaltando que en Cd. Juárez, Chih. (México) los consumidores valoran más los atributos experienciales mientras que en El Paso, TX (Estados Unidos) valoran los atributos funcionales.
Marco metodológico para evaluar el desempeño ambiental de la disposición de residuos y subproductos en la producción de FCOJ
Authors: Rodrigues Andréia Marize , Girotto Rebelato Marcelo , Cerqueira Amanda , Castañeda Ayarza uan Arturo
Published: March 2020

Las operaciones productivas industriales generan residuos que impactan el suelo, el agua y la atmósfera. En Brasil, las operaciones industriales de la producción de jugo de naranja congelado y concentrado (FCOJ) impactan el ambiente debido a los millones de toneladas de residuos y subproductos que se generan. El objetivo de esta investigación es proponer un marco metodológico que permita evaluar el desempeño ambiental de la disposi-ción de residuos y subproductos generados en las etapas industriales de la producción de FCOJ. Para esto se elaboró un constructo con base en 37 resi-duos/subproductos, ponderados a través del método analytic hierarchy process. Las principales contribuciones de la propuesta son: considera especificidades del proceso productivo de FCOJ; tiene como base los residuos y subproduc-tos generados; pondera el impacto en el agua, el suelo y la atmósfera para cada residuo y subproducto, de acuerdo con su composición y la cantidad generada; muestra el vertimiento adecuado para cada elemento considerado.
Towards the Security Analysis of the Five Most Prominent IPv4aaS Technologies
Authors: Al-Azzawi Ameen
Published: March 2020

This paper surveys the five most important technologies for IPv4aaS (IPv4-as-a-Service), namely 464XLAT, DS-Lite (Dual-Stack Lite), lw4o6 (Lightweight 4over6), MAP-E and MAP-T. The aim of our effort is to identify the potential security issues within these technologies. We plan to perform their security analysis following the STRIDE approach, which stands for spoofing, tampering, repudiation, information disclosure, denial of service and elevation of privilege. We give a short introduction for the method. Within the five IPv4aaS technologies, we focus on 464XLAT, its architecture and operation. We construct a DFD diagram suitable for its security analysis according to the STRIDE methodology, thus making the first steps towards finding its potential vulnerabilities and seeking for their mitigations.
Unique Organization of Actin Cytoskeleton in Magnocellular Vasopressin Neurons in Normal Conditions and in Response to Salt-Loading
Authors: Barad Zsuzsanna , Jacob-Tomas Suleima , Sobrero Alberto , Lean Graham , Hicks Amirah-Iman , Yang Jieyi , Choe Katrina Y. , Prager-Khoutorsky Masha
Published: March 2020

Magnocellular neurosecretory cells (MNCs) are intrinsically osmosensitive and can be activated by increases in blood osmolality, triggering the release of antidiuretic hormone vasopressin (VP) to promote water retention. Hence, the activity of magnocellular VP neurons is one of the key elements contributing to the regulation of body fluid homeostasis in healthy organisms. Chronic exposure to high dietary salt leads to excessive activation of VP neurons, thereby elevating levels of circulating VP, which can cause increases in blood pressure contributing to salt-dependent hypertension. However, the molecular basis underlying high-salt diet-induced hyperactivation of magnocellular VP neurons remains not fully understood. Previous studies suggest that magnocellular neurosecretory neurons contain a subcortical layer of actin filaments and pharmacological stabilization of this actin network potentiates osmotically-induced activation of magnocellular neurons. Using super-resolution imagingin situ, we investigated the organization of the actin cytoskeleton in rat MNCs under normal physiological conditions and after a chronic increase in blood osmolality following 7 d of salt-loading (SL). We found that, in addition to the subcortical layer of actin filaments, magnocellular VP neurons are endowed with a unique network of cytoplasmic actin filaments throughout their somata. Moreover, we revealed that the density of both subcortical and cytoplasmic actin networks in magnocellular VP neurons is dramatically increased following SL. These results suggest that increased osmo-responsiveness of VP neurons following chronic exposure to high dietary salt may be mediated by the modulation of unique actin networks in magnocellular VP neurons, possibly contributing to elevated blood pressure in this condition.
Coding of Navigational Distance and Functional Constraint of Boundaries in the Human Scene-Selective Cortex
Authors: Park Jeongho , Park Soojin
Published: March 2020

For visually guided navigation, the use of environmental cues is essential. Particularly, detecting local boundaries that impose limits to locomotion and estimating their location is crucial. In a series of three fMRI experiments, we investigated whether there is a neural coding of navigational distance in the human visual cortex (both female and male). We used virtual reality software to systematically manipulate the distance from a viewer perspective to different types of a boundary. Using a multivoxel pattern classification employing a linear support vector machine, we found that the occipital place area (OPA) is sensitive to the navigational distance restricted by the transparent glass wall. Further, the OPA was sensitive to a non-crossable boundary only, suggesting an importance of the functional constraint of a boundary. Together, we propose the OPA as a perceptual source of external environmental features relevant for navigation.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTOne of major goals in cognitive neuroscience has been to understand the nature of visual scene representation in human ventral visual cortex. An aspect of scene perception that has been overlooked despite its ecological importance is the analysis of space for navigation. One of critical computation necessary for navigation is coding of distance to environmental boundaries that impose limit on navigator's movements. This paper reports the first empirical evidence for coding of navigational distance in the human visual cortex and its striking sensitivity to functional constraint of environmental boundaries. Such finding links the paper to previous neurological and behavioral works that emphasized the distance to boundaries as a crucial geometric property for reorientation behavior of children and other animal species.
A cuckoo search based neural network to predict fatigue life in rotor blade composites
Authors: Ziane Khaled , Ilinca Adrian , Khan Abdullah , Zebirate Soraya
Published: March 2020

In modern wind turbine blades industry, fiber-reinforced composites are mostly used for their good mechanical characteristics: high stiffness, low density and long fatigue life. Wind turbine blades are constructed in different structural elements from a variety of composite laminates, often including Unidirectional (UD) material in spars and multiple forms of Multidirectional (MD) in skins and webs.  The purpose of this paper is to identify materials that have appropriate fiber orientations to improve fatigue life. By using Cuckoo Search-based Neural Network (CSNN), we have developed a model to predict fatigue life under tension-tension charges for five composite materials, with different fiber stacking sequences embedded in three types of resin matrices (epoxy, polyester and vinylester), which are all appropriate for the design of wind turbine blades. In the CSNN approach used in this work, the cost function was assessed using the Mean Square Error (MSE) computed as the squared difference between the predicted values and the target values for a number of training set samples, obtained from an experimental fatigue database. The results illustrate that the CSNN can provide accurate fatigue life prediction for different MD/UD composite laminates, under different angles of fiber orientation.
Analisis Finansial Pertanian Garam dan Pengguna Geoisolator di Kecamatan Batangan dan Juwana
Authors: Dwi Prayitno Angga , Ari Wibowo Prasetyo
Published: March 2020

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah menganalisis keuntungan serta kelayakan finansial pada usaha pertanian garam tradisional dan pengguna geoisolator di Kabupaten Pati. Metode penelitian adalah studi kasus, alat analisis yang digunakan adalah analisis deskriptif, analisis pendapatan usaha tani, serta analisis kelayakan investasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan mekanisme produksi usaha pertanian garam tradisional dan pengguna geoisolator hampir sama, perbedaannya pada media yang digunakan. Usaha pertanian garam pengguna geoisolator lebih menguntungkan untuk dijalankan karena keuntungan yang diperoleh lebih besar daripada tradisional. Kelayakan investasi pada usaha pertanian garam tradisional dan pengguna geoisolator sama-sama layak dilihat dari nilai NPV, Net B/C, dan IRR. Penurunan harga sangat mempengaruhi keuntungan serta kelayakan usaha pertanian garam. Usaha pertanian garam pengguna geoisolator lebih sensitif dibandingkan tradisional apabila terjadi penurunan harga sebesar 24,5%..

The purpose of this research is to analyze the profit and financial feasibility of traditional salt farming business and geoisolator users in Pati Regency. The research method is a case study, the analytical tool used is descriptive analysis, farm income analysis, and investment feasibility analysis. The results show that the production mechanism of traditional salt farming and geoisolator users is almost the same, the difference is in the media used. Salt farming users of geoisolators are more profitable to run because the profits gained are greater than the traditional ones. The feasibility of investing in traditional salt farming and geoisolator users is equally feasible in terms of NPV, Net B / C, and IRR values. The decrease in prices greatly affect the profits and feasibility of salt farming business. The salt farming business of geoisolator are more sensitive than tradisional in the event of a 24.5% price reduction.