bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of current and future climates on the growth dynamics and distributions of two riverine fishes
Authors: Allen‐Ankins Slade , Stoffels Rick J.
Published: August 2020

To facilitate conservation planning, there is a need for improved confidence in forecasts of climate change impacts on species distributions. Towards that end, there have been calls for the development of process‐based models to test hypotheses concerning the mechanisms by which temperature shapes distribution and to corroborate forecasts of correlative models.

Models of temperature‐dependent growth (TDG) were developed for two Australian riverine blackfishes with disjunct longitudinal distributions: Gadopsis marmoratus (occupies lower, warmer elevations) and Gadopsis bispinosus (occupies higher, cooler elevations). The models were used to (a) predict blackfish monthly and annual growth dynamics under current and future climate scenarios within different elevation bands of their current distribution, and (b) test the hypothesis that, under the current climate, the distributions of each species would be positively correlated with predicted TDG.

Increases in mean annual growth were forecast for both species under all warming scenarios, across all elevation bands. Both species currently occupy annual habitat temperatures below those optimal for growth. Under certain warming scenarios, the predicted increases in annual growth belie forecasts of within‐year dynamics that may interact with the phenology of blackfish to impair recruitment.

There was not a significant positive linear relationship between predicted TDG and observed abundance among river segments for either species. Both species were strongly under‐represented where annual growth rates were forecast to be optimal and over‐represented where growth rates were forecast to be intermediate.

Confidence in forecasts of climate change impacts based on correlative models will increase when those forecasts are consistent with a mechanistic understanding of how specific drivers (e.g. water temperature) affect processes (e.g. growth). This process‐based study revealed surprises concerning how future climates may affect fish growth dynamics, showing that although the blackfish distributions are correlated with temperature the temperature‐dependent mechanisms underpinning that correlation require further investigation.
Branching morphogenesis as a driver of renal development
Authors: Short Kieran M. , Smyth Ian M.
Published: August 2020

Branching morphogenesis is an integral developmental mechanism central to the formation of a range of organs including the kidney, lung, pancreas and mammary gland. The ramified networks of epithelial tubules it establishes are critical for the processes of secretion, excretion and exchange mediated by these tissues. In the kidney, branching serves to establish the collecting duct system that transports urine from the nephrons into the renal pelvis, ureter and finally the bladder. Generally speaking, the formation of these networks in different organs begins with the specification and differentiation of simple bud‐like organ anlage, which then undergo a process of elaboration, typically by bifurcation. This process is often governed by the interaction of progenitor cells at the tips of the epithelia with neighboring mesenchymal cell populations which direct the branching process and which often themselves differentiate to form part of the adult organ. In the kidney, the tips of ureteric bud elaborate through a dynamic cell signaling relationship with overlying nephron progenitor cell populations. These cells sequentially commit to differentiation and the resulting nephrons reintegrate with the ureteric epithelium as development progresses. This review will describe recent advances in understanding the how the elaboration of the ureteric bud is patterned and consider the extent to which this process is shared with other organs.
A lower psoas muscle index predicts a poorer prognosis in metastatic hormone‐naïve prostate cancer
Authors: Iwamoto Genta , Kawahara Takashi , Miyai Toshitaka , Yasui Masato , Hasumi Hisashi , Miyoshi Yasuhide , Yao Masahiro , Uemura Hiroji
Published: August 2020

Introduction

A recent investigation revealed that sarcopenia was associated with a poorer prognosis in some solid malignancies, including prostate cancer. In most reports, sarcopenia was defined as a low psoas volume on CT. This study investigated the association of sarcopenia, determined according to the psoas muscle volume and density on CT, with the prognosis in patients with metastatic hormone‐naïve prostate cancer (mHNPC).

Methods

A total of 66 patients initially diagnosed with mHNPC were enrolled in this study. Skeletal muscle was evaluated according to the psoas muscle index density (PMID) on computed tomography scans. The psoas muscle volume was calculated at the level of L3 and CT density was evaluated as the mean CT density at the psoas muscle area. We divided the patients into higher and lower PMID groups.

Results

The lower PMID group (on both sides) showed a poorer overall survival than the higher PMID group (Right: 32.5 vs 99.0 months in Rt PMID, P = .014; Left: 36.0 vs 100.0 months in Lt PMID, P = .029). The lower PMID group (on both sides) showed a shorter time to CRPC (Right: 9.0 vs 42.0 months in Rt PMID, P = .006; Left: 9.0 vs 31.0 months in Lt PMID, P = .005). A multivariate analysis showed that lower Rt PMID and Lt PMID were independent risk factors for poorer OS (HR:2.02, 95%CI: 1.04‐3.90, P = .037, HR:2.29, 95%CI: 1.18‐4.47, P = .015, respectively). For CRPC, both Rt and Lt lower PMID also showed independent risk factors for shorter time to CRPC (HR:2.39, 95%CI: 1.23‐4.62, P = .010, HR:2.43, 95%CI: 1.23‐4.78, P = .010, respectively).

Conclusions

Among mHNPC patients, both lower PMID groups showed a poorer overall survival and shorter time to CRPC than the higher PMID groups.
Enantioselective Cascade Biocatalysis for Deracemization of Racemic β‐Amino Alcohols to Enantiopure (S)‐β‐Amino Alcohols by Employing Cyclohexylamine Oxidase and ω‐Transaminase
Authors: Zhang Jian‐Dong , Chang Ya‐Wen , Dong Rui , Yang Xiao‐Xiao , Gao Li‐Li , Li Jing , Huang Shuang‐Ping , Guo Xing‐Mei , Zhang Chao‐Feng , Chang Hong‐Hong
Published: August 2020

Optically active β‐amino alcohols are very useful chiral intermediates frequently used in the preparation of pharmaceutically active substances. Here, a novel cyclohexylamine oxidase (ArCHAO) was identified from the genome sequence of Arthrobacter sp. TYUT010‐15 with the R‐stereoselective deamination activity of β‐amino alcohol. ArCHAO was cloned and successfully expressed in E. coli BL21, purified and characterized. Substrate‐specific analysis revealed that ArCHAO has high activity (4.15 to 6.34 U mg−1 protein) and excellent enantioselectivity toward the tested β‐amino alcohols. By using purified ArCHAO, a wide range of racemic β‐amino alcohols were resolved, (S)‐β‐amino alcohols were obtained in >99 % ee. Deracemization of racemic β‐amino alcohols was conducted by ArCHAO‐catalyzed enantioselective deamination and transaminase‐catalyzed enantioselective amination to afford (S)‐β‐amino alcohols in excellent conversion (78–94 %) and enantiomeric excess (>99 %). Preparative‐scale deracemization was carried out with 50 mM (6.859 g L−1) racemic 2‐amino‐2‐phenylethanol, (S)‐2‐amino‐2‐phenylethanol was obtained in 75 % isolated yield and >99 % ee.
Conceptualizations and Strategies to Enhance Student Success in the Transfer Swirl
Authors: Soler Maria Claudia
Published: August 2020

This chapter describes transfer swirl as the back‐and‐forth movement that students make between more than two community colleges before transferring to a university. A discussion on the implications of using inconsistent definitions to refer to students who transfer swirl occurs.
Filling the Transfer Advising Gap Through a Collaborative Partnership
Authors: Carlsen Paula K. , Gangeness Jeanine E.
Published: August 2020

This chapter describes a strong partnership with a long history between Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) and Winona State University (WSU), and focuses on the advising process utilized by a shared advisor employed by both institutions that has resulted in an improved transfer experience for students.
Midterm outcomes after the rescue THV‐in‐THV procedure: Insights from the multicenter prospective OCEAN‐TAVI registry
Authors: Hibino Makoto , Tabata Minoru , Ito Joji , Shibayama Kentaro , Obunai Kotaro , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Tada Norio , Naganuma Toru , Araki Motoharu , Yamanaka Futoshi , Ueno Hiroshi , Mizutani Kazuki , Higashimori Akihiro , Takagi Kensuke , Watanabe Yusuke , Shirai Shinichi , Yamamoto Masanori , Hayashida Kentaro
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To confirm whether the rescue transcatheter heart valve in the transcatheter heart valve (THV‐in‐THV) procedure is effective and feasible, we aimed to assess the midterm outcomes following rescue THV‐in‐THV procedures. The trends in the usage of the rescue THV‐in‐THV procedure at the time of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) have also been explored.

Background

Midterm outcomes of the rescue THV‐in‐THV procedure have been poorly defined, though it is popular as an effective method to bail‐out some complications in TAVI.

Methods

We reviewed data from the Optimized transCathEter vAlvular iNtervention‐Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (OCEAN‐TAVI) registry and compared the outcomes of TAVI with rescue THV‐in‐THV and TAVI without rescue THV‐in‐THV. We also examined the annual rates of rescue THV‐in‐THV procedures in all the TAVI procedures between 2013 and 2017.

Results

Among 2,588 patients who underwent TAVI, 26 patients have required rescue THV‐in‐THV for valve malposition (n = 23) or severe transvalvular regurgitation because of stuck THV leaflets (n = 3). Three cases needed an open conversion, and two died in the hospital. The rates of new permanent pacemaker implantation, acute kidney injury, and stroke were higher in the THV‐in‐THV group. A two‐year cumulative survival and echocardiographic outcomes succeeding rescue THV‐in‐THV procedure were comparable to non‐THV‐in‐THV cases. The rate of rescue THV‐in‐THV procedure lessened from 2.6% in 2013 to 0.6% in 2017.

Conclusions

The rescue THV‐in‐THV procedure is an effective and feasible option for THV malpositioning and stuck valve. It has given a comparable survival and a stable valve function over midterm observation periods.
Morphological assessments of deficient posterior‐inferior rim for transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect
Authors: Takaya Yoichi , Akagi Teiji , Nakagawa Koji , Nakayama Rie , Miki Takashi , Toh Norihisa , Ito Hiroshi
Published: August 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to determine morphological characteristics of deficient posterior‐inferior rim for transcatheter atrial septal defect (ASD) closure success.

Background

The feasibility of transcatheter closure of ASD with deficient posterior‐inferior rim remains unclear.

Methods

Of 869 patients with ASD who were scheduled transcatheter closure, 121 with posterior‐inferior rim of <5 mm were included. Posterior‐inferior rim morphologies were evaluated by transesophageal echocardiography.

Results

One hundred six patients successfully underwent transcatheter closure, while 15 patients failed. These 15 patients had complete deficient posterior‐inferior rim of 0 mm and/or a large defect of ≥38 mm. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that transcatheter closure failure was independently related to complete deficient posterior‐inferior rim and a large defect of ≥38 mm. Incomplete deficient posterior‐inferior rim of >0 to <5 mm was observed in 84 patients. All these patients successfully underwent transcatheter closure, except two patients with a large defect of ≥38 mm. Complete deficient posterior‐inferior rim was observed in 37 patients. The frequency of complete deficient posterior‐inferior rim was higher in patients who failed transcatheter closure (87% vs. 23%, p < .01), but transcatheter closure was performed successfully if the range of complete deficient rim was ≤30°. After the procedure, no adverse events occurred during a median follow‐up of 24 months.

Conclusions

Most patients with deficient posterior‐inferior rim successfully underwent transcatheter closure. Transcatheter closure could be performed even in patients with complete deficient posterior‐inferior rim if the range was partial. Our findings can help to identify candidates for transcatheter closure.
Clinical characteristics and in hospital outcomes of heart transplant recipients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: Insights from the National Inpatient Sample
Authors: Shah Harshil , Patel Shakumar , Solanki Shantanu , Wudexi Ivan , Singh Jagmeet , Mullangi Sanjana , Shah Priyal , Sarker Khadiza , Shah Chail , Patel Achint
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Cardiac transplant patients are at increased risk of Coronary Allograft Vasculopathy which requires percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Background

We aim to determine national epidemiology describing trends, mortality, and morbidity risks in patients with heart transplant undergoing PCI.

Methods

We used Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) data from 2002 to 2014 to identify adult hospitalizations with PCI using ICD 9 codes. Acute myocardial infarction (AMI), cardiac transplant status and complications were identified using validated ICD‐9‐CM diagnosis codes. Endpoints were in‐hospital mortality and peri‐procedural complications. Propensity match analysis was performed to compare the end‐points between DES and BMS.

Results

Total 8,613,900 patients underwent PCI, of which 1,531(0.002%) patients had prior heart transplant status. Among these 1,531 PCIs, 311(20%) were due to AMI including 125(8%) due to STEMI. 74% of PCIs were done in males and 78% of the PCIs were performed in the 60–79 age group. Out of 1,380 stents placed, 1,090 were DES (79%) and 290 (21%) were BMS. Mortality was higher in the BMS versus DES (8.34% vs. 3.45%, p = .012),

Conclusion

We concluded that majority of the population who underwent PCI were older males. DES was used more than BMS. The use of BMS is associated with increased mortality, cardiac complications and Acute Kidney Injury requiring dialysis compared with DES which likely is representative of preferential use of DES in these patient population.
Antithrombotic strategies in patients needing oral anticoagulation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: A network meta‐analysis
Authors: Saglietto Andrea , D'Ascenzo Fabrizio , Errigo Daniele , Leonardi Sergio , Dewilde Willem J , Conrotto Federico , Omedè Pierluigi , Montefusco Antonio , Angelini Filippo , De Filippo Ovidio , Bianco Matteo , Gallone Guglielmo , Bruno Francesco , Zaccaro Lorenzo , Giannini Francesco , Latib Azeem , Colombo Antonio , Costa Francesco , De Ferrari Gaetano Maria
Published: August 2020

Background

The optimal antithrombotic regimen in patients with a concomitant indication for oral anticoagulation (OAT) presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains unclear.

Objectives

To perform a network meta‐analysis of all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating different antithrombotic regimens among patients with ACS or undergoing PCI requiring OAT.

Methods

Network meta‐analysis was performed in a frequentist framework. Antithrombotic regimens were categorized by OAC type (vitamin K antagonist‐based [VKA]; non‐VKA OAT [NOAC]) and antiplatelet agents (P2Y inhibitor only: dual therapy [DAT]; P2Y plus aspirin: triple therapy [TAT]). Safety outcomes were Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) major bleeding and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Efficacy outcomes were cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke and stent‐thrombosis (ST).

Results

Five RCTs were included, encompassing 10,797 patients (atrial fibrillation 69–100%, ACS 28–62%, PCI 77–100%). Both VKA and NOAC‐based DAT regimens reduced the occurrence of TIMI major bleeding compared to VKA TAT (VKA DAT: RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.39–0.98; NOAC DAT: RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.39–0.70). Nevertheless, only NOAC DAT significantly reduced the occurrence of ICH compared to VKA TAT (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.17–0.64). Ischemic outcomes were similar among the four treatment regimens. However, numerical, potentially clinically important, higher ST occurrence was observed for NOAC DAT as compared to both VKA TAT (1.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.96–2.33) and NOAC TAT (1.86, 95% CI 0.93–3.73).

Conclusion

DAT regimens present the highest safety profile among antithrombotic strategies, with a NOAC‐specific impact on ICH reduction. NOAC DAT might entail clinically important higher ST occurrence, warranting a case‐by‐case comprehensive evaluation that integrates patient‐ and procedure‐related residual ischemic risk with the patient‐specific bleeding risk.
End‐to‐end analysis modeling of vibrational spectroscopy based on deep learning approach
Authors: Wang Xin , Yu Long , Tian Shengwei , Lv Xiaoyi , Meng Xin , Zhang Wendong
Published: August 2020

The characteristics of the spectral data are essential for the qualitative analysis of substances. Traditional classification models often need to preprocess the data. However, misuse of preprocessing may change the characteristic information carried by the original data which result in poor model performance. This paper proposes an end‐to‐end deep learning method that combines residual modules to learn features from raw data to improve model performance, which called ResidualSpectra. ResidualSpectra model is compared with three convolutional neural network (CNN) models on the original data. The 15 preprocessing approaches are used to evaluate the preprocessing impact by testing five open‐access mid‐infrared, near‐infrared, and Raman spectra datasets (fruits, meats, olive_oils, Tablets_Nir, Tablets_Raman). In most cases, the ResidualSpectra model performs better than the other three CNN models on five datasets and obtains better results in original data than in preprocessed data. The model is compared with linear discriminant analysis (LDA), nonlinear artificial neural network (ANN), support vector machines (SVM) for original and preprocessed data. The results show that the ResidualSpectra method provides improved results over traditional classification methods in most scenarios.
Loop‐shaped elements for anchoring carbon reinforcement in concrete
Authors: Speck Kerstin , Rittner Steffen , Bracklow Franz , Ewertowski Mateusz , Curbach Manfred , Cherif Chokri
Published: August 2020

Carbon reinforcements enjoy increasing popularity both in building reinforcement and in new construction. The use of yarns with more than 50 000 filaments per roving and finenesses of up to 3300 tex, so‐called heavy tows, enables greater permissible stress and thus increases the performance of the textile reinforced concrete structures. However, high yarn tensile forces with an almost constant roving surface lead to an extension of the required end anchorage and overlap areas. In the project, it was investigated whether a modified loop‐shaped yarn arrangement at the selvages could guarantee force transmission over shorter lengths and thus enables a more economic design of this type of construction. This paper presents the results generated within the investigations, proving the potential of the applied method. Manufacturing possibilities, force transmission mechanisms, material properties, and failure mechanisms were analyzed.
Synergistic Self‐Assembly of Oxoanions and d‐Block Metal Ions with Heteroditopic Receptors into Triple‐Stranded Helicates
Authors: Thevenet Alexiane , Custelcean Radu , Moyer Bruce A. , Jansone‐Popova Santa
Published: August 2020

Cooperativity effects among the interconnected anion and cation binding sites can profoundly alter the performance of heteroditopic receptors in selective ion pair recognition, processes that are oftentimes pertinent to biological systems and chemical separations. This work reports the effect of the linker that connects both binding sites on self‐assembly of heteroditopic receptors in the presence of divalent first‐row transition metal salts in solution and solid phase. Introduction of backbone flexibility in the receptor results in the formation of triple‐stranded ion‐pair helicates with an extraordinary selectivity towards CuSO4 through an anion‐induced fit.
Dihydroquinazolinones via A3‐Type Reactions of N‐Carbamoyliminium Ions
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Oliveira Maria Teresa , Madsen Daniel , Thompson Andrej , Meldal Morten , Diness Frederik
Published: August 2020

A variant of the A3 coupling reaction was developed utilizing in situ generated N‐carbamoyliminium ions. The tandem INCIC/A3‐coupling sequence provided a facile one‐pot synthesis of dihydroquinazolinone derivatives. The scope of the reaction was demonstrated in solution as well as on solid support. The reaction was further combined with peptide synthesis, SNAr reactions, CuAAC triazole formation or bromination, providing additional opportunities for further diversification of the dihydroquinazolinone scaffolds.
Mir‐27a‐3p attenuates bronchiolitis obliterans in vivo via the regulation of dendritic cells’ maturation and the suppression of myofibroblasts’ differentiation
Authors: Dong Ming , Wang Xin , Li Tong , Wang Jing , Yang Yunwei , Liu Yi , Jing Yaqing , Zhao Honglin , Chen Jun
Published: August 2020

Bronchiolitis obliterans (BO), is a chronic rejection phenotype characterized by chronic small airway fibrous obliteration, hinders the patients who suffer from lung transplanting for surviving longer. Cell‐based therapies using dendritic cells (DCs) and T regulatory cells (Tregs) have been developed to regulate allograft rejection, and to induce and maintain immune tolerance. In the present study, the effects of mir‐27a‐3p on regulating DCs as well as resulting effects on BO attenuation have been investigated. According to our reporter assays, the potential targets of mir‐27a‐3p were Smad2, sprouty2, and Smad4, respectively. Furthermore, sprouty2 inhibition by mir‐27‐3p indirectly activated extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) and increased IL‐10 production in DCs. This led to a positive feedback loop that maintained the immature state of DCs via IL‐10/JAK/STAT3 pathway, and caused an increase in Foxp3+CD4+ T cells amount as well as TGF‐β level. Furthermore, mir‐27a‐3p regulated TGF‐β function, inhibited TGF‐β/Smad pathway, and suppressed myofibroblast differentiation through influencing the function of Smad2 and Smad4. In short, the study indicated the effect of mir‐27a‐3p on suppressing DC maturation, which implicated the potential clinical application in treating postlung transplant BO.
Pyrotinib combined with CDK4/6 inhibitor in HER2‐positive metastatic gastric cancer: A promising strategy from AVATAR mouse to patients
Authors: Chen Zuhua , Xu Yingying , Gong Jifang , Kou Furong , Zhang Mengqi , Tian Tiantian , Zhang Xiaotian , Zhang Cheng , Li Jian , Li Zhongwu , Lai Yumei , Zou Jianjun , Zhu Xiaoyu , Gao Jing , Shen Lin
Published: August 2020

Background

Pyrotinib was well tolerated but its efficacy was unsatisfactory in patients with HER2‐positive gastric cancer (GC) (NCT02378389). This study was to optimize the efficacy of pyrotinib.

Methods

Human GC cell lines and AVATAR mice were used to explore the refractory mechanisms of pyrotinib. A pyrotinib‐combined strategy was proposed, which was validated in preclinical AVATAR mouse and in clinical patients enrolled in a phase I clinical trial (NCT03480256).

Results

Dysregulation of CCND1‐CDK4/6‐Rb axis might be the key to pyrotinib refractory. The strategy of pyrotinib combined with a CDK4/6 inhibitor SHR6390 was proposed and validated in preclinical AVATAR mouse, which was successfully verified in clinical patients. For five patients treated with pyrotinib plus SHR6390 who had available response evaluation, the best response was partial response in three patients, stable disease in one patient, and progressive disease in one patient. The progression‐free survival times were 120, 200, 532, 109, and 57 days, respectively.

Conclusions

This translational study suggests that pyrotinib combined with SHR6390 may serve as a promising strategy for patients with HER2‐positive GC.

Trial registration

The ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers are NCT02378389 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT02378389, registered in 11 February 2015) and NCT03480256 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT03480256, registered in 8 March 2018).
Interference alignment and scheduling in clustered partially connected small cell networks
Authors: Ghorbani Kosar , Falahati Abolfazl
Published: August 2020

Interference alignment (IA) is a beneficial interference management technique in heterogeneous networks (HetNets). Bearing this in mind, we target partially connected networks of small cells that are allocated randomly in a macrocell, whereas IA feasibility conditions may not be satisfied. To address this issue, we propose a new scheme with novel clustering and scheduling algorithms that is accomplished in three stages. The proposed scheme is accomplished by knowing the connection matrix of the established links that is obtained by different threshold values in the first stage. In the second stage, a new clustering algorithm is proposed to separate the cells to groups in which IA is feasible, and the feedback overhead is reduced. In the last stage, cluster scheduling method is proposed to efficiently schedule the clusters. The cluster scheduling allows the selected clusters with trivial intercluster interferences to transmit at the same time slot. The simulation results indicate the improvement of achievable averaged sum rate by the proposed clustering and cluster scheduling.
Ensure your office's services include Title IX compliance
Authors: Enos Gary A.
Published: August 2020

Some students lack access to key supports related to Title IX. Maria G. Pena, a member of the Disability Compliance for Higher Education Board of Advisors and national chair‐elect of the Disability Knowledge Community for NASPA, discussed the adjustments universities should make to close service gaps under Title IX.
Consider effective ways to communicate with faculty members about extended time
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: August 2020

Sometimes faculty members resist the accommodation of extended time. A design thinking approach can help disability services providers discuss the issue, said Nicole S. Ofiesh, Ph.D., Co‐Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at Potentia Institute 21. She spoke at the Association for Higher Education And Disability annual conference.
Understand practice, compliance issues of pandemic‐driven telework environment
Authors: Porter Michael
Published: August 2020

Through jarring, health‐crisis‐driven forced closures, the vast majority of employees for many colleges and universities began conducting their work from home, on various types of network connections and through video‐application meetings. As institutions phase into the next academic year, ongoing telework arrangements and employment laws are likely to become more prominent administration challenges and legal risk areas.
Overcoming the hurdles: Understanding motivation and supporting adult learners with poor literacy and dyslexia in the homelessness sector
Authors: Goodacre Kat , Sumner Emma
Published: August 2020

Literacy difficulties are often reported by adults with experience of homelessness. Yet, research on their learning experiences and clarity on how best to support this group is lacking. The present study explored the experience of homeless literacy learners (HLLs) and asked what motivated them to engage with literacy support and the teaching‐related factors perceived to be most effective. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 10 HLLs (aged 31–68) engaged in literacy provision at a homelessness charity in the United Kingdom. Thematic analysis of the data revealed five key themes: challenging early experiences; barriers to improving literacy; the perceived impact of poor literacy; current motivation to improve literacy; and approaches that support literacy in adulthood. A significant majority of HLLs reported early traumatic learning experiences and 7 out of 10 (70%) disclosed a diagnosis of dyslexia. Specialist dyslexia support was reported to help HLLs feel understood and positive relationships with teachers helped self‐esteem and self‐efficacy related to their literacy learning. Recommendations are made for specialist teachers to be made more readily available to support HLLs, as well as to advise service providers and professionals engaging with adult learners with experience of homelessness across the sector.
Prevalence of epilepsy in Bangladesh: Results from a national household survey
Authors: Mohammad Quazi Deen , Saha Narayan Chandra , Alam Md Badrul , Hoque Seikh Azimul , Islam Ariful , Chowdhury Rajib Nayan , Hussain Mohammad Enayet , Chowdhury Yamin Shahriar , Hossain Sakhawat , Chowdhury Mahmood Ahmed , Rahman Matiur , Majumder Bikash Kumar , Salam Abdus , Sarker Amitabh , Uddin Md Kafil , Moniruzzaman Mohammad , Hakim Ferdous , Bhuiyan Rijwan , Anwar Nazneen , Zaman Mohammad Mostafa
Published: August 2020

Objective

To determine the prevalence and types of epilepsy in Bangladesh.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide population‐based cross‐sectional survey among Bangladeshi population of all ages, except children under one month. We surveyed 9839 participants (urban, 4918; rural, 4920) recruited at their households using multistage cluster sampling. Trained physicians with neurology background confirmed the diagnosis of suspected epilepsy cases identified by interviewer‐administered questionnaires. We reported the overall and sex, residence, and age groups‐specific prevalence of epilepsy per 1000 populations with 95% confidence interval.

Results

The national prevalence of epilepsy per 1000 was 8.4 (95% CI 5.6‐11.1), urban 8.0 (4.6‐11.4), and rural 8.5 (5.60‐11.5). The prevalence in adult males and females was 9.2 (5.7‐12.6) and 7.7 (3.6‐11.7), respectively. The prevalence in children aged <18 years (8.2, 3.4‐13.0 was similar to adults (8.5 (5.4‐11.4). Among all epilepsy cases, 65.1% had active epilepsy. Their (active epilepsy) prevalence was 5.8 (3.5‐8.1). Of them, 63.4% were not receiving treatment. Moreover, those who received allopathy treatment, 72.5% had low adherence leading to a high treatment gap.

Significance

Our findings out of this first‐ever national survey were similar to other Asian countries. However, the prevalence of active epilepsy and treatment gap were considerably higher. This study serves useful evidence for tailoring interventions aimed to reduce the burden of epilepsy—primarily through targeted community awareness program—and access to antiepileptic treatment in health facilities in Bangladesh.
Internet of underground things‐assisted performance evaluation for underbalanced drilling telemetry systems
Authors: Xie Haiming , Zhou Jing , Zhang Peifen , Kumar Rakesh , Parthasarathy R.
Published: August 2020

This paper presents recent developments with an emphasis on communication technologies, problems with networks, and localization techniques on the Internet of Underground Things (IoUT). Presently, Underground (sensors), communications and network protocols are enabled to allow IoUT validation in an effective way. A new IoUT model is designed to detect and incorporate communications between various industries, such as oil and gas, forestry, earthquake mapping, and the underground boundary protection. Such applications require data collection from the underground resources deployed. While, the challenging underground climate, including sand, rock and water drainages, does not allow a single system of communication. Hence, a new advanced distance‐based approach and Channel Modeling have been developed for performance analysis and the ideal selection of the drilling telemetry system has been potentially analyzed for the development of an extended reservoir region. The predictive value of research is to build a structured and user‐friendly framework for assessing telecommunications efficiency and supporting the decision optimization process. The proposed system has been validated and used for an adequate range of telemetry techniques in under‐balanced drilling operations on a developed reservoir. Expert evaluations show the results and needs of telemetry systems achieve better results.
Secure indoor traffic modeling in long‐term evolution femtocell networks using efficient Markov decision process
Authors: Manzoor Iqra , Murawwat Sadia , Majid Gulzar Muhammad , Jameel Ahlam , Saadi Muhammad
Published: August 2020

Mobile users spent most of their time in an indoor environment, therefore it is crucial to develop indoor traffic models for next‐generation networks. The significance of this paper is related to the predominant femtocell technology as it is anticipated to be a very crucial part of the modern mobile networks such as 5G and beyond networks. The Femtocell network can satisfy the increased bandwidth demand for video and data traffic with improved network capacity and security. Indoor data traffic exhibits different characteristics that need to be dealt with distinct criteria of the Poisson process and existing classifying techniques. Indoor traffic models, proposed in the literature do not consider long‐range dependent characteristics for traffic modeling. Moreover, these traffic models have the ability to capture large flows only. In this paper, we have provided an efficient quality of service‐based classifier for downlink transmission in long‐term evolution (LTE)‐femtocell network. Our proposed algorithm models the indoor traffic by Poisson Lomax Burst Process. Modeled traffic streams, after prioritization, are classified using Markov Decision Process (MDP) classifier. Furthermore, a detailed comparison of our proposed MDP algorithm with the state‐of‐the‐art algorithms in the literature has also been presented. The network performance parameters have been assessed in terms of throughput, delay, and jitter. Simulation results depict a significant improvement in throughput in contrast with Round Robin (RR), which is approximately 8%, 6%, 6%, and 7% for voice, video, BE, and BG services, respectively, while modified least weighted delay first (MLWDF) gives least performance among them. MDP also provides an improvement in delay and average jitter of four different traffic flows and mixed traffic users when compared with RR and MLWDF algorithms.
A thermochemical reaction and kinetic characteristic study of municipal sludge in the atmosphere of treated flue gas from calcium looping (Ca‐L)
Authors: Cao Songshan , Liu Yuyi , Li Zhi , Duan Feng , Zhang Lihui , Cao Jun , Yang Xiaojun
Published: August 2020

In this study, an in situ weighting system was used to study the thermal behavior of dried municipal sludge (MS) in the flue gas exiting from calcium‐looping (Ca‐L) process. The results showed that mass loss peak, initial decomposition temperature, and decomposition complete temperature moved to high‐temperature zone with increased heating rate. However, they moved to low‐temperature zone at higher O2 and CO2 concentrations. Apparent activation energy (E) and preexponential factor (A) increased with the increase of heating rate and O2 concentration and decreased with the increase of CO2 concentration. The heating rate has the greatest effect on the thermal decomposition of dried MS. With the heating rate increasing, the maximum mass loss peak occurred from 301 to 493°C, the corresponding E and A increased from 36.14 to 45.69 kJ mol−1 and from 29.58 to 321.4 min, respectively. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of the number of bonds on bond portfolio exposure to interest rate risk
Authors: Chen Zhang , Sakouba Ibrahim
Published: August 2020

This paper investigates the relative importance of the impact of the number of bonds on bond portfolio exposure to interest rate risk. An experimental approach that extends the traditional full valuation approach is designed and implemented with latest data from Bloomberg and from the World Government Bonds. We find that the number of bonds in bond portfolio has a slight impact on the exposure of that portfolio to interest rate risk. This indicates that a bond portfolio with higher number of bonds is slightly less exposed to interest rate risk. This also indicates that a bond portfolio with fewer bonds is slightly more exposed to interest rate risk.
Non‐bacterial cystitis with increased expression of programmed death‐ligand 1 in the urothelium: An unusual immune‐related adverse event during treatment with pembrolizumab for lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ueki Yohei , Matsuki Masahiro , Kubo Terufumi , Morita Rena , Hirohashi Yoshihiko , Sato Syunsuke , Horibe Ryota , Matsuo Kazuhiko , Tsukahara Tomohide , Kanaseki Takayuki , Takakuwa Yasunari , Satoh Masaaki , Itoh Naoki , Torigoe Toshihiko
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are now a standard therapeutic option for lung adenocarcinoma. However, Immune checkpoint inhibitors often induce various immune‐related adverse events.

Case presentation

The patient was a 78‐year‐old woman with lung adenocarcinoma who had a partial response to pembrolizumab. During treatment, she complained of pollakiuria and nocturia with painful micturition. Histological analysis revealed infiltration of CD8‐positive and/or TIA‐1 cytotoxic granule‐associated RNA binding protein‐positive lymphocytes and programmed death‐ligand 1 expression in the urothelium. A diagnosis of immune‐related adverse event cystitis was made based on these clinical and pathological findings. The patient’s subjective symptoms and findings on cystoscopy improved dramatically after treatment with prednisolone.

Conclusion

Immune checkpoint inhibitors‐induced cystitis is extremely rare. This report is the first to include an immunohistochemical analysis of the urothelial epithelium in immune‐related adverse event cystitis and describes an instructive case.
Naturally Occurring Stable Calcium Isotope Ratios in Body Compartments Provide a Novel Biomarker of Bone Mineral Balance in Children and Young Adults
Authors: Shroff Rukshana , Fewtrell Mary , Heuser Alexander , Kolevica Ana , Lalayiannis Alexander , McAlister Louise , Silva Selmy , Goodman Nadine , Schmitt Claus P , Biassoni Lorenzo , Rahn Anja , Fischer Dagmar-Christiane , Eisenhauer Anton
Published: August 2020

Serum calcium (Ca), bone biomarkers, and radiological imaging do not allow accurate evaluation of bone mineral balance (BMB), a key determinant of bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk. We studied naturally occurring stable (non-radioactive) Ca isotopes in different body pools as a potential biomarker of BMB. 42Ca and 44Ca are absorbed from our diet and sequestered into different body compartments following kinetic principles of isotope fractionation; isotopically light 42Ca is preferentially incorporated into bone, whereas heavier 44Ca preferentially remains in blood and is excreted in urine and feces. Their ratio (δ44/42Ca) in serum and urine increases during bone formation and decreases with bone resorption. In 117 healthy participants, we measured Ca isotopes, biomarkers, and BMD by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and tibial peripheral quantitative CT (pQCT). 44Ca and 42Ca were measured by multi-collector ionization-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry in serum, urine, and feces. The relationship between bone Ca gain and loss was calculated using a compartment model. δ44/42Caserum and δ44/42Caurine were higher in children (n = 66, median age 13 years) compared with adults (n = 51, median age 28 years; p < 0.0001 and p = 0.008, respectively). δ44/42Caserum increased with height in boys (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.65) and was greatest at Tanner stage 4. δ44/42Caserum correlated positively with biomarkers of bone formation (25-hydroxyvitaminD [p < 0.0001, R2 = 0.37] and alkaline phosphatase [p = 0.009, R2 = 0.18]) and negatively with bone resorption marker parathyroid hormone (PTH; p = 0.03, R2 = 0.13). δ44/42Caserum strongly positively correlated with tibial cortical BMD Z-score (n = 62; p < 0.001, R2 = 0.39) but not DXA. Independent predictors of tibial cortical BMD Z-score were δ44/42Caserum (p = 0.004, β = 0.37), 25-hydroxyvitaminD (p = 0.04, β = 0.19) and PTH (p = 0.03, β = −0.13), together predicting 76% of variability. In conclusion, naturally occurring Ca isotope ratios in different body compartments may provide a novel, non-invasive method of assessing bone mineralization. Defining an accurate biomarker of BMB could form the basis of future studies investigating Ca dynamics in disease states and the impact of treatments that affect bone homeostasis. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Comparison of the specificity of rheumatoid factor detected by latex fixation with that of regulatory rheumatoid factor
Authors: Beduleva Liubov , Sidorov Alexandr , Semenova Kseniya , Menshikov Igor , Fomina Kseniya , Shklyaeva Natalia , Gilmanova Liliya
Published: August 2020

Background

Rheumatoid factor (RF), originally defined as pathological autoantibodies to IgG that are detected in rheumatoid arthritis, turned out to be multi‐specific antibodies, some of which exhibit immunoregulatory properties. Recently, we identified a RF, the production of which confers resistance to experimental autoimmune diseases and is associated with the remission of autoimmune diseases. To differentiate the RF, we discovered from the one associated with rheumatic disease onset or progression and to reflect its immunoregulatory properties, we named it regulatory rheumatoid factor (regRF). Immunization with conformers of Fc fragments that expose regRF neoepitopes reduces collagen‐induced arthritis in rats. Certain information about the specificity of classical RF and regRF indicates that these populations may be one and the same. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether there is a difference between the classical RF and regRF.

Methods

Classical RF was measured in diseased blood by the latex fixation method, and regRF was detected by the agglutination of human IgG‐loaded tanned erythrocytes. Competitive analysis was used to determine the specificity of rheumatoid factors.

Results

It was found that regRF and pathology‐associated RF constitute different antibody populations. Pathology‐associated RF is specific for lyophilized IgG. RegRF does not interact with IgG. RegRF is specific to conformers of IgG Fc fragments that have a reduced hinge. In latex‐positive rheumatoid arthritis sera, regRF may be present in addition to pathology‐associated RF. The latex fixation method detects both rheumatoid factor populations.

Conclusion

RegRF and classical pathology‐associated RF have different specificity.
Trauma exposure, PTSD symptoms, and tobacco use: Does church attendance buffer negative effects?
Authors: Mathew Amanda R. , Yang Eric , Avery Elizabeth F. , Crane Melissa M. , Lange‐Maia Brittney S. , Lynch Elizabeth B.
Published: August 2020

Traumatic stress and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are overrepresented in urban African American communities, and associated with health risk behaviors such as tobacco use. Support and resources provided by churches may reduce trauma‐related health risks. In the current study, we assessed weekly church attendance as a moderator of relations between (a) traumatic event exposure and probable PTSD, and (b) probable PTSD and tobacco use. Data were drawn from a health surveillance study conducted in seven churches located in Chicago's West Side. Participants (N = 1015) were adults from churches as well as the surrounding community. Trauma exposure was reported by 62% of participants, with 25% of those who experienced trauma reporting probable PTSD. Overall, more than one‐third of participants (37.2%) reported current tobacco use. As compared with non‐weekly church attendance, weekly church attendance was associated with a lower likelihood of PTSD (odds ratio [OR] = 0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.26–0.62; p < .0001) and lower tobacco use overall (OR = 0.22; 95% CI = 0.16–0.30; p < .0001), but did not moderate the effect of trauma exposure on risk of PTSD, or the effect of PTSD on tobacco use. Findings support church attendance as a potential buffer of trauma‐related stress.
L‐proline/urea catalyzed, novel, and eco‐friendly synthesis of coumarin substituted‐3‐indoloxanthenes
Authors: Vallam Reddy Hari Krishna Reddy , Anna Venkateswara Rao
Published: August 2020

A green and eco‐friendly synthesis of coumarin substituted‐3‐indoloxanthenes 4(a‐l) has been developed using urea/L‐proline as simple catalyst. Two efficient methods have been described for the synthesis of these 3‐indoloxanthene derivatives. In the first method, Knoevenagel condensation, then Pinner cyclisation followed by 1,4 addition between 4‐hydroxy‐1‐methyl‐2‐oxo‐1,2‐dihydrocoumarin‐3‐carbaldehyde 1(a‐b), with cyclohexane‐1,3‐dione (2) and indole 3(a‐f) using of L‐proline as catalyst was described. In the second method, urea/thiourea catalyzes the same reaction at 100°C for 10 minutes to afford the title compounds 4(a‐l). These two protocols involve eco‐friendly and inexpensive catalysts, give excellent yields of the clean products without the need of column chromatography for their isolation or purification.
Regioselective bromination of 6‐hydroxytetrahydroisoquinolines
Authors: Wang Ke , Pan Xuan , Peng Kun , Liu Zhan Z.
Published: August 2020

Regioselective bromination of 6‐hydroxytetrahydroisoquinolines using molecular bromine was disclosed. Treatment of 6‐hydroxytetrahydroisoquinolines with molecular bromine under different temperatures afforded 5‐bromo‐6‐hydroxytetrahydroisoquinolines as sole products in high isolated yield with excellent regioselectivity.
The Satisfaction and Frustration of Basic Psychological Needs in Engaging Leadership
Authors: van Tuin Lars , Schaufeli Wilmar B. , van Rhenen Willem
Published: August 2020

The purpose of the current study was to test engaging leadership, which is a recently developed leadership concept based on basic psychological needs theory. Drawing on self‐determination theory, the current study hypothesized that basic psychological needs mediate the relationship between engaging leadership and both positive and negative outcomes. An association between need satisfaction and positive results and an association between need frustration and adverse outcomes were expected. The survey data, collected from three comparable groups from two multinational, technical engineering organizations (N = 304), were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Autonomy satisfaction was found to play a pivotal role in the leadership model and was associated with increased positive outcomes, such as work engagement and autonomous motivation, and decreased unfavorable motivational consequences, such as controlled motivation and amotivation. The highlighted role of autonomy satisfaction informs leaders to focus on the positive aspects of leadership and need fulfillment rather than aiming to diminish frustration. Additionally, the current study adds to the growing body of knowledge on effective leadership approaches in a fast‐changing complex business world and on the benefits of autonomy‐supportive work environments.