bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluid‐Attenuated Inversion Recovery Vascular Hyperintensities in Transient Ischemic Attack within the Anterior Circulation
Authors: Ding Bei , Chen Yong , Jiang Hong , Zhang Huan , Huang Juan , Ling Hua-wei
Published: February 2020

Purpose. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship of fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) vascular hyperintensities (FVH) with haemodynamic abnormality and severity of arterial stenosis in patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) of the carotid artery system. Patients and Methods. Consecutive inpatients (N = 38) diagnosed with TIAs of the carotid system in a 4‐year period (2014–2017) were retrospectively analysed in our study and divided into FVH‐negative and FVH‐positive groups based on the presence of FVH sign. Each inpatient had undergone magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) followed by computed tomography (CT) perfusion imaging studies. We investigated the degree of arterial stenosis, number of stenosis, watershed regions, and related CT perfusion indexes, including hypoperfusion regions, mean transit time (MTT), cerebral blood flow (CBF), and cerebral blood volume (CBV). Spearman rank correlation was performed between FVHs score, the degree of arterial stenosis, and CT perfusion indexes with significant difference. Results. Thirty‐one patients (81.6%) observed with FVH sign were assigned to the FVH‐positive group. The hypoperfusion regions, MTT, and CBF values were significantly different between the FVH‐negative group and FVH‐positive groups. Spearman correlation analysis showed significant positive correlations between hypoperfusion regions, MTT, and FVHs scores (r = 0.755 and 0.674, respectively, p < 0.01); a moderate negative correlation was found between CBF and FVHs scores (r = −0.525, p < 0.01), whereas the degree of artery stenosis revealed no significant correlation with FVH scores (r = 0.253, p > 0.05). Conclusion. Hyperintense vessels on FLAIR were closely associated with hypoperfused regions, MTT, and CBF values, which indicated that the presence of FVHs could be an important and convenient imaging marker of haemodynamic impairment in patients with TIA.
Statement to an Insufficient Systematic Review on Viscum album L. Therapy
Authors: Matthes Harald , Thronicke Anja , Hofheinz Ralf-Dieter , Baars Erik , Martin David , Huber Roman , Breitkreuz Thomas , Bar-Sela Gil , Galun Daniel , Schad Friedemann
Published: February 2020

Background. Up to 88% of oncological patients apply complementary therapies and up to 77% apply complementary mistletoe therapy in the context of integrative oncological approaches. An evidence‐based consultation of oncological health professionals regarding complementary therapies used in Germany is missing. Therefore, a new S3‐Guideline for Complementary Medicine in the Treatment of Oncological Patients is under development and is anticipated to be finalized in November 2020. It will be based on evidence‐based publications and systematic reviews on complementary therapies in oncology. A recently published two‐part systematic review on mistletoe treatment in oncology has been reevaluated. Methods. The latest published systematic two‐part review on mistletoe has been systematically proofread and checked in compliance with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Intervention and the AMSTAR 2 (A MeaSurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews) tool. Results. The here discussed two‐part review is incomplete, lacks sound accuracy including insufficient assessment of the risk of bias, and contains imprecise statements. In addition, it does not sufficiently comply with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Intervention and the AMSTAR 2 tool. Conclusion. In view of the approaching release of a new guideline in the field of complementary therapies in oncology, the present statement draws attention to a lack of profound methodology of conductance of a recently released systematic review on mistletoe. In consequence, a comprehensive overview of published mistletoe studies, i.e., a meta‐analysis with a sound methodology of conductance, is necessary.
A Framework for Real-Time Intrusion Response in Software Defined Networking Using Precomputed Graphical Security Models
Authors: Eom Taehoon , Hong Jin B. , An SeongMo , Park Jong Sou , Kim Dong Seong
Published: February 2020

Software defined networking (SDN) has been adopted in many application domains as it provides functionalities to dynamically control the network flow more robust and more economical compared to the traditional networks. In order to strengthen the security of the SDN against cyber attacks, many security solutions have been proposed. However, those solutions need to be compared in order to optimize the security of the SDN. To assess and evaluate the security of the SDN systematically, one can use graphical security models (e.g., attack graphs and attack trees). However, it is difficult to provide defense against an attack in real time due to their high computational complexity. In this paper, we propose a real-time intrusion response in SDN using precomputation to estimate the likelihood of future attack paths from an ongoing attack. We also take into account various SDN components to conduct a security assessment, which were not available when addressing only the components of an existing network. Our experimental analysis shows that we are able to estimate possible attack paths of an ongoing attack to mitigate it in real time, as well as showing the security metrics that depend on the flow table, including the SDN component. Hence, the proposed approach can be used to provide effective real-time mitigation solutions for securing SDN.
[Retracted] Bone Marrow Plasma Cytokine Signature Profiles in Severe Aplastic Anemia
Authors: Liu Bingnan , Shao Yuanyuan , Liu Zixuan , Liu Chunyan , Zhang Tian , Fu Rong
Published: February 2020

Objective. We studied bone marrow plasma (BMP) cytokines in severe aplastic anemia (SAA) patients and healthy volunteers to investigate differences in the cytokine profiles between them and propose a cytokine signature of SAA. Methods. A Bio‐Plex suspension array system was used to measure 27 analytes in BMP samples from 47 SAA patients and 30 healthy donors. Results. Compared to healthy people, SAA patients had higher levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP‐1), and granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF). They also had lower levels of interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1ra), interleukin‐9 (IL‐9), regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) factor, platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (PDGF‐BB), and macrophage inflammatory protein 1β (MIP‐1β). Levels of interleukin‐4 (IL‐4), IL‐1ra, macrophage inflammatory protein 1α (MIP‐1α), and eotaxin were significantly higher in recovering SAA (RSAA) patients. Levels of IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐12, IL‐13, IL‐15, granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were undetectable. There were no significant differences in the levels of IL‐1β, IL‐4, IL‐7, IL‐8, IL‐17, basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF‐β), and IFN inducible protein‐10 (IP‐10) between patients and healthy controls (HCs). Eotaxin, IL‐1ra, MCP‐1, MIP‐1β, and RANTES levels increased after IST, whereas IFN‐γ, G‐CSF, IL‐2, IL‐7, and TNF‐α levels decreased after IST. Conclusions. The current study demonstrated distinct cytokine profiles among untreated SAA patients, recovering SAA (RSAA) patients, and healthy people. The cytokines of RSAA patients showed similar characteristics to those of untreated SAA patients and healthy people, respectively, which may reflect that the immune status of RSAA patients is in different stages of recovery after IST; thus, it may provide an important tool in diagnosing and evaluating or predicting curative effects in clinics.
Shield Tunneling Parameter Matching Model and UI Interface
Authors: Hou Gongyu , Xu Zhedong , Li Le , Quan Xiaoge , Yang Yajie
Published: February 2020

In order to improve the accuracy of shield tunneling parameter matching under the limited data, the matching model based on support vector machine (SVM) and exponential adjustment inertia weight immune particle swarm optimization (EAIW‐IPSO) is proposed. The nonlinear relationship model between the tunneling parameters and the ground settlement is constructed by SVM and trained with the actual engineering sample data. Based on the trained model, EAIW‐IPSO is used to optimize the tunneling parameters. At the same time, UI interface was developed based on the tunneling parameter matching model. The matching model based on BP neural network and PSO algorithm is compared in simulation experiments and engineering case. It is verified that the matching model based on SVM and EAIW‐IPSO still maintains great accuracy and stability as the number of samples continues to decrease. The paper provides a better solution for the matching of tunneling parameters in actual engineering.
Sex-Related Differences in the Impact of Systemic Hypertension on Left Ventricular Remodeling in Patients with Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zhou Yue , Yu Miao , Yuan Jiansong , Hu Fenghuan , Liu Shengwen , Yang Zhuoxuan , Cui Jingang , Qiao Shubin
Published: February 2020

Background: The clinical condition of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) and concomitant systemic hypertension is growing more and more prevalent, and it brings about a challenging diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. However, whether systemic hypertension has an impact on HOCM, and whether sex-related differences exist in this impact, remains unclear. Methods: A total of 453 HOCM patients (age 48.7 ± 12.8 years, 252 [55.6%] males) were recruited in this study. There were 150 patients (33.1%, 81 males and 69 females) with a history of controlled systemic hypertension. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging was performed in all patients. Left ventricular (LV) remodeling index (LVRI) was determined by CMR. LVRI >1.3 g/mL was defined as pathological LV remodeling. Results: Men had significantly greater LVRI (1.40 ± 0.54 vs. 1.15 ± 0.38 g/mL, p < 0.001) and LVRI >1.3 g/mL (p = 0.002), compared with women. The incidence of syncope and 5-year sudden cardiac death risk score were significantly lower in HOCM with hypertension than those without hypertension. LVRI (p = 0.003) and LVRI >1.3 g/mL (p = 0.007) were significantly smaller in males with hypertension, but not in females with hypertension. However, log cardiac troponin I and log N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide were positively correlated with LVRI in men and women. On multivariable logistic analysis, hypertension (OR 0.172, 95% CI 0.056–0.528, p = 0.002) remained an independent determinant of pathological LV remodeling in males, whereas not in females. Conclusions: There were significant sex differences in the impact of systemic hypertension on LV remodeling in patients with HOCM. Controlled systemic hypertension may contribute to improving LV remodeling in male patients with HOCM, but not in females.
Enhanced Efficacy of Dust Mite Sublingual Immunotherapy in Low-Response Allergic Rhinitis Patients after Dose Increment at 6 Months: A Prospective Study
Authors: Gao Yingqin , Lin Xia , Ma Jing , Wei Xin , Wang Qiuju , Wang Meilan
Published: February 2020

Background: Several studies have suggested that sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) involves a dose-response relationship and inadequate dosage might not achieve a favorable clinical effect. Objective: The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of increasing SLIT dosage at 6 months in patients with house dust mite-induced allergic rhinitis (AR) who had low response to treatment. Methods: A total of 157 AR participants aged 4–60 years were enrolled and received SLIT with Dermatophagoides farinae drops. After 6 months of SLIT, patients were interviewed and then classified into a high-response (HR) group and a low-response (LR) group based on the combined symptom and medication score (CSMS) reduction rate. Patients with a CSMS reduction rate over 50% were defined as HR and continued the original dose, while patients with a CSMS reduction rate ranging from 20 to 50% were defined as LR and received an increased dose (percentage of dosage increment, 33.33% for patients aged <14 years and 50% for patients aged ≥14 years). Patients with a CSMS reduction rate below 20% were considered nonresponse (NR) and recommended to withdraw from SLIT. CSMS, visual analog scale (VAS), and adverse events were assessed at 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 years during the 3-year treatment. Results: A total of 54 and 56 patients completed the treatment in the HR and LR groups, respectively. The CSMS and VAS of both groups decreased significantly at 6 months (p < 0.05). Significant differences between the two groups were found in CSMS and VAS at 6 months and 1 year (p < 0.05), but not in later follow-ups (p > 0.05). The improvement of adults in the LR group was significantly lower than that of children at 6 months (p < 0.05), but there was no difference in later follow-ups (p > 0.05). There was no difference in CSMS or VAS in patients with monosensitization and polysensitization in the same treatment group at 1 year and in subsequent visits (p> 0.05). Overall, 47 patients withdrew from this study due to NR (n = 22) and other reasons (n = 25). Conclusions: Six months might be a critical time point for efficacy assessment and dosage adjustment for AR patients after SLIT. In patients with low response, dosage enhancement within a certain range may enhance the effectiveness of SLIT.
Marvelous Response of Severe Onychotillomania to Treatment with Local Steroid Injection plus Topical Calcipotriol/Betamethasone Dipropionate Combination
Authors: Abdo Hamed Mohamed
Published: February 2020

Onychotillomania is a psychodermatosis that results from self-induced repeated trauma to the nail unit. It is characterized by the neurotic and irresistible urge to pick at, pull out, or harmfully bite or injure the nail(s). Multiple psychological factors can be involved. It can be difficult to diagnose, as patients mostly deny the self-destructive behavior, and the clinical features may mimic other inflammatory conditions of the nail apparatus. It presents with typical, usually bizarre morphologies of the nail plate. There is no evidence-based treatment for the condition, and it can be highly resistant to both dermatological and psychological interventions. Based on history and classical nail changes, a case of onychotillomania in a 19-year-old woman successfully treated with local steroid injection plus topical calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate combination is presented. An injection of a local steroid (0.2 mL of 5 mg/mL triamcinolone acetonide) was given monthly for 3 months and was then decreased to a bimonthly interval. In addition, topical calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate combination was applied daily for 3 months and was then decreased to every other day. Clinical improvement was noted after the third month, while complete resolution of the condition was achieved after 8 months. This treatment regimen can be advocated for similar nail dystrophies after excluding infective etiology.
Enhanced wormhole optimizer algorithm for solving optimal reactive power problem
Authors: Lenin Kanagasabai
Published: February 2020

In this paper Enhanced Wormhole Optimizer (EWO) algorithm is used to solve optimal reactive power problem. Proposed algorithm based on the Wormholes which exploits the exploration space. Between different universes objects are exchanged through white or black hole tunnels. Regardless of the inflation rate, through wormholes objects in all universes which possess high probability will shift to the most excellent universe. In the projected Enhanced Wormhole Optimizer (EWO) algorithm in order to avoid the solution to be get trapped into the local optimal solution Levy flight has been applied.  Projected Enhanced Wormhole Optimizer (EWO) algorithm has been tested in standard IEEE 14, 30, 57,118,300 bus test systems and simulation results show that the EWO algorithm reduced the real power loss efficiently.
Enhanced whale optimization algorithm for active power loss diminution
Authors: Lenin Kanagasabai
Published: February 2020

In this paper Enhanced whale Optimization Algorithm (EWO) proposed to solve the optimal reactive power problem. Whale optimization algorithm is modeled by Bubble-net hunting tactic. In the projected optimization algorithm an inertia weight ω ∈ [1, 0] has been introduced to perk up the search ability. Whales are commonly moving 10-16 meters down then through the bubbles which are created artificially then they encircle the prey and move upward towards the surface of sea. Proposed Enhanced whale optimization algorithm (EWO) is tested in standard IEEE 57 bus systems and power loss reduced considerably.
What universities in the Middle East can learn from the American online education system
Authors: Al-Odeh Mahmoud
Published: February 2020

In this paper, the author provides insights and lessons that can be learned from colleagues at American universities about their online education experiences. The literature review and previous studies of online educations gains are explored and summarized in this research. Emerging trends in online education are discussed in detail, and strategies to implement these trends are explained. The author provides several tools and strategies that enable universities to ensure the quality of online education. At the end of this research paper, the researcher provides examples from Arab universities who have successfully implemented online education and expanded their impact on the society. This research provides a strategy and a model that can be used by universities in the Middle East as a roadmap to implement online education in their regions.
Identification of High-Risk Left Ventricular Hypertrophy on Calcium Scoring Cardiac Computed Tomography Scans
Authors: Kay Fernando U. , Abbara Suhny , Joshi Parag H. , Garg Sonia , Khera Amit , Peshock Ronald M.
Published: February 2020

Background:

Coronary artery calcium scoring only represents a small fraction of all information available in noncontrast cardiac computed tomography (CAC-CT). We hypothesized that an automated pipeline using radiomics and machine learning could identify phenotypic information about high-risk left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) embedded in CAC-CT.

Methods:

This was a retrospective analysis of 1982 participants from the DHS (Dallas Heart Study) who underwent CAC-CT and cardiac magnetic resonance. Two hundred twenty-four participants with high-risk LVH were identified by cardiac magnetic resonance. We developed an automated adaptive atlas algorithm to segment the left ventricle on CAC-CT, extracting 107 radiomics features from the volume of interest. Four logistic regression models using different feature selection methods were built to predict high-risk LVH based on CAC-CT radiomics, sex, height, and body surface area in a random training subset of 1587 participants.

Results:

The respective areas under the receiver operating characteristics curves for the cluster-based model, the logistic regression model after exclusion of highly correlated features, and the penalized logistic regression models using least absolute shrinkage and selection operators with minimum or one SE λ values were 0.74 (95% CI, 0.67–0.82), 0.74 (95% CI, 0.67–0.81), 0.76 (95% CI, 0.69–0.83), and 0.73 (95% CI, 0.66–0.80) for detecting high-risk LVH in a distinct validation subset of 395 participants.

Conclusions:

Ventricular segmentation, radiomics features extraction, and machine learning can be used in a pipeline to automatically detect high-risk phenotypes of LVH in participants undergoing CAC-CT, without the need for additional imaging or radiation exposure.

Registration:

URL
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00344903.
Generic Review of New Zealand Chrysomelinae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: LESCHEN RICHARD A.B. , REID CHRIS A. M. , NADEIN KONSTANTIN S.
Published: February 2020

The leaf beetle subfamily Chrysomelinae is reviewed for New Zealand. The native fauna consists of six genera, three new, all of which are described: Aphilon Sharp, 1876; Caccomolpus Sharp, 1886; Chalcolampra Blanchard, 1853; Mauroda gen. nov.; Nanomela gen. nov.; Zeaphilon gen. nov.. Chalcolampra is the senior synonym of Cyrtonogetus Broun, 1915 (comb. nov.). These genera include 51 species, nine newly described and eight in new combinations, as follows: Caccomolpus laticollis (Broun, 1893) comb. nov., from Aphilon; C. pretiosus (Broun, 1880) comb. nov., from Aphilon; Chalcolampra crassa (Broun, 1915) comb. nov., from Cyrtonogetus; Maurodus arcus sp. nov.; M. cinctiger (Broun, 1921) comb. nov., from Caccomolpus; M. impressus (Broun, 1914) comb. nov., from Aphilon; M. lepidus sp. nov.; M. maculatus (Broun, 1893) comb. nov., from Caccomolpus; M. nunni sp. nov.; M. occiduus sp. nov.; M. ornatus (Broun, 1910) comb. nov., from Caccomolpus; M. owenensis sp. nov.; M. plagiatus (Sharp, 1886) comb. nov., from Caccomolpus; M. supernus sp. nov.; Nanomela tiniheke sp. nov.; Zeaphilon marskeae sp. nov.; Z. mirandum sp. nov.. All 11 species in the genus Maurodus are described and a key given for their identification. Type material of the New Zealand species of Aphilon (10 species), Caccomolpus (14 species) and Chalcolampra (13 species) is reviewed and lectotypes designated for 16 species, as well as M. cinctiger. A type species is designated for Caccomolpus: C. globosus Sharp, 1886. Holotypes are confirmed for 26 species. Seven genera and 13 species of exotic Chrysomelinae also occur in New Zealand and their presence is briefly reviewed. One of these exotics has been misnamed as Paropsisterna variicollis (Chapuis, 1877), a junior synonym of P. cloelia (Stål, 1860) (syn. nov.). A key to all genera of Chrysomelinae in New Zealand is provided.
Updated catalog and generic keys of the Leiodidae (Insecta: Coleoptera) of the Neotropical region (“Latin America”: Mexico, the West Indies, and Central and South America)
Authors: PECK STEWART B. , GNASPINI PEDRO , NEWTON ALFRED F.
Published: February 2020

This paper presents an updated catalog of all taxa of Leiodidae (s.lat.) reported from the Neotropical Region. Keys are presented for the identification of all subfamilies, tribes, and 62 described genera. Three undescribed genera are included in the keys. A total of 600 valid named species are listed, with type localities, type depositories, synonyms, distributions, and biologies where known, and some unnamed species as recorded in the literature. Many species remain to be described. In this work we formally establish no new synonyms and no new combinations although we may indicate the existence of these; but we add new records for described species, and we make spelling corrections of scientific names, when appropriate. A brief review of distribution patterns is given. The fauna has been derived partly from some Nearctic elements that have penetrated as far south as Bolivia. A few genera in the Neotropical element have penetrated the Nearctic Region as far north as the northern U.S.A. or southeastern Canada. Most of the Neotropical genera are autochthonous. In southern South America there is a diverse Neo-Austral fauna with clear “Transantarctic” relationships to Australia and New Zealand and weakly to southern Africa. Some genera variously occur on other continents.
Depression and Anxiety Screening in Adolescents With Diabetes
Authors: Watson Sara E. , Spurling Sarah E. , Fieldhouse Abigail M. , Montgomery Vicki L. , Wintergerst Kupper A.
Published: February 2020

Adolescents with diabetes are at increased risk for depression and anxiety, which when untreated negatively affects diabetes control. During a 6-month period, the Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression and Anxiety (PHQ-4) screening tool was utilized. Those with a positive screen then completed the Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale. In this article, we report on the correlations in outcomes between the PHQ-4 and the PHQ-A and GAD-7 and its clinical utility for determining the need for standard versus acute behavioral health care. Over 6 months, 77 patients aged 10 to 18 years screened positive on the PHQ-4. Thirty-two patients had positive screening with the PHQ-A and/or the GAD-7. Thoughts of self-harm were reported by 13 (40%), with 1 experiencing current/active symptoms. The PHQ-4 as a screening tool was able to identify adolescents with symptoms of depression and/or anxiety who would benefit from further evaluation by a behavioral health provider.
Relationship Between Students’ Home Background and Their Academic Performance: A Case of Some Selected Senior High School Students in Rural Districts in Ashanti Region, Ghana
Authors: Boateng Simon , Asare David , Manu Patricia Tiwaa , Sefah Elizabeth Adoma , Adomako Joshua
Published: February 2020

This study was primarily designed to find out the relationship between students’ home background and their academic performance. The study was conducted largely in senior high schools in rural districts in Ashanti Region, Ghana. The study used the ex-post facto correlation design. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 275 senior high school students. Questionnaire was used to collect the data from the respondents. Percentages and correlations were used to analyze the data. The family size was found to be highly correlated with the academic performance of students (coefficient = .711, p value = .002). Parent found it difficult in paying school fees and other levies of their children as a result of parents’ income (ρ = .669, p value = .004) in rural Ghana. The study also revealed that the educational background characteristics of parents had a significant correlation with the academic performance of students (coefficient = .711, p value = .002). Following from the findings, the Government of Ghana (Ministry of Education) should stick to its mandate of ensuring the provision of free quality secondary school education premised on the principle of inclusivity and equity to bridge the gap between the students from rich and poor homes. Such government intervention programs like the free education should favor the poor and low-income families most.
Fault tolerant control using integral sliding modes with control allocation along the null-space
Authors: Ma Chengcheng , Liu Chunsheng , Yao Jiazhen
Published: February 2020

In this paper, a new fault tolerant control scheme with control allocation is presented. The pseudo-inverse along the null-space control allocation is applied to the fault tolerant control system to handle the actuator constraints. The stability of the overall closed-loop system is proved via the small gain theory. The null-space vector is viewed as uncertainty, and is disposed by an integral sliding mode controller and a robust controller. The simulation results show that the new method can solve both failure scenarios and actuator saturation problems well.
Anti-representationalism in language development research: A commentary on Ambridge (2020)
Authors: Knabe Melina L. , Vlach Haley A.
Published: February 2020

Ambridge argues that there is widespread agreement among child language researchers that learners store linguistic abstractions. In this commentary the authors first argue that this assumption is incorrect; anti-representationalist/exemplar views are pervasive in theories of child language. Next, the authors outline what has been learned from this body of work, including insights into mechanisms underlying language learning. Interestingly, some of these mechanisms are at odds with counterarguments in Ambridge, such as the finding that forgetting is a critical process of language.
Multidimensional Voice Quality Evaluation After Transoral CO2 Laser Cordectomy: A Prospective Study
Authors: Hamzany Yaniv , Crevier-Buchman Lise , Lechien Jérôme R. , Bachar Gideon , Brasnu Daniel , Hans Stéphane
Published: February 2020

Objective:

To investigate voice quality changes of patients treated by transoral laser cordectomy (TLC) for early glottic cancer according to the type of cordectomies.

Methods:

A total of 164 consecutive male patients with an early glottic cancer were prospectively recruited from the Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery of the Georges Pompidou European Hospital. Depending on the tumor characteristics, patients benefited from type I to VI CO2 cordectomy regarding the European Laryngological Society classification. The following voice quality outcomes were pre- to postoperatively assessed: voice handicap index (VHI), perceptual grade of dysphonia, roughness, breathiness, maximum phonation time, and acoustic parameters.

Results:

Fifty-five patients with Tis, T1, or T2 vocal fold cancer completed the study (mean age: 61.7 years). Of these patients, 34 and 21 composed group 1 (types I-III TLC) and group 2 (types IV-VI TLC), respectively. Voice handicap index, grade of dysphonia, and breathiness significantly improved from pre- to 3- and 6-month posttreatment in group 1. In group 2, only VHI significantly improved from pre- to 3- and 6-month posttreatment. Acoustic and aerodynamic measurements did not change throughout the postoperative course. Patients with types I to III TLC exhibited better postoperative voice outcomes compared to those treated by types IV to VI TLC.

Conclusion:

Irrespective to the types of TLC, the subjective voice quality of patients treated by CO2 laser cordectomy for early glottic cancer significantly improved from pre- to 3- and 6-month posttreatment. The usefulness of aerodynamic and acoustic measurements as postoperative outcomes of voice quality changes remain controversial and require future studies considering multidimensional assessment of voice.
Stability of shared appraisal: The role of attachment and implications for relationships and health
Authors: Lee Juwon , Helgeson Vicki S. , Van Vleet Meredith , Kelly Caitlin S. , Kent de Grey Robert G. , Berg Cynthia A.
Published: February 2020

In the context of coping with chronic illness, shared appraisal refers to one person’s perception that the illness is a shared issue. Despite increasing research linking shared appraisal to positive relationship and health outcomes, whether it is static or fluctuates across time has not yet been investigated. Fluctuations in shared appraisal may affect patient and spouse well-being and influence disease management. We investigated the association of daily shared appraisal fluctuations (operationalized as intraindividual standard deviations) to relationship satisfaction, psychological well-being, and diabetes-specific well-being over 2 weeks among 199 couples in which one person had type 1 diabetes. In addition, we examined attachment insecurity as a correlate of shared appraisal fluctuations. Individuals higher in anxiety or avoidance may more frequently reevaluate their relationship. Thus, their shared appraisal may be more reactive to daily events. Actor–partner interdependence models showed greater fluctuations in spouse appraisal were associated with lower patient relationship satisfaction (partner effect) but not with spouse relationship satisfaction and with greater spouse psychological distress (actor effect) but not patient psychological distress. There were no actor or partner effects of patient appraisal fluctuations on these outcomes. In terms of diabetes outcomes, regression analyses showed that greater fluctuations in patient and spouse appraisal were each associated with higher patient diabetes distress, and greater fluctuations in spouse appraisal were associated with lower patient self-care. Higher attachment anxiety was related to greater appraisal fluctuations in the spouse but not the patient. These findings highlight the importance of spouse appraisal stability for spouse relationships and well-being and for patient diabetes outcomes and suggest that attachment insecurity may be implicated in the instability of shared appraisal.
Prevalence of human papillomavirus in archival head and neck cancer in the eastern Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region, China
Authors: Wu Enqi , An Guangwen , Wu Ritu , Tang Yuanyu , Li Qing , Wang Jinhua , Ling Yaqin , You Jia
Published: February 2020

Objective:

To investigate the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in archival head and neck cancer (HNC) collected from the Tong-Liao area, which is located in east Inner Mongolia, China.

Methods:

The presence of HPV in 54 HNCs and 25 benign biopsies was detected and the sequence variation of the E6 gene in HPV-positive samples was analyzed to determine their lineage/sublineage classification.

Results:

HPV was detected in only 4 out of 54 HNCs and no benign biopsies were found to be HPV-positive. After further p16INK4a immunostaining, only 3 cases of HNC were positive for both HPV and p16INK4a. Phylogenetic analysis of the isolated E6 gene shows that the HPV 16, HPV 31, and HPV 58 isolated in this study belong to lineage A.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of HPV in HNC from this area is very low. The lineage/sublineage classification of the 3 HPV types in HNC in this area is consistent with the previous reported data of HPV lineage distribution in cervical cancer within China.
Consumers’ Demographics as Predictors of Their Perception of Online Advertising: Are They Still Relevant in the E-Landscape?
Authors: Ahlluwalia Sarika , Singh Seema
Published: February 2020

Since the modest beginning as a banner ad, online advertising has evolved from just an element of the promotion mix to a powerful strategic tool. Today, online advertising accounts for a significant share in the total advertising spending, globally as well as in India. As online advertising proliferates, understanding consumers’ perception of it becomes important. However, Internet users are not a homogeneous group. This study acknowledges this diversity among the Internet users and investigates the relevance of the effect of demographic factors on consumers’ perception of online advertising. A purposive survey was conducted to collect the primary data from a sample of 318 respondents from Delhi—National Capital Region (NCR) and analyzed with multiple regression. Results show that demographic factors have a significant effect on the consumers’ perception of online advertising.
India’s Public Diplomacy in the Twenty-First Century: Components, Objectives and Challenges
Authors: Mazumdar Arijit
Published: February 2020

In recent years, several countries have made sustained efforts to project their ‘soft power’ abroad. Public diplomacy has been an important tool for this purpose. Public diplomacy involves activities usually undertaken by a national government to inform and influence foreign public opinion and attitudes in order to advance its foreign policy goals. Such activities include ‘nation-branding’, diaspora outreach, digital engagement, international broadcasting, and international exchange programmes, all of which are designed to promote a positive image and reputation of the country to a global audience. This paper discusses the role of public diplomacy in the service of India’s foreign policy goals during the twenty-first century. The practice of public diplomacy helps the country achieve two significant objectives. First, it helps allay any active or dormant fears within the international community about India as a rising power. Second, it helps India compete with other countries as it seeks to boost foreign tourist arrivals, attract foreign investment and secure new markets for its exports in an era of globalisation. This paper also briefly discusses some of the challenges associated with India’s use of public diplomacy.
Migration and Security: Implications for Minority Migrant Groups
Authors: Ullah AKM Ahsan , Hasan Noor Hasharina , Mohamad Siti Mazidah , Chattoraj Diotima
Published: February 2020

International migration is a highly contested topic and has become a critical part of the global security agenda due to the growing fear of terrorism notably after 9/11. There is a lack of relevant baselines and a gap in scholarly work that shows the direct connection between migration and security. This paper aims to identify the circumstances under which migration can be considered as a security issue. For this, we conducted an extensive literature review and interviews with policy-makers and staffs from migration regime as well as migrant professionals in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines between May 2018 and March 2019. The concepts of migration and security act as the theoretical standpoint of this paper. The findings show that the formation of an illusory correlation between migration and security has resulted in an extreme act of biasness towards migrant minority groups.
Characteristics of Neuropeptide-Containing Innervation, Tissue Remodeling, Growth, and Vascularity in Noses of Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Balode Evija , Pilmane Mara
Published: February 2020

Objective:

To detect the appearance and distribution of factors regulating remodeling, innervation, growth, and vascularity of the nasal tissue affected by cleft lip and palate (CLP).

Design:

Morphological analysis of human tissue.

Setting:

Cleft and craniofacial center.

Participants:

Fifteen patients who underwent CLP rhinoplasty, 7 control patients.

Interventions:

Rhinoplasty.

Main Outcome Measures:

Immunohistochemistry was performed with protein gene product (PGP) 9.5, transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), cluster of differentiation 34 (CD34), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), MMP9, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP2). The results were evaluated semiquantitatively. Spearman rank order correlation coefficient and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis.

Results:

Cleft lip and palate–affected tissue revealed dense and loose connective tissue, adipose cells, and hyaline cartilage, along with numerous CD34-positive endotheliocytes and regions of VEGF-positive neoangiogenesis. We observed moderate to numerous PGP 9.5-positive nerve fibers. Transforming growth factor β1, MMP2, MMP9, and TIMP2 were found in cartilage and connective tissue. Cleft lip and palate–affected tissue compared to control samples showed a statistically significant difference in PGP 9.5 ( P = .006), VEGF ( P = .001), MMP2 ( P = .002), MMP9 ( P = .013), and TIMP2 ( P < .001) expression. We observed a strong, positive correlation between VEGF and MMP9 ( P = .027; r S = 0.705).

Conclusions:

The moderate expression of TGFβ1 and increased distribution of VEGF, MMP2, MMP9, and TIMP2 demonstrate an active extracellular matrix remodeling and angiogenesis, performed by proteases. The cartilaginous septum of the nose is an example of balance between tissue degradation and its suppression, demonstrated by the relationship between MMPs and TIMPs and the presence of VEGF.
Positively Resilient? How Framing Local Action Affects Public Opinion
Authors: Meerow Sara , Neuner Fabian G.
Published: February 2020

Cities face numerous environmental challenges. Local governments need the public’s support to tackle these problems, and scholars and practitioners have suggested that framing initiatives around resilience, as opposed to sustainability, reducing vulnerability, or adaptation, may increase public support for local action. Resilience, they argue, has a better social connotation, is more positive, and less polarizing than related concepts. Empirical evidence supporting these claims is lacking. In three online survey experiments, we test whether the public is more likely to support policies when they are framed in terms of “resilience.” We also examine public conceptualizations of these different terms and whether resilience has a more positive connotation. We find significant differences in policy support, perceived importance, and interpretations of the concepts. The study confirms that framing affects policy support, but complicates claims that resilience is inherently more appealing. These findings have implications for urban research and policymaking.
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Against HIV-Positive Women in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Mixed-Method Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tenkorang Eric Y. , Asamoah-Boaheng Michael , Owusu Adobea Y.
Published: February 2020

Objectives:

To systematically analyze and summarize the literature on intimate partner violence (IPV) against HIV-positive women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and to identify their risk factors for IPV.

Method:

A comprehensive review of the literature using the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) and Meta-Analyses of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) yielded 1,879 articles (PubMed = 1,251, Embase = 491, Web of Science = 132, and identified additional records = 5). Twenty were selected for quantitative and qualitative assessment and synthesis. We employed a random effects model with generic inverse variance method and estimated the odds ratios.

Findings:

Results indicated a high prevalence of physical, sexual, and emotional violence against women living with HIV/AIDS in SSA. Educational background, alcohol use, marital status, previous experiences with IPV, and employment status were identified as significant risk factors. We also assessed the methodological quality of the articles by examining publication bias and some heterogeneity statistics.

Conclusion:

There is limited research on IPV against HIV-positive women in SSA. However, the few existing studies agree on the importance of targeting HIV-positive women with specific interventions given their vulnerability to IPV and to address factors exacerbating these risks and vulnerabilities.
Mortality After Paclitaxel-Coated Device Use in Patients With Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Dinh Krystal , Gomes Miguel Lemos , Thomas Shannon D. , Paravastu Sharath C.V. , Holden Andrew , Schneider Peter A. , Varcoe Ramon L.
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

To report the risk of all-cause mortality after treatment with paclitaxel-coated devices vs uncoated controls in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI).

Materials and Methods:

A search of the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, DARE, and PROSPERO databases was made on 5 November 2019 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCT) using intention-to-treat analysis to compare a paclitaxel-coated device to an uncoated device in PAD patients having clinical follow-up of at least 6 months. Half of the study population had to have CLTI or extractable data on the CLTI subgroup if <50%. The search identified 11 trials having 1450 patients randomized to a paclitaxel-coated device (n=866) or an uncoated control (n=584). There were 1367 (94.3%) patients with CLTI (range 10–429). The single endpoint was all-cause mortality, which was analyzed by pooling the mortality data in a DerSimonian and Laird random effects model. Summary statistics are expressed as relative risk ratios (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results:

The mean follow-up was 25.6 months (range 6–60); 10 of 11 studies reported a minimum 12-month follow-up. There were 161 (18.6%) deaths among 866 subjects in the paclitaxel device group and 116 deaths among 584 (19.9%) subjects in the non-coated control group (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.12, p=0.45).

Conclusion:

There was no observed difference in short- to midterm mortality among a pooled patient population of predominately CLTI patients treated with paclitaxel-coated balloons or stents compared with uncoated controls.
Below-the-Ankle Arrival Time as a Novel Limb Tissue Perfusion Index: Two-dimensional Perfusion Angiography Evaluation
Authors: Ikeoka Kuniyasu , Watanabe Tetsuya , Shinoda Yukinori , Minamisaka Tomoko , Fukuoka Hidetada , Inui Hirooki , Ueno Keisuke , Hoshida Shiro
Published: February 2020

Purpose: To identify lower limb 2-dimensional (2D) perfusion angiographic parameters that are related to skin perfusion pressure (SPP), a predictor of wound healing in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) undergoing below-the-knee (BTK) endovascular treatment (EVT). Materials and Methods: Thirty-three consecutive patients (mean age 74.5 years; 18 men) with 47 isolated BTK lesions in 33 limbs (Rutherford category 3–5) underwent EVT. Dorsal and plantar SPPs were measured before EVT and the day after. The indexed blood flow below the ankle was measured using 2D perfusion angiography before and after EVT to determine changes in perfusion parameters [arrival time (AT), time to peak, wash-in rate, mean transit time, and width and area under the time-density curve] at rest vs during hyperemia induced with a 20-mg intra-arterial papaverine infusion. Correlations between the 2D perfusion parameters and SPPs were assessed using the Pearson coefficient. The cutoff points to predict mean SPPs >40 mm Hg were analyzed using a receiver operating characteristic curve; outcomes are reported as the area under the curve (AUC) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: After EVT at rest and during hyperemia, only AT was significantly changed, although hyperemia produced significant changes in all the pre-/post-EVT 2D perfusion parameters except the wash-in rate. Dorsal and plantar SPPs after EVT were significantly increased and correlated with hyperemic AT and the AT ratio (hyperemia/at rest values) below the ankle. Hyperemic ATs <6.3 seconds and AT ratios <0.78 were predictive factors for a mean SPP >40 mm Hg, with AUCs of 0.83 (95% CI 0.67 to 0.99) and 0.78 (95% CI 0.61 to 0.95), respectively. Conclusion: Hyperemic ATs <6.3 seconds or AT ratios <0.78 below the ankle may be essential to obtain sufficient SPPs for limb salvage in BTK lesions. Thus, the use of 2D perfusion angiography enabled the monitoring of lower limb tissue perfusion throughout EVT and may thereby optimize treatment of CLTI.
A bio-inspired scheduling approach for machines and automated guided vehicles in flexible manufacturing system using hormone secretion principle
Authors: Gu Wenbin , Li Yuxin , Zheng Kun , Yuan Minghai
Published: February 2020

The product quality and production efficiency of a flexible manufacturing system have improved effectively by introducing the computer management and the material transportation system. The flexible manufacturing system performance greatly depends on the performance of the material transportation system. As a mobile robot controlled by a central controller, an automated guided vehicle has a strong ability for material transportation. This article studies a dynamic scheduling problem in a shop floor, where machines and automated guided vehicles run at a specified speed and specifies a mathematical model for the dynamic scheduling problem with the goal of makespan minimization. Meanwhile, inspired by the hormone secretion principle of the endocrine system, a bio-inspired scheduling optimization approach is developed to solve the dynamic scheduling problem in the flexible manufacturing system. To verify its practical application, the bio-inspired scheduling optimization approach and other scheduling approaches are tested, and the results illustrate that the bio-inspired scheduling optimization approach has better scheduling performance as well as optimizes the quality of integrated and real-time scheduling of machines and automated guided vehicles.
What Do Theory-of-Mind Tasks Actually Measure? Theory and Practice
Authors: Quesque François , Rossetti Yves
Published: February 2020

In recent decades, the ability to represent others’ mental states (i.e., theory of mind) has gained particular attention in various disciplines ranging from ethology to cognitive neuroscience. Despite the exponentially growing interest, the functional architecture of social cognition is still unclear. In the present review, we argue that not only the vocabulary but also most of the classic measures for theory of mind lack specificity. We examined classic tests used to assess theory of mind and noted that the majority of them do not require the participant to represent another’s mental state or, sometimes, any mental state at all. Our review reveals that numerous classic tests measure lower-level processes that do not directly test for theory of mind. We propose that more attention should be paid to methods used in this field of social cognition to improve the understanding of underlying concepts.