bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinically Actionable Insights into Initial and Matched Recurrent Glioblastomas to Inform Novel Treatment Approaches
Authors: Ellis H. P. , McInerney C. E. , Schrimpf D. , Sahm F. , Stupnikov A. , Wadsley M. , Wragg C. , White P. , Prise K. M. , McArt D. G. , Kurian K. M.
Published: December 2019

Glioblastoma is the most common primary adult brain tumour, and despite optimal treatment, the median survival is 12–15 months. Patients with matched recurrent glioblastomas were investigated to try to find actionable mutations. Tumours were profiled using a validated DNA-based gene panel. Copy number variations (CNVs) and single nucleotide variants (SNVs) were examined, and potentially pathogenic variants and clinically actionable mutations were identified. The results revealed that glioblastomas wereIDH-wildtype (IDHWT;n = 38) andIDH-mutant (IDHMUT;n = 3). SNVs inTSC2,MSH6,TP53,CREBBP, andIDH1were variants of unknown significance (VUS) that were predicted to be pathogenic in both subtypes.IDHWTtumours had SNVs that impacted RTK/Ras/PI(3)K, p53, WNT, SHH, NOTCH, Rb, and G-protein pathways. Many tumours hadBRCA1/2(18%) variants, including confirmed somatic mutations in haemangioblastoma.IDHWTrecurrent tumours had fewer pathways impacted (RTK/Ras/PI(3)K, p53, WNT, and G-protein) and CNV gains (BRCA2,GNAS, andEGFR) and losses (TERTandSMARCA4).IDHMUTtumours had SNVs that impacted RTK/Ras/PI(3)K, p53, and WNT pathways. VUS inKLK1was possibly pathogenic inIDHMUT. Recurrent tumours also had fewer pathways (p53, WNT, and G-protein) impacted by genetic alterations. Public datasets (TCGA and GDC) confirmed the clinical significance of findings in both subtypes. Overall in this cohort, potentially actionable variation was most often identified inEGFR,PTEN,BRCA1/2, andATM. This study underlines the need for detailed molecular profiling to identify individual GBM patients who may be eligible for novel treatment approaches. This information is also crucial for patient recruitment to clinical trials.
Numerical Simulation Study of Fines Migration Impacts on an Early Water Drainage Period in Undersaturated Coal Seam Gas Reservoirs
Authors: Peng Xiaolong , Zhu Suyang , You Zhenjiang , Du Zhimin , Deng Peng , Wang Chaowen , Wang Mingwei
Published: December 2019

Coal fines migration exerts negative impacts on early water drainage of undersaturated coal seam gas (CSG) reservoirs. The complicated migration process results in ineffective and inaccurate forecast of coal fines production. Hence, a robust modelling tool is required to include the mechanisms of fines migration and to predict their impacts on rock and production. In this paper, fines migration in coal is categorized into three stages: generation, migration, and deposition processes. The corresponding models for different stages are established, including (1) a fines generation model, (2) the maximum fines-carrying concentration model and deviation factor of the modified Darcy model, (3) a fines deposition model, and (4) a dynamic permeability and porosity model. The above models are coupled with a water flow model, solved numerically using the finite difference method. Then, two dewatering strategies, including fast and moderate depressurization, are compared using the proposed models to study their effects on coal properties and following production. Finally, the production history of a CSG well in the Qinshui Basin, China, is utilized for history matching in a field case study. The simulation results indicate that new fines will be generated in a fast depressurization process and the water rate decline reduces the cleat permeability significantly. The newly generated fines can enhance the permeability temporarily, but they will block the flow channels and bring serious damage to the permeability when the water rate declines. The moderate depressurization strategy can produce the coal fines in a continuous mode, and the formation damage induced by fines deposition can be reduced to the acceptable level, which is the more reliable way to maintain well productivity. In addition, multiple well shut-in can trigger the irreversible fines deposition, reduce the permeability, and decrease the production rate.
Structural Damage Identification Based on l1Regularization and Bare Bones Particle Swarm Optimization with Double Jump Strategy
Authors: Huang Minshui , Lei Yongzhi , Li Xifan
Published: December 2019

Structural damage identification (SDI) plays a major role in structural health monitoring (SHM), which has been demanded by researchers to better face the challenges in the aging civil engineering, such as bridge structure and building structure. Many methods have been developed for the application to the real structures, but there are still some difficulties which result in inaccurate, even false damage identification. As a variant of particle swarm optimization (PSO), bare bones particle swarm optimization (BBPSO) is a simple but very powerful optimization tool. However, it is easy to be trapped in the local optimal state like other PSO algorithms, especially in SDI problems. In order to improve its performance in SDI problems, this paper aims to propose a novel optimization algorithm which is named as bare bones particle swarm optimization with double jump (BBPSODJ) for finding a new solution to the SDI problem in SHM field. To begin with, after the introduction of sparse recovery theory, the mathematical model for SDI is established where an objective function based on l1 regularization is constructed. Secondly, according to the basic theory of the BBPSODJ, a double jump strategy based on the BBPSO is designed to enhance the dynamic of particles, and it is able to make a large change in particle searching scopes, which can improve the search behaviour of BBPSO and prevent the algorithm from being trapped into local minimum state. Thirdly, three optimization test functions and a numerical example are utilized to validate the optimization performance of BBPSO, traditional PSO, and genetic algorithm (GA) comparatively; it is obvious that the proposed BBPSODJ shows great self‐adapting property and good performance in the optimization process by introducing the novel double jump strategy. Finally, in the laboratory, an experimental example of steel frame with 4 damage cases is implemented to further assess the damage identification capability of the BBPSODJ with l1 regularization. From the damage identification results, it can be seen that the proposed BBPSODJ algorithm, which is efficient and robust, has great potential in the field of SHM.
High-NOON States with High Flux of Photons Using Coherent Beam Stimulated Noncollinear Parametric Down Conversion
Authors: Kolkiran Aziz
Published: December 2019

We show how to reach high fidelity NOON states with a high count rate inside optical interferometers. Previously, it has been shown that by mixing squeezed and coherent light at a beam splitter, it is possible to generate NOON states of arbitrary N with a fidelity as high as 94%. The scheme is based on higher-order interference between “quantum” down-converted light and “classical” coherent light. However, this requires optimizing the amplitude ratio of classical to quantum light, thereby limiting the overall count rate for the interferometric super-resolution signal. We propose using coherent beam stimulated noncollinear two-mode down-converted light as input to the interferometer. Our scheme is based on the stimulation of noncollinear parametric down conversion by coherent light sources. We get a better flexibility of choosing the amplitude ratio in generating NOON states. This enables super-resolution intensity exceeding the previous scheme by many orders of magnitude. Therefore, we hope to improve the magnitude of N-fold super-resolution in quantum interferometry for arbitrary N using bright light sources. We give improved results for N = 4 and 5.
Phytochemical, Antioxidant and Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Studies on Fruit-Skin Ethanol Extract ofAnnona muricata
Authors: Iyanda-Joel Wisdom O. , Ajetunmobi Olusayo B. , Chinedu Shalom N. , Iweala Emeka E. J. , Adegbite Oluwatobi S.
Published: December 2019

Uncontrolled cell proliferation hallmarks cancer and most cancer cells have developed multiple resistance to the drugs employed for their treatment. The study examined the phytochemical and antioxidant properties of the fruit-skin ethanol extract ofAnnona muricataLinn. (ESA) and its effect on rat liver mitochondrial membrane permeability transition (MMPT). Qualitative phytochemical study and antioxidant assays were carried out following established protocols while the opening of the MMPT pore in the presence of varying concentrations of the extract was assayed spectrophotometrically under succinate-energized conditions. Calcium chloride (CaCl2) and spermine were used to trigger and inhibit pore opening respectively. Cytochrome c release was assayed for using ELISA kit. Terpenoids, steroids, phenols among other phytochemicals were found present in ESA and the extract showed very low antioxidant properties at the tested concentrations based on the diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity assay. Lipid peroxidation was induced in a concentration-dependent manner on both the cytosolic and mitochondrial hepatocyte fractionsin vitro. In the absence of CaCl20.84 mg/mL concentration of ESA induced MMPT pore opening by 129% while the extracts showed no inhibitory activity in its presence. The induction fold corresponded with the concentrations of cytochrome c released. The fruit-skin ethanol extract ofAnnona muricataat certain concentrations may possibly contain bioactive compounds that induce apoptosis.
Quantitative Determination of Cadmium (Cd) in Soil-Plant System in Potato Cropping (Solanum tuberosum var. Huayro)
Authors: Oliva M. , Camas D. E. , Valqui X. J. , Meléndez J. B. , Leiva S.
Published: December 2019

One of the main daily consumer products in Peru is potato, but in recent years, the addition of agrochemicals with possible heavy metal content, such as cadmium (Cd) has decreased the quality of the final product resulting in a negative impact on soils. The objective of this study is to determine the concentration of Cd in cultivation areas and in potato plantations. For this purpose, 6 tuber samples, 6 leaf samples, as well as 6 samples of agricultural soil used for cultivation were taken. Subsequently, the concentrations of Cd were evaluated by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and the results were subjected to variance analysis and mean comparison test (Tukey p<0.05). Soil analysis for Cd shows that 50% of samples are not suitable for agricultural use, with concentrations reaching 3.99 mg kg−1 Cd; 83% of tuber samples pose a health risk, exceeding the Maximum Allowable Limits (0.1 mg kg−1) set by the Codex Alimentarius; and in the case of the leaves as a whole they have alarming levels of Cd, exceeding 2 mg kg−1.
Association of Longitudinal Changes in Drusen Characteristics and Retinal Layer Volumes with Subsequent Subtype of Choroidal Neovascularisation
Authors: Lamin Ali , El Nokrashy Amgad , Chandra Shruti , Sivaprasad Sobha
Published: December 2019

Aim: To investigate the longitudinal correlation between drusen characteristics and retinal layer volumes pre conversion and subsequent type of choroidal neovascularisation (CNV). Methods: This was a single-centre retrospective study. The study participants were patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in one eye who developed wet AMD in the contralateral eye, with at least 2 years of follow-up prior to conversion. The Moorfields Eye Hospital database was searched for eligible patients and their data were recorded. Eyes were classified as occult or classic based on fundus fluorescein angiography. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) images were analysed for drusen characteristics and retinal layer volumes were analysed over time using automated software (Topcon 3D OCT-2000 and Orion, Voxeleron LLC, respectively). All values were obtained at baseline as well as year 1 and year 2 before conversion to wet AMD. Results: Fifty-one eyes with bilateral CNV showed high correlation of type of CNV between eyes (kappa statistic 0.89). A total of 49 wet AMD eyes (29 occult, 20 classic) were analysed for drusen parameters. Two patients with retinal angiomatous proliferation were excluded. Drusen count, area, and volume did not differ by CNV type, but the rates of change of drusen area (p = 0.046) and drusen volume (0.022) were higher in the occult group in the year preceding CNV development. Of the 49 eyes, 17 (10 occult, 7 classic) with available good quality OCT were analysed for retinal layer volumes. There was a progressive reduction in outer nuclear layer (ONL) volume (p = 0.002) and an expansion in outer plexiform layer volume (p = 0.015) in eyes that developed occult CNV. Conclusion: Our study shows that rate of increase in drusen load and reduction in ONL are significant features seen in eyes developing occult CNV, highlighting new imaging markers that need to be replicated in larger studies. These markers provide insight into the pathogenesis of CNV and may serve as prognostic indicators, as classic CNV carries a poorer prognosis compared to occult CNV.
Experiências estético-dialógicas em arte-ativismo
Authors: Machado Irene De Araujo
Published: December 2019

Embora frequentemente se entenda arte-ativismo como performances artísticas feitas por coletivos, experiências estéticas individuais, solitárias e silenciosas podem representar gestos de força criativa e contestatória. Ao tomar a arte-ativismo como objeto de estudo, o ensaio discute a potência dialógica de obras que, ocupando o espaço público, alteram as relações do entorno. Explora-se, assim, a dinâmica interativa por meio dos próprios objetos e eventos estéticos que, a partir de seus procedimentos, mostram-se capazes de iconizar tanto o gesto criador do artista quanto seu discurso e ideais mais amplos. Com isso, cria-se uma relação entre arte e política que estimula a exploração plástica do sensório, como se procurou examinar no ensaio.
Literatura negra portuguesa contemporânea: impasses e tensões
Authors: Sarteschi Rosangela
Published: December 2019

O presente artigo tem por objetivo problematizar a presença autoral negra na literatura portuguesa contemporânea, procurando compreender de que maneira essa presença ocorre e os mecanismos sociais, políticos e literários de eventuais apagamentos e silenciamentos na estruturação da sociedade portuguesa. Serão abordadas questões históricas que envolvem o processo colonial português e que reverberam na estruturação dessa sociedade no século XXI, resultando no racismo como traço distintivo das relações sociais e no emudecimento frente a esse tema por parte do poder público e da sociedade em geral. Dessa perspectiva, o texto literário coloca-se como uma possibilidade de contribuição nos processos de desvelamento dos mecanismos que orientam as relações e as contradições sociais e as tensões dali decorrentes no que se refere especialmente às confrontações raciais.
Variation in Bystander Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Delivery and Subsequent Survival From Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Based on Neighborhood-Level Ethnic Characteristics
Authors: Blewer Audrey L. , Schmicker Robert H. , Morrison Laurie J. , Aufderheide Tom P. , Daya Mohamud , Starks Monique A. , May Susanne , Idris Ahamed H. , Callaway Clifton W. , Kudenchuk Peter J. , Vilke Gary M. , Abella Benjamin S. ,   Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium Investigators
Published: December 2019

Background:

Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (B-CPR) delivery and survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest vary at the neighborhood level, with lower survival seen in predominantly black neighborhoods. Although the Hispanic population is the fastest-growing minority population in the United States, few studies have assessed whether the proportion of Hispanic residents in a neighborhood is associated with B-CPR delivery and survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. We assessed whether B-CPR rates and survival vary by neighborhood-level ethnicity. We hypothesized that neighborhoods with a higher proportion of Hispanic residents have lower B-CPR rates and lower survival.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium Epistry at US sites. Neighborhoods were classified by census tract based on percentage of Hispanic residents: <25%, 25% to 50%, 51% to 75%, or >75%. We independently modeled the likelihood of receipt of B-CPR and survival by neighborhood-level ethnicity controlling for site and patient-level confounding characteristics.

Results:

From 2011 to 2015, the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium collected 27 481 US arrest events; after excluding pediatric arrests, emergency medical services–witnessed arrests, or arrests occurring in a healthcare or institutional facility, 18 927 were included. B-CPR was administered in 37% of events. In neighborhoods with <25% Hispanic residents, B-CPR was administered in 39% of events, whereas it was administered in 27% of events in neighborhoods with >75% Hispanic residents. Compared with <25% Hispanic neighborhoods in a multivariable analysis, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods had lower B-CPR rates (51% to 75% Hispanic: odds ratio, 0.79 [CI, 0.65–0.95],
P
=0.014; >75% Hispanic: odds ratio, 0.72 [CI, 0.55–0.96],
P
=0.025) and lower survival rates (global
P
value 0.029; >75% Hispanic: odds ratio, 0.56 [CI, 0.34–0.93],
P
=0.023).

Conclusions:

Individuals with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods were less likely to receive B-CPR and had lower likelihood of survival. These findings suggest a need to understand the underlying disparities in cardiopulmonary resuscitationdelivery and an unmet cardiopulmonary resuscitationtraining need in Hispanic communities.
Smart Baroreceptor Activation Therapy Strikingly Attenuates Blood Pressure Variability in Hypertensive Rats With Impaired Baroreceptor
Authors: Tohyama Takeshi , Hosokawa Kazuya , Saku Keita , Oga Yasuhiro , Tsutsui Hiroyuki , Sunagawa Kenji
Published: December 2019

Increased blood pressure (BP) variability (BPV) is an independent risk factor of cardiovascular events among hypertensive patients. The arterial baroreceptor reflex is a powerful regulator of BP and attenuates BPV via a sympathetic negative feedback control. Conventional baroreceptor activation therapy (cBAT) electrically stimulates the carotid baroreceptors with constant stimulation parameters. While cBAT lowers BP, it does not mount a pressure feedback mechanism. We hypothesized that baroreceptor activation therapy with a pressure feedback system (smart BAT [sBAT]) is able to reduce BPV as well as lower BP. We developed sBAT that electrically stimulated baroreceptors at a frequency proportional to the difference between instantaneous BP and a preset reference pressure, and compared its performance with cBAT. In 14-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (n=6), we implanted BP telemeter and created impaired arterial baroreceptors by modified sino-aortic denervation. One week after surgical preparation, we administered sBAT, cBAT or no stimulation (sham) for 15 minutes and compared BP and BPV under freely moving condition. Both cBAT and sBAT significantly lowered mean BP (sham, 141.3±12.8; cBAT, 114.3±11.4; and sBAT, 112.0±7.3 mm Hg). Conventional BAT did not affect BPV at all, while sBAT significantly reduced BPV (sham, 15.4±2.6; cBAT, 16.0±5.2; and sBAT, 9.7±3.3 mm Hg). sBAT also prevented transient excessive BP rise and fall. In conclusion, sBAT was capable of reducing BP and attenuating BPV in hypertensive rats with impaired baroreceptor. sBAT is a novel treatment option for hypertensive patients with increased BPV.
Deep Learning Detection of Penumbral Tissue on Arterial Spin Labeling in Stroke
Authors: Wang Kai , Shou Qinyang , Ma Samantha J. , Liebeskind David , Qiao Xin J. , Saver Jeffrey , Salamon Noriko , Kim Hosung , Yu Yannan , Xie Yuan , Zaharchuk Greg , Scalzo Fabien , Wang Danny J.J.
Published: December 2019

Background and Purpose—

Selection of patients with acute ischemic stroke for endovascular treatment generally relies on dynamic susceptibility contrast magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography perfusion. Dynamic susceptibility contrast magnetic resonance imaging requires injection of contrast, whereas computed tomography perfusion requires high doses of ionizing radiation. The purpose of this work was to develop and evaluate a deep learning (DL)–based algorithm for assisting the selection of suitable patients with acute ischemic stroke for endovascular treatment based on 3-dimensional pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL).

Methods—

A total of 167 image sets of 3-dimensional pCASL data from 137 patients with acute ischemic stroke scanned on 1.5T and 3.0T Siemens MR systems were included for neural network training. The concurrently acquired dynamic susceptibility contrast magnetic resonance imaging was used to produce labels of hypoperfused brain regions, analyzed using commercial software. The DL and 6 machine learning (ML) algorithms were trained with 10-fold cross-validation. The eligibility for endovascular treatment was determined retrospectively based on the criteria of perfusion/diffusion mismatch in the DEFUSE 3 trial (Endovascular Therapy Following Imaging Evaluation for Ischemic Stroke). The trained DL algorithm was further applied on twelve 3-dimensional pCASL data sets acquired on 1.5T and 3T General Electric MR systems, without fine-tuning of parameters.

Results—

The DL algorithm can predict the dynamic susceptibility contrast–defined hypoperfusion region in pCASL with a voxel-wise area under the curve of 0.958, while the 6 ML algorithms ranged from 0.897 to 0.933. For retrospective determination for subject-level endovascular treatment eligibility, the DL algorithm achieved an accuracy of 92%, with a sensitivity of 0.89 and specificity of 0.95. When applied to the GE pCASL data, the DL algorithm achieved a voxel-wise area under the curve of 0.94 and a subject-level accuracy of 92% for endovascular treatment eligibility.

Conclusions—

pCASL perfusion magnetic resonance imaging in conjunction with the DL algorithm provides a promising approach for assisting decision-making for endovascular treatment in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Confounding of Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity by Blood Pressure During Breath Holding or Hyperventilation in Transient Ischemic Attack or Stroke
Authors: Webb Alastair J.S. , Paolucci Matteo , Mazzucco Sara , Li Linxin , Rothwell Peter M. ,   for the Oxford Vascular Study Phenotyped Cohort
Published: December 2019

Background and Purpose—

Breath holding (BH) and hyperventilation are used to assess abnormal cerebrovascular reactivity, often in relation to severity of small vessel disease and risk of stroke with carotid stenosis, but responses may be confounded by blood pressure (BP) changes. We compared effects of BP and end-tidal carbon dioxide (etCO
2
) on middle cerebral artery mean flow velocity (MFV) in consecutive transient ischemic attack and minor stroke patients.

Methods—

In the population-based, prospective OXVASC (Oxford Vascular Study) phenotyped cohort, change in MFV on transcranial Doppler ultrasound (ΔMFV, DWL-DopplerBox), beat-to-beat BP (Finometer), and etCO
2
was measured during 30 seconds of BH or hyperventilation. Two blinded reviewers independently assessed recording quality. Dependence of ΔMFV on ΔBP and ΔetCO
2
was determined by general linear models, stratified by quartiles.

Results—

Four hundred eighty-eight of 602 (81%) patients with adequate bone windows had high-quality recordings, more often in younger participants (64.6 versus 68.7 years;
P
<0.01), whereas 426 had hyperventilation tests (70.7%). During BH, ΔMFV was correlated with a rise in mean blood pressure (MBP; r
2
=0.15,
P
<0.001) but not ΔCO
2
(r
2
=0.002,
P
=0.32), except in patients with ΔMBP <10% (r
2
=0.13,
P
<0.001). In contrast during hyperventilation, the fall in MFV was similarly correlated with reduction in CO
2
and reduction in MBP (ΔCO
2
: r
2
=0.13,
P
<0.001; ΔMBP: r
2
=0.12,
P
<0.001), with a slightly greater effect of ΔCO
2
when ΔMBP was <10% (r
2
=0.15). Stratifying by quartile, MFV increased linearly during BH across quartiles of ΔMBP, with no increase with ΔetCO
2
. In contrast, during hyperventilation, MFV decreased linearly with ΔetCO
2
, independent of ΔMBP.

Conclusions—

In older patients with recent transient ischemic attack or minor stroke, cerebral blood flow responses to BH were confounded by BP changes but reflected etCO
2
change during hyperventilation. Correct interpretation of cerebrovascular reactivity responses to etCO
2
, including in small vessel disease and carotid stenosis, requires concurrent BP measurement.
SEZGİSEL VE METASEZGİSEL YÖNTEMLERİN GEZGİN SATICI PROBLEMİ ÇÖZÜM PERFORMANSLARININ KIYASLANMASI
Authors: ŞAHİN Yusuf
Published: December 2019

Bu çalışmanın amacı, sezgisel ve metasezgisel yöntemlerin Gezgin Satıcı
Problemi çözüm performanslarının çözüm değeri ve süresi bakımından değerlendirilmesidir.
Çalışma kapsamında, sezgisel yöntem olarak bütünleşik En Yakın Komşu (EYK) ve
2-Opt sezgiseli, metasezgisel yöntem olarak ise karınca kolonisi optimizasyon,
tabu arama, benzetilmiş tavlama ve genetik algoritma yöntemleri kullanılmıştır.
16 adet veri seti ile yapılan deneyler, ortalama çözüm değerleri ve süreleri
bakımından EYK+2-Opt bütünleşik yönteminin en iyi çözümleri sağladığını
göstermiştir. Sonuç olarak, EYK+2-Opt yönteminin Gezgin Satıcı Probleminin
çözümünde hızlı ve etkin çözümler üretebilen kullanışlı bir yöntem olduğu ortaya
konmuştur.
A New Genus and Species of Pottiaceae (Bryophyta) from Guam Territory, U.S.A., western Pacific

Authors: ZANDER RICHARD H. , ALLEN BRUCE H.
Published: December 2019

Pachylomidium, a new genus in the Pottiaceae, including the new species P. pacificum, is described from Guam. Two additional Asian species of Barbula are transferred. The special character of the Guam climate and the broad range of the genus in the Asian tropics and subtropics is discussed.
Effect of Unilateral Cordotomy on Perception of Dysphagia
Authors: Conklin Melissa , Clary Matthew S. , Cuadrado Elizabeth M. , Jetté Marie E.
Published: December 2019

Objectives:

CO2 laser medial transverse cordotomy is a permanent static procedure performed to achieve adequate functional airway in cases of posterior glottic stenosis and bilateral vocal fold paralysis. Although it is the preferred method to manage long-term bilateral vocal fold immobility, it is widely believed that cordotomy has the potential to cause aspiration. The minimal existing data on the effect surgical enlargement of the glottic airway on swallowing function is heterogeneous. Through investigation of dysphagia after cordotomy, we hope to better understand the influence of glottic function and its role in dysphagia. The Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10), is a validated dysphagia symptom-specific outcome measure. We hypothesized that EAT-10 scores would not change after CO2 laser cordotomy despite causing glottic insufficiency.

Methods:

Retrospective review was performed on sequential patients having undergone unilateral CO2 laser cordotomy with complete pre- and postoperative EAT-10 questionnaire data available for evaluation.

Results:

Fifteen patients were available for analysis; 10 patients underwent primary unilateral medial transverse cordotomy, 5 patients underwent revision cordotomy, and 20 unique procedures were included in the dataset. The median EAT-10 score during the visit prior to surgery was 3.5, whereas the post-surgery median score was 2. Furthermore, the median difference of 0 was statistically non-significant ( P = .91).

Conclusion:

CO2 laser cordotomy does not contribute to patient-reported dysphagia despite creating glottic incompetence. This suggests vocal fold apposition may play a less significant role in normal swallowing function than widely believed.
‘Uberization’ as Neoliberal Governmentality: A Global South Perspective
Authors: Kaye-Essien Charles Wharton
Published: December 2019

Using the neo-Foucauldian literature on neoliberal governmentality as conceptual lens, this paper critically examines Uber’s influence on the governance of urban transport. It argues that ‘uberization’ represents a form of neoliberal governmentality in which Uber replaces the state as the arbiter and protector of citizenship. It distils the underlying logics of uberization through four discursive moments of subjectification and subjectivation in Ghana’s transport sector. Mainly conceptual but interlaced with empirical moments, the paper makes a vital contribution to the literature on how new forms of neoliberalization manifest through varied techno-material instruments in global south cities.
Relative Contribution of Auditory and Visual Information to Mandarin Chinese Tone Identification by Native and Tone-naïve Listeners
Authors: Han Yueqiao , Goudbeek Martijn , Mos Maria , Swerts Marc
Published: December 2019

Speech perception is a multisensory process: what we hear can be affected by what we see. For instance, the McGurk effect occurs when auditory speech is presented in synchrony with discrepant visual information. A large number of studies have targeted the McGurk effect at the segmental level of speech (mainly consonant perception), which tends to be visually salient (lip-reading based), while the present study aims to extend the existing body of literature to the suprasegmental level, that is, investigating a McGurk effect for the identification of tones in Mandarin Chinese. Previous studies have shown that visual information does play a role in Chinese tone perception, and that the different tones correlate with variable movements of the head and neck. We constructed various tone combinations of congruent and incongruent auditory-visual materials (10 syllables with 16 tone combinations each) and presented them to native speakers of Mandarin Chinese and speakers of tone-naïve languages. In line with our previous work, we found that tone identification varies with individual tones, with tone 3 (the low-dipping tone) being the easiest one to identify, whereas tone 4 (the high-falling tone) was the most difficult one. We found that both groups of participants mainly relied on auditory input (instead of visual input), and that the auditory reliance for Chinese subjects was even stronger. The results did not show evidence for auditory-visual integration among native participants, while visual information is helpful for tone-naïve participants. However, even for this group, visual information only marginally increases the accuracy in the tone identification task, and this increase depends on the tone in question.
Metastatic cutaneous deposits as the initial feature of rectal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sadler Katie A , Baxter MA , Peters AL , Grose D
Published: December 2019

Cutaneous metastases in colorectal cancer are rare, occurring in less than 6% of cases. They usually present after diagnosis of a primary tumour and are typically associated with disseminated disease and a poor prognosis. We present an unusual case of a 71-year-old female in whom cutaneous metastases were the initial feature of an underlying colorectal cancer.
No Disrespect: A Womanist Critique of Respectability Discourses in Extracurricular Programming for Black Girls
Authors: Nyachae Tiffany M. , Ohito Esther O.
Published: December 2019

This article explores how extracurricular programs designed as interventions in the criminalization of Black girls may constrict their identities. Through a womanist theoretical framework, authors investigate the discourses about Black girlhood that permeate one extracurricular initiative which aims to counter the effects of exclusionary discipline practices on Black girls. The authors find that these discourses advance respectability politics, thus reinforcing an exclusive model of ideal Black girlhood as one aligned with White, Western, Judeo-Christian, patriarchal, heterosexist, and middle-class values. Authors conclude with suggestions for how extracurricular initiatives may develop programming and curricula that are inclusive of pluralized Black girlhoods.
Social support serves emotion regulation function in death anxiety among people living with HIV/AIDS
Authors: Chukwuorji JohnBosco Chika , Uzuegbu Charity Ngozi , Chukwu Comfort Victoria , Ifeagwazi Chuka Mike , Ugwu Chinedu
Published: December 2019

Several studies have reported the independent roles of social support and emotion regulation in death anxiety. However, there is sparse literature on mediating role of emotion regulatory mechanisms in the link between social support and death anxiety. This study examined whether social support predicts multidimensional death anxiety as a function of emotion regulation strategies (cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression) among people living with HIV/AIDS. Participants were 186 people living with HIV/AIDS (mean age = 34.16 years, standard deviation = 11.16; 56.5% women) drawn from the HIV/AIDS care unit of a tertiary health care institution in south-eastern Nigeria. Data were obtained by means of self-report measures of death anxiety, social support, and emotion regulation. A serial mediation analysis was conducted using Model 6 of the Hayes PROCESS macro for SPSS® which applies two mediators for each single analysis in a regression-based, path-analytical framework. The results showed that emotion regulation strategies, especially expressive suppression, was the indirect pathway through which social support from friends and significant others reduces death anxiety in aspects of death acceptance and death thoughts, but not for externally generated death anxiety and death finality. The mediation mechanism through family support was found for only death acceptance. Findings support existing mental health research and theories elucidating core social mechanisms of emotion regulation in relation to mental health and highlight the recognition of functional roles of multidimensional support in comprehensive case management services for helping people living with HIV/AIDS maintain their health. The study endorses improved social networks as part of the overall care for people living with HIV/AIDS.
Interindividual Differences in the Sensitivity for Consequences, Moral Norms, and Preferences for Inaction: Relating Basic Personality Traits to the CNI Model
Authors: Kroneisen Meike , Heck Daniel W.
Published: December 2019

Research on moral decision making usually focuses on two ethical principles: the principle of utilitarianism (= morality of an action is determined by its consequences) and the principle of deontology (= morality of an action is valued according to the adherence to moral norms regardless of the consequences). Criticism on traditional moral dilemma research includes the reproach that consequences and norms are confounded in standard paradigms. As a remedy, a multinomial model (the CNI model) was developed to disentangle and measure sensitivity to consequences ( C), sensitivity to moral norms ( N), and general preference for inaction versus action ( I). In two studies, we examined the link of basic personality traits to moral judgments by fitting a hierarchical Bayesian version of the CNI model. As predicted, high Honesty–Humility was selectively associated with sensitivity for norms, whereas high Emotionality was selectively associated with sensitivity for consequences. However, Conscientiousness was not associated with a preference for inaction.
Fear Goliath or David? Inferring Competence From Demeanor Across Cultures
Authors: Lee Albert , Ji Li-Jun , Li Ye , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: December 2019

We examined cultural differences in people’s lay theories of demeanor—how demeanor may be perceived as a straightforward and reliable reflection of reality (convergence theory) or as a deviating reflection of reality (divergence theory). Across different domains of competition, Euro-Canadians perceived greater competence in an opponent with a competent demeanor, whereas Chinese paradoxically perceived greater competence in an opponent with no signs of competence (Studies 1–4b). The results, unexplained by attributional styles (Study 1), likability (Study 3), or modesty (Study 3), suggest that Euro-Canadians endorse a stronger convergence theory than Chinese in their inferences of competence. Corroborated with qualitative data (Study 4a), such cultural differences were explained by the beliefs that demeanor can be a misleading reflection of reality, verified in college and community (Study 4b) samples. We discuss the implications for social perception, intergroup dynamics, and self-presentation in competitions.
Gendered reasons for leaving a career in the UK TV industry
Authors: Percival Neil
Published: December 2019

This article concerns gendered sustainability of careers in the UK TV industry. Much academic scrutiny is focused on equality of access and progression, using data secured from those still working in the sector. The research featured here offers a new insight by focusing on career sustainability and exit, reporting on a survey of 80 individuals, both male and female, who left professional careers in the industry to move on to other careers or activities. While quantitative data demonstrate that incompatibility with parenting was the overwhelmingly dominant factor motivating early exit from the sector for women, the qualitative findings also advance discussions of wider structural barriers and gendered inequalities, embedded in working cultures, practices and attitudes. The article explores the wider perception of a lack of care for the sector’s workers, as well as the individual bereavement and identity loss encountered by those who leave.
Imagineering empire: how Hollywood and the US national security state ‘operationalize narrative’
Authors: Martin Sylvia J
Published: December 2019

While the Pentagon has long enlisted Hollywood to make films that show the United States in a favorable light for the public, this article examines how and why US military agencies hire entertainment professionals for national security purposes such as imagining defense strategy against possible threats. Drawing from ethnographic fieldwork in Los Angeles, I argue that the application of entertainment media and creative expertise for internal military purposes articulates the totalizing resourcefulness of a national security state which after 9/11 increasingly identifies the capacity to imagine as its greatest weapon. I suggest that ‘Imagineering’, the Disney method for storytelling and developing scenarios that has become emblematic of the US entertainment industry, is a fitting concept with which to understand the state’s harnessing of creative labor for its project of empire. Tracing the relationship between Hollywood narrative and national security illuminates the imaginings of US empire at its domestic source.
Intergenerational Coresidential Patterns by Young Adult’s and Their Mother’s Mental Health and Substance Use
Authors: Thomeer Mieke Beth , Reczek Corinne
Published: December 2019

Intergenerational coresidence is at a 30-year high. Studies find that economic, familial, and demographic factors shape the likelihood of this arrangement. We use NLSY79 and NLSY79YA data (2000–2014; N = 3,092) to examine how the mental health and substance use of both adult children and their mothers matter for coresidential biographies, estimating risks of moving out of and returning to their mothers’ households. Adult children who drink, smoke, or have more depressive symptoms, or whose mothers drink or smoke, are more likely to leave their mother’s household; adult children with more depressive symptoms and who smoke are more likely to return. Our findings show that children’s and mothers’ health are key determinants of coresidential patterns, suggesting that it is not just family arrangements that impact health but health that impacts family arrangements. As intergenerational coresidence increases, researchers should continue to look beyond economic, familial, and demographic determinants of coresidence to health dynamics.
The significance of context and victim–offender relationship for Swedish social workers’ understandings of young men’s violent victimization
Authors: Skillmark Mikael , Kullberg Christian
Published: December 2019

This article investigates how social workers’ interpretations of contextual factors and the relationship between victim and offender affect their understanding and assessment of male violent victimization. The study was designed as a multiple case study with a qualitative comparative approach. Focus group interviews supported by vignettes were used to collect data. Interviews were carried out with professional Swedish social workers working with victimized men and women at support units for young crime victims in Sweden. The results show that the social workers consider the violence that the young men are subjected to in cases of street violence and interpersonal violence to be unavoidable or even ‘natural’. The violence was in some cases considered to be dependent on the men’s own agency and in others on their lack of agency, when displaying traits of both more traditional and less traditional forms of masculinity respectively. The social workers’ talk about young male crime victims is interpreted as contributing to making the men appear as less legitimate victims. Even though the social workers argued that the victims’ own behaviour should not lead to any special considerations concerning help efforts, the possibility of upholding such a demarcation between explanations ascribed to the violent incident and help measures offered is problematized in the article.
Forced marriage as a lived experience: Victims’ voices
Authors: Villacampa Carolina
Published: December 2019

The official response to forced marriage in the majority of European countries has been to criminalise the practice. Based on racial stereotypes and outdated Orientalist perspectives, this overlooks the prior need for appropriate empirical analysis in order to better understand the reality of the practice being regulated, and fails to provide victims with the means of protection they need beyond the framework of criminal law. Devising a suitable and effective strategy to address this form of victimisation instead requires an in-depth understanding of the effects that victims of these practices endure, and of what the victims themselves would consider best practice in terms of assistance and protection. In view of these primary objectives, after the existence of forced marriages in Spain had been demonstrated by the corresponding quantitative research, a qualitative research study followed, which was conducted through interviews with victims of forced marriage. The results are presented here. The secondary aim of the study was to draw up the basic guidelines for an integrated programme of action to address this process of victimisation.
A Study of Objects With Smooth or Sharp Features Created as Line Drawings by Individuals Trained in Design
Authors: Bertamini Marco , Sinico Michele
Published: December 2019

There is a long history of studies of shape preference using simple abstract two-dimensional shapes. The evidence has confirmed a preference for symmetry, high contrast, and smoothness over asymmetry, low contrast, and angularity. However, the evidence about the role of culture and expertise is inconclusive. We asked a group of 56 expert designers (studying at the IUAV) to draw seven objects on paper and for each provide two versions: a smooth version and an angular version. These stimuli therefore show everyday objects, freely chosen by the authors, drawn with novel shapes. Next, we presented these stimuli to nonexperts. We collected ratings for seven characteristics (“ugly/beautiful, dark/light, complex/simple, heavy/light, old/modern, dangerous/safe, and asymmetrical/symmetrical”) from naive observers ( n = 174). The analysis of the rating data confirmed a link between smoothness and beauty as well as a few other associations. We made the database (772 images) including the average ratings openly available to other researchers.
Fructo-oligosaccharides lower serum lipid levels and suppress high-fat/high-sugar diet-induced inflammation by elevating serum and gut levels of short-chain fatty acids
Authors: Yu Renqiang , Yin Yongxiang , Cao Minkai , Ye Danni , Zhang Yinghui , Zhou Qin , Mei Yingzi
Published: December 2019

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effects of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) on serum lipid levels and to determine the mechanisms underlying these effects and the potential role of inflammation.

Methods

Male C57BL/6 mice received a normal diet, a high-fat/high-sugar (HFS) diet, or an HFS diet supplemented with 10% FOS for 10 weeks. In vivo intestinal and serum short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels were measured by gas chromatography. In vivo serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and malonaldehyde (MDA) were also measured. Lipid accumulation was visualized. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was evaluated and apoptosis was quantified.

Results

FOS reversed in vivo HFS-induced lipid accumulation in the liver. An HFS diet increased ALT, AST, TC, TG, and LDL serum levels, decreased HDL serum levels, and increased IL-6, TNF-α, 8-OHdG, and MDA levels. These changes were reduced by FOS. FOS also increased intestinal and serum levels of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). In vitro, SCFAs ameliorated palmitic acid-induced ROS production and apoptosis of HepG2 cells.

Conclusion

FOS supplementation lowers serum lipid levels and ameliorates HFS-induced inflammation by upregulating SCFAs.
Intraindividual Consistency Between Auditory and Visual Multistability
Authors: Einhäuser Wolfgang , da Silva Lucas F. O. , Bendixen Alexandra
Published: December 2019

We compared perceptual multistability across modalities, using a visual plaid pattern (composed of two transparently overlaid drifting gratings) and auditory streaming (elicited by a repeating “ABA_” tone sequence). Both stimuli can be perceived as integrated (one plaid pattern, one stream comprising “A” and “B” tones) or segregated (two individual gratings, two tone streams). In the segregated case, either stream or grating can be perceived in the foreground. We queried auditory and visual perception with these three response options. We found that perceptual dominance of the integrated states was correlated across modalities: Participants who were more likely to perceive the plaid were also more likely to perceive the integrated auditory stream. When presenting both stimuli simultaneously and querying the auditory percept, eye-movement data showed that perceiving auditory and visual integration is related on a moment-by-moment basis. This suggests that in part common mechanisms underlie multistability in visual and auditory perception.
Strategic agility orientation? The impact of CEO duality on corporate entrepreneurship in privatized Vietnamese firms
Authors: Bui Hong T.M. , Nguyen Huong T.M. , Chau Vinh Sum
Published: December 2019

This study examines the impact of chief executive officer (CEO) duality (a chief executive operating chair of board and leader of a firm) of newly privatized Vietnamese firms on the level of corporate entrepreneurship; this understanding is used to throw light on the extent to which a position of strategic agility is achieved. Specifically, does CEO duality enable firms to keep consistent with their vision, while remaining flexible in their business model? Data from a survey of 114 CEOs of board and top management team members in privatized firms in Vietnam were collected and examined through a combination of agency theory and stewardship theory. The research finds that CEO duality does not necessarily lead to a higher degree of entrepreneurial activity in privatized Vietnamese firms. The results have policy implications for shaping corporate governance and management implications for firms striving to be competitive, in ways that advance corporate entrepreneurship in economies such as Vietnam that are both emerging and pursuing privatization.