bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analog Seismogram Archives at the Earthquake Research Institute, the University of Tokyo
Authors: Satake Kenji , Tsuruoka Hiroshi , Murotani Satoko , Tsumura Kenshiro
Published: January 2020

The Earthquake Research Institute (ERI) of the University of Tokyo maintains archives of analog seismograms and mareograms. The main collection is ∼236,000 Japanese historical seismograms recorded at the University of Tokyo (at various buildings and using various instruments around Hongo [Tokyo] with a total of 189,000 records from 1881 to 1993), at the Tsukuba observatory (∼11,000 records from 1921 to 1986), and at the Wakayama seismological network (∼12,650 records from 1928 to 1968). Seismograms recorded by temporal stations at various locations in Japan for several years, typically following large earthquakes, are also included. Different types of instruments were used to record the data. The oldest record from a large earthquake is from the 1891 Nobi earthquake recorded at Hongo on a circular seismogram using an Ewing-type seismograph. Teleseismic seismograms include those from the 1899 Alaska earthquake at Hongo on an Omori-type seismograph. Imamura-type and Omori-type tremometers and strong-motion seismographs had also been used for a long time. While these seismograms were microfilmed by the 1990s, the original smoked paper records have also been archived. Foreign seismogram collections include those from earthquakes in Taiwan between 1904 and 1917 recorded in both Japan and Taiwan and those from the Canadian Seismograph Network between 1981 and 1989. For the Worldwide Standardized Seismograph Network stations, almost all (∼5,000,000) microfilm records at 167 stations from 1963 to 1988 are archived. High-resolution image scanning of analog daily seismograms at the Wakayama microearthquake network is currently being performed, and the scans are provided using Leaflet software so that the users can easily access and enlarge parts of seismograms. The tsunami waveform archive contains ∼3100 records on Japanese tide gauges from large earthquakes between 1911 and 1996. The available data, with dates and types of instruments, can be searched from the database through the website of the ERI.
The U.S. Geological Survey’s Rapid Seismic Array Deployment for the 2019 Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence
Authors: Cochran Elizabeth S. , Wolin Emily , McNamara Daniel E. , Yong Alan , Wilson David , Alvarez Marcos , van der Elst Nicholas , McClain Adria , Steidl Jamison
Published: January 2020

Rapid seismic deployments following large earthquakes capture ephemeral near-field recordings of aftershocks and ambient noise that can provide valuable data for seismological studies. The U.S. Geological Survey installed 19 temporary seismic stations following the 4 July 2019 Mw 6.4 and 6 July 2019 (UTC) Mw 7.1 earthquakes near the city of Ridgecrest, California. The stations record the aftershock sequence beginning two days after the mainshock and are expected to remain in the field through approximately January 2020. The deployment augments the permanent seismic network in the area to improve azimuthal coverage and provide additional near-field observations. This article summarizes the motivation and goals of the deployment; details of station installation, instrumentation, and configurations; and initial data quality and observations from the network. We expect these data to be useful for a range of studies including detailing near-field variability in strong ground motions, determining stress drops and rupture directivity of small events, imaging the fault zone, documenting the evolution of crustal properties within and outside of the fault zone, and others.
Öğrenme Kutuları Destekli Buluş Yoluyla Öğrenmenin Fen Başarısına ve Kalıcılığa Etkisi
Authors: ASLAN EFE Hülya , BAKIR Nazan
Published: January 2020

Bu çalışmanın amacı öğrenme kutuları destekli buluş yoluyla
öğretim stratejisinin ortaokul 5. sınıf öğrencilerinin fen
başarılarına ve öğrenilenlerin kalıcılığına etkilerini belirlemektir. Bu amaç
doğrultusunda nicel araştırma yöntemlerinden deneysel desen kullanılmıştır. Deney
grubu öğrencileri ile “Vücudumuzun Bilmecesini Çözelim” ünitesi öğrenme
kutuları ile desteklenmiş buluş yoluyla öğrenme ile işlenirken, kontrol
grubunda mevcut programın öngördüğü öğretim yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Araştırmaya
2016-2017 Eğitim-Öğretim yılı güz döneminde Diyarbakır-Çınar ilçesindeki bir
devlet ortaokulunda öğrenim gören 48 (Deney:24, Kontrol:24) öğrenci katılmıştır.
10 haftalık deneysel öğrenme süreci sonunda deney grubu öğrencilerinin fen
başarılarının ve kalıcılık düzeylerinin kontrol grubu öğrencilerinkinden
anlamlı düzeyde yüksek olduğu saptanmıştır. Deney grubu son test cinsiyet
karşılaştırmalarında erkek ve kız öğrencilerin başarıları arasında kız
öğrencilerin lehine anlamlı farklılık olduğu görülmüştür. Fen öğretiminde
kullanılan araç gereçlerin öğrenme kutusu formatında düzenleyerek
yapılandırmacı yaklaşım uygulamalarına entegre edilmesi araştırmanın önerileri
arasındadır.
POLITICAL WORK IN THE SOUTHERN FRONT MILITARY FORCES THROUGHOUT THE RUSSIAN CIVIL WAR (1918-1920)
Authors: V. Lyapunova N. , G. Greshnihin A. , V. Tatyeva E. , P. Rudnitskaya A. , A. Nesterchuk O.
Published: January 2020

Purpose of the study: Recreation of a historically truthful picture, reflecting the role of educational work in the army during the Civil War (1918-1920), which currently continues to be the subject of sharp ideological and scientific discussions. Introduction of previously unknown to the scientific community documents concerning political work in the troops. Generalization of the experience of this work with the aim of shaping the scientific historical consciousness among young people in the context of the modern information struggle.

Methodology: The conceptual basis for the study relies on the integral paradigm of historical analysis (introduced by the representatives of the RSSU historical school). It allows not only to compare polar versions of the description of the key problems of the Civil War history to create a multidimensional historical panorama but also to find a consensus between the methodological concepts that guided the development of the national historical science in the Soviet period and the modern paradigms of historical knowledge.

Main Findings: 1. The experience of the activities of the political bodies of the Southern Front related educational work in troops during the Civil War has been considered in order to preserve historical heritage. 2. New archival documents, including leaflets that determine the scientific argumentation of the problem, as well as new concepts (“integral paradigm of historical analysis” and “cultural-historiographic space”) have been introduced into the scientific circulation. 3. The main approaches to assessing the events of the Civil War have been defined.

Applications of this study: The study can be used in the implementation of various educational programs and projects, scientific and methodological research of problems of national history, as well as training and professional retraining of specialists in the field of history teaching.

Novelty/Originality of this study: A holistic picture of the activities of the Red Army political agencies in carrying out party political work in the troops of the Southern Front during the Civil War has been presented. The main forms of cultural, educational and propaganda work carried out among the frontline troops and the enemy forces have been analyzed. An assessment of the effectiveness of the mass political work in the creation and strengthening of the Red Army during the period under study has been given.
DO COMPREHENSIVE AND SELECTIVE CORRECTIVE FEEDBACK REALLY WORK FOR L2 WRITING ACCURACY? AN OVERVIEW FROM INDONESIAN CONTEXT
Authors: Herlinawati  , Saukah Ali , Mukminatien Nur , Masruroh Isnawati Uzlifatul , Bastian Adolf
Published: January 2020

Purpose of the study: Investigating the effect of corrective feedback on Indonesian students' writing accuracy was the aim of this present study.

Methodology: The methods used were a true experiment with a pretest-treatment-posttest-delayed posttest design was employed to address the research questions and a two-way ANOVA to examine.

Main Findings: The data collected was the grammatical accuracy scores from the three groups (comprehensive corrective feedback/CCF, selective corrective feedback/SCF, and non-grammatical feedback/NGF).

Applications of this study: Indonesian EFL students’.

Novelty/Originality of this study: EFL writing teacher is suggested to accommodate the integrated teaching of grammatical features in a communicative context.
UNDERSTANDING THE ATTITUDES AND FACTORS INFLUENCING ORGAN DONATION DECISIONS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN PAKISTAN: A QUALITATIVE STUDY
Authors: Umair Sonia , Ann Ho Jo , Kamal Basha Norazlyn , Siew-Imm Ng Serene , Waqas Umair
Published: January 2020

Purpose: The main purpose of this study was to identify factors that were important in posthumous organ donation decisions in a developing country such as Pakistan.

Methodology: A qualitative study was conducted with 50 semi-structured interviews among students of one public and one private university in Lahore (Pakistan) to understand their attitudes and factors influencing their decisions on posthumous organ donations. Purposive sampling technique was used in this study. The interview questions focused on the level of knowledge, motivation and overall attitude towards the posthumous organ donation decision of the respondents.

Main Findings: There was a lack of general knowledge among university students in Pakistan. Most of the students had a positive attitude for posthumous organ donation yet moral norms are very influential in the decision-making process for organ donation after death. Those who were willing were reluctant because of the influence of family and friends. Religion was also another significant norm factor for prohibiting them to be an organ donor after death.

Implications/Applications: The present study provided a way in the advancement of knowledge towards an understanding of the attitude, moral norms along with social and family influence for not only intention to donate but also signing the donor card. The findings of the study are useful for the government, policymakers and the organizations in Pakistan in their efforts to increase awareness and organ donation rates in the country.

Novelty/Originality: The present research was exploratory and the intention for this research was to explore the underlying behavioral and normative beliefs which may inhibit or encourage organ donation among university students. Such qualitative studies are relatively uncommon in transplant literature.
A STUDY ON LITERACY AND USAGE BEHAVIOUR OF CREDIT CARDS USERS IN INDIA
Authors: Ahmar Uddin Mohammad
Published: January 2020

Purpose of the study: This study aims to find credit card literacy (henceforward CCL) and credit card usage behavior (henceforward CCUB) in India.

Methodology: A survey was conducted on 400 respondents who were using a credit card in India. The questionnaire used for collecting data consisted of three sections; demographic information, CCL, and CCUB. To check the CCL, the customers were asked to rate their awareness of the terms and conditions of the credit card providers, while CCUB was measured using five questions.

Main findings: CCL is found to be 34% and the results of logistic regression show that CCL and demographic factors influence the CCUB.

Implications of this study: An understanding of the CCUB will be helpful in controlling excessive debt and high-interest payments.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This paper gives a unique insight into CCL and CCUB in India.
Improving Student Learning Outcomes In Lessons Of History Of Islamic Civilization Through The Application Of Bingo Strategies
Authors: Widiani Desti , Jiyanto Jiyanto
Published: January 2020

Abstract. This article is a field research using the "Classroom Action Research" method. Learning the History of Islamic Civilization at MTs Muhammadiyah 1 Gemolong in class VII, found several problems, namely the teaching and learning process so far still tended to use the lecture method has not been varied with other methods. This results in student learning outcomes still low. Based on existing conditions, it is necessary to improve the learning process of teaching Islamic Civilization History. Therefore classroom action research is conducted to improve student learning outcomes in the subjects of Islamic Civilization History by applying bingo strategies. The purpose of this study is to improve student learning outcomes in the subjects of Islamic Civilization History and increase student activity in Islamic Civilization History subjects. The action hypothesis in this study is to apply the bingo strategy to improve student learning outcomes and student activities in Islamic Civilization History subjects. Based on the indicators of success of the actions determined from the 3 research cycles, the student learning outcomes reach the classical success limit (≥ 85%) of all students who have achieved individual success (score ≥ 60) and most students (75%) actively engage in learning or The teacher has reduced his dominance in learning, showing that student learning outcomes in the subjects of History of Islamic Civilization through the application of bingo strategies can increase. Before the action is carried out the percentage of student success is 21%. In the first cycle student learning outcomes increased to 82%, while in the second cycle the percentage of success was 95% and in the third cycle the success of students reached 100%. Student activities on the subject of Islamic Civilization History through the application of increased bingo strategies, before the actions of passive students are carried out in learning activities and the teacher dominates in learning activities. In the first cycle the percentage of student activity was 68% with the criteria of good / very good, in the second cycle of 95% and in the third cycle student activity reached 100%. This shows that students are doing well / very well in learning the History of Islamic Civilization and the teacher has been reduced to dominate in learning activities. Thus the bingo strategy can be a solution to improve learning outcomes in Islamic Civilization History subjects.
Keywords: Learning Achievement, Activity, Bingo Strategy.
Disparities Elimination Summer Research Experience (DESRE): An Intensive Summer Research Training Program to Promote Diversity in the Biomedical Research Workforce
Authors: Smalley K. Bryant , Warren Jacob C.
Published: January 2020

The Disparities Elimination Summer Re­search Experience (DESRE) was created to provide hands-on health equity research training opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students, particularly those from backgrounds underrepresented in bio­medical research. Funded by NIH’s National Institute on Minority Health and Health Dis­parities, a total of 22 students participated in 4 annual cycles of an intensive, 6-week, full-time, residential research training program consisting of didactics, community immer­sion experiences, peer mentoring, ethics training, and hands-on health disparities research. Demand for the program was high; by the 4th year of implementation, more than 500 applications were received for the cohort’s six slots. More than half of DESRE participants came from minority-serving institutions and/or identified as a member of a minority group. Students reported a significant increase in self-reported compe­tency across all of the program’s 26 learning objectives from pre- to post-assessment. Further, the program had a 77% success rate in promoting a career in biomedical research and/or health disparities elimina­tion, including 100% of minority participants either entering a graduate program and/or entering careers focused on health equity. Key success factors and lessons learned are discussed. Ethn Dis.2020;30(1):47-54; doi:10.18865/ed.30.1.47
Comparisons and Approaches of PREP Programs at Different Stages of Maturity: Challenges, Best Practices and Benefits
Authors: Schwartz Nancy B. , Risner Laurie E. , Domowicz Miriam , Freedman Victoria H.
Published: January 2020

Programs (PREP) are designed to provide research training and educational oppor­tunities for recent baccalaureate graduates from targeted groups defined by NIH who would benefit by academic enhancements between the completion of undergraduate studies and admission to a PhD program. These programs offer exposure to the biomedical science community in a way that helps post-undergraduate individu­als visualize future careers as well-trained, enthusiastic leaders in biomedical research who represent and will promote diversity in science. Specifically, PREPs provide the preparation and skills required for en­trance into, and successful completion of, a PhD program via in-depth exposure to a research setting, which helps to refine the post-undergraduate’s research interests, assists in providing a realistic understand­ing of the end results one can expect from research, and offers a forum for discussion with lab peers and mentors about possible career paths. Beyond the lab, PREPs offer programmatic activities to develop ana­lytical, writing, and oral presentation skills necessary for a competitive graduate school application and success in graduate school thereafter. Individual mentoring increases the post-undergraduate’s confidence and familiarity with members of the research community, so that pursuit of a PhD be­comes a realistic and less-intimidating path. Interventions and developmental activities are matched to the background preparation, research experience, and learning style of each post-undergraduate. As with all train­ing programs, there is no perfect model and each program must fit in and adapt to their respective institutional environments and cultures. Thus, in this article, we provide perspectives and approaches developed by a long-standing program in existence almost since the beginning of the PREP program along with one PREP at an early stage of maturity, having just been through one renewal. Ethn Dis. 2020;30(1):55-64; doi:10.18865/ed.30.1.55
Preparing the Next Generation of Diverse Biomedical Researchers: The University of North Texas Health Science Center’s Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD) Predoctoral Program
Authors: Jones Harlan P. , Vishwanatha Jamboor K. , Yorio Thomas , He Johnny
Published: January 2020

The National Science Foundation (NSF) reports that underrepresented minority students are just as interested as their White counterparts in majoring in science upon entering college.1 However, the numbers of those receiving bachelors’ degrees, attend­ing graduate school, and earning doctor­ates remain lower than their White peers. To close this gap, the National Institutes of General Medical Science’s (NIGMS) Initiative for Maximizing Student Develop­ment (IMSD) at University of Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) supports the timely completion of PhD degrees by un­derrepresented students and their transition into successful biomedical research careers. Throughout UNTHSC’s IMSD training program, we have designed interventions anchored by the central hypothesis that PhD attainment requires attentiveness to multiple factors (knowledge, psychosocial, financial and self-efficacy). An assessment of program outcomes demonstrates a progressive increase in trainee retention. Importantly, not-withstanding quantitative measurable outcomes, trainee and mentor evaluations express the value in addressing multiple factors relevant to their success. Since 1996, our cumulative success of underrepresented minority students com­pleting the doctorate increased from 64% (1996) to 84% completion (2018). Herein, we describe the UNTHSC IMSD training ap­proach spanning its performance over two five-year cycles (2004-2008; 2009-2013) and new interventions created from lessons learned that influenced UNTHSC’s newly awarded IMSD program (2017-2022).Ethn Dis. 2020;30(1):65-74; doi:10.18865/ed.30.1.65
Don Fermín, una historia de vida yaqui
Authors: Guerrero Lilián
Published: January 2020

Los relatos o historias de vida son fuentes de interés histórico, etnográfico y lingüístico; son testi- monios etno-culturales y sociales con un fuerte contenido humano. La historia de vida que aquí se presenta pertenece a don Fermín Flores Álvarez. Además de algunos acontecimientos personales e individuales, don Fermín narra varios sucesos colectivos que marcaron la organización social y el territorio de la comunidad yaqui. Asimismo, menciona varios topónimos o nombres de lugares yaquis que rara vez aparecen en los ma- pas. La presentación del texto incluye la transcripción en alfabeto práctico aprobado por la comunidad, con segmentación y glosas morfológicas, y traducciones al inglés y al español.
Integration of Health Sector in Efforts to Improve The Health of Older People in RW VII Jagir Surabaya
Authors: Imandiri Ario , Inayati Eny , Wahjuni Retno Sri
Published: January 2020

Background: The older people get, the more elderly people who experience health complaints. The elderly morbidity rate in 2014 was 25.05 percent, meaning that around one in four elderly people had experienced pain in the past month. Purpose: Providing guidance and knowledge to improve the health of the elderly community in RW VII Jagir. Methods: Coaching is carried out by using a tutorial and visualization method using LCD. The material provided includes the processing of healthy foods, the introduction of traditional medicine, independent acupressure, healthy work attitudes in the household, dental and oral health, and medical check up. Results: The people who attended this activity were 65 people, according to the expected target. The community welcomed with enthusiasm, as evidenced by a large number of people present and the high level of community participation until the end of the event. In addition, there was also an increase in the mean value of the questionnaire before and after the activity, from 15.62 to 36.14. The results of 55 participants who did blood pressure checks, 28 people had normal blood pressure and 27 people experienced blood pressure that was more than normal. Likewise, the results of blood sugar tests when, of the 55 people who took blood sugar at their time, 43 had normal blood sugar levels or less than 200 mg / dL; and 12 people have blood sugar levels that are above normal or > 200 mg / dL. Conclusion: Community service activities are very useful for the elderly and also able to increase the knowledge of the elderly.
Lipid-Laden Macrophages cross the Border to Cancer
Authors: Van den Bossche Jan
Published: January 2020

Within atherosclerotic plaques, macrophages can take up cholesterol and thereby become lipid-laden cells. For long it has been thought that these foamy macrophages are the main contributors to chronic inflammatory responses in plaques. However, several publications lately highlighted that foamy plaque macrophages are less inflammatory than their non-foamy counterparts. Interestingly, a very recent EMBO Molecular Medicine paper by Wu et al. demonstrate that accumulation of lipids in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) elicits an immunosuppressive phenotype.
Independence of Future Changes of River Runoff in Europe from the Pathway to Global Warming
Authors: Mentaschi Lorenzo , Alfieri Lorenzo , Dottori Francesco , Cammalleri Carmelo , Bisselink Berny , Roo Ad De , Feyen Luc
Published: January 2020

The outcomes of the 2015 Paris Agreement triggered a number of climate impact assessments, such as for floods and droughts, to focus on future time frames corresponding to the years of reaching specific levels of global warming. Yet, the links between the timing of the warming levels and the corresponding greenhouse gas concentration pathways to reach them, remain poorly understood. To address this gap, we compare projected changes of annual mean, extreme high and extreme low river discharges in Europe at 1.5°C and 2°C under scenarios RCP8.5 and RCP4.5 from an ensemble of Regional Climate Model (RCM) simulations. The statistical significance of the difference between the two scenarios for both warming levels is then evaluated. Results show that in the majority of Europe (>95% of the surface area for the annual mean discharge, >98% for high and low extremes), the changes projected in the two pathways are statistically indistinguishable. These results suggest that in studies of changes at specific warming levels the projections of the two pathways can be merged into a single ensemble without major loss of information. With regard to the uncertainty of the unified ensemble, findings show that the projected changes of annual mean, extreme high and extreme low river discharge are statistically significant in large portions of Europe.
The Effect of Declarations of Sustainability Reports on Financial Performances of Banks in Turkey
Authors: Dinçer Ömer , Altınay Ayşenur
Published: January 2020

Banking sector is generally taken out of sample while the sustainability performance, and the financial performance are compared with each other. The core aim of this study is to analyze the effect of the declarations made in the cope of sustainability reports on the financial performance in the banking sector. Seven banks were included in the study which were placed at least one time in BIST Sustainability Index in between 2010-2017 years. Environment, human resources, product liability and community involvement were determined as sustainability criteria and return on assets, return on equity and net interest margin were determined as financial performance criteria. Non-Parametric Statistic Tests and Panel Data Analysis were used for analysis and types, and the sizes of banks were selected as dummy variables. As a result, it is found that the declarations of sustainability reports have a significant effect only on return on assets and have no significant effect on return on equity and net interest margin. And also, when we analyzed the relationship of sustainability criteria and return on assets, we found that the declarations about environment and human resources have negative effects on return on assets.
Cancer-associated Fibroblasts: Origins, Heterogeneity and Functions in Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Dzobo Kevin
Published: January 2020

Current therapeutic strategies targeting cancer cells within solid tumors have displayed limited success owing to the presence of non-cancer components referred to as the tumor stroma within the tumor microenvironment (TM). These stromal cells, extracellular matrix and blood vessels influence cancer cell response to therapy and play key roles in tumor relapse and resistance. Of the stromal cells present in the TM, a lot of attention has been given to cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) as they are the most abundant and are important in cancer initiation, progression and therapy resistance. In this updated review I emphasize the role of CAFs in the regulation of tumor cell behaviour and reveal how CAF-derived factors and signaling influence tumor cell heterogeneity and development of novel strategies to combat cancer. To investigate the expression of CAF markers in tumor tissues versus normal tissues, transcriptomic data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) databases was used. Bioinformatic analysis reveals differential expression of CAF markers in several cancer types, underscoring the need for further multiomics and biochemical studies on CAFs, CAF subsets and markers. Differences in CAF markers’ expression could be due to different cellular origins as well as the effect of cancer-specific tumor microenvironmental effect on CAFs. Lastly, I present recent advances in therapeutic targeting of CAFs and the success of such endeavours or its lack thereof. It is recommended that for patients’ outcomes to improve, cancer treatment be combinatorial in nature, targeting both cancer cells and stromal cells and interactions.
Exceptional Antioxidant, Non-Cytotoxic Activity of Integral Lemon Pectin from Hydrodynamic Cavitation
Authors: Nuzzo Domenico , Cristaldi Laura , Sciortino Marzia , Albanese Lorenzo , Scurria Antonino , Zabini Federica , Lino Claudia , Pagliaro Mario , Meneguzzo Francesco , Di Carlo Marta , Ciriminna Rosaria
Published: January 2020

Pectin integrally extracted with water-soluble phytochemicals from waste lemon peel via hydrodynamic cavitation in water directly at pre-industrial scale and further isolated via freeze drying shows exceptionally high antioxidant and non-cytotoxic activity. Preliminary investigation indicates also significant antimicrobial activity. These findings open the route to the development of new nutraceutical agents based on a new bioproduct easily obtained in large amounts from an abundant by-product of the agrofood industry.
Shiga Toxin–Producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157:H7 and Romaine Lettuce: Source Labeling, Prevention, and Business
Authors: Astill Gregory M. , Kuchler Fred , Todd Jessica E. , Page Elina T.
Published: January 2020

From May to November most romaine lettuce shipments in the United States come from California’s Central Coast region, whereas from December to April most come from the Yuma, Arizona, region. During 2017–2018, the 3 outbreaks of Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157:H7 in US romaine lettuce all occurred at the tail end of a region’s production season. During the fall 2018 outbreak, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended that suppliers begin labeling romaine packaging so that consumers can identify the product’s harvest region.

We used publicly available data to show that labels may not avert many illnesses in future outbreaks but may reduce suppliers’ financial losses and reduce food loss.

Market data available during both 2018 outbreak investigations showed that there was no romaine production from one of the 2 regions when the first illness onset occurred. That is, at the beginning of an outbreak investigation, market data may allow the FDA to quickly rule out an entire production region as a source of contamination.
HIV Outbreak Control With Effective Access to Care and Harm Reduction in North Carolina, 2017–2018
Authors: Samoff Erika , Mobley Victoria , Hudgins Michelle , Cope Anna Barry , Adams Nicole Dzialowy , Caputo Christina R. , Dennis Ann M. , Billock Rachael M. , Crowley Christy A. , Clymore Jacquelyn M. , Foust Evelyn
Published: January 2020

Objectives. To assess and control a potential outbreak of HIV among people who inject drugs in Western North Carolina.

Methods. Disease intervention specialists offered testing for hepatitis B and hepatitis C, harm reduction materials, and linkage to care to 7 linked people recently diagnosed with HIV who also injected drugs. Contacts were offered the same services and HIV testing. HIV genotype analysis was used to characterize HIV spread. We assessed testing and care outcomes by using state surveillance information.

Results. Disease intervention specialists contacted 6 of 7 linked group members and received information on 177 contacts; among 96 prioritized contacts, 42 of 96 (44%) were exposed to or diagnosed with hepatitis C, 4 of 96 (4%) had hepatitis B, and 14 of 96 (15%) had HIV (2 newly diagnosed during the investigation). HIV genotype analysis suggested recent transmission to linked group members and 1 contact. Eleven of 14 with HIV were virally suppressed following the outbreak response.

Conclusions. North Carolina identified and rapidly responded to an HIV outbreak among people reporting injecting drugs. Effective HIV care, the availability of syringe exchange services, and the rapid response likely contributed to controlling this outbreak.
Denials of Judicial Bypass Petitions for Abortion in Texas Before and After the 2016 Bypass Process Change: 2001–2018
Authors: Stevenson Amanda Jean , Coleman-Minahan Kate , Hays Susan
Published: January 2020

Objectives. To estimate the percentage of Texas judicial bypass petitions for abortion denied annually from 2001 to 2018, and to assess whether that fraction changed after the state’s 2016 bypass process change.

Methods. Because official statistics on Texas judicial bypass case counts and outcomes are only available for 2016 and later, we systematically reviewed monthly internal reports from Jane’s Due Process (JDP), an organization providing legal representation to pregnant minors seeking bypass from 2001 to 2018. We report numbers and percentages of JDP cases denied for 2001 to 2018 and numbers and percentages of all cases denied from official Texas statistics for 2016 to 2018 (all available years).

Results. At least 1 denial occurred in 11 out of 15 years observed before the bypass law changed in Texas (percentages = 0%–6.2%). After Texas made its bypass process more restrictive, the percentage denied increased (from 2.8% in 2015 to 10.3% in 2016 among JDP cases).

Conclusions. We found the greatest percentages of judicial bypass for abortion petitions denied after the policy was implemented and after the bypass process changed. Judicial bypass for abortion may expose pregnant minors to judicial veto of their abortion decision.
THE ORIGIN OF FLORAL LAGERSTÄTTEN IN COALS
Authors: KORASIDIS VERA A. , WALLACE MALCOLM W. , TOSOLINI ANNE-MARIE P. , HILL ROBERT S.
Published: January 2020

Floral Lagerstätten deposits (i.e., fossil sites with exceptional preservation and diversity) are preserved within the Miocene brown coals of the Latrobe Group, Gippsland Basin, Australia. Three independent mechanisms are conducive to their accumulation. Throughout the coal seams the conversion of plant material into charcoal (fusain) and its accumulation in a subaqueous setting provides one means of near-perfect preservation. A second and more uncommon example occurs in the form of a 20 cm thick leaf-litter horizon that extends for over two kilometers. In this case, flooding of freshwater tributaries and lakes during the early stages of low-gradient peat development resulted in an extensive, shallow, acidic and water-filled depression that subsequently accumulated and preserved the surrounding plant material. The third and most common form results from the deposition of plant material into small, isolated pools that formed as depressions on the ombrogenous (i.e., rain-fed) and domed surface of the peatlands. In all of these settings an essential component allowing detailed floral preservation is the delivery of plant material directly to the anaerobic catotelm (i.e., below the water table), hence avoiding the physical and chemical processes of degradation that typically occur in the surficial aerobic acrotelm (i.e., above the water table). Leaf litter that falls into low-energy acidic and anoxic water-filled depressions that lie below the acrotelm will likely be well-preserved.
Liver transplantation in Jehovah’s witnesses: 13 consecutive cases at a single Institution
Authors: Costanzo Diego , Bindi Maria , Ghinolfi Davide , Esposito Massimo , Corradi Francesco , Forfori Francesco , De Simone Paolo , De Gasperi Andrea , Biancofiore Gianni
Published: January 2020

Background . Jehovah's Witnesses represent a tremendous clinical challenge when indicated to liver transplantation because they refuse blood transfusion on religious grounds and the procedure is historically associated with potential massive peri-operative blood loss. We herein describe a peri-operative management pathway with strategies toward a transfusion-free environment with the aim not only of offering liver transplant to selected Jehovah's Witnesses patients but also, ultimately, of translating this practice to all general surgical procedures. Methods . This is a retrospective review of prospective medical records of JW patients who underwent LT at our Institution. The peri-operative multimodal strategy to liver transplantation in Jehovah's Witnesses includes a pre-operative red cell mass optimization package and the intra-operative use of normovolemic haemodilution, veno-venous bypass and low central venous pressure. Results In a 9-year period, 13 Jehovah’s Witness patients received liver transplantation at our centre representing the largest liver transplant program from deceased donors in Jehovah's Witnesses patients reported so far. No patient received blood bank products but 3 had fibrinogen concentrate and one tranexamic acid to correct ongoing hyper-fibrinolysis. There were 4 cases of acute kidney injury (one required extracorporeal renal replacement treatment) and one patient needed vasoactive medications to support blood pressure for the first 2 postoperative days. Two patients underwent re-laparotomy. Finally, of the 13 recipients, 12 were alive at the 1 year follow-up interview and 1 died due to septic complications. Conclusions . Our experience confirms that liver transplantation in selected Jehovah's Witnesses patients can be feasible and safe provided that it is carried out at a very experienced centre and according to a multidisciplinary approach
Low skeletal muscle mass is associated with arterial stiffness in community-dwelling Chinese aged 45 years and older
Authors: Yang Mingzhe , Zhang Xuguang , Ding Zhenkai , Wang Feijie , Wang Yufang , Jiao Changya , Chen Jie-Hua
Published: January 2020

Background: Evidence suggests that body composition has impact on arterial stiffness. However, evidence in Chinese are limited, and results remain controversial. The aim of our study is to investigate whether skeletal muscle mass is associated with arterial stiffness in Chinese community-dwelling men and women aged 45 years and older.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 20477 participants (age range: 45-80 years, 68.8% women) were included in the analysis. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), an indicator of arterial stiffness was measured using a waveform device. Total muscle mass and muscle mass of arm, leg and trunk were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Height and weight were measured and appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) was calculated as appendicular skeletal muscle mass (sum of arm and leg muscle mass) divided by height square.
Results: After adjustment for age, body fat percentage, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure, ASMI was negatively associated with baPWV [β (SE) for men: -0.208 (0.016), p < 0.0001; for women: -0.245 (0.012), p < 0.0001]. High ASMI was a protective factor for the presence of arterial stiffness (defined as baPWV) [OR (95%CI) for men: 0.730 (0.682, 0.782), p < 0.0001; women: 0.634 (0.593, 0.677), p < 0.0001]. Similar associations were found between quantity of muscle mass (total and appendicular muscle mass, muscle mass of arm, leg and trunk) and arterial stiffness in men and women after further adjustment for height (all p < 0.0001).
Conclusion: Low skeletal muscle mass is associated with increased risk of arterial stiffness in Chinese community-dwelling adults aged 45 years and older.
Independent Risk Factor Analysis for Major Cardiovascular Adverse Events in Patients with Mild Coronary Stenosis
Authors: Luo Wei , Zhao Ru , Song YanQiu , Zhao Hui , Ma WeiJun , Ma YanZhe , Cong Hongliang
Published: January 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint from Research Square
Acceptability and practicability of self-management for patients with Parkinson's disease based on smartphone applications in China
Authors: Hu Jie , Yuan Dezhi , Zhao Qiuye , Wang Xuefei , Zhang Xiaotian , Jiang Qihui , Luo Huirong , Li Jing , Ran Jianhua , Li Jinfang
Published: January 2020

Background
China has had about 1.2 billion mobile-phone users, and this number continues to grow. However, mobile-health services (mHealth) are currently in the initial stage, and have not yet prevailed in China. Additionally, the prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) in China is 1700/100,000 (≥65 years). Indeed, these PD patients would benefit from mHealth to manage their disease. Therefore, we designed a study to determine attitudes toward smartphone applications (apps) for chronic condition self-management, and to discover the practicality of these apps among PD patients in China.
Methods
We selected 204 participants with PD between 52 and 87 years old and surveyed their attitudes concerning the use of smartphone apps for chronic condition management via questionnaires.
Results
Among the participants, 65.19％ had smartphones. Among these smartphone users, 82.84％ expressed a preference for using apps for PD management. This group tended to be younger and more frequent web users with higher education and better medication compliance, and they tended to have a longer PD course and worse conditions ( P < 0.001, P = 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.041, P < 0.001, P = 0.013.) Additionally, the willingness to apply apps for PD self-management was positively related to education ( P < 0.001) and negatively related to age and PD course ( P = 0.017, P < 0.001).
Conclusion
In China, patients with PD have a generally positive attitude towards self-management through smartphone apps. Consequently, improving the coverage of smartphones with practical and handy apps is a promising strategy for PD self-management.
Management of patients with early stage lung cancer – why do some patients not receive treatment with curative intent?
Authors: Lawrenson Ross , Lao Chunhuan , Brown Leonie , Moosa Lucia , Chepulis Lynne , Keenan Rawiri , Kidd Jacquie , Middleton Karen , Conaglen Paul , de Groot Charles , Aitken Denise , Wong Janice
Published: January 2020

Backgrounds This study aims to understand the factors that influence whether patients receive potentially curative treatment for early stage lung cancer. Methods Patients included those diagnosed with early stage lung cancer in 2011-2018 and resident in the New Zealand Midland Cancer Network region. Logistic regression model was used to estimate the odds ratios of having curative surgery/ treatment. The Kaplan Meier method was used to examine the all-cause survival and Cox proportional hazard model was used to estimate the hazard ratio of death. Results In total 419/583 (71.9%) of patients with Stage I and II disease were treated with curative intent - 272 (46.7%) patients had curative surgery. Patients not receiving potentially curative treatment were older, were less likely to have non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), had poorer lung function and were more likely to have an ECOG performance status of 2+. Current smokers were less likely to be treated with surgery and more likely to receive treatment with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Those who were treated with surgery had a 2-year survival of 87.8% (95% CI: 83.8%-91.8%) and 5-year survival of 69.6% (95% CI: 63.2%-76.0%). Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) has equivalent effect on survival compared to curative surgery (hazard ratio: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.37-1.61). Conclusions The majority of patients with stage I and II lung cancer are managed with potentially curative treatment – mainly surgery and increasingly with SABR. The outcomes of those being diagnosed with stage I and II disease and receiving treatment is positive with 70% surviving 5 years.
Exploring factors of diagnostic delay for patients with bipolar disorder: A population-based cohort study
Authors: Lublóy Ágnes , Lilla Keresztúri Judit , Németh Attila , Mihalicza Péter
Published: January 2020

Background Bipolar disorder if untreated, has severe consequences: widespread role impairment, higher health care costs, mortality and morbidity. Although effective treatment is available, the delay in diagnosis might be as long as 10-15 years. In this study we aim at documenting the length of the diagnostic delay in Hungary and identifying factors associated with it. Methods Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards model was employed to examine factors associated with the time to diagnosis of bipolar disorder measured from the date of the first presentation to any specialist mental healthcare institution. We investigated three types of factors associated with delays to diagnosis: demographic characteristics, clinical predictors and patient pathways. Administrative data was retrieved from specialist care; the population-based cohort includes 8,935 patients from Hungary. Results In the sample, diagnostic delay was 6.46 years on average. The mean age of patients at the time of the first bipolar diagnosis was 43.59 years. 11.85% of patients were diagnosed with bipolar disorder without any delay, and slightly more than one third of the patients (35.10%) were never hospitalized with mental health problems. 88.80% of the patients contacted psychiatric care for the first time in outpatient settings, while 11% in inpatient care. Diagnostic delay was shorter, if patients were diagnosed with bipolar disorder by non-specialist mental health professionals before. In contrast, diagnoses of many psychiatric disorders received after the first contact were coupled with delayed bipolar diagnosis. We found empirical evidence that in both outpatient and inpatient care prior diagnoses of schizophrenia, unipolar depression without psychotic symptoms, and several disorders of adult personality were associated with increased diagnostic delay. Patient pathways played an important role as well: the hazard of delayed diagnosis increased if patients consulted mental healthcare specialists in outpatient care first or they were hospitalized. Conclusions We systematically described and analysed the diagnosis of bipolar patients in Hungary controlling for possible confounders. Our focus was more on clinical variables as opposed to factors controllable by policy-makers. To formulate policy-relevant recommendations, a more detailed analysis of care pathways and continuity is needed.
IDentification of patients in need of general and specialised PALLiative care (ID-PALL©): item generation, content and face validity of a new interprofessional screening instrument.
Authors: Lüthi Fabienne Teike , Bernard Mathieu , Beauverd Michel , Gamondi Claudia , Ramelet Anne-Sylvie , Borasio Gian Domenico
Published: January 2020

Background Early identification of patients requiring palliative care is a major public health concern. A growing number of instruments exist to help professionals to identify these patients, however, thus far, none have been thoroughly assessed for criterion validity. In addition, no currently available instruments differentiate between patients in need of general vs. specialised palliative care, and most are primarily intended for use by physicians. This study aims to develop and rigorously validate a new interprofessional instrument allowing identification of patients in need of general vs specialised palliative care. Methods The instrument development involved four steps: i) literature review to determine the concept to measure; ii) generation of a set of items; iii) review of the initial set of items by experts to establish the content validity; iv) administration of the items to a sample of the target population to establish face validity. We conducted a Delphi process with experts in palliative care to accomplish step 3 and sent a questionnaire to nurses and physicians non-specialised in palliative care to achieve step 4. The study was conducted in the French and Italian-speaking regions of Switzerland. An interdisciplinary committee of clinical experts supervised all steps. Results The literature review confirmed the necessity of distinguishing between general and specialised palliative care needs and of adapting clinical recommendations to these different needs. Thirty-six nurses and physicians participated in the Delphi process and 28 were involved in the face validity assessment. The Delphi process resulted in two lists: a 7-item list to identify patients in need of general PC and an 8-item list for specialised PC needs. The content and face validity were deemed to be acceptable by both the expert and the target populations. Conclusion This instrument makes a significant contribution to the identification of patients with palliative care needs as it has been designed to differentiate between general and specialised palliative care needs. Moreover, diagnostic data is not fundamental to the use of the instrument, thus facilitating its use by healthcare professionals other than physicians, in particular nurses. Internal and criterion validity assessments are ongoing and essential before wider dissemination of the instrument.