bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retrospective cohort study to characterise the blood pressure response to spironolactone in patients with apparent therapy-resistant hypertension using electronic medical record data
Authors: Shuey Megan , Perkins Bradley , Nian Hui , Yu Chang , Luther James M , Brown Nancy
Published: May 2020

Objective

Identify blood pressure (BP) response to spironolactone in patients with apparent therapy-resistant hypertension (aTRH) using electronic medical records (EMRs) in order to estimate response in a real-world clinical setting.

Design

Developed an algorithm to determine BP and electrolyte response to spironolactone for use in a retrospective cohort study.

Setting

An academic medical centre in Nashville, Tennessee.

Population

Patients with aTRH prescribed spironolactone.

Main outcome measures

Baseline BP and BP response, determined as the change in mean systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) following spironolactone initiation. Additional response measures were serum sodium, potassium and creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), glucose, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides. Demographic characteristics included race, age, gender, body mass index (BMI), diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease stage 3, ischaemic heart disease and smoking.

Results

The mean decreases in SBP and DBP were 8.1 and 3.4 mm Hg, consistent with clinical trial data. Using a mean decrease in SBP of 5 mm Hg or in DBP of 2 mm Hg to define ‘responders’, 30.3% of patients did not respond. In univariable analyses, responders had higher BMI, baseline SBP, DBP, sodium and HbA1c, and lower creatinine. In multivariable analysis, responders were older and had significantly higher BMI and baseline SBP and DBP, and lower potassium. Increases in potassium and creatinine following spironolactone were larger in responders. When BP was evaluated as a continuous variable, decreases in SBP and DBP correlated with baseline BP, decrease in sodium and increases in potassium and creatinine following spironolactone. The decrease in SBP was associated with decreasing glucose in European Americans.

Conclusions

We developed an algorithm to assess BP response to a commonly prescribed medication for aTRH using EMRs. Electrolyte changes associated with the BP response to spironolactone are consistent with its mechanism of action of blocking the mineralocorticoid receptor and decreasing epithelial sodium channel activity.
Prevalence of smoking, quit attempts and access to cessation treatment among adults with mental illness in Brazil: a cross-sectional analysis of a National Health Survey
Authors: Cruvinel Erica , Liebman Edward , Leite Isabel , Hu Jinxiang , Richter Kimber P
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Determine the national prevalence of smoking and factors related to smoking among adults with mental illness (PLWMI; people living with mental illness) in Brazil.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

We used data from the nationally representative general health survey Pesquisa Nacional de Saude of 2013, which included the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) module.

Participants

The survey used a complex probabilistic sample to collect data from 60 202 Brazilians 18 years or older. Primary and secondary outcomes: smoking prevalence and access to smoking cessation treatment. We also assessed past tobacco use, quit attempts and quit ratio among people with and without mental illness. Analyses were conducted in R and were weighted to account for the survey design and generate national estimates.

Results

In Brazil, the 2013 smoking prevalence among PLWMI was 28.4% and among people with no mental illness was 12.8%. Both groups had high rates of past-year quit attempts (51.6% vs 55.3%) but the lifetime quit ratio among PLWMI was much lower than those with no mental illness (37% vs 54%). Adjusted odds showed PLWMI were more likely to be current smokers (OR (95% CI)=2.60 (2.40 to 2.82), less likely to be former smokers (OR (95% CI)=0.62 (0.55 to 0.70)) and as likely to have tried to quit in the past year (OR (95% CI)=0.90 (0.78 to 1.02)). Very few (3.7%) PLWMI and fewer with no mental illness (2.6%) received cessation treatment.

Conclusion

Smoking rates among PLWMI are roughly double the rate in the general population. Compared with Brazilian smokers without mental illness, those with mental illness were significantly less likely to quit even though as many tried to. Few Brazilians appear to be using publicly available cessation services. Expanding utilisation of treatment might be a good place to start for Brazil to further decrease the prevalence of smoking among PLWMI.
Asylum seekers’ and Refugees’ Changing Health (ARCH) study protocol: an observational study in Lebanon and Denmark to assess health implications of long-distance migration on communicable and non-communicable diseases and mental health
Authors: Eiset Andreas Halgreen , Aoun Michaelangelo P , Haddad Ramzi S , Naja Wadih J , Fuursted Kurt , Nielsen Henrik Vedel , Stensvold Christen Rune , Nielsen Monica Stougaard , Gottlieb Annemarie , Frydenberg Morten , Wejse Christian
Published: May 2020

Introduction

By end of 2018, the European Union countries hosted approximately 2.5 million refugees and Lebanon alone hosted more than 1 million. The majority of refugees worldwide came from Syria. The prevailing study design in published studies on asylum seekers’ and refugees’ health leaves a number of fundamental research questions unanswerable. In the Asylum seekers’ and Refugees’ Changing Health (ARCH) study, we examine the health of a homogeneous group of refugees and asylum seekers in two very different host countries with very different migration histories. We aim to study the health impact of the migration process, living conditions, access to healthcare, gene–environment interactions and the health transition.

Methods and analysis

ARCH is an international multisite study of the health of adult (>18 years old) Syrian refugees and asylum seekers in Lebanon and Denmark. Using a standardised framework, we collect information on mental and physical health using validated scales and biological samples. We aim to include 220 participants in Danish asylum centres and 1100 participants in Lebanese refugee camps and settlements. We will use propensity score weights to control for confounding and multiple imputation to handle missing data.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained in Lebanon and Denmark. In the short term, we will present the cross-sectional association between long-distance migration and the results of the throat and wound swab, blood and faeces samples and mental health screenings. In the longer term, we are planning to follow the refugees in Denmark with collection of dried blood spots, mental health screenings and semistructured qualitative interviews on the participant’s health and access to healthcare in the time lived in Denmark. Here, we present an overview of the background for the ARCH study as well as a thorough description of the methodology.
Protocol for hypofractionated adaptive radiotherapy to the bladder within a multicentre phase II randomised trial: radiotherapy planning and delivery guidance
Authors: Hafeez Shaista , Patel Emma , Webster Amanda , Warren-Oseni Karole , Hansen Vibeke , McNair Helen , Miles Elizabeth , Lewis Rebecca , Hall Emma , Huddart Robert
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) who are unfit and unsuitable for standard radical treatment with cystectomy or daily radiotherapy present a large unmet clinical need. Untreated, they suffer high cancer specific mortality and risk significant disease-related local symptoms. Hypofractionated radiotherapy (delivering higher doses in fewer fractions/visits) is a potential treatment solution but could be compromised by the mobile nature of the bladder, resulting in target misses in a significant proportion of fractions. Adaptive ‘plan of the day’ image-guided radiotherapy delivery may improve the precision and accuracy of treatment. We aim to demonstrate within a randomised multicentre phase II trial feasibility of plan of the day hypofractionated bladder radiotherapy delivery with acceptable rates of toxicity.

Methods and analysis

Patients with T2-T4aN0M0 MIBC receiving 36 Gy in 6-weekly fractions are randomised (1:1) between treatment delivered using a single-standard plan or adaptive radiotherapy using a library of three plans (small, medium and large). A cone beam CT taken prior to each treatment is used to visualise the anatomy and select the most appropriate plan depending on the bladder shape and size. A comprehensive radiotherapy quality assurance programme has been instituted to ensure standardisation of radiotherapy planning and delivery. The primary endpoint is to exclude >30% acute grade >3 non-genitourinary toxicity at 3 months for adaptive radiotherapy in patients who received >1 fraction (p0=0.7, p1=0.9, α=0.05, β=0.2). Secondary endpoints include local disease control, symptom control, late toxicity, overall survival, patient-reported outcomes and proportion of fractions benefiting from adaptive planning. Target recruitment is 62 patients.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial is approved by the London-Surrey Borders Research Ethics Committee (13/LO/1350). The results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed scientific journals, conference presentations and submission to regulatory authorities.

Trial registration number

NCT01810757.
Palliative medicine family conferences and caregiver psychological distress during prolonged mechanical ventilation
Authors: Lee Yi-Han , Wang Jiao-Syuan , Curtis Randall , Huang Sheng-Jean , Chang Shy-Shin , Chen Yang Ching
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Little is known about the experience of family caregivers of patients who require prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV). We examined the perspectives of caregivers of patients who died after PMV to explore the role of palliative care and the quality of dying and death (QODD) in patients and understand the psychological symptoms of these caregivers.

Methods

A longitudinal study was performed in five hospitals in Taipei, Taiwan. Routine palliative care family conferences and optional consultation with a palliative care specialist were provided, and family caregivers were asked to complete surveys.

Results

In total, 136 family caregivers of 136 patients receiving PMV were recruited and underwent face-to-face baseline interviews in 2016–2017. By 2018, 61 (45%) of 136 patients had died. We successfully interviewed 30 caregivers of patients’ death to collect information on the QODD of patients and administer the Impact of Event Scale (IES), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale to caregivers. We observed that more frequent palliative care family conferences were associated with poorer QODD in patients (coefficients: −44.04% and 95% CIs −75.65 to −12.44), and more psychological symptoms among caregivers (coefficient: 9.77% and 95% CI 1.63 to 17.90 on CES-D and coefficient: 7.67% and 95% CI 0.78 to 14.55 on HADS). A higher caregiver burden at baseline correlated with lower psychological symptoms (coefficient: −0.35% and 95% CI −0.58 to −0.11 on IES and coefficient: −0.22% and 95% CI −0.40 to −0.05 on CES-D) among caregivers following the patients’ death. Caregivers’ who accepted the concept of palliative care had fewer psychological symptoms after patients’ death (coefficient: −3.29% and 95% CI −6.32 to −0.25 on IES and coefficient: −3.22% and 95% CI −5.24 to −1.20 on CES-D).

Conclusions

Palliative care conferences were more common among family members with increased distress. Higher caregiver burden and caregiver acceptance of palliative care at baseline both predicted lower levels of caregiver distress after death.
Identification of drug-resistant phenotypes and resistance genes inEnterococcus faecalisisolates from animal feces originating in Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
Authors: Zhang Li , Li Hui , Gao Jingwen , Gao Jianpeng , Wei Dianhua , Qi Yayin
Published: May 2020

This study examined the presence and the antibiotic resistance patterns of Enterococcus faecalis isolated from the feces of 285 animals. Polymerase chain reaction tests verified the presence of E. faecalis from 49 pigs, 20 cows, 174 sheep, 17 horses, 21 chickens, and four dung beetles. Bacterial strains from different animals showed differences in susceptibility and resistance to the tested antimicrobials. The isolates exhibited resistance to ampicillin (6.32%), ciprofloxacin (40.00%), nitrofurantoin (1.40%), erythromycin (54.04%), streptomycin (82.11%), tetracycline (45.26%), amoxicillin (64.91%), penicillin (92.28%), and vancomycin (0.35%). The resistant strains also possessed varying complements of resistance genes including tem (77.89%), tetM (33.68%), gyrA (37.54%), parC (34.74%), aph(3′)-III (22.46%), aac(6′)/aph2″ (10.88%), and ant(6′)-I (8.42%). Genes for vancomycin resistance (vanB and vanC) and erythromycin resistance (mefA) were not detected. These results indicate high levels of antibiotic resistance among the isolates, although no positive correlation was observed between resistance genes and antibiotic resistance spectrum.
Between the supercontinents: Mesoproterozoic Deer Trail Group, an intermediate age unit between the Mesoproterozoic Belt–Purcell Supergroup and the Neoproterozoic Windermere Supergroup in northeastern Washington, USA
Authors: Box Stephen E. , Pritchard Chad J. , Stephens Travis S. , O’Sullivan Paul B.
Published: May 2020

Mesoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic basins in western North America record the evolving position of the Laurentian craton within two supercontinents during their growth and dismemberment: Columbia (Nuna) and Rodinia. The western-most exposures of the Columbia rift-related Belt–Purcell Supergroup are preserved in northeastern Washington, structurally overlain by the Deer Trail Group and depositionally overlying the Neoproterozoic Windermere Supergroup. It has been disputed whether the Deer Trail Group is correlative with the Belt–Purcell Supergroup, or younger. To help resolve the uncertain correlation of these units and their bearing on supercontinent evolution, we characterized the detrital zircon age populations of units from the Deer Trail Group, the Windermere Supergroup, and the Belt–Purcell Supergroup in northeastern Washington. These data show that the western part of the Columbia supercontinent (now located in Australia and eastern Antarctica) remained attached to western Laurentia and continued to supply 1600–1500 Ma detrital zircon grains to the Belt–Purcell Supergroup until after ca. 1391 Ma. The Deer Trail Group is younger than the Belt–Purcell strata, with the basal unit younger than ca. 1362 Ma and a middle unit younger than ca. 1300 Ma. The Deer Trail Group has a pre-Grenville-age provenance from the southwestern USA and possibly east Antarctica. The Buffalo Hump Formation is younger than the Deer Trail Group, with Grenville-age (ca. 1112 Ma) detrital zircon grains and a detrital zircon signature like that of the overlying Neoproterozoic Windermere Supergroup. We interpret the Deer Trail Group to have been deposited during the rift-demise of supercontinent Columbia and before the Grenville-age assembly of the supercontinent Rodinia.
Effects of plant growth regulator applications on malting barley in western Canada
Authors: Tidemann B.D. , O’Donovan J.T. , Izydorczyk M. , Turkington T.K. , Oatway L. , Beres B. , Mohr R. , May W.E. , Harker K.N. , Johnson E.N. , de Gooijer H.
Published: May 2020

Malting barley is important in western Canada, yet many malting cultivars do not meet malt quality standards, in part due to lodging. Lodging can decrease barley yield and quality thereby reducing the acceptability for malting. In other countries, plant growth regulator (PGR) applications are used to mitigate lodging. Chlormequat chloride (chlormequat), trinexapac-ethyl (trinexapac), and ethephon were tested at five locations over 3 yr in western Canada for their ability to limit lodging, as well as their effects on yield, agronomic traits, and pre-malt quality characteristics. PGR applications occurred between Zadoks growth stage (GS) 30–33 for chlormequat and trinexapac and GS 37–49 for ethephon. Seeding rates of 200, 300, and 400 seeds m−2 of CDC Copeland barley were used to increase the likelihood of lodging. Increased seeding rate decreased tillers per plant, height, days to maturity, kernel protein, and kernel weight. Ethephon increased the number of tillers per plant and decreased plant height, kernel plumpness, and kernel weight. Trinexapac decreased plant height and kernel weight. Days to maturity was investigated across site-years, with ethephon increasing maturity in 60% of comparisons. Trinexapac and chlormequat had limited effects on maturity. Lodging was investigated across site-years, with trinexapac showing the largest number of lodging reductions and scale of reductions. Ethephon reduced lodging in 36% of comparisons, while chlormequat had inconsistent effects. None of the products affected yield or grain protein. The results suggest PGRs may not be the solution to lodging for CDC Copeland barley on the Canadian Prairies; however, trinexapac shows the most promise of the products tested.
A macroscopic traffic flow model considering the velocity difference between adjacent vehicles on uphill and downhill slopes
Authors: Zhang Peng , Xue Yu , Zhang Yi-Cai , Wang Xue , Cen Bing-Lin
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we deduced a macroscopic traffic model on the uphill and downhill slopes by employing the transformation relation from microscopic variables to macroscopic ones based on a microscopic car-following model considering the velocity difference between adjacent vehicles. The angle [Formula: see text] of the uphill and downhill and the gravitational force have a great impact upon the stability of traffic flow. The linear stability analysis for macroscopic traffic model yielded the stability condition. The Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) equation is derived by nonlinear analysis and the corresponding solution to the density wave near the neutral stability line is obtained. By using the upwind finite difference scheme for simulation, the spatiotemporal evolution patterns of traffic flow on the uphill and downhill are attained. The unstable region is shrunken with slope of the gradient increasing and backward-traveling density waves gradually decrease and even disappear on uphill. Conversely, the unstable region on downhill is extended and density waves propagate quickly backward to the whole road with slope of the gradient increasing.
HARMONIC GRADIENTS ON HIGHER-DIMENSIONAL SIERPIŃSKI GASKETS
Authors: BROWN LUKE , FERRER GIOVANNI , MOGRABY GAMAL , ROGERS LUKE G. , SANGAM KARUNA
Published: May 2020

We consider criteria for the differentiability of functions with continuous Laplacian on the Sierpiński Gasket and its higher-dimensional variants [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], proving results that generalize those of Teplyaev [Gradients on fractals, J. Funct. Anal. 174(1) (2000) 128–154]. When [Formula: see text] is equipped with the standard Dirichlet form and measure [Formula: see text] we show there is a full [Formula: see text]-measure set on which continuity of the Laplacian implies existence of the gradient [Formula: see text], and that this set is not all of [Formula: see text]. We also show there is a class of non-uniform measures on the usual Sierpiński Gasket with the property that continuity of the Laplacian implies the gradient exists and is continuous everywhere in sharp contrast to the case with the standard measure.
AUTOMATED CLASSIFICATION FOR BRAIN MRIS BASED ON 2D MF-DFA METHOD
Authors: WANG JIAN , SHAO WEI , KIM JUNSEOK
Published: May 2020

Magnetic resonance image (MRI) is an important tool to diagnose human diseases effectively. It is very important for research and clinical application to classify the normal and abnormal human brain MRI images automatically. In this paper, an accurate and efficient technique is proposed to extract features of MRIs and classify these images into normal and abnormal categories. We use two-dimensional multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (2D MF-DFA) to obtain image features. These features are the local generalized Hurst exponents calculated by 2D MF-DFA. In this regard, the values of Hurst exponents are given as the training input vector and are taken to the classifiers. We use [Formula: see text]-nearest neighbor ([Formula: see text]-NN) and support vector machine (SVM) to classify a specific brain MRI as normal or glioma affected. For SVM, we apply the leave-one-out cross-validation method for experimental verification. The 2D MF-DFA-SVM system achieved accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of [Formula: see text] ±[Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] ±[Formula: see text], respectively. The 2D MF-DFA-[Formula: see text]-NN system achieved accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text], respectively. We find that when performing binary classification for brain MRIs, the SVM is superior to [Formula: see text]-NN. In addition, our experimental results indicate that the proposed 2D MF-DFA-SVM achieved excellent outcomes compared to those of the previous works. The proposed system is a promising system to clinical use.
THE STRUCTURAL FEATURES OF HILBERT-TYPE LOCAL FRACTIONAL INTEGRAL INEQUALITIES WITH ABSTRACT HOMOGENEOUS KERNEL AND ITS APPLICATIONS
Authors: LIU YINGDI , LIU QIONG
Published: May 2020

In this paper, by using the theory of local fractional calculus and some techniques of real analysis, the structural characteristics of Hilbert-type local fractional integral inequalities with abstract homogeneous kernel are studied. At the same time, the necessary and sufficient conditions for these inequalities to take the best constant factor are discussed. As an application, some best constant factor inequalities with specific kernels are obtained.
BOX DIMENSIONS OF THE RIEMANN–LIOUVILLE FRACTIONAL INTEGRAL OF HÖLDER CONTINUOUS MULTIVARIATE FUNCTIONS
Authors: LEI JING , LIU KANGJIE , DAI YINGZI
Published: May 2020

If a continuous multivariate function satisfies a Lipschitz condition on its domain, Box dimension of its graph equals to the number of its arguments. Furthermore, Box dimension of the graph of its Riemann–Liouville fractional integral also equals to the number of its arguments.
EVALUATİON OF B4C/Tİ COATİNG LAYER, İNVESTİGATİON OF ABRASİVE WEAR BEHAVİORS USİNG TAGUCHİ TECHNİQUE AND RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY
Authors: GUR ALİ KAYA , OZAY CETİN , ICEN BUSRA
Published: May 2020

In this study, the surface of AISI 430 stainless steel was alloyed with B4C using the plasma transferred arc welding hardface coating method and the effect of Ti addition was examined. The microstructure of the resultant hardface coating layer was examined through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses by using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Abrasive wear resistance was analyzed by measuring mass loss according to the L[Formula: see text] orthogonal array using the Taguchi design method. The “smaller the better” principle of the Taguchi method was used in graphic evaluations. Additionally, the effect of wear test factors on mass loss was calculated in % by performing the analysis of variance. As a result, the austenite, martensite, M[Formula: see text](B,C)6, M7(B, C)3, Ti (B,C), Fe3(C,B), Fe3C, Fe2C and Ti (B,C) phases were detected in the coating layers. The effect of these phases on wear behavior was evaluated. In addition, the optimization of the parameters was obtained with response surface methodology (RSM) based on Taguchi orthogonal experimental design. The results given by the effect parameters required for the developed wear estimation are successful. As a result of the ANOVA analysis, the most effective parameters for wear resistance mass loss were determined as wear distance, applied load and abrasive, respectively. It was observed not to have any effect on wear mass loss of the samples. The most suitable parameter values for the lowest wear values were determined.
CORROSION BEHAVIOR OF Ti–Al–N COATING MODIFIED ON CARBON STEEL PREPARED AT DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES
Authors: PAN CHENGQUN , LI YULIN , ZHONG QINGDONG
Published: May 2020

In this paper, pulsed arc ion plating was applied for preparing Ti–Al–N coatings. The effects of different process parameters on the structure and corrosion resistance properties of Ti–Al–N coating were studied by changing the temperature. The microstructures, morphology features and the corrosion resistance of the different temperatures of Ti–Al–N coating were investigated to simulate the corrosion conditions of seawater. All the samples (prepared at [Formula: see text]C, [Formula: see text]C, [Formula: see text]C and [Formula: see text] were measured in 3.5[Formula: see text]wt.% NaCl solution at [Formula: see text]C and characterized by potentiodynamic polarization curves, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The corrosion resistance of carbon steel was improved by the coating modification. The results showed that the sample prepared at [Formula: see text]C possesses excellent corrosion resistance where corrosion current density can only reach to 11.176[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]A/cm2, Meanwhile, SEM images also revealed that the microstructure of the sample is much smoother and nearly no defects can be observed.
ASSESSING MOVEMENT QUALITY USING THE HIP AND LOWER LIMB MOVEMENT SCREEN: DEVELOPMENT, RELIABILITY AND POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS
Authors: Booysen Nadine , Wilson David A. , Lewis Cara L. , Warner Martin B. , Gimpel Mo , Mottram Sarah , Comerford Mark , Stokes Maria
Published: May 2020

Background: An active lifestyle has many health benefits but intensive exercise and low grade repetitive trauma may impact the health of joints. Good quality, controlled movement, may reduce abnormal loading on joints and help prevent injury or when injuries do occur, prevent post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Screening tools to visually assess movement quality can be used to prescribe appropriate exercise interventions to improve movement quality. An assessment tool that focuses on hip movement control is needed for use in clinical and field environments. Purpose: To describe a new screening tool that assesses control of the hip, pelvis and lower limbs, the Hip and Lower Limb Movement Screen (HLLMS), and test its intra- and inter-rater reliability. Methods: The HLLMS includes five tests: small knee bend (SKB), standing hip flexion to [Formula: see text], side-lying hip abduction with the leg laterally rotated, SKB with trunk rotation and deep squat. Reliability was tested in two samples of young footballers aged 16–19 years; intra-rater in [Formula: see text] and inter-rater reliability in [Formula: see text]4. Percentage agreement (PA) and First-Order Coefficient (AC1) were calculated. Results: Intra-rater reliability was excellent with almost perfect agreement for the overall HLLMS (PA 96%; AC1 0.93), with strong inter-rater reliability (PA 88%; AC1 0.82). Conclusions: The HLLMS can identify movement quality reliably in young community footballers. Poor movement patterns identified using the HLLMS are intended to inform the design of targeted exercise programs to improve movement quality and reduce injuries or prevent the progression of injuries to post-traumatic OA.
DESIGNING A GLOBALLY ACCEPTABLE CARBON TAX SCHEME TO ADDRESS COMPETITIVENESS AND LEAKAGE CONCERNS
Authors: ZHU LEI , CUI LIANBIAO , SCHLEICH JOACHIM
Published: May 2020

To address competitiveness and leakage concerns in international climate policy, this paper proposes a differentiated carbon tax scheme (DCT), which largely preserves the relative competitive positions of developed and developing countries. The paper first presents a theoretical model from which to derive the DCT. Then, employing a global trade analysis model, competitiveness and leakage effects under a DCT are simulated and contrasted to those of a unilateral carbon tax, a carbon tariff, and a uniform carbon tax. The results of our analysis suggest that: (1) under the proposed DCT, emission reductions in developed and developing countries are higher and leakage is lower than under a carbon tariff; (2) the DCT has weaker competitiveness effects than a carbon tariff; and (3) the DCT is more favorable to developing countries’ output and welfare than a carbon tariff or a uniform global carbon tax. Developing countries may therefore embrace a DCT as an intermediate step towards the implementation of a global carbon tax.
Revealed Preference Analysis of School Choice Models
Authors: Agarwal Nikhil , Somaini Paulo
Published: May 2020

Preferences for schools are important determinants of equitable access to high-quality education, effects of expanded choice on school improvement, and school choice mechanism design. Standard methods for estimating consumer preferences are not applicable in education markets because students do not always get their first-choice school. This review describes recently developed methods for using rich data from a school choice mechanism to estimate student preferences. Our objectives are to present a unifying framework for these methods and to help applied researchers decide which techniques to use. After laying out methodological issues, we provide an overview of empirical results obtained using these models and discuss some open questions.
Stable Low Electron Concentration β-Ga2O3 Films Grown by Metal-Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Jiao Teng , Li Zeming , Li Wancheng , Dong Xin , Zhang Yuantao , Zhang Baolin , Du Guotong
Published: May 2020

The Si-doped β-Ga2O3 films were grown on c-plane sapphire substrates by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). Then the films were annealed in oxygen to reduce the intrinsic defects effectively. The effect of the Si doping concentration and the oxygen annealing time on the properties of β-Ga2O3 films was studied in detail. It was found that the crystal structure, surface morphology and electrical characteristics of the films can be changed regularly by adjusting the Si content and annealing time. β-Ga2O3 films with high quality and stable electron concentration can be obtained by this method.
Correlation of Pulsed Gas Flow on Si-doped α-Ga2O3 Epilayer Grown by Halide Vapor Phase Epitaxy
Authors: Son Hoki , Choi Ye-ji , Park Ji-Hyeon , Ryu Bongki , Jeon Dae-Woo
Published: May 2020

Gallium oxide (Ga2O3) is the one of the ultra-wide-band-gap semiconductor material. The Ga2O3 semiconductor has been studied for use in highly energy efficient devices. Among its phases, the β-phase of Ga2O3 has mainly been researched until recently. However, the α-phase, which has superior properties (e.g., wider band-gap and higher symmetry) has been discussed in the electronic-materials field of late. There are problems that need to be overcome in order for the α-phase to be a suitable electronic material; one of them is the production of high-quality thin films. This article reports the fabrication of a high-quality Si-doped α-Ga2O3 epilayer on α-Al2O3 substrate by halide vapor-phase epitaxy with the controlled pulse flow of each precursor. The α-Ga2O3 epilayer grown with a controlled pulse flow of O2 has a lower full width at half maximum (FWHM; 1306 arcsec) for the 10–14 diffraction compared to the FWHM (2011 arcsec) of the as-grown sample. The pulse-flow mode of introducing Ga and O2 strongly influences the crystal quality of α-Ga2O3. In the O2-control mode, we demonstrated Si-doped α-Ga2O3 epilayers with higher electron mobility up to 51.57 cm2 V−1 s−1 and wider carrier concentrations range of 1017 ∼ 1019 cm−3 by improving the crystal quality.
Lung injury in brain ischemia/reperfusion is exacerbated by mechanical ventilation with moderate tidal volume in rats
Authors: Naseh Maryam , Dehghanian Amirreza , Keshtgar Sara , Ketabchi Farzaneh
Published: May 2020

Ischemic stroke is one of the most frequent causes of injury in the central nervous system which may lead to multiorgan dysfunction, including in the lung. The aim of this study was to investigate whether brain ischemia/reperfusion with or without mechanical ventilation leads to lung injury. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to four groups: Sham, 1-h brain ischemia (MCAO)/24-h reperfusion (I/R), mechanical ventilation with moderate tidal volume (MTV), and I/R+MTV. The pulmonary capillary permeability ( Kfc) was measured in the isolated perfused lung. Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), blood-gas variables, histopathological parameters, lung glutathione peroxidase, and TNF-α were measured. Kfcin the I/R, MTV, and I/R+MTV groups were higher than that in the Sham group. In the I/R, MTV, and I/R+MTV groups, arterial partial pressures of oxygen and the arterial partial pressure of oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen ratios were lower, whereas arterial partial pressures of carbon dioxide were higher than those in the Sham group. The histopathological score in the I/R group was more than that in the Sham group, and in the MTV and I/R+MTV groups were higher than those in the Sham and I/R groups. Furthermore, there were stepwise rises in TNF-α in the I/R, MTV, and I/R+MTV groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in MAP between groups. However, HR in the MTV group was higher than that in the Sham group. Brain ischemia/reperfusion leads to pulmonary capillary endothelial damage and the impairment of gas exchange in the alveolar-capillary barrier, which is exacerbated by mechanical ventilation with moderate tidal volume partially linked to inflammatory reactions.
Modulation of auditory gamma-band responses using transcranial electrical stimulation
Authors: Jones Kevin T. , Johnson Elizabeth L. , Tauxe Zoe S. , Rojas Donald C.
Published: May 2020

Gamma frequency-tuned transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) adjusts the magnitude and timing of auditory gamma responses, as compared with both sham stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). However, both tACS and tDCS strengthen the gamma phase connectome, which is disrupted in numerous neurological and psychiatric disorders. These findings reveal dissociable neurophysiological changes following two noninvasive neurostimulation techniques commonly applied in clinical and research settings.
Estimation of self-sustained activity produced by persistent inward currents using firing rate profiles of multiple motor units in humans
Authors: Afsharipour Babak , Manzur Nagib , Duchcherer Jennifer , Fenrich Keith F. , Thompson Christopher K. , Negro Francesco , Quinlan Katharina A. , Bennett David J. , Gorassini Monica A.
Published: May 2020

A new method of estimating synaptic drive to multiple, simultaneously recorded motor units provides evidence that the portion of the depolarizing drive from persistent inward currents that contributes to self-sustained firing is similar across motoneurons of different sizes.
Terminal Ileitis due to Yersinia Infection: An Underdiagnosed Situation
Authors: Triantafillidis John K. , Thomaidis Thomas , Papalois Apostolos
Published: May 2020

Endoscopy is currently the gold standard for the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The presence of macroscopic lesions along with the microscopic detection of inflammatory infiltration in the terminal ileum often leads the gastroenterologist to the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease (CD). However, some of these cases could be, in fact, an infection caused by Yersinia spp., accompanied or not with CD, which could be easily diagnosed with the identification of serum antibodies against Yersinia outer protein antigens (YOP antigens). Since Yersiniosis is considered to be an uncommon situation, food and water are not usually checked for the possibility of contamination by Yersinia. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that the true prevalence of Yersinia infection in patients with terminal ileitis is probably underestimated. In this article, we review the most important data regarding the various aspects of Yersinia infection with special focus on its pathophysiology and diagnosis. We recommend testing for serum antibodies against YOP antigens in all patients with an endoscopic and histological image of terminal ileitis in order to identify Yersiniosis in conjunction or not with terminal ileum CD.
Ammonia Exposure Induced Cilia Dysfunction of Nasal Mucosa in the Piglets
Authors: Wang Qiankun , Wang Mengyao , Liu Chun , Huang Longhui , Gao Yun , Yu Mei , Zhao Shuhong , Li Xiaoping
Published: May 2020

As one of the main environmental stressors commonly found in closed pig houses, ammonia poses high risks to the well‐being of humans and animals. This study is aimed at assessing the toxicity of ammonia exposure (80 ppm for 12 days) on the nasal mucosa in piglets. Firstly, we found that after ammonia exposure, the number of white blood cells significantly increased and the serum levels of cytokine IL‐4 were significantly decreased. Then, histological analyses showed significant thickening of nasal mucosa and excessive mucus production in the exposure group. Finally, RNA‐seq analyses demonstrated that the ammonia exposure disturbed the transcriptome of nasal mucosa which revealed 176 upregulated genes and 426 downregulated genes. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of the DEGs showed that the upregulated genes were mainly related to neutrophil chemotaxis and immune response, while 80 out of the 426 downregulated genes including CCDCs, CFAPs, DNAHs, and TEKTs were enriched in the microtubule cytoskeleton and cilium morphogenesis/movement. All these results indicated that ammonia exposure induces nasal mucosal hyperplasia and cilia dysfunction, as well as a systemic inflammatory response in piglets. These findings provide new evidence for understanding the damage mechanism of ammonia on the nasal mucosa.
Effect of Eel Biscuit Supplementation on Height of Children with Stunting Aged 36–60 Months: A Pilot Study
Authors: Herawati Dewi M. D. , Asiyah Siti N. , Wiramihardja Siska , Fauzia Shifa , Sunjaya Deni K.
Published: May 2020

Background. Stunting is a major health problem in developing countries. Animal-based supplements can increase the height of children with stunting. This study was aimed at determining the effect of eel biscuit supplementation on increase in the height of children with stunting aged 36–60 months. Methods. A pilot study with pretest-post-test design. The study was conducted in two villages in the Priangan Region, West Java Province, Indonesia. The participants were divided into two groups: intervention group (10 supplemented eel biscuit pieces) and control group (biscuits from the government’s biscuit programme). A total of 56 children aged 36–60 months with the height-for-age z-score of <−2 SD were recruited voluntarily for sampling. Results. The initial height-for-age z-score of the intervention group was −3.45 SD and that of the control group was −3.11 SD. After 3 months of supplemented eel biscuit consumption, the height-for-age z-score of the intervention group changed to −2.52 SD and that of the control group changed to −2.51 SD. The average shift of the height-for-age z-score after 3 months of supplemented eel biscuit consumption was 0.93 SD in the intervention group and 0.6 SD in the control group. There were significant differences in delta and percent increase in the height-for-age z-score between both groups. Conclusions. Consumption of supplemented eel biscuits for 3 months increased the height-for-age z-score of children with stunting aged 36–60 months by 0.93 SD.
Genome‐Wide Analysis Reveals Genetic Potential for Aromatic Compounds Biodegradation of Sphingopyxis
Authors: Yang Fei , Feng Hai , Massey Isaac Yaw , Huang Feiyu , Guo Jian , Zhang Xian
Published: May 2020

Members of genus Sphingopyxis are frequently found in diverse eco‐environments worldwide and have been traditionally considered to play vital roles in the degradation of aromatic compounds. Over recent decades, many aromatic‐degrading Sphingopyxis strains have been isolated and recorded, but little is known about their genetic nature related to aromatic compounds biodegradation. In this study, bacterial genomes of 19 Sphingopyxis strains were used for comparative analyses. Phylogeny showed an ambiguous relatedness between bacterial strains and their habitat specificity, while clustering based on Cluster of Orthologous Groups suggested the potential link of functional profile with substrate‐specific traits. Pan‐genome analysis revealed that 19 individuals were predicted to share 1,066 orthologous genes, indicating a high genetic homogeneity among Sphingopyxis strains. Notably, KEGG Automatic Annotation Server results suggested that most genes pertaining aromatic compounds biodegradation were predicted to be involved in benzoate, phenylalanine, and aminobenzoate metabolism. Among them, β‐ketoadipate biodegradation might be the main pathway in Sphingopyxis strains. Further inspection showed that a number of mobile genetic elements varied in Sphingopyxis genomes, and plasmid‐mediated gene transfer coupled with prophage‐ and transposon‐mediated rearrangements might play prominent roles in the evolution of bacterial genomes. Collectively, our findings presented that Sphingopyxis isolates might be the promising candidates for biodegradation of aromatic compounds in pollution sites.
Modern Contraceptive Utilization and Its Associated Factors among Indigenous and Nonindigenous Married Women of Reproductive Age Group in Jigjiga Town, Eastern Ethiopia, 2018
Authors: Degefa Hidru Hagos , Dingeta Tariku , Menigiste Bezatu , Etsay Berhe , Gebremedhin Haftay , Berwo Meresa , Asefa Guesh Gebreayezgi
Published: May 2020

Background. The use of birth control and its promotion has potential benefits of reducing poverty, maternal, and child mortality. However, there is limited evidence regarding modern contraceptive utilization among indigenous and nonindigenous married women of the reproductive age group in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude of modern contraceptive utilization and its associated factors among indigenous and nonindigenous married women in Eastern Ethiopia. Methodology. A community based comparative cross‐sectional study design was conducted among married women of the reproductive age group from February 01 to March 01/2018 in Jigjiga town, Eastern Ethiopia. A total of 1004 married women were selected using a simple random sampling method. The collected data were entered into EpiData software version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 22.0 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify the associated factors. Statistical significance was declared using 95% confidence interval and p value of less than 0.05. Result. A total of 987 study participants were included in the study with a response rate of 98.3%. The overall prevalence of modern contraceptive utilization among married reproductive age group women was found to be 19.9% (95% CI (17.4%‐22.3%) with 26.5% and 11.4% for nonindigenous and indigenous women, respectively. Primary level of education (AOR 0.84; 95% CI (0.15‐0.85) p 0.0001) and Somali in ethnicity (AOR 0.75; 95% CI (0.15‐0.94) p 0.03) were associated factors among indigenous group, while age group 30‐34 years (AOR 1.56; 95% CI (1.31‐9.52) p 0.02) and being a housewife in occupation (AOR 0.49; 95% CI (0.42‐0.96) p 0.04) were the associated factors among the nonindigenous group. Conclusion. Overall utilization of modern contraceptives was approximately one‐fifth, with markedly lower use among indigenous participants. One‐third of nonindigenous and less than one‐seventh of indigenous were utilizing modern contraceptive methods. There is a need to further explore and understand the factors across indigenous and nonindigenous women for the use of modern contraceptives; hence, a longitudinal study is desirable.
Bioactivity and Physicochemical Properties of Three Calcium Silicate‐Based Cements: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Talabani Ranjdar Mahmood , Garib Balkees Taha , Masaeli Reza
Published: May 2020

Objective. This study evaluated the bioactivity and physicochemical properties of three commercial calcium silicate‐based endodontic materials (MTA, EndoSequence Root Repair Material putty, and Biodentine™). Material and Methods. Horizontal sections of 3 mm thickness from 18 root canals of human teeth were subjected to biomechanical preparation with WaveOne Gold large rotary instruments. The twelve specimens were filled with three tested materials (MM‐MTA, EndoSequence Root Repair Material putty, and Biodentine™) and immersed in phosphate‐buffered saline for 7 and 30 days. After this period of time, each specimen of each material was processed for morphological observation, surface precipitates, and interfacial dentin using SEM. In addition, the surface morphology of the set materials, without soaking in phosphate‐buffered solution after one day and after 28 days stored in phosphate‐buffered saline, was evaluated using SEM; also, the pH of the soaking water and the amount of calcium ions released from the test materials were measured by using an inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectroscopy test. Data obtained were analyzed using one‐way analysis of variance and Tukey’s honest significant difference test with a significance level of 5%. Result. The formation of precipitates was observed on the surfaces of all materials at 1 week and increased substantially over time. Interfacial layers in some areas of the dentin‐cement interface were found from one week of immersion. All the analyzed materials showed alkaline pH and capacity to release calcium ions; however, the concentrations of released calcium ions were significantly more in Biodentine and ESRRM putty than MM‐MTA (P < 0.05). ESRRM putty maintained a pH of around 11 after 28 days. Conclusion. Compared with MM‐MTA, Biodentine and ESRRM putty showed significantly more calcium ion release. However, exposure of three tested cements to phosphate‐buffered solution resulted in precipitation of apatite crystalline structures over both cement and dentin that increased over time. This suggests that the tested materials are bioactive.
Factitious Disorder Presenting with Refractory Enterocutaneous Fistula that Underwent 7 Surgeries
Authors: Zhao Di , Chen Qiyi , Li Ning
Published: May 2020

The formation of a post-appendicectomy fistula is rare but devastating. Major etiological factors include leakage from the appendiceal stump, neoplasm of the appendix and/or cecum, infection, inflammatory bowel disease, and distal obstruction. The management of enterocutaneous fistula involves enteral nutrition, drainage, antibiotic coverage, as well as surgical excision and segmental resection of the involved bowel. Here we present a case where a young female suffered from refractory enterocutaneous fistula after appendicectomy. Despite extensive treatments, her symptoms persisted and contradicted with objective test results. Therefore, a diagnosis of factitious disorder was suspected. After questioning, she finally admitted to having applied feces to her wound to fake fistula. It was estimated that the lifetime prevalence of factitious disorder in the general population was 0.1%, which warrants the awareness of clinicians.