bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sweat as a Source of Next-Generation Digital Biomarkers
Authors: Brasier Noé , Eckstein Jens
Published: December 2019

Sweat has been associated with health and disease ever since it was linked to high body temperature and exercise. It contains a broad range of electrolytes, proteins, and lipids, and therefore hosts a broad panel of potential noninvasive biomarkers. The development of novel smartphone-based biosensors will enable a more sophisticated, patient-driven sweat analysis. This will provide a broad range of novel digital biomarkers. Digital biomarkers are of increasing interest because they deliver various relevant longitudinal health data. To date, investigations on digital biomarkers have focused on creating objective measurements of function. Sweat analysis using smartphone-based biosensors has the potential to provide initial noninvasive metabolic feedback and therefore represents a promising complement and a source for next-generation digital biomarkers. From this viewpoint, we discuss state-of-the-art sweat research, focusing on the clinical implementation of sweat in medicine. Sweat provides biomarkers that represent direct metabolic feedback and is therefore expected to be the next generation of digital biomarkers. With regard to its broad application in various fields of medicine, we see a clear need to evolve the internet-enabled field of sweat expertise: iSudorology.
The Handling of Oxalate in the Body and the Origin of Oxalate in Calcium Oxalate Stones
Authors: Huang Yi , Zhang Yong Hai , Chi Ze Pai , Huang Ru , Huang Hong , Liu GuoYuan , Zhang YuanFeng , Yang HongSheng , Lin JiaHua , Yang TengHao , Cao Si Zhe
Published: December 2019

Urolithiasis is one of the most common urologic diseases in industrialized societies. More than 80% of renal stones are composed of calcium oxalate, and small changes in urinary oxalate concentrations affect the risk of stone formation. Elucidation of the source of oxalate and its mechanism of transport is crucial for understanding the etiology of urolithiasis. Sources of oxalate can be both endogenous and exogenous. With regard to oxalate transport, tests were carried out to prove the function of solute-linked carrier 4 (SLC4) and SLC26. The molecular mechanism of urolithiasis caused by SLC4 and SLC26 is still unclear. The growing number of studies on the molecular physiology of SLC4 and SLC26, together with knockout genetic mouse model experiments, suggest that SLC4 and SLC26 may be a contributing element to urolithiasis. This review summarizes recent research on the sources of oxalate and characterization of the oxalate transport ionic exchangers SLC4 and SLC26, with an emphasis on different physiological defects in knockout mouse models including kidney stone formation. Furthermore, SLC4 and SLC26 exchangers provide new insight into urolithiasis and may be a novel therapeutic target for modification of urinary oxalate excretion.
Increased Prevalence of Severe Obesity and Related Comorbidities among Patients Referred to a Pediatric Obesity Clinic during the Last Decade
Authors: Avnieli Velfer Yael , Phillip Moshe , Shalitin Shlomit
Published: December 2019

Background: Childhood obesity is a major health concern worldwide. This study examined prevalence trends in severe obesity and related comorbidities among patients referred to a tertiary pediatric obesity clinic in Israel. Methods: The medical files of patients aged 2–18 years with BMI >95th percentile at initial referral to our obesity clinic in 2008–2017 were reviewed for demographic, anthropometric, and cardiometabolic data. Findings were compared between patients with 2.3 > BMI-SDS ≥1.645 and BMI-SDS ≥2.33 (severe obesity), and yearly rates of severe obesity were calculated. Results: The cohort included 1,027 children (median age 10.8 years, 41.8% male) of whom 55% were severely obese. The rate of severe obesity among referrals increased from 54% in 2008 to 69% in 2017, but it seemed to plateau during the last 3 years. In between-group comparison, the severe obesity group had a significantly greater predominance of males (p = 0.002), younger age at obesity onset in males (p <0.001), higher rate of a family history of obesity (overall and in males; p = 0.002 and p = 0.01, respectively), and higher rates of obesity-related comorbidities (systolic hypertension, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our data show an increased prevalence of severe obesity over the last decade among Israeli children and adolescents referred to an obesity clinic. This finding may reflect the trend in the general pediatric population or a change in the policy of referral to obesity clinics of pediatricians. The high rate of obesity-related comorbidities emphasizes the importance of early intervention to prevent their devastating consequences, especially in patients with severe obesity.
МЕТОДИКА ОРГАНІЗАЦІЇ САМОСТІЙНОЇ РОБОТИ СТУДЕНТІВ НА ПРИКЛАДІ ДИСЦИПЛІНИ «МЕДИЧНА ТА БІОЛОГІЧНА ФІЗИКА» З ОГЛЯДУ НА МОЖЛИВОСТІ СИСТЕМИ ДИСТАНЦІЙНОГО НАВЧАННЯ EDX.ORG
Authors: Prokopchenko O. E. , Lukina H. M. , Ivanchenko O. Z. , Melnikova O. Z. , Prykhodko O. V.
Published: December 2019

У статті визначено потенційні можливості платформи дистанційного навчання Еdx.org для організації і проведення самостійної роботи студентів при вивченні дисципліни «Медична та біологічна фізика» за напрямком підготовки магістра за спеціальністю «Лікувальна справа» (англомовна форма навчання).

Представлено результати порівняльного аналізу і виявлено спільні елементи навчальної програми з медичної та біологічної фізики й дистанційного курсу «Fundamentals of Neuroscience». Навчально-методичні матеріали від Edx.org ми розглядали як складову частину домашньої підготовки й основу для самостійної та аудиторної роботи студентів. Наведено приклад організації самостійної роботи студентів з використанням можливостей системи дистанційного навчання Edx.org. Легальне запозичення і використання окремих навчальних матеріалів для дистанційного навчання дозволяють актуалізувати, стандартизувати й оптимізувати роботу студентів при проведенні самостійної та індивідуальної роботи при вивченні дисципліни  «Медична та біологічна фізика».

На основі проведеного аудиту курсу «Neuroscience» запропоновано використовувати організаційну структуру курсу з метою організації самостійної та аудиторної роботи студентів з дисципліни «Медична та біологічна фізика».
ЗАСВОЄННЯ СТУДЕНТАМИ ПРАКТИЧНИХ НАВИЧОК ПРИ ВИВЧЕННІ ПЕДІАТРІЇ
Authors: Sherbatyuk N. Y. , Horishnyi I. M. , Chornomudz I. B.
Published: December 2019

У статті проаналізовано особливості засвоєння практичних  навичок при вивченні педіатрії. Звертається увага на специфіку самого об’єкта пізнання – здорову та хвору дитину у різні вікові періоди. Запропонований алгоритм пізнання: «Знаю – розумію – бачив – робив – вмію». Підкреслена роль активної позиції студента в навчальному процесі. Студент, спостерігаючи за роботою викладача під час навчально-лікувального процесу, вчиться мистецтва спілкування з батьками хворої дитини та налагоджування контакту між лікарем та дитиною. Така практика дає можливість студенту втілювати складову алгоритму «бачив». В усіх нових навчальних програмах акцент робиться на самостійній роботі студента. Але ця складова навчального процесу буде ефективною для студента лише при умові достатнього багажу знань. Для цього доцільно проводити практичні заняття в клініці методами рольової гри чи дискусії малими групами. Приміряючи на себе роль лікаря, студент починає відчувати потребу в удосконаленні своїх знань, з’являється бажання до професійної самореалізації, самоосвіти та саморозвитку. Застосування вищенаведених особливостей дає можливість студенту краще оволодіти практичними навичками та допомагає скласти іспит ОСКІ, а також підготуватися до державного професійно орієнтованого іспиту на 6 курсі.
РЕЦЕНЗІЯ НА ПОСІБНИК
Authors: Колодницька O. Д.
Published: December 2019

Переклад англомовних текстів у сфері медичної допомоги. Частина І. Асептики і антисептики, перев’язування і перев’язувальні матеріали, рани та переломи : навчальний посібник для студентів вищих закладів освіти / [Л. М. Черноватий, Л. А. Коваленко, О. А. Кальниченко та ін.] ; за ред. Л. М. Черноватого, О. В. Ребрія. – Вінниця : Нова Книга, 2019. – 280 с. – [UTTU series].
Narrativa e experiência histórica nos romances de autoras negras brasileiras
Authors: Miranda Fernanda Rodrigues
Published: December 2019

Na primeira parte deste artigo discute-se a condição minoritária do gênero romance dentro da produção literária de autoria negra brasileira, dado que constitui um problema de amplas dimensões, principalmente pensando na tradição nacional estabelecida em torno desse gênero historicamente reivindicado na construção da identidade da nação. No segundo momento do texto, adentra-se propriamente a questão da forma romance frente à representação da experiência histórica nacional narrada sobre a exclusão do sujeito negro. Por fim, destaco a obra pioneira da romancista negra Maria Firmina dos Reis, pensando Úrsula como um romance de fundação oitocentista, cujo paradigma discursivo está em circulação – conforme se nota nos romances de autoras negras brasileiras publicados nos séculos XX e XXI.
Entre o eco e a ressonância
Authors: Silveira Raquel Mariane da
Published: December 2019

Por meio deste artigo pretende-se analisar o romance Becos da memória, de Conceição Evaristo (2006), em que as personagens femininas assumem o protagonismo da obra. A partir da problematização da autoria, do ponto de vista adotado pela autora e das representações por ela realizadas na referida obra, pretende-se explorar o universo da escrevivência de Evaristo, o qual promove a assunção de uma história-outra através da enunciação de vozes silenciadas ao longo da história.
Low Levels of CD4
+
CD28
null
T Cells at Baseline Are Associated With First-Time Coronary Events in a Prospective Population-Based Case-Control Cohort
Authors: Tomas Lukas , Bengtsson Eva , Andersson Linda , Badn Wiaam , Tengryd Christoffer , Persson Ana , Edsfeldt Andreas , Nilsson Peter M. , Schiopu Alexandru , Nilsson Jan , Gonçalves Isabel , Björkbacka Harry
Published: December 2019

Objective:

CD4
+
CD28
null
T cells have been shown to be associated with recurrent coronary events and suggested as potential biomarker and therapeutic target. It is unknown whether CD4
+
CD28
null
T cells associate with first-time cardiovascular events. We examined CD4
+
CD28
null
T cells in a prospective population-based cohort and in patients with advanced atherosclerosis.

Approach and Results:

CD4
+
CD28
null
T cells were quantified in 272 individuals experiencing a first-time coronary event during up to 17 years of follow-up and 272 age- and sex-matched controls in a case-control study, nested within the population-based Malmö Diet and Cancer study. The highest tertile of CD4
+
CD28
null
T cells was associated with a lower incidence of first-time coronary events compared with the lowest tertile (odds ratio, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.29–0.79],
P
=0.004) when adjusting for Framingham risk factors. This association remained significant for events recorded after >9 years of follow-up, when most coronary events occurred, but not during the first 9 years of follow-up, despite similar odds ratio. Additionally, we analyzed CD4
+
CD28
null
T cells in 201 patients with advanced atherosclerosis undergoing carotid endarterectomy. The adjusted hazard ratio for cardiovascular events in patients with advanced atherosclerosis was 2.11 (95% CI, 1.10–4.05,
P
=0.024), comparing the highest with the lowest CD4
+
CD28
null
T-cell tertile.

Conclusions:

Our findings reveal complex associations between CD4
+
CD28
null
T cells and cardiovascular disease. Although we confirm the reported positive associations with an adverse prognosis in patients with already established disease, the opposite associations with first-time coronary events in the population-based cohort may limit the clinical use of CD4
+
CD28
null
T cells.
Causal Associations Between Serum Bilirubin Levels and Decreased Stroke Risk
Authors: Choi Yoonjeong , Lee Sun Ju , Spiller Wes , Jung Keum Ji , Lee Ji-Young , Kimm Heejin , Back Joung Hwan , Lee Sunmi , Jee Sun Ha
Published: December 2019

Objective:

A number of epidemiological studies have reported that decreased serum bilirubin, an endogenous antioxidant, is associated with cardiovascular disease. However, previous Mendelian randomization analyses conducted using a single sample have shown no evidence of association.

Approach and Results:

A 2-sample summary Mendelian randomization study was performed by obtaining exposure and outcome data from separate nonoverlapping samples. We utilized data from the KoGES (Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study; n=25 406) and KCPS-II (Korean Cancer Prevention Study-II; n=14 541) biobank for serum bilirubin and stroke, respectively. Using KoGES, a total of 1784 single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with serum bilirubin levels were discovered using a genome-wide significance threshold (
P
<5×10
−8
), of which 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified as independent (
R
2
<0.005) and adopted as genetic instruments. From KCPS-II, total and ischemic stroke cases were identified (n=1489 and n=686), with 12 366 acting as controls. Various 2-sample summary Mendelian randomization methods were employed, with Mendelian randomization estimates showing an inverse causal association between serum bilirubin levels and total stroke risk (odds ratio, 0.481 [95% CI, 0.234–0.988];
P
=0.046). This association increased in magnitude when restricting the analysis to ischemic stroke cases (odds ratio, 0.302 [95% CI, 0.105–0.868];
P
=0.026).

Conclusions:

Our findings provide evidence of significant causal relationship between high levels of bilirubin and decreased stroke risk in Korean population in agreement with observational approaches. This highlights the potential for bilirubin to serve as a therapeutic target for oxidative stress-related diseases such as stroke and suggests that previous findings were not a consequence of unmeasured confounding.
Netrin-1 and the Grade of Atherosclerosis Are Inversely Correlated in Humans
Authors: Bruikman Caroline S. , Vreeken Dianne , Hoogeveen Renate M. , Bom Michiel J. , Danad Ibrahim , Pinto-Sietsma Sara-Joan , van Zonneveld Anton Jan , Knaapen Paul , Hovingh G. Kees , Stroes Erik S.G. , van Gils Janine M.
Published: December 2019

Objective:

Netrin-1 has been shown to play a role in the initiation of atherosclerosis in mice models. However, little is known about the role of Netrin-1 in humans. We set out to study whether Netrin-1 is associated with different stages of atherosclerosis.

Approach and Results:

Plasma Netrin-1 levels were measured in different patient cohorts: (1) 22 patients with high cardiovascular risk who underwent arterial wall inflammation assessment using positron-emission tomography / computed tomography, (2) 168 patients with a positive family history of premature atherosclerosis in whom coronary artery calcium scores were obtained, and (3) 104 patients with chest pain who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography imaging to evaluate plaque vulnerability and burden. Netrin-1 plasma levels were negatively correlated with arterial wall inflammation (β, −0.01 [95% CI, 0.02 to −0.01]
R
2
, 0.61;
P
<0.0001), and concentrations of Netrin-1 were significantly lower when atherosclerosis was present compared with individuals without atherosclerosis (28.01 versus 10.51 ng/mL,
P
<0.001). There was no difference in Netrin-1 plasma concentrations between patients with stable versus unstable plaques (11.17 versus 11.74 ng/mL,
P
=0.511). However, Netrin-1 plasma levels were negatively correlated to total plaque volume (β, −0.09 [95% CI, −0.11 to −0.08]
R
2
, 0.57,
P
<0.0001), calcified plaque volumes (β, −0.10 [95% CI, −0.12 to −0.08]
R
2
, 0.53;
P
<0.0001), and noncalcified plaque volumes (β, −0.08 [95% CI, −0.10 to −0.06]
R
2
, 0.41;
P
<0.0001). Treatment of inflammatory stimulated endothelial cells with plasma with high Netrin-1 level resulted in reduced endothelial inflammation and consequently, less monocyte adhesion.

ConclusionS:

Netrin-1 plasma levels are lower in patients with subclinical atherosclerosis and in patients with arterial wall inflammation. Netrin-1 is not associated with plaque vulnerability; however, it is negatively correlated to plaque burden, suggesting that Netrin-1 is involved in some, but not all, stages of atherosclerosis.
Low and Oscillatory Wall Shear Stress Is Not Related to Aortic Dilation in Patients With Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Authors: Dux-Santoy Lydia , Guala Andrea , Sotelo Julio , Uribe Sergio , Teixidó-Turà Gisela , Ruiz-Muñoz Aroa , Hurtado Daniel E. , Valente Filipa , Galian-Gay Laura , Gutiérrez Laura , González-Alujas Teresa , Johnson Kevin M. , Wieben Oliver , Ferreira-Gonzalez Ignacio , Evangelista Arturo , Rodríguez-Palomares José F.
Published: December 2019

Objective:

To assess the relationship between regional wall shear stress (WSS) and oscillatory shear index (OSI) and aortic dilation in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV).

Approach and Results:

Forty-six consecutive patients with BAV (63% with right-left-coronary-cusp fusion, aortic diameter ≤ 45 mm and no severe valvular disease) and 44 healthy volunteers were studied by time-resolved 3-dimensional phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging. WSS and OSI were quantified at different levels of the ascending aorta and the aortic arch, and regional WSS and OSI maps were obtained. Seventy percent of BAV had ascending aorta dilation. Compared with healthy volunteers, patients with BAV had increased WSS and decreased OSI in most of the ascending aorta and the aortic arch. In both BAV and healthy volunteers, regions of high WSS matched regions of low OSI and vice versa. No regions of both low WSS and high OSI were identified in BAV compared with healthy volunteers. Patients with BAV with dilated compared with nondilated aorta presented low and oscillatory WSS in the aortic arch, but not in the ascending aorta where dilation is more prevalent. Furthermore, no regions of concomitant low WSS and high OSI were identified when BAV were compared according to leaflet fusion pattern, despite the well-known differences in regional dilation prevalence.

Conclusions:

Regions with low WSS and high OSI do not match those with the highest prevalence of dilation in patients with BAV, thus providing no evidence to support the low and oscillatory shear stress theory in the pathogenesis of proximal aorta dilation in the presence of BAV.
Review of the moray eels (Anguilliformes: Muraenidae) of the Red Sea, with description of a new species
Authors: SMITH DAVID G. , BOGORODSKY SERGEY V. , MAL AHMAD O. , ALPERMANN TILMAN J.
Published: December 2019

Thirty-eight species of moray eels (Muraenidae) from the Red Sea are reported in an updated review. A species account is provided for each species, along with a full synonymy of all nominal species described from the Red Sea. One species is new to science, G. pharaonis, and two species are new for the Red Sea, Gymnothorax phasmatodes (Smith) and Scuticaria tigrina (Lesson). Gymnothorax pharaonis n. sp. is a common species that has long been misidentified as G. undulatus (Lacepède), although it more closely resembles G. margaritophorus Bleeker, to which it is closely related phylogenetically. It is characterized by the following combination of characters: total vertebrae 123–128; body slender, depth at anus 17–28 in TL; maxillary teeth biserial, dentary and vomerine teeth in a single row; color brown with irregular dendritic pale markings, not interconnected or chain-like, with oblique, conspicuous, parallel streaks posteriorly in dorsal fin. The new record of the distinctive whitish G. phasmatodes is based on an underwater photograph taken at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The new record of Scuticaria tigrina is based on a specimen collected from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and underwater photographs taken from the northern part of the Red Sea. Based on an integrative taxonomical approach by a combination of morphological and phylogenetic analyses and re-examination of holotype specimens, Gymnothorax cinerascens (Rüppell) is resurrected as a valid species, and it is shown that previous records of G. hepaticus (Rüppell), with which it has previously been synonymized, should refer to G. cinerascens. The true G. hepaticus is redescribed based on examination of the holotype and additional specimens collected during the course of this study. The two species are distinguished by the color of the jaws, the position of the median intermaxillary teeth, and a slight difference in the preanal length. They are also clearly distinct genetically. The Red Sea record of Gymnothorax atolli (Pietschmann) is based on an error, possibly a misidentification of G. griseus (Lacepède). A key to the species of Red Sea moray eels and a phylogenetic tree of presently known lineages of Indo-Pacific moray eels are provided including recently collected Red Sea specimens.
6. ARPA Does Windows
Authors: Fong Glenn R.
Published: December 2019

Chapter 6, by Glenn R. Fong, is a history of how DARPA-funded inventions placed a central role in the development of personal computers and their software.
9. Some Questions about the DARPA Model
Authors: Windham Patrick
Published: December 2019

Chapter 9, by Patrick Windham, addresses a set of questions that have been raised concerning the DARPA model.
Changes in Convective Available Potential Energy and Convective Inhibition under Global Warming
Authors: Chen Jiao , Dai Aiguo , Zhang Yaocun , Rasmussen Kristen L.
Published: December 2019

Atmospheric convective available potential energy (CAPE) is expected to increase under greenhouse gas–induced global warming, but a recent regional study also suggests enhanced convective inhibition (CIN) over land although its cause is not well understood. In this study, a global climate model is first evaluated by comparing its CAPE and CIN with reanalysis data, and then their future changes and the underlying causes are examined. The climate model reasonably captures the present-day CAPE and CIN patterns seen in the reanalysis, and projects increased CAPE almost everywhere and stronger CIN over most land under global warming. Over land, the cases or times with medium to strong CAPE or CIN would increase while cases with weak CAPE or CIN would decrease, leading to an overall strengthening in their mean values. These projected changes are confirmed by convection-permitting 4-km model simulations over the United States. The CAPE increase results mainly from increased low-level specific humidity, which leads to more latent heating and buoyancy for a lifted parcel above the level of free convection (LFC) and also a higher level of neutral buoyancy. The enhanced CIN over most land results mainly from reduced low-level relative humidity (RH), which leads to a higher lifting condensation level and a higher LFC and thus more negative buoyancy. Over tropical oceans, the near-surface RH increases slightly, leading to slight weakening of CIN. Over the subtropical eastern Pacific and Atlantic Ocean, the impact of reduced low-level atmospheric lapse rates overshadows the effect of increased specific humidity, leading to decreased CAPE.
Gate optimization for resin transfer molding in dual-scale porous media: Numerical simulation and experiment measurement
Authors: Oya Yutaka , Matsumiya Tsubasa , Ito Akira , Matsuzaki Ryosuke , Okabe Tomonaga
Published: December 2019

For resin transfer molding in a woven fabric, this study developed a novel framework for optimization by combining a multi-objective genetic algorithm and mold-filling simulation including a void-formation model, which gives us not only the spatial distribution of the mesoscopic and microscopic voids but also the correlations between molding characteristics such as fill time, total amount of void, weld line, and wasted resin. Our experiment observation of one-point radial injection successfully captured the anisotropic distribution of mesoscopic voids, which qualitatively validates the simulated result. As a result of multi-objective optimization for an arrangement of two injection positions, we found the trade-off relations of weld line with the other characteristics, which also have positive correlation with each other. Furthermore, visualization techniques such as self-organizing maps and parallel coordinate maps extracted the design rule of the arrangement. For example, a diagonal gate arrangement with an appropriate distance is required for reducing the both total amount of voids, fill time, and wasted resin; however, the total area of the weld line becomes relatively large. Our framework and the knowledge obtained from this study will enable us to determine the appropriate mold design for resin transfer molding.
Male Mortality Trends in the United States, 1900-2010: Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities
Authors: Jones Wanda K. , Hahn Robert A. , Parrish R. Gibson , Teutsch Steven M. , Chang Man-Huei
Published: December 2019

Objectives:

Male mortality fell substantially during the past century, and major causes of death changed. Building on our recent analysis of female mortality trends in the United States, we examined all-cause and cause-specific mortality trends at each decade from 1900 to 2010 among US males.

Methods:

We conducted a descriptive study of age-adjusted death rates (AADRs) for 11 categories of disease and injury stratified by race (white, nonwhite, and, when available, black), the excess of male mortality over female mortality ([male AADR − female AADR]/female AADR), and potential causes of persistent excess of male mortality. We used national mortality data for each decade.

Results:

From 1900 to 2010, the all-cause AADR declined 66.4% among white males and 74.5% among nonwhite males. Five major causes of death in 1900 were pneumonia and influenza, heart disease, stroke, tuberculosis, and unintentional nonmotor vehicle injuries; in 2010, infectious conditions were replaced by cancers and chronic lower respiratory diseases. The all-cause excess of male mortality rose from 9.1% in 1900 to 65.5% in 1980 among white males and a peak of 63.7% in 1990 among nonwhite males, subsequently falling among all groups.

Conclusion:

During the last century, AADRs among males declined more slowly than among females. Although the gap diminished in recent decades, exploration of social and behavioral factors may inform interventions that could further reduce death rates among males.
In Search of a Better Future: Nepali Rural Out-migration from Assam
Authors: Muktiar Pinku , Sharma Chandan Kumar
Published: December 2019

The last two decades have witnessed an unprecedented rural out-migration from northeast Indian states, especially Assam, to other parts of India. Thousands of poor rural youths from the region have migrated to the more prosperous parts of India in search of livelihood, mostly as unskilled labour in the informal sector. While rural out-migration has not been a new phenomenon in Assam, such out-migration in the past was mostly confined to the state. Although the immigrant groups in Assam pioneered this new trend of out-migration, subsequently, the indigenous communities also followed suit. This paper explicates the interplay of historical forces that have contributed to this phenomenon and its impact on Assam’s rural social landscape through an empirical study conducted among the Nepali community, an erstwhile immigrant community in Assam.
Mid-infrared emissivity of nylon, cotton, acrylic, and polyester fabrics as a function of moisture content
Authors: Belliveau Raymond G , DeJong Stephanie A , Boltin Nicholas D , Lu Zhenyu , Cassidy Brianna M , Morgan Stephen L , Myrick ML
Published: December 2019

The effectiveness of material to emit energy as thermal radiation is important in determining the apparent temperature in infrared thermographic measurements. For this reason, a number of measurements of the thermal emissivity in the mid-infrared thermographic (8–12 µm) region have been reported for fabrics. However, many fabrics adsorb moisture from the air, and condensed water has a relatively high thermal emissivity. In this manuscript, we report measurements of adsorption isotherms and mid-infrared thermal emissivity for nylon, cotton, polyester, and acrylic as a function of their moisture content in weight percent at temperatures just above ambient. We find that the order of water mass percentage gain for the fabrics in high humidity conditions are polyester < acrylic < nylon < cotton. The thermal emissivity is ∼0.88 independent of moisture content for the fabrics polyester, cotton, and nylon, while acrylic shows a pronounced increase in thermal emissivity as moisture content increases, ranging from ɛ ∼ 0.81 at low humidity conditions to ɛ ∼ 0.88 under high humidity conditions. In this work, emissivity measurements are made by imaging through a novel infrared window made from household cling wrap and interpreted with equations that are independent of window transmittance and sample temperature.
Urban expansion and neighbourhood commuting patterns in the Beijing metropolitan region: A multilevel analysis
Authors: Wong Cecilia , Zheng Wei , Qiao Miao
Published: December 2019

This study adopts a spatial perspective to analyse the complex commuting patterns of the Beijing metropolitan region. By combining measures of the built environment, neighbourhood characteristics and development time periods, a four-fold neighbourhood classification was derived by cluster analysis to reflect different urbanisation contexts. Commuting flows were mapped to illustrate the spatial mismatch of home–work locations during the rampant urbanisation process. The novel use of a multilevel modelling approach shows how individual socio-economic attributes and neighbourhood factors, and their interactive effects, explain the varied commuting patterns. The cross-level interactions of variables highlight the predominant influence of individual attributes, which also interact with locational conditions of neighbourhood with differential explanatory power, on commuting patterns.
Beyond Common Sense and Human Experience: Lay Perceptions of Witness Coercion
Authors: fallon Laura , snook Brent
Published: December 2019

Perceptions of the use of coercive tactics in witness interviews were examined. Canadian community members ( N = 293) were asked to read a transcript of a witness interview that included either (a) threats/overt coercion, (b) minimization/covert coercion, or (c) no coercion, and answer questions about the interview. Participants rated the threat transcript as being the most coercive, containing the most pressure, involving the most serious consequences for withholding information, and eliciting the most negative feelings from witnesses. Conversely, the minimization transcript tended to be rated less negatively than the threat transcript and was also rated as being the most effective for gathering information. Results indicate that laypeople recognize the issues with explicitly coercive police tactics, but are less clear on the problems with subtler forms of coercion. The implications for the truth-seeking function of the justice system and the role of expert testimony in the courtroom are discussed.
Compatibility study of high-density polyethylene with ethanol–gasoline and biodiesel
Authors: Jiangfang Zhou , Xuehong Chen
Published: December 2019

To further evaluate the compatibility of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with the biofuels included ethanol–gasoline E30 and biodiesel B30, especially the change of mechanical properties of HDPE over soaking time, soaking tests were performed in E30 and B30 fuels at 45°C for 1608 h. Volume/mass change, yield stress, yield elongation, and impact strength of HDPE were measured at different soaking times. In all fuel soaking tests, more fuel absorption occurred between HDPE and fuels than oxidative damage. Due to higher polarity of bioethanol, E30 is less easily absorbed by HDPE than gasoline and causes less volume and mass change of HDPE. Compared with gasoline and E30, diesel and B30 were less likely to be absorbed by HDPE and there was no significant different of HDPE volume and mass change soaked in them. As fuel could be more easily stored in the amorphous phase of the HDPE than in the crystalline phase, the significant increase of yield elongation and little change of yield stress and the absorbed fuel may act as a plasticizer in HDPE. The increase of impact strength was due to the HDPE became more ductile after fuel soaking rather than strength increase. The compatibility research between HDPE and biofuel can help design engineers to evaluate the performance changes of plastic fuel tank products made of HDPE after long-term fuel soaking.
Acupuncture and Acupressure for Dementia Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms: A Scoping Review
Authors: Harris Melissa L. , Titler Marita G. , Struble Laura M.
Published: December 2019

Due to the dangers associated with psychotropic medications, there is an urgent need for non-pharmacologic therapies to treat behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Acupuncture and acupressure are safe and well-tolerated non-pharmacologic therapies for this population, but currently no review has explored acutherapy for management of distressing dementia symptoms. This review synthesizes research on acupuncture and acupressure for BPSD. Upon searching five databases, 15 studies met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Nine examined acupressure, six acupuncture, and eight were randomized controlled trials. The percent of studies demonstrating statistically significant improvements in symptoms were: activities of daily living (ADLs; 75%), agitation (100%), anxiety (67%), depression (100%), mood (100%), neuropsychological disturbances (67%), and sleep disturbances (100%). Variations in study design, intervention procedures, and outcomes limit interpretations about effectiveness. It is recommended that further research be done to examine the efficacy of these therapies and promote generalizability.
Examining the Efficacy of Conjoint Behavioral Consultation for Middle School Students With Externalizing Behavior Problems
Authors: Garbacz S. Andrew , Beattie Tiffany , Novotnak Tanya , Kurtz-Nelson Eva , Zahn Miranda , Yim-Dockery Huna , Cohenour Jessica , Jordan Phoebe
Published: December 2019

This exploratory study examined the efficacy of Conjoint Behavioral Consultation for addressing classroom disruptive behavior for middle school students with externalizing behavior problems. In addition, the parent–teacher relationship, parent and teacher competence in problem-solving, and acceptability were examined. Participants were parents and teachers of four middle school students with externalizing behavior problems. Disruptive classroom behavior data were examined in a concurrent multiple baseline across participants design. Parent–teacher relationship, competence in problem-solving, and acceptability data were examined descriptively. Findings suggested improvements in disruptive behavior for each participant. However, limitations impeded interpretations. Parent–teacher relationship data were inconclusive. Six out of eight parents and teachers with pretest and posttest data reported improvements in their competence in problem-solving. All parents and teachers perceived the consultation process favorably. Limitations and future directions are discussed.
What Mentees Bring: Relationship Characteristics Pre-Mentoring and Mentoring Relationship Satisfaction
Authors: Williamson Supriya , Lawrence Edith , Lyons Michael D. , Deutsch Nancy L.
Published: December 2019

A critical mechanism through which mentors are thought to influence developmental outcomes is the mentee-mentor relationship. Attachment theories suggest that a mentee’s perceptions of other relationships in her life may impact the quality of the mentor-mentee relationship. This study tests this hypothesis. Data were drawn from a sample of 205 early adolescent girls who received a college-aged mentor through the Young Women Leaders Program for one academic year. In this exploratory study, we examine the association between mentees’ relationship characteristics (i.e., perceptions of, feelings about maternal and peer relationships) and mentoring relationship satisfaction. Results of multiple linear regressions revealed that less maternal quality communication and trust was associated with lower quality mentoring relationships (β = .258, p < .05). Higher levels of maternal alienation were associated with higher quality mentoring relationships (β = .241, p < .05). Results can inform mentor training to support strong mentoring relationships with girls experiencing a variety of attachment-related challenges with their mothers.
Muscular Sarcocystosis in Sheep Associated With Lymphoplasmacytic Myositis and Expression of Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I and II
Authors: Pagano Teresa Bruna , Prisco Francesco , De Biase Davide , Piegari Giuseppe , Maurelli Maria Paola , Rinaldi Laura , Cringoli Giuseppe , Papparella Serenella , Paciello Orlando
Published: December 2019

Sarcocystosis is a protozoal disease affecting a wide range of animals. The aims of this study were to characterize the following in sheep: (1) the muscle pathology in Sarcocystis infection, (2) the inflammatory infiltrate and its relationship to severity of infection, and (3) immune markers expressed by parasitized muscle fibers and parasitic cysts. Skeletal muscle samples from 78 sheep slaughtered in southern Italy were snap frozen and analyzed by histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing were used for Sarcocystis species identification. All 40 muscle samples tested were PCR-positive for Sarcocystis tenella. Histologically, cysts were identified in 76/78 cases (97%), associated with an endomysial infiltrate of lymphocytes and plasma cells. The T cells were predominantly CD8+, with fewer CD4+ or CD79α+ cells. Eosinophils were absent. Notably, sarcolemmal immunopositivity for major histocompatibility complex (MHC) I and II was found in 76/78 cases (97%) and 75/78 cases (96%), respectively, both in samples with and in those without evident inflammatory infiltrate. The number of cysts was positively correlated with inflammation. In addition, MHC I was detected in 55/78 cyst walls (72%), and occasionally co-localized with the membrane-associated protein dystrophin. The findings suggest that muscle fibers respond to the presence of cysts by expression of MHC I and II. The possible role of MHC I and II in the inflammatory response and on the cyst wall is also discussed.
Cost–Utility Analysis of Electroconvulsive Therapy and Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Depression in Ontario
Authors: Fitzgibbon Kyle P. , Plett Donna , Chan Brian C. F. , Hancock-Howard Rebecca , Coyte Peter C. , Blumberger Daniel M.
Published: December 2019

Objectives:

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and combining both treatments in a stepped care pathway for patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in Ontario.

Methods:

A cost–utility analysis evaluated the lifetime costs and benefits to society of rTMS and ECT as first-line treatments for TRD using a Markov model, which simulates the costs and health benefits of patients over their lifetime. Health states included acute treatment, maintenance treatment, remission, and severe depression. Treatment efficacy and health utility data were extracted and synthesized from randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses evaluating these techniques. Direct costing data were obtained from national and provincial costing databases. Indirect costs were derived from government records. Scenario, threshold, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to test robustness of the results.

Results:

rTMS dominated ECT, as it was less costly and produced better health outcomes, measured in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), in the base case scenario. rTMS patients gained an average of 0.96 additional QALYs (equivalent to approximately 1 year in perfect health) over their lifetime with costs that were $46,094 less than ECT. rTMS remained dominant in the majority of scenario and threshold analyses. However, results from scenarios in which the model’s maximum lifetime allowance of rTMS treatment courses was substantially limited, the dominance of rTMS over ECT was attenuated. The scenario that showed the highest QALY gain (1.19) and the greatest cost-savings ($46,614) was when rTMS nonresponders switched to ECT.

Conclusion:

From a societal perspective utilizing a lifetime horizon, rTMS is a cost-effective first-line treatment option for TRD relative to ECT, as it is less expensive and produces better health outcomes. The reduced side effect profile and greater patient acceptability of rTMS that allow it to be administered more times than ECT in a patient’s lifetime may contribute to its cost-effectiveness.
The role of artificial intelligence in learning and professional development for healthcare professionals
Authors: Randhawa Gurprit K. , Jackson Mary
Published: December 2019

This article discusses the emerging role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the learning and professional development of healthcare professionals. It provides a brief history of AI, current and past applications in healthcare education and training, and discusses why and how health leaders can revolutionize education system practices using AI in healthcare education. It also discusses potential implications of AI on human educators like clinical educators and provides recommendations for health leaders to support the application of AI in the learning and professional development of healthcare professionals.
Further reducing the rate of code blue calls through early warning systems and enabling technologies
Authors: Monteith Mike
Published: December 2019

Hospitals are facing an unprecedented level of change—with pressure from the general public to provide high-quality care and retain top talent by preventing burnout. How can they provide better patient care without overwhelming clinicians with more connected devices, alarming systems, and analytics solutions? Some challenges do not just cause harm to patients but they have a major economic impact on the financial health of the hospital. One problem for many hospitals is the growing number of “code blue” calls that warn clinicians a patient is in cardiac arrest. In this case study, you will learn the impacts of introducing an early warning system and its enabling technologies on Hamilton Health Sciences and why the underlying technology helped to produce positive results.
On the machinability and properties of Ti–6Al–4V biomaterial with n-HAp powder–mixed ED machining
Authors: Bains Preetkanwal Singh , Bahraminasab Marjan , Sidhu Sarabjeet Singh , Singh Gurpreet
Published: December 2019

Nano-hydroxyapatite powder was used in electric discharge machining to modify the surface of Ti–6Al–4V medical alloy. Herein, electric discharge machining was performed, with and without powder-mixed flushing for evaluation of the material erosion rate and surface roughness. In addition to dielectric type, several process parameters including current, pulse-on duration, pulse-off duration, and electrode hole diameter were considered. The experiments were planned by Taguchi design technique and conducted to analyze the material erosion rate and surface roughness. After machining, scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, and X-ray diffraction techniques were used to evaluate the surfaces of the samples. Furthermore, wear and corrosion tests were also carried out on the Ti alloy with modified surfaces. The influential factors were identified based on analysis of variance results. Current and dielectric type were the significant factors, both for the material erosion rate and surface roughness. The scanning electron microscope images of Ti–6Al–4V samples highlighted that the process parameters exhibited a vital influence on the topology and microstructure of machined surface. Furthermore, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and X-ray diffraction analyses confirmed the presence of hydroxyapatite on Ti alloy surface after machining. Moreover, the results of wear and corrosion tests revealed lower wear and corrosion rates of the surface-treated workpiece with nano-hydroxyapatite.
A case of M184V mutant human immunodeficiency virus in a patient using daily pre-exposure prophylaxis
Authors: Jewsbury Sally , Ward Chris
Published: December 2019

This study presents a case report of a 31-year-old gay man who acquired human immunodeficiency virus while using daily emtricitabine (FTC)/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). He had an M184V nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor mutation at diagnosis. Either he acquired a pre-existing M184V mutation or he acquired a wild-type virus but then suboptimal use of FTC/TDF led to the development of resistance. For PrEP to be safely managed and seroconvertors to be identified quickly, PrEP should be commissioned by the NHS and managed within sexual health clinics. Notwithstanding the current provision of PrEP, those accessing it must be reminded about the importance of regular testing and optimal adherence.
Attacking science on social media: How user comments affect perceived trustworthiness and credibility
Authors: Gierth Lukas , Bromme Rainer
Published: December 2019

The science on controversial topics is often heatedly discussed on social media, a potential problem for social-media-based science communicators. Therefore, two exploratory studies were performed to investigate the effects of science-critical user comments attacking Facebook posts containing scientific claims. The claims were about one of four controversial topics (homeopathy, genetically modified organisms, refugee crime, and childhood vaccinations). The user comments attacked the claims based on the thematic complexity, the employed research methods, the expertise, or the motivations of the researchers. The results reveal that prior attitudes determine judgments about the user comments, the attacked claims, and the source of the claim. After controlling for attitude, people agree most with thematic complexity comments, but the comments differ in their effect on perceived claim credibility only when the comments are made by experts. In addition, comments attacking researchers’ motivations were more effective in lowering perceived integrity while scientists’ perceived expertise remained unaffected.