bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autism spectrum disorder classification on electroencephalogram signal using deep learning algorithm
Authors: Ali Nur Alisa
Published: March 2020

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 9pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;" lang="EN-US">Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental that impact the social interaction and communication skills. Diagnosis of ASD is one of the difficult problems facing researchers. This research work aimed to reveal the different pattern between autistic and normal children via electroencephalogram (EEG) by using the deep learning algorithm. The brain signal database used pattern recognition where the extracted features will undergo the multilayer perceptron network for the classification process. The promising method to perform the classification is through a deep learning algorithm, which is currently a well-known and superior method in the pattern recognition field. The performance measure for the classification would be the accuracy. The higher percentage means the more effectiveness for the ASD diagnosis. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 9pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman+FPEF'; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;" lang="EN-US">This can be seen as the ground work for applying a new algorithm for further development diagnosis of autism to see how the treatment is working as well in future.
A Switch in Time: The Academic Effects of Shifting Math Remediation from College to High School
Authors: Boatman Angela , Bennett Christopher T.
Published: March 2020

One explanation for negative or null findings in prior research on postsecondary remediation is that college may be too late to address issues of academic underpreparedness. This study evaluates the impact on student outcomes when college math remediation is offered in the senior year of high school. The Seamless Alignment and Integrated Learning Support (SAILS) program in Tennessee targets students with low eleventh-grade ACT math scores. Students who pass SAILS in twelfth grade can enroll directly in college-level math courses at any Tennessee community college. Using a triple-difference design, we exploit variation in students’ treatment status based on ACT math scores (remediation-eligible versus remediation-ineligible), high school adoption of SAILS (first cohort versus later cohort), and senior year (before versus during first SAILS year). We find that SAILS-eligible students in the first cohort were significantly less likely to enroll in remedial math courses in college, and more likely to enroll in and pass college-level math overall. These students also earn 2.8 additional credits by their second year. We detect no significant differences in high school graduation rates, college enrollment, or postsecondary credential attainment within two years. The program advanced progress toward several, but not all, of the potential goals examined.
Brain network topology predicts participant adherence to mental training programs
Authors: Saghayi Marzie , Greenberg Jonathan , O’Grady Christopher , Varno Farshid , Hashmi Muhammad Ali , Bracken Bethany , Matwin Stan , Lazar Sara W. , Hashmi Javeria Ali
Published: March 2020

Adherence determines the success and benefits of mental training (e.g., meditation) programs. It is unclear why some participants engage more actively in programs for mental training than others. Understanding neurobiological factors that predict adherence is necessary for understanding elements of learning and to inform better designs for new learning regimens. Clustering patterns in brain networks have been suggested to predict learning performance, but it is unclear whether these patterns contribute to motivational aspects of learning such as adherence. This study tests whether configurations of brain connections in resting-state fMRI scans can be used to predict adherence to two programs: meditation and creative writing. Results indicate that greater system segregation and clustering predict the number of practice sessions and class participation in both programs at a wide range of network thresholds (corrected p value < 0.05). At a local level, regions in subcortical circuitry such as striatum and accumbens predicted adherence in all subjects. Furthermore, there were also some important distinctions between groups: Adherence to meditation was predicted by connectivity within local network of the anterior insula and default mode network; and in the writing program, adherence was predicted by network neighborhood of frontal and temporal regions. Four machine learning methods were applied to test the robustness of the brain metric for classifying individual capacity for adherence and yielded reasonable accuracy. Overall, these findings underscore the fact that adherence and the ability to perform prescribed exercises is associated with organizational patterns of brain connectivity.
“I hope you can let this go”/ “Ich hoffe, Sie können das fallen lassen”—Focus on the Perlocutionary in Contrastive Pragmatics
Authors: Kramsch Claire
Published: March 2020

Pragmatics has focused predominantly on the locutionary form and illocutionary force of utterances but largely ignored their perlocutionary effects. A shift toward the perlocutionary would require much greater attention being given to the historical and political context in the production and reception of utterances, as well as to interpretation as a performative process. This paper takes as empirical data a press report on the performance of a particular speech act by Donald Trump and its perlocutionary effect both on his addressee and on the readers of the incident as reported in the online versions of the New York Times and Die Zeit. It shows the value of focusing on perlocution for the study of political discourse in these global times. It also shows what pedagogical purchase can be gained by discussing perlocutionary acts and effects in communicative language teaching, rather than focusing exclusively on illocutionary acts.
India’s Neighbourhood Policy During 2014– 2019: Political Context and Policy Outcomes
Authors: Kaura Vinay , Rani Meena
Published: March 2020

After Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of India in 2014, New Delhi has been striving hard to achieve for India the great power status by consolidating its dominant position in South Asia and expanding its reach in the Indian Ocean. There have been many successes when it comes to foreign policy in general. However, five years after Modi began his term by inviting leaders of all SAARC countries to his swearing-in ceremony, the expectations aroused by his government’s neighbourhood policy and the energy invested in driving it seem to have faded, leading to a shift in focus on BIMSTEC. This article looks at India’s bilateral relations with India’s neighbours and argues that the major challenges come from insufficient perception management, lack of regional connectivity, gaps in project implementation, and external environment created by China’s unprecedented foray into each of India’s neighbours. The policy planners and decision-makers need to do serious policy homework to improve the outcomes.
Ethnic Diversity, Political Aspirations and State Response: A Case Study of Pakistan
Authors: Kukreja Veena
Published: March 2020

This article seeks to analyse the ineluctable dilemma of Pakistan, how to weave a viable national identity out of the regional and linguistic loyalties and their political-aspirations. Ethnic divide or ethnic militancy ranging from autonomy to political reorganisation has been a constant phenomenon haunting Pakistani politics. It also aims at highlighting failure of the Pakistani state to translate its socio-cultural diversity in political terms, something that is at the heart of the country’s persistent problem of political order and legitimacy. The state in Pakistan has taken recourse to coercive measures, irrespective of the type of government (civilian or military), from the very beginning to counter the political demands of various ethnic groups in the country. The Pakistani state’s response towards ethnic demands has been shaped by ‘law and order’ and ‘assimilation’ orientation rather than that of a dignified accommodation of the diverse ethnicities.
Analytical investigation of career variables as correlate work stress of electrical/electronic trade teachers in technical colleges
Authors: Ogbuanya Theresa Chinyere , Yekinni Sunkanmi Afeez
Published: March 2020

This study focused on the investigation of career variables as correlate work stress of electrical/electronic trade teachers of technical colleges in south west Nigeria. The study had nine specific objectives and six hypotheses tested at 0.05 level of significance to guide the study. A total of 185 electrical/electronic trade teachers of technical colleges made up of the population for the study. The study adopted correlation research design and the structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondent. However, the study found that the electrical/electronic trade teachers experienced high job stress, experienced low satisfaction in their teaching profession and exhibited high job performances. The study found positive correlation between work stress and job satisfaction, between work stress and job performances and between job satisfaction and job performances. It was obtained from the result that age, gender and experience did not statistically influence work stress, job satisfaction and job performances. Meanwhile, the type of teacher significantly influences work stress and job satisfaction. It is recommended that more qualified teachers should be employed for the teachers to be more relieved of their duties which can lead to work stress. Teachers of technical colleges should be motivated and satisfied to ensure more productivity and ensure that effect of work stress is reduced.
Job-Task Analysis of Vision Rehabilitation Therapists
Authors: Connors Elyse M. , McMahon John M. , Lee Helen
Published: March 2020

Introduction:

One way to understand a profession is to examine the job tasks undertaken by professionals within the field. The profession of vision rehabilitation therapy is examined by finding the frequency at which 100 specific job tasks are performed on average by current vision rehabilitation therapists (VRTs). Fifty-one of the job task frequencies are compared to 1989 frequencies for changes across the last 28 years.

Methods:

An anonymous online survey was carried out with current and recently retired VRTs. Participants were asked to rate the frequency at which they perform 100 specific job tasks and 13 demographic questions.

Results:

One hundred eighty-nine practitioners completed the survey. Mean frequencies for the 100 job tasks fell between a low of 1.08 (slightly above “do not perform the task”) for “writes grants for funding of agency services” and a high of 5.51 (above “perform 4 or 5 times a week”) for “writes case notes and reports for documentation.” Half of the 51 comparable job tasks indicated statistically significant changes in frequency across the 28-year period.

Discussion:

Statistically significant changes in job task frequencies occurred across job roles of teaching, case management, and professional or administrative activities, indicating that many aspects of the therapist’s job have changed. Individualized teaching remains a common aspect of the job, personalizing the skills taught and the teaching methods, for the individual client. VRTs are less frequently providing consultation to medical and community organizations.

Implications for practitioners:

The results presented provide an understanding of current job tasks of a practicing VRT. Understanding the changing trends of job tasks may inform university personnel preparation programs to better prepare students for employment demands. Decreasing community outreach may negatively affect the visibility of blind rehabilitation services and inadvertently affect referrals for vision rehabilitation therapy services.
Shoe: Towards a promiscuous politics of emergency evacuation mobility
Authors: Adey Peter
Published: March 2020

The paper works against the articulation of emergency politics within an Agambenian framework of a ‘state of exception’ which has heretofore dominated writing about emergencies. Instead it develops a more hopeful albeit agonistic politics of emergency evacuation mobilities. By way of Elaine Scarry, Bonnie Honig, Ben Anderson and the writings of gay rights and AIDS activist Douglas Crimp, the paper explores the promise of a ‘politics of promiscuity’, alighting on the role of shoes in emergency evacuation mobilities in two cases. Through detailed analysis of the evacuation of the World Trade Centre during 9/11, and the debacle of the evacuation of Australian PM Julia Gillard during ‘Australia Day’ protests in 2012, the paper teases out the concept of promiscuity through feminist and queer reworkings of emergency politics.
The Portrait Project: Content and Process of Identity Development Among Young Men of Color in East Oakland
Authors: Fong Gomez Stephanie , Marshall Cassondra , Jackson Regina , Allen Amani
Published: March 2020

Identity is the key psychological task of adolescence, with lifelong implications on health and behavior. A holistic understanding of content and process of identity development among male adolescents and emerging adults of color may lead to more effective interventions to improve health outcomes. Men aged 18 to 24 years were recruited from a nonprofit serving predominantly low-income Black and Latino youth in Oakland, CA. This exploratory, multimethod study utilized self-portraiture, interviews, and a focus group. Procedures were approved by the University of California (UC), Berkeley Committee for Protection of Human Subjects (CPHS). Phenomenology and grounded theory principles facilitated a rich understanding of the lived experiences and meanings participants attributed to their identities. Participants used positively valenced language to describe multifaceted, intersectional identities. Despite identifying with stigmatized groups, participants were proud to be male, Black or Latino, and from Oakland. Cognitive processes and adaptive behaviors mediated the impact of environmental factors—including discrimination, family members, peers, and place—on identity development. Practitioners will benefit from recognizing the complex identities of boys and young men of color. Further research should explore the intersectional nature of identity, cumulative health effects of developing and maintaining positive identities despite pervasive discrimination, and role of positive youth development programming in positive identity formation.
An efficient functionalization of dexamethasone-loaded polymeric scaffold with [3-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)-propyl]-trimethoxysilane coupling agent for bone regeneration: Synthesis, characterization, and in vitro evaluation
Authors: Ghorbani Farnaz , Zamanian Ali
Published: March 2020

In this study, dexamethasone-loaded gelatin–starch scaffolds were fabricated by the freeze-drying technique under different cooling temperatures and polymeric compositions. The constructs were modified via [3-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)-propyl]-trimethoxysilane coupling agent in order to produce a bioactive network structure for bone tissue engineering applications. Herein, the synergistic effect of [3-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)-propyl]-trimethoxysilane and dexamethasone was examined on the bioactivity and osteogenic behavior of scaffolds. Based on scanning electron microscopy micrographs, more fine pores were formed at higher freezing temperatures. The prepared microstructure at a rapid freezing rate resulted in diminished mechanical properties and a greater level of swelling and durability compared with a slow freezing rate. According to the acquired results, the mechanical strength decreased, while both absorption capacity and mass loss rate increased as a function of starch addition. Furthermore, the enhancement of hydrophilicity and reduction of mechanical stability enhanced the dexamethasone release levels. In addition, the synthesized constructs confirmed the positive effect of [3-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)-propyl]-trimethoxysilane and dexamethasone on biomimetic mineralization of the scaffolds. Supporting the cellular adhesion and proliferation alongside the expression of alkaline phosphatase, especially in the presence of dexamethasone, was the other advantage of synthetic scaffolds as a bone reconstructive substitute. Accordingly, drug-loaded hybrid constructs seem to be promising for further preclinical and clinical investigations in bone tissue engineering.
Rethinking Economic Security in a Precarious World
Authors: Parfitt Claire , Barnes Tom
Published: March 2020

The introduction to this special issue of Critical Sociology offers an interpretation of recent debates in the precarity literature and the role precarity plays in a wide range of disciplines’ scholarship. It makes the case for a broad conceptualization of precarity, one that recognises many dimensions and sites of precariousness in contemporary life. In addition to providing grounded examples of precarity experienced in this broad sense, this collection of articles focuses on responses to precarity and strategies that individuals, collectives and institutions are taking to address an increasingly precarious life. The collection focuses on Australia, where the authors are based. This affords readers an opportunity to observe the particularities of precarity in Australia, where some elements of the neoliberal welfare state have cushioned, and others have sharpened, people’s experience of volatility and uncertainty.
Responsibility, Representation and Participation: Bureaucratic Steering of Biofuel Research
Authors: Shahare Mahendra , Thayyil Naveen
Published: March 2020

This article seeks to trace the implicit notion of responsibility in the bureaucratic steering of biofuel research in India—as a useful entry point to think further on framework of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) in India. It concentrates on a specific aspect within the RRI framework in particular—public engagement and concerns for greater participation. By engaging with R&D in biofuel technologies in India, the techno-bureaucratic steering of its trajectories and the emphasis on public engagement within RRI frames, this article seeks to bring focus on how S&T governance in India could in principle be made more responsive to societal needs by motivating positive developments in line with public needs.
From Portugal to Poland: The Court of Justice of the European Union as watchdog of judicial independence
Authors: Torres Pérez Aida
Published: March 2020

In Associação Sindical dos Juízes Portugueses, the CJEU seized the occasion to uphold the principle of judicial independence as a primary obligation for the Member States under the second subparagraph of Article 19(1) TEU. This newly crafted interpretation of Article 19(1) has crystallized in Commission v. Poland, in which the CJEU declared that the reform of the Polish law on the Supreme Court lowering the retirement age of judges breached the obligation to respect judicial independence. The goal of this piece is to assess the bold interpretation given to the second subparagraph of Article 19(1) as a building block of the EU’s constitutional order. First, the expansion of the substantive content of Article 19(1) TEU will be analysed. How did the CJEU justify the shift from an obligation to establish a system of remedies ensuring effective judicial review to an obligation of respect for judicial independence? Second, the scope of this obligation and its potential reach will be critically examined. I will argue that Article 19(1) TEU may actually trigger the application of the Charter. Eventually, Article 19(1) TEU has the potential to become an open door for enforcing the Charter against the States regardless of its limited scope of application.
The Benefits of Robust Debate About the Place of Qualitative Research in Suicide Prevention
Authors: Bantjes Jason , Swartz Leslie
Published: March 2020

It is important to give voice to people with lived experience of suicidal behaviour, but as with all narrative data, insider accounts raise methodological and interpretive challenges. A key question is that of how to work with narratives about suicide in a way that affirms both the value and the limitations of the data, so that qualitative evidence may responsibly be used to inform real-world interventions. Scholars who claim that insights gained through qualitative research have consequences for suicide prevention, should be able to provide evidence for this claim. There may be a contradiction between claiming to work within a paradigm that rejects ideas about linear cause-and-effect thinking in suicidology, while simultaneously asserting that insights from qualitative research will have a cause-effect impact on the challenging real-world practice of suicide prevention. Robust methodological debate will strengthen the field of qualitative suicidology.
Voices of Ghanaian Head-Teachers Working in Low-Fee Private Schools
Authors: Brion Corinne , Cordeiro Paula A.
Published: March 2020

Head-teachers play a crucial role in school improvement, teacher morale and retention, as well as student learning. In this study, the authors examine the perspectives and the roles of eight head-teachers in Low-Fee Private Schools (LFPSs) in Ghana, within the context of Goal number 4, target 4c of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This qualitative study uses a longitudinal case study approach. Findings reveal that head-teachers were either the proprietors of the schools or family members and faced three fundamental challenges in the areas of finance, human resources, and parent engagement. Lastly, principals tended to exercise leadership authoritatively
Intelligent fault diagnosis of rolling bearings using variational mode decomposition and self-organizing feature map
Authors: Zhang Jialing , Wu Jimei , Hu Bingbing , Tang Jiahui
Published: March 2020

Rotating machinery contains numerous rolling bearings, which are critical for ensuring the normal working position and accurate operation of individual shaft systems. However, damage to rolling bearings can change their damping, stiffness, and elastic force. As a result, fault signals appear nonlinear and nonstationary. Vibration signals thus become difficult to diagnose clearly, especially in the incipient fault stage. To solve this problem, this article proposes an intelligent approach based on variational mode decomposition and the self-organizing feature map for rolling bearing fault diagnosis. First, the intrinsic mode function components of rolling bearing vibration signals are effectively separated by variational mode decomposition. Then, permutation entropy is used to extract feature vectors, which are used as training and testing data for the self-organizing feature map network. Finally, the various fault types of states are clustered on an intuitive visualization map. Clustering results of the experimental signal and the measured signal prove that the proposed method can successfully extract and cluster the rolling bearing faults in engineering applications. The proposed method improves the fault recognition rate to some extent over traditional methods.
Mechanical behavior of resin pin-reinforced composite sandwich panels under quasi-static indentation and three-point bending loading conditions
Authors: Eyvazian Arameh , Moeinifard Majid , Musharavati Farayi , Taghizadeh Seyed Ahmad , Mahdi Elsadig , Hamouda Abdel Magid , Tran Trong Nhan
Published: March 2020

This paper reports the mechanical behavior of resin pin-reinforced composite sandwich panels made from polyvinyl chloride core and glass/epoxy face sheets under indentation of a hemispherical indenter and three-point bending loading conditions. The goal was to study the effects of reinforcing parameters such as the number, arrangement, and diameter of the through-the-thickness resin pins on the indentation maximum load, the bending strength, and energy absorption characteristics of the tested samples under these loading conditions. The results revealed that using the resin pins to reinforce the polyvinyl chloride foam core led to increase the indentation maximum load up to 47%, and the maximum bending load up to 34%, compared to nonreinforced foam–core sandwich structures. Also, the presence of resin pins led to the change in the failure modes of specimens (i.e. from local to global deformation and failure) and consequently increased the energy absorption capability of sandwich structures by 31% and 68% respectively under indentation and bending loads.
Immediate decisions based on long-term consequence evaluation for a radiological event
Authors: Brum Tercio , Lima Sergio X , Amorim José Carlos C , Stenders Ricardo M , Prah Matjaž , Vital Helio C , Andrade Edson R
Published: March 2020

This validation study focuses on potential risks and subsequent challenges, such as family dismemberment due to the response to an off-site radiological release. Threats that may drive early decisions from a long-term perspective, such as cancer development, were discussed. In order to provide radiation doses, environmental measurements were performed by using a military helicopter. Such data was then inserted into the BEIR VII equations to evaluate the excess relative risk (ERR) of leukemia. However, there may be an issue in the initial phase of the response. Family dismemberment becomes practical due to the different radiation sensitiveness, which is a function of age and sex. Such a situation may arise from requirements posed both by the immediate response and future concerns (ERR). Evaluation of the results suggests that children and young women are more vulnerable than adults. A more detailed study focused on the most appropriate mathematical method to determine the moment in which family dismemberment, if necessary, should be conducted. This sensitive issue is very important during the early phase of the response due to the fact that it can greatly influence future decisions by anticipating possible consequences that have a large potential to influence the evolution of future costs.
Research on three-stage amplified compliant mechanism-based piezo-driven microgripper
Authors: Chen Xiaodong , Deng Zilong , Hu Siya , Gao Xingjun , Gao Jinhai
Published: March 2020

The microgripper based on the principle of lever amplification is easy to realize; however, the theoretical amplification factor is limited by the space size and the structure is not compact enough. The microgripper based on the triangular amplification principle has a compact structure and high amplification factor, but it is not conducive to miniaturization design. Considering compactness, parallel clamping, high magnification, and miniaturization design, a three-stage amplifier consisting of a semi-rhombic amplifier and lever amplifiers is designed. To begin with, the theoretical amplification ratio and the relationship between input variables and output variables are calculated by energy method. Furthermore, the finite element analysis software is used to optimize the structural parameters and analyze the performance of the model. Lastly, the experimental verification is carried out. At 150 V of driving voltage, the maximum output displacement was 530mm, and the actual magnification was 24 times. Microparts can be gripped in parallel and stably, which confirms the validity of the design.
Development encounters in international development volunteerism in Guatemala: Quiet encroachments in global street politics
Authors: Riddering Laura
Published: March 2020

Neoliberal policies alter development funding, practice, and actors. One effect of this is an increase in untrained individuals from the Global North who travel to the Global South to take action against perceived needs. This paper examines international development volunteerism (IDV) in Antigua, Guatemala. Scholars have documented the problematic nature of both volunteers and development projects; yet the relationships between actors are under theorized. I examine the development encounter: a space where people from the Global North and South meet briefly through development work. This space enables an examination of transnational actors who experience divergent impacts of neoliberal restructuring, and of unnoticed activities that could be indicators for social change. I ask: can development encounters shift perspectives to open the possibilities for social change? Through qualitative research, I show that everyday encounters in IDV can both open and close possibilities to catalyze social change. I make three contributions. First, I address a gap through an analysis of everyday relationships of multiple actors in development. Second, I propose that the development encounter is a productive space to examine changes between transnational actors. Development encounters in IDV projects are both a continuation of problematic development interventions in the Global South and also a space to examine the potential to eventually build solidarities across difference and distance. Lastly, I extended Bayat’s (2010) theories on social nonmovements to actors from the Global North and Global South to argue that their everyday actions are quiet encroachments in global street politics, or the silent actions of noncollective actors to generate change. I argue that development encounters can open possibilities to make a difference for people because strangers meet through projects; and also, it closes possibilities because it makes a difference between people since it is a commodified space with inequalities of power and wealth.
Treatment of Nonunion in the Mandible After Orthognathic Surgery to Correct Transverse Asymmetry of the Face
Authors: Faria Paulo Esteves Pinto , Chihara Letícia Liana , Sakima Victor , Sant’Ana Eduardo
Published: March 2020

Purpose:

The present study aims to report the reoperation of an unsuccessful orthognathic surgery with the use of heterogeneous graft and hybrid rigid internal fixation.

Case Report:

We report the case of V.M.S., a 19-year-old female patient with the main complaint of “crooked chin.” The patient revealed that she previously underwent two operations that were conducted by a different team. The first surgery was carried out to correct the dentofacial deformity, while the second one was intended to eliminate a postoperative infection. After a detailed anamnesis, facial analysis, cephalometric analysis with tomography, and examination of gypsum models, we observed mandibular left-handedness and vertical maxillary excess on the right side. In addition to these previously reported problems, there was a nonunion in the region of the sagittal fracture of the left jaw.

Results:

The patient underwent surgery to correct dentofacial deformity using the Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy technique and bilateral sagittal osteotomy with hybrid rigid internal fixation plus mentoplasty.

Conclusion:

Six months following the procedure and orthodontic completion, the patient has a satisfactory occlusion and stability of nonunion without the laterognathism in the skeletal and soft tissue profile.
HOT Graphene and HOT Graphene Nanotubes: New Low Dimensional Semimetals and Semiconductors
Authors: Xu Lin-Han , Wu Shun-Qing , Huang Zhi-Quan , Zhang Feng , Chuang Feng-Chuan , Zhu Zi-Zhong , Ho Kai-Ming
Published: March 2020

We report a new graphene allotrope named HOT graphene containing carbon hexagons, octagons, and tetragons. A corresponding series of nanotubes are also constructed by rolling up the HOT graphene sheet. Ab initio calculations are performed on geometric and electronic structures of the HOT graphene and the HOT graphene nanotubes. Dirac cone and high Fermi velocity are achieved in a non-hexagonal structure of HOT graphene, implying that the honeycomb structure is not an indispensable condition for Dirac fermions to exist. HOT graphene nanotubes show distinctive electronic structures depending on their topology. The (0,1) n (n ≥ 3) HOT graphene nanotubes reveal the characteristics of semimetals, while the other set of nanotubes (1,0) n shows continuously adjustable band gaps (0~ 0.51 eV) with tube size. A competition between the curvature effect and the zone-folding approximation determines the band gaps of the (1,0) n nanotubes. Novel conversion between semimetallicity and semiconductivity arises in ultra-small tubes (radius < 4 Å, i.e., n < 3).
Indeterminate Domain Proteins Regulate Rice Defense to Sheath Blight Disease
Authors: Sun Qian , Li Dan Dan , Chu Jin , Yuan De Peng , Li Shuang , Zhong Li Juan , Han Xiao , Xuan Yuan Hu
Published: March 2020

Background

Loose Plant Architecture 1 (LPA1), an indeterminate domain (IDD) protein, exhibits almost no expression in the leaves, but the overexpression of LPA1 significantly increases the resistance of rice to sheath blight disease (ShB) via the activation of PIN-FORMED 1a (PIN1a).

Results

In this study, we determined that Rhizoctonia solani infection significantly induced LPA1 expression in the leaves, and lpa1 was more susceptible to R. solani compared with the wild-type and revertant plants. In addition, infection with R. solani altered the expression of IDD3, IDD5, IDD10, and IDD13, and yeast two-hybrid, split-GFP, and coimmunoprecipitation assays showed that LPA1 interacts with IDD3 and IDD13. IDD13 RNAi plants were more susceptible, while IDD13 overexpressors were less susceptible to ShB compared with the wild-type. In parallel, idd3 exhibited no significant differences, while IDD3 overexpressors were more susceptible compared to the wild-type response to ShB. Additional chromatin-immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift assay experiments indicated that IDD13 and IDD3 bound to the PIN1a promoter, and the transient assay indicated that IDD13 and IDD3 positively and negatively regulate PIN1a expression, respectively. Moreover, IDD13, IDD3, and LPA1 form a transcription factor complex that regulates PIN1a. A genetic study showed that the LPA1 repressor lines were similar to lpa1/IDD13 RNAi and were more susceptible than the lpa1 and IDD13 RNAi plants in response to ShB. The overexpression of IDD13 increased resistance to ShB in the lpa1 background.

Conclusions

Taken together, our analyses established that IDD3, IDD13, and LPA1 form a transcription factor complex to regulate the defense of rice against ShB possibly via the regulation of PIN1a.
Identification and functional characterization of NbMLP28, a novel MLP-like protein 28 enhancing Potato virus Y resistance in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Song Liyun , Wang Jie , Jia Haiyan , Kamran Ali , Qin Yuanxia , Liu Yingjie , Hao Kaiqiang , Han Fei , Zhang Chaoqun , Li Bin , Li Yongliang , Shen Lili , Wang Fenglong , Wu Yuanhua , Yang Jinguang
Published: March 2020

Background

Major latex proteins (MLPs) belong to the MLP subfamily in Bet v 1 protein family and respond to both biotic and abiotic stresses, which play critical roles in plant disease resistance. As the type species of widely distributed and economically devastating Potyvirus, Potato virus Y (PVY) is one of the major constraints to important crop plants including tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) worldwide. Despite the great losses owing to PVY infection in tobacco, there is no previous study investigating the potential role of MLPs in developing resistance to viral infection.

Results

In this study, for the first time we have identified and functionally analyzed the MLP-like protein 28 from N. benthamiana, denoted as NbMLP28 and investigated its role in conferring resistance to N. benthamiana against PVY infection. NbMLP28 was localized to the plasmalemma and nucleus, with the highest level in the root. NbMLP28 gene was hypothesized to be triggered by PVY infection and was highly expressed in jasmonic acid (JA) signaling pathway. Further validation was achieved through silencing of NbMLP28 through virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) that rendered N. benthamiana plants more vulnerable to PVY infection, contrary to overexpression that enhanced resistance.

Conclusions

Taken together, this is the first study describing the role of NbMLP28 in tobacco against PVY infection and provide a pivotal point towards obtaining pathogen-resistant tobacco varieties through constructing new candidate genes of MLP subfamily.
Clinically useful prediction of hospital admissions in an older population
Authors: Marcusson Jan , Nord Magnus , Dong Huan-Ji , Lyth Johan
Published: March 2020

Background

The healthcare for older adults is insufficient in many countries, not designed to meet their needs and is often described as disorganized and reactive. Prediction of older persons at risk of admission to hospital may be one important way for the future healthcare system to act proactively when meeting increasing needs for care. Therefore, we wanted to develop and test a clinically useful model for predicting hospital admissions of older persons based on routine healthcare data.

Methods

We used the healthcare data on 40,728 persons, 75–109 years of age to predict hospital in-ward care in a prospective cohort. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify significant factors predictive of unplanned hospital admission. Model fitting was accomplished using forward selection. The accuracy of the prediction model was expressed as area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, AUC.

Results

The prediction model consisting of 38 variables exhibited a good discriminative accuracy for unplanned hospital admissions over the following 12 months (AUC 0.69 [95% confidence interval, CI 0.68–0.70]) and was validated on external datasets. Clinically relevant proportions of predicted cases of 40 or 45% resulted in sensitivities of 62 and 66%, respectively. The corresponding positive predicted values (PPV) was 31 and 29%, respectively.

Conclusion

A prediction model based on routine administrative healthcare data from older persons can be used to find patients at risk of admission to hospital. Identifying the risk population can enable proactive intervention for older patients with as-yet unknown needs for healthcare.
Is PrEP necessary during natural conception in HIV-1-serodiscordant couples on ART with suppressed viral load? A retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Sun Lijun , Liu An , Li Jianwei , Shao Ying , Li Qiuyun , Ye Jiangzhu , Zhang Hongwei , Li Zaicun , Wang Hui
Published: March 2020

Background

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) demonstrates high efficacy in reducing the risk of HIV transmission to sexual partners. However, it is not clear if the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in HIV-1-serodiscordant couples is necessary during natural conception when the HIV-positive partner exhibits a suppressed viral load. The purpose of this study was to assess the role of PrEP during natural conception in this population.

Methods

A retrospective, multicenter study was conducted in a cohort of HIV-1-serodiscordant couples (positive man, negative woman) with childbearing desires. HIV-positive male partners were treated with ART and achieved viral suppression for more than half a year. The HIV-negative female partners were either treated with PrEP or not treated with PrEP, and outcomes were compared between the two treatment groups.

Results

Of 246 HIV-1-serodiscordant couples in whom the HIV-positive partner achieved viral suppression, 104 seronegative women were treated with PrEP during natural conception and 142 seronegative women were not treated with PrEP. There were 410 condom-less sexual acts in couples treated with PrEP and 615 condom-less sexual acts in couples not treated with PrEP. We observed no instances of HIV transmission in HIV-1-serodiscordant couples with or without the use of PrEP during the process of natural conception.

Conclusions

Our results show that PrEP had minimal influence in reducing the risk of HIV transmission during natural conception in HIV-1-serodiscordant couples with a stably suppressed viral load. Thus, it may be an acceptable option for HIV-negative partners to not use PrEP during the process of natural conception if the HIV-positive partner has achieved viral suppression for more than half a year.
High dose haemodialysis and haemodiafiltration parameters and the relationship with advanced vascular calcification
Authors: Park Sung Keun , Kim Won Joong , Kim Hyun Jin , Kim Hae Won , Kim Beom , Lee Hong Joo , Lee So-Young , Lee Yu Ho , Kim Dong-Jin , Jeong Kyung-Hwan , Moon Ju-Young , Lee Sang-Ho , Ahn Shin Young , Ko Gang Jee , Ryoo Jae-Hong , Lee Dong-Young
Published: March 2020

Background

Vascular calcification (VC) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis (MHD). However, evidence is still insufficient about the association between dialysis parameters and VC. Thus, this study was to evaluate association of dialysis parameters with VC.

Methods

We enrolled 297 ESRD patients undergoing MHD at six distinct centers in Korea. Study participants were categorized into 3 groups by the scoring system of abdominal aortic calcification based on lateral lumbar radiography (no VC group: 0, mild VC group: 1–7 and advanced VC group: 8–24). We compared the features of dialysis parameters according to the severity of VC. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to calculate adjusted odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for mild and advanced VC in each haemodialysis parameter (adjusted OR [95% CI]).

Results

Pooled Kt/V (spKt/V), equilibrated Kt/V (eKt/V), standard Kt/V (stdKt/V) and the proportion of haemodiafiltration were increased along with the severity of VC. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that advanced VC was positively associated with spKt/V (5.27 [1.51–18.41]), eKt/V (6.16 [1.45–26.10]), stdKt/V (10.67 [1.74–65.52]) and haemodiafiltration (3.27 [1.74 to 6.16]).

Conclusion

High dose dialysis and haemodiafiltration were significantly associated with advanced VC.
LncRNA MAGI2-AS3 is down-regulated in intervertebral disc degeneration and participates in the regulation of FasL expression in nucleus pulposus cells
Authors: Cui Shuting , Liu Zizhen , Tang Bin , Wang Zhizhen , Li Baojian
Published: March 2020

Background

It is known that Fas ligand (FasL) is involved in the development of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). A recent study reported that lncRNA MAGI2-AS3 up-regulated the expression of FasL to promote breast cancer. Therefore, we investigated the roles that lncRNA MAGI2-AS3 might play in IDD.

Methods

A total of 66 IDD patients (IDD group) and 58 healthy volunteers (Control group) were recruited in this study. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot were used to investigate gene expression levels. Cell transfections were carried out to analyze gene interactions. The diagnostic value of lncRNA MAGI2-AS3 for IDD was assessed by ROC curve analysis.

Results

The expression levels of plasma lncRNA MAGI2-AS3 were lower in IDD patients compared to that in the control group. Down-regulation of lncRNA MAGI2-AS3 effectively distinguished IDD patients from the control group. The expression levels of plasma lncRNA MAGI2-AS3 were significantly increased after the treatments. Over-expression of lncRNA MAGI2-AS3 inhibited the expression of FasL, while the silencing of lncRNA MAGI2-AS3 promoted the expression of FasL in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells.

Conclusions

Therefore, lncRNA MAGI2-AS3 is down-regulated in IDD and participates in the regulation of FasL expression in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells.
Are there really any predictive factors for a successful weight loss after bariatric surgery?
Authors: Cadena-Obando Diego , Ramírez-Rentería Claudia , Ferreira-Hermosillo Aldo , Albarrán-Sanchez Alejandra , Sosa-Eroza Ernesto , Molina-Ayala Mario , Espinosa-Cárdenas Etual
Published: March 2020

Background

Currently, bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for severe obesity and its metabolic complications; however, 15–35% of the patients that undergo bariatric surgery do not reach their goal for weight loss. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of patients that didn’t reach the goal of an excess weight loss of 50% or more during the first 12 months and determine the factors associated to this failure.

Methods

We obtained the demographic, anthropometric and biochemical information from 130 patients with severe obesity who underwent bariatric surgery in our institution between 2012 and 2017. We used self-reports of physical activity, caloric intake and diet composition. An unsuccessful weight loss was considered when the patient lost < 50% or more of the excess weight 12 months after surgery. We compared the characteristics between the successful and unsuccessful groups in order to find the factors associated with success.

Results

We included 130 patients (mean age 48 ± 9 years, 81.5% were women). One year after surgery, 26 (20%) had loss < 50% EBW. Unsuccessful surgery was associated with an older age, previous history of hypertension, abdominal surgery or depression/anxiety, also the number of comorbidities and unemployment affected the results. These patients loss enough weight to improve some of their comorbidities, but they are more prone to regain weight 2 years after surgery.

Conclusions

A fifth of the patients undergoing bariatric surgery may not lose enough weight to be considered successful by current standards. Some patients may benefit from the surgery in the short term, but they are more likely to regain weight after 2 years. The factors influencing this result are still controversial but may be population-specific. Early detection of the patients that are more likely to fail is imperative to establish additional therapeutic strategies, without denying them the opportunity of surgery or waiting for weight re-gain to occur.
Evidence to support the early introduction of laparoscopic suturing skills into the surgical training curriculum
Authors: Tang Benjie , Zhang Lin , Alijani Afshin
Published: March 2020

Background

The objectives of this study were to investigate the relationship between the acquisition of laparoscopic suturing skills and other operative laparoscopic skills and to provide evidence to determine ideal time and duration to introduce laparoscopic suturing training.

Methods

The first part of the study explored the relationship between the acquisition of laparoscopic suturing skills and proficiency of other operative laparoscopic skills. The second part of the study consisted of an opinion survey from senior and junior trainees on aspects of training in laparoscopic suturing.

Results

One hundred twenty-eight surgical trainees participated in this study. The total scores of task performance of 57 senior surgical trainees in laparoscopic suturing skills consisting of needle manipulation and intracoporeal knot tying were improved significantly after the training course (46.9 ± 5.3 vs 29.5 ± 9.4, P < .001), the improvement rate was 59%. No statistically significant correlations were observed between intracorporeal laparoscopic suturing skills and proficiency in the basic laparoscopic manipulative skills assessed before (r = 0.193; P = 0.149) and after (r = 0.024; P = 0.857) the training course. 91% of senior trainees and 94% junior trainees expressed that intracorporeal suturing should be introduced at an early stage of the training curriculum.

Conclusions

There was no statistically significant correlation between the performance on basic operative laparoscopic skills (non-suturing skills) and laparoscopic suturing skills observed in this study. The acquisition of basic laparoscopic skills is not a prerequisite for training in intracorporeal suturing and it may be beneficial for the surgical trainees to learn this skill early in the surgical training curriculum. Surgical trainees want to learn and practice laparoscopic suturing earlier than later in their training.