bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fibroblast‐enhanced cyclophilin A releasing from U937 cell upregulates MMP‐2 in gingival fibroblast
Authors: Kuo Po‐Jan , Lin Chi‐Yu , Chen Tzu‐Ying , Hung Tsung‐Fu , Lin Hsiao‐Lun , Chiu Hsien‐Chung , Chiang Cheng‐Yang , Lin Fu‐Gong , Fu Earl
Published: May 2020

Objective

This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the expression of cyclophilin A (CyPA) in U937 monocytic cells after coculturing with the human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and the effect of CyPA on the augmentation of MMP‐2 expression in the coculture environment.

Background

Leukocyte infiltration in gingival connective tissue is one of the major findings in the lesions of inflammatory periodontal diseases. A crosstalk between the resident gingival fibroblasts and the recruited inflammatory cells that promote the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) was proposed based on recent findings, whereas the cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147)‐CyPA pathway was suggested to be involved with the crosstalk.

Material and Methods

CyPA was released into media, in the independent or transwell coculture of HGF and U937 cells, as determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, whereas intracellular mRNA expressions for CyPA and MMP‐2 were examined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, in the transwell coculture or conditional medium models. Zymography was conducted to analyze the activities of pro‐MMP‐2/MMP‐2 released into the media.

Results

(a) A significantly increased CyPA protein level was observed in the transwell coculture media compared with that in the independent culture. (b) The transwell coculture‐enhanced mRNA expression for CyPA was noticed in U937 cells but not in HGFs. After adding with HGF‐conditioned medium, the mRNA enhancement in U937 cells occurred in a dose‐dependent manner. (c) Although the MMP‐2 activities significantly increased after transwell coculturing, the MMP‐2 mRNA enhancement was observed only in HGFs. (d) Exogenous CyPA could enhance MMP‐2 activities in HGFs in a dose‐dependent manner. However, the CyPA antagonist reduced the MMP‐2 activities in the transwell cocultures. (e) Moreover, the CyPA‐enhanced MMP‐2 activity in HGF was decreased significantly by the pathway inhibitor for c‐Jun amino‐terminal kinase (JNK).

Conclusion

Based on the present findings, we suggest that gingival fibroblasts could enhance the CyPA release from U937 cells, via the JNK pathway, resulting in MMP‐2 enhancement in fibroblasts. The finding shed light on a new mechanism of cellular interaction involving MMP‐2 and CyPA, in two cells.
Functional and cell surface characteristics of periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) on RGD‐synthetic polypeptide conjugate coatings
Authors: Khorolsuren Zambaga , Lang Orsolya , Pallinger Eva , Foldes Anna , Szabolcs Gyulai‐Gaál , Varga Gabor , Mezo Gabor , Vag Janos , Kohidai Laszlo
Published: May 2020

Background and Objective

Periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) are an important source for periodontal tissue healing and regeneration. Proper cell adhesion is a key for survival of anchorage‐dependent cells and also initiates further intracellular signals for essential cellular functions. We aimed to test 3 different synthetic conjugates with integrin‐binding RGD sequence (SAK‐c[RGDfC], AK‐c[RGDfC], and SAK‐opn on the adhesion of human PDLCs and subsequent events including proliferation, migration, behavior of cell surface molecules, and osteogenic differentiation.

Materials and Methods

Synthetic peptides were synthesized by solid‐phase technique and attached to branched chain polymeric polypeptides via thioether linkage. Simple adsorption method was used to coat tissue culture plastic or electric arrays. PDLCs were isolated from 24 surgically extracted human third molars. Cell adhesion and proliferation were measured with real‐time impedimetric xCELLigence SP system. Cell migration assay was performed with Ibidi® Culture inserts. Cell surface antigens were detected using flow cytometry analysis. Osteogenic differentiation was assessed with alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay and Alizarin Red S staining, and real‐time qPCR was performed to analyze the osteoblast‐related gene expression. Osteogenic differentiation and adipogenic differentiation of PDLCs were monitored by real‐time Electrical Cell‐Substrate Impedance Spectroscopy (ECIS).

Results

Primary outcome of this study relies on that all three synthetic RGD peptides improved PDLC adhesion (P < .05). When animal serum is absent in culture medium, SAK‐c[RGDfC] and AK‐c[RGDfC] elevated cell adhesion (P < .05). Cell migration was enhanced by SAK‐c[RGDfC] and AK‐c[RGDfC] (P < .05). After 1‐week treatment, all synthetic peptides elevated CD105 (1.7‐ to 2.2‐fold) and CD146 (1.3‐ to 1.5‐fold) markers and caused different integrin patterns. ALP activity (1.4‐fold) and ARS (1.8‐ and 2.0‐fold) were increased by SAK‐c[RGDfC] and AK‐c[RGDfC] in absence of osteogenic supplements, and all the peptides supported the mineralization under osteogenic condition (P < .05). RT‐qPCR revealed the upregulation of bone sialoprotein (5.0‐ to 7.8‐fold), osteocalcin (2.3‐ to 2.7‐fold), and ALP (1.9‐ to 2.3‐fold) gene expression in osteogenesis‐induced PDLCs. ECIS monitoring showed that higher impedance was generated by the osteogenic induction compared with the adipogenic or the non‐induced (P < .05).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that SAK‐c[RGDfC] and AK‐c[RGDfC] improved adhesion and migration of PDLCs and supported osteogenic differentiation of PDLCs. These cyclic RGD peptides proved to be applicable biocompatible material in regenerative medicine.
Selecting Startups as Suppliers: A Typology of Supplier Selection Archetypes
Authors: Kurpjuweit Stefan , Wagner Stephan M. , Choi Thomas Y.
Published: May 2020

Recent research highlights opportunities to study collaborations between established firms and startups from a buyer–supplier relationship perspective. However, before firms can leverage startups’ resources and capabilities in a buyer–supplier relationship, they need to identify, evaluate, and select suitable startups as their suppliers. As prior research has only studied how buying firms select established firms as suppliers, it is unclear which processes, tools, or organizational approach firms use when selecting startup firms as suppliers. These suppliers are markedly different in that they lack organizational routines, financial resources, and operational capabilities, posing a significant risk for buying companies. This inductive, qualitative case study research collects data from 20 established buying firms and investigates how they select startups as suppliers. We first identify five design themes distinguishing buying firms’ selection strategies. Based on these themes, we develop a typology of three supplier selection archetypes. The results suggest that firms that are willing and able to adapt their selection approach to startups are expected to show a higher selection performance, meaning that they are more likely to select suitable startups as suppliers. The results extend the supplier selection literature and provide new insights into the emerging field of new venture suppliers.
Zolpidem overutilisation among Korean patients with insomnia
Authors: Kim Hyunsoo , Park Susin , Kim Jisu , Je Nam Kyung
Published: May 2020

This study aimed to investigate zolpidem overutilisation among Korean patients with insomnia. We analysed the National Patient Sample (NPS) data compiled by the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service (HIRA‐NPS) in 2016. Zolpidem overutilisation was defined as when a patient used zolpidem for longer than 30 consecutive days and prescriptions overlapped with more than 10% of total prescription periods. Demographic and clinical factors associated with the overutilisation of zolpidem were investigated using a logistic regression model. The proportion of zolpidem overutilisers was estimated at 5.0%. Factors such as age (0–39 years), consuming controlled‐release dosage formulations of zolpidem, presence of psychiatric disorders (depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and anxiety disorder) and other medical conditions (hypertension, diabetes mellitus and arthritis) were observed to be risk predictors for zolpidem overutilisation. The formulation was selected owing to the absence of a quantity restriction for zolpidem CR in Korea during the study period. Possible approaches to prevention and control of zolpidem overutilisation include regulatory or legal provisions promoting rational drug use, management of psychiatric and medical co‐morbid disorders, and widespread implementation of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia as a first‐line treatment option.
Does tamsulosin or mirabegron improve ureteral stent‐related symptoms? A prospective placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Yavuz Abdulmecit , Kilinc Muhammet F. , Aydin Mustafa , Ofluoglu Yilmaz , Bayar Göksel
Published: May 2020

Objective

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of tamsulosin or mirabegron on ureteral stent‐related symptoms.

Patients and methods

This was a prospective, randomized, controlled, and single‐blinded study. In total, 180 patients who had undergone ureterolithotripsy and ureteral stent insertion were included. Patients were randomly divided into three groups as follows: Group 1 was the control group taking placebo; group 2 was administered tamsulosin (0.4 mg) once a day; and group 3 received mirabegron (50 mg) once a day. The Turkish version of the ureteral stent symptom questionnaire was filled out after 4 weeks.

Results

After excluding patients who were lost to follow‐up, 161 patients were included in the final analysis. Analgesic usage doses were lower in the tamsulosin (5.1 ± 1.8) and mirabegron (4.5 ± 1.4) groups than in the control group (5.9 ± 2.1; P < .001). The urinary symptoms score was lower in tamsulosin group than it was in the control group (22.1 vs 27.8; P = .001); however, the other scores (body pain, general health, work performance, sexual matters, and other problems) were similar between the groups.

Conclusions

Tamsulosin improves only urinary symptoms due to the ureteral stent and decreases the need for analgesics. Mirabegron has no effect on ureteral stent‐related symptoms, but it decreases analgesic need.
The power of ‘pause’: A time for medical students to reflect and mobilise
Authors: Spach Natalie C.
Published: May 2020

The author reflects on the implications the COVID‐19 pandemic holds for training, practice, public health, and health policy reform.
Grounding judgement in context: A conceptual learning model of clinical reasoning
Authors: Koufidis Charilaos , Manninen Katri , Nieminen Juha , Wohlin Martin , Silén Charlotte
Published: May 2020

Context

Contemporary research on clinical reasoning focuses on cognitive problem‐solving processes. However, the decisive role that clinical context plays in clinical reasoning is often overlooked. We explored how novice learners make sense of the patient encounter in the clinical situation. In particular, we examined medical students' own judgements concerning diagnostic and management decisions and how the clinical context impacts on this. We aimed to produce a conceptual model of how students learn clinical reasoning in the clinical environment.

Method

We used grounded theory methodology to develop a conceptual learning model. A total of 23 medical students in their third academic year were recruited. Qualitative data were gathered from semi‐structured interviews, participant observations and field interviews, during clinical clerkships.

Results

Learners participating in the clinical environment experienced tensions, called ‘Disjunctions.’ These disjunctions emerged in the context of the student–patient encounter and in particular in situations where an element from the interaction with the patient was perceived as being inconsistent with existing frames of reference. We categorised the sources of disjunctions into four subcategories: (a) observing the manifestations of clinical signs in reality; (b) fitting the symptoms to a diagnosis; (c) considering management decisions, and (d) communicating a medical decision to the patient. Disjunctions involved an affective component and were associated with feelings of uncertainty. These tensions provoked reactions from the learners, leading them to reassess and modify held assumptions in order to accommodate the encountered inconsistent elements. This facilitated changes in judgement. When making a judgement, participants learned to take into consideration situational elements.

Conclusions

Students experience disjunctions in the clinical environment as they encounter situations that challenge their frames of reference. These disjunctions carry significant learning potential. This study can contribute to knowledge concerning the role of the patient encounter in advancing clinical reasoning by transforming problematic habits of the mind.
A systematic review of the use of acceptance and commitment therapy in supporting parents
Authors: Byrne Gary , Ghráda Áine Ní , O’Mahony Teresa , Brennan Emma
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has accrued a growing evidence‐base for a wide variety of psychological difficulties. Given that ACT promotes broad and flexible repertoires of behaviour as well as neutralizing the ubiquitous psychological processes theorized to be responsible for much human suffering, such an approach may hold promise. The use of ACT‐informed parenting interventions offers another alternative to solely behavioural approaches but it remains relatively understudied and in need of further exploration.

Design

The current systematic review, which searched four databases, aimed to collate all ACT interventions that included parental therapeutic components in the treatment of various child presenting difficulties. The review also rated the methodological rigour of the ACT evidence‐base for this type of treatment format.

Results

Twenty‐seven individual studies covering a broad spectrum of presenting problems were included, comprising of 1,155 participants. A large proportion of studies were within‐group designs with a smaller number using randomized controlled trials. The majority of studies reported improvements on either parent report symptoms regarding child physical or psychological functioning as well as parent‐reported measures of stress, depression, and anxiety. Similar improvements were noted on a number of ACT mechanisms of change outcomes, including mindfulness, acceptance, and cognitive fusing. These gains were evident for parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders, chronic pain, and significant physical health difficulties. Maintenance or further treatment gains were often reported at follow‐up. These positive findings are tempered by low levels of methodological rigour common in some of the studies included.

Conclusions

Despite these limitations, ACT holds promise as a transdiagnostic intervention that can help with the parenting of children with a range of psychological and physical difficulties.

Practitioner points

ACT has accrued a relatively strong evidence base for a range of psychological difficulties.

Despite some methodological shortcomings, ACT shows promise as an intervention to help parents manage stress and difficulties especially in relation to children with autism, chronic pain, and physical health needs.

Further research is required in comparing ACT to more established treatments and helping consolidate initial positive findings.
Speed rate (SR) as a new dynamic index of melanoma behavior
Authors: Gualdi Giulio , Panarese Fabrizio , Meogrossi Giovanna , Marchioni Michele , De Tursi Michele , Di Marino Pietro , Angelucci Domenico , Amatetti Massimo , Proietto Gianluca , Di Nicola Marta , Amerio Paolo ,   the GICO Melanoma Group
Published: May 2020

Melanomas are skin tumors that show a variety of biological behavior. Some develop very fast and some other grow extremely slow, with metastasis appearing, eventually, many years after the diagnosis. The number of mitoses in primary melanoma has been related to a more aggressive tumor and may have a potential as predictive factor for cutaneous melanoma survival. However, tumor mitotic rate is a static measure and in multivariate analysis on tumor survival, it has scored less than other tumor characteristics. We tried to evolve tumor mitotic rate from a static parameter to a time‐dependent one. Similar to the already described growth rate (GR), we propose the speed rate (SR). SR is defined as the ratio of tumor mitotic rate to time to melanoma development. A prospective series of 345 patients with melanoma was investigated for the role of SR as predictive factor for sentinel lymph node (SLN) positivity and tumor progression. We calculated the best threshold for SR and GR to predict the risk of recurrence. Melanoma clinical and histological characteristics as well as GR were correlated in a multivariated analysis with SR. SR values >0.2 mitoses/month were associated with negative prognostic factors such as ulceration (82.8%), SLN positivity (80%), progression (82.8%), and death (85.7%). The association of GR > 0.3 mm/months and SR > 0.2 mitoses/month had a significant predictive value in terms of SLN positivity, progression, and recurrence‐free survival. We propose SR as a new “dynamic” predictor of histological SLN positivity and melanoma recurrence risk. We think that he association with this new feature with GR may be helpful in improving the accuracy of predicted clinical outcome of patient especially with thin melanomas.
The 2020 Public Policy Yearbook
Authors: Jenkins‐Smith Hank , Krutz Julie , Carlson Nina , Weible Chris
Published: May 2020

The articles presented in this supplemental issue mark the twelfth edition of the Policy Studies Journal's Public Policy Yearbook. This issue includes three outstanding retrospective review articles that summarize recent developments in public policy research concerning health policy, defense and security policy, and policy evaluation. We provide a brief description of these articles below. You can also find the main content of the 2020 Yearbook online at: www.psjyearbook.com.
Peptide derivatives of dermaseptin S4 in fresh bovine semen for bacterial contamination control: Physicochemical and structural characterization, antibacterial potency, and effects on red blood and sperm cells
Authors: Sánchez‐Acosta Yesid Alexander , Castillo Vargas Julián Andrés , Ramírez Quintero Karen Juliet , Orduz Peralta Sergio , Camargo Rodríguez Delmis Omar
Published: May 2020

The objectives of this study were to examine the physicochemical and structural properties of peptide derivatives of dermaseptin S4, investigate their detrimental effects on red blood and sperm cells and ascertain their antibacterial potency to control bacterial contaminants in fresh bovine semen. The dermaseptin S4 peptide derivatives used in this study were K4S4, S4(5–28), S4(5–28)a, K20S4(5–28), K4S4(1–16)a, K4S4(1–15)a and K4S4(1–15). Peptides K4S4, S4(5–28)a, K20S4(5–28), K4S4(1–15)a and K4S4(1–16)a, with a higher positive charge, were the most potent against the bacterial strains tested, with the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), whereas S4(5–28) and K4S4(1–15), with a lower positive charge, showed the highest MIC (p < .01). Haemolysis percentage depended on peptide concentration (p < .01). The K4S4 was the most powerful haemolytic peptide, showing the highest haemolysis percentage at all peptide concentrations (p < .01). In contrast, S4(5–28), S4(5–28)a, K20S4(5–28) and K4S4(1–15) were not able to produce 50% cell lysis up to 100 µM (p < .01). All peptides reduced sperm motility in a dose‐dependent manner when used in concentrations from 16 to 64 μM (p < .01). The highest reduction was seen due to K4S4 activity, and the lowest reductions of sperm motility were observed due to K4S4(1–16)a and K4S4(1–15)a activity (p < .01). Hence, we can conclude that K4S4(1–16)a and K4S4(1–15)a at a concentration of approximately 15 µM are the most promising peptides as antibacterial agents in fresh bovine semen, because at this concentration, they showed the most potent antibacterial activity against evaluated strains without significant effects on haemolysis or a reduction in sperm motility.
Combined experimental–numerical study on residual stresses induced by a single impact as elementary process of mechanical peening
Authors: Sandmann Paul , Nielsen Marc‐André , Keller Sören , Maawad Emad , Staron Peter , Klusemann Benjamin
Published: May 2020

Peening processes can be used as a fatigue enhancement treatment for metallic structures by locally introducing compressive residual stresses. A combined experimental–numerical study on a single‐impact process with a drop tower on the aluminium alloy AA5754, representing the elementary process of mechanical peening, has been performed to investigate different impact parameters on the residual stress profile. Residual stresses have been measured using high‐energy X‐Ray diffraction. A three‐dimensional finite element model is used to predict the residual stresses numerically. The elastic strain components from the numerical results are used to calculate residual stresses by assuming either a plane stress or a plane strain state for different specimen thickness to assess the validity of respective assumption. The validity of the numerical simulation is evaluated based on comparisons of the elastic strain profiles and the percentage loss in kinetic energy of the steel ball due to the impact for four different energies, showing overall a good agreement in the experimental–numerical comparisons.
Vertical variation in shallow and deep soil moisture in an apple orchard in the loess hilly–gully area of north China
Authors: Song Xiaolin , Gao Xiaodong , Zou Yufeng , Chau Henry , Wu Pute , Zhao Xining , Siddique Kadambot H. M.
Published: May 2020

Deep soil (>2 m) moisture is relatively stable water that supports tree growth and water management in the loess hilly–gully area of China. Characterizing the spatial variation of deep soil moisture is important for water management in apple orchards. Using a space‐for‐time substitution approach, we analysed the spatial variation of soil moisture content (θ) in 0–8 m soil profiles in a dry year (2015, precipitation: 392 mm) in rainfed apple (Malus pumila Mill.) orchards of various ages (mainly established in 2009, 2006, 2003, 1997 and 1994). The soil moisture surveys revealed: (a) four soil layers according to soil moisture distribution characteristics at 0–8.0 m depth: shallow rapidly changing layer (0–0.6 m), rainfall redistribution layer (0.6–2.0 m), transition layer (2.0–4.0 m) and stable layer (4.0–8.0 m); (b) the most critical zone for water consumption is the 0.6–2.0 m soil layer, with the lowest θ in the orchards, while water in the 4.0–8.0 m soil layer remained stable; and (c) significant (p < .01) positive correlations between θs in the 0.6–2.0 m, 2.0–4.0 m and 4.0–8.0 m layers. In addition, the θs showed a significant (p < .01) negative relationship with orchard age in the deep soil layers (>2 m), and especially in the 0.6–2.0 m soil layer. Therefore, effective water management through various water regulation measures at the 0.6–2.0 m soil layer is essential for the sustainable development of apple orchards and reducing drought stress on the Loess Plateau and, potentially, other semi‐arid orchards.
Spatio‐temporal variation of near‐surface soil water content in China from 1988 to 2016
Authors: Liao Kaihua , Liu Ya , Zhu Qing
Published: May 2020

The near‐surface soil water content (SWC) can reflect the agricultural drought levels. In addition, understanding the historical trends of near‐surface SWC change in China is an important step in combating climate change. The monthly near‐surface SWC data set during 1988–2016 published by the European Space Agency Climate Change Initiative were used in this study to analyse the variations of SWC in whole China and its seven natural divisions. Results indicated South and Central China had higher SWC than others because of their larger precipitation amounts. Significant (p < .05) decreasing trend in temporal SWC was found in Northeast China, which is related to the significant (p < .05) decreasing trend in the aridity index. However, significant (p < .01) increasing trends were found in Northwest China and Qing‐Tibet, which may be associated with the climate change (e.g., the ice and snow melting caused by increase of air temperature) and human activities (e.g., tillage and vegetation restoration). The monthly SWC in all divisions and whole China showed a main period scale (corresponding to peak values of wavelet variance) of about 225 months and 2 dry‐wet cycles. From 2016, the next 5–6 years are likely to be the wet years. The findings are of great significance to the management of soil water resources in China under global change.
Complementing the European earth observation and geographic information body of knowledge with a business‐oriented perspective
Authors: Hofer Barbara , Casteleyn Sven , Aguilar‐Moreno Estefanía , Missoni‐Steinbacher Eva‐Maria , Albrecht Florian , Lemmens Rob , Lang Stefan , Albrecht Jochen , Stelmaszczuk‐Górska Martyna , Vancauwenberghe Glenn , Monfort‐Muriach Aida
Published: May 2020

A body of knowledge (BoK) is an inventory of knowledge or concepts of a domain that serves as a reference vocabulary for various purposes, such as the development of curricula, the preparation of job descriptions, and the description of occupational profiles. To fulfill its purpose, a BoK needs to be up‐to‐date and ideally widely accepted by academia as well as the private and public sectors. This article presents the initiative taken in the Earth observation and geographic information (EO*GI) domain to provide a current, comprehensive education‐ and business‐oriented EO*GI BoK called EO4GEO BoK. In particular, an approach to strengthen the business‐oriented perspective in the EO4GEO BoK is presented. This approach is based on the analysis of professional tasks and the mapping of these tasks to concepts and skills contained in the BoK. A critical reflection of the proposed approach that is based on the experiences gained during a workshop complements this article.
Analyzing relationship between user‐generated content and local visual information with augmented reality‐based location‐based social networks
Authors: Liu Chengbi , Fuhrmann Sven
Published: May 2020

Location‐based social networks (LBSNs) have become an important source of spatial data for geographers and GIScientists to acquire knowledge of human–place interactions. A number of studies have used geotagged data from LBSNs to investigate how user‐generated content (UGC) can be affected by or correlated with the external environment. However, local visual information at the micro‐level, such as brightness, colorfulness, or particular objects/events in the surrounding environment, is usually not captured and thus becomes a missing component in LBSN analysis. To provide a solution to this issue, we argue in this study that the integration of augmented reality (AR) and LBSNs proves to be a promising avenue. In this first empirical study on AR‐based LBSNs, we propose a methodological framework to extract and analyze data from AR‐based LBSNs and demonstrate the framework via a case study with WallaMe. Our findings bolster existing psychological findings on the color–mood relationship and display intriguing geographic patterns of the influence of local visual information on UGC in social media.
Process evaluation for the delivery of a water, sanitation and hygiene mobile health program: findings from the randomised controlled trial of the CHoBI7 mobile health program
Authors: Islam Bhuyian Md. Sazzadul , Saxton Ronald , Hasan Khaled , Masud Jahed , Zohura Fatema , Monira Shirajum , Kumar Biswas Shwapon , Tasdik Hasan M. , Parvin Tahmina , Minhaj Ismat , Md. Zillur Rahman Kazi , Papri Nowshin , Rashid Mahamud‐ur , Sharin Lubaba , Teman Alana , Thomas Elizabeth D. , Alland Kelsey , Labrique Alain , Sack David A. , Perin Jamie , Alam Munirul , George Christine Marie
Published: May 2020

Objective

The Cholera‐Hospital‐Based Intervention for 7‐days (CHoBI7) mobile health (mHealth) program delivers mobile messages to diarrhoea patient households promoting water treatment and handwashing with soap. The randomised controlled trial (RCT) of the CHoBI7 mHealth program demonstrated this intervention was effective in significantly reducing diarrhoea and stunting amoung young children. The objective of this study was to assess the implementation of the CHoBI7 mHealth program in delivering mHealth messages during this RCT.

Methods

517 diarrhoea patient households with 1777 participants received weekly text, voice and interactive voice response (IVR) messages from the CHoBI7 mHealth program over the 12‐month program period. The program process evaluation indicators were the following: the percentage of CHoBI7 mHealth messages received and fully listened to by program households (program fidelity and dose), and household members reporting receiving and sharing an mHealth message from the program in the past two weeks (program reach).

Results

Ninety two percent of text messages were received by program households. Eighty three percent of voice and 86% of IVR messages sent were fully listened to by at least one household member. Eighty one percent of IVR quiz responses from households were answered correctly. Program households reported receiving a CHoBI7 mHealth message in the past two weeks at 79% of monthly household visits during the 12‐month program. Seventy seven percent of participants reported sharing a program message with a spouse, 55% with a neighbour and 49% with a child during the program period.

Conclusion

There was high fidelity, dose and reach of mobile messages delivered for the CHoBI7 mHealth program. This study presents an approach for process evaluation that can be implemented to evaluate future mHealth programs.
Child mouthing of soil and presence of animals in child sleeping spaces are associated with growth faltering among young children in Dhaka, Bangladesh (CHoBI7 Program)
Authors: Monira Shirajum , Bhuyian Md. Sazzadul Islam , Parvin Tahmina , Uddin Ismat Minhaj , Zohura Fatema , Hasan M. Tasdik , Biswas Shwapon K. , Hasan Khaled , Masud Jahed , Rashid Mahamud‐ur , Rahman Zillur , Papri Nowshin , Rafique Raisa , Islam Aminul , Barman Indrajeet , Jubyda Fatema Tuz , Johura Fatema‐Tuz , Sultana Marzia , Sanin Kazi Istiaque , Sack David A. , Perin Jamie , Alam Munirul , Marie George Christine
Published: May 2020

Objective

The objective of the study was to investigate potential risk factors for growth faltering among children under 5 years of age.

Method

We conducted a prospective cohort study of 553 children under 5 years from diarrhoea patient households in urban Dhaka, Bangladesh. Height and weight measurements were obtained at baseline and at a 12‐month follow‐up. Caregivers of young children were administered a monthly questionnaire on household sociodemographic characteristics and hygiene practices.

Results

Children with caregiver reports of mouthing soil at the majority of household visits had a significant reduction in their height‐for‐age z‐scores (HAZ) from baseline to the 12‐month follow‐up (ΔHAZ: −0.28 (95% confidence interval (CI): −0.51, −0.05)). A significant reduction in HAZ was also observed for children in households with animals in their sleeping space (ΔHAZ: −0.37 (95% CI: −0.71, −0.04)).

Conclusion

These findings provide further evidence to support the hypothesis that child mouthing of soil and the presence of animals in the child’s sleeping space are potential risk factors for growth faltering among young children. Interventions are urgently needed to provide clean play and sleeping spaces for young children to reduce exposure to faecal pathogens through child mouthing.
Study of Tribological Properties of Multilayer Ti/TiN Coating Containing Stress Absorbing Layers
Authors: Kashyap Amod , Harsha A. P. , Barshilia Harish C. , Bonu Venkataramana , Kumar V. Praveen , Singh Ranjan K.
Published: May 2020

Titanium (Ti)/titanium nitride (TiN) ultrathin multilayer coating was deposited on 100Cr6 substrates to investigate the friction and wear behavior in the presence of paraffin oil as a lubricant. The coating architecture was designed by adding thick stress absorbing layers (SAL ∼320 nm) in between the ultrathin Ti/TiN (3.5/4 nm) multilayer structure. The SAL reduces the residual stress in the coating. The coating had a NaCl type of structure, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed the preferential crystallographic orientation of TiN along [111] direction. The tribological properties of the nanostructured coating were evaluated under reciprocating sliding conditions at varying loads (2 and 7 N), and temperature (30 and 100 °C) against 100Cr6 steel balls using paraffin oil as a lubricant. There was no considerable change in the coefficient of friction (COF) at different testing parameters. However, there was a significant drop in wear volume at high-temperature testing conditions. The worn tracks were analyzed for their morphology and elemental composition through scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), and Raman spectroscopy.
A Numerical Prediction on the Transient Response of a Spar-Type Floating Offshore Wind Turbine in Freak Waves
Authors: Li Yan , Qu Xiaoqi , Liu Liqin , Xie Peng , Yin Tianchang , Tang Yougang
Published: May 2020

Simulations are conducted in time domain to investigate the dynamic response of a spar-type floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) under the freak wave scenarios. Toward this end, a coupled aero-hydro-mooring in-house numerical code is adopted to perform the simulations. The methodology includes a blade-element-momentum (BEM) model for simulating the aerodynamic loads, a nonlinear model for simulating the hydrodynamic loads, a nonlinear restoring model of Spar buoy, and a nonlinear algorithm for simulating the mooring cables. The OC3 Hywind spar-type FOWT is adopted as an example to study the dynamic response under the freak wave conditions, meanwhile the time series of freak waves are generated using the random frequency components selection phase modulation method. The motion of platform, the tension applied on the mooring lines, and the power generation performance are documented in several cases. According to the simulations, it is indicated that when a freak wave acts on the FOWT, the transient motion of the FOWT is induced in all degrees-of-freedom, as well as the produced power decreases rapidly. Furthermore, the impact of freak wave parameters on the motion of FOWT is discussed.
Si-based materials for lithium-ion batteries XI. 70% surface-modified Si/C/perfluorooctene-carbon black/lithiated polyacrylic acid electrode
Authors: Haasch Richard T. , Abraham Daniel P.
Published: May 2020

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to analyze a 70% Si/C/perfluorooctene-carbon black/lithiated polyacrylic acid electrode fabricated at the Cell Analysis, Modeling, and Prototyping (CAMP) Facility, Argonne National Laboratory. The spectra were obtained using incident monochromatic Al Kα radiation at 1486.6 eV (0.83 401 nm). A survey spectrum together with O 1s, C 1s, and Si 2p are presented. The spectra indicate the principal core level photoelectron and Auger electron signals with only minor sodium, copper, calcium, and lithium signals and show the expected silicon-carbon, carbon-fluorine, and silicon-fluorine species related to the surface modification process in addition to oxidized carbon and silicon due to atmospheric exposure.
Physics from an Underrepresented Lens: What I Wish Others Knew
Authors: Herrera Sofia , Mohamed Ikram A. , Daane Abigail R.
Published: May 2020

In this paper, I (SH) will apply a counter-storytelling method to highlight a perspective that is not often present in the physics culture. The counter-storytelling (or counter-narrative) method gives voice to people from traditionally marginalized groups to share their untold experiences. Counter-storytelling, as the name implies, challenges common social views and ideas, and, in this paper, highlights the need for changes in the current physics culture. At a young age, I was never encouraged to go into a STEM field. I have always leaned more towards math and science, but I never thought of a science-related career until my sister inspired me in high school. I later realized that in STEM fields, people can let their imaginations run wild, making new observations and discoveries every day. And yet, amid pursuing these wonderful opportunities, individuals from groups underrepresented in STEM fields face challenging situations imposed by those surrounding them in the field. My physics instructor once told me that some people have their lives set on a more difficult mode than others because of their background and identities. As a Latina student whose family is from México, I have come to know an unfortunate truth: my gender, ethnicity, cultural background, and status create barriers for me. This has been the case throughout my life, but most especially in my journey pursuing an undergraduate STEM degree. Because of this, I want others to know my challenging experiences in education and how they have affected me. By sharing my story, I hope to encourage others to work for change in the STEM fields and in the classroom.
The Elephant in the (Physics Class)Room: Discussing Gender Inequality in Our Class
Authors: Eickerman Olivia , Rifkin Moses
Published: May 2020

Diversity strengthens science, but in most physics classrooms female students are disadvantaged both directly and indirectly: extensive research shows that they are undermined, viewed as less capable, and have less successful experiences both in terms of learning and identity formation. The following article was written in partnership between a male high school physics teacher (Rifkin) and a female student from his 2018-2019 12th-grade physics class (Eickerman). In this article, which we wrote by reflecting separately and then combining our writings, we describe a two-week period in which we worked together to try to change the culture of our physics class.
Chasing the Aurora Borealis
Authors: Hechter Richard P.
Published: May 2020

Ihad been sitting in a coffee shop in Reykjavik, Iceland, cycling through my photographs of the aurora borealis from the night before in Njardvik, when a man at the next table struck up a conversation. Recognizing his familial ties to the location in my photographs, he began to share stories that his grandfather told him as a child regarding the often-seen, but still mysterious, northern lights. The story I was told that day, and stories shared with me while visiting northern and remote Indigenous communities in Canada, inspired me to write this paper.
The International Conferences for Women in Physics
Authors: McCullough Laura , Esquivel Jessica
Published: May 2020

The International Conference for Women in Physics (ICWIP) meets every three years in locations around the globe. Under the auspices of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP), ICWIP draws female physicists (and a few males) from over two dozen countries to meet for three days and share stories and research, in order to promote a more equitable physics community. The first ICWIP was created to get a sense of the status of women in physics globally. This goal has been upheld with the following conferences. But the value of a meeting is not just for those who attend; sharing what is learned is in many cases even more valuable. In this paper, we share an overview of the ICWIP, focus on what will be useful for readers of The Physics Teacher, and highlight the fact that the proceedings of the ICWIP are all available for free through AIP Publishing, as part of the goal of sharing work that will help make physics a more diverse and equitable field.
What is a pink diode? Further experiments with LED technology
Authors: Lincoln James
Published: May 2020

I have long been impressed with the extensive number of experiments that can be done with light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The ubiquity and affordability of LEDs continues to provide promise for new inquiry-style experiments. In this article, I describe a few innovations that I have added to the repertoire of the LED as physics equipment. Some of these experiments are on the physics of color, especially with concerns to unusually colored diodes, but mostly they are on new ways to help students and teachers get to know how diodes work and what makes them such special apparatus.
Using empirical wavelet transform to speed up selective filtered active noise control system
Authors: Wen Shulin , Gan Woon-Seng , Shi Dongyuan
Published: May 2020

The gradual adaptation and possibility of divergence hinder the active noise control system from being applied to a wider range of applications. Selective active noise control has been proposed to rapidly reduce noise by selecting a pre-trained control filter for different primary noise detected without an error microphone. For stationary noise, considerable noise reduction performance with a short selection period is obtained. For non-stationary noise, more restrictive requirements are imposed on instant convergence, as it leads to faster tracking and better noise reduction performance. To speed up a selective filtered active noise control system, empirical wavelet transform is introduced here to accurately and instantaneously extract the frequency information of primary noise. The boundary of the first intrinsic mode function of random noises is extracted as the instant signal feature. Primary noise is attenuated immediately by picking the optimal pre-trained control filter labeled by the nearest boundary. The storage requirement for a pre-trained control filter library is reduced. Instant control is obtained, and the instability caused by output saturation is overcome. With more concentrated energy distribution, better noise reduction performance is achieved by the proposed algorithm compared to conventional and selective active noise control algorithms. Simulation results validate these advantages of the proposed algorithm.
As labs move to reopen, safety worries abound
Authors: Grimm David
Published: May 2020

Challenges include reorganizing work spaces and protecting human research subjects.
Pandemic could add noise to clinical trial data
Authors: Servick Kelly
Published: May 2020

Experimental treatments continue for conditions other than COVID-19, but the outbreak could affect results.
Mount St. Helens at 40
Authors: Major Jon J.
Published: May 2020

The hydrogeomorphic legacy from a volcanically battered landscape endures
Incompatibilities between emerging species
Authors: Dagilis Andrius J. , Matute Daniel R.
Published: May 2020

Natural hybridization in swordtail fish uncovers cancer genes involved in speciation
Twisted light on a chip
Authors: Ge Li
Published: May 2020

Compact devices provide new ways to generate and detect optical vortex beams
Freeman Dyson (1923–2020)
Authors: Wilczek Frank
Published: May 2020

Brilliant polymath who reshaped quantum physics
How interference reveals geometric phase
Authors: Aoiz F. Javier
Published: May 2020

Quantum phase effects are probed at energies below the H + HD reaction conical intersection
Large-Scale, In-House Production of Viral Transport Media To Support SARS-CoV-2 PCR Testing in a Multihospital Health Care Network during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Smith Kenneth P. , Cheng Annie , Chopelas Amber , DuBois-Coyne Sarah , Mezghani Ikram , Rodriguez Shade , Talay Mustafa , Kirby James E.
Published: May 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely disrupted worldwide supplies of viral transport media (VTM) due to widespread demand for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) testing. In response to this ongoing shortage, we began production of VTM in-house in support of diagnostic testing in our hospital network. As our diagnostic laboratory was not equipped for reagent production, we took advantage of space and personnel that became available due to closure of the research division of our medical center.
Blebophthalmos: proptosis due to a massive bleb following implant surgery in refractory paediatric glaucoma
Authors: Gollakota Sriramani , Balijepalli Pasyanthi , Richhariya Ashutosh , Senthil Sirisha
Published: May 2020

A 5-year-old boy with failed combined trabeculotomy and trabeculectomy underwent Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation and presented 5 weeks postoperatively, with sudden onset proptosis downward displacement of the globe, limited extraocular movements and displacement of tube from anterior chamber. CT scan of the orbits showed a large cystic bleb with posterior dislocation of the implant and was explanted. In vitro testing of implant for fluid flow characteristics revealed a dysfunctional valve with anterior leak, which could have possibly lead to anterior and inferior fluid accumulation resulting in displacement of implant, a probable cause for this rare complication. The case was successfully managed later with the Aurolab aqueous drainage device implantation. This case report cautions the surgeon for the possibility of a large cystic bleb following abnormal leak in AGV resulting in orbital complications like proptosis, motility limitation and impending optic nerve compression.
Cuba y seguridad sanitaria mundial: Cuba’s role in global health security
Authors: Wenham Clare , Kittelsen Sonja K
Published: May 2020

Cuba has been largely absent in academic and policy discourse on global health security, yet Cuba’s history of medical internationalism and its domestic health system have much to offer contemporary global health security debates. In this paper, we examine what we identify as key traits of Cuban health security, as they play out on both international and domestic fronts. We argue that Cuba demonstrates a strong health security capacity, both in terms of its health systems support and crisis response activities internationally, and its domestic disease control activities rooted in an integrated health system with a focus on universal healthcare. Health security in Cuba, however, also faces challenges. These concern Cuba’s visibility and participation in the broader global health security architecture, the social controls exercised by the state in managing disease threats in Cuban territory, and the resource constraints facing the island—in particular, the effects of the US embargo. While Cuba does not frame its disease control activities within the discourse of health security, we argue that the Cuban case demonstrates that it is possible to make strides to improve capacity for health security in resource-constrained settings. The successes and challenges facing health security in Cuba, moreover, provide points of reflection relevant to the pursuit of health security globally and are thus worth further consideration in broader health security discussions.