bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A taxonomic renaissance in three acts
Authors: WHEELER QUENTIN
Published: January 2020

Rapid species extinction means that a limited time exists in which to revitalize taxonomy and explore the diversity of species on earth.  Three actions have the potential to ignite a taxonomic renaissance:  (1) clarify what taxonomy is, emphasizing its theoretical advances and status as a rigorous, independent, fundamental science; (2) give taxonomists a mandate to organize and complete an inventory of earth species and the resources to modernize research and collections infrastructure; and (3) collaborate with information scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs to inspire the creation of a sustainable future through biomimicry.
Taxonomy needs pluralism, but a controlled and manageable one
Authors: MINELLI ALESSANDRO
Published: January 2020

What we accept as the units to be classified is not just an expression of our current aims and  practices but will also impact further classificatory research. The launch of Megataxa invites a dispassionate discussion about the units to be classified and the names associated to them. Specifically, we must address three challenges.—Challenge 1. Living with pluralism in biological classifications. Despite the enormous amount of ink spent on this issue, there is little hope of finding a species concept at the same time satisfactory from a theoretical point of view and reliable as a guide for taxonomic practice. This unavoidably causes a degree of pluralism in biological classification, as the taxonomic units generally described as species are not necessarily comparable. Also, different users of classification may have different expectations, better satisfied by alternative solutions rather than by a consensus classification. The obvious tension between these different expectations cannot be easily solved by authority or consensus, or simply hoping in the future availability of better criteria for species delimitation. - Challenge 2. Managing multiple classifications within one nomenclature system. Changing taxonomy is the source of ambiguity in the meaning of species names. As a consequence, Linnaean names may not be unique and universal labels for the taxa we recognize. The problem can be solved by specifying taxonomic concepts, i.e. by associating the names to the contexts in which these are used.—Challenge 3. Managing the nomenclature for provisionally circumscribed taxa. Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units (MOTUs) do not correspond necessarily to conventional taxonomic species and no simple or universal rule exists to ‘translate’ MOTUs into Linnaean species. Provisionally recognized MOTUs do not get a Linnaean name, but are labelled with a formula, in too many cases following no acknowledged standard and thus becoming useless for communication purposes. Non-Linnaean names, or formulas, for provisionally circumscribed taxa cannot be rejected, but some international consensus is needed.
Challenges for the future of taxonomy: talents, databases and knowledge growth
Authors: COLEMAN CHARLES OLIVER , RADULOVICI ADRIANA E.
Published: January 2020

In this essay we want to shed some light on selected subjects of taxonomy that we think are worth looking at: the problems of the taxonomic workforce, the taxonomic knowledge growth based on the use of databases and web-portals and some suggestions for quality improvements in molecular databases for the benefit of the scientific community, conservation practitioners, regulators, policy-makers and citizen-scientists.
Major issues facing taxonomy—a personal perspective
Authors: HUTCHINGS PAT ANN
Published: January 2020

As a taxonomist who has spent her entire working life in one institution and is continuing taxonomic research in retirement, supervising students, and acting as an editor of Zootaxa for polychaetes, obviously, I have strong views on the role of taxonomy and its importance. While there are many issues confronting taxonomy and its role as a science in the 21st Century, I have selected the three issues I consider most important. I should also like to stress this is an opinion piece based on my perceptions of the current issues facing taxonomists in Australia and in the future I hope to prepare a more detailed manuscript with data to support my comments.
A new and poorly known clearwing moth of the genus Bembecia Hübner, 1819 [“1816”] from the European part of Russia and northwestern Kazakhstan (Lepidoptera, Sesiidae)
Authors: GORBUNOV OLEG G.
Published: January 2020

A new species, Bembecia pallasi sp. nov. is described and illustrated from the European part of Russia and northwestern Kazakhstan. Data on its habitat, host plants and larval biology are presented and illustrated as well. B. sareptana (Bartel, 1912) is reviewed and its morphology, biology of preimaginals and habitat are described and illustrated.
Early Stages and Biology of Melitaea timandra Coutsis et Oorschot, 2014
(Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae) Under the Conditions of Kuh-e-Binalud
Mountain (Iran)
Authors: KOLESNICHENKO KIRILL A. , KOTLOBAY ANATOLY A.
Published: January 2020

This article presents characteristics of the habitats and flying period of Melitaea timandra Coutsis et Oorschot, 2014 and describes the behavior of the adults under natural conditions, their food plant, egg chorion morphology, and caterpillars of the first and senior instars. In addition, a larval parasitoid is identified as Cotesia sp., and the possible development cycle of M. timandra is described.
Research on CT Scan Image of Lung Cancer Based on Deep Learning Method in Artificial Intelligence Field
Authors: Yi Xiaochen , Sun Zongze , Yu Baolong , Yang Munan , Zhang Zhuo
Published: January 2020

Cancer is one of the diseases with high mortality in the 21st century, and lung cancer ranks first in all cancer morbidity and mortality. In recent years, with the rise of big data and artificial intelligence, lung cancer-assisted diagnosis based on deep learning has gradually become
A popular research topic. Computer-aided lung cancer diagnosis technology is mainly the process of processing and analyzing the lung image data obtained by medical instrument imaging. The process is summarized into four steps: medical image data preprocessing, lung parenchymal segmentation,
lung Nodule detection and segmentation, as well as lesion diagnosis. In order to solve the problem that the two-dimensional image model is not applicable to three-dimensional images, this paper proposes a three-dimensional convolutional neural network model suitable for lung cancer diagnosis.
The model consists of two parts. The first part is a three-dimensional deep nodule detection network (FCN) model, which generates a heat map of the lung nodules. We can locate the locations of those malignant nodules through the heat map. According to the heat map generated in the first part,
the second part selects those malignant nodules that are likely to be large, and then fuses the features of these selected nodules into one feature vector, showing the whole lung scan. Finally, we use this feature to classify and determine whether we have lung cancer.
Quantifying Precipitation Efficiency and Drivers of Excessive Precipitation in Post-Landfall Hurricane Harvey
Authors: Brauer Noah S. , Basara Jeffrey B. , Homeyer Cameron R. , McFarquhar Greg M. , Kirstetter Pierre E.
Published: January 2020

Hurricane Harvey produced unprecedented widespread rainfall amounts over 1000 mm in portions of southeast Texas, including Houston, from 26 to 31 August 2017. The highly efficient and prolonged warm rain processes associated with Harvey played a key role in the catastrophic flooding that occurred throughout the region. Precipitation efficiency (PE) is widely referred to in the scientific literature when discussing excessive precipitation events that lead to catastrophic flash flooding, but has yet to be explored or quantified in tropical cyclones coincident with polarimetric radar observations. With the introduction of dual-polarization radar to the NEXRAD WSR-88D network, polarimetric radar variables such asZH,ZDR, andKDPcan be used to gain insight into the precipitation processes that contribute to enhanced PE. It was found that 6-h mean values ofZHbetween 35 and 45 dBZ,ZDRbetween 1 and 1.5 dB, andKDPgreater than 1° km−1were collocated with the regions of PE greater than 100% between 27 and 29 August. Additionally, supercell thunderstorms embedded in the outer bands of Harvey were identified via 3–6 km Multi-Radar Multi-Senor (MRMS) rotation tracks and were collocated with swaths of enhanced positiveZH,ZDR, andKDP. A polarimetric rainfall relationship estimates that 1-h mean rainfall rates in these supercells were as high as 85 mm h−1and made a significant contribution to the excessive precipitation event that occurred over the region.
Egg Consumption and Coronary Artery Disease: A Nice Knockdown Argument
Authors: Takagi Hisato , Hari Yosuke , Nakashima Kouki , Kuno Toshiki , Ando Tomo
Published: January 2020

To identify prospective cohort studies enrolling adults and investigating an association of egg consumption with incidence and mortality of coronary artery disease (CAD), PubMed and Web of Science were searched through June 2019. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of CAD incidence/mortality for more versus the least frequent egg consumption were extracted from each study. Study-specific estimates were pooled in the random-effects model. Sixteen eligible studies with a total of 1 285 505 participants were identified and included in the present meta-analysis. The primary meta-analysis pooling all HRs for the most versus least frequent egg consumption demonstrated that egg consumption was associated with significantly low CAD incidence/mortality (pooled HR: 0.93; 95% confidence interval: 0.89-0.98; I 2 = 9%). In the secondary meta-analyses (separately combining HRs for the third vs first tertile, the fourth vs first quartile, the third vs first quartile, the fifth vs first quintile, the fourth vs first quintile, and the third vs first quintile egg consumption), the fifth (vs first) quintile egg consumption was only associated with significantly low CAD incidence/mortality. In conclusion, egg consumption is independently associated with low incidence/mortality of CAD, which may be derived from the comparisons of the fifth versus first quintile egg consumption.
Ethnic Stereotypes and Entry into Labor Market Programs
Authors: Arai Mahmood , Gartell Marie , Rödin Magnus , Özcan Gülay
Published: January 2020

The authors examine the impact of ethnic bias based on public employment officers’ decisions when choosing whom to recommend for participation in a labor market program. On the basis of an experiment that uses job seekers’ own portrait photographs, their recorded voices, and their real names, findings show that when recommending job seekers for labor market programs, female caseworkers are not affected by job seekers’ appearance, but male caseworkers favor job seekers who are perceived to have a stereotypical Swedish appearance. Moreover, the authors find that, as intended by the guidelines of the Swedish Public Employment Service, both male and female caseworkers favor job seekers perceived, based on the job seekers’ recorded voice, to have a foreign background. The authors’ conclusions suggest that when no explicit guidelines are provided for addressing the impact of ethnic stereotypes on selection for training programs, a risk of bias based on ethnic stereotypes of physical appearance exists.
Design of preview controller for a type of discrete-time interconnected systems
Authors: Xie Hao , Liao Fucheng , Usman  , Deng Jiamei
Published: January 2020

This article proposes and studies a problem of preview control for a type of discrete-time interconnected systems. First, adopting the technique of decentralized control, isolated subsystems are constructed by splitting the correlations between the systems. Utilizing the difference operator to the system equations and error vectors, error systems are built. Then, the preview controller is designed for the error system of each isolated subsystem. The controllers of error systems of isolated subsystems are aggregated as a controller of the interconnected system. Finally, by employing Lyapunov function method and the properties of non-singular M-matrix, the guarantee conditions for the existence of preview controllers for interconnected systems are given. The numerical simulation shows that the theoretical results are effective.
Pharmaceutical Price and Spending Controls in France: Lessons for the United States
Authors: Rodwin Marc A.
Published: January 2020

As U.S. policymakers consider strategies to control pharmaceutical spending, they can learn from France, which has stopped drug spending growth without slowing access to innovative medicines. France determines the comparative therapeutic value of new drugs. Insurance pays more for drugs superior to their comparator and the same or less for drugs offering modest or no improvement. Contracts require discounts for high sales volume and prohibit price increases. In addition, payers reduce prices of older drugs. Furthermore, Parliament sets an insurance pharmaceutical spending budget, and manufacturers pay clawbacks when spending exceeds the budget. France offers these lessons: setting prices based on added therapeutic value is a principled means to cap new drug prices and provides incentives for manufacturers to negotiate prices. Restricting formularies can help lower prices. Insurers can link prices and quantity to control spending and improper uses. Insurers can use global budgets to control spending and negotiate prices. Contracts can prevent manufacturers from raising prices after launch. External reference pricing can reduce price discrimination but is difficult to implement. Nations can ensure rapid access to new drugs while controlling prices. Regulation and competition are complementary strategies to control drug spending.
Trustee, State and Stakeholder: Hindu Temple Management in Contemporary India, 1957–2012
Authors: Tanaka Tetsuya
Published: January 2020

The literature on temple management in colonial and post-colonial India focusses on the dominant role of the trustees and the impact of state intervention. However, this article tries to grasp significance of the role of the stakeholders in the temple management as a bridge between the trustees and the state by analyzing the management history of the Rani Sati temple from 1957 to 2012. It will first explain the historical background of this temple and its managers, the Marwaris. The second section analyzes the form of the temple management from the 1950s to 1970s, and the judicial case against the traditional temple stakeholders, then chief priest and his family members. Because of the national controversy over sati in the late 1980s, public interest groups emerged as the new stakeholders of the temple. Third, this article clarifies the state’s intervention in the temple’s management according to the influence of new the stakeholders. By focussing on the role of the stakeholders, this article discloses how a state intervention can be initiated by the stakeholders and the possibility of transformation of the temple management.

JEL: M14, K41, Z12
Rural Ict Business in Bangladesh: A Credible Development Agent?
Authors: Rashid Ahmed Tareq , Rashid Ahmed Khaled
Published: January 2020

Greater engagement of businesses in development in South Asia reflects a partial withdrawal of the state from providing all kinds of services. Advocates of ‘bottom of the pyramid’ approaches have argued that corporations can step in by simultaneously making profit and contributing to development goals, including rural poverty reduction. The article investigates such claims, by using two initiatives of Information and Communication Technology business designed to serve and uplift poor people by GrameenPhone Limited, a major mobile phone operator in Bangladesh, to gauge the probability of positive development outcomes for the rural poor.
Vanniyar Claims to Mobility in Pluralist Tamil Nadu, 1900–35
Authors: Raja R. Saravana
Published: January 2020

In the post-1857 context of an earlier plural Dravidian social and political landscape, this article highlights the efforts of Vanniyars during the period 1900–35 in Tamil Nadu to articulate their claims for social and political mobility. Such efforts entailed the process of creating and forming a Vanniyar self-identification within the context of complex forces operating at the larger and emerging national and regional levels at that time. Presenting these Vanniyar enunciations, the article argues against a tendency in scholarship to see pluralisation as a recent phenomenon associated with the post-1980s Tamil politics. It also places the developments in South India within the larger picture of Indians learning to become responsible citizens.
Medical records preservation strategies in improving healthcare service providers’ access to patients’ medical histories in the Limpopo hospitals, South Africa
Authors: Marutha Ngoako
Published: January 2020

Preservation of medical histories records is very crucial to patients’ healthcare quality since when preservation is not being discharged properly; medical histories records are either inaccessible or difficult to access, which has a detrimental effect on the healthcare services provided to patients. The purpose of the study was to investigate strategies for the preservation of medical records and to recommend a framework that healthcare institutions may use to ensure that they have their patients’ medical records/histories at their fingertips (readily available). Stratified random sampling was used in the study to collect questionnaire data from records management officials and heads of clinical, nursing and records management units at 40 state hospitals in the province of Limpopo in South Africa. The data was augmented with observation, system analysis and document analysis. The study revealed that the preservation of medical records in public healthcare institutions in Limpopo was very chaotic, to the extent that access to patients’ medical histories was not always a possibility. Healthcare institutions need a framework for medical records preservation throughout the process of healthcare service delivery, to avoid chaotic healthcare service that eventually hamper health of the patients. The study provided a generic framework that may be localised as a centre of benchmark for healthcare institutions to suit their own environmental needs.
Effect of Rapid Maxillary Expansion on Mandibular Rotation—A Systematic Review
Authors: Chhutani Priyanka , Deshmukh Sonali , Jethe Sandeep , Agarkar Sanket , Yerawadekar Sujata , Rahalkar Jayesh
Published: January 2020

Objective: To evaluate the effect of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on mandibular rotation.

Materials and Method: A systematic review of articles selected from 4 electronic databases—PUBMED, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Clinical Trials Registry, and Google Scholar—was carried out. Additional studies were hand-searched and retrieved from the reference lists of relevant articles. Studies published till August, 2019, were included in this study.

Results: A total of 28 articles were identified through electronic database searching. 16 articles were obtained after elimination of duplicates which were then screened. Full-text articles were assessed according to the eligibility criteria. 2 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 14 clinical trials (CTs) were identified for inclusion in the review. These studies effectively highlighted the effect of RME on mandibular rotation, primarily in the clockwise direction.

Conclusion: There is a moderate sum of evidence to illustrate the effect of RME on mandibular rotation. It can be concluded that RME brings about clockwise rotation of the mandible, ie in downward and backward directions, thereby increasing the lower anterior facial height. This effect could be attributed to the vertical maxillary movement and the extrusion of the maxillary molars.
Supervising Employees With Criminal History: An Exploratory Study of Manager Strategies and Perceptions
Authors: Friese Bettina , Ochoa Araceli , Garcia Enedelia , Hildebrandt Josee , Holmes Carly
Published: January 2020

This study examined supervisory strategies for employees with criminal history from the perspective of supervisors with experience in overseeing formerly incarcerated employees. The primary goal of the study was to determine strategies used by supervisors that can be integrated into management training and disseminated to employers interested in hiring individuals with criminal history. For that purpose, 10 semistructured interviews were conducted with supervisors at Pioneer Human Services (Washington State, USA), a large nonprofit social enterprise that operates businesses employing justice involved individuals and reinvesting revenues into services that support this population. The purposive sample of supervisors consisted of individuals considered to be skilled in supervising employees with criminal history. Data were analyzed using a priori and inductive codes. Two supervisory strategies emerged from the interviews: supervisors should demonstrate cultural competence in their interactions with formerly incarcerated employees, and be knowledgeable about community resources to connect employees to resources.
Supporting sustainable occupational lives for partner caregivers of people with dementia
Authors: Yong Audrey Su Lin , Price Lee , Napier Fiona , Matthews Kate
Published: January 2020

Introduction

This qualitative research explores the experience of partner caregivers and how their partner’s dementia impacts on their daily living and occupational lives, with the aim of informing the sustainability of homecare and decreasing the likelihood of formal care.

Method

Ten participants were recruited through Alzheimer’s Society groups. They were interviewed using the same semi-structured interview process and asked questions about their daily activities and caregiving role. The data was analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis process and themes generated using inductive coding and reasoning.

Findings

Three main themes were identified: (1) losing occupational activities and roles; (2) adapting to a new occupational life and (3) adjusting to a new relationship in the trajectory of their partner’s illness.

Conclusion

This study highlights the complex occupational challenges experienced by partner caregivers of people with dementia. It suggests that there is a role for occupational therapists in sustaining homecare by working with partner caregivers as ‘expert service users’. Involvement should be provided at critical points of the caregiving journey and include co-creating technology solutions for social inclusion, sustaining adaptive engagement in personal occupations, creating opportunities for restoration and supporting caregivers to preserve their partner’s personhood.
Describing and measuring the ‘switch-on’ effect in people with dementia who participate in cognitive stimulation therapy: A mixed methods study
Authors: Liu Qi , Jones Margaret , Hocking Clare
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Cognitive stimulation therapy is an evidence-based group intervention for promoting cognition and quality of life in people with dementia. This New Zealand study aimed to describe and measure the ‘switch-on’ effect, a recently reported benefit involving enhanced participation.

Method

A convergent parallel mixed methods design was implemented. Interviews guided by qualitative descriptive methodology were conducted with four community-dwelling men with mild dementia and their wives, before, during and after cognitive stimulation therapy. Concomitantly, participants with dementia were scored on the Volitional Questionnaire following a single-subject A–B design. Qualitative and quantitative data were analysed using NVivo-assisted thematic analysis and descriptive statistics respectively and conjointly.

Findings

‘Switch-on’ was found to be multi-dimensional in nature, with increased engagement and expanded scope in Doing, Feeling, Relating, and Thinking and Reflecting. ‘Switch-on’ occurred with a noticeable onset within 3 weeks, which was sustained and consolidated towards completion of cognitive stimulation therapy in both group and home environments. Three men showed concurrent improvements on the achievement sub-scale of the Volitional Questionnaire. However, the measure did not effectively capture ‘switch-on’ due to its ceiling effect.

Conclusion

Findings about ‘switch-on’ suggest broader, under-researched benefits of cognitive stimulation therapy that merit further exploration from an occupational therapy perspective.
Integrin α10β1-Selected Mesenchymal Stem Cells Mitigate the Progression of Osteoarthritis in an Equine Talar Impact Model
Authors: Delco Michelle L. , Goodale Margaret , Talts Jan F. , Pownder Sarah L. , Koff Matthew F. , Miller Andrew D. , Nixon Bridgette , Bonassar Lawrence J. , Lundgren-Åkerlund Evy , Fortier Lisa A.
Published: January 2020

Background:

Early intervention with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) after articular trauma has the potential to limit progression of focal lesions and prevent ongoing cartilage degeneration by modulating the joint environment and/or contributing to repair. Integrin α10β1 is the main collagen type II binding receptor on chondrocytes, and MSCs that are selected for high expression of the α10 subunit have improved chondrogenic potential. The ability of α10β1-selected (integrin α10high) MSCs to protect cartilage after injury has not been investigated.

Purpose:

To investigate integrin α10high MSCs to prevent posttraumatic osteoarthritis in an equine model of impact-induced talar injury.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Focal cartilage injuries were created on the tali of horses (2-5 years, n = 8) by using an impacting device equipped to measure impact stress. Joints were treated with 20 × 106 allogenic adipose-derived α10high MSCs or saline vehicle (control) 4 days after injury. Synovial fluid was collected serially and analyzed for protein content, cell counts, markers of inflammation (prostaglandin E2, tumor necrosis factor α) and collagen homeostasis (procollagen II C-propeptide, collagen type II cleavage product), and glycosaminoglycan content. Second-look arthroscopy was performed at 6 weeks, and horses were euthanized at 6 months. Joints were imaged with radiographs and quantitative 3-T magnetic resonance imaging. Postmortem examinations were performed, and India ink was applied to the talar articular surface to identify areas of cartilage fibrillation. Synovial membrane and osteochondral histology was performed, and immunohistochemistry was used to assess type I and II collagen and lubricin. A mixed effect model with Tukey post hoc and linear contrasts or paired t tests were used, as appropriate.

Results:

Integrin α10high MSC-treated joints had less subchondral bone sclerosis on radiographs ( P = .04) and histology ( P = .006) and less cartilage fibrillation ( P = .04) as compared with control joints. On gross pathology, less India ink adhered to impact sites in treated joints than in controls, which may be explained by the finding of more prominent lubricin immunostaining in treated joints. Prostaglandin E2 concentration in synovial fluid and mononuclear cell synovial infiltrate were increased in treated joints, suggesting possible immunomodulation by integrin α10high MSCs.

Conclusion:

Intra-articular administration of integrin α10high MSCs is safe, and evidence suggests that the cells mitigate the effects of joint trauma.

Clinical Relevance:

This preclinical study indicates that intra-articular therapy with integrin α10high MSCs after joint trauma may be protective against posttraumatic osteoarthritis.
Mughal State and the Information System: 1556–1707
Authors: Sah Ram Shankar
Published: January 2020

News reporting was an essential part of the administration of the Mughal Empire. Many sources such as biography, autobiography, court chronicles, akhbarat and travelogues indicate that the Mughals had an organised system of intelligence and espionage. The Mughals ruled over a vast territory which made it necessary to organize a system whereby news and information could be conveyed rapidly over great distances. News writing in Mughal India was closely connected with espionage and postal communication. For this reason, Historians who have studied the communication system of Mughal India, discussed the information system in a limited manner and paid greater coverage to the communication system.

With the help of the news reports, the Mughal emperor issued orders and many other communications related to administration. The information system was important also for the economy. Till now, not much is known about the Mughal information system, notably the news reporting system related to the state. The present article deals with the information system of the Mughal empire particularly from the reign of Emperor Akbar to Aurangzeb. In this article, effort is made to discuss the types, levels, importance, structure, procedure and mechanism of the news reporting system during Mughal empire along with the rank, qualifications and work ethics of the news reporters. This article also analyses the nature and the role of the information system of the Mughal state along with how this information system evolved over a period of time.
Salt Land and State Monopoly in Manipur, circa 1890–1990
Authors: Haokip Lalsanglen
Published: January 2020

This article explores the history of salt land in Manipur. Because of the scarcity and high price of salt cakes, salt springs were highly valued pieces of land historically. The Maharaja had control over salt wells from around mid-eighteenth century AD. After Manipur became a British protectorate, royal salt monopoly yielded handsome revenue for the State treasury. After the Palace Rebellion of 1891, road transport improved; and cheap Liverpool salt competed with local salt, which soon became unviable. When salt lost its scarcity value, the financial importance of salt wells collapsed and so did the political significance of royal monopoly over salt.
Immune response of macrophages on super-hydrophilic TiO2 nanotube arrays
Authors: Gao Shang , Lu Ran , Wang Xin , Chou Joshua , Wang Na , Huai Xiaochen , Wang Caiyun , Zhao Yu , Chen Su
Published: January 2020

Macrophages are attracting increasing attention in promoting implant-mediated osteogenesis by modulating the microenvironment of the implant site. Biomaterial surface properties including topography and wettability regulate macrophage responses to influence tissue repair. The objective of our present study was to investigate the effects of hydrogenated titanium dioxide nanotube surfaces on the immune response of macrophages in vitro. Hydrogenated titanium dioxide nanotubes (TNTs) were synthesized on Ti surfaces by anodic oxidation and hydrogenation to form super-hydrophilic nanotubular surfaces. Macrophages were seeded directly onto three substrates (hydrogenated TNTs (H2-TNTs), air-annealed TNTs, and commercially pure Ti substrates) and grown under standard or lipopolysaccharide-stimulated culture conditions. Cell proliferation and viability were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 and live/dead staining at 24 and 48 h. Secretion and expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were evaluated at 24 and 48 h to determine whether the surfaces elicited differential macrophage behaviors. Gene expression of the M1/M2 surface markers of macrophages was analyzed to assess the effect of the H2-TNT surface on macrophage polarization. The results showed that hydrogenation of the TNT surface resulted in a super-hydrophilic substrate, which exhibited markedly improved wettability attributable to the formation of oxygen vacancies in the nanotubes. The H2-TNT group induced a significantly lower macrophage proliferation rate and up-regulated anti-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-10, bone morphogenetic protein-2, and transforming growth factor-β1) irrespective of lipopolysaccharide stimulation, while alleviating the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, nitric oxide, and macrophage chemotactic protein-1) induced by lipopolysaccharide. Moreover, the H2-TNT surface elicited up-regulated gene expression of M2 surface markers and down-regulation of M1 surface markers. We concluded that the hydrogenated TNT surface modulated macrophage immune responses, which could be useful in accelerating inflammation resolution and facilitating tissue repair.
Exploring the Relationship Between MyPlate Knowledge, Perceived Diet Quality, and Healthy Eating Behaviors Among Adolescents
Authors: Westfall Miranda , Roth Sarah E. , Gill Monique , Chan-Golston Alec M. , Rice Lindsay N. , Crespi Catherine M. , Prelip Michael L.
Published: January 2020

Purpose:

MyPlate is the current dietary guidance icon meant to communicate healthy eating patterns. The purpose of this study is to evaluate knowledge of MyPlate nutrition education messages among middle school students and its association with dietary intake and perceived diet quality.

Design:

Secondary analysis of cross-sectional data.

Settings:

Survey of eighth-grade students from 16 middle schools in California.

Subjects:

A total of 3521 eighth-grade students.

Measures:

MyPlate knowledge was assessed with 3 questions asking how much of the plate in a typical meal should be (1) fruits and vegetables, (2) grains, and (3) proteins. A brief food frequency questionnaire measured intake of fruits, vegetables, sweets, salty snacks, fast-food, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) over the past 7 days. Students self-rated their diet quality as poor, fair, good, or excellent.

Analysis:

Hierarchical logistic regression models controlling for gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.

Results:

Only 11% of students answered all MyPlate questions correctly. MyPlate knowledge was associated with 65% higher odds of not consuming SSBs, but 46% lower odds of not consuming sweets. MyPlate knowledge was not associated with adolescents’ perceived diet quality or intake of salty snacks, fruits, or vegetables.

Conclusion:

Knowledge of nutrition education messages communicated by the MyPlate dietary guidance icon is limited among adolescents. The association between MyPlate knowledge and lower consumption of SSBs is encouraging, given the strong association between SSBs and childhood obesity.
A phenomenological rate of injection model for predicting fuel injection with application to mixture formation in light-duty diesel engines
Authors: Perini Federico , Busch Stephen , Reitz Rolf Deneys
Published: January 2020

Fuel injection rate laws are one of the most important pieces of information needed when modeling engine combustion with computational fluid dynamics. In this study, a simple phenomenological model of a common-rail injector was developed and calibrated for the Bosch CRI2.2 platform. The model requires three tunable parameter fits, making it relatively easy to calibrate and suitable for injector modeling when high-fidelity information about the internal injector’s geometry and electrical circuit details are not available. Each injection pulse is modeled as a sequence of up to four stages: an injection needle mechanical opening transient, a full-lift viscous flow inertial transient, a Bernoulli steady-state stage, and a needle descent transient. Parameters for each stage are obtained as polynomial fits from measured injection rate properties. The model enforces total injected mass, and the intermediate stages are only introduced if the injection pulse duration is long enough. Experimental rates of injection from two separate campaigns on the same injector were used to calibrate the model. The model was first validated against measured injection rate laws featuring pilot injections, short partially premixed combustion pulses, and conventional diesel combustion injection strategies. Then, it was employed as an input to engine computational fluid dynamics simulations, which were run to simulate experiments of mixture formation in an optically accessible light-duty diesel engine. It was found that, though simple, this model is capable of predicting both pilot and main injection pulse mass flow rates well: the simulations yielded accurate predictions of in-cylinder equivalence ratio distributions from injection strategies for both partially premixed combustion and pilot injections. Also, once calibrated, the model produced appropriate results for a wide range of injected mass and rail pressure values. Finally, it was observed that usage of such a relatively simple model can be a good choice when high-fidelity injection rate input and highly detailed information of the injector’s geometry and operation are not available, particularly as noticeable discrepancies can be present also among different experimental campaigns on similar hardware.
How stable is labour market dualism? Reforms of employment protection in nine European countries
Authors: Eichhorst Werner , Marx Paul
Published: January 2020

Labour market segmentation is at the forefront of national and European policy debates. While the European Commission and the OECD claim to promote what they see as more inclusive policies, academic observers remain sceptical. The dualization literature in particular points to stable equilibria that sustain divisions between labour market insiders and outsiders. In this article, we trace recent reform trajectories in a diverse group of nine European countries marked by a high share of temporary employment: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. Our case studies show that recent reforms of employment regulation involve much more dynamism than one would expect based on the experiences of the two preceding decades, or from dualization or insider–outsider theories. The reform trajectories display rather contradictory approaches, sometimes in close succession.
Occupation as a predictor of prostate cancer screening behaviour in Canada
Authors: Peters Cheryl E , Villeneuve Paul J , Parent Marie-Élise
Published: January 2020

Objectives

If prostate cancer screening practices relate to occupation, this would have important implications when studying the aetiological role of workplace exposures on prostate cancer. We identified variations in screening by occupation among men in Montreal, Canada (2005–2012).

Methods

Prostate specific antigen testing and digital rectal examination (ever-screened and frequency of screening, previous five years) were examined among population controls from the Prostate Cancer & Environment Study. Face-to-face interviews elicited lifestyle and occupational histories. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of ever-screening for the longest-held occupation, adjusting for potential confounders. Negative binomial models were used to examine relationships with screening frequency.

Results

Among 1989 controls, 81% reported ever having had a prostate specific antigen test, and 77% a digital rectal examination. Approximately 40% of men reported having a prostate specific antigen test once a year, on average. Compared with those in management or administrative jobs, men in primary industry (odds ratio 0.26, 95% confidence interval 0.10–0.65), construction (0.44, 0.25–0.79), machining (0.45, 0.21–0.97), and teaching (0.37, 0.20–0.70) were less likely to have undergone prostate specific antigen screening. Results were similar when considering the most recent job.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight substantial variations in prostate cancer screening by occupation. Men in occupations where carcinogen exposures are more common are less likely to participate in prostate screening activities. This could be an important source of bias, and occupational studies of prostate cancer should account for screening practices.
Identifying Perspectives About Health to Orient Obesity Intervention Among Urban, Transitionally Housed Indigenous Children
Authors: Jennings Derek R. , Paul Koushik , Little Meg M. , Olson Daryl , Johnson-Jennings Michelle D.
Published: January 2020

Drawing from a socioecological framework of health, this community-based participatory research study examined key cultural health perspectives of transitionally housed, food insecure Indigenous children (aged 8–12 years) by utilizing talking circles and a 4-day photovoice (PV) curriculum. In total, 18 Indigenous children portrayed their health perceptions by taking photographs of their living environment and categorizing photos as healthy, unhealthy, or mixed. And, 10 of the 18 children completed pre- and post-evaluations, where data elucidated that urban Indigenous children experiencing food and housing insecurity demonstrate unique holistic and socioecological perceptions about health. Healthy themes included nutrition, gardening, interpersonal relationships, food sovereignty, water quality, and natural and built environments. Unhealthy themes included cumulative stress, food insecurity, access and cost, screen time, smoking, and violence. We found that implementing these robust insights into urban Indigenous obesity prevention interventions could significantly drive success. This approach may benefit children with similar socioecological strengths and vulnerabilities.
Impact and Reasoning: Applying Community Service Learning in a Non-Traditional Field
Authors: Enslein Terri W. , Wiles Brenda
Published: January 2020

Background: Health care today is presented with a complex set of circumstances requiring exploration of new and varied teaching methodologies to produce requisite student reasoning and prepare them for professional practice. Health care practitioners require high-level clinical reasoning skills to practice, skills traditionally achieved through clinical experiences. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of a community service learning clinical experience on the clinical reasoning skills of pre-licensure nursing students. Methodology/Approach: A sample of junior-level nursing students was recruited and given the Health Science Reasoning Test pre-test. Participants then completed a community service learning clinical experience, after which they took a post-test and completed a reflective journal entry. Findings/Conclusions: Quantitative data analysis was inconclusive due to limitations. Qualitative data analysis suggested that clinical reasoning skills were affected and identified major themes (communication, holistic care, and knowledge and skills). Implications: Community service learning clinical experiences have the potential to enhance clinical reasoning skills and should be further evaluated for inclusion in today’s nursing programs.
Outcome of Lesser Metatarsophalangeal Joint Interpositional Arthroplasty With Tendon Allograft
Authors: Stautberg Eugene F. , Klein Sandra E. , McCormick Jeremy J. , Salter Amber , Johnson Jeffrey E.
Published: January 2020

Background:

Lesser toe metatarsal head degeneration and collapse can cause significant pain and disability. In the setting of global metatarsal head collapse, there are limited operative options. The purpose of our study was to evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes after lesser toe metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint interpositional arthroplasty with a tendon allograft and to describe the operative technique.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of patients treated by 3 fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons at one institution. We created a phone survey to evaluate satisfaction, pain, and likelihood to repeat the surgery. Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scores were reviewed before and after surgery. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were evaluated for preservation of metatarsal length. The procedure was performed through a dorsal midline approach. The metatarsal head was reamed to a concave shape. A tendon allograft was fashioned into a ball and secured to the metatarsal with an anchor. Fifteen feet in 14 patients underwent lesser MTP joint interposition arthroplasty, with the average age of 49 years (range, 24-69), and an average follow-up of 4.2 years.

Results:

Eighty percent (12/15) reported they would have the procedure again. Visual analog scale pain scores showed a decrease in pain from 7 to 1. FAAM sports subscale improved from 56% to 85%. Radiographically, the ratio of the affected metatarsal length to the adjacent metatarsal remained constant before and after surgery, suggesting preservation of the metatarsal cascade.

Conclusion:

Interpositional arthroplasty of the lesser MTP joints with a rolled tendon allograft provided a unique solution, as it allows the surgeon to fill a large void without harvesting an autograft. This study showed improved patient-reported outcomes, high patient satisfaction, and good radiographic outcomes. Lesser metatarsophalangeal joint allograft interposition arthroplasty was a viable solution as a salvage procedure in the setting of global metatarsal head collapse.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Multi-omics Data Integration, Interpretation, and Its Application
Authors: Subramanian Indhupriya , Verma Srikant , Kumar Shiva , Jere Abhay , Anamika Krishanpal
Published: January 2020

To study complex biological processes holistically, it is imperative to take an integrative approach that combines multi-omics data to highlight the interrelationships of the involved biomolecules and their functions. With the advent of high-throughput techniques and availability of multi-omics data generated from a large set of samples, several promising tools and methods have been developed for data integration and interpretation. In this review, we collected the tools and methods that adopt integrative approach to analyze multiple omics data and summarized their ability to address applications such as disease subtyping, biomarker prediction, and deriving insights into the data. We provide the methodology, use-cases, and limitations of these tools; brief account of multi-omics data repositories and visualization portals; and challenges associated with multi-omics data integration.
Queer slacktivism as silent activism? The contested politics of queer subjectivities on GhanaWeb
Authors: Otu Kwame Edwin
Published: January 2020

This article examines the news, information, and entertainment website called GhanaWeb to ascertain how Ghanaians anonymously engaged in debates and conversations on homosexuality in Ghana and the diaspora between 2006 and 2012. Ghana’s 1992 Republican constitution criminalizes homosexuality in Section 104 of the Criminal Code, setting the terrain for non-heterosexual bodies and practices to be regarded as illegitimate. This is the terrain that informs the reactions to opinion pieces on homosexuality on GhanaWeb. Hence, the article contends that conversations and debates on homosexuality on GhanaWeb among Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians who are for or against LGBTI human rights constitute “queer slacktivism.” Arguably, this “online activism” is activism. Turning to Mikhail Bakhtin’s (1981) notion of heteroglossia, which describes the coexistence of a variety of languages, and to a lesser extent, Stephanie Camp’s (2007) extension of Edward Said’s (1978) concept of “rival geography,” the article unpacks how GhanaWeb functions as a cyber geography in which the official language that Ghana is heterosexual at once competes with and is subverted by anti-homophobic rhetoric.