bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Habitual Night Eating Was Positively Associated With Progress of Arterial Stiffness in Chinese Adults
Authors: Zhang Xinyuan , Wu Yuntao , Na Muzi , Lichtenstein Alice H. , Xing Aijun , Chen Shuohua , Wu Shouling , Gao Xiang
Published: September 2020

Background

Night eating has been associated with an elevated risk of obesity, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease. However, there is no longitudinal study on whether habitual night eating, regardless of diet quality and energy intake, is associated with arterial stiffness, a major etiological factor in the development of cardiovascular disease.

Methods and Results

The study included 7771 adult participants without cardiovascular disease, cancer, or diabetes mellitus prior to dietary assessment by a validated food frequency questionnaire in 2014 through 2015. Participants were categorized into 3 groups based on self‐reported night‐eating habits: never or rarely, some days (1–5 times per week), or most days (6+ times per week). Arterial stiffness was assessed by brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity at baseline and repeatedly during follow‐ups. Mean differences and 95% CIs in the yearly change rate of brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity across the 3 groups were calculated, adjusting for age, sex, socioeconomic status, total energy intake, diet quality, sleep quality, and other cardiovascular disease risk factors. At baseline, 6625 (85.2%), 610 (7.8%), and 536 (6.9%) participants reported night eating as never or rarely, some days, or most days, respectively. During a mean 3.19 years, we observed a positive association between night‐eating frequency and progression of arterial stiffness (
P
trend=0.01). The adjusted difference in brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity change rate between the group that ate at night most days and the group that never or rarely ate at night was 14.1 (95% CI, 0.6–27.5) cm/s per year. This association was only significant in women, but not in men (
P
interaction=0.03).

Conclusions

In an adult population free of major chronic diseases, habitual night eating was positively associated with the progression of arterial stiffness, a hallmark of arteriosclerosis and biological aging.

Registration

URL:
https://www.chictr.org.cn
; Unique identifier: ChiCTR‐TNRC‐11001489.
Prospective Screening of Extracranial Systemic Arteriopathy in Young Adults with Moyamoya Disease
Authors: Jee Tae Keun , Yeon Je Young , Kim Sung Mok , Bang Oh Young , Kim Jong-Soo , Hong Seung‐Chyul
Published: September 2020

Background

RNF213
is a major susceptibility gene for moyamoya disease (MMD), characterized by chronic progressive steno‐occlusion of the intracranial arteries. However, coincidental extracranial arteriopathy is sporadically described in a few cases and in children with MMD.

Methods and Results

This study prospectively enrolled 63 young adults (aged 20–49 years) without a known history of systemic vascular diseases who were confirmed to have definite (bilateral, n=54) or probable (unilateral, n=9) MMD, as per typical angiographic findings. Coronary and aorta computed tomography angiography was performed to characterize extracranial arteriopathy and investigate its correlation with clinical characteristics and MMD status, including the
RNF213
p.Arg4810Lys variation (c.14429G>A, rs112735431). Altogether, 11 of 63 patients (17%) had significant (>50%) stenosis in the coronary (n=6), superior mesenteric (n=2), celiac (n=2), renal (n=1), and/or internal iliac artery (n=1). One patient showed both mesenteric and iliac artery stenosis. Patients with extracranial arteriopathy were more likely to have diabetes mellitus and posterior cerebral artery involvement. Moreover, a higher prevalence of extracranial arteriopathy was observed in the presence of the
RNF213
p.Arg4810Lys variant (67% in homozygotes). After controlling for diabetes mellitus and posterior cerebral artery involvement, the p.Arg4810Lys variant was independently associated with extracranial arteriopathy (additive model;
P
=0.035; adjusted odds ratio, 4.57; 95% CI, 1.11–27.20).

Conclusions

Young adults with MMD may have concomitant extracranial arteriopathy in various locations. Patients with
RNF213
variants, especially the p.Arg4810Lys homozygous variant, should be screened for systemic arteriopathy.
Rivaroxaban for Prevention of Covert Brain Infarcts and Cognitive Decline
Authors: Sharma Mukul , Hart Robert G. , Smith Eric E. , Bosch Jacqueline , Eikelboom John W. , Connolly Stuart J. , Dyal Leanne , Reeh Kevin W , Casanova Amparo , Diaz Rafael , Lopez-Jaramillo Patricio , Ertl Georg , Störk Stefan , Dagenais Gilles R. , Lonn Eva M. , Ryden Lars , Tonkin Andrew M. , Varigos John D. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Branch Kelley R.H. , Probstfield Jeffrey L. , Kim Jae-Hyung , O’Donnell Martin , Vinereanu Dragos , A.A. Fox Keith , Liang Yan , Liu Lisheng , Zhu Jun , Pogosova Nana , Maggioni Aldo P. , Avezum Alvaro , Piegas Leopoldo S. , Keltai Katalin , Keltai Matyas , Berkowitz Scott D. , Yusuf Salim
Published: September 2020

Background and Purpose:

Covert brain infarcts are associated with cognitive decline. It is not known whether therapies that prevent symptomatic stroke prevent covert infarcts. COMPASS compared rivaroxaban with and without aspirin with aspirin for the prevention of stroke, myocardial infarction, and vascular death in participants with stable vascular disease and was terminated early because of benefits of rivaroxaban 2.5 mg twice daily plus aspirin over aspirin. We obtained serial magnetic resonance imagings and cognitive tests in a consenting subgroup of COMPASS patients to examine treatment effects on infarcts, cerebral microbleeds, and white matter hyperintensities.

Methods:

Baseline and follow-up magnetic resonance imagings were completed in 1445 participants with a mean (SD) interval of 2.0 (0.7) years. Whole-brain T1, T2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, T2* sequences were centrally interpreted by blinded, trained readers. Participants had serial measurements of cognition and function. The primary end point was the proportion of participants with incident covert infarcts. Secondary end points were the composite of clinical stroke and covert brain infarcts, cerebral microbleeds, and white matter hyperintensities.

Results:

At baseline, 493 (34.1%) participants had infarcts. Incident covert infarcts occurred in 55 (3.8%) participants. In the overall trial rivaroxaban plus aspirin reduced ischemic stroke by 49% (0.7% versus 1.4%; hazard ratio [95% CI], 0.51 [0.38–0.68]). In the magnetic resonance imaging substudy the effects of rivaroxaban+aspirin versus aspirin were: covert infarcts: 2.7% versus 3.5% (odds ratio [95% CI], 0.77 [0.37–1.60]); Covert infarcts or ischemic stroke: 2.9% versus 5.3% (odds ratio [95% CI], 0.53 [0.27–1.03]). Incident microbleeds occurred in 6.6% of participants and 65.7% of participants had an increase in white matter hyperintensities volume with no effect of treatment for either end point. There was no effect on cognitive tests.

Conclusions:

Covert infarcts were not significantly reduced by treatment with rivaroxaban and aspirin but estimates for the combination of ischemic stroke and covert infarcts were consistent with the effect on ischemic stroke in the overall trial.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01776424.
Morbidity After Symptomatic Hemorrhage of Cerebral Cavernous Malformation
Authors: Ma Li , Zhang Shuo , Li Zongze , Wu Chun-Xue , Wang Zhaozhao , Zhan Lei , Hao Qiang , Wang Hao , Ye Xun , Chen Xiaolin , Liu Ya-Ou , Wang Shuo , Zhao Yuan-Li
Published: September 2020

Background and Purpose:

Symptomatic hemorrhage contributes to an increased risk of repeated bleeding and morbidity in cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM). A better understanding of morbidity after CCM hemorrhage would be helpful to identify patients of higher risk for unfavorable outcome and tailor individualized management.

Methods:

We identified 282 consecutive patients who referred to our institute from 2014 to 2018 for CCM with symptomatic hemorrhage and had an untreated follow-up period over 6 months after the first hemorrhage. The morbidity after hemorrhage was described in CCM of different features. Nomogram to predict morbidity was formulated based on the multivariable model of risk factors. The predictive accuracy and discriminative ability of nomogram were determined with concordance index (C-index) and calibration curve, and further validated in an independent CCM cohort of a prospective multicenter study from 2019 to 2020.

Results:

The overall morbidity of CCM was 26.2% after a mean follow-up of 1.9 years (range 0.5–3.5 years) since the first hemorrhage. The morbidity during untreated follow-up was associated with hemorrhage ictus (adjusted odds ratio per ictus increase, 4.17 [95% CI, 1.86–9.33]), modified Rankin Scale score at initial hemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio per point increase, 2.57 [95% CI, 1.82–3.63]), brainstem location (adjusted odds ratio, 2.93 [95% CI, 1.28–6.68]), and associated developmental venous anomaly (adjusted odds ratio, 2.21 [95% CI, 1.01–4.83]). Subgroup analysis revealed similar findings in brainstem and non-brainstem CCM. Nomogram was contracted based on these features. The calibration curve showed good agreement between nomogram prediction and actual observation. The C-index of nomogram predicting morbidity was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.77–0.88). In validation cohort, the nomogram maintained the discriminative ability (C-index, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.78–0.96]).

Conclusions:

Multiple symptomatic hemorrhages, initial neurological function after hemorrhage, brainstem location, and associated developmental venous anomaly were associated with morbidity of CCM hemorrhage. The nomogram represented a practical approach to provide individualized risk assessment for CCM patients.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT04076449.
Mobile Payment in China: Practice and Its Effects
Authors: Huang Yiping , Wang Xue , Wang Xun
Published: September 2020

This paper offers a comprehensive review and careful assessment of China's mobile payment business. With broad access, low costs, and reliable transactions, mobile payments are creating a revolution of financial inclusion, changing people's daily lives and commercial business models. This study also confirms that mobile payment improves risk sharing among individuals and increases entrepreneurial opportunities. These mobile payment successes can be traced to three key factors: supply shortages of alternative payment services, a friendly regulatory environment, and recent technological developments. A number of outstanding issues remain, however, including data ownership, data inequality, and regulatory shortcomings.
A new critically endangered species of Bertolonia (Melastomataceae, Bertolonieae) from Espírito Santo, Brazil

Authors: BACCI LUCAS F. , IGLESIAS DIEGO TAVARES , GOLDENBERG RENATO
Published: September 2020

We describe here Bertolonia lucernula, a new endemic species from the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. It is only known from one locality, the “Área de Proteção Ambiental Mestre Álvaro”, in the municipality of Serra. The new species can be recognized by the branches and petioles covered with sessile and short-stalked glands and scattered unbranched trichomes, flat leaf blade surfaces covered only with sessile and short-stalked glands, small flowers with a widely campanulate hypanthium covered with the same trichomes as the petioles, calyx with membranaceous, truncate sepals, and short, triangular external teeth, asymmetric and obovate petals, with the apex covered with sessile and short-stalked glands on the adaxial surface. According to IUCN criteria, Bertolonia lucernula should be classified as Critically Endangered (CR).
Gymnosporangium raphiolepidis comb. nov. (Pucciniales) for Aecidium raphiolepidis inferred from phylogenetic evidence

Authors: KASUYA TAIGA , HOSAKA KENTARO , KAKISHIMA MAKOTO
Published: September 2020

Rhaphiolepis indica (L.) Lindl. var. umbellata (Thunb.) H. Ohashi is a rosaceous shrub distributed mainly on the seashore of warm-temperate, subtropical to tropical areas of Japan, Korea, China, Philippines, and Borneo (Nakanishi 2018). This plant has been used for greenings of parks, gardens and streets in Japan. The occurrence of an aecial stage of a rust fungus on its shoots and leaves was observed near seashore of Chiba and Ibaraki Prefectures and Bonin (Ogasawara) Islands, Japan in early summer of 2017, 2019 and 2020 (Figs. 1A, B). Morphological observations were made for the identification of this rust fungus with light microscopy by the same method reported by Kasuya & Ono (2018). Spermogonia were not found on specimens. Aecia surrounded with peridia (Figs. 1C, D) were hypophyllous, often gregarious on hypertrophied lesion along veins, rounded or elliptical, cupulate, and 100–300 μm in diam. Their margins were revoluted, lacinate, and white. Peridial cells (Fig. 1E) were firmly conjunct, 20–25 × 15–20 μm in size, outer walls were striate, and 4–7 μm thick, inner walls were verrucose, and 2–3 μm thick. Aeciospores (Fig. 1F) were angularly globose, subglobose to ellipsoid, and 15–22 × 14–20 μm (av. 19 × 17 µm; n = 30) in size. Their walls were almost hyaline, finely verrucose with big granules (appendages or pore plugs), and 1–2 μm thick. The above morphological characteristics were almost identical with descriptions of Aecidium raphiolepidis Sydow (1922: 61) by Ito (1950), Sato (1975) and Hiratsuka et al. (1992) although the size of peridial cells was a little smaller than that of their descriptions. Therefore, the rust fungus on R. indica var. umbellata was identified as A. raphiolepidis. Specimens used in this observation were deposited in the Fungal Herbarium of the Department of Botany, National Museum of Nature and Science, Tsukuba, Japan (TNS).
Checklist of the springtails (Hexapoda: Collembola) of the Edough massif, northeastern Algeria
Authors: BRAHIM-BOUNAB HAYETTE , BENDJABALLAH MOHAMED , HAMRA-KROUA SALAH , LACHI NOUREDDINE , BEDOS ANNE , DEHARVENG LOUIS
Published: September 2020

Based on 225 samples taken from different biotopes in the Edough Massif (northeastern Algeria) from 1998 to 2018, we compiled a list of 91 collembolan species names from the literature, of which 72 can be considered valid records. Fourteen of them are only known from this massif in Algeria, and eight are endemic of northeastern Algeria. These 72 species are spread over 14 families and 49 genera. The family Neanuridae is the most diverse with 18 species, including six species of the genus Friesea. The monotypic genus Edoughnura (Neanurinae) is endemic to the Edough and Collo massifs. Several of the listed species do not fully match the diagnosis of the species to which they have been assigned and may represent undescribed taxa. Entomobryidae as well as several habitats (epigean, deep soil, littoral) remain unsampled or undersampled in Edough, and are likely to host many more species than those listed in this paper.
The Empididae (Diptera) of Serbia: faunistic survey and description of a new Empis species
Authors: SHAMSHEV IGOR V. , IVKOVIĆ MARIJA
Published: September 2020

The Empididae fauna of Serbia is summarised including currently 50 confirmed species belonging to nine genera: Clinocerinae—Kowarzia Mik (1), Phaeobalia Mik (2), Wiedemannia Zetterstedt (4); Empidinae—Empis Linnaeus (16), Hilara Meigen (11), Rhamphomyia Meigen (6); Hemerodromiinae—Chelifera Macquart (7), Hemerodromia Meigen (2), Phyllodromia Zetterstedt (1). A checklist of species is provided. Empis (Empis) serbica sp. nov. is described.
A 1D Var Retrieval of Relative Humidity Using the ERA5 Dataset for the Assimilation of Raman Lidar Measurements
Authors: Gamage S. Mahagammulla , Sica R. J. , Martucci G. , Haefele A.
Published: September 2020

We present a one-dimensional variational (1D Var) retrieval of fifth-generation European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecast reanalysis (ERA5) temperature and relative humidity profiles above Payerne, Switzerland, assimilating raw backscatter measurements from the MeteoSwiss Raman Lidar for Meteorological Observations (RALMO). Our reanalysis is called ERA5-reRH. We use an optimal estimation method to perform the 1D Var data retrieval. The forward model combines the Raman lidar equation with the Hyland and Wexler expression for water vapor saturation pressure. The error covariance matrix of ERA5 was derived from the differences between ERA5 and a set of 50 special radiosoundings that have not been assimilated into ERA5. We validate ERA5-reRH, ERA5, and RALMO temperature and relative humidity profiles against the same set of special radiosoundings and found the best agreement was with our reanalysis, with a bias of less than 2% relative humidity with respect to water (%RHw) and a spread of less than 8%RHw below 8 km in terms of relative humidity. Improvements for temperature in our reanalysis are only found in the boundary layer, as ERA5 assimilates a large number of upper-air temperature observations. Our retrieval also provides a full uncertainty budget of the reanalyzed temperature and relative humidity including both random and systematic uncertainties.
Insurgency and Ivory: The Territorial Origins of Illicit Resource Extraction in Civil Conflicts
Authors: Haass Felix
Published: September 2020

The presence of natural resources makes civil conflicts more likely to erupt, last longer, and more difficult to end. Yet rebels do not always exploit resources wherever they are present. Why? I argue that rebels extract more resources when they compete with governments over territorial authority. Territorial competition facilitates black market access, generates financial pressure, and produces governance incentives for rebels to extract natural resources. I test this proposition in a two-tiered research design. First, I show globally that moderate territorial control predicts more resource extraction by rebels. Subsequently, I focus on the example of ivory poaching which offers a rare glimpse into the usually hidden resource extraction process. I match spatially disaggregated conflict event data to subnational poaching data in conflict-affected African countries. Results show that rebels seeking territorial control substantially increase poaching rates. These findings highlight the strategic conditions under which territorial competition shapes rebel criminal behavior.
Experiences of a Group of Senior Nursing Students with End of Life Care and Death in Turkey
Authors: Sanli Deniz , Iltus Fatma
Published: September 2020

Nursing students may feel unprepared to manage the care of dying individuals and may experience anxiety and fear related to death and dying. Preparing nursing students for this situation can help them provide quality care to dying patients. This study aimed to examine the end-of-life care values and behaviors and death attitudes of senior nursing students. In examining these variables, the Values and Behaviors of Intensive Care Nurses for End-of-Life Instrument and the Death Attitude Profile-Revised Scale were used. It was found that the students developed positive attitudes and behavior towards end-of-life care, and that they believed death to be a natural part of life and there is life after death. Students who felt that the information they received during their education was partially sufficient were more likely to have negative death attitudes. It can be recommended that teaching strategies in the education of the nursing students be developed.
Partisan Dealignment and Personal Vote-Seeking in Parliamentary Behaviour
Authors: Fleming Thomas G
Published: September 2020

What shapes legislators’ incentives for personal vote-seeking in parliament? Recent work suggests that partisanship among voters deters personal vote-seeking, by limiting its effectiveness. This has potentially significant implications for policy-making, election results and patterns of accountability. However, empirical tests of this argument remain few in number and have several limitations. This article thus offers a new test of the relationship between partisanship and personal vote-seeking. Using legislators’ bill proposals as an indicator of their personal vote-seeking activity, I analyse legislative behaviour in the UK House of Commons between 1964 and 2017. I find that members of parliament make more legislative proposals when voters are less partisan. Moreover, partisanship appears to moderate the influence of other drivers of personal vote-seeking: electorally vulnerable legislators make more legislative proposals, but only at low levels of partisanship. These findings provide new evidence that voters’ relationships with political parties affect legislators’ electoral strategies and parliamentary behaviour.
The influence of nanostructure on the wetting transition of polyvinylidene fluoride nanoweb: from the petal effect to the lotus effect
Authors: Hong Hyae Rim , Park Chung Hee
Published: September 2020

In this study, the effects of the surface structure of electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanoweb on surface wettability were analyzed. The conditions of the surface structure representing the lotus and petal effects were derived, and the difference in the dynamic behavior of the water droplets on the surfaces was investigated. To this end, a PVDF nanoweb was fabricated by electrospinning various concentrations of PVDF solutions. The nanoscale roughness was adjusted by varying the CF4 plasma etching time. It was seen that when the concentration of the electrospun PVDF solution was 15 or 20 wt%, a hierarchical structure of microbeads and nanofibers was formed. In the 20 wt% nanoweb, droplets formed an apparent contact angle of 149.5 ± 2.2°, and the petal effect was observed in which the droplets were pinned on the surface and did not roll off even when the nanoweb was tilted by 180°. As a result of introducing fine nanostructures with CF4 plasma etching on the 20 wt% nanoweb, the apparent contact angle increased to 162.8–164.4°, and the shedding angle decreased to 5.3–8.1°, showing a wetting transition to the lotus effect, regardless of the plasma etching time. In addition, the lotus effect was observed when 15 wt% nanoweb was treated with CF4 plasma etching for more than 10 min. We confirmed that the lotus effect was exhibited when the three-phase contact line of the PVDF nanoweb/water/air was discontinuous, and the contact area between the surface and the water droplets was reduced with increased air pockets at this interface, which led to a decrease in the adhesive force and the impact of negative pressure.
Tactile comfort characterization of knitted fabrics based on the ring-shaped style tester
Authors: Shao Yawen , Sun Yi , Zheng Dongming , Liu Gui , Du Zhaoqun , Liu Jinkang , Wang Mingxing
Published: September 2020

The main content of this paper is to objectively characterize the tactile comfort of fabric through the ring-shaped style tester. It mainly explains the objective tactile comfort of knitted fabric through the curve parameters measured by the ring-shaped style tester and structural parameter thickness. In this paper, by adopting the methods of correlation analysis and cluster analysis, the curve parameters, including slope in the linear segments of the left-hand part of the curve ( K1), the right-hand area of the curve ( A2), the distance between the abrupt point and the peak point ( X), the linearity of the left-hand curve ( L) and the ratio of the left-hand area to the right-hand area of the curve ( C), are used. In order to verify its effectiveness, the results of subjective evaluation are compared and analyzed with the objective clustering. The experimental results show that the subjective judgment has good correlation with the objective clustering. This indicates that the curve parameters obtained through the ring-shaped style tester and structural parameters can be used to effectively represent the tactile comfort performance of fabrics.
A Digital Ethnography of Teach For America: Analysis of Counternarrative From the Truth For America Podcast
Authors: Vasquez Heilig Julian , Brewer T. Jameson , Kim Amber K. , Sanchez Miguel
Published: September 2020

To analyze the counternarrative in the public discourse surrounding Teach For America (TFA), this paper represents the first digital ethnography in education policy. We conduct a qualitative analysis of Truth For America, an education policy podcast. We found four overarching themes that arose from conversations with respondents: (1) problematic practice, preparation, and pedagogy; (2) concerns linked to critiquing TFA and the organization’s responses to that critique; (3) issues related to race and diversity; and (4) disconcerting funding practices and political power. We conclude by discussing the implications of how individual-level stakeholder experiences inform the public discourse about TFA.
Complexities and Contradictions: Black Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Students’ Lived Realities across Three Urban HBCU Contexts
Authors: Patton Lori D. , Blockett Reginald A. , McGowan Brian L.
Published: September 2020

This qualitative study explored how Black LGBQ students at three urban private HBCUs experienced and navigated spaces that affirmed their racial identity but posed challenges to their sexual and gender identities. Drawing on Black respectability politics and environmental press as power as theoretical framing, we utilized a critical constructivist epistemology to unearth the complexities and contradictions that Black LGBQ students face in HBCU settings. Our analysis yielded three themes: (a) affirming/othering, (b) institutional pride/institutional change, and (c) safe space needed/wasted institutional efforts. Implications for higher education administrators and policymakers are offered within.
Holding the Dialectic Tension Loosely: A Response to Marie and Lowell Hoffman’s Transcendence and Immanence in Contemporary Psychotherapies—Tensions, Trends, and Treatment
Authors: Strawn Brad D.
Published: September 2020

This article is a response to the Hoffmans’ article, “Transcendence and Immanence in Contemporary Psychotherapies: Trends, Tensions, and Treatment,” in the present volume. The author highlights the important contribution of the Hoffmans as they urge readers to hold the dialectic tension between transcendence and immanence, modern and postmodern, clinical and sociopolitical. While the Hoffmans call for holding the tension, this response suggests holding it loosely. Behind the Hoffmans’ critique are unacknowledged traditions that emerge from particular social locations. While this is always true, it is important to understand these traditions as integrators from other traditions will understand these tensions differently.
Effects of a modular teacher coaching program on child attention problems and disruptive behavior and on teachers’ self-efficacy and stress
Authors: Hanisch Charlotte , Eichelberger Ilka , Richard Stefanie , Doepfner Manfred
Published: September 2020

Symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity and oppositional defiant disorder are associated with a multitude of psychosocial developmental risks, e.g. academic underachievement. Various cognitive behavioral interventions have proven to be effective in reducing problem behavior in school settings. Drawing on this previous work and on our parent-focused preventive and therapeutic programs, we developed the school-based coaching for elementary school teachers of children with attention deficits or disruptive behavior problems (SCEP). Based on functional behavior assessment, SCEP addresses teachers of children with severe externalizing behavior problems in an individualized modular manner. It consists of a one-day training course and fortnightly one-to-one or team-coaching sessions. We analyzed the effects of SCEP in a within-subject control group design ( N = 60), with student attention problems and rule-breaking behavior during class as the primary outcome measure. SCEP was found to reduce problem behavior during lessons, with small to medium effect sizes ( d = 0.42–0.6). After the intervention, teachers reported changes in their use of praise and felt more confident managing the class ( d = 0.58). The results of SCEP are discussed in light of multi-tiered preventive approaches that suggest extensive individualized interventions based on functional behavior analysis for children with severe problem behavior.
Relapse of Plasmablastic Lymphoma With Cutaneous Involvement in an Immunocompetent Male
Authors: Shwe Samantha , Sharma Aditi A. , Lee Bonnie A. , Smith Janellen E.
Published: September 2020

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma frequently found in the context of immunosuppression and infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and/or Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). A 33-year-old immunocompetent male presented with recurrent episodes of epistaxis and a growing intranasal mass. Excisional biopsy of the mass revealed an immunohistochemical profile diagnostic of PBL. Upon completion of chemoradiation, he underwent a transnasal endoscopic mucosal flap tissue rearrangement to restore patency for both functional and surveillance purposes. There was no endoscopic evidence of residual or recurrent disease. However, 8 months later, he was found to have a relapse involving the skin. The nasal cavity is one of the most common sites affected by PBL. Involvement of the nasal cavity may present with symptoms of persistent epistaxis accompanied by an enlarging mass. A plasmablastic immunophenotype in combination with HIV or EBV positivity can aid diagnosis.
The rise of pericytes in neurovascular research
Authors: Beard Daniel J , Brown Lachlan S , Sutherland Brad A
Published: September 2020

The popularity of pericyte research is increasing, and this was not more evident than at the recent 2019 Brain meeting in Yokohama which featured a large number of presentations focused on brain pericyte research, including the Presidential Symposium. In this article, we will provide a history of brain pericyte research, present the results of our analysis showing a substantial increase in brain pericyte research presented at Brain meetings since 2005, suggest reasons for their increased popularity, and comment on what the future holds for brain pericyte research.
Decentralized Multi-agent information-theoretic control for target estimation and localization: finding gas leaks
Authors: Bourne Joseph R , Goodell Matthew N , He Xiang , Steiner Jake A , Leang Kam K
Published: September 2020

This article presents a new decentralized multi-agent information-theoretic (DeMAIT) control algorithm for mobile sensors (agents). The algorithm leverages Bayesian estimation and information-theoretic motion planning for efficient and effective estimation and localization of a target, such as a chemical gas leak. The algorithm consists of: (1) a non-parametric Bayesian estimator, (2) an information-theoretic trajectory planner that generates “informative trajectories” for agents to follow, and (3) a controller and collision avoidance algorithm to ensure that each agent follows its trajectory as closely as possible in a safe manner. Advances include the use of a new information-gain metric and its analytical gradient, which do not depend on an infinite series like prior information metrics. Dynamic programming and multi-threading techniques are applied to efficiently compute the mutual information to minimize measurement uncertainty. The estimation and motion planning processes also take into account the dynamics of the sensors and agents. Extensive simulations are conducted to compare the performance between the DeMAIT algorithm to a traditional raster-scanning method and a clustering method with coordination. The main hypothesis that the DeMAIT algorithm outperforms the other two methods is validated, specifically where the average localization success rate for the DeMAIT algorithm is (a) higher and (b) more robust to changes in the source location, robot team size, and search area size than the raster-scanning and clustering methods. Finally, outdoor field experiments are conducted using a team of custom-built aerial robots equipped with gas concentration sensors to demonstrate efficacy of the DeMAIT algorithm to estimate and find the source of a propane gas leak.
Personalized drug testing in a patient with non-small-cell lung cancer using cultured cancer cells from pleural effusion
Authors: Wu Ming , Hong Guodai , Chen Yu , Ye Lina , Zhang Kang , Cai Kaihong , Yang Huadong , Long Xiang , Gao Wenbin , Li Hui
Published: September 2020

Objective

Patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and primary or acquired resistance do not respond to targeted drugs. We explored whether cancer cells can be cultured from liquid biopsies from patients with primary resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). We aimed to predict patients’ responses to drugs according to in vitro drug testing results.

Methods

Cancer cell cultures were established from the pleural effusion of a patient with TKI-resistant NSCLC using a conditional reprogramming technique. Phenotypic drug sensitivity tests were performed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. We tested individual drugs and compared the synergistic and inhibitory effects of drug combinations.

Results

The results of our in vitro sensitivity test using the combination of cisplatin and pemetrexed were correlated with the patient’s response.

Conclusion

This represents the first successful report of predictive testing for combination therapy in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor-mutant NSCLC and primary TKI resistance. This strategy should be applicable to both chemotherapies and targeted therapies, and it will significantly improve the clinical treatment and management of patients with NSCLC and primary or acquired resistance to targeted therapies, as well as patients lacking targetable mutations.
Correlation between serum free triiodothyronine levels and risk stratification in Chinese patients with acute coronary syndrome receiving percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Li Huiying , Li Chunlin , Bai Yongyi , Wang Zhao , Li Man , Cai Yulun , Zhou Wenli , Zhang Baohua , Liu Hongbin
Published: September 2020

Objective

Low serum free triiodothyronine (FT3) levels are associated with the occurrence of coronary heart disease and with the prognosis of cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between FT3 levels and risk stratification in Chinese Han patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) receiving percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) treatment.

Methods

Plasma FT3 levels and other parameters were measured in 191 patients with ACS who received PCI. The risk of adverse cardiovascular events was assessed using the Age, Creatinine, and Ejection Fraction (ACEF) score.

Results

FT3 levels were significantly lower in the high-risk group than in the medium- and low-risk groups. Serum FT3 levels were negatively linearly correlated with the ACEF score (r = −0.590). Stepwise regression analysis showed a negative correlation between FT3 levels and the risk of adverse cardiovascular events as measured by the ACEF score (standardized β = −0.261).

Conclusion

Serum FT3 levels are negatively related to risk stratification in patients with ACS. Serum FT3 levels may be used as a potential predictor for adverse outcomes of patients with ACS undergoing PCI.
The thinking person’s music: Heavy metal and the need for cognition
Authors: Schmaltz Rodney , Watson David , Johnson Adrian
Published: September 2020

Past research indicates that music preference is correlated with the need for cognition (NFC). Specifically, heavy metal fans have been found to score lower on NFC than fans of other genres. In this study, a large sample of music fans completed measures of NFC well as the Short Dark Triad scale, which measures Machiavellianism, Narcissism, and Psychopathy. Contrary to previous findings, fans of heavy metal scored significantly higher on NFC than fans of other genres. Consistent with previous research, fans of “problem music” (i.e., heavy metal and rap) scored higher on the Dark Triad. As the original work on NFC and music preference was conducted over 30 years ago, we speculate that a change in the style of heavy metal may correlate with a change in the need for cognition.
The sound of music on the pocket: A study of background music in retail
Authors: Choo Bryan Jun-Keat , Cheok Thai-Shawn , Gunasegaran David , Wan Kum-Seong , Quek Yuan-Sheng , Tan Clare Shu-Lin , Quek Boon-Kiat , Gan Samuel Ken-En
Published: September 2020

Influences of background music on consumer behavior have economic potential for businesses. However, the precise parameters for manipulating these effects have remained elusive. In this study, the impact of different genres of background music on consumer spending was examined in three branches each of both a Japanese-themed and a Mexican-themed restaurant chain in Singapore. Three music genre conditions (“pop,” “traditional,” “mix”) corresponding to the restaurants’ cultural theme, were played for a week in each restaurant. Data on total spending and spending per customer were collected and analyzed. While direct music genre effects were not statistically significant, results indicated certain trends where higher consumer expenditure was observed in conditions utilizing a mixture of pop and traditional music (“mix”). Specifically, spending per customer for the “mix” condition was 11.4% higher than for “pop” for the Japanese restaurant, whereas it was 6.3% higher for the “mix” condition than for “traditional” for the Mexican restaurant. The results suggest that music could be tailored to different days of the week to appeal to different customer profiles and that music can be parameterized to influence consumer behaviors.
Predicting the response to a triptan in migraine using deep attack phenotyping: A feasibility study
Authors: Viana Michele , Sances Grazia , Terrazzino Salvatore , Zecca Chiara , Goadsby Peter J , Tassorelli Cristina
Published: September 2020

Background

Triptans, specific symptomatic medications for migraine, are not effective in a proportion of patients, or in all attacks, hence the importance of identifying predictors of response. Our aim was to investigate the association between the efficacy of oral frovatriptan 2.5 mg and clinical characteristics of migraine attacks.

Methods

We enrolled 29 consecutive patients affected by migraine without aura at the Headache Center of “Mondino” Institute of Pavia. Each patient was given a diary and asked to record prospectively the features of three consecutive migraine attacks while using frovatriptan. A generalized estimating equations approach was used to determine phenotypic features associated with the pain free response at 2 hours.

Results

Participants provided complete data for 85 attacks. Thirty of these (34%) patients reported being pain free 2 hours after taking frovatriptan 2.5 mg intake. Unilateral pain, presence of phonophobia, presence of one or more cranial autonomic symptoms and presence of one or more premonitory symptom were each associated with being pain free at 2 hours.

Conclusions

The response to frovatriptan was associated with particular features of the migraine attack, either before or during the pain phase of attacks. The data support larger studies to explore detailed attack phenotyping, with particular attention to early signs, to enable individualized treatment in migraine.
Dialectics of homophily in the formation of friendship groups in Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
Authors: Dutta Sayak , Kundu Aditi
Published: September 2020

Friendship choice in university campuses has persisted as a perennial theme in social psychology. Contextualizing the studies with Intergroup Contact Theory can help illuminate the social dynamics of a heterogeneous community. Present work, conducted in Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India is an addition to this burgeoning field of literature. This article attempts to distil the role of interaction in the formation of friendship, highlighting the importance of homophily in the process. Furthermore, the chosen setting is a conscious attempt to overcome the significant western bias that exists in this field of enquiry. 495 respondents have been surveyed with the help of a structured questionnaire during the course of the research accounting to a total of 1,426 dyads that formed the unit of analysis. The study found strong evidence of homophily in the group formation within the university campus, even though classroom interaction emerges as the most significant factor. This article outlines that even though the degree and nature of interaction remain identity neutral, friendship choice is highly predicated upon homophilic association. Moreover, it is noted that duration of stay in the university does not, in any significant way, influence the factors of friendship choice.
Comparison of woven and stitched out-of-autoclave E-glass/epoxy composites subjected to quasi-static and cyclic tensile loads
Authors: Haluza Rudy T , Bakis Charles E , Koudela Kevin L
Published: September 2020

Tensile quasi-static and fatigue behaviors of out-of-autoclave, quasi-isotropic, E-glass/epoxy composites with woven and stitched fiber architectures are compared. Some specimens were cyclically loaded to failure, while others were tested for residual modulus and ultimate strength. Both laminates survived 107 cycles at a maximum stress of 94.8 MPa but failed prior to 107 cycles at a maximum stress greater than or equal to 124.1 MPa. For the stress-lifetime diagram and residual strength, the woven laminate had superior properties below 104 cycles and the stitched laminate had superior properties above 105 cycles. While intralaminar crack density was higher in the stitched laminate, the woven laminate demonstrated a higher percentage of delaminated area.
Providing Evidence-Based Care, Day and Night: A Quality Improvement Initiative to Improve Intensive Care Unit Patient Sleep Quality
Authors: Douglas Stuart L. , Hobbs Hailey A. , Sibley Stephanie R. , Digby Geneviève C.
Published: September 2020

Objective:

Evidence-based guidelines recommend promoting sleep in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), yet many patients experience poor sleep quality. We sought to engage allied health staff and patient families to determine barriers to sleep promotion, to measure sleep quality for ICU patients, and to evaluate the improvement in sleep quality after implementation of nursing morning report protocol and a doorway poster.

Design:

The study followed an interrupted time-series framework of quality improvement. Qualitative diagnostics included focus groups and interviews with patients, families, and allied health care workers, analyzed by qualitative descriptive analysis. Quantitative diagnostics included direct observation of nurses and patients overnight. Analysis of primary outcome data used statistical process control methodology.

Patients:

Patients included were >18 years old, admitted overnight to a Canadian tertiary academic ICU, with a Richards Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) ≥−2.

Interventions:

Sleep quality was measured using the Richards Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ). Two interventions were developed: sleep quality in morning nursing report, and a doorway poster.

Main results:

A total of 2332 patient nights across 7 consecutive months were included for analysis. Baseline sleep in the ICU was poor (mean RCSQ 53.7/100). Root cause-analysis identified the most prominent sleep barriers as nurse stigma associated with less active management of patients and lack of physician engagement. No significant improvement occurred over the sleep quality improvement initiative (mean RCSQ 59.5/100). Sleep quality was better among non-delirious patients compared with delirious patients (mean RCSQ 62.7 vs 53.3).

Conclusion:

The intervention of a nursing morning report protocol and sleep posters did not improve the quality of ICU patient sleep in this study. Structured interviews revealed potential sleep barriers to be addressed such as nursing stigma and inappropriate awakenings. Nursing stigma has not been previously linked to sleep quality.
Does Prior Civilian Trauma Moderate the Relationship Between Combat Trauma and Post-deployment Mental Health Symptoms?
Authors: George Brianna A. , Bountress Kaitlin E. , Brown Ruth C. , Hawn Sage E. , Weida Emily A. Brown , McDonald Scott D. , Pickett Treven , Danielson Carla Kmett , Sheerin Christina M. , Amstadter Ananda B.
Published: September 2020

In addition to combat trauma, childhood and adult non-military, interpersonal trauma exposures have been linked to a range of psychiatric symptoms (e.g., alcohol use problems, posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], depression symptoms) in veterans. However, few studies simultaneously explore the associations between these civilian and combat trauma types and mental health outcomes. Using a sample of combat-exposed veterans who were previously deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan ( N = 302), this study sought to (a) understand the independent associations of civilian interpersonal trauma (i.e., childhood trauma and non-military adult trauma) and combat-related trauma with post-deployment alcohol use, PTSD symptoms, and depressive symptoms, respectively and (b) to examine the interactive effects of trauma type to test whether childhood and non-military adult trauma moderate the association of combat trauma with these outcomes. A path analytic framework was used to allow for the simultaneous prediction of these associations. In the final model non-military adult trauma and combat trauma were found to be significantly associated with PTSD symptoms and depression symptoms, but not average amount of drinks consumed per drinking day. Childhood trauma was not associated with any outcomes (i.e., PTSD symptoms, depression symptoms, average amount of drinks consumed per day). Only combat trauma was significantly associated with average amount of drinks consumed per day. Results underscore the importance of assessing multiple trauma types and considering trauma as a non-specific risk factor, as different trauma types may differentially predict various mental health outcomes other than PTSD. Further, results highlight the noteworthiness of considering co-occurring outcomes within the veteran community. Limitations, future directions, and implications of diversity are discussed.
Human-machine-environment information fusion and control compensation strategy for large optical mirror processing system
Authors: Jin Zujin , Cheng Gang , Chen Shibiao , Guo Feng
Published: September 2020

Large optical mirrors require an ultra-precise machining equipment, and a high level of surface-forming precision must be achieved. However, optical mirror processing systems (OMPSs) are susceptible to human behaviors, mechanical structural errors, and processing environments. The factors that affect quality include artificially formulated processes, slurry choice, joint friction, force-induced deformation, ambient temperature, and vibration interference. These factors can lead to a decrease in the accuracy of an OMPS. To study the influence of disturbances in the human-machine-environment (HME) on the OMPS, it is necessary to conduct a fusion analysis of the related factors. A parameter analysis is first conducted on the HME factors that influence the accuracy of OMPS. Then, the factors that influence the accuracy most significantly are determined. Subsequently, with the influencing factors as input parameters, and the output forces of the computer-controlled optical surface (CCOS) grinding system as the output parameters, the HME influencing factors are fused through a BP neural network optimized using a genetic algorithm, and the result is compared with that resulting from the original BP neural network fusion. Finally, according to the results of the fusion, environmental control of the processing system is performed, and the feedforward PD control compensation measures are established for the joint friction. An experimental analysis is also conducted to verify the effect of the information fusion and error compensation on the accuracy of the OMPS.