bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Motor Imagery Tasks from Multi-Channel EEG Data for Brain-Computer Interface Applications
Authors: Miah Md. Ochiuddin , Rahman Md. Mahfuzur , Muhammod Rafsanjani , Farid Dewan Md.
Published: April 2020

The classification ofmotorimageryelectroencephalogram (MI-EEG) is a pivotal part of the biosignal classification in thebrain-computerinterface (BCI) applications. Currently, this bio-engineering based technology is being employed by researchers in various fields to develop cutting edge applications. The classification of real-time MI-EEG signal is the core computing and challenging task in these applications. It is well-known that the existing classification methods are not so accurate due to the high dimensionality and dynamic behaviors of the real-time EEG data. To improve the classification performance of real-time BCI applications, this paper presents a clustering-based ensemble technique and a developed brain game that distinguishes different human thoughts. At first, we have gathered the brain signals, extracted and selected informative features from these signals to generate training and testing sets. After that, we have constructed several classifiers using Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), naïve Bayes, Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest, Bagging, AdaBoost and compared the performance of these existing approaches with suggested clustering-based ensemble technique. On average, the proposed ensemble technique improved the classification accuracy of roughly 5 to 15% compared to the existing methods. Finally, we have developed the targeted brain game employing our suggested ensemble technique. In this game, real-time EEG signal classification and prediction tabulation through animated ball are controlled via threads. By playing this game, users can control the movements of the balls via the brain signals of motor imagery movements without using any traditional input devices. All relevant codes are available via open repository at:https://github.com/mrzResearchArena/MI-EEG.
Discovering loop conformational flexibility in T4 lysozyme mutants through artificial intelligence aided molecular dynamics
Authors: Smith Zachary , Ravindra Pavan , Wang Yihang , Cooley Rory , Tiwary Pratyush
Published: April 2020

Proteins sample a variety of conformations distinct from their crystal structure. These structures, their propensities, and pathways for moving between them contain enormous information about protein function that is hidden from a purely structural perspective. Molecular dynamics simulations can uncover these higher energy states but often at a prohibitively high computational cost. Here we apply our recent statistical mechanics and artificial intelligence based molecular dynamics framework for enhanced sampling of protein loops in three mutants of the protein T4 lysozyme. We are able to correctly rank these according to the stability of their excited state. By analyzing reaction coordinates, we also obtain crucial insight into why these specific perturbations in sequence space lead to tremendous variations in conformational flexibility. Our framework thus allows accurate comparison of loop conformation populations with minimal prior human bias, and should be directly applicable to a range of macromolecules in biology, chemistry and beyond.
Investigating Deep Feedforward Neural Networks for Classification of Transposon-Derived piRNAs
Authors: da Costa Alisson Hayasi , dos Santos Renato Augusto C. , Cerri Ricardo
Published: April 2020

PIWI-Interacting RNAs (piRNAs) form an important class of non-coding RNAs that play a key role in the genome integrity through the silencing of transposable elements. However, despite their importance and the large application of deep learning in computational biology for classification tasks, there are few studies of deep learning and neural networks for piRNAs prediction. Therefore, this paper presents an investigation on deep feedforward networks models for classification of transposon-derived piRNAs. We analyze and compare the results of the neural networks in different hyperparameters choices, such as number of layers, activation functions and optimizers, clarifying the advantages and disadvantages of each configuration. From this analysis, we propose a model for human piRNAs classification and compare our method with the state-of-the-art deep neural network for piRNA prediction in the literature and also traditional machine learning algorithms, such as Support Vector Machines and Random Forests, showing that our model has achieved a great performance with an F-measure value of 0.872, outperforming the state-of-the-art method in the literature.
CBRPP: a new RNA-centric method to study RNA-protein interactions
Authors: Li Yunfei , Liu Shengde , Cao Lili , Luo Yujie , Du Hongqiang , Li Siji , You Fuping
Published: April 2020

RNA-protein interactions play essential roles in tuning gene expression at RNA level and modulating the function of proteins. Abnormal RNA-protein interactions lead to cell dysfunction and human diseases. Therefore, mapping networks of RNA-protein interactions is crucial for understanding cellular mechanism and pathogenesis of diseases. Different practical protein-centric methods for studying RNA-protein interactions has been reported, but few RNA-centric methods exist. Here, we developed CRISPR-based RNA proximity proteomics (CBRPP), a new RNA-centric method to identify proteins associated with the target RNA in native cellular context without cross-linking or RNA manipulation in vitro. CBRPP is based on a fusion of dCas13 and proximity-based labeling (PBL) enzyme. dCas13 can deliver PBL enzyme to the target RNA with high specificity, while PBL enzyme labels the surrounding proteins of the target RNA, which are then identified by mass spectrometry.
A causal model of the declaration intention of banks for suspected money-laundering transactions based on organizational commitment perspective
Authors: Chan Te-En , Chan Ya-Hui , Lin Shu-Ping
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Anti-money laundering has attracted much global attention, driving banks to invest in the establishment of suspicious transaction report mechanisms for the declaration of suspicious transactions. However, very few studies discuss how to influence bank employees to proactively declare suspicious transactions. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to, based on an organizational commitment perspective, establish a causal model that can assist banks to identify key factors affecting the intention to declare suspicious transactions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study first summarized five factors – regulatory focus, organization climate, situational constraints, personality traits and role stress – and their composition constructs as the basis for measurements. An interview-based survey of nine Taiwanese banks was conducted. Then, this study adopted the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory method to analyse the interplay between the five factors to identify the causal model and to explore the differences in the effects of the key factors, arising from the different organizational and job patterns, on the intention to declare suspicious transactions.

Findings

The results show that regulatory focus and organizational climate are the most important causal factors affecting employees’ intention to declare suspicious transactions, whereas role stress and personality traits are the most influenced effect factors. In addition, this study also confirmed that under different organizational and job patterns, the understanding of employees will change.

Originality/value

This paper provides insight into the interplay between the five factors based on an organizational commitment perspective. The findings can assist banks in managing and monitoring the implementation of the suspicious transaction report mechanism.
Femoral nerve blocks for the treatment of acute pre‐hospital pain: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Raatiniemi Lasse , Magnusson Vidar , Hyldmo Per K. , Friesgaard Kristian D. , Kongstad Poul , Kurola Jouni , Larsen Robert , Rehn Marius , Rognås Leif , Sandberg Mårten , Vist Gunn E.
Published: April 2020

Background

Pain management is one of the most important interventions in the emergency medical services. The femoral nerve block (FNB) is, among other things, indicated for pre‐ and post‐operative pain management for patients with femoral fractures but its role in the pre‐hospital setting has not been determined. The aim of this review was to assess the effect and safety of the FNB in comparison to other forms of analgesia (or no treatment) for managing acute lower extremity pain in adult patients in the pre‐hospital setting.

Methods

A systematic review (PROSPERO registration (CRD42018114399)) was conducted. The Cochrane and GRADE methods were used to assess outcomes. Two authors independently reviewed each study for eligibility, extracted the data and performed risk of bias assessments.

Results

Four studies with a total of 252 patients were included. Two RCTs (114 patients) showed that FNB may reduce pain more effectively than metamizole (mean difference 32 mm on a 100 mm VAS (95% CI 24 to 40)). One RCT (48 patients) compared the FNB with lidocaine and magnesium sulphate to FNB with lidocaine alone and was only included here for information regarding adverse effects. One case series included 90 patients. Few adverse events were reported in the included studies. The certainty of evidence was very low. We found no studies comparing FNB to inhaled analgesics, opioids or ketamine.

Conclusions

Evidence regarding the effectiveness and adverse effects of pre‐hospital FNB is limited. Studies comparing pre‐hospital FNB to inhaled analgesics, opioids or ketamine are lacking.
Ultrasound‐guided transmuscular quadratus lumborum catheters for elective caesarean section: A protocol for a single‐centre, double‐blind randomised trial
Authors: Steingrímsdóttir Guðný E. , Hansen Christian K. , Børglum Jens
Published: April 2020

Background

Management of moderate‐to‐severe post‐operative pain after elective caesarean section (ECS) is internationally primarily based on either epidural catheters or opioids. However, both techniques are associated with some undesirable adverse events. Bilateral transmuscular quadratus lumborum (TQL) block has proven to reduce opioid consumption significantly in the first 24 post‐operative hours following ECS and prolong time to first opioid (TFO) (Hansen CKD, Steingrimsdottir M, Laier GE, et al. Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2019; 10.1136/rapm‐2019‐100540). We present a randomised controlled trial aiming to investigate whether continuous analgesia via bilateral TQL catheters can prolong TFO after ECS.

Methods

This study is a double‐blind, randomised, placebo‐controlled trial. Patients should be 18 years or older and scheduled for ECS under spinal anaesthesia to be included. Main exclusion criteria are inability to cooperate, excessive daily intake of opioids and difficult ultrasound visualisation of muscular and fascial structures. Participants are randomised to receive ultrasound‐guided injection of either 30 mL ropivacaine 0.2% bilaterally and an elastomeric pump containing 0.2% ropivacaine, or 30 mL saline bilaterally and an elastomeric pump containing saline, 2 hours after catheter placement. The primary endpoint is TFO. Secondary outcomes include pain intensity on a numeric rating scale (NRS), accumulated morphine consumption during 24 hours, displacement frequency of catheters and morphine‐related adverse events.

Recruitment period

Four patients were included from September 2018 to November 2018. Inclusion was resumed in June 2019 and will continue until 24 patients with useful data have been included in the trial. Expected inclusion period is 10‐14 months.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03663478.

EudraCT: 2017‐003625‐15.
Patient and clinician perspectives on a patient‐facing dashboard that visualizes patient reported outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Liu Lucy H. , Garrett Sarah B. , Li Jing , Ragouzeos Dana , Berrean Beth , Dohan Daniel , Katz Patricia P. , Barton Jennifer L. , Yazdany Jinoos , Schmajuk Gabriela
Published: April 2020

Background

Poor patient‐clinician communication around patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) is a barrier to the effective management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We aimed to develop an RA ‘dashboard’ that could facilitate conversations about PROs and that would be acceptable to a wide range of patients, including English and Spanish speakers and patients with adequate or limited health literacy.

Methods

A diverse group of RA patients along with clinicians from two academic rheumatology clinics joined separate focus groups. We solicited feedback and made iterative changes to mock‐ups of an RA dashboard that visualized PROs using a human‐centred design process. We used the thematic analysis method to identify and characterize themes from the focus groups and used these insights to refine the dashboard.

Results

We conducted six focus groups involving 25 RA patients and three groups with 11 clinicians. Patients and clinicians agreed that the dashboard could enhance communication about PROs and RA disease activity and could promote patient self‐management. Patients varied in their (a) comprehension, (b) preferences for the display and features of the dashboard, and (c) desired uses for the dashboard. Clinicians expressed significant concerns about the logistics of using the dashboard in clinical practice.

Conclusion

Using principles of human‐centred design, we created an RA dashboard that was well‐accepted among patients and clinicians. The ability to customize the data display is important for tailoring the dashboard to patients with diverse needs and preferences. Special attention should be given to feasibility concerns voiced by clinicians.
Accountability and Community on the Internet: A Plea for Restorative Justice
Authors: Kane Laura Wildemann
Published: April 2020

In this article, I analyze norm enforcement on social media, specifically cases where an agent has committed a moral transgression online and is brought to account by an Internet mob with incongruously injurious results in their offline life. I argue that users problematically imagine that they are members of a particular kind of moral community where shaming behaviors are not only acceptable, but morally required to ‘take down’ those who appear to violate community norms. I then demonstrate the costs that are associated with this strategy; the most worrisome being those that distort the nature of moral dialog and the purpose and effectiveness of accountability practices online, creating a vitriolic and polarising online environment. Because of these negative consequences, I suggest that we ought to hold others accountable for restorative ends. I argue that restorative accountability practices can help us cultivate new norms online that rely less for their enforcement upon negative acts such as shame, and more upon positive acts that focus upon the most appropriate way to make amends to the victim(s) and the community. In this sense, restorative accountability incorporates important elements from the ethics of care, a relational ethics that values creating, promoting, and restoring good social and personal relationships. I conclude by arguing that accountability practices premised on the ethics of care produce better outcomes for the victim(s) of a moral violation, the transgressor, and the community.
Effects of self‐management education for persons with Parkinson's disease and their care partners: A qualitative observational study in clinical care
Authors: Hellqvist Carina , Berterö Carina , Hagell Peter , Dizdar Nil , Sund‐Levander Märta
Published: April 2020

Persons with Parkinson's disease and their care partners want support from health care to develop the skills to handle everyday life with the long‐term condition. Earlier findings indicate that participants of the self‐management program Swedish National Parkinson School experience several benefits of the program. The purpose of this qualitative observational study was to explore if participants had implemented the strategies of self‐monitoring included in the program and use them to communicate health care status and needs in clinical encounters. Data were collected 3 to 15 months after participation in the program and analyzed using constant comparative analysis. Three categories were evident: “Self‐observation in everyday life,” “Self‐care activities to promote health,” and “Managing emotional impact of Parkinson's Disease.” Categories were linked together in a core category that highlight the use of self‐management strategies described by participants during clinical encounters. Results confirmed that persons with Parkinson's disease and care partners use the techniques of self‐observation in their everyday lives. Observations of effects in clinical care can be a valuable approach to evaluate the outcomes educational interventions and their benefits for individuals and health care.
Aldous Huxley’s search for unity
Authors: Matic Andrija
Published: April 2020

Eyeless in Gaza (1936) is usually considered Huxley’s most complex work; it makes a break with his social novels of the twenties and establishes him as a proponent of mysticism. However, scholarly analyses of this novel are mostly limited to its non‐linear structure and mystical passages. This paper analyzes epiphanies as important structural and thematic elements of Eyeless in Gaza. Our focus is not only on Anthony Beavis as a protagonist, but also on minor characters such as Helen Ledwidge and Brian Foxe. This paper shows that epiphanies in Eyeless in Gaza anticipate the major ideas of The Perennial Philosophy and The Doors of Perception. We also indicate that Huxley’s use of epiphanies defines his views on Romantic pantheism and positions his literature in the Modernist context.
On Nonlinear Rotating Non-Newtonian Jets With Ambient Flows
Authors: Riahi Daniel N.
Published: April 2020

We consider the problem of nonlinear rotating non-Newtonian jets in the presence of ambient flows. Using the original governing system of equations for such jet flows, we use scaling and perturbation techniques to reduce such system to a simplified one where the stress tensor is governed by Giesekus constitutive equations. We develop a method to take into account the effect of the ambient flow, which usually exists due to the externally imposed rotational constraint, on the formation of the non-Newtonian jet. We compute numerically the nonlinear steady solutions for the jet and determine expressions for the jet quantities like speed, stretching rate, radius, strain rate, and tensile force. These quantities are calculated for different values of the parameters such as those due to the ambient flow and viscoelasticity. We find that the ambient flow is stabilizing so that the strain rate, stretching rate, speed, and tensile force decrease with increase in the ambient flow effect, while the jet radius increases with such effect. The viscoelasticity of the fiber jet reduces notably the stabilizing effect of the ambient flow on the jet quantities, but the stabilizing effect of the ambient flow increases with the arc length of the jet centerline.
Comment on “Late Upper Paleolithic occupation at Cooper’s Ferry, Idaho, USA, ~16,000 years ago”
Authors: Manning Sturt W.
Published: April 2020

Davis
et al
. (Research Articles, 30 August 2019, p. 891) report human occupation at Cooper’s Ferry, Idaho, USA, ~16,000 years ago, well before Greenland Interstadial 1 (GI-1). Critical review suggests that this early date is not supported by the evidence. Human occupation might have begun in the mid-16th millennium before the present, but would have been more likely after ~15,000 years ago, coeval with GI-1.
Spin pumping gathers speed
Authors: Hoffmann Axel
Published: April 2020

Coherent spin pumping from an antiferromagnet into a metal occurs at ∼400 gigahertz
Tree diversity reduced to the bare essentials
Authors: Bugmann Harald
Published: April 2020

Tropical forest dynamics can be explained by merely two functional trait axes
Functional responses in habitat use explain changes in animal–habitat interactions during forest succession
Authors: Le Borgne Hélène , Fortin Daniel
Published: April 2020

The growing rate of resource extraction forces increasing numbers of late-seral species to occupy habitats that are in early stages of succession. Sustainable management must maintain habitat features that are required for recovery of these species, which may be challenging because their response to those features can vary following nonsystematic trends during stages of succession. We investigated whether simple movement rules could explain such variations by assessing how movements of a late-seral species, the red-backed vole (Myodes gapperi (Vigors, 1830)), vary during postlogging forest succession using the spool and line technique in recent cuts, mid-successional forests, and old-growth forests. We found that voles moved selectively along coarse woody material (CWM), and this selection was weaker in mid-successional forests. This change was best explained by a simple functional response, whereby voles selected CWM more strongly in stands where canopy cover availability was moderately high. Likewise, voles more rapidly left patches that had high canopy cover when it was less available in stands and tended to spend more time in patches with high CWM volumes. Our study demonstrates that the highly dynamic nature of animal–habitat relationships observed during forest succession can be summarized by a few simple functional responses in movement and habitat selection.
Cosmic censorship in overcharging the Reissner–Nordström anti-de-Sitter black hole with Global Monopole charge
Authors: Ahmed Ayyesha K.
Published: April 2020

We investigate the cosmic censorship hypothesis for the Reissner–Nordström anti-de-Sitter black holes with global monopole charge. Considering the motion of the particle, we find that the overcharging is possible only for the anti-de-Sitter black hole showing violation of the cosmic censorship hypothesis. However, for the de-Sitter black hole, overcharging is not possible and hence there is no violation of the cosmic censorship hypothesis.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Physical Activity following Lung Transplantation: A National Cohort Study
Authors: Ulvestad Mariann , Durheim Michael Thomas , Kongerud Johny Steinar , Hansen Bjørge Herman , Lund May Brit , Edvardsen Elisabeth
Published: April 2020

Background: Low cardiorespiratory fitness and inactivity are common after lung transplantation (LTx). The causes of exercise intolerance are incompletely understood. Objectives: The aim of this study was to objectively assess cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity, evaluate causes of exercise intolerance, and explore clinical factors associated with cardiorespiratory fitness after bilateral LTx (BLTx). Materials and Methods: Peak oxygen uptake (V∙O2peak) and exercise-limiting factors were evaluated by a treadmill cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) 6–60 months after BLTx. Physical activity was measured with accelerometers, and results were compared with Norwegian normative data and the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations for physical activity. Results: In 54 included BLTx recipients (mean age 50 ± 15 years, 50% females), V∙O2peak (mL × kg–1 × min–1) was 21.8 ± 7.7 for men and 22.4 ± 6.2 for women, corresponding to 57 ± 17 and 70 ± 12% of predicted, respectively. Three patients (6%) met criteria for normal V∙O2peak. Deconditioning limited V∙O2peak in 22 patients (41%), while ventilatory limitation and abnormal gas exchange were observed in 14 (26%) and 20 (37%) patients, respectively (some had more than 1 finding). Forty-three patients (86%) did not meet the WHO physical activity recommendations. There was a moderate correlation between V∙O2peak and physical activity (r = 0.642, p < 0.01). Body mass index, physical activity, forced expiratory volume after 1 second, sex, and hemoglobin together accounted for 73% of the variability in V∙O2peak. Conclusions: Low cardiorespiratory fitness was observed in the majority of BLTx recipients. Both deconditioning and cardiopulmonary limitations were common findings. Nearly 90% were classified as being inactive according to physical activity recommendations. CPET appears to identify a deconditioned subgroup of BLTx recipients for whom exercise training may be especially beneficial.
An Update on Regional Nodal Irradiation: Indication, Target Volume Delineation, and Radiotherapy Techniques
Authors: Duma Marciana Nona
Published: April 2020

Background: Tremendous changes have occurred in the treatment of breast cancer. This paper reviews and unifies the available data on modern axillary management of breast cancer patients with focus on the target volume delineation for regional nodal irradiation according to the most important contouring guidelines, the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) and the Radiation Therapy and Oncology Group (RTOG). Summary: The use of extensive radiotherapy target volumes (level I, II, III, IV) is probably not necessary for all patients to reproduce the clinical benefit shown in the available randomized trials (EORTC, MA.20, AMAROS, Z0011). Nevertheless, given the results in the MA.20 trial, where the patients received more modern systemic therapies and high irradiation doses in the medial paraclavicular region (level IV) and level II, it can be justified to include these regions completely in selected high-risk patients. Key Messages: High-tangent irradiation results in a similar dose distribution in axillary levels I and II compared to the AMAROS treatment field design in some patients. This supports earlier assumptions that irradiation may have accounted for the good results after sentinel lymph node dissection alone in the Z0011 trial. The ESTRO and RTOG clinical target volume (CTV) definitions cover sufficiently the metastatic lymph node hotspots, with a better coverage for the ESTRO CTV. Further, contouring according to the ESTRO would spare a significantly larger part of the healthy lymphatic system, making it our preferred contouring atlas. Modern radiotherapy techniques, such as deep inspiration breath hold, should be cautiously employed in patients treated according to the inclusion criteria of the Z0011 as it will result in a lower dose to the axillary levels.
Clopidogrel Resistance in a Murine Model of Diet-Induced Obesity Is Mediated by the Interleukin-1 Receptor and Overcome With DT-678
Authors: Sun Yifang , Venugopal Jessica , Guo Chiao , Fan Yanbo , Li Jianping , Gong Yanjun , Chen Y. Eugene , Zhang Haoming , Eitzman Daniel T.
Published: April 2020

Objective:

Clopidogrel is a commonly used P2Y
12
inhibitor to treat and prevent arterial thrombotic events. Clopidogrel is a prodrug that requires bioactivation by CYP (cytochrome P450) enzymes to exert antiplatelet activity. Diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased risk of ischemic events, and impaired ability to generate the active metabolite (AM) from clopidogrel. The objective of this study is to identify the mechanism of clopidogrel resistance in a murine model of diet-induced obesity (DIO).

Approach and Results:

C57BL/6J mice and IL-1R
−/−
mice were given high-fat diet for 10 weeks to generate a murine model of diet-induced obesity. Platelet aggregation and carotid arterial thrombosis were assessed in response to clopidogrel treatment. Wild-type DIO mice exhibited resistance to antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects of clopidogrel that was associated with reduced hepatic expression of CYP genes and reduced generation of the AM. IL (Interleukin)-1 receptor-deficient DIO (IL1R
−/−
DIO) mice showed no resistance to clopidogrel. Lack of resistance was accompanied by increased exposure of the clopidogrel AM. This resistance was also absent when wild-type DIO mice were treated with the conjugate of the clopidogrel AM, DT-678.

Conclusions:

These findings indicate that antiplatelet effects of clopidogrel may be impaired in the setting of diabetes mellitus due to reduced prodrug bioactivation related to IL-1 receptor signaling. Therapeutic targeting of P2Y
12
in patients with diabetes mellitus using the conjugate of clopidogrel AM may lead to improved outcomes.
Sex Differences in Quality of Life and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Advanced Heart Failure
Authors: Truby Lauren K. , O’Connor Christopher , Fiuzat Mona , Stebbins Amanda , Coles Adrian , Patel Chetan B. , Granger Bradi , Pagidipati Neha , Agarwal Richa , Rymer Jennifer , Lowenstern Angela , Douglas Pamela S. , Tulsky James , Rogers Joseph G. , Mentz Robert J.
Published: April 2020

Background:

Palliative care improves quality of life in patients with heart failure. Whether men and women with heart failure derive similar benefit from palliative care interventions remains unknown.

Methods:

In a secondary analysis of the PAL-HF trial (Palliative Care in Heart Failure), we analyzed differences in quality of life among men and women with heart failure and assessed for differential effects of the palliative care intervention by sex. Differences in clinical characteristics and quality-of-life metrics were compared between men and women at serial time points. The primary outcome was change in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire score between baseline and 24 weeks.

Results:

Among the 71 women and 79 men, there was a significant difference in baseline Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (24.5 versus 36.2, respectively;
P
=0.04) but not Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Palliative Care scale (115.7 versus 120.3;
P
=0.27) scores. Among those who received the palliative care intervention (33 women and 42 men), women’s quality-of-life score remained lower than that of men after enrollment. Treated men’s scores were significantly higher than those untreated (6-month Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, 68.0 [interquartile range, 52.6–85.7] versus 41.1[interquartile range, 32.0–78.3];
P
=0.047), whereas the difference between treated and untreated women was not significantly different (
P
=0.39). Rates of death and rehospitalization, as well as the composite end point, were similar between treated and untreated women and men.

Conclusions:

In the PAL-HF trial, women with heart failure experienced a greater symptom burden and poorer quality of life as compared with men. The change in treated men’s Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire score between baseline and 24 weeks was significantly higher than those untreated; this trend was not observed in women. Thus, there may be a sex disparity in response to palliative care intervention, suggesting that sex-specific approaches to palliative care may be needed to improve outcomes.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT0158960.
Defect-Tolerant Architectures for Nanoelectronic Crossbar Memories
Authors: Strukov Dmitri B. , Likharev Konstantin K.
Published: April 2020

We have calculated the maximum useful bit density that may be achieved by the synergy of bad bit exclusion and advanced (BCH) error correcting codes in prospective crossbar nanoelectronic memories, as a function of defective memory cell fraction. While our calculations are based on
a particular ("CMOL") memory topology, with naturally segmented nanowires and an area-distributed nano/CMOS interface, for realistic parameters our results are also applicable to "global" crossbar memories with peripheral interfaces. The results indicate that the crossbar memories with a nano/CMOS
pitch ratio close to 1/3 (which is typical for the current, initial stage of the nanoelectronics development) may overcome purely semiconductor memories in useful bit density if the fraction of nanodevice defects (stuck-on-faults) is below ∼15%, even under rather tough, 30 ns upper bound
on the total access time. Moreover, as the technology matures, and the pitch ratio approaches an order of magnitude, the crossbar memories may be far superior to the densest semiconductor memories by providing, e.g., a 1 Tbit/cm2 density even for a plausible defect fraction of 2%.
These highly encouraging results are much better than those reported in literature earlier, including our own early work, mostly due to more advanced error correcting codes.
Field Dependence of Switching Currents in an Exchange Biased Spin Valve
Authors: Nguyen Hoang Yen Thi , Joo Sung-Jung , Jung Kuyoul , Shin Kyung-Ho
Published: April 2020

Current induced magnetic reversal due to spin transfer torque is a promising candidate in advanced information storage technology. It has been intensively studied. This work reports the field-dependence of switching-currents for current induced magnetization switching in a uncoupled
nano-sized cobalt-based spin valve of exchange biased type. The dependency is investigated in hysteretic regime at room temperature, in comparison with that of a trilayer simple spin valve. In the simple spin valve, the switching currents behave to the positive and the negative applied magnetic
field symmetrically. In the exchange biased type, in contrast, the switching currents respond to the negative field in a quite unusual and different manner than to the positive field. A negative magnetic field then can shift the switching-currents into either negative or positive current range,
dependently on whether a parallel or an antiparallel state of the spin valve was produced by that field. This different character of switching currents in the negative field range can be explained by the effect of the exchange bias pinning field on the spin-polarizer (the fixed Co layer) of
the exchange biased spin valve. That unidirectional pinning filed could suppress the thermal magnetization fluctuation in the spin-polarizer, leading to a higher spin polarization of the current, and hence a lower switching current density than in the simple spin valve.
Statin and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus infection: a meta-analysis
Authors: Li Xiaofei , Sheng Lina , Liu Liwen , Hu Yongtao , Chen Yongxin , Lou Lianqing
Published: April 2020

Background

Statin may confer anticancer effect. However, the association between statin and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C (HCV) virus infection remains inconsistent according to results of previous studies. A meta-analysis was performed to summarize current evidence.

Methods

Related follow-up studies were obtained by systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane’s Library, and Embase databases. A random-effect model was used to for the meta-analysis. Stratified analyses were performed to evaluate the influences of study characteristics on the outcome.

Results

Thirteen studies with 519,707 patients were included. Statin use was associated with reduced risk of HCC in these patients (risk ratio [RR]: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.44 to 0.66, p < 0.001; I2 = 86%). Stratified analyses showed that the association between statin use and reduced HCC risk was consistent in patients with HBV or HCV infection, in elder (≥ 50 years) or younger (< 50 years) patients, in males or females, in diabetic or non-diabetic, and in those with or without cirrhosis (all p < 0.05). Moreover, lipophilic statins was associated with a reduced HCC risk (RR: 0.52, p < 0.001), but not for hydrophilic statins (RR: 0.89, p = 0.21). The association was more remarkable in patients with highest statin accumulative dose compared to those with lowest accumulative dose (p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Satin use was independently associated with a reduced risk of HCC in patients with HBV or HCV infection.
Impact of superimposed nephrological care to guidelines-directed management by primary care physicians of patients with stable chronic kidney disease: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Saudan Patrick , Ponte Belen , Marangon Nicola , Martinez Chantal , Berchtold Lena , Jaques David , Ernandez Thomas , de Seigneux Sophie , Carballo Sebastian , Perneger Thomas , Martin Pierre-Yves
Published: April 2020

Background

Optimal clinical care of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaboration between primary care physicians (PCPs) and nephrologists. We undertook a randomised trial to determine the impact of superimposed nephrologist care compared to guidelines-directed management by PCPs in CKD patients after hospital discharge.

Methods

Stage 3b-4 CKD patients were enrolled during a hospitalization and randomised in two arms: Co-management by PCPs and nephrologists (interventional arm) versus management by PCPs with written instructions and consultations by nephrologists on demand (standard care). Our primary outcome was death or rehospitalisation within the 2 years post-randomisation. Secondary outcomes were: urgent renal replacement therapy (RRT), decline of renal function and decrease of quality of life at 2 years.

Results

From November 2009 to the end of June 2013, we randomised 242 patients. Mean follow-up was 51 + 20 months. Survival without rehospitalisation, GFR decline and elective dialysis initiation did not differ between the two arms. Quality of life was also similar in both groups. Compared to randomised patients, those who either declined to participate in the study or were previously known by nephrologists had a worse survival.

Conclusion

These results do not demonstrate a benefit of a regular renal care compared to guided PCPs care in terms of survival or dialysis initiation in CKD patients. Increased awareness of renal disease management among PCPs may be as effective as a co-management by PCPs and nephrologists in order to improve the prognosis of moderate-to-severe CKD.

Trial registration

This study was registered on June 29, 2009 in clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00929760) and adheres to CONSORT 2010 guidelines.
Shale gas in South America. From the United States’ Energy Security to the promises of a regional boom
Authors: Rabbia Noemí Soledad
Published: April 2020

Even though oil continues leading energy discussions worldwide the share of natural gas in total energy is expected to equal that of oil by 2030. The United States (US) has played a key role in that transition: in the last two decades a qualitative technological leap forward has driven this country to an energy revival through the exploration and production of unconventional gas and oil.Since its independence Latin America has been considered theUnited States‘ backyard with notorious emphasis in Central American andCaribbeancountries. However, the increasing energy potential that others Latin American countries like Argentina and Brazil have turned to posses in the unconventional hydrocarbons industry have led to a renewed interest in the region beyond its traditional partners. The aim of this paper is to explore what could be the interest for theUSin shale developments inSouth America; which are the countries with more potential in developing shale gas industries based on their reserves and above ground factors; and which is the current state of the foreseen South American shale revolution.
Ambiguous belonging: Media practices among Syrians in Denmark
Authors: Yonus Zenia
Published: April 2020

This article presents two prevailing media orientations among Syrian migrants in Denmark. The purpose is to show how Syrians relate to, and evaluate, mediated content, and how it relates to political action. The orientations are dyadic, and represent both news about the conflict in Syria, as well as Danish politics – migration policies in particular. The first is the ambivalent-localizing orientation that mirrors the twofold orientation towards both Danish and Syrian political events; and the second is the informed-obliterate, in which Syrians choose to drop out of media content about Syria due to mental health issues, or fear for their families still in Syria. The study shows how media practices among diasporic Syrians in Denmark are multidimensional, and puts forward the complexities of identity processes between here and there, between political activism and demobilization, and between gratitude for being safe and never feeling safe. The argument is that, these multi-local processes involve multiple interdependent factors, diverse encounters, as well as a variety of struggles in belonging. Syrians consequently lack agency as well as social, media and political recognition.
Imobilização enzimática em suportes orgânicos e inorgânicos: vantagens e desvantagens
Authors: Queissada Daniel Delgado , Da Silva Jesiel Alves
Published: April 2020

O interesse na imobilização enzimática é alcançar um biocatalisador com atividade e estabilidade que não sejam afetadas durante o processo e que proporcione o máximo de reutilização da enzima frente aos parâmetros que podem inativar a mesma (temperatura, solventes orgânicos, etc.), cooperando com o meio ambiente e, ao mesmo tempo, otimizando a produção industrial. Este trabalho tem como objetivo principal descrever a imobilização enzimática em suportes orgânicos e inorgânicos, destacando as principais vantagens e desvantagens de cada sistema.Conclui-se que o uso da imobilização enzimática é menos prejudicial para o meio ambiente, contudo a escolha do melhor tipo de suporte, dependendo do objetivo da produção, é fundamental para o sucesso, tanto ambiental como industrial, do processo. Assim, deve-se levar em consideração as principais vantagens e desvantagens de cada técnica utilizada.
RANCANGAN DISTRIBUSI LPG 3 KG BERDASARKAN KEBIJAKAN DISTRIBUSI SISTEM TERTUTUP DI WILAYAH PEMASARAN KOTA BANDUNG
Authors: Nurbani Sofiani Nalwin
Published: April 2020

Pada tahun 2007 Pemerintah mulai melakukan konversi dari minyak tanah ke LPG 3 kg. Untuk mengatasi kelangkaan LPG 3 kg, Pertamina dan Pemerintah mulai melakukan perbaikan yang salah satunya adalah merubah sistem distribusi LPG 3 kg yang awalnya distribusi Sistem Terbuka menjadi distribusi Sistem Tertutup. Optimasi distribusi LPG 3kg dengan sistem terbuka dan sistem tertutup dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode Transportasi dengan linear programming. Perhitungan optimasi maka perhitungan dilakukan dengan bantuan software excel Analytic Solver Platform, sehingga didapatkan bahwa Ongkos Transportasi LPG 3kg berdasarkan Sistem Terbuka sebesar Rp.8.319.765.767,07 sedangkan untuk Sistem Tertutup sebesar Rp.8.724.410.280,30. Hasil akhir pengelompokan coverage area SPPBE berdasarkan sistem tertutup adalah SPPBE 1 memiliki wilayah pemasaran sejumlah 12 Agen dengan kapasitas SPPBE yang terpakai sebesar 867.473 tabung per bulan. SPPBE 2 memiliki wilayah pemasaran sejumlah 12 Agen dengan kapasitas SPPBE 2 yang terpakai yaitu sebesar 1.053.607 tabung per bulan. SPPBE 4 memiliki wilayah pemasaran sebanyak 7 Agen dengan kapasitas yang terpakai yaitu sebesar sebesar 802.747 tabung per bulan. Penelitian secara kualitatif dilakukan bertujuan untuk mengetahui kriteria-kriteria yang dibutuhkan dalam menentukan lokasi pendirian SPPBE baru. Perhitungan berdasarkan metode AHP dilakukan dengan  software expertchoise. Hasil akhir pengukuran metode AHP diperoleh bahwa alternatif lokasi yang memiliki prioritas tertinggi adalah wilayah Kecamatan Gedebage.
Criterion Validity, and Interunit and Between-Day Reliability of the FLEX for Measuring Barbell Velocity During Commonly Used Resistance Training Exercises
Authors: Weakley Jonathon , Chalkley Daniel , Johnston Rich , García-Ramos Amador , Townshend Andrew , Dorrell Harry , Pearson Madison , Morrison Matthew , Cole Michael
Published: April 2020

Weakley, J, Chalkley, D, Johnston, R, García-Ramos, A, Townshend, A, Dorrell, H, Pearson, M, Morrison, M, and Cole, M. Criterion validity, and interunit and between-day reliability of the FLEX for measuring barbell velocity during commonly used resistance training exercises. J Strength Cond Res 34(6): 1519–1524, 2020—The aim of this study was to assess the criterion validity, interunit reliability (accounting for technological and biological variance), and between-day reliability of a novel optic laser device (FLEX) for quantifying mean concentric velocity. To assess the validity against a three-dimensional motion capture system and interunit reliability with both technological and biological variation, 18 men and women completed repetitions at 20, 40, 60, 80, 90, and 100% of one repetition maximum in the free-weight barbell back squat and bench press. To assess interunit (technological only) reliability, a purpose-built, calibrated rig completed a set protocol with 2 devices. To assess between-day reliability of the technology, the same protocol was repeated 21 days later. Standardized bias, typical error of the estimate (TEE; %), and Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) were used to assess validity, whereas typical error and coefficient of variation (CV%) were calculated for reliability. Overall, TEE (±90 CL) between the FLEX and criterion measure was 0.03 (±0.004) and 0.04 (±0.005) m·s−1 in the back squat and bench press, respectively. For measures of reliability, overall interunit technological variance (CV% [± 90% confidence interval]) was 3.96% (3.83–4.12) but increased to 9.82% (9.31–10.41) and 9.83% (9.17–10.61) in the back squat and bench press, respectively, when biological variance was introduced. Finally, the overall between-day reliability was 3.77% (3.63–3.91). These findings demonstrate that the FLEX provides valid and reliable mean concentric velocity outputs across a range of velocities. Thus, practitioners can confidently implement this device for the monitoring and prescription of resistance training loads.
Follow-up of low risk thyroid cancer patients: can we stop follow-up after 5 years of complete remission?
Authors: Lamartina Livia , Handkiewicz-Junak Daria
Published: April 2020

Each year, the proportion of thyroid cancer patients presenting with low-risk disease is increasing. The shift in the landscape of thyroid cancer presentation is forcing clinicians to re-evaluate not only management but also surveillance paradigms. During the follow-up, patients are stratified considering their response to treatment and classified into one of the following response categories: excellent, biochemical incomplete, structural incomplete, or indeterminate. These categories reflect a real-time prognosis and thereby substantially influence and personalise disease management. Although at present, no guideline recommends stopping differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) surveillance at any particular time point, the relatively low prevalence of treatment failures in low-risk patients may prompt early discontinuation of surveillance in this subgroup. Therefore, this debate will present an overview of the controversies surrounding the surveillance of low-risk patients with DTC.