bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hollow Receiving Coil and Single Turn Element Analysis on Power for Wireless Capsule Endoscopy
Authors: Kuang Shuai , Yan Guozheng , Wang Zhiwu , Jiang Pingping , Han Ding
Published: July 2020

Wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) is more and more popular in noninvasive detection on gastrointestinal (GI) disease. But the power supply is still a bottleneck. Insufficient power reduces image resolution and frame rate of data transfer, thus, unreliable medical diagnosis. Wireless
power transmission (WPT) technology enables power supply for WCE. A hollow receiving coil (RC) with novel structure is proposed to minimize the capsule scale and solve the power issue. Single turn element analysis (STEA) is adopted to directly evaluate receiving power. Receiving power varies
greatly when WCE is in different position and orientation of GI tract during the detection process. In some particular misalignment, power drops too low or jumps frequently. Then, optimization design of RC aimed at sufficient and stable power supply is implemented. The STEA is validated on
test bench. The error of electromagnetic force is 0.2 V. The least receiving power with the optimal RC is 438.1 mW even in the worst misalignment. In the great majority of position and orientation misalignments, the optimal RC receives power over 650 mW. With the advantage of both computational
time and accuracy, STEA is applicable for measurement and analysis on power for biomedical devices utilizing WPT technology, not merely WCE. In vivo experiment in pig's GI is accomplished with the optimal RC. The size of WCE with the novel RC gets smaller. And image stream is clear and fluent,
when WCE is in any possible position and orientation of the tract. Four frames are stochastically sampled, in entropy of 7.1148, 7.3070, 7.2041, and 7.2570. Sufficient and stable power supply with the hollow RC enables advanced functions like drug release to come into being in WCE.
Assessing the Scholarly Reach of Terman’s Work
Authors: Hodges Jaret , Mun Rachel U. , E. Oveross Mattie , K. Ottwein Jessica
Published: July 2020

Lewis M. Terman’s Genetic Studies of Genius stands as one of the landmark studies of the 20th century in the educational and psychological sciences. This longitudinal study of individuals in the top 1% of general cognitive ability has sparked interest and debate among scholars for nearly 100 years. In this study, we examine how Terman’s Genetic Studies of Genius has influenced academia through a bibliometric citation analysis. We gathered all scholarly works that cited one of the volumes of Terman’s Genetic Studies of Genius and appeared in academic journals and mapped out the growth of scholarly citations within differing academic fields. We found that the influence of Terman’s studies extends beyond the field of education and psychology into business, medicine, and the sciences.
Porphyromonas gingivalis Outer Membrane Vesicles Increase Vascular Permeability
Authors: Farrugia C. , Stafford G.P. , Murdoch C.
Published: July 2020

Periodontitis is increasingly associated with increased risk of cardiovascular and other systemic diseases. The Gram-negative anaerobe, Porphyromonas gingivalis, is a key periodontal pathogen, and several lines of evidence link the presence of this bacterium in the circulation with vascular disease. The outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) produced by P. gingivalis have been shown to play a role in periodontitis, although, to date, little is known about their interaction with the vasculature; therefore, this study assessed the effects of P. gingivalis OMVs on the endothelium. OMVs were isolated from wild-type strain W83 and the gingipain-deficient strain ΔK/R-ab. Immunoblotting along with cryo-EM showed gingipain expression in W83 but not ΔK/R-ab-derived OMVs, where gingipains were localized to the cell wall surface. Confluent endothelial cell monolayers infected with either W83 or W83-derived OMV displayed significantly increased dextran permeability over those infected with ΔK/R-ab or its OMV. Moreover, W83-derived OMVs induced significantly more vascular disease in a zebrafish larvae systemic infection model over 72 h compared to those injected with gingipain-deficient OMVs or controls. In line with these data, human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) displayed an OMV-associated, gingipain-dependent decrease in cell surface levels of the intercellular adhesion molecule PECAM-1 (CD31) when examined by flow cytometry. These data show, for the first time, that OMVs from P. gingivalis mediate increased vascular permeability, leading to a diseased phenotype both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, these data strongly implicate gingipains present on the OMV surface in mediating these vascular events, most likely via a mechanism that involves proteolytic cleavage of endothelial cell-cell adhesins such as PECAM-1. These data provide important evidence for the role of bacterial-derived OMVs in mediating systemic disease.
A Close-Up on a Predictive Moment: Illusion of Knowing or Lack of Confidence in Self-Assessment?
Authors: Pilotti Maura A. E. , Alaoui Khadija El , Mulhem Huda Al , Salameh Muamar Hasan
Published: July 2020

Prediction allows learners to adjust behavior toward the future by exploiting information pertaining to the present and the past. Through a field study, we examined whether poor performing students are truly unaware of not knowing their deficiencies as the illusion of knowing (IoK) phenomenon implies. College students’ ability to predict their final test performance was surveyed as a function of experience (before and after the test), performance level, and self-efficacy. In this study, high performers’ prospective and retrospective predictions were more accurate and confident than those of poor performers. Although poor performers overestimated their grades (as predicted by IoK), they were less confident in their predictions. Furthermore, both their prediction accuracy and confidence benefited from the experience of taking the test. These findings, coupled with the lower self-efficacy of poor performers, suggest that prediction errors involving inflated estimations reflect the wishful thinking exhibited by students who are aware of their lack of competence but may have little confidence in their abilities.
The Engaged Patient: The Relevance of Patient–Physician Communication for Twenty-First-Century Health
Authors: Timmermans Stefan
Published: July 2020

The patient–doctor interaction has changed profoundly in the past decades. In reaction to paternalistic communication patterns, health policy makers have advocated for patient-centered care and shared decision-making. Although these models of medical communication remain still aspirational, patients have become more engaged in advocating for their own health in encounters with physicians. I argue that the engaged patient is a more accurate conceptualization of the changing role of the patient than patient consumerism, the empowered, or expert patient. I examine how the emergence of engaged patients influences the autonomy of health professionals, relates to the rise of the internet as an alternative source of medical information, centers the role of the patient–doctor interaction in public health epidemics, and contributes to health inequities.
The emergence of the car-oriented city: Entanglements and transfer agents in West-Berlin, East-Berlin and Lyon, 1945–75
Authors: Assmann Carla
Published: July 2020

It is well known how the planning model of a “car-oriented city” was common among Western experts in the post-Second World War period, but here we claim this approach was common in both sides of divided Berlin. Investigating East- and West-Berlin’s reconstruction, here we analyse the relationship between the transnational sphere of circulation and its local realisations. Focusing on the leading figures of urban planning in West- and East-Berlin (who acted as “transfer agents”, participating in the transnational discourse) let us to better frame Berlin’s urban history in the 1960s and 1970s. The example of Lyon as France’s most “car-friendly city” is included in the analysis, so to transcend traditional perspectives of Cold War-antagonism, as well as to show the diverse and multilateral ways of exchange. Finally, the findings of the article will put the established periodisation of the “car-oriented city” in question.
Factors facilitating sustainable scientific partnerships between developed and developing countries
Authors: Kunert Karl J , Botha Anna-Maria , Oberholster Paul J , Yocgo Rosita , Chimwamurombe Percy , Vorster Juan , Foyer Christine H
Published: July 2020

International scientific partnerships are key to the success of strategic investments in plant science research and the farm-level adoption of new varieties and technologies, as well as the coherence of agricultural policies across borders to address global challenges. Such partnerships result not only in a greater impact of published research enhancing the career development of early and later stage researchers, but they also ensure that advances in plant science and crop breeding technologies make a meaningful contribution to society by brokering acceptance of emerging solutions to the world problems. We discuss the evidence showing that despite a lack of funding, scientists in some African countries make a significant contribution to global science output. We consider the criteria for success in establishing long-term scientific partnerships between scientists in developing countries in Southern Africa (“the South”) and developed countries such as the UK (“the North”). We provide our own personal perspectives on the key attributes that lead to successful institutional collaborations and the establishment of sustainable networks of successful “North-South” scientific partnerships. In addition, we highlight some of the stumbling blocks which tend to hinder the sustainability of long-term “North-South” scientific networks. We use this personal knowledge and experiences to provide guidelines on how to establish and maintain successful long-term “North-South” scientific partnerships.
The future of the city centre: Urbanisation, transformation and resilience – a tale of two Newcastle cities
Authors: Rogerson Robert J , Giddings Bob
Published: July 2020

Recent debates over the content and theoretical orientation of urban studies act as a strong reminder that the nature and existence of the city as a form of spatial urban agglomeration is changing. They have acted positively as a heuristic to inspire critical analysis of urbanisation and helped to illuminate the considerable empirical variation over time and space in urban agglomeration forms. However, in shifting the focus onto the planetary reach of urbanisation, such debates risk deflecting attention away from the city core at a time when it too is being subjected to transformation. The city centre has been taken for granted as critical attention has been given to the impact of development and enterprise in extending the city outwards. The recent proliferation of public and policy interest in the future of the city centre as the archetypal expression of urban agglomeration has not been matched by similar growth in academic and theoretical accounts of its transformation. Drawing on the examples of two city centres, and placing them in the context of the recent debates of urban agglomeration theory, this article seeks to initiate deeper analysis and dialogue about the future of the urban core, including how it is being articulated and by whom. It argues for a greater analytic understanding of the ways in which the city centre as a physical and emotional entity has been so resilient, and advocates for stronger engagement with initiatives seeking to reactivate the city centre as a crucial epicentre of urban agglomeration.
Nurses’ Late-Life Depression Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Depression: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ni Cheng-Hua , Guo Shu-Liu , Chao Chia-Yu , Wang Chia-Hui , Susanty Sri , Chuang Yeu-Hui
Published: July 2020

Depression in older population is more common now. Due to increasing numbers of older patients in hospitals, nurses have more opportunities to care for these patients. Therefore, nurses should have correct knowledge of late-life depression and more favorable attitudes about depression. The study aimed to understand hospital nurses’ knowledge level of late-life depression and attitudes about depression. A cross-sectional research design was used. A convenience sample of 307 nurses from 3 hospitals in Taiwan was recruited. Nurses scored 55.15% in the Late-Life Depression Quiz. The average score of the Revised Depression Attitude Questionnaire was 71.76 (SD = 6.13). The study also found that hospital nurses had more favorable attitudes about depression when their late-life depression knowledge was higher; their interest level in providing care for older patients with depression was greater; they had ever taken care of older patients with depressive symptoms or depression; they had never received in-service training on depression in the past year; and they had ever attended lectures about depression in school. Hospital nurses’ knowledge about late-life depression was limited, and they had neutral to slightly favorable attitudes about depression in Taiwan. It is suggested to carefully examine and evaluate in-service training related to depression for nurses in hospitals. In addition, developing appropriate interventions to increase hospital nurses’ knowledge level of late-life depression and attitudes toward depression is recommended.
The failed institutionalization of “complexity science”: A focus on the Santa Fe Institute’s legitimization strategy
Authors: Li Vigni Fabrizio
Published: July 2020

“Complexity sciences” are an interdisciplinary and transnational domain of study that aims at modeling natural and social “complex systems.” They appeared in the 1970s in Europe and the United States, but were boosted in the mid-1980s by the Santa Fe Institute (SFI) under the formula of “science of complexity.” This small but famous institution is the object of the present article. According to their promissory ambitions and to the enthusiastic claims of some scientific journalists, complexity sciences were going to revolutionize all of knowledge and even private and public actors who had learned to master them. In the light of this, one would expect to observe a well-established and autonomous research and educational field, capable of reproducing itself through professional institutions. Yet this is not the case. To explain the paradox, I propose to combine different models of history and sociology of emergent and declining domains, in order to give account of the rise and failure of complexity sciences.
How Public Managers Make Tradeoffs Regarding Lives: Evidence From a Flood Planning Survey Experiment
Authors: Roberts Patrick S. , Velotti Lucia , Wernstedt Kris
Published: July 2020

Public managers make decisions that may directly or indirectly affect the loss of human life, but there are few empirical analyses of whether and how public managers make tradeoffs among lives and other goods. We survey local government managers in the United States about tradeoffs using a vignette experiment with hypothetical flood scenarios. We find that managers make tradeoffs regarding lives saved compared with other features of the scenario, including project cost and property damage. Public works managers show a greater aversion to fatalities, while city managers and planners appear less averse. Our study also finds evidence of an equity preference.
Project CaLM: A Pilot Intervention Integrating Mindfulness Strategies into Head Start Classrooms
Authors: Li-Grining Christine Pajunar , Vera Elizabeth , Janusek Linda , Saban Karen , Liston Yarina , Naqi Zahra , Troske Mackenzie
Published: July 2020

Using a participatory action research approach, this pilot project examined how mindfulness techniques could be integrated into classroom routines in Head Start programs, which serve children who live below the federal poverty line. In Study 1, we conducted limited-efficacy testing and examined the implementation of our intervention, which we refer to as Project CaLM (Children Learning Mindfulness). Although the study lacked adequate statistical power, when comparing the well-being of children who did and did not receive the intervention, most results were in the expected direction, but were non-significant. Still, findings show that teachers generally implemented Project CaLM at greater frequencies and duration than expected. Study 2 investigated the acceptability of and demand for mindfulness strategies among teachers and parents using both survey and open-ended questions. Results revealed favorable views of and interest in mindfulness practices. Future research should consider extending Project CaLM in terms of sample size and context.
Generalized convulsive status epilepticus after retrograde type A aortic dissection surgery
Authors: Li Yuan , Wu Qingchen , Shi Haoming , Chen Dan , Zhang Cheng
Published: July 2020

Introduction:

Generalized convulsive status epilepticus is defined as a generalized and convulsive seizure with 5 minutes or more of continuous clinical and/or electrographic seizure activity or recurrent seizure activity without recovery between seizures. For the first time, we present a case with retrograde type A aortic dissection after endovascular repairment and received thoracotomy intensely.

Case report:

The patient experienced frequent generalized seizures in the immediate postoperative period, and status epilepticus was considered for his medical history, clinic symptoms and related examinations.

Discussion and Conclusion:

Generalized convulsive status epilepticus should be alert for avoiding delay in the rehabilitation particularly after aortic dissection surgery. Under the good condition of ventilation, combining morphine with midazolam or diazepam can more effectively relieve the symptoms.
Myocardial perfusion imaging and appropriateness of the test for preoperative cardiac risk evaluation in an Iranian population: clinical role of Duke Activity Status Index
Authors: Salehi Yalda , Farzanehfar Saeed , Naseri Maryam , Sherafati Alborz , Ranjbar Shaghayegh , Abbasi Mehrshad
Published: July 2020

Objective:

For preoperative radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging, metabolic equivalent is one of the key factors to evaluate the appropriateness. Duke Activity Status Index is a practical method to calculate metabolic equivalents. We intended to validate Duke Activity Status Index in our population for the assessment of preoperative myocardial perfusion imaging appropriateness.

Methods:

A total of 542 patients referred for myocardial perfusion imaging were recruited. A questionary compiled from Duke Activity Status Index was filled out based on which metabolic equivalents were calculated. Demographic data and history of cardiac risk factors were also collected. Myocardial perfusion imaging was performed using a 2-day stress-rest protocol either by exercise tolerance test or by pharmacologic stress through injection of Tc-MIBI and imaging by a dual-head gamma camera.

Results:

Out of 542 patients, 369 (68.1%) were evaluated for preoperative risk assessment. Metabolic equivalents (oxygen consumption/min/kg) were calculated at 9.3 ± 5.1, 10.8 ± 4.8, and 8.7 ± 5.1 in total, preoperative patients and patients evaluated for ischemia due to nonsurgical purposes, respectively (p = 0.001). The myocardial perfusion imaging was rarely appropriate in 291 (79.5%), maybe appropriate in 67 (18.3%), and appropriate in 8 (2.2%) patients. The prevalence of abnormal myocardial perfusion imaging was 22.5%, 28.4%, and 12.5% in “rarely appropriate,” “maybe appropriate,” and “appropriate” scenarios, respectively. Metabolic equivalents were similar between patients with normal and abnormal myocardial perfusion imaging (8.7 ± 5.0 vs. 8.5 ± 5.4).

Conclusion:

Either Duke Activity Status Index is not a proper tool for calculation of metabolic equivalents or the appropriate use criteria is not operational in the population of Iranian preoperative patients in which cultural factors may contribute.
Identification of potential hub genes associated with the pathogenesis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma via integrated bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Meng Ziqi , Wu Jiarui , Liu Xinkui , Zhou Wei , Ni Mengwei , Liu Shuyu , Guo Siyu , Jia Shanshan , Zhang Jingyuan
Published: July 2020

Objective

The objective was to identify potential hub genes associated with the pathogenesis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Gene expression profile datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between HCC and normal samples were identified via an integrated analysis. A protein–protein interaction network was constructed and analyzed using the STRING database and Cytoscape software, and enrichment analyses were carried out through DAVID. Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis and Kaplan–Meier plotter were used to determine expression and prognostic values of hub genes.

Results

We identified 11 hub genes ( CDK1, CCNB2, CDC20, CCNB1, TOP2A, CCNA2, MELK, PBK, TPX2, KIF20A, and AURKA) that might be closely related to the pathogenesis and prognosis of HCC. Enrichment analyses indicated that the DEGs were significantly enriched in metabolism-associated pathways, and hub genes and module 1 were highly associated with cell cycle pathway.

Conclusions

In this study, we identified key genes of HCC, which indicated directions for further research into diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers that could facilitate targeted molecular therapy for HCC.
The potential danger of blocking CGRP for treating migraine in CADASIL patients
Authors: de Boer Irene , MaassenVanDenBrink Antoinette , Terwindt Gisela M
Published: July 2020

Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is an inherited small vessel disease characterised by recurrent ischemic stroke, cognitive decline progressing to dementia, psychiatric disturbances and apathy. More than half of mutation carriers suffer from migraine, most often migraine with aura. Recently, a CADASIL patient was treated with a monoclonal antibody targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor. Monoclonal antibodies targeting the CGRP system have been demonstrated to be safe, well tolerated, and effective in reducing migraine attacks. There is, however, abundant evidence that CGRP is important in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis under (patho)physiological conditions. CGRP may act as a vasodilatory safeguard during cerebral and cardiac ischemia and blockage of the system could, therefore, potentially worsen ischemic events. Therefore, we caution against treating patients with small vessel diseases, such as the monogenic disorder CADASIL, with these drugs until relevant safety data and long term follow up results are available. Alternative preventive migraine treatments in CADASIL may be acetazolamide, sodium valproate, lamotrigine, topiramate, verapamil, or flunarizine.
Pain freedom after 2 hours should be the primary outcome in controlled trials treating migraine attacks
Authors: Tfelt-Hansen Peer , Diener Hans-Christoph
Published: July 2020

Background

Pain freedom after 2 hours is the recommended primary endpoint by the International Headache Society in randomized trials investigating drug treatment of acute migraine attacks. In order to demonstrate an early effect of a drug, some drug companies, however, have promoted headache relief (improvement from severe or moderate pain to mild or no pain) at earlier time points than 2 hours as outcome parameter.

Methods and results

We analyzed the relationship between pain freedom and headache relief in acute migraine trials and observed that persistent mild headache constituted 90% of headache relief after 0.5 hour and 40% of headache relief after 2 hours.

Conclusion

Headache relief at 2 hours should in our view only be used as an outcome measure for comparison with historic data. Prior to 2 hours, headache relief varies with time from intake and the therapeutic gain is very small. Therefore, pain freedom should be used at these early time points.
Proposed modified diagnostic criteria for recurrent painful ophthalmoplegic neuropathy: Five case reports and literature review
Authors: Liu Yinglu , Wang Miao , Bian Xiangbing , Qiu Enchao , Han Xun , Dong Zhao , Yu Shengyuan
Published: July 2020

Background

Recurrent painful ophthalmoplegic neuropathy (RPON) is an uncommon disorder characterized by recurrent unilateral headache attacks associated with ipsilateral ophthalmoplegia. We intend to study the clinical picture in our case series along with the published literature to discuss the pathogenesis and propose modified diagnostic criteria for recurrent painful ophthalmoplegic neuropathy.

Methods

We reported five cases diagnosed as ophthalmoplegic migraine/RPON in our medical centers and reviewed the published literature related to RPON from the Pubmed database between 2000 and 2020. In one of these cases, a multiplanar reformation was performed to look at the aberrant cranial nerve.

Results

The mean onset age for RPON was 22.1 years, and the oculomotor nerve was the most commonly involved cranial nerve (53.9%) in 165 reviewed patients. In most patients, ophthalmoplegia started within 1 week of the headache attack (95.7%, 67/70). Additionally, 27.6% (40/145) of patients presented enhancement of the involved nerve(s) from MRI tests. Finally, 78 patients received corticosteroids, out of which 96.2% benefited from them.

Conclusion

This is the first time multiplanar reformation has been performed to reveal the distortion of the oculomotor nerve. Modified diagnostic criteria are proposed. We hope to expand the current knowledge and increase the detection of recurrent painful ophthalmoplegic neuropathy in the future.
Focusing Our View of Dyslexia Through a Multifactorial Lens: A Commentary
Authors: Compton Donald L.
Published: July 2020

Multifactorial models of dyslexia have expanded how we consider heterogeneity within the population of children with dyslexia. These models are predicated on the idea that cognitive/linguistic risk factors are not deterministic but instead probabilistic, with the likelihood of difficulties involving an interaction between risk and protective factors that include both exogenous and endogenous influences. In this commentary a multifactorial model perspective is applied to examine, based on the six papers that make up the special series, the potential utility of such models to clarify issues of etiology, identification, and instruction of children with dyslexia. This approach seems to suggest that multifactorial models of dyslexia have potential to significantly expand our understanding of etiology with less immediate promise for identification and instruction.
Promises and Pitfalls of Health Information Technology for Home- and Community-Based Services
Authors: Ahluwalia Sangeeta C. , Friedman Esther , Siconolfi Daniel , Saliba Debra , Phillips Jessica , Shih Regina
Published: July 2020

Background: Health information technology (HIT) use in home- and community-based services (HCBS) has been hindered by inadequate resources and incentives to support modernization. We sought to understand the ways the Medicaid Balancing Incentive Program (BIP) facilitated increased use of HIT to increase access to HCBS. Method: Qualitative analysis of interviews with 30 Medicaid administrators, service agency providers, and consumer advocates. Results: Although stakeholders perceived several benefits to greater HIT use, they highlighted critical challenges to effective adoption within the long-term services and supports (LTSS) system, including lack of extant expertise/knowledge about HIT, the limited reach of HIT among rural and disabled beneficiaries, burdensome procurement processes, and the ongoing resources required to maintain up-to-date HIT solutions. Conclusion: The structural reforms required by BIP gave states an opportunity to modernize their HCBS systems through use of HIT. However, barriers to HIT adoption persist, underscoring the need for continued support as part of future rebalancing efforts.
Is Avoiding the Appearance of Incompetence the Key to Success? An Examination of Team Goal Orientation and Performance in a Simulation Environment
Authors: Davis Phillip E. , J. Fox Corey , DeBode Jason D. , Peterson Lori T.
Published: July 2020

A key challenge for educators in business is to incorporate learning tools that mimic the uncertainty and complexity of the real business environment. However, recent advancements in technology have offered new tools that address this challenge. One such increasingly popular tool has been computer simulations. While the use of simulations has grown in business education, the research on simulations is quite nascent. This is especially true when it comes to understanding which factors lead students to perform better or worse in a business simulation environment. By integrating goal the orientation and generative learning literature, this study seeks to address this shortcoming in the existing literature. More specifically, we explore how student teams’ goal orientation affects their team’s performance in a simulation context. Results suggest Learn and Avoid Goal orientations are positively related to an objective performance metric (i.e., sales growth), while the Avoid Goal orientation is positively related to a subjective performance metric of team effectiveness. On the other hand, the Prove Goal orientation was negatively related to both metrics. The paper concludes with a discussion of the contributions and implications for both team development and pedagogical approaches to team support.
A novel methodology to automatically include general track flexibility in railway vehicle dynamic analyses
Authors: Costa JN , Antunes P , Magalhães H , Pombo J , Ambrósio J
Published: July 2020

The interaction between the rolling stock and the infrastructure plays a crucial role in railway vehicle dynamics. The standard approach consists of using a multibody formulation to model the railway vehicles running on simplified tracks. The track model can be rigid, if it comprises only a geometric description of the rail; semi-rigid, if it considers an elastic foundation underneath the rail; or a moving track model, if it comprises a track section underneath each wheelset traveling with the same speed of the vehicle. Despite their computational inexpensiveness, these approaches do not provide a complete representation of track flexibility and disregard coupling effects with the vehicle and among the track components. This work proposes a methodology to automatically generate finite element models of railway tracks comprising its relevant flexible components, i.e., rails, pads, fastening systems, sleepers, and ballast or slab. The finite element mesh is generated based on a parametric description of the track that allows an accurate description of its geometry, including curvature, cross-level, grade, and irregularities. The methodology is demonstrated with a case study in which a track with a complex geometry is loaded with two different approaches. The first approach prescribes moving loads, which is a typical approach used to design or analyze the infrastructure. The second approach applies loads retrieved from the dynamic analysis of a complete vehicle. The results show the benefits of this method and reveal that prescribed loading underestimates the forces resulting from the vehicle dynamics, which is an important issue on curved sections.
Multi-unmanned aerial vehicle multi acoustic source localization
Authors: Manickam Suresh , Swar Sufal Chandra , Casbeer David W , Manyam Satyanarayana Gupta
Published: July 2020

This paper addresses a multisource localization problem with multiple unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with appropriate sensors coordinating with each other, wherein the sources are simultaneously emitting identical acoustic signals. Distributed coordinated localization algorithms based on multiple range and direction measurements are presented and performances are evaluated in different practically significant mission scenarios. Non-deterministic polynomial (NP) hardness to determine optimal number of unmanned aerial vehicles for a given mission scenario is discussed. Group coordination, tactical path, and goal replan strategies to enable efficient localization of single and multiple acoustic sources have been designed. The localization algorithm along with coordination strategy is verified in the presence of realistic error conditions through simulation.
Systemic lupus erythematosus in the intensive care unit: a systematic review
Authors: Suárez-Avellaneda Ana , Quintana Jhon H , Aragón Cristian C , Gallego Linda M , Gallego Cindy-Natalia , Bolaños Juan D , A Guerra Maria , Ochoa Maria Elena , Granados Marcela , Ruiz-Ordoñez Ingrid , Tobón Gabriel J
Published: July 2020

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with heterogeneous pathophysiologic mechanisms and diverse clinical manifestations. SLE is a frequent cause of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. Multiple studies with controversial findings on the causes, evolution and outcomes of ICU-admitted patients with SLE have been published. The aim of this paper is to review the literature reporting the clinical characteristics and outcomes, such as mortality and associated factors, in such patients. Among the main causes of ICU admissions are SLE disease activity, respiratory failure, multi-organ failure and infections. The main factors associated with mortality are a high Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) score, the need for mechanical ventilation, and vasoactive and inotropic agent use. Reported mortality rates are 18.4%–78.5%. Therefore, it is important to evaluate SLE disease severity for optimizing clinical management and patient outcomes.
Speckle tracking echocardiography for the evaluation of left ventricular function in children with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Emara Mai , Hafez Maher Abdel , El-Bendary Aml , Razaky Osama El
Published: July 2020

Background

Many studies in adult patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have demonstrated that myocardial dysfunction was significantly associated with enhanced disease activity. However, similar studies in paediatric patients with SLE are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) to detect left ventricular dysfunction in children with active and inactive SLE.

Methods

This prospective case–control study was carried out on 50 children with SLE. Thirty healthy age- and sex-matched children comprised the control group. The patients were further subdivided into two subgroups: active SLE and inactive SLE. Laboratory investigations undertaken included complete blood count, renal function, C3, C4, ANA, anti-dsDNA and serum N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide. Echocardiographic examinations were performed on all children and included conventional echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and two- and three-dimensional STE.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in N-terminal pro B natriuretic peptide between the studied groups. The myocardial performance index by TDI was statistically significantly higher in SLE patients compared to controls. STE parameters were statistically significantly lower in SLE patients compared to controls. There was no correlation between STE parameters and disease activity.

Conclusions

STE could be a promising technique in the early detection of subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in children with SLE.
Retinal vasculopathy in children with systemic lupus erythematosus: report of two cases
Authors: Guleria Sandesh , Kumar Jindal Ankur , Bhattarai Dharmagat , Agarwal Aniruddha , Moharana Bruttendu , Patra Pratap Kumar , Gupta Vishali , Suri Deepti , Singh Surjit
Published: July 2020

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, autoimmune, multisystem disease associated with a variable clinical course. SLE is more severe and is associated with higher mortality in children compared to adults. Eye involvement may be seen in up to a third of patients. Retinal vasculopathy is rare in children with SLE. We report two such cases. Both patients in this series had cotton-wool spots on fundus examination, and fundus fluorescein angiography revealed findings of occlusive micro-angiopathy. These findings are characteristic of lupus retinal vasculopathy. Fundus examination is crucial in diagnosing retinal vasculopathy. All children with SLE must be evaluated in detail to detect any retinal abnormalities and should be managed with aggressive immunosuppression to save their vision.
Impacts of Post-Hospitalization Accessible Health Technology and Caregiver Support on 90-Day Acute Care Use and Self-Care Assistance
Authors: Piette John D. , Striplin Dana , Aikens James E. , Lee Aaron , Marinec Nicolle , Mansabdar Madhura , Chen Jenny , Gregory Lynn A. , Kim Christopher S.
Published: July 2020

Hospitalized patients often are readmitted soon after discharge, with many hospitalizations being potentially preventable. The authors evaluated a mobile health intervention designed to improve post-hospitalization support for older adults with common chronic conditions. All participants enrolled with an informal caregiver or “CarePartner” (CP). Intervention patients received automated assessment and behavior change calls. CPs received automated, structured feedback following each assessment. Clinicians received alerts about serious problems identified during patient calls. Controls had a 65% greater risk of hospitalization within 90 days post discharge than intervention patients (P = .041). For every 6.8 enrollees, the intervention prevented 1 rehospitalization or emergency department encounter. The intervention improved physical functioning at 90 days (P = .012). The intervention also improved medication adherence and indicators of the quality of communication with CPs (all P < .01). Automated telephone patient monitoring and self-care advice with feedback to primary care teams and CPs reduces readmission rates over 90 days.
Validation of a Highly Sensitive qPCR Assay for the Detection of Plasma Cell-Free Epstein-Barr Virus DNA in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis
Authors: Anh Vu Nguyen Quynh , Van Ba Nguyen , Anh Do Tram , Ung Nguyen Dinh , Hiep Nguyen Hoang , Ly Vu Thi , Hang Dinh Thi Thu , Sy Bui Tien , Chinh Hoang Dao , Ky Le Minh , Phong Vu Truong , Luu Nguyen Kim , Trung Nguyen Thanh , Son Ho Anh , Van Luong Hoang , Thuan Nghiem Duc , Tung Ngo Thanh , Tho Ho Huu
Published: July 2020

Quantification of plasma cell-free Epstein Barr virus DNA (cf EBV DNA) has been suggested as a promising liquid biopsy assay for screening and early detection of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, the diagnostic value of this assay is currently not known in the population of Vietnam, one of the countries which contributed the most to the NPC cases. Herein, we have reported a highly sensitive quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)-based assay targeting cf EBV DNA for the detection of NPC. A standard curve with linear regression, R 2 = 0.9961 (range: 25-150 000 copies/mL) and a detection limit of 25 copies/mL were obtained using an EBV standard panel provided by the Chinese University of Hong Kong. The clinical performance of this assay was assessed using plasma samples obtained from 261 Vietnamese individuals. The optimized qPCR assay detected cf EBV DNA in plasma with a sensitivity of 97.4% and a specificity of 98.2%. The absolute quantitative results of pretreatment cf EBV DNA and patient overall clinical stages were statistically correlated ( P < .05). In summary, the remarkably high sensitivity and specificity of our optimized qPCR assay strongly supports the wide use of cf EBV DNA quantification as a routine noninvasive method in early diagnosis and management of patients with NPC.
Pathogenesis and Treatment Strategies of COVID-19-Related Hypercoagulant and Thrombotic Complications
Authors: Haimei MA
Published: July 2020

The new type of pneumonia caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is endemic worldwide, and many countries cannot be spared, becoming a global health concern. The disease was named COVID-19 by the World Health Organization (WHO) on January 30, 2020, when the WHO declared the Chinese outbreak of COVID-19 to be a public health emergency of international concern. The clinical features of COVID-19 include dry cough, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and myalgia. Similar to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, nearly 20% of patients experienced various fatal complications, including acute kidney injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by cytokine storm. Furthermore, systemic cytokine storm induced vascular endothelial injury, which extensively mediates hypercoagulability in blood vessels and disseminated intravascular coagulation. The autopsy pathology of COVID-19 confirmed the above. This article briefly summarizes the mechanism of hypercoagulability and thrombotic complications of severe COVID-19 and proposes that blood hypercoagulability and intravascular microthrombosis are the development nodes of severe COVID-19. Therefore, anticoagulation and anti-inflammatory therapy can be used as important treatment strategies for severe COVID-19.
In Vitro to In Vivo Concordance of Toxicity Using the Human Proximal Tubule Cell Line HK-2
Authors: Mossoba Miriam E. , Sprando Robert L.
Published: July 2020

The renal proximal tubule cell line, human kidney 2 (HK-2), recapitulates many of the functional cellular and molecular characteristics of differentiated primary proximal tubule cells. These features include anchorage dependence, gluconeogenesis capability, and sodium-dependent sugar transport. In order to ascertain how well HK-2 cells can reliably reveal the toxicological profile of compounds having a potential to cause proximal tubule injury in vivo, we sought to evaluate the effects of known proximal tubule toxicants using the HK-2 cell line. We selected 20 pure nephrotoxic compounds that included chemotherapeutic drugs, antibiotics, and heavy metal-containing compounds and evaluated their ability to induce HK-2 cell injury relative to 10 innocuous pure compounds or cell culture media alone. We performed a comprehensive set of in vitro cellular toxicological assays to evaluate cell viability, oxidative stress, mitochondrial integrity, and a specific biomarker of renal injury, Kidney Injury Molecule 1. For each of our selected compounds, we were able to establish a reproducible profile of toxicological outcomes. We compared our results to those described in peer-reviewed publications to understand how well the HK-2 cellular model agrees with overall in vivo rat or human toxicological outcomes. This study begins to address the question of how well in vitro data generated with HK-2 cells can mirror in vivo animal and human outcomes.
Service Safety in the Pandemic Age
Authors: Berry Leonard L. , Danaher Tracey S. , Aksoy Lerzan , Keiningham Timothy L.
Published: July 2020

The service sector has been rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic. This stems in large part from the inseparable, high-contact nature of many services. During a pandemic, multiple forms of contact – customer-to-customer, customer-to-employee, employee-to-employee, and customer/employee-to-air/surfaces – can lead to serious illness or death. The urgent need for increased separability and decreased contact have led to a wave of service adaptations (firms’ efforts to improve safety) and service transformations (innovations that bolster safety while offering additional benefits that are superior to what existed previously). COVID-19 has made service safety paramount, with most attention being paid to minimizing disease transmission. However, safety needs in a pandemic extend beyond physical to include interrelated domains of emotional, financial, and information safety. Physical safety is the absence of harm or injury. Emotional safety is relief from mental distress arising from pandemic-related personal traumas. Financial safety concerns minimizing economic insecurity related to the pandemic. Information safety refers to people’s sense of confidence that they have the information they need to make good decisions, information that is trustworthy. We describe the unique service transformations addressing these safety concerns of Hong Kong International Airport, Henry Ford Health System (Detroit), Innocent Bystander (Australia), and Service Now that are likely to continue after the pandemic has passed. Important questions for service researchers to guide managers in reinventing how they create, deliver, and market services are highlighted.
Conserved regression patterns of retinopathy of prematurity after intravitreal ranibizumab: A class effect
Authors: Ji Marco H , Moshfeghi Darius M , Shields Ryan A , Bodnar Zachary , Ludwig Cassie A , Callaway Natalia F , Orazi Lorenzo , Amorelli Giulia M , Lepore Domenico
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

To determine if fluorescein angiographic (FA) findings after intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) conform to a class effect previously described with bevacizumab.

Methods:

Single-center retrospective case series of all infants treated with 0.2 mg (0.02 mL) IVR for Type 1 ROP from July 2016 to November 2018. FA were obtained at 40, 52, 62, and 72 weeks of postmenstrual age (PMA) using wide-angle photography. FA images were analyzed and the peripheral avascular areas measured with ImageJ using a reference disc diameter (DD). Based on the extent of the avascular area and tortuosity of the retinal vessels all eyes were classified into four categories: complete vascular maturity (vascularization within 2 DD of the ora serrata), VAA (avascular area >2 DD of the ora serrata), VAT (avascular area >2 DD of the ora serrata and posterior tortuosity), and reactivation (recurrence of stage disease).

Results:

About 13 infants were enrolled and 24 eyes were available in this study. None of the eyes reached complete vascular maturity at an average PMA of 60 weeks, 7 (29%) eyes presented with VAA, 8 (33%) with VAT, and 9 (37.5%) reactivated. The reactivated eyes presented with the largest area of peripheral ischemia, followed by the VAT and then the VAA groups ( p = 0.02).

Conclusion:

IVR conforms to the previously described regression patterns following intravitreal bevacizumab for ROP indicative of a class effect. Follow-up using FA might help to optimize the management of these infants after injection of the drug.