bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the defects occurrence on the functional surfaces of individual mould segments for the tyre production from AlSi7Mg0.3Sr
Authors: Hren I , Michna S , Svobodova J , Michnova L , Benes L
Published: April 2020

The basic prerequisite for obtaining a quality casting according to the requirements and specifics of the customer is the production of the mould (in our case using low-pressure die-casting) without the occurrence of surface defects in the form of cracks, scabs, microshrinkages and local depressions. In this case, the mould segments for the tyre production are those which show tiny cracks or scabs on the functional surface of the castings that define the surface quality of the resulting product. It is necessary to analyse these defects in order to eliminate the causes of their formation in the casting process. For this reason, a new alloy of eutectic silumin AlSi9 alloyed with Mg, Mn and modified Sr was prepared in order to improve the fluidity and maintain the mechanical properties of the material up to 250 ℃ The subject of the study was the analysis of the surface defects of the mould, including the analysis of the chemical composition (energy-dispersive X-ray) and microstructure in the defect area. In order to investigate the subsurface layer of defects, metallographic specimens of cross-sections were prepared by means of mould, which were examined by light and electron microscopy. The detailed microstructural characterization of individual elements was performed on lamellas of the mould studied using transmission electron microscopy. An X-ray diffraction analysis was performed to investigate the residual stress at the defects area very closely. It has been found that a smaller number of defects on the functional surfaces can be obtained by changing the mould position during casting.
Experimental study of aerodynamic loads on ground-mounted solar panel arrays: The panel spacing and inclination angle effect
Authors: Yemenici Onur
Published: April 2020

The influence of panel inclination, wind direction, and longitudinal panel spacing on the wind loads of the model of ground-mounted solar panel arrays scaled 1:20 in a wind tunnel was investigated for a Reynolds number of 1.3 × 105. The experiments were carried out at the panel inclination of 25° and 45°, dimensionless panel spacing in tandem of 0.5 and 1, and the wind directions of the incoming flow were varied from 0° to 180° at 30° intervals. A constant temperature anemometer was used to measure the velocity and turbulence intensities, and a pressure scanner system measured static pressures. The results indicated that the net pressure coefficients of the solar panels were increased with the panel inclination angle and spacing between solar panels, and the maximum wind loads were obtained on the first windward panel. It was also observed that in terms of maximum uplift and drag, 180° and 0° was found to be the critical wind direction, respectively. In contrast, in terms of overturning moments, 30° and 150° were the critical wind directions.
Virtual shaft: Robust coupling by bidirectional and distributed prediction of coupling values
Authors: Savelsberg Rene , Andert Jakob , Klein Serge , Pischinger Stefan
Published: April 2020

Shifting automotive powertrain development tasks to earlier phases (frontloading) increases efficiency by utilizingtest-benches as opposed to prototype vehicles (road-to-rig approach). The coupling of distributed test-benches by a virtualized shaft connection is required to reproduce interactions of automotive powertrain components. A coupling algorithm simulates a rigid connection by synchronizing the torque and speed of two distributed test-bench’s electric motors. System dead-times lead to limited stability and reduced bandwidth of the coupling algorithm. In this study, a method for a stable bidirectional coupling of speed and torque of both subsystems is described analytically and verified by simulation. All component models are calibrated based on measurements using state-of-the-art test-bench equipment. A distributed prediction algorithm is proposed for the dead-time compensation. Four Kalman predictors estimate the coupling values of both subsystems at wall-clock-time without measurement and communication latencies. A detailed drive cycle analysis is performed through simulation. This enables a Virtual Shaft Algorithm to achieve a higher bandwidth and an improved coupling robustness.
Electromechanical characterization of titanium-dioxide-filled SiR-EPDM blends
Authors: Vijayalakshmi S , Deepalaxmi R , Rajini V
Published: April 2020

The aim of the research is to prepare a polymer composite material for high-voltage cable insulation purposes. Many researchers have blended a silicone rubber (SiR) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) at different ratios to identify the composition which possesses excellent electromechanical properties. SiR-EPDM blends in 90:10 and 10:90 ratios were taken up for this study. To these polymer blends, metallic filler titanium dioxide (TiO2) with different densities have been used as the filler materials. The electromechanical performance and the physico-chemical behaviour of SiR-EPDM blends with filler addition were compared with SiR-EPDM blends of the same blend ratio without filler. The electromechanical parameters were measured according to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and ASTM standards. The surface morphology and filler dispersion were examined by the scanning electron microscopy images. The elemental compositions of the samples were obtained from the energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The changes in electromechanical behaviour of the samples were analysed from Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy results. The investigations reveal that 5 wt% of high-density TiO2-filled SiR-rich blend possesses the best electromechanical performance of all prepared samples.
Why NTM is a Challenge in Trade Relations? Evidence from India–Africa Agricultural Trade
Authors: Kumar Chandan , Bharti Nalin
Published: April 2020

India and Africa have experienced the rapid expansion of bilateral trade during the last two decades. The India–Africa trade is understudied in general and in the agriculture sector. Very few considerable efforts have been made to study the agro-trade restrictions between both the economies. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to empirically identify the recent evidence of non-tariff measures (NTMs) imposed on the agro-products between India and Africa, which also work as non-tariff barriers. It is perceived that India being one of the frequent users of NTMs in the world poses many challenges for its trading partners. Based on the Revealed Trade Barrier (RTB) index, using 28 agro-products (HS-4 digit level), this paper assesses bilateral agro-trade barriers. The frequency index ( Fi) and coverage ratio ( Cr) were used to analyse the complex nature of NTMs. The study findings show that both trading partners imposed a wide range of NTMs on each other’s agro-products, which resulted in the discriminatory effects on trade. Comparatively, India has imposed the lesser number of NTMs on Africa’s agro-products. Despite the recent bilateral trade agreements between both the economies, trade barriers were frequently noticed. The paper suggests applying strategic trade policies and reduction of NTMs along with harmonisation of standards to flourish the bilateral agro-trade.
Proposed Federal Bill to Mandate Insurance Coverage for Children With Congenital Anomalies
Authors: Pfeifauf Kristin D. , Snyder-Warwick Alison K. , Patel Kamlesh B.
Published: April 2020

The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act was reintroduced in United States Congress in March 2019. If enacted, the bill will substantially limit private insurers’ ability to deny coverage for the medically necessary treatment of congenital anomalies, including cleft palate and craniofacial anomalies. Coverage denials are currently a barrier to care for these individuals, especially for patients residing in states lacking coverage mandates. The purpose of this article is to describe the issues underlying the proposed federal legislation and provide a policy discussion to better inform cleft and craniofacial providers about pending legislation relevant to their practice.
Linking School Nurses With Health Care Systems Using EHRs: An Integrative Review
Authors: Baker Christina , Gance-Cleveland Bonnie
Published: April 2020

School-aged children spend around 1,080 hr at school each year and many of them have chronic diseases; therefore, it is imperative to include school nurses as part of the health care team. Care coordination between health care providers and school nurses is currently hindered by communication that relies on an inadequate system of fax, phone, and traditional mail. Using electronic health records (EHRs) to link school nurses and health care systems is usually limited in scope despite EHRs advancement in these health care systems. No literature is currently available showing the number of hospitals and health care systems that provide EHR access to school nurses. The purpose of this article was to present a literature review on EHR access for school nurses nationally. This review along with the legal and logistical considerations for this type of implementation will be discussed.
An Interesting and Productive Research and Clinical Career
Authors: Cohen Samuel M.
Published: April 2020

To begin, I wish to thank the Academy of Toxicological Sciences for bestowing this honor on me. I have had a rewarding career in basic research and clinical medicine, beginning with research in high school and always planning on becoming a physician. I have had the good fortune of having outstanding mentors, wonderful parents, and a supportive and intuitive wife and family. This article provides a brief overview of some of the events of my career and individuals who have played a major role, beginning with the M.D./Ph.D. program at the University of Wisconsin, pathology residency and faculty at St. Vincent Hospital, Worcester, Massachusetts, a year as visiting professor at Nagoya City University, and my career at the University of Nebraska Medical Center since 1981. This could not have happened without the strong input and support from these individuals, the numerous students, residents and fellows with whom I have learned so much, and the more than 500 terrific collaborators.
Neuropathology of Mowat–Wilson Syndrome
Authors: Conces Miriam R. , Hughes Anna , Pierson Christopher R.
Published: April 2020

Mowat–Wilson syndrome (MWS) is a syndromic form of Hirschsprung disease that is characterized by variable degrees of intellectual disability, characteristic facial dysmorphism, and a diverse set of other congenital malformations due to haploinsufficiency of ZEB2. A variety of brain malformations have been described in neuroimaging studies of MWS patients, and the role of ZEB2 in the brain has been studied in a multitude of genetically engineered mouse models that are now available. However, a paucity of autopsy information limits our ability to correlate data from neuroimaging studies and animal models with actual MWS patient tissues. Here, we report the autopsy neuropathology of a 19-year-old male patient with MWS. Autopsy neuropathology findings correlated well with the reported MWS neuroimaging data and are in keeping with data from genetically engineered MWS mouse models. This autopsy enhances our understanding of ZEB2 function in human brain development and demonstrates the reliability of MWS murine models.
Comparative Efficacy of Hidrocystoma Treatments: A Systematic Review
Authors: Trischman Thomas , Scott Jeffrey F.
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Although various treatment options for hidrocystomas have been described, the comparative efficacy of these treatments is poorly understood.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of all articles describing the treatment of hidrocystomas. Treatment modalities were categorized as destructive surgical procedures, skin-directed therapies, systemic medical therapies, general measures, or combined. Patient and tumor characteristics, as well as response rate, recurrence rate, and adverse effects, were extracted from each article.

Results

A total of 94 articles involving 192 patients and 255 unique treatment events were included in the final analysis. Destructive surgical procedures had an overall response rate and recurrence rate of 92.9% and 10.8%, respectively. Skin-directed therapies had an overall response rate of 72.6%. The overall response rate to systemic medical therapies was 71.4%. Solitary hidrocystomas were primarily treated with destructive surgical procedures, including excision, which was associated with a 4.7% recurrence rate. Multiple hidrocystomas were successfully treated with a variety of therapies, including destructive surgical procedures and skin-directed therapies requiring ongoing or repeated therapy.

Conclusions

Excision has the highest efficacy for solitary hidrocystomas. A number of therapies have shown efficacy for multiple hidrocystomas, including lasers, intracystic trichloroacetic acid, intracystic hypertonic glucose, topical and oral anticholinergics, and botulinum toxin. Aluminum chloride is associated with a low response rate. Larger comparative studies are needed to further evaluate the optimal treatments for solitary and multiple hidrocystomas.
Neurofilament levels are associated with blood–brain barrier integrity, lymphocyte extravasation, and risk factors following the first demyelinating event in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Uher Tomas , McComb Mason , Galkin Shery , Srpova Barbora , Oechtering Johanna , Barro Christian , Tyblova Michaela , Bergsland Niels , Krasensky Jan , Dwyer Michael , Havrdova Eva Kubala , Posova Helena , Vaneckova Manuela , Zivadinov Robert , Horakova Dana , Kuhle Jens , Ramanathan Murali
Published: April 2020

Background:

Increased blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability, CNS inflammation and neuroaxonal damage are pathological hallmarks in early multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective:

To investigate the associations of neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels with measures of BBB integrity and central nervous system (CNS) inflammation in MS during the first demyelinating event.

Methods:

Blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were obtained from 142 MS (McDonald 2017) treatment-naive patients from the SET study (63% female; age: 29.7 ± 7.9 years) following the disease onset. NfL, albumin, immunoglobulin G (IgG), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels were measured in CSF and blood samples. Albumin quotient was computed as a marker of BBB integrity. Immune cell subset counts in CSF were measured using flow cytometry. MS risk factors, such as Human leukocyte antigen DRB1 locus gene ( HLA DRB1)*1501, anti-Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) antibodies, and 25-hydroxy vitamin D3, were also measured.

Results:

Higher serum NfL (sNfL) levels were associated with higher albumin quotient ( p < 0.001), CSF CD80+ ( p = 0.012), and CD80+ CD19+ ( p = 0.015) cell frequency. sNfL levels were also associated with contrast-enhancing and T2 lesions on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; all p ⩽ 0.001). Albumin quotient was not associated with any of the MS risk factors assessed. sNfL levels were associated with anti-EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgG levels ( p = 0.0026).

Conclusion:

sNfL levels during the first demyelinating event of MS are associated with greater impairment of BBB integrity, immune cell extravasation, and brain lesion activity on MRI.
The effectiveness of community-based social innovations for healthy ageing in middle- and high-income countries: a systematic review
Authors: Ghiga Ioana , Pitchforth Emma , Lepetit Louise , Miani Celine , Ali Gemma-Clare , Meads Catherine
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Community-based social innovations (CBSIs) are one type of intervention that may help to address the complex needs of ageing populations globally. The aim of this research was to assess evidence for the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of CBSIs involving in such contexts.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of CBSIs for healthy ageing in middle- and high-income countries, including any CBSI that aimed to empower people aged 50 and over by motivating them to take initiative for their own health and wellbeing. The protocol was registered with Prospero (CRD 42016051622). A comprehensive search was conducted in 15 academic databases and advanced search in Google. We included published studies from 2000 onwards in any language. Exploratory meta-analysis was conducted for quantitative studies reporting similar outcomes, and qualitative studies were analysed using thematic analysis. Narrative synthesis was conducted. Searches yielded 13,262 unique hits, from which 44 papers met the inclusion criteria.

Results

Most studies reported interventions having positive impacts on participants, such as reduced depression, though the majority of studies were classified as being at medium or high risk of bias. There was no evidence on costs or cost-effectiveness and very little reporting of outcomes at an organization or system level. CBSIs have the potential for positive impacts, but with nearly half of studies coming from high-income urban settings (particularly the United Kingdom and the United States of America), there is a lack of generalizability of these findings.

Conclusions

Our research highlights the need to improve reporting of CBSIs as complex interventions, and for improved conceptualization of these interventions to inform research and practice.
Predictors of prenatal smoking among US women veterans
Authors: Coleman Jessica N , DeRycke Eric C , Bastian Lori A , Calhoun Patrick S , Beckham Jean C , Kroll-Desrosiers Aimee R , Haskell Sally G , Mattocks Kristin , Brandt Cynthia A , Wilson Sarah M
Published: April 2020

This study investigated prevalence and factors associated with prenatal smoking among US women veterans using cross-sectional data from a cohort study of veterans from recent wars utilizing Veterans Health Administration primary care ( N = 6190). Among the participants, 747 (12.0%) were current smokers and 1039 (16.8%) were former smokers. Multivariable logistic regression indicated that White race, substance use disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder were associated with increased likelihood of smoking during pregnancy. Conversely, being married and officer rank were associated with decreased likelihood of prenatal smoking. Findings suggest a need for empirical testing of interventions to address perinatal smoking, substance use, and mental health.
Ethnicity/race and service-connected disability disparities in civilian traumatic brain injury mechanism of injury and VHA health services costs in military veterans: Evidence from a Level 1 Trauma Center and VA Medical Center
Authors: Dismuke-Greer CE , Fakhry SM , Horner MD , Pogoda TK , Pugh MJ , Gebregziabher M , Hall CL , Taber D , Spain DA
Published: April 2020

Introduction

The objective of this study was to examine the association of military veteran socio-demographics and service-connected disability with civilian mechanism of traumatic brain injury and long-term Veterans Health Administration (VHA) costs.

Methods

We conducted a 17-year retrospective longitudinal cohort study of veterans with a civilian-related traumatic brain injury from a Level 1 Trauma Center between 1999 and 2013, with VHA follow-up through 2016. We merged trauma center VHA data, and used logit to model mechanism of injury, and generalized linear model to model VHA costs.

Results

African American race or Hispanic ethnicity veterans had a higher unadjusted rate of civilian assault/gun as mechanism of injury (15.38%) relative to non-Hispanic White (7.19%). African American race or Hispanic veterans who were discharged from the trauma center with traumatic brain injury and followed in VHA had more than twice the odds of assault/gun (OR 2.47; 95% CI 1.16:5.26), after adjusting for sex, age, and military service-connected disability. Veterans with service-connected disability ≥50% had more than twice the odds of assault/gun (OR 2.48; 95% CI 0.97:6.31). Assault/gun was associated with significantly higher annual VHA costs post-discharge ($16,807; 95% CI 672:32,941) among non-Hispanic White veterans. Military service-connected disability ≥50% was associated with higher VHA costs among both non-Hispanic White ($44,987; 95% CI $17,159:$72,816) and African American race or Hispanic ($37,901; 95% CI $4,543:$71,258) veterans.

Conclusions

We found that African American race or Hispanic veterans had higher adjusted likelihood of assault/gun mechanism of traumatic brain injury, and non-Hispanic White veterans had higher adjusted annual VHA resource costs associated with assault/gun, post trauma center discharge. Veterans with higher than 50% service-connected disability had higher likelihood of assault/gun and higher adjusted annual VHA resource costs. Assault/gun prevention efforts may be indicated within the VHA, especially in minority and service-connected disability veterans. More data from Level 1 Trauma Centers are needed to assess the generalizability of these findings.
Effect of porous material as heat storage medium on fuel consumption in a turbocharged gasoline engine
Authors: Dong Dongsheng , Moriyoshi Yasuo , Kuboyama Tatsuya
Published: April 2020

Exhaust gas energy recovery systems have shown great potential in improving internal combustion engine’s fuel consumption. The use of porous Si-SiC material as heat storage medium to improve the turbine performance and fuel consumption of the engine has not been investigated. In order to study the effect of porous Si-SiC material as heat storage medium on the fuel consumption for a turbocharged gasoline engine, steady and transient engine conditions were considered. A one-dimensional flow dynamic model of the porous heat storage material was established and comprehensively validated by experimental data. Then, this model was applied to predict the performance of the engine with heat storage medium under various conditions, including steady operation condition at targeted torque and transient operation conditions following the worldwide harmonized light vehicles test cycles. As a result, under steady operation conditions, using heat storage medium, a fuel consumption reduction of about 1.1% was obtained due to increased turbine efficiency and reduced pumping loss. Moreover, the simulation under worldwide harmonized light vehicles test cycle driving cycle achieved fuel consumption saving up to 6.6% at medium vehicle speed due to the reuse of recovered exhaust gas energy in the heat storage medium. Thus, to use of the porous Si-SiC material as a kind of heat storage medium can be deemed as a prominent way to improve the turbine efficiency and engine performance of turbocharged gasoline engines.
Maya cartographies: Two maps of Punta Laguna, Yucatan, Mexico
Authors: Kurnick Sarah , Rogoff David
Published: April 2020

It is common to view maps as simple reflections of the world. Maps, however, are more complex and dynamic. They are a potent form of spatial imagination and a powerful means of producing space. This article encourages archaeologists to experiment with, and to produce a multiplicity of, maps and other spatial images. As an example, this article juxtaposes two previously unpublished maps of Punta Laguna, Yucatan, Mexico: a site map created using traditional archaeological conventions and a visual cartographic history created using Indigenous Maya spatial ontologies. Because they depict space relationally, Indigenous Maya maps are arguably more congruous with contemporary social theories about space than are traditional Western maps. Further, the juxtaposition of two radically different maps of the same place highlights those mapping conventions that scholars often take for granted; demonstrates how specifically maps are selective and subjective; and emphasizes that Western worldviews are neither natural nor ubiquitous.
Lunch of the last human: Nutritionally complete food and the fantasies of market-based progress
Authors: Cronin James , Fitchett James
Published: April 2020

In this article, we integrate Nietzsche’s visions of self-overcoming with a Žižekian toolbox to explore how ‘market-based progress’ is upheld through a fabric of ideological fantasies. Through an analysis of Huel, a nutritionally complete British food brand aligned with progressive and techno-utopian discourses, we reveal a fantasmatic structure centred on pragmatism, the search for unassailable truth and continuance of a prehistoric legacy. These fantasies function as illusory support for acceptance that humanity’s great overcoming is singularly achieved through market logic and ethos. Here, a fetishistic inversion centres on subjects believing that the detached spectatorialism of consumption is closer to the act of the Nietzschean ‘Overhuman’ than it is to its inverse, the ‘last human’. This article provides the parameters for how ideological fantasy insulates the market from its material deadlocks and concludes with a conceptualization of the post-sovereign consumer’s subjectification along the fantastical contours of market-based progress.
The meek and the mighty: Two models of oppression
Authors: Blajer de la Garza Yuna
Published: April 2020

This article is an exercise in theory-building about the stories that justify, feed upon, and reproduce systems of oppression. I argue that emotional narratives contribute to the constitution and reproduction of systems of oppression, and that different emotional narratives constitute different forms of oppression. I examine two of these emotional narratives: a narrative articulated around pity and a narrative that draws on fear. I propose that the former prevails when those in power do not perceive the members of the oppressed group as posing a threat to their power structure, in turn inducing low-intensity charitable state action. Conversely, narratives that deploy fear prevail when the group in power believes that the oppressed group presents a threat to their power structure (regardless of how “true” that perception is), in turn eliciting high-intensity repressive state action. While narratives of pity recur to the infantilization of the members of the disadvantaged group, narratives of fear animalize them.
A Meta-Analysis Linking Parent-to-Child Aggression and Dating Abuse During Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Authors: Goncy Elizabeth A. , Basting Evan J. , Dunn Courtney B.
Published: April 2020

Relationship continuity and social learning theories provide support for parent-to-child aggression as one potential explanatory factor for dating abuse (DA); however, empirical results are mixed across studies as to the strength of this association. This meta-analysis sought to estimate the overall size of this effect among adolescent and young adult samples and investigate potential moderating factors including sample and measurement variables. Records were identified using a computerized search of databases with several keywords. Peer-reviewed journal articles and dissertations were included if they measured both parent-to-child aggression and DA perpetration and/or victimization among adolescents (aged 12–18) or young adults (aged 18–29). Sixty-six records met inclusion criteria, yielding 370 unique effect sizes for the relation between parent-to-child aggression and DA across 94 unique samples. As hypothesized, there was a small-to-medium effect size between parent-to-child aggression and subsequent DA during both adolescence and young adulthood. The strength of these findings was consistent across DA outcome (perpetration and victimization) and both physical and psychological forms, youth and parent gender, and youth age. Stronger associations were found when the gender of the parental aggressor was undefined compared to either a defined paternal or maternal aggressor. Records using the Conflict Tactics Scale to measure both parent-to-child aggression and DA yielded stronger associations compared to sources that used different measures, but single informant versus multiple informants did not yield any differences.
High C-Reactive Protein to Albumin Ratio Predicts Inferior Clinical Outcomes in Extranodal Natural Killer T-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Di Quan-shu , Xu Tao , Song Ying , Zuo Zhi-gang , Cao Feng-jun , Yu Xiong-jie , Tang Ji-ying , Zhang Wei , Li Chen , Wan Guo-xing , Cai Xiao-jun
Published: April 2020

Objective:

The prognostic value of C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) has been identified in several cancers but not in extranodal natural killer T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) as yet. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of CAR in ENKTL.

Methods:

A retrospective study with 246 patients with ENKTL was performed to determine the prognostic value of pretreatment CAR and examine the prognostic performance of CAR incorporating with International Prognostic Index (IPI) or natural killer/T-cell lymphoma prognostic index (NKPI) by nomogram.

Results:

The Cox regression analyses showed that high CAR (>0.3) independently predicted unfavorable progression-free survival (PFS, P = .011) and overall survival (OS, P = .012). In the stratification analysis, the CAR was able to separate patients into different prognoses regarding both OS and PFS in Ann Arbor stage I+II as well as III+IV, IPI score 0 to 1, and NKPI score 1 to 2 subgroups (all P < .05). Additionally, the predictive accuracy of the IPI-based nomogram incorporating CAR, albumin to globulin ratio (AGR), and IPI for OS and PFS appeared to be lower than the NKPI-based nomogram incorporating CAR, age, AGR, extranodal site, and NKPI.

Conclusion:

Pretreatment CAR is a simple and easily accessible parameter for independently predicting OS and PFS in patients with ENKTL.
Effects of peripheral nerve stimulation on paralysed upper limb functional recovery in chronic stroke patients undergoing low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and occupational therapy: A pilot study
Authors: Maeda Masanori , Mutai Hitoshi , Toya Yumi , Maekawa Yusuke , Hitai Takatoshi , Katai Satoshi
Published: April 2020

Objective

Upper limb paralysis, which is a sequela of stroke, limits patients’ activities of daily living and lowers quality of life. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of peripheral nerve stimulation on hemiparetic upper limb functional recovery in chronic stroke patients undergoing low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and occupational therapy.

Methods

The subjects were chronic stroke patients who participated in a two-week inpatient programme including repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and occupational therapy. There were two groups of patients: the peripheral nerve stimulation group (11 patients who underwent peripheral nerve stimulation) and the control group (11 patients who previously participated in the same inpatient programme but without peripheral nerve stimulation, selected via propensity score matching). The peripheral nerve stimulation group had 1 h of peripheral nerve stimulation on the median and ulnar nerves during occupational therapy. The outcome measures were the Wolf Motor Function Test, Fugl-Meyer Assessment, and Motor Activity Log.

Results

Wolf Motor Function Test, Fugl-Meyer Assessment, and Motor Activity Log showed significant improvement after the intervention in the peripheral nerve stimulation group. Particularly, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment hand score significantly improved in the peripheral nerve stimulation group compared to that in the control group (median change: 2 versus 0; p = 0.021, r = 0.49).

Conclusion

The combined use of peripheral nerve stimulation with occupational therapy after repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation may result in a better functional recovery of in hemiparetic upper limb. Peripheral nerve stimulation with stimulation above the sensory threshold and below the motor threshold is easy to combine with occupational therapy upper limb function training and is therefore clinically useful.
Altered coagulation profile in peripheral artery disease patients
Authors: Zamzam Abdelrahman , Syed Muzammil H , Rand Margaret L , Singh Krishna , Hussain Mohamad A , Jain Shubha , Khan Hamzah , Verma Subodh , Al-Omran Mohammed , Abdin Rawand , Qadura Mohammad
Published: April 2020

Objective

Peripheral artery disease patients have been shown to be more susceptible to thrombotic events compared to non-peripheral artery disease patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the coagulation profile in peripheral artery disease patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia, moderate peripheral artery disease patients with claudication, and non-peripheral artery disease controls.

Methods

Chronic limb threatening ischemia patients were matched to peripheral artery disease patients with claudication and non-peripheral artery disease controls in a 1:1:1 ratio. Each patient had their cytokines, markers of thrombin generation, coagulation factors, natural anti-coagulants, fibrinolysis, and endothelial injury markers assessed.

Results

Markers of thrombin activation, thrombin Fragments F1 + 2 (Frag 1 + 2), and thrombin–anti-thrombin complex were found to be significantly elevated in all peripheral artery disease and chronic limb threatening ischemia patients relative to non-peripheral artery disease controls. Similarly, relative to non-peripheral artery disease controls, inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein, soluble platelet factor 4, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin were also found to be significantly upregulated in chronic limb threatening ischemia patients, but not in peripheral artery disease patients with claudication. Furthermore, our data demonstrated significant increases in markers of endothelial injury in chronic limb threatening ischemia patients relative to non-peripheral artery disease controls. Finally, decreases in natural anti-coagulants (protein C and protein S) and coagulation factors FIX, FXI, and FXII were also observed in chronic limb threatening ischemia patients when compared with non-peripheral artery disease controls.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that in relation to non-peripheral artery disease controls, chronic limb threatening ischemia patients are more hypercoagulable. However, peripheral artery disease patients with claudication appear to have similar levels of circulating procoagulant markers as non-peripheral artery disease patients. This may explain the increased risk of thrombotic events observed in chronic limb threatening ischemia patients.
Beyond the ‘refugee crisis’: How the UK news media represent asylum seekers across national boundaries
Authors: Cooper Glenda , Blumell Lindsey , Bunce Mel
Published: April 2020

Migration is one of the most pressing, divisive issues in global politics today, and media play a crucial role in how communities understand and respond. This study examines how UK newspapers ( n =  974) and popular news websites ( n =  1044) reported on asylum seekers throughout 2017. It contributes to previous literature in two important ways. First, by examining the ‘new normal’ of daily news coverage in the wake of the 2015 ‘refugee crisis’ in Europe. Second, by looking at how asylum seekers from different regions are represented. The content analysis finds significant variations in how asylum seekers are reported, including terminology use and topics they are associated with. The article also identifies important commonalities in how all asylum seekers are represented – most notably, the dominance of political elites as sources across all media content. It argues that Entman’s ‘cascade network model’ can help to explain this, with elites in one country able to influence transnational reports.
A Hot Water Extract of Sideritis scardica Prolongs Life Span and Enhances Heat Shock Resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Nishioka Yoshihiko , Nishikawa Seiya , Shibata Toshiyuki
Published: April 2020

Sideritis scardica is a Lamiaceae plant that is endemic to the alpine zone of the Balkan Peninsula. The tea of S. scardica has been handed down as a “tea of longevity” in the Rhodope region of Bulgaria for an unknown amount of time. In this study, we prepared a hot water extract of S. scardica (SHWE) and examined its effects on both life span and stress response in living tissue using Caenorhabditis elegans and its transgenic mutants. The life span of wild-type N2 worms was prolonged by approximately 15% at the SHWE concentration of 5 µg/mL and approximately 22% at the SHWE concentration of 50 µg/mL, as compared with the control group. The effect of SHWE on the expression of heat shock protein 16.2 (HSP-16.2) under heat stress was investigated using TJ375 worms, a transgenic mutant of C. elegans. In the TJ375 worms pretreated with SHWE, the fluorescence intensity of green fluorescent protein fluorescence, which indicates the expression of HSP-16.2, was significantly increased. In the assay using TJ356 worms, the worms pretreated with SHWE did not show the translocation of DAF-16, a forkhead transcription factor class O homolog, from the cytoplasm to nucleus under heat stress. Additionally, under heat stress, the pretreatment of SHWE improved the survival rate of GR1307 worms, a knockout mutant of daf-16. These results indicate that SHWE enhances HSP-16.2 expression through a stress-response pathway (eg, HSF-1 pathway) other than the DAF-16 pathway, resulting in a prolonged life span of C. elegans under heat stress.
The Anomalous Radial Artery: A Rare Vascular Variant and Its Implications in Radial Forearm Free Tissue Transfer
Authors: Staebler Maximilian H. , Anzalone Charles Lane , Price Daniel L.
Published: April 2020

The radial forearm free flap (RFFF) has become a workhorse for soft tissue reconstruction following surgical ablation of head and neck cancer. Given the popularity of the RFFF, it is important to understand potential variants of upper extremity vascular anatomy and the effects of these findings on pre- and intraoperative planning. The purpose of this series is to synthesize the existing literature to raise awareness for potential radial artery aberrations during planned reconstruction.
The Illusion of Time: Testing the Bidirectional Relationship Between Belief in Free Will and Temporal Horizons
Authors: Seto Elizabeth , Kim Jinhyung , Hicks Joshua A.
Published: April 2020

The current research examined the bidirectional relationship between belief in free will and perceptions of time. Studies 1 and 2 explored the association between free will beliefs (FWB) and future time perspective (FTP) in correlational and longitudinal studies, respectively. Results indicated a positive relationship between the two constructs. Study 3 manipulated FTP and assessed FWB. Study 4 manipulated FWB and assessed FTP about current goal-pursuit. While manipulating FTP did not directly influence FWB, attenuating FWB led participants to perceive time as more limited to accomplish their goals. Exploratory mediation suggests that the perception of increased paths to successful goal-pursuit accounts for this relationship. The interplay between FWB and FTP is discussed.
Changing Learner Beliefs in South African Townships: An Evaluation of a Growth Mindset Intervention
Authors: Porter Tenelle , Martinus Ammaarah , Ross Rebecca , Cyster Cameron F. , Trzesniewski Kali
Published: April 2020

We tested the effectiveness of a growth mindset intervention for N = 354 adolescents from low resource schools in the Western Cape, South Africa. Growth mindset measures demonstrated good psychometric properties in our sample. We found mixed evidence of an intervention effect: We did not find evidence that the intervention improved mastery behavior or math achievement test scores, but treatment-on-the-treated (TOT) analyses showed positive effects on growth mindset for those who received the intervention (0.32 SDs). TOT analyses provided some evidence for effects on math grades, comparable in magnitude with previous research (0.24–0.34 SDs), although tests were underpowered and not all reached significance. The intervention cost approximately R4.4 (31 U.S. cents) per student. A growth mindset intervention may be a low-cost way to shape motivation and grades for those attending low resource schools, but more research is needed to address the mixed results obtained in the current study.
Reconciliation Versus Justice? It Depends on the Context: The Role of Symmetric and Asymmetric Violence in Predicting Postconflict Attitudes
Authors: Penić Sandra , Vollhardt Johanna Ray , Reicher Stephen
Published: April 2020

Whether attitudes toward postconflict justice and reconciliation are complementary or contradictory has been long debated. We posit that the answer to this question is context-dependent. Multilevel analyses of two large-scale surveys among war-affected communities in the former Yugoslavia (total N = 11,843), combined with geo-coded data on conflict events, demonstrate that a crucial contextual determinant is the prevalence of asymmetric violence in communities: The more a community was exposed to events of asymmetric violence, which disproportionately affect one group, the more the support for justice was linked to rejecting reconciliation. These findings were conceptually replicated with two different data sets and different operationalizations of justice and reconciliation attitudes. Conversely, in one study, the more a community was exposed to symmetric violence, which affects members of all adversary groups, the more the justice and reconciliation were perceived as compatible. This study shows the importance of a contextualized approach to understanding intergroup attitudes in postconflict settings.
Difficulties Perceived by ICU Nurses Providing End-of-Life Care: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Ozga Dorota , Woźniak Krystyna , Gurowiec Piotr Jerzy
Published: April 2020

Background

With advances in medicine and technology, intensive care units (ICUs) have the capacity to treat patients who would have previously not been expected to survive and would therefore not have been managed in ICUs. When an individual is not expected to survive, doctors and nurses face the modern ethical dilemma of death associated with withdrawal of life-supporting strategies. The aim of this study was to identify difficulties perceived by ICU nurses providing end-of-life care (EOLC) in Poland.

Methods

The qualitative study was designed to investigate the difficulties, and the related barriers, to EOLC provided in ICUs in Poland. We conducted individual telephone interviews with ICU nurses from across Poland.

Results

The main issues raised during the interviews included (1) barriers attributable to the hospital, (2) barriers related to the patient’s family, and (3) barriers related to the ICU personnel providing direct EOLC. The interviewed nurses considered the lack of support from managers to be the main barrier. We found that ICU nurses in Poland dealt with end-of-life aspects that were emotionally and psychologically taxing. In addition, they lacked specialized training in this area, especially with regard to family care and care provision.

Conclusions

A pressing need exists to improve facilities and make equipment ensuring a desirable standard of care more available. Specialized palliative care training programs should be incorporated into compulsory nursing curricula for ICU nurses.
Cyber Racism Toward Black Athletes: A Critical Race Analysis of TexAgs.com Online Brand Community
Authors: Oshiro Kristi F. , Weems Anthony J. , Singer John N.
Published: April 2020

While athletes in the 21st century have strategically leveraged technology and social media to disseminate their powerful truths (e.g., narratives) and to use as tools for organization, empowerment, and the disruption of hegemonic norms, sports fans have also found refuge on the internet and in cyberspace—namely, within online brand communities (OBCs). In this study, we draw from critical race theory (CRT) to interrogate cyber racism against Black male athletes in the http://TexAgs.com OBC. The primary purpose of this study was to conduct an exploratory collective case study of fan-generated discourse about Michael Bennett, Mike Evans, Myles Garrett, and Von Miller. Content analysis was used to examine and uncover the racially charged language directed toward these athletes. Three salient, interrelated themes were (1) good Aggie versus bad Aggie dichotomy, (2) dumb/misguided, and (3) thug. In line with the counter-narrative/storytelling tenet of CRT, we present Michael Bennett’s (2018) personal narrative from his book to directly counter the racialized discourse about his peers and him on TexAgs. Based on the findings, we conclude with implications for sport communication and social justice in both the public sphere and cyberspaces.
Psychology of Indian Stock Market: An Evidence of Seasonal Affected Disorder
Authors: Raut Rajdeep Kumar , Kumar Rohit
Published: April 2020

This article examines the association between daylight hours as a proxy for the seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and stock market return. Past studies have documented different decision-making mechanisms induced by investors’ cognition mainly influenced by greed and fear. However, this study appears to be different from evidence where investors’ mood is affected by seasonality, which plays a vital role in risk-taking propensity. Data have been taken from three indexes of Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), for the period between April 2003 and December 2016. The impact of SAD on stock market return was examined by using naïve ordinary least square (OLS) model. This study reports a negative relationship between daylight hours and pattern of midcap as well as smallcap indexes, which are in alignment with mood maintenance hypothesis (MMH). The result of negative correlation suggests a summer-type SAD, which is an addition to the findings of the existing literature.
Analysis of the quality of online resources for parents of children who are late to talk
Authors: Coughler Caitlin , M Burke Shauna , Cardy Janis Oram
Published: April 2020

Background and aims

Internet usage worldwide has become a primary source of health-related information and an important resource for parents to find advice on how to promote their child’s development and well-being. It is important that healthcare professionals understand what information is available to parents online to best support families and children. The current study evaluated the quality of online resources accessible for parents of children who are late to talk.

Method

Fifty-four web pages were evaluated for their usability and reliability using the LIDA instrument and Health on the Net Foundation code of conduct certification, and readability using the Flesch Reading Ease Score and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level. Origin, author(s), target audience, topics discussed, terminology used, and recommendations were also examined.

Results

The majority of websites scored within the moderate range (50–90%) for total LIDA scores and usability, but scored in the low range for reliability (<50%). Significantly higher reliability scores ( p < 0.001) were found for sites with Health on the Net Foundation code of conduct certification. Readability fell within the standard range. The largest proportion of websites were American, written by speech-language pathologists, with the most common topics being milestones, tips and strategies, and red flags. Discrepancies were mostly seen in terminology and misinformation, and when present, usually related to risk factors and causes.

Conclusion

Prior to recommending websites to parents, health professionals should consider readability of the content, check that information is up-to-date, and confirm website sources and reputable authorship. Health professionals should also be aware of the types of unclear or inaccurate information to which parents of children who are late to talk may be exposed online.