bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Deception Spiral: Corporate Obfuscation Leads to Perceptions of Immorality and Cheating Behavior
Authors: Markowitz David M. , Kouchaki Maryam , Hancock Jeffrey T. , Gino Francesca
Published: August 2020

In four studies, we evaluated how corporate misconduct relates to language patterns, perceptions of immorality, and unethical behavior. First, we analyzed nearly 190 codes of conduct from S&P 500 manufacturing companies and observed that corporations with ethics infractions had more linguistically obfuscated codes than corporations without ethics infractions. Next, we tested perceptions of a company based on values statements modified by obfuscation (Study 2). Participants perceived low-obfuscation companies as more moral, warmer, and more trustworthy than high-obfuscation companies. Finally, behavioral experiments (Studies 3a and 3b) revealed that group members cheat more after reading a high-obfuscation values statement than a low-obfuscation values statement. The results provide evidence of a potentially troublesome cycle: corporate unethicality has linguistic traces, can affect how people appraise a company, and can change ethical behavior.
Bringing the boys back home: Campaign promises and US decision-making in Iraq and Vietnam
Authors: Payne Andrew
Published: August 2020

This article argues that electoral politics acts as an important constraint on presidential decision-making in war. Going beyond the existing literature’s focus on cases of conflict initiation, it outlines how electoral pressures push and pull presidents away from courses of action which may otherwise be deemed strategically optimal. Importantly, however, these electoral constraints will not just apply on the immediate eve of an election but will vary in strength across the electoral calendar. Together, this conceptual framework helps explain why presidential fulfilment of rhetorical pledges made on the previous campaign trail may be belated and often inconsistent. To probe the plausibility of these arguments, case studies of the closing stages of the wars in Vietnam and Iraq are outlined, drawing on archival and elite interview material. These episodes demonstrate that electoral accountability can be a powerful factor affecting wartime decision-making, but its effect is non-linear, and not easily observed through a narrow focus on particular timeframes.
Quantitative assessment of the association of polymorphisms in the metallothionein 2A gene with cancer risk
Authors: Wang Jianguo , Huang Pinghua , Zhao Wei , Ren Wei , Ai Ling , Wu Liping
Published: August 2020

Objective

The aim of the study was to quantitatively assess the association of metallothionein 2A ( MT2A) polymorphisms rs28366003 and rs1610216 with cancer risk.

Methods

Crude odd ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to estimate associations of the polymorphisms with cancer risk.

Results

Six eligible case-control studies with 1899 cases and 2437 controls focused on rs28366003, and three of those six studies, with 548 cases and 926 controls, additionally focused on rs1610216. Pooled analysis showed that MT2A rs28366003 and rs1610216 were associated with cancer risk: (AG + GG) vs. AA, OR = 2.67; GG vs. (AG + AA), OR = 5.97; GG vs. AA, OR = 6.80; AG vs. AA, OR = 2.46; G vs. A, OR = 2.67 for rs28366003; and CC vs. (TC+TT), OR = 2.51; CC vs. TT, OR = 2.42 for rs1610216. Subgroup analysis based on ethnicity showed a significant association of rs28366003 with cancer risk in Asian and Caucasian populations. However, a significant association of rs1610216 with cancer risk was found only in the Asian population.

Conclusion

MT2A rs28366003 and rs1610216 polymorphisms were associated with cancer risk and might serve as genetic biomarkers for predicting cancer risk. However, larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Differences in physical function across cancer recovery phases: Findings from the 2015 National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Hong Ickpyo , Hreha Kimberly , Swartz Maria Chang , R. Pappadis Monique , Yoo Kyungtae , Ko Mansoo
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Recent cancer survivors (<2 years post-diagnosis) report poorer general health and physical weakness compared to long-term cancer survivors (≥2 years post-diagnosis), but differences in functional limitations are unknown. It is unclear which daily tasks are more difficult for recent versus long-term survivors. We aimed to examine differences in functional performances across cancer recovery phases as potential targets for functional impairment screening.

Method

The cohort consisted of adults with a cancer history in the 2015 National Health Interview Survey ( n = 2372). Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds of having difficulty in health-related outcomes across the cancer recovery phases (recent versus long-term).

Results

Most subjects were long-term survivors (84.9%). Recent survivors were more likely to have difficulty in work, mobility-related daily tasks and social participation compared to long-term survivors. No differences were found in basic activities of daily living, cognition and emotional functioning between the groups.

Conclusion

While recent cancer survivors were independent in basic daily tasks, they had difficulties in performing daily tasks that required a high level of physical function. Clinicians, especially occupational therapists, should prioritize evaluating physical functioning to guide intervention planning for recent cancer survivors.
Defacing the name: YHWH and ‘ZTWD
Authors: Campbell Nicholas J
Published: August 2020

This article compares the conceptual and linguistic similarities between the curse formula of the Azatiwada inscription and the curse formula in 2 Kings 21.7, 13. The linguistic similarities between the two texts have been pointed out many times, but the difference in agency has not been explored. The grammatical similarity between the two accentuates the difference between Azatiwada’s claim of ownership and Yahweh’s claim of ownership. This article will also explore the subtle theological distinctions implicit in the two curse formulas.
Effect of KATP channel blocker glibenclamide on levcromakalim-induced headache
Authors: Al-Karagholi Mohammad Al-Mahdi , Ghanizada Hashmat , Kokoti Lili , Paulsen Joachim S , Hansen Jakob Møller , Ashina Messoud
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Administration of ATP-sensitive potassium channel opener levcromakalim triggers headache in healthy volunteers and migraine attacks in migraine patients. Here, we investigated the effect of ATP-sensitive potassium channel blocker glibenclamide on levcromakalim-induced headache in healthy volunteers.

Methods

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, three-way cross-over study, 15 healthy volunteers aged 18–40 years were randomly allocated to receive glibenclamide and levcromakalim (day 1), glibenclamide and placebo (day 2), and placebo and placebo (day 3) on three different days separated by at least 1 week. The primary endpoints were the difference in incidence of headache and the difference in area under the curve for headache intensity scores (0–12 hours) between the days.

Results

Fifteen healthy volunteers completed the 3 days of the study. More participants (12/15, 80%) developed headache on the glibenclamide-levcromakalim day compared to the glibenclamide-placebo day (5/15, 33%) ( p = 0.01; mean difference 47%; 95% confidence interval 18–75%) and compared to the placebo-placebo day (1/15, 7%) ( p = 0.001; mean difference 73%; 95% confidence interval 48–99%). We found no difference in headache incidence between glibenclamide-placebo day and placebo-placebo day ( p = 0.12; mean difference 27%; 95% confidence interval 1.3–52%). The area under the curve for headache intensity was significantly larger on the glibenclamide-levcromakalim day compared to the glibenclamide-placebo day ( p = 0.003); and compared to the placebo-placebo day ( p = 0.001). We found no difference in the area under the curve between the glibenclamide-placebo day compared to the placebo-placebo day ( p = 0.07). The median time to onset for headache after levcromakalim infusion with glibenclamide pretreatment was delayed (180 min) compared to levcromakalim without pretreatment (30 min) from a previously published study.

Conclusion

Glibenclamide administration did not cause headache, and glibenclamide pretreatment did not prevent levcromakalim-induced headache. However, glibenclamide delayed the onset of levcromakalim-induced headache. More selective blockers are needed to further elucidate the role of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel in headache initiation. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03886922.
Effect of calcitonin gene-related peptide (-receptor) antibodies in chronic cluster headache: Results from a retrospective case series support individual treatment attempts
Authors: Ruscheweyh Ruth , Broessner Gregor , Goßrau Gudrun , Heinze-Kuhn Katja , Jürgens Tim P , Kaltseis Katharina , Kamm Katharina , Peikert Andreas , Raffaelli Bianca , Rimmele Florian , Evers Stefan
Published: August 2020

Objective

To assess the efficacy of monoclonal antibodies targeting calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) or its receptor in chronic cluster headache (CCH) treatment under real world conditions.

Background

Calcitonin gene-related peptide has an important pathophysiological role in cluster headache. Although the randomised controlled trial with the calcitonin gene-related peptide antibody galcanezumab was negative, chronic cluster headache patients with insufficient response to other preventive treatments have been receiving individual off-label treatment attempts with calcitonin gene-related peptide-(receptor) antibodies.

Methods

Data from 22 chronic cluster headache patients who received at least one dose of a calcitonin gene-related peptide(-receptor) antibody and recorded attack frequency in a headache diary were retrospectively collected at eight headache centres.

Results

The number of previous preventive therapies was 6.5 ± 2.4 (mean ± standard deviation, range: 2–11). The average number of attacks per week was 23.3 ± 16.4 at baseline and significantly decreased by −9.2 ± 9.7 in the first month of treatment with a calcitonin gene-related peptide(-receptor) antibody ( p < 0.001). Fifty-five percent of the patients were 50% responders and 36% were 75% responders with respect to attack frequency. Significant reduction of attack frequency started at week 1 (−6.8 ± 2.8 attacks, p < 0.01). Results were corroborated by significant decreases in weekly uses of acute headache medication (−9.8 ± 7.6, p < 0.001) and pain intensity during attacks (−1.2 ± 2.0, numerical rating scale (NRS) [0–10], p < 0.01) in the first month. In months 2 (n = 14) and 3 (n = 10), reduction of attack frequency from baseline was −8.0 ± 8.4 ( p = 0.004) and −9.1 ± 10.0 ( p = 0.024), respectively.

Conclusion

Under real-world conditions, individual treatment with calcitonin gene-related peptide(-receptor) antibodies was effective in 55% of our chronic cluster headache patients. This finding supports individual off-label treatment attempts with calcitonin gene-related peptide-(receptor) antibodies in chronic cluster headache patients insufficiently responding to other therapies.
Existing Problems of Transit Signal Priority on Streetcar Routes
Authors: Kwong Ivan , Nourinejad Mehdi , Shalaby Amer
Published: August 2020

Transit signal priority (TSP) is a traffic control strategy that gives priority to transit vehicles by adjusting intersection signals in real time. The technology is implemented in many major cities and has proved to benefit transit routes in reducing the overall passenger travel time. Unfortunately, there are several problems with TSP that are commonly ignored. These problems are predominantly operational, such as misjudgment of the arrival time at the intersection and insensitivity to the TSP activation time. It is worsened with streetcars, which have shorter headways and thus are more prone to bunching delays. In this paper, five delay problems that streetcars experience are identified. Data are collected from a TSP-equipped intersection in the City of Toronto to provide a statistical analysis of the issues. It was found that 25.8% of times, TSP is inadequate at prioritizing public transit. From the problems raised, the most frequent one is the late arrival of a streetcar during a green interval, representing 72.5% of TSP issue cases. It was also found that TSP has a bias toward different failure cases, and favors early arrivals to the intersection. Several remedies for the defined issues are recommended. The suggestions include implementing green truncations, avoiding late TSP activation in each cycle, and introducing a prediction-based TSP system.
Exploring Support for and Solutions to Family CABs (Chauffeur-Associated Burdens)
Authors: Piatkowski Daniel P.
Published: August 2020

Children who are too young to drive and adults who are unable to drive can represent a significant transportation burden, one typically shouldered by family members, i.e., “family chauffeur-associated-burdens” (Family CABs). This research examines how one’s experience chauffeuring family members influences support for strategies to address family chauffeuring burdens. The research also examines if one’s own experience chauffeuring family members affects perceptions of the possibility that they may reach a point at which they are no longer able to drive, and potentially become a transportation burden to others. Descriptive statistics and linear and logistic regression models of a household survey ( n = 349) demonstrate the significance of demographics in the type and extent of chauffeuring burdens. Chauffeur youth and money spent chauffeuring are each positively-correlated with the desire to move to a more walkable place to address chauffeuring burdens. Alternately, youth and being male are each positively-correlated with favoring technological solutions (e.g., autonomous vehicles) to address chauffeuring burdens. One’s own experience as a chauffeur does not significantly influence perceptions of eventually becoming a transportation burden for others. Women are more likely to prefer moving to a more walkable location and relying on family or friends if they are no longer able to drive, while men prefer the idea of relying on autonomous vehicles if they lose the ability to drive. Findings from this work can guide appropriate planning, policy, and technological responses to chauffeuring burdens.
Dial-a-Ride Problem with Users’ Accept/Reject Decisions Based on Service Utilities
Authors: Dong Xiaotong , Rey David , Travis Waller S.
Published: August 2020

The classic dial-a-ride problem (DARP) aims at designing the minimum-cost routing that accommodates all requests under a set of constraints. However, several modeling and computational challenges have hindered the successful deployment of dial-a-ride solutions. This work proposes incorporating user preference decisions within a rich DARP formulation. Specifically, it is considered that two travel modes are available: a shared mobility (DARP) service and a private travel option. Utility functions for each travel mode are integrated and it is assumed that the utility of the shared mobility service depends on the collective choice of travelers whereas the utility of private travel is fixed. Assuming that travelers are rational and seek to maximize their trip utility, extra variables and constraints are added to ensure that all requests are served by the mode with the higher utility. The behavior of the proposed integrated DARP with formulation of user preference constraints is examined by comparing the optimal solutions and computational time of this model with its classic DARP counterpart. Furthermore, the impact of various formulations of fare and the tolerance of the integrated DARP model is explored. Results show that user-personalized fare formulation improves model tolerance and profit margin, albeit it is rather computationally expensive.
Analysis of Temperature Variation and Thermally-Induced Reflective Cracking Potential in Composite Pavements
Authors: Xie Pengyu , Wang Hao
Published: August 2020

Reflective cracking is the major distress in composite pavement and can accelerate the deterioration of the whole structure. This paper analyzes the potential for reflective cracking in composite pavements because of thermal cycles. A heat transfer model was first developed to predict cyclic temperature variations with climatic inputs (solar radiation, wind velocity, air temperature, and humidity). Mechanical models were then employed to analyze thermally-induced reflective cracking potential using fracture mechanics parameters. Both models were validated through field measurement of temperature profile and crack propagation. The temperature profile in composite pavement can be predicted accurately from climate data and typical thermal material properties. Because of the temperature variation and gradient in composite pavement, concrete slabs undergo joint opening and curling deformation and stress concentration occurs at the bottom of the overlay. The loading cycles for initiation and propagation of reflective cracking were predicted by empirical equation and Paris’ law. Increasing overlay thickness can extend the pavement service life, but care is needed as different thicknesses offer varying efficiency. Thicker asphalt overlay mitigates reflective crack potential, especially at the crack initiation phase.
The role of bedside assistant during robot assisted radical prostatectomy: Is more experience better? Analysis on perioperative and clinical outcomes
Authors: Mangano Mario Salvatore , Lamon Claudio , Beniamin Francesco , De Gobbi Alberto , Ciaccia Matteo , Maccatrozzo Luigino
Published: August 2020

Objectives:

To analyze the impact of the bedside assistant’s experience during RARP. It is believed that the outcome of robotic surgery during Robot Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP) for prostate cancer depends not only on the console surgeon’s experience.

Materials and Methods:

All consecutive RARPs from January 2017 to March 2018 were sourced from a prospectively maintained database. All cases were performed by the same surgeon. He was supported by three bedside assistants: one with bedside and console experience, one only with relevant bedside experience, one basically inexperienced. The patient’s parameters analyzed: age, Body Mass Index (BMI), previous abdominal surgery, prostate volume (by TRUS), pre-operative PSA, bioptic grading. Surgical outcomes analyzed included skin-to-skin operative time and estimated blood loss; clinical outcomes included length of hospital stay and time to catheter removal; the oncological outcome was represented by positive surgical margin rate.

Results:

A total of 116 RARPs were identified: 38 RARPs were performed with the console experienced bedside assistant, 38 with the experienced one, 40 with the novice one. The variables were similar between the three groups. As far as outcomes are concerned, there were no statistically significant differences between the three bedside assistants in terms of operative time, estimated blood loss, length of stay, days of catheterization, positive surgical margin rate.
(Internet) Gaming Disorder in DSM-5 and ICD-11: A Case of the Glass Half Empty or Half Full: (Internet) Le trouble du jeu dans le DSM-5 et la CIM-11: Un cas de verre à moitié vide et à moitié plein
Authors: Borges Guilherme , Orozco Ricardo , Benjet Corina , Mart´ınez Kalina I. Mart´ınez , Contreras Eunice Vargas , P´erez Ana Lucia Jim´enez , Cedr´es Alvaro Julio Pel´aez , Uribe Praxedis Cristina Hern´andez , Couder Mar´ıa Anabell Covarrubias D´ıaz , Gutierrez-Garcia Ra´ ul A. , Ch´avez Guillermo E. Quevedo , Albor Yesica , Mendez Enrique , Medina-Mora Maria Elena , Mortier Philippe , Ayuso-Mateos Jos´e Luis
Published: August 2020

Background:

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ( DSM-5) included in 2013 Internet gaming disorder (IGD) as a condition for further study, and in 2018, the World Health Organization included gaming disorder (GD) as a mental disorder in the International Classification of Disease ( ICD-11). We aim to compare disorders of gaming in both diagnostic systems using a sample of young adults in Mexico.

Methods:

Self-administered survey to estimate the prevalence of DSM-5 IGD and ICD-11 GD in 5 Mexican universities; 7,022 first-year students who participated in the University Project for Healthy Students, part of the World Health Organization World Mental Health International College Student Initiative. Cross-tabulation, logistic regression, and item response theory were used to inform on 12- month prevalence of DSM-5 IGD and ICD-11 GD, without and with impairment.

Results:

The 12-month prevalence of DSM-5 IGD was 5.2% (95% CI, 4.7 to 5.8), almost twice as high as the prevalence using the ICD-11 GD criteria (2.7%; 95% CI, 2.4 to 3.1), and while adding an impairment requirement diminishes both estimates, prevalence remains larger in DSM-5. We found that DSM-5 cases detected and undetected by ICD-11 criteria were similar in demographics, comorbid mental disorders, service use, and impairment variables with the exception that cases detected by ICD-11 had a larger number of symptoms and were more likely to have probable drug dependence than undetected DSM-5 cases.

Conclusion:

DSM-5 cases detected by ICD-11 are mostly similar to cases undetected by ICD-11. By using ICD-11 instead of DSM-5, we may be leaving (similarly) affected people underserved. It is unlikely that purely epidemiological studies can solve this discrepancy and clinical validity studies maybe needed.
La transparence numérique : dimensions, antécédents et conséquences sur la qualité des relations clients
Authors: Portes Audrey , N’Goala Gilles , Cases Anne-Sophie
Published: August 2020

Cette recherche s’intéresse à la transparence dans un environnement numérique, examine la manière dont elle est perçue par les clients au travers de différentes évaluations (limpidité, objectivité, ouverture perçues), et étudie comment chacune de ces dimensions affecte la confiance et l’engagement des clients envers la marque. Elle souligne que les jugements de transparence diffèrent selon le rapport que les consommateurs ont personnellement développé vis-à-vis de leur environnement numérique (littératie, perspicacité, préoccupation pour la vie privée). A partir d’une étude empirique réalisée dans l’e-commerce (N= 445), les résultats montrent que la limpidité perçue des pratiques – contrairement à l’objectivité perçue – s’accompagne d’une baisse de confiance et impacte directement l’engagement. En revanche, l’ouverture perçue incite à l’engagement mais pas à la confiance. Cette recherche souligne combien la littératie et la perspicacité du client favorisent la perception de transparence alors que la préoccupation pour la vie privée la dégrade. Des implications théoriques et pratiques sont ensuite tirées de cette recherche.
Working at the Intersection of Palliative End-of-Life and Mental Health Care: Provider Perspectives
Authors: Park Tanya , Hegadoren Kathy , Workun Bernadette
Published: August 2020

Objective: Palliative, end-of-life care (PEOLC) providers are poorly resourced in addressing the needs of patients with mental health challenges, and the dying experiences of this cohort—particularly those with a comorbid, chronic and persistent mental illness (CPMI)—are poorly documented. We sought to explore the experiences of PEOLC providers with regard to caring for patients with mental health challenges, and gather insights into ways of improving accessibility and quality of PEOLC for these patients. Method: Twenty providers of PEOLC, from different disciplines, took part in semi structured interviews. The data were coded and analyzed using a reflexive, inductive-deductive process of thematic analysis. Results: The most prominent issues pertained to assessment of patients and differential diagnosis of CPMI, and preparedness of caregivers to deliver mental health interventions, given the isolation of palliative care from other agencies. Among the assets mentioned, informal relationships with frontline caregivers were seen as the main support structure, rather than the formal policies and procedures of the practice settings. Strategies to improve mental health care in PEOLC centered on holistic roles and interventions benefiting the entire palliative population, illustrating the participants saw little point in compartmentalizing mental illness, whether diagnosed or not. Conclusions: Continuity of care and personal advocacy can significantly improve quality of life for end-of-life patients with mental health challenges, but bureaucracy and disciplinary siloing tend to isolate these patients and their caregivers. Improved interdisciplinary connectivity and innovative, hybridized roles encompassing palliation and psychiatry are 2 strategies to address this disconnect, as well as enhanced training in core mental health care competencies for PEOLC providers.
Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Musculoskeletal Imaging: From the Request to the Report
Authors: Gorelik Natalia , Gyftopoulos Soterios
Published: August 2020

Artificial intelligence (AI) will transform every step in the imaging value chain, including interpretive and noninterpretive components. Radiologists should familiarize themselves with AI developments to become leaders in their clinical implementation. This article explores the impact of AI through the entire imaging cycle of musculoskeletal radiology, from the placement of the requisition to the generation of the report, with an added Canadian perspective. Noninterpretive tasks which may be assisted by AI include the ordering of appropriate imaging tests, automatic exam protocoling, optimized scheduling, shorter magnetic resonance imaging acquisition time, computed tomography imaging with reduced artifact and radiation dose, and new methods of generation and utilization of radiology reports. Applications of AI for image interpretation consist of the determination of bone age, body composition measurements, screening for osteoporosis, identification of fractures, evaluation of segmental spine pathology, detection and temporal monitoring of osseous metastases, diagnosis of primary bone and soft tissue tumors, and grading of osteoarthritis.
Molecular Advances and Targeted Therapies for Pediatric Central Nervous System Tumors
Authors: Gordon Danielle , Maria Bernard L.
Published: August 2020

Central nervous system tumors are extremely rare in the pediatric population and molecularly heterogeneous. Growing scientific research and clinical practice experience are improving medical therapies to increase survival outcomes and quality of life and reduce side effects. The 2019 Neurobiology of Disease in Children Symposium, held in conjunction with the 48th annual meeting of the Child Neurology Society, aimed to (1) describe molecular advances in tumor classification, (2) better understand the evolution of targeted therapies, and (3) more clearly formulate a treatment plan for patients. The article summarizes the presentations and includes an edited transcript of a panel discussion.
Challenging the Discourse of Leadership as Knowledge: Knowing and Not Knowing
Authors: Doshi Vijayta , Turner Paaige K. , Vohra Neharika
Published: August 2020

Leadership and knowledge are often paired together. Yet, certain forces that operate on businesses and individuals are often unknowable. In this study, we consider leaders’ perceptions of the consequences of not knowing and how leaders discursively cope with a sense of not knowing. Based on interviews with 33 participants working in multinational companies in India, we find that leaders perceive negative consequences of not knowing and engage in discursive tactics such as posing, delaying, clarifying, admitting, being silent, and stating “I don’t know,” that sustain and are sustained by the Discourse of leadership as knowledge. The findings contribute to the discursive leadership literature by demonstrating tactics leaders use as they attempt to balance the discursive construction of leadership as knowledge and lived experiences of not knowing. We discuss how the Discourse of leadership as knowledge will hamper knowledge extension as it undermines not knowing and privileges knowing over not knowing.
A Model for Developing an Academic Activity Index for Higher Education Instructors Based on Composite Indicators
Authors: Bas María del Carmen , Carot José Miguel
Published: August 2020

The assessment of the teacher performance is a subject of criticism due to the lack of a well-establish methodology. This study develops an overall score to measure the dimensions that encompass the academic activities. To that end, a Benefit-of-the-doubt model is proposed. The advantage of this technique is the flexibility in the weights, so that the model selects for each teacher the most favourable set of weights. Furthermore, the paper proposes the barycentric coordinate system as a method to classify the teachers in clusters depending on their contribution to the dimensions. A specific pie chart has been proposed as an efficient way to report the contribution of the teachers to the dimensions and the overall teacher performance.
Numerical simulation and experimental tests of the filter with a rotating cylindrical perforated filter element
Authors: Brazhenko Volodymyr , Mochalin Ievgen
Published: August 2020

There is a need to clean various liquids of solid impurities in almost all areas of human activity. The filter design with a rotating cylindrical perforated filter element was proposed to address this topical technical problem. Its work based on the principle of rotational filtration. The experimental studies demonstrated that with a rotating cylindrical perforated filter element could remove more than 90% of the admixture particles. This took place in defined fluid motion modes, which characterized by the dimensionless Reynolds numbers. In the present study, numerical simulation was carried out for an investigation of the hydraulic oil motion and solid admixture particles' motion in the filter. The simulation results showed a local increase velocity in the holes of the perforated filter element. It entails the passage of a very small particle number into the filtrate. A comparison of the numerical simulation results of filter cleaning efficiency with the data of physical experiments showed a rather good agreement, the discrepancy between which is less than 9%.
Wire Electric Discharge Machining Induced Surface Integrity for Ni55.95Ti44.05 Shape Memory Alloy
Authors: Bisaria Himanshu , Shandilya Pragya
Published: August 2020

The current study unveils the variation of surface integrity aspects (micro-hardness, surface crack density, and surface characteristics) for Ni55.95Ti44.05 shape memory alloy (SMA) with wire electric discharge machining (WEDM) process parameters, namely, pulse off time, wire tension, spark gap voltage, wire feed rate and pulse on time. The experimental results reveal that micro-hardness displays direct relationship with spark gap voltage, pulse on time, and pulse off time whereas surface crack density shows direct relationship with pulse on time and inverse trend with spark gap voltage and pulse off time. Wire tension and wire feed rate show trivial effect on both surface crack density and micro-hardness. Machined surface comprises crater, micro-cracks, micro-voids, pockmarks, and lumps of debris while inspecting through a scanning electron microscope (SEM). During energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis, the foreign elements namely carbon, oxygen, copper and zinc were also detected on the surface. The high energy density at higher pulse on time adversely affects the surface morphology. The formation of large size craters (deep and wide) with more cracks on the machined surface were observed at lower pulse off time as compared to higher pulse off time.
Autoimmune Cytopenias Developing Late Post Alemtuzumab-Based Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation: Presentation of Short Case Series from a Transplant Center
Authors: Lloyd Rebecca , Nikolousis Emmanouil , Kishore Bhuvan , Lovell Richard , Shankara Paneesha , Zeid Nervana Abou , Horgan Claire , Panteliadou Alkistis Kyra , McIlroy Graham , Xenou Evgenia , Kaparou Maria , Holder Kathleen , Murthy Vidhya , Kanellopoulos Alexandros
Published: August 2020

Stem cell transplantation remains the curative option for many patients with hematological malignancies. The long-term effects of these treatments on the patients and their immune systems have been extensively investigated, but there remains a paucity of data regarding autoimmune manifestations post-transplant, although these effects are well recognized.

Herein we present the clinical picture and therapeutic approach in three patients (cases 1–3), with varied presentations of autoimmune disease post-transplant. Case 1 exhibited autoimmune hemolytic anemia and other autoimmune manifestations (serositis, thyroiditis), that were probably linked to graft versus relapsed leukemia effect. Cases 2 and 3 had pure red white cell aplasia and pure red cell aplasia, respectively, which were associated with hyperglobulinemia and a clonal T cell expansion.
Validation of the Chinese Involuntary Musical Imagery Scale and its Application in Mainland China
Authors: Jue Deng , Jianping Ma , Yiduo Ye
Published: August 2020

This study aimed to examine the validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the Involuntary Musical Imagery Scale and its application in mainland China. Two studies were conducted. In Study 1, the Involuntary Musical Imagery Scale contents were translated into Chinese and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 undergraduate students; on this basis, a preliminary version of the Chinese Involuntary Musical Imagery Scale was generated. Subsequently, the psychometric properties of the Chinese Involuntary Musical Imagery Scale were analyzed based on 443 questionnaires; a four-factor model was found to achieve the best fit to the collected data and the Chinese Involuntary Musical Imagery Scale showed excellent internal consistency. In Study 2, the Chinese Involuntary Musical Imagery Scale was used to investigate the experience of involuntary musical imagery in mainland China ( n = 426), where we explored the correlations among its factors and mental control, obsessive-compulsive traits, neuroticism, and openness; the results suggest that the frequency of involuntary musical imagery in Chinese individuals was lower than that of individuals in Western samples, and there were significant correlations between characteristics of involuntary musical imagery and various individual traits. Additionally, differences in involuntary musical imagery between students from urban areas and those from rural areas, as well as between only-child students and students with siblings, were found for the first time.
Metabolomics in the study of spontaneous animal diseases
Authors: Tran Helena , McConville Malcolm , Loukopoulos Panayiotis
Published: August 2020

Using analytical chemistry techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and liquid or gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC/GC-MS), metabolomics allows detection of most endogenous and exogenous metabolites in a biological sample. Metabolomics has a wide range of applications, and has been employed in nutrition science, toxicology, environmental studies, and systems biology. Metabolomics is particularly useful in biomedical science, and has been used for diagnostic laboratory testing, identifying targets for drug development, and monitoring drug metabolism, mode of action, and toxicity. Despite its immense potential, metabolomics remains underutilized in the study of spontaneous animal diseases. Our aim was to comprehensively review the existing literature on the use of metabolomics in spontaneous veterinary diseases. Three databases were used to find journal articles that applied metabolomics in veterinary medicine. A screening process was then conducted to eliminate references that did not meet the eligibility criteria; only primary research studies investigating spontaneous animal disease were included; 38 studies met the inclusion criteria. The main techniques used were NMR and MS. All studies detected metabolite alterations in diseased animals compared with non-diseased animals. Metabolomics was mainly used to study diseases of the digestive, reproductive, and musculoskeletal systems. Inflammatory conditions made up the largest proportion of studies when articles were categorized by disease process. Following a comprehensive analysis of the literature on metabolomics in spontaneous veterinary diseases, we concluded that metabolomics, although in its early stages in veterinary research, is a promising tool regarding diagnosis, biomarker discovery, and in uncovering new insights into disease pathophysiology.
Questionnaires to Assess Facilitators and Barriers of Early Mobilization in Critically Ill Patients; Which One to Choose? A Systematic Review
Authors: Dikkema Yvonne. , Nieuwenhuis Marianne. K. , van der Schans Cees. P. , Mouton Leonora. J.
Published: August 2020

Implementing and performing early mobilization is a complex process requiring multidisciplinary input and cooperation. To gain insight in its facilitators and barriers, various surveys have been developed. A systematic review was conducted, to identify the psychometric properties, feasibility and suitability of questionnaires to assess facilitators and barriers of early mobilization in critically ill patients. Data were extracted regarding a.o. definition of early mobilization, development, psychometric properties, content and themes, question format. The search identified 537 publications of which 13 unique questionnaires were included. The questionnaires showed wide variation in extensiveness of development. Only six questionnaires actually assessed validity and reliability. Which questionnaire to choose depends on the aim of its use, required level of detail and specifics of the ICU, though three questionnaires were recommended as their definition of early mobilization covered a broad range of activities, including nursing related mobility activities. International consensus on what constitutes early mobilization is desirable.
The Behaviors of the Levator Veli Palatine Muscle Between 2 Surgical Conditions in Dog: The Comparison of Furlow and Pushback Methods
Authors: Nakagawa Kiyoko , Isomura Emiko Tanaka , Matsukawa Makoto , Mitsui Ryo , Kogo Mikihiko
Published: August 2020

Objective:

This study was conducted to compare the velopharyngeal function among the beagle dogs which the levator veli palatini (LVP) muscles construction has been experimentally changed.

Methods:

Four groups of LVP muscle reconstruction were made (normal LVP, cut LVP, end-to-end sutured LVP, and overlapped-sutured LVP at the midline). Levator veli palatini contraction was induced by electrical stimulation or a hypercapnia condition to analyze the strength of the velopharyngeal closure using balloon with a blood pressure meter, and the electromyogram in those operated beagle dogs.

Results:

Under a hypercapnia condition, the velopharyngeal function did not differ significantly among the 4 groups in the terms of velopharyngeal pressure. The strongest closure was shown at the overlapped sutured LVP group by electrical stimulation.

Conclusion:

The reconstruction of overlapped sutured LVP showed the most effective closure. This study suggested that the palatoplasty should be conducted along the overlapped LVP (like Furlow method).
Crowdsourcing to Assess Speech Quality Associated With Velopharyngeal Dysfunction
Authors: Paulsgrove Kaylee , Miller Erin , Seidel Kristy , Kinter Sara , Tse Raymond
Published: August 2020

Objective:

To assess crowdsourced responses in the evaluation of speech outcomes in children with velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD).

Design:

Fifty deidentified speech samples were compiled. Multiple pairwise comparisons obtained by crowdsourcing were used to produce a rank order of speech quality. Ratings of overall and specific speech characteristics were also collected. Twelve speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who specialize in VPD were asked to complete the same tasks. Crowds and experts completed each task on 2 separate occasions at least 1 week apart.

Setting:

On-line crowdsourcing platform.

Participants:

Crowdsource raters were anonymous and at least 18 years of age, North American English speakers with self-reported normal hearing. Speech-language pathologists were recruited from multiple cleft/craniofacial teams.

Interventions:

None.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Correlation of repeated assessments and comparison of crowd and SLP assessments.

Results:

We obtained 6331 lay person assessments that met inclusion criteria via crowdsourcing within 8 hours. The crowds provided reproducible Elo rankings of speech quality, ρ(48) = .89; P <.0001, and consistent ratings of intelligibility and acceptability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = .87 and .92) on repeated assessments. There was a significant correlation of those crowd rankings, ρ(10) = .86; P = .0003, and ratings (ICC = .75 and .79) with those of SLPs. The correlation of more specific speech characteristics by the crowds and SLPs was moderate to weak (ICC < 0.65).

Conclusions:

Crowdsourcing shows promise as a rapid way to obtain large numbers of speech assessments. Reliability of repeated assessments was acceptable. Large groups of naive raters yield comparable evaluations of overall speech acceptability, intelligibility, and quality, but are not consistent with expert raters for specific speech characteristics such as resonance and nasal air emission.
Is Intensive Care Unit Admission Necessary After Removal of Mandibular Distraction Devices in Infants With Robin Sequence?
Authors: Resnick Cory M. , Caprio Ryan , Evans Faye , Park Raymond
Published: August 2020

Objective:

Intensive care unit (ICU) care is routinely required after the operation to initiate mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) in infants with Robin sequence (RS). Many patients are also managed in the ICU after subsequent device removal. It is uncertain if ICU care, which is expensive and limited, is necessary after this second operation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of respiratory events following device removal. We hypothesized that respiratory events would be infrequent and non-ICU inpatient monitoring would be adequate.

Design:

This is a retrospective study of patients with RS from 2013 to 2018.

Patients:

Patients were included if they had MDO and distractor removal during the first year of life. Patients were excluded if they had a tracheostomy or remained intubated after distractor removal.

Main Outcome Measure:

Postoperative respiratory events.

Results:

Twenty-five (60% male) patients were included. Mean age and weight at distractor removal were 142 ± 79 days of life and 5.5 ± 1.1 kg. Mean apnea–hypopnea index after completion of distraction was 1.1 ± 1.5 events/hour. Two (8%) patients experienced postoperative respiratory events that required intervention. In 1 (4% of sample) of these, the event was deemed to have benefited from ICU-level care. Two variables were significantly associated with these events: congenital heart disease ( P = .020) and concomitant procedure performed during the same operation ( P = .020).

Conclusions:

Intensive care unit–level care is rarely needed after distractor removal in infants with RS. Intensive care unit admission should be considered in patients with congenital cardiac disease and when having multiple operations during the same anesthetic.
Relationship Between Crown to Root Ratio and Alveolar Bone Support in Patients With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Alveolus
Authors: Huang Sijing , Chen, PhD Yang , Chen, PhD Zhenqi
Published: August 2020

Objectives:

To evaluate the tooth lengths, crown to root ratios (CRRs), and alveolar bone support (ABS) around cleft-adjacent maxillary central incisors (U1s) in patients with unilateral cleft lip and alveolus (UCLA) and to investigate the relationships between CRR and ABS.

Design:

This is a retrospective study.

Setting:

Cleft Lip and Palate Care Center of Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China.

Patients:

Fifty-eight Chinese patients with UCLA.

Main Outcome Measure:

Cone beam computed tomography data from 58 nonsyndromic patients with UCLA (36 males, 22 females; mean age = 12.65 ± 3.64 years) were evaluated. Crown length and root length, alveolar bone thickness (ABT), and the distances between the cementoenamel junction and alveolar bone crest on 4 surfaces of cleft-adjacent U1 were measured and compared with those of noncleft side in the same patients. Crown to root ratio and frequency of dehiscence were calculated and comparisons were also made between cleft and noncleft sides. Regression analysis was performed to explore the association between CRR and ABS.

Results:

The CRR of cleft-adjacent U1 and alveolar bone crest heights (ACHs) on the 4 surfaces were significantly greater than those of noncleft side ( P < .01). A 3 mm labial, all lingual, and apico-distal ABTs decreased on the cleft side ( P < .01). A positive correlation was found between lingual ACH and CRR ( R = 0.316, P < .05), between the 3 mm ( R = 0.417, P < .05) and 6 mm labial ( R = 0.448, P < .05) ABT and CRR. A negative correlation was found between the 3 mm and 6 mm labial ABTs and the root length.

Conclusions:

It can be suggested that the CRR is related to ACH and ABT. The lingual ACH, the 3 mm, and 6 mm labial ABTs tend to increase with the increasing CRR.
Mitigation of vibrations in sandwich-type structures by a controllable constrained layer
Authors: Orlowska Anita , Galezia Adam , Swiercz Andrzej , Jankowski Lukasz
Published: August 2020

This study presents and tests a method for semi-active control of vibrations in sandwich-type beam structures. This method adapts a strategy called prestress accumulation release. The prestress accumulation release strategy is based on structural reconfiguration: it uses short time, impulsive and localised changes of actuator properties (such as stiffness or damping), which are applied to a part of the system in the moments, when its strain energy attains a local maximum. The method has been earlier applied as a global control scheme to mitigate the fundamental vibration mode of a cantilever beam (by stiffness control) and in the task of mitigating the first four modes of a frame structure (by damping control). This study proposes a prestress accumulation release strategy and tests its effectiveness for the case of a three-layered sandwich structure, with the internal layer fabricated from a material with dissipative characteristic locally controllable through the material damping coefficient. In contrast to the earlier research, the control is applied thus at the level of material characteristics instead of a discrete set of dedicated actuators. Based on the finite element method, a numerical experiment involving a passively damped, as well as prestress accumulation release-controlled, three-layered cantilever beam excited by initial displacements was performed. The effectiveness of the approach was studied for a broad range of internal layer damping parameters. The presented results revealed a high potential of the prestress accumulation release strategy in semi-active damping of vibrations of sandwich-type structures.