bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards Participatory Democracy: Can Digitalisation Help Women in India?
Authors: Gupta Asha
Published: December 2019

Digitalisation has changed the very way we live, work and think. Today we live in a world where the ‘virtual’ has drastically and rapidly overtaken the ‘real’ and governmental controls. It has weakened territorial, racial, religious and other identities.

We are living in a world where global forces are simultaneously binding and tearing us apart. Earlier people connected with others at the familial, work and community levels, but with the advent of globalisation and technological innovations, we find cyberspace replacing the places of conviviality with ‘virtual’ communities.

The article seeks to explore the emerging trends in digitalisation of democracy in the wake of paradigm shift from representative to participatory democracy in general and explore the prospects of women’s political participation in India. India happens to be the second most populous country, biggest democracy and largest market for social networking. It also seeks to explore the reasons for low access to political space by women in India despite being one of the five telecom giants worldwide and argues how women can use the in-between space provided by digital technologies for deconstructing prevailing authoritarianism in a patriarchal society and consumerism rampant in their cultural environment. The methodology adopted is analytical, comparative and empirical.
Zombie Ent(r)ailments in Risk Communication: A Rhetorical Analysis of the CDC’s Zombie Apocalypse Preparedness Campaign
Authors: Cheek Ryan
Published: December 2019

Apocalypticism is a powerful brew of eschatological belief and political imagination that is extremely persuasive. This article addresses the intersections between apocalyptic rhetoric and the technical communication of risk, disease outbreak, and disaster preparedness by analyzing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s zombie apocalypse preparedness campaign. Specifically, I argue that the framing of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s campaign relies on and extends problematic iterations of apocalypticism and undermines the educational objectives of disaster preparedness and response. I conclude with suggestions for how technical communicators designing public awareness and outreach campaigns can use existential risk rhetoric for engagement without succumbing to the pernicious side effects of apocalypticism.
Incidence and predictors of direct-acting antiviral treatment failure in Turkish patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1b infection
Authors: Cabalak Mehmet , Bal Tayibe , Onlen Yusuf , Demir Mehmet
Published: December 2019

Evaluation of the incidence and predictors of failure of direct-acting antiviral treatment for hepatitis C virus genotype 1b patients is important. Our retrospective cohort study assessed 172 Turkish patients who had received a full course of such treatment and could be checked for sustained virologic response. The overall treatment failure rate was 2.9% (5/172), all of whom relapsed. In three of these cases with sequencing data available, all had NS5A resistance-associated substitution. Multivariate analysis revealed that a 1 mg/dL increase in pre-treatment total bilirubin level was associated with a sevenfold increased likelihood of treatment failure. The baseline level of total bilirubin was the only significant independent predictor of direct-acting antiviral treatment failure.
The Becoming of the Policy Maker
Authors: Heidelberg Roy L.
Published: December 2019

This essay explores the development of the term “policymaker” by reviewing major periodicals from 1870 until 1940, with particular focus upon the period of 1920 to 1940. Events of this period provide insight into the conditions under which “the policymaker” emerges as a concept. Although “policymaker” is today a commonplace, this was not always so, as a simple overview of the term’s usage indicates. In fact, the term itself was virtually unused until about 1940 in both periodicals and academic journals. This essay contends that the idea and identity of the policymaker take shape alongside the development of the administrative state, a contention explored through a consideration of how the policymaker develops in the context of debates about education policy and about executive requirements in the period of 1920 through 1940. The essay concludes with a consideration of the policymaker as a modern political identity.
Experimental evaluation of desiccant dehumidification and air-conditioning system for energy-efficient storage of dried fruits
Authors: Mahmood Muhammad H , Sultan Muhammad , Miyazaki Takahiko
Published: December 2019

The ideal storage zones of dried fruits in comparison with dried foods and feeds are established on the psychrometric chart. The study investigates the combined effect of the desiccant dehumidification and Maisotsenko-Cycle evaporative cooling for the dried fruits storage. Two configurations of desiccant air-conditioning systems (S-I and S-II) are proposed, and their performance is evaluated under the ambient conditions of Fukuoka, Japan. It is established on the basis of parametric and thermodynamic analysis of both the system configurations (S-I and S-II) that S-II could yield better system performance. The psychrometric evaluation of S-II revealed that it can provide the optimal conditions for the storage of dried fruits at low regeneration temperature. However, modification in the proposed system configuration (S-II) is suggested for the storage of dried foods and feeds.

Practical application: Conventional dehumidification and air-conditioning options are either expensive or inefficient for dried fruit storage buildings. The study provides a way forward of using thermally driven desiccant systems which are energy-efficient and environment-friendly. Worldwide, the building industries are actively involved in the development of such systems but their application for dried fruit storage buildings are not explored in detail. Therefore, the study provides thermodynamic details of dried fruits storage in relation with experimental evaluation of desiccant and evaporative cooling systems. Provision of such systems to the storage buildings will provide distinct control of humidity and temperature for optimal storage.
Migraine in relation with endometriosis phenotypes: Results from a French case-control study
Authors: Maitrot-Mantelet Lorraine , Hugon-Rodin Justine , Vatel Magali , Marcellin Louis , Santulli Pietro , Chapron Charles , Plu-Bureau Geneviève
Published: December 2019

Background

Studies have shown a significant association between migraine and endometriosis, but no study has explored the relationship between migraine and endometriosis phenotypes: Superficial peritoneal endometriosis, ovarian endometrioma, and deep infiltrating endometriosis.

Methods

We conducted a case-control study using data collected from 314 women aged 18 to 42 years who had undergone surgery for benign gynecological conditions between January 2013 and December 2015. All women completed a self-administered headache questionnaire according to the IHS classification. Cases (n = 182) are women with histologically proven endometriosis and controls are women (n = 132) without endometriosis. Occurrence of migraine was studied according to endometriosis phenotypes.

Results

Migraine prevalence in cases was significantly higher compared with controls (35.2% vs. 17.4%, p = 0.003). The risk of endometriosis was significantly higher in migrainous women (OR = 2.62; 95% CI = 1.43–4.79). When we take into account endometriosis phenotypes, the risk of ovarian endometrioma and deep infiltrating endometriosis were significant (OR = 2.78; 95% CI = 1.11–6.98 and OR = 2.51; 95% CI = 1.25–5.07, respectively). In women with endometriosis, the intensity of chronic non-cyclical pelvic pain was significantly greater for those with migraine (visual analogic scale (VAS) = 3.6 ± 2.9) compared with the women without headache (VAS = 2.3 ± 2.8, p = 0.0065).

Conclusion

Our study shows a significant association between migraine and endometriosis. In clinical practice, women of reproductive age who suffer from migraine should be screened for endometriosis criteria in order to optimise the medical and therapeutic care of this condition.
Arab-Israeli Mothers’ Attribution, Affective, and Behavioral Responses Toward Their Child With a Learning Disability: Examining an Attribution Model of Reactions to Stigma
Authors: Lucia Abeer , Soffer Michal
Published: December 2019

Studies show that people with a learning disability (LD) are stigmatized. The study adopts the major tenets of the “Attribution Model of Reactions to Stigmas” (AMRS), which postulates that causal attributions to disability (“stigmas”) are associated with affective responses that lead to behavioral outcomes. Adopting a multidimensional approach to attributions, we examined the applicability of the AMRS among Arab-Israeli mothers. A convenience sample of 122 mothers of elementary school children, who were diagnosed with LD, completed self-reported, closed-ended questionnaires. The AMRS was only partially supported by our findings. However, we found that four of the five types of reported causal attributions were significantly and negatively associated with maternal rejection. We also found high levels of maternal rejection, in addition to high levels of positive affective reactions. Attributing the child’s LD to a medical condition at the time of the mother’s pregnancy or the child’s birth was associated with lower positive affect.
Connecting Hands and Heads: Retooling Engineering Technology for the “Smart” Manufacturing Workplace
Authors: Stewart Fran , Kelley Kathryn
Published: December 2019

Technological change, global competition, and a protracted economic downturn combined to usher in and hasten a new era in manufacturing. The digitally integrated factory, where machines are computer controlled, production is digitally connected to suppliers and customers, and all aspects of operation are constantly monitored and analyzed, requires workers with a new and emerging array of skills. This study analyzes data on occupational skill requirements and employment projections and combines it with insights gleaned from a series of focus groups and follow-on interviews with manufacturers across Ohio to explore current and projected workforce challenges faced by manufacturers. One key finding that emerges from the data and focus group responses is a broader understanding of the considerable engineering and technology skills associated with several occupations critical to manufacturing operations.
Study on ultrasonic-assisted drilling of Ti6Al4V using 3-flute drill in the finite element simulation
Authors: Wang Peng , Wang Dazhong
Published: December 2019

Continuous chip is one of the major problems during drilling Ti6A14V, and chip breaking is dependent on many factors such as drilling parameters, tool geometries and type of drill bits used. This paper attempts to analyze the effect of various drilling parameters such as feed rate, spindle speed on performance characteristics such as chip morphology, thrust force, temperature, and tool wear in conventional drilling and ultrasonic-assisted drilling of Ti6A14V using twist drill bit and 3-flute drill bit in order to optimize the chip breakability of Ti6A14V. The twist and 3-flute drill bit are utilized to establish the finite element models to simulate the drilling process with Lagrangian approach in DEFORM-3D software. The results of the simulations not only reveal obvious varying regular pattern of thrust force, temperature, tool wear depth, chip thickness and damage with the increasing of feed rates, spindle speeds, which confirm the capability and advantage of finite element model of the drilling process, but also provide a more profound knowledge about the drilling mechanism including the effect of 3-flute drill bit in ultrasonic-assisted drilling on chip breakability and tool wear.
A partial least squares-based approach to assess the light penetration depth in wheat flour by near infrared hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Laborde Antoine , Jaillais Benoît , Bendoula Ryad , Roger Jean-Michel , Jouan-Rimbaud Bouveresse Delphine , Eveleigh Luc , Bertrand Dominique , Boulanger Anthony , Cordella Christophe BY
Published: December 2019

Near infrared hyperspectral imaging technique has been used for adulteration detection in food samples for several years. However, the sensor cannot screen beyond a certain material thickness. This work studies a method to determine the penetration depth of near infrared radiations in the context of detection. The case of wheat flour in a polylactic acid sample holder is investigated. A sample holder is specially designed to have the wheat flour thickness vary from 0.5 to 3.5 mm. Hyperspectral images are acquired and the partial least squares regression method is used to determine the amount of polylactic acid in each spectrum. Partial least squares prediction results are interpreted using sensor considerations and the Kubelka–Munk theory. Thereafter, the Kubelka–Munk model is fitted and the penetration depth is determined for each wavelength using the reflectance profiles. Similarities between these results and partial least squares regression coefficients lead to the conclusion that partial least squares, combined with the near infrared spectra, is able to characterize the detection depth. The value is calculated by fitting two linear models on the partial least squares prediction results. As a result, 1.80 mm is found to be the detection depth, defined as the maximum thickness of wheat flour to ensure the detection of polylactic acid through the background. Reflectance profiles also show that the penetration depth is highly dependent on the wavelength. This study aimed at providing a method that could be used to evaluate the penetration depth and the detection depth in other contexts than a polylactic acid target in wheat flour.
Various responses of single-walled carbon nanotubes with differing chirality: A suggestion for biosensing
Authors: Umemura Kazuo , Sato Yu , Ishibashi Yu , Ito Masahito , Homma Yoshikazu
Published: December 2019

The near infrared absorbance and near infrared photoluminescence intensity of several single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with different chiralities in the same suspension were analyzed. Differing chirality of the SWNTs showed different spectral responses with adsorbed H2O2 and catechin. While the detection of the antioxidant effects of catechin and Japanese tea using hybrids of DNA and SWNTs have previously been reported, those studies did not focus on the effects of chirality of the SWNTs on near infrared spectra. Chirality of SWNTs is one of the most important parameters to determine SWNT physicochemical properties. For example, the responses of (10,5)/(8,7) were more drastic in contrast to (9,4), while the (6,5) SWNTs were inactive. The findings indicate that different information can be obtained using mixed chiralities of SWNTs. The data suggest that the chirality effects reported from various studies should be evaluated carefully, considering the different SWNT chiralities.
Characteristics and treatment of patients with epistaxis over the last 5 years in Guangzhou
Authors: Lin Yong , Yasheng Maimaitiyiming , Zhang Heyue , Rouzi Mireguli , Zunong Mierban , Wu Xifu
Published: December 2019

Background:

Epistaxis is one of the most common emergencies in the department of otolaryngology, which gives a burden to the health care system.

Objectives:

This study aimed to investigate the patients’ characteristics of hospital admission with epistaxis and provide an optimized protocol.

Methods:

This study was a retrospective analysis of patients with epistaxis admitted to The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University in Guangzhou, China. The data were analyzed in terms of gender, age, seasonal differences, length and expenses of hospitalization, pathogenesis of epistaxis, primary medical management before hospital admission, bleeding sites, and treatment.

Results:

A total of 387 patients were included, which consisted of 270 males and 117 females with an average of 43 years. Most patients could be identified with underlying diseases, and the most commonly observed bleeding site was Little area (n = 164). Most patients received electrocauterization as a precision medical treatment (n = 288). The duration of hospitalization length ranged from a mean of 5.17–4.48 days, and the expenses of hospitalization ranged from a mean of RMB 4881–4951 yuan over the last 5 years.

Conclusion:

Most patients with epistaxis could be treated as outpatients by endoscopic electrocauterization, and hospitalization is indicated when patients need improvement of poor general condition, posterior packing, embolization, or surgery. This study enables to provide an optimized protocol for patient with epistaxis.
BRCA and Motherhood: A Matter of Time and Timing
Authors: Possick Chaya , Kestler-Peleg Miri
Published: December 2019

The threat of cancer and the effects of risk-reducing surgery can have a significant impact on family planning and family life. In this qualitative study, we examine intersecting experiences of BRCA carrier status, subsequent risk-reducing surgery, and motherhood by analyzing in-depth interviews with 16 Jewish, Israeli mothers (ages 36–57) who underwent risk-reducing mastectomies and/or oophorectomies. Time emerged as a prism through which the BRCA motherhood experience could be viewed. In the “Findings” section, we present concepts of BRCA time and maternal time through three subthemes: (a) objective and subjective fertility clocks and BRCA: the child who won’t be born; (b) synchronizing the clocks: the “correct” tempo and chronology; and (c) back to the future: intergenerational coalescence of time. We discuss the notions of time and existential health threats and subjective time in the primary mother–infant relational system within the context of the cultural ideal of the “motherhood myth.”
Use of Nonselective β-Blockers in Patients With End-Stage Liver Disease and Select Complications
Authors: Bultas Amanda C. , Teshome Besu , Richter Sara K. , Schafers Stephen , Cooke Emily , Call William B.
Published: December 2019

Objective: To review the literature and recommendations for nonselective β-blockers (NSBBs) in the setting of variceal bleeding prophylaxis and decompensated liver disease. Data Sources: Literature search of MEDLINE was performed (1988 to October 2019) using the following search terms: cirrhosis, advanced cirrhosis, β-blocker, decompensation, prophylaxis. Abstracts, peer-reviewed publications, clinical practice guidelines, and product monographs were reviewed. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Relevant English language studies and those conducted in humans were considered for analysis and inclusion. Data Synthesis: Evidence that suggests that NSBBs are harmful in advanced cirrhosis is overshadowed by confounding variables and small patient populations. The majority of the available evidence suggests neutral or beneficial effects on mortality with continuation of NSBBs despite liver disease progression. Based on the available literature, guidelines, and expert consensuses, NSBBs can be considered within this patient population and may have a positive impact on the majority of these patients. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: This review summarizes current place in therapy for NSBBs in the setting of cirrhosis and variceal bleeding prophylaxis. It also includes a discussion of the literature for use of NSBBs within the setting of different acute decompensations in which the data and recommendations for use are less clear. Conclusions: Recent evidence shows neutral or positive results for NSBB use in particular decompensation subgroups, which suggests that NSBBs can be used cautiously with close monitoring in patients with advanced cirrhosis. Questions still remain regarding optimal agent and dose and whether agents can be safely restarted after an acute decompensation episode.
Deep Peroneal Nerve Injury Following Hardware Removal for Lisfranc Joint Injury
Authors: Meyerkort Daniel James , Gurel Ron , Maor Dror , Calder James David Forbes
Published: December 2019

Background:

Surgical exposure of the Lisfranc joint complex is within close proximity to the deep peroneal nerve, which can be injured in this approach. Common clinical practice is to remove Lisfranc hardware at 3 to 4 months postoperatively. However, it is unknown if this provides a clinical benefit or risks injury to the deep peroneal nerve. The rate of nerve injury is currently unknown from the published literature. This study clarifies rates of neurological injury to the deep peroneal nerve during primary surgery and hardware removal.

Methods:

This retrospective study was performed on all patients of a single surgeon from 2012 to 2018. Fixation was performed with locking plates or screws depending on the injury pattern. All patients who required open reduction and internal fixation routinely underwent hardware removal during this time. Neurological injury was assessed in a binary fashion (normal or abnormal) at 2, 6, and 12 weeks after the primary surgery and 2 and 12 weeks after hardware removal. McNemar’s test was performed to compare the rates of injury. Patients were contacted at a minimum follow-up of 15 months (range, 15-87 months) to assess persistent nerve injury and satisfaction. Fifty-seven patients with an average age of 29.8 years were included in the final analysis; all had documentation at 3 months postsurgery.

Results:

All patients had normal neurology before surgery. The rate of nerve injury for the primary surgery (11%) was significantly lower than the rate for patients with nerve injury following hardware removal (23%). However, the rate of spontaneous neurological recovery was low, with symptoms persisting in 5 of 6 patients between the primary operation and subsequent hardware removal. When these patients were excluded from the analysis, the rate of new nerve injury following hardware removal (15%) was not significantly different from the primary surgery rate. Seventy-one percent of nerve injuries persisted at the minimum 15-month final follow-up, with all patients with nerve injury being very or partially satisfied.

Conclusion:

The rate of deep peroneal nerve injury from primary Lisfranc fixation was 11%, and when routine hardware removal was planned the overall rate of nerve injury rose to 23%. This may be useful information during the patient consent process.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Obesity is not strongly associated with increased risk for febrile neutropenia during levofloxacin prophylaxis in patients with hematological malignancies receiving intermediate-risk myelosuppressive chemotherapy
Authors: Kurtti Amanda , Fritz Kelly , Elofson-Disney Kathryn , Benefield Russell
Published: December 2019

Levofloxacin given at a standard dose of 500 mg daily is recommended for antibacterial prophylaxis in patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy. Obese patients have been shown to exhibit enhanced clearance of levofloxacin and may be at risk for prophylactic failure. This single center, retrospective cohort study from June 2014 to May 2017 evaluated adult patients with estimated creatinine clearance ≥50 mL/min receiving their first cycle of a National Comprehensive Cancer Network defined intermediate-risk regimen. Primary endpoint was incidence of febrile neutropenia. Secondary endpoints included 30-day mortality and the correlation between estimated levofloxacin area under the concentration–time curve and rates of febrile neutropenia. Febrile neutropenia occurred in 26 patients: 12 (35.3%) obese and 14 (21.9%) non-obese ( P =  0.16). Six (23.1%) of these patients required intensive care, but there were no deaths within 30 days of a febrile neutropenia event. Estimated creatinine clearance was similar between obese and non-obese patients (median 97.5 vs. 91.8 mL/min, P =  0.39), as was estimated levofloxacin area under the concentration–time curve (median 85.6 vs. 90.8 mg×h/L, P =  0.39). There were no significant associations between body weight-related variables – total body weight (median 83.4 vs. 80.6 kg, P =  0.51), body mass index (mean 29.6 vs. 26.8 kg/m2, P =  0.35), or body surface area (1.98 vs. 1.99 m2, P =  0.68) – and febrile neutropenia in this cohort of patients with similar renal function. Obesity should not be a justification for more aggressive levofloxacin dosing schemes when used for febrile neutropenia prophylaxis.
Comparison of hepatitis C treatment outcomes between telehepatology and specialty care clinics in the era of direct-acting antivirals
Authors: Case Lindsay , Wright Jason , Ryan Yvette
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Telehealth technologies for rural patients are increasingly being used to deliver care within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is no exception. However, data evaluating outcomes with telehealth compared with specialty clinics in the era of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents is sparse.

Methods

In a retrospective analysis, we compared treatment outcomes for patients receiving DAAs followed solely in a telehepatology clinic (telehealth) versus an in-person specialty care clinic (standard of care) at the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System. Patients with decompensated cirrhosis (CTP-B or CTP-C) were excluded from the study as they were exclusively followed via standard of care. Provider overlap occurred between clinics and consisted of physician specialists (hepatology and infectious diseases), physician assistants and clinical pharmacists.

Results

From 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2017, we treated 764 veterans for HCV infection. Standard of care was provided to 629 patients representing 654 treatment courses, and telehealth was provided to 135 patients representing 138 treatment courses. Sustained virologic response rates were not significantly different between the two clinics when looking at total treatment courses (93% telehepatology vs 89% specialty care, p = 0.203) and individual patients treated (95% telehepatology vs 93% specialty care, p = 0.377).

Discussion

Hepatitis C treatment utilizing telehealth technologies to improve access to care does not negatively impact treatment outcomes when compared with specialty care clinics in the era of DAAs.
Cranioplasty length of stay: Relationship with indication, surgical decision-making factors, and sex
Authors: Northam Weston , Chandran Avinash , Adams Crystal , Barczak-Scarboro Nikki E. , Quinsey Carolyn
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Cranioplasty is being performed more often due to rising rates of decompressive craniectomy. Hospital length of stay is a quality metric which has not been directly studied after cranioplasty. This study aims to identify factors associated with length of stay after cranioplasty to better understand their outcomes.

Patients and methods

A retrospective review was conducted at a single academic center from 2007 to 2015 for all patients >18 years of age who received cranioplasty. Baseline data from 148 patients were recorded including demographics, clinical characteristics, and surgeon decision-making factors for cranioplasty. Post-operative complications within 30 days after cranioplasty were recorded in addition to disposition and discharge data. Weibull accelerated failure time models were used to identify significant associations with length of stay after cranioplasty.

Results

The overall post-operative complication rate was 27.0%, and the most frequent indication for craniectomy was traumatic brain injury. The majority (72.3%) of patients returned home, compared to other disposition, and median length of stay was 2.0 days (interquartile range = 2.0). Average length of stay was 7.7 days in men, as compared with 2.4 days in women, and even upon adjusting for covariate effects, length of stay was longer in men than in women irrespective of post-operative complications. When time-to-cranioplasty fell between 0 and 30 days, average length of stay was 19.2 days, as compared with 10.3 days when time-to-cranioplasty fell between 30 and 90 days, and 2.5 days when time-to-cranioplasty was >90 days. After adjustment for covariate effects, the association between time-to-cranioplasty and length of stay was maintained only in patients without post-operative complications.

Conclusions

Length of stay can inform our understanding of outcomes after cranioplasty. In our study, length of stay was associated with sex, indication for craniectomy, and surgical decision-making (time-to-cranioplasty and implant material), but time-to-cranioplasty was only associated in patients without post-operative complications. These relationships should be seen not as direct causation, but rather as tools to add to our understanding of this relatively complicated procedure.
A study of a rover wheel for Martian explorations, based on a flexible multibody approach
Authors: Sivo Stefano , Stio Angelo , Mocera Francesco , Somà Aurelio
Published: December 2019

Vehicles for planetary exploration have to operate in completely different environments from Earth. For this reason, the design process of the exploration unit has an important role and can affect the requirements of the entire mission for the different space agencies involved. These operations are very expensive and time consuming, so that, over the years, ad hoc CAE methods have been developed to help engineers in the design stage. These methods are used to simulate several working conditions, evaluating which manoeuvres robots can safely perform during their mission. In this framework, a study was performed by Politecnico di Torino and Thales Alenia Space Italia. The goal was to find an efficient way to implement flexibility properties of a special wheel of a Rover for Martian explorations in a commercial (general purpose) MTB code. The ExoMars Rover was considered as case study of this work. When dealing with manoeuvres feasibility analysis, the best compromise between solution accuracy and computational time required must be found. The aim of this study was to explore pros and cons of several techniques which could allow modelling a complex flexible wheel using a commercial general-purpose MTB code. The absolute nodal coordinate formulation was compared with the other reduced-order modelling strategies proposed by the authors to implement the flexibility of a wheel in a multibody model of the full vehicle. Numerical results show good performance of the reduced morphing model in terms of computational time versus numerical accuracy.
Development of silk/polycaprolactone biocomposite for internal bone plate application
Authors: Lakshmipriya S , Imayathamizhan N M
Published: December 2019

In this work, the stacking of different layers of silk fabric reinforced polycaprolactone biocomposites were prepared by compression moulding technique. The mechanical and biodegradation behaviour were investigated. The mechanical properties of the different layers of silk/polycaprolactone composite were observed. The 14 layers of silk/polycaprolactone composites showed higher mechanical properties when compared to other composites. This was due to its sufficient mechanical interlocking between the fabric and the matrix. Further, scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed the good interfacial bonding between silk and polycaprolactone. The in-vitro degradation study revealed that silk/polycaprolactone composite uptakes more water due to hydrophilic nature of silk while polycaprolactone showed higher amount of weight loss. Though there was a decrease in trend in the tensile properties of composite, still they can be used as a biodegradable plate due to its adequate mechanical strength. The changes in pH of the composite were also noticed and found negligible. Thus, the biodegradable silk/polycaprolactone composites are a promising alternative implant for patients, as they provide temporary mechanical support and controlled rate of biodegradation for the bone plate application.
Sir William Arbuthnot Lane (1856-1943) and His Innovations to Femoral Surgical Anatomy and Surgery
Authors: Laios Konstantinos , Markopoulos Angelos , Chrysikos Dimosthenis T. , Mavrommatis Evangellos , Troupis Theodore
Published: December 2019

Sir William Arbuthnot Lane (1856-1943) is considered a pioneer in orthopedic surgery, especially for his breakthrough for the time technique for bone and mainly femoral surgery, the so-called screw and plates technique, which was also accompanied by his aseptic surgical approach. Apart from his innovations in colon, nose, ear, throat, and reconstructive surgery, his treatises on orthopedic surgery were considered as masterpieces. Femoral anatomy and surgical anatomy attracted mainly his interest as seen in his treatises.
A Novel Video-Based Patient Education Program to Reduce Penile Prosthetic Surgery Cancellations
Authors: Ballon-Landa Eric , Clavijo Raul , Gross Martin , Tapscott Ashley , Ramasamy Ranjith , Bowen Ashley , Freedman Sheldon , Wierschem Michael , Welliver Charles , Simoncini Frank , Duboy Alberto , Simhan Jay , Bullock Arnold , Perito Paul , Hsieh Tung-Chin
Published: December 2019

Penile prosthetic surgery is an effective treatment for men with erectile dysfunction. Cancellation of surgery is disruptive and costly to patients, physicians, and the healthcare system. This pilot study sought to analyze surgery cancellations and implement a video-based patient education program to decrease surgery noncompletion.

Baseline penile prosthetic surgery completion, rescheduling, and cancellation rates among consecutively scheduled surgeries were determined using a national cohort. Selected prosthetic surgeons then implemented Vidscrip, a video-based patient education program. Prerecorded videos were delivered via text message 14 days, 7 days, and 1 day preoperatively, as well as 1 day postoperatively. Subsequent analysis determined noncompletion rates, reasons for noncompletion, surgeon volume, and video utilization.

Two-hundred twenty-six surgeries were scheduled in the baseline cohort; 141 were completed, and 85 were rescheduled or canceled. Among the intervention cohort, 290 patients completed, 7 rescheduled, and 37 canceled surgery. After program implementation, the surgery noncompletion rate was reduced compared to baseline (13.2% vs. 37.6%, p < .05), corresponding to a number needed to treat of 4.1. When stratified by surgeon volume, there was no difference in noncompletion rate (>20 cases vs. ≤20 cases: 8.20% vs. 32.0%, p = .35). Video utilization was widely variable among practices (median viewing time 58.6 min, IQR 5.09–113).

Penile prosthetic surgery is frequently rescheduled or canceled. Implementing a video-based patient education program reduces surgery noncompletion, improving efficiency and quality of care. Wider implementation is needed to validate these findings, while cost-effectiveness analyses may further support their broad adoption.
Carpal Tunnel Release With Wide Awake Local Anesthesia and No Tourniquet: With Versus Without Epinephrine
Authors: Sraj Shafic
Published: December 2019

Background: Wide awake local anesthesia and no tourniquet (WALANT) relies on epinephrine to create a relatively bloodless field. This study evaluated the effect of epinephrine on carpal tunnel release (CTR) surgical time and bleeding, including the need for use of a tourniquet or electrocautery. The hypothesis was that wide awake anesthesia without epinephrine is a viable option for CTR but increases operative time. Methods: Records of all patients who underwent CTR under wide awake anesthesia between October 2017 and September 2018 were reviewed. The injection consisted of either 10 cc of 1% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine mixed with 1 cc of sodium bicarbonate (8.4%) (WALANT group) or 10 cc of 1% lidocaine (wide awake local anesthesia, no tourniquet and no epinephrine [WALANE] group). The time between skin incision and skin closure was calculated. Tourniquet and electrocautery use as well as operative complications were documented. Results: Thirty-two patients underwent 43 CTRs; 22 CTRs were done under WALANT, and 21 CTRs were done under WALANE. The skin-skin time was 12.8 minute (6-25 minute; standard deviation [SD] = 4.7) for WALANT and 17.4 minute (9-30 minute; SD = 5.8) for WALANE. There was a significant statistical difference (36%) in skin-skin time between the 2 groups. None of the patients required electrocautery or a tourniquet. There were no operative complications. Conclusion: Operative time increased by 36% when epinephrine was not used. Epinephrine is not an absolute necessity to perform wide awake anesthesia but, at the same time, has the added value of decreasing surgical time. Level of evidence: IV
Low cogging torque design and simplified model-free predictive current control for radial-flux dual three-phase permanent magnet electric machines
Authors: Yu Hsing-Cheng , Lai Hung-Wei , Chen Li-Jhen , Lin Cheng-Kai
Published: December 2019

This study presents two improved designs of eccentric-shaped permanent magnets and teeth-shaped stators in radial-flux dual three-phase permanent magnet electric machines to reduce cogging torque and torque ripple. The finite element analysis (ANSYS Electromagnetics) has been adopted in simulation, and real radial-flux dual three-phase permanent magnet electric machines have been fabricated in experiment to verify the study. Using the radial-flux dual three-phase permanent magnet electric machines in electric machine systems can improve the reliability and obtain higher output torque. In electrical drives and control, a simplified model-free predictive current control method has been proposed and implemented to drive the radial-flux dual three-phase permanent magnet electric machines, and the control law has been achieved by a TMS320F28377S microcontroller of Texas Instruments. The simplified model-free predictive current control method is senseless to parameter variations and back electromotive force of the permanent magnet electric machines, and only needs current sensors to detect six-phase current. The optimal one has been chosen by 14 various switching modes, which has the minimum cost function, and then the converter can be directly driven and controlled in the next sampling period. The features of the simplified model-free predictive current control method can reduce the algorithm calculation and avoid the defect of conventional model-based predictive current control scheme. A proportional-integral speed controller has also been designed to achieve the speed response of the fixed-speed tracking effect. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed simplified model-free predictive current control method for the dual three-phase permanent magnet electric machines can be verified in the experimental and quantitative results.
Testing the interhemispheric deficit theory of dyslexia using the visual half-field technique
Authors: Bradshaw AR , Bishop DVM , Woodhead ZVJ
Published: December 2019

A deficit in interhemispheric transfer has been proposed as a neuropsychological theory of dyslexia. Interactions between the hemispheres during word recognition can be studied using the visual half-field paradigm. The well-established recognition advantage for right visual field (RVF) words over left visual field (LVF) words is thought to reflect the additional processing costs associated with callosal transfer of LVF word representations to the language-specialised left hemisphere. In addition, a further gain in recognition for bilateral presentation of a word has been attributed to cooperative interactions between the hemispheres. These recognition advantages can therefore be seen as behavioural indices of the efficiency of callosal transfer. This study aimed to replicate the finding of an absence of the bilateral advantage in developmental dyslexia, previously reported by Henderson et al. In all, 47 dyslexic and 43 control adult participants were tested, and no significant difference was found in the size of the bilateral advantage between the two groups. Our data did however replicate the previous finding of an increased RVF-LVF difference in dyslexic participants caused by poorer accuracy for LVF words (i.e., a greater LVF cost). This evidence is compatible with the interhemispheric deficit theory of dyslexia, suggesting an impairment in the transfer of visual word information from the right to the left hemisphere during reading.
When imitating successful others fails: Accidentally successful exemplars inspire risky decisions and can hamper performance
Authors: van Tilburg Wijnand AP , Mahadevan Nikhila
Published: December 2019

We examined the impact of viewing exemplars on people’s behaviour in risky decision-making environments. Specifically, we tested if people disproportionally choose to view and then imitate the behaviour of successful (vs. unsuccessful) others, which in the case of risky decision-making increases risk-taking and can hamper performance. In doing so, our research tested how a fundamental social psychological process (social influence) interacts with a fundamental statistical phenomenon (regression to the mean) to produce biases in decision-making. Experiment 1 ( N = 96) showed that people indeed model their own behaviour after that of a successful exemplar, resulting in more risky behaviour and poorer outcomes. Experiment 2 ( N = 208) indicated that people disproportionately choose to examine and then imitate most successful versus least successful exemplars. Experiment 3 ( N = 381) replicated Experiment 2 in a context where participants were offered the freedom to examine any possible exemplar, or no exemplar whatsoever, and across different incentive conditions. The results have implications for decision-making in a broad range of social contexts, such as education, health, and finances where risk-taking can have detrimental outcomes, and they may be particularly helpful to understand the role of social influence in gambling behaviour.
Semantic interpretability does not influence masked priming effects
Authors: Tseng Hayley , Lindsay Shane , Davis Colin J
Published: December 2019

Much of the recent masked nonword priming literature demonstrates no difference in priming between affixed and non-affixed nonword primes (e.g., maskity-MASK vs. maskond-MASK). A possible explanation for the absence of a difference is that studies have used affixed primes which were semantically uninterpretable. Therefore, this explanation indicates semantic interpretability plays a fundamental role in masked priming. To test this account, we conducted an experiment using the masked priming paradigm in the lexical decision task. We compared responses with targets which were preceded by one of four primes types: (1) interpretable affixed nonwords (e.g., maskless-MASK), (2) uninterpretable affixed nonwords (e.g., maskity-MASK), (3) non-affixed nonwords (e.g., maskond-MASK), and (4) unrelated words (e.g., tubeful-MASK). Our results follow the trend of finding no difference between affixed and non-affixed primes. Critically, however, we observed no difference in priming between uninterpretable and interpretable affixed primes. Thus, our results suggest that semantic interpretability does not influence masked priming.
Fetal microchimerism and implications for maternal health
Authors: Fjeldstad Heidi ES , Johnsen Guro M , Staff Anne Cathrine
Published: December 2019

This review paper outlines the definition, pathophysiology, and potential maternal health consequences of cellular fetal microchimerism, the maternal acquisition of intact cells of fetal origin during pregnancy. Increased rates and amounts of cellular fetal microchimerism are associated with several placental syndromes, including preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. The discovery of cellular fetal microchimerism and methods of detection are briefly outlined, and we present the mechanisms hypothesized to govern pregnancy-related and long-term maternal health effects of cellular fetal microchimerism. Specifically, we discuss the potential implications of cellular fetal microchimerism in wound healing, autoimmunity, cancer, and possibly cardiovascular disease. Cellular fetal microchimerism represents a novel area of research on maternal and transgenerational health and disease, providing exciting opportunities for developing new disease biomarkers and precision medicine with targeted prophylaxis against long-term maternal disease.
Postpartum collapse
Authors: Morton Adam
Published: December 2019

Abrupt deterioration in the mother’s condition may occur postpartum as a result of a broad array of conditions, many of them rare. Maternal survival depends on aggressive resuscitation, rapid precise diagnosis and the institution of disease-targeted therapy. Additionally there may be implications for any future pregnancy. A case of sudden maternal collapse postpartum is presented, the differential diagnosis is discussed, and the management plan and outcome for a subsequent pregnancy reviewed.
The Differential and Combined Action of Insulin Glargine and Lixisenatide on the Fasting and Postprandial Components of Glucose Control
Authors: Gautier Thibault , Umpierrez Guillermo , Renard Eric , Kovatchev Boris
Published: December 2019

Background:

iGlarLixi is an injectable combination of long acting insulin glargine (iGlar) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist lixisenatide in a fixed ratio, which was proven safe and effective for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Lixisenatide and iGlar act differently on fasting and postprandial plasma glucose (fasting plasma glucose [FPG] and postprandial glucose [PPG]). Here, we deconstruct quantitatively their respective FPG and PPG effects.

Method:

This post hoc study analyzes data from the Lixilan-O trial, where 1170 subjects with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to 30 weeks of once daily injections of lixisenatide, iGlar, and iGlarLixi (1:2:2). The FPG and PPG components of glucose control were assessed in terms of mean glucose (fasting mean plasma glucose [FMPG] and prandial mean plasma glucose [PMPG], respectively). The MPGP was computed across all meals as a delta between post- and premeal glucose; glucose variability was measured by the high blood glucose index (HBGI) (fasting HBGI and prandial HBGI [PHBGI], respectively), and glycemic exposure measured by area under the curve (AUC) computed overall. All metrics were derived from seven-point self-monitoring glucose profiles.

Results:

Insulin glargine lowered significantly FMPG by 15.3 mg/dL ( P < .01) without any significant change in PMPG. Lixisenatide, when added to iGlar, reduced PMPG by 9.7 mg/dL ( P < .01), AUC by 96.3 mg∙h/dL ( P < .01), and PHBGI by 2.4 ( P < .01), primarily due to attenuation of PPG and without significant change in mean FPG.

Conclusion:

Insulin glargine and lixisenatide act selectively on FPG and PPG. Their combination iGlarLixi offers more effective glucose control than its components due to the cumulative effect on FPG and PPG, which is evidenced by reduced average glycemia, glycemic exposure, and glucose variability.