bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What is the Border For?
Authors: Blake Michael
Published: February 2020

Many discussions of the moral dimensions of borders emphasize how those borders foster and sustain a national community. In this paper, I discuss three distinct sorts of goods that might be best preserved in the presence of state borders. The first of these is decolonization; I argue that undermining colonial structures might require political institutions with the right to refuse unwanted outsiders. The second of these is social solidarity; we might find that the inability to exclude outsiders could reduce the willingness of insiders to voluntarily comply with political institutions. The final of these is risk and insurance; the border sustains the ability of a political society to internalize the costs and benefits of political decisions about social welfare. All three of these, I suggest, are important additions to our collective discussions about migration, since none of these goods depend upon our attaching any ethical value to nationality itself.
Review of Notacanthella Jacobus & McCafferty, 2008 (Ephemeroptera: Ephemerellidae) in Thailand, with the redescription of Notacanthella commodema (Allen, 1971)
Authors: AUYCHINDA CHONLAKRAN , SARTORI MICHEL , BOONSOONG BOONSATIEN
Published: February 2020

Larvae of the Notacanthella Jacobus & McCafferty, 2008 species N. commodema (Allen, 1971) and N. quadrata (Kluge & Zhou, 2004) from Thailand are compared and redescribed. Both species have serrations on maxillary canines, as does N. perculta (Allen, 1971) from Vietnam, and this contributes to synonymizing the subgenus Samiocca Jacobus & McCafferty, 2008 under Notacanthella s.s. (= Samiocca n. syn.). The Thailand species can be differentiated by the numbers of thoracic and abdominal tubercles. In addition, the chorionic structure of N. quadrata is investigated for the first time by scanning electron microscopic technique.
A Flexible Parameterization for Shortwave and Longwave Optical Properties of Ice Crystals and Derived Bulk Optical Properties for Climate Models
Authors: van Diedenhoven Bastiaan , Cairns Brian
Published: February 2020

We provide a parameterization of the extinction efficiency, single-scattering albedo, and asymmetry parameter of single ice crystals with any combination of particle volume, projected area, component aspect ratio, and crystal distortion at any wavelength between 0.2 and 100 μm. The parameterization is an extension of the one previously published by van Diedenhoven et al. In addition, the parameterized optical properties are integrated over size distributions yielding bulk extinction efficiencies, single-scattering albedos, and asymmetry parameters for large ranges of effective radii, particle component aspect ratios, and crystal distortion values. The parameterization of single-particle optical properties is evaluated with a reference database. The bulk optical properties are evaluated against the ice model selected for the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) collection 6 products, for which accurate optical properties are available. Mean absolute errors in parameterized extinction efficiency, asymmetry parameter, and single-scattering albedo are shown to be 0.0272, 0.008 90, and 0.004 68, respectively, for shortwave wavelengths, while they are 0.0641, 0.0368, and 0.0200 in the longwave. Shortwave and longwave asymmetry parameters and single-scattering albedos are shown to vary strongly with particle component aspect ratio and distortion, resulting in substantial variation in shortwave fluxes, but relatively small variations in longwave cloud emissivity. The parameterization and bulk optical properties are made publicly available.
A Dual-Polarization Radar Synthetic QPE for Operations
Authors: Zhang Jian , Tang Lin , Cocks Stephen , Zhang Pengfei , Ryzhkov Alexander , Howard Kenneth , Langston Carrie , Kaney Brian
Published: February 2020

A new dual-polarization (DP) radar synthetic quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) product was developed using a combination of specific attenuation A, specific differential phase KDP, and reflectivity Z to calculate the precipitation rate R. Specific attenuation has advantages of being insensitive to systematic biases in Z and differential reflectivity ZDR due to partial beam blockage, attenuation, and calibration while more linearly related to R than other radar variables. However, the R(A) relationship is not applicable in areas containing ice. Therefore, the new DP QPE applies R(A) in areas where radar is observing pure rain, R(KDP) in regions potentially containing hail, and R(Z) elsewhere. Further, an evaporation correction was applied to minimize false light precipitation related to virga. The new DP QPE was evaluated in real time over the conterminous United States and showed significant improvements over previous radar QPE techniques that were based solely on R(Z) relationships. The improvements included reduced dry biases in heavy to extreme precipitation during the warm season. The new DP QPE also reduced errors and spatial discontinuities in regions impacted by partial beam blockage. Further, the new DP QPE reduced wet bias for scattered light precipitation in the southwest and north central United States where there is significant boundary layer evaporation.
Impact of the Hydrometeor Vertical Advection Method on HWRF’s Simulated Hurricane Structure
Authors: Bao Shaowu , Bernardet L. , Thompson G. , Kalina E. , Newman K. , Biswas M.
Published: February 2020

The impact of different hydrometeor advection schemes on TC structure and intensity forecasts is examined through the evaluation of HWRF’s simulation of tropical cyclones using the operational Ferrier–Aligo (FA) microphysics that uses total condensate advection versus the same scheme but with separate hydrometeor advection (FA-adv). Results showed that FA-adv simulated larger storms. Idealized simulations revealed that the cause of the simulation differences is the characteristics of the vertical profile of cloud water (Qc), which has a sharp gradient near 850 hPa, and rainwater (Qr), which is vertically uniform below the melting layer. In FA, the resultant total condensate profile has a gradient near 850 hPa that is smaller than that of Qc but larger than that of Qr. In FA when the total condensate is advected and partitioned back to Qc and Qr, the advection of Qc is underestimated and that of Qr is overestimated than that in FA-adv. The separate advection of hydrometeors in the FA-adv scheme corrected this problem and caused the difference in microphysics and dynamics fields between the two schemes. The greater vertical advection of Qc in FA-adv represents a continual source of extra diabatic heating that leads to a greater integrated kinetic energy (IKE) in the storm simulated by FA-adv than FA. However, the radial distribution of the azimuthally averaged additional diabatic heating in FA-adv caused a sea level pressure adjustment that leads to a weaker maximum wind speed. The warming in the outer rainbands strengthens wind away from the inner core, which causes the simulated storm size to increase.
Melanoma Characteristics in Patients with a History of UV Tanning Bed Usage
Authors: Truong Kristy , Milhem Mohammed , Pagedar Nitin A.
Published: February 2020

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of tanning bed use on the behavior of subsequent melanomas.

Methods:

Cases of invasive cutaneous melanoma who completed a baseline questionnaire within 1 year of biopsy were ascertained using an institutional registry. Patients were categorized into one of two groups: (1) no history of UV tanning bed usage or (2) any history of tanning bed usage. Data analysis looked for group differences on the following variables: TNM staging, mitotic rate, family history of melanoma, and basic demographic variables.

Results:

Among 141 cases, a higher percentage of women (48.28%) reported tanning bed usage compared to men (26.51%, P < .01). Additionally, the average age at biopsy for people who reported tanning bed usage was significantly lower compared to those who had not reported using a tanning bed. There was no significant difference in stage at presentation ( P = .56). Those with tanning bed usage presented significantly less often with melanoma of unknown primary (MUP). After controlling for the effects of gender and nodal status, tanning bed usage was not a significant independent predictor of 5 year overall survival.

Conclusions:

If we remove the subject with MUP on the basis that more of these are mucosal in origin, lower TNM stage at presentation are found in patients with no tanning bed melanoma compared to those with history of tanning bed usage. In addition, tanning bed patients are younger and more likely female but with an equivalent mortality rate.

Level of Evidence:

Case Series
Survival Outcomes and Prognostic Factors of Open Partial Laryngeal Surgery: A Thirty Years’ Experience
Authors: Gallo Oreste , Cannavicci Angelo , Bruno Chiara , Maggiore Giandomenico , Locatello Luca Giovanni
Published: February 2020

Background:

Open partial laryngeal surgery (OPLS) represents a wide array of procedures that can be fitted to treat different types of laryngeal cancer (LC). We would like to present our 30-years’ institutional experience, to analyze survival outcomes and to critically discuss prognostic factors.

Methods:

We reviewed all cases of OPLS performed at our Institution from 1982 to 2016 for LC. Survival analysis by Kaplan–Meier estimate was performed and prognostic variables by multivariate analysis were identified.

Results:

Mean follow-up time was 68.3 months, 30-day mortality 0.2%, subsequent functional total laryngectomy (TL) was 1.01%. Over 80% of cases were stage I to II. We had 25 local, 62 regional and eight distant recurrences. Local control was 94.9%, overall survival (OS) was 83.4% and disease-specific survival (DSS) was 87.7%. The two major risk factors significantly associated with the risk of death were cT and cN stage. CONCLUSIONS: We have confirmed that OPLS represents an oncologically sound option in the treatment of LC despite the emergence of non-surgical strategies and new transoral mininvasive techniques. Our results highlight that accurate staging, correct selection of the patient and a strong surgical expertise are of paramount importance in this type of surgery.
Congenital Midline Cervical Cleft: First Report and Genetic Analysis of Two Related Patients
Authors: Masood Maheer M. , Mieczkowski Piotr , Malc Ewa P. , Foreman Ann Katherine M. , Evans James P. , Clark J. Madison , Rose Austin S.
Published: February 2020

Objectives:

Congenital midline cervical cleft (CMCC) is a rare congenital anterior neck anatomical anomaly. We present the case of two related patients (grandchild and maternal grandmother) who were both born with a congenital midline cervical cleft along with genetic analysis.

Methods:

Clinical examination of both patients and surgical excision of the grandchild was performed. Genetic analysis with exome sequencing (ES) was conducted for both patients.

Results:

Genetic analysis with exome sequencing (ES) revealed apparently novel single nucleotide variants in 66 genes present in both proband and grandmother. Five of these variants are predicted to cause frameshifting in the coding region of the respective genes and truncated proteins ( OVGP1, TYW1B, ZAN, SSPO, FOLR3). Two of these genes ( TYW1B and SSPO) have homozygous indel mutations in both patients.

Conclusions:

To our knowledge, this is the first case of two related patients with a congenital midline cervical cleft. The results of our genetic analysis reveal potential relevance to CMCC development.
A Comparative Approach to Screen the Capability of Raman and Infrared (Mid- and Near-) Spectroscopy for Quantification of Low-Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Content Solid Dosage Forms: The Case of Alprazolam
Authors: Makraduli Liljana , Makreski Petre , Goracinova Katerina , Stefov Stefan , Anevska Maja , Geskovski Nikola
Published: February 2020

Content uniformity is a critical attribute for potent and low-dosage formulations of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) that, in addition to the formulation parameters, plays pivotal role during pharmaceutical development and production. However, when API content is low, implementing a vibrational spectroscopic analytical tool to monitor the content and blend uniformity remains a challenging task. The aim of this study was to showcase the potentials of mid-infrared (MIR), near-infrared (NIR), and Raman spectroscopy for quantitative analysis of alprazolam (ALZ) in a low-content powder blends with lactose, which is used as a common diluent for tablets produced by direct compression. The offered approach might be further scaled up and exploited for potential application in the process analytical technology (PAT). Partial least square and orthogonal PLS (OPLS) methodologies were employed to build the calibration models from raw and processed spectral data (standard normal variate, first and second derivatives). The models were further compared regarding their main statistical indicators: correlation coefficients, predictivity, root mean square error of estimation (RMSEE), and root mean square error of cross-validation (RMSEEcv). All statistical models presented high regression and predictivity coefficients. The RMSEEcv for the optimal models was 1.118, 0.08, and 0.059% for MIR, NIR, and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. The scarce information content extracted from the ALZ NIR spectra and the major band overlapping with those from lactose monohydrate was the main culprit of poor accuracy in the NIR model, whereas the subsampling instrumental setup (resulting in a non-representative spectral acquisition of the sample) was regarded as a main limitation for the MIR-based calibration model. The OPLS models of the Raman spectra of the powder blends manifested favorable statistical indicators for the accuracy of the calibration model, probably due to the distinctive ALZ Raman pattern resulting in the largest number of predictive spectral points that were used for the mathematical modeling. Furthermore, the Raman scattering calibration model was optimized in narrower scanning range (1700–700 cm−1) and its prediction power was evaluated (root mean square error of prediction, RMSEP = 0.03%). Thus, the Raman spectroscopy presented the most favorable statistical indicators in this comparative study and therefore should be further considered as a PAT for the quantitative determination of ALZ in low-content powder blends.
Globalization and Willingness to Support the Poor in Developing Countries: An Experiment in India
Authors: Linardi Sera , Rudra Nita
Published: February 2020

Does an individual’s exposure to aspects of globalization impact their willingness to redistribute to the poor? We hypothesize that the “glitter” of foreign direct investment (FDI) in developing countries leads relatively better-off citizens to perceive that the poor now have more opportunities and are thereby less deserving of help. Findings from an experiment across three states in India reveal that subjects lower their financial support for the poor upon learning a foreign firm in a low-skilled sector is located in the vicinity. Text analysis of subjects’ responses supports the mechanism underlying our hypothesis: FDI reduces support for redistribution when subjects believe that foreign firms offer the uneducated poor higher wages and increased job opportunities.
A novel model to predict the stiffness and strength of unidirectional glass/epoxy composites at different strain rates
Authors: Khademi Alireza , Shokrieh Mahmood M , Haghighi Shahram Etemadi
Published: February 2020

In the present research, a novel rate-dependent micromechanical model was presented to predict the stiffness and strength of unidirectional glass/epoxy composites. To predict the strain-rate dependent stress–strain behavior of glass fibers, using the Maxwell model with the aid of semi-empirical relations, a new viscoelastic constitutive model was proposed. Moreover, to predict the strain-rate dependent ultimate strength of brittle glass fibers, the elasto-plastic strain-rate dependent Cowper-Symonds material model was simplified by deleting the plastic terms. The strain-rate dependent mechanical properties of the polymer were also investigated by using the modified Goldberg model. Then, by modifying the Mori-Tanaka micromechanical model, a rate dependent micromechanical model was developed to predict the effective elastic properties (stiffness and strength) of unidirectional fibrous composites at arbitrary strain rates. The present model was called the strain-rate dependent Mori-Tanaka micromechanical model. As inputs, the present model just needs the viscoelastic and viscoplastic properties of fibers and polymer. Therefore, the present model reduces the necessary experimental data to predict the rate-dependent mechanical properties of unidirectional composites. For verification of the present model, the results were compared with experimental data and very good consistency in predicting the rate-dependent behavior of unidirectional composites was observed.
Examining Bias and Reporting in Oral Health Prediction Modeling Studies
Authors: Du M. , Haag D. , Song Y. , Lynch J. , Mittinty M.
Published: February 2020

Recent efforts to improve the reliability and efficiency of scientific research have caught the attention of researchers conducting prediction modeling studies (PMSs). Use of prediction models in oral health has become more common over the past decades for predicting the risk of diseases and treatment outcomes. Risk of bias and insufficient reporting present challenges to the reproducibility and implementation of these models. A recent tool for bias assessment and a reporting guideline—PROBAST (Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool) and TRIPOD (Transparent Reporting of a Multivariable Prediction Model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis)—have been proposed to guide researchers in the development and reporting of PMSs, but their application has been limited. Following the standards proposed in these tools and a systematic review approach, a literature search was carried out in PubMed to identify oral health PMSs published in dental, epidemiologic, and biostatistical journals. Risk of bias and transparency of reporting were assessed with PROBAST and TRIPOD. Among 2,881 papers identified, 34 studies containing 58 models were included. The most investigated outcomes were periodontal diseases (42%) and oral cancers (30%). Seventy-five percent of the studies were susceptible to at least 4 of 20 sources of bias, including measurement error in predictors ( n = 12) and/or outcome ( n = 7), omitting samples with missing data ( n = 10), selecting variables based on univariate analyses ( n = 9), overfitting ( n = 13), and lack of model performance assessment ( n = 24). Based on TRIPOD, at least 5 of 31 items were inadequately reported in 95% of the studies. These items included sampling approaches ( n = 15), participant eligibility criteria ( n = 6), and model-building procedures ( n = 16). There was a general lack of transparent reporting and identification of bias across the studies. Application of the recommendations proposed in PROBAST and TRIPOD can benefit future research and improve the reproducibility and applicability of prediction models in oral health.
Effects of Sexual Orientation, Disability, and Gender Identity on Others’ Prosocial Behavior
Authors: Colbert Samuel M. , Chan Jacob Yuichung
Published: February 2020

The theory of intersectionality posits that people possess multiple identities varying in the level of privilege and oppression. The current study assesses participants’ prosocial behavior toward a target possessing sexual, disability, and gender minority identities. Prosociality was measured using the validated and reliable dictator game. The authors predicted that targets with increased minority identities would receive less prosocial behavior from their partner than targets with fewer intersecting identities. Contrary to our hypothesis, it was found that participants were significantly more prosocial toward targets with a disability, than toward targets without. Consistent with our hypothesis, these researchers found that participants were significantly less likely to be prosocial toward targets who were gay than straight. These results have implications for rehabilitation counselors working with clients with intersecting marginalized identities. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to experimentally explore observed prosocial behavior toward individuals with intersecting gender, disability, and sexual minority identities.
The effects of population and housing density in urban areas on income in the United States
Authors: Hummel Daniel
Published: February 2020

Cities in the United States have become increasingly less dense either from sprawl from rapid development or vacancy due to decline. The benefits and costs of urban density have been a topic of research since the mid-20th century. The effect of urban density on incomes is one of these areas of research. Based on concepts rooted in urbanization economies and social output, it is assumed in this paper that an increase in urban density increases incomes. Urban density is defined as population and housing density. It was found using a cross-sectional lagged mediated multiple regression that population and housing density have statistically significant indirect effects on income in a sample of more than 300 metropolitan areas in the United States. The significant effects of these variables on employment and the effect of employment on income mediated these effects.
Determination of constitutive relation from miniature tensile test with digital image correlation
Authors: Zhang Yunlu , Karnati Sreekar , Pan Tan , Liou Frank
Published: February 2020

The determination of constitutive relation from the miniature tensile test is of high interest in multiple areas. Here, a convenient experimental method is proposed to determine the true stress–strain curve from the miniature tensile test. The instantaneous cross-sectional area is estimated by only one camera in aid of digital image correlation technique. This method was applied on commercial pure titanium and aluminum 6061 alloys, and the results indicate that the extracted true stress–strain curves are not scale-dependent. The derived mechanical properties from miniature specimens match well with the results of standard specimens. The correctness of the true stress–strain curve was evaluated by the finite element analysis method. The results suggest that the derived true stress–strain curve is capable to represent the constitutive behavior of the tested materials.
Black Students’ College Preferences: The Role of the White Racial Frame in Perpetuating Integration
Authors: Holland Megan M.
Published: February 2020

Much research has found support for the perpetuation hypothesis, which predicts that the racial contexts that youth grow up in direct them into analogous situations and institutions in their futures. However, there is a lack of qualitative research that examines how Black students make meaning of their high school racial context when making their college application decisions. Drawing upon interviews and observational data with 48 Black students at two racially diverse high schools, I examine Black students’ college preferences to understand the mechanisms behind integration perpetuation. My data show that Black students vary in how they make meaning of their high school contexts. In contrast to the predictions of the perpetuation hypothesis, some embrace the idea of attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs); however, others want to attend diverse colleges like their high schools. I highlight how the white racial frame, embedded within the context of racially diverse high schools, may influence college racial composition preference.
“Sowing the Story”: Narrative Identity and Emerging Adult Formation
Authors: Setran David
Published: February 2020

Looking at the challenges of emerging adult spiritual formation, it appears that faith is often disconnected from the process of identity formation taking place at this time of life. In order to foster spiritual formation, Christian educators can benefit from the insights of those writing about emerging adult “narrative identity,” the weaving together of past, present, and future experiences into a coherent life story. This article details some of the key insights of these theorists and articulates the need for emerging adults to form their own narrative identities with reference to the larger biblical story. It then offers a framework for how the biblical story can be “sown” in their lives through ritual, rhetoric, roles, and relationships.
Use of Patient Portals of Electronic Health Records Remains Low From 2014 to 2018: Results From a National Survey and Policy Implications
Authors: Hong Y. Alicia , Jiang Shaohai , Liu Piper Liping
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

To investigate the trend of patient portal use in the general population and the barriers to adoption.

Participants:

We analyzed 3 iterations of the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) collected in 2014, 2017, and 2018.

Measures:

Patient portal use, high-speed Internet access, data safety confidence, prior experience of online patient provider communication (OPPC), and demographic variables.

Analysis:

Logistic regression analyses were conducted separately for the 3 iterations of HINTS.

Results:

The use of patient portals increased from 25.6% in 2014 to 30.5% in 2017, and 31.4% in 2018. These users were more likely to be white female with higher levels of education or income. Meanwhile, high-speed Internet access, prior experience of OPPC, and data safety confidence were positive predictors of patient portal use in all 3 iterations.

Conclusion:

The use of patient portals in the general public remains low and a significant digital divide persists, presenting a major challenge on meaningful use of electronic health record. We call for more effective interventions to address these gaps. Such interventions should target people of low socioeconomic status and focus on improving eHealth literacy and patients’ confidence in data safety.
Breastfeeding Protection, Promotion, and Support in Humanitarian Emergencies: A Systematic Review of Literature
Authors: Dall’Oglio Immacolata , Marchetti Francesca , Mascolo Rachele , Amadio Patrizia , Gawronski Orsola , Clemente Maria , Dotta Andrea , Ferro Federico , Garofalo Antonio , Salvatori Guglielmo , Tarantino Antonella , Tiozzo Emanuela , Giusti Angela
Published: February 2020

Background

Infants, young children, and their mothers are vulnerable in humanitarian emergencies. The health benefits of optimal breastfeeding practices in emergency settings have been demonstrated by many researchers. Infant and Young Children Feeding in Emergency guidelines illustrate a series of interventions to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding, but unfortunately, these recommendations are still scarcely applied.

Research Aims

(1) To review the literature describing the effectiveness of breastfeeding protection, promotion, and support interventions in humanitarian emergency contexts; (2) to describe the influence of interventions on breastfeeding initiation, exclusivity, and duration; and (3) to evaluate relevant mother and infant/child outcomes available in the literature.

Methods

PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Psychology Database, JSTOR, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Ovid were searched for articles that examined breastfeeding protection, promotion, or support interventions and the resulting outcomes without any time limits ( N = 10). Articles that did not include the interventions and related outcomes were excluded ( n = 1,391).

Results

Improved breastfeeding outcomes were reported in four (40%) papers, and three (30%) highlighted a behavioral change in infant and young child feeding practices following the implementation of the interventions. Increased knowledge about appropriate infant and young child feeding practices among mothers and humanitarian/health staff was reported in eight (80%) papers. However, outcomes were sometimes only generically reported, and some of the included papers had a low strength of evidence.

Conclusion

In the literature, there is a great dearth of studies evaluating the influence of interventions aimed at improving breastfeeding in emergency settings. More evidence is urgently needed to encourage and implement optimal breastfeeding practices.
Free and Low-Cost Twitter Research Software Tools for Social Science
Authors: Yu Jingyuan , Muñoz-Justicia Juan
Published: February 2020

Twitter is an important object of research in social science studies, and the emergence of numerous Twitter software tools has provided researchers with the possibility of gaining insights into Twitter data; however, at the same time, early stage researchers may experience difficulties in selecting the most suitable tool for their own projects. Due to personal or institutional financial constraints, the purchase of commercial software is not a wise investment for all researchers. Hence, this article aims to provide a review of nine different free-of-charge and low-cost software tools for studying Twitter and highlights their advantages and disadvantages, in order to serve as a guide for social science scholars. This review is divided into two parts: background information and data retrieval features of the software tools, and their data analysis features. At the end of the review, several recommendations and suggestions are made for the use of these tools.
Evaluation of T2Candida Panel for detection of Candida in peritoneal dialysates
Authors: Kouri Anne M , Kieffer Theodore W , Nailescu Corina , Leiser Jeffrey , Schmitt Bryan H , Relich Ryan F , Davis Thomas E , Manaloor John J
Published: February 2020

Fungal peritonitis in the peritoneal dialysis population is difficult to diagnose promptly due to the inherently slow cultivation-based methods currently required for identification of peritonitis pathogens. Because of the moderate risk for severe complications, the need for rapid diagnostics is considerable. One possible solution to this unmet need is the T2Candida Panel, a new technology designed to detect the most common pathogenic Candida spp. directly from whole blood specimens in as little as a few hours. We hypothesized that this technology could be applied to the detection of Candida in peritoneal dialysate, a matrix not currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for testing by this system. Remnant dialysate samples from three healthy (noninfected) pediatric peritoneal dialysis patients were spiked with Candida glabrata, serially diluted, and tested in triplicate with unaltered dialysate specimens. The assay detected C. glabrata in 100% of spiked dialysate samples across the full spectrum of dilutions tested, and no assay inhibition or cross-reactivity was noted. These findings suggest one of possibly more applications of this technology. The positive clinical implications of this test will continue to be realized as its use is validated in peritoneal dialysate and other patient specimen types.
Successful treatment of carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae peritonitis: ‘Old therapy for a new bug’
Authors: O’Riordan Joanne , Bhally Hasan S , Salmon Andrew HJ , de Zoysa Janak R
Published: February 2020

Multidrug-resistant organisms cause significant morbidity and mortality. Infections due to resistant gram-negative bacilli are increasingly being reported. For years, carbapenem antibiotics have been successfully used to treat infections due to resistant Enterobacteriaceae, such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, including those producing extended spectrum β-lactamases, a subset of β-lactamase enzymes that confer broad resistance to penicillins and cephalosporins. More recently, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae have emerged as pathogenic organisms, which confer broad resistance to most β-lactam antibiotics including ‘last-line’ carbapenems. However, different types of carbapenemases confer diverse spectra of antibiotic resistance. Here, we describe the case of an 84-year-old lady on peritoneal dialysis (PD) for 3 years who, on developing carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae PD peritonitis, was successfully treated with colistin, an antimicrobial agent first used in the 1950s.
Use of denosumab to treat refractory hypercalcemia in a peritoneal dialysis patient with immobilization and tertiary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Pratt Ryan M , West Michael L , Tennankore Karthik K
Published: February 2020

Hypercalcemia due to excess parathyroid hormone (PTH) production is a common condition among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), often referred to as tertiary hyperparathyroidism. There are limited effective medical treatment options currently available for such patients. Denosumab is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits osteoclast activation, thereby reducing calcium release from bones. Denosumab has been used to treat medically-refractory hypercalcemia in non-ESRD patients with hyperparathyroidism. Denosumab has also been used to treat non-PTH-mediated hypercalcemia in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease and ESRD. In this case report, we describe the use of denosumab to successfully treat a case of medically refractory hypercalcemia due to immobilization in a patient on peritoneal dialysis with severe underlying tertiary hyperparathyroidism. In spite of persistently elevated PTH, hypercalcemia quickly resolved after a single dose of denosumab. The patient subsequently developed temporary hypocalcemia requiring medical intervention. Our case report, which is the first described use of denosumab for treatment of hypercalcemia in the setting of tertiary hyperparathyroidism in a peritoneal dialysis patient, adds to the body of literature suggesting denosumab is a useful therapeutic agent in patients with ESRD. Issues with post-treatment electrolyte management and other therapeutic considerations are also discussed.
The use of peritoneal dialysis in heart failure: A systematic review
Authors: Chionh Chang Yin , Clementi Anna , Poh Cheng Boon , Finkelstein Fredric O , Cruz Dinna N
Published: February 2020

Heart failure (HF) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Extracorporeal (EC) therapy, including ultrafiltration (UF) and haemodialysis (HD), peritoneal dialysis (PD) and peritoneal ultrafiltration (PUF) are potential therapeutic options in diuretic-resistant states. This systematic review assessed outcomes of PD and compared the effects of PD to EC. A comprehensive search of major databases from 1966 to 2017 for studies utilising PD (or PUF) in diuretic-resistant HF was conducted, excluding studies involving patients with end-stage kidney disease. Data were extracted and combined using a random-effects model, expressed as odds ratio (OR). Thirty-one studies ( n = 902) were identified from 3195 citations. None were randomised trials. Survival was variable (0–100%) with a wide follow-up duration (36 h–10 years). With follow-up > 1 year, the overall mortality was 48.3%. Only four studies compared PD with EC. Survival was 42.1% with PD and 45.0% with EC; the pooled effect did not favour either (OR 0.80; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.24–2.69; p = 0.710). Studies on PD in patients with HF reported several benefits. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) improved after PD (OR 3.76, 95%CI: 2.24–5.27; p < 0.001). Seven of nine studies saw LVEF increase by > 10%. Twenty-one studies reported the New York Heart Association status and 40–100% of the patients improved by ≥ 1 grade. Nine of 10 studies reported reductions in hospitalisation frequency and/or duration. When treated with PD, HF patients had fewer symptoms, lower hospital admissions and duration compared to diuretic therapy. However, there is inadequate evidence comparing PD versus UF or HD. Further studies comparing these modalities in diuretic-resistant HF should be conducted.
International comparison of peritoneal dialysis prescriptions from the Peritoneal Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (PDOPPS)
Authors: Wang Angela Yee-Moon , Zhao Junhui , Bieber Brian , Kanjanabuch Talerngsak , Wilkie Martin , Marshall Mark R , Kawanishi Hideki , Perl Jeffrey , Davies Simon ,   PDOPPS Dialysis Prescription and Fluid Management Working Group
Published: February 2020

Background:

We describe peritoneal dialysis (PD) prescription variations among Peritoneal Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (PDOPPS) participants on continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) and automated PD (APD; n = 4657) from Australia/New Zealand (A/NZ), Canada, Japan, Thailand, United Kingdom (UK), and United States (US).

Results:

CAPD was more commonly used in Thailand and Japan, while APD predominated over CAPD in A/NZ, Canada, the US, and the UK. Total prescribed PD volume normalized to the surface area was the highest in Thailand and the lowest in Japan (for both APD and CAPD) and the UK (for CAPD). PD patients from Thailand had the lowest residual urine volume and residual renal urea clearance, yet achieved the highest dialysis urea clearance. Japanese patients had the lowest dialysis urea clearances for both APD and CAPD. Despite having similar urine volumes to patients in A/NZ, Canada, Japan, and the UK, US CAPD and APD patients used 2.5% and 3.86% glucose PD solutions more frequently, whereas fewer than 25% of these patients used icodextrin. Over half of the patients in A/NZ, Canada, the UK, and Japan used icodextrin, whereas it was hardly used in Thailand. Japan and Thailand were more likely to use 1.5% glucose solutions for their PD prescription.

Conclusions:

There are considerable international variations in PD modality use and prescription patterns that translate into important differences in achieved dialysis clearances. Ongoing recruitment of additional PDOPPS participants and accrual of follow-up time will allow us to test the associations between specific PD prescription regimens and clinical and patient-reported outcomes.
Patients’ experiences of transitioning between different renal replacement therapy modalities: A qualitative study
Authors: Holvoet Els , Verhaeghe Sofie , Davies Simon , Combes Gill , François Karlien , Johnson David , Van Biesen Wim , Van Humbeeck Liesbeth
Published: February 2020

Background:

Different kidney replacement therapy modalities are available to manage end-stage kidney disease, such as home-based dialysis, in-center hemodialysis, and kidney transplantation. Although transitioning between modalities is common, data on how patients experience these transitions are scarce. This study explores patients’ perspectives of transitioning from a home-based to an in-center modality.

Methods:

Patients transitioning from peritoneal dialysis to in-center hemodialysis were purposively selected. Semi-structured interviews were performed, digitally recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis, consistent with Charmaz’ constructivist approach of grounded theory was performed.

Results:

Fifteen patients (10 males; mean age 62 years) participated. The conditions of the transitioning process impacted the participants’ experiences, resulting in divergent experiences and associated emotions. Some participants experienced a loss of control due to the therapy-related changes. Some felt tied down and having lost independence, whereas others stated they regained control as they felt relieved from responsibility. This paradox of control was related to the patient having or not having (1) experienced a fit of hemodialysis with their personal lifestyle, (2) a frame of reference, (3) higher care requirements, (4) insight into the underlying reasons for transitioning, and (5) trust in the healthcare providers.

Conclusions:

Care teams need to offer opportunities to elicit patients’ knowledge and fears, dispel myths, forge connections with other patients, and visit the dialysis unit before transition to alleviate anxiety. Interventions that facilitate a sense of control should be grounded in the meaning that the disorder has for the person and how it impacts their sense of self.
Shifting the blame frame: Agency and the parent–child relationship in an anti-obesity campaign
Authors: Backstrom Laura
Published: February 2020

Using thematic analysis of 97 Let’s Move! speeches that Michelle Obama delivered as part of her anti-obesity campaign in the United States, I examine how parent’s agency and children’s agency were framed in relation to each other. Drawing on framing theory, I find that parents and children were attributed different temporal dimensions of agency—or no agency at all—in each of Let’s Move!’s six parent–child frames.
Exponential and harmonic forced torsional vibration of single-walled carbon nanotube in an elastic medium
Authors: Khosravi Farshad , Hosseini Seyyed Amirhosein , Norouzi Hamid
Published: February 2020

In this study, free torsional vibration and forced torsional vibration analysis under the time-dependent exponential and harmonic torsional loadings in single-walled carbon nanotube are investigated. The SWCNT is embedded in an elastic medium. Eringen's theory among the small-scale theories is selected. The nonlocal differential constitutive relation and corresponding boundary condition are derived via Hamilton's principle. Clamped–clamped boundary condition is utilized. The assumed modes method is employed for the dynamic torsional vibration in order to discretize the derived governing equations. The novelty of this work is devoted to the analysis of forced torsional vibration of a carbon nanotube embedded in an elastic medium under the various loadings. The angular displacement for the resonance frequency neglecting the elastic medium is illustrated. For the free analysis, the first three nondimensional natural frequencies with various small-scale parameters and stiffness of the elastic medium are calculated. The results are compared with another study for the first 10 mode numbers. The effects of the nonlocal parameter, length of carbon nanotube, stiffness of the elastic medium, thickness, time constant, and excitation frequency on the nondimensional and dimensional angular displacements are investigated, dynamically. For the greater values of the stiffness of the medium, the nonlocal parameter becomes negligible. When a time-dependent exponential torque is applied to the model, the angular displacement becomes greater and then lower by an increase in the value of the length, but the nondimensional angular displacement decreases continuously by increasing the value of the length under the time-dependent harmonic loading. Moreover, the angular displacement for a determined time becomes lower first and then becomes greater by increasing the time constant.
Experimental and numerical investigations of the vehicle aerodynamic drag with single-channel rear diffuser
Authors: Taiming Huang , Xiaodong Zhuang , Zhongmin Wan , Zhengqi Gu
Published: February 2020

The main purpose of this paper is to reveal the drag reduction mechanism of single-channel rear diffuser on the vehicle aerodynamic drag and to obtain the relationship between the structure parameters of rear diffuser and the vehicle aerodynamic drag. The influence of the single-channel rear diffuser on the aerodynamic drag is studied using the Reynolds-averaged method with the 25° slant Ahmed model. The accuracy of the numerical method is validated by means of a wind tunnel test. The aerodynamic performance of the Ahmed model with different vertical diffuser angles, lateral diffuser angles, and channel widths is discussed. The results demonstrate that the vortex location will be influenced by the vertical diffuser angle, and with the vortex core approaching to the model, the aerodynamic drag will increase. The aerodynamic drag reaches the minimum value with a vertical diffuser angle of 10.46°. Moreover, the aerodynamic drag decreases with increasing channel width. Finally, the aerodynamic drag can be reduced by 5.3%, when the vertical diffuser angle, lateral diffuser angle, and channel width are 10.46°, 0°, and 351 mm, respectively.
Efficiency improvement of a novel dual motor powertrain for plug-in hybrid electric buses
Authors: Nguyen Cong Thanh , Walker Paul D , Zhang Nong , Ruan Jiageng
Published: February 2020

Powertrain configuration plays an important role in the performance of plug-in hybrid electric buses. Current designs are the compromise between energy efficiency, dynamic ability, shifting smoothness and manufactural cost. To balance the above requirements, this research proposes a novel dual motor powertrain for plug-in hybrid electric buses. The efficiency improvement is compared to the conventional plug-in parallel hybrid electric buses with a single motor powertrain. Parameter designs of system components guarantee two configurations equivalently. To maximize the benefits of the proposed powertrain, this paper introduces an energy management strategy which coordinates enumeration method and dynamic programming to build the optimal maps of powertrain operation. The enumeration method determines the working points of power sources and gear states in all possible modes according to vehicle speed and power. The dynamic programming then selects the most suitable mode with the consideration of gear shifting and mode change in the optimal maps. Simulation results show that the dual motors work in peak efficiency region much more frequently than the single motor in different conditions. Therefore, the total energy cost of dual motor powertrain for entire driving cycles decreases significantly in comparison with the single motor powertrain, 6.5% in the LA92 and 6.7% in the Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule.
Is unequal uptake of Erasmus mobility really only due to students’ choices? The role of selection into universities and fields of study
Authors: Schnepf Sylke V. , Colagrossi Marco
Published: February 2020

Erasmus student mobility is the most recognised element of Erasmus+ and clearly popular with an increase in student uptake from 3,000 in 1987 to over 300,000 today. Recent studies show that students from lower socio-economic backgrounds are less likely to study abroad than better-off students, thereby benefitting less from improved employment opportunities and language competences often associated with mobility. Unequal uptake is generally explained by students’ choices: disadvantaged students hold lower social capital which leads them to decide against mobility. However, not much is known about the importance of students’ selection into universities and fields of study. Using multilevel logistic regressions, this article examines whether social segregation in universities and field of study matters beyond individual characteristics for explaining unequal Erasmus mobility uptake. The study exploits rich population data of around 200,000 UK first-degree graduates of the year 2014/2015 deriving from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) data. Results show that while student characteristics like ability and social status are important predictors of Erasmus mobility, they only explain one part of unequal uptake. In addition, social segregation of universities and fields of study contribute to the unequal mobility pattern found. Student mobility is less common for students enrolled in fields of study and universities attended by disadvantaged students conditional on student characteristics. This implies that student mobility could become more inclusive if grant funding and incentives targeted universities attended by a high proportion of disadvantaged students.