bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness and Safety of Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Low-Dose Oral Immunotherapy with Low Allergen Egg-Containing Cookies for Severe Hen’s Egg Allergy: A Single-Center Analysis
Authors: Takaoka Yuri , Maeta Akihiro , Takahashi Kyoko , M. Ito Yoichi , Takahashi Shinichi , Muroya Takahiro , Shigekawa Amane , Tsurinaga Yuki , Iba Norihito , Yoshida Yukinori , Kameda Makoto , Doi Satoru
Published: October 2019

Introduction: The usefulness of low-dose oral immunotherapy (OIT) for the treatment of egg allergy has been unclear. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of OIT with low allergen cookies (LACs) containing a low dose of hen’s egg. Method: Thirty-three patients with severe hen’s egg allergy were randomly administered either OIT with LACs (n = 21) or placebo (n = 12). Two patients in the LACs group withdrew before completing OIT. The primary endpoint was the number of good responders (G-R), patients with negative results in the oral food challenge (OFC) with a final dose of 2 g hard-boiled egg whites after 4 months of OIT, in each group. Total OFC Aichi score for anaphylaxis/cumulative protein dose (TS/Pro) as the marker of severity of food allergy was also compared. Adverse events during OIT were evaluated using patients’ diaries. Results: The proportion of G-R in the LACs group was higher than in the placebo group (7/19 [37%] vs. 1/12 [8%], χ2 test; p = 0.077). The TS/Pro after OIT in the LACs group was lower than in the placebo group (median score, 44.2 vs. 104.1, p = 0.059; Mann-Whitney U test). The threshold and TS/Pro before and after OIT significantly improved in the LACs group (p = 0.015, p = 0.027, respectively; Wilcoxon signed-rank test). There were 99 recorded incidences of symptoms of 1,938 intake events in the LACs group during OIT. Of these, 90 were mild; no severe symptoms occurred. Conclusions: OIT with LACs potentially increases the OFC threshold and decreases allergy severity and is a relatively safe treatment modality.
Clinical Characterization of Vonoprazan-Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Hamada Shohei , Ihara Eikichi , Ikeda Hiroko , Muta Kazumasa , Ogino Haruei , Chinen Takatoshi , Tanaka Yoshimasa , Ogawa Yoshihiro
Published: October 2019

Introduction: The newly developed vonoprazan (a potassium-competitive acid blocker) has a greater ability to suppress gastric acid production than convention proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). The objective of the present study was to determine how vonoprazan influences the pathogenesis of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in clinical practice. Methods: Between March 2013 and November 2018, a total of 73 refractory GERD patients (34 in the conventional PPI group versus 39 in the vonoprazan group) were enrolled in this retrospective study. We then compared the underlying disease conditions between the 2 groups, examined by high-resolution manometry and multichannel intraluminal impedance/pH (MII-pH) monitoring. Results: There was a significant difference in the proportion of underlying disease conditions, including erosive esophagitis, non-erosive reflux disease, reflux hypersensitivity, functional heartburn and oesophageal motility disorder (EMD), between the conventional PPI (6, 14, 23, 40 and 17% respectively) and vonoprazan groups (0, 0, 10, 49, and 41% respectively; p < 0.01). No cases of acid-related GERD were observed in the vonoprazan group. When the EMD patients were excluded, the lower oesophageal acid exposure time of the vonoprazan group (0.1% [0.0–0.5%], n = 23) was significantly lower than that of the conventional PPI group (0.35% [0.1–3.9%], n = 28; p < 0.05), and the gastric pH <4 holding time of the vonoprazan group (7.7% [0.7–34.5%]) was also significantly lower than that of the conventional PPI group (61.6% [49.4–74.3%], p < 0.01). Conclusions: Vonoprazan serves as a diagnostic tool to exclude acid-related GERD.
Effect of a Nursing In-Service Education Program on Nurses’ Knowledge and Attitudes towards Pain Management in a Governmental Hospital in the United Arab Emirates: Experimental Random Assignment Study
Authors: Salim Nezar Ahmed , Joshua Rennie , AbuBaker Noora Abdulmajid , Chehab Fouad , Jose Ambily
Published: October 2019

Background: Pain is the most common symptom, which is often experienced in acute illnesses and is one of the symptoms that patients feel apprehensive about. Undertaking pain management aims to prevent negative physiological and psychological outcomes. Inadequate knowledge about pain and its characteristics is a common barrier to effective pain management. Evidence shows that if nurses have adequate knowledge and a positive attitude towards pain, it may lead to more effective pain management. Objectives: The main goal of this study is to assess the effect of nursing in-service education program on nurses’ knowledge and attitudes concerning pain management in one of the governmental hospitals in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Methodology: This study has a quantitative-experimental, random assignment design with a pre-test/post-test approach used in one of the governmental hospitals in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The study was carried out between February and April 2019. The sample of this study consisted of 200 participants selected randomly from the units in the hospital by simple randomization through the software SPSS version 20. The experimental group received the pain management program (PMP) over 5 h. The participants were exposed to a pre-test and after receiving the PMP, they were administered the post-test, while in the control group the pre-test and the post-test were carried out without intervention. Result: The paired t test was used to find the mean difference between pre- and post-intervention. The findings of the experimental group revealed that the mean score on the Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain (KASRP) increased after the intervention from 61.36 (SD 11.60) to 69.94 (SD 7.74) with a mean difference of 8.58 (t(99) = –5.97, p < 0.05), while in the control group the mean score on the KASRP slightly decreased following the test (mean ± SD, 60.99 ± 11.53%) compared to the pre-test (mean ± SD, 61.00 ± 11.60%) with a mean difference of 0.01 (t(99) = 1.41, p > 0.05). Conclusion and Recommendation: In-service education PMP proved to be effective. Pain knowledge and attitudes were improved after the educational session. Nurses in the experimental group scored higher in the post-test but still did not reach the passing score of 75%. Moreover, the knowledge scores increased significantly after implementing the PMP. As concluded from the current study, well-structured in-service education sessions are able to improve knowledge and show an impact on attitude changes. Since the PMP proved to be effective, it is recommended to be implemented in daily nursing practice.
Prospective Study of Chromogranin A as a Predictor of Progression in Patients with Pancreatic, Small-Intestinal, and Unknown Primary Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Dam Gitte , Grønbæk Henning , Sorbye Halfdan , Thiis Evensen Espen , Paulsson Björn , Sundin Anders , Jensen Claus , Ebbesen Dyveke , Knigge Ulrich , Tiensuu Janson Eva
Published: October 2019

Background: Retrospective studies are conflicting but most of them report that an increase in plasma chromogranin A (CgA) predicts tumor progression in neuroendocrine tumor (NET) patients. Prospectively, we investigated if a change in plasma CgA is associated with tumor burden changes in NET patients with disseminated disease. Methods: We included 239 patients treated at 5 NET centers from December 2010 to December 2013. CgA was measured within 6 weeks of a CT or MRI in a patient undergoing at least 2 scan examinations performed over a period of 1–24 months. In a post hoc analysis, CgA measured 3–6 months prior to the CT/MRI was analyzed. Changes in tumor size were evaluated by RECIST1.1. A 25% change in CgA was chosen to discriminate between increased, decreased, or unchanged levels. Results: In 671 events (2 CT/MRI scans and 2 corresponding CgA measurements), we found a weak positive correlation between the RECIST 1.1 responses and change in plasma CgA from baseline (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient: 0.15; p < 0.05). Of 304 events in the post hoc analysis, 58 showed progression, 228 showed stable disease, and 18 showed regression, with a median change in CgA of 19% (IQR: 57 to –20%), –12% (23 to –38%), and –73% (–55 to –83%), respectively. The correlation coefficient for all sites was 0.17 (p = 0.003), and it was 0.16 (p = 0.07), 0.18 (p = 0.04), and 0.20 (p = 0.21) for small-intestinal (n = 137), pancreatic (n = 123), and unknown primary NET (n = 40), respectively. In the 58 patients showing tumor progression, the sensitivity and specificity of an increased CgA concentration were 36 and 82%, respectively, with positive and negative predictive values of 32 and 85%. Conclusions: In this prospective study of gastroenteropancreatic NET patients, we observed only a weak association between a change in plasma CgA and changes in tumor burden. CgA as a single biomarker was thus inadequate to predict tumor progression.
Augmented Reality-Based Real-Time Accurate Artifact Management System for Museums
Authors: Abbas Zain , Chao Wei , Park Chanyoung , Soni Vivek , Hong Sang Hoon
Published: October 2019

In this article, we present an accurate and easy to use augmented reality (AR) application for mobile devices. In addition, we show how to better organize and track artifacts using augmented reality for museum employees using both the mobile device and a 3D graphic model of the museum in a PC server. The AR mobile application can connect to the server, which maintains the status of artifacts including its 3D location and respective room location. The system relies on 3D measurements of the rooms in the museum as well as coordinates of the artifacts and reference markers in the respective rooms. The measured coordinates of the artifacts through the AR mobile application are stored in the server and displayed at the corresponding location of the 3D rendered representation of the room. The mobile application allows museum managers to add, remove, or modify artifacts' locations simply by touching the desired location on the touch screen showing live video with AR overlay. Therefore, the accuracy of the touch screen-based artifact positioning is very important. The accuracy of the proposed technique is validated by evaluating angular error measurements with respect to horizontal and vertical field of views that are 60∘ and 47∘, respectively. The worst-case angular errors in our test environment exhibited 0.60∘ for horizontal and 0.29∘ for vertical, which is calculated to be well within the error due to touch screen sensing accuracy.
A new species of Phyllotreta Chevrolat, 1836 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini) from Omsk Province of Russia with comments on Phyllotreta species diversity in Northeastern Palearctic
Authors: KONSTANTINOV A. S. , MOSEYKO A. G.
Published: October 2019

A new species of flea beetle genus Phyllotreta Chevrolat, 1836 (P. sholaksori new species) is described from shores of saline lakes in Southwestern Siberia. It is compared with species with which it was collected as well as with species comprising a group to which it belongs (P. araxicola Jablokoff-Khnzorian, 1968, P. astrachanica Lopatin, 1977, P. atra Fabricius, 1775, P. balcanica Heikertinger, 1909, P. cruciferae Goeze, 1777, and P. diademata Fourdas, 1860). All these species are illustrated and included in the key.
Identification and Characterization of Persistent Cold Pool Events from Temperature and Wind Profilers in the Columbia River Basin
Authors: McCaffrey Katherine , Wilczak James M. , Bianco Laura , Grimit Eric , Sharp Justin , Banta Robert , Friedrich Katja , Fernando H. J. S. , Krishnamurthy Raghavendra , Leo Laura S. , Muradyan Paytsar
Published: October 2019

Cold pool events occur when deep layers of stable, cold air remain trapped in a valley or basin for multiple days, without mixing out from daytime heating. With large impacts on air quality, freezing events, and especially on wind energy production, they are often poorly forecast by modern mesoscale numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. Understanding the characteristics of cold pools is, therefore, important to provide more accurate forecasts. This study analyzes cold pool characteristics with data collected during the Second Wind Forecast Improvement Project (WFIP2), which took place in the Columbia River basin and Gorge of Oregon and Washington from fall 2015 until spring 2017. A subset of the instrumentation included three microwave radiometer profilers, six radar wind profilers with radio acoustic sounding systems, and seven sodars, which together provided seven sites with collocated vertical profiles of temperature, humidity, wind speed, and wind direction. Using these collocated observations, we developed a set of criteria to determine if a cold pool was present based on stability, wind speed, direction, and temporal continuity, and then developed an automated algorithm based on these criteria to identify all cold pool events over the 18 months of the field project. Characteristics of these events are described, including statistics of the wind speed distributions and profiles, stability conditions, cold pool depths, and descent rates of the cold pool top. The goal of this study is a better understanding of these characteristics and their processes to ultimately lead to improved physical parameterizations in NWP models, and consequently improve forecasts of cold pool events in the study region as well at other locations that experiences similar events.
Investigating the Role of the Tibetan Plateau in the Formation of Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation
Authors: Yang Haijun , Wen Qin
Published: October 2019

The Tibetan Plateau (TP) over the Eurasian continent has significant effects on both regional and global climate. It can even affect the remote Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC), as shown in this study. Through coupled modeling experiments, we demonstrate that removing the TP immediately weakens the meridional wind over East Asia, resulting in stronger westerlies in the midlatitudes. The stronger westerlies enhance the southward Ekman flow and surface latent and sensible heat losses in the subpolar North Atlantic, cooling the surface ocean and leading to stronger North Atlantic deep-water formation and stronger AMOC during the first few decades after the TP removal. At the same time, accompanying the weakened trade winds in the tropical Pacific, more moisture is transported from the tropical Pacific to the North Atlantic, freshening the surface ocean and triggering a weakening of the AMOC. The AMOC weakening in turn results in southward expansion and melting of sea ice, providing more freshwater to the North Atlantic, which furthers the weakening of the AMOC. The positive feedback between the AMOC and sea ice eventually leads to AMOC shutdown. We illustrate that there would be no AMOC without the TP. These results call for a revisiting of how ocean circulation and global climate may have responded to the TP uplift and other tectonic changes on the geological time scale.
Individual and Combined Impacts of Tropical Indo-Pacific SST Anomalies on Interannual Variation of the Indochina Peninsular Precipitation
Authors: Yang Yiya , Wu Renguang , Wang Chenghai
Published: October 2019

This study documents interannual rainfall variations over the Indochina Peninsula (ICP) during the rainy season and individual and combined influences of tropical Indo-Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies. The rainfall variability is large along the west coast in May–June, along the west coast and over the eastern mountains in July–August, and along the central Vietnam coast in September–November. More rainfall in May–June, July–August, and October–November occurs in the La Niña decaying years, La Niña decaying years and/or El Niño developing years, and La Niña developing years, respectively. The May–June rainfall variation along the west coast is associated with equatorial central-eastern Pacific (EP), south Indian Ocean, and western North Pacific SST anomalies. The July–August rainfall variation along the west coast and over the eastern mountains is related to equatorial central Pacific and tropical southeastern Indian Ocean SST anomalies. The October–November rainfall variation along the central Vietnam coast is affected by EP and tropical western Indian Ocean SST anomalies. The EP and tropical western Indian Ocean SST influence is through anomalous Walker circulation. The south Indian Ocean SST influence is via cross-equatorial flows. The tropical southeastern Indian Ocean SST influence is via an anomalous cross-equatorial overturning circulation. The equatorial central Pacific and western North Pacific SST influence is via a Rossby wave–type response. The analysis illustrates the importance of combined effects of regional SST anomalies on the ICP precipitation variation in different stages of the rainy season. Numerical experiments with SST anomalies imposed in different regions confirm the combined effects of the Indo-Pacific SST anomalies on the ICP rainfall variation.
Sterno-omohyoid Free Flap for Dual-Vector Dynamic Facial Reanimation
Authors: Vincent Aurora G. , Bevans Scott E. , Robitschek Jon M. , Groom Kelly L. , Herr Marc W. , Hohman Marc H.
Published: October 2019

Background:

Dynamic rehabilitation of longstanding facial palsy with damaged, atrophied, or absent facial muscles requires replacement of neural and muscular components. The ideal reconstruction would include a fast-twitch muscle that is small, a reliable donor vessel and nerve, and the potential to provide a natural, synchronous, dentate smile with minimal donor site morbidity. Many flaps have been successfully used historically, but none has produced ideal rehabilitation.

Objective:

To evaluate the novel sterno-omohyoid, dual-vector flap in rehabilitation of chronic facial paralysis.

Results:

We performed sterno-omohyoid free tissue transfer for smile reanimation in a 39-year-old male with a history of longstanding right facial palsy following resection of a skull base tumor several years previously. We transferred both muscles with the superior thyroid artery, middle thyroid vein, and ansa cervicalis. The patient developed a dynamic smile by 6 months postoperatively, and he had improved objective facial symmetry.

Conclusion:

Herein, we demonstrate the first use of the sterno-omohyoid flap for successful facial reanimation. Overall, it is a novel flap in facial reanimation with many advantages over traditional flaps, including the potential to produce a more synchronous, dynamic smile while adding minimal bulk to the face. Future series will better elucidate the potential of the sterno-omohyoid flap.
Downside MS 61166 and the Processional Liturgy of Poissy
Authors: Sutcliffe Edward James
Published: October 2019

Downside 61166 is a very small manuscript processional – a highly portable book of chants and music for liturgical processions. The present article contains the first full description of Downside 61166 and demonstrates for the first time that it was written for the Dominican nuns of the Priory of Saint Louis, Poissy. Well over 30 other late-medieval processionals from Poissy are known to survive, and this unassuming little Downside manuscript is therefore part of an important corpus of material, promising rich and detailed evidence for the evolution of liturgical text and practice within a female monastic context.
The Contribution of Prescribed and Illicit Opioids to Fatal Overdoses in Massachusetts, 2013-2015
Authors: Walley Alexander Y. , Bernson Dana , Larochelle Marc R. , Green Traci C. , Young Leonard , Land Thomas
Published: October 2019

Objectives:

Opioid-related overdoses are commonly attributed to prescription opioids. We examined data on opioid-related overdose decedents in Massachusetts. For each decedent, we determined which opioid medications had been prescribed and dispensed and which opioids were detected in postmortem medical examiner toxicology specimens.

Methods:

Among opioid-related overdose decedents in Massachusetts during 2013-2015, we analyzed individually linked postmortem opioid toxicology reports and prescription drug monitoring program records to determine instances of overdose in which a decedent had a prescription active on the date of death for the opioid(s) detected in the toxicology report. We also calculated the proportion of overdoses for which prescribed opioid medications were not detected in decedents’ toxicology reports.

Results:

Of 2916 decedents with complete toxicology reports, 1789 (61.4%) had heroin and 1322 (45.3%) had fentanyl detected in postmortem toxicology reports. Of the 491 (16.8%) decedents with ≥1 opioid prescription active on the date of death, prescribed opioids were commonly not detected in toxicology reports, specifically: buprenorphine (56 of 97; 57.7%), oxycodone (93 of 176; 52.8%), and methadone prescribed for opioid use disorder (36 of 112; 32.1%). Only 39 (1.3%) decedents had an active prescription for each opioid detected in toxicology reports on the date of death.

Conclusion:

Linking overdose toxicology reports to prescription drug monitoring program records can help attribute overdoses to prescribed opioids, diverted prescription opioids, heroin, and illicitly made fentanyl.
A defect detection method for unpatterned fabric based on multidirectional binary patterns and the gray-level co-occurrence matrix
Authors: Li Feng , Yuan Lina , Zhang Kun , Li Wenqing
Published: October 2019

A new texture-feature description operator, called the multidirectional binary patterns (MDBP) operator, is proposed in this paper. The operator can extract the detailed distribution of textures in local regions by comparing the differences in the gray levels between neighboring pixels. Moreover, the texture expression ability is enhanced by focusing on the texture features in the linear neighborhood of the image in multiple directions. The MDBP operator was modified by introducing a “uniform” pattern to reduce the grayscale values in the image. Combining the “uniform” MDBP operator and the gray-level co-occurrence matrix, an unpatterned fabric-defect detection scheme is proposed, including texture-feature extraction and detection stages. In the first stage, the multidirectional texture-feature matrix of a nondefective fabric image is extracted, and then the detection threshold is determined based on the similarity between the feature matrices. In the second stage, the defect is detected with the detection threshold. The proposed method is adapted to various grayscale textile images with different characteristics and is robust to a wide variety of image-processing operations. In addition, it is invariant to grayscale changes, performs well when representing textures and detecting defects and has lower computational complexity than other methods.
Universal Health Coverage in Marginalized Populations: A Qualitative Evaluation of a Health Reform Implementation in Rural Ecuador
Authors: Eckhardt Martin , Carlfjord Siw , Faresjö Tomas , Crespo-Burgos Antonio , Forsberg Birger C. , Falk Magnus
Published: October 2019

In 2008, Ecuador underwent a major health reform with the aim of universal coverage. Little is known about the implementation of the reform and its perceived effects in rural parts of the country. The aim of this study was to explore the perceived effects of the 2008 health reform implementation, on rural primary health care services and financial access of the rural poor. A qualitative study using focus group discussions was conducted in a rural region in Ecuador, involving health staff, local health committee members, village leaders, and community health workers. Qualitative content analysis focusing on the manifest content was applied. Three categories emerged from the texts: (1) the prereform situation, which was described as difficult in terms of financial access and quality of care; (2) the reform process, which was perceived as top-down and lacking in communication by the involved actors; lack of interest among the population was reported; (3) the effects of the reform, which were mainly perceived as positive. However, testimonies about understaffing, drug shortages, and access problems for those living furthest away from the health units show that the reform has not fully achieved its intended effects. New problems are a challenging health information system and people without genuine care needs overusing the health services. The results indicate that the Ecuadorean reform has improved rural primary health care services. Still, the reform faces challenges that need continued attention to secure its current achievements and advance the health system further.
Competitiveness bargaining in France: A study of multiple union action in the automotive industry
Authors: Reaney Ruth , Cullinane Niall
Published: October 2019

Competitiveness agreements in France became a much discussed feature of company-level responses to the 2008 crisis and aftermath. Such innovations raise several issues in a context of multi-unionism, in terms of how different workplace unions of varying organisational cultures respond, but also the consequences for inter-union relations. It is observed that such dynamics are complicated by the representative reforms of 2008 which link local bargaining power to performance in workplace elections. Based on case study analysis of the crisis-ridden automotive industry, this article therefore examines how union responses to competitiveness bargaining are proceeding in light of the revised representative rules.
Transcutaneous Laryngeal Ultrasonography for the Assessment of Laryngeal Function After Thyroidectomy: A Review
Authors: da Costa Bianca Oliveira Ismael , Rodrigues Darlyane de Souza Barros , Santos Ary Serrano , Pernambuco Leandro
Published: October 2019

Objective:

This review set out to examine the applicability of transcutaneous laryngeal ultrasonography (TLUSG) for the assessment of laryngeal function after thyroidectomy.

Methods:

An integrative review of the literature was performed using Medline/PubMed, LILACS, and SciELO databases. The methodological quality of the studies was analyzed using the appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies.

Results:

All 8 included articles investigated laryngeal function with regard to the risk of vocal fold immobility after thyroidectomy. The results regarding the diagnostic power of TLUSG for this assessment are controversial, and there is a tendency to use this examination as a screening procedure for subsequent confirmation by flexible laryngoscopy.

Conclusions:

Transcutaneous laryngeal ultrasonography is a viable, noninvasive, and useful tool to assess laryngeal function after thyroidectomy, but current available evidence suggests that it does not replace flexible laryngoscopy for the diagnosis of vocal fold immobility.
Buying Happiness in an Unequal World: Rank of Income More Strongly Predicts Well-Being in More Unequal Countries
Authors: Macchia Lucía , Plagnol Anke C. , Powdthavee Nattavudh
Published: October 2019

Does income rank matter more for well-being in more unequal countries? Using more than 160,000 observations from 24 countries worldwide, we replicate previous studies and show that the ranked position of an individual’s income strongly predicts life evaluation and positive daily emotional experiences, whereas absolute and reference income generally have weak or no effects. Furthermore, we find the association between income rank and an individual’s well-being to be significantly larger in countries where income inequality, represented by the share of taxable income held by the top 1% of income earners, is high. These results are robust to using an alternative measure of income inequality and different reference group specifications. Our findings suggest that people in more unequal societies place greater weight on the pursuit of higher income ranks, which may contribute to enduring income inequality in places where greater well-being can be bought from moving up the income ladder.
Priming the Well: “Frackademia” and the Corporate Pipeline of Oil and Gas Funding into Higher Education
Authors: Ladd Anthony E.
Published: October 2019

While fossil fuel interests have long played a powerful role in shaping American politics and culture, in recent decades, transnational oil and gas companies have formed hundreds of “partnerships” with American colleges and universities to fund energy research and development. Moreover, oil and gas interests have established a foothold in major universities by sponsoring research conferences, scholarships, science centers, and laboratories addressing technological advances in hydraulic fracturing methods, including leasing land for drilling on university-owned property. In this article, I critically assess some of the broad economic linkages between fossil fuel companies and higher education in the United States and the role that corporate philanthropy plays today in expanding the profits and power of the oil and gas industry, as well as the financial base and academic stature of select colleges and universities. Finally, I draw some preliminary conclusions about the growing colonization of university space and other public institutions by energy corporations.
Relationship Behaviors across the Transition to Parenthood
Authors: Rauch-Anderegg Valentina , Kuhn Rebekka , Milek Anne , Halford W. Kim , Bodenmann Guy
Published: October 2019

The transition to parenthood (TTP) often is associated with declines in couple relationship satisfaction. The current study evaluated changes in three relationship behaviors, namely communication, dyadic coping and relationship self-regulation, across the TTP and the association of those behaviors with relationship satisfaction. One hundred and three couples completed questionnaires twice before and three times after the birth of their first child. Prenatally, all behaviors were stable, except negative communication that declined. Postnatally, positive relationship behaviors decreased in both genders, and negative communication increased in men. Negative behaviors were associated with relationship satisfaction throughout the TTP. Furthermore, relationship self-regulation strategies and males’ negative dyadic coping prospectively predicted male relationship satisfaction, while men’s supportive dyadic coping predicted female relationship satisfaction. Enhancing positive relationship behaviors through relationship education programs might help couples successfully adjust to parenthood.
The Seagull Bay site—Clovis technology from American Falls on the Eastern Snake River Plain
Authors: Speer Charles A , Reid Kenneth C , Root Matthew J , Hughes Richard E
Published: October 2019

The Snake River Plain may have served as a corridor for the earliest colonists spreading throughout the New World. It has been observed that the distribution of Clovis period sites and raw material used to produce diagnostic points reflects a detailed understanding of the environment. During the Terminal Pleistocene, there is little evidence of Clovis hunter-gatherers interacting with mega-fauna in the Snake River Plain, despite finding both in the same locations but nonassociated. An example of this appears at the Seagull Bay Clovis site (10PR89) where several Clovis projectile points made of locally available obsidian have been found, while adjacent areas have produced significant examples of Pleistocene megafauna. This article discusses Clovis projectile points from the Seagull Bay site, obsidian sources used to make the points, and regional megafauna.
Synaptic biomarker reduction and impaired cognition in the sub-chronic PCP mouse model for schizophrenia
Authors: Gigg John , McEwan Francesca , Smausz Rebecca , Neill Joanna , Harte Michael K
Published: October 2019

Background:

Sub-chronic phencyclidine treatment (scPCP) provides a translational rat model for cognitive impairments associated with schizophrenia (CIAS). CIAS genetic risk factors may be more easily studied in mice; however, CIAS associated biomarker changes are relatively unstudied in the scPCP mouse.

Aim:

To characterize deficits in object recognition memory and synaptic markers in frontal cortex and hippocampus of the scPCP mouse.

Methods:

Female c57/bl6 mice received 10 daily injections of PCP (scPCP; 10 mg/kg, s.c.) or vehicle ( n = 8/group). Mice were tested for novel object recognition memory after either remaining in the arena (‘no distraction’) or being removed to a holding cage (‘distraction’) during the inter-trial interval. Expression changes for parvalbumin (PV), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD67), synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP-25) and postsynaptic density 95 (PDS95) were measured in frontal cortex, dorsal and ventral hippocampus.

Results:

scPCP mice showed object memory deficits when distracted by removal from the arena, where they treated previously experienced objects as novel at test. scPCP significantly reduced PV expression in all regions and lower PSD95 levels in frontal cortex and ventral hippocampus. Levels of GAD67 and SNAP-25 were unchanged.

Conclusions:

We show for the first time that scPCP mice: (a) can encode and retain object information, but that this memory is susceptible to distraction; (b) display amnesia after distraction; and (c) express reduced PV and PSD95 in frontal cortex and hippocampus. These data further support reductions in PV-dependent synaptic inhibition and NMDAR-dependent glutamatergic plasticity in CIAS and highlight the translational significance of the scPCP mouse.
Test–retest repeatability of [18F]Flortaucipir PET in Alzheimer’s disease and cognitively normal individuals
Authors: Timmers Tessa , Ossenkoppele Rik , Visser Denise , Tuncel Hayel , Wolters Emma E , Verfaillie Sander CJ , van der Flier Wiesje M , Boellaard Ronald , Golla Sandeep SV , van Berckel Bart NM
Published: October 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the test–retest (TRT) repeatability of various parametric quantification methods for [18F]Flortaucipir positron emission tomography (PET). We included eight subjects with dementia or mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease and six cognitively normal subjects. All underwent two 130-min dynamic [18F]Flortaucipir PET scans within 3 ± 1 weeks. Data were analyzed using reference region models receptor parametric mapping (RPM), simplified reference tissue method 2 (SRTM2) and reference logan (RLogan), as well as standardized uptake value ratios (SUVr, time intervals 40–60, 80–100 and 110–130 min post-injection) with cerebellar gray matter as reference region. We obtained distribution volume ratio or SUVr, first for all brain regions and then in three tau-specific regions-of-interest (ROIs). TRT repeatability (%) was defined as |retest–test|/(average (test + retest)) × 100. For all methods and across ROIs, TRT repeatability ranged from (median (IQR)) 0.84% (0.68–2.15) to 6.84% (2.99–11.50). TRT repeatability was good for all reference methods used, although semi-quantitative models (i.e. SUVr) performed marginally worse than quantitative models, for instance TRT repeatability of RPM: 1.98% (0.78–3.58) vs. SUVr80–100: 3.05% (1.28–5.52), p < 0.001. Furthermore, for SUVr80–100 and SUVr110–130, with higher average SUVr, more variation was observed. In conclusion, while TRT repeatability was good for all models used, quantitative methods performed slightly better than semi-quantitative methods.
Wind turbine doubly fed induction generator rotor electrical asymmetry detection based on an adaptive least mean squares filtering of wavelet transform
Authors: Dameshghi Adel , Refan Mohammad Hossein , Amiri Parviz
Published: October 2019

A new strategy for the detection of rotor electrical asymmetry in wind turbine doubly fed induction generators is presented. In comparison with the previous work, the major novelty of this article is the addition of an adaptive noise cancelation block in the process of detecting the rotor winding fault. This work demonstrates an improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio using robust least mean squares filtering of the wavelet transform method. In the new strategy, robust least mean squares filtering of wavelet transform is used for the first block of fault detection before the fault estimation block. The proposed strategy is verified with the experimental data measured on doubly fed induction generator test rigs and real wind turbine. A comparative study is carried out based on experimental measurements (stator current and power output) under the steady-state and variable-speed operation representative of real wind turbine operations for both healthy and faulty generator conditions.
Mixed Methods for Human–Computer Interactions Research: An Iterative Study Using Reddit and Social Media
Authors: Schrader Peter G. , Carroll Mark C. , McCreery Michael P. , Head Danielle L.
Published: October 2019

Researchers have called for additional empirical studies associated with video games. However, every game is novel in terms of mechanics, content, context, and agency; known variables may be operationalized differently based on the game involved. It is incumbent upon researchers to leverage or create the best tools when extracting data from games. This article models instrument development of a scale intended to catalog users’ actions in a novel context (i.e., the game League of Legends) using a mixed methods approach. Specifically, this work outlines data collection and validation strategies using an online social news aggregation, rating, and discussion resource (i.e., Reddit), involving multiple cycles to elicit expert input and queries to generate consensus from expert gamers, followed by analysis of responses and an exploratory factor analysis for scale construction. Reddit provided three unique functions relative to the process: (a) access to experts who informed the development of scale items, (b) a social space and mechanism to validate scale items, and (c) the opportunity to capture data necessary to establish the psychometric properties of the instrument. Findings associated with scale development (i.e., item generation, theoretical and psychometric analyses) are presented. Overall, implications for instrument development in continually evolving contexts are discussed.
Adapting the Mauritian higher education system for effective workforce development
Authors: Roopchund Randhir , Ramlowat Dosheela
Published: October 2019

There has been an alarming rate of graduate unemployment in Mauritius over the past 5 years. The education system has been criticized for being too academic and not driven by the requirements of industry, leading to a skills mismatch. The Mauritian government has consequently announced several new schemes to boost employment and economic growth. This study analyses two innovative approaches for effective workforce development: a university–industry collaborative programme developed by Accenture Academy and the University of Mauritius and a dual apprenticeship scheme operated by the Université des Mascareignes in partnership with the Mauritius Exports Association (MEXA). MEXA has formed a partnership with UDM for providing customized training to its employees. The article also considers the National Human Resource Development Plan for Mauritius and other relevant studies. The main research question is whether the traditional system of higher education needs to be adapted in the light of the country’s ambition to emerge as a high-income economy by 2030. The study contributes to an understanding of how partnerships and collaboration can help to improve lifelong employability in the Mauritian context and how they may ultimately contribute to the reduction of graduate unemployment.
Numerical simulation and experimental validation of slender wings flutter behaviour
Authors: Cestino E , Frulla G , Spina M , Catelani D , Linari M
Published: October 2019

The flutter instability of high aspect ratio wings is numerically investigated by means of finite element aeroelastic analysis. The effect of static equilibrium deflection as well as the additional differential stiffness was introduced in the calculation by a new procedure based on MSC Nastran™ commercial code. The difference between the classic linear flutter calculation and the new procedure presented has been demonstrated numerically and also experimentally. The main parameters that influence the aeroelastic phenomenon were also highlighted and used to define the aeroelastic similarity model related to a typical aircraft of the high altitude long endurance aircraft category.
Estimation of appropriate CO2 concentration sampling cycle for MSW incinerators
Authors: Kang Seongmin , Cha Jeahyung , Cho Changsang , Kim Ki-Hyun , Jeon Eui-Chan
Published: October 2019

For this study, the CO2 concentrations of three municipal solid waste incinerators were measured for a year by using the continuous measurement method, and then the collected monthly, quarterly, and half-yearly samples were compared against the average yearly samples, in order to find out the appropriate CO2 concentration sampling cycle. The results of the Kruskal–Wallis test showed that the averages of the monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, and yearly samples of the three municipal solid waste incinerators were different. Then, the monthly, quarterly, and half-yearly samples were compared to the yearly samples in a post-hoc test. In conclusion, the monthly CO2 concentrations of incinerator C were different from its yearly samples, and for incinerators A and B, the averages of all of the monthly, quarterly, and half-yearly samples were different from the average of their respective yearly samples. Therefore, the results of this study indicate that monthly samples of the CO2 concentration of municipal solid waste incinerators, which can be secured in the largest volume and which include the most details, should be secured to investigate the appropriate CO2 sampling cycle.
Ecological mechanisms in cognitive science
Authors: Golonka Sabrina , Wilson Andrew D.
Published: October 2019

In 2010, Bechtel and Abrahamsen defined and described what it means to be a dynamic causal mechanistic explanatory model. They discussed the development of a mechanistic explanation of circadian rhythms as an exemplar of the process and challenged cognitive science to follow this example. This article takes on that challenge. A mechanistic model is one that accurately represents the real parts and operations of the mechanism being studied. These real components must be identified by an empirical programme that decomposes the system at the correct scale and localises the components in space and time. Psychological behaviour emerges from the nature of our real-time interaction with our environments—here we show that the correct scale to guide decomposition is picked out by the ecological perceptual information that enables that interaction. As proof of concept, we show that a simple model of coordinated rhythmic movement, grounded in information, is a genuine dynamical mechanistic explanation of many key coordination phenomena.
TRPA1 and issues relating to animal model selection for extrapolating toxicity data to humans
Authors: Lindsay CD , Timperley CM
Published: October 2019

The transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) ion channel is a sensor for irritant chemicals, has ancient lineage, and is distributed across animal species including humans, where it features in many organs. Its activation by a diverse panel of electrophilic molecules (TRPA1 agonists) through electrostatic binding and/or covalent attachment to the protein causes the sensation of pain. This article reviews the species differences between TRPA1 channels and their responses, to assess the suitability of different animals to model the effects of TRPA1-activating electrophiles in humans, referring to common TRPA1 activators (exogenous and endogenous) and possible mechanisms of action relating to their toxicology. It concludes that close matching of in vitro and in vivo models will help optimise the identification of relevant biochemical and physiological responses to benchmark the efficacy of potential therapeutic drugs, including TRPA1 antagonists, to counter the toxic effects of those electrophiles capable of harming humans. The analysis of the species issue provided should aid the development of medical treatments to counter poisoning by such chemicals.
The Infrastructure–Growth Nexus in Nigeria: A Reassessment
Authors: Ebuh Godday Uwawunkonye , Ezike Ifeoma Betty , Shitile Tersoo Shimonkabir , Smith Ebow Suleiman , Haruna Timipre Mary
Published: October 2019

This article re-examines the link between infrastructure development and output growth in Nigeria for policy formulation and implementation. The article employed the Granger causality test based on the time series vector error correction model (VECM) to reinvestigate the nexus between infrastructure investment and economic growth in Nigeria, using quarterly data from 1997:Q1 to 2017:Q4. This study, therefore, interrogates and accepts the infrastructure–growth hypothesis that increased financial infrastructure and infrastructure stock stimulates long-run real economy expansion in the Nigerian context.

JEL Classification: H54, E23, C23
Exploring an Appropriate Method of Cervical Cancer Screening in Rural China
Authors: Zhang Xiaosong , Zhao Gengli , Bi Hui , Zhou Min , Wang Xueyin , Juan Juan
Published: October 2019

Background. To explore the feasibility of careHPV (human papillomavirus) with cytology triage as a cervical cancer screening in rural areas of China. Methods. A total of 7138 women aged 35 to 64 years were divided into 2 groups. Women in careHPV group (n = 3536) underwent careHPV and 288 positive subjects underwent cytology, of which 65 women were ≥ASC-US (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance). Women in the cytology group (n = 3602) underwent cytology and 111 women were ≥ASC-US. All subjects with ≥ASC-US were referred to colposcopy and biopsy. Results. The average age of subjects was 48.2 ± 7.8 years. In the careHPV group, the HPV-positive rate was 8.1%. The detection rate of ≥ASC-US was 1.8% in the careHPV group and 3.1% in the cytology group ( P = .001). There was no significant difference in detection rate of ≥CINII (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) in the careHPV group (0.7%) and the cytology group (0.6%; P = .416). In addition, to identify 1 case ≥CINII, an average of 2.6 colposcopies were needed in the careHPV group, and 5.3 colposcopies were performed to diagnose 1 case ≥CINII in the cytology group. Conclusions. careHPV with cytology triage offered similar efficiency in identifying abnormalities of CINII and above compared with cytology screening. With the reduced requirement for cytology testing and colposcopy, careHPV may be a more favorable cervical cancer screening strategy in areas of China where there is a lack of cytology services.
Comprehensive geriatric assessment programmes: Possibilities, realities and outcomes
Authors: Savy Pauline , Hodgkin Suzanne , Long Karrie , Melis Rene , Lewis Virginia , Furler John , Lim Kwang , Dow Briony , Blackberry Irene
Published: October 2019

Interventions based on comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) have been implemented in many countries. These interventions, based on the premise that such assessment will delay individual decline and reduce demand on medical and institutional care, generally result in equivocal or modest outcomes. This article presents findings from a critical realist review of a sample of reported interventions to offer insights into the macro- and micro-factors that affect the implementation and outcomes of CGA-based endeavours. The findings hold particular relevance for informing Australian policy which provides for annual, clinical assessment of people above the age of 75.
Updata: Post-Neoliberalism
Authors: Lather Patti
Published: October 2019

Updating my earlier engagement with post-neoliberalism, this article looks at the “after” of neoliberalism as a “post” neoliberalism under construction. It is addressed to our “discursive confusion” in the belief that effective political understanding and action might still be possible.