bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cortical Transformation of Stimulus Space in Order to Linearize a Linearly Inseparable Task
Authors: Wu Meng-Huan , Kleinschmidt David , Emberson Lauren , Doko Donias , Edelman Shimon , Jacobs Robert , Raizada Rajeev
Published: January 2020

The human brain is able to learn difficult categorization tasks, even ones that have linearly inseparable boundaries; however, it is currently unknown how it achieves this computational feat. We investigated this by training participants on an animal categorization task with a linearly inseparable prototype structure in a morph shape space. Participants underwent fMRI scans before and after 4 days of behavioral training. Widespread representational changes were found throughout the brain, including an untangling of the categories' neural patterns that made them more linearly separable after behavioral training. These neural changes were task dependent, as they were only observed while participants were performing the categorization task, not during passive viewing. Moreover, they were found to occur in frontal and parietal areas, rather than ventral temporal cortices, suggesting that they reflected attentional and decisional reweighting, rather than changes in object recognition templates. These results illustrate how the brain can flexibly transform neural representational space to solve computationally challenging tasks.
Using the Helmholtz Decomposition to Define the Indian Ocean Meridional Overturning Streamfunction
Authors: Han Lei , Huang Rui Xin
Published: January 2020

The zonally integrated flow in a basin can be separated into the divergent/nondivergent parts, and a uniquely defined meridional overturning circulation (MOC) can be calculated. For a basin with significant volume exchange at zonal open boundaries, this method is competent in removing the components associated with the nonzero source terms due to zonal transports at open boundaries. This method was applied to the zonally integrated flow in the Indian Ocean basin extended all the way to the Antarctic by virtue of the ECCO dataset. The contributions due to two major zonal flow systems at open boundaries, the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF) and the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), were well separated from the rotational flow component, and a nondivergent overturning circulation pattern was identified. Comparisons with previous studies on the MOC of the Indian Ocean in different seasons showed overall consistency but with refinements in details to the south of the entry of the ITF, reflecting the influence of ITF on the MOC pattern in the domain. Other options of decomposition are also examined.
Collectives of intellectuals: Their cohesiveness, accountability, and who can speak on their behalf
Authors: Hernando Marcos González , Baert Patrick
Published: January 2020

As of late, the sociology of intellectuals has made important inroads into its object of study. Much of this has been achieved by problematising the modes of engagement intellectuals undertake and multiplying the types of actor that can be considered to have intellectual authority, going beyond the traditional mould of the ‘authoritative’ public intellectual. However, relatively few have theorised how intellectuals associate themselves in groups: how collectives, whether in the form of institutions or not, negotiate their public interventions and position themselves as a group in the public debate. This article delves into this issue, with an emphasis on how ‘intellectual collectives’ reach a common identity and decide who can intervene ‘on their behalf’ – what we call prosopopoeia. Informed by positioning theory, and based on two variables (presence of a single organisational basis and purported intellectual cohesiveness), this article contributes to current debates on the sociology of intellectuals by analysing how collectives of intellectuals intervene in the public debate, reach some form of coordination with their peers, police the boundaries of their collective identity, and, in the process, attain a common position across audiences.
Sociological Ambivalence: Relationships between Birth Parents and Foster Parents
Authors: Järvinen Margaretha , Luckow Stine Tankred
Published: January 2020

Inspired by Merton and Barber’s sociological theory on ambivalence, this article analyses ‘co-parenting’ between foster parents and birth parents as prototypes of ambivalent relationships; that is, relationships based on incompatible role requirements. This incompatibility is rooted in the conflicts between (a) the professional role of foster carers and their emotional involvement in the child in their care, and (b) the status of birth parents as ‘failed parents’ (from the perspective of the authorities) and their continuous aspirations to get their child home again. The article is based on qualitative interviews with foster parents and birth parents of children in foster care in Denmark. We show how the structural ambivalence is associated with difficulties, for both foster parents and birth parents, in translating the principle of ‘the best interest of the child’ into concrete practice in out-of-home placements.
Compression properties of pile fabrics in the presence of water
Authors: Kibayashi Yuriko , Yokura Hiroko , Sukigara Sachiko
Published: January 2020

The compression properties of towel pile fabrics with water contents from 0% to 500% were measured to investigate the effect of pile ratio and weft yarn density. The compression energy decreased substantially from 0% to 50% and 100%, and then increased with the water content. Towel fabric with a high pile ratio showed a larger increase in compression energy than towel fabric with a low pile ratio. Water transfer through the towels was investigated in both horizontal and vertical directions. The vertical water transfer from the pile surface to the base was related to the maximum water absorption velocity ( Vmax). Subjectively evaluated, soft towels showed larger Vmax and compression energy values with water than short-pile towels.
Thermo-mechanical coupling numerical simulation method under high temperature heterogeneous rock and application in underground coal gasification
Authors: Liu Xiaopeng , Guo Guangli , Li Huaizhan
Published: January 2020

The heterogeneity of a rock mass under high temperature and its thermo-mechanical coupling characteristics are difficult problems to investigate. This situation brings considerable difficulties to the study of underground coal gasification under thermo-mechanical coupling. The development of a numerical simulation method for the thermo-mechanical coupling of heterogeneity rock mass under high-temperature burnt conditions can provide an important foundation for related research. On the basis of the variation of mechanical properties of rock mass with temperature, a thermo-mechanical coupling simulation method, which considers the heterogeneity of a rock mass under high temperature, is proposed in this study. A test block experiment is implemented and then applied to the strata movement and failure of underground coal gasification. The results are as follows: (1) The proposed method can truly reflect the heterogeneity of a rock mass under high-temperature environment, providing an effective method for the numerical simulation of geotechnical engineering in high-temperature conditions. (2) The variation of mechanical properties of rock mass after an increase in temperature is the main reason for the change law of strata movement and failure of underground coal gasification. These factors should be considered in the investigation of underground gasification strata movement and failure. The present study can provide an important means for the research on geotechnical engineering in high-temperature environments.
Good Cop, Bad Cop: Race-Based Differences in Mental Representations of Police
Authors: Lloyd E. Paige , Sim Mattea , Smalley Evans , Bernstein Michael J. , Hugenberg Kurt
Published: January 2020

The current work investigates race-based biases in conceptualization of the facial appearance of police. We employ a reverse correlation procedure to demonstrate that Black Americans, relative to White Americans, conceptualize police officers’ faces as more negative, less positive, and more dominant. We further find that these differential representations have implications for interactions with police. When naïve participants (of various races) viewed images of police officers generated by Black Americans (relative to those generated by White Americans), they responded with greater anticipated anxiety and reported more fight-or-flight behavioral intentions. Across four studies, findings suggest Black and White Americans conceptualize police and police–citizen interactions fundamentally differently. These findings have important theoretical (e.g., using reverse correlation to document the mental representations held by minority group members) and practical implications (e.g., identifying race-based differences in representations of police that may affect community–police relations).
Twitter, Book, Riot: Post-Digital Publishing against Race
Authors: Thoburn Nicholas
Published: January 2020

This article considers today’s ‘post-digital’ political publishing through the material forms of an experimental book, The 2015 Baltimore Uprising: A Teen Epistolary. Anonymously published and devoid of all editorial text, the book is comprised entirely of some 650 screen-grabbed tweets, tweets posted by black Baltimore youth during the riots that ensued on the police killing of Freddie Gray. It is a crisis-ridden book, bearing the wrenching anti-black terror and rebellion of Baltimore 2015 into the horizon of publishing. Drawing on critical theories of books and digital media, and bringing Saidiya Hartman and Frank Wilderson to bear on issues of publishing, the article appraises seven aspects of this book’s materiality: its epistolary structure and rupture with the book-as-closure; its undoing of the commodity form of books; the ‘poor image’ of its visual scene; its recourse to facial redaction and voiding of narrative progression; and its destabilization of readers’ empathy.
The hemodynamic effect of different left ventricular unloading techniques during veno-arterial extracorporeal life support: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Meuwese Christiaan Lucas , de Haan Marloes , Zwetsloot Peter-Paul , Braithwaite Sue , Ramjankhan Faiz , van der Heijden Joris , Hermens Jeannine , Cremer Olaf , Broomé Michael , Donker Dirk Wilhelm
Published: January 2020

Background:

Pulmonary edema and left ventricular thrombosis may arise during veno-arterial extracorporeal life support due to an increase in cardiac load. This mechanical stress can be reduced through different left ventricular unloading techniques. We set out to quantitatively summarize the hemodynamic effects of available methods in patients treated with veno-arterial extracorporeal life support.

Methods:

Literature was systematically searched for studies reporting left ventricular unloading during veno-arterial extracorporeal life support as reflected by changes in left atrial pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, diastolic pulmonary artery pressure, or left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. For studies including ⩾10 patients per group, changes in these parameters were pooled using (1) standardized mean differences and (2) ratio of means. Assessment of potential bias was performed for all studies.

Results:

Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Reported techniques included use of intra-aortic balloon pump (n = 1), micro-axial blood pump (Impella®, n = 2), left ventricular venting (n = 1), and atrial septostomy (n = 4). Overall, left ventricular unloading was associated with a statistically significant reduction in preload parameters (standardized mean differences = −1.05 (95% confidence interval = −1.24 to −0.86) and ratio of means = 0.60 (0.47 to 0.76)). Effect sizes were strongest for micro-axial blood pump and atrial septostomy (standardized mean differences = −1.11 (−1.55 to −0.68) and −1.22 (−1.47 to −0.96), and ratio of means = 0.58 (0.39 to 0.86) and 0.54 (0.36 to 0.83), respectively).

Conclusion:

Left ventricular unloading was associated with a significant reduction in left ventricular preload parameters in the setting of veno-arterial extracorporeal life support. This effect may be most pronounced for micro-axial blood pump and atrial septostomy.
Efficacy of Tiaoqiheying decoction in the treatment of spasmodic pain and lipid metabolism after acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Cai Zhixing , Chen Yue
Published: January 2020

Objective

To investigate the efficacy and safety of Tiaoqiheying decoction in treating acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

This prospective randomized study enrolled 102 patients with ischemic stroke who were randomly assigned to the control (placebo), external (external Tiaoqiheying decoction), and external/internal groups (oral and external Tiaoqiheying decoction) groups. Cholesterol (CHO), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels and the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), modified Ashworth scale (AMS), visual analog scale (VAS), Barthel Index (BI), and Fugl–Meyer score (FMS) were determined before and after treatment.

Results

NIHSS scores were lower in the external/internal group than in the external and placebo groups. MAS and VAS scores for all patients were also lower after 4 weeks than before treatment, and they were significantly lower in the external/internal group versus the control group. CHO, TG, and LDL levels were significantly lower after 2 and 4 weeks, and their levels were lower in the external/internal group than in the other two groups. BI and FMS were higher in the external/internal group than in the other groups after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment.

Conclusion

Tiaoqiheying decoction may improve spasmodic pain and lipid metabolism after stroke.
Risk factors predicting severe hypocalcemia after total parathyroidectomy without autotransplantation in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Liu Jun , Huang Qinghua , Yang Meng , Huang Linping , Zhang Ling
Published: January 2020

Objective

This study was performed to investigate the risk factors for severe hypocalcemia (SH) after total parathyroidectomy without autotransplantation (TPTX) in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the records of 136 patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism treated by TPTX. The patients were categorized as having SH or non-SH based on their postoperative blood calcium concentration. The risk factors for SH were identified by comparing the clinical characteristics between the two groups and by performing multiple logistic regression analyses.

Results

After surgery, 46.0% of the patients had hypocalcemia and 31.7% had SH. Evidence of renal osteodystrophy on lumbar radiographs and the serum concentrations of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), calcium, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were different between the two groups. The SH group had higher preoperative iPTH and ALP concentrations than the non-SH group. In addition, more patients with SH showed renal osteodystrophy. Logistic regression analyses indicated that preoperative hypocalcemia and a high ALP concentration were independent predictors of SH.

Conclusion

Preoperative hypocalcemia and a high ALP concentration were identified as risk factors for SH following TPTX.
Systematic review and network meta-analysis comparing Chinese herbal injections with chemotherapy for treating patients with esophageal cancer
Authors: Zhang Dan , Wu Jiarui , Wang Haojia , Zhou Wei , Ni Mengwei , Liu Xinkui , Zhang Xiaomeng
Published: January 2020

Objective

This study compared Chinese herbal injections (CHIs) plus chemotherapy with chemotherapy alone in terms of clinical efficacy and safety for treating patients with esophageal cancer (EC).

Methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of CHIs combined with chemotherapy for treating EC published in English and Chinese databases were identified. The main outcomes were clinical efficacy, performance status, and adverse reactions. Random-effects models were fitted to calculate the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for all pair-wise comparisons.

Results

In total, 29 RCTs of eight CHIs were included in this study. The results of cluster analysis demonstrated that Compound Kushen injection plus chemotherapy was the optimal choice for improving the clinical efficacy rate. Shenfu injection was associated with a relatively high performance status. Compound Kushen injection and Shenfu injection were inferior to other CHIs in terms of preventing leukopenia and gastrointestinal side effects.

Conclusions

The combination of Compound Kushen injection with chemotherapy could improve efficacy and reduce adverse drug reactions versus chemotherapy alone in patients with EC.
Successful treatment of a patient with Kasabach–Merritt syndrome and multiple giant hepatic hemangiomas
Authors: Liu Yaqun , Wu Xin , Ye Lingying , Xu Huji
Published: January 2020

Kasabach–Merritt syndrome (KMS) is a rare complication of hemangioma. KMS mostly occurs in the pediatric population with typical clinical manifestations, including thrombocytopenia, consumptive coagulation, and purpura. However, the pathogenesis of KMS is still unclear and the KMS therapy is controversial. We report here a case of KMS and multiple, giant, hepatic hemangiomas in a 34-year-old female patient who was successfully treated in our hospital. Glucocorticoid along with supportive treatments was administrated immediately to reverse fatal disseminated intravascular coagulation and acute hemolysis. After the acute phase, glucocorticoid was tapered slowly and sirolimus was added to treat the hemangiomas. In conclusion, the risk factors of gestation, interventional treatment, and autoimmune disturbance might contribute to the pathogenesis of KMS. Additionally, treatment with glucocorticoid and sirolimus is effective in KMS and multiple giant hepatic hemangiomas.
Statistical life prediction of unidirectional carbon fiber/polypropylene tape under creep tension load
Authors: Nakada Masayuki , Miyano Yasushi , Morisawa Yoko , Isaki Takeharu , Hirano Taiki , Uzawa Kiyoshi
Published: January 2020

Recently, a carbon fiber/polypropylene unidirectional sheet has been developed by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. from a new polyolefin-based sizing agent for carbon fiber. Its effective polypropylene modification brings good compatibility with polypropylene to improve the fiber matrix adhesion. This study examines the prediction of the statistical lifetime of this developed carbon fiber/polypropylene unidirectional sheet under creep tension loading. First, a tensile test method for static and creep strengths at elevated temperatures was developed for carbon fiber/polypropylene unidirectional tape cut from a carbon fiber/polypropylene unidirectional sheet. Second, the static tensile strengths of carbon fiber/polypropylene tape were measured statistically at various constant temperatures under a constant strain rate. The statistical creep failure times under tension loading for carbon fiber/polypropylene tape were predicted at a constant temperature by substituting the statistical static strengths into the formulation based on the matrix resin viscoelasticity. Third, the validity of the predicted results was clarified by comparison with the creep failure times measured statistically using creep tests for carbon fiber/polypropylene tape. Finally, the relation between the failure probability and creep failure times for carbon fiber/polypropylene unidirectional tape at various loads and temperature conditions was discussed.
Correction of Facial Asymmetry Using Patient-Specific Implants: A Case Report
Authors: Manolakakis Manolis , Richards Ryan
Published: January 2020

Dentofacial deformities can have a profound impact on patients’ function and facial aesthetics. Traditionally, dentofacial deformities and malocclusion have been managed with growth modification, orthodontic therapy, and orthognathic surgery, or a combination of these modalities. The aim of this article is to discuss the use of patient-specific alloplastic implants as an adjunct or alternative to orthognathic surgery in patients with dentofacial deformities. A 40-year-old man who previously underwent surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion followed by LeFort I osteotomy advancement, intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy setback (IVRO), rhinoplasty, and fat transfer to the malar region presented with a chief complaint of dissatisfaction due to significant facial asymmetry. Tear trough deformity, concave nasal dorsum with nasal tip deviation to the left, submalar fullness, chin deviation to the right, and a poorly defined mandibular border outline were all noted on physical examination. The patient was treated with lower lid blepharoplasty with fat repositioning, buccal fat pad reduction (bichectomy), and patient-specific malar and mandibular border implants. In a patient who has a moderate-to-severe malocclusion and dentofacial deformity, traditional treatment includes orthodontic correction and orthognathic surgery. Patients undergoing primary orthognathic surgery can benefit from alloplastic implants. For patients who have residual maxillary or mandibular asymmetry after orthognathic surgery, the treatment options are secondary orthognathic procedures or facial implants. These patients can benefit from treatment with alloplastic facial implants as an adjunct or alternative to orthognathic surgery to normalize skeletal contours and improve facial aesthetics. Patient-specific alloplastic implants can be used as a powerful adjunct or alternative to orthognathic surgery. Patients with mild occlusal and skeletal deformities who have traditionally been treated with orthodontic therapy alone can benefit from evaluation of alloplastic implants. Patients with residual asymmetries after orthognathic surgery can benefit from alloplastic implants as an adjunct with secondary osteotomies or as an alternative altogether.
Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Men’s Attitudes and Understandings of Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Assault
Authors: Salter Michael , Robinson Kerry , Ullman Jacqueline , Denson Nida , Ovenden Georgia , Noonan Kai , Bansel Peter , Huppatz Kate
Published: January 2020

Gay, bisexual, and queer (GBQ) men experience significant rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual assault (SA); however, there is limited research into their attitudes and understandings of IPV and SA. This article presents the findings of a 2018 survey of 895 GBQ men currently residing in Australia, focused on their views and experiences of healthy and unhealthy relationships. The survey included quantitative and open-ended qualitative questions. The findings presented in this article are primarily descriptive, with cross-tabulations and t tests to demonstrate significant differences between groups and correlational statistics to outline associations between variables. Qualitative data were coded under broad themes. The study found a considerable proportion of men (three in five) identified that they had experienced an unhealthy or abusive relationship in the past, with minimal disclosure to police or health services. Men with a history of partner abuse or violence were more likely to report binge drinking or drug use and more likely to know a friend who had abused his partner. 40% of the sample had witnessed an incident of relationship violence between GBQ men, and two-thirds intervened in the violence in some way. The findings of this study underscore the need to engage GBQ men in discussions about respectful relationships, address the role of alcohol and drugs in GBQ socialization and relationships, and provide bystander skills for men to intervene in situations of aggression or violence between men in relationships.
Economic evaluation of colorectal cancer screening programs: Affordability for the health service
Authors: Coretti Silvia , Ruggeri Matteo , Dibidino Rossella , Gitto Lara , Marcellusi Andrea , Mennini Francesco Saverio , Cicchetti Americo
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To estimate the cost-effectiveness of the public colorectal cancer screening program in the Abruzzo region, Italy.

Methods

Cost-effectiveness was analysed using a two-armed Markov model comparing: (1) Abruzzo screening program based on biennial faecal immunochemical occult blood testing, with colonoscopy as second level test for individuals with positive results, with (2) Treatment of symptomatic patients according to the stage of the neoplasm. Transition probabilities were adjusted for accuracy of tests and incidence of colorectal cancer. Diagnosis-related groups’ charges and field collected data were used to estimate costs. Costs and benefits were discounted by 3.5%. Monte Carlo simulation confirmed the robustness of the model results.

Results

Assuming a compliance rate of 64.7%, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for the current colorectal screening program was €433.06/quality adjusted life year gained, considerably lower than conventional thresholds (around €30,000).

Conclusion

Early detection and intervention programs help to avoid a large number of highly debilitating and expensive cancer treatments. These results show that the screening program currently implemented in Abruzzo should be considered as a good investment in health.
Meaningful Engagement With Aboriginal Communities Using Participatory Action Research to Develop Culturally Appropriate Health Resources
Authors: Peake Rachel M. , Jackson Debra , Lea Jackie , Usher Kim
Published: January 2020

Introduction: This article outlines the processes used to meaningfully and authentically engage Australian Aboriginal communities in Northern New South Wales, Australia, to develop culturally appropriate stroke health resources. Methodology: Participatory action research using the research topic yarning framework is a collaborative, culturally safe way to uncover vital information and concepts. There were two stages in the participatory action research project: community engagement and evaluation of the processes involved in developing the localised, culturally appropriate health resources. Results: Establishing relationships built on trust, mutual sharing of knowledge, and bringing together the wider community, enabled the health message to be embedded within the community, ensuring the message was culturally appropriate and sustainable. Discussion: The stroke education resource is a tangible outcome and a major achievement; however, the process of authentic engagement to achieve the final product was the ultimate accomplishment.
An adaptive sliding mode–based fault-tolerant control design for half-vehicle active suspensions using T–S fuzzy approach
Authors: Pang Hui , Shang Yuting , Yang Junjie
Published: January 2020

This study proposes an improved adaptive sliding mode–based fault-tolerant control design for the improvement of dynamics performances of half-vehicle active suspensions with parametric uncertainties and actuator faults in the context of external road disturbances. To cope with the model establishment of the vehicle active suspensions, the T–S fuzzy approach and system augmentation technology are used to construct the T–S representation of the faulty augmented system, and a new adaptive law is, therefore, designed to achieve the accurate online estimation of the actuator gain and drift faults, which facilitates the desirable fault-tolerant controller design. Moreover, the proposed adaptive sliding mode–based fault-tolerant controller is synthesized, and the system stability analysis is further conducted in premise of the Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, a numerical simulation is provided to illustrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed controller.
Evaluation of Resistance to Violence in Intimate Relationships: Initial Development and Validation
Authors: Melendez-Rhodes Tatiana , Košutić Iva
Published: January 2020

This study addresses the need for assessments to support clinical practice and research with survivors/victims of intimate partner violence (IPV). A total of 236 women who stayed in domestic violence shelters in a Northeastern state completed responses to 38 statements defining three categories of resistance to IPV: (a) yielding, (b) withdrawing, and (c) confronting. Content validity was established through interviews with survivors and reviews by a panel of experts. Results of an exploratory factor analysis yielded a three-factor solution. Subscale scores showed satisfactory internal consistency reliability coefficients. Implications for practitioners and researchers are discussed.
Couples’ Economic Equilibrium, Gender Norms and Intimate Partner Violence in Kirumba, Tanzania
Authors: Manji Karima , Heise Lori , Cislaghi Beniamino
Published: January 2020

This study examines the link between the loss of men’s status as breadwinners and their use of intimate partner violence (IPV) in Kirumba (Mwanza city, Tanzania), mediated by the entry of women into the cash work force. Using qualitative data from 20 in-depth interviews and eight focus groups with men ( n = 58) and women ( n = 58), this article explores how the existing gender-related social norm linked to male breadwinning was threatened when women were forced to enter into paid work (linked to the family’s impoverishment), and how these changes eventually increased partner violence. The study draws implications for IPV reduction strategies in patriarchal contexts experiencing declining economic opportunities for men.
Intraperitoneal paclitaxel and cisplatin compared with dose-dense paclitaxel and carboplatin for patients with stage III ovarian cancer
Authors: Murphy Madison , Martin Grace , Mahmoudjafari Zahra , Bivona Cory , Grauer Dennis , Henry David
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Patients diagnosed with stage III ovarian cancer are at high risk of recurrence and optimal adjuvant therapy is often debated. There is limited literature that directly compares intraperitoneal paclitaxel and cisplatin with dose-dense paclitaxel and carboplatin.

Objectives

The primary objective was to compare progression-free survival, overall survival, and tolerability of adjuvant intraperitoneal paclitaxel and cisplatin to dose-dense paclitaxel and carboplatin in stage III ovarian cancer patients.

Methods

A retrospective, IRB-approved, single center chart review was conducted reviewing adult patients with stage III ovarian cancer undergoing adjuvant intraperitoneal therapy or dose-dense therapy between 2010 and 2018.

Results

Eighty-two patients were included in the final analysis; 44 in the intraperitoneal group and 38 in the dose-dense group. Intraperitoneal therapy was not associated with a longer progression-free survival (35.4 vs. 31.1 months; P = 0.97). The duration of overall survival did not differ between intraperitoneal and dose-dense (56.3 vs. 54.5 months; P = 0.55). Dose reductions were less frequent with intraperitoneal than dose-dense (11.36% vs. 31.58%; P = 0.02). No difference in treatment delays (45.5% vs. 65.8%; P = 0.07), dose cancellations (59.1% vs. 57.9%; P = 0.91), supportive care additions (95.5% vs. 84.2%; P = 0.09), or therapy discontinuation (59.1% vs. 39.5%; P = 0.07) between groups was noted.

Conclusions

Intraperitoneal therapy with paclitaxel and cisplatin, as compared with dose-dense paclitaxel and carboplatin, did not prolong progression-free or overall survival in the adjuvant setting among stage III ovarian cancer patients. A trend towards decreased tolerability was noted with intraperitoneal therapy.
Contribution of soybean polysaccharides in digestion of oil-in-water emulsion-based delivery system in an in vitro gastric environment
Authors: Wang Shengnan , Shao Guoqiang , Yang Jinjie , Zhao Hekai , Qu Danni , Zhang Diyuan , Zhu Danshi , He Yutang , Liu He
Published: January 2020

This study aims to evaluate the effects of soy soluble polysaccharide and soy hull polysaccharide on stability and characteristics of emulsions stabilised by soy protein isolate in an in vitro gastric environment. Zeta potential and particle size were used to investigate the changes of physico-chemical and stability in the three emulsions during in vitro gastric digestion, following the order: soy protein isolate–stability emulsion < soy protein isolate–soy soluble polysaccharide –stability emulsion < soy protein isolate–soy hull polysaccharide–stability emulsion, confirming that coalescence in the soy protein isolate–stability emulsion occurred during in vitro gastric digestion. Optical microscopy and stability measurement (backscattering) also validate that addition of polysaccharide (soy soluble polysaccharide and soy hull polysaccharide) can reduce the effect of simulated gastric fluid (i.e., pH, ionic strength and pepsin) on emulsion stability, especially, soy protein isolate–soy hull polysaccharide–stability emulsion, compared with soy protein isolate–stability emulsion. This suggests that the flocculation behaviours of these emulsions in the stomach lead to a difference in the quantity of oil and the size and structure of the oil droplets, which play a significant role in emulsion digestion in the gastrointestinal tract. This work may indicate a potential application of soy hull polysaccharide for the construction of emulsion food delivery systems.
Trust spillovers among national and European institutions
Authors: Dominioni Goran , Quintavalla Alberto , Romano Alessandro
Published: January 2020

In this article, we study spillovers in political trust between the national parliaments of 15 Member States and the European Commission, the European Parliament and the European Central Bank in the period 2000–2015. We show that in most instances spillovers between the national parliaments and the European Commission and the European Parliament are bidirectional, asymmetric, and change over time and place. A corollary of these findings is that simultaneously achieving high level of trust in institutions at different levels of governance may require a deeper understanding of the complex inter-institutional relationships that exist in the EU multilevel governance setting.
The interactional achievement of reading aloud by young children and parents during digital technology use
Authors: Davidson Christina , Danby Susan , Ekberg Stuart , Thorpe Karen
Published: January 2020

Many studies that examine parent–child interactions while reading digital texts focus on the reading of e-books. Rather less is known about parent–child interactions and reading aloud of other screen texts that occur during young children’s everyday use of digital technologies at home. This article presents the findings from a conversation analytic study of a collection of 36 sequences of interaction between young children and their parents where the words ‘says’ or ‘say’ were used to refer to print on the screen. The collection involved interactions between seven parent–child dyads. Sequences were identified through repeated viewing of 29 hours of video-recordings made by parents. Analysis enabled systematic identification and description of two distinctive practices in talk that led to reading aloud from the screen. Reading aloud of the text was provided by either a speaker using a preface, such as ‘it says’, or solicited using a question. Discussion establishes how young children and their parents orient to and produce reading aloud practices, how reading aloud meets the instrumental purposes of children and the ways that young children competently enable reading aloud. It is concluded that reading aloud from the screen is an important information source for young children, enabled through parent–child interactions.
Low copper-2 intake in Switzerland does not result in lower incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and contradicts the Copper-2 Hypothesis
Authors: Solioz Marc
Published: January 2020

In recent years, the “Copper-2 Hypothesis” has been put forth in an attempt to explain the epidemic of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the Western world. According to this hypothesis, “free” copper (copper-2) in drinking water, dietary supplements, and meat is the chief cause of the increased incidence of AD in recent decades. In contrast to the US, copper plumbing for drinking water is not used in Switzerland and tap water is very low in copper. Other “risk” factors including dietary supplements and meat consumption are also lower in Switzerland than in the US. Yet, the incidence of AD is closely similar in the two countries. This contradicts the Copper-2 Hypothesis.

Impact statement

The Western world is faced with an Alzheimer’s epidemic. Identifying the life style and anthropogenic factors involved has become a priority. This is a formidable challenge due to the complexity and the slow progression of the disease. A hypothesis put forth by George Brewer postulates divalent copper (copper-2), chiefly present in drinking water from copper pipes, to be a major risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. In Switzerland, copper pipes are not used for drinking water, but the frequency of Alzheimer’s disease is similar to that of other Western countries. This contradicts Brewer’s hypothesis and suggests that other factors are responsible for today’s Alzheimer’s epidemic.
Payload location for JPEG image steganography based on co-frequency sub-image filtering
Authors: Wang Jie , Yang Chunfang , Wang Ping , Song Xiaofeng , Lu Jicang
Published: January 2020

In digital steganography, due to difficulties estimating the JPEG cover image, it is still very hard to accurately locate the hidden message embedded in a JPEG image. Therefore, this study proposes a payload location method for a category of pseudo-random scrambled JPEG image steganography. In order to estimate the quantized discrete cosine transform coefficients in the cover JPEG image, a cover JPEG image estimation method is proposed based on co-frequency sub-image filtering. The proposed payload location method defines a general residual, uses the estimated cover JPEG image to compute the residuals, and then employs the mean residuals of multiple stego images embedded along the same path to distinguish the stego positions. The proposed cover JPEG image estimation method constructs 64 co-frequency sub-images, and then filters the sub-image to estimate the cover JPEG image. Finally, using these methods, payload location algorithms are designed for two common JPEG image steganography algorithms: JSteg and F5. Experimental results show that the proposed location algorithms can effectively locate the stego positions in both JSteg and F5 steganography when the investigator possesses multiple stego images embedded along the same path. In addition, the location results can also be used to recover the steganography key to extract the embedded secret messages.
Bone Tunnel Orientation in Suspension Arthroplasty of the Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint: An Anatomical Cadaver Study
Authors: van Bömmel Leon , Könneker Sören , Sonnow Lena , Krezdorn Nicco , Schmiedl Andreas , Vogt Peter M.
Published: January 2020

Background: Ligament suspension after trapeziectomy is a common technique in patients with osteoarthrosis. In this study, we set out to determine whether the orientation of the bone tunnel in the first metacarpal base affects the intraoperative position of the first metacarpal after surgery. Methods: Trapeziectomy and Epping procedure were performed in 32 cadaver hands. A drill hole was placed in the base of the first metacarpal, leaving a radial to ulnar tunnel parallel to the joint surface or a diagonal bone tunnel from the radiodorsal surface to the ulnar joint surface of the first metacarpal. Positioning of the first metacarpal was studied via radiography. Results: The distance between the first metacarpal and the scaphoid after suspension arthroplasty was 9.5 ± 2.6 mm when using the parallel radioulnar bone tunnel and 10.9 ± 2.3 mm when using the diagonal bone tunnel. Suspension of the first metacarpal was 33% higher with the diagonal bone tunnel compared with when using the parallel bone tunnel (displacement of 2.8 ± 2.0 mm vs 4.2 ± 2.0 mm). Conclusions: Higher suspension of the first metacarpal after trapeziectomy can be significantly achieved in our cadaveric model when using ligament suspension of the flexor carpi radialis tendon passed from the ulnar joint surface to the dorsum of the metacarpal. Our results have to be determined via clinical examination. To date, we prefer the diagonal bone tunnel when performing ligament suspension arthroplasty.
A robust mobile robot indoor positioning system based on Wi-Fi
Authors: Cui Wei , Liu Qingde , Zhang Linhan , Wang Haixia , Lu Xiao , Li Junliang
Published: January 2020

Recently, most of the existing mobile robot indoor positioning systems (IPSs) use infrared sensors, cameras, and other extra infrastructures. They usually suffer from high cost and special hardware implementation. In order to address the above problems, this article proposes a Wi-Fi-based indoor mobile robot positioning system and designs and develops a robot positioning platform based on the commercial Wi-Fi devices, such as Wi-Fi routers. Furthermore, a robust principal component analysis-based extreme learning machine algorithm is proposed to address the issue of noisy measurements in IPSs. Real-world robot indoor positioning experiments are extensively carried out and the results verify the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed system.
An interactive decision-making framework (i-DMF) to scale up maternity continuity of carer models
Authors: Toohill Jocelyn , Chadha Yogesh , Nowlan Shelley
Published: January 2020

Background

Low numbers of women in Queensland receive continuity of care across their maternity episode. The Office of the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer was tasked with strengthening maternity service delivery by reviewing and improving Maternity Models of Care and Workforce.

Aim

Develop a decision-making framework (DMF) to increase maternity continuity of carer models.

Method

A literature review of models, specific to the public health maternity system, including suitability to rural areas and culturally appropriate to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women was undertaken. Stakeholders informed development of the framework and toolkit. A prototype was built, tested and refined following input from rural, regional and metropolitan facilities.

Results

42 questions guide services to contextualise delivery of continuity of carer to local circumstances. Three rural sites have applied the i-DMF and toolkit. One used the tool for quality assurance of their existing midwifery continuity model, another has developed a midwifery continuity-of-carer model for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, the other is looking to establish a local rural birth service.

Conclusion

The i-DMF has potential to grow and sustain best practice maternity care, and particularly enable more women to receive relationship-based care with a known midwife.
The effect of the Continuous Care Model on treatment adherence in patients with myocardial infarction: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zakeri Mohammad Ali , Khoshnood Zohreh , Dehghan Mahlagha , Abazari Farokh
Published: January 2020

Background

Adherence to treatment is one of the behaviours associated with successful outcomes following a myocardial infarction, which leads to successful treatment in the disease.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the Continuous Care Model (CCM) on treatment adherence in patients with myocardial infarction.

Methods

This was a randomised controlled trial performed on 82 patients with myocardial infarction. Convenience sampling was used to select the participants, and then they were allocated into two groups by the stratified random method. In the intervention group, a CCM was implemented. In the intervention group, 4–6 educational sessions (1–2 h) were conducted during one month in the form of spoken questions and answers about the presented subjects. The control group received routine care. A questionnaire of demographic information and treatment adherence was completed by samples in the two groups, intervention and control, before and immediately after training and after follow-up.

Results

The results of this study showed that treatment adherence was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group immediately after training and after the follow-up phase (three months) ( p < 0.001). Also, diet, drug and physical activity adherence were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group immediately after training and after follow-up ( p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Implementation of CCM led to an increase in adherence to the treatment in patients with myocardial infarction. Therefore, it is suggested that this model could be used as a nursing intervention to increase treatment adherence in cardiac-rehabilitation programmes.
Intervention strategies for enhancing movement competencies in youth athletes: A narrative systematic review
Authors: Rogers Simon A , Hassmén Peter , Alcock Alison , Gilleard Wendy L , Warmenhoven John S
Published: January 2020

This systematic review evaluates empirical evidence for intervention studies targeting delivery and improvement of movement competency (MC) within youth athletes. Previous research suggests that youth athletes lack adequate MCs required to meet the demands of training for sport. From the systematic search, studies were included if they involved healthy youth (8–19 years) involved in organised sport (i.e. athletes); used an assessment at two or more time points for assessing MC outcomes; and compared movement quality of a targeted intervention group to a control or comparison group. After removing duplicates, 799 unique articles across six databases were identified and screened, with six studies initially satisfying inclusion criteria. Additional records were identified through searching reference lists ( n = 2), with eight articles included. Two authors evaluated and appraised studies for methodological quality using the PEDro assessment; with scores from 4 to 7 points. Five studies reported improvement in ratings of MC in experimental groups, compared to control or comparator groups. The Functional Movement Screen™ was the most common assessment used in five studies. Intensity, length and design of interventions varied, yet all studies revealed inclusion of squats and their derivatives to varying degrees of load from bodyweight to barbells. Future research should explore differences in training session exposures over time, alongside methodological improvements such as participant allocation to minimise baseline differences, blinding of assessors, and where possible athletes to some degree. Charting the course of MC development through multiple time points, along with reporting individual movement task scores, can aid practitioners in dedicating appropriate time to MC development in an athlete’s formative years.
Intramedullary screw fixation for metacarpal shaft fractures: a biomechanical human cadaver study
Authors: Labèr Raffael , Jann David , Behm Pascal , Ferguson Stephen J. , Frueh Florian S. , Calcagni Maurizio
Published: January 2020

Intramedullary cannulated compression screws have been introduced for the fixation of unstable metacarpal fractures. In the present study, this technique was compared with dorsal compression plating to evaluate its biomechanical performance in stabilizing metacarpal shaft fractures. In a first set of experiments, the biomechanical characteristics of the screws were analysed in an artificial bone model. In subsequent experiments, midshaft osteotomies were performed in human cadaver metacarpals, followed by plating or intramedullary screw osteosynthesis. The metacarpals were tested to failure in cantilever bending, following a stepwise increasing cyclic loading protocol. We found a significantly lower load at failure and a significantly lower number of cycles to failure in the intramedullary screw group, but both methods offered sufficient stability under these loads. With reference to published loads on the metacarpals during use of the hand, we conclude that intramedullary osteosynthesis yields sufficient strength and stiffness for early active motion. A difference in its fixation stability is noted compared with plate fixation, which may not be clinically relevant.