bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Under the Law: The legal battle over high school entrance exams
Authors: Kim Robert
Published: November 2020

New York City has sought to revise the admissions policies at its eight selective schools so that these schools will be less segregated and better reflect the demographics of the boroughs where they are located. These efforts have led to a lawsuit alleging that the policies discriminate against Asian American students. Robert Kim discusses the arguments in the McAuliffe PTO v. de Blasio case and what it signifies for schools’ efforts to provide more access to advanced education.
Correctional Intake Assessment and Case Planning: Application Development and Validation
Authors: Motiuk Laurence L. , Keown Leslie Anne
Published: November 2020

The Intake Assessment (IA) process in the Canadian federal correctional system results in an individualized treatment and supervision plan throughout the sentence. Two components, Static and Dynamic Factors Assessment, were examined to determine whether a streamlined version could be tailored for a hand-held mobile application and remain reliable and valid for correctional planning purposes. An Information Management System database was used to identify all first releases from federal custody over a 2-year period who had IA data available ( N = 6,946). Analyses revealed statistically significant relationships and AUCs (area under receiver operating characteristic curves) for both the Static and Dynamic Factors components of IA with respect to reincarceration. Additional analyses revealed that the strongest predictors for returns to federal custody were criminal history as a youth or adult, substance misuse, and unemployment. A combined Static and Dynamic Factors score also yielded a simplified, robust, and incremental predictor of reincarceration for both men and women.
Democratization and Troop Contributions to United Nations Peacekeeping
Authors: Passmore Timothy J. A.
Published: November 2020

What explains the post–Cold War surge in peacekeeping contributions from the developing world? I argue that, amid a wave of democratization and expanded peacekeeping activity, such countries use peacekeeping deployments to reduce the threat of the military to nascent democratic institutions. Peacekeeping participation serves to placate the military in the short term with resources and continued activity, while socializing and professionalizing it to pro-democracy behaviors in the long term. Assessing troop contributions from 1990 to 2011, I find evidence that new democracies make larger contributions than other states, where the effect diminishes as democracy becomes consolidated. Moreover, the effect is amplified in countries with a greater military legacy. I supplement this with a study of Argentina to further support the proposed mechanism. These findings help explain the shift in state peacekeeping contributions in recent years, the role of democracy in peacekeeping efforts, and the impact of international actors in supporting democratization.
Frontoethmoidal Extranasopharyngeal Angiofibroma With Orbital Pyocele
Authors: Kurien Regi , Mehan Raghav , Varghese Lalee , Telugu Ramesh Babu , Thomas Meera , Rupa Vedantam
Published: November 2020

Significance Statement

Extranasopharyngeal angiofibromas (ENA) are rare vascular tumors that do not conform to the clinical characteristics of typical nasopharyngeal angiofibromas. We present the management of an angiofibroma in a rare site, within the frontal sinus with a concomitant orbital pyocele, which was completely excised via an endoscopic approach. ENAs should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with sinonasal mass and epistaxis. Awareness of this rare entity will avoid radical surgery thus decreasing postoperative morbidity.
Standard Programming of Retrograde Electrode Insertion via Middle-Turn Cochleostomy in Labyrinthitis Ossificans
Authors: Reddy Y Mounika , Lepcha Anjali , Augustine Ann Mary , Philip Ajay , Thomas Philip
Published: November 2020

Successful cochlear implantation in the setting of labyrinthitis ossificans is challenging. Various surgical techniques are described to circumvent the region of ossification and retrograde insertion of the electrode array is one such option. While reverse programming is often recommended in the case of retrograde electrode insertion, we present our experience of retrograde electrode insertion for labyrinthitis ossificans, where standard programming was adopted due to patient preference and provided satisfactory outcomes.
Current trends in aortic valve-preserving surgery
Authors: Kunihara Takashi
Published: November 2020

The natural history of aortic regurgitation is not as benign as once believed, even in asymptomatic patients with preserved left ventricular function. Aortic valve surgery can prolong survival in these patients. However, both mechanical and biological aortic valve replacement have major disadvantages, especially in young patients. Aortic valve-preserving surgery has attracted a great deal of attention because it has a significant survival benefit over replacement. Nonetheless, aortic valve-preserving surgery has not been widely adopted due to the complexity of the technique and assessment (i.e., long learning curve). With recent technical and theoretical advances, aortic valve-preserving surgery has increasingly been performed with better outcomes, and therefore earlier surgical intervention in cases of aortic regurgitation has been considered. Recent advances in aortic valve-preserving surgery include repair-oriented classification of the etiology of aortic regurgitation, objective assessment of the cusp configuration (i.e., effective height and geometric height), use of aortic annuloplasty, introduction of two reproducible valve-sparing root replacement procedures (i.e., aortic valve reimplantation and aortic root remodeling techniques), standardization of aortic valve-preserving surgery, and assessment of cusp configuration with aortoscopy. A number of prospective multicenter studies are currently underway and will clarify the role of aortic valve-preserving surgery in the treatment of aortic regurgitation in the near future.
Legal, Social, and Occupational Problems in Persons with Alcohol Use Disorder: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Malathesh Barikar C , Kumar Channaveerachari Naveen , Kandasamy Arun , Moirangthem Sydney , Math Suresh Bada , Murthy Pratima
Published: November 2020

Background:

Very few studies have examined the extent and nature of legal, social, and occupational problems among persons who have SUDs. This study was aimed at studying the prevalence and patterns of the aforementioned problems among individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) and their relationship with the quantity of alcohol consumed and other variables.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional study of adult patients with a diagnosis of AUDs admitted to the deaddiction unit of a tertiary care facility in India, using a semistructured questionnaire prepared for this study.

Results:

The mean age (SD) of the 91 subjects (95.6% males) was 40.3 years (8.5). Majority of them (92.3%) had started alcohol consumption before the age of 25 years. Common problems reported were work absenteeism (83.5%), a major altercation with spouse (69.3%), assaulting someone while intoxicated (53.8%), and driving under the influence of alcohol (59.3%). Significant association was found between being unemployed and having a police complaint lodged against them (chi-square = 5.7, P = 0.01). Quantity of alcohol consumed per day was significantly more among those who had a history of work absenteeism ( Z = 2.27, P = 0.01), major altercation with spouse ( Z = 2.25, P = 0.02) and assaulted someone under intoxication ( Z = 2.33, P = 0.02).

Conclusion:

The quantity of alcohol consumed is significantly more in those who had several legal, social, and occupational problems when compared to those who did not have, highlighting the need for routine assessment of the aforementioned problems among patients of AUDs. Treatment of AUDs should be multidisciplinary, with targeted interventions tailored to the aforementioned problems. Doing so will go a long way in reducing the harm to patients and the community at large.
Stress and family relationships among college student parents: A mixed methods study
Authors: Dotterer Aryn M. , Juhasz Audrey C. , Murphy Kristin N. , Park SuJung , Boyce Lisa K.
Published: November 2020

College student parents represent a unique population because they are typically low-income, accrue more debt than traditional students, and must balance the role of student and parent. Using a mixed methods design, this study examined the relation between college student parents’ stress and distress in their relationships with their children and examined how parents managed their multiple roles. Parent participants ( n = 80; 54 mothers, 26 fathers; M age = 28.74 years, SD = 4.72) completed an online survey and a subsample ( n = 14) participated in semi-structured interviews. Results revealed that college student parents experience a variety of stressors that spillover into their relationships with their children and these associations appear more detrimental for father-child relationships. However, in-depth qualitative interviews not only highlighted the various sources of stress (e.g., time demands, multiple roles), but also revealed internal and external resources that college student parents draw on to help cope with stressors. Findings suggest that program efforts to strengthen the co-parenting relationship and to help college student parents more effectively manage their stress may be beneficial for improved parent-child relationships.
Safely repositioning dual-lumen ECMO cannulas with a transfemoral lasso snare
Authors: O’Neil Erika R , Coleman Ryan D , Vogel Adam M , Chartan Corey A , Kukreja Kamlesh U
Published: November 2020

Introduction:

Dual-lumen cannulas were designed to provide venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) with single-vessel access. Anatomic and size considerations may make appropriate placement challenging in children. Dual-lumen cannulas are repositioned in 20–69% of pediatric patients, which can be difficult without transient discontinuation of ECMO support.

Methods:

We repositioned three dual-lumen ECMO cannulas introduced via the right internal jugular vein using a transfemoral snare technique under real-time ultrasound and fluoroscopy.

Results:

Two of three patients were supported on VV ECMO and one on veno-veno-arterial (VV-A) ECMO. Two of the three patients had their dual-lumen cannula repositioned under ultrasound and fluoroscopy guidance and one was repositioned just with ultrasound. No patient experienced a complication from the transfemoral snare technique such as femoral hematoma, hemorrhage or limb ischemia.

Conclusion:

We describe three patients who successfully had dual-lumen cannulas repositioned without cessation of ECMO using a transfemoral “lasso” technique.
The effects of proprioceptive training on anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction rehabilitation: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ma Jiang , Zhang Di , Zhao Tianyu , Liu Xiaoxiao , Wang Ju , Zheng Hui , Jin Song
Published: November 2020

Objective:

To determine the effectiveness of proprioceptive training on knee function and proprioception following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Data sources:

PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, Ovid, EBMSCO- host, ScienceDirect, CNKI, VIP, WanFang Data and CBM were searched until 2nd October 2020.

Review methods:

Trials with proprioceptive training for patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction were included. Study screening, data extraction, risk of bias and quality assessments were performed independently by two researchers. We performed a stratified analysis based on the quality of the study. Sensitivity analyses were performed if the heterogeneity was high.

Results:

Seventeen trials with 878 participants were included, and 12/17 with low quality. After stratified analysis, the pooled effect of high-quality studies showed significant improvement for proprioceptive training group in range of motion ( P < 0.05, I2 = 0%), but no differences in Cincinnati knee rating system score ( P > 0.05, I2 = 83%), hop test ( P>0.05, I2 = 0%) and proprioception ( P = 0.17, I2 = 77%) compared to conventional training group; while the pooled effect of low-quality studies showed significant differences in knee functional improvement ( P < 0.00001, I2 = 69%), but no difference in proprioception ( P > 0.05, I2 = 84%) between two groups. The pooled effect of all studies showed a significant benefit in both function and proprioception.

Conclusion:

The effects of proprioceptive training on knee functional and proprioceptive improvement after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is mixed. It is more likely that proprioceptive training in high-quality studies has few detectable effects and that low-quality studies show an effect because of an unconscious bias. A large well designed high-quality study needs to be undertaken in the future.
CO2-based C-arm computed tomography (CACT) of the pelvic arteries: feasibility and diagnostic performance in comparison to CO2-angiography in patients with peripheral arterial disease
Authors: S Becker Lena , Dewald Cornelia LA , Maschke Sabine K , Werncke Thomas , Meyer Bernhard C , Wacker Frank K , Hinrichs Jan B
Published: November 2020

Background

Patients with substantially impaired kidney function and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) underwent comparative CO2-based depiction of the pelvic arteries (PAs).

Purpose

To evaluate the feasibility and diagnostic performance of CO2-based C-arm computed tomography (CACT) and compare its depiction of PAs with CO2-digital subtraction angiography (DSA).

Material and Methods

Fifteen patients (10 men, mean age 70 ± 11 years) with PAD received CO2-DSA and CO2-CACT of the PAs, depicted from the aorta to femoral arteries. These were divided into nine segments (135 in total) and graded by two independent readers for image quality (IQ; 1 = sufficient, 2 = minimal impairments, 3 = insufficient, 4 = outside field of view) and subsequent stenosis grading (SG; grade 1: normal to grade 4: occlusion), under exclusion of all segments with insufficient IQ. Inter-observer and inter-modality agreement calculation and subsequent consensus reading were performed and correlated to a standard of reference (StOR), representing a modality consensus.

Results

Of 135 segments, 117 showed sufficient IQ, excluding 18 segments (10 CACT, 8 DSA). Inter-observer agreement for IQ and consecutive SG demonstrated good to excellent agreement: IQDSA: κ = 0.83, IQCACT: κ = 0.76; StenosisDSA: κ = 0.71, StenosisCACT: κ = 0.84. Inter-modality agreement for SG lay at κ = 0.76 and κ = 0.65, respectively. More stenoses could be detected by CACT, and analysis of pooled consensus values of SG in CACTcons versus StOR showed an excellent agreement (κ = 0.96) that proved considerably higher than the moderate agreement between consensus values in DSAcons versus StOR (κ = 0.43).

Conclusion

CO2-CACT proved feasible, and has the potential to optimize angiographic work-up of PAD in patients with contraindications for other contrast media.
Use of bioinformatic analyses in identifying characteristic genes and mechanisms active in the progression of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in individuals with different phenotypes
Authors: Zhang Mengyi , Guo Binhan
Published: November 2020

Objective

To explore the mechanism underlying the progression of newly diagnosed idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) to its chronic or remission state using bioinformatic methods.

Methods

GSE56232 and GSE46922 gene expression profile datasets were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Differentially expressed genes were identified and characteristic genes were screened by weighted gene co-expression network analysis. These genes were used for function enrichment analysis and construction of a protein–protein interaction network. Finally, characteristic genes were verified to determine potential molecular mechanisms underlying ITP progression.

Results

We found that characteristic genes in the chronic ITP group were mainly involved in intracellular processes and ion binding, while characteristic genes in the remission ITP group were involved in intracellular processes and nuclear physiological activities. We identified a sub-network of characteristic genes, LMNA, JUN, PRKACG, SMC3, which may indicate the mechanism by which newly diagnosed ITP progresses to chronic. Although no meaningful signaling pathways were found, the expression of NR3C1, TPR, SMC4, PANBP2, CHD1, and U2SURP may affect ITP progression from newly diagnosed to remission.

Conclusion

Our findings improve the understanding of the pathogenesis and progression of ITP, and may provide new directions for the development of treatment strategies.
Incidence of Femoroacetabular Impingement and Surgical Management Trends Over Time
Authors: Hale Rena F. , Melugin Heath P. , Zhou Jun , LaPrade Matthew D. , Bernard Christopher , Leland Devin , Levy Bruce A. , Krych Aaron J.
Published: November 2020

Background:

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a well-known cause of hip pain in adolescents and young adults. However, the incidence in the general population has not been clearly defined.

Purpose:

To (1) define the population-based incidence of diagnosis of FAI in patients with hip pain, (2) report the trends in diagnosis of FAI over time, and (3) determine the changes in the rate and type of surgical management over time.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A geographic database was used to identify patients who were 14 to 50 years old with hip pain between the years 2000 and 2016. Chart and radiographic review was performed to determine which patients had FAI. To be included, patients had to have a triad of clinical symptoms, physical examination signs, and imaging findings consistent with FAI. Medical records were reviewed to obtain demographic information, clinical history, physical examination findings, imaging details, and treatment details. Statistical analysis determined the overall age- and sex-adjusted annual incidence of FAI diagnosis and trends over time.

Results:

There were 1893 patients evaluated with hip pain, and 716 (38%; 813 hips) had diagnosed FAI. The mean ± SD age was 27.2 ± 8.4 years, and 67% were female. The incidence of FAI diagnosis was 54.4 per 100,000 person-years. Female patients had a higher incidence than male patients (73.2 vs 36.1 per 100,000 person-years; P < .01). Incidence of FAI diagnosis were higher from 2010 to 2016 (72.6 per 100,000 person-years; P < .01) as compared with 2005 to 2009 (45.3) and 2000 to 2004 (40.3). Hip arthroscopy, surgical hip dislocation, and periacetabular osteotomy utilization increased from the 2000-2004 to 2010-2016 periods, respectively: 1 (1%) to 160 (20%; P = .04), 2 (1%) to 37 (5%; P = .01), and 1 (1%) to 22 (3%; P = .58).

Conclusion:

The overall incidence of FAI diagnosis was 54.4 per 100,000 person-years, and it consistently increased between 2000 and 2016. Female patients had a higher incidence than male patients. The utilization of joint preservation operations, including hip arthroscopy, surgical hip dislocation, and anteverting periacetabular osteotomy, increased over time.
Family Satisfaction: Differences Between Nursing Homes and Residential Care Facilities
Authors: Wood Katherine , Mehri Nader , Hicks Nytasia , Vivoda Jonathon M.
Published: November 2020

This study compared differences in overall family satisfaction, specific satisfaction domains, and correlates of satisfaction between nursing homes (NHs) and residential care facilities (RCFs), using data from the 2016 Ohio Long-Term Care Family Satisfaction Survey. Satisfaction was higher for RCFs overall and within nearly every domain, with the largest difference observed in the environment domain. In both facility types, higher satisfaction was associated with male respondents, older respondent age, White race, less-frequent visitation, longer anticipated length of stay, less help provided during visits, smaller facilities, lower Medicaid-reliant resident percentage, and nonprofit status. Resident age, visitation frequency, perceived assistance required, and kinship tie were differentially related to satisfaction between facility types. NH administrators should focus on the environment and the moving in process. All administrators should address how residents spend time and should be aware that residents’ and their family members’ characteristics may affect satisfaction levels.
Validity and Reliability of Gifted Rating Scales-School Form in Sample of Teachers and Parents – A Czech Contribution
Authors: Jabůrek Michal , Ťápal Adam , Portešová Šárka , Pfeiffer Steven I.
Published: November 2020

The factor structure, the concurrent validity, and test–retest reliability of the Czech translation of the Gifted Rating Scales-School Form [GRS-S; Pfeiffer, S. I., & Jarosewich, T. (2003). GRS (gifted rating scales) - manual. Pearson] were evaluated. Ten alternative models were tested. Four models were found to exhibit acceptable fit and interpretability. The factor structure was comparable for both parent ( n = 277) and teacher raters ( n = 137). High correlations between the factors suggest that raters might be subject to a halo effect. Ratings made by teachers show a closer relationship with criteria (WJ IE II COG, CFT 20-R, and TIM3–5) than ratings made by parents. Test–retest reliability of teacher rating (with median 93 days) was quite high for all GRS-S subscales ( r = .84–.87).
Linking Marketing to Nonprofit Performance
Authors: Shah Denish , George Morris
Published: November 2020

The critical role of marketing in driving nonprofit performance has been recognized for decades. However, in practice, there has been a disturbingly weak acknowledgment and/or implementation of marketing practices across nonprofits to date. Marketing is often perceived as an avoidable and costly overhead. The issue is complicated by the fact that nonprofit performance is relatively difficult to measure and may often comprise multiple tangible and intangible outcomes with different (linear and nonlinear) functional forms. Furthermore, nonprofit performance outcomes often depend on behavioral and attitudinal changes of the target segment. The authors address these challenges by presenting a methodology to link marketing efforts to nonprofits’ mission-based performance outcome(s). The authors apply their approach with data from a large nonprofit and find empirical support for the notion that marketing can play a pivotal and significant role in improving nonprofits’ mission-based performance outcomes. The findings help present a strong case for nonprofit leaders and policy makers to fund and treat marketing as a critical investment to drive nonprofit entities’ performance.
Diagnostic Radiology Residency Application Trends: Canadian Match Results From 2010-2020
Authors: Li David , Yi Paul H. , Islam Nayaar , Verma Raman , McInnes Matthew D. F.
Published: November 2020

Introduction:

Rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have generated uncertainty about the future of radiology among medical students. However, it is unclear whether this has affected radiology residency applications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate recent trends in the Canadian radiology residency match.

Methods:

Canadian Resident Matching Service annual data reports from 2010-2020 were collected. Statistics were extracted for Canadian medical graduates applying to radiology in the R-1 main residency match and analyzed using linear regression.

Results:

The number of available radiology residency positions decreased ( P = .01); declining from 84 in 2010 to 81 in 2020 (mean = 83.1). The overall number of applicants did not change ( P = .08, mean = 131.8). The proportion of applicants with radiology as their first choice decreased ( P = .001); declining from 4.5% in 2010 to 3.1% in 2020 (mean = 3.4%). The number of applicants applying exclusively to radiology also decreased ( P = .02); declining from 39 in 2010 to 16 in 2020 (mean = 23). Positions per applicant ( P = 0.24, mean = 0.64), and positions per applicant with radiology as their first choice did not change ( P = 0.07, mean = 0.91).

Conclusion:

While the overall number of students applying to radiology did not change, the number of applicants ranking radiology as their first or only choice decreased sharply. This analysis corroborates recent reports of increased workload, burnout, and declining reimbursement as well as uncertainty about the future of radiology due to advances in AI.
Fast and meta heuristics for part selection in flexible manufacturing systems with controllable processing times
Authors: Zeid Issa Bou , Doh Hyoung-Ho , Shin Jeong-Hoon , Lee Dong-Ho
Published: November 2020

This study addresses a part selection problem for flexible manufacturing systems in which part processing times are controllable to optimize the total cost associated with energy consumption, operational performance, and so on. The problem is to determine the set of parts to be produced, part processing times and the number of tools for each tool type in each period of a planning horizon while satisfying processing time capacity, tool magazine capacity and tool life restrictions. The objective is to minimize the sum of part processing, earliness/tardiness, tool and subcontracting costs. Tool sharing among part types is also considered. After an integer programming model is developed, two types of solution algorithms are proposed, that is, fast heuristics useful when decision time is critical and variable neighborhood search algorithms when solution quality is important. Computational experiments were conducted on a number of test instances and the best fast heuristics are specified, together with reporting how much the variable neighborhood search algorithms improve the fast heuristics.
Alpha-lipoic acid ameliorates cytarabine-induced developmental anomalies in rat fetus
Authors: Namoju Ramanachary , Chilaka Naga Kavitha
Published: November 2020

Cytarabine (Ara-C) is a nucleoside analogue used in the treatment of cancers and viral infections. It has teratogenic potential and causes a variety of birth defects in fetuses. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a natural antioxidant offers protection against the developmental toxicity induced by drug- or toxicant-exposure or pathological conditions. This study was aimed at evaluating the protective effect of ALA against Ara-C induced developmental toxicity in rat fetus. Pregnant rats divided into five groups and received normal saline, ALA200 mg/kg, Ara-C12.5 mg/kg, Ara-C25 mg/kg and, Ara-C25 mg/kg plus ALA200 mg/kg respectively from gestational day (GD) 8 to GD14 and sacrificed on GD21. Ara-C treatment led to a significant and dose-dependent decrease in food intake, weight gain, placental weight, and an increase in oxidative stress in pregnant rats. Further, the in-utero exposure to Ara-C led to an increase in fetal mortality, resorptions, oxidative stress, external morphological anomalies and limb abnormalities, and impaired ossification. Co-administration of ALA resulted in amelioration of the footprints of Ara-C induced toxicity in pregnant rats as well as the fetus. These findings indicate that the ALA supplementation offers protection against developmental toxicity caused by Ara-C prenatal exposure in rats.
What Your Nose Knows: Affective, Cognitive, and Behavioral Responses to the Scent of Another Person
Authors: Hofer Marlise K. , Chen Frances S. , Schaller Mark
Published: November 2020

People readily perceive and react to the body odors of other people, which creates a wide range of implications for affective, cognitive, and behavioral responses. In this article, we provide an overview of recent research in this area. We summarize the process by which people associate body odors with different kinds of interpersonally relevant information, briefly review two lines of research on responses to strangers’ body odors (research on olfactory cues and emotions, research on olfactory cues and impression formation), and review new research on the psychological consequences of smelling loved ones’ odors—including consequences for stress reduction and sleep enhancement. We conclude with a discussion of emerging research questions and methodological considerations that may help guide future inquiry into the various ways that the odors of other people influence one’s emotions, cognitions, relationships, and health.
Hepatic lobe torsion in 3 dromedary camels
Authors: Ibrahim Abdelazim , El-Ghareeb Waleed Rizk , Aljazzar Ahmed , Al-Hizab Fahad A. , Porter Brian F.
Published: November 2020

Hepatic lobe torsion is a rare condition in domestic animals. Clinical signs are variable, with some cases remaining subclinical and others resulting in death. Most cases are diagnosed either by laparotomy or during postmortem examination. During postmortem inspection of 670 slaughtered dromedary camels, hepatic lobe torsion of the quadrate lobe was detected in 3 adult female camels. Clinical signs had not been noted on antemortem veterinary inspection, and hepatic lobe torsion was likely an incidental finding. Histologically, the affected liver lobe exhibited severe hepatocellular loss with replacement by fibrous connective tissue. When investigating abdominal pain in camels, veterinarians should include hepatic lobe torsion in the list of differential diagnoses.
Preanalytical variables affecting the measurement of serum paraoxonase-1 activity in horses
Authors: Rossi Gabriele , Richardson Amy , Jamaludin Hali , Secombe Cristy
Published: November 2020

Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity is a new inflammatory and oxidative marker. Technical effects and biological factors could affect the accuracy of PON-1 activity measurement. We investigated the effects of storage at different temperatures, repeated freeze–thaw cycles, interferences from hemolytic, lipemic, and icteric samples, and seasonal effects on PON-1 activity in horses. We evaluated 2 substrates with an automated spectrophotometer. Ten equine serum samples were stored under different conditions. Although storage at room (21°C) or refrigeration (4°C) temperature induced a statistically significant decrease ( p < 0.05) in PON-1 activity, this is not diagnostically relevant. PON-1 activity in frozen samples (−20°C) was stable for short-term storage; diagnostically significant ( p < 0.01) fluctuations were observed after 1 mo. Four repeated freeze–thaw cycles were assessed, and all cycles affected PON-1 activity ( p < 0.01); however, this was diagnostically significant only after the 4th cycle. Hemolysis induced an overestimation of PON-1 activity; lipemia and hyperbilirubinemia did not change PON-1 activity. Thirty-four horses were sampled monthly for 1 y, and PON-1 activity was higher in autumn ( p < 0.05) and winter ( p < 0.05) than in spring and summer.
Health Care Provider Barriers to Patient Referral to Palliative Care
Authors: Enguidanos Susan , Cardenas Valeria , Wenceslao Melissa , Hoe Deborah , Mejia Kiara , Lomeli Sindy , Rahman Anna
Published: November 2020

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to explore healthcare provider-perceived challenges to HBPC patient referral and elicited providers’ feedback for overcoming these challenges.

Methods:

We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 25 Medicaid managed care providers (primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and care managers) working in the greater Los Angeles area. Our interview protocol elicited providers’ knowledge and awareness of palliative care; perceived barriers to HBPC referral; and suggestions for overcoming these barriers. We analyzed verbatim transcripts using a grounded theory approach.

Results:

Themes related to referral barriers included providers’ lack of palliative care knowledge and clarity regarding referral processes, provider reluctance to refer to HBPC, and provider culture. Providers also identified patient-level barriers, including financial barriers, reluctance to have home visits, health literacy, cultural barriers, and challenges related to living situations. Themes related to methods for overcoming challenges included increased HBPC education and outreach to providers, specifically by HBPC agency staff.

Conclusions:

Findings from this study underscore the need for additional palliative care education for Medicaid healthcare providers. They point to the need for novel strategies and approaches to address the myriad barriers to patient identification and referral to HBPC.
Diabetic Control Agents and Their Impact on Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Clinical Overview
Authors: O’Neill Parker , Leung Marco Shiu Tsun , Visser Renier A. B. , Harky Amer
Published: November 2020

Chronic hyperglycemia is associated with poor cardiovascular surgical outcomes due to microvascular and macrovascular complications. This is a major concern as over one third of cardiovascular surgical patients have diabetes mellitus which greatly increases their risk of experiencing adverse cardiovascular events. A literature review was performed to identify articles discussing the effects of anti-diabetic medications (ADMs) on cardiovascular outcomes and surgical mortality and morbidity rates. Optimizing perioperative glucose levels remains a key factor in producing good surgical outcomes. In addition, recognizing gender differences, increasing patient satisfaction, and implementing dedicated diabetic teams all improve surgical mortality and morbidity rates in the diabetic population.
Experimental investigation of vibration attenuation on a cantilever beam using air-jet pulses with the particle swarm optimized quasi bang–bang controller
Authors: Hizarci Berkan , Kiral Zeki
Published: November 2020

This study deals with the vibration reduction of a cantilever beam using air-jet thruster actuators controlled by the particle swarm optimized quasi bang–bang controller. In this study, the finite element model of a cantilever beam with the lumped mass of actuators is formed for the numerical simulations. Furthermore, the first-order plus dead time transfer function of the air-jet thruster actuator is found between the inlet pressure and the thrust. The quasi bang–bang control is proposed to suppress vibrations on the beam with impulsive air-jet pulses. The optimal location of the actuators and control parameters are determined with parametric study and particle swarm optimization, respectively. The performance of the control method is measured with the experiments of initial displacement, the presence of tip masses, and external disturbances. According to all results obtained in this study, it has been observed that the air-jet pulses successfully and rapidly attenuate vibration on the cantilever beam with the quasi bang–bang controller.
Improved integral force feedback controllers for lightweight flexible structures
Authors: Lacaze Florian , Paknejad Ahmad , Remond Didier , Chesne Simon
Published: November 2020

This study studies the performance of an integral force feedback controller for increasing the damping of lightweight flexible structures. Both methods of maximum damping and [Formula: see text] optimization are used to tune the parameters of the control system. Two modifications of the integral force feedback are proposed to compensate the effects of a soft stiffness to increase the authority of the actuator. Higher damping values are obtained by adding feedback terms to the integral force feedback. Optimal tuning, required actuator force, and stability are also discussed based on an academic model of a single-degree-of-freedom cable structure.
Numerical study of variational problems of moving or fixed boundary conditions by Muntz wavelets
Authors: Rayal Ashish , Verma Sag R
Published: November 2020

In this study, an approximation method with an integral operational matrix based on the Muntz wavelets basis is presented to solve the variational problems of moving or fixed boundary conditions and a computational algorithm is given for the suggested approach. First, the integral operational matrix is created through the Muntz wavelets. Then, by using this integral operational matrix with Lagrange multipliers, the present approach reduces the variational problem into the system of algebraic equations. This approach is examined by some illustrative examples, and the acquired results prove that the suggested approach can solve the variational problems effectively with higher accuracy. The proposed approach yields better and comparable results with some other existing schemes given in the literature. The approximate wavelet solutions derived by the suggested approach are very identical to the corresponding exact solution.
White noise wave generation method controlled by a rotary valve
Authors: Liu Yi , Chen De-xin , Jin Heng , Wang Tao
Published: November 2020

To meet the demands of white noise waves with different and higher energy spectral density, a new white noise wave generation method was proposed and a corresponding wave-making system controlled by a rotary valve was developed. The theoretical model of the new method was established, and the hydraulic transmission function of the wave-making system was solved. After the control parameters of the white noise waves in the wave-making system were obtained, the experiment tests were carried out to generate the white noise waves, and its energy spectral density was analyzed by Fourier analysis. The results show that white noise waves with different amplitudes have different energy spectral densities. And the energy spectral density of the generated waves is approximately a constant. Therefore, the present white noise wave generation method is feasible in marine engineering tests, and the wave with variable amplitude and higher energy spectral density can be generated.
Vibration response and band gap characteristics of functionally graded frame structure
Authors: Lu Qifa , Liu Chunchuan , Yuan Wei , Wei Wei , Li Fengming
Published: November 2020

Vibration response and band gap characteristics of the functionally graded frame structures are investigated based on the first-order shear deformation theory. The material properties of functionally graded material rods vary continuously in thickness direction according to a power law. Spectral stiffness matrix of the periodic functionally graded material frame structure in the global coordinate system is derived in detail. Consequently, the vibration band gap properties of the functionally graded material frame structure can be calculated and analyzed by using the spectral element method. The calculation accuracy for dynamic responses of the functionally graded material frame structure is validated by the finite element method. The results demonstrate that the wider band gaps in the low and medium frequency ranges can be achieved for the functionally graded frame structures comparing with the homogeneous ones. Moreover, the frequency windows and ranges for the band gaps of the functionally graded material frame structure can be effectively adjusted through designing the gradient indexes for the functionally graded material rods, which provide a novel idea for vibration suppression of frame structures.
Recognizing Connections Between Intimate Partner Sexual Violence and Pornography
Authors: Tarzia Laura , Tyler Meagan
Published: November 2020

In this article, we call for a more concerted effort to understand the ways in which pornography might be used in, and contribute to, intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV). We seek to address this through an overview of existing work and the introduction of data from an Australian-based project on women’s experiences of IPSV, where pornography use was an unexpected finding. Furthermore, we argue that there is a pressing need to address such issues now, given the increasing mainstreaming of pornography. Our findings contribute toward a better understanding of the context and dynamics of IPSV for women and suggest that pornography ought to be a greater focus in prevention efforts.
Adaptation and Feasibility of the interRAI Family Carer Needs Assessment in a Pediatric Setting
Authors: Stochitoiu Ioana A , Vadeboncoeur Christina
Published: November 2020

Family carers of children with serious illness contribute many hours of medical care in addition to usual daily care. Assessing the needs and supports of family carers is not routine practice. This study is the first to utilize the interRAI Family Carer Needs Assessment in carers of children, seeking to evaluate and improve its ability to capture their needs. This is a prospective pilot study of family carers of children with serious illness receiving care at a pediatric hospice. Thirty carers completed the self-assessment form. Additional feedback was sought inquiring about the appropriateness of questions and missing information relevant to the pediatric setting. All participants reported the assessment captured important information across multiple domains. Additional questions surrounding extra costs, home and school supports, as well as direct impacts of caregiving activities on pain and relationships were identified as important adaptations. The most common unmet needs in carers and care recipients were episodic relief from caregiving (n=17) and housing adaptation (n=17), respectively. Overall, a comprehensive assessment form is feasible in identifying the diverse needs of family carers of children. Future research should focus on using pediatric specific interRAI tools to guide improvements in policy and practice that can address unmet needs.
Bleeding, death, and costs of care during hospitalization for acute pulmonary embolism: Insights from the Saint Luke’s Outcomes of Pulmonary Embolism (SLOPE) study
Authors: Bunte Matthew C , Gosch Kensey , Elkaryoni Ahmed , Noman Anas , Johnson Erin , Jones Philip , Indaram Mahathi B , Vupputuri Sravanthi
Published: November 2020

Limited data exist that comprehensively describe the practical management, in-hospital outcomes, healthcare resource utilization, and rates of post-hospital readmission among patients with submassive and massive pulmonary embolism (PE). Consecutive discharges for acute PE were identified from a single health system over 3 years. Records were audited to confirm presence of acute PE, patient characteristics, disease severity, medical treatment, and PE-related invasive therapies. Rates of in-hospital major bleeding and death, hospital length of stay (LOS), direct costs, and hospital readmission are reported. From January 2016 to December 2018, 371 patients were hospitalized for acute massive or submassive PE. In-hospital major bleeding (12.1%) was common, despite low utilization of systemic thrombolysis (1.8%) or catheter-directed thrombolysis (3.0%). In-hospital death was 10-fold higher among massive PE compared to submassive PE (36.6% vs 3.3%, p < 0.001). Massive PE was more common during hospitalizations not primarily related to venous thromboembolism, including hospitalizations primarily for sepsis or infection (26.8% vs 8.2%, p = 0.001). Overall, the median LOS was 6.0 days (IQR, 3.0–11.0) and the median standardized direct cost of admissions was $10,032 (IQR, $4467–$20,330). Rates of all-cause readmission were relatively high throughout late follow-up but did not differ between PE subgroups. Despite low utilization of thrombolysis, in-hospital bleeding remains a common adverse event during hospitalizations for acute PE. Although massive PE is associated with high risk for in-hospital bleeding and death, those successfully discharged after a massive PE demonstrate similar rates of readmission compared to submassive PE into late follow-up.
Displacements of gender: Research on alcohol, violence and the night-time economy
Authors: Moore David , Duncan Duane , Keane Helen , Ekendahl Mats
Published: November 2020

‘Alcohol-related violence’, especially among young people participating in the night-time economy (NTE), has been the subject of intense public and policy debate in Australia. Previous sociological work has highlighted the relationship between men, masculinities and violence, but this relationship has received little attention in the research that tends to garner policy attention. In this article, we focus on the treatment of gender in Australian quantitative research on alcohol and violence in the NTE. We identify four ‘gendering practices’ through which such research genders alcohol and violence: de-gendering alcohol and violence through obscuring gender differences; displacing men and masculinities via a focus on environmental, geographical and temporal factors; rendering gender invisible via methodological considerations; and addressing gender in limited ways. We argue that these research practices and the policy recommendations that flow from them reproduce normative understandings of alcohol effects and lend support to gendered forms of power.
The assessment of impact damage caused by dropped objects on floating offshore structures
Authors: Ozguc Ozgur
Published: November 2020

Offshore facilities are exposed to the risk of accidental damages caused by fire, explosion, dropped objects, extreme environmental events and vessel collision poses a big threat to the safety and operation. During any lifting work, either from a supply vessel to the installation or from within the installation or plant itself, there is a potential danger when objects are being lifted for a dropped object accident to take place. This paper introduces extensive dropped object analyses applied in the design of Floating Production Storage Offloading (FPSO) offshore units, where non-linear finite element analyses are performed using an explicit LS-DYNA tool. In the structural evaluation, the hull parts such as infill deck, galley, and main lay-down located on poop deck, and cargo deck are taken into account. The dropped objects study is to find out what happens to the FPSO hull structure if the heavy items are dropped. The drop object impact analyses show that even though some structural members were permanently deformed by drop loads, however, there was no failure taken place in accordance with the plastic strain criteria as per NORSOK Code. It is discovered that the pillars supporting the main lay-down area have not been suffered from buckling failure through examined reaction forces. Further, the impact resistance of a deck depends on the plate thickness and the size and spacing of the supporting stringers.
Critical reflections of early childhood care and education in Singapore to build an inclusive society
Authors: Ang Lynn , Lipponen Lasse , May Yin Sirene Lim
Published: November 2020

The early childhood years are pivotal as they mark the beginning of a young child’s life journey into education. This paper offers critical reflections of the early childhood care and education landscape in Singapore as it has evolved over the last decade. The discussion will draw on findings of the study Vital Voices for Vital Years 2 (2019) to explicate the issues, debates and challenges facing the early childhood care and education sector. It argues that recent developments in the sector with stepped increases in government funding and strategic policy development, augmented by the establishment of national agencies committed to improving the quality of care and education, have achieved significant milestones in the country. However, a more critical perspective of the role of early childhood in policy and practice to meet the diverse needs of young children and families is necessary for envisioning education as a pathway to inclusion and social equality, and for building a truly inclusive society.