bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural and Behavioral Evidence for Vibrotactile Beat Perception and Bimodal Enhancement
Authors: Gilmore Sean A. , Russo Frank A.
Published: January 2021

The ability to synchronize movements to a rhythmic stimulus, referred to as sensorimotor synchronization (SMS), is a behavioral measure of beat perception. Although SMS is generally superior when rhythms are presented in the auditory modality, recent research has demonstrated near-equivalent SMS for vibrotactile presentations of isochronous rhythms [Ammirante, P., Patel, A. D., & Russo, F. A. Synchronizing to auditory and tactile metronomes: A test of the auditory–motor enhancement hypothesis. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 23, 1882–1890, 2016]. The current study aimed to replicate and extend this study by incorporating a neural measure of beat perception. Nonmusicians were asked to tap to rhythms or to listen passively while EEG data were collected. Rhythmic complexity (isochronous, nonisochronous) and presentation modality (auditory, vibrotactile, bimodal) were fully crossed. Tapping data were consistent with those observed by Ammirante et al. (2016), revealing near-equivalent SMS for isochronous rhythms across modality conditions and a drop-off in SMS for nonisochronous rhythms, especially in the vibrotactile condition. EEG data revealed a greater degree of neural entrainment for isochronous compared to nonisochronous trials as well as for auditory and bimodal compared to vibrotactile trials. These findings led us to three main conclusions. First, isochronous rhythms lead to higher levels of beat perception than nonisochronous rhythms across modalities. Second, beat perception is generally enhanced for auditory presentations of rhythm but still possible under vibrotactile presentation conditions. Finally, exploratory analysis of neural entrainment at harmonic frequencies suggests that beat perception may be enhanced for bimodal presentations of rhythm.
Parallel Processing of Semantics and Phonology in Spoken Production: Evidence from Blocked Cyclic Picture Naming and EEG
Authors: Feng Chen , Damian Markus F. , Qu Qingqing
Published: January 2021

Spoken language production involves lexical-semantic access and phonological encoding. A theoretically important question concerns the relative time course of these two cognitive processes. The predominant view has been that semantic and phonological codes are accessed in successive stages. However, recent evidence seems difficult to reconcile with a sequential view but rather suggests that both types of codes are accessed in parallel. Here, we used ERPs combined with the “blocked cyclic naming paradigm” in which items overlapped either semantically or phonologically. Behaviorally, both semantic and phonological overlap caused interference relative to unrelated baseline conditions. Crucially, ERP data demonstrated that the semantic and phonological effects emerged at a similar latency (∼180 msec after picture onset) and within a similar time window (180–380 msec). These findings suggest that access to phonological information takes place at a relatively early stage during spoken planning, largely in parallel with semantic processing.
Staging model for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Singapore
Authors: Tay Yuan Teck , Chai Josiah YH , Jabin Kamilah Bte Shekh , Ang Kexin
Published: January 2021

Introduction:

A clinical-based staging model would guide physicians in the prompt management of the evolving symptoms and functional needs of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Methods:

We aimed to delineate the clinical trajectory of ALS in Singapore and test the degree of congruity of King’s College staging for ALS (King’s staging) among Singapore patients. In this retrospective cohort study, clinical milestones used for staging were identical to King’s staging: stage 1 corresponded to symptom onset; stage 2A corresponded to diagnosis; stage 2B corresponded to two central nervous system (CNS) regions; stage 3B corresponded to three CNS regions; stage 4A corresponded to requirement of supportive enteric feeding; and stage 4B corresponded to requirement of non-invasive ventilation, of which bulbar, diaphragmatic, upper and lower limb pyramidal involvements each constituted one CNS region. Standardised timings from disease onset (0) to death (1) among Singapore patients with ALS were measured.

Results:

46 patients with ALS were reviewed. Results were largely congruous with King’s staging. Results for patients with limb-onset. ALS were: diagnosis (0.35); two CNS region involvement (0.42); three CNS region involvement (0.63); diaphragmatic involvement (0.81); and bulbar involvement (0.73). Results for patients with bulbar-onset. ALS were: diagnosis (0.14); two CNS region involvement (0.28); three CNS region involvement (0.42); diaphragmatic involvement (0.62); and bulbar involvement (0.67).

Conclusion:

King’s staging can be used to model ALS trajectory in Singapore due to the large degree of congruity seen. Easily remembered and accessible knowledge of ALS staging will allow prompt management of the evolving needs of patients with ALS.
Elevation of preoperative cystatin C as an early predictor of contrast-induced nephropathy in patients receiving percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Gu Guoqiang , Yu Ningning , Zhou Yaqing , Cui Wei
Published: January 2021

Introduction:

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a serious complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The most important predictor of CIN is renal function before PCI. Serum creatinine (SCr) is a commonly used biomarker of renal function, but an elevation in SCr lags behind the onset of kidney injury and is not viable for early detection of CIN after PCI. Our primary objective was to investigate whether preoperative cystatin C (CysC) before PCI was an early predictor of postoperative CIN. The secondary objective was to evaluate associations between preoperative CysC and renal biomarkers.

Methods:

From December 2014 to December 2015, 341 patients with normal renal function were enrolled into the study at our medical centre. All patients were apportioned to normal CysC (≤1.03 mg/L) or high CysC (>1.03 mg/L) groups before PCI and were hydrated from four hours prior to PCI to 24 hours after it. Renal function was monitored at 48 hours after PCI. Clinical parameters were recorded before and after PCI.

Results:

There was no significant difference in preoperative SCr between the CIN and non-CIN groups. However, preoperative CysC demonstrated significant difference between the two groups (p <0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that elevated CysC before PCI was a risk factor for CIN (p = 0.013). Furthermore, the linear regression models identified an association between CysC before PCI and renal function after PCI.

Conclusion:

CysC before PCI was viable as a biomarker of renal function after PCI and high preoperative CysC was able to predict CIN earlier than SCr.
Levels of burnout and its association with resilience and coping mechanisms among orthopaedic surgery residents: a single institution experience from Singapore
Authors: Ho Sean WL , Kwek Ernest BK
Published: January 2021

Introduction:

Burnout has implications for surgeon wellbeing and patient care. We aimed to: (a) describe burnout levels among orthopaedic surgery residents in an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-International (ACGME-I) accredited programme; and (b) determine associations between burnout levels and resident characteristics, resilience and coping mechanisms.

Methods:

This is a grant-funded, cross-sectional questionnaire-based study that included 44 orthopaedic surgery residents. Burnout was measured using Maslach Burnout Inventory and resilience was determined using the Short Grit Scale. Coping mechanisms were determined using the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced scale.

Results:

20 (45.5%) residents fulfilled the criteria for burnout. High levels of emotional exhaustion (EE) and depersonalisation (DP) correlated with stressors, such as inadequate sleep (EE: r = 0.43, P <0.01; DP: r = 0.33, P <0.05), conflict between family and work (EE: r = 0.40, P <0.01; DP: r = 0.40, P <0.01), financial pressure (DP: r = 0.46, P <0.01), and conflict with residents (EE: r = 0.35, P <0.05; DP: r = 0.34, P <0.05) and faculty (EE: r = 0.44, P <0.01; DP: r = 0.35, P<0.05). Severe burnout was associated with lower grit scores (p <0.05). Coping mechanisms, such as planning and positive reframing, were protective while behavioural disengagement and substance use may increase burnout risk.

Conclusion:

Burnout was high in our ACGME-I accredited programme. Stressors associated with higher burnout included feeling of inadequate sleep, poor work-life balance, poor relationships with fellow residents/faculty and financial pressures. Residents should be educated on protective coping mechanisms and regular screening to detect burnout should be performed.
The Jamesonian Impersonal; or, Person as Allegory
Authors: Hartley Daniel
Published: January 2021

This article locates Fredric Jameson’s Allegory and Ideology (2019) in the context of the broader trajectory of his career-long critique of the bourgeois centred subject. It argues that, for Jameson, the project of critique requires systematic depersonalisation at the level of thought. Contrary to negative liberal humanist interpretations of depersonalisation, Jameson stresses its hidden, revolutionary potential. Where his earlier work eschewed metanarratives of modernity premised upon shifts in subjectivity, preferring conjunctural or situational analyses, his more recent work – Antinomies of Realism (2013) and Allegory and Ideology in particular – develops a materialist version of just such metanarratives. The article concludes with a detailed application of Jameson’s allegorical method to the figure of the ‘person’ under capitalism, which can be sub-divided into the four levels of: individual, citizen/juridical person, infrastructural personifications, and the realm of social reproduction.
The Long and Winding Road
Authors: Simons Peter
Published: January 2021

Following its welcome revival in the late twentieth century, metaphysics in the analytic tradition has succumbed to decadence, with an astonishing variety of outlandish and extreme positions or “metaphysical follies” being taken seriously. This has caused an inevitable backlash among more scientifically-minded philosophers and incurred the scorn of scientists. Much of the reason for this is the blithe ignoring of empirical science by armchair metaphysicians. The roles of empirical knowledge in good, scientific metaphysics are however unclear. In virtue of its maximal generality, metaphysics is remote from straightforward empirical checks. This article explores, with historical and contemporary examples, the ways in which empirical information may inform and be fed back into metaphysics, the disputed role of common sense, and the delicate balance to be maintained, within a fallibilist, scientific metaphysics, between speculative, categorial and empirical elements.
The Role of Horizontal Temperature Advection in Arctic Amplification
Authors: Clark Joseph P. , Shenoy Vivek , Feldstein Steven B. , Lee Sukyoung , Goss Michael
Published: January 2021

The wintertime (December–February) 1990–2016 Arctic surface air temperature (SAT) trend is examined using self-organizing maps (SOMs). The high-dimensional SAT dataset is reduced into nine representative SOM patterns, with each pattern exhibiting a decorrelation time scale of about 10 days and having about 85% of its variance coming from intraseasonal time scales. The trend in the frequency of occurrence of each SOM pattern is used to estimate the interdecadal Arctic winter warming trend associated with the SOM patterns. It is found that trends in the SOM patterns explain about one-half of the SAT trend in the Barents and Kara Seas, one-third of the SAT trend around Baffin Bay, and two-thirds of the SAT trend in the Chukchi Sea. A composite calculation of each term in the thermodynamic energy equation for each SOM pattern shows that the SAT anomalies grow primarily through the advection of the climatological temperature by the anomalous wind. This implies that a substantial fraction of Arctic amplification is due to horizontal temperature advection that is driven by changes in the atmospheric circulation. An analysis of the surface energy budget indicates that the skin temperature anomalies as well as the trend, although very similar to that of the SAT, are produced primarily by downward longwave radiation.
Improved SSM/I Thin Ice Algorithm with Ice Type Discrimination in Coastal Polynyas
Authors: Kashiwase Haruhiko , Ohshima Kay I. , Nakata Kazuki , Tamura Takeshi
Published: January 2021

Long-term quantification of sea ice production in coastal polynyas (thin sea ice areas) is an important issue to understand the global overturning circulation and its changes. The Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I), which has nearly 30 years of observation, is a powerful tool for that purpose owing to its ability to detect thin ice areas. However, previous SSM/I thin ice thickness algorithms differ between regions, probably due to the difference in dominant type of thin sea ice in each region. In this study, we developed an SSM/I thin ice thickness algorithm that accounts for three types of thin sea ice (active frazil, thin solid ice, and a mixture of two types), using the polarization and gradient ratios. The algorithm is based on comparison with the ice thickness derived from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) for 22 polynya events off the Ross Ice Shelf, off Cape Darnley, and off the Ronne Ice Shelf in the Southern Ocean. The algorithm can properly discriminate the ice type in coastal polynyas and estimate the thickness of thin sea ice (≤20 cm) with an error range of less than 6 cm. We also confirmed that the algorithm can be applied to other passive microwave radiometers with higher spatial resolution to obtain more accurate and detailed distributions of ice type and thickness. The validation of this algorithm in the Arctic Ocean suggests its applicability to the global oceans.
Equality and freedom of religion
Authors: Trigg Roger
Published: January 2021

The philosopher Roger Trigg reflects on the wider implications of his ongoing work on the Church of England’s response to contemporary issues concerning marriage and sexuality. His particular concern is to defend religious freedom.
Hyper-eosinophilic syndrome: An uncommon cause of chronic abdominal pain in an elderly male
Authors: Praharaj Dibya L , Mallick Bipadabhanjan , Nath Preetam , Panigrahi Sarat C , Anand Anil C , Sharma Rajkumar
Published: January 2021

Hypereosinophilia is defined as an absolute eosinophil count of ≥1.5 × 109/L, and its presence with involvement of at least one organ system defines the hypereosinophilic syndrome. It may occur with parasitic infestation, connective tissue disorder or rarely in clonal disorders such as eosinophilic leucaemia. Organ systems that may be involved include the cardiovascular, central nervous, respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. In the latter, a wide spectrum of clinical presentation may be seen from trivial, to debilitating or rarely fatal. We report an elderly male with a history of bronchial asthma, obstructive sleep apnoea and food allergy who presented with chronic abdominal pain and weight loss. Abdominal examination and routine evaluation were essentially normal other than a peripheral hyper-eosinophilia. We witnessed a brisk and lasting response to an elimination diet and corticosteroids.
The Moral Economy of Drug Trafficking: Armed Civilians and Mexico’s Violence and Crime
Authors: Álvarez-Rodríguez Irene María
Published: January 2021

The consolidation of armed civilian collectives in the Mexican state of Michoacán arose in a setting in which the illegal regional economy no longer focused on drug smuggling but had turned to a variety of criminal activities and in which the perspective of a moral economy had been restored. This restructuring of the criminal economy was a strong factor in the emergence of the armed collectives.

La consolidación de colectivos civiles armados en el estado mexicano de Michoacán surgió en un entorno en el que la economía regional ilegal ya no se centraba en el contrabando de drogas, sino una variedad de actividades delictivas y el restablecimiento de la perspectiva de una economía moral. Esta reestructuración de la economía criminal se convirtió en un factor importante en el surgimiento de los colectivos armados.
Coupled flow-geomechanics studies on the role of hydrofracturing and secondary fracturing in CO2-enhanced coalbed methane
Authors: Guo Chaobin , Feng Quanlin , Ma Tianran , Wang Siqi , Zhou Rui , Wang Bo
Published: January 2021

CO2-enhanced coalbed methane (CO2-ECBM) can improve coalbed methane production efficiency and simultaneously alleviate greenhouse gas emissions. In this paper, we integrated TOUGH2 and FLAC3D numerical simulation software to conduct hydro-mechanical coupling analysis for effects of hydrofracturing and secondary fracturing in CO2-ECBM. The simulation results show that the hydrofracturing and secondary fracturing treatments significantly increase the coal seam interconnectivity, enhancing overall injection and production. The reduction of the pore pressure near injection wells can effectively reduce the damage of gas injection well. Moreover, secondary fracturing can even increase cumulative gas production up to 32.5%. In addition to rising fracture density, increasing the fracture length is also considered an efficacious procedure for enhancing permeability in the secondary fracturing process.
Keeping “In Touch”: Demographic Patterns of Interpersonal Touch in Later Life
Authors: Upenieks Laura , Schafer Markus H.
Published: January 2021

Touch is an important element of human social interaction linked to various dimensions of well-being, but we know little of how it is distributed among older adults. This study considers whether greeting/affectionate touch is a function of characteristics such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status. Data come from Wave 1 (2005–2006) of the NSHAP study from the United States. Results reveal that women experienced more frequent touch relative to men, net of several features of the interpersonal environment. Mediation analyses revealed that gender differences in associations with touch were partially explained by women’s greater participation in formal and informal social activity. No patterns were detected related to race, education, or wealth. This study situates greeting/affectionate touch as a form of corporeal non-verbal interaction that offers a unique lens into patterns of social connection. We close by considering what this form of interaction means in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Testing Relationships Between Racial-Ethnic Identity, Racial-Ethnic Discrimination, and Substance Misuse Among Black and Latinx Older Adults in a Nationally Representative Sample
Authors: Reyes Laurent , Treitler Peter , Peterson N. Andrew
Published: January 2021

Older adults (aged 55+) comprise a rapidly growing population both in number and racial-ethnic diversity. In recent years, substance misuse prevalence among older adults has increased and is expected to continue rising, highlighting the need to understand risk and protective factors in this population. Using nationally representative data, this study examines the association of racial-ethnic identity and racial-ethnic discrimination with alcohol and illicit drug use among Black and Latinx older adults, and whether racial-ethnic identity moderates the relationship between discrimination and substance misuse. Findings show that among Latinx older adults discrimination is associated with increased substance misuse, and higher ethnic identity is associated with decreased illicit drug use. Higher racial-ethnic identity buffers the effects of discrimination on illicit drug use for Latinx, but not for Black respondents. Findings of this study highlight the complex associations between racial-ethnic identity, discrimination, and substance misuse, varying across racial-ethnic group, age, context, and other factors.
Discovering Grace at the Table? Prayers at Mealtime, Marital Status, and Life Satisfaction in Later Life
Authors: Jung Jong Hyun , Ellison Christopher G.
Published: January 2021

This study examines the effects of prayers at mealtime on change in life satisfaction among older U.S. adults. In addition, it assesses the ways that marital status conditions these psychological effects of prayers at mealtime. Using two waves of longitudinal data from the Religion, Aging, and Health Survey (2001–2004), a representative sampling of adults aged 65 and older, the analyses reveal that the frequency of prayers at mealtime is associated with an increase in life satisfaction over time. Further, the positive effects of prayers at mealtime on change in life satisfaction are greater for nonmarried older adults than their married counterparts. The findings in the study reinforce claims of the beneficial effects of religion on mental well-being in later life. Moreover, they elaborate on the resource substitution thesis by showing that religion provides greater psychological benefits for older adults who do not have alternative resources for well-being—a marital partner.
The horizon of another world: Foucault’s Cynics and the birth of radical cosmopolitics
Authors: Caraus Tamara
Published: January 2021

The ancient Cynic Diogenes was the first to declare ‘I am a citizen of the world ( kosmopolitês)’ and the other Cynics followed him. In The Courage of the Truth, Michel Foucault analyses the Cynic mode of parrhēsia and living in truth, however, his text expands the cosmopolitical amplitude of Cynics since the Cynics’ true life contains an inherent cosmopolitan logic. Identifying the core of the Cynic true life in the care for the self that leads to the care for the others within the horizon of the possibility of another life and another world, Foucault shows how the Cynic establishes ‘an intense bond with the whole of humankind’, cares ‘for all mankind’ and for the whole world as a ‘functionary of humanity’ and, as ‘the scout of humanity’, the Cynic prefigures the future and exercises the ‘government of the universe’. This article argues that Foucault’s account on Cynics maps the very first moments of becoming cosmopolitan and offers an insightful perspective on the process of achieving a cosmopolitan subjectivity, a process displayed by different expressions of cosmopolitanism, and especially the ‘insurgent cosmopolitanism’ from the bottom up.
Web-based Oral Reading for Language in Aphasia (Web ORLA®): A pilot randomized control trial
Authors: Cherney Leora R , Lee Jaime B , Kim Kwang-Youn A , van Vuuren Sarel
Published: January 2021

Objective:

To investigate an intensive asynchronous computer-based treatment delivered remotely with clinician oversight to people with aphasia.

Design:

Single-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Setting:

Free-standing urban rehabilitation hospital.

Participants:

Adults with aphasia (at least six months post-onset).

Interventions:

Experimental treatment was Web ORLA® (Oral Reading for Language in Aphasia) which provides repeated choral and independent reading aloud of sentences with a virtual therapist. Placebo was a commercially available computer game. Participants were instructed to practice 90 minutes/day, six days/week for six weeks.

Main measures:

Change in Language Quotient of the Western Aphasia Battery-Revised from pre-treatment to post-treatment and pre-treatment to six weeks following the end of treatment.

Results:

32 participants (19 Web ORLA®, 13 Control) completed the intervention and post-treatment assessment; 27 participants (16 Web ORLA®, 11 Control) completed the follow-up assessment six weeks after treatment had ended. Web ORLA® treatment resulted in significant improvements in language performance from pre-treatment to immediately post-treatment ( X = 2.96; SD = 4.32; P < 0.01; ES = 0.68) and from pre-treatment to six weeks following the end of treatment ( X = 4.53; SD = 3.16; P < 0.001; ES = 1.43). There was no significant difference in the gain from pre-treatment to post-treatment for the Web ORLA® versus Control groups. However, the Web ORLA® group showed significantly greater gains at the six-week follow-up than the control group ( X = 2.70; SD = 1.01; P = 0.013; ES = 1.92).

Conclusion:

Results provide evidence for improved language outcomes following intensive, web-based delivery of ORLA® to individuals with chronic aphasia. Findings underscore the value of combining clinician oversight with the flexibility of asynchronous practice.
Differences in initial versus recurrent diabetic foot ulcers at a specialized tertiary diabetic foot care center in China
Authors: Cheng Yuxia , Zu Ping , Zhao Jie , Shi Lintao , Shi Hongyan , Zhang Mei , Wang Aihong
Published: January 2021

Objective

To investigate the characteristics of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) recurrence.

Methods

A total of 573 patients with DFUs were recruited and divided into an initial group (395 patients) and a recurrence group (178 patients). The factors related to recurrence were analyzed using multivariate regression.

Results

The recurrence group had longer diabetes duration (odds ratio [OR] 192; 95% confidence interval 120, 252 vs. 156; 96, 240); lower glycated hemoglobin levels (OR 8.1; 95% CI 6.8, 9.6 vs. 9.1; 7.4, 10.5), and higher rates than the initial group of amputation (37.5% vs. 2.0%), history of vascular intervention (21.3% vs. 3.9%), retinopathy (77.7% vs. 64.7%), callus (44.4% vs. 20.8%), foot deformity (51.2% vs. 24.6%), and outdoor sports shoe wearing (34.0% vs. 21.2%). Multiple factor logistic regression analysis showed that diabetes duration (OR 1.004), callus (OR 2.769), vascular intervention (OR 2.824) and amputation (OR 22.256) were independent risk factors for DFU recurrence.

Conclusion

Diabetes duration, callus, history of vascular intervention, and amputation were independent risk factors for recurrent DFUs in a cohort of Chinese patients with active DFU. The prevention and treatment of DFUs, especially callus treatment, foot care, and blood glucose control, should be improved in China.
Successive development of ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke in a patient with essential thrombocythemia: a case report
Authors: Chen Xuhui , Cao Liming , Feng Hongye , Huang Xuming
Published: January 2021

Patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET) can experience hemorrhagic or ischemic vascular events. The prevention of these complications is challenging, and the overall risk of vascular events caused by ET is often overlooked. A 34-year-old man was admitted for a 10-day history of weakness and numbness in his right limbs. He had been diagnosed with ET in 2008 but had stopped receiving treatment half a year before admission. Physical examination showed a superficial sense of disturbance in the right limbs and decreased muscle strength in the right upper and lower limbs (4/5). His platelet count (459 × 109/L) was elevated. Magnetic resonance imaging showed acute watershed infarction, and he was treated successfully. However, he was readmitted for headache and left limb weakness 14 months later. A head computed tomography scan revealed spontaneous subdural hemorrhage. He underwent subdural hematoma removal and decompressive craniectomy. Surgery and pathological investigation revealed no venous sinus thrombosis or vascular malformation. His condition improved, and he exhibited a stable condition 1 year after discharge. Successive development of ischemic stroke and spontaneous subdural hemorrhage is rare in a patient with ET. This case suggests that ET is not only a risk factor for stroke but can also cause highly heterogeneous strokes.
Validation of the Engagement, Perseverance, Optimism, Connectedness, and Happiness Measure in Adolescents from Multistressed Families: Using First- and Second-Order Confirmatory Factor Analysis Models
Authors: Choi Jeong-Kyun , Ryu Ju-Hyun , Yang Zhenqiao
Published: January 2021

The Engagement, Perseverance, Optimism, Connectedness, and Happiness (EPOCH) Measure of Adolescent Well-Being (Kern, M. L., Benson, L., Steinberg, E. A., and Steinberg, L. [2016]. The EPOCH measure of adolescent well-being. Psychological Assessment, 28, 586-597) is a recently developed and validated scale to assess adolescent well-being and positive functioning. This measure includes five dimensions of developmental assets (i.e., EPOCH) that can foster adolescents’ well-being, physical health, and other social-emotional outcomes. Prior studies have tested measure equivalence across demographic, cultural, and language groups. The current study examined the validity of the EPOCH measure, using a national sample of adolescents from socioeconomically disadvantaged families ( n = 3444) in the United States. Consistent with theoretical expectations, confirmatory factor analyses supported the hypothesized first-order and second-order factor structure. The overall EPOCH scale and its subscales were also associated as expected with adolescents’ depression, anxiety, behavior problems, delinquency, school connectedness, and social skills. Findings provide empirical support for the EPOCH and its underlying multidimensional theory of adolescent well-being. Unexpectedly, the dimension of engagement was not found to be highly related to other dimensions, and its items had low factor loadings on the EPOCH construct in the current data. Implications of the study are described and directions for future research discussed.
Effects of segmented layer suction and micro-vortex generator on a high-load compressor cascade performance
Authors: Ma Shan , Chu Wuli , Sun Xiaolin , Guo Zhengtao , Yan Song
Published: January 2021

The axial location of full-span boundary layer suction is studied to explore the influences of suction slot on the cascade performance. At the design condition, the slot with 50% axial location shows a superior capability to reduce the total pressure loss. At the near stall condition, the more upstream of the suction slot is moved, the more total pressure loss is reduced, and the suction slot with a location of 0.7 axial chord length cannot effectively reduces the total pressure loss in all conditions. Moreover, a rearranged segmented suction slot according to the distribution characteristics of the flow reversal region is developed and compared with full-span boundary layer suction. The segmented suction slot shows significant advantages in delaying the stall occurrence, and the stall point is delayed from 7.9° to 10.0° compared with the baseline. According to a quantitative analysis method selected to measure the performances of flow control technologies, the wake loss is significantly reduced by the segmented suction slot. Finally, a set of micro-vortex generator is introduced in the cascade with a segmented suction slot, and the conclusion indicates that the portion near the end-wall is very effective to reduce the flow loss.
A survey on the conceptual design of hypersonic aircraft powered by RBCC engine
Authors: Rui Xue , Xin He , Feixing Liu , Xiaogang Ma , Xing Zheng , Jianxun Du , Chao Weng
Published: January 2021

Rocket-based combined-cycle (RBCC) powered vehicles have been widely recognized as the most promising aircraft solution that could dramatically reduce the cost of space transportation. Researchers and scientists worldwide have conducted considerable overall design researches to cope with the challenges in RBCC development including mode transition, thermal protection and thrust enhancement. According to the way to orbit and the configuration characteristics, the hypersonic aircraft powered by RBCC engine are classified as four categories: single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) two-dimensional configuration, SSTO axisymmetric configuration, two-stage-to-orbit (TSTO) two-dimensional configuration, and TSTO axisymmetric configuration. This paper systematically presents the development of the conceptual design of RBCC-powered vehicles. Both the structural and operating key parameters like the weight distribution, the RBCC propulsion performance and take-off mode, et al. are introduced in detail. On this basis, a comparative analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the orbit model, the configuration selection and takeoff modes are conducted. In addition, the application prospect and technology development direction for hypersonic aircraft are also discussed. At the same time, the lessons that can be drew from previous hypersonic vehicle concept design are explored.
Research of transverse dynamic oscillation for the piston in labyrinth compressor
Authors: Zhang Wenshan , Lv Qian , Hao Haitian , Pan CJ , Feng Quanke , Groll Eckhard A. , Wu Weifeng , Yu Xiaoling
Published: January 2021

In labyrinth compressor, non-contact labyrinth sealing clearance was designed between piston and cylinder wall to process oil-free gas containing fine particles. To prevent the collision between piston and cylinder wall, this labyrinth clearance was usually set bigger than 2‰ of the piston diameter. Such a big clearance seriously increased the leakage rate and reduced the volume efficiency of the compressor. Thus, it was necessary to investigate the piston transverse oscillation, and find a way to minimize the oscillation amplitude to reduce the labyrinth clearance set. In this paper, a dynamic model was established to predict the piston transverse oscillation based on inertia mass vibration analysis and finite difference method. Experiments investigation of the piston transverse oscillation track showed high prediction accuracy of the proposed model. Then, structure parameters optimization of the compressor was carried out to reduce piston oscillation amplitude. It was found that ratio of the crank shaft radius to connecting rod length and the position of the guide bearing were two key parameters determining the oscillation amplitude. Finally, a case study showed that the oscillation amplitude could be reduced by 53% by adopting optimized parameters.
Temporal and area-level variation in prevalence of high-grade histologically confirmed cervical abnormalities among Indigenous and non-Indigenous women, Queensland, Australia, 2008–2017
Authors: Dasgupta Paramita , Aitken Joanne F , Condon John , Garvey Gail , Whop Lisa J , DeBats Claire , Baade Peter D
Published: January 2021

Objective

Despite Australia’s National Cervical Screening Program, Indigenous women have a disproportionately high burden of cervical cancer. We describe temporal and area-level patterns in prevalence of histologically conformed high-grade cervical abnormalities (hHGA) among cytologically screened women by Indigenous status.

Methods

This was a population-based study of 2,132,925 women, aged 20–69, who underwent cervical screening between 2008 and 2017, in Queensland, Australia. Of these, 47,136 were identified as Indigenous from linked hospital records. Overall patterns in hHGA prevalence by Indigenous status were quantified using prevalence rate ratios (PrRR) from negative binomial models. Bayesian spatial models were used to obtain smoothed prevalence estimates of hHGA across 528 small areas compared to the state average. Results are presented as maps and graphs showing the associated uncertainty of the estimates.

Results

Overall, screened Indigenous women had significantly higher hHGA prevalence than non-Indigenous women. However, the magnitude of the difference reduced over time ( p < 0.001). Adjusted for age and area-level variables, Indigenous women had 36% higher hHGA prevalence (PrRR 1.36, 95% confidence interval [1.21–1.52]) than non-Indigenous women between 2013 and 2017. The overall effect of age decreased over time ( p = 0.021). Although there was evidence of moderate spatial variation in 10-year prevalence estimates for both groups of women, the high levels of uncertainty for many estimates, particularly for Indigenous women, limited our ability to draw definitive conclusions about the spatial patterns.

Conclusions

While the temporal reduction in Indigenous: non-Indigenous differential in hHGA prevalence is encouraging, further research into the key drivers of the continuing higher risk among Indigenous women is warranted.
Non-formal Education for Sustainable Development: A Case Study of the ‘Children in the Wilderness’ Eco-Club Programme in the Zambezi Region
Authors: Adams Sarah , Farrelly Trisia , Holland John
Published: January 2021

Augmenting low income or subsistence lifestyles in developing countries with knowledge, skills and values to enable communities to live in a more sustainable manner is becoming increasingly important as the demands to simply survive increase. Consequently, education for sustainable development (ESD) has emerged strongly in recent years to become a key mechanism for a more sustainable future. Using a case study approach to determine a non-formal ESD programme’s response to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO’s) (2005) ESD ‘characteristics’, this study aims to gauge the success and value of non-formal ESD. A qualitative research was undertaken in 2017 employing various data collection methods, including interviews, focus group discussions, observations and the examination of national policy documents and the non-formal ESD curriculum. The study found that the non-formal education sector provided significant support to the formal education system, leading to improved vertical integration from international guidelines to local-level implementation. The findings demonstrate the potential of the non-formal sector to augment ESD in developing contexts where the national government may lack policy or the ability to provide schools with adequate educational resources.
Endothelial cell density change in fully dislocated XEN Gel IMPLANT after trabeculectomy: A case report
Authors: Menchini Martina , Sartini Francesco , Tatti Filippo , Peiretti Enrico , Figus Michele
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

To report a case of fully dislocated XEN Gel Implant device into the anterior chamber, 18 months after its implantation and its impact on endothelial cell density.

Result:

A 75-year-old man with a history of multiple glaucoma surgeries during the last three years presented with an entirely dislocated XEN Gel implant into the anterior chamber. An endothelial cell density reduction was observed over 18 months. Thus, the implant was removed. In the short-term after surgery, the endothelial cell loss rate reduced.

Conclusion:

XEN Gel Implant can dislocate into the anterior chamber, increasing endothelial cell loss in an eye already underwent multiple surgical procedures with subsequent adverse events. Therefore, if the implant seems displaced, the endothelial cell density should be monitored, and the length of the free-tube segment within the anterior chamber should be measured, during the patient’s follow-up.
Hong Kong protests and tourism: Modelling tourist trust on revisit intention
Authors: Poon Wai Ching , Koay Kian Yeik
Published: January 2021

Drawing on prospect theory (the subgroup of behavioural economics) and information integration theory, this study proposes and empirically tests a research model exploring the influence of tourist trust on tourists’ revisit intention through the mediating effect of attitudes in the Hong Kong (HK) protest context. A series of protests commenced on 3 April 2019 against the Extradition Law Amendment Bill Movement have severely impacted the HK tourism industry as the destination may deem to be unsafe by tourists to revisit. This study is important because HK protests happened at least 10 protests per month from April to December 2019, which have brought an adverse impact on the tourism industry. Using a survey method, we collected 176 data from those who had prior experience visiting HK, and data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. Overall, the findings demonstrate that attitudes mediate the effect of tourists’ trust on revisit intention, but no direct effect of trust on revisit intention ascribe to hazard protests. Recognizing greater uncertainty arises following reports from media that prominently inform tourists’ decision-making, and how self-perceived trust influences attitudes on hazards offers intriguing managerial and practical implications for managers and policymakers. Besides, theoretical implications and directions for future research are presented.
Night-time disability glare of constant-light LED traffic monitoring fill light
Authors: Cai X , Quan L , Wu J , He Y
Published: January 2021

Fill light, used to helps cameras capture road traffic conditions at night, can lead to serious visual consequences for drivers. Research on disability glare from LED fill light is scarce and therefore this study explored strategies for controlling disability glare of constant-light LED traffic monitoring fill light. The threshold increment was used as an index to evaluate disability glare. The effective disability glare area of LED traffic monitoring fill light was determined based on high dynamic range technology. According to visual efficacy theory, there is a relationship between disability glare conditions and reaction times. The influencing factors include background luminance, luminance contrast and fill light luminance. The results showed that disability glare was the most intense in a range of 20 m to 30 m in front of LED fill light. To reduce the effect of disability glare on drivers, luminance contrast between small targets and the road surface should be greater than 0.5. The fill light luminance should not be greater than 100,000 cd/m2.
Fungal bronchitis is a distinct clinical entity which is responsive to antifungal therapy
Authors: Ozyigit Leyla Pur , Monteiro Will , Rick Eva-Maria , Satchwell Jack , Pashley Catherine Helen , Wardlaw Andrew John
Published: January 2021

Chronic productive cough in the context of exacerbations of airway disease can be associated with positive sputum cultures for fungi, in particular Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida spp., suggesting fungal bronchitis, a condition not widely recognised, as a possible cause for the exacerbation. Our objective was to determine the response to antifungal therapy in patients with suspected fungal bronchitis. Retrospective analysis of data extracted from case records of patients under secondary care respiratory clinics who had been treated with triazole therapy for suspected fungal bronchitis between 2010–2017. Primary outcome was lung function response after 1 month of treatment. Nineteen patients with fungal bronchitis due to A. fumigatus and 12 patients due to Candida spp., were included in the study. Most of the patients, particularly in the Aspergillus group, had allergic fungal airway disease on a background of asthma. All but one of the patients in each group were recorded as showing clinical improvement with antifungal therapy. In the majority of patients this was reflected in an improvement in lung function. Aspergillus group: FEV1 (1.44 ± 0.8 L vs 1.6 ± 0.8 L: p < 0.02), FVC (2.49 ± 1.08 L vs 2.8 ± 1.1 L: p = 0.01), and PEF (260 ± 150L/min vs 297 ± 194ml/min: p < 0.02). Candida group: FEV1 (1.6 ± 0.76 L vs 2.0 ± 0.72 L: p < 0.004), FVC (2.69 ± 0.91 L vs 3.13 ± 0.7 L: p = 0.05), and PEF (271± 139L/min vs 333 ± 156 L/min: p = 0.01). Side effects of treatment were common, but resolved on stopping treatment. This service improvement project supports the idea that fungal bronchitis is a distinct clinical entity which is responsive to treatment. Controlled clinical trials to confirm the clinical impression that this is relatively common and treatable complication of complex airway disease are required.
MiR-200c-3p increased HDMEC proliferation through the notch signaling pathway
Authors: Hu Xianyu , Bai Suwen , Li Lingyi , Tian Pengfei , Wang Sun , Zhang Ning , Shen Bing , Du Juan , Liu Shengxiu
Published: January 2021

Excessive proliferation of vascular endothelial cells can cause hemangioma. Although typically benign, hemangiomas can become life-threatening. The microRNA miR-200c-3p is abnormally expressed in some types of tumors, but its expression, biological role, and mechanism of action in infantile hemangioma remain to be fully elucidated. The expression levels of miR-200c-3p in hemangioma tissue were compared with those in adjacent healthy tissue by using bioinformatics analyses and TargetScan. Western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Cell Counting Kit 8 analyses were used to determine the biological function and site of action of miR-200c-3p in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs). MiR-200c-3p was one of the top 10 differentially expressed genes between healthy tissue, and hemangiomas tissues, having markedly decreased expression in hemangioma tissue. Reduction of miR-200c-3p expression in HDMECs through the transfection of a miR-200c-3p inhibitor significantly increased HDMEC proliferation. The addition of the Notch signaling pathway inhibitor DAPT to HDMECs transfected with the miR-200c-3p inhibitor eliminated the inhibitor-induced enhancement of proliferation in HDMECs. These findings indicate that miR-200c-3p targets the Notch signaling pathway to promote the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells, suggesting that miR-200c-3p plays an important role in the pathogenesis of hemangioma.
Evaluation of Functional and Symptomatic Outcomes After Vitamin D3 Administration in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome With Hypovitaminosis D
Authors: Samant Prakash D. , Sane Rohit M.
Published: January 2021

Background

Vitamin D deficiency is now recognized as an independent risk factor and is involved in the pathogenesis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of vitamin D3 supplementation on functional and symptomatic outcomes in CTS patients with vitamin D deficiency.

Methods

This was a prospective, single-arm study with a pretreatment or posttreatment quasi-experimental design. Carpal tunnel syndrome patients with vitamin D deficiency were treated with vitamin D3 (60 000 IU/week) plus standard treatment for a period of 3 months. Carpal tunnel syndrome–related pain and functional and symptomatic outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 3 months posttreatment using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, respectively, along with serum vitamin D.

Results

A total of 42 patients were analyzed. At 3 months posttreatment, there was a significant reduction in the severity of pain (VAS score) from baseline ( Z = −5.71, P < .001). Similarly, the functional and symptomatic outcomes (Boston symptoms severity scale [SSS] and Boston functional status scale [FSS] score) at 3 months posttreatment significantly improved in comparison with baseline (Boston SSS: Z = −5.66, P < .001; Boston FSS: Z = −5.68, P < .001).

Conclusions

Vitamin D3 supplementation was associated with improvement in functional and symptomatic outcomes and CTS-related pain in CTS with vitamin deficiency. However, further robust randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate the results.