bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feature extraction method of pipeline signal based on parameter optimized vocational mode decomposition and exponential entropy
Authors: Zhou Yina , Zhang Yong , Lu Jingyi , Yang Fan , Dong Hongli , Li Gongfa
Published: July 2021

Pipeline leakage is the main reason that affects normal operation of the pipeline. In this paper, a feature recognition method for pipeline acoustic signals based on vocational mode decomposition (VMD) and exponential entropy (EE) is investigated, which could extract the characteristics of pipeline signals and further accurately identify the pipeline acoustic signals under different working conditions. First, the VMD is used to decompose the collected acoustic signals into a number of mode components, during which process the optimal mode number (i.e., K-value) is determined by combining local characteristic scale decomposition (LCD) and correlation analysis methods. Then, the characteristic content of each mode component is analyzed with the help of the determined correlation coefficient (CC) threshold. If the correlation coefficient of a mode component is greater than the threshold, then the mode component is selected as the feature component. Subsequently, the EE values of the selected feature components are calculated to form the feature vectors corresponding to different kinds of pipeline signals. Finally, the feature vectors are input into support vector machine (SVM) to classify and recognize the different pipeline states. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can identify the pipeline signals under different working conditions, and the recognition accuracy is up to [Formula: see text]. By analyzing and comparing with methods of EE-SVM, original data-SVM, VMD-singular spectrum entropy (SSE) and VMD-information entropy (IE), it is further verified that the proposed method is feasible and superior to the methods.
How to overcome the difficulty of talking about the experience of a nuclear disaster
Authors: Ando Ryoko
Published: July 2021

At the ICRP International Conference on Recovery After Nuclear Accidents Session 3.4 Forum on the Transmission of Experience held in December 2020, a panel discussion took place on the topic, ‘How to overcome the difficulty to talk about the experience of nuclear accidents?’. The facilitator was Ryoko Ando (NPO Fukushima Dialogue) and the following six people participated as panelists: Atsushi Chiba (teacher at Fukushima Prefectural Asaka High School), Yoshiko Aoki (NPO Group of Storytellers About 311 in Tomioka), Miku Endo (Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum), Kenji Shiga (former Director of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum), Thierry Schneider (Centre d’étude sur l’Evaluation de la Protection dans le domaine Nucléaire), and Noboru Takamura (Director of Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum, Nagasaki University).
Introduction to the special section on loneliness across the life span
Authors: Goossens Luc , Victor Christina , Qualter Pamela
Published: July 2021

We provide an overview of the topics included in the special section of the International Journal of Behavioral Development on Loneliness Across the Life Span. We highlight the use of a life span approach to understanding loneliness and the different methodological approaches adopted by researchers. This special issue contributes toward the development of a holistic research agenda addressing loneliness across the life course and away from a focus solely upon specific age groups such as adolescents, young adults, or older adults who have been the focus of most loneliness research until comparatively recently.
Comparison of Narrowband Imaging and White‐Light Endoscopy for Diagnosis and Screening of Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Authors: Kim Do Hyun , Lee Min Hyeong , Lee Seulah , Kim Sung Won , Hwang Se Hwan
Published: July 2021

Objectives

We compared the diagnostic accuracies of narrowband imaging and white‐light endoscopy in the detection of nasopharyngeal cancer.

Data Sources

Six databases (PubMed, Cochrane Database, Embase, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar).

Review Methods

The 6 databases were thoroughly reviewed by 2 authors (working independently) from their dates of inception to December 2019. Nasopharyngeal mucosal or vascular changes detected by narrowband imaging were compared to those detected by white‐light endoscopy. The authors extracted true‐positive, true‐negative, false‐positive, and false‐negative parameters for each study. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies version 2 tool. The extent of interrater agreement was assessed.

Results

Eighteen prospective or retrospective studies were included. The diagnostic odds ratio of narrowband imaging was 77.560 (95% confidence interval [CI], 37.424‐160.739). The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.926. The sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value were 0.871 (95% CI, 0.808‐0.915), 0.905 (95% CI, 0.816‐0.953), and 0.955 (95% CI, 0.906‐0.979), respectively. The correlation between sensitivity and the false‐positive rate was 0.284, indicating that heterogeneity was absent. Narrowband imaging exhibited moderate interrater reliability (0.7037; 95% CI, 0.6558‐0.746). Subgroup analysis showed that vascular patterns revealed by endoscopy in a screened subgroup were significantly more diagnostically accurate than mucosal patterns used for surveillance of a recurrent cancer subgroup.

Conclusions

Narrowband imaging exhibits high diagnostic accuracy and should be used in the diagnostic workup of nasopharyngeal cancer. However, further studies are necessary to confirm our results.
National Analysis of Oropharyngeal Salivary Gland Malignancies Treated With Transoral Robotic Surgery
Authors: Bollig Craig A. , Wang Kevin , Llerena Pablo , Puram Sidharth V. , Pipkorn Patrik J. , Jackson Ryan S. , Stubbs Vanessa C.
Published: July 2021

Objectives

(1) To compare perioperative outcomes and overall survival of patients with oropharyngeal salivary gland malignancies (OPSGMs) treated with transoral robotic surgery (TORS) versus other approaches. (2) To identify clinical factors associated with a robotic surgical approach.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis of the National Cancer Database (NCDB).

Setting

NCDB.

Methods

Data obtained from the NCDB were analyzed between 2010 and 2017 for patients with T1‐T4a OPSGMs without distant metastases treated surgically. Patients were stratified by surgical approach (TORS vs nonrobotic), and clinicopathologic factors were compared with the t test or chi‐square test for continuous or categorical variables, respectively. Overall survival was analyzed by patient demographics and clinical factors according to Kaplan‐Meier and Cox proportional hazards models. Factors associated with TORS were assessed with logistic regression.

Results

A total of 785 patients were analyzed. A non–soft palate primary site (odds ratio, 12.9; 95% CI, 6.6‐25.2) and treatment at an academic facility (odds ratio, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.2‐3.5) were independently associated with TORS. There were no significant differences in the positive margin rate, 30‐day mortality, or overall survival between the groups. The 30‐day unplanned readmission rate was higher in patients treated with TORS versus nonrobotic resections (5.8% vs 1.7%, P =. 0004). When stratified by tumor subsite, there was a significant decrease in hospital length of stay in patients with tongue base tumors undergoing TORS versus nonrobotic resections (P =. 029).

Conclusion

This study suggests that TORS may be a viable treatment modality for appropriately selected patients with OPSGM.
Milestones 2.0: Otolaryngology Resident Competency in the Postpandemic Era
Authors: Cabrera‐Muffly Cristina , Cusumano Cristen , Freeman Michael , Jardine Dink , Lieu Judith , Manes R. Peter , Marple Bradley , Puscas Liana , Svrakic Maja , Thorne Marc , Edgar Laura
Published: July 2021

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Milestones Project grew out of a continued need to document objective outcomes within resident education. Milestones 2.0 began its work in 2016, with an intent to resolve inconsistencies in the original milestones based on an iterative process. Milestones 2.0 retains the original 5 levels of achievement but includes a “not yet assessable” option as well. In addition, Milestones 2.0 has added harmonized milestones across all specialties. Each specialty has incorporated a supplemental guide with examples and resources to improve facility with the tool. There will be further refinement of the Milestones as new research emerges with the ultimate goal of providing programs and trainees with a reliable roadmap that can be used to direct and assess learning.
Connecting with others: Dispositional and situational relatedness during the college transition
Authors: Booker Jordan A. , Hernandez Erika , Talley Karen E. , Dunsmore Julie C.
Published: July 2021

The college transition involves social challenges for students, including concerns about distance from family and hometown friends, and pressure to build a new social network on campus. Students who are successfully navigating these social challenges should be better adjusted on campus and feel more satisfied with the direction of their lives. We measured two expressions of relatedness in incoming, central US students’ ( N = 244; M age = 18.1 years; 78.6% women) autobiographical recollections of the college transition: (a) dispositional relatedness (DR) and tendencies to emphasize motivations for connecting with others; and (b) situational relatedness (SR) and reflections on successes and challenges within specific relationship domains. We hypothesized that both expressions of relatedness would be positively and distinctly associated with longitudinal reports of college adjustment (i.e., belonging) and subjective well-being (i.e., life satisfaction). We also hypothesized that changes in college adjustment would mediate associations between expressions of relatedness and well-being. Findings broadly supported expectations. Each expression of relatedness robustly predicted better student outcomes longitudinally. Further, improvements in college belonging and decreases in homesickness mediated the ties between situational relatedness and subjective well-being. We discuss the implications of these findings for the college transition and student support services.
Glutathione S-transferase Omega 2 DD genotype is associated with an increased risk of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Chinese men
Authors: Fan Zhiliang , Jiang Hong , Song Xueqin , Guo Yansu , Tian Xinying
Published: July 2021

Objective

To investigate whether GSTA1, GSTO2, and GSTZ1 are relevant to an increased risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in a Chinese population.

Methods

In this study, 143 sporadic ALS (sALS) patients (83 men, 60 women) and 210 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were enrolled. Blood samples were collected by venipuncture. Genomic DNA was isolated by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The potential associations between ALS and GSTA1, GSTO2, and GSTZ1 polymorphisms were estimated using chi-squared analysis and unconditional logistic regression.

Results

The D allele and genotype frequencies of GSTO2 were increased in sALS patients compared with healthy subjects, indicating that the GSTO2 DD genotype was associated with an increased risk of sALS (odds ratio [OR] = 3.294, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.039–10.448). However, a significant association between the DD genotype and the risk of sALS was evident in men only (OR = 7.167, 95% CI = 1.381–37.202).

Conclusion

This study revealed that the D allele and genotype frequencies of GSTO2 were increased in sALS patients. The GSTO2 DD genotype was associated with an increased risk of sALS in men in a Chinese population.
Internationalized science and human rights activism during the late Cold War: The French Committee of Mathematicians
Authors: Popa Ioana
Published: July 2021

This article examines the ties between an internationalised science and transnational activism, in particular for causes considered universal, such as defending human rights, during the late Cold War. It focuses on a scientific network that supported mathematicians persecuted for their political views by both left- and right-wing undemocratic regimes. The Committee of Mathematicians was founded in 1974 and was active for a decade, built incrementally as a transnational advocacy network located in several Western countries. Focussing primarily on the Committee’s French component, this article investigates the social and organisational underpinnings of its transnational action and defence of universal principles. It examines the modes of action and how they were shaped by scientists’ professional and even disciplinary affiliations. These focal points allow an interrogation of the place the committee occupied within the space of human rights activism. The article aims to contribute to a historical sociology of the ties between science and politics and of the transnational trends that strained national frameworks, while moving away from an approach focussed solely on political macrotrends that fuelled the Cold War.
The Lasting Legacy of Hazard and Choice Perception in Flood Plain Management by Robert Kates
Authors: DeChano-Cook Lisa M
Published: July 2021

This Classics Revisited/From the Archives paper summarizes the 1962 publication of Robert Kates regarding perceptions of the flooding hazard in LaFollette, Tennessee, and five other cities that were used for comparison. The influence of this work on improvements in flood hazards since 1962 are discussed, as well as suggestions as to how this work will continue to influence flood hazard management and mitigation.
Optimization of Cellular Concrete Microstructure for Improved Impact Resistance
Authors: Clark Jamie V. , Lange David A.
Published: July 2021

Engineered material arresting system (EMAS) is a cellular concrete material currently used as passive aircraft arresting system at airports around the U.S.A. and abroad. Its cellular structure crushes on impact, helping to absorb energy and create drag resistance. Energy absorbed during crushing is defined by the load–deformation response curve, in which a plateau is indicative of crushing behavior at a near-constant load. At the microstructural level, the energy absorbed from crushing is a combination of elastic buckling, plastic yield, and brittle fracture of the cellular microstructure. Therefore, optimization of the cellular structure (e.g., bubble size and distribution) is paramount to the overall performance of these systems. This study makes use of microstructural investigations, quasi-static indentation, and drop weight testing to investigate the performance of cellular concrete with varied microstructures. The results show that, while density (air content) has been considered the main predictor of overall performance, the nature of the cellular structure created by the use of different foaming agents can be a useful design tool. This adds another critical consideration in the design of impact-resistant infrastructure. Given this finding, a new set of design guidelines are presented in this paper. This work aims to inform better design of impact-resistant infrastructure by identifying cellular concrete microstructures that lead to optimal energy absorption in low-velocity impact events, such as aircraft overruns.
Public–Private Partnership and Social Equity: An Empirical Study of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program
Authors: Zhang Kunqi , Cui Qingbin
Published: July 2021

Pushback for public–private partnerships (P3s) comes in part from their purported favoritism toward large firms. However, no study has empirically verified this claim. This paper examined the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program to assess whether delivery methods play a role in the participation of minority- and women-owned firms in federally assisted transportation contracts. A sample of 134 contracts from the US Major Transportation Project Database served as the dataset to run linear regressions. Results revealed that P3 associates with higher DBE goals than design–bid–build (DBB). Plausible explanations include P3 being associated with a larger contract size, more public attention, more potential subcontracting opportunities with design included in the package, and intensified agency desire for greater diversity in DBE subcontracts. Moreover, the delivery method has an insignificant effect on DBE attainment. This paper also introduces the DBE envelope, a radar plot capable of graphically assessing DBE program implementation.
Transportation Amenities and High-Tech Firm Location: An Empirical Study of High-Tech Clusters
Authors: Zandiatashbar Ahoura , Hamidi Shima
Published: July 2021

Clustering and active transportation infrastructures have a significant impact on economic development strategies for attracting high-tech firms. High-tech firms cluster to create economies of scale. In theory, such clusters favor walkable and transit-accessible locations following the preferences of footloose workers of the creative class, an expectation that underpins pro-walkability and transit-accessible development strategies. Such approaches, however, fail to consider countervailing factors including changes in logistics, land values, the rise of the e-economy, and gig workers, which could result in a preference for auto-centric locations. This study addresses the knowledge gap by investigating differences in location behaviors of six high-tech sectoral categories with respect to transportation infrastructures. The analysis uses a firm-level micro dataset provided by Esri along with multiple logit regressions to explore the relationship between high-tech firm locations and transportation amenities in 627 high-tech clusters from the 52 largest U.S. regions. The results show that not all high-tech industries opt for walkable and transit-accessible locations. Compared with other high-tech specializations, professional services (i.e., data processing/computer or engineering and architectural services), which account for the largest share of high-tech employees, are drawn to walkable and transit rich areas near central business districts. On the other hand, auto-centric locations on the peripheries are home to aerospace and bio-pharmaceutical industries. In light of these findings, it is essential that economic development officials aiming to achieve balanced growth consider major local high-tech sector(s) and sectoral differences when making policy decisions.
Law between Nationalism and Regionalism: The Integration of the Transylvanian Juridical Field in Greater Romania (1918–1927)
Authors: Magno Francesco
Published: July 2021

The article explores the process of legal and judicial integration of Transylvania within Greater Romania, focusing on how Romanian legal professionals experienced the transition from the Habsburg Empire to the Romanian nation-state. I argue that lawyers, judges, and jurists placed greater importance on legal tradition, professional solidarity, and the pursuit of personal interests than nationalism. Building on Pierre Bourdieu’s notion of the juridical field, the article investigates how the traditions and categories of judgment typical of legal professionals often hampered the nationalization projects undertaken by the Romanian government, thereby casting new light on the process of Romanian state building in the early 1920s. Furthermore, the present piece addresses the issue of the imperial legacy, exploring the relationship between new and old laws and the reasons behind the former legislative structure surviving the political upheaval of 1918.
Industry requirements, thesis-writing and the emergence of flexible educational programmes: Reflections on the university learner experience
Authors: Hunt Ingrid , Ryan Alan , hAodha Mícheál Ó , Rezaei-Zadeh Morteza
Published: July 2021

The transformation of new paradigms for online learning delivery has evolved rapidly over the past few years. For postgraduate programmes, the thesis module is regularly the capstone and significant in terms of academic credits. In reality, this module can be just an ‘add on’ set of resources with no dedicated online learning space. Industry students undertaking postgraduate programmes online traditionally feel overwhelmed while embarking on a thesis. Notably, too, they face the challenge of not being on campus and having the same learning opportunities as their on-campus counterparts. This paper highlights the importance of supporting and assisting online industry learners in participating fully with their thesis. The authors identify the challenges that face these learners at postgraduate level, recognising that a new way to help and prepare them to carry out and write a good thesis is essential. By focusing on a dedicated online module for ‘all things thesis’, the paper presents the positive experiences learners can have when participating in this module. The findings emphasise the need for educational providers to offer as part of their programmes a high-quality thesis module designed to support the postgraduate online industry learner.
Diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections in male partners of pregnant women in Brazil
Authors: Yeganeh Nava , Kreitchmann Regis , Leng Mei , Nielsen-Saines Karin , Gorbach Pamina M , Klausner Jeffrey D
Published: July 2021

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can adversely affect a woman’s pregnancy and the health of the developing fetus. The source of these infections may be the male sexual partner who remains under-diagnosed and un-treated due to a combination of lack of symptoms, decreased access to health care, and poor health-seeking behaviors. From September 2018 to November 2019, we offered a cohort of pregnant women (gestational age range: 4.6–41 weeks) clinic-based STI testing for HIV and syphilis (via lateral flow assay rapid tests) and for Neisseria (N.) gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia (C.) trachomatis, and Trichomonas (T.) vaginalis (via PCR-based testing) at Santa Casa Hospital and 10 affiliated prenatal clinics in Porto Alegre, Brazil. 400 women between the ages of 18 and 46 years (mean age: 27 years) enrolled and 24% were diagnosed with an STI. Each woman enrolled agreed to invite their male partners to clinic for the same panel of STI testing, and 255 men (64%) between the ages of 18 and 64 years (mean age: 29 years) attended clinic and all accepted full intervention. In these male partners, 40 (16%) were diagnosed with an STI including 22 (8.7%) testing positive for C. trachomatis, 15 (6%) for treponemal antibody (syphilis), 7 (2.8%) for T. vaginalis, 3 (1.2%) for N. gonorrhoeae, and 1 (0.4%) for HIV antibody. In our multivariate analysis, having symptoms of an STI (AOR 4.5, 95% CI 1.3–15.2) and arguing about jealousy (AOR 3.1, 95% CI 1.2–8.2) remained significantly associated with male diagnosis of an STI. Sexually transmitted infections are common in sexual partners of pregnant women in Brazil and should be addressed to prevent reinfection of pregnant women.
The Attitude–Behavior Relationship Revisited
Authors: Bechler Christopher J. , Tormala Zakary L. , Rucker Derek D.
Published: July 2021

The attitude–behavior relationship is of great import to many areas of psychology. Indeed, psychologists across disciplines have published thousands of articles on the topic. The majority of this research implies that the attitude–behavior relationship is linear. However, observations from 4,101 participants on Amazon’s Mechanical Turk and 321,876 online reviews demonstrate that this relationship is systematically nonlinear. Across diverse topics, measures, and contexts, as attitudes move from extremely negative to extremely positive, the corresponding shift in behavior tends to be relatively flat at first (as attitudes move from extremely to moderately negative), to steepen when attitudes cross neutral and shift from negative to positive, and to taper off again as attitudes move from moderately to extremely positive. This result can be explained on the basis of research on categorical perception. The present research suggests a fundamental pivot in how researchers construe, study, and assess the attitude–behavior relationship.
Analysis for effect of pores on acoustic performance of reactive muffler
Authors: Hujare Pravin P , Mote Vishal R , Mache Ashok R , Hujare Deepak P , Kore Sandeep S
Published: July 2021

The major source of noise pollution was an internal combustion engine. Henceforth, the design of the engine exhaust system was a tough challenge for automotive industries. The mufflers have been used to moderate the exhaust noise from the engine to the neighboring atmosphere. So in domestic as well as the industrial application, it is required to reduce noise levels to prevent human hazards. The performance of muffler is measured in terms of transmission loss. The transmission loss of reactive muffler is depending on its geometry. This article describes the effects of pores at the inlet pipe and outlet pipe of the reactive muffler on its performance capacity at a target frequency. It is found that the muffler performance is dependent on the number and position of pores. The single chamber and double chamber reactive mufflers are used for the study. The numerical analysis is performed by COMSOL Multiphysics software. The numerical analysis result of the different models of the muffler is compared with experimental analysis. The purpose of the study is to investigate the effect of pores in inlet and outlet pipe to maximize the TL at the target frequency of reactive muffler.
Does hydroxychloroquine improve patient reported outcomes in patients with lupus?
Authors: Jolly Meenakshi , Sehgal Vinay , Arora Shilpa , Azizoddin Desiree , Pinto Benzeeta , Sharma Aman , Devilliers Herve , Inoue Mitsuyo , Toloza Sergio , Bertoli Ana , Blazevic Ivana , Vilá Luis M , Moldovan Ioana , Torralba Karina D , Mazzoni Davide , Cicognani Elvira , Hasni Sarfaraz , Goker Berna , Haznedaroglu Seminur , Bourre-Tessier Josiane , Navarra Sandra V , Clarke Ann , Weisman Michael , Wallace Daniel , Mok Chi Chiu
Published: July 2021

Background

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) use is associated with less disease activity, flares, damage and improved survival in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). However, its effect on patient reported health outcomes (PROs) such as quality of life (QOL) is not known.

Methods

International data from Study on Outcomes of Lupus (SOUL) from 2,161 SLE patients were compared by HCQ use. Disease activity and damage were assessed using SELENA-SLEDAI and SLICC-ACR/SDI. QOL was evaluated using LupusPRO and Lupus Impact Tracker (LIT). Linear regression analyses were performed with LupusPRO summary scores health related HRQOL, non-health related NHRQOL and LIT as dependent and HCQ use as independent variable. Analyses were undertaken to test mediation of effects of HCQ use on QOL through disease activity.

Results

Mean age was 40.5 ± 12.8 years, 93% were women. Sixty-three (1363/2161) percent were on HCQ. On univariate analysis, HCQ use was associated with (a) better QOL (LupusPRO-HRQOL: β 6.19, 95% CI 4.15, 8.24, P ≤ 0.001, LupusPRO NHRQOL: β 5.83, 95% CI 4.02, 7.64, P ≤ 0.001) and less impact on daily life (LIT: β −9.37, 95% CI −12.24, −6.50, P ≤ 0.001). On multivariate and mediational analyses, the effects of HCQ on QOL were indirectly and completely mediated through disease activity.

Conclusions

HCQ use in SLE is associated with better patient reported health outcomes (LupusPRO-HRQOL and NHRQOL and impact on daily life), and the effects are mediated through disease activity. This information can facilitate patients and physician’s communication with decision-making regarding the use of HCQ for SLE management.
Established and emerging fields of workers’ struggles in the care sector: the case of Poland
Authors: Kubisa Julia , Rakowska Katarzyna
Published: July 2021

This article analyses the struggles of care sector workers in recent years in Poland, mapping the activities of trade unions and initiatives undertaken by non-unionised workers in care services. It considers the institutional setting and barriers specific to Poland and analyses the constraints on industrial action in the sector by looking at different cases: nurses and midwives, early education teachers, nursery teachers and carers of persons with disabilities. All those groups have in recent years organised militant actions. Using an institutional approach and Social Reproduction Theory, the article discusses how the social understanding of care work intersects with the institutional setting during industrial action and the consequences for the workers of this intersection. It introduces the typology of established and emerging fields of workers’ struggles and a concept of ‘bargaining power penalty’ to show that disputes in the care sector are a new form of industrial dispute, featuring, over and above the tripartite worker-employer-state constellation, the relationship between caregivers and care recipients (and their families) as well as the special position of caregivers in society. Care weakens bargaining power, while at the same time it inspires new agendas of struggles.
Strain-rate-dependent progressive damage modelling of UHMWPE composite laminate subjected to impact loading
Authors: Mansoori Hassan , Zakeri Mahnaz
Published: July 2021

A comprehensive strain-rate-dependent (SRD) finite element modeling procedure, based on continuum damage mechanics has been developed to predict the behavior of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber composite laminates under impact loading. A user-defined material subroutine implemented into ABAQUS/Explicit is used to define SRD constitutive damage model of UHMWPE composite. The effect of strain rate on the material properties is adapted to the experimental data by introducing a new hyperbolic function and the strain-rate effect factor (SEF) for use in the modeling. The range of [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] is considered for strain rate, which includes both high velocity and low velocity impact regimes. A homogenized sub-laminate approach is employed to more accurately capture the out-of-plane failure mechanisms. Cohesive Zone Model (CZM) with the constitutive model based on bilinear traction-separation is implemented to simulate the inter-laminar delamination between the sub-laminates. High velocity ballistic impact as well as low velocity drop-weight impact are simulated, and the results are validated with experimental observations from the literature. Results show that the presented SRD model, offers more accurate prediction of the projectile residual velocity compared to the SRD model using logarithmic function or without considering the strain rate effect. Moreover, detailed views of failure modes such as tension/shear fiber and matrix shear in layers, and the delamination patterns are obtained and investigated.
The Perioperative Deep Vein Thrombosis in Lower Extremities in Patients With Pelvic Fracture: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Yan Yun , Zhang Baobao , Yang Jie , Zhang Yan , Zhang Lei , Wang Dan , Gao Jing , He Lianzhi , Wang Pengfei , Zhuang Yan , Zhang Kun , Liu Ping
Published: July 2021

This study was to investigate the incidences of DVT in lower extremities after pelvic fracture before and after operation, and explore the risk factors. The records of patients with pelvic fractures receiving operation were collected. The patients were examined by preoperative and postoperative ultrasonography, and divided into thrombosis group and non-thrombosis group according to the preoperative and postoperative ultrasonographic results. Totally, 128 patients with pelvic fractures were included in this study. The incidence of DVT was 21.09% preoperatively, and increased to 35.16% postoperatively. Peripheral DVT constituted 92.60% and 86.67% of preoperative and postoperative DVTs, respectively. The results showed that age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.07; 95% CI: 1.01-1.12; P = 0.013), fracture classification (OR = 3.80; 95% CI: 1.31-11.00; P = 0.014) and D-dimer at admission (OR = 1.04; 95% CI: 1.00-1.08; P = 0.029) were independent risk factors of preoperative DVT, and female (OR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.06-0.81; P = 0.023) was independent protective factor. In addition, age (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.00-1.11; P = 0.026), operative blood transfusion (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.05-1.72; P = 0.020) were independent risk factors of postoperative DVT. In conclusion, the DVT prevention strategy has not changed the high incidence of DVT in pelvic fractures, and orthopedic surgeons should pay more attention to perioperative DVT. When a male or patient with Tile-C type pelvic fracture is at admission, it is should be reminded that the screening the DVT in lower extremities. In addition, the surgeon should stanch bleeding completely, to reduce the blood transfusion and formation of DVT.
What Proportion of Foster Care Children Do Not Have Child Protective Services Reports? A Preliminary Look
Authors: Drake Brett , Fluke John D. , Kim Hyunil , Orsi Rebecca , Stubblefield Jessica L.
Published: July 2021

It is perhaps surprising that we lack complete national information about why children enter foster care. While the annual Adoption and Foster Care Analysis Reporting System (AFCARS) report is informative, it leaves many questions unanswered, particularly “how many children enter foster care by means other than Child Protective Services (CPS) reports?” Drawing from a unique new integrated dataset, we examined foster care data (AFCARS) and CPS report data (National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System Child File). The linked dataset included 210,062 children with foster care placements in 2017 and no placements in the prior 5 years. We categorized each placed child along two dimensions of four levels each: Time since prior CPS report (if any) and stated AFCARS placement reason, ranging from clearly maltreated to clearly not maltreated. We also tracked the siblings of placed children, to see if non-maltreated children entered care because of maltreated siblings. We find that between 8–35% of children enter foster care for reasons other than maltreatment, depending how thresholds are set. These numbers decline somewhat when siblings are considered. A meaningfully large number of children are placed in foster care for reasons other than maltreatment investigated by CPS. Further research into these children is warranted to better inform foster care policy.
Connected After Care: Youth Characteristics, Policy, and Programs Associated With Postsecondary Education and Employment for Youth With Foster Care Histories
Authors: Geiger Jennifer M. , Okpych Nathanael J.
Published: July 2021

Recent federal laws and state policies reflect the government’s investment in improving education and employment outcomes for youth with foster care histories. However, little research has assessed the roles of these programs using national data. Drawing on data from the National Youth in Transitions Database (NYTD) ( n = 7797), this study examines the roles that state-level policies and programs, youth-level participation in programs and services, and youth characteristics play in youths’ connection to employment and education (“connectedness”) at age 21. Results from multilevel regression analyses find that foster youth in states with widely available tuition waiver programs increases the odds of connectedness to school. The amount of time youth spend in extended foster care, as well as receipt of postsecondary education aid and services, also increases connectedness. Study findings underscore the importance of material and relational supports in supporting foster youths’ connection to employment and education in early adulthood.
Impact of radioiodine treatment on acute phase proteins in hyperthyroid cats
Authors: Glück Katharina , Mohrs Sabrina , Hazuchova Katarina , Bauer Natali , Neiger Reto
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of radioiodine treatment (RIT) on the acute phase proteins (APPs) serum amyloid A (SAA), alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) and haptoglobin (Hp) in hyperthyroid cats.

Methods

Between June 2013 and November 2014, 33 hyperthyroid cats without clinical or laboratory signs of inflammatory or neoplastic disease and a body weight >2.5 kg were enrolled. Immediately before, and 12, 36, 72 h and 6 days after RIT, serum samples were obtained for determination of APP concentrations.

Results

Both SAA and AGP concentrations changed significantly after RIT. The concentration of AGP increased gradually after treatment with a maximum concentration at the end of the study period (median baseline 398 μg/ml; median 6 days post-RIT 562 μg/ml [ P = 0.001]). A relevant >two-fold increase in AGP was seen in 8/33 (24%) cats. SAA concentration increased significantly within 12 h (baseline 9.2 μg/ml; 12 h post-RIT 22.5 μg/ml [ P = 0.012]). In 7/33 (21%) cats, a clinically relevant >10-fold increase in SAA was observed. Hp concentration showed no significant change ( P = 0.12).

Conclusions and relevance

RIT induced a mild, mainly not clinically relevant acute phase reaction (APR). AGP and SAA were useful APPs to determine RIT-induced APR.
Choroidal structural changes and choroidal vascularity index in patients with systemic hypertension
Authors: Aşıkgarip Nazife , Temel Emine , Kıvrak Ahmet , Örnek Kemal
Published: July 2021

Purpose:

To assess the impact of systemic hypertension on the choroidal structure and choroidal vascularity index (CVI).

Methods:

This prospective cross-sectional study comprised 50 eyes of 50 treatment-naive hypertensive patients and 50 eyes of 50 healthy subjects. Choroidal thickness (CT) was measured in the subfoveal region, 1500 µm nasal to the fovea, and 1500 µm temporal to the fovea. Binarization of the enhanced depth-optical coherence tomography images was performed with Image-J software. The CT, choroidal area (CA), luminal area (LA), and CVI were compared statistically.

Results:

The mean subfoveal, nasal, and temporal CT were decreased in the patient group (p 0.003, 0.026, and 0.001, respectively). The mean CA, LA, and CVI were decreased in the patient group in comparison to controls ( p = 0.047, 0.009, and 0.016 respectively). The correlation between the subfoveal CT and systolic blood pressure was significant ( r = −0.450, p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between the systolic blood pressure and CVI ( r = −0.401, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

The significant decrease in the structural parameters and CVI show that choroid is affected in patients with treatment-naive hypertension.
Isolated medial rectus muscle laceration after bird strike
Authors: Duranoğlu Yaşar , Beğendi Diğdem
Published: July 2021

Introduction:

A 66 year-old male suffered globe trauma due to A bird, a German Desert Hawk, strike. At the first examination in the emergency ünit a few hours after the injury, the patient reported persistent horizontal diplopia.

Case report:

He had right conjunctival laceration, mild proptosis, subconjunctival hematoma, exotropia with no adduction. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed that it was suggestive of laceration of the right medial rectus muscle, at about the junction of it’s anterior and middle thirds. During surgery; initially, the lacerated proximal end of the distal segment was isolated. The proximal segment of the medial rectus muscle was then carefully dissected. The two lacerated ends were then joined with 6-0 polyglactin sutures.

Conclusion:

The day after surgery, there was no deviation and diplopia in all diagnostic gaze positions.
Impact of femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis on retinal ganglion cell function
Authors: Lauzirika Gorka , Arranz-Marquez Esther , Garcia-Gonzalez Montserrat , Hernández-Verdejo José Luis , Teus Miguel A.
Published: July 2021

Purpose:

To analyse the effect of femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) on the electrical response of retinal ganglion cells using pattern electroretinography (pERG).

Methods:

This was a longitudinal, prospective, observational pilot study. We included consecutive myopic patients who underwent FS-LASIK to correct up to 6 dioptres of myopia and up to 2 dioptres of astigmatism. Patients with excessive blinking or tearing and those with Snellen uncorrected visual acuity less than 0.9 dec on postop day 1 were excluded. Diopsys NOVA® (Diopsys Inc., NJ) pERG records, using high- and low-contrast patterns, were obtained 16 h and 1 month after FS-LASIK was performed. Magnitude (μV), Magnitude D (μV), Magnitude D/Magnitude ratio and signal-to-noise ratio (dB) were analysed. Wilcoxon test for nonparametric paired data was employed.

Results:

pERG data from 24 eyes were analysed from 24 patients who underwent FS-LASIK. Mean age was 35.79 ± 9.86 years. Mean preoperative refraction was −2.69 ± 7.6 D (spherical) and −0.38 ± 0.40 D (cylinder). Mean surgical time was 56.88 ± 7.6 s. No statistically significant differences were obtained for any of the studied parameters when comparing 16 h with 1 month after FS-LASIK, with the exception of Magnitude with low contrast, which increased from 1.21 ± 0.2 to 1.39 ± 0.29 µV at 16 h and 1 month postoperatively, respectively ( p = 0.03).

Conclusions:

FS-LASIK seems to induce a mild and transitory defect in retinal ganglion cell function. Only a mild decrease was detected in the magnitude value for low-contrast stimuli when pERG was performed 16 h postoperatively, and it returned to normal 1 month after surgery.
The safe zones for endoscopic proximal hamstring repair: a cadaveric assessment of standard portal placement and their relationship to major neurovascular structures
Authors: Su Charles A , LaBelle Mark W , Ina Jason G , Sivasundaram Lakshmanan , Nho Shane , Mather Richard C , Salata Michael J
Published: July 2021

Purpose:

To define the anatomical relationship of the major neurovascular structures to the standard endoscopic portals used in endoscopic hamstring repair. A secondary outcome was to determine the safest angle of insertion from each standard portal.

Methods:

Endoscopic portals were established in the 3 standard locations (lateral, medial, and inferior) and Steinmann pins inserted at various angles. Each hip was dissected and the distance between the pins and the pertinent anatomy measured.

Results:

The lateral portal placed the sciatic and posterior femoral cutaneous (PFC) nerves at greatest risk: direct injury to the sciatic nerve was seen in 11/30 (37%) of the lateral portals sited. A lateral portal with an approach at 60° was the most dangerous orientation with a mean distance of 0.36 ± 0.49 mm and 4.30 ± 2.69 mm from the sciatic and PFC nerves, respectively ( p < 0.001). The 60° medial portal was the safest of all portals measured, at a mean distance of 67.37 ± 11.06mm (range, 47–78 mm) from the sciatic nerve and 58.90 ± 10.57 mm (range 40–70 mm) from the PFC nerve.

Conclusions:

While currently described techniques recommend establishing the standard lateral portal first, this study shows that it carries the highest risk of injury if used blind. We recommend that the standard medial endoscopic portal is established first to identify the neurovascular structures and minimise iatrogenic neurovascular injury. The inferior and lateral portals can then be established created under direct vision. The lateral portal should be inserted in a more horizontal orientation to decrease the risk of nerve injury.
Successful Treatment of Anti-MDA5 Antibody-Positive Dermatomyositis-Associated Rapidly Progressive-Interstitial Lung Disease by Plasma Exchange: Two Case Reports
Authors: Takahashi Rina , Yoshida Tadashi , Morimoto Kohkichi , Kondo Yasushi , Kikuchi Jun , Saito Shuntaro , Ishigaki Sho , Kaneko Yuko , Takeuchi Tsutomu , Itoh Hiroshi , Oya Mototsugu
Published: July 2021

Background:

Patients with anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) antibody-positive dermatomyositis (DM) are frequently accompanied by rapidly progressive-interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD). They are often refractory to intensive immunosuppressive therapy and have poor prognosis.

Case presentation:

A 73-year-old woman presented with fever, cold symptoms, and skin eruption for a month. She also exhibited muscle weakness on upper extremities slightly. The titer of anti-MDA5 antibody was extremely high, and computed tomography showed ground glass opacity and reticular shadows in the lungs. She was diagnosed as anti-MDA5 antibody-positive classical DM-associated RP-ILD and treated with intensive immunosuppressive therapy. However, the titer of anti-MDA5 antibody did not decrease satisfactorily, and plasma exchange was alternatively initiated. The titer decreased remarkably, and she obtained disease remission. Similarly, a 63-year-old woman presented with stiffness of the neck and hands, fever and cough. She was also diagnosed as anti-MDA5 antibody-positive classical DM-associated RP-ILD, because she had skin eruptions, slight muscle weakness, an elevation in anti-MDA5 antibody, and RP-ILD. She was unresponsive to intensive immunosuppressive therapy, but plasma exchange successfully improved the titer of anti-MDA5 antibody, the symptoms, and the findings of computed tomography.

Conclusions:

Although anti-MDA5 antibody-positive DM-associated RP-ILD has a high mortality rate, this report suggests the usefulness of plasma exchange to improve the prognosis.
Vulnerability and Resilience Embedded in Discourses: Literature, Media, and Actors’ Cultural Knowledge in German and Polish River Regions
Authors: Heimann Thorsten , Barcz Anna , Christmann Gabriela , Bembnista Kamil , Buchta-Bartodziej Petra , Michalak Anna
Published: July 2021

The sociology of knowledge approach to discourse assumes that cultural knowledge—and thus cultural spaces—are generated and shared through discourse. Actors’ shared perceptions of vulnerability and practices to create resilience should be interrelated with knowledge provided by the relevant discourses of local and historical influence. However, these assumptions have not been thoroughly examined. This study compares river-related knowledge (concerning human–river relationships: ecocentric and anthropocentric perspectives) in the German and Polish literary canons, with knowledge provided in the relevant public media and the shared knowledge of local populations in flood-prone city districts along the Odra River. It concludes that actors’ river-related knowledge interrelates with the knowledge produced by national and regional discourses and that culturally shared ideas of vulnerability and resilience are discursively embedded.
Ethical use of off-label disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis
Authors: Laurson-Doube Joanna , Rijke Nick , Helme Anne , Baneke Peer , Banwell Brenda , Viswanathan Shanthi , Hemmer Bernhard , Yamout Bassem
Published: July 2021

Background:

Off-label disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for multiple sclerosis (MS) are used in at least 89 countries. There is a need for structured and transparent evidence-based guidelines to support clinical decision-making, pharmaceutical policies and reimbursement decisions for off-label DMTs.

Objectives/Results:

The authors put forward general principles for the ethical use of off-label DMTs for treating MS and a process to assess existing evidence and develop recommendations for their use.

Conclusion:

The principles and process are endorsed by the World Federation of Neurology (WFN), American Academy of Neurology (AAN), European Academy of Neurology (EAN), Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS), European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS), Middle-East North Africa Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (MENACTRIMS) and Pan-Asian Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (PACTRIMS), and we have regularly consulted with the Brain Health Unit, Mental Health and Substance Use Department at the World Health Organization (WHO).