bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parental Alienation in U.S. Courts, 1985 to 2018
Authors: Lorandos Demosthenes
Published: April 2020

Courts have been dealing with alienating behaviors in high conflict family litigation for hundreds of years. Experts in the behavioral sciences have been writing about mothers and fathers manipulating their children to disparage the other parent for more than seventy years. But in the last two decades some social scientists and legal professionals have questioned the legitimacy of parental alienation as a concept and its admissibility in child abuse and child custody litigation. This study was designed to examine the extent to which courts in the United States have found the concept of parental alienation material, probative, relevant and admissible. Thirty‐four years of cases were found with a WESTLAW query and analyzed. Cases were selected for study only if the record reflected that a judge or an independent expert found the concept of parental alienation to be of value in the litigation. Results illustrate increasing awareness of the concept and document its admissibility in every one of the United States. The numbers, sex of the alienating parent and prevalence of significant custody changes are discussed. Limitations inherent in this form of quantitative analysis are also discussed with recommendations for future research.
Children Resisting Contact with a Parent Due to Abuse, Alienation, or Other Causes: Can a Proactive Role for Lawyers Contribute to Better Outcomes?
Authors: Campbell Jacqueline
Published: April 2020

Lawyers have a significant role to play in cases where children are resisting contact with a parent, or the family appears to be going down that path, in the context of parental alienation, family violence or other factors. These cases pose great challenges for lawyers dealing with parents, as their clients are often anxiety‐ridden, angry, scared, and may have difficulty focussing on the long‐term interests of their children or themselves. A lawyer may be one of the first professionals encountered by the parents; lawyers for parents are advocates, but they are also in a position to provide wise counsel, to help triage the situation, provide practical advice, and early, helpful solutions. This article sets out practical suggestions for lawyers acting for parents. What can and should lawyers do to ensure they are part of the solution, not part of the problem? Lawyers need to be able to identify the potential problems and provide practical help to the family – whether they are acting for the “preferred” parent, the “rejected” parent, or the involved children.
Trauma‐Informed Interventions in Parent–Child Contact Cases
Authors: Deutsch Robin , Drozd Leslie , Ajoku Chioma
Published: April 2020

Parent–child contact problems may arise in the context of high conflict separation/divorce dynamics between parents. In cases where there are parent–child contact problems and children resist or refuse contact with one of their parents, there may also be incidents of child maltreatment, intimate partner violence, or compromised parenting that can be experienced by a parent or child as traumatic. The circumstances around separation and/or post‐divorce often result in intense stress for families. In this paper we distinguish between the stressful circumstances that may arise as a result of high interparental conflict and pulls for alignment from a parent, and the real or perceived trauma as a factor which contributes to resistance or refusal of a child to have contact with a parent. Interventions to address both trauma responses and the resist‐refuse dynamics are differentiated and discussed. After screening and assessment, the intent is to treat trauma responses with short‐term, evidence‐based therapy, either before or concurrent with co‐parent and family intervention.
The Application of the Polyvagal Theory to High Conflict Co‐Parenting Cases
Authors: Bailey Rebecca , Dana Deborah , Bailey Elizabeth , Davis Frank
Published: April 2020

Families, litigants, lawyers, advisors embroiled in cases of complex divorce with child contact issues, manage many stressors at once. Participants involved with these types of cases are often exhausted and burned‐out from the long‐term battles of prolonged litigation. The inability to problem‐solve or even communicate effectively reflects the chaos and traumatic stress of the experience and can be seen as a hallmark of this population. When people are consistently stressed, there is a breakdown of communication skills that can create an immunity to receiving help from any direction. Often all parties involved appear to be both hyper‐alert to potential threat, and hyper‐reactive to one another: no one feels safe. Stephen Porges' Polyvagal Theory is premised on the idea that neuroception plays a key role in the nervous system's ability to assess danger in the environment. Neuroception is a neurophysiological response that does not involve cognitive processing. When cognitive processing is not involved, the result may lead to misinterpretation of, and an inability to accurately assess situations: executive functioning including rational thinking and communication skills are lost to physiological response. Rather than evaluating families and individuals involved in the aforementioned complex divorce cases through the lens of pathology, Polyvagal Theory explains their behavior as an adaptive stress reaction. Utilizing Polyvagal Theory offers a promising path to treatment with these families and diminishing the poor communication and the heightened emotion, assisting practitioners in understanding the impact of neurobiological response in managing stress and trauma. Applying Polyvagal Theory to court involved populations can help both litigants and practitioners recognize the role of the autonomic nervous system, providing the opportunity to understand, to self‐regulate, and to improve communication and decision making.
Do different IgG repertoires play a role in B‐ and T‐cell functional modulation during ontogeny? The “hooks without bait” theory
Authors: Victor Jefferson R
Published: April 2020

The mechanisms by which immunoglobulin (Ig)G can modulate immunity have been investigated over the past few decades. In the past three years, some studies have demonstrated that IgG can play a pivotal role in mediating complex interactions that result in functional lymphocyte modulation during maturation in self or offspring primary lymphoid organs. This effect appears to be dependent on the IgG repertoire in the absence of the influence of antigens and the functionality of diverse cell populations, including B, αβT (CD4 T and CD8 T), invariant natural killer T and γδT cells, in mice and humans. Based on the literature, especially on findings resulting from the therapeutic use of purified IgG (intravenous Ig) and recent pieces of evidence obtained by my group, the “hooks without bait” theory is described here to guide the future development of therapies for specific immune regulation.
Exposure to heat stress during flowering period reduces flower yield and pyrethrins in Pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium)
Authors: Suraweera Dilnee D. , Groom Tim , Nicolas Marc E.
Published: April 2020

Heat stress is one of the major limitations to crop productivity worldwide. Global warming effects are expected to increase the number of hot days and increase the probability and intensity of heat stress events. Short periods (3–5 days) of heat stress with maximum temperatures exceeding 35°C often occur during late spring and early summer in some pyrethrum growing regions of Australia. These heat stress events usually coincide with pyrethrum flowering period. Pyrethrum is a perennial herbaceous plant which is commercially grown for extraction of pyrethrins which accumulate in the achenes of the flowers and are used as a natural insecticide. This experiment was conducted to understand the effects of timing of short periods of heat stress on flower development and pyrethrum yield. Plants were subjected to short periods of high temperature treatments (12 hr at 35–40°C) for three consecutive days at three flower maturity stages (early, mid, late). Control plants were grown at ambient temperature (10–25°C) throughout the flowering period. Exposure of pyrethrum plants to short periods of high temperature during the flowering period caused a significant reduction in the flower and pyrethrin yield. This was associated with the reduction in flower size and accelerated flower senescence. Exposure of pyrethrum plants to heat stress significantly increased the rate of flower development resulting in a shorter flowering period. Overall, plants grown under control treatment showed slower rate of flower development and longer duration flowering period. This resulted in longer duration of pyrethrin accumulation and higher yield of pyrethrins per flower. Timing and duration of heat stress significantly influenced pyrethrin yield per flower. Heat stress caused more severe yield reductions at early flowering than later in the flowering period. Research focusing on agronomic strategies, phenology and breeding for tolerance to heat stress is therefore important to cope with future climate changes and to obtain maximum pyrethrin yield.
Tripartite motif 10 regulates cardiac hypertrophy by targeting the PTEN/AKT pathway
Authors: Yang Hui , Wang Xiao‐Xiao , Zhou Chun‐Yu , Xiao Xue , Tian Cui , Li Hui‐Hua , Yin Chun‐Lin , Wang Hong‐Xia
Published: April 2020

The pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy is tightly associated with activation of intracellular hypertrophic signalling pathways, which leads to the synthesis of various proteins. Tripartite motif 10 (TRIM10) is an E3 ligase with important functions in protein quality control. However, its role in cardiac hypertrophy was unclear. In this study, neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) and TRIM10‐knockout mice were subjected to phenylephrine (PE) stimulation or transverse aortic constriction (TAC) to induce cardiac hypertrophy in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Trim10 expression was significantly increased in hypertrophied murine hearts and PE‐stimulated NRCMs. Knockdown of TRIM10 in NRCMs alleviated PE‐induced changes in the size of cardiomyocytes and hypertrophy gene expression, whereas TRIM10 overexpression aggravated these changes. These results were further verified in TRIM10‐knockout mice. Mechanistically, we found that TRIM10 knockout or knockdown decreased AKT phosphorylation. Furthermore, we found that TRIM10 knockout or knockdown increased ubiquitination of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), which negatively regulated AKT activation. The results of this study reveal the involvement of TRIM10 in pathological cardiac hypertrophy, which may occur by prompting of PTEN ubiquitination and subsequent activation of AKT signalling. Therefore, TRIM10 may be a promising target for treatment of cardiac hypertrophy.
Effect of Ataluren on dystrophin mutations
Authors: Berger Joachim , Li Mei , Berger Silke , Meilak Michelle , Rientjes Jeanette , Currie Peter D.
Published: April 2020

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a severe muscle wasting disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene (dmd). Ataluren has been approved by the European Medicines Agency for treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Ataluren has been reported to promote ribosomal read‐through of premature stop codons, leading to restoration of full‐length dystrophin protein. However, the mechanism of Ataluren action has not been fully described. To evaluate the efficacy of Ataluren on all three premature stop codons featuring different termination strengths (UAA > UAG > UGA), novel dystrophin‐deficient zebrafish were generated. Pathological assessment of the muscle by birefringence quantification, a tool to directly measure muscle integrity, did not reveal a significant effect of Ataluren on any of the analysed dystrophin‐deficient mutants at 3 days after fertilization. Functional analysis of the musculature at 6 days after fertilization by direct measurement of the generated force revealed a significant improvement by Ataluren only for the UAA‐carrying mutant dmdta222a. Interestingly however, all other analysed dystrophin‐deficient mutants were not affected by Ataluren, including the dmdpc3 and dmdpc2 mutants that harbour weaker premature stop codons UAG and UGA, respectively. These in vivo results contradict reported in vitro data on Ataluren efficacy, suggesting that Ataluren might not promote read‐through of premature stop codons. In addition, Ataluren had no effect on dystrophin transcript levels, but mild adverse effects on wild‐type larvae were identified. Further assessment of N‐terminally truncated dystrophin opened the possibility of Ataluren promoting alternative translation codons within dystrophin, thereby potentially shifting the patient cohort applicable for Ataluren.
Building the Infrastructure for Rapid Implementation of High‐Value Home‐Care Delivery Models
Authors: Malone Michael L. , Fain Mindy J.
Published: April 2020

This editorial comments on the article by Augustine et al. in this issue.
Release rate determination from in situ gel forming PLGA implant: a novel ‘shape-controlled basket in tube’ method
Authors: Zhang Qiangnan , Fassihi Reza
Published: April 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the impact of syringe-needle assembly differences in making implants of different shapes as well as its influence on the release kinetics and investigate the release kinetics of the in situ forming implant under various release arrangements.

Methods

PLGA in situ forming implant was prepared in different shape and then subjected to in vitro release testing. Mathematical modelling was used to investigate drug release mechanisms.

Key findings

The in situ forming implant was investigated for the first time how implant shapes can affect release results. It was demonstrated that implant shape differences could lead to significant variation in the release data. Here, we addressed this issue by developing a shape-controlled method to provide a consistent surface to volume ratio and, therefore, a reliable release result. Injectability in the in vitro release was discussed for the first time. Comparisons between various release methods were also evaluated. The release arrangement was found to be of great importance in release kinetics.

Conclusions

The developed ‘shape-controlled basket in tube’ method can provide the most reproducible release profiles by minimizing implant adhesion to the release vessels or movement without sacrificing full contact between the release medium and the implant surface.
NIETZSCHE AND UNAMUNO ON CONATUS AND THE AGAPEIC WAY OF LIFE
Authors: Oya Alberto
Published: April 2020

Unamuno saw in his defense of religious faith a response to Nietzsche’s criticisms of the Christian, agapeic way of life. To Nietzsche’s claim that engaging in this way of life is something antinatural and life‐denying, insofar as it goes against the (alleged) natural tendency to increase one’s own power, Unamuno responded that an agapeic way of life is precisely a direct expression of this natural tendency. Far from being something that goes against our natural inclinations, Unamuno says, an agapeic way of life is a life‐affirming exercise, something we are led to given our own natural condition. Hence, the aim of this essay is to comment on Unamuno’s criticism of Nietzsche and to point out the philosophical relevance of Unamuno’s attempt to provide a natural foundation for religious faith when assessing Nietzsche’s criticisms of the possibility of carrying out a Christian, agapeic way of life.
Ancient GreekPhilosophiain India as a Way of Life
Authors: Moore Christopher
Published: April 2020

The Greek identification of certain Indian people asphilosophoiat the end of the fourth centurybceprovides unique information about the meaning of the termphilosophia, especially with respect to its reference to a certain kind of “way of life” (bios), at the time of its greatest maturity (at the start of the Hellenistic period). TheIndicaof Megasthenes, an ambassador to northern India after the death of Alexander, is our most important evidence; fragments from earlier works by Nearchus and Onesicritus, intellectuals in Alexander’s cortege, provide corroboration. This essay argues that late classical Greeks did largely think ofphilosophiaas a way of life.
PHILOSOPHY AS A WAY OF LIFE TODAY
Authors: Faustino Marta
Published: April 2020

This essay discusses the possibility, relevance, and pertinence of a reactivation of philosophy as a way of life today on the basis of Pierre Hadot’s account and recent scholarly approaches to the topic. In the wake of John Sellars, it regards philosophy as a way of life as a metaphilosophical option that can still be applied today. The essay starts by addressing John Cooper’s criticism of philosophy as a way of life in the contemporary philosophical landscape and shows that, against the background of the model defined by Hadot, Cooper’s objections do not apply. It then illustrates the clear expression of the model in contemporary philosophy through the particular case of Nietzsche. It concludes by outlining some of the considerations that, in the wake of Hadot, Sellars, Michael Chase, and others, might persuade researchers, teachers, and academics to embrace philosophy as a way of life in their work and lives.
Self‐prediction in practical reasoning: Its role and limits
Authors: White Stephen J.
Published: April 2020

Are predictions about how one will freely and intentionally behave in the future ever relevant to how one ought to behave? There is good reason to think they are. As imperfect agents, we have responsibilities of self‐management, which seem to require that we take account of the predictable ways we're liable to go wrong. I defend this conclusion against certain objections to the effect that incorporating predictions concerning one's voluntary conduct into one's practical reasoning amounts to evading responsibility for that conduct. There is, however, some truth to this sort of objection. To understand the legitimate role of self‐prediction in practical reasoning, we need to distinguish instances of coping responsibly with an anticipated failure to behave as one ought, on the one hand, from mere acquiescence in one's flaws, on the other. I argue that, to draw this distinction, we must recognize certain limits on the use of self‐prediction as a ground of choice.
Evolution of NLR resistance genes with noncanonical N‐terminal domains in wild tomato species
Authors: Seong Kyungyong , Seo Eunyoung , Witek Kamil , Li Meng , Staskawicz Brian
Published: April 2020

Nucleotide‐binding and leucine‐rich repeat immune receptors (NLRs) provide resistance against diverse pathogens. To create comparative NLR resources, we conducted resistance gene enrichment sequencing (RenSeq) with single‐molecule real‐time sequencing of PacBio for 18 accessions in Solanaceae, including 15 accessions of five wild tomato species.

We investigated the evolution of a class of NLRs, CNLs with extended N‐terminal sequences previously named Solanaceae Domain. Through comparative genomic analysis, we revealed that the extended CNLs (exCNLs) anciently emerged in the most recent common ancestor between Asterids and Amaranthaceae, far predating the Solanaceae family.

In tomatoes, the exCNLs display exceptional modes of evolution in a clade‐specific manner. In the clade G3, exCNLs have substantially elongated their N‐termini through tandem duplications of exon segments. In the clade G1, exCNLs have evolved through recent proliferation and sequence diversification. In the clade G6, an ancestral exCNL has lost its N‐terminal domains in the course of evolution.

Our study provides high‐quality NLR gene models for close relatives of domesticated tomatoes that can serve as a useful resource for breeding and molecular engineering for disease resistance. Our findings regarding the exCNLs offer unique backgrounds and insights for future functional studies of the NLRs.
Prosthodontic rehabilitation of head and neck cancer patients—Challenges and new developments
Authors: Vosselman Nathalie , Alberga Jamie , Witjes Max H. J. , Raghoebar Gerry M. , Reintsema Harry , Vissink Arjan , Korfage Anke
Published: April 2020

Head and neck cancer treatment can severely alter oral function and aesthetics, and reduce quality of life. The role of maxillofacial prosthodontists in multidisciplinary treatment of head and neck cancer patients is essential when it comes to oral rehabilitation and its planning. This role should preferably start on the day of first intake. Maxillofacial prosthodontists should be involved in the care pathway to shape and outline the prosthetic and dental rehabilitation in line with the reconstructive surgical options. With the progress of three‐dimensional technology, the pretreatment insight in overall prognosis and possibilities of surgical and/or prosthetic rehabilitation has tremendously increased. This increased insight has helped to improve quality of cancer care. This expert review addresses the involvement of maxillofacial prosthodontists in treatment planning, highlighting prosthodontic rehabilitation of head and neck cancer patients from start to finish.
Chromosome doubling of androgenic haploid plantlets of rice (Oryza sativa) using antimitotic compounds
Authors: Hooghvorst Isidre , Ribas Pol , Nogués Salvador
Published: April 2020

The regeneration of haploid plantlets is considered as a bottleneck in rice anther culture. In this study, an antimitotic chromosome doubling method, simple and efficient, of androgenic haploid plantlets resulted in an efficient doubled haploid obtainment. Through chromosome doubling capacity comparison of the three antimitotic compounds (colchicine, trifluralin and oryzalin), colchicine at 500 and 625 mg/L without supplementing with DMSO was found to be the best antimitotic treatment, with a chromosome doubling capacity of 40%. Furthermore, the in vitro growth of plantlets was followed to analyse the effects of antimitotic compounds. Colchicine treatments were more toxic than dinitroanilines, and colchicine DMSO‐supplemented treatments had significant lower values on shoot growth. On the other hand, dinitroaniline compounds impeded root growth, provoked helical growth of shoot and caused the apparition of white nodules in the base of the plantlet due to sprouting abortion. In this study, a protocol for doubled haploid plant recovery was established taking advantage from androgenic haploid plantlets in order to increase the number of doubled haploid plantlets produced after an anther culture protocol.
Establishing a nurse‐managed health center for the urban poor in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Lee Tae Wha , Lee Su Jeong , Kim Myeong Seon , Choi Yoona
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Despite the rise in community health problems in populations living in urban slums, activities of community health nurses are limited in Bangladesh. This study aimed to describe how a nurse‐managed health center (NMHC) was developed in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Design

An exploratory‐descriptive research design was used.

Sample and Measurements

The commitment phase was conducted to establish partnerships in the community. Involvement of community leaders and members and partnerships with various organizations were established successfully in the commitment phase. The assessment phase was completed by implementing personal interviews, community site visits, and household surveys of 172 households in the community. Action plans were developed and strategies were followed to change the community during the planning phase.

Results

Household survey results showed that community people suffered from non‐communicable diseases, risk behaviors, and inadequate housing conditions. The high‐priority community needs included nutrition and chronic management services, behavior change programs, and a clean environment. Action plans for health programs based on community needs and strategies such as securing manpower and equipment were developed.

Conclusions

The systematic process of creating a NMHC, and the necessity of the community health nurse's role in responding to health needs of the urban poor in Dhaka, Bangladesh was confirmed.
Health is not all about salads: An ethnographic study on health perceptions and health behavior among socially marginalized Danish men
Authors: Pedersen Annette , Haslund‐Thomsen Helle , Curtis Tine , Grønkjær Mette
Published: April 2020

Background

The effects of social marginalization and health are well‐documented, revealing a complex association between health perceptions and health behavior. This is especially evident among socially marginalized men.

Objective

This study aims to explore health perceptions and health behaviors influencing overall health among socially marginalized men who seem to not benefit from existing municipal health care in a large Danish municipality. These men have varying health challenges and engage in risky health behaviors, such as alcohol drinking, tobacco smoking, and lack of physical activity.

Design and sample

This was an ethnographic study including 200 hr of participant observations and 25 interviews with socially marginalized men aged 45–65.

Results

Health was perceived as related to the ability to participate in daily life activities, such as getting around effortlessly and the ability to work. Alcohol drinking appeared to be part of a complex approach in managing everyday life, including various personal physical and mental health challenges and admission to social networks.

Conclusion

Overall, the results provide important insight into how health perceptions and health behaviors are embedded in the men's everyday lives. This knowledge may be used by public health nurses and other health professionals in providing and developing health services.
Orthodontic treatment in a patient with cherubism: Benefits and limitations
Authors: Miranda Galvis Marisol , Faustino Isabel Schausltz Pereira , Ferraz Francisco Carlos , Castelli Sanchez Flavio José , Santos‐Silva Alan Roger , Lopes Marcio Ajudarte
Published: April 2020

Aim

Cherubism is an uncommon hereditary disease that leads to the development of giant cell lesions in the jaws, alterations in the dentition, and malocclusion. The biological behavior of bones to orthodontic forces in these patients is not described in the literature, leading dentists to avoid this management. The aim of this article was to describe a case report of management with orthodontics. We present details regarding clinicoradiographic features, diagnosis, treatment, and follow‐up.

Case report

A 12‐year‐old male patient diagnosed with cherubism presented to our service with complaints about his esthetic facial and dental appearance. Management was interdisciplinary, including careful and controlled orthodontic treatment. The results were satisfactory; alignment, dental leveling, and correction of the malocclusion were achieved.

Conclusion

Patients with cherubism may benefit from orthodontics, improving oral function, and esthetic and psychosocial well‐being. The orthodontic treatment might be performed according to the severity of clinical manifestation, expectations of the patients, and limitations of each case.
Roles of BdUNICULME4 and BdLAXATUM‐A in the non‐domesticated grass Brachypodium distachyon
Authors: Magne Kévin , Liu Shengbin , Massot Sophie , Dalmais Marion , Morin Halima , Sibout Richard , Bendahmane Abdelhafid , Ratet Pascal
Published: April 2020

In cultivated grasses, tillering, spike architecture and seed shattering represent major agronomical traits. In barley, maize and rice, the NOOT‐BOP‐COCH‐LIKE (NBCL) genes play important roles in development, especially in ligule development, tillering and flower identity. However, compared with dicots, the role of grass NBCL genes is underinvestigated. To better understand the role of grass NBCLs and to overcome any effects of domestication that might conceal their original functions, we studied TILLING nbcl mutants in the non‐domesticated grass Brachypodium distachyon. In B. distachyon, the NBCL genes BdUNICULME4 (CUL4) and BdLAXATUM‐A (LAXA) are orthologous, respectively, to the barley HvUniculme4 and HvLaxatum‐a, to the maize Zmtassels replace upper ears1 and Zmtassels replace upper ears2 and to the rice OsBLADE‐ON‐PETIOLE1 and OsBLADE‐ON‐PETIOLE2/3. In B. distachyon, our reverse genetics study shows that CUL4 is not essential for the establishment of the blade–sheath boundary but is necessary for the development of the ligule and auricles. We report that CUL4 also exerts a positive role in tillering and a negative role in spikelet meristem activity. On the other hand, we demonstrate that LAXA plays a negative role in tillering, positively participates in spikelet development and contributes to the control of floral organ number and identity. In this work, we functionally characterized two new NBCL genes in a context of non‐domesticated grass and highlighted original roles for grass NBCL genes that are related to important agronomical traits.
Single‐incision percutaneous drilling technique to achieve hemiepiphysiodesis of the distal metacarpus in foals with metacarpophalangeal varus deformities
Authors: Dubois Benjamin B. , Rodgerson Dwayne H.
Published: April 2020

Objective

To describe a drilling technique for hemiepiphysiodesis of the distal lateral metacarpal physis and report the outcome of treated foals.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Sample population

Eleven thoroughbred foals.

Methods

While horses were under general anesthesia, the lateral aspect of the distal metacarpal physis was approached through a single small incision by using a power drill. The drill bit was placed at the level of the physis under radiographic guidance. A 4.5‐mm drill bit was passed several times through the lateral growth plate to remove the cartilage in a fan‐like pattern. Postoperative outcomes consisted of clinical assessment and farm manager/owner satisfaction. Cosmetics and radiographic appearance of the surgical site were assessed when the horses were yearlings.

Results

The procedure was performed in 16 limbs of 11 thoroughbred foals with a median age of 113.5 days (range, 90‐129). Median age at postoperative follow‐up was 422 days (range, 366 to 452). The procedure stopped the progression of a metacarpophalangeal varus deformity in all the limbs treated, determined by visual clinical evaluation and farm manager's satisfaction with subjectively excellent radiographic images and cosmetic outcomes at yearling age.

Conclusion

Physis ablation was consistently achieved in these 11 foals with developing growth deformities of the distal metacarpus.

Clinical significance

This drilling technique may offer a minimally invasive, safe, and simple technique to manage distal limb conformation in foals without placement of implants. Additional quantitative data are required to assess its effectiveness relative to other options.
Evaluation of L7‐S1 nerve root pathology with low‐field MRI in dogs with lumbosacral foraminal stenosis
Authors: Lichtenhahn Vera , Richter Henning , Gödde Thomas , Kircher Patrick
Published: April 2020

Objective

To describe low‐field MRI findings associated with lumbosacral foraminal stenosis and radiculopathy and correlate these with clinical signs.

Study design

Retrospective study.

Animals

Client‐owned dogs (n = 240) that underwent a clinical examination and standardized MRI protocol of the lumbosacral junction.

Methods

Medical records of dogs with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis with neurological clinical evaluation and MRI of the lumbosacral junction were used to describe imaging pathologies and relate them to clinical status.

Results

In total, 480 L7 neuroforamina were evaluated. A loss of foraminal fat signal was identified in 364 of 480 neuroforamina of which 87.9% (n=320) showed also concurrent nerve root changes. Magnetic resonance imaging features of L7 radiculopathy included nerve root enlargement and hyperintensity to surrounding connective tissue in dorsal oblique gradient echo short time inversion recovery sequences and specific changes in shape, size, or position of the nerve root in transverse T1‐weighted sequences. Radiculopathy was noted as a consequence of either circumferential (entrapment) or focal (impingement) foraminal stenosis. Lateral vertebral spondylotic and intervertebral facet joint changes were the most common underlying spinal and neuroforaminal pathologies. Clinical signs were present in the ipsilateral hind leg in 85% (n = 65) of dogs with unilateral lumbosacral imaging findings.

Conclusion

A loss of foraminal fat signal was likely to be associated with L7 radiculopathy and foraminal stenosis. Unilateral lesions were generally associated with clinical signs on the ipsilateral limb.

Clinical significance

Loss of foraminal fat signal revealed by low‐field MRI should prompt the assessment of concurrent radiculopathy and underlying stenosis, and in coherence with clinical findings, when is combined with clinical findings, improves the diagnosis of lumbosacral foraminal stenosis.
Computed tomographic localization of the deepest portion of the femoral trochlear groove in healthy dogs
Authors: Nicetto Tommaso , Longo Federico , Contiero Barbara , Isola Maurizio , Petazzoni Massimo
Published: April 2020

Objective

To validate a computed tomographic (CT) method to measure the femoral trochlear groove depth (FTGD).

Study design

Cadaveric study.

Sample population

Fifteen dogs, 26 femoral trochleae.

Methods

Five points were identified from proximal to distal (proximal point [PP], P25, P50, P75, and distal point [DP]) along the trochlea via three‐dimensional volume‐rendering function on the sagittal plane and measured on multiplanar reconstruction images. Each rater repeated measurements in duplicate, unaware of the identity of the joint. The FTGD was quantitated on the anatomical specimens and statistically compared with CT measurements. Intrarater and interrater agreements were analyzed by using intraclass coefficients. Accuracy was evaluated by using either adjustedR2coefficients (R2 > 80% was considered acceptable) or Student'sttest. The ratio of the patellar and the trochlear width and the ratio of the patellar craniocaudal thickness inside the trochlear groove were calculated at three different patellar locations.

Results

Good to excellent intrarater and interrater agreements were observed in four of five trochlear points (P25, P50, P75, and DP), and accuracy was acceptable for these points (R2 > 80%). Computed tomographic measurements differed from the mean anatomical measurements at three of five points (PP, P50, and P75;P < .01), overestimating the FTGD by an overall mean of 0.18 mm (range, 0.02‐0.3). P25 and P50 were the deepest points measured.

Conclusion

Computed tomography allowed precise measurements of trochlear groove depth except for the most proximal point. The deepest trochlear points were P25 and P50. P25 was the most precise and accurate point measured, while PP was the least consistent.

Clinical significance

The deepest portion of the trochlea groove may be located between P25 and P50. Evaluation of this CT method in dogs with patellar luxation is recommended.
A Contrastive Study of Image Repair Strategies Between Chinese and English Corporate Apologies
Authors: Xu Zhanghong , Lin Shuyu
Published: April 2020

In the era of globalization, social media have become important communication tools for enterprises in crisis. Corporate apologies are issued via social media to repair the tarnished corporate image, which might affect their survival. However, the way of apologizing varies from language/culture to language/culture. This study aims to investigate how Chinese and English corporate apologies are linguistically presented and to explore how damaged corporate image in different culture is repaired respectively. Under the framework of Benoit’s image repair strategies and CCSARP, and based on quantitative and qualitative analysis of the collected data, this paper makes a contrastive study of Chinese and English corporate apologies. The results show that Chinese and English corporate apologies share great similarities in using the strategies of mortification and corrective actions, while they are different in terms of other specific tactics such as bolstering, good intentions, defeasibility and minimization. It is also found that the denial is the least used strategy by both Chinese and English corporations to repair their tarnished image. Furthermore, they are quite t similar in using IFIDs, while intensifiers and hedges are more frequently employed in Chinese corporate apologies.
Recommendation for Reforms of the Co-ordination in the UN System
Authors: Janev Igor
Published: April 2020

Within the conceptual framework of the "financial co-ordination", in the present article, we analyzes approach to the problem of program(s) and budget co-ordination within the UN system, we have proposed a new model for co-ordination which has the potential of elimination of negative effects of the present mechanism of co-ordination in the UN system. This model is based on the idea of introducing a budgetary control mechanism into the UN inter-agency system by providing the UN General Assembly with a legal power to approve the regular (administrative) budgets of UN-related agencies (by amending paragraph 3, article 17 of the UN Charter). This amendment induces greater de jure and de facto binding power in all decisions relating to the program(s) and budget co-ordination within the UN system.
Learning Nonlinear Constitutive Laws Using Neural Network Models Based on Indirectly Measurable Data
Authors: Liu Xin , Tao Fei , Du Haodong , Yu Wenbin , Xu Kailai
Published: April 2020

Artificial neural network (ANN) models are used to learn the nonlinear constitutive laws based on indirectly measurable data. The real input and output of the ANN model are derived from indirect data using a mechanical system, which is composed of several subsystems including the ANN model. As the ANN model is coupled with other subsystems, the input of the ANN model needs to be determined during the training. This approach integrates measurable data, mechanics, and ANN models so that the ANN models can be trained without direct data which is usually not available from experiments. Two examples are provided as an illustration of the proposed approach. The first example uses two-dimensional (2D) finite element (FE) analysis to train an ANN model to learn the nonlinear in-plane shear constitutive law. The second example applies a continuum damage model to train an ANN model to learn the damage accumulation law. The results show that the trained ANN models achieve great accuracy based on the proposed approach.
A Review on Nanocomposites. Part 1: Mechanical Properties
Authors: Le Bao , Khaliq Jibran , Huo Dehong , Teng Xiangyu , Shyha Islam
Published: April 2020

Micromachining of nanocomposites is deemed to be a complicated process due to the anisotropic, heterogeneous structure, and advanced mechanical properties of these materials associated with the size effects in micromachining. It leads to poorer machinability in terms of high cutting force, low surface quality, and high rate of tool wear. In part 1 of this two-part review paper, a comprehensive review on mechanical properties of various nanocomposites will be presented while the second part of the paper will focus on the micro-machinability of these nanocomposite materials.
Improvement of the RELAP5-3D Condensation Heat Transfer Model in the Presence of Noncondensable Gases
Authors: Anderson Nolan , Sabharwall Piyush
Published: April 2020

Condensation of steam on the primary side of steam generator in a pressurized water reactor is one of the means of removing decay heat during accident scenarios such as a small break loss of coolant accident. With the presence of noncondensable gases, the rate of removal of decay heat reduces, affecting the ability of the nuclear plant to remove heat in accident scenarios. Therefore, correct prediction of heat removal capability is very significant to predict the plant behavior. In this study, an analytical model is compared with a numerical solution with the use of experiments performed at University of California, Berkeley and at MIT. A modified correlation is proposed and compared to experimental observation for various noncondensable gases.
Analysis of Heat Transfer in Particle Velocity Sensor With Three-Wire Configuration
Authors: Linhui Zhu , Jienan Shen , Yibo Zeng , Hang Guo
Published: April 2020

Particle velocity sensor (PVS) plays an important role in determining the type and location of a sound source. In this presentation, the analytical model of heat transfer in the PVS with a three-wire (SHS) configuration is first presented. By comparing with the thermal diffusion, the forced convection exerts a smaller influence on the temperature distribution. Thus, variation in forced convection could induce the formation of a thermal perturbation field, and the overall temperature distribution model of a PVS is made up of a steady temperature field and a thermal perturbation field. With the derived model, the PVS with the SHS configuration has smaller thermal noise and higher signal-to-noise ratio in comparison with a two-wire (SS) configuration under the same conditions. Optimized parameters of structural design and heating power can be obtained via the presented analytical model. Also, this model presents optimal output performance and frequency-dependent characteristic curve. Numerical results are found to be in good agreement with the analytical solutions and experimental data, which verifies the correctness of analytical model and the numerical method. The study provides a basis for a theoretical and numerical analysis for the PVS in SHS configuration.
A Universal Pocket Plunge Milling Method to Decrease the Maximum Engagement Angle
Authors: Huang Nuodi , Krebs Eugen , Baumann Jonas , Wirtz Andreas , Jaeger Eva Maria , Biermann Dirk
Published: April 2020

Plunge milling has been proven to be an efficient strategy for machining of pockets with deep cavities and difficult-to-cut material. Previous work generates the plunge toolpath mainly by controlling the radial cutting width within the given value. However, uneven tool engagement angles may lead to excessive tool load and tool load fluctuations, which has a negative influence on tool life. In this study, a universal plunge milling toolpath generation method is proposed to improve tool life by decreasing the maximum tool engagement angle. A series of concentric circles with constant radius increment is utilized to generate a toolpath with constant cutting radial depth. Center of the concentric circle is determined based on the pocket contour. New detailed algorithms to generate plunge toolpath for basic cases have been developed. An automatic pocket subdivision algorithm has been developed by dividing the pocket into several subregions that are easy to be machined. Without loss of generality, the method is applicable for both open and closed pockets. It also works for pockets with and without islands inside. The method is implemented and verified successfully by machining experiments. The results provide strong evidence that the proposed method can reduce the maximum engagement angle over the entire toolpath and thus improve the tool life.
A denoising representation framework for underwater acoustic signal recognition
Authors: Zhou Xingyue , Yang Kunde
Published: April 2020

To suppress the noise interference in underwater acoustic signals for recognition, a practical denoising representation and recognition method is proposed. This algorithm first generates the multi-images between marine noise and target signal by correlation and “dropout” processing, adaptively. Second, a convolutional denoising autoencoder is designed to train the segmented multi-images in parallel to acquire denoising features. Finally, to improve the classification accuracy of random forest (RF), the weight fusion is exploited to initialize parallel RF classifier. Numerical experiments are shown that demonstrate superiority to three other methods in feature denoising and classification under underwater acoustic scenes.
Suppression of Lamb wave excitation via aperture control of a transducer array for ultrasonic clamp-on flow metering
Authors: Massaad Jack , van Neer Paul L. M. J. , van Willigen Douwe M. , Pertijs Michiel A. P. , de Jong Nicolaas , Verweij Martin D.
Published: April 2020

During ultrasonic clamp-on flow metering, Lamb waves propagating in the pipe wall may limit the measurement accuracy by introducing absolute errors in the flow estimates. Upon reception, these waves can interfere with the up and downstream waves refracting from the liquid, and disturb the measurement of the transit time difference that is used to obtain the flow speed. Thus, suppression of the generation of Lamb waves might directly increase the accuracy of a clamp-on flow meter. Existing techniques apply to flow meters with single element transducers. This paper considers the application of transducer arrays and presents a method to achieve a predefined amount of suppression of these spurious Lamb waves based on appropriate amplitude weightings of the transducer elements. Finite element simulations of an ultrasonic clamp-on flow measurement setting will be presented to show the effect of array aperture control on the suppression of the Lamb waves in a 1-mm-thick stainless steel pipe wall. Furthermore, a proof-of-principle experiment will be shown that demonstrates a good agreement with the simulations.
Listener evaluations of violins made from composites
Authors: Duerinck Tim , Verberkmoes Geerten , Fritz Claudia , Leman Marc , Nijs Luc , Kersemans Mathias , Van Paepegem Wim
Published: April 2020

For centuries, wood, and more specifically spruce, has been the material of choice for violin top plates. Lately, carbon fiber instruments have entered the market. Some studies show that composite materials have potential advantages for making instruments [Damodaran, Lessard, and Babu, Acoust. Aust. 43, 117–122 (2015)]. However, no studies exist that evaluate violins made of different composite materials as judged by listeners. For this study, six prototype violins, differing only by the material of the top plate, were manufactured in a controlled laboratory setting. The six prototype violins were judged by experienced listeners in two double-blind experiments. In contrast to popular opinion that violins made from carbon have or lack a specific sound quality, the study provides insights in the diverse sounds and timbres violins from fiber-reinforced polymers can create. It allows an investigation of the links between the perception and the variations in material properties of the soundboards. Additionally, as neither players nor listeners are acquainted with these instruments, these results provide an interesting view on what type of qualities of violin-like sounds are preferred by listeners.
Hitching a ride on a cough?
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: April 2020

A component of
M. tuberculosis
activates nociceptor neurons to induce coughing.
Novel Insights and Features of the NDM-5-Producing Escherichia coli Sequence Type 167 High-Risk Clone
Authors: Garcia-Fernandez Aurora , Villa Laura , Bibbolino Giulia , Bressan Alessia , Trancassini Maria , Pietropaolo Valeria , Venditti Mario , Antonelli Guido , Carattoli Alessandra
Published: April 2020

Global dissemination of some
E. coli
high-risk clones has been described in the last decades. The most widespread was the ST131 clone, associated with extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase (ESBL) production. Genomics of ST131 demonstrated that one clade within the ST emerged in the early 2000s, followed by a rapid, global expansion. The
E. coli
ST167 clone is emerging throughout the world, being frequently reported for its association with carbapenem resistance. Our study shows that virulence features are differently represented within the ST167 population. One clade shows the K48 capsular synthesis gene cluster of
K. pneumoniae
, not previously described for
E. coli
, and is populated by NDM-5-producing strains. The combination of resistance and virulence may sustain the global expansion of this specific ST167 clade.