bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mobile Interventional Stroke Team Model Improves Early Outcomes in Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke
Authors: Morey Jacob R. , Oxley Thomas J. , Wei Daniel , Kellner Christopher P. , Dangayach Neha S. , Stein Laura , Hom Danny , Wheelwright Danielle , Rubenstein Liorah , Skliut Maryna , Shoirah Hazem , De Leacy Reade A. , Singh I. Paul , Zhang Xiangnan , Persaud Steven , Tuhrim Stanley , Dhamoon Mandip , Bederson Joshua , Mocco J , Fifi Johanna T. , Boniece Irene R. , Brockington Carolyn D. , Fara Michael , Hao Qing , Horowitz Deborah R. , Lay Cappi , Liang John , Nasrallah E. John , Roche Tara , Sheinart Kara F. , Paul Singh Inder , Tegtmeyer Christopher , Weinberger Jesse
Published: November 2020

Background and Purpose:

Triage of patients with emergent large vessel occlusion stroke to primary stroke centers followed by transfer to comprehensive stroke centers leads to increased time to endovascular therapy. A Mobile Interventional Stroke Team (MIST) provides an alternative model by transferring a MIST to a Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center (TSC) to perform endovascular therapy. Our aim is to determine whether the MIST model is more time-efficient and leads to improved clinical outcomes compared with standard drip-and-ship (DS) and mothership models.

Methods:

This is a prospective observational cohort study with 3-month follow-up between June 2016 and December 2018 at a multicenter health system, consisting of one comprehensive stroke center, 4 TSCs, and several primary stroke centers. A total of 228 of 373 patients received endovascular therapy via 1 of 4 models: mothership with patient presentation to a comprehensive stroke center, DS with patient transfer from primary stroke center or TSC to comprehensive stroke center, MIST with patient presentation to TSC and MIST transfer, or a combination of DS with patient transfer from primary stroke center to TSC and MIST. The prespecified primary end point was initial door-to-recanalization time and secondary end points measured additional time intervals and clinical outcomes at discharge and 3 months.

Results:

MIST had a faster mean initial door-to-recanalization time than DS by 83 minutes (
P
<0.01). MIST and mothership had similar median door-to-recanalization times of 192 minutes and 179 minutes, respectively (
P
=0.83). A greater proportion had a complete recovery (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale of 0 or 1) at discharge in MIST compared with DS (37.9% versus 16.7%;
P
<0.01). MIST had 52.8% of patients with modified Rankin Scale of ≤2 at 3 months compared with 38.9% in DS (
P
=0.10).

Conclusions:

MIST led to significantly faster initial door-to-recanalization times compared with DS, which was comparable to mothership. This decrease in time has translated into improved short-term outcomes and a trend towards improved long-term outcomes.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT03048292.
Andersoniodoxa, a replacement name for Andersoniella (Malpighiaceae)

Authors: DAVIS CHARLES C. , MARINHO LUCAS C. , AMORIM ANDRÉ M.
Published: November 2020

Subsequent to our recent publication honoring William R. Anderson (Davis et al., 2020), we discovered the publication of an obscure monotypic genus of algae, Andersoniella F. Schmitz (1897: 520), that is nowadays recognized as a synonym of Leptocladia J.Agardh (1892: 95) (Schneider & Wynne, 2007). This immediately rendered our name a later homonym at the time of its publication (Turland et al., 2018). We are correcting this misstep here by recognizing the replacement name Andersoniodoxa, meaning “the glory of Anderson”. See our recent description of Andersoniella for further details on the character diagnosis of this genus, illustrations, key for identification, its phylogeny, and representative specimens (including types) (Davis et al., 2020).
Two new Atemnus species (Pseudoscorpiones: Atemnidae) from Xinjiang, China
Authors: ZHAO LINGCHEN , GAO ZHIZHONG , ZHANG FENG
Published: November 2020

Two new species of the genus Atemnus Canestrini, 1884 are reported from China: A. hamiensis sp. nov. and A. niger sp. nov. A key to all known species of Atemnus is provided.
Two new species of Neohydatothrips John (Thysanoptera, Thripidae) from Japan, with a record of micropterous N. elaeagni (Kudo)
Authors: MASUMOTO MASAMI , OKAJIMA SHÛJI
Published: November 2020

Neohydatothrips bicolor sp. n. and N. fascipennis sp. n. are described from Japan, and the micropterous female of N. elaeagni (Kudo) is newly recorded. An identification key is provided to the 10 Neohydatothrips species known from Japan.
Caroperla brevihamata (Plecoptera: Perlidae), a new stonefly species from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of southern China
Authors: MO RAORAO , LIU HONG , LIAO DEBAO , WANG GUOQUAN , LI WEIHAI
Published: November 2020

A new species of the genus Caroperla Kohno, 1946, C. brevihamata Mo, Wang & Li, sp. nov., is described from the Huaping National Nature Reserve of northeastern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of southern, China. The relationships based on morphological characteristics of the new species and related species are discussed.
How Reliable Are Decadal Climate Predictions of Near-Surface Air Temperature?
Authors: Verfaillie Deborah , Doblas-Reyes Francisco J. , Donat Markus G. , Pérez-Zanón Núria , Solaraju-Murali Balakrishnan , Torralba Verónica , Wild Simon
Published: November 2020

Decadal climate predictions are being increasingly used by stakeholders interested in the evolution of climate over the coming decade. However, investigating the added value of those initialized decadal predictions over other sources of information typically used by stakeholders generally relies on forecast accuracy, while probabilistic aspects, although crucial to users, are often overlooked. In this study, the quality of the near-surface air temperature from initialized predictions has been assessed in terms of reliability, an essential characteristic of climate simulation ensembles, and compared to the reliability of noninitialized simulations performed with the same model ensembles. Here, reliability is defined as the capability to obtain a true estimate of the forecast uncertainty from the ensemble spread. We show the limited added value of initialization in terms of reliability, the initialized predictions being significantly more reliable than their noninitialized counterparts only for specific regions and the first forecast year. By analyzing reliability for different forecast system ensembles, we further highlight the fact that the combination of models seems to play a more important role than the ensemble size of each individual forecast system. This is due to sampling different model errors related to model physics, numerics, and initialization approaches involved in the multimodel, allowing for a certain level of error compensation. Finally, this study demonstrates that all forecast system ensembles are affected by systematic biases and dispersion errors that affect the reliability. This set of errors makes bias correction and calibration necessary to obtain reliable estimates of forecast probabilities that can be useful to stakeholders.
Health Care System-Wide Analysis Identifies High Radiation Use Factors and Behaviors in Surgery
Authors: Kiang Sharon C. , Huh Austin S. , Davis Jessica R. , Abou-Zamzam Ahmed M. , Tomihama Roger T.
Published: November 2020

Objective

Usage of radiation among various surgical specialists has not been comprehensively evaluated. A systems-based analysis evaluating intraoperative radiation can help identify high use factors and dose reduction behaviors leading to quality improvement initiatives.

Methods

A retrospective review of all operative fluoroscopic-guided procedures from 2010 to 2017 from 4 hospitals in a tertiary academic health care system was performed.

Results

One thousand two hundred fifty-two cases were analyzed, and notable trends in metrics including type of equipment, procedures, surgical field, surgical specialty, and dose reduction techniques were demonstrated. Higher radiation exposures were correlated with fixed vs. mobile C-arm usage (1229 mGy vs. 331 mGy, P = .001), abdominal/pelvic procedures (429.2 mGy vs. 274.0 mGy, P = .002), and embolization (2450.6 mGy vs. 328.2 mGy, P = .019). Vascular surgery averaged 40 times higher radiation exposure per patient than other specialties (613.3 mGy vs. 15.6 mGy, P = .001). Notably, vascular surgeons utilized dose reduction techniques less frequently than urology (21.5% vs. 70%, P = .001) but more than neurosurgery and orthopedics (21.5% vs. 1.3% and 0%, P = .001, respectively).

Conclusions

A system-wide health care analysis identified vascular surgery procedures, use of a fixed C-arm, abdominal/pelvic procedures, and embolization cases as having the highest radiation exposure. These data can serve as baseline information for future quality improvement initiatives regarding fluoroscopy usage by surgeons.
Presentation Feedback as an Indigenous methodology
Authors: Woodroffe Tracy
Published: November 2020

This article explains Presentation Feedback as a potential Indigenous methodology realised during a research study. Presentation Feedback methodology involves a three-step method and is considered complementary to other methodologies such as Indigenous women’s standpoint theory and shared epistemology and is explained in this article as culture-specific, adding to the existing knowledge in the field of Indigenous ways of knowing. The Presentation Feedback methodology emerging from the research study helped the Indigenous researcher to utilise an Indigenous lens for more effective communication in the presentation of research concepts and themes at different stages of the research process. The researcher used the feedback from Indigenous audience members to reflect on concepts in and progression of the research. The impact was positive and helped the project gain momentum through Indigenous community support.
The Calculus and Quotients of Social Illiteracy: Equations of Race, Responsibility & Critical-Ethical Literacy in Schools
Authors: Rand J. Kalonji
Published: November 2020

Should students in public schools learn to think critically about racial (in)justice and social (in)equity? The results of a recent mixed methods survey for educators revealed that a significant number of teachers did not believe they were responsible for helping their students develop the skills to critically analyze and respond to social injustice. Quantitative data showed that most of the educators who responded unfavorably, self-identified as “White” teachers of mostly White students; while most of the White teachers of mostly African American students held the opposite belief. Qualitative data provided some context for the rationales informing the divergent beliefs of these White teachers. Utilizing a combination of grounded theory and coding methods, I explore, illustrate, and analyze the responses of both sets of White teachers in an effort to illuminate and contextualize their articulated beliefs. Then, I interrogate the findings in light of their emergence along racial strata, using insights from scholarship in Critical Whiteness Studies and Critical Literacy/Pedagogy. Then I discuss their implications with reference to Robert Starratt’s “Virtue of Responsibility” and current theories of antiracist education. I conclude with a call for improving the educational experiences and societal outcomes of all students by naming and disrupting social illiteracy, championing critical-ethical literacy and encouraging an antiracist ethos.
Do White People See Variation in Black Skin Tones? Reexamining a Purported Outgroup Homogeneity Effect
Authors: Hannon Lance , Keith Verna M. , DeFina Robert , Campbell Mary E.
Published: November 2020

Previous research has reported that white survey interviewers remember black respondents’ skin tones in a much narrower range than recollections by black interviewers. This finding has been used to suggest that, in line with the one-drop rule, whites do not perceive meaningful differences between light- and dark-skinned black people. The authors reanalyze evidence thought to demonstrate relative homogeneity in white interviewers’ evaluation of black skin tones. In contrast to previous studies, this examination of several data sources reveals significant heterogeneity in the ratings assigned by white interviewers when taking into account the ordinal nature of the skin tone measures. The results are consistent with theories of social cognition that emphasize that beyond formal racial classification schemes, skin tone is used to implicitly categorize others along a continuum of “blackness.” The findings also align with research suggesting that rather than nullifying within-race skin tone, increases in white racism intensify white colorism.
Economic Perspectives on Setting up and Running Telepsychiatry Services in India
Authors: Dewani Khushboo , Basavarajappa Chethan , Gowda Guru S , Gowda Mahesh , Srinivasa Preeti , Muthyalappa Chandrashekar , Kumar Channaveerachari N , Manjunatha Narayana , Vohra Sandeep , Math Suresh B
Published: November 2020

Background:

Telemedicine Practice Guidelines, 2020 and Telepsychiatry Operational Guidelines, 2020 can be potential game changers in the practice of medicine in India. They provide legal grounds for the practice of telemedicine. The economics of setting up and running telepsychiatry services vis-à-vis in-person services in India is discussed in this paper to aid the practitioners in understanding the costs involved in each of these modalities.

Methods:

Costs for various hardware, software, real estate, and human resources are collated from various sources. Telepsychiatry vs. in-person setup is compared for the costs involved.

Results:

Telepsychiatry consultation will cost much lesser to that of in-person consultation.

Conclusions:

Telepsychiatry is an economically viable option. There are many benefits and hurdles in telepsychiatry practice. It is a step towards providing psychiatric services at the doorstep in compliance with the Mental Healthcare Act 2017, upholding the rights of persons with mental illness. It will benefit the practitioner, the patient, and the society.
Language, Psychology, and New New Media: The Hyperpersonal Model of Mediated Communication at Twenty-Five Years
Authors: Walther Joseph B. , Whitty Monica T.
Published: November 2020

Research on the hyperpersonal model originally described how the substitution of language for nonverbal cues, necessitated by text-based computer-mediated communication systems, transforms users’ reception, self-presentation, composition, and reciprocal reinforcement of messages in ways that create socially desirable relationships online. This article reviews the model after 25 years. It explicates the original model and mentions a sample of illustrative findings. It reflects on the state of internet diffusion and research traditions in the 1990s that affected the model’s original focus, and how these conditions have changed. It enumerates contexts that continue to meet the model’s original boundary assumptions, and some boundary expansions. It explores ways in which the model’s principles extend into contemporary multi-modal social media. It illustrates the evolutionary applicability of the model through cases of deceptive online romances, including contemporary online romance scams. It concludes by suggesting future research examining how many contemporary social media performances and responses comport with and illustrate the model’s tenets, at scale.
Satisfaction and needs of pharmacists in prescription-checking training: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Cheng Wei , Wang Chen , Ma Jing , Ji Wen , Yang Xiangli , Wu Bei , Hou Ruigang
Published: November 2020

Objective

Prescription checking is becoming increasingly prevalent in medical institutions. However, the prescription-checking ability of pharmacists requires improvement. The study aim was to explore the main aspects of prescription-checking training and provide an empirical reference for the training of pharmacists in medical institutions.

Methods

Participants were pharmacists willing to complete a Likert questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to examine percentages and composition ratios. The chi-square test and exploratory factor analysis were used for inferential analysis.

Results

The questionnaire showed good internal consistency reliability and validity. A total of 90% of participants were satisfied with the training. Exploratory factor analysis extracted three satisfaction dimensions: training organization, teaching method, and knowledge consolidation and assessment. The average examination score for the 20 courses was 89.21/100. Regarding trainee needs, 94.66% preferred face-to-face lectures, 89.33% expected high professional skills of the lecturers and 62.67% believed that clinical expertise was highly desirable.

Conclusions

There was a high demand for prescription-checking training among pharmacists. Trainees in this study showed high satisfaction. The most important aspects of prescription-checking training were training organization and knowledge consolidation and assessment. It is recommended that training should be stratified. Pharmacists preferred face-to-face and interactive lectures as a supplement to clinical knowledge.
Stroke survivors’ experiences and perceptions of post-stroke fatigue education in the subacute phase of stroke. The FASE qualitative study
Authors: Elizabeth Tremayne Julie , Freeman Jennifer , Coppola Ali
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Post-stroke fatigue significantly impacts stroke survivors’ rehabilitation, morbidity and quality of life. The evidence-base of post-stroke fatigue education is scarce and inconsistently translated to practice. Research is necessary to understand the current provision, impact and perceptions of post-stroke fatigue education from the stroke survivor’s perspective. The aim of this study is to develop an understanding of stroke survivors’ current experiences and perceptions of fatigue and the role of post-stroke fatigue education in subacute stroke.

Methods

A United Kingdom-based qualitative inquiry using semi-structured interviews involving 10 participants who had experienced subacute stroke was conducted using thematic data analysis.

Findings

The overarching theme of acceptance and adaptation reflected possible mechanisms in how stroke survivors manage post-stroke fatigue. Theme one highlighted the individual and diverse nature of post-stroke fatigue. Theme two, the variability of stroke survivors’ current experiences, reflected variability in content and context of post-stroke fatigue education. Theme three, the role of stroke services, described perceived responsibility and ability of stroke services to provide post-stroke fatigue education.

Conclusions

Post-stroke fatigue education is variable in practice. The results suggest further investigation of a stroke pathway approach for post-stroke fatigue education, involving core aspects suitable for a spectrum of stroke survivors with additional components tailored to individual needs.
Comparison of Ligament Isometry and Patellofemoral Contact Pressures for Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction Techniques in Skeletally Immature Patients
Authors: Black Sheena R. , Meyers Kathleen N. , Nguyen Joseph T. , Green Daniel W. , Brady Jacqueline M. , Maher Suzanne A. , Shubin Stein Beth E.
Published: November 2020

Background:

Adult medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction techniques are not appropriate for the skeletally immature patient given the proximity of the distal femoral physis. Biomechanical consequences of reconstructions aimed at avoiding the physis have not been adequately studied.

Purpose:

To quantify the biomechanical effects of MPFL reconstruction techniques intended for skeletally immature patients.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study

Methods:

Four MPFL reconstruction techniques were evaluated using a computationally augmented cadaveric model: (1) Schoettle point: adult-type reconstruction; (2) epiphyseal: socket distal to the femoral physis; (3) adductor sling: graft wrapped around the adductor tendon; (4) adductor transfer: adductor tendon transferred to patella. A custom testing frame was used to cycle 8 knees for each technique from 10° to 110° of flexion. Patellofemoral kinematics were recorded using a motion camera system, contact stresses were recorded using Tekscan pressure sensors, and MPFL length was computed using an inverse kinematics computational model. Change in MPFL length, patellar facet forces, and patellar kinematics were compared using generalized estimating equation modeling.

Results:

Schoettle point reconstruction was the most isometric, demonstrating isometry from 10° to 100°. The epiphyseal technique was isometric until 60°, after which the graft loosened with increasing flexion. The adductor sling and adductor transfer techniques were significantly more anisometric from 40° to 110°. Both grafts tightened with knee flexion and resulted in significantly more lateral patellar tilt versus the intact state in early flexion and significantly higher contact forces on the medial facet versus the epiphyseal technique in late flexion.

Conclusion:

In this cadaveric simulation, the epiphyseal technique allowed for a more isometric ligament until midflexion, when the patella engaged within the trochlear groove. The adductor sling and adductor transfer grafts became tighter in flexion, resulting in potential loss of motion, pain, graft stretching, and failure. Marginal between-condition differences in patellofemoral contact mechanics and patellar kinematics were observed in late flexion.

Clinical Relevance:

In the skeletally immature patient, using an epiphyseal type MPFL reconstruction with the femoral attachment site distal to the physis results in a more isometric graft compared with techniques with attachment sites proximal to the physis.
Impact cérébral structurel et fonctionnel de la Clozapine chez les patients souffrant de schizophrénie : revue systématique des études longitudinales en neuroimagerie
Authors: Vandevelde Anaïs , Métivier Lucie , Dollfus Sonia
Published: November 2020

Objectif :

L’objectif de cette revue est d’identifier les corrélats anatomo-fonctionnels cérébraux lors d’un traitement par clozapine (CLZ) ainsi que les marqueurs anatomo-fonctionnels prédictifs de la réponse à la CLZ.

Méthodes :

Nous avons réalisé une revue systématique de la littérature avec les bases de données MEDLINE et Web of Science afin d’identifier et d’examiner toutes les études longitudinales en neuroimagerie investiguant l’impact cérébral de la CLZ.

Résultats :

30 études ont été incluses et analysées. La CLZ induit une diminution du volume et de la perfusion dans les noyaux gris centraux chez les patients répondeurs. Un plus grand volume de substance grise et perfusion dans ces structures avant l’instauration de la CLZ étaient associés à une meilleure réponse au traitement. La diminution de volume et de perfusion au niveau du cortex préfrontal (CPF) est observée malgré l’instauration de CLZ mais de façon moins importante chez les patients sous CLZ que chez les patients sous antipsychotiques typiques. Un plus grand volume au niveau du CPF avant l’instauration de la CLZ est associé à une meilleure réponse clinique dans la majorité des études. Enfin, la CLZ semble induire une réduction des altérations au niveau de la substance blanche.

Conclusion :

Les corrélats anatomo-fonctionnels de la CLZ différent de ceux des autres antipsychotiques avec une action spécifique de la CLZ au niveau des ganglions de la base et du CPF pouvant participer à sa supériorité en termes de réponse clinique. Plusieurs données cliniques et d’imagerie conduisent à l’hypothèse d’un meilleur pronostic associé à une instauration plus rapide de la CLZ.
Bridging the low-velocity impact energy versus impact damage and residual compression strength for composite laminates
Authors: Zhang Di , Zheng Xitao , Zhou Jin , Zhang Wenxuan
Published: November 2020

A finite element (FE) model based on fiber kinking and a transversal fracture angle damage model with cohesive elements are proposed to simulate the low-velocity impact (LVI) and compression after impact (CAI), and build a relationship between LVI energy and CAI strength of composites. The proposed FE model is validated by a comprehensive experimental work conducted using a high strength carbon fiber/epoxy material system i.e. CCF300/BA9916II and underwent LVI and CAI experimentation.  The relative errors between numerical and experimental results of LVI damage area, maximum impact force, impact time, as well as CAI strength are less than 5%. The FE analysis results of LVI show that the dominant damage mode is delamination, and the CAI results demonstrate a brittle behavior with almost no loss of stiffness before failure. It is further deduced that the relationship of LVI energy and damage induced is directly proportional initially; however, after a threshold level of impact energy, the curve turns horizontal so that the increase in further impact energy does not increase the damage area substantially. A similar relationship is developed between impact energy and CAI strength.
The Effect of Educational Games on Learning Outcomes, Student Motivation, Engagement and Satisfaction
Authors: Yu Zhonggen , Gao Mingle , Wang Lifei
Published: November 2020

While educational games have been increasingly popular in education, insufficient studies have comprehensively reviewed their effectiveness. To complement this missing link, this study explored game-based learning outcomes including academic achievements, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities, knowledge, learning efficiency, skills, student attitudes, and behaviors. Both negative and positive effects of educational games on motivation were also explored based on comprehensive literature analysis. The role of engagement in game-based learning was studied, coupled with the ways to enhance student engagement. We also explored the importance of gamified components in student satisfaction and provided constructive suggestions for designers and practitioners. Future research should highlight learning analytics and data mining techniques of educational game-based learning and try to find out solutions to address various problems to improve the effectiveness of educational games.
A New Student Modeling Technique With Convolutional Neural Networks: LearnerPrints
Authors: Aydoğdu Şeyhmus
Published: November 2020

Student modeling is one of the most important processes in adaptive systems. Although learning is individual, a model can be created based on patterns in student behavior. Since a student model can be created for more than one student, the use of machine learning techniques in student modeling is increasing. Artificial neural networks (ANNs), which form one group of machine learning techniques, are among the methods most frequently used in learning environments. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs), which are specific types of these networks, are used effectively for complex problems such as image processing, computer vision and speech recognition. In this study, a student model was created using a CNN due to the complexity of the learning process, and the performance of the model was examined. The student modeling technique used was named LearnerPrints. The navigation data of the students in a learning management system were used to construct the model. Training and test data were used to analyze the performance of the model. The classification results showed that CNNs can be used effectively for student modeling. The modeling was based on the students’ achievement and used the students’ data from the learning management system. The study found that the LearnerPrints technique classified students with an accuracy of over 80%.
Scientific Mapping of Social Media in Education: A Decade of Exponential Growth
Authors: Barrot Jessie S.
Published: November 2020

Given the increasing number of research on social media for educational purposes, few studies have examined the scientific literature in this field of interest. However, reviews that comprehensively mapped this research landscape in a broader view remain very limited. It is on this premise that the current study identifies the growth trajectory, distribution, and topical foci of scientific literature on social media in education published between 2007 and 2019. A total of 2,215 documents from Scopus-indexed journals were analysed. Using a bibliometric approach, the findings show a steady growth of scientific output and citations and the expansion of the topical foci in the past decade. Of the 15 examined social media platforms, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have attracted the greatest attention, while the rest remained underexplored or unexplored. The popularity of certain platforms among scholars was attributed to three factors: the number of active users, the pedagogical affordances, and the geographical scope. Implications for future studies are discussed.
Photoreceptor Degeneration in Homozygous Male Per2luc Mice During Aging
Authors: Goyal Varunika , DeVera Christopher , Baba Kenkichi , Sellers Jana , Chrenek Micah A. , Iuvone P. Michael , Tosini Gianluca
Published: November 2020

The Per2luc mouse model developed by Takahashi laboratory is one of the most powerful models to study circadian rhythms in real time. In this study, we report that photoreceptors degenerate in male Per2luc mice during aging. Young (2.5- to 5-month-old) and aged (11- to 13.5-month-old) homozygous male Per2luc mice and C57BL/6J mice were used for this study. Retina structure and function were investigated via spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), fundus imaging, and electroretinography (ERG). Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) immunofluorescence was used to analyze the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) morphology. Fundus examination revealed no difference between young Per2luc and wild-type (WT) mice. However, the fundus of aged Per2luc mice showed white deposits, suggestive of age-related drusen-like formation or microglia, which were absent in age-matched WT mice. No differences in retinal structure and function were observed between young Per2luc and WT mice. However, with age, Per2luc mice showed a significant reduction in total retinal thickness with respect to C57BL/6J mice. The reduction was mostly confined to the photoreceptor layer. Consistent with these results, we observed a significant decrease in the amplitude of a- and b-waves of the ERG in aged Per2luc mice. Analysis of the RPE morphology revealed that in aged Per2luc mice there was an increase in compactness and eccentricity with a decrease in solidity with respect to the values observed in WT, pointing toward signs of aging in the RPE of Per2luc mice. Our data demonstrate that homozygous Per2luc mice show photoreceptor degeneration during aging and a premature aging of the RPE.
How Are They Doing? Neurodevelopmental Outcomes at School Age of Children Born Following Assisted Reproductive Treatments
Authors: Farhi Adel , Glasser Saralee , Gabis Lidia V. , Hirsh-Yechezkel Galit , Frank Shay , Brinton Louise , Scoccia Bert , Ron-El Raphael , Orvieto Raoul , Lerner-Geva Liat
Published: November 2020

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to assess major neurodevelopmental aspects of children conceived by assisted reproductive treatments compared to spontaneously conceived children during the early school years.

Material & Methods:

In this follow-up study, mothers of 358 children born following assisted reproductive treatments and 401 spontaneously-conceived children were interviewed by telephone regarding their children’s health and development, when the children were 7-8 years old. The main outcomes were maternal responses to 4 questionnaires: Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire, Short Sensory Profile, Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire, and the Attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) Child Symptom Inventory-4 subscale. Mothers reported diagnoses of ADHD and autism spectrum disorder.

Results:

No significant differences were found between the groups in Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire or Short Sensory Profile scores upon univariate or multivariable analyses. There was a slightly higher but nonsignificant rate of diagnosed ADHD among children in the assisted reproductive treatment group (9.6% vs 5.5%; P = .18); on multivariable analysis, a nonsignificant increase in ADHD was also found for assisted reproductive treatment children (hazard ratio 1.45, 95% confidence interval 0.81-2.61). Regarding the Child Symptom Inventory-4 criteria for ADHD among the children who had never been diagnosed, there was also a slightly higher but nonsignificant rate among the assisted reproductive treatments compared to spontaneously-conceived children on univariate (2.4% vs 1.8%; P = .50) and multivariable analysis (odds ratio 0.88, 95% confidence interval 0.27-2.86). Autism spectrum disorder diagnosis or Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire scores were not significantly different; however, 5 of the 6 children with autism spectrum disorder diagnoses were in the assisted reproductive treatment group.

Conclusions:

Neurodevelopmental measures were similar in both groups, although nonconclusive regarding ADHD and autism spectrum disorder risk. These findings contribute to the knowledge regarding long-term assisted reproductive treatment outcomes.
A Longer Route to the PICU Can Lead to a Longer Stay in the PICU: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Tripathi Sandeep , Meixsell Logan J. , Astle Michele , Kim Minchul , Kapileshwar Yamini , Hassan Nabil
Published: November 2020

Introduction:

Admission to the pediatric ICU versus general pediatric floor for patients is a significant triage decision for emergency department physicians. Escalation of care within 24 hours of hospital admission is considered as a quality metric for pediatric E.R. There exists, however, a lack of data to show that such escalation leads to a poor outcome.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was conducted to compare outcomes of patients who required escalation of care within 24 hours of hospital admission to the pediatric ICU (cases) from 01/01 2015 to 02/28 2019 with those who were directly admitted from emergency department to the PICU (controls). A total of 327 cases were compared to 931 controls. Univariate and multivariable regression analysis was done to compare the length of stay and mortality data.

Results:

Patients who required escalation of care were significantly younger (median age 1.9 years compared to 4.6 years for controls) and had lower severity of illness score (PIM 3). Cases had a much higher proportion of respiratory diagnosis. ICU length of stay, hospital length of stay and the direct cost was significantly higher for cases compared to controls. This difference persisted for all age groups and respiratory diagnosis. The cost of care, however, was only different for 1-5 years and >5 years age groups. The difference in ICU length of stay (Δ11.1%) and hospital length of stay (Δ7.8%) persisted on multivariate regression analysis after controlling for age, sex, PIM3 score, and diagnostic variables. There was no difference in mortality on the univariate or multivariate analysis between the 2 groups.

Conclusions:

Patients who required escalation of care within 24 hours of hospital admissions have more prolonged ICU and hospital stay and potentially increased cost of care. This measure should be considered while making patient disposition decisions in the emergency department.
Numerical investigation on vibration and pressure fluctuation characteristics in a centrifugal pump under low flow rate
Authors: Wang Like , Lu Jinling , Liao Weili , Guo Pengcheng , Zhu Guojun , Luo Xingqi
Published: November 2020

Vibration characteristic is an important factor in evaluating operation stability of centrifugal pump. The vibration of main shaft was measured using a laser vibrometer, internal flow field was simulated via the shear stress transport turbulence model, and distribution law of vibration and pressure fluctuation in the impeller were analysed to explore the induction factor of vibration and the inherent relationship with pressure fluctuation in a semi-open centrifugal pump under low flow rate condition. Results of the numerical simulation are consistent with the experimental data. In addition to rotation frequency caused by impeller rotation, vibration frequency also includes characteristic frequency with high amplitude induced by unstable flow. The complex vortex in the impeller is composed of tip leakage vortex (TLV), reverse flow vortex, passage vortex and tip separation vortex. The primary tip leakage vortex (PTLV) formed by the streamline spills from 0 to 0.2λ where λ is the dimensionless distance from leading edge to trailing edge collides with tip leakage flow, the leading edge overflow and reverse flow vortex at the frequency of 1.6 fn ( fn is the rotating frequency) and 2.2 fn appear, respectively. The tip separation vortex formed in the tip clearance induced a frequency of 1.2 fn. The frequency of unstable flow phenomenon was consistent with the vibration frequency of main shaft, which induced the vibration of centrifugal pump.
Inverse thermal modeling and experimental validation for breast tumor detection by using highly personalized surface thermal patterns and geometry of the breast
Authors: Mukhmetov O , Mashekova A , Zhao Y , Ng EYK , Midlenko A , Fok S , Teh S.L
Published: November 2020

Infrared (IR) Thermography is currently a supplementary technique for breast cancer diagnosis. There have been studies using IR thermography and numerical modeling in an attempt to detect tumor inside the breast. Most of these studies focused on either the “forward modeling” problem or only used idealized or population-averaged patients’ data, whereas identification of the tumor inside the breast based on the thermal pattern is an “inverse modeling” problem dependent on personalized information of the patient. Inverse modeling is based on the idea that the surface thermal pattern of the breast can be used to determine the tumor features based on physical and physiological principles. The current study aims to develop a well-validated inverse thermal modeling framework that could be used to determine the depth and size of tumor inside a breast based on personalized patients’ breast data, such as thermogram and 3D geometry using efficient design optimization techniques and Finite Element Modeling (FEM) to support the process. The numerical modeling was validated by the experiments, conducted using artificial breasts. Results show that although DIRECT Optimization method can be employed to find the depth and size of the tumor with good accuracy, the technique can be very time consuming. On the other hand, Response Surface Optimization method is also able to find the depth and size of the tumor with less accuracy but faster when compared with DIRECT Optimization. The last method tested, Nelder-Mead method, failed to detect the tumor. The study concludes that Response Surface Optimization method should be used first, and after the range of parameters are found, the DIRECT optimization method can be applied for more accurate results. However the GA method was found to be the only viable and efficient design optimization method for reverse modeling when blood perfusion was adopted in the breast model and many parameters were searched for with patient specific data input for breast tumor diagnosis.
Bending collapse of treble rectangular thin-walled tubes and its application in conceptual design for automobile crashworthiness
Authors: Li Zhaokai , Tian Yuxing , Bai Jiantao , Zuo Wenjie
Published: November 2020

The aluminium profiles of treble rectangular thin-walled tubes (TRTWT) manufactured by extrusion processes are extensively applied in energy absorption structures of automobile due to the high crashworthiness and stiffness-to-mass ratio. Therefore, this paper investigates the bending collapse characteristics of the TRTWT and its application in conceptual design for automobile crashworthiness. Firstly, the bending collapse behaviours of the TRTWT are obtained through experimental method. Then, the analytical expressions for the bending collapse characteristics are derived in detail by using the global energy equilibrium theory, which are validated by comparing with experimental and numerical results. Furthermore, the bending collapse characteristics are applied in the simplified model to conduct crashworthiness analysis and optimization for the conceptual design of the automobile with the TRTWT, which can enhance the crashworthiness and greatly shorten design cycle. Finally, application examples for the front-end and side-wall structures of automobile demonstrate that the simplified model with the analytical bending collapse characteristics can be used as a substitute of detailed model for accelerating crashworthiness design of the automobile with the TRTWT.
Numerical investigation into the effect of ballast properties on buckling of continuously welded rail (CWR)
Authors: Khatibi Fatemeh , Esmaeili Morteza , Mohammadzadeh Saeed
Published: November 2020

In this paper, the effect of ballast properties including ballast depth, shoulder width, shoulder height, inter particle friction angle and ballast porosity on track buckling capacity are investigated numerically using discrete element method (DEM) analysis. First, a Single Tie Push Test (STPT) is simulated using DEM and the results are validated with field data. Then a sensitivity analyses is carried out. To investigate the effect of ballast properties on buckling capacity, the STPT responses according to the DEM analysis are introduced as a lateral track stiffness into a finite element model of continuously welded rail track, and a thermal buckling simulation is performed. The results show a significant effect of ballast porosity on buckling temperature.
Playing With Fear: A Field Study in Recreational Horror
Authors: Andersen Marc Malmdorf , Schjoedt Uffe , Price Henry , Rosas Fernando E. , Scrivner Coltan , Clasen Mathias
Published: November 2020

Haunted attractions are illustrative examples of recreational fear in which people voluntarily seek out frightening experiences in pursuit of enjoyment. We present findings from a field study at a haunted-house attraction where visitors between the ages of 12 and 57 years ( N = 110) were equipped with heart rate monitors, video-recorded at peak scare points during the attraction, and asked to report on their experience. Our results show that enjoyment has an inverted-U-shaped relationship with fear across repeated self-reported measures. Moreover, results from physiological data demonstrate that the experience of being frightened is a linear function of large-scale heart rate fluctuations, whereas there is an inverted-U-shaped relationship between participant enjoyment and small-scale heart rate fluctuations. These results suggest that enjoyment is related to forms of arousal dynamics that are “just right.” These findings shed light on how fear and enjoyment can coexist in recreational horror.
Robust stabilization and tracking control schemes for disturbed multi-input multi-output Hammerstein model in presence of approximate polynomial nonlinearities
Authors: Ghorbel Chekib , Rayouf Zeineb , Benhadj Braiek Naceur
Published: November 2020

This article presents robust stabilization and tracking control problems for multi-input multi-output Hammerstein model with external disturbances. This model is characterized by static nonlinear elements followed by a linear dynamic block. Moreover, the unknown parameters of the identified mathematical model are estimated using the multivariable output error state space subspace algorithm. Unlike the general control strategy that used the nonlinearity inversion method, the nonlinearities are supposed not bijective. In this context, inverse nonlinear functions of polynomial structure are suggested in this article. Furthermore, the composition of the static nonlinear elements and their approximate inverses in series with the linear dynamic block are then decomposed into a set of linear parts using the Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy representation. Consequently, new sufficient stability conditions with decay rate and disturbance attenuation using the [Formula: see text] criterion and linear matrix inequality tools are discussed. Finally, simulation studies are provided to illustrate the merit of our purpose.
Intrarenal injection of mesenchymal stem cell for treatment of lupus nephritis in mice – a pilot study
Authors: Bukulmez Hulya , Horkayne-Szakaly Iren , Bilgin Asuman , Baker Thomas P , Caplan Arnold I , Jones Olcay Y
Published: November 2020

The current project is to explore feasibility of direct intra-renal injection of human bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) for treatment of lupus nephritis in mice. The treatment protocol involved aged male BXSB (20 weeks) injected with 1 × 106 hMSC unilaterally under the renal capsule. Mice were harvested after 10 weeks follow-up for postmortem exam. Controls included untreated age matched male BXSB and healthy C57Bl/6. At the end of follow-up period, the survival of treated BXSB was 10 folds higher at 62.5% compared to survival of untreated control at 6.3%. The survival of C57Bl/6 remained at 100% with or without similar treatment. The renal pathology review was most significant for decreased tissue inflammation in treated BXSB compared to untreated controls. Renal tissue expression of IL-1b, IL17 were decreased and CTLA-4 was increased by RT PCR among treated compared to untreated BXSB. Thus, direct delivery of hMSC by intrarenal injection is a promising route for treatment of lupus nephritis as shown in this xenogeneic model. Further studies -using expanded numbers of mice to include other lupus strains- are warranted to investigate the mechanisms involved and to optimize treatment protocol for safety and efficacy.
Behavioral and Physiological Evidence Challenges the Automatic Acquisition of Evaluations
Authors: Corneille Olivier , Mertens Gaëtan
Published: November 2020

Dual-learning theories of evaluations posit that evaluations can be automatically (i.e., efficiently, unconsciously, uncontrollably, and involuntarily) acquired. They also often assume the existence of evaluative-learning processes that are impervious to verbal information. In this article, we explain that recent research challenges both assertions for three categories of measures: explicit evaluative measures, implicit evaluative measures, and physiological measures of fear. In doing so, we also question the widespread assumption that implicit (i.e., typically behavioral and physiological) compared with explicit (i.e., self-reported) evaluative measures are indicative of the way evaluations are acquired. In the second part of the article, we discuss the practical implications of these recent findings.
Dense laser at the papillomacular bundle does not cause loss of visual function
Authors: Bloch Edward , da Cruz Lyndon
Published: November 2020

Introduction:

Juxtapapillary laser (JPL) photocoagulation in the region of the papillomacular bundle, temporal to the optic nerve, has become routine care in disorders such as optic disc pit maculopathy. Despite evidence demonstrating safe and effective use of this approach, there is still a lack of consensus in the literature, due to the perceived risk of loss of visual function. Instances of such misplaced caution could result in inadequate treatment protocols.

Methods:

An observational series of five cases of optic disc pit maculopathy, treated with dense temporal juxtapapillary endolaser, in a single tertiary ophthalmic hospital.

Results:

None of the reported cases of optic disc pit maculopathy treated with dense juxtapapillary laser demonstrated anatomical or perimetric findings consistent with nerve fiber layer damage in the region of the papillomacular bundle.

Conclusions:

This series demonstrates that dense laser photocoagulation, in the vicinity of the papillomacular bundle, does not cause structural damage to the nerve fiber layer or associated loss of visual function in optic disc pit maculopathy. Appropriate application of juxtapapillary laser is a safe and effective treatment for various macular pathologies.