bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indian Hecalina (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae: Hecalini) with description of three new species
Authors: NIKOSHE AKASH P. , MESHRAM NARESH M. , STUTI STUTI , DEY DEBJANI
Published: November 2020

Genera and species of the subtribe Hecalina from the Indian subcontinent are reviewed. Three genera, Hecalus (28 species), Linnavuoriella (1 species), Thomsonia (4 species) comprising 33 valid species reported from the Indian subcontinent are recognized. Three new species, Hecalus shanayai sp. nov. (Maharashtra: Chikhaldhara), Hecalus tumidus sp. nov. (Himachal Pradesh: Kinnaur) and Thomsonia assymetrica sp. nov. (Meghalaya: Barapani) from India are described and illustrated. An annotated checklist and key to genera of Hecalina from the Indian subcontinent are provided.
Human-Perceived Temperature Changes in South Korea and Their Association with Atmospheric Circulation Patterns
Authors: Lee Hyun-Ju , Jeon Wonbae , Lee Woo-Seop , Lee Hwa Woon
Published: November 2020

This study investigates the spatiotemporal characteristics of human-perceived temperature (HPT) data, which describe the joint effects of temperature and humidity on the human body, and examines the related large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns for the summer season (July–August) in South Korea using trend and composite analyses. The increasing trend of HPT was stronger than that of the maximum, mean, and minimum temperatures during 1981–2018. There was an abrupt change in HPT between 1981–2009 and 2010–18, which is likely caused by the northward upper-level subtropical jet, strengthened downward motion, anomalous anticyclones around South Korea, and increased sea surface temperature over the western North Pacific Ocean, which are related to the enhancement and western expansion of the western North Pacific subtropical high (WNPSH). These results highlight the importance of the activity of the WNPSH in the variability of HPT in South Korea. When the western edge of the WNPSH is located in the northwest, a positive geopotential height anomaly at 500 hPa is centered over South Korea, which is associated with high temperatures and low relative humidity. The southwestern extension of the WNPSH modifies the wind circulation pattern and brings warm and moist air from the West (Yellow) Sea along the ridge line of the WNPSH. Eventually, it leads to extreme HPT, associated with high relative humidity and temperature over South Korea, particularly in the southern part of the country. Therefore, we concluded that monitoring and predicting the location of WNPSH and understanding the mechanism and factors influencing the movement of WNPSH under global warming are necessary for predicting and coping with extreme HPT.
Comments on “On the Structure and Formation of UTLS PV Dipole/Jetlets in Tropical Cyclones by Convective Momentum Surges”
Authors: Ong Hing
Published: November 2020

This comment on Hitchman and Rowe first deepens their introduction by distinguishing adiabatic and diabatic tilting of vorticity. Then, it strengthens their interpretation by emphasizing that momentum must be vertically transported with reference to isentropic levels to yield the potential vorticity (PV) dipoles. Moreover, it points out a flaw in their PV budget analysis and proposes a remedy for the flaw. Their convective momentum transport paradigm and the vorticity tilting paradigm reinterpret the same physical process. However, they counted one physical process twice by associating the two paradigms with two different terms. As an attempt to remedy the flaw, this comment associates the reinterpretation of the two paradigms with a transformation of the PV equation; their paradigm corresponds to a flux form. With the proposed remedy, their paradigm can be more easily translated to advances in convective parameterization because of its horizontal locality.
Benefits of the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) for Ensemble-Based Analysis and Prediction of Severe Thunderstorms
Authors: Zhang Yunji , Stensrud David J. , Clothiaux Eugene E.
Published: November 2020

Recent studies have demonstrated advances in the analysis and prediction of severe thunderstorms and other weather hazards by assimilating infrared (IR) all-sky radiances into numerical weather prediction models using advanced ensemble-based techniques. It remains an open question how many of these advances are due to improvements in the radiance observations themselves, especially when compared with radiance observations from preceding satellite imagers. This study investigates the improvements gained by assimilation of IR all-sky radiances from the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) on board GOES-16 compared to those from its predecessor imager. Results show that all aspects of the improvements in ABI compared with its predecessor imager—finer spatial resolution, shorter scanning intervals, and more channels covering a wider range of the spectrum—contribute to more accurate ensemble analyses and forecasts of the targeted severe thunderstorm event, but in different ways. The clear-sky regions within the assimilated all-sky radiance fields have a particularly beneficial influence on the moisture fields. Results also show that assimilating different IR channels can lead to oppositely signed increments in the moisture fields, a by-product of inaccurate covariances at large distances resulting from sampling errors. These findings pose both challenges and opportunities in identifying appropriate vertical localizations and IR channel combinations to produce the best possible analyses in support of severe weather forecasting.
Effect of uric acid in animal models of ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Aliena-Valero Alicia , Baixauli-Martín Júlia , Castelló-Ruiz María , Torregrosa Germán , Hervás David , Salom Juan B
Published: November 2020

Addition of uric acid (UA) to thrombolytic therapy, although safe, showed limited efficacy in improving patients’ stroke outcome, despite alleged neuroprotective effects of UA in preclinical research. This systematic review assessed the effects of UA on brain structural and functional outcomes in animal models of ischemic stroke. We searched Medline, Embase and Web of Science to identify 16 and 14 eligible rodent studies for qualitative and quantitative synthesis, respectively. Range of evidence met 10 of a possible 13 STAIR criteria. Median (Q1, Q3) quality score was 7.5 (6, 10) on the CAMARADES 15-item checklist. For each outcome, we used standardised mean difference (SMD) as effect size and random-effects modelling. Meta-analysis showed that UA significantly reduced infarct size (SMD: −1.18; 95% CI [−1.47, −0.88]; p < 0.001), blood-brain barrier (BBB) impairment/oedema (SMD: −0.72; 95% CI [−0.97, −0.48]; p < 0.001) and neurofunctional deficit (SMD: −0.98; 95% CI [−1.32, −0.63]; p < 0.001). Overall, there was low to moderate between-study heterogeneity and sizeable publication bias. In conclusion, published rodent data suggest that UA improves outcome following ischemic stroke by reducing infarct size, improving BBB integrity and ameliorating neurofunctional condition. Specific recommendations are given for further high-quality preclinical research required to better inform clinical research.
Urogenital Lesions in Nonhuman Primates at 2 National Primate Research Centers
Authors: Kirejczyk Shannon , Pinelli Christopher , Gonzalez Olga , Kumar Shyamesh , Dick Edward , Gumber Sanjeev
Published: November 2020

Given their genetic and anatomic similarities to humans, nonhuman primates (NHPs) may serve as animal models for urogenital diseases of humans. The purpose of this study was to examine the frequency of spontaneous urogenital lesions occurring over a 30-year period at the Yerkes and Southwest National Primate Research Centers and to compare and contrast lesions occurring in Old World versus New World primates. Lesions occurring in the chimpanzee ( Pan troglodytes), baboon ( Papio spp.), rhesus macaque ( Macaca mulatta), cynomolgus macaque ( Macaca fascicularis), pig-tailed macaque ( Macaca nemestrina), sooty mangabey ( Cercocebus atys), common marmoset ( Callithrix jacchus), cotton-top tamarin ( Sanguinus oedipus), and squirrel monkey ( Saimiri sciureus) are discussed. The most common lesions of the kidney were medullary amyloidosis, renal cysts, renal tubular degeneration, glomerulonephritis or glomerulopathy, nephritis, nephrocalcinosis, pyelonephritis, and hydronephrosis. Specific causes of renal tubular disease included pigmentary nephrosis and tubular lipidosis. Renal tumors, including renal adenoma and carcinoma, lymphoma, and nephroblastoma, were infrequent diagnoses in all species. Endometriosis was the most frequently diagnosed lesion of the female genital tract. Of the animals examined in this study, it was most frequent in Old World primates. Leiomyoma was the most common uterine tumor. Granulosa cell tumor was the most frequently observed neoplasm of the ovaries, followed by teratoma. Of animals included in the study, most ovarian tumors occurred in baboons. Neoplasms of the male reproductive tract included interstitial cell tumor, seminoma, penile squamous cell carcinoma, penile papilloma, and histiocytoma. In New World monkeys, renal lesions were reported more frequently than genital lesions.
Everyday mobility as a vulnerability marker: The uneven reaction to coronavirus lockdown in Russia
Authors: Dokhov Ruslan , Topnikov Mikhail
Published: November 2020

Spatial inequality can lead to unexpected consequences, especially in large countries like Russia. State officials’ attempts to stop the spread of the coronavirus pandemic led to a national lockdown, which was supposed to dramatically reduce the daily mobility of people and therefore the likelihood of infection. At the same time, the Russian government did not introduce an emergency regime, and the measures to support the population and business were criticized by experts as insufficient. Using daily data on mobility in 308 municipalities in Russia, we examined the unevenness of the decline in the level of mobility depending on the level of wages. The results show that the poorer the municipality, the smaller was the mobility decline, that is, the poorer areas were more vulnerable to the pandemic risks. The work also illustrates the larger amplitude of mobility in rich versus poor areas during the period of exiting from the lockdown.
Prediction of Shoulder Pain in Youth Competitive Swimmers: The Development and Internal Validation of a Prognostic Prediction Model
Authors: Feijen Stef , Struyf Thomas , Kuppens Kevin , Tate Angela , Struyf Filip
Published: November 2020

Background:

Knowledge of predictors for shoulder pain in swimmers can assist professionals working with the athlete in developing optimal prevention strategies. However, study methodology and limited available data have constrained a comprehensive understanding of which factors cause shoulder pain.

Purpose:

To investigate risk factors and develop and internally validate a multivariable prognostic model for the prediction of shoulder pain in swimmers.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A total of 201 pain-free club- to international-level competitive swimmers were followed for 2 consecutive seasons. The cohort consisted of 96 male (mean ± SD age, 13.9 ± 2.2 years) and 105 female (13.9 ± 2.2 years) swimmers. Demographic, sport-specific, and musculoskeletal characteristics were assessed every 6 months. Swim-training exposure was observed prospectively. Shoulder pain interfering with training was the primary outcome. Multiple imputation was used to cope with missing data. The final model was estimated using multivariable logistic regression. We applied bootstrapping to internally validate the model and correct for overoptimism.

Results:

A total of 42 new cases of shoulder pain were recorded during the study. Average duration of follow-up was 1.1 years. Predictors included in the final model were acute:chronic workload ratio (odds ratio [OR], 4.31; 95% CI, 1.00-18.54), competitive level (OR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.06-0.63), shoulder flexion range of motion, posterior shoulder muscle endurance (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.92-0.99), and hand entry position error (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.16-0.91). After internal validation, this model maintained good calibration and discriminative power (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.60-0.94).

Conclusion:

Our model consists of parameters that are readily measurable in a swimming setting, allowing the identification of swimmers at risk for shoulder pain. Multivariable logistic regression showed the strongest predictors for shoulder pain were regional competitive swimming level, acute:chronic workload ratio, posterior shoulder muscle endurance, and hand entry error.
The public face of interest group lobbying on immigration: Who responds to and who ignores what they say
Authors: Donnelly Michael J , Islam Md Mujahedul , Savoie Justin
Published: November 2020

A main avenue for influencing public policy available to unions and business is public opinion campaigning. As groups with substantial credibility in the minds of the public, unions and employers have the potential to move immigration attitudes and, thereby, have a long-term indirect influence on immigration policy. The article asks, first, who is (not) convinced by arguments from business or labour leaders and second, what messages are most convincing. We present the results of a survey experiment in three very different immigration regimes and interest group environments (Canada, the UK and Germany). The results suggest that the net effects of public arguments are small, but vary widely across demographic groups.
Multi-pronged approach to enhance education of children and adolescents with lupus, caregivers, and healthcare providers in New Jersey: Needs assessment, evaluation, and development of educational materials
Authors: Hovde Aldina M , McFarland Cheryl AS , Garcia G Melissa , Gallagher Fran , Gewanter Harry , Klein-Gitelman Marisa , Moorthy L Nandini
Published: November 2020

Background

Childhood Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (cSLE) patients are younger at diagnosis and have a more severe disease course compared to adult onset SLE patients and develop significant complications related to disease and or immunosuppression. Moreover, female and minority populations experience higher rates of cSLE, with African American, Afro-Caribbean, and Hispanic populations being at greatest risk and having poor prognosis

Methods

The Pediatric Alliance for Lupus initiative addressed the dearth in education and resources in a multi-stage process. First, we conducted a need assessment identifying knowledge gaps among healthcare providers (HCPs), and resources needed to care for cSLE patients and their families. Second, we educated HCPs about the diagnosis and treatment of cSLE by Continuing Medical Education (CME) sessions/webinars (presented here). Third, HCPs participated in a Quality Improvement (QI) program on cSLE approved by the American Board of Pediatrics Maintenance of Certification Part 4. Finally, patients and caregivers were educated through the development of appropriate, culturally and linguistically sensitive cSLE resources. PAL disseminated materials among HCPs and the community to improve the awareness of the availability of these materials.

Results

According to results from the statewide needs assessment (representative of every county throughout NJ), HCPs face significant challenges in providing care to cSLE patients and their families, in part due to the multi-systemic nature of the autoimmune disease.

Conclusion

Based on this need, we developed educational sessions, with pre-post comparison data showing a significant increase in knowledge after HCP education. The 15 different materials developed as part of the endeavor is a major contribution to the cSLE community, HCPs and pediatric rheumatologists. Resources are available in multiple formats (PDF and web pages), and are accessible on the National Resource Center on Lupus, the latest web site of the Lupus Foundation of American that houses materials for SLE patients, their families, schools, HCPs, and the community at large. Improving cSLE knowledge will empower the children and adolescents and families by increasing their self-efficacy; and positively impact key health outcomes (transition readiness and HRQOL) that are not optimally addressed with current medical treatment alone.
Systemic lupus erythematosus and risk of sexual dysfunction: A systematic review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jin Zhao , Yang Cong , Xiao Chu , Wang Zizhen , Zhang Suxin , Ren Jie
Published: November 2020

Objective

To systematically review and summarize the available literature regarding the association between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and sexual dysfunction (SD) in both sexes.

Methods

We retrieved relevant studies from the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Two reviewers independently reviewed the studies in our sample, assessed their validity, and extracted relevant data. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed to distinguish sources of heterogeneity.

Results

Our search resulted in a sample of eight eligible studies, which involved 758 patients in the SLE group and 1724 individuals in the control group. The pooled RR for the increased risk for SD compared to those in the control group was 1.80 (95%CI 1.12-2.87). Subgroup analysis by sex revealed that males (pooled RR = 2.98, 95%CI 2.41-3.68) had a higher risk of SD compared to females (pooled RR = 1.56, 95%CI 0.99-2.48). Females with SLE had significantly lower values in FSFI compared to the healthy individuals (WMD=-0.224, 95%CI -0.441 to -0.078). Age of participants and the quality of studies might influence the results.

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis suggests that SLE is significantly associated with an increased risk of sexual dysfunction. It is of great urgency to implement for active interventions that aimed to treat or prevent SD among SLE patients.
Factors affecting the solid particle erosion of environment pollutant and natural particulate filled polymer composites—A review
Authors: Shahapurkar Kiran , Darekar Vaibhav , Banjan Rashmi , Nidasosi Ningappa , Soudagar Manzoore Elahi M
Published: November 2020

Solid particle erosion of polymer matrix composites filled with naturally available and environment pollutant fillers have not been studied to the same level as for metals or ceramics and is focus of the present study. In this article, review of the research associated with the erosion response of polymer composites is presented. Particulate polymer composites are employed extensively owing to their enhanced specific properties and tribological response. Particulate filler particles such as environmental pollutants and naturally available ones need to be effectively incorporated in utilitarian applications so as to reduce land fill burden issues and other specific problems. Nevertheless, adequate data is not available in review articles on the erosion of fillers that are environment pollutants and thereby an ample amount of research can be carried out in this regard. Erosion behavior of polymer composites in particular has gained a lot of attention among researches in the recent decade. Viability of incorporating various fillers in polymer matrix for erosion resistive applications needs to be assessed so that the potential of these composites can be well understood. Therefore in this study, erosion response of polymer composites reinforced with fillers is reviewed with a focus on input parameters (impact velocity, impingement angle and erodent properties) and material properties (density).
Stability of GFRP composites with varied fractions of reinforcement exposed to ageing processes outdoors
Authors: Beura S , Sahoo SR , Thatoi DN , Mohanty UK , Chakraverty AP
Published: November 2020

The effects of outdoor ageing on various compositions of glass fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP) composites were studied. Changes in the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of hand-laid samples with 50–60 wt.% of fibre were determined by three-point bending and glass transition temperature (Tg) measurements. SEM analysis was carried out for exploring the mode of failure. The moisture ingress rate and extent were concentration-dependent at first, but became increasingly dependent on the fibre-matrix interfacial area. The ILSS initially fluctuated and then showed a decreasing trend with time, especially for the higher fibre concentrations. ILSS variations were zigzag initially and showed a lowering trend after the initial periods. Rate of lowering of ILSS was the highest for samples with the highest fraction reinforcement. Weight fraction reinforcement didn’t have any significant effect on the Tg variations. SEM fractograph revealed excessive fracture and fragmentation for the composite samples with the highest weight percentage reinforcement.
Admissions to the Western Australian state forensic hospital from court on hospital orders over a 10-year period from 2007 to 2016
Authors: Tate Liz
Published: November 2020

Objective:

To investigate trends in admissions to the state forensic hospital (Western Australia (WA)) from court on hospital orders from 2007 to 2016.

Method:

A retrospective survey was undertaken. Demographic, clinical and legal data were obtained from hospital records. Hospital orders referred on less serious charges or without a primary diagnosis of major mental illness were identified as ‘non-forensic’.

Results:

There were 890 hospital orders representing 40% of total admissions. Eighty-one per cent were male and 50% had a diagnosis of schizophrenia; 22% were Indigenous; 421 (47%) were admitted on less serious (non-Schedule 1) charges; 199 (22%) did not have a primary diagnosis of a major mental illness recorded on the discharge summary; 82 (9%) had neither major mental illness nor serious charges. Overall, 539 hospital orders (60%) were identified as non-forensic; 243 (45%) of these were made with no input from the Court Liaison Service (CLS).

Conclusions:

Hospital orders make up a significant proportion of admissions to the forensic unit in WA. Many do not require secure forensic care. Developing alternative diversion pathways is essential.
Menstruation Experiences of Middle and High School Students in the Midwest: A Pilot Study
Authors: Secor-Turner Molly , Huseth-Zosel Andrea , Ostlund Rachel
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this pilot study was to expand understanding of the experience of menstruation for girls in the United States and its impact in the school setting. A qualitative approach was used to gather data from focus group interviews. Descriptive content analysis was used to categorize the range and types of menstruation experiences described by 12 participants aged 12–16 years. Findings revealed four main themes: (1) learning about menstruation, (2) experiencing menstruation, (3) managing menstruation, and (4) social norms and meaning of menstruation. Participants described multiple challenges faced learning about and experiencing menstruation, especially in the school setting. Participants described the limited understanding of menstruation experiences and confusion about the use of menstrual hygiene products. Challenges experienced at school included not having adequate access to menstrual hygiene products, limited time for changing products, fear of leaking menstrual blood, and impacts on school attendance. School nurses are well-positioned to contribute to creating school environments that are supportive of menstruation.
Cold weather is independently associated with hypothermia in severely injured trauma patients
Authors: Murphy Colin , Silva Noah , Fontaine Magali J , Jackson Bryon
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Hypothermia at admission in trauma patients has been significantly associated with worse outcomes and increased blood usage. Previous studies have found variably significant associations between ambient temperatures and incidence of hypothermia in trauma patients.

Methods

The trauma quality improvement registry was queried for data on trauma patients admitted direct from the scene over a 5-year period. This database was matched to daily weather data taken from the nearest National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration land-based climate monitoring center, and further combined with blood usage data from the laboratory information system.

Results

Multivariate logistic regression models predicted significant associations between ambient temperature and patient admission temperature for severely injured patients. No significant direct associations were predicted between ambient temperature and in-hospital mortality or blood usage. Models predicted a significant association between decreased admission temperature and increased likelihood of both blood transfusion and mortality for a severely injured subgroup.

Conclusions

Ambient temperature is a significant contributor to the rate of admission hypothermia in trauma patients. Most of the variability in admission temperatures for severely injured trauma patients remains unaccounted for by models using standard markers of anatomic and physiologic severity. Decreasing admission temperature is significantly associated with increased mortality and likelihood of blood transfusion for severely injured patients.
A mechanical model to interpret distributed fiber optic strain measurement at displacement discontinuities
Authors: Zhang Shenghan , Liu Han , Cheng Jeffrey , DeJong Matthew J
Published: November 2020

Distributed fiber optic (strain) sensing, which provides the unique advantage of sensing damage (e.g. cracking) at locations that are not known a priori, has been increasingly used in civil engineering. Quantitative crack measurement requires the translation of a discontinuous displacement field at the crack to a continuous strain deformation in the fiber. The main purpose of this article is to develop a mechanical model to explain the fiber deformation in the presence of a displacement discontinuity. The proposed mechanical model is validated with experimental results from cable calibration tests and concrete cracking tests. The model is extended to simulate the effects of multiple closely spaced cracks on fiber optic strain measurement, and this model is used to create an algorithm to automatically distinguish multiple cracks in distributed fiber optic (strain) sensing strain distributions. Using the model and two shape parameters, kurtosis and standard variation, the effects of cable properties (i.e. shear stiffness between cable and fiber, cable radius, elastic modulus, and interface cohesion) on the shape of fiber optic strain distributions across cracks are also quantified. The results provide an indication of beneficial cable properties for various measurement objectives.
Linking Members to Leaders: How Civic Associations Can Strengthen Members’ External Political Efficacy
Authors: Henderson Geoffrey , Han Hahrie
Published: November 2020

Americans’ sense of external political efficacy—their belief in their ability to influence government decisions—has declined precipitously in recent decades, eroding the public’s confidence in our system of representative democracy. Scholars have long argued that involvement in civic associations can help ordinary Americans realize their political efficacy, yet a lack of longitudinal data on association members’ attitudes and behaviors has impeded efforts to test this claim. To collect such a dataset, we partnered with a national environmental association to conduct a unique panel study of members of eight state-level organizations. We show that members who get to know their association’s leaders believe that they have greater influence over government decisions. Our findings suggest that civic associations can strengthen their members’ efficacy by cultivating volunteer leadership and fostering relationships between members and leaders.
A mini-review on the effects of COVID-19 on younger individuals
Authors: Manivannan Madhumitha , Jogalekar Manasi P , Kavitha Muthu Subash , Maran Balu Alagar Venmathi , Gangadaran Prakash
Published: November 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has uprooted our lives like never before since its onset in the late December 2019. The world has seen mounting infections and deaths over the past few months despite the unprecedented measures countries are implementing, such as lockdowns, social distancing, mask-wearing, and banning gatherings in large groups. Interestingly, young individuals seem less likely to be impacted by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for COVID-19. While the rate of transmission, symptom presentation, and fatality is lower in children than people from other age groups, they have been disproportionately affected by strict lockdown measures needed to curb viral spread. In this review, we describe the association between patient age and COVID-19, epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children, psychological effects associated with lockdowns and school closures, and possible mechanisms underlying lower transmission rate of COVID-19 in children.
Study on the effect of hybrid fiber length on tensile strength of sealing composites
Authors: Yuxian Li , Meihong Liu , Junfeng Sun , Juan Wang , Shuo Tian
Published: November 2020

The present paper aims at investigating the relationship between fiber length of hybrid fibers and the tensile strength of sealing composite materials. First, three kinds of fibers: cellulose fiber, aramid pulp fiber, and mineral wool fiber were sieved and their weight-average length was measured. Second, a uniform design method of U8 (43) was adopted to prepare sealing composites by the beater-addition process, and the properties of the tensile strength of the composite were examined. In the end, the relation model was concluded and verified using multi-linear regression analyzation and was further analyzed using micro mechanic theory and interfacial bonding mechanism. The results show that the regression equation can be used to estimate the tensile strength of composites with different hybrid fiber lengths. The tensile strength increased corresponding to the increase of the length of the cellulose fiber but decreased with the increase of the length of aramid pulp and mineral wool fiber. Particularly the fiber length of aramid pulp fiber had the most significant effect on tensile properties. The cases were decided by the comprehensive effects of fibers dispersion, interfacial bonding, and micromechanics.
From Description to Interpretive Leap: Using Philosophical Notions to Unpack and Surface Meaning in Hermeneutic Phenomenology Research
Authors: Crowther Susan , Thomson Gill
Published: November 2020

Hermeneutic phenomenology (HP) as research method is increasingly used in health and social science studies to collect and analyze lived experiential descriptions (LEDs) of a phenomenon. However, currently there is little guidance in how to apply philosophical notions to interpret LEDs in HP studies and this approach has faced critique in how meaning is attributed. In this paper, we offer clarity about what “we do” in HP studies. It does not present a comparative analysis of qualitative approaches or claim to present an inflexible “how to” menu. The purpose is to provide guidance to those new to this methodology or/and for less experienced supervisors of postgraduate research students using this approach for the first time. The focus is specifically on conducting HP research and how philosophical notions are used to inform methodological decisions. Drawing upon data from our empirical projects we illuminate how meaning is surfaced, demonstrating a key feature of HP studies in the use of philosophical notions to uncover ontological significance. Consideration is also offered on how trustworthiness in HP studies can be achieved. The key contention is how the philosophical underpinnings of HP thinking, and the constant call to be reflexive, draws forth hitherto unspoken meaning that can inform new thinking and practice.
Parenchymatous hematoma in patients with atraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage: Characteristics, treatment, and clinical outcomes
Authors: Gerner Stefan T , Hülsbrink Robert , Reichl Jonathan , Mrochen Anne , Eyüpoglu Ilker Y , Brandner Sebastian , Dörfler Arnd , Engelhorn Tobias , Kuramatsu Joji B , Schwab Stefan , Huttner Hagen B
Published: November 2020

Background

Data regarding the influence of concomitant parenchymatous hematoma (PH) on long-term outcomes in patients with atraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) are scarce. Further, it is not established if these patients benefit from surgical intervention.

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of concomitant PH in SAH patients on functional long-term outcome, and whether these patients may benefit from surgical hematoma evacuation.

Methods

Over a 5-year period, all consecutive patients with SAH treated at the Departments of Neurology, Neuroradiology, and Neurosurgery, at the University Hospital Erlangen (Germany) were recorded. In addition to the clinical and imaging characteristics of SAH, we documented the presence, location, and volume of PH as well as treatment parameters. Outcome assessment at 12 months included functional outcome (modified Rankin scale (mRS), favorable = 0–2), health-related quality of life, and long-term complications. For outcome analysis, a propensity score matching (ratio 1:1, caliper 0.1) was performed to compare SAH patients with and without PH. Sub-analyses were performed regarding PH treatment (surgical evacuation vs. conservative).

Results

A total of 494 patients with atraumatic SAH were available. Eighty-five (17.2%) had PH on initial imaging. SAH patients with PH had a worse clinical condition on admission and had a greater extent of subarachnoid/intraventricular hemorrhage. Median PH volume was 11.0 ml (5.4–31.8) with largest volumes observed in patients with ruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA)-aneurysm (31.7 ml (16.3–43.2)). After propensity-score matching (PSM), patients with PH had worse functional outcomes at 12 months (modified Rankin scale (mRS) 0–2: PH 31.8% vs. ØPH57.7% p < 0.001), and a lower rate of self-reported health compared to patients without PH (EQ-5D VAS: PH 50(30–70) vs. ØPH 80(65–95); p < 0.001). In PH patients, surgical evacuation was associated with a higher rate of favorable outcome at 12 months compared to those treated conservatively (surgery 14/28 (50.0%) vs. conservative 14/57 (24.6%); adjusted odds-ratio (OR; 95%CI): 1.34 (1.08–1.66); p = 0.001), irrespective of aneurysm location. Subgroup-analysis revealed positive associations of surgical hematoma evacuation with outcome in subgroups with larger PH volumes (>10 ml; OR (95%CI): 1.39 (1.09–1.79)), frontal PH location (OR 1.59 (1.14–2.23)), and early surgery (within 600 min after onset; OR 1.42 (1.03–1.94)).

Conclusions

Concomitant PH occurs frequently in patients with SAH and is associated with functional impairment after 1 year. Surgical evacuation of PH may improve outcomes in these patients, irrespective of aneurysm-location.
Authoritarianism and Social Dominance Predict Annual Increases in Generalized Prejudice
Authors: Osborne Danny , Satherley Nicole , Little Todd D. , Sibley Chris G.
Published: November 2020

Although right-wing authoritarianism (RWA) and social dominance orientation (SDO) are the two most studied individual difference correlates of prejudice, debate remains over their status as enduring constructs that precede generalized prejudice. We contribute to this discussion using 10 annual waves of longitudinal data from a nationwide random sample of adults to investigate the stability and temporal precedence of RWA, SDO, and prejudice among members of an ethnic majority group ( Ns = 23,383–47,217). Results reveal high wave-to-wave rank-order stability for RWA, SDO, and generalized prejudice. Adjusting for their between-person stability, RWA and SDO predicted within-person increases in generalized prejudice. Results replicated when predicting (a) prejudice toward three specific minority groups (namely, Māori, Pacific Islanders, and Asians) and (b) anti-minority beliefs. These findings demonstrate that RWA and SDO are highly stable over 10 consecutive years and that they independently precede within-person annual increases in generalized prejudice and anti-minority beliefs.
Patient-Reported Outcomes, Return-to-Sport Status, and Reinjury Rates After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Adolescent Athletes: Minimum 2-Year Follow-up
Authors: Fones Lilah , Kostyun Regina O. , Cohen Andrew D. , Pace J. Lee
Published: November 2020

Background:

Significant variation exists in the published rates of return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR). Functional outcomes and psychological response to injury have been implicated as factors that influence return to sport. Most studies focus on patients aged in the mid-20s, and less is known about this topic in adolescents.

Purpose:

To report midterm ACLR results for adolescent patients with regard to return to primary sport, patient-reported outcomes, and reinjury rate.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Adolescent athletes were contacted at a minimum of 2 years after ACLR. Patients completed 2 patient-reported outcome measures, the ACL--Return to Sport After Injury (ACL-RSI) and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective form, and responded to questions regarding preinjury primary sport and level of competition, post-ACLR return to primary sport status, and reinjury.

Results:

A total of 74 patients (mean ± SD surgical age, 15.9 ± 1.5 years; follow-up age, 19.9 ± 2.0 years; response rate, 24.5%) completed the surveys at a mean of 4.0 ± 2.0 years after primary ACLR. Outcome scores averaged 90.3 ± 12.3 for IKDC and 81.6 ± 20.4 for ACL-RSI. Questionnaire responses indicated that 27.0% of patients did not return to or sustain primary sport participation after ACLR; the principal reasons were poor knee function, team/training change, and fear of another injury. Both IKDC and ACL-RSI scores were statistically lower in patients who did not successfully return to their primary sport in contrast to patients who successfully resumed their primary sport (IKDC, P = .026; ACL-RSI, P < .001). IKDC and ACL-RSI scores were moderately positively correlated with one another ( r Spearman = 0.60). There were 18 patients (reinjury rate, 24.3%) who suffered another ACL injury; 8 of these injuries included ipsilateral ACL graft tear (retear rate, 10.8%).

Conclusion:

In our cohort, 73% of adolescent patients successfully returned to their primary preinjury sport at a minimum of 2 years after ACLR. Both knee function and psychological responses to injury were important in determining an adolescent athlete’s return to sport. The findings support the use of the IKDC and ACL-RSI at midterm follow-up, with higher scores associated with a greater likelihood of adolescent patients returning to sport after ACLR.
Enhancing Teacher Self-Efficacy in Multicultural Classrooms and School Climate: The Role of Professional Development in Multicultural Education in the United States and South Korea
Authors: Choi Soobin , Lee Se Woong
Published: November 2020

The modern classroom is becoming increasingly diverse, with many countries seeking to develop teacher self-efficacy in multicultural classrooms (TSMC) to effectively teach diverse students by offering professional development in multicultural education (PDME). Using the Teaching and Learning International Survey 2018, we examine whether the teachers’ experience in PDME improves TSMC, as well as whether TSMC mediates the relationship between PDME and teachers’ perceptions of school climate in secondary schools in the United States and South Korea. We find a significant positive relationship between PDME and TSMC and that TSMC plays a mediating role between PDME and school climate. The findings suggest that PDME not only plays a key role in enhancing TSMC but also promotes a positive school climate.
Slow Food as one in many a semiotic network approach to the geographical development of a social movement
Authors: Hendrikx Bas , Lagendijk Arnoud
Published: November 2020

Slow Food is a global, grassroots movement aimed at enhancing and sustaining local food cultures and traditions worldwide. Since its establishment in the 1980s as a local protest movement in Italy, Slow Food evolved into a global movement composed through countless local ‘grassroots’ activities intersecting with more ‘top-down’ umbrella orchestration and framing. This paper explores the many faces of this one-in-many movement by focusing on the circulation and variation of Slow Food ideas and practices across the world. The core argument is that these ideas and practices effectively capture and steer the manifold affective moments emerging from local and network activities. The affective–effective conversions are traced here by applying a semiotic-network approach to a large corpus of Slow Food websites. Thus adopting a novel approach and methodology of tracing the geographical development of a social movement, the paper reveals both grassroots and global patterns of change and diffusion, and zooms in on specific nodes, connections and practices that play a key role in the movement’s development. In doing so, we develop a research strategy that is better able to make sense of complex and non-linear processes of geographical diffusion-innovation.
Can stone composition be predicted by plain X-ray and/or non-contrast CT? A study validated by X-ray diffraction analysis
Authors: Gadelmoula Mohamed , Moeen Ahmed M. , Elderwy Ahmed , Abdel-Kader Mohamed S. , Elqady Ayman , Aboul-Ella Hassan A. , Osman Essam
Published: November 2020

Background

The stone composition has a great influence on the outcome of its treatment. There are several tests to predict the composition of stones preoperatively and stone analysis postoperatively. Herein, we want to evaluate if the stone composition could be predicted from plain X-ray KUB (PKUB) and/or non-contrast CT (NCCT) validated by in vitro X-ray powder diffraction analysis (XRD).

Methods

Between April 2014 and March 2016, 100 cases with urinary tract stones were included in the study. The radio-opacity of the stones in PKUB, stone density by NCCT, and after stone extraction, XRD were performed. Statistical analysis for the results was performed using Chi-square and Fisher exact tests for categorical variables and Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis H for the nonparametric variables. The receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed to determine the best cutoff value.

Results

This study included 74 males and 26 females with a median age of 32 years (range 2–70). Regarding the radio-opacity by PKUB, there were 30 stones dense opaque, 44 opaque, 21 faint opaque, and 5 radiolucent. XRD revealed 97 mixed and 3 pure stones. The calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) stone composition could be predicted in dense opaque stone by PKUB in 75.9% and urate composition in the radiolucent stone by 40%. The cutoff value of HU density by NCCT to the dense opaque stones in the PKUB was > 1020 and for radiolucent stones was < 590.

Conclusion

Stone radio-opacity by PKUB and its attenuation value by NCCT could successfully predict its calcium oxalate monohydrate, struvite, and urate composition. However, the chemical stone analysis is still required as most stones are mixed.
Contrasting genetic variation and positive selection followed the divergence of NBS-encoding genes in Asian and European pears
Authors: Sun Manyi , Zhang Mingyue , Singh Jugpreet , Song Bobo , Tang Zikai , Liu Yueyuan , Wang Runze , Qin Mengfan , Li Jiaming , Khan Awais , Wu Jun
Published: November 2020

Background

The NBS disease-related gene family coordinates the inherent immune system in plants in response to pathogen infections. Previous studies have identified NBS-encoding genes inPyrus bretschneideri(‘Dangshansuli’, an Asian pear) andPyrus communis(‘Bartlett’, a European pear) genomes, but the patterns of genetic variation and selection pressure on these genes during pear domestication have remained unsolved.

Results

In this study, 338 and 412 NBS-encoding genes were identified from Asian and European pear genomes. This difference between the two pear species was the result of proximal duplications. About 15.79% orthologous gene pairs had Ka/Ks ratio more than one, indicating two pear species undergo strong positive selection after the divergence of Asian and European pear. We identified 21 and 15 NBS-encoding genes under fire blight and black spot disease-related QTL, respectively, suggesting their importance in disease resistance. Domestication caused decreased nucleotide diversity across NBS genes in Asian cultivars (cultivated 6.23E-03; wild 6.47E-03), but opposite trend (cultivated 6.48E-03; wild 5.91E-03) appeared in European pears. Many NBS-encoding coding regions showed Ka/Ks ratio of greater than 1, indicating the role of positive selection in shaping diversity of NBS-encoding genes in pear. Furthermore, we detected 295 and 122 significantly different SNPs between wild and domesticated accessions in Asian and European pear populations. Two NBS genes (Pbr025269.1andPbr019876.1) with significantly different SNPs showed >5x upregulation between wild and cultivated pear accessions, and > 2x upregulation inPyrus calleryanaafter inoculation withAlternaria alternata. We propose that positively selected and significantly different SNPs of an NBS-encoding gene (Pbr025269.1) regulate gene expression differences in the wild and cultivated groups, which may affect resistance in pear againstA. alternata.

Conclusion

Proximal duplication mainly led to the different number of NBS-encoding genes inP. bretschneideriandP. communisgenomes. The patterns of genetic diversity and positive selection pressure differed between Asian and European pear populations, most likely due to their independent domestication events. This analysis helps us understand the evolution, diversity, and selection pressure in the NBS-encoding gene family in Asian and European populations, and provides opportunities to study mechanisms of disease resistance in pear.
Influence of microbiota and metabolites on the quality of tobacco during fermentation
Authors: Li Jingjing , Zhao Yuanyuan , Qin Yanqing , Shi Hongzhi
Published: November 2020

Background

To explore the optimum fermentation conditions for tobacco leaves and also screen the microbiota and metabolites that are beneficial for fermentation.

Methods

Tobacco leaves were fermented at 25 °C, 35 °C, and 45 °C for 2, 4, and 6 weeks, respectively. For identification of the best fermentation temperature, physicochemical properties and sensory quality of fermented tobacco were investigated. Subsequently, based on the appropriate temperature, 16 s rRNA sequencing and metabolomics analysis of tobacco were performed to monitor the change of microbes and metabolites during fermentation process (from 2 to 6 weeks).

Results

Sensory quality analysis indicated that fermentation at 45 °C for 6 weeks represented the optimum condition. Metabolomics analysis showed that a total of 415 metabolites were annotated. The increase of fermentation period led to significant changes of metabolites. Results revealed an increase in concentration of L-phenylalanine and sphingosine as well as decreased concentration of betaine and phytosphingosine with the prolongation of fermentation period (2 to 6 weeks). Distinct changes in the microbiota were also observed with prolongation of the fermentation time. Results revealed that Pseudomonas, Pantoea, and Burkholderia were dominant bacteria in fermentation at 45 °C for 6 weeks. With the extension of the fermentation time, the abundance of Pseudomonas increased, while that of Sphingomonas and Methylobacterium decreased. Furthermore, microbiota profiles were tightly relevant to the altered metabolites, especially compounds involved in the sphingolipid metabolism.

Conclusion

Suitable fermentation conditions were 45 °C for 6 weeks; phytosphingosine and sphingosine might affect tobacco fermentation via the sphingolipid metabolism pathway. This study provides a theoretical basis for guiding tobacco fermentation and gives insights into reducing harmful substances during tobacco fermentation.