bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Window on Young Bob Lusch: Reflections of an Early Student
Authors: Serpkenci Ray R.
Published: June 2020

The paper is a first-person account of Professor Robert F. Lusch’s early academic career at the University of Oklahoma during the late 1970s and early 1980s by one of his earliest students. The author describes and reflects on what some might consider a tumultuous period in marketing’s disciplinary evolution and suggests how these early years might in fact inform us of Professor Lusch’s later prolific contributions and deep impact on our discipline. Though perhaps more known for his uniquely critical thinking and his seminal contributions to the foundational elements of marketing, the author also tries to shine a light on Bob Lusch as a dedicated teacher, a tireless mentor and as a peerless educator—whose genuine care and friendship to his students knew no bounds. Though on this occasion his passing saddens us as he left us too early, the legacy of this exceptional scholar and educator will always be fondly remembered by his students and friends and will have a profound impact on all future students of marketing.
Netrin-1 reduces lung ischemia-reperfusion injury by increasing the proportion of regulatory T cells
Authors: Chen Zhili , Chen Yuxi , Zhou Jue , Li Yong , Gong Changyao , Wang Xiaobo
Published: June 2020

Objective

Inflammation is the primary mechanism of lung ischemia-reperfusion injury (LIRI) and neurologic factors can regulate inflammatory immune responses. Netrin-1 is an axonal guidance molecule, but whether Netrin-1 plays a role in LIRI remains unclear.

Methods

A mouse model of LIRI was established. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect expression of Netrin-1 and to enumerate macrophages and T cells in lung tissue. The proportion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) was assessed by flow cytometry. Levels of apoptosis were assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end staining.

Results

Numbers of macrophages and T cells in the lung tissues of mice with LIRI were elevated, while expression of netrin-1 was significantly decreased. Flow cytometry showed that the proportion of Tregs in mice with LIRI was significantly decreased. The proportion of Tregs among lymphocytes was positively correlated with netrin-1 expression. In vitro experiments showed that netrin-1 promoted an increase in Treg proportion through the A2b receptor. Animal experiments showed that netrin-1 could inhibit apoptosis and reduce T cell and macrophage infiltration by increasing the proportion of Tregs, ultimately reducing LIRI. Treg depletion using an anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody blocked the effects of netrin-1.

Conclusion

Netrin-1 reduced LIRI by increasing the proportion of Tregs.
Meta-analysis of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 C1562T polymorphism and susceptibility to ischemic stroke in the Chinese population
Authors: Jiang Yan , Liu HongYu , Wang Yukai , Shi Xinxiu , Shao Yankun , Xu ZhongXin
Published: June 2020

Objective

Many studies have shown that the C1562T polymorphism in the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 gene promoter is associated with susceptibility to ischemic stroke (IS), but the association between them remains controversial. Our objective was to explore the relationship between MMP9 C1562T polymorphism and susceptibility to IS in the Chinese population.

Methods

We conducted a database search of Wanfang, China Science and Technology Journal database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Medline, Embase, PubMed and Springerlink through September 2019. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata15.0 software (StataCorp LP, College Station, TX, USA).

Results

Thirteen articles were included, including 3,996 patients and 3,815 controls. Among the Chinese population, the results showed no significant difference for the allele model (T vs. C; odds ratio = 1.05, 95%CI: 0.80–1.37). Significant differences were found in the dominant model (TT+TC vs. CC; odds ratio = 2.94, 95%CI: 1.58–5.45) and in the recessive model (TT vs. TC+CC; pooled OR = 0.81, 95%CI: 0.66–0.99). Neither the homozygous model or heterozygous model was significant.

Conclusion

We identified a correlation between MMP-9 C1562T polymorphism and IS in the Chinese population; the TT+TC genotype may increase the risk of IS.
Determination of psychosocial factors in cluster headache – construction and psychometric properties of the Cluster Headache Scales (CHS)
Authors: Klan Timo , Bräscher Anne-Kathrin , Vales Annabella , Liesering-Latta Eva , Witthöft Michael , Gaul Charly
Published: June 2020

Background

Cluster headache (CH) is clinically associated with considerable psychosocial burden. However, instruments to assess and characterize psychosocial factors in cluster headache more specifically are lacking. This study aimed to develop a self-report questionnaire, which assesses the broadest possible spectrum of psychosocial factors in cluster headache, the Cluster Headache Scales (CHS).

Method

Items of the Cluster Headache Scales were constructed based on a literature review and semi-structured interviews with several experts (including persons with cluster headache). A cross-sectional online survey was conducted to determine the psychometric properties and the factor structure of the Cluster Headache Scales. Data was analyzed using exploratory factor analysis as well as exploratory structural equation modelling (ESEM).

Results

In total, n = 342 subjects with cluster headache (mean age 47.8, 63% male, 51% with episodic cluster headache) were included. Factor analysis yielded eight clearly interpretable factors: Medical care, medication side effects, fear of attacks, disability, (auto)aggression, coping, physical activity, and financial burden, which are assessed via 36 items. The internal consistencies of the subscales were acceptable to excellent and ranged between Cronbach’s alpha = .76 and .93. The pattern of correlations with related instruments provides first evidence for convergent validity.

Conclusion

The CHS represents a reliable and valid self-report instrument for the assessment of psychosocial factors in persons with cluster headache, which appears useful for both clinical practice as well as research. Trial registration: The study was registered at the German Clinical Trials Register ( www.drks.de , ID-Number: DRKS00016502).
Dopaminergic symptoms in migraine: A cross-sectional study on 1148 consecutive headache center-based patients
Authors: Barbanti Piero , Aurilia Cinzia , Egeo Gabriella , Fofi Luisa , Guadagni Fiorella , Ferroni Patrizia
Published: June 2020

Background

Dopaminergic symptoms may be extremely pronounced in some migraine patients during the attack, representing a major source of disability.

Objectives

We aimed to carefully characterize the clinical picture of migraine patients with dopaminergic symptoms in a large patients’ population as a putative migraine endophenotype, allowing more precise disease management, treatment and outcome prediction.

Methods

We screened 1148 consecutive tertiary care episodic and chronic migraine patients with face-to-face interviews collecting thorough data on lifestyle, socio-demographic factors, and clinical migraine features.

Results

We identified 374 patients with migraine with dopaminergic symptoms (32.6%). The most frequent dopaminergic symptom was yawning followed by somnolence, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, mood changes and diuresis. Migraine patients with dopaminergic symptoms had longer attack duration (OR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.41–2.36, p < 0.0001), more frequent osmophobia (OR: 2.01; 95% CI: 1.50–2.69, p < 0.0001), allodynia (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.10–1.85, p = 0.0071) and unilateral cranial autonomic symptoms (OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.01–1.68, p = 0.045), but used less preventative treatments (OR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.57–0.98, p = 0.033) than patients without dopaminergic symptoms.

Conclusions

Migraine patients with dopaminergic symptoms are characterized by a full-blown, more disabling migraine. Dopaminergic system modulation should be carefully considered in individuals with migraine with dopaminergic symptoms for both acute and preventative treatments in future ad hoc designed studies.
Unusual Neuroimaging in a Case of Rapidly Progressive Juvenile-Onset Krabbe Disease
Authors: Kripps Kimberly , Kierstein Janell , Nicklas Daniel , Nelson Julie , Yang Michele , Collins Abigail , Troy Elizabeth , Escolar Maria , Maloney John , Neuberger Ilana , Stence Nicholas , Baker Peter R.
Published: June 2020

Krabbe disease is a progressive neurologic disorder caused by deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme galactocerebrosidase. The disease commonly has an early-infantile onset, but can have late-infantile, juvenile, or adult-onset phenotypes. Classic computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in Krabbe have been well described. We report a patient, ultimately diagnosed with juvenile-onset Krabbe, who presented with atypical CT imaging and rapid disease progression. Our patient was a previously healthy and developmentally appropriate female who presented at 3 years 4 months of age with ataxia and motor regression that had progressed over the course of 6 weeks without an identifiable catalyst. CT, performed in the emergency setting, demonstrated extensive white matter hyperdensity. Subsequent MRI showed T2 hyperintensity of the white matter corresponding to the areas of hyperdensity on the CT, as well as enhancement of multiple cranial nerves bilaterally, suggestive of Krabbe disease. Enzymatic testing demonstrated low galactocerebrosidase activity and molecular testing of GALC revealed compound heterozygosity for 2 known pathogenic mutations, consistent with a diagnosis of Krabbe Disease. This included the common 30-kb deletion and a known pathogenic mutation associated with juvenile/adult-onset disease. Our patient’s diffuse hyperdensity on CT offers a new radiographic finding to include in the repertoire of Krabbe imaging, and thus aide in the diagnostic evaluation. The rapidity of progression our patient demonstrated is additionally unique and should be considered in the identification of juvenile Krabbe as well as the complicated decision-making process regarding potential treatments.
Silk fibroin-based vascular repairing sheet with angiogenic-promoting activity of SVVYGLR peptide regenerated the damaged vascular in rats
Authors: Shimada Kazumi , Honda Tadakatsu , Kato Kounosuke , Hori Ryosei , Ujike Naoki , Uemura Akiko , Murakami Tomoaki , Kitpipatkun Pitipat , Nakazawa Yasumoto , Tanaka Ryou
Published: June 2020

Medical sheets are useful in surgically repair vascular disease. To avoid long-term side effects, they are to be replaced with regenerated tissue after implantation. Silk fibroin is a fibrous protein secreted by silkworm. The advantage of silk fibroin is its biocompatibility and has been used as regenerative artificial materials. The problem of its biodegradability is that the effect is time consuming. In this study, SVVYGLR peptide was used to expect promoting cell migration and accelerating the biodegradation of silk fibroin. Silk fibroin and polyurethane-based medical sheets with or without SVVYGLR peptide were implanted in rat abdominal aorta (silk fibroin/polyurethane/SVVYGLR peptide versus silk fibroin/polyurethane). The result of histological evaluation indicated that the new cell layer created under both sheets was composed of endothelial cells, smooth muscle, and fibroin in both sheets and similar to a native vessel. Both sheets did not show any excessive inflammation or calcification, and moderate biodegradability was observed. The decrease of silk fibroin indicated the biodegradability of all sheets. Silk fibroin/polyurethane/SVVYGLR peptide had many small vessels in the regenerated tissue than silk fibroin/polyurethane. This appearance indicated that SVVYGLR peptide promoted the angiogenesis in the regenerative tissue. This study suggested that SVVYGLR peptide could give the angiogenic-promoting activity to silk fibroin-based vascular repairing sheet.
Diagnostic Yield of Micro-Computed Tomography (micro-CT) Versus Histopathology of a Canine Oral Fibrosarcoma
Authors: Eberspächer-Schweda Matthias C. , Schmitt Kira , Handschuh Stephan , Fuchs-Baumgartinger Andrea , Reiter Alexander M.
Published: June 2020

Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging currently gains increased interest in human as well as veterinary medicine. The ability to image 3-dimensional (3D) biopsy specimens nondestructively down to 1 µm spatial resolution makes it a promising tool for microscopic tissue evaluation in addition to histopathology. Visualizing tumor margins and calculating tumor load on 3D reconstructions may also enhance oncological therapies. The objective of this study was to describe the workflow from tumor resection to histopathological diagnosis, using both routine hematoxylin-eosin (HE)-stained sections and micro-CT tomograms on a stage II oral fibrosarcoma in a 7-year-old Hovawart dog. The maxillectomy specimen was fixed with formalin and stained with an X-ray dense soft tissue contrast agent. Micro-CT imaging was done using an ex vivo specimen micro-CT device. Tumor margins could not be exactly determined on micro-CT tomograms due to limited image resolution and contrast. Histopathology was performed after washing out the contrast agent. It showed neoplastic cells infiltrating the surrounding tissue further than assumed from micro-CT images. A total tumor volume of 10.3 cm3 could be calculated based on correlating micro-CT tomograms with HE-stained sections. This correlative approach may be of particular interest for oncological therapy. More than that, micro-CT imaging technology supported histopathology by means of 3D orientation and selection of slices to be cut on determining tumor margins. In this clinical case report, micro-CT imaging did not provide unambiguous clinical evidence for oncological decision-making, but it showed potential to support histopathology and calculate tumor volume for further clinical use.
Performance of Small Businesses in Tanzania: Human Resources-Based View
Authors: Mashenene Robert Galan , Kumburu Neema P.
Published: June 2020

This study examined the performance of small businesses in Tanzania using human resources-based approach. A sample of 380 small business owners was surveyed using a structured questionnaire. Multi-stage sampling technique was used, whereas proportionate stratified sampling was applied which was followed by random sampling technique. In addition, snowball sampling technique was used to select cases of interest for in-depth interview. Excel and a Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) were used as analytical tools for quantitative data. Content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data from four case studies developed. Binary logistic regression model was used to estimate the effects of employees’ commitment, trustfulness and competencies on the performance of small businesses. The study revealed that employees’ commitment, honesty and competencies had a significant positive effect on the performance of small businesses. The study recommends that special training programmes should be designed and implemented for the purpose of imparting competencies and behavioural change to employees of small businesses.
Owner–manager perceptions of regulation and micro-firm performance: An exploratory view
Authors: Betton Marc E , Branston J Robert , Tomlinson Philip R
Published: June 2020

Regulation has traditionally been explored in terms of its negative burden on financial performance. We posit a true assessment should consider both its burden and value, as well as financial and wider performance criteria. This hypothesis is explored in the context of micro-firms using original survey data from the English tourism industry, using multivariate regression techniques and qualitative comments. Perceived-Burden demonstrates a negative association with financial performance, while Perceived-Value demonstrates a positive association with goal-satisfaction. Resulting policy recommendations focus on accompanying future regulatory changes with appropriate positive information so managers can move beyond burden to recognize the inherent value, and suggesting the need for further research in this area.
Preventing prejudice by preserving the spirit of mental health legislation during the COVID-19 national emergency
Authors: Ouliaris Calina , Sheahan Linda , George Duncan
Published: June 2020

Objective:

The COVID-19 national emergency activates legislative powers that allow a proportional infringement upon individual liberties. We canvas the complex legal landscape governing mental health consumers in this climate, highlight ethical considerations in application of the law and offer a simple algorithm to navigate this space.

Conclusion:

In times of emergency, it is crucial that we uphold the safeguards embodied within mental health legislation to prevent prejudicial treatment of mental health consumers.
Optimization of a piezoelectric energy harvester considering electrical fatigue
Authors: Niasar Erfan Hamsayeh Abbasi , Dahmardeh Masoud , Googarchin Hamed Saeidi
Published: June 2020

The application of piezoelectric materials in energy harvesting devices has become an interesting topic for designers in recent years. Most of the reported works consider electrical power as a major parameter throughout the design procedure. What is less discussed is considering other design factors like the fatigue life of the harvester as well as the financial costs of the device. In this research, a methodology is introduced to design an optimum harvester, taking into account the aforementioned design factors. The finite element model of a piezoelectric harvester used in roadways is developed and validated. The fatigue test constants of the piezoelectric material are extracted via a novel approach. A parametric study is conducted on the model to generate a dataset containing electrical and mechanical characteristics, where it is used as an input for training an artificial neural network to model the behavior of the harvester. In order to evaluate the level of importance of the optimization objectives, two methods are employed: the Shannon entropy method and equal weighting factors. Results show the effectiveness of the model, where considering the electromechanical characteristics of the module is important in terms of overall performance, efficiency, durability, and financial costs.
Bias and Precision of Continuous Norms Obtained Using Quantile Regression
Authors: Crompvoets Elise A. V. , Keuning Jos , Emons Wilco H. M.
Published: June 2020

Continuous norming is an increasingly popular approach to establish norms when the performance on a test is dependent on age. However, current continuous norming methods rely on a number of assumptions that are quite restrictive and may introduce bias. In this study, quantile regression was introduced as more flexible alternative. Bias and precision of quantile regression-based norming were investigated with (age-)group as covariate, varying sample sizes and score distributions, and compared with bias and precision of two other norming methods: traditional norming and mean regression-based norming. Simulations showed the norms obtained using quantile regression to be most precise in almost all conditions. Norms were nevertheless biased when the score distributions reflected a ceiling effect. Quantile regression-based norming can thus be considered a promising alternative to traditional norming and mean regression-based norming, but only if the shape of the score distribution can be expected to be close to normal.
Structure of Dark Triad Dirty Dozen Across Eight World Regions
Authors: Rogoza Radosław , Żemojtel-Piotrowska Magdalena , Jonason Peter K. , Piotrowski Jarosław , Campbell Keith W. , Gebauer Jochen E. , Maltby John , Sedikides Constantine , Adamovic Mladen , Adams Byron G. , Ang Rebecca P. , Ardi Rahkman , Atitsogbe Kokou A. , Baltatescu Sergiu , Bilić Snežana , Bodroža Bojana , Gruneau Brulin Joel , Bundhoo Poonoosamy Harshalini Yashita , Chaleeraktrakoon Trawin , Del Carmen Dominguez Alejandra , Dragova-Koleva Sonya , El-Astal Sofián , Eldesoki Walaa Labib M. , Gouveia Valdiney V. , Gundolf Katherine , Ilisko Dzintra , Jukić Tomislav , Kamble Shanmukh V. , Khachatryan Narine , Klicperova-Baker Martina , Kovacs Monika , Kozytska Inna , Larzabal Fernandez Aitor , Lehmann Konrad , Lei Xuejun , Liik Kadi , McCain Jessica , Milfont Taciano L. , Nehrlich Andreas , Osin Evgeny , Özsoy Emrah , Park Joonha , Ramos-Diaz Jano , Riđić Ognjen , Qadir Abdul , Samekin Adil , Tiliouine Habib , Tomsik Robert , Umeh Charles S. , van den Bos Kees , Van Hiel Alain , Vauclair Christin-Melanie , Włodarczyk Anna
Published: June 2020

The Dark Triad (i.e., narcissism, psychopathy, Machiavellianism) has garnered intense attention over the past 15 years. We examined the structure of these traits’ measure—the Dark Triad Dirty Dozen (DTDD)—in a sample of 11,488 participants from three W.E.I.R.D. (i.e., North America, Oceania, Western Europe) and five non-W.E.I.R.D. (i.e., Asia, Middle East, non-Western Europe, South America, sub-Saharan Africa) world regions. The results confirmed the measurement invariance of the DTDD across participants’ sex in all world regions, with men scoring higher than women on all traits (except for psychopathy in Asia, where the difference was not significant). We found evidence for metric (and partial scalar) measurement invariance within and between W.E.I.R.D. and non-W.E.I.R.D. world regions. The results generally support the structure of the DTDD.
Analysis of an automobile door closure vibroacoustic response
Authors: Garro Giuseppe TV , Warwick Braden T , Mechefske Chris K
Published: June 2020

The acoustic response of a car door latch has been shown to directly impact the customers’ perceived quality and value evaluation of the automobile. This work introduces an experimentally validated computational model of three door latch components. The transient sound pressure level response of the three door latch components during door closure was collected in a semianechoic chamber using a three-element condenser microphone array. Postprocessing methodologies such as sound pressure level versus 1/3 octave band and continuous wavelet transform analysis were performed. This provided an in-depth analysis on the overall acoustic response and identification of dominant frequencies corresponding to four specific impact events during latch operation. Computational finite element analysis of the closure system using a rigid body, and explicit dynamic and transient structural acoustic analyses provided additional insights into the latch component interactions and the acoustic response generated empirically. Recorded average sound pressure level, frequency decomposition, and impact reaction forces are presented in addition to a comparison between the acoustic response for two different door closure speeds. It was found that an increased door closure speed increased the response sound pressure level, decreased damping of the primary impact, and decreased the frequency bandwidth of the response, thereby generating an acoustic response that would be perceived as noisier, less safe, and less secure by customers. These findings provide additional insights into the primary impact acoustic response of an automotive door latch during closure. The methodology introduced in this work allows automotive engineers to perform future work with modified latch components to further improve the psychoacoustic response of the automotive car door latch, further increasing the value evaluation of the automobile.
Practice, Interpretation, and Meaning in Today’s Digital Media Ecosystem
Authors: Anderson C. W.
Published: June 2020

Historically, scholars of journalism have concerned themselves with meaning. It is ironic, then, that much of the most influential scholarship on digital media over the past two decades has concerned itself primarily with media practices. This line of thought was inaugurated by Couldry’s call to “decenter media research from the study of media texts or production structures and to redirect it onto the study of the open-ended range of practices.” This article uses research on journalism and digital political communication as a case study through which to assess the balance of gains and losses stemming from the practice turn and propose some paths forward for future scholarship. Across this article, I argue that alternate perspectives on practice (as found, for instance, in the work of the late James W. Carey) can recenter the very valuable research on media practice through a focus on the ritualized aspects of media practice, a concern with very real media texts, and by remembering that texts are not free-floating pieces of culture but are rather embedded in historically specific mediums which are only partially reducible to practice.
Unrepresentable Justice: Looking for a Postqualitative Theory of Social Change
Authors: Rosiek Jerry Lee
Published: June 2020

I believe posthumanist philosophy promises the possibility of a more robustly ethical and political practice of social inquiry. I do not, however, believe analytic and rhetorical tools have been developed that deliver amply on that promise. This is less a reflection on the quality of efforts to do so, than it is on the scope of the challenge before us. Since this is an essay about what “postqualitative means to me,” I speak from within the desire to see that promise more fully realized and the belief that there is much work yet to be done. Simply stating that concern directly and describing the grounds for it, however, would involve a performative contradiction. It would presume the challenge is an epistemic one that yields to better information and clearer representation. The challenge, however, lies within the limitations of representation itself and the way convention compels us to address our scholarship to a humanist spectator subject, as opposed to seeking to transform the subject of address. This essay, therefore, departs from standard prose conventions in an effort to both do and describe what needs to be done.
A single-center qualitative study evaluating the safety and efficacy of a pharmacist-driven protocol for high-dose methotrexate management
Authors: Matta Stephanie F , Gieselman Leslie A , Mancini Robert S
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Delayed methotrexate clearance in several patients admitted to the oncology unit at a regional medical center necessitated the development of a pharmacist-driven protocol for supportive therapy with high-dose methotrexate. This performance improvement project evaluated the impact of the protocol on inpatient length of stay, patient safety, and clinical outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective data were collected over 14 months pre-implementation and prospective data were collected over 19 months post-implementation. Primary outcomes included mean length of stay and incidence of kidney injury. Secondary outcomes included myelosuppression, treatment delays, mucositis, protocol adherence, and pharmacist interventions. Chi-squared and unpaired two sample t-test were used for data analysis.

Intervention

A literature review of consensus recommendations for supportive care post high-dose methotrexate administration was conducted to develop the protocol. Education on implementation was provided to involved disciplines.

Results

One-hundred ten high-dose methotrexate admissions for 23 patients were analyzed: 24 pre-protocol and 86 post-protocol. Mean length of stay was 5.17 nights pre-protocol and 3.91 nights post-protocol ( p = 0.026). Incidence of kidney injury significantly decreased (16.7% pre-protocol versus 3.5% post-protocol; p = 0.0394). Lower incidences of all-grade anemia (83.3% versus 58.1%), neutropenia (62.5% versus 29.1%), and thrombocytopenia (58.3% versus 33.7%) as well as treatment delays (29.2% versus 11.6%; p = 0.036) were reported post protocol. No statistically significant difference in mucositis was detected. Pharmacist adherence to protocol was ≥80% resulting in 348 interventions with 99.4% provider acceptance.

Conclusion

The implementation of a pharmacist-driven high-dose methotrexate management protocol resulted in a statistically significant decrease in inpatient length of stay and kidney injury. Further studies are needed to assess the impact on additional outcomes.
Spanish Validation of the Child Pornography Offender Risk Tool
Authors: Soldino Virginia , Carbonell-Vayá Enrique J. , Seigfried-Spellar Kathryn C.
Published: June 2020

The current study examined the validity of the Child Pornography Offender Risk Tool (CPORT) in a sample of 304 men arrested in Spain for child pornography (CP) offenses, distinguishing between CP-exclusive offenders ( n = 255) and CP offenders with other criminal involvement ( n = 49). In our 5-year fixed follow-up analysis, we observed a 2.3% sexual recidivism rate for the whole sample (2.0% new CP offenses, 0.3% new contact sexual offenses). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses detected some relative predictive ability of the CPORT for CP recidivism outcomes when the Correlates of Admission of Sexual Interest in Children (CASIC) was used to replace missing CPORT Item 5. Specifically, both CPORT and CASIC total scores might help predict new CP offending among CP-exclusive offenders (area under the curve [AUC] = .57 and .70, respectively). Calibration analyses found that the observed recidivism rates were much lower than the expected recidivism rates presented by the tool developers, and, thus, suggest caution over the use of these norms for applied risk assessment. Our findings provide, to some extent, preliminary evidence of CPORT cross-cultural validity.
The Impact of EU Allowance Prices on the Stock Market Indices of the European Power Industries: Evidence From the Ongoing EU ETS Phase III
Authors: García Agustín , García-Álvarez María Teresa , Moreno Blanca
Published: June 2020

The European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) was created in 2005 to price every ton of carbon dioxide emissions. Within this framework, EU carbon dioxide emission allowances can affect electric power industry stock performance. This article uses a multifactor market model and a panel data econometric technique to investigate the long-run impact of EU carbon dioxide emission allowances on the European power sector. We also use panel cointegration to check whether there is a long-run relationship, and fully modified ordinary least square and dynamic ordinary least square to estimate any such relationship. The panel data include a daily sample for the ongoing EU ETS Phase III (from 1 January 2013 until 22 April 2017) and data from six European Union members (Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, and Spain). The estimated coefficients suggest that EU allowance prices have a statistically significant and positive long-run effect on the European power sector stock market in EU ETS Phase III. This potentially supports EU efforts to toughen carbon reduction regime targets in order to remove the surplus from the system.
Prevalence and clinical characteristics of phenobarbitone-associated adverse effects in epileptic cats
Authors: Marsh Oliver , Corsini Giulia , Van Dijk Jan , Gutierrez-Quintana Rodrigo , De Risio Luisa
Published: June 2020

Objectives

The study objective was to investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of phenobarbitone-associated adverse effects in epileptic cats.

Methods

The medical records of two veterinary referral clinics from 2007 to 2017 were searched for cats fulfilling the inclusion criteria of a diagnosis of epilepsy, treatment with phenobarbitone and available follow-up information on the occurrence of adverse effects. Follow-up information was obtained from the medical records of the primary veterinarian and referral institutions and a questionnaire completed by the cats’ owners.

Results

Seventy-seven cats met the inclusion criteria. Fifty-eight were affected by idiopathic epilepsy and 19 by structural epilepsy. One or more of the following adverse effects were reported in 47% of the cats: sedation (89%); ataxia (53%); polyphagia (22%); polydipsia (6%); polyuria (6%); and anorexia (6%). Logistic regression analyses revealed significant associations between adverse effect occurrence and both phenobarbitone starting dosage and administration of a second antiepileptic drug (AED). For each 1 mg/kg q12h increment of phenobarbitone, the likelihood of adverse effects increased 3.1 times. When a second AED was used, the likelihood of adverse effects increased 3.2 times. No association was identified between epilepsy aetiology and adverse effect occurrence. An idiosyncratic adverse effect, characterised by severe neutropenia and granulocytic hypoplasia, was diagnosed in one cat. This resolved following phenobarbitone discontinuation.

Conclusions and relevance

The prevalence of phenobarbitone-associated adverse effects was 47%. Sedation and ataxia were most common. These are type A adverse effects and are predictable from phenobarbitone’s known pharmacological properties. In the majority of cases, adverse effects occurred within the first month of treatment and were transient. Idiosyncratic (type B) adverse effects, which were not anticipated given the known properties of the drug, occurred in one cat. Increased phenobarbitone starting dosage and the addition of a second AED were significantly associated with the occurrence of adverse effects.
Postural Behavior in Medicated Parkinson Disease Patients: A Preliminary Study Searching for Indicators to Track Progress
Authors: Degani Adriana Menezes , Cardoso Vinicius Saura , Magalhães Alessandra Tanuri , Assunção Ana Larissa Sousa , Soares Erica de Carvalho , Danna-dos-Santos Alessander
Published: June 2020

Purpose:

The establishment of early diagnostic methods for Parkinson disease (PD) is one of the key features to clinically control the rate of PD progression. This study aimed to give a first step toward recognizing the efficacy of multiple postural indices of balance control in differentiating medicated PD patients from health participants.

Methods:

Nine individuals with PD (Hoehn and Yahr Stage up to 2), 9 staged 2.5 and up, and 9 healthy age-matched Controls performed bipedal stances for 120 seconds with eyes either open or closed on a stable force platform. All participants with PD were under anti-Parkinsonian medication. Non-parametric tests investigated the effects of PD and visual input on postural indices extracted from the center of pressure coordinates.

Results:

Independent of the stage of the disease, individuals with PD presented faster and shakier body sway compared with Controls. Advanced stages of PD also revealed increased body sway length and variability. In addition, medio-lateral postural instability was more pronounced in all stages of PD when visual inputs were not allowed.

Conclusion and Significance:

Body sway velocity, jerkiness, length, and its variability revealed to be potential markers for subclinical signs of adjustments in the neuromechanisms of balance control and postural instability even at early stages of disease and under anti-Parkinsonian medication. Results produced here will direct future studies aiming to investigate the efficacy of these same indices on recognizing subclinical development of PD as well as those individuals susceptible to faster rates of progression.
Embodied truths and authentic selves: The constitution of evidence and credibility in rape cases
Authors: Laugerud Solveig
Published: June 2020

In this article, I use the concept of chronotope, which means time-space, to analyse knowledge production at the intersection of science, technology and law. I do a comparative study of written legal decisions regarding criminal injuries compensation in rape cases from two different legal institutions in Norway—namely, the Compensation Authority and the criminal courts. In these written decisions, the two institutions state the reasons and justifications for their decisions by invoking, relying on and dismissing various kinds of knowledge, such as forensic, medical and psychological knowledge. The aim of this comparison is to investigate how these reasons and justifications constitute evidence and credibility. I argue that the two institutions attach themselves to different kinds of expert knowledge because they are chronotopically different and consequently constitute evidence and credibility in different ways.
Development and test of a self-centering fluidic viscous damper
Authors: Zhu Ruizhao , Guo Tong , Mwangilwa Frank
Published: June 2020

This research presents a novel self-centering fluidic viscous damper that incorporates preloaded ring springs to offer self-centering capability and a fluidic viscous damper for energy dissipation. A full-scale self-centering fluidic viscous damper was developed and subjected to low-cyclic reversed loading tests. The test results show the self-centering fluidic viscous damper has both displacement-dependent and velocity-dependent hysteric responses with self-centering capability. Fatigue tests further show that the self-centering fluidic viscous damper maintains a stable hysteretic response under reversed loading. An analytical model and a numerical model are developed for the proposed self-centering fluidic viscous damper and analyzed. Comparisons of test results and the numerical and analytical models show similar hysteric responses, thereby validating the accuracy of the numerical and analytical models to simulate the behavior of the proposed damper.
Popular music reaction videos: Reactivity, creator labor, and the performance of listening online
Authors: McDaniel Byrd
Published: June 2020

In popular music reaction videos, performers on YouTube—called “creators”—record their reactions to popular music, filming themselves as they listen to music recordings and watch music videos. The profitability and appeal of popular music reaction videos can be explained by a quality I call reactivity. Reactivity describes the approach that creators take to listening, as they heighten and exaggerate their affective experience of music media. Reactivity also describes their goals for creating these reaction videos, which they hope will provoke subsequent reactions among viewers. Reactions among their viewers translate into more views, shares, and ultimately more power for the creators. By drawing on observations and interviews with nine creators, I demonstrate how reactivity can enable creators of color and queer creators to counter problematic and dominant forms of listening to popular music, while also enabling privileged creators to treat exploitative listening as a kind of virtuosic act of consumption.
What’s in a (pseudo)name? Ethical conundrums for the principles of anonymisation in social media research
Authors: Gerrard Ysabel
Published: June 2020

Scholars from wide-ranging disciplines are turning to social media platforms as research sites, and as platforms expand their communicative possibilities, they create more spaces for users to enact a multitude of identities. Most platforms allow users to have ‘pseudonymous’ identities; that is, they can engage in practices intended to facilitate nonidentifiable content. But pseudonymity presents a series of unique challenges to the principles of anonymisation in qualitative research. This article explores the slippery nature of dealing with pseudonymous social media users’ personally identifiable data during research, framed around my responses to four questions I was asked when I applied for ethical approval to conduct research with pseudonymous fan communities on social media. The four questions concern: (Q1) changing notions of ‘public’ and ‘private’ forms of data; (Q2) identifying underage and therefore vulnerable participants online; (Q3) changes to the processes of obtaining informed consent from social media users; and (Q4) the risks social media research might bring to those conducting it. This article concludes by calling for qualitative researchers and Ethics Review Boards (ERBs) to engage with institutional ethics review across the duration of a project, or at the very least to advocate for ongoing consent as research progresses, especially for (but certainly not limited to) research involving pseudonymous social media users. The article aims to be useful to other researchers facing similar dilemmas. Indeed, given the popularity of pseudonymity on social media and the growing penetration of platforms across global demographics, a need for ethical discussions of this kind is surely set to increase.
If structure can exclaim: a novel robotic-assisted percussion method for spatial bolt-ball joint looseness detection
Authors: Wang Furui , Mobiny Aryan , Van Nguyen Hien , Song Gangbing
Published: June 2020

In proportion to the immense construction of spatial structures is the emergence of catastrophes related to structural damages (e.g. loose connections), thus rendering personal injury and property loss. It is therefore essential to detect spatial bolt looseness. Current methods for detecting spatial bolt looseness mostly focus on contact-type measurement, which may not be practical in some cases. Thus, inspired by the sound-based human diagnostic approach, we develop a novel percussion method using the Mel-frequency cepstral coefficient and the memory-augmented neural network in this article. In comparison with current investigations, the main contribution of this article is the detection of multi-bolt looseness for the first time with higher accuracy than prior methods. In particular, in terms of new data obtained via similar joints, the memory-augmented neural network can help avoid inefficient relearn and assimilate new data to provide accurate prediction with only a few data samples, which effectively improves the robustness of detection. Furthermore, percussion was implemented with a robotic arm instead of manual operation, which preliminarily explores the potential of implementing automation applications in real industries. Finally, experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, which can guide future development of cyber-physics systems for structural health detection.
Intravenous Honokiol in Drug-Resistant Cancer: Two Case Reports
Authors: Eliaz Isaac , Weil Elaine
Published: June 2020

Context: Long-term patient survival in cancer is affected by drug resistance. Honokiol (HNK) is a small-molecule polyphenol isolated from the bark and seed cones of Magnolia officinalis. HNK has been shown to enhance the effects of chemotherapy and inhibit drug resistance in preclinical models. HNK was well tolerated in multiple animal models when administered orally, intravenously (IV), and via intraperitoneal route. However, there are limited human data on the use of HNK in general, and specifically via IV (HNK-IV) in cancer. Objective: We aim to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of HNK-IV in patients with drug-resistant tumors. Methods: This is a case study of 2 cancer patients who utilized HNK-IV as part of their cancer treatment regimen. The initial infusion of HNK was 10 mg/kg body weight, and subsequent treatments were increased up to 50 mg/kg according to individual tolerance, over 2 weeks. Results: Positive clinical response was achieved in both patients, including improved symptoms and quality of life. No serious adverse side effects occurred, and there were no adverse effects on laboratory parameters (complete blood count, kidney, and liver function). Transient sedation and minor nausea were noted and resolved postinfusion. Conclusions: This is the first report of HNK-IV in human patients. Given the positive clinical results, safety, and tolerability, the use of HNK-IV warrants further investigation regarding optimum formulation, and its use as adjunctive therapy in cancer patients.
Irrelevant data elimination based on a k-means clustering algorithm for efficient data aggregation and human activity classification in smart home sensor networks
Authors: Pattamaset Siriporn , Choi Jae Sung
Published: June 2020

For the successful operation of smart home environments, it is important to know the state or activity of an occupant. A large number of sensors can be deployed and embedded in places or things. All sensor nodes measure the physical world and send data to the base station for processing. However, the processing of all collected data from every sensor node can consume significant energy and time. In order to enhance the sensor network in smart home applications, we propose the irrelevant data elimination based on k-means clustering algorithm to enhance data aggregation. This approach embeds the cluster head–based algorithm into cluster heads to omit irrelevant data from the base station. The pattern of measured data in each room can be clustered as an active pattern when human activity happens in that room and a stable pattern when human activity does not happen in the room. The irrelevant data elimination based on k-means clustering algorithm approach can reduce 55.94% of the original data with similar results in human activity classification. This study proves that the proposed approach can eliminate meaningless data and intelligently aggregate data by delivering only data from rooms in which human activity likely occurs.
Beyond the Paradigm Conflicts: A Four-Step Coding Instrument for Grounded Theory
Authors: Qureshi Henna A. , Ünlü Züleyha
Published: June 2020

Grounded theory (GT) has established itself as a rigorous process that allows in-depth analysis. The popularity of GT demands that implementation process be made easy to understand and adopt especially for novice grounded theorists. This article, therefore, introduces an analytic instrument to enable grounded theorists to organize handling of data and coding in a sophisticated manner with productive results. The Ünlü-Qureshi instrument, an analytic tool for grounded theorists, comprises four steps: code, concept, category, and theme. Each step helps in understanding, interpreting, and organizing the data in a way that leads toward theory emerging from the data. The Ünlü-Qureshi instrument was used in two studies using GT: one where students’ feedback was examined and other where mentoring patterns were studied. Both studies found the Ünlü-Qureshi instrument a useful tool. This article explains the GT steps and implementation of Ünlü-Qureshi instrument for grounded theorists, especially novice researchers.
Design optimization of multi-objective proportional–integral–derivative controllers for enhanced handling quality of a twin-engine, propeller-driven airplane
Authors: Rostami Mohsen , Chung Joon , Park Hyeong Uk
Published: June 2020

Herein, the design optimization of multi-objective controllers for the lateral–directional motion using proportional–integral–derivative controllers for a twin-engine, propeller-driven airplane is presented. The design optimization has been accomplished using the genetic algorithm and the main goal was to enhance the handling quality of the aircraft. The proportional–integral–derivative controllers have been designed such that not only the stability of the lateral–directional motion was satisfied but also the optimum result in longitudinal trim condition was achieved through genetic algorithm. Using genetic algorithm optimization, the handling quality was improved and placed in level 1 from level 2 for the proposed aircraft. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis to different velocities, altitudes and centre of mass positions is presented. Also, the performance of the genetic algorithm has been compared to the case where the particle swarm optimization tool is implemented. In this work, the aerodynamic coefficients as well as the stability and control derivatives were predicted using analytical and semi-empirical methods validated for this type of aircraft.