bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calculating loads and life-time reduction of wind turbine gearbox and generator bearings due to shaft misalignment
Authors: Rommel Damian P , Di Maio Dario , Tinga Tiedo
Published: April 2020

During the last two decades, wind turbine industries have faced high failure rates, downtimes and costly repairs. Gearbox and generator have contributed to this, especially, because their high speed shaft bearings have often failed. In this article, an analytical method is proposed to calculate the reaction loads of flexible connecting couplings installed between wind turbine gearbox and generator. Raction loads are determined from joint kinematics and metal disk pack deformations as well as axial and angular shaft misalignment. The calculations are executed for both flexible connecting couplings and a universal joint shaft and applied to the gearbox high speed shaft. The performance of flexible connecting couplings and universal joint shaft is compared with respect to the bearing loads and life-time of the gearbox high speed shaft. It is shown that the early, unplanned bearing failures of gearbox and generator high speed shaft can often be attributed to the flexible connecting couplings installed between gearbox and generator.
Impaired follicular development and endocrine disorders in female rats by prepubertal exposure to toxic doses of cadmium
Authors: Saedi Saman , Shirazi Mohammad Reza Jafarzadeh , Zamiri Mohammad Javad , Totonchi Mehdi , Dadpasand Mohammad , Sedaghati Fatemeh
Published: April 2020

Cadmium (Cd) has been associated with several physiological problems including reproductive and endocrine system dysfunction resulting in temporary infertility. The principal objective of this project was to investigate the effects of prepubertal exposure to toxic doses of Cd on puberty onset, the endocrine system, and follicular development. For this purpose, 16 female Sprague-Dawley rats weaned on postnatal day (PND) 21 were randomly divided into 4 groups ( n = 4 per group). The treatments were as follows: 0, 25, 50, and 75 mg/kg/day of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) by oral gavage from PND 21 to observation of first vaginal opening (VO). The results demonstrated that prepubertal exposure to different doses of CdCl2 delays the age of VO, first diestrus, and first proestrus via altering the concentrations of estradiol and progesterone. The low level of these steroid hormones contributed to lower differentiation and maturation of follicles and it finally led to reduced ovarian reservoir of follicles and impaired follicular development. The number of atretic follicles and secondary follicles with premature cavity increased in rats that received a high dose of CdCl2, whereas the number of secondary follicles and corpora luteum decreased in the same circumstances. Taken together, these data suggest that prepubertal exposure to toxic doses of Cd delays the onset of puberty via disorderliness in the concentration of steroid hormones and reduces the ovarian reservoir of follicles, as well as folliculogenesis.
Effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field exposure on the skeletal muscle functions in rats
Authors: Gunes Sevgi , Buyukakilli Belgin , Yaman Selma , Turkseven Cagatay Han , Ballı Ebru , Cimen Burak , Bayrak Gulsen , Celikcan Havva Didem
Published: April 2020

The aim of the present study was to systematically investigate the effects of chronic exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) on electrophysiological, histological and biochemical properties of the diaphragm muscle in rats. Twenty-nine newly weaned (24 days old, 23–80 g) female ( n = 15) and male ( n = 14) Wistar Albino rats were used in this study. The animals were randomly divided into two groups: the control group and the electromagnetic field (EMF) group. The control group was also randomly divided into two groups: the control female group and the control male group. The EMF exposure group was also randomly divided into two groups: the ELF-EMF female group and the ELF-EMF male group. The rats in the ELF-EMF groups were exposed for 4 h daily for up to 7 months to 50 Hz frequency, 1.5 mT magnetic flux density. Under these experimental conditions, electrophysiological parameters (muscle bioelectrical activity parameters: intracellular action potential and resting membrane potential and muscle mechanical activity parameter: force–frequency relationship), biochemical parameters (Na+, K+, Cl− and Ca+2 levels in the blood serum of rats; Na+-K+ ATPase enzyme-specific activities in muscle tissue; and free radical metabolism in both muscle tissue and serum) and transmission electron microscopic morphometric parameters of the diaphragm muscle were determined. We found that chronic exposure to ELF-EMF had no significant effect on the histological structure and mechanical activity of the muscle and on the majority of muscle bioelectrical activity parameters, with the exception of some parameters of muscle bioelectrical activity. However, the changes in some bioelectrical activity parameters were relatively small and unlikely to be clinically relevant.
Assessment of anilofos-induced mutagenicity in bone marrow and germ cells of Swiss albino mice
Authors: Bagri Preeti , Kumar Vinod
Published: April 2020

Anilofos is an organophosphate compound and is used extensively as a preemergence and early postemergence herbicide for the management of sedges, annual grasses, and some broad-leaved weeds in rice fields. The present study was aimed to assess the mutagenic potential of anilofos after sub-chronic exposure in Swiss albino mice. For this, a combined approach employing micronucleus (MN), chromosomal aberration (CA) studies and sperm-head abnormalities (SHAs) was used. Three dose levels of 1%, 2%, and 4% of maximum tolerated dose (MTD) (235 mg/kg b.wt.), that is, 2.35, 4.7 and 9.4 mg/kg b.wt., respectively, were administered orally daily for 90 days. A higher incidence of micronucleated erythrocytes (polychromatic erythrocytes + normochromatic erythrocytes), significant increase in CA frequency, and significant decrease in the ratio of polychromatic/normochromatic erythrocytes (P/N) ratio were observed at the 4.7 and 9.4 mg/kg b.wt. dose levels. A significant increase in SHA was observed in all treatment groups (2.35, 4.7, and 9.4 mg/kg b.wt.) from the control group. In conclusion, anilofos exposure of 2% and 4% of MTD caused a higher rate of micronucleated erythrocytes, increased frequency of CA, increase in SHA, and lower P/N ratio, and pesticide exposure of 1% of MTD only resulted in higher SHAs. Thus, anilofos was found to have mutagenic potential in mice when administered daily orally at dose rate of 4.7 and 9.4 mg/kg b.wt. for 90 days.
Use of Tissue Plasminogen Activator in Abdominal Abscesses in Children—A Single-Center Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Gibson Craig R. , Amirabadi Afsaneh , Goman Simal , Armstrong Nicholas C. , Langer Jacob C. , Amaral Joao G. , Temple Michael J. , Parra Dimitri , John Philip R. , Connolly Bairbre L.
Published: April 2020

Purpose:

To establish the efficacy of once-per-day intracavitary tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in the treatment of pediatric intra-abdominal abscesses.

Methods:

A single-center prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial of the use of intracavitary tPA in abdominal abscesses in children. Patients were randomized to either tPA-treatment or saline-treatment groups. Primary outcome was drainage catheter dwell (hours). Secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay, times to discharge, clinical and sonographic resolution, and adverse events (AEs).

Results:

Twenty-eight children were randomized to either group (n = 14 each). Demographics between groups were not significantly different (age P = .28; weight P = .40; gender P = .44). There were significantly more abscesses in the tPA-treated group ( P = .03). Abscesses were secondary to perforated appendicitis (n = 25) or postappendectomy (n = 3). Thirty-four abscesses were drained, 4 aspirated, 3 neither drained/aspirated. There was no significant difference in number of drains ( P = .14), drain size ( P = .19), primary outcome ( P = .077), or secondary outcomes found. No procedural or intervention drug-related AEs occurred. No patient in the saline-treated group required to be switched/treated with tPA.

Conclusion:

No significant difference in the length of catheter dwell time, procedure time to discharge, or time to resolution was found. Intracavitary tPA was not associated with morbidity or mortality. The results neither support nor negate routine use of tPA in the drainage of intra-abdominal abscess in children. It is possible that a multicentre study with a larger number of patients may answer this question more definitively.
Loopholes in Current Infection Control and Prevention Practices Against COVID-19 in Radiology Department and Improvement Suggestions
Authors: Yu Juan , Ding Ning , Chen Huan , Liu Xia-Jing , Pu Zu-Hui , Xu Hua-Jian , Lei Yi , Zhang Han-Wen
Published: April 2020

Objectives:

To improve the infection control and prevention practices against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in radiology department through loophole identification and providing rectifying measurements.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of 2 cases of health-care-associated COVID-19 transmission in 2 radiology departments and comparing the infection control and prevention practices against COVID-19 with the practices of our department, where no COVID-19 transmission has occurred.

Results:

Several loopholes have been identified in the infection control and prevention practices against COVID-19 of the 2 radiology departments. Loopholes were in large part due to our limited understanding of the highly contagious coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which is characterized by features not observed in other SARS viruses. We recommend to set up an isolation zone for handling patients who do not meet the diagnostic criteria of COVID-19 but are not completely cleared of the possibility of infection.

Conclusions:

Loopholes in the infection control and prevention practices against COVID-19 of the 2 radiology departments are due to poor understanding of the emerging disease which can be fixed by establishing an isolation zone for patients not completely cleared of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
L. Candee & Co. and the U.S. Rubber Shoe Industry
Authors: Shephard Arlesa J.
Published: April 2020

The rubber shoe industry was a large and thriving industry in the 19th century. Research on this industry provides insight about technology development, the entrepreneurial spirit, the rise of industry, challenges with intellectual property rights, and efforts made to maintain market dominance in the 19th and early 20th centuries. This research examines L. Candee & Company which was one of the early rubber shoe manufacturers in the United States. A case study of this company parallels the story of the growth and decline of the rubber shoe industry. Early investment in this industry required great risk. Once established, the industry thrived and grew into a highly profitable industry. In the early 20th century, the rubber shoe industry began to decline as new technology and products were developed.
Modelling of macroscopic cutting forces in internal broaching of an X12Cr13 stainless steel
Authors: Fabre Dorian , Bonnet Cédric , Mabrouki Tarek , Rech Joël
Published: April 2020

Broaching operations require stiff machine tools that have to withstand high cutting forces. This work aims to develop a methodology to predict the macroscopic cutting forces on a real, internal broaching operation comprising a large number of teeth. The macroscopic forces are estimated, based on the addition of local forces that are applied to each section and are simultaneously in contact with the broach. These local forces are calculated using a model of specific cutting pressure, depending on the rise per tooth. This study uses two methods to identify this specific cutting pressure model, that is, a direct approach based on orthogonal cutting tests and an inverse approach based on an instrumented broaching operation. It is shown that the direct method is effective in identifying a specific cutting pressure model and enables the prediction of macroscopic forces. Moreover, the direct approach provides more comprehensive results in terms of radial forces.
A corner smoothing method with feedrate blending for linear segments under geometric and kinematic constraints
Authors: Zhang Yong-Bin , Wang Tai-Yong , Dong Jing-Chuan , Liu Yang-Fan , Ke Run-Ji
Published: April 2020

To eliminate the disadvantages of linear interpolation and geometry-based smoothing methods, the one-step corner smoothing method with feedrate blending algorithm for linear segments is proposed in this article. In the proposed method, the variable acceleration and jerk optimization method will be first adopted to determine the dynamic performance of each linear segment for feedrate scheduling, which takes the different axial limits into consideration. Then, the feedrate scheduling method based on the S-type acceleration and deceleration algorithm is implemented to generate smooth feedrate profiles. Moreover, the feedrate blending algorithm is adopted to calculate the corner time analytically within the specified corner error and thus to generate the smooth trajectory without inserting a smooth curve at adjacent linear segments. With the presented one-step corner smoothing method, a smoother and more accurate trajectory could be generated with faster machining time. The results of simulations and machining experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Influence of processing parameters on the density of 316L stainless steel parts manufactured through laser powder bed fusion
Authors: Pragana João PM , Pombinha Pedro , Duarte Valdemar R , Rodrigues Tiago A , Oliveira João P , Bragança Ivo MF , Santos Telmo G , Miranda Rosa M , Coutinho Luísa , Silva Carlos MA
Published: April 2020

Additive manufacturing technologies are becoming more popular, as they allow the fabrication of specific parts with complex geometries not achievable by conventional manufacturing. In metal additive manufacturing, one of the most widely used technologies is laser powder bed fusion. This work focuses on the influence of different processing parameters on the density of AISI 316L stainless parts obtained through this technology. The article presents a review of published works on the deposition of AISI 316L stainless steel using laser powder bed fusion to define an optimal range of parameters to produce parts with densities above 99%, complemented by density measurements for new sets of laser powder bed fusion processing parameters within the defined optimal range. The investigation provides a further insight on the effect of operating parameters such as vector size and gas atmosphere (Nitrogen and Argon) on the part density. The density measurements were performed using two techniques: micrograph analysis and Archimedes method. Results reveal that an increase in vector size has a negative influence on part density. With the Archimedes method, a maximum relative density of 99.87% was achieved using Nitrogen atmosphere, showing that it is possible to produce near fully dense parts by laser powder bed fusion without post-processing by laser re-melting.
Influence of self-circulating casing treatment with double-bleed ports structure on compressor performance
Authors: Yan Song , Chu WuLi
Published: April 2020

Casing treatment is an effective way to improve the stable working margin of the compressor and plays an important role in ensuring the stable and safe work of the compressor. On the premise that the numerical results are in agreement with the experimental values, the paper study on a new type of the self-circulating casing treatment with double-bleed ports structure was carried out on the NASA rotor 37 by numerical simulation. It is found that compared with the self-circulating casing treatment with single-bleed port structure, the self-circulating casing treatment with double-bleed ports structure is more favorable for improving the stall margin of the rotor, and the improvement of the stall margin obtained at the rotor design speed is as high as 9.57%. Compared with the other two self-circulating casing treatments with single-bleed port structure, the improvement of the stall margin is increased by 37.90 and 49.53%, respectively. The self-circulating casing treatment with double-bleed ports structure has a significant effect on the enhancing stability, but at the same time, it causes a greater efficiency loss, which reduces the design point efficiency of the rotor by 0.34%. Through detailed analysis of the flow field, it is found that the self-circulating casing treatment improves the flow capacity of the blade tip region, weakens the blockage degree of the blade tip region, and reduces the blade tip load, thereby improving the stall margin of rotor. Compared with the self-circulating casing treatment with single-bleed port structure, the self-circulating casing treatment with double-bleed ports structure is more advantageous for delaying the flow separation of the suction surface, delaying the occurrence of the blade tip stall to make the stability of rotor more favorable, and obtained stall margin improvement is the greatest.
Cont(r)actualisation: A Politics of Transformative Legal Recognition of Adult Unions
Authors: Croce Mariano , Swennen Frederik
Published: April 2020

This article champions a new legal recognition model that emphasises the transformative potential of people’s use of family law. After discussing the flaws of prevailing recognition models, it insists on family formations being unique assemblages that cannot be captured by generalised technical categories. It makes the claim that, rather than one-size-fits-all model for relationship recognition that relies upon dyadic, sexual and domestic relationships, people ought to be able to identify different modules of relationship upon which to base legal recognition or particular legal consequences. It terms this model ‘cont(r)actualisation’, as the law should adopt a new orientation to how people form their normative networks. In the context of relationship recognition, this means that fixed bundles of pregiven labels should not drive recognition; rather, different modules or nodes law users themselves define when performing family ought to define family for law, at least for different legal purposes.
The Role of Patents as a Gendered Chameleon
Authors: Lai Jessica C
Published: April 2020

Patents have been theorised as serving a multitude of different aims and functions since their inception. The role of patents is chameleon-like. At the same time, studies show that males are significantly more likely than females to be the inventors of patented inventions. A nascent but emphatic body of literature highlights that this is, in part, due to patent law itself being gendered. This article examines how gendered patenting and patent law have implications for the role of patents. It shows that the role of patents is not only a chameleon but a gendered chameleon.
Patterns of gynaecological check-up and their association with body mass index within the CONSTANCES cohort
Authors: Franck Jeanna-eve , Ringa Virginie , Rigal Laurent , Sassenou Jeanne , Cœuret-Pellicer Mireille , Chauvin Pierre , Menvielle Gwenn
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To investigate the relationship between patterns of gynaecological check-up and body mass index while accounting for various determinants of health care use.

Methods

Sequence analysis and clustering were used to highlight patterns of gynaecological check-up, which included the regularity of breast and cervical cancer screening and visits to the gynaecologist over four years, among 6182 women aged 54–65 included in the CONSTANCES cohort between 2013 and 2015 in France. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to study the association between these patterns and women’s body mass index.

Results

We identified four patterns of gynaecological check-up, from (A) no or inappropriate check-up (20%) to (D) almost one visit to the gynaecologist every year, overscreening for cervical cancer and frequent use of opportunistic breast cancer screening (12%). From patterns A to D, the proportion of obese women decreased and that of women with normal body mass index increased. Obese and overweight women underwent more breast than cervical cancer screening and were less often overscreened than normal weight women. These differences were only partly explained by the lower socioeconomic situation of overweight and obese women. Beyond the financial barrier, the screening modality and the type of exam may play a role. Among women who were screened for cervical cancer, obese and overweight women were less often screened by a gynaecologist.

Conclusion

Further efforts should be made to enhance the take-up of screening among obese women who are deterred by the healthcare system.
Effects of Antenatal Education on Fear of Birth, Depression, Anxiety, Childbirth Self-Efficacy, and Mode of Delivery in Primiparous Pregnant Women: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Çankaya Seyhan , Şimşek Bülent
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of antenatal education on birth fear, depression, anxiety, stress, childbirth self-efficacy, and mode of delivery in primiparous pregnant women. This is a single-blind, prospective, randomized controlled trial, in which we applied the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement. The study was conducted in a city in Turkey’s Central Anatolia region, and the data collection process was made between April and September 2019. One hundred and twenty primiparous pregnant women were assigned to either the antenatal education group ( n = 60) or the control group ( n = 60) via randomized block assignment. A total of 112 women were evaluated at the end of the study. Pregnant women in the antenatal education group were given two 2-hr sessions (240 min) twice a week for 4 weeks. It was found that those in the antenatal education group had less birth fear, depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms and increased childbirth self-efficacy compared to controls ( p < 0.05). Those in the antenatal education group had significantly lower postnatal birth fear, depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms compared to controls ( p < 0.001). More vaginal births occurred in the antenatal education group compared to controls ( p = 0.043). According to the outcome of this evidence-based study: antenatal education has important clinical benefits for women both during pregnancy and in the postpartum period and all pregnant women should receive this education.
Tracking Cross-Cultural Gender Bias in Reputations
Authors: Post Emily R. , Macfarlan Shane J.
Published: April 2020

While ethnologists have long noted that females lack access to social capital across cultures, the magnitude of this effect is rarely examined. Here, we investigate the nature of gender bias in one dimension of social capital, reputation. We extract data on reputations from the electronic Human Relations Area Files (eHRAF) database, specifically the societies in the Standard Cross-Cultural Sample, and analyze whether there are fewer instances of feminine reputation relative to masculine reputation. In addition, we assess whether aspects of social structure or institutional biases in the production of ethnography affect the rate at which feminine reputations occur. We find that (a) most reputations are gendered male; (b) patrilocality and matriliny increase the rate at which feminine reputations occur, while patriliny decreases their occurrence; and (c) as female authorship increases over time, inclusion of feminine subject matter increases, which resulted in a greater incidence of feminine reputations. Ultimately, our analyses highlight the need for increased focus on feminine subject matters and gendered social capital in the discipline of anthropology.
Linguistic Equivalence, Construct Validity, But Lack Measurement Invariance: An Illustration of Challenges in Cross-Cultural Research on Adolescent Adjustment
Authors: Tan Tony Xing , Yi Zhiyao , Kim Eunsook , Li Zhengjie , Cheng Ke
Published: April 2020

In this study, we illustrated issues related to measure invariance in cross-cultural research involving instrument translation between Chinese and English. We translated and back-translated the third edition of the Behavioral Assessment for Children-Self Report of Personality (BASC-3-SRP) and administered it to 1,574 youth in China and 512 youth in the United States. We found that despite a rigorous approach to achieving linguistic equivalence, statistically demonstrating acceptable internal consistency and construct validity, measurement invariance tests revealed that six of the 16 BASC-3-SRP subscales lacked measurement invariance. Constructs for the first three of the six subscales that lacked measurement invariance (i.e., Negative Attitude toward School, Negative Attitude toward Teachers, and Self-Esteem) are known to be conceptualized differently in collectivistic societies, while constructs for the second three subscales (i.e., Atypicality, Sense of Inadequacy, and Hyperactivity) lacked measurement invariance without known cultural reasons. These results highlight instrument development issues and measurement variance issues that cross-cultural researchers must grapple with.
Improving the Standard of Care in the Management of Agitation in the Acute Psychiatric Setting
Authors: Brathovde Angela
Published: April 2020

INTRODUCTION: In 2016-2017, assault and restraint rates on the involuntary inpatient psychiatric unit in an academic medical center in northeast United States were highest for the seven behavioral health hospital networks. Organizational assessment identified inconsistent implementation of Best Practices in Evaluating and Treating Agitation (BETA) guidelines, adopted in 2014. Contributing factors: 50% of nurses hired in 2016-2017 had 5 years or less nursing experience. Newer nurses might lack confidence managing escalating agitation until more restrictive containment is necessary. AIMS: The aims of this 8-week quality improvement project were (1) to determine if Brøset Violence Checklist (BVC) education improved documentation of BETA interventions from pre- to post-project, (2) to reduce restraint rates by 5% or greater, and (3) to improve registered nurses’ attitudes regarding the use of violence risk assessment tools. METHODS: Retrospective restraint documentation was audited 8 weeks prior to project. Patients were assessed using the BVC twice daily for first 72 hours of admission. BVC checklists and electronic health record documentation were audited for BVC scores above 2. The author and nurses involved in each restraint reviewed documentation improvement opportunities. Pre- and post-BVC intervention surveys assessed nurse attitudes regarding violence risk tools. RESULTS: Outcome measurement included electronic health record documentation showed improvement reflecting BETA interventions; 6.5% reduction in restraint rates during the intervention; and improvement in attitudes regarding violence risk assessments. CONCLUSIONS: BVC agitation assessment in conjunction with BETA guidelines supports proactive management of violence risk, improving the standard of documentation and care.
Estimation of risk–benefit ratio and comparison of post-operative efficacy results between trabeculectomy and canaloplasty
Authors: Vastardis Iraklis , Fili Sofia , Perdikakis Georgios , Gatzioufas Zisis , Kohlhaas Markus
Published: April 2020

Purpose:

To estimate a risk–benefit ratio by comparing the efficacy of canaloplasty to trabeculectomy exclusively in pseudophakic eyes with primary open angle glaucoma.

Patients and methods:

One hundred four eyes that underwent ab externo canaloplasty and 136 eyes that underwent trabeculectomy with mitomycin C 0.02% and collagen matrix implantation were retrospectively compared. The efficacy was evaluated by evaluating the absolute success rate (5 ⩽ intraocular pressure ⩽ 15 mmHg) and the qualified success rate (intraocular pressure ⩽15 mmHg) using the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. A meta-analysis to evaluate the relative risk of both procedures in relation to post-operative interventions was performed.

Results:

Mean intraocular pressure was significantly lower in both groups. Intraocular pressure decreased by 32.17% in the canaloplasty group and by 55.04% in the trabeculectomy group at 12 months (analysis of variance, p < 0.001). Medication use was lower in both groups (analysis of variance, p < 0.001) by the 12th month. The absolute success rate for canaloplasty was 20.19% of eyes compared to 52.21% of eyes with trabeculectomy ( p < 0.0001). The qualified success rate was not statistically different between groups ( p = 0.15). The relative risk ratio was not statistically different between groups (relative risk of 0.01 and weight of 49.65% for group A and relative risk of 0.0005 and weight of 50.35% for group B; p = 0.5). The hospitalization length was longer in trabeculectomy-treated patients ( t-test, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

The trabeculectomy group showed better results in terms of absolute success rate. However, canaloplasty may provide a better risk–benefit ratio in terms of qualified success rate, hospitalization time, and required post-operative interventions, since canaloplasty yielded equal or superior results compared to trabeculectomy.
No Country for Old (Poor) Men: Fairness and Public Pensions
Authors: Alfano Vincenzo , Maffettone Pietro
Published: April 2020

Public pensions are a ‘social technology’ at the heart of most welfare states. The basic goal pursued by a public pension system is to make sure that individuals do not outlive their savings. An increasing number of states have recently moved to a system that matches individuals’ contributions over their working lives to a specific stream of revenue during their retirement years (i.e. defining contributions rather than benefits). As a result, intragenerational fairness concerns have started to become more relevant. In this article, we shall claim that, irrespective of how one conceptualises the welfare state, most public pension systems violate actuarial fairness and any plausible account of distributive justice, and that they do so for structural reasons. Studying the Italian case, we offer insights on this regressive redistributive effect, based on regional data, and offer an implicit policy solution to obviate this problem.
Loneliness and Burden Perceived by Family Caregivers of Patients With Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Bramboeck Verena , Moeller Korbinian , Marksteiner Josef , Kaufmann Liane
Published: April 2020

Background:

The present study aimed at investigating loneliness and burden experienced by family members caring for relatives diagnosed with Alzheimer disease.

Methods:

Participants were 40 caregivers of inpatients with Alzheimer disease. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted to investigate whether caregivers’ loneliness (uni- and multidimensional) and burden are associated with and predicted by (1) specific caregiver characteristics and/or (2) patients’ dementia severity and neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Results:

Loneliness was significantly correlated with caregivers’ sex, age, and living circumstances, while burden was significantly correlated with caregivers’ education solely. Regression analyses revealed that caregivers’ sex and living circumstances contributed significantly to variance explanation of loneliness (but not burden), while the additional consideration of patient variables did not improve model fit.

Conclusions:

Loneliness reported by caregivers of relatives diagnosed with dementia is significantly modulated by caregiver (but not patient) characteristics. Notably, both uni- and multidimensional loneliness scales seem to be sensitive diagnostic tools.
Investigation of improving the hydraulic turbine cascade performance using non-axisymmetric endwall contouring
Authors: Meng Lin , Zhang XiaoDong , Yan Gong , Peng Cancan
Published: April 2020

Non-axisymmetric endwall contouring techniques have been widely applied in gas turbines; numerous papers and experimental studies have shown that it can significantly improve the overall performance of the turbine. This article first presents the non-axisymmetric endwall profile construction and optimization both for the rotor hub and shroud of a turbine drilling hydraulic cascade in the presence of an axisymmetric rotor, in order to improve the performance and investigate non-axisymmetric endwall contouring’s influence laws on a hydraulic cascade. Rotor cascade endwall design is studied by confining the axisymmetric variation near hub, shroud, and both endwalls. Endwall surface is parameterized with control points of Bezier curve, and control points are considered as design variables having a height constraint of 10%, 12%, or 15% span to move in radial coordinate. This methodology also combines Latin hypercube sampling with NSGA-II algorithm to obtain optimum solution. Computational fluid dynamics simulation results show that the non-axisymmetric endwall contouring technology applied to hub and shroud all realize an improvement in efficiency, while the NEW_S_15% has the best comprehensive performance and it causes an improvement of 1.52% in efficiency and 5.1% in torque. Off-design experiment shows that NEW_S_15% improves the output torque and efficiency as well even it deviates from design working condition, which proves valuableness of the non-axisymmetric endwall contouring technology.
Higher sensitivity for traumatic cerebral microbleeds at 7 T ultra-high field MRI: is it clinically significant for the acute state of the patients and later quality of life?
Authors: Hütter Bernd-Otto , Altmeppen Jan , Kraff Oliver , Maderwald Stefan , Theysohn Jens M. , Ringelstein Adrian , Wrede Karsten H. , Dammann Philipp , Quick Harald H. , Schlamann Marc , Moenninghoff Christoph
Published: April 2020

Background:

The present study evaluates the possible prognostic benefits of 7 T susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) of traumatic cerebral microbleeds (TMBs) over 3 T SWI to predict the acute clinical state and subjective impairments, including health-related quality of life (HRQOL), after closed head injury (CHI).

Methods:

The study group comprised 10 participants with known TMBs All subjects underwent 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 7 T MRI, respectively. Location and count of TMBs were independently evaluated by two neuroradiologists. The initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), the duration of coma and further clinical data were taken from the patients records. HRQOL was assessed by means of a questionnaire. Memory complaints and neurological symptoms were inquired at the time of the MRI examinations.

Results:

SWI revealed a total of 485 TMBs at 3 T, 584 TMBs at 7 T with similar spatial resolution, and 684 TMBs at 7 T with a factor of 10 higher spatial resolution. The TMBs depicted by 7 T high-resolution SWI were correlated with the duration of coma (Spearman’s rho of 0.77). The corresponding association with TMBs in 3 T MRI SWI showed a Spearman’s rho of 0.71. The initial GCS score and TMBs correlated with a Spearman’s rho of −0.35 at 3 T SWI MRI and a rho of −0.33 at 7 T high-resolution SWI, respectively. The physical aspect of HRQOL correlated substantially with the count of TMBs (rho = 0.44 for 3 T SWI and rho = 0.35 for both 7 T SWI sequences, respectively).

Conclusions:

The number of TMBs showed a substantial association with indicators of the acute clinical state and chronic neurobehavioral parameters after CHI, but there was no additional advantage of 7 T MRI. These preliminary findings warrant a larger prospective study for the future.
A New Monoterpenoid Glucoindole Alkaloid From Dipsacus asper
Authors: Li Feng , Nishidono Yuto , Tanaka Ken , Watanabe Shiro , Tezuka Yasuhiro
Published: April 2020

The monoterpenoid glucoindole alkaloids comprise a large class of structurally complex natural products that have attracted widespread attention owing to their biological activities and structural diversity. In the present study, we investigated the constituents of a methanol extract of Dipsacus asper roots and obtained a new monoterpenoid glucoindole alkaloid, (3 R,5 S)-5-carboxyvincosidic acid 22-loganin ester (1), together with the known alkaloid (3 S,5 S)-5-carboxystrictosidic acid 22-loganin ester (dipsaperine) (2). We herein report our structural elucidation of 1 by spectroscopic analysis and its anti-inflammatory activity as revealed by its inhibition of nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW264.7 cells.
Community-Based Monitoring of Jaguar (Panthera onca) in the Chinantla Region, Mexico
Authors: Lavariega Mario C. , Ríos-Solís Jesús Alejandro , Flores-Martínez José Juan , Galindo-Aguilar Rosa Elena , Sánchez-Cordero Víctor , Juan-Albino Silvano , Soriano-Martínez Ixchel
Published: April 2020

Successful community-based wildlife monitoring necessitates a high degree of local participation during sampling design and data collection. Here, we describe a community-based monitoring framework to estimate density and habitat use of the threatened jaguar ( Panthera onca) in tropical montane forests in the Chinantla region of Oaxaca, Mexico. Community-based monitoring was completed involving integration with local communities, local governmental agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and academic institutions. In a camera-trap survey (37 stations, 2,553 trap-days), we recorded eight adult jaguars across 182.7 km2 of montane forest. Spatially explicit capture–recapture models estimated a density of 1.15 jaguars per 100 km2 (CI = 0.55–2.38) using a more traditional likelihood-based method and 1.16 jaguars per 100 km2 (CI = 0.89–1.57) using Bayesian methods. The locations of jaguar captures and their habitat use appeared to be influenced by normalized vegetation index and capture rate of prey. Density estimates in the Chinantla region were lower than recorded for other lowland populations in Mexico but were consistent with elevation-based and latitudinal gradients across the range of the species. The community-based monitoring of jaguars increased the communication and interaction of local community groups, stakeholders, and academic institutions. It also provided participants with an increased knowledge of wildlife identification, transferable skills, wildlife appreciation, and an interest in reaching compromises to achieve habitat conservation. Our study provides a framework for the execution of community-based monitoring for large carnivores in Mexico and can be readily replicated and applied to other threatened species.
Fundamental British and “The Other” Values—An Analytical Reflection on Implications for Home Education
Authors: Pattison Harriet
Published: April 2020

This paper reflects on the question of whether, and how, Fundamental British Values (FBVs) may affect the practice of home education in the UK. Fundamental British Values were introduced into the national curriculum in 2014, for state administered schools and preschools which have since been required to demonstrate that FBVs are embedded in the practice of the setting. Home educators, on the other hand, are not obliged to follow the national curriculum meaning that the effect of FBVs on such alternative education is not obvious. However, this paper draws attention to the wider environment of home education by considering FBVs as the product of three particular spheres of contemporary discourse as they interrelate and influence each other. These are the affordances of identity in a postinternational era, expressions of Foucauldian governmentality in terms of self-surveillance and management, and the developmental paradigm. Fundamental British Values, alongside the concept of parenting and the materialization of a particular social morality, are considered as the inescapably emergent products of the un/reason created by the overlapping of these discourses. Their convergence, in turn, creates a weight of logic from which FBVs exert influence over the practice and judgment of alternative forms of education.
Self-Drilling Versus Self-Tapping Screws: A 3D Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Kumar Vineeth K. , Prasad Kavitha , Sansgiri Tanvy , Ranganath K. , Shwetha V. , Al-Khuteja Kubra
Published: April 2020

Study Design:

Self-tapping and self-drilling screws are two modalities available for plate fixation. When compared to self-drilling, self-tapping screws have a few drawbacks like screw loosening, thermal osteolysis, equipment dependent, and time-consuming.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of self-tapping and self-drilling screws with relation to plate retention and stability in internal fixation of mandibular fractures using 3D finite element analysis (FEA).

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of screw placement technique on stress concentration and deformation occurring at the screw–bone interface in self-drilling and self-tapping screws.

Materials and Methods:

A 3D computer-aided design modeling system was used to build a trilaminate mandibular bone, self-tapping screw and self-drilling screw, and a 2-holed miniplate with gap that were converted into finite element models using Hypermesh 13.0 software. Material properties and boundary conditions were assigned to these models. Pullout, torque, and torsional forces were applied to evaluate the stress concentration and deformation at the screw–bone interface.

Results:

The comparison of stress concentration and deformation values between the two types of screws was interpreted using ANSYS software version 14.5. Results of torque test, pullout test, and torsional test showed maximum Von Mises stress, and deformation around the screw–bone interface was higher in self-tapping screw than in self-drilling screw.

Conclusion:

Within the limitations of the 3D FEA, the findings provided significant evidence to suggest that self-tapping screws have a greater incidence of fatigue when compared to self-drilling screws as there was more stress distribution and deformation at their screw–bone interface.
Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Alleviates Osteoarthritis Condition Through Focal Adhesion Kinase–Mediated Chondrocyte Proliferation and Differentiation
Authors: Sang Fei , Xu Jin , Chen Zheng , Liu Qingbai , Jiang Wenchao
Published: April 2020

Objective

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent chronic multifactorial degenerative disease characterized by joint tissue inflammation, osteophyte formation, subchondral bone sclerosis, and articular cartilage degradation. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), a noninvasive ultrasound technique, is widely used to attenuate diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate whether LIPUS can ameliorate OA, and to explore its underlying molecular mechanism.

Design

The OA model was established in a C57BL/6 mouse by the anterior cruciate ligament transaction method. OA was assessed using arthritis scoring and weightbearing parameters. Chondrocyte proliferation was detected by a CCK-8 assay. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in synovial fluid of the mice were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

In OA mice, the arthritis score and weightbearing abilities were dramatically improved by LIPUS treatment. LIPUS also remarkably declined the levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α in synovial fluid of OA mice. Moreover, LIPUS promoted chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation by activating focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling. Inhibition of FAK significantly blocked LIPUS-mediated cell proliferation and differentiation in vitro, as well as inflammation condition in OA mice.

Conclusion

LIPUS alleviates OA through promoting chondrocytes proliferation and differentiation by activating FAK, which could act as an intervening target for OA treatment.
Single-stage minimally invasive nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma: Perioperative and early oncological outcomes
Authors: Ryan PC , Haroon UM , Keenan RA , O’Donoghue PJ , Hegazy M , McGuire BB
Published: April 2020

Objective:

The purpose of this article is to present our minimally-invasive techniques for upper tract urothelial carcinoma and review the perioperative and early oncological outcomes at our centre.

Materials and methods:

A retrospective review of all patients undergoing minimally-invasive surgery for upper tract urothelial carcinoma over a 3-year period following institutional approval was performed. Perioperative and early oncological outcomes were assessed.

Results:

Twenty-three cases of minimally-invasive single-stage nephroureterectomy were performed with a mean patient age of 69.45 years. Twelve (52%) of these cases were for high-grade disease and six (27%) had received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. There were no intraoperative complications, no positive surgical margins and four (17.4%) of patients had a post-operative complication. Mean length of stay was 5.5 days and there was one readmission within 30 days of surgery. Seven patients (30%) experienced either local or distant recurrences with a median time to recurrence of 6 months. Recurrence free survival was 69.6%. Two patients died during the follow-up period.

Conclusion:

Our minimally-invasive techniques provides a safe and reproducible approach for upper tract urothelial carcinoma. Our perioperative outcomes and oncological are comparable to similar studies, but more long-term follow-up and larger patient numbers are required to validate oncological efficacy.

Level of evidence:

4.
A Comparative Analysis of Patients Undergoing Fusion for Adult Cervical Deformity by Approach Type
Authors: Varshneya Kunal , Medress Zachary A. , Stienen Martin N. , Nathan Jay , Ho Allen , Pendharkar Arjun V. , Loo Sheri , Aikin Jessica , Li Gordon , Desai Atman , Ratliff John K. , Veeravagu Anand
Published: April 2020

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective:

To provide insight into postoperative complications, short-term quality outcomes, and costs of the surgical approaches of adult cervical deformity (ACD).

Methods:

A national database was queried from 2007 to 2016 to identify patients who underwent cervical fusion for ACD. Patients were stratified by approach type—anterior, posterior, or circumferential. Patients undergoing anterior and posterior approach surgeries were additionally compared using propensity score matching.

Results:

A total of 6575 patients underwent multilevel cervical fusion for ACD correction. Circumferential fusion had the highest postoperative complication rate (46.9% vs posterior: 36.7% vs anterior: 18.5%, P < .0001). Anterior fusion patients more commonly required reoperation compared with posterior fusion patients ( P < .0001), and 90-day readmission rate was highest for patients undergoing circumferential fusion ( P < .0001). After propensity score matching, the complication rate remained higher in the posterior, as compared to the anterior fusion group ( P < .0001). Readmission rate also remained higher in the posterior fusion group; however, anterior fusion patients were more likely to require reoperation. At index hospitalization, posterior fusion led to 1.5× higher costs, and total payments at 90 days were 1.6× higher than their anterior fusion counterparts.

Conclusion:

Patients who undergo posterior fusion for ACD have higher complication rates, readmission rates, and higher cost burden than patients who undergo anterior fusion; however, posterior correction of ACD is associated with a lower rate of reoperation.