bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and characterization of PLA foam chain extended through grafting octa(epoxycyclohexyl) POSS onto carbon nanotubes
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhu Xunxian , Gao Hongxiang , Su Xiangdong , Wu Xian
Published: March 2020

Improving foamability of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) resin is a key issue for its critical foaming applications with high-performance and ultralow density. However, owing to the rheological nature of linear PLA chain structure with relatively low molecular weight, the overall foamability of PLA resin cannot meet the processing requirements of foaming purpose. Here, we describe a simple and versatile technique to prepare high foamability PLA resin by inducing chain extender through grafting octa(epoxycyclohexyl) polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) on carbon nanotubes (CNT). After the orderly assemble of the two nanoparticles, an obvious increase in melt elasticity of PLA is observed. The enhanced melt elasticity of PLA had a significant effect on controlling subsequent foaming behavior. Thus, a homogeneous and finer cellular morphology of PLA rigid foam was obtained with a proper content of CNT-POSS. Eventually, the expansion ratio of chain-extended PLA foam was 13 times higher than that of unmodified PLA foam. The proposed design methodology will potentially pave a way for designing and preparing high-performance PLA rigid foam products.
Examining context shifts’ effect on relationship trajectories in friendships using Turning Point Theory
Authors: Dominguez Jess , Hall Jeffrey A.
Published: March 2020

Drawing from Turning Point Theory, this study explores whether context shifts, which are changes in the location where a friendship is enacted, affect relationship trajectories and friendship closeness. Study 1A ( N = 120) experimentally manipulated invitations for context shifts in college friendships to test their effects on perceived relationship trajectory, social attraction, and closeness. Study 1B ( N = 112) replicated the results of Study 1A with working adults. Both studies’ results suggest that context-variable shifts lead to a change in perceived relationship trajectory but did not influence social attraction or closeness. In Study 2, first-year students ( N = 98) reported on turning points in their friendships twice over 9 weeks. Friendships reporting context-variable shifts as a turning point were associated with higher friendship closeness than relationships that had no turning points and similar closeness as friendships that reported self-disclosure as a turning point.
Early-onset androgenetic alopecia in China: a descriptive study of a large outpatient cohort
Authors: Ding Qi , Xu Yu-Xuan , Sun Wei-Ling , Liu Jing-Jing , Deng Yu-Yu , Wu Qiao-Fang , Cao Chun-Yu , Zhou Lan-Bo , Lu Yan , Fan Wei-Xin
Published: March 2020

Objective

To describe the clinical features of early-onset androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in a large cohort of Chinese patients.

Methods

This descriptive study recruited consecutive patients seeking medical treatment for AGA between 1 January 2013 and 30 November 2018. Patients were included in the study if they reported being ≤35 years old at AGA onset and if their pattern of hair loss was documented with photographs. The age of onset, sex, body mass index (BMI), BAsic and SPecific classification of hair loss and family history of alopecia were collected in an electronic database.

Results

A total of 3897 patients with early-onset AGA were recruited to the study. The majority of patients (70.6%; 2751 of 3897) were 21–30 years old and male (72.7%; 2834 of 3897). No association was found between high BMI (≥25 kg/m2) and early-onset AGA. There were significantly more overweight male AGA patients than overweight female patients (86.8% [632 of 728] versus 13.2% [96 of 728], respectively). The overall prevalence of familial AGA was 72.8% (2837 of 3897) and the condition was inherited more often from the father (52.8%; 1498 of 2837) than from the mother (24.3%; 688 of 2837).

Conclusions

Early-onset AGA primarily affects male patients between 21–30 years of age. Males with early-onset AGA are likely to have inherited AGA from their fathers.
Construction and characterization of an adenoviral vector encoding human bone morphogenetic protein-2
Authors: Peng Liangquan , Chen Kang , Zhu Weimin , Lu Wei , Xu Jian , Huang Yong , Kuai Shengzheng , Deng Zhenhan , Wang Daping
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Construction of adenoviral vectors can be complicated and time-consuming. The aim of this study was to construct an adenoviral vector expressing human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2).

Methods

An adenoviral vector expressing human BMP-2 was constructed using the Gateway™ technique based on site-specific recombination. Briefly, BMP-2 cDNA was obtained by polymerase chain reaction, inserted into the pMD19-T cloning vector, and subcloned into a shuttle vector. The DNA sequence encoding BMP-2 was then subcloned from pEC3.1-BMP2 into the pAd/BLOCK-iT™-DEST adenoviral vector genome, which was then linearized and used to transfect 293 cells for adenovirus packaging. Adenovirus particles were generated with a titer of 1 × 1010 infectious units/mL.

Results

Potent expression of BMP-2 mRNA and protein was detected in adenovirus-infected 293 cells, confirming that the adenoviral vector encoding BMP-2 was successfully constructed.

Conclusions

This recombinant adenoviral vector encoding BMP-2 can be applied in future studies to explore the roles of BMP-2 in various cell types and tissues.
Crack kinking and tunneling simulation for the single-fiber composite under transverse tension based on phase-field method
Authors: Song Leying , Meng Songhe , Xu Chenghai , Fang Guodong , Yang Qiang , Xie Weihua
Published: March 2020

Virtual tests for a single-fiber–reinforced composite model subjecting to transverse tension are carried out based on a phase-field method considering a varying interface toughness parameter. Without pre-treating the crack initiation location and propagation path, the complete fracture process is realized for the first time in a three-dimensional numerical model, including nucleation cracks on the fiber/matrix interface at the free end, tunneling cracks along the fiber axis, and kinked interface cracks deviating from the interface and penetrating into the matrix. The numerically calculated crack propagation process is in good agreement with the in situ observations in the literature, indicating that the present model provides a good real-time quantitative numerical method for three-dimensional fracture analysis of fiber-reinforced composites. Tunneling cracks tend to cause macroscopic interface debonding and fiber pull-out. The interface tunneling crack initiation and the transition to the steady state inside the model are captured and analyzed in the numerical model. Kinked interface cracks can merge with other matrix cracks, forming a macroscopic transverse crack fracture mode. The kinking behaviors affected by the initial crack size and the interface properties are investigated. This study for the detailed crack propagation is helpful in understanding the toughening mechanism of fiber-reinforced composites under transverse tension.
Repair of Osteochondral Defects With Predifferentiated Mesenchymal Stem Cells of Distinct Phenotypic Character Derived From a Nanotopographic Platform
Authors: Wu Yingnan , Yang Zheng , Denslin Vinitha , Ren XiaFei , Lee Chang Sheng , Yap Fung Ling , Lee Eng Hin
Published: March 2020

Background:

Articular cartilage has a zonal architecture and biphasic mechanical properties. The recapitulation of surface lubrication properties with high compressibility of the deeper layers of articular cartilage during regeneration is essential in achieving long-term cartilage integrity. Current clinical approaches for cartilage repair, especially with the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), have yet to restore the hierarchically organized architecture of articular cartilage.

Hypothesis:

MSCs predifferentiated on surfaces with specific nanotopographic patterns can provide phenotypically stable and defined chondrogenic cells and, when delivered as a bilayered stratified construct at the cartilage defect site, will facilitate the formation of functionally superior cartilage tissue in vivo.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

MSCs were subjected to chondrogenic differentiation on specific nanopatterned surfaces. The phenotype of the differentiated cells was assessed by the expression of cartilage markers. The ability of the 2-dimensional nanopattern-generated chondrogenic cells to retain their phenotypic characteristics after removal from the patterned surface was tested by subjecting the enzymatically harvested cells to 3-dimensional fibrin hydrogel culture. The in vivo efficacy in cartilage repair was demonstrated in an osteochondral rabbit defect model. Repair by bilayered construct with specific nanopattern predifferentiated cells was compared with implantation with cell-free fibrin hydrogel, undifferentiated MSCs, and mixed-phenotype nanopattern predifferentiated MSCs. Cartilage repair was evaluated at 12 weeks after implantation.

Results:

Three weeks of predifferentiation on 2-dimensional nanotopographic patterns was able to generate phenotypically stable chondrogenic cells. Implantation of nanopatterned differentiated MSCs as stratified bilayered hydrogel constructs improved the repair quality of cartilage defects, as indicated by histological scoring, mechanical properties, and polarized microscopy analysis.

Conclusion:

Our results indicate that with an appropriate period of differentiation, 2-dimensional nanotopographic patterns can be employed to generate phenotypically stable chondrogenic cells, which, when implanted as stratified bilayered hydrogel constructs, were able to form functionally superior cartilage tissue.

Clinical Relevance:

Our approach provides a relatively straightforward method of obtaining large quantities of zone-specific chondrocytes from MSCs to engineer a stratified cartilage construct that could recapitulate the zonal architecture of hyaline cartilage, and it represents a significant improvement in current MSC-based cartilage regeneration.
Effects of perfluorocarbon liquids in macular hole retinal detachment treatment
Authors: Chen Zhen , Zhang Yu , Nie Yu-Hong , Yang Hong-Xia , Xing Yi-Qiao
Published: March 2020

Objective:

This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy and visual function prognosis of macular hole retinal detachment treatment for high myopia by inverting the internal limiting membrane to overlay the macular hole with the assistance of perfluorocarbon liquids.

Methods:

A total of 55 high myopia patients, who received macular hole retinal detachment treatment from 2013 to 2016, were included in this study. Among these patients, 38 patients were assigned to the first group and 17 patients (perfluorocarbon liquids) were assigned to the second group. The second group was further divided into two subgroups, according to the overlaying layer number of the internal limiting membrane valve: A group (multiple layers) and B group (single layer).

Results:

The success rate of the internal limiting membrane inversion and overlaying on the macular hole was 23.68% and 100% in the first and second group, respectively. The differences in macular hole closing rate and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity between these two groups were statistically significant ( p < 0.05). Furthermore, the differences in macular morphology recovery between the A and B groups were also statistically significant ( p = 0.004 < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Perfluorocarbon liquids play a positive role in the operation process of the internal limiting membrane.
The Reliability of Framework for Teaching Scores in Kindergarten
Authors: Patrick Helen , French Brian F. , Mantzicopoulos Panayota
Published: March 2020

We evaluated the score stability of the Framework for Teaching (FFT), a prominent observation instrument used for teacher evaluation. Three raters each scored 200 reading and mathematics lessons taught by 20 kindergarten teachers. Using Generalizability theory analyses, we decomposed the FFT’s Classroom Environment, Instruction, and Total scores into potential sources of variation (teachers, lessons, raters, and their interactions). The scores’ variances attributable to differences among teachers were 71% and 76% for Classroom Environment, 49% and 37% for Instruction, and 69% and 66% for the Total score, for reading and mathematics, respectively. Reliability estimates (G) ranged from 0.92 to 0.96 for Classroom Environment and Total scores; they were 0.87 and 0.79 for reading and mathematics Instruction. Decision studies indicated that two raters, each scoring three reading lessons or four mathematics lessons, are necessary to achieve sufficiently reliable Total scores. For Instruction scores, three raters each scoring seven readings lessons are needed; more than four raters each scoring eight lessons are needed for mathematics.
Investigating the effects of vitamins E and C on oxidative stress and hematological parameters among power plant workers: A double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Hosseinabadi Majid Bagheri , Khanjani Narges , Norouzi Pirasteh , Mirzaii Mehdi , Biganeh Jamal , Nazarkhani Freshteh
Published: March 2020

The present study aimed to determine the effect of taking antioxidant vitamins including vitamins E and C in reducing oxidative stress levels and improving blood parameters. This double-blind randomized controlled trial study was conducted among the employees working in different parts of a power plant in Semnan, Iran, in 2017. A total of 91 employees were randomly allocated to four groups including vitamin E (400 units per day), vitamin C (1000 mg per day), vitamin E + C for 90 days, and control. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (Cat), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in plasma, and hematological parameters were measured in the participants before and after the intervention. A significant increase was seen in the mean level of SOD, Cat, and TAC in the vitamin-treated groups as well as a significant decrease in mean MOD in vitamin C and vitamin E groups after the intervention. In the intervention groups, the number of red blood cells, hematocrit, and the level of mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and MCH concentration significantly increased. After the intervention, the mean levels of MDA, SOD, and Cat in vitamin E group were significantly lower than the control group. The mean level of TAC decreased only in the vitamin C group compared to the control group. Taking vitamins E and C as nonenzymatic scavengers of free radicals appears to decrease lipid peroxidation and increase the level of antioxidant enzymes, which can be imbalanced by exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields in power plant employees. Furthermore, some hematological parameters can be improved by consuming these vitamins.
Trop riche pour se soucier des prix ? Effets des terminaisons de prix sur la perception de luxe par le consommateur
Authors: Fraccaro Annalisa , Macé Sandrine
Published: March 2020

En se basant sur deux champs de recherche, les terminaisons de prix dans les biens de grande consommation et les prix des produits de luxe, cette recherche met en évidence le paradoxe résultant de l’utilisation de prix odd (i.e. prix en deçà d’un prix rond) dans le contexte des produits de luxe où les prix devraient être majoritairement ronds. Dans une première expérimentation portant sur des sacs à main de luxe, nous testons l’impact de trois types de terminaisons de prix ( odd ou -90, rond ou -00 et ‘autre’) sur l’image de luxe et ses facettes. Nous étudions la relation entre les terminaisons de prix et l’image globale de luxe et proposons un modèle de médiation en parallèle où les médiateurs sont la qualité, le prestige, l’unicité et la cherté. Dans une seconde expérimentation, nous constatons que les terminaisons de prix véhiculent des connotations spécifiques au secteur du luxe et à différents segments de consommateurs. Nous formulons des recommandations visant à aider les responsables en charge de la tarification à fixer les terminaisons de prix selon les segments de clientèle.
Impact of Property Tax Abatement on Employment Growth
Authors: Leonard Tammy , Yang Xi , Zhang Lei , Reed Connor
Published: March 2020

Property tax abatement incentives, used by 70% (35 states) of the states in the United States, redirect property tax revenue from the local community to firms in hopes that inducing these firms to relocate will bring economic development benefits to the local community. However, if unsuccessful, property tax abatement incentives might uniquely concentrate the costs of a failed economic incentive strategy within a single community. Using a sample of 45 industries in 43 cities, the authors examined the employment impact of property tax abatement incentives. Property tax abatement incentives were positively associated with employment growth, but only in the early years when the abatement policies were still new. The authors also explored heterogeneity in these results among industries. Property tax abatements targeting service industries, which are less likely to benefit from automation improvements, were associated with larger employment gains.
The Lavender Scare in Homonormative Times: Policing, Hyper-incarceration, and LGBTQ Youth Homelessness
Authors: Robinson Brandon Andrew
Published: March 2020

Scholars have identified policing and hyper-incarceration as key mechanisms to reproduce racial inequality and poverty. Existing research, however, often overlooks how policing practices impact gender and sexuality, especially expansive expressions of gender and non-heterosexuality. This lack of attention is critical because lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people disproportionately experience incarceration, including LGBTQ youth who are disproportionately incarcerated in juvenile detention. In this article, I draw on 18 months of ethnographic fieldwork and 40 in-depth interviews with LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness to address this gap in the literature by documenting how police and other agents of the state use their discretion to regulate youth’s gender expressions, identities, and sex lives. I posit that current policing patterns of discrimination operate primarily not through de jure discrimination against LGBTQ people but as de facto discrimination based on discretionary hyper-incarceration practices that police gender, sexuality, and LGBTQ people. I contend that policing is not only about maintaining racial inequality and governing poverty but also about controlling and regulating gender and sexuality, especially the gender and sexuality of poor LGBTQ people of color.
Linking Protean Career Orientation with Career Optimism: Career Adaptability and Career Decision Self-Efficacy as Mediators
Authors: Chui Hazel , Li Hui , Ngo Hang-yue
Published: March 2020

Protean career orientation has become prevalent among young workers in contemporary workplace. Little is known about whether this orientation is related to their positive expectation of future career development. We developed a conceptual model to investigate the relationship between protean career orientation and career optimism. Informed by social construction theory and social cognitive career theory, we considered career adaptability and career decision self-efficacy (CDSE) as potential mediators in the model. Several hypotheses were proposed and tested with a sample of 170 undergraduate students in Hong Kong. The results of path analysis and bootstrapping indicated that protean career orientation has a positive relationship with career optimism, and such relationship is fully mediated by career adaptability and CDSE. Our study has yielded novel into how some individual differences factors affect the development of career optimism among university students.
OSL chronology of the Liena archeological site in the Yarlung Tsangpo valley throws new light on human occupation of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Ling Zhiyong , Yang Xiaoyan , Wang Yixuan , Wang Yanren , Jin Jianhui , Zhang Dongju , Chen Fahu
Published: March 2020

Recent environmental archeological evidence has started to throw light on both the timing and processes of human colonization of the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Yarlung Tsangpo (YT) valley, a very important region of the southern TP for occupation, is home to not only modern Tibetans but also their ancestors. However, a lack of suitable sedimentary strata has limited the establishment of a secure chronology. Here, we report on a new stratigraphic section with prehistoric pottery and cultural layers that was discovered on a terrace of the YT at Liena, in Nyingchi County. The cultural layers are overlain by, and bedded within, eolian and lacustrine sediments. We used the quartz Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) method to date 11 samples and performed geochemical analysis on 100 samples to derive paleoenvironmental indicators. The OSL analysis gave an age of 4.3 ka BP for the cultural layer, which makes it the earliest human activity in the YT valley of Nyingchi to date. In addition, commencement of eolian deposition was dated to at least 8.3 ka, coinciding with the Holocene warm period. We discuss possible causal factors for human occupation in the valley and show that climatic changes played a crucial role in prehistoric human migration c. 8.3–4.3 ka BP. Before the early Holocene, most of the river terraces in the valley were being actively reworked by rivers or covered by lakes. So there were no suitable places for occupation by ancient populations. With the recession of dammed lakes during the Holocene warm period, the relatively flat and wide valley terraces, blanketed with rich eolian deposits (such as sandy loess), provided an attractive place for ancient people engaged in nomadic and even agricultural activities. Hence, the climate conditions of the Holocene warm period drove the environmental changes that provided favorable conditions for ancient human activities.
Erythrocyte membrane polyunsaturated fatty acid profiles are associated with systemic inflammation and fish consumption in systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Vordenbäumen Stefan , Sokolowski Alexander , Kutzner Laura , Rund Katharina M , Düsing Christina , Chehab Gamal , Richter Jutta G , Brinks Ralph , Schneider Matthias , Schebb Nils H
Published: March 2020

Objective

This study aimed to assess polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) status and association with systemic inflammation and fish consumption in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

Parameters of PUFA status including the proportion of omega-6 and -3 fatty acids in highly unsaturated fatty acids (omega-6%, omega-3%), essential fatty acids linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the omega-6 PUFA arachidonic acid (ARA) and the sum of key omega-3 PUFA eicosapentaenoic acid+docosahexaenoic acid (omega-3 status) were measured by gas chromatography in 68 SLE patients (88.2% female, aged 45.7±12.5 years). Associations with serum CRP, disease activity, damage and fish consumption were assessed by linear regression modelling adjusted for age, sex and body mass index. Associations are reported in terms of regression coefficients (β).

Results

Omega-6 PUFA were associated with higher CRP: omega-6% (β = 0.052, p = 0.02), the ratio of LA/ALA (β = 0.007, p = 0.02) and ARA (β = 0.308, p = 0.001). Conversely, omega-3% was associated with lower CRP (β = −0.051, p = 0.02). Increased dietary PUFA consumption from fish (g/day) was linked to a higher omega-3 status (β = 2.21, p = 0.02) and lower self-reported damage (Brief Index of Lupus Damage; β = −3.22, p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid status differentially reflect systemic inflammation in SLE and are linked to fish consumption.
The social life of time and methods: Studying London’s temporal architectures
Authors: Harris Ella , Coleman Rebecca
Published: March 2020

This paper contributes to work on the social life of time. It focuses on how time is doubled; produced by, and productive of, the relations and processes it operates through. In particular, it explores the methodological implications of this conception of time for how social scientists may study the doubledness of time. It draws on an allied move within the social sciences to see methods as themselves doubled, as both emerging from and constitutive of the social worlds that they seek to understand. We detail our own very different methodological experiments with studying the social life of time in London, engaging interactive documentary to elucidate nonlinear imaginaries of space-time in London’s pop-up culture (Ella Harris) and encountering time on a series of walks along a particular stretch of road in south east London (Beckie Coleman). While clearly different projects in terms of their content, ambition and scope, in bringing these projects together, we show the ability of our methods to grasp and perform from multiple angles and scales what Sharma (2014) calls ‘temporal architectures’. Temporal architectures, composed of elements including the built environment, commodities, services, technologies and labour, are infrastructures that enable social rhythms and temporal logics and that can entail a politicized valuing of the time of certain groups over others. We aim to contribute to an expanded and enriched conceptualisation of methods for exploring time, considering what our studies might offer to work on the doubled social life of time and methods, and highlighting in particular their implications for an engagement with a politics of time and temporality.
Affective priming with musical chords is influenced by pitch numerosity
Authors: Lahdelma Imre , Armitage James , Eerola Tuomas
Published: March 2020

Previous studies using an affective priming paradigm have shown that valenced chords (e.g., consonant–positive; dissonant–negative) facilitate the evaluation of similarly valenced target words. The role of numerosity (the total number of pitches in a chord) and timbre has not yet been systematically investigated in previous priming studies using consonant/dissonant chords. An experiment was conducted in which 40 participants evaluated positive and negative target words with consonant/dissonant chords used as affective primes. Eight distinct chords (four consonant and four dissonant) were used as primes; the consonant and dissonant chords were equally divided to comprise either two (i.e., interval) or four (i.e., tetrad) pitches. Each chord was played with two distinct timbres (piano and harmonium), resulting in a total of 16 chords. Results showed that congruent chord–word pairings resulted in faster reaction times, and this finding was in line with previous research using consonant/dissonant chords as primes. However, this effect was present only with tetrad chords, suggesting that numerosity influences affective priming done with chords. There were no significant effects of timbre or the musical sophistication of the participants. Arguments are made as to why higher pitch numerosity in chords (resulting in acoustic complexity) might influence the evaluation of valenced target words.
Extraskeletal chondrosarcoma in the tongue of a dog: case report and retrospective analysis of 236 tongue masses (2011–2019)
Authors: Rahe Michael C. , Westegaard Tracey , Yaeger Michael
Published: March 2020

Chondrosarcomas are common tumors of the canine appendicular and axial skeleton; however, extraskeletal chondrosarcomas are very rare. Herein we report a case of extraskeletal chondrosarcoma in the tongue of a dog. Histologically, glossal skeletal muscle was infiltrated and effaced by islands of cartilage and streams of spindle-shaped cells. Retrospective analysis of 236 tongue masses submitted to the Iowa State University surgical biopsy service between 2011 and 2019 showed that the majority of submitted tongue masses are either non-neoplastic or benign, with granular cell tumors identified as the most prevalent benign neoplasms. Malignant tumors accounted for nearly 30% of all submitted masses, with malignant melanoma diagnosed most frequently.
How Primary Care Physicians Elicit Sensitive Health Information From Patients: Describing Access to Psychosocial Information
Authors: Senteio Charles R. , Yoon Deborah B.
Published: March 2020

Multiple communication models describe factors that influence disclosure of sensitive health information. However, these models do not address the receiver’s perspective of health-related information, nor do they address how the receiver promotes disclosure. In the primary care chronic disease visit, the patient (sender) must disclose sensitive health-related psychosocial information to the primary care physician (PCP) (receiver) for the PCP to understand potential barriers to care (e.g., financial strain) and make treatment decisions (e.g., referral to social work). A vital gap exists in understanding how PCPs perceive that patients disclose. We conducted individual, semi-structured interviews ( n = 17) to understand PCPs’ perceptions of patient disclosure of sensitive, psychosocial information in the clinical visit. PCPs facilitate patient disclosure by (a) building and maintaining rapport and (b) nurturing the patient–provider relationship. This article describes PCPs’ perceptions of how they access psychosocial information which is vital to inform clinical decisions that facilitate personalized care.
Inter-Rater Reliability of the Phase of Illness Tool in Pediatric Palliative Care
Authors: Burke Kimberley , Coombes Lucy H. , Petruckevitch Ann , Anderson Anna-Karenia
Published: March 2020

Background:

Phase of Illness is used to describe the stages of a patient’s illness in the palliative care setting. Categorization is based on individual needs, family circumstances, and the adequacy of a care plan. Substantial (κ = .67) and moderate (κ = .52) inter-rater reliability is demonstrated when categorizing adults; however, there is a lack of similar studies in pediatrics.

Objective:

To test the inter-rater reliability of health-care professionals when assigning pediatric palliative care patients to a Phase of Illness. Furthermore, to obtain user views on phase definitions, ease of assignment, feasibility and acceptability of use.

Method:

A prospective cohort study in which up to 9 health-care professionals’ independently allocated 80 pediatric patients to a Phase of Illness and reported on their experiences. This study took place between June and November 2017.

Results:

Professionals achieved a moderate level of agreement (κ = 0.50). Kappa values per phase were as follows: stable = 0.63 (substantial), unstable = 0.26 (fair), deteriorating = 0.45 (moderate), and dying = 0.43 (moderate). For the majority of allocations, professionals report that the phase definitions described patients very well (76.1%), and they found it easy to assign patients (73.5%). However, the unstable phase caused the most uncertainty.

Conclusion:

The results of this study suggest Phase of Illness is a moderately reliable, acceptable, and feasible tool for use in pediatric palliative care. Current results are similar to those found in some adult studies. However, in a quarter of cases, users report some uncertainty in the application of the tool, and further study is warranted to explore whether suggested refinements improve its psychometric properties.
Opioid-Related Sleep-Disordered Breathing: An Update for Clinicians
Authors: Jehangir Waqas , Karabachev Alexander D. , Mehta Zankhana , Davis Mellar
Published: March 2020

Opioids are an effective treatment for patients with intractable pain. Long-term administration of opioids for pain relief is being delivered by an increasing number of medical providers in the United States including primary care physicians and nonspecialists. One common complication of chronic opioid use is sleep-disordered breathing which can result in various morbidities as well as an increase in all-cause mortality. It is important for providers to understand the relationship between opioids and sleep-disordered breathing as well as methods to improve diagnosis and strategies for treatment. This review aims to update clinicians on the mechanism, diagnosis, and treatment of opioid-related sleep-disordered breathing in order to improve the quality of care for patients with chronic pain.
Marital Satisfaction Is Associated With Health in Long-Distance Relationships
Authors: Yoder Wren , Du Bois Steve N.
Published: March 2020

Individuals with high marital satisfaction tend to have better health and engage in healthier behaviors than those with low marital satisfaction. Multiple studies have explored satisfaction–health associations for married individuals in proximal relationships (PR), but no known study has tested these associations for married individuals in long-distance relationships (LDR). LDR is a relationship arrangement that challenges traditional conceptions of romantic relationships and physical closeness. Related, recent empirical work indicates marital satisfaction–health associations may be weaker in LDR than PR due to unique relational and individual factors. The current study tested whether marital satisfaction–health associations are moderated by relational proximity (i.e., LDR vs. PR). We used an adult, married sample of individuals in LDR and PR ( N = 293) who completed an online survey on relationships and health. Unexpectedly, moderation results suggested that associations between marital satisfaction and health did not differ by relational proximity. One potential difference emerged: Marital satisfaction was associated with social role satisfaction for those in PR, but not LDR. Simple main effects were consistent with moderation results, except regarding physical functioning. Marital satisfaction was not associated with pain for LDR or PR. Overall, study findings challenge recent empirical work reporting between-group, relationship health differences between PR and LDR. Clinicians can utilize our findings to improve treatment for couples and families in LDR. Future research should utilize actor–partner interdependence models and longitudinal studies to further elucidate the associations between marital satisfaction and health for individuals in this unique but increasingly prevalent relationship arrangement.
A Practical Approach to Investigating Cross-Contaminants in the Anatomical Pathology Laboratory
Authors: Hodgson Anjelica J. , Shang Yan Ming , Boulianne Patrice , Downes Michelle R. , Hwang David , Slodkowska Elzbieta
Published: March 2020

Tissue contaminants in anatomical pathology are not uncommon. While issues related to the presence of extraneous tissue on glass slides are often easily resolved, this is not always the case and several factors may contribute to diagnostic difficulty. Because of this, familiarity with the different steps involved in handling specimens in the anatomical pathology laboratory is essential when troubleshooting possible cross-contaminants. Most commonly, the specimen constituting the source of cross-contamination is handled before the actual contaminated case; however, this is not always so. In this article, we review the steps involved in processing pathology specimens as they pertain to cross-contamination; share an approach covering how to troubleshoot and prevent tissue contaminants in a systematic and practical manner; present some examples from our own experiences; and compare our experience to what is reported in the literature. The information included in this article will be of use to all members of the anatomical pathology team including medical laboratory technologists, laboratory managers and supervisors, pathologist assistants, trainees in pathology, and pathologists.
Comparison of Shear Stress–Induced Thrombotic and Thrombolytic Effects Among 3 Different Antithrombotic Regimens in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Kim Minsuk , Kang Si-Hyuck , Kim Jeong-Ran , Park Jin Joo , Cho Young-seok , Youn Tae-Jin , Chae In-Ho , Suh Jung-Won
Published: March 2020

Shear stress (SS)-induced platelet activation is suggested as an essential mechanism of the acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We aimed to compare SS-induced thrombotic and thrombolytic activities among 3 treatment regimens in patients with ACS who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients were nonrandomly enrolled and treated with one of 3 regimens (TICA: ticagrelor 180 mg/d; RIVA: clopidogrel 75 mg/d and rivaroxaban 5 mg/d; CLP: clopidogrel 75 mg/d), administered in addition to aspirin (100 mg/d) for 30 days. The global thrombosis test was applied to measure SS-induced thrombotic (occlusion time [OT]) and thrombolytic activity (lysis time [LT]) at day 2 and 30. Aspirin reaction unit (ARU) and P2Y12 reaction unit (PRU) were simultaneously measured using VerifyNow. Group differences in the OT, LT, ARU, and PRU were evaluated. Seventy-five patients (25 patients in each group) finished 30 days of follow-up. Clinical and angiographic characteristics did not differ among the 3 groups, except ACS subtype and pre-PCI coronary flow. No major adverse cardiovascular events occurred in any group during follow-up. The OT and LT did not differ among the 3 groups at day 30 (OT: TICA, 447.2 ± 87.1 vs RIVA, 458.5 ± 70.3, vs CLP, 471.9 ± 90.7, LT: 1522.3 ± 426.5 vs 1734.6 ± 454.3 vs 1510.2 ± 593.9) despite significant differences in the PRU among the 3 groups. Shear stress–induced thrombotic and thrombolytic activities did not differ among the 3 investigated antithrombotic treatments.
“See Me, See Us”: Understanding the Intersections and Continued Marginalization of Adolescent Gifted Black Girls in U.S. Classrooms
Authors: Anderson Brittany N.
Published: March 2020

In current research and theoretical models that address racial inequity or gender disparities in gifted education, there is a missing narrative around high-achieving/gifted Black girls and their experiences, as well as their disproportionate underrepresentation in gifted programming, services, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. This article highlights literature on adolescent gifted Black girls, in addition to exploring barriers and issues of marginalization that constrain the talent identification and development of this population. The study explores the narratives of gifted Black women and explores their counternarratives using Critical Race Theory and Frasier’s Talent Assessment Profile (F-TAP) framework. The article urges educators to use an intersectional lens to understand and address the needs of adolescent gifted Black girls, and provides practical tools to identify and develop talent.
What Materials Do Districts Need to Represent their Programs?
Authors: VanTassel-Baska Joyce
Published: March 2020

The author lists core essentials that districts might consider in respect to curriculum and other program documents that may provide stakeholders as well as outsiders to the district important insights into the conceptualization of the program as well as its operation. These include a curriculum framework, scope and sequence charts, routine advanced instructional strategies, resources used to facilitate differentiation, evidence of higher level learning, and descriptions of major program components.
Nonlinear buckling and post-buckling analysis of shear deformable stiffened truncated conical sandwich shells with functionally graded face sheets and a functionally graded porous core
Authors: Duc Nguyen Dinh , Seung-Eock Kim , Khoa Nguyen Dinh , Chan Do Quang
Published: March 2020

In this study, the nonlinear buckling and post-buckling analysis of stiffened truncated conical sandwich shells with functionally graded face sheets and a functionally graded porous core resting on the Winkler–Pasternak elastic foundation subject to a uniform axial compressive load has been investigated. Shells are reinforced by functionally graded material stringers and rings, in which the change of spacing between stringers in the meridional direction also is taken into account. The stability equations of the shell are derived based on the first-order shear deformation theory with a von Karman–Donnell type of kinematic nonlinearity and the smeared stiffener technique. Those equations are solved by the Galerkin method to determine the effects of stiffeners, shell characteristics, material properties, porosity coefficient, and elastic foundation on the critical buckling load and for analyzing the post-buckling load–deﬂection curves. The approaches are verified with the known results in the literature.
Factors affecting superficial vein visibility at the upper limb in healthy young adults: A cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Mukai Kanae , Fujii Taiga , Nakajima Yukari , Ishida Asami , Kato Moeka , Takahashi Mao , Tsuda Mihiro , Hashiba Nanami , Mori Namiko , Yamanaka Ayaka , Nakatani Toshio
Published: March 2020

Objective:

Venipuncture is an invasive procedure, and repeated puncture attempts may be uncomfortable or even traumatic for patients. Vein visibility is one of the most influential variables for the failure of venipuncture; however, the factors affecting vein visibility remain unclear. The present study was conducted to identify the factors influencing vein visibility at the upper limb in healthy young adults.

Methods:

Twenty-seven healthy volunteers were included. All measurements were performed at the right arm, right cubital fossa, and right forearm. The depth and cross-sectional area of superficial veins were measured by ultrasonography. Skin color was assessed by a spectrophotometer and quantified according to Commission International d’Eclairage L*a*b* values.

Results:

Invisible superficial veins were significantly deeper and had a larger cross-sectional area than visible superficial veins. Skin color b* of invisible superficial veins was significantly higher than that of visible superficial veins. Vein depth, skin color b*, and gender markedly affected superficial vein visibility at the upper limb. The cutoff for vein depth was 2.3 mm (area under the curve = 0.91).

Conclusion:

The present results confirmed that vein depth, skin color b*, and gender strongly influenced vein visibility at the upper limb. The cutoff for vein depth was 2.3 mm.
Learning atmospheres: Re-imagining management education through the dérive
Authors: Michels Christoph , Hindley Clare , Knowles Deborah , Ruth Damian
Published: March 2020

This article responds to the recent calls for rethinking management education, particularly to those that emphasize space, affect and atmosphere, and makes the case for the practice of dérive as a way of infusing management education with experiential, experimental and reflexive learning processes. The authors draw on ideas and practices of the art movement Situationist International who proposed the dérive, informed by the concept of psychogeography as a way of exploring and reimagining the atmospheres of everyday life. The paper is illustrated by the authors’ teaching experiences in this area (or space as one might say). The authors argue that the dérive in management education may foster future managers’ imaginative skills and inspire an imaginative self-reflection of the business school and its spatial organization. The paper concludes that in re-enacting their experience of educational space, participants may learn about, reflect on, and develop their affective capacities for becoming part of organizational processes, both as students of the business school and as future managers.
Experimental investigation of debris entrapment in annular contacts
Authors: Aleksejev J , Clark Z , Huber JE , Hills DA
Published: March 2020

In wearing contacts, a part of the wear debris is trapped between the surfaces, creating a wear debris bed. Many researchers report such beds providing a degree of protection against further wear. It was hypothesized, that in an annular contact, the level of debris entrapment increases with the width of the annulus resulting in decrease in wear. To test this hypothesis, two series of experiments using EN1A steel and 6082T6 aluminium alloy annuli, measuring 1, 2 and 4 mm wide were carried out. When steel was used, there was no clear correlation between ring width and total mass loss or steady-state wear rate. When aluminium was used, wear decreased with the ring width according to both metrics. This behaviour appears to correlate with worn surface roughness, suggesting worn surface roughness to be a parameter controlling debris entrapment.
A novel BEMD-based method for forecasting tourist volume with search engine data
Authors: Tang Ling , Zhang Chengyuan , Li Tingfei , Li Ling
Published: March 2020

As helpful big data, search engine data (SED) regarding tourism-related factors have currently been introduced to tourist volume prediction, but they have been shown to impact the tourism market on different timescales (or frequency band). This study develops a novel forecasting method using an emerging multiscale analysis—bivariate empirical mode decomposition (BEMD)—to investigate multiscale relationships. Three major steps are performed: (1) SED process to construct an informative index from sufficient SED using statistical analyses, (2) multiscale analysis to extract scale-aligned common factors from the bivariate data of tourist volumes and SED using BEMD, and (3) tourist volume prediction using an SED-based index. In the empirical study, the novel BEMD-based method with SED is used to forecast the tourist volume of Hainan in China, a global tourist attraction, and significantly outperforms both popular techniques (not considering SED or multiscales) and similar variants (considering SED or multiscales) in accuracy and robustness.
Exploring the role of lay and professional patient navigators in Canada
Authors: Reid Amy E , Doucet Shelley , Luke Alison
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To explore the roles of patient navigators in different settings and situations for various patient populations and to understand the rationale for implementing lay and professional models of patient navigation in a Canadian context.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive design was applied, using interviews with 10 patient navigators from eight Canadian provinces, and Braun and Clarke’s six phases of thematic analysis to guide the analysis of interview transcripts.

Results

Findings indicate that a patient navigator’s personality and experience (personal and work-related) may be more important than their specific designation (i.e. lay or professional).

Conclusions

Lay and professional navigators in Canada appear to be well suited to provide navigational services across populations. This study has the potential to inform future research, policy, and the delivery of navigation programmes in Canada.
Subjective social status is indirectly associated with short-term smoking cessation through nicotine withdrawal symptoms
Authors: Alexander Adam C , Olurotimi Oluwakemi , Hébert Emily T , Ra Chaelin Karen , Businelle Michael S , Kendzor Darla E
Published: March 2020

This study used data collected from a smoking cessation program ( N = 146) to evaluate whether subjective social status was indirectly associated with smoking cessation through nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Findings indicated that subjective social status was indirectly associated with smoking cessation through withdrawal symptoms, specifically through anger and anxiety symptoms. People with lower subjective social status reported more withdrawal symptoms, particularly symptoms related to anger and anxiety, shortly after a quit attempt, and as such, were less likely to achieve smoking abstinence. Findings from this study provide insight into why socioeconomically disadvantaged adults are less likely to remain abstinent after a quit attempt.