bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rights-based social work in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Validating tools for education and practice
Authors: Šadić Sanela , McPherson Jane , Villarreal-Otálora Tatiana , Bašić Sanela
Published: April 2020

This article reports on the development of tools to measure rights-based social work practices in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Previously validated scales - Human Rights Exposure in Social Work (1 scale), Human Rights Lens in Social Work (2 scales), and Human Rights Methods in Social Work (8 scales) - were translated and adapted for the Bosnian context. To complete the validation, social work students (N=296) were surveyed, and the resulting data were analyzed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The results yield 11 valid scales for measuring human rights constructs and promoting human rights goals in social work education, research, and practice in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Food price spikes: Is a cereal export ban the right response for Ethiopia?
Authors: Aragie Emerta A , Balié Jean , -Opazo Cristian Morales
Published: April 2020

Following the price hikes of 2007–2008 and 2010–2011, many governments in low-income countries implemented food export bans. While several studies investigate the macroeconomic impacts of such bans on large net exporters of grains, only very few country case studies have examined the economy-wide and distributional effects combined. Further, there is a lack of rigorous studies that explicitly analyse cereal export bans as policy responses to external price shocks and their net combined effects, both in the immediate and in the short run. This article evaluates this situation for the case of Ethiopia, a net food-importing country. We find that international price shocks not only do affect domestic prices but could also considerably suppress domestic food production and supplies. A cereal export ban can help stabilize domestic food prices but cannot fully erase the price hike. We, however, note that the ban further discourages domestic cereal production and reduces rural households’ welfare.
Specific Mental Arithmetic Difficulties and General Arithmetic Learning Difficulties: The Role of Phonological Working Memory
Authors: Ding Yi , Liu Ru-De , Hong Wei , Yu Qiong , Wang Jia , Liu Ying , Zhen Rui
Published: April 2020

The aim of this paper was to examine the role of phonological working memory in specific mental arithmetic difficulties and general arithmetic learning difficulties (ALD; difficulties presenting in both mental arithmetic and written arithmetic). In Study 1, we categorized 53 sixth graders into a control group, a group with specific mental arithmetic difficulties, and a group with general ALD. The findings indicated the group with specific mental arithmetic difficulties performed significantly worse on the task involving phonological working memory than did the control group. However, a significant difference was not found between the group with general ALD and the control group. In Study 2 involving 54 sixth graders, we decreased the load of phonological working memory by changing the format of the problems from horizontal (more reliance on phonological codes) to vertical (more reliance on visual resources). We found that the group with specific mental arithmetic difficulties performed comparably to the control group. In other words, when the working memory load is reduced, they no longer lag significantly behind on mental arithmetic. However, the group with general ALD still performed significantly worse than the control group when the problems were presented vertically, indicating that reduced phonological working memory load did not alleviate their arithmetic difficulties. The findings in both studies suggested that poor phonological working memory might contribute to the underlying mechanism for specific mental arithmetic difficulties but not as much for general ALD.
Relationship satisfaction trajectories among low-income ethnic minority couples before and after a relationship education intervention
Authors: Liu Xun , Wheeler Naomi J. , Broda Michael D. , Daire Andrew P. , Dominguez Vanessa N. , Griffith Sandy-Ann M. , Pease Jenene Case
Published: April 2020

This study examined relationship satisfaction trajectories of low-income ethnic minority couples from a preintervention assessment to the fifth assessment at 120 days after enrollment in the relationship education intervention. Analysis included covariates of employment status, income, years of education, and length of relationship in the trajectories. The researchers drew the 5 waves of data from 728 couples who participated in a large, 4-year, federally funded project—Project TOGETHER (To Offer Great Education That Harvests Enduring Relationships). The results of the dyadic latent growth curve modeling revealed the linearity of growth in relationship satisfaction among couples; specifically, both male and female partners having significant positive growth of relationship satisfaction from intake through 120-day post-RE intervention. Interestingly, when we analyzed distressed and nondistressed couples separately, growth trajectories for both groups were not significant. The researchers present a discussion of implications for policy and practice.
Clozapine use – has practice changed?
Authors: Rowntree Roberta , Murray Sean , Fanning Felicity , Keating Dolores , Szigeti Atilla , Doyle Roisin , McWilliams Stephen , Clarke Mary
Published: April 2020

Background:

One-third of individuals with schizophrenia have treatment-resistant illness. Of these, up to 60% will respond to clozapine treatment.

Aims:

This study retrospectively examined clozapine prescribing patterns against National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines as treatment-resistant illness emerged in a first-episode psychosis cohort.

Methods:

A total of 339 individuals with a first-episode psychosis were included in the study. Clozapine prescribing patterns were compared against the NICE guidelines and the impact of clozapine use on one index of service utilisation (hospitalisation) was assessed.

Results:

A total of 32 individuals (9.4%) from the cohort were prescribed clozapine. The mean time to clozapine trial was 2.1 years (SD 1.95; range 0.17–6.25). The mean number of adequate trials of antipsychotic prior to starting clozapine was 2.74 (SD 1.13; range 1–5). Following clozapine initiation, mean hospital admissions per year reduced from 2.3 to 0.3 ( p=0.00). Mean hospital days pre- and post-clozapine also reduced (147 vs. 53; p=0.00). In total, 18 patients discontinued clozapine use during follow-up – 5 temporarily and 13 permanently.

Conclusions:

Patients are being prescribed clozapine earlier than previously demonstrated, though delays are still evident, and many patients discontinue treatment. More work needs to be undertaken to understand and address factors which lead to its discontinuation.
Increased neck muscle stiffness in migraine patients with ictal neck pain: A shear wave elastography study
Authors: Hvedstrup Jeppe , Kolding Lærke Tørring , Ashina Messoud , Schytz Henrik Winther
Published: April 2020

Background

Ictal neck pain is a frequent symptom reported by half of migraine patients. It is unknown if neck pain is caused by peripheral or central mechanisms. Neck muscle stiffness can be investigated with ultrasound shear wave elastography.

Objectives

To determine if migraine patients with ictal neck pain have stiffer neck muscles interictally compared with patients without ictal neck pain and controls.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study investigating neck muscle stiffness, pressure pain thresholds and neck pain symptoms in 100 migraine patients recruited from a tertiary headache center and 46 controls.

Results

Patients with ictal neck pain had increased mean neck muscle stiffness interictally compared to both migraine patients without ictal neck pain ( p = 0.018) and controls ( p = 0.036). Muscle stiffness was negatively correlated with pressure pain thresholds in the neck in migraine patients with ictal neck pain (r = −0.292, p = 0.042). There were no differences in mean pressure pain thresholds between migraine subgroups.

Conclusions

Migraine patients with ictal neck pain have stiffer neck muscles interictally compared with migraine patients without ictal neck pain and controls measured with ultrasound shear wave elastography. The increased stiffness could be due to local alterations in the neck muscles. Trial registration: clinical-trials.gov, identifier: NCT03626805
Paroxysmal headache with extracephalic irradiation: Proposal for a new variant of epicrania fugax in a series of five patients
Authors: Gutiérrez-Sánchez María , García-Azorín David , Gutiérrez-Viedma Álvaro , González-García Nuria , Horga Alejandro , Martín Susana , Guerrero Ángel L , Cuadrado María-Luz
Published: April 2020

Background

Epicrania fugax consists of brief paroxysms of pain, which radiate in a line or in zigzag trajectory across the surface of the scalp or the face.

Methods

A prospective, descriptive study was performed in five patients presenting with an epicrania fugax-type pain with extracephalic irradiation.

Results

All patients were women, and the mean age at onset was 59.8 (standard deviation, 10.9). They had unilateral paroxysms of electrical pain starting at a particular point in the head (parietal, n = 3; vertex, n = 1; frontal, n = 1) and rapidly radiating downwards in a lineal trajectory to reach extracephalic regions (ipsilateral limbs, n = 2; shoulder, n = 2; low neck, n = 1) in 1–3 seconds. Pain intensity was moderate or severe. Three patients had nummular headache at the point where the paroxysms originated. One patient had spontaneous remission, and four patients achieved complete or almost complete response with therapy (onabotulinumtoxinA, n = 2; indomethacin, n = 1; amitriptyline, n = 1; lamotrigine, n = 1).

Conclusion

The spectrum of epicrania fugax may include paroxysms with extracephalic irradiation. The propagation of pain beyond the head and the face supports the involvement of central mechanisms in the pathophysiology of this entity.
Tear Completion Versus In Situ Repair for 50% Partial-Thickness Bursal-Side Rotator Cuff Tears: A Biomechanical and Histological Study in an Animal Model
Authors: Pulatkan Anil , Anwar Wasim , Ayık Omer , Bozdag Ergun , Yildirim Ayse Nur , Kapicioglu Mehmet , Tuncay Ibrahim , Bilsel Kerem
Published: April 2020

Background:

Tear completion followed by repair (TCR) and in situ repair (ISR) have been widely used for bursal-side partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs). Both techniques have shown favorable results; however, controversy continues in terms of the best management.

Purpose:

To compare the histological and biomechanical outcomes of these 2 techniques for 50% partial-thickness bursal-side rotator cuff tear repair in a rabbit model.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 27 rabbits were used in this experimental study. Seven rabbits were sacrificed at the beginning of the study to form an intact tendon control group. A chronic 50% partial-thickness bursal-side tear model was created in 20 rabbits, and 5 rabbits were sacrificed for biomechanical testing of chronic partial-thickness tears (control group) without repair. In 15 rabbits, partial-thickness tears were repaired after 8 weeks. Partial-thickness tears in the right shoulders were completed to full thickness and repaired; in contrast, left shoulders were repaired in situ. All rabbits were euthanized 8 weeks after the repair. The tendons were tested biomechanically for ultimate failure, linear stiffness, and displacement. Histological evaluations of tendon-to-bone healing were performed via the modified Watkins score.

Results:

Macroscopically, all repaired tendons were attached to the greater tuberosity. The TCR group had a higher failure load than the ISR group, with mean values of 140.4 ± 13.8 N and 108.1 ± 16.6 N, respectively ( P = .001). The modified Watkins score was significantly higher in the TCR group (23.5; range, 22-27) than in the ISR group (19.5; range, 16-22) ( P = .009).

Conclusion:

Both repair techniques are effective for 50% partial-thickness bursal-side rotator cuff tears; however, TCR yields significantly superior biomechanical and histological characteristics compared with ISR.

Clinical Relevance:

Tear completion and repair technique may increase tendon-to-bone healing and thereby reduce re-rupture rate in the partial thickness bursal side rotator cuff tears.
Superior Labral Anterior Posterior Repair and Biceps Tenodesis Surgery: Trends of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Database
Authors: Cvetanovich Gregory L. , Gowd Anirudh K. , Frantz Travis L. , Erickson Brandon J. , Romeo Anthony A.
Published: April 2020

Background:

Recent evidence has specified indications for performing superior labral anterior posterior (SLAP) repair and biceps tenodesis (BT) for the treatment of bicipital-labral lesions in the shoulder. Trends in performance of these procedures are expected to reflect the growing body of research regarding this topic.

Purpose:

To report practice trends for the surgical treatment of SLAP lesions utilizing the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) database, particularly in older patients.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The ABOS database was retrospectively queried between 2012 and 2017 by Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for SLAP repair (29807), open BT (23430), and arthroscopic BT (29828). The patient population was excluded if any concomitant open shoulder procedure was performed. Trends over time were evaluated with respect to case volume, patient age, surgeon subspecialty, and whether a concomitant arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) was performed (CPT 29827).

Results:

A total of 9908 cases met inclusion/exclusion criteria: 4632 performed with RCR and 5276 performed without. The mean age of patients without RCR was 40.8 ± 13.8 years, while for those receiving RCR it was 55.0 ± 9.9 years ( P < .001). In patients without RCR, there was a significant decline in rate of SLAP repairs performed over this period ( P < .001). A significantly greater proportion of patients receiving open and arthroscopic BT were older than 35 years of age, compared with those receiving SLAP repair ( P < .001). Within the RCR cohort, there was also a significant decline in concomitant SLAP repairs performed ( P < .001) over the study period. With respect to BT, open BT was performed more frequently in the cohort without RCR (74.5%) than in the cohort with RCR (52.1%) ( P < .001). Similarly, arthroscopic BT was performed more commonly in the cohort with RCR (47.9%) than in the cohort without RCR (25.5%) ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

The ABOS database revealed significantly reduced rates of SLAP repairs performed in recent times. Trends with age remained consistent over time, in that SLAP repairs were predominantly performed in younger patients. Open BT was performed more frequently overall, but with an increased proportion of arthroscopic BT occurring with RCR. Arthroscopic BT was performed much more frequently with RCR than without.
Effect of a Law Requiring Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Use on Emergency Department Opioid Prescribing: A Single-Center Analysis
Authors: Zeiner Abigail L. , Burak Michelle A. , O’Sullivan David M. , Laskey Dayne
Published: April 2020

Objective:

To compare opioid prescribing behavior of emergency medicine providers following the enactment of Connecticut Public Act (PA) 15-198 at a large academic tertiary medical center.

Methods:

This study is a single-center pre and postlaw retrospective cohort of ED patients discharged with opioid prescriptions. Patients discharged from January 1, 2015, to June 30, 2015, were analyzed as the prelaw cohort, and patients discharged from January 1, 2016, to June 30, 2016, were analyzed as the postlaw cohort. The primary outcome was the cumulative dose of solid dosage forms of opioids per prescription, calculated in morphine milligram equivalents (MME).

Results:

A total of 10,307 prescriptions included in the final analysis. A statistically significant decrease in the primary outcome was seen in the postlaw cohort compared with the prelaw cohort, respectively (75 MME [interquartile range, IQR: 60-100) vs 80 MME [IQR: 75-150]; P < .001). The postlaw cohort also saw 1289 (22.2%) fewer opioid prescriptions, primarily driven by a reduction in the number of schedule II opioids prescribed. In a posthoc analysis, the primary outcome remained statistically significant even when opioid prescriptions were only included if their prebuilt settings were unchanged between pre and postlaw cohorts, respectively (85.1%; 95.6 MME (±56.0); n = 5041 vs 86.7 MME (±39.6); n = 3713; P < .001).

Conclusions:

The passage of PA 15-198 was associated with a decrease in the cumulative dose of opioids per prescription of solid dosage form products. This drop was precipitated by a transition from using opioids in schedule II to opioids in schedule IV and a modest decrease in prescribed opioid quantity.
Impact and mechanical properties of different composite systems modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Badawy AA , Khashaba EU
Published: April 2020

Kevlar and glass fiber composites have distinguished mechanical properties such as specific strength and stiffness, resistance to impact loading, and tailoring the overall properties to meet the needs of a specific application. Enhancing their mechanical properties via incorporation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into their polymer matrices and proper characterization are very important for automotive and aerospace applications, which is the main objective of this study. This article presents an experimental study on manufacturing and mechanical characterization of six different materials. The tested materials include: CNT-nanocomposites, Kevlar fiber reinforce epoxy (KFRE) and glass fiber reinforced epoxy (GFRE) composites modified with CNTs. The CNTs were ultrasonically dispersed into the epoxy resin at 30% sonication amplitude (225 W) for 30 min to avoid their damage. The results were compared with the control materials (without CNTs). The mechanical tests are drop weight impact, tension, and in-plane shear. All the tests were performed according to ASTMs using computerized testing machines at room temperature. Results from the experimental study showed that the incorporation of the CNTs into the epoxy resin improves their tensile and shear strengths by 11% and 22.2%, respectively. In addition, the tensile and shear moduli of the CNT-nanocomposite were improved respectively by 68.7% and 29%. The absorbed energy and maximum contact force of the CNT-nanocomposite were improved by 11.4% and 9.5%, respectively. The tensile strength of the GFRE/CNT and KFRE/CNT composites showed improvements of 15.3% and 19.6%, respectively. The improvements in the tensile and shear moduli of GFRE/CNT and KFRE/CNT composites are in the range of 15–20%. The CNTs have marginal effects on the impact properties of the modified composite laminates. The tensile properties of the Kevlar composite systems (with and without CNTs) are higher than those of the glass composite systems and vice versa for the shear moduli and the absorbed energies.
Energy loss analysis of the double-suction centrifugal pump under different flow rates based on entropy production theory
Authors: Guan Hongyu , Jiang Wei , Yang Jianguo , Wang Yuchuan , Zhao Xinghai , Wang Junxue
Published: April 2020

The investigation of energy loss of pump is of great significance for energy conservation and structural optimization design. And traditional methods have great limitations in researching the distribution of energy losses. In this paper, the entropy production theory is utilized to analyze the energy loss of the double-suction centrifugal pump. The numerical simulation results verified by experiments indicate that the difference in total entropy production under different flow rates is mainly affected by the entropy production in the main flow region. Moreover, the entropy production of the volute has the greatest impact on the entropy production in the main flow region, and even the proportion of entropy production in the volute at 1.2 QD operating point reaches 96%. Besides, the Q-criterion is applied to study the morphology of the vortex core in the volute. In the volute inlet region, it is found that the stable double-vortex flow has a better flow field and less energy loss than the scattered wake vortex.
Latent classes of partner-seeking venues and sexual risk among men who have sex with men in Paris, France
Authors: Dangerfield Derek T , Carmack Chakema C , Gilreath Tamika D , Duncan Dustin T
Published: April 2020

In France, men who have sex with men (MSM) experience the highest HIV incidence. MSM who use multiple venues such as bars and smartphone apps to find sexual partners have greater HIV and sexually transmitted infection risk than those who use a single physical or online venue. To explore the role of venues and sexual behavior on HIV risk, we used latent class analysis to highlight underlying profiles of 580 MSM in Paris, France. Three latent classes emerged: Multi-venue Users (19%), Non-serosorting App Users (49%), and Serosorting App Users (32%). Multi-venue Users had the highest probabilities of condomless receptive anal intercourse (CRAI) and condomless insertive anal intercourse (CIAI), group sex, and meeting partners at venues such as bars or online. Non-serosorting App Users had the lowest probabilities of CRAI, CIAI, and condomless serosorting. Serosorting App Users had an 87% chance of condomless serosorting. MSM reporting a pre-exposure prophylaxis history had 14 and 5 times the odds of being classified as Multi-venue Users and Serosorting App Users than Non-serosorting App Users. MSM were 3% more likely to be Multi-venue Users than Non-serosorting App Users for every one-year increase in age. Interventions addressing sexual risk behaviors among MSM in France should consider tailored risk-reduction and prevention messaging.
Electroacupuncture combined with acarbose improves insulin sensitivity via peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ activation and produces a stronger glucose-lowering effect than acarbose alone in a rat model of steroid-induced insulin resistance
Authors: Chung Yuan-Chiang , Chen Ying-I , Lin Chih-Ming , Chang Su-Wei , Hsu Tai-Hao , Ho Wai-Jane , Lin Jaug-Geng , Chang Shih-Liang , Tzeng Chung-Yuh
Published: April 2020

Background:

Previous studies have reported that electroacupuncture (EA) induces a glucose-lowering effect by improving insulin resistance (IR) and reduces plasma free fatty acid (FFA) levels in rats with steroid-induced insulin resistance (SIIR). In addition, EA can activate cholinergic nerves and stimulate endogenous opioid peptides to lower plasma glucose in streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic rats. The aim of this study was to investigate the glucose-lowering effects of 15 Hz EA at bilateral ST36 in combination with acarbose (ACA). We hypothesized that EA combined with ACA would produce a stronger glucose-lowering effect than ACA alone.

Methods:

In this study, normal Wistar rats and SIIR rats were randomly divided into two groups: ACA and ACA + EA. To explore the potential mechanisms underlying the glucose-lowering effect, plasma FFA/insulin and insulin transduction signal pathway proteins were assayed.

Results:

Combined ACA + EA treatment had a greater glucose-lowering effect than ACA alone in normal Wistar rats (−45% ± 3% vs −19% ± 3%, p < 0.001) and SIIR model rats (−43% ± 2% vs −16% ± 6%, p < 0.001). A significant reduction in plasma FFA levels, improvement in homeostatic model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) index (−48.9% ± 4.0%, p < 0.001) and insulin sensitivity index (102% ± 16.9%, p < 0.001), and significant increases in insulin receptor substrate 1, glucose transporter 4, and peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ protein expressions in skeletal muscle, were also observed in the ACA + EA group of SIIR rats.

Conclusion:

Combined EA and ACA therapy had a greater glucose-lowering effect than ACA monotherapy; this combined therapy could be more effective at improving IR in SIIR rats, which may be related to a reduction in plasma FFA levels and an elevation of insulin signaling proteins. Whether this combined therapy has an effect in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients still needs to be explored.
Review of Infrastructure Development and Its Financing in India
Authors: Agrawal Reena
Published: April 2020

Infrastructure is one of the most crucial pillars of productivity in any economy. Pushing infrastructure development and particularly organizing funds for infrastructure projects have been the biggest challenge in developing nations. The present study was taken up to review the infrastructure development and its financing in India. The study intended to (1) study the infrastructure development in India in the 11th and 12th Five Year Plan, (2) examine the sources used for infrastructure financing in India, (3) assess the actions taken by government to facilitate infrastructure financing and (4) propose measures to augment infrastructure financing to overcome infrastructure deficit in the country. It was found that though Government of India and Reserve Bank of India have taken several initiatives to facilitate infrastructure financing, there still exists a vast gap between supply side and the demand side. Some of the recommendations given in the paper include the need to evolve innovative business models and mitigate administrative glitches to ensure larger private participation; exploit the untapped potential of diaspora; revisit the statutory liquidity ratio norms for banks; evolve the municipal bond market; boost regional integration and improved connectivity through creation of corridors between sub-continental regions, which would not only bridge the finance gap but also the knowledge gap, etc.
Hey Siri, tell me a story: Digital storytelling and AI authorship
Authors: Thorne Sarah
Published: April 2020

Surveying narrative applications of artificial intelligence in film, games and interactive fiction, this article imagines the future of artificial intelligence (AI) authorship and explores trends that seek to replace human authors with algorithmically generated narrative. While experimental works that draw on text generation and natural language processing have a rich history, this article focuses on commercial applications of AI narrative and looks to future applications of this technology. Video games have incorporated AI and procedural generation for many years, but more recently, new applications of this technology have emerged in other media. Director Oscar Sharp and artist Ross Goodwin, for example, generated significant media buzz about two short films that they produced which were written by their AI screenwriter. It’s No Game (2017), in particular, offers an apt commentary on the possibility of replacing striking screenwriters with AI authors. Increasingly, AI agents and virtual assistants like Siri, Cortana, Alexa and Google Assistant are incorporated into our daily lives. As concerns about their eavesdropping circulate in news media, it is clear that these companions are learning a lot about us, which raises concerns about how our data might be employed in the future. This article explores current applications of AI for storytelling and future directions of this technology to offer insight into issues that have and will continue to arise as AI storytelling advances.
Interventions that prevent or reduce obesity in children from birth to five years of age: A systematic review
Authors: Narzisi Katia , Simons Joan
Published: April 2020

Childhood obesity worldwide affects 5.6% or 38.3 million children under five years of age. The longer children are overweight or obese, the more likely they are to become obese adults with all the contingent morbidity involved. An extensive number of preventive interventions to combat childhood obesity have been carried out worldwide. This article reports a systematic review of interventions aimed to reducing or preventing obesity under-fives. The search was performed with six different databases: Web of Science, PsycINFO, Cochrane, PubMed, Medline, and CINAHL. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were independently assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. Thirty studies involving 23,185 children across nine countries were included. Twenty-two were randomised controlled trials, and 8 quasi-experimental pretest/post-test design with comparison. These studies fell into four different categories: home-based interventions with family involvement ( n = 12), preschool/early childhood settings ( n = 9), multicomponent interventions across multiple settings ( n = 6) and healthcare setting ( n = 3). Future research should focus on increasing the accessibility of education on diet and physical activity for deprived families as well as the cultural acceptability of interventions to prevent childhood obesity.
Development of cycle-to-cycle variation of the tumble flow motion in a cylinder of a spark ignition internal combustion engine with Miller cycle
Authors: Matsuda Masayoshi , Yokomori Takeshi , Shimura Masayasu , Minamoto Yuki , Tanahashi Mamoru , Iida Norimasa
Published: April 2020

Reducing the cycle-to-cycle variation in an engine is a key to expanding the operational limits of high-efficiency engines such as lean-burn engines. The cycle-to-cycle variation of the engine output is caused by unstable combustion and is especially induced by the cycle-to-cycle variation of the in-cylinder flow. This investigation aims to clarify how the cycle-to-cycle variation of in-cylinder flow develops during intake and compression strokes. To achieve this aim, 12 kHz time-resolved particle image velocimetry measurements were conducted on the symmetrical vertical plane in a four-valve, four-stroke optically accessible engine. This study focuses on the relationship between the flow at the plug position at the ignition timing and the flow distribution in the intake and compression stroke. Correlation map analysis reveals this relationship, and some flow distributions are extracted. The fluctuations in the flow distribution induce the cycle-to-cycle variation of the flow direction at the plug position at the ignition timing, the position of the stagnation plane between the intake flow from the intake valves and the upper side of the tumble vortex, the strength of the blowback flow into the intake port generated by the Miller cycle, and the position of the tumble vortex in the late compression stroke. The flow distributions extracted by the correlation map analysis clearly change between cycles. These results also suggest that correlation map analysis is an effective way to elucidate the factors that induce the cycle-to-cycle variation of the in-cylinder flow.
Impact of Community Experiences on Student Retention Perceptions and Satisfaction in Higher Education
Authors: Boyd Neil M. , Liu Xiaoyan , Horissian Kevork
Published: April 2020

Understanding student experiences and the ability to predict satisfaction and retention continues to be an important topic in higher education. Among the many variables that have predictive capacity, recent research shows that a sense of belonging may be an important factor. The present study extends this logic to examine if a sense of community (which contains a subconstruct of belonging) is a better predictor of satisfaction and retention perceptions compared with academic achievement (i.e., grade point average and Dean’s List status) and engagement (i.e., in class, in programs, and with others). Second, we examine if a sense of community responsibility predicts behavioral engagement toward the campus community (i.e., organizational citizenship behaviors). We carry out these aims to test the efficacy of the community experiences model and its application in higher education institutional research contexts.
The relationship between primary school leaders’ utilization of distributed leadership and teachers’ capacity to change
Authors: Amels Judith , Krüger Meta L , Suhre Cor JM , van Veen Klaas
Published: April 2020

Although it is generally known that distributed leadership is relevant for reinforcing teachers’ capacity to change, how leadership roles are distributed among teachers largely depends on how principals perceive distributed leadership. Specifying principals’ perceptions and how these are related to teachers’ capacity to change leads to theories about the knowledge and beliefs of leaders with regard to distributed leadership that are crucial for achieving educational change as a team. Combining questionnaire data from 787 Dutch primary school teachers and interview data from 58 principals in a parallel mixed methods design, this study shows differences in how school leaders distribute leadership roles. In addition, the results indicate that several aspects of teachers’ capacity to change, namely, joint work, collegial support, knowledge sharing, self-efficacy and their internalization of school goals, are more present in schools in which school leaders distribute leadership among teachers than in schools in which they do not.
Acute effects from changes in saddle height in perceived comfort during cycling
Authors: Bini Rodrigo Rico
Published: April 2020

Prior research did not provide data on acute adaptations to changes in saddle height as commonly performed in bicycle fitting. This study assessed the acute responses from recreational cyclists to changes in saddle height using dynamic bicycle fitting. Ten recreational cyclists completed five trials using three saddle heights (Preferred, High and Low), one Sham-height trial and a final repeated trial for assessment of intra-session reliability. High and Low saddle heights were determined based on dynamically measured knee flexion angles (±10° from their Preferred height). Trials were performed for 30-s at 90 ± 2 rpm and 2.5 W/kg (181 ± 32 W). Perceived comfort and discomfort and rating of perceived exertion were assessed at the end of each trial. Significant differences were determined when p < 0.05. Increased comfort was observed at the preferred saddle height compared to a lower saddle height ( p = 0.03) but no differences were observed between Preferred and High ( p = 0.69) or High vs. Low ( p = 0.06). The Sham height was also not different from its equivalent saddle height ( p = 0.77) and rating of perceived exertion did not differ between saddle heights ( p = 0.33). Recreational cyclists were generally sensitive to changes in saddle height given they reported different levels of comfort between their preferred and a lower saddle height. Similar levels of comfort were observed when a Sham height was introduced, showing that recreational cyclists identified that no change in saddle height was conducted. However, these cyclists could not report differences in comfort when cycling at a High compared to a Low saddle height.
DCHS1 DNA copy number loss associated with pediatric urinary tract infection risk
Authors: Qureshi Aslam H , Liang Dong , Canas Jorge , Hooks Jenaya , Arrregui Samuel W , Saxena Vijay , Rooney Robert , Nolan Vikki , Schwaderer Andrew L , Hains David S
Published: April 2020

Urinary tract infections (UTI), associated with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), can lead to chronic kidney disease. Genetic alterations in the innate immune defenses contribute to UTI risk. We investigated a novel gene, Dachsous Cadherin-Related 1 ( DCHS1), in children with UTI. We determined absolute DNA copy number (CN) of DCHS1 in children with UTI. In this case-control study, we utilized multiple complementary methods to determine the genomic CN of DCHS1. Children with ( n = 370) and without ( n = 71) VUR from two well-phenotyped clinical trials of UTI were copy-typed and compared to 491 healthy controls with no known history of VUR or UTI. Less than 1% of controls had a single copy of DCHS1, while 31% of children with UTI and no VUR and 7% of children with UTI and VUR had a single copy of the DCHS1 gene. Using immunostaining, we localized expression postnatally to the bladder and renal epithelia. Mice were also challenged with two uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains, and Dchs1 mRNA was quantified. This study represents the first report of DCHS1 in association with pediatric UTI. We hypothesize that its role in innate immunity is critical to lower urinary tract defense. Further investigation is required to determine the role of DCHS1 in innate immunity.
Targeted Development-Dependent Metabolomics Profiling of Bioactive Compounds in Acanthopanax senticosus by UPLC-ESI-MS
Authors: Xu Mingyuan , Wang Yingwei , Wang Qianbo , Guo Shenglei , Liu Yang , Liu Jia , Tang Zhonghua , Wang Zhenyue
Published: April 2020

An ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry targeted metabolomics strategy was applied to analyze protocatechuate, syringin, eleutheroside E, isofraxidin, hyperoside, kaempferol, and oleanolic acid, the active compounds in 3-year-old, 5-year-old, and 9-year-old Acanthopanax senticosus. Then, targeted metabolomics was conducted with 3 growth year plants to identify 19 phenolic metabolites related to the above-mentioned active compounds, including 9 C6C3C6-type, 6 C6C3-type, and 4 C6C1-type. Multivariate statistical analysis was applied to the bioactive metabolite data, and targeted metabolic profiling was used for marker compound classification and characterization. The results showed that 7 active compounds in the roots and stems in the 3 growth year plants differed. The principal component “Q” values showed that the total contents of 7 active compounds in 5-year-old roots and stems were higher than in other growth years. Results of targeted metabolomics profiling of 19 phenolic metabolites showed that the C6C1-type compounds accumulated in 9-year-old plants, the C6C3-type in 3-year-old plants, and the C6C3C6-type in 5-year-old plants. The stems had the greatest accumulations of the phenolic metabolites. C6C1 and C6C3-type metabolites are the most abundant in both roots and stems. In conclusion, the active compounds and pharmacological effects of A. senticosus in different growth years are different. The best harvest age for A. senticosus roots and stems was 5 years. The accumulation of 19 phenolic metabolites in different growth years also showed significant differences.
Attitudes to Palliative Care in Patients With Neck-of-Femur Fracture—A Multicenter Survey
Authors: Harries Luke , Moore Andrew , Kendall Clare , Stanger Sophie , Stringfellow Thomas D. , Davies Andrew , Kelly Mike
Published: April 2020

Introduction:

The mortality of patients with neck-of-femur (NOF) fractures remains high, with increasing recognition of a subgroup of patients with predictable mortality. The role of palliative care in this group is poorly understood and underdeveloped. This research aims to investigate current clinician attitudes toward palliative care for patients with NOF fracture, and explore processes in place for early identification for patients nearing the end of life.

Materials and Methods:

An online survey was constructed with reference to National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence end-of-life guidelines (CG13) and distributed to multidisciplinary teams involved in the care of NOF fracture patients in 4 hospitals of contrasting size and location in the United Kingdom.

Results:

Forty health-care professionals with a broad range of seniority and roles responded. The palliative care team was felt to have several potential roles in the care of NOF fracture patients, but there was difference of opinion between specialties about what these were. A number of barriers to palliative referral were identified, including stigma and active surgical management. The majority (75%) felt that all NOF fracture patients should have a discussion about ceiling of care, with difference of opinion about who should do so, and when.

Discussion:

As the elderly population has grown, so too has the volume of NOF fracture patients. It is increasingly important to identify and escalate patients who have poor prognosis following hip fracture and ensure they benefit from palliative care where appropriate. This survey demonstrates a barrier to addressing the care of these patients and a lack of consensus on identification and referral to appropriate palliative care planning.

Conclusions:

There should be close communication between specialties with regard to requirements for palliative care in NOF fracture patients, with ongoing education and clear local and national guidance to ensure they receive the right care at the right time.
Occult primary brain cancers manifesting in the aftermath of ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke
Authors: Andersen Klaus Kaae , Tybjerg Anne Julie , Babore Alejandro Daniel , Olsen Tom Skyhøj
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Symptoms of occult brain cancer may mimic stroke. Misdiagnosis may lead to improper treatment and delayed diagnosis. We characterised strokes associated with occult primary brain cancer and determined risk that ischaemic and haemorrhagic strokes are associated with occult primary brain cancer.

Patients and methods

All patients with incident stroke in Denmark 2003–2015 were identified through the Danish Stroke Registry (n = 85,893) and matched 1:10 on age and sex to the Danish background population without a stroke history (n = 858,740). This cohort was linked to the Danish Cancer Registry and prevalence of occult primary brain cancer defined as the event of previously unknown primary brain cancer during a one-year follow-up was estimated. We used Cox regression models to study risk of occult primary brain cancer in comparison to the background population.

Results

Of 77,484 patients with ischaemic strokes, 39 (1 in 2000) were associated with primary brain cancer; of 8409 with haemorrhagic strokes, it was 126 (1 in 66). In the background cohort, 205 (1 in 4000) had occult primary brain cancer. The multivariate stroke risk factor analysis showed that patients with occult primary brain cancer differed significantly from those without occult primary brain cancer indicating they might have stroke mimics rather than true strokes. Discussion and conclusions: Strokes associated with occult primary brain cancer tend to be stroke mimics rather than true strokes. Primary brain cancer is rare in patients with ischaemic stroke (1 in 2000); risk that misdiagnosis results in maltreatment is, therefore, very low. Occult primary brain cancers are mainly found among patients with haemorrhagic stroke; they are not uncommon (1 in 66) and should always be kept in mind.
Lisu Syllabary: A folk creation in the Yunnan-Tibetan borderland
Authors: Sun Bojun , Han Gang
Published: April 2020

The Lisu Syllabary was designed by an illiterate farmer in the 1920s and spread widely in Weixi County in the Yunnan Province of China. Its creation process proves that it is not necessary for a primitive writing system to undergo the stage of pictograph or ideograph; rather, the concept of syllabic segmentation may arise inherently in the human mind and may be successfully used in script designing. A font library including 989 computer glyphs is provided in the present paper in order to show the total appearance of the Lisu Script.
Attachment in family foster care: Literature review of associated characteristics
Authors: West Delphine , Vanderfaeillie Johan , Van Hove Lisa , Gypen Laura , Van Holen Frank
Published: April 2020

Foster children often had negative experiences in the past, which can contribute to attachment problems. In their meta-analysis, van den Dries et al. found that foster children were more often disorganized attached when compared to the general population. It is to be expected that the quality of attachment between the foster children and their foster parents is related to various factors. However, research into which factors are associated with the development of secure attachment is scarce. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses method, a total of 13 articles were included in this review. This review provides an overview of the associated characteristics with the quality of attachment between foster carers and foster children. In the articles included in this review, the foster carers’ characteristics were often described as more important than characteristics of the foster child and placement when it comes to developing a secure attachment. The most consensus, although not unanimous, existed on the finding that a positive, sensitive parenting style of foster parents was positively related to a secure attachment between the foster children and their foster carers.
Patient perspectives and experiences with in vitro fertilization and genetic testing options
Authors: Rothwell Erin , Lamb Brandy , Johnson Erin , Gurtcheff Shawn , Riches Naomi , Fagan Melinda , Sabatello Maya , Johnstone Erica
Published: April 2020

Objective:

Decision-making and patient experiences with embryo selection during in vitro fertilization often include genetic testing options. The purpose of this study was to gain insight about the experiences and perspectives of women using in vitro fertilization and genetic technologies.

Methods:

Interviews ( n = 37) were conducted among female patients who had undergone in vitro fertilization, underwent expanded carrier screening, and were offered pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy between July 2016 and July 2017. The interviews were transcribed and a content analysis was conducted on the transcripts.

Results:

Categories that emerged from the data analysis included unexpected outcomes, uncertainty, unanticipated emotional consequences, too much emphasis on the woman’s contributions and questions about embryo viability. Patient experiences with genetic technologies during in vitro fertilization played a significant role within these results.

Conclusion:

The emotional and psychological impacts of infertility during in vitro fertilization were the primary concerns discussed by participants. Future research is needed to identify ways to help manage unexpected outcomes and continuous uncertainty, including the increasing use of genetic technologies, to not add to the psychological burden of infertility. There is a need to explore more support options or counseling services for patients struggling with infertility during in vitro fertilization treatment.
Long-term follow-up of mTOR inhibition for Erdheim-Chester disease
Authors: Pegoraro Francesco , Maniscalco Valerio , Peyronel Francesco , Westenend Pieter J. , Hendriksz Tadek R. , Roperto Rosa M. , Palumbo Alessandro A. , Sieni Elena , Romagnani Paola , van Bommel Eric F. H. , Vaglio Augusto
Published: April 2020

Two articles this week focus on Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD), a rare histiocytosis that mainly affects adults. Clonal somatic mutations primarily involving proteins in the BRAF and MPAK pathways have established ECD as a myeloid neoplasm, with targeted therapies now available for patients. In the first paper, an international panel presents new consensus recommendations for evaluation and treatment of ECD. In the second paper, Pegoraro and colleagues present long-term outcomes of patients with ECD treated with sirolimus, with responses in patients both with and without BRAF mutations.