bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anesthetic management for resection of a giant emphysematous bulla: a case report
Authors: Lin Xianju , Wang Hongzhu , Yang Yong , Xiang Haifei
Published: April 2021

Anesthetic management for patients with a giant emphysematous bulla (GEB) is challenging. This case report describes a patient who developed 95% pulmonary compression by a GEB. A 14-Ga indwelling catheter was placed in the GEB before surgery to allow for slow re-expansion of the collapsed lung tissue. This prevented rupture of the GEB during anesthesia. Additionally, positive-pressure ventilation was performed to reduce the risk of re-expansion pulmonary edema. This respiratory management strategy may be beneficial for patients with a GEB who develop pulmonary dysfunction during thoracic surgery.
Improvising care: Managing experimental animals at a Japanese laboratory
Authors: Suzuki1 Wakana
Published: April 2021

Japanese scientists and technicians are expected to adhere to international standards of humane animal experimentation, but their understandings of human-animal relationships and their ways of caring for laboratory animals do not always fit neatly with global norms. Under the loose and eclectic regulations that govern animal testing in Japan, animal ethicists, scientists and technicians behave improvisationally to deal with tensions and discomfort. This article focuses on how these actors bring various ‘moves’ to this improvisational care, such as everyday eating and spiritual practices. I develop the concept of ‘chains of improvisation’. In contrast with the more commonly used notion of ‘tinkering’, this concept helps to articulate a case where care is continuously destabilized and remade through encounters with otherness. By paying attention to how members of this laboratory question what good care for laboratory animals entails, this case provides an opening for rethinking the cost-benefit logic that underlies global discourses around laboratory animal ethics.
“I Mean Who Likes Pedophiles”; Psychological Assessments of Men Who Have Sexually Offended. The Assessees’ Experiences
Authors: Chawke Gemma , Randall Patrick , Duff Simon C.
Published: April 2021

Pre-sentence psychological assessments of men who have sexually offended can provide useful information regarding an individual’s pathway to offending, risk of recidivism, and treatment needs. The outcome of the assessment can be used in court and has implications for the assessee and society at large. This research sought to explore offenders’ opinions regarding the clinicians’ approach to the assessment, to identify facilitative aspects of the clinicians’ style and to understand how accuracy and honesty can be enhanced in these interactions. Six interviews were conducted with sex offenders on completion of a pre-sentence forensic assessment at a private practice. Applying Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, the findings highlighted the relational nature of the assessments, the assessees’ feelings of powerlessness, and their perceptions that the interaction helped them personally. The findings and approach advocated for by the assessees are discussed in terms of the associated ethical considerations and practice implications.
What You Say and Where You Say It Matter: Effects of Facebook Message Publicity and Support Type on Evaluation of Support Message Quality
Authors: Malloch Yining , Feng Bo
Published: April 2021

Guided by the masspersonal communication model, this study examined the impact of the communication channel (masspersonal vs. interpersonal) and support message type on evaluation of social support message quality in Facebook settings. An online factorial experiment with 480 participants revealed that support messages sent through interpersonal channels (e.g., private messaging) were perceived as higher in quality than those sent through masspersonal channels (e.g., status update). Regardless of channels, participants considered tangible support messages as higher quality than informational and emotional support messages. Implications for computer-mediated communication and social support theories and practices were discussed.
Investigation of low damped carbody oscillation for Korean high-speed EMU experimental train
Authors: Park Joonhyuk
Published: April 2021

This study describes the low damped carbody oscillations of the HEMU-430X, a high-speed electric-multiple-unit experimental train of Korea. The HEMU-430X had already undergone a kind of hunting problem in the test period, but it was effectively suppressed through several measures and the test was finished successfully. However, recently, the HEMU-430X again experienced the similar but slightly different problem after its wheel profile was changed to XP55, which is widely used in high-speed trains in Korea. In this paper, the eigenbehavior and system damping ratio are analyzed using a linearized vehicle model to more systematically investigate the cause of the carbody oscillation of the HEMU-430X. The results show that the bogie lateral movement coupled with carbody upper sway has the least damping ratio in the case of the HEMU-430X and the magnitude of yaw directional constraints of the bogie plays an important role in causing the carbody oscillation. Parametric studies for suspension, equivalent conicity and creep coefficients are carried out. A solution is suggested and it is validated using field tests.
Numerical investigation of blade tip winglet on flow structure in a high loading transonic rotor
Authors: Zhao Qingjun , Cui Weiwei , Xiang Xiaorong , Xu Qiangren , Xu Jianzhong
Published: April 2021

The interactions of tip leakage flow with mainstream and shock wave result in larger aerodynamic losses and blockage in high loading compressors and tend to be one of the triggers for flow instability. In order to attenuate the influence of leakage flow and improve the stall margin of highly loaded compressor, the new rotors surrounded by tip winglet are investigated by a numerical method. The tip winglet is designed by extending the flat blade tip section in outer 1.5% span of rotor blade. As the angle between the leakage flow and main flow decreases due to winglet, the losses and flow blockage have been weakened near stall condition, and the stall margin of new rotor with pressure-side winglet has an increase of over 10%. The migration and accumulation of low-energy fluids near the corner of casing endwall are affected significantly by tip winglet. As a result, the pressure-side winglet causes an increase of static pressure near the casing corner of pressure surface. Although the driving pressure difference near the leading edge of blade has increased slightly in the tip region, the strength and massflow rate of leakage flow appear to be decreased. As the leakage flow weakens in the new rotor with pressure-side winglet, its interaction with mainstream and shock has been suppressed obviously, and the delay of rotating stall occurs as well. Moreover, the flowfields of the new rotor with pressure-side winglet have been simulated at 40%, 60%, and 80% design speed. It is shown that the flow blockage and losses in the tip region have also reduced near stall point, and an improvement of overall performance is present in the new rotor with pressure-side winglet. All the changes of tip flow structure caused by winglet benefit to an increase of aerodynamic performance of new rotor at full rotational speed range.
Overexpression of FBXO17 Promotes the Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of Glioma Cells Through the Akt/GSK-3β/Snail Pathway
Authors: Wang Ning , Song Qian , Yu Hai , Bao Gang
Published: April 2021

FBXO17 is a newly studied F-box protein associated with high-grade glioma. However, its exact role in glioma remains unclear. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the role of FBXO17 in glioma both in vitro and in vivo and explore the underlying mechanism. Our results showed that FBXO17 mRNA and protein levels were upregulated in glioma cells including U87, U251, SHG44, and U-118-MG cells as compared to the HA1800 cells. Downregulation of FBXO17 significantly suppressed the cellular behaviors of glioma cells including cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In addition, FBXO17 knockdown induced E-cadherin expression and inhibited N-cadherin and vimentin expression at mRNA and protein levels in glioma cells. In contrast, overexpression of FBXO17 promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT process. Furthermore, FBXO17 regulated the Akt/GSK-3β/snail signaling pathway in glioma cells with significant changes in the expression levels of p-Akt, p-GSK-3β and snail. Additionally, inhibition of Akt by LY294002 reversed the effects of FBXO17 overexpression on cellular behaviors of glioma cells. Finally, in vivo mouse xenograft assay proved that downregulation of FBXO17 suppresses the tumorigenesis of glioma. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated that FBXO17 acted as a promotor of glioma development via modulating Akt/GSK-3β/snail signaling pathway.
A PRISMA review of research on music practice
Authors: How Ee Ran , Tan Leonard , Miksza Peter
Published: April 2021

We employed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) method to systematically review research on music practice from 1928 until June 2020 and identified a total of 3,102 records using our inclusion criteria, of which a total of 296 were eventually selected for the final analysis. We tabulated percentages and frequencies of (a) publications in ten-year periods, (b) type of publications, (c) sampling by geographical location, (d) methodologies used, (e) the top tenth percentile of the most highly cited research, and (f) topics covered. Our analyses reveal that particularly strong growth occurred in the literature between 2000 and 2020. In the literature we retrieved, the most commonly sampled research participants were those in the United States, followed by the United Kingdom and Australia. Quantitative research designs were most prevalent, accounting for two-thirds of all studies reviewed (66.2%), with questionnaires and recordings being the most common methods of data collection. Non-empirical papers (17.5%) as well as studies incorporating qualitative (13.5%) and mixed-methods designs (3.1%) were much less prevalent. Ericsson et al.’s (1993) seminal study of deliberate practice, Driskell et al.’s (1994) review of the research literature on mental practice, and Sloboda et al.’s (1996) study of young musicians were by far the most often cited. Overall, the most common topics addressed were deliberate practice, practice strategies, mental practice, the benefits of practice, metacognition, self-regulation, and self-efficacy, suggesting that music practice is a rich, multifaceted, and complex activity. In light of the findings, recommendations for practice and implications for future research are provided.
A false memory trap: Verbatim vs gist memories on trial
Authors: Brook Chris
Published: April 2021

Research shows that memory for conversation is poor. People generally remember gist rather than verbatim and recalled memories of specific sentences are reconstructed to reflect gist memories. Memories of specific sentences that are reconstructed from gist memory are almost certainly not accurate. This study explores a case in which the court nevertheless considers verbatim memories to hold more weight than gist memories, despite the science that shows otherwise. It is suggested that greater research be done into how such evidence is dealt with in our courts, and whether juries should be instructed to be wary of verbatim memories for conversation.
An efficient peptide-based ELISA for differentiating fowl adenovirus 4–infected chickens from vaccinated chickens
Authors: Xie Songhua , Shen Qiuping , Zhang Wei , Wang Weikang , Xie Quan , Li Tuofan , Wan Zhimin , Shao Hongxia , Qin Aijian , Ye Jianqiang
Published: April 2021

Fowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV4), the causative agent of hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome (HPS), has caused major economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide. Although inactivated vaccines have been deployed widely against FAdV4, a DIVA (differentiating infected from vaccinated animals) test specific for FAdV4 has not been available. We synthesized an immunogenic peptide, corresponding to regions 66–88 aa of the 22K nonstructural protein of FAdV4, and used the peptide as coating antigen to develop an indirect ELISA for a DIVA test specific to FAdV4. Specificity analysis showed that the ELISA only reacted with sera against FAdV4, and not with sera against other pathogens tested. Moreover, the ELISA could effectively differentiate FAdV4–infected chickens from vaccinated chickens. In a test of sera from experimentally infected chickens, the ELISA had 95% and 85% concordance with an indirect immunofluorescence assay (indirect IFA) and a commercial ELISA, respectively, and the concordance was 80.5% between the ELISA and the indirect IFA in detecting clinical infection samples. Our peptide-based ELISA provides an efficient DIVA test for FAdV4 in clinical samples.
Reliability and Construct Validity of the edTPA for Music Education
Authors: Hash Phillip M.
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric quality of Educative Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA) scores for 136 preservice music teachers at a Midwest university. I addressed the factor structure of the edTPA for music education, the extent to which the edTPA fits the one- and three-factor a priori models proposed by the test authors, and the reliability of edTPA scores awarded to music education students. Factor analysis did not support the a priori one-factor model around teacher readiness, or the three-factor model based on the edTPA tasks of Planning, Instruction, and Assessment. Internal consistency was acceptable for all rubrics together and for the Instruction task. However, estimates of interrater reliability fell substantially below those reported by test administrators. These findings indicate the need for revision of the edTPA for music education and call into question its continued use among music teacher candidates in its current form.
Emerging Despite the Indelible Wound: A Grounded Theory of Family Transformation Following Adolescent Suicide
Authors: Genest Christine , Gratton Francine , O’Reilly Tara , Allard Émilie , Maltais Nathalie
Published: April 2021

Family members of a person who has died by suicide are at an increased risk of experiencing depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicide ideation, and suicide. However, despite the experience of losing a family member to suicide, most families continue to function and even live well following this difficult experience. This study sought to understand and describe the transformation process that occurs in family member survivors using a grounded theory approach. Seven families, who experienced the loss of an adolescent in their family by suicide, participated in this qualitative study that used a grounded theory methodology. The results describe the transformation process experienced by the family, one of growth and learning, even though the wound from their tragic loss was still present. According to the grounded theory developed in this study, the suicide is a cataclysm, followed by a sinking period that is tempered by the presence of lifebuoys, which are supports that can be found within the families or from people around them. It is necessary for family nurses to understand this transformation process to better support surviving family members and improve suicide postvention care.
National longitudinal evidence for growth in subjective well-being from spiritual beliefs
Authors: Highland Benjamin , Worthington Everett L , Davis Don E , Sibley Chris G , Bulbulia Joseph A
Published: April 2021

Previous research finds an association between spirituality and subjective well-being. However, the widespread use of poorly defined concepts of spirituality, tautological spirituality scales, and heavy reliance on cross-sectional samples cast doubts on prior findings. Here, we leverage ten waves of panel data from a nationally diverse longitudinal study to systematically test whether having spiritual beliefs leads to growth in personal well-being and life satisfaction ( N = 3257, New Zealand, 2010–2020). Contrary to previous research, we find that belief in a spirit or life force predicts lower personal well-being and life satisfaction. However, in support of previous speculation, belief (relative to disbelief) in a spirit or life force predicts increasing personal well-being and life satisfaction over time. These findings are robust even while accounting for known demographic influences; they even hold among those who believe in a God but disbelieve in a spirit or life force. The recent growth in spiritual beliefs and decline in traditional religion across many industrial societies motivates further causal investigations of the mechanisms by which spiritual beliefs lead to growth in subjective well-being.
Effects of interactive alignment on L2 vocabulary learning by Chinese EFL learners
Authors: Zhou Xiao , Wang Chuming
Published: April 2021

This article aims to uncover how alignment affects second language (L2) vocabulary acquisition by Chinese-speaking learners of English as they interact with various interaction loads (i.e. input text, peers and video). It also explores how tasks with varying interactional intensity in relation to the interaction loads influence the alignment magnitude and vocabulary learning outcomes. To this end, two studies were conducted. In Study 1, three groups of L2 learners were instructed to learn and use the target words while performing paraphrase, summary or continuation task. The results indicated that task-induced interactional intensity had robust effects on alignment magnitude as well as receptive and productive lexical knowledge. In Study 2, three groups of L2 learners were asked to complete a continuation task while interacting with high-proficiency peers (HL group), low-proficiency peers (LL group) or with both low-proficiency peers & video (LLM group). The results showed that interacting with high-proficiency partners had positive impact on alignment magnitude and lexical knowledge, but video exerted only a limited effect. The findings afforded evidence for the ‘interaction–alignment–learning’ research route and accounted for vocabulary acquisition from a new perspective.
My way or the highway: Narcissism and dysfunctional team conflict processes
Authors: Lynch Jennifer , McGregor Alexander , Benson Alex J.
Published: April 2021

Individuals higher in grandiose narcissism strive to create and maintain their inflated self-views through self-aggrandizing and other-derogating behaviors. Drawing from the dual-process model of narcissistic admiration and rivalry, we proposed that individuals higher in narcissism may contribute to more competitive and less cooperative conflict processes. We tracked over 100 project design teams from inception to dissolution, gathering data at three time points. We evaluated how team levels of narcissism (i.e., maximum team score, team mean, and team variance) related to latent team means of cooperative and competitive conflict processes. Team mean scores of narcissistic rivalry corresponded to less cooperative and more competitive team conflict processes as teams approached their final project deadline. Our results show how narcissistic rivalry (but not admiration) alters the types of team conflict processes that arise within groups, and is particularly consequential as teams approach major project deadlines.
Feeling out of (existential) place: Existential isolation and nonnormative group membership
Authors: Pinel Elizabeth C. , Helm Peter J. , Yawger Geneva C. , Long Anson E. , Scharnetzki Liz
Published: April 2021

Literature devoted to understanding the experiences of individuals who do not fit the cultural mold—those who belong to minority, stigmatized, or underrepresented groups—demonstrates that nonnormative status goes hand in hand with a range of negative outcomes. The current research considers a heretofore unstudied correlate of nonnormative status: existential isolation (the feeling of being alone in one’s subjective experience), which differs from feelings of interpersonal isolation (feeling alone with regard to the quantity or quality of one’s relationships). Normative, or mainstream, society may not acknowledge the experiences of those holding a nonnormative status, rendering such individuals at risk of developing heightened feelings of existential isolation. Across Studies 1a and 1b, we found consistently higher trait levels of existential isolation (but not interpersonal isolation) among people with a nonnormative group status than among their normative counterparts. This effect appeared whether we looked at nonnormativeness with regard to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, citizenship, native language, body weight, religious affiliation, or socioeconomic status. Study 2 highlights one correlate of the existential isolation that accompanies nonnormativeness: decreased certainty with respect to judgments of racism. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed, including addressing the correlational nature of this research and testing potential mechanisms to explain the link between nonnormative status and existential isolation.
Piezoelectric generator with nonlinear structure
Authors: Zhou Liming , Liu Yanbo , Ma Long , Wu Yue
Published: April 2021

Motion in nature is usually a low-frequency vibration such as walking, running, swinging arms, and so on, but traditional piezoelectric cantilever structures are inefficient at harvesting energy from low-frequency vibrations in the environment. To overcome this, a novel piezoelectric generator was designed. A cantilevered bimorph with a tip mass and a pair of preloading springs were fixed on its base to form a nonlinear piezoelectric generator. The energy transmission in the structure was analyzed. The harvester was modeled as a Euler–Bernoulli beam, and the piezoelectric material was assumed to be linear. The bending vibration was calculated using the Rayleigh–Ritz procedure, and the frequency characteristics of the output voltage were analyzed under different preloading distances. It was found that changing the preloading of the spring helped reduce the natural frequency of the cantilever, which facilitated conversion of ambient low-frequency vibrations into electrical energy. Then, the characteristics of low frequency energy harvesting were investigated experimentally. The theoretical results were consistent with the experimental data; moreover, the resonance frequency, which changes with the preloading distance, reduced from 43 to 35 Hz when the preloading distance was increased from 0 to 1 mm. In this paper, an effective structure to control the resonant frequency is proposed and its motion equation stated. The structure has potential for applications in predicting the effect of preloading distance on resonance frequency.
Antigone re-imagined: uprooted women’s political narratives
Authors: Tamboukou Maria
Published: April 2021

In this article I am thinking with Antigone, a political figuration that has been invested with many readings, interpretations and artistic expressions in feminist theory and beyond. The article draws on a research project of listening to migrant and refugee women’s narratives of displacement and travelling. What connects these stories via the figure of Antigone is women’s desire to tell their stories as an expression of their will to rewrite their exclusion from oppressive regimes, defend their choice of civil disobedience, grasp their passage, claim their right to have rights and affirm their determination for new beginnings. I argue that uprooted women’s narratives follow the Arendtian tripartite schema of political action by intervening in the ethics and politics of forced choices, becoming spectators of impossible actions and inscribing mnemonic traces in emerging decolonial histories and feminist genealogies.
Medical–Dental Integration in a Rural Community Health Center: A Qualitative Program Evaluation
Authors: Pawloski Catherine , Hilgert Juliana , Senturia Kirsten , Davis Stephen , Koday Mark , Cunha-Cruz Joana
Published: April 2021

Background

A community health center (CHC) implemented a medical–dental integration (MDI) program where children were seen at a pediatric medical clinic or women, infants, and children program location by medical and dental providers in the same visit. Our study aims were to elicit the perspectives and experiences of providers and administrators involved in the MDI program to assess the acceptability, feasibility, and success of a CHC integration strategy in Eastern Washington.

Methods

This is a qualitative study where we conducted semistructured interviews over the phone over a period of 2 months with 12 medical and dental providers and clinical administrators who were involved with the MDI program. Questions addressed perspectives on workflow, patient identification and engagement, leadership support, and barriers and facilitators of the initiative. Qualitative data were analyzed, and emergent themes were identified.

Results

The emergent themes included (a) the MDI program is feasible and acceptable albeit with key considerations regarding the setting, including charting and service integration, progressive leadership and effective communication, and appropriate providers; (b) implementation included structural, systemic, and individual behavior barriers, (c) the program is seen as a benefit to the clinic and patients and a success to date as a way to increase access to quality care.

Conclusions

Findings from this study helped identify facilitators, such as cultural relevancy and progressive office systems, as well as barriers, such as reimbursement, associated with integrating medical and dental care in a rural CHC setting, is acceptable by providers, and can inform future studies and implementation strategies for others wishing to integrate these services.
Can Thermal Imaging Technique be Used to Predict the Healing Status of a Venous Leg Ulcer?
Authors: Ogrin Rajna , Motin Mohammod A. , Aliahmad Behzad , Elder Kylie , Anderson Jacinta , Kumar Dinesh
Published: April 2021

Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are the most common chronic wound types in older populations, with many wounds not healing in the normal trajectory. Many older people with wounds are treated in their homes, currently assessed by monitoring the wound area over weeks to ascertain the potential for healing. A noncontact method using thermal imaging has been shown to predict the healing trajectory of diabetes-related foot ulcers, although has not been tested in VLU or the home setting. This project investigated the effectiveness of using thermal imaging to predict VLU healing in the homes of participants. Images of 78 ulcers were collected weekly using a thermal camera from 67 participants in their homes, at 5 consecutive time points. Final follow-up calls were undertaken at 12 weeks to ascertain healing status (healed/unhealed). Images were preprocessed and segmented and the area of the region of the wound was extracted. Kruskal–Wallis tests were performed to test the association of the change of areas over the 5 consecutive weeks with the healing status of the ulcers at 12 weeks. The 95% confidence interval plots were obtained to study the distribution of the area in the healed and unhealed cases. This study found that the difference in the imaged areas between unhealed ulcers at 12 weeks did not reach statistical significance using thermal imaging. Therefore, thermal images could not predict healing progression in VLUs when the images were taken in the homes of participants. Future research to improve the prediction of venous leg ulcer healing should include developing a protocol to standardize conditions, improve imaging process methods, and use machine learning.
Vibrio vulnificus-Induced Necrotizing Fasciitis Complicated by Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Infection: Efficacy of Chemical Necrectomy Using 40% Benzoic Acid
Authors: Lipový Bretislav , Mager Radomir , Raška Filip , Hanslianová Marketa , Blažek Josef , Křemečková Hana , Suchánek Ivan , Hladík Martin
Published: April 2021

Necrotizing fasciitis is a life-threatening skin and soft tissue infection associated with high morbidity and mortality in adult patients. This infection can present as either type 1 infection caused by a mixed microflora ( Streptococci, Enterobacteriacae, Bacteroides sp., and Peptostreptococcus sp.), most commonly developing in patients after surgery or in diabetic patients, or as type 2. The latter type is monomicrobial and, usually, caused by group A Streptococci. Rarely, this type can be also caused by other pathogens, such as Vibrio vulnificus. V vulnificus is a small mobile Gram-negative rod capable of causing 3 types of infections in humans—gastroenteritis, primary infection of the vascular bed, and wound infections. If infecting a wound, V vulnificus can cause a life-threatening condition—necrotizing fasciitis. We present a rare case of necrotizing fasciitis developing after an insect bite followed by exposure to the seawater. Rapid propagation of the infectious complication in the region of the right lower limb led to a serious consideration of the necessity of amputation. Due to the clearly demarcated necroses and secondary skin and soft tissue infection caused by a multiresistant strain of Acinetobacter baumannii, we, however, resorted to the use of selective chemical necrectomy using 40% benzoic acid—a unique application in this kind of condition. The chemical necrectomy was successful, relatively gentle and thanks to its selectivity, vital parts of the limb remained preserved and could have been subsequently salvaged at minimum blood loss. Moreover, the antimicrobial effect of benzoic acid led to rapid decolonization of the necrosis and wound bed preparation, which allowed us to perform defect closure using split-thickness skin grafts. The patient subsequently healed without further complications and returned to normal life.
Lunate Revascularization With Temporary Internal Radiocarpal Spanning Fixation for Kienböck Disease
Authors: Nicholson Luke T. , Pidgeon Tyler S. , Lauder Alexander , Rellan Ignacio , Richard Marc J. , Ruch David S.
Published: April 2021

Background

The goal in the treatment of stages II and III Kienböck disease is to restore lunate vascularity and halt the progression of avascular necrosis.

Methods

We report the outcomes for patients with stages II and III Kienböck disease treated with fourth extensor compartment artery vascularized bone grafting and temporary radiocarpal spanning internal fixation. Nine patients with a mean age of 28.8 years were included. Mean clinical and radiographic follow-up were 4.9 and 1.9 years, respectively.

Results

Six patients had no change in Lichtman stage, 2 patients regressed 1 stage, and 1 patient progressed 1 stage. Mean postoperative quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (QuickDASH) was 17.4. Mean postoperative visual analogue pain scale (VAS) was 1.8. Patients under age 25 trended toward improved clinical outcomes compared with patients over age 25. Two patients, aged 33 and 65, underwent proximal row carpectomy at a mean 30.5 months postoperatively.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the use of local vascularized bone graft with temporary internal radiocarpal spanning fixation provides a treatment option with outcomes comparable to existing literature with benefits inherent to internal immobilization.
Methods to test and generate the wear load spectrum of journal bearing in concrete pump
Authors: Zhu Linbo , Zhu Yongsheng , Yan Yuping
Published: April 2021

Load spectrum is the basis of wear analysis and life prediction in journal bearing. This paper proposed a method to generate the wear load spectrum from the measured loads that avoiding the errors introduced by the assumptions of traditional constant load. An axle pin load sensor that can recognize the load value and its orientation is developed to test the original wear loads of journal bearing in a concrete pump under working conditions. The interactive influence of perpendicular components in the measured loads is involved by introducing two effect coefficients. Subsequently, the amplitude distribution of the wear load and its lasting time are extracted from the measured complex load-time history using the rain-flow counting method and Weibull distribution. The wear load spectrum is generated by dividing the continuous load into eight load steps. The validity of the approach is supported by finite element analysis on the wear simulation of journal bearing using the generated load spectrum and the measured load. In addition, the effects of load types and load sequence on the wear are discussed based on the proposed method and the FE model. This study provides guidelines to efficiently generate the wear load spectrum for journal bearing, and enhances its reliability of wear prediction in the experimental tests and theoretical analysis.
Practical limitations of lane detection algorithm based on Hough transform in challenging scenarios
Authors: Huang Qiao , Liu Jinlong
Published: April 2021

The vision-based road lane detection technique plays a key role in driver assistance system. While existing lane recognition algorithms demonstrated over 90% detection rate, the validation test was usually conducted on limited scenarios. Significant gaps still exist when applied in real-life autonomous driving. The goal of this article was to identify these gaps and to suggest research directions that can bridge them. The straight lane detection algorithm based on linear Hough transform (HT) was used in this study as an example to evaluate the possible perception issues under challenging scenarios, including various road types, different weather conditions and shades, changed lighting conditions, and so on. The study found that the HT-based algorithm presented an acceptable detection rate in simple backgrounds, such as driving on a highway or conditions showing distinguishable contrast between lane boundaries and their surroundings. However, it failed to recognize road dividing lines under varied lighting conditions. The failure was attributed to the binarization process failing to extract lane features before detections. In addition, the existing HT-based algorithm would be interfered by lane-like interferences, such as guardrails, railways, bikeways, utility poles, pedestrian sidewalks, buildings and so on. Overall, all these findings support the need for further improvements of current road lane detection algorithms to be robust against interference and illumination variations. Moreover, the widely used algorithm has the potential to raise the lane boundary detection rate if an appropriate search range restriction and illumination classification process is added.
Peptic ulcer disease
Authors: Sivakumar Aran , Stubbs Benjamin
Published: April 2021

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is defined as a disruption in the innermost lining of the gastrointestinal tract, due to the secretion of gastric acid or pepsin. The disruption is in the gastric epithelial layer, specifically the muscularis mucosae. PUD normally affects the stomach along with the first and second parts of the duodenum, although it is not limited to these areas. Typically, gastric ulcers induce upper abdominal pain within 30 minutes of eating, whereas duodenal ulcers cause discomfort much later. Endoscopic and histological investigations are the key to early identification and treatment of patients with PUD, with testing for Helicobacter pylori necessary in those patients suspected of having PUD. In this article we will be looking at the aetiology, pathophysiology and management of PUD.
Effect of Hypoglycemia on Heart Rate Variability in People with Type 1 Diabetes and Impaired Awareness of Hypoglycemia
Authors: Koeneman Mats , Olde Bekkink Marleen , Meijel Lian van , Bredie Sebastian , de Galan Bastiaan
Published: April 2021

Background:

People with impaired awareness of hypoglycemia (IAH) are at elevated risk of severe, potentially hazardous, hypoglycemia and would benefit from a device alerting to hypoglycemia. Heart rate variability (HRV) changes with hypoglycemia due to sympathetic activity. Since IAH is associated with suppressed sympathetic activity, we investigated whether hypoglycemia elicits a measurable change in HRV in patients with T1D and IAH.

Method:

Eligible participants underwent a modified hyperinsulinemic euglycemic hypoglycemic clamp (glucose nadir, 43.1 ± 0.90 mg/dl), while HRV was measured by a VitalConnect HealthPatch. Measurements of HRV included Root Mean Square of the Successive Differences (RMSSD) and low to high frequency (LF:HF) ratio. Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for testing within-subject HRV changes.

Results:

We included 12 participants (8 female, mean age 57 ± 12 years, mean HbA1c 57 ± 5 mmol/mol (7.4 ± 0.4%)). Symptoms increased from 4.0 (1.5-7.0) at euglycemia to 7.5 (5.0-11.0) during hypoglycemia ( P = .003). In response to hypoglycemia, the LF:HF ratio and RMSSD increased when normalized for data obtained during euglycemia (both P < .01). The LF:HF ratio increased in 6 participants (50%) and declined in one other participant (8%). The RMSSD decreased in 3 (25%) and increased in 4 (33%) participants. In 2 patients, no change in HRV could be detected in response to hypoglycemia.

Conclusions:

This study reveals that hypoglycemia-induced changes in HRV are retained in the majority of people with T1D and IAH, and that these changes can be detected by a wearable device. Real-time HRV seems usable for detection of hypoglycemia in patients with IAH.
A Modified CGM Algorithm Enhances Data Availability While Retaining iCGM Performance
Authors: Harvey Towers Rebecca A. , Zhang Xiaohe , Yousefi Rasoul , Esmaili Ghazaleh , Wang Liang , Garcia Arturo , Beck Stayce E.
Published: April 2021

The algorithm for the Dexcom G6 CGM System was enhanced to retain accuracy while reducing the frequency and duration of sensor error. The new algorithm was evaluated by post-processing raw signals collected from G6 pivotal trials (NCT02880267) and by assessing the difference in data availability after a limited, real-world launch. Accuracy was comparable with the new algorithm—the overall %20/20 was 91.7% before and 91.8% after the algorithm modification; MARD was unchanged. The mean data gap due to sensor error nearly halved and total time spent in sensor error decreased by 59%. A limited field launch showed similar results, with a 43% decrease in total time spent in sensor error. Increased data availability may improve patient experience and CGM data integration into insulin delivery systems.
Leonurine Alleviates Hypoxia-Induced Myocardial Damage by Regulating miRNAs
Authors: Liu Liping , Wang Cheng , Luo Xuemei , Wang Yuwen , Li Fang
Published: April 2021

Objective

miRNAs as pharmaco-targets have been investigated in multifarious diseases. Our study aimed to determine whether leonurine was a potential cardioprotective agent by targeting miRNAs in hypoxia-stimulated mice and H9c2 cardiomyocytes.

Methods

Cell proliferation and apoptosis were examined by CCK-8 and TUNEL assay in hypoxia-stimulated rat H9c2 cardiomyocytes. miRNAs expression levels in cardiomyocytes in response to hypoxia stimulation were detected by RT-qPCR. Mice with myocardial injury were induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia stimulation.

Results

Leonurine alleviated hypoxia-induced cardiac hypertrophy in mice. Moreover, up-regulation of miR-31 and down-regulation of miR-210 in hypoxia-stimulated mice were reversed by leonurine administration. Leonurine exhibited cardioprotective activity in an vitro cell model of hypoxia-stimulated rat H9c2 cardiomyocytes, reflecting that the compound improved hypoxia-induced growth inhibition and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. TUNEL assay revealed that transfection of miR-31 inhibitors or miR-210 mimics abrogated hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. In contrast to that, miR-31 mimics or miR-210 inhibitors counteracted the anti-apoptotic effect of leonurine on hypoxia-treated rat H9c2 cardiomyocytes.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that miR-31 and miR-210 as the upstream regulators of leonurine are involved in hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Leonurine can target miRNAs to protect against hypoxia-induced myocardial damage. miRNAs as potential drug targets may provide prospective therapeutic strategies for the treatment of myocardial damage.
Treatment of Osteochondral Lesion of the First Metatarsal Head: Osteochondral Graft Transplantation Combined With Moberg Osteotomy: Case Report
Authors: Bruno Machado A. , Marcos Rassi F. , Wagner Fonseca V. , Wagner Filho V.
Published: April 2021

Most osteochondral lesions of the first metatarsal head are likely traumatic in etiology. The treatment ranges from microfractures to mosaicplasty. In this case report, we describe a central osteochondral lesion of the first metatarsal head treated with osteochondral graft obtained from the head of the same metatarsal in combination with Moberg osteotomy. After surgical treatment, the patient’s American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Forefoot Scale score improved from 58 to 85, and the range of motion also improved. This technique may be an alternative treatment modality for osteochondral lesions of the first metatarsal.

Level of Evidence: Level V
The Face of Social Networks: Naive Observers’ Accurate Assessment of Others’ Social Network Positions From Faces
Authors: Alt Nicholas P. , Parkinson Carolyn , Kleinbaum Adam M. , Johnson Kerri L.
Published: April 2021

We examined whether, even at zero acquaintance, observers accurately infer others’ social network positions—specifically, the number and patterning of social ties (e.g., brokerage—the extent to which a person bridges disconnected people) and the trait impressions that support this accuracy. We paired social network data ( n = 272 professional school students), with naive observers’ ( n = 301 undergraduates) judgments of facial images of each person within the network. Results revealed that observers’ judgments of targets’ number of friends were predicted by the actual number of people who considered the target a friend (in-degree centrality) and that perceived brokerage was significantly predicted by targets’ actual brokerage. Lens models revealed that targets’ perceived attractiveness, dominance, warmth, competence, and trustworthiness supported this accuracy, with attractiveness and warmth most associated with perceptions of popularity and brokerage. Overall, we demonstrate accuracy in naive observers’ judgments of social network position and the trait impressions supporting these inferences.
One size does not fit all: Constructing complementary digital reskilling strategies using online labour market data
Authors: Stephany Fabian
Published: April 2021

Digital technologies are radically transforming our work environments and demand for skills, with certain jobs being automated away and others demanding mastery of new digital techniques. This global challenge of rapidly changing skill requirements due to task automation overwhelms workers. The digital skill gap widens further as technological and social transformation outpaces national education systems and precise skill requirements for mastering emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, remain opaque. Online labour platforms could help us to understand this grand challenge of reskilling en masse. Online labour platforms build a globally integrated market that mediates between millions of buyers and sellers of remotely deliverable cognitive work. This commentary argues that, over the last decade, online labour platforms have become the ‘laboratories’ of skill rebundling; the combination of skills from different occupational domains. Online labour platform data allows us to establish a new taxonomy on the individual complementarity of skills. For policy makers, education providers and recruiters, a continuous analysis of complementary reskilling trajectories enables automated, individual and far-sighted suggestions on the value of learning a new skill in a future of technological disruption.
Environmental Resources, Traditional Economic Organization and Its Role in the Empowerment of Marginal Tribal Women
Authors: Bhattacharjee Somenath
Published: April 2021

Social inequality lies in certain features of all human societies. Predominantly in most of the countries, men enjoy authority, power and rights over resources. On the other hand, by empowerment we mean, to a large extent, the increase of women’s relative access to economic opportunities and resources. The anthropological study of economic organization is a focal point for discovering the relationship between material and non-material aspects of the environmental resources and human behaviour as well as the social system within which it is exchanged and distributed as cultural goods and services. In India, tribal people are found to be dwelling in the hills and forest-covered regions. Their livelihood and traditional economic organization is intimately associated with multifarious natural and environmental resources. In tribal societies, womenfolk play a very crucial role. In this context, environmental resources related to traditional economic organization have generated a scope of income for them, and it can generate a wider potential for their economic self-dependence. The present study has been done on the Karbi tribal group, of Karbi Anglong, Assam, to analyse the significance of environmental resources in the empowerment of women.
Predictors of Subjective Cognitive Decline Among People With Diabetes: Data From the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Authors: Huang Ya-Ching , Cuevas Heather E. , Zuñiga Julie A. , García Alexandra A.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and SCD-related functional limitations among people with diabetes and to identify socioeconomic and comorbidity risk factors associated with SCD.

Methods

This study analyzed data from the 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) with background variables (race, gender, education, and age), health-related factors (self-rated health, BMI, insurance, and comorbid conditions), and health behaviors (smoking, exercise, alcohol consumption) entered simultaneously to estimate logistic regression models of SCD.

Results

Within the sample (n = 5263 adults with diabetes), 48% were age ≥65 years; 50% were male; 55% were non-Hispanic White; and of the 15% who reported having SCD, 57% had functional limitations. Increased odds of reporting SCD were observed among individuals who were Hispanic (odds ratio [OR] = 2.21, P < .001), male (OR = 1.47, P < .01), depressed (OR = 3.85, P < .001), or had arthritis (OR = 1.43, P < .03). Participants with better self-rated health had a reduced likelihood of SCD (OR = 0.51, P < .001).

Conclusions

Health care providers should assess high-risk patients for self-rated cognitive dysfunction and offer early interventions.