bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Ultrasonic Imaging Technology in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia
Authors: Huang Bo , Cui Dejun , Ren Ying , Yan Fang , Zhao Xun , Yuan Wenqiang , Yang Liuchan
Published: October 2020

Objective: Through the research on the application of ultrasound image technology in the diagnosis and treatment of functional dyspepsia, the value of ultrasound image technology in the treatment of functional dyspepsia is discussed, which verifies the effectiveness and superiority
of ultrasound image technology in the diagnosis and treatment of functional dyspepsia. Methods: In this experiment, functional dyspepsia patients who are treated in the Department of Gastroenterology of a comprehensive third grade a hospital and healthy volunteers are taken as the research
objects. Among them, healthy adults are in group A, i. e., control group. There is no obvious digestive tract disease within 2 years. Patients with functional dyspepsia are in group B. After that, the liquid standard nutrition meal is prepared. Both groups need to carry out liquid application
meal load test according to the steps. Then, the initial and maximum satiety intake of each group is recorded, and ultrasound imaging technology is used to locate the distal and proximal gastric sections of the two groups. Then, the area of the distal and proximal stomach is recorded at the
time of initial satiety, the time of maximum satiety and the time after drinking. After that, according to the area, volume and other relevant data are calculated, the data are input into the database, and SPSS22.0 is used to analyze the data. Results: The time of proximal gastric semi
emptying is compared between group B and group A. It is found that the time of proximal gastric semi emptying is longer in group B. In addition, it is found that the time of distal gastric semi emptying in group B is longer than that in group A. There is significant difference in the time
of proximal gastric semi emptying and distal gastric semi emptying between the two groups (P < 0.05). In group B, when the initial satiety of liquid standard diet is achieved, the intake is significantly less than that of healthy adults. It is found that the proximal gastric volume
of group B is smaller than that of the control group. The intake and proximal gastric volume of the two groups are statistically significant (P < 0.05). There are significant differences between the two groups in the maximum satiety, 30 minutes after meal and 60 minutes after meal
(P < 0.05). Conclusion: Ultrasonic imaging technology can monitor the patients' stomach volume and the maximum and minimum intake in real time. Through monitoring, the sensitivity of patients' stomach and some functional abnormalities can be known in time, which is of great
significance for the treatment and diagnosis of functional dyspepsia.
Development and Interpretation of a Neural-Network-Based Synthetic Radar Reflectivity Estimator Using GOES-R Satellite Observations
Authors: Hilburn Kyle A. , Ebert-Uphoff Imme , Miller Steven D.
Published: October 2020

The objective of this research is to develop techniques for assimilating GOES-R series observations in precipitating scenes for the purpose of improving short-term convective-scale forecasts of high-impact weather hazards. Whereas one approach is radiance assimilation, the information content of GOES-R radiances from its Advanced Baseline Imager saturates in precipitating scenes, and radiance assimilation does not make use of lightning observations from the GOES Lightning Mapper. Here, a convolutional neural network (CNN) is developed to transform GOES-R radiances and lightning into synthetic radar reflectivity fields to make use of existing radar assimilation techniques. We find that the ability of CNNs to utilize spatial context is essential for this application and offers breakthrough improvement in skill compared to traditional pixel-by-pixel based approaches. To understand the improved performance, we use a novel analysis method that combines several techniques, each providing different insights into the network’s reasoning. Channel-withholding experiments and spatial information–withholding experiments are used to show that the CNN achieves skill at high reflectivity values from the information content in radiance gradients and the presence of lightning. The attribution method, layerwise relevance propagation, demonstrates that the CNN uses radiance and lightning information synergistically, where lightning helps the CNN focus on which neighboring locations are most important. Synthetic inputs are used to quantify the sensitivity to radiance gradients, showing that sharper gradients produce a stronger response in predicted reflectivity. Lightning observations are found to be uniquely valuable for their ability to pinpoint locations of strong radar echoes.
Variability in QBO Temperature Anomalies on Annual and Decadal Time Scales
Authors: Martin Zane , Sobel Adam , Butler Amy , Wang Shuguang
Published: October 2020

The stratospheric quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) induces temperature anomalies in the lower stratosphere and tropical tropopause layer (TTL) that are cold when lower-stratospheric winds are easterly and warm when winds are westerly. Recent literature has indicated that these QBO temperature anomalies are potentially important in influencing the tropical troposphere, and particularly in explaining the relationship between the QBO and the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO). The authors examine the variability of QBO temperature anomalies across several time scales using reanalysis and observational datasets. The authors find that, in boreal winter relative to other seasons, QBO temperature anomalies are significantly stronger (i.e., colder in the easterly phase of the QBO and warmer in the westerly phase of the QBO) on the equator, but weaker off the equator. The equatorial and subtropical changes compensate such that meridional temperature gradients and thus (by thermal wind balance) equatorial zonal wind anomalies do not vary in amplitude as the temperature anomalies do. The same pattern of stronger on-equatorial and weaker off-equatorial QBO temperature anomalies is found on decadal time scales: stronger anomalies are seen for 1999–2019 compared to 1979–99. The causes of these changes to QBO temperature anomalies, as well as their possible relevance to the MJO–QBO relationship, are not known.
Traveling for Pancreatic Cancer Care Is Worth the Trip
Authors: Alvarez Marcus A. , Anderson Kiyah , Deneve Jeremiah L. , Dickson Paxton V. , Yakoub Danny , Fleming Martin D. , Chinthala Lokesh K. , Zareie Parya , Davis Robert L. , Shibata David , Glazer Evan S.
Published: October 2020

Background

Centralized care for patients with pancreatic cancer is associated with longer survival. We hypothesized that increased travel distance from home is associated with increased survival for pancreatic cancer patients.

Methods

The National Cancer Database user file for all pancreatic cancer patients was investigated from 2004 through 2015. Distance from the patients’ zip code to the treating facility was determined. Survival was investigated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox hazard ratios (CoxHRs) were determined based on stage of disease, distance traveled for care, and clinical factors.

Results

340 780 patients were identified. In the average age of 68 ± 12 years, 51% were male and 83% were Caucasian. For all stages of cancer, longer survival was associated with traveling farther ( P < .001). The survival advantage was longer for Caucasians than African Americans (3.7 months vs. 2.6 months, P < .001) Travel was associated with a 13% decrease in risk of death ( P < .001). Even controlling for the pathologic stage, traveling farther was associated with decreased risk of death (CoxHR = .91, P < .001).

Discussion

Traveling for care is associated with improved survival for pancreatic cancer patients. While a selection bias may exist, the fact that all stages of patients investigated benefited suggests that this is a real phenomenon.
5-Item Modified Frailty Index Predicts Outcomes After Below-Knee Amputation in the Vascular Quality Initiative Amputation Registry
Authors: Andersen James C. , Gabel Joshua A. , Mannoia Kristyn A. , Kiang Sharon C. , Patel Sheela T. , Teruya Theodore H. , Bianchi Christian , Abou-Zamzam Ahmed M.
Published: October 2020

Patient frailty indices are increasingly being utilized to anticipate post-operative complications. This study explores whether a 5-factor modified frailty index (mFI-5) is associated with outcomes following below-knee amputation (BKA). All BKAs in the vascular quality initiative (VQI) amputation registry from 2012-2017 were reviewed. Preoperative frailty status was determined with the mFI-5 which assigns one point each for history of diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or active pneumonia, congestive heart failure, hypertension, and nonindependent functional status. Outcomes included 30-day mortality, unplanned return to odds ratio (OR), post-op myocardial infarction (MI), post-op SSI, all-cause complication, revision to higher level amputation, disposition status, and prosthetic use. 2040 BKAs were performed. Logistic regression showed an increasing mFI-5 score that was associated with higher risk of combined complications (OR 1.22, confidence interval [CI] 1.07-1.38, P < .05), 30-day mortality (OR 1.60, CI 1.19-2.16, P < .05), post-op MI (OR 1.79, CI 1.30-2.45, P < .05), and failure of long-term prosthetic use (OR 1.17, CI 1.03-1.32, P < .05). In the VQI, every one-point increase in mFI-5 is associated with an increased risk of 22% for combined complications, 60% for 30-day mortality, nearly 80% for post-op MI, and 17% for failure of prosthetic use in BKA patients. The mFI-5 frailty index should be incorporated into preoperative planning and risk stratification.
Financial Crisis, Globalisation and Development in Africa
Authors: Asongu Simplice A. , Nnanna Joseph
Published: October 2020

This study unites two streams of research by simultaneously focusing on the impact of financial globalisation on financial development and pre- and post-crisis dynamics of the investigated relationship. The empirical evidence is based on 53 African countries for the period 2004–2011 and Generalised Method of Moments. The following findings are established. First, whereas marginal effects from financial globalisation are positive on financial dynamics of activity and size, corresponding net effects (positive thresholds) are negative (within range). Second, while decreasing financial globalisation returns are apparent for financial dynamics of depth and efficiency, corresponding net effects (negative thresholds) are positive (not within range). Third, financial development dynamics are more weakly stationary and strongly convergent in the pre-crisis period. Fourth, the net effect from the: pre-crisis period is lower on money supply and banking system efficiency; post-crisis period is positive on financial system efficiency and pre-crisis period is positive on financial size.

JEL Codes: F02, F21, F30, F40, O10
Minimizing the risk of occupational Q fever exposure: A protocol for ensuring Coxiella burnetii–negative pregnant ewes are used for medical research
Authors: Galganski Laura A , Keller Benjamin A , Long Connor , Yamashiro Kaeli J , Hegazi Mennatalla S , Pivetti Christopher D , Talken Linda A , Raff Gary W , Farmer Diana L , Chomel Bruno B , Ma Betty
Published: October 2020

Q fever is a worldwide zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii that can lead to abortion, endocarditis, and death in humans. Researchers utilizing parturient domestic ruminants, including sheep, have an increased risk of occupational exposure. This study evaluated the effectiveness of our screening protocol in eliminating C. burnetii–positive sheep from our facility. From August 2010 to May 2018, all ewes ( N  =  306) and select lambs ( N  =  272; ovis aries) were screened twice for C. burnetii utilizing a serum Phase I and Phase II antibody immunofluorescence assay (IFA). The first screen was performed by the vendor prior to breeding, and the second screen was performed on arrival to the research facility. Ewes that were positive on arrival screening were quarantined and retested using repeat IFA serology, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, buffy coat polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and amniotic fluid PCR. The overall individual seroprevalence of C. burnetii in the flocks tested by the vendor was 14.2%. Ewes with negative Phase I and Phase II IFA results were selected for transport to the research facility. Upon arrival to the facility, two (0.7%) ewes had positive Phase I IFA results. Repeat testing demonstrated seropositivity in one of these two ewes, though amniotic fluid PCR was negative in both. The repeat seropositive ewe was euthanized prior to use in a research protocol. No Q fever was reported among husbandry, laboratory or veterinary staff during the study period. Serologic testing for C. burnetii with IFA prior to transport and following arrival to a research facility limits potential exposure to research staff.
The Road Home: Predictors of Health Care Utilization Among Older Returning African American Men
Authors: Chandler Marquis A. , Van Sluytman Laurens , Tirmazi M. Taqi , Liao Minli
Published: October 2020

Black or African American men face disproportionate rates of incarceration and poor health outcomes. Recent changes in sentencing policy have allowed individuals to return to communities after substantial periods of incarceration. Returning citizens often reenter with numerous challenges: housing, employment, medical assistance, and transportation. Analyses were conducted using multivariable logistic regression to examine the relationship between health care utilization for returning men and need (chronic health conditions), predisposing (age, race, marital status, education, and housing situation), enabling (income, health coverage, employment status, and education) factors. Findings indicated that men 50 and above years (odds ratio [OR] = 1.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.04, 3.24]), Black or African American men (OR = 4.66, 95% CI = [2.35, 9.22]), those with college education (OR = 1.97, CI [1.07, 3.63]) and those having health coverage (OR = 3.34, CI [2.18, 5.11]) were more likely to utilize health care. These findings suggest the need for a greater need to establish linkages to community-based care during reentry planning. This is particularly relevant for reentering citizens who are not eligible for Medicare due to age or whose linkage to employer bases insurance is limited due to work history, employment discrimination, or education.
Dangerous Librarians: The Survival of Branch Libraries in New York’s Fiscal Crisis
Authors: Rabig Julia
Published: October 2020

The recent history of urban public libraries reveals significant changes in the way librarians, city officials, and patrons understood the value of public institutions. Branch libraries in the South Bronx during New York City’s financial crisis of the 1970s reveal both the dramatic and seemingly minute developments through which the city shifted toward neoliberalism. This article draws on archives of the New York Public Library and the papers of Local 1930 (The New York Public Library Guild, AFSCME District Council 37).
Prevalence of Mental Disorders by Socioeconomic Status in Australia: A Cross-Sectional Epidemiological Study
Authors: Hashmi Rubayyat , Alam Khorshed , Gow Jeff , March Sonja
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

To present the prevalence of 3 broad categories of mental disorder (anxiety-related, affective and other disorders) by socioeconomic status and examine the associated socioeconomic risk factors of mental disorders in Australia.

Design:

A population-based, cross-sectional national health survey on mental health and its risk factors across Australia.

Setting:

National Health Survey (NHS), 2017-2018 conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)

Participants:

Under aged: 4,945 persons, Adult: 16,370 persons and total: 21,315 persons

Measures:

Patient-reported mental disorder outcomes

Analysis:

Weighted prevalence rates by socioeconomic status (equivalised household income, education qualifications, Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA) scores, labor force status and industry sector where the adult respondent had their main job) were estimated using cross-tabulation. Logistic regression utilizing subsamples of underage and adult age groups were analyzed to test the association between socioeconomic status and mental disorders.

Results:

Anxiety-related disorders were the most common type of disorders with a weighted prevalence rate of 20.04% (95% CI: 18.49-21.69) for the poorest, 13.85% (95% CI: 12.48-15.35) for the richest and 16.34% (95% CI: 15.7-17) overall. The weighted prevalence rate for mood/affective disorders were 20.19% (95% CI: 18.63-21.84) for the poorest, 9.96% (95% CI: 8.79-11.27) for the richest, and 13.57% (95% CI: 12.99-14.17) overall. Other mental disorders prevalence were for the poorest: 9.07% (95% CI: 7.91-10.39), the richest: 3.83% (95% CI: 3.14-4.66), and overall: 5.93% (95% CI: 5.53-6.36). These patterns are also reflected if all mental disorders were aggregated with the poorest: 30.97% (95% CI: 29.15-32.86), the richest: 19.59% (95% CI: 18.02-21.26), and overall: 23.93% (95% CI: 23.19-24.69). The underage logistic regression model showed significant lower odds for the middle (AOR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.53 -1.04, p < 0.1), rich (AOR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.5-0.99, p < 0.05) and richest (AOR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.41-0.89, p < 0.01) income groups. Similarly, in the adult logistic model, there were significant lower odds for middle (AOR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.72-0.98, p < 0.05), rich (AOR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.62-0.86, p < 0.01) and richest (AOR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.63-0.91, p < 0.01) income groups.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of mental disorders in Australia varied significantly across socioeconomic groups. Knowledge of different mental health needs in different socioeconomic groups can assist in framing evidence-based health promotion and improve the targeting of health resource allocation strategies.
Factors Influencing Provider and Patient Choice of P2Y12 Inhibitor Therapy
Authors: Benitez Rebekah M. , Lusk Kathleen A. , Ahmed S. Hinan , Hartzell Stephanie A. , Kalich Bethany A.
Published: October 2020

Background:

Clopidogrel is the most commonly prescribed P2Y12 inhibitor for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or stent placement, though ticagrelor or prasugrel may be preferred. Medication-related factors may influence selection of therapy.

Objectives:

To determine which factors most greatly influence cardiology-provider and patient selection of P2Y12 inhibitor to guide shared-decision making (SDM).

Methods:

Single-center study assessed survey responses from 32 cardiology-providers who prescribed and 105 patients who received clopidogrel, prasugrel, or ticagrelor for ACS or stent placement. Respondents ranked factors influencing P2Y12 inhibitor selection and reported preference of therapy. Patients reported experience with shared decision-making process.

Results:

Cardiology-providers ranked risk of bleeding, comfort/experience, and cost as most influential. Patients ranked risk of drug interaction, adverse effects, and reduction in myocardial infarction as most influential. Significant differences between cardiology-providers and patients were found for 5 of 8 factors. Cardiology-providers ranked once daily administration (p = 0.01), risk of bleeding (p = 0.002), and cost (p < 0.001) as more important than patients. Patients ranked risk of adverse effects (p = 0.007) and drug interactions (p = 0.005) as more important than cardiology-providers. Cardiology-providers prescribed ticagrelor 42.3% of the time following ACS, though 78.1% ranked it as their preferred agent. Patients were prescribed ticagrelor 9.3% of the time, though 55.7% ranked it as their preferred agent. Use of SDM was reported by 21.6% of patients and 88.5% were unaware that multiple P2Y12 inhibitors existed.

Conclusion:

Significant differences exist between cardiology-providers and patients regarding factors influencing P2Y12 inhibitor selection, specifically safety-related factors, once daily administration, and cost. Most patients were not involved in SDM.
Determination of radial profiles of wood properties using a near infrared scanning system
Authors: Giroud Guillaume , Defo Maurice , Bégin Jean
Published: October 2020

A near infrared (NIR) spectrometer, equipped with a 2-mm diameter fiber optic probe, was used to develop a rapid and automated method for determining the radial profiles of wood properties for six tree species of the boreal forest of eastern Canada. Partial least squares regressions were performed using individual spectra, collected every 5 mm, from the pith to the bark, using 1,538 samples previously scanned by SilviScan to provide reference data. Results obtained for density (r2 of 0.57 to 0.65; SE of 21 to 33 kg/m3), microfibril angle (0.56 to 0.82, 2.3 to 4.8°) and modulus of elasticity (0.71 to 0.85, 1.3 to 1.8 GPa) were suitable for the purpose of this study. This method was then applied to more than 30,000 tree cores and the resulting radial profiles of the properties were consistent with literature. Area-weighted average predictions also gave reliable estimates at the disk scale. NIR-estimated values were strongly correlated to the measured density (r of 0.83 to 0.93) and modulus of elasticity (0.82 to 0.88) and moderately correlated to measured microfibril angle (0.64 to 0.78). Radial profiles of wood properties are needed to characterize the proportions of juvenile and mature wood. The developed method therefore offers interesting opportunities for estimating the quality of wood fiber in trees growing in plantation or natural forest.
Association of Refugees’ Knowledge of Mental Illness and Their Attitudes Toward Mental Illness
Authors: Jung Sungwon , Kim Eun-Jung
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study is to identify the level of mental health knowledge of defectors and to investigate the effect of sociodemographic characteristics and mental health knowledge level on mental health attitudes. We conducted a questionnaire survey of 150 people and analyzed the data of 138 people. The t test and one-way analysis of variance were used to analyze differences according to demographic characteristics. Hierarchical regression analysis was performed to measure the effect of mental illness knowledge on attitudes toward mental illness. The positive correlations between the mental health attitudes of North Korean defectors and the knowledge level were significant, and the knowledge level between final academic achievement in South Korea and the entry year into South Korea was also significant. The higher the knowledge of mental health, the more generous the minds of those with mental illness because they know better about it, and they have negative thoughts about regulating their lives.
Diagnostic comparison of anterior leads T-wave inversion and McGinn-White sign in suspected acute pulmonary embolism: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Laurentius Andrea , Ariani Rina
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

Acute pulmonary embolism is the leading cause of cardiovascular mortality in which only 7% of total suspected cases were correctly diagnosed. Prompt diagnosis is essential to reduce disease burden. 12-lead electrocardiography has become standard of examination in any acute cardiovascular setting. Several abnormalities associated with right ventricular dysfunction include the classic McGinn-White and anterior leads T-wave inversion pattern due to conduction abnormalities. Nevertheless, studies conducting research in evaluating diagnostic values of both patterns have not come to definite conclusion. This review evaluates the diagnostic value of T-wave inversions in anterior leads difference compared to that of McGinn-White sign in patients with suspected acute pulmonary embolism.

Methods:

Literature searching was conducted from medical databases. Inclusion-exclusion criteria and study eligibility were assessed to select the included studies in this systematic review. Three final articles were selected and critically appraised using the Oxford Center of Evidence-Based Medicine appraisal tools for diagnostic study.

Results:

Considering the compared importance of selected studies, T-wave inversion shows better specificity (90.9% vs 88.7%) and sensitivity (35.5% vs 28.9%) although both signs exhibit minor impact in terms of sensitivity index. Analyses suggest higher averaged accuracy (accuracy index) and Youden index found in T-wave inversion than that of McGinn-White sign (accuracy index: 57.97% vs 56.16%; Youden index: 0.16 vs 0.12), providing more meaningful diagnostic value. Furthermore, anterior leads T-wave inversion possesses better diagnostic odds ratio than that of McGinn-White sign (5.52 vs 3.17).

Conclusion:

Anterior lead T-wave inversions present better diagnostic value than that of classic pattern of McGinn-White sign in electrocardiographic presentation of suspected acute pulmonary embolism.
“Tearing Down the Wall”: Making Sense of Teacher Leaders as Instructional Coaches and Evaluators
Authors: Comstock Meghan , Margolis Jason
Published: October 2020

Some recent district-level teacher leadership programs have incorporated both instructional coaching and formal evaluations into teacher leaders’ (TLs) responsibilities, which research suggests could challenge the relational dynamics necessary for effective coaching. Using a sensemaking lens, we conducted a qualitative case study of one district’s effort to integrate coaching and formal evaluation in their teacher leadership policy. We conducted a total of 26 semistructured interviews with district administrators and school leaders, TLs, and teachers in two schools, and seven observations of teacher leadership activities. We coded interview transcripts and field notes deductively and inductively. We found that when granted autonomy, principals drew on varied sources for making sense of and enacting this policy, and the messages they conveyed through school leadership norms deeply influenced how teachers and TLs enacted and experienced the integration. The integrated district policy in and of itself did not hinder relationships between teachers and TLs; rather, what mattered most for teachers was the extent to which they perceived their TLs as part of a larger system of support or accountability. This study suggests that the school norms that school leaders put into place when enacting teacher leadership policies deeply influence teachers’ perceived relational dynamics with TLs. Teacher leaders have a unique role in implementation that is shaped by school-level norms and conceptions of effective leadership and coaching.
Medium-Term Results of Corticosteroid Injections for Morton’s Neuroma
Authors: Hau Melinda Yun Ting , Thomson Lauren , Aujla Randeep , Madhadevan Devendra , Bhatia Maneesh
Published: October 2020

Background:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the medium-term results of corticosteroid injections for Morton’s neuroma.

Methods:

This was a prospective follow-up study of a previous randomized controlled trial (RCT). Forty-five neuromas in 36 patients were injected with a single corticosteroid injection either with or without ultrasound guidance. As the results of the RCT showed no difference in outcomes between techniques, the data were pooled for the purpose of this study. Questionnaires were sent out and responses were collected via mail or telephone interview. Results were available in 42 out of 45 neuromas. There was a sex split of 68% female/32% male with a mean age of 62.6 years (SD, 12 years).

Results:

At mean follow-up of 4.8 years (SD, 0.91 years), the original corticosteroid injection remained effective in 36% ( n = 16) of the patients. In these cases, the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score ( P < .001) and Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire Index (MOxFQ Index) ( P = .001) remained significantly better than preintervention scores. The remaining cases underwent either a further injection or surgery. Fifty-five percent of the 11 neuromas that received a second injection continued to be asymptomatic in the medium term. Overall, 44% ( n = 20) of the initial cohort underwent surgical excision by the medium-term follow-up. The VAS score, MOxFQ Index, and satisfaction scale score across all groups were not significantly different.

Conclusion:

Corticosteroid injections for Morton’s neuroma remained effective in over a third of cases for up to almost 5 years. A positive outcome at 1 year following a corticosteroid injection was reasonably predictive of a prolonged effect from the injection.

Level of Evidence:

Level II, prospective comparative study.
Massive Perivillous Fibrin Deposition in Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection: A Case Report
Authors: Gestrich Catherine K , Zhou Yi Yuan , Ravishankar Sanjita
Published: October 2020

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is one of the most common congenital viral infections. Classically associated placental findings include chronic villitis with plasma cells, stromal hemosiderin deposition, and identification of viral inclusions in villous endothelial and stromal cells. We present a case of confirmed congenital CMV infection that lacked these classical findings, but demonstrated massive perivillous fibrin deposition (MPVFD). This is the first report of CMV associated with MPVFD. MPVFD is an uncommon placental lesion associated with adverse fetal outcomes and a high risk of recurrence. However, the recurrence risk in patients with an infectious cause may be lower in than patients with other associated clinical conditions.
Imaging Findings of Esophageal Sarcomatoid Carcinoma: Case Report
Authors: Zhao Yue , Xu Jing , Zhong Jian , Du Wei , Yang Bin
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To investigate the imaging findings and pathological features, differential diagnosis of esophageal sarcomatoid carcinoma.

Methods:

Three cases of esophageal sarcomatoid carcinoma (ESC) proved by histology was retrospectively analyzed, and related literature were reviewed.

Results:

Two cases of barium in the digestive tract showed an irregular filling defect in the thoracic esophagus. The edges are clear, the surface of the tumor is irregular, and the niche is visible. The long axis of the tumor is the same as the esophagus, esophageal expansion, and the mucosa of the lesion area is destroyed. CT scan of 1 case showed a ellipse-like pedicle solid mass in the lower esophagus, the pedicle, and back wall is linked together, the back wall is slight thick, and esophageal eccentric stenosis, homogeneous density, lesions showed moderate enhancement, and the peripheral enhancement was relatively obvious in the central region, and the pedicle was not clear with the right posterior wall of esophagus. Intraoperative observation showed that the tumor was solid, rubbery, and the pedicle was closely related to the right posterior wall of esophagus. All 3 cases were pathologically diagnosed as esophageal sarcomatoid carcinoma.

Conclusion:

ESC is uncommon, the imaging features have some characteristics, accurate diagnosis depends on the pathological examination.
Invoking indigenous wisdom for management learning
Authors: Pio Edwina , Waddock Sandra
Published: October 2020

Management thinking today, based in neoliberalism, gears economies, businesses, and whole societies toward constant material growth and achievement of wealth, defined as monetary or financial wealth. In terms of management learning, the dominance of the managerialist/capitalist ideology reinforces existing dominance structures that have long suppressed the voice—and values—of Indigenous peoples. Drawing from work by Indigenous scholars, we focus on the Indigenous wisdom which has the potential to offer a very different form of economy and different sets of managerial values that orient businesses and other institutions towards fostering relationship, responsibility, reciprocity and redistribution for shared wellbeing. Perspectives from Indigenous wisdom can push focus away from today’s neoliberalism and “(hu)man”-dominating-nature mindsets, evident in Western cultures, towards more holistically integrated approaches. In the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, we argue for a pivot towards recognizing, collaborating with, integrating, and renewing management and business school mindsets by incorporating Indigenous wisdom to build a world in which all—including non-human beings—can flourish.
Increased functional sensorimotor network efficiency relates to disability in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Strik Myrte , Chard Declan T , Dekker Iris , Meijer Kim A , Eijlers Anand JC , Pardini Matteo , Uitdehaag Bernard MJ , Kolbe Scott C , Geurts Jeroen JG , Schoonheim Menno M
Published: October 2020

Background:

Network abnormalities could help explain physical disability in multiple sclerosis (MS), which remains poorly understood.

Objective:

This study investigates functional network efficiency changes in the sensorimotor system.

Methods:

We included 222 MS patients, divided into low disability (LD, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) ⩽3.5, n = 185) and high disability (HD, EDSS ⩾6, n = 37), and 82 healthy controls (HC). Functional connectivity was assessed between 23 sensorimotor regions. Measures of efficiency were computed and compared between groups using general linear models corrected for age and sex. Binary logistic regression models related disability status to local functional network efficiency (LE), brain volumes and demographics. Functional connectivity patterns of regions important for disability were explored.

Results:

HD patients demonstrated significantly higher LE of the left primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and right pallidum compared to LD and HC, and left premotor cortex compared to HC only. The logistic regression model for disability ( R2 = 0.38) included age, deep grey matter volume and left S1 LE. S1 functional connectivity was increased with prefrontal and secondary sensory areas in HD patients, compared to LD and HC.

Conclusion:

Clinical disability in MS associates with functional sensorimotor increases in efficiency and connectivity, centred around S1, independent of structural damage.
Tourists’ revisit intention to UNESCO world heritage sites in a developing nation: Investigating the mediating role of place dependence
Authors: Hamid Abdul Hazif Abdul , Mohamad Mohd Rosli , Suki Norazah Mohd
Published: October 2020

The purpose for this study is to examine the factors affecting tourists’ revisit intention to UNESCO World Heritage Sites in a developing nation. Additionally, the mediating role of place dependence on this relationship is also inspected. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire from 300 foreign tourists visiting heritage sites in Penang, Malaysia, and were analysed via the Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) approach. Empirical results revealed that emotion of joy, love, and positive surprise, and place dependence affect tourists’ revisit intention to UNESCO World Heritage Sites in a developing nation. Furthermore, the indirect influence of the emotion of positive surprise on tourists’ revisit intention to UNESCO World Heritage Sites via place dependence was the strongest, with the emotions of joy and love ranking behind. The findings suggest that tourism authorities, tourism practitioners, and tourism managements should actively engage with existing tourists and potential tourists via digital marketing platforms and social media marketing tools in order to create long-term engagement and promote the connection of heritage tourism to personal feelings in a memorable way. This permits gathering of high volumes of information from other tourists who share their exciting travel-related details of their visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This study adds the current body of knowledge by furnishing a better empirical understanding of the significant evidence to support the notion that returning tourists (i.e. repeaters) are heavily influenced by emotional aspects and bonding arising from their positive memory during the visit. Directions for future research are also offered.
LGBTIQ+ break-up assemblages: At the end of the rainbow
Authors: Lahti Annukka , Kolehmainen Marjo
Published: October 2020

This article explores Finnish LGBTIQ+ people’s break-ups. The long battle for equal rights has placed LGBTIQ+ people’s relationships under pressure to succeed. Previous studies argue that partners in LGBTIQ+ relationships try to appear as ordinary and happy as possible, and remain silent about the challenges they face in their relationships. Consequently, they may miss out on opportunities to receive institutional and familial support. This study aims to move beyond recurrent frameworks that take the similarity or difference between LGBTIQ+ relationships/break-ups and mixed-sex relationships as a predefined point of departure. The analysis draws on ethnographic observations of relationship seminars for the recently separated, an online counselling site for LGBTIQ+ people, survey data, and interviews with LGBTIQ+ people who have experienced recent break-ups. It employs the Deleuzo-Guattarian concept of assemblages in order to show how different components and manifold power relations come to matter in different ways in the course of the open-ended becomings of relationship break-ups.
Fracture and mechanical behavior of vacuum-assisted microwave cured unidirectional carbon woven fabric reinforced epoxy composite
Authors: Kumar Rajeev , Pathak Himanshu , Zafar Sunny
Published: October 2020

Woven fabric reinforced epoxy composite shown inherent favorable characteristics for aerospace industry applications. This paper comprehensively investigated the mechanical and fracture behavior of unidirectional carbon woven fabric reinforced epoxy composite using experimental and computational techniques. The composites were fabricated with two, four, and six ply laminates with cross-ply and inclined ply (45/–45) orientations. Laminates were fabricated using Vacuum-Assisted Resin Infusion Microwave Curing technique with a high fiber volume fraction of 50% for each laminate. Experimental analyses were performed to predict the behavior of composites under tensile, shear, and impact loading environment. Further, the mean-field homogenization technique coupled with the finite element method was employed to predict orthotropic material properties, fracture energy, and fracture parameters ( KIC and GIC) of the composite. The results showed that fracture energy obtained by the computational technique was in good agreement with experimental results. The values of GIC increased with the number of plies both for cross and inclined plies orientation composites. KIC values were higher for cross plies laminates than the inclined plies laminates.
Magnetofluorescent Nanoprobe for Multimodal and Multicolor Bioimaging
Authors: Yadav Aditya , Rao Chethana , Verma Navneet Chandra , Mishra Pushpendra Mani , Nandi Chayan Kanti
Published: October 2020

Although, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have extensively been used as a contrasting agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the lack of intrinsic fluorescence restricted their application as a multimodal probe, especially in combination with light microscopy. In Addition, the bigger size of the particle renders them incompetent for bioimaging of small organelles. Herein, we report, not only the synthesis of ultrasmall carbon containing magneto-fluorescent SPIONs with size ∼5 nm, but also demonstrate its capability as a multicolor imaging probe. Using MCF-7 and HeLa cell lines, we show that the SPIONs can provide high contrast mulicolor images of the cytoplasm from blue to red region. Further, single particle level photon count data revealed that the SPIONs could efficaciously be utilized in localization based super resolution microscopy in future.
Effects of Low-Dose X-Ray on Cell Growth, Membrane Permeability, DNA Damage and Gene Transfer Efficiency
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Lv Ming-Yue , Huang Yao-Xiong
Published: October 2020

Background:

We aimed to reveal if low dose X-rays would induce harmful or beneficial effect or dual response on biological cells and whether there are conditions the radiation can enhance gene transfer efficiency and promote cell growth but without damage to the cells.

Method:

A systematic study was performed on the effects of Kilo-V and Mega-V X-rays on the cell morphology, viability, membrane permeability, DNA damage, and gene transfection of 293 T and CHO cells.

Results:

The Kilo-V X-rays of very low doses from 0.01 to 0.04 Gray in principle didn’t induce any significant change in cell morphology, growth, membrane permeability, and cause DNA damage. The Mega-V X-ray had a damage threshold between 1.0 and 1.5 Gray. The 0.25 Gray Mega-V-X-ray could promote cell growth and gene transfer, while the 1.5 Gray Mega-V X-ray damaged cells.

Conclusion:

The very low dose of KV X-rays is safe to cells, while the effects of Mega-V-X-rays are dose-dependent. Mega-V-X-rays with a dose higher than the damage threshold would be harmful, that between 1.0 -1.5 Gray can evoke dual effects, whereas 0.25 Gray MV X-ray is beneficial for both cell growth and gene transfer, thus would be suitable for radiation-enhanced gene transfection.
Venturing From Home: Writing (and Teaching) as Creative-Relational Inquiry for Alternative Educational Futures
Authors: Pirrie Anne , Fang Nini
Published: October 2020

This article explores the ecology of contemporary higher education by foregrounding the ethical relation between its authors. The article expresses their commitment to throwing off familiar academic conventions in order to promote human flourishing in a sector that has been colonized by new managerialism and the associated mechanisms of “performance management,” surveillance, and exclusion. The authors write into the emblems of the naajavaarsuk (the ivory gull) and isumataq (the Inuit storyteller). They explore collaborative writing as an ethical, relational practice whilst exposing the lived problematics that have become the “new normal” in the contemporary academy, for instance, the fetishization of “student satisfaction.” The latter has gained traction in the UK in recent years, and in extreme cases can call forth acts of ethical violence that induce deep and long-lasting effects. Their account is visceral rather than abstract, rooted in lived experience and in theory. The authors conclude that the precondition for human flourishing in conditions of constraint is neither all-out resistance nor quietist acceptance of the status quo. It is to open up a space for education that inheres in our relation to the other, and quietly to resist being defined and limited by practices of monitoring and surveillance.
Individual differences in negotiation: A relational process model
Authors: Elfenbein Hillary Anger
Published: October 2020

Intuition suggests that individual differences should play an important role in negotiation performance, and yet empirical results have been relatively weak. Because negotiations are inherently dyadic, the dyad needs to feature prominently in theorizing. In expanding the traditional treatment of individual differences to two systematically interconnected parties, a relational process model (RPM) emerges. The RPM illustrates how the individual differences of both negotiators spark complex behavioral dynamics through five distinct theoretical mechanisms. Individuals (a) select each other, (b) set expectancies for each other, (c) serve as behavioral triggers and affordances for each other, (d) reciprocate and complement each other’s behaviors, and (e) vary in their responses to identical behaviors. It also directs attention to new classes and dimensions of individual difference factors. The RPM helps explain why past research has been highly conservative. A more complete picture needs to incorporate the complex interplay starting with parties’ individual differences.
Disconnected, Not Polarized: Four Decades of the Rural-urban Interface in Mainstream Country Music
Authors: Leap Braden , Heath Courtney
Published: October 2020

Rural scholars have regularly analyzed media representations of rural communities, but there are a lack of analyses considering whether media representations of the rural-urban interface have transformed over the last 40 years as material connections and political divisions between rural and urban places intensified. This article presents a longitudinal analysis of portrayals of the rural-urban interface in mainstream country music from the 1980s to the 2010s. Examining the lyrics of over 800 weeks of songs that topped the Billboard charts, we find that representations of the material connections between rural and urban places have become less common. Specifically, portrayals of migrants crossing the interface have nearly disappeared from mainstream country. There was also a lack of evidence of growing polarization in mainstream country’s portrayals of rural and urban places. Rural places were generally depicted in idyllic terms in every decade, but urban places were also increasingly represented positively. These results indicate that the rural-urban interface portrayed by mainstream country does not align with previous research concerning the interface. In contrast to studies that highlight growing material connections and political divisions between rural and urban places, the interface depicted by mainstream country has become increasingly disconnected materially without becoming polarized politically.
Religious revival or control? Reading the spatial politics of an officially atheist country’s planning of religious scenic areas: Three cases in Shaanxi, China
Authors: Hsueh Meng-chi
Published: October 2020

This article re-conceptualizes the secular-religious relationship by examining the ‘secularized’ sacred sites (temples) and the ‘sanctified’ secular places (religious-themed scenic areas built upon the temples). This article begins with acknowledging the dialectical secular-religious relationship and pushes this line of theorization further from a socio-spatial perspective. By using the ‘trialectics of spatiality’ analytical framework, this article examines the production/reproduction of both the secular and the religious spaces that determined and were simultaneously determined by the diversified religion-state relations. Contextualized in the 2000s when the Chinese state held ambivalence towards religions, this article presents a comparative study of the spatial interaction between the local state and the religious personnel respectively around the planning of three state-sponsored religious cultural scenic areas. By delving into the territorial strategy of simulation, this article demonstrates how and why Chinese secular and religious agents deliberately crossed over the socially constructed boundaries between the normatively defined secular and religious domain.