bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Evaluation for Rutting and Moisture damage of Hot Asphalt Mixtures using High Percentage of Recycled Asphalt Pavement Material
Authors: Rafiq Waqas , Napiah Madzlan Bin , Hartadi Sutanto Muslich , Salah Alaloul Wesam , Imran Khan Muhammad , Al-Sabaeei Abdulnaser
Published: June 2020

Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) usage has increased a lot from the last two decades. World highway agencies are attempting to use higher quantities of RAP to cope up with not only economic and green environment but also to save natural resource and comparable or even better performing hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures. Continuous damages of flexible pavements like rutting, moisture damage and thermal cracking reduces the pavement performance as well as riding quality. Studies have shown that high amount of RAP mixtures has impact on the fatigue performance, stiffness and permanent rut deformation characteristics of hot mix asphalt. Therefore, this study was done by using experimental approach to check the rutting and moisture damages of RAP combined with HMA by using Hamburg Wheel-tracking Device (HWTD). The hot mix asphalt designs included a control or having mix with 0% RAP and six samples of HMA with 10%, 20%, 30%, 45%, 60% and 100% recycled asphalt mixture to get an optimum percentage on which performance testing was done, after finding out the corresponding volumetric properties of mixtures stability and flow parameters of RAP mixtures. In this research all tested mixtures with RAP showed better performance than the virgin mixes.
Modified Marshall Test assessment for emulsified asphalt cold mixes
Authors: Usman K R , Hainin M R , Satar M K I , M Warid M Naqiuddin , Abdulrahman Suleiman
Published: June 2020

Asphalt cold mixes are attractive to transportation agencies for their simplicity in set-up, less energy requirement, ease of application, and environmentally friendliness, though it suffers setbacks in terms of lack of a universally acceptable mix campaign, high water susceptibility, and low mechanical strength at initial stages of construction. However, they are widely used for rehabilitation and maintenance works, and to a lesser extent construction in low-trafficked roads. Notable among the cold mixtures is polymer modified emulsified asphalt micro-surfacing, which is used as a thin non-structural layer for the restoration of skid resistance and waterproofing. Marshall test is used to assess its performance similar to a structural wearing course layer. This study assessed the mechanical performance of cold mixtures by a modified Marshall mix employing a low viscosity cationic quick set emulsion (CQS-1h) and a cationic rapid set emulsion (RS-1k) and a 60/70 penetration grade binder. Rheological criteria assessment was conducted on both emulsions including particle charge, residue by evaporation, settlement and storage stability, solubility in inorganic solvent sieve test, and Saybolt Furol viscosity, while the residue from evaporation was tested for microstructural and mechanical performance, 65% and 63% residue by evaporation, dissolved in trichloroethylene at 95% and 100% for CQS-1h and RS-1k respectively.
Effect of Alkali-Activator to Bottom Ash Ratio on the Undrained Shear Strength of Bottom Ash based Geopolymer
Authors: Abbil A , Kassim A , Rashid A S A , Hainin M R , Ullah Arshad , Matusin S , Giwangkara G G
Published: June 2020

Coal ash is generated as a raw product during combustion in thermal power plants. These industrial wastes include fly ash and bottom ash, which has been deemed as a source materials for geopolymer. Bottom ash is used in soil columns for stabilizing foundation soil. In the present study bottom ash from Tanjung bin power station was used as a substitute materials for making geopolymers. The effect of alkali activator to bottom ash ratio on the undrained shear strength of bottom ash based geopolymer was studied. The molarity of sodium silicate solution was kept as 14, Na2SiO3/NaOH of ratio 2.5, mass ratio of alkali activator to bottom ash 0.40, 0.50 and 0.60, and steam curing at 65°C were attempted for the samples. The experimental results of UU triaxial test indicate that alkali-activator to bottom ash ratio of 0.50 gives higher undrained shear strength.
Housing Design for Urban Poor in Kuala Lumpur: A Literature Review
Authors: Noor Hisham Nadiyah , Md Amin Nor Dina
Published: June 2020

Adequate comfortable shelter is a significant human rights and needs. In Kuala Lumpur, high demand of affordable quality housing for urban poor has yet to be fulfilled. In order to meet demand for adequate affordable housing for low-income households, the government has introduced numerous housing programs. However, anecdotal evidences suggest that most of this typical type of affordable housing may have design deficiency that could affect occupants’ housing satisfaction. This paper critically reviews on housing policy, typology and design issues for low-income housing in the context of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This paper argues that there is a direct relationship between housing design and occupants’ satisfaction. Based on the review, it can be recommended that housing design for low-income people should consider factors such as safety, local climate, privacy, sufficient space, layout planning, culture and social integration. Implications for the design of future housing for low income people are raised and the need for the improvement of the ongoing research is identified.
Assessing the Challenges of Integration Affordable and Sustainable Housing from Economic Perspectives
Authors: Syed Jamaludin S Z H , Hamid S H A , Mohd Noor S N A
Published: June 2020

The increasing worldwide demand for affordable housing and sustainable development leads to highly needed sustainable solutions in the housing sector. Households in the middle-income range struggle to secure the right sustainable home within their budget. In response to the Malaysian Eleventh National Plan (2016-2020), importance is given for every citizen to have affordable housing with sustainable elements, which leads to the trend of integrating affordability housing criteria in sustainable housing development. Thus, the aim of this study is to analyze the critical challenges of the integration of affordable and sustainable housing from the economic, environmental, and social perspectives of the middle-income group. However, this study focuses mainly on the challenges from economic perspectives. The semi-structured interview approach was employed involving several housing developers in the Klang Valley area as the sustainable concept is still early in Malaysia. Results revealed that the high cost of sustainable development, financial constraints of developers, lack of design, technology and expertise, financial constraints, lack of government enforcement and incentives, lack of commitment from stakeholders are the key challenges in developing affordable and sustainable housing. The outcomes of this study will hopefully serve to offer several guidelines for construction players to enhance the quality of life for sustainable communities via the Sustainable Affordable Housing Scheme.
Key Success Factors of Implementing Green Procurement in Public Construction Projects in Malaysia
Authors: Tawfik Alqadami Ahmed , Abdullah Zawawi Noor Amila Wan , Rahmawati Yani , Alaloul Wesam , Faisal Alshalif A
Published: June 2020

In construction industry, sustainability is no longer an option but an imperative. It turns to be an essential element for project stakeholders. Although green procurement is an environmental policy instrument that considers the impact of procurement and purchasing process for the sustainability of project development. However, the concept in Malaysia is still in its early stages and encounters barriers to make a paradigm shift towards a greener approach. This paper tends to shed light on the key success factors and to develop a roadmap for implementing green procurement in building and infrastructure projects. This could pave the road for establishing a transformation plan that could gradually overcome the current challenges. In this study, 380 Malaysian corporations were surveyed to determine their perspective on 50 factors affecting procurement delivery. A number of 142 questionnaires were assessed as valid responses. Results revealed that there is an excellent consistency in the investigated factors which have been statistically analyzed. The significant factors can be categorized into themes namely, perception, organizational management, regulative, logistical, contractual, technical, strategic and financial factors.
Reconstructing plastome evolution across the phylogenetic backbone of the parasitic plant genusCuscuta(Convolvulaceae)
Authors: Banerjee Arjan , Stefanović Saša
Published: June 2020

Parasitic plants have evolved to have reduced or completely lost ability to conduct photosynthesis and are usually characterized by sweeping morphological, physiological and genomic changes. The plastid genome (or plastome) is highly conserved in autotrophic plants and houses many key photosynthesis genes. This molecule is thus a useful system for documenting the genomic effects of a loss of autotrophy. Cuscuta (dodders) represents one of 12 independent transitions to a parasitic lifestyle in angiosperms. This near-cosmopolitan genus contains > 200 obligate parasitic species circumscribed in four subgenera: Grammica, Pachystigma, Cuscuta and Monogynella. With respect to photosynthesis, Cuscuta is a heterogeneous group, containing both hemi- and holoparasitic members that are, respectively, partially or entirely reliant on parasitism to meet their carbon budget. Plastomes in this genus have been reported to show a substantial degree of diversification in terms of length and gene composition. Considered together with well-understood phylogenetic relationships, this genus presents an opportunity for fine-scale comparisons among closely related species of heterotrophic plants. This research documents changes in sequence composition and structure that occurred as these plants evolved along the trophic spectrum by using multiple whole-plastome assemblies from each of the four subgenera. By ‘triangulating’ the positions of genomic changes, we construct a step-by-s’tep model of plastome evolution across the phylogenetic backbone of Cuscuta and highlight the remarkable retention of most photosynthetic genes in these parasitic plants.
Prefrontal gating of sensory input differentiates cognitively impaired and unimpaired aging adults with HIV
Authors: Spooner Rachel K , Wiesman Alex I , O’Neill Jennifer , Schantell Mikki D , Fox Howard S , Swindells Susan , Wilson Tony W
Published: June 2020

Despite effective therapies that have extended the life expectancy of persons living with HIV, 35–70% of these adults still develop some form of cognitive impairment, and with a growing population of aging adults with HIV, the prevalence of these cognitive deficits is likely to increase. The mechanisms underlying these HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders remain poorly understood but are often accelerated by the aging process and accompanied by disturbances in sensory processing, which may contribute to the observed cognitive decline. The goal of the current study was to identify the impact of aging on HIV-related alterations in inhibitory processing and determine whether such alterations are related to cognitive impairment in neuroHIV. We used magnetoencephalographic imaging, advanced time series analysis methods, and a paired-pulse stimulation paradigm to interrogate inhibitory processing in 87 HIV-infected aging adults and 92 demographically matched uninfected controls (22–72 years old). Whole-brain maps linking age and neural indices were computed for each group and compared via Fisher’s Z transformations. Peak voxel time-series data were also extracted from the resulting images to quantify the dynamics of spontaneous neural activity preceding stimulation onset in each group. Whole-brain analyses using the somatosensory gating index, a metric of inhibitory processing and age distinguished impaired adults with HIV from unimpaired HIV-infected adults and controls. Briefly, younger cognitively impaired adults with HIV strongly utilized the prefrontal cortices to gate somatosensory input, and the role of this region in gating was uniquely and significantly modulated by aging only in impaired adults with HIV. Spontaneous neural activity preceding stimulus onset was also significantly elevated in the prefrontal cortices of those with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder, and this elevation was significantly related to the CD4 nadir across both HIV-infected groups. This is the first study to examine the impact of aging on inhibitory processing in HIV-infected adults with and without cognitive impairment. Our findings suggest that young adults with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder utilize the prefrontal cortices to gate (i.e. suppress) redundant somatosensory input, and that this capacity uniquely diminishes with advancing age in impaired adults with HIV.
Integrative computational epigenomics to build data-driven gene regulation hypotheses
Authors: Chen Tyrone , Tyagi Sonika
Published: June 2020

Background

Diseases are complex phenotypes often arising as an emergent property of a non-linear network of genetic and epigenetic interactions. To translate this resulting state into a causal relationship with a subset of regulatory features, many experiments deploy an array of laboratory assays from multiple modalities. Often, each of these resulting datasets is large, heterogeneous, and noisy. Thus, it is non-trivial to unify these complex datasets into an interpretable phenotype. Although recent methods address this problem with varying degrees of success, they are constrained by their scopes or limitations. Therefore, an important gap in the field is the lack of a universal data harmonizer with the capability to arbitrarily integrate multi-modal datasets.

Results

In this review, we perform a critical analysis of methods with the explicit aim of harmonizing data, as opposed to case-specific integration. This revealed that matrix factorization, latent variable analysis, and deep learning are potent strategies. Finally, we describe the properties of an ideal universal data harmonization framework.

Conclusions

A sufficiently advanced universal harmonizer has major medical implications, such as (i) identifying dysregulated biological pathways responsible for a disease is a powerful diagnostic tool; (2) investigating these pathways further allows the biological community to better understand a disease’s mechanisms; and (3) precision medicine also benefits from developments in this area, particularly in the context of the growing field of selective epigenome editing, which can suppress or induce a desired phenotype.
Radial earth models revisited
Authors: Kennett B L N
Published: June 2020

The current set of reference models for the radial variation of Earth structure have been in use for several decades, and provide a good representation of many aspects of the seismic wavefield. Nevertheless, strong constraints from the differential times between pairs of SmKS phases indicate the need to modify the P wave speed profile in the upper part of the outer core. In order to incorporate such a change and maintain the representation of the full suite of seismic phases compensatory adjustments have to be made, dominantly in the mantle. Using multi-objective optimization, a new preferred radial model ek137 has been generated that provides a good representation of the traveltimes of all core phases. An adiabatic profile can be maintained through most of the outer core, but departures are needed at the base, as in the ak135 model. The latest estimates for inner core shear wave speed are included in ek137.
Business group persistence and institutional maturity: the role of management practices
Authors: Liang Zhixiang , Carney Michael
Published: June 2020

A widely accepted account of business group (BG) functioning suggests that this common corporate form will dismantle and restructure with the progressive maturity of market-supporting institutions. However, even in mature institutional settings, BGs appear to persists and thrive. We hypothesize that BG persistence arises from an evolving competitive advantage because their competitive advantages with certain types of management practices do not decay with institutional development. We test our hypothesis with data assembled in the World Bank Enterprise Surveys (WBES). Empirical results show that several bundles of management practice differentiate BG affiliates and independent firms in the early phase of development but become less prominent at later stages. However, some of the differences in management practice bundles disappear, but others continue to differentiate independent firms and group affiliates in mature institutional jurisdictions.
Restriction of Laplace–Beltrami Eigenfunctions to Arbitrary Sets on Manifolds
Authors: Eswarathasan Suresh , Pramanik Malabika
Published: June 2020

Given a compact Riemannian manifold $(M, g)$ without boundary, we estimate the Lebesgue norm of Laplace–Beltrami eigenfunctions when restricted to a wide variety of subsets $\Gamma $ of $M$. The sets $\Gamma $ that we consider are Borel measurable, Lebesguenull but otherwise arbitrary with positive Hausdorff dimension. Our estimates are based on Frostman-type ball growth conditions for measures supported on $\Gamma $. For large Lebesgue exponents $p$, these estimates provide a natural generalization of $L^p$ bounds for eigenfunctions restricted to submanifolds, previously obtained in [ 8, 18, 19, 32]. Under an additional measure-theoretic assumption on $\Gamma $, the estimates are shown to be sharp in this range. As evidence of the genericity of the sharp estimates, we provide a large family of random, Cantor-type sets that are not submanifolds, where the above-mentioned sharp bounds hold almost surely.
Palliative outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy: a review of 5 years of patient data
Authors: Hart Elizabeth , Snape Sue , Thomson Ross
Published: June 2020

Objectives

A review of patients requiring lifelong antibiotics to control, rather than cure, infection was performed [‘palliative outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT)’]. This was to evaluate emerging themes and complications. The aim was to aid in the management of such patients.

Methods

A retrospective review of the OPAT database over 5 years (2013–17) was performed. Of the 1438 patients, 9 were deemed to have received palliative OPAT.

Results

The palliative cohort represented 0.6% of the total number of patients on OPAT and 8.6% of the bed days saved. Patients fell into two main groups: those with multiple comorbidities that precluded surgical management and those with a terminal condition. Both groups received IV antibiotics with no clear endpoint. The themes to emerge were: patients often had multiple comorbidities with a high operative risk to control the source of infection; a trial of no or oral antibiotics led to resurgence of the infection; vascular patients appeared to tolerate long-term antibiotics well; and conversely, antibiotic side effects were a significant issue in others. Patients with incurable cancer and a coincident infection can be given additional quality of life with the judicious use of appropriate therapy.

Conclusions

There are significant issues surrounding antimicrobial stewardship in the palliative OPAT group that should be considered. Excellent communication is required to deal with these often very complicated patients. There are considerable gains to be made both for patients and the number of bed days saved. The small number of patients accounted for a disproportionate number of bed days saved.
Inter-Laboratory Validation of 4-(Dimethylamino) Cinnamaldehyde (DMAC) Assay Using Cranberry Proanthocyanidin Standard for Quantification of Soluble Proanthocyanidins in Cranberry Foods and Dietary Supplements, First Action Official MethodSM: 2019.06
Authors: Birmingham Andrew D , Esquivel-Alvarado Daniel , Maranan Michael , Krueger Christian G , Reed Jess D
Published: June 2020

Background

Proanthocyanidins (PAC) are oligomers and polymers of flavan-3-ols with putative health benefits. PAC are prevalent in a wide variety of natural products and dietary supplements.

Objective

An inter-laboratory study was conducted to validate the 4-(dimethylamino)cinnamaldehyde (DMAC) colorimetric assay using a 96-well plate spectrophotometer for the accurate quantification of PAC in cranberry products and to evaluate the comparison of the procyanidin A2 (ProA2) dimer and cranberry PAC (c-PAC) reference standards.

Methods

Four test materials analyzed in this study included cranberry fiber powder, cranberry extract powder, concentrated cranberry juice, and a solution of cranberry PAC (30%, w/v). The samples were homogenized, extracted, sonicated, centrifuged, and analyzed using a 96-well plate spectrophotometer.

Results

Linearity for both the ProA2 and c-PAC standards was determined from 4.053 to 50.666 µg/mL and from 13.520 to 135.95 µg/mL, respectively. The relative standard deviation of repeatability (RSDr) values for the four materials analyzed, using both ProA2 and c-PAC standards, met the Standard Method Performance Requirements (SMPR®). Inter-laboratory precision using Horwitz ratio (HorRat) values for the four materials analyzed, using both ProA2 and c-PAC standards, satisfies the acceptance range in Appendix K of the Official Methods of Analysis (2003): Guidelines for Dietary Supplements and Botanicals. The limit of quantification (LOQ) was estimated to be 3.16 µg/mL.

Conclusions

The results produced from this study demonstrate the utility of the c-PAC standard over the ProA2 standard and the advantages of using a 96-well plate spectrophotometer for the accurate quantification of PAC.

Highlights

The use of a 96-well plate reader and c-PAC reference standard in the DMAC method improves accuracy and percision for quantification of soluble proanthocyanidins in cranberry foods and dietary supplements.
The Role of Emotion Discourse and Pathic Stigma in the Delegitimization of Consumer Practices
Authors: Valor Carmen , Lloveras Javier , Papaoikonomou Eleni
Published: June 2020

Drawing on institutional theory and discursive psychology, this article elucidates how actors use emotion discourse to undermine the legitimacy of consumer practices. Based on an empirical investigation of the bullfighting controversy in Spain, our work shows how activists engage in the production and circulation of compelling emotional prototypes of their adversaries. Such emotional prototypes constitute the discursive foundations of a pathic stigma, which, once established, taints the identity of the social groups associated with the practice. Our work frames the centrality of pathic stigmatization as a cultural mechanism mediating the relationship between emotion discourse and the subsequent delegitimization of consumer practices. We make three key contributions to the literature: we advance a rhetorical perspective on emotions and their role in deinstitutionalization processes; we further develop the theory of marketplace sentiments by showing how sentiments operate downstream; and we provide evidence of the sociocultural mechanisms underpinning the emotional vilification, stereotyping and stigmatization of consumer collectives.
Treatment of type II odontoid fracture in the elderly
Authors: Hamilton Preci , Lawrence Peyton , Eisenring Christian Valentin
Published: June 2020

Odontoid fractures constitute the commonest cervical spinal fracture in the elderly. There are varied management approaches with paucity of robust evidence to guide decision-making. We review the case of a 92-years-old man with traumatic Grauer type II B odontoid fracture treated with anterior cannulated screw fixation. Postoperatively, he was noted to have dysphagia due to a zenker’s diverticulum. Further history revealed repair of a zenker’s diverticulum ~40 years prior. Cervical spine images and video fluoroscopy demonstrated a recurrent zenker’s diverticulum. After re-excision of the recurrent zenker’s diverticulum his dysphagia resolved. This unique case describes dysphagia due to recurrent zenker’s diverticulum presenting after anterior cannulated screw fixation for type II B odontoid fracture. The dysphagia was diagnosed and treated in close collaboration with speech and language therapists and otorhinolaryngologist. This underscores the importance of holistic approach to the elderly patient with odontoid fractures.
On the ring nebulae around runaway Wolf–Rayet stars
Authors: Meyer D M-A , Oskinova L M , Pohl M , Petrov M
Published: June 2020

Wolf–Rayet stars are advanced evolutionary stages of massive stars. Despite their large mass-loss rates and high wind velocities, none of them displays a bow shock, although a fraction of them are classified as runaway. Our 2.5-D numerical simulations of circumstellar matter around a $60\mbox{-}\rm M_{\odot }$ runaway star show that the fast Wolf–Rayet stellar wind is released into a wind-blown cavity filled with various shocks and discontinuities generated throughout the preceding evolutionary phases. The resulting fast-wind–slow-wind interaction leads to the formation of spherical shells of swept-up dusty material similar to those observed in the near-infrared at $24\, \rm \mu \rm m$ with Spitzer, which appear to be comoving with the runaway massive stars, regardless of their proper motion and/or the properties of the local ambient medium. We interpret bright infrared rings around runaway Wolf–Rayet stars in the Galactic plane as an indication of their very high initial masses and complex evolutionary history. Stellar-wind bow shocks become faint as stars run in diluted media, therefore our results explain the absence of bow shocks detected around Galactic Wolf–Rayet stars, such as the high-latitude, very fast-moving objects WR71, WR124 and WR148. Our results show that the absence of a bow shock is consistent with the runaway nature of some Wolf–Rayet stars. This questions the in situ star formation scenario of high-latitude Wolf–Rayet stars in favour of dynamical ejection from birth sites in the Galactic plane.
The rise of active galactic nuclei in the galaxy evolution and assembly semi-analytic model
Authors: Fontanot Fabio , De Lucia Gabriella , Hirschmann Michaela , Xie Lizhi , Monaco Pierluigi , Menci Nicola , Fiore Fabrizio , Feruglio Chiara , Cristiani Stefano , Shankar Francesco
Published: June 2020

We present a new implementation of the GAlaxy Evolution and Assembly (gaea) semi-analytic model, that features an improved modelling of the process of cold gas accretion on to supermassive black hole (SMBHs), derived from both analytic arguments and high-resolution simulations. We consider different scenarios for the loss of angular momentum required for the available cold gas to be accreted on to the central SMBHs, and we compare different combinations of triggering mechanisms, including galaxy mergers and disc instabilities in star-forming discs. We compare our predictions with the luminosity function (LF) observed for active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and we confirm that a non-instantaneous accretion time-scale (either in the form of a low-angular momentum reservoir or as an assumed light-curve evolution) is needed in order to reproduce the measured evolution of the AGN-LF and the so-called AGN-downsizing trend. Moreover, we also study the impact of AGN feedback, in the form of AGN-driven outflows, on the SF properties of model galaxies, using prescriptions derived both from empirical studies and from numerical experiments. We show that AGN-driven outflows are effective in suppressing the residual star formation rate in massive galaxies (>1011 M⊙) without changing their overall assembly history. These winds also affect the SFR of lower mass galaxies, resulting in a too large fraction of passive galaxies at <1010 M⊙. Finally, we study the Eddington ratio distribution as a function of SMBH mass, showing that only objects more massive than 108 M⊙ are already in a self-regulated state as inferred from observations.
A low-luminosity core-collapse supernova very similar to SN 2005cs
Authors: Jäger Zoltán , Vinkó József , Bíró Barna I , Hegedüs Tibor , Borkovits Tamás , Jäger Zoltán , Nagy Andrea P , Molnár László , Kriskovics Levente
Published: June 2020

We present observations and analysis of PSN J17292918+7542390, a low-luminosity Type II-P supernova (LL SN IIP). The observed sample of such events is still low, and their nature is still under debate. Such SNe are similar to SN 2005cs, a well-observed LL Type II-P event, having low expansion velocities, and small ejected 56Ni mass. We have developed a robust and relatively fast Monte Carlo code that fits semi-analytic models to light curves of core-collapse SNe. This allows the estimation of the most important physical parameters, like the radius of the progenitor star, the mass of the ejected envelope, the mass of the radioactive nickel synthesized during the explosion, among others. PSN J17292918+7542390 has $R_0 = 91_{-70}^{+119} \times 10^{11} \, \text{cm}$, $M_\text{ej} = 9.89_{-1.00}^{+2.10} \, \mathrm{ M}_{\odot }$, $E_{\mbox{kin}} = 0.65_{-0.18}^{+0.19} \, \text{foe}$, and $v_{\mbox{exp}} = 3332_{-347}^{+216}$ km s−1, for its progenitor radius, ejecta mass, kinetic energy, and expansion velocity, respectively. The initial nickel mass of the PSN J17292918+7542390 turned out to be $1.55_{-0.70}^{+0.75} \times 10^{-3} \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$. The measured photospheric velocity at the earliest observed phase is 7000 km s−1. As far as we can tell based on the small population of observed LL SNe IIP, the determined values are typical for these events.
Drum Set Training in Music Therapy: A Resource for Students, Clinicians, and Educators
Authors: Matney Bill
Published: June 2020

The field of music therapy commonly uses percussion instruments. To some degree, the drum set has been included in the literature. Percussion training, and in this case drum set training, specific to music therapy practice have likely lagged behind the instruments’ uses in the field, potentially resulting in limitations to effective practice. Andragogically speaking, the field benefits from resources that take into account the needs of students and clinicians, while also addressing training program challenges (such as time and accessibility of drum sets). The purpose of this article is to provide an approach to learning the drum set that promotes relevant use and relevant play, without necessarily always needing to be at a drum set to practice. The author first situates the history of the drum set and discusses its common set up and use. Through the use of body percussion, vocalizing/singing, and other processes, the author proposes a way to promote a stronger understanding of how to use the drum set for accompaniment, recreating, composing, and improvising. The author breaks down and scaffolds technical drum set tasks, but then promotes their integration. Visuals and video resources are included. The author concludes with implications for practice, training, and research.
Strategies designed to increase the motivation for and adherence to dietary recommendations in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Pereira Raíssa Antunes , Alvarenga Marle S , Avesani Carla Maria , Cuppari Lilian
Published: June 2020

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) often requires several dietary adjustments to control the disease-related disturbances. This is challenging for both patients and healthcare providers, and particularly for dietitians, who deal closely with the poor adherence to dietary recommendations. Factors associated with poor adherence within the CKD scenario and the need for a shift in the paradigm have already been indicated in several studies; however, rarely are any different and/or potential strategies actually formulated in order to change this paradigm. In this review, we aimed to explore the concepts and factors surrounding adherence to dietary recommendations in CKD and further describe certain potential strategies for a nutritional counseling approach. Such strategies, while poorly explored within CKD, have shown positive results in other chronic disease scenarios. It is timely, therefore, for healthcare providers to acquire these new counseling skills; nevertheless, this would require a rethinking of the traditional attitudes and approaches in order to build a partnership, based on a nonjudgmental and compassionate style in order to guide behavior change. The reflections presented in this review may contribute towards enhancing motivation and the adherence to dietary recommendations in CKD patients.
Where Policies and Politics Diverge
Authors: Lerman Amy E , Trachtman Samuel
Published: June 2020

How citizens hold government accountable in democratic systems is one of the fundamental questions of political science and has long been of interest to scholars of public opinion. Accountability for the performance of government requires individuals to make accurate evaluations of the effects of policy decisions, and to trace responsibility for policy decisions to the appropriate politician or political party. In this paper, we study the question of democratic accountability in the context of the health insurance marketplaces established by the Affordable Care Act. Not surprisingly, how citizens evaluate the state of the world and locate responsibility has less to do with marketplace performance, and much more to do with political allegiance. However, we theorize and find evidence that supports two substantial exceptions to the overwhelming role of partisan identification: Both political independents and those with personal policy experience are capable of linking objective conditions with broader political assessments. These findings have important implications for our understanding of democratic accountability and for the design of public policies in a federal system.
Revisiting “The First-Daughter Effect”
Authors: Urbatsch Robert
Published: June 2020

A recent Public Opinion Quarterly article argued that men whose first children were girls rather than boys—daughters rather than sons—were more likely to support gender-equality policies. This note reexamines the coding and model specification of that analysis, focusing on the definition of “first daughters” and on the inclusion, perilously for causal inference, of control variables that are more probably consequences than causes of the independent variable of interest. In the tested alternative specifications, the predicted effect of first-child sex diminishes, usually falling short of standard benchmarks for statistical significance.
Transnational Diffusion and Regional Resistance: Domestic LGBT Association Founding, 1979–2009
Authors: Gonsalves Tara
Published: June 2020

In recent decades, scholars of world cultural diffusion have begun to examine the structure of the world society itself, finding evidence of regionalization within the network of international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs). There is little research, however, on how the structure of world society shapes processes of transnational diffusion. In this paper, I propose that the regionalization of world society, measured through INGO membership composition, structures the transnational diffusion of cultural norms like LGBT associations. Analyzing an original, comprehensive dataset of 3,141 domestic, voluntary LGBT associations founded between 1979 and 2009, I find that countries embedded in anti-LGBT regions are more resistant to the diffusion of domestic LGBT associations. I further find that the negative effect of embeddedness in anti-LGBT regions on domestic LGBT association founding is weakened by dependence on Western foreign aid. The findings highlight the importance of examining the composition of INGOs as well as attending to the role of regional culture in studies of transnational diffusion.
A Novel Sox9/lncRNA H19 Axis Contributes to Hepatocyte Death and Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Wang Chenqi , Deng Jia , Deng Hao , Kang Zhiqian , Huang Zhen , Ding Zhi , Dong Lei , Chen Jiangning , Zhang Junfeng , Zang Yuhui
Published: June 2020

Sox9 has been previously characterized as a transcription factor responsible for the extracellular matrix production during liver fibrosis. However, the deregulation and functional role of hepatocyte Sox9 in the progression of liver fibrosis remains elusive. Here, we found a significant increase of Sox9 in the hepatocytes isolated from CCl4-induced fibrotic liver and showed that antisense oligoribonucleotides depletion of Sox9 was sufficient to attenuate CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. Notably, the increase of Sox9 in hepatocyte was associated with the upregulation of long noncoding RNA H19 in both in vitro and in vivo systems. Mechanistic studies revealed that Sox9 induced H19 by binding to a conserved promoter region of H19. In vitro, hepatocyte injury triggered the increase of Sox9/H19 axis, whereas silence of H19 greatly alleviated the H2O2-induced hepatocyte apoptosis, suggesting that H19 functions as a downstream effector of Sox9 signaling and is involved in hepatocyte apoptosis. In animal experiments, inhibition of H19 alleviated the activation of hepatic stellate cells and reduced the extent of liver fibrosis, whereas ectopic expression of H19 abolished the inhibitory effects of Sox9 depletion on liver fibrosis, suggesting that the profibrotic effect of hepatocyte Sox9 depends on H19. Finally, we investigated the clinical relevance of Sox9/H19 axis to liver fibrosis and identified the increase of Sox9/H19 axis in liver cirrhosis patients. In conclusion, our findings link Sox9/H19 axis to the intrinsic mechanisms of hepatocyte apoptosis and may represent a hitherto unknown paradigm in hepatocyte injury associated with the progression of liver fibrosis.
Patient Perspectives on Audio-Only Virtual Prenatal Visits Amidst the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Pandemic
Authors: Holcomb Denisse , Faucher Mary Ann , Bouzid Jennifer , Quint-Bouzid Marjorie , Nelson David B. , Duryea Elaine
Published: June 2020

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate patient satisfaction after integration of audio-only virtual visits into a pre-existing prenatal care schedule within a large, county-based system during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic.

METHODS:

We implemented audio-only prenatal virtual visits in response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic within a large, county-based prenatal care system serving predominantly women with low socioeconomic status and limited resources. Using a four-question telephone survey, we surveyed a cross-section of patients who had opted to participate in virtual visits to assess their level of satisfaction surrounding audio-only visits. In addition, average clinic wait times and attendance rates by visit type were examined.

RESULTS:

From March 17 to May 31, 2020, more than 4,000 audio-only virtual prenatal visits were completed in our system. After implementation, the percentage of visits conducted through the virtual platform gradually rose, with nearly 25% of weekly prenatal visits being performed through the virtual platform by the month of May. Clinic wait times trended downward after implementation of virtual visits (P<.001). On average, 88% of virtual prenatal visits were completed as scheduled, whereas only 82% of in-person visits were attended (P<.001). Hospital administration attempted to contact 431 patients who had participated in at least one virtual visit to assess patient satisfaction; 283 patients were reached and agreed to participate (65%). Ninety-nine percent of respondents reported that their needs were met during their audio-only virtual visits. The majority of patients preferred a combination of in-person and virtual visits for prenatal care, and patients reported many benefits with virtual visits.

CONCLUSION:

Audio-only virtual prenatal visits—as a complement to in-person prenatal visits—have specific and distinct advantages compared with video-enabled telehealth in a vulnerable population of women and offer a viable option to increase access to care.
COVID-19 and anesthetic considerations for head and neck surgeries and bronchoscopic and dental procedures
Authors: Toda Chihiro , Abdelmalak Basem B.
Published: June 2020

After an outbreak in Wuhan, China in December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, rapidly spread worldwide and has been threatening public health. During this pandemic, health care providers, particularly anesthesiologists, are at increased risk of contracting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), when they care for COVID-19 patients and/or asymptomatic carriers especially when they participate in and/or perform aerosol-generating procedures. These are commonly encountered in head and neck surgeries and bronchoscopic and dental procedures. This article will discuss these procedures’ characteristics and the mechanisms by which they pose increased risk to health care provider especially the anesthesiologists, and recommendations for mitigating these risks based on the current state of knowledge and experience.
Benefits of Tai Chi Exercise Among Adults With Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Taylor-Piliae Ruth , Finley Brooke A.
Published: June 2020

Background

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is safe and effective for adults with chronic heart failure (CHF), yet services are greatly underutilized. However, tai chi is a popular and safe form of exercise among older adults with chronic health conditions.

Objective

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to examine the benefits of tai chi exercise among persons with CHF.

Methods

An electronic literature search of 10 databases (Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, OpenGrey, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) was conducted from January 1, 2004, to August 1, 2019. Clinical trials that examined tai chi exercise, were published in English or German languages, and conducted among participants with CHF were included. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 2.0 software (Biostat, Inc) was used to calculate effect sizes (ie, Hedges g) and 95% confidence intervals using random effects models.

Results

A total of 6 studies met the inclusion criteria, enrolling 229 participants (mean age, 68 years; 28% women; mean ejection fraction = 37%). At least 3 studies reported outcomes for exercise capacity (n = 5 studies), quality of life (n = 5 studies), depression (n = 4 studies), and b-type natriuretic peptide (n = 4 studies), allowing for meta-analysis. Compared with controls, tai chi participants had significantly better exercise capacity (g = 0.353; P = .026, I
2 = 32.72%), improved quality of life (g = 0.617; P = .000, I
2 = 0%), with less depression (g = 0.627; P = .000, I
2 = 0%), and decreased b-type natriuretic peptide expression (g = 0.333; P = .016, I
2 = 0%).

Conclusion

Tai chi can be easily integrated into existing cardiac rehabilitation programs. Further research is needed with rigorous study designs and larger samples before widespread recommendations can be made.
Avoidance Moderates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia
Authors: Mesri Bita , Xiong Yihan , Marjorie Barnes-Horowitz Nora , Craske Michelle Genevieve
Published: June 2020

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a well-validated treatment for panic disorder, includes interoceptive exposures and possibly in vivo exposures to agoraphobic situations. Testing predictors and moderators of CBT outcomes can improve treatment efficacy. Sixty-six individuals with panic disorder with or without agoraphobia were randomized to panic control therapy (PCT) (n = 32) or PCT and in vivo exposures to agoraphobic situations (PCT + IV) (n = 34). Secondary analyses using multilevel models with repeated measures design revealed that individuals who displayed more interoceptive avoidance and agoraphobic avoidance fared better after PCT than PCT + IV compared with individuals who displayed less avoidance. Results suggest that these individuals benefit from concentrated doses of exposures to their primary interoceptive concerns instead of additional exposures to agoraphobic situations. Exploratory analyses were also conducted on fear, demographic factors, and clinical characteristics. Findings inform clinical decision-making and personalized medicine. Limitations include low power for detecting small effect sizes.
Comparison Between a Color-only Method and a Food and Drug Administration–approved Validation Method for a Pediatric Color-coded Syringe Using Midazolam
Authors: Howard Caitlin M. , Jeffers Kristine L. , Arana Allyson A. , Montez Diana , Rahm Stephen J.
Published: June 2020

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the use of a color-only method syringe for accuracy and timeliness when administrating midazolam. This method was compared with a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved validation method.

Methods

A prospective, randomized, crossover trial was conducted to compare the dosing accuracy and timeliness of the color-only syringe method versus the validation method. Twenty-five participants prepared pediatric midazolam doses according to their preferred method, a FDA-approved validation method, and a color-only method. Primary endpoints included dosing accuracy and time to medication administration.

Results

The preferred 3-kg calculations had a median margin of error of 5.6% and a median time to completion of 55.6 seconds. The color-only method took less time to complete than the validation method (median time: 29.5 seconds vs 58.2 seconds). There was no statistically significant difference in errors between the color-only method and the validation method. None of the participants reported a mistake using the color-only method, whereas 25% (5/20) reported a mistake using the validation method. Only 20% (4/20) of participants believed that the validation method found or eliminated any mistakes. There were 8 medication errors identified when participants used the method of choice, 4 with the validation method, and 1 with the color-only method.

Conclusions

There was no significant difference in dosing errors between the FDA-approved validation method and the color-only method. Use of a color-only method did reduced time to medication administration when compared with a preferred method and an FDA-approved validation method.
Effects of Dry Needling Technique Into Trigger Points of the Sternocleidomastoid Muscle in Migraine Headache
Authors: Rezaeian Tahere , Mosallanezhad Zahra , Nourbakhsh Mohammad Reza , Noroozi Mehdi , Sajedi Firoozeh
Published: June 2020

Objective

The study aimed to investigate the effect of dry needling into trigger points of the sternocleidomastoid muscle in migraine headache patients.

Design

Forty subjects with a migraine headache, originating from myofacial trigger points into the sternocleidomastoid muscle (20 subjects in dry needling group and 20 subjects in control group) volunteered to participate in this study. The subjects in the treatment group received three sessions of dry needling in the myofascial trigger point region. Headache frequency, headache intensity, headache duration, drug consumption, muscle thickness, pressure pain threshold, and cervical range of motion were assessed before, immediately after intervention, and at 1-mo follow-up period. In addition, this article was extracted from Iranian Register of Clinical Trials Number IRCT20171219037956N1.

Results

The experimental group showed significant reduction in the headache parameters immediately after the intervention and at 1-mo follow-up, as compared with the control group. The pressure pain threshold of sternocleidomastoid muscle, cervical range of motion, and muscle thickness significantly increased in the dry needling group in comparison with the control group (P< 0.001).

Conclusions

The application of dry needling technique caused an improvement in symptoms of migraine patients. Therefore, this technique may be prescribed for treating migraine patients with myofacial trigger points in the sternocleidomastoid muscle.