bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Repeated Shoulder Motion on Scapular Dyskinesis in Army ROTC Cadets
Authors: Andres Jade , Painter Paul J , McIlvain Gary , Timmons Mark K
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Altered or abnormal scapular motion has been associated with increased shoulder pain and dysfunction. Fatigue of the scapular stabilizing muscles resulting from repeated arm motion has been reported to alter scapular kinematics, which could result in the clinical assessment of scapular dyskinesis. The purpose of this study was to characterize the effect of repeated arm motion on the development of scapular dyskinesis. The hypothesis was that repeated arm motion will induce a subtle or obvious scapular dyskinesis.

Materials and Methods

About 30 army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets participated in the research study. The cadets level of shoulder function was determined using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand and Pennsylvania Shoulder Score shoulder scores. Cadets performed an exercise protocol of 30 repetitions of weighted shoulder motion in the frontal plane. Shoulder and scapular musculature strength measurements were recorded prior to and immediately following the exercise protocol using hand-held dynamometry. The scapular dyskinesis test was performed prior to the exercise protocol and during the last five repetitions of the exercise protocol.

Results

Prior to the exercise, protocol 3/30 were categorized with scapular dyskinesis on the left side and 3/30 were categorized with scapular dyskinesis on their right side. Following the exercise, protocol 8/30 were categorized with left-side scapular dyskinesis (χ2 = 9.167, P = 0.002) and 6/30 with right-side dyskinesis (χ2 = 4.537, P = 0.033). Shoulder strength decreased following the exercise protocol for all participants. The participants that developed scapular dyskinesis were weaker than those with normal scapular motion. However, the difference did not reach statistical significance. Participants graded with obvious scapular dyskinesis following the exercise protocol reported higher Quick Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand scores (P = 0.04) and lower scores on the Pennsylvania Shoulder Score (P = 0.005).

Conclusions

Repeated shoulder motion increased the frequency of scapular dyskinesis in army ROTC cadets. The cadets that developed scapular dyskinesis also reported greater disability and lower function of the upper extremity. The results provide a link between scapular dyskinesis, upper extremity function, and the strength of the scapular stabilizing muscles. Improving the strength of the scapular stabilizing musculature might reduce the effects of repeated arm motions.
Exploiting flux ratio anomalies to probe warm dark matter in future large-scale surveys
Authors: Harvey David , Valkenburg Wessel , Tamone Amelie , Boyarsky Alexey , Courbin Frederic , Lovell Mark
Published: November 2019

Flux ratio anomalies in strong gravitationally lensed quasars constitute a unique way to probe the abundance of non-luminous dark matter haloes, and hence the nature of dark matter. In this paper, we identify double-imaged quasars as a statistically efficient probe of dark matter, since they are 20 times more abundant than quadruply imaged quasars. Using N-body simulations that include realistic baryonic feedback, we measure the full distribution of flux ratios in doubly imaged quasars for cold (CDM) and warm dark matter (WDM) cosmologies. Through this method, we fold in two key systematics – quasar variability and line-of-sight structures. We find that WDM cosmologies predict a ∼6 per cent difference in the cumulative distribution functions of flux ratios relative to CDM, with CDM predicting many more small ratios. Finally, we estimate that ∼600 doubly imaged quasars will need to be observed in order to be able to unambiguously discern between CDM and the two WDM models studied here. Such sample sizes will be easily within reach of future large-scale surveys such as Euclid. In preparation for this survey data, we require discerning the scale of the uncertainties in modelling lens galaxies and their substructure in simulations, plus a strong understanding of the selection function of observed lensed quasars.
Mass models of gas-rich void dwarf galaxies
Authors: Kurapati Sushma , Chengalur Jayaram N , Kamphuis Peter , Pustilnik Simon
Published: November 2019

We construct mass models of eight gas rich dwarf galaxies that lie in the Lynx–Cancer void. From NFW fits to the dark matter halo profile, we find that the concentration parameters of haloes of void dwarf galaxies are similar to those of dwarf galaxies in normal density regions. We also measure the slope of the central dark matter density profiles, obtained by converting the rotation curves derived using 3D (fat) and 2D (ROTCUR) tilted ring fitting routines, into mass densities. We find that the average slope (α = −1.39 ± 0.19), obtained from 3D fitting is consistent with that expected from an NFW profile. On the other hand, the average slope measured using the 2D approach is closer to what would be expected for an isothermal profile. This suggests that systematic effects in velocity field analysis have a significant effect on the slope of the central dark matter density profiles. Given the modest number of galaxies we use for our analysis, it is important to check these results using a larger sample.
Early-type galaxy density profiles from IllustrisTNG – I. Galaxy correlations and the impact of baryons
Authors: Wang Yunchong , Vogelsberger Mark , Xu Dandan , Mao Shude , Springel Volker , Li Hui , Barnes David , Hernquist Lars , Pillepich Annalisa , Marinacci Federico , Pakmor Rüediger , Weinberger Rainer , Torrey Paul
Published: November 2019

We explore the isothermal total density profiles of early-type galaxies (ETGs) in the IllustrisTNG simulation. For the selected 559 ETGs at z = 0 with stellar masses $10^{10.7}\, \mathrm{M}_{\odot } \leqslant M_{\ast } \leqslant 10^{11.9}\, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$, the total power-law slope has a mean of 〈γ′〉 = 2.011 ± 0.007 and a scatter of $\sigma _{\gamma ^{\prime }} = 0.171$ over the radial range 0.4–4 times the stellar half-mass radius. Several correlations between γ′ and galactic properties including stellar mass, effective radius, stellar surface density, central velocity dispersion, central dark matter fraction, and in situ-formed stellar mass ratio are compared to observations and other simulations, revealing that IllustrisTNG reproduces many correlation trends, and in particular, γ′ is almost constant with redshift below z = 2. Through analysing IllustrisTNG model variations, we show that black hole kinetic winds are crucial to lowering γ′ and matching observed galaxy correlations. The effects of stellar winds on γ′ are subdominant compared to active galactic nucleus (AGN) feedback, and differ due to the presence of AGN feedback from previous works. The density profiles of the ETG dark matter haloes are well described by steeper than NFW profiles, and they are steeper in the full physics (FP) run than their counterparts in the dark matter-only (DMO) run. Their inner density slopes anticorrelate (remain constant) with the halo mass in the FP (DMO) run, and anticorrelate with the halo concentration parameter c200 in both the types of runs. The dark matter haloes of low-mass ETGs are contracted whereas high-mass ETGs are expanded, suggesting that variations in the total density profile occur through the different halo responses to baryons.
Galactic dust evolution with rapid dust formation in the interstellar medium due to hypersonic turbulence
Authors: Mattsson Lars
Published: November 2019

Turbulence can significantly accelerate the growth of dust grains by accretion of molecules. For dust dynamically coupled to the gas, the growth rate scales with the square of the Mach number, which means that the growth time-scale can easily be reduced by more than an order of magnitude. The limiting time-scale is therefore rather the rate of molecular cloud formation, which means that dust production in the interstellar medium can rapidly reach the levels needed to explain the dust masses observed at high redshifts. Thus, turbulence may be the solution to the replenishment problem in models of dust evolution in high-redshift galaxies and explain the dust masses seen at $z$ = 7–8. A simple analytic galactic dust-evolution model is presented, where grain growth nicely compensates for the expected higher rate of dust destruction by supernova shocks. This model is simpler, relies on fewer assumptions and seems to yields a better fit to data derived from observations, compared to previous models of the same type.
The electron-impact broadening of the Nb iii for 5p–5d transitions
Authors: Simić Zoran , Sakan Nenad M
Published: November 2019

In this work, we present the data of Stark widths of rare-earth element Nb iii, calculated for 21 spectral lines by using the modified semi-empirical method. Obtained results have been used to study the influence of Stark broadening on spectral lines in hot stars atmospheres such as A-type star and DA and DB white dwarfs.
Measuring Cigarette Smoking Risk Perceptions
Authors: Kaufman Annette R , Twesten Jenny E , Suls Jerry , McCaul Kevin D , Ostroff Jamie S , Ferrer Rebecca A , Brewer Noel T , Cameron Linda D , Halpern-Felsher Bonnie , Hay Jennifer L , Park Elyse R , Peters Ellen , Strong David R , Waters Erika A , Weinstein Neil D , Windschitl Paul D , Klein William M P
Published: November 2019

Risk perception is an important construct in many health behavior theories. Smoking risk perceptions are thoughts and feelings about the harms associated with cigarette smoking. Wide variation in the terminology, definition, and assessment of this construct makes it difficult to draw conclusions about the associations of risk perceptions with smoking behaviors. To understand optimal methods of assessing adults’ cigarette smoking risk perceptions (among both smokers and nonsmokers), we reviewed best practices from the tobacco control literature, and where gaps were identified, we looked more broadly to the research on risk perceptions in other health domains. Based on this review, we suggest assessments of risk perceptions (1) about multiple smoking-related health harms, (2) about harms over a specific timeframe, and (3) for the person affected by the harm. For the measurement of perceived likelihood in particular (ie, the perceived chance of harm from smoking based largely on deliberative thought), we suggest including (4) unconditional and conditional items (stipulating smoking behavior) and (5) absolute and comparative items and including (6) comparisons to specific populations through (7) direct and indirect assessments. We also suggest including (8) experiential (ostensibly automatic, somatic perceptions of vulnerability to a harm) and affective (emotional reactions to a potential harm) risk perception items. We also offer suggestions for (9) response options and (10) the assessment of risk perception at multiple time points. Researchers can use this resource to inform the selection, use, and future development of smoking risk perception measures.

Implications

Incorporating the measurement suggestions for cigarette smoking risk perceptions that are presented will help researchers select items most appropriate for their research questions and will contribute to greater consistency in the assessment of smoking risk perceptions among adults.
Assessing the effects of medium-chain fatty acids and fat sources on PEDV infectivity
Authors: Cochrane Roger A , Dritz Steve S , Woodworth Jason C , Stark Charles R , Saensukjaroenphon Marut , Gebhardt Jordan T , Bai Jianfa , Hesse Richard A , Poulsen Elizabeth G , Chen Qi , Gauger Phillip C , Derscheid Rachel J , Zhang Jianqiang , Tokach Michael D , Main Rodger G , Jones Cassandra K
Published: November 2019

The overall objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) to other common fat sources to minimize the risk of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) cross-contamination in a pig bioassay. Treatments were feed with mitigants inoculated with PEDV after application and were: 1) positive control with no chemical treatment; 2) 0.325% commercially available formaldehyde-based product; 3) 1% blend of 1:1:1 caproic (C6), caprylic (C8), and capric acids (C10) and applied with an aerosolizing nozzle; 4) treatment 3 applied directly into the mixer without an aerosolizing nozzle; 5) 0.66% caproic acid; 6) 0.66% caprylic acid; 7) 0.66% capric acid; 8) 0.66% lauric acid; 9) 1% blend of 1:1 capric and lauric acids; 10) 0.3% commercially available dry C12 product; 11) 1% canola oil; 12) 1% choice white grease; 13) 2% coconut oil; 14) 1% coconut oil; 15) 2% palm kernel oil; 16) 1% palm kernel oil; 17) 1% soy oil and four analysis days (0, 1, 3, and 7 post inoculation) as well as 1 treatment of PEDV-negative feed without chemical treatment. There was a treatment × day interaction (P < 0.002) for detectable PEDV RNA. The magnitude of the increase in Ct value from d 0 to 7 was dependent upon the individual treatments. Feed treated with individual MCFA, 1% MCFA blend, or commercial-based formaldehyde had fewer (P < 0.05) detectable viral particles than all other treatments. Commercial-based formaldehyde, 1% MCFA, 0.66% caproic, 0.66% caprylic, and 0.66% capric acids had no evidence of infectivity 10-d old pig bioassay, while there was no evidence the C12 commercial product or longer chain fat sources inhibited PEDV infectivity. Interestingly, pigs given the coconut oil source with the highest composition of caprylic and capric only showed signs of infectivity on the last day of bioassay. These data suggest some MCFA have potential for reducing post feed manufacture PEDV contamination.
Development of a low-density panel for genomic selection of pigs in Russia1
Authors: Shashkova Tatiana I , Martynova Elena U , Ayupova Asiya F , Shumskiy Artemy A , Ogurtsova Polina A , Kostyunina Olga V , Khaitovich Philipp E , Mazin Pavel V , Zinovieva Natalia A
Published: November 2019

Genomic selection is routinely used worldwide in agricultural breeding. However, in Russia, it is still not used to its full potential partially due to high genotyping costs. The use of genotypes imputed from the low-density chips (LD-chip) provides a valuable opportunity for reducing the genotyping costs. Pork production in Russia is based on the conventional 3-tier pyramid involving 3 breeds; therefore, the best option would be the development of a single LD-chip that could be used for all of them. Here, we for the first time have analyzed genomic variability in 3 breeds of Russian pigs, namely, Landrace, Duroc, and Large White and generated the LD-chip that can be used in pig breeding with the negligible loss in genotyping quality. We have demonstrated that out of the 3 methods commonly used for LD-chip construction, the block method shows the best results. The imputation quality depends strongly on the presence of close ancestors in the reference population. We have demonstrated that for the animals with both parents genotyped using high-density panels high-quality genotypes (allelic discordance rate < 0.05) could be obtained using a 300 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip, while in the absence of genotyped ancestors at least 2,000 SNP markers are required. We have shown that imputation quality varies between chromosomes, and it is lower near the chromosome ends and drops with the increase in minor allele frequency. Imputation quality of the individual SNPs correlated well across breeds. Using the same LD-chip, we were able to obtain comparable imputation quality in all 3 breeds, so it may be suggested that a single chip could be used for all of them. Our findings also suggest that the presence of markers with extremely low imputation quality is likely to be explained by wrong mapping of the markers to the chromosomal positions.
In vivo Ca2+ dynamics in single pancreatic β cells
Authors: Jacob Stefan , Köhler Martin , Tröster Philip , Visa Montse , García‐Prieto Concha F. , Alanentalo Tomas , Moede Tilo , Leibiger Barbara , Leibiger Ingo B. , Berggren Per‐Olof
Published: November 2019

The dynamics of cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in pancreatic β cells is central to our understanding of β‐cell physiology and pathology. In this context, there are numerous in vitro studies available but existing in vivo data are scarce. We now critically evaluate the anterior chamber of the eye as an in vivo, non‐invasive, imaging site for measuring [Ca2+]i dynamics longitudinally in three dimensions and at single‐cell resolution. By applying a fluorescently labeled glucose analogue 2‐(N‐(7‐Nitrobenz‐2‐oxa‐1,3‐diazol‐4‐yl)Amino)‐2‐Deoxyglucose in vivo, we followed how glucose almost simultaneously distributes to all cells within the islet volume, resulting in [Ca2+]i changes. We found that almost all β cells in healthy mice responded to a glucose challenge, while in hyperinsulinemic, hyperglycemic mice about 80% of the β cells could not be further stimulated from fasting basal conditions. This finding indicates that our imaging modality can resolve functional heterogeneity within the β‐cell population in terms of glucose responsiveness. Importantly, we demonstrate that glucose homeostasis is markedly affected using isoflurane compared to hypnorm/midazolam anesthetics, which has major implications for [Ca2+]i measurements. In summary, this setup offers a powerful tool to further investigate in vivo pancreatic β‐cell [Ca2+]i response patterns at single‐cell resolution in health and disease.
ESCRT subunit CHMP4B localizes to primary cilia and is required for the structural integrity of the ciliary membrane
Authors: Jung Eunji , Choi Tae‐Ik , Lee Ji‐Eun , Kim Cheol‐Hee , Kim Joon
Published: November 2019

Proteins specialized in the detection, generation, or stabilization of membrane curvature play important roles in establishing various morphologies of cells and cellular organelles. Primary cilia are cellular organelles that protrude from the cell surface using a microtubule‐based cytoskeleton called the axoneme as a structural support. It is unclear whether the integrity of the high curvature of the ciliary membrane depends on membrane curvature‐related proteins. Charged Multivesicular Body Protein 4B (CHMP4B), a subunit of the endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT), can stabilize membrane curvature. Here we show that CHMP4B is involved in the assembly and maintenance of primary cilia. CHMP4B was localized to primary cilia in mammalian cells. Knockdown of CHMP4B interfered with cilium assembly and also caused fragmentation of preexisting cilia. By contrast, cilium formation was unaffected by the interruption of the ESCRT‐dependent endocytic degradation pathway. Morpholino (MO)‐mediated CHMP4B depletion in zebrafish embryos induced characteristic phenotypes of ciliary defects such as curved body axis, hydrocephalus, otolith malformation, and kidney cyst. Our study reveals a new role for the multifunctional protein CHMP4B as a key factor in maintaining the structural integrity of primary cilia.
Roles of glycogen synthase kinase 3 alpha and calcineurin in regulating the ability of sperm to fertilize eggs
Authors: Dey Souvik , Eisa Alaa , Kline Douglas , Wagner Florence F. , Abeysirigunawardena Sanjaya , Vijayaraghavan Srinivasan
Published: November 2019

Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) was identified as an enzyme regulating sperm protein phosphatase. The GSK3α paralog, but not GSK3β, is essential for sperm function. Sperm lacking GSK3α display altered motility and are unable to undergo hyperactivation, which is essential for fertilization. Male mice lacking sperm‐specific calcineurin (PP2B), a calcium regulated phosphatase, in testis and sperm, are also infertile. Loss of PP2B results in impaired epididymal sperm maturation and motility. The phenotypes of GSK3α and PP2B knockout mice are similar, prompting us to examine the interrelationship between these two enzymes in sperm. High calcium levels must exist to permit catalytically active calcineurin to function during epididymal sperm maturation. Total and free calcium levels are high in immotile compared to motile epididymal sperm. Inhibition of calcineurin by FK506 results in an increase in the net phosphorylation and a consequent decrease in catalytic activity of sperm GSK3. The inhibitor FK506 and an isoform‐selective inhibitor of GSK3α, BRD0705, also inhibited fertilization of eggs in vitro. Interrelated functions of GSK3α and sperm PP2B are essential during epididymal sperm maturation and during fertilization. Our results should enable the development of male contraceptives targeting one or both enzymes.
Scalp Block Is Associated With Improved Recurrence Profiles in Patients Undergoing Primary Glioma Resection Surgery
Authors: Sung Chao-Hsien , Tsuang Fon-Yih , Shih Chung-Chih , Chang Jui-Ling , Liao Min-Hsiu , Yang Ya-Wen , Lee Tzong-Shiun , Cheng Hsiao-Liang , Wu Chun-Yu
Published: November 2019

Background:

Glioma is associated with high recurrence and poor survival, despite the success of tumor resection surgery. This may be partly because the immune microenvironment within a glioma is susceptible to perioperative immunosuppression. Therefore, intraoperative anesthesia-related immunomodulators, such as scalp block, intravenous anesthesia, the opioid dosage administered, and transfusions, may influence oncological outcomes among patients with glioma. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the influence of anesthetic techniques on oncological outcomes after craniotomy for glioma resection, particularly the effects of scalp block, intravenous anesthesia, and inhalation anesthesia.

Methods:

Consecutive patients who underwent primary glioma resection surgeries between January 2010 and December 2017 were analyzed to compare postcraniotomy oncological outcomes (progression-free survival [PFS] and overall survival) by using the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate Cox regression analysis. A propensity score-matched regression analysis including prognostic covariates was also conducted to analyze the selected relevant anesthetic factors of the unmatched regression model.

Results:

A total of 230 patients were included in the final analysis. No analyzed anesthetic factor was associated with overall survival. Patients who received scalp block had a more favorable median (95% confidence interval [CI]) PFS (55.37 [95% CI, 12.63-62.23] vs. 14.07 [95% CI, 11.27-17.67] mo; P=0.0053). Scalp block was associated with improved PFS before (hazard ratio, 0.465; 95% CI, 0.272-0.794; P=0.0050) and after (hazard ratio, 0.367; 95% CI, 0.173-0.779; P=0.0091) propensity score-matched Cox regression analysis. By contrast, intravenous anesthesia, amount of opioid consumed, and transfusion were not associated with PFS.

Conclusions:

The study results suggest that the scalp block improves the recurrence profiles of patients receiving primary glioma resection.
A descriptive case of persistent Acanthamoeba keratitis: raising awareness of this complex ocular disease
Authors: Connelly Lisa , Anijeet Deepa , Alexander Claire L.
Published: November 2019

Background. Acanthamoeba species are ubiquitous free-living organisms found in the environment. They can cause a sight-threatening disease of the cornea termed Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), often associated with contact-lens wearers. This case review describes a persistent presentation of AK and raises awareness of the challenges faced when diagnosing and managing the disease. It highlights the importance of an accurate and rapid diagnosis to assist patient management and to maximize the potential for a better outcome.

Case presentation. A 73-year-old female was admitted to hospital due to vision impairment of her left eye. Following a clinical examination, the diagnosis of herpes simplex keratitis (HSK) was reported and treated with antivirals. However, deterioration of her keratitis continued after initial treatment, which prompted an investigation into the possibility of AK. Molecular testing of sequential corneal tissue was performed using a real-time PCR assay alongside further clinical examinations. Acanthamoeba species DNA was isolated from seven out of eight corneal tissues over a 12 month period. Following prolonged drug treatment and two corneal transplants, the individual’s symptoms ceased and further molecular testing of corneal tissue was negative.

Conclusions.
Acanthamoeba keratitis can be easily misdiagnosed due to the similarities in the clinical presentation to other, much more common ocular pathogens. This case highlights the importance of considering AK in the first-line diagnosis, and raises awareness that an early, accurate and rapid diagnosis is crucial to improve patient outcome.
Merger of Betula tatewakiana (Betulaceae) from northern Japan to northeast Asian B. ovalifolia based on ploidy level
Authors: Shiotani Yuki , Fukuda Tomoko , Pimenova Elena A. , Petrunenko Ekaterina A. , Krestov Pavel V. , Bondarchuk Svetlana N. , Nishikawa Yoko , Shimamura Takashi , Fujimura Yoshiyasu , Nakamura Koh
Published: November 2019

It has been controversial whether Betula tatewakiana, a dwarf birch distributed in Hokkaido of northern Japan, is an endemic species or a synonym of B. ovalifolia broadly distributed in northeast Asia. The endemic hypothesis is based on the idea that B. tatewakiana is diploid while B. ovalifolia is tetraploid and that they are separated based on the ploidy level; however no chromosome data have actually been published before. Resolving the taxonomic problem is crucial also in judging the conservation priority of B. tatewakiana in a global perspective. Our chromosome observation revealed that B. tatewakiana is tetraploid as well as B. ovalifolia. Collaterally, we conducted morphological observation and clarified that B. tatewakiana is morphologically identical to B. ovalifolia in white hairs and dense resinous glands respectively on adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces, based on which they are different from closely related species in the same section Fruticosae. We concluded that the hypothesis that B. tatewakiana is a Hokkaido endemic based on the ploidy level is not supported and that B. tatewakiana should be merged with B. ovalifolia.
Stress-induced C14→C15 phase transformation in a Zr(Fe,Cr)2 Laves structured nanophase
Authors: Yuan Fusen , Liu Chengze , Han Fuzhou , Zhang Yingdong , Muhammad Ali , Guo Wenbin , Gu Hengfei , Li Geping
Published: November 2019

The C14 (hexagonal close-packed) and C15 (face-centred cubic) close-packed structures are found to coexist in an individual Zr(Fe,Cr)2 Laves structured nanophase in Zircaloy-4 alloy with shear deformation. The orientation relationship between C15 and C14 is [\bar 1 10]C15//[11\bar 20]C14 and (\bar 111)C15//(0001)C14. The stacking faults (SFs) in the C15 structure and the high-density SFs between C15 and C14 have been identified using transmission electron microscopy, which showed they originated on close-packed planes by emission of 1/6〈\bar 2 \bar 1\bar 1〉 Shockley partial dislocations from the phase boundary. Furthermore, the stress-induced C14→C15 phase transformation took place during the shear deformation.
Analysis of DC bus bar dominant stray parameters based on equivalent calculation models
Authors: He Shaomin , Yang Huan , Li Guangzhuo , Hu Sideng , He Xiangning
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the dominant stray parameters of the DC bus bar and focus on weakening the influence of the stray parameters instead of reducing the value of the stray parameters in DC bus bar while switching. By finding the mechanisms to reduce the effects of stray parameters on switching transient, the simple and straightforward optimization methods could be given for the engineering designer.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigations are focused on the equivalent circuit by segmented impedance evaluation in the low-frequency band and the energy propagation by wave impedance evaluation in the high frequency band. This paper proposes an equivalent impedance calculation model to locate the dominant stray parameters in the DC bus bar and takes the energy propagation characteristics using wave impedance into consideration, which can simplify the optimization design of DC bus bar.

Findings

According to the equivalent circuit and electromagnetic field analysis, this paper proves the existence of the dominant stray parameters in DC bus bar that is widely used on high-power converters and certifies that not all the stray parameters in different areas of DC bus bar have the same effects on switching process, which can give a good guidance for the optimization design of DC bus bar.

Originality/value

The positions of DC-link capacitors, resulting in only part of stray parameters in DC bus bar has more impact during switching, are significant to the DC bus bar optimization design. These stray parameters named dominant stray parameters in this paper play a leading role in the switching transient process. The area of DC bus bar, which is close to IGBTs and far from DC-link capacitors, contains the dominant stray parameters in the switching transient process. Therefore, the distance between DC-link capacitors and IGBTs should be shortened as much as possible. Based on the results, the efficiency for the DC bus bar optimization design could be improved by weakening the influence of the stray parameters, such as reducing the dominant stray parameters only. Therefore, it can save the cost and time of DC bus bar optimization design.
Simplification by pruning as a model order reduction approach for RF-MEMS switches
Authors: Ciuprina Gabriela , Ioan Daniel , Lup Aurel-Sorin , Silveira Luis Miguel , Duca Anton , Kraft Michael
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This paper proposes an algorithm for the extraction of reduced order models of MEMS switches, based on using a physics aware simplification technique.

Design/methodology/approach

The reduced model is built progressively by increasing the complexity of the physical model. The approach starts with static analyses and continues with dynamic ones. Physical phenomena are introduced sequentially in the reduced model whose order is increased until accuracy, computed by assessing forces that are kept in the reduced model, is acceptable.

Findings

The technique is exemplified for RF-MEMS switches, but it can be extended for any device where physical phenomena can be included one by one, in a hierarchy of models. The extraction technique is based on analogies that are carried out for both the multiphysics and the full-wave electromagnetic phenomena and their couplings. In the final model, the multiphysics electromechanical phenomena is reduced to a system with lumped components with nonlinear elastic and damping forces, coupled with a system with distributed and lumped components which represents the reduced model of the RF electromagnetic phenomena.

Originality/value

Contrary to the order reduction by projection methods, this approach has the advantage that the simplified model can be easily understood, the equations and variables have significance for the user and the algorithm starts with a model of minimal order, which is increased until the approximation error is acceptable. The novelty of the proposed method is that, being tailored to a specific application, it is able to keep physical interpretation inside the reduced model. This is the reason why, the obtained model has an extremely low order, much lower than the one achievable with general state-of-the-art procedures.
Information seeking behaviour of beggars in Accra
Authors: Owusu Charlotte , Kankam Philip Kwaku
Published: November 2019

Purpose

It is evident that human existence is highly dependent on information. Information is considered to be an essential right of every single individual to sustain life and enjoy it as well. The benefits of looking into the information behaviour of people can, therefore, not be overemphasised. However, there is a yawning gap in research conducted into the information behaviour of marginalised groups such as beggars. This study aims to investigate the information seeking behaviour of beggars in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a case study design, the study used a qualitative approach and interpretivist paradigm to look into this phenomenon. In total, ten beggars were sampled from the beggar population in Accra through the use of convenient and snowball sampling techniques. A semi-structured interview schedule was used as data collection tool to solicit responses from the participants.

Findings

The study revealed that beggars in Accra lacked understanding of their information needs, although they were heavily dependent on information for their tasks and survival. Again, the findings of the study showed that beggars were faced with information seeking barriers such as illiteracy, lack of information literacy skills and financial resources. The study recommends the need for stakeholders to look into the social welfare and literacy needs of beggars.

Originality/value

The authors consider the study original both in conceptualisation and design. The main question being interrogated stems from identified gaps in the literature and the study intends to fill these knowledge gaps. The study’s originality also stems from the fact that there is a paucity of information on the subject of study in the context of Ghana.
Subsidiary autonomy and knowledge transfer
Authors: Søberg Peder Veng , Wæhrens Brian Vejrum
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the effect of subsidiary autonomy on knowledge transfers during captive offshoring to emerging markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Five longitudinal cases of captive R&D and manufacturing offshoring to emerging markets.

Findings

The propositions entail the dual effect of operational subsidiary autonomy on primary knowledge transfer and reverse knowledge transfer. For newly established subsidiaries, operational subsidiary autonomy has a mainly negative effect on primary knowledge transfer and a mainly positive effect on reverse knowledge transfer and local collaboration activities increase this effect. Strategic subsidiary autonomy is mainly negative for primary and reverse knowledge transfer.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations concerning the applied exploratory case study approach suggest that further research should test the identified relationships using surveys, after the initial pilot study.

Practical implications

A gradual increase of operational subsidiary autonomy as the subsidiary capability level increases is beneficial to ensure primary knowledge transfer. Allowing subsidiaries to collaborate locally within the confines of their mandates benefits reverse knowledge transfer.

Originality/value

This paper extends the secondary knowledge transfer concept to include knowledge flows with local collaboration partners, not only other subsidiaries and clarifies the distinction between operational and strategic autonomy concerning local collaboration. A subsidiary asserts operational autonomy when its collaboration with local partners relates to its existing mandate. A subsidiary asserts strategic autonomy when it collaborates with local partners beyond this mandate.
The end of architecture as we know it, the genesis of tomorrow’s tourism
Authors: Bevolo Marco
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to inform the reader of some emerging trends in placemaking and digital destination management, while providing a conceptual background on shifts in architectural design.

Design/methodology/approach

The trend paper is based on a fundamental bibliographic view on evolutions in placemaking, from architectural design to spatial agency, integrated by and contextualized in tourism trends, however possibly anecdotal.

Findings

The trend paper identifies a fundamental shift from architectural processes to spatial agency as organizing principle for placemaking, discussing how digital tourism trends are formed or forming change in this.

Originality/value

The trend paper newly relates otherwise distant and unrelated fields, namely architectural design theory and tourism trends, by connecting at the level of IoT and IT digital technologies, exploring the impact and the mutual role played by its two constituencies.
Applying the world-changing through social action protocol with young adult literature
Authors: Henning A. Suzie , Shaffer Shelly
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a protocol for developing students into social actors using young adult (YA) literature in social studies. The world-changing through social action protocol (WSAP) utilizes five recursive steps (P2TripleS): problem posing, problem history, systems thinking, solutions thinking and social action. WSAP is designed to provide secondary social studies teachers with tools to create thematic units, activities and discussions about difficult current issues, such as school violence, bullying, death, or suicide. The purpose of WSAP is to help teachers incorporate strategies to encourage civic action for social justice.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, WSAP is applied to the YA novel Violent Ends (Hutchinson et al., 2015), which describes a school shooting and its effects from multiple perspectives.

Findings

This paper discusses the use of the theoretical framework, WSAP and its five recursive steps (P2TripleS). The protocol developed is a helpful tool for teachers to integrate ELA and Social Studies curriculum in a student-centered, project-based environment while addressing the C3 and Common Core State Standards. The protocol is applied to the YA novel, Violent Ends (Hutchinson et al., 2015) and includes questions and strategies that guide teachers and students to critically think about democratic action and gun violence.

Practical implications

The specific steps of the WSAP protocol will be demonstrated with Violent Ends, providing example activities from this book for practitioners.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to apply the WSAP with a YA text.
Nitric oxide mediates oxylipin production and grazing defense in diatoms
Authors: Johnson Matthew D. , Edwards Bethanie R. , Beaudoin David J. , Van Mooy Benjamin A. S. , Vardi Assaf
Published: November 2019

Diatom blooms are important features of productive marine ecosystems and are known to support higher trophic levels. However, when stressed or wounded, diatoms can produce oxylipin molecules known to inhibit the reproduction and development of copepods and decrease microzooplankton growth rates. Using oxylipin chemical treatments, lipidomic analysis and functional genomic approaches, we provide evidence that nitric oxide (NO) and oxylipin signalling pathways in diatoms respond to protist grazers, resulting in increased defence fitness and survival. Exposure of the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum to the dinoflagellate Oxyrrhis marina resulted in NO production by P. tricornutum and pronounced change in its dissolved oxylipin profile. Experimentally elevating levels of NO also resulted in increased oxylipin production, and lower overall grazing rates. Furthermore, O. marina preferentially grazed on P. tricornutum prey with lower levels of NO, suggesting that this molecule and its effect on oxylipin pathways play a key role in prey selection. Exposure of O. marina grazing on P. tricornutum to exogenous oxylipins also decreased grazing rates, which is consistent with a grazing deterrence role for these molecules. These results suggest that NO and oxylipin production help to structure diatom communities, in part by modulating interactions with microzooplankton predators.
Naloxone‐Induced Withdrawal in Individuals With and Without Fentanyl‐Positive Urine Samples
Authors: Jones Jermaine D. , Sherwin Elliana , Martinez Suky , Comer Sandra D.
Published: November 2019

Background and Objective

This retrospective analysis of data from heroin users screening for clinical research, sought to determine if more naloxone is needed to precipitate opioid withdrawal among those who regularly use heroin with fentanyl, as opposed to those who use heroin without fentanyl.

Methods

Over the course of three to five screening visits, participants completed assessments of drug use, along with urine toxicology tests at each visit. To test for opioid dependence, 29 participants completed a modified Wang test (score: 0‐150) during which an intramuscular dose of naloxone (0.2‐0.4 mg) was administered and the severity of withdrawal was quantified.

Results

The severity of opioid withdrawal was compared between individuals whose urine toxicology regularly tested positive for fentanyl (N = 15), and those only positive for other opioids (N = 14). No significant differences were found in demographic or drug use between the fentanyl‐positive (mean: age 41.1 years, 9.1 bags heroin/d) and fentanyl‐negative (42.0 years, 10.0 bags heroin/d) groups. Intramuscular naloxone‐precipitated robust withdrawal in both samples (P < .01) with no significant difference (P = .8) in the severity (fentanyl positive [100.6 ± 13.4]; fentanyl negative [82.7 ± 9.6]).

Conclusions and Scientific Significance

These data suggest that a standard naloxone dose can be equally effective at precipitating withdrawal in individuals using heroin with fentanyl compared to heroin without fentanyl. These data contribute to our understanding of how naloxone antagonizes the effects of fentanyl and may have significant implications for the clinical laboratory and opioid overdose. A prospective clinical laboratory study with the proper opioid maintenance controls is needed to provide a more definitive finding. (Am J Addict 2019;00:00–00)
Acute myeloid leukaemia and the immune system: implications for immunotherapy
Authors: Barrett A. John
Published: November 2019

The recognition of the curative potential of the graft‐versus‐leukaemia effect for patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) undergoing stem cell transplantation, and the emergence of immunotherapy as a powerful weapon to treat cancer, has spurred the exploration of the immune landscape of AML to apply immunotherapeutic approaches to curing the disease. While current concepts of cancer immunology and immunotherapy have relevance, there are also unique aspects of immune dysregulation in AML to be considered when designing rational immunotherapy for this leukaemia. This is timely because rapid advances in cancer immunobiology, together with technological developments have opened up the field of immunotherapy for malignant disease. Here the current knowledge of AML immunobiology is summarized together with a description of new immunotherapies to counter immunosuppression and immune evasion by AML. Recent advances in treatment with recombinant antibodies, adoptive cell therapy and vaccines and their future promise in AML treatment are reviewed.
Online peer mentorship programmes for children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disabilities: A systematic review
Authors: Saxena Shikha , Mitchell Jacob , Ehsan Annahita , Majnemer Annette , Shikako‐Thomas Keiko
Published: November 2019

Background

Children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disabilities may be less well integrated into their community than their peers. Online groups can be particularly accessible for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities, as individuals may be able to connect with a larger network than they would in their local community. This systematic review aimed at estimating the effectiveness of online peer mentorship programmes on children and adolescent's participation in life situations.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted to search Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL, and Education Research Complete (ERIC) electronic databases. Thematic analysis was done for studies that used qualitative methodology.

Results

Eleven articles were included, and they examined the influences of five different structured online peer mentorship intervention programmes and six different online support groups. The disabilities included cerebral palsy (n = 3), autism spectrum disorder (n = 3), spina bifida (n = 2), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (n = 2), and other neurodevelopmental disorders. The mentors included in the studies were caregivers of children with disabilities, youth and adults with disabilities, and a virtual peer actor. The mentees included in the studies were youth with disabilities (age 10–19 years) and their families. Intervention characteristics varied across the studies but consistently showed a unique potential to facilitate social networking and support. Intervention programmes with specific content and structure showed better participation outcomes than unstructured interventions. Presence of a moderator and participant characteristics (age and sociocultural background) was suggested to influence the outcomes of interventions.

Conclusions

Online peer mentorship programmes appear to have positive influence on social engagement and participation in life situation for children and adolescents with disabilities. This paper discusses several areas that should be considered in future research studies to improve potential effectiveness and use of study designs that help to establish not only if interventions work but also for whom they work best and why.
Immediate dental implants in fibula free flaps to reconstruct the mandible: A pilot study of the short‐term effects on radiotherapy for patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Sandoval María L. , Rosen Evan B. , Robert Allen J. , Nelson Jonas A. , Matros Evan , Gelblum Daphna Y.
Published: November 2019

Objectives

The current pilot study aims to report short‐term experience as it relates to acute radiotherapy treatment outcomes comparing patients with immediate dental implants in fibula free flap reconstructions to a historical cohort of patients with fibula free flap reconstructions without dental implants.

Materials and methods

A retrospective review of patients who underwent segmental mandibulectomy, reconstruction with fibula free flaps, and adjuvant radiotherapy with (n = 10) and without immediate dental implants (n = 10) at a tertiary cancer center from 2015 to 2018 was performed (IRB #17‐271). Incidence of postoperative complications, time to initiation of radiation therapy, development of acute toxicity, and patient reported outcome data were recorded. The radiation plans were evaluated to identify the mean and maximum doses received by the mandible and oral cavity as well as the locations of radiation global hot spots.

Results

There was a similar number of postoperative complications in both cohorts, with three events in the case group and two events in the control group. Patients with dental implants reported less trismus than control patients. Evaluation of the radiation treatment plans revealed similar median radiation global hot spots in both groups.

Conclusions

The current study suggests that the presence of dental implants does not increase the risk of complications following surgery or during radiation treatment. Implants do not alter radiation dosimetry but do appear to positively impact early patient quality of life. Although longer follow‐up is needed, based on this preliminary experience, cancer patients should be offered this type of reconstruction without fear of impacting radiation timing or delivery.