bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The alimentary tract of arostrate, dwarfish males of the aphid genus Stomaphis (Insecta, Hemiptera)
Authors: Kaszyca-Taszakowska Natalia , Jarosz Natalia , Depa Łukasz
Published: June 2020

Dwarfish males are a relatively common phenomenon in animals, occurring in various taxa, most often when females conduct a sedentary life mode. Such males, beside smaller size, exhibit a series of morphological and anatomical alterations, mostly structural reductions. Here we present the case of the alimentary tract of dwarfish males of the aphid genus Stomaphis where, despite it being structurally normal, it does not serve its original function due to a lack of mouthparts. Cross-sections through mounted specimens revealed also that nervous and reproductive systems are fully developed. The question arises as to whether such a system may be considered vestigial, or an exaptation with secondary function shifted to play new primary function. Because the aphid genus Stomaphis is known from the fossil record to have existed for at least ca. 14 My and all of its species have dwarfish, arostral males, this indicates that it may be too short a period for reduction of the whole system. It also raises questions about the mechanisms of loss of the primary functionality of the whole physiological unit, and the influence of such modification on the evolution of its phylogenetic successors. Secondary functions of the tract are speculated to be responsible for its endurance.
The participle as a component of the verbal system in Biblical Hebrew
Authors: Joosten Jan
Published: June 2020

In Biblical Hebrew, the active participle has, as may be expected, a number of nominal and adjectival functions. However, it also, in certain contexts, exerts a verbal meaning. In the latter function, the participle is part of the verbal paradigm, expressing a range of nuances some of which—notably the expression of the “real present”—cannot be expressed by any other verbal form. The main verbal functions of the participle are exemplified in the paper. Also a diachronic trajectory of syntactic change is described leading from the “classical” Biblical Hebrew of the monarchic period (tenth to seventh centuries BCE) to early post-biblical Hebrew (first century BCE).
The Influence of Street Network Features on Robberies Around Public Housing Communities
Authors: Kelsay James D. , Haberman Cory P.
Published: June 2020

Previous research has consistently identified a crime spillover effect from public housing communities. However, variation in spillover between communities has also been observed. Drawing upon environmental criminology and recent advancements in crime and place research, we examine whether street block betweenness conditions the relationship between street block distance to public housing communities and robbery levels. Negative binomial regression results indicate that street block distance is inversely related to robberies and betweenness is positively associated with robbery levels. The interaction between distance to the nearest public housing community and betweenness suggests robberies decrease more slowly farther from public housing communities on street blocks with higher betweenness. Findings demonstrate the importance of considering the context in which potentially criminogenic facilities are situated.
Juvenile Sex Offenders in Turkey: A Study on Offense Characteristics, Risk Factors, and the Differences between Juvenile Sex Offenders and Other Juvenile Offenders
Authors: Buker Hasan , Erbay Ayhan
Published: June 2020

Based on a data set ( n = 920) derived from court files of adjudicated youth in one of the largest court districts in Turkey, this study represents the first systematic attempt to understand juvenile sex offenders (JSOs) and their offenses in this contemporary urban context. The study results show, first off, that sexual offending among Turkish youth has been increasing at a rate comparable to that of other Western societies. Secondly, the victims of the sex offenses examined in the study were mostly of the opposite sex (female), were typically younger than the offenders, and commonly were acquaintances (friends, family, partners). Thirdly, the results indicated that the JSOs were significantly different from other juvenile offenders, and in terms of most of the risk factors used in juvenile justice assessments they had an advantage over the other juvenile offenders. These results are discussed in light of findings reported in previous studies, along with considerations relating to the public policy implications and the research recommendations arising from the outcomes of this foundational research.
Economizing the political: Workfare reform in strategic management mode
Authors: Ylöstalo Hanna , Adkins Lisa
Published: June 2020

The focus of this article is a recent round of workfare reform in Finland. Departing from many existing analyses of workfare, it focuses on issues of governance. Drawing on policy documents and interviews with key policy actors, it shows how this reform and attempts at implementation took place along the lines of a specific form of managerial governance, namely strategic governance, involving the enrolment of strategic management into policy making. The article details how this mode of policy making enabled an intensification and depoliticization of workfare policies via the replacement of political concerns with economic imperatives and in so doing contributed to the broader process of economization of the state. While the latter is often located as central to the project of neoliberalism, the practices through which it is instantiated often remain hazy. This article therefore contributes knowledge on how the process of the economization of the political operates in practice.
A novel distributed event-triggered control for reactive power sharing based on hierarchical structure in islanded microgrid
Authors: Long Yingwen , Zhu Yanxiang , Zhang Wei
Published: June 2020

Due to line impedance mismatches, nonlinear loads and other reasons, the traditional droop control algorithms have great limitations on the control of reactive power sharing. Distributed control algorithms based on hierarchical structure have become an effective approach for reactive power sharing compared with traditional centralized control methods. In this paper, an event-triggered control algorithm based on stability analysis of Lyapunov method is put forward in order to satisfy the demand of low-bandwidth communication for distributed generator in islanded microgrid. Subsequently, a distributed hierarchical control scheme adopting proposed event-triggered strategy is designed to achieve proportional reactive power sharing in an islanded microgrid. Finally, the feasibility and validity of the proposed algorithm are further verified in MATLAB/Simulink environment.
A systematic review of randomized controlled trials of psychoeducation interventions for patients diagnosed with schizophrenia
Authors: Alhadidi Majdi MB , Lim Abdullah Khatijah , Yoong Tang Li , Al Hadid Lourance , Danaee Mahmoud
Published: June 2020

Background:

Schizophrenia is one of the most complicated psychiatric disorders, and, although medication therapy continues to be the core treatment for schizophrenia, there is a need for psychotherapy that helps in providing patients comprehensive mental health care. Psychoeducation is one of the most recognized psychosocial interventions specific to schizophrenia. Further knowledge about the impact of this type of intervention on patients diagnosed with schizophrenia needs to be acquired.

Aim:

This review aimed to explore the effects of psychoeducational interventions on improving outcome measures for patients diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Methods:

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guideline was used in this systematic review. Two reviewers were involved in screening articles for inclusion and in the data extraction process. The selected studies were assessed for quality using the ‘Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trial (CONSORT)’ checklist. Out of the 441 records identified, 11 papers were considered for full review (from 2000 to 2018).

Results:

The psychoeducational interventions showed a consistent improvement in many outcome measures. Most of the reviewed studies focused on outpatients and the method of delivering the psychoeducational interventions was mostly in lecture format.

Conclusion:

This systematic review of randomized controlled trial studies emphasizes the positive impact of psychoeducational interventions for patients diagnosed with schizophrenia concerning various outcome measures. The findings of this review have important implications for both nursing practice and research, as the information presented can be used by the administrators and stakeholders of mental health facilities to increase their understanding and awareness of the importance of integrating psychoeducational interventions in the routine care of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Experimental investigation of the crush performance of prepreg platelet molding compound tubes
Authors: Cutting Rebecca A , Rios-Tascon Federico , Goodsell Johnathan E
Published: June 2020

This work presents an experimental study characterizing the crush performance of hollow cylindrical tubes made with prepreg platelet molding compound (PPMC). PPMC is a composite material system that uses platelets from chopped and slit unidirectional prepreg as the basis for a molding compound. This material system has a higher fiber volume fraction and better mechanical properties than traditional short fiber systems and can be molded into complex geometries unlike continuous fiber systems. As such, this material system shows promise for use with complex structural members in vehicles. The failure morphology and specific energy absorption of the material are evaluated with different thickness-to-diameter geometries and test speeds. In addition, this work investigates how PPMC components compare to traditional continuous fiber components and finds that PPMC performs as well as continuous fiber layups with similar effective laminate stiffnesses.
Efficient production of immunodeficient non-obese diabetic/Shi-scid IL2rγnull mice via the superovulation technique using inhibin antiserum and gonadotropin
Authors: Goto Motohito , Takeo Toru , Takahashi Riichi , Nakagata Naomi
Published: June 2020

Severe immunodeficient mice are an essential tool for the examination of the efficacy and safety of new therapeutic technologies as a humanized model. Previously, non-obese diabetic (NOD)/Shi-scid IL2rγnull (NOG) mice were established as immunodeficient mice by combining interleukin-2 receptor-γ chain-knockout mice and NOD/Shi-scid mice. The NOG mice are used frequently in the research of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and regenerative medicine for human diseases. Establishment of an efficient production system of NOG mice, using optimized reproductive techniques, is required to accelerate research. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of the superovulation technique using equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and inhibin antiserum (IAS) in NOG mice of various ages (4, 8, 12, 24, or 54 weeks). Additionally, we examined the fertilizing and developmental ability of the oocytes through in-vitro fertilization using frozen–thawed sperm, embryo culture and embryo transfer. The results showed that NOG mice produced the highest number of oocytes at 12 weeks old following the co-administration of eCG and IAS (collectively IASe) (70 oocytes/female). IASe was more effective in increasing the number of oocytes v. eCG at all ages. The IASe-derived oocytes demonstrated the ability to fertilize and develop into blastocysts and pups. Finally, we demonstrated that three strains of genetically modified NOG mice were efficiently produced through the optimized reproductive techniques. In summary, we developed an efficient system for the production of immunodeficient mice using 12-week-old, IASe-treated female NOG mice.
The silent deaths of the elderly in long-term care facilities during the Covid-19 pandemic: The role of forensic pathology
Authors: Cordasco Fabrizio , Scalise Carmen , Sacco Matteo Antonio , Bonetta Carlo Filippo , Zibetti Angelica , Cacciatore Giulia , Caputo Fiorella , Ricci Pietrantonio , Aquila Isabella
Published: June 2020

The Covid-19 pandemic is currently a major global public health problem. We know that the elderly and people with chronic diseases contract the infection more easily and they develop clinically more serious and often lethal forms. To date, the reasons for this have been generically attributed to old age and underlying diseases. Most Covid-19 deaths occurred in long-term care facilities because the residents are elderly people with chronic illness living in close contact. Therefore, facilities have become epidemic outbreaks. Forensic knowledge is very limited because an autopsy is rarely performed. Post-mortem investigations can help increase knowledge about Covid-19 and identify any undiagnosed pathologies in life. Therefore, forensic investigations play a role in protecting a frail population. Autopsies should be encouraged on elderly people who died of Covid-19.
Is China a Deviant Case? A Societal-Level Test of the Modernization Theory
Authors: Zhou Yingnan Joseph
Published: June 2020

Some view China as a deviant case to the modernization theory. This view is based on two observations. First, the Chinese middle class shows no distinct democratic orientations. Second, one’s trust in the Chinese Communist Party regime rises as he or she gets financially better off. However, the modernization theory by its nature is a societal-level theory, and it has not yet been tested at the societal level in China. This study undertakes this task by examining the relationship between a province’s economic development and its political trust in the central government and its tolerance of public criticism of the government. The two provincial-level variables are estimated by Multilevel Regression and Poststratification using data from China Survey 2008, CGSS 2010, 2012, 2013, and the 2010 National Census. The results, which are corroborated by county-level Multilevel Regression and Poststratification, strongly support the modernization theory.
A priori assessment of a smart-navigated unmanned aerial vehicle disaster cargo fleet
Authors: Larson Jonathan , Isihara Paul , Flores Gabriel , Townsend Edwin , Diedrichs Danilo R. , Baars Christy , Kwon Steven , McKinnon Will , Nussbaum Joseph , Steggerda Carrie , Yan Joyce
Published: June 2020

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has asserted that risks in deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) within disaster response must be reduced by careful development of best-practice standards before implementing such systems. With recent humanitarian field tests of cargo UAVs as indication that implementation may soon become reality, a priori assessment of a smart-navigated (autonomous) UAV disaster cargo fleet via simulation modeling and analysis is vital to the best-practice development process. Logistical problems with ground transport of relief supplies in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria (2017) pose a compelling use scenario for UAV disaster cargo delivery. In this context, we introduce a General Purpose Assessment Model (GPAM) that can estimate the potential effectiveness of a cargo UAV fleet for any given response region. We evaluate this model using the following standards: (i) realistic specifications; (ii) stable output for various realistic specifications; and (iii) support of humanitarian goals. To this end, we discuss data from humanitarian cargo delivery field tests and feedback from practitioners, perform sensitivity analyses, and demonstrate the advantage of using humanitarian rather than geographic distance in making fleet delivery assignments. We conclude with several major challenges faced by those who wish to implement smart-navigated UAV cargo fleets in disaster response, and the need for further GPAM development. This paper proposes the GPAM as a useful simulation tool to encourage and guide steps toward humanitarian use of UAVs for cargo delivery. The model’s flexibility can allow organizations to quickly and effectively determine how best to respond to disasters.
Lumbar sympathetic pulsed radiofrequency combined with continuous epidural infusion for treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy: A report of two cases and a literature review
Authors: Li Shao-Jun , Feng Dan
Published: June 2020

Diabetic neuropathy (DN), one of the most common late complications of diabetes mellitus, significantly affects distinct regions of the nervous system. Pain management is challenging in DN as no effective therapies exist that reverse the pathological course of DN. Several drugs are recommended as the first-line treatment for painful DN, but these are associated with various side-effects in the long term. This report presents two cases with painful DN who underwent lumbar sympathetic pulsed radiofrequency combined with continuous epidural infusion. The two cases were followed for 30 days. Lumbar sympathetic pulsed radiofrequency combined with continuous epidural infusion offered effective pain relief and improved the health-related quality of life in two patients with DN over this time period.
Assessment on speed and amplitude of elastic wave propagation in square-packed circular honeycombs
Authors: Wu He-Xiang , Zhang Xin-Chun , Liu Ying
Published: June 2020

In contrast to the dynamic response characteristics, few propagation characteristics of elastic waves have been described on cellular materials, to date. In view of the development trend of emerging metamaterials on multi-functional, detailed characterization of elastic wave in honeycombs becomes an important task in order to assess their performances. This study investigates the propagation characteristics of elastic wave in square-packed circular honeycombs through combining theoretical analysis and numerical simulation. We also establish a one-dimensional circular chain model to discuss the influence mechanism of impact velocities, material parameters, and structural parameters on the elastic wave propagation characteristics in square-packed circular honeycombs. The influence relations are quantified and a semi-empirical theoretical expression for assessing characterization is presented, which extends theory of elastic wave propagation speed from solid materials to square-packed circular honeycombs. The assessment equation fully describes the elastic wave propagation speed and stress amplitude variation with location during propagation in square-packed circular honeycombs, and the results are consistent with the experimental data from the literature. The findings herein are aimed at providing an assessment equation with simple form for engineering applications easily and providing theoretical basis for elastic wave control and multi-functional combination design of metamaterials.
The politics and pedagogy of war remembrance
Authors: Danilova Nataliya , Dolan Emma
Published: June 2020

Drawing on analysis of learning materials, interviews and ethnographic observations of Scottish education, we analyse how projects aimed at teaching children to remember wars instil war-normalising logics through (a) substitution of self-reflective study of conflict with skill-based knowledge; (b) gendered and racial stereotyping via emphasis on soldier-centric (Scottish/British) nationalisms, localisation and depoliticisation of remembrance; (c) affective meaning-making and embodied performance of ‘Our War’. Utilising Ranciere-inspired critical pedagogy, we explore opportunities for critical engagement with the legacy of conflicts.
Rescaling China’s rural–urban frontier: Exception as norm in the access to development
Authors: Zeuthen Jesper Willaing
Published: June 2020

This article examines how zoning – awarding exceptional status to selected sites – has been used as a governance tool to regulate access to land made available through land-use changes on the outskirts of Chengdu between 2007 and 2018. By studying these claims to exceptional status and the implementation of associated policies at the local level, the article seeks to demonstrate how zoning reconfigures power locally. The article argues that zoning delivers fast, socially controllable urbanization. The boundaries enforced through zoning offer less-privileged areas unique political and economic opportunities. Since zoning carries many advantages and is ultimately governed by the state, its implementation enforces state authority.
Long-term care coverage and its relationship with hospital care: Lessons from Italy on coordination among care-settings
Authors: Notarnicola Elisabetta , Furnari Alessandro , Longo Francesco , Fosti Giovanni
Published: June 2020

Long-term care for the elderly is one among the most important challenges for welfare and health care system across the world. Demographic and epidemiological trends are signalling that demand for long-term care will continue increasing in the next future, while public systems investments and efforts to cope with this issue are not enough. One possible strategy could be to reinforce integration between different care settings so to have positive spill over effects. The paper is focussed on Italian long-term care system analysing and assessing its performance at the regional level both in terms of answering citizens’ long-term care needs and integrating with hospital care. The study is based on National health care records and regional data concerning long-term care to assess the state of the arts of in-kind services, and on qualitative focus groups with care providers and policy makers to provide interpretation about the Italian long-term care system performance and weaknesses. Results show that, due to a widespread and important lack of supply and inability to answer to citizens’ needs, integration between long-term care and hospitals is not working, and substitution effect following investment in long-term care settings is not present. The paper introduces different interpretations of the causes of this phenomenon, suggesting to policy makers and managers the possible solutions to be implemented.
Construction of lean-green coordinated development model from the perspective of personnel integration in manufacturing companies
Authors: Zhu Xiao-yong , Zhang Hua
Published: June 2020

Practising lean and green method has become important for organisations seeking competitiveness and environmental sustainability. The efficiency and validity of personnel (employees) in organisation management is an index to measure sustainability. Employees are the primary key factor in maintaining organisation management. In this study, a framework model was developed from the perspective of personnel integration, aiming to implement coordinated and sustainable management of lean-green enterprises. During the practice of lean-green in manufacturing companies, a model was constructed using an analytical network process and interpretation structural modelling. These models involve dynamic common indexes of cross-sector objective evaluation and artificial barriers in deep analysis. Horizontal and vertical personnel integrations were achieved based on this model. The proposed model is beneficial for deep personnel integration and lays a solid foundation for lean-green coordinated development.
Analysis of power split vibration absorber performance in heavy-duty truck powertrains
Authors: Wramner Lina
Published: June 2020

The current development of more efficient combustion engines leads to an increase in engine torsional vibrations; therefore, new technology is needed for reducing the vibrations transmitted from the engine to the driveline. In this article, the concept of power split vibration absorber is evaluated. A mathematical model of the power split vibration absorber is presented, and an analytical study shows how different design parameters affect the power split vibration absorber performance. Numerical simulations with models representing typical heavy-duty truck powertrains are used in the evaluations. It is concluded that for a low level of damping, the power split vibration absorber can provide significantly lower vibration amplitudes than a corresponding dual mass flywheel within a limited speed range. If the power split vibration absorber is optimised for the critical low engine speeds, an overall decrease in the level of vibration can be obtained, but a larger installation space than with a conventional dual mass flywheel would probably be required.
Multiple optimized support vector regression for multi-sensor data fusion of weigh-in-motion system
Authors: Liu Xiaofeng , Feng Zhimin , Chen Yuehua , Li Hongwei
Published: June 2020

Weigh-in-motion is an efficient way to manage overload vehicles, and usually utilizes multi-sensor to measure vehicle weight at present. To increase generalization and accuracy of support vector regression (SVR) applied in multi-sensor weigh-in-motion data fusion, three improved algorithms are presented in this paper. The first improved algorithm divides train samples into two sets to construct SVR1 and SVR2, respectively, and then test samples are distributed to SVR1 or SVR2 based on the nearest distance principle. The second improved algorithm calculates the theoretical biases of two training samples closeted to one test sample, and then obtains the bias of the test sample by linear interpolation method. The third improved algorithm utilizes the second improved algorithm to realize adaptive adjustment of biases for SVR1 and SVR2. Five vehicles were selected to conduct multi-sensor weigh-in-motion experiments on the built test platform. According to the obtained experiment data, fusion tests of SVR and three improved algorithms are performed, respectively. The results show that three improved algorithms gradually increase accuracy of SVR with fast operation speed, and the third improved algorithm exhibits the best application prospect in multi-sensor weigh-in-motion data fusion.
Data augment method for machine fault diagnosis using conditional generative adversarial networks
Authors: Wang Jinrui , Han Baokun , Bao Huaiqian , Wang Mingyan , Chu Zhenyun , Shen Yuwei
Published: June 2020

As a useful data augmentation technique, generative adversarial networks have been successfully applied in fault diagnosis field. But traditional generative adversarial networks can only generate one category fault signals in one time, which is time-consuming and costly. To overcome this weakness, we develop a novel fault diagnosis method which combines conditional generative adversarial networks and stacked autoencoders, and both of them are built by stacking one-dimensional full connection layers. First, conditional generative adversarial networks is used to generate artificial samples based on the frequency samples, and category labels are adopted as the conditional information to simultaneously generate different category signals. Meanwhile, spectrum normalization is added to the discriminator of conditional generative adversarial networks to enhance the model training. Then, the augmented training samples are transferred to stacked autoencoders for feature extraction and fault classification. Finally, two datasets of bearing and gearbox are employed to investigate the effectiveness of the proposed conditional generative adversarial network–stacked autoencoder method.
A stochastic optimal energy management strategy considering battery health for hybrid electric bus
Authors: Cui Qinghu , Du Shangye , Liu Congzhi , Zhang Laigang , Wei Guoliang
Published: June 2020

The problem of battery health coupled with energy management brings a considerable challenge to the hybrid electric bus. To address this challenge, three contributions are made to realize optimal energy management control while prolonging battery life. First, a semi-empirical aging model of lithium iron phosphate battery is built and identified by the data fitting method, based on the battery cycling test. Besides, a severity factor map is constructed by employing the proposed aging model to characterize the relative aging of the battery under different operating conditions. Second, to make the driver demand torque more appropriate for statistical prediction, a Markov chain is formulated to predict driving behavior and also a stochastic vehicle mass estimation method is proposed to assist the prediction of required torque. Then, a stochastic multi-objective optimization problem is formulated by taking the severity factor map as a battery degradation criterion, where minimized battery degradation and fuel consumption can be simultaneously realized. Finally, a stochastic model predictive control strategy that considers battery health is established. Both simulation and hardware-in-loop tests are performed. The results demonstrate that fuel economy and battery degradation can be improved by 16.73% and 13.8% compared with rule-based strategy, respectively.
Analysis of driving behaviours of truck drivers using motorway tests
Authors: Gao Jianbing , Chen Haibo , Dave Kaushali , Chen Junyan , Li Ying , Li Tiezhu , Liang Biao
Published: June 2020

Road transportations still play a dominant role in goods delivery, and driving behaviours significantly affect the fuel economy of heavy-duty trucks. Plenty of fossil fuel is wasted as a result of unreasonable driving behaviours even in the case of highly experienced drivers. The objective of this paper is to analyse drivers’ behaviours over two segments of motorways and estimate the potential benefits of fuel saving caused by a change in driving habits during national and international goods delivery. Drivers’ habits on motorways change depending on the road situations. In the acceleration process, the fuel consumption rates are huge even under low-speed conditions. The truck fuel consumption rates are exaggerated by positive road slopes, but still dominated by acceleration. Accelerations are generally in normal distributions, with the median value being approximately 0.5 m/s2. The speed ranges corresponding to each gear enlarge with the increase in gear number. The potentials of annual fuel saving for parts of European Union countries are nearly 2 × 106 m3 by adopting proper driving behaviours.
Do SiNx coatings bear the potential to reduce the risk of micromotion in modular taper junctions?
Authors: Haschke Henning , Falkenberg Adrian , Morlock Michael M , Huber Gerd
Published: June 2020

Fretting corrosion is one contributor to the clinical failure of modular joint arthroplasty. It is initiated by micromotion in metal junctions exposed to fluids. Omitting metal-on-metal contacts could help to reduce the corrosion risk. The coating of one metal taper partner with a ceramic-based silicon nitride (SiNx) coating might provide this separation. The aim of the study was to identify whether a SiNx coating of the male taper component influences the micromotion within a taper junction. Hip prosthesis heads made of CoCr29Mo6 (Aesculap) and Ti6Al4V (Peter Brehm) were assembled (2000 N) to SiNx-coated and uncoated stem tapers made of Ti6Al4V and CoCr29Mo6 (2×2×2 combinations, each n = 4). Consecutive sinusoidal loading representing three daily activities was applied. Contactless relative motion in six degrees of freedom was measured using six eddy-current sensors. Micromotion in the junction was determined by compensating for the elastic deformation derived from additional monoblock measurements. After pull-off, the taper surfaces were microscopically inspected. Micromotion magnitude reached up to 8.4 ± 0.8 µm during loading that represented stumbling. Ti6Al4V stems showed significantly higher micromotion than those made of CoCr29Mo6, while taper coating had no influence. Statistical differences in pull-off forces were found for none of the taper junctions. Microscopy revealed CoCr29Mo6 abrasion from the head taper surface if combined with coated stem tapers. Higher micromotion of Ti6Al4V tapers was probably caused by the lower Young’s modulus. Even in the contact areas, the coating was not damaged during loading. The mechanics of coated tapers was similar to uncoated prostheses. Thus, the separation of the two metal surfaces with the objective to reduce in vivo corrosion appears to be achievable if the coating is able to withstand in vivo conditions. However, the hard ceramic-based stem coating lead to undesirable debris from the CoCr29Mo6 heads during loading.
Associations between daily alcohol consumption and systemic lupus erythematosus-related cytokines and chemokines among US female nurses without SLE
Authors: Hahn Jill , Leatherwood Cianna , Malspeis Susan , Liu Xinyi , Lu Bing , Roberts Andrea L , Sparks Jeffrey A , Karlson Elizabeth W , Feldman Candace H , Munroe Melissa E , James Judith A , Kubzansky Laura D , Costenbader Karen H
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Moderate alcohol consumption has been associated with decreased systemic lupus erythematosus risk, but the biologic basis for this association is unknown. We aimed to determine whether moderate alcohol consumption was associated with lower concentrations of systemic lupus erythematosus-associated chemokines/cytokines in an ongoing cohort of female nurses without systemic lupus erythematosus, and whether the association was modified by the presence of systemic lupus erythematosus-related autoantibodies.

Methods

About 25% of participants from the Nurses’ Health Study ( n = 121,700 women) and Nurses’ Health Study 2 ( n = 116,429) donated a blood sample; of these, 1177 women were without systemic lupus erythematosus at time of donation. Cumulative average and current (within 4 years) intakes of beer, wine or liquor were assessed from pre-blood draw questionnaires. Chemokine/cytokine concentrations (stem cell factor, B-lymphocyte stimulator, interferon-inducible protein-10, interferon-alpha, interleukin-10) and antibodies against dsDNA and extractable nuclear antigens were obtained using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Antinuclear antibodies were detected by indirect immunofluorescence on HEp-2 cells.

Results

At blood draw, the women’s mean age was 56 years and 22% were antinuclear antibody positive; 36% were African-American. About half (46%) reported consuming 0–5 g/day of alcohol. Stem cell factor levels were 0.5% lower ( p < 0.0001) for every gram per day increase in cumulative average alcohol consumption. Women who consumed >5 g/day had mean stem cell factor levels 7% lower ( p = 0.002) than non-drinkers. Other cytokines were not significantly associated with alcohol intake. Autoantibody status did not modify observed associations.

Conclusion

In this study of female nurses, moderate alcohol consumption was associated with lower stem cell factor levels, suggesting a plausible mechanism through which alcohol may lower systemic lupus erythematosus risk might be by decreasing circulating stem cell factor.
Impact of pharmacist-managed immune checkpoint inhibitor toxicities
Authors: Le Sonny , Chang Brandon , Pham Anthony , Chan Andrea
Published: June 2020

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are associated with unique autoimmune side effects that differ from traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy. Pharmacists may play an important role in providing key supportive care measures necessary to aid patients and oncologists through immune-related adverse events (irAEs). This study aims to evaluate the impact of a pharmacist-managed irAE protocol in an oncology clinic.

Methods

This study is a retrospective chart review of the implementation of a pilot irAE pharmacy protocol. Patients treated with an immune checkpoint inhibitor and subsequently identified to have dermatologic, gastrointestinal, hepatic, or thyroid toxicities and managed under the pilot irAE pharmacy protocol from 1 October 2018 to 28 February 2019 were enrolled. Study endpoints included number of pharmacist interventions and physician satisfaction. Additional endpoints included pharmacotherapy initiated, dose adjustments, and patient follow-ups.

Results

From 1 October 2018, to 28 February 2019, 17 patients were referred and approved by their primary oncologists for pharmacy management under the pilot irAE protocol. During the pilot period, pharmacists initiated 21 new medications for the treatment of irAEs, including thyroid hormone replacement in 7 patients (41%) and oral corticosteroids in 6 patients (35%) with a total of 28 dose adjustments. In addition, the pilot protocol included an assessment of physician satisfaction, which showed a reduced number of physician hours per month managing irAEs, increased physician confidence in irAE management, and a desire for continued pharmacist-management of irAEs.

Conclusions

Oncology pharmacists had an impact on management of toxicities in our oncology clinic as indicated by the pharmacist interventions and physician satisfaction.
NEPA as antiemetic prophylaxis after failure of 5HT3-RA plus dexamethasone in patients receiving carboplatin and gemcitabine chemotherapy: A monocentric real-life experience
Authors: Valerio Maria Rosaria , Gebbia Vittorio , Borsellino Nicolò , Vecchia Maria La , Serretta Vincenzo , Pardo Salvatore , Cipolla Calogero , Galanti Daniele
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) may affect adherence to planned chemotherapy treatments and compromise patients’ quality of life during the therapy. NEPA is an oral fixed combination of netupitant, a highly-selective NK1-RA and palonosetron, a 5HT3-RA, approved for the prevention of acute and delayed CINV. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of NEPA with dexamethasone for CINV prophylaxis in the challenging setting of carboplatin and gemcitabine combination chemotherapy, after failure of prophylaxis with 5HT3 receptor antagonist.

Methods

Eligible patients were undergoing carboplatin and gemcitabine combination chemotherapy for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), ovarian cancer or urothelial cancer and experienced nausea and/or vomiting after the first cycle of chemotherapy, despite an antiemetic prophylaxis with a 5HT3-RA and dexamethasone. Primary efficacy endpoint was complete response (CR: no emesis, no rescue medication) obtained with NEPA, during the overall phase (0–120 h), after the start of chemotherapy.

Results

During the first cycle of chemotherapy, 15 out of 30 (50%) patients did not properly control CINV with a 5HT3-RA plus dexamethasone used as primary antiemetic prophylaxis and then were switched to NEPA from the subsequent cycle. During NEPA administration, 13 out of 15 patients (86.7%) achieved an overall CR (no emesis, no rescue medication). Antiemetic treatment with NEPA was very well tolerated with only two patients (13.3%) that experienced a grade 1 TEAE.

Conclusions

Our experience showed that NEPA has proven to be very effective and well tolerated in the prophylaxis of CINV induced by carboplatin-based chemotherapy.
Advanced papillary thyroid carcinoma responding to nivolumab
Authors: Michel Ocampo Miguel , Lerner Jaren , Tosonian Shawnt , Dasanu Constantin A
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Clinical indications of immune checkpoint inhibitors have expanded to a variety of malignancies. Approximately one in six patients with hepatocellular carcinoma respond to programmed death 1 inhibitors nivolumab and pembrolizumab.

Case report

We report herein a patient with synchronous metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma and advanced papillary thyroid carcinoma treated with nivolumab in the second-line therapy. Management and outcome: The hepatocellular carcinoma showed a durable response to the second-line agent nivolumab. Remarkably, the patient’s papillary thyroid carcinoma also responded to this programmed death 1 inhibitor.

Discussion

To our knowledge, this is the first case report showing the efficacy of nivolumab in the treatment of metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma. Further studies with immune checkpoint inhibitors in papillary thyroid carcinoma seem warranted.
A novel telemedicine technique for evaluation of ocular exam findings via smartphone images
Authors: Sink Joshua , Blatt Stephen , Yoo David , Henry Michael , Yang S Daniel , Vasaiwala Roshni , Ghadiali Larissa , Adams William , Bouchard Charles S
Published: June 2020

In this study, we compared the assessment of remote smartphone photographs to in-office exams in the diagnosis of two groups of external eye diseases, red-eye pathology and post-operative eyelid surgery complications. Participants were examined and received an in-office diagnosis by either a corneal or oculoplastic specialist. After viewing an educational video on smartphone photography, the patient’s companion then took a series of standardized photographs. Two additional corresponding specialists then made a separate diagnosis via the interpretation of only smartphone images and the patient’s history. ‘Remote’ and in-office diagnoses were compared using a kappa test for agreement. The remote and in-office diagnoses were in agreement for 27 of 28 eyes, representing a chance-corrected Kappa agreement rate of 93% (95% confidence interval: 79–99%). Among the 16 red eyes, the diagnoses were in agreement for 15 of 16 red eyes, representing a chance-corrected Kappa agreement rate of 92% (95% confidence interval: 77–99%). Among the 12 eyes with post-operative eyelid surgery complications, the diagnoses were in perfect agreement. Our results suggest that the diagnosis of 1) red-eye pathology and 2) post-operative eyelid surgery complications based on smartphone images may be comparable to in-office exams.
Gaining the courage to see and accept oneself: Group-based compassion-focussed therapy as experienced by adolescent girls
Authors: Bratt Anna , Gralberg Ing-Marie , Svensson Idor , Rusner Marie
Published: June 2020

Shame and self-stigmatisation are common in adolescents with mental health problems, and can hinder their recovery. Compassion-focussed therapy (CFT) help people address challenging experiences and emotions with courage, wisdom, and care. However, no previous studies have examined whether CFT is helpful for adolescents with mental health problems. The present study aimed to describe lived experiences regarding group-based CFT based on the perspectives of a sample of adolescent girls who were recruited from a child and adolescent psychiatric outpatient clinic in Sweden. In-depth interviews were conducted with six girls, aged 15 to 17, using a reflective lifeworld research approach. The results showed that participating in group-based CFT means gaining the courage to see and accept oneself through meeting with peers who are experiencing similar difficulties. When sharing experiences in a group, new perspectives and an acknowledgement that mental and emotional struggle are normal arise, and a sense of inner peace and belonging emerges. Instead of hiding from society, it is possible to participate in everyday life, ask for help, and asserting oneself. CFT can provide a promising method for empowering young people with mental health problems, helping them feel connected with others, and fostering in them the strength to show their true personalities.
Psychometric evaluation of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scales in English- and Spanish-speaking Hispanic Americans
Authors: Garcia-Alcaraz Cristian , Ataseven Burcin , Mills Sarah , Roesch Scott C , Sadler Georgia Robins , Malcarne Vanessa L
Published: June 2020

The English and Spanish versions of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scales have not been psychometrically evaluated for use with Hispanic Americans. Hispanic American adults ( N = 436) completed the English ( n = 210) or Spanish ( n = 226) Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scales. A multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis did not support equivalent four-factor structures for Spanish- and English-speaking Hispanic Americans. Follow-up exploratory factor analyses of the 24 items supported an 18-item, four-factor structure for English-speaking Hispanic Americans and a 22-item, three-factor structure for Spanish-speaking Hispanic Americans. These results suggest caution when using the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scales with Hispanic Americans.
L2 learners’ acquisition of simple vs. complex linguistic features across explicit vs. implicit instructional approaches: The mediating role of beliefs
Authors: Karimi Mohammad Nabi , Abdollahi Sara
Published: June 2020

A large number of studies have explored grammar instruction through implicit and explicit instructional conditions. The general conclusion drawn from these studies points to the superiority of explicit instruction; however, the claim has been attenuated by a number of reservations raised regarding its generalizability across types of grammatical structures and learners of different characteristics. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the comparative effectiveness of these two types of instructional conditions in acquiring explicit and implicit knowledge of complex and simple linguistic features by participants holding different epistemic beliefs. The results demonstrated a relative advantage for explicit instruction. However, the results also showed that the effectiveness of explicit/implicit instructional conditions varied for the participants. Additionally, the findings provided evidence against the assumption that complex structures are best learned through implicit instructional conditions and simple structures are best taught explicitly. The hypothesis that learners with more sophisticated epistemic beliefs outperform those with more naive epistemic beliefs in learning complex grammatical structures was not borne out by the analyses. Conclusions and suggestions for further research are provided.
Twitter usage about autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Bellon-Harn Monica L , Ni Jianyuan , Manchaiah Vinaya
Published: June 2020

Stakeholders within autism spectrum disorder communities use Twitter for specific purposes. The goal of this study was to characterize patterns and themes of tweet content and sentiment and intercommunications between users sending and retweeting content to their respective user networks. The study used cross-sectional analysis of data generated from Twitter. Twitter content, sentiment, users, and community networks were examined from a sample of tweets with the highest Twitter reach and the lowest Twitter reach. Results indicate that Twitter content from both samples was primarily related to empowerment and support. Differences between the number of tweets originating from an individual in the lowest reach sample (i.e. 41%) as compared to the individuals in the highest reach sample (i.e. 18%) were noted. The number of users belonging to an advocacy subcommunity was substantially larger than a clinical and research subcommunity. Results provide insight into the presuppositions of individuals with autism spectrum disorder, their families and significant others, and other stakeholders.