bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triggered Immune Response Induced by Antigenic Epitopes Covalently Linked with Immunoadjuvant-Pulsed Dendritic Cells as a Promising Cancer Vaccine
Authors: Chen Chumeng , Aldarouish Mohanad , Li Qilong , Liu Xiangzhen , Han Feng , Liu Hui , Qian Qijun
Published: April 2020

The success of peptide-based dendritic cell (DC) cancer vaccines mainly depends on the utilized peptides and selection of an appropriate adjuvant. Herein, we aimed to evoke a broad immune response against multiple epitopes concurrently in the presence of immunoadjuvant. Three synthetic HLA-A∗0201-restricted peptides were separately linked with HMGB1-derived peptide (SAFFLFCSE, denoted as HB100-108) as immunoadjuvant via double arginine (RR) linker and loaded onto human monocyte-derived DCs. Peptide uptake was detected by immunofluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. The maturation and activation status of pulsed DCs were monitored by detection of the expression of specific markers and released cytokines. The ability of peptide-pulsed DCs to activate allogeneic T cells has been assessed by a degranulation assay and detection of secreted cytokines. The lytic activity of effector T cells against cancer cells in vitro was analyzed by a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. Results revealed that DCs efficiently take up peptides+HB100-108and expressed higher levels of surface markers (HLA-ABC, HLA-DR, CD80, CD86, CD83, CD40, and CCR7) and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-12) than control DCs, free peptide-pulsed DCs, and free HB100-108-pulsed DC groups. Moreover, peptides+HB100-108/pulsed DCs were capable of activating allogeneic T cells and enhance their lytic activity against a pancreatic cancer cell line (PANC-1) in vitro. These findings suggest that antigenic peptides covalently linked with HB100-108/pulsed DCs could be a promising strategy to improve the current DC-based cancer vaccines.
Mineralized Granitic Porphyry of the Yangla Copper Deposit, Western Yunnan, China: Geochemistry of Fluid Inclusions and H-O, S, and Pb Isotopes
Authors: Wang Xinfu , Li Bo , Guan ShenJin , Nadeau Olivier , Tang Guo
Published: April 2020

The Yangla copper deposit (YCD) is located in the central part of the Jinshajiang tectonic belt (Jinshajiang metallogenic belt) and is one of the most important copper deposits which has the large-scale copper reserves of the northwestern Yunnan, China. The ore bodies are strictly controlled by the stratum, pluton, and structure, which are layered, lens, and vein-like within the contact or fracture zone of the pluton and surrounding rock. At Yangla, two styles of mineralization occur at the brecciated contact zone between the pluton (granodiorite and granitic porphyry) and carbonaceous wall rock and include strata bound/lens-shaped replacement of carbonate rocks (skarn style) and porphyry-style sulfide-quart-calcite veins. But, the granitic porphyry mineralization have received less attention; the isotope and fluid inclusion studies are relatively scarce for limited porphyry ore bodies that have been discovered at the YCD. Quartz-hosted fluid inclusions from the recently discovered granitic porphyry have homogenization temperature averaging around 180±20°C and 300±20°C with salinities ranging from 4 to 22 wt.% NaCleq, pointing toward the contribution of medium temperature-medium salinity and low temperature-low salinity fluids during the metallogenesis. These fluid inclusions have δ18OH2O values ranging between -1.91‰ and -1.02‰ and δD values ranging between -143.10‰ and -110‰, suggesting that the ore-forming fluid was a mix of magmatic and meteoric water. Ore-related pyrite/chalcopyrite have δ34SV-CDT values ranging from -1.0‰ to 1.0‰ and whole rocks have δ34SΣS = 0.34, suggesting that sulfur mainly derived from magmatic rocks of the Yangla mining area. The sulfides 208Pb/204Pb ranged from 38.8208-38.9969, 207Pb/204Pb from 15.7079-15.7357, and 206Pb/204Pb from 18.5363-18.7045, indicating that the lead mainly originated from the upper crust. It is demonstrated that the evolution of ore-forming fluid is continuous from the skarn ore body (SOB) stage to the porphyritic ore body stage and belong to the products of the same ore-forming fluid system, and the unisothermal mixing and cooling actions were maybe the main mechanism at the metallic minerals precipitation in mineralized granitic porphyry (MGP). A model is proposed according to the early stage, a magmatic fluid reacted and replaced with the surrounding carbonate rocks and then formed skarn-type ore bodies. The magmatic-hydrothermal fluid subsequently deposited porphyry-type quartz-calcite veins, veinlets, and stockwork mineralization.
Hepatoprotective Effect of Oleuropein‐Rich Extract from Olive Leaves against Cadmium‐Induced Toxicity in Mice
Authors: Jemai Hedya , Mahmoudi Asma , Feryeni Anwar , Fki Ines , Bouallagui Zouhaier , Choura Sirine , Chamkha Mohamed , Sayadi Sami
Published: April 2020

Cadmium (Cd) is a harmful pollutant which mainly affects the liver and kidney. In this work, we investigated the hepatoprotective effects of olive leaf extract based on oleuropein against hepatic cadmium toxicity in mice. Three groups of animals were used: the first one served as the control (C); the second one received intraperitoneal injection of cadmium 2 mg/kg b.w. (CD), administered five times during two weeks; and the third group received the same doses of Cd and simultaneously 16 mg/kg b.w. of oleuropein. Results showed that Cd induced a significant increase in liver injury biomarkers coupled with enhanced lipid peroxidation (MDA) and significant depletion of antioxidants (CAT and SOD). Histological and immunohistochemical analysis confirmed these findings. In fact, we observed a severe central lobular apoptosis and inflammation around central veins. Cotreatment with oleuropein significantly reduced the oxidative damage induced by cadmium. Our findings suggest that oleuropein could be used in the prevention of Cd hepatotoxicity.
Medically Refractory Multiple Sclerosis Is Successfully Treated with Plasmapheresis in a Super Morbidly Obese Pregnant Patient
Authors: Dalka Lindsey , Harb Antoine , Mikesell Kael , Gordon Perue Gillian
Published: April 2020

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a relapse remitting immune-mediated demyelinating neurological disorder that primarily affects women of childbearing age. In most patients, the hormonal changes during pregnancy are protective against MS relapses. When relapses do occur, treatment options are limited to use of intravenous steroids and plasmapheresis rescue therapy. We present a case of steroid refractory MS-transverse myelitis with quadriplegia in a 25-year-old pregnant super morbidly obese woman. Our clinical case is unique because the severity of her relapse early in pregnancy, which was intractable and resistant to steroids. This may have been a rebound demyelination due to the discontinuation of fingolimod; a newly recognized entity by the FDA. Our case report therefore seeks to raise awareness about a potential complication of discontinuing MS disease modifying therapies, highlighting that these rebound relapses can be steroid resistant and occur despite the usual protective hormonal influence of early pregnancy and that plasma exchange is a valid treatment option. Finally, we discuss the challenges of determining exchange volumes for plasmapheresis in the super morbid obese population to secure good maternal and fetal outcomes.
An Optimal Control for a Two-Dimensional Spatiotemporal SEIR Epidemic Model
Authors: Adnaoui Khalid , El Alami Laaroussi Adil
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we present an application of optimal control theory on a two-dimensional spatial-temporal SEIR (susceptible, exposed, infected, and restored) epidemic model, in the form of a partial differential equation. Our goal is to minimize the number of susceptible and infected individuals and to maximize recovered individuals by reducing the cost of vaccination. In addition, the existence of the optimal control and solution of the state system is proven. The characterization of the control is given in terms of state function and adjoint. Numerical results are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of our adopted approach.
Adaptive Variable Parameter Impedance Control for Apple Harvesting Robot Compliant Picking
Authors: Wei Ji , Yi Ding , Bo Xu , Guangyu Chen , Dean Zhao
Published: April 2020

In order to reduce the damage of apple harvesting robot to fruits and achieve compliant picking, an adaptive variable parameter impedance control method for apple harvesting robot compliant picking is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the Burgers viscoelastic model is used to characterize the rheological properties of apples and study the variation of mechanical properties of apple grasping at different speeds. Then, a force-based impedance control system is designed. On this basis, aiming at the influence of impedance controller parameters on contact force, three impedance parameters self-tuning functions are constructed to complete the design of an improved force-based impedance control system based on the hyperbolic secant function. The simulation and experimental results show that the proposed control makes the desired force smoother, and its overshoot is about 2.3%. The response speed is faster, and the adjustment time of contact force is shorter of about 0.48 s. The contact force overshoot is about 2%, which is 37.5% less than that of the traditional force-based impedance control. This research improves the control performance for apple harvesting robot compliant picking.
Tensile Fracture Behavior of Corroded Pipelines: Part 2—Numerical Simulation Based on Monte Carlo Method
Authors: Liu Feng , Yang Yuchao , Xi Feng
Published: April 2020

The experimental part in this companion paper revealed that the macroscopic mechanical performance of corroded pipes follows a decreasing trend with the increasing corrosion rate. Inspired by the surface topology by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and the scattered distribution of test data, a computational procedure based on the Monte Carlo simulation method was developed in this paper to understand the randomness of the crack propagation process and the performance degradation mechanism of the corroded pipelines. A total of 2700 random samples, which contain three corrosion rates of 15%, 45%, and 70% with each corrosion rate having three variances of 0.02 mm, 0.06 mm, and 0.10 mm, were generated and then were mapped to the shell section of the FE model. In the application of the material model considering the damage, a series of “numerical” tensile experiments were carried out. The simulation analysis indicated that the corrosion rate and the standard variance of the thickness collaboratively dominated the mechanical performance of the corroded specimen. Under the same standard deviation, the wall corresponding to the higher corrosion rate is more likely to cause stress concentration in the weak position, which makes the pipe more prone to fail. Furthermore, under the same corrosion rate, the increase of the standard deviation will aggravate the unevenness of the wall thickness distribution, and then the lower tensile load will cause damage at weak locations and lead to randomness of the crack propagation path, thereby reducing the pipe’s macroscopic strength and fracture strain. The analytical methods in this paper have the potential of being a useful tool for structural reliability assessments of aged pipelines and the full life cycle design of new pipeline networks.
Knee Joint Biomechanics in Physiological Conditions and How Pathologies Can Affect It: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zhang Li , Liu Geng , Han Bing , Wang Zhe , Yan Yuzhou , Ma Jianbing , Wei Pingping
Published: April 2020

The knee joint, as the main lower limb motor joint, is the most vulnerable and susceptible joint. The knee injuries considerably impact the normal living ability and mental health of patients. Understanding the biomechanics of a normal and diseased knee joint is in urgent need for designing knee assistive devices and optimizing a rehabilitation exercise program. In this paper, we systematically searched electronic databases (from 2000 to November 2019) including ScienceDirect, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and IEEE/IET Electronic Library for potentially relevant articles. After duplicates were removed and inclusion criteria applied to the titles, abstracts, and full text, 138 articles remained for review. The selected articles were divided into two groups to be analyzed. Firstly, the real movement of a normal knee joint and the normal knee biomechanics of four kinds of daily motions in the sagittal and coronal planes, which include normal walking, running, stair climbing, and sit-to-stand, were discussed and analyzed. Secondly, an overview of the current knowledge on the movement biomechanical effects of common knee musculoskeletal disorders and knee neurological disorders were provided. Finally, a discussion of the existing problems in the current studies and some recommendation for future research were presented. In general, this review reveals that there is no clear assessment about the biomechanics of normal and diseased knee joints at the current state of the art. The biomechanics properties could be significantly affected by knee musculoskeletal or neurological disorders. Deeper understanding of the biomechanics of the normal and diseased knee joint will still be an urgent need in the future.
CXXC5 Attenuates Pulmonary Fibrosis in a Bleomycin‐Induced Mouse Model and MLFs by Suppression of the CD40/CD40L Pathway
Authors: Cheng Wei , Wang Fangfang , Feng Airan , Li Xiaodan , Yu Wencheng
Published: April 2020

Objective. To investigate the role of CXXC5 and the CD40/CD40L pathway in lung fibrosis. Methods. (1) We constructed mouse models of bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis and transfected them with a CXXC5 overexpression vector to evaluate the severity of pulmonary fibrosis. (2) Mouse lung fibroblast (MLF) models stably overexpressed or knockout of CXXC5 vector were constructed. After transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) stimulation, we examined the proliferation and apoptosis of the MLF model and evaluated the expression of mesenchymal markers and the CXXC5/CD40/CD40L pathway. Results. (1) Compared with other groups, the overexpressed CXXC5 group had less alveolar structure destruction, thinner alveolar septum, and lower Ashcroft score. (2) In bleomycin‐induced mice, the expression of CD40 and CD40L increased at both transcriptional and protein levels, and the same changes were observed in α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and collagen type I (Colla I). After upregulation of CXXC5, the increase in CD40, CD40L, α‐SMA, and Colla I was attenuated. (3) Stimulated with TGF‐β1, MLF proliferation was activated, apoptosis was suppressed, and the expression of CD40, CD40L, α‐SMA, and Colla I was increased at both transcriptional and protein levels. After upregulation of CXXC5, these changes were attenuated. Conclusion. CXXC5 inhibits pulmonary fibrosis and transformation to myofibroblasts by negative feedback regulation of the CD40/CD40L pathway.
Using Electroencephalography (EEG) Power Responses to Investigate the Effects of Ambient Oxygen Content, Safety Shoe Type, and Lifting Frequency on the Worker’s Activities
Authors: Ramadan Mohamed Z. , Ghaleb Atef M. , Ragab Adham E.
Published: April 2020

Objective. The study assesses the changes in electroencephalography (EEG) power spectral density of individuals in hypoxia when wearing a different type of safety shoes under different lifting frequencies. It also assesses the EEG response behavior induced via the process of lifting loads related to these variables. Methods. The study was conducted in two consecutive phases: training and acclimatization phase and experimental lifting phase. Ten male college students participated in this study. A four‐way repeated measures design was used in this research with independent variables: ambient oxygen content (“15%, 18%, and 20%”), safety shoes type (“light‐duty, medium‐duty, and heavy‐duty”), lifting frequency (“1 and 4 lifts/min”), and replication (“first and second”). And the dependent variables were alpha, theta, beta, gamma, θ/α, θ/β, α/β, β/α, (θ + α)/β, and (θ + α)/(α + β). The participant was allowed to determine his maximum acceptable weight of lift (MAWL) in fifteen minutes of lifting using psychophysically technique. Then, he continued lifting the MAWL for another five minutes, where all the data were collected. Results. Results showed that the EEG responses at lower levels of the independent variables were significantly high than at higher levels; except for oxygen content, the EEG responses at lower levels were considerably lower than at a higher level. It also showed that an upsurge in the physical demand increased lifting frequency and replication and caused decreasing in alpha power, theta/beta, alpha/beta, (theta + alpha)/beta, (theta + alpha)/(alpha + beta) and increasing in the theta power and the gamma power. Furthermore, several interactions among independent variables had significant effects on the EEG responses. Conclusion. The EEG implementation for the investigation of neural responses to physical demands allows for the possibility of newer nontraditional and faster methods of human performance monitoring. These methods provide effective and reliable results as compared to other traditional methods. This study will safeguard the physical capabilities and possible health risks of industrial workers. And the applications of these tasks can occur in almost all working environments (factories, warehouses, airports, building sites, farms, hospitals, offices, etc.) that are at high altitudes. It can include lifting boxes at a packaging line, handling construction materials, handling patients in hospitals, and cleaning.
Magnetic Resonance Enterography and Capsule Endoscopy in Patients Undergoing Patency Capsule for the Evaluation of Small Bowel Crohn’s Disease: A Korean Clinical Experience
Authors: Lee Hyun Seok , Lim Yun Jeong , Jung Jin-Hee , Nam Ji Hyung , Park Junseok , Kang Sun Hyung , Kim Ki Bae , Chun Hoon Jai
Published: April 2020

Objective. Studies comparing magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) and capsule endoscopy (CE) for the assessment of small bowel (SB) Crohn’s disease (CD) are scarce in Korea. In addition, there is no Korean experience of patency capsule (PC) examination prior to CE. The primary aim of this study was to compare diagnostic yields of MRE and CE for the assessment of SB CD. Secondary objectives were to compare the detection rate of proximal SB lesions by each modality in the Montreal classification and evaluate the safety and feasibility of PC in Korean CD patients. Methods. MRE was performed as the first examination to assess SB CD. PC examination and CE were then performed. Diagnostic yields of active SB disease by MRE and CE were then analyzed. Results. Disintegration of the patency capsule was shown in 5 patients out of 26 patients, who did not undergo CE. These 5 patients were accounted as negative CE findings. Overall, MRE and CE detected 80.8% and 65.4% of active SB lesions of CD in 26 patients, respectively (P=0.212). MRE and CE detected 0% (0/26) and 19.2% (5/26) (P=0.051) of jejunal lesions, 30.8% (8/26) and 42.3% (11/26) (P=0.388) of proximal ileal lesions, and 80.8% (21/26) and 53.8% (14/26) (P=0.039) of terminal ileal lesions, respectively. According to the Montreal classification, MRE and CE independently detected proximal disease (L4) in 30.8% (8/26) and 53.8% (14/26) (P=0.092), respectively. Conclusions. The diagnostic yields of MRE and CE for the assessment of SB CD including proximal SB lesions were similar. MRE is a more objective tool for detecting clinically relevant stricture than PC although PC examination could be performed safely before CE to prove the patency of SB. This trial is registered with KCT0004305.
Proclus on the Two Causal Models for the One’s Production of Being: Reconciling the Relation of the Henads and the Limit/Unlimited
Authors: Greig Jonathan
Published: April 2020

In Proclus’ metaphysics, the One produces Being through a mediated set of principles which are the direct causes of Being. While the henads (ἑνάδες) feature prominently as these principles, Proclus posits a second set of principles, the Limit and Unlimited, to explain the aspects of unity and plurality found in all beings. Initially there seems to be a tension in these two sets of principles: Proclus does not immediately clarify how they interact with each other or their relationship to each other. In Elements of Theology Prop. 159, he even seems to say that the Limit/Unlimited produce the henads—which contradicts the henads’ nature as pure ‘ones’. This article analyzes this issue by surveying three contemporary solutions that have been posed to address the tension, while also offering a new alternative: the Limit and Unlimited, as the first henads to emerge from the One, causally determine all subsequent henads according to their respective unique character (ἰδιότης), while both sets are ultimately derived from the One according to their subsistence (ὕπαρξις)—preserving the henads’ natures as simply ‘one’ like the One-itself.
Endoscopic Cartilage Myringoplasty with Inside Out Elevation of a Tympanomeatal Flap for Repairing Anterior Tympanic Membrane Perforations
Authors: Lou Zhengcai
Published: April 2020

Objective:

We evaluated the graft take rate and hearing gain of endoscopic cartilage myringoplasty with inside out elevation of a tympanomeatal flap for repairing an anterior tympanic membrane perforation.

Study design:

A retrospective case series

Setting:

Tertiary university hospital

Materials and Methods:

The study population consisted of patients with an anterior perforation undergoing endoscopic cartilage myringoplasty with inside out elevation of a tympanomeatal flap. The primary outcome was the graft take rate at 6 months. The secondary outcomes were the air–bone gap (ABG) gain at 3 months and complications.

Results:

A total of 51 patients with a unilateral anterior marginal perforation were included in this study. The mean operation time was 62.2 ± 8.3 minutes. The graft success rate was 92.2% (47/51) at 6 months. The mean preoperative ABG was 28.07 ± 5.13 dB, while the mean postoperative ABG was 12.24 ± 4.89 dB ( P < .05). No patients reported sensorineural hearing loss, altered taste, facial nerve palsy, vertigo, or tinnitus. Two patients with a middle perforation developed postoperative purulent otorrhea that resulted in residual perforations. The cartilage graft was extruded into the anterior annulus in two patients with large perforations that resulted in graft lateralization in one patient and residual perforation in the other.

Conclusions:

Endoscopic cartilage myringoplasty with inside out elevation of a tympanomeatal flap is a useful procedure with a low reperforation rate for repairing anterior perforation.
Examining Referral Patterns between Otolaryngology and Gastroenterology: A Window into Potential Inter-Specialty Knowledge Gaps
Authors: Haines Adam , Kohli Nikita , Lerner Benjamin A. , Lerner Michael Z.
Published: April 2020

Objective:

The objective of this study was to examine referral patterns between otolaryngology and gastroenterology in order to delineate areas of clinical overlap, as well as to identify areas that might benefit from improved inter-specialty communication and collaboration.

Methods:

Montefiore’s Clinical Looking Glass tool was used to define parameters for electronic medical record data extraction from 2015 to 2018. Two cohorts were generated, one representing referrals placed by gastroenterology to otolaryngology and a second representing referrals placed by otolaryngology to gastroenterology. The ICD-10 codes in both cohorts were reviewed and 13 distinct “reason for referral” categories were defined. The rates of referral for each category were then calculated for each of the referral cohorts.

Results:

Otolaryngology referred to gastroenterology at a greater rate than gastroenterology referred to otolaryngology, despite seeing fewer total patients than gastroenterology. For referrals from gastroenterology to otolaryngology, the three most frequent referral reasons were oral cavity/oropharyngeal pathology (28.3%), dysphagia (28.3%), and gastroesophageal reflux disease/laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (GERD/LPRD) (11.3%). For referrals from otolaryngology to gastroenterology, the three most frequent referral reasons were GERD/LPRD (61.7%), dysphagia (18.6%), and esophageal pathology (5.3%).

Conclusions:

GERD/LPRD was more frequently referred out by otolaryngology than it was by gastroenterology, suggesting the need for further characterization of the discrepancy in management of a disease commonly treated by both specialties. The discrepant rates of referral for dysphagia also suggest a need to better understand what factors contribute to the differences in management of another clinical condition commonly assessed by both specialties.

Level of Evidence:

4
Living With Shattered Dreams: A Confession and a Hypothesis
Authors: Covitz Howard H.
Published: April 2020

The author describes how his and his patients’ sense of the ethical has been affronted by candidate and then President Donald Trump. He offers a hypothesis that autocratic leaders—by choosing an outrageous persona—split the nation they wish to dominate into two starkly separated camps that both, in certain ways, mimic the autocrat’s behaviors.
Tourists’ Pro-environmental Behaviors: Moral Obligation or Disengagement?
Authors: Wu Jialin (Snow) , Font Xavier , Liu Jingyan
Published: April 2020

We study the formation of pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs) by integrating both the promoting (moral obligation) and inhibiting (moral disengagement) PEB mechanisms. Results of a sample of 285 tourists at a National Nature Reserve in China affirm that moral obligation positively affects PEB intention, while moral disengagement has significant negative impact. There is little difference in the relative importance of moral obligation and moral disengagement in affecting PEB intention. Social influence plays an important role in regulating the impacts of moral variables on PEB intentions. This study also broadens knowledge of the structure of PEB, by unveiling low-effort PEB intention as a precursor to high-effort PEB intention, and a mediator between moral obligation / moral disengagement and high-effort PEB intention. This study provides insights and implications for tourism practitioners and policy makers, and opens up future research exploration of the paradox of the promoting and inhibiting PEB mechanisms.
The Interaction Effects of Online Reviews, Brand, and Price on Consumer Hotel Booking Decision Making
Authors: Wen Ji , Lin Zhibin , Liu Xin , Xiao Sarah Hong , Li Yina
Published: April 2020

When searching and booking a hotel online, consumers are exposed to multiple cues such as customer reviews, price, and brand names. This study aims to examine the level of diagnosticity and simultaneous effects of the three important decision cues: online review, price, and brand on consumer quality evaluation and hotel booking intention. Study 1 is a randomized controlled experiment of 2 (high vs. low price) × 2 (positive vs. negative online review) × 2 (familiar vs. unknown brand). Study 2 replicates and extends study 1 by further examining the three cues’ effects on both perceived quality and booking intention, and the mediation effect of perceived quality. The results reveal three-way interaction effects of multiple cues in consumers’ decision processes and indicate that negative reviews have a dominating effect on hotel booking intention, and the level of cue diagnosticity from high to low is as follows: online review, brand familiarity, and price.
Oaths of Office in American States: Problems and Prospects
Authors: Bowman James S. , West Jonathan P.
Published: April 2020

Upon assuming office, executive, legislative, and judicial officials swear an oath as evidence of dedication, commitment, and duty to the Constitution. As such, they play a quintessential role in upholding democratic values. Yet contrasted to codes of ethics, oaths get little recognition in the study of public administration. What attention they do receive focuses primarily on the presidential oath of office. This article examines a little-researched topic: governmental oaths in American states. The inquiry is useful because oaths can help safeguard the integrity of civic institutions. As a distinguishing feature of public service, oath-taking nonetheless may be seen as a routine formality without consequence. The article discusses this rite of passage, explores its past and current functions, reviews the literature, and analyzes state oaths. The work concludes with observations on the prospects of these testimonials in troubled times, times that require the restoration of honor, dignity, and virtue in government.
Trusting Others: A Pareto Distribution of Source and Message Credibility Among News Reporters
Authors: Barnoy Aviv , Reich Zvi
Published: April 2020

This study uses the case study of journalists to explore the socio-cognitive nature of interpersonal trust in growingly deceptive ecosystems. Journalists are ideal test subjects to explore these issues as professional trust allocators, who receive immediate feedback on right and wrong trust decisions. The study differentiates, for the first time, between source and message credibility evaluations, based on a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. Findings show that journalists can distinguish source and message credibility. However, in practice they rely on source evaluations as an “autopilot” default mode, shifting gears to observations of source and message credibility in epistemically complex cases. The proportion between both is close to Pareto distribution. This extreme division challenges both inductive and mixed inference theories of epistemic trust and suggests revisiting the “typification” doctrine of newswork. Data partially support the hegemony and “epistemic injustice” theory, showing that traditional credibility criteria might trigger the exclusion of nontraditional voices.
Effects of an Interactive Web Training to Support Parents in Reducing Challenging Behaviors in Children with Autism
Authors: Turgeon Stéphanie , Lanovaz Marc J. , Dufour Marie-Michèle
Published: April 2020

Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) engage in challenging behaviors, which may interfere with their daily functioning, development, and well-being. To address this issue, we conducted a four-week randomized waitlist control trial to examine the effects of a fully self-guided interactive web training (IWT) on (a) child engagement in challenging behaviors and (b) parental intervention. After 4 weeks, parents in the treatment group reported lower levels of challenging behaviors in their children and more frequent use of behavioral interventions than those in the waitlist groups. Furthermore, within-group analyses suggest that these changes persisted up to 12 weeks following completion of the IWT. Our results highlight the potential utility of web training, but our high attrition rate and potential side effects prevent us from recommending the training as a standalone treatment.
Characterisation of the pharmacodynamic effects of the P2X7 receptor antagonist JNJ-54175446 using an oral dexamphetamine challenge model in healthy males in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple ascending dose trial
Authors: Recourt Kasper , van der Aart Jasper , Jacobs Gabriel , de Kam Marieke , Drevets Wayne , van Nueten Luc , Kanhai Kawita , Siebenga Pieter , Zuiker Rob , Ravenstijn Paulien , Timmers Maarten , van Gerven Joop , de Boer Peter
Published: April 2020

Background:

This is the first report of the pharmacodynamic (PD) effects of the selective, potent and brain-penetrant P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) antagonist JNJ-54175446. Activation of the P2X7R, an adenosine triphosphate-gated ion channel, leads to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which have been linked to neuroinflammation and play a role in the pathogenesis of mood disorders. Previous clinical studies with JNJ-54175446 demonstrated peripheral target engagement of JNJ-54175446 by assessing ex vivo lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated cytokine production. Blood–brain barrier penetration and a clear dose–receptor occupancy relationship was demonstrated using positron emission tomography.

Aims:

The objectives of this double-blind, placebo-controlled, translational study were to assess the safety and tolerability of administering multiple doses of JNJ-54175446 and to explore its PD effects using a dexamphetamine challenge.

Methods:

Subjects ( N = 64) were randomised to either JNJ-54175446 (50–450 mg; n = 48) or placebo ( n = 16) and underwent a baseline oral 20 mg dexamphetamine challenge followed by 11 consecutive days q.d. dosing with JNJ-54175446/placebo and a randomised crossover dexamphetamine/placebo challenge.

Results:

At all doses tested, JNJ-54175446 was well tolerated and suppressed the ex vivo LPS-induced release of cytokines. At doses ⩾100 mg, JNJ-54175446 attenuated dexamphetamine-induced increases in locomotion and enhanced the mood-elevating effects of dexamphetamine, suggesting that a dose that is approximately twice as high is needed to obtain a central PD response compared to the dose needed for maximum peripheral occupancy.

Conclusion:

Overall, the observed pharmacological profile of JNJ-54175446 in the dexamphetamine challenge paradigm is compatible with a potential mood-modulating effect.
Exploring the Gender-Specific Impact of Educational Film on Maternal and Child Health Knowledge and Behavior: A Qualitative Study in Serenje District, Zambia
Authors: Mweemba Oliver , Smith Helen , Coombe Helen
Published: April 2020

Background

Educational film is a communication tool that helps to present complex information simply and clearly, keeping audiences interested for longer and helping to reinforce important learning. Medical Aid Films produces educational films targeted at communities and health workers, with a focus on maternal and child health (MCH) content. Pilot work suggests that film screenings have attracted male as well as female viewers and have started to increase male involvement in MCH care. We explored stakeholder perspectives and gender-specific responses to educational films screened in a rural district of Serenje, Zambia.

Methods

A qualitative study using focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with men and women who had viewed the films at least once, and key informant interviews with health workers who helped deliver the film screenings. Thematic framework analysis was used to derive themes and subthemes, and illustrative quotes are used to substantiate interpretation of the findings.

Results

Men’s and women’s perspectives are clustered around the influence of the films on knowledge and behavior in relation to MCH topics and male involvement and overall community responses to the films. The three themes summarizing key informant perspectives relate to their impressions of the influence of the films on male involvement in MCH and their views on using film to deliver heath information.

Conclusion

Educational films have the potential to improve women’s and men’s knowledge and awareness of MCH topics, including healthy nutrition and welfare of women during pregnancy, the need to seek skilled care during pregnancy and for childbirth, and the importance of male involvement in supporting the care of women and children. Before widespread implementation, decisions must be made about whether and how to integrate the films with community health education programs, the needs, values, and preferences of men and women and how to present and deliver the film content in a way that maximizes participation of men and women in MCH but does not undermine women’s rights, autonomy, or safety.
Effect of genetic liability to migraine on cognition and brain volume: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Daghlas Iyas , Rist Pamela M , Chasman Daniel I
Published: April 2020

Objective

To investigate potential causality between genetic liability to migraine and Alzheimer’s disease, intelligence, and brain volume using two-sample Mendelian randomization.

Methods

The exposure consisted of independent genetic variants associated with migraine in the largest (59,674 cases/316,078 controls) published genome-wide association study. Outcomes included Alzheimer’s disease (71,880 cases/383,378 controls), a measure of general intelligence (n = 269,867), intracranial volume (n = 11,373), and seven subcortical brain volumes (n ∼ 13,000), all with available genome-wide association study summary statistics. Mendelian randomization effects were estimated using inverse-variance weighted analysis.

Results

Genetic liability to migraine did not associate with Alzheimer’s disease (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] 1.01 [1.00–1.02], p = 0.07), intelligence (standardized beta [95% confidence interval] 0.01 [0.00–0.02], p = 0.13), or any brain volume measures (all p > 0.05). No individual migraine variant associated with any of the outcomes at genome-wide significance.

Conclusions

These data do not support a causal effect of migraine liability on Alzheimer’s disease, intelligence, or brain volume.
Rotomolding and polyethylene composites with rotomolded lignocellulosic materials: A review
Authors: León Lumirca Del Valle Espinoza , Escocio Viviane Alves , Visconte Leila Lea Yuan , Junior Julio Cesar Jandorno , Pacheco Elen Beatriz Acordi Vasques
Published: April 2020

Rotomolding is a versatile process used in the manufacture of thermoplastic polymeric materials to produce large hollow plastic parts. The aim of this review article was to discuss the rotomolding process and show the properties of the polyethylene composite and rotomolded lignocellulosic fibers, which are processed for prolonged periods under temperature. The main process parameters studied are the shaft speed of the equipment, molding temperature, polymer particle size, polymer melt flow index, and amount of material, which must be well controlled to achieve a non-degraded product with homogeneous thickness and no porosity. Rotomolded composites containing sisal, pine, coir, banana, flax, and maple wood fibers, among others, have been evaluated primarily for their mechanical (impact, flexural, and tensile strength) and morphological properties. The type, content, and treatment of lignocellulosic fillers are the most widely studied variables in polyethylene-based rotomolded composites. Fiber content was the variable that most influenced mechanical properties, particularly impact strength and hardness due to the voids formed by the hydrodynamic volume between the polymer matrix and lignocellulosic filler. Chemical treatment of the fiber by mercerization with NaOH made it more hydrophobic and the addition of maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene as a coupling agent improved the interfacial adhesion between the non-polar polymer matrix and polar filler. However, the best mechanical property results were obtained with the use of maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene.
Child Safety Matters: Randomized Control Trial of a School-Based, Child Victimization Prevention Curriculum
Authors: Bright Melissa A. , Sayedul Huq Mona , Patel Shivam , Miller M. David , Finkelhor David
Published: April 2020

Recognizing the potential of classrooms as a context for identifying and addressing child victimization, several U.S. states now mandate the inclusion of child abuse prevention in school curricula. There are, however, a limited number of evidence-based and developmentally appropriate curricula designed for elementary. This study utilized a randomized control trial (RCT) design to evaluate the knowledge acquisition of children who received the Monique Burr Foundation’s Child Safety Matters curriculum, a program designed to educate kindergarten to Grade 5 children about bullying, cyberbullying, four types of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, and neglect), and digital dangers. Participants included 1,176 students from 72 classrooms in 12 Florida schools across eight counties. Schools were matched in pairs and randomly assigned to receive the program or be in a wait-list control. Knowledge was assessed with a questionnaire administered prior to the curriculum (T1) as well as approximately 3 weeks (T2) and approximately 7 months (T3) after implementation. Analyses were conducted with class means examining grade, treatment condition, and time. The interaction of treatment and time was significant, F(2, 90) = 17.024, p < .000. Children who received the curriculum increased their knowledge about potentially risky situations, and this knowledge was sustained over 7 months to the follow-up assessment. Children in the control schools did not have similar gains. The current classroom-based child maltreatment prevention education is a promising strategy to address children’s vulnerability to abuse and its consequences.
Implementation of the new minimum resultant error approach to extract elastic-plastic properties of titanium nitride thin film by nanoindentation, finite element analysis, and modified dimensional analysis
Authors: Bazzaz E , Darvizeh A , Alitavoli M , Tooski M Yarmohammad
Published: April 2020

Obtaining the plastic properties of thin film coatings has been the main challenge for decades. Implementing the hybrid methods seems to be an applicable way to address this issue. Unfortunately, limitations of nonunique answers together with the need for enormous amount of calculations are counted as the main challenges. To overcome such difficulties, a modified dimensional analysis method is proposed, which is able to reduce the number of dimensionless parameters. Another novel algorithm named “minimum resultant error method” is developed to provide proper criteria to investigate the compliance of the analytical results with empirical data. With this algorithm, yield stress, strain hardening exponent, and strain hardening coefficient are extracted as unique values by using a single indenter nanoindentation results. The simulation results are processed with combined modified dimensional analysis method and minimum resultant error method algorithms. The effects of interlayer, friction coefficient, and indenter tip radius are investigated. Error analysis to the modulus of elasticity is undertaken and the results show less than 2% error for the infimum point, while the individual dimensionless functions errors are below 3.4%. According to the results, this new approach is well-coped with the earlier studies.
Health Care Professionals’ Awareness of a Child’s Impending Death
Authors: Kobler Kathie , Bell Cynthia , Kavanaugh Karen , Gallo Agatha M. , Corte Colleen , Vincent Catherine
Published: April 2020

Health care professionals’ (HCPs) experiences during early pediatric end-of-life care were explored using a theory-building case study approach. Multiple data collection methods including observation, electronic medical record review, and semi-structured interviews were collected with 15 interdisciplinary HCPs across four cases. Within- and across-case analyses resulted in an emerging theory. HCPs’ initial awareness of a child’s impending death is fluid, ongoing, and informed through both relational and internal dimensions. Initial cognitive awareness is followed by a deeper focus on the child through time-oriented attention to the past, present, and future. HCPs engage in a “delicate dance of figuring out” key issues. Awareness was exemplified through four themes: professional responsibility, staying connected, grounded uncertainty, and holding in. The emerging theoretical model provides a framework for HCPs to assess their ongoing awareness, identify personal assumptions, and inform gaps in understanding when facilitating early end-of-life care discussions with families.
Exploring the Interlinkages Between Gender, Power, and Health in the Entertainment Establishment Settings in Kathmandu Nepal
Authors: Basnyat Iccha
Published: April 2020

This article explores the ways in which gender inequalities are reproduced and reinforced within entertainment establishments, and in turn the ways in which it affects health of the women working in these establishments. Specifically, this article is based on 35 in-depth interviews with women working in entertainment establishments in Kathmandu, Nepal. The findings highlight daily encounters of harassment by customers demanding engagement and acceptance of various sexual advances; strategies of exploitation by employers such as threatening the loss of work and/or salary to coerce the women into engaging in sexual talks and innuendoes to increase sales for the business; and an adverse impact on the physical, emotional, and psychological health of women working in the entertainment establishment. The findings urge us to locate the discussion of health, particularly health of marginalized women, within the context of gender inequalities, labor divisions, and power relations.
Minding the Gap Between the Policy and Practice of Patient-Centeredness: Cocreating a Model for Tensional Dialogue in the “Active Patient Support” Program
Authors: Phillips Louise , Scheffmann-Petersen Michael
Published: April 2020

Several studies identify obstacles to patient-centered care that can be eradicated by bridging the gap between policy goals and practice. In this article, “patient-centeredness” is theorized as an unstable entity riddled with intrinsic, ineradicable tensions. The purpose of the article is to propose a reflexive approach to the tensions as the most appropriate strategy for narrowing the gap between policy and practice. The reflexive approach is illustrated in an account of an action research project on a Danish, patient-centered initiative, “Active Patient Support.” The account focuses on the development of a dialogic communication model through collaborative, reflexive analyses of the tensions in the enactment of “patient-centeredness” in dialogue between health care practitioners and citizens—in particular, the tension between empowerment and self-discipline. Finally, the conceptual expansion of one of the dimensions of patient-centeredness, “health-practitioner-as-person,” is discussed as a platform for reflexivity, and the limitations of reflexivity are addressed.
Does Adequate Hemodialysis Prevent Symptoms?: A National Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Ozen Nurten , Cepken Tugba , Sousa Clemente Neves
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between dialysis adequacy and the incidence of symptoms in subjects treated with HD. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted at two HD centers. The data were collected with the ‘Descriptive Characteristics Form of the Participants’ and the ‘Dialysis Symptom Index (DSI)’. The study was reported according to the STROBE Declaration. The study was completed with 120 patients. The most common symptom reported was feeling tired or decreased energy and the least common was difficulty concentrating. No statistically significant relationship was found between DSI results and the Kt/V or urea reduction rate levels used to evaluate dialysis adequacy. Dialysis-related symptoms can also be seen in patients with adequate dialysis levels. It is therefore necessary to query the symptoms experienced by the patients at regular intervals.