bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Philosophical Discourse and Ascetic Practice: On Foucault’s Readings of Descartes’ Meditations
Authors: Lorenzini Daniele
Published: January 2021

This paper addresses the multiple readings that Foucault offers of Descartes’ Meditations during the whole span of his intellectual career. It thus rejects the (almost) exclusive focus of the literature on the few pages of the History of Madness dedicated to the Meditations and on the so-called Foucault/Derrida debate. First, it reconstructs Foucault’s interpretation of Descartes’ philosophy in a series of unpublished manuscripts written between 1966 and 1968, when Foucault was teaching at the University of Tunis. It then addresses the important shifts that took place in Foucault’s thought at the beginning of the 1970s, which led him to elaborate a new approach to the Meditations in terms of ‘discursive events’. Finally, it argues that those shifts opened up to Foucault the possibility of developing an original reading of Descartes’ philosophy, surprisingly close to his own interest in ancient askē sis and the techniques of the self.
Conflicting messages of electoral protest: The role of systemic and elite discontent in the Italian 2016 constitutional referendum
Authors: Bergman Matthew E , Passarelli Gianluca
Published: January 2021

The vote NO (a defeat for the proponents) of the 2016 Italian referendum has been broadly attributed to a wave of protest politics sweeping Western democracies. Given that the government of Matteo Renzi proposed and supported the referendum, the resulting vote against government interests raises a crucial theoretical question: to what extent does the referendum vote reflect the characteristics of a protest vote? To disentangle the meaning and impact of protest, we distinguish two dimensions: the ‘system discontent’ and the ‘elite discontent’, referring to both general and focalized images: general sentiments towards the representational aspects of political institutions as compared to focused sentiments towards government performances. The circumstances surrounding the referendum provide a crucial test for whether these two forms of protest can be at odds with one another. We expect and find that elite discontented voters tend to reject this referendum. Vice versa, system discontent increased support for the referendum, as it would reform political institutions to which voters had negative sentiments. Findings suggest that analyses of political psychology and behaviour identify the conceptual foundations for protest and ask whether forms of protest work in parallel or at odds. Protest attitudes and their effects should be thought of as multidimensional.
The efficiency of exercise training in patients with venous insufficiency: A double blinded, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gürdal Karakelle Saliha , Ipek Yeldan , Tulin Ozalhas , Alpagut İbrahim Ufuk
Published: January 2021

Background

Exercise training (ET) is current treatment method for venous insufficiency (VI). The comprehensive effect of ET in addition to compression therapy (CT) in VI is not clear.

Method

Twenty-four patients with VI were randomly divided into exercise group (EG) and control group (CG). While CG received only CT, EG was applied ET consisting of aerobic, strengthening and stretching exercises in addition to CT for 2 days/week, 6 weeks at hospital under the supervision of physiotherapist. All the patients were assessed with Chronic Venous Disease Quality Of Life Questionnaire-20, Short Form-36, Duplex Doppler Ultrasonography, Venous Clinical Severity Score, hand-held dynamometer, Visual Analogue Scale, circumference measurements, 6 minute-walking test, and 10-meter-walking test before and after the treatment.

Result

Except of hemodynamic status and edema (p > 0.05), all parameters were significantly different in favor of EG (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

ET in addition to CT was more effective and safe treatment in VI.
A novel method of quantifying hemodynamic delays to improve hemodynamic response, and CVR estimates in CO2 challenge fMRI
Authors: Yao Jinxia (Fiona) , Yang Ho-Ching (Shawn) , Wang James H , Liang Zhenhu , Talavage Thomas M , Tamer Gregory G , Jang Ikbeom , Tong Yunjie
Published: January 2021

Elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) in breathing air is widely used as a vasoactive stimulus to assess cerebrovascular functions under hypercapnia (i.e., “stress test” for the brain). Blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) is a contrast mechanism used in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). BOLD is used to study CO2-induced cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), which is defined as the voxel-wise percentage BOLD signal change per mmHg change in the arterial partial pressure of CO2 (PaCO2). Besides the CVR, two additional important parameters reflecting the cerebrovascular functions are the arrival time of arterial CO2 at each voxel, and the waveform of the local BOLD signal. In this study, we developed a novel analytical method to accurately calculate the arrival time of elevated CO2 at each voxel using the systemic low frequency oscillations (sLFO: 0.01-0.1 Hz) extracted from the CO2 challenge data. In addition, 26 candidate hemodynamic response functions (HRF) were used to quantitatively describe the temporal brain reactions to a CO2 stimulus. We demonstrated that our approach improved the traditional method by allowing us to accurately map three perfusion-related parameters: the relative arrival time of blood, the hemodynamic response function, and CVR during a CO2 challenge.
Potential therapeutic effects of Nrf2 activators on intracranial hemorrhage
Authors: Imai Takahiko , Matsubara Hirofumi , Hara Hideaki
Published: January 2021

Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating disease which induces high mortality and poor outcomes including severe neurological dysfunctions. ICH pathology is divided into two types: primary brain injury (PBI) and secondary brain injury (SBI). Although there are numerous preclinical studies documenting neuroprotective agents in experimental ICH models, no effective drugs have been developed for clinical use due to complicated ICH pathology. Oxidative and inflammatory stresses play central roles in the onset and progression of brain injury after ICH, especially SBI. Nrf2 is a crucial transcription factor in the anti-oxidative stress defense system. Under normal conditions, Nrf2 is tightly regulated by the Keap1. Under ICH pathological conditions, such as overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), Nrf2 is translocated into the nucleus where it up-regulates the expression of several anti-oxidative phase II enzymes such as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Recently, many reports have suggested the therapeutic potential of Nrf2 activators (including natural or synthesized compounds) for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, several Nrf2 activators attenuate ischemic stroke-induced brain injury in several animal models. This review summarizes the efficacy of several Nrf2 activators in ICH animal models. In the future, Nrf2 activators might be approved for the treatment of ICH patients.
Understanding the brain uptake and permeability of small molecules through the BBB: A technical overview
Authors: Chowdhury Ekram Ahmed , Noorani Behnam , Alqahtani Faleh , Bhalerao Aditya , Raut Snehal , Sivandzade Farzane , Cucullo Luca
Published: January 2021

The brain is the most important organ in our body requiring its unique microenvironment. By the virtue of its function, the blood-brain barrier poses a significant hurdle in drug delivery for the treatment of neurological diseases. There are also different theories regarding how molecules are typically effluxed from the brain. In this review, we comprehensively discuss how the different pharmacokinetic techniques used for measuring brain uptake/permeability of small molecules have evolved with time. We also discuss the advantages and disadvantages associated with these different techniques as well as the importance to utilize the right method to properly assess CNS exposure to drug molecules. Even though very strong advances have been made we still have a long way to go to ensure a reduction in failures in central nervous system drug development programs.
Joining the Dots: Linking Disconnected Networks of Evidence Using Dose-Response Model-Based Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pedder Hugo , Dias Sofia , Bennetts Meg , Boucher Martin , Welton Nicky J.
Published: January 2021

Background

Network meta-analysis (NMA) synthesizes direct and indirect evidence on multiple treatments to estimate their relative effectiveness. However, comparisons between disconnected treatments are not possible without making strong assumptions. When studies including multiple doses of the same drug are available, model-based NMA (MBNMA) presents a novel solution to this problem by modeling a parametric dose-response relationship within an NMA framework. In this article, we illustrate several scenarios in which dose-response MBNMA can connect and strengthen evidence networks.

Methods

We created illustrative data sets by removing studies or treatments from an NMA of triptans for migraine relief. We fitted MBNMA models with different dose-response relationships. For connected networks, we compared MBNMA estimates with NMA estimates. For disconnected networks, we compared MBNMA estimates with NMA estimates from an “augmented” network connected by adding studies or treatments back into the data set.

Results

In connected networks, relative effect estimates from MBNMA were more precise than those from NMA models (ratio of posterior SDs NMA v. MBNMA: median = 1.13; range = 1.04–1.68). In disconnected networks, MBNMA provided estimates for all treatments where NMA could not and were consistent with NMA estimates from augmented networks for 15 of 18 data sets. In the remaining 3 of 18 data sets, a more complex dose-response relationship was required than could be fitted with the available evidence.

Conclusions

Where information on multiple doses is available, MBNMA can connect disconnected networks and increase precision while making less strong assumptions than alternative approaches. MBNMA relies on correct specification of the dose-response relationship, which requires sufficient data at different doses to allow reliable estimation. We recommend that systematic reviews for NMA search for and include evidence (including phase II trials) on multiple doses of agents where available.
How Do Frontline Civil Servants Engage the Public? Practices, Embedded Agency, and Bricolage
Authors: Blijleven Wieke , van Hulst Merlijn
Published: January 2021

Civil servants in local government are increasingly expected to engage and collaborate with citizens and stakeholders. This article takes a practice approach to develop a generic picture of everyday work at the front lines of public engagement, highlighting the relational and improvisational aspects of that work that, to date, have remained understudied. Our data and analyses build on the existing literature and contribute to it by describing five specific practices of civil servants. Based on our in-depth interviews with 45 frontline civil servants in the Netherlands, we found that civil servants try to bring together a range of different interests, values, perspectives, and resources by understanding the situation, building rapport and trust, developing shared resolutions, aligning processes “outside” and “inside” city hall, and supporting practically. Furthermore, we substantiate the idea that the practices of frontline workers entail embedded agency, which we specifically label as bricolage. We demonstrate how agency is constrained and enabled by the local bureaucracy and its policies, and that civil servants seek alignment possibilities and resolutions.
Knowledge and attitudes regarding cancer pain management among oncology nurses in China
Authors: Li Dan , Gao Le , Ren Li-Yuan , Zeng Xi , Cui Er-Pin , Zhang Li-Jin , Wu Qiong
Published: January 2021

Objective

There are limited studies examining knowledge and attitudes among Chinese oncology nurses regarding cancer pain management.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey among oncology nurses from 26 hospitals in China. The nurses completed the Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain (KASRP) questionnaire. Multivariate models were used to identify factors associated with nurses’ KASRP score.

Results

A total of 982 nurses completed the KASRP (mean score = 21.56 ± 4.00), and 8 (0.81%) nurses had a passing score. The results of multivariate regression indicated that clinical rank and experience in cancer pain management were associated with good knowledge and attitudes regarding cancer pain management.

Conclusion

The Chinese nurses in our study did not have adequate knowledge of or positive attitudes related to cancer pain management. Clinical rank and experience caring for patients with cancer could be used to help identify nurses with inadequate knowledge and attitudes regarding treating cancer pain.
Severe invasive Listeria monocytogenes rhombencephalitis mimicking facial neuritis in a healthy middle-aged man: a case report and literature review
Authors: Cao Liming , Lin Yanwei , Jiang Hongliang , Wei Jiehong
Published: January 2021

Neurolisteriosis is a foodborne infection of the central nervous system that is easily misdiagnosed, especially in healthy adults with atypical symptoms. A 50-year-old man presented with a 3-day history of distortion of the oral commissure. Facial neuritis was diagnosed and treated with intravenous dexamethasone. His condition deteriorated rapidly, and he presented with a slow pharyngeal reflex, stiff neck, and signs of peripheral facial paralysis. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple ring-enhanced foci in the brainstem. Routine and biochemical cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analyses showed increased white blood cells and microproteins. Blood culture and high-throughput genome sequencing revealed Listeria monocytogenes DNA in the CSF. Ampicillin, amikacin, and meropenem were administered, and the patient was transferred from the intensive care unit to a standard medical ward after 2 months. The patient could walk and eat normally; however, he required intermittent mechanical ventilation at 11 months after discharge. Although L. monocytogenes meningitis is rare in healthy immunocompetent adults, it must be considered as a differential diagnosis, especially in adults whose conditions do not improve with cephalosporin antibiotic administration. L. monocytogenes rhombencephalitis mimics facial neuritis and develops quickly. Prompt diagnosis is essential for rapid initiation of antibiotic therapy to achieve the best outcome.
Spermatorrhea in a Chinese patient with temporal lobe epilepsy: a case report
Authors: Zhang Liang , Yu Hao , Li Dan , Qian Hui , Chen Yuchao
Published: January 2021

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that is characterized by episodes of seizure. Sexual dysfunction has been reported in patients with seizure, which mostly manifests as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation in men. In this study, we report the case of a 65-year-old Chinese man with frequent spermatorrhea. Electroencephalography suggested local epilepsy in the left temporal lobe. After treatment with anti-epilepsy drugs, the symptoms disappeared and did not recur. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of epilepsy-induced spermatorrhea. The symptoms of spermatorrhea are probably a rare manifestation of seizure. When repetitive stereotyped symptoms occur, seizure should be considered, and tentative anti-epileptic treatment may be a good option.
Association of cystatin C levels with metabolic syndrome incidence: a nested case-control study with propensity score matching
Authors: Yang Tengfei , Pei Dongmei
Published: January 2021

Objective

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) involves multiple metabolic disorders and seriously affects human health. Identification of key biological factors associated with MetS incidence is therefore important. We explored the association between MetS and the biochemical profiles of Chinese adults in Shenyang City in a nested case-control study.

Methods

We included adult participants who underwent physical examination at our hospital for 2 consecutive years. Participants’ biochemical profiles and other MetS components were tested and monitored continuously. Propensity score matching was used to adjust confounding factors between participants with and without MetS. We analyzed the association between incidence of MetS and the biochemical profiles of participants.

Results

Of 5702 participants who underwent physical examination between 1 January 2017 and 1 December 2018, 538 had confirmed newly developed MetS. After successfully matching 436 pairs of participants, mean cystatin C (Cys-C) level was significantly higher in the MetS group than in the non-MetS group. Logistic regression analysis indicated that age (years) and γ-glutamate transpeptidase, creatinine, uric acid, and Cys-C levels were significantly associated with MetS incidence; among these, the odds ratio of Cys-C was highest (3.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–9.00).

Conclusions

Cys-C levels were significantly associated with the incidence of MetS among Chinese adults.
Two cases of benign abducens nerve palsy in children and their long-term follow-up
Authors: Zhang Tong , Tang Jihong
Published: January 2021

Our aim was to explore the clinical characteristics and diagnostic methods of benign abducens nerve palsy in children. The clinical and laboratory characteristics, treatment approach, and prognosis of two children with benign abducens nerve palsy were retrospectively evaluated. The main clinical symptoms of the two children were limited binocular movement accompanied by double vision, and the positive physical signs were limited binocular abduction accompanied by diplopia. No abnormalities were found in laboratory examinations or in imaging of the head, chest, and abdomen. Both children were treated with B vitamins, methylprednisolone, and gamma globulin, and the clinical symptoms disappeared within 3 months of starting treatment. The cause of benign abducens nerve palsy in children is unknown, but may be related to immune factors. In the two cases presented here, the patients recovered after treatment with immunomodulators.
BRAFV600E mutation in the wrong place: a case of concomitant polycythemia vera, hairy cell leukemia, and thyroid adenoma
Authors: Loscocco Giuseppe G. , Rotunno Giada , Mannelli Lara , Mannelli Francesco , Vergoni Federica , Guglielmelli Paola , Vannucchi Alessandro M.
Published: January 2021

Background:

Polycythemia vera (PV) is one of the Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), characterized by a pan-myelosis with an erythroid-predominant proliferation mainly driven by somatic JAK2V617F gain-of-function mutation. Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a rare B-cell lineage lymphoproliferative disease (LPD) with a typic immunophenotypic profile. BRAFV600E, leading to constitutive activation of the RAF/MEK/ERK signalling pathway and increased cell proliferation, is identified as the driver mutation in almost all cases. Although the risk of developing an LPD is significantly increased in patients with MPN compared with the general population, few cases of co-occurring PV and HCL are reported to date. BRAF is one of the most frequently mutated oncogenes in human cancer and some point mutations were identified in multiple neoplasms in addition to HCL, including follicular and papillary thyroid adenoma and carcinoma.

Case presentation:

Here we report a molecular diagnostic challenge in a woman with a concomitant diagnosis of JAK2V617F PV, BRAFV600E HCL, and HRASQ61K thyroid follicular adenoma.

Conclusion:

In the age of molecular and precision medicine, this case underlines the importance of integrating molecular results with clinical, radiologic, cytologic, and histopathologic investigations.
Estimating Fatality and Injury Savings Because of Deployment of Advanced Wrong-Way Driving Countermeasures on a Toll Road Network
Authors: Sandt Adrian , Al-Deek Haitham
Published: January 2021

Limited access facility wrong-way driving (WWD) crashes are typically more severe than other crashes. Deploying advanced WWD countermeasures, such as rectangular flashing beacon (RFB) and light-emitting diode (LED) technologies, at exit ramps can reduce WWD crashes, injuries, and fatalities. No previous research has developed a methodology to quantify the potential fatality and injury savings because of future countermeasure deployments. This paper developed such a methodology and applied it to Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise (FTE) toll road network. From 2011–2016, there were 53 FTE WWD crashes, resulting in 16 fatalities and annual injury costs of $37 million. The proportion of these crashes occurring during night-time was 87%. RFB and LED life-cycle injury savings and costs were determined for all 216 FTE exits. The total savings were $424 million for RFBs (benefit–cost [B/C] ratio of 23.20) and $144 million for LEDs (B/C ratio of 13.13). Deploying countermeasures at the 103 exits with the highest B/C ratios would provide 70% of the total possible savings by equipping 40% of the ramps. For the same capital investment, RFBs provide more savings than LEDs. Spending $1 million to deploy RFBs will provide similar savings as spending $3.4 million to deploy LEDs. Evaluating the existing FTE RFB and LED ramps shows that RFBs are more effective at night-time and can provide three times the savings of LEDs. The results of this paper show the improved performance of RFBs over LEDs and provide an example that other agencies could follow to identify savings and cost-effectively deploy advanced WWD countermeasures.
Long-term Outcome After Nonoperative Treatment for Rockwood I and II Acromioclavicular Joint Injuries
Authors: Verstift Daniël E. , Kilsdonk Iris D. , van Wier Marieke F. , Haverlag Robert , van den Bekerom Michel P.J.
Published: January 2021

Background:

Rockwood I and II acromioclavicular joint injuries are generally treated nonoperatively. The long-term outcome is considered to be good but has not yet been properly investigated.

Purpose:

To assess the long-term outcome after nonoperative therapy for Rockwood I and II acromioclavicular joint injuries regarding functional and radiologic outcome.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Eligible patients visited the emergency department between January 2003 and December 2015 and were ≥16 years old at the time of presentation. The main study parameters were the Constant score, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, and the Simple Shoulder Test. The Constant score was measured in the injured and contralateral shoulders. Radiologic outcomes in both shoulders included joint displacement, joint space, degenerative changes, osteolysis of the distal clavicle, and ossification of the ligaments.

Results:

A total of 75 patients were included for follow-up. After a median follow-up of 85 months (interquartile range [IQR], 68.0-100.0), the mean Constant score in the injured shoulder for the total sample was 88.6 (SD, 12.7) as compared with 93.3 (SD, 8.7) in the contralateral shoulder, with a significant difference of 4.7 points between shoulders. The median Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 4.2 (IQR, 0.0-10.8), and the median Simple Shoulder Test was 100 (IQR, 91.7-100.0). The median patient satisfaction for the injured shoulder was 83 (IQR, 70.0-95.0). Regarding radiologic outcomes, for the injured shoulder versus the contralateral shoulder, patients had similar rates of degeneration (44% vs 46%) but more frequent osteolysis of the distal clavicle (31% vs 0%), ossification of the ligaments (29% vs 7%), and deformity of the distal clavicle (19% vs 0%).

Conclusion:

Despite the frequent occurrence of radiographic changes, long-term functional outcome after Rockwood I and II acromioclavicular joint injuries is good, with only clinically nonrelevant functional differences between the injured and contralateral shoulders.
Retinoic Acid Receptor Agonists Suppress Muscle Fatty Infiltration in Mice
Authors: Shirasawa Hideyuki , Matsumura Noboru , Yoda Masaki , Okubo Kazumasa , Shimoda Masayuki , Uezumi Akiyoshi , Matsumoto Morio , Nakamura Masaya , Horiuchi Keisuke
Published: January 2021

Background:

The infiltration of fat tissue into skeletal muscle, a condition referred to as muscle fatty infiltration or fatty degeneration, is regarded as an irreversible event that significantly compromises the motor function of skeletal muscle.

Purpose:

To investigate the effect of retinoic acid receptor (RAR) agonists in suppressing the adipogenic differentiation of fibroadipogenic progenitors (FAPs) in vitro and fatty infiltration after rotator cuff tear in mice.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

FAPs isolated from mouse skeletal muscle were cultured in adipogenic differentiation medium in the presence or absence of an RAR agonist. At the end of cell culture, adipogenic differentiation was evaluated by gene expression analysis and oil red O staining. A mouse model of fatty infiltration—which includes the resection of the rotator cuff, removal of the humeral head, and denervation the supraspinatus muscle—was used to induce fatty infiltration in the supraspinatus muscle. The mice were orally or intramuscularly administered with an RAR agonist after the surgery. Muscle fatty infiltration was evaluated by histology and gene expression analysis.

Results:

RAR agonists effectively inhibited the adipogenic differentiation of FAPs in vitro. Oral and intramuscular administration of RAR agonists suppressed the development of muscle fatty infiltration in the mice after rotator cuff tear. In accordance, we found a significant decrease in the number of intramuscular fat cells and suppressed expression in adipogenic markers. RAR agonists also increased the expression of the transcripts for collagens; however, an accumulation of collagenous tissues was not histologically evident in the present model.

Conclusion:

Muscle fatty infiltration can be alleviated by RAR agonists through suppressing the adipogenic differentiation of FAPs. The results also suggest that RAR agonists are potential therapeutic agents for treating patients who are at risk of developing muscle fatty infiltration. The consequence of the increased expression of collagen transcripts by RAR agonists needs to be clarified.

Clinical Relevance:

RAR agonists can be used to prevent the development of muscle fatty infiltration after rotator cuff tear. Nevertheless, further studies are mandatory in a large animal model to examine the safety and efficacy of intramuscular injection of RAR agonists.
The General Movements Assessment in Neonates With Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy
Authors: Pouppirt Nicole R. , Martin Valerie , Pagnotto-Hammitt Linda , Spittle Alicia J. , Flibotte John , DeMauro Sara B.
Published: January 2021

Background:

Clinical measures after birth and studies such as electroencephalogram (EEG) and brain imaging do not fully predict neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Early detection of adverse neurologic outcomes, and cerebral palsy in particular, in high-risk infants is essential for ensuring timely management. The General Movements Assessment is a tool that can be used in the early detection of cerebral palsy in infants with brain injury. The majority of studies on the General Movements Assessment in the late preterm and term population were performed prior to the introduction of therapeutic hypothermia.

Aims:

To apply the General Movements Assessment in late preterm and term infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (including those who received therapeutic hypothermia), to determine if clinical markers of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy predict abnormal General Movements Assessment findings, and to evaluate interrater reliability of the General Movements Assessment in this population. Study design: Pilot prospective cohort study Subjects: We assessed 29 late preterm and full-term infants with mild, moderate, and severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in Philadelphia, PA.

Results:

Most infants’ general movements normalized by the fidgety age. Only infants with moderate or severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy had abnormal general movements in both the writhing and the fidgety ages (n = 6). Seizure at any point during the initial hospitalization was the clinical sign most predictive of abnormal general movements in the fidgety age (sensitivity 100%, specificity 55%, positive predictive value 40%, negative predictive value 100%). Interrater reliability was greatest during the fidgety age (κ = 0.67).

Conclusions:

Seizures were the clinical predictor most closely associated with abnormal findings on the General Movements Assessment. However, clinical markers of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy are not fully predictive of abnormal General Movements Assessment findings. Larger future studies are needed to evaluate the associations between the General Movements Assessment and childhood neurologic outcomes in patients with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy who received therapeutic hypothermia.
Development of biological meniscus scaffold: Decellularization method and recellularization with meniscal cell population derived from mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Kara Aylin , Koçtürk Semra , Bilici Gokcen , Havitcioglu Hasan
Published: January 2021

Tissue engineering approaches which include a combination of cells and scaffold materials provide an alternative treatment for meniscus regeneration. Decellularization and recellularization techniques are potential treatment options for transplantation. Maintenance of the ultrastructure composition of the extracellular matrix and repopulation with cells are important factors in constructing a biological scaffold and eliminating immunological reactions.

The aim of the study is to develop a method to obtain biological functional meniscus scaffolds for meniscus regeneration. For this purpose, meniscus tissue was decellularized by our modified method, a combination of physical, chemical, and enzymatic methods and then recellularized with a meniscal cell population composed of fibroblasts, chondrocytes and fibrochondrocytes that obtained from mesenchymal stem cells. Decellularized and recellularized meniscus scaffolds were analysed biochemically, biomechanically and histologically. Our results revealed that cellular components of the meniscus were successfully removed by preserving collagen and GAG structures without any significant loss in biomechanical properties. Recellularization results showed that the meniscal cells were localized in the empty lacuna on the decellularized meniscus, and also well distributed and proliferated consistently during the cell culture period (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a high amount of DNA, collagen, and GAG contents (p < 0.05) were obtained with the meniscal cell population in recellularized meniscus tissue.

The study demonstrates that our decellularization and recellularization methods were effective to develop a biological functional meniscus scaffold and can mimic the meniscus tissue with structural and biochemical features. We predict that the obtained biological meniscus scaffolds may provide avoidance of adverse immune reactions and an appropriate microenvironment for allogeneic or xenogeneic recipients in the transplantation process. Therefore, as a promising candidate, the obtained biological meniscus scaffolds might be verified with a transplantation experiment.
Physical Activity, Sedentary Time, and Diet as Mediators of the Association Between TV Time and BMI in Youth
Authors: Bejarano Carolina M. , Carlson Jordan A. , Conway Terry L. , Saelens Brian E. , Glanz Karen , Couch Sarah C. , Cain Kelli L. , Sallis James F.
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

This study examined dietary indicators, sedentary time, and physical activity as potential mediators of the association between TV time and BMIz in youth.

Design:

Cross-sectional study in 2 independent samples of youth.

Setting:

Data collection occurred by mail and telephone for adolescents and either at home or in medical settings for children.

Sample:

928 youth ages 12-16 and 756 youth ages 6-12 and a parent.

Measures:

TV time, snacking/eating while watching TV, and a 3-day dietary recall were assessed via child/parent report. Physical activity and sedentary time were assessed by accelerometer wear.

Analysis:

Direct and indirect associations (through 8 diet and activity variables) of TV time with BMIz were tested in boys and girls in each sample.

Results:

TV time had a positive association with BMIz in 6-12 year old boys and girls. Direct associations emerged between TV time and the diet/activity variables, and between diet/activity variables and BMIz. Snacking/eating while watching TV had a significant positive association with BMIz in younger boys and mediated the association between TV time and BMIz ( β = .06, p = .019; 25% attenuation).

Conclusions:

Snacking/eating while watching TV may be a possible reason TV time is consistently associated with obesity in youth. Targeting reductions in TV time and associated snacking could improve health impacts.
The Psychological and Financial Impact of Cybercrime Victimization: A Novel Application of the Shattered Assumptions Theory
Authors: Borwell Jildau , Jansen Jurjen , Stol Wouter
Published: January 2021

While criminality is digitizing, a theory-based understanding of the impact of cybercrime on victims is lacking. Therefore, this study addresses the psychological and financial impact of cybercrime on victims, applying the shattered assumptions theory (SAT) to predict that impact. A secondary analysis was performed on a representative data set of Dutch citizens ( N = 33,702), exploring the psychological and financial impact for different groups of cybercrime victims. The results showed a higher negative impact on emotional well-being for victims of person-centered cybercrime, victims for whom the offender was an acquaintance, and victims whose financial loss was not compensated and a lower negative impact on emotional well-being for victims with a higher income. The study led to novel scientific insights and showed the applicability of the SAT for developing hypotheses about cybercrime victimization impact. In this study, most hypotheses had to be rejected, leading to the conclusion that more work has to be done to test the applicability of the SAT in the field of cybercrime. Furthermore, policy implications were identified considering the prioritization of and approach to specific cybercrimes, treatment of victims, and financial loss compensation.
Curriculum content for innovation and entrepreneurship education in US pharmacy programs
Authors: Afeli Serge A. , Adunlin Georges
Published: January 2021

For many decades, the healthcare sector has been playing catchup with other industries in terms of innovation, primarily due to the low number of healthcare professionals with innovation and entrepreneurship skills in the workplace. The lack of innovation skills, particularly among pharmacists, may result from the fact that innovation and entrepreneurship training is not an integral part of most pharmacy core curricula. In fact, a limited number of pharmacy schools offer innovation and entrepreneurship courses either as part of a joint MBA/PharmD degree or as a certificate. These programs differ greatly from each other in their curricular content, although their overall goals are to teach future pharmacists the skills required to manage service delivery, oversee budgets, improve efficiency, control costs and continuously achieve quality improvement. The aim of this article is twofold: first, to assess commonalities and differences in curricular content between entrepreneurship and innovation training programs in the USA and, second, to present a set of must-haves for innovation and entrepreneurship curricular content for core curricula in pharmacy.
Analytical higher-order-theories for noise reduction analysis of viscoelastic composite multilayered shells
Authors: Alaimo A , Orlando C , Valvano S
Published: January 2021

The noise transmission of aeronautical panels is an important phase of the design process of an airplane. In this work an analytical Navier-type solution, based on higher-order layer-wise shell models, is proposed for the analysis of the sound insulation of laminated panels. The considered multilayered structures are laminated with cross-ply composite layers embedded with interlaminar viscoelastic sheets. The use of the soft interlayers permits to have a passive insulation effect in the study of the sound transmission. In order to take into account the frequency depedent properties of a realistic viscoelastic layer, the damping behavior is modeled through a fractional derivative Zener model. The Rayleigh integral method is used to extrapolate the acoustic indicators for the sound transmission analysis. Some results are presented to validate the efficiency of the present approach, comparing the present solutions with others taken from the literature.
Theory of critical distances: A discussion on concepts and applications
Authors: Delprete Cristiana , Maggio Luigi Gianpio Di , Sesana Raffaella
Published: January 2021

Theory of Critical Distances (TCD) collects several methods adopted in failure prediction of components provided with stress concentration features. The idea of evaluating stress effect in a zone rather than in a single point was proposed decades ago but, only thanks to relatively recent works, TCD concepts showed to be a successful extension of Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM), able to assess strength and fatigue life. The increasing computational power has made Finite Element Method (FEM) widespread, hence stress fields can be easily extracted and used as input data for fatigue post-processing and durability analyses. In this scenario, TCD reveals as a powerful tool which, thanks to the introduction of a single material parameter (critical distance, [Formula: see text]), integrates classical fracture models by considering the presence of microscale phenomena acting in fracture process. In this sense, TCD behaves as a link between continuum mechanics and LEFM. Modalities and reasons for this connection to occur are interesting points of further investigations. Literature on TCD and its theoretical-experimental background is quite extended, nevertheless few industrial applications are available in literature to the best of authors’ knowledge. In this paper, an overview of concepts and applications related to TCD are reported highlighting the relevance of theoretical arguments in actual applications.
The impact of summer heatwaves on railway track geometry maintenance
Authors: Davies Ben , Andrews John
Published: January 2021

Elevated summer temperatures are a disrupting factor on the rail network. Due to the risk of a track buckling under thermal expansion forces, geometry maintenance must be delayed during heatwaves, leading to an overall decreased network availability and reliability. Track asset management support tools are used to plan and schedule a variety of maintenance activities, with tamping and stoneblowing being the primary activities for geometry maintenance. No management tools seen in the literature consider the influences of weather on the scheduling and delivery of maintenance. This paper describes a Petri net modelling approach to railway track asset management. This is demonstrated to be a highly flexible method able to capture the complexities of degradation, inspection, and maintenance, and predict the evolution of track geometry quality over time. Different maintenance strategies are tested, varying the degradation thresholds, inspection intervals, policy decisions, and maintenance response times. Excessively hot weather is introduced as an inhibiting factor for all maintenance activities, resulting in extended periods where interventions are delayed. Simulation results show that frequent inspection and timely maintenance scheduling strategies could be followed to attain a highly performing and resilient track system. This asset management support tool could be added to the suite used by the rail industry, providing guidance on maintenance policy through a summer season where heatwave disruptions are expected.
Narrowing longitudinally coupled prefabricated slab track maintenance duration with field data analysis of slab deformation under high temperature
Authors: Li Zai-Wei , Liu Xiao-Zhou , Lu Hong-Yao , He Yue-Lei
Published: January 2021

The deformation of longitudinally coupled prefabricated slab track (LCPST) due to high temperature may lead to a reduction in ride comfort and safety in high-speed rail (HSR) operation. It is thus critical to understand and track the development of such defects. This study develops an online monitoring system to analyze LCPST deformation at different slab depths under various temperatures. The trackside system, powered by solar energy with STM8L core that is ultra-low in energy consumption, is used to collect data of LCPST deformation and temperature level uninterruptedly. With canonical correlation analysis, it is found that LCPST deformation presents similar periodic variation to yearly temperature fluctuation and large longitudinal force may be generated as heat accumulates in summer, thereby causing track defects. Then the distribution of temperature and deformation data is categorized based on fuzzy c-means clustering. Through the distribution analysis, it is suggested that slab inspection can be shortened to 6 hours, i.e. from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, reducing 14.3% track inspection workload from the current practice. The price of workload reduction is only a 2% chance of missed detection of slab deformation. The finding of this research can be used to enhance LCPST monitoring efficiency and reduce interruption to HSR operation, which is an essential step in promoting reliable and cost-effective track service.
Load and response quantification of direct fixation fastening systems for heavy rail transit infrastructure
Authors: de O Lima Arthur , Edwards J Riley , Chavez Quiroz Luis W , Qian Yu , Dersch Marcus S
Published: January 2021

Ballastless track (i.e. slab track) systems are used extensively in passenger rail applications for improved track stability, alignment control, vibration, and life cycle cost (LCC) benefits. These systems regularly rely on Direct Fixation (DF) fasteners to connect the rail to the structure. Field performance observations have indicated that even under similar track geometry and train operating conditions, the DF fasteners useful life varies widely. Meanwhile, a review of literature reveals that there is limited prior research to guide optimization of DF fastener designs for heavy rail transit. Therefore, researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) conducted a field investigation at three sites on a United States legacy heavy rail transit system to quantify wheel-rail interface loading demands and DF fastener response. Track response variance across similar track geometry was found. Wheel loads ranged between 2.7 to 18.2 kip (12.0 to 81.0 kN) and 0.9 to 12.4 kip (4.0 to 55.2 kN) for vertical and lateral loads, respectively. Lateral rail head displacements ranged between −0.05 to 0.16 inches (−1.27 to 4.06 mm) while dynamic lateral stiffness ranged from 42 to 62 kip/in. (7.3 to 10.8 kN/mm), indicating a low stiffness ratio for the DF fastener studied. Differences in behavior are attributed to dynamic vehicle-track interaction, the relationship between balanced and operating speeds, and differences in track gauge between sites. A comparison of vertical loading results with two additional heavy rail transit agencies shows Burr distributions that accurately represent the loading demands. Results from this study provide quantitative information that can be leveraged to improve heavy rail transit DF fastening system design and development of representative design validation testing protocols.
A comparative assessment on the effect of 1-propanol and 1-hexanol as oxygenated additive with diesel/biodiesel blends on single cylinder diesel engine characteristics
Authors: Jayapal Mohanraj , Radhakrishnan Kannan G
Published: January 2021

Recovery of energy from waste is appealing as it meets the energy demand and minimize the problems associated with waste management. Biodiesel derived from waste cooking oil was used in this study along with 1-propanol and 1-hexanol to make a comparative assessment of the alcohol addition on different diesel engine characteristics. Experimental trials were carried out by utilizing two ternary blends with 20% by volume of higher alcohols (propanol & hexanol), 30% by volume of biodiesel and 50% by volume of diesel. Later, the results were compared with binary blend of 50% by volume of diesel and 50% by volume of biodiesel (D50B50), pure diesel (D100) and biodiesel (B100). Results divulge that ignition delay period got longer for both Pr20 blend and HX20 blend which resulted in a 2% and 1% increase in peak cylinder pressure and 26% and 15% increase in peak heat release rate respectively against D50B50 blend operation. In comparison with the binary blend, the engine brake thermal efficiency improved by 3% and deteriorated by 2% against hexanol and propanol blend respectively. The NOx emission aggravated with ternary blends, nearly 8% higher NOx emission was observed for propanol blend when compared to hexanol blend. Both smoke opacity and carbon monoxide emission reduced, while unburnt hydrocarbon emission was on the higher side with the introduction of alcohol. It is concluded from the observations that the HX20 blend was found to be optimal in terms of improved engine performance and emission characteristics.
The impacts of red mud dosing on methane production and reduction of CO2: Activity of granules and formation
Authors: Ahmad Anwar , Shahitha Fatima
Published: January 2021

Experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of red mud (RM) dosing on granular sludge formation, biogas production and carbon dioxide reduction from palm oil mill effluent (POME) digestion. The results show that dosing RM adversely affected sludge granulation due to the formation of precipitates and hydrolyzates with poor settleability. However, at the optimal dosage (4.5 g RM/L), it could benefit granules formation and stability by improving the in extracellular polymeric substances and biogas production rate was 87.9 l g-VSadded/d at 4.5:30 mixing ratio. The ratio of 0.5:80–2.5:50 g-VS did not affect methane production and the highest methane yield average 79.9 l/g-VS added for RM:POME of 4.5:30, 14.5 higher respective to that of POME alone only. A CO2 reduction of 89.6% was obtained at RM of 4.5:30 ( r = 0.998). The chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal was 87% obtained at 30 g COD/l and 4.5:30 g-VS with growth of sp. Methanosarcina. The process evaluation was found model cone best fitted and actual production of CH4. The evidence by low root mean square prediction error (RMSPE) showed high correlation difference (Dif. %) with predicted value and actual values. Analyses were evaluated that the POME degradation with RM utilization, substantially enhanced the hydrolysis rate (khyd), lag phase time h (λ) and methane production rate ( Rm) of mixing ratio of RM:POME. Furthermore, the system showed solid reduction with the increased production of methane.