bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A liberdade em A montanha mágica
Authors: Abrahão Thiago Henrique de Camargo
Published: March 2020

Em meio à paisagem montanhosa dos Alpes suíços, um sanatório para doenças respiratórias. As muitas tosses ali em longo tratamento não possuem compromissos mais sérios que não sejam seguir o horário habitual das refeições e dos repousos. Diante desse meio espacialmente estagnado e temporalmente hermético de A montanha mágica, de Thomas Mann, a liberdade mostra-se amortecida. Não nos referimos, evidentemente, à liberdade criativa do autor alemão, cuja prova de grandeza é o romance em si, tampouco à liberdade interpretativa do leitor, mas à liberdade – ou, antes, sua atenuação – problematizada pelas personagens dessa longa história. É o caso do jovem protagonista Hans Castorp, cujo aprendizado a respeito do tema paradoxalmente ocorre durante sua estada num lugar que sequestra sua liberdade. Isso se dá não apenas porque a personagem principal é incapaz de eleger, sem constrangimentos, os valores que embasam suas escolhas, mas também porque isso é dificultado pela situação espaçotemporal anômala ou, segundo o título, “mágica” da montanha. Como essa problemática é apresentada narrativamente, por meio de alguns índices de liberdade – ou seja, elementos que modificam, para as personagens e para o leitor, a indeterminação da narrativa –, é o que queremos apresentar.
Refletir é preciso: procedimentos metodológicos em um estudo piloto com professores em formação na área de alemão como língua estrangeira
Authors: Nunes Elaine Cristina Roschel
Published: March 2020

O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar em que medida os procedimentos metodológicos de um estudo piloto são adequados para o desenvolvimento de uma pesquisa com foco no estímulo à criatividade de professores de alemão como língua estrangeira. O estudo piloto viabiliza a revisão das escolhas metodológicas, a avaliação da eficácia dos instrumentos e a adequação das fases previstas para a investigação proposta. Para a realização desse estudo, contou-se com a colaboração de três professores em formação no curso de Letras Alemão. Os materiais coletados incluem entrevistas semiestruturadas, relatos em áudio sobre as aulas ministradas (lautes Erinnern), relatos coletados durante um workshop e um encontro final para avaliação do percurso realizado. Como suporte teórico, as premissas da abordagem reflexiva são retomadas, contrapondo-as a demandas recentes. Após a análise dos procedimentos selecionados para incentivar a reflexão, conclui-se que as escolhas metodológicas foram adequadas e permitiram o levantamento de fatores determinantes para o delineamento da pesquisa oficial. Por meio dos instrumentos empregados, os professores em formação identificaram problemas, apontaram soluções e avaliaram as consequências de suas escolhas durante os relatos individuais e no planejamento colaborativo, gerando suas próprias teorias ao procurar compreender a prática.
O livro ilustrado de conto de fadas metatextual e metaficcional como reinvenção do conto Chapeuzinho Vermelho dos Irmãos Grimm
Authors: García André Luiz Ming
Published: March 2020

É próprio do conto de fadas ser ilustrado, encenado, reinventado e adaptado de várias maneiras, com destaque para suas recriações verbovisuais na forma de livros ilustrados de contos de fadas. No presente trabalho, analisamos a obra metatextual e metaficcional Caperucita Roja (tal y como se lo contaron a Jorge), de Luis María Pescetti e Alejandro O’Kif, em comparação com o conto Chapeuzinho Vermelho, dos Irmãos Grimm, ao qual se refere diretamente e reproduz de forma traduzida e adaptada. Como toda obra metatextual e metaficcional, a textualidade em questão enseja inúmeros questionamentos a respeito da obra de referência, o conto dos Grimm, o qual termina avaliando criticamente. Veremos como, em Caperucita Roja, a estrutura formal do conto de fadas dos Irmãos Grimm, caracterizada pela abstração, planicidade, lógica intuitiva e magia naturalizada, é tematizada, bem como a Verwandlungsfähigkeit da narrativa original.
Cross-cultural adaptation of the Clear Communication Index to Brazilian Portuguese
Authors: Marinho Angélica Maria Cupertino Lopes , Baur Cynthia , Ferreira Fernanda Morais , Borges-Oliveira Ana Cristina , Abreu Mauro Henrique Nogueira Guimarães de
Published: March 2020

OBJECTIVE: To perform a cross-cultural adaptation of the Clear Communication Index instrument from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC-CCI) from English to Brazilian Portuguese. METHODS: This study comprised initial discussion about the conceptual equivalence of the instrument by a committee formed by experts on health education. We performed translations, synthesis of translations, back-translations, revision by the committee, and linguistic revision. Semantic equivalence was obtained by analyzing the referential and general meaning of each item by the committee, resulting in a pre-final version of the instrument. Subsequently, thirty professionals with health sciences degrees performed a pre-test. These professionals used the pre-final version of the instrument to assess a health education material. A questionnaire was applied to evaluate the acceptability of the instrument, the understanding of each of the 20 items, as well as the individual and professional variables. We analyzed the scores attributed to the health education material, the variables related to healthcare professionals, the proportions of the acceptability of the instrument, and the comprehension of each item. RESULTS: After we obtained the conceptual equivalence of the instrument, the committee of experts, the instrument’s main author, and the linguist produced the pre-final version using two translations, a synthesis of the translations, and two back-translations. A general equivalence was maintained in 15 of the 20 items (75%), four of the items were slightly altered (20%), and one item was very altered (5%). Nineteen items presented referential equivalence or near equivalence (95%). We then carried out with the pre-test, in which the professionals used the pre-final version. Two items in the domains of “risks” and “main message” were unclear and needed to be revised. CONCLUSION: The process of cross-cultural adaptation of the Clear Communication Index provided an adapted version to the Brazilian Portuguese language.
ULUSLARARASI TİCARET TEORİLERİNDEN DESTİNASYON REKABETÇİLİĞİ MODELLERİNE GEÇİŞ: KAVRAMSAL BİR İNCELEME
Authors: AKIN Mehmet Halit , KARAMUSTAFA Kurtuluş , ÖZTÜRK Yüksel
Published: March 2020

Uluslararası turizmin rekabetçiliğine sebep olan unsurların küresel ticaret teorileri kapsamında değerlendirmesi destinasyon rekabetçiliği modelleri ve köklerinin daha iyi anlaşılmasına katkı sağlayacaktır. Bu bağlamda çalışmanın temel amacı, uluslararası ticaretin ve işletmelerin rekabetçiliğe yönelmelerinin nedenlerini ortaya koyan uluslararası ticaret teorileri ile destinasyon rekabetçiliği modelleri arasındaki ilişkiyi değerlendirerek ilgili bilgi birikimine katkılar oluşturmaktır. Diğer bir ifadeyle bu çalışma, uluslararası ticaret teorilerinden destinasyon rekabetçiliği modellerine geçiş süreci üzerine kurgulanmıştır. Çalışma kapsamında, konuyla ilgili literatür taraması yapılmış, uluslararası ticaret teorileri ile destinasyon rekabetçiliği modelleri ayrıntılı olarak ele alınarak bütünsel olarak değerlendirilmiştir. Uluslararası ticaret teorilerinde geleneksel ve yeni yaklaşımların bazı noktalarda birbirleriyle çelişmeleri sonucunda destinasyon rekabetçiliği modellerine duyulan ihtiyacın ortaya çıktığı sonucuna varılmış, ayrıca uluslararası ticaret teorileri ile destinasyon rekabetçiliği modelleri arasında, odak noktaları ve sundukları ortak faydalar bakımından bir ilişkinin bulunduğu anlaşılmıştır.
What History Can Teach
Authors: Cameron James
Published: March 2020

Most analyses of arms control during the Cold War focus on its role in maintaining strategic stability between the United States and the Soviet Union. However, history shows that the superpowers' search for strategic stability is insufficient to explain the roots and course of negotiations. This essay argues that arms control was used as one tool in a broader strategy of war prevention, designed to contain a series of challenges to U.S. and Soviet dominance of the international system that both sides worried could upset bipolarity and increase the chances of conflict between them. At the same time, U.S. policy-makers balanced this joint superpower interest with Washington's extended deterrent commitment to its allies, which ultimately upheld the integrity of the system as a whole. The essay concludes that today's leaders should integrate arms control into a more comprehensive strategy of political accommodation fit for twenty-first-century conditions.
A Way Forward
Authors: Timbie James
Published: March 2020

This essay develops elements of an agreement to limit and reduce nuclear forces that would succeed the New start Treaty. The successor arrangements would be more complicated than the bilateral inf, start, and New start treaties, involving more subjects and more countries, as the negotiations consider each of the issues the United States and Russia have said should be addressed in a new agreement. The result is a comprehensive program of practical steps to enhance predictability, resume the reduction of nuclear forces, and reduce the risk of conflict in an increasingly complex world.
The Polluter Pays Principle in EU Climate Law: an Effective Tool before the Courts?
Authors: Kingston Suzanne
Published: March 2020

In EU law the polluter pays principle (ppp) enjoys constitutional status: Article 191(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (tfeu) enshrines it among the fundamental principles of the EU’s environmental policy. This article considers the legal status and development of the ppp in EU law, in the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union (cjeu) and in EU policy, most recently in the EU’s Green New Deal. It goes on to identify three bodies of climate-related litigation where the ppp has been most influential to date: first, cases concerning the EU ets and emissions; second, cases concerning EU energy law; and third, cases concerning EU state-aid law. The conclusion reflects on the potential role of the ppp in other areas, including climate cases based on human and environmental rights, and climate cases brought against private parties.
Natural Convection of Nanofluid in a Triangle Cavity with Different Angular Positions
Authors: Rostami Mohsen , Abadi Mohammad Saleh
Published: March 2020

The effects of the angular position on the flow and heat transfer of the nanofluid in a triangular cavity is investigated numerically. A triangular cavity is chosen with the same boundary conditions as the published results are available. The comparison between the current numerical
results with the available data is made to show the accuracy of the numerical simulation. The current structure of triangular cavity is rotated to investigate the effects of various angular positions on the flow and heat transfer characteristics of nanofluid. For this purpose, the equations
of continuity, momentum and energy are solved numerically. The results show that the hot fluid is more freely penetrated into the domain by increasing of the angular position. The velocity of fluid in the flow field becomes maximum for the angle of 120 . Also, the creation of vortices in the
flow field depends on the value of angular position.
Kinematic Analysis of Gait in a Patient with Nonspecific Low Back Pain
Authors: Santos Stephanie de Jesus , Corrêia Evilyn de Amorim , Hendler Ketlyn Germann , Neves Laís Mara Siqueira das , de Souza Larissa Franciny , Bufon Thainá , Kuriki Heloyse Uliam , Barbosa Rafael Inácio , Marcolino Alexandre Marcio
Published: March 2020

Low back pain is one of the most commonly encountered musculoskeletal diseases in modern society, and it is estimated that about 70 to 85% of the population has experienced low back pain. Individuals with low back pain usually modify the pattern of movement during gait to protect themselves,
that is, they use different strategies of trunk movement and lower limbs protectively to avoid painful movements. However, in the long term, these repeated and prolonged changes and tensions during gait can cause mechanical dysfunctions, overloading the lumbar vertebral column and consequently
causing damage. The objective of this study was to analyze gait kinematics in patients classified in the low back pain subgroups and to identify the possible biomechanical changes of the movement in these individuals. It is a cross-sectional observational study composed of a convenience sample
of 17 patients, 24.6 ± 3.0 years old, from the Federal University of Santa Catarina located in the city of Araranguá-SC. Individuals classified in the manipulation subgroup obtained better results in the length of the gait, hip angle in the initial phase of gait and gait speed.
The directional preference group obtained a smaller step length and passed. The traction group had the longest running time compared to the other subclassification groups of low back pain. Through the present study, it is possible to affirm that patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain
present changes in gait. The individuals classified in the directional preference subgroup were the ones that had the lowest performance in the analyzed variables when compared to the subgroups of traction, manipulation and stabilization.
The Contrast Research of Human Papillomavirus Infection Genotypes in Tissues of Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Cervical Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wan Qijun , Chen Xin , Geng Jianxiang , Zhao Xue
Published: March 2020

The large sample data of HPV genotypes on cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) and cervical adenocarcinoma (CAC) tissues are rarely reported in China. This study is aimed to investigate the clinical value of distribution of different kinds of genotypes of human papillomavirus (HPV)
within regional (mainly in Jiangsu Province in China) patients of both CSCC and CAC. We collected tissue samples of from 1044 women with CSC (826 cases) and CAC (218 cases) in 29 hospitals of 6 Provinces in China from November 1978 to December 2017. HPV DNA was extracted and 23 genotypes of
HPV were detected through the combination of gene-chip and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology to analyze distribution of HPV infection types among subjects of CSCC and CAC. Among 1044 cases of CSCC and CAC, 901 were found HPV positive making total HPV detection rate of 86.30% (901/1044).
Total detection rate of CSCC was 91.53% (756/826) in which 16, 18, 58, 33, 52, 31 were the most common types where detection frequencies of 16 and 18 types were 56.84% (544/957) and 9.93% (95/957), respectively. Total detection rate of CAC was 66.51% (145/218) in which 16, 18, 31, 33, 52,
58 were the most common types where detection frequencies of 16 and 18 types were 35.29% (84/238) and 32.35% (77/238), respectively. The HPV detection rates were different in female CSCC and CAC tissues of region studied. The 16, 18, 31, 33, 52 and 58 types are the most common genotypes found
in two sorts of cervical carcinoma tissues. The detection rate of 16 types was higher than 18 types in CSCC and were very close in CAC tissues. Conducting HPV genotypes detection of CSCC and CAC will help doctors evaluating onset risk of cervical carcinoma and tracking HPV infected patients
with high cancerogenic risk. The early detection will play important role in prevention and treatment of female CSCC and CAC in our nation.
Corrosion Resistance of Ag/Zr Nanocomposite Coatings Deposited on Medical Co–Cr Alloy Using Plasma Spraying
Authors: Yan Lamei , Zhang Meiling , Zheng Jiewen , Song Hongyi , Yin Junhui , Zhan Yi , Tan Yufan , Yu Lei , Yu Zixuan , Peng Yuran , Sun Haowei , Zhang Xiangquan , Li Wenxin , Lin Cheng , Yuan Youwei
Published: March 2020

This study focuses on the corrosion resistance of Cobalt–Chromium (Co–Cr) alloy coated with Silver/Zirconium (Ag/Zr) nanocomposite coatings, using plasma spraying. The Ag/Zr nanocomposite materials are processed into nanoparticles with a range of diameters from 22 μm
to 58 μm, because small particle size increases the adhesion between the anti-corrosion Ag/Zr nanocomposite coating and the Co–Cr alloy substrate, which can prevent oxygen from penetrating into the Co–Cr alloy substrate. The samples of Ag/Zr nanocomposite coating effectively
diminished the number of microholes and cracks, as well as preserved the substrate's flexibility. We recommend using the Ag8Zr2 coating for medical applications because it had the highest corrosion resistance of all the samples we tested.
Impact of Loading of RuO2 Co-Catalyst on Photocatalytic Activity of PbTiO3 Nanorods for Hydrogen Production Under Visible Light
Authors: Alhaddad Maha , Mohamed Reda M.
Published: March 2020

The split of charge carriers is an essential point that raises the rate of hydrogen evolution in the reaction of water splitting. The avoidance of charge carrier recombination can be attained by deposition of co-catalysts onto the surface of semiconductor materials. In this work, PbTiO3
nanorods were prepared using hydrothermal route in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone as a surfactant. Finally, PbTiO3 nanorods were decorated by RuO2 nanoparticles and the weight percent of RuO2 changed from 0.5 to 2.0 wt%. PbTiO3 nanorods and
RuO2–PbTiO3 nanocomposites were investigated for their production of hydrogen under visible light illumination in the presence of glycerol as a scavenger. The outcomes recorded that the photocatalytic activity of PbTiO3 nanorods was improved by RuO2
nanoparticles decoration. The content of RuO2 nanoparticles had an important effect on the photocatalytic activity of PbTiO3 nanorods. The best weight percent of decorated RuO2 was 1.5 wt%, which improved photocatalytic activity of PbTiO3 nanorods
by about 6 times. Moreover, the photocatalytic activity of 1.5 wt% RuO2–PbTiO3 nanocomposites was almost stable for five times. The enlargement of photocatalytic activity of PbTiO3 nanorods by RuO2 decoration was due to high surface area, small
bandgap and avoidance of charge carrier recombination.
Design and Characterization of a Labeling Reagent for Covalent Immobilization of Glutathione-S-Transferase
Authors: Xia Chao , Lu Jinpeng , Xu Bangtian , Hu Xiaolei , Jing Yixian , Yang Linyu , Li Xinpeng , Zhou Wei , Long Gaobo , Liao Fei , Yang Xiaolan
Published: March 2020

A labeling reagent against S. japonicum glutathione-S-transferase (sjGST), denoted as Br-I, was designed, prepared and characterized for covalent immobilization of sjGST on magnetic submicron particles (MSP). Br-I had a large hydrophobic moiety for binding to one active site
of sjGST, an extended flexible bromoacetylamide moiety for covalent linkage to any of the accessible amino/sulfhydryl groups through nucleophilic substitution. In addition, Br-I had an extended carboxyl group for conjugation with aliphatic primary amines on the MSP, besides a flexible sketch
to link those moieties together. Free Br-I was both a substrate/pro-inhibitor and a monovalent irreversible inhibitor of sjGST. There was >75% inactivation of sjGST after half an hour with free Br-I in excess to the sjGST active site, but only sulfhydryl groups far away from the active
site were modified when their quantities were comparable. After conjugation to the MSP, Br-I selectively immobilized sjGST in the presence of alkaline phosphatase as a competitor. The treatment of immobilized sjGST with the mixture of free Br-I and GSH reduced unfavorable adsorption of small
hydrophobic compounds. Therefore, after conjugation to biomaterials, Br-I showed promise for covalent site-specific immobilization of sjGST-fused targeted proteins.
Current States and Development of Research on Redissolution and Reprecipitation of Nanoprecipitated Phases in Al–Cu Alloys
Authors: He Wenjing , Fan Caihe , Wang Shu , Wang Junhong , Chen Su , Wang Lei
Published: March 2020

The evolution of nanoprecipitated phases in Al–Cu alloys under severe plastic deformation (SPD) is summarized in this study. SPD at room temperature induces the precipitation of Al–Cu alloys to dissolve, leading to the reformation of supersaturated solid solution in the
aluminum matrix. In the process of SPD or aging treatment after the SPD, the reprecipitated phases are precipitated from the aluminum matrix and the mechanical properties of the alloys are remarkably improved. The mechanism and system of the redissolution of the precipitation phases and the
effects of redissolution and reprecipitation on the microstructure and properties of Al–Cu alloys are comprehensively analyzed. The development and future of redissolution and reprecipitation of nanoprecipitated phases in Al–Cu alloys are also described.
Evaluating Implementations of the Immersed Boundary Method in the Weather Research and Forecasting Model
Authors: Arthur Robert S. , Lundquist Katherine A. , Wiersema David J. , Bao Jingyi , Chow Fotini K.
Published: March 2020

The terrain-following coordinate system used by many atmospheric models can cause numerical instabilities due to discretization errors as resolved terrain slopes increase and the grid becomes highly skewed. The immersed boundary (IB) method, which does not require the grid to conform to the terrain, has been shown to alleviate these errors, and has been used successfully for high-resolution atmospheric simulations over steep terrain, including vertical building surfaces. Since many previous applications of IB methods to atmospheric models have used very fine grid resolution (5 m or less), the present study seeks to evaluate IB method performance over a range of grid resolutions and aspect ratios. Two classes of IB algorithms, velocity reconstruction and shear stress reconstruction, are tested within the common framework of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model. Performance is evaluated in two test cases, one with flat terrain and the other with the topography of Askervein Hill, both under neutrally stratified conditions. WRF-IB results are compared to similarity theory, observations, and native WRF results. Despite sensitivity to the location at which the IB intersects the model grid, the velocity reconstruction IB method shows consistent performance when used with a hybrid RANS/LES surface scheme. The shear stress reconstruction IB method is not sensitive to the grid intersection, but is less consistent and near-surface velocity errors can occur at coarse resolutions. This study represents an initial investigation of IB method variability across grid resolutions in WRF. Future work will focus on improving IB method performance at intermediate to coarse resolutions.
Subseasonal Predictions of Tropical Cyclone Occurrence and ACE in the S2S Dataset
Authors: Lee Chia-Ying , Camargo Suzana J. , Vitart Fréderic , Sobel Adam H. , Camp Joanne , Wang Shuguang , Tippett Michael K. , Yang Qidong
Published: March 2020

Probabilistic tropical cyclone (TC) occurrence, at lead times of week 1–4, in the Subseasonal to Seasonal (S2S) dataset are examined here. Forecasts are defined over 15° in latitude × 20° in longitude regions, and the prediction skill is measured using the Brier skill score with reference to climatological reference forecasts. Two types of reference forecasts are used: a seasonally constant one and a seasonally varying one, with the latter used for forecasts of anomalies from the seasonal climatology. Models from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), Australian Bureau of Meteorology, and Météo-France/Centre National de Recherche Météorologiques have skill in predicting TC occurrence four weeks in advance. In contrast, only the ECMWF model is skillful in predicting the anomaly of TC occurrence beyond one week. Errors in genesis prediction largely limit models’ skill in predicting TC occurrence. Three calibration techniques, removing the mean genesis and occurrence forecast biases, and a linear regression method, are explored here. The linear regression method performs the best and guarantees a higher skill score when applied to the in-sample dataset. However, when applied to the out-of-sample data, especially in areas where the TC sample size is small, it may reduce the models’ prediction skill. Generally speaking, the S2S models are more skillful in predicting TC occurrence during favorable Madden–Julian oscillation phases. Last, we also report accumulated cyclone energy predictions skill using the ranked probability skill score.
The Residential Solar PV in the Mid-Atlantic: A Spatial Panel Approach
Authors: Kucher Oleg , Lacombe Donald , Davidson Sean T.
Published: March 2020

This study examines residential solar photovoltaic (PV) adoption in mid-Atlantic counties over the 2005–2016 period. Using a spatial Durbin panel model, we find significant spatial dependence in residential solar PV adoption at the county level. In the presence of spatial dependence, major determinants of the solar adoptions are electricity rates and solar-related policy regulation. The combined direct and indirect effect of electricity rates on solar PV capacity is 5.37 percent increase for a 1 percent increase in electricity price. This spatial coefficient estimate is about twice as large as corresponding panel estimates. We also find that the regulation and incentives significantly boost solar PV demand, which explains about 38 percent variation in residential solar capacity.
Oxytocin and vasopressin modulation of prisoner’s dilemma strategies
Authors: Neto Maria Leonor , Antunes Marília , Lopes Manuel , Ferreira Duarte , Rilling James , Prata Diana
Published: March 2020

Background:

The neuropeptides oxytocin and vasopressin have been repeatedly implicated in social decision making by enhancing social salience and, generally, cooperation. The iterated and sequential version of the prisoner’s dilemma (PD) game is a social dilemma paradigm eliciting strategies of cooperation versus competition.

Aims:

We aimed to characterise the role of PD players’ sex, game partner type (computer vs. human) and oxytocin or vasopressin inhalation on the player’s strategy preference.

Methods:

Participants (153 men; 151 women) were randomised to intranasal 24 IU oxytocin, 20 IU vasopressin or placebo, double-blind, and played the PD. We examined main and interactive effects of sex, drug and partner type on strategy preference.

Results:

We found a pervasive preference for a tit-for-tat strategy (i.e. general sensitivity to the partner’s choices) over unconditional cooperation, particularly when against a human rather than a computer partner. Oxytocin doubled this sensitivity in women (i.e. the preference for tit-for-tat over unconditional cooperation strategies) when playing against computers, which suggests a tendency to anthropomorphise them, and doubled women’s unconditional cooperation preference when playing against humans. Vasopressin doubled sensitivity to the partner’s previous choices (i.e. for tit-for-tat over unconditional cooperation) across sexes and partner types.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that women may be more sensitive to oxytocin’s social effects of anthropomorphism of non-humans and of unconditional cooperation with humans, which may be consistent with evolutionary pressures for maternal care, and that vasopressin, irrespective of sex and partner type, may be generally sensitising humans to others’ behaviour.
Exploring Artificial Neural Network to Evaluate the Undrained Shear Strength of Soil from Cone Penetration Test Data
Authors: Abu-Farsakh Murad Y. , Mojumder Md Ariful Hassan
Published: March 2020

In geotechnical design practices, the undrained shear strength of soil is regarded as one of the engineering properties of paramount importance. Over the past years, several theoretical and empirical methods have been developed to estimate the undrained shear strength based on soil properties using in-situ tests such as cone and piezocone penetration tests (CPT and PCPT). However, most of these methods involve correlation assumptions that can result in inconsistent accuracy. In this paper, an artificial neural network (ANN) is used to devise a model with a better and more consistent prediction of the undrained shear strength of soil from CPT data. The ANN algorithm does not require such assumptions as it learns from previous cases/instances. A database was prepared of soil boring data and laboratory test data along with corresponding CPT/PCPT data from 70 test sites located in 14 different parishes in Louisiana. Presenting this data to the ANN, models were trained through trial and error using different network algorithms, such as back propagation method and quasi-Newton method. Different ANN models were trained using corrected cone tip resistance and sleeve friction input data along with some other easily measurable soil properties. The results of ANN models were then compared with a conventional empirical method of determining undrained shear strength of soil from CPT parameters. The results of this study clearly demonstrated that the ANN models outperformed the conventional empirical method, which confirms the applicability of ANN in the evaluation of the undrained shear strength of soil from CPT data.
An Empirical Typology of Nursing Home Culture Change Implementation
Authors: Duan Yinfei , Mueller Christine A. , Yu Fang , Talley Kristine M. , Shippee Tetyana P.
Published: March 2020

Culture change in nursing homes (NHs) is a broad-based effort to transform NHs from impersonal institutions to genuine person-centered homes. Culture change practices have been implemented increasingly with varying levels of success. This study (a) generated an empirical typology of culture change implementation across Minnesota NHs using latent profile analysis based on the survey data from administrators in 102 NHs and (b) examined variations in NH characteristics and quality outcomes associated with the typology. Three types of culture change implementation were identified: high performers, average performers, and low performers. The distributions of culture change scores were distinct across the three types, with low performers lagging far behind others in family and community engagement, and end-of-life care. High performers were distinguished through demonstrating better resident quality of life and higher family satisfaction. The findings provide empirical support for policymakers, providers, and advocates to direct culture change expansion and resource allocation.
Arthroscopic Versus Open Broström-Gould Repair for Chronic Ankle Instability
Authors: Woo Bo Jun , Lai Mun Chun , Koo Kevin
Published: March 2020

Background:

The open Broström-Gould procedure for the repair of lateral ankle ligament remains the gold standard in operative management of chronic ankle instability. Nevertheless, the arthroscopic technique has been gaining attention among foot and ankle surgeons in the past decade. Our study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent the arthroscopic and open Brostom-Gould technique over a 12-month follow-up period.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the database in a tertiary hospital foot and ankle registry from 2015 to 2019. We then performed a 1:1 matching of 26 ankles that underwent the arthroscopic Broström-Gould technique to 26 ankles with the open technique, all performed by a fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon, for age, sex, and body mass index. To assess clinical outcomes, visual analog scale scores, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scores, and Short Form 36 Health Survey scores were collected at the preoperative and 6- and 12-month follow-up visits, respectively.

Results:

The arthroscopic group demonstrated significantly less pain in the perioperative period (arthroscopic, 1.0 ± 1.2; open, 2.4 ± 2.2; P = .015) and had higher AOFAS scores at 6 months (arthroscopic, 87.2 ± 11.1; open, 73.5 ± 21.9; P = .028) and 12 months (arthroscopic, 94.2 ± 10.0; open, 70.9 ± 33.1; P = .020). No complications were reported in either group. Twenty patients (76.9%) in the arthroscopic group had preoperative intra-articular abnormalities compared with 24 patients (92.3%) in the open group.

Conclusion:

The arthroscopic Broström-Gould technique produced better clinical outcomes than the open technique at 12 months of follow-up.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative series.
Uni-hemispheric hyperperfusion in the early postictal state: case report
Authors: Velasco Gonzalez A. , Schülke C. , Buerke B.
Published: March 2020

Background

In the emergency setting of acute ischemic stroke, seizures have been reported in up to 4% of patients. In the absence of arterial occlusion, seizures may also cause abnormalities in CT perfusion in 78% of cases when the time window from onset to imaging is short. Both hyperperfusion and hypoperfusion in the postictal state have been described. Also, though rarely reported, postictal perfusion changes can be uni-hemispheric. In these cases, perfusion maps should be analyzed thoroughly, since perfusion reconstruction software relies heavily on a “normal” contralateral perfusion status.

Case presentation

A 39-year-old man was found on the ground with a minor head injury. On admission, his reactions were generally slow, but there were no other neurological symptoms, and blood pressure was low. The patient had a history of primary generalized epilepsy and admitted to dropping off his anti-epileptic medication. He was transferred to the radiological department for imaging but shortly before began to experience generalized onset tonic-clonic seizures which were brought under control by intravenous therapy with 10 mg diazepam. After approximately 15 min, a multimodal CT scan was performed, revealing marked changes in the perfusion of the brain hemispheres and posterior fossa, with sharp delimitation at the midline. Blood gas analysis was congruent with respiratory acidosis. Clinically, the patient remained awake without developing any new symptoms. He gradually recovered over the following 3 h and, against our medical recommendation, discharged himself from the hospital.

Conclusions

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of an early postictal state describing sharply delimited uni-hemispheric hyperperfusion and hemispheric alteration of the cerebellum with an equally split rhombencephalon. Surprisingly, these changes were not associated with any focal neurological signs. To prevent misdiagnosis of perfusion alterations in seizures, radiologists and neurologists should be aware of the limitations of CT perfusion maps and software reconstructions. Novel use of CT perfusion reconstruction using peak enhancement helped in identifying the cerebral pathology.
Peters plus syndrome and Chorioretinal findings associated with B3GLCT gene mutation - a case report
Authors: Wang Ye Elaine , Ramirez Dhariana Acon , Chang Ta Chen , Berrocal Audina
Published: March 2020

Background

Peters plus syndrome (PPS) is a combination of congenital Peters anomaly and systemic abnormalities. It is inherited most commonly in an autosomal recessive pattern with homozygous B3GLCT mutations. Ocular findings consist predominantly anterior segment abnormalities without posterior segment involvement.

Case presentation

In this presentation, we report a case of PPS with homozygous pathogenic variant in B3GLCT who presented with classic anterior segment findings, systemic abnormalities, as well as atypical bilateral chorioretinal atrophy. The chorioretinal findings were characterized with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.

Conclusions

Our report expands the phenotypic descriptions of PPS by characterizing posterior segment findings.
An analysis of clinical risk factors for adolescent scoliosis caused by spinal cord abnormalities in China: proposal for a selective whole-spine MRI examination scheme
Authors: Xu Wei , Zhang Xiangyang , Zhu Ying , Zhu Xiaodong , Li Zhikun , Li Dachuan , Jia Jianjun , Chen Liwei , Wang Silian , Bai Yushu , Li Ming
Published: March 2020

Background

Approximately 80% of adolescent scoliosis cases are idiopathic, and some non-idiopathic scoliosis cases caused by spinal cord abnormalities are misdiagnosed as idiopathic scoliosis. This study examined the risk factors for non-idiopathic scoliosis with intramedullary abnormalities, explored the feasibility of whole-spine MRI, and provided a theoretical basis for the routine diagnosis and treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Method

The clinical data of adolescent scoliosis patients who were admitted to Shanghai Tongren Hospital and Shanghai Changhai Hospital between July 1, 2013, and December 31, 2018, were reviewed. According to the whole-spine MRI results, the patients were divided into either the idiopathic group or the intramedullary abnormality group. Sex, age, main curvature angle, main curvature direction, kyphosis angle, scoliosis type, coronal plane balance, sagittal plane balance, abdominal wall reflex, sensory abnormality, ankle clonus and tendon reflexes were compared between the two groups. Student’s t test was used to evaluate the differences in the continuous variables, and the chi-square test was used to evaluate the differences in the categorical variables. Fisher’s exact test was applied to detect the difference in the rate of intraspinal anomalies between the groups. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the correlation between the multivariate risk factors and intramedullary abnormalities.

Result

A total of 714 adolescent scoliosis patients with a mean age of 13.5 (10–18 years) were included in the study, and intramedullary abnormalities were found in 68 (9.5%) patients. There were statistically significant differences in the incidence rates of intramedullary abnormalities between males and females, left and right thoracic curvatures, angular scoliosis and smooth scoliosis, and abnormal abdominal wall reflex and ankle clonus (P < 0.01). Logistic regression showed that the ratios for sex, scoliosis direction, scoliosis type, abdominal wall reflex and ankle clonus were 2.987, 3.493, 4.823, 3.94 and 8.083, respectively. The ROC curve showed a sensitivity of 66.18% and a specificity of 89.01%, and the Youden index corresponding to the optimal critical point was 0.5519.

Conclusion

Risk factors associated with adolescent scoliosis caused by abnormal intramedullary abnormalities included male sex, thoracic scoliosis on the left side, sharp curvature of the spine, abnormal abdominal wall reflex and ankle clonus. In adolescent scoliosis patients, the incidence of scoliosis caused by intramedullary abnormalities was approximately 9.5%. These clinical indicators suggest that there is a high-risk adolescent scoliosis population who should undergo whole-spinal MRI preoperatively to rule out intramedullary abnormalities.
A patient with 46,XY/47,XYY karyotype and female phenotype: a case report
Authors: Liu Zhi-Hui , Zhou Shi-Chao , Du Jun-Wen , Zhang Kun , Wu Tao
Published: March 2020

Background

47,XYY is a chromosomal abnormality syndrome that is typically observed in patients with a male phenotype. Few patients with XYY syndrome will have infertility. We here report a case of 46,XY/47,XYY syndrome diagnosed in a patient with a female phenotype.

Case presentation

A 15-year-old patient with a female phenotype visited our hospital owing to a chief complaint of short stature as of the age of 6 years. She was diagnosed with dwarf syndrome at the age of 10, but no change was noted after 2 months of growth hormone treatment. The patient’s height was 136 cm and the weight was 29 kg, both of which were below the third percentile for her age/gender. In addition to short stature, the 4th and 5th metacarpals were short and there was no significant sex development. Karyotype analysis showed 47,XYY, and chromosomal microarray examination showed a chimera of 46,XY/47,XYY.

Conclusion

This is an extremely rare case of 47,XYY abnormality in a patient with a female phenotype, with only one such known case reported previously. Since the cause is unknown, and symptoms of this syndrome are highly atypical and variable in childhood, clinicians should be aware of this possibility to avoid misdiagnosis and offer counseling and hormone therapy as needed to patients and their parents to improve their quality of life.
Using a Facebook group to facilitate faculty-student interactions during preclinical medical education: a retrospective survey analysis
Authors: Henry David S. , Wessinger William D. , Meena Nikhil K. , Payakachat Nalin , Gardner Jerad M. , Rhee Sung W.
Published: March 2020

Background

Strong learner-teacher relationships are associated with more successful learning outcomes. With shortened modular curricula and increased availability of online resources, fostering faculty interaction with preclinical medical students has become more challenging. We sought to enhance learner-teacher relationships by engaging in discussion with preclinical medical students in their own online space.

Methods

We utilized a closed Facebook discussion group, where faculty and students voluntarily joined in informal discussions and shared announcements related to their courses. The closed discussion group allowed only participating students and faculty to see others’ posts within the group. This provided a platform to freely interact within the confines of the group while maintaining privacy for the personal Facebook accounts of both faculty and students. We utilized the discussion group through three separate organ system-based modules for 14 weeks. Afterward, students were asked to complete an anonymous, voluntary online survey about their experience.

Results

94.1% (160/170) of enrolled second-year medical students joined the voluntary FB discussion group. There were 214 posts, 628 comments, and 4166 reactions in this discussion group during the three modules. Of the students in the group, 74.4% (119/160) responded to the online survey. Overall, students strongly agreed that the Facebook discussion group fostered better rapport with faculty, helped content learning, and improved emotional well-being. Also, they felt more comfortable seeking academic help after using the discussion group. They reported a slight preference for Facebook over email as a medium for asking questions, but no preference for either as a medium for distributing announcements. Students overwhelmingly recommended that the discussion group should be continued in future years.

Conclusion

The Facebook discussion group was a free, efficient, and effective method of cultivating the learner-teacher relationship with the preclinical medical students, resulting in reported enhancement of learning and morale.
One in six physiotherapy practices in primary care offer musculoskeletal ultrasound – an explorative survey
Authors: Kooijman Margit K. , Swinkels Ilse C. S. , Koes Bart W. , de Bakker Dinny , Veenhof Cindy
Published: March 2020

Background

The first aim of this research was to investigate the current prevalence of musculoskeletal ultrasound in Dutch physiotherapy practices. The second aim was to explore experiences of physiotherapists with musculoskeletal ultrasound in a primary care setting with patients presenting with shoulder complaints.

Methods

A random sample of 1000 owners of primary care physiotherapy practices was sent a questionnaire to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal ultrasound. A second questionnaire was sent to physiotherapists using musculoskeletal ultrasound to explore experiences with it in patients with shoulder complaints.

Results

The net response rate of the first questionnaire was 57.7%. In 18% of the physiotherapy practices musculoskeletal ultrasound was offered. Sixty-nine physiotherapists returned the second questionnaire. Physiotherapists indicated they most often used musculoskeletal ultrasound in patients with shoulder complaints, mainly for suspected tissue damage (83.7%), followed by making a diagnosis (63.3%) and for determining the choice of treatment (36.7%). Physiotherapists reported the biggest advantage was that they were better able to diagnose presenting shoulder complaints. The most frequently mentioned disadvantage of the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound was that assessment is difficult and that there is a risk that findings may not be sufficiently linked to history and physical examination.

Conclusion

One in six physiotherapy practices in the Netherlands offer musculoskeletal ultrasound. It is mainly used for patients with shoulder complaints, with an emphasis on detecting tissue damage and as an aid for diagnosis. Physiotherapists trained to work with musculoskeletal ultrasound seem enthusiastic and are at the same time aware of its disadvantages.
HER2 expression and relevant clinicopathological features in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in a Chinese population
Authors: Rong Lulu , Wang Bingzhi , Guo Lei , Liu Xiuyun , Wang Bingning , Ying Jianming , Xue Liyan , Lu Ning
Published: March 2020

Background

Despite great progress in surgery and other treatments, the prognosis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is still very poor. HER2 has strong therapeutic implications in certain cancers, such as breast cancer and gastric cancer. However, literature on the frequency of HER2 expression in ESCC is scarce. In the present study, HER2 protein expression, HER2 gene amplification and the relationship between HER2 status and clinicopathological characteristics were evaluated in a large cohort of Chinese ESCC patients.

Methods

A total of 857 consecutive ESCC patients who received radical esophagectomy without neoadjuvant therapy between January 2014 and October 2015 were included in this retrospective study. HER2 protein expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and its correlation with clinicopathological parameters was assessed. In addition, 65 cases, including 13 HER2 overexpression (3+) cases and 52 HER2 equivocal (2+) cases from the 857-case cohort, and another 104 ESCC cases, including 1 HER2 overexpression (3+) case, 3 HER2 equivocal (2+) cases and 100 HER2 negative (1+/0) cases, were selected to construct tissue microarrays (TMAs). Dual-color in situ hybridization (DISH) was performed on the TMAs to assess HER2 gene amplification and the relationship with clinicopathological parameters.

Results

We found HER2 overexpression (3+) status in 1.5% (13/857) of cases and HER2 equivocal (2+) status in 6.1% (52/857) of cases. HER2 IHC expression was significantly associated with gender (P = 0.028). However, there were no significant correlations between HER2 IHC expression and age, tumor differentiation, pT stage, pN stage, pM stage and pTNM stage (P > 0.05). Regarding the 169 cases analyzed by DISH, 14 (of 14, 100%) HER2 overexpression (3+) cases, 10 (of 55, 18.2%) HER2 equivocal (2+) cases, and 0 (of 100, 0%) HER2 negative (1+/0) cases showed HER2 gene amplification. HER2 gene amplification was not significantly associated with clinicopathological characteristics such as age, gender, tumor differentiation, pT stage, pN stage, pM stage and pTNM stage (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Approximately 1.5% of the Chinese ESCC patients had HER2 overexpression based on IHC. IHC and DISH had a high concordance rate. These results provide valuable insight for the future treatment of ESCC.
Non-existence for a semi-linear fractional system with Sobolev exponents via direct method of moving spheres
Authors: Ji Xiaoxue , Niu Pengcheng
Published: March 2020

The aim of this article is to consider the semi-linear fractional system with Sobolev exponents $q = \frac{{n + \alpha}}{{n - \beta}}$q=n+αn−β and $p = \frac{{n + \beta}}{{n - \alpha}}$p=n+βn−α ($\alpha \ne\beta$α≠β): $$\left \{ \textstyle\begin{array}{l} {( - \Delta)^{\alpha/2}}u(x) = k(x){v^{q}}(x) + f(v(x)),\\ {( - \Delta)^{\beta/2}}v(x) = j(x){u^{p}}(x) + g(u(x)), \end{array}\displaystyle \right . $${(−Δ)α/2u(x)=k(x)vq(x)+f(v(x)),(−Δ)β/2v(x)=j(x)up(x)+g(u(x)), where $0 < \alpha, \beta < 2$0<α,β<2. We first establish two maximum principles for narrow regions in the ball and out of the ball by the iteration technique, respectively. Based on these principles, we use the direct method of moving spheres to prove the non-existence of positive solutions to the above system in the whole space and bounded star-shaped domain. As a consequence, the monotonic decreasing properties of $W(x) = { \vert x \vert ^{\frac{{n - \alpha}}{2}}}u(x)$W(x)=|x|n−α2u(x) and ${W_{1}}(x) = { \vert x \vert ^{\frac{{n - \beta}}{2}}}v(x)$W1(x)=|x|n−β2v(x) along the radial direction in the whole space are obtained.