bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optic disc metastasis presenting as an initial sign of non-small-cell lung cancer: a case report
Authors: Lai Kunbei , Lu Lin , Gong Yajun , Jin Chenjin
Published: September 2020

Most intraocular metastases are detected in the choroid, iris, ciliary body, or retina. Conversely, tumors rarely metastasize to the optic disc, and they even less frequently present as the initial sign of cancer. In this study, we presented the case of a patient who first visited the ophthalmology department because of gradual visual impairment without any systemic symptoms, and she was ultimately diagnosed with non-small-cell lung cancer. This case report illustrated that visual impairment may be the first sign of non-small-cell lung cancer; therefore, we should not neglect ocular metastasis even when the patient has no systemic symptoms on her/his first visit to the ophthalmology department.
Soft-tissue Cephalometric Norms of Kashmiri Population with Normal Occlusion and Well-balanced Faces
Authors: Kalgotra Sneh , Mushtaq Mohammad , Khajuria Abhishek
Published: September 2020

Objective: To establish soft-tissue cephalometric norms of Kashmiri population and to compare them with European-American norms.

Material and Methods: A total of 102 subjects falling in the age group of 19 to 25 years were selected from random and representative sample of 5317. Reference lines were traced according to the definitions given by Holdaway, Rickett, Steiners, Merrifield, and nasiolabial angle. Thirteen linear and 4 angular measurements were analyzed on the lateral cephalogram of the sample.

Results: Significant differences were found between male and female subjects in measurements of the soft-tissue facial angle, upper lip thickness, upper lip strain, lower sulcus depth and soft-tissue chin thickness, and upper lip to S line and nasiolabial angle. Soft-tissue cephalometric norms of Kashmiri population that were measured in the present study when compared with the norms set by Holdaway’s parameters, Rickett’s E line, Merrifield Z angle, Steiner’s S line, and nasiolabial angle did not fall within the normal range. The facial angle was found to be greater by 1.36°, upper lip sulcus depth was greater by 0.53 mm, convexity at point A was greater by 2.43 mm, the H angle was greater by 5.64°, upper lip thickness and strain were greater by 2.30 and 2.36 mm, respectively, soft-tissue chin thickness was greater by 0.92 mm, upper lip to S line was greater by 0.60 mm, and lower lip was greater by 0.91 mm when compared with the standard European-American norms.

Conclusion: According to the present study, the measured soft-tissue cephalometric norms for Kashmiri population differed from the standard norms. When planning orthodontics treatment, it should be kept in mind that the profile may not necessarily be orthognathic.
Peripheral changes of endocannabinoid system components in episodic and chronic migraine patients: A pilot study
Authors: Greco Rosaria , Demartini Chiara , Zanaboni Anna Maria , Tumelero Elena , Icco Roberto De , Sances Grazia , Allena Marta , Tassorelli Cristina
Published: September 2020

Background

Preclinical and clinical evidence suggests a role for the dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system in migraine pain, particularly in subjects with chronic migraine.

Methods

The gene expression of endocannabinoid system components was assayed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 25 subjects with episodic migraine, 26 subjects with chronic migraine with medication overuse (CM-MO) and 24 age-matched healthy controls. We also evaluated the protein expression of cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 as well as DNA methylation changes in genes involved in endocannabinoid system components.

Results

Both episodic migraine and CM-MO subjects showed higher cannabinoid receptor 1 and cannabinoid receptor 2 gene and protein expression compared to controls. Fatty acid amide hydrolase gene expression, involved in anandamide degradation, was lower in migraine groups compared to healthy control subjects. N-arachidonoyl phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D gene expression was significantly higher in all migraineurs, as were monoacylglycerol lipase and diacylglycerol lipase gene expressions. The above markers significantly correlated with the number of migraine days and with the days of acute drug intake.

Conclusion

The findings point to transcriptional changes in endocannabinoid system components occurring in migraineurs. These changes were detected peripherally, which make them amenable for a wider adoption to further investigate their role and applicability in the clinical field. clinicaltrials.gov NTC04324710.
The Test Anxiety Measure for College Students-Short Form: Development and Examination of Its Psychometric Properties
Authors: Lowe Patricia A.
Published: September 2020

A short form of the 43-item Test Anxiety Measure for College Students (TAM-C) was developed in the present study. The TAM-C consists of six (social concerns, cognitive interference, worry, physiological hyperarousal, task irrelevant behaviors, and facilitating anxiety) scales. Twenty-four items from the TAM-C were selected for the short form. Single-group confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) and correlational analyses were conducted with the responses of 728 U.S. college students to the TAM-C Short Form. Results of the single-group CFAs supported a six-factor model for the TAM-C Short Form. Concurrent and convergent validity evidence was found for the TAM-C Short Form scores. Overall, the findings suggest the TAM-C Short Form is an economical measure with unique features to assess test and facilitating anxiety in the college student population.
The Role of Cognition in Youth Intimate Partner Abuse
Authors: Daff Elizabeth S. , McEwan Troy E. , Luebbers Stefan
Published: September 2020

Research investigating how cognition influences youth intimate partner abuse (IPA) remains limited. Understanding cognitive risk markers is theoretically important and can inform intervention to maximize the chance of behavior change. The current article investigated cognition regarding general antisociality, relationships, and gender-role attitudes on youth IPA perpetration among 275 (123 female) 14- to 18-year-olds. Theoretically derived relationships (based on social information processing theory and the General Aggression Model) were hypothesized, which furthered understanding of how cognition contributes to relationship aggression in adolescents, while controlling for common behavioral correlates. Results showed that, overall, other experiences of aggressive behavior more strongly related to youth IPA perpetration than cognitive correlates. Among boys, general antisocial cognition was more strongly associated with youth IPA perpetration than relationship-specific cognition, with the reverse being true for girls. These findings suggest there is value in exploring theoretically indicated cognitive risk markers for youth IPA in a gender-sensitive and dynamic manner. Findings also provide direction for future studies considering cognition and youth IPA in a more predictive manner and areas for consideration in intervention.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Usual Cognitive Screening Tests Versus Appropriate Tests for Lower Education to Identify Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Ortega Luciane Viola , Aprahamian Ivan , Martinelli José Eduardo , Cecchini Mário Amore , Cação João de Castilho , Yassuda Mônica Sanches
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

The accuracy of commonly used screening tests for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has not been directly compared to those that could be more appropriate for lower schooling.

Objective:

To compare the diagnostic accuracy of usual screening tests for AD with instruments that might be more appropriate for lower schooling among older adults with low or no literacy.

Methods:

The study included a clinical sample of 117 elderly outpatients from a Geriatric Clinic classified as literate controls (n = 39), illiterate controls (n = 30), literate AD (n = 30) and illiterate AD (n = 18). The tests were compared as follows: Black and White versus Colored Figure Memory Test; Clock Drawing Test versus Clock Reading Test; Verbal Fluency (VF) animal versus grocery category; CERAD Constructional Praxis versus Stick Design Test.

Results:

The means of literate and illiterate controls did not differ in the Black and White Figure Memory Test (immediate recall), Colored Figure Memory Test (delayed recall), Clock Reading Test and VF animals and grocery categories. The means of the clinical groups (controls versus AD), in the 2 schooling levels, differed significantly in most of the tests, except for the CERAD Constructive Praxis and the Stick Design Test. Diagnostic accuracy was not significantly different between the compared tests.

Conclusion:

Commonly used screening tests for AD were as accurate as those expected to overcome the education bias in a sample of older adults with lower or no education.
The Big Bird Gets the Worm? How Size Influences Social Networking by Charitable Organizations
Authors: Wallace Tom , Rutherford Alasdair C.
Published: September 2020

Current evidence suggests that nonprofits’ use of Twitter is not strongly related to organizational size, unlike other technological developments. However, this evidence is primarily based on studies of large nonprofit organizations. This study uses a random sample of charities, stratified by size, to present evidence that organization size is a significant factor in multiple dimensions of social media use: the percentage of charities owning a Twitter handle, activity on the site, and popularity within the charities’ network. Many charities are using Twitter, but larger charities are making more effective use of the platform to connect to other organizations. The very largest charities exhibit an overwhelming popularity effect in the network, whereas small charities are notably less active than their larger counterparts. Besides the substantive findings, we further demonstrate the methodological potential of using exponential random graph modeling to gain a deeper understanding of the characteristics of nonprofits’ social media networks.
Effects of Turbulence on the secondary breakup of droplets in diesel fuel sprays
Authors: Khaleghi Hassan , Farani Sani Hossein , Ahmadi Masoud , Mohammadzadeh Faezeh
Published: September 2020

In this paper, the importance of turbulence effects on the procedure of droplet’s secondary breakup is studied. In the process of modeling the secondary breakup of a droplet, it is a common practice to presume that the droplet is moving in a laminar flow. However, it is evident that the critical Weber number is profoundly affected by the intensity of turbulence presented in the flow. As a result, the abovementioned supposition may lead to significant computational inaccuracy. This paper tends to perform a modification that considers the effects of turbulent flow on the secondary breakup of droplets. It is shown that the results obtained by the modified model are more precise and in a better agreement with experimental data. In this paper, spray behavior is predicted by a conventional breakup model and the one obtained by a modified model, which are both implemented in an in-house computer code. This CFD code accounts for engine simulation by solving the governing two-phase-flow equations using the Eulerian-Lagrangian approach in a three-dimensional coordinate system. To show the effects of turbulence, the changes in spray parameters such as droplet size distribution, spray tip penetration, and spray mean diameter, which is extracted from the two models are compared. Results have shown that the turbulence causes droplets to break in an earlier time, which leads to a higher rate of evaporation and lower penetration length. An interesting fact concluded in this paper is that the difference between the results of the two models decreases as the gas pressure is increased, which means the effects of turbulence become less important as the gas pressure increases.
Performance improvement of a high-speed aero-fuel centrifugal pump through active inlet injector
Authors: Li Jia , Wang Xin , Wang Wancheng , Wang Yue
Published: September 2020

This paper presents a high-speed aero-fuel centrifugal pump with an active inlet injector for an aero-engine aiming at regulating the internal flow field and improving overall hydraulic performance. Unlike most of the existing centrifugal pumps for aero-engines, an injector is designed and integrated with the pump to accomplish the active flow control. Firstly, by employing the energy equation in the pump, reasonable geometrical parameters of the injector are calculated. Then, a validation study is conducted with three known turbulence models, showing that simulations with the RNG κ- ε turbulence model can accurately predict the head and efficiency of the experimental pump. Finally, simulation results with the determined turbulence model are discussed. The results show that the static pressure is uniformly distributed inside the impeller, the volute and the injector. The flow field is significantly ameliorated by improving the pressure inside the suction pipe and controlling the flow direction via the injector. Furthermore, the head and efficiency of the designed pump with an active inlet injector are improved compared to the one without an injector.
Comparison of small-sample standard-error corrections for generalised estimating equations in stepped wedge cluster randomised trials with a binary outcome: A simulation study
Authors: Thompson JA , Hemming K , Forbes A , Fielding K , Hayes R
Published: September 2020

Generalised estimating equations with the sandwich standard-error estimator provide a promising method of analysis for stepped wedge cluster randomised trials. However, they have inflated type-one error when used with a small number of clusters, which is common for stepped wedge cluster randomised trials. We present a large simulation study of binary outcomes comparing bias-corrected standard errors from Fay and Graubard; Mancl and DeRouen; Kauermann and Carroll; Morel, Bokossa, and Neerchal; and Mackinnon and White with an independent and exchangeable working correlation matrix. We constructed 95% confidence intervals using a t-distribution with degrees of freedom including clusters minus parameters (DFC-P), cluster periods minus parameters, and estimators from Fay and Graubard (DFFG), and Pan and Wall. Fay and Graubard and an approximation to Kauermann and Carroll (with simpler matrix inversion) were unbiased in a wide range of scenarios with an independent working correlation matrix and more than 12 clusters. They gave confidence intervals with close to 95% coverage with DFFG with 12 or more clusters, and DFC-P with 18 or more clusters. Both standard errors were conservative with fewer clusters. With an exchangeable working correlation matrix, approximated Kauermann and Carroll and Fay and Graubard had a small degree of under-coverage.
Lenalidomide Enhances CAR-T Cell Activity Against Solid Tumor Cells
Authors: Wang Zhixiong , Zhou Guomin , Risu Na , Fu Jiayu , Zou Yan , Tang Jiaxing , Li Long , Liu Hui , Liu Qian , Zhu Xuekai
Published: September 2020

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell immunotherapy still faces many challenges in the treatment of solid tumors, one of which is T-cell dysfunction or exhaustion. Immunomodulator lenalidomide may improve CAR T-cell function. In this study, the effects of lenalidomide on CAR T-cell functions (cytotoxicity, cytokine secretion, and cell proliferation) were investigated. Two different CAR T cells (CD133-specific CAR and HER2-specific CAR) were prepared, and the corresponding target cells including human glioma cell line U251 CD133-OE that overexpress CD133 and human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-453 were used for functional assay. We found that lenalidomide promoted the killing of U251 CD133-OE by CD133-CAR T cells, the cytokine secretion, and the proliferation of CD133-CAR T cells. Lenalidomide also enhanced the cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-453 and the cytokine secretion of HER2-CAR T cells but did not affect their proliferation significantly. Furthermore, lenalidomide may regulate the function of CAR T cells by inducing the degradation of transcription factors Ikaros and Aiolos.
Cash Dividends and Share Repurchases in Ukrainian Pharmaceutical Companies
Authors: Olasiuk Hanna Petrivna , Bhasker Siddhartha , Patra Sudip
Published: September 2020

The study attempts to pinpoint politically and economically induced corporate payout patterns in Ukrainian pharmaceutical firms. The authors identify key trends of corporate payouts of private pharmaceutical companies in Ukraine. The research analyses panel data generated from the ten biggest firms during 2010–2017. Pooled ordinary least squares (OLS) regression is used to check if financial performance, competition and macroeconomic indicators affect the level of cash dividends and share repurchases. The final sample includes 720 observations. The decision to pay a certain proportion of dividends and repurchases is an outcome of countervailing macroeconomic, firm-level, competitive and political forces. The amount of cash dividends is directly proportional to retained earnings and earnings per share. Dividends also tend to decline as total assets grow. Share repurchases are negatively affected by Consumer Price Index and market competition and boosted by increased retained earnings.
Identifying and Responding to Delirium in Acute Stroke: Clinical Team Members’ Understandings
Authors: Carin-Levy Gail , Nicol Kath , van Wijck Frederike , Mead Gillian , McVittie Chris
Published: September 2020

Delirium is associated with increased mortality, morbidity, and length of hospital stay. In the acute stroke setting, delirium identification is challenging due to the complexity of cognitive screening in this patient group. The aim of this study was to explore how members of interprofessional stroke-unit teams identified and responded to a potential delirium in a patient. Online focus groups and interviews utilizing case vignettes were conducted with 15 participants: nurses, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, and physiotherapists working in acute stroke services. Participants’ understandings of delirium varied, most participants did not identify the symptoms of a possible hypoactive delirium, and nearly all participants discussed delirium symptoms in tentative terms. Aspects of interprofessional working were discussed through the expression of distinct roles around delirium identification. Although participants demonstrated an ethos of person-focused care, there are ongoing challenges involved in early identification and management of delirium in stroke survivors.
Challenges of Dental Hygienists in a Multidisciplinary Team Approach During Palliative Care for Patients With Advanced Cancer: A Nationwide Study
Authors: Nakajima Nobuhisa
Published: September 2020

Purpose:

Palliative care is constructed by various kinds of professionals. This study aimed to identify the challenges that dental hygienists (DHs) encountered when working with other professionals in a multidisciplinary team approach in palliative care for advanced cancer patients.

Methods:

We conducted the following two studies: (1) a questionnaire-based survey for DHs who belong to Japanese Society for Oral Care (JSOC) on oral care in palliative care settings (n = 1,290), and (2) surveys on education for DHs in universities. Items in this study included the following: 1) a cross-sectional analysis of the curriculum on palliative care at 10 universities and 2) a questionnaire-based survey on palliative care education at 1 of the 10 universities (n = 75).

Results:

(1) Seventy-three percent had experience in oral care in palliative care settings. The number of DHs with ≥20 years’ experience was significantly higher than those with <10 years’ experience (76% vs 66%, p = 0.042). Further, 92% received no formal palliative care education, and 94% perceived a lack of knowledge on palliative care. These data did not differ based on the years of experience. (2) (a) There was no specific curriculum on the subject of palliative care in 10 universities. Lectures on palliative care were provided at 3 universities. (b) Fifty-five percent of students attended lectures on palliative care. However, 88% of them experienced anxiety, and 78% perceived few classes on palliative care.

Conclusions:

For DHs, to positively contribute to multidisciplinary palliative care team approach, it is important to establish pregraduate and postgraduate education systems.
Facial Asymmetry in Nonsyndromic and Muenke Syndrome–Associated Unicoronal Synostosis: A 3-Dimensional Study Based on Facial Surfaces Extracted From CT Scans
Authors: Öwall Louise , Darvann Tron A. , Hove Hanne B. , Heliövaara Arja , Dunø Morten , Kreiborg Sven , Hermann Nuno V.
Published: September 2020

Objective:

To quantify soft tissue facial asymmetry (FA) in children with nonsyndromic and Muenke syndrome–associated unicoronal synostosis (NS-UCS and MS-UCS), hypothesizing that MS-UCS presents with significantly larger FA than NS-UCS.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Patients and Methods:

Twenty-one children (mean age: 0.6 years; range: 0.1-1.4 years) were included in the study (NS-UCS = 14; MS-UCS = 7). From presurgical computed tomography scans, facial surfaces were constructed for analysis. A landmark guided atlas was deformed to match each patient’s surface, obtaining spatially detailed left-right point correspondence. Facial asymmetry was calculated in each surface point across the face, as the length (mm) of an asymmetry vector, with its Cartesian components providing 3 directions. Mean FA was calculated for the full face, and the forehead, eye, nose, cheek, mouth, and chin regions.

Results:

For the full face, a significant difference of 2.4 mm ( P = .001) was calculated between the 2 groups, predominately in the transverse direction (1.5 mm; P < .001). The forehead and chin regions presented with the largest significant difference, 3.5 mm ( P = .002) and 3.2 mm ( P < .001), respectively; followed by the eye (2.4 mm; P = .004), cheek (2.2 mm; P = .004), nose (1.7 mm; P = .001), and mouth (1.4 mm; P = .009) regions. The transverse direction presented with the largest significant difference in the forehead, chin, mouth, and nose regions, the sagittal direction in the cheek region, and the vertical direction in the eye region.

Conclusions:

Muenke syndrome–associated unicoronal synostosis presented with significantly larger FA in all regions compared to NS-UCS. The largest significant differences were found in the forehead and chin regions, predominantly in the transverse direction.
The Ways of Knowing the Pandemic With the Help of Prompted Autoethnography
Authors: Pruulmann-Vengerfeldt Pille
Published: September 2020

This article discusses how different forms of autoethnographic production prompted by diverse forms of academic self-expression can lead to different types of knowing. Utilizing five examples from the Massive_Microscopic project, where participants responded to 21 different prompts inviting autoethnographic reflections about COVID-19 global pandemic, the article explores the responses from the perspective of alternative ways of knowing, reflecting on questions of motherhood, self-care, and performance in academia. Whether visual, rhythmic, or text produced from the perspective of things, the different modalities of the prompts allowed unexpected knowledge to emerge and supported deeper and more colorful reflections. Exploring the personal experience with the pandemic is expanded by the qualitative inquiry supported by different (self-)expression formats.
Home Activity-based Interventions for the Neurologically Impaired Upper Extremity: A Scoping Review
Authors: Bell Alison , Grampurohit Namrata , Marino Ralph J. , Duff Susan , Kaplan Gary , Calhoun Thielen Christina , Mulcahey M.J.
Published: September 2020

Background:

Activity-based therapy (ABT) for the upper extremity (UE) enables neurologic recovery with tasks that are functional, intense, and highly repetitive. A large proportion of rehabilitation occurs in the home and there is a gap in literature on the application of ABT within the home. The objective of this scoping review was to describe ABT in the home-setting for the neurologically-impaired UE.

Methods:

A systematic scoping review included searches of: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane, and OTSeeker.

Results:

A systematic search yielded 51 final studies. About 61% of ABT studies were exclusively within the home, others included outpatient visits (37%). Telerehabilitation was used in 37% of the studies with live-video and store forward techniques equally represented. ABT supported by technology was used in 61% of studies. Dosing of intervention ranged from 7 to 120 hours, with a mean of 34.5 hours of practice. Adherence with intended dosing was reported in 27% of studies and subjects completed a mean of 86% of the intended practice time. Sixty-seven percent of studies reported some degree of practice without therapist supervision.

Conclusions:

The results showed wide variability in the intervention methods, dosing and technology used in homebased settings. The high rate of adherence with dosing is encouraging for the application of homebased neurologic UE interventions. This scoping review highlights feasibility of UE ABT within the home and need for further research.
Does Loneliness Thrive in Relational Freedom or Restriction? The Culture-Loneliness Framework
Authors: Heu Luzia Cassis , van Zomeren Martijn , Hansen Nina
Published: September 2020

Loneliness is a common experience with major negative consequences for well-being. Although much research has examined protective and risk factors for loneliness, we know little about its cultural underpinnings. The few studies that exist seem paradoxical, suggesting that loneliness is higher in cultures where tighter and more demanding (i.e., more restrictive) cultural norms about social relationships decrease the risk of social isolation. At the same time, loneliness is lower among individuals who hold more restrictive norms or perceive such norms among others around them. We move beyond previous research by generating the culture-loneliness framework, suggesting that loneliness occurs across all levels of restrictiveness, but through different predominant types of isolation. More restrictive (i.e., more, tighter, or more demanding) norms about social relationships may better protect from physical isolation (i.e., a lack of social interaction or relationships) but increase the likelihood of emotional and perceived isolation (i.e., a lack of individually satisfying relationships or relationships that do not fulfill cultural ideals). We evaluate this framework by reviewing research at both the individual and the cultural levels, and discuss its theoretical and practical implications.
Polyphonic perspectives on health and care: Reflections from two decades of the DIPEx project
Authors: Ziebland Sue , Grob Rachel , Schlesinger Mark
Published: September 2020

In this article we consider how an online resource that publishes the findings and video, audio and written extracts from narrative interview studies has developed as an international collaboration, currently including 14 countries worldwide. In the two decades since the initiative was founded, the robust, national qualitative studies for DIPEx International have branched out from patient information and support to learning and teaching, insights and service improvement and cross-national comparisons. Embracing the challenge to reflect plural discourses of illness, health and care in societies that appear increasingly polarised, the DIPEx collaboration presents polyphonic perspectives that stand as potential counters to reductive dualities. As a result the collaboration has established a collection of unique, international resources that can be leveraged to promote understanding and learning from people’s experiences of illness and care.
Aerodynamic coefficients and pressure distribution on two circular cylinders with free end immersed in experimentally produced downburst-like outflows
Authors: Romanic Djordje , Ballestracci Andrea , Canepa Federico , Solari Giovanni , Hangan Horia
Published: September 2020

Thunderstorms winds are localized and transient phenomena characterized by three-dimensional non-stationary velocity fields. While numerous studies investigated the wind loading on cantilevered structures under thunderstorm downburst winds, there is a lack of fundamental research on the behavior of simple circular cylinders subjected to downburst-like outflows. This paper investigates the pressure distribution and aerodynamic coefficients of two cylinders with different diameters immersed in three different types of wind: (1) isolated downburst (DB); (2) downburst embedded in an atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) wind (DBABL); and (3) steady ABL wind. The focus of this study is to provide a comparative analysis between aerodynamic coefficients (drag and lift) and surface pressures that result from these three different wind systems. The ABL winds caused a higher drag on the thinner cylinder than the two DB-like outflows. The lift coefficients during the primary vortex passage in the DB-like outflows were negative at the base of the cylinders and approached zero or to slightly positive values close to the cylinders’ top. The location of the cylinders in DB-like outflows is the dominant factor for their aerodynamics.
“I do it my way”: Idioms of practice and digital media ideologies of adolescents and older adults
Authors: Fernández-Ardèvol Mireia , Belotti Francesca , Ieracitano Francesca , Mulargia Simone , Rosales Andrea , Comunello Francesca
Published: September 2020

This article analyzes the idioms of practice and media ideologies of adolescents and older adults regarding mobile digital media usage, and how they are negotiated within and between age cohorts. We formed aged-based focus groups in Rome and Barcelona (four groups of 16- to 19-year-olds and four of 65- to 85-year-olds). The comparison provides new insights on older individuals’ communication practices, often overshadowed by the focus on youth. Participants of both age groups explained they do media in their own way, which is perceived as “the right” (or legitimate) way. Strategies and hierarchies differ with age, according to meanings and rankings attributed to media choices in a communicative environment of affordances, or polymedia. The results suggest that differentiated generation-based idioms of practice and media ideologies are in operation in each cohort while, in both cases, refer to adaptative and goal-oriented communications.
Oculus imaginaries: The promises and perils of Facebook’s virtual reality
Authors: Egliston Ben , Carter Marcus
Published: September 2020

This article explores the Oculus suite of virtual reality (VR) technologies, with a specific focus on the period following the company’s 2014 acquisition by Facebook. Through a close reading of promotional material, we first describe and analyse the ‘Oculus imaginary’ – the narrative produced by Facebook about the Oculus as integrated into and enhancing the experience of Facebook’s wider suite of social software. The purpose of this narrative, we suggest, is to construct and ‘sell’ a Facebook-specific vision of VR’s potentials – one that is appealing both to end users and platform complementors – and moreover, a vision that appears to be conducive to Facebook’s current methods for accumulating profit and power. Following on, we develop via a study of YouTube user comments posted on promotional videos for the Oculus, an anticipatory account of how the Oculus imaginary is perceived to relate to the lives and values of everyday individuals.
The scavenging timing of pre-chamber on the performance of a natural gas engine
Authors: Yang Xue , Cheng Yong , Wang Pengcheng
Published: September 2020

The pre-chamber ignition system scavenged with natural gas can effectively improve the in-cylinder combustion process and extend the lean-burn limit of natural gas engines. The scavenging process affects the flow field and fuel-air mixture concentration distribution in the pre-chamber and affects the combustion process in the pre-chamber as well as the ignition process in the main chamber. This has a significant influence on the performance of natural gas engines. It is supposed that the ratio of natural gas remaining in the mixture inside the pre-chamber at the ignition timing affects the combustion process in the pre-chamber. To verify this suppose, an independent injection system for injecting natural gas into the pre-chamber is designed and experiments are carried out on a single-cylinder natural gas engine. The ratio of natural gas remaining in the mixture inside the pre-chamber at the ignition timing is adjusted by changing the injection start angle of the scavenging process. The combustion process in the pre-chamber and the main chamber are analyzed using the in-cylinder pressures. The results indicate that, with the delay of the injection start angle, the ratio of natural gas remaining in the mixture inside the pre-chamber at the ignition timing increases, the combustion process in the pre-chamber is enhanced, the maximum pressure difference between two chambers increases and appears earlier. The energy of the hot jets and the penetration of the jets increase, which enhances the combustion process in the main chamber.
Communicating Political Positions on European Issues: A Comparison of Parties and Newspapers in Seven Countries
Authors: Leidecker-Sandmann Melanie , Eugster Beatrice
Published: September 2020

This article starts from the observation that most voters know relatively little about positions and plans of political parties, especially when European Union politics is concerned. One reason for this could be that the main sources for political information, party communication and mass media coverage, provide voters only little concrete information about positions and plans of political parties. We ask how concretely, respectively vaguely, political parties and mass media communicate political positions prior to the 2014 European Parliament elections. We conducted a quantitative content analysis of all European Union–related press releases from 46 national political parties and of all European Union–related articles of 14 national quality newspapers from 7 European countries 12 weeks before the 2014 European Parliament elections. Our analysis shows that press releases as well as media coverage contain more concrete political positions on European Union issues than vague political statements. Other than expected, newspaper coverage provided the public with less concrete information than political actors did. Nevertheless, countries vary with regard to the extent to which party communication or newspaper coverage contain vague statements. We cannot find empirical support that the communication of concrete political positions depends on a party’s “extremity” of issue position or on the type of issue.
Can ultrasonic parameters affect the impact and water barrier properties of nano-clay filled glass fiber/polyester composites?
Authors: Megahed AA , Agwa MA , Megahed M
Published: September 2020

Good dispersion of the nanoparticles into the polymer is considered a critical issue, as it can provide higher strength and stiffness while poor dispersion is seen to decrease those properties. In the present work, the effect of three ultrasonic parameters (amplitude, time and cycle of sonication) on sonication technique for dispersing 1 wt.% nano-clay in polyester matrix was investigated. To disperse the nano-clay into the polyester matrix, sonication frequencies of 40% and 80%, sonication times of 0.5, 1 and 2 hours and pulse of 0.5 and 1 cycle were used. The effect of these ultrasonication parameters on water barrier and impact behavior of unfilled and filled glass fiber (GF)/polyester with nano-clay under dry, distilled and seawater conditions was studied. Results showed that, water absorption of nano-filled composites dispersed with all sonication parameters is lower than that of unfilled glass fiber/polyester composites immersed in distilled and seawater. Nano-clay filled GF/polyester composites showed an improvement in impact resistance under dry, distilled and seawater conditions with all sonication parameters. Among the used sonication parameters; time of 2 hours, amplitude of 40% and 0.5 cycle was found as the best parameter which resulted in the maximum enhancement in impact resistance, due to the addition of nano-clay to GF/polyester, of 8.2%, 14% and 19.6% under dry, distilled water and seawater conditions, respectively. Nonlinear minimization approach was exploited using MAPLE commercial software in order to find the suitable fit to the models of Fick and Langmuir. Diffusion coefficients for different sonication times were computed.
An Agenda for Addressing Multimorbidity and Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia
Authors: Quiñones Ana R. , Kaye Jeffrey , Allore Heather G. , Botoseneanu Anda , Thielke Stephen M.
Published: September 2020

Advancements in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) research on the U.S. population acknowledge the importance of the high burden of ADRD on segments of the population and yet-to-be characterized risks attributable to the burden of multiple chronic diseases (multimorbidity). These realizations suggest successful strategies in caring for people with ADRD and their caregivers will rely not only on clinical treatments but also on more refined and comprehensive models of ADRD that take its broad effects on the whole-person and the whole of society into consideration. To this end, it is critical to characterize and address the relationship between ADRD and multimorbidity combinations that complicate care and lead to poor outcomes, particularly with regard to racial and ethnic disparities in the occurrence, course, and effects of ADRD. Several research and policy recommendations are presented to address the intersection of ADRD, multimorbidity, and underrepresented populations most at risk for adverse outcomes.
Healing the Wounded Healer? A Survey of Jewish and Protestant Correctional Chaplains
Authors: Kesner Marcia , Pann James
Published: September 2020

This article explores how working with incarcerated female Jewish and Protestant inmates affected correctional chaplains personally, professionally, and in their religious lives. The researcher interviewed a group of 10 correctional chaplains who work with female Jewish inmates, and a comparison group of 10 chaplains who work with female Protestant inmates in the Northeastern and Midwestern United States. The research found significant positive benefits for both groups, including a tendency to be less conservative in their views regarding the criminal justice system and more compassionate views towards inmates and humanity in general. Noted in both study groups was a high prevalence of trauma history prior to their employment as a correctional chaplain.
Transcirculation Silk Vista Baby-assisted coiling in half-T configuration for the treatment of posterior communicating artery aneurysms associated with a fetal posterior circulation: An alternative flow diversion strategy
Authors: Martínez-Galdámez Mario , Schüller-Arteaga Miguel , Galván-Fernández Jorge , Kalousek Vladimir , Petra Ezequiel , Pabón Boris , Ortega-Gutiérrez Santiago , Jiménez-Arribas Paloma , Rodríguez-Arias Carlos
Published: September 2020

Flow diverter devices have become a routine first-line option for treatment of an increasing population of intracranial aneurysms at many neurovascular centers.

 Despite the promising results of flow diverter stents on anterior circulation, incomplete occlusion on the presence of fetal posterior circulation has been described on several reports.

 Here we describe a novel technical alternative to conventional flow diversion approach for this specific subgroup of aneurysms using the low-profile flow diverter, Silk Vista Baby. The device was selectively placed into the fetal type posterior cerebral artery in half-T configuration for the treatment of a posterior communicating aneurysm using a transcirculation approach through the anterior communicating artery. This represents a useful and effective technique and should be considered when encountering the above-described situation.
Endograft platform does not influence aortic neck dilatation after infrarenal endovascular aneurysm repair with primary endostapling
Authors: Chaudhuri Arindam , Badawy Ayman
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Aortic endografts used for endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) are based on varying skeletal platforms such as stainless steel or nitinol stents, using radial force applied to seal at the aneurysm neck, and varying proximal fixation methods, applying either suprarenal or infrarenal fixation. This study assesses whether varying skeleton/fixation platforms affect neck-related outcomes after primary endostapling with Heli-FX EndoAnchors at EVAR.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of a prospective database of infrarenal EVAR undertaken at a single centre. Chimney-EVAR, secondary cases were excluded. Primary outcomes analysed included neck diameter evolution from pre-EVAR to latest imaging follow-up, including a comparison of stent platforms to see if there was any outcome difference between those using stainless steel or nitinol, as also freedom from type I endoleakage and migration. Secondary outcomes assessed included average number of EndoAnchors, and sac size patterns before and after EVAR.

Results

A total of 101 patients underwent endostapled infrarenal EVAR between September 2013 and March 2020. After exclusion of ineligible patients, 84 patients (76 male, 8 female, age 73.7 ± 7.8 years) were available for analysis. 57/27 endografts used suprarenal/infrarenal fixation, whilst 16/68 devices were based on stainless steel/nitinol platforms, respectively. Mean oversizing was higher for stainless steel/suprarenal fixation endografts ( p = 0.02). A total of 582 EndoAnchors were deployed, averaging 7 ± 2 per patient. Median neck diameter was 25 mm (IQR 22–31) with 22 necks having non-parallel morphology (conical, tapered or bubble). Median follow-up period was 28.5 (IQR 12–43) months. Neck evolution studies suggested aortic neck dilatation of 5 ± 4 mm ( p <0.001, paired T-test), independent of platforms employed ( p = NS, ANOVA). There was no endograft migration; one immediate post-EVAR endoleak settled by eight weeks. There was a mean 5.7 ± 8.2 mm sac size reduction ( p < 0.001, paired T-test).

Conclusion

Aortic neck dilatation occurs after EVAR with primary endostapling, but the process may be independent of stainless steel/nitinol platforms, possibly due to the attenuating effect of EndoAnchors. Adjunct aneurysm neck fixation by primary endostapling prevents migration regardless of whether suprarenal/infrarenal fixation is the primary fixative method. Device platform choice therefore may be left to the operator discretion if primary endostapling is applied at EVAR. Freedom from complications such as migration and endoleakage in the intermediate term suggests a higher level of ‘tolerance’ to aortic neck dilatation with primary endostapling. We would therefore suggest routine usage of EndoAnchors at EVAR when not otherwise contraindicated.
Adults’ facial impressions of children’s niceness, but not shyness, show modest accuracy
Authors: Collova Jemma R , Sutherland Clare AM , Jeffery Linda , Bothe Ellen , Rhodes Gillian
Published: September 2020

Lay wisdom warns against “judging a book by its cover.” However, facial first impressions influence people’s behaviour towards others, so it is critical that we understand whether these impressions are at all accurate. Understanding impressions of children’s faces is particularly important because these impressions can have social consequences during a crucial time of development. Here, we examined the accuracy of two traits that capture the most variance in impressions of children’s faces, niceness and shyness. We collected face images and parental reports of actual niceness/shyness for 86 children (4–11 years old). Different images of the same person can lead to different impressions, and so we employed a novel approach by obtaining impressions from five images of each child. These images were ambient, representing the natural variability in faces. Adult strangers rated the faces for niceness (Study 1) or shyness (Study 2). Niceness impressions were modestly accurate for different images of the same child, regardless of whether these images were presented individually or simultaneously as a group. Shyness impressions were not accurate, for images presented either individually or as a group. Together, these results demonstrate modest accuracy in adults’ impressions of niceness, but not shyness, from children’s faces. Furthermore, our results reveal that this accuracy can be captured by images which contain natural face variability, and holds across different images of the same child’s face. These results invite future research into the cues and causal mechanisms underlying this link between facial impressions of niceness and nice behaviour in children.
The impact of a dedicated contact centre on the clinical outcome of patients with inflammatory bowel disease during the COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Nardone Olga Maria , Rispo Antonio , Testa Anna , Imperatore Nicola , Pellegrini Lucienne , Guarino Alessia Dalila , Ricciolino Simona , Patturelli Marta , De Palma Giovanni , Castiglione Fabiana
Published: September 2020

Background:

With the interruption of elective activity during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a reorganisation of health care for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was warranted. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a dedicated contact centre service (CCS) on the reorganization of a high-volume IBD centre and on the continuity of care during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Methods:

We compared the CCS services provided to 3680 IBD patients and clinical outcomes before (January–February 2020) and during (March–April 2020) the COVID-19 period. We further included, as comparator, data from March to April of the previous year (2019).

Results:

During the outbreak, the CCS received an increase of 10.2% of contacts, from 881, in January–February 2020, to 971 ( p = 0.02). An increase of 6% in CCS activities was also reported in comparison with March–April 2019 (from 914 to 971 in March–April 2020, p = 0.71). Before COVID-19, in both periods most contacts (67% in January–February 2020 and 60% in March–April 2019) required information about clinical activity, while fewer (33% in January–February 2020 and 40% in March–April 2019) requested logistic information. During the pandemic, most contacts (65.1%) asked to speak with a physician, 23.7% asked for information, while 11.1% wanted to cancel/postpone their appointments. Among all the information, 66% concerned COVID-19. In March–April 2020, 259 outpatient visits were booked, but were all replaced by phone consultations. No difference was detected in the number of intravenous biological administrations (307 versus 296, p = 0.64), surgeries (10 versus 9, p = 0.82) and urgent hospitalisations (10 versus 12, p = 0.67) before and during the COVID-19.

Conclusion:

The CCS was an effective tool in the reorganization of the IBD centre. Scheduled visits were replaced by phone calls. The main clinical outcomes were maintained in the COVID-19 period. Virtual follow-up using the CCS could be implemented after the pandemic to optimise the resources of the IBD centre.