bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Full-load analysis model and experimental study on the static characteristics of linear rolling guideway joints
Authors: Wang Jiali , Zhang Guangpeng , Wang Liyu , Huang Yumei
Published: March 2020

Linear rolling guideways have been widely used in machine tools. The overall performance of machine tools is directly influenced by the linear rolling guideway characteristics. In this study, a contact model for a single ball–raceway joint surface is established based on the fundamental characteristic parameters of the joint surface, which are obtained experimentally. Based on this model, a novel full-load analysis model of the linear rolling guideway joint is proposed, and six linear rolling guideway-joint stiffness types, namely the tangential, normal compressive, and normal tensile stiffnesses and the pitch, yaw, and roll angular stiffnesses, are obtained. Testing devices are developed for the six stiffness types. The stiffnesses of the medium preloaded HJG-DA35AA, HJG-DA45AA, and HJG-DA55AA linear rolling guideways are achieved using the developed testing devices, and the results obtained from the full-load analysis model are approximately consistent with the experimental results.
Mechanism of online dressing for micro-diamond grinding wheel during the ultrasound-aided electrolytic in-process dressing grinding
Authors: Chen Fan , Mei Guojian , Zhao Bo , Bie Wenbo , Li Guangxi
Published: March 2020

A high-precision continuous dressing technology, namely ultrasound-aided electrolytic in-process dressing method, was proposed in this paper, aiming at overcoming the difficulty in continuous dressing for fine diamond wheel during the super mirror processing, such as optics and aeronautics. Firstly, the influence of high-frequency ultrasonic vibration on electrolysis was analyzed on the basis of the mechanism of electrolysis. Then, the compared tests between the common electrolytic in-process dressing grinding and the ultrasound-aided electrolytic in-process dressing grinding of the grinding wheel were employed to observe the effect of dressing and the state of abrasive particle. It was found experimentally that under the latter dressing, the better dressing effect could be gained, and the number of abrasive particle per unit area, the sharpness of abrasive and the average grain protrude height were improved; meanwhile, the distribution of grains become more uniform. In addition, compared with the former dressing, the average distance between grains was decreased, and the microscopic roughness of grinding wheel physiognomy was increased in the latter dressing. Finally, the grinding experiment was carried out to illustrate the advantages of the ultrasound-aided electrolytic in-process dressing grinding. The experimental results revealed that the removal rate and machining surface quality were increased compared with the common electrolytic in-process dressing grinding.
Is the experience of hunger associated with risk of engaging in condomless anal sex among minority young men who have sex with men?
Authors: Crosby Richard A , Kubicek Katrina , Kipke Michele D
Published: March 2020

Although emerging evidence suggests that hunger may be a risk factor for engaging in risk behaviors that lead to HIV acquisition, this has rarely been explored for young minority men who have sex with men (YMSM). This study explored a range of sexual risk behaviors for associations with a measure of hunger, assessed among 448 YMSM residing in Los Angeles, CA. Forty-five percent experienced hunger (past 12 months). Hunger was significantly associated with engaging in any condomless anal receptive sex (CARS) (adjusted odds ratio = 1.74; 95% confidence interval = 1.01–3.01; P = .049). Further, hunger was also significantly associated with a greater percentage of CARS (Beta = .12; t = 2.18; P = .03). Parallel effects were not observed relative to condomless anal insertive sex. Findings suggest that the experience of hunger among young minority MSM is generally not associated with a milieu of sexual risk. One important exception is that hunger may lead to having CARS. This suggests a potential ‘trade off’ for receptive partners experiencing hunger and partially supports the idea that at hunger may predispose minority YMSM to partner demands not to use condoms.
Audiological disturbances in patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Erez Daniel , Abarbuch Eran , Natour Amed , Meyer Avraham , Natour Aiman , Dovrish Zamir , Levy Yair
Published: March 2020

Background

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease of hypercoagulability state in the presence of antibodies against phospholipids. Many neurological deficits related to APS have been described. Sensory neural hearing loss has been described only anecdotally, mostly in case reports. This study investigated a possible association between hearing disorders and APS.

Methods

Seventeen patients (aged 20–80 years) diagnosed with primary APS were evaluated for evidence of hearing disorders. All had otoscopy, full audiometry test, brainstem evoked response audiometry and otoacoustic emissions testing, and completed a questionnaire. Hearing levels were compared to the standard hearing levels of the general population by age group.

Results

Of the 17 APS patients, 10 (age groups 20–29 and 50–59) had significantly reduced hearing levels in all or part of the tested frequencies compared to standard levels. Three patients (age group 60–69) had better hearing levels at low frequencies compared to standard hearing levels.

Conclusion

These findings support the existence of hearing disorders in primary APS.
Diagnostic value of urinary monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in evaluating the activity of lupus nephritis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Xia Yuan-Rui , Li Qing-Ru , Wang Jun-Ping , Guo Heng-Sheng , Bao Yu-Qing , Mao Yan-Mei , Wu Jun , Pan Hai-Feng , Ye Dong-Qing
Published: March 2020

Objective

This study aimed to assess systematically the overall diagnostic value of urinary monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (uMCP-1) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with active lupus nephritis (LN).

Methods

Articles from PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE and Cochrane Library were retrieved up to 5 November 2019. Study quality was evaluated using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool, and statistical analyses were performed.

Results

A total of seven original studies with 521 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The summary estimates were: sensitivity 0.89 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.86–0.93), specificity 0.63 (95% CI 0.55–0.69), positive likelihood ratio 2.16 (95% CI 1.66–2.80), negative likelihood ratio 0.15 (95% CI 0.08–0.30), diagnostic odds ratio 19.40 (95% CI 7.24–51.96) and area under the curve 0.9042.

Conclusion

As a non-invasive biomarker, uMCP-1 has high diagnostic accuracy for active LN.
Sex-related Disparities in Access of Patients with STEMI to PCI Hospitals in Brazil: The Contribution of Blinder–Oaxaca Decomposition Method
Authors: Almeida-Santos Marcos Antonio , Passos Taciana Silveira , Cunha-Oliveira Jeferson , Oliveira Laís Costa Souza , Lima Ticiane Clair Remacre Munareto , Arcelino Larissa Andreline Maia , Oliveira Jussiely Cunha , Sousa Antonio Carlos Sobral , Barreto-Filho José Augusto Soares
Published: March 2020

With regard to discrepancies in the cardiologic assistance, gender differences within predictive models are usually taken as ‘disparities’. However, such differences should be further scrutinised. We aimed to apply the Blinder–Oaxaca method in order to investigate potential sex-related disparities in the time from onset of symptoms to upscale assistance in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients transferred to referential hospitals. All public and private hospitals with 24/7 PCI facilities in the state were included, and 1077 STEMI individuals were prospectively enrolled. We applied the Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition for the predictive model. The study included socioeconomic, clinical and geographic predictors. In ‘crude’ comparison under Student’s t-test, the logarithm of the total time was longer for female than male, reaching a difference of 0.22. In the Blinder–Oaxaca adjusted model, women presented higher total time than men. The total difference was 0.248 (95% CI = 0.051–0.445; p = 0.012), mostly related to the ‘explained’ portion, and the ‘unexplained’ portion reached a tiny fraction of the decomposition of elements, not significantly different from zero. There was no relevant unexplained fraction, also known as discrimination. Hence, the differences are attributable to the influence of the predictors as well as the contrafactual endowments for each sex.
How Cuba Survived Sanctions and the Lessons for Zimbabwe
Authors: Hove Mediel , Ndawana Enock , Nhemachena Munetsi Anthony
Published: March 2020

This article discusses how Cuba survived the economic sanctions that were imposed by the USA and the lessons that Zimbabwe and other sanctioned countries can glean. Using the subaltern framework for analysis, the article’s central argument is that Cuba survived the US-imposed economic embargo through sound planning, rigorous policy formulation, and implementation in the critical sectors of education and health, including tactical diplomatic maneuvers among other strategies. It concludes that Cuba’s survival against the US economic embargo provides a number of significant lessons for many countries, including Zimbabwe facing economic sanctions from powerful states.
Why smokeless tobacco control needs to be strengthened?
Authors: Mehrotra Ravi , Kaushik Nalini , Kaushik Ravi
Published: March 2020

Tobacco menace is responsible for significant mortality and morbidity worldwide. Smokeless tobacco (SLT) is consumed in more than 140 countries, thus is emerging as a global problem. Several adverse health outcomes like oropharyngeal, oesophageal, and pancreatic cancers; oral potentially malignant lesions; diabetes mellitus; cardiovascular diseases; mental illness; osteopenia; low birth weight; preterm births; small for gestation age babies; and stillbirths are attributed to SLT usage. Smokeless tobacco products vary greatly in types, constituents, packaging, forms, addiction, and harm potential, and thus are challenging to study and control. Involvement of both formal and informal sector in SLT production and sales further add to the complexities. The problem of SLT is usually understated and less researched upon. This paper summarizes the existing knowledge and provides evidence to strengthen the case against the SLT, stressing on the need to enhance the SLT control across the globe.
Thyroid Hormone in the Pathogenesis of Congenital Intestinal Dysganglionosis
Authors: Wang Fang , Jing Ping , Zhan Peiyan , Zhang Hongyi
Published: March 2020

Introduction

The objective of this study is to investigate the role of thyroid hormone (TH) in the pathogenesis of intestinal dysganglionosis (ID).

Methods

A zebrafish model of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) was created by exposing the larvae to the 6-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU). The enteric neurons were labeled with anti-HuC/D antibodies. The number of enteric neurons was counted. The larval intestine was dissociated and stained with anti-p75 and anti-α4 integrin antibodies. Mitosis and apoptosis of the p75+ α4 integrin+ enteric neural crest cells (ENCCs) were studied using flow cytometry. Intestinal motility was studied by analyzing the transit of fluorescent tracers.

Results

PTU (25 mg/L) significantly reduced TH production at 6- and 9-days post fertilization without changing the body length, body weight, and intestinal length of the larvae. Furthermore, PTU inhibited mitosis of ENCCs and reduced the number of enteric neurons throughout the larval zebrafish intestine. Importantly, PTU inhibited intestinal transit of fluorescent tracers. Finally, thyroxine supplementation restored ENCC mitosis, increased the number of enteric neurons, and recovered intestinal motility in the PTU-treated larvae.

Conclusions

PTU inhibited TH production, reduced the number of enteric neurons, impaired intestinal motility, and impeded ENCC mitosis in zebrafish, suggesting a possible role of CH in the pathogenesis of ID.
As time goes by, the same sentiments apply? Stability of voter satisfaction with democracy during the electoral cycle in 31 countries
Authors: Nemčok Miroslav , Wass Hanna
Published: March 2020

Popular consent is an essential element for success and stability of democracies. Research has repeatedly demonstrated that “electoral winners” (i.e. voters casting a ballot for government parties) are more satisfied with democracy than supporters of the opposition parties. However, little is known about the dynamics of satisfaction during the electoral cycle: Do winners become happier and losers even more discontent over time? We approach this question by utilizing an interview date in the European Social Survey (rounds 1–8) to position individuals within the different stages of electoral cycle. The results based on 199,207 responses from 199 surveys in 31 countries suggest that satisfaction with democracy stays relatively stable during the electoral cycle across various electoral systems if the political development is predictable. However, if actions of the parties are uncertain, namely the alternations of governments tend to be frequent, partial, and opened to all parties, and hence neither winners nor losers know how steady their status is with respect to the political development in the country, their satisfaction tend to fluctuate over time. Therefore, the conclusion reached is the more stable West European democracies have limited generalizability to the low-predictable systems in Central and Eastern Europe.
What smartness does in the smart city: From visions to policy
Authors: Baykurt Burcu , Raetzsch Christoph
Published: March 2020

This article examines what smartness does on the ground by examining how its anticipatory media visions have been interpreted and acted on in policy decisions and local implementations since the early 2000s. Using a comparative-historical analysis that draws on fieldwork in aspiring smart cities in the United States and Europe, we argue that the visions of smartness are neither singular nor fixed across time and space. Instead, the role of smartness in diffusing new technologies is recruited and reshaped in the present to lend legitimacy to future public and private interventions. We first demonstrate that the narrative of crisis, often associated with smartness, shifted from a pre-2008 emphasis on sustainability and climate change to a post-financial crisis engagement with entrepreneurship and platformization. We then discuss how the development of smart city initiatives has followed divergent paths in the United States and Europe, with big tech companies dominating in the former and the ‘living lab’ model prevailing in the latter. Our analysis highlights the importance of investigating the complex relationships between anticipatory media visions of smartness and their varying, down-to-earth implementations in the built environment rather than solely focusing on the discursive appeal of techno-idealism. It also explains the enduring appeal of smartness as an urban vision, despite its various shortcomings, by revealing its adaptability to the changing social and political–economic shifts.
Correlation between formaldehyde emission characteristics in enclosed desiccators with five different geometries
Authors: Kang Yujin , Yoo Sung-Jun , Ito Kazuhide
Published: March 2020

The static headspace method using a small enclosed chamber has been extensively used to estimate the emission characteristics of formaldehyde, e.g., emission rates from building materials. The formation of the transient formaldehyde concentration by emission, diffusion and sorption in a small confined chamber was investigated using three-dimensional modelling and numerical analyses. Here, five types of glass desiccators were adopted as the small chamber for the headspace method. The inner geometries of the desiccator with the emission source (the building material) and sorbent (water in a Petri dish) were precisely modelled. Transient numerical analyses were performed to determine the formaldehyde emission from different building materials of the external (evaporative) diffusion control type, molecular diffusion and sorption on the water in the confined desiccators. In order to clarify the effect of the desiccator inner geometry on the formaldehyde emission characteristics, the equivalent diffusion length ( Ld) concept, which could be identified as the representative one-dimensional diffusion length scale, was proposed. The results of the numerical analyses showed that Ld and the formaldehyde concentration in the sorbent solution over a 24 h numerical experiment were significantly affected by the desiccator geometry. These results confirmed that the calibration of the emission rate with external diffusion control using Ld is appropriate when measuring the formaldehyde emission rate in an enclosed desiccator with different geometries.
Real-time monitoring of changes in building tilt angle using double square artificial marks
Authors: Yang Gang , Wu Jianchao , Hu Qing , Lei Dongning
Published: March 2020

To monitor changes in building tilt angles more accurately and efficiently and to safeguard the people's safety and property, a new tilt angle monitoring method was proposed in this paper. This method adopts double square artificial marks and a plumb line determined by MATLAB to record changes in the building tilt angle based on image processing technology. Two black square artificial marks with the size of 10 mm × 10 mm were placed near the side of the plumb line. A digital camera was adopted to collect tilt images which were saved in the computer. The tilt images were successively subjected to image greying, binarization, denoising, image segmentation and pixel calibration. Finally, the true length of a single pixel and tilt angle change value would be obtained. The experimental results showed that the accuracy of the method was 96% higher than the manual method. Compared with traditional manual methods and three-dimensional scanning monitoring methods, the advantages of this method are that the equipment used is relatively cheap, the image calculation workload is small and is suitable in dangerous working conditions. In conclusion, the proposed technique could accurately, concisely and effectively calculate the changes in building tilt angle and improve work efficiency.
Policing through social media: a qualitative exploration
Authors: Fallik Seth Wyatt , Deuchar Ross , Crichlow Vaughn J , Hodges Hannah
Published: March 2020

Social media, in the past decade, has been used to hold police accountable for their actions. There has been, however, a paucity of empirical research into how law enforcement uses social media. To explore this issue, this paper uses qualitative data emerging from ethnographic research conducted in a Southern American state. Participant observations of police officer deployments were paired with semi-structured interviews with officers from three law enforcement agencies. The extent and ways in which these officers used social media is explored. Findings indicate that social media is used to bring positive attention to law enforcement agencies and aid criminal investigations. Although the positive impact of social media was highlighted in these experiences, persistent problems and challenges also featured in the data. Finally, officer insights were drawn upon to make recommendations for future policing policy and research.
Drawing from justice theories to support targets of online harassment
Authors: Schoenebeck Sarita , Haimson Oliver L , Nakamura Lisa
Published: March 2020

Most content moderation approaches in the United States rely on criminal justice models that sanction offenders via content removal or user bans. However, these models write the online harassment targets out of the justice-seeking process. Via an online survey with US participants ( N = 573), this research draws from justice theories to investigate approaches for supporting targets of online harassment. We uncover preferences for banning offenders, removing content, and apologies, but aversion to mediation and adjusting targets’ audiences. Preferences vary by identities (e.g. transgender participants on average find more exposure to be undesirable; American Indian or Alaska Native participants on average find payment to be unfair) and by social media behaviors (e.g. Instagram users report payment as just and fair). Our results suggest that a one-size-fits-all approach will fail some users while privileging others. We propose a broader theoretical and empirical landscape for supporting online harassment targets.
Family relations of older people: Personal and practical support
Authors: Sigurdardottir Sigurveig H , Juliusdottir Sigrun , Karlsson Thorlakur
Published: March 2020

In this study, we examined older people’s views and experiences of family relations in Iceland. The goal was to explore the frequency and kinds of contact, and the support older people received from their adult biological children and stepchildren. We performed cluster sampling covering community centers in municipalities nationwide in Iceland. The questionnaire was answered by 273 older people, including 193 women (75%) and 64 men (25%). The average age was 79 years. About 200 (74%) lived in the capital area of Reykjavik, while 70 (26%) lived in the countryside.

Findings

Older people received more support from biological children than stepchildren. Specifically, differences were found in both frequency and quality of contact. The results revealed gender differences; daughters offering more help and support than sons. Older women have more frequent contact and closer relationships with their biological children than with other children. Relationships with stepchildren were weaker in all respects. These results are discussed in connection to structural and cultural factors, with a focus on the implications of changes in family structure, new communication styles, and effects of media.

Applications

Although the increased frequencies of divorce and stepparenting can affect connections within families, communities commonly disregard the different needs of stepfamilies, sometimes called “stepblindness”. Policy makers and professionals such as social workers need to concede different needs of older people in stepfamilies. Conclusions are drawn from the perspective of welfare policy issues, such as the need of more precise law provisions and implementations on social services for families.
Cultural influences on the yards of Italian migrants’ houses built in Brisbane (Australia)
Authors: Furlan Raffaello , Faggion Laura
Published: March 2020

Italian migrants, as well as diverse migrant groups, brought with them cultural practices and a way of life, which are nowadays part of the multicultural Australian built environment and society. This research study focuses on the external yards of domestic dwellings built in the late 1980s and early 1990s in Brisbane by the Italian migrants. Namely, it is argued that the external yards of migrants’ houses are embedded by cultural meanings. The research study is of a qualitative nature and, as primary sources of data, uses (1) semi-structured interviews, (2) photo-elicitation interviews and (3) focus group discussion, which were conducted both in Australia with 21st-generation Italian migrants, and in Italy with 10 informants indigenous to the Veneto region, where they built their homes. Visual data about the houses were collected with (4) photographs and drawings. This paper explores the activities occurring inside migrants’ houses in Brisbane, highlighting the meaning of the activities and the settings where these activities are performed. Through the study of these meanings, it is revealed that the various activities are expressions of the culture, as an accepted way of doing things and/or a way of life, of the country of origin of the respondents.
Task conflict and extra-role performance: A cross-national perspective between East and West
Authors: Jungst Martijn , Janssens Bas
Published: March 2020

Research on workplace conflict has given relatively little attention to the impact of national context on the perception toward task conflict by employees. By drawing on the conservation of resources theory, we investigate the mediating role of employee engagement between task conflict and extra-role performance in two nations: the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Netherlands. Results from 137 Chinese and 95 Dutch employees indicate a positive association between task conflict and extra-role performance in the PRC but a negative association in the Netherlands. Results also show that employee engagement mediates the association between task conflict and extra-role performance in both countries. We also find that relationship intensity moderates the association between task conflict and extra-role performance, through employee engagement, in both the PRC and the Netherlands. We discuss implications for theory and practice as well as offer future research directions.
Rotational care practices in minority ethnic families managing dementia: A qualitative study
Authors: Nielsen T Rune , Waldemar Gunhild , Nielsen Dorthe S
Published: March 2020

Background

Although minority ethnic families have a lower uptake of dementia care services, little research has explored how minority ethnic carers cope with and manage dementia care in their everyday lives. The aim of this study was to investigate organization of family dementia care in Turkish, Pakistani, and Arabic speaking minority ethnic families from the perspective of family carers, primary care dementia coordinators, and multicultural link workers in Denmark.

Methods

Semi-structured qualitative individual and group interviews with minority ethnic family carers, primary care dementia coordinators, and multicultural link workers. Hermeneutic phenomenology was used as theoretical framework and results were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

A total of 21 individual and four group interviews were conducted, including a total of 30 participants. A key finding was that the care responsibility was usually shared between several family members, who took turns to provide 24-hour care for the person with dementia. Rotational 24-hour care, either by having the person with dementia live with different family members or by having different family members take turns to move in with the person with dementia, emerged as a common alternative to formal care. Another important finding was that despite decreasing the burden of care of individual family carers, rotational care could be confusing and stressful to the person with dementia and could have a negative impact on the quality of life of all involved.

Conclusion

The way minority ethnic families organize dementia care have implications for understanding and communicating about support needs. Higher reliance on shared family care should not be taken to indicate that minority ethnic communities are not in need of support from formal services.
Immunosuppressant Use and Gout in the Prevalent Solid Organ Transplantation Population
Authors: Brigham Mark D. , Milgroom Andrew , Lenco Mara Onita , Wang Zheng , Kent Jeffrey D. , LaMoreaux Brian , Johnson Richard J. , Mandell Brian F. , Hadker Nandini , Sanchez Herman , Francis Kevin , Radeck Lauren P. , Miyasato Gavin , Li Justin W.
Published: March 2020

Introduction:

Gout is a common comorbidity among solid organ transplantation patients and is usually attributed to the use of cyclosporine. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of gout among solid organ transplantation patients to determine the prevalence in the tacrolimus era.

Research Questions:

To what degree is cyclosporine still used among prevalent solid organ transplantation patients? How prevalent is gout in the solid organ transplantation population not being treated by cyclosporine?

Methods:

Immunosuppressant regimens and gout prevalence among prevalent solid organ transplantation patients were assessed using retrospective claims data for a representative sample of commercially insured patients. For comparison to the prevalent solid organ transplantation population, immunosuppressant use at time of transplantation was compiled from published reports.

Results:

Between 2012 and 2016, the use of cyclosporine declined while use of tacrolimus increased, with greater cyclosporine use among prevalent versus incident solid organ transplantation patients. The prevalence of gout was 18.3%, 9.3%, and 9.1% for solid organ transplantation patients on cyclosporine, tacrolimus, and neither, respectively. Among all solid organ transplantation patients with gout, 66.6% and 21.5% were on tacrolimus versus cyclosporine. The prevalence of gout among noncyclosporine solid organ transplantation patients was significantly higher than in the general population without solid organ transplantation.

Discussion:

Despite declining cyclosporine use, gout prevalence remains high, with the majority of patients with gout receiving tacrolimus rather than cyclosporine. In summary, gout remains a frequent comorbidity of solid organ transplantation.
A generative adversarial network for artifact removal in photoacoustic computed tomography with a linear-array transducer
Authors: Vu Tri , Li Mucong , Humayun Hannah , Zhou Yuan , Yao Junjie
Published: March 2020

With balanced spatial resolution, penetration depth, and imaging speed, photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT) is promising for clinical translation such as in breast cancer screening, functional brain imaging, and surgical guidance. Typically using a linear ultrasound (US) transducer array, PACT has great flexibility for hand-held applications. However, the linear US transducer array has a limited detection angle range and frequency bandwidth, resulting in limited-view and limited-bandwidth artifacts in the reconstructed PACT images. These artifacts significantly reduce the imaging quality. To address these issues, existing solutions often have to pay the price of system complexity, cost, and/or imaging speed. Here, we propose a deep-learning-based method that explores the Wasserstein generative adversarial network with gradient penalty (WGAN-GP) to reduce the limited-view and limited-bandwidth artifacts in PACT. Compared with existing reconstruction and convolutional neural network approach, our model has shown improvement in imaging quality and resolution. Our results on simulation, phantom, and in vivo data have collectively demonstrated the feasibility of applying WGAN-GP to improve PACT’s image quality without any modification to the current imaging set-up.

Impact statement

This study has the following main impacts. It offers a promising solution for removing limited-view and limited-bandwidth artifact in PACT using a linear-array transducer and conventional image reconstruction, which have long hindered its clinical translation. Our solution shows unprecedented artifact removal ability for in vivo image, which may enable important applications such as imaging tumor angiogenesis and hypoxia. The study reports, for the first time, the use of an advanced deep-learning model based on stabilized generative adversarial network. Our results have demonstrated its superiority over other state-of-the-art deep-learning methods.
Retrospective evaluation of the endovascular repair of the anastomotic pseudoaneurysm of the transplanted renal artery using the snorkel technique
Authors: Haijie Che , Fubo Song , Xiaoying Li , Ying Yu , Zenghui Pu
Published: March 2020

Objective

To evaluate the endovascular repair of the transplanted renal artery anastomotic pseudoaneurysm using the snorkel technique.

Methods

From April 2012 to December 2017, we performed endovascular repair in six patients, who were diagnosed with transplanted renal artery anastomotic pseudoaneurysm, using the snorkel technique. The “snorkel” stent and the “parallel” stent were placed in the transplanted kidney and the external iliac artery, respectively. Another covered stent was implanted at the proximal end of the external iliac artery to match the diameter of the iliac artery. Result and conclusion: Of the six patients, three patients recovered. Two patients experienced pseudoaneurysm rupture due to infection, and one patient developed stent thrombosis; all three patients underwent graft nephrectomy. The endovascular treatment of transplanted renal artery anastomotic pseudoaneurysm with the snorkel technique is a feasible method but needs to comply with certain indications.
Delta opioid receptors are essential to the antiallodynic action of Β2-mimetics in a model of neuropathic pain
Authors: Kremer Mélanie , Megat Salim , Bohren Yohann , Wurtz Xavier , Nexon Laurent , Ceredig Rhian Alice , Doridot Stéphane , Massotte Dominique , Salvat Eric , Yalcin Ipek , Barrot Michel
Published: March 2020

The adrenergic system, because of its reported implication in pain mechanisms, may be a potential target for chronic pain treatment. We previously demonstrated that β2-adrenoceptors (β2-ARs) are essential for neuropathic pain treatment by antidepressant drugs, and we showed that agonists of β2-ARs, that is, β2-mimetics, had an antiallodynic effect per se following chronic administration. To further explore the downstream mechanism of this action, we studied here the role of the opioid system. We used behavioral, genetic, and pharmacological approaches to test whether opioid receptors were necessary for the antiallodynic action of a short acting (terbutaline) and a long-acting (formoterol) β2-mimetic. Using the Cuff model of neuropathic pain in mice, we showed that chronic treatments with terbutaline (intraperitoneal) or formoterol (orally) alleviated mechanical hypersensitivity. We observed that these β2-mimetics remained fully effective in μ-opioid and in κ-opioid receptor deficient mice, but lost their antiallodynic action in δ-opioid receptor deficient mice, either female or male. Accordingly, we showed that the δ-opioid receptor antagonist naltrindole induced an acute relapse of allodynia in mice with neuropathic pain chronically treated with the β2-mimetics. Such relapse was also observed following administration of the peripheral opioid receptor antagonist naloxone methiodide. These data demonstrate that the antiallodynic effect of long-term β2-mimetics in a context of neuropathic pain requires the endogenous opioid system, and more specifically peripheral δ-opioid receptors.
Deciding to support violence: An empirical examination of systematic decision-making, activism, and support for political violence
Authors: Becker Michael H
Published: March 2020

This study examines how attitudes of activism and systematic decision-making are related to support for political violence. Using unique data from a randomly selected sample of undergraduate and graduate students ( N = 503), this study explores how activism, systematic decision-making, and political affiliation coincides with existing support for political violence. Among respondents, stronger support for activism and less systematic decision-making behavior was associated with support for political violence on one’s behalf. These results hold across models and suggest that in the United States, cognitive psychology and decision-making perspectives inform the decision to support political violence and in turn, should be considered in efforts to curb support for organizations which use political violence as a tactic.
Prognostic impact of acellular mucin pools towards the patients with locally advanced rectal cancer achieving pathological complete response after preoperative chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Zhang Lin , Guan Huajie , Luo Qiuyun , Yuan Lifang , Mao Yulan , Wu Xiaojun , Pan Zhizhong , Lin Junzhong , Peng Jianhong
Published: March 2020

Background:

To date, the prognostic significance of acellular mucin pools in tumors from patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) undergoing preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and subsequently obtaining pathological complete response (pCR) has not been well determined. Our current study aimed to explore the prognostic impact on these patients of acellular mucin pools.

Methods:

We collected clinical data from 117 consecutive LARC patients who achieved pCR after preoperative CRT and then underwent radical resection. Two groups of patients were generated, according to the presence or absence of acellular mucin pools. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were compared between the two groups of patients.

Results:

A total of 27 (23.1%) patients presented with acellular mucin pools. At a median follow-up period of 64 months, patients with acellular mucin pool showed a 5-year DFS rate (96.3% versus 83.7%, p = 0.110) and 5-year OS rate (100% versus 87.5%, p = 0.054) statistically similar to those of patients without acellular mucin pools. In univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses, the presence of acellular mucin pools was not determined as an independent risk factor for DFS [hazard ratio (HR): 0.222; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.029–1.864; p = 0.145] or OS (HR: 0.033; 95% CI: 0.000–9.620; p = 0.238).

Conclusions:

Acellular mucin pools had no significant prognostic impact on LARC patients showing pCR after preoperative CRT.
The effect of load and plane of elevation on acromial stress after reverse shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Lockhart Jason S , Wong Murray T , Langohr G Daniel G , Athwal George S , Johnson James A
Published: March 2020

Background

Acromial fractures are a substantial complication following reverse shoulder arthroplasty, reported to affect up to 7% of patients. Previous studies have shown that implant placement affects acromial stress during elevation of the arm in the scaption plane. The purpose of this study was to investigate the results of arm loading and variation in plane of elevation on acromial stresses.

Methods

Nine elevation angles (0°–120°), in three planes of elevation (abduction (0°), scaption (30°), and forward elevation (60°)), and three hand loads (0, 2.5, 5 kg) were investigated. Finite element models were generated using computed tomography data from 10 cadaveric shoulders (age 68 ± 19 yrs) to determine acromial stress distributions. Models were created for a lateralized glenosphere (0, 5, 10 mm), inferiorized glenosphere (0, 2.5, 5 mm), and humeral offset (−5, 0, 5 mm).

Results

For all planes of elevation (0°, 30°, 60°) and hand loads (0, 2.5, 5 kg) investigated, glenoid lateralization consistently increased acromial stress, glenoid inferiorization consistently decreased acromial stress, and humeral offset proved to be insignificant in altering acromial stress. Abduction resulted in significantly higher peak acromial stresses (p = 0.002) as compared to scaption and forward elevation.

Conclusions

In addition to implant position and design, patient activity, such as plane of elevation and hand loads, has substantial effects on acromial stresses.

Level of evidence

Basic science study
Thromboembolic, cardiovascular and overall mortality risks of aromatase inhibitors, compared with tamoxifen treatment: an outpatient-register-based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Pineda-Moncusí Marta , Garcia-Giralt Natalia , Diez-Perez Adolfo , Tusquets Ignasi , Servitja Sonia , Albanell Joan , Prieto-Alhambra Daniel , Nogués Xavier
Published: March 2020

Background:

Tamoxifen (TAM) and aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapies have been associated with increased risk of thromboembolic and cardiovascular events, respectively, in addition to other side effects. This study analysed the risk of these events and the overall survival (OS) benefit in breast cancer patients treated with AI, compared with TAM-treated patients, in a large population-based cohort.

Methods:

This observational cohort study included women diagnosed with breast cancer and treated with TAM or AI. Data were extracted from primary care records in a population database (SIDIAP, System for the Development of Research in Primary Care). Incidence rates of study outcomes are reported. Survival analyses included Kaplan–Meier estimation and Cox proportional hazards models. Sensitivity analysis was carried out, using Fine and Gray models to account for competing risk of death. Confounding was minimized using propensity score adjustment and inverse probability weighting (IPW) adjustment.

Results:

Data from 3082 postmenopausal women treated with TAM, and 18,455 treated with AI, were available. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) [95% confidence interval (CI)] for AI users, compared with TAM group, were 0.93 (95%CI 0.69–1.26) for thromboembolic events (TEEs); 1.13 (95%CI 0.79–1.63) for cardiovascular events, and 0.76 (95%CI 0.70–0.82) for mortality. Additional analyses using competing risk analysis had similar results, while IPW adjustment showed a potential risk of pulmonary embolism (PE) [2.26 (95%CI 1.02–4.97)] in AI-treated patients.

Conclusions:

AI users had >20% lower all-cause mortality compared with TAM users, without increasing risk to experience cardiovascular and TEEs. This would locate AI therapy on the first line in clinical practice. Thus, AI might be the most preferable option in adjuvant hormonal therapy choice.
Psychometric properties of the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills in patients undergoing rehabilitation following hand-related disorders
Authors: Ransby Thea Birch , Hansen Alice Ørts , Rolving Nanna
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS) has been proven to be a suitable measurement tool for assessing performance-based ADL ability; however, its reliability and validity have not been tested on patients with hand-related disorders.

Methods

Patients referred for outpatient hand rehabilitation were assessed with AMPS, The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), dynamometer and goniometer at baseline and after eight weeks of hand therapy. Construct validity and responsiveness of AMPS were assessed by hypothesis testing. Construct validity was assessed by correlating the baseline score of AMPS with the baseline score of the other measurement tools. Responsiveness was assessed by correlating the change scores of each measurement tool with a Global Rating Scale.

Results

Fifty-one patients were recruited. The construct validity of AMPS indicated that the various measurement tools captured different aspects to functioning from the AMPS, as the correlations between AMPS and the other measurement tools were generally weak to low (r < 0.25 to 0.49). AMPS was less responsive than COPM when correlated with the GRS. The correlation between COPM and GRS was r = 0.62 compared with the AMPS motor, r = 0.45 and AMPS process, r = 0.33. Relative responsiveness of AMPS is similar to that of the dynamometer (r = 0.39) and goniometer (r = –0.34).

Discussion

In a sample of 51 patients, this study found that the construct validity of AMPS seemed to be moderate, while the responsiveness of AMPS seemed to be poor. However, due to the small sample size no conclusions can be made, and should be further assessed in larger studies.
Don’t cry for me, Latin America
Authors: Robinson William I.
Published: March 2020

The upsurge of mass struggles in Latin America comes at a time when the party-based Left has lost hegemony. The far-Right is seeking a restoration of neoliberalism as part of a militarized expansion of transnational corporate plunder. Spaces that until recently exercised a modicum of autonomy, such as indigenous highlands in Guatemala and Peru, areas of the Amazon, and Colombia’s Pacific coast, are being violently cracked open and their abundant natural resources and labor supply made available to transnational capital. There is a disjuncture throughout Latin America between mass social movements that are resurgent and the institutional Left that has lost its ability to mediate between the masses and the state with a viable project of its own. The most likely scenario is a momentary stalemate as storm clouds gather.
Quality Indicators for the Diagnosis and Management of Acute Bacterial Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Cottrell Justin , Yip Jonathan , Chan Yvonne , Chin Christopher J , Damji Ali , de Almeida John R. , Desrosiers Martin , Eskander Antoine , Janjua Arif , Kilty Shaun , Lee John M. , Macdonald Kristian I. , Meen Eric K. , Rudmik Luke , Sommer Doron D. , Sowerby Leigh , Tewfik Marc A. , Thamboo Andrew , Vescan Allan D. , Witterick Ian J. , Wright Erin , Monteiro Eric
Published: March 2020

Background

Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS) is a highly prevalent disease that is treated by a variety of specialties, including but not limited to, family physicians, emergency physicians, otolaryngology—head and neck surgeons, infectious disease specialists, and allergy and immunologists. Unfortunately, despite high-quality guidelines, variable and substandard care continues to be demonstrated in the treatment of ABRS.

Objective

This study aimed to develop ABRS-specific quality indicators (QIs) to evaluate the diagnosis and management that reduces symptoms, improves quality of life, and prevents complications.

Methods

A guideline-based approach, proposed by Kötter et al., was used to develop QIs for ABRS. Candidate indicators (CIs) were extracted from 4 guiding documents and evaluated using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) tool. Each CI and its supporting evidence was summarized and reviewed by an expert panel based on validity, reliability, and feasibility of measurement. Final QIs were selected from CIs utilizing the modified RAND/University of California at Los Angeles appropriateness methodology.

Results

Twenty-nine CIs were identified after literature review and evaluated by our panel. Of these, 5 CIs reached consensus as being appropriate QIs, with 1 requiring additional discussion. After a second round of evaluations, the panel selected 7 QIs as appropriate measures of high-quality care.

Conclusion

This study proposes 7 QIs for the diagnosis and management of patients with ABRS. These QIs can serve multiple purposes, including documenting the quality of care; comparing institutions and providers; prioritizing quality improvement initiatives; supporting accountability, regulation, and accreditation; and determining pay for performance initiatives.