bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vibrational Spectroscopic Monitoring of the Gelation Transition in Nafion Ionomer Dispersions
Authors: Liang Ying , Kitt Jay P. , Minteer Shelley D. , Harris Joel M. , Korzeniewski Carol
Published: July 2020

Infrared and Raman spectroscopy techniques were applied to investigate the drying and aggregation behavior of Nafion ionomer particles dispersed in aqueous solution. Gravimetric measurements aided the identification of gel-phase development within a series of time-resolved spectra that tracked transformations of a dispersion sample during solvent evaporation. A spectral band characteristic of ionomer sidechain end group vibration provided a quantitative probe of the dispersion-to-gel change. For sets of attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR FT-IR) spectra, adherence to Beer's law was attributed to the relatively constant refractive index in the frequency region of hydrated –[Formula: see text] group vibrations as fluorocarbon-rich ionomer regions aggregate in forming the structural framework of membranes and thin films. Although vibrational bands associated with ionomer backbone CF2 stretching vibrations were affected by distortion characteristic of wavelength-dependent refractive index change within a sample, the onset of band distortion signaled gel formation and coincided with ionomer mass % values just below the critical gelation point for Nafion aqueous dispersions. Similar temporal behavior was observed in confocal Raman microscopy experiments that monitored the formation of a thin ionomer film from an individual dispersion droplet. For the ATR FT-IR spectroscopy and confocal Raman microscopy techniques, intensity in the water H–O–H bending vibrational band dropped sharply at the ionomer critical gelation point and displayed a time dependence consistent with changes in water content derived from gravimetric measurements. The reported studies lay groundwork for examining the impact of dispersing solvents and above-ambient temperatures on fluorinated ionomer transformations that influence structural properties of dispersion-cast membranes and thin films.
Re-thinking society: How can sociological theories help us understand global and cross-border social contexts?
Authors: Weiß Anja
Published: July 2020

Globalization and cross-border studies have changed the ways in which sociological theorists think about space. Rather than viewing society as integrated, placing individual and collective actors in clearly bounded spaces nested within each other, this article combines several differentiation theories of society as a first step towards achieving an abstract language that can account for a plurality of comprehensive social contexts, thus relating actors to socio-spatial contexts in various ways. Starting with Simmel, the article discusses how some social contexts, such as the state, use the territory to gain exclusivity, whereas other social contexts are non-territorial in nature. Further types combine social and spatial differentiation. The article expands on Simmel’s socio-spatial forms with the help of newer systems theories proposed by Luhmann and Walby and Bourdieu’s field theory. The article provides cross-border and transnational studies with a comprehensive typology of socio-spatial forms. The argument contributes to global studies by considering a plurality of content-differentiated globalization logics and by clarifying the relationship between macro-social contexts and actors. In organizations, networks and professions, content differentiation, spatial segmentation and actors’ contestation intertwine.
Easy route to control density of polyimide foams and impact on mechanical and combustion behaviors
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zhou Hengyi , Sun Gaohui , Zhang Liu , Sun Longxiang , Chen Rongrong , Wang Jun , Han Shihui
Published: July 2020

Polyimide foams (PIFs) with different density are rapidly formed basing on water foaming technology of multi-anhydride and multi-isocyanate system in airtight mold. Density of PIFs is controlled by easily route that regulate the ratio of main components total mass and mold cavity volume. Polyimide proportion of PIFs of different series is adjusted by refilled multi-anhydride method. Analyses curves show that density exerts minimal effect on molecular structure of PIFs in the same series. In all series, cellular shapes gradually change from polyhedral to spherical and cellular skeletons become thicker and thicker with the increasing of PIFs density, and the increase in density leads to an obviously enhancement in mechanical properties, including a nearly 300% increase in compression strength, and compression modulus shows an approximately linear growth trend with an increase rate of 6–8 Pa/g. Moreover, the Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) curves show that the density of foams makes slight effect on the molecular structure of the matrix resin in the same series. In all series, flame retardance is also improved with increase in foam density because of the thicker char layer, especially inflected by obviously decrease in peak of heat release rate (PHRR) curves and peak of smoke production rate (PSPR), but increase in limiting oxygen index (LOI) value is only 1–4%. Meanwhile, the effect of density on combustion behavior decrease with the increase in polyimide proportion.
Microstructure optimizations for improving interlaminar shear strength and self-healing efficiency of spread carbon fiber/epoxy laminates containing microcapsules
Authors: Nassho Yasuka , Sanada Kazuaki
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this study is to improve interlaminar shear strength and self-healing efficiency of spread carbon fiber (SCF)/epoxy (EP) laminates containing microcapsules. Microencapsulated healing agents were embedded within the laminates to impart a self-healing functionality. Self-healing was demonstrated on short beam shear specimens, and the healing efficiency was evaluated by strain energies of virgin and healed specimens. The effects of microcapsule concentration and diameter on apparent interlaminar shear strength and healing efficiency were discussed. Moreover, damaged areas after short beam shear tests were examined by an optical microscope to investigate the relation between the microstructure and the healing efficiency of the laminates. The results showed that the stiffness and the apparent interlaminar shear strength of the laminates increased as the microcapsule concentration and diameter decreased. However, the healing efficiency decreased with decreasing the microcapsule concentration and diameter.
Too hot to handle? An analysis of chefs’ job quality in Australian restaurants
Authors: Belardi Susan , Knox Angela , Wright Chris F
Published: July 2020

Chefs are lauded in popular culture. Yet doubts regarding the quality of chefs’ jobs have intensified in Australia following recent instances of underpayments in high-profile restaurants. This case study-based research examines the job quality of chefs in mid-level and premium restaurants. The findings allow for the development of empirical and theoretical contributions by revealing the prevalence of objectively ‘bad’ jobs and why they are tolerated subjectively. The article finds that temporal orientations influenced workers’ subjective perceptions of job quality, which represents an original contribution to job quality scholarship.
Infant death resulting from sharing a cot with a 10-year-old boy
Authors: Behera C , Chauhan M , Bijarnia M
Published: July 2020

An infant may die from unintentional suffocation if their exhausted, or inebriated or sedated mothers fall asleep while breast feeding or just sharing a bed and roll over on to them. The mother wakes up to find the baby dead in the morning. Diagnosis is complex due to minuscule autopsy findings and denial by parents about overlaying although it was accidental. Unusually, in this case, the baby was “over layed” by a young male child from the same family. The female baby was found listless next morning by her mother and died after three months of treatment. Death circumstances, non-sudden outcome, and unusual circumstances of overlaying the baby.
Covid-19 and medical negligence litigation: Immunity for healthcare professionals?
Authors: Duignan Kieran , Bradbury Chloe
Published: July 2020

This article considers the recent calls to provide doctors with immunity from medical negligence claims arising out of the Covid-19 pandemic. It provides a critical analysis as to the conditions that would need to be considered for such a policy as well as exploring the wider ramifications.
Psychological Predictors of Mortality Awareness: Time Perspective, Contentment With Age and Paternal Antipathy and Neglect
Authors: Willoch Therese C. F. , McDermott Mark R.
Published: July 2020

Much research has focused upon the association between mortality awareness and mental ill-health. In this study we attempt to explore positive as well as negative psychological concomitants of mortality awareness. 170 participants were recruited in an online questionnaire study, measuring seven independent variables - marginalisation, childhood adversity, rebelliousness, time perspective, attitudes toward age and stage of life, health attitudes and demographics - and five dependent variables, specifically mortality legacy, mortality fearfulness, mortality acceptance, mortality disempowerment and mortality disengagement. Several significant bivariate associations were found. Follow-up regression analysis observed combined effects of variables accounting for 28% of variance in mortality legacy, 27% for mortality fearfulness, 13% for mortality acceptance, 42% for mortality disempowerment and 25% for mortality disengagement. Time perspective, contentment with age, and paternal antipathy and neglect were the most notable independent predictors. It was concluded that attitudes towards health, stage of life and childhood experiences significantly predict mortality awareness.
The Effect of Structure on the Memory for Procedural Text
Authors: Geiger John F. , Downen Sarah S.
Published: July 2020

The present study examined how the structure of procedural texts affected recall of those texts. Past research has found that procedural text is comprehended best when readers expend a moderate amount of effort in processing it; the amount of effort may depend on the structure of the procedural text. Sixty-three participants read six procedural texts describing how to construct simple machines. One group of participants read texts that contained a diagram of the object, whereas the other group read texts with no diagram. Two types of texts were presented: Narrative and list-like procedural texts. Results showed that rereading increased recall of the list-like text, but had little effect for the narrative text. The elaboration hypothesis explains the recall differences after a single reading, but it is still unclear why the list-like texts were recalled better than the narrative texts after a second reading.
Liberating the family: Debt, education and racial capitalism in South Africa
Authors: Webb Christopher
Published: July 2020

This article provides an analysis of South Africa’s #FeesMustFall protests focusing on young people’s concerns around debt, family obligations and social mobility. While the protests have popularly been understood as a generational revolt, there has been insufficient attention paid to the role of debt in young people’s lives and how this affects aspirations towards collective social mobility. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork with students from a black working-class township, this article suggests that education reconfigures kinship bonds, generating expectations to support family members by paying a so-called ‘black tax’. Drawing on the concept of ‘debt ecologies’, I highlight how debt articulates with other forms of social inequality, racialized poverty in particular, and can also act as a source of politicization. Finally, I call for greater attention to the role of debt in young people’s lives and how it impacts their economic agency, their role in care and familial networks and ability to imagine the future.
The ownership of digital infrastructure: Exploring the deployment of software libraries in a digital innovation cluster
Authors: Fink Lior , Shao Jianhua , Lichtenstein Yossi , Haefliger Stefan
Published: July 2020

Boundary resources have been shown to enable the arm’s-length relationships between platform owners and third-party developers that underlie digital innovation in platform ecosystems. While boundary resources that are owned by open-source communities and small-scale software vendors are also critical components in the digital infrastructure, their role in digital innovation has yet to be systematically explored. In particular, software libraries are popular boundary resources that provide functionality without the need for continued interaction with their owners. They are used extensively by commercial vendors to enable customization of their software products, by communities to disseminate open-source software, and by big-tech platform owners to provide functionality that does not involve control. This article reports on the deployment of such software libraries in the web and mobile (Android) contexts by 107 start-up companies in London. Our findings show that libraries owned by big-tech companies, product vendors, and communities coexist; that the deployment of big-tech libraries is unaffected by the scale of the deploying start-up; and that context evolution paths are consequential for library deployment. These findings portray a balanced picture of digital infrastructure as neither the community-based utopia of early open-source research nor the dystopia of the recent digital dominance literature.
Psychiatric and Forensic Characteristics of Sex Offenders With Child and With Adult Victims
Authors: Arbanas Goran , Marinovic Paula , Buzina Nadica
Published: July 2020

This study presents psychiatric and forensic characteristics of people accused of a sexual crime and sent for evaluation. Data were drawn from the only institutional psychiatric forensic assessment center in Croatia, during a 9-year period, from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2018. There were 72 cases of sex offenses: 37 with child victims and 35 with adult victims. People accused of sex offenses with child victims were more often sexually abused during childhood and treated psychiatrically as inpatients. They used alcohol less often. Sex offenders with child victims were diagnosed with narcissistic and antisocial personality disorder, dementia, and pedophilic disorder. Those with adult victims were diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder, alcohol related disorders and dementia. Due to these differences, the management of these two groups of offenders in both mental health and penal systems should be different.
Factors related to post-stroke depression during the first 2 weeks after stroke
Authors: Mitsunaga Wataru , Higashi Toshio , Moriuchi Takefumi , Koyanagi Masahiko , Honda Yuuichirou , Okita Minoru , Honda Sumihisa , Tateishi Youhei , Shiraishi Hirokazu , Tsujino Akira
Published: July 2020

Introduction

This study aimed to clarify factors associated with post-stroke depression in patients with acute stroke within 2 weeks of onset.

Method

Eighty-eight patients with stroke were divided into post-stroke depression ( n = 49) and non-post-stroke depression ( n = 39) groups based on their Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores. We evaluated stroke severity, upper limb function, activities of daily living, frontal lobe/cognitive function, and level of apathy. Activity levels were measured using an ActiGraph GT9X Link system. Mann–Whitney U-tests were used to determine differences between the two groups. Spearman’s rank correlation and logistic regression analyses were also performed.

Results

The post-stroke depression and non-post-stroke depression groups exhibited significant differences in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores at admission and discharge; Functional Independence Measure exercise items, cognitive items, and total items at admission; Fugl-Meyer Assessment scores; and Apathy Rating Scale scores. Logistic regression indicated that Fugl-Meyer Assessment scores were associated with post-stroke depression.

Conclusion

Stroke severity, paralysis, and physical function/activities of daily living ability are associated with post-stroke depression in the acute phase. Our findings suggest that increases in physical impairment severity are associated with increased post-stroke depression risks. Rehabilitation professionals should focus on identifying post-stroke depression in early post-stroke stages.
A Hybrid Machine Learning Approach for Freeway Traffic Speed Estimation
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Yuan Yun , Yang Xianfeng (Terry)
Published: July 2020

Accurate and timely estimation of freeway traffic speeds by short segments plays an important role in traffic monitoring systems. In the literature, the ability of machine learning techniques to capture the stochastic characteristics of traffic has been proved. Also, the deployment of intelligent transportation systems (ITSs) has provided enriched traffic data, which enables the adoption of a variety of machine learning methods to estimate freeway traffic speeds. However, the limitation of data quality and coverage remain a big challenge in current traffic monitoring systems. To overcome this problem, this study aims to develop a hybrid machine learning approach, by creating a new training variable based on the second-order traffic flow model, to improve the accuracy of traffic speed estimation. Grounded on a novel integrated framework, the estimation is performed using three machine learning techniques, that is, Random Forest (RF), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and Artificial Neural Network (ANN). All three models are trained with the integrated dataset including the traffic flow model estimates and the iPeMS and PeMS data from the Utah Department of Transportation (DOT). Further using the PeMS data as the ground truth for model evaluation, the comparisons between the hybrid approach and pure machine learning models show that the hybrid approach can effectively capture the time-varying pattern of the traffic and help improve the estimation accuracy.
Perturbed rotational motions of a spheroid with cavity filled with a viscous fluid
Authors: Akulenko LD , Leshchenko DD , Paly KS
Published: July 2020

We consider a motion about the center of mass of a spheroid with a cavity filled with a viscous fluid. It is assumed that the velocity of the fluid is sufficiently high, so the corresponding Reynolds number is small. The torque of forces acting on the body by the viscous fluid in the cavity is determined by the method developed in the works of F.L. Chernousko. Asymptotic approach permits to obtain some qualitative results and to describe nonlinear evolution of angular motion using simplified averaged equations and numerical solution.
Does qualitative viral load testing shorten the window period for diagnosing HIV in individuals attending for post-exposure prophylaxis?
Authors: Whitlock Gary , Nwokolo Nneka ,   on behalf of the Dean Street Collaborative Group
Published: July 2020

A fourth-generation HIV test is conventionally performed at baseline for individuals given HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). However, early HIV infection may be missed by fourth-generation tests especially in settings of high HIV incidence, meaning that recently infected individuals are potentially at risk of transmitting HIV. In 2013, HIV incidence in PEP recipients at the 56 Dean Street clinic was 7.6 per 100 person-years. We therefore wished to see if using a point-of-care PCR HIV test in such individuals would shorten the testing window period and pick up early infections that would be undiagnosed by conventional tests. We compared HIV detection in PEP recipients using the Cepheid GeneXpert® HIV-1 Qual viral load (Qual VL) assay with the standard HIV tests used in our clinical service. Between March 2017 and August 2018, a Qual VL assay was performed in addition to standard baseline HIV tests in consented PEP recipients. Of 494 consented PEP recipients, 476 had valid Qual VL assay results. Of these, 474 (99.6%) had a negative Qual VL result and were also negative on standard baseline HIV tests. Two (0.4%) tested positive for HIV on Qual VL. One of these patients was also HIV-positive on all baseline HIV tests. The other had discordant baseline point-of-care HIV test results. Although no additional HIV infections were diagnosed in PEP recipients using Qual VL, in one individual, it provided confirmation of new HIV infection more quickly than the standard HIV testing pathway.
Long-term virological effectiveness with darunavir/ritonavir-based salvage therapy in people living with HIV/AIDS from São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Santos Ariane Melaré Ramos dos , Martins Amaury Pachione , Juliato Denise , de Miranda Érique José Farias Peixoto , Lopes Giselle Ibette Silva Lopez , Brígido Luís Fernando de Macedo , Vidal José Ernesto
Published: July 2020

Even though darunavir/ritonavir (DRV/r) has high potency and a greater genetic barrier, there are few studies on the long-term effectiveness of DRV/r-based salvage therapy in people living with HIV (PLWH) in low and middle-income countries. This retrospective cohort study, from São Paulo, Brazil, included ART-experienced PLWH aged ≥18 years with virological failure (VF) who had started DRV/r plus an optimized background regimen (OBR) between 2008 and 2012. The proportion of patients with viral load (VL) <50 copies/mL, the improved mean CD4+ T cell count and the factors associated with VF during the 144-week follow-up were assessed. The study included 173 patients with the following characteristics [median (interquartile range)]: age 48 (42 -53) years; CD4+ T cell count, 229 (89 -376) cells/mm3; VL, 4.26 (3.70 -4.74) log10; 6 (4 -7) previous regimens; and 100 (38 -156) months of VF. After 144 weeks, 129 (75%) patients had VL< 50 copies/mL and a mean increase in the CD4+ T cell count of 190 cells/mm3. VL>100,000 copies/mL and poor adherence were associated with VF. DRV/r plus an OBR showed high long-term virological suppression and immunological recovery. VL>100,000 copies/mL and poor adherence were associated with VF at 144 weeks.
Coenzyme Q10 ameliorates inflammation, oxidative stress, and testicular histopathology in rats exposed to heat stress
Authors: Delkhosh A , Shoorei H , Niazi V , Delashoub M , Gharamaleki M Neshat , Ahani-Nahayati M , Dehaghi Y Koohestani , Raza SHA , Taheri MM Hassanzadeh , Mohaqiq M , Abbasgholizadeh F
Published: July 2020

Objectives:

Our work was aimed at investigating the impact and regulatory mechanism of coenzyme Q10 ( CoQ10) on exogenous scrotal heat stress (HS)-induced testicular injuries in rats.

Methods:

The rats ( n = 32) were assigned into four groups: control, HS control, HS+ CoQ10, and CoQ10. To induce HS, rats’ testicles were immersed in a water bath at 43°C for 20 min, every other day for 8 weeks. Moreover, treatment with CoQ10 (10 mg/kg) immediately started before inducing HS and continued for 8 weeks.

Key findings:

HS decreased the activity of the testicular antioxidant system, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase, while the amount of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) was increased. The index of apoptosis and mRNA expression of caspase 3 and Bax were increased, while the mRNA expression levels of Bcl-2, 3β-HSD, and 17β-HSD3 decreased after HS. Exposure to HS decreased the serum testosterone level but increased the activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha). Deleterious effects of HS on the mentioned parameters were reduced when the rats were treated with CoQ10.

Conclusions:

CoQ10 could suppress the degenerative effects following testicular hyperthermia via its antiapoptotic, anti-inflammation, antioxidative, and androgen synthesis effects.
Navigating vulnerabilities and masculinities: How gendered contexts shape the agency of male sexual violence survivors
Authors: Touquet Heleen , Schulz Philipp
Published: July 2020

In dominant global conceptions of conflict-related sexual violence, the experiences of male survivors, if attended to at all, have thus far almost exclusively been analysed in terms of vulnerabilities. Drawing on empirical evidence from two different cases (Uganda and Croatia), in this article we argue that essentializing and static generalizations of ‘emasculation’ fail to do justice to the complexity of male survivors’ experiences. We show that, in the two cases we examine, male survivors exercise agency and find different ways of engaging with their harmful experiences. Survivors’ agency is shaped and conditioned by different opportunity structures, and thus largely dependent on local gender relations and constructions of masculinity. To build our argument, we take inspiration from feminist international relations scholarship highlighting the active roles of women and girls as agents within the context of armed conflict, extending such analysis to the experiences of male survivors of sexual violence. By systematically analysing the forms and conditions of the agency of male survivors of sexual violence, we offer a more holistic examination of the dynamics of wartime sexual violence, contributing conceptually and empirically to research both on local/civilian agency in wartime and on conflict-related sexual violence.
Case C-802/18 Caisse pour l'avenir des enfants v FV, GW: Equal treatment of workers or of children?: Note on Case C-802/18 Caisse pour l’avenir des enfants, 2 April 2020 and pending cases against Austria
Authors: Strban Grega
Published: July 2020

Providing family benefits in cross-border situations is one of the most complex chapters of the EU social security coordination law. Not only is there a great variety of family benefits, but also family structures are very distinct. The CJEU does not have an easy task in protecting the EU values. As a rule, it tries to construe the EU law as a whole, making it more internally coherent, rather than giving priority to one or another secondary legislative act. In the present case, it had to test national legislation against the EU law on social security coordination and freedom of movement. However, the question is whether the direct EU definition of a family should have priority over the EU definition referring to national law, hence depriving Member States of their own family policy concepts. The Court has not only emphasized the importance of equal treatment of (frontier) cross-border workers, but also respect of family and private life. Decision in the present case might play an important role also in others to follow (e.g. against adjusted export of Austrian family benefits).
Teaching Climate Leadership: Promoting Integrative Learning in Courses on Strong Sustainability
Authors: André Rae
Published: July 2020

In this article, I describe how the theory of integrative learning frames student learning in a course on climate leadership. The course is grounded in the theory of strong sustainability, which is sustainability for the planet rather than for individual companies alone. In a description of Beta, an MBA course on climate leadership, I show how these theories interact to enhance the student experience. Implications for the theories of integrative learning and strong sustainability as emerging pedagogies are discussed. This course can be adapted for undergraduate and executive audiences. Course content emphasizes what leaders need to know to make effective decisions in their organizations and communities, with an emphasis on applying a range of social sciences, including psychology, sociology, anthropology, and economics. A description of the pedagogical content is embedded in the article, and includes learning objectives, assignments, the main topics, a short book aligned with these topics, other readings, and an array of media. Additional pedagogical materials, including experiential exercises, are available directly from the author.
Chemical and microbial evaluation of biscuits made from wheat flour substituted with wheat sprouts
Authors: Đurović Vesna , Radovanović Mirjana , Mandić Leka , Knežević Desimir , Zornić Vladimir , Đukić Dragutin
Published: July 2020

The aim of this work was to produce biscuits from wheat flour substituted with different amounts of wheat sprout powder (2.5–7.5%). The biscuits were subjected to chemical, phytochemical, and microbial evaluations. The crude protein, fat, and ash contents and the energy value of the biscuits increased with increasing percentage of wheat sprout powder. Adding sprouts resulted in higher values of phenolics, alpha-tocopherol, and antioxidant activity. There was no statistically significant difference in the contents of total phenolics and alpha-tocopherol between biscuits supplemented with 5% sprouts and biscuits substituted with 7.5% sprouts. The phenolic content in biscuits containing 7.5% sprouts was 245 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g dm compared with 110 mg GAE/100 g dm in control biscuits. Antioxidant activity was the highest in biscuits substituted with 7.5% sprouts. All levels of substitution of wheat flour with wheat sprouts had an effect on the nutritional properties of biscuits, but the substitution level of 2.5–5% is recommended for the improvement of their sensorial properties. The biscuits produced had a low microbial load and were microbiologically safe. Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and sulfite-reduction clostridia were not detected in any sample during the period of investigation from 2 to 60 days of storage.
Early Childhood Shigellosis and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Population-Based Cohort Study with a Prolonged Follow-up
Authors: Merzon Eugene , Gutbir Yuval , Vinker Shlomo , Golan Cohen Avivit , Horwitz Dana , Ashkenazi Shai , Sadaka Yair
Published: July 2020

Background:

Although the short-term neurological complications of Shigella spp. are well described, potential neuropsychiatric outcomes have not been studied yet. We investigated the association between early childhood shigellosis and subsequent ADHD.

Methods:

This is a retrospective population-based cohort. Using a large Health Maintenance Organization database, the prevalence of ADHD was investigated among children aged 5–18 years who underwent stool culture prior to the age of 3 years.

Results:

Of 52,761 children with a stool culture examined, 5,269 (9.98%) had Shigella-positive results. The rate of ADHD was 10.6% and 8.6% among children with Shigella-positive and Shigella-negative stool cultures, respectively ( p < .001). Adjusted odds ratio for ADHD after controlling for gender and socioeconomic status was 1.21 (CI 1.13–1.29, p < .001). The younger the child was during Shigella gastroenteritis, the higher was the association with ADHD ( p < .001).

Conclusion:

Early childhood shigellosis is associated with an increased rate of long-term ADHD.
External snapping hip: classification based on magnetic resonance imaging features and clinical correlation
Authors: Kim Chul-Ho , Lee Seul Ki , Kim Jun Ho , Yoon Pil Whan
Published: July 2020

Background:

With the increasing sport population, the number of patients with external snapping hip (ESH) has also increased. To detect and visualise pathological soft tissue changes, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been 1 of the most useful modalities. However, only limited studies have investigated MRI and its clinical value in the treatment of ESH in the past.

Materials and methods:

Between May 2017 and November 2018, 104 patients were diagnosed with ESH at our institution. We excluded patients who did not undergo an MRI ( n = 11), had complaint of bilateral symptom ( n = 17), were not diagnosed hip problems previously (n = 2), and were lost–follow-up within 6 months ( n = 19). After applying the exclusion criteria, 55 patients remained. We classified the patients into 2 groups according–MRI findings: tensed iliotibial band (ITB) and hypertrophied gluteus maximus (GM). We investigated the clinical findings, such as mean age, symptom duration, pain score, grading based on symptom severity, and other radiological findings such as soft tissue signal change and ITB thickness. The variables were compared between the groups.

Results:

Between the 2 groups defined by MRI findings, the group characterised by tense ITB showed a relatively short symptom duration than the hypertrophied GM group ( p < 0.001). No significant differences in the other variables were found between the groups.

Conclusions:

ESH has 2 types of MRI features. Compared with the hypertrophied GM group, the tense ITB group showed a shorter symptom duration and a more reversible status.
Guide-wire replacement of a mini-midline catheter with a central venous catheter: A retrospective study on 63 cases
Authors: Brugioni Lucio , Bertellini Elisabetta , Ravazzini Mirco , Barchetti Marco , Borsatti Andrea , Martella Pietro , Girardis Massimo , Serra Francesco , Tricoli Angelo , Nicolini Matteo , Bianchini Marcello , Schepis Filippo , Tazzioli Giovanni , Pinelli Giovanni , Romagnoli Elisa , Gelmini Roberta
Published: July 2020

Background:

Achieving a reliable venous access in a particular subset of patients and/or in emergency settings can be challenging and time-consuming. Furthermore, many hospitalized patients do not meet the criteria for central venous catheter positioning, unless an upgrade of the treatment is further needed. The mini-midline catheter has already showed to be reliable and safe as a stand-alone device, since it is easily and rapidly inserted and can indwell up to 1 month.

Methods:

In this further case series, we retrospectively evaluated data from 63 patients where a previously inserted mini-midline catheter was upgraded to a central venous catheter (the devices inserted in the arm replaced by peripherally inserted central catheter and others inserted “off-label” in the internal jugular replaced by single lumen centrally inserted central catheter), being used as introducer for the Seldinger guidewire.

Results:

The guidewire replacement was been made even early (after 1 day) or late (more than 10 days), usually following a need for an upgrade in treatment. No early or late complications were reported.

Conclusion:

According to the preliminary data we collected, this converting procedure seems to be feasible and risk-free, since neither infectious nor thrombotic complications were reported.
Revisiting Precipitation-Induced Smoking: The Role of Hedonic Versus Utilitarian Advertising Message on Smoking-Related Intervention
Authors: Lin Chia-Wei Joy , Murshed Feisal , Zhang Yinlong
Published: July 2020

Background:

Smoking-related intervention remains an important social marketing challenge. This article investigates the role of precipitation in driving smoking initiation and, by extension, examines how the nature of the persuasive appeal of anti-smoking messages can mitigate this effect.

Focus of the Article:

Research and Evaluation, Insights on Social Marketing-Mix (i.e., 4Ps).

Research Question:

This article aimed to investigate the role of precipitation in driving smoking initiation as well as to examine how the nature of the persuasive appeal of anti-smoking messages might moderate this effect.

Importance to the Social Marketing Field:

This research extends prior literature exploring how external factors might impact cigarette consumption. Also, this study brings a new understanding regarding the role of affect in everyday consumption and enriches the literature studying downstream consequences of negative affect and emotion regulation. Moreover, this research contributes to the theory of consumption motive and yields managerial implications into the social marketing domain regarding curbing precipitation-induced smoking.

Methods:

This research utilizes a survey (Study 1) and a controlled laboratory experiment (Study 2).

Results:

The results provide converging evidence that precipitation tends to induce one’s negative mood, which in turn triggers urges to smoke (Study 1—marginally significant main effect of weather: p = .058). Furthermore, the hedonic (vs. utilitarian) anti-smoking message is more likely to mitigate the precipitation-induced cigarette smoking (Study 2—significant interaction between weather and persuasion type: p = .04).

Recommendations for Research or Practice:

This research deepens the understanding of how natural environment, and precipitation, in particular, is linked to cigarette-smoking behavior and contributes to the literature on cigarette consumption and affect regulation. For social marketers and policy makers, the findings offer actionable insights into leveraging social marketing-mix (i.e., 4Ps) in the context of smoking-related interventions.

Limitations:

Conceptualization of negative mood was broad. Future research should investigate the specific types of negative moods (e.g., anger, depression, sadness) for a more nuanced understanding of the precipitation effect.
Study on mechanical properties of titanium alloy with micro-texture ball-end milling cutter under different cutting edges
Authors: Yang Shucai , Su Shuai , Wang Xianliang , Ren Wei
Published: July 2020

When precision cutting titanium alloy, the cutting part of cutting tool is mainly concentrated in the cutting edge area, so there is a strong emphasis upon the cutting edge’s geometric parameters. Studies have found that putting a micro-texture on the cutting surface can reduce the cutting force. This article looks at the milling force involved in cutting titanium alloy with a micro-textured ball-end milling cutter with different shaped cutting edges. First, a milling model relating to different cutting edges is established based on the traditional model of milling force. Then, the effects of different cutting edge geometry parameters and micro-texture parameters on milling force are simulated and tested using a finite element method. With milling force serving as the evaluation index, the optimum micro-texture parameters for a blunt circular cutting edge are a micro-pit diameter of 40 μm, a distance between micro-pits of 175 μm, a distance from the cutting edge of 110 μm, and a blunt circle radius of 60 μm. For a negative chamfer edge, the optimum parameters were a micro-pit diameter of 50 μm, a distance between micro-pits of 175 μm, a distance from the cutting edge of 120 μm, an edge width of 200 μm, and an edge angle of 10°.
Locomotion generation for a mobile manipulator by global minimization of the weighted generalized momentum
Authors: Pitakwatchara Phongsaen
Published: July 2020

This article presents a method for generating the locomotion of a mobile manipulator that globally minimizes the weighted generalized momentum. The method utilizes the calculus of variation setting to address the problem for which the optimal trajectory may be computed by solving the initial value problem of the system of ordinary differential equations rather than the two-point boundary value problem. Online optimal trajectory may then be input to a suitable tracking controller for controlling the robot in real time. Effectively, the robot closed-loop dynamics is shaped to the optimal system such that the locomotion minimizes the difference of the weighted generalized momentum and the assigned potential energy under the constraints imposed on by the tracking task, joint angle, and actuator torque limits. Desired locomotion behaviors may be achieved by properly adjusting the weighting, spring, and damping matrices. Exploiting the induced dynamical force from the cooperative motion of the constituent linkages through the momentum minimization basis, the robot is able to outperform conventional locomotion pattern actuated by the platform solely.
Pandemic vaccine trials: expedite, but don’t rush
Authors: Dawson Angus
Published: July 2020

It has been proposed that the urgency of having a vaccine as a response to SARS-CoV-2 is so great, given the potential health, economic and social benefits that we should override the established steps in the research development process. In this article I argue that whilst there are some opportunities to expedite the production of a vaccine, it is a mistake to rush the research. We should retain the existing structures represented by clear and separate ‘phasing’ of trials. I offer three reasons for this view: the existing phases of trials is morally significant; rushing fails to appropriately weigh all of the relevant risks and benefits and consent is not sufficient for the justification of additional risk. Vaccines have played a central role in global health improvements and we should not endanger such achievements for an apparent short-term gain in response to a pandemic such as SARS-CoV-2.
Minimal Factionalism in Singapore’s People’s Action Party
Authors: Tan Netina
Published: July 2020

Singapore’s People’s Action Party (PAP) is one of the longest ruling parties in the world. The PAP’s ability to avoid overt factionalism over the years is exceptional, especially compared to the region’s personalistic or cadre parties. In recent years, the defection of former PAP cadre Dr. Tan Cheng Bock and the formation of the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) and PM Lee Hsien Loong’s family rivalry, which involved PAP elites, have challenged the cohesion of the PAP. This study examines a set of incentives and constraints institutionalised at the party and national levels to foster elite cohesion. It is argued that the critical junctures in the PAP’s early years led to the adoption of a cadre party model and a centralised candidate selection process that co-opts like-minded elites into a core that promotes elite unity. Nationally, party switching and factional alignments based on ethnicity or ideology have been systematically banned. Given the lack of credible alternatives that seriously challenge the incumbent PAP, ambitious party cadres would do better toeing the party line and staying loyal.
School Nurses on the Front Lines of Healthcare: Children With Medical Devices—Central Venous Access Device Malfunctions and Infections
Authors: Farou Noa , Lucas Christy , Olympia Robert P.
Published: July 2020

An important subgroup of children with special healthcare needs are children with medical complexities that require long-term intensive healthcare interventions and treatments. As medical technology continues to advance and children with complex medical needs survive the neonatal period and progress into school-age, it is essential for school nurses to be able to recognize and acutely manage complications and malfunctions of devices in children requiring assistance from medical devices. An example of a common medical device includes central venous access devices that allow for access to the bloodstream to obtain blood for laboratory testing or to infuse medications or nutrition. These devices put children at serious medical or surgical risk when they malfunction or become infected, so it is important for healthcare providers, especially school nurses who are the first responders in schools, to recognize malfunctions and initiate appropriate care management.
Knee Joint Distraction as Treatment for Osteoarthritis Results in Clinical and Structural Benefit: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Limited Number of Studies and Patients Available
Authors: Jansen Mylène P. , Boymans Tim A.E.J. , Custers Roel J.H. , Van Geenen Rutger C.I. , Van Heerwaarden Ronald J. , Huizinga Maarten R. , Nellensteijn Jorm M. , Sollie Rob , Spruijt Sander , Mastbergen Simon C.
Published: July 2020

Objective

Knee joint distraction (KJD) is a joint-preserving osteoarthritis treatment that may postpone a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in younger patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates short- and long-term clinical benefit and tissue structure changes after KJD.

Design

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched for eligible clinical studies evaluating at least one of the primary parameters: WOMAC, VAS-pain, KOOS, EQ5D, radiographic joint space width or MRI cartilage thickness after KJD. Random effects models were applied on all outcome parameters and outcomes were compared with control groups found in the included studies.

Results

Eleven articles reporting on 7 different KJD cohorts with in total 127 patients and 5 control groups with multiple follow-up moments were included, of which 2 were randomized controlled trials. Significant improvements in all primary parameters were found and benefit lasted up to at least 9 years. Overall, outcomes were comparable with control groups, including high tibial osteotomy, although TKA showed better clinical response.

Conclusions

Current, still limited, evidence shows KJD causes clear benefit in clinical and structural parameters, both short- and long-term. Longer follow-up with more patients is necessary, to validate outcome and to potentially improve patient selection for this intensive treatment. Thus far, for younger knee osteoarthritis patients, KJD may be an option to consider.
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease increases the risk of incident chronic kidney disease
Authors: Kaps Leonard , Labenz Christian , Galle Peter R , Weinmann‐Menke Julia , Kostev Karel , Schattenberg Jörn M
Published: July 2020

Background and aim

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a highly prevalent chronic liver disease. Its role in the development of extrahepatic co‐morbidities is under investigation. The impact of NAFLD on the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to explore the potential contribution of NAFLD on CKD in Germany.

Methods

The Disease Analyzer Database covering 7.49 million cases in Germany was explored for patients diagnosed with NAFLD between 2000 and 2015 and was matched 1:1 to a cohort without NAFLD. Matching criteria included age, sex, physician, index year and co‐diagnoses associated with CKD. The primary outcomes of this study were incidences of CKD and end‐stage renal disease.

Results

A total of 48,057 patients with NAFLD were matched to 48,057 patients without NAFLD. Within 10 years of the index date, 17.1% of patients with NAFLD and 11.6% of patients without NAFLD were diagnosed with CKD (p  < 0.001). On Cox regression analysis, NAFLD was significantly associated with the incidence of CKD (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.58, p  < 0.001). This association remained significant across different age groups and subgroups such as patients with diabetes mellitus or arterial hypertension. There was no association between NAFLD and emerging dialysis therapy (HR = 1.25, p  = 0.245).

Conclusions

In this large database analysis in Germany, NAFLD constitutes an independent risk factor for CKD. Patients living with NAFLD should be monitored for a change in kidney function, facilitating therapeutic measures for kidney disease at an early stage.
Network pharmacology-based identification of the antitumor effects of taraxasterol in gastric cancer
Authors: Chen Wei , Li Jingwei , Li Chen , Fan Hui-Ning , Zhang Jing , Zhu Jin-Shui
Published: July 2020

Taraxasterol (TAX), a pentacyclic triterpene, has been reported to exhibit potent antitumor activity. However, the effects and molecular mechanisms of TAX in gastric cancer (GC) remain undocumented. A network pharmacology approach was applied to identify the collective targets of TAX and GC. Nude mice were subcutaneously injected with MKN-28 cells to establish GC subcutaneous xenograft model, which were treated with TAX for 16 days. Tumor volume was then examined every other day. The pathological scoring was assessed by using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and the expression levels of Ki-67 and the target genes of TAX were confirmed by immunohistochemistry analysis. Five collective targets of TAX and GC were identified, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF), fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2), and AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1). Further investigations showed that, TAX administration repressed xenograft tumor growth and decreased Ki-67 levels, followed by the downregulation of EGFR and AKT1 expression in xenograft tumor tissues as compared with the untreated group. Our findings demonstrated that TAX inhibited the growth of GC by inhibition of EGFR/AKT1 signaling and might provide a novel therapeutic strategy for treatment of GC.