bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the relationship between benevolent leadership and the organizational citizenship behaviour of academic staff: The mediating role of leader-member exchange
Authors: Ho Huong Xuan , Le Angelina Nhat Hanh
Published: December 2020

While research on the relationship between leadership and organizational citizenship behaviours (OCBs) is well-established, empirical knowledge on the influence of benevolent leadership on OCBs through the mediating role of leader-member exchange, particularly in the context of educational management, remains scarce. Moreover, discussion is still limited on benevolent leadership in a Confucian-based culture like Vietnam, as well as the distinction between the two types of academic staff OCBs, namely OCBs directed to the organization (termed as OCBO) and OCBs directed to individuals (termed as OCBI). Based on survey data collected from 333 lecturers in Vietnamese universities, the analysis results confirm the mediating effect of leader-member exchange on the linkages from benevolent leadership to both OCBO and OCBI. University leaders with benevolence can motivate academic staff to engage in extra-role behaviours that benefit not only the organization but also other colleagues and students through nurturing a good quality leader-member exchange.
A scoping review of acupuncture insurance coverage in the United States
Authors: Bleck Roselle , Marquez Emma , Gold Melanie A , Westhoff Carolyn L
Published: December 2020

Background:

Increasing access to non-pharmacologic pain management modalities, including acupuncture, has the potential to reduce opioid overuse. A lack of insurance coverage for acupuncture could present a barrier for both patients and providers. The objective of this scoping review was to assess the existing literature on acupuncture insurance coverage in the United States and to identify knowledge gaps and research priorities.

Methods:

We utilized the Arksey and O’Malley framework to guide our scoping review methodology. We followed a pre-determined study protocol for the level-one abstract and level-two full text screenings. We synthesized information into subject-area domains and identified knowledge gaps.

Results:

We found a lack of published data on acupuncture coverage in 44 states, especially in the Midwest and the South. Where data were available, a large proportion of acupuncture users did not have insurance coverage. Consumer demand, state mandates, and efforts to reduce opioid use were motivations to cover acupuncture. Licensed acupuncturists were less likely to be reimbursed and were reimbursed at lower rates compared to physicians. Reported barriers encountered when implementing coverage included a lack of providers, challenges determining when to offer non-pharmacologic treatments, and a lack of evidence for clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion:

We found a lack of recent publications and data comparing regional coverage in the United States. A key challenge is that commercial insurance plan data are not in the public domain. Further research should assess insurance coverage implementation for acupuncture and measure the impact of policy changes on acupuncture utilization and rates of opioid overuse.
A Riskmas Carol
Authors: Foglia Matteo , Angelini Eliana
Published: December 2020

Do you believe in Santa Claus (rally)? This study investigates the existence of the ‘Santa Claus rally’ in bank systemic risk. Christmas rally describes a persistent rise in the stock market during the final week of December through the first two trading days in January. In this article, we evaluate this calendar effect, focusing on systemic risk measures for global systemically important banks (GSIBs). First, we estimate the three popular systemic risk measures (DCoVaR, marginal expected shortfall [MES] and SRISK), and then we use an event study approach to analyse the reaction of risk. The results support the existence of Santa Claus. We find that the arrival of Santa Claus has a positive effect on systemic risk, that is, a reduction in bank systemic risk.
Implications of Abnormal Troponin Levels With Normal Right Ventricular Function in Normotensive Patients With Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Mirambeaux Rosa , Le Mao Raphael , Muriel Alfonso , Pintado Beatriz , Pérez Andrea , Velasco Diurbis , Lobo José Luis , Barrios Deisy , Morillo Raquel , Bikdeli Behnood , Jiménez David
Published: December 2020

Among patients with pulmonary embolism (PE), various permutations of normal or abnormal cardiac troponin results and normal or abnormal echocardiographic right ventricular function are encountered in clinical practice. We aimed to explore whether there is a true gradient of risk based on troponin and echocardiographic results. This study included normotensive patients with PE from the PROgnosTic valuE of CT scan in hemodynamically stable patients with acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PROTECT) study. Patients were categorized as having -Troponin/-Echo, -Troponin/+Echo, +Troponin/-Echo, and +Troponin/+Echo. The primary outcome was 30-day “complicated course,” including death from any cause, hemodynamic collapse, or recurrent PE. Secondary outcomes included individual adverse event rates. Of the 834 patients who had echocardiographic and troponin results, 569 patients (68%) had -Troponin/-Echo, 126 patients (15%) had -Troponin/+Echo, 74 patients (8.9%) had +Troponin/-Echo, and 65 patients (7.8%) had +Troponin/+Echo. The incidence of 30-day complicated course was 4.6% in patients with -Troponin/-Echo, 11.9% in patients with -Troponin/+Echo, 13.5% in patients with +Troponin/-Echo, and 16.9% in patients with +Troponin/+Echo (P for trend <0.001). In the subgroup of patients with a high-risk sPESI (i.e., intermediate-risk according to the ESC guidelines) (n = 527), the incidence of 30-day complicated course was 14.9% in patients with -Troponin/+Echo, 18.5% in patients with +Troponin/-Echo, and 17.5% in patients with +Troponin/+Echo (P for trend <0.01). In patiens with PE, there seems to be a risk gradient based on troponin and echocardiographic results. This study did not detect a significant risk difference in those with +Troponin/-Echo compared with -Troponin/+Echo.
Moderating Effects of Gender Among Collegiate Student-Athletes Receiving a Novel Peer Concussion Education Program
Authors: Kneavel Meredith , Ernst William , McCarthy Kevin
Published: December 2020

Background

More than 460,000 female and male student-athletes compete in college sports each year, with 5.5 concussions reported per 1,000 athlete exposures. The majority of these concussions occurred during competition and are somewhat more likely to be reported by female athletes.

Aims

To evaluate moderating effects of gender differences in response to a Peer Concussion Education Program (PCEP).

Method

A total of 1,100 male and 511 female student-athletes from 60 teams (30 experimental, 30 control) representing all National Collegiate Athletic Association divisions from high-concussive sports participated before, postintervention, and 1-month following the intervention. Participants completed assessments of symptom and return-to-play knowledge, reporting behavior, and reporting attitudes.

Results

The PCEP was more effective than control on all measures, females in the PCEP showed significantly greater changes than males in return to play knowledge, intention to report self and teammate, and indirect attitudes for self and teammate. PCEP females were more likely to discuss concussions with athletic trainers, peers, and teammates. In addition, females had a higher likelihood of reporting their own suspected concussion.

Discussion

Females had greater rates of change in understanding of some key components of the PCEP.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that females may learn differently in a peer environment and have different attitudes toward reporting and safety when consideration is given to the well-being of others.
Effects of Chronic Exposure to Microcystin-LR on the Gut Microbiota of Male Mice
Authors: Zhuang Lilei , Jin Zhonghai , Li Hongguang , Wu Shenbao , Tong Xiuping , Wang Haiying , Li Miaomiao
Published: December 2020

Increasing evidence indicates that environmental pollutants can change human gut microbiota. Microcystin–leucine arginine (MC-LR), considered a major hazard to mammals, is one of the important contaminants. However, little is known about the long-term influence of MC-LR on gut microbial communities. We aimed to investigate the effect of MC-LR on gut microbiota composition and functions by conducting a chronic exposure of male mice to MC-LR via the oral route. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis on cecum samples of mice, our results showed that significant changes of species diversity were observed in the gut microbiota of MC-LR-exposed mice. In addition, comparative analysis of the microbial communities showed that the reduction of the Actinobacteria and Saccharibacteria populations was detected in MC-LR-exposed mice. Collectively, our study highlighted the significant effects of MC-LR on the shift of gut microbial communities which could contribute to the development of metabolic syndromes.
Whose bread I don’t eat, his song I don’t sing? MPs’ outside earnings and dissenting voting behaviour
Authors: Mai Philipp
Published: December 2020

The question whether politicians’ outside earnings affect their legislative behaviour is part of a lively debate about the quality of representative democracy. However, moonlighting effects on vote defections by members of parliament (MPs) have remained underexposed yet. Based on Competing Principals Theory, it is argued that, owing to a higher degree of career-related independence, MPs with high outside earnings can be less effectively disciplined by their party and, therefore, show higher probabilities to vote against the party line. This proposition is tested quantitatively using logistic panel regressions against a new dataset of more than 115,000 individual votes in the German Bundestag (2013–2017). Empirically, the results corroborate the theoretical expectations and are robust against different specifications. The findings have important implications for our understanding of the link between politicians’ career paths and their political behaviour.
Industrial legacy and hotel pricing: An application of spatial hedonic pricing analysis in Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France
Authors: Lévi Loïc , Nowak Jean Jacques , Petit Sylvain , Hammadou Hakim
Published: December 2020

An old industrial region’s legacy can be a serious impediment to the development of tourism and other activities by generating negative externalities and disamenities. The aim of this article is to examine whether the cost of this industrial past as valued by tourists is reflected in hotel rates of the Nord-Pas de Calais region, a forerunner of the Industrial Revolution in France. An analysis based on the hedonic price method is undertaken using geolocalized data, to decompose hotel prices into the implicit prices of a set of attributes, both private and public, including the adverse public attributes inherited from the industrial past (brownfield sites, slag heaps, industrial seaports). By comparing the importance of each factor, our analysis provides useful information for public policy and hotel management strategies. In particular, our estimations reveal a significant negative effect of these adverse inherited public attributes on hotel rates for the Nord-Pas-de-Calais, but in the same order of magnitude as the effect of a tourist attraction, suggesting the potential power of public policy and local regeneration initiatives. Furthermore, our results show that hotel managers can obtain valuable information relative to the choice of a location for initial development, their investment strategy, and their communication strategy.
The quest for genuine care: A qualitative study of the experiences of young people who self-harm in residential care
Authors: Rouski Charlene , Knowles Susan Frances , Sellwood William , Hodge Suzanne
Published: December 2020

Levels of self-harm for young people in care are high, and even higher for those in residential care. Recent research highlights the importance of understanding self-harm relationally. Such an approach may be of particular value for understanding the self-harm of young people in care. The aim of this research was to understand the experiences of young people who self-harm whilst living in residential care, with a particular focus on the effect of the care setting on their self-harm. Five young people participated in semi-structured interviews which were analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Four themes emerged: ‘The black hole of self-harm’, ‘Seeking genuine care and containment’, ‘The cry to be understood’ and ‘Loss of control to the system.’ Young people recognised their need for support with their self-harm, but organisationally driven approaches to managing risk contributed to a perception that the care offered was not genuine, which led to an unwillingness to accept care. The findings highlight the need for a more compassionate, relational response to young people who self-harm in residential care.
Identity transformation, stigma power, and mental wellbeing of Chinese eSports professional players
Authors: Zhao Yupei , Zhu Yimei
Published: December 2020

In China, the expanding eSports culture has produced a vast cohort of video-game players whose peak age ranges between 16 and 22 years. This study explores the dynamic identity transformation and mental wellbeing development processes of eSports professionals in a risk-prone society. It comprises in-depth interviews with players, coaches, managers, and commentators working in 15 top eSports clubs in the Chinese cities of Shanghai, Guangzhou, Suzhou, and Chengdu. We find eSports is perceived as non-secure, casual, and irregular by the Chinese public and that the mental changes experienced by eSports professionals throughout their careers have been significantly influenced by a more sophisticated form of state power and social norms, including cultural cognitive beliefs, economic stimulation, and authority attributions.
A facile design of EGF conjugated PLA/gelatin electrospun nanofibers for nursing care of in vivo wound healing applications
Authors: Xu Fei , Wang Helin , Zhang Jielin , Jiang Linli , Zhang Wenting , Hu Yuhua
Published: December 2020

Nano (or) microfiber structures made from biodegradable polymers offer many benefits for biomedical applications, including the tissue engineering system. In this study, a mixture of poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/gelatin (GEL) conjugated epidermal growth factor (EGF) electrospun nanofiber scaffolds, which may have potential applications for nursing care of diabetic wound healing. The amount of EGF conjugation on the PLA/GEL nanofibers was quantitated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A morphological examination of the electrospun nanofibers was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which has bead-free morphology nanofibers. After characterizing, the PLA/GEL and PLA/GEL/EGF scaffolds were selected for further investigation based on their superior mechanical properties, including tensile strength, maximum elongation, and tensile modulus. We evaluated the antibacterial activity, cell proliferation and the efficiency of diabetic wound healing in vivo. The antibacterial effect of EGF present in the PLA/GEL nanofibers was assessed using the zone inhibition test against S. aureus and E. coli. In vitro cell proliferation activity was well maintained after the PLA/GEL conjugation and was compared to that of EGF with L929 fibroblast cells. The nanofiber PLA/GEL conjugated with EGF exerted greater curative activities in vivo compared to the control groups or EGF solutions. This study showed that the nanofiber PLA/GEL in combination with EGF could potentially be used as a novel material for nursing care of wound healing by antibacterial, increasing inflammatory cell, and re-epithelialization.
The Analysis of Differentially Expressed circRNAs Under the Antiproliferative Effect From 5-Fluorouracil on Osteosarcoma Cells
Authors: Huang AiJun , Chen LiPing , Wang YiMing , Ma ShuQiang , Jin Song , Cai Hanzhou , Huang Xingzhong , Zhang Hongbo , Wang ZengRong , Lin Kun , Lin Fangsiyu
Published: December 2020

Background:

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a widely used drug for cancer treatment, but its effect and underlying mechanisms on osteosarcoma (OS) cells remain unclear.

Methods:

U2OS and MG63 cells were treated with 0, 50, 100, and 500 μM 5-FU. MTS and flow cytometry were used to examine the effect of 5-FU on cell viability and apoptosis, respectively. Circular RNA (circRNA) expression was detected using RNA sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Differentially expressed circRNAs were further subjected to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and gene ontology (GO) analysis to predict their functions. A circRNA–miRNA–mRNA interaction network was generated to analyze the regulatory networks of 5-FU–induced differentially expressed circRNAs. Western blotting (WB) was used to verify the protein in the downstream of circRNAs.

Results:

5-FU inhibited the cell viability of the MG63 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The most significant effect was observed in the cells treated with 500 μM 5-FU. Apoptosis was also increased in the MG63 cells after 500 μM 5-FU treatment for 3 days. RNA sequencing results showed that 183 differentially expressed circRNAs (172 upregulated and 11 downregulated) in 5-FU–treated cells. KEGG and GO analysis showed that the differentially expressed circRNAs were primarily enriched in proliferation-, apoptosis-, and metabolism-related functions. qPCR was used to verify the most upregulated and downregulated circRNAs. The circRNA–miRNA–mRNA interaction network showed that these 8 circRNAs had a sizable regulatory network that links a series of genes involved in tumor suppression.

Conclusion:

5-FU treatment resulted in the differentially expressed circRNAs that were proliferation- and apoptosis-associated and were involved in the 5-FU–induced inhibition of tumor proliferation in OS cells.
Diagnostic Value of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography With SonoVue in the Differentiation of Benign and Malignant Breast Lesions: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lu Jianghao , Zhou Peng , Jin Chunchun , Xu Lifeng , Zhu Xiaomin , Lian Qingshu , Gong Xuehao
Published: December 2020

Purpose:

A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography using the contrast agent SonoVue to differentiate benign from malignant breast lesions.

Method:

A comprehensive search of the literature was performed using the Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases to retrieve studies published before February 2020. Data were extracted, and pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratios were calculated with meta-analysis software. Heterogeneity was evaluated via the Q test and I2 statistic. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were applied to evaluate potential sources of heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed using the Deeks’ funnel plot asymmetry test. A summary receiver operating characteristic curve (SROC) was constructed.

Results:

A total of 27 studies including 5378 breast lesions subjected to CEUS examination with SonoVue were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity values were 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88–0.91; inconsistency index [ I2] = 75.7%) and 0.83 (95% CI, 0.82–0.85; I2 = 91.0%), respectively. The pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 48.35% (95% CI, 31.22–74.89; I2 = 77.6%). The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.9354. Meta-regression analysis revealed the region of patient residence and dose of contrast agent as potential sources of heterogeneity (P < .01). Subgroup analysis showed a higher area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve for European and higher contrast agent dose subgroups (P < .05).

Conclusion:

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography with SonoVue displays high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy when differentiating benign from malignant breast lesions. Despite its current limitations, this technique presents a promising tool for diagnosing breast lesions in clinical practice.
Meta-Analysis of Validity and Review of Alternate Form Reliability and Slope for Curriculum-Based Measurement in Science and Social Studies
Authors: Conoyer Sarah J. , Therrien William J. , White Kristen K.
Published: December 2020

Meta-analysis was used to examine curriculum-based measurement in the content areas of social studies and science. Nineteen studies between the years of 1998 and 2020 were reviewed to determine overall mean correlation for criterion validity and examine alternate-form reliability and slope coefficients. An overall mean correlation of .59 was found for criterion validity; however, there was significant heterogeneity across studies, suggesting curriculum-based measure (CBM) format or content area may affect findings. Low to high alternative form reliability correlation coefficients were reported across CBM formats between .21 and .89. Studies investigating slopes included mostly vocabulary-matching formats and reported a range from .12 to .65 correct items per week with a mean of .34. Our findings suggest that additional research in the development of these measures in validity, reliability, and slope is warranted.
Free Speech
Authors: Kirchoff Alisha , Rojas Fabio
Published: December 2020

In this article, Alisha Kirchoff and Fabio Rojas interview Nadeen Strossen, former President of the American Civil Liberties Union.
Racism on Campus: Yearbook Pictures From Prominent Virginia Colleges (1890-1930)
Authors: Poulson Stephen C. , McGee Hailey S. , Wolfe Tyler J.
Published: December 2020

For this photo essay, the authors discovered thousands of pictures that depict racism published by prominent colleges throughout the state of Virginia. They present a small amount of this yearbook content as evidence that racism has long dominated campus life at Virginia colleges.
Sex and Coronavirus
Authors: Carpenter Laura M.
Published: December 2020

Human sexual relationships are one of the myriad aspects of social life that have been affected by our coronavirus-inspired regime of “social distancing.” Will self-seclusion on a massive scale enhance or diminish people's sex lives? Will they have more or less sex? Better or worse sex? In this article, the author explores these questions and more.
Memorialization and COVID-19
Authors: Fox Nicole
Published: December 2020

Communities across the world have begun recording COVID-19 narratives for future memorialization efforts and commemorating those who have perished from the virus through online memorials. It is time to pair their efforts with national ones. Here, the author explains how.
Wayward in Sociology?
Authors: Williams Anthony James
Published: December 2020

Anthony James Williams on Wayward Lives, Beautiful Experiments: Intimate Histories of Social Upheaval by Saidiya Hartman.
Rediscovering Voices in Uncertain Times
Authors: Waller-Bey Aya
Published: December 2020

Aya Waller-Bey on The New Black Sociologists: Historical and Contemporary Perspective by Marcus Anthony Hunter.
Use of the Surfacer® Inside-Out® Catheter Access System to Obtain Central Venous Access in Dialysis Patients With Thoracic Venous Obstructions: Single-Center Series
Authors: Galas Noemi , Shahverdyan Robert
Published: December 2020

Background:

Thoracic central venous obstruction (TCVO) is a common condition which can impact the ability to achieve central venous access (CVA) in patients on hemodialysis. The Surfacer® Inside-Out® Catheter Access System is designed to enable repeated right-side central venous access in patients with TCVO.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed medical records of 10 dialysis patients who presented with TCVO and underwent the Inside-Out procedure with the Surfacer System to obtain CVA between 2017 and 2020. Patient demographics, hemodialysis vascular access history, and procedural data were identified and analyzed. The mean patient age was 62.4 ± 19.6 years (25.9-89.1 years) with 7 of the 10 patients being male. Eight patients (80.0%) were diagnosed with chronic kidney disease with time on hemodialysis ranging from 3 to 13 years. The remaining 2 required CVA to treat acute-on-chronic kidney injury due to septic shock. Patients in our series had a mean of 2.8 ± 1.6 previous catheters placed prior to the Surfacer procedure.

Results:

CVA was achieved in all 10 patients with 1 patient requiring a second attempt to achieve access due to the inability to initially traverse the iliac vein with the device, possibly due to a history of kidney transplantation. One multimorbid patient died shortly after the successful procedure, possibly due to cardiac decompensation. Mean total procedure time for the 7 patients having only dialysis catheter placement using the Surfacer device was 67.2 ± 19.1 minutes (49-103 minutes). The remaining 3 patients received a Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow (HeRO) graft in conjunction with the Inside-Out procedure. All vascular accesses functioned properly during the immediate time period following placement. No adverse events associated with the use of Surfacer device were encountered.

Conclusions:

Data presented from our patient series confirms the effectiveness of the Surfacer System to safely achieve CVA in dialysis patients with TCVOs with a history of multiple catheter placements.
Surviving, Learning, and Striving in the Times of Pandemic: Teaching With A Journal of the Plague Year: An Archive of COVID-19 (JOTPY)
Authors: Jiménez Frei Cheryl , Carlson Shane
Published: December 2020

With the onset of COVID-19, spring 2020 proved difficult for teachers and students everywhere. But amid the challenges of online and hybrid education, incorporating A Journal of the Plague Year: a COVID-19 Archive (JOTPY) into classrooms provided students a unique and impactful learning experience, while also helping them process the anxieties and uncertainties of the pandemic. In this article, Assistant Professor of History at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC) Cheryl Jiménez Frei shares insights and best practices for teaching with JOTPY, and a model incorporating the archive across multidisciplinary courses to address archival silences. Beyond the university, JOTPY can be a valuable pedagogical tool for elementary, middle, and high-school teachers during the pandemic. To examine this, in the article’s second half, UWEC public history graduate student and high-school teacher for the Eau Claire Area School District Shane Carlson shares his reflections on contributing to the archive as a student, strategies bringing JOTPY into his own teaching, and the results of elementary teachers also doing so in rural Wisconsin.
Characteristics and Attitudes of Men Using Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS): A Survey of 2385 Men
Authors: Bonnecaze Alex K. , O’Connor Thomas , Aloi Joseph A.
Published: December 2020

Additional characterization of patients using anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) is needed to improve harm reduction and cessation resources for patients. Our group sought to expand upon the currently limited data regarding AAS use by performing a web-based survey assessing experiences of males using AAS. Participants included men over the age of 18 with history of AAS use within the past 5 years. Data were collected between August 2019 and April 2020. Primary outcome measures included age when starting AAS, dose of AAS, motivations for use, experiences with health-care professionals, and rate of successful cessation. The survey was accessed 3640 times, resulting in 2385 completed surveys meeting the inclusion criteria (68.93% participation rate).

Average participant age was 31.69 ± 10.09 years. Over half of respondents were from the United States ( n = 1271, 53.3%). Motives to use AAS included improving appearance ( n = 1959, 82.2%), strength gain ( n = 1192, 50%), and self-esteem/body image issues ( n = 712, 29.87%). Participants rated physicians poorly, regarding knowledge of AAS (4.08 ± 2.23). Most participants did not reveal AAS use to their health-care providers ( n = 1338, 56.1%); of those that did, 55.30% ( n = 579) reported feeling discriminated against for their use. Of 46.16% ( n = 1101) attempting AAS cessation, 60.22% ( n = 663) were unsuccessful. Challenges in the management of AAS use include early onset of use, supraphysiologic doses used, and frequently present body image disorders stress. Distrust of health-care providers, poor cessation rates, and lack of physician training further exacerbate this. These findings should serve to reinforce previous calls to action for further research on the treatment of AAS use disorder.
Structure and breathability of silk/cashmere interwoven fabrics based on fractal theory
Authors: Chen Ying , Mei Lifan , Li Qiuyu
Published: December 2020

The fractal weave has a different appearance from the traditional weaves, and the fabric performances such as air and moisture comfort have not been studied. The relationship between the fabric structure and performance of the fractal weaves is not yet clear. In this paper, the corresponding fractal weaves were generated based on the fractal theory, and the corresponding fabrics were woven using raw silk as the warp yarn and cashmere/water-soluble vinylon as the weft yarn. The structural parameters, air permeability and moisture permeability were tested. The results show that fabric moisture permeability are not closely related with the three weave parameters of fractal dimension, average float length and weave coefficient. Its conduction mechanism is different from air permeability. The average floating length, fractal dimension, and its parameter combinations have a good fitting relationship with air permeability, and the polynomial fitting R2 can reach to 0.99938. The fitting formula 8 has guiding significance for the design of fabrics with certain air permeability requirements.
Injection of contrast media using a large-bore angiography catheter with a guidewire in place: Physical factors influencing injection pressure in cerebral angiography
Authors: Kwon Boseong , Song Yunsun , Hwang Seon Moon , Choi Joon Ho , Maeng Junyoung , Lee Deok Hee
Published: December 2020

Background

We have used a contrast injection scheme termed as “guided catheterization method (guided method).” By using a large-bore 5-Fr catheter and 0.032-in guidewire, a contrast medium could be injected without removing the guidewire. Using a neurovascular phantom, we studied the influence of leaving the guidewire on the contrast injection pressure. Image quality was compared with that obtained using a 4-Fr regular angiography catheter (conventional method).

Methods

Actual contrast injection pressure, flow rate, flow volume, and several variables from the time-density curve (TDC) were obtained using the guided method and the conventional method. Catheterization parameters included flow rate, the viscosity of a contrast medium (CM), and catheter length. The pressure limit of a contrast injector was set as 1200 psi. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images on the neurovascular phantom were acquired. The DSA images were processed, and TDC on a specific region of interest was obtained. Variables from TDC were calculated and compared between the different catheters.

Results

The ranges of actual contrast injection pressure with the conventional and the guided method were 138–299 psi and 184–451 psi, respectively. A minimal reduction of the actual flow rate was found under some conditions with the guided method. Comparable opacifications in DSA images were achieved in all conditions. Although peak intensity was different by flow rate or CM, all TDC variables did not differ based on the catheter. There were no significant harmful events during the 90 experiments.

Conclusions

With adjustment of the pressure limit, cerebral angiography using the 5-Fr, large-bore catheter without removal of the guidewire is feasible, safe, and expected to provide image quality comparable to that of the 4-Fr regular catheter.
Early periaortic hematoma development after EVAR in the presence of severely calcified and modestly conical-shaped aortic neck: A potential trigger for sudden aneurysm progression toward rupture
Authors: De Santis Francesco , Notari Maria Paola , Chiappa Roberto
Published: December 2020

Objective

The aim of this report is to present a singular case of early post-endovascular aneurysm repair abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture and discuss the possible etiopathogenic mechanism promoting the sudden aneurysm progression toward rupture. Methods/Results: An 84-year-old man was submitted to endovascular aneurysm repair via second-generation endograft (Cordis-Incraft Stent-graft) during which, the left occluded common iliac artery was recanalized via balloon-expandable covered-stent-graft (Atrium-Advanta-V12). The aneurysm presented a severely calcified and modestly conical-shaped aortic-neck. The post-operative course was complicated by a broncho pneumonic infiltrate and a CT scan performed two weeks postoperatively accidentally revealed a relatively small hematoma surrounding the aortic wall. No active bleeding, endoleak, or aneurysm increase in diameter was documented. Nevertheless, the patient remained closely monitored. Three days later, he suffered from abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture. A CT scan revealed an arterial wall tear at the neck level. Intra-operatively the reanalyzed common iliac artery was intact and a good endograft-sealing was confirmed. Following this event, small lumbar arteries suture saccotomy was performed. The patient eventually died of multiorgan failure one month later.

Conclusions

The apparently “self-limiting” post-endovascular aneurysm repair CT-scan finding of periaortic hematoma may have represented a potential trigger for abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture. The possibility of developing undetected aortic lesions during endovascular aneurysm repair, specifically in the presence of potentially “at risk” anatomical conditions, should always be considered.
Leading school improvement through goal-setting: Evidence from New Zealand schools
Authors: Meyer Frauke , Bendikson Linda , Le Fevre Deidre M
Published: December 2020

Many studies claim the importance of goal-setting for school improvement but few outline specific practices. This study highlights specific goal-setting practices associated with successful school improvement efforts. It reports on a 2-year collaborative research project, which closely examined three principals’ goal-setting practices in the context of their schools. It documents principals’ and staffs’ efforts to improve equity in outcomes through detailed case studies. Case studies drew on principal and teacher interview data, workshop artifacts and discussion recordings, observations, school reports and school achievement data. The in-depth case and cross-case analyses focused on micro-level leadership practices and their impact on school-wide practices. This study highlights four key leadership drivers for improvement. These include: justifying goals in ways that challenge teachers’ beliefs about current achievement to raise commitment; embedding tight and rigourous monitoring practices with a focus on problem-solving and improvement; distributing responsibility and leadership; and developing the capability and collective responsibility of middle leaders. Our discussion highlights how leaders’ belief systems can enable or constrain their ability to influence their schools’ cultures.
Trends of risk profile among middle-aged adults hospitalized for acute ischemic stroke in United States 2006–2017
Authors: Tong Xin , Yang Quanhe , George Mary G , Gillespie Cathleen , Merritt Robert K
Published: December 2020

Background

Recent studies reported increasing trends in hospitalization of stroke patients aged 35–64 years.

Aim

To examine changes in risk factor profiles among patients aged 35–64 years hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke between 2006 and 2017 in the United States.

Methods

We used data from the National Inpatient Sample of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project from 2006 through 2017. Principal ICD-9-CM/ICD-10-CM codes were used to identify acute ischemic stroke hospitalizations, and secondary codes were used to identify the presence of four major stroke risk factors: hypertension, diabetes, lipid disorders, and tobacco use. We used the relative percent change to assess the changes in the prevalence of risk profile between 2006–2007 and 2016–2017 and linear regression models to obtain the p values for the overall trends across six time periods.

Results

Approximately 1.5 million acute ischemic stroke hospitalizations occurred during 2006–2017. The prevalence of having all four risk factors increased from 4.1% in 2006–2007 to 9.1% in 2016–2017 (relative percent change 122.0%, p < 0.001 for trend), prevalence of any three risk factors increased from 24.5% to 33.8% (relative percent change 38.0%, p < 0.001). Prevalence of only two risk factors decreased from 36.1% to 32.7% (p < 0.001), only one risk factor decreased from 25.2% to 18.1% (p < 0.001), and absence of risk factors decreased from 10.1% to 6.2% (p < 0.001). The most prevalent triad of risk factors was hypertension, diabetes, and lipid disorders (14.3% in 2006–2007 and 19.8% in 2016–2017), and the most common dyad risk factors was hypertension and lipid disorders (12.6% in 2006–2007 and 11.9% in 2016–2017).

Conclusions

The prevalence of hospitalized acute ischemic stroke patients aged 35–64 years with all four or any three of four major stroke risk factors increased by 122% and 38%, while those with only one risk factor or no risk factor has declined by 28% and 39%, respectively, from 2006 to 2017. Younger adults are increasingly at higher risk for stroke from preventable and treatable risk factors. This growing public health problem will require clinicians, healthcare systems, and public health efforts to implement more effective prevention strategies among this population.
A system for simulating the kinematics and measuring the impact force from riding whips used in Thoroughbred horseracing
Authors: Bridge John W , Dempsey Kaleb M , Danicki Kayla M , Angotti Robin L , Kwiatkowski Alan K , Heleski Camie R , Peterson Michael L
Published: December 2020

Thirty horse racing whips of four different designs were tested to measure dynamic impact force and compared using a specially designed mechanical testing device to simulate the whipping action of a jockey during racing. The whips tested included designs used in Thoroughbred horse racing in North America, which meet the design criteria established by the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) model rules, as well as the most common whip used in British horse racing. The objective of the device was to allow comparisons to be made between peak impact loads resulting from different whip designs. A high peak dynamic force on a horse’s shoulder or hind quarter may result in injuries, such as welts. The testing device contains a planar three-bar, open mechanical linkage loaded by torsion springs to model the arm motion of a jockey. The whip strikes a flat plate covered by an elastomeric pad. The energy input is replicated during the simulated impact. A single axis dynamic load cell under the loading plate and three single-turn precision potentiometers located at each joint of the three-arm mechanical system measure impact forces and relative angular positions, respectively. Force measurements are compared from the face of each whip and the edge or seam where applicable. In addition to the flap design, other physical differences between whip designs included mass, shaft length, shaft stiffness, flap cushion thickness/compression factor, flap surface area, and flap seam area. Statistically significant impact force differences were found between flap face and flap seam impact orientations, with higher impact forces delivered by the flap face. Significant differences were also found in impact forces between the three whip styles with seams.
Navitoclax combined with Alpelisib effectively inhibits Merkel cell carcinoma cell growth in vitro
Authors: Chteinberg Emil , Wetzels Suzan , Gerritsen Wouter , Temmerman Lieve , van den Oord Joost , Biessen Erik , Kurz Anna Kordelia , Winnepenninckx Véronique , Zenke Martin , Speel Ernst-Jan , Hausen Axel zur
Published: December 2020

Background:

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly malignant skin cancer. Despite major treatment improvements during the last decade, up to 50% of patients do not respond to therapy or develop recurrent disease. For these patients, alternative treatment options are urgently needed. Here, we assessed the efficacy of the combination of the BCL-2 inhibitor Navitoclax and the PI3K p110α inhibitor Alpelisib in MCC cell lines.

Methods:

The expression of BCL-2 was assessed by immunohistochemistry in MCC and MCC cell lines. Treatment with Navitoclax and Alpelisib alone and in combination was performed on four MCC cell lines. The decrease of cell viability during treatment was assessed by XTT assay and visualized for the combinations by 3D combinatorial index plotting. The increase of apoptotic cells was determined by cleaved PARP Western blotting and Annexin V staining.

Results:

Some 94% of MCCs and all three MCPyV-positive cell lines showed BCL-2 expression. Navitoclax monotreatment was shown to be highly effective when treating BCL-2-positive cell lines (IC50-values ranging from 96.0 to 323.0 nM). The combination of Alpelisib and Navitoclax resulted in even stronger synergistic and prolonged inhibitions of MCC cell viability through apoptosis up to 4 days.

Discussion:

Our results show that the anti-apoptotic BCL-2 is frequently expressed in MCC and MCC cell lines. Inhibition of BCL-2 by Navitoclax in combination with Alpelisib revealed a strong synergy and prolonged inhibition of MCC cell viability and induction of apoptosis. The combination of Navitoclax and Alpelisib is a novel potential treatment option for MCC patients.
Visual arts pedagogy in early childhood contexts: The baggage of self-efficacy beliefs, pedagogical knowledge and limited pre-service training
Authors: Lindsay Gai
Published: December 2020

Visual arts provisions are central to children’s holistic, play-based learning, yet the visual arts self-efficacy beliefs and subject content knowledge of early childhood educators influence pedagogical choices. When early childhood educators lack the visual arts confidence, skills, and knowledge required to effectively support children’s visual arts learning and engagement, children’s learning in the visual arts domain may be restricted; resulting in a negative cycle of influence whereby the next generation are denied their right to access visual languages. Qualitative case study research explored the visual arts beliefs and pedagogy of 12 degree qualified and vocationally trained early childhood educators. The conceptual framework, designed to to interpret and analyse the research data, aligns Dewey’s philosophies of democracy, education and art with the philosophy and visual arts praxis of the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education. The research findings suggest educator’s low visual arts self-efficacy beliefs develop during childhood and are not improved by pre-service training, resulting in limited visual arts skills and knowledge. The research participants’ visual arts pedagogy appeared to be strongly influenced by the experiential ‘baggage’ they carried into their pre-service training and practice contexts, by the participants’ theoretical beliefs about children’s development and by a range of divergent beliefs about the purposes of visual art in the early childhood context. Although training has the potential to broadly inform knowledge and practice, this study suggests that unless limiting visual arts self-efficacy beliefs are disrupted by constructivist theoretical knowledge and combined with practical skills and knowledge, the visual arts curriculum offered to children may be significantly compromised.
Old World and New World Sparkling Wines: Consumer Decisions and Insights for Retailers
Authors: Adalja Aaron , Livat Florine , Rickard Bradley , Susskind Alex
Published: December 2020

The objective of this research is to examine consumer demand for sparkling wines. We developed a laboratory experiment to collect data on consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for selected wines from France, Spain, and the United States (Finger Lakes) under different information treatments. Our results suggest that expenditures and consumption frequency for all wines are most important to WTP and notably that familiarity with sparkling wines was relatively important for the “local” U.S. wine among the consumers in our sample. We discuss the important implications of our findings for managers of small U.S. wineries building their reputations and for restaurants and other food service outlets interested in attracting a broader consumer base.
The National School Health Data Set: Every Student Counts! New Data Platform
Authors: Maughan Erin D. , Bergren Martha Dewey , Johnson Kathleen
Published: December 2020

The National Association of School Nurses’ (NASN’s) data initiative The National School Health Data Set: Every Student Counts! (Every Student Counts!) is getting a new platform! This article reviews what Every Student Counts! is and shares some of the new features of the platform. For more information on NASN’s initiative and to learn how school nurses can join the data revolution go to http://nasn.org/everystudentcounts
An Insight into the Role of Apoptosis and Autophagy in Nitric Oxide–Induced Articular Chondrocyte Cell Death
Authors: Akaraphutiporn Ekkapol , Sunaga Takafumi , Bwalya Eugene C. , Yanlin Wang , Carol Mwale , Okumura Masahiro
Published: December 2020

Objective

To investigate the role and characterize the molecular mechanisms regulating apoptosis and autophagy in nitric oxide (NO)–induced chondrocyte cell death.

Design

Cell apoptosis and autophagy were evaluated in chondrocytes treated with sodium nitroprusside (SNP) combined with the presence or absence of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and nutrient-deprived conditions. The concentration of nitrite was determined by Griess reaction. Activation of apoptosis and autophagy were determined by immunocytochemistry, Western blot, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis. Flow cytometry and MTT assay were used to assess cell viability.

Results

Cotreatment of chondrocytes with SNP and IL-1β under nutrient-deprived condition potentially enhanced the effect of NO-induced cell death. Immunocytochemistry, Western blot, and qPCR analysis indicated that treatment of chondrocytes with SNP significantly reduced autophagic activity, autophagic flux, and multiple autophagy-related (Atg) genes expression. These findings were associated with an increase in ERK, Akt, and mTOR phosphorylation, whereas autophagy induction through mTOR/p70S6K inhibition by rapamycin significantly suppressed NO-induced cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and caspase-3 activation in response to apoptosis was weakly detected. These results corresponded with a significant increase in apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) expression, suggesting the involvement of the caspase-independent pathway.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that in chondrocyte cultures with cells induced into an osteoarthritis state, NO inhibits autophagy and induces chondrocyte apoptosis mainly, but not completely through the caspase-independent pathway. Our data suggest that autophagy is a protective mechanism in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and could be proposed as a therapeutic target for degenerative joint diseases.
The man who lusted after Jesus Christ and Virgin Mary: A case report
Authors: Tan Rui Qi , Mok Vanessa Wai Ling
Published: December 2020

We report a case of a geriatric male patient who presented with unique features of obsessive-compulsive disorder revolving around religious and sexual themes. Psychodynamic therapy, instead of the traditional choice of cognitive behavioural therapy, was successfully used in conjunction with pharmacotherapy, leading to an improvement in symptoms.