bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Training and Certifying Users of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale
Authors: Anderson Ariana , Klein John , White Brian , Bourgeois Marianne , Leonard Anne , Pacino Al , Hill John , Lyden Patrick
Published: January 2020

Background and Purpose—

The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, designed and validated for use in clinical stroke trials, is now required for all patients with stroke at hospital admission. Recertification is required annually but no data support this frequency; the effect of mandatory training before recertification is unknown.

Methods—

To clarify optimal recertification frequency and training effect, we assessed users’ mastery of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale over several years using correct scores (accuracy) on each scale item of the 15-point scale. We also constructed 9 technical errors that could result from misunderstanding the scoring rules. We measured accuracy and the frequency of these technical errors over time. Using multivariable regression, we assessed the effect of time, repeat testing, and profession on user mastery.

Results—

The final dataset included 1.3×10
6
examinations. Data were consistent among all 3 online vendors that provide training and certification. Test accuracy showed no significant changes over time. Technical error rates were remarkably low, ranging from 0.48 to 1.36 per 90 test items. Within 2 vendors (that do not require training), the technical error rates increased negligibly over time (
P
<0.05). In data from a third vendor, mandatory training before recertification improved (reduced) technical errors but not accuracy.

Conclusions—

The data suggest that mastery of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scoring rules is stable over time, and the recertification interval should be lengthened. Mandatory retraining may be needed after unsuccessful recertifications, but not routinely otherwise.
Oral propranolol for the treatment of infantile haemangiomas in Singapore
Authors: Tan JMC , Lim HW , Koh MJA
Published: January 2020

INTRODUCTION Infantile haemangiomas (IH) are the most common vascular tumours in childhood. Over the past decade, treatment of IH has been revolutionised by the discovery of the effectiveness of beta-blockers in its treatment. We review our hospital’s experience with oral propranolol in the treatment of IH in an Asian population. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of the medical records and clinical photos of paediatric patients with IH treated with propranolol in a tertiary paediatric hospital in Singapore from January 2010 to February 2015. RESULTS A total of 88 patients with IH treated with propranolol were identified over a five-year period, with 79 patients included in the final analysis. There was a predominance of female patients (75.9%) and preterm infants (41.8%) in our study population. The head and neck (65.8%), especially the orbital or preorbital region (45.6%), were the most common lesion sites in our cohort of patients. Mean age of onset was 2.3 ± 4.5 weeks of age, and mean age of starting propranolol treatment was 7.7 ± 10.5 weeks of age. 44.3% of patients experienced > 75% improvement, while 29.1% experienced improvement of 50%–75%. Response to treatment was influenced by the age of starting treatment. CONCLUSION Our study provides further evidence of the efficacy and safety of propranolol in the treatment of IH in an Asian population. Early treatment is recommended for optimal results.
Repeat expansion and methylation-sensitive triplet-primed polymerase chain reaction for fragile X mental retardation 1 gene screening in institutionalised intellectually disabled individuals
Authors: Sihombing NRB , Cai S , Wong DPW , Guan M , Chong SS , Faradz SMH , Winarni TI
Published: January 2020

INTRODUCTION Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most prevalent X-linked intellectual disability (ID) and a leading genetic cause of autism, characterised by cognitive and behavioural impairments. The hyperexpansion of a CGG repeat in the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene leads to abnormal hypermethylation, resulting in the lack or absence of its protein. Tools for establishing the diagnosis of FXS have been extensively developed, including assays based on triplet-primed polymerase chain reaction (TP-PCR) for detection and quantification of the CGG trinucleotide repeat expansion, as well as determination of the methylation status of the alleles. This study aimed to utilise a simple, quick and affordable method for high sensitivity and specificity screening and diagnosis of FXS in institutionalised individuals with ID. METHODS A total of 109 institutionalised individuals at the Center for Social Rehabilitation of Intellectual Disability Kartini, Temanggung, Central Java, Indonesia, were screened in a three-step process using FastFrax™ Identification, Sizing and Methylation Status Kits. RESULTS Two samples that were classified as indeterminate with respect to the 41-repeat control at the identification step were subsequently determined to be non-expanded by both sizing and methylation status analyses. Two samples classified as expanded at the identification step were determined to carry full mutation expansions > 200 repeats that were fully methylated using sizing and methylation status analyses, respectively, yielding a disease prevalence of 1.83%. CONCLUSION Repeat expansion and methylation-specific TP-PCR is practical, effective and inexpensive for the diagnosis of FXS, especially in high-risk populations of individuals with ID of undetermined aetiology.
Revision of the American genus Steinovelia Polhemus & Polhemus, 1993 (Heteroptera: Gerromorpha: Veliidae)
Authors: MOREIRA FELIPE FERRAZ FIGUEIREDO , FLORIANO CARLA FERNANDA BURGUEZ , RODRIGUES HIGOR D. D. , SITES ROBERT W.
Published: January 2020

The genus Steinovelia Polhemus & Polhemus, 1993 is distributed from southeastern Canada to northeastern Argentina and has been considered to contain five valid species: S. permista (Drake, 1951a), S. placida (Drake, 1951a), S. stagnalis (Burmeister, 1835), S. vinnula (Drake, 1951b) and S. virgata (White, 1879a). We present here a revision of the genus with redescriptions of S. permista, S. stagnalis, S. vinnula, and S. virgata, the synonymy of S. placida with S. virgata, a key, distribution maps, and photographs of all species.
Investigation of thermal properties of spacer fabrics with phase changing material by finite element model and experiment
Authors: Barauskas Rimantas , Sankauskaite Audrone , Rubeziene Vitalija , Gadeikyte Ausra , Skurkyte-Papieviene Virginija , Abraitiene Ausra
Published: January 2020

This study presents the developed computational finite element models for transient heat transfer analysis in fabrics enriched by phase change materials along with efforts to provide validation on the basis of obtained experimental results. The environment-friendly butyl stearate is used as a phase change material. Its melting/heating absorption takes place in temperature range from 19℃ to 34℃, and the solidification/heat release occurs from 34℃ to 19℃. An important aspect in this analysis is the investigation of appropriateness of the material samples dimensions selected for effective heat capacity against temperature measurements. For this purpose, we used the combined experimental and finite element simulation-based analysis. A similar computational procedure enabled us to estimate the effective latent specific heat relationship of the fabric with phase change materials coating. The direct usage of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurement-based specific heat relationships against temperature in the finite element models ensured good compliance of the computed results with the experiment. For validation of the developed computational models the infrared radiation heating-cooling experiments on fabrics with different deposits of a phase change material were performed. The noticeable influence of content of phase change materials for transient thermal behavior during heating-cooling cycles was determined. The experimental results have been compared against the finite element simulation results.
Robust stability and stabilization of networked control systems with stochastic time-varying network-induced delays
Authors: Rouamel Mohamed , Gherbi Sofiane , Bourahala Fayçal
Published: January 2020

This paper investigates the robust stability analysis and state feedback controller design of networked control systems (NCSs). A stochastic network-induced delay in given interval with known lower and upper bounds is considered. Therefore, the NCS is modeled as linear system with probabilistic time-varying delay distribution. Then, the Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional (LKF) is formulated using probabilistic informations of both lower and upper bounds of the time-varying network-induced delay, and Wirtinger-based integral inequalities are used to estimate the accuracy of the resulting time derivatives and also to reduce conservatism by introducing some new cross terms. Afterwards, stability condition based on [Formula: see text] disturbance attenuation level is expressed in terms of a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), and Finsler’s lemma is used to relax it by adding slack decision variables and decoupling the systems matrices from those of Lyapunov-Krasovskii. This procedure makes the state feedback controller design as simple as a variables change. Finally, a maximum allowable upper bound of the network-induced delay and state feedback controller gains are calculated by resolving the above relaxed LMIs’ convex optimization problem. Practical numerical examples are provided to validate the proposed approach; the results show that the negative effects of the unpredictable network-induced delays are compensated and the stability of NCSs with high disturbance attenuation level is guaranteed. A comparative study with other results in recent researches is also given and the superiority of the proposed method in terms of robustness and conservatism reduction is shown.
The Big Six Personality Traits and Mental Distress: Dynamic Modeling in a Population Panel Study Reveals Bidirectional Relationships Involving Neuroticism, Extraversion, and Conscientiousness
Authors: Ejova Anastasia , Milojev Petar , Worthington Everett L. , Bulbulia Joseph , Sibley Chris G.
Published: January 2020

In a single comprehensive model, using a large nationally representative sample, we investigate longitudinal relationships between mental distress and “Big Six” personality using an analysis approach sensitive to dynamic effects (i.e., to effects of deviations from individual trajectories). We find that, consistent with a mechanism involving scarring by distress, upward deviations (flare-ups) in distress predict flare-ups in Neuroticism 12 months later. Among younger adults ( n = 4,775), distress flare-ups predict dips in Conscientiousness. Consistent with a dynamic precursor model, (a) flare-ups in Neuroticism and Extraversion predict subsequent flare-ups in distress among older adults ( n = 11,167), and (b) slopes of distress correlate with slopes of a number of traits (e.g., positively for Neuroticism, and, among older adults, negatively for Extraversion). While demonstrating these scarring and dynamic precursor effects, we draw attention to a nuanced direction of dynamic effect for Extraversion, a newly discovered dynamic effect of Conscientiousness, and previously undocumented dynamic effects of traits on each other.
Reconstructing Forearm Free Flap Donor Sites Using Full‐Thickness Skin Grafts Harvested from the Ipsilateral Arm
Authors: Krane Natalie A. , Mowery Alia , Azzi James , Petrisor Daniel , Wax Mark K.
Published: January 2020

Objective

To compare morbidity and aesthetic outcomes of full‐thickness skin grafts (FTSGs) and split‐thickness skin grafts (STSGs) in the reconstruction of the forearm free flap donor site.

Study Design

Case series, retrospective chart review.

Setting

Institutional microvascular database.

Subjects and Methods

Subjects who underwent forearm free flaps and FTSGs for donor site reconstruction from April 2016 to November 2017 were included. FTSGs were obtained from the donor forearm with a proximal S‐shaped incision, thereby avoiding additional wound creation. Morbidity outcomes were compared to 68 consecutive patients with STSG reconstruction from January 2009 to May 2010. Complications, including tendon exposure, subjective functional impairment, complete graft loss, partial graft loss, infection, paresthesias, and hematoma/seroma, were evaluated, as were aesthetic outcomes.

Results

Sixty‐eight patients underwent FTSG reconstruction. No significant differences between FTSGs and STSGs were demonstrated in terms of graft loss ≥40% (4% vs 4%, P = 1.000), partial graft loss (<40%) (29% vs 40%, P =. 207), tendon exposure (9% vs 12%, P =. 573), infection (15% vs 13%, P =. 805), paresthesias (12% vs 7%, P =. 382), subjective functional impairment (0% vs 2%, P =. 316), or hematoma/seroma (2% vs 0%, P =. 316). Aesthetic outcomes were better in the FTSG group compared to the STSG group, as determined by both patients (P =. 004) and surgeon (P <. 001).

Conclusions

Our results advocate for the consideration of FTSGs in the reconstruction of the forearm free flap donor site given superior aesthetic results without additional donor site morbidity or additional wound creation when compared to STSGs.
A Critical Analysis of the Information Available Online for Ménière’s Disease
Authors: Bojrab Dennis I. , Fritz Christian , Babu Seilesh , Lin Kenny F.
Published: January 2020

Objective

Patients increasingly rely on online resources for medical information; however, the Internet is unregulated and prone to misinformation. This study analyzes the reliability, quality, and readability of websites for Ménière’s disease.

Study Design

A Google search was performed using keywords Ménière’s disease. The first 5 pages (50 results) were reviewed. Websites were sorted into 5 categories: academic institutions, government agencies, professional organizations, medical information websites, and miscellaneous. The reliability, quality, and readability of each website were evaluated using the DISCERN instrument and Flesch‐Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL). DISCERN assesses reliability and quality by scoring 15 questions on a scale from 1 (low) to 3 (high). The reliability score emphasizes clear objectives and sources, as well as lack of bias, whereas the quality score emphasizes information on treatment options. The FKGL of each website was calculated using a formula to determine the equivalent US grade reading level.

Setting

Ambulatory.

Subjects

None.

Results

Forty‐two websites were analyzed. Academic institutions were the most common (n = 13, 31%) but scored the lowest using DISCERN at 1.75 ± 0.13. Medical information websites scored highest at 2.24 ± 0.09 (P =. 024 compared to academic institutions). The average FKGL of all websites was 10.12 ± 0.57 with medical information websites being the easiest to read at 8.84 ± 0.83. Only 5 (13%) of websites scored below the eighth‐grade reading level.

Conclusions

Most top online search results for Ménière’s disease are deficient in quality and readability. Medical information websites are generally the most reliable and easy to read.
DSC perfusion-based collateral imaging and quantitative T2 mapping to assess regional recruitment of leptomeningeal collaterals and microstructural cortical tissue damage in unilateral steno-occlusive vasculopathy
Authors: Seiler Alexander , Brandhofe Annemarie , Gracien René-Maxime , Pfeilschifter Waltraud , Hattingen Elke , Deichmann Ralf , Nöth Ulrike , Wagner Marlies
Published: January 2020

Leptomeningeal collateral supply is considered pivotal in steno-occlusive vasculopathy to prevent chronic microstructural ischaemic tissue damage. The aim of this study was to assess the alleged protective role of leptomeningeal collaterals in patients with unilateral high-grade steno-occlusive vasculopathy using quantitative (q)T2 mapping and perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI)-based collateral abundance. High-resolution qT2 was used to estimate microstructural damage of the segmented normal-appearing cortex. Volumetric abundance of collaterals was assessed based on PWI source data. The ratio relative cerebral blood flow/relative cerebral blood volume (rCBF/rCBV) as a surrogate of relative cerebral perfusion pressure (rCPP) was used to investigate the intravascular hemodynamic competency of pial collateral vessels and the hemodynamic state of brain parenchyma. Within the dependent vascular territory with increased cortical qT2 values ( P = 0.0001) compared to the contralateral side, parenchymal rCPP was decreased ( P = 0.0001) and correlated negatively with increase of qT2 ( P  < 0.05). Furthermore, volumetric abundance of adjacent leptomeningeal collaterals was significantly increased ( P < 0.01) and negatively correlated with changes of parenchymal rCPP ( P = 0.01). Microstructural cortical damage is closely related to restrictions of antegrade blood flow despite increased pial collateral vessel abundance. Therefore, increased leptomeningeal collateral supply cannot necessarily be regarded as a sign of effective compensation in patients with high-grade steno-occlusive vasculopathy.
Investigating Complementary and Competitive Relationships between Bikeshare Service and Public Transit: A Spatial-Temporal Framework
Authors: Song Ying , Huang Yuchuan
Published: January 2020

Public transit offers many socioeconomic and environmental benefits but often suffers from the first/last-mile problem. The emergence of bike-sharing systems promises to provide first/last-mile access to transit stops/stations and increase the use of transit. However, it is simply unknown whether bikeshare can help transit, or whether it may instead compete with transit by offering people another travel mode to avoid the waiting time entirely. Recent studies have examined the spatial relationship between bikeshare and transit but have ignored important temporal aspects such as the timing of planned trips and transit schedules. This paper develops a framework with procedures and methods for investigating the potential competitive and complementary relationships between bikeshare and transit systems from a spatial-temporal perspective. The paper applies this framework to the Nice Ride bikeshare service and Metro Transit in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, as a case study. The results suggest both complementary and competitive relationships that are not exclusive from each other. The general patterns vary across different regions in the study area and are affected by the underlying neighborhood characteristics. The results provide novel insights to the complex interactions between bikeshare and transit systems and can support operation and planning practices.
Environmentalism in families
Authors: Aghayeeabianeh Banafsheh , Talebi Mahshid
Published: January 2020

In this research note, we investigate how environmentalism is discussed and transferred in families. We used the University of Kentucky Libraries search engine and the PsycINFO database to collect and analyze the manuscripts that studied environmentalism in families or used the concepts and theories of the Family Studies field. Results of the published manuscripts revealed that family plays an important role in environmentalism. Parents and children influence each other, and this varies according to the culture and parenting style. The implications of the study are further discussed.
Effect of 172-nm UV irradiation on polyimide and its application in surface modification by grafting
Authors: Das Lopamudra , Poutsma John C , Kelley Michael J
Published: January 2020

Polyimides (PIs) have a wide range of industrial and scientific applications due to their excellent thermal and mechanical stability and chemical resistance. Their response to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is of further interest in high-value applications such as spacecraft technology and electronics packaging. In this work, we investigated the effect of 172-nm UV xenon excimer lamp irradiation on samples of pyromellitimido-oxydianiline (PMDA-ODA) commercial films in the absence of oxygen. The average irradiance received at the sample position was 90 mW/cm2, and the total radiation dosage varied from 0 to 64 J/cm2. X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy, time-of-flight-secondary ion mass spectrometry, atomic force microscopy, and contact angle measurements were used to characterize the effect. Calculated UV-visible spectroscopy absorption spectra were obtained using the ZINDO//B3LYP/3-21G method to give an indication of which orbitals are involved in the transitions near 172 nm. The reactivity of the different UV-treated PI samples toward nitrogen-borne heptafluorodecene vapor was then investigated using the above techniques. Grafting reactions occurred on the surface of the photochemically activated polymer. This study explored the potential for modification of PI surfaces using UV-light-assisted grafting to impart valuable functionalities.
Optimization for far-distance and fuel-limited cooperative rendezvous between two coplanar spacecraft based on Lambert method
Authors: Wang Zhanwen , Dong Yuming , Feng Weiming , Zhao Junfeng
Published: January 2020

Concentrating on far-distance and fuel cooperative rendezvous between two coplanar spacecraft under impulse thrust, this paper presents fuel-optimal results obtained by optimization algorithms numerically. Former research works have formulated optimization models of multiple-impulse orbit transfer and cooperative rendezvous under continuous thrust. In this paper, optimization models of cooperative rendezvous under impulse thrust are formulated based on these former researches. The process of cooperative rendezvous is simplified by introducing a hypothetical spacecraft. The degradation from cooperative rendezvous to active–passive rendezvous is prevented by revising objective functions. Quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization and sequential quadratic programming are combined to solve a practical problem, which is used to illustrate advantages of cooperative rendezvous when fuel consumption of one spacecraft is limited.
Efficient onboard image motion compensation for orbital inclination and eccentricity of geostationary weather satellites
Authors: Ramachandran MP , Agarwal MK , Daniel DA
Published: January 2020

Image registration is important in geostationary weather satellites. Achieving consistent registration of the images with respect to the geographical locations on the Earth is here of interest. The consistency in the registration between the images is affected whenever the orbital inclination and eccentricity are not zero. The imaging payload has a two-axis scanning mirror to capture the Earth image. The above orbital effects together with scan mirror pointing direction are the factors that cause the misregistration. This paper presents an onboard algorithm that provides the scan compensation angles due to the above factors and achieves consistent registration. The compensation varies every second, which is the time taken for each scan. Hence it is preferred to have computations onboard than to have ground based bulk uplinks for the scan compensation. The paper presents an algorithm that is useful, say, when (i) the onboard computing capabilities are limited, (ii) the navigation accuracies are coarse and (iii) the image resampling is not preferred on the ground and the payload data are directly used for weather applications. The paper also discusses the tests that were carried on the onboard software in order to validate its performance in achieving the consistent registration before launch. This is done by using another independent software tool which is also described in detail. Image motion algorithm was invoked for a couple of days in INSAT 3DR. The atmospheric wind vector deduced directly from the satellite images is given at the end.
Renal Replacement Therapy in Patients With Stage IV Cancer Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit With Acute Kidney Injury at a Comprehensive Cancer Center Was Not Associated With Survival
Authors: Abudayyeh Ala , Song Juhee , Abdelrahim Maen , Dahbour Ibrahim , Page Valda D. , Zhou Shouhao , Shen Chan , Zhao Bo , Pai Rima N. , Amaram-Davila Jaya , Manzano Joanna-Grace , George Marina C. , Yennu Sriram , Mandayam Sreedhar A. , Nates Joseph L. , Moss Alvin H.
Published: January 2020

Introduction:

In patients with advanced cancer, prolongation of life with treatment often incurs substantial emotional and financial expense. Among hospitalized patients with cancer since acute kidney injury (AKI) is known to be associated with much higher odds for hospital mortality, we investigated whether renal replacement therapy (RRT) use in the intensive care unit (ICU) was a significant independent predictor of worse outcomes.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed patients admitted in 2005 to 2014 who were diagnosed with stage IV solid tumors, had AKI, and a nephrology consult. The main outcomes were survival times from the landmark time points, inpatient mortality, and longer term survival after hospital discharge. Logistic regression and Cox proportional regression were used to compare inpatient mortality and longer term survival between RRT and non-RRT groups. Propensity score-matched landmark survival analyses were performed with 2 landmark time points chosen at day 2 and at day 7 from ICU admission.

Results:

Of the 465 patients with stage IV cancer admitted to the ICU with AKI, 176 needed RRT. In the multivariate logistic regression model after adjusting for baseline serum albumin and baseline maximum Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), the patients who received RRT were not significantly different from non-RRT patients in inpatient mortality (odds ratio: 1.004 [95% confidence interval: 0.598-1.684], P = .9892). In total, 189 patients were evaluated for the impact of RRT on long-term survival and concluded that RRT was not significantly associated with long-term survival after discharge for patients who discharged alive. Landmark analyses at day 2 and day 7 confirmed the same findings.

Conclusions:

Our study found that receiving RRT in the ICU was not significantly associated with inpatient mortality, survival times from the landmark time points, and long-term survival after discharge for patients with stage IV cancer with AKI.
‘Being together really helped’: Australian transgender and non-binary people and their animal companions living through violence and marginalisation
Authors: Rosenberg Shoshana , Riggs Damien W , Taylor Nik , Fraser Heather
Published: January 2020

This article explores the intersections of human and animal lives in the context of violence and marginalisation. It draws on two studies, the first involving a sub-sample of 23 open-ended survey responses completed by transgender and non-binary (TNB) people taken from a larger study exploring the intersections of animal- and human-directed violence, and the second involving eight interviews with TNB people focused on the meaning of animal companionship. Together, the findings suggest that animal companionship can be a protective factor for TNB people experiencing marginalisation and/or distress, whether in the context of domestic violence and abuse (DVA) or in the context of other forms of intra- or inter-personal points or adversity. The findings suggest that animal companions can provide TNB people with comfort and non-judgemental emotional interactions in the face of DVA and other life stressors. However, the risk of violence directed towards animals must also be considered. The article concludes with discussion of the implications for DVA service provision and research.
From incidental exposure to intentional avoidance: Psychological reactance to political communication during the 2017 German national election campaign
Authors: Marcinkowski Frank , Došenović Pero
Published: January 2020

This article deals with potential effects of incidental online exposure to political information (IOEP) on the German electorate during the 2017 national election campaign. We argue that the difference in currently unexpected and generally unwanted exposure to political online communication is crucial to the study of IOEP effects. While the former might result in “passive learning,” we hypothesize that–based on psychological reactance theory–the latter may be linked to defensive reactions with undesirable consequences among those who already are alienated from politics. Using cross-sectional data from an online survey among 1100 eligible voters, we can demonstrate that IOEP correlates with reactance in substantial segments. The study’s results are indicating, that the viral character of online campaigning may lead to the opposite of what was intended: voters are not only “trapped,” but might be repelled instead. Further empirical elaboration dealing with causal assumptions is encouraged.
Parametric optimization of pulse-echo laser ultrasonic system for inspection of thick polymer matrix composites
Authors: Abetew AD , Truong TC , Hong SC , Lee JR , Ihn JB
Published: January 2020

One of the main challenges of using laser ultrasonic techniques for non-destructive testing applications is the typically low signal-to-noise ratio of the laser ultrasonic signals. In the case of thick composite structures, this is even more problematic since composite materials have very strong sound attenuation. This article investigates the effects of laser beam size and profile to the amplitude of pulse-echo laser ultrasonic signals with the constraint that the peak energy density (fluence) must be kept constant under the thermal damage threshold of material like polymer matrix composites. Such constraint is very important for the non-destructive feature of non-destructive testing, yet in a number of the existing parameter studies of laser ultrasonics, it was not fully investigated. In this article, a series of A-scan and C-scan experiments on thick composite specimens shows that the amplitude of the direct waves and the reflected waves increases with the increase in laser beam size with constant peak energy density. This amplitude enhancement significantly improves the propagation depth, thereby optimizing the system for inspection of thick composite structures. The validity of experimental results is verified theoretically by solving the thermoelastic model of epicenter displacement using Laplace–Hankel transformation.
Effectiveness and Safety of a Paclitaxel-Eluting Stent for Superficial Femoral Artery Lesions up to 190 mm: One-Year Outcomes of the Single-Arm IMPERIAL Long Lesion Substudy of the Eluvia Drug-Eluting Stent
Authors: Golzar Jaafer , Soga Yoshimitsu , Babaev Anvar , Iida Osamu , Kawasaki Daizo , Bachinsky William , Park James , Prem Jeffery T. , Vermassen Frank , Diaz-Cartelle Juan , Müller-Hülsbeck Stefan , Gray William A.
Published: January 2020

Purpose: To report the clinical effect of a drug-eluting stent on femoropopliteal occlusive disease in patients with long lesions. Materials and Methods: The global IMPERIAL Long Lesion substudy ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02574481) is a prospective, single-arm, multicenter trial of the Eluvia Drug-Eluting Vascular Stent for treating femoropopliteal lesions >140 mm and ≤190 mm in length. Fifty patients (mean age 68.2 years; 32 men) with long lesions (mean length 162.8±34.7 mm) were enrolled; 20 patients had diabetes. Fourteen of the lesions were severely calcified and 16 were occluded. Primary patency (duplex ultrasound peak systolic velocity ratio ≤2.4 in the absence of clinically-driven target lesion revascularization or bypass of the target lesion) and major adverse events [30-day all-cause death and 1-year target limb major amputation or target lesion revascularization (TLR)] were assessed at 12 months. Results: At 12 months, no deaths, target limb amputations, or stent thrombosis had occurred. The Kaplan-Meier estimate of primary patency was 91.0% (95% CI 82.5% to 99.6%). The MAE-free rate at 12 months was 93.5% due to 3 clinically-driven TLRs. The corresponding Kaplan-Meier estimate of freedom from TLR was 93.9% (95% CI 87.2% to 100%). Conclusion: The IMPERIAL Long Lesion substudy demonstrated excellent patency and safety through 1 year among patients with long femoropopliteal occlusive disease treated with the Eluvia stent.
Developing global graduates: essentials and possibilities
Authors: Arasaratnam-Smith Lily A.
Published: January 2020

Developing intercultural communication competence (ICC) is a pursuit that has captured the interest of researchers in several disciplines for a number of decades. The urgency and interest to produce graduates who are ready for the global marketplace has never been more prevalent amongst educators as it is today. This article outlines strategies for developing ICC based on prior research, and articulates a new framework for global graduates based on four understandings: understanding of self, understanding of others, understanding of self’s responsibility to others, and understanding of others’ contributions to self. Curriculum development and institutional investment considerations are discussed in relation to the proposed framework.
Role of microRNA-21 and microRNA-155 as biomarkers for bronchial asthma
Authors: ElKashef Sabrin Mohamed Mohamed Abd Elhamed , Ahmad Sohair El-Attar , Soliman Youssef Mohamed Amin , Mostafa Marwa Salah
Published: January 2020

MicroRNA (miRNA)-21 and miRNA-155 are important regulators of gene expression of different immunological molecules. This study aimed to investigate the role of miRNA-21 and miRNA-155 as biomarkers in asthma by comparing their serum expression levels in asthmatic patients to those in healthy controls and correlating their levels with serum IL-4. The expression levels of miRNA-21 and miRNA-155 were evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR. Serum levels of IL-4 were determined using ELISA. Asthmatic patients showed significantly higher serum miRNA-21 and miRNA-155 expression levels compared to controls. A statistically significant positive correlation between the expression levels of miRNA-21 and IL-4 serum levels in asthmatic patients was detected. Nonetheless, no correlation was detected between miRNA-155 expression and each of IL-4 and miRNA-21. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that at a cut-off value of 1.37, the sensitivity of miRNA-21 as an asthma biomarker was 100% and the specificity was 95%. At a cut-off value of 1.96, the sensitivity of miRNA-155 as an asthma biomarker was 100% and the specificity was 100%. It can be concluded that miRNA-21 and miRNA-155 are potential non-invasive biomarkers in the diagnosis of eosinophilic asthma and its response to therapy.
Characterisation and functional analysis of canine TLR5
Authors: Zhu Aihua , Wei Lingling , Hu Sujuan , Yang Cheng , Chen Caifa , Zhou Zhengkun , Pan Zhiming
Published: January 2020

In this study, we characterised the single exon TLR5 gene of the Chinese rural dog. Sequence analysis revealed a 2577 nucleotide-long open reading frame of canine TLR5, encoding an 858 amino acid-long protein. The putative amino acid sequence of canine TLR5 consisted of a signal peptide sequence, 15 LRR domains, a LRR C-terminal domain, a transmembrane domain and an intracellular Toll-IL-1 receptor domain. The amino acid sequence of the canine TLR5 protein shared 95.4% identity with vulpine, 72.2% with feline and 64.7% with human TLR5. Plasmids expressing canine TLR5 and NF-κB-luciferase were constructed and transfected into HEK293T cells. Expression was confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence assay. These HEK293T cells transfected with the canine TLR5- and NF-κB-luciferase plasmids signiﬁcantly responded to ﬂagellin from Salmonella enteritidis serovar Typhimurium, indicating that it is a functional TLR5 homolog. In response to stimulation with Salmonella enteritidis, the level of TLR5 mRNA significantly increased over the control in PBMCs at 4 h. The levels of IL-8, IL-6 and IL-1β also increased after exposure. The highest levels of TLR5, IL-8 and IL-1β expression were detected at 8, 4 and 12 h after stimulation, respectively. These results imply that the expression of canine TLR5 may participate in the immune response against bacterial pathogens.
Mapping Dynamic Interactions Among Cognitive Biases in Depression
Authors: Everaert Jonas , Bernstein Amit , Joormann Jutta , Koster Ernst H. W.
Published: January 2020

Depression is theorized to be caused in part by biased cognitive processing of emotional information. Yet, prior research has adopted a reductionist approach that does not characterize how biases in cognitive processes such as attention and memory work together to confer risk for this complex multifactorial disorder. Grounded in affective and cognitive science, we highlight four mechanisms to understand how attention biases, working memory difficulties, and long-term memory biases interact and contribute to depression. We review evidence for each mechanism and highlight time- and context-dependent dynamics. We outline methodological considerations and recommendations for research in this area. We conclude with directions to advance the understanding of depression risk, cognitive training interventions, and transdiagnostic properties of cognitive biases and their interactions.
Distinction without a difference? An assessment of MTurk Worker types
Authors: Loepp Eric , Kelly Jarrod T.
Published: January 2020

Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk) platform is a popular tool for scholars seeking a reasonably representative population to recruit subjects for academic research that is cheaper than contract work via survey research firms. Numerous scholarly inquiries affirm that the MTurk pool is at least as representative as college student samples; however, questions about the validity of MTurk data persist. Amazon classifies all MTurk Workers into two types: (1) “regular” Workers, and (2) more qualified (and expensive) “master” Workers. In this paper, we evaluate how choice in Worker type impacts the nature of research samples in terms of characteristics/features and performance. Our results identify few meaningful differences between master and regular Workers. However, we do find that master Workers are more likely to be female, older, and Republican, than regular Workers. Additionally, master Workers have far more experience, having spent twice as much time working on MTurk and having completed over seven times the number of assignments. Based on these findings, we recommend that researchers ask for Worker status and number of assignments completed to control for effects related to experience. However, the results imply that budget-conscious scholars will not compromise project integrity by using the wider pool of regular Workers in academic studies.
An (un)romantic journey: Authentic performance in a Chinese dating show
Authors: Chu Donna
Published: January 2020

This article examines the production and negotiation of ‘authenticity’ in reality television through a case study of a popular Chinese dating show If You Are the One. The study reconstructed the various stages of the show and collected perspectives from participating bachelors and production people. The ethnographic approach has enabled a relatively thick description of what happened on-screen and off-screen. Primarily, it details how four ordinary male participants entered the show and made sense of their experiences. It describes and discusses how they maintained a strong sense of authenticity while delivering anticipated performance on television. It uncovers the dynamics and interaction between the participants, producers and audiences and highlights the invisible scripts underlining the show. The recurring debates about authenticity, scripting and ordinariness in reality television are addressed with a renewed understanding of how the seemingly paradoxical ‘authentic performance’ and ‘extraordinary ordinariness’ work in the process.
How Effective is Theory-Based Learning of Ethics in India?
Authors: Gangopadhyay Kausik , Jacob Remya Tressa , Jayanth Reddy Sai Shiva
Published: January 2020

The absence or inculcation of ethics among the people is a matter of serious concern. We investigated through an experiment the role of religion-teaching schools in incorporating ethics and found that the attitude towards cheating in examinations is no different for students in a religion-teaching school than in a regular school. We analysed this situation with different perspectives and concluded that it indicates the failure of religion-teaching schools in inculcating ethics among students. Using the method of randomised response, we found that about 30 per cent of the students were found to be cheating in examinations. When we ask the students about the intention for cheating, they would answer hypothetically if they did not know any cheater. However, the presence of such a significant proportion of cheaters indicates that when they answer about cheating they understand it as a real issue and would answer with the understanding of the real cheaters in mind. The implications of our result are, however, much wider than this observation. Balagangadhara (1994) divided human cultures into ‘religious’ (theory-driven) and ‘non-religious’ (empirics-driven) classes. Accordingly, the teaching of ethics must also be different for these two classes of culture. Although a theoretical way of teaching ethics may help a theory-driven culture, it would not help an empirics-driven culture. Balagangadhara places India as a non-religious culture, and our results illustrates the validity of his theory in explaining the failure of a theory-driven ethics education in India.
Effect of contemporary retraction agents and cleaning with hydrogen peroxide on the polymerization of elastomeric impression materials
Authors: Vohra Fahim , Altokhais Faisal , Thafrah Abdulelah Bin , Alsaif Khaled , Alyahya Abdulaziz , Alsahhaf Abdulaziz , AlFawaz Yasser F , Aali Khulud A , Abduljabbar Tariq , Aldeeb Modhi
Published: January 2020

The aim of the study is to investigate the polymerization inhibition of elastomeric impression materials vinylpoly siloxane (VPS) and polyether (PE) when used in combination with retraction materials with and without subsequent cleaning with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Methods: Seven stainless steel specimens were fabricated. Four hundred and twenty impressions were made with three different elastomeric materials (140 each) as follows: group 1: VPS-Panasil; group 2: VPS-Express; group 3: PE-Monophase. Each material group was further subdivided into seven subgroups, based on use of no retraction material (control), three different retraction materials [Retraction capsule (RC3M), Dryz, Expasyl], and two cleaning techniques (water and H2O2). All subgroups included 20 impressions, which were made by a single operator using an automix gun. Evaluations were made using a visual scale by three calibrated examiners blindly and independently. Subjective categorization of the impressions were made as inhibited and uninhibited. Data were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test and significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Inhibited impressions were lower than uninhibited impressions among VPS materials (Panasil and Express); Panasil and Express showed comparable ( p > 0.05) impression retardation. PE showed significantly higher inhibition compared to VPS materials ( p < 0.05). Expasyl showed significantly higher polymerization inhibition than other retraction materials ( p < 0.05). The use of H2O2 for cleaning showed significant reduction in polymerization inhibition than cleaning with water for Expasyl ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: Overall contemporary retraction materials showed low potential for polymerization inhibition of elastomeric impression materials. Expasyl should be cleaned with H2O2 prior to impression making. However, Dryz and RC3M can show accurate impressions with water cleaning alone.
Dr N. R. Madhava Menon on Inclusion and Equity for Rural and Tribal India
Authors: Schukoske Jane Ellen
Published: January 2020

This article examines some of Dr N. R. Madhava Menon’s key messages to the legal education community about the need to thoughtfully prepare lawyers to serve the rural and tribal communities of India. Dr Menon raised the issue on multiple platforms, including newspaper opinion editorials for the general public, lectures to fellow legal educators, in his expert recommendations for legal education in the National Education Policy 2019, and in a book on inclusion, opportunity and equity published by the World Bank and co-edited by Menon and other development experts.

Dr Menon envisioned the characteristics of lawyers effectively prepared to serve rural and tribal people. They need to be familiar with the legal issues relevant to rural and tribal community members, including laws about land, natural resources, forests, and agriculture. They need to be fluent in local languages spoken by rural and tribal communities, sensitive to tribal and rural cultures, and expert in representation in the forums and departments where problems of the communities would be resolved. Dr Menon broadly designed the support that would be required of the legal profession in terms of corporate social responsibility funding and formation of legal cooperatives. Dr Menon’s road map for preparing the legal profession to better serve the majority of India’s population will continue to inspire legal educators, law students, legal services authorities, and other advocates for rural and tribal communities.
Contralateral Lateral Femoral Condyle Allografts Provide an Acceptable Surface Match for Simulated Classic Osteochondritis Dissecans Lesions of the Medial Femoral Condyle
Authors: Salka Nabeel , Grant John A.
Published: January 2020

Background:

Osteochondral allograft transplantation is an effective technique for repairing large lesions of the medial femoral condyle (MFC), but its use is limited by graft availability.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The present study aimed to determine whether contralateral lateral femoral condyle (LFC) allografts can provide an acceptable surface match for posterolateral MFC lesions characteristic of classic osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). The hypothesis was that LFC and MFC allografts will provide similar surface contour matches in all 4 quadrants of the graft for posterolateral MFC lesions characteristic of OCD.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Ten fresh-frozen recipient human MFCs were each size-matched to 1 ipsilateral medial and 1 contralateral LFC donor (N = 30 condyles). After a nano–computed tomography (nano-CT) scan of the native recipient condyle, a 20-mm circular osteochondral “defect” was created 1 cm posterior and 1 cm medial to the roof of the intercondylar notch (n = 10). A size-matched, random-order donor MFC or LFC plug was then harvested, transplanted, and scanned with nano-CT. Nano-CT scans were then reconstructed, registered to the initial scan of the recipient MFC, and processed in MATLAB to determine the height deviation ( d RMS) between the native and donor surfaces and percentage area unacceptably (>1 mm) proud (% A proud) and sunken (% A sunk). Circumferential step-off height ( h RMS) and percentage circumference unacceptably (>1 mm) proud (% C proud) and sunken (% C sunk) were measured using DragonFly software. The process was then repeated for the other allograft plug.

Results:

Both MFC and LFC plugs showed acceptable step-off heights in all 4 quadrants (range, 0.53-0.94 mm). Neither allograft type nor location within the defect had a significant effect on step-off height ( h RMS), surface deviation ( d RMS), % A proud, or % A sunk. In general, plugs were more unacceptably sunken than proud (MFC, 13.4% vs 2.4%; LFC, 13.2% vs 8.1%), although no significant differences in % C sunk were seen between allograft types or locations within the defect. In LFC plugs, % C proud in the lateral quadrant (28.0% ± 26.1%) was significantly greater compared with all other quadrants ( P = .0002).

Conclusion:

The present study demonstrates that 20-mm contralateral LFC allografts provide an acceptable surface match for posterolateral MFC lesions characteristic of OCD.

Clinical Relevance:

With comparable surface matching, MFC and LFC allografts can be expected to present similar stresses on the knee joint and achieve predictably positive clinical outcomes, thus improving donor availability and reducing surgical wait times for matches.