bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting Cardiac Myocyte Na
+
-K
+
Pump Function With β3 Adrenergic Agonist in Rabbit Model of Severe Congestive Heart Failure
Authors: Fry Natasha A.S. , Liu Chia-Chi , Garcia Alvaro , Hamilton Elisha J. , Karimi Galougahi Keyvan , Kim Yeon Jae , Whalley David W. , Bundgaard Henning , Rasmussen Helge H.
Published: August 2020

Background:

Abnormally high cytosolic Na
+
concentrations in advanced heart failure impair myocardial contractility. Stimulation of the membrane Na
+
-K
+
pump should lower Na
+
concentrations, and the β3 adrenoceptor (β3 AR) mediates pump stimulation in myocytes. We examined if β3 AR-selective agonists given in vivo increase myocyte Na
+
-K
+
pump activity and reverse organ congestion in severe heart failure (HF).

Methods:

Indices for HF were lung-, heart-, and liver: body weight ratios and ascites after circumflex coronary artery ligation in rabbits. Na
+
-K
+
pump current, I
p
, was measured in voltage-clamped myocytes from noninfarct myocardium. Rabbits were treated with the β3 AR agonists CL316,243 or ASP9531, starting 2 weeks after coronary ligation.

Results:

Coronary ligation caused ascites in most rabbits, significantly increased lung-, heart-, and liver: body weight ratios, and decreased I
p
relative to that for 10 sham-operated rabbits. Treatment with CL316,243 for 3 days significantly reduced lung-, heart-, and liver: body weight ratios and prevalence of ascites in 8 rabbits with HF relative to indices for 13 untreated rabbits with HF. It also increased I
p
significantly to levels of myocytes from sham-operated rabbits. Treatment with ASP9531 for 14 days significantly reduced indices of organ congestion in 6 rabbits with HF relative to indices of 6 untreated rabbits, and it eliminated ascites. β3 AR agonists did not significantly change heart rates or blood pressures.

Conclusions:

Parallel β3 AR agonists-induced reversal of Na
+
-K
+
pump inhibition and indices of congestion suggest pump inhibition is a useful target for treatment with β3 AR agonists in congestive HF.
High-Density Lipoprotein Carries Markers That Track With Recovery From Stroke
Authors: Plubell Deanna L. , Fenton Alex M. , Rosario Sara , Bergstrom Paige , Wilmarth Phillip A. , Clark Wayne M. , Zakai Neil A. , Quinn Joseph F. , Minnier Jessica , Alkayed Nabil J. , Fazio Sergio , Pamir Nathalie
Published: August 2020

Rationale:

Prospective cohort studies question the value of HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) for stroke risk prediction.

Objective:

Investigate the relationship between long-term functional recovery and HDL proteome and function.

Methods and Results:

Changes in HDL protein composition and function (cholesterol efflux capacity) in patients after acute ischemic stroke at 2 time points (24 hours, 35 patients; 96 hours, 20 patients) and in 35 control subjects were measured. The recovery from stroke was assessed by 3 months, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and modified Rankin scale scores. When compared with control subject after adjustments for sex and HDL-C levels, 12 proteins some of which participate in acute phase response and platelet activation (APMAP [adipocyte plasma membrane-associated protein], GPLD1 [phosphate inositol-glycan specific phospholipase D], APOE [apolipoprotein E], IHH [Indian hedgehog protein], ITIH4 [inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor chain H4], SAA2 [serum amyloid A2], APOA4 [apolipoprotein A-IV], CLU [clusterin], ANTRX2 [anthrax toxin receptor 2], PON1 [serum paraoxonase/arylesterase], SERPINA1 [alpha-1-antitrypsin], and APOF [apolipoprotein F]) were significantly (adjusted
P
<0.05) altered in stroke HDL at 96 hours. The first 8 of these proteins were also significantly altered at 24 hours. Consistent with inflammatory remodeling, cholesterol efflux capacity was reduced by 32% (
P
<0.001) at both time points. Baseline stroke severity adjusted regression model showed that changes within 96-hour poststroke in APOF, APOL1, APMAP, APOC4 (apolipoprotein C4), APOM (apolipoprotein M), PCYOX1 (prenylcysteine oxidase 1), PON1, and APOE correlate with stroke recovery scores (
R
2
=0.38–0.73, adjusted
P
<0.05). APOF (
R
2
=0.73) and APOL1 (
R
2
=0.60) continued to significantly correlate with recovery scores after accounting for tPA (tissue-type plasminogen activator) treatment.

Conclusions:

Changes in HDL proteins during early acute phase of stroke associate with recovery. Monitoring HDL proteins may provide clinical biomarkers that inform on stroke recuperation.
Association of Habitual Physical Activity With Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Authors: Lin Honghuang , Sardana Mayank , Zhang Yuankai , Liu Chunyu , Trinquart Ludovic , Benjamin Emelia J. , Manders Emily S. , Fusco Kelsey , Kornej Jelena , Hammond Michael M. , Spartano Nicole L. , Pathiravasan Chathurangi H. , Kheterpal Vik , Nowak Chris , Borrelli Belinda , Murabito Joanne M. , McManus David D.
Published: August 2020

Rationale:

A sedentary lifestyle is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Smartwatches enable accurate daily activity monitoring for physical activity measurement and intervention. Few studies, however, have examined physical activity measures from smartwatches in relation to traditional risk factors associated with future risk for CVD.

Objective:

To investigate the association of habitual physical activity measured by smartwatch with predicted CVD risk in adults.

Methods and Results:

We enrolled consenting FHS (Framingham Heart Study) participants in an ongoing eFHS (electronic Framingham Heart Study) at the time of their FHS research center examination. We provided participants with a smartwatch (Apple Watch Series 0) and instructed them to wear it daily, which measured their habitual physical activity as the average daily step count. We estimated the 10-year predicted risk of CVD using the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association 2013 pooled cohort risk equation. We estimated the association between physical activity and predicted risk of CVD using linear mixed effects models adjusting for age, sex, wear time, and familial structure. Our study included 903 eFHS participants (mean age 53±9 years, 61% women, 9% non-White) who wore the smartwatch ≥5 hours per day for ≥30 days. Median daily step count was similar among men (7202 with interquartile range 3619) and women (7260 with interquartile range 3068;
P
=0.52). Average 10-year predicted CVD risk was 4.5% (interquartile range, 6.1%) for men and 1.2% (interquartile range, 2.2%) for women (
P
=1.3×10
−26
). Every 1000 steps higher habitual physical activity was associated with 0.18% lower predicted CVD risk (
P
=3.2×10
−4
). The association was attenuated but remained significant after further adjustment for body mass index (
P
=0.01).

Conclusions:

In this community-based sample of adults, higher daily physical activity measured by a study smartwatch was associated with lower predicted risk of CVD. Future research should examine the longitudinal association of prospectively measured daily activity and incident CVD.
Becoming a “Nation of Statesmen”: The Mohicans' Incorporation into the Iroquois League, 1671–1675
Authors: Haefeli Evan
Published: August 2020

Using oral traditions alongside the documentary record uncovers a little known peace forged between the Mohicans and the Iroquois League on the eve of King Philip's War. The resulting alliance altered the regional balance of power and provided the foundation for Mohican diplomacy for the next century and a half.
Application of the IDEMIX Concept for Internal Gravity Waves in the Atmosphere
Authors: Quinn B. , Eden C. , Olbers D.
Published: August 2020

The model Internal Wave Dissipation, Energy and Mixing (IDEMIX) presents a novel way of parameterizing internal gravity waves in the atmosphere. IDEMIX is based on the spectral energy balance of the wave field and has previously been successfully developed as a model for diapycnal diffusivity, induced by internal gravity wave breaking in oceans. Applied here for the first time to atmospheric gravity waves, integration of the energy balance equation for a continuous wave field of a given spectrum, results in prognostic equations for the energy density of eastward and westward gravity waves. It includes their interaction with the mean flow, allowing for an evolving and local description of momentum flux and gravity wave drag. A saturation mechanism maintains the wave field within convective stability limits, and a closure for critical-layer effects controls how much wave flux propagates from the troposphere into the middle atmosphere. Offline comparisons to a traditional parameterization reveal increases in the wave momentum flux in the middle atmosphere due to the mean-flow interaction, resulting in a greater gravity wave drag at lower altitudes. Preliminary validation against observational data show good agreement with momentum fluxes.
Bayesian Model Averaging of Climate Model Projections Constrained by Precipitation Observations over the Contiguous United States
Authors: Massoud E. C. , Lee H. , Gibson P. B. , Loikith P. , Waliser D. E.
Published: August 2020

This study utilizes Bayesian model averaging (BMA) as a framework to constrain the spread of uncertainty in climate projections of precipitation over the contiguous United States (CONUS). We use a subset of historical model simulations and future model projections (RCP8.5) from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5). We evaluate the representation of five precipitation summary metrics in the historical simulations using observations from the NASA Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellites. The summary metrics include mean, annual and interannual variability, and maximum and minimum extremes of precipitation. The estimated model average produced with BMA is shown to have higher accuracy in simulating mean rainfall than the ensemble mean (RMSE of 0.49 for BMA versus 0.65 for ensemble mean), and a more constrained spread of uncertainty with roughly a third of the total uncertainty than is produced with the multimodel ensemble. The results show that, by the end of the century, the mean daily rainfall is projected to increase for most of the East Coast and the Northwest, may decrease in the southern United States, and with little change expected for the Southwest. For extremes, the wettest year on record is projected to become wetter for the majority of CONUS and the driest year to become drier. We show that BMA offers a framework to more accurately estimate and to constrain the spread of uncertainties of future climate, such as precipitation changes over CONUS.
The Treatment of Rib Fractures
Authors: Farley Paige , Mullen Parker R. , Taylor Catherine N. , Lee Yannleei L. , Butts Charles C. , Simmons Jon D. , Brevard Sidney B. , Kinnard Christopher M.
Published: August 2020

Background

Rib fractures are a major problem characterized by pain, increased length of stay, and respiratory complications. Treatments include fixation, management with opiates, paraspinous local anesthetic pumps, and intercostal nerve blocks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of treatment options and compare clinically relevant outcomes.

Methods

Patients admitted to a Level 1 trauma center with multiple rib fractures between 2015 and 2019 were screened. We included all participants treated with surgical fixation and/or intercostal nerve block or local anesthetic pump. Patients were case-matched 1:2 by Injury Severity Score (ISS), Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) Chest and Head, age, and number of rib fractures. Outcomes assessed were hospital length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit (ICU) LOS, ventilator days, pneumonia, and tracheostomy rates.

Results

We identified 25 patients who received rib fixation and intercostal analgesia. Of these, 14 cases were treated with liposomal bupivaicaine nerve block and 11 by paraspinous catheter block. Fifty control cases treated with opiates were identified. All patients survived to discharge. Cases and controls were approximately equivalent in age, ISS, number of fractured ribs, chest AIS, and head AIS. Rib-plated patients had a lower rate of pneumonia (OR 0.2029, 95% CI 0.0242, 0.09718), decreased average ICU LOS (10.62 vs 6.64, P = .018), and decreased average ventilator days (5.44 vs 1.68, P = .003).

Discussion

Findings suggest more aggressive treatment of rib fractures may decrease ICU LOS, ventilator days, and pneumonia in patients with multiple rib fractures. These findings are in line with current literature; however, more research is needed in this area.
Program-level strategic planning for electrical engineering technology programs
Authors: Lozano-Nieto Albert
Published: August 2020

Strategic planning is a tool widely used in business, industries and non-profit organizations and has been recently adopted in academia. However, because their own characteristics, the strategic plans in colleges and universities are mostly developed at an institutional level. As these provide an overview of the organization, they cannot be very detailed and may contain a certain amount of ambiguities in order to satisfy its multiple constituencies. At the institutional level there are limited opportunities to include specific strategies that may affect individual academic programs. To solve these limitations, this paper proposes strategic plans being developed and incorporated at the program level, specifically for electrical engineering or electrical engineering technology programs. The appropriate strategic planning results in strengthen these programs and generate useful and significant dialog among their constituencies. The paper finishes by showing a generic strategic plan for an electrical engineering technology program that can nevertheless, be adopted and modified as needed by faculty and academic staff involved in this process of creating a similar plan for their own electrical engineering programs.
Weathering the storm: School funding in the COVID-19 era
Authors: Baker Bruce D. , Weber Mark , Atchison Drew
Published: August 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is creating a crisis in state and local budgets, potentially leaving many schools to face budgetary declines even as they’ve had to transform the way they serve their students, particularly those who are most vulnerable. Bruce Baker, Mark Weber, and Drew Atchison offer four recommendations for mitigating the looming fiscal crisis. 1) Provide a robust federal aid package; 2) Consider tax increases; 3) Distribute state aid equitably; and 4) Cancel aid programs that favor affluent districts.
Why nutritious meals matter in school
Authors: Thompson Eleanor D.
Published: August 2020

The Trump Administration’s rollbacks in nutritional standards for school meals have been the subject of much criticism and the basis for a lawsuit. Research into food insecurity and public school meal quality shows that food security and high nutritional standards are essential to any efforts to improve both school equity and student performance. Eleanor Thompson describes this research and makes recommendations for halting proposed rollbacks and providing more durable protections for the regulations that exist.
Career Confidential: Teacher feels more competent than the principal
Authors: Fagell Phyllis L.
Published: August 2020

In this advice column, Phyllis Fagell answers work-related questions from educators. This month, a teacher expresses frustration about a principal who seems out of touch with what kids need, especially in a time of remote teaching.
Team-Based Primary Care Practice Transformation Initiative and Changes in Patient Experience and Recommended Cancer Screening Rates
Authors: Nguyen Kevin H. , Chien Alyna T. , Meyers David J. , Li Zhonghe , Singer Sara J. , Rosenthal Meredith B.
Published: August 2020

Team-based care has emerged as a promising strategy for primary care practices to provide high-quality care. We examine changes in patient experience of care and recommended cancer screening rates associated with a primary care transformation initiative that established team-based care. Our observational study included 13 academically affiliated primary care practices in the Boston, Massachusetts area that participated in 2 learning collaboratives: the first (2012-2014) aimed to establish team-based primary care, while the second (2014-2016) focused on improving patient safety and cancer screening. We identified 37 comparison practices of similar size and network affiliation. Using a difference-in-differences approach, we compared pre (2013) and post (2015) patient experience and recommended cancer screening rates between intervention and comparison practices. We estimated linear regression models, using inverse probability weighting to balance on observable differences. Massachusetts Health Quality Partners data on patient experience comes from surveys (with communication, integration, knowledge of patient, access, office staff, and willingness to recommend domains), and its data on screening rates for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancers is derived from chart abstraction. Relative to comparison practices, the communication score in intervention practices increased by 1.47 percentage points on a 100-point scale ( P = .02) between pre and post periods. We did not detect immediate improvements in other measures of patient experience of care and recommended cancer screening rates. Communication may be the first dimension of patient experience that improves following establishment of team-based primary care, and changing care processes may require more time or attention in the transition to team-based care. Our findings also suggest a need to better understand the variation in implementation factors that facilitate some practices’ successful transitions to team-based care, and to use teams effectively to improve cancer screening processes.
Tracking Valued and Avoidant Functions with Health Behaviors: A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Matrix Mobile App
Authors: Levin Michael E. , Krafft Jennifer , Seifert Seth , Lillis Jason
Published: August 2020

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the acceptability and additive effects of self-monitoring avoidant and valued functions of behavior, in the context of self-monitoring physical activity and dietary behavior in a mobile app. The self-monitoring approach was based on the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Matrix. A sample of 102 adults interested in improving their diet and physical activity were randomized to a Health Behavior Tracking app (HBT), HBT plus ACT matrix app (HBT+ACT), or waitlist condition. Online self-report assessments were completed at baseline, mid (2 weeks), and post-intervention (4 weeks). Participants reported high usability, but mixed satisfaction with both apps. About half of the prompted app check-ins were completed on average, with 14% never using the ACT app. Participants in the HBT+ACT app condition reported greater self-reported physical activity over time relative to HBT and waitlist, potentially due to protecting against a decrease over time in physical activity observed in the other two conditions. HBT and HBT+ACT conditions both improved self-reported sedentary behavior relative to waitlist. HBT+ACT improved cognitive restraint with eating more than HBT. Neither the HBT or HBT+ACT app improved other health behavior outcome measures or values processes relative to the waitlist. Overall, findings suggest some benefits of the ACT Matrix app for addressing physical activity by tracking valued/avoidant functions, but mixed findings on acceptability, outcomes, and processes of change suggests impact may be relatively limited.
Lasers in Οtolaryngology: A Laser Odyssey From Carbon Dioxide to True Blue
Authors: Karkos Petros D. , Koskinas Ioannis S. , Triaridis Stefanos , Constantinidis Jannis
Published: August 2020

In this special issue of the Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) journal entitled Lasers in Otolaryngology, we attempted to cover and accommodate different experiences from around the globe on both established and some not so well-known techniques and indications for Lasers in most ENT subspecialties. Despite the COVID 19 pandemic, authors from all over the world have expressed their interest in publishing their Laser experiences with ENT journal and for this we are very grateful.
The Authenticity Paradox: Why the Returns to Authenticity on Audience Appeal Decrease in Popularity and Iconicity
Authors: Verhaal J. Cameron , Dobrev Stanislav D.
Published: August 2020

A great deal of research has argued for authenticity as a key firm-level attribute and source of competitive advantage. But we know very little about the boundary conditions related to organizational authenticity. In order to address this, we develop a theory of the social construction of authenticity, how it affects the appeal of a producer’s offerings, and how the market success of these offerings affects the returns to authenticity. We propose that there are two mechanisms, in addition to authenticity, that can drive audience appeal: popularity and iconicity. But increases in both popularity and iconicity also challenge some of the underlying tenets of what the audience considers authentic, namely, intrinsic motivation and the pursuit of social, rather than economic, value. The authenticity paradox, then, is that even as the appeal of authentic offerings increases, their popularity and iconicity diminish the returns to authenticity. We find support for these ideas in the context of the U.S. market for craft beer and discuss the implications of our theory for authenticity research and for the broader market and social dynamics in craft industries.
What Does Marriage Mean to Us? Marital Centrality among Newlywed Couples
Authors: Willoughby Brian J. , Yorgason Jeremy , James Spencer , Kramer Holmes Erin
Published: August 2020

With marriage now delayed until later in the life course, developmental and young adult scholars have increasingly focused on how relational and marital beliefs of unmarried young adults influence developmental and relational trajectories. Yet little research has explored how these same perceptions and beliefs may alter adult relationships and marriages. Using a national U.S. sample of 1,755 newlywed couples, we explored how beliefs about the centrality of marriage were associated with marital quality and commitment. A common-fate approach that simultaneously allowed for both individual and couple-level analyses was used. Results suggested that higher marital centrality beliefs separately for each partner and jointly as a couple were strongly associated with higher interpersonal commitment to one’s spouse and the general level of commitment in the relationship. Significant indirect effects found for husbands, wives, and at the couple-level suggested that higher marital centrality beliefs had an indirect association through commitment with higher relationship satisfaction, less instability, and higher reports of positive communication. Marital beliefs around the centrality of marriage appear to be strongly connected to the establishment of commitment and relationship quality among married couples. Results call for the expansion of the marital and relational belief literature into the context of adult relationships.
Genetic deletion of Rgs12 in mice affects serotonin transporter expression and function in vivo and ex vivo
Authors: White Allison N , Gross Joshua D , Kaski Shane W , Trexler Kristen R , Wix Kim A , Wetsel William C , Kinsey Steven G , Siderovski David P , Setola Vincent
Published: August 2020

Background:

Regulator of G protein Signaling (RGS) proteins inhibit G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling, including the signals that arise from neurotransmitter release. We have shown that RGS12 loss diminishes locomotor responses of C57BL/6J mice to dopamine transporter (DAT)-targeting psychostimulants. This diminution resulted from a brain region-specific upregulation of DAT expression and function in RGS12-null mice. This effect on DAT prompted us to investigate whether the serotonin transporter (SERT) exhibits similar alterations upon RGS12 loss in C57BL/6J mice.

Aims:

Does RGS12 loss affect (a) hyperlocomotion to the preferentially SERT-targeting psychostimulant 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), (b) SERT expression and function in relevant brain regions, and/or (c) serotonergically modulated behaviors?

Methods:

Open-field and spontaneous home-cage locomotor activities were quantified. 5-HT, 5-HIAA, and SERT levels in brain-region homogenates, as well as SERT expression and function in brain-region tissue preparations, were measured using appropriate biochemical assays. Serotonergically modulated behaviors were assessed using forced swim and tail suspension paradigms, elevated plus and elevated zero maze tests, and social interaction assays.

Results:

RGS12-null mice displayed no hyperlocomotion to 10 mg/kg MDMA. There were brain region-specific alterations in SERT expression and function associated with RGS12 loss. Drug-naïve RGS12-null mice displayed increases in both anxiety-like and anti-depressive-like behaviors.

Conclusion:

RGS12 is a critical modulator of serotonergic neurotransmission and serotonergically modulated behavior in mice; lack of hyperlocomotion to low dose MDMA in RGS12-null mice is related to an alteration of steady-state SERT expression and 5-HT uptake.
Are economics a key to dating Urdeuteronomium? A response to Sandra Lynn Richter
Authors: Berge Kåre , Edelman Diana , Guillaume Philippe , Rossi Benedetta
Published: August 2020

While welcoming Sandra Richter’s suggestion in a recent Journal for the Study of the Old Testament article that economics should be integrated in the study of Deuteronomy, a number of points in her argument to date Urdeuteronomium in the Iron Age I–II transition are inaccurate or based on contestable assumptions and arguments from silence.
The Judicialization of the Planning Process in São Paulo’s Informal Settlements: Enforcing Housing and Environmental Rights through the Courts?
Authors: Pimentel Walker Ana Paula , Arquero de Alarcón María , Penha Machado Maria Fernanda , Avanci Juliana Lemes
Published: August 2020

This article examines claims about the judicialization of the planning process. How does the judiciary manage disputes between constitutional rights to housing and a healthy environment in São Paulo’s informal settlements? We scrutinize thirty-six legal cases from 2013 to 2016 in the State Court of Appeals, examining the litigants and their argumentations. The findings demonstrate judicial deference to planning. Court rulings defer to municipal plans by invoking separation of powers and budgetary constraints principles. The supremacy of the plan highlights the ethical responsibilities of educators and practitioners and has implications for housing and environmental activists in their organizing strategies.
Investigating Response Patterns Across Surveys: Do Respondents Show Consistency in Undesirable Answer Behaviour over Multiple Surveys?
Authors: Bais Frank , Schouten Barry , Toepoel Vera
Published: August 2020

The relation between answer behaviour and measurement error has been studied extensively. Answer behaviour may be considered undesirable, like answering ‘don’t know’ or ‘won’t tell’. It is not clear to what degree undesirable answer behaviour from the same respondents is present across different surveys. In this study, we investigated to what extent respondents show undesirable answer behaviours consistently over multiple surveys. First, we investigated to what extent the answer behaviours occurred in ten large general population surveys of CentERdata and Statistics Netherlands. Second, we explored the respondent variances and respondent-survey interaction variances to obtain an indication for respondent consistency for each answer behaviour. The results showed that respondents only occasionally give ‘don’t know’– and ‘won’t tell’-answers. An indication for respondent consistency was found for fast responding, slow responding, and ‘won’t tell’-answers in particular. We recommend follow-up research to investigate the relation between respondent characteristics and consistent answer behaviour.
Sedation, Analgesia, and Paralysis in COVID-19 Patients in the Setting of Drug Shortages
Authors: Ammar Mahmoud A. , Sacha Gretchen L. , Welch Sarah C. , Bass Stephanie N. , Kane-Gill Sandra L. , Duggal Abhijit , Ammar Abdalla A.
Published: August 2020

The rapid spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to a global pandemic. The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) presents with a spectrum of symptoms ranging from mild to critical illness requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a major complication in patients with severe COVID-19 disease. Currently, there are no recognized pharmacological therapies for COVID-19. However, a large number of COVID-19 patients require respiratory support, with a high percentage requiring invasive ventilation. The rapid spread of the infection has led to a surge in the rate of hospitalizations and ICU admissions, which created a challenge to public health, research, and medical communities. The high demand for several therapies, including sedatives, analgesics, and paralytics, that are often utilized in the care of COVID-19 patients requiring mechanical ventilation, has created pressure on the supply chain resulting in shortages in these critical medications. This has led clinicians to develop conservation strategies and explore alternative therapies for sedation, analgesia, and paralysis in COVID-19 patients. Several of these alternative approaches have demonstrated acceptable levels of sedation, analgesia, and paralysis in different settings but they are not commonly used in the ICU. Additionally, they have unique pharmaceutical properties, limitations, and adverse effects. This narrative review summarizes the literature on alternative drug therapies for the management of sedation, analgesia, and paralysis in COVID-19 patients. Also, this document serves as a resource for clinicians in current and future respiratory illness pandemics in the setting of drug shortages.
Porous shape memory scaffold of dextran and hydroxyapatite for minimum invasive implantation for bone tissue engineering applications
Authors: Huang Kai , Yang Mo-song , Tang Yu-jun , Ling Shi-Yong , Pan Feng , Liu Xiao-dong , Chen Jun
Published: August 2020

Minimally invasive implantation of a porous scaffold of large volume into bone defect site remains a challenge. Scaffolds based on shape memory polymer (SMP) show potential to be delivered in the compact form via minimally invasive surgery. The present study chooses poly (ε-caprolactone)-diols (PCL-diols) as the SMP to cross-link carboxyl dextran via ester bonds together with particle leaching method to yield a porous SMP scaffold. The inner surfaces of porous SMP scaffold are then mineralized via in situ precipitation to yield mineralized porous SMP-hydroxyapatite (SMP-HA) scaffold. The porous SMP-HA scaffold possesses pore size of 400–500 μm, with HA particles uniformly distributed and orientationally aligned on the inner surfaces of scaffold. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) are carried out to identify the HA deposition. The phase transition temperature of the scaffold is adjusted to 38°C via changing the dosage of PCL (molecule weight: 2800) to endow the scaffold with shape deformation and fixed properties, as well as well-performed shape recovery property under body temperature. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) adhere on the inner surfaces of SMP-HA scaffold, exhibiting larger spreading area when compared to cells adhered on SMP scaffold without HA, promoting its osteogenesis. In vivo degradation showed that the scaffold degrades completely after 6 months post-implantation. At the same time, significant tissue and capillary invasion indicated that the present porous SMP-HA scaffold hold great promise towards bone tissue engineering applications.
Parents Matter: A Descriptive Study of Parental Discussions With Teens About Violence Prevention and Related Topics
Authors: Edwards Katie M. , Banyard Victoria L. , Kirkner Anne
Published: August 2020

In the current article we examined the extent to which parents and caregivers engage in violence prevention and related discussions with their youth and the correlates (i.e., demographics, confidence, modeling of emotion regulation) of these experiences. We also examined the ways in which parents access prevention-related information to aid in these discussions with their youth. Participants were 142 parents/caregivers of a middle or high school-aged youth. Results suggested that adults reported speaking with youth about less sensitive prevention topics (e.g., bullying) more often than more sensitive topics (e.g., sexual violence). Whereas there were no demographic correlates for the level of confidence in discussing prevention topics with youth, emotion regulation modeling was positively correlated with confidence discussing prevention with youth. Also, parents who identified as White were less likely to discuss more sensitive topics with youth while parents who identified as American Indian were more likely to discuss more sensitive topics with youth and model emotion regulation. Having more confidence discussing prevention with youth positively correlated to discussing more sensitive and less sensitive topics with youth. These results underscore the need for engaging parents in prevention programming. More specifically, these data suggest that programs that builds parents’ confidence and comfort in having prevention-related conversations with their youth, especially about more sensitive topics is needed in addition to programming that enhances parents’ ability to model emotion regulation skills for their children.
Examining Individual Board Member Behaviors in Nonprofit Sport Governing Bodies
Authors: Schoenberg Geoff , Cuskelly Graham , Auld Christopher
Published: August 2020

Research on individual board members has tended to focus on attitudes and personal characteristics with research on behaviors limited to the fulfillment of prescriptive tasks. This article develops a nine-behavior model of board member behavior using three board member roles (individual, board, and organizational) and three types of behavior (proficient, adaptive, and proactive). The model was tested using survey data acquired from Canadian provincial sport governing bodies. The data did not support adaptive behaviors, but a revised model was supported by the data. The results suggested board members perceive expectations to fulfill individual tasks, work together, and implement positive change. This research provides an empirically tested framework for continuing the advancement in governance research beyond a structural and compositional approach to an approach that captures the social and behavioral nature of boards.
Effect of process parameters on temperature and force distribution during friction stir welding of armor-marine grade aluminum alloy
Authors: Verma Shubham , Misra Joy Prakash
Published: August 2020

This research investigates the effect of process parameters on real-time temperature and forces distribution during friction stir welding of AA7039. Experiments are conducted at different rotational speed, welding speed, and tilt angle conditions. For the experimentation, a low-cost real-time force-measuring fixture is indigenously developed in-house. However, eight K-type L-shaped thermocouples are used to examine the real-time temperature distribution. The forces in the z-direction are of a higher magnitude than the x-direction. The maximum force in the z-direction of 3.25 kN is witnessed for 2° tilt angle and a minimum of 2.1 kN for 26 mm/min of welding speed. The maximum force in the x-direction of 0.97 kN is obtained at 2° tilt angle and a minimum of 0.27 kN is obtained at 1.3° tilt angle. The maximum temperature of 390 °C is observed at 1812 r/min, whereas a minimum of 283 °C is observed at 43 mm/min of welding speed. The variations in temperature and force distribution during friction stir welding are also evaluated by utilizing two phenomenological models.
Control strategy and experimental research of a cable-driven lower limb rehabilitation robot
Authors: Wang Yanlin , Wang Keyi , Zhang Zixing , Mo Zongjun
Published: August 2020

This paper aims to solve the problems of the existing limbs rehabilitation robots in terms of configuration limitations, human-machine compatibility, multimodal rehabilitation training. In addition, the control method of the cable tension of cable drive unit (CDU) loading system is studied to improve loading accuracy of cable tension and safety of the rehabilitation training robot. The novelty of this work is to propose a compound correction controller that can not only ensure the tracking accuracy of the cable-driven lower limb rehabilitation robot (CDLR) but also effectively improve the force loading accuracy of the cable tension force. Hence, this paper proposes a CDLR that can realize the active training mode, passive training mode, and assistive training mode. Firstly, the structure and working principle of CDLR is introduced. The dynamic model of the CDU loading system is established and the frequency characteristic of the CDU loading system is analyzed. In order to improve the loading accuracy and response speed of the CDU loading system, a compound correction controller is designed based on the frequency characteristics of the CDU loading system. Finally, the active force servo control experiment and the passive force servo control experiment of the CDU loading system are carried out on the experimental platform. The experimental results show that the compound correction control strategy can meet the requirements of lower limb rehabilitation training in the active force servo control experiment; the compound correction control strategy can significantly improve the loading precision and dynamic performance of the system in the passive force servo control experiment. That is, the compound correction control strategy can meet the requirements of lower limb rehabilitation training. The results provide a basis for the whole robot experiment and human-machine experiments and improve the stability of the CDLR system and patient safety.
Azithromycin, minocycline, moxifloxacin and spectinomycin failure in a case with persistent Mycoplasma genitalium infection in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Yang Ligang , Ke Wujian
Published: August 2020

We report a case of Mycoplasma genitalium-positive non-gonococcal urethritis who failed to respond to multiple different courses of antibiotics including azithromycin, minocycline, moxifloxacin and spectinomycin. Extracted M. genitalium DNA from urethral swabs obtained from the patient harbored mutations of 23S rRNA, parC and gyrA. Microbiological cure was eventually achieved by a 14-day course of doxycycline.
General Enhancement of Spatial Hearing in Congenitally Blind People
Authors: Battal Ceren , Occelli Valeria , Bertonati Giorgia , Falagiarda Federica , Collignon Olivier
Published: August 2020

Vision is thought to support the development of spatial abilities in the other senses. If this is true, how does spatial hearing develop in people lacking visual experience? We comprehensively addressed this question by investigating auditory-localization abilities in 17 congenitally blind and 17 sighted individuals using a psychophysical minimum-audible-angle task that lacked sensorimotor confounds. Participants were asked to compare the relative position of two sound sources located in central and peripheral, horizontal and vertical, or frontal and rear spaces. We observed unequivocal enhancement of spatial-hearing abilities in congenitally blind people, irrespective of the field of space that was assessed. Our results conclusively demonstrate that visual experience is not a prerequisite for developing optimal spatial-hearing abilities and that, in striking contrast, the lack of vision leads to a general enhancement of auditory-spatial skills.
Regional dimensions of the South Korean water-energy nexus
Authors: Lee Jinyoung , Kim Hana
Published: August 2020

The linkage between water and energy, the water-energy nexus, is site specific. An integrated management approach to both resources begins with understanding a region’s water-energy nexus. This study built an inventory of water and energy consumption in 17 South Korean regions at each stage of the urban water cycle from 2012 to 2017, estimated the water-related energy intensities, and compared those values across regions. Additionally, this study conducted a series of regression analyses to identify the influences of various factors on water-related energy consumption. This study found regional variance in the total energy intensity as well as in the energy intensities at different stages of the water cycle. Both energy consumed and energy intensities generally increased over the study period. The findings show that greater attention should be paid to energy consumption in the water sector, especially in the wastewater treatment sector. In addition, the regression analyses revealed that management of energy intensity is the most impactful way to reduce energy consumption in the water sector. The positive impacts on water pollution and water consumption also bolster the necessity of water conservation efforts. This study presents regional priorities related to the water-energy nexus and provides water-related energy intensity benchmarks that local governments can use. The findings highlight the necessity of an integrated approach to water and energy.
Risk factor identification in cystic fibrosis by flexible hierarchical joint models
Authors: Su Weiji , Wang Xia , Szczesniak Rhonda D
Published: August 2020

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a lethal autosomal disease hallmarked by respiratory failure. Maintaining lung function and minimizing frequency of acute respiratory events known as pulmonary exacerbations are essential to survival. Jointly modeling longitudinal lung function and exacerbation occurrences may provide better inference. We propose a shared-parameter joint hierarchical Gaussian process model with flexible link function to investigate the impacts of both demographic and time-varying clinical risk factors on lung function decline and to examine the associations between lung function and occurrence of pulmonary exacerbation. A two-level Gaussian process is used to capture the nonlinear longitudinal trajectory, and a flexible link function is introduced to the joint model in order to analyze binary process. Bayesian model assessment criteria are provided in examining the overall performance in joint models and marginal fitting in each submodel. We conduct simulation studies and apply the proposed model in a local CF center cohort. In the CF application, a nonlinear structure is supported in modeling both the longitudinal continuous and binary processes. A negative association is detected between lung function and pulmonary exacerbation by the joint model. The importance of risk factors, including gender, diagnostic status, insurance status, and BMI, is examined in joint models.
Incidence of interval breast cancer among women aged 45–49 in an organised mammography screening setting
Authors: Bucchi Lauro , Ravaioli Alessandra , Baldacchini Flavia , Giuliani Orietta , Mancini Silvia , Vattiato Rosa , de Bianchi Priscilla Sassoli , Ferretti Stefano , Falcini Fabio
Published: August 2020

Objective

To estimate the proportional incidence (PI) of first- and second-year interval breast cancer among women aged 45–49.

Methods

In the Emilia-Romagna Region (northern Italy), women aged 45–49 are invited to mammography screening annually, and women aged 50–74 biennially. For younger ones, the proportional incidence of interval cancer in the first and unique interval year was calculated using standard methods. For the second, hypothetical year, it was estimated using two different estimates of the ratio between the second- and the first-year proportional incidence observed among women aged 50–54. Overall, 567,151 negative mammography records were used.

Results

In the first interval year, the observed proportional incidence of interval cancer among women aged 45–49 was 0.27 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.22–0.33), within the European limit considered desirable for women aged 50–69 (<0.30). In the second, hypothetical interval year, the estimated proportional incidence ranged from 0.61 (95% CI, 0.43–0.86) to 0.48 (95% CI, 0.31–0.76) depending on whether the estimate was based on data from the pre-digital or digital era, respectively.

Conclusion

The more up-to-date estimate of 0.48, slightly below the maximum limit considered acceptable for women aged 50–69 (<0.50), suggests that a screening interval of two years may also be an acceptable option for women aged 45–49.
Organizational Spirituality and Employee Volunteering: A Study of Mediating Variables
Authors: Khari Chitra , Sinha Shuchi
Published: August 2020

The study examines the influence of organizational spirituality (OS; specifically, the spiritual value of welfare and wellness of others) on employees’ intention to volunteer for organization-supported community development programmes through investigating affective organizational commitment and psychological flourishing as intervening variables. The study uses a questionnaire-based survey design, drawing upon the sample of 288 employees from the Indian telecom sector. We assess a multiple-mediation model using PLS-SEM. Overall, the results confirm the strong total indirect effect of OS on employee volunteering intention (EVI). This article contributes to the literature on employee volunteering by directing attention towards examining the effect of organizational-level factor of spiritual values on EVI. Contribution is also made to the literature on OS by highlighting its benefits for not only the employee and the organization but also the wider community/society.
Face Mask Policies in South Korea in Response to COVID-19
Authors: Yu Seungwon , Kim Suhee , Kang Junmo
Published: August 2020

All over the world, the critical shortage of face masks has been evident during the COVID-19 outbreak. No specific policy to solve the shortage has been shared among public health scholars and practitioners. Recently, the Korean government implemented noteworthy policies to stabilize the face mask market. This article examines the three government initiatives (Emergency Stabilization Policies) using participant observation, and what the effects of the Emergency Stabilization Policies are.