bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vibrational Spectroscopic Characterization and Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Spectroscopy (CARS) Imaging of Artepillin C
Authors: Pazin Wallance M. , Furini Leonardo N. , Solovyeva Vita , Lemma Tibebe , Rubira Rafael J. G. , Jørgensen Bjarke , Constantino Carlos J. L. , Brewer Jonathan R.
Published: February 2020

In the following work, the vibrational spectroscopic characteristics of artepillin C are reported by means of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopies, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy. Artepillin C is an interesting compound due to its pharmacological properties, including antitumor activity. It is found as the major component of Brazilian green propolis, a resinous mixture produced by bees to protect their hives against intruders. Vibrational spectroscopic techniques have shown a strong peak at 1599 cm−1, assigned to C=C stretching vibrations from the aromatic ring of artepillin C. From these data, direct visualization of artepillin C could be assessed by means of CARS microscopy, showing differences in the film hydration obtained for its neutral and deprotonated states. Raman-based methods show potential to visualize the uptake and action of artepillin C in biological systems, triggering its interaction with biological systems that are needed to understand its mechanism of action.
Automated modal parameters identification of bistable composite plate using two-stage clustering of operational modal testing
Authors: Ghamami Mahdi , Nahvi Hassan , Yaghoubi Vahid
Published: February 2020

In recent years, smart structures have attracted much interest as morphing structures. One of the simplest types of these structures is bistable composite plate, which has many applications in aerospace, structures, actuators, etc. On the other hand, inverse problem theory provides conceptual ideas and methods for the practical solution of applied problems. These methods are opposite of the forward problem and define a model of the system based on output or observations. In this paper, a modified identification algorithm is used to determine the modal parameters of a bistable composite plate based on vibrational signals. Both analytical and experimental approaches have been considered and analytical method has been used to investigate the accuracy of identification algorithm, which has been performed based on experimental measurement. In the analytical method, static and free vibration behaviors of a cross-ply bistable composite plate are studied by the Hamilton's principle and the Rayleigh–Ritz method. The experimental approach is performed by an operational modal testing, which is a nondestructive test. The identification process does not require user interaction and the process uses only a single dataset and there is no need to repeat the test or data collection. The advantages of the proposed algorithm is the ability to determine the modal parameters of each stable state with high accuracy and robustness. A comparison of the natural frequencies shows that the identification of both stable states has been successful and the estimated modal parameters are in good agreement with the analytical and experimental results.
Skill Profiles of College Students With a History of Developmental Language Disorder and Developmental Dyslexia
Authors: Del Tufo Stephanie N. , Earle F. Sayako
Published: February 2020

Developmental language disorder (DLD) and developmental dyslexia (DD) are two prevalent subtypes of Specific Learning Disabilities (SLDs; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [5th ed.; DSM-5]). Yet, little information is available regarding the distinct challenges faced by adults with DLD and/or DD in college. The purpose of the present report is to characterize the relative strengths and challenges of college students with a history of DLD and/or DD, as this information is critical for providing appropriate institutional support. We examined the cognitive skill profiles of 352 college students (ages 18–35 years), using standardized and research-validated measures of reading, spoken language, nonverbal cognition, and self-reported childhood diagnostic history. We classified college students as having DLD ( n = 50), and/or DD ( n = 40), or as typically developed adults ( n = 132) according to procedures described for adults with DLD and DD. A structural equation model determined the cognitive, language, and reading measures predicted by the classification group. Adults with DLD demonstrated poor verbal working memory and speeded sentence-level reading. Adults with DD primarily demonstrated deficits in phonology-based skills. These results indicate that adults with DLD and/or DD continue to face similar challenges as they did during childhood, and thus may benefit from differentially targeted accommodations in college.
Student Language Use In a One-Way Mandarin Immersion Classroom
Authors: Bucknam (Afang Sun, 孙阿芳) Jessica , Hood Sally J.
Published: February 2020

This research describes language use by four first-grade students during mathematics and Language Arts instruction in a one-way 50/50 Mandarin immersion classroom. The urban public school was situated in the heart of an African-American community in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Participants were video- and audio- recorded while wearing lapel microphones for 56–75 minutes per week for five weeks, followed by a semi-structured focus group interview. A total of 3,090 speech turns were coded and analysed under five categories: number of speech turns, vocabulary, grammar, linguistic functions, and other themes that emerged from the interview. Overall, students used Mandarin 61% of the time. Data indicated that multiple factors may impact student target language use, including motivation, learning strategies, social identity, linguistic background and pedagogy. Implications for changes in immersion curriculum and instruction, as well as calls for future research on trilingual education are shared.
The Relationship Between Religious Nationalism, Institutional Pride, and Societal Development: A Survey of Postcommunist Europe
Authors: Barry David M.
Published: February 2020

Past research suggests that religious nationalism increases during periods of dramatic change and insecurity. This article uses survey data to examine religious nationalism in postcommunist Europe. The analysis of the data reveals an increase of religious nationalism over the last two decades in these countries. This analysis also reveals that there has been a contradictory decline of religiosity in these countries during the same period. These findings are discussed in relation to national development, institutional pride, global populism, and the literature on religiosity.
Safety of compression therapy for venous ulcer disease in the setting of congestive heart failure
Authors: Attaran Robert R , Cavanaugh Amanda , Tsay Cynthia , Ahmad Tariq , Ochoa Chaar Cassius I , Persing Scott , Hsia Henry
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Compression therapy is the mainstay of treatment for patients with venous ulcer disease. There exists a lack of certainty as to the safety of compression therapy in patients with congestive heart failure.

Methods

A retrospective review of 95 patients with the diagnosis of congestive heart failure (systolic, diastolic, or combined), who underwent compression therapy at the wound care center of a large teaching hospital between January 2013 and June 2019, was performed. Patient outcomes including mortality, weight gain, admission for heart failure decompensation, and requirement for diuretic dose increase were compared to the general congestive heart failure population as well as to the registry data.

Results

In the compression cohort, with a mean compression period of 310 days, seven patients (7.3%) were admitted for congestive heart failure exacerbation and six (6.3%) underwent diuretic dosage increase. Two patients (2.1%) died during the compression period. These endpoints were not significantly higher than within the general congestive heart failure population.

Conclusions

Compression therapy appears safe amongst patients with stable congestive heart failure.
How Often, Where, and by Which Specialty Do Long-Term Care Home Residents Receive Specialist Physician Care? A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Shaver Nicole S. , Lapenskie Julie , Smith Glenys A. , Hsu Amy T. , Liddy Clare , Tanuseputro Peter
Published: February 2020

This retrospective cohort study describes the rates, location, and determinants of specialist physician visits among 257,216 long-term care (LTC) residents across 648 LTC homes in Ontario, Canada, between 2007 and 2016. Visit rates in the last year of life were calculated for a sub-cohort of residents who died in LTC between 2013 and 2016. Visits were measured per resident-year using physician billings. Over 10 years, the rate of visits to specialists outside the LTC home was consistently higher than within LTC (2.99 vs. 1.55 visits/resident-year). Residents were less likely to receive specialist care if they were older, had dementia, or lived in urban LTC homes. From 12 months before death to the last week of life, rates of specialist visits increased by 246% and 56% inside and outside of LTC, respectively. Improving access to physician specialist care in LTC homes may reduce burdensome transitions and improve resident quality of life.
Drivers of Long-Term Care Considerations by Persons With Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Shepherd-Banigan Megan , James Hailey J. , Smith Valerie A. , Plassman Brenda L. , Jutkowitz Eric , Belanger Emmanuelle , Van Houtven Courtney H.
Published: February 2020

Consideration of place of care is the first step in long-term care (LTC) planning and is critical for patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease; yet, drivers of consideration of place of care are unknown. We apply machine learning algorithms to cross-sectional data from the CARE-IDEAS (Caregivers’ Reactions and Experience: Imaging Dementia—Evidence for Amyloid Scanning) study ( n = 869 dyads) to identify drivers of patient consideration of institutional, in-home paid, and family care. Although decisions about LTC are complex, important drivers included whether patients consulted with a financial planner about LTC, patient demographics, loneliness, and geographical proximity of family members. Findings about consulting with a financial planner match literature showing that perceived financial constraints limit the range of choices in LTC planning. Well-documented drivers of institutionalization, such as care partner burden, were not identified as important variables. By understanding which factors drive patients to consider each type of care, clinicians can guide patients and their families in LTC planning.
Clinical and dialysis outcomes of manual chronic peritoneal dialysis in low-body-weight children from a low-to-middle-income country
Authors: Kamath Nivedita , Reddy Hamsa Vasanthashekhar , Iyengar Arpana
Published: February 2020

Background:

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is the preferred modality of renal replacement therapy in children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In developing countries, the challenges of initiating and sustaining chronic peritoneal dialysis (CPD) are many and are not well-described in the literature.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study of children aged 0–18 years on manual PD. The objective was to compare the clinical (growth) and dialysis outcomes (dialysis adequacy and peritonitis rates) in young children with low body weight (LBW; ≤15 kg) on CPD with children weighing >15 kg.

Results:

We found that at baseline, the dialysis prescription, sociodemographic parameters, and the prevalence of complications of ESRD were similar in both groups. On follow-up, however, growth was significantly more affected in LBW children than the rest of the cohort. The adequacy of dialysis and peritonitis rates were comparable between groups.

Conclusions:

Despite all the challenges, manual CPD is a feasible modality of dialysis in young children with LBW, and their outcomes are comparable to older children even in low-to-middle-income countries. Appropriate early management of associated complications and improving dialysis adequacy are necessary to improve the outcomes in these children.
Advanced glycation end products are associated with immature angiogenesis and peritoneal dysfunction in patients on peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Nakano Toshiaki , Mizumasa Tohru , Kuroki Yusuke , Eriguchi Masahiro , Yoshida Hisako , Taniguchi Masatomo , Masutani Kosuke , Tsuruya Kazuhiko , Kitazono Takanari
Published: February 2020

Background:

Deposition of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is frequently found in the peritoneum of patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). Angiogenesis is also observed in the peritoneum. However, the clinical significance of AGEs and angiogenesis in the peritoneum is not fully understood. We evaluated the maturation of capillary vessels and investigated whether AGEs are associated with angiogenesis and peritoneal function in the peritoneal membrane.

Methods:

Peritoneum obtained when PD catheters were removed from 61 patients with PD was analyzed. The peritoneum was immunohistochemically stained with anti-CD34 (for endothelial cells), anti-alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) (for pericytes), and anti-AGE antibodies. We defined CD34-positive and αSMA-negative vessels as immature capillary vessels in peritoneal membranes using serial sections. We evaluated the associations between vessel density, peritoneal function (dialysate-to-plasma ratio for creatinine (D/P creatinine)), and the degree of AGE deposition.

Results:

AGE accumulation in the interstitium was positively associated with the duration of PD ( p < 0.01). AGE accumulation in the interstitium and vascular wall was positively correlated with the use of acidic solution ( p < 0.05) and the maximum value of D/P creatinine ( p < 0.05). AGE accumulation in the vascular wall was significantly associated with immature capillary density (CD34+/αSMA−) in the peritoneum ( p < 0.01). Vessel density was not significantly correlated with the last measurement of D/P creatinine ( p = 0.126, r = 0.202), However, immature capillary density was positively correlated with the last measurement of D/P creatinine ( p < 0.05, r = 0.278).

Conclusions:

AGE accumulation is significantly associated with immature angiogenesis and peritoneal dysfunction in patients undergoing PD.
Computer simulations of steady concentration peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Lee Kyoung Jin , Shin Dong Ah , Lee Hee Su , Lee Jung Chan
Published: February 2020

Background:

Steady concentration peritoneal dialysis (SCPD), which maintains transperitoneal osmotic gradient by infusing 50% glucose solution throughout the dwell time, has been proposed as a potent treatment for peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with fluid overload. However, SCPD has yet to be explored theoretically. Here, we investigated SCPD via computer simulations.

Methods:

A model was developed by adding the variables for infusing 50% glucose solution to a traditional three-pore model for continuous ambulatory PD. The simulated scenarios involved the instillation of 2-L dialysate, 1.36% or 2.27%, followed by the infusion of 50% glucose solution, varying the rate from 0 mL/h to 90 mL/h. A dwell with 3.86% dialysate was also simulated for the purpose of comparison. Four sets of patient parameters corresponding to peritoneal transport categories were used.

Results:

The net ultrafiltration (UF) during SCPD increased with time as well as with glucose infusion rate. The glucose absorption and sodium removal of SCPD were slightly higher than those of the conventional dwell with 3.86% dialysate under the condition of the same net UF and dwell time. SCPD resulted in the larger UF and the lower peak intraperitoneal glucose concentration when it was simulated with the higher transport properties.

Conclusions:

These simulations indicate that SCPD can improve UF beyond those achievable by a conventional 3.86% glucose exchange while also exhibiting a lower peak osmolarity in the dialysate as compared to a conventional 3.86% dwell. However, further studies are needed to confirm these theoretical findings.
Incidence and risk factors of peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis in elderly patients: A retrospective clinical study
Authors: Wu Haishan , Ye Hongjian , Huang Rong , Yi Chunyan , Wu Juan , Yu Xueqing , Yang Xiao
Published: February 2020

Background:

This study was to analyze the incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of peritonitis in elderly continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients.

Methods:

Incident patients undergone CAPD from 1 January 2006 to 30 June 2015 in our center were enrolled and divided into aged < 65 years and ≥ 65 years groups. Risk factors were evaluated using a logistic regression model, and outcome comparison was evaluated using a Cox proportional model.

Results:

Among 1953 patients, 111(33.2%) in elderly ( n = 334) and 470 (29.0%) in younger ( n = 1619) developed at least one episode of peritonitis. Comparing with younger patients, elderly ones had a higher peritonitis rate (0.203 vs. 0.145 episodes/patient-year, p < 0.05). The multivariate Cox regression showed that advanced age (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01–1.11, p = 0.015), assistant-assisted peritoneal dialysis (PD; HR = 2.64, 95% CI = 1.23–5.64, p = 0.012), higher body mass index (BMI; HR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.02–1.20, p = 0.010), and low serum albumin level (HR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.90–0.98, p = 0.004) were associated with increased peritonitis risk in elderly patients. Compared with younger ones with peritonitis, elderly patients had an approximately fourfold increased risk of peritonitis-related mortality (odd ratio (OR) = 3.57, 95% CI = 1.38–9.28, p = 0.009). During the cohort, peritonitis was the risk factor associated with technique failure (HR = 3.19, 95% CI = 2.33–4.39, p < 0.001) in younger patient but not in the elderly population (HR = 1.82, 95% CI = 0.84–3.94, p = 0.132).

Conclusions:

Elderly PD patients had higher prevalence for peritonitis and peritonitis-related mortality. Advanced age, assistant-assisted PD, a higher BMI, and lower serum albumin level were independently associated with the first episode of peritonitis in elderly patients. However, peritonitis was not the predictor of death-censored technique failure in elderly ones.
A promising pediatric peritoneal dialysis experience in a resource-limited setting with the support of saving young lives program
Authors: Nkoy Agathe B , Ndiyo Yoli M. , Matoka Therance T , Odio Bienvenu M , Kazadi Orly K , Aloni Michel N , Collard Laure , McCulloch Mignon , Ngiyulu Rene M , Gini Jean-Lambert E , Lepira François B , van den Heuvel Lambertus P , Levtchenko Elena , Ekulu Pepe M
Published: February 2020

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), acute kidney injury (AKI) contributes to the high rate of child mortality owing to the conjunction of poverty, deficiency of qualified health-care providers in pediatric nephrology, and the lack of pediatric dialysis programs. We aimed to describe the recent experience of the first pediatric acute peritoneal dialysis (PD) program in DRC. This is a retrospective cohort study on epidemiology, clinical features and outcomes of children admitted from January 2018 to January 2019 at the University Hospital of Kinshasa for AKI and treated with PD. This pediatric PD program started by a team of one physician and one nurse who were trained in the local production of PD fluids and bedside catheter insertion technique in Benin Republic. The training was jointly supported by the Flemish Inter-University Council (VLIR) TEAM project and Saving Young Lives (SYL) program of ISN, ISPD, EuroPD, and IPNA. From January 2018 to January 2019, 49 children (aged 4 months–15 years) were admitted for AKI mainly due to severe malaria and sepsis. Dialysis was indicated in 35 of 49 (71.4%), 32 of 35 (91.4%) were treated with PD, two with hemodialysis (HD) in adult ward and one died at admission. Data of the two patients transferred for HD were not available for follow-up. The main indications were uremia and prolonged anuria. Of 32 dialyzed patients, 24 (75%) recovered normal renal function 3 months after discharge. Peritonitis was observed in 2 of 32 (6.2%) patients and the mortality was 18.7%. This promising experience proves that with simple means including use of locally produced dialysis fluids and low peritonitis rates, we can effectively save lives of children suffering from AKI.
Peritoneal dialysis in extremely and very low-birth-weight infants
Authors: Burgmaier Kathrin , Hackl Agnes , Ehren Rasmus , Kribs Angela , Burgmaier Mathias , Weber Lutz T , Oberthuer André , Habbig Sandra
Published: February 2020

The outcome of extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) and very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants has substantially improved in recent years. As acute kidney injury is frequent in these infants due to various risk factors, there is an increasing demand for renal replacement therapy in these patients. Data on that topic, however, are scarce. We review the available literature on that topic and report our experience on temporary dialysis in three extremely immature infants (two ELBW and one VLBW) with acute kidney failure. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) was performed for 19, 23, and 44 days until recovery of native renal function. At recent follow-up of 18 and 24 months, two patients are in good clinical condition with chronic kidney disease stages 1 and 4, respectively. One patient deceased at the age of 12 months due to secondary liver failure. The dialysis regimen applied in our study differed significantly from older infants with extremely short dwell times and accordingly high numbers of daily cycles. The use of rigid acute PD catheters was associated with less catheter-related complications (leakage, dislocation, and obstruction) as compared to ascites drainage catheters. In summary, PD was technically feasible and effective also in extremely immature infants, but frequent adjustments of dialysis regimens and high numbers of daily cycles posed immense efforts on both, parents and medical staff.
Delivering peritoneal dialysis for the multimorbid, frail and palliative patient
Authors: Brown Edwina A , Hurst Helen
Published: February 2020

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is only one component of care for older multimorbid, frail and/or palliative patients. Goals of care should be determined for all patients by shared decision-making at the start of during time on PD. Burden of PD should be minimized by individualizing the prescription by allowing for residual renal function and tailored to what is acceptable to the patient. PD facilities should develop the care pathways needed for this group of patients including integration with local geriatric, palliative care and social services
Prescribing high-quality peritoneal dialysis: Moving beyond urea clearance
Authors: Glavinovic Tamara , Hurst Helen , Hutchison Alastair , Johansson Lina , Ruddock Nicola , Perl Jeffrey
Published: February 2020

Urea removal in peritoneal dialysis (PD) has been a primary measure of dialysis adequacy, but its utility remains limited due to its poor correlation with the clearance of other important uraemic retention solutes and the low certainty of evidence relating peritoneal urea clearance and survival of individuals doing PD. Indeed, clearances of other uraemic solutes, electrolyte imbalances, hypoalbuminaemia and nutritional status, may provide a more holistic measure of dialysis adequacy when evaluating individuals on PD in addition to focusing on person-centred outcomes. Here, we review the history of the urea and creatinine-centric approach to dialysis adequacy and explore the potential importance of other uraemic retention solutes, electrolyte disturbances, phosphorus control, peritoneal protein losses and hypoalbuminaemia, as well as nutritional management to promote a broader multidimensional concept of clearance for PD.
Successful use of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) on a pancreatic lesion in a peritoneal dialysis patient without interrupting treatment
Authors: Lew Susie Q , Khan Ali A , Rieders Brandon , Agrawal Satyanisth T
Published: February 2020

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA), a well-established minimally invasive gastrointestinal procedure, has been used to diagnose and stage cancers of the pancreas. We describe the successful use of EUS-FNA in a peritoneal dialysis (PD) patient to evaluate a pancreatic cyst. The patient continued on PD immediately after the procedure without using hemodialysis. The patient did not experience any complication such as infection, bleeding, or peritoneal fluid leakage.
Peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis outcomes reported in trials and observational studies: A systematic review
Authors: Sahlawi Muthana Al , Wilson Gregory , Stallard Belinda , Manera Karine E , Tong Allison , Pisoni Ronald L , Fuller Douglas S , Cho Yeoungjee , Johnson David W , Piraino Beth , Schreiber Martin J , Boudville Neil C , Teitelbaum Isaac , Perl Jeffrey
Published: February 2020

Background:

Peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis carries significant morbidity, mortality, and is a leading cause of PD technique failure. This study aimed to assess the scope and variability of PD-associated peritonitis reported in randomized trials and observational studies.

Methods:

Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials, MEDLINE, and Embase were searched from 2007 to June 2018 for randomized trials and observational studies in adult and pediatric patients on PD that reported PD-associated peritonitis as a primary outcome or as a part of composite primary outcome. We assessed the peritonitis definitions used, characteristics of peritonitis, and outcome reporting and analysis.

Results:

Seventy-seven studies were included, three were randomized trials. Thirty-eight (49%) of the included studies were registry-based observational studies. Twenty-nine percent ( n = 22) of the studies did not specify how PD-associated peritonitis was defined. Among those providing a definition of peritonitis, three components were reported: effluent cell count ( n = 42, 54%), clinical features consistent with peritonitis (e.g. abdominal pain and/or cloudy dialysis effluent) ( n = 35, 45%), and positive effluent culture ( n = 19, 25%). Of those components, 1 was required to make the diagnosis in 6 studies (8%), 2 out of 2 were required in 22 studies (29%), 2 out of 3 in 11 studies (14%), and 3 out of 3 in 4 studies (5%). Peritonitis characteristics and outcomes reported across studies included culture-negative peritonitis ( n = 47, 61%), refractory peritonitis ( n = 42, 55%), repeat peritonitis ( n = 9, 12%), relapsing peritonitis ( n = 5, 7%), concomitant exit site ( n = 16, 21%), and tunnel infections ( n = 8, 10%). Peritonitis-related hospitalization was reported in 38% of the studies ( n = 29), and peritonitis-related mortality was variably defined and reported in 55% of the studies ( n = 42). Peritonitis rate was most frequently reported as episodes per patient year ( n = 40, 52%).

Conclusion:

Large variability exists in the definitions, methods of reporting, and analysis of PD-associated peritonitis across trials and observational studies. Standardizing definitions for reporting of peritonitis and associated outcomes will better enable assessment of the comparative effect of interventions on peritonitis. This will facilitate continuous quality improvement measures through reliable benchmarking of this patient-important outcome across centers and countries.
Prescribing high-quality peritoneal dialysis: The role of preserving residual kidney function
Authors: Chen Chang Huei , Perl Jeff , Teitelbaum Isaac
Published: February 2020

Maintenance of residual kidney function (RKF) is independently associated with increased survival in patients with end-stage renal disease. Presence of RKF is also associated with improved volume status, better nutritional status, reduced erythropoietin requirement, and decreased rate of peritonitis in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). Thus, the preservation of RKF is an important therapeutic end point in the management of patients on PD. Measurement of RKF in PD patients should be based on the mean of 24-h urinary creatinine and urea clearances, and ideally, this should be done quarterly. Compared to those started on hemodialysis, patients initiated on PD appear to have slower decline in RKF. The choice of PD modality should be based on patient preference, as there is no clear evidence to date showing one modality is superior than the other in preserving RKF. Peritoneal dialysates with neutral pH and low glucose degradation products seem to have a favorable effect on RKF. An angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker should be used whenever possible to preserve RKF and reduce cardiac mortality. Both loop diuretics and icodextrin can be utilized to maintain fluid balance in PD patients. However, caution should be taken to avoid volume depletion which could accelerate RKF decline. Short-term use of aminoglycosides does not have a detrimental impact on RKF, but prolonged use (>3 weeks) should be avoided to minimize the risk of ototoxicity. Lastly, potential nephrotoxic agents such as intravenous contrast should be used judiciously.
Association of adipocytokines with peritoneal function
Authors: Sumi Yuichiro , Sakai Yukinao , Terada Kosuke , Otsuka Yusuke , Otsuka Tomoyuki , Tsuruoka Shuichi
Published: February 2020

Background:

Preservation of peritoneal function is crucial for the continuation of peritoneal dialysis (PD). A previous study suggested that blood cholesterol is involved in the preservation of peritoneal function; therefore, we determined whether adipocytokines can predict peritoneal function preservation.

Methods:

Eighty patients were enrolled. Serum adiponectin, leptin, apelin, various blood components, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (mL/min/m2) were measured. In addition, the duration of PD, presence or absence of peritonitis and diabetes mellitus, body mass index, urine output, peritoneal Kt/ V, renal Kt/ V, weekly Kt/ V, peritoneal creatinine clearance rate (CCr), renal CCr, weekly CCr, use or nonuse of statin products, dialysate volume, glucose exposure, and use or nonuse of icodextrin dialysate were assessed. Peritoneal equilibration tests were performed at 6-month intervals, and dialysate-to-plasma [D/P] ratio and glucose uptake ratio [D/D0] were measured. Associations of the baseline values and their percent changes with various adipocytokines and test items were evaluated.

Results:

Multiple regression analyses identified adiponectin ( p = 0.0392, p = 0.0348) as a significant predictive factor of D/P and D/D0 ratios. eGFR was identified as a significant predictive factor ( p = 0.015) of percent change in the D/P ratio. Apelin ( p = 0.0484), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( p = 0.0066), dialysate volume ( p = 0.0223), and urine output ( p = 0.0020) were identified as factors affecting the duration of PD.

Conclusions:

Adipocytokines are a predictive factor of peritoneal function and the duration of PD in patients undergoing PD.
Resisting Colonization: Worker Cooperatives’ Conceptualization and Behaviour in a Habermasian Perspective
Authors: Dufays Frédéric , O’Shea Noreen , Huybrechts Benjamin , Nelson Teresa
Published: February 2020

This article contributes to understanding the role and position of worker cooperatives in society, providing a socio-political explanation to their existence as well as conceptual tools that can be used to imagine and implement economic democracy practices. It uses and complexifies Habermas’s social theory and its separation between system and lifeworld to show that cooperatives may act, intentionally and idealistically, at the interface of these two domains. This positioning enables cooperatives to participate in resisting colonization of the lifeworld by endowing individuals with resources favouring communicative action and by redefining institutional arrangements within the system. This article identifies factors explaining the varying degrees of resistance to colonization by cooperatives. It also contributes to theorizing the potential effects of organizing work in an economically democratic way.
Analysis of emissions from various driving cycles based on real driving measurements obtained in a high-altitude city
Authors: Lyu Meng , Bao Xiaofeng , Wang Yunjing , Matthews Ronald
Published: February 2020

Vehicle emissions standards and regulations remain weak in high-altitude regions. In this study, vehicle emissions from both the New European Driving Cycle and the Worldwide harmonized Light-duty driving Test Cycle were analyzed by employing on-road test data collected from typical roads in a high-altitude city. On-road measurements were conducted on five light-duty vehicles using a portable emissions measurement system. The certification cycle parameters were synthesized from real-world driving data using the vehicle specific power methodology. The analysis revealed that under real-world driving conditions, all emissions were generally higher than the estimated values for both the New European Driving Cycle and Worldwide harmonized Light-duty driving Test Cycle. Concerning emissions standards, more CO, NOx, and hydrocarbons were emitted by China 3 vehicles than by China 4 vehicles, whereas the CO2 emissions exhibited interesting trends with vehicle displacement and emissions standards. These results have potential implications for policymakers in regard to vehicle emissions management and control strategies aimed at emissions reduction, fleet inspection, and maintenance programs.
Dynamic energy-efficient torque allocation algorithm for in-wheel motor-driven vehicle
Authors: Chen Hao , Du Peng , Wang Yuan , Jin Dafeng , Lian Xiaomin
Published: February 2020

In-wheel motor-driven vehicle improves the overall performance with its torque vectoring system, which distributes the torque command of each motor. This paper proposes a novel torque allocation algorithm to dynamically optimize energy consumption of the vehicle. It splits the optimization problem into two sub-problems and obtains the executive torque of each side. The method also simplifies the solution by modification and discretization of feasible torque space, thus ensuring that there must be solvable and reducing online computational load. Two representative simulation cases—New European Driving Cycle and Fault Tolerance—have been selected and conducted through Cruise–Simulink co-simulation platform. The simulation verifies that the method decreases three energy consumption indices by 18.5%, 13.9%, and 14.7%, respectively, than those of the average allocation and coordinates all motors effectively based on vehicle’s operating status, which proves its practicability and robustness.
Electronic structural improvement and experimental verification of a tractor-semitrailer air brake system
Authors: Jing Zhecheng , He Ren
Published: February 2020

Brake time delay, which is a major shortcoming of air brake systems, may lead to precarious situations. In this study, the structure of an air brake system of a tractor–semitrailer was optimized by adding a shuttle valve and a two-position-three-port electromagnetic valve between the control pipeline and the charging pipeline downstream of the trailer control valve. The new electronically controlled structure clearly ensures that the semitrailer brakes faster, as validated by a simulation, bench test, and real-vehicle test. The simulation results reveal considerable improvements in the braking time, braking distance, longitudinal kinetic energy, lateral kinetic energy, and β phase plane. The bench test indicates that in the proposed structure, the average response time of service brake cylinders of the first and third axles of the semitrailer are 0.12 and 0.17 s, respectively. In addition, the real-vehicle test indicated that the service brake cylinders of the first and third axles responded 0.12 and 0.18 s earlier than those in the original system, respectively.
Yaw control of a flying-wing unmanned aerial vehicle based on reverse jet control
Authors: Zhu Jiachen , Shi Zhiwei , Sun Quanbing , Chen Jie , Dong Yizhang , Fu Junquan
Published: February 2020

Due to its layout, there are difficulties in realizing heading attitude control of a flying-wing unmanned aerial vehicle. In this paper, a reverse jet control scheme has been designed: (1) to replace the resistance rudders that are used for the yaw control of a conventional flying-wing unmanned aerial vehicle, (2) to assist and optimize heading attitude control, eliminate the adverse effects of the control surface and enhance stealth performance, and (3) to promote the use of rudderless flight for flying-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. To explore the control mechanism and the flow field of the reverse jet scheme, three-dimensional numerical simulations and low-speed wind tunnel experiments were carried out. First, the numerical simulations evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of the reverse jet control scheme and explored and optimized the excitation parameters for the scheme. Then the forces were measured in a wind tunnel, and particle image velocimetry experiments were carried out. A reverse jet actuator was independently designed to verify the results of the numerical simulation. The results show that when the reverse jet excitation is applied, the jet obstructs the mainstream, destroys the flow field at the excitation position, and causes early separation of the flow, which increases the pressure drag on the wings and produces a control effect. The control effect mainly depends on the separation degree of the leeward surface. The larger the jet momentum coefficient is, the smaller the jet angle is, and the closer the excitation position is to the leading edge, the greater the separation degree of the leeward surface is, the better the heading attitude control effect is.
Practical continuous nonsingular terminal sliding mode control of a cable-driven manipulator developed for aerial robots
Authors: Zhao Jinbo , Wang Yaoyao , Wang Dan , Ju Feng , Chen Bai , Wu Hongtao
Published: February 2020

With the increasing demand for air operations, in this article, a control algorithm is proposed for a novel light cable-driven manipulator developed for aerial robots. On account of the control problem of cable-driven manipulators, we design a time delay estimation–based nonsingular terminal sliding mode controller with a fuzzy logic system to further improve the precision of joint position tracking. First, time delay estimation technique is adopted to estimate unknown dynamics of the manipulator system. And thanks to time delay estimation, accurate dynamic model is not needed and thus the controller is model-free which makes it more practical. The main part of the controller is nonsingular terminal sliding mode which ensures satisfactory tracking precision and good robustness under time delay estimation error and external disturbances. Besides, the boundary layer is introduced for reducing chattering and was regulated by a fuzzy logic system to realize a faster convergence. Global stability and finite time convergence to equilibrium of the closed-loop control system are analyzed using Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, comparative experiments are conducted through a newly designed planar cable-driven manipulator. Experimental results show that the proposed controller has a better performance compared with a conventional nonsingular terminal sliding mode controller while control effort is almost the same.
Evaluation of DNA damage and toxicological methodology development: A bibliometric study
Authors: Nascimento FA , Silva D de Melo e , Nunes HF , Parise MR
Published: February 2020

Genomic instability is a risk to organism health detected by methods such as the comet assay (CA). It is a highly sensitive and versatile method to detect low levels of DNA damage in a wide range of cells from humans as well as from other species as compared to other methods with the same proposal. CA is a powerful DNA damage analysis tool and its applicability extends to the genotoxicity analysis of, that is, drugs and carcinogenic substances. This study analyzed papers employing CA in the Scopus database in order to assess its scientific importance, employability, and trends by evaluating: number of articles per year, total citations and per year, country of publication and their clusters, clusters of authors, most frequently abstracts terms, name of journal, affiliations, country of publication, subject area, relevant keywords compared to citation clusters, and impact factor (IF) CiteScore. It was retrieved 13,828 articles from 1990 to 2018, with a peak in 2014 and a decline from 2015 to 2018. Four author clusters from China, United States, India, and Brazil were identified, countries presenting the greatest number of publications. China presented the most recent scientific advances in the field. It was also detected nine clusters of themes, and a positive correlation between publications, citations, and the IF. There are full employability and versatility in the use of the method. Currently, there is an advance in Chinese scientific production on the subject, and there is greater use of the method on oxidative damage researches.
Eating Disorders in Males: A Case Series Study to Evaluate Putative Risk Factors
Authors: C. Machado Bárbara , Vieira Ana I. , Brandão Isabel , Buinhas Inês , Granja Natália , Cunha Márcia , Sá Joana , Machado João , Timóteo Sertório , Nunes Patrícia , Gonçalves Sónia F.
Published: February 2020

This case series aimed to describe the clinical features and symptomatic onset of eating disorders (EDs), to characterize male puberty development and to identify potential risk factors (RFs) for EDs and specific life events preceding ED symptoms. Ten males with current ED diagnoses participated in this study. All participants were interviewed with the Eating Disorders Examination, the Oxford Risk Factor Interview, and a semi-structured clinical interview for the evaluation of males’ puberty development. Almost all participants began their EDs with dieting. Half of the participants mentioned the development of muscle mass and experiences of embarrassment related to undressing in front of their peers. A history of peer aggression and/or teasing was the only RF experienced by all the participants.
Periapical Cyst and Odontogenic Remnants on Osseous Mandibulectomy Margins: Two Diagnostic Pitfalls
Authors: Roy Simon F. , Berdugo Jérémie
Published: February 2020

In this article, we describe 2 high-stake diagnostic pitfalls that occurred in a single patient having undergone partial glossectomy and marginal mandibulectomy for invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Margins were grossly uninvolved. Histopathology showed a moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Microscopic evaluation of margins was challenging, as the inferior osseous margin submitted en face showed spongiotic epithelium with mixed chronic and acute inflammation, representing a periapical cyst after correlation with the gross examination. Another section of the osseous margin showed a small non-atypical epithelial nest, consistent with an odontogenic epithelial rest. We wish to raise awareness of these diagnostic pitfalls as a bone margin with such epithelial foci could be misinterpreted as positive, with serious therapeutic consequences.
General Psychology as Common Ground and Point of View: Enduring and Evolving Features
Authors: Osbeck Lisa M.
Published: February 2020

The article draws from historical and contemporary resources to articulate the enduring or persistent responsibilities of general psychology, suggesting “common ground” and “point of view” as useful concepts in line with these. It then explores three important developments in the discipline over the past several decades—big data analytics, methodological proliferation, and critical psychology—and considers the role of general psychology in relation to these developments. The point of the article is to claim and illustrate that general psychology includes a philosophy of science from within, and that it has lasting importance to the broader discipline, even as the discipline itself transforms.
“Everybody’s Donghu”: Artistic Resistance and the Reclaiming of Public Space in China
Authors: Xiao Jian , Qu Shuwen
Published: February 2020

This paper presents a study of an artistic resistance project in China, “Everybody’s Donghu (East Lake),” held in 2010, 2012, and 2014 with the aim of intervening in the commercial development of an urban scenic space. It aims to demonstrate the practices of resistance in public spaces, particularly in the context of an authoritarian regime such as China, as opposed to democratic societies. First, the recent development of protest and forms of resistance in China will be discussed. It will then focus on the arising conflicts between the conceptualization of an urban space by the urban planners and the imagination of it by the participants. This is followed by a discussion of the tactics deployed in this event, focusing on how the participants appropriate urban space for their own use through performance. Finally, it explores how technology is used in the practices of resistance, concerning the representation of the area through utilization of online space. Overall, this paper argues that appropriating and representing urban space can open up new possibilities of resistance to power and control in the process of urban transformation.
A comparison of nanoscale measurements with the theoretical models of real and nominal contact areas
Authors: Xu Yang , Jackson Robert L , Chen Yan , Zhang Anqi , Prorok Barton C
Published: February 2020

In this study, an experimental method is proposed to measure the real area of contact between an alumina sphere and an Al surface based on the adhesive transfer of the Au film and the scanning electron microscope in the back-scattered mode. A thin film of Au is sputtered on the alumina sphere before the indentation with the Al surface. After indentation, the interfaces of the alumina sphere and Al surface are observed by the scanning electron microscope. The contact area can be identified based on both the distributions of the alumina and Au on the alumina sphere and Al surface, respectively. The measured contact area at different nominal pressures are compared to predictions made by several popular theoretical elastic-plastic rough surface contact models.
Sleep continuity, stability and organization in good and bad sleepers
Authors: Conte Francesca , Cerasuolo Mariangela , Fusco Giuseppina , Giganti Fiorenza , Inserra Iginio , Malloggi Serena , Di Iorio Ilaria , Ficca Gianluca
Published: February 2020

The relationship between objective and subjective sleep quality is still debated. Here, we investigate differences in objective sleep parameters in habitual subjective good sleepers and bad sleepers with the aim of evaluating sleep continuity, stability and organization as possible determinants of subjective sleep quality. In total, 38 subjects (good sleepers, N = 18; bad sleepers, N = 20) underwent two nights of sleep recording. Traditional sleep parameters displayed no between-groups differences. Conversely, bad sleepers showed lower sleep continuity (awakenings frequency), stability (e.g. arousals and state transitions frequency) and organization (e.g. number of sleep cycles and time spent in cycles). Our findings point to the involvement of these measures in determining habitual sleep quality perception and suggest the possibility to include them in standard sleep assessments.