bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting survival to discharge in 53 cats diagnosed with uroabdomen: a single-centre retrospective analysis
Authors: Hornsey Samuel J , Halfacree Zoe , Kulendra Elvin , Parker Sarah , Kulendra Nicola
Published: June 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess outcomes in cats diagnosed with uroabdomen at a single referral centre.

Methods

Fifty-three cats diagnosed with uroabdomen at a veterinary teaching hospital were identified between June 2003 and September 2016. Data collected included signalment, presenting signs, aetiology, location of rupture, presence of concurrent injury, outcome of urine culture, presence of uroliths and packed cell volume (PCV)/creatinine/potassium levels at presentation. Cats managed medically and surgically were included, and the use of urinary catheters, cystotomy tubes and abdominal drains were recorded. It was determined if patients survived to discharge or if they were euthanased or died.

Results

Seventy-four percent (n = 39) of cats survived to discharge. Elevations in creatinine ( P = 0.03) were shown to be significantly correlated with survival to discharge. Sex, age, location of rupture, presence of uroliths, outcome of urine culture, presence of concurrent injury, potassium at presentation and PCV at presentation were not associated with survival to discharge. There was no difference in survival between cats that were medically or surgically managed.

Conclusions and relevance

Cats that develop uroabdomen have a good chance of survival. Electrolyte and biochemistry values should be assessed at the time of presentation, in addition to the presence of concurrent injury.
Cosmopolitan patriot: The life and scholarship of Peeter Tulviste (1945–2017)
Authors: Wertsch James V
Published: June 2020

Professor Peeter Tulviste (1945–2017) was a leading figure in the study of psychology and the history of psychology, whose life and scholarship went through several unexpected phases. Building on the writings of L.S. Vygotsky, A.R. Luria, and others, he was driven by a quest to understand others’ worldviews. Over his lifetime he was led him to see how such views can differ in ways that extend even beyond theoretical claims about how human mental life is situated in cultural, institutional, and historical contexts. He never lost his fascination with these issues and approached them with lifelong cosmopolitan leanings. At the same time, his commitment as an Estonian patriot grew stronger over the course of his career. With the collapse of the Soviet Union, Tulviste was able to travel to other countries, opening up new venues for cosmopolitan explorations, but it was also a time that made open, frank discussions of national identity possible. In his continuing scholarly research, as well as his work as the rector of Tartu University and as a member of the Estonian parliament, he took advantage of the opportunity to explore ideas about Estonian memory and identity in the final decades of his life.
‘We’re all in this together’: Commodified notions of connection, care and community in brand responses to COVID-19
Authors: Sobande Francesca
Published: June 2020

The current COVID-19 (coronavirus) global pandemic has resulted in a wave of advertising and marketing approaches that are based on commodified concepts of human connection, care and community in a time of crisis. At the core of many brands’ marketing messages – whether these be supermarket advertising campaigns or celebrity self-branding – is the notion that ‘we’re all in this together’. While it is true that the impact of COVID-19 has affected the lives of many people around the world, not everyone is experiencing this crisis the same way, due to structural inequalities and intersecting oppressions. What is the relationship between COVID-19, capitalism and consumer culture? Who is the ‘we’ in the messages of ‘we’re all in this together’, and how might such messages mask distinct socio-economic disparities and enable institutions to evade accountability? This article examines sub-textual meanings connected to brand responses to COVID-19 in the UK context which rely on an amorphous imagined ‘we’ – and which ultimately may aid brands’ pursuit of productivity and profit, rather than symbolising support of and concern for people.
Long sentenced women prisoners: Rights, risks and rehabilitation
Authors: Genders Elaine , Player Elaine
Published: June 2020

This paper re-examines critically the role of rehabilitative interventions for a seriously neglected group of prisoners: women serving long sentences. Drawing on empirical research conducted in a democratic therapeutic community in a women’s prison in the south of England, it considers how far established criticisms identify insuperable difficulties that exacerbate existing harms and inequalities. It argues that evidence can be adduced to support rehabilitative interventions that are not predominantly concerned with the reduction of criminal risk but which provide tangible benefits to the personal wellbeing of women in prison and may increase their prospects of integration post release. It explores how such rehabilitative policies and practices could be supported and protected from attrition by penal power, by embedding them within a doctrine of human rights. By challenging and replacing prevalent assumptions and justifications that uphold existing power relations in prisons, we argue that a specific duty of care, owed by the prison service to women serving long sentences, can protect, support and re-imagine their right to rehabilitative opportunities.
‘My race is Habesha’: Eritrean refugees re-defining race as pan-ethnic identity in post-apartheid South Africa
Authors: Tewolde Amanuel Isak
Published: June 2020

Scholars studying race and racial classification in post-apartheid South Africa have paid little attention to how African refugees navigate the South African racial classification scheme and how they self-identity in the face of their everyday encounters with imposed racial classification in South Africa. This paper addresses this research gap by exploring how first-generation Eritrean refugees self-identify in the context of an imposed South African racial classification system. The result reported here forms part of a broader research study that explored how Eritrean refugees in South Africa self-defined in the face of racialization. The broader study identified various themes but this paper only reports on those who defined their race as Habesha in the face of their experiences with racial classification. I argue that by defining their race as Habesha, participants re-defined race as a pan-ethnic identity dissociating racial identity from physical appearance and skin colour. Some refugees who never self-identified in terms of phenotype-based racial categories are nuancing traditional definitions of racial identity in post-apartheid South Africa.
Caring for elderly parents: Perceived filial obligations among Maghrebine immigrants in Italy
Authors: Albertini Marco , Semprebon Michela
Published: June 2020

The migrant population in Southern European countries is aging. In the next future, long-term care needs of immigrant individuals will be a major issue in the evolution of social policies in these countries. In this context, it becomes important to examine what are the norms of filial obligations that govern the exchange of social support within migrant families. The study focuses on solidarity norms and support expectations among Mahgrebine immigrants living in Italy. It is shown that: i. intergenerational co-residence is seen as the best strategy to cope with the care need of elderly parents; ii. only a minority of respondents, especially those born in Italy or arrived before age 6, think that providing economic support or hiring a professional carer is a good solution. The importance of cultural and religious motivations at the basis of norms of filial obligations was explicitly, particularly as far as cohabitation is concerned. The majority of respondents held a gender-neutral view with respect to the sharing of responsibilities, although some gendered divisions emerged. Respondents who either were born in Italy or migrated before age six are considerably more likely to hold gender-neutral views on the division of informal care work.
The Private Benefit of Public Funding: The FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship, and Attendance at Host Country League Soccer
Authors: Szymanski Stefan , Drut Bastien
Published: June 2020

This article examines attendance at league soccer matches before and after hosting an international soccer competition (the FIFA World Cup or the UEFA European Championships). We find significant increases in attendance at clubs that host games in these tournaments. We find smaller but often significant increases in attendance at other league clubs, suggesting that these events may drive fan interest. However, these results are patchy, and for some recent tournaments, they are negative. Our estimates of the private economic value of hosting, even in the most optimistic cases, are smaller than the cost of hosting as reported for recent tournaments.
A Section on Service Animals in the Microbiology Teaching Laboratory Has Been Included in the 2019 Update to the Guidelines for Biosafety in Teaching Laboratories
Authors: Meyer Esmeralda , Rengarajan Kalpana , Meechan Paul , Fowler Paul
Published: June 2020

The accommodation of service animals in microbiology teaching labs has been included in the 2019 update to the American Society of Microbiology (ASM) Guidelines for Safety in Microbiology Laboratories. This commentary includes a legal framework related to service animals, the elements included in the 2019 ASM update, and additional risk-assessment considerations for the biosafety professional.
Who is Responsible? Varying Solutions for Improving Equity of College Access in an Era of Rising Costs
Authors: Lopez Sonia Rey , Rivera Marialena D.
Published: June 2020

Researchers interviewed higher education professionals, asking: How do professionals working in higher education equity and access sectors, both public and private, assign responsibility for improving access, and what solutions do they propose? Informed by Kingdon’s multiple streams framework and Guajardo et al.’s theory of change in action, researchers spoke with professionals to analyze inequities in college access. Respondents disagreed on responsibility for improving access, with solutions varying based on vantage points, values, and privilege.
Unraveling the Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications of Neurobiobanking and Stroke Genomic Research in Africa: A Study Protocol of the African Neurobiobank for Precision Stroke Medicine ELSI Project
Authors: Akinyemi Rufus O. , Jenkins Carolyn , Nichols Michelle , Singh Arti , Wahab Kolawole , Akpalu Albert , Sarfo Fred S. , Owolabi Lukman F. , Obiako Reginald , Akinyemi Joshua , Ojebuyi Babatunde , Adigun Muyiwa , Musbahu Rabiu , Bello Abiodun , Titiloye Musibau , Calys-Tagoe Benedict , Ogunronbi Mayowa , Uvere Ezinne , Laryea Ruth , Fakunle Adekunle , Adeleye Osi , Olorunsogbon Olorunyomi , Ojo Adebayo , Adesina Deborah , Mensah Nathaniel , Oguike Wisdom , Coleman Nathaniel , Mande Aliyu , Uthman Muhammed , Kalaria Rajesh N. , Jegede Ayodele , Owolabi Mayowa , Ovbiagele Bruce , Arulogun Oyedunni
Published: June 2020

The ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of emerging neurobiobanks and data resources are unclear in an African scientific landscape with unique cultural, linguistic, and belief systems. The overarching goal of the African Neurobiobank for Precision Stroke Medicine–—ELSI Project is to identify, examine, and develop novel approaches to address ELSI issues of biobanking and stroke genomic research in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). To accomplish the goal we will (1) explore knowledge, attitude, perceptions, barriers, and facilitators influencing ELSI issues related to biobanking and stroke genomic research; (2) use information obtained to craft a community intervention program focused on ELSI issues; and (3) build capacity and careers related to genomics and biobanking for effective client/community engagement while enhancing regulatory, governance, and implementation competences in biobanking science in SSA. A community-based participatory research and mixed-methodological approach, focused on various levels of the social ecological model, will be used to identify and examine relevant ELSI issues. Contextual intervention tools, platforms, and practices will be developed to enhance community understanding and participation in stroke biobanking and genomics research activities while facilitating enduring trust, and equitable and fair utilization of biobanking resources for genetic and trans-omics research. A concurrent capacity building program related to genetic counseling and biobanking will be implemented for early career researchers. The huge potential for neurobiobanking and genomics research in Africa to advance precision medicine applicable to stroke and other neurological disorders requires addressing ELSI challenges while building sustainable research, career, and regulatory capacities in trans-omics and biobanking science.
Variable thickness flow over a rotating disk under the influence of variable magnetic field: An application to parametric continuation method
Authors: Shuaib Muhammad , Shah Rehan Ali , Bilal Muhammad
Published: June 2020

The present work explores the behavior of three-dimensional incompressible viscous fluid flow and heat transfer over the surface of a non-flat stretchable rotating disk. A variable thickness fluid is subjected under the influence of an external variable magnetic field and heat transfer. Navier–Stokes equation is coupled with Maxwell equations to examine the hydrothermal properties of fluid. The basic governing equations of motion are diminished to a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations using appropriate similarity framework, which are further treated with numerical scheme known as parametric continuation method. The parametric continuation method has combined interesting characteristics of both shooting and implicit finite difference methods. For validity of the present numerical scheme, a comparison with the published work is performed and it is found that the results are in excellent agreement with each other. Numerical and graphical results for the velocity, temperature, and magnetic strength profiles as well as skin fractions and Nusselt number are presented and discussed in detail for various physical parameters. The heat transfer process is reduced with positive increment of no-flatness parameter [Formula: see text], while Prandtl number increases the heat transfer rate at the surface of the disk.
Longitudinal motion control for high-speed trimaran based on computational fluid dynamics and predictive control
Authors: Liu Zhilin , Zheng Linhe , Li Guosheng
Published: June 2020

This article investigates a model predictive control (MPC) with disturbance observer (DOB) for a trimaran longitudinal motion control. Firstly, to design the trimaran longitudinal motion stability controller, the mathematical model of the trimaran requires to be obtained. The hydrodynamic coefficients in the mathematical model are obtained by the computational fluid dynamics simulation. Secondly, a T-foil with the fixed attack angle is selected as an antipitching appendage. It is verified that the T-foil is effective in restraining the longitudinal motion of the trimaran through numerical simulation. Lastly, to enhance the ability of the T-foil for restraining the severe longitudinal motion, a controller based on the MPC method with DOB is designed to control the attack angle. The effect of the proposed algorithm is verified by theoretical analysis and simulation.
The gait planning of hexapod robot based on CPG with feedback
Authors: Wang Binrui , Zhang Ke , Yang Xuefeng , Cui Xiaohong
Published: June 2020

To realize the omnidirectional motion, the transition motion of hexapod robot from flat to slope is studied, and a new type of stability criterion is proposed. Firstly, the landing point problem of the hexapod robot in the process of transition is studied, the relationship between the introduced angle in ankle of the supporting leg and the body pitch is acquired, and the transition gait based on central pattern generator bottom feedback is planned. Secondly, the slope motion is analyzed, the relationship between the angle variable of the supporting knee joint and the pitch angle of hexapod is obtained, and the slope gait is planned based on central pattern generator middle level feedback. According to vector product, the solution of working out the stability margin of hexapod robot’s motion is designed. Lastly, MATLAB/ADAMAS co-simulation platform and physical hardware are constructed, the simulation and experiment of transition motion of hexapod robot from flat to 12° slope and motion of climbing 16° slope are done. According to the analysis of the results, in the transition motion from flat to 12° slope, based on the transition gait, hexapod robot can keep three foots touch the ground, and the foot force is uniform. According to the means designed to work out a stability margin based on vector product, the stability margin constant is greater than zero. In the motion of climbing 16° slope, based on the slope gait, hexapod robot completes the motion of climbing 16° slope. Based on transition gait, hexapod robot implements the transition movement from flat to slope stably. Based on slope gait, hexapod robot improves the ability of slope motion.
Leadership for learning at district level: Lessons from circuit managers working in deprived school contexts
Authors: Myende Phumlani Erasmus , Ncwane Sithenjwa Hopewell , Bhengu Thamsanqa Thulani
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we report on the findings of a study that sought to understand the nature of circuit managers’ leadership in supporting teaching and learning in the context of multiple deprivations in South Africa. The paper aimed first at examining the nature of circuit managers’ leadership for learning in deprived school contexts, and second to explore the extent to which the context of deprivation influences circuit managers’ practices of leadership for learning. A qualitative approach grounded within the interpretive paradigm was adopted. We used semi-structured interviews and supplemented them by document reviews to understand leadership of circuit managers. The findings show that the work of circuit managers is strongly influenced by the contextual complexities arising from social deprivation. To lead fruitfully in these contexts, circuit managers adopted relationship-driven leadership, invested in their circuits’ visions and missions, and built leadership capacities amongst different stakeholders. After analysing the findings, we conclude that leadership for teaching and learning, as it happens at circuit level in deprived contexts, goes beyond focusing on teaching and learning, and includes issues that are indirectly linked to teaching and learning.
Transition into remote and rural nurse education and careers: a qualitative study of student nurses
Authors: Kyle Richard G , Beattie Michelle , Smith Annetta
Published: June 2020

Background

Global nurse shortages present a threat to the sustainability of remote and rural healthcare. Interventions have been developed to support recruitment and retention of nurses that focus on providing pre-nursing experience for school pupils who intend to pursue nursing careers. However, there is a lack of evidence around how pre-nursing experience supports transition into nurse education.

Aims

This study aims to explore the impact of a pre-nursing scholarship for school pupils in remote and rural areas of Scotland on experiences of transition into nurse education.

Methods

This was a qualitative study involving semi-structured telephone and face-to-face interviews with pre-nursing scholarship participants.

Results

An authentic pre-nursing experience supported school pupils’ transition to nurse education. First, it increased students’ self-efficacy, both in their decision to choose nursing as a career and their ability to nurse. Second, it helped students to realise that the opportunity to study closer to home was available to them. Third, it supported students’ educational and social integration, helping them feel prepared for university teaching and learning approaches and the social experience of being a student.

Conclusions

Pre-nursing experience can support transition into nurse education and contribute to career pathways that support recruitment and retention of nurses in remote and rural areas.
Synthesis and structural characterization of novel O-substituted phenolic and chalcone derivatives with antioxidant activity
Authors: Ngameni Bathélémy , Erdoğan Musa , Kuete Victor , Dalkılıç Erdin , Ngadjui Bonaventure T , Daştan Arif
Published: June 2020

A series of novel 4- O-alkyltriazolylphenolic derivatives is first synthesized with good to excellent yields via the click reaction of 3-methoxy-4- O-propargylbenzaldehyde or 3-allyl-4- O-propargylacetophenone and aromatic azide derivatives. Next, the chalcones are prepared via the Claisen-Schmidt method from 4- O-alkylphenylketone derivatives in the presence of the corresponding (hetero)aromatic aldehydes as electrophiles. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds are confirmed from their infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance spectral data, and by elemental analysis. The main advantages of this procedure are the simplicity of the reaction conditions, easily available starting materials, and simple work-up. The antioxidant activity of several of the products is determined using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) radical scavenging assay. 4- O-propargylvanillin (IC50 = 14.54 µg/mL) had moderate antioxidant activity.
Score level fusion in representation-based classification method for face recognition
Authors: Li Zi-Qi , Sun Jun , Wu Xiao-Jun , Yin He-Feng
Published: June 2020

Recent years have witnessed the success of representation-based classification method (RBCM) in the domain of face recognition. Collaborative representation-based classification (CRC) and linear regression-based classification (LRC) are two representative approaches. CRC is a global representation method which uses all training samples to represent test samples and utilizes representation residuals to perform classification, whereas LRC is a local representation method which exploits training samples from each class to represent test samples. Related researches indicate that the combination of LRC and CRC can fully exploit the representation residuals produced by them, thus improving the performance of RBCM. However, the representation coefficients obtained by CRC usually contain negative values which may result in overfitting problem. Therefore, to solve this problem to some extent, the combination of LRC and non-negative least square-based classification (NNLSC) is proposed in this paper. Experimental results on benchmark face datasets show that the proposed method is superior to the combination of LRC and CRC and other state-of-the-art RBCMs. The source code of our proposed method is available at https://github.com/li-zi-qi/score-level-fusion-of-NNLS-and-LRC .
Variational level set image segmentation model coupled with kernel distance function
Authors: Badshah Noor , Ahmad Ali , Rehman Fazli
Published: June 2020

One of the crucial challenges in the area of image segmentation is intensity inhomogeneity. For most of the region-based models, it is not easy to completely segment images having severe intensity inhomogeneity and complex structure, as they rely on intensity distributions. In this work, we proposed a firsthand hybrid model by blending kernel and Euclidean distance metrics. Experimental results on some real and synthetic images suggest that our proposed model is better than models of Chan and Vese, Wu and He, and Salah et al.
The Internal/External Frame of Reference of Mathematics, English, and Russian Self-Concepts
Authors: Karimova Könül , Csapó Benő
Published: June 2020

The internal/external (I/E) frame of reference entails high, positive association of mathematics and verbal achievements with matching academic self-concepts but negative or near-zero correlation with their nonmatching self-concepts. This study aimed to extend the traditional I/E model by contrasting the mathematics domain with two foreign languages (English and Russian). A total of 540 Azeri eighth-grade students participated in this study. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed distinct domain-specific self-concepts for two foreign languages and mathematics, indicating a negative or near-zero nonsignificant correlations between academic self-concepts and nonmatching achievement domains but high positive, significant correlation between academic self-concepts and matching achievement domains. This study revealed distinct domain-specific self-concepts for two foreign languages, indicating a negative or near-zero nonsignificant correlations between verbal self-concepts and nonmatching verbal achievement domains. It was difficult to form a single verbal domain. The findings could be used to inform the design of interventions to improve learners’ academic self-concept and achievement.
Religious Americans Have Less Positive Attitudes Toward Science, but This Does Not Extend to Other Cultures
Authors: McPhetres Jonathon , Jong Jonathan , Zuckerman Miron
Published: June 2020

It is commonly claimed that science and religion are logically and psychologically at odds with one another. However, previous studies have mainly examined American samples; therefore, generalizations about antagonism between religion and science may be unwarranted. We examined the correlation between religiosity and attitudes toward science across 11 studies including representative data from 60 countries ( N = 66,438), nine convenience samples from the United States ( N = 2,160), and a cross-national panel sample from five understudied countries ( N = 1,048). Results show that, within the United States, religiosity is consistently associated with lower interest in science topics and activities and less positive explicit and implicit attitudes toward science. However, this relationship is inconsistent around the world, with positive, negative, and null correlations being observed in various countries. Our findings are inconsistent with the idea that science and religion are necessarily at odds, undermining common theories of scientific advancement undermining religion.
Early clinical experience with a monoclonal antibody against the calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor in adolescents with migraine: A case series
Authors: Zhao Yi Jing , Ho King-Hee , Wong Pei Shieen
Published: June 2020

Management of migraine in adolescents poses a great challenge, as many of the approved pharmacological migraine preventive agents have age restrictions. Following favorable safety and efficacy reports of the new class agent calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) monoclonal antibody for use in migraine prevention, there is growing interest in its application in pediatric migraine. We present here a case series detailing our experience of using erenumab, a CGRP monoclonal antibody, in six adolescent patients. Two patients had a reduction of at least 50% in the mean number of monthly migraine days, one patient reported subjective improvement, while three patients did not respond to the first dose of erenumab and discontinued treatment. One patient reported constipation associated with erenumab use. We speculate that CGRP monoclonal antibody could potentially be a viable option in adolescent patients with migraine. Further evidences that support efficacy and safety of erenumab in this group is needed.
It’s not over yet: The impact of worry on emotional recovery
Authors: Morriss Jayne , Biagi Nicolò , van Reekum Carien M.
Published: June 2020

Emotional reactivity and recovery are crucial for maintaining well-being. It remains unknown, however, to what extent emotion modulates the time course of recovery assessed using a simple categorization task and how this varies based on individual differences in worry. To address these questions, 35 participants viewed emotional pictures, followed by abstract greeble targets, which were to be categorized. Greebles were presented between 100 ms and 4,000 ms after picture offset. Physiological measures including skin conductance level and the corrugator supercilii were recorded and served as indicators of responsivity to emotional pictures. Measures of reaction time (RT) and accuracy scores were taken as indicators of the impact of emotion on facilitation or interference to the greeble target. Effects of interference and facilitation were observed up to 4,000 ms after emotional pictures on RT and accuracy scores. High worry was associated with greater (1) corrugator supercilii and skin conductance level to negative versus positive and neutral pictures and (2) interference from emotional pictures on accuracy scores. Overall, these findings suggest that subsequent processing is still impacted up to 4,000 ms after the offset of emotional pictures, particularly for negative events in individuals with high worry.
Curving the resource curse: Negative effects of oil and gas revenue on nonviolent resistance campaign onset
Authors: Pinckney Jonathan
Published: June 2020

There is growing consensus that large oil and gas revenues in autocracies have multiple pernicious effects, from decreasing democratization to increasing armed conflict: the so-called “resource curse.” Yet we know little about the effects of oil and gas revenue on the onset of major nonviolent dissent. The logic of the resource curse would lead us to expect oil and gas revenue to significantly decrease the likelihood of nonviolent resistance, as resource wealth enables autocracies to increase repressive capacity and co-opt potential challengers. But this relationship has yet to be comprehensively tested. I show that such an effect obtains, but is more complex than previously theorized. Low levels of oil and gas revenue increase the likelihood of nonviolent resistance onset, while high levels decrease it. Despite popular assumptions and the general logic of the resource curse, oil only appears to drown out major nonviolent dissent at relatively high levels.
Feline infectious peritonitis virus-associated rhinitis in a cat
Authors: André Nicole M , Miller Andrew D , Whittaker Gary R
Published: June 2020

Case summary

This report describes a cat with initial respiratory signs prior to developing fulminant feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) after adoption from an animal shelter. Histologic examination of the tissues revealed typical lesions associated with FIP in the lung, liver, large intestine and small intestine. Histologic examination of the nasal cavity revealed pyogranulomatous rhinitis. Immunohistochemistry with monoclonal antibody FIPV3-70 targeting FIP antigen in macrophages confirmed FIP and molecular analysis identified a spike protein mutation (R793S) consistent with the presence of an FIP virus. Pathological changes, immunolabeling and molecular analysis provide evidence that respiratory infection by feline coronavirus is part of the spectrum of FIP-associated disease.

Relevance and novel information

This report highlights nasal pathology associated with FIP through a combination of histopathology, immunohistochemistry and molecular characterization of the virus. Our work supports a little-appreciated role of the respiratory tract in FIP.
Platform Imaginaries and Dutch Public Service Media
Authors: van Es Karin , Poell Thomas
Published: June 2020

Over the past decade, public service media (PSM) have increasingly distributed content through digital platforms, most prominently YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. This article explores how this process of platformization, the integration of digital platforms in PSM, affects the public service remit of promoting key public values, such as universality, independence, and diversity. Specifically, it interrogates how Dutch PSM imagine platforms and their users, as well as how these imaginaries affect online public service strategies. The starting point is the notion of platform imaginaries: the ways in which social actors understand and organize their activities in relation to platform algorithms, interfaces, data infrastructures, moderation procedures, business models, user practices, and audiences. The analysis of these imaginaries builds on key public service policy documents and 15 interviews with employees from the NPO (Nederlandse Publieke Omroep; the governing body), the broadcasting associations, SKO (audience measurement service), and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. Our analysis of these materials shows that the online strategies of Dutch PSM are guided by three imaginations of platforms as (a) intermediaries that function on the basis of specific “laws,” (b) places where new audiences reside, and (c) powerful corporations that largely operate beyond the national sphere of influence. These platform imaginaries consist of a complex of interrelated observations, arguments, ideas, and practices, which are generally accepted and partly contested. The main bone of contention is how platform audiences should be seen. It has been difficult to reconcile competing ideas about audiences and, consequently, about the role of PSM in a platform environment, as broadcasters and policy makers lack the necessary (aggregate) data to determine how the media landscape is exactly changing and what the best public service response is. The conclusion of the article proposes a number of steps to resolve this deadlock.
Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) C-511T polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to coronary artery disease in type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Ma Lijing , Su Heng , Wang Yan , Zhou Yikun , Kang Zhuang , Xu Ying , Gao Jie
Published: June 2020

Variants of the interleukin-1β (IL-1β) gene have been associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and coronary artery diseases (CAD). However, association of IL-1β polymorphisms with diabetic patients having CAD clinical manifestation has not been studied yet. In this study, we aim to decipher the role of IL-1β common promoter variants with susceptibility/resistance to development of CAD in T2D patients. T2D patients with (n = 134) or without CAD (n = 533) were enrolled. A total of 513 essentially healthy individuals from the same population were included in this study as control. Plasma levels of IL-1β were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit as per instructions from the manufacturer. IL-1β promoter variants (T-31C and C-511T) were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). T2D patients displayed higher level of plasma IL-1β in comparison to healthy controls. Prevalence of variants for IL-1β (C-511T) polymorphism was higher in diabetic patients compared to controls (CT: P < 0.0001, OR = 3.01; TT: P < 0.0001, OR = 2.45). IL-1β (C-511T) polymorphism was linked with plasma IL-1β levels. Interestingly, heterozygous mutants (CT) were most prevalent in T2D individuals with CAD compared to those without CAD ( P = 0.03, OR = 1.82). Furthermore, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides were elevated in T2D patients with CAD than in patients without heart-related disorder. No significant association of other polymorphism (T-31C) was noticed with susceptibility to T2D or diabetic patients with heart disorders. IL-1β (C-511T) variants are associated with elevated plasma IL-1β levels. Mutation at the IL-1β promoter region (C-511T) predisposed subjects to the development of T2D and CAD manifestation in diabetic patients.
Human Settlement Assessment in Jinan From a Facility Resource Perspective
Authors: Li Xue-ming , Bai Zhi-zhen , Tian Shen-zhen , Yang Jun , Guo Yu-jie
Published: June 2020

Multisource data, spatial density analysis, and a gravity model were used to evaluate and analyze differentiation and controls of human settlement locations in Jinan, China. The results indicate the following. (a) The spatial distribution of human settlements follows a block-style, is axially extended, and has a multicenter development pattern with a significant circular structure. (b) The distributions of many settlement types are similar to the total settlement distribution. Residential space exhibits the highest correlation with public space, whereas financial space has the smallest correlation with business space. A high matching value for human settlement is found at the junction of the five districts in Jinan, whereas the Pingyin and Shanghe counties exhibit the lowest value. (c) Areas with human settlement exhibit typical hierarchies. Performance is dominated by the five districts, Zhangqiu is subdominant, and other districts represent an edge-dependent hierarchical system. Radial spatial settlement structures are centered on the five districts, with a centripetal and multicentric “western dense, eastern sparse” regional pattern. (d) Topography is the main factor that generates differentiation. Road network density affects the distribution and grade of human settlement areas, gross domestic factor is a key factor that affects the formation of human settlement structures, and population aggregation is a prerequisite for human settlement distribution, as well as a catalytic factor for differentiation of human settlements.
Total knee arthroplasty: A single centre review at 10 years of follow-up
Authors: Tse Tao Sun Tycus , Wan Yik-Cheung Samuel , Leung Kin-Ho Leo , Wong Man-Kwan
Published: June 2020

Background:

Total knee arthroplasty is a common procedure for treatment of various non-infective arthritis. This study reviewed total knee arthroplasty cases up to 10 years of follow-up for the survival rate, reasons of revision and associated perioperative risk factors for revision.

Methods:

All cases to total knee arthroplasty performed in a single centre in the years 2007 and 2008 were reviewed. A total of 227 cases of total knee arthroplasty were performed during the 2-year period, with 156 cases followed up to 10 years. Perioperative information, follow-up information and information of possible complications were obtained.

Results:

The survival rate of total knee arthroplasty in this study is 98.2% at 5 years and 94.2% at 10 years of follow-up. The early post-operative complication rate was low, and majority of cases had improvement of function at 1 year after the operation. Early post-operative infection rate was low at 0.4%, and overall infection up to 10 years of follow-up was also low at 4.4%. Ten cases had undergone revision of arthroplasty by 10 years after operation.

Conclusion:

The survival rate of total knee replacement was high. The revision rate and infection rates were low up to 10 years of follow-up. The most common reasons of revision arthroplasty were infection and aseptic loosening. Cases which required revision arthroplasty had significantly longer operative duration compared with cases without revision at 10 years of follow-up ( p = 0.01).
The Effect of Patient Sex and Graft Type on Postoperative Functional Outcomes After Primary ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Lesevic Milos , Kew Michelle E. , Bodkin Stephan G. , Diduch David R. , Brockmeier Stephen F. , Miller Mark D. , Gwathmey F. Winston , Werner Brian C. , Hart Joseph M.
Published: June 2020

Background:

Graft choice in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and postoperative rehabilitation may affect strength recovery differently in men than women and therefore affect a timely and successful return to sport.

Purpose:

To compare knee extensor and flexor strength between men and women who underwent isolated ACLR with either patellar tendon or hamstring tendon (HST) autografts.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 166 patients (87 women, 79 men) with primary unilateral and uncomplicated ACLRs were recruited for participation. A total of 100 patients had bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) autografts and 66 had HST autografts. At 6 months postoperatively, all patients completed the Tegner activity scale and International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Evaluation as well as underwent bilateral isokinetic (90 deg/s) tests of the knee extensor and flexor groups. Outcomes were recorded in a single session as part of a return-to-sport test battery. Surgical notes were obtained to determine the type of autograft and nerve block used at the time of ACLR.

Results:

There was a significant sex × graft type interaction for mass-normalized knee flexor torque ( P = .017). Female patients with an HST graft had a significantly lower knee flexor torque compared with female patients with a BPTB graft (0.592 ± 0.49 N·m/kg vs 0.910 ± 0.24 N·m/kg; Cohen d [95% CI] = 0.91 [0.45, 1.36]). They also had a significantly lower knee flexor torque when compared with male patients with an HST graft (0.592 ± 0.49 N·m/kg vs 0.937 ± 0.35 N·m/kg; Cohen d [95% CI]= 0.88 [0.45, 1.31]). There were significant main effects for graft type with knee flexion ( P = .001) and extension ( P = .008) symmetry. Patients with a BPTB graft demonstrated lower knee extensor symmetry (65.7% ± 17.0%) and greater knee flexor symmetry (98.7% ± 18.0%) compared with patients with an HST graft (extension: 77.1% ± 32%, Cohen d [95% CI] = 0.47 [0.16, 0.79]; flexion: 82.9% ± 33.3%, Cohen d [95% CI] = 0.63 [0.31, 0.95]). We also observed a significant main effect for sex ( P = .028) and graft type ( P = .048) for mass-normalized knee extensor strength. Female participants and patients of either sex with BPTB grafts had lower knee extensor strength compared with male participants and patients with HST grafts, respectively.

Conclusion:

At approximately 6 months after ACLR, female patients reconstructed with HST autografts demonstrated weaker HST strength compared with female patients with a BPTB autograft. There were no differences in HST strength between graft types in male patients. Female patients appear to be recovering HST strength differently than male patients when using an HST autograft. These findings may have implications in surgical planning, postoperative rehabilitation, and return-to-sport decision making.
Inconsistencies in the MRI Evaluation of Supraspinatus Volume After Repair
Authors: Jang Young Hoon , Suh Bo-Kyung , Jeong Hyunseok , Kwon Oh Hyo , Kim Sae Hoon
Published: June 2020

Background:

Reversibility of rotator cuff atrophy after surgical repair is controversial. Traditionally, the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the rotator cuff was measured in conventional Y-view (CYV) via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate reversibility. However, it has been suggested that scanning axis inconsistency in CYV was overlooked and that the CSA in CYV reflects not only atrophy but also rotator cuff retraction.

Hypothesis:

Discrepancies between scanning axes in CYV cause significant errors when one is evaluating changes in the CSA of the supraspinatus (SS) using preoperative and postoperative MRI scans. A more medial section than the Y-view is not influenced as much by retraction recovery after repair.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The study included 36 patients with full-thickness SS tear and retraction who underwent arthroscopic complete repair with preoperative MRI and immediate postoperative MRI (within 5 days after rotator cuff repair). Angles between CYV planes in the preoperative and immediate postoperative MRI scans were measured. MRI scans were reconstructed perpendicular to the scapular axes by multiplanar reconstruction. Differences between the CSAs of the SS in preoperative and postoperative Y-view on the original and reconstructed MRI scans were compared, and changes in CSAs of the SS muscles after repair in 2 sections medial to the reconstructed Y-view (RYV) were compared.

Results:

The mean angle between CYV planes in preoperative and postoperative MRI scans was 13.1° ± 7.1°. Mean pre- to postoperative increase in the CSA of the SS was greater in CYV than in RYV (95 ± 72 vs 75 ± 62 mm2; P = .024). Furthermore, pre- to postoperative CSA differences in the 2 medial sections were less than in RYV. For the most medial section, crossing the omohyoid origin, the CSA differences were not significant (434 ± 98 vs 448 ± 98 mm2; P = .061).

Conclusion:

Scanning axes inconsistencies in CYV cause unacceptable errors in CSA measurements of the SS after repair. We recommend reconstruction along a consistent axis by multiplanar reconstruction when evaluating postoperative changes in SS atrophy and the use of sections more medial than the scapular Y-view to reduce errors caused by tendon retraction.
Perceptual Evaluation of Signal-to-Noise-Ratio-Aware Dynamic Range Compression in Hearing Aids
Authors: Kowalewski Borys , Dau Torsten , May Tobias
Published: June 2020

Dynamic range compression is a compensation strategy commonly used in modern hearing aids. Fast-acting systems respond relatively quickly to the fluctuations in the input level. This allows for more effective compression of the dynamic range of speech and hence enhanced the audibility of its low-intensity components. However, such processing also amplifies the background noise, distorts the modulation spectra of both the speech and the background, and can reduce the output signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Recently, May et al. proposed a novel SNR-aware compression strategy, in which the compression speed is adapted depending on whether speech is present or absent. Fast-acting compression is applied to speech-dominated time–frequency (T-F) units, while noise-dominated T-F units are processed using slow-acting compression. It has been shown that this strategy provides a similar effective compression of the speech dynamic range as conventional fast-acting compression, while introducing fewer distortions of the modulation spectrum of the background and providing an improved output SNR. In this study, this SNR-aware compression strategy was compared with conventional fast- and slow-acting compression in terms of speech intelligibility and subjective preference in a group of 17 hearing-impaired listeners with varying degree of hearing loss. The results show a speech intelligibility benefit of the SNR-aware compression strategy over the conventional slow-acting system. Furthermore, the SNR-aware approach demonstrates an increased subjective preference compared with both conventional fast- and slow-acting systems.
Vision Loss Among Delaware Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Andersson Robert B. Å. , Al-Namaeh Mashael , Monaco William A. , Meng Hongdao
Published: June 2020

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of vision loss among Delaware nursing home residents for further data collection to expand the existing evidence about the vision loss among nursing home residents on a national level. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved the statistical analysis of comprehensive eye examination records of 1,856 nursing residents residing in 20 Delaware nursing homes from 2005 to 2011. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted to identify age-specific prevalence rates of vision loss (moderate-to-severe vision impairment and blindness). Results: The mean age of nursing home residents was 82.54 years (range: 65–111 years), and 61.70% were over the age of 80 years. The majority of nursing home residents were female (64.10%) and White (76.30%). The overall prevalence rates of moderate-to-severe vision impairment and blindness were 47.40% and 16.20%, respectively. Discussion: The high prevalence of vision loss among Delaware Nursing home residents indicates a demand for further data collection for expanding the existing evidence about the vision loss among nursing home residents on a national level.