bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of combined aerobic and resistance exercise on renal function in adult patients with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Xiaoxia , Yang Lei , Wang Ying , Wang Chunfeng , Hu Rong , Wu Yong
Published: June 2020

Objectives:

Combined aerobic and resistance exercise (CARE) is beneficial for improving renal function. To confirm this, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of CARE on renal function in adult patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Date sources:

The last date of search was 22 February 2020. We searched Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, Allied and Complementary Medicine (AMED), CINAHL, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and three Chinese databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wangfang, Journal Integration Platform (VIP)) for articles of randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials.

Methods:

We used the Cochrane tool and the JBI Critical Appraisal checklist to assess randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized controlled trials, respectively.

Result:

A total of 12 studies and 745 patients were included. Compared with usual care or no exercise, CARE resulted in a significant improvement in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (between-group analysis: mean difference (MD) =5.01, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.37 to 7.65; within-group analysis: MD = 3.01, 95% CI: 0.86 to 5.16). The serum creatinine levels also showed a significant improvement after CARE (between-group analysis: MD = −8.57, 95% CI: −13.71 to −3.43; within-group analysis: MD = −6.33, 95% CI: −10.23 to −2.44). Patients who performed CARE also demonstrated a decline in the blood pressure in the within-group analysis (systolic blood pressure: MD = −5.24, 95% CI: −7.93 to −2.54; diastolic blood pressure: MD = −3.63, 95% CI: −5.35 to −1.91). However, there were no significant differences in proteinuria, lipid levels, physical composition, and quality of life.

Conclusion:

The study results support the concept that CARE intervention improves renal function. It provides strong evidence for guiding clinical decisions and implementing renal rehabilitation exercises.
The effect of high-intensity versus low-level laser therapy in the management of plantar fasciitis: randomized participant blind controlled trial
Authors: Naruseviciute Dovile , Kubilius Raimondas
Published: June 2020

Objectives:

To evaluate and compare the efficacy of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for plantar fasciitis.

Design:

A participant blind randomized controlled trial with parallel group design and an active comparator with follow-up at four weeks.

Settings:

Outpatient, University hospital.

Subjects:

Unilateral plantar fasciitis participants ( n = 102) were randomly assigned into two groups. Recruitment period was from January 2017 to April 2019.

Interventions:

Interventions included eight sessions of laser therapy over three weeks and single session of patient education. The HILT group ( n = 51) received HILT and the LLLT group ( n = 51) received LLLT.

Main measures:

Primary outcomes: visual analogue scale; secondary outcomes: pressure algometry, sonography of plantar fascia thickness (time frame: baseline to three-week and four-week follow-up) and numeric rating scale (0%–100%) for opinion of participants on effect of treatment (time frame: three weeks). Data presented: mean (SD) or n (%).

Results:

There was no statistically significant difference between the groups according to visual analogue scale (pain in general reduction in three weeks: 2.57(3.45) vs. 2.88(3.28) cm), pressure algometry (pain threshold difference between healthy and affected heel reduction in three weeks: 1.80(6.39) vs. 1.77(2.85) kg) and sonography measurements (plantar fascia thickness difference between healthy and affected heel reduction in three weeks: 0.19(0.56) vs. 0.30(0.57) mm). There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in participants’ opinion in favor to HILT group (efficacy of treatment better than 50%: 26(51%) vs. 37(73%)).

Conclusion:

No statistically significant difference between groups was observed.
The occurrence and timing of delirium in acute care hospitalizations in the last year of life: A population-based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Webber Colleen , Watt Christine L , Bush Shirley H , Lawlor Peter G , Talarico Robert , Tanuseputro Peter
Published: June 2020

Background:

Delirium is a distressing neurocognitive disorder that is common among terminally ill individuals, although few studies have described its occurrence in the acute care setting among this population.

Aim:

To describe the prevalence of delirium in patients admitted to acute care hospitals in Ontario, Canada, in their last year of life and identify factors associated with delirium.

Design:

Population-based retrospective cohort study using linked health administrative data. Delirium was identified through diagnosis codes on hospitalization records.

Setting/participants:

Ontario decedents (1 January 2014 to 31 December 2016) admitted to an acute care hospital in their last year of life, excluding individuals age of <18 years or >105 years at admission, those not eligible for the provincial health insurance plan between their hospitalization and death dates, and non-Ontario residents.

Results:

Delirium was recorded as a diagnosis in 8.2% of hospitalizations. The frequency of delirium-related hospitalizations increased as death approached. Delirium prevalence was higher in patients with dementia (prevalence ratio: 1.43; 95% confidence interval: 1.36–1.50), frailty (prevalence ratio: 1.67; 95% confidence interval: 1.56–1.80), or organ failure–related cause of death (prevalence ratio: 1.23; 95% confidence interval: 1.16–1.31) and an opioid prescription (prevalence ratio: 1.17; 95% confidence interval: 1.12–1.21). Prevalence also varied by age, sex, chronic conditions, antipsychotic use, receipt of long-term care or home care, and hospitalization characteristics.

Conclusion:

This study described the occurrence and timing of delirium in acute care hospitals in the last year of life and identified factors associated with delirium. These findings can be used to support delirium prevention and early detection in the hospital setting.
Human motion trajectory prediction: a survey
Authors: Rudenko Andrey , Palmieri Luigi , Herman Michael , Kitani Kris M , Gavrila Dariu M , Arras Kai O
Published: June 2020

With growing numbers of intelligent autonomous systems in human environments, the ability of such systems to perceive, understand, and anticipate human behavior becomes increasingly important. Specifically, predicting future positions of dynamic agents and planning considering such predictions are key tasks for self-driving vehicles, service robots, and advanced surveillance systems. This article provides a survey of human motion trajectory prediction. We review, analyze, and structure a large selection of work from different communities and propose a taxonomy that categorizes existing methods based on the motion modeling approach and level of contextual information used. We provide an overview of the existing datasets and performance metrics. We discuss limitations of the state of the art and outline directions for further research.
Prevention of End-of-Track Collisions in Passenger Terminals via Positive Train Control: Benefit-Cost Analysis and Operational Impact Assessment
Authors: Zhang Zhipeng , Liu Xiang , Holt Keith
Published: June 2020

End-of-track collisions at passenger terminals have raised safety concerns because of their potentially severe consequences such as infrastructure and rolling stock damage, service disruption, and even casualties. As introduced in the previous study sponsored by the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration, the implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC) systems at passenger terminal stations could potentially prevent end-of-track collisions. As the second phase of that project, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the proposed concept of operation via quantitatively identifying the safety benefits, incremental costs, and operational impacts associated with PTC enforcement on terminating tracks. The benefit-cost analysis indicates that the safety benefits may exceed the incremental costs over a 20-year period under specified circumstances and assumptions. In addition, the preliminary results disclose that the operational impact in PTC enforcement should be negligible, except for the rare occurrence of wayside interface unit (WIU) failure or radio failure in the Interoperable Electronic Train Management System (I-ETMS)-type PTC system that would result in a stop well short of the targeted point and potentially delay both onboard passengers and inbound/outbound trains. Both benefit-cost analysis and operational impact assessment methodologies are implemented in a decision tool that can be customized for different terminals with heterogeneous infrastructure and operational characteristics and be adapted to other transportation modes.
Laboratory Investigation of the Performance Evaluation of Fiber-Modified Asphalt Mixes in Cold Regions
Authors: Perca Callomamani Luis Alberto , Hashemian Leila , Sha Katrina
Published: June 2020

Thermal cracking of pavement is caused by contraction of the asphalt layer at low temperatures, when tensile stresses build up to a critical point at which a crack is formed. The cracks formed then propagate under traffic loading conditions. Freeze-thaw cycles accelerate crack propagation and deterioration of the asphalt layer, and can also lead to the formation of more severe distresses such as potholes. Fibers have attracted increasing attention in the asphalt industry for use as asphalt concrete modifiers. The addition of fibers to hot mix asphalt (HMA) results in a composite material that has a higher tensile strength, along with the ability to absorb greater energy during the fracture process. The fibers within the material also act as a barrier preventing the formation and propagation of cracks in the asphalt mix. This research evaluates the effectiveness of adding polymer fibers to HMA to increase both its resistance to cracking at intermediate and low temperatures, and its rutting resistance and moisture susceptibility at high temperatures. For this purpose, three different types of polymer fibers: aramids, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyacrylonitrile (PAN), were added to conventional HMA mixes. The resulting samples were compacted, and their mechanical properties were compared with conventional HMA in the laboratory. At the end of the paper, a material cost comparison is provided as a reliable source of information when selecting materials to fulfill minimum industry specifications.
Clinical Course in a Patient With Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 0 Treated With Nusinersen and Onasemnogene Abeparvovec
Authors: Matesanz Susan E. , Curry Candace , Gross Brianna , Rubin Adam I. , Linn Rebecca , Yum Sabrina W. , Kichula Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2020

Spinal muscular atrophy type 0 is the most severe phenotype of the disease, with patients presenting with contractures, weakness, and respiratory failure at birth, and is typically fatal within weeks. We describe the case of a patient with spinal muscular atrophy type 0 who was treated with both nusinersen and onasemnogene abeparvovec. She has made modest motor improvements since treatment initiation with a 30-point improvement in CHOP-INTEND score, and continues to make motor gains at age 13 months without regression of function, although she remains profoundly weak. Although she has had motor improvements, she has also had continued systemic complications from her spinal muscular atrophy, including chronic respiratory failure, dysphagia, congenital heart malformation, digit necrosis, and diffuse macular rash. This case highlights the challenges in treating those with more severe disease phenotypes and raises questions of how some systemic complications may respond to current SMN replacement therapies.
Targeted gold nanoshelled hybrid nanocapsules encapsulating doxorubicin for bimodal imaging and near-infrared triggered synergistic therapy of Her2-positve breast cancer
Authors: Dong Qi , Wan Caifeng , Yang Hong , Zheng Dongdong , Xu Li , Zhou Zhiguo , Xie Shaowei , Du Jing , Li Fenghua
Published: June 2020

A multifunctional targeted nanoplatform combining photothermal therapy and chemotherapy has emerged as a promising strategy for comprehensive therapies of breast cancer. In this study, we constructed human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2)-targeted gold nanoshelled poly(lactic- co-glycolic acid) hybrid nanocapsules encapsulating perfluorooctyl bromide, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, and doxorubicin (Her2-GPDH nanocapsules) as theranostic agent for bimodal ultrasound/magnetic resonance imaging and synergistic photothermal-chemotherapy of Her2-postive breast cancer cells. Her2–GPDH nanocomposites possessed well-defined spherical morphology, and the average diameter was about 296 nm with good dispersion. Targeting assays demonstrated that Her2–GPDH nanocapsules exhibited higher targeting binding to Her2-positive SKBR3 cells than Her2-negative MDA-MB-231cells. The encapsulation efficiency and the loading content of doxorubicin in Her2–GPDH nanocapsules were 39 ± 1.45% and 3.8 ± 0.52%, respectively, and the agent exhibited pH-responsive and near-infrared light-triggered stepwise release behavior of doxorubicin. In vitro, the agent had potential to serve as feasible candidate for ultrasound imaging and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging with a relatively high relaxivity. Cell experiments confirmed that the agent had significant photothermal cytotoxicity on SKBR3 cells, and the combined photothermal–chemotherapy could significantly enhance the anti-tumor effect. In summary, the present Her2–GPDH nanocapsules, a novel multifunctional nanoplatform, will offer a new way for early bimodal molecular-level diagnosis and synergistic treatment of Her2-positve breast cancer.
Sexual Assault and the Association With Health, Quality of Life, and Self-Efficacy in the General Norwegian Population
Authors: Schou-Bredal Inger , Bonsaksen Tore , Ekeberg Øivind , Skogstad Laila , Grimholt Tine K. , Lerdal Anners , Heir Trond
Published: June 2020

The lifetime prevalence of sexual assault was examined in a representative sample of the general Norwegian adult population ( n = 1,792), in addition to the association between sexual assault and health, quality of life, and general self-efficacy. Respondents completed questionnaires assessing these factors. Overall, 6.7% ( n = 120) of the respondents (10.9% of women and 1.9% of men) reported an experience of sexual assault. Respondents in the sexual assault group reported significantly worse mental and physical health as well as poorer quality of life and lower self-efficacy, compared with those without sexual assault experience. The most prevalent mental problems in the sexual assault group were depression (61.7%), sleep problems (58.3%), eating disorders (26.7%), and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms at a clinical level (25.0%). The most prevalent physical problems were chronic pain (47.5%) and musculoskeletal disease (30.8%). The proportions of physical and mental health problems were not significantly different between male and female victims. Results indicated that having experienced sexual assault during one’s life appears to be associated with lifetime occurrence of multiple health problems for both genders and reduces a person’s perceived general self-efficacy and quality of life.
The Relationships Between Parental Stress, Home Food Environment, and Child Diet Patterns in Families of Preschool Children
Authors: Jang Myoungock , Brown Roger , Vang Pa Ying
Published: June 2020

Purpose:

Home food environment, including home food availability and parental food preparation practices, plays a significant role in child diet patterns. Recent evidence suggests that parental psychological stress is related to parental food preparation practices; however, there is limited information about the relationship between parental psychological stress and home food availability. The purpose of the study is to examine the relationships between parental stress, home food availability, child diet patterns, and body mass index (BMI) in families with young children.

Design:

A secondary data analysis from a mixed-methods design study.

Setting:

The parent study was conducted in both local and online communities using a web-based survey.

Participants:

Participants were 256 parents of children aged 2 to 5 years (53.4% white; 41.5% of overweight or obese children).

Measures:

Parents completed well-validated self-report questionnaires.

Analysis:

We used latent structural equation modeling using Bayesian analysis.

Results:

There was a negative relationship between parents’ general stress and healthy food availability at home (β* = −.20, P < .001 for fruits; β* = −.23, P < .001 for vegetables; and β* = −.24, P < .001 for healthy beverage) and a positive relationship between parenting stress and healthy snack and healthy beverage availability (β = .13, P = .03; β = .14, P = .02, respectively). There was no relationship between parental stress and unhealthy food availability at home while unhealthy food availability was significantly associated with child’s unhealthy eating pattern (β* = .86, P < .01 for unhealthy snack; β* = .51, P < .01 for unhealthy beverage). There was no moderating effect of children’s health insurance on the relationships between parental stress and home food availability. Furthermore, child diet patterns were not associated with child BMI.

Conclusion:

Parental psychological stress is a potentially important intervention target point for improving home food environment and child diet patterns.
Use of Systemic Bivalirudin and an Anticoagulant-Free Purge Solution in a Percutaneous Left Ventricular Assist Device in a Patient With Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Kazmi Hasan , Milkovits Ashley E.
Published: June 2020

The use of systemic bivalirudin and an anticoagulant-free purge solution in a percutaneous left ventricular assist device (pVAD) is described in a patient with a history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). An 80-year-old man with a past medical history of severe aortic stenosis and HIT was transferred to our facility for cardiogenic shock. The patient was emergently taken to the cardiac catheterization laboratory for balloon valvuloplasty and Impella pVAD (Abiomed, Inc) implantation. Due to the history of HIT, bivalirudin was chosen as an alternative anticoagulant. The device representative suggested adding bivalirudin 20 mg/500 mL to the Impella purge solution. However, due to the negligible amount of bivalirudin this would provide in comparison to patient’s systemic intravenous bivalirudin dose, we elected not to add bivalirudin to the purge solution. The patient remained on the Impella for 72 hours with intravenous bivalirudin without any evidence of pump thrombosis as evidenced by unchanging flows and stable purge pressures. Unfortunately, despite functional Impella pVAD support, care was withdrawn due to ongoing multi-organ failure. This patient case demonstrated the safe, effective, and practical use of an anticoagulant-free purge solution with systemic bivalirudin in a patient with 72 hours of Impella support.
Treatment Needs and Service Utilization in Older U.S. Adults Evidencing High-Risk Substance Use
Authors: Fairman Kathleen A. , Early Nicole K.
Published: June 2020

Objectives: Because substance misuse by older adults poses clinical risks and has not been recently assessed, we examined substance use patterns, treatment needs, and service utilization in those evidencing high-risk use. Methods: We identified National Survey on Drug Use and Health respondents (2015–2018) aged ≥50 years reporting multiple-occasion binge drinking, illicit drug use, prescription drug misuse, or substance dependence. Past-year psychological symptoms were assessed using validated scales. Results: The sample, representing 10.2% of community-dwelling older U.S. adults, evidenced clinically important risks: 65.2% past-month binge drinking, 27.3% mental illness, 14.3% psychological distress, 10.6% combined alcohol/drug use, and 6.5% suicidality. Treatment receipt was uncommon (27.7%), positively associated with distress, and negatively associated with binge drinking. Of those not receiving treatment, 3.8% perceived treatment need. Discussion: Findings highlight the value of substance misuse screening and brief interventions, suggesting potential treatment referral opportunities for those evidencing psychological distress.
Injury Diagnosis and Affected Body Part for Nonfatal Fall-Related Injuries in Community-Dwelling Older Adults Treated in Emergency Departments
Authors: Haddad Yara K. , Shakya Iju , Moreland Briana L. , Kakara Ramakrishna , Bergen Gwen
Published: June 2020

Objective: To estimate frequency and type of older adult fall-related injuries treated in emergency departments (EDs). Methods: We used the 2015 National Electronic Injury Surveillance System: All Injury Program. Patient data were abstracted from the narratives describing the circumstance of injury. Data for community-dwelling older adults ( n = 34,336) were analyzed to explore differences in injury diagnosis by demographic characteristics, location of fall, and disposition. Results: 70% of head-related injuries were internal injuries, suggestive of a traumatic brain injury. Most hip injuries were fractures or dislocations (73.3%). Women had higher percentages of fractures/dislocations but lower percentages of internal injuries than men. About a third of fall-related ED visits required hospitalization or transfer. Discussion: Falls in older adults result in array of injuries and pose a burden on the healthcare system. Understanding how fall injuries vary by different characteristics can help inform targeted prevention strategies.
Analysis of the relationship between particle number and fuel cutoff in a single-cylinder gasoline direct injection engine
Authors: Song Jingeun , Choi Mingi
Published: June 2020

This study investigates the effects of fuel cutoff on particle number in a single-cylinder wall-guided gasoline direct injection engine. Various durations of fuel cutoff and change in load and engine stop were tested, and the in-cylinder pressure, particle number, and NO x emissions were measured. The change in in-cylinder temperature during combustion stop was calculated using the in-cylinder pressure and the ideal gas law. Experimental results showed that as the fuel cutoff duration increased, the particle number increased significantly when combustion resumed. For the injection timing before top dead center 330°, the particle number, which was 600 × 103 #/cm3 under the continuous combustion condition, increased to 6700 × 103 #/cm3 after 30 s of fuel cutoff. Both the fuel cutoff and engine stop showed enormous amount of particle number when combustion restarted. A major factor that increased particle number was the temperature reduction of piston during the combustion stop. The peak in-cylinder temperature decreased by 38 K during 30 s of motoring, which was induced by the temperature drop of the piston. Therefore, in terms of particulate emissions, it is more advantageous to lower the engine load than to stop combustion: the piston surface remains hot during load reduction. In addition, it is recommended to change the engine load slowly to reduce the particle number emissions. In this study, the rapid load change from indicated mean effective pressure of 0.25 to 0.55 MPa showed 7% higher particle number emissions than the gentle load change. On the contrary, NO x was reduced because none was generated during combustion stop. However, the fuel cutoff would increase NO x in gasoline vehicles because the oxygen in the unburned air would significantly reduce the conversion efficiency of a three-way catalytic converter. It is especially worth investigating the reason for the increase in emissions because it is easy to think that all kinds of emissions will be reduced if fuel is not burned.
(Z)-7,4′-Dimethoxy-6-hydroxy-aurone- 4-O-β-glucopyranoside alleviates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats associating with the regulation of JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway
Authors: Du R , Zhou X , Yang D , Zhou H , Lin F , Li Q
Published: June 2020

Inflammatory responses have been demonstrated to contribute to the neuronal death following cerebral ischemia. This study was to investigate the repairing effects and potential mechanisms of (Z)-7,4′-dimethoxy-6-hydroxy-aurone-4-O-β-glucopyranoside (DHAG), a compound with neuroprotective effects, on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. Cerebral I/R model was established with middle cerebral artery occlusion method in Sprague Dawley rats and then rats were treated with DHAG (1 and 2 mg/kg) for 7 days. The volume of cerebral infarction was detected by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. The apoptosis in ischemic brain tissues was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. Oxidative stress markers and inflammatory factors were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Protein expression was detected by Western blot. DHAG treatment significantly alleviated the cerebral I/R injury and decreased apoptosis in brain tissues. Moreover, DHAG treatment significantly inhibited oxidative stress and reduced inflammatory responses, associating with decreasing the protein expression of phosphorylated Janus kinase 1/phosphorylated signal transducer and transcriptional activator 1. These results demonstrated neuroprotective properties of DHAG and highlighted it as a potential therapeutic agent against injury of cerebral IR.
The expression profiles of apoptosis-related genes induced usnic acid in SK-BR-3 breast cancer cell
Authors: Özben RŞ , Cansaran-Duman D
Published: June 2020

This study aims to determine whether usnic acid (UA) could induce the expression of apoptosis-related genes in apoptosis pathway. The current study has enabled us to better understand the target of UA in the treatment of breast cancer. Cell viability was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Based on the previous study and the results of this study, UA had the most antiproliferative effect on SK-BR-3 breast cancer cell line. We examined differential expression of 88 apoptosis-related genes by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction using the apoptosis primary library panel in SK-BR-3 breast cancer cell. We observed a difference in the significant differential expression of 74 apoptosis-related genes in breast cancer after SK-BR-3 cells applied to UA (7.21 µM) for 48 h. The expression level of 56 of these 74 differentiated apoptosis-related genes increased ( p < 0.05), but the expression level of the other 18 related genes decreased ( p < 0.05). In order to evaluate the mechanism of apoptosis of UA, Western blot analysis was performed with Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3, and Caspase-9 antibodies. According to the Western blot analysis, we obtained similar results with gene-expression data. These results suggest that UA showed a cytotoxic effect in SK-BR-3 cells through activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. The obtained results from gene expression revealed that the effect of UA on apoptosis pathway is critical for clinical research.
What’s in a name? Between “Chinese Taipei” and “Taiwan”: The contested terrain of sport nationalism in Taiwan
Authors: Chiang Ying , Chen Tzu-hsuan
Published: June 2020

The Chinese Civil War split the Chinese into two politically conflicted states from 1949. The People’s Republic of China and Republic of China both claimed to be the legitimate representative of China in the international community. “Chinese Taipei” has become the name of Republic of China in the international sport field and almost every international organization since 1981, after Kuomintang (The Chinese Nationalist Party) refused to play under the provincial name “Taiwan,” which was suggested by the International Olympic Committee in the 1960s. However, the relationships between Taiwan and China and the nationalistic discourses have changed drastically in Taiwan in the past 40 years. “Chinese Taipei” became the compromised, shameful symbol of Republic of China. At the same time, “Taiwan” turned into the most progressive, resistant, and aspired but banned name and self-identity for many Taiwanese. In 2018, the “2020 Tokyo Olympics Taiwan Name Rectification Referendum” was launched. It requested to rectify the current “Chinese Taipei” to “Taiwan”. This paper aims to build a contextualized and historical understanding of this interrelation of sport and nationalism in Taiwan via this name game.
Comment on: Chaplaincy Care in the MICU: Describing the Spiritual Care Provided to MICU Patients and Families at the End of Life
Authors: Goerner Grace , Siniscarco Mary
Published: June 2020

The purpose of the comment on “Chaplaincy Care in the MICU: Describing the Spiritual Care Provided to MICU Patients and Families at the End of Life” was to bring to light more information about spiritual assessments. In addition to bringing more background to what types of assessments are used across the United States, this letter also advocates for a standardized assessment that can be used across disciplines.
Minority Opposition and Asymmetric Parties? Senators’ Partisan Rhetoric on Twitter
Authors: Russell Annelise
Published: June 2020

Hyper-partisanship in Congress extends from the legislative process into lawmakers’ strategic communications, but some partisans are leaning into the political rhetoric. Previous research offers competing explanations for this partisan rhetoric—one ascribed to Republicans’ asymmetric record of heightened partisan politics and another to minority party status within Congress. I investigate these different explanations in the context of congressional social media activity to examine how these competing theories of partisan rhetoric work when explicitly considering the use of partisan labels. I examine senators’ tweets over three Congresses and find support for an asymmetric model of partisan rhetoric; however, minority status relative to the White House and leadership roles bolster this effect. In addition, ideological extremism may explain senators’ willingness to use partisan communication to attack political opponents on social media. These findings expand the scope of existing theories of partisan communication and broadly speak to the intersection of power and party.
Moving Beyond Templates: A Bricolage Approach to Conducting Trustworthy Qualitative Research
Authors: Pratt Michael G. , Sonenshein Scott , Feldman Martha S.
Published: June 2020

Although the rising popularity of methodological templates has yielded an increasing interest in qualitative research, we discuss how the misuse of methodological templates can diminish the quality of research. As an alternative, we propose methodological bricolage as an organizing metaphor for how to do qualitative methods, which involves the combining of analytic moves for the purpose of solving a problem or problems tailored to one’s own research project. To develop a methodological bricolage approach, we draw on our own research as well as a broader set of qualitative research articles to illustrate how authors arrange various methodological moves to create an effective arrangement that communicates trustworthiness. We outline the benefits of methodological bricolage and some cautions in using this approach.
Rural tourism and development: Evolution in Scientific Literature and Trends
Authors: Ruiz-Real José Luis , Uribe-Toril Juan , de Pablo Valenciano Jaime , Gázquez-Abad Juan Carlos
Published: June 2020

This work represents a contribution by showing the state of the art of research on rural tourism and development, identifying trends and proposing future lines and topics of research. Rural tourism and its influence on the economic development of rural areas has been an important and dynamic area of research since 2004. For this purpose, a quantitative bibliometric analysis of the 892 documents related to this topic contained within the Web of Science Core Collection has been carried out. Results show that studies on rural tourism mainly focus on Spain, Romania, and China. However, the most prolific authors are from Portugal, China, the United Kingdom, and the United States. There is a notable lack of studies focused on countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, mainly due to political and religious factors. Rural tourism is also an important and emergent sector, particularly in countries like Romania and China.
‘Agitate! Agitate! Agitate!’: Sport as a site for political activism and social change
Authors: Agyemang Kwame J. A. , Singer John N. , Weems Anthony J.
Published: June 2020

Is sport an appropriate forum for activists to engage in political protest? In recent years, this question has been the subject of conversations in households, public spaces such as barbershops and coffee shops, and social media and newsrooms, as various high-profile athletes have used their sport platforms to call attention to various social injustices existing within the US society. The purpose of the following interview is to provide further insight into this intersection between sport and politics and the use of sport as a site for political resistance and social change. Dave Zirin, a critical sports journalist, is the sports editor for The Nation and author of several books on the politics of sport. This interview with Dave Zirin offers a nuanced understanding on the recent occurrences involving athlete activism and the overall use of sport as a site for political activism and social change. Topics covered include race and racism in America, social responsibility, and social movements, among others.
Predictive value of optical coherence tomography, multifocal visual evoked potentials, and full-field visual evoked potentials of the fellow, non-symptomatic eye for subsequent multiple sclerosis development in patients with acute optic neuritis
Authors: Pihl-Jensen Gorm , Wanscher Benedikte , Frederiksen Jette Lautrup
Published: June 2020

Background:

Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) may sometimes be ascertained at the time of optic neuritis (ON) but other times require the advent of new disease activity.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to examine the predictive value of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual evoked potential (VEP) measurements of the non-symptomatic, fellow eye of ON patients, for conversion to MS.

Methods:

This is a prospective cohort study in patients with acute ON. OCT thickness measurements of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) and macular ganglion cell layer–inner plexiform layer (GCLIPL), and multifocal (mf) VEP and full-field (ff) VEP, were performed. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression examined the value of predictors for the conversion to MS.

Results:

A total of 79 unilateral, acute ON patients, with no MS diagnosis or prior demyelination, were included. Of which, 28 patients developed MS during follow-up. Inferonasal GCLIPL, mean GCLIPL, and pRNFL thickness significantly predicted MS development in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.922–0.939, p = 0.0172–0.021). MfVEP mean latency (HR = 1.052, p = 0.006) only predicted MS conversion in univariate analysis. No significant predictive value was shown for the other parameters ( p > 0.2).

Conclusion:

While both mfVEP and OCT are useful tools in the evaluation of acute ON patients, only OCT measurements of fellow eyes may serve as an independent predictor of MS development.
Depression and political predispositions: Almost blue?
Authors: Bernardi Luca
Published: June 2020

This article explores the relationship between depression—one of the most common mental health problems in our societies—and political predispositions. Drawing on cross-disciplinary research from psychology, psychiatry, and political science, the article uses data from Understanding Society and the European Social Survey to test this relationship with party identification, vote intentions and left–right orientation, and two different measures of self-rated clinical depression and depressive symptoms. Empirical analyses find a modest but significant, common tendency: individuals vulnerable to depression are less likely to identify with mainstream conservative parties, to vote for them, or to place themselves on the right side of the political spectrum (a “bias against the right”). No clear evidence is found that they also identify less with political parties. These findings contribute to our understanding of differences in political predispositions and raise important implications for political engagement.
Temporal trends in pharmacologic prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism after hip and knee replacement in older adults
Authors: Ko Darae , Kapoor Alok , Rose Adam J , Hanchate Amresh D , Miller Donald , Winter Michael R , Palmisano Joseph N , Henault Lori E , Fredman Lisa , Walkey Allan J , Tripodis Yorghos , Karcz Anita , Hylek Elaine M
Published: June 2020

Trends in prescription for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis following total hip (THR) and knee replacement (TKR) since the approval of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and the 2012 guideline endorsement of aspirin are unknown, as are the risks of adverse events. We examined practice patterns in the prescription of prophylaxis agents and the risk of adverse events during the in-hospital period (the ‘in-hospital sample’) and 90 days following discharge (the ‘discharge sample’) among adults aged ⩾ 65 undergoing THR and TKR in community hospitals in the Institute for Health Metrics database over a 30-month period during 2011 to 2013. Eligible medications included fondaparinux, DOACs, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), other heparin products, warfarin, and aspirin. Outcomes were validated by physician review of source documents: VTE, major hemorrhage, cardiovascular events, and death. The in-hospital and the discharge samples included 10,503 and 5722 adults from 65 hospitals nationwide, respectively (mean age 73, 74 years; 61%, 63% women). Pharmacologic prophylaxis was near universal during the in-hospital period (93%) and at discharge (99%). DOAC use increased substantially and was the prophylaxis of choice for nearly a quarter (in-hospital) and a third (discharge) of the patients. Aspirin was the sole discharge prophylactic agent for 17% and 19% of patients undergoing THR and TKR, respectively. Warfarin remained the prophylaxis agent of choice for patients aged 80 years and older. The overall risk of adverse events was low, at less than 1% for both the in-hospital and discharge outcomes. The low number of adverse events precluded statistical comparison of prophylaxis regimens.
Collocations and near-native competence: Lexical strategies of heritage speakers of Russian
Authors: Kopotev Mikhail , Kisselev Olesya , Polinsky Maria
Published: June 2020

This paper presents an exploratory study on the use of frequency-based probabilistic word combinations in Heritage Russian. The data used in the study are drawn from three small corpora of narratives, representing the language of Russian heritage speakers from three different dominant-language backgrounds, namely German, Finnish, and American English. The elicited narratives are based on video clips that the participants saw before the recording. Since the current study is based on a relatively small corpus, we conducted a manual corpus-based analysis of the heritage corpora and an automated analysis of the baseline (monolingual) corpus to investigate the differences between the heritage and monolingual language varieties. We hypothesize that heritage speakers deploy fewer probabilistic strategies in language production compared with native speakers and that their active knowledge of and access to ready-to-use multiword units are restricted compared with native speakers. When they cannot access a single lexical item or a collocation, heritage speakers are able to tap both into the resources of the dominant language and the resources of their home language. The connection to the dominant language results in transfer-based non-standard word combinations; when heritage speakers tap into the resources of their home language, they produce unattested in the monolingual variety, “heritage” collocations, many of which are nevertheless grammatically legitimate.
Experimental study of wind-induced shear, bending, and torsional loads on rectangular tall buildings
Authors: Guzmán-Solís Vladimir , Pozos-Estrada Adrian , Gómez Roberto
Published: June 2020

To investigate wind-induced torsional loads on rectangular tall buildings, five rigid scale models were tested in an atmospheric boundary layer wind tunnel. Each model was built with identical plan dimensions but different aspect ratios. Two terrain categories were experimentally simulated in the wind tunnel to evaluate each model under different wind directions. From synchronized wind pressure measurements, the values for the shear wind force, bending moment, and torsion moment at the base of each model were calculated. The results were normalized in terms of mean shear, bending, and torque coefficients. Variations of the coefficients obtained with respect to the aspect ratio of the models tested were analyzed. Based on the experimental results, a new parametric equation to estimate the torque coefficients at the base of rectangular tall buildings as a function of aspect ratio and wind direction was proposed. The base torque coefficients obtained with the proposed equation are in good agreement with the experimental results.
Study on free vibration behavior of rotating bidirectional functionally graded nano-beams based on Eringen’s nonlocal theory
Authors: Malik Manash , Das Debabrata
Published: June 2020

Free vibration behavior of rotating bidirectional functionally graded nano-beams is studied based on Eringen’s nonlocal theory. The beam material consists of ceramic and metal constituents, and the material is graded across the length and thickness directions. The mathematical formulation is framed on Euler–Bernoulli beam theory, and the system of governing equations is derived in variational form using Hamilton’s principle. The governing equations are discretized and transformed to an eigen value problem using Ritz method. The model is formulated to study the flapping and lead-lag motions due to free vibration. The model is verified with the available numerical results. The numerical results are presented in non-dimensional frequency-speed plane to study the influence of normalized nonlocal parameter, length gradient parameter, thickness gradient parameter, root radius parameter, and section aspect ratio. Some normalized mode shapes are presented to illustrate the mode switching phenomenon. The mathematical model of a nonlocal rotating bidirectional functionally graded material nano-beam is presented for the first time through this work and the reported results are new of its kind.
Research on a simulating device for electric transmission characteristics of long-distance subsea umbilical cable
Authors: Li Yufang , Zhao Honglin , Xu Yongbiao , Wang Deguo
Published: June 2020

Subsea umbilical cable is an important link to transmit power and signals in subsea production system, often lasts for tens of kilometers in deep-sea projects. It is expensive, bulky, and inconvenient to transport. In this article, a compact, low-cost umbilical cable electrical simulator is proposed, which can be equivalent to the real umbilical cable in power transmission characteristics and can adjust parameters in a certain range. By studying the electrical transmission characteristics of long umbilical cable, the calculation method of electrical transmission characteristics is determined. A simulation device for simulating the transmission characteristics of umbilical cable is designed, which can be used to simulate the umbilical cable diameter of 10 and 16 mm2. The voltage drop characteristics, signal transmission attenuation characteristics, and power carrier characteristics of the umbilical cable electrical simulation device are simulated and experimentally analyzed. The experimental results show that the voltage drop characteristics, signal transmission attenuation characteristics, and power carrier characteristics of the umbilical cable electrical simulator are in good agreement with the real umbilical cable. The simulation device of umbilical cable can well simulate the power and signal transmission characteristics of real umbilical cable.
Is education exhausted?
Authors: Dworakowska Katarzyna
Published: June 2020

In the article I argue that the category of exhaustion constitutes the key to contemporary instrumental education. In my analysis I draw from Sloterdijk’s diagnosis of modern consciousness and the Deleuzian concept of exhaustion.

My contention is that an explanation for a durable rule of market logic can be found in the fact that traditional narratives, that is, narratives which place God or Reason as arche of the world, have expired and exposed the emptiness. The space, not occupied anymore by God or Reason, has become empty and as such needed to be filled in. As this (empty) space cannot be filled by the humanities with their so-called higher values, an economic narrative has taken over this task and, as a further consequence, transformed education into its instrument. However, neither the content of traditional narratives, nor economic ones, directly produce this emptiness, since it is an effect of the exhausted life. In my contribution I argue that a triangle consisting of higher values, economic values and the (empty) space is a sort of trap caused by two ways of being of the exhausted life, that is, by judgement and domination. Moreover, I will attempt to show that a shift to non-instrumental education present in the field of contemporary philosophy of education is also a problem within the exhausted life. In addition, perhaps the only chance to overcome this exhaustion lies in negation, which is found through despair.
An efficient cryptographic technique using modified Diffie–Hellman in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Ali Shahwar , Humaria A , Ramzan M Sher , Khan Imran , Saqlain Syed M , Ghani Anwar , Zakia J , Alzahrani Bander A
Published: June 2020

In wireless sensor networks, the sensors transfer data through radio signals to a remote base station. Sensor nodes are used to sense environmental conditions such as temperature, strain, humidity, sound, vibration, and position. Data security is a major issue in wireless sensor networks since data travel over the naturally exposed wireless channel where malicious attackers may get access to critical information. The sensors in wireless sensor networks are resource-constrained devices whereas the existing data security approaches have complex security mechanisms with high computational and response times affecting the network lifetime. Furthermore, existing systems, such as secure efficient encryption algorithm, use the Diffie–Hellman approach for key generation and exchange; however, Diffie–Hellman is highly vulnerable to the man-in-the-middle attack. This article introduces a data security approach with less computational and response times based on a modified version of Diffie–Hellman. The Diffie–Hellman has been modified to secure it against attacks by generating a hash of each value that is transmitted over the network. The proposed approach has been analyzed for security against various attacks. Furthermore, it has also been analyzed in terms of encryption/decryption time, computation time, and key generation time for different sizes of data. The comparative analysis with the existing approaches shows that the proposed approach performs better in most of the cases.