bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinematic Differences Exist Between the Fastball, Changeup, Curveball, and Dropball Pitch Types in Collegiate Softball Pitchers
Authors: Downs Jessica L. , Bordelon Nicole M. , Friesen Kenzie B. , Shannon David M. , Oliver Gretchen D.
Published: February 2021

Background:

A majority of softball literature focuses on the mechanics associated with pain and injury within a single pitch type per study; however, the generalizability of these findings is unknown since a kinematic comparison has yet to be performed between pitch types. Understanding kinematic differences between pitch types can be used to identify risk factors for injury, improve safety guidelines, and improve performance by linking specific mechanics with desired pitch outcomes.

Hypothesis/Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to compare kinematics between the fastball, changeup, curveball, and dropball pitch types in collegiate softball pitchers. It was hypothesized that there would be significant kinematic differences between pitch types.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 28 female collegiate softball pitchers pitched 3 trials of each pitch type to a catcher at regulation distance. Pitch speed, stride length, trunk extension, trunk rotation, trunk lateral flexion, elbow flexion, and center of mass for each trial were calculated using an electromagnetic motion capture system and were averaged for analysis. A 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to investigate pitch speed differences between the 4 pitch types. A 4 (pitch type) × 5 (event) within-athlete multivariate ANOVA was also used to determine kinematic differences.

Results:

The results revealed a significant difference in pitch speed between pitch types; a pitch type main effect for trunk extension, trunk rotation, trunk lateral flexion, and center of mass; and an event main effect for all variables except stride length. The results also revealed a pitch type by event interaction for trunk flexion, trunk lateral flexion, and center of mass. Specifically, the dropball type had less trunk extension than the fastball at all pitching events. Similarly, the curveball type had a more posteriorly shifted center of mass than the dropball at the last 3 pitching events of foot contact, ball release and follow-through.

Conclusion:

Significant kinematic differences exist between pitch types, but these differences may be necessary to execute desired pitch outcomes.

Clinical Relevance:

This is the first study to analyze kinematic differences between pitch types in softball pitchers. Understanding the effects of different pitch types on kinematic parameters may enhance injury prevention and performance strategies for softball pitchers.
Skin Color Matters in the Latinx Community: A Call for Action in Research, Training, and Practice
Authors: Fuentes Milton A. , Reyes-Portillo Jazmin A. , Tineo Petty , Gonzalez Kenny , Butt Mamona
Published: February 2021

While skin color is relevant and important in the Latinx community, as it is associated with colorism, little is known about how often it is measured or the best way to measure it. This article presents results from two studies examining these key concerns in three prominent journals, where Latinx research is typically published (i.e., the Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, the Journal of Latinx Psychology, and Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology). Study one examined whether skin color was measured as a variable, and if so, what measures and methodologies were used. A review of articles ( n = 1,137) showed few studies measured skin color in these three journals, with studies that did so relying on various approaches. Study two aimed to assess the reliability of a widely used skin color measure, the Massey-Martin scale, also known as the New Immigrant Survey (NIS) Skin Scale. Using a sample of 169 undergraduate students, self-ratings, coder ratings, and in vivo ratings were obtained and compared. One-way random effects model analyses indicated excellent reliability with minimal variability across the various ratings. Our findings suggest a critical need to engage in a more concerted effort to assess and discuss the relevance and importance of skin color within the Latinx community. The authors offer some suggestions on how to facilitate these efforts in clinical, training, and research arenas.
A Study of Risk Factors Predicting School Disruption in Children and Youth Living in Ontario
Authors: Sun Li , Semovski Valbona , Stewart Shannon L.
Published: February 2021

School disruption (SD) places students at risk of early school departure and other negative psychological outcomes. Based on the data derived from a sample of Ontario children and youth, this study aims to identify risk factors associated with SD among 1,241 school-aged students. A logistic regression model revealed that substance use, family functioning, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and experiencing bullying, significantly predicted SD. Substance use and family functioning resulted in the largest contributions to SD when holding other variables constant. This study provides supporting evidence of risk factors predicting SD and suggests that mental health and school personnel should consider family functioning and substance use in particular, when creating interventions to decrease premature school termination.
Relative Risk of Intimate Partner Violence According to Access to Instrumental Social Support Among Pregnant Women in Eswatini Whose Partners Do and Do Not Drink Alcohol
Authors: Fielding-Miller Rebecca , Barker Kathryn , Wagman Jennifer
Published: February 2021

Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects one in three women around the world and is the tenth leading cause of death for women in Africa aged 15 to 29 years. Partner alcohol use, access to social support, and poverty all affect women’s likelihood of experiencing violence. We sought to understand how partner alcohol use differentially affected the hypothesized association between a protective role of instrumental social support (in the form of food or financial loans) against IPV for a clinic-based sample of women in the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland). We use cross-sectional data from a parent study of women recruited from urban and rural antenatal clinics in Eswatini ( n = 393) to calculate the association between experiencing IPV and perception of one’s ability access to large cash loans, small cash loans, and food loans—both for the full sample and stratified by partner alcohol use. In fully adjusted models, the perception that one could access loans of food or money was associated with decreased relative risk of IPV for all women. These associations were modified by partner alcohol use. Access to instrumental support (loans of food or money) is associated with decreased risk of IPV, but this association varies according to the type of loan and whether or not a woman’s partner drinks alcohol. Economic empowerment interventions to reduce IPV must be carefully tailored to ensure they are appropriate for a woman’s specific individual, relationship, and community context.
An accurate cutting tool wear prediction method under different cutting conditions based on continual learning
Authors: Hua Jiaqi , Li Yingguang , Mou Wenping , Liu Changqing
Published: February 2021

Cutting tool wear prediction plays an important role in the machining of complex aerospace parts, and it is still a challenge under varying cutting conditions. To overcome the limitations of the existing methods in generalization ability when dealing with cutting conditions changing largely, this paper proposed a novel cutting tool wear prediction method based on continual learning. A meta-LSTM model is firstly trained for specific cutting conditions and can be easily fine-tuned with very small number of samples to adapt to new cutting conditions. Specifically, the meta-model could be continuously updated as machining data increase by using an orthogonal weights modification method. The experiment results show that the proposed method can realize accurate prediction of tool wear under different cutting conditions. Compared with existing methods including meta-learning methods, the range of adapted cutting conditions could be expanded as the task distribution of new cutting conditions is continuously learned by the prediction model.
‘Our legal responsibility…to intervene on behalf of the child’: Recognising public responsibilities for the medical treatment of children
Authors: Bridgeman Jo
Published: February 2021

This article argues for recognition of public responsibilities to protect the welfare of children with respect to decisions affecting their health and medical treatment. As the quote in the title of this article, from David Plank, the Director of Social Services responsible for bringing the case of Baby Alexandra before the courts, identifies, early cases concerning children’s medical treatment were brought by local authorities to determine responsibilities to protect the welfare of children. In cases such as Re B (1981), Re J (1990) and Re W (1992), the court was asked not only to determine the child’s best interests but also to clarify the duties of the local authority, Trust, court and child’s parents to the child. The respective duties established apply to all involved in cases brought before the courts on the question of a child’s future medical treatment, whether or not the child is in the care of the state. Recent cases concerning the medical treatment of seriously ill children have involved claims of parental authority to determine the care of their child. To the contrary, this article argues that court involvement is required when parents are disagreed with the child’s treating doctors over the child’s medical treatment because of public as well as parental and professional responsibilities for the welfare of all children.
The Impact of Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy on Executive Functions
Authors: Koganti Haritha , Paneyala Shasthara , Sundaramurthy Harsha , SC Nemichandra , Kashyap Rithvik S , Joshi Siddharth , Colaco Vimala
Published: February 2021

Background: Idiopathic generalized epilepsy is defined as seizures with a possible hereditary predisposition without an underlying cause or structural pathology. Assessment of executive dysfunction in idiopathic generalized epilepsies based on standard Indian battery is not available in the literature.

Aims and Objectives: To assess specific executive functions affected in patients with idiopathic epilepsy and their association with various variables.

Materials and Methods: Type of observational cross-sectional study, where clinical profile of all idiopathic epilepsy patients attending the neurology OPD was studied and their executive higher mental functions were assessed using the NIMHANS battery.

Results: A total of 75 idiopathic generalized epilepsy patients were included in the study. Executive functions that were commonly found abnormal in our study were word fluency ( P ≤ .001), category fluency ( P < .001), verbal n-back ( P < .001), Tower of London ( p < 0.01), and Stroop test ( P < 0.01). Executive functions showed a significant correlation with age at symptom onset, duration of epilepsy, and in those with uncontrolled seizures.

Conclusion: Patients of idiopathic generalized epilepsy according to the present study were found to have significant executive dysfunction in multiple domains. This necessitates the screening for executive dysfunctions, which if detected should prompt the clinician to initiate cognitive retraining.
Culturally Responsive Pedagogical/Andragogical Context Knowledge: A Conceptual Model for Music Education
Authors: Bond Vanessa L. , Russell Joshua A.
Published: February 2021

To better suit the needs of all learners, music teacher educators must develop a mindset of culturally responsive practice in preservice educators. In this interest article, we present a conceptual model intended to promote theory, discussion, and practice relevant to culturally sustaining music education. The model builds on our prior empirical work concerning music teacher educators’ conceptions of culturally responsive education, which we unite with Barnett and Hodson’s concept of pedagogical context knowledge and theories of andragogy and heutagogy into one comprehensive framework. We describe each facet of the model and provide suggestions for its use in both research and practice.
Inspiration and Textual Preservation: A Catholic Essay on the Bible
Authors: Prothro James B.
Published: February 2021

The doctrine of inspiration grounds Christian use and interpretation of Scripture, making this doctrine at once theoretical and practical. Many theoretical accounts, however, restrict the “inspired” status of biblical texts to a single text-form, which introduces problems for the practical use of Scripture in view of the texts’ historical multiformity. This article argues that such restrictions of inspiration are theologically problematic and unnecessary. Contextualizing inspiration within the divine revelatory economy, this article argues that the Spirit’s same goals and varied activities in the texts’ composition obtain also in their preservation, so that we can consider multiple forms of a text to be inspired while acknowledging that not all forms are inspired to equal ends in the history and life of the church. The article concludes with hermeneutical reflections affirming that we, today, can read the “word of the Lord” while also affirming the place of textual criticism in theological interpretation.
Tourism Crises and Impacts on Destinations: A Systematic Review of the Tourism and Hospitality Literature
Authors: Duan Jiahui , Xie Chaowu , Morrison Alastair M.
Published: February 2021

Tourism crises are important events affecting the development of destinations. However, the academic community lacks adequate knowledge from the accumulated literature on the classification attributes, spatial distribution, and impact structure of global tourism crises. This research analyzed 302 articles related to tourism crises from 1991 to 2020 drawn from the Social Sciences Citation Index database. Bibliometric and content analyses were conducted to identify the event types, regional distribution, impact structure, and synergistic factors of tourism crises. The results showed that the extant research on tourism crises has event-driven characteristics. The types of tourism crises are diverse and have multiple subcategories. The tourism crises featured in academic research are mainly events affecting Asia, Europe, and North America, reflecting their real-world distribution. The impacts of tourism crises on destinations are at three levels: macro, meso, and micro. Synergistic factors can enhance or weaken the degree of crisis impacts, which include positive, negative, and interactive factors. Research on tourism crises has substantial future scope and this investigation puts forward an agenda for this work.
Comparison of CT features of 79 cats with intranasal mass lesions
Authors: Bouyssou Sarah , Hammond Gawain J , Eivers Caroline
Published: February 2021

Objectives

This retrospective multicentre study compared the CT characteristics of cats diagnosed with intranasal mass lesions to determine if defining imaging features exist between different tumour types and between neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions.

Methods

The medical records of two institutions were reviewed for cats with CT findings consistent with an intranasal mass lesion with subsequent histopathological examination. For each CT scan the mass location, growth pattern, margin distinction, contrast enhancement pattern and presence of intralesional areas of mineralisation or necrosis were recorded. The presence of facial deformity, the location and type of bone changes, extranasal extension of the mass lesion and the regional lymph nodes size, contrast pattern and hilus visibility were also documented.

Results

Thirty-five cats with nasal lymphoma, 28 cats with non-lymphomatous nasal neoplasia (carcinoma or sarcoma) and 16 cats with inflammatory lesions met the inclusion criteria. Cats with non-lymphomatous nasal neoplasia were more likely to show unilateral nasal changes (odds ratio [OR] 3.9), areas of intralesional calcification (OR infinity) and extension of the mass lesion within the frontal sinus (OR 4.5), while cats suffering from nasal lymphoma were more likely to show a mixed (OR 4.5) and expansile growth pattern (OR 7.8), and a regional lymphadenomegaly (OR 2.4). The CT findings in cats diagnosed with inflammatory mass-like lesions were highly variable and overlapped with findings for nasal neoplasms but were significantly associated with the absence of bony changes to the nasal cavity boundaries (OR 10.2).

Conclusions and relevance

Findings from the current study support the ability of CT to aid in the discrimination of tumour type in cats presented with an intranasal mass lesion.
Rubeosis iridis and macular hemorrhages from multiple Corkscrew retinal vessels in a patient with NF1
Authors: Márquez Marilyn A , Juárez Claudio P , Sánchez Maria C , Luna Jose D
Published: February 2021

Purpose:

To report a case of a patient with NF1 presenting with ocular findings of AV malformation, multiple retinal hemorrhages, and neovascular glaucoma in the absence of retinal ischemia.

Methods:

Review of the medical record was conducted in accordance with the local IRBt.

Results:

A 60-year-old female patient with diagnosis of Neurofibromatosis type1 (NF1) and sudden decrease of vision in her left eye was found to have rubeosis iridis and high intraocular pressure (IOP). On fundus exam multiple corkscrew retinal vessels and retinal hemorrhages were present in her left eye. On Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) the foveal hemorrhages appeared as outer layer hyperreflective retinal infiltrates whereas in the parafoveal area the hyperreflectivity was present between the RPE and neurosensory retina. Fluorescein Angiogram (FA) showed normal perfusion and no areas of leakage or ischemia. Treatment with anti-angiogenics in a timely manner correlated with a good visual outcome.

Conclusions:

We present a unique patient with NF1, rubeosis iridis, high IOP, and macular hemorrhages from multiple corkscrew retinal vessels in a well perfused retina, who underwent treatment with a single dose of intravitreal Bevacizumab and had an excellent response
Pupillometry: An objective test to assess endocular hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis
Authors: Marques João Heitor , Malheiro Luísa , Malheiro Jorge , Oliveira Luís , Menéres Maria João , Beirão João Melo
Published: February 2021

Objective:

To automatically study the pupillary light reflex in patients with hereditary transthyretin-associated amyloidosis (hATTR).

Methods:

Prospective cross-sectional observational study in patients with hATTR with unilateral scalloped iris. Pupillary light reflex of scalloped iris eyes (21 eyes) were compared with non-scalloped iris eyes (21 eyes, paired eyes of the same patients) and also with a control group of 20 healthy eyes, using static and dynamic pupillometry with the Metrovision® MonPack One.

Results:

No patient presented evident neurological involvment of the cranial nerves. No significant differences were found in the pupillary diameters under standardized lighting conditions (static pupillometry) among groups. In dynamic pupillometry, the amplitude of contraction, the velocity of contraction and the velocity of dilation were statistically significantly lower in eyes with scalloped iris, comparing both with the contralateral non-scalloped iris eyes ( p < 0.001 for all) and with eyes from healthy subjects ( p < 0.05 for all).

Conclusion:

A scalloped iris reflects a more advanced endocular hATTR and it is associated with an altered pupillary light reflex. Pupillometry may be a quick, simple, and portable test to objectively evaluate ocular amyloid deposition in hATTR eyes. Pupillary light reflex may not be reliable to evaluate neurological dysfunction in these patients.
Cerclage wire fixation of trochanteric osteotomies in complex hip revision: our experience and comparison with cable-plate fixation
Authors: Collado Alicia , Arvinius Camilla , Serrano Laura , Otero Julio , Moro Enrique , Marco Fernando
Published: February 2021

Introduction:

Osteotomy of the greater trochanter is a commonly used procedure in complex revision hip arthroplasty in order to achieve a wide exposure to the femoral stem and acetabular components. There is no clinical evidence in favour of a specific fixation method. The aim of this study was to compare cable-plate with figure-of-eight cerclage wire fixation in patients requiring a trochanteric “slide” osteotomy.

Material and methods:

In a retrospective study, 51 greater trochanteric “slide” osteotomies in complex acetabular revision arthroplasties were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups: 28 hips were fixed with 1 of 2 cable-plate systems (Dall-Miles staple, Stryker or Cable-Ready plate, Zimmer) and 23 with a figure-of-eight cerclage wire. Consolidation, osteolysis, migration of greater trochanter, bursitis of the trochanteric area, Trendelenburg gait and removal of osteosynthesis material were studied at 6 months follow-up.

Results:

Both groups showed good union rates. The lysis rate was similar with 32% in the cable-plate group versus 29% in the cerclage wire group ( p = 0.084). 43% of the hips with cable-plate and 22% of the cerclage wire had trochanteric migration ( p = 0.297). Pain at the greater trochanter was less frequent in the cerclage wire group (9%) as compared to the cable-plate group (43%) ( p = 0.007). Implant removal was more frequent in the cable-plate group (4 vs. 0 patients). Trendelenburg gait was found in 3 patients in the cerclage wire group as compared to 10 in the cable-plate group ( p = 0.054).

Conclusions:

The cerclage wiring had superior clinical outcomes with similar radiographic results. The authors recommend the use of figure-of-eight cerclage wire when fixing a greater trochanteric “slide” osteotomy in complex revision hip arthroplasty.
High re-revision rate following one-stage exchange for streptococcal periprosthetic joint infection of the hip
Authors: Ohlmeier Malte , Jachczik Insa , Citak Mustafa , Gehrke Thorsten , Hawi Nael , Haasper Carl , Abdelaziz Hussein
Published: February 2021

Introduction:

This study was undertaken to analyse the outcome of 1-stage exchange in the management of streptococcal periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) of the hip at a single hospital.

Methods:

We identified 30 patients with a streptococcal PJI of the hip who had been treated by 1-stage exchange at our hospital between 2002 and 2017. Postoperative complications and the need for any subsequent re-revision for infection or other reasons were analysed. The Harris Hip Score (HHS) was evaluated at final follow-up.

Results:

The mean follow-up was 8.2 years (SD 4.1). The overall re-revision rate for any reason was 53% (16/30) at a mean 5.3 years (SD 0.68 years). Re-revision for infection was 20% (6/30) at a mean 1.8 years (SD 0.74 years). All re-revisions for PJI (6/6; 100%) were for relapse of the streptococcal infection. At final follow-up, the mean HHS was 68 points (SD 20).

Conclusions:

The rate of re-revision after 1-stage exchange for streptococcal PJI is high. Eradication of a streptococcal PJI of the hip remains challenging. Further extensive and comparative studies between 1-and 2-stage exchange are encouraged.
Acute impact of a national lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic on wellbeing outcomes among individuals with chronic pain
Authors: Zambelli Zoë , Fidalgo António R , Halstead Elizabeth J , Dimitriou Dagmara
Published: February 2021

Changes to wellbeing in a community-based sample of 638 adults with non-malignant chronic pain were assessed during a period of mandated lockdown measures in the UK to control the COVID-19 outbreak. Participants completed an online survey pre-lockdown and were followed up during lockdown. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that decreased ability to self-manage pain, restricted access to healthcare and increased dependence on others were associated with negative wellbeing outcomes related to sleep, anxiety and depression. Essential but non-urgent services are required during periods of lockdown to maintain independence and self-management in order to preserve wellbeing in this population.
A longitudinal study of foreign language anxiety and enjoyment
Authors: Pan Chunmei , Zhang Xian
Published: February 2021

The present longitudinal study investigated the changes of FLE (foreign language enjoyment) and FLA (foreign language anxiety) over time in the foreign language classroom and their relationship with foreign language learning motivation and learners’ personality traits. Fifty-five college students completed an FLE/FLA questionnaire after English classes over 14 weeks. They also completed a motivation questionnaire and a personality questionnaire. The results revealed that FLE was less stable over time as compared to FLA. A number of motivational factors (e.g. ought-to L2 self, ideal L2 self, motivated behavior) were found to be related to both the mean and the variance of FLE and FLA over time. Moreover, several personality traits (e.g. extraversion) also played a role in FLE and FLA. Pedagogical implications were discussed.
Surviving the survival narrative, part 2: Conceptualising Whiteness-as-utility and internalised racism
Authors: Seet Adam Z , Paradies Yin
Published: February 2021

This article interrogates how the concept of critical consciousness applies to racialised subjects’ lived experiences when attempting to resist racialisation and racism within Australian society. We first demonstrate the incongruence between the theoretical conceptualisation of critical consciousness-raising and its practical application for racialised subjects, examined through the concept of the will-to-resist. This foregrounds the individualised nature of resistance for the racialised. Then, we offer a helpful conceptual differentiation between racialised survival, discussed in terms of Whiteness-as-utility. This has often become conflated with the phenomenon of internalised racism (IR), discussed in terms of Whiteness-as-referent. Overall, we suggest that subversion, or rather, resistance through adaptation, may indeed be a survival tactic for the racialised, but is nevertheless one that fails to effectively subvert racist systems due to the racialised dynamics inherent within the settler colonial structure. This highlights the need to account for the dynamics of IR when attempting to understand issues of race, as it presents a significant hurdle towards anti-racism objectives.
Exploring the acceptability of a digital mental health platform incorporating a virtual coach: The good, the bad, and the opportunities
Authors: Venning Anthony , Herd Madeleine CE , Oswald Tassia K , Razmi Sabran , Glover Fiona , Hawke Tim , Quartermain Victoria , Redpath Paula
Published: February 2021

Digital Mental Health Platforms offer feasible options to increase access to mental health support. This study aimed to examine the acceptability of a Low Intensity Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Digital Mental Health Platform, containing a Virtual Coach, with University Students ( n = 16) and Mental Health Professionals ( n = 5). Semi-structured interviews, exploratory focus groups, and inductive thematic analysis were conducted. Four overarching themes were identified, with potential users and professionals highlighting positive aspects, elements to be improved, and ambivalent feelings towards the platform overall. However, participants predominately expressed negative experiences indicating that the Virtual Coach was unrelatable and hard to engage with. While Virtual Coaches and similar Digital Mental Health Platforms have the potential to overcome barriers for those attempting to access mental health services, their effectiveness may be limited if the people who need them are not drawn to and then consistently engaged with them. Based on the feedback attained for this specific Digital Mental Health Platform, recommendations are provided for future developers aiming to create similar platforms, to assist in their uptake and ensure ongoing user engagement.
Compatible properties and behaviour of dually loaded electrospun polyurethane bone tissue scaffolds
Authors: Mani Mohan Prasath , Jaganathan Saravana Kumar , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi bin , Khudzari Ahmad Zahran Md
Published: February 2021

In this study, composite based on polyurethane (PU) containing lemon grass oil (LG) and zinc nitrate (ZnNO3) was fabricated using electrospinning technique. Morphology study revealed the fabricated scaffolds PU/LG and PU/LG/ZnNO3 diameter was lower than polyurethane. LG and ZnNO3 form hydrogen bond with polyurethane as revealed in the infrared analysis. The developed PU/LG composite rendered hydrophobicity while PU/LG/ZnNO3 showed hydrophilic nature than PU. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) depicted the decrease in surface roughness of the nanocomposite compared to polyurethane. The addition of LG and ZnNO3 improved the mechanical strength of the pristine PU as indicated in tensile analysis. Coagulation assay measurements indicated a delay in the activation of clot and also exhibited reduced toxicity for the developed composites PU/LG and PU/LG/ZnNO3. Moreover, the deposition of calcium in the developed composites were found to be higher compared to the PU as noted in the bone mineralization testing. Hence, these developed nanocomposites with desirable properties will translate them as potential candidates for bone tissue engineering.
Program development on cleaning pattern and performance evaluation for low pressure waterjet
Authors: Kang Ji-Heon , Jang Jin-Seok , Kim Kun-woo , Yoo Wan-Suk , Lee Jae-Wook
Published: February 2021

Waterjet is a device that cuts or crushes materials using water pressure injected through the nozzle. Especially, Low pressure waterjet is used in stripping and cleaning work. The cleaning patterns of the low pressure waterjet is determined by various design variables, such as the number of nozzles, an angle of nozzles, gear ratio and so on. In order to optimize the cleaning pattern, the optimum waterjet design is required depending on the shape of the target structure. To do this, a large number of waterjet analysis models should be used. This study reduced design time by automating the creation of the desired analysis model with simple changes in design variables, and conducted evaluation of the cleaning patterns using numerical method for the most frequently used cylindrical structures. In addition, it analyzed the effects of changes in design variables and suggested improvements. Moreover, the idea of a module type waterjet was proposed to reduce the cost of waterjet replacement due to usage changes. This study can be used to design the waterjet, which suits a particular purpose.
Effectiveness of prone position in spontaneously breathing patients with COVID-19: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Fazzini Brigitta , Fowler Alex J , Zolfaghari Parjam
Published: February 2021

We present a single centre study describing the effect of awake prone position (PP) on oxygenation and clinical outcomes in spontaneously breathing patients with novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Between 1st March and 30th April 2020, forty eight of 138 patients managed outside of the critical care unit with facemask oxygen, high flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), underwent PP. Prone position was associated with significant improvement in oxygenation, lower ICU admission, tracheal intubation, and shorter ICU length of stay. Lack of response to PP may be an indicator of treatment failure, requiring early escalation.
Mistaken administration of a repeat loading dose of Degarelix leading to acute psychosis
Authors: Hamdoon Musaab , Satchi Maria , Fawke Fay , Madaan Sanjeev
Published: February 2021

Lesson

Advanced and metastatic prostate cancer is often managed with hormonal blockage. Luteinising hormone-releasing hormone antagonists achieve rapid testosterone suppression and are used for the treatment of advanced or metastatic prostate cancer. Degarelix is a luteinising hormone-releasing hormone antagonist and is given as a loading dose, followed by a monthly maintenance dose. We report a case where a patient was inadvertently given a second loading dose of Degarelix that resulted in acute psychosis in the form of panic attacks, delusions, suicidal thoughts, insomnia and some visual hallucinations, which are not reported as side-effects of Degarelix.
Media Coverage of Syrian Female Refugees in Jordan and Lebanon
Authors: Haider Ahmad S. , Olimy Saleh S. , Al-Abbas Linda S.
Published: February 2021

Jordan and Lebanon are among the predominantly affected countries by the Syrian civil war that began after the outbreak of the Arab Spring in 2011. Hundreds of thousands of displaced Syrians, including women and children, moved to these two countries. As media plays an integral role in shaping societies and framing the world around us, this study explores the representation of Syrian female refugees in Jordan News Agency (Petra) and Lebanon National News Agency (NNA). It uses a 13-million-word corpus of Arabic news articles from 2012 to 2016. These 5 years represent the peak of the Syrian refugee crisis, and the media coverage of it was extensive and thorough. Adopting a corpus-assisted discourse approach to analyze the data yielded eight main categories that were recurrent in the news of the two agencies, namely, suffering, sexual exploitation, impact on the local female community, awareness-raising, making a living, support, vulnerability, and burden. The findings revealed that the focus in Petra news was mainly on empowering the Syrian female refugees, while NNA highlighted Syrian women’s suffering and efforts of alleviation. The study recommends that the governments of Jordan and Lebanon as well as international organizations provide more support and protection for vulnerable and disadvantaged refugee women. It also stresses the need for psychosocial support, counter-trafficking, protection, and women empowerment programs.
An Evolutionary Game Model of Collaborative Innovation Between Enterprises and Colleges Under Government Participation of China
Authors: Su Nina , Shi Zhuqin , Zhu Xianqi , Xin Yunsheng
Published: February 2021

The three-party evolutionary game model of government, enterprises, and institutions of higher learning is established, and the dynamic evolution process of collaborative innovation behavior is discussed under the two strategies of “incentive” and “non-incentive” chosen by the government. The results show that under the premise of stronger innovation consciousness of the government and institutions and smaller the innovation cost of enterprises, the system is easier to reach the ideal state. The incentive degree of government should be controlled within a reasonable range to prevent enterprises from falling into a bad state because of the temptation of economic interests.
A Viral Connection
Authors: Jarratt LynnMarie
Published: February 2021

A heartfelt commentary on the rise of virtual medicine and medical education as told from the perspective of a 3rd year medical student during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sidewalk extraction using aerial and street view images
Authors: Ning Huan , Ye Xinyue , Chen Zhihui , Liu Tao , Cao Tianzhi
Published: February 2021

A reliable, punctual, and spatially accurate dataset of sidewalks is vital for identifying where improvements can be made upon urban environment to enhance multi-modal accessibility, social cohesion, and residents' physical activity. This paper develops a synthetically new spatial procedure to extract the sidewalk by integrating the detected results from aerial and street view imagery. We first train neural networks to extract sidewalks from aerial images, and then use pre-trained models to restore occluded and missing sidewalks from street view images. By combining the results from both data sources, a complete network of sidewalks can be produced. Our case study includes four counties in the U.S., and both precision and recall reach about 0.9. The street view imagery helps restore the occluded sidewalks and largely enhances the sidewalk network's connectivity by linking 20% of dangles.
A randomized phase 2/3 study of R-CHOP vs CHOP combined with dose-dense rituximab for DLBCL: the JCOG0601 trial
Authors: Ohmachi Ken , Kinoshita Tomohiro , Tobinai Kensei , Ogawa Gakuto , Mizutani Tomonori , Yamauchi Nobuhiko , Fukuhara Noriko , Uchida Toshiki , Yamamoto Kazuhito , Miyazaki Kana , Tsukamoto Norifumi , Iida Shinsuke , Utsumi Takahiko , Yoshida Isao , Imaizumi Yoshitaka , Tokunaga Takashi , Yoshida Shinichiro , Masaki Yasufumi , Murayama Tohru , Yakushijin Yoshihiro , Suehiro Youko , Nosaka Kisato , Dobashi Nobuaki , Kuroda Junya , Takamatsu Yasushi , Maruyama Dai , Ando Kiyoshi , Ishizawa Kenichi , Ogura Michinori , Yoshino Tadashi , Hotta Tomomitsu , Tsukasaki Kunihiro , Nagai Hirokazu ,   the Japan Clinical Oncology Group
Published: February 2021

Rituximab plus cyclophosphamide-doxorubicin-vincristine-prednisone (R-CHOP) is the standard of care for untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, the schedule for rituximab administration has not been optimized. To compare standard R-CHOP with CHOP plus dose-dense weekly rituximab (RW-CHOP) in patients with untreated DLBCL, we conducted a phase 2/3 study (JCOG0601, jRCTs031180139). Patients were randomly assigned to R-CHOP (CHOP-21 with 8 doses of rituximab once every 3 weeks [375 mg/m2]) or RW-CHOP (CHOP-21 with 8 doses of weekly rituximab [375 mg/m2]) groups. The primary end point of the phase 2 component was percent complete response (%CR) of the RW-CHOP arm, whereas that of the phase 3 component was progression-free survival (PFS). Between December 2007 and December 2014, 421 untreated patients were randomly assigned to R-CHOP (213 patients) or RW-CHOP (208 patients). The %CR in the RW-CHOP arm was 85.3% and therefore met the prespecified decision criteria for the phase 2 component. With a median follow-up of 63.4 months, the 3-year PFS and overall survival were 79.2% and 88.7% in the R-CHOP arm and 80.3% and 90.4% in the RW-CHOP arm, respectively. There was no significant difference in PFS (hazard ratio, 0.95; 90.6% confidence interval, 0.68-1.31). Although the safety profile and efficacy of RW-CHOP was comparable with R-CHOP and its tolerability was acceptable, weekly rituximab in combination with CHOP during the early treatment period did not improve PFS in untreated patients with DLBCL. This trial was registered at jrct.niph.go.jp as #jRCTs031180139.
Baseline and serial molecular profiling predicts outcomes with hypomethylating agents in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Hunter Anthony M. , Komrokji Rami S. , Yun Seongseok , Al Ali Najla , Chan Onyee , Song Jinming , Hussaini Mohammad , Talati Chetasi , Sweet Kendra L. , Lancet Jeffrey E. , Padron Eric , List Alan F. , Sallman David A.
Published: February 2021

Hypomethylating agents (HMAs) are widely used in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs), yet identifying those patients unlikely to benefit remains challenging. We assessed response and overall survival (OS) in 247 patients molecularly profiled by next-generation sequencing (NGS) before first-line HMA therapy, and a subset of 108 patients were sequenced serially during treatment. The most common mutations included TP53 (33.1%), ASXL1 (19%), TET2 (16.5%), DNMT3A (14.1%), and SRSF2 (12.1%). The overall response rate was 42.1%, with the composite TET2-mutant/ASXL1 wild-type genotype representing the strongest predictor of response (overall response rate, 62.1%; complete remission rate, 34.5%). The median OS for the cohort was 15 months, and the number of mutations detected by NGS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.22; P = .02), as well as mutations in TP53 (HR, 2.33; P = .001) and EZH2 (HR, 2.41; P = .04) were identified as independent covariates associated with inferior OS in multivariable analysis. Serial molecular profiling revealed that clearance of TP53 mutations during HMA therapy was associated with superior OS (HR, 0.28; P = .001) and improved outcome in patients proceeding to allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. These data support baseline molecular profiling by NGS in MDS patients treated with HMAs and provide novel observations of sequential profiling during therapy that provide particular value in TP53-mutated disease.
Correction to: Regional brain volume predicts response to methylphenidate treatment in individuals with ADHD
Authors: Chang Jung-Chi , Lin Hsiang-Yuan , Lv Jinglei , Tseng Wen-Yih Issac , Gau Susan Shur-Fen
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
A novel clinical model for predicting malignancy of solitary pulmonary nodules: a multicenter study in chinese population
Authors: He Xia , Xue Ning , Liu Xiaohua , Tang Xuemiao , Peng Songguo , Qu Yuanye , Jiang Lina , Xu Qingxia , Liu Wanli , Chen Shulin
Published: February 2021

Background

This study aimed to establish and validate a novel clinical model to differentiate between benign and malignant solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs).

Methods

Records from 295 patients with SPNs in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center were retrospectively reviewed. The novel prediction model was established using LASSO logistic regression analysis by integrating clinical features, radiologic characteristics and laboratory test data, the calibration of model was analyzed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test (HL test). Subsequently, the model was compared with PKUPH, Shanghai and Mayo models using receiver-operating characteristics curve (ROC), decision curve analysis (DCA), net reclassification improvement index (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement index (IDI) with the same data. Other 101 SPNs patients in Henan Tumor Hospital were used for external validation cohort.

Results

A total of 11 variables were screened out and then aggregated to generate new prediction model. The model showed good calibration with the HL test (P = 0.964). The AUC for our model was 0.768, which was higher than other three reported models. DCA also showed our model was superior to the other three reported models. In our model, sensitivity = 78.84%, specificity = 61.32%. Compared with the PKUPH, Shanghai and Mayo models, the NRI of our model increased by 0.177, 0.127, and 0.396 respectively, and the IDI changed − 0.019, -0.076, and 0.112, respectively. Furthermore, the model was significant positive correlation with PKUPH, Shanghai and Mayo models.

Conclusions

The novel model in our study had a high clinical value in diagnose of MSPNs.
ER resident protein 44 promotes malignant phenotype in nasopharyngeal carcinoma through the interaction with ATP citrate lyase
Authors: Tian Hui , Shi Si , You Bo , Zhang Qicheng , Gu Miao , You Yiwen
Published: February 2021

Background

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is one of the most common malignancy in head and neck. With the development of treatments, the prognosis has improved these years, but metastasis is still the main cause of treatment failure. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) resident protein 44 is a UPR-induced ER protein of the protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) family. This study investigated the role of ERp44 in NPC progression.

Methods

Firstly, immunohistochemistry, western blot and qRT-PCR were used to investigate the expression of ERp44 in NPC samples and cell lines. We analyzed 44 NPC samples for ERp44 expression and investigated the association between its expression level with clinicopathologic parameters. Then we took CCK8, Transwell migration assay and used the zebrafish model to access the role of ERp44 on the malignant phenotype in NPC cells. Secondly, we used co-IP to gain the proteins that interact with ERp44 and took proteomic analysis. Furthermore, we successfully constructed the mutant variants of ERp44 and found the interaction domain with ATP citrate lyase(ACLY). Lastly, we subcutaneously injected NPC cells into nude mice and took immunohistochemistry to exam the expression of ACLY and ERp44. Then we used western blot to detect the expression level of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers.

Results

In the present study, we found ERp44 was elevated in NPC tissues and correlated with clinical stages and survive state of the patients. In vitro, the downregulation of ERp44 in NPC cells (CNE2, 5-8F) could suppress cells proliferation and migration. After that, we recognized that ACLY might be a potential target that could interact with ERp44. We further constructed the mutant variants of ERp44 and found the interaction domain with ACLY. The promotion of ERp44 on cell migration could be inhibited when ACLY was knocked down. More importantly, we also observed that the interaction of ERp44 with ACLY, especially the thioredoxin region in ERp44 play a vital role in regulating EMT. Lastly, we found ERp44 was positively correlated with the expression of ACLY and could promote NPC cells growth in nude mice.

Conclusion

Our data indicated that ERp44 participates in promoting NPC progression through the interaction with ACLY and regulation of EMT.
HOXA10 promotion of HDAC1 underpins the development of lung adenocarcinoma through the DNMT1-KLF4 axis
Authors: Ma Tiangang , Yan Bingdi , Hu Yanbing , Zhang Qinghua
Published: February 2021

Background

Previous research has highlighted the ability of Homeobox A10 (HOXA10) to the promote proliferation, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation of various cancers, including lung adenocarcinoma (LAD), which is characterized by an aggressive disease course that exhibits rapid proliferation and migration, with studies suggesting histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) to be a downstream mediator of HOXA10. The current study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which HOXA10-mediated HDAC1 influences the development of LAD.

Methods

The expression patterns of HOXA10, HDAC1, DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), and Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) were determined. Additionally, the effect of HOXA10, HDAC1, or DNMT1 on invasive phenotypes of LAD was analyzed using depletion experiments. The interactions among HOXA10, HDAC1, DNMT1, and KLF4 were evaluated via chromatin immunoprecipitation, dual luciferase assay or co-immunoprecipitation. Furthermore, the tumorigenic ability of the LAD cells following HOXA10 silencing and/or HDAC1 overexpression in vivo was also investigated.

Results

In the LAD tissues and cells, HOXA10, HDAC1, and DNMT1 all exhibited high levels of expression, while KLF4 was poorly expressed. HOXA10 silencing inhibited the expression of HDAC1, reduced LAD cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and promoted the apoptosis. HDAC1 promoted DNMT1 expression through deacetylation, and DNMT1 inhibited the KLF4 expression through DNA methyltransferase. The in vitro findings were further attested through the use of in vivo assays.

Conclusion

Taken together, the key observations of the current study highlight the role of HOXA10 and HDAC1 in promoting the proliferation and migration of LAD cells. HOXA10-induced upregulation of HDAC1 interacts with DNMT1-KLF4 axis, while the inhibition of HOXA10 or HDAC1 represents a promising anti-tumor therapy target for LAD.
Correction to: Low noise moving target detection in high resolution radar using binary codes
Authors: Alotaibi Majid
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.