bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single- and two-phase pressure drop through vertical Venturis
Authors: Messilem Abdelkader , Azzi Abdelwahid , Zeghloul Ammar , Saidj Faiza , Bouyahiaoui Hiba , Abdelsalam Al-Sarkhi
Published: February 2020

An experimental investigation of the pressure drops measurements in a Venturi placed in a vertical pipe is achieved. Venturis with diameter ratios equal to 0.4, 0.55, and 0.75 were employed. Differential pressure transducers were used to measure the pressure drop between the Venturi inlet and the throat sections. The void fraction was measured upstream the Venturi using a conductance probe technique. Air and water superficial velocities ranges were chosen to cover single-phase flow and bubbly, slug, and churn flow regimes. The single-phase pressure drop increases with the liquid superficial velocity. The Venturi pressure drop coefficient increases with decreasing the Venturi area ratio. The discharge coefficient increases slightly with this ratio and approaches a value of unity at high Reynolds number. The two-phase flow pressure drop and the multiplier coefficient increase with the gas superficial velocity and with decreasing the area ratio. Dimensionless pressure drop decreases with increasing the liquid to gas superficial velocity ratio and approaches an asymptotic value at high ratio (greater than 10). This value matches the single-phase flow dimensionless pressure drop value at high Reynolds number. The Venturi with area ratio equal to 0.55 was shown to correlate well the two-phase multiplier and the liquid holdup.
Parameter optimization of rule-based control strategy for multi-mode hybrid electric vehicle
Authors: Du Wei , Zhao Shengdun , Jin Liying , Gao Jinzhou , Li Hao
Published: February 2020

Multi-mode hybrid electric vehicle is considered as the best hybrid power solution because it has many operational modes and can achieve a wider and more efficient transmission range. But at the same time, it also brings some problems, such as the choice of operational mode. At present, the most commonly used mode-switching strategy is rule-based control strategy, but it needs to determine the logical threshold value of each control variable in advance. Usually these values are determined by experience, but cannot guarantee that the value obtained is the optimal solution. This paper combines the improved NSGA_II algorithm with the rule-based control strategy and optimizes the logic threshold value by using the improved NSGA_II algorithm to get the optimal logic threshold value. Combining the optimized rule-based control strategy with the minimum equivalent fuel consumption strategy, a real-time control strategy for multi-mode hybrid electric vehicle is proposed. The advantages of the proposed control strategy are proved by an example.
Furnace flame recognition based on improved particle swarm optimization algorithm
Authors: Wang Wei , Peng Chen , Mi Hanyu , Chen Chuanliang , Zeng Deliang
Published: February 2020

Industrial furnace kiln internal combustion flame directly reflects the combustion of fuel quality and stability and determines the security of the whole production process. The flame image contains many important information that cannot be observed by people’s eyes, as a result, how to effectively separate the flame image from the surrounding background by means of science and technology has the great research significance and application value. In this article, the idea of neighborhood particles is introduced into the standard particle swarm optimization algorithm, and a furnace flame recognition method is proposed based on improved particle swarm optimization algorithm. The method first uses red, green and blue color space to design the extraction model of flame image, then uses the proposed improved particle swarm optimization algorithm and Otsu algorithm to solve the optimal segmentation threshold involved in the model. Experimental results show that the proposed improved particle swarm optimization algorithm can always find the optimal segmentation threshold of the flame image within no more than 100 iterations and reduce the computation time nearly 0.01 s. Compared with the previous research results, the recognition rate of the extraction model designed in this article has been greatly improved to over 93%, which is of great value for the safe and stable operation of industrial furnaces.
Bond graph modeling and multi-body dynamics of a twin rotor system
Authors: Srinivasarao Gopisetti , Samantaray Arun K , Ghoshal Sanjoy K
Published: February 2020

The dynamics of a twin-rotor multi-input multi-output system, which is similar to that of a helicopter in many ways, is highly nonlinear in nature. In this article, a detailed dynamical model of twin-rotor multi-input multi-output system is developed and simulated by using bond graph approach. Nonlinear nature of the interface gain, thrust, and drag forces, and the stiffness of cable attached to support column joint are estimated. The rotors are modeled through the Newton–Euler equations. The bond graph model is created by using the generic sub-models and the same set of sub-models can be assembled differently to model many other similar systems such as tricopters and quadcopters. Inertial forces and moments, rotor thrust and drag forces, active and reactive motor torques, and direct current motor dynamics are considered in the model. The responses from the model are compared with the test data for validation.
Graphical temporal semi-supervised deep learning–based principal fault localization in wind turbine systems
Authors: Jiang Na , Hu Xiangzhi , Li Ning
Published: February 2020

Principal fault localization of the faults chain, as a branch of fault diagnosis in wind turbine system, has been an essential problem to ensure the reliability and security in the real wind farms recently. It can be solved by machine learning techniques with historical data labeled with principal faults. However, most real data are unlabeled, since the labeled is expensive to obtain, which increases the difficulty to localize the principal fault if just using unlabeled data and few labeled data. So, in this article, a novel approach using unlabeled data is proposed for principal fault localization of the faults chain in wind turbine systems. First, a deep learning model, stacked sparse autoencoders, is introduced to learn and extract high-level features from data. Then, we present a graphical temporal semi-supervised learning algorithm to develop the pseudo-labeled data set with an unlabeled data set. Considering the temporal correlation of wind power data, we add a time weight vector and apply the cosine-similarity in the proposed algorithm. Finally, based on the pseudo-labeled data set, a classifier model is built and trained for the principal fault localization of the faults chain. The proposed approach is verified by the real buffer data set collected from two wind farms in China, and the experimental results show its effectiveness in practice.
Mediating the form and direction of regional sustainable development: The role of the state in renewable energy deployment in selected regions
Authors: De Laurentis Carla
Published: February 2020

This paper analyses and critically discusses the role of regions in implementing renewable energy (RE) policies, examining the relationship between state policy and RE deployment. Using evidence from four case study regions, Apulia and Tuscany in Italy and Wales and Scotland in the UK, the paper teases out some differences in terms of regional competencies to implement RE policies across the two countries. The national governments in both Italy and the UK have constructed regulatory and governance relationships to orchestrate and reorder economic, social and ecological challenges and devolve responsibilities at the sub-national level. This has offered an opportunity for the peculiarities of regional setups to be taken into account and regions have contributed towards the promotion of green and sustainable path development via the route of promoting RE deployment. The paper argues that the downscaling and distribution of responsibility in the cases investigated reflect the capacity and willingness of nation states to respond to and mediate the strategic goals and outcomes formulated at national and international levels. Nevertheless, while the regions investigated display differences in their incentives, capacities and capabilities to increase RE deployment, their ability to act is very much influenced by nation states, stressing the important role of the state in mediating the form and direction of RE deployment.
Parent Leadership and Civic Engagement: Suggestions for the Next Individuals With Disabilities Education Act Reauthorization
Authors: Rossetti Zach , Burke Meghan M. , Rios Kristina , Rivera Javier I. , Schraml-Block Kristen , Hughes Oscar , Lee James D. , Aleman-Tovar Janeth
Published: February 2020

Although parent involvement is a cornerstone of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), few individual parents of children with disabilities participate in civic engagement to voice their suggestions for the next IDEA reauthorization. To address this gap, a civic engagement training was conducted with 95 parents of children with disabilities across four states. At the end of the training, participants completed videotaped testimonials voicing their suggestions for the next IDEA reauthorization. Participant suggestions clustered around three themes: expanding IDEA to address specific concerns; adding text to provide specificity and clarity in IDEA; and implementing the current version of IDEA. Implications for research and policy are discussed.
Cystic Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Jaws: Twelve Cases Highlighting Histopathological Pitfalls
Authors: Barrett Andrew W. , Garg Montey , Armstrong Daniel , Bisase Brian S. , Newman Lawrence , Norris Paul M. , Shelley Michael , Tighe John V. , Hyde Nicholas C. , Chaston Nicola J. , Gulati Aakshay
Published: February 2020

Cystic squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) of the jaws, including carcinoma cuniculatum, are rare, slow growing, and relentlessly invasive. The aim of this article is to present 12 cases, 4 of which were designated as carcinoma cuniculatum on the basis of deeply endophytic, anastomosing channels of cystic stratified squamous epithelium and keratin microabscesses. The other 8 were also cystic, but more heterogeneous morphologically and were diagnosed as well differentiated SCCs. Six patients were female, 6 were male (mean age = 74.0 years, range = 50-94 years). Six tumors affected the mandible, 6 the maxillary alveolus with or without extension into the hard palate. All patients underwent primary resection with neck dissection and were staged as T4a N0 M0. In 4 patients, diagnosis was delayed as a result of superficial biopsies and/or confusing histopathology. Cystic SCCs of the jaws can be difficult to diagnose and clinicoradiological correlation is essential. Long-term follow-up is mandatory.
Comparison of Outcomes Between McKeown and Sweet Esophagectomy in the Elderly Patients for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis
Authors: Chen Dongni , Hu Yihuai , Chen Youfang , Hu Jia , Wen Zhesheng
Published: February 2020

The aim of this study was to compare the perioperative outcomes and long-term survival rates of the McKeown and Sweet procedures in patients with esophageal cancer younger than 70 years or older than 70 years. A total of 1432 consecutive patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) who received surgery at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from January 2009 to October 2012 were analyzed. Propensity score matching was used to balance the clinical characteristics of the patients who underwent different surgical approaches, and 275 and 71 paired cases were matched among those younger and older than 70 years, respectively. The prognosis and postoperative outcomes were compared between the McKeown and the Sweet esophagectomy. For patients younger than 70 years, those who underwent the McKeown procedure had better overall survival (OS) than those in the Sweet group (log rank = 4.467; P = .035). However, no significant difference in disease-free survival and OS was observed between two approaches for the elderly patients (log rank = 1.562; P = .211 and log rank = 0.668; P = .414, respectively). Cox regression analysis revealed that McKeown approach was a positive prognostic factor compared to the Sweet approach for patients younger than 70 years in univariable analysis (HR = 0.790; 95% CI, 0.625-0.997; P = .047), whereas the surgical approach was not significantly related to the prognosis in the elderly patients. For patients older than 70 years, the occurrence of anastomotic fistula increased in those who underwent the McKeown procedure (23.9% vs 11.3%, P = .038, for the McKeown and Sweet esophagectomy, respectively). The McKeown approach increases the OS in younger patients with ESCC. However, for patients older than 70 years, the Sweet approach was proven to be an effective therapy, given the better perioperative outcomes and similar long-term survival compared with patients in the McKeown group.
Care Continuity and Care Coordination: A Preliminary Examination of Their Effects on Hospitalization
Authors: Chen Chi-Chen , Cheng Shou-Hsia
Published: February 2020

Both care continuity and care coordination are important features of the health care system. However, little is known about the relationship between care continuity and care coordination, their effects on hospitalizations, and whether these effects vary across patients with various levels of comorbidity. This study employed a panel study design with a 3-year follow-up from 2007 to 2011 in Taiwan’s universal health coverage system. Patients aged 18 years or older who were newly diagnosed with diabetes in 2007 were included in the study. We found that the correlation between care continuity and care coordination was low. Patients with higher levels of care continuity or care coordination were less likely to experience hospitalization for diabetes-related conditions. Furthermore, both care continuity and care coordination showed stronger effects for patients with higher comorbidity scores. Improving care continuity and coordination for patients with multiple chronic conditions is the right direction for policymakers.
The relationship between chronic paediatric feeding disorders and caregiver stress
Authors: Silverman Alan H , Erato Gina , Goday Praveen
Published: February 2020

Paediatric feeding disorders (PFDs) are common. Earlier studies have shown an association between PFD and caregiver stress, but these studies have been hampered by insufficient power. This study reports stress for caregivers of children diagnosed with PFD. These caregivers were then compared to community norms of the Parental Stress Index–Short Form. Caregivers also completed the Mealtime Behaviour Questionnaire, Child Behaviour Checklist and Child Development Inventory. Linear regression and hierarchical regression analyses assessed the relationship among the variables. Caregivers of 840 children with PFD responded. Negative child behaviours and lower child developmental function predicted higher levels of total parenting stress, parental distress, parent–child dysfunctional interaction and caregiver perceptions of their child as difficult. Higher rates of child internalizing and externalizing problems and child mealtime aggression were associated with parent perceptions of their child as difficult and contributed to total parental stress. Parents of older children reported higher levels of stress, whereas parents of younger children were more likely to be defensive responders. Overall, parents of children with PFD have more caregiver-related stress. These caregivers may benefit from consultations with mental health professionals to provide the most appropriate care to affected families.
Participant responses to a water treatment intervention in rural Guatemala
Authors: Piedra Lissette M , Matthew Lenore E , Wu Chi-Fang
Published: February 2020

Each year, 1.1 billion people suffer from disease, dehydration, and malnutrition fueled by waterborne pathogens. Although point-of-use water filters are a viable solution, effectiveness requires consistent use. As collaborators in international development projects, social workers are poised to address service barriers through their focus on multilevel practice and a relentless emphasis on culturally competent practice. This article describes an illustrative case of a water remediation project in rural Guatemala where social work researchers collaborated with engineers to understand how users appraised the project. We present a content analysis of interviews conducted in 20 households in the Boca Costa and Highland regions of rural Guatemala that received bio-sand water filters, which revealed a diverse group of filter users, with varying motivations and constancy patterns. Our study demonstrates how talking to people is essential to understanding their use of technology and how other objective measures—such as the wetness of the sand—can be helpful in interpreting results. It also shows that within the developing context, people vary in their need for additional supports as they adopt new health-promoting activities.
Nonlinear guidance law algorithm applied to a small unmanned surface vehicle
Authors: Hernández-Morales Luis , Valeriano-Medina Yunier , Hernández-Santana Luis , Mesa-Suarez Ernesto
Published: February 2020

The unmanned surface vehicles have been used most frequently in recent years in different applications, like environmental research. For this vehicles to accomplish their autonomous missions, a path-following algorithm is necessary to reduce the cross-track error in the presence of environmental disturbance. This article presents a control scheme based on the path-following nonlinear guidance law for a small unmanned surface vehicle called Krick Felix which follows a straight path. A dynamic model of 3 degrees of freedom for this vehicle is presented. The control scheme consists of a cascade control loop that is capable of guaranteeing zero cross-track error in the presence of environmental disturbance without adding an integral action. A nonlinear Lyapunov stability analysis is carried out for this control scheme taking in consideration the dynamics of both the inner loop and the external loop. The simulation was realized by implementing the 3-degree-of-freedom nonlinear model of the Krick Felix. The simulation also took account of the environmental factors, that is, marine currents. An experimental test is carried out with the Krick Felix where the control scheme present satisfactory results.
Hybrid electrospun membrane based on poly(vinylidene fluoride)/poly(acrylic acid)–poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel for waterproof and breathable applications
Authors: Amini Golchehr , Karimi Mohammad , Zokaee Ashtiani Farzin
Published: February 2020

To develop waterproof breathable membranes, a Janus lyophobic/lyophilic media composed of a poly(vinylidene fluoride) electrospun membrane and a hydrogel electrospun mat was proposed. Poly(vinylidene fluoride) membranes were electrospun in different electrospinning conditions to evaluate the effect of the fiber diameter on the membrane characteristics. Afterward, a layer of hydrogel was electrospun on the poly(vinylidene fluoride) electrospun mat. The hydrogel was synthesized through the esterification reaction of poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(acrylic acid). This hybrid membrane can transfer the body-generated moisture to the environment while it prevents the penetration of liquid water from the reverse side. The proposed hybrid membrane represented improved water vapor permeability compared with the neat poly(vinylidene fluoride) membrane (from 12.6 kg/m2/day for the neat poly(vinylidene fluoride) up to 13.6 kg/m2/day for the hybrid) along with good water resistance (up to 70 kPa) and good windproof property (1 ml/cm2/s in pressure drop of 500 Pa). The results indicated that molecular diffusion is the main mechanism of moisture transfer in the poly(vinylidene fluoride) membranes with the fiber diameter ranging from 132 to 1136 nm. It has been found that the experimental effective diffusion coefficient ( Dexp) of the neat hydrogel layer (8.7 × 10−6m2/s) is much higher than the neat poly(vinylidene fluoride) membrane (approximately 4 × 10−6m2/s), signifying that apart from molecular and Knudsen diffusions, the surface diffusion has played a major active role contributing to much higher value of water vapor permeability in case of the hydrogel layer and subsequently in hybrid layers.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Hoarding Disorder in an Older Female
Authors: Farquhar Kirstin , Caiazza Roberta
Published: February 2020

Relationships toward objects can be part of healthy development; however, problems develop when collecting becomes excessive or when the individual has difficulty getting rid of the accumulated items. Hoarding disorder (HD) is defined as an enduring difficulty in discarding possessions as result of a need to save these items, and significant distress linked to disposing of them. Hoarding difficulties are still covered by the clinical guidelines for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence), which recommend utilizing psychological therapy at the client’s home. The psychological intervention with the strongest evidence-base is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), but dropout rates are high and difficulties still persist for more than 50% of clients, suggesting that further research is required. Although HD has a higher prevalence in older adults, there is a lack of research into the use of CBT in this population. Preliminary research suggests that adjustments should be made around the difficulties commonly faced by these individuals. This case report outlines the use of CBT to treat “Lucy,” a 67-year-old female with HD complicated by other mental health and physical health difficulties. The case reflects on adaptations that could be made to the existing CBT model.
One-pot synthesis of 4-ethyl 2,3-dimethyl 1-(5-aryl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)-5-oxo-2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrole-2,3,4-tricarboxylate derivatives via intramolecular Wittig reaction
Authors: Iravani Samin , Esmaeili Abbas Ali
Published: February 2020

A facile one-pot synthesis of highly functionalized dialkyl 1-(5-aryl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)-4-ethoxy-5-oxo-2,5-dihydro-1 H-pyrrole-2,3-dicarboxylate derivatives via the reaction between acetylenic esters, triphenylphosphine, and ethyl 2-[(5-aryl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)amino]-2-oxoacetate is developed. The structure of the products is confirmed by spectroscopic methods.
Eradication of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis patients with inhalation of dry powder tobramycin
Authors: Akkerman-Nijland Anne M. , Yousofi Mina , Rottier Bart L. , Van der Vaart Hester , Burgerhof Johannes G. M. , Frijlink Henderik W. , Touw Daan J. , Koppelman Gerard H. , Akkerman Onno W.
Published: February 2020

Background:

Pseudomonas aeruginosa ( Pa) is the predominant pulmonary pathogen in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Tobramycin nebulization is used for the eradication of Pa infection. Nowadays, tobramycin dry powder inhalation (DPI) is available as well. This study reports the results of eradicating Pa with tobramycin DPI versus nebulization.

Methods:

Adult CF patients with a Pa isolation between September 2010 and September 2017 from the University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG), the Netherlands, were included in this retrospective study.

Results:

In total 27 Pa isolations were recorded. In 13 of these, eradication was attempted with tobramycin, 7 with DPI and 6 with nebulization. DPI eradicated Pa successfully in six isolations (85.7%). Of these, one patient received additional oral ciprofloxacin and one received intravenous ceftazidime. Nebulization eradicated three Pa isolations (50.0%), in two of these, additional oral ciprofloxacin was given.

Conclusion:

Eradication rates of DPI tobramycin are comparable with those for nebulized tobramycin reported in the literature. This study suggests that DPI tobramycin is an alternative to nebulized tobramycin for eradication of Pa.

Trial registration:

The Medical Ethics Committee of the UMCG granted a waiver (METC2017-349), as they concluded that this study was not subject to the Medical Research Involving Human Subjects Act. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.
Pulse oximetric saturation to fraction of inspired oxygen (SpO2/FIO2) ratio 24 hours after high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) initiation is a good predictor of HFNC therapy in patients with acute exacerbation of interstitial lung disease
Authors: Koyauchi Takafumi , Yasui Hideki , Enomoto Noriyuki , Hasegawa Hirotsugu , Hozumi Hironao , Suzuki Yuzo , Karayama Masato , Furuhashi Kazuki , Fujisawa Tomoyuki , Nakamura Yutaro , Inui Naoki , Yokomura Koshi , Suda Takafumi
Published: February 2020

Background:

High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy provides effective respiratory management in patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure. However, the efficacy and tolerability of HFNC for patients with acute exacerbation of interstitial lung disease (AE-ILD) have not been established. This study was performed to assess the efficacy and tolerability of HFNC for patients with AE-ILD and identify the early predictors of the outcome of HFNC treatment.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with AE-ILD who underwent HFNC. Overall survival, the success rate of HFNC treatment, adverse events, temporary interruption of treatment, discontinuation of treatment at the patient’s request, and predictors of the outcome of HFNC treatment were evaluated.

Results:

A total of 66 patients were analyzed. Of these, 26 patients (39.4%) showed improved oxygenation and were successfully withdrawn from HFNC. The 30-day survival rate was 48.5%. No discontinuations at the patient’s request were observed, and no serious adverse events occurred. The pulse oximetric saturation to fraction of inspired oxygen (SpO2/FIO2) ratio 24 h after initiating HFNC showed high prediction accuracy (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.802) for successful HFNC treatment. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, an SpO2/FIO2 ratio of at least 170.9 at 24 h after initiation was significantly associated with successful HFNC treatment (odds ratio, 51.3; 95% confidence interval, 6.13–430; p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

HFNC was well tolerated in patients with AE-ILD, suggesting that HFNC is a reasonable respiratory management for these patients. The SpO2/FIO2 ratio 24 h after initiating HFNC was a good predictor of successful HFNC treatment. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.
Diurnal raptors of West Africa woodland-farmland mosaics: Data from walking-transects in eastern Guinea-Bissau
Authors: Rodrigues Patrícia , Mirinha Marco , Palma Luís
Published: February 2020

Guinea-Bissau is a small country in West Africa, which in spite of its rich biodiversity and the high proportion of protected areas remains under-surveyed in relation to most animal groups, including raptors. The first scientific articles about raptors were only very recently issued. Here, we report raptor occurrence data from eastern Guinea-Bissau. Raptors were surveyed in the dry season along transects walked around 21 villages in a rural woodland-farmland mosaic landscape. The raptor assemblage is composed of 25 species of which the hooded vulture, the lizard buzzard and the African harrier-hawk were the species more often encountered, followed by the African white-backed vulture. The palm-nut vulture, black kite, brown snake-eagle, grasshopper buzzard, African hawk-eagle, grey kestrel and lanner falcon were secondary, although not uncommon species. The remaining species were seldom recorded. The study complements previous knowledge on this bird group, specifically in the central-eastern part of the country, and reaffirms the international relevance of Guinea-Bissau for the conservation of the hooded and African white-backed vultures.
Forever Foreign? Asian Australians Assimilating to Australian Culture Are Still Perceived as Less Australian Than White Australians
Authors: Thai Michael , Szeszeran Nicholas A. , Hornsey Matthew J. , Barlow Fiona Kate
Published: February 2020

Westerners of Asian descent emphasize their engagement with national culture to assert their national identity. The present research investigates whether this strategy effectively enhances observers’ perceptions of Asian Westerners’ national identity. In Study 1 ( N = 160), Australian participants evaluated an Asian or White target, manipulated to be either hyper-Australian or not. In Study 2 ( N = 440), targets were additionally manipulated to be either Australian-born or not. Across both studies, Asian targets depicted as hyper-Australian, Australian-born, or both, were considered more Australian than generic Asian targets. However, Asian targets were consistently rated as less Australian than White counterparts who were depicted equivalently apart from race. Thus, the strategy of heavy engagement with the national culture increases perceptions of Asian Westerners’ national identity, but not to the point that they are considered equivalently to White Westerners.
The Development of Ethnic Identity From Late Childhood to Young Adulthood: Findings From a 10-Year Longitudinal Study of Mexican-Origin Youth
Authors: Lu Chieh , Benet-Martínez Verónica , Robins Richard W.
Published: February 2020

Ethnic identity is a crucial developmental task for ethnic minority youth. The present study investigated the development of ethnic identity in a large sample of Mexican-origin youth ( N = 674) assessed biennially from age 10 to 19. Latent growth curve modeling was used to examine the trajectory of ethnic identity and its two facets: exploration (efforts to explore one’s ethnic group) and affirmation (positive connection to one’s ethnic group). Results showed a linear decline over time for ethnic identity and both facets; exploration declined more rapidly than affirmation. Using multigroup modeling, we tested whether the trajectories differ across gender and nativity. Compared to boys, girls’ ethnic identity, exploration, and affirmation decreased less. The trajectories did not differ for youth born in Mexico versus the United States. Discussion considers the impact of developmental, acculturative, and social–contextual processes on ethnic identity development as well unique features of our ethnic identity measure.
Setbacks in Self-Control: Failing Not Mere Resisting Impairs Subsequent Self-Control
Authors: Wenzel Mario , Rowland Zarah , Hofmann Wilhelm , Kubiak Thomas
Published: February 2020

Research on ego depletion has often relied on the dual-task setting employing short tasks with low ecological validity. The comparatively few studies on ego depletion in daily life so far used diverging operationalization and yielded ambiguous results. We argue that fundamental research on short-term self-control limitations can benefit from research on the limit violation effect, which highlights the danger to self-control when setbacks are attributed to internal causes. To test the role of setbacks and compare different ego depletion operationalizations in daily life, we used data from two ambulatory assessment studies ( N = 125 and 205). No consistent ego depletion effects were observed in Study 1; instead, momentary self-control success was only impaired after setbacks (prior self-control efforts failed). The role of prior setbacks was replicated in Study 2, highlighting the importance of setbacks in subsequent self-control efforts beyond mere resisting, which should be incorporated in interventions targeting self-control improvements.
Responses to Sexual Advances and Satisfaction in Romantic Relationships: Is Yes Good and No Bad?
Authors: Dobson Kiersten , Zhu Jenney , Balzarini Rhonda N. , Campbell Lorne
Published: February 2020

We examine the relations between accepting and rejecting a partner’s sexual advances with sexual and relationship satisfaction and assess how long these effects endure. Couples ( N = 115) completed a 21-day daily diary indicating whether a partner made a sexual advance each day, and if so, whether the advance was accepted or rejected. Having one’s sexual advance accepted was associated with increased sexual and relationship satisfaction that day and increased sexual satisfaction up to 24 hours later. Having one’s sexual advance rejected was associated with decreased sexual satisfaction that day and up to 48 hours later. Sexual advances made by one’s partner were associated with increased sexual satisfaction that day and for up to 72 hours later, regardless of whether the advance was accepted or rejected. Findings indicate benefits of sexual activity, but also prolonged postrejection decreases in sexual satisfaction.
Association of short-term exposure to air pollution with myocardial infarction with and without obstructive coronary artery disease
Authors: Ishii Masanobu , Seki Tomotsugu , Kaikita Koichi , Sakamoto Kenji , Nakai Michikazu , Sumita Yoko , Nishimura Kunihiro , Miyamoto Yoshihiro , Noguchi Teruo , Yasuda Satoshi , Kanaoka Koshiro , Terasaki Satoshi , Saito Yoshihiko , Tsutsui Hiroyuki , Komuro Issei , Ogawa Hisao , Tsujita Kenichi , Kawakami Koji ,   the JROAD Investigators
Published: February 2020

Background

Air pollution including particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 µm (PM2.5) increases the risk of acute myocardial infarction. However, whether short-term exposure to PM2.5 triggers the onset of myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries, compared with myocardial infarction with coronary artery disease, has not been elucidated. This study aimed to estimate the association between short-term exposure to PM2.5 and admission for acute myocardial infarction, myocardial infarction with coronary artery disease, and myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries.

Design

This was a time-stratified case-crossover study and multicenter validation study.

Methods

This study used a nationwide administrative database in Japan between April 2012–March 2016. Of 137,678 acute myocardial infarction cases, 123,633 myocardial infarction with coronary artery disease and 14,045 myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries were identified by a validated algorithm combined with International Classification of Disease (10th revision), diagnostic, and procedure codes. Air pollutants and meteorological data were obtained from the monitoring station nearest to the admitting hospital.

Results

In spring (March–May), the short-term increase of 10 µg/m3 in PM2.5 2 days before admission was significantly associated with admission for acute myocardial infarction, myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries, and myocardial infarction with coronary artery disease after adjustment for meteorological variables (odds ratio 1.060, 95% confidence interval 1.038–1.082; odds ratio 1.151, 1.079–1.227; odds ratio 1.049, 1.026–1.073, respectively), while the association was not significant in other variables. These associations were also observed after adjustment for other co-pollutants. The risk for myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (vs myocardial infarction with coronary artery disease) was associated with an even lower concentration of PM2.5 under the current environmental standards.

Conclusions

This study showed the seasonal difference of acute myocardial infarction risk attributable to PM2.5 and the difference in the threshold of triggering the onset of acute myocardial infarction subtype.
Smartphone apps for cancer: A content analysis of the digital health marketplace
Authors: Charbonneau Deborah H. , Hightower Shonee , Katz Anne , Zhang Ke , Abrams Judith , Senft Nicole , Beebe-Dimmer Jennifer L. , Heath Elisabeth , Eaton Tara , Thompson Hayley S.
Published: February 2020

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the state of smartphone applications for cancer intended for the general public with a focus on interactive features, content sources, and application developer affiliations. The level of health provider involvement in screening or appraising application content was also assessed.

Methods

A total of 123 apps were identified for analysis from two major mobile application marketplaces (Apple iTunes = 40; Google Play = 83). Application characteristics were collected, analyzed, and reported. These included the mobile platform, cost, application developer affiliation, date of last update, purpose of application, content sources, and interactive features.

Results

In the study sample, 50% of the applications focused on general information for cancer (62/123). Next, this was followed by applications for breast cancer (15%, 19/123) and skin cancer (7%, 8/123). Only 10% of application descriptions (12/123) identified sources for application content. Interactive features included the ability to monitor symptoms, side effects, treatments, and chronic pain (20%, 25/123). Only 3% of the applications (4/123) stated content had been evaluated by health providers.

Conclusions

This study contributes an updated analysis of applications for cancer available in the digital health marketplace. The findings have implications for information quality and supportive resources for cancer care. More transparent information about content sources, organizational affiliations, and level of health provider oversight in screening application content is warranted. Recommendations for improving the quality of cancer applications are also offered.
Frailty and Sarcopenia in Patients With Distal Radius Fracture: A Geriatric Perspective
Authors: Caliskan Hatice , Igdir Volkan , Ozsurekci Cemile , Caliskan Emrah , Halil Meltem
Published: February 2020

Introduction:

Sarcopenia, which is described as loss of muscle mass and function, worsens daily living activities of older people. Sarcopenia is a component of frailty that causes falls and fractures in older people. The aim of this study was to evaluate sarcopenia and frailty status of older people with distal radius fracture (DRF) and compare with age- and sex-matched controls without DRF.

Materials and Methods:

This is an observational cross-sectional study including 27 patients with DRF and 28 controls without fracture who applied to geriatric outpatient clinic. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the definition of European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2. Frailty was assessed by Fried frailty index. Comprehensive geriatric assessment was applied to all participants.

Results:

Median ages were 70 and 69 years (min: 65, max: 87 in both) in patients with DRF and controls, respectively. The prevalence of sarcopenia was similar between the groups ( P = .48). Prefrail–frail (nonrobust) phenotype was higher in patients with DRF ( P = .04). Nonrobust phenotype was an independent variable predicting DRF in logistic regression models.

Discussion:

This study showed that nonrobust phenotype was an independent variable predicting DRF.

Conclusion:

Assessment of frailty and detecting patients with nonrobust phenotype may help clinicians in fracture prevention strategies.
Israel’s Gas Diplomacy with Egypt
Authors: Das Hirak Jyoti
Published: February 2020

Historically, Israel has been dependent on the imports of oil, coal, and natural gas to meet its energy demands, and energy security is an integral part of its security and foreign policy. In its neighborhood, gas relations with Egypt began in 2008, which was terminated in 2012, thereby propelling Israel to diversify its imports and explore domestic production. The latter inverted the energy balance that transformed Israel from being a buyer, and Egyptian firms have shown interest to open their market for Israeli gas. At the same time, fresh gas discoveries in Egypt have opened up new policy options and challenges for Israel. The research would be exploratory and contextualize the Israel–Egyptian relations through the prism of energy and focus on the potential for Israel’s gas diplomacy and engagement and would evaluate the drawbacks and challenges in its energy policy vis-à-vis Egypt.
Racial Inequities in the Federal Buyout of Flood-Prone Homes: A Nationwide Assessment of Environmental Adaptation
Authors: Elliott James R. , Brown Phylicia Lee , Loughran Kevin
Published: February 2020

One way the U.S. government is responding to the challenges of climate change is by funding the purchase of tens of thousands of flood-prone homes in more than 500 cities and towns across the country. This study provides a nationwide analysis of that program, extending beyond cost-benefit calculations to investigate racial inequities at different scales of local implementation, from county-level adoption, through neighborhood-level participation, to homeowner approval. Statistical analyses indicate that net of local flood damage, population, and incomes, the program disproportionately targets whiter counties and neighborhoods, especially in more urbanized areas where the program now concentrates. Yet it is neighborhoods of color in these areas that have been historically more likely to accept buyouts in greater numbers. The exception is the New York and New Jersey area after Hurricane Sandy. Implications for understanding how racial privilege works through government programs aimed at encouraging environmental adaptation are discussed.
Current and future applications of liquid biopsy in nonsmall cell lung cancer from early to advanced stages
Authors: Guibert Nicolas , Pradines Anne , Favre Gilles , Mazieres Julien
Published: February 2020

Liquid biopsy refers to the analysis of any tumour-derived material circulating in the blood or any other body fluid. This concept is particularly relevant in lung cancer as the tumour is often difficult to reach and may need an invasive and potentially harmful procedure. Moreover, the multitude of anticancer drugs and their sequential use underline the importance of conducting an iterative assessment of tumour biology. Liquid biopsies can noninvasively detect any targetable genomic alteration and guide corresponding targeted therapy, in addition to monitoring response to treatment and exploring the genetic changes at resistance, overcoming spatial and temporal heterogeneity.

In this article, we review the available data in the field, which suggest the potential of liquid biopsy in the area of lung cancer, with a particular focus on cell-free DNA and circulating tumour cells. We discuss their respective applications in patient selection and monitoring through targeted therapy, as well as immune checkpoint inhibitors. The current data and future applications of liquid biopsy in the early stage setting are also investigated.

Liquid biopsy has the potential to help manage nonsmall cell lung cancer throughout all stages of lung cancer: screening, minimal residual disease detection to guide adjuvant treatment, early detection of relapse, systemic treatment initiation and monitoring of response (targeted or immune therapy), and resistance genotyping.
Identifying the pulsed neuron networks’ structures by a nonlinear Granger causality method
Authors: Zhu Mei-jia , Dong Chao-yi , Chen Xiao-yan , Ren Jing-wen , Zhao Xiao-yi
Published: February 2020

Background

It is a crucial task of brain science researches to explore functional connective maps of Biological Neural Networks (BNN). The maps help to deeply study the dominant relationship between the structures of the BNNs and their network functions.

Results

In this study, the ideas of linear Granger causality modeling and causality identification are extended to those of nonlinear Granger causality modeling and network structure identification. We employed Radial Basis Functions to fit the nonlinear multivariate dynamical responses of BNNs with neuronal pulse firing. By introducing the contributions from presynaptic neurons and detecting whether the predictions for postsynaptic neurons’ pulse firing signals are improved or not, we can reveal the information flows distribution of BNNs. Thus, the functional connections from presynaptic neurons can be identified from the obtained network information flows. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, the Nonlinear Granger Causality Identification Method (NGCIM) is applied to the network structure discovery processes of Spiking Neural Networks (SNN). SNN is a simulation model based on an Integrate-and-Fire mechanism. By network simulations, the multi-channel neuronal pulse sequence data of the SNNs can be used to reversely identify the synaptic connections and strengths of the SNNs.

Conclusions

The identification results show: for 2–6 nodes small-scale neural networks, 20 nodes medium-scale neural networks, and 100 nodes large-scale neural networks, the identification accuracy of NGCIM with the Gaussian kernel function was 100%, 99.64%, 98.64%, 98.37%, 98.31%, 84.87% and 80.56%, respectively. The identification accuracies were significantly higher than those of a traditional Linear Granger Causality Identification Method with the same network sizes. Thus, with an accumulation of the data obtained by the existing measurement methods, such as Electroencephalography, functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and Multi-Electrode Array, the NGCIM can be a promising network modeling method to infer the functional connective maps of BNNs.
Systematic review on left atrial appendage closure with the LAmbre device in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Rigopoulos Angelos G. , Mammadov Mammad , Torky Abdelrahman , Auer Andrea , Matiakis Marios , Abate Elena , Bakogiannis Constantinos , Tzikas Stergios , Bigalke Boris , Sedding Daniel , Noutsias Michel
Published: February 2020

Background

Percutaneous closure (LAAC) of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is an efficacious preventive procedure for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and considerable bleeding risk. We sought to systematically review the available LAAC data on the novel occluder device LAmbre™.

Methods

For this systematic review, a search of the literature was conducted by 3 independent reviewers, reporting the safety and therapeutic success of LAAC in patients being treated with a LAmbre™. Publications reporting the safety and therapeutic success of LAAC using LAmbre™ in n > 5 patients were included.

Results

The literature search retrieved n = 10 publications, encompassing n = 403 NVAF patients treated with a LAmbre™ LAAC, with relevant data regarding safety and therapeutic success of the procedure. The mean CHA2DS2-VASc Score was 4.0 + 0.9, and the mean HAS-BLED score was 3.4 + 0.5. The implantation success was 99.7%, with a mean procedure time of 45.4 ± 18.7 min, and a fluoroscopy time of 9.6 ± 5.9 min, and a contrast agent volume of 96.7 ± 0.7 ml. The anticoagulation regimen was switched to DAPT post procedure in the majority of the patients (96.8%). Partial and full recapture were done in 45.5% and in 25.6%, respectively. Major complications were reported in 2.9%, with 0.3% mortality, 1.7% pericardial tamponade, 0.3% stroke, and 0.6% major bleeding complications; no device embolization was observed. During follow up at 6 or 12 months, major adverse cardiovascular events were reported in 3.3%: Stroke or TIA in 1.7%, thrombus formation on the device in 0.7%, and residual flow > 5 mm in 1.0%. In some publications, the favorable implantion properties of the LAmbre™ for difficult anatomies such as shallow or multilobular LAA anatomies were described.

Conclusions

This systematic review on the LAmbre™ LAA-occluder including n = 403 NVAF patients demonstrates an excellent implantion success rate, promising follow-up clinical data, and favorable properties for also challenging LAA anatomies,. While its design seems to be helpful in preventing device embolization, pericardial tamponade may not be substantially reduced by the LAmbre™ as compared with other established LAAC devices. Further larger prospective multicenter registries and randomized trials are needed to scrutinize the value of the LAmbre™ compared with established LAAC devices.