bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decriminalized, Not Legalized: A Pilot Study of South African University Students’ Views on the Use, Impact, Legalization and Decriminalization of Marijuana
Authors: Mametja Molewane , Ross Eleanor
Published: June 2020

Given the 2018 decriminalization of marijuana in South Africa for personal use and medicinal consumption, the aim of this research was to explore the perceptions of university students regarding the use, impact, legalization, and decriminalization of marijuana. Key findings revealed that a fair number of participants acknowledged using marijuana. When asked about the potential impact of marijuana on users, their families and significant others, they seemed to have a good understanding of the effects of the drug. However, while some participants were aware of the addictive nature of marijuana, others were not aware of the risk of addiction from smoking or ingesting this substance. However, they were able to weigh up the risks as well as the benefits of legalization/decriminalization of marijuana. This study has implications for health care professionals working with youth who use illicit substances such as marijuana, and in developing prevention and intervention programs aimed at the youth.
Experimental study on mechanical properties of heavy-haul low-vibration track under train static load
Authors: Guo Wuji , Zeng Zhiping , Li Shiye , Wang Weidong , Shuaibu Abdulmumin Ahmed , Chen Zhuo
Published: June 2020

In this paper, a full-scale model of Low Vibration Track was established and three working conditions were applied to a single bearing block; these include: vertical load at the end of the track slab, combination of horizontal and vertical load at the end of the track slab, and vertical load at the middle of the track slab. By applying four times static wheel load to the full-scale model, the relationship between the stress of the track structure and the load under different working conditions was investigated. The corresponding load values were obtained when the track slab and the bearing block reached the axial tensile strength of the concrete. Through the static load test, the weak position of the track structure was found, and the development trend of the crack was obtained. (1) Obtained the maximum stress of the concrete of the track slab at the corner of the bearing block, the maximal stress of the concrete of the track slab, the stress at the bottom of the bearing block, and the stress at the bottom of the bearing block under different working conditions. (2) The horizontal load of the train increased the force of the track slab concrete at the corners of the bearing block. (3) Compared the strain of different location of the track slab and different working conditions. (4) Observed the positions of slight crack and its development trend appeared on track slabs in different working conditions. (5) For the weak part of the track structure, it can be improved by measures such as increasing the thickness of the end of the track slab and arranging stirrups in the track slab around the support block. The research results provide reference for the design, application and maintenance of Low Vibration Track in the heavy-haul railway tunnel.
Delayed Infection of Porous Polyethylene Implants After Oncologic Maxillectomy and Reconstruction: 2 Case Reports and Review of Literature
Authors: Landry Mark , Hankins Miriam , Berkovic Juraj , Nathan Cherie-Ann
Published: June 2020

Medpor porous polyethylene implants are commonly used for facial skeletal reconstruction due to reported biocompatibility, fibrovascularization, and durability. While uncommon, late implant infections are an important consideration. We report delayed infections in 2 patients after unilateral total oncologic maxillectomy and reconstruction using Medpor implants for an ossifying fibroma and squamous cell carcinoma, respectively. In the first patient, annual interval computed tomography (CT) scans showed no recurrence of tumor or inflammatory changes. The second was lost to follow-up after adjuvant chemoradiation 1 year after resection. Patients both presented with swelling, drainage, and erythema around the implant at a mean of 4.5 years following maxillectomy. Both failed several attempts at conservative treatment. Cultures of implants removed at a mean of 2.5 months after infection grew α-hemolytic Streptococcus in the first and multiple organisms in the second, showing that the potential for delayed infection should be considered years after reconstruction.
The Impact of the Use of Cross-Border Compensation Peers: The Case of Canadian Companies Using U.S. Peers
Authors: Balsam Steven , Fan Hong , Mawani Amin , Zhang Daqun
Published: June 2020

CEO compensation in Canada is significantly lower than that in the United States. In this article, we examine the choice of, and impact on Canadian CEO Compensation, using U.S. firms in their compensation peer groups. Using a two-stage model to control for endogeneity, while we find the choice of peers associated with labor market factors, we still find that the use of U.S. peers positively associated with higher Canadian CEO compensation. This finding is after controlling for the traditional determinants of CEO compensation, as well as use of domestic peers. While this result holds for all components of the compensation package, we also find that having U.S. peers is associated with a greater proportion of equity in the compensation package. Our results are robust to various formulations including change models and using an earlier time period when peer disclosure was voluntary.
Designing an Employee Experience Approach to Teacher Retention in Hard-to-Staff Schools
Authors: Tran Henry , Smith Douglas A.
Published: June 2020

Many school employers struggle with teacher turnover challenges despite their use of wide-ranging teacher retention initiatives. Emphasizing a new Talent Centered Education Leadership approach, this article relies on a theory-building methodology that leverages the theories of career choice and Herzberg’s motivation-hygiene, empirical literature that examines the differentiated needs of teachers throughout the stages of their career, and modern strategic human resource management practices, to argue that school leaders should intentionally design a supportive employee experience for teacher support. Guidance is provided for the addressing of staffing issues in hard-to-staff secondary schools, accounting for the total employee experience journey from entry to retirement.
Ascriptive Organizational Stigma and the Constraining of Pakistani Immigrant Organizations
Authors: Chaudhary Ali R.
Published: June 2020

Existing research on the incorporation of immigrants generally celebrates immigrant organizations (IOs) as essential conduits for political mobilization, civic integration, and transnational engagement. Less attention, however, has been given to the external contexts or conditions that can constrain IOs. In this article, I introduce the concept of ascriptive organizational stigma (AOS) and examine how domestic and geopolitical contexts contribute to the stigmatization and constraining of Pakistani immigrant organizational capacities. Data come from 59 in-depth interviews conducted with leaders and members of Pakistani IOs in New York City and London. Findings suggest Pakistani IOs in both cities experienced AOS, and that external pressures to prioritize stigma management over core missions, impeded efforts to serve domestic and homeland constituents. Findings also indicate the stigmatization of ascriptive status markers can contribute to the conflation of immigrants’ group and organizational identities. This article contributes to existing scholarship by revealing how external contexts can lead to the constraining of immigrants’ domestic and homeland-oriented organizational capacities.
The roles, responsibilities and practices of healthcare assistants in out-of-hours community palliative care: A systematic scoping review
Authors: Fee Anne , Muldrew Deborah , Slater Paul , Payne Sheila , McIlfatrick Sonja , McConnell Tracey , Finlay Dori-Anne , Hasson Felicity
Published: June 2020

Background:

Access to community palliative care ‘out-of-hours’ – defined as care provided after the normal hours of work – is advocated globally. Healthcare assistants, who provide care under the direction of a qualified professional, are increasingly employed to help deliver such care, yet there is a little understanding regarding their role, responsibilities or contribution.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to identify the roles, responsibilities and contributions of healthcare assistants in out-of-hours community palliative care.

Design:

Scoping review

Data sources:

Five bibliographic databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Scopus) and grey literature were searched using a predefined search strategy. The review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews statement.

Results:

The search yielded six papers using quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods. Results highlighted a lack of recognition of the role and contribution of healthcare assistants. A concurrent theme was that healthcare assistants continually monitored and responded to patient’s and family’s physical and emotional needs; there was also self-reported evidence indicating patient and family benefit, such as maintaining a sense of normality and support to remain at home.

Discussion:

This review highlighted a dearth of evidence relating to the healthcare assistant role in out-of-hours palliative care. Limited evidence suggests they play a role, but that it is hidden and undervalued. Such invisibility will have a significant impact on the planning and delivery of out-of-hours palliative care. Future research is needed on role development for the benefit of patients and caregivers.
Acute effects of MDMA on trust, cooperative behaviour and empathy: A double-blind, placebo-controlled experiment
Authors: Borissova Anna , Ferguson Bart , Wall Matthew B , Morgan Celia JA , Carhart-Harris Robin L , Bolstridge Mark , Bloomfield Michael AP , Williams Tim M , Feilding Amanda , Murphy Kevin , Tyacke Robin J , Erritzoe David , Stewart Lorna , Wolff Kim , Nutt David , Curran H Valerie , Lawn Will
Published: June 2020

Background:

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is being actively researched as an adjunct to psychotherapy. It may be beneficial to trust, empathy and cooperative behaviour due to its acute prosocial effects.

Aim:

To test (a) the acute effects of MDMA on measures of empathy, trust and cooperative behaviour, and (b) subacute changes in mood three days after MDMA administration.

Methods:

Twenty-five participants ( n=7 female), participated in this double-blind, repeated-measures, placebo-controlled experiment. Participants attended two acute sessions, one week apart. Each acute session was followed by a subacute session three days later. Participants received placebo (100 mg ascorbic acid) during one acute session, and MDMA (100 mg MDMA-HCl) at the other, with order counterbalanced. Participants completed the following tasks assessing prosocial behaviour: a trust investment task, a trustworthy face rating task, an empathic stories task, a public project game, a dictator game and an ultimatum game. Participants reported subjective effects. Blood was taken pre-drug, 2 and 4 hours post-drug, and tested for plasma MDMA levels.

Results:

MDMA acutely increased self-reported ‘closeness to others’ and ‘euphoria’ and increased plasma concentrations of MDMA. MDMA did not significantly change task-based empathy, trust or cooperative behaviour. Using Bayesian analyses, we found evidence that MDMA and placebo did not differ in their effects on empathy and cooperative behaviour. MDMA did not significantly change subacute mood and this was supported by our Bayesian analyses.

Conclusion:

Despite augmentation in plasma MDMA levels and subjective drug effects, we found no increase in prosocial behaviour in a laboratory setting.
Tissue regeneration: an overview from stem cells to micrografts
Authors: Astarita Carlo , Arora Camilla L. , Trovato Letizia
Published: June 2020

Regenerative medicine represents a major challenge for the scientific community. The choice of the biological sources used, such as stem cells and grafts, is crucial. Stem cell therapy is mainly related to the use of mesenchymal stem cells; however, clinical trials are still needed to investigate their safety. The micrografting technique was conceived by Cicero Parker Meek in 1958. It is based on the principle that by increasing the superficial area of skin grafts and reducing the size of its particles, it is possible to cover an area larger than the original donor site. Stem cells are pluripotent cells that have the capacity to differentiate into all cell types and are self-renewing, whereas micrografts derive from a small fragment of an autologous tissue and exhibit limited differentiative potential compared with stem cells. Therefore, stem cells and micrografts cannot be considered equivalent, although in some cases they exhibit similar regenerative potential, which is the focus of this review. Last, stem cell therapies remain limited because of complex and costly processes, making them not very feasible in clinical practice, whereas obtaining micrografts is generally a one-step procedure that does not require any advanced tissue manipulation.
Modified transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy in the management of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma: Best practice in a single center with updated results
Authors: Ye Kun , Zhong Zhaohui , Zhu Liang , Ren Jiannan , Xiao Ming , Liu Wentao , Xiong Wei
Published: June 2020

Objective

Radical nephroureterectomy remains the gold standard for the surgical treatment of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Based on previous research, we prospectively compared the advantages of transperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy (TLNU) with a three-port technique in a single position versus retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy (RLNU).

Methods

We evaluated 48 patients diagnosed with UTUC at our institution from January 2015 to October 2019. The patients underwent either TLNU (n = 24) or RLNU (n = 24). We randomly assigned the patients to each technique group based on their body mass index because our experience has shown that the body mass index is the main interfering factor for this surgery. The baseline characteristics and perioperative outcomes were compared between the groups.

Results

We found no significant differences in the baseline characteristics, time until recovery of intestinal function, or postoperative hospital stay between the two groups. However, the TLNU group had a shorter operation time and better postoperative pain control than the RLNU group.

Conclusion

Modified TLNU is associated with a shorter operative time and less severe postoperative pain compared with RLNU. Both techniques are safe and reliable with adequate management, and their therapeutic effects are comparable in other aspects.
Abdominal aortic rupture after extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy: A rare case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhang Bowen , Zhu Yunfeng , Ge Hongwei
Published: June 2020

Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a common and effective treatment method for most renal and upper ureteral calculi. Aortic rupture after ESWL is an extremely rare complication. Seven cases of aortic rupture have been reported to date, and only one case involved the rupture of a calcified abdominal aorta. We herein describe a Chinese patient who was hospitalized for rupture of the abdominal aorta 5 days after ESWL for right ureteral calculi. The patient was transferred to the Department of Vascular Surgery and underwent emergency endovascular aortic repair. The patient’s recovery was unremarkable. One week after the operation, enhanced computed tomography showed that the size of the hematoma around the periaortic area was constant, and repeat enhanced computed tomography 1 month later showed that the hematoma had been significantly absorbed. ESWL may cause rupture of a heavily calcified abdominal aorta. We suggest that all patients with atherosclerosis being considered for ESWL should be evaluated by imaging examinations both preoperatively and during follow-up.
Equivalence Testing of a Youth Risk and Needs Assessment
Authors: Alpizar David , French Brian F. , Vo Thao T.
Published: June 2020

Truancy can have a detrimental impact on student outcomes. Risk assessments are used to identify behavioral and emotional problems associated with school truancy. Although imperative for informing decisions about student’s welfare, risk assessments generally lack substantial validity evidence. Specifically, supporting score interpretation across cultural groups through measurement invariance (MI) is needed for such assessments. This study examined MI, specifically factor invariance (FI), of the Washington Assessment of the Risks and Needs of Students (WARNS) across African American, Latinx, and Caucasian students using confirmatory factor analysis with traditional FI criteria and the equivalence testing (ET) procedure. Results from traditional criteria suggested that the factor structure is similar across groups. The ET procedure demonstrated minor model misspecifications.
Recent developments in semi-active control of magnetorheological materials-based sandwich structures: A review
Authors: Selvaraj Rajeshkumar , Ramamoorthy Manoharan
Published: June 2020

Magnetorheological (MR) materials are kinds of smart materials whose rheological characteristics are controllable with the application of external magnetic fields. In the last few decades, MR materials are well established as one of the leading smart materials for use in adaptive sandwich structures and systems for salient vibration control. This article reviews the semi-active vibration suppression of flexible structures with smart materials of MR fluids (MRFs) and MR elastomers (MREs). Stiffness and damping characteristics of beams, plates, panels, and shells integrating the core layer of MRFs and MREs are discussed in terms of field-dependent controllability. To keep the integrity of the knowledge, this review includes a study on free and forced vibration characteristics of sandwich structures with fully and various configurations of partial MR treatments, stability analysis of MR sandwich structures under rotating conditions and developments in identifying the optimal locations of MR sandwich structures for better vibration control are also discussed. Further, this article focuses on the role of carbon nanotubes in enhancing the field-dependent stiffness and damping properties of MR materials. A few of the most relevant research articles are reviewed and presented here briefly.
Democracy Against Labor Movement: Japan’s Anti-Labor Developmental State and Aftermaths
Authors: Hayashi Mahito
Published: June 2020

This paper investigates the labor-controlling orientation of the Japanese developmental state and its consequences today. Developmental state studies has given us a robust epistemological grid whereby we can make non-Western state formation intelligible. Yet, mainstream authors have tended to treat the working class as a mere appendage to state– business relations, relegating labor politics at the analysis of state– society relations. By using democratic Japan—a prime example of this sort of obfuscation—in combination with Marxian state theory, this paper outlines the difficulties, addresses them, and extends the scope of developmental state studies to labor. After identifying main tenets of the literature, the author constructs a theory of labor control as a stabilizer of relative state autonomy. The author applies this to Japanese labor movements since 1945 and interprets events and processes of labor oppression/regulation through which Japanese capitalism subsumed the working class under the aegis of the developmental state. Labor control, emerging out of an “exceptional state” (Poulantzas, 1974), evolved into a refined socio-relational system that insulated developmental goals from labor movements. This Japanese trajectory keenly mobilized big business and elite labor, which transformed labor control into a bilateral and then a tripartite league in defense of industrial policy and its deskilling/reskilling intervention. By the 1970s, this achieved the famous docility of Japanese labor. The historically constructed character of docile labor force was exploited once again when Japan made a neoliberal turn in its post-development phase.
The Affective Ambiguity of Solidarity: Resonance Within Anti-Deportation Protest in the German Radical Left
Authors: Moghaddari Sonja
Published: June 2020

Solidarity is a key concept in the literature on humanitarianism and social movements. Public discourse, too, promotes solidarity as a consistent feeling of belonging and empowerment. However, despite its popularity in the social sciences, there is little evidence about the phenomenological experiences underlying the concept. This article aims at moving beyond ethical considerations that underlie the boundaries between more conventional and contentious forms of civil engagement in examining the affective and emotional dimensions of solidarity. Building on long-term ethnographic fieldwork within deportation protest in Germany, I draw on cultural approaches to social movements and on the anthropology of affect in order to analyse resonance in four affective encounters. I argue that rather than communicating a political opinion, solidarity represents an attitude with which people explain their engagement in certain forms of affective and emotional exchange which are often just as ambiguous, challenging and contradictory as they are comforting and exciting.
Numerical analysis on tractive performance of off-road tire on gravel road using a calibrated finite element method–discrete element method model and experimental validation
Authors: Xu Weipan , Zeng Haiyang , Yang Peng , Zang Mengyan
Published: June 2020

The interaction between off-road tires and granular terrain has a great influence on the tractive performance of off-road vehicles. However, the finite element method or the discrete element method cannot effectively study the interaction between off-road tires and granular terrain. The three-dimensional combined finite element and discrete element method is applied to handle this problem. In this study, a calibrated finite element method–discrete element method model is established, in which the finite element model of off-road tire is validated by stiffness tests, while the discrete element model of gravel particles is validated by triaxial compression tests. The calibrated finite element method–discrete element method model can describe the structural mechanics of the off-road tire and the macroscopic mechanical properties of the gravel road. Tractive performance simulations of the off-road tire on gravel road under different slip conditions are performed with the commercial software LS-DYNA. The simulation results are basically corresponded with the soil-bin test results in terms of granular terrain deformation and tractive performance parameters versus the slip rates. Finally, the effects of tread pattern, wheel load, and tire inflation pressure on tractive performance of off-road tire on granular terrain are investigated. It indicates that the calibrated finite element method–discrete element method can be an effective tool for studying the tire–granular terrain interaction and predicting the tractive performance of off-road tire on granular terrain.
Regenerative Potential of Platelet-Rich Fibrin Releasate Combined with Adipose Tissue–Derived Stem Cells in a Rat Sciatic Nerve Injury Model
Authors: Chuang Ming-Hsi , Ho Li-Hsing , Kuo Tzong-Fu , Sheu Shi-Yuan , Liu Yu-Hao , Lin Po-Cheng , Tsai Yu-Chen , Yang Chang-Huan , Chu Chi-Ming , Lin Shinn-Zong
Published: June 2020

Sciatic nerve injuries, not uncommon in trauma with a limited degree of functional recovery, are considered a persistent clinical, social, and economic problem worldwide. Accumulating evidence suggests that stem cells can promote the tissue regeneration through various mechanisms. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of adipose tissue–derived stem cells (ADSCs) and combine with platelet-rich fibrin releasate (PRFr) in the regeneration of sciatic nerve injury in rats. Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups, a blade was used to transect the left hindlimb sciatic nerve, and silicon tubes containing one of the following (by injection) were used to bridge the nerve proximal and distal ends (10-mm gap): group 1: untreated controls; group 2: PRFr alone; group 3: ADSCs alone; group 4: PRFr + ADSCs-treated. Walking function was assessed in horizontal rung ladder apparatus to compare the demands of the tasks and test sensitivity at 1-mo interval for a total of 3 mo. The gross inspection and histological examination was performed at 3 mo post transplantation. Overall, PRFr + ADSCs-treated performed better compared with PRFr or ADSCs injections alone. Significant group differences of neurological function were observed in ladder rung walking tests in all treated groups compared to that of untreated controls ( P < 0.05). This injection approach may provide a successfully employed technique to target sciatic nerve defects in vivo, and the combined strategy of ADSCs with PRFr appears to have a superior effect on nerve repair.
Profile of acupuncture use among primary care physicians working in the Brazilian public healthcare system
Authors: Bedin Fernanda , Moré Ari Ojeda Ocampo , de Oliveira Jardel Corrêa , Tesser Charles Dalcanale , Min Li Shih
Published: June 2020

Background:

An introductory acupuncture course has been offered to primary health care physicians and family medicine residents in southern Brazil since 2011.

Objective:

To analyze the profile of acupuncture utilization of primary care physicians who completed an introductory course of acupuncture between 2011 and 2018.

Method:

A survey using an electronic questionnaire was sent to all 119 physicians who completed the course.

Results:

Fifty-five physicians answered the questionnaire. The majority of them reported continuation of the practice of acupuncture in scheduled appointments and on spontaneous demand. The most commonly used principles of point selection were traditional acupuncture point function, myofascial trigger point needling and point protocols. As barriers to the practice of acupuncture, time limitation and inadequate physical space were predominant. The participants described the problem-solving potential of the procedure and good patient acceptance as facilitators. The most common problems treated with acupuncture were musculoskeletal pain, and mood and anxiety disorders. A reduction in referrals to specialists and reduced prescription of pain medications were also reported. Most physicians answered that they often combined acupuncture with other medications or associated acupuncture with other complementary practices. The main adverse events reported by the participants were vascular trauma and fainting.

Conclusion:

Most primary care physicians who completed the introductory course and answered the survey still used acupuncture in their routine, primarily for the management of musculoskeletal conditions and mental health conditions. These physicians reported reductions in specialist referrals and prescription of pain medication after integrating basic acupuncture skills into primary care practice.
RETRACTED: Evaluation of intercalation and interaction in in-situ polymerized PLA-HNT bionanocomposites
Authors: Manju P , Krishnan P Santhana Gopala , Nayak SK
Published: June 2020

We report the in-situ synthesis of poly(lactic acid)–halloysite nanotubes (PLA-HNT) bionanocomposites, with a perspective to improve the interaction between PLA and HNT. Three PLA-HNT bionanocomposites with different HNT weight percentages were synthesized by polycondensation, followed by azeotropic distillation technique. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies indicated the existence of hydrogen bonding between terminal hydroxyl groups of PLA and Si–O–Si groups present in the outer surface of HNT. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction, 29Si- and 27Al-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy analysis confirmed the intercalation of PLA into HNT. Scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed that there was no significant agglomeration and PLA matrix was found to be embedded with HNT. Transmission electron microscopy analysis also gave ample proof to substantiate the intercalation of PLA chains into HNT. Studies on zeta potential of PLA-HNT bionanocomposites, as compared with PLA, also confirmed the interactions between PLA and HNT. Single melting peak in differential scanning calorimetry analysis indicated the existence of one form of crystalline structure.
Does the Australian mental health system provide mental health or psychiatric care? Returning to Engel 40 years on
Authors: Pai Nagesh , Vella Shae-Leigh
Published: June 2020

Objective:

This article discusses the treatment that is actually provided by the Australian mental health system, arguing that the treatment provided constitutes purely psychiatric care in the sense that it is solely reliant on pharmaceuticals. This issue is framed in the context of an increasing mental health disease burden and the need to move to more holistic care in accordance with that advocated by Engel.

Conclusion:

Thus, with the predictions of an increase in mental and substance use in the next 30 years, it is imperative to take measures to try to negate this increasing burden and associated costs. Therefore, returning to the holistic views of Engel and incorporating the psychological and social needs of patients in treatment is recommended as a way to attempt to minimise the impact.
Spontaneous Beta Band Rhythms in the Predictive Coding of Natural Stimuli
Authors: Betti Viviana , Della Penna Stefania , de Pasquale Francesco , Corbetta Maurizio
Published: June 2020

The regularity of the physical world and the biomechanics of the human body movements generate distributions of highly probable states that are internalized by the brain in the course of a lifetime. In Bayesian terms, the brain exploits prior knowledge, especially under conditions when sensory input is unavailable or uncertain, to predictively anticipate the most likely outcome of upcoming stimuli and movements. These internal models, formed during development, yet still malleable in adults, continuously adapt through the learning of novel stimuli and movements.

Traditionally, neural beta (β) oscillations are considered essential for maintaining sensorimotor and cognitive representations, and for temporal coding of expectations. However, recent findings show that fluctuations of β band power in the resting state strongly correlate between cortical association regions. Moreover, central (hub) regions form strong interactions over time with different brain regions/networks (dynamic core). β band centrality fluctuations of regions of the dynamic core predict global efficiency peaks suggesting a mechanism for network integration. Furthermore, this temporal architecture is surprisingly stable, both in topology and dynamics, during the observation of ecological natural visual scenes, whereas synthetic temporally scrambled stimuli modify it. We propose that spontaneous β rhythms may function as a long-term “prior” of frequent environmental stimuli and behaviors.
A nonlinear thermomechanical formulation for anisotropic volume and surface continua
Authors: Ghaffari Reza , Sauer Roger A
Published: June 2020

A thermomechanical, polar continuum formulation under finite strains is proposed for anisotropic materials using a multiplicative decomposition of the deformation gradient. First, the kinematics and conservation laws for three-dimensional, polar, and nonpolar continua are obtained. Next, these kinematics and conservation laws are connected to their corresponding counterparts for surface continua, based on Kirchhoff–Love assumptions. Then the shell material models are extracted from three-dimensional material models for finite-temperature problems using established connections. The weak forms are obtained for both three-dimensional nonpolar continua and Kirchhoff–Love shells. These formulations are expressed in tensorial form so that they can be used in both curvilinear and Cartesian coordinates. They can be used to model anisotropic crystals and soft biological materials.
Scalability of high-performance PDE solvers
Authors: Fischer Paul , Min Misun , Rathnayake Thilina , Dutta Som , Kolev Tzanio , Dobrev Veselin , Camier Jean-Sylvain , Kronbichler Martin , Warburton Tim , Świrydowicz Kasia , Brown Jed
Published: June 2020

Performance tests and analyses are critical to effective high-performance computing software development and are central components in the design and implementation of computational algorithms for achieving faster simulations on existing and future computing architectures for large-scale application problems. In this article, we explore performance and space-time trade-offs for important compute-intensive kernels of large-scale numerical solvers for partial differential equations (PDEs) that govern a wide range of physical applications. We consider a sequence of PDE-motivated bake-off problems designed to establish best practices for efficient high-order simulations across a variety of codes and platforms. We measure peak performance (degrees of freedom per second) on a fixed number of nodes and identify effective code optimization strategies for each architecture. In addition to peak performance, we identify the minimum time to solution at 80% parallel efficiency. The performance analysis is based on spectral and p-type finite elements but is equally applicable to a broad spectrum of numerical PDE discretizations, including finite difference, finite volume, and h-type finite elements.
Serum concentration of bisphenol A in elderly cats and its association with clinicopathological findings
Authors: Kovaříková Simona , Maršálek Petr , Habánová Monika , Konvalinová Jarmila
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Bisphenol A (BPA) has been mentioned as a possible factor contributing to feline hyperthyroidism. Nevertheless, there are no previous studies reporting on the concentration of BPA in feline serum and its association with thyroid function. The objectives of this study were to measure serum BPA concentration in cats aged ⩾7 years, considered as healthy by their owners, and to compare the results with clinicopathological findings.

Methods

Sixty-nine cats aged ⩾7 years considered as healthy by their owners were enrolled in the study. The concentration of BPA in feline serum was measured using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. In all cats, signalment, living environment, diet history, and the results of haematological and biochemical analysis, including thyroxine levels, were available.

Results

The mean serum BPA concentration in feline serum was 1.06 ± 0.908 ng/ml. Significant correlation was found between BPA concentration and haemoglobin ( r = 0.3397; P = 0.0043), haematocrit ( r = 0.3245; P = 0.0065) and the number of red blood cells ( r = 0.2916; P = 0.0151), concentration of total protein ( r = 0.2383; P = 0.0486), concentration of calcium ( r = 0.3915; P = 0.0009) and level of bilirubin ( r = 0.3848; P = 0.0011). No other significant correlations were found. Significant differences ( P <0.01) were found between mature (1.28 ± 0.994 ng/ml) and geriatric cats (0.420 ± 0.240 ng/ml), between strictly indoor cats (1.27 ± 0.992 ng/ml) and cats with outdoor access (0.660 ± 0.529 ng/ml), and between cats fed canned food (1.23 ± 0.935 ng/ml) and cats fed non-canned food (0.774 ± 0.795 ng/ml).

Conclusions and relevance

Measurable serum BPA levels were found in all examined samples. The age of the cats was revealed as a significant factor affecting BPA concentration and mature cats had the highest levels. A significantly higher concentration of BPA was found in cats living strictly indoors and in cats fed canned food. No association was found between BPA and thyroid function. Further studies are needed that focus on hyperthyroid cats for better evaluation of this relationship.
Is diaphyseal fixation of short neck-retaining stem prostheses related to the size of the implant?
Authors: Pons-Cabrafiga Miquel , Arias de la Torre Jorge , Berlanga-de-Mingo Daniel , Lobo-Escolar Luis
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Short-stem hip prostheses present variable proximal femoral bone radiological findings. The aims of this study were to analyse, in our patients with implanted collum femoris-preserving (CFP) stems, cancellous bone remodelling, cortical distal hypertrophy and pedestal formation, and the relationship between those radiological changes that suggest distal fixation with the size of the stem.

Methods:

From October 2001 to December 2012 a total of 199 consecutive primary total hip arthroplasties in 180 patients were performed at our department using the CFP stem and followed up for a minimum of 5 years until December 2017.

Results:

Stress shielding was present in 74% of oversized stems cases, but in normal or undersized stems, stress shielding was present in 8.5%. Cortical hyperthrophy was observed in 49% of the oversized stems and in 6% of the normal or undersized ones. Finally, non-statistically significant differences ( p  = 0.089) in pedestal formation were found, present in 16.3% of the oversized stems and in 6% of normal or undersized ones.

Conclusions:

Oversized stems cause more stress shielding and distal cortical hypertrophy in the distal part of the stem, which indicates distal fixation in bigger sizes of stem.
Hemodialysis fistula stenosis caused by extrinsic vascular compression: The May–Thurner of fistulas
Authors: Luque Valentina San Martín , Villayandre Jose Abadal , Gonzalez Esther Galvez , Perez María Alvarez , De la Quintana Manuel
Published: June 2020

Significant venous outflow stenosis of a forearm arteriovenous fistulae caused by an extrinsic vascular compression is a very rare entity (no reported cases in the literature). We report a case of high venous pressures during dialysis, secondary to an extrinsic compression of the underlying brachial artery that was diagnosed with Doppler ultrasound. The stenosis localization resembles the typical and frequent juxta-anastomotic venous outflow stenosis. This similarity can be a confounding factor and can lead to failure of conventional treatments. Careful surgical technique of arteriovenous graft creation and Doppler ultrasound mapping can prevent this entity.
Single-access ultrasound-guided tunneled femoral lines in critically ill pediatric patients
Authors: Woerner Andrew , Wenger Jesse L , Monroe Eric J
Published: June 2020

Central venous access is an essential aspect of critical care for pediatric patients. In the critically ill pediatric population, image-guided procedures performed at the bedside expedite care and may reduce risks and logistical challenges associated with patient transport to a remote procedure suite such as interventional radiology. We describe our institutional technique for ultrasound-guided tunneled femoral venous access in neonates and infants and provide technical pearls from our experience, with an intended audience including specialists performing point-of-care ultrasound–guided procedures as well as interventional radiologist making their services available in the intensive care unit.
Identifying Herbal Adverse Events From Spontaneous Reporting Systems Using Taxonomic Name Resolution Approach
Authors: Sharma Vivekanand , Gelin Luiz Fernando Fracassi , Sarkar Indra Neil
Published: June 2020

The efficacy and safety of herbal supplements suffer from challenges due to non-uniform representation of ingredient terms within biomedical and observational health data sources. The nature of how supplement data are reported within Spontaneous Reporting Systems (SRS) can limit analyses of supplement-associated adverse events due to the use of incorrect nomenclature or failing to identify herbs. This study aimed to extract, standardize, and summarize supplement-relevant reports from two SRSs: (1) Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) and (2) Canada Vigilance Adverse Reaction (CVAR) database. A thesaurus of plant names was developed and integrated with a mapping and normalization approach that accommodated misspellings and variants. The reports gathered from FAERS between the years 2004 and 2016 show 185,915 herbal and 7,235,330 non-herbal accounting for 2.51%. The data from CVAR found 36,940 reports of herbal and 503,580 non-herbal reports between the years 1965 and 2017 for a total of 6.83%. Although not all cases were actual adverse events due to numerous variables and incomplete reporting, it is interesting to note that the herbs most frequently reported and significantly associated with adverse events were as follows: Avena sativa (Oats), Cannabis sativa (marijuana), Digitalis purpurea (foxglove), Humulus lupulus (hops), Hypericum perforatum (St John’s Wort), Paullinia cupana (guarana), Phleum pretense (timothy-grass), Silybum marianum (milk thistle), Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion), and Valeriana officinalis (valerian). Using a scalable approach for mapping and resolution of herb names allowed data-driven exploration of potential adverse events from sources that have remained isolated in this specific area of research. The results from this study highlight several herb-associated safety issues providing motivation for subsequent in-depth analyses, including those that focus on the scope and severity of potential safety issues with supplement use.
Efficacy of Single Dose Ivermectin Against Strongyloides stercoralis Infection Among Primary School Children in Amhara National Regional State
Authors: Hailu Tadesse , Nibret Endalkachew , Amor Arancha , Munshea Abaineh , Anegagrie Melaku
Published: June 2020

Background:

Ivermectin has been proven to be highly effective against Strongyloides stercoralis in some countries. However, its single dose (200 μg/kg) efficacy has not been proven up until now in Ethiopia.

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of single dose ivermectin against S. stercoralis infection among school children.

Methods:

Stool sample was collected from April 2019 to December 2019 among 844 school children and screened by formol ether concentration, spontaneous tube sedimentation, Baermann concentration, and agar plate techniques. Single oral dose (200 μg/kg) ivermectin was given to 101 S. stercoralis–infected student and posttreatment diagnosis was done for 92 students after 2 weeks.

Results:

Of the total 92 S. stercoralis–infected students who took ivermectin treatment, 87 were negative with cure rate of 94.6%. No side effect of ivermectin was observed.

Conclusion:

Single dose ivermectin is an effective dose in uncomplicated chronic strongyloidiasis.
Association Between Pediatric Inpatient Rehabilitation Services and Children’s Functional Outcomes: King Fahad Medical City Experience
Authors: Madi Sanaa Mohammed , Alraddadi Naif Ibrahim
Published: June 2020

Background:

Disability may affect children’s performance of functional activities. This may translate to difficulties in returning to home and/or school. It has been documented that intensive rehabilitation programs for children with disabilities lead to an improvement in their functional abilities. Wee-FIM is a valid and reliable outcome measure that is used commonly with children undergoing rehabilitation.

Objectives:

To study changes in the functional status of children admitted to a specialized pediatric inpatient rehabilitation unit.

Design:

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

King Fahad Medical City—Rehabilitation Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

Investigators reviewed records of children admitted to a pediatric rehabilitation unit between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2017. The outcome measures used were rehabilitation length of stay (LOS), Wee-FIM gain, and Wee-FIM efficiency.

Results:

The total number of records included in this study was 361 records. Sixty percent of the children were boys. The mean age was 8.7 ± 3.8 years (range, 3-17 years). Children with cerebral palsy accounted for 45.2% of the children. The mean LOS was 43 days. Children with brain tumors had the shortest LOS compared with children with other diagnoses. Mean (SD) Wee-FIM efficiency was 0.58 (±0.6). Highest Wee-FIM efficiency was observed in children with brain tumors. Average Wee-FIM gain was 20 (±15). The highest functional gain was 27 in children with brain tumors while the lowest was 16 in children with cerebral palsy.

Conclusions:

Intensive inpatient rehabilitation program is associated with improvement in functional performance in children with a variety of impairments and disabilities.
Pregnancy outcome following first-trimester exposure to fingolimod: A collaborative ENTIS study
Authors: Pauliat Emmanuelle , Onken Marlies , Weber-Schoendorfer Corinna , Rousson Valentin , Addor Marie-Claude , Baud David , Théaudin Marie , Diav-Citrin Orna , Cottin Judith , Agusti Antonia , Rollason Victoria , Kaplan Yusuf C , Kennedy Debra , Kadioglu Mine , Rothuizen Laura E , Livio Françoise , Buclin Thierry , Panchaud Alice , Winterfeld Ursula
Published: June 2020

This prospective multicentre cohort study investigated pregnancy outcomes after fingolimod use for multiple sclerosis during pregnancy. Pregnancy outcomes of 63 fingolimod and 62 interferon-β-exposed pregnancies were compared. Rates of major congenital anomalies (MCA) were 4.8% (2/42) in the fingolimod group versus 2.3% (1/44) in the interferon-β group (odds ratio, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 0.2–24.6). The adjusted hazard ratio for spontaneous abortion in fingolimod versus interferon-β-exposed pregnancies was 0.6 (95% confidence interval, 0.2–1.8). Further studies are needed to definitely rule out a moderately increased MCA risk after fingolimod exposure during pregnancy.
Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and young people – Understanding their journeys towards improved physical and emotional health
Authors: Portnoy Sara , Ward Allison
Published: June 2020

In 2018, approximately 20,000 unaccompanied children and young people applied for asylum in a European Union country. Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children present with significant emotional and physical health needs. These needs are likely the result of the situation that led them to leave their home, the difficult journeys they make to reach safety and their living circumstances after arriving at their destination. Maintaining engagement with both screening and therapeutic health services is challenging. A stepwise approach to delivery of services is recommended so as not to overwhelm them. Case studies and personal practical experience are used to highlight key learning points.
A Qualitative Analysis of the Vulnerability Narratives of Student Gun Rights Advocates
Authors: Couch Todd C
Published: June 2020

In recent years, colleges and universities in the United States have considered allowing concealed firearms on their campuses. Yet, substantive research on why a minority of students’ desire to arm themselves is scarce. Addressing this gap in the literature, this study examines 30 interviews with chapter presidents of a national student gun rights organization. Using racialized narratives, participants express intense feelings of vulnerability on campus and in the larger society. Extending Feagin’s theory of systemic racism to gun politics, I argue respondents’ belief that they must be armed to co-exist with people of color reproduces racial inequality and poses a potential threat to students, faculty, and staff of color.