bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Checklist of the Dolichopodidae (Diptera, Empidoidea) of the Balkan Peninsula, with first records for Bulgaria, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and for the European part of Turkey
Authors: KECHEV MIHAIL , NAGLIS STEFAN , TONGUÇ ALPER , POLLET MARC
Published: July 2020

This paper presents 58 new records of the family Dolichopodidae for Bulgaria, Montenegro, North Macedonia and European part of Turkey, collected from 37 localities. Seventeen species are recorded for the first time from Bulgaria, six of which are new to the Balkan Peninsula, 23 species for European Turkey, three of which are new to the entire territory of Turkey, seven species for Montenegro and 11 species for North Macedonia. A checklist of the Dolichopodidae of the Balkan Peninsula is provided. The total number of dolichopodids of the Balkan Peninsula is currently raised to 288 species.
Review of the genus Malacoctenus (Actinopterygii: Labrisomidae) from the Southwestern Atlantic, with description of two new species
Authors: CARVALHO-FILHO ALFREDO , SAZIMA IVAN , LIMA SERGIO MAIA QUEIROZ , ALMEIDA DANIEL , MENDES LIANA , DIAS RICARDO MARQUES , BRITTO MARCELO R. , GASPARINI JOÃO LUIZ
Published: July 2020

The labrisomid genus Malacoctenus from Southwestern Atlantic is reviewed. Two new species of scaly blennies formerly reported by several authors as Malacoctenus triangulatus are described. One is found at the oceanic islands Fernando de Noronha Archipelago and Atol das Rocas, and the other is distributed along the Brazilian coastline. The two new species differ from other species of the genus and from each other by different combinations of the number of lateral-line scales, number and size of head cirri, and color pattern. Molecular data also support species’ distinctiveness between M. triangulatus and the species described herein. Two additional recognized Brazilian species, M. delalandii and M. brunoi are described and illustrated and an identification key to all recognized Atlantic species is provided.
Records and redescription of a mygalomorph spider genus ignored for over 100 years with a new species: the genus Atmetochilus Simon, 1887 (Araneae, Nemesiidae) in Thailand
Authors: KUNSETE CHAWAKORN , SIVAYYAPRAM VARAT , TRAIYASUT PRAPUN , THANOOSING CHAWATAT , KHAMWAN KITIWAT , WARRIT NATAPOT
Published: July 2020

The wishbone spider of genus Atmetochilus Simon, 1887 (Nemesiidae: Bemmerinae) containing six species and is known from Asia. We describe a new Thai species, Atmetochilus songsangchotei sp. nov. Since the holotype of the type species of Atmetochilus, A. fossor, is presumed lost, we describe fresh specimens (ARA-2018-132) and designate one as as neotype; similarly, because a holotype (only syntypes) of Atmetochilus atriceps in NHMUK was not designated, we chose the most intact specimen of the syntypes (NHMUK 1895.9.21.16) and designate it as lectotype. From a photo of the type specimen of Atmetochilus bifidus (sternum) from ZSI, we transfer Atmetochilus bifidus back to Damarchus.
A new species of the genus Limassolla Dlabola (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae) from Korea, with a new record and new synonymy
Authors: OH SUMIN , LIM JONGOK , LEE GWAN-SEOK , KIM IL-KWON , JUNG SUNGHOON
Published: July 2020

One new leafhopper species, L. dangjinensis sp. nov. is described, and L. hebeiensis Cai, Liang & Wang, 1992 is reported from Korea for the first time. Descriptions, photographs, illustrations and biological information of the new species are provided. A key to the Korean Limassolla species is also given. Limassolla macrobipunctata Hossain, Kwon, Suh & Kwon, 2019 is synonymised with L. ishiharai Dworakowska, 1972.
Vertical Heat Fluxes beneath Idealized Sea Ice Leads in Large-Eddy Simulations: Comparison with Observations from the SHEBA Experiment
Authors: Bourgault Pascal , Straub David , Duquette Kevin , Nadeau Louis-Philippe , Tremblay Bruno
Published: July 2020

Large-eddy simulations (Δx = Δz = 1 m) are used to examine vertical ocean heat fluxes driven by mechanical and buoyancy forcing across idealized sea ice leads. Forcing parameters approximate conditions from a shear event during the Surface Heat Budget of the Arctic (SHEBA) experiment in March 1998. In situ measurements near the lead showed isopycnal displacements of 14 m and turbulent vertical heat fluxes up to 400 W m−2, both of which were attributed to a strong cyclonic stress curl localized along the lead axis. By contrast, the large-eddy simulations show cyclonic shear across the lead to produce no turbulence, with vertical heat transport instead related to an overturning cell that connects a broad upwelling near the lead to downwelling farther away. Anticyclonic forcing produces an opposite-signed overturning cell, but with an intense, narrow downwelling jet and strong turbulent heat fluxes (~100 W m−2) near the lead. For both signs of curl, domain-integrated heat transport due to the overturning cells is somewhat larger than the turbulent heat flux, the latter being confined to the vicinity of the lead. Buoyancy forcing related to sea ice formation in the lead was found to increase both the turbulent and the cell-related heat fluxes (by up to 50% and 10%, respectively). Vertical isopycnal displacements for the upwelling case were found to increase linearly with the strength of the forcing. Possible reasons for the discrepancies with the observations include finer scale variation in the surface ocean stress and turbulence associated with the formation of a ridge during the shear event.
Abyssal Circulation Driven by Near-Boundary Mixing: Water Mass Transformations and Interior Stratification
Authors: Drake Henri F. , Ferrari Raffaele , Callies Jörn
Published: July 2020

The emerging view of the abyssal circulation is that it is associated with bottom-enhanced mixing, which results in downwelling in the stratified ocean interior and upwelling in a bottom boundary layer along the insulating and sloping seafloor. In the limit of slowly varying vertical stratification and topography, however, boundary layer theory predicts that these upslope and downslope flows largely compensate, such that net water mass transformations along the slope are vanishingly small. Using a planetary geostrophic circulation model that resolves both the boundary layer dynamics and the large-scale overturning in an idealized basin with bottom-enhanced mixing along a midocean ridge, we show that vertical variations in stratification become sufficiently large at equilibrium to reduce the degree of compensation along the midocean ridge flanks. The resulting large net transformations are similar to estimates for the abyssal ocean and span the vertical extent of the ridge. These results suggest that boundary flows generated by mixing play a crucial role in setting the global ocean stratification and overturning circulation, requiring a revision of abyssal ocean theories.
Wave-by-Wave Forecasting via Assimilation of Marine Radar Data
Authors: Simpson Alexandra , Haller Merrick , Walker David , Lynett Patrick , Honegger David
Published: July 2020

This work describes a phase-resolving wave-forecasting algorithm that is based on the assimilation of marine radar image time series. The algorithm is tested against synthetic data and field observations. The algorithm couples X-band marine radar observations with a phase-resolving wave model that uses the linear mild slope equations for reconstruction of water surface elevations over a large domain of O(km) and a prescribed time window of O(min). The reconstruction also enables wave-by-wave forecasting through forward propagation in space and time. Marine radar image time series provide the input wave observations through a previously given relationship between backscatter intensity and the radial component of the sea surface slope. The algorithm assimilates the wave slope information into the model via a best-fit wave source function at the boundary that minimizes the slope reconstruction error over an annular region at the outer ranges of the radar images. The wave model is then able to propagate the waves across a polar domain to a location of interest at nearer ranges. The constraints on the method for achieving real-time forecasting are identified, and the algorithm is verified against synthetic data and tested using field observations.
Assimilating Observations with Spatially Correlated Errors Using a Serial Ensemble Filter with a Multiscale Approach
Authors: Ying Yue
Published: July 2020

The serial ensemble square root filter (EnSRF) typically assumes observation errors to be uncorrelated when assimilating the observations one at a time. This assumption causes the filter solution to be suboptimal when the observation errors are spatially correlated. Using the Lorenz-96 model, this study evaluates the suboptimality due to mischaracterization of observation error spatial correlations. Neglecting spatial correlations in observation errors results in mismatches between the specified and true observation error variances in spectral space, which cannot be resolved by inflating the overall observation error variance. As a remedy, a multiscale observation (MSO) method is proposed to decompose the observations into multiple scale components and assimilate each component with separately adjusted spectral error variance. Experimental results using the Lorenz-96 model show that the serial EnSRF, with the help from the MSO method, can produce solutions that approach the solution from the EnSRF with correctly specified observation error correlations as the number of scale components increases. The MSO method is further tested in a two-layer quasigeostrophic (QG) model framework. In this case, the MSO method is combined with the multiscale localization (MSL) method to allow the use of different localization radii when updating the model state at different scales. The combined method (MSOL) improves the serial EnSRF performance when assimilating observations with spatially correlated errors. With adjusted observation error spectral variances and localization radii, the combined MSOL method provides the best solution in terms of analysis accuracy and filter consistency. Prospects and challenges are also discussed for the implementation of the MSO method for more complex models and observing networks.
Politics and Inequality in Comparative Perspective: A Research Agenda
Authors: López Matias , Dubrow Joshua K.
Published: July 2020

Democracy’s normative foundation is political equality. Yet the dominance of the elite over the masses, and the systematic exclusion of particular social and economic groups from the influence on, and outcomes of, important decisions, manifests in political inequality. If this situation is normatively intolerable, why does political inequality endure? We build on the theoretical and empirical literature of politics and inequality and the collection of articles in this special issue to argue that the reproduction of political inequality within and across nations and time results from two key interrelated mechanisms: elite coordination and mass discoordination. We discuss how these mechanisms shape patterns of contestation and participation that reproduce inequalities in both old and new democracies.
Sensitivity of Clinical Pediatric Obesity Diagnosis Documented in Electronic Health Records
Authors: San Giovanni Christine B. , Ebeling Myla , Davis Robert A. , Wagner C. Shaun , Basco William T.
Published: July 2020

Objective. This study tested the sensitivity of obesity diagnosis in electronic health records (EHRs) using body mass index (BMI) classification and identified variables associated with obesity diagnosis. Methods. Eligible children aged 2 to 18 years had a calculable BMI in 2017 and had at least 1 visit in 2016 and 2017. Sensitivity of clinical obesity diagnosis compared with children’s BMI percentile was calculated. Logistic regression was performed to determine variables associated with obesity diagnosis. Results. Analyses included 31 059 children with BMI at or above 95th percentile. Sensitivity of clinical obesity diagnosis was 35.81%. Clinical obesity diagnosis was more likely if the child had a well visit, had Medicaid insurance, was female, Hispanic or Black, had a chronic disease diagnosis, and saw a provider in a practice in an urban area or with academic affiliation. Conclusion. Sensitivity of clinical obesity diagnosis in EHR is low. Clinical obesity diagnosis is associated with nonmodifiable child-specific factors but also modifiable practice-specific factors.
How National Context Indirectly Influences Instructional Leadership Implementation: The Case of Israel
Authors: Shaked Haim , Benoliel Pascale , Hallinger Philip
Published: July 2020

Purpose: Instructional leadership has been identified as a key responsibility of principals who achieve promising results for school improvement. This study investigated how the national context has influenced the adoption of instructional leadership as a defining role responsibility for Israeli principals. Research Methods: Participants in this qualitative study consisted of a diverse sample of 46 Israeli principals, broadly representative of the larger body of school principals in Israel. Data were collected through both interviews and focus groups. Data analysis proceeded in a four-stage process that involved condensing, coding, categorizing, and theorizing from the interview data. Findings: Findings identified three sociocultural norms that shaped principal adoption of instructional leadership in their role set: low power distance, clan culture, and incomplete identification of principals (and teachers) with their schools’ academic missions. These contextual cohering forces led principals to resist new, formally defined policy expectations of their role as instructional leaders. Implications: This study’s findings reinforce arguments that propose national context as an underserved theoretical lens for understanding differences in principals’ practices across different societies. The findings suggest that despite increasing global acceptance of instructional leadership, its implementation in practice is inevitably shaped by the institutional policies and cultural values of different societies. Even when a “generic” model of instructional or transformational leadership is adopted by policy makers, there will be a process of mutual adaptation during implementation.
The Gendered Nature of Criminogenic Thinking Patterns Among Justice-Involved Clients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Jones Natalie J. , Mitchell Damon , Tafrate Raymond Chip
Published: July 2020

Because much of our understanding of criminogenic thinking (antisocial cognitions) has been based on male justice populations, questions remain about the applicability of this construct to justice-involved women. Based on an item-level analysis of 216 justice-involved clients, results of this pilot study suggest that criminogenic thinking in women is relevant, and both overlaps with and diverges from that of men. In fact, the predictive accuracy for rearrest attained with a gender-responsive model developed for women exceeded that of the corresponding model developed for men (area under the curve [AUC] = .86 vs. AUC = .67). We recommend the creation of parsimonious criminogenic thinking instruments that optimize predictive criterion validity. Gender-responsive scales that capture the gender-specificity that exists in criminogenic thinking patterns can assist in (a) optimizing the prediction of reoffending and (b) identifying essential constellations of treatment targets among forensic populations.
Mirror Book Therapy for the treatment of Idiopathic Facial Palsy
Authors: Barth Jodi Maron , Stezar Gincy L. , Acierno Gabriela C. , Kim Thomas J. , Reilly Michael J.
Published: July 2020

Objective:

To determine the utility of treating facial palsy with mirror book therapy in conjunction with facial physical rehabilitation.

Methods:

We randomly selected and reviewed the charts of 25 patients with idiopathic facial palsy. 10 of these patients received facial physical rehabilitation including manual therapy and postural exercises. 15 of these patients received mirror book therapy in conjunction with standard facial rehabilitation. Before and after treatment, patients in both groups were rated using the Facial Grading System (FGS) score, the Facial Disability Index--Physical (FDIP) score, and the Facial Disability Index--Social (FDIS) score. Differences in response to therapy were analyzed.

Results:

Patients in the facial physical rehabilitation group without mirror book therapy group showed on average a 20.8% increase in the FGS score, a 19% increase in the FDIP score, and a 14.6% increase in the FDIS score. Patients in the mirror book therapy group showed an average of 24.9% increase in the Facial Grading System (FGS) score, a 21.6% increase in the Facial Disability Index--Physical (FDIP) score, and a 24.5% increase in the Facial Disability Index--Social (FDIS) score.

Conclusion:

The addition of mirror book therapy to standard facial rehabilitation treatments does significantly improve outcomes in the treatment of idiopathic facial palsy.
Charged with Instability: Are Paternal Arrests and Criminal Charges Enough to Shake the Marital Stability of American Couples?
Authors: Skipper Antonius D. , Bates Douglas S. , Blizard Zachary D. , Moye Richard G.
Published: July 2020

With the growing rate of divorce, increasing efforts are being made to identify the factors that contribute to relationship dissolution for many American couples. One commonly noted, and particularly concerning, factor toward relationship instability is the incarceration of husbands and fathers. Although paternal incarceration and familial stability have been studied, little is known about the relationship between criminal charges and divorce. The current study utilized data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study to understand the effect of paternal criminal charges on divorce for 725 families. Utilizing a logistic regression and two-stage least squares linear probability model, results show that, even without incarceration, being charged with a crime as a husband significantly increases the likelihood that a couple will get divorced. These findings have significant implications for understanding how encounters with the criminal justice system affect familial well-being and stability.
Changing patterns of mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic: Population-based modelling to understand palliative care implications
Authors: Bone Anna E , Finucane Anne M , Leniz Javiera , Higginson Irene J , Sleeman Katherine E
Published: July 2020

Background:

COVID-19 has directly and indirectly caused high mortality worldwide.

Aim:

To explore patterns of mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic and implications for palliative care, service planning and research.

Design:

Descriptive analysis and population-based modelling of routine data.

Participants and setting:

All deaths registered in England and Wales between 7 March and 15 May 2020. We described the following mortality categories by age, gender and place of death: (1) baseline deaths (deaths that would typically occur in a given period); (2) COVID-19 deaths and (3) additional deaths not directly attributed to COVID-19. We estimated the proportion of people who died from COVID-19 who might have been in their last year of life in the absence of the pandemic using simple modelling with explicit assumptions.

Results:

During the first 10 weeks of the pandemic, there were 101,614 baseline deaths, 41,105 COVID-19 deaths and 14,520 additional deaths. Deaths in care homes increased by 220%, while home and hospital deaths increased by 77% and 90%, respectively. Hospice deaths fell by 20%. Additional deaths were among older people (86% aged ⩾ 75 years), and most occurred in care homes (56%) and at home (43%). We estimate that 22% (13%–31%) of COVID-19 deaths occurred among people who might have been in their last year of life in the absence of the pandemic.

Conclusion:

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in palliative care needs. Health and social care systems must ensure availability of palliative care to support people with severe COVID-19, particularly in care homes.
Integrating Government Silos: Local Emergency Management and Public Health Department Collaboration for Emergency Planning and Response
Authors: Wolf-Fordham Susan
Published: July 2020

The United States arguably faces the most serious disaster it has faced since World War II: the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic itself has created further cascading economic, financial, and social crises. To date, approximately 114,000 Americans have died and approximately 2,000,000 (as of this writing) have become infected. American emergency planning and response, including for pandemics, begins at the local (city, town, and county) level, close to the individuals and communities most impacted. During crises like COVID-19, natural and other disasters, best practices include “whole of government” and “whole community” approaches, involving all parts of the government, community organizations, institutions, and businesses, with representation from diverse individual community stakeholders. Local emergency management and public health agencies are at the heart of emergency planning and response and thus warrant further examination. While collaboration between the two is recognized as a best practice, in reality there appear to be silos and gaps. This Commentary describes the American emergency planning system and the roles of local emergency management and public health departments. Closer examination illuminates similarities and differences in practitioner demographics, professional competencies, organizational goals, and culture. The Commentary reviews the limited research and observations of collaboration efforts and suggests areas for integrating the two practice areas in future research, education, professional training, and practice. Breaking down the silos will strengthen local emergency and public health preparedness planning and response, ultimately leading to stronger community health, well-being, resilience, and more efficient local administration.
Do morphologic characteristics play a role in nodal metastatic progression of well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors?
Authors: Ugras Nesrin , Hasdemir Seçil , Yerci Ömer , Taşar Pınar , Dündar Halit Ziya , Macunluoğlu Aslı Ceren
Published: July 2020

Background:

Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are tumors with histopathologic and prognostic heterogeneity that pose difficulties in establishing standards for diagnosis, classification, and treatment. Among NENs, well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) have been classified as grade 1, 2, and 3 in the most recently released World Health Organization classification. Although well-differentiated NETs are associated with relatively better prognosis, they have a potential for malignant behavior such as extrapancreatic spread, metastasis, or recurrence. The present study aimed to evaluate clinical and histomorphologic findings of patients with well-differentiated pancreatic NETs and to identify histopathologic findings effective in predicting nodal metastatic progression.

Methods:

The study group consisted of 54 patients diagnosed with well-differentiated NET. All preparations and blocks of the patients were examined for the following histopathologic parameters: tumor diameter, microscopic tumor growth pattern (solid, trabecular, acinar, and mixed), cellular features (clear, eosinophilic, oncocytic, peliotic, and pseudopapillary), stromal changes (calcification, lymphocytic infiltration, and stromal hyalinization), presence of necrosis, perineural invasion, lymphovascular invasion, mitotic activity, and Ki67 proliferative index.

Results:

Lymph node metastasis was present in 7 patients. Lymph node metastasis was significantly associated with tumor diameter of >2 cm ( p = 0.012), Ki67 proliferative index of >20% ( p = 0.022), grade 3 tumors ( p = 0.002), presence of dense stromal hyalinization ( p = 0.034), and mild lymphocytic infiltration ( p = 0.041).

Conclusion:

The present study revealed that the new findings such as presence of dense stromal hyalinization and absence of remarkable lymphocytic infiltration could be predictive morphologic findings for the development of lymph node metastasis.
Spiritual Jewish Criminology: The Basic Premises and the Pyramid
Authors: Ben Yair Yitzhak
Published: July 2020

Religion and spiritual traditions entail vast wisdom and knowledge which have proved their productivity in achieving criminal rehabilitation, crime desistance, and crime prevention. Unfortunately, the literature on their role is relatively scarce and was not, until recently, regarded as part of mainstream criminology. This study used a hermeneutic phenomenological approach in which 39 participants were interviewed and many of the religious scriptures selected at their recommendation were analyzed. The findings reveal three central and unique themes that deal with the purpose of creation, human nature, and the question of free will. Through these premises, this study suggests that Spiritual Jewish criminology, a faith-based theory stemming from Jewish scriptures, offers a universal paradigm that explains a person’s life as a spiritual journey, completed according to the Pyramid Model. The pyramid is built on two axes that describe a person’s desirable movement: the first ranges from egocentrism to altrocentrism, while the second ranges from materialism to the spiritual. The study’s discussion deals with the Pyramid Model’s ability to explain the causes of delinquency, the onset of a criminal career, and the way out of this criminal world through treatment and rehabilitation.
Identifying Roadway Physical Characteristics That Contribute to Emissions Differences between Hybrid and Conventional Vehicles
Authors: Sullivan James L. , Sentoff Karen
Published: July 2020

Conventional vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) will be the dominant vehicle types in the U.S. private passenger vehicle fleet for the foreseeable future. This study used a real-time data set obtained from monitoring vehicle performance and emissions from a series of test runs from a conventional vehicle and a HEV over an 18-month period. An innovative new method of analysis allowed the assessment of different emissions rates between the two propulsion systems and the attribution of these differences to physical roadway/infrastructure characteristics. Regression and cross-classification results identify specific roadway characteristics that contribute to emissions differences between the vehicle types. Overall, the models that included maximum grade and intersection control type performed best, however, speed limit and horizontal curvature were also shown to be important. The performance differences identified in this project confirm that engine controls that are responsive to roadway characteristics are necessary.
Six theoretical paradigms of Eastern European Marxist aesthetics
Authors: Qilin Fu
Published: July 2020

The conceptual and methodological contributions of Marxist aesthetics from Eastern European countries like Hungary, Yugoslavia, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, and East Germany were productive and significant despite various hurdles faced concerning institutionalization, legitimization and differing theoretical abuses. In its mode of inquiry and discursive practices, Eastern European Marxist aesthetics is both similar and dissimilar to its Western, Soviet, Russian and Chinese counterparts. The specificity here is the function of a unique geographical and socio-historical context, as well as interaction with other contemporary paradigms of thought. The innovative impulses of Eastern European Marxist aesthetics affected six scholarly domains: aesthetics of praxis, theory of realism, critique of modernity, semiotics, theory of genre and cultural theory. This paper provides a general survey of the intellectual achievements of Eastern European Marxist aesthetics across these six domains and will show how this theoretical tradition has influenced the modern history of ideas.
Mobile Technology Care Coordination of Long-Term Services and Support: Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Quinn Charlene C. , Knopp Kasey L. , Marsiglia Carol A. , Bearch R. Colby , LeFever Andrea , Barr Erik A. , Liang Yuanyuan , Gruber-Baldini Ann L.
Published: July 2020

The purpose of the study was to assess whether the effects of a mobile predictive intervention used by Service Coordinators (SCs) reduce hospital utilization in a Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) population in Baltimore city during a 5-month intervention. SC participants ( n = 11) were recruited to treatment or control groups. LTSS clients ( n = 420) followed their SC randomization assignment. Utilization data were obtained from the Maryland Chesapeake Regional Information System for our Patients (CRISP) Health Information Exchange (HIE) system and linked to service coordination records. Study groups were similar in age, gender, race, and years receiving LTSS. SCs’ satisfaction with use of the mobile tool was surveyed. SC perceptions were neutral (mean scores ranged from 2.3 to 3.3 on a 5-point scale). No significant differences between groups were observed for all utilization metrics. The mobile technology software system used in this study did not improve health care utilization for a LTSS population needing ongoing clinical and social services coordinated care.
The Neurodevelopmental and Motor Phenotype of SCA21 (ATX-TMEM240)
Authors: Burdekin Emma D. , Fogel Brent L. , Jeste Shafali S. , Martinez Julian , Rexach Jessica E. , DiStefano Charlotte , Hyde Carly , Safari Tabitha , Wilson Rujuta B.
Published: July 2020

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 21 (SCA21/ATX-TMEM240) is a rare form of cerebellar ataxia that commonly presents with motor, cognitive, and behavioral impairments. Although these features have been identified as part of the clinical manifestations of SCA21, the neurodevelopmental disorders associated with SCA21 have not been well studied or described. Here we present extensive phenotypic data for 3 subjects from an SCA21 family in the United States. Genetic testing demonstrated the c.196 G>A (p.Gly66Arg) variant to be a second recurrent mutation associated with the disorder. Standardized developmental assessment revealed significant deficits in cognition, adaptive function, motor skills, and social communication with 2 of the subjects having diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder, which has never been described in SCA21. Quantitative gait analysis showed markedly abnormal spatiotemporal gait variables indicative of poor gait control and cerebellar as well as noncerebellar dysfunction. Clinical evaluation also highlighted a striking variability in clinical symptoms, with greater ataxia correlating with greater severity of neurodevelopmental disorder diagnoses. Notably, neurodevelopmental outcomes have improved with intervention over time. Taken together, this case series identifies that the manifestation of neurodevelopmental disorders is a key feature of SCA21 and may precede the presence of motor abnormalities. Furthermore, the coexistence of ataxia and neurodevelopmental disorders in these subjects suggests a role for spinocerebellar pathways in both outcomes. The findings in this study highlight the importance of evaluation of neurodevelopmental concerns in the context of progressive motor abnormalities and the need for timely intervention to ultimately improve quality of life for individuals with SCA21.
A novel de-icing strategy combining electric-heating with plasma synthetic jet actuator
Authors: Gao TianXiang , Luo Zhen Bing , Zhou Yan , Yang Sheng Ke
Published: July 2020

Traditional electro-thermal de-icing strategy has the drawback of high energy consumption and its heat knife accounts for a considerable amount of the cost. Compared to electro-thermal de-icing, thermo-mechanical expulsion de-icing system eliminates the heat knife by combining electric-heating with electro-magnetic expulsion de-icing system. The consumption is significantly lower but the system has complex mechanical structures. In this article, a novel de-icing strategy combining electric-heating with plasma synthetic jet actuator is proposed for the first time. Its main idea is to replace heat knife with a simple mechanical device. During the de-icing process, the electric-heating is used to remove the adhesion force, then a single pulse of plasma synthetic jet actuator exerts a rapid force on ice and makes it fracture. Schlieren imaging shows plasma synthetic jet actuator can make free ice columns fracture into pieces and powder. The ice can even be completely penetrated by pressurized air when the discharge energy is relatively large. And compared with the non-deicing process, the intensities of waves and jets are significantly weakened. During the hybrid de-icing process, high-speed photography shows that plasma synthetic jet actuator can divide an ice layer 200 mm in diameter and 10 mm in thickness into multiple blocks completely in tens of milliseconds after electric-heating removes the adhesion force. Besides, energy consumption of plasma synthetic jet actuator in a de-icing cycle accounts for only 0.27% of the whole system. Compared with the free ice columns of the same size, the ice debonded by electric-heating fragmented into smaller blocks after activating plasma synthetic jet actuator. However, heating for too long does not bring more beneficial effects on the fracture of ice in this experiment. At last, a new “micro piston ice-breaker” which is waterproof is proposed to meet the needs of in-flight de-icing.
The Role of Networks in the Internationalization Process of Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises in the Wine-producing Sector
Authors: Franco Mário , Martins Rui
Published: July 2020

This study aims to understand the role networks can play in the internationalization process of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in the wine-producing sector. It adopted the qualitative method and focused on a wine-producing network in the Portuguese region of Ribatejo. For data collection, several interviews with key informants, direct observation and documentary analysis were used. Content analysis of the interviews showed that all the actors/partners involved in this study demonstrated their knowledge about the wine tradition and the specificities of the product, and that the wine-producing sector has improved considerably in Ribatejo, mainly at the hands of a new generation of entrepreneurs who have focused on internationalization using the network strategy. Empirical evidences showed that wine-producing SMEs in inter-organizational networks achieve internationalization more easily. The structure of the SMEs studied here is based on an inter-organizational, entrepreneur network, and as such, it is entrepreneurs who define the firm’s positioning based mainly on their intuition, managing to carry out their actions successfully. This study can help the owner-managers of wine-producing SMEs to implement future processes for their internationalization.
Developmental, Relational and Facilitating (DRF) Organizational Culture Scale: An Empirical Study in Select Colleges of University of Delhi
Authors: Aggarwal Saumya , Singh Ajay Kumar
Published: July 2020

The study aims at developing an instrument of organizational culture (OC). The study is based on a quantitative research and used techniques like exploratory factor analysis and the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to determine the principal drivers of OC. A 17-item reliable and valid instrument has been developed on OC to enhance the developmental culture (DC), the relational culture (RC) and the facilitating culture (FC) for cultural transformation in the University of Delhi. OC of the University of Delhi is moderate and needs to be improved.
COVID-19 and the Indian Private Equity Industry: Time to Use the Dry Powder
Authors: Malik Kunjana , Sharma Sakshi , Kaur Manmeet
Published: July 2020

The article throws light on the impact of the pandemic on the major funding industry for the country, that is, private equity (PE) firms. About 59% of the FDI comes via this route, and growth of major sectors is impacted by their investment. Last few years, there have been discussions about dry powder availability with the PE firms. This is the time to create opportunity in crisis for both the parties (the investors and the target firms). As seen during the 2008 crisis, many deals which materialized gave huge benefits to the investors. The article motivates the industry not to take a backseat and make the best out of the situation.
Comparison of the HEART and HEARTS3 scores to predict major adverse cardiac events in chest pain patients at the emergency department
Authors: Aydin Hasan , Ozpinar Yasin , Karaoglu Ulas , Issever Muhittin , Aygun Huseyin , Karaca Oguz , Bulut Mehtap
Published: July 2020

Introduction:

The aim of this study was to determine the risk assessment of acute coronary syndrome and prediction of major adverse cardiac events by HEART (History, ECG, Age, Risk factors, Troponin) and HEARTS3 (HEART + 3S = Sex, Serial 2-h ECG, and Serial 2-h delta Troponin) scoring systems in patients admitted to the emergency department with chest pain.

Methods:

This is a single-center prospective cohort study. This study was conducted in patients admitted to the emergency department with chest pain, without ST-elevation myocardial infarction, who were 18 years or older, and agreed to participate in the study. The primary endpoint is the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events within 30 days. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to assess the power of HEART and HEARTS3 scores to predict major adverse cardiovascular events.

Results:

The mean age of 239 patients was 47.91 ± 13.93 years and 72.4% (173) were male. Major adverse cardiovascular events developed in 20.1% (48) of the patients. The mean HEART and HEARTS3 scores of the patients with major adverse cardiovascular events (5.67 ± 1.46 and 9.38 ± 3.91, respectively) were both statistically and significantly higher than the scores of the patients without major adverse cardiovascular events (2.33 ± 1.44 and 2.22 ± 1.39; p = 0.001). The area under the curve values of HEART and HEARTS3 scores were found to be 0.943 (95% confidence interval: 0.905–0.968) and 0.990 (0.968–0.999), respectively.

Conclusion:

In our study, the power of HEARTS3 score to predict major adverse cardiovascular events was better in the risk assessment of acute coronary syndrome in patients admitted to the emergency department with chest pain compared to the HEART score. We think that patients with a low HEARTS3 score can be safely discharged from emergency department without further cardiac examination.
One Path Does Not Fit All: A Career Path Approach to the Study of Professional Women Entrepreneurs
Authors: Merluzzi Jennifer , Burt Ronald S.
Published: July 2020

We establish a career path framework to study professional women entrepreneurs. In our framework, we differentiate women by level of engagement (focused, side, never) and career patterns (continuous, interrupted) involving self-employment during their careers. We assert that these career paths will shape identities that will be differentially associated with gendered evaluations of success across women. Leveraging career data on over 800 women graduates from a U.S. business school over 60 years, we present evidence consistent with our thesis, demonstrating the importance of starting from a baseline that allows for women’s variances rather than a singular expectation of “lesser” women entrepreneurs.
Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Symptom Management in Children and Adolescents With Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tomlinson Deborah , Sung Lillian , Vettese Emily , Murphy Shelley , Plenert Erin
Published: July 2020

Psychological interventions have shown benefit in reducing symptoms in children and adolescents with cancer. More recently, mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been shown to be a promising approach to symptom intervention in adolescents with chronic illnesses. In this systematic review, we aimed to describe MBIs or focused-breathing interventions that have been used to treat symptoms in children receiving cancer therapy. A systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO from inception to September 2019. We identified relevant articles in which MBIs or focused-breathing interventions were the primary interventions delivered to improve symptoms in children or adolescents with cancer. Six studies met the inclusion criteria. MBIs included controlled breathing and belly breathing. Intervention effects were found to be beneficial with regard to symptoms that included procedural pain, distress, and quality of life. The interventions were generally well accepted and beneficial. All studies suffered limitations because of methodological flaws, including the lack of randomization, and small sample sizes. Despite the small numbers of studies and participants, MBIs delivered to children with cancer may have beneficial effects on certain symptoms. Implications for future research include interventions tailored to the specific symptom burden. Studies must aim to increase sample sizes as well as to include individuals at high risk for severe symptoms.
Comparison of Patient Self-Reported Quality of Life and Health Care Professional-Assessed Symptoms in Terminally ill Patients With Cancer
Authors: Matsumura Chikako , Koyama Nanako , Sako Morito , Kurosawa Hideo , Nomura Takehisa , Eguchi Yuki , Ohba Kazuki , Yano Yoshitaka
Published: July 2020

Background:

Few studies evaluated whether health care professionals accurately assess several symptoms for patients with cancer in palliative care units. We determined the agreement level for several symptoms related to quality of life (QOL) between patient-reported QOL assessment and health care professional-assessed symptoms based on the Support Team Assessment Schedule (STAS).

Method:

An observational study was performed with terminally ill patients with cancer hospitalized in the palliative care unit between June 2018 and December 2019. Patients and health care professionals independently assessed 7 symptoms at the time of hospitalization and after 1 week. Patients completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL). In examining the proportions of exact agreement, “exact agreement” referred to the pairs of the scores (QLQ-C15-PAL vs STAS) being (1 vs 0), (2 vs 1), (3 vs 2 or 3), or (4 vs 4). The relationships of physical functioning between QLQ-C15-PAL and Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) were examined.

Results:

Of 130 patients, approximately 60% had PPS scores from 40 to 60. The highest mean score on QLQ-C15-PAL was for fatigue (63.8). The exact agreement on symptoms between patients and health care professionals ranged from 15.4% (fatigue) to 57.7% (nausea and vomiting). The mean of the transformed QLQ-C15-PAL and proportions of exact agreement were negatively correlated ( R 2 = 0.949, P < .05). The physical function scores in QLQ-C15-PAL for each PPS group showed no differences.

Conclusion:

We expect patient-reported outcomes including QLQ-C15-PAL to be added to health care professionals’ assessment of serious symptoms such as fatigue in terminally ill patients with cancer.
Trends in Published Palliative Care Research: A 15-Year Review
Authors: Mehta Ambereen K. , Patel Rishi , Patel Dheer , Davis Mellar P.
Published: July 2020

Background:

There has been a call for palliative care (PC) published research to support the impact and need for more specialty PC services.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to characterize research in PC over a 15-year period in 3 PC journals published in the United States.

Design:

The authors reviewed every issue of the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, Journal of Palliative Medicine, and American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine from 2004 through 2018. Studies included were original articles and brief reports. Study type (qualitative, quantitative), author (first and last), gender, and professional degree of the author (first and last) were recorded.

Results:

A total of 4881 articles were included in this study. The proportion of quantitative papers significantly increased across 3 time points from 63% to 67% to 78%. The proportion of women first authors increased across all 3 time points (54%, 2004-2008; 57%, 2009-2013; 60%, 2014-2018), and the proportion of women last authors increased across all time points (38%, 2004-2008; 44%, 2009-2013; 46%, 2014-2018). More than 40% of authors were physicians.

Conclusions:

Published PC studies are increasingly quantitative in design. Gender authorship is female dominant for the first authors and increasingly equal across genders for the last authors.
In the State’s Shadow of Fair Housing: D.C. (White) Business Leaders and their Revanchist Desires
Authors: Ndubuizu Rosemary
Published: July 2020

This article traces D.C. White business leaders’ advocacy of (low-income) Black suburban relocation and White upper-class resettlement in D.C.’s central neighborhoods in the 1960s and 1970s. By examining the organizational papers and memos of meetings and policy documents from the Federal City Council, a D.C. nonprofit advocacy organization for the city’s leading business and real estate leaders, I document how predominantly White business leaders appropriated fair housing and regional fair share political stances to articulate revanchist desires. These leaders’ revanchist rhetoric depicted the Black poor—especially the single Black mother with children—as the primary figure of neighborhood blight and domestic deviance. In the wake of these revanchist politics, low-income Black mothers remained principal victims of pro-mobility policies and gentrification agendas that forced them to continually move to support demolition or redevelopment. This article affirms low-income Black mother activists’ political support for placemaking and low-cost, family-friendly, and well-maintained communities.
22q12.3-q13.1 microdeletion including SOX10 causes atypical Waardenburg syndrome
Authors: Zhang Wenqiu , Xiao Lirong , Chen Bingjie , Xu Yingwen , Yan Naihong
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

To identify disease associated mutations in a male infant with congenital heart defects and heterochromia.

Methods:

A detailed clinical examination and routine laboratory tests were performed on the patient. We applied whole exome sequencing to identify the causal mutation on the proband and other family members.

Results:

The patient presented with severe congenital heart disease, strabismus, and pigment disturbances of the iris. We identified a deletion of 1.99 megabase [arr[hg19]22q12.3-13.1 (chr22:36656004-38643920) *1], including SOX10 and 13 RefSeq genes on this patient, which was associated with atypical Waardenburg syndrome.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that a deletion of 1.99 megabase (including SOX10) acts as a dominant pathogenic variant on the clinical presentations of this patient with atypical Waardenburg syndrome.