bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Capitalism and the Commons
Authors: Arvidsson Adam
Published: August 2019

This article investigates the potential role of the commons in the future transformation of digital capitalism by comparing it to the role of the commons in the transition to capitalism. In medieval and early modern Europe the commons supported gradual social and technological innovation as well as a new civil society organized around the combination of commons-based petty production and new ideals of freedom and equality. Today the new commons generated by the global real subsumption of ordinary life processes are supporting similar forms of commons-based petty production. After positioning the new petty producers within the framework of the crisis of digital capitalism, the article concludes by extrapolating a number of hypothetical scenarios for their role in its future transformation.
Predictors of exercise capacity in chronic venous disease patients
Authors: Ozberk Sema , Karadibak Didem , Polat Muslum
Published: August 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine predictors of exercise capacity and explore the relationship between exercise capacity, lower extremity performance level, pain, fatigue, physical activity, sleep quality, and quality of life in patients with chronic venous disease.

Methods

A total of 170 chronic venous disease patients who were referred to the Cardiovascular Surgery department were included. Assessment tools included the six-minute walk test for exercise capacity, repeated sit-to-stand test for lower limb performance level, Visual Analog Scale for pain, Fatigue Severity Scale for fatigue, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index for sleep quality, International Physical Activity Questionnaire for physical activity, and Venous Insufficiency Epidemiological and Economic Study’s Quality of Life questionnaire for quality of life.

Results

Exercise capacity was weakly and negatively correlated with body mass index (r = –0.391, p < 0.001), pain level (r = –0.268, p < 0.001), age (r = –0.355, p < 0.001), and fatigue severity (r = –0.141, p < 0.05). There was a weak positive correlation in walking distance with quality of life (r = –0.129, p < 0.05) and education level (r = 0.166, p < 0.05), whereas moderate positive correlation was observed between walking distance and lower limb performance level (r = 0.518, p < 0.001). Lower limb performance level was a significant predictor of exercise capacity, accounting for 50% of the variance.

Conclusions

Exercise capacity is an important determinant of morbidity. Therefore, there is a need to improve lower extremity performance and functional mobility in patients suffering from chronic venous disease.
Serotonin type 5A receptor antagonists inhibit D-lysergic acid diethylamide discriminatory cue in rats
Authors: Popik Piotr , Krawczyk Martyna , Kuziak Agata , Bugno Ryszard , Hogendorf Adam , Staroń Jakub , Nikiforuk Agnieszka
Published: August 2019

Purpose:

Like other psychedelics, D-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) affects numerous serotonin receptors, and according to the current dogma, the 5-HT2A receptors are considered the main target for its hallucinogenic effects. LSD, however, also displays agonistic activity at the 5-HT5A receptors, which mediate some of LSD-induced behavioural effects.

Methods:

Using male Sprague Dawley rats, we examined the effects of 5-HT2A and 5-HT5A receptor antagonists on LSD-induced stimulus control in the two-lever drug discrimination test using a FR10 schedule of reinforcement.

Results:

In animals trained to discriminate 0.08 mg/kg LSD from vehicle 15 minutes after injection, LSD produced dose-related increases in response, with an ED50 (±95% confidence limits) of 0.0384 (± 0.025–0.051) mg/kg). LSD-like responses were observed when the training dose of LSD was given 5–30 but not 90 minutes before the test. Confirming earlier reports, the 5-HT antagonist ketanserin (2 mg/kg) attenuated the LSD response in 50% of rats, and due to pretreatment with 0.2 and 2 mg/kg MDL 100907, 63% and 67% of animals, respectively, failed to select the LSD lever. We then investigated the effects of two 5-HT5A receptor antagonists, and we found that 56% and 60% of rats pretreated with 3 and 10 mg/kg SB 699551, respectively, failed to select the LSD lever. Due to pretreatment with 0.01 mg/kg ASP 5736, 58% of rats did not select the LSD lever. This dose also reduced the response rate but not the number of rats failing to complete the test.

Conclusions:

The present results suggest that antagonists of the 5-HT5A receptor may inhibit subjective effects of LSD in rats.
Permeability-surface area product of the penumbra as a predictor of outcome after endovascular treatment of anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Songsaeng Dittapong , Sangrungruang Athip , Boonma Chulaluck , Krings Timo
Published: August 2019

Background

Permeability-surface product is a predictor of blood–brain barrier disruption, a condition that may be related to higher likelihoods of hemorrhagic transformations in acute stroke.

Purpose

To investigate whether permeability-surface product can be used as a parameter for predicting outcome after mechanical thrombectomy in patients with anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke.

Material and Methods

We retrospectively identified patients with acute middle cerebral artery stroke who underwent successful mechanical thrombectomy between November 2009 and July 2015. Multiple parameters (including age) and CT perfusion-related parameters (including permeability-surface product) were compared between patients with favorable (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] = 0–2) and unfavorable (mRS > 2) outcome.

Results

Thirty patients were included, 50% having favorable and 50% having unfavorable outcome. Younger age was significantly associated with favorable outcome ( P < 0.03). Other baseline characteristics, such as size of CT perfusion core infarction, perfusion abnormality, and presentation of subcortical infarction were not significantly different between groups. No significant difference was observed between groups for permeability-surface product in the ipsilateral penumbra or for the ratio between permeability-surface product penumbra value and contralateral normal brain (permeability-surface product ratio).

Conclusions

No significant difference was observed between patients with and without favorable outcome after mechanical thrombectomy for either permeability-surface product value or permeability-surface product ratio. Although permeability-surface product is a good predictor of blood–brain barrier disruption, this study revealed no evidence that either permeability-surface product value or permeability-surface product ratio is associated with future change in the penumbra.
Bone-Plug Versus Soft Tissue Fixation of Medial Meniscal Allograft Transplants: A Biomechanical Study
Authors: Ambra Luiz Felipe , Mestriner Alexandre Barbieri , Ackermann Jakob , Phan Amy T. , Farr Jack , Gomoll Andreas H.
Published: August 2019

Background:

It is controversial whether soft tissue fixation only and bone-plug techniques for medial meniscal allograft transplantation provide equivalent fixation and restoration of load distribution. Prior studies on this topic did not re-create the clinical situation with use of size-, side-, and compartment-matched meniscal transplants.

Hypothesis:

Both techniques will provide equivalent fixation of the meniscal transplant and restore load distribution and contact pressures similar to those of the native knee.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Nine fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees underwent mean contact pressure, mean contact area, and peak contact pressure evaluation in 4 medial meniscal testing conditions (native, total meniscectomy, bone-plug fixation, and soft tissue fixation) at 3 flexion angles (0°, 30°, and 60°) using Tekscan sensors under a 700-N axial load.

Results:

Medial meniscectomy resulted in significantly decreased contact area and increased contact pressure compared with the native condition at all flexion angles ( P < .0001). Compared with the native state, soft tissue fixation demonstrated significantly higher mean contact pressure and lower mean contact area at 0° and 30° of flexion ( P < .05), while bone-plug fixation showed no significant difference. There was no significant difference in peak contact pressure between study conditions.

Conclusion:

Total medial meniscectomy leads to significantly worsened load distribution within the knee. Medial meniscal allograft transplantation can restore load parameters close to those of the native condition. The bone-plug technique demonstrated improved tibiofemoral contact pressures compared with soft tissue fixation.

Clinical Relevance:

Medial meniscal allograft transplantation with bone-plug fixation is a viable option to restore biomechanics in patients with meniscal deficiency.
Closing the Happiness Gap: The Decline of Gendered Parenthood Norms and the Increase in Parental Life Satisfaction
Authors: Preisner Klaus , Neuberger Franz , Bertogg Ariane , Schaub Julia M.
Published: August 2019

In recent decades, normative expectations for parenthood have changed for both men and women, fertility has declined, and work–family arrangements have become more egalitarian. Previous studies indicate that the transition to parenthood and work–family arrangements both influence life satisfaction and do so differently for men and women. Drawing on constructivism and utility maximization, we theorize how gendered parenthood norms influence life satisfaction after the transition to parenthood, and how decisions regarding motherhood and fatherhood are made in order to maximize life satisfaction. We hypothesize that the rise of gender-egalitarian patterns has contributed to closing the parental happiness gap, and that the effects of motherhood and fatherhood on life satisfaction have converged. We test these assumptions by drawing on data from the German Socio-Economic Panel (1984-2015) and applying a series of hybrid panel regressions to estimate motherhood and fatherhood effects on life satisfaction in Western Germany over the last three decades. We then trace trends in these effects back to changing parenthood norms. The results indicate that the implications of parenthood have converged for men and women. As support for a gendered division of labor has lost ground, the transition to parenthood has become increasingly conducive to life satisfaction for both genders, and the parental happiness gap has vanished.
Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Bacteremia in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients
Authors: Stover Kayla R. , Morrison Austin , Collier Tia , Schneider Elisabeth , Wagner Jamie L. , Capino Amanda C. , Barber Katie E.
Published: August 2019

Background:

Epidemiology and risk factors for bacteremia in pediatric and adolescent patients have not been fully elucidated.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to identify primary causative agents of bacteremia in pediatric and adolescent patients and associated risk factors. We hypothesized that these would be different than those seen in adults.

Patients and Methods:

This retrospective cohort, epidemiologic evaluation included patients admitted to a tertiary referral center from January 01, 2013, to December 31, 2015. Patients <18 years old with a confirmed positive blood culture were included; the first positive culture per organism per patient was analyzed. The primary outcome was to determine the most frequent causative organisms of bacteremia; the secondary outcome was an evaluation of risk factors for acquiring staphylococcal bacteremia.

Results:

A total of 913 isolates were evaluated, including 92 unique organisms. The most frequently identified were Staphylococcus epidermidis (238/913, 26.1%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (136/913, 14.9%). Methicillin resistance was observed in 60.3% of S aureus. Two hundred thirty-six patients were included in the risk factor analysis. Prematurity, previous antibiotics, and intubation/ventilation were more likely associated with S epidermidis ( P < .001, P < .001, and P = .032, respectively). Patients with a recent or previous hospitalization and those with dermatitis/eczema were statistically more likely to grow S aureus ( P < .001, P = .029, respectively).

Conclusions:

Although epidemiology of organisms associated with pediatric and adolescent bacteremia was similar to adults, risk factors were different than seen in that population. Further understanding of these risk factors may be helpful in developing preemptive infection control strategies in patients at risk.
An optimum design method for a new deployable mechanism in scissors bridge
Authors: Han Jun , Zhu Pengcheng , Tao Li , Chen Gaojie , Zhang Shuai , Yang Xiaoqiang
Published: August 2019

In order to solve the existing problems of driving cylinder failures of a new deployable mechanism of scissors bridge in the process of an engineering prototype test, a multiobjective optimal model was proposed. The minimum cylinder pushing force and pulling force are taken as the optimization objective. The location of hinge points is taken as variables. Considering the unfolding of the scissor bridge as a quasi-static process, the kinematics model and statics model of the deployable mechanism were constructed using Denavit–Hatenberg homogeneous transformed matrix and mechanics equilibrium conditions, respectively. The proposed optimization strategy was employed based on Pareto optimum, and Pareto frontier was obtained by varying weight coefficient of multiobjective within interval around the required value. Using the trust region algorithm to solve optimization model, a reasonable solution was chosen from Pareto frontier. The results showed that the force conditions of the hydraulic cylinder, key hinge points and linkage in the deployable mechanism were significantly improved through a comparative study between initial design and optimized design for the engineering prototype. The research has shown that the optimization method has quick convergence speed and steady performance. The correctness of the optimal model and mechanics model was proved by ADAMS simulation. This passage provides new ideas and solutions for the force optimization of deployable mechanism of engineering prototype.
Design and analysis of an axial flux permanent magnet motor for the direct drive radial piston pump
Authors: Li Jingxiang , Meng Xingwang , Dong Peng , Zhao Shengdun
Published: August 2019

Direct drive motor-pumps have attracted a lot of attention from researchers because of high efficiency and compact structure. This paper presents a new type of direct drive motor-pump, which integrates the structure of the radial piston pump and axial-flux permanent-magnet machine. The rotor of the disc motor is fixedly connected to the pump rotor, and the new pump uses a new type of distribution shaft for oil distribution. This structure reduces the intermediate transmission mechanism, and the application of the disc motor further reduces the axial size, the overall volume, and heat dissipation. The efficiency of the entire system has been improved. The three-dimensional finite element method is used to dynamically analyze flow field in the flow channel, which is extracted and simplified. The flow and pressure of the pump meet the design requirements in the simulation. A disc motor was designed for the pump, and the theoretical formula of the disc motor was derived. The initial size of the motor was obtained. The response surface method and three-dimensional finite element are used to optimize the corresponding axial-flux permanent-magnet machine. Loading the torque condition of the pump to the load end of the motor, the response of the motor meets the requirements.
PSO-SVM-based gait phase classification during human walking on unstructured terrains: Application in lower-limb exoskeleton
Authors: Zheng Jiajia , Chen Jianhua , Yang Mingxing , Chen Song
Published: August 2019

Gait analysis is of great importance to ensure that gait phases induced by robotic exoskeleton are tailored to each individual and external complex environments. The objective of this work is to develop a pressure insole system with redundant functionality for gait phase classification based on the analysis of ground reaction force on unstructured terrains. A support vector machine optimized by particle swarm optimization was proposed for classifying four gait phases including initial contact, mid stance, terminal stance and swing phase. Seven pressure sensors are employed according to the plantar distribution contour of ground reaction force and walking data acquisition is conducted on treadmill, concrete pavement and wild grassland, respectively. Two classifiers, support vector machine-based classifier I and PSO-SVM-based classifier II are constructed on the basis of gait data set obtained on treadmill. Experimental results showed that the proposed PSO-SVM algorithm exhibits distinctive advantages on gait phase classification and improves the classification accuracy up to 32.9%–42.8%, compared with that of classifier based solely on support vector machine. In addition, some unwanted errors, intentional attacks or failures can be successfully solved with fast convergence rate and good robustness by using particle swarm optimization.
Investigation of the cavitation model in an inducer for water and liquid nitrogen
Authors: Zhang Yuqiao , Ren Xiaodong , Wang Yan , Li Xuesong , Ito Yu , Gu Chunwei
Published: August 2019

Cavitation commonly occurs in the hydraulic machineries like inducers. Cavitation happening in the cryogens is sophisticated due to their complicated thermodynamic properties. Computational fluid dynamics could provide relatively precise prediction for water. However, existing computational fluid dynamics methods may fail to simulate the cryogens cavitation precisely. This study presents a computational fluid dynamics simulation of four major cavitation models in both the liquid nitrogen and the water in an inducer. Four different cavitation models analyzed in this work are full cavitation model, Kunz model, Zwart–Gerber–Belamri, and Schnerr & Sauer. And the computational fluid dynamics simulation results are verified by the experiment to ensure the cavitation model's applicability in both liquid. Comparison of cavitation in water and liquid nitrogen is conducted and analyzed. The four cavitation models can predict cavitation in water, but the Zwart–Gerber–Belamri model and Schnerr & Sauer model also feature high capability to predict tip vortex cavitation. The results show that the full cavitation model is suitable for simulating the liquid nitrogen cavitation without changing of the model constants. The empirical constants of the other models should be adjusted in the liquid nitrogen cavitation simulation. Full cavitation model features high robustness in various liquids. The Schnerr & Sauer model can achieve the best results by adopting different empirical constants. In addition, the inducer performs better in the liquid nitrogen than water at low cavitation number regime as the head coefficient drops smoothly in liquid nitrogen with decreasing cavitation number.
Analytical investigation on nonlinear dynamic behavior and free vibration analysis of laminated nanocomposite plates
Authors: Khoa Nguyen Dinh , Nguyen Pham Dinh
Published: August 2019

This work presents the results of the dynamic behavior and natural frequencies of laminated polymer plates that are reinforced by carbon nanotubes. The laminated nanocomposite plates have two components: carbon nanotubes reinforced in different polymer matrices. The nonlinear equations are obtained by Reddy's third-order laminated plate theory with von Kármán's geometrical nonlinearity and solved by both Runge–Kutta and Galerkin methods. Detailed studies for the influences of carbon nanotubes' different types of reinforcements and weight fractions, geometrical parameters, Winkler and Pasternak foundations on the deflection–time curves, and natural frequencies of laminated functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composite plates are examined.
A critical review of the experimental studies related to twin screw compressors
Authors: Patel Hitesh H , Lakhera Vikas J
Published: August 2019

Twin-screw compressors are often used for generating compressed fluids useful for various industrial applications, thereby necessitating the need for evolving energy efficient designs. In the past few decades, several experimental studies were conducted to understand the phenomenon inside the twin-screw compressor, thereby leading to performance improvement and design optimization. The present study summarizes the various experimental investigations on screw compressors which include analysis related to various parameters such as leakages, pulsations, noise, liquid injection, capacity control, pressure losses, optimization of rotor, indicator diagrams, etc. In order to improve the understanding of thermo-fluid-solid interaction phenomenon in twin-screw compressor, further investigations using visualization techniques such as LDV/PIV are suggested. As the leakages within the screw compressor are complex phenomenon, it is suggested to explore simplified experimental and numerical studies by simulating the leakages using equivalent nozzles and developing appropriate leakage models.
Acute hepatitis and pancytopenia related to non-typhoidal salmonella infection in a human immunodeficiency virus-infected patient
Authors: Çağatay A Atahan , Deniz Rabia , Gözüküçük Ramazan , Özbek Ezgi , Başaran Seniha
Published: August 2019

Non-typhoidal salmonella (NTS) are food-borne pathogens resulting in self-limiting acute gastroenteritis, but also more severe, invasive and sometimes recurrent bacteremia with atypical organ involvement in immunocompromised adults, particularly with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Here we present a case of acute hepatitis and pancytopenia related to a non-typhoidal agent, Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Enteritidis, in an HIV-infected patient, the first case in the literature. As presented in our case, in management of NTS infection in immunocompromised patients, the first target is the control of bacteremia and then administration of antiretroviral therapy to improve patients’ immunity. Therefore, underlying immunosuppression should be excluded in patients presenting with NTS bacteremia, especially in the absence of gastroenteritis. On the other hand, atypical organ involvement and abnormal laboratory findings in HIV infection should prompt investigations for opportunistic pathogens.
Sleep timing is linked to sociosexuality: Evidence from German, Polish, Slovak, and Spanish females
Authors: Díaz-Morales Juan F , Jankowski Konrad S , Prokop Pavol , Castellana Ina , Linke Magdalena , Randler Christoph , Rahafar Arash
Published: August 2019

Given the known relationship between eveningness and sociosexuality among females, the aims of this study were: (a) to analyze this relationship in four countries using midsleep time on free days and morning affect measures of morningness–eveningness and (b) to test the role of dark personality and other relevant control variables in this relationship. Data from 1483 females were collected from Poland, Spain, Germany, and Slovakia. Adjusting for age, relationship status, country, age at first intercourse, and Dark Triad traits, the most universal findings were that females with later sleep timing were less sociosexually restricted (3% shared variance with sociosexuality). Sleep timing played a greater role in sociosexuality compared to morning affect. This finding showed that Dark Triad personality is not involved in association between morningness–eveningness and sociosexuality and it added a value to the importance of sleep–wake habits in mating preferences.
Optical tomography of turbid media containing diffusive and non-diffusive inclusions: An error modeling approach
Authors: Pardini P , Baez G , Iriarte D , Pomarico J
Published: August 2019

Diffuse optical techniques have been extensively employed during the last years to retrieve the optical properties of tissue with and without inclusions. The usual approach is to use the diffusion approximation to the radiative transfer equation. However, if low- or non-diffusive regions are inside the studied volume, the diffusion approximation does not hold and the radiative transfer equation needs to be solved, which is computationally much more demanding. In this contribution, the problem of determining the optical properties of the whole volume of a turbid host medium containing both diffusive and non-diffusive inhomegeneities is examined. The situation reproduces clinical cases in which tumors and cysts can be present inside a studied tissue. To achieve this, an extended Kalman filter with compensation by Bayesian error modeling approach was adopted. Applying this technique, the diffusion approximation is used for calculations, reducing computation time, and discrepancies in the non-diffusive regions are compensated by the radiative transfer equation, thus keeping accuracy over the whole volume. The proposal is validated by phantom experiments showing very good results.
“You Can’t Solve Precarity With Precarity.” The New Alberta Workers Program: An Interview With Jared Matsunaga-Turnbull, Executive Director of the Alberta Workers’ Health Centre
Authors: Howse Dana
Published: August 2019

In January 2013, SSEC Canada Ltd. pled guilty to three charges under Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Act after two of its temporary foreign workers died and two more were seriously injured on the worksite. A fine of $1,225,000—the largest ever ordered in Alberta—was paid to the Alberta Law Foundation, which administered the funds to the Alberta Workers’ Health Centre to develop and provide the “New Alberta Workers program.” In this interview, Jared Matsunaga-Turnbull reflects on the program’s peer-to-peer Occupational Health and Safety workshops for new-to-Alberta workers to illustrate how “creative sentencing” related to serious Occupational Health and Safety violation convictions can play out. He discusses what the team learned about the particular work and life context and related needs of new-to-Alberta workers that created challenges and prompted program changes throughout the three-year workshop period. Finally, Jared considers what is needed to meaningfully support new-to-Alberta workers going forward.
Successful switch to oral tacrolimus in a patient with hypersensitivity reaction to parenteral vitamin K, cyclosporine, and tacrolimus: A case report
Authors: Taghvaye-Masoumi Hamidreza , Sadeghi Kourosh , Hadjibabaie Molouk
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Calcineurin inhibitors are widely used for the prevention and treatment of graft versus host disease in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and successful treatment with calcineurin inhibitors is very important for the management of these cases.

Case report

A 19-year-old man with thalassemia major experienced hypersensitivity reaction to parenteral vitamin K, cyclosporine, and tacrolimus before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. All three episodes of reaction appeared a few minutes after administration of offended drugs and cause systemic signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, i.e. itching, flushing, difficulty in breathing, and hypotension.

Management and outcome

Hypersensitivity reaction was fully controlled by immediately discontinuing the drug and administering hydrocortisone, chlorpheniramine, epinephrine, and intravenous fluids. During hospitalization, the patient tolerated oral tacrolimus without any complication.

Discussion

It appears that Cremophor EL (polyoxyethylated castor oil) which acts as a carrier, solubilizer, and emulsifier in intravenous calcineurin inhibitors is responsible for the occurrence of anaphylactic reaction (anaphylaxis); therefore, it is suggested that the administration of cremophor-containing drug should be avoided in patients with a previous history of hypersensitivity reaction to one of these drugs.
Peripheral neuropathy in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients receiving vincristine with and without aprepitant/fosaprepitant
Authors: Edwards Jessi K , Bossaer John B , Lewis Paul O , Sant Ashley
Published: August 2019

Background

Peripheral neuropathy is a common treatment-related adverse effect associated with vincristine. Vincristine is a major CYP3A4 substrate and is often administered alongside the neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor antagonists, aprepitant or fosaprepitant, which are moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors. This inhibition may result in increased concentrations of vincristine and an increased incidence of toxicity.

Objective

The primary objective of this study was to investigate if there is a clinically significant drug interaction between vincristine and aprepitant or fosaprepitant resulting in early-onset peripheral neuropathy. The secondary objective of this study was to investigate the cumulative rate of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).

Methodology

This was a single-centered, retrospective, cohort chart review. Patients receiving vincristine-based chemotherapy between 1 July 2010 through 30 June 2018 were identified and reviewed for concomitant use of aprepitant or fosaprepitant and incidence of neuropathy. Early-onset CIPN was defined as neuropathy onset during the first cycle of chemotherapy.

Results

A total of 115 subjects were retrospectively reviewed over the study period, of whom 71 were included in the aprepitant/fosaprepitant group and 44 were included in the group without a NK-1 receptor antagonist. Of the subjects who received aprepitant/fosaprepitant, 26.7% experienced early-onset peripheral neuropathy as compared to 22.7% in the group without a NK-1 receptor antagonist ( P = 0.627). Overall, CIPN was higher in the group who received aprepitant/fosaprepitant compared to the group without (56% vs. 36%, P = 0.036).

Conclusion

There appears to be an increased risk of CIPN with the concomitant use of vincristine and aprepitant or fosaprepitant.
Importance of Knowledge Management at Water Utilities
Authors: Sandelin Sirpa K. , Hukka Jarmo J. , Katko Tapio S.
Published: August 2019

Water utilities face continuous challenges with the changes of operational environment, aging personnel, and related tacit knowledge of employees. This article explores knowledge management at one Finnish utility and points out knowledge sharing in daily tasks. It highlights how employees interpret knowledge and tacit knowledge and their sharing. Qualitative inquiry was used. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 61 employees (65% of personnel) in 2004 and 33 in 2013 (47%). Knowledge management was regarded as a personal, individually controlled property. Value was one obstacle to the unwillingness to share knowledge and tacit knowledge. Positive change between 2004 and 2013 was seen in the interpretation of tacit knowledge: being something that is recorded in your own head only. Tacit knowledge was daily shared with the closest coworkers. As a strategic asset, knowledge should be managed at water and wastewater utilities as further development needs crucial understanding of previous procedures and practices.
Feline ocular post-traumatic sarcomas: Current understanding, treatment and monitoring
Authors: Wood Carrissa , Scott Erin M
Published: August 2019

Practical relevance:

Ocular tumors in cats are seen uncommonly in general practice. Feline ocular post-traumatic sarcomas (FOPTS) represent a very aggressive type of ocular cancer that occurs in cats with a prior history of trauma or severe intraocular disease. Treatment options are limited and early recognition is imperative for close monitoring of disease progression and prompt enucleation.

Clinical challenges:

There is often a delay between the initiating ocular trauma and tumor formation, with an average latency of approximately 6–7 years. Therefore, many cases may not be presented with a documented history of a traumatic incident, especially if the event occurred prior to adoption. While a histologic diagnosis is easy to obtain with enucleation, the aggressive and locally invasive behavior of FOPTS may prevent complete surgical resection.

Global importance:

Cats are the most popular pet in the USA and Western Europe. As there is no breed predisposition for this particular cancer, and males are only slightly over-represented compared with females, a relatively large population of companion animals is at potential risk of developing FOPTS.

Audience:

While uncommon, the understanding and recognition of this tumor type by general practitioners is important for the feline patient. This allows for close monitoring of cats known to have undergone serious ocular trauma, and prompt referral or early enucleation, as well as client education.

Patient group:

The typical patient is a middle-aged to older cat with a history of mechanical trauma to the eye, past intraocular surgery or chronic uveitis.

Evidence base:

Historically, there has been limited clinical evidence upon which to determine the optimal treatment for FOPTS, beyond enucleation of the affected eye. Recommendations are generally based on limited case reports and clinical experience of the practitioner.
The π-Circuit Technique in Coronary Surgery: Analysis of 1359 Consecutive Cases
Authors: Prapas Sotirios N , Pangiotopoulos Ioannis A , Leivaditis Vasileios N , Katsavrias Konstantinos P , Prapa Vasiliki S , Linardakis Ioannis N , Koletsis Efstratios N , Grapatsas Konstantinos
Published: August 2019

Coronary artery bypass surgery still has its unique role in the treatment of coronary artery disease. It faces, however, the continuous challenge of becoming even less invasive and more effective as cases become more complex. We here present the results of 1359 cases treated with the π-circuit technique which consists of an off-pump total myocardial revascularization using composite arterial grafts. The results demonstrate that it is a safe technique providing low mortality, stroke, renal failure, wound infection, and other complication rates. We suggest the application of this technique, as well as of other similar techniques regarding similar principles, especially in high-risk patients.
Time-varying mechanisms between foreign direct investment and tourism development under the new normal in China
Authors: Ma Xiuying , Wang Yongjing , Song Haiyan , Liu Han
Published: August 2019

This study is aimed at investigating what has happened to the dynamic linkages between foreign direct investment (FDI) and tourism development in China since the emergence of the so-called new normal economy. A time-varying parameter vector autoregressive (TVP-VAR) model is used for the first time to analyze the equi-spaced and time-point impulse responses between FDI, foreign exchange earnings from international tourism (FEE), and gross domestic product using annual data taken from 1983 to 2017. The results for the equi-spaced impulse response show that a difference in intensity for the interaction effect between FDI and FEE will change with different intervals. In addition, impulse response diagrams for FDI and FEE based on changes in economic development at three significant points in time reveal that the effect FDI in the new normal period has had the greatest impact on FEE in 2012, followed in decreasing impact by 2003 and then 1997.
Required temperature distribution based on clothing insulation and metabolic rate survey in Japan
Authors: Ukai Masanari , Nobe Tatsuo
Published: August 2019

In this study, the authors evaluated clothing insulation and changes in the metabolic rate of individuals in an office environment to determine thermal comfort. Clothing was evaluated using a questionnaire completed by 1306 workers in nine offices. The metabolic rates of 86 workers in three offices were measured using a physical activity meter. The distribution of the temperature at which a person in the room perceived a neutral thermal sensation was then calculated from the determined metabolic rates and clothing insulation values. The results demonstrate a noticeable difference between the average and most frequent values during the summer. Moreover, the required temperature distribution is not normal; rather, it is broad and skewed to the low-temperature side. Therefore, even if a thermally uniform environment is provided at the average required temperature by preventing temporal and spatial variations in the thermal environment, complaints of an unacceptably hot thermal environment are more likely to occur than complaints of an excessively cold thermal environment.
Finite element analysis of an elbow tube in concrete anchor used in water supply networks
Authors: Vlase Sorin , Scarlătescu Daniel , Marin Marin , Öchsner Andreas
Published: August 2019

This paper aims to analyze the stress and strain states appearing in the elbow of a tube, such as those commonly used in a city’s water supply network. The stress field is characterized by the fact that there is a significant stress increase when compared to a straight tube. As a result, the strength of such an elbow must be investigated and guaranteed for such a network to be well designed. A practical solution used is to anchor the elbow in a massive concrete block. The paper compares the stress field that occurs in the elbow when it is free, buried in the ground, and when it is anchored in a massive concrete block. Furthermore, we investigate how a crack appears and propagates in the elbow. This happens especially for the elbow buried in the ground where the stress and strain are higher than when the elbow is anchored in concrete. The results obtained can be used in the current practice in the case of water supply networks made by high-density polyethylene pipes.
Numerical investigations on hydrogen-enhanced combustion in ultra-lean gasoline spark-ignition engines
Authors: Iafrate Nicolas , Matrat Mickael , Zaccardi Jean-Marc
Published: August 2019

Performance of lean-burn gasoline spark-ignition engines can be enhanced through hydrogen supplementation. Thanks to its physicochemical properties, hydrogen supports the flame propagation and extends the dilution limits with improved combustion stability. These interesting features usually result in decreased emissions and improved efficiencies. This article aims at demonstrating how hydrogen can support the combustion process with a modern combustion system optimized for high dilution resistance and efficiency. To achieve this, chemical kinetics calculations are first performed in order to quantify the impacts of hydrogen addition on the laminar flame speed and on the auto-ignition delay times of air/gasoline mixtures. These data are then implemented in the extended coherent flame model and tabulated kinetics of ignition combustion models in a specifically updated version of the CONVERGE code. Three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics engine calculations are performed at λ = 2 with 3% v/v of hydrogen for two operating points. At low load, numerical investigations show that hydrogen enhances the maximal combustion speed and the flame growth just after the spark which is a critical aspect of combustion with diluted mixtures. The flame front propagation is also more isotropic when supported with hydrogen. At mid load, hydrogen improves the combustion speed and also extends the auto-ignition delay times resulting in a better knocking resistance. A maximal indicated efficiency of 48.5% can thus be reached at λ = 2 thanks to an optimal combustion timing.
Narratives of Donor Accountability in Support to Peace Processes: The Case of the Joint Peace Fund in Myanmar
Authors: Wells Tamas
Published: August 2019

There is a growing scholarly focus on the accountability of Northern donors in their work in recipient countries. Yet scholarly work on donor accountability has given limited attention to the complex challenges of accountability when donors are engaged in supporting peace processes. Further, literature on donor accountability often focuses on examination of accountability mechanisms and relationships, whilst the way accountability is understood amongst practitioners has received less attention. Using the example of donor support to peace processes in Myanmar, this article examines the way that accountability is narrated within donor agencies and amongst international and local networks of peace activists and analysts. When attached to simplified stories, accountability takes a variety of meanings and serves to position donors in different ways. Examination of these narratives, and their divergence, reveals that policy negotiation about accountability mechanisms is influenced by political assumptions about the legitimacy of donor agency engagement in peace processes.
Electroencephalogram and Clinical Characteristics and Correlations in Patients With Anti-N-Methyl-d-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis
Authors: Lin Nan , Huang Yan , Jin Liri , Lu Qiang , Liu Qing , Zhou Xiangqin , Guan Hongzhi
Published: August 2019

Objective. Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a sensitive method for evaluation of anti- N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis. The aim was to investigate the EEG and clinical features and correlations in patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Methods. Anti-NMDAR encephalitis patients (n = 98) with at least 1 EEG recording in our hospital were recruited between January 2012 and October 2017. We reviewed and analyzed the EEG and clinical data. Results. In our cohorts, 79 patients underwent EEG in the disease acute stage, and 39 in the recovery stage. Of the 79 patients, 70 (88.6%) EEG recordings in acute period were abnormal. Symptoms, including consciousness, movement disorder, coma, were correlated to the degree of EEG abnormalities ( P < .05). The patients with more severe EEG abnormalities also had longer hospitalized and intensive care unit stay time ( P < .05). We found that the EEG pattern of abnormal occipital alpha rhythm had a correlation with the clinical severity, and the Spearman coefficient was 0.448 ( P = .000). Neither delta activities distribution nor prevalence showed correlations with clinical severity in acute stage. However, delta activities significantly decreased in the disease recovery stage. The other findings of EEG records were extreme delta brush (7cases, 8.9%), excess delta activities (diffuse slowing 30 cases, 38.0%), and epileptiform discharge (10 cases, 14.3%). Conclusion. This is the largest study of EEG recording in patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis patients in China. EEG abnormalities, particularly occipital alpha rhythm, are correlated with clinical severity. EEG is useful for diagnosis and monitoring of treatment response in conjunction with clinical improvement.
Research on spatial Lissajous trajectory vibrating screen
Authors: Lyu Zhipeng , Zhou Sizhu
Published: August 2019

Based on analyzing the problem of the screen with circular, linear, and elliptical trajectory, the spatial Lissajous trajectory has been put forward. The article analyzes the dynamic theory of the spatial Lissajous trajectory screen, and the virtual simulation with discrete-element method is applied to study the solid migration rules. A discrete-element model is developed based on the JKR contact model which takes into considerations viscous forces of contacting particles. Two important factors, migration velocity and filter ratio, are selected to describe the working performance of the vibrating screen. The research results show that the spatial Lissajous vibrating screen has approximate solid migration velocity like the linear vibrating screen, but the filter rate of spatial Lissajous trajectory is the highest. Therefore, the spatial Lissajous trajectory vibrating screen can reduce the phenomenon of screening blockage, and the advantage will be more evident in the case of high drilling fluid viscosity, high mesh number, and serious screen blockage.
Malnutrition diagnosed by controlling nutrition status is a negative predictor of life prognosis in aortic arch aneurysm patients treated with thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair
Authors: Inoue Kentaro , Matsumoto Takuya , Yamashita Sho , Yoshiga Ryosuke , Yoshiya Keiji , Matsubara Yutaka , Matsuda Daisuke , Morisaki Koichi , Furuyama Tadashi , Mori Masaki
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) is a useful screening tool for malnutrition in patients with various diseases; however, how CONUT-diagnosed malnutrition affects patients with aortic arch aneurysm is unknown. This study aimed to reveal the utility of CONUT for detecting the patients with high-risk aortic arch aneurysm with malnutrition.

Methods

Sixty patients treated for aortic arch aneurysms with elective thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair from 2009 to 2015 were retrospectively analyzed at a single institution. Preoperative nutrition status was evaluated by CONUT, and a CONUT score ≥ 3 was defined as malnutrition. The influence of malnutrition on the patients’ overall survival, aneurysm-related death-free rates, and prevalence of re-interventions were also analyzed.

Results

Twenty-three patients were diagnosed with malnutrition. Overall survival was significantly lower in the malnutrition group ( P = 0.0036). The multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed that age ( P  < 0.0001) and malnutrition ( P  = 0.0457) were negative predictors of overall survival. Conversely, the two groups did not differ significantly in aneurysm-related death-free rates ( P  = 0.7879) and the prevalence of re-interventions ( P  = 0.7879).

Conclusions

Malnutrition diagnosed by CONUT as well as age is a negative predictor of survival prognosis in patients with aortic arch aneurysm.