bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Media Materials and Role Training Programs with Parents in India
Authors: Mathur M.L.
Published: March 2020

This report examines, in the context of role-model analysis, why parents in India sometimes fail to assume appropriate roles in the rehabilitation of their visually impaired children. It describes the media—films, audiovisual materials, and literature—that are available to educate parents, and two direct training programs in rural villages which taught rehabilitation techniques to parents as well as to their children.
Summer Transition Training Project for Professionals who Work with Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Sacks S.Z. , Pruett K.M.
Published: March 2020

In the first three years of the Summer Transition Training Project, 50 professionals received training in transition and rehabilitation teaching and 46 adolescents and young adults enhanced a variety of living and transition skills. This article describes the design and implementation of the program and presents follow-up data on the impact of the program on both groups of participants.
Current Practices in the Preparation of Teachers for Children with Visual Impairments and Blindness
Authors: Head D.N. , Bishop V.E.
Published: March 2020

This article reports on a survey of programs at 20 out of 28 universities-colleges to determine their strategies for preparing teachers of visually impaired children. Information was obtained on the program's faculty, students, funding sources, courses, practicum placements, interest in national standards, and innovative programs.
A Computer Profile of Mobility Coverage and a Safety Index
Authors: Blasch B.B. , De l'Aune W.R.
Published: March 2020

This article describes a model of mobility and the resulting software program that allows for the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of cane coverage. The software program allows the mobility specialist to input micro-components of an individual's cane technique and a defined environmental situation. The software generates a graphically displayed coverage profile and a safety index (accident probability). Both model and program have broad implications in mobility for practice, research, and policy. Currently, the model is limited to cane-related skills and techniques and does not factor in such concepts as orientation, motivation, reaction time, and use of other senses.
Use of the Alternating Treatment Design to Evaluate Intervention in Low Vision Rehabilitation
Authors: LaGrow S.J. , Murray S.
Published: March 2020

This article illustrates the use of the alternating treatment design to assess the effectiveness of individualized interventions in low vision rehabilitation. The design was used to determine if enlarging copy with a photocopier and adding contrast would be effective in reducing the amount of time a visually impaired student required to read a map and graph. Two levels of magnification were compared to determine the level of intervention to be provided.
The Development of a Scale to Facilitate Reading Mode Decisions
Authors: Sharpe M. , McNear D. , Bosma J.
Published: March 2020

This article describes the first phase of a project to develop an empirically based scale to help multidisciplinary teams decide whether individual children need to start or continue braille instruction. In this phase, a national sample of 225 respondents rated items in two versions of the inventory, and the project staff identified five factors on which subsequent subscales were based. In the next phase, efforts will be made to norm the scale and to determine its reliability, validity, and usefulness to the field.
The Need for Qualified Teachers of Students who are Deaf-Blind
Authors: McLetchie B.A.B. , MacFarland S.Z.C.
Published: March 2020

According to national surveys, only about 6 percent of teachers who work with students who are deaf-blind have specialized training in the field. The few new graduates of teacher preparation programs in the field, coupled with the shortage of specially trained teachers, indicates that there is a critical need to train more teachers to meet the unique needs of these students.
The Success of Three Gifted Deaf-Blind Students in Inclusive Educational Programs
Authors: Ingraham C.L. , Daugherty K. M. , Gorrafa S.
Published: March 2020

This article examines the challenges and successes of three academically gifted students in inclusive educational programs over four years and presents recommendations for teachers and parents who are contemplating the placement of students with similar needs in inclusive programs.
Serving You Depletes Me? A Leader-Centric Examination of Servant Leadership Behaviors
Authors: Liao Chenwei , Lee Hun Whee , Johnson Russell E. , Lin Szu-Han (Joanna)
Published: March 2020

Leader behaviors are dynamic and vary over time, and leaders’ actions at a given time can have ramifications for their subsequent behavior. Taking such a dynamic perspective on leader behaviors, we examined daily servant leadership behavior and its downstream effects on the leaders themselves from a within-person self-regulation perspective. Results from two experience sampling studies consistently revealed that engaging in daily servant leadership behavior can come at a cost for the leaders. Specifically, for leaders who are low in perspective taking, engaging in servant leadership behavior was associated with increases in same-day depletion and next-day withdrawal from their leadership role (i.e., greater laissez-faire behavior). However, for leaders who frequently exercise perspective taking, engaging in daily servant leadership behavior was instead associated with decreases in depletion and subsequent laissez-faire behavior, suggesting that servant leadership behaviors are replenishing for these individuals. Experience in perspective taking is therefore a key individual difference that determines whether enacting servant leadership behavior is beneficial or detrimental for leaders. We discuss theoretical and practical implications of our findings and provide avenues for future leadership research.
Altered task-induced cerebral blood flow and oxygen metabolism underlies motor impairment in multiple sclerosis
Authors: West Kathryn L , Sivakolundu Dinesh K , Zuppichini Mark D , Turner Monroe P , Spence Jeffrey S , Lu Hanzhang , Okuda Darin T , Rypma Bart
Published: March 2020

The neural mechanisms underlying motor impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS) remain unknown. Motor cortex dysfunction is implicated in blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies, but the role of neural–vascular coupling underlying BOLD changes remains unknown. We sought to independently measure the physiologic factors (i.e., cerebral blood flow (ΔCBF), cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (ΔCMRO2), and flow–metabolism coupling (ΔCBF/ΔCMRO2), utilizing dual-echo calibrated fMRI (cfMRI) during a bilateral finger-tapping task. We utilized cfMRI to measure physiologic responses in 17 healthy volunteers and 32 MS patients (MSP) with and without motor impairment during a thumb-button-press task in thumb-related (task-central) and surrounding primary motor cortex (task-surround) regions of interest (ROIs). We observed significant ΔCBF and ΔCMRO2 increases in all MSP compared to healthy volunteers in the task-central ROI and increased flow–metabolism coupling (ΔCBF/ΔCMRO2) in the MSP without motor impairment. In the task-surround ROI, we observed decreases in ΔCBF and ΔCMRO2 in MSP with motor impairment. Additionally, ΔCBF and ΔCMRO2 responses in the task-surround ROI were associated with motor function and white matter damage in MSP. These results suggest an important role for task-surround recruitment in the primary motor cortex to maintain motor dexterity and its dependence on intact white matter microstructure and neural–vascular coupling.
Association of various dietary habits and risk of lung cancer: an updated comprehensive literature review
Authors: Fakhri Ghina , Al Assaad Majd , Tfayli Arafat
Published: March 2020

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women worldwide. Tobacco smoking remains the single most important factor. Recent research has focused on the role of nutrition and dietary habits on lung tumorigenesis. With many individual reports on separate dietary aspects, no single review is available in the literature that summarizes the updated studies. To our knowledge, this is the first review that comprehensively reviews the updated literature on the effect of dietary habits on lung cancer. This review was concluded in February 2019 and included all meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and literature reviews. Thirty studies were retrieved in total. Items in the diet that offer a protective effect on lung parenchyma are fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, soy, B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin C, and zinc. Changing dietary habits to decrease the risk of lung cancer can be performed in parallel with smoking cessation programs. There is a need for future studies with large sample sizes to accurately evaluate some aspects of nutrition and their effect on lung cancer risk. Physicians are encouraged to provide nutritional advice to their patients.
The impact of person–environment–occupation transactions on joint attention in children with autism spectrum disorder: A scoping review
Authors: Ambrose David , MacKenzie Diane E , Ghanouni Parisa
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder demonstrate difficulty with joint attention, affecting social and occupational performance. Studies of joint attention in children with autism spectrum disorder employ a variety of instrumentation, environments and occupations. From the occupational therapy perspective, current literature lacks a rigorous analysis of the transactions of person, environment and occupation embedded within the procedures of these studies. The goal of this scoping review was to investigate how these components transact to affect occupational performance.

Method

Using the Person–Environment–Occupation model as an evaluative lens, a scoping review was completed to summarize person, environment and occupation transactions in studies examining joint attention in children aged 6–12 years with autism spectrum disorder.

Results

Six studies were included. Findings indicated that simplified social environments and demonstrations of joint attention promoted higher joint attention performance in children with autism spectrum disorder, at the cost of ecological validity. Maintaining ecological validity in complex social environments resulted in lower joint attention performance.

Conclusion

The Person–Environment–Occupation model can be used to develop an occupational therapy perspective on literature from outside the discipline. There is a relationship between the person, environment, occupation transactions and joint attention in children with autism spectrum disorder.
Hemolysis associated with Impella heart pump positioning: In vitro hemolysis testing and computational fluid dynamics modeling
Authors: Roberts Nicholas , Chandrasekaran Uma , Das Soumen , Qi Zhongwei , Corbett Scott
Published: March 2020

Introduction:

Short-term mechanical circulatory support devices provide temporary hemodynamic support in heart failure and are increasingly used to enable recovery or as a bridge to decision. Blood damage with mechanical circulatory support devices is influenced by many factors, including the magnitude and duration of shear stress and obstruction to blood flow. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the Impella CP® heart pump positioning on hemolysis using in vitro hemolysis testing and computational fluid dynamics modeling.

Methods:

The in vitro hemolysis testing was conducted per the recommended Food and Drug Administration and American Society for Testing and Materials guidelines. The bench hemolysis testing and computational fluid dynamics simulation analysis were performed for both normal operating (outlet unobstructed) and outlet-obstructed condition of Impella CP (mimicking outlet on the aortic valve due to improper positioning).

Results:

The modified index of hemolysis was 2.78 ± 0.69 at normal operating conditions compared to 18.7 ± 7.8 when the Impella CP outlet was obstructed ( p = 0.002). Computational fluid dynamics modeling showed about three times increase in exposure time to regions of high shear stress when the Impella CP outlet was obstructed compared to unobstructed condition, thus supporting the experimental observations.

Conclusion:

Based on these results, it is recommended to ensure proper placement of Impella CP via regular monitoring using echocardiographic guidance or other methods to minimize the risk of hemolysis associated with an obstructed outflow.
Significant effect of vibration treatment on microwave curing carbon fiber reinforced plastic
Authors: Guan Chenglong , Zhan Lihua , Yang Xiaobo , Dai Guangming , Xiao Yu
Published: March 2020

As an emerging composite curing process, the microwave curing process has been widely concerned by many research teams due to its several major advantages over conventional conductive heating when used to cure carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites, especially in speed of processing. However, many studies have shown that the quality and properties of microwave cured-composites have been reduced compared with the autoclave process, which limits the universal application of the technology in the field of composites manufacturing. In this study, in order to improve the quality of microwave cured-composites and reduce the influence of pressure on the forming process, a series of laminates have been prepared at different heating rates by introducing vibration treatment into the microwave curing process. The short-beam three-point bending test, optical digital microscopy, scanning electron microscope were used to analyze laminates from micro- and macro-scale point of view. The results showed that the introduction of vibration treatment could effectively reduce the internal defects and improve the mechanical properties of the microwave cured-laminates, which provided a new method for high-quality, low-defects microwave curing of composites.
A Qualitative Analysis of the Delivery of Person-Centered Nutrition to Asian Americans With Dementia in the Adult Day Health Care Setting
Authors: Sadarangani Tina , Chong Stella , Park Susie , Missaelides Lydia , Johnson Jordan , Trinh-Shevrin Chau , Brody Abraham
Published: March 2020

Adult day service centers (ADSCs) provide community-based long-term care, including meals, to racially diverse older adults, 47% of whom have dementia and consequently experience elevated nutritional risk. We examine nutritional behaviors for Chinese and Vietnamese persons living with dementia (PLWD) in ADSCs and evaluate the extent to which ADSCs provide person-centered nutritional care. Multi-stakeholder interviews were conducted. Data were coded using Dedoose and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-step method. The Model for the Provision of Good Nutritional Care in Dementia guided analysis. Barriers to food intake included distracting meal environment, rigid mealtimes, and excessively restrictive diets. Conversely, peer relationships, culturally tailored meals and celebrations, and consistent staff assisting with feeding benefited PLWD. ADSCs can support healthy nutritional behaviors and quality of life among PLWD through person-centered nutritional care. To optimize nutritional services, further exploration is needed with respect to the ADSC environment, users’ culture and ethnicity, and liberalized diets for PLWD.
Shipping and empire building: crown versus individuals in Portuguese overseas expansion, c.1500-1700. A mixed model of seaport development
Authors: Polónia Amélia , Oliveira Liliana
Published: March 2020

Crown policies and private enterprise combined to increase efficiency levels in Portuguese overseas expansion. Within this framework, this paper will emphasize three themes. Firstly, the dependence of the Portuguese empire on shipping efficiency; while the debate largely focuses on shipbuilding and seafarers, we show how crown policies and individual enterprises adapted to the evolving requirements of an empire based on sea power. Secondly, we demonstrate how informal and self-organized mechanisms at times contributed to, and sometimes blocked, state-oriented policies. Thirdly, we gauge the extent to which local inputs, such as raw materials, labour and techniques, contributed to efficiency levels within a universe that became multi-continental.
African seaports and development in historical perspective
Authors: Olukoju Ayodeji
Published: March 2020

This article presents a long-term explanation of port evolution in Africa. It focuses on the economic, political and social characteristics that influenced the development of maritime infrastructures and their interaction with inland transport systems. This article demonstrates how seaport evolution in Africa has been heavily affected by path-dependence patterns. In addition, this study provides evidence of the insertion of the African economy into the waves of globalization through the modernization of seaports and the necessary institutional and technological flexibility.
Creating a Competency-Based Medical Education Curriculum for Canadian Diagnostic Radiology Residency (Queen’s Fundamental Innovations in Residency Education)—Part 1: Transition to Discipline and Foundation of Discipline Stages
Authors: Kwan Benjamin Yin Ming , Mbanwi Achire , Cofie Nicholas , Rogoza Christina , Islam Omar , Chung Andrew D. , Dalgarno Nancy , Dagnone Damon , Wang Xi , Mussari Ben
Published: March 2020

Purpose:

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) has mandated the transition of postgraduate medical training in Canada to a competency-based medical education (CBME) model divided into 4 stages of training. As part of the Queen’s University Fundamental Innovations in Residency Education proposal, Queen’s University in Canada is the first institution to transition all of its residency programs simultaneously to this model, including Diagnostic Radiology. The objective of this report is to describe the Queen’s Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program’s implementation of a CBME curriculum.

Methods:

At Queen’s University, the novel curriculum was developed using the RCPSC’s competency continuum and the CanMEDS framework to create radiology-specific entrustable professional activities (EPAs) and milestones. In addition, new committees and assessment strategies were established. As of July 2015, 3 cohorts of residents (n = 9) have been enrolled in this new curriculum.

Results:

EPAs, milestones, and methods of evaluation for the Transition to Discipline and Foundations of Discipline stages, as well as the opportunities and challenges associated with the implementation of a competency-based curriculum in a Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program, are described. Challenges include the increased frequency of resident assessments, establishing stage-specific learner expectations, and the creation of volumetric guidelines for case reporting and procedures.

Conclusions:

Development of a novel CBME curriculum requires significant resources and dedicated administrative time within an academic Radiology department. This article highlights challenges and provides guidance for this process.
Prenatal Identification of Risk for Later Disrupted Parenting Behavior Using Latent Profiles of Childhood Maltreatment
Authors: Guyon-Harris Katherine L. , Madigan Sheri , Bronfman Elisa , Romero Gloria , Huth-Bocks Alissa C.
Published: March 2020

A history of maltreatment during childhood (e.g., physical and sexual abuse, neglect) can threaten the fundamental human need to form and maintain relationships across development, which ensure safety and security. Furthermore, parental maltreatment history presents considerable risk for the emergence of disrupted parenting behaviors (i.e., contradictory communication, sexualized/role-reversed behavior, disorientation, intrusiveness/negativity, and severe withdrawal), which in turn are associated with children’s social-emotional development. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether experiences of childhood maltreatment during pregnancy can predict risk for disrupted parenting behavior before the birth of the child. Given the inherent variability in parenting behaviors, we were interested in how different types or combinations of experiences of maltreatment during childhood are associated with later parenting behaviors. Data were drawn from 120 women from a longitudinal study that spanned from the third trimester of pregnancy through 3-year postpartum. In the current study, mothers’ experiences of childhood maltreatment were assessed during pregnancy, and disrupted parenting behaviors were coded from videotaped mother–infant interactions 1-year postpartum. Four profiles of childhood maltreatment were identified using latent profile analysis: low exposure, high exposure, high sexual maltreatment, and high physical and emotional maltreatment. Results revealed that high exposure to multiple types of childhood maltreatment most strongly predicted later disrupted parenting behavior. Women with multiple exposures to different types of maltreatment during childhood may require more intense intervention during pregnancy to prevent risk for the development of disrupted parenting behavior.
Spatial-Temporal Parameters of Gait Associated With Alzheimer Disease: A Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Oh Chorong , Morris Richard J. , LaPointe Leonard L. , Stierwalt Julie A. G.
Published: March 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the biggest social and medical concerns in the aging world. A dual task of walking and talking is a particularly practical means to assess AD considering the cognitive and behavioral changes that characterize the disease. The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of the dual task of walking and talking on people with early stage AD under differing cognitive load levels of talking. Participants (9 women and 5 men, mean age (years) = 78.03, standard deviation [SD] = 12.06) with mild or moderate AD (mean Dementia Rating Scale 2 score = 88.14, SD = 7.07) completed 12 monthly walking sessions under no, low, or high cognitive load. They also completed the low and high cognitive load tasks while seated. Linear mixed-effects modeling revealed that values in the Functional Ambulation Profile, stride length, and velocity decreased as tasks became more complex and double support time increased at the same rate. The walking and seated conditions comparison indicated that participants’ performance on both low and high cognitive tasks was poor when they were walking rather than seated. The results show that people with early stage AD exhibited gait impairments that increased over time and when completing tasks with greater cognitive load.
Green Purpose: Teleology, Ecological Ethics, and the Recovery of Contemplation
Authors: Nordlander Andreas
Published: March 2020

According to one influential narrative, a significant root of our ecological crisis is to be found in the Christian appropriation of teleology, undergirding the anthropocentrism endemic to Western thought. This article challenges this argument in three steps. First, I present the Aristotelian understanding of teleology, which is intrinsic to living organisms, and which has been suggested as a resource for ecological ethics. Second, I argue that the rejection of intrinsic teleology in favour of an extrinsic teleology first occurs with modern philosophy, in tandem with a new pragmatic conception of knowledge. Third, I provide an alternative construal of the early Christian understanding of teleology, through the figure of Maximus the Confessor, arguing that his understanding of the contemplation of nature is a key resource to be recovered for ecological ethics. I end with a sketch of such a recovery, as articulated by Thomas Merton.
Predictive modeling for overall thermal sensation of vehicle occupants based on local thermal sensation when warming up
Authors: He Yansong , Yang Jie , Ling Jing , Du Yafei , Zhang Zhifei
Published: March 2020

At present, the existing predictive models of overall thermal sensation cannot accurately evaluate occupants’ feelings under vehicle cabin conditions. In this work, aiming at the overall thermal sensation evaluation of vehicle occupants in winter heating condition, the interrelations between the occupants’ local thermal sensations and the overall thermal sensation are analyzed using the experimental results of physical tests. It reveals that the overall thermal sensation is significantly affected by the local thermal sensation at extremities, which are called the extreme local thermal sensations. The overall thermal sensation evaluation model is established using the Support Vector Machine method, which is based on the maldistribution of the local thermal sensations, the extreme local thermal sensation, and the mean value of the local thermal sensations. The prediction accuracy of the training set and the verification set are 80% and 71.11% evidence the application potential of the Support Vector Machine evaluation model.
Lithuanian scientists’ behavior and views on science communication
Authors: Valinciute Auste
Published: March 2020

This article provides a snapshot on the state of thinking about science communication among Lithuanian scientists. It measures scientists’ views on public engagement, tests a set of engagement predictors, and explores perceived benefits and barriers to more frequent science–public interactions. Lithuanian scientists are similarly active participants in science communication as their counterparts abroad, but appear to have an understanding of science–public interactions focused on information dissemination. Age, career stage and attitudes to science communication are found to be slightly related to science communication frequency, which is consistent with similar studies conducted across different cultural contexts. Among the perceived barriers to more frequent engagement, Lithuanian scientists cite lack of time and lack of science communication traditions for such activities in the national academic environment. Implications for science communication in Lithuania are discussed.
Regional Cultural Context as a Determinant of Entrepreneurial Behaviour: The Case of Germany
Authors: Arrak Kadri , Kaasa Anneli , Varblane Urmas
Published: March 2020

This exploratory article aims to take first steps towards understanding whether a regional cultural background has, among other determinants, an influence on a person’s entrepreneurial behaviour, relying on the example of Germany. A multilevel approach is applied combining the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor individual-level data about entrepreneurship with up-to-date cultural dimensions indicators based on Hofstede’s original approach at the regional (NUTS 1) level. The results indicate that regional cultural context is an important determinant of entrepreneurial behaviour. At that, different cultural dimensions have different impacts, and the impact also differs across different stages of entrepreneurship. A lower level of uncertainty avoidance in a region could have a positive impact on early-stage entrepreneurship, whereas the established business ownership seems to be encouraged by a lower level of power distance.
Quality dying: An approach to ICD deactivation in the hospital setting
Authors: Turner Suzette , Torabi Sarah , Stilos Kalli
Published: March 2020

Background:

In Canada, cardiovascular disease is the second most common cause of death. A subset of these patients will require a cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED). An estimated 200 000 Canadians are living with a CIED. CIEDs can improve life and prevent premature death. However, when patients reach the end of their lives, they can pose a challenge. An example of which is a painful shock delivered from an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) for an arrhythmia in a dying patient. Receiving a shock at the end of life (EOL) is unacceptable in an age when we aim to ease the suffering of the dying and allow for a comfortable death.

Methods:

As a quality standard of practice, all clinicians are expected to engage in EOL conversations in patients requiring CIED deactivation. Due to the potential discomfort of an ICD shock, specific conversations about deactivation of an ICD are encouraged. A process improvement approach was developed by our hospital that included an advance care planning simulation lab, electronic documentation and a standardized comfort measures order set that includes addressing the need for ICD deactivation at EOL.

Results:

EOL conversations are complex. Health care providers have been equally challenged to have conversations about ICD deactivation. Standardization of the process of ICD deactivation ensures an approach to EOL which respects the individuality of patients and promotes quality dying.

Conclusion:

Our hospital is committed to assisting clinicians to provide quality care by improving conversations about EOL care. On the basis of a synthesis of existing literature, we describe the importance of and the ideal process for having EOL conversations in patients about ICD deactivation at the EOL.
Cancer Cells and M2 Macrophages: Cooperative Invasive Ecosystem Engineers
Authors: Myers Kayla V. , Pienta Kenneth J. , Amend Sarah R.
Published: March 2020

Many aspects of cancer can be explained utilizing well-defined ecological principles. Applying these principles to cancer, cancer cells are an invasive species to a healthy organ ecosystem. In their capacity as ecosystem engineers, cancer cells release cytokines that recruit monocytes to the tumor and polarize them to M2-like protumor macrophages. Macrophages, recruited by the cancer cells, act as a secondary invasive species. The ecosystem engineering functions of M2-macrophages in turn support and stimulate cancer cell survival and proliferation. The cooperative ecosystem engineering of both the primary invasive species of the cancer cell and the secondary invasive species of the M2-macrophage thus creates a vicious cycle of tumor promotion. Targeting a specific aspect of this tumor-promoting ecosystem engineering, such as blocking efferocytosis by M2-like macrophages, may improve the response to standard-of-care anticancer therapies. This strategy has the potential to redirect cooperative protumor ecosystem engineering toward an antitumor ecosystem engineering strategy.
Development of an Algorithm to Predict Mortality in Patients With Sepsis and Coagulopathy
Authors: Walborn Amanda , Rondina Matthew , Fareed Jawed , Hoppensteadt Debra
Published: March 2020

Sepsis is a systemic response to infection with a high rate of mortality and complex pathophysiology involving inflammation, infection response, hemostasis, endothelium, and platelets. The purpose of this study was to develop an equation incorporating biomarker levels at intensive care unit (ICU) admission to predict mortality in patients with sepsis, based on the hypothesis that a combination of biomarkers representative of multiple physiological systems would provide improved predictive value. Plasma samples and clinical data were collected from 103 adult patients with sepsis at the time of ICU admission. Biomarker levels were measured using commercially available methods. A 28-day mortality was used as the primary end point. Stepwise linear regression modeling was performed to generate a predictive equation for mortality. Differences in biomarker levels between survivors were quantified using the Mann-Whitney test and the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) was used to describe predictive ability. Significant differences ( P < .05) were observed between survivors and nonsurvivors for plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (AUC = 0.70), procalcitonin (AUC = 0.77), high mobility group box 1 (AUC = 0.67), interleukin (IL) 6 (AUC = 0.70), IL-8 (AUC = 0.70), protein C (AUC = 0.71), angiopoietin-2 (AUC = 0.76), endocan (AUC = 0.58), and platelet factor 4 (AUC = 0.70). A predictive equation for mortality was generated using stepwise linear regression modeling, which incorporated procalcitonin, vascular endothelial growth factor, the IL-6:IL-10 ratio, endocan, and platelet factor 4, and demonstrated a better predictive value for patient outcome than any individual biomarker (AUC = 0.87). The use of mathematical modeling resulted in the development of a predictive equation for sepsis-associated mortality with performance than any individual biomarker or clinical scoring system which incorporated biomarkers representative of multiple systems.
Treatment of humeral condylar fractures and humeral intracondylar fissures in cats with patellar fracture and dental anomaly syndrome
Authors: Chan Alexander JH , Reyes Rodriguez Natalia Andrea , Bailey Steven J , Langley-Hobbs Sorrel J
Published: March 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study is to describe the treatment and outcome of humeral condylar fractures and humeral intracondylar fissures in cats with patellar fracture and dental anomaly syndrome (PADS) and to provide advice on how to manage these cases in practice.

Methods

Data were collated on cats with PADS that were reported to have sustained humeral fractures or had fractures or fissures of the humerus identified on radiographs. The details of the fractures were recorded in addition to any treatment and outcome information.

Results

Of the 207 cases reported with PADS, 18 cats (8.7%) were found to have humeral condylar fractures, none of which was known to have resulted from significant trauma. Where treatment occurred, it involved the placement of transcondylar positional or lag screws. In some cases additional implants, including supracondylar bone plates and screws or Kirschner wires (K-wires), were used. Follow-up data revealed that only two cats were euthanased owing to the presence of the humeral fractures, with at least eight achieving some degree of recovery of function.

Conclusions and relevance

These humeral fractures all have the characteristics of stress insufficiency fractures, being simple isolated fractures that are short oblique, with increased radio-density at the fracture line and occurring following minimal or no trauma. Humeral intracondylar fissures were identified in two cats and it is possible that some of the other fractures may have occurred secondary to pre-existing fissures. To our knowledge, no prior reports exist of fissures in cats that do not meet the criteria for PADS. Surgical repair primarily consisted of the placement of transcondylar lag or positional screws with, in some cases, adjunct implants such as bone plates and screws or K-wires. Though there were insufficient data to determine the prognosis for these fractures in the long term, unlike patellar fractures, many of these fractures will heal if treated appropriately.
Does policy motivation drive party activism? A study of party activists in three Asian democracies
Authors: Koo Sejin
Published: March 2020

Studies of party activism highlight that party activists are driven by various motivations and that these affect their level of activism. However, it remains unclear whether policy-motivated activists are more engaged in party activities than those motivated by other incentives and whether the motivation–activism link varies with party characteristics. This article investigates these questions by focusing on political actors linking parties and voters in the local community. I use a party activist survey data set collected during recent national election campaigns in three Asian young democracies: Taiwan, Korea, and Mongolia. The results demonstrate the prominence of policy motivation as an impetus for activists’ intraparty commitment. I also found that the positive effect of policy motivation is especially robust in small parties, while it is muted in large parties and that party membership increases the probability of intraparty commitment, challenging the widely held belief that formal membership is pointless in Asian parties.
Sleep disturbance and cognitive functioning among firefighters
Authors: Stout Jeremy W , Beidel Deborah C , Brush David , Bowers Clint
Published: March 2020

Firefighters are at risk for chronic sleep disruption due to their rotating 24-hour on and 48-hour off work schedule and hazardous work conditions. Forty-five firefighters were assessed to determine the impact of their shift schedule on sleep duration, sleep quality, processing speed, sustained attention, vigilance, and mental health. Assessments were conducted at the start and end of shift. Firefighters endorsed sleeping 5 hours 21 minutes at work, and the results suggest that even minimal sleep disruption affected cognitive functioning (e.g. processing speed, visual-motor coordination, and reaction time), increasing the likelihood of poor work performance or injury.
“Something a bit more personal”: Digital storytelling and intimacy among queer Black women
Authors: Adams-Santos Dominique
Published: March 2020

Coming-out stories are important cultural texts wherein individuals articulate and interpret experiences of identifying as sexual minorities. Yet, much of the extant literature on coming-out stories examines narratives by white, middle-class gay men and lesbians. Critical inquiry into coming-out stories told by privileged queer subjects points to the formulaic and normative characteristics of their narratives, where sexual difference is downplayed or challenged. The goal of this article, then, is to ask whether and how coming-out narratives told by queer Black women conform to or depart from the “coming-out formula story.” Using an intersectional approach to narrative analysis, this article investigates the performative and discursive strategies that 50 women use in telling their coming-out stories on YouTube. Findings show that queer Black women’s use of intimate candor—the performative and discursive strategy of publicly revealing interior, often sexually explicit, aspects of the self—is a means through which women center desire and queerness; articulate a vision of queer Black womanhood; and complicate the coming-out formula.
The ‘internationalisation agenda’ and the rise of the Chinese university: Towards the inevitable erosion of academic freedom?
Authors: Owen Catherine
Published: March 2020

This essay is a critical reflection on the challenge to academic freedom presented by the globalisation of practices of knowledge production. It explores a tension within the logic of the internationalisation agenda: UK universities are premised upon forms of knowledge production whose roots lie in European Enlightenment values of rationalism, empiricism and universalism, yet partnerships are growing with universities premised on rather different, non-liberal and, perhaps, incommensurable values. Therefore, in advancing the internationalisation agenda in non-liberal environments, UK-based scholars find themselves caught between a rock and a hard place: either legitimising and sustaining the subjection of knowledge production to the state on one hand, or engaging in a form of epistemological colonialism by demanding adherence to ‘our values’ on the other. Using Chinese research culture as an illustration, the article contributes to ongoing debate on the ethics of social science research collaboration with universities based in contrasting epistemological cultures.
Generalized algorithms for the identification of seismic ground excitations to building structures based on generalized Kalman filtering under unknown input
Authors: Huang Jinshan , Rao Yongping , Qiu Hao , Lei Ying
Published: March 2020

The exact information of seismic excitation and structural state is a prerequisite for structural seismic safety assessment and vibration control. When the seismic excitation to a structure is not measured, the seismic excitation can be identified as an inversed problem from measured structural responses. Although some relevant approaches have been developed, there are certain limitations or drawbacks in the existing approaches. To circumvent these problems, two generalized algorithms are proposed for the identification of seismic ground excitation to multi-story and tall buildings, respectively. When the seismic ground excitation to a structure is not measured, the data measured by a structural health monitoring system are structural absolute responses. So the structural motion equation in the absolute coordinate system is derived, in which the unknown seismic ground excitation is treated as unknown external force acting on the structure. First, the identification of unknown seismic excitations to multi-story building structures is studied. A generalized Kalman filtering under unknown input is proposed for the identification of structural state and unknown seismic excitation without the observation of structural absolute acceleration responses at the location of unknown external force. The derivation of the proposed generalized Kalman filtering under unknown input is based on the classical Kalman filter, but is more general than the existing identification approaches based on Kalman filter with unknown input in the deployments of accelerometers in the building structure. Then, it is extended to explore the identification of unknown seismic excitations to tall building structures. To avoid substructural identification from the top to bottom in a sequential manner, the motion equation in absolute coordinate system is reduced by modal expansion. Moreover, instead of the identification of unknown modal forces in previous approaches, the seismic excitation is directly identified without increasing the number of unknown forces. To demonstrate the proposed algorithms, numerical examples of identifying seismic excitations to a 6-story shear building and an 18-story tall building are investigated.
Identifying subgroups: Part 1: Patterns among cross-sectional data
Authors: Lee Christopher S , Faulkner Kenneth M , Thompson Jessica H
Published: March 2020

Non-experimental designs are common in nursing and allied health research wherein study participants often represent more than a single population or interest. Hence, methods used to identify subgroups and explore heterogeneity have become popular. Latent class mixture modeling is a versatile and person-centered analytic strategy that allows us to study questions about subgroups within samples. In this article, a worked example of latent class mixture modeling is presented to help expose researchers to the nuances of this analytic strategy.
Evaluation of Public Health Messages Promoting Early Detection of Dementia Among Adult Latinos With a Living Older Adult Parental Figure
Authors: Balbim Guilherme M. , Maldonado Ashley M. , Early Amy , Steinman Lesley , Harkins Kristin , Marquez David X.
Published: March 2020

Introduction:

We aimed to evaluate the resonance of public health messages promoting early detection of dementia in adult Latinos with a living older adult loved one.

Method:

We conducted a mixed-methods study with focus groups and surveys to evaluate eight messages encouraging Latino adults to accompany their older loved one for cognitive assessment. Qualitative data were transcribed and coded, and thematic analysis was conducted. We used descriptive statistics for quantitative data.

Results:

Participants suggested that messages need to be translated into Spanish and images need to be more natural, present balance between positive and serious facial expressions, show more ethnic/racial diversity, and show family members other than the parents. Five major sociocultural themes affected how the messages were received: stigma, gender roles, the importance of the mother figure, guilt, and family togetherness.

Conclusion:

Public health messages targeting cultural values are needed to effectively encourage early dementia detection in Latinos. Findings can be used to adapt culturally appropriate public health messages encouraging early dementia detection in Latinos.
The Emerging Role of Neutral Argon Plasma (PlasmaJet) in the Treatment of Advanced Stage Ovarian Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Prodromidou Anastasia , Pandraklakis Anastasios , Iavazzo Christos
Published: March 2020

Objective. To evaluate the contribution of PlasmaJet application in achieving optimal cytoreduction in advanced ovarian cancer. Methods. We systematically searched for articles published up to June 2019 using MEDLINE, Scopus, Google Scholar databases and clinicaltrials.gov along with the references of the articles retrieved in full text. Observational studies and case reports addressing cases of women with peritoneal spread due to advanced stage ovarian cancer who were treated with application of PlasmaJet device were considered eligible for inclusion. Results. Three studies were excluded from further analysis when they were retrieved in full text. Five studies (2 retrospective, 1 prospective, and 2 case reports) that comprised 77 patients with age range from 38 to 85 years were included. Forty-three women underwent interval debulking surgery, 24 patients primary debulking surgery, and 6 had optimal debulking surgery, while in the remaining 4, a secondary debulking surgery was performed. Incidence of intraoperative complications was 32% (8/25), but none of them was due to the application of PlasmaJet. Complete macroscopic resection was achieved in 59 out of 70 (84.3%) women. Postoperatively, 17 out of 72 patients (23.6%) developed complications such as pneumothorax due to diaphragmatic resection, systemic infections, or wound-related complications. No postoperative mortality was recorded. Conclusions. Preliminary data on the use of PlasmaJet for ablation of ovarian cancer implants in the peritoneal cavity showed its safety and presented with promising outcomes in achieving complete cytoreduction.
Factors Contributing to Drug Release From Enteric-Coated Omeprazole Capsules: An In Vitro and In Vivo Pharmacokinetic Study and IVIVC Evaluation in Beagle Dogs
Authors: Cui Cheng , Sun Jiabei , Wang Xueqing , Yu Zhenxi , Shi Yaqin
Published: March 2020

This study was performed to explore factors influencing the release of the proton pump inhibitor omeprazole from enteric-coated capsules in vitro and absorption in vivo in beagle dogs. Enteric-coated pellets with different enteric coating materials and coating levels were designed and prepared. All self-prepared formulations were characterized in vitro as well as in vivo and compared to the brand and generic commercial products. Evaluation of the corresponding release profiles suggested that coating material was the most critical factor. Enteric coating level determined the lag time before initiation of drug release, and subcoating level affected the drug release rate. Pharmacokinetic studies were performed in beagle dogs to further confirm the influence of formulation factors on drug absorption. Medium at pH 6.8 was a more biorelevant condition for in vitro drug release tests, although medium at pH 6.0 was better for discriminating release profiles of different formulations. A multiple level C in vitro/in vivo correlation was preliminarily established by which Tmax and Cmax of omeprazole formulations could be predicted with release parameters such as Tlag and T25. These results may facilitate quality evaluation and potentially improve the clinical efficacy of generic omeprazole products.
A one-pot diastereoselective synthesis of 1,3-diols and 1,3,5-triols via cascade reactions of arylalkynyl Grignard reagents with enol esters
Authors: Jiao Yinchun , Zhao Wenjing , Deng Shuang , Tang Zilong , Liu Wanqiang , Wan Yichao , Zhong Fuqi
Published: March 2020

An efficient cascade reaction has been developed to synthesize a series of 1,3-diols and 1,3,5-triols via reactions of arylalkynyl Grignard reagents with enol esters. The stereoselectivity of reactions and the molecular configurations of the products were confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance, X-ray diffraction, and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. A possible reaction mechanism was analyzed with the results indicating that it proceeded through a 1,2-addition/rearrangement and reverse O-acylation to produce the 1,3-diol and via C-acylation to form the 1,3,5-triol.