bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New species in the sap beetle genus Soronia Erichson (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae: Nitidulinae) from China
Authors: CHEN XIAOXIAO , HUANG MIN
Published: January 2021

Three new species of sap beetles in the genus Soronia Erichson (S. expansa sp. nov., S. magnipunctura sp. nov. and S. xiangxiyuanica sp. nov.) are described and photographed. Two newly recorded species from China, S. gratiosa Kirejtshuk, 1988 and S. grisea (Linnaeus, 1758), are photographed and this new range extension is documented. A key to species of the genus Soronia in China is provided.
Self-Assembly of a Multi-Functional Hydrogel from a Branched Peptide Amphiphile and Its Effects on Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Yixiu Li , Peiyi Yin , Kai Wu , Xiaomei Wang , Yulin Song
Published: January 2021

In this work, a branched peptide amphiphile (B-PA) presenting RGD and IKVAV motifs was fabricated by solid-phase peptide synthesis and self-assembled into a nanofiber hydrogel in which rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were seeded and cultured for seven days. Specifically,
1 wt% B-PA was self-assembled into a nanofiber hydrogel with the addition of culture medium and observed using transmission electron microscopy. The B-PA with a molecular weight of 2191.72 and a purity >95% self-assembled into nanofibers with diameters from 6 to 8 nm and lengths ranging
from hundreds of nanometers to several micrometers. BMSCs were acquired from rabbits using differential adherence methods and identified by flow cytometry for cell phenotype. The cells were stained with calcein acetoxymethyl ester/propidium iodide to assess cell viability, CCK-8 to assess
cell cytotoxicity and proliferation, and Hochest 33342 to assess cell adhesion. They were also immunofluorescently labeled with microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP-2), neurofilament protein (NF), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) to assess cell transdifferentiation. The B-PA hydrogel
provided platform upon which the CD29+/44+ cells adhered and proliferated, and it induced the transdifferentiation of cells into neural cells expressing the markers MAP-2, NF, and GFAP. The hydrogel exhibited good cytocompatibility and multiple functions, and may therefore serve as a scaffold
for neural tissue engineering.
Dual Geostationary Lightning Mapper Observations
Authors: Rudlosky Scott D. , Virts Katrina S.
Published: January 2021

Two Geostationary Lightning Mappers (GLMs) now observe spatial and temporal lightning distributions over a vast region. The GOES-16 GLM covers most land areas in the Western Hemisphere, and detects ~4 times as much lightning as the GOES-17 GLM. Although the continents dominate the lightning distributions year-round, each season exhibits widespread lightning over parts of the Atlantic Ocean and within three broad regions over the Pacific. These oceanic regions demonstrate the key role convective organization plays in producing larger, longer-lasting, and more energetic flashes observed by both GLMs over the oceans. Texture within the flash densities reveals a close relationship with the underlying topography, underscored by the complex diurnal cycles observed along coastlines and in mountainous regions. GLM information beyond flash frequency provides additional insights into storm mode and evolution. For example, over the Sierra Madre Occidental, time series reveal initially small, short-duration GLM flashes growing larger and longer as storms grow upscale. These mesoscale convective systems often transition offshore, contributing to an average flash area maximum over the eastern Pacific. Data quality improves during the study period with tuning of the ground system software. GLM artifacts due to solar intrusion and sun glint greatly diminish following the blooming filter installation, and the second-level threshold filter reduces false events along particular subarray boundaries (i.e., bar artifacts). Analysis of the overlap region reveals a pronounced north–south line near 103°W, with the GOES-16 (GOES-17) GLM detecting more flashes to the east (west) of this line.
Cross-border reproductive care: Opinions and attitudes of society towards surrogate pregnancy
Authors: Rodríguez-Jaume María José , González-Río María José , Jareño-Ruiz Diana
Published: January 2021

Surrogate pregnancy (SP) has acquired a prominent public profile through the bioethical, legal and media debates this cross-border reproductive practice has raised worldwide. The different social agents involved in the phenomenon frequently appeal to public opinion looking for legitimation and endorsement of their ethical and political positions on the matter. However, opinion polls occupy a marginal place in research about SP. The article presents the findings of the scoping review of 31 scientific articles (1985–2017) analysing public opinion regarding SP in 13 countries. The aim is to single out the main subtopics covered by the studies in order to identify research gaps as well as describe and analyse SP as a socio-cultural construct and ‘social problem’ which is currently situated in a complex multidimensional arena made of conflicting narratives and attitudes that divide international public opinion along each one of the identified subtopics. Additionally, the article presents the results of the survey Opinion and Attitudes of the Spanish Population towards Adoption, Fostering and Gestational Surrogacy (2018), the first conducted in Spain with a representative national sample.
The practice of surrogacy as a phenomenon of ‘bare life’: An analysis of the Japanese case applying Agamben’s theory
Authors: Yanagihara Yoshie
Published: January 2021

This article elaborates the cultural and political structures that inform the belief among Japanese that surrogacy is legitimate. It argues that this belief reflects a transition from previously negative attitudes toward surrogacy practices developed in the United States. The article first elaborates the history of the Japanese recognition of surrogacy by introducing early forms of East Asian surrogacy that lasted until the first half of the 20th century. Second, it explores the recent shift in Japanese discussions about surrogacy through an analysis of cultural representations on the topic, mainly referring to a dataset of magazine articles published from 1981 to the present. The author then calls upon Giorgio Agamben’s theoretical framework to discuss the juridico-political perspective of ‘bare life’ as it relates to surrogacy, and argues that considering surrogate mothers and children conceived through surrogacy as bare life makes surrogate practice seem reasonable in modern Japanese society. To conclude, the article stresses the importance of incorporating women’s reproductive functions into law to prevent women and their conceived children from becoming bare life, and being exposed to violence, in the form of a surrogacy contract.
COVID-19 Has Revealed America’s Broken Health Care System: What Can We Learn?
Authors: Geyman John
Published: January 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed long-standing system problems of US health care ranging from access barriers, uncontrolled prices and costs, unacceptable quality, widespread disparities and inequities, and marginalization of public health. All of these have been well documented by international comparisons. Our largely privatized market-based system and medical-industrial complex have been ill equipped to respond effectively to the pandemic. The accompanying economic downturn exacerbates these problems that further reveal the failures of our largely for-profit private health insurance industry, dependent as it is on continued government subsidies while it profiteers on the backs of vulnerable Americans. This article brings historical perspective to these problems, and provides markers of the extent of our unpreparedness and ineffective response to the pandemic. Coherent national health and public health policies are urgently needed based on evidence-based science, not political pressures. Financing reform is necessary, such as through single-payer Medicare for All. Eight takeaway lessons are summarized that can help to inform now best to rebuild US health care and public health, an urgent task for the incoming Biden administration.
Effects of PEERS® Social Skills Training on Young Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities During College
Authors: Rose Amy J. , Kelley Kelly R. , Raxter Alexandra
Published: January 2021

The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) was used to provide weekly social skills training to a group of 10 college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) between ages 18 and 26 attending an inclusive residential postsecondary college program. Additionally, Circles curriculum was used to supplement the PEERS curriculum for teaching social relationship boundaries. An average of 12 sessions per semester of PEERS® training sessions were conducted over each academic year. The present study examines the impact of the program on social skills, friendship qualities, and conversational skills. Results showed increased social skill knowledge, friendship quality, and conversational skills from pretest to posttest intervention. In this paper, we discuss the training program, results, implications for practice, limitations, and future research needs.
Using Multi-Arm Designs to Test Operating Welfare-to-Work Programs
Authors: Gueron Judith M. , Hamilton Gayle
Published: January 2021

Background:

In the early 1970s, most researchers thought that randomized controlled trials (RCTs) could not be used to measure the effectiveness of large-scale operating welfare reform and employment programs. By the mid-1970s, the Supported Work Demonstration showed that, under certain conditions, this was both feasible and valuable. However, the experimental design was simple; a multi-arm test had been rejected as unrealistic. Within 10 years, a three-arm design was implemented in San Diego to assess both a welfare-to-work program’s overall impact and the contribution of a specific component. Less than 10 years later, the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training (JOBS)/National Evaluation of Welfare-to-Work Strategies (NEWWS) study used a more complex design to determine the relative effectiveness of two strategies operated in the same locations: one emphasizing getting a job quickly and the other requiring basic education. In San Diego and JOBS/NEWWS, the tested reforms emerged from political processes and were funded through regular program budgets. In both cases, researchers inserted multi-arm RCTs into operating welfare offices, trading control over the treatment for scale (thousands of people) and real-world conditions. Both RCTs were successfully implemented.

Objectives and Results:

This article examines why multi-arm designs were attempted, how they were structured, why public administrators cooperated, what various actors sought to learn, and how the researchers determined what strategies the different experimental arms ended up to truly represent. The article concludes that these designs provide convincing evidence and can be inserted into operating programs if the studies address questions that are of keen and immediate interest to state or local program administrators and researchers.
Cardiac hydatid cyst interposed between the right atrium and right ventricle on the tricuspid valve
Authors: Harmouchi Hicham , Kouache Mustapha El , Lakranbi Marwane , Ouadnouni Yassine , Smahi Mohammed
Published: January 2021

Hydatidosis disease is commonly localized in the lungs and liver and the radical treatment remains surgery. Cardiac hydatid cyst is a rare and particular location disease that can be associated with serious complications. The most common site in the heart according to the is the left ventricle. We describe a case of cardiac hydatid cyst localized between the right atrium and right ventricle on the tricuspid valve in a 15-year-old patient.
Supervised physical therapy versus unsupervised exercise for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis: 1-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Minetama Masakazu , Kawakami Mamoru , Teraguchi Masatoshi , Kagotani Ryohei , Mera Yoshimasa , Sumiya Tadashi , Nakagawa Masafumi , Yamamoto Yoshio , Matsuo Sachika , Sakon Nana , Nakatani Tomohiro , Kitano Tomoko , Nakagawa Yukihiro
Published: January 2021

Objective:

To compare the 1-year outcomes of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis treated with supervised physical therapy or unsupervised exercise.

Design:

A single-center randomized controlled trial with concealed allocation, blinded assessor and intention-to-treat analysis.

Setting:

Spine care center.

Subjects:

A total of 86 patients presenting with symptoms of neurogenic claudication caused by lumbar spinal stenosis.

Interventions:

The physical therapy group received supervised physical therapy sessions twice a week for 6 weeks and home exercise program. The home exercise group received 6-week home exercise program only.

Main measures:

The primary outcome was symptom severity on the Zurich claudication questionnaire at 1 year. Secondary outcomes included physical function, pain, health-related quality of life and the surgery rate after 1 year.

Results:

At 1 year, more patients in the physical therapy group than in the home exercise group achieved minimum clinically important differences in Zurich claudication questionnaire symptom severity (60.5% vs 32.6%; adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 4.3, [95% CI [1.5–12.3], P = 0.01); Zurich claudication questionnaire physical function (55.8% vs 32.6%; AOR 3.0 [1.1–8.1], P = 0.03); SF-36 bodily pain (48.8% vs 25.6%; AOR 2.8 [1.1–7.3], P = 0.03), and SF-36 general health (20.9% vs 7.0%; AOR 6.1 [1.1–33.0], P = 0.04). The surgery rate at 1 year was lower in the physical therapy than in the home exercise group (7.0% vs 23.3%; AOR 0.2 [0.04–0.9] P = 0.04).

Conclusions:

Supervised physical therapy produced greater improvements in symptom severity and physical function than unsupervised exercise and was associated with lower likelihood of receiving surgery within 1 year.
In vivo synaptic density relates to glucose metabolism at rest in healthy subjects, but is strongly modulated by regional differences
Authors: van Aalst June , Ceccarini Jenny , Sunaert Stefan , Dupont Patrick , Koole Michel , Van Laere Koen
Published: January 2021

Preclinical and postmortem studies have suggested that regional synaptic density and glucose consumption (CMRGlc) are strongly related. However, the relation between synaptic density and cerebral glucose metabolism in the human brain has not directly been assessed in vivo. Using [11C]UCB-J binding to synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2 A (SV2A) as indicator for synaptic density and [18F]FDG for measuring cerebral glucose consumption, we studied twenty healthy female subjects (age 29.6 ± 9.9 yrs) who underwent a single-day dual-tracer protocol (GE Signa PET-MR). Global measures of absolute and relative CMRGlc and specific binding of [11C]UCB-J were indeed highly significantly correlated ( r > 0.47, p < 0.001). However, regional differences in relative [18F]FDG and [11C]UCB-J uptake were observed, with up to 19% higher [11C]UCB-J uptake in the medial temporal lobe (MTL) and up to 17% higher glucose metabolism in frontal and motor-related areas and thalamus. This pattern has a considerable overlap with the brain regions showing different levels of aerobic glycolysis. Regionally varying energy demands of inhibitory and excitatory synapses at rest may also contribute to this difference. Being unaffected by astroglial and/or microglial energy demands, changes in synaptic density in the MTL may therefore be more sensitive to early detection of pathological conditions compared to changes in glucose metabolism.
Effectiveness of epidural steroid injection in patients with lumbar herniated intervertebral disc under a “wait-and-see” policy
Authors: Kim Bo Ram , Lee Joon Woo , Lee Eugene , Kang Yusuhn , Ahn Joong Mo , Kang Heung Sik
Published: January 2021

Background

There are no consensus and guidelines on the optimal interval of repeat epidural steroid injections (ESI) for patients with lumbar herniated intervertebral disc (HIVD) who respond to initial ESI.

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness of ESI in patients with HIVD under a “wait-and-see” policy, i.e. as-needed injections not on a predetermined schedule.

Material and Methods

A total of 592 patients with lumbar HIVD received spine injections between January and December 2017. After excluding patients with excellent (no pain) or poor (>70% residual symptoms) response in the two- or three-week pain assessment, the data of 141 responders were analyzed (60 men, 73 women; age = 50.55±17.25 years). We divided patients into wait-and-see (n=124) and early repeat-ESI (n=17) groups, who received repeat ESIs within three weeks. Evaluations of characteristics and outcomes were performed with the chi-square test or independent Student’s t-test.

Results

Six patients (4.8%) in the wait-and-see group and 1 (5.9%) in the early repeat-ESI group underwent operation within one year ( P=0.85). A mean of 1.52±0.82 ESIs was performed in the wait-and-see and a mean of 2.29±0.47 ESIs in the early repeat-ESI group over one year ( P<0.001). The time interval between the first and second ESIs was longer in the wait-and-see group than in the early repeat-ESI group (97.15 vs. 15.47 days, P<0.001). Seventy-eight patients (62.9%) in the wait-and-see group could control their pain with a single ESI.

Conclusion

A “wait-and-see” policy could be an effective pain management option for patients with lumbar HIVD who respond to initial ESI.
Video-assisted anal fistula treatment combined with anal fistula plug for treatment of horseshoe anal fistula
Authors: Zhang Yuru , Li Fei , Zhao Tuanjie , Cao Feng , Zheng Yamin , Li Ang
Published: January 2021

Objective

Horseshoe anal fistula is a common anorectal disease, and there is no standard procedure for its treatment. In this study, we performed a modified surgical procedure for the treatment of horseshoe anal fistula and investigated its efficacy and adverse effects.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of video-assisted anal fistula treatment combined with an anal fistula plug (VAAFT-Plug) in 26 patients with a horseshoe anal fistula. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 18 months. Preoperative and postoperative data were collected to analyze the cure rate, anal sphincter function, and incidence of complications.

Results

The surgeries were successfully performed in all patients, 23 of whom were cured (effective cure rate of 88.46%). Three patients developed recurrence and were cured after traditional surgery. No patients developed severe complications or postoperative anal incontinence. The VAAFT-Plug protocol was performed with a small incision in the fistula that subsequently promoted fistula healing and preserved sphincter function.

Conclusion

Although randomized controlled trials will be needed to fully validate these findings, our results suggest that VAAFT-Plug represents a promising treatment strategy for horseshoe anal fistulas. This technique preserves normal anal function and achieves satisfactory outcomes in most patients.
Lunar Cycle Influences Reproductive Performance of Crossbred Brahman Cows Under Tropical Conditions
Authors: Aguirre Alejandro A. , Palomares Roberto A. , De Ondiz Aitor D. , Soto Eleazar R. , Perea Mariana S. , Hernández-Fonseca Hugo J. , Perea Fernando P.
Published: January 2021

Evidence has accumulated over the years indicating that the moon influences some aspects of the reproductive activity in animals and humans. However, little is known about the influence of the lunar cycle on the reproductive performance of cows under tropical conditions, where the environment strongly affects reproduction. This retrospective study was conducted with the aim of assessing the influence of the lunar cycle on some reproductive traits of tropical crossbred cows managed in a pasture-based system. Data from 5869 reproductive records from two commercial farms localized in the Maracaibo Lake Basin of Zulia State, Venezuela, were analyzed. Variables studied were first service conception rate, calving frequency, first postpartum estrous frequency, and pregnancy frequency. In addition to the lunar cycle, the effects of farm, season, and predominant breed were also considered. Data were analyzed using logistic regression and general linear model from SAS. First service conception was affected by lunar phases and predominant breed, but not by farm or season. For frequencies of calving, first postpartum estrus, and pregnancy, there was no main effect of farm, season, and predominant breed, whereas the effect of lunar phases was highly significant. First service conception was significantly greater in waning than in crescent phase of the lunar cycle. Frequencies of calving, first estrus, and pregnancy were highly correlated and showed greater figures around full moon and new moon. In conclusion, lunar cycle influenced first service conception, attaining greater values in the waning phase of the moon cycle. Frequencies of calving, first postpartum estrus, and pregnancy in crossbred cows showed a clear bimodal rhythm, whose greatest values coincided with new moon and full moon.
Detection of Medication Errors Through Medication History Assessment During Admission at General Medical Wards
Authors: Oh Ai Ling , Tan Andrew Gerald Hua Kiong , Chieng Irene Yee Yew
Published: January 2021

Introduction:

Medication history assessment during hospital admissions is an important element in the medication reconciliation process. It ensures continuity of care and reduces medication errors.

Objectives:

This study aimed to determine the incidence of unintentional discrepancies (medication errors), types of medication errors with its potential severity of patient harm and acceptance rate of pharmaceutical care interventions.

Methods:

A four-month cross-sectional study was conducted in the general medical wards of a tertiary hospital. All newly admitted patients with at least one prescription medication were recruited via purposive sampling. Medication history assessments were done by clinical pharmacists within 24 hours or as soon as possible after admission. Pharmacist-acquired medication histories were then compared with in-patient medication charts to detect discrepancies. Verification of the discrepancies, interventions, and assessment of the potential severity of patient harm resulting from medication errors were collaboratively carried out with the treating doctors.

Results:

There were 990 medication discrepancies detected among 390 patients recruited in this study. One hundred and thirty-five (13.6%) medication errors were detected in 93 (23.8%) patients (1.45 errors per patient). These were mostly contributed by medication omissions (79.3%), followed by dosing errors (9.6%). Among these errors, 88.2% were considered “significant” or “serious” but none were “life-threatening.” Most (83%) of the pharmaceutical interventions were accepted by the doctors.

Conclusion:

Medication history assessment by pharmacists proved vital in detecting medication errors, mostly medication omissions. Majority of the errors intervened by pharmacists were accepted by the doctors which prevented potential significant or serious patient harm.
Data Scientists’ Identity Work: Omnivorous Symbolic Boundaries in Skills Acquisition
Authors: Avnoon Netta
Published: January 2021

Drawing on theories from the sociology of work and the sociology of culture, this article argues that members of nascent technical occupations construct their professional identity and claim status through an omnivorous approach to skills acquisition. Based on a discursive analysis of 56 semi-structured in-depth interviews with data scientists, data science professors and managers in Israel, it was found that data scientists mobilise the following five resources to construct their identity: (1) ability to bridge the gap between scientist’s and engineer’s identities; (2) multiplicity of theories; (3) intensive self-learning; (4) bridging technical and social skills; and (5) acquiring domain knowledge easily. These resources diverge from former generalist-specialist identity tensions described in the literature as they attribute a higher status to the generalist-omnivore and a lower one to the specialist-snob.
Residential Care Aides’ Experiences of Workplace Incivility in Long-Term Care
Authors: Cooke Heather A , Baumbusch Jennifer
Published: January 2021

Exposure to peer incivility and bullying potentially disrupts the respectful, collaborative workplace relationships essential to quality care provision in long-term care homes. This study critically examined the nature of peer incivility and bullying in residential care aides’ workplace relationships. Using critical ethnography, 100 hours of participant observation and 33 semi-structured interviews were conducted with residential care aides, licensed practical nurses, support staff and management in two, non-profit care homes in British Columbia, Canada. While residential care aides’ experiences of bullying were rare, peer incivility was pervasive, occurring on an almost daily basis. Two key themes, ‘gendered work environment’ and ‘seeking informal power and control’, reflect how residential care aides experienced and explained their uncivil encounters. Findings highlight the gendered, relationally aggressive nature of workplace mistreatment within this predominantly female workforce.
Investigation of Al-Mg based composite incorporated with MoS2 through powder metallurgy
Authors: Senthil Kumar S , Sudhakara Pandian R , Pitchipoo P , Rajakarunakaran S , Rajesh S
Published: January 2021

In this study, powder metallurgy process has been utilized to produce the composite materials. Pure aluminium (Al) has been selected as the matrix material for the preparation of composite materials. 4% of magnesium (Mg) has been added as the alloying element, whilst molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) is reinforced with a varying wt.% (2, 4 & 6). The intent of this work is, to evaluate some basic mechanical properties (density, microhardness, compression strength and toughness), surface degradation properties (corrosion and wear), and electrical conductivity of the fabricated composite materials. Moreover, SEM mapping and EDAX analysis have been conducted to confirm the presence of reinforcement particles with homogenous distribution in the matrix material and to do the fractographic study of the compressive strength tested samples. The density of the composite material Al-4% Mg-6%MoS2 has been increased compared to the density of pure Al material. Micro Vickers hardness test shows that Al-4% Mg-6%MoS2 composite has 32.86% more hardness as compared to that of pure Al material. Compressive strength of the composite material with the higher wt.% of MoS2 is found to be 181.81 N/mm2, while Al material has only 167.52 N/mm2. The buckling formation during the compression test is avoided in the composite material owing to the existence of MoS2 particulates. The wear loss of composite materials is found low as compared with the unreinforced Al material, owing to the solid lubricant property of MoS2 particles, and hence, coefficient of friction (COF) is also lessened with the increase in the MoS2 wt.%. Also, the MoS2 reinforced materials show good resistance to corrosion due to the presence of molybdenum, which acts as a consistent layer obstacle to prevent the surface from further degradation.
Railway crossing vertical vibration response prediction using a data-driven neuro-fuzzy model – Influence of train factors
Authors: Mehrzad Kaveh , Ataei Shervan
Published: January 2021

This paper provides a data-driven model of the vibration response of a railway crossing during vehicle passages. Many of the features of trains passing through instrumented crossing are extracted from measured data. Based on the feature selection process, speed, dynamic axle load and the number of wagons are found proper inputs in the prediction model. Train-crossing interaction response at a crossing due to passing trains is modeled from a data-driven Neuro-Fuzzy soft computing approach. Locally Linear Model Tree (LOLIMOT) is applied to predict the crossing nose acceleration. The model comparison against measurements shows that the ability to predict the extrapolation cases at off-range speeds has satisfactory compatibility. The monitored passing trains are ranked based on the LOLIMOT input space dimension cuts and extrapolation of the model up to higher train speeds. The influence of train factors (i.e. speed, dynamic axle load, number of wagons) on crossing response is demonstrated. Also, based on the analysis results, it is concluded that with a steady increase in train speeds, some trains show a greater amplification in vibration response than others. The results can be applied in data processing in the crossing vibration monitoring and detection of trains with crossing impact sensitive to speed increasing that can lead to proper operation policies to reduce damages and maintenance costs.
Narratives Shape Cognitive Representations of Immigrants and Immigration-Policy Preferences
Authors: Martinez Joel E. , Feldman Lauren A. , Feldman Mallory J. , Cikara Mina
Published: January 2021

Scholars from across the social and media sciences have issued a clarion call to address a recent resurgence in criminalized characterizations of immigrants. Do these characterizations meaningfully impact individuals’ beliefs about immigrants and immigration? Across two online convenience samples (total N = 1,054 adult U.S. residents), we applied a novel analytic technique to test how different narratives—achievement, criminal, and struggle-oriented—impacted cognitive representations of German, Russian, Syrian, and Mexican immigrants and the concept of immigrants in general. All stories featured male targets. Achievement stories homogenized individual immigrant representations, whereas both criminal and struggle-oriented stories racialized them along a White/non-White axis: Germany clustered with Russia, and Syria clustered with Mexico. However, criminal stories were unique in making our most egalitarian participants’ representations as differentiated as our least egalitarian participants’. Narratives about individual immigrants also generalized to update representations of nationality groups. Most important, narrative-induced representations correlated with immigration-policy preferences: Achievement narratives and corresponding homogenized representations promoted preferences for less restriction, and criminal narratives promoted preferences for more.
Performance enhancement of Savonius wind turbine by blade shape and twisted angle modifications
Authors: Elmekawy Ahmed M Nagib , Saeed Hassan A Hassan , Kassab Sadek Z
Published: January 2021

Three-dimensional CFD simulations are carried out to study the increase of power generated from Savonius vertical axis wind turbines by modifying the blade shape and blade angel of twist. Twisting angle of the classical blade are varied and several proposed novel blade shapes are introduced to enhance the performance of the wind turbine. CFD simulations have been performed using sliding mesh technique of ANSYS software. Four turbulence models; realizable k -[Formula: see text], standard k - [Formula: see text], SST transition and SST k -[Formula: see text] are utilized in the simulations. The blade twisting angle has been modified for the proposed dimensions and wind speed. The introduced novel blade increased the power generated compared to the classical shapes. The two proposed novel blades achieved better power coefficients. One of the proposed models achieved an increase of 31% and the other one achieved 32.2% when compared to the classical rotor shape. The optimum twist angel for the two proposed models achieved 5.66% and 5.69% when compared with zero angle of twist.
Human Keratinocytes Adopt Neuronal Fates After In Utero Transplantation in the Developing Rat Brain
Authors: Tenorio-Mina Andrea , Cortés Daniel , Esquivel-Estudillo Joel , López-Ornelas Adolfo , Cabrera-Wrooman Alejandro , Lara-Rodarte Rolando , Escobedo-Avila Itzel , Vargas-Romero Fernanda , Toledo-Hernández Diana , Estudillo Enrique , Acevedo-Fernández Juan José , Tapia Jesús Santa-Olalla , Velasco Iván
Published: January 2021

Human skin contains keratinocytes in the epidermis. Such cells share their ectodermal origin with the central nervous system (CNS). Recent studies have demonstrated that terminally differentiated somatic cells can adopt a pluripotent state, or can directly convert its phenotype to neurons, after ectopic expression of transcription factors. In this article we tested the hypothesis that human keratinocytes can adopt neural fates after culturing them in suspension with a neural medium. Initially, keratinocytes expressed Keratins and Vimentin. After neural induction, transcriptional upregulation of NESTIN, SOX2, VIMENTIN, SOX1, and MUSASHI1 was observed, concomitant with significant increases in NESTIN detected by immunostaining. However, in vitro differentiation did not yield the expression of neuronal or astrocytic markers. We tested the differentiation potential of control and neural-induced keratinocytes by grafting them in the developing CNS of rats, through ultrasound-guided injection. For this purpose, keratinocytes were transduced with lentivirus that contained the coding sequence of green fluorescent protein. Cell sorting was employed to select cells with high fluorescence. Unexpectedly, 4 days after grafting these cells in the ventricles, both control and neural-induced cells expressed green fluorescent protein together with the neuronal proteins βIII-Tubulin and Microtubule-Associated Protein 2. These results support the notion that in vivo environment provides appropriate signals to evaluate the neuronal differentiation potential of keratinocytes or other non-neural cell populations.
The Bleeding Woman: A Journey From the Fringes
Authors: Harris Sarah
Published: January 2021

This article retells the story of Luke’s bleeding woman with insight from history, social reconstruction, the Jewish law, and medical detail. It argues that the woman did nothing wrong in touching Jesus’ ritual fringes, and in fact acted as a priest by doing so, breaking new ground for women. Her life was ebbing away as she continued to bleed, but she, as the active agent in the story, pleaded with God for mercy, and by her faith, she was healed.
Obstruction and obfuscation: Regulatory barriers to human embryo research in New Zealand
Authors: Snelling Jeanne M.
Published: January 2021

Over the last half-century, significant innovations have occurred in the fields of embryology and human assisted reproduction as a result of human embryo research. This dynamic and ethically complex field is generally subject to extensive regulatory oversight. This article examines New Zealand’s legal framework governing such research. It argues that, despite the core legislative objective of establishing a robust and flexible framework, the current legal regime established under the Human Assisted Reproductive Technology Act 2004 is a classic example of regulatory failure. While not a necessary outcome of the devolved, principles-based regulatory scheme, this failure is primarily due to the perceived lack of authority and independence of the statutory policymaking body established under the Act, as well as the broader regulatory environment in which it operates. It argues that a confluence of problems, including Ministerial overreach as well as a lack of transparency and accountability on the part of decision makers, undermine the legitimacy of the current embryo research policy. This regime not only unjustifiably prevents the conduct of valuable embryo research, but also hinders simple quality improvement practices undertaken in the course of ordinary IVF service provision. This article concludes that, given the significance of embryo research as well as the associated ethical and legal challenges, the issue of embryo research should be remitted back to Parliament to legislate directly as a matter of urgency.
Ovarian adenocarcinoma with metastases in a white rhinoceros
Authors: Kim Soo-Hyeon , Seung Byung-Joon , Cho Seung-Hee , Lim Ha-Young , Bae Min-Kyung , Eo Kyung-Yeon , Yeo Yong-Gu , Son Jang-Won , Sur Jung-Hyang
Published: January 2021

A 36-y-old white rhinoceros ( Ceratotherium simum) was presented with respiratory distress, sanguineous vaginal exudate, and anorexia. The clinical signs progressed over 40 d, and the rhinoceros died. Autopsy revealed significant ascites; a unilateral, 12.5-cm diameter, polypoid mass in the left ovary; a white, firm transmural mass in the right uterine horn; a white, friable mass in the lung; and white-to-tan, friable small nodules in the diaphragm. Histologic examination revealed similar neoplastic cells in the masses in all 4 locations, composed predominantly of epithelial cells proliferating in a tubulopapillary pattern with significant nuclear atypia and numerous atypical mitotic figures (18–42 per 2.37 mm2). Immunohistochemistry for CK7 (cytokeratin 7) and CK20 (cytokeratin 20) suggest that the ovarian, pulmonary, and diaphragmatic lesions were of ovarian origin and that the ovary was the primary tumor site.
Contraceptive Use Among Korean High School Adolescents: A Decision Tree Model
Authors: Kim Sung Hae , Choi Yoona
Published: January 2021

Although the rate of sexual intercourse among adolescents has increased in Asian countries, including Korea, many sexually active adolescents still do not use contraception. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for contraceptive nonuse among adolescents using decision tree analysis of the 2018 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey data from 2,460 high school students who had an experience of sexual intercourse. The findings indicated that the highest risk group who did not use contraception during sexual intercourse did not receive sexual health education in school and was involved in habitual or purposeful drug use. The experience of ever receiving treatment due to violence and the experience of sexual intercourse after drinking were also identified as risk factors for contraceptive nonuse. To encourage contraceptive use, development of standard sexual health education, counseling, and educational intervention intended to prevent risky behaviors is needed.
A Review of Pharmacologic Neurostimulant Use During Rehabilitation and Recovery After Brain Injury
Authors: Kakehi Sumie , Tompkins Danielle M.
Published: January 2021

Objective:

To describe the efficacy and safety of pharmacologic neurostimulants after neurological injuries such as ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI), critically evaluate the available literature, and make recommendations regarding which neurostimulants should be considered for use in clinical practice.

Data Sources:

A literature search of PubMed was performed (1953 to October 2020) to identify relevant articles. Search terms included the following: “neurostimulant, neurorehabilitation” AND “traumatic brain injury, cerebrovascular accident, or stroke.” This review is limited to prospective studies and observational trials.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Relevant English-language studies conducted in humans were considered.

Data Synthesis:

Cognitive and motor deficits caused by stroke and TBI account for high rates of long-term disability. Although not well-established, pharmacologic agents, broadly characterized as neurostimulants, may be prescribed after brain injury to treat these deficits. When prescribing these medications, it is imperative to be aware of the supporting evidence in order to accurately gauge the risk-benefit profile of each agent.

Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice:

The following presents a literature review critically evaluating clinical studies that investigate neurostimulant use after brain injury. The intent of this review is to serve as an evidence-based guide for clinicians.

Conclusions:

The pharmacologic agent with the most supporting literature is amantadine used for cognitive improvement after TBI. Other neurostimulants with positive, despite more limited, evidence include methylphenidate, modafinil, levodopa, and citalopram. Caution is warranted with other neurostimulants given higher rates of adverse effects or lack of benefit observed in clinical trials.
What Can We Do? Social Workers in Trinidad Discuss Intimate Partner Violence Against Women
Authors: Nathaniel Karene-Anne
Published: January 2021

This article presents findings from research on the Caribbean island of Trinidad with male and female social workers, exploring their views of intimate partner violence against women. The premise here is that actions of helping professionals, including social workers, are partly founded on their views of social problems and clients. Three themes emerged from the conversations as contributing to violence against women: the attitudes and behaviors of victims; societal norms and attitudes; and weak interagency collaboration. A sense of futility in intervention was apparent in the conversations. There are implications for strengthening professional self-efficacy, attitude to clients, and networking.
Pathways to Engagement: An Exploratory Qualitative Analysis of Factors That Facilitate Men’s Engagement in IPV Intervention Programs
Authors: Bouchard Jessica , Wong Jennifer S.
Published: January 2021

Research on intimate partner violence (IPV) interventions has long indicated mixed support for their effectiveness at reducing abusive behaviors. Limited prior research has focused on factors associated with participant engagement in the treatment process. Using a qualitative thematic analysis and a sample of 180 participants who completed an IPV intervention program, the purpose of this study was to identify key factors that facilitate men’s responsiveness to IPV intervention programs. The findings highlight several commonalities in participants’ perceptions of pathways that facilitated and/or hindered their engagement in the treatment process, and provide insights into how program/process elements can be structured to enhance engagement.
Evaluating the incidence of engraftment syndrome with different melphalan formulations in adult multiple myeloma and immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Kowalski Kaitlyn E , Wheeler Sarah E , Adams C Brooke , Voils Stacy A , Richards Ashley I
Published: January 2021

Background

Engraftment syndrome (ES) is a common complication of autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). The difference in incidence of ES between melphalan formulations has not been widely reported throughout the literature and would allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of both melphalan formulations.

Patients and methods

This retrospective, single-center, observational study evaluated 83 adult multiple myeloma and immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis patients who received either propylene glycol-containing (PG) or propylene glycol-free (PG-free) melphalan 140 mg/m2 as single-agent conditioning chemotherapy for autologous HCT from May 31, 2015 to May 31, 2019. The primary outcome was to assess the incidence of ES, as defined using the Maiolino criteria, with both melphalan formulations. Secondary outcomes included an analysis of potential risk factors for the development of ES, as well as an evaluation of overall length of stay (LOS).

Results

The incidence of ES for PG and PG-free melphalan did not differ significantly, 14/39 (35.9%) and 12/44 (27.3%) (P = 0.4), respectively. No potential risk factors for ES were identified on multivariate logistic regression analysis. A statistically significant difference in number of days to engraftment was identified for PG and PG-free melphalan, 15.56 vs. 13.82 days (P = 0.01), respectively; although, this did not translate to a decrease in LOS, 19.9 vs. 18.59 days (P = 0.14).

Conclusions

The incidence of ES did not differ significantly between melphalan formulations. Future research is needed to determine whether the faster time to engraftment seen with PG-free melphalan may translate to a decrease in LOS.
Oligoclonal IgM bands in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with relapsing MS to inform long-term MS disability
Authors: Capuano Rocco , Zubizarreta Irati , Alba-Arbalat Salut , Sepulveda María , Sola-Valls Nuria , Pulido-Valdeolivas Irene , Andorra Magi , Martinez-Heras Eloy , Solana Elisabeth , Lopez-Soley Elisabet , Montejo Carmen , Blanco Yolanda , Fernández-Velasco Jose Ignacio , Gallo Antonio , Bisecco Alvino , Villoslada Pablo , Saiz Albert , Llufriu Sara , Villar Luisa M , Martinez-Lapiscina Elena H
Published: January 2021

Background:

Prognostic markers are needed to guide multiple sclerosis (MS) management in the context of large availability of disease-modifying drugs (DMDs).

Objective:

To investigate the role of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers to inform long-term MS outcomes.

Methods:

Demographic features, IgM index, oligoclonal IgM bands (OCMB), lipid-specific OCMB, CSF neurofilament light chain protein levels, expanded disability status scale (EDSS), relapses and DMD use over the study period and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) and ganglion cell plus inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thicknesses in non-optic neuritis eyes (end of follow-up) were collected from relapsing MS (RMS) patients with CSF obtained ⩽2 years after MS onset prospectively followed at the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona. We assessed associations between CSF markers and MS outcomes using multivariable models.

Results:

A total of 89 patients (71 females; median 32.9 years of age) followed over a median of 9.6 years were included. OCMB were associated with a 33% increase in the annualized relapse rate (ARR; p = 0.06), higher odds for high-efficacy DMDs use (OR = 4.8; 95% CI = (1.5, 16.1)), thinner pRNFL (β = −4.4; 95% CI = (−8.6, −0.2)) and GCIPL (β = −2.9; 95% CI = (−5.9, +0.05)), and higher rates to EDSS ⩾ 3.0 (HR = 4.4; 95% CI = (1.6, 11.8)) and EDSS ⩾ 4.0 (HR = 5.4; 95% CI = (1.1, 27.1)). No overall associations were found for other CSF markers.

Conclusion:

The presence of OCMB was associated with unfavorable long-term outcomes. OCMB should be determined in RMS to inform long-term prognosis.
Identification of significant design factors for diesel spray combustion control through comprehensive experiments with various multi-hole nozzle internal geometries
Authors: Watanabe Naoki , Kurimoto Naoki , Serizawa Kazufumi , Yoshino Mutsumi , Skeen Scott , Pickett Lyle M
Published: January 2021

It is well known that nozzle internal geometries affect the characteristics of diesel spray and combustion. However, despite a number of studies, the effects are difficult to generalize. It is also not clear which spray features are more important for combustion than others. To investigate these subjects, a comprehensive dataset on diesel spray combustion was obtained with 20 variations of multi-hole injector nozzle. The 20 variations had different combinations of orifice diameter, orifice length, sac length and orifice hub-to-tip ratio, which cover the large range of existing production injectors. Vapor penetration, vapor width, ignition delay time, ignition distance and lift-off length were quantified using schlieren and excited-state hydroxyl radical (OH*) chemiluminescence imaging for an isolated plume emerging from these different nozzles. The experiments were conducted with Japanese diesel fuel in a constant-volume diesel spray combustion facility at Sandia National Laboratories. The results were analyzed with response surface and Lasso regression analysis to identify significant design factors for spray combustion. Orifice diameter has large effects on spray combustion. Orifice length, sac length, orifice hub-to-tip ratio and their interactions have effects on spray combustion, but each effect is smaller than the effect of orifice diameter. Vapor penetration is a significant design factor for ignition delay time, ignition distance and lift-off length, while vapor width is not. Lift-off length is well-explained by ignition distance and ignition delay time. Ignition distance should be taken into consideration as a significant design factor for lift-off length as well as ignition delay time.