bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Description of three new Sphaerolaimus species (Nematoda: Sphaerolaimidae) form the South China Sea
Authors: ZOGRAF JULIA K. , PAVLYUK OLGA N. , TREBUKHOVA YULIA A. , TU NGUYEN DINH
Published: March 2020

The family Sphaerolaimidae Filipjev, 1918 combines nematodes characterized by finely striated cuticle, round amphids, broad buccal cavity with longitudinal ribs, and females with one anterior ovary. Sphaerolaimus Bastian, 1865 species from this family are found in intertidal and subtidal sediments and have also been reported from mangroves and estuary. Three new species of Sphaerolaimus were found and described from the South China Sea. Sphaerolaimus callisto sp. nov. is characterized by the relatively long body, small amphids and long spicules. Sphaerolaimus callisto sp. nov. is similar to S. cuneatus Paramonov, 1929, but differs by the longer body (2350–2690 µm vs 1980–1990 µm), index b (5.1–5.6 vs 3.9–4.1), absence of precolacal supplements, and longer spicules (321–356 µm vs 270 µm). Sphaerolaimus ganymede sp. nov. is characterized by large amphids and the presence of sexual dimorphism in amphid size. Sphaerolaimus ganymede sp. nov. is close to Sphaerolaimus maeoticus Filipjev, 1922, but differs by the presence of lateral alae, indexes a (12.3–17.5 vs 20–27) and c (7.9 vs 9–10), bigger amphids in male (14.6–15.7 µm vs 11 µm). Sphaerolaimus io sp. nov. is characterized by small amphids and short apophyses of gubernaculum. Sphaerolaimus io sp. nov. is similar to Sphaerolaimus pacificus Allgen, 1947, but differs by bigger size (1480–1525 µm vs 1140 µm), presence of lateral alae, and index c (7.5–8 µm vs 14.3 µm). After critical evaluation of the genus we recognize 35 valid species and provide dichotomous and pictorial keys to species.
Moebjergarctus clarionclippertonensis, a new abyssal tardigrade (Arthrotardigrada, Halechiniscidae, Euclavarctinae) from the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone, North-East Pacific
Authors: BAI LIFEN , WANG XIAOGU , ZHOU YADONG , LIN SHIQUAN , MENG FANXU , FONTOURA PAULO
Published: March 2020

A new marine tardigrade, Moebjergarctus clarionclippertonensis sp. nov., is described based on specimens collected from a manganese nodule area in the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone of the abyssal North-eastern Pacific. The new species is a member of the bathyal/abyssal subfamily Euclavarctinae Renaud-Mornant, 1983. Within the Euclavarctinae, the genus Moebjergarctus Bussau, 1992, with only one described species, M. manganis Bussau, 1992, is characterised by simple claws, club-shaped and anteriorly bent primary clavae, well-developed spherical secondary clavae and cephalic cirri separated into three parts: short cirrophore, long and annulated scapus, and a short flagellum. Moebjergarctus clarionclippertonensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from M. manganis by the morphology of cephalic cirri which have scapi annulated only in the proximal part and by the presence of a caudodorsal bulge covered by a crescent-shaped cuticular thickening.
A Synoptic Climatological Analysis of the Atmospheric Drivers of Water Clarity Variability in the Great Lakes
Authors: Smith Erik T. , Lee Cameron C. , Barnes Brian B. , Adams Ryan E. , Pirhalla Douglas E. , Ransibrahmanakul Varis , Hu Chuanmin , Sheridan Scott C.
Published: March 2020

A historical water clarity index (Kd index or KDI) was developed through the use of satellite-derived and validated diffuse light attenuation (Kd; m−1) for each of the Great Lakes (and subbasins) on a daily level from 1998 to 2015. A statistical regionalization was performed with monthly level KDI using k-means clustering to subdivide the Great Lakes into regions with similar temporal variability in water clarity. The KDI was then used to assess the relationship between water clarity and atmospheric circulation patterns and stream discharge. An artificial neural-network-based self-organized map data reduction technique was used to classify atmospheric patterns using four atmospheric variables: mean sea level pressure, 500-hPa geopotential heights, zonal and meridional components of the wind at 10 m, and 850-hPa temperature. Stream discharge was found to have the strongest relationship with KDI, suggesting that sediments and dissolved matter from land runoffs are the key factors linking the atmosphere to water clarity in the Great Lakes. Although generally lower in magnitude than stream discharge, atmospheric circulation patterns associated with increased precipitation tended to have stronger positive correlations with KDI. With no long-range forecasts of stream discharge, the strong relationship between atmospheric circulation patterns and stream discharge may provide an avenue to more accurately model water clarity on a subseasonal-to-seasonal time scale.
Atlantic–Pacific Links in Observed Multidecadal SST Variability: Is the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation’s Phase Reversal Orchestrated by the Pacific Decadal Oscillation?
Authors: Nigam Sumant , Sengupta Agniv , Ruiz-Barradas Alfredo
Published: March 2020

The Atlantic and Pacific basin are found linked in the context of multidecadal SST variability from analyses of 118 years of observational data. Recurrent spatiotemporal variability, including multidecadal modes, was identified using the extended-EOF technique in a longitudinally global domain, allowing unfettered expression of interbasin interactions. The physicality of the obtained decadal modes was assessed using fishery records and analog counts.

A three-mode structure with bi-directional interbasin links frames the new perspective on the cycling of multidecadal SST variability. The three modes are the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO), low-frequency North Atlantic Oscillation (LF-NAO), and North Pacific decadal variability [PDV-NP; resembling negative (–ve) PDO]. The two previously documented links AMO→PDV-NP (with ~12.5-yr lead) and LF-NAO→AMO (with 16-yr lead) are corroborated, while a third one, PDV-NP→(−LF-NAO) with ~6.5-yr lead, is uncovered. The interaction triad closes the loop on the cycling of multidecadal SST variability, generating AMO’s phase reversal in ~35 years, consistent with its widely noted ~70-yr time scale. The two previously noted links—one intrabasin and one interbasin—were unsuccessful in this regard.

Other findings include the deeper subsurface extensions of Atlantic multidecadal SST variability, and the hitherto unrecognized similarity of Pan-Pacific decadal variability and North Pacific Gyre Oscillation. Instrumental records, albeit short in the context of multidecadal variability, must continue to be mined for insights into the functioning of the climate system as its model representations while improving, remain inadequate.
Polycyanoacrylate (super glue) as bladder concretion in a patient after bilateral inguinal hernioplasty
Authors: Kotaška Karel , Polák Milan , Brisuda Antonín , Průša Richard
Published: March 2020

A rare case of cyanoacrylate urine bladder urolithiasis in a 60-year-old male is presented. The application of surgical glue (Glubran) as treatment of seroma one month after laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty led to the instillation of the n-butyl cyanoacrylate into the bladder resulting in the formation of a concretion. Infrared spectroscopy of the urine stone removed by cystoscopic laser lithotripsy four months after the surgery allowed the identification of the nature of the stone and revealed cyanoacrylate as the major component and co-monomer methacryloxy sulfolane as the minor component. Polypropylene from the mesh was not detected.
Letteratura italiana del Ventennio tra le due guerre e Fontamara
Authors: Mineo Nicolò
Published: March 2020

Il romanzo di Silone del 1933, Fontamara, va letto, per la tematica, in stretto riferimento al Ventennio, gli anni Venti e Trenta del Novecento, età del regime fascista in Italia. Un tempo che vede, sul piano della produttività culturale e letteraria, la compresenza variamente attiva delle generazioni che latamente e con varia approssimazione si possono riferire al 1860–1880, 1880–1900, 1900–1910. Il romanzo è lo smascheramento della politica oppressiva esercitata dal regime fascista nei confronti dei contadini poveri attraverso i proprietari sfruttatori.
A new insight into impact of thermal cycling on the un-notched and circular hole polymeric composite rings via naval ordnance laboratory-ring test
Authors: Ghasemi Ahmad Reza , Tabatabaeian Ali , Moradi Mehdi
Published: March 2020

In this paper, different mechanical responses of polymer matrix composite rings under thermal cycling are analyzed. The polymer matrix composite rings are classified to un-notched and open-hole specimens and tested based on the naval ordnance laboratory-ring tensile test method. Internal pressure, fracture and surface degradation changes as a function of the hole diameter and number of cycles are investigated. Experimental results suggest that specimens with larger hole radius have more mechanical property variations during thermal cycling. Also, it is revealed that the mechanical properties of laminates degrade as a function of the number of cycles and the hole diameter. The results also demonstrate that long splitting fiber breakage is the main mode for the failure of un-notched specimens, whereas fiber breakage and fiber matrix debonding are the two main modes for the failure of open-hole specimens. Finally, a multiple regression model is proposed to predict the tensile response of un-notched and open-hole polymer matrix composite rings subjected to thermal cycling condition.
Experimental reexamination of transverse tensile strength for IM7/8552 tape-laminate composites
Authors: Arndt Caitlin M , de Carvalho Nelson V , Czabaj Michael W
Published: March 2020

Due to the observed dependence of transverse-tensile strength, Y T, on test geometry and specimen size, there is no consensus regarding a test method that can uniquely measure Y T. This study reexamines the characterization of Y T by comparing results from established flexure tests with results from a new tensile test that exhibits consistent failure in the gage region. Additionally, the effects of surface preparation and direction of transverse fracture are investigated. Results show that Y T is inversely proportional to specimen volume and surface roughness and is insensitive to direction of transverse fracture. The relationship between specimen volume and Y T is adequately captured by Weibull strength-scaling theory, except at the tails of the Y T distributions. However, specimens exhibited microcracking prior to failure, which violates the “weak-link” assumption of the Weibull theory. These findings highlight the challenges of using deterministic Y T values in progressive damage analysis.
Influence of pretreatment on mechanical and dielectric properties of short sunn hemp fiber-reinforced polymer composite in correlation with fine structure of the fiber
Authors: Dash Chinmayee , Das Asim , Kumar Bisoyi Dillip
Published: March 2020

Present investigation is aimed on chemically modified of Sunn Hemp (Crotalaria juncea) fiber for composite fabrication. An increment in cellulose crystallinity with crystallite size is observed from X-ray diffraction study. The signature of impurities removal and an uneven surface are confirmed from Fourier Transmission Infrared Spectroscopy and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy. Afterwards, both raw sunn hemp-reinforced fiber composite and dewaxed sunn hemp fiber-reinforced composite were fabricated using hand lay out method and the mechanical as well as dielectric properties of composite are studied. A better mechanical strength is found in DSHC which may attribute to rough surface and increased cellulose crystallinity through dewaxing process that promoted a fine interfacial bonding between fiber and matrix. Dielectric constants and losses are found to be less in dewaxed sunn hemp fiber-reinforced composite in comparison to raw sunn hemp-reinforced fiber composite due to decrease of water polar groups, which lead to lessening the effect of space charge polarization by treatment. Complex impedance and modulus study revealed the presence of single relaxation process in both systems. Lower ac conductivity value is observed in dewaxed sunn hemp fiber-reinforced composite due to decreasing of conducting polar OH groups. As a whole, the effort is established to correlate the mechanical and dielectric properties with fine structural parameters of the fiber.
How and When Amnesty during Conflict Affects Conflict Termination
Authors: Daniels Lesley-Ann
Published: March 2020

In the difficult process of ending civil wars, granting amnesty during conflict is seen as a useful option, with an underpinning assumption that trading justice for peace is effective. However, is the case? This article tries to bring some clarity to when and how amnesty given during conflict has an impact. Amnesty should have different effects on diverse conflict endings: negotiated settlement, rebel victory, government victory, or conflict reduction. The article also disaggregates amnesties to test direct impacts as an incentive or through reducing the commitment problem, and indirect effects that give military advantage to the government. Using a cross-national data set of amnesties in dyadic conflicts from 1975 to 2011, the research finds that amnesty’s strongest effect is, surprisingly, not as an incentive but rather to reduce commitment problems. It can lead to negotiated settlements but also to government military advantage. The results have implications for negotiations and conflict resolution.
Relations Between Cultural Life Scripts, Individual Life Stories, and Psychological Distress
Authors: Anne Michele , Janssen Steve M. J.
Published: March 2020

Cultural life scripts are shared knowledge about personal events expected to be experienced by individuals within a society and used as a framework for life story narration. Differences in cultural life scripts for individuals with depression and trauma, and their relations to anxiety, stress, and well-being, have not been investigated. Malaysian participants ( N =  120) described and rated seven significant events most likely to be experienced by a prototypical infant from their culture, and seven significant events they had experienced or expected to experience in their own life. Participants then answered questionnaires about depression and trauma symptoms and about anxiety, stress, and well-being. The subclinical depression group listed less typical cultural life scripts events, whereas the subclinical post-traumatic stress disorder group listed less positive individual life story events. The findings indicate that, although individuals with depression and trauma possess knowledge of the cultural life scripts, there may be small differences in the cognitive processing of cultural life scripts and individual life story events.
John Goodsir: discovering Sarcina ventriculi and diagnosing Darwin’s dyspepsia
Authors: Donaldson Ken , Henry Christopher
Published: March 2020

In 1842, when John Goodsir was Conservator to the Museum of the RCSEd, he saw a 19-year-old male patient who vomited a large volume of acidic, fermented-smelling, watery fluid every morning. Under his microscope, Goodsir found the vomitus to be populated with a micro-organism he named Sarcina ventriculi, which he considered to be causative. In so-doing, Goodsir became one of the first people to link a specific micro-organism with a disease. Goodsir recommended small doses of creosote as an antiseptic and claimed that the boy was eventually cured of the vomiting condition. In August of 1863 Charles Darwin was hugely celebrated by the scientific community and the public, but he had suffered from severe stomach problems all his adult life and at this point, he was vomiting daily. He read Goodsir’s paper and contacted him and asked if he could send some vomitus samples to Edinburgh in the hope that Goodsir might find Sarcina in it and solve the mystery of his debilitating stomach symptoms and perhaps cure them with creosote. Goodsir examined samples in his microscope, but failed to find Sarcina. Sadly, Darwin went on to suffer constantly from severe stomach problems, recently attributed to lactose intolerance, until he died in 1882, some 20 years later.
Preparation of photochromic isotactic polypropylene filaments: influence of drawing ratio on their optical, thermal and mechanical properties
Authors: Periyasamy Aravin Prince , Viková Martina , Vik Michal
Published: March 2020

In this research, metallocene catalyst isotactic polypropylene (miPP) filaments were produced with different concentrations of photochromic pigments to develop ultraviolet (UV) sensing materials. The produced miPP filaments showed good photochromic response under UV irradiation. In this work, six drawing ratios were applied to get the final product (miPP filament). Resultant filaments showed significant photochromic responses, such as Kubelka–Munk values ( K/ S). The interesting observation was that the photochromic response was indirectly proportional to the applied drawing ratio. The photochromic color build was found to be maximum with the highest concentration of pigment as well as the lowest drawing ratio. Overall, it was observed that the thermal properties were significantly dependent on the drawing ratio. The changes in thermal properties, such as T m, ΔH m and ΔS m, for miPP filaments in dependence on photochromic pigment concentration was significantly less as compared to the drawing ratios. The thermal properties improved with the drawing ratio, which directly influenced the crystallinity of produced miPP filaments. The addition of photochromic pigment to the miPP filaments increased the crystallinity by 14%. Also, the lamella thickness increased with increasing the drawing ratio. However, there was no significant effect of pigment concentration on lamella thickness. In this experimental work, the impact of drawing ratio on the optical, thermal and mechanical properties of photochromic miPP filaments was investigated.
Algorithm for measuring fiber length distributions of raw cotton and combed wool using dual-beard image method
Authors: Lang Chenhong , Wu Meiqin , Pan Xingxing , Jin Jingye , Wang Fumei , Xu Bugao , Qiu Yiping
Published: March 2020

The dual-beard image method, which has been developed in recent years as a fast and economical method for fiber length measurement, consists of dual-beard specimen preparation, image processing, fibrogram extraction, and length parameter calculations. However, one of the shortcomings of this method is that it can only produce extremely limited length parameters such as mean length, coefficient of variation, modal length, and quality length (UHML, upper half mean length). This study introduces a new algorithm for converting the dual-beard fibrogram into a length distribution histogram which can be used to calculate most of the current length parameters. The algorithm is based on the short fiber content formulae but modified by theoretical analysis and experimental comparison. The length distributions of 24 cotton samples and 12 wool samples are measured by dual-beard image method with the new algorithm, and Advanced Fiber Information System (AFIS) and Almeter are employed for comparison. Comparative analysis shows that the peaks and ranges of the distribution histograms using the dual-beard method are similar to those from the reference methods, and the shapes of histograms from difference methods match well with one another. In addition, five length parameters calculated from the dual-beard distributions are verified to be consistent with those measured by AFIS and Almeter. The new algorithm employed in the dual-beard image method avoids the differential operation which amplifies the curve error, giving the dual-beard image method the ability to output more comprehensive length information.
Self-Efficacy of Providers of Early Intervention Services to Young Children with Visual Impairments and Their Families
Authors: Ely Mindy S. , Ostrosky Michaelene M. , Burke Meghan M.
Published: March 2020

Introduction:

Anthony cautions that the training of teachers of students with visual impairments (i.e., blindness and low vision) and orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists covers a broad age range, which may result in limited curricular content essential for those who will work with very young children with visual impairments. The current study focuses on the self-efficacy of vision professionals regarding their work with infants and toddlers in using evidence-based approaches found in the early childhood literature.

Methods:

Teachers and O&M specialists ( n = 109) from 11 states participated in a survey of perceptions of self-efficacy and working with infants and toddlers with visual impairments. Correlates of preparedness, experience, vision-specific self-efficacy, and early intervention self-efficacy were investigated.

Results:

Participants indicated that they felt inadequately trained to work with infants and toddlers. Self-efficacy measures regarding motivation to implement vision-specific recommended practices were higher than motivation to implement early intervention practices; however, self-efficacy measures for early intervention confidence and practice were higher than vision-specific confidence and practice. Although participants’ ratings of the vision training program they attended were not correlated with their own self-efficacy measures, the amount of early childhood education content reported by participants was significantly correlated with all self-efficacy measures. Further, experience was correlated with self-efficacy.

Discussion:

Results support the need for a greater emphasis on early intervention content in visual impairment training programs. Additionally, the fact that half of the respondents in this study were over 50 years of age suggests that a turnover in personnel is imminent. Inevitably, this new workforce will lack experience.

Information for practitioners:

Professional preparedness that includes a strong foundation in recommended practices in early childhood will strengthen the workforce and should ultimately improve services to infants and toddlers with sensory disabilities and their families. Practitioners may need to seek out this specialized training.
On Attenuated Interactions, Measurement Error, and Statistical Power: Guidelines for Social and Personality Psychologists
Authors: Blake Khandis R. , Gangestad Steven
Published: March 2020

The replication crisis has seen increased focus on best practice techniques to improve the reliability of scientific findings. What remains elusive to many researchers and is frequently misunderstood is that predictions involving interactions dramatically affect the calculation of statistical power. Using recent papers published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin (PSPB), we illustrate the pitfalls of improper power estimations in studies where attenuated interactions are predicted. Our investigation shows why even a programmatic series of six studies employing 2 × 2 designs, with samples exceeding N = 500, can be woefully underpowered to detect genuine effects. We also highlight the importance of accounting for error-prone measures when estimating effect sizes and calculating power, explaining why even positive results can mislead when power is low. We then provide five guidelines for researchers to avoid these pitfalls, including cautioning against the heuristic that a series of underpowered studies approximates the credibility of one well-powered study.
The Street and Organization Studies
Authors: Cnossen Boukje , de Vaujany François-Xavier , Haefliger Stefan
Published: March 2020

Work and organization increasingly happen in transit. People meet in coffee shops and write emails from their phones while waiting for buses or sitting outdoors on benches. Business meetings are held in airports and projects are run from laptops during travel. We take the street as a place where organizing in transit accumulates. While the organization studies field has been catching up with various related phenomena, including co-working, digital nomadism, and mobile and online communities, we argue that it has overlooked what has historically been the most important site for organizational activity outside of organizations. The street has been both location and inspiration for organizing, whether political, social or governmental. It is a space of both planning and spontaneity, of silent co-existence and explicit conflict, and therefore offers abundant empirical and methodological opportunities. It is surprising that the street and the experiences it brings with it have remained largely outside the scope of organization studies. We suggest that organization scholars take to the street, and offer recommendations as to how to do so. Specifically, we explore the tensions that become apparent when organizing happens in and through the street.
Multifaceted roles of pericytes in central nervous system homeostasis and disease
Authors: Zheng Zhitong , Chopp Michael , Chen Jieli
Published: March 2020

Pericytes, the mural cells surrounding microcirculation, are gaining increasing attention for their roles in health and disease of the central nervous system (CNS). As an essential part of the neurovascular unit (NVU), pericytes are actively engaged in interactions with neighboring cells and work in synergy with them to maintain homeostasis of the CNS, such as maintaining the blood–brain barrier (BBB), regulating cerebral blood flow (CBF) and the glymphatic system as well as mediating immune responses. However, the dysfunction of pericytes may contribute to the progression of various pathologies. In this review, we discuss: (1) origin of pericytes and different pericyte markers; (2) interactions of pericytes with endothelial cells (ECs), astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, and neurons; (3) physiological roles of pericytes in the CNS; (4) effects of pericytes in different CNS diseases; (5) relationship of pericytes with extracellular vesicles (EVs) and microRNAs (miRs); (6) recent advances in pericytes studies and future perspective.
Evaluation of craniocervical pseudomeningoceles with three-dimensional T2-SPACE sequence at 3T
Authors: Taydas Onur , Ogul Hayri , Gozgec Elif , Kantarci Mecit
Published: March 2020

Background

Pseudomingocele is a postoperative fluid collection adjacent to the dural membrane. The distinction of pseudomeningocele from other postoperative collections is very important.

Purpose

To show the efficacy of three-dimensional (3D) T2-weighted sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts using a different flip-angle evolution (SPACE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequence in the diagnosis of pseudomeningocele in which conventional MRI sequences may be insufficient.

Material and Methods

A total of 10 patients were included in the study. All of these patients also had 3D T2-SPACE high-resolution volumetric MR image in addition to conventional cervical and cerebral MR sequences. All MR examinations were reviewed by two neuroradiologists.

Results

Pseudomeningocele neck was shown in six patients by both conventional sequences and SPACE sequence. In two patients, the neck was only shown in the SPACE sequence. Four pseudomeningocele necks were shown to have flow void with both conventional sequences and SPACE sequence. Flow void could only be demonstrated by SPACE sequence in two patients.

Conclusion

A T2-SPACE sequence can show the presence of pseudomeningocele neck and flow void even in cases where conventional MRI cannot show, thus contributing to the diagnosis of pseudomeningocele. Therefore, especially in postoperative imaging, the T2-SPACE sequence may be included in routine sequences to make the differential diagnosis correctly.
Perception of the association between erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease among Chinese physicians: an online survey
Authors: Li Dong-Jie , Liao Zhang-Cheng , Zhang Xiao-Bo , Tang Yu-Xin , Zu Xiong-Bing , Wang Long , Yang Yang , Peng Hua , Li Xiu-Cheng , Tang Zheng-Yan , Chen Xiao-Ping
Published: March 2020

Objective

There is a close association between erectile dysfunction (ED) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aimed to investigate Chinese physicians’ understanding of this association.

Methods

A total of 651 physicians, including 245 cardiologists and 406 urologists, participated in our investigation through WeChat.

Results

Participants with more professional experience, a doctoral/postdoctoral degree, and an intermediate/senior title were significantly more likely to be aware of a close association between ED and CVD. Urologists had a significantly better understanding of the association of severity between both diseases, showed more positive attitudes towards phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor application in patients with CVD and systematic treatment, and gave greater consideration to both diseases during follow-up visits than did cardiologists. Men had a significantly better understanding of the associated severity of the two disorders and managed the two diseases together more actively than did women. Department, sex, professional experience, education, and affiliated hospital level significantly affected systematic management of ED and CVD.

Conclusion

Most physicians from cardiology and urology are aware of the association between ED and CVD, but this awareness may be insufficient. Department, sex, professional experience, education background, and professional title are significant factors associated with perception of this association.
The influence of common component on myoelectric pattern recognition
Authors: Yao Bo , Peng Yun , Zhang Xu , Zhang Yingchun , Zhou Ping , Pu Jiangbo
Published: March 2020

Objective

Using the Twente Medical Systems international B.V. (TMSi) electromyography (EMG) system, active signal shielding was applied to clean signals and create data without interference and cable movement artifacts. TMSi, used in high-density surface EMG pattern recognition, controls myoelectric rehabilitation robots, yet few have studied how active signal shielding influences pattern recognition. This study aimed to investigate how active signal shielding used within the TMSi influenced motion pattern recognition.

Methods

Surface EMG of dominant side forearm and hand muscles was studied in eight healthy participants. The common component’s influence was accessed by the classification performance of wrist and hand functional movements.

Results

The classification performance of EMG signals with the common component was obviously lower than signals without the common component using one to five electrodes. Conversely, a higher motion classification performance was achieved using signals with the common component using over 12 electrodes. Optimal channel distribution was examined based on the sequential feed-forward selection method, showing that the common component affected the optimal channel location.

Conclusions

Active signal shielding in the TMSi improved classification accuracy in motion pattern recognition when over 12 electrodes were used. The optimal channel distribution was related to the common component when using the TMSi.
Social geography III: Committing to social justice
Authors: Hopkins Peter
Published: March 2020

Social justice is regarded as a key underpinning principle of social geography. This report focuses on social justice in social geography and related issues of inequality, discrimination and intolerance. I appraise debates about social justice in social geography and then pay specific attention to issues of poverty and welfare, gender and sexuality, and race and ethnicity. I argue for social geography to be committed to social justice and conclude by calling for action to commit to promoting social justice in our teaching, research, in our professional practices and in how we challenge our universities to operate.
Rheological and physical properties of a nanocomposite of graphene oxide nanoribbons with polyvinyl alcohol
Authors: Javanbakht Taraneh , David Eric
Published: March 2020

In this work, the physicochemical and rheological properties of a nanocomposite of graphene oxide (GO) and thermoplastic polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) are reported. After adding deionized water to PVA, the sample was heated and mixed. The polymer solution was divided in two portions, each of them containing PVA in water. GO nanoribbons were added to one portion of the PVA solution in water to obtain the nanocomposite suspension (1% w/w). The similarity of the Fourier-transform infrared spectra of PVA and its related nanocomposite was assessed (both having similar peaks, an important observation as it indicated the water absorption on the samples). The scanning electron microscopy images showed that PVA lost its spherical shape in composites due to the GO sheets coating. The characteristic peaks O− ( m/ e 16) and OH− ( m/ e 17) were observed in the time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry negative mode spectra of PVA and nanocomposite of GO nanoribbons with PVA. The analysis of the OH−, O−, C2H−, and C2− peaks of PVA and the nanocomposite of GO nanoribbons revealed that a reduction occurred for GO nanoribbons when coated with PVA. The rheological behaviors of samples in solution were studied and their shear rate versus shear stress were assessed. A non-Newtonian rheological behavior of the nanocomposite of GO nanoribbons with PVA was observed. The dielectric response of the nanocomposite of GO-PVA featured a simultaneous increase of both real and imaginary part of the complex permittivity toward low frequency due to the contribution of charge carriers. These results provide more understanding about the physical, mechanical, and dielectric properties of GO-PVA nanocomposite to make it appropriate in the construction of embedded capacitors. The novelty of our work lies in the rheological and physical properties of this nanocomposite in comparison with those of PVA that have not been previously reported.
Rolling bearing performance rating parameters: Review and engineering assessment
Authors: Morales-Espejel Guillermo E , Gabelli Antonio
Published: March 2020

The choice of a rolling bearing for a particular application relies on performance rating parameters as the static, the dynamic, and the fatigue limit load of bearings. The values of these parameters define the calculated performance of the bearing. Endurance testing of high-quality rolling bearings has been used for the development of rolling bearing performance standards like the ISO 281 and ISO 76 that are commonly used throughout the industry. However, standard test methods for the measurement and validation of load ratings of rolling bearings are not available in the standards. This leads to the undifferentiated use of the “status of the art” standardized performance to the very large variety of rolling bearing types and qualities that are produced today. The current paper revisits the origin, definition, and development of rolling bearing performance parameters. A numerical study for the determination process of bearing load ratings is carried out. The results are compared with standardized values and values quoted by bearing manufacturers. This provides an overview of the load rating practices that are in use. The limitations and possible improvements of the present methodology are discussed.
Correlation of pre-exposure prophylaxis adherence to a mental health diagnosis or experience of childhood trauma in high-risk youth
Authors: Young Lindsay B , Lalley-Chareczko Linden , Clark Devon , Ramos Michael T , Nahan Rachel A , Troutman Gregory S , Cantor Rose , DiFlavis Lane , Koenig Helen C
Published: March 2020

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/emtricitabine is 99% effective in preventing HIV when taken daily. Young men/transgender women of color who have sex with men are the most at risk to become infected with HIV, with the lowest PrEP adherence. We investigated the association of depression, anxiety, and history of childhood trauma with PrEP adherence. PrEP adherence was measured by urine TDF testing. Patients were evaluated for depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 [GAD-7]), and history of childhood trauma (Adverse Childhood Experiences [ACEs]). Urine TDF levels were compared across scores on each screening tool using a Student’s t-test. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Thirty-one subjects (mean age: 21.7 years, SD: 2.8) were enrolled between 3/2015 and 7/2016. Lower PrEP adherence was associated with a GAD-7 score diagnostic for generalized anxiety (80.7% versus 92.7%, p = 0.04) and a high ACE score (4+) (84.5% versus 95.7%, p = 0.05). A PHQ-9 score diagnostic for major depression was not associated with PrEP adherence. The presence of generalized anxiety and a history of childhood trauma, but not major depression, were associated with decreased PrEP adherence. The benefits of mental health interventions and trauma-informed care in PrEP programs should be considered in larger studies to potentially increase adherence.
Obesity increases the incidence of new-onset lupus nephritis and organ damage during follow-up in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Kang Ji-Hyoun , Xu Haimuzi , Choi Sung-Eun , Park Dong-Jin , Lee Jung-Kil , Kwok Seung-Ki , Kim Seong-Kyu , Choe Jung-Yoon , Kim Hyoun-Ah , Sung Yoon-Kyoung , Shin Kichul , Lee Shin-Seok
Published: March 2020

Objective

This study explored the effects of obesity on clinical manifestations, disease activity and organ damage in Korean patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

We assessed 393 SLE patients annually for three consecutive years based on demographic information, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings and Physician Global Assessment, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI)-2000 and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) damage index (SDI) scores. Patients were grouped by body mass index (BMI): normal weight, BMI <23 kg/m2; overweight, 23 kg/m2 ≤BMI <25 kg/m2; obese, BMI ≥25 kg/m2. The impact of obesity on clinical outcomes was assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Of the 393 patients, 59 (15.0%) were obese at enrollment. They had more comorbidities compared with non-obese patients, including diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and pulmonary hypertension. Nephritis at enrollment and newly developed nephritis during follow-up were more common ( p = 0.002 and p = 0.002, respectively) and Physician Global Assessment and SDI scores were higher in these patients for three consecutive years ( p = 0.017 and p = 0.039, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that obesity was significantly associated with development of nephritis during follow-up (odds ratio = 26.636; 95% confidence interval, 11.370–62.399; p < 0.001) and cumulative organ damage (odds ratio = 4.096; 95% confidence interval, 2.125–7.894, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The incidences of newly developed nephritis and cumulative organ damage were higher in obese SLE patients than in non-obese SLE patients.
Setting the Ground Rules: Use and Practice of Ground Rules in Child Forensic Interviews
Authors: Fessinger Melanie B. , McWilliams Kelly , Bakth Faizun N. , Lyon Thomas D.
Published: March 2020

Most child forensic interviewing protocols recommend that interviewers administer a series of ground rules to emphasize concepts that are important to accurately answering interview questions. Limited research has examined whether interviewers follow ground rules recommendations in real-world forensic interviews. In this study, we examined how often highly trained interviewers presented and practiced each of the recommended ground rules. We also examined whether children accurately responded to practice questions. We coded transcripts from 241 forensic interviews of 4- to 12-year-old children conducted by interviewers in the United States who were largely trained using the Ten Step Investigative Interview. Results demonstrated that interviewers routinely presented and practiced the ground rules, but this significantly varied by children’s age. Additionally, children often accurately responded to practice questions, but younger children were less accurate than older children. Taken together, results highlight that interviewers may deviate from ground rules recommendations based on the characteristics of the child, which has implications for both future research and practice.
The Effect of Age and Pain on Quantitative Sensory Testing Measurements After Moderate-to-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Preliminary Findings
Authors: Bouferguene Sabrina , Lapierre Alexandra , Rainville Pierre , Arbour Caroline
Published: March 2020

Background:

Chronic pain after moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with notable sensory alterations. Although the incidence of TBI is rapidly growing in older populations, elderly individuals have been largely excluded from sensory testing studies, thus limiting evidence regarding the influence of age on pain-related sensory alterations after TBI. This study aimed to investigate the effect of age on the sensory profiles of patients with and without chronic pain after moderate-to-severe TBI.

Methods:

Thermal and mechanical quantitative sensory testing were performed on the painful and contralateral body regions in TBI participants with pain (TBI-P) and on both forearms in TBI participants without pain (TBI-NP). Descriptive information about chronic pain and psychological comorbidities was assessed using validated questionnaires.

Results:

Participants included 37 young (18–59 years, 57% with chronic pain) and 22 elderly (≥60 years, 46% with chronic pain) survivors of moderate-to-severe TBI. TBI-P participants exhibited significant alterations in heat and pressure pain sensitivity compared to TBI-NP participants, with more pronounced decreases in heat detection in the elderly group and increased warmth sensitivity in the young group. Alterations were not always associated with chronic pain, as cold hypoesthesia was found in elderly TBI-NP participants. In both age groups, chronic pain was associated with higher levels of depressive mood.

Conclusions:

Results suggest that young and elderly TBI survivors have both common and unique sensory properties, highlighting the need to pursue sensory testing studies in older patient groups. Depression might also be an important target for pain management after TBI.
Reformulating the tourism-extended environmental Kuznets curve: A quantile regression analysis under environmental legal conditions
Authors: Porto Natalia , Ciaschi Matías
Published: March 2020

This work aims to empirically study the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) in a model that takes into account the tourism sector. We use two novel approaches in this framework: an own developed environmental legal index and an instrumental quantile regression methodology. Our study comprises 18 Latin American countries between 1995 and 2013. We have found that tourism activity causes carbon emissions increases but, because of the restrictions imposed by environmental regulations, further tourism activity can mitigate these adverse environmental effects, mainly in high-polluted countries. These results suggest a step forward in the tourism-extended EKC estimations: they indicate the need for analysis considering the heterogeneities in environmental conditions across countries and the role of environmental regulation within this framework.
Democratic transition, political risk, economic instability, and tourist inflows: The case of Tunisia
Authors: Aloui Chaker , Hamida Hela Ben , Hkiri Besma
Published: March 2020

This article assesses the effect of the political risk and economic instability on the tourist arrivals in Tunisia using various wavelet methods. Our findings reveal a substantial effect of political risk over the short and medium terms, while the risk of economic effect is more perceptible over the long run. These outcomes are robust when using standard time series modeling. Terrorist incidents and political uneasiness increase the perception of risk and affect the tourism inflows over the short run. Governments are invited to indorse security and tourism safety because if not, the tourism demand will impede the economic growth over the long run.
Complicating parents’ gender and sexual expectations for children: A comparison of biological parents and stepparents
Authors: Stacey Lawrence , Padavic Irene
Published: March 2020

When social scientists argue that “families” reproduce and sometimes challenge gender and sexual norms, they tend to refer to biological, cisgender, and heterosexual families. We consider how one alternative family form—stepfamilies—might, like gay and lesbian families, challenge these norms. Interviews with 20 biological and stepparents reveal that whereas biological parents held relatively intense feelings about their children’s gender and sexual conformity, stepparents were indifferent and far less inclined to police their children’s behavior. We conclude that stepfamilies, similar to gay and lesbian families, might be a source of less rigid expectations and greater liberty than biological families, and we consider the implications for the future of traditional gender and sexual norms in the face of the proliferation of alternative family forms.
Constructing mass tourism
Authors: Butcher Jim
Published: March 2020

The term ‘mass tourism’ can simply be an empirical description of tourism enjoyed by many in modern, industrial societies. However, in context, it often refers to more than this. The ‘mass’ involves an aggregation of individuals, and involves assumptions and inferences about those individuals and their society. Hence mass tourism is, in an important sense, a social construct. It is therefore surprising that there is little consideration of this aspect of ‘mass tourism’ and its corollary, the ‘mass tourist’ in relevant literature. The article develops a provisional periodisation of mass tourism in social thought, linking constructions of the mass to the politics of the day. It has an exploratory character, suggesting themes for contestation and/or further research. It indicates changes in the view of mass tourism, but also important continuities relating to an assumption of a lack of agency on the part of mass tourists.
Radiographic and clinical outcomes of second generation Trabecular Metal™ glenoid components in total shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Chen Raymond E , Brown Alexander M , Greenstein Alexander S , Mannava Sandeep , Voloshin Ilya
Published: March 2020

Background

Total shoulder arthroplasty with second generation porous tantalum glenoid implants (Trabecular Metal™) has shown good short-term outcomes, but mid-term outcomes are unknown. This study describes the clinical, radiographic, and patient-rated mid-term outcomes of total shoulder arthroplasty utilizing cemented Trabecular Metal™ glenoid components.

Methods

Patients who underwent anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty with cemented Trabecular Metal™ glenoid components for primary osteoarthritis were identified for minimum five-year follow-up. The primary outcome measure was implant survival; secondary outcome measures included patient-rated outcome scores, shoulder range of motion findings, and radiographic analysis.

Results

Twenty-seven patients were enrolled in the study. Twenty-one patients had full radiographic follow-up. Mean follow-up was 6.6 years. There was 100% implant survival. Shoulder range of motion significantly improved and the mean American Shoulder and Elbow Society score was 89.8. There was presence of metal debris radiographically in 24% of patients. Twenty-nine percent of patients had evidence of radiolucency. Fourteen percent of patients had moderate superior subluxation.

Conclusion

Total shoulder arthroplasty with second generation cemented Trabecular Metal™ glenoid components yielded good outcomes at mean 6.6-year follow-up. Metal debris incidence and clinical outcomes were similar to short-term findings. The presence of metal debris did not significantly affect clinical outcomes. Continued observation of these patients will elucidate longer-term implant survival.